The way forward is making my own smoothies – just bung loads of fruit and a bit of milk into the blender and you get a delicious and healthy smoothy. So hopefully smoothies and getting back to the gym will turn me into the next Pauline Quirke, Ruth Jones, Dawn French etc. etc.

Quick chubby quiz: Who has let themselves go the most Prince Naseem Hamad or Brazilian Ronaldo?

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I reckon Ronaldo but please let me know your opinion?

Anyhoo current calculations mean I should be 16 stone by 18^th December 2012 just in time to celebrate with a massive Christmas dinner.  Hang on, on the BMI calculator that still makes me overweight with a BMI of 26.6 but hey that’ll do for me.

Winston Churchill was a larger than life character who was focussed on setting trends rather than seeking out other ones to follow. As a child he was surrounded by wealth and opportunity but was never afforded any praise or encouragement by his father, who quickly dismissed him as not being a particularly intelligent or impressive child. How wrong he was proven to be by his son, who rose to such heights, in spite of never receiving the reassurance every child wants from his father.

Churchill served on the front lines with the British Military as a young army officer, which gave him an invaluable understanding of warfare from an ‘up close and personal’ perspective that proved incredibly useful when he became prime minister in the May of 1940 and had to lead Britain through the darkest days of the 2nd World War. Some of Churchill’s attributes that enabled him to become a greatly respected war-time leader were as follows:

1. He reacted to adversity and personal failure in a defiant and stoic fashion. There were numerous occasions during his political career that Churchill became something of an outlaw and an isolated individual. Churchill was almost exclusively blamed for the failure of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915 that ended disastrously in the extensive loss of soldiers’ lives. Churchill received a huge amount of criticism in the wake of the disaster and was ultimately sacked from parliament as a result. Churchill was no doubt extremely distressed by the whole affair but he collected his thoughts, composed himself and ultimately fought his way back into parliament and restored the nation’s faith in his ability to make key decisions. Churchill’s failures and wrong decisions taught him some invaluable lessons: namely that no-one gets every decision right but it is better to play some well thought out strokes off your own bat, than to always wait for others to act first, in order to avoid any retribution.

2. Winston Churchill had incredible conviction in his views and he wasn’t prepared to compromise on that which he believed in, even if it went against everything his colleagues and the electorate were thinking. He had the strength to stand alone and this self-belief often led to his being outlawed. He had the gift of incredible foresight and was thus able to stay ahead of the game. Churchill predicted that there would be a 2nd World War long before many of his contemporaries. Indeed, it was stark refusal to accept the facts that ultimately led to the ousting of Neville Chamberlain as Britain’s Prime Minister in May 1940 whereupon he was replaced by Mr Churchill.

There were many things that I discovered about Winston Churchill when reading this biography that fascinated me about him. He had an incredible appetite for life and a seemingly boundless curiosity. He was a prolific reader and an even more prolific writer who had an intense and passionate love for the English language, which he mastered so magnificently. It is estimated that by the time of his death, Winston Churchill had written between 8 and 10 million published words. He obviously made no friend of procrastination.

That said, he was insistent upon never wasting energy and often quipped that one should never stand up if he could sit down, nor should he ever sit up if he could lie down. This philosophy served Churchill well and helped him lead a long and healthy live of ninety years.

Churchill was also a keen painter who produced over 500 canvasses in his life. Churchill lived a full life and made a habit of good decision making, always coming out on top (even if it meant relentlessly picking himself up off the canvas) and never ever surrendering. He was a leader, a character and a role-model whose example we should all seek to follow.

Now not many things make me cross, but this had my blood boiling. The cynical among you will say that it is because I felt REALLY good about my Ireland + 10 bet. I promise you that it is not for that reason. Even though Ireland are now available at best price of + 8. It really isn’t that at all.

I just feel so, so sorry for those poor, poor fans who travelled all the way there. They took the time to travel there, time away from their families; they paid for the tickets and the flights; they got all excited about the game… only to have it snatched away from the TEN MINUTES before the off.

The way it was handled was a disgrace. How could the authorities not have known any earlier that the pitch wasn’t going to be suitable? Surely an international rugby pitch should have undersoil heating (rather than just pumping warm air in under a cover)?

