Wax On, Wax Off

We have moved!

2009-07-08T19:03:00.000+01:00

Blog has moved to http://dlrp.wordpress.com - see you there!

Ultimates 3 - Thumbs Down

2009-03-08T10:06:00.003Z

I absolutely loved Ultimates and Ultimates 2, and even though I'd heard bad things I still had faith in Ultimates 3, so much so that I bought the hardcover version of it last week. Well, my faith was destroyed when I got round to reading it yesterday. OK, so maybe destroyed is a bit harsh because the artwork was pretty damn good. The story however, well, it was over-complicated and seemed to pay no attention to wha had gone in the previous instalments. Jeph Loeb took over from Mark Millar as the writer and it shows, big time.

Luckily Mark Millar is back on board for the next stage which is Ultimate Avengers - looking forward to it already!

3 Weeks till F1 2009

2009-03-07T11:15:00.001Z

In just 3 short weeks qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix will be over and we'll know who is kicking off the 2009 season in pole position.

I will of course be supporting Lewis Hamilton but I also want Kubica and Alonso to do well. It could be a very open season with the opportunity for a lot of drivers to score points.

It will also be interesting to see what difference KERS will make.

The latest good news is that team formerly known as Honda has been bought by Ross Brawn and we have Brawn GP, so we are back to 10 teams and 20 drivers again.

Tarzan gone from DLRP

2009-02-16T15:08:00.003Z

The Tarzan Encounter is gone from The Chaparral Theater in Disneyland Resort Paris, after nine years of almost 5 shows a day. This is particularly upsetting for wifey and I as this was our favourite show in the park. At least we have the memories. There is no word yet on whether a replacement is planned or not.

EDIT: Sunday 8th March - Tarzan is returning this summer, but only for July and August. If it is back next summer then we may be tempted to wait and go in July rather than May as planned - such is the quality of the show that we wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to see it again.

Do Us A Flavour

2009-02-15T09:24:00.003Z

Do Us A Flavour - the latest marketing drive by Walkers Crisps where we, the general public, get to choose from 6 flavours and vote on which one we'd like to become part of the normal range. The 6 flavours are:

Chilli & Chocolate
Onion Bhaji
Cajun Squirrel
Fish & Chips
Crispy Duck & Hoi Sin
Builder's Breakfast

I managed to find Onion Bhaji, Cajun Squirrel, Fish & Chips and Builder's Breakfast yesterday, while wifey managed to get a pack of Crispy Duck & Hoi Sin. Neither of us is really interested in Chilli & Chocolate but we try it for completeness sake. We tried the Fish & Chips and Crispy Duck & Hoi Sin last night and neither did a great deal for us! The flavours were pretty weak and I can't imagine choosing either of them over old favourites like Prawn Cocktail and Cheese & Onion. Maybe the other flavours will be better, but I have my doubts. God only knows what the Cajun Squirrel will involve, wifey refuses to try that one!

Podcasts

2009-02-13T15:47:00.005Z

If you read back a few posts you'll see me talking about my new phone, the Nokia 5800. I've since discovered that it's awfully good for podcasts, and I now subscribe to quite a few and listen to them in the car to and from work as the phone's speaker is loud enough to use in the car, even on the M25!

My favourite podcast so far is the Stuff.TV podcast which is a geeky/techy podcast about mobile phones, televisions, MP3 players, gadgets and 'stuff'! The subject matter is right up my street and the presenters are pretty fab too. They also gave my new phone a glowing report so extra marks there!

Others I subscribe to are:

Chris Moyles - low brow humour at it's very best and I miss the morning shows now I listen to podcasts instead. Is there some irony there somewhere?

F1 Weekly - only listened to one show so far and it was ok, though being American based the bias was towards their quest to get a Grand Prix in America rather than the upcoming season. May try to find a suitable replacement.

Jonathan Ross - probably the funniest guy on radio and good to have him back. Always has a procession of great guests with whom he engages in lots of witty banter.

Guardian Tech Weekly - more technical musings with lots of web talk and as an eCommerce bod it's most interesting from a professional and personal standpoint.

I also have Stephen Fry and Mark Kermode's podcasts set up to listen to and am always open to some recommendations of podcasts I should listen to. Two that i didn't particularly like are the Adam & Joe and George Lamb podcasts - just didn't click with me. I also tried the Geek Squad podcast but they guy waffled on for so long about not a lot that I decided my life could be better spent on other things and turned it off.

Brits Breakthrough Act

2009-02-12T02:22:00.006Z

This year's 'as vote for by Radio One' listeners Breakthrough Act is one of the following five:

Adele - I can't stand her! While I do concede that she has a voice, I find her to be one of the most instantly unlikable people I have ever come across, that I haven't actually met! The sound of one of her songs playing will see me switch stations.

The Last Shadow Puppets - no idea! Maybe I'd recognise their songs if I heard them but as if right now they are not on my radar.

Duffy - really great songs with a fantastic & unique voice. An album I have been meaning to get for a while now.

Scouting For Girls - I have liked every one if their songs that they have released and really should get their album too. Fun lyrics and catchy bouncy tunes, thumbs up.

The Ting Tings - I heard their debut single before they became widely known but couldn't remember what they were called so was unsuccessful in tracking them down. Of course it didn't take long for them to become known by all and Not My Name went on to be one of the songs of 2008. The 2nd single was just as catchy and there is more to this band than meets the eye. Sorry to sound like a broken record, but this is another album I really need to get?

So, 1 I don't like, 1 I don't know and three I really like, who gets my vote? The Tiny Tings - closely edging out Duffy as the band I'd like to hear more of and whose songs I know I like to hear the most.

Au Revoir Buffalo Trading Co.

2009-02-08T05:13:00.005Z

As detailed in a previous blog post (linkage), the Buffalo Trading Co. in Disney Village, Disneyland Resort Paris was due to shut down and be replaced by a Starbucks. Well the first part of that process has happened and this Disneyland Resort Paris addict is gutted :( Gone is the shop with the most individuality and character, now we await the souless presence of a multi-national coffee shop, oh joy.

