Tonight its the last of the quarter finals of the Euros so can England do it and join Spain, Portugal and Germany in the semi finals, course they can its only Italy standing in our way.
But first I'mreally looking forward to Sunday Lunch today, off to Mandys and she is cooking for me for the first time, feel its gonna be a very special day.
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Sunday, 27 November 2011
In Shock (twice)
First one of my cousins phoned this morning with the bad news that her brother had died in the early hours, I knew he was ill but not realised how serious because he lived away and hadn't seen him for 6 month.
He was 62 years old, early part of his life he served for many years in the Royal Navy and more recently has been managing a Pub, I believe it was cancer that got him.
Then I turned my computor on and saw with disbelief that one of my favorite all time footballers Gary Speed had been found dead at his home aged 42. Looks like he's commited suicide which makes in more unbelievable, what can make somebody especially in his lifestyle comit suicide I just cant believe.
Of course Gary played for my favorite team Leeds United, actually came through the ranks from the youth team and was a major part of our last teamto win the title in 1992.
He did move on and had a distinguised career playing for Everton & Sheffield United and was also a reguar Welsh international.
More recently he as gone into coaching and was the current Wales manager.
RIP
He was 62 years old, early part of his life he served for many years in the Royal Navy and more recently has been managing a Pub, I believe it was cancer that got him.
Then I turned my computor on and saw with disbelief that one of my favorite all time footballers Gary Speed had been found dead at his home aged 42. Looks like he's commited suicide which makes in more unbelievable, what can make somebody especially in his lifestyle comit suicide I just cant believe.
Of course Gary played for my favorite team Leeds United, actually came through the ranks from the youth team and was a major part of our last teamto win the title in 1992.
He did move on and had a distinguised career playing for Everton & Sheffield United and was also a reguar Welsh international.
More recently he as gone into coaching and was the current Wales manager.
RIP
Friday, 4 December 2009
England versus USA
Well my American friends I've just watched the World Cup draw and our countries will be playing each other in next years finals in South Africa, I'm talking Football (thats Soccer to you).
We were both placed in group "C" along with Algeria and Slovenia. Actually with two going through to the knock out stages I reckon we could both make it with England top of course.
The big match takes place on June 12th in Rustenburg (Wherever that is).
Other groups put some fancied teams together such as Brazil, Ivory Coast & Portugal in group G which is already been called the group of death.
And not forgetting my Aussie friends I see you are in group G with Germany, Serbia & Ghana. Reckon you have a shout in that one especially with possibly two Leeds players in your squad Patrick Kisnorbo & Neil Kilkenny. In fact if you are runners up and England win ours we would meet in the last 16.
We were both placed in group "C" along with Algeria and Slovenia. Actually with two going through to the knock out stages I reckon we could both make it with England top of course.
The big match takes place on June 12th in Rustenburg (Wherever that is).
Other groups put some fancied teams together such as Brazil, Ivory Coast & Portugal in group G which is already been called the group of death.
And not forgetting my Aussie friends I see you are in group G with Germany, Serbia & Ghana. Reckon you have a shout in that one especially with possibly two Leeds players in your squad Patrick Kisnorbo & Neil Kilkenny. In fact if you are runners up and England win ours we would meet in the last 16.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Making Allies
1. Obama Visit - We've just had the American Presidental Candidate Barack Obama visit UK as part of his European tour. To be honest it was quite low key in Britain but apparently in Germany he was given an heroes welcome with the newspapers comparing him to JFK. To be fair to him his speeches were good but I still find him very false, only time will prove me right or wrong.
While over here he had meetings with both the Prime Minister Gordon Brown & Leader of the opposition David Cameron, obviously keeping on the good side of both sides.
2. Night Out - Me and my mate Mark went for a night out around York last night visited a few Pubs, started in "The Terrace" which is a Sports Bar, then on to "The Stone Roses" which is freat for music, they only play British groups. After that we passed a few Pubs cos they were queing to get in as it was really busy as the Races had been on.
The next stop was "The Parish" which is a converted Church really adds charactor to the place. We then went to "The Corner Pin" a small local type Pub before ending the night in "Flares" which is a 70's theme Pub, I like it cos they play all the music I grew up with.
It was quite funny in the Taxi rank, three blokes tried to push in and a girl in front of me had a real go at them and put them in their place.
3. Footie Season - I'm getting excited as its only a couple of weeks to the start of the Football season. Leeds have been having a few pre-season games and are so far unbeaten with 3 wins and 2 draws. To be honest I never read too much into these games its just a case of getting the players fit, last year we didn't win one but when the real stuff started we won our first 7 games.
I haven't been able to go to any of these games but I'm hoping to go to Elland Road next saturday, they are playing a Dutch team should be good.
We've a few new signings, Andy Robinson from Swansea should be good, also big Enoch Showumni will give the team more options. We've also signed a really promising Scottish under 21 international Robert Snodgrass from Livingstone. We have a couple of other young strikers on trial Marcus Haber who is Canadian but more interesting is Argentinian Lucciano Becchio who scored 28 goals in 50 matches in the Spanish 2nd division.
4. Sitcom moment - For todays Sitcom I'm choosing another classic "Dads Army"
A comedy involving an all male (and predominantly elderly) ensemble with major worldwide catastrophe as its backdrop would get laughed out of any current BBC commissioner's office.
Yet Dad's Army lasted longer than the war itself and is a timeless, oft-repeated jewel in the BBC's crown.
