Another Wedding

We've just come back from our second wedding of the year. The marriage of Helen and Cormac in the beautiful Cotswolds. We've known Helen for years and she used to be a flatmate of our friend Richard (Emmerdale Star) in East Dulwich.

It was the perfect wedding day. The sun was shining and the setting was fantastic. Sometimes you forget how beautiful the countryside is in England and it was less than 2 hours from London.

As you can see, Helen looked fantastic and they were such a happy couple. Both made some really heartfelt speeches and I have to admit there were times I was reaching for my napkin. Cormac's from Dublin so there were lots of people over from Ireland who were all really chatty and friendly.

We stayed in Stow -on - the Wold and met up for lunch the next day which was great. It used to be really hard to find nice places to eat outside London, so its good to see that food's getting better everywhere.

Anyway - fantastic wedding. Great to catch up with old friends and I'm sure Helen and Cormac will have a fabulous honeymoon in Umbria.

Day 3 New York

This morning I got up at 5am and went for a jog. Was feeling wide awake and didn't want to waste any precious time. It was below freezing and there were snow flurries, but fortunately I had my DCFC bobble hat. Managed to cross a little bit of Central Park and ran down 5th Avenue, past Trump Towers and all the posh shops. I felt as if I was in one of those kids' books about Christmas in New York. It was so cold that I kept trying to run over those manhole covers with the steam coming out.

Still, felt very virtuous. Mustn't spoil it all by having a huge breakfast. Hard to resist.

Day 2 in New York

Had a very full-on day but really enjoyed it. Two things that I admire about Americans. Firstly, their self-confidence. They're not afraid to voice their opinions and express themselves which I find very refreshing. Secondly, their politeness. I've found that Amercians always do their best to be helpful and friendly. Even in Borat, they were never really rude to him despite his provocation.


Managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping this evening - don't have much free time. Ended up going to Niketown on the very posh 57th street where I bought Karen, Mae and Lia their Summer trainers. Hope they fit. Hope everyone likes them. Surprised to see a couple of Pret a Mangers near my hotel. Had no idea that they'd hit New York.


Caught a bit of American Idol on TV. Simon Cowell is clearly the star of the show. Plus a bit of House with Hugh Laurie. Hurrah for the Brits.

Manhattan

Arrived this evening via my Virgin Upper Class flight which was fantastic. Limos to drop you off and pick you up, drive through check in, cool lounge at Heathrow, fab entertainment and food on board, plus massage.

Saw The Departed on the flight. Classic Scorcese. Gratuitous violence, high body count. However best performance for years from Jack Nicholson, plus Ray WInston as hard man with US accent. Half an hour too long but v.good - though not as good as Goodfellas. Not sure it was the best film of the year. I prefered 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

The view from the car as the New York skyline comes into sight is amazing and it feels very exciting being here. Am staying in a smart cool hotel called The Alex, which is midtown on East 45th.

Within an hour, managed to see Grand Central Station - just around the corner and Time Square. New York's easy to walk around, but its very chilly so didn't stay out too late. Plus full day tomorrow.

Off to New York

Have just checked the weather forecast and its going to be really cold in New York. This will be the third consecutive trip where I'll witness snow and sub-zero temperatures. Still, going to New York will be very exciting and I'll try and do some shopping if I can. The classes I'll be running will take place at an ad agency on Madison Avenue which all sounds very swish.

Managed to squeeze in a few laps of Richmond Park on the bike this morning before it started raining. I then dropped Mae off at Streatham Ice Rink for a party. It was packed, which makes you wander why there aren't more ice rinks around.

Need to get an early night and get ready for my Virgin Atlantic limo to pick me up tomorrow morning. Mustn't forget my bobble hat.

Back on Top!

After a crushing 5-1 win at fortress Pride Park last night over footballing giants Colchester, Derby have been restored to their rightful position of Championship leaders after 2 unlucky defeats. Hurrah!