New Phone: Nokia 5800

2009-02-05T00:56:00.007Z

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic to give it it's full and proper name! I picked it up today after ordering it yesterday, on a whim really! I have had a Sony Ericsson K850i for the last year, which despite almost universally bad reports, has served me pretty well. That is until recently when it has decided to turn itself at random, usually when I making a call or writing a text! Having already been to the repair shop once I decided now was the time to admit it has had it's day and move on.

As an iPod Touch user I have been tempted by the iPhone but the lack of video recording and MMS is a big letdown - I have an 8 month old son those features are pretty essential to me. What I do like is the touch screen functionality so have been looking at the Samsung Pixon and Omnia, as well as the LG Renoir - all had their good and bad points but none stood out as a must have and all were on fairly pricey contracts, something I wanted to avoid as I currently use only a small portion of my call allowance.

A quick scan of Avforums drew my attention to the Nokia 5800 and the Carphone Warehouse offer of £15 a month for 100 minutes and unlimited texts. I never thought the day would come when I would be more of a texter than a caller, but it has so this deal seemed perfect for my needs. Add £7.50 for the unlimited web bolt-on and he whole package would be £12.50 less than my current contract and a swanky new phone as well - sold!

It has Wi-Fi, a 3.2" widescreen display, full touchscreen functionality, 8Gb memory card included and all the other bells and whistles I was looking for. I've not used a great deal yet but so far I am very impressed. The touchscreen is very responsive and texting is very easy which is usually the biggest test for a touchscreen phone. Next will be connecting it to my laptop and adding a bunch of songs and pictures, and configuring the phone to pick up my wireless network.

So far so good for Nokia's first foray into touchscreen phones, which for the market leader in mobile phones, some may say they are playing catch-up?

Paddington sold out?

2009-02-02T21:17:00.004Z

When I was little I had Paddington Bear everything; Pyjamas, Duvet Cover, Curtains, lampshade and even a Paddington Bear bin! Now one of the things Paddington was most known for was his love of marmalade sandwiches. You with me so far? Imagine my shock when I see our beloved Paddington Bear advertising a sandwich filling on TV that isn't marmalade!

Paddington Bear now has Marmite in his sandwiches!!!

Has the credit crunch hit Paddington that much that he sold his soul to the other side? Is it not enough that Opal Fruits and Marathons no longer exist but now Paddington doesn't eat marmalade sandwiches?

*sigh*

Destination Disneyland!

2009-02-01T11:44:00.003Z

Monday 3rd May 2010 is the day we will hopefully be taking Lucas to Disneyland Resort Paris for the first time. His 2nd birthday is on the 6th so we plan to arrive on Monday 3rd and leave on Friday 7th.

It'll be our first trip since 2007, when Denise was pregnant with Lucas, and our 10th trip overall - can't wait!

Only 1 year, 3 months and 2 days to go!

Idol > X-Factor

2009-02-01T09:57:00.005Z

While I've watched the odd episode I've never watched a whole series of American Idol, something which is in the process of being rectified as I have tuned in to every episode of the new season, the 8th American Idol, so far.

The quality of the good singers is far superior to what we see on X-Factor and all the people, and the show in general just seems to be a lot more fun and positive. It also does have Louis Walsh and his idiotic pandering to different areas and countries in a shameless attempt to get votes for his poor acts.

The whole format of the show works better with all the judges voting without bias and not mentoring their own set of acts. So far the girls seem better than the guys but we'll have to wait and see if that continues as the show progresses. The new judge Kara is good too, just don't expect me to remember her surname!

Cena's new film - 12 Rounds

2009-01-29T17:16:00.002Z

Off the back of The Marine, WWE Champion John Cena is back in the cinemas again (though probably not in the UK) with his latest film 12 Rounds. Like The Marine, this looks like a high octane action film which will have Cena's character beating the odds to save the day, at a guess anyway!

12 Rounds at WWE.com

Very cheesy and very predictable, I'll be watching!

90210 - 20 Years On

2009-01-27T06:58:00.004Z

When Beverly Hills 90210 was first shown back in 1990 I was hooked, and avidly tuned in each week for the first 2 series. Then something happened, well two things actually; I started University and the show moved to satellite TV, as it was then, so no more access to Beverly Hills 90210 for me. Being one of those people who has to watch every episode in the right order, I never watched any more than those first two seasons. Thank goodness for DVDs - I have seasons 1-3 on DVD and have re-watched season 1, with an eye to purchasing season 4 and catching up!

Fast Forward to 2009 and the new 90210 has started - they have dropped the Beverly Hills from the show name but it's all very familiar. We are back at West Beverly High, there's a Zuckerman involved in the school TV show and even Kelly Taylor is a staff member - the guidance counsellor no less!

The main characters are a daughter and adopted brother who move from the country to fast paced Beverly Hills - sound familiar? He's interested in journalism and she makes friends with the most popular girl in school - sound even more familiar? Even Nat is still working at the Peach Pit! I have only watched episode 1 of the 2 shown so far and the credits promise a guest appearance from Shannon ' Brenda Walsh' Doherty at some point.

It's as shallow and trashy as it was 20 years ago, and once again I'm hooked!

Budget Meals: Pasta Bake

2009-01-20T20:08:00.004Z

Costs from Sainsburys:

200g Pasta = 30p
200g Sweetcorn = 30p
200ml Milk = 20p
185g Tuna = 55p
100g Cheese = 72p
295g Campbell's 99% Fat Free Mushroom Condensed Soup = 53p

Total Cost = £2.60

Cook the pasta! Drain and then add the soup, tuna, sweetcorn and milk. Heat through, stirring regularly. Transfer to an oven dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Grill until golden brown on top, and serve!

Serves 4

Weebles Wobble...

2009-01-17T19:54:00.004Z

...but they don't fall down!

That's the little rhyme that used to accompany the advert these when I was a child. I remember having a Weeble garage with little Weeble cars - I had no idea they were still making these. The set in the picture is for 18+ months so we'll have to wait another 8 months before we can buy anything like this for Lucas.

The Weebles themselves seem to have changes a bit, they used to look like this:

Clone Wars Blu-ray

2009-01-17T17:19:00.004Z

So, over half a year since it appeared in the cinema I finally got to see the Star Wars: Clone Wars film after buying the Blu-ray. As a PS3 owner the choice between Blu-ray and DVD was a no-brainer - not only was there little difference in price, but the Blu-ray has a ton of extras, most in high definition too.

