Great Film

Recently saw Once . A really enjoyable low budget film set in Dublin about a busker who meets a Czech immigrant and the time they spend together writing songs and recording a demo tape.

It's gentle, understated and lacking in sentimentality with some great music. A friend of mine who saw it said she couldn't stop crying at the end. It didn't quite effect me that much, but its definitely worth seeing. Must download the soundtrack.

Chelsea v Derby

Chelsea's next game is against Derby and Mae will take my place in the Executive Box which I'm really annoyed about. Will try and find a TV in Bangkok and watch it. After Chelsea's shock defeat against Barnsley in the FA Cup, Derby must start as favourites.

Stamford Bridge Stadium Tour

Yesterday I took Mae and her friend Ava on a guided tour of Stamford Bridge as Ava's birthday treat. It was really enjoyable, even for non-Chelsea fans, as you really get a behind the scenes view of the stadium: the dressing rooms, the walk down the tunnel, views out onto the pitch. You get a sense that Premiership players are really pampered, with their plasma screen tv in their huge changing room and their posh shower facilities with Molton Brown toiletries. Didn't see the big communal bath. Really interesting and recommended for all foootie fans.

In Eindhoven

Am staying in a hotel in a forest just outside Eindhoven which used to be a monastery. Have just been for a run which is dead easy in Holland because everything's so flat. Biggest danger is avoiding the cyclists. There are so many.

Tonight Tottenham are playing the local team PSV in the Uefa Cup, so I guess I ought to watch it. Will be a big topic of conversation during the training course tomorrow. Got a call yesterday from a friend inviting me to see the Chelsea v Derby game in one of the hospitality boxes at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. Unfortunately I'll be a in Thailand so will miss it. Blessing in disguise, I reckon. Dread to think what the score will be.

This is England

Saw This is England last night, the Shane Meadows film set in 1983. This is a great film that really captures the mood of the times and gives a real insight into skinhead culture .The actor who played Shaun, the 12 year old central character was brilliant and had never acted before. Definitely worth seeing.

When you look back at that era, you realise how rubbish the 80s were. Terrible music, Maggie Thatcher, the Falklands War, mass unemployment, racism. The 70s were much better.

Gastronomic Weekend in Tuscany and Umbria

Just back from a long weekend in Italy where we managed to visit 4 different restaurants in 4 different towns. Highlights were:

Ribollito in Arezzo

Crostini in Anghiari

Tagliatelli with black truffle sauce in Assisi

Bistecca alla fiorentina in San Sepolcro

Plus managed to drink a bottle of Brunello and a few glasses of Vin Santo. Fantastic.

The Harry Potter Platform

This week I've been travelling up and down Platform 9B at King's Cross, right next to the Platform that takes you to Hogworts. My train ended up at St Neots. Didn't see any wizards.

I Love This Product

If you're into porridge, then I can recommend Jordan's Organic Porridge. Make it in a saucepan and the thick fat oats turn rich and creamy, just like arborio rice. Even when you make it with water. Yum

Off to Italy

This weekend we're flying to Perugia. We're off to see the farmhouse we've bought in Tuscany, near Arezzo. It's been rebuilt but needs a huge amount of week doing to it.

I guess there's lots of reasons why we bought it:

- to reconnect to my Italian roots

- to be able to spend long holidays in a place of my own and cook to my heart's content

- to become a place where my extended family can get together

- to be able to make my own olive oil

- because Tuscany is heaven on earth

When I was kid my grandad owned a house in Torre del Lago near the Tuscany which he eventually sold. I always hoped that one day I'd have my own place. We've had some architects plans through and this weekend we're going to visualise the layout. Watch this space for progress reports!

What I'm Reading

Am currently reading 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's the story of a young orphan who steals books and her foster family, set in 1939 in Nazi Germany. Death is the story's narrator.

Sounds depressing? Well it's not. It's uplifting, moving and funny. It's been a worldwide bestseller and is also regarded as being suitable for teenagers as well as adults.

Have not reached halfway yet, but am really enjoying it. Recommended.

Goring 10K Run

Today I managed to complete my 4th monthly 10K run. Was a lovely morning for it and there were over a 1000 runners taking part. By far the most popular 10K I've entered. The race itself was pretty tough, with a 1km climb at the beginning and a long hill about half way around. However, the Oxfordshire countryside was very pretty and overall really enjoyed it. Even got a medal.

