Darren is running the London Marathon

Well, the last 5 weeks has seen me get into training for the 2013 London Marathon and trying to kick start some fundraising needed.  The office Book shop still open for business and some more raffles and events planned for very soon.
Any donations for Make a Wish foundation are more then welcome and please check my fundraising page out at http://www.justgiving.com/Darren-Cummins
I hope to update you as I can with some pics of training/fundraising and everything going on and report on the ups and downs of getting ready to do the most physical thing I have ever done in my life. Cheers Daz

......whereisdarren this time??

In my ultimate garage!!!!

 Yay!! Mountains!!

 ....this was not a short game............

 ...so I had a feed :)...................

 ............how good was that!!!........

 .......great biergarten's too!!......................

............then back to my toy shop....ahhh.......

...........walking the town is best by far

Last month I found myself in Paris again.  Now I have visited the ‘City of Light’ many times and can honestly say I never tire of it.  Living in Europe for the last 10 years I am still nowhere finished exploring the continent but if the opportunity to steal to Paris for a night is there I would gladly take it every time.

My first visit 8 years ago saw me roll up to my hotel home at 11pm after arriving at Garde Du Nord via Eurostar from its original London home, Waterloo.  Feeling restless I decided to go for a walk, armed with the map from the night receptionist.  After a brief chat and some basic direction advice I set off.  This I planned to be an hour or so just to calm my head to get some sleep. 

Finding myself absolutely lost and not tiring of seeing what I would find around the next corner I arrived back shortly after 5am.   This seems to fit in with some clichéd American film takes on how best to experience Paris but I have to admit, getting lost, is an ideal way to do it.  You may not embrace the prospect of walking around any city at night but must admit, walking around Paris well into the early hours again and have always felt safer then London.

What walking, as any city traveller knows, allows you to get a knowledge of the land that subways, open top buses (why do it!!??), or ‘helpful’ taxi drivers will ever allow you to see.  Now I have applied this theory to cities as diverse as Berlin to Marrakech.  Some cities don’t always lend themselves to suitable self walk discoveries, especially when on your own, but if you get the chance, leave the tube, tuk tuk, or bus behind and go get lost., you may just learn to like it.

.....Occupying what???

There are acts of public nuisance that the direct devotees get very excited about themselves by calling it a global movement. The Occupy protests that have seemingly gripped the coat tail public of many nations is very confused.  They are against the greed of capitalism and the way it destroys society. To this endeavour they have made this point by taking over and destroying public parks, public spaces, places of worship and any space that they can disrupt the general public to get back at the 'fat cats'.
This global powerhouse in London has made a large point of trying to destroy the community, congregation and  iconic place of worship St Pauls Cathedral.
I am unsure why they are continuing to pick a fight with a symbol of charity and worship to get at the chief executives of the companies they continue to pontificate about?
To add to the delusional point(?) they share there was a fashion piece in the paper this week on how to style yourself in the 'fashion' of a modern day occupy protestor.

Is anyone else totally confused on what the hell this protest is supposed to be about????????

Mobile blog test event

Let us see if the technology works shall we?
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

....coming soon

Some little pieces on places I've been the last couple of years including south of France, lots of Germany, Austria, Portugal, North Africa and even home.

............our week of London riots

.....confused by all this Sunday morning TV talk back on the riots.........1000's of middle class students rampage through London and the police are attacked for holding them until it calmed down, a few months later and they are attacked as they didn't open fire on looters across London and the UK. David Cameron takes credit for saving England from the riots after waiting 5 days to come back from his Italian Villa to a burning country. No wonder the police are so confused about their jobs and their future. The police in this country have never been given the tools they need that are accepted pieces of kit in any other country in the world. I would like to congratulate the police, especially the Met in having to try and stand their ground, with only a uniform, their colleagues and their courage to protect them.

How was your weekend?

Hello to all, and I hope all had a lovely weekend. A couple of catch ups this end and a great lunch had at 'The Antelope' in Tooting that can be highly recommended by the 10 of us or so there on the weekend.

One of the viewing highlights of the weekend was of course the F1, since the 6 nations has finished with a solid but not quite good enough performance from Ireland this year. World Cup possibility still looking strong for the boys though!!!!!

Anyway, returning to the grand prix back in the home country and a good win by Jensen but we still have to see if the new regulations start to take their toll on the drivers endurance? Seems to have had an obvious effect already and hopefully we will witness more hard fought competitions as a regular occurrence following on from Melbourne on the weekend.

Although I would like to see Mark Webber to move with some urgency from his 10th place in the competition standings. He is one of the best athletes of all the drivers and I really hope the he focuses on winning some races, as much as he focuses on criticising Australia lately? especially after Lewis Hamilton's, over exuberant driving.

right to die? or right to kill?'..........

The term "right to die" refers to various issues that relate to whether an individual, who could continue to live with the aid of life support, or in a diminished or enfeebled capacity, should be allowed to decide to die. In some cases, it refers to the idea that a person with a terminal illness and in serious condition should be allowed to commit suicide before death would otherwise occur. Central to this argument is whether loved ones or physicians should knowingly aid these individuals and if so, should they be deemed criminally responsible?

In England, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keir Starmer said motives of suspects will be the main focus for prosecutors. Mr Starmer’s office is keen to see not necessarily the laws changed, but would like to stress to those prosecuting that they take into account all facts relevant to the case.

They have outlined what they see as key factors that should be considered when looking at prosecuting someone with’ assisting suicide’, a charge that can carry up to 14 years in jail if convicted. These factors state that anyone acting in a wholly compassionate way, which did not encourage but assisted someone who had reached a sound and settled decision to commit suicide, would be more than likely not be prosecuted. These guidelines are only given as having any merit if the individual fully cooperates with the police.

