i only wish we had a 'stating the bloomin obvious' award

Don't hate, I'm keepin' it topical!

I met Prince Andrew today (or yesterday as it is now).

Was at the Octagon yesterday evening for Queen of the North, a biopic on Pat Phoenix.

In McDonalds on Knowsley Street at 7pm (30 minutes before the show started) we were on the next table to half the cast including John McArdle, late of Brookside.

In the bar at the Octagon we were stood next to Greg Wood, who plays Rick the debt collector in Coronation Street.

Also in the cast was Matt Healy, aka Matthew King off Emmerdale.

That's a full set of northern documentaries in one night

I'm shocked that people of taste (artists and audience) eat at McDonalds. Twenty years ago my kids forced me to go to the McDonalds which was I think on Deansgate near Bradshawgate. They missed North American cooking during our trip. None of us could believe how filthy the place was - over here, whatever else you can say about the company (and I say a lot) they do keep the places clean. Perhaps things have improved over time...

No improvement whatsoever, Monty, and two out of the three of us were not eating. We have a looked after kid who's dietary needs consist of regular intake of unmitigated crap.

Ah, you were dragged in for the same reason I was. The good thing was it put the kids off asking to go there ever again in England.

Speaking of burgers, I forgot to mention that I met Elvis once.

We were visiting Gracelands and he came to the gate to say hello.

Oh, hang on, no, that can't be right. I've never been to America.

My mate was telling me this afternoon how he once found himself in a lift with Howard Jones. Then, he had that hairs-up-on-back-of-neck-and-forearms realisation that he was actually sharing a lift with a guy that had played Live Aid.

Howard Jones playing one of the finest songs ever written, ladies and gentlemen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8HrmUn4Gc

That was that guy down your chippy who says he's Elvis !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6K8R8KqpCE

I resisted my kids pressure back in the day and took them to 'proper' eateries. It's cost a fair few bob, but they don't eat muck.

I got forced to give way only twice .... once in Paris. Yes, Paris. Staying with a friend who kids adored the muck we drove, me & mine following her & hers as we drove across the city late one evening. Across probably 10 miles of the inner city to a McRonnies near the Eiffel Tower. We must have passed approx. 1,000 proper eateries to get to it. I had a chicken fillet thingummy as it at least appeared edible.

The next was while at work in Pennsylvania. As a group of 4 began to head to the airport one guy said 'let's call in the drive-thru McD'. I protested but to no avail & was assured that "they're far better over here". Well, I tried my one & only McD burger. All I can say is that if they ARE better over there they must be complete shite over here.

I didn't finish it, btw.

Macs are crap, but I will say I found the American Subway shops just brilliant in sandwich choice. Mind you, eating and drinking are national pastimes over there. It's a "big" country.

Last time I had a McDonald I got home to discover that I'd won a free Big Mac. My prize remains unclaimed!

Indeed, the bread and ingredients are fresh in Subways and there is a great deal of choice. If one must have a fast food burger I think Harvey's is the only place to go.

I had to laugh at some of those comments.

I've only been to a 'Maccas' three times. The first was over 40 years ago - I think. If I remember correctly it was a newly opened franchise and was reasonably close to my home. Why not? says I. I soon found out the error my way. The second was a birthday party for my then pre-teen daughter. I cannot knock the shop for what they did; there was no pushing of junk food to her or her friends as the food was healthy sandwiches and the entertainment was first class for children of her age (I think she was 9 or 10 at the time.) The third occasion was as bad as the first. A mate and I had been imbibing a wee bit of wine and, for some reason or other, he brought up the subject of a 'new' product being offered by the golden arches. It was supposed to be some sort of pork rack - sounded good so off we went. It turned out to be some sort of meat or offcuts which was then minced and spiced to the point where no one could have guessed its origin. This mashed conglomerate of 'stuff' was then pressed in some sort of former to present the appearance of a miniature rack of lamb/pork or whatever. What a joke! To make it worse I was even charged for it.

On the subject in hand: I did meet Jacki Weaver on a few occasions, I even drove her home one afternoon. *puffs chest and does Tarzan impression*