Mike Ditka

I realised something yesterday.

Upon hearing that legendary NFL head coach - Mike Ditka - had passed away, I thought about what I would write about him in today's post.

It struck me - Mike Ditka is the first coach that I ever see win a Super Bowl. In fact, I would go so far as to say, Mike Ditka must be the first 'manager' I've ever seen win any sporting award.

I was very young when the 1985 Chicago Bears were doing the business. I didn't follow football (soccer!) much back then. I was still a few months away from from obsessing over the Mexico 1986 World Cup. Before that, the Bears won the Super Bowl.

As I was quite young, I obviously didn't 'watch' the Super Bowl XX win live. But, I kept up on the news thanks to frequently keeping up with the NFL through the Channel 4 coverage. 

I didn't really root much for a team back then. I enjoyed following the Bears' run to the Super Bowl thanks mainly to how much of an iconic star William 'The Refrigerator' Perry was back during my childhood. 

The Fridge scored a surprising touchdown during the Bears' Vince Lombardi Trophy win over the New England Patriots in that game. It was a shocking call because Perry's main position was in defence. He came in as fullback to add to what resulted in a 46-10 score.

The one-yard play was called by Ditka. 

Yet Another McDonald's World Menu Heist Post

On September 23rd, I wrote a post about the return of McDonald's World Menu Heist promotion and mentioned the global restaurant brand had introduced a couple of new burgers. In the post, I wrote about trying out Canada's Maple and Cheddar Chicken and noted I would try the Big Rosti when I next ordered.

Well, it's time to deliver the promise...

McDonald's Big Rosti (Germany)

The Big Rosti burger is inspired by Germany. It contains a British and Irish beef patty layered with a potato rosti (obviously!), streaky bacon, a cheese slice, creamy bacconnaise and cheese sauces inside a glazed bun.

I had asked a friend from Germany if one of these burgers is available on the menus in his country. I was told it might be a special item which appears around Oktoberfest. 

As for the UK rendition - it was okay. I found mine to be a bit messy (as you'll be able to see below). Not that that's a complaint. I enjoyed it. But that's all. The potato rosti sure did make it stand out from other limited edition burgers from McDonald's but it isn't enough to make me want to go out of my way to buy should it appear again in future.

McDonald's Guava X Sprite Zero (India)

I didn't feel compelled to try the Guava X Sprite Zero drink with September's order. 

I don't find guava to be an enjoyable flavour of fruit and I'm not keen on Sprite Zero. Having both in a collaboration made me doubly disinterested in trying the drink. However, I thought 'I may as well' while choosing the refreshment part of the Big Rosti meal.

The Guava Sprite is meant to represent McDonald's restaurants from India. I initially surmised that the reason why may be because guavas originated from that part of the world. They, in fact, don't. According to my research, the fruit comes from the Americas.

My instincts turned out correct. I didn't enjoy the drink. It teased refreshment at first, but I was then struck by the sandpaper-like scratch down the back of my throat. This is the sensation I always get from drinking Ginger Beer. If you know, you know.

McDonald's Szechuan Dip (China)

Another item I had close to zero interest in last month was the Szechuan dip which represents McDonald's China.

I suspected it would be somewhat spicy so passed. However, just like with the Sprite, I concluded 'I may as well' and added the dip to the order.

The sauce was initially used to dip my fries and mac & cheese triangles in. I am pleased to confirm it wasn't spicy at all. It was more like soy sauce.

Off all the items I ordered for this post, I found the Szechuan dip to be the most pleasing. I suppose that's because I had the lowest of expectations. It sure did surprise me.

I ended up dipping the burger into the sauce. That's how much I wanted to experience it.

So, to close, I urge you to simply buy whatever you want for yourself. What ever you do - you must try the dip!

Goodreads Upgrades Its Ratings System

I received an email from Goodreads yesterday with some brilliant news.

The social media website for bookworms has upgraded the way people can rate books once they've finished reading them.

Before now, the way to grade a title is to give them between one and five stars. There was no option which allowed readers to, for example, give a book three-and-a-half stars. That's no longer an issue. We can now do that.