Going into this film I knew it was targeted it kids and that it had bombed in the box office. However, that didn't stop me enjoying was an enjoyable romp with a fun story and some interesting characters, old and new.

At first I wasn't sure about the voices of Obi Wan and Anakin but as the film progressed they became 'their voices' and even started to think they sounded like McGregor and Christianson respectively. Speaking of voices (see what I did there?), anyone spot the guy who looked like a young John Cleese and sounded just like him?

The addition of the new Padawan Learner, Ahsoka Tano, under Anakin was a nice touch and the relationship between the two started to develop nicely and provided us with some humourous moments. It'll be interesting to see how that progresses, and how she inevitably dies - well, she wasn't in Revenge of the Sith, was she?

The animation was top class and the video and audio quality were superb - a great example of Blu-ray quality. I look to forward to watching the extras and the TV series too. Out of 5 stars, Clone Wars gets a pretty damn good 4.

Comic Recommendation: DMZ

2009-01-15T13:59:00.006Z

Having read volume 1 of DMZ; One The Ground, I can wholly recommend it as a gritty, gripping and emotionally involving (couldn't think of another 'g' word) story with some fantastic artwork.

This is from Wiki:

- - -

The setting is New York City in the near future. A civil war is taking place between the United States of America and the Free States. The Free States are described in the first issue as being "New Jersey and inland"; in issue #8, it is revealed that "the Free States are an idea, not a geographical entity";[3] the movement began in Montana and made its way east. The Free Armies and the U.S. military met at Allentown, Pennsylvania where the Free Armies won, after which the Free Armies descended on New York; the exact chain of events from hereon has yet to be revealed. Manhattan is the location of the demilitarized zone between the two warring parties. In an interview, Brian Wood described the back-history as the citizens of Middle America having risen up against the pre-emptive war policies of the US government, causing a Second American Civil War.

The protagonist is Matthew (Matty) Roth, a naïve photo journalism intern from Long Island, who enters the DMZ with a news-crew. He becomes trapped when the rest of the news crew and the soldiers escorting them are killed in a firefight with "insurgents". Matty becomes the only journalist on the ground in the DMZ and he begins to report on the daily struggle of life for the everyday citizens of Manhattan.

- - -

After finishing Y: The Last Man and reading the latest Fables (War and Pieces) I wanted a new series to get stuck into. After many recommendations from the fine people on the SFX Forum I decided to go for DMZ and got volume 1 from my local library - one of the few graphic novels/trade paperbacks they actually stock. A few pages in and I knew I'd made a good choice - interesting and topical setting with a good lead character and great artwork - a page turner of a comic book which saw me with my heart in my hand towards the end of this volume.

The next 4 volumes are on their way to me now - if only I wasn't so impatient!

Mariusz makes it 5!

2009-01-04T08:40:00.004Z

Beating the record of 4 World's Strongest Man titles held by Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Magnús Ver Magnússon, Mariusz Pudzianowski won the 2008 World's Strongest Man to get his record breaking 5th title.

As amazing as The Dominator's record was, and it really was, one other story came out of the competition and that is Derek Poundstone, as seen pictured above. The 2008competition was his first World's Strongest Man and he led the competition up until the last event where Pudzianowski beat him in the Atlas Stones. What makes Poundstone's success even more phenomenal is that he only does it part time - his full time job is that of a police officer for the Naugatuck, Connecticut Police Department!

Expect the 2009 competition to be one that Derek Poundstone will not want to lose!

A special mention goes to Magnus Samuelson from Sweden - winner of the 1998 World's Strongest Man and a 13 year veteran of the competition, announced his retirement from World's Strongest Man. Once the best Arm Wrestler in Europe, Samuelson famously broke the arm of professional wrestler and actor Nathan Jones in an arm wrestling match.

World's Strongest Man 2008

2008-12-29T17:59:00.002Z

For as long as I can remember, watching World's Strongest Man has been a Christmas/New Year viewing tradition. Back in the 80s it was all about Geoff Capes, Bill Kazmaier and the mighty Jón Páll Sigmarsson (God rest his soul).

The 90s saw the rise of Magnús Ver Magnússon and the 2000s saw the meteoric rise of The Dominator, Marius Pudzianowski - the powerhouse from Poland who has won 4 of the last 5 competitions.

I am half Polish by my Grandparents on my Mum's side so I can follow Marius that way. My British nationality has me wanting to support the British guys, especially big Terry Hollands who came an impressive 3rd last year.

Whatever the results, it's bound to be an impressive display of power from the mightiest men on earth - qualifiers start tonight!

Dolphins - AFC East Champs!

2008-12-29T09:49:00.003Z

Dolphins 24 - Jets 17

That is the score line in the last regular game of the season and the victory that takes the Miami Dolphins to 11-5 and champions of the AFC East, something they haven't accomplished since 2000.

Considering their 1-15 performance last season that is a spectacular turnaround. They now host the Baltimore Ravens this coming Sunday (4th January) in the first round of the Super Bowl Playoffs!

It's extra sweet for Chad Pennington who joined the Dolphins after being released from the Jets last year!

GO PHINS!

Best of 2008

2008-12-17T13:45:00.005Z

Film - Iron Man*
TV Show - GRΣΣK
Album - Chinese Democracy (Guns N' Roses)
Song - Human (The Killers)
Concert - Bon Jovi @ Twickenham (28th June)
Graphic Novel/Trade Paperback - Fables #10 The Good Prince
Sport - Formula 1
Moment - 6th May 2008, 9.25am - My Son, Lucas was born :)

*Still to see: Dark Knight, Wall-E, Indiana Jones 4, Wanted, Quantum of Sollace, Prince Caspian, The Clone Wars and Hellboy II

Cars 2

2008-12-17T13:42:00.004Z

Cars - arguably the greatest Disney/Pixar film yet, at least on this blog! The fact that my little boy seems to like it is a massive plus point in our household.

June 24th 2011 - the release date for Cars 2 and the continuing adventures of Lightning McQueen, and Sally, and little Lightnings and Sallys???

Fables TV Show!

2008-12-17T13:38:00.003Z

Fables, the greatest comic series that there ever has been...FACT!

