I Love This Ad...

for Drench Water featuring Brains from Thunderbirds. Ticks all the boxes. Clear product message, funny, clever and....with celebrity endorsement.

Dove Advertising

Whenever I show Dove advertising in classes there's always lively discussion. A year or so ago most peple loved this viral ad called evolution which became an award winning Youtube sensation.

In more recent times Dove has produced this follow up called Onslaught. Opinion on this is much more divided. Is the brand becoming too strident? As a key player in the beauty industry Is it able to take such a stance?

Dove also sells skin tanning products. Is this really about honest, natural beauty? Dove is in a difficult position. It's gained huge admiration for its Campaign For Real Beauty. However it is still in the business of selling beauty products. A fine line to tread.

Offensive Advert?

This recent Oasis Cactus Kid ad is currently under investigation by the ASA following complaints that it normalises / glamourises teenage pregnancy and discourages people from drinking water. Do you agree? Should it be banned?

Emotional Rollercoaster

For the past 3 days I've been running a marketing training course with 20 people looking at the world of chocolate. These are very intense experiences. You're usually staying at a hotel / conference centre. You're with the same people all the time and get fully immersed in their problems and issues. As a trainer you have to stay 100% focused and maintain high levels of energy throughout - even if you're feeling exhausted. I hate to think how much coffee I've drunk or how much chocolate I've eaten this week.

At the end of the session you feel a huge sense of relief that its all over, happiness if its all gone well and sadness as you say goodbye to all the people you've got to know so well over the past few days. Then a combination of exhaustion and depression takes over as you try to re-enter the normal world and get back into a daily routine.

It really is an emotional rollercoaster and when the next session comes along It'll start all over again. Still, managed to return home with some chocs and sweeties. That'll make me popular.

Nice Restaurant

Went for lunch at a really nice restaurant called Dalchini on Friday. Just by Wimbledon Park tube. Chinese food, with an Indian twist. Affordable and very tasty. Recommended.

Summer Reading

I'm off on a holiday in a couple of weeks time and I want to take some stuff to read whilst I'm sitting by the pool or listening to crickets at night. Not too trashy, but not too heavy. Could be new or an old classic. Am a bit stuck. Any recommendations?

Fabulous Film

Saw 'Son of Rambow' on the flight to Bombay and really, really enjoyed it. It's about 2 boys who are making a home-made movie, based on the Rambo films. Set in the early 1980s it captures the feel of the era and the two main actors are so good - as are all the child actors. Highly recommended.

Back From Bombay

Just back from 5 days in Bombay. Being the monsoon season it was hot, sweaty and overcast most of the time and a bit of a shock to the system. The last time I'd been to Bombay was maybe 15 years ago, on holiday. Some things hadn't changed. It was as crowded and chaotic as ever. The traffic was still dreadful and the drivers as still the worst I've ever experienced. They think they're in a video game.

However, it does feel like a city on the move. There are certainly far few beggars on the street, there are lots of roads being built and quite a few brand new air-conditioned shopping malls with the usual international labels.

Highlight for me was the fabulous food, although I did stick to cornflakes for breakfast. As a visitor there's not an awful lot to see in Bombay, so it's the not the kind worth making a special trip to. Even the Gateway of India was covered in scaffolding.

Nice to be back home again. I like going to India but it is very full on. Makes London feel like a haven of tranquility. Am suffering from information deprivation as I had no internet access and am looking forward to some plain English food. Mmm...beans on toast.

The Asics British 10K Run

Yesterday, along with 25 000 other people I took part in the British 10K run around central London. It was a sort of mini version of the London Marathon with the famous landmarks, cheering crowds, and stirring music to keep you going.

I've not been running for the past couple of weeks due to mad work pressures so I wasn't really ready for it. Managed to finish OK, but didn't feel great and my time was rubbish. Still, a nice day out with family and friends and great to back running again.