It's not just halves that can be given out. It's also possible to give quarters.

Here's a clip showing how it's possible.

This obviously makes it easier for me when it comes to sorting out the books on the Booker Prize shortlist. In the past, I had to point out which - of at least two novels with identical star ratings - was superior. 

I faced a similar situation earlier this week reading the 2026 shortlisted titles.

I Try Surreal's KFCereal

I've just had KFC for breakfast.

Yes, you read that right. I've just had KFC for breakfast. Not in the way you're imagining it, though.

First, I should back track.

A few weeks ago, I came across a post on TAFKA Twitter which showed a box of breakfast cereal with the KFC logo. 

'Okay,' I thought. 'You have my attention.'

A Surreal purchase and delivery

The cereal is made by a UK company named Surreal. It produces healthy breakfast products made with high protein and low sugar content. I browsed the website and found the KFC cereal for £6. It was an instant purchase.

A few days later, the parcel arrived at my door. Inside was the box of cereal (obviously!) but also a cool bit of marketing - a chicken themed newspaper named The Breakfast Times.

Looks brilliant, doesn't it?

It took me a few days to actually open the cereal itself because I had a plan.

To have the authentic KFCereal experience, I had to try the cereal with real KFC gravy. I ordered a small tub, with yesterday's lunch and kept it until this morning.

Tasting Surreal's KFCereal for the first time

Upon opening the cereal bag, I took a sniff. The first thing I thought was 'it smells a bit like the Walkers crisps from the KFC promotion' 

As you can see above, the cereal looks just like.. well, just like regular breakfast cereal. It didn't with my next act:

After heating the gravy for a minute (with a thirty second stir session in-between!), I poured it on top of my breakfast.

It felt peculiar to have a breakfast cereal with a chicken flavouring. On top of that, it was also off-putting to have the cereal with gravy instead of milk.

Double Discombobulation.

I didn't count how many spoonfuls I had. I suppose I had enough to forget how many. However, I reached a point of realisation where I noticed the gravy had made the breakfast too seasoned for my liking. The spiciness forced me to tap out earlier than anticipated.

Plan B is to try this cereal the old fashioned way.

Would I buy KFCereal again?

To be frank, I consider KFCereal for what it is: a gimmick. It is a brilliant one at that. However, I don't believe I'll ever go out of my way to buy it in the future. I certainly won't try original KFC gravy with it again. On a plus side, the Surreal-KFC collaboration introduced me to Surreal's products. I notice one of their cereals is peanut butter flavoured. Regular visitors will know how much I love both Reese's and Aldi's peanut butter breakfast offerings, so I plan to at least give Surreal's version a try.

Until then, I'm going to battle away at this box of KFCereal. 

With milk.

A Posthumous Double For October 6

It had only been a few days ago since I read a press release stating that Jeffrey Archer's upcoming book - Adam & Eve - would be his last.

The famed author was set to retire at the age of eighty-six once the book came out today.

It didn't end that way.

Stunned. That's how I felt when I read the news report of Archer's death last night. Mere hours before the book went live.

In one day, or rather: hours, Adam & Eve became a posthumous novel. Coincidentally, it's the second title of a deceased writer to be published today.

Also on the shelves is third book in The Talisman series by Stephen King and Peter Straub. The latter passed away a little over four years ago leaving King with enough notes to finish off Other Worlds Than These.

My copy arrived this morning. I'll get to it as soon as I've finished getting through the Booker Prize shortlist (Update: I'm currently on the third of six books in the marathon).

Meeting My Uncle Again

I met my uncle for the first time since 2002 in the early hours of this morning.

I genuinely cannot recall a time, since he passed away in 2003, when I've dreamt about him. 

He was selling vacuum cleaners of all things. Not exactly. He was actually selling videos (video cassettes at that!) showing his technique of selling vacuums.

Just like in real life, he gave me some sound advice. I know it was all my subconscious creating the dream, but I choose to believe he really did come to see me.

It sure was good to catch up with him.