My time - as ever - was pretty slow, so need to focus on building up some speed. My friend Teresa has lent me her copy of 'Marathon Training For Dummies'. Bedtime reading.

Lunch at Canary Wharf

Met up with James, an old University mate of mine near his office in Canary Wharf. Spent most of the lunch moaning about getting older and trying to figure out what had happened to the people we used to know. And yes, we did remember Ricky Gervais. He was the slim guy we used to see in the bar with the New Romantic haircut. He wasn't one of our mates.

I rather like Canary Wharf with its open spaces, views over the river, new buildings and nice bars. Reminded me what a great place London is. In this week's Time Out magazine, there's a great article which lists London's Best 50 Websites which is worth having a look at. I quite like the look of The London Review of Breakfasts. Very useful

Running Events

Amazingly, I'm still managing to run regularly and have got my next 10k run this Sunday. It's the Goring 10K and there's still time to enter if you're keen. This time, we're going to make a day out of it. My running partner Tony and I are dragging our families along with the promise of lunch at a local pub. If you know of anywhere nice, then let me know.

After that, I'm planning to run the Wimbledon 10K on 30th March, where Karen has also promised to enter.

And not forgetting the legendary Dovedale Dash on November 2nd. You get to run through the UK's most beautiful countryside and get soaking wet crossing the river Dove by the stepping stones. I expect everyone with a Derby connection to take part!

I'd Rather Be on Dartmoor

Its half term at the moment and the family are in Devon. I was there for the weekend, but unfortunately I had to come back because of work commitments. Bad planning on my part. Wish I'd taken the week off.

More Views

This time, Plymouth.

Views Over London

Yesterday I was working in an office by the river with some lovely views over London.

The US Presidential Elections

I'm really enjoying the race to become US President, in particular the battle between Obama and Clinton to win the Democratic Party nomination.

I can't pretend to understand the ins and outs of the voting system but from what I've read, they're neck and neck, with Obama appearing to have a bit more momentum at the moment.

This may be a very naive thing to say, but I wonder if they'll do a deal - a bit like Blair and Brown, whereby they agree to work together for the common good of the Party? This could mean the loser becomes the 'running mate' of the winner and eventually, the vice-president.

I can't imagine that in terms of idealogy Obama and Clinton would be very far apart, plus I feel that as a combination they would be unstoppable and have much broader appeal than McCain. I'd love to see that happen.

In Amsterdam

Am staying at a Holiday Inn in an Amsterdam suburb on a big main road. I was hoping that I'd be in a downtown location, so I could go for a wander around the famous canals.

However, don't feel like getting into a cab, so will stay put. Anyway, have got work to do and want to get some rest. Am loving my book, so looking forward to diving into it. O the glamour of business travel. Will miss Valentine's Day for the second year running. Not great planning.

I Can't Face Match of The Day

Its on at the moment. But I know what'll happen. Derby will lose again. Paul Jewell will applaud the effort but lament the fact we were punished for making the basic errors ' that you just can't afford to make in this league'. The opposition manager will make some respectul remark that Pride Park is never an easy place to come to - when they know that it is really and being grateful for 3 points - which they expected to get.

Lineker will be smirking as he used to play for Tottenham and supports Leicester and Lawrenson will be bored as there's no Liverpool game. The only consolation is that Newcastle were even worse so Shearer will be pissed off.

Think I'll cheer myself up by listening to some Radiohead.

What I'm Reading

Am loving Any Human Heart by William Boyd. Am less than halfway through, but am looking forward to picking it again at the next opportunity. It's written through the journals of a central character whose life spans the 20th century, interweaving historical events and famous faces.

He's such a good storyteller. I loved Restless, his last book and this is equally enjoyable. I'd been scratching around for ages looking for a decent book to read. Finally picked up this which has been on our bookshelf for ages. Recommended.

Friday Night in Covent Garden

From St Pancras I went straight to a workshop in a venue just off Long Acre. It was a beautiful day, the weekend was upon us and so everyone was in good mood. I decided to finish the class early so everyone could grab some late afternoon sun down the pub. Made me very popular.

Met up with my old mate Cath from Nestle days. Decided that 1988 was a great year for brand management talent and helped fuel Nestle's golden period of marketing: the Gold Blend couple, The Casa Buitioni Club, Crosse and Blackwell Baked Beans. Its been downhill ever since.