The Captain is not amused. Come on lads – let’s not let this happen again.

We had a brilliant panel lined up last night in the form of Davy Russell, Robbie Power, Andrew Lynch, Shark Hanlon and Robert Hall of RTE, Dave Keenan and our very own Donal McCarthy. The MC of the night was Denis Kirwan who did a great job on the night. Davy Russell is notoriously good value on nights like this and I was very much looking forward to his war of words with the very entertaining Shark Hanlon.

We sat and had a bit of grub and a cheeky drink with the jockeys and trainers, and then it was down to business; the paying customers wanted to get in the inside info for Cheltenham!

Both Davy and Andrew came on to say that they feel Peddlers Cross will outstay Sprinter Sacre in the arkle, and unsurprisingly there was resounding support for Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle (We were generous enough to offer evens about Hurricane Fly to all in attendance – Best industry price!)

After all of the Hurricane mull had ended, the jockeys gave us all an indication of which horses they would be riding at the festival. Robbie “Puppy” Power stated that he would more than likely be on Big Zeb, who was demolished by Sizing Europe in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown two weeks ago. Sizing Europe is the clear favourite for this year’s Queen Mother Champion chase at 11/10 with Big Zeb at 13/2.

As far as the Ryanair Chase was concerned, much of the focus was on Rubi Light, who most believed was a massive price given its ability. Shark Hanlon made the point that if Paul Nicholls or Willie Mullins had Rubi Light he’d be 2/1 for the Ryanair – notepads were out in an instant for that one, you can get 15/2 in places… Value!

The long-awaited debate between Shark and Davy came as we approached the Triumph Hurdle, much to the delight of the audience. Shark stated that Minsk was the Irish banker of the festival and after a win at Fairyhouse it would shorten dramatically. Davy then pitched in and said that he knew “for a fact” that Minsk was lame this year and had no chance at Cheltenham. Interestingly, a couple of members of the panel put up Daroun of Mullins’ camp as a bit of value at 20’s.

It was then time for the biggun’, the Gold Cup, and everyone sat up in their chairs. Shark, who is never one to sit on the fence, ruled out Quel Esprit from the outset. The general consensus was that Long Run will get the win, as Kauto had had too tough a season to beat it. But based on Long Run’s narrow victory at Newbury on Friday, opinions may have changed now. Power feels that this year’s race could well be won by a 25/1 shot and that an upset is long overdue. He tipped 25/1 shot Burton Port as the ante-post value, after performing well at Henderson’s yard.

As far as the charity bets were concerned, Russell backed Midnight Chase for the Gold Cup at 16’s, Power backed Steps to Freedom in the Supreme Novices at 9’s, and Andrew Lynch backed Salcify in the Foxhunter at 10’s.

Shark, of no surprise to us, took a different approach. He backed a treble of Hurricane Fly, Long Run, and Minsk, much to the bemusement of Davy Russell!

A very enjoyable evening with the entire panel, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of the lads over the coming month as we attend many more Cheltenham previews.

1. I have learnt how to speed read, which means I can read twice as fast as I used to.
2. I have bought a ‘Kobo’, which is a ‘kindle’ equivalent that enables you to read books in digital form anywhere, anytime and to be able to store thousands of books in your pocket.

My friends and family will know that, only a week ago, I was dead-set against these evil little devices and was all for the retention of the print press, publishing houses and books. It has been one of my long-standing dreams to one day have a library in my own home, where I can drink wine and have long talks with my closest friends, trusted colleagues and confidants.

I have clearly been reading too many books and letting my imagination get away with me. Whilst some people would consider this to be a negative thing, however, I whole-heartedly disagree and the next paragraph explains why.

I think it is very important to have a big imagination and big dreams, so that we are encouraged to work hard and spend every day striving to realise those grand dreams. As Adam Smith (the famous economist) has said, it is very important that people act in their own self-interest, as this will keep the wheels of the greater economy turning.

The free market is and always has been more efficient than the communist/socialist state where intrusive regulations and forced equality disincentivise people from being entrepreneurial and forward thinking. Arnold Palmer (the famous golfer) was also greatly in favour of thinking big and never losing that childish imagination, which makes us believe that anything is possible.

