World Cup 2010 - England 1 - 1 USA

England were 100% sure this was going to be an easy game for them, the pundits were sure, the team was sure, the fans were sure. After all, it's only America, they don't know how to play 'soccer' anyway.

England get off to a resounding start with Stevie G scoring in the 6th minute, well at least I think so because all I saw was an advert because I was watching on ITV HD and that's what they cut to. England played OK, but as usual they never look like a unit. I have watched every game in the World Cup so far and one thing I will say is all the teams look united on and off the pitch. When you see them in the tunnel, they may look nervous but they encourage each other. I did not see any two England players talk to each other in the tunnel. They do not look as if they are in it together. You do not see them talk to each other on the pitch you only see them shout and shrug at each other. When Steven Gerrard scored, he went over to the fans to celebrate, his first reaction was not to go to his team mates. When Robert Green made his mistake for the USA goal, not one England player went over and gave him a pat on the back. As I write this I have just watched the Algerian goalkeeper make a howler to let in a goal against Slovenia and two of his team mates went straight over to him.

The English media and fans have done nothing but vilify Rob Green today and blame him for the fact that England did not win last night but I think they need to take a long hard look at themselves. England need to be united if they want to progress in this tournament. They have some of the best players in the World Cup but they by no means have the best team.

Steven Gerrard would never be my choice for captain. Yes he is inspirational and can drive forward, but he is greedy, he does not lead the team. The man for that is, of course, John Terry. The other problem is I believe there is still two sides to the camp that even the great Fabio Capello has not managed to root out.

If England want to progress they need to stop playing like individuals and start playing and acting like a team. And maybe, just maybe that when you you pull on the shirt of your nation you carry your nations hopes and dreams that wearing that shirt is a privilege, not a right.

And I say all of this as a Scot who really would rather England didn't do very well.

World Cup 2010 - Day 1

The World Cup began today. Now to explain, I love the world cup, I get quite obsessed. I have taken a week's annual leave from work to ensure I can watch all the games, I have built up my flexi time so that I can watch all the games after I go back.

However, the downside to watching the world cup is I have to endure the UK TV coverage. In the UK there is a law that states major tournaments such as the European championships and the World Cup are on free to air, terrestrial TV channels.

So today the opening ceremony was on ITV, this started with the fact that there is ITV HD although you have to hunt for it on the SKY. We were greeted by Adrian Chiles, who recently defected from the BBC, who seemed as excited as Droopy needing a nap. He was joined by Andy Townsend and Gareth Southgate who spent most of there time complaining about the vuvuzelas keeping them awake at 1am. They are clearly getting into the atmosphere of the tournament there.

The opening ceremony began and ITV in their wisdom cut to adverts during it, meaning we were missing parts of it. Then every time we cut back to the studio, Adrian Chiles continued to look bored. He then goes on just before the beginning of the first match "sorry Mexico fans, but there is no-one supporting you, we are South Africa fans today". Truly, a massive W**ker.

Then we'll move onto BBC Coverage for the evening match. Uruguay v France

I won't go into to much detail here but: Due to the unique way in which the BBC is funded, they have a rotating studio. Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen, Alan Shearer and Adebayor at least had some excitement showing which contrasted the earlier ITV coverage, however in the build up to the match all the BBC did was tell us about England's preparations, the England squad, the England manager, England's injuries etc. At half time - instead of analysis we got more about England - oh and more moaning about the vuvuzelas.

Here is a tip for both broadcasters: I would like to hear about players from all 32 teams, not just the ones from England who I already know about. I would particularly like to hear the line up and preparations of the teams that are about to play in the game that I am about to watch. At half time analysis about the game that's going on would be awesome (although to be honest, I'm getting the drinks in and using the facilities so it's not that important)

We're only at day 1 so you have time to get your acts together.

By the way - the best world cup calendar: http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html

A day at the park

My dog is stuck in the house all day when I'm at work, don't get me wrong I don't really think he minds. If I come home early, he meets me at the door yawning.

Anyway, although he enjoys his sleep he needs a lot of exercise. So every night when I get home from work, I take him to my local park. It is a good sized park, its about a mile around and loads of space to kick a ball around which is his want.

Anyway, come rain, sleet or snow my dog gets his walk of around mile round this park or something equivalent. In the summer I meet and chat to around 5-6 other dog owners and see maybe another 5 or 6 yet in the winter, I'm lucky to see 1 other person down there. Where are they the rest of the time?

Let the animal out

I have a dog and class myself as a pretty good dog owner. Don't get me wrong, my dog is not perfect and I have had many many moments where my I've been in the owner with 'that dog'. For example when when he jumps out the car runs straight down to the beach into the water and squares up to a swan while everyone else watches, like when everyone else avoids the gigantic muddy puddle but he runs through splashing then encourages other dogs to follow, like when he loses his ball in the river and has 4 different people doing the 'dawwww' face and climbing in to get it out for him.

However, I am firm believer that if you own a dog you should learn how to train it. You know, do a bit of research, read up, watch some of the many shows on TV on the matter. My personal saviour is the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. My dog was wild when I got him at the age of four. He wandered off, he charged, he escaped, he barked, he jumped up to name but a few, but now he's....no bad.