Thanks, Big Al's

Today was the Ravenstone School Summer Fair and I was helping to man the barbecue. Fortunately the rain stayed off and profits to the school were boosted by the donation of free Big Al's burgers from my friends at Kepak Convenience Foods. They were very popular, which was not surprising as they are Ireland's number one brand.

Thanks again. Much appreciated

Is there any good news out there?

M & S share price plummets, Starbucks closes 500 outlets in the USA, oil price hits $146 a barrel, mortgage approvals down by 28%. All within a week. Was walking around Kingston town centre today and noticed that the furniture retailer New Heights has closed down. Also there was a 50% off sale at John Lewis.

So is anybody thriving at the moment? Apparently luxury brands are doing OK. Fashion sales at Harrods are up by 30% and Harvey Nicks is in pretty good shape. Equally discounters are continuing to grow. Like the Germans, we're discovering the joy of Aldi and Lidl. Key message for me. You either have to offer exceptional quality or exceptional value to survive nowadays.

Apparently alcohol sales remain buoyant. The best way to deal with the recession? You've guessed it..head for the pub.

In Windsor

Am staying in a hotel right opposite Windsor Castle. I wonder if the Queen's in. There's some lights on. Bet she's watching the tennis.

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.

Internet Entrepreneurs

One of the great things about the internet is that it has encouraged people to start new businesses. Here's 3 examples invented and run by friends of mine.

Brume, which sells decorative window film, stickers and curtain poles.

Defeet, which sells copper coated pot feet to stop snails attacking your plants

Pink Bamboo, which sells Asian influenced girls clothing

Do check them out and help them to become millionaires!

Well Done Boris

One of the first initiatives undertaken by Boris Johnson was to review and to cut the Greater London Authority and Transport For London advertising budget, saving £20 million. The marketing press were up in arms over this, claiming it to be short sighted and headline grabbing.

However, I think it was a great decision and sets a good example for the government who have spent £1.5 billion on advertising since it took office in 1997.

The intentions behind some of the ad campaigns have been positive, particularly those aimed at reducing gun crime and encouraging cycling. However why does the Major need to advertise? He can discuss these issues and launch campaigns on tv programmes and via newspaper features rather than resort to paid for advertising space. Word of mouth and pr are nowadays much more powerful communication media and he has the presence and charisma to get his message across. Also some of Ken’s initiatives were ego driven eg his free magazine and needed to go.

Hopefully, the money saved will be spent on more important stuff. Good for us, bad for advertising agencies.

Satrurday Night on The South Bank

Went to the Real Greek Restaurant on Saturday night, just after we'd visited the Duchamp, Man Ray and Picabia exhibition at Tate Modern. I think this restaurant chain has been around for some time, but it was my first visit and I really liked it. Very informal, contemporary with simple, fresh food. Tate Modern's a great place to go in the evening. Its quiet, easy to get around and there's a bar with a great view of London. I've not been to Skylon yet, but apparently its really good.

We saw a few people getting ready for the Moonwalk to raise money for breast cancer research. Well done to them all. It was a very chilly night.

Isn't the South Bank brilliant?

A Trip to The Cinema

Last night we went to see Mike Leigh's latest film, Happy-Go-Lucky which was fantastic. As ever, the acting is brilliant and the dialogue is sharp, natural and insightful. However, unlike other Mike Leigh films, this is a life affirming, feelgood movie built around a central character who's outlook on life is to live in the moment and to exude joy. I also loved the familiar London settings which gave a snapshot of modern London life.

However, this is not mushy or sentimental in the style of Richard Curtis movies and there are moments of real tension and sadness which make it feel more authentic and less one dimensional.

Best film I've seen for ages. Highly recommended.

Allotment News

The recent hot weather coupled with a warning letter from Wandsworth council has encouraged me to sort out my allotment over the past couple of weeks. Now its looking fantastic with loads of new crops emerging.

What's great about being on the allotment is the sense of tranquility you feel and the sense of achievement you get from growing your own veg. You also find that you meet a real cross-section of people who are never short on advice and help.

