PATRICK SWAYZE

Firstly let me say best wishes to Patrick Swayze and good luck with his latest health battle.

Patrick Swayze is another fim star who graced our shores. He filmed the rom/com "Keeping Mom" on the island not so long ago. Apparently he was quite taken with the island and described the place as and i quote, " a magical place with magical people". Now who am I to disagree with a Hollywood legend. He even managed to get up here as far as Ramsey, in fact he was to be seen doing a spot of the old " dirty dancing" at the legendary Nightspot some of you have mentioned in your comments, Nightlife.

Ok, some of you have given it it's alternative names of er, the very uncomplimentary Fightlife or Shitelife. Nonetheless it remains as Ramsey's premier nightclub. Ok, premier is manipulating the figures somewhat as it's Ramsey's only Nightclub. Really you have to go there iF you are up this way. It's a real throwback to a bygone era. It attracts all comers, whatever age, musical taste, aliens and wallabies. You will find the population of Ramsey who haven't stayed in or still standing after the pubs close(not me remeber i fell off my heels and into a taxi) doing there own version of dirty dancing into the small hours. Be warned no trainers, but otherwise, if you have a pulse and the entrance fee your'e in.

Pic today is a "Moonlit Blackbird."Sure you can work out why that's it's title. Even he could get into Nightlife. Honestly it's non exclusivity is it's er charm.

WALLABY WATCH!

Got turned away from Nightlife for wearing trainers.

ROBERT DE NIRO. YOU LOOKING AT ME?

Following on from Uma Thurman, Duck With Quiff, here is a Robert De Niro. Ok, so strickly speaking it isn't De Niro. You have to admit though the baby blackbird bears a strking resemblance to "Travis Bickle", De Niros' character in Taxi Driver. You know the famous scene where he is seen repeating "You looking at me?" Perhaps this is just me then? Anyone with me on this?

The blackbird above was one of 4 that was actually nesting in our garden, under the kitchen window tucked away in a conifer. For days i had that eerie feeling of someone was watching me, only to discover a mother blackbird popping her head out to look into the kitchen. All 4 chicks hatched and the one above is 2 days old in this pic. This was his first outing away from the nest. After a week all birds flew safely away to explore the island.

Latest Isle Of Man news is congtatulations to Zoe Gilling being voted 2007 Olympic Athlete of the Year for Ski and Snowboard by the BOA. Quite an achievement when you consider the island isn't exactly on the hotspot list of places than spring to mind as being a mecca for snowboarders. Lucky if we get 3 snowflakes a year.


WALLABY WATCH!

No. Far too clever to be seen. Think they are now masquerading as manx residents!