Saturday, March 31, 2007

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Wednesday Weigh In - This isn't Good

2007 Start Weight - 219lbs

Last Weeks Weight - 211.2lb

Todays Actual Weight - 211.5lb

Loss/Gain this week - +0.3lb

Loss so far in 2007 - 7.5lb

Today's Target Weight - 207lb

Loss/Gain against Target - +4.5lb

Well a gain of 0.3lb this week means I'm slipping further behind my running target (now 4.5lb out) and I'm not happy about it.

I'll have to be honest and take some of the blame, I didn't eat well at the weekend and I have no excuses. Yesterday when I heard the (no) redundancy news from work (see last nights post) I let myself go a little and ate a few things I shouldn't last night. To be honest I'm feeling really p****d off and its effecting my motivation.

This week will be a tough one as I have a couple of night outs planned, Thursday me and workmate Mark will be touring town and knocking the froth off a few beers. Friday its to York for a leaving do for a young lady called Sinead, about 15 of us will be going for a meal and on to a club (it'll be a late one). With the situation at work there will be a lot of leaving do's coming up I think.

On the good side at least its only 4 weeks to my vacation so maybe the thought of that will help me lose a few more pounds, we'll see.

I'll also add my knee is much better so hopfully I can up the exercise so I'm sure that will help me get back on target, I just need to push myself.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Not Happy

Today I'm not in a happy mood in fact I am totally p****d off with what happend at work. I feel like somebody who won the lottery and lost the ticket.

As most of my regular readers know we are closing a production line at work with around 100 people becoming redundant.

When the list of jobs to be retained was issued a few weeks ago my job was on it. However our management followed this up with a pool of potential candidates for each job. They then proceeded asking each person in the pool if they were interested in staying or alternatevely they could request consideration for redundancy. To be honest I thought it was like asking me to apply for my own job but although I thought that wrong I wasn't too bothered.

Anyway for my job the Pool consisted of myself and my current assistant "S". He's good at his job and I'm sure he is well capable of doing the job, he also had options of going on shifts but that is a loss of money for him.

I've been there a long time and the redundancy package was very attractive so I made the decision to ask to leave. When I say the package was attractive I am talking in the region of two years salary a large chunk of it tax free. I actually fancied trying something new in my life and this was going to provide the opportunity."S" hasn't been there long so and with a young family really needed to stay in work so put his name up for both jobs.

I assumed I would be allowed to leave, maybe get a few months work helping with the de-commision of the old plant and pass on training for "S".

Today I was called into the Plant Managers office to be told they are not accepting my request for redundancy. I am angry, why on earth did they have the stupid Pool in the first place ? Why wasn't I just told my job isn't going to be one of the redundancy's ?

Monday, March 26, 2007

Music Monday - North American Cities

Last week we named a number of songs that included the names of European Cities in there titles so this week its the turn of North American Cities.

I reckon there is quite a few but I'll start us off with the following selection :-

Streets of Philadelphia (Bruce Springsteen) - This song was wrote for the Film "Philadelphia" and made No2 in the UK, No9 US & No4 Australia in 1994.

The Night Chicago Died (Paper Lace) - No3 in the UK in 1973 this song is about a fictional shoot out between Al Capone and the cops. It does use the line "Daddy was a Cop on the East side of Chicago" but as far as I know Chicago has a North, South & West so he must have had a round in Lake Michegan

All the way from Memphis (Ian Hunter/Brian May) - The Mott the Hoople made No10 in the UK in 1974 and was covered by Brian May in 1998. Its about a guitarist that loses his instrument, here Mott lead singer Hunter teams up with May to play the song.

Is this the Way to Amarillo (Peter Kay/Tony Christie) - Wrote by Neil Sedakea this song was origionally released by Tony Christie in 1971. Comedian used it in his Phoenix Nights series in 2002 and his mimed version was released as a single in 2005 and made No1 in the UK.

So what Cities can you name ?

Which of these songs do you like ?

Streets Of Philadelphia - Bruce Springstein

Great Song

The Night Chicago Died

Great Slide show what do you reckon ?

