Renault F1 and the Return of Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso.

38 years of age.

2-Time Formula One World Champion 2005 and 2006.

2-Time Le Mans 24 Hours Winner 2018 and 2019.

FIA World Endurance Champion 2018-19.

A racing record to be proud of. We always knew the possibility of a return was high. I certainly hoped we would see Fernando back in Formula 1. He has some unfinished business, and with Renault announcing to his return between the mesmerizing Grand Prix in the Austrian hills last Sunday, and the second-of-two Grand Prix to be held at the Spielberg racetrack this weekend; What more can we expect from this double-header? An FP1 drive? Who knows? 2020 has thrown us a few curve balls so far.

Perhaps, the most difficult race driver to understand. But then again, do we really need to fully understand Fernando? His mind works in a way very few others ever have done, or ever will. When he works his magic in a car, we are always blown away by his talent. Alonso never ceases to amaze. Even his most avid haters would admit this.

Hate is a strong word. It is such a strong word to use when discussing who or what we like and dislike. I believe it is a word we all use far too often. The complex genius of Fernando is something that has baffled onlookers, team mates, team bosses, and fellow drivers for almost 20 years. Without this mystery, he wouldn't be the driver, or enigma he is. I am glad he is the way he is. It all adds to the genius. His ability is unquestionable. His drive and ambition are clear. The opportunities he finds himself with are endless. So why all the dislike? Why all the hate? Is he that unlikable?

I understand the "Let the young talent have a chance" mindset. Sadly though, Renault do not have a natural leader to take Daniel Ricciardo's vacant seat, when he leaves the French outfit for McLaren next year. Esteban Ocon had a year out as Mercedes reserve driver. Guanyu Zhou has impressed in F2 but has no F1 experience to speak of. The last two Renault-contracted champions in a feeder series were..... Jolyon Palmer and Nico Hulkenburg in 2014 and 2010 respectively. Now, the latter is, I think, the driver most F1 fans, analysts, drivers and team principals feel the seat is most deserving.

Nico Hulkenberg has plenty of F1 experience. A consistent finisher, although no top-3 finishes in 10 years in the sport. Winning Le Mans in 2016 for Porsche is, and was Nico's main highlight since he joined the Formula 1 grid. Albeit, winning at the Circuit de la Sarthe is a very worthy highlight, a driver as talented as he is, should be getting better results than he showed in F1. Perhaps Nico Hulkenberg has had his chance to prove his worth, and he didn't deliver. Alonso's record speaks for itself, and with no young talent currently able to fill the seat, where else would Renault look? Vettel........?? 

Sebastian Vettel won four World Drivers Championships with Red Bull from 2010-2013, all of which were powered by Renault engines. Seb has form with the French marque, but has had a lacklustre 5 years at Ferrari, and his dream of emulating the great Michael Schumacher has not come true. 6 years Alonso's junior, he has plenty left in the tank, but has he lost his joie de vivre in an F1 car? Red Bull could be an option. Christian Horner says 'No....' Perhaps he may follow in Fernando's footsteps and take a 'Seb-battical'......

Joking aside, Alonso has signed on the dotted line, and Cyril Abiteboul, Renault F1's Team Principal has openly agreed that the team has had to take Fernando's personality and outspoken nature regarding performance and internal politics from his former employers, McLaren, into consideration. does "GP2 Engine" ring a bell? To be fair, that radio message was aimed more towards the down-on-power, and frankly, unreliable Honda engines of the time. I think anyone would have been frustrated by the lack of performance - perhaps voicing that opinion over the airwaves wasn't his finest moment.

Moving forward into the heavily revised 2020 Formula 1 season, Renault will hopefully give Fernando Alonso a chance to get back in the car in Free Practice sessions. He may even get a race drive towards the end of the year if Ricciardo gives up on his Renault career before too long. I cannot see Daniel doing that, but it's always a thought.

