Why Men Die Before Women

Weigh in Wednesday - I reckon thats about it for this year.

Weight Last Week - 220.2lb

Weight this Week - 219.5lb

Loss - 0.7lb

I reckon that could be about it as far as weight loss goes this year. Why ? you may ask well the answer is simple in the next week (starting tomorrow) I have three nights out planned and these certainly won't help. The following week I am away on holiday (San Francisco here I come) and I don't lose weight on vacation. Then of course this is followed by Christmas not the best of times for weight loss.

However I will be starting my efforts again in the new year and then I will be losing weight without doubt.

Power Problems

From where I live I can see three major power stations Drax, Eggborough and Ferrybridge. The Area is nicknamed Megawatt valley because of this, in fact we supply a large proportion of the countries electricity.
When I got up this morning I turned on the light and within 5 minutes Zap I was in the middle of a power cut, I was in the dark. Ok everyone gets power cuts occasionally but this is our f*****g eigth in less than three f*****g weeks.
I can put up with this inconvenience at home but it is causing havoc where I work. The factory I work is based on a fermentation process and we make two products one which is fermented for 10 days and the other 5 days. We run 365 days per year 24 hours per day and loss of power cuts air to the fermentors and kills the product costing thousands of pounds.
Basically these power cuts are screwing us, they will shut us down if this keeps up. I don't know what is happening but I reckon its lack of spending and maintenance. The infrastructure is shit, loads of housing estates are popping up and no spending on the electrical network.

Talking of infrastructure the water system is not a lot better. Last week we had a leak on the water main to our site so the local water board turned it off to the complete town. They repaired the leak turned it back on and the pressure caused leaks all over the town, roads were closed everwhere.

I reckon we are turning into a third world country.

Music Monday - CD Review - Stray Cats Extended Versions

As promised last week I will review the "Stray Cats" Extended Versions Album as selected by Cactusfreek and what great entertainment it is.

The Stray Cats are a Rockabilly Trio from New York made up of Brian Setzer on Lead Guitar, Lee Rocker (Leon Drucker) on Bull Bass and Slim Jim Phamtom (Jim McDonnell) on Drums.

I've attached a link to their website - Stray Cats

Rockabilly wasn't really big in the UK when the Stray Cats arrived in 1980 but their bad boy image fitted in well with the Punk scene at the time.

This album contains live versions of all of their Classic songs and is very good entertainment if you are in the mood for something lively.

The Songs :-

1. Runaway Boys - The groups 1st UK hit single is a great start to the album. It reached number 9 and I remember seeing the boys on "Top of the Pops" for the first time performing this and thinking who the hell are these.

2. Rock this Town - There 2nd chart hit and also reached number nine is a real rocker. Here it is almost 9 minutes long but the break up a bit in the middle to introduce the boys. A bit of audience participation at the end.

3. (She's) Sexy and seventeen - This reached the lower end of the UK charts but another great lively song (but arn't they all).

4. Gina (Don't you run with him) - Not a chart hit but one of my favorite tracks.

5. Stray Cat Strut - This only reached number 11 in the UK charts but I reckon was good enough to be a number one. It is probably Rockabilly's most famous song wrote by Setzer. When in Memphis last year I saw a very good Rockabilly Band called The Dempseys that did a great version of this song.

6. Elvis on Velvet - The groups tribute to Elvis another superb song.

7. Mystery Train - Not bad but not my top track.

8. Something Else - The groups version of the Eddie Cochran Rock & Roll classic. The Sex Pistols did a punk version of this song.

9. Rumble in Brighton - Aggresive lively number this song.

10.Look at that Cadillac - A song about a car, interesting finish but still good stuff.

My conclusion - Only 10 songs but great entertainment well worth buying.

My Score 8 out of 10.

Next Weeks Choice (some crackers to pick from this week) :-

Make sure you all vote for which one you want reviewing (if you don't know what to pick choose the sleeve you like the look of most).

1. Parallel Lines (Blondie) - Many think this is the groups finest album.

2. The End of the Begining (Eddie and the Hot Rods) - Brilliant album from the Pub rockers (not heard of them, you should).

3. Abbey Road (The Beatles) - Classic Album Classic Group.

4. The Collection (The Band) - Great stuff from Bob Dylans canadian ex backing group.

5. Beyond Elysian Fields (Hugh Cornwell) - Interesting stuff from former Stranglers front man.

6. Stanley Road (Paul Weller) - Arguably the "Modfathers" best album.

Sunday Sport - Not a Good Start in the Ashes Defence

Well England have made a atrocious start to their defence of the Ashes, after 4 days of the first test in Brisbane they are well over 300 runs behind with only 5 wickets left. We have one day to survive to get out of this mire and pull off a undeserved draw (Kevin Pieterson is going well though). I think we will be doing a rain dance for tomorrow.