Ian Hunter - All The Way From Memphis, London Astoria (2004)

Great Song but not the best version I've heard.

Peter Kay Amarillo Video

Love it

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Must Do Vacations

Following my last post about where would be good to live some of your comments made me think about my appetite to travel.

Now todays question - If money was no object what would be an ideal vacation for you ?

Some of Mine :-
1. After my comments on the last post I better start with a visit to Australia. Now if (or when) I get around to making the trip to the other side of the world I'd like at least 6 to 8 weeks there visiting all the main Cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, etc), I reckon you have to spend a long weekend in each. A must while down under is to see the "great Barrier Reef" but I'll admit Ayers Rock doesn't interest me at all.

2. I've always fancied a trip to South America in particular Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires & Montevideo (Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay). I'd also love to see a soccer match in each of these cities.

3. As you are all aware I have an interest in visiting numerous North American Cities, so far I've done New York, Chicago, Memphis, San Francisco, St Louis, Nashville & Toronto. I have trips booked for Seattle & Boston but I don't plan to stop there. My evergrowing list now includes New Orleans, Savannah, Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.
But one trip I'd just love to take is a driving trip along the legendary "Route 66", don't ask me why probably because I like the song, just always had an inkling to do it. Problem is I wouldn't want to do it alone (like a City break) so I need to find someone with the same dream that would like to share.

4. Africa and Safari's have never appealed to me but if I visited one City on that continent it would be Cape Town in South Africa.

5. Asia also doesn't have a massive appeal except maybe Japan or South Korea. Ok Malaysia is another I'd consider.

6. Back to Europe and I've seen a lot of the west countries (Denmark is my Favorite so far). However I have a feeling I'd like the new Baltic States Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania. Visiting former Soviet countries does have an appeal probably because the cost of living is cheap.
Cities I've not visited that many people reckon are a "must see" are Barcelona & Vienna so maybe I'll have to look at them trips.

Theres loads more places I'd love to visit but life is just too short and money isn't easy come by, it won't stop me trying though.

So what is your dream vacation ?

Thats all for now I'm off to check my lottery tickets I've just thought of something to spend my winnings on.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Best Place to Live ?

Just recently I've given a lot of thought to whether some time in the future I'd like to try living in another country, but the question is where ?

My reasons, I reckon the standard of living in my country (which I love) is declinning due to many factors including, weak government, high crime rates, over crowding, failing industry, yob culture, failing infrastruture, etc. Ok I paint a grim picture and it isn't too bad yet but I'm sure these things are in decline.

Before anyone jumps to conclusions I am certainly not rich so the place chosen would need to have the same or lower cost of living than where I live now then maybe its a real possibility.
Anyway does the place exist that fits these following points :-
1. Similar or lower cost of living than the UK.
2. Friendly People that would make me feel welcome.
3. Good Climate (not silly hot in summer or stupid cold in winter).
4. Similar Foods as the UK (I'm a traditional meat eater and not in to fancy food).
5. English Speaking (I'm not one for learning new languages)
6. Good Sports Facilities.
7. Good Social Scene.
8. Low Crime Rate.
9. Property Costs lower than UK (Sell up, buy, make profit, get the jest).
10. No health issues with the area.

Suggestions ?

Tell me about your tips, include both advantages & disadvantages, sell it to me.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Wednesday Weigh In - Older but Lighter

2007 Start Weight - 219lbs

Last Weeks Weight - 212.2lb

Todays Actual Weight - 211.2lb

Loss/Gain this week - -1lb

Loss so far in 2007 - 7.8lb

Today's Target Weight - 208lb

Loss/Gain against Target - +3.2lb

Today I'm another year older, yes its my birthday and I'm 49 years old, only a year to go to make my half century. So thats the bad news and the good news is I've lost some weight (1lb), although I've still not caught up with my decreasing target I've not lost ground and feel like I'm making a bit of progress.

I've still a long way to go to reach my eventual weight goal but this is the lightest I've been for a number of years and I'm starting to see the 200lb mark as a target that I really want to reach asap.