Covent Garden was packed. The nice weather has brought everyone out. Plus I reckoned people have abandoned their 4 week period of abstinence. Had a great meal in Thai Pot. Even got a black cab home. I was still on expenses, after all.

A Trip to France

Have been in France for the past couple of days visiting both Dijon and Paris. Am getting to like the new St Pancras Eurostar terminal. There's more facilities and it seemed less crowded. Apparently the station's champagne bar is a nice place to meet for a drink. And they've got heated seats.

Yesterday, of course, there was a strike. This time, the taxi drivers. Had to walk to my hotel from Dijon station, which fortunately wasn't very far. I even saw the England game in full which was repeated on French tv. Really pleased for Capello. He's made a great start. He's got the players playing for their places and has really set the right tone. I wonder what the tabloids are saying about him now?

Apparently The French are not very impressed with Sarkozy after his whirlwind marriage to Carla Bruni and his popularity ratings have fallen dramatically. I rather like him and think he's just the kind of leader France needs.

Enjoyed a good catch up with an old mate in Paris tonight before I get the very early Eurostar back tomorrow. Unless of course, there's another strike,

Becoming a Global Iconic Brand

The first thing Derby need to do is to buy a player from South East Asia. Whenever I go there, I'm amazed how up to date people are on the Premier League and they all follow an English team. Apparently in Thailand games are shown live, very late at night, and bars are packed. It causes a lot of family trouble, with wives upset at their husbands regularly being out all Saturday night.

On my last trip I was working with a guy from Hong Kong who was in his early 30s. He knew all about Derby's recent performances and the history of the club. 'I used to love Archie Gemmill' he told me.

Spot the Difference

Derby's new midfield hero Robbie Savage and Prince Charming from Shrek

KL Day 2

Have managed to survive the first day of my workshop despite the jetlag and have had a lovely dinner with people from Thailand, Hong Kong, India and China. Had quite a laugh actually, largely at the expense of English tourists. Just learnt that Derby avoided defeat yesterday which was amazing. Still reeling from the fact that the new American owners dream of turning Derby County into a 'global, iconic brand' and paid £50 million for the club.

Have recently finished reading 'A Spot of Bother' by Mark Haddon. It's been in the bestsellers list for quite a time now and I can understand why. It deals with everyday issues that many people face: ageing parents, family tension, marriage, retirement, adultery and does so with humour and sensitivity. This is very different to 'The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time', which I loved. Not quite as good, but worth reading.

Am flying back tomorrow evening and have got updgraded to First Class! Can't wait. Apparently its been quite chilly back home

KL Day 1

Arrived early this morning in Kuala Lumpur and have spent all day at the Marriott Hotel preparing for a 2 day workshop. It was a daytime flight, so didn't sleep much. Read Nigel Slater's 'Eating For England' which is an easy, funny and nostalgic view of our food culture. I also saw Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney. Good film, worth taking out on video I reckon. Has received a surprisingly high number of Oscar nominations.

Experiencing humidity, fab food food and jetlag. All the usual pros and cons of a short trip to Asia. Must try and get to sleep soon, so I can focus on being bright and breezy tomorrow

Lia's Cooking Party

On Saturday, for Lia's 7th birthday we had a cooking party. This involved 12 girls preparing, cooking and eating their own pizzas and decorating fairy cakes. It was a really enjoyable afternoon, largely masteminded by auntie Silvana with Mae in charge of games. And the pizzas were yummy too. None left for me unfortunately.

Lovely Day For a Long Run

Yesterday was a crisp sunny day. The perfect conditions for a 10km across the Epsom Downs. the Perch IX is a really enjoyable event and recommended for anyone who is vaguely interested in running. The course is quite demanding, but is very pretty and very varied with great views over London. It starts off at Epsom Race Course. The going was good and no, we didn't have to jump over any of the fences. Luckily nobody fell over and had to be shot.

The results are out and I finished 543 out of 561, which fulfilled my ambition of not finishing last. There was a bit of a party atmosphere afterwards where music was blaring out over the loudspeakers and we were given water, mini Mars bars and our souvenir t-shirt.

Need to book in my next race soon to keep up the momentum. I can't believe I'm actually enjoying all this running.