Although we see the Aussies as the enemy in Cricket you have to take your hat off to a superior performance.

Although I hear the police were a bit heavy handed with our noisy supporters the "Barmy Army", even the trumpeter got thrown out. whats up can't your players take the barracking (wait until next time you come to Headingley and face the Western Terrace)

Credit to Glen McGrath who took 6 1st innings wickets he is truly one of the worlds great bowlers.

Word of warning to our friends from the former convict colony don't forget you won the first test last time but who won the series.

More bad performances for the home countries at Rugby Union :-

England 14 - 25 South Africa

Wales 10 - 45 New Zealand

Scotland 15 - 44 Australia

Mr Robinson you are Coach to the World Champions you can't buy a win its time to go.

On to Soccer and some good news that the Mighty Whites are out of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 away win at Plymouth a great result. An early goal from Robbie Blake and a winner from American International Eddie Lewis (photo below) sealed the victory.

For the more optimistic among us we are only eleven points below a play off spot.

Normally I hate Scottish Soccer teams but this week I supported Celtic to their great 1-0 European Cup match victory. This result guarentees they qualify for the last 16.

Did I mention their opponents were of course "The Red Vermin" and Celtics manager was no other than former Leeds player Gordon Strachan (Photo below). We will now support Benfica next week to see if they can put the Red B******s out.

Anyway I reckon a suitable subject for this weeks post is "Who are your favorites most hated rivals ?"

Soccer - My Club side Leeds absolutely hate Manchester United (Red Vermin or Scum), we hate everthing thet stand for, we hate their Prawn sandwich eating corporate supporters and the sad anoraks in all towns around the country that reckon they are fans but haven't a clue where Manchester is. We will support anyone who plays them. They are media obsessed rich boys that think they own the sport. They call themselves the biggest club in the World when everyone knows its Real Madrid (Manchester City are the biggest club in Manchester), they call their stadium "The Theatre of Dreams" the only thing I dream about is having a shit in the there. They also come from Lancashire but pull their supporter base from around the country, we have more respect for other Lancs clubs.

We also hate Chelsea but would support them against the above. This is more historical in 1967 they cheated us in the FA Cup Semi-final at Villa Park when Lorimers perfectly good goal was disallowed (to this day no one knows why). They also kicked us off the park (animals) in the 1970 cup final and can't be forgiven. In the 1970's and 80's there were a number of clashes between supporters the most documented was in London at Picadilly Circus when hundreds of the notorious Chelsea Headhunters gang clashed with the Leeds Service Crew, many were hospitalised and there was 268 arrests.

Internationally we traditionally hate the Germans but I reckon the main hatred is saved for Argentina. I think this arises from the 1980 Falklands War between the countries. Rivalries wern't helped with Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal (cheating t**t).

But lets face it the Argies are a bunch of Cheating, diving, fairies (see photo below).

Obviously from this post you will realise there is massive rilavry at International Cricket between us and the Aussies. At County level Yorkshires main rivaly is with the Red Rose boys Lancashire but that is the case in many sports.

So Who are your teams most hated opponents ?

And why do you Hate them (now is your chance to totally slag them off) ?

This Weekend

Only a short Post tonight as I'm away in the morning. I'm representing Yorkshire at Table Tennis, actually playing for the Veteran 2nd team in the county championships. The matches are in Halifax which is a 45 minute drive for me which won't be much fun because the weather forcast say's we are going to have Gale force winds tomorrow.

We have 4 matches altogether two saturday against South Yorkshire (they broke away a few years ago) and against our 3rd team who will be really up to beat us. Sunday we have two very tough matches against Norfolk and Nottinghamshire.

I'll be playing at number one for us so will be facing the oppositions top ranked players so it won't be easy. I am quite confident as I played a local league match last night and beat York mens champion which is a excellent victory.

Wish me Luck.

Tom & Katie - Can you explain ?

Can anyone explain these before and after photo's ?

They are of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, the first photo is when they announced they were to get married the 2nd is their official wedding Photo.

Has Little Tom grown of as Katie shrunk ?
Perhaps she was stood in a hole ?
Or maybe she had 6 inch platforms on for the first photo ?

This looks like he has used his "Mission Impossible" Skills.

Wednesday Weigh In - A loss to report

Weight Last Week - 221.5lb

Weight this Week - 220.2lb

Loss - 1.3lb

I am now under 3 weeks away from my vacation (San Francisco) and hope to lose a few more pounds before I go. I will have to put in effort this week because after that I have a couple of nights out planned in my social calendar the following week.

I have a busy weekend coming up as I'm playing for Yorkshire Veterans 2nd team (over 40's) in the county championships. These will be tough matches against other counties, we have four team matches two Saturday and two Sunday. I'm attending a training session tonight and playing a local league match tomorrow so I should be quite sharp (I hope).