Its amazing how sporting results can effect your mood isn't it?

If Microsoft Invented the iPod

I love this video

It really highlights the difference between Apple and Microsoft.

Older Women Are Sexier

Its official. We're in love with the older woman. Just look at the adulation heaped upon Helen Mirren after she won the Oscar. And there's loads of others: Charlotte Rampling, Sharon Stone, Catherine Deneuve, all really attractive.

When the Graduate was made in the 60s with Anne Bancroft playing the older seductress, she was 36. When it was recently re-made, Susan Sarendon played the role of Mrs Robinson and was 58.

Is the same true for men? Are older men seen as sexier nowadays? I'm not so sure.

Back Home

Worst feeling: waking up in a hotel knowing that you've got to run a workshop with a gang of people you haven't met. Will the laptop work? Are they going to be friendly and chatty? Will I remember my stuff? Will I stay awake?

Best feeling: feeling of relief when its all over and you say goodbye to the last person and I start clearing the room. Sitting on the flight as it takes off. Waking up and going to down to my kitchen. Listening to the news and sports on Radio Five 5. Making tea for Karen and breakfast for the kids.

Which is what I've just done.

Helsinki

After a few days in rainy SW16, I'm back in another cold climate - Helsinki. Only minus 6 degrees, but cold enough to want to stay in the hotel. This evening I decided to brave the hotel sauna. I was going to go for a swim but the heated pool was bloody freezing. Lying in the sauna I closed my eyes and imagined I was in Barbados. Worked for a little while. I know saunas are supposed to be good for you, but I'm not quite sure why.

Two things I discovered today. Firstly, Fazer chocolate, which is apparently a classic Finnish brand. Really, really nice. I know I'm supposed to have given up chocolate for Lent, but I couldn't help nicking a couple of bits.

I also discovered that in the Finnish forests the wolf population is on the increase and you can get attacked by bears. I never knew it was such a dangerous place.

Red Square

Just back from a walk around Red Square. Its a place that everyone should visit at some point in their life. Cold, still with snow on the ground, imposing buildings.Fantastic.

At the moment there's an ice rink in the square which is much bigger than the one you see at Somerset House with some very accomplished skaters whizzing around. Also went for a walk through Gum, which used to a Soviet Department Store where hardly anything was for sale. Now its lit up like Harrods and is full of Chanel and other similar stores

Our hotel has a lamborghini on display in the reception where people like to pose and have their picture taken. There's also a list of celebrities who have stayed there which include Hillary Clinton, Boris Becker and oddly Ross Kemp, Never knew Eastenders was so popular.

Moscow

Arrived in Moscow yesterday and boy is it cold. Minus 19. Had to go for a brief walk in the evening to get to our restaurant and nearly froze.

So far its been a fascinating trip. You get the impression that life is changing very quickly in Russia. There's a feel of rampant materialism everythere. New bars, new designer shops, new restaurants keep appearing and old ugly Soviet buildings are being torn down. People like to show off their new found wealth and there's no shortage of bling, fur coats and expensive cars on the streets. In fact there are so many cars that the traffic in Moscow is incredibly bad - the worst I've ever seen.

People say that Russian women are the most beautiful in the world and I can see why. They do like to dress up and enjoy the nightlife. They're attracted by money and wealthy Western men do get a lot of attention. (No me, I might add)

Off out again tonight - they're great hosts - and no doubt we'll go to a fancy restaurant, where I'll feel terribly dressed down. Not been round Red Square yet. Hope we don't end up drinking late night vodkas as have got a busy day tomorrow. Not been great for my fitness campaign. WIll need to catch up when I get home later this week.

South London Gentrification

A Caffe Nero has recently opened opposite Tooting Broadway tube station. Now that Balham has got so la-di-da, the trendy cafes are having to move further down the Northern line. What would Wolfie Smith think?

Before we know it, there'll be a Wagamama in Colliers Wood.