The good bit is a few times recently people whom I know have commented to me that I've lost weight and that always makes me feel good. I'm still not getting the level of exercise I would like so I know I'll lose more as that increases. My injuries are feeling a lot better and with luck I'll be 100% soon.
I want to get walking to and from work but the weather as been poor so I'm still using the car.

As for whats happening at work I should know something very soon about how the redundancy's effect me, next week at the latest.

On another subject yesterday I had a radiator start leaking but was lucky I spotted it early before it made a mess. I had a different one go a couple of months ago so I suppose they are all the same age so others may fail soon. Not a major disaster because I have a service contract so British Gas will have to pay for the replacement.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Glory Glory Leeds United

And of course there is another song which mentions the City of "LEEDS"

Monday, March 19, 2007

Music Monday - European City Challenge

A couple of weeks ago I challenged everyone to come up with songs that had the name of a US state in their title. We did ok but this week I'll set a new challenge :-

How many songs can you come up with that have the name of a European City in their title ?
Another week we'll do North American Cities but not this week.

Here's some to start you off :-

London's Calling (The Clash) - This 1979 hit was one of England,s Punk founders best songs in my opinion. It was written by lead singer Joe Strummer and lead guitarist Mick Jones and was taken from the album of the same name. The other members of the group were Paul Simonon (Bass) and Topper Headon (Drums). This song actually reached No11 in the UK and stayed in the charts for 15 weeks.
Sadly Strummer died of heart failure in 2002 aged 50.

Barcelona (Queen) - Everyone knows about Queen such a talented group and so popular, its such a shame Freddie Mercury passed away he was the ultimate showman. With this song he realised a lifelong dream and performed with opera singer Montserrat Caballe.
Although Mercury died of Aids related disease in 1991 it was used as the main song for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Vienna (Ultravox) - Everyone thinks this was Midge Ure's greatest hit but actually despite been thought of by many as a great record it only reached number 2 in the UK chart in 1981. And no surprises what kept it off the top spot Joe Dolce's comedy song "Shaddup you Face" some things don't make sense.
Ure actually topped the chart with Scottish house band "Slik" seven years earlier with a song called "Forever and Ever" and lets not forget he has an OBE for his charity work.

Anyway if you can't name a song with a European City in the title just tell us which of these you like ?

The Clash - London Calling

Classic Punk

Queen:BARCELONA

Awesome Voice

Ultravox - Vienna

Classic Song

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Sunday Sport - A Busy Week

A lot has happend in the world of sport this week so I'll start with the Mighty Whites and their crucial relegation battle at Southend. The match finished all square at 1-1 when David Healy scored a cracking equaliser with only minutes to go. However the match ended in controversy when we were denied a penalty with seconds remaining. A cross from a Leeds player was blatently handled above his head by a Southend player and the ref pointed to the penalty spot, but then the linesman waved his flag saying it was a Leeds players hand that touched the ball. I've seen it on telly and how anyone can mix up a arm in a dark blue shirt against a arm in a white shirt is behond me, we were cheated. Leeds Manager Dennis Wise was then sent off for trying calmly to explain this to the ref.

Still bottom 7 matches to go but we are fighting.

I'll have to mention a few ex Leeds players scored yesterday including England Goalkeeper Paul Robinson for Tottenham against Watford, apparently a long clearance bounced straight of the Watford keepers head and into the net.
Airliebird won't forgive me if I don't mention her Rugby League heroes Hull FC kick started their season with a great 24-12 super league victory over reigning world champions St Helens. The win was sweet revenge for Hull who lost to their rivals in last seasons Grand Final.

France took the Rugby Union six nations championship on points difference over Ireland (both teams had 4 wins), it went right to the wire with France scoring against Scotland with virtually the last play to overtake Ireland on St Patricks day. Earlier Ireland had comprensively beaten Italy. England although finishing third had a day to forget losing to Wales, a very poor performance.

It wasn't all about sporting disaster for Ireland has yesterday their Cricketers produced one of the biggest shocks of world cup history beating one of the favorites Pakistan, well done Ireland.