I was out for a few beers on Monday night with a couple of friends. The Pool season is over but we are looking for somewhere to play next year as a lot of our current team are not playing. Only me and Lofty want to keep playing so its either get some more players in or move to another Pub, we do have some options.

Photo's

I've been busy adding Photo's from some of my trips to the States on my photo blog, although I've still loads to do I've completed "Chicago June 2005" & "New York June 2005" and just completed "Memphis Sept 2005". Check them out and let me know what you think ?

Eventually I'll get all my trips on this blog :- Mick's Photo Blog

Music Monday - CD Review - Layla and associated Love Songs

Now last week despite a few people commenting on my review of Don McLeans American Pie album I only recieved a two votes for this weeks review one for "Layla and associated love songs" by Derek and the Dominoes (thanks Rachel) with the other vote from Cactusfreek who is a Stray Cats fan. So this week I'll do Rachels choice followed by the Stray Cats next week.

"Layla and associated Love Songs" by Derek and the Dominoes is one of the all time Classic Rock/Blues albums of all time. This is the only album ever produced by this superb group and a must for any music collections.

Derek and the Dominoes were made up of Eric Clapton (Lead Guitar & Lead Vocals), Bobby Whitlock (Keyboards & vocals), Craig Randle (Bass) & Jim Gordon (Drums). Also featuring on this album is guitarist the late Duane Allman of Allman Brothers Fame.

Interesting point for those that like trivia the group origionally were going to call themselves "The Dynamics" but as this record was produced on The Dominoe labelthey chose that instead.

Origionally a double album when released on vinyl in November 1970 it amasingly never charted in the UK charts on its release. However it did make the US charts and went Gold despite not making the top ten.

In 1987 this album was voted as the 92nd best Rock Album of all time by the Music Critics and Broadcasters association.

One of the reasons for its early chart failure was at the time none of the songs were well known and it got very little radio air time.

Now on to the Album and the music on it. This is a total team effort and only two of the tracks were written solely by Clapton (a lot of others were in partnership with Whitlock), but what two awesome tracks they are.

Track 13 - Layla - Arguably the best Rock anthem of all time (its certainly one of my favorites). Who can forget the duelling Guitar start with Clapton and Allman. This song is over 7 minutes long and the best thing you can do after listening is play it again.

Track 2 - Bell Bottom Blues - Another Classic I really do love and could listen to over and over again, great song that lasts more than 5 minutes.

Three Blues Classics are amongst this album and I reckon Clapton can play Blues Guitar like no other White Man.

Track 4 - Nobody Knows you when your Down and Out - This Jimmy Cox song is always woth a listen the Dominoes certainly do it full credit.

Track 7 - Key to the Highway - This William Broozny song is almost 10 minutes long and Fans of Blues Guitar will love it.

Track 10 - Have You ever Loved a Woman - This Bill Myles song was origionally a hit for Freddie King but this is the best version. Another long un at just under 7 minutes.

Anyway the rest of the album is not bad :-

Track 1 - I looked Away - Is a great start to this album tells the tale of a faltering relationship.

Track 3 - Keep on Growing - Rock Guitar at its best with this catchy tune.

Track 5 - I am Yours - Change in Tempo for this gentle track.

Track 6 - Anyday - Another long track just under 7 minutes for this Rock track again showing what a skilled bunch of musicians this lot were.

Track 8 - Tell the Truth - Again just under 7 minutes for yet another change of style, not one of my favorites though.

Track 9 - Why does love have to be so sad - Up the tempo for yet another change of style, great use of the instruments.

Track 11 - Little Wing - Even throw in a Jimi Hendrix classic and do it full justice.

Track 12 - Its too Late - Now for a 1970's album this is what I call a typical sixties track, great stuff though.

Track 14 - Thorn Tree in the Garden - Shortest and worst song on the album, certainly not one I like just can't see the point of ot been on.

This album at 70 minutes is a must for collections my mark 8.5 out of 10 a definate classic.

Sunday Sport - A Bad Week for Some

We start with bad news this week one of the most famous Race Horses of all time Dessert Orchid has died aged 27 years. This Grey won many races and was that popular with the racing public even had a its own website - Dessert Orchid



Another great sports star also passed away this week Hungarian Ferenc Puskas the man many considered the first Soccer superstar. Known as "The little fat chap" Puskas was 79 when he passed away. Ferenc Puskas


While on Soccer my team Leeds United were beaten at home 3-0 by southampton yesterday. I went to the match and believe me the score line does not reflect the way the match went. Ok we have virtually a new back four and they was a bit of misunderstanding for their goals but we had enough chances to win the match. The team is improving and in time the results will come.

Wish we had some of the players in the photo below in the team though (remember them beating Southampton 7-0 :-




England had a friendly match with Holland in midweek and drew 1-1 but to be honest I can't get interested when they are not competitive matches.