Jimmy Perry was acting in the David Croft produced sitcom Hugh and I when he suggested the idea of a sitcom (in which he'd cannily earmarked himself for a role) concerning those men who volunteered to be the last line of defence should the Germans invade.
Croft was impressed, and despite BBC misgivings that it may be disrespectful to the Home Guard, a series was commissioned. Their fears were unfounded, as there was nothing more palpable in Dad's Army than the affection the programme makers had for the characters.
For all their flaws, these men, we could rest assured, would give their lives to defend Great Britain.
Based in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea, the series used its setting for a sublime mix of character comedy and lunatic, slapstick escapades.
Social mores are no more acute than in difficult times, and Dad's Army was brilliant at exposing the flaws and anxieties of British society.
Central to the show was a triumvirate of brilliant comedy characters.
Captain Mainwaring was a jumped up, pompous, aspirational bank manager, reveling in the status accorded to him by his newfound rank.
Sergeant Wilson was a far more laid back figure whose urbane insouciance aggravated his superior in the extreme. Corporal Jones was the local butcher, a dotty old man prone to overreaction.
The contrast between Lowe's excellent posturing (and the ability to fall down behind a table and instantly reappear with his glasses skew-whiff), Le Mesurier's measured, laissez-faire delivery and Dunn's dedicated clowning ensured each character a place in comedy history.
It's a testament to the scripts that the platoon boasted illustrious actors in its ranks: admired Shakespearian Laurie was suitably apocalyptic as the cantankerous and pessimistic undertaker Frazer; noted playwright Ridley made the incontinent Godfrey; instantly loveable younger members Beck as the wily spiv Walker (the part Perry had written for himself before Croft talked him out of it) and Lavender as naïve mother's boy Pike were spot on.
Despite the backdrop of conflict, most of the platoon's problems were home grown, notably from jobsworth ARP warden Hodges (Pertwee, usually called upon to fall in a river and seethe with frustration) and the vicar and his verger.
Croft and Perry seemed to cover all comedy bases in a single episode: there were high levels of farce mixed in with brilliantly, subtly observed characters and catchphrases galore ("Stupid boy", "Don't panic!", "We're doomed" and "D'you think that's wise sir?").
Out of one of the gravest moments in this country's history, Croft, Perry and their peerless cast produced one of the most celebratory but least mawkish comedies of all time.
As long as there are fans of comedy, there will be fans of the Dad's Army.
Here's a three clips telling the story :-
While over here he had meetings with both the Prime Minister Gordon Brown & Leader of the opposition David Cameron, obviously keeping on the good side of both sides.
2. Night Out - Me and my mate Mark went for a night out around York last night visited a few Pubs, started in "The Terrace" which is a Sports Bar, then on to "The Stone Roses" which is freat for music, they only play British groups. After that we passed a few Pubs cos they were queing to get in as it was really busy as the Races had been on.
The next stop was "The Parish" which is a converted Church really adds charactor to the place. We then went to "The Corner Pin" a small local type Pub before ending the night in "Flares" which is a 70's theme Pub, I like it cos they play all the music I grew up with.
It was quite funny in the Taxi rank, three blokes tried to push in and a girl in front of me had a real go at them and put them in their place.
3. Footie Season - I'm getting excited as its only a couple of weeks to the start of the Football season. Leeds have been having a few pre-season games and are so far unbeaten with 3 wins and 2 draws. To be honest I never read too much into these games its just a case of getting the players fit, last year we didn't win one but when the real stuff started we won our first 7 games.
I haven't been able to go to any of these games but I'm hoping to go to Elland Road next saturday, they are playing a Dutch team should be good.
We've a few new signings, Andy Robinson from Swansea should be good, also big Enoch Showumni will give the team more options. We've also signed a really promising Scottish under 21 international Robert Snodgrass from Livingstone. We have a couple of other young strikers on trial Marcus Haber who is Canadian but more interesting is Argentinian Lucciano Becchio who scored 28 goals in 50 matches in the Spanish 2nd division.
Hopfully this will be the season we turn things around and start heading back to the top the debt is all gone, no 15 points reduction the fans beleive this is going to be our season. Obviously last year ended in defeat in the play off final to Doncaster but I hope the dissapointment will soon be forgotten. The fans are certainly rallying as they always do, seasonticket sales are up from last year when we smashed a lot of attendance records for the 3rd flight of English soccer. As shown below the turn out for the long trip to wembley was phenominal an estimated 55,000 Leeds fans made the journey to London which apparently the third biggest single Club support in the National stadiums history only beaten by Arsenal when they played a home European tie there and Liverpool for a champions league final.
The photo below shows the fans on wembley way before the match Leeds fans to the right & Doncaster to the left, think we outnumbered them a little.
4. Sitcom moment - For todays Sitcom I'm choosing another classic "Dads Army"
A comedy involving an all male (and predominantly elderly) ensemble with major worldwide catastrophe as its backdrop would get laughed out of any current BBC commissioner's office.
Yet Dad's Army lasted longer than the war itself and is a timeless, oft-repeated jewel in the BBC's crown.
Jimmy Perry was acting in the David Croft produced sitcom Hugh and I when he suggested the idea of a sitcom (in which he'd cannily earmarked himself for a role) concerning those men who volunteered to be the last line of defence should the Germans invade.
Croft was impressed, and despite BBC misgivings that it may be disrespectful to the Home Guard, a series was commissioned. Their fears were unfounded, as there was nothing more palpable in Dad's Army than the affection the programme makers had for the characters.
For all their flaws, these men, we could rest assured, would give their lives to defend Great Britain.
