Before I go much further, I must say that Ellie’s music is NOT the genre I’d normally listen to. R&B, Hip Hop, and Dance is more ‘my thing’ if I’m going to be honest. But the voice was so angelic it forced me to listen again and again, drawing me into a state of relaxation – and admiration.

Of course, I thought it necessary to tell Ellie how pleasing her music was, and we had a conversation where she revealed that she had almost got a deal with a major record label before they pulled out for some inexplicable reason, and was therefore now a member of Sellaband. I for one had never heard of this site, but was informed that it was a social network site for unsigned music artists to gain exposure, and more importantly, raise funds to produce their album. At the time, the funds required was set at $50,000.

The site works by allowing others to buy ‘parts’ or shares in any artist on the site. Each part cost $10 and contributed to the artists funds. So, I bought an undisclosed number of parts in Ellie Williams. She raised the $50,000 in just 50 days, proof of her talent if it was needed.

That was almost 2 years ago. Today, my limited edition CD’s that I am entitled to for being one of the believers dropped onto my doorstep, and I couldn’t wait to hear the final production.

I was – once again – blown away by the talent. As I’ve previously mentioned, it’s not my normal choice of music genre, but the album is beautiful in every way. All 11 tracks are stunningly produced and showcase Ellie’s naturally angelic voice perfectly.

I could go on, but I’m no expert at reviewing music. I’m sure you have noticed already! I can only recommend that you preview the album on iTunes, or visit her website at EllieWilliams.co.uk. Feel free to let me know your thoughts on the album.

Download the album: or Amazon

Answers on a postcard please – or alternatively, and probably the better option, post them in the comments section below!

Now, I’ve never been a fan of Louis Walsh. He’s not funny, and not cool. But, he has made money and had huge success with Westlife and Boyzone so guess I shouldn’t be so judgmental, right? Ok, I will…

What the hell is he doing putting through the two most cocky, arrogant, and damn right annoying people I have ever seen appear on the X Factor. I am already praying – despite the fact I am not religious in the slightest – that the idiots are booted out next week. I’m sure that deep down they are nice guys – actually, I’m not certain of that at all. What I mean, though, is that they could be out killing people or something, but they’re not.

What is even more frustrating, is that not only are they annoying, but also not very good at singing – and look ridiculous too. Or, maybe I’m just getting a little old? I’m approaching 30 now after all, so maybe I just don’t ‘get’ the youth of today anymore!!

So, this is my one man campaign to PLEASE vote them out the competition next week – presuming it’s possible of course. Feel free to join my campaign by posting below! If you need a little inspiration, here’s a video for you;

You need to get out more

Closely followed by the realization that I have a very valid point. Alright, maybe you’ll stick with your first response, but something tells me that I can’t be the only one to think this…..

Why is it that a police horse can ‘poo’ on the pavement and leave it there, when a dog owner faces a fine for doing the same?! Maybe I should rephrase that, I mean the dog poos, not the owner – but the owner faces a fine, not the dog!!

Obviously I’m fully supportive of the fact that dog owners should be cleaning up after their beloved pet. We have all managed to step in dog mess before, and know how frustrating it is! But, I’d prefer to step in dog excretement than a mountain of, well, horse shit for want of a better expression.

Only this evening, on a short walk to McDonalds – due to my lack of desire to cook – as I approached a pedestrain crossing in the centre of town after the sun had set, I almost put my foot in a huge pile of the stuff. I was so close due to the darkness coupled with my concentration on the crossing I was approaching.

But, I was the lucky one. As I looked down there was a human foot print right in the middle. Yes, somebody had put their foot into a big pile of horse shit. About a size 9 by the look of it, if you’re interested.

It’s almost impossible to see until you’re in it, so I can only guess how many others are going to fall into the trap before morning.

But, we surely cannot expect our police officers to carry around an industrial sized ‘pooper-scooper’ can we? I guess not – although the thought is a funny one! The only solution I can think of is a rule that forces said police officer on the guilty horse to contact a clean-up team (AKA the council) to sort out the mess instantly. Council workers should be on ‘horse shit call’ at all times…….maybe.

Of course, we cannot blame the horses. When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go – and training a horse to pop into the local public toilets to take a dump is unrealistic at best. This leads me to question the necessity of police on horseback. Do we really need that? Our police officers too lazy to walk now?