At last the England Rugby Union Team won a match following seven consecutive defeats. But don't forget we are still the current world Champs. The victims were South Africa and we scapped home 23-21.

Ok so I suppose for Cactusfreeks benefit I'll have to mention that the Australian Rugby League team hammered our boys 33-10 but only because Sean Long came home. The rest of the squad can now follow him as we are out of the Tri-nations.
Anyway I see our cricketers are now finding some batting form with recent tons for Kevin Pieterson and Ian Bell. With the Ashes soon to start I must remind our friends from down under that when it comes to English Cricket you must fear Yorkshire Fast Bowlers.


The man that is going to destroy your old men is Mathew Hoggard :-

Hoggy's coming to get you Aussies so I thought I'd include five photos cos it will be good practice for when you get sick of the sight of him.

I must mention American Football as it is strongly rumoured that a major match will take place in my country next year at the new Wembley Stadium (if its finished).

American Football at Wembley

While I'm on this Sport I must mention that this weekend there is a big local rivalry match in Alabama and the photo below is for my friend Rachel.

Ok this weeks discussion topic name in your own opinion the most important sporting occasions you have been to. You can consider level of competition such as world title or it may just be big win in a local rivalry match.

Anyway here is mine :-

1. The Grand National 1977 - Ok I'm not really in to horse racing and wouldn't normally expected to be here but Leeds played Liverpool at anfield 11am kick off this day and we went after the match to the race. Now for those that don't know "The Grand National" is the oldest and most famous steeplechase in the world and for those that still haven't realised how big the occasion was, 1977 was Red Rums 3rd victory the only horse ever to achieve this feat.

2. FA Cup Final 1972 - This was the Centenary Final with 100,000 there at wembley to watch Leeds versus Arsenal. Clarke one nil need I say more, our only ever victory in this competition.

3. European Cup Final Paris 1975 - Shit and we lost this one to Bayern Munich or should I say robbed. Paris 75 The Dream ends in Violence

4. Table Tennis World Team Final - Been twice China versus Japan in Birmingham 1978 and China versus France in Manchester 1998.

5. World Championship Boxing - Tom Collins (Leeds) versus Leoniser Barber (Detroit) at Leeds Town Hall for one of the versions of the light heavyweight title. The American won easily just too good for our boy. Best fight was Henry Wharton (York) beating Rod Carr (Australia) for the Commonwealth title, knew it would be a good scrap when Carr stuck the Nutt on Wharton when they went to shake hands at the start.

6. Rugby League Challenge Cup Final - Been twice both in the Eighties, Hull versus Wigan and Castleford versus Hull KR. Not sure of either of the years but I reckon one of my blog friends will tell me.

7. Commonwealth Games - Once went to watch this as a schoolboy when it was held in Scotland (Edinburgh). Its basically a mini Olympics for countrys that were once in the British Empire. I believe there are about 90 countrys take part including very small places such as The Falkland Isles, Jamaica, Jersey, Hong Kong, etc. More competitive countries include Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Kenya, etc. I remember going to the Athletics, Swimmining & Boxing, got loads of autographs.

8. Cricket - Been to Two Test matches a long time ago England versus Australia at Headingley and England versus West Indies at Trent Bridge. The Aussie team contained Derek Lillee and Rodney Marsh while the West Indies team I saw had some of their great bowlers in such as Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner. Geoff Boycott was in the England team on both occasions.

9. Back to Soccer and no match inparticular but in the late seventies & early eighties I went to loads of England matches (including abroad) and any of them could be on the list. I suppose the biggest was the Home Internationals versus the Jocks. Obviously I've seen Leeds play on many occasions in big European ties, cup semi'finals, big league games, etc. And must add seen us win at Old Trafford that must be up there.

10. Sorry thats about it - must attend a sports event on one of my trips to the US (Hockey, Football, Baseball ?).

MacDonalds

Stick to the Diet.

Wednesday Weigh In - No Movement again

Weight Last Week - 221.5lb

Weight this Week - 221.5lb

Loss/Gain - 0lb

For the 2nd week running I have not changed weight, I suppose been positive I have not put weight on but on the other hand its a lot more motivating to lose a small amount. Anyway I'm not giving up and I do expect to lose weight this coming week (well see).

To be honest I've had one of those weeks dashing here, there and everwhere so I have been grapping too many snack meals, usually the wrong stuff.

Anyway as some of you have noticed I've found time to uprate my blog I hope you like it. I like having the option of "Labels" so you can catogorise your posts. This is particularly usefull with my Photo blog, I have made a start downloading photos from various trips but I still have a lot to add.

Music Monday - CD Review - American Pie

As voted for from last weeks list I will review Don McLeans American Pie Album.

