Robert Downey Jr. is Iron Man....

Apparently Robert Downey Jr will be playing billionaire Tony Stark, aka superhero “Iron Man”.
I think that's an inspired choice, considering the histories of both the actor and comic character...
Iron Man role for actor Downey Jr

I'm back (for now).......

Apologies for being away for awhile, but my flat was recently flooded.
I'm currently staying elsewhere while the decorators are in, but obviously all this hassle will reduce my time on my blog (sorry).

The LifeStraw

On the news tonight - something that gave me pause for thought...
A new straw that purifies water as it is drunk is hoped to be part of a solution to water-borne disease killing thousands in developing countries.
Water from most sources can be drunk if done so through the LifeStraw say the makers of the product. It's priced at around $3.50 (£1.85) a straw and each straw is expected to last for around 700 litres, around six months to a year.
Considering that more than one billion people – one sixth of the world’s population - are without access to safe water supply, this invention sounds incredible.
New straw to kill disease as you drink

Steve Irwin - postscript...

Dead stingrays with their tails cut off are found in Australia, amid fears Steve Irwin fans may be avenging his death.
Somehow, I don't think this is how Steve should be remembered and it goes against everything he believed in...
Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks'

Respect due....

The bodies of 14 servicemen killed when an RAF Nimrod crashed in Afghanistan have arrived back at the aircraft's home base at Kinloss in Moray.
When it comes to our fighting forces, I have the upmost respect for those men who put their lives on the line for the rest of us.
My condolences to the families and friends of the fallen:

Flt Lt Steven Johnson
Flt Lt Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore
Flt Lt Gareth Rodney Nicholas
Flt Lt Allan James Squires
Flt Lt Steven Swarbrick
Flt Sgt Gary Wayne Andrews
Flt Sgt Stephen Beattie
Flt Sgt Gerard Martin Bell
Flt Sgt Adrian Davies
Sgt Benjamin James Knight
Sgt John Joseph Langton
Sgt Gary Paul Quilliam
Marine Joseph Windall
L Cpl Oliver Dicketts

Rest In Peace.
RAF bodies return home to Kinloss

9/11 remembered....

Today will be the 5th anniversary of that awful event. Respect due to the fallen innocents on that grim day.

Dear George Lucas...

I watched "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" on TV yesterday - for the first time in ages.
I thought it was still as enjoyable as always (bar those darned Ewoks, who were still irritating) - that is, until I saw the ending.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
In the original version of Return of the Jedi, Sebastian Shaw portrayed both the dying Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) and his ghost, who appears alongside the spirits of Yoda & Obi-Wan Kenobi at the end of the movie:

However, in the version shown on TV, Sebastian Shaw is replaced by Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin in the prequel movies Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. After a spot of researching, I learned George Lucas tinkered with the ending, apparently to strengthen the relationship between the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy:


I know my response is wayyy too late, but George - whatever your reasons for modifying the ending, I wished you'd remembered the old maxim: if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Farewell, Steve Irwin.....

Australian environmentalist and television personality Steve Irwin was killed after being fatally pieced through the heart by a stingray's barb yesterday while diving.
It's a shame that a man famous for handling dangerous creatures such as crocodiles, spiders, black mambas and a komodo dragon, would perish from a freak accident (apparently attacks on humans are a rarity - only one other person is known to have died in Australia from a stingray attack at St Kilda, Melbourne in 1945).
RIP Steve...you died doing what you loved best.
Obituary: Steve Irwin

Proof you can't buy class....

And the Ca$hley - William Gallas saga rumbles on....
Chelsea claim they sold William Gallas because he threatened to score an own goal if he was selected.
Gallas 'issued own-goal threat'

Compare and contrast with Arsène's dignified comments about Ca$hley's departure:

'Upon Ashley`s departure I would like to thank him on behalf of the team and everyone connected with the Club for his contribution to our success over recent years, Ashley has always played with his heart for Arsenal.'
'I remember giving him his debut nearly seven years ago and he grabbed the opportunity. He had a strong desire to succeed and ultimately it was that determination that sees him leave this Club. Ashley has grown up with Arsenal and given time, will hopefully appreciate what the Club has given him. I feel the future is bright for this team and look forward to seeing it challenge for honours.'

These statements demonstrate the difference between the two clubs. Personally, I hope Gallas just ignores this petty, childish smear attempt by Chelski (true or not) and gets on with playing football for Arsenal.

Notting Hill Carnival 2006

Some pics from this year's Notting Hill Carnival (which took place on Sunday 27 August and Monday 28 August).....
500,000 party at London carnival

Ca$hley (continued)

Good riddance - AFC has removed someone who clearly din't want to be at Arsenal (Mr Cheryl Tweedy), got cash (£5 million) and a world class player who DOES want to be here in exchange (William Gallas).
Job done - now it's time to move on and put Ca$hley behind us........
Cole proves his worth by giving us the biggest yawn of the year

A new era (continued)?

England 5-0 Andorra
An easy win for England yesterday - but Andorra were worse than Greece, so England was never really stretched. The real test for Steve McClaren and the lads will come away to Russia, Croatia and Israel.
England 5-0 Andorra