Work Update

Well the takeover absolute dedline came and went and we are still no wiser -

11.00am - Local MP talks to staff rep on phone inform us the papers are been signed over.

11.30am - Local press phones Plant Manager asking him about takeover, he refuses to comment as he has not had confirmation from head office.

2.30pm - Absolute dedline for takeover passes.

3.00pm - Plant Manager phones head office to see whats happening to be told agreement close takeover imminent, me thinks we been here before.

4.00pm - People go home including Me & Plant Manager.

I've lost count how many dedlines we've passed, now we all go home for good in one months time we need to know whats happening.

Hell I'm pissed off.

More about me and my thoughts

Today I was optimistic that I would find out at work whether we would be taken over, but alas still no confirmation either way. However if the rumours are correct the takeover will happen, but as I've said before I wont hold my breath. This has gone on far too long and like many others I'm fed up about it.

If the takeover happens I'll expect to be made redundant at the end of November so I've been working out my finances. I'll probably put a lot of my pay off money into my Pension, this way I can avoid paying a lot of tax. It will also allow me to take my pension early but more about that later when I know more.

Anyway if I am made redundant I wouldn't mind having a vacation before considering another job so I've been checking out a few deals. Where would I go, probably the States again cos I've got quite a few dollars left over from my last trip (Atlanta was cheaper than I expected) so wouldn't need much spending money.
While I'm on about dollars, have you seen the exchange rate over $2 to the £1 its a cheap trip for me once I get there.

If I do make the trip it would be good if I met up with another one of my online friends but I suppose that would depend where I went. I've actually now been lucky enough to meet four online friends and there are plenty more I really would like to meet in the future, we'll see maybe they wouldn't want to meet me.

I played Yorkshire League Table Tennis away at Halifax on Sunday, we drew the match 5-5 but I managed to win all three of my singles (lost in doubles). But hell it was tough I really had to push myself so hard to win I was knackered after, everthing hurt, gee I need to be fitter.
I've a hard match in the local York league on Thursday, its against one of the better teams who have the local Mens Champion playing for them, I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

Did I mention the "Coach of the Year" award took another twist when the Photographer from the local paper turned up at work to take my photo.

Take Care Everyone

I want to Rant

I read something in the newspaper this week that really made me angry - A former inmate at Armley Prison is putting in a claim for £2million against the prison authorities. Why ? because he was Muslim and they gave him a ham sandwich for a meal. Sorry mate this isn't about religion its about you doing your time for commiting a crime in our country, your choice eat or starve. I'm sure if I broke the law in a muslim country I'd get Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding for Sunday lunch.

I'm Embarrased

I don't believe what I've just read in the Local York Newspaper and feel embarrased by it.

There was a double page spread on the Area Sports Awards and I was reading with interest wondering if anyone I knew was up for an award. A selected Committee had selected a short list of three people in every catogary covering a range of Sports.

Well I got down to the award for "Coach of the Year" and couldn't believe my eyes I've been nominated. There was a write up how I was one of the areas top qualified Coaches and how I've developed numerous players to National & County level at Table Tennis.

Apparently I'm up against a Coaches from Athletics and Roller Hockey and everyone nominated is invited to a special Sports Dinner (black tie job) in November where the winners will be announced.

Sure I'm highly qualified and in the past developed many players to good standard but thats where the embarrasment begins, I packed in coaching over one year ago so how on earth can I be " Coach of the Year". I can just imagine going up for the award and been asked to talk about the coaching I do.

I'm going to have to turn this down its unfair and a insult to the people that do the work, I don't anymore.

In the Play Off places

Another Saturday and yet another win for the mighty whites. Goals from David Prutton, Jermaine Beckford and a brace for Jonathan Douglas (pic below) gave us a 4-2 victory over Millwall.Thats now lucky thirteen matches unbeaten (11 wins, 2 draws) and despite giving everyone 15 points start we are now in the top six, yes one of the Play Off spots. We are only four points from the top of the table, ok a couple of teams have a game in hand but this position is way in front of target.

Its good to be a Leeds fan at this moment in time.

48hr Checkemlads Cancer Awareness

lets all have the checkemlads model as our main pic for 48hrs.

its better than donating to the cause as it may just encourage somebody to check their balls

save the pic below then make it your profile pic for 48hrs & get your friends to do the same.