A £1 Punt (For One Reason, And One Reason Only)

I was just looking through my emails and came across one from Bet365 for today's NFL games.

They were offering some special prices for the Colts versus Commanders from Tottenham, which kicks off at 2:30pm BST. 

One stood out only because of what they called the bet builder.

It's Daniel Jones themed and requires the following:

1. Indianapolis to win straight up
2. Jones to have 275+ passing yards
3. Jones 3+ passing touchdowns

They're offering 10/1.

I like two of the three. However, they've named it 'Indiana Jones' and - seeing as I'm wearing my Daniel Jones 'Indiana Jones' t-shirt today - I am obliged to whack £1 on. 

Only £1!

The selection I can't see coming in is number three. There's guaranteed to be some rushing touchdowns - for both sides - on today's play sheets. 

Colts -4 Against The Commanders - Has It Lost Value?

I see the Indianapolis Colts are now four-point favourites to beat the Washington Commanders when they meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

That's a big drop considering the designated visiting team (they're both visitors imo!) were written up as +1.5 road dogs when early lines were published in May.

Checking in with what I wrote in Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual, if I had a fiver to bet on this game right now, I'd pass.

The previous eight meetings clearly favoured the Colts straight up. They have a win-loss of 5-3 (63%) in that category. They would have been a perfect punt as +1.5 dogs. Now, as four-point chalk? Not so much.

Value gone.

The last time the Colts played in London

I also have a dreadful memory of the last time Indianapolis played in London. I had them backed as a pick 'em against the Jaguars.

The Wembley Stadium game, which 'celebrated' its tenth anniversary yesterday, ended with Jacksonville 30-27 winners. 

It's safe to conclude with one assurance: I'm not taking the Colts. With that said, I don't find Washington +4 an appealing counter.

Daniels ruled out for London clash

Commanders' quarterback, Jayden Daniels, has been ruled out for a second straight week after dislocating his elbow against Dallas in Week 2.

A Marcus Mariota led Commanders upset the current Super Bowl champions last weekend. The 33-31 win over the Seahawks saw Washington +8.5 cover in the Beat the Champs betting angle. However, per the very same system, this week's game places the Commanders in the fade/come down spot.

For a more extensive look at this weekend's slate of games, and every other game for the remainder of the 2026 season, check out Taylor's Pro Football Gambling Annual.

Tomorrow's College Games (Updated)

Barring a late miracle, which is me deciding to ante up to buy a DAZN NCAA Football subscription,  I won't be able to catch the Oklahoma Sooners' visit to the Texas Longhorns tomorrow.

I've checked the menu of games available to Disney Plus customers and it's not on there.

That's a shame, I would have enjoyed being able to watch that game at 8:30pm BST. It would have been perfect because I will, for the first time this season, get to watch Notre Dame. Their game begins at 5pm for me.

The Fighting Irish, who are ranked third, head to North Carolina to take on Bill Belichick's Tar Heels. 

I've checked out the spread and total for the match I plan to watch. The visitors are -21.5 favourites. Those looking to bet on the Over-Under will find the totals line set at 46.5.

After last week's mess up, I don't intend to use the spreadsheet to place any bets. In fact, I don't intend to place any wagers at all. 

3/10 UPDATE - I was listening to a radio show last night and they mentioned Texas is on a bye this week. The Oklahoma game is on October 10th. First, what a rookie mistake by yours truly to not look at the dates when I asked Google for the next Texas game. Second, I’ll keep an eye on the Disney Plus menu for next week’s slate. I could very well get to see this one after all. Albeit a week later than I expected ha!

"Isn't It Too Early For Greggs Festive Bakes?"

I was browsing the news this morning, and came across an article about Greggs' Christmas menu.

'BAKE OFF,' exclaimed the article's headline. 'Greggs reveals Christmas menu launching TODAY - as it brings back pigs in blankets'.

Isn't it too early for Greggs Festive Bakes?

That was my thought upon seeing the teasing headline and its deck. After all, it is October 1st. Greggs usually brings out the main part of its Christmas special shortly after Halloween. Or am I mistaken?

