Please Vote!

Ok, this is a shameless plug (plea). The marketing agency I work for, Haygarth, has entered the UK Creative Challenge. We've entered some cracking creative that's currently cruising the streets of London on the side of its iconic red buses.

If we win the first round, we're entered into the Grand Prix after which the winner will be decided. Strangely, in the first round our creative is against our second entry. I'm massively biased as I work on the Majestic Wine account (seriously, they're an awesome client. An agencies dream - I'm not paid to say this!) but it's up to you to decide which you prefer.

We had great fun coming up with the final Majestic route (excuse the pun).

Obviously, if you don't think it deserves a vote, then don't vote. I want votes for great creative, not persuasion.

Thanks for your time. I'll keep you updated on the results.

Vote here - UK Creative Challenge

Eyebrow Disco

This is the 3rd in the series of weird, wacky and quite honestly, wonderful Cadbury ads. Ok, Trucks wasn't great but anything that followed the award winning Cadbury Gorilla was never going to be as good or liked.

I love this new one. Especially the girl. She makes it in my opinion. I love the naughty innocence.

My favourite part is when the little girl 'scratches' with the balloon. Genius!

Durex Balloon Animals

I thought this would be a really good Monday laugh. Good way to start the week. I would love to some day work on a brand such as Durex where you can really push the boundaries. As this ad does.

I heart it a lot. The squeaks, expressions, etc. It all works brilliantly.

Stay safe.

(If you work for a bank, Government Department, etc, you may want to to wait until you get home to watch this. There's no nudity and it's really tastefully done but in this crazy world, you never know what can get you sacked for.)

BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition

After a VERY long training run this morning, we decided to join some friends in going to view the above mentioned photoraphy exhibition at the lovely Natural History Museum. To view the exhibition costs £7.50, but believe me, it's worth every single penny.

The images, all displayed in amazing lightboxes, are mind blowing. The dedication and passion shown in taking each of the photos is phenomenal.

All the images are viewable online but seriously, if you've got a spare chance to go and see them in the flesh, you certainly won't regret it. I could kick myself for not going last year.

Here are a few of my favourites - 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Do Lectures Video

The Do Lectures 2008 from The DO Lectures on Vimeo.

I've already talked about my Do Lectures experience here. A summary video of the lectures has just been made. Watch it. Please watch it. And hopefully after watching it, it'll inspire you to watch a couple of the actual lectures.

Thinking back to the five wonderful days always makes me smile : )

Come Back of the Year

In six days time, at the Tour Down Under, Lance starts his come back to international racing. I'm sure he's hoping it'll end on the last weekend of July with an eighth Tour title. Time will only tell. Who knows if he'll even get to the start line?

I've been following his twitter feed and it's really cool to be able to get a close insight into what he's up to. Today he posted photos of his new Trek for the Tour Down Under. It's an absolute beauty.

Just like his final Tour TT bike, his new one has codes and numbers that relate to his passion, motivation and the like.

According to the visible numbers on his bike, the 1274 is the number of days since his last pro race and the 27.5 is roughly the 27.5 million people globally that have passed away from cancer in that time. Moving stuff. I maybe be wrong with the story behind each number so drop me a line if you find out anything different.

Richmond Park

It's my sanctuary, training ground and special place. If I've got loads on my mind, should life be getting me down or I just feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of London life, Richmond Park is where I escape to.

And even if I don't need to get away, Richmond Park has provided me with hours, actually days of joy and pain I guess. With its 12km (8 mile) outer and 10km (6 mile) inner loops, it's THE perfect place to bank miles in the legs. Whether it's on foot or the bike. Best of all, it's great to just go for long meaningless walks where you don't come across another soul for hours.

I can honestly say that without Richmond Park, I don't think I would have lasted in London as long as I have. Yes that sounds dramatic but a week rarely passes that I don't visit the park at least once. It's like recharging a battery.

If you have kids or own dogs, it's a must. There's also the amazing Isabella Plantation (garden), well worth the visit and it's free!

I heart RP.

Richmond Park website.

Ironman UK Here We Come

It has always been a goal of mine to become an Ironman. To me, it's the ultimate test of individual endurance (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike & a 26.2 mile run). Yesterday I got one step closer to achieving this dream. I filled out my doctor's details, clicked enter and signed up to compete in the UK Ironman event on 2 August in Bolton.

My stomach sunk a little when I received the confirmation email. So now starts the long haul to be race fit on the 2 August. It does feel daunting but that's why I've given myself 7 months to make sure I cross that finish line to hear those famous words - 'YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!'

Wish me luck.

Goodbye '08, Hello 2009

Happy New Year!

I came across some amazing photos that sum up the year that 2008 was. It's scary what can happen over 365 days. I'm not one for New Year's resolutions but I do have a few things I need to tick off my list for 2009.

Here's hoping you tick off everything on your list.

Photos of the year - Part 1
Photos of the year - Part 2
Photos of the year - Part 3