 

In all my years of watching Formula 1, there have been many shock headlines and news stories. This, for me, is one of the better ones. It gives the sport a boost, it throws many other questions into the hat, and it continues to shake next year's driver line-up up. I for one, cannot wait for the 2021 F1 season to start. Fernando back to Renault. Kimi back at Alfa Romeo (Sauber). Sebastian possibly back to Red Bull? Sensing a theme here....? But lets get through this year first.

Welcome back Fernando. Let's see what you've got!

What Day Is It?

Routine goes out the window, and the days seem to bear no resemblance or meaning. The television guide says its Wednesday - but it could easily be a Sunday for all we know. As it turns out, it is Saturday, and what most of us in the UK crave, what most of us need - is routine. 

No work for some of us. No sport to watch. No going out for food or a drink. No meeting up with our buddies. No real contact with our nearest and dearest. Everything we know and take for granted, has changed, or been taken away. No-one could ever have imagined that this would happen. The new normal begins. 

Facetime, Tik Tok, Zoom, and Houseparty have become some of the places we would arrange to see and talk to our family and friends. We use social media all the time - It has become a part of our DNA. It dazzles us with it's simplicity and reach. It consumes our every quiet moment. It runs our lives, both at home and at work, yet, even this doesn't feel normal. Technology has shown its true colours and its real power. It has made communication so simple, but, so much harder at the same time. Many of us have longed for human interaction, with close family and loved ones.

Although, personally, I have not been directly affected, I have witnessed the heartache and distress that the pandemic has caused. Many have been fortunate to have contact with others regularly, but many have lived lockdown, by choice or design, on their own. If anyone feels like a chat, or just to vent, my ears, mind and heart are always open. Please do not hesitate to connect.

Daily Government Briefings became an integral part of everyday life, and once-a-week at 8 o'clock on a Thurdsay, we joined together as one to clap, holler, and bang our pots and pans, and show our appreciation for the people we call heroes. Every single carer has done this country proud. Nothing we can do, will ever be enough to show our gratitude for all those seconds, minutes, hours, days and weeks that these carers, and key workers have dedicated to the cause, without pause for thought of their own wants and needs. We salute you all. We will be forever in your debt. Behind every statistic we have heard about, however, there are family, friends, and many more grieving. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected. Through such sacrifice, we have seen such tremendous strength. 

Lockdown? Or Locked up? Is it basically the same thing? It would certainly appear so. I always felt that it would be straightforward enough, fun even, to sit indoors most of the day, stretching my legs for an hour or so. Not so. I suppose if we knew then what we know now, many of us, including myself, would have planned to do more. More focus. It became mundane, very quickly, yet I didn't see the bigger picture and I could have done more. We will not get this time back. Have you used this sustained period of (spare or extra) time wisely?

Edinburgh is a wonderful city. I have lived here all my life, and yet, found so many new and exciting places on my daily walks in the last 3 months. I am sure many others up and down the country would agree this is the same of their home towns. I ask anyone reading this to grab their phone and scroll through all their 'Lockdown Photos' and find one that reminds them of a peaceful time during this unprecedented situation. A positive personal connection with this period will confirm that you have remained strong, stood united with the world, and gained a positive through this challenging time. I have posted one photograph at the top, and one at the bottom of this post that remind me of such positive moments.

I know I am not the only one, but I almost don't want lockdown to end too soon. Perhaps I am a shade anxious after the devastation the invisible villain has caused. It is an immense relief that we are close to being free of the danger, however, there remains a very real threat in the coming months of a second spike. Hopefully, we have collectively done enough to suppress the virus sooner than first thought. The nature of the human mind adapts so quickly that we don't even realize how time has gone by. It is day 96 (I think) since lockdown began. Mother's Day, Easter, and Father's Day have all come and gone, not to mention all the Birthdays, Weddings and other celebrations that have been postponed or cancelled.

It has been so long since I have had to be anywhere. You would think that a three-month-or-so long holiday would be welcomed. In a way, it has. Still, it doesn't feel real. It almost feels like a fascinating piece of fiction. A Best-Seller. Nothing but a story. 