Teenage Fanclub Gig

Despite a 3 hour delay in Helsinki due to the snow, I just managed to get back in London to see Teenage Fanclub play at KOKO, which I always remembered as Camden Palace. My friend who got me the ticket has seen 'The Fannies' at least 6 times, but for me it was a first. (He's also a big fan of The Jesus and Mary Chain, by the way)

Anyway, really enjoyed it. It's so good to see live music - one of my New Year resolutions. They were excellent. Great vocals with lots of uplifting tunes and jangly guitars designed to put you in a good mood. Perfect end to a frustrating day.

Thank You, BBC

I know I'm a late adopter, but I've just discovered BBC iPlayer on my laptop. So, sitting here in my rather bland hotel room in Helsinki, I can watch last week's TV instead of the Finnish ice hockey. And it works!

Next, I think I'll Listen Again to The Archers. Am a bit out of touch with what's going on.

Feeling Depressed?

Apparently this is the most depressing week of the year. This is because
- the spirit of Christmas has worn off
- its dark and cold outside
- you've got huge credit card bills to pay
- you've broken your New Year resolutions.

However, I'm a born optimist and prefer to look on the bright side, which means remembering that:
- days are getting lighter
- it's the year of the Beijing Olympics which are going to be amazing
- you can stay in eat lovely, filling food and catch up on your favourite movies

Plus today's Lia's 7th birthday and there's a party at our house on Saturday!

Helsinki

Just landed in Helsinki and it's properly cold with snow everywhere. Bit of a shock after leaving a mild and wet London, where apparently night time temperatures have been the warmest ever recorded for this time of the year. Thanks for the update, Met Office.

In the airport there were Christmas lights everywhere which was a bit strange. Maybe they're to promote Lapland as an all-year-round holiday destination.

Staying at a very strange concrete hotel in the middle of a forest. Will probably go the gym tomorrow as it's too cold to run. May even decide to go to the sauna if I'm feeling brave.

Laserquest Party

Mae's Laserquest event was a big hit on Saturday, with virtually every child saying that it was 'the best party ever!'

Can't quite see what the attraction is myself, but what do I know. She's already said that she wants the same thing next year.

On Saturday it's Lia's 7th birthday party and she's having a cooking party with her auntie Silvana. Much more my kind of thing

Same Old Derby, Always Losing

Poor Paul Jewell. I bet he's wondering what he's got himself into. Another game. Another defeat. Despite 5 new players joining, nothing has changed. We still can't defend and we aren't creating enough chances.

The answer. Take the long view. Plan for relegation and rebuild. I hope the fans and the chairman continue to support Jewell through this tough phase. I also hope Jewell doesn't get too disheartened and sticks with us.

Our Chinese Weekend

On Friday night we went to see the Ang Lee film Lust, Caution. It's a story that's set in Hong Kong and Shanghai in the early 1940's. Very atmospheric, tense with some very explicit sex scenes. It's too long (over 2 and a half hours) with a plot that moves very slowly, so you have to be patient. Plus, you have to read substitles all the way through, which can be challenging. However, stick with it and you'll really get drawn into it.

A lot of the scenes in Lust, Caution take place over games of Mah Jong and on Saturday night our friends taught us how to play. It's a really good game which combines a few rituals, some skill and a fair amount of luck. I got a Mah Jong set for Christmas and am sure I'll get into it.

Today we went to see the terracotta warriors at the British Museum which was great. It's a small and intimate exhibition and you can very close to the warriors which are really impressive. The audio commentary is essential to ensure you get the most out of it. Highly recommended. Lia comes from Xi'An the home of the warriors and we went to see them in their original settings. We hope to return in a couple of years time.

And of course afterwards we went for some delcious dim sum in Chinatown.

Is the New iPhone Any Good?


I don't own one but have played with a couple that my friends have bought. So far, I'm not convinced that it is. Of course, the touch-screen user interface is very cool. However, I don't think the key features (camera, video, diary, etc) are any better than a lot of phones you get today and I don't think the keyboard is that easy to use. I'm sure there will be better versions in the future, so I'll hold back for now.

However, the new iPod Touch IS really cool. It's slim, has the same amazing touch screen as the iPhone and is a genuine improvement on the previous model.

Profeet

I need to buy a new pair of running shoes and to help me choose I went to Profeet near Clapham South, a specialist running shop. Being heavy, slow and having dodgy knees I thought it best to get some expert advice.

At the shop they diagnosed my running style via video camera and came to the conclusion that I overpronated and that my old (expensive!) Nikes weren't doing me any good. They then custom-made an insole to give me the support I need and recommended a new shoe - Brooks which were designed to give me greater stability.