I learnt recently that some people organise their gardening activities around the phases of the moon. When the moon is waxing, the earth is 'exhaling' and releasing. This is the time to sow flowering veg. When the moon is waning, the earth is 'inhaling' and absorbing. This is the time to water, use natural fertilizers and sow root veg. I tend to work around the weather.

What I'm Reading

Took a train to Manchester and back yesterday which gave me the chance to make some decent progress on 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. I'm really enjoying it. The author also wrote 'The Kite Runner' which I loved, but I think this is shaping up to be even better.

I'm so looking forward to picking it up again. Recommended.

Football Memorabilia

I'm now the proud owner of a shirt signed by Gianluigi Buffon the World Cup winning Italy and Juventus goalkeeper.

In order to raise money, schools hold auctions whereby a whole range of weird and wonderful items are put up for sale. I couldn't resist bidding for Buffon's shirt at an event on Saturday and amazingly I won. I've always rated him as one of world's best goalies.

Think I'll get it framed and hang it in the house in Italy.

Business According to Morrissey

Over the weekend I read that Morrisey lyrics are going to be used to teach students about business. Apparently 3 academics have written a paper called 'Business Relationships the Morrisey Way' which is published in the British Food Journal

However, I bet most of the students weren't born when the Smiths were in their heyday. Would love to see them try to do the same with more recent artists eg Business Relationships the Winehouse Way

Officially The Worst

Even if Derby beat Reading on Saturday (which they won't), they will become the worst team in the history of the Premier League - something we've known for some time.

The only good thing to emerge is that next year Derby will play local rivals Nottingham Forest in the Championship. The 2 teams are supposed to hate each other, but they don't really. They missed each other so much they had to invent the Brian Clough Trophy for whenever they play.

Weekend in Norfolk

Have been away with friends in Norfolk over the weekend, staying in their house in the lovely village of Great Massingham. It has all the trappings of a typical English village: the village green, duck ponds, ancient old church and of course the converted gastropub. This one was called The Dabbling Duck. The food was fantastic with lots of local produce.

I'd not been to Norfolk for many years and really liked it.

PS Still can't believe Boris won!

I Hope You Voted

I find voting a very emotional process. Going to the Polling Station, marking your cross, putting it in ballot box. I think to myself, 'this could make the difference',

It reminds me of how hard people fought to get the right to vote and how lucky we are to live in a country were free and fair votes are the norm. Just looked at the BBC at so far, looks like Labour are in big trouble. Gordon's really up against it now. What about Ken? We'll know tonight apparently. How exciting.

What's The Fuss All ABout?

Apparently, this photo of Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana for Vanity Fair has caused huge controvesy. This may be terribly naive of me, but I really can't see why it's so offensive. In today's Guardian, Germaine Greer compares it to 'a child prostitute from Casablanca, vintage 1900'

Compared to the explicit images of young girls that you see everyday in mags, MTV, soap operas I see very little to get angry about.

Barcelona!

Always reminds me of this Freddie Mercury song whenever I hear it. Have been here since Sunday afternoon to get ready for a workshop and meet a client. Managed to miss the Clapham 10K run and cancelled Sunday lunch with friends. Not great.

There are compensations though. Am staying in a very modern 5 star hotel on the outskirts. There are remote controlled curtains in my room and a very fancy shower with all kinds of jets.

As ever, not looked around the city. Partly due to lack of time, but mostly because I'm not very good at being a solo tourist, particularly in the evenings. Much more fun listening to Radio 4 on my laptop and following the Derby game on the BBC. Arsenal eventually scored 6. My sister Angela had texted me to say it was 7. Not so bad after all.

Perfect Saturday

Got up early. Sun shining. T-shirt and shorts weather. Did stuff with the kids in the morning: gym / Stagecoach. Spent the afternoon digging and planting on the allotment. Friends round for dinner. (polenta and grilled lamb) Played mah jong. No Derby game, so no post-result depression.