Thanks My Friends

UPDATE :- Following last nights comments I'll add a bit of an explanation -

This is a campaign been promoted by some British Musicians to raise awareness to Testicular Cancer. Its designed to encourage Men to check themselves out to try catch what is becoming a very common cancer early. If not caught early enough it is a killer. Even if you don't put the picture up it is not a bad idea to encourage any male friends to check out their "Crown Jewels" on a regular basis. If one life is saved its worth it.

The campaign is been promoted on MySpace trying to get as many people as possible to change their Profile Picture for 48hrs to this one. I thought it a good idea to do it on Blogger also.

The Musicians I know that are promoting this campaign are Paul Weller & Steve White (not sure what others) as I recieved bulletons from both of them on MySpace.

Soon be the Weekend

Well life is boring at present tonight I was supposed to be playing Table Tennis in my home town local league. The standard is not great and I don't play too often in this league nowadays but I was looking forward to it as it was against one of the better sides. Work is also boring at present so any nightime activities are good.

While on Work we should find out before next Wednesday whether the takeover bid is succesfull, I don't know what will be best to be honest. A couple of the blokes in my department have found jobs and will be leaving next month. You can't blame them and I hope it works out for them they are good lads.

We'll sure have a leaving do to say goodbye but I'm sure everyone will keep in touch. I'm actually at another leaving do tomoz for one of the Fitters called Chris who starts a new job next week. Its straight after work just a few beers with workmates.

Saturday the mighty whites are at home to Millwall but I can't go as I've a TT training session. A lot of tickets have been sold and it will be a big crowd and great atmosphere. Its not a bad one to miss cos Millwall Supporters have a big reputation for violence, their Mob the "Bushwackers" make Hitler Youth look like Liberals. Ok Leeds also have a bit of a reputation and I've a bad feeling about this fixture we'll probably end up getting docked some more points.

Sunday I've actually got a TT match its in the Yorkshire League I'm representing York against Halifax, it could be a tough game but thats how I like it.

I've been Thinking

Yes I know the fact I've been thinking is maybe a bit scary cos I'm likely to come up with something stupid.
So what have I been thinking, well its really what to do with the rest of my life especially when I finish work.
I've been thinking what should I do workwise and to be honest I just don't know, I feel like a total change in career direction would be quite motivating. The trouble is I don't know which direction to turn. I'm also thinking about the possibility of only doing part time work not necessarily less hours per week but only sort of working 6 months or so per year. But as I say I'm struggling to make decisions, I really need to know when I actually will finish (its still unclear).
I have seen what redundancy payments will be and also seen my works pension details. These were based on finishing at the end of November but I will possibly be there after that date so they can only be better, plus I'll earn more money in the meantime which could be Useful.
My Pension is based on claiming it at 60 but it can be taken earlier with penalties (-6% compound interest per year). Obviously I've a few sums to do to see what would best suit me, depends on how much work I do.

Another thing I've been considering is a December Vacation but I've not booked anything, again Work is dominating my decision. If I'm going to finish in the next few months I'd be better saving my holidays and cashing them in. However if I'm going to be working longer then I want a vacation, I just need a decision.

The other day I did a short "Interview Techniques" course and one of the things they asked us to do was name our own strengths and weaknesses. Obviously that was with respect to our jobs but it led me to think what are my strengths & weaknesses as a person. Its not easy but I came up with the following :-
Strengths -
Honesty (I pride myself on this)
Loyalty (If your a friend I'll do anything for you but don't be a enemy).
Reliability (what I say I do)

Weakness -
Emotions (My emotions can get the better and I take things to heart)
Temper (I have a short fuse sometimes but bark is louder than my bite, I just say things I regret if someone winds me up)
Sulking (I like getting my own way)

There is other subjects I've been giving a lot of thought to in fact I feel my life is at a crossroads and I'm making a few decisions about which direction I should go. Hell its not a rehearsal its just one chance a life you just gotta do what you think is right at the time.

In a Rush

Not a lot of time tonight as I walked to work I was a bit late home and am going out early. I've a TT match in York but have to go early than norm and take a detour to pick a new player up.
I'm only in the house just over one hour to get my meal, showered & changed so this is it for tonight catch up with all your blogs tomoz.