Turns out my guess was correct. There seems to only be a limited amount of Christmas items launched today. Most are of the sweet variety. As the news website pointed out - there are pots of pigs in blankets available for those looking for a Greggs snack.

Something stood out in my browse through today's updated menu.

New to this year's range is a Sweet Mince Pie Roll.

Inside Greggs' Sweet Mince Pie Roll

The product contains 'sweet mincemeat, made from vine fruits, Bramley apples and candied orange and lemon peel' inside puffed pastry dusted with icing sugar.

I bought one shortly after reading the article. Mine was really nice. It slightly reminds me of McDonald's Festive Pie, but felt more decadent even if it doesn't have custard inside.

It's something I will try again whenever I next buy lunch (or dinner!) from Greggs. I suppose that'll be whenever the company brings out the Festive Bake for Christmas 2026.

Other items on Greggs' early Christmas menu

As well as the Sweet Mince Pie Roll and pot of pigs in blankets, Greggs customers can also find mince pies, Christmas fruit cake slices and caramel shortbreads on the Christmas range.

They've joined some of the products available for the Halloween and November 5th seasons. For example, there's a pumpkin-shaped chocolate biscuit and 'Bonfire Toffee' muffins. 

Another Wrestling Question On Pointless

'They had a question about your wrestlers on Pointless this evening'

That was what one of my friends told me last night. I had to investigate immediately.

As I suspect some are aware, but some might not be, Pointless is a weekday evening game show on BBC One. The best way I can describe it is it's like a reverse Family Feud/Fortunes in that one hundred people have been asked the same questions. The aim in Pointless is for the quizzers to give answers that score the lowest amount of points. That's either by giving an answer not many of the 100 polled have given or - even better - a response no one has offered. The latter would be  'pointless'.

The couple who make it to the final round then get to answer a final question and hope that one of their three responses is pointless.

Pointless' WrestleMania-themed Question

Last night's finalists were given a choice of answering a question about 'Wrestling'. One of the categories was 'WrestleMania Main Eventers'. They had to give three names of people who starred in the closing match of any of the past forty-one WrestleManias. For what it's worth, and it is worth a lot to me (but that's another story!), they could have given any of the names who have headlined the Saturday night cards of two-night Manias. 

After conferring for their allotted one minute, the ladies opted to go with Jake Paul, The Undertaker and 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin as their three answers.

Jake Paul was an incorrect answer because he has never main evented a WrestleMania. Neither has his brother, Logan, who is the WWE star in the family.

The Undertaker, regarded as one of the main characters in WrestleMania history due to his lengthy undefeated streak, was not a pointless answer. Eleven members of the panel knew him.

Of the three names given, and considering he's arguably one of the biggest names in modern wrestling history, I expected Steve Austin to get the majority of points. Surprisingly, only one of the one hundred pollsters gave Austin as an answer.

ONE!!

As the contestants were making their selections, I wrote three answers of my own down. I went with Mr T (headlined the first WrestleMania alongside Hulk Hogan against 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndorff), Sid Justice (main evented WrestleMania VIII and XIII) and 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase (WrestleMania IV).

Some WrestleMania-themed Pointless Answers

Once we knew the contestants had failed to find a pointless answer, Michael Ball - who was sat in the researchers' seat (or whatever it's called!) - showed a few of the pointless answers on the screen. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania III), Becky Lynch (WrestleMania XXXV), Kurt Angle (WrestleMania XIX) and Shawn Michaels (WrestleManias XII, XIV, XX and XXIII) were highlighted. However, Ball ran off a list of other names like Bianca Belair (Saturday of Mania XXXVII) and Ronda Rousey (WrestleMania XXXV). He also named all three of my selections and botched the pronunciation of 'Dibiase' as he did so. Fair. I'm sure I would have done the same had that name been new to me.

Wrestling questions have featured on Pointless a few times over the years. Most have been resulted in a lot of British wrestlers from history being acknowledged. 

