Halloween - were you tricked or treated?

Had three visits so far tonight from groups of youngsters in Halloween costumes and very realistic scary masks! They got bags of sweets and chewing gum so that should keep them busy!!

The Golden Joystick Awards - Video games

Amazing how far we have come with video games in terms of sophistication and special effects. 1.54 million gamers voted online for their favourite games. 1.54 million gamers is a far cry to those days when it was mainly school and college kids who dabbled in video games. It appeals to all - old and young and gets more addictive by the day!

Ultimate Game of the Year was presented to Electronic Arts for Mass Effect 2 who also won Role Playing Game of the Year at The Golden Joystick Awards event.

Take That - One Million Tickets and Robbie Williams

One million tickets were sold in less than 24 hours for Take That latest tour.
My neighbour's daughter and her friends were thrilled to have got tickets. Stories of websites crashing and phone lines constantly engaged made them nervous. One consolation is that new dates have been added for the tour.
All five members of the band - Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, Mark Owen,Gary Barlow and Jason Orange will be together so should be a great tour.

Nissan Micra - a car I loved. Recall over ignition relay

I drove a Nissan Micra for many years. Great make of car which I found reliable and good on petrol consumption! I note that the Nissan Motor Co said today it would recall over 2 million March/Micra, Cube and other models to fix a faulty ignition relay that could cause engine problems.

Most of the faulty vehicles were built in Japan, Britain, the United States, Spain, China between August 2003 and July 2006. It is good when companies are prepared to invest in sales and service of their products long after the customer has acquired their products

Apple TV and Apple Store Regent Street

Colleagues at work mentioned the new Apple TV which has a choice of offerings - romance, drama and comedy amongst others. They said it is compact, energy efficient with a built-in power supply.

I am going to pop over to the Apple Store in Regent Street in London's West End tomorrow to have a look. Although I have a Freeview box, I do not have satellite (yet!) so an Apple TV could be justified!

The Secret Millionaire - Channel 4

I am looking forward to the next episode of The Secret Millionaire next Sunday 24th October at 9PM on Channel 4

It will feature the Toy Tycoon Richard North in Cardiff. Always fascinating as the millionaires get involved with the less fortunate and needy in society. Makes an impact on the millionaires themselves, the subject and no doubt viewers like us

Weddings in McDonald's!

My friends were talking to me over lunch today about the plans for McDonald's in Hong Kong to allow weddings starting in January. We thought it was a great idea.

It will be special for people who met or dated there. It should be brought to the UK. Closed to members of the public though so will have to be after hours and certainly serving Big Mac's, Milkshakes and Fries!

Chilean Miners - great rescue

Watching the day to day rescue effort of the thirty-three Chilean miners made great viewing. Team effort, technology and determination of the rescuers and miners made It all possible. There are lessons to be learnt on mine safety, welfare and technology.
Hope the various Mining organisations and governments implement improvements and set strict standards straight away. I wonder how many of those miners will go down the mines again? A great day for the miners families and Chile. Team effort in times of crises.

Ken Follett's - 'The Pillars of the Earth' - Medieval Drama

I love a good medieval drama.
The eight part TV mini-series (made for £25m by Scott and his brother Tony in collaboration with a German production company) is to be broadcast on Channel 4 next week

Some notable actors like Ian McShane and Sarah Parish alongside Hollywood veteran Donald Sutherland should make viewing.

National Lottery Winner - £113,019,926 prize

My friends and I were discussing the National Lottery and the still unclaimed prize of £113 million plus.
We wondered why he/she/they have not come rushing forward to claim the prize. All sorts of explanation were put forward - still waiting for other members of the syndicate to be present (maybe on holiday, etc), lost the ticket or still getting over the shock of winning mega millions! We would be!!

And - the £8,500 in Interest a day............

Manchester United - West Bromwich Albion - Another good result for Roberto Di Matteo's West Brom

This was an exciting game to watch. After Manchester United Hernandez and Nani scored, I was convinced which team would win the game but West Brom, Patrice Evra's own goal and Somen Tchoyi's goal changed all that.

This was the third consecutive draw for Manchester United who have not won in the Premier League since 19th September. Can they pull off the next few games or is it a sign of things to come?