A pilot for a TV show is being made which could be all kinds of awesome. The fantastic storylines can be carried across, it's whether the amazing artwork transfers well to the screen.

Flycatcher as a living, breating on screen character - GOLD!

Killers get the #1

2008-12-02T13:35:00.002Z

This past Sunday, it was The Killers 3rd album Day & Age that got the #1 spot in the UK album chart, beating the eagerly awaited Chinese Democracy - the album we waited 15 years from Guns N' Roses for.

I'm not surprised, I'd think Day & Age would outsell almost any record put against it, especially given the amount of leeks the Guns N' Roses record has had and the amount of promotion The Killers record had compared to the lack of mainstream promotion for Chinese Democracy (I didn't see any but apparently there was a TV spot which you could see if you watched TV for long enough).

Poor Rhydian, any other week and he's have had a half chance at the #1 spot - he has to make do with the 3rd spot instead.

X-Factor: Miley > Britney

2008-11-30T15:34:00.003Z

Last night was Britney Night on the X-Factor with all the contestants singing one of her hits and another American song. Of course this was all highlighted, supposedly, by a live performance from Ms Spears herself.

Now when Britney appears 'live' we have come to expect that she will be miming, something to do with not be able to sing very well!? Anyway, that is just what she did last night, and while it was just 'ok' it wasn't that impressive and won't be leaving a very positive impression on the UK audience, which is a shame for her first UK performance in 5 years.

On to what was an impressive performance and the rising star of pop, Miley Cyrus. Not only did she sing live but her performance was rocking, to say the least. It seems the Brit could learn a few things from the recently turned Sweet Sixteen star of Hannah Montana on how to put on a show. Miley sung her latest single, 7 Things, and I urge you to check it out, here: linkage.

Chinese Democracy - Success!

2008-11-28T13:27:00.005Z

When the lady in the shop couldn't find the Chinese Democracy disc I thought my wait for this album was going to be even longer. Thankfully she found it, and it was both awesome and surreal to finally hold Chinese Democracy in my hands. However, I didn't play it until the next day as the Day & Age CD made it into my CD player first!

On the day 2 (this sounds like Genesis!) I finally played the long awaited Guns N' Roses album, and I wasn't blown away. I wasn't even sure I liked some of the songs and I have to admit I felt disappointed. I had only played up to including track 12 so the next day I continued with Track 13; This I Love - wow! The piano, the vocals, the lyrics and the guitar - what an amazing song! This was followed by Prostitute, the last song on the album and also brilliant. At this point I began to wonder if I had been in the right frame of mind when I listened to the first 12 tracks and a 2nd listen of the CD proved I hadn't, as the songs sounded so much better than before.

I've listened to Chinese Democracy 4 times now and I think it's absolutely superb. I'm not really at the stage of naming favourite sings, apart from This I Love, as I am still absorbing them all! It's a great mix of songs with some great lyrics and really, who misses Slash with the awesome guitars on this album? A few days ago a friend asked if me if I preferred the new Killers or Guns N' Roses album - I took the easy way out saying they were different albums and I loved both. Now I'm ready to man up and make a choice - Chinese Democracy, album of the week, album of the year, album of the....?

Killers - GREAT new album

2008-11-25T07:51:00.000Z

I loved Hot Fuss, even though I only found out about it many months after everyone else so my first listen was more of 'oh I know that one' than listening to it for the first time.

I didn't think much to Sam's Town when I first heard it, the day it came out, and though I have warmed to it since, it's way below Hot Stuff for me.

On to Day & Age and I absolutely loved it, all the way through, on my very first listen, which was yesterday night in the car, on the way home after a hassley day! I love Human which is what got me excited about the album, as before I had no intention of hurrying to buy Day & Age. The standout track for me is Goodnight, Travel Well which is a haunting and magical track that builds wonderfully and at almost 7 minutes long isn't over before it's even started like too many songs these days.

Superb album, now I am motivated to buy their b-sides album; Sawdust.

Happy Birthday Mickey

2008-11-18T21:53:00.003Z

Everyone's favourite mouse is 80 today, happy birthday Mickey Mouse and we remember you Walt Disney.

Lesnar wins UFC Title!

2008-11-16T11:24:00.003Z

In only his 4th ever MMA fight, ex-WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defeated UFC legend Randy 'The Natural' Couture to be come the new UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Lesnar looked much improved from his previous 2 fights in UFC, a loss to Frank Mir and a victory against Heath Herring. It was a mighty punch to the side of Couture's temple that floored the Champion and then a barrage of hammer fists from Lesnar had the referee stop the fight and give the victory to Lesnar via TKO.

Next for Lesnar is the winner of the Interim Heavyweight Title fight between Frank Mir and Antonio Nogueira, the current team coaches of The Ultimate Fighter. The eventual winner being crowned the Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Best Cover Ever!

2008-11-15T08:06:00.001Z

SFX + Watchmen = Greatness!

Issue 177 - linkage

Karate Kid Smith Confirmed

2008-11-14T07:59:00.002Z

In a follow up from the very first entry of this blog, Jaden Smith (son of megastar Will) has been confirmed as the lead in a remake of the 80s classic Karate Kid. Will Smith will take on the role of producer.

When I read the news that it had all been confirmed a little bit inside of me died. The only glimour of hope I have is that the renewed attention on the original means it will have more chance of being released on Blu-ray, but after waiting so long for a DVD release I don't hold out much hope.

Captain America has Director!

2008-11-11T12:40:00.002Z

Set for release in 2011, ahead of The Avengers film, the First Avenger: Captain America film has a director in the form of Joe Johnston.

As a director Johnston was at the helm for films like Jurassic Park III, Jumanji and The Rocketeer. Away from the director's chair he has much cooler accolades in the visual affects department for the original Star Wars trilogy and Raiders of the Lost Ark!

GRΣΣK - see you in'09

2008-11-11T06:41:00.003Z

GRΣΣK: It's funny, fluffy TV that you can switch your brain off for and relax. In its second season it seemed to stop broadcasting after episode 10, the reason for which soon became clear; Episodes 11 onwards will be airing in Spring 2009!

There is no writer's strike this year so this decision is slightly puzzling, and more than a little irritating, for those of us with short supplies of patience!