McLean is a talented Singer/Songwriter with an excellent voice he is more well known in his native America than in other countries. He had two number one hits in the UK but surprisingly his most famous song and Album Title Track "American Pie" only reached number two over here but did top the American Chart.

American did get to number one a few years ago but this was the cover version done by Madonna, not a patch on the origional.

Roberta Flacks "Killing Me Softly" was actually written as a tribute to McLeans voice.

This Album is one of the all time classics and is a must in any decent music album collection. I actually only have a vinyl copy as I have a CD (also called American Pie) but this is McLeans greatest hits.

American Pie is a awesome Song (almost 8 minutes long) and tells the history of Rock music, it was recently listed the 5th best song of all time. Many experts have over the years tried to work out the lyrics but you can check out this web site for a explanation :- American Pie Lyrics explained

One of McLeans UK number one singles is actually on "Vincent" another classic that tells the Story of artist Vincent Van Gogh. For info his other number one was "Crying" which is not on the Album.

All the other tracks on the Album were wrote by McLean and I believe although none were released as singles in the UK a lot made the American chart.

Other tracks are as follows :-

Till Tomorrow - Such a gentle sedate track you have got to relax while enjoying this.

Crossroads - Again so relaxing you have got to like this song.

Winterwood - Catchy little tune.

Empty Chairs - Not my favorite but still a good performance.

Everybody Loves Me, Baby - D Mc speeds it up for this one, good beat to this song.

Sister Fatima - Classic McLean.

The Grave - McLeans anti-war song is up there with the best in this catogary.

Babylon - The album could do without this, not good enough

My Score 8/10.

Just a great Album to sit back and relax while you listen.

Ok your next weeks choice of possible Albums to review is as follows just let me have your vote.

1. Fighting Back - Live Album from Hazel O'Conner, one I rate.

2. Setting Sons - The Best Album by The Jam in my opinion.

3. Ordinary Peoples Lives - Former Kinks frontman Ray Davies first solo album.

4. Layla - Derek & the Dominoes great music from Eric Claptons early days.

5. Extended Versions (Live) - A bit of Rockabilly from The Stray Cats.

6. Mojo Mamas - A collection of the finest Blues lady singers in Chicago.

Sport Sunday - The Good and the Bad.

Well we will start with the good bit my soccer team Leeds United actually won this week with a resounding 3-0 home win over the mighty Colchester (who). Two goals from Robbie Blake and one from Richard Cresswell did the trick, hopfully this win will kick start our season. I reckon given time new manager Dennis Wise (seen below) will start to turn our fortunes around, so far he is making all the right noises.

Carrying on with Soccer we must lead on with the debate point "Is the Championship stronger than the Premiership". We'll this week we were given a good argument Red Vermin top of the Premier were knocked out of the Carling Cup by bottom of the Championship Southend with a resounding 1-0 win. So that should sort out that argument.

The next bit of Football gossip I'm afraid my Blog friend Joel (DCnats) has some explaining to do. What are these rumours that your star young player Freddie Adu is about to move to play for the "Red Vermin" see report - Adu to join Scummers

On to Rugby its been a bad weekend for my country with the GB Rugby League team well and truly beaten by New Zealand 34-4. Very dissapointing following last weeks performance.

Our Rugby Union team also suffered embarrasment been defeated by Argentina 25-8 I make that seven defeats in a row for our reigning champions.

So on to our Cricketers who have now arrived in Australia to prepare to retain the Ashes, They are obviously putting the Aussies into a false sense of security by playing real garbage in the warm up games. When Freddie and Hoggie get bowling at full throttle I'm sure the Aussies will fall apart.

While I'm mentioning our friends from down under I'd like to bring another sport to the discussion table "Australian Rules Football". I remember about 10 years ago it was shown on our channal four every Saturday morning and I actually found it a Good specator sport and enjoyed watching. My favorite team was West Coast Eagles perhaps some of my Aussie readers can update us what is happening in this sport.

This week Womans Tennis have had a big Ladies Championship held in Madrid with eight of the Worlds top players competing for the Title. The Final is between Justine Henin (Belgium) and Amelie Mauresmo (France).
Ok all us blokes are gutted Maria Sharpova lost in the Semis to end a 19 match winning streak, there is something I like about her just can't put my finger on it (perhaps some of you can spot the reason ?).

In Heavyweight Boxing Calvin Brock despite winning his previous 30 fights faild in is attempt to snatch back the IBF version of the World title when he was well beaten Vladamir Klitchsko.
Ok let us know whats happening with your sports teams Ladies and Gents ?