I've just been on a run and I must admit it did feel a bit odd as I'm not used to having so much support. However, my knee felt OK and the shoes were very comfortable.

Definitely worth a visit to Profeet if you're thinking of buying new shoes and have some problems with your running. Convinced me never to buy Nikes again!

Doesn't Time Fly

Today is Mae's 10th birthday. Amazing isn't it? She's now into double figures, which for her is a big, big deal. As it's a weekday we didn't really have a big celebration - just an M & S chocolate cake and a couple of rounds of 'Happy Bithday to You'. This weekend there will be a proper Laserquest Party. The fun never ends!

Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again

We've just come back from a weekend in Bristol, where a group of us saw the hit musical Mamma Mia at the Bristol Hippodrome.

We went to see our old friend Richard Shelton, who starred as Harry Bright.

Before the performance we had a backstage tour and wandered around the set which was really interesting.

Mamma Mia is the world's number 1 musical and it's easy to see why. The songs are great and there's lots of laughs. A show that everyone will enjoy. And of course, Richard was great.

The show's about to begin an international tour, but you can still catch it at Bristol, Glasgow and Belfast.

The Newcastle Delusion

I'm still shocked at the way Newcastle sacked Sam Allardyce, the latest managerial 'Messiah' to be dismissed for not providing them with the success they feel is their divine right. I still can't understand why Newcastle feel they're a top club. They've not won anything since the 1960s. They always pay over the odds for average players. Every player who joins the club ends up as a worse player whose value subsequently decreases.

Their fans are always banging on about the need to play football the Newcastle way - whatever that is - and keep going on about how they're the most passionate in the land. However, whenever I see them on Match of the Day they're always moaning about their team and streaming out of the ground before the end of the game if they're losing.

Of course, they've got wealthy backers who will know doubt again pay over the odds for another 'top' manager. There's huge support for another local hero - Alan Shearer (who won the league whilst playing for Blackburn, not Newcastle, incidently) who's never managed a club in his life. Harry Redknapp is favourite. He'd be mad to leave Portsmouth, but he'll be paid a fortune.

Good luck to him. He'll need it.

M & S Again

This was the Sun's story exactly a year ago. Will be quite different tomorrow, I'm sure.

M & S Advertising

Marks and Spencer shares dropped by 20% on the back of some fairly average sales results that were announced today. Just when we thought that everything had been sorted with the brand, it's now back in trouble.

Talking to a few people today, I didn't realise how many people can't stand their food ads, with their sexy voiceovers and the lingering close ups. I used to quite like them, but must admit they do make me feel a bit queasy now.

All Change at Derby

Well, it looks like Derby will have a whole set of new players by the end of the month according to the Derby Evening Telegraph. This will probably include the most hated man in English football, Robbie Savage. So far, only Steve Howard has left. He was our player of the year last year, but clearly wasn't good enough for the Premier League. I hope he does well for Leicester.

Will it help Derby avoid relegation? Probably not, but it's very exciting seeing all these new signings. Fingers crossed.

My Next 10km Race

Have just entered a race on 27th Jan called the 2000 Perch which takes place over Epsom Downs. Anyone else want to enter? If so, click here. Closing date for entry is 18th Jan and there will be over 2 000 runners taking part. Apparently its quite a tough race but very scenic. Come on, you know it'll be good for you!

Birthday Weekend

Yesterday I turned 46 and had a really nice weekend. On Saturday, we went to Locanda Locatelli. Lovely, classic Italian restaurant. Delicious food, great service. Feels quite special, but without between pretentious. Reminded me of the River Cafe and in many ways it was just as good.

Went for lunch yesterday at an old friend's new house near Godstone which was really relaxing and was great to see them again.

Got some nice presents too!

If only Derby had won in the FA Cup, it would be the perfect weekend. However, we could only manage a 2-2 draw, which given Derby's season isn't too bad. Saw them play Blackburn over Christmas and they were so clueless it nearly made me cry.

More Money Than Sense

If you're over 40, male and health conscious the chances are that you've got a racing bike. If you're a real enthusiast you'll be in love with the Rapha brand. Rapha produces extremely expensive, premium quality cycling gear with extreme pose value. £105 for a pair of shorts, which my friends assure me are 'really good quality'.

Apparently the brand didn't exist a couple of years ago. It just shows you. There is always space for a premium brand, especially when targeted at professional males going through a mid-life crisis.