Seriously.

What day is it? Two years since my last post? Friday? Saturday? It is day 96 of lockdown as I write... I am supposed to be In Kos right now! It is/was the eve' of my baby sisters wedding. Not to be, sadly. Postponed a year. It will be a cracking day when it comes around in 2021. I cannot wait!! 

Anyway....

Not too long a monologue, more a thoughtful one. However, I can say that I have not mentioned the 'C' word once..... until the next sentence. The history books will show 2019/20 as being one of the toughest periods for human-kind. Coronavirus exists and we will come to understand it better and learn to control it and others like it in the future. If we remain united as a 7-plus Billion population planet, we have a fighting chance. As the Scotland rugby team's hashtag incites, we need to come together #asone, and beat the virus. Who knows? We may come out of this better people.

Together - We Will. 

#nhs #clapforcarers #savelives #asone #keepintouch #

Six By Nico - A Story Every Six Weeks

Rave reviews, and fully booked. What a way to start life as Edinburgh's newest hot spot.

So what is all the fuss about?

Nico Simeone has ventured to Scotland's capital city, to follow up on the immense success he has had in Glasgow with his twist-on-a-theme restaurants.The location chosen on the city centres Hanover Street, confirms Nico's confidence in his teams ability to strut its stuff whilst many of Edinburgh's established hosts, can watch and take note.

The restaurant itself is delightful. Minimalist and fresh, it is welcoming and open. The first thing you notice, is that the kitchen is in full view of all those dining in the restaurant. I love this idea as it removes the barrier between the front and back of house staff, thus showing unity as a team. It also creates a more vibrant atmosphere, whilst remaining relaxed. There are also two television screens in the restaurant, both of which show live footage of the chefs at work in the kitchen at the pass. Guests can watch their food being prepared as they wait and see the skill of the chefs as they recreate each dish perfectly. With the bar tucked away in the corner, this reiterates the focus on the food and shows how proud the team are of their creations.

I have had the pleasure of tasting both of Nico's opening menus - 'The Chippie' and 'Wonka'.

'The Chippie' was created to show an alternative version of typical food you would consume at fish and chip shops across the country. From Smoked Sausages to scraps in the fryer, all bases are covered. Scampi, Chips and cheese, even a 'Deep Fried Mars Bar' makes an appearance. All superbly re-invented, every detail is skilfully crafted with the love and attention you would expect and the wow factor as the plates of food arrive in front of you, is through the roof. Personally, I loved everything about 'The Chippie' menu. The paired wines balanced the meal perfectly and added an extra element to the entire experience. An amazing opening gambit from Nico and his team.

"Come with me, and you'll see, a world of pure imagination...."

Gene Wilder was right. Nico was right. The 'Wonka' experience showed creativity at the highest level. A phenomenal approach to, what can only be described as the perfect menu. Every element was superb. Again, the attention to detail was outstanding. No stone was left unturned and every care was taken to replicate each dish for a stunning effect. Created to look like a dessert for each of the six courses, this menu showed the same flair and inventiveness as before, and more besides. Visually stunning, each plate of food looked like something you would expect to see in The Chocolate Factory itself. A world of pure imagination on every plate. A mackerel Dip Dab, Cod with liquorice, a Duck Sweetie Jar. A wonderful idea, with inspiring results.

Six by Nico was exquisite. An absolute must for any foodie, or even for those who aren't. I loved it. I cannot recommend the place enough. The team are brilliant, the food is magical. Book in early so you are not disappointed - I am booked in until September, so that tells you how far in advance some of the busier days are filling up. Worth the wait, and certainly worth the money. I will be returning many more times - every six weeks to be precise.

Nico and his team take us to Mexico for the six weeks beginning June 26th.

Six By Nico is A-List Recommended.

https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/edinburgh/

SIX BY NICO
EDINBURGH

97 Hanover Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1DJ

0131 225 5050

One Haircut

For many of us, going home at the end of a hard day at work is the best feeling in the world. Kicking off your shoes, falling into the waiting arms of your soft-cushioned sofa, having a cuppa, and getting your next binge on Netflix on. For some however, this is a feeling they dream of.