Based in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea, the series used its setting for a sublime mix of character comedy and lunatic, slapstick escapades.
Social mores are no more acute than in difficult times, and Dad's Army was brilliant at exposing the flaws and anxieties of British society.
Central to the show was a triumvirate of brilliant comedy characters.
Captain Mainwaring was a jumped up, pompous, aspirational bank manager, reveling in the status accorded to him by his newfound rank.
Sergeant Wilson was a far more laid back figure whose urbane insouciance aggravated his superior in the extreme. Corporal Jones was the local butcher, a dotty old man prone to overreaction.
The contrast between Lowe's excellent posturing (and the ability to fall down behind a table and instantly reappear with his glasses skew-whiff), Le Mesurier's measured, laissez-faire delivery and Dunn's dedicated clowning ensured each character a place in comedy history.
It's a testament to the scripts that the platoon boasted illustrious actors in its ranks: admired Shakespearian Laurie was suitably apocalyptic as the cantankerous and pessimistic undertaker Frazer; noted playwright Ridley made the incontinent Godfrey; instantly loveable younger members Beck as the wily spiv Walker (the part Perry had written for himself before Croft talked him out of it) and Lavender as naïve mother's boy Pike were spot on.
Despite the backdrop of conflict, most of the platoon's problems were home grown, notably from jobsworth ARP warden Hodges (Pertwee, usually called upon to fall in a river and seethe with frustration) and the vicar and his verger.
Croft and Perry seemed to cover all comedy bases in a single episode: there were high levels of farce mixed in with brilliantly, subtly observed characters and catchphrases galore ("Stupid boy", "Don't panic!", "We're doomed" and "D'you think that's wise sir?").
Out of one of the gravest moments in this country's history, Croft, Perry and their peerless cast produced one of the most celebratory but least mawkish comedies of all time.
As long as there are fans of comedy, there will be fans of the Dad's Army.
Here's a three clips telling the story :-
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Somebodys having a laugh !
1. Oil Price ? - Well I reckon somebody is having a laugh with the cost of Diesil for my car. Sad I know but when the cost of Oil rocketed recently I started to monitor the situation and compared with the price of fuel at the Pumps. I commented before that the government were taking the p**s because the higher the price went up the more they took in tax. As we pay 68% tax the amount they get is obviously more on a larger initial price so they could have cut the tax to motorists and still taken the same amount in actual money.
Anyway that not my complaint today but Oil has now come down on the World market. Well when it went up prices at the pumps went up at the same rate approximately so you would think when the World market dropped it would come down at the same rate, hell no so somebody is making a lot of money out of this.
Here are the figures - Oil peaked on the World market about 2 weeks ago at around $146 per barrel at that time the price at the pumps of filling stations near me were £1.31 per litre. Now since then Oil as dropped to about £128 per barrel a decrease of over 12%. Yet prices at the pumps have only dropped 5 pence to £1.26 a decrease of less than 4%.
If Oil had decreased the same way it went up we should be paying around £1.15 per litre.
2. Supermarket trip - Yesterday I had a couple of "run ins" at the supermarket. First was actually in the shop, I didn't need too much so I took a hand basket and got the items I wanted. When I got to the check outs I made my way to the "Hand Baskets" only till but as I arrived a women came flying in front of me with a Trolley basket and proceeded to put her shopping on the conveyor.
I thought about saying nothing but decided to point out the sign that said "Hand Baskets Only", the women started hurling abuse saying she had less than 10 items. I pointed out thats the rule in Tesco but we are in Morrisons and the sign clearly states "Hand Baskets Only". I was a bit disgusted none of the staff said anything and they actually served her. I think they just did it for a quiet life as she was really wound up. I just don't like ignorant people the rules are there for a reason, if she wanted serving quick and didn't have much stuff then she should have used a hand basket like everyone else in that queue.
Anyway that wasn't the only argument I got on that trip, as I walked out to cross the car park to my car I almost got run over by a bloke flying around dangerously in my opinion. He then wound me up by blasting his horn at me to which I pointed to the Zebra Crossing I was stood on. For those that don't know British law the pedestrian has right of way on a Zebra crossing. We exchanged a few choice words but he drove away when he saw I wasn't gonna back down, why should I when I was in the right.
3. American Hooligans - I see America as finally arrived in the World of Football (soccer) as news reports suggest a clash between English Supporters of West Ham and fans of Columbus Crew.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2439908/West-Ham-fans-brawl-with-Columbus-Crew-as-football-hooliganism-hits-the-US.html
Had to laugh when I saw the videos on Youtube its more handbags at six paces been totally blown out of all proportion by the press.
4. Comedy - Just thought I'd do a comedy section of my post, my generation as been lucky to have lived through eras of fantastic sit coms on British TV so I reckon I'll show a clip and tell you all a bit about various one's each week for my blog friends to have a laugh at. Ok some of these clips are old but are quality. I'll start with one that everyone puts near the top of their list and start with "Only Fools and Horses" :-
"Only Fools' proved that you can set a show in a scruffy, violent working class Peckham Council Estate without getting all Ken Loach about it. It made cockneys out of everyone born within earshot of BBC1. And put Peckham on the map".
"'Only Fools' gave the world Derek Edward Trotter, the fast-talking, quick thinking whirlwind at the centre of the show who stirs up clouds of cash, sambuca, dodgy Russian video cameras and affection wherever he turns. A fool worthy of Dickens or Shakespeare".