This weeks debate point is Sport at the Movies.
Thinking about it a lot of sports movies are about Boxing (not all), I suppose it provides a natural Rags to Riches Storyline. Anyway my ten favorite Sports movies are :-

1. Million Dollar Baby (Womens Boxing) - Any Film with Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman in has got to be good but these two super stars are put in the Shadows by an awesome performance by Hilary Swank.
2. Raging Bull (Boxing) - Robert DeNero plays the true life story of Jake LaMotta, classic movie.
3. Mean Machine (American Football) - Burt Reynolds film is just great entertainment for all the family.
4. Paradise Alley (Wrestling) - Sylvestor Stallone pre "Rocky" made a sports film where he played his brothers manager taking him to the top in wrestling.
5. Escape to Victory (Soccer) - Mr Stallone again but in a film about a World War Two Prison Camp where the inmates take on the guards. The cast includes many greats including Pele & Bobby Moore. Fun for the family.
6. Cinderella Man (Boxing) - Russel Crowe telling the true story of Champion boxer James J Braddock, seen this recently and it was a good film.
7. Rocky 2 (Boxing) - My favorite Rocky Movie Mr Stallone, the first was good as well and I would probaly have it on my list but decided to only include one from this series.
8. Mean Machine (Soccer) - Remake of the Burt Reynolds film but change of sport with former Leeds United hard man Vinnie Jones taking the lead role.
9. Somebody up there likes me (Boxing) - Paul Newman playing the life of Rocky Graziano in a strong movie.
10. Tin Cup (Golf) - Kevin Costner plays washed up Golf pro, good entertainment.

Ok I know I've a few American viewers but "Field of Dreams" only just missed out.

Whats your favorite sports movies ?

Knackered

Well tonight I am a little bit knackered due to lack of Sleep. I had quite late nights Monday & Tuesday getting to bed around midnight (I get up at 6.30pm). So I was planning a early night Wednesday but at 8.30pm I was called to work, we had major problems and I ended up been there all night and didn't get home while just before lunch on yesterday.

Last night was lads night out and I wasn't going to let tiredness stop me having a good time, you only live the once. I went to York with four of my work colleagues, Mark, Alan, Martin & Graham.

We met up about 6.20pm and had a pint in Selby before getting a Taxi to York. When in York we did a tour of Various Pubs :-
O'Neills - Irish Pub with a good atmosphere
Yate's - Popular Pub a few nice ladies in there.
Harkers - Don't know what was happening, full of men in Suits.
Slug and Lettuce - Trendy Wine bar full of Yuppie types.
White Swan - Watched soccer here Real Madrid versus a team in Yellow.
Golden Lion - Was half way through a quiz, tried to help a team but questions too hard for us thickies.
Roman Bath - Ended up here at about 10pm to watch the live music. When we arrived the group were just warming up for their 2nd session and believe me they were Old (made the Rolling Stones look young).
They turned out to be really good played a lot of cover versions of mostly sixties classics including a few of my favorites :-
All or Nothing - Small Faces
Start me up - Stones
We Gotta get out of this place - The Animals
The Ballad of John & Yoko - Beatles
I saw her standing there - Beatles
Sultans of Swing - Dire Straits.
Plus many more.

While in this Pub Mark & myself decided to chat up three ladies sat in the corner. We went over and sat with them but I think they must have been Lesbians because they didn't seem interested.

When we left the pub to find a Taxi home I put on my Woolen Leeds hat (it was cold) and a lad came over to me and asked if I was a Leeds fan. I said Yes and he said great and gave a Leeds Salute (Tap heart with right fist).

Eventually got to bed at 1am.

Naked Ambition

Well one of my good blog friends (Rachel) recently did a Post on her Blog asking what activities to avoid doing while Nekkid (Naked).

Now I would like to turn this around and give everyone the chance to tell us what they have done Naked or any Naked story.

Well one of the things I do is sleep in the nude which is not normally a problem but a couple of stories from staying in hotels I can tell.

1. One hotel I had the room at the end of the corridor that everyone passed on their way to the dining room. Well you see I had a few beers the night before and when I awoke I discovered I was asleep totally naked on top of the bed with my room door wide open.
When I went down for breakfast I could sense everyone looking at me, so embarrasing (its the giggling I didn't like).

2. Was also in a hotel, a couple of friends were in the next room and we had to be up early to go to a tournament. My friends were known for sleeping in so when I got up totally naked I decided to knock on their room door. I peeped around my door down the hotel corridor checking nobody was about and quickly moved to their door and knocked. As I turned around to go back to my room there it was a bloody security camera, I bet reception was cracking up with laughter.

I was going to add a photo to this post but blogger is playing up (honest).

Now its your turn, what have you done naked ?
Or what could you do naked ?

Wednesday Update - A Draw

Weight Last Week - 221.5lb

Weight This Week - 221.5lb

Gain/Loss - 0lb

Maybe a little bit dissapointed because I was hoping to lose a bit of weight this week, but I suppose its still better than a gain.

I've had quite a busy week, went into work for a couple of hours Saturday & Sunday as we have a lot going on at present.

