Leeds United 2 Manchester United 1

Well 2006 has been crap for my team, we sit in the Championship relegation zone and them Red vermin are top of the Premiership.
So I thought I'd Post this match from happier times and cheer myself up.
The B******s still had the ref helping them back then.
Enjoy my friends.

2006 Time to say Goodbye to some

When the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown passed away at Christmas aged 73 one of my blog friends (Jenny) suggested I do a review about him. To be honest I would find this difficult as I never really followed his music, don't really think he made it that big in England, some fans may disagree with that statement.However what I have read about him this last week he certainly was a very respected musician and was so big in his field of music. I am sure he will be missed by his thousands of fans.

For the record in the UK he had many songs make our charts between 1966 and 1993 but only once made the prestigeous top ten. In 1986 he reached No6 with "Living in America".

Anyway thinking about this got me asking the question "who else that have dedicated their lives to entertaining us have we had to say goodbye to this year ?"

So here is a few and I'm sure you can add more ?

Soul Star Wilson Pickett age 64

Ron Greenwood former England Football manager aged 84

Former Celtic Winger Jimmy Johnstone aged 61 (he could play)

Gene Pitney singer/songwriter aged 66

Earl Woods father of Tiger aged 84

Jamaican Musician Desmond Decker aged 64

June Pointer of the Pointer sisters aged 52

Freddie Trueman Yorkshires greatest ever fast bowler aged 75

Charlie Williams Comedian aged 77

Steve Irwin Aussie Naturalist doing what he loved aged 44

Paul Hunter cancer took this star of snooker aged 27 Leeds lad as well

Jack Palance Oscar winning actor aged 87

Desert Orchid probably the greatest National Hunt racehorse ever aged 27

Syd Barrett former lead singer of Pink Floyd aged 60

Alan "Fluff" Freeman radio DJ aged 79

Charlie Drake comedian aged 81

Mike Dickin Talk Sport presenter aged 63



Two other people I will mention

Kenneth Cummin aged 106 who was the last Briton to fight in both world wars.

Elizabeth Bolden aged 116 American who was the oldest person in the World.


God bless them all.




Three who maybe won't be remebered with the same affection -

Slobodan Miloosevic aged 64 did while on trial for his war crimes

Augusto Pinochet aged 91 ex Chile President was indicated for war crimes

Saddam Hussein aged 69

Blogging Problems

Since the upgrade of Blogger to the Beta version is anyone having problems posting or commenting ?

I know at least one of my blog friends (Regina) is having a lot of problems, she has e'mailed me because she can't comment to my blog (can to some not to others). I believe she uses an older "Apple" system but I don't know if this is relevant. With Blogger there is nobody or help desk you can phone.

Goodbye & Good Luck My Friends

I don't normally blog much about what happens at work (too many people read this blog) but I will say something today.

This month 3 people whom I get on with have left the place I work and I just thought I would mention them.

First to go was Graham who was a process engineer who had been with us just under 2 years, he left to start another job in London and I'm sure he will do well wherever he goes. Him leaving will certainly help my diet because when it was his turn to get the beers he would always return with bags of crisps, nuts, etc. He never put on weight and was virtually a human dustbin, makes you sick doesn't it.

My mate Lofty as decided to move on after 23 years with the company, he is going to contract for himself as an engineer. I'll still see him on a regular basis because we play Pool, Golf & Table Tennis together and he isn't moving from the area. Its something he has always wanted to do so good luck to him. A few of us are out next Thursday for a drink/meal for our traditional goodbye, I won't post photos of the Strip-o-gram because his wife reads my blog.

Yesterday one of the young ladies who comes on some of our works night outs left our factory to go back and work in the US (Decataur, Illlinois) at one of our other factories. Her name is Abi and she has only been on temporary assignment at our site for just over a year and finished yesterday, with it been Christmas I was one of the few there to be able to say goodbye.

So goodbye and good luck to all three of them.

Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert - Louisiana 1927

This is Marcia Ball performing a Randy Newman song (about a 1927 Hurricane)at a Charity concert for Katrina victims.
I'm posting this because one of my blog friends Rebecca originates from New Orleans and has just visited her home town and is p****d off with the work still required down there.
For the record I saw Marcia live in Memphis last year and she was raising money for victims then. Good job musicians have more heart than people involved in politics.

Wednesday Update - This doesn't make sense

Weight at last weigh in (29th Nov) - 219.5lb

Weight Today (27th Dec) - 218.5

Weight loss - 1lb

Its been 4 weeks since my last weigh in and in that time as you all know I've had a vacation and celebrated Christmas, hence weight increase was expected. In fact when I stepped on the scale I was hoping to have only put on a few pounds but wasn't very optimistic, I feared the worst. I was amazed with the result in fact I questioned the scales.
I'll point out I weigh myself each week on product scales in our packaging plant at work as these are very accurate. I then subtract 4lbs for the weight of my work clothes (I don't weigh naked at work). I reckoned after this weigh in the scales must be faulty so I phoned the man in charge of their maintenance and he informed me they had only been calibrated last week.
My only explanation is they were maybe faulty 4 weeks ago and weighing heavy, I can't believe I have lost weight when not really trying.

