Latest Mac

Maybe this is what Steve Jobs didn't want to demo at MacWorld!

I'm a PC

I was reading some blog this morning and in the corner I noticed a familiar face on an advert.

Nordic Walking

On the advice of my Slovene physio, I had a training session of Nordic Walking last week on Parkers Piece.

Nordic Walking originates from cross-country skiiers wanting to practise during the Summer. The poles are much shorter than for skiing, but some of the same principles apply.

It's surprisingly easy to learn the (very) basics. It's an odd sensation when you're walking. You seem to walk slightly faster than normal, yet it feels easier than walking normally. (You put very little pressure on the sticks, so it is a little surprising.) The interesting fact is that you burn a lot more energy compared to standard walking (around 40% more). I'm doing it because it also forces you to equalize your stride - something that you *don't* do when you have an arthritic ankle:-(

So, if you see someone on Madingley Road looking like this, it's probably me. [When my daughters are teenagers, I might have to stop!]

Mapple

I want a Mapple!

[Thanks to Matt for the link.]

Dinner at Efes

We had a great dinner at Efes last night. We went with a crowd of friends from our neighbourhood. Lucy was there - who, impressively, is the only one of us with an entry in imdb! [She has a lovely voice.]

Britney Spears

Picture this. Britney Spears. Actually, Britney Spears in fishnet tights. More, Britney Spears in fishnet tights and black sequin hotpants. Something *exactly* like this:

Okay, now imagine all of this about 1 metre in front of you. Got that picture in your mind? Yes? Well you are now picturing what I was actually doing on Saturday night!!! Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes.

Mateja, Matt, Judith and I were in the audience for X-factor! We bid for the tickets at the Milton Road Auction of Promises that was held in the Summer to raise funds for the school. So I was that close to Britney "for charity" :-)

We had a fantastic time. It was fascinating to see how a live broadcast show is put together - the people are incredibly skillful, but things really are being arranged until 1-2 seconds before the cameras come back on! We had really great seats; here I am behind Danni's shoulder:

(You can just about make out my "I HEART BRITNEY" T-shirt!)

As we were guests of the producer we got to have a drink afterwards in the studio. I chatted with Diana - one of the contestants - she's a real sweetie. Mateja chatted with Eoghan. We ended the evening in the hotel bar chatting with Eoghan's Dad.