Courtesy of Innocent Drinks’ email newsletter I came across this wacky video. Me love it. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcza815sao]

Those of you that don't live or work in London might not realise we are undergoing a 48-hour tube strike right now. Frustrated yesterday one of my friends decided to opt for transport by boat to get home after work. No joke this turned up...

My first trip to the cinema for a while was last night and I went to see the film that perhaps I’ve been most looking forward to all year, Terminator Salvation. Whilst the reviews for this movie have been mixed I very much wanted to make my own decision as to whether or not the film was on a par with the first two of the series or whether it was a disappointment like the third. In reality, though, it was between the two. I guess I couldn’t have expected more from a director whose previous efforts include the poor Charlie’s Angels movies and whom calls himself McG. Everything was in place here for Terminator Salvation to be a classic. The casting was spot on (Christian Bale and Sam Worthington especially), the continuation of the storyline works and the realisation of the world after Judgement Day is a visual treat that keeps true to the original films. Great to hear that theme tune again too, what a classic. I’m very much of the opinion that there is enough here to warrant a sequel (or two) but I did come away from the film thinking there was something missing. At times the film was definitely leaning towards the fromage side and you never ever got this from the Terminator classics. Also and in typical Hollywood fashion the CGI is somewhat over the top, which again you didn’t get in the originals. I felt that the film was catering too much to the new cinema audience that seem to be happy with such a format, but by doing this you will always upset those that fell in love with the story and its characters in the first place. Today’s filmmakers should realise that by toning down the big explosions and special effects you often get bigger suspense and impact, which the first two films had bucket loads of. The recent Batman films have shown this, so perhaps Bale can bring some of this experience to the next films if they ever get made, which I hope of course they do.

The electorate has spoken in England and there are now no Labour-run councils in the whole of the country. The Government has now also moved into third place behind the Tories and UKIP in the UK-wide European Election vote, despite totalling the same number as MEPs as the latter (13 each, compared to the Conservative's 25). Check out the Beeb's coverage here. There is no doubt this is a complete disaster for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party and that there is nothing to spin here. I’m of the view, however, that this could end up being even more of a disaster for the British political system and most importantly for us...the public. If Brown stays on (which seems likely) it will be against the will of the public and ultimately against what democracy is all about. To make a dramatic point, under Gordon we will live under a dictatorship run by an unelected Prime Minister who sets his own agenda despite the will of the overwhelming majority. It is my view that we are entering a hugely dangerous period in our nation’s politics and that the outcome of the next twenty-four hours (or so) will decide whether we care for democracy or not. We have nothing more to do than put faith in the Labour Party's elected MPs to make the right choice on behalf of the British public. Some of you may feel he's the right person to lead the country but we've spoken, we don't and you work on behalf of us. Do your duty please.

I will be voting on Thursday in the local and European elections and I hope you all do the same. Here is our greatest opportunity to tell Gordon Brown that his Government has failed, its time is up and what is required is a General Election. It is time for a fresh start and as The Sun has said this morning time to send this mob packing. It is amazing that Gordon Brown has said he will stay no matter what the outcome is on Thursday. We continue to have an unelected Prime Minister in what we define as a democratic country, hmmm. If the results go against him on Thursday he must be booted out otherwise our political system will be mockery on the international stage (as it is seen within these shores). We really are looking increasingly similar to Zimbabwe as time goes on. The MP expenses situation has shown that corruption lies right at the heart of Westminster - we need changes made to our democracy for things to improve and these changes must take place from the top down. Elections such as the ones on Thursday are often perceived to be slightly less important than General Elections but this cannot be said about this week. Please I beg you all to go out and vote this week to make your voice heard, and please vote for the party that you feel has the best interests of Britain at its heart, both now and for the future. In a time of when full transparency is needed I'll be voting for these guys.

Three things I'm infinitely bored of... 1. Susan Boyle - is she really that good? 2. Ronaldo's overwhelming ego and transfer rumours - he wants to go so just let him 3. The MPs expenses scandal - day 109... Enough already!

...mushrooms? Only recently have I come to realise that a large amount of people really can't stand the fungal delight that is a mushroom. Why are people so aggressively negative towards this food which is a perfect ingredient for a whole range of dishes? I must say I don't understand this discrimination and will continue to advocate their cause. If anyone can enlighten me where this has "stemmed" from please let me know.

[brightcove vid=23765184001&exp=271557392&w=300&h=225]

Honestly, do we really need to have a political leader that never seems to respond to any crisis? Gordon Brown show yourself!

In my opinion the most important aspect of the Parliament expenses scandal has not yet been fully picked up. It should be about us, not them. The context - In recent months the Government forced the public's hand to make us bail out the banks and we will now be paying this back for many of our lifetimes - a massive travesty for all of us and something that was never our decision to make. What does the expenses story mean with this in mind? Well, I feel that it blows the opposition parties' argument of caring more for the British public out the water, because if they really cared why would they spoon off us? "I like you so therefore can you pay for my moat to be cleaned?" This is emotional blackmail at its finest. What is next? Well I think the reaction of each of the party's leaders is paramount and being a Conservative I hope David Cameron comes down hard on those that have simply been taking the piss. A shake up is required and it takes a real leader to make bold and appropriate changes. I have no doubt that he who does will win votes. Somewhere down the line the whole Westminster machine (politicians, the system and even the media) has forgotten about what they are here to do, serve the British public, its needs and standing in the world. Listen up Westminster - we require action and if we don't get it our disillusionment will no doubt be reflected on June 4th and beyond. Please remember why you went into politics in the first place. Update 16:08pm - Well done David Cameron, you are on the right track.