Pete's Photoblog

My friend Pete who lives 3 doors down has started a Photoblog called A day in December. Lovely pics, worth a look.

Anyone guess where the phrase 'A day in December' comes from? Sounds familar doesn't it.

Milano - Short But Sweet

Despite my anxieties, the trip to Milan was really enjoyable. Although there were 30 in the class they were all chatty and friendly. We had pasta for lunch which was delicious. I don't know why, but pasta always tastes better in Italy. And it was lovely and warm. Nice enough to sit outside.

Malpensa airport was plastered with huge billboards of Furla, Roberto Cavalli, D & G, Prada, Armani, etc and there lots of expensive shops in Duty Free. I guess its to be expected from the fashion capital of the world.



However, only things I bought were a huge chunk of parmesan cheese and some nice balsamic vinegar.

Valentine's Day in Milan

No romantic dinner for me. Had to settle for an Alitalia sandwich and a piece of cake. In a hotel in a Milan suburban about to run a workshop tomorrow. Could try Italian telly. Bit dodgy. Or else will dive into Julian Barne's Arthur & George. Just started it and looks good. Early night I reckon.

What I'm Listening To

The Good the Bad and the Queen: Damon Albarn's latest outfit. Much better than his Gorillaz stuff
The View: Scottish version of the Arctic Monkeys, only not as good, although I do like the lead singer's voice
The Decemberists: The Word magazine keeps on plugging them and I think 'The Crane Wife' is really enjoyable. Well done The Word. Worth subscribing to for the free CD alone!
Adriano Celentano: Birthday present from my friend Sally who loves going to Puglia for her hols. (where my mum comes from) Easygoing Italian pop
Tracey Thorn: I love her voice and am listening to Everything But the Girl and an old Marine Girls cassette that I had when I was an 80s student.
Dustin O'Halloran: perfect de-stress piano solos

Jarvis Cocker's latest: prefer this to most of the Pulp stuff.

Richmond Park

Went out for a ride around Richmond Park with my fanatical cycling friends yesterday to try out my lovely new bike. 3 circuits (18ish miles). Was a bit knackering but much easier and more fun that my old bike.

There were literally hundreds of people out cycling yesterday. I didn't realise how popular cycling was and how much technical jargon is involved. Once they get started, bike enthusiasts can go on for hours talking about shimano vs campagnola brakes, cleats vs toe straps, aluminium vs carbon fibre frames, Big Mig vs Indurain. Am doing my best to keep up and stay interested.

My bike is still in the lounge as I don't want it to get wet outside. Causing a bit of grief with Karen. Luckily she's in Poland this week, so it can stay there for the time being. Not sure for how long though.

Still Top

Despite only drawing today, Derby are still 7 points clear at the top of the Championship. Dare we dream of the promotion into the Premier League? Will be an amazing achievement.

Heard on the radio that Stephen Frears who directed 'The Queen' is planning a film about Brian Clough's life. Can't wait!

My New Bike

I bought my new racer this week which is really exciting. Still not ridden it yet, but planning to go for a big ride around Richmond Park tomorrow with my fanatical cycling mates. Richmond Park is full of serious cyclists who whizz around at top speed. A bit intimidating for a novice like me.

Not sure where to keep the bike. Its currently in the lounge, but I'm not sure I'll be allowed to keep it there indefinitely. Can't possibly leave it outside.

I bought it from De Ver Cycles on Streatham High Road, one of the friendliest bike shops in south London. Really enthusiastic staff and lots of great bikes to look at.

Streatham High Road has been voted the worst High Street in the UK. Its reputation hasn't been helped by the recent shooting at the Ice Rink. Its a shame really, because when you get close up there are a few nice independent shops and some OK restaurants. Its just so ugly and busy you don't want to hang around too long.

One of my favourite Streatham High Road venues is La Pergola, where they have a famous Elvis impersonater. It feels like you're back in the 1970s, but its a great place to go with a gang of people. Its recently been renovated and has re-opened again.Wonder what its like now?