Xela

I've got it... but get it free through work. Can't remember the exact amount I'm insured (assured?) for but its a 6 figure amount. I think my parents are down as next of kin.

I'm flying with them in 3 weeks to Hong Kong. My mate used them earlier this year to get to Manila and said they were superb. Their reputation is excellent - one of only 7 5-star airlines in the world (ratings from Skytrax)

What Asian airlines? Aren't the majority of the Skytrax 5 star airlines Asian? I can't imagine Singapore, Cathay, Malaysia or Asiana skimping on servicing?

RIP Paddy HEITS

Agree. I remember the days I would go down the park and play football and absolutely love it, rush home and hardly eat my dinner as I would want to be watching the match on ITV, so i would push the food around on the plate and then confess I was full (well, I just wanted to get back into the next room!) where-as now, I choose pretty much everything over football, it has been a slow long death from me, I went through mourning after the Dowd cup final and I, since then have had no love for football. I bought new trainers instead of Fifa and am yet to buy Football Manager too, I love Villa but everyhing else football related means nothing to me. The only games I really enjoy are the ones I play myself. R.I.P Football. Agreed I think most supporters above a certain age feel the same. I'm early 30's and remember the 'pre-Sky' days and when football felt more enjoyable, even though we were shit for most of it! Yesterday with the Baggies defeat, I was disappointed for about 5 minutes then forgot about it. More important things in life.

Mexico? Best place weather wise in my experience in November/December is South East Asia. I know its probably further than you want to go but you can get some cheap deals to Thailand or Malaysia.

I'm treating myself in the summer to a new watch when I get some of my deferred bonus payments. Thinking a Rolex Submariner (the classic) or a Rolex GMT Master II. I can understand why some people wouldn't want to spend £5k on a watch (or even £500) but for me, its something I want and it will last me a very long time. I don't spent a great amount on clothes or fancy electrical goods/gadgets, which are outdated within a year. A good watch will last a lifetime and probably appreciate in value if you keep it long enough and look after it. A 1972 Submariner at Blowers Jewellers in Hull is for sale at £9950.. a new one costs circa £5250. Not a bad return for a 30 year old watch!

I'm off to Sharm next week to lie around the pool for a week with my Kindle and iPod as company! I've got Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, spy to read as well as the Bourne trilogy. Any other suggestions for spy/espionage thrillers?

Epic thread lads Well done to everyone involved! *decides not to join POF*

Having seen the footage on BBC I don't think you can blame Di Canio! Clarke acted like a right tool

It is. I have spoken to the very person in question.

What is it with the need for certain people to be in a relationship? I just don't get it (quite literally... it's been 6 weeks!). Seriously though, do people feel the need to be wanted or loved by someone in that way? Don't people like their own company? I always end my relationships fairly early on as the thought of settling down long term at the moment is of no interest to me. I like to go away with my mates, have fun and try and sleep with as many people as I can. I guess we're all different though! That is what makes the world an interesting place!

:? Mind telling me why? Probably because very few places in the world are as safe as where you live.

Very jealous! I love SE Asia. Tony makes many good points especially about cheap flights. Air Asia is your friend out there. I would advise getting a bus/coach from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Its only about 6 hours and you get to see a lot of the Cambodian countryside. Costs about 15USD.

From BBC: Villa, who will guarantee their Premier League safety with a point, have only won once in their last 24 league games away to Arsenal. Time to make that two wins in the last 25 away games at the Emirates! Maybe we should play 'relaxed and with a smile on our face' more often, cracking finishes from Bent, great assist from Walker and Youngy too. Looked a tad shaky at the end of the half, but did well to hold out - and West Ham look like they'll get the result, that relegation thread could be locked this evening. I can think of at least 5 victories in the last 20 years or so...

Have you worked out how much it would cost if you booked everything direct yourself rather than through a travel agent?

Knew it would get blown out of proportion it's my fault for not explaining it thoroughly, so sorry. Nope, it's 40 quid for just going out, buying stuff etc., I can live with it but it'll mean being very austere and eating at home as far as I can guess. (cos technically I'm still a minor, so my parents provide food for me at home, but going out of the house will be a problem.) Edit: Includes transport costs as well, for the times when I'll be going out on my own instead of being together with the family. So it's 40 quid for entertainment and transport expenses, but not for food or bills or anything major like that. You won't get far on £40 a month for entertainment in Singers, as i'm sure you are aware! Its one of the most expensive places I have ever been!

Reminiscing about past hedonistic holidays with mates... although memories are always tinged with a little bit of sadness when I realise that we are all growing up and not likely to repeat them in the future.

Nice one mate, I've been renting for the past 2 years, I moved back into my parents house a few weeks ago and I'm looking to buy in the next few months. What are you buying? House/ flat? Still in Four Oaks? Hi mate Buying a flat - live on my own and very rarely spend a great deal of time at home so only really need a base. I'm buying in Aldridge. I looked at Four Oaks to buy but it's too pricey.

Just had an offer accepted on a property - my first one! Been renting for a number of years in Four Oaks but feel now is the time to buy.

SE Asia is the ultimate lads destination for me. Had cracking nights out all over there (Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Saigon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and other places)

I am going against the popular view here but I think a quality watch is worth the money. A good watch will last you a lifetime and probably will increase in value if maintained well and you choose the right one.

Lava is a decent place to make a few shapes on the dancefloor.... that is in the aforementioned Old Brewery Quarter. Plenty of places to grab some food in there as well.

My salary is massively dependent on bonuses. My base salary can be classed as average but performance based bonuses can make my total gross for the year vary from being good to fantastic depending on how much I have exceeded my targets by. I work for a Bank in relationship management role.

What is classed as a decent wage in Singapore? When I was out there in December, I thought it was very expensive. Especially alcohol. Paid $24 for a mojito in Clarke Quay. Was lovely though!