It was a day of shocks as Bangladesh beat another of the fancied teams India.

England lost their opening match earlier in the week against New Zealand but should bounce back today by beating Canada.

I should also mention South African Herscelle Gibbs who hit an amazing 6 sixes in one over the first time this has been done in a World Cup match.

The new Grand Prix season in formula one got started with the Melbourne Grand Prix which was won by Finnish star Kiki Rakonnen driving for Ferrari. But what a great start for up and coming English superstar Lewis Hamilton who finished third in his first ever race.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Feeling Rough

Today I'm feeling a bit rough but I'm afraid its all self inflicted. Last night I attended two do's. First in a Pub in Selby it was a leaving do for a work colleague called Carlos (he's Colombian) who was a process engineer. He's the first to go with the redundancy's and as gone early cos he's got another job. He'll get on cos he's a decent lad and very commited I'm surprised our company didn't fight to keep him.

After we said our goodbye's a few of us got a Taxi to York as it was one of the lads (Chris) 50th Birthday. We visited numerous pubs drank a lot of beer and some shots. Believe me today I'm delicate.

One little story - When I was walking up to the Pub in Selby (its about 1.5mile) a lady pulled up in a Car at the side of me. I thought she was going to ask directions but she asked if I wanted a lift, so I obliged. She actually took me right to the Pub door going out of her way. I'm still trying to work out if I knew her, I assume she must live some where near me.

Well I'm going to listen to the mighty whites on the radio they are away at Southend, we are bottom they are 4th bottom 3 points ahead of us. This is a big one defeat would be total disaster but a win will give us a great chance of staying up.

A Brief History of Leeds United

Today is big so I've posted this to remind us of better times.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Wednesday Weigh In - A loss but not enough

2007 Start Weight - 219lbs

Last Weeks Weight - 213lb

Todays Actual Weight - 212.2lb

Loss/Gain this week - -0.8lb

Loss so far in 2007 - 6.8lb

Today's Target Weight - 209lb

Loss/Gain against Target - +3.2lb

At least I've lost a bit of weight this week even if its only 0.8lb. However I'm losing against my target of 1lb per week up to my vacation (only 6 weeks away), I'm actually 3.2lb heavier than I should be. I actually think I'm eating ok but I think the lack of exercise as slowed my metabolism making weight loss hard.
Following the weekend I still ache a bit but its mostly muscular than problems with my knees, I reckon my injuries are on the mend (I hope).
I'm still a bit worried that I can't seem to access Sandii's blog, I know she was having problems but it seems to have dissappeared altogether.

Not much happening this week at work, I still am unsure whether I'll get the choice to stay or go but should find out soon. I've got a few details on what I would get if made redundant but I still need details of what my company pension is worth. If I get an option this information is critical.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Music Monday - Love is in the Air

This week my blog friend Rebecca posted her three favorite love songs, a number of her friends also mentioned the one's they liked but I said I'll post mine today on my music monday post.
Some of the songs mentioned on Rebeccas blog are really good and will take some beating, I like the Whitney Houston one a lot and maybe I should have added it here, but I haven't.

I will also point out I would normally put "Angie" by the Rolling Stones on this list but I posted that classic a few weeks ago.

While I'm on I know a few of my blog friends are having a rough time with their love lifes at present so I'll dedicate these songs for you ladies.

Everything You Do (Bryan Adams) - The theme song for the Film "Robin Hood (Prince of thieves)" was a fantastic hit for this Canadian rocker (english parents though). It topped the charts in numerous countries for many weeks on its 1991 release, UK 16 weeks, US 7 weeks, Canada 39 weeks, Holland 11 weeks, Australia 11 weeks, Sweden 11 weeks to name a few, great hit.

She (Declan Patrick McManus) - This song is on the soundtrack for the 1999 Film "Notting Hill" and it is a great version of of the Charles Aznavour 1974 UK No1.
Obviously you have all realised Mr McManus is better known as the English Rock Star Elvis Costello.