London to Brighton

Saw this last night on DVD. It's a truly excellent film about 2 young girls trying to escape the clutches of a pimp who is out to get them. Incredible performances, with a gripping plot that avoids all the gangster movie cliches. Reminds me of Mike Leigh / Shane Meadows style films. Highly recommended.

Extras

The most enjoyable bit of telly I saw over Christmas was Extras. The previews weren't that postive, especially when it was being compared to the last ever episode of the Office. However, I thought it was fantastic and in its own way just as good. Very funny, thought provoking, sad, great acting.

I particularly enjoyed the cameos from the famous people, epecially George Michael as well as the Carphone Warehouse scenes. After the Office and Extras, what else will Ricky Gervais do next? Anything he wants, I guess. The world's at his feet. He was at the same university as me when I was there. Never knew him.

Christmas Eve in London

My New Year Resolutions

Still working on them, but this is what I've come up with so far:

1. Learn Italian

Am planning to go to Italy a lot in 2008, so want to feel more immersed and at home there. Am also embarrassed that it's not as good as it should be.

2. Lose 1.5 stone in weight

Have lost some weight in 2007, but not enough.

3. Go to more gigs

Am sick of looking in mags and newspapers and saying 'I wish I'd gone to that'

4. Run a 10K run every month

I need a target or I simply won't bother running. Plus think it will help with (2.)

5. Learn to draw

I've always been rubbish, but have have huge admiration for people who can.

The Ron Hill Surrey Classic 10K

Yesterday I ran another 10K run. It started at 9am just outside Epsom and was so cold that bits of ice started to form in your hair when you were standing around. Thanks to the help of my running partner and acting personal trainer, Tony Hayes, I managed to knock 2 min off my personal best. We definitely weren't last which is always my fear.

Next run is at the end of Jan with another in mid Feb.

Best Thing on TV So Far This Christmas....

....has been Heston Blumenthal's programme on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner. He's like a mad scientist and tries anything in the search for culinary perfection. I loved the way he added bits of Christmas tree and packets of stuffing to the diet of his geese and tried to incorporate gold myrrh and frankinsense into his starter. Nothing's too big a challenge for him and he's continually trying to push the boundaries. Such a contrast to Nigella's chuck it all together approach to cooking.

I remember hearing him on Dessert Island Discs years ago when I'd never heard of him and even his musical choices were really good.

One of my New Year resolutions is to visit the Fat Duck in Bray.

Be Fair to Fabio

This week my father-in-law has been staying with us and he's an avid Daily Mail reader. Over breakfast I usually dip into his copy and catch up with their latest views on the world. This week I've been particularly appalled by their treatment of Fabio Capello.

There's huge resentment over the fact that's Italian, earning a lot of money and has brought in his own people. The fact is, there's no English born Premiership manager who's got the credentials for the job. The closest we've got is Steve Coppell, but he's unproven at the highest level.

Capello has got an incredible track record as a coach with the very top clubs. England are fortunate to have a manager of his calibre willing to take on such a tough role. He's got more gravitas than Mourinho. He has a healthy disrespect for player reputation and ego. His English will improve massively over the next few months and If anyone can get the England team performing, then he can.

After the slagging the FA received over their failure land Scolari as the previous England manager the FA deserve credit for landing such a top manager so quickly. Must stop myself reading the Mail in future.

We've Got a Wii!

Against all odds, we've managed to buy a Wii for Christmas. This is thanks to a friend who's cousin works at a well known toy shop and managed to put one aside for us. If anyone fancies a game over Christmas, pop round!

A Visit to Lapland

Well, not quite. I'm in the Finnish town of Tampere. However, it is the most northerly place I've ever been to in my life.

I was hoping for icy cold weather and lots of snow. However, its disappointingly mild. It's below freezing but it's not that much colder than London and there's no snow at all. I guess you could blame global warming.

Still, it'll mean that the Ryanair flight should leave OK this evening. Fingers crossed.

Crisis Cook Book

My Crisis Cook Book arrived today and its fab with some really interesting, but quite challenging recipes. Only costs £5 from either Amazon or M&S with £3 going to Crisis. Recommended

Click here for more details

Pimm's Winter Cup

I used to run a marketing training course a few years ago, where we used Pimm's as the case study. An issue that always emerged was whether the brand should launch a Winter version.