The Salvation Army runs many homeless shelters across the United Kingdom. Its gives those without a home to go to, the chance to rest their heads every night. Many of the homeless men and women cannot afford rented accommodation, and are forced to beg on the streets. This can become a way of life very quickly, and often goes unnoticed to the more fortunate amongst us.

As student barbers, we have seen many homeless men over the last 2 years at the Salvation Army hostel in Edinburgh. Every one of these men we have spoken to, has a reason for staying there. At some point, all the men have made mistakes. They have chosen a course of action that has led them down the wrong path. They will admit, that it has been difficult for them to come to terms with their faults.

Edinburgh College has, for some time now, sent its student barbers to the hostel, not only to gain experience in cutting hair, but also to give something back to the community in the form of free haircuts. We met various men over the last two years.

'Chris', one of the many men we have seen and worked with, came to us almost two years ago, having just become homeless due to a family bereavement, that completely turned his world upside down. He quit his job, left his wife, turned to alcohol for comfort, and began a life in and out of the police holding cells. Every weekend he would spend two-or-three nights at a time, committing minor offences that required him to be arrested. The idea that wanting to be arrested, just to be given a roof over his head, meant Chris could escape his broken world.

Chris was tremendously funny, intelligent, but lonely man. He was torn apart inside. He felt worthless, with nothing to live and fight for, until one thing.

A haircut.

One Haircut, his first in over 3 years, inspired him. Chris recounts the change he felt in himself as he walked out of the shelter of The Salvation Army at the Pleasance.

"I knew straightaway. I looked in the mirror as the girl held it up in front of me. I smiled for the first time in years. it was like magic. Every shop window I walked passed, I stopped to look at myself and my new look.

"I wanted to give them (the students) money, but they wouldn't take it. They gave a new lease of life. I cannot thank them enough."

I ran into Chris not that long ago, he recognised me for the baseball cap I was wearing. His attention to detail was amazing. He explained to me how his luck had turned around in the last 6 months. A new job. A new flat share. A new girlfriend even. Chris looked so happy, and he attributed it all to one haircut.

"You have no idea what happened to me that day. A group of young men and women, learning a new skill, came into the hostel, and gave, not just me, but others too, a fresh outlook on life. I came back every month for my haircut, and every month, things began to get a little better. Edinburgh College Lecturers and Barbers, and The Salvation Army gave me my life back - Thank you just doesn't cover it."

All it takes in life is to give a little something back. We are all guilty of 'Take. Take. Take.' In this instance, all it took, was to give something back. One Haircut.

Who do you support?

Who do you support? Is it because it's your local team? You're favourite player has just signed for them? Do they wear your favourite colour? There are many factors that you might consider when making an important decision like which football team to support.

But what about the people around you? Your loved ones, the ones you care about. Do you support them? Do they support you?

When the going gets tough, we all need a shoulder to cry on. Even when we have our good days, its still nice to feel supported. We all need a rock in our life. Someone who's always there for us, through thick and thin. The one person who can make sense of the things we do, the things we say, and things we say we will do. It is not uncommon for us to find that someone when we least expect it, and with that, we must hold onto what is dear to us and who can guide us through the most difficult of times.

They say "You cannot choose your family, but you can choose your friends", and in many ways this is true. But, What most families have in common, is the simple fact, that no matter what you do, the best of you will always rise to the surface. I have always been supported. Always looked out for, and always been able to be myself. I cannot be myself, unless I do what comes naturally. If I have to try and be someone or something, then it is not me. I cannot expect support or love from someone if I am being someone I am not. There is no in between.