Weight 1st Jan - 249lb

Weight Today - 218.5lb

Weight Loss in the Year - 30.5lb

Ok nothing outstanding but in 12 months I've moved in the right direction. I'm in this fight for the long term and I will be setting targets for 2007 next week and I aim to stick to them.

Thanks to everyone that has offered words of encouragement over the Year.

Music Monday - Well it is Christmas ?

For Music Monday I've decided to to make it a Christmas theme. One of the biggest charts of the year is the battle for the No1 spot on Christmas day, most of the top stars release songs shortly before.

In the past we have had some real good songs, a few Christmas based songs, a few novelty songs and the odd charity record make this illustrious pinacle of British music. So here are a few facts :-

Contrary to popular opinion Cliff Richard has not had the most Christmas No1 hits although he tries every year (only comes to life at Christmas and the Wimbledon fortnight). For the record he has topped the chart 3 times 1960 with "I love You", 1988 "Miseltoe and wine" and 1990 "Saviours day".

So who beats that is not too hard its the Beatles who topped the chart 4 times 1963, 64, 65 & 67 (Tom Jones Green green Grass of Home split the years in 1966). The beatles songs were - I wanna hold your hand, I feel fine, Day Tripper & Hello Goodbye.

Paul McCartney also topped the Chart with Wings Mull of Kintyre in 1977 so he has part written and performed 5 number ones. The McCartney clan has actually had another as Pauls younger brother Mike McGrear was one third of Scaffold who topped the chart in 1968 with the drinking song "Lily the Pink".

John Lennon's Happy Xmas (war is over) only reached no4 in 1972 kept off top spot by that classic artist from the USA Little Jimmy Osmond with Long Haired Lover from Liverpool. Funny buisness the music industry at times.

Many novelty records have made the top spot at this silly time of year, classics including Rolf Harris 1969 hit "Two Little Boys", Bennie Hill in "Ernie (the fastest milkman in the west), St Winifreds School choir 1980 "Theres no one quite like grandma", Mr Blobby 1988 and Bob the Builder in 2000 with "Can we fix it". Anyone admiting having any of these in their collection ?

One song that has never topped the chart is actually Bing Crosbys "White Christmas" although it is reputed to be the biggest seller.

So what about American Superstars well Elvis topped in1962 with "Return to Sender, Michael Jackson topped in 1995 with "Earth Song" while Johnny Mathis was No1 in 1976 with Christmas Classic "When a child was Born".

Numerous Christmas themed songs have topped the chart the most famous battle for top spot arguably was 1973 when Glam Rock was at its prime, Slades hit "Merry Christmas Everybody" beat another classic in Wizzards "I wish it could be Christmas Everyday", what a year.

Another Christmas song that made it was in 1974 with Mud's "Lonely this Christmas".

Some Songs have made it twice "Mary's Boy Child" was top in 1957 for Harry Belafonte and also in in 1978 for Boney M.
Another to make it twice was Band Aids 1984 charity Classic "Do they know its Christmas" which raised money for the Ethiopian Famine. Twenty years on another collection of stars Band Aid 20 topped with the same song this time for Sudan. I don't mind either version but think I prefer the origional.
As the two Band Aids where virtually all different artists only one group has topped twice with the same song and that is Queen with the Classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" first in 1975 then again in 1991 following Freddie Mercurys death.

Other all time Classics have topped the chart including Pink Floyds "Another Brick in the Wall" in 1979 and Whitney Houstons 1992 hit "I will always love you".

I'll just point out a Yorkshire Group have topped the chart back in 1981 when Human League from Sheffield did the buisness with "Don't You want Me".

Even Hollywood have got on the scene when Nicole Kidman teamed up for a duet with Robbie Williams to top the xmas chart in 2001 with "Something Stupid".

The battle between Girl and Boy bands over the last 10 years or so have left their mark. The Spice Girls achieved 3 in a row (only group since The Beatles) topped in 1996 with "2 becomes 1", in 1997 with "Too Much" and 1998 "Goodbye" while Girls Aloud topped in 2002 with "Sound of the Underground". Westlife represented the boys in 1999 with "I have a dream".

The first ever Xmas No1 was in 1952 with Al Martino's "Here in my heart" while last year it was XFactors Shayne Ward with "Thats my Goal".

This Year well all bets are off and it is going to be another XFactor Starlet Leona Lewis who will join this illustrious band of artists with her debut single "A moment like this". I think marketing is playing its part. Ok I've missed a few out but the Christmas Chart always makes interesting reading (if not listening).

Back to Christmas Themed Songs (not necessarily No1's) What are your 5 all time favorites :-

Mine are :-
1. Fairytale of New York - Pogues with Kirsty McCall.
2. Merry Christmas Everbody - Slade
3. Happy Xmas (war is over) - John & Yoko
4. I wish it could be Christmas everyday - Wizzard
5. 2000 Miles - The Pretenders

I hope you are all having a great Christmas.

San Francisco Photos

A few of my blog friends have shown interest in seeing my photos from San Francisco. So as promised they are now on my photo blog - Mick's Photos

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

Christmas in England

Just a few interesting facts about Christmas in my country that I read in the newspaper :-

1. Apparently we are the only country in the World that eats Christmas Pudding. The rest of you are missing out here.

2. 7 out of 10 Dogs get presents from their owners, many actually wrap the present (I expect Jenny & Vanessa to be honest here).