Going Down the Allotment

I've had my allotment for 3 years now and this year I've done hardly any work on it. I've got loads of excuses: dodgy weather, weekends away, work commitments. Also not having a regular journey to work nowadays means I can't pop in on the way home like I used to.

Feel really guility about this. Some people dedicate so much time and effort that my patch looks pathetic. I'm going to do some serious work on it this afternoon. At last!

What I've Been Reading

Have just finished Ian McEwan's On Chesil Beach which I really enjoyed. I was hoping not to like it, but I did. A nicely constructed well paced plot, finely observed characters and a great eye for detail.

He's a great writer but there's something quite irritating about him. He's so on top of his game that I feel he showboats. It's like he's trying to demonstrate the depth and range of his language and trying to impress us with his intellect. His books also feature too many middle class, well educated and talented characters for my liking.

Still worth reading though. And less than 200 pages too.

Italian Election Results

Whilst we were in Italy, the elections took place and amazingly at 71, Silvio Berlusconi is back for the third time with a convincing majority. I do my best, but I really can't make sense of Italian politics. This is Italy's 62nd government since the War and Prodi's previous government lasted less than 2 years. People we spoke to in Italy had divided opinions. However, most viewed Prodi as a disaster.

Will Berlusconi lead Italy to a brighter future? Well the Economist doesn't seem to think so.

Back from Italy

Just back from a week's holiday in Tuscany where, as ever, we had some fantastic food. Best restaurant we visited was called The Fiorentina in the town of Sansepolcro. Definitely worth going to if you're in the area.

On the last day we decided to visit the lovely Adriatic coastal town of Cesenatico, birthplace of the great cyclist Marco Pantani who is a local hero. The surrounding beach looked really nice, but will no doubt be packed with umbrellas during the summer. Had probably the best spaghetti alla vongole I've ever had in my life. Worth re-visiting for this reason alone

What I'm Reading

Bought Nick Hornby's Slam at Dublin airport yesterday and am really enjoying it. It's written through the voice of a 16 year old and - at least to me - is very convincing. As with all his books, it's sharp, funny and very easy to read.

I've always been a big fan of his. I'm always impressed by his ability to tell stories through the eyes of other people, for example, the middle class woman in 'How To Be Good'. He writes about stuff that I can really relate to: football, music, parenthood, growing up.

Really looking forward to picking it up again. Recommended.

Poor Arsenal

Last night I caught the end of the Liverpool - Arsenal game which Liverpool won 4-2. On the radio I heard some Arsenal fans sounding so sad and dejected. Do I feel sorry for them? Of course not. They compete for trophies every year, they've got a fabulous stadium and some of the best players in the world. You should try supporting Derby. Then you'd feel depressed every week.

Olympic Protesters in Paris

After our day at Disneyland, we decided to visit the Eiffel Tower. There were lots of people lining the streets as we got out of the Metro station and discovered that the Olympic Torch Procession was about to pass by. We decided to watch and found that we were right next to the pro-Tibet protesters who were trying to disrupt proceedings. Despite the heavy police presence it was very easy to jump out into the road and you could tell that the athletes looked pretty scared. According to BBC reports the event had to be cut short

When everything quietened down we queued to go up the Eiffel Tower only to find that 3 men had climbed up it and managed to unfurl a pro-Tibet flag. we watched the whole incident unfold. We even saw the firemen climb up and eventually arrest them.

Not exactly the day out in Paris we planned but all very exciting.

Visit To Disneyland Paris

On Sunday we went to Disneyland as part of our long weekend in Paris. I wasn't really looking forward to it and was pretty cynical about Disney. However, both Mae and Lia absolutely loved it and I have to admit I had a good time too. The Park was much smaller than I thought - which was good - and was easy to get around. I'm not keen on the scarey rides so was happy to avoid them and the queues for other stuff were much shorter.

