U2 buy Bolton

Striking out on a solo side-project, Larry Mullen (through the Galvin Investments company) is buying a block of flats in Bolton.

Oddly his co-investor in the project is Colin Farrell. Don't you just hate it when actors decide they're going to get involved with rock music? Even when it's buying houses with rock musicians.

The builder of the Anvil, Woodthorpe Homes' Alan Hegarty, is very precise about what his new investors like:

"Colin and Larry were attracted to buy in Bolton by its location close to Manchester, the motorway network, and on the edge of the stunning West Pennine Moors.

"They were also attracted by the large-scale regeneration of the town centre."

"We have been told they are football fans and will find the location handy for going to matches at Old Trafford," he said.

He added that Bolton's location and regeneration plans were attracting young, affluent professionals to the town.

Unfortunately, though, they won't be able to buy any houses to live in, as they've all been snapped up by celebrity investors for their portfolio.

Ooh, Mr. D'Arcy...

We wouldn't normally bother with the news of Colion Farrell dating Nicola Ward - Ward, those of you who have long memories and empty diaries might recall, could have been in Girls Aloud but quit the Popstars: The Rivals circus. However, we have been having an existential struggle with the article's headline:

Colin Farrell is dating a failed British pop star wannabe

How, exactly, does one "fail" as a "wannabe"? Presumably if you achieve success, then you've failed in a way, but as Ward is now languishing in obscure band Cushh she's clearly not arrived in any way. (Indeed, so obscure are Cushh, if you Google image search on them the first results are all of Colin Farrell.)

Or is she a wannabe failed British pop star? Someone who yearns to have screwed up a chance at the big time? But - having turned down the chance to be in Girls Aloud - that's something she has achieved.

It's all very puzzling. Any ideas?