Today, Scotland Rugby Team had the hopes of a nation on their shoulders as they took on Wales at Murrayfield in the 6 Nations. Will the pressure of 6 Million people, they came through the adversity, and beat one of the favourites for the tournament with 20 unanswered points in the second half of a memorable display of rugby. Each one of the fans who paid good money to be at the stadium, will remember this day. Those that watched on television or listened in on the radio, will know where they were when Scotland beat Wales in the 2017, 6 Nations match. The players on the field will always appreciate the support, and will always play for their country above all else.

With this in mind, It's not always about remembering where you were, or what you were doing, when someone extends the olive branch to help or aid you. What goes around, comes around. To help one, is to help all. Maybe you can take the time to support someone that needs it

See each day as an opportunity. 1 year has 365 opportunities. What will opportunity number 1 be for you? Who needs your support?

A-List.

Choosing The Right Equipment.

I'm not here to preach and tell you what you should and shouldn't use, have or buy. Nor am I here to thrust my opinions on you so you feel the same way I do.

These days, I like to think of myself as being one to try before you buy, and use whats comfortable for you. I think that it is fair to say that you only know it all once you've tried it all.

I love a gadget. iPhones, MacBooks, Apple watches, iPads (I see a theme here....), I've tried them all and love them all. The watch not so much, but the rest I have in my armoury of mobile devices. In this day and age, stuff gets done quickly. If it takes too long, its not worth doing, or they'll go somewhere else. Technology assists our everyday need for news, gossip, sports, Facebook, and the list goes on.

We see a man sitting in a cafe window, sipping on a cup of coffee, reading his newspaper, and watching the world go by, like a psychopath. Why do I say psychopath? It's not normal in everyday life to see such an event. We are all glued to our phones and tablets, always looking for the nearest wifi hotspot, needing our fix of social media or online gaming. Gone are the days where we can enjoy each others company without being interrupted by the 'ping' of a text message, or the 'clang' of an email.

It would be hypocritical of me to sit here and tell you that I don't do that too. I try everyday to reduce my data usage, and be more socially aware. I saw three men sitting in a local bar on a Thursday afternoon, 'waiting for their partner', all three sat for over an hour, eyes fixed on the OLED displays of their mobile phones. Not a word uttered, to each other, or to anyone else - except when they needed a refreshment in the form of a pint of lager, or some other alcoholic beverage. I couldn't help thinking it was quite sad, that we as a society cannot make conversation with a total stranger anymore. Perhaps they were all planning world domination.......

Anyway, I digress. Back the subject matter. I used the words 'Right Equipment'. That can be anything. A physical thing, like a pen or paper. A skill, like cutting hair. Or even an emotion or feeling, like being happy or sad. It all depends on where you are and what you want to achieve. When we put our minds to it, anything is possible. We can learn a new skill, become better at something, we can listen to other people and give advice. These are everyday things that we do automatically.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Me? I fumble around for the home button on my phone, and check what time it is. Then, I roll to my left and look at the person I love, usually with a snoring pussy cat in the way, I lean over and give my better half a kiss and then begin the daily ritual of catching up on emails, checking the weather. Oh yeah, then I feed the cat who's waiting patiently by her little pink dish, her eyes fixed on mine as I go into the kitchen and serve up her morning meal. I love a good start to my day.

I believe that you should tell the person you love, that you do indeed love them, face-to-face, at least once a day every day. Text messages, emails and status updates on Facebook do not count. It is always nice to see it written down in black and white, but not as good as hearing it whilst looking into their eyes.

Your mind is the most important piece of equipment you use, and you use it everyday. Make the most of it.

A-List

It's Been A While.

It's been a while.

A-List has been off the radar for a few years, taking a step back from the blogging scene and making waves in other areas of my life.

It is now time to step out of the shadows, and get back on that horse.

A-List has taken on many guises over the years. From blogging to photography - It's always been about things I enjoy and appreciate.

I have had followers from many different walks of life over the years. Many who know me, and many who don't. Either way, this blog was designed to spread the word on my experiences in restaurants, cafes, take-aways and some of Edinburgh's hotspots. Things that mean something to me, may not mean something to someone else, but hopefully, there is something for everyone that chooses to read my blog.