I was also put on Standby as 1st reserve for Yorkshire Table Tennis Veterans first team for their county championship matches at the weekend but never recieved the call. I am in the 2nd team later this month so need to get some hard training in before then (having a session tonight).
I'm actually playing at Stoke on Saturday in the Veteran British Club league, I am playing for a team from Halifax, it should be tough competition.
I played a match against Railway Institute last night and was dissapointed to only win two of my three singles although the player I lost to is new to the area and quite a strong player (I'll beat him next time). The team result was a 5-5 draw so it was quite a good match.

Monday night we played our last Pool match of the season and we played the team top of the league. They knew beating us would win them the title but were gutted when we beat them 5-4.
However they soon cheered up when they heard the team in 2nd place also lost so they still won it. Of course I was awesome and won all my games (for a change). Most of our team are packing in next season so only me and my mate Lofty are still playing and we may need to find a new team or some new players.

Tomorrow night I'm going out for a drink around York with three of my Workmates should be fun, we usually have a good laugh.

Have a great week.

Last Nights Post - Check these out

Following my last nights music post on the vitually unknown New Wave Group "The Photos" I have found I am not alone in my opinion.

Check out these :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photos/dp/B00000JOH2

http://lostbands.blogspot.com/2005/06/photos.html

Monday Music Night - CD review - "The Photos"

As most of my regular readers know I like quite a wide range of music so Mondays on my blog is now music night. I will each week give my review of a CD, sometimes well known sometimes not.

Anyway this week I'm going to start with "The Photos", some of you may now ask Who ?
Well if you read one of my Toronto Posts The Photos you will realise I searched for this CD for well over 20 years to replace my vinyl copy.

The Photo's were a little known group from Worcester, England and were part of the New Wave setup in the late seventies. I believe (but could be wrong) this is their only recordings.

The Group were Wendy Wu on vocals, Steve Eagles on lead guitar, Dave Sparrow on Bass and Olly Harrison on Drums.

Anyway the CD has officially 12 songs mainly written by the group but also contains "the Blackmail recordings" the very first 8 songs recorded by the group in someones garage, a raw collection of origionals mixed with some classics.

Track 1 - Do You have Fun - This is a good song about a young girl enjoying life with her friends.

2 - Irene - The groups only chart record if you count reaching number 56 in 1980 a chart hit. Decent song but not the best on the album.

3. - Barberellas - Catchy song complaining about a place where live bands played turning into another "rottern Discotheque. One of my favs.

4. - Now That you tell me that were through - Yeh we get the message, good song though.

5 - Look at the Band - To me not up to the same standard as the other songs.

6 - Friends - Love this song could just imagine one of my favourite ladies singing the words to me "He's my friend, I'll stick with him until the end".

7. -Loss Of Contact - About a girl whoose boyfriend is away, not the best song on the album but still worth a listen.

8 - She's Artistic - Interesting song about a lonely Art student.

9 - All I Want - Fast tempo and if I'm in the mood for fast this is a cracker, good un to sing along.

10 - Maxine - Song about a Punk rocker well it was that time.

11. - Evelyn 2 - Another interesting song about somebody with depression.

12 - I Just don't know what to do with myself - Ok there not all origionals but this Burt Bacharach composition was a number 3 hit for Dusty Springfield, great song and it is done justice here.

Well that is the main CD but the blakmail recordings have some interesting songs including a Punk versions of the classics "Lady is a Tramp"and "Do you wanna Dance", I've not heard them played like this before .

Five of the other songs are Photo's origionals "Last Time", "With Honours", "Sex Object", "Skateboard" & "Evelyn 1".

Finally the CD finishes with a excellent version of Lennon & McCartney's "I Saw Her Standing There"

My verdict 7 out of 10, if you were about and liked the New Wave music of the late seventies this is good value for your money. Pretty good for a virtually unknown group.

Not sure what CD to review next week so I'll give you bloggers the choice :-

A) - Revolver - The Beatles classic album.

B) - Me and Mr Johnson - Eric Claptons tribute to Delta Blues singer Robert Johnson.

C) - American Pie - Don McLeans famous Album.

D) - Old New Borrowed & Blue - Classic from the early 70's from kings of Glam - Slade

E) - "Live" Down the Road - Marcia Ball "Queen of Louisiana Swamp Rock".

F) - Regina Rodriguez - Just dare me.

Tell me which of these you want reviewed next week ?

Also don't be afraid to review some of the rare Albums in your collection.

Sport Sunday - Whats happening in the World of Sport ?

Well to add to my regular Wednesday weigh in I've decided to do a couple of theme days on my blog for a few weeks, Sunday will be Sports articles while Monday is music night where I'll review Albums from my varied collection.