Either way, and whatever the solution, it needs to be addressed as next time it may be my size 9 print in the centre of the pile!

P.S. If there were not other people around I would have taken a photo as proof – but thought I may get a few strange looks if seen taking pictures of horse poo. I’m sure you understand….

Nobody likes stress, so why do so many among us choose to react so negatively to life’s insignificant events? The inspiration for this post is a man in his forties who behaved so ridiculously at a train station the other day. I haven’t seen anyone act so pathetically in all my life.

The almost unbelievable story- I promise it is 100% true – goes as follows;

I buy my coffee at Bristol Temple Meads station and check the latest update. I’m waiting for a train to Taunton that is running ten minutes late. As I thank the girl behind the counter who has expertly prepared my cappuccino, I turn towards platform 8 to find a seat.

There are approx 20 other people waiting for the train, none of whom are looking particularly happy with life. As I find a seat next to a man reading a book I pull out my phone to send a quick text to my ‘lift’ informing them of the small delay.

As I hit send, a man pacing up and down the platform draws my attention. Every time he turns around he glances at the platform information board to check on the train’s status. It’s due in 8 minutes. He sighs over and over again.

On the 5^th or 6^th glance he notices the train is now delayed by a further 2 minutes, and this is where he begins to react in such a childish manner. Let us not forget that 2 minutes is ONLY 120 SECONDS! On seeing this insignificant extension to the delay, he says to himself (but out aloud) ‘for f*ck sake’ and shakes his head in disbelief that a train that he has to catch dares to inconvenience him.

Before we get any further, I have to admit that I don’t like having to wait for something or someone that is running late. But, I do not get stressed about it as there is no point.

After the 10 minutes has passed an automated message comes over the public address system;

“The train now approaching platform 8 is the delayed 1244 cross country service to Plymouth, calling at Taunton etc, etc”

We all stand up and begin to gather our things together. Some passengers rush to edge of the platform in a desperate attempt to ensure they are first on to the train – don’t ask me why!

A minute goes by, before another message is played;

“Attention, this is a platform alteration. The delayed 1244 service to Plymouth will now be arriving at platform 6”

Now, this is MILDLY annoying as I have two heavy bags with me that I need to carry down one set of steps and carry back up another. But, being an adult, I understand that these things happen from time to time.

Our friend from before obviously takes this issue rather more seriously as he kicks his bag in disgust before shouting ‘f*cking hell’ at the top of his voice and picking is bag up in a blind temper and storming off down the steps.

While making his way up to platform 6 he spots a cleaner. With his anger still controlling his actions he obviously feels the need to take it out on somebody who looks as though they may work at the station. Therefore he stops alongside her, and barks ‘PLATFORM 6?’ as a means to find out if he is going the right way (despite the fact there are 20 or so of us all heading the same direction – and it’s clearly marked). In utter disgust at the way this idiot had just spoken to her, she chooses not to respond vocally and point up the steps instead. At this point he runs off up to the platform, pushing past people as he went.

I – thankfully – did not see him for the remainder of my short journey, but it would not surprise me if he spent his trip looking at his watch, shaking his head, and complaining to anyone working onboard the train.

This is just one example of many incidents, with varying degrees of intensity, I’ve witnessed in my time on earth thus far, but possibly the worst. It led me to start thinking;

Why Do We Let Life’s Insignificant Hurdles Bring Us Down?

I do not wish to sound morbid, but either one of us could be involved in a tragic accident tomorrow and this really could be our last day on this planet. So many of us, however, will have reacted badly to something small and meaningless at some point within the last 24 hours.

The guy at the train station let a tiny 10 minute delay to a train ruin his mood, and for what? The train was still 10 minutes late!

As humans we do not have control over many of life’s obstacles. Things do not always go as planned. BUT, we CAN control our response to these obstacles. Those who react positively will be far more successful in life than those who do not; I can assure you of that.

Next time a train is an hour late, or your flight is delayed or cancelled, react positively. Anger will not help you, but only serve to make the situation worse.

Of course, I try my hardest. I have sensitive skin, and therefore I buy face products and shaving gel formulated for such skin. Following advice, I also leave it as late as possible before scraping the stubble; always after a shower allowing the steam to work its supposed wonders. Unfortunately though, it still hurts!