"And it gave us Rodney Charlton Trotter, the ultimate sidekick, straight man and annoying kid brother. The voice of reason, yin to Del's yang. Two GCE's and not an ounce of sense".
"The show is chock full of family values, practical morality and workaday virtues. Family and friends, loyalty and decency, curry and chips. It handles the heavy stuff - thwarted dreams, miscarriage and even death. But can still turn this unpromising material into comedy gold sometimes in a single sentence".
"The show and the characters have grown with the audience in real time. Del's got older, milder, then richer. Rodders has grown some sense and jowls. And it's all 'real', not padding"!
"It has the single best sight gag on telly - Del falling through the bar, and the second best - the chandelier falling down".
Think I've gotta show both them clips (but there was so many more classics) :-
Anyway that not my complaint today but Oil has now come down on the World market. Well when it went up prices at the pumps went up at the same rate approximately so you would think when the World market dropped it would come down at the same rate, hell no so somebody is making a lot of money out of this.
Here are the figures - Oil peaked on the World market about 2 weeks ago at around $146 per barrel at that time the price at the pumps of filling stations near me were £1.31 per litre. Now since then Oil as dropped to about £128 per barrel a decrease of over 12%. Yet prices at the pumps have only dropped 5 pence to £1.26 a decrease of less than 4%.
If Oil had decreased the same way it went up we should be paying around £1.15 per litre.
2. Supermarket trip - Yesterday I had a couple of "run ins" at the supermarket. First was actually in the shop, I didn't need too much so I took a hand basket and got the items I wanted. When I got to the check outs I made my way to the "Hand Baskets" only till but as I arrived a women came flying in front of me with a Trolley basket and proceeded to put her shopping on the conveyor.
I thought about saying nothing but decided to point out the sign that said "Hand Baskets Only", the women started hurling abuse saying she had less than 10 items. I pointed out thats the rule in Tesco but we are in Morrisons and the sign clearly states "Hand Baskets Only". I was a bit disgusted none of the staff said anything and they actually served her. I think they just did it for a quiet life as she was really wound up. I just don't like ignorant people the rules are there for a reason, if she wanted serving quick and didn't have much stuff then she should have used a hand basket like everyone else in that queue.
Anyway that wasn't the only argument I got on that trip, as I walked out to cross the car park to my car I almost got run over by a bloke flying around dangerously in my opinion. He then wound me up by blasting his horn at me to which I pointed to the Zebra Crossing I was stood on. For those that don't know British law the pedestrian has right of way on a Zebra crossing. We exchanged a few choice words but he drove away when he saw I wasn't gonna back down, why should I when I was in the right.
3. American Hooligans - I see America as finally arrived in the World of Football (soccer) as news reports suggest a clash between English Supporters of West Ham and fans of Columbus Crew.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2439908/West-Ham-fans-brawl-with-Columbus-Crew-as-football-hooliganism-hits-the-US.html
Had to laugh when I saw the videos on Youtube its more handbags at six paces been totally blown out of all proportion by the press.
4. Comedy - Just thought I'd do a comedy section of my post, my generation as been lucky to have lived through eras of fantastic sit coms on British TV so I reckon I'll show a clip and tell you all a bit about various one's each week for my blog friends to have a laugh at. Ok some of these clips are old but are quality. I'll start with one that everyone puts near the top of their list and start with "Only Fools and Horses" :-
"Only Fools' proved that you can set a show in a scruffy, violent working class Peckham Council Estate without getting all Ken Loach about it. It made cockneys out of everyone born within earshot of BBC1. And put Peckham on the map".
"'Only Fools' gave the world Derek Edward Trotter, the fast-talking, quick thinking whirlwind at the centre of the show who stirs up clouds of cash, sambuca, dodgy Russian video cameras and affection wherever he turns. A fool worthy of Dickens or Shakespeare".
"And it gave us Rodney Charlton Trotter, the ultimate sidekick, straight man and annoying kid brother. The voice of reason, yin to Del's yang. Two GCE's and not an ounce of sense".
"The show is chock full of family values, practical morality and workaday virtues. Family and friends, loyalty and decency, curry and chips. It handles the heavy stuff - thwarted dreams, miscarriage and even death. But can still turn this unpromising material into comedy gold sometimes in a single sentence".
"The show and the characters have grown with the audience in real time. Del's got older, milder, then richer. Rodders has grown some sense and jowls. And it's all 'real', not padding"!
"It has the single best sight gag on telly - Del falling through the bar, and the second best - the chandelier falling down".
Think I've gotta show both them clips (but there was so many more classics) :-
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Selling your Soul to the Devil
1. Harry Kewell - A lot of my readers may wonder what the title of this post is about but I feel I've got to slag off that low life of a footballer Harry Kewell. He was brought over as a youngster from his native Australia and developed by my Club Leeds United into an international Footballer. Now when Leeds went bankrupt he had to 5 years ago he had to be sold on, the fans understood but unlike others at the the time Kewell refused to go unless he got a £2million pay off from Leeds (plus £2million sign on from Liverpool) showing the only thing that mattered to him. Leeds had to release him and despite been in dire straights got very little from the deal, bearing in mind he'd missed a lot of the previous season with injury and Leeds continued to pay him.
Anyway that lack of loyalty p****d off a lot of people but it is insignificant compared to what he has just done. Kewell was part of the Leeds team that played Galaterasary in 2000 when two of our fans were murdered, a crime that will never be forgot by everyone associated. What made matters worse at the time Uefa wouldn't cancel the match as Leeds requested and Galaterasary refused to have a minutes silence or wear black armbands.