You Do Something to Me (Paul Weller) - I'm a big fan of the "Modfather" from his day's with "The Jam" , "The Style Council" plus his solo career. Throughout his 30 years at the top of British songwriting he hasn't wrote many love songs but this is a classic. It was taken from his superb 1995 solo album "Stanley Road" and reached No 9 in the UK chart as a single.
He does a piano (shown below) and guitar version and are both fantastic versions.

First Time Ever I saw Your Face (Celine Dion) - Ok this 2000 UK No19 hit is a cover version of a Roberta Flack 1974 classic (US No1 & UK No14). A lot of people covered this song including - Elvis Presley, George Michael, Johnny Cash, The Stereophonics, etc.
Although Canadian Miss Dion actually came to notice in 1988 when she won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland, don't ask me to explain I can't.

And for a bit of fun you must remember this Classic :-
Jilted John (Jilted John) - John was actually a bit time actor who had a lucky escape when featuring in a couple of episodes of "Coronation Street", christ he nearly dated Gail.
Oh and yes "Gordon is a Moron", poor John.

Enjoy these my friends, pity I haven't got a good singing voice cos I know I'd love to sing these to some of you.

Hope you love em.

Bryan Adams --- Everything I Do I Do It For You

Great Song

elvis costello- she

The real Elvis ?

Paul Weller plays 'You Do Something To Me'

Brilliant Song ?

Celine Dion - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face live

Lovely Lady ?

Jilted John - Jilted John

How Good is this ?

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Things are Looking Up

I may not get time to check out your blogs or even write a post on my own tomorrow because I'll be in Hull all day playing for York Veterans in the Yorkshire League. It'll be a long day as we have three matches with play starting at 10am and finishing I guess around 7pm. We have three matches against Leeds, Keighley & Doncaster and I reckon we need a minimum of two wins and a draw to stay up in the top division. Currently we are bottom but these are the teams immediately above us.
The venue we play at is YPI and it is quite unusual as they use blue tables and yellow balls where most venues its Green tables and white balls, for some reason that I can't explain is it does seem to bounce different.
Anyway I'm pleased to be playing because in mid-week I didn't give myself a chance with my knee problems. I reckon now my left knee is about 95% ok but am still a little concerned with the swelling in my right although it is more a little stiff than painfull.

My Cold has now completely cleared up so I feel good at present, everything is mending.

Leeds United are still bottom despite winning today but have closed the gap on those above them. I didn't go but once again we had the divisions biggest crowd and the reports suggest they played really well. The result was only 1-0 but should have been much more (hit the bar 3 times) but we have still to be gratefull to our goalkeeper who saved a penalty with 4 minutes to go.

I think I've made my mind up what to do at work if I get an option, I'll just be hopefull that I get the choice. Can't say much about this subject but all should be revealed this week. I am optimistic it will work out fine.

I have one worry tonight though, what has happend to Sandii's blog ? it appears to have disapeared. I know she was having a bit of bother with her posts so maybe thats related.

Have a Great Weekend.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Latest News about this weeks posts.

First of all we had our meeting at work and the factory production line that is shutting will stop from 1st April when some people will be released. Others will be kept on as required to help with de-commisioning.
I will be attending meetings next week and will soon know whether I'll be staying or not. To be fair the company redundancy deal is quite good so I am not too bothered either way. If I get a choice I'll just try to choose which is my best option, still unsure as I need to get more facts and figures. I obviously can't say too much about the deals on offer.
To be fair the situation isn't our managements fault its the world market and cheap Chinese imports that have screwed us.

My Knee injury is responding well and I've now given myself a 50-50 chance in playing my TT matches on Sunday. Its still swollen but a lot of the pain/inflammation has gone, tonight its more Ice treatment. Two days ago I would have given myself no chance, it'll be tough as we have 3 matches so it'll be a long day 10am-Leeds, 1pm-Keighley & 4pm-Doncaster.

Leeds United will start their escape by beating Luton Tomorrow.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Should I stay or should I go ?

