Thursday, 27 January 2011

The Smoke...

Been down the Smoke today on the Rattler...hmmm, it's a strange world out there full of strange people.  Where do I start describing some of these weirdos?  The train is as good as any, you may recognise some of them...

Now I don't know about you, but if you ever thought you wasn't normal, take a train journey to London, it will confirm one way or the other if you're a weirdo or not.  For instance, do you fit into the following observed categories? 
PS MR =Mong rating out of 10

The coffee drinker
When did this actually start?  Why do people insist on drinking coffee out of plastic cups, but insist on carrying it with them wherever they go, held out at arms length like some beacon of weirdness and fashion statement "ohhhhh look at me, i drink coffee, im soooo special, I can drink coffee on the go and I know my beannnzzz".  What arseholes.  I was watching one woman this morning at Wakefield Westgate station, she's pulling one of those ridiculous teeny weeny suitcase trolleys on wheels, got a handbag the size of Wales in the other hand but insists on also carrying a Costa special in another hand!! holding it out infront of her like the Olympic torch, "look at me look at me, I drink coffee..".  The thing is, because of the coffee, bag the size of Wales and the suitcase, she expected everyone else to open doors for her.." ohh i can't possibly open doors cos my hands are full, look I drink Coffee, someone else must be my serf and open all my doors...".    Coffee drinkers drinking out out of plastic cups, what a set of mongs. MR 7

The suitcase person
When did this actually start?  Why is it that even if you're going on a short day trip to the capital you feel the need to take a suitcase with you?  A teeny weeny suitcase on wheels, on top of that you feel the need to inconvienience evey other traveller by taking up three peoples space on the platform by dragging half of your pointless belongings behind you in a SUITCASE!  How annoying are they when you are walking down the platform and a suitcase mong steps out before you, they then have to stop, making you stop, to fumble with the handle, stretch it out, then start walking, only after they've held you up and nearly tripped you up due to their pathetic vain need to say "oohh look at me, I need a suitcase eveywhere I go" Then you get to the top of some steps or an escalator and we go through it all again, stop, fumble with the handle to put it down, bend down and pick the suitcase up with the other handle, THEN go through it all again at the bottom of the steps! AND have you ever seen anything more gay than men pulling these inflated handbags behind them. What a set of Quentins " Ohhhh look at me, do my winklepickers look good in these ..." often accompanied by a pointless effeminate looking scarf wrapped around their scrawny neck cos some G(c)ock Wan type has told em it looks 'fashionable'. MR 9

The GTI ' gadget techie idiot' 
Why oh why does every trip have at least two of these.  You know the type, as soon as they've taken their seat, it's out with their, super dooper mini size super new latest mini laptop, super dooper latest mac iphone, super dooper latest mini super woofer headphones for the iphone, ...then a new set of latest super dooper set of headphones for the laptop, then a further super dooper set of headphones but he doesn't know what they are for.  Then it's plug in plug in plug in, plug in every gadget he can using every available socket cos he's soooo  important and so gifted that he can operate all said 'i' instruments all at he same time.  Then you can't help think 'wow, he must be so important, so you watch..out of the corner of your eye.  Then you wait, and wait, and wait.  He does nothing! it's all for display, like some pimped up peacock on steroids.  He has nothing of substance to do..does one email, then ends up looking at the screen but doing nothing before having a quick game of solataire, sitting back to look out of the window, checking his iphone for the 20th time but reading the same text over and over again as no one else has sent him a new text since his mum had text him the night before. Wat a MONG!  MR 8

The noisy talker
Usually always women.  Cannot shut up and feel the need to speak at full volume. By the end of the journey you know more personal things about them than her hubby does or closest family.  Not only that but you also find out that her boss is crap, her friend 'mercedes' has got three boyfriends on the go and may have crabs, and she got soooo pissed on Saturday night that she cannot remember a thing except waking up with Tarquin from the Rugby club, and that she once fancied her best mate, and now she fancies 'Steve' from accounts and her diet isnt working.  Unfortunately this condition seems to be infectious and her three colleagues soon follow suit and you begin to fantasise about ouzi 9 mm's, Kalashnikovs and handgrenades. MR 9

The 'I'm blind' seat takers
You know what it's like, you personally take the time to request a booked seat when you make your reservation, lets face it , it's no extra cost, takes no time and guarantees you a seat for your journey.  Sooooo why is it when you board the train that you find some Trampy, illiterate spazmong sat in your seat!  As much as you want and feel the need to stick your size tens in their face, take the piss by asking if they are blind? dumb? illiterate? you feel compelled to start the conversation by being half polite and saying " ahem...excuse me  but i believe you may be sat in my reserved seat..".  Then the charade continues, cos that what it is, a charade, as they reply " oh..sorry i didn't realise it was reserved" as you think  "that's ok, that great sod off reserved sign thats placed on the seat back , that shouts out, THIS SEAT IS RESERVED,  the sign you cannot miss, and I know you didn't miss but we will both PRETEND you missed' and you stand their feeling awkward as they then make a great show of huffing and puffing as they collect all their belongs feeling hard done to and trying their best to make YOU feel awkward for asking them to move.  Sorry! but if youre not out in 5 seconds youre getting twatted.  MR 9