So what has Kewell done other than sign for Galaterasary, he must be lower than a snakes belly, I can't believe anyone involved that night could sign for a Club like that when you think when he scores it will be the supporters that carried out the atrocities that he will salute. He is in many peoples eyes dancing on the graves of the lads that died.
To say he will never be welcome back to the city of Leeds again is an understatement, he'd probably find himself hanging for a lamp post. It wasn't that he needed to go there quite a few other Clubs were trying to sign him.
The man is a complete disgrace to his proffesion, one greedy son of a bitch.
2. Night Out - To change the subject I was out with a lot of ex work-mates on Friday night, about 15 of us toured a few pubs in York. It was a fun night and we all had a good laugh. I was a bit dissapointed as I wanted to stay longer in the first Pub, they had a group on and it looked like they were gonna play a lot of 70's & 80's cover versions. They warmed up with The Jams "A Town called Malice" & the Martha and the Muffins "Echo Beach". Anyway I got out voted so we all moved on.
At one stage of the night we accidently gate-crashed a wedding party, the had booked a private room at one of the bars but not realising we all wandered in. It turned out I knew one of the guests and we got allowed to stay for a bit.
3. Weight Loss - Some good news on this front, On the night out mentioned I was able to go in a pair of trousers that previously were too tight, thats good news I think.
4. Music Choice - Well back to where I started with todays choice, Harry Kewell this is for you its The Clash with "Straight to Hell" -
Anyway that lack of loyalty p****d off a lot of people but it is insignificant compared to what he has just done. Kewell was part of the Leeds team that played Galaterasary in 2000 when two of our fans were murdered, a crime that will never be forgot by everyone associated. What made matters worse at the time Uefa wouldn't cancel the match as Leeds requested and Galaterasary refused to have a minutes silence or wear black armbands.
So what has Kewell done other than sign for Galaterasary, he must be lower than a snakes belly, I can't believe anyone involved that night could sign for a Club like that when you think when he scores it will be the supporters that carried out the atrocities that he will salute. He is in many peoples eyes dancing on the graves of the lads that died.
To say he will never be welcome back to the city of Leeds again is an understatement, he'd probably find himself hanging for a lamp post. It wasn't that he needed to go there quite a few other Clubs were trying to sign him.
The man is a complete disgrace to his proffesion, one greedy son of a bitch.
2. Night Out - To change the subject I was out with a lot of ex work-mates on Friday night, about 15 of us toured a few pubs in York. It was a fun night and we all had a good laugh. I was a bit dissapointed as I wanted to stay longer in the first Pub, they had a group on and it looked like they were gonna play a lot of 70's & 80's cover versions. They warmed up with The Jams "A Town called Malice" & the Martha and the Muffins "Echo Beach". Anyway I got out voted so we all moved on.
At one stage of the night we accidently gate-crashed a wedding party, the had booked a private room at one of the bars but not realising we all wandered in. It turned out I knew one of the guests and we got allowed to stay for a bit.
3. Weight Loss - Some good news on this front, On the night out mentioned I was able to go in a pair of trousers that previously were too tight, thats good news I think.
4. Music Choice - Well back to where I started with todays choice, Harry Kewell this is for you its The Clash with "Straight to Hell" -
Saturday, 28 June 2008
This Weekend
1. Tennis - We are at the middle weekend of Wimbledon and as usual most of the Brits haven't made it to the 2nd week. In fact we have only one player left in the competition thats Andy Murray. Could he go all the way, I doubt it think it'll be a Federer v Nadal final again but I've a feeling the Spanish player may just do it this time.
More surprising than our players getting beat is the fact that the Americans have no men reaching the 2nd week. Long gone are the days of Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, etc. Whay has happend to American tennis ?
Of course the ladies its slightly different with the Williams sisters looking likely winners. A lot of the top seeds have gone and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one of them reach the final. To be honest I hope they don't, not that I've got anything against them I just can't stand their Father, when he's interviewed he comes over as such a big head.
2. Football - We've reached the final of the European Championships and on Sunday Spain will face the Germans. It should be no contest on form Spain have looked really good where the Germ,ans have been so lucky to reach the final. However you can never count the Germans out, they have a knack of winning competitions when playing badly.
The English FA have come up with a classic way of improving the game over here. They are banning under 8's from playing competitive matches so they only work on skills. Well a load of poppycock as far as I'm concerned life is about been competitive whether passing exams, driving test, getting a job, basically everything. Kids have to learn about the ups & downs in life and sport is a great way of doing it.
Apparently Wales & Northern Ireland have had this policy for a number of years and I can't think they have set the Footie world on fire.
3. Nelson Mandela - Well he is celebrating his 90th Birthday but I don't know if its only me but I can't respect this man. Everyone makes such a fuss like he's some sort of Martin Luther King. Yes sure he played a big part in ending apathaid in South Africa but this is the bloke who was jailed for terrorism. This was the bloke who led the ANC in a bombing campaign, he was rightly jailed in my opinion. Strange now most of our countries are fighting terrorism around the world, perhaps one day Osama Bin Laden will be president of Afganistan and get the Noble Peace Prize.
I'll also mention that Mandela as done absolutely nothing about his mate Mugabe carrying out atrocities in neighbouring Zimbabwe, South Africa could do something about it if they wished, its about time somebody did.
4. Music Choice - Well from the Who's rock opera "Tommy" came the classic song "Pinball Wizzard" which was actually performed by Elton John in the Film.
More surprising than our players getting beat is the fact that the Americans have no men reaching the 2nd week. Long gone are the days of Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, etc. Whay has happend to American tennis ?