I’m a huge fan of the King of Shaves product range. The face washes, scrubs, and moisturisers are all amazing and receive a huge Life Reviewed stamp of approval. When it comes to shavers though, I’ve always been a Gillette fan. So, when KOS announced the release of the Azor Razor I was sceptical that it could beat my trusted Gillette Fusion Power.

Never judge anything until you have tried it – right?

Having run out of blades for my Gillette, I decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and try out the Azor. After all, it’s under £5 in Boots at the moment.

So, finally we get to the point. Is the Azor the next big thing in shaving?

I don’t think so. I’m going to be honest with you, I was quite disappointed. Admittedly I have only used it 5-6 times now, but every time I have I’ve ended up with blood coming from various parts of my face – something I never got from my trusted Gillette.

As careful as I tried to be, I still got the same result. Its other major flaw seems to be precision. For sideburns it is impossible to judge where the shaver is going to start shaving from – making precision almost impossible. The blades seem to be quite a distance from the ‘top’ of the razor, making it difficult to shave under the nose. If only it was possible to move the nose out of the way during shaving, then this would not be a problem.

Now, I will be continuing to use the Azor for the time being. After all, I’ve got new blades to use up, and I keep thinking maybe I’ve jumped the gun a bit. Having used Gillette for so many years, is it possible I just need to adjust the way I use the razor?

I’m not sure it is going to compete with the Fusion Power in its current state. To be fair though, it is not a bad first shaver from the KOS brand. Future improvements could see the Azor taking over as ‘the best a man can get’!

King of Shaves is still my chosen supplier of all facial products, and is head and shoulders above Gillette in this department. More about this in a future post…..

Any reviews or comments on the Azor Razor? Post them below.

The bad news – it’s no longer a free download. But, £3.95 for up to 6 hours of quality content is not too much to ask for, is it?

As you probably guessed from my opening to this review, it’s a positive one. I may be biased having always been a Gervais fan – even before The Office in fact – but the guy is hilarious. Add that to Merchant’s intelligent comedy and Pilkington’s utter thickness (sorry Karl!), and the result is comedy in its greatest form.

There are not many things I listen to and laugh out loud (unless with someone else and laughing together). But, this podcast became a source of embarrasment for me when I chose to listen on a packed Bristol bus. I desperately tried to stop myself from laughing, but I simply couldn’t. I actually had to turn it off before everybody started to think I was a little bit crazy!!

Each half hour episode is filled with Gervais and Merchant ripping Pilkington apart. You will be amazed at some of the opinions and ideas that this guy has.

His classic views on evolution are excruiatingly funny. Karl believes that evolution has got it all wrong and that 78-year-old women should die with a baby inside them, thus solving the problem of ‘not being able to move in London’. As Ricky and Stephen point out, there is a major flaw in his plan – who is going to look after all these newborns. Surely evolution has got it right by allowing women to reproduce at an age where they are fit and healthy enough to develop their child into an adult? This is just one of many crackpot ideas that Karl has…..

Honestly, if you missed the free podcasts first time around, buy them now. They will have you in stiches, and that’s a promise!

Download direct from

In 2006, Rhonda Byrne released ‘The Secret’ – a feature length film on the supposed laws that govern the universe. Millions have watched it, and bought books and courses on it. The Law of Attraction became big business almost overnight. Search Google (other search engines are available!) for ‘law of attraction’ and you’ll find approximately 5,000,000 results.

Having watched it myself I struggle to believe its effectiveness. I’m sure the believers amongst you will have all sorts of comments on this;

You are not opening your mind, you are not intelligent enough to understand, the laws are proven to work, etc etc.

Really?

I did try to apply these alleged rules into my own life and found little change. But, can millions of people be wrong? Well, yes they can.

Personally I am a strong believer that you make your own luck. Decisions you make and the way in which you approach life dictates what you get out of it. In my opinion the law of attraction simply encourages positive thinking in such a way that you subconsciously make the right decisions at the right time. To me that is a lot more believable than ‘asking the universe for something – and getting it’.

But if it works, then it’s a success – right? My only worry is that devoted followers of ‘The Secret’ can lose sight of reality. The premise that believing something to be true – by utilising the power of your imagination – can dictate your path through life seems dangerous to me.

