Well, now you can, with this insightful guide from none other than Vladimir Putin.  Naturally.  In the video, qualified black-belt Putin discusses the history and traditions of Judo and then demonstrates some of the moves.  This is surely the coolest celebrity guide since this. Read Full Story

My Nan may not know who John McCain is, but she must be the only one. The US presidential race is everywhere, and whoever you talk to, you can usually tell pretty quickly who they're backing. YOU CANT FIX THIS is a nice new site that lets you register your 'vote' and location wherever you are in the world to see how the world would vote. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.... Belatedly via Faris at TIGS Read Full Story

With rich off topping up his boy-band tan he's perhaps foolishly let me loose on his blog. I've promised to keep things in order, so I hope you've cleaned your teeth and washed behind your ears. Read Full Story

I'm off to the sun for a week so won't be up to speed until next Saturday. In my absence I've left the blog in the capable hands of Mr Joe Whatnall. Enjoy. Read Full Story

Retro To Go, the excellent Bolton-based guide to general funky stuff, has brought the 'Poufman' to my attention. Made by Italian company Qayot, it is, fairly obviously, a Pac-Man shaped pouf, complete with an extra square stool for it to 'eat'. In the ongoing battle with the missus to let me buy a fully-fledged arcade machine to go in the corner of the living room, I think this would be a handy compromise. Unfortunately prices are 'available on request', which suggests they're expensive... Read Full Story

A real headline from none other than the Telegraph, and the latest entry into my own personal 'headline of the year' competition. I might do a vote at Christmas. Something for us all to look forward to. One-legged transsexual darts ace told to hop it Giant dog turd wreaks havoc at Swiss museum Read Full Story

I have beef with Foot Locker. On my trip to the states earlier this year I went into about six branches of the sneaker-selling giant and attempted to purchase a number of different trainers to no avail. On three occasions I had to walk out as I was getting no service. Not once did I get the shoe I'd asked for in the size I'd asked for. Foot Locker Europe has not similarly wronged me, however, and cannot be held responsible for the arrogant indifference of the vast majority of retail staff... Read Full Story

I've wanted to do this since I saw the beautiful SMS screen on the iPhone 3G. For the uninitiated (shame on you), it's from the film Labyrinth, starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie. The song is called Magic Dance: Read Full Story

I've stopped short of demanding one of these for Christmas because I am pretty sure they aren't for sale unless commissioned, but Spippo's Custom My Little Ponies are magnificently original. The most current would have to be the 'My Little Joker - Second Edition', which is shown below. Spippo obviously likes the cult side of films, covering the original, Jack Nicholson Joker as well as Heath Ledger's update, Batman, Robin and Catwoman as well. There are also a couple of Star Wars... Read Full Story

The Independent, which this week underwent a full-colour relaunch, was quick off the mark today with a stunt campaign spoofing the Times' viral outdoor activity. Brand Republic reported this morning that a rapid 24-hour buy of several outdoor placements around London had been launched as a direct riposte to the Times. The Independent ads, which featured Tracey Emin, the world exploding and a fat kid on a diving board, were branded with the Independent's masthead and the tagline 'Ahead... Read Full Story