The only Brit who would have been a correct answer, for last night's question, would have been Drew McIntyre. 

The Scot was in the main event of WrestleMania XXXVI, which was held inside WWE's Performance Center during the Pandemic. McIntyre won the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar in the main event but also defended the strap, with a win over The Big Show, in a dark match immediately afterwards.

Curiosity has me wondering if McIntyre was a pointless answer or not. That's something I'm going to try and find out.

Stay tuned.

More About Pac

I'm watching last night's episode of WWE Raw as I write this post. It opened with a graphic of Pac (Benjamin Satterley), who wrestled for the company - under the alias of Adrian Neville - during the mid-to-late 2010s.

More news of the death came out last night. Pac was found parked up in his rental car outside a restaurant in Illinois close to O'Hare Airport. 

Law enforcement suggests there was no indication of foul play or trauma and the death didn't appear suspicious. 

William Regal's tribute to Pac

One of the things which struck me over the past day and a bit was a post William Regal wrote on TAFKA Twitter a fortnight ago. I had read it initially, but the words were far from my mind yesterday morning when I wrote the post.

Regal took to the social media platform to say he was on a plane returning home from Mexico and happened to have bumped into Pac on the journey.

The former pro wrestler, who now works in a senior role at WWE, had glowing words for Satterley. It stood out to me back when I first read it because Regal was writing about a person who worked for the opposition.

That, itself, should explain just how much of an impact Pac had with people both inside and looking in on the pro wrestling business.

Other words about Pac

There were so many posts and tributes written about Pac yesterday. I thought Newcastle United showed class by offering condolences. However, the words which really made me smile came from AEW referee - Bryce Remsburg - who wrote the following:

It was cool to read of Pac giving Newcastle United shirts to Remsburg's children (the photo evidence appeared in the post). I also found it brilliant that Pac gave those kids Kinder Eggs.

For those who don't know, Kinder Surprise is banned in the USA due to a 1938 law which prohibits non-edible products being concealed inside confectionary products.

I've been aware of that silly law for quite a while. Realising Pac was a Kinder smuggler brought a chuckle at this unhappy time.

'Pac Died...'

I woke up in the early hours of this morning with one plan: check out any direct messages on TAFKA Twitter, but ensure not to look at the main timeline to avoid the LA Rams versus Denver Broncos score.

Upon opening the app, one picture stood out. I had to stop.

Pac died...

That was the message my friend had left for me to read this morning. 

Stunned. That's the only appropriate word I could use to describe how I felt upon seeing that image. 

For those who don't follow wrestling - Pac was a British wrestler. He started his career in the early-to-mid 2000s and spent a few years working for NXT/WWE under the name Adrian Neville (or just 'Neville' by the end of his stint there). 

Upon leaving WWE, Benjamin Satterley returned to the Independent scene using his earlier name of 'Pac'. Then, in 2019 or so, he made his way to the number two US wrestling promotion - All Elite Wrestling. 

He last appeared on this past Saturday's AEW All Out show.

No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

This is the second tragedy to strike AEW in recent weeks. Former AEW talent - Andy Williams, who wrestled as 'The Butcher' - passed away following a medical emergency during an indie show on September 5th. 

A Funny(ish) Dream

I had a funny(ish) dream last night.

For some reason, I had taken a trip to London and was on my way home. Before I entered the station, I stopped off at a shop and came across a packet of crackers I was intrigued by.

They were Cheez-Its. In an untraditional blue and white bag. I looked at them and noticed they were a salted caramel flavour. I surmise they were a festive limited edition or something. 

Anyway, as I was inside the shop, a gang of males started hassling the shop assistant. I ended up performing a DDT on the ringleader and was then chased out by his toadies.

I didn't get to buy, let alone try, the Cheez-Its.

That was the bad news. The good: at least the DDT has become a significant finishing move again. It hadn't been since the days of Jake 'The Snake' Roberts.

57+ Years In The Making: Texas At Tennessee

Mankind was a little over six months from making a giant leap the last time the University of Tennessee played the Texas Longhorns.