In the UK we are lucky as you don't have to keep your dog on the lead. We have the pleasure of being able to let our dogs run free (which is great if you take the time to train your dog) I regularly take my dog long walks, I like to vary the venue but one of my favourite things is the social aspect of a park for the dogs and for me. The majority of dog owners at parks are great. However, there are the few who go to this wide open space, don't let their dogs off the lead and even worse freak out when another dog goes over to theirs. They panic when my dog sniffs their dog's behind. This is what dogs do to greet each other, it is normal. But no the panicky owner is shouting at this stage to get my dog under control.

I tend to make a point around these people to NOT put my dog on the lead. To NOT call him off and to let him basically do what he wants. The more the other person wants me to shackle my dog, the less likely I am to do it. You also notice that these people's dogs generally have a jealousy in their eyes that they want to play.

If you are going to take your dog to the park, let them play, let them get dirty, let them have fun. You might just find it brings a smile to your crackling old face too.

A damn fine cup of coffee

Everyone needs caffeine to survive right?

Well a few years ago my main source of caffeine was Diet Coke. I drank gallons of it. I probably went through 4 -5 cans during a working day and then probably more when I got home. Then I decided that was probably bad so I stopped and started drinking orange squash.

However bizarrely since I stopped doing shift work and moved onto the 9-5 life late last year, caffeine has become a staple diet in my life again. Although this time in coffee form. Although I have become fussy about my coffee. My place of work has a Costa Coffee on the premises which I vow not to use due to financial implications but the jar of instant I keep in my drawer (even if it is premium instant) just doesn't cut it when you know Costa is just downstairs.

Work is covered but I don't tend to drink coffee in the house. Firstly because it doesn't occur to me to boil the kettle, secondly it takes so long to boil the kettle and thirdly, it instant - see previous comment. I have never bought a coffee maker because I live alone, and as I say don't drink enough coffee alone to warrant it. But today that all changed I bought a pod system coffee maker. A Tassimo to be precise. It makes one cup at a time which is perfect for me, makes it instantly, and you can buy lots of different varieties.

I have had it for a grand total of 7 hours and am already in love with it.

It's a whole new world

I've said it before but this time I mean it. I am determined to make some changes in life. I'm gradually getting fitter, losing weight but the best bit is I'm actually enjoying doing it. I recently found a social tennis group to join. Tennis is a sport that I have never played, never. I love watching tennis, love it. I become obsessed with Grand Slams and always want to give it a go but can't think of a way to start playing. The group I'm playing with seems to be a solution. I am really enjoying it and finding that I am also not terrible at it. I'm not great, but not terrible either. But most importantly it's got me looking into trying to find lessons...at my age!

Also, last month I completed a 26 mile marathon walk (Kiltwalk) for charity in 8.5hrs, something I am very proud of completing. Something that a some people who know me and should support me, didn't think I could do. It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, but it certainly wasn't as hard as I expected meaning that the training had helped. Since then I've done a 10K walk and am slowly attempting to start running, but to be honest, I hate running. I'm getting better at it and I'm certainly feeling fitter and better than I have in years but running is not something I enjoy. Walking yes, running no.

I have also found social groups to go out with which is great which means I have some semblance of a social life. I have also found new interests. I joined a debating group. Again it's a fun and social group (we meet in a pub) I signed up while on a pub crawl with the group's organiser but decided to go anyway and actually really enjoyed it.

My new philosophy of trying new things seems to be going well. I guess it's a little bit about getting out of my comfort zone.

I think once you pass the age of 30 trying new things is definitely not as easy as it once was but I am slowly and surely finding that you can get a hell of a lot of out of just biting the bullet and trying.

So, I'm feeling pretty good, I'm trying new things - let's hope it continues.

Libel Reform: My MP's response

I have been following Simon Singh's libel case which has spawned the libel reform campaign.

The short version of his case is that Simon published an article in the Guardian in which he discussed chiropractic treatment with reference to the British Chiropractic Association.

In a passage describing the BCA’s claims about the treatment of a number of childhood ailments, Singh wrote that ‘even though there is not a jot of evidence’ the BCA ‘happily promotes bogus treatments’.

Despite the article being published in the Guardian, Singh was sued personally.

This case prompted the charity Sense about Science to start the libel reform to try and get the libel laws changed.

As part of the website you can sign the petition and you can also send a letter or email to your MP. I have done both of these things and this is the disappointing response I received from my MP the Rt Hon Adam Ingram.

Early Day Motion 423: libel law reform

Thank you for your letter of 31 March 2010 on the above subject.

I read your comments with interest, however, I do not support the underlying principle of EDM 423. I believe fundamentally in the right to free speech, however, those who exercise it must do so responsibly and with regard to the rights of others. Sadly, we have a media in this country which operates in a largely, unconstrained way, with only the libel laws available for redresss. There are now too many so-called journalists and commentators who operate on the basis of character assassination, never allowing the facts to get in the way. In short, we now have an imperfect situation brought about by media excess.

I fully support the need for freedom of expression in relation to genuine scientific debate, although we have to accept that there are all too many examples of flawed scientific research and opinion which can have hugely damaging consequences. The most recent example of this related to the MMR vaccine. That did not result in libel action, but I could have, so the law of unintended consequences could have resulted from unfettered comment, as you and the campaign propose.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

With best wishes

Yours sincerely

Adam Ingram