Of course the ladies its slightly different with the Williams sisters looking likely winners. A lot of the top seeds have gone and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one of them reach the final. To be honest I hope they don't, not that I've got anything against them I just can't stand their Father, when he's interviewed he comes over as such a big head.
2. Football - We've reached the final of the European Championships and on Sunday Spain will face the Germans. It should be no contest on form Spain have looked really good where the Germ,ans have been so lucky to reach the final. However you can never count the Germans out, they have a knack of winning competitions when playing badly.
The English FA have come up with a classic way of improving the game over here. They are banning under 8's from playing competitive matches so they only work on skills. Well a load of poppycock as far as I'm concerned life is about been competitive whether passing exams, driving test, getting a job, basically everything. Kids have to learn about the ups & downs in life and sport is a great way of doing it.
Apparently Wales & Northern Ireland have had this policy for a number of years and I can't think they have set the Footie world on fire.
3. Nelson Mandela - Well he is celebrating his 90th Birthday but I don't know if its only me but I can't respect this man. Everyone makes such a fuss like he's some sort of Martin Luther King. Yes sure he played a big part in ending apathaid in South Africa but this is the bloke who was jailed for terrorism. This was the bloke who led the ANC in a bombing campaign, he was rightly jailed in my opinion. Strange now most of our countries are fighting terrorism around the world, perhaps one day Osama Bin Laden will be president of Afganistan and get the Noble Peace Prize.
I'll also mention that Mandela as done absolutely nothing about his mate Mugabe carrying out atrocities in neighbouring Zimbabwe, South Africa could do something about it if they wished, its about time somebody did.
4. Music Choice - Well from the Who's rock opera "Tommy" came the classic song "Pinball Wizzard" which was actually performed by Elton John in the Film.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
European Championships
Footie - For all of you that don't know the European Football Championships have been taking place in Switzerland & Austria over the last couple of weeks. This tournament is 2nd only to the World Cup and you may ask why I haven't been posting about it, the answer is simple England f****d up and didn't even qualify.
Anyway tonight its reached the last eight and it becomes a knock out competition from here so I thought I'd give my expert (lol) opinion on the outcome.
Germany v Portugal - Despite Portugal looking good I'm hoping Germany (and I don't say that often) win this one. Why because Portugal have that little shite Cristiano Ronaldo the biggest cheat, poser, cry baby, etc in world soccer and a Scum player as well. Some people reckon he is the best player in the world not me though but you judge for yourself -
Anyway tonight its reached the last eight and it becomes a knock out competition from here so I thought I'd give my expert (lol) opinion on the outcome.
Germany v Portugal - Despite Portugal looking good I'm hoping Germany (and I don't say that often) win this one. Why because Portugal have that little shite Cristiano Ronaldo the biggest cheat, poser, cry baby, etc in world soccer and a Scum player as well. Some people reckon he is the best player in the world not me though but you judge for yourself -
Croatia v Turkey - Gotta support Croatia in this one mainly because I just hate Turks (Leeds fans do, murdering b*****s) they shouldn't even be in a European tournament, Istanbul is in asia. Croatia is a newish nation and I love their attitude, total patriots every player runs themselves into the ground for the cause and their fans with their passion are something else. Always rated their manager Bilic when he played in the English league good no nonsence centre half.
Holland v Russia - Its hard to argue against Holland been the team of the tournament so far and their supporters have travelled in large numbers but look so stupid in orange tango suits. I watched Russia beat Sweden last night to reach this stage and they were impressive, just all out attack, a young squad I reckon will have to be watched in the next World Cup.
Maybe Holland will have too much quality for them but one thing about Holland is there history shows they self destruct in major tournaments, too many players with big egos spend a few weeks in a hotel together and they start to fall out with each other.
So I'm supporting Russia in this one well they do play in white.
Spain v Italy - Along with Holland, Spain have looked excellent with their fast passing game and in contrast Italy have struggled to reach this stage. Howver Spain have flattered before only to crash out they remind me of England everyone expects them to win but they fall short. However in the past Spain have had great attacking options but always looked dodgy at the back. From what I've seen they have toughend up and are much harder to beat.
Saying all that I'm going for Italy because history say's if the Italians start a tournament badly, sneak through they go on to win it just look at the last world cup. I think a lot depends if Luca Toni finds his shooting boots this player get himself in great positions but misses too many, I've a feeling like his side he'll come good when it matters.
Friday, 13 June 2008
National Security
1. Idiots - Yes idiots are running the country I am sure, weve been hearing so much about the 42 days to contain terror suspects and how concerned our present regime are about national security. Then what hits the news "A top security official leaves important papers concerning Al Queada on a public train" Of course to make sure peoples attention weren't drawn to them they were in a bright orange folder.
Of course the numpty that left them has been rightly suspended from his job but to me other questions are left unanswered. a) Why did these papers have to leave HQ b) Why was he travelling on public transport with such important items.
Surely there is something wrong with the system but who is surprised with the muppets running the country.
2. Petrol Crisis - At least it looks like the cost of re-fuelling my car is not gonna be a problem cos the garages are gonna run out. The tanker drivers are going on strike so the garages are likely to run out. Of course the government are saying don't panic which sort of makes everyone rush out to fill up their cars making the problem worse.
I was almost sympathetic with the tanker drivers until I saw what salary they are on £32k basic and have been offered a 7.5% rise. Gee tanker drivers is the best of the driving jobs, its the hardest to get.