What will become of Casey; her dreams to get into politics and her new boyfriend? How will life change for Rusty now he'd survived Hell Week and is a fully fledged member of Kappa Tau Gamma? Will Frannie's new sorority rip Zeta Beta Zeta apart, and which way will Rebecca turn? And what of Cappie, and his complicated little world?

All will be revealed in 6 months!?!

Pirate Brand - arhhh!

2008-11-09T19:36:00.004Z

Rumours are abound that recently disgraced (by way of a Daily Mail bandwagon) Russell Brand will star in the next Pirates of the Caribbean as Captain Jack Sparrow's brother.

He has the look, as the above photo of him dressed as Captain Jack shows, and his general demeanour is pretty much there already. Does he have the acting skills? I've not seen St. Trinians or Forgetting Sarah Marshall to pass comment on that, but I have high hopes...on the high seas?

Alonso Stays At Renault

2008-11-06T07:40:00.004Z

Amongst speculation that he may go elsewhere, 2 time former World Champion Fernando Alonso has signed with Renault for another 2 years. Given the progress Renault made in the 2nd half of the season and the fact that all the competitive teams have their drivers signed up for the 2009 season, this announcement comes as no surprise. What may surprise some is that he has signed for 2 years. Neither Kimi Raikkonen or Felipe Masa is contracted for the 2010 season and Ferrari is the team Alonso has been linked with on numerous occasions.

Also not going to Ferrari is 2008 World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Though his short term future is set with McLaren, through to the end of the 2012 season, Edie Ervine said earlier this week that Hamilton must drive for Ferrari at some point in his career. Hamilton yesterday confirmed what he has always said, that he wants to stay at McLaren and has no plans to ever drive for Ferrari.

Returning to Team Renault, it was announced yesterday that Nelson Piquet would be returning as Alonso's team mate in 2009. Having a somewhat troubled season, the rookie improved in the 2nd half of the season, much like his esteemed team mate, and obviously did enough to secure his drive for 2009.

Pirates Online - 1 Year!

2008-11-04T06:55:00.003Z

MMOG = Massively Multiplayer Online Game

Pirates Online is a Pirates of the Caribbean MMOG, apparently! I recall hearing about this when it was in development, but then our son came along and I thought nothing more of it. It's been going for a year a now and some fun stats about the game are thus:

- Ships Sunk: 121,602,136

- Hands of Blackjack Played: 19,815,360

- Number of Ship Repairs Completed: 33,829,645

- Tattoos Purchased: 288,547

It's free to play and can be downloaded here - maybe when things calm down a bit I too can fulfil those pirate dreams, virtually.

Lewis Hamilton - World Champion

2008-11-02T19:16:00.003Z

He had to finish 5th, he qualified 4th, he finished 5th...just!

What a way to end a Grand Prix season - the title was Hamilton's and then it seemed to slip away as Vettel passed him and Glock didn't pit - had it all gone wrong, again? As Hamilton's many fans watched on in dismay the impossible (or not as it would seem) happened as Hamilton passed a very slow Glock to come in 5th and claim the World Championship. Ahead of him, and almost an afterthought, Masa finished his season with the victory in Sao Paulo and 2nd place in the Driver's Championship.

Hamilton deserved to win, Masa deserved to win - we are guaranteed one heck of a season in 2009, especially with the improvements Renault have made and Alonso behind the wheel of that much improved car.

Congratulations Lewis Hamilton, 2008 Formula 1 World Champion, the youngest ever.

LOST - Season 5 Trailer

2008-10-30T12:11:00.003Z

It almost lost me in Season 3 but Season 4 reeled me back in and now I am looking forward to Season 5 more than any season previous - bring it on!

What's your unpoened game?

2008-10-30T10:42:00.004Z

According to Entertainment Merchants Association, 11% of gamers have at least one unopened game, as in still in the shrink-wrap. Mine is Cars Mater National, and considering I bought my PS3 just before my son was born I am surprised the other 3 have been opened and played!

More worrying is the stack of 10 Blu-rays that remain unwatched - I haven't watched one all the way through yet and the Blu-ray functionality was the main reason I bought the PS3!

Disney does Blu-ray right!

2008-10-28T15:56:00.005Z

Do I want the 50th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty Blu-ray?
Of course, high def all the way!

Do I want the 50th Anniversary Sleeping Beauty DVD?
Sure do, I don't have Blu-ray in every room!

Do I want to pay for both?
NO!

In their infinite wisdom Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment have released Sleeping Beauty on Blu-ray with a special bonus 3rd disc, the DVD! We just need more studios to follow suit, if Paramount Home Entertainment had done that with Iron Man I'd have been over the moon!

New Lily Allen Song

2008-10-26T14:43:00.003Z

Ahead of her postponed new album, It's Not Me, It's You (renamed from Stuck on the Naughty Step), Lily has previewed one of the songs on her MySpace Page (linkage) - Everyone's At It.

Whilst I like it musically, I'm not so keen on the subject matter - drugs! Whilst admitting to drug taking herself, the song wonders when it will stop and when people will admit to it. Hopefully the rest of the songs on the album will be better than this one, time will tell!

Chinese Democracy is real!

2008-10-24T13:08:00.003+01:00

I never downloaded the leaked tracks, I have avoided hearing it on the radio and on November 24th I will be going to an actual shop to purchase a physical copy of this CD. Any other way and I may not believe it is actually real!

After years of speculation its quite exciting to think that the most anticipated record in rock is actually going to be available to buy! Appetite For Destruction, along with Slippery When Wet, saw me through my GCSE exam revision and to this day Sweet Child O' Mine is in my top 5 songs of all time.

However, a Guns N' Roses without Slash does seem a little strange, but I will be listening to this CD with an open mind and the volume up to 11, and probably an air of surreality that the CD has actually materialised!

Captain Zac!

2008-10-21T14:11:00.003+01:00

Following on from Zac Efron's announcement that High School Musical 3 would be his last in the franchise, he has signed up to star in the 4th installment of the continuing Pirates of the Caribbean saga.

Keen to keep arguably the most popular star among teens in the world on their books, Disney have shifted from one popular franchise to another. With Efron starring alongside Johnny Depp in the upcoming pirate tale, is there a female alive that won't want to see this film?