Who decides that these guidelines have been met? At what point does your cooperation with the police stop and your potential self incrimination begin?

Well known members of the community have spoken out in support of the DPP’s findings including Right to Die Campaigners, Debbie Purdy and Sir Terry Pratchett. Mrs Purdy is battling Multiple Sclerosis and Sir Terry’s high profile diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease has allowed him the platform to spark public debate on the issue.

Even though Mr Starmer still acknowledges that it is crime to assist suicide, some see his approach to deciding who is prosecuted as opening the floodgates to exploitation. It has also struck fear into the most vulnerable sectors of society as acknowledged by public statements from charities for both the elderly and the disabled. This view has also been quite firmly shared by the Prime Minister himself.

The overwhelming conclusion by parties both for and against is that the findings do not go near being enough to help put the debate on this issue to rest. Whilst focusing on who would be prosecuted for assisting suicide, the findings have no solid ground on which members of society the DPP deem are in a position to take their own life legally. The calls of a full parliamentary debate will also not go far enough as they will not reflect or demonstrate the true nature of the people suffering to such an extent, they would want to end their own life.

Before asking if they should be allowed I think the question is why are so many people seeking this alternative to alleviate their pain? These cases are growing everyday and without the due diligence and response to the people seeking this end, who to prosecute after the fact will be a very moot point.

darren cummins

Come see a cool play!!!

SUMMER PRODUCTION

The Magdalene Players' summer production will be The Memory of Water, a contemporary black comedy by British playwright Shelagh Stephenson, directed by Natalie Charles and produced by Jane Cooper, with performances on the 20th, 21st and 22nd May as part of the Wandsworth Arts Festival.
You can book tickets here on the website, or by calling our box office on 07535 925268.

WINNER 2000 OLIVIER AWARD FOR BEST COMEDY
“A deeply felt, richly funny study of the pervasive power of the past.” The Guardian
“A touching and hugely entertaining comedy.” The Independent

If anyone likes David Gray........great free invite only gig this Thursday!! (see below for details)

On Thursday January 14, the internationally renowned and multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter will take to the Hard Rock Cafe stage as part of Q The Music Club Live .

Singer/songwriter David Gray is to play an exclusive intimate gig for Q readers, showcasing tracks from his back catalogue as well as new album Draw The Line .

Tickets for these exclusive gigs are available only through competition entry!
For information, check out - www.qthemusic.com or Q Radio: available online, on DTV and London DAB (remember to retune your radio!)"

Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Anne "Annie" Wills

To anyone who knew our mate Annie, I know she will be missed. Her tragic loss has effected so many people around the world . You inspired all who met you and were one of the true embracers of life. Miss you hun and you are one of the 'coolest' people I ever had the opportunity to meet. x x x

'To friends and family of Anne 'Annie' Wills, a memorial service to celebrate our special girl's life will be held at 2pm on Thurday 14th January at Tobin Brothers 21 Lyall Road Berwick. Full details will be in the funeral notice in Monday's Herald Sun. For those that feel that way inclined, we are asking that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club where she was a member for many years. Envelopes will be available at the service. To all her friends interstate and overseas that are not able to make it, the service will be webcast live and available for up to a month on www.tobinbrothers.com.au. On behalf of our family we would like to thank you all for your love and support during these difficult times. Apologies for not having been able to return all the calls and messages. This does not mean they haven't been appreciated. Please pass these details onto others that knew and loved her. John, Vynn, Rohan and Gareth Wills'

Welcome to 2010!!!

.....quick note to say that i hope all your plans for 2010 come true and that all the good luck in the world finds you.

To the best gran in the world.................

2 years since we lost you. You are the inspiration to the way I live my life and you are sorely missed........I miss you so much. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Spare an hour or 2??

Definitely worth a visit to see this years entries, The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2009. Check it out!!

http://www.npg.org.uk:8080/photoprize/site09/exhibition2.php

Nearly Christmas again.....

Well it is getting colder and colder which means it must be getting closer to Christmas. Hope everyone is well and has had a great 2009........Daz

Killarney,Ireland over the summer.............

The gang in Ireland having a night out in Killarney over summer. The night of the car bombs!!!! don't worry it is a drink!

Hi all.........................London now doing London things. I hope all is well and been really busy at work but still getting used to having the weekends off. First time ever so working on getting the bike back on road and enjoying some time whilst quality nothing time. Living with some great people and have a smashing place that is pretty big for a London pad.
There is talk by a few people of heading on over this way and for some it will be the first time. I hope you decide to broaden those horizons and if you need any help let us know.
I haven't seen any pics of the new little one in my extended family so if anyone talks to Maria and Glen before I do shout them to drop us an email of the new bub. Please!!! he he
Hit Portobello Road this weekend and even had a sex in the city moment at Hummingbird bakery with cupcakes........blame Eddie not me.
Trying to catch up with the London crew over the next few weeks so will update the guys asking when I see the crew. Spoke to Sara the other day so may even head to Portsmouth for the weekend soon.
Talk soon and stay safe. Miss ya .......................

London still............

Have made the move to London and am now a south London local. Wandsworth is the new hood and all is well so far. I will update with more soon enough. speak soon!

Long time no see.............

This has been neglected far too long and I am now going to try and get into the habit with a lot more frequency with luck. I am soon to move to London from Leeds and take a transfer job with work, for those who don't know (Flight Centre UK).

I have had some great and wonderful thing shappen since last time I added stuff to this and will make sure that it is added to a bit more from now and my move to London end of the month. Looking to move to Wimbledon and looking forward to seeing all the guys based in London. Talk soon all..................