The I need more than one seat on a crowded train brigade
This lot are premeditated and plan in advance for this.  You know the type, it's going to be a crowded train but they don't want anyone sat next to them, really believe that they are special and DESERVE two seats.  Their Modus Operandum is always the same...take the aisle seat, then fill the seat nearest the window with everything they possess, coats, bags, laptop cases.  This makes it only the brave that will utter the imortal words as they struggle for a vacant seat..."is anyone sitting their?"  Now this is extremely funny for the watcher as everyone knows the train is full, then you pull into a station and a crowded platform pile onto the train and there just isnt enough seats but the seat grabber pretends not to notice, lol, you can see them feigning sleep or pretend to be engrossed in a book...the look of suprise on their face when they get asked the immortal question ' is that seat taken' is a joy to behold, followed by Oscar winning performances in nearly all cases.  Watching them make great play in moving all their items of the seat like they are doing you a great favour is pure comedy.  The best though are those who think "what a bastard you are!  can't you see my coat is sitting there!!!"  the look of disgust on their faces as they cannot believe you have the temerity to ask to sit next to them! how they make a great show of being put out cos they've had to move their newspaper, coat or other crap just to let YOU sit down..on a crowded train.  Sitting on the aise hasn't worked for them and it's a sweet reward as the new person shoves their arse in their face as they try to squeeze past to take the seat lol. MR 10

Thanks for listening

Anyway, here is the view from my office window yesterday
One of the courtyards at Bush House, just off the Strand, Central London

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Women in football

What's that all about then?

It's a male bastion and no place for civilised women. It will only end in tears.  Just look at Delia Smith for example, A Director at Norwich FC, gets pissed on her pre match sherry and she's on the pitch at half time, slurring her words and providing merriment for the assembled throng.  Reputation in tatters and a reason why women should stay out of football.

Stay in the kitchen love..


And now Andy Gray has been sacked for comments about women in football this weekend.  Just look at the picture below and I think you will see he was right!









However, it would be wrong of me not to give a balanced view, so to satisfy the Political Correct brigade here are two pictures of women in football..





Friday, 21 January 2011

Dusk tonight..

Today I was driving home from York and from 5pm onwards the evening sky became amazing with Reds, Purples and Pinks all coming through against a backdrop of  an amazing azzuri blue sky.  I pulled into a layby just outside Otley to take this pic.  Notice the strange high number of contrails...


Contrails over Otley Chevin



So, whose been where this week?

Last week I was in Bournemouth and took the oportunity to explore part of the New Forest.  This week I've been to Liverpool, Newcastle and York..what about you, where have you been?

Let me know through the comments section and send me a pic via email and i'll post it on here.  Even if it's just a view outside of your window..
 

Saturday, 15 January 2011

Beaulieu

Went to Beaulieu on Friday..It's the home of Lord Montague and has a typical Country home, an Abbey but is also home tho the National Motor Museum.  It's located within the New Forest in Hampshire.

There's a bit of something for everyone and if you're into your motors it's very good.  As well as cars from every era, there are the 'special' cars from F1 champions, Bluebird and other land speed record holders to Bond cars, TV favourites  and everyday classics.  There's also James bond world, a collection of Bond gadgets and cars and Top Gear World, a collection of props and their converted cars from the show.


Here's a just a few..


James Bond World
Some of the cars from the movies..


The classic underwater Lotus from the Spy who Loved me 


Top Gear World

If I wore that would I get on that?

Dampervan!  Driven by Richard hammond in the episode when they try to cross the Channel

Nissank!  Driven by Jeremy Clarkson in his successful crossing of the Channel


Clarkesons 'Stretch Fiat' from the episode where they made stretch limos and took stars to the Brit awards in them!

 Motor Museum

MaClaren and Williams Race winners - driven by Senna and Hill
classic F1

Some of the land speed record holders including Sunbeam and Bluebird


All lights and chrome.....some classics

Harry Potter fans should recognise this one..?


In a motor car, what a happy time we'll spend....




Monday, 10 January 2011

Give this man a medal....report from the Telegraph

 

FA Cup draw at Arsenal shows that Leeds United are still famous and belong back in the Premier League

Those of us gathered at the Emirates on Saturday were presented with another stirring reminder that Leeds United are only on loan to the Football League.