3. The average person consumes 14 Brussel Sprouts over the Christmas period.

4. There was only 7 white christmasses in the 20th century (the last one was in 1984).

5. 85% of 4 year olds believe in Santa (15% are clever little shits).

6. 1841 was the first year Christmas trees were introduced.

7. 25% of Christmas shopping time is spent in queues.

8. 220% is the increase in Church attendance.

9. £262 is the average amount people spend on gifts for their children.

10. 3 million tonnes of rubbish will be produced at Christmas.

Christmas is almost upon us

Well it is getting close we will all have our trees & decorations up so I reckon now is the time to start blogging about Christmas for the next few days.



So I'll start today by posting a picture of the nativity scene :-

But can you spot me (everyone that reads this must have a guess) ?

Home & Knackered

Just a short Post to let everyone who has followed my blog that I have now arrived home.
The journey was without any major incidents I recall, well eexcept we got loads of turbelance on the 5 hour flight from SF to Philly. You could see panic on a few peoples faces.
I'll have to admit I didn't have the Philly Cheesesteak on be 5 hour stopover between flights(so I'll have to visit again) I went for the Bar-B-Q ribs instead. It turned out to be a inspired choice, really tasty. Went down lovely with a couple of cold Beers.
The 2nd flight was really smooth and a good trip, the staff were good, food decent (as Airlines go) and I won't hesitate to travel with US Airways again.
Back in Manchester I got my luggage went straight through Customs and when I got to the really Station my train to Leeds was in, so no delays.
I have made a start posting a few Photos on my Photo Blog but still have loads to add which I hope to get done at the weekend.
I will sleep well tonight then back to work in the morning.

SF Update - Homeward Bound

In the Morning I will be up early to catch my flights home so tonight I'm just going out for a meal, a couple of beers and to bed (these sort of plans don't always work for me). Anyway I fly to Philadelphia first wher I have a 5 hour stop over so I'll probably get a meal there (Philly Cheesesteak).

I had an amusing night last night with a couple of Australians I met in a Piano Bar. The Girl was a real dizzy blonde and hilarious while her boyfriend was a bit miserable because he couldn't get any Cigarrettes he liked. She spent most of the night talking to me and you could see he was getting a bit ratty about it. He had his own buisiness and I reckon she was only with him for his money but it was still a good laugh.

SF update - nearly an incident

Last night as I said I visited a different Blues Club "Lou's at Pier 47" on Fishermans wharf. The singer was a Lady called Annie Sampson who was really good. She actually sang a wide range of music and not just main stream blues, she had the place really rocking.

Today I had a walk through China Town eventually making my way over a few mountains and back to Fishermans Wharf. I spent a big part of the afternoon watching a lady singer and her group "The Grace Woods Trio" appearing on pier 39 she only did songs she wrote herself, again very enjoyable sat in the sun just listening to music.

On the way back to the Cable Car I stopped to watch a street magician where a crowd had gathered. Anyway I noticed a couple of shady characters wandering about the crowd and I suspected pickpockets. I warned a couple I had been talking to and within seconds a bloke about my size grabbed my arm and pulled me to one side, he said "Don't interfere with things you know nothing about" I replied saying "what you on about".He shouted to accomplaces something and started pointing towards me.

I thought shit and took evassive action by walking straight across the busy road, a couple of them followed me for about 30 yards but then stopped. I decided I was not quite sure how many and who they were so just walked to the cable car as quick as possible and avoided getting involved.

Why do these things happen to me ?

SF update - I reckon I'm getting Old

These hills in San Francisco are a nightmare they just burn your lungs on the way up and kill your legs on the way down. I am getting so tired it must be old age.

The Party last night was a good bit of fun for a few hours but wrapped up a bit early for my liking. At least there was loads of great food put on and I tried stuff that I havn't a clue what it was. Anyway when it was all over (and the Champagne gone) I wandered down to the local Pub to finish the night off.

Today I've took it fairly easy just wandered arounf Fisgermans Wharf this morning and got a bite of Lunch. This afternoon went around a few shops and bought the usual a couple of souvenior tee shirts and some CD's.

Just been at the Hotels Wine & Cheese evening and going to check out another Blues Club now. I'll be having Steak to eat tonight.

SF Quick update as I have a party to attend

Last night I decided on a Blues Club "Biscuit & Blues" it was a really nice friendly Club. There was a Girl singer on called Leah Tysse with her band she was really good.
I wasn't that hungry so I didn't get a main meal but I did have a Pulled Pork sandwich which was really tasty.

Today I hired a Bike and rode across the Golden Gate Bridge and on to a town at the other side that was really pituresque. I reckon I only did about 15 miles but it felt like a lot more, some of the hills took some climbing, it felt like my lungs were on fire on one. Obviously the two girls that overtook me had better bikes.

Tonight its the Hotel Christmas Party that starts at 6pm we are getting free drinks and food. The idea is for guests to mix with the staff so it should be fun. I hope the girl with the nice personality off reception is going to be there ?