Take Care.

Music Monday - The "S's"

We are now upto the letter "S" and I reckon this is the letter that most acts name begins with sort of individual talents like Bruce Springsteen, Helen Shapiro, Sandie Shaw, Neil Sedaka, Frank Sinatra & Rod Stewart, sixties super groups like the Small Faces & the Shadows, seventies Glam stars Slade & Sweet, even Punk Groups Sex Pistols, Stranglers, Siouxie & the Banshees, Sham 69, others like Smokey Robinson, Status Quo, Soft Cell, Simple Minds,Simply Red, Showaddywaddy, etc. I'm sure you can all come up with more but I've gone mad and not including any of the above and still giving you 5 classics.

1. Shangri La's "Leader of the Pack"- This song from the origional Girl Band was released on four occasions in the UK reaching No11 on its first visit the only time it didn't make the top ten.

2. The Stone Roses "I am the resurrection" - I love this record and can't understand why it only made No33 in the charts. One of the best groups to come out of Manchester and thats good coming from me.

3. Squeeze "Cool for Cats" - I like some of the stuff Squeeze did although some of their songs can send you to sleep, this was the first I heard of theirs and it made No2 in 1979.

4. Spencer Davis Group "Keep on Running" - Sixties Classic that made No1 in 1965 for a group including a young Steve Winwood.


5. Steppenwolf "Born to be Wild" - Only just made the charts in the UK but a all time rock classic I reckon.






Shit I missed the Spice Girls

Sport Sunday - One Down One to go

This weekend England were hoping for two World Champions but alas it wasn't to be for our first attempt in the Rugby Union World Cup Final. They lost 15-6 to South Africa in a tough if not spectacular game. But at the end of the day you have to hold your hands up and say well done South Africa you were the best team in the tournament and deserved your success.

I think the players can come home with their heads held high, they lost to a very good team but had their chances and could have won had a bit of luck gone their way.

The match hinged on a Try that England scored that was disallowed by the 4th Official (surprisingley Australian, thanks). It was dissallowed after studying the replays for quite a long time, we problay lost the World cup by millimetres.

You judge was his toe over the line :-

So far its been a bad week for England on Wednesday our Football team lost 2-1 in Russia and we now need a miracle to qualify for the European Championships. To be honest I wasn't surprised cos our manager Steve McClaren is a complete muppet, has never done anything in Football and never will, time for a change I think.

While on Football I've got to mention the Mighty Whites, another win yesterday, still unbeaten with 10 wins and 2 draws from our 12 matches and we've moved into the top ten (9th) in the division. Amazing achievement after giving everyone 15 points start. Yesterdays Goal Scorer was the prolific Tresor Kandol seen below celebrating with our manager Dennis Wise.

I've got to mention one of our rival clubs in Division One Hartlepool was hit by a tradgedy this week when one of their up and coming starlets Michael Maiden was killed in a car crash. There game was cancelled yesterday and my thoughts go out to his family & friends.

Back to World Champions and we stiil have a shot with Lewis Hamilton in the Brazilian Grand Prix. He leads the standings by the narrowest of Margins from Fernado Alonso & Kiki Raikkonen. He will start todays race (5pm out time) 2nd on the grid with his two rivals just behind him. Home town driver Fillipe Massa took pole in his Ferrari and will be trying to help team mate Raikkonen I reckon.

Hamilton is only 20 years old and if he wins will become both the youngest driver to win the title and also the first to win in his rookie season. Good Luck Lewis a country is right behind you.

Update

Well again I walked to work but today I had a weigh in, although not a lot I've lost 0.5kg (1.1lb)since my last weigh in. I'm now 107kg in my full working gear.

Today at work we had a course on job interviews and what to put on your CV, our company has hired a firm in to this sort of thing with everyone getting made redundant. Its quite good for such as me cos although I've interviewed others I've not had one myself for years.

I've sort of been working out what my financial situation will be if I finish in November, obviously if I get chance to stay longer I'll be better off. If I base my plans around this date I can only be better off, I'll get by.