3. Weight Loss/Fitness - I'm starting TT training this weekend which will be a step in the right direction towards fitness. Our season doesn't start until September but I'm aiming for a good summers training in preparation.
I mentioned a few weeks ago I was feeling very unfit and was concerned my rested pulse rate was high at 78bpm. Well even though I haven't done a lot of fitness training by eating sensibly its come down to 68bpm as of today so I reckon thats good. I'm a believer pulse rate is a good guide to cardio-vascular health.
As for eating my days are quite balanced breakfast is usually Weetabix with blueberries & strawberries, lunch is usually soup with 2 slices of bread (I've changed from white to wholegrain). I sometimes have a coffee with biscuits in the afternoon as a treat. I make dinner my main meal which can be anything from a salad to meat with vegetables. I must admit I haven't got out of grabbing a quick snack late at night though, just can't do it.
Any other snacks if any throughout the day are always fruit and I'm drinking loads of water.
4. Music Choice - Here is a classic with 4 great guitarists BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy & Jimmy Vaughan with "Rock me Baby"
Of course the numpty that left them has been rightly suspended from his job but to me other questions are left unanswered. a) Why did these papers have to leave HQ b) Why was he travelling on public transport with such important items.
Surely there is something wrong with the system but who is surprised with the muppets running the country.
2. Petrol Crisis - At least it looks like the cost of re-fuelling my car is not gonna be a problem cos the garages are gonna run out. The tanker drivers are going on strike so the garages are likely to run out. Of course the government are saying don't panic which sort of makes everyone rush out to fill up their cars making the problem worse.
I was almost sympathetic with the tanker drivers until I saw what salary they are on £32k basic and have been offered a 7.5% rise. Gee tanker drivers is the best of the driving jobs, its the hardest to get.
3. Weight Loss/Fitness - I'm starting TT training this weekend which will be a step in the right direction towards fitness. Our season doesn't start until September but I'm aiming for a good summers training in preparation.
I mentioned a few weeks ago I was feeling very unfit and was concerned my rested pulse rate was high at 78bpm. Well even though I haven't done a lot of fitness training by eating sensibly its come down to 68bpm as of today so I reckon thats good. I'm a believer pulse rate is a good guide to cardio-vascular health.
As for eating my days are quite balanced breakfast is usually Weetabix with blueberries & strawberries, lunch is usually soup with 2 slices of bread (I've changed from white to wholegrain). I sometimes have a coffee with biscuits in the afternoon as a treat. I make dinner my main meal which can be anything from a salad to meat with vegetables. I must admit I haven't got out of grabbing a quick snack late at night though, just can't do it.
Any other snacks if any throughout the day are always fruit and I'm drinking loads of water.
4. Music Choice - Here is a classic with 4 great guitarists BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy & Jimmy Vaughan with "Rock me Baby"
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Gutted
Nothing else seems to matter today, I'm gutted, yes Leeds lost the play off final, but I always said supporting this Club is all about ups and downs.
This is like a kick in the teeth, we have done so well getting to the play off final and todays 1-0 defeat is tough to take. Everyone knows the story, docked 15 points, favorites for relegation, possibly go out of buisness, but we survived and gave ourselves a great chance of promotion only for it to go wrong at the death.
But lets not forget we won more matches than anyone, we packed everyones stadiums for them, we bounced back from the brink, we'll all be back next season, trust me we will be back.
I will say well done to Doncaster and wish them luck next season in the championship but at the end of the day as a Leeds fan I'm totally pissed off.
And the weight loss plan ain't working today, I need to comfort eat.
This is like a kick in the teeth, we have done so well getting to the play off final and todays 1-0 defeat is tough to take. Everyone knows the story, docked 15 points, favorites for relegation, possibly go out of buisness, but we survived and gave ourselves a great chance of promotion only for it to go wrong at the death.
But lets not forget we won more matches than anyone, we packed everyones stadiums for them, we bounced back from the brink, we'll all be back next season, trust me we will be back.
I will say well done to Doncaster and wish them luck next season in the championship but at the end of the day as a Leeds fan I'm totally pissed off.
And the weight loss plan ain't working today, I need to comfort eat.
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Soon be Sunday
1. Weight Loss Fitness - My Food intake today is :-
Breakfast - 2*Weetabix, 1 portion Strawerries, Blueberries, 1/2pint Orange Juice (this is becoming my norm which I feel is a good start to the day
Lunch - Bowl of Oxtail soup, slice of bread.
Mid afternoon - Coffee, 2 biscuits.
Dinner - 1*Low Fat sausage, 3*rashers Bacon (grilled), Tomato, Potato Wedges. Ok not the ideal meal but cant just starve myself and its a meal I enjoy.
Supper - 1/2pint Milk (maybe a cracker with some low fat cheese spread if I'm hungry).
All drinks throughout the day other than those mentioned have been water.
As for fitness I did my 6 mile power walk but must admit it was tough, wearing them trainers yesterday certainly made my heels sore, wont be wearing them again even in my comfy ones today it hurt.
2. The Big Match - By the time I blog tomorrow I'll either be in a good or bad mood, its the play off final for a place in the Championship. I think all my blog readers know what happend to my team Leeds United this season with the authorities docking us 15 points. Up to this season no Club that has been docked points (previous max = 10) as managed to stay up. To reach the play offs is amazing and will go down in the Clubs history I'm sure. Now its time to put the "iceing on the cake" and stick two fingers up to the Football league.