SF Update

As I said in last nights post I went to the local Pub "The White Horse Tavern" where I spent a incident free evening. I got talking with some nice people of European backround, most of the time I was socialising with a bloke from Germany who has lived in the US (Chicago) for two years. I also got chatting with another bloke who now lived in SF but originated from the Ukraine. And almost forgot the very nice Lithuanion (can't spell) Lady who I chatted with for a while (most of the night actually).

I actually had my evening meal at the Pub and had Rack of Lamb which was very nice but the portions were small by American standards, I've had bigger school diners.

I didn't stay too late and got a good nights sleep which I needed.

Today I toured around Fishermans Wharf which is very interesting area with loads to see and do, I'll visit again before I leave. I also caught the ferry and visited Alcatraz which is quite run down. Learning about the history of the place was really interesting but the Cell block is on top of a hill and coming back down killed my foot. In fact everything is on a hill in San Francisco, walking about is so tiring, I'm sure I've seen a couple of mountain goats.

Again I've just been giving maximum effort to get my moneys worth out of the Hotels Free Wine and Cheese hour.

Tonight I plan to take in some live music at either a Blues Club or a Piano Bar, whatever it should be fun.

1st Day in SF

This morning although it was raining I had a walk around the area in the vicinity of my Hotel and checked out a few shops in the Union Square area.

At Lunch I met Blog friend Arlene and we ate at a restaurant called "Daily Grill" which was really nice. It was good to meet another blogger and we talked a while about a number of subjects including Blog Friends. Now I feel a little bit embarrased as Arlene insisted on paying for the meal so I will have to put that in my memory bank for if we meet again. Arlene is exactly what she appears on her blog a really nice friendly person and it would be good to meet again in the future.

The rain stopped after lunch so I caught a streetcar to Fishermans Wharf, we almost got there when a lorry pulled out in front of us and the driver had to hit the Emergency stop. Apparently when they do this the cars cannot be started again and are towed back to the depot. so we all had to get off. The guard said we could walk as it is only five blocks or alternately wait until they get the track going again but it may be a while.

Now let me explain San Francisco is supposedly on a hill but this is more like a mountain, it was downhill to Fishermans wharf and uphill back to the town centre. There was a streetcar on its way up the hill so I caught that back to town. My theory if they don't get the car blocking the down track going nothing can get to Fishermans wharf to come back and I didn't fancy the uphill bit (believe me it is steep). I will add my ankle is still a bit sore.

Eventually I made my way back to my Hotel for the free Wine and Cheese hour which we have just done. I got talking to a few people and made a couple of friends.

Just on my way to get showered and changed and tonight I'm not planning on going far. There is a Pub called "White Horse Tavern" a couple of blocks away. I'm still a bit tired from my journey so I'm not planning on staying out too late, but who knows ?

Tomorrow I'm planning on making it to Fishermans wharf and hopfully catch the ferry to Alcatraz. I'll have to see how it compares with British Prisons. Before anyone asks no I have not stayed overnight in one but I have been in one as a visitor.

San Francisco

Just let all my blog friends know I'm now in my Hotel in San Francisco. Been travelling all day and totally knackered so off to bed.

Hotel seems good, Old building with a lot of charactor.

I'll just mention was only in the City 10 minutes and already been invited to a Party on Friday night. Actually I'm not that good its the Hotels Christmas Party and all Guests and staff are invited.

Music Monday - CD Review - The End of the Beginning

I've got to do this one and I also imagine the majority of my blog readers will ask "Who are they ?" Well I'll start with a brief history Eddie and the Hot Rods were a Pub Rock group formed by four friends in Cavney Island in Essex in 1975. They were the group who almost made it but should have.
Although they are officially classified as Pub Rock mainly because they only perform in small venues they have been classed as everything including Rock & Roll, Punk, New Wave, Power Pop, etc.
Their current website is Eddie and the Hot Rods
In the seventies they got associated with the Punk movement mainly because a unknown at the time group called "The Sex Pistols" were their backing group. The two groups went their seperate ways following a much publicised violent bust up. In reality the groups main musical influences were The Who, The Kinks and Dr Feelgood.
The line up in the group has changed many times over the years and of the origional line up only lead singer Barrie Masters remains today. Although this album was released in 1993 it is a collection of the groups main recordings (plus a few others) from the 1976 to 1979 the groups best period.
As well as Masters the group at that time was made up of Drummer Steve Nicol, and Guitarists Graeme Douglas, Paul Gray & Dave Higgs.
And yes before anyone asks the obvious "Who was Eddie ?" I will tell you Eddie was actually a Dummy that the group used to kick around the stage as a novelty in the early days, he was disgarded in the 1970's when the joke wore thin.

On to the Album although it contains some fantastic stuff the group did not have a lot of massive hit singles, I don't know why.
These are the Tracks all 20 of them :-

1. Do Anything you Wanna Do - What a start this takes me back, this is the Rods biggest hit reached number 9 in the UK charts and was dubbed as the "Teen Anthem".

2. Quit this Town - This is a protest song about the policies of Towns influenced by of the Thatcher government of the time, the town in question was Basildon if you were interested. Great music though.

3. Telephone Girl - A bit controversial at the time when Masters actually sang the Telephone number of a girl he had met on a night out in Hammersmith. I wonder how many calls she got and whether she still has the same number (8389524 if anyone was asking).