They finally meet again today. This time with Texas sitting number one in the rankings. The Vols, on the other hand, are fourteenth.

Both are currently 3-0 this early in the season, so - to steal a line from boxing - someone's 0 is going to go.

It's a game I'm locked in for. Disney Plus has it listed, so I'll be watching it sans my Texas t-shirt because I forgot to put it in the wash in time. 

The US President is also scheduled to be in attendance. That's sure to highlight how big this game is historically.

The last time Texas and Tennessee met was in '69

As noted, this will be the first time in over fifty-seven years since the two sides opposed each other in college football. The Cotton Bowl game, from January 1st 1969, ended 36-13 in favour of Texas.

The Arch Manning-led Longhorns are currently five-and-a-half point road favourites. 

The spreadsheet's side and total for Texas' visit to Tennessee

For this special occasion, I have dusted off my spreadsheet to see its projections.

The results have Tennessee winning outright by five points. That's a 10.5 point swing. As for the total - it suggests taking Over 55 points. 

I'm not willing to bet against Texas, even though the spreadsheet firmly has them losing. My only bet will be on the game's total exceeding 55.

Texas @ Tennessee kicks off at 5pm BST today. Those in the UK can watch the game on Disney Plus.

The National Lottery Loses The Spirit Of Christmas

If you've regularly visited this blog for countless years, especially around Autumn, you're bound to have seen me hype up the annual National Lottery Advent scratch cards.

I play one each year, scratching off one window a day from December 1st through to Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, I've made the decision not to buy one for Christmas 2026. Here's why.

The National Lottery's current owners - Allwyn - have made some drastic changes to the 'Christmas Countdown' theme.

As you can see above, this year's card offers players thirty-two chances of winning a £1 Million jackpot. On the surface, that's excellent, giving six opportunities more than previous versions of the £5 cards.

There's one of a few problems, however.

These cards were devised using an Advent calendar theme. There should only be twenty-four windows. Thirty-two 'windows', in this game, is losing the spirit.

Sure, I could change things up by scratching once a day from late November.

The design doesn't even look like a regular Christmas theme. For example, check out the cards I played in 2014 and even the previous version. 

This year's looks like a generic scratch card with a half-assed attempt to make it look somewhat festive using colours associated with Christmas and throwing a bit of decorations here and there.

Contrasted with every single Advent card I've ever played in my lifetime, it is shoddy.

This isn't the only change Allwyn has made to the traditional National Lottery business this year. 

A few months ago, the operator - who picked up the licence in 2024 - introduced a new way of playing the regular National Lottery. Players' numbers are now entered into two draws each Wednesday and Saturday.

Just like with this scratch card shake up, I found the new approach pointless. As did a family member who opted to stop buying tickets after being a weekly player since the first draw in 1994.

I could close by stating 'if it ain't broke, why fix it?' but that would mean I'd know how good or bad the National Lottery's business is doing right now. 

What I do know is this: Advent begins December 1st. Not November 22nd. 

'Uh Oh', Gremlins 3 Gets A New Release Date

Gremlins 3  has a new release date.

The third film is set to hit cinemas on October 6th 2028. That's eleven months later than what was announced last year.

This news was revealed in a teaser posted by Warner Bros. on social media overnight.

The seconds-short clip shows Gizmo's head visible from inside of a bag. He utters 'uh oh' in his famous Mogwai tone.

And that's it. For now.

The first Gremlins flick in thirty-eight years

Gremlins 3 will be the first movie in the franchise since 1990's Gremlins 2: The New Batch. The original was released forty-two years ago and is one of my favourite films. 

I loved Gremlins, but found its sequel to be a letdown. Despite that, I am keen to revisit the franchise after all this time.

I Try Some World Menu Heist Menu Items From McDonald's

McDonald's UK has relaunched its World Menu Heist promotion by bringing out new and intriguing items to its menu.

I ordered a few things yesterday for my lunch. Here's what I had.

