Monday, 27 October 2008

Gridiron

I am a fan of American Football and have been since the 1980s. I was lucky enough to see the first International Series game in London last year between my team, the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Giants.

The second of these games in London was played last night, with the Saints defeating the Chargers in a cracking game. I didn't get to this one - as I am not a fan of either team and I have already seen the Chargers play two years ago in the US.

I am hoping that the game next year will feature a team I have an interest in, as it was a great occasion.

Poorly

Sat at home today after coming down with a stomach bug on Saturday night. It is the sort you can't shift and it kept me up most of last night. So, I called into work to say I wouldn't be in - something I always hate doing. I always feel like I should put on a weak sounding voice, to show I am really ill. But, it always ends up sounding as if I am faking it, even when I am not.

Monday, 20 October 2008

On The iPod

Current Mix on my iPod:

Stay With Me - Faces
Jacqueline - The Coral
Laid - James
Panic - The Smiths
Building a Mystery - Sarah McLachlan
Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles
Wish You Were Here - Pink Flloyd
The Thrill is Gone - BB King
Freewheel - Duke Special

'Tis rather splendid.

Friday, 17 October 2008

Beer Into Wine Into Apple Vodka

Equals mad, rambling blog posts.

Help.

I Make No Comment

A Christian being interviewed on the radio this morning made the following statements:
  • Dressing a child up as a witch to celebrate Halloween is evil.
  • God hates it when we don't accept Him into our lives. If we do not accept Him into our lives we will face eternal consequences.
I would love to comment on the above. But I won't. Make up your own minds, people.

Thursday, 16 October 2008

Battle Of The Bands

A list of bands/artists that I regard as being rather good. I would not say I am a massive fan of all of them, but have at least enjoyed one or two albums down the years.

In no particular order:

I could go on. But I won't. For now.

Friday, 10 October 2008

Smarty Pants

Smart cars are weird little things. I am not a fan personally, but I have to admit I love their new line.

This Smerrari would be perfect for getting around town without getting laughed at (much):

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

Tales of Woe

As the financial crisis seems to worsen, I have several fears about banks around the world.

There are rumours that the Origami bank will fold, there is something fishy about the Sushi bank and the Page Three bank could go bust.

I am losing sleep...

Saturday, 4 October 2008

Men (and women) Of Property

We bought a house today. It is not for us to live in - but as an investment for the future.

I know some people feel now is the wrong time to buy - but prices are low and sellers are jittery. We picked this house up for £11,000 less than it was originally on the market for.

I am confident property is still a very good investment and means of providing financial and working freedom. Only time will tell if I am correct, but we are on our way...

Thursday, 2 October 2008

The Good Life

I am currently enjoying three days holiday from work. For no particular reason, I just fancied some time off.

My days have been spent walking the mutt, doing a bit of painting (walls not canvasses), watching some movies, playing a bit of guitar and general mooching about.

I have thoroughly enjoyed it. People who say they would be bored without work are - in my opinion - plain crazy. I could get used to this lifestyle very easily.

Sunday, 28 September 2008

Note To Self

Do not Blog after wine and beer...

New Jumper

I bought a new jumper today. It is green and chunky and just what I was after. I wanted something to keep me warm now winter is approaching.

It wasn't expensive, but I like it. It has the potential to become an all-time favourite. I once had a black jumper than I loved dearly. It was very comfortable and I thought looked very cool. Unfortunately it developed a hole and is long since gone. I am thinking this new one could become as much-loved as that one.

RIP black jumper.

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

West Sham United

The viewpoints and arguments regarding the whole Tevez-West-Ham-cheating scandal are many. Some I agree with and some I disagree with.

However, the following comment about it on TalkSport (which can be entertaining at times, but does tend to employ a rather high number of ignorant, racist halfwits) really got my goat. Apparently Sheffield United should "leave West Ham alone" because "the 'Ammers 'ave got, like, a good tradition and, you know, like, had people who, like, won the World Cup, or suffink".

Ah, so that means cheating is OK. But if a club with a less illustrious past (say, Sheffield United) should cheat then they should be taken to the cleaners. How fair.

Monday, 22 September 2008

Commuting Commotion

I spent three hours commuting to and from work today.

Not only that, but I estimated that this pleasure also cost me about £15 in fuel.

Three hours, £15, to sit in a boring, tedious, irritating meeting for nearly five hours.

Work, to use an Americanism, sucks.

Sunday, 21 September 2008

The Trouble With Bosses

I think I have had a quite bad run when it comes to bosses. My first was a particularly unlikeable chap, homophobic, racist and sexist.
The other seemed OK at first, but then showed his true colours by being ignorant, bad at his job, manipulative, hypocritical and fat (well, he was always fat, but the other traits came out as time wore on).
Mysteriously, both of these unpleasant individuals are called Ian.
My current boss is not particularly my cup of tea. She isn't called Ian, but we don't quite see eye-to-eye. I think it is just a personality clash, but I know my predecessor had similar difficulties with her.
I think the only answer is to work for myself. Then I would be my own boss - but who knows, maybe he will be the worst of them all...

Wednesday, 17 September 2008

Good News Day

Sometimes one can have a day when things just work out. Today was one such day. Both myself and my fiancée had great news about jobs that suggest our future is looking very rosy indeed.

We are enjoying a glass (or two) of wine and toasting our continuing good fortune and happiness.

Monday, 15 September 2008

Bad Luck Claude

I am a curse to whichever sports team I follow.

Whenever I start to support a team you can guarantee they will never win anything. Ever.

Want proof?

Sheffield United (football). I suppose I started to support them in 1981 after my first game.
Major trophies since then = 0
(before I was born, one English League Championship and four FA Cups)

Miami Dolophins (US football) started supporting in 1987.
Superbowl wins since then = 0
(they won two in the 1970s).

New York Yankees (baseball) started supporting in 2002 after seeing them play in New York.
World Series since then = 0
(they won it three times in a row in 1998, 1999, 2000).

England football team. I would have to say supported them all my life, really, but first memory is the 1982 World Cup.
World Cups and European Championships since then = 0
(before I was born, one World Cup).

So, you see, I really am a bad luck charm. Just hope, nay pray, I don't start supporting your team...

Friday, 12 September 2008

A Right Monkey

A good few years ago I worked for a magazine in Sheffield. During the sometimes long, boring days, we created a fictitious character whose life-long ambition was to become a stand-up comic.

We called him Barry Monkey and one of the reps (Andrew) agreed to take on the role of Barry and try to secure a spot at a local club.

He called up, and in his best Bernard Manningesque voice, tried to persuade the club's manager to "give me a break". His woeful attempts to impress him included telling the following gag:

"My sister never married. She has though just given birth. That makes me a Monkey's uncle."

The manager was not impressed by Barry's efforts and he got increasingly desperate: "Please just give me a chance - I'll bring me own microphone."

How Andrew kept up the charade for so long was quite something and mightily impressive.

Needless to say, Barry didn't get the gig.

Thursday, 11 September 2008

11th September

It is seven years since the terror attacks in the US.

I remember the day very well - it touched me especially as I had been in New York and Washington just a few weeks before.

That day changed the world, sadly for the worse and it is a much sadder and intolerant place than before.

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

Good Old England

Just beaten Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb.

Well done boys, I am sure we fans never doubted you for a second...