4. Teenage Depression - "Spending all my money and its going up my nose" doesn't leave the subject of this song hard to guess. I suppose all the big names have a song about drugs. Was a Album title track and a single that reached the charts.

5. The Kids are Alright - Performed live at The Marquess this is a awesome version of The Who classic song.

6. Get Out of Denver - Well Bob Seger wrote this song but its Masters who reckons he is the only person on the planet to be able to sing it at 200 beats per minute. You've got to hear it to believe it.

7. Till the night is Gone -Great song explaining to the world that New Wave is just Old Wave played faster and having fun. You can tell the influence of The Who with this one.

8. Schoolgirl Love - Was recorded as a B side for one of the Groups singles but probably turned out better than the group imagined.

9. Hard Drivin Man - Recorded live at The Rainbow Theatre this is one borrowed from J. Geils Band. Superb version though.

10. On the Run - Another live song from The Rainbow gig, not my favorite song on the album, goes on a bit.

11. The Power and the Glory - More great stuff from the boys.

12. Ignore Them - This song was wrote following a Gig in Brusseles about an exchange of views with the local Police ended in something more physical. Brilliant song produced all because a hotel porter wouldn't keep the bar open all night.

13. Life on the Line - This was the title track of another Rods album.

14. Circles - Should have been a single simple as that.

15. Take it or Leave it - The Hot Rods play their own brand of music and the title of this song is a message to the world, I'll take it.

16. Echoes - Classic Hot Rods in "One flew over the Cuckoos nest" fashion.

17. We sing the Cross - The group even slow it down for this one, they were good even without vocals.

18. The Beginning of the End - I always place this Rock song in my all time top ten its up there with the best ever, I just love it.

19. Gloria - Live Version of a Van Morrison song.

20. (I Can't get no) Satisfaction - Why not finish with a Rolling Stones Classic.

My Conclusion Fantastic Album for people into Rock Music and I'll give it 9 out of 10.
My advice if you can find it buy this album.

Sunday Sport - I Don't Believe It

In last weeks post I was so pleased with Englands performance in the second test and was convinced the worst that could happen was a draw. However despite dominating the match for 4 days we fell apart on the final day and clutched defeat from the jaws of victory.

We are now 2-0 down in a series of 5 matches we now need a maracle to retain the Ashes. Has the miracle arrived England Captain Michael Vaughan following four knee operations has arrived in Aus and had a couple of knocks for the 2nd team. Now it may be too late because he won't be ready for the next test but if the boys can do it without the boost he will give in Melbourne on Boxing day may just swing the series.

Did I mention Michael of course plays for Yorkshire and has a unbelievable record against the Aussies.

Anyway onto Sporting events in other parts of the world this week. The 15th Asian Games are been held in QATAR and although I don't know too much about this mini Olympics for Asia I thought I'd post a couple of Photos -

Of course Saturday night is fight night and them two not so great British Heavyweights Audley Harrison and Danny Williams had their rematch. This time Harrison avenged his previous defeat with a third round stoppage.

The other week I posted a photo of one of my good blog friends Rachel's favorite sports teams players well this week it is Jenny's turn so perhaps she can tell us who this is and what the trophy was for ?Moving on this Week's discussion is going to be about Ladies in Sport so as the majority of my readers are Ladies I suggest you tell me what Sports you have had a go at and how good you were (even if it was only at school)?

Did I mention my mother played Ladies Soccer.

Next Week

As most of my blog readers know next week I'll be travelling to San Francisco for a short vacation. I am the stage where I normally start really looking forward to it but my excitement is slightly dampered by having Gout in my right foot. For those that have never had this believe me when I say it hurts. I'll be taking it easy this weekend I've had to pull out of my British League Table Tennis matches hopfully not to the detriment of the team. I hope I'm not over optimistic but there is some signs of improvement.



Anyway on to my vacation, I'll be leaving home on Monday to catch a train to Manchester where I will stay overnight at Bewleys Hotel on the Airport. I usually stay here its quite good and they do a good breakfast.

Tuesday morning 11am I will be flying with US Airways first to Philadelphia and after a short stopover a change of Plane and on to San Francisco. I arrive just after 7pm which as there is a 8 hour time difference will be equivallent 3am. I reckon I'll be slightly knackered by then so it will be a bite to eat and bed.

My Hotel in SF is Beresford Arms Hotel which looks really nice and is close to Union Square. They also provide a complimentry Breakfast and on a evening there is a free Wine & Cheese hour.

I have not too many plans on what I'll see while in SF although from a Tourist point of view I reckon Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge are a must.

One planned arrangement is meeting one of my Blog friend Arlene over Lunch on Monday. We are planning to meet at The Daily Grill a restaurant Arlene has found on the Internet and is very close to my Hotel. Origionally we were cosidering going to a Vegetarian Restaurant (yes you did read that right) Greens which also looks very nice.

As for nightlife as one does I've been researching a few live music venues and I'll have a look at some of these :-

The Saloon

Lou's Pier 47 Restaurant and Blues Club

Boom Boom Room

Biscuits and Blues

Rasselas Jazz Club

Maybe I won't get to all of these because I'm sure to find some hidden gems on my travels around the City.