As I've said previously although I'll hang in here once I finish I'll take some time out (and I'll be travelling) I'm thinking what trips I'll do and have a few ideas (yes Australia is a serious option). One definate I'm hoping to do is Orleans for the Jazz Fest April/May, I'll do Chicago again in June/July for the Taste of Chicago .
Another place I want to visit is Austin (Music Capitol of the World) wanted to go their for a while now. Of course there is my birthday trip mentioned in last nights post don't know where yet. I'm sure other trips will happen hopfully meet up with a few blog friends would be nice, you're all welcome when in your area to join me, I'd like that.
Yep I'm gonna travel believe me.
Saying all that I'm still mulling over my December trip, I may put that off due to the work situation but don't count on it.

Finally we're all hoping England has two World Champions this weekend, England play South Africa in the Rugby Union Final, 50,000 England fans are expected in Paris for the final.

Our other hope is Lewis Hamilton who will be attempting to become the youngest ever winner of the Formula One championship in is rookie season. He leads the standings going into Sundays Brazillian Grand Prix the last of the season.

So Far So Good

The heading means I've started trying to get myself more motivated to exercise and back on the weight loss bandwagon. I've started walking to work and done it for the last three days it takes about 40 minutes each way. I try to keep a decent pace.
I've also been careful with what I eat so hopfully when I weigh I'll see the improvement, maybe not this week but as the weeks pass by.

Still no wiser what will happen at work or when I'll finish, hopfully next week I should get some figures of what payout I'll get assuming finishing end of November. Obviously it it isn't taken over by then as said previously I'll probably be staying a few months which can only enhance my pay off. Its so frustrating just not knowing whether we should prepare for closing or reopening.

Its so quiet at work until we are pointed in a direction, it doesn't help motivation and its amazing how too much thinking time makes your mind run off at tangents. Its also difficult to concentrate on anything. I played a Table Tennis match last night and was poor lost two games ok to decent players, both in 5 sets but I was dissapointed cos I wasn't up for it and I'd play a few good points then give some sloppy one's away just no concentration.

As most of you know I'm old and next March will be my birthday a big one its my 5oth. I was discussing what to do was just gonna have a party but now thinking maybe a long weekend in the US with a few of the lads. A couple of friends have already indicated they are up for it (have you mentioned it yet to the missus yet Lofty). Not sure where we would go probably to where we can get the best price cos money may be tight for some people.
Today at work some others were showing a bit of interest but obviously a lot of folk say that until it comes to finding the cash. Don't worry that will be collected prior to booking.
Now checking the dates my Birthday clashes with Easter which is early next year (Good Friday to be accurate), now my questions to my American Friends :-
1. How busy is Easter in the US ?
2. Do Bars & Clubs close early at easter ?

Boredom & Motivation

At work we have about finished production and to be honest its getting really boring. You may think its great to go to work sit on your backside with very little to do is good but hell the day just takes forever.
Quite a lot of people have now gone so there is even less to talk to. We are in limbo at present not knowing whether we will be taken over as a production plant or we will be closed. At least once we know the answer to that question we can start preparing the plant and should be reasonably busy. Its going to be a long two weeks before we find out.

The trouble is when you have a lazy day its hard to motivate yourself to do anything when you get home.

I'm trying though today I started my regime of exercise by walking to and from work, its a thing I did last year and eventually it will help the weight loss I'm sure. I do want to get back on track I've sort of lost a lot of motivation with the weight loss & fitness levels of late but I now feel the time is right to start working at it again.

Back to work and I've decided I'm not yet ready to start applying for jobs, I've decided I'll just stay as long as I'm been paid then have a few months off probably do some more travelling cos a new job may not give me as much time off as I get now. I still need details of how much I'll actually get but I have a rough idea just need confirmation. If someone does takeover my options may be different but I'll try negotiate a job with more time off, I'm determined to live and see the parts of the world I want.
To be honest I feel like a change of direction on the job front, I've worked in industry too long and fancy doing something different just don't know what if that makes sense.

Did I mention I was out in York last Friday night at yet another leaving do for some of the process shift workers. It was a laugh but I didn't stay too late, got the last bus as I had to be up Saturday for a TT training day. Remind me not to get the bus again it takes forever driving through every village and stopping at every farmhouse, I thought my bladder was going to burst.

Last night I went out for a few frames of Pool with Lofty and following a few drinks he confirmed he would like to come with me on one of my US trips next year for my birthday. I asked if he had mentioned it to his wife but he suggested I mentioned it on my blog so she could find out here.