We met up with Gaelle, who used to look after the girls when she was a language student and who now works at the posh Disney hotel. Fortunately, she volunteered to take Mae on the Space Mountain Ride which apparently is amazing. Overall, a great day out and an experience the kids will never forget.

The Dream's Over

Remember this day last year, when Derby beat West Brom at Wembley to join the Premier League? What an amazing day.Well, last weekend Derby were officially relegated. The first team ever to be relegated in March and likely to be the worst team ever in the history of the Premier League. Since that final, we've lost our manager, captain, player of the year and chairman. Our performances this year have been unbelievably poor and it's been an embarassment watching them. We had our chance and we blew it.

Derby have always been a badly run club. Despite having a large and loyal fanbase, TV money and American investment, we always seem to be on the brink of financial ruin. Will next year be any better? Well, I doubt we'll be gain immediate promotion. Paul Jewell has done nothing so far to encourage any optimism, but hopefully we'll manage more than 1 win.

So next year in London, it'll be Crystal Palace and Charlton rather than Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. How sad is that?

What I'm Reading

I've just finished 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy, the story of a man and his son in a post-apocalytic world walking along a road, because its all they can do. It's sparsely written, incredibly bleak and very disturbing.

However, despite the horrors of the world it's the relationship between the man and the boy that's at the heart of the novel. The father's unconditional love for his child and desire to protect him are truly inspiring.

It's a book that's very painful, very intense but definitely worth reading. Recommended.

Wimbledon 10K Run

Yesterday, I completed my 5th consecutive 10K run along with 4 other friends. Fortunately, the rain held off and despite having to run up Wimbledon Hill, the course was reasonably flat.

Need to plan in a run on April and I'm thinking about the Clapham 10K on the 27th. Anyone else want to come along?

The Launch of Terminal 5

Yesterday morning I received this email from BA. Didn't quite go to plan did it....

Dear Mr Franco,

Five and a half years ago the building of our new home began in our most visionary project to date. Today we opened the doors. There is no more waiting... Terminal 5 welcomes you.

At Terminal 5 everything has been streamlined and designed to make your journey through the terminal calm and relaxed. And this morning we saw all the planning fall into place. Check-in and Security have been designed to speed you through to Departures in just 10 minutes*.

And with a shopping concourse to rival London's West End, our premium flagship lounge complex, Galleries, and the state-of-the-art baggage system, you'll discover nothing has been overlooked to ensure your time at Terminal 5 is spent in a most relaxing and enjoyable way.

Ashes to Ashes vs Life on Mars

Managed to catch the last episode of Ashes to Ashes last night. Although I've not seen that much of the series, it's clear to me that it's nowhere near as good as Life On Mars. I think the key reasons are:

1. John Simm is much more compelling and charismatic than Keely Hawes as the central character. There's something slightly irritating about her - in the same that Kiera Knightley is hard to warm to
2. We've lost the element of surprise. When Life on Mars first appeared it was genuinely trailbrazing, whilst we know the basic structure now.
3. There's a greater emphasis on humour now rather than tension which makes it less gripping
4. The 70s are more quirky and interesting than the hard nosed 80s.

Having said all that it's still worth watching. I still really like the Gene Hunt character and his sidekicks. There's a new series being made. Will be interesting to see how they keep it fresh.

Dutch Cuisine

I'm staying at the Holiday Inn in Amsterdam and at lunchtime today they served cheese sandwiches and milk. Holland - unlike its neighbour Belgium - is not known for its cuisine. However, it does have a distinctive fast food culture: frikendel (deep fried skinless sausage) kroket (deep fried meat croquette) and bitterbal (small kroket, I think). I don't think it matters what the meat is. Mention these to a Dutch person living abroad and they'll start salivating.

Book Vending Machine

Saw this at Heathrow Airport today. Can you think of anything less appropriate to sell in a vending machine?

Happy Thai Girls

I don't usually show pictures of people I've been working with, but these were such a cheerful bunch. See the two girls on the right? Why do people in South Asia always do that V for Victory sign when they pose for photos?