Ok yes I know this is a former UK No1 song by "The Clash" but its about where I am at present.

In the morning we have a mass meeting at work to tell us what the plans are with the company I work for. We know a large section is closing and there will be a significant number of redundancies. A lot of these may be volunteers but there will be some forced.

I don't know what will happen with me but should soon find out, maybe I will be forced to stay or go I just don't know.
In a ideal world I'll be given the option and I am unsure what I'll choose, my gut feeling at present is to maybe take the redundancy as I have a lot of Service and should get a decent pay out. However I'm too young to retire and may not be able to find an equivallent job.

My biggest fear about staying is if the rest of the site closes in the not so distant future the redundancy package may be different and I'd lose out big time. Its a big decision so watch this space.

The Clash - Should I stay or should I go

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Wednesday Update - Fed Up, Frustrated & in Pain

2007 Start Weight - 219lbs

Last Weeks Weight - 212.6lb

Todays Actual Weight - 213lb

Loss/Gain this week - +0.4lb

Loss so far in 2007 - 6lb

Today's Target Weight - 210lb

Loss/Gain against Target - +3lb

Sorry to keep going on about my injuries but I am now totally pissed off and just can't believe what is happening to me. I also mentally lost it and blew the diet completely last night and today, I'm so fed up.

As those of you know since early December I've had a number of problems with various joints starting with gout in my right foot followed by tennis elbow in my right arm which put me out of playing a number of important Table Tennis matches. Since then I've had an injury to my left knee which as slowly been improving, considering not so long ago I was on crutches I'm pleased to have got playing again although struggled with some pain.

Well so last night I played a local league match mainly as I need the play because I am desperate to play some very imoportant Yorkshire league matches at Hull this coming Sunday. Well I strapped my knee up as a precaution, I've changed my bat to a lighter one to help the tennis elbow and was feeling ok if not perfect.

I played my first match and in the 2nd end disaster struck as I went for a forhand it I twisted on my right leg (the good knee) and bang it just gave way. I knew I'd done something but went on to complete my games winning two and losing one, the team had a good result winning 8-2. However as the night progressed the knee started to swell and by the end I was struggling to walk and in pain, I just can't believe it.

Anyway I was totally mentally fed up I just cracked went to the pub drank a few drinks ate crisps got Fish & Chips on the way home I just lost it and blew the diet. For that I apologise to my friends that have been supporting me. I'll do my best to get back on track.

Anyway my former good knee is know swollen to the extent I can't even straighten it fully I'm back on crutches and it certainly looks dodgy to say the least for me been fit in time for Sunday. The ironical part my left knee & Tennis elbow seem ok and even my cold is clearing up, this is a total downer for me.

Tonight I'm going to put a ice pack on it to try get rid of some of the swelling, I'll do anything I can to be fit for Sunday morning (we have 3 matches 10am, 1pm & 4pm) but I'm just not optimistic.

Sorry again for moaning so much but I just hate life at present.

Message for Airliebird check out this blog I'm sure you will like it - http://www.londonleeds.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 05, 2007

Music Monday - State Challenge

This week I'm setting a challenge to all of you that read my weekly Monday Music post.

On previous weeks I've played at least three songs which have the name of a US State in their title - Sweet Home Alabama (Lynard Skynard), Hotel California (Eagles) & Louisiana (Marcia Ball).
This has made me think how many great songs are there that contain the name of a US State in their title.

So my challenge to you is lets see how many more great songs with the names of States in their title can we name ?

Obviously the three I've already played and of course tonights four songs can't be named again :-

1. Georgia on my Mind - Ok someone is going to tell me this is a Ray Charles classic and I agree but my favorite version of the song is by the "First Lady of Song" Ella Fitzgerald. Ella was born in Virginia in 1017 and sadly died in 1996 aged 79years. I remember seeing a very good young lady singer perform this song when in Memphis in 2005 and blog friend Sandii's recent trip remind me of this performance and how good this song is.

2. Mississippi - This song was a UK No1 back in 1976 for a group called Pussycat. They were actually 3 Dutch sisters called Kowalczyk and thats about all I can tell you about them. Enjoy the performance anyway.