Supposedly ‘The Secret’ reveals the most powerful law of the universe and explains how anyone can use this law to create unlimited happiness, love, health, and prosperity in their lives. In truth, it is simply the law of attraction that states “when you visualize, you materialize”.

Ok, I’m closing my eyes and visualising a beautiful naked 21-year-old appearing next to me……..Shit, it didn’t work. Why? Well, Rhonda Byrne’s (and her millions of followers) answer would be – the Universe does not always respond immediately. You may have to wait a week, or a month, or years, but the Universe will respond. So, next time I find myself with a naked 21-year-old (not a regular occurrence I should add) I will think to myself – ‘wow! That law of attraction does work!’

NO, I do not think so.

Rhonda Byrne has created a cult-like following and dangerously advocates living in a surreal imagined world in the hope that your fantasies will soon become reality thanks to some weird and wonderful universal power.

I’d prefer to live in the real world and try some positive thinking, but thanks anyway. You see, positive people are generally healthier, and more successful. They also attract people (who wants to spend time with Mr Negative – nobody!), and therefore are more likely to be in a loving relationship, and have close relationships with friends and family.

I love being English – I have no idea why, I just do. As a population we are well known for our constant complaining.

‘It’s too hot’, ‘it’s too cold’, it’s too wet’ etc! But, I have come to the conclusion that we are well within our rights to be less than happy with the weather we get in the summer months.

It’s so unpredictable. When we finally get used to sunbathing in 25-30^oc it drops 10 degrees and starts to rain. But, has it always been this way?

My memory is pretty shocking, but I’m almost positive that I recall having nice hot summers when I was younger. I’m sure the 8 weeks of school summer holidays was spent basking in hot sunshine. Or, do I have a distorted recollection of those years?!

I’m sure the English require much bigger wardrobes than the rest of the world as we need to keep both winter and summer clothes easily to hand at all times. At the very least we need quick access to coats and umbrellas!

I wish our weather would make its mind up. At least if it rained throughout we would not be so surprised when it happened, right? PLEASE stop teasing us with these odd few days of scorching sunshine, it is just not fair.

It’s the equivalent of the end of a game show in which the contestant has failed to win – and the host thinks it is a good idea to show them what they “could have won”.

‘Hey England, this is the weather you could be enjoying – if you chose to be Spanish!’

Maybe it’s time I finally learn Spanish and move to a sunnier location. I guess I do have the choice, but it seems a lot of effort.

I think I’m starting to resent my parents for not being Spanish!! Just kidding of course…….

Is it wrong of me to be in support of global warming? I find it difficult to be against something that will warm our country up a little.

I have a 2nd Gen Ipod Touch, but know others that had 1st Gen. The 2.0 software update was huge. Loads of new features and excting gadgets to play with. But, have Apple reached their peak?

The 3.0 update comes with several new features;

Buy movies, TV shows and audiobooks from iTunes via Wi-Fi, Stereo Bluetooth, Peer-to-Peer gaming, Landscape keyboard in Mail, Notes and Safari, Spotlight search – allowing you to search your entire iPod.Cut, copy, and paste from application to application

Not a great deal to get excited about, although the search function is pretty useful. You will find that your home screen now has a page to the left. Navigating to it opens up the search function (see right – I searched my iPod for Michael Jackson) and allows you to search for music, videos, notes, emails, contacts and applications. Very handy if you have a lot of stuff loaded onto it.

Other than that, not a lot in all honesty……

The update does stipulate that you can now sync notes between your iPod and your Mac or PC. I use a PC and don’t have any compatible software for this according to iTunes. It seems you have to own Microsoft Outlook, whereas I’m using Windows Mail.

For those of you that do have Outlook, I’m sure it’s a useful feature.

Shake to Shuffle

Another new feature is the ’shake to shuffle’ option. If you get bored with the song you are listening too, simply shake your iPod and it will randomly select a new one for you. To be honest, I prefer to choose the song I listen too – but I’m sure there will be those of you that enjoy this feature.

The 3.0 update also offers some parental control, Safari improvements and new language support.

Ok, the update did not cost an arm and a leg. But it did cost me £5.99 – and I’m not sure it was money well spent. I could have downloaded ‘Bad’ by Michael Jackson for less than that

What is your opinion on the 3.0 software update?