UFC 89: Bisping v Leben

2008-10-20T14:13:00.004+01:00

I was lucky enough to be live at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham this Saturday for UFC 89. Overall I thought it was a great night of action with almost every fight being action packed.

The main event between England's own Michael Bisping and fiery Chris Leben was to and fro for 3 rounds with Bisping getting the unanimous decision, and rightly so. Saying afterwards that he was going for the unanimous decision was maybe not the right way to endear himself to fans, where as Leben seemed to get the fans back on side being so humble in defeat and being glad he'd given the fans a great fight.

Fight of the night goes to Chris Lytle v Paul Taylor which was a standup fan's dream with a maximum of 60 seconds on the ground and the action being furious from the start to the very last second. Taylor lost nothing in defeat and did his home fans proud.

Another English fighter and one for the future, is Dan hardy who beat eccentric Pride veteran Akihiro Gono by split decision in a result that doesn't really do him justice. A decorated fighter around the world it is nice to see him recognised in the premier MMA organisation in the world.

Brandon Vera's loss to Keith Jardine only reinforced my belief that his confidence is absent since his return to the UFC. Taking nothing away from an always dangerous Jardine (you don't beat Liddell and Griffin without considerable skills), but if that had been the Vera of old the fight would have been different, and probably shorter!

Other fights saw Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou overcome by Luis Cane (TKO), Marcus Davis beat England's Paul Kelly (Submission), Shane Carwin beat Neil Wain (TKO in just 91 seconds), David Bielkheden beat Jess Liaudin (Unanimous Decision), Jim Miller beat David Baron (Submission) and a much more confident Terry Etim beat Sam Stout (Unanimous Decision).

Also debuting at UFC 89 was Ref Mic - a little radio that could be purchased for £10 and meant I could listen to the commentary whilst attending the event live. A great idea which I have since been informed started with motor racing and added much enjoyment to my whole UFC experience.

Next on the UFC calendar is UFC 90 this coming Saturday which sees Patrick Cote look to unseat Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva - good luck Patrick, you're going to need it!

Victory in China

2008-10-20T14:08:00.002+01:00

From pole to finish, Lewis Hamilton led the Chinese Grand Prix, with Kimi Raikkonen chasing until such time as it was right to let title challenger Felipe Masa pass.

With his 5th victory of the season, Lewis is now 7 points ahead of Felipe Masa going into the last race of the season in Brazil in 2 weeks time. 5th place or higher and Lewis Hamilton is the 2008 Formula 1 World Champion.

As much as I was thrilled to see Lewis win and edge that much closer to the Championship, as a race fan it was a pretty dull race with little action. What it did reinforce was how much the Renault cars have come on as the season has progressed with Fernando Alonso spearheading that renewed charge.

Pole Position, but the enemy is close.

2008-10-18T08:44:00.002+01:00

After a mistake in his penultimate lap of Q3 it looked like Hamilton could have some chasing to do at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix tomorrow, but a lightning quick last lap saw him streak to his 7th pole position of the season, more than 3 tenths of a second ahead of closest rival Kimi Raikkonen.

However, things are not as rosy as they seem; Hamilton shares the front row of the grid with 2007 Champion and team-mate of Felipe Masa, Kimi Raikkonen. Sitting in the second row of the grid are Hamilton's current Championship challenger and Raikkonen's Ferrari team-mate, Felipe Masa as well as Hamilton's ex-team-mate Fernando Alonso. Alonso said this week that he will try to help Masa win the Championship. In 5th place, and lining up in the 3rd row on the grid, is Hamilton's team-mate at McLaren and nearest ally, Heikki Kovalainen.

If Hamilton doesn't get a good start tomorrow he could be in for the fight of his life and it'll be time to truly test his mettle and rise to meet the expectations of his many fans, and shut the critics up. Hamilton can seek solace in the fact that Robert Kubica, who is currently 3rd in the Championship and statistically the only driver other than Masa who can beat Hamilton for the Championship, qualified in a lowly 11th place.

Under a pound!

2008-10-18T07:08:00.004+01:00

It's been a long time since the litres counter increased faster than the money counter but yesterday, when I filled up with unleaded petrol, it did just that...albeit very slightly!

99.9p a litre, it felt like Christmas had come early - long may it continue and lower may it go.

Happy Early Birthday Marvel

2008-10-17T12:53:00.004+01:00

As a fairly new reader of Marvel comics I can't recall much of the past 70 years of Marvel, but 70 years is indeed the landmark that Marvel will be celebrating in 2009. Click through to a larger version of the graphic above and you'll see a few of the plans Marvel have announced so far.

Most exciting to me is the Marvel Masterworks in paperback format. As awesome as the Masterworks are, and I even have the first Spider-man volume, they are pretty expensive in their native hardback format.

As you would expect, the characters featured in the 70th Anniversary logo are the subject current Marvel film franchises or in the case of Captain America and Thor, upcoming films.

F-1 Disney...one step closer

2008-10-16T13:34:00.003+01:00

The Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA) have today announced that the 2009 French Grand Prix, due to take place at Magny Cours in June, has been cancelled. They are citing the current financial situation as the reason.

With the backing of former World Champion and F1 team owner Alain Prost, Val d'Europe (the site of Disneyland Resort Paris) has been announced by French racing federation Chief Executive Nicolas Deschaux as the frontrunner for the 2010 French Grand Prix and the only one of the 6 proposed sites that will be ready in time.

Just one step closer to a dream collaboration for some...

"I'm just being Miley"

2008-10-15T20:39:00.007+01:00

If you don't know the name Miley Cyrus or her television alter ego Hannah Montana, then you've probably been living under a rock for the past 6 months, or listening exclusively to Radio 4. Miley, daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus (remember Achy Breaky Heart?), is a megastar in America and one of the top franchises under the Disney banner at the moment.

Miley has recently been over to London for the first time and performed at BBC Switch this past Sunday. It has just been announced that at a mere 15 years old, she has finished a book of her life, for which she was paid a 7 figure sum. While some may baulk at this, anyone who has ever heard Miley talk will know this is a young lady with her head well and truly screwed on. Coming from a show business family is never easy and when driven along by the Disney media machine, well, life must have been pretty hectic.

The book is due out in March 2009 and I for one am quite intrigued to see what a 15 year old fills a whole book with, even one as successful as Miss Cyrus!

Big Bunny!

