Celebrating the Chaika

I've long had a love affair with this wonderous car, so today I've decided I'm going to start my search for a 1950's Soviet Chaika car. Why? Well, it is quite simply one of the finest cars ever produced, and the original mark 1 Gaz Chaika's were the cars of the politburo, with their lush interiors including heavy curtains. They don't make cars like this anymore!

My search is on, so I shall be spending the next few days chatting with some friends around Russia to try and source an early production model...when I find one, I'll be sure to let you all know, in the meantime I hope you all have a good day on the roads...

Join in the Santa Madness...

Ok I know it's still November, and if like me you suffer from Crimbo fatigue as soon as the shops start forcing it upon us in August, you're probably wondering why on earth I'm mentioning Christmas ahead of the 23rd December!! Well, it's very simple, my dear friends at the children's charity 'When You Wish Upon a Star', are holding their annual Santa Runs to help raise much needed funds to make the dreams of seriously ill children come true.

There are a host of venues where you can participate, and whilst it is called a Santa Run, it is perfectly acceptable to stroll, crawl or for that matter piggy back off someone a little bit fitter. If you'd like to help us by taking part, or by making a donation to the charity, hit on the link below to find out more.

I myself shall be at Wollaton Park, in Nottingham on 13th December, to kick start and participate in the run there, so if you've got nothing better to do that day why not join me at 10am and make a difference.

Thank you!

Click on Santa to find out more...

World Cup Depression...

Not being a big fan of football, I wouldn't ordinarily be bothered who was playing in the World Cup 2010. However, I was very depressed earlier this week when the Russian Federation was knocked out...unlike the Irish my favourite team bowed out gracefully...albeit leaving me sad and almost inconsolable!

There is however, a glimmer of hope on the horizon, whilst not normally a fickle individual I have decided that I will support an underdog for the 2010 competition. Who I hear you ask might I be backing? Well...put simply I shall be supporting the boys from Pyongyang...yes! The North Korean National Team shall be getting my support just as soon as I am able to lay my hands on one of their shirts for the 2010 games...They may only last round one, but I shall nevertheless remain devoted to their challenge.

On this day in Soviet History...

Those of you who know me well, will know that I am a huge fan of the Soviet Space programme, especially when so many firsts were achieved by people like Sergey Pavlovich Korolyov. Well, when I was looking back at moments in history earlier today...sad I know, but it's something I do from time to time, I was reminded of the Venera programme. What on earth was all that about I hear you ask...and more importantly, do I need to know about any of this old Soviet stuff?? In truth you probably don't. However, I think its always good to store some of this nonsense in your head for the odd pub quiz.

16th November, 1965 : The Soviet Union launches the Venera 3 space probe from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The mission was to land on the surface of the planet Venus. The mission was successful when Venera 3 crash-landed on Venus on 1st March 1966 becoming the first spacecraft to land on another planet's surface.

Harry Brown...

Well folks, as predicted I made it to the cinema last night and saw Daniel Barber's debut feature length film Harry Brown. This is the much talked about movie starring Michael Caine, that quite frankly portrays a very real image of modern British society. The film from the very beginning highlights the plight of inner city communities, and whilst not the fastest film in the world, the pace is sufficient to keep people glued.

The basic plot, if you don't know it already, sees Caine, an ex Royal Marine commando, turning in to an old aged vigilante following the death of his wife and the murder of his closest friend Len. Without spoiling it for you, I will say that the violence portrayed is not gratuitous but balanced with moments of grief and despair. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, although I must confess felt sad when I left the cinema at just how real it felt.

There is a danger that some younger people watching the film will view it as wicked, where in fact it is anything but cool. There is, as with every Caine film, a one liner to bring about a smile, and Caine does what Caine does best. I'd rate this film a 4* plus.

Wild winds...

Blimey, about an hour ago I decided to hop on my bike for my daily ride (part of my healthy living regime), only to find myself being blown back 50 yards for every 10 I managed to cover...I'm not recuperating with a nice cup of green & ginger tea, and wouldn't recommend anyone try to mimic me until the weather improves a bit.

It's wild and windy out there today folks, so if you are going to venture out, make sure that you wrap up well and try wherever possible to have a tail wind. If you were meant to be out in the garden picking up the fallen leaves, forget it, make the most of the excuse and enjoy a relaxing day indoors doing something less strenuous!

This evening I'm going to brave the outside world again and popping to the cinema to see the new Michael Cain film 'Harry Brown', and will no doubt offer a short critique on the film tomorrow. I'll also try to catch Amelia, but my eyelids after all this early morning cycling may not hold out for the two films...sad I know...I am getting old!!

Is tonight the night?

Sting said it all earlier this week when he launched an attack on the X-Factor for failing to live up to its own billing of being a SINGING competition. Good on him...I've always been a bit of a fan of Sting ever since his days as the front man of The Police (and yes I do realise they are back together again).

After his professional outburst, will we see the show return to its roots tonight...will we see real singing talent given the chance to shine through...will Jedward actually sing or will be be subjected to another torturous performance where the boys leap around the stage with their rather unique brand of dance?

Lets hope that when the public vote, they vote on singing ability and nothing else.

We will remember them...

Tomorrow marks the 11th hour or the 11th Day of the 11th Month, Armistice Day. I, like to many around the world will be bowing my head in silence at 11am as a mark of respect for those who have, and continue, to lay down their lives in order that we might freely express our opinions. Tomorrow is a day of reflection when, in my very humble opinion, the world should seek peace and forgiveness. Lets hope that each and every one of you will do something to benefit someone else tomorrow, making your compassion worthy of the great sacrifice paid by the few.

We will remember them!

Why am I not surprised by the X Factor!

Why am I not surprised that Jedward are still in the X Factor...I'm an occasional viewer of the show when time permits, and am not in slightest bit surprised that the twins from Dublin are still in the competition despite being completely out of tune.

Now whilst I'm no expert, I was always under the impression that the X Factor was a talent competition for SINGERS!! Maybe, in his own inimitable style Mr Cowel has used the boys to his advantage to ensure that his three over 25's remain strong in the run up to the final...hmmm. For those who are fans of the boys apologies, but please do remember it's a competition requiring the contestants to be able to sing, take Leona Lewis! Lets hope things improve next week, should I find the time to catch it...

Poppy Appeal

Today see's the annual pilgrimage of the Royal British Legion to London's Royal Albert Hall, where the audience and the nation will join Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in paying their respects to those who have laid down their lives in pursuit of Peace.

Earlier in the week I was listening to BBC London when Vanessa Feltz posed a question surrounding the wearing of poppies. A number of callers were, in my opinion, under the misguided impression that wearing a poppy was an act of condoning war! It could not in fact, again in my opinion, be further from the truth. I consider the wearing of a poppy our annual reminder that so many have given up so much in order that we might be free to live our lives the way we choose. I can only hope that as many of you as possible have donated to this years appeal, and that you are wearing your poppies with pride!

The Berlin Wall - 20 Years on!

It hardly seems like 20 years have passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. I for one can remember watching the events unfold on as the people of Berlin flocked to the Brandenburg Gate to help toppel the wall that had devided the people of Germany for 40 years.

What has the world learnt about unity and peace since then...frankly speaking not a lot it would seem! I can only hope that as we mark this momentous occasion, we spare a thought for all of those around the world who are not enjoying the harmony of unity.

Let's hope that 2010 will bring renewed efforts on the part of all world leaders to create stability for all.

The Blogs Back!

I know it's been a couple of months since I last rambled on, and for those who were glad of this, my apologies as we have received a great number of requests for the blog to be put back and so here I am!!