So it’s fair to say, Eric Kelly of Church Street Boxing has a unique approach to training his clients. To help them perfect their boxing technique, Eric subjects them to a hilarious barrage of verbal abuse, insults, and public degradation.

Be aware, there’s a lot of bad language in this video but you have to watch it! Some of the lines he drops, they’re classic…

To follow Eric on Twitter, click here

It is a dire, cheap collaboration between a bit part songstress and a thug who should be shunned from the industry. One is seeking fame, the other redemption. Together, all they achieve is an awkward failed romance on this truly tacky music video. Terrible song, too.

Who said I sugar coat things?

The multi-talented Julie Delpy had won me over a long time ago. Her duet of romantic moves ‘Before Sunset’ and ‘After Sunrise’, which saw her as the intriguing female lead alongside the rather craggy heartthrob Ethan Hawke, successfully defrosted my bitter-d heart and proved to be the perfect anecdote to the formulaic Hollywood ‘romantic’ movies that dilute our box offices. But despite by existing respect for the Director/Writer/Actress etc, I was not prepared for the wonderful chaos of French farce that occupied 2 Days in Paris.

The follow up to the 2007 release replaces the male lead, Adam Goldberg, with comedian Chris Rock – a change which immediately put my back up. The frowning bearded one was one of my favourite things about Two Days in Paris. I enjoyed battling my conscience when I cheered on his misdirection of the American ‘code breaking’ tourists. I could relate to his over opinionated views and his darkly cynical outlooks. Most of all I sympathized with the vexed interior designer as he came increasingly uneasy with the revelations that unfurled regarding Marions former sex life, and her public and somewhat unhinged and self destructive behavior.

A lot of chatter about the film has commented on Chris Rock’s pivotal part as unlikely or a surprising feature of this largely French film. We have become accustomed to his intentionally shocking outbursts – tirades which are predominantly directed at pampered celebrities. We are used to his shrill tone, words at double speed and with his devil may care attitude when it comes to people’s feelings. As Marion’s current partner Mingus we see a far more measured character, a straight-forward man who actually appears to be one of the most understated.. and ‘normal’ of the whole gang. Despite my sadness at the omitting of Goldberg I did muse on the fact that the casting decision for NY could lead to larger audiences enjoying Delpy’s marvelous work.. and if that proves to be the case I support it.

Using snapshots, Delpy’s usual revealing commentary and children’s hand puppets, we are brought up to speed on what has changed since the last gallic outing. Artist/Photographer Marion and Radio personality/journalist Mingus share a NY apartment with their kids from previous relationships. Once again we see Marion’s partner facing the prospect of meeting her colourful family for the first time. A life landmark which is pitted with hazards at the best of times, but is potentially deal-breaking when your family is as madcap as hers.

One of the earliest scenes sees the family held at American customs, having stuffed their garments and bags with a innumerable amount of stereotypical French food goods. The quite revolting sight of a mass of sausages and cheese, which you can almost smell through the screen, proving to be a great comic introduction.  Although this is a tad ridiculous and one of the scenes that veers away from the realness factor that I love about these movies, it does serve to remind us of another standout performance of the first film.

In the previous film Delpy’s real life father had helped create some of the most memorable scenes, and they have capitalized on his inappropriate behavior and verbal discrepancies in this movie -  the family making allowances for his bullishness due to his age and widow status. At times his schoolboy mischief verges on criminal, and it is extremely entertaining to watch.

It’s Marion’s commitment to him in spite of his social mishaps and disruption of her and Mingus’ NY family unit, that is the warm backbone of the film. Put everything aside and what you have is the sense of family and the commitments and trials that come with. This is apparent with her forgiveness of her unlikeable sister, and is also bolstered by watching how Marion’s and Mingus’ united families interact throughout the unfolding chaos.

There are some tender moments between Delpy and her sister Rose, played by Landeau (who is the co -screenwriter), but in many ways it still feels like the younger brunette sister revels in being able to stir up a bit of trouble… and more than a little sexual awkwardness thanks to her inappropriate habit for baring flesh. Their sparky relationship helps to create one of the best scenes of the movie, taking place around the family dinner table. Here we see them utilize their unrivaled knowledge of each-others many flaws, lacking’s and life mishaps in a spiraling war of words, which ends up being a uncontrollable discordant symphony of language and intelligent catty-ness.