Well, judging by the posters around London it has! Pimm's No 3 is brandy based. It's designed to be drunk warm when mixed with apple juice and served with slices of orange and apple. Is it a good idea? Will it take off? Or will it simply dilute / damage it's image as the perfect Summer drink?

Review of the Year: Music

All the mags are doing it, so I thought I'd have a go. Here's my favourite albums of the year.

Alison Moyet: The Turn
Amiina: Kurr
The Arcade Fire: Neon Bible
Basquiat Strings with Seb Rochford
Cherry Ghost: Thirst For Romance
Dustin O'Halloran: Piano Solos Vol.2
The Good the Bad and the Queen
Green Pitch: Ace of Hearts
Jarvis Cocker: Jarvis
KT Tunstall: Drastic Fantastic
Meg Baird: Dear Companion
Richard Hawley: Lady's Bridge
Tinariwen: Aman Iman
Tunng: Good Arrows
Youssou N'dour: Rokku Mi Rokka

Its been a good year. There's loads more I want to get. And I still haven't downloaded the new Radiohead album yet.

Christmas is Here

Managed to avoid the rain on Sunday and go skating at Hampton Court. I'm rubbish at it and just about managed to stay on my feet.

Last night, I joined the Ravenstone School Choir for carols at Balham Tube Station who helped put commuters in a Chrismassy mood.

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin

The story of the canoeist who allegedly faked his death reminds me so much of the Reginald Perrin series back in the 1970s.

I loved this series and read all 3 books. Leonard Rossiter was brilliant. There was a great set of characters with lots of fab catch phrases. I wish they'd repeat it. (They probably are somewhere)

Of course, Leonard Rossiter was also famous for these Cinzano ads with Joan Collins. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Well Done Joe

Was delighted that Joe Calzaghe won the Sports Personality of the Year award. Thought he was a complete outsider after being overlooked for so many years.

Great to see that we've recognised one of our few sporting winners. 10 years as world champion. As unbelievable record.

'I think there'll be a public holiday in Derby now'

Great quote from manager Paul Jewell after Steve Howard scored Derby's first away goal of the season at Old Trafford on Saturday. Shame that Man U scored 4.

Female Sports Personalities

This year's list of contenders for BBC Sports Personality of the Year contains 8 men and 2 women - Paula Radcliffe and Christine Ohuruogu. Paula has only competed in 1 serious race this year - the New York Marathon, which she won. Christine is still being criticised for the way she missed 3 drugs tests, most recently by Paula Ratcliffe.

Are these the best British female personalities on offer in 2007? How sad is that. Is it because female sports performances don't get enough coverage in the media? Or are they simply not up to it? Either way, its disappointing.

Amongst the men, the 2 boxers won't win - Calzaghe and Hatton - despite their huge achievements as boxing is no longer a mainstream sport. Lewis Hamilton will win it by a mile.

What I'm Reading

It's been ages since I read a great book. I liked dipping into the Alastair Campbell Diaries, but it was a bit too bulky to lug around with me whilst travelling. I had high hopes of Jake Arnott's 'Johnny Come Home', but didn't think was anyway near as good as 'The Long Firm'.

However, am really enjoying The Magician's Assistant by Anne Pratchett. At first, I wasn't convinced, despite Karen's recommendation. The story of a woman in LA who is mourning the death of her husband - who happened to be gay - didn't sound too promising. However, it's nicely paced with some likeable characters and is very moving.

Maybe I just like magicians. A couple of years ago I remember reading Carter Beats the Devil about the career of a 1920's American magician which was fantastic. Recommended.

Nintendo Wii

At a workshop last week someone brought along a Nintendo Wii to play with during breaks. I knew about its success, but didn't realise how addictive it was and the breadth of its appeal. Everyone wanted to have a go and really got into it, particularly the tennis.

I definitely want one for Christmas, but it's virtually impossible to find them anywhere - unless anyone knows of a secret supply. 3 of our family have birthdays in January. I guess it'll have to become of our birthday presents.

Star Peformance

Today, Lia took part in the end of year Stagecoach performance of 'Annie'. She was absolutely brilliant.

Balham Restaturants

Forgot to mention this. Went to Lamberts near Balham tube station a couple of weeks ago which was really good. A notch above a typical local restaurant. Quite brave of the owners to try to run something as smart as this in Balham and hope it remains popular.

Recently a Rick Stein-backed restaurant has opened in Balham called Harrisons. The previous restaurant here called the Balham Kitchen was always packed so I'm sure it will do well.