Paprika McShaker Fries (from the Netherlands)

For the previous edition of McDonald's World Menu Heist, the company introduced its customers to 'McShaker Fries'. All you do is place your fries in a bag, throw in some seasoning and then shake. Last time we were given sour cream and black pepper to mix with the fries. Apparently, that way of serving fries is accustomed to Poland. Now it's the Netherlands' paprika fries.

As a fan of paprika flavoured Pringles and Walkers Max crisps, it wasn't surprising to realise I enjoyed having the fries seasoned with this spice. In fact, I came away from this experience thinking I should use paprika seasoning when I next cook chips in my air fryer.

Maple & Cheddar Chicken (from Canada)

The main event, from yesterday's lunch, was the Maple and Cheddar Chicken burger from Canada.

It was delicious.

To steal McDonald's own words, this burger consists of 'a 100% chicken breast fillet in a crispy coating, mustard maple sauce, citrus mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, slivered and crispy onions, lettuce, tomato' inside a toasted poppy and sesame seed bun. 

Here's a messier photograph which shows most of the ingredients closeup. 

As noted, I found this to be really nice. I've enjoyed foods with chicken and maple together in the past. This has that sweet and savoury mix. However, the addition of the mustard (and likely the citrus mayonnaise) adds a bit of a kick.

With all that said, I am also keen to try the beef patty that's also part of this promotion.

Other McDonald's World Menu Heist Products

The Big Rosti is a beef patty which contains 100% British and Irish beef along with a crispy rosti potato, bacon, cheese, baconnaise and cheese sauce inside a glazed sesame seed bun.

I'll give that burger a try when I next order from McDonald's.

Also available are the returning Mac and cheese triangles, which are apparently found on the menus in the United Arab Emirates. 

There's also a S'mores McFlurry (Canada) and a Guava X Sprite drink from India. 

Those who like to dip can also find a Szechuan style from the McDonald's China menu.

Breakfast is also covered in the latest World Menu Heist

The morning menu is offering a couple of foreign breakfast takes with a chicken and egg McMuffin from Singapore as well as an Australian chicken and bacon McMuffin.

Intriguing. 

2026 Booker Prize Shortlist Confirmed

The Booker Prize shortlist for 2026 has just been announced at an event held at the Southbank Centre in London.

I was able to watch the livestream of the event from the venue's website. Here are the titles which made it to the next stage of the voting process.

The 2026 Booker Prize Shortlist

• Black Bag by Luke Kennard
• John of John by Douglas Stewart
• May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry
• The Disappearers by Marlon James
• The End of Everything by M. John Harrison
• The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

This year's judges

This year's judging panel is chaired by Mary Beard. Her fellow panellists are Raymond Antrobus, Jarvis Cocker, Rebecca Liu and Patricia Lockwood.

When the 2026 Booker Prize winner will be announced

The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize will be revealed on Monday 9th November at a ceremony scheduled to be held at Old Billingsgate in London.

The winning author will receive £50,000. The runners up will each earn £2,500.

The 2026 Booker Prize Marathon

Since 2021, I've written posts in which I have read every book of the that particular year's shortlist and then had a gamble on the title, or titles, I have felt had a chance of winning. I'm happy to reveal that I will be running the Booker Prize Marathon once again. You can read the previous exploits below:

The 2021 Booker Prize Diary

The 2022 Booker Prize Diary

The 2023 Booker Prize Diary

The 2024 Booker Prize Diary

The 2025 Booker Prize Diary

I Knew It

I knew it.

I rarely watch Sunday Night Football (or Monday Night Football, for that matter) live. I had planned to do so last night, because the Colts were on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, tiredness - plus knowing I could watch the main parts on the NFL GamePass 'Game in 40' option - won out.

I clicked on the Game in 40 this morning. I saw the length. Forty-eight minutes. 'This one's going to overtime' immediately crossed my mind.

I knew it.

A brilliant back-and-forth. Both teams were at 27 in regulation. They were also tied for 30-30 in OT until the last second of the game, when the Chiefs won 33-30.

Obviously not the result I had been hoping for, but it was a positive performance. Kinda.

Indianapolis are now 0-2. Huge negative.