2008-10-15T07:30:00.001+01:00

1. Upon up or download Google Earth
2. Go to 44°14' N 7°46' E
3. Look at the big bunny!

This is part of an art project in Prata Nevoso, Italy to give the illusion of feeling small! Sounds like fun, unless like Anya from Buffy the Vampire Slayer you are scared of bunnies, especially big fluffy ones!

You're suing Bon Jovi for how much?

2008-10-13T20:15:00.004+01:00

Samuel Steele, the writer of a song called (Man I Really Love) This Team is suing Bon Jovi because he says they plagiarised his song when writing I Love This Town.

If anyone can point me in the direction of the lyrics of Steele's song I'd be grateful as I am keen to compare the 2 songs.

For now I'll just stay bewildered at the amount he is suing Bon Jovi for.......$400 Billion! It's a compliment to Bon Jovi that Steele thinks he is owed that much, no matter how wildly deluded he is!

By the way, the photo at the top is one I took at Twickenham on June 28th this year and is of Bon Jovi playing I Love This Town!

Faux Pas in Fuji

2008-10-12T08:13:00.005+01:00

This picture of the podium in Japan shows Fernando Alonso as the winner, Robert Kubica in 2nd and Kimi Raikkenon in 3rd. Championship contender Felipe Masa gained 1 point with an 8th place finish while Championship leader Lewis Hamilton got no points finishing in 12th.

After being overtaken by Raikkenon at the start, Hamilton took a very aggressive strategy which led to him losing more places, colliding with Masa (well, Masa colliding with him!) and ending up at the back of the field. A drive through penalty for both Hamilton and Masa for separate incidents meant neither were going to add to their Championship totals by much.

Hamilton didn't need to attack quite so vehemently and in doing so he probably cost himself a decent haul of points and an extension of his lead at the top of the Championship. Hamilton races with the head of a Champion at times, but at others, like in Japan today, he races with a hot head which leads to unnecessary mistakes which put his potential as the Champion at risk. Hamilton needs to learn that he doesn't need to win every race to win the Championship and sometimes holding back a bit is better in the long run.

We look forward to China and Brazil with the Championship very much still up for grabs and a chasing Kubica even looking like an outside chance - remember Raikkenon last year?

UPDATE: Masa actually scored 2 points after Sébastien Bourdais got penalised post-race and relegated in the race positions, in what is a ridiculous call on the part of the stewards.

No College Musical?

2008-10-12T07:45:00.003+01:00

"This will be the last one.

"We're all in our senior year and have graduated. It is sad but we all have to grow up some time and now it is our time.

"We have saved the best for last – but this is definitely our last stop on the school trip."

These are the words of Zac 'Troy' Efron, talking to Telegraph.co.uk after the premiere of High School Musical 3 in London earlier this week. Devastating news to millions of HSM fans around the world but the right move for Efron who has surely done all he can with this franchise and has seen stock in Hollywood rise massively. In the same interview Efron said that the leading role in Footloose is an attractive one and with the director wanting him for the main part, this could be Efron's next project.

Girlfriend and co-star Vanessa Hudgens agrees with Efron but Corbin Bleu has said he will do another HSM. Without Efron and Hudgens, Bleu would take centre stage along with Ashley Tilsdale, if she were to stay, and given his modest success away from the HSM franchise this could be his best move.

The big question is whether Disney will continue with High School Musical without its two main characters? The wise bet would be on yes - you only have to look at some of the straight-to-DVD sequels/prequels of the animated films to see evidence of Disney milking a franchise for all it is worth! Maybe they will take inspiration from Saved by the Bell and we will see High School Musical: The New Class!

Hamilton takes pole in Japan!

2008-10-11T09:23:00.003+01:00

In an incredibly exciting round of qualifying at Fuji Speedway in Japan, Lewis Hamilton snatched pole position from an ever improving Kimi Raikkonen with his last lap of the session. It got even better as fast laps from Fernando Alonso and McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen meant Championship challenger Felipe Masa is down in 5th on the grid for the start of tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix.

It is one year ago that Lewis Hamilton gave a career best performance in the Land of the Rising Sun and put himself in an almost unreachable position at the top of the Driver's Championship. Of course subsequent events showed that position to be oh so very reachable, as Kimi Raikkonen ended up overtaking Hamilton and claiming the 2007 crown.

With a lead of 7 points, hopefully Hamilton can match last year's performance and go into the last 2 races of 2008 with an even bigger lead and an increased chance of ending the season as the Champion.

MERDE!

2008-10-11T07:49:00.000+01:00

The various adventures, exploits and titillations of Paul West span 4 books, so far, and are chronicled by Stephen Clarke.

A Year in the Merde gave us our first look at the sometimes complicated but often funny life of Paul West in his quest to open an English Tea Room in France - a far more taxing project than any of us could ever imagine. Merde Actually picks up where A Year in the Merde left off and sees Paul's dream come reality, and an emphasis now put on finding Madame Parfait! The third instalment, Merde Happens, sees events take many an interesting turn in a Mini Cooper and a location change to America!

The 4th and most recent book is Dial M for Merde and is a murder mystery (as one would no doubt guess from the title) with our hero Paul West in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person, or is it?

Clarke's books are full of fun, frolics and an impressive amount of culture and history. An assortment of fantastic characters and captivating story make all these books page turners which come with the highest of recommendations. See for yourself at Stephen's website: linkage!

Superhero eat flesh!

2008-10-08T14:02:00.001+01:00

Continuing the previous blog's discussion of combing two great things...

Marvel Superheroes + Zombies = MUCH FUN!

Previous Marvel Zombie series have been great and is a nice change of pace from the sometimes overly serious Marvel world, with lots of humour and some great interaction between the different zombie characters.

Preview series 3 here.

Forumla 1 at Disneyland Resort Paris

2008-10-07T18:43:00.000+01:00

It's like somebody read my mind decided to put two of my favourite things together! The latest news is that Disneyland Resort Paris is the preferred venue of Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone for the 2010 French Grand Prix. The final shortlist of 4 venues will be released on October 15th - here's hoping!

Though it would be an immensely expensive trip it would be a once in a life time opportunity (unless my lottery numbers come up) to combine a holiday at Disneyland Resort Paris with attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix in person. Throw in a Pirates of the Caribbean 4 premiere and it'd be beyond perfect!