It is too often the case that the process of growing-up stops people thinking in brilliant colour and causes them to start thinking in straight lines – bound by the rigid black & white structure of what we are and are not allowed to do. If we lose the ability to think beyond those straight lines, though, how are we ever going to bring about changes and new ways of thinking/doing things?

It is those people who challenge the status quo and encourage new ways of thinking and doing things that are remembered as pioneers, and a strong imagination is required to bring about such changes.

That said, some traditions/processes are best kept and have lasted many centuries for a reason – they work. Some rebels are pure idiots; in fact the majority are. Very few people are able to combine a strong imagination with cogent and objective thought processes, which enable the outlandish workings of the imagination to be formed into a working plan and then implemented in reality. That is where the real test comes: namely being able to retain a boundless imagination and childish enthusiasm whilst also being able to function in the real world and use dreams to inform practical ways of doing things differently.

The flip side of the argument here, though, is that that we sometimes forget the old adage ‘if it’s not broke don’t fix it’. Certain old-fashioned traditions, for example, have been lost on people today. How often do you see a young lad give up his seat for a lady or elderly person? How often do you see a gentleman open a door for a lady? How often do you get thanked for doing things?

Manners maketh man and I am afraid to say their practical use has been in decline for some number of years. Good manners and chivalry should be championed above all else and become more (not less) important in the fast-paced world that we now live in.

So it is that in a roundabout way I have tried to make a few points. I will forgive any reader for having missed them but here goes:

1. Learning to speed read changed my world. I recommend everyone learn – it is not difficult.
2. Digital e-readers like the ‘kindle’ and ‘kobo’ are great inventions. Having been subjectively opposed to them for months, I was converted the minute I started using one. Genius.
3. We live in the age of sky television, iPods, computers, DVDs and iPads. Reading is a wonderful and beneficial pursuit in so many ways. It engages the brain, stimulates our faculties and inspires our imaginations. It is easy to vegetate on the couch in front of a crap soap on the telly. Beware of the negative impact this can have on your ability to function and use your brain properly. Long and short of it – read as much and as often as possible.
4. It is important that we never lose our childish imagination.
5. He who is able to combine a furtive imagination with the ability to think cogently and objectively possesses a very powerful weapon.
6. That said, progress should not stand in the way of all traditions, some of which are best kept. Manners and chivalrous acts are premier among such traditions.

Jimmy White – We loved him and he was great but in six World Snooker Finals he always came runner up. It was literally a crucible of pressure and it showed in 1992 when he was 14-8 up and lost 18-14 and again in 1994 when at 17 all he missed a routine black. Why oh why.

Colin Montgomery – European order of merit winner from 1993 to 1999 but can’t quite beat Jimmy’s record of six runners up medals as he “only” finished runner up in a major on five occasions. We didn’t love him as much but it would have been good to see him win a major. Is that still a possibility?

Dan Marino – Known for his powerful arm and quick release, Dan Marino is one of the most prolific passers the NFL has ever seen. In his 17 year career with the Miami Dolphins, they reached the playoffs on no fewer than 10 occasions. He became a starter for the Dolphins mid-way through his rookie season, and by the end of his second season he was named NFL MVP, and had set 6 single-season NFL records including 48 touchdown passes, destroying the previous record of 36. At the end of that season he made his first, and only, Superb Owl appearance, losing to the great Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers. Although he would never make it to another Superb Owl, he continued to smash record after record. At the time of his retirement, in 1999, he held almost every major NFL passing record, many of which still stand today, but no Superb Owl ring for this great.

Paula Radcliffe – Has the world record for a ladies’ marathon and four of the five fastest times in history so surely winning an Olympic gold should be as easy as sh*tting in the street. Harsh to include her in this list as she only gets one chance every four years unlike the previously named who get one crack a year or four in Monty’s case. London 2012 gives her another chance to get off this list so fingers (and legs) crossed.

Can’t help but mention Toto Schillaci in a Wizard of Odds list as he is the opposite of these, grabbing his one chance of glory in Italia 90 and scoring 6 of his total 7 international goals to win the World Cup Golden Boot. Anyway there’s no place like home so I’m offski.