Leeds are still famous and belong back in the Premier League
Making his point: Leeds United manager Simon Grayson at the Emirates Photo: EPA
Leeds United will be back in the Premier League one day, playing at the Emirates on an annual basis. The size and passion of their support and the quality of individuals like Robert Snodgrass will continue to lift them up.
Most importantly, their ambitious manager Simon Grayson has the drive, nous and level-headedness to keep Leeds marching on together, marching on upwards.
The club’s colossal support, 9,000 of whom had brought a real atmosphere to the Emirates, may need to rework their chant of “we’re not famous any more”, even if it is sung with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Leeds will always be famous, just occasionally off the national radar. The FA Cup provides an opportunity to show they are still here, still believing.
At the final whistle, Grayson’s men went over to salute those chorusing “we’re Leeds and we’re proud of it”. Not for the first time, Snodgrass led the way across Arsenal’s lush lawn, walking to the corner to applaud the jubilant crowd. Alex Bruce strode through the middle, ripping off his sweat-stained shirt and launching it into the writhing throng.
Leeds captain Jonny Howson was also stripped to the waist, the armband now clamped around a bicep, the midfielder finally able to draw breath after his immense efforts. As he led his players towards the tunnel, Howson glanced up, slightly surprised, to find row upon row of Arsenal fans had remained behind to clap Leeds off.
Grayson is like Holloway, a real football man driven by a desire for his team to work hard and entertain. Before Leeds emerged from their well-appointed dressing room, Grayson told his charges “do yourself proud”. No regrets. Go for it.
And they did. Kasper Schmeichel, Howson and company gave everything, seizing the lead through Snodgrass’ penalty and resisting the rising red tide until the class of Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas eventually told. Any tinge of frustration at the denouement lasted only a moment in Leeds hearts. The delight at the draw, at getting such aristocrats back to Elland Road, was voiced long and loud.
Hearing a noise above them, a few hundred Leeds fans immediately looked up to the corporate section on the tier above. Soon thousands were pointing and waving to the smart seats, where a handful of Leeds supporters were unveiling a club flag. It felt the friendliest of invasions.
Not famous any more? No chance. Not with so many strong people dragging them back towards the promised land. Leeds’ performance here was a reminder of the quality that can be found outside the Premier League.
From back to front, Leeds’ players did their club proud, also delivering a display that was in the rich tradition of FA Cup endeavour. Schmeichel and Bruce excelled in frustrating Arsenal.
Snodgrass particularly caught the eye. Although lacking electric pace, the 23 year-old undeniably possesses the technical calibre and invention to threaten leading defences, whether through the middle initially here or then out wide as Grayson cunningly set Arsenal more challenges.
Snodgrass shone against Tottenham last season and Andrea Dossena’s Liverpool career never recovered from his mauling by the Scot at Elland Road. Arsenal will not find it straightforward in Yorkshire next week.

Thursday, 6 January 2011

National Smith Day

Did you know that across the pond in the good ole US of A it's National Smith Day?!!?  Well it is.  Apparantly you are supposed to find a Smith and give them a hug... I'm still waiting for mine!

Those crazy Yanks.

Blast from the Past

Back in May 1985 we saw the horrific tragedy of the Bradford City fire disaster.  After a period of reflection I decided to do something to assist the survivors and relatives of those who had lost their lives.  Seems strange that being a Leeds fan I should want to do this considering the bile chucked at all things LUFC from our lowly neighbours but somethings transcend petty local rivalries.

Anyway, it was decided that three of us would cycle from Valley Parade, City's ground, to Lincoln, the team they were playing on that fateful day.  Unfortunately, one of the party would drop out at Doncaster through exhaustion leaving just two of us to limp into Lincoln at the end of a long and tiring cycle ride.  Unfortunately it rained all day and all of the way and not being allowed on the A1 we had to take the backroads.  Google Maps estimates the distance as 90 miles - quite a journey.

Anyway, here are some pics of that journey..
Off and running..so to speak

Checking the map..where the hell are we?

Getting some much needed sustenance..wet and cold here!

Pounding that empty road..many miles still to go

Just about there!

Once we there, we rode to the Police station in the centre of Lincoln to get our sponsor sheets stamped by them as proof we had done it.  When all the money was collected Phil and myself had raised over £600..not bad in1985.

It makes me smile inwardly when I hear City 'fans' giving Leeds Utd and even myself abuse for being Leeds..well if the above is being Leeds then I'm Leeds and proud of it.

On On On

Monday, 3 January 2011

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a great New Years eve. Even Blogs have time off at Christmas and the New Year! I went to the 'Terrace' sreet party and had a great evening culminating in the release of a number of Chinese lanterns into the new year sky!  A good night was had by all although I had to watch the alcohol intake to stop the temptation from breakdancing...
Lighting up the lanterns

The race is on to get them up...


the first three are away!


A picture of modern times?
Networking...

Is there a word for multiple 'D-S-I-ing?  Ollie and his cousins mastering the art of networking their Nintendo DSI's to play the same game.  In this case they are in game racing with Mario karts!


Tweaks for 2011
Just a few tweaks to the site for 2011

1.  Anyone can now add comments without being linked to Google, so get commenting!
2. Picture copying has been disabled (due to request)
3. The last 10 posts are now viewable before being archived