Valerie Singleton, Sex Goddess

What was most shocking about her recent revelation was not the disclosure of her affair with fellow presenter Peter Purves, but her denial of ever having lived with Joan Armatrading. I first heard this about 30 years ago and was convinced it was true, as did all my friends. How disappointing.

No More Amy...Please!

Amy Winehouse's performance at Glastonbury was appalling. She was clearly out of it and couldn't remember or be bothered to sing. I felt sorry for her band and backing singers who attempted to retain their professionalism whilst the star of the show was falling apart. She's said she wants to headline next year. Please don't let her!

In contrast I thought Jay Z was stunning. The opening was brilliant and he followed it up with a flawless, crowd pleasing performance. It would have been nice to see Beyonce do a turn, but it didn't detract from the power of the show. What was all the fuss about?

Have caught bits of Glastonbury all over the weekend. Really pleased that Elbow went down well. I really like them and have been surprised they've not been more popular.

Also enjoyed the Ting Tings who are now set to be the sound of the Summer. Karen saw them and said they were brilliant. Having one of their tracks featured in an iPod ad will guarantee them global fame. It's these stories of obscurity to superstardom that make people want to form bands.

Good luck to them.

I've Given Up on 'The Gathering'

I bought this Anne Enright book at Dublin airport largely on the strength of its Booker Prize. I've read about 100 pages and have decided to stop - which is something I rarely do. Its so dull and pretentious. Can't believe it won the Booker Prize. There must have been 100s of novels written that were much better. Not recommended.

Karen's at Glastonbury

....and I'm looking after the kids for the weekend. About a week ago, I got an email from Glastonbury saying that tickets are still available. I found this really surprising. Usually tickets sell out immediately.

Why is this the case? Has Glastonbury become old / middle class? Are there too many festivals? Is it too expensive? Aren't the acts very popular this year? Is it the weather?

Will watch it on telly instead and see if I can spot her in the crowd. Apparently it's raining at the moment. Surprise, surprise

Oh No, The Gorilla Ad Won!

At the Cannes International Advertising Film festival, the Infamous Cadbury Gorilla ad won the top award. In Adland, this is like winning the Oscars. Still don't like it, still don't think it will have a long term impact on sales...but what do I know. The industry loves it and everyone talks about it so it must be doing something right.

My mate Michael Sheehan is a huge fan. We argue about it all the time. He'll be delighted.

New Clough Movie

Over the past week have been too busy to blog. Heavy work schedules, plus a weekend in Italy - which was very nice, thank you - have kept me away.

Since then, Italy are deservedly out of Euro 2008, Wimbledon is taking place and the new footie season is round the corner. Doesn't time fly.

Anyway, thing that caught my eye was the preview of the New Clough Movie which looks very exciting. Is based on the fab book The Damned United and features the fab actor Michael Sheen as Old Big 'Ead himself. Is out next year. Can't wait.

The Tram Shed Tooting

It's hard to find a nice pub in Tooting, but this place is really good. Recently renovated by the same people who restored the Balham Bowls Club, it has a huge industrial style interior, with lots of second hand furniture and kooky features.

It's right opposite the KFC on Micham High Road, near Tooting Broadway. Not a great location but a great place for a drink.

Community Spirit

It's often said that one of the downsides of living in London is the lack of community spirit. Well, in our neighbourhood the Furzedown Festival takes place, which this year is from 21st June to 6th July. Am particularly looking forward to the comedy night.

The Apprentice Final

Have not been following the Apprentice closely, but have managed to catch the last couple of episodes and think that the most solid candidate won.

Most of the candidates weren't particularly strong, but what struck me overall was how badly the women presented themselves and how the blokes were fundamentally decent. Think Adrian Chiles was a really good host. I remember him from Radio 5 Live. He's destined for great things.

So Pleased England Did Not Qualify

On the radio today a flag manufacturer was moaning about the fact that sales of the English flag were disappointingly low due to England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008. Apparently it will cost the British Economy £2 billion. Can't be helping Gordon's plight.

However, I'm delighted we didn't get through. No more false optimism, jingoism, big screens, penalty shoot-outs, stress, failure, crying footballers, depression and sackings.

Let the other countries feel the pain for once. Let's just sit back and enjoy the footie. Or...we could find something more interesting to do instead.

Great Article

Loved this article in Saturday's Guardian. Was written by Haruki Murakami, one of my favourite writers about why he runs. I had no idea that he was such an enthusiastic runner. I loved the quote 'pain is inevitable, suffering is optional'. Sooo true.

On average, I try and go for a run every other day. No matter how often I run or how much I improve, its always painful. However, if I don't run for a few days, my physical and mental well being begins to deteriorate, so I guess I've got to keep it up...no matter how painful.

Saturday Afternoon. View of The Allotment

Friday Night. View From the Terrace of the Design Museum

Following The Rain

Yesterday it rained all day in London, but the sun shone today. Today I've been in Dublin and its been rainy and miserable all day. Sod's law.

New Season, New Derby County

So far this Summer Derby have signed 6 new players with more on the way. It looks like there will be a completely different team on show when the new season starts in August. None of them are household names, but at least they'll bring fresh energy to the club after our disastrous season.

So...as always with Derby we live in hope. Straight back into the Premier League? No problem.

Great Place For Coffee and Cakes

Last week we cycled to Petersham Nurseries, a very posh garden centre just by the river near Richmond with a fab cafe serving amazing cakes. It's also home to a restaurant, where the head chef is Skye Gyngell. The menu looked great, but was very expensive, especially as it's only open for lunch. However, given the wealthy neighbourhood, I'm sure it's very popular.

I reckon you should stick to the cafe. I can certainly recommend the lemon poppyseed cake.