I leave SF on Tuesday 19th in the morning arriving home the following morning.

You know when you are living in 2006 when ?

You know you’re living in 2006 when…

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven’t played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is thatthey don’t have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see ifanyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of thescreen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn’t have thefirst 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic andyou turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting yourcoffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You’re reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn’t a #9 onthis list.AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.

finally16. You are viewing my blog.

Bloody Perverts

Last Friday about 16 of us went out to York for what was our Christmas do organosed by my Gossip Buddy "Big V". Now the night went well we all met up in the "Golden Lion" Pub as arranged, well the usual girls were late.

It was then on to "The Castle" Chinese restaurant for a tasty meal then on to a couple of Pubs before going to "Nexas" night club. As usual all the girls wanted to dance and the blokes wanted to drink so thats what everyone did.

As usual after about an hour the girls did what they usually do come over and sit down knackered and winge about their feet hurting and take off their shoes. I've always wondered why girls always buy shoes about two sizes too small for them ?

Anyway "little V" (not to be mixed up with "big V") came and sat down at the side of me put her shoes down at the side of her. We were chatting and another bloke we didn't know sat at the other side of "little V". The strange thing was he had a rucksack on his back, "Little V" commented it was strange thing to have in a night club, I remember replying its probably a bomb and we all laughed.

Anyway we carried on talking and the other bloke moved on, after about 30minutes "Little V" went to put her shoes on and guess what one of them was missing, she was distraught. We searched high and low but the shoe was nowhere to be found.

Shortley after I went to the rest room and there was another girl I didn't know at the top of the stairs and no prizes for guessing she was looking for a shoe.

I think we now all know what the ruck sack was for.

I've heard of people with a shoe fetish but have always found it hard to believe, bloody perverts.

Lifes a Bitch

I am having a Bad Week so far.

Sunday a Gust of Wind blew down some guttering around my home it also damaged some of the Waterproofing on a flat roofed extension.

Then what happens only a week before my vacation I have had an attack of Gout. Sunday my ankle flared up and by Monday it moved into my big toe. Yesterday at work I was in agony and could hardly walk. I've had Gout before but over the last few years I have controlled it by watching what I eat, certain foods cause an attack. The other thing I have to watch is not getting dehydrated. I am blaming the Chinese meal I had on a Works Christmas do last Friday.
Anyone that as had Gout will tell you how painfull it is, it is caused by too much Uric acid in your blood. This is caused by an inability of your Liver to deal with certain Fats. This in turn causes a build up of crystals in your joints, the result is agony.
Some people that are prone to this take tablets all the time but I have avoided attacks but altering my diet.
Fatty Meats are the most common cause and I must avoid things like Liver, Kidneys, heart, etc.
Oily type fish is also bad Herrings, Mackeral, Crab, Sardines, Shrimps, etc.

Now this morning I got up for work with my foot still hurting but slightly improved only to find I have caught a Bug. I was as sick as a dog, I must have been sat on the toilet about ten times so far, I feel crap. At least I got the day off work.

I have British League Table Tennis this weekend, I am on vacation from Monday, I am starting to worry.

Music Monday - CD Review - Parallel Lines

Many Blondie Fans regard the Parallel Lines Album is the groups finest work, it is difficult to disagree.

Blondie first arrived in the UK in the late 70's in the middle of the Punk/New Wave revolution but in their songs over the years displayed they could vary their style to suit all tastes. Their first single was "Denis" (not on this album), this song is still a favorite of fans and there is an English or French version, it reached No2 in the UK chart.

This album is classed as New Wave but its arguably one of the best produced in the 1970,s. It was released in September 1978 and reached Number one in the UK charts. In 2003 Rolling Stone Magazine voted it 140th best album of all time then in 2005 Channal 4 music awards lifted it into the top 100 at 94. It may even be better than some of these votes.

Anyway who were Blondie, everyone knows all about lead Singer Debbie Harry, she was a bit of a looker in her time a schoolboys dream. But Blondie were not just about Debbie's looks they were a top notch group and produced some superb songs.
From left to right on the album cover :-
Frank Infante - Guitar
Chris Stein - Guitar
James Destri - Keyboards
Debbie Harry - Vocals
Clem Burke - Drums
Nigel Harrison - Bass

On to the songs, the origional vinyl album had 12 tracks but the remastered CD include 4 bonus songs.

1. Hanging on the Telephone - This Rocker is a Blondie Classic and reached number 5 in the UK singles Chart.

2. One Way or Another - A favorite among the groups fans, never released as a single in the UK but is available in the US. This song was wrote By Harry and Harrison.

3. Picture This - This Pop Ditty wrote by the Group is the first song I saw them perform on "Top of the Pops" and I loved it. It reached number 12 in the UK chart.

4. Fade away and Radiate - A Stein composition I think was a "B" side on one of the groups singles. A slower tempo than most of the other tracks but still good stuff.

5. Pretty Baby - This reminds me of some of the sixties/seventies all girl groups such as "The Shangri La's". Bearing in mind Debbies pre Blondie days were spent singing in a group called "The Stilletoes" that did covers of other Girl groups I think there is some influence here. Wrote by Harry & Stein.