I know not all of you are interested in Sport but those that are lets see your comments and tell us how your heroes performed in the last week, thats the one's you like or you can slag off the one's you hate.

So we will start here with Congratulating the GB Rugby League team with their fantastic 23-12 victory over Australia. This was despite the Aussies reverting to Thuggery in particular Willie Mason.

Don't want to panic my Aussie readers too much but our Cricket team have just set off to your country to retain the Ashes (don't worry the Barmy Army will be following). All we hear from our opponents is what Glen McGrath and Shane Warne will do to us but wasn't they in your last team that were well beaten and they are another year older now.

I must mention soccer and it ain't getting better for Leeds United since last Saturdays crucial win we were well outclassed by Preston in midweek the yesterday beaten 3-2 by Barnsley in the Yorkshire Derby dropping us into the relegation zone. We led at half time 2-1 and were dominating the match but once again we faded in the 2nd half. I think the new coaching staff recognises that the fitness levels are not what they should be and will sort it out.
Good to see Gylfi Einarrson returning from injury although he only got 9 minutes, he is a player I rate and when match fit will make a difference.

I must also say there was some great results for English Clubs in European Competition this week. Pride of place however goes to the mighty FC Copenhagen for their fantastic 1-0 victory over Manchester United (normally known as Red Vermin or Scum).

Boxing - Congratulations to Carl Johanneson (nephew of the great Albert the first black man to play in a wembley FA Cup final for Leeds of course) who retained the British Super Feathweight Championship stopping some unbeaten up and comer from Bradford.

On a sad note this week saw the murder of former World Champion Trevor Berbeck in his now home country of Jamaica. Berbeck was the last man to beat Mohammad Ali.

Shannon Briggs won one of the versions of the heavyweight title beating some unknown Russian. Briggs 35 last fought for the title 8 years ago when he was outclassed by Lennox Lewis but his victory removes the Russian domination of the heavyweight scene (standards have certainly dropped).

Talking Heavyweight Boxing for those interested this weeks question - Who do you reckon was the greatest heavyweight of all time ? Add your list to my comments

My list is as follows :-
1. Rocky Marciano (the only unbeaten man)
2. Mohammad Ali
3. Jack Johnson
4. Joe Louis
5. Gene Tunney
6. Jack Dempsey
7. George Foreman
8. Mike Tyson
9. Larry Holmes
10. Lennox Lewis

November 5th - Bonfire Night

Tommorrow is November 5th which is Bonfire Night. For those that have never heard of it (your not all english) everyone virtually attends a bonfire on the anniversary of when a Yorkshireman (from York) called Guy Faulkes tried to blow up "The Houses of Parliment" in 1605 and kill the government of the day (doesn't seem a bad idea at times).

Anyway many Gardens will have a large Bonfire with Fireworks to celebrate this act. Traditional Foods are eaten such as Jacket Potatoes (done in the fire), Toffee Apples, Parkin (Ginger Cake) & Roast Chestnuts. Kids just love this occasion.

A life sized Guy dressed in old clothes is actually made and burn't on top of the fire. On the days leading up to the 5th the Guy is paraded around town by the youngsters and they demand "Penny for the Guy". People cough up their money and the kids go home happy (beats mugging).

My memory's is the various Gangs on our estate trying to build the biggest bonfire, the secret was to burn your rivals a couple of days early. You guarded yours with your life, I remember spending many nights sleeping in a tent on guard duty.

I never said us English were sensible.

Words are Important

Government Verbosity

Pythagorean theorem: 24 words.
The Lord's prayer: 66 words.
Archimedes' Principle: 67 words.
The 10 Commandments: 179 words.
The Gettysburg address: 286 words.
The Declaration of Independence: 1,300 words.
U.S. Government regulations on cabbage sales: 26,911 words.

You Choose

I'm thinking of changing my profile Photo again so which would you choose :-

When Fashions really mattered.

Beach Bum in my younger days.

In the colours of the mighty whites before going to Elland Road.

Wednesday Update - Back on Track

Weight Last Week - 222.5lb

Weight this Week - 221.5lb

Loss in Week - 1lb

Well maybe I've turned the corner and at last got back into my routine following my vacation. I'd certainly like to get under 215lb before my San Francisco trip in December.

This week I played Pool Monday and we got our best result of the Season with a 8-1 win, just hitting form in time for the end of season (last match next week).

Tonight I'm playing Table Tennis in the York Leaguedivision one for my team (Sessions) against the team that have won it the last two seasons (Bootham). I reckon they will probably win it again because they have 3 top ten rated players.
I'm our only player in the top ten but we have some good up and coming young players (I think it will take another couple of years for us to compete for the title).
I'll have three tough games but I feel really up for tonights challenge and will be giving it everthing to take all 3 of my games. Their ages range between 10 and 20 years younger than me so any win would still be classed as good (but I want a personal maximum).