Brief Encounter, The Play Not the Film

Last night we went to see the the Noel Coward version of Brief Encounter at The Haymarket Cinema.

The production combined stage performance with cinematic backgrounds and at times the 2 merged together.

It was a really entertaining evening that managed to capture the England of the 1930s, with it's suppressed emotions, clipped language and endless cups of the tea. To add to the atmosphere there were ushers in period costumes and some very funny spoof adverts during the interval.

People who are expecting a faithful reproduction of the film may be disappointed as there is a greater emphasis on the supporting characters and less focus on the central couple. However, it's a relaxed and enjoyable night out and essential viewing for all those who believe in love at first sight.

Italian Lessons

One of my New Year resolutions was to improve my Italian and I've finally done something about it. Every Wednesday, starting on April 9th, we're going to have Italian lessions at our house with our own tutor.

I'm not the only Franco who's keen to learn. My sister and cousin are also going to take part along with Karen and a couple of friends. Really looking forward to it!

Delia's Cookery Show

Saw Delia's latest programme this morning via my BBC iPlayer and it made me feel a bit queasy. I've got nothing against short-cuts in the kitchen, but really don't think she should be extolling the virtues of tinned meat. Also I've got no interest at all in her mum's speeding fines or her religious beliefs.

At least Nigella was entertaining, even though she was mad.

Posh Paddy's Night

Last night we celebrated St Patrick's Night at the intimate and rather pricey Lindsay House in Soho. The chef is the renowed Irishman Richard Corrigan, so it was kind of appropriate that we were here. There were 8 of us in a private room, with various oil paintings, cartoons and photos of the chef. Just in case we forget that he's the main man here, I guess. The food was top notch as you'd expect and we had a really pleasant evening, without ever breaking into song. Strictly for special occasions or for when someone else is paying.

Great Week For English Sport

We've got 4 clubs in the Champions Leage semis, England beat Ireland at Twickenham, England beat New Zealand in the 2nd Test Match and Lewis Hamilton wins the season's Formula 1 opener.

Crisis? What Crisis?

No Country For Old Men

Saw the latest multi-Oscar winning Coen Brothers film on the flight home. It's a very violent film with an incredible performance by Javier Bardem who plays the part of a very scary, deranged psychopath. Worth seeing but certainly not for the squeamish.

The film was adapted from a novel by Cormac McCarthy who also wrote The Road, which is supposed to be really good. Was a big hit with Karen's book club. Will start reading it tonight.

Bye Bye Bangkok

Work's over and I'm flying home late tonight. No real interest in shopping which seems to be an obsession here. Lots of noisy Americans in the hotel lobby and a fair smattering of Thai girls with Western guys.

People here make you feel so welcome and are always up for a laugh. I keep saying that I should take some time off and visit some parts of Thailand. However, it's no real fun on your own and I miss home. Relieved that work's over and am so looking forward to breakfast in Tooting.

At Least We Scored One




Shame they scored 6. Next game Man U on Saturday. Tevez, Ronaldo, Rooney, Saha, Giggs, Scholes. Should be a close game.

Day 2 Bangkok

There's a lovely swimming pool right outside our meeting room, but unfortunately I've not had time to have a dip. Was taken out to a really nice Thai restaurant this evening where a band was playing old Beatles songs. Decided to avoid the temptations of Patpong and head back. Jetlag kicking in and have a full day tomorrow. How boring am I?

First Night in Bangkok

Have just arrived in hot and humid Bangkok and am staying at the very smart Amari Watergate Hotel. Will be here until late Friday, working unfortunately. Very different from the wind and rain of England.

Slept during most of the flight, thanks to BA's flat beds, but managed to see Control, the film based on the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division. It's a really well made film, but not exactly cheerful. Unfortunately I didn't manage to see all of it before the in-flight information system was shut down, but everyone knows what happens in the end.

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.