6. I know but I don't know - Another New Wave Rocker. Infante's only Composition on this album.

7. 11.59 - One of my favorite album tracks just has a great beat to it. This was Destri's contribution to the album, he also displays his great keyboard skills.

8. Will anything Happen - Yet another Rocker that typified the group in this period.

9. Sunday Girl - This Stein Composition was the groups second UK number one and is loved by even non Blondie fans. My mother even loves this one.

10. Heart of Glass - Wrote by Harry and Stein this is one of the groups most famous songs. This was the groups first UK number one single. Ok they are supposed to be new wave rockers but hell this is a disco dance track isn't it, they certainly show versatality with this.

11. I'm Gonna Love You Too - A bouncy number again typical of the group.

12. Just Go Away - Another track with a great tempo and love this song. I reckon one of my blog friends that voted for this album last week should play this song to a certain TTA. I'm sure she would love the words.

Bonus tracks -
13.Once I had Love - Even more of a Disco version of Heart of Glass (previously unreleased).

14. Bang a Gong - A live performance of the Mark Bolan classic Get it On recorded in Boston.

15. I know but I don't know - Live version recorded in Philadelphia.

16. Hanging on the Telephone - Live in Dallas.

For those interested here is a link to the Blondie web site.



Anyway my conclusion a great album to have in any collection and I'll give it 8.5 out of 10.



We must finish with a Picture of the Schoolboy dream :-

Last week I got one vote each for "Eddie and the Hot Rods" End of the Begining album or "The Beatles" Abbey Road so I will do one of those next week. Please vote for which you would prefer.

Sunday Sport - This Week around the World

We have to start Down Under and as expected last week Australia won the first test match in Brisbane in their attempt to win the Ashes. However England are fighting back in the 2nd test at Adelaide declaring on 551 for 6 in the first innings.
A record 4th wicket stand between Paul Collingwood who made a double century and Kevin Pieterson (158) have put England in a great position.

Paul Collingwood after making his double Century.

Day 3 has seen the Aussies move to 311 for 5 with Englands only Yorkshireman Mathew Hoggard taking 4 wickets including the Australian Captain Ricky Ponting who did well to make 142 (pity Giles dropped him earlier).

Hoggy say's Goodbye to Ricky Ponting.

Ok with only two days to go the match will probably end in a draw but I have two words of warning for the Australians. They are of course the curse of Austalia "Michael Vaughan" who is on his way out and hopes to be fit for the Melbourne test on Boxing Day following his Knee Operation. Of Course you will remember what he did to your bowlers on our last visit to your country and of course he is our Captain (the one that lifted the Ashes last time). I'll have to add he does play for Yorkshire as well.

The travelling Barmy Army outnumber the home support.

On to Soccer a poor week for Leeds with 2-1 defeat in mid-week at Burnley, They were giving as good as they were getting until they were reduced to ten men with Hayden Foxe getting sent off.
Yesterday they could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Barnsley but on the good side the scorers were two of the men new manager Dennis Wise has brought in Tresor Kandol and Ugo Ehiogu.

In England one competition that captures the imagination is the FA Cup (who hasn't dreamed of scoring the winning goal in the Final). Well today the the draw was made for the third round when all the big guns join in. Leeds are drawn away at West Brom who are in the same league but doing slightly better. They will be favorites but this is the FA Cup and favorites don't always win, history tells us that.

This week a new 5 pound note has been issued and whose picture do we have to have on it, no other Than former Manchester United player George Best. Ok I'm not going to say he wasn't a good player but as a person he was an absolute prat a bad example to youngsters. This is the bloke at his prime wouldn't turn up for training, he thought he owned the game. This is the bloke who drank himself to death, he knackered one liver and was lucky enough to be given another. What did he do keep drinking until he was dead, what about the liver doner.

I've had a look at what other sports are going on around the world and there has been a big Golf tournament in Sun City South Africa. The winner is American Jim Furyk (photo) with Swede Henrik Stenson in 2nd place. Irishman Paraig Harrington came third.

I'll mention boxing and the British heavyweight scene has a big fight coming up next week with former Olympic Champion Audley Harrison having a rematch with Danny Williams, I hope its better than last time they fought.

Motor Racing will have a new star next year. McLaren have signed 21year old Lewis Hamilton who will be the first Black man to race at this level. He will partner World Champion Fernando Alonso but this new driver is tipped for the top, I hope so its about time England had a world champion again. I thought I'd check in the home areas of some of my blog friends to see what is happening and I see in Colarado (the state where Jenny lives) the first World Cup slalom race of the Ski season has taken place yesterday. It was won by Italian Massimiliano Blardone. Just in case anyone like me hadn't heard of him I thought I better post a picture (they must have to eat the Ski after the race ?):-

In just over a week I'll be on my way to San Francisco so I thought I'd look up how their Football team are doing and I see they are 2nd to Seattle in their section. Can anyone explain why everyone seems to be in little mini leagues of 4 teams.
I also found this news item on them :-
Over the past four games the 49ers have played low-scoring contests, getting enough points on the board to win three out of the four. However, this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET the 49ers' offensive unit needs to charge up for a high-scoring affair against New Orleans. The Saints have put up more than 30 points in their last five games with Drew Brees passing for 300 yards-plus in all five. The most strategic way to cool a red-hot Brees and the Saints' destructive top-ranked passing attack could be by relying on what the 49ers offense does so well -- running the ball, therefore controlling the clock and keeping that explosive Saints offense watching from the sideline. "It's a different style of game coming up," said quarterback Alex Smith. "When you play a team that throws the ball more, the game tends to last a longer because the clock is not running as much, and you do get more possessions and more opportunities to score more points."