3. Sweet Virginia - This is one of the tracks from the Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street" Album. This is one of the top albums of all time and reached No1 in both the UK & US in 1972.
Rollling Stone named it number 3 in a poll to decide the best British Albums ever.

4. California Dreaming - This "Mama's and the Papa's" classic reached No4 in the US and No23 in the UK on its 1965 release, later it was re-released in the UK and reached No9 in 1997. It is well known from a certain beer commercial but a great song.
The M & P's were basically a Los Angeles Folk group made up of Denny Doherty, Cass Elliott, along with John & Michelle Phillips.
Trivia Fact - Mama Cass died died in a London Hotel Room of an heart attack caused by choking on a chicken bone in 1974. This turns out to be the same hotel room that The Who legendary drummer Keith Moon died 4 years later.

Enjoy these songs and don't forget to tell me which you like ?

Ella sings

Great Song Great Voice

Mississippi - Pussycat

Remember this one ?

Rolling Stones- Sweet Virginia

Are the Stones the greatest live band ?

The mamas and the papas - California dreamin

Great song ?
What do you think ?

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Sunday Sport - No Surrender

Once again I'll dedicate the first part of my Sunday Sport article to my Football Club Leeds United and I am p****d off.
Its well documented our plight bottom of the 2nd flight of English Soccer and looking likely to drop into the third level the whole country is writing us off. Yesterday we lost 3-2 at home to Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, at virtually every ground in the country supporters sang songs about our demise (nothing new here we know they all hate us).
I've just read so called supporters forums and it seems everybody wants to have their say and either slag us off or write us off.

I will point out before anyone jumps on the Hooligan Bandwagon the above report refers to a celebration party that got a little boisterious in 1990 when Leeds had gained promotion to the top flight. Don't dwell on the fact Bournemouth but if we go down the Yorkshire Army will be visiting you again, its good to know you love us.

It doesn't help when the asshole we have as Club captain Kevin Nicholls turns Judas and wants out, well done Wisey for dropping him yesterday, don't sell him you could let him rot in the reserves or more favourably hand him to the fans I'm sure they'll find somwhere to hang him in the Kop.

Yesterday when we trailed 3-0 (yes the players did show some spirit and pull two back), I was listening to the commentry on Radio Leeds and people were texting in most with negatives, some where obviously sad but a lot were pointing fingers of blame mainly at the current management. One even said he had drove by Elland Road and Billy's statue was crying. Well as a supporter it is now time to stand up and be counted "it isn't over till the Fat lady sings". First to the blame mongers if you want to blame anybody blame Peter Ridsdale/David O'Leary regime that yes gave us some glory but then left us bankrupt, this current regime is the reason we know exsist.

Don't blame Wisey, Blackwell did well for a period but it was very apparent in the last 10 games of last season he had a squad that wasn't good enough. He should have gone following the play off loss and given the new man time to re-build in the close season. Anyone who saw a match earlier in the season under Blackwell or looks at results will know why our goal difference is so bad. Wise has inherited some not good enough players who he is slowley weeding out, he has actually brought in the right sort of players (Flo, Thompson, Ankergren, Sa, etc) but our injury list is doing him no favours. Take Thompson scored in his first two games got injured, Flo scored in his first home game then broke his foot been two examples. We are also without Derry & Kelly at present through long term injuries (I think at the last count we had 8 out).

Anyway I'll point out the positives did anyone actually notice none of the other teams near the bottom won yesterday so why are they not been slagged off like us.

Did anyone comment it was the divisions bottom Club that had the largest home attendance yesterday, there certainly seems to be a bit of jealosy about. The last time we were bottom of this level was 1962 and we went unbeaten in our last nine games and stayed up. We had a young English Manager then called Don Revie and a red headed scotsman was about to become our greatest captain(I think I've already mentioned Billy's Statue) and the rest we'll say is history. Hell we've got ten games this time a young English Manager and we are about to appoint a new captain. And people say we don't have any hope well I'm sorry this is Leeds United and as our song goes we have our ups and downs.