A more surprising return comes in the form of the infuriating Manu (Alex Nahon), a naive yet wholly pretentious artist ex of Marion, who is now dating Rose, her argumentative, sexual predator of a sister. His disregard of human decency and respect when it comes to staying at someone else’s home reaches epic lows when he invites a drug dealer to the house. His childish and oblivious behavior amuses and annoys in equal measure.. which I guess is the point. Another comedic aspect to the character, something which we’d already witnessed when he met Jack in Paris, is his dire attempts fit in with American Culture by saying ‘homey’ and alike. That theme continues in this movie, but to rather larger extremes.

The strength of both this and the first venture is the dialogue. You’d forget that these people were actors playing characters if they weren’t so enviably/unrealistically quick with their wit, and with the ability to use multilingual, cross-cultural references with such ease.The other is that it covers events we have or might have to deal with in our lifetimes. Although there are extreme moments, in terms of the turn of events and emotional behavior,  there is something very real about these films. There is enough of the human element to make them relate-able, but it is also ludicrous enough that a viewing works as en escape.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and came out itching to regale some of the cringiest of laugh out loud moments with the other critics, all of whom appeared as tickled as me in the Fox  screening room. But despite its many successes it didn’t match the perfection of 2 Days in Paris. For me, the former was flawless and the hysterical interplay between Goldberg and Delpy made for a more interesting dynamic than the to and fro’s between the NY couple. That statement is in no way a damning of the outrageous comedians performance though. Chris Rock will gain a lot from this film, in terms of it showcasing another facet to his talents and broadening his appeal – he played the character he was given perfectly and like Goldberg was endearing enough that you sympathized with his position. In fact there wasn’t a weak performance throughout, but there was a rather strange and unexpected cameo (one that I won’t give away) – an appearance which results from another ‘artistic’ Marion meltdown when she decides to sell her soul and verbally abuse an unimpressed critic.

In fairness a large part of the joy of watching …in Paris was that I wasn’t aware that I was in for such a treat, but with …New York I had sizable expectations. That’s why I don’t want any of the Culture Compass readers to be put off by any of my nit-picking in this review. Two Days in New York is still a 8/10 movie delight and is mainly hindered by having such a perfect predecessor.

So, now aged 37, would he be open to an approach from Roy Hodgson if the new England manager wants to include him in his plans for this summer’s European Championship?

Scholes was targeted at the very last minute by Fabio Capello before the 2010 World Cup, but an indirect approach and the timing of that interest was not enough to persuade the United legend to come out of international retirement, six years after his last England game.

He said at the time that a more advanced warning might have been enough to convince him. If the call comes this time round, would he be receptive to an invitation from Hodgson to join his 23-man party (including former team-mate and coach Gary Neville)? I wouldn’t bet against it.

I don’t see how anyone can argue that Scholes isn’t still at the very top of his game, still proving himself as a vital part of the greatest club in the Premier League era. And he’s still doing it after spending months out of the sport, proving that the only thing that has ever declined in his career is his overall fitness – and even that is at a sensational level for someone of his age.

He’s a player who has lasted at the top longer than almost all others in world football, especially those in the Premier League, and is one of the sport’s greatest role models – deservedly labelled the greatest midfielder in Premier League history.

Despite of all the accolades he’s won, the hype he’s generated and the plaudits he’s received, this is all the United legend has said he wants from his days as a player “When it’s over I just want to be able to look in the mirror and say; well, you were a half-decent player.” – vintage Paul Scholes.

Is there anyone better to sit in the England midfield this summer? So how about it, Scholesey for Euro 2012?

Ted is the first film from the team behind Family Guy and judging by the trailer its got the same slightly warped, crude and awkward brand of comedy we all know and love – wait till you hear the Thunder Song!

It stars Mark Wahlberg (who I love in these kinds of roles), Mila Kunis (who I just love) and the unmistakable voice of Seth MacFarlane, and for my money has massive summer hit written all over it.

Its due out in the UK on 1st August and after discovering this trailer yesterday I’ll be right at the front of that queue.

We all have our own examples of super successful people like these who we admire. But how do they do it?

Usain Bolt was born to run the hundred meters and Alan Sugar was born to fire people (ok, maybe that’s not completely true) but being born to do something actually translates to being able to fulfill your true potential.

Look at Gary Neville, by no means the greatest player to grace Old Trafford, not what you would call a naturally gifted footballer. But through hard work and dedication he developed into one of the best right backs England has ever produced. You look at what he won over his career and it’s fair to say that he fulfilled his potential.