Although tomorrows match is at Wembley (London)our opponents are Doncaster Rovers who are also from Yorkshire. Leeds sold their ticket allocation of 34,000 (and could have sold more than double) but Doncaster only managed 22, 000 and its estimated around 6,000 Leeds fans are in that number which will make a mokery of any segregation.
While talking Footie I see the thickies that support Manure made themselves idiots again in the European Final on wednesday. Did anyone see the banner proclaiming "Scouse free Zone", ok its meant to be funny cos they hate Scousers (people from Liverpool) as much as they hate us. Now it would be funny if their OWN star stiker Wayne Rooney wasn't a scouser, what numptys.
3. Music Choice - Todays Classic song is from the Motown Label and its Martha Reeves and the Vandellas with "Nowhere to Run"
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Another Day in My Life
1. Fitness/Weightloss - Well on the fitness front I haven't done anything specific other than my morning sit-ups. However I've been quite busy, I cleaned out my utility room which needed it, I took loads of stuff to the council skips. I also moved some bits & bobs into the loft which involved climbing up and down that will have done me good. I also defroested the fridge today but I suppose thats not too physical.I certainly feel a touch tired now.
As for food intake I've a confession after writing last nights post I did have a couple of crackers with some low fat cheese before bed, I was starving but must fight it. I think I had my evening meat too early.
Today this is my intake (hopfully I wont give in tonight):-
Morning - 2 weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 Portion Blueberries, 1/2 Pint Orange Juice,
Lunch - Bowl of Oxtail Soup, 2 slices of Bread.
Dinner - Two Slices of Pork, Potatoes (Roast), Carrots, Parsnip, Yorkshire Pudding,
Supper - 1/2 pint Milk
All other drinks have been water (I do drink it all the time)
2. Champions League - Tonight is the European Champions League Final and its between 2 English Teams which is a farce in itself. This competition is becoming a money making mokery of the sport with the same Clubs qualifying each year, getting a lot of money, making the rich richer so they can buy all the best players.
First the name of the competition "Champions League" is a joke when up to 4 teams from one country are allowed to compete, obviously with two teams from the same country in the final only one can be the National Champions. In fact some seasons the Final as had two non-champions competing. Funny because before the television people took over it was called the European Cup and only one team "the Champions" from each country took part.
The Final is in Moscow and true will be watched by millions around the world, its between the two Clubs I hate the most Manchester United and Chelsea. Scumchester as I call them are just a media obsessed buisness more interested in selling shirts in the far east than doing anything for the game of soccer, true they have a massive fan base made up mainly of Bandwagon jumping numptys that no nowt about Footie or corporate organisations that think its good to take their customers to the prawn sandwich restaurant. As for Chelski they are just a Russian Billionaires play thing, they think its good cos he bails them out, they just buy new players attracting the best with high salaries. Well Glory Hunting Chelski fans wait while he gets bored and you crash big style.
Neither Club are a benefit to the English Game in fact they are making it non competitive just buying everyones best players because they are the richest, in a way you can't blame them but it doesn't make it right.
So who am I supporting tonight, well reckon I'll go with Chelski cos I hate them slightly less.
3. Music - Tonights offering "The Dempseys", this is a promotional video of a group I saw in Memphis back in 2005. They are a rockabilly trio and are absolutely awesome live but only seem to play around tennessee. If ever you are in Memphis or Nashville check these boys out, the are pure entertainment.
As for food intake I've a confession after writing last nights post I did have a couple of crackers with some low fat cheese before bed, I was starving but must fight it. I think I had my evening meat too early.
Today this is my intake (hopfully I wont give in tonight):-
Morning - 2 weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 Portion Blueberries, 1/2 Pint Orange Juice,
Lunch - Bowl of Oxtail Soup, 2 slices of Bread.
Dinner - Two Slices of Pork, Potatoes (Roast), Carrots, Parsnip, Yorkshire Pudding,
Supper - 1/2 pint Milk
All other drinks have been water (I do drink it all the time)
2. Champions League - Tonight is the European Champions League Final and its between 2 English Teams which is a farce in itself. This competition is becoming a money making mokery of the sport with the same Clubs qualifying each year, getting a lot of money, making the rich richer so they can buy all the best players.
First the name of the competition "Champions League" is a joke when up to 4 teams from one country are allowed to compete, obviously with two teams from the same country in the final only one can be the National Champions. In fact some seasons the Final as had two non-champions competing. Funny because before the television people took over it was called the European Cup and only one team "the Champions" from each country took part.
The Final is in Moscow and true will be watched by millions around the world, its between the two Clubs I hate the most Manchester United and Chelsea. Scumchester as I call them are just a media obsessed buisness more interested in selling shirts in the far east than doing anything for the game of soccer, true they have a massive fan base made up mainly of Bandwagon jumping numptys that no nowt about Footie or corporate organisations that think its good to take their customers to the prawn sandwich restaurant. As for Chelski they are just a Russian Billionaires play thing, they think its good cos he bails them out, they just buy new players attracting the best with high salaries. Well Glory Hunting Chelski fans wait while he gets bored and you crash big style.
Neither Club are a benefit to the English Game in fact they are making it non competitive just buying everyones best players because they are the richest, in a way you can't blame them but it doesn't make it right.
So who am I supporting tonight, well reckon I'll go with Chelski cos I hate them slightly less.
3. Music - Tonights offering "The Dempseys", this is a promotional video of a group I saw in Memphis back in 2005. They are a rockabilly trio and are absolutely awesome live but only seem to play around tennessee. If ever you are in Memphis or Nashville check these boys out, the are pure entertainment.
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