I was shocked to hear of Michael Jackson's death as I grew up listening to much of his music and he was a great singer. It's sad to hear details about his dependence on painkillers and his frailty in recent months.

Fame and money come at a high price sometimes.

Although the two day Tube Strike is a nuisance, I had the opportunity to take a leisurely bus journey past many wonderful sights in central London this morning while travelling to work, it was like a mini sighseeing trip. It certainly reminded me how beautiful London is.

Based on the British TV series, State of Play stars Russell Crowe as veteran newspaper reporter Cal McAffrey who is teamed up with political blogger Della Frye (Rachel McAdam) to investigate the death of a young Researcher. It soon becomes apparent that the Reseacher was the mistress of Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), an old friend of Cal's. As he investigates futher McAffrey soon uncovers a web of conspiracy and blackmail.

Crowe gives a terrific performance and his chemistry with McAdam is also very good. It has a good pace and is an engaging political thriller.

Rating: 8/10

It's not a good time to be suffering from a cold, my partner found it amusing the looks I got from some people when I started sneezing and coughing when we were out shopping on Saturday.

It's not swine flu, honest!!

Over £60k per year,

Generous expenses,

12 week summer holiday.

Why didn't the School Careers Advisor ever suggest a career as an MP. Being a Member of Parliament is not such a bad career choice as long as you avoid being involved in any sex scandals and er.. passing comments on the quality of eggs.

Is Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi after Prince Philip's title as the godfather of gaffes?

His remark about Obama being 'tanned', raised a few eyebrows. Just recently the Queen had to reprimand him after he got a bit overexcited by shouting Obama's name at the G20 photoshoot.

Now he has remarked that people made homeless by the Earthquake in Italy should view it as a camping trip...

I definitely think he's a contender.

I was reading a story today about a serial bag thief who after serving a third of his sentence (does anyone serve full time these days?) was given £3k by the Government to fly back home to Algeria. Funnily enough, he came back into the UK days later (through our strict border controls.. ahem) and no one knows his whereabouts.

Hold on a second..£3k for a ticket to Algeria? Did they send him on a round the world plane ticket home via Los Angeles and Sydney?

I was really sad to hear about the murders of the two soldiers and policeman in Northern Ireland recently. I was in Belfast only a couple of weeks ago and had a fantastic time, it's a vibrant city and found the people there so friendly and welcoming. It was heartwarming to see both Catholic and Protestant politicians and citizens condemning the attacks and sending out a clear message to terrorists that they do not want a return to the violence. I sincerely hope they listen to this message and no more innocent lives are lost.

I saw the new drink advert with the singer Duffy, is it naff or what?

Why is she cycling through a supermarket?

Why is she warbling that terrible song 'Ive got to be meeeee'?

Dreadful.

I found it rather distasteful that the press found it necessary to publish pictures of the Cameron's returning to their home from the Hospital only a few hours after the death of their son. It really makes you question whether the Paparazzi have any morals at all and Newspaper Editors too for that matter.