I wish I could understand what the hell its on about.

Anyway back to Soccer and with Leeds not doing so well I've been reminising about the good old days. Like the time pre-match entertainment included things like your Star Stiker Duncan McKenzie jumping over a car (amazing).

This weeks discussion point - What extremes have you done to support your team ?

Well here are some of mine :-
1. In the late seventies leeds played Southampton in the League Cup semi-final, we drew the first leg at Elland Road 2-2 and I was deserate to see the 2nd leg at Southampton but was broke. Just to explain the Geography for the none English Southampton is about as far as possiple from Leeds at the opposite end of the country.
Anyway my solution I travelled the Full distance on the train with a 10pence platform ticket including jumping the barriers on London Underground. Wasted my time we lost 1-0.

2. Hitch Hiked to Nottingham once.

3. Went to Copenhagen to watch England play Denmark in 1980ish. Got there found prices about double of England and could either afford a hotel room or Food & Drink. Solution slept rough for a week and it was freezing. One night ended up sleeping in a Goods lift on the main railway station with about a dozen West Ham fans (but never took the Leeds scarf off). Good news England won 4-3 and I remember one of the scorers was Kevin Keegan.

4. Went to watch Leeds play a Eufa Cup match in Valetta (Malta) and three of us slept the night before the match in a Car we had hired to tour the Island.

Top Five Lists (Films)

Blogger is playing silly and not allowing any editing of posts including can't download Photo's so I'm just going to do some Top Five Lists.

Five Favorite Westerns :-
1. The Outlaw Josey Wales (Clint Eastwwod)
2. Tombstone (Kurt Russel & Val Kilmer)
3. The Good, the Bad & the Ugly (Clint Eastwood & Lee Van Cleef)
4. Open Range (Kevin Costner & Robert Duvall)
5. The Searchers (John Wayne)

Five Favorite War Films :-
1. The Pianist (Adrian Brody)
2. We Were Soldiers (Mel Gibson)
3. Saving Private Ryan (Tom Hanks)
4. Schindlers List (Liam Neeson)
5. The Great Escape (Too many to mention)

This catogary was tough could have included loads more - Stallingrad, Enemy at the Gate, Full Metal Jacket, Apocolypse Now, The Killing Fields, The Deer Hunter, The Guns of Naverone, Where Eagles Dare, The Longest Day, Black Hawk Down, etc

Five Favorite Clint Eastwood Films
1. Million Dollar Baby
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales
3. Dirty Harry
4. The Good the Bad and the Ugly
5. Where Eagles Dare

Five Favorite Robert De Niro Films :-
1. The Godfather (part 2)
2. A Bronx Tale
3. Raging Bull
4. Once upon a time in America
5. The Deer Hunter

Five Favorite Harrison Ford Films :-
1. Patriot Games
2. The Fugitive
3. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
4. Witness
5. Air Force one

And yes why not a James Bond Section seeing the new film is out.
Five Favorite James Bond Films :-
1. From Russia with Love.
2. The Man with the Golden Gun
3. Goldeneye
4. The Living Daylights
5. Live and Let Die

Five Best Bond Songs :-
1. Nobody does it better (Carly Simon)
2. Golden Eye (Tina Turner).
3. Die another day (Madonna)
4. Live and let die (Paul McCartney)
5. Tomorrow never Dies (Sheryl Crow)

Five most entertaining badies :-
1.Lotte Lenya as Rosa Kleb in From Russia with Love
2. Herve Villecheinze as Nick Nack in The man with the Golden Gun.
3. Donald Pleasance as Ernst Stavro Bloefeld in You only Live twice
4. Harold Sakata as Oddjob in Goldfinger
5. Robert Davi as Franz Sanchez in Licenced to Kill

And yes of course best Bond Girls :-
1. Jane Seymour as Solitaire in Live & Let Die.
2. Ursula Andress as Honey Rider in Dr No
3. Diana Rigg as Teresa Di Viecenzo (Tracy Bond) in Onher Majestys secret service.
4. Halle Berry as Giacina "Jinx2 Johnson in Die another day.
5. Lois Chiles as Dr Holly Goodhead in Moonraker

Please feel free to add any lists of your own, any catogary, actress, actor, etc. Alternately you could do same people as me.

My Blog Friends - November

Well once again I've listed My Blog Friends in Order of number of comments on My Blog in the Month.
Once again Rachel (23 posts) tops the list followed by Airliebird (20). Arlene (19) swaps places with Jenny (17) in 3rd & 4th positions.
Cactusfreek (16)jumps up from number twelve to move into the top five. Another Climber is Redneckgirl (9) up one place to number six.
Seventh spot is taken by a welcome newcomer Rebecca (7).
The rest are as per my blog friends list.