The French Grand Prix is held in June which is the perfect time to visit Disneyland Resort Paris, not that I've been in June! However, off season and nice weather make it a very attractive proposition.

No more Buffalo Trading Co.?

2008-10-04T17:59:00.000+01:00

Visit Disney Village at Disneyland Resort Paris and there is one shop that stands out more than all the others due to its unique theming, and that is the Buffalo Trading Co. Kitted out to go with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, it is a Western themed shop which sells not only Cowboy inspired Disney goods but also genuine Western goods and clothing with no affiliation to Disney - a rare but refreshing sight in a Disney park!

The latest rumour is that Disneyland Resort Paris will be getting a Starbucks and that the chosen location will be where the fantastic Buffalo Trading Co. currently stands - oh :( We visit the shop probably once every day when we visit and often buy some bits, something others obviously don't.

I'll be very sad to see it go, but if it were being replaced by something just as special it would soften the blow. Seeing a coffee shop that you can see every 200 yards on any high street is a huge disappointment. My only hope is that like a lot of rumours, this one never comes to fruition.

Watch Clone Wars you must!

2008-10-04T08:56:00.001+01:00

Since was Lucas was born in May my visits to the cinema have been reduced to, well, none! A whole summer of blockbuster films have passed me by, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As a self-confessed Star Wars ‘fan boy’, not seeing The Clone Wars is the first occasion in my life where I haven't jumped at the first opportunity to climb aboard the Star Wars bandwagon!

So, a big sign that I really need to watch the aforementioned CGI Force-Fest as soon as possible? The TV series, of which the Clone Wars film was the lead-in, has already started in America with episodes 1 and 2 having aired! It won't be long until it makes its way to the UK, hopefully not too long after the Blu-ray has been released and I can catch-up!

May the force be with us all...

Friday Night Lights is back

2008-10-03T12:27:00.000+01:00

The Dillon Panthers are back for a 3rd season, though I suspect it could be the last season. Friday Night Lights started out as a fantastic book written in 1990 by H. G. Bissinger. In 2004 it was made into a film starring Billy Bob Thornton among others. Finally, in 2006 the TV show premiered which saw the Permian Panthers substituted for the fictional Dillon Panthers.

The TV show is a great mix of characters, storylines and terrific acting the whole way through. Steering away from the glamorous and sensationalist storylines that have become popular of so many TV dramas, Friday Night Lights is gritty and down to earth, with lots for people to identify with both from the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

Season 2 was cut short to just 15 episodes because of the Writers Guild of America strike and season 3 has only been commissioned for 13 episodes. Running back and star of the Panthers Brian 'Smash' Williams along with paralysed ex QB1 (First String Quarterback) Jason Street are two characters that won't be returning on a regular basis which makes sense as Smash has gone to play college football and Jason's storylines were running dry in season 2.

The awesome Tim Riggins will be returning along with the rest of the cast and there are a few additions, one of which will be making a play for Matt Saracen's QB1 position.

In short, this may be the greatest TV show you have never seen, or maybe even heard of! Season 1 is available on DVD in the UK (Seasons 1 and 2 are on DVD in America) and you really should buy it, you'll be doing yourself an injustice if you don't.

GO PANTHERS!

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 is a go!

2008-10-02T12:41:00.001+01:00

In the best film related news since the announcement of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and its subsequent sequels, a 4th Pirates of the Caribbean has been all but confirmed!

Yes, the mighty Johnny Depp will be reprising his role as the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow, but there will be no return for Knightly and Bloom, so no Elizabeth and Will. The Hollywood grapevine is saying that Geoffrey Rush will be back which means Captain Barbossa graces our screens once more and that Gore Verbinski will be back at the helm to direct.

With the announcement of Depp and Rush I am hoping for a prequel which will story the conflict between Sparrow and Rush that was alluded to in the first film. The story of Elizabeth and Will has run its course so their absence won't be missed here. Other characters I'd like to see return are Lee Arenberg and Mackenzie Crook as Pintel and Ragetti respectively, and possibly Naomie Harris as Tia Dalma to tell the story of her time with Barbossa. Stellan Skarsgård as Bootstrap Bill would seem appropriate too and would be an extra family tie in to the first three films.

As an obsessive of the ride at Disneyland Resort Paris ride and a huge fan of the first three films, I am overjoyed that a 4th film is more than likely going to be made - Yo Ho Yo Ho, A Pirates Life For Me - Indeed!

Do you recognise them?

2008-09-30T18:21:00.001+01:00

The Centre at Milton Keynes is a frequent destination choice of ours on a Sunday as it's a good place to take Lucas sun, rain or snow - though we probably wouldn't drive there is it snowed. Collectormania have held events there for a few years now and as a comic book, sci-fi, TV and film fan it is always a nice conicidence to be there for the event.

At £15 - £20 an autograph I didn't get to meet any of the stars but they were all close enough to see. I saw Amber Benson (Tara in Buffy), Morena Baccarin (Inara in Firefly) and Mecedes McNab (Harmony in Buffy and Angel)to name but a few. One I would have been tempted to meet, had he not had a 'no posed photos' sign above his head, was Michael Rosenbaum who plays Lex Luthor in the awesome Smallville, but see how different he looks:

Also looking rather different was Jeff Cohen AKA Chunk from The Goonies:

Apart from a mock SFX front cover featuring Lucas and I, I only bought a Christmas present for Denise.

Leave Karate Kid Alone!

2008-09-29T16:06:00.000+01:00

I may be late in reacting to this but I have just heard the news that they are re-making Karate Kid, with Will Smith's son as the lead part of Daniel Larusso - if indeed that is the name he uses, which I doubt.

Karate Kid is a classic 80s film that tells a story of the underdog turning the tables on the bully, in classic idealistic style, getting the girl and the car along the way. The film is just as good now as it was then and does not need an overhaul from the Fresh Prince and his offspring.

Recent history should be enough to warn people off the idea of remaking a film that was a classic the first time round; King Kong and Superman Returns being a prime example of this.

The last, and possibly most important point, is that Pat Morita who played Mr Miyagi has sadly passed away and any attempt to recast him would be categorically wrong and punishable in the most painful way.