I doubt Sky or the team would be too happy if the truth came out. It would make the manager and you look bad. Probably best to back out now, a friend would understand.

Well if that's their idea of a Diamond Jubilee, I can't wait to see what they'll do for her Platinum Jubilee.

Are they a really good friend? It sounds like a time to un-friend. I would tell them: they have set me up maliciously to lie and cheat and possibly get sued, so **** off.

Edit: Also, a good cause doesn't need to have the negative PR associated with such cheap tricks and nastiness.

Well, they've got back in touch.

"How's video goin Al? I going to be soooo annoyin now haha they could really do with it for a big presentation night next week! x"

To which I've replied:
"Hey,
Here's the thing.
I walked into that shoot with no idea about what was expected of me. If I'd known it was to be a copy of the Soccer AM thing, there's no way I'd have said it was only £50, and to be honest, I'd probably have said no.
I have no idea what the music is they use, nor the font they use.
The whole way this has been handled (being told on the day what's going on and 'pretending' to be from Sky) has left a really unpleasant taste in my mouth.
So, for the moment, unless Simon can at least come up with the music and font for the piece, and in all likeliness more cash I don't think I can finish this.
I'm hugely flattered you thought to ask me, but the experience so far has left me feeling pretty horrible."

I think that's a reasonable reply. They lied to you and now they want you to carry the can. If you did it and anyone got wind of it, the club could just blame you. I might've added the legal aspect of it.

I'd say that's a pretty good way of handling it, more tactful than I'd have been. Hope it's resolved peacefully and with minimal hassle.

I think you handled it very well. Firm and polite in a very awkward situation.

Had an "argument" with a friend whilst playing CoD. He rates Iron Man over Batman. I don't.

You were right. Although some bats are better than others...

Batman totally has the training, and isn't an alcoholic

My argument was that Batman has a superior intellect, especially given that he can take down Superman and has files on all of the superheroes in case they go bezerk.

His argument was that in a straight fight, Iron Man's suit means that he should be able to beat Batman in a straight-on smackdown (ie no weapons). Stark would also have the suit protected against stuff like EMP, hacking etc. Another argument was that Iron Man fights supervillians and baddies from another planet, whereas Batman just takes out common criminals. Thirdly, Stark had the genius to make an arc reactor and suit out of (basically) nothing whereas Batman still runs around in tights.

I conceded on an Iron suit v Batsuit fight but in plain clothes, Wayne would beat Stark into a bloody pulp, although he wouldn't kill him.

It wouldn't be the first time Bats turned up in a funky outfit to match the situation, nor is he averse to taking on aliens or gods (see recent utterly rubbish Grant Morrison stories, or don't).

Batman smarter than Stark?
Depends in what area.

My money's on Iron Man.

I keep thinking along the lines of the 60s Batman show - he'd have a bottle of Jack Daniels in the cave for just that situation

Just had an email from someone wanting to licence some of my photos.

If it happens, I'll be saying 'Thankyouverymuch'.
I'm even onto my second celebratory bottle of Hobgoblin.
There's nothing better than beer in the afternoon knowing a lot of you are still stuck in work.