Most of us will never fulfill what we were born to do but really, who doesn’t want to be the best that can be? I plan to get my head down and see what happens!

“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” – George Edward Woodberry

What are you born to do?

Non-profit organisation Oro Verde have become quite renowned for their creative campaigns/videos promoting rainforest preservation. Their latest effort is no different and it’s executed beautify! A really cool, smart and efficient tactic.

Why recruit people to collect donations when trees can do a perfectly good job! For FREE!

FYI – I love the voice over in this video. If a tree could talk, this is what it would sound like…

Take a look:

Normally, there is a two week gap between each race. I thought it useful to walk you through a Formula One fanatic’s bi-weekly rota. So, like a well-oiled clock, my time is taken up thus:

Monday - The day after the race before. I have my breakfast over a big splash describing the race before with all the post-race analysis bought into the succinct pages of the nationals.

Tuesday - Two days after the race before. Now comes the strategy pieces. James Allen on F1 usually has a unique, and very well researched, piece on strategy. This tasty morsel is easily enough to take me well into Wednesday.

Wednesday – The day after the James Allen post. While I digest the strategy nuances and the missed, or taken, opportunities, one of the drivers or team owners has usually come out with a quote – usually along the lines of “we are looking ahead to the next race”, or “our package should really suit the next race”.

Thursday – Monday. A free weekend to indulge myself, free of the 5am race (the Asian races), the 3pm lunch time race (a somewhat awkward time) or the 5pm not-quite-lunch-or-dinner-time race.

Tuesday – Two days before first practice for the race to come. Some of the better informed blogs have build-up pieces.

Wednesday – The day before first practice. The big teams set out their stall after arriving at the track – what they expect, strategy possibilities. The excitement builds.

Thursday - First practice. The familiar sound of the F1 V8’s wash over me. There is an F1 weekend on the horizon. Horraaaay!

Friday – Practice 2. The day before Qualifying. This is where it gets really interesting. Who had the pace over the long runs? Who was sandbagging? Who was saying what? What is Jenson doing?

Saturday – Qualifying! Yes! A dose of Sky F1 Practice 3 over breakfast (for those 3pm lunchy races) and it’s on to Qualifying. Who’s on pole? Who messed up!? Where’s Jenson!? Tomorrow will be gooood!

Sunday – Sorry love, it’s the race – my standard excuse every Sunday morning. On to the build up! The final shake down; Martin Brundle’s grid walk; the anticipating texts to the fellow F1 fanatics; and then, I await those marvellous six lights to come on and go out. In the famous words of Murray Walker, we are “go, go go”. Two hours of intrigue, thrills and spills (unless it’s Barcelona, which is admittedly boring) and then the crowning of the victor (Jenson…?)

Monday - Please scroll up and repeat. Unless there is a Bernie sized 3 week gap. Then I am inconsolable from Thursday onwards for a week and a half. Bah, humbug!

So then, was it this vision that led Lancaster to offer Wayne Smith the head coach role, weeks after being given the role himself? Could this be an indication that, while full to the brim with innovative foresight and management consultant techniques, his lack of coaching experience is a major hindrance?

Since losing – or rather, not signing – Andy Farrell the Lancaster shine has faded slightly after the 6 Nations heroics. This is somewhat down to the poor handling of the Smith situation. The offer was too public. Smith himself was very open about deliberating on the role, which he ultimately turned down for ‘family reasons’ – the second high profile coaching loss for Lancaster in as many weeks. Almost immediately it was announced that Mike Catt would be joining the set up as backs coach for the South Africa tour only. A stop gap appointment? Maybe so, but I will not suggest that Mike Catt is a step backwards as I hear very good things from the London Irish set up, where he is currently employed. Indeed, like Farrell, he is a former world class player, a recent player at that, so it seems like a useful fit.

Lancaster is therefore weakened already. Arguably the backs offence was our weakest element throughout the tournament – while Farrell’s star is undoubtedly high this was his coaching domain. Like Farrell, Cat will have the immediate respect of every player. Will he receive the same from Lancaster and Rowntree? Does the famous ‘vision’ extend to an interim coach? Working on only the one tour could lessen Catt’s coaching freedom with regard to the full time coaches – something that must not be allowed to happen. The long term vision should incorporate the short term. The evidence so far though, is that Lancaster gives his coaches room to express themselves. Fingers crossed the last few weeks can be brushed aside!