Sunday Sport (2) - The rest of sport

Since I dedicated my first attempt at a Sunday Sport article I thought I'd do a 2nd one to mention other things that are happening.

We'll start with Athletics and a great day for GB yesterday with two gold medals at the European Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

First up and coming starlet Nicola Sanders took the 400metre title with her best ever time.

Then Phillips Idowu fullfilled his potential taking the Triple Jump.

The big news in Cricket this week is Darren Gough is returning to his native Yorkshire. 36 year old Dazzler one on Englands finest bowlers as put away his dancing shoes (he recently won a Celebrity dance comp on telly) will captain the side in what is been dubbed a new era. Watch this space when the season arrives.


The big news (or maybe not so big) is our annual Wimbledon loser Tim Henman is back playing Tennis again. Please Tim don't do the clenched fist it just doesn't work for you.

I'd better mention Rugby League and Champions St Helens seem to be getting their act going with a good win against Bradford Bulls on Friday night at Knowsley Road. Airliebirds team Hull have a tough match today against Wakefield Wildcats so for her I'll wish them luck.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Update

I'll start Thursday and I played a Table Tennis match in the York league mainly to test my injuries further. Well I played without taking any pain killers and to be honest my knee hurt quite a bit although been active surprisingly got rid of some swelling. The match was against the team 2nd in the league and we lost 8-2 although I took both of our points. Should have got a maximum though as I lost my other game at deuce in the deciding set (I was a bit pissed off as I had 5 match points).
I was a little out of touch but I need to be playing as we have three important Yorkshire Veterans League matches in Hull next Sunday and I'm desperate to play. We are currently pointless at the bottom of the league (I'll point out I've been unavailable for the other matches through injury and holiday), however 3 wins will probably keep us up as we play the teams just above us Dewsbury, Leeds & Doncaster.

Last night was our works night out to York ended up with around twenty of us going after a few drop outs. I nearly never made it, I'd just got home from work and about to climb in the shower when the phone rang and called me back to work as there was a major problem. We eventually got everthing working but I had missed the bus so was thinking about not going but decided to get showered and changed and got a taxi to York. It cost £25 but I'm going to get work to pay, I checked this with the plant manager who was out with us, simple rule don't pay don't call me again I think they understand. Seriously they are quite good about things like that if you make an effort.

Anyway as this was possibly our last night out together before redundancies at work (I don't know yet whether I'll be staying or going) the manager paid for everyones meals and drinks on the company credit card so basically I had a free night. We went to a chinese restaurant where we shared a variation of starters but picked our main course. I had a Beef, Onion & Cashew meal it was really nice.

I didn't take my camera but others did so I may get a few photo's to publish later (obviously following censorship).
The meal took over two hours but afterwards we went to a pub before getting a taxi home at 11.45pm some people went on to the night club but I was good. Well I wasn't too good all the time, I don't think my gossip buddy "V" was too impressed with my skill at undoing her bra-strap in a crowed pub without her noticing, actually she laughed about it but I'm sure she will be out for revenge.

One of the reasons I left in the early taxi's was today I organised a Table Tennis training session that has been arranged sometime. After it was finished I was a bit knackered so had a pint at the venue bar and got talking to one of the ladies who works there, lovely girl we had a nice chat.

I'm a bit cheesed off because I reckon I'm going down with a cold, been sneezing a bit and don't feel quite 100%.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

February Comments

For the second month in succession Cactusfreek has placed the most comments on my blog this time with 18. The next most comments was Celtic Girl with 16 who moves up to 2nd in my fun blog friends league.

The next 5 positions were seperated by only one post Rachel, Airliebird & Jenny all had 13 posts while Rebecca and Sandii both posted 12 times. Spider was another that got into double figures with 10 posts.

As I reported earlier in the month Modigli is no longer blogging, I'll just hope she sneaks a read occasionally because her comments will be sadly missed. Although Redneckgirl isn't doing her own blog she has still placed a few comments.

I will now adjust my list of blog friends.