Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes Ashes

The 2009 Ashes series is over and, once again, the greatest trophy in all of sport is ours.

I knew the series would be a close and competitive affair - I was correct. If England were to win, it would require our top players to play to their potential. I knew that English success would depend on the performances of a fast-bowling all rounder and a big South African batsman. How right I was.

I've given a lot of thought to the appropriate celebratory beverage for this occasion. Usually I'm more than happy with champagne but a victory over the Aussies requires something special, something more pertinent. This evening I will be popping the cork on a bottle of New Zealand sparkling wine. Cheers, Australia.

Adjectives, fun for all the family.

I devised a mental exercise for myself, one that I thought it would aid both brevity and vocabulary. I decided to try to sum up the major, or more obvious, character traits or circumstances of people using a single adjective. I've been doing it for everyone I meet, but that doesn't really help anyone unfamiliar with the man at the cycle shop, my next door neighbour, my wife or my friend James. Here are a few celebrities I've done as an example.

Gordon Brown Beleaguered

David Cameron Smug

Kevin Pietersen Rash

Paul Collingwood Resolute

Eamon Holmes Mediocre

Bernie Ecclestone Avaricious

Max Mosley Loathesome

Judy Finnigan Banal

Vladimir Putin Nefarious

Michael Palin Affable

Sarah Palin Malignant

John Barrowman Omnipresent

Jenifer Aniston Girlish

Charlie Brooker Limaceous

Arthur Kade Vainglorious

I've read a good many blogs, and often I find that the comments section of blog posts are the most interesting part. Feel free to play along and post your examples here, I look forward to reading them.