Now, in 2017, I have embarked on a new career path, going back to school to learn something of an art form - Barbering. In a way, I've always wanted to do it. I have always wanted to be part of the fashion industry and learn how to transform a person in a matter of moments. Now is my time.

From my own experience, I love the fuss made in a salon or barbershop. I love the way I feel when I leave after having my hair cut. It's a very personal thing. A very close encounter with a person you trust to take you on a journey. You enter with a need or want - you leave walking on air. It takes something so simple, yet so professional to process the transformation.

I am driven by being that professional (well, almost professional). Being a student is a funny thing. In my early 20s, I didn't think that I would be back at school, let alone learning a new trade, preparing myself for my future. It's something I wouldn't have envisaged, and even now, half-way through the course, It doesn't seem real. But, I love it!

I love everything about it. I learn something new everyday, and I want to learn more. I want to be the best I can be. I'm no world leader, or anything more special that the next person, but only I can push myself to be better than I was yesterday. That philosophy will drive me further and further into this industry and give me more chance to become better.

"Experts make more money" - Chris Foster, The UKs first 'Male Grooming Specialist' and multi award-winning British Barber at The Refinery in Mayfair, London

Chris Foster has inspired me. Over the years, I have encountered some of the United Kingdoms finest hair stylists. Each one has left an imprint on me - each in a different way. Jamie Stevens, Alexander Turnbull, Tracey Devine-Smith and Bruce Masefield - to name a few - have all spoken at length about their experiences and how hairdressing became their passion. It is not just a job or a service. It is a way of life.

I want Barbering to be MY way of life.

I'm still in the early stages, but I have found my passion. I'm not the best, but I want to be. I will be the best barber I can be.

More to follow - lots more!

Links Barbers, Bruntsfield

Links Barbers, nestling in the heart of busy Bruntsfield, occupies one of the most favoured locations in Edinburgh.

Owned and operated by Gavin Anderson, Links gives gentlemen a positive, forward thinking style of hairdressing, with a salute to the old school in the way the shop is run. Gavin is always friendly and open minded with each client, looking to give salon design, at barbers prices. His background is decorated and this shows in his level of perfection and dedication to every man who sits in his chair.

With the ever increasing volume of salons and barber shops in Edinburgh, it becomes more and more difficult to find a good cut, at a very reasonable price. Links is that very place, a must visit and a favourite amongst many friends and colleagues.

Visit the website for all social media links.

www.linksbarbers.com

Links Barbers is A-List Recommended.

Kiran's Trust

When you have a few minutes to spare, check out 

www.kiranstrust.org

It's a phenomenal charity aimed at giving young people with talent, the chance to fulfil their dreams.

Well worth a look!

£8 Bargains State Of Mind

Check this out for some awesome deals on tees and beanies....

http://www.stateofmindworldwide.co.uk/

Great quality at a great price.

Alist Recommended.

Nike Air Flight 89

Bargain purchase from Nike Outlet, Craigleith, Edinburgh.....

Pick up a pair of these classics for £24!!

Well worth a visit and plenty of bargains to be had!!!

Yocoko Noodle Bar

Situated near the heart of Edinburgh University's main campus on South Bridge (opposite Chambers Street), Yocoko Noodle Bar is one of the most authentic Eastern eateries in the city.

Just one look in the restaurant, and the authenticity of the Noodle Bar is plain to see. at 12.30pm on a Friday afternoon, and the place is a hive of activity, 95% capacity in the 70+ seated restaurant with possibly 75% being of an Oriental heritage.

To me, this shows the quality of the food. A great place for an authentic experience.

With 20% off until 27th November is an offer you cannot miss out on.

Yocoko Noodle Bar is A-List recommended.

A-List Snapbacks

Check this out, available for a short time only....

Elroy!

The man about town!

Vote Leroy

Dan Wheldon - RIP

A Tribute To Dan Wheldon

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/15336899.stm

A hero and a gentleman

A-list salutes you