And its good to see one of my origional Blog friends Joel DcNats back in circulation this month I hope he keeps blogging. And as a 2nd bonus I see the lovely Redneckgirl as posted on her blog lets hope she is here to stay.

Finally a question - If there is something in life you feel is really what you want but looks totally impossible, is it worth the effort to try ?
I would appreciate your opinion although the question may not make sense.

Take Care Everyone.


Since writing this post I've just had a bit of a shock, the Yorkshire Table Tennis Association handbook came in this mornings post so I sat down to read it. Turned a page and read a trophy had been donated in memory of a old friend called George. This chap I've known for years as a Coach & Umpire he was a smashing chap one of lifes true characters always said what he thought.
Yes sure he was knocking on a bit (probably mid Eighties) but I didn't even know he had died, I'm gutted I never attended the funeral or even spoke to his widow. I don't even know when it happend but must have been early this year I think.

Music Monday - The "R's"

I'm now upto the letter "R" and to be honest I'm a litte spoiled for choice so I thought I'd come up with four (yes a bonus track this week) totally different styles.

1. Rednex "Cotton Eye Joe" - Remember this song made No1 in the UK in 1994.


2. Otis Redding "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" - This classic made No3 in the charts back in 1968.



3. Ramones "Baby I love You" - Thier highest UK hit when it made No8 in the chart in 1980 for these New York Punks.


4. REM "The One I love" - And how do you like this one from 1987, I reckon its a good song.

Questions, Decisions, Thoughts, etc.

Ok this post isn't about anything specific cos I've a few things going on in my head at present. All my regular readers know about work and the fact we are closing and officially most people will be redundant from the end of November. However due to my job as Electrical Manager I'll be kept on for a period probably Feb/March next year as part of a skeleton team for safety reasons.

There is a chance still that another company will take over the site, I'll know this for sure by the end of this month. If this happens I'll still get my redundancy payment but probably also be offered my job back under new terms & conditions.

As part of the workers representitive team I met the bloke trying to buy the place on Friday, he was full of big plans for the factory but I'm not totally convinced, I'll believe it when he puts the money on the table, the takover plans are just taking too long.

Anyway saying all that basically I don't know when I'll be working till so that leads me to thinking "should I start applying for jobs ?".

The other thought is how much work do I need to get by, my redundancy package is decent and maybe I'll only need part time work, I keep doing the sums but require to know exactly what my work options are.

I'm still thinking about whether to have a short vacation in December like I mentioned on a earlier post, Trouble is if I was finished work sort of early next year Jan/Feb I'd be better saving my holiday days and cashing them in, hell I'll have plenty of time to go then.

However if the work dragged on to March/April or longer or we are taken over and I decide to work for the new owner I'd like to take my holidays. Not knowing when I'll actually finish is a pain.


While I'm on about vacations I've some questions for some of my blog friends, first to the Australians amonst us. When I finish work I've decided I'm conviced I should visit your country, so my question "Which would be the best city to visit and why ?" I know the initial thoughts is Sydney in the same way people visit London if coming to the UK or New York if visiting the USA. I'll add neither of these would be my choice.


My 2nd vacation question is to Rebecca, I've been checking out the Flight/Hotel deals for NO during the Jazz Fest late April early May. A lot of hotels prices arn't up yet but some are but I'll be monitering until I get a good deal.
My question, I know you said its best to stay in the French Quarter but would it be a problem if I got a hotel in the Buisness District within say 3 blocks of the quarter ? The reason I ask is their seems better options there.

I'm also giving a bit of thought to weight loss and what small changes I can make to start shedding a few pounds again, I've stagnated a bit at present, I put on weight on vacation and ain't done enough since I returned.

Obviously partly related to the weight loss I want to up my fitness level, I've felt a bit sluggish lately, I know having a cold hasn't helped but thats on the mend so I can't use that for a excuse. I just need to push myself into doing more exercise, I've been lazy I used to do Sit ups, press ups each morning but haven't done em for a while. I've also stopped walking to work when I can so I intend to start that routine again.

A big sporting Saturday

First up this afternoon it was Football with England doing their chances in the European Championships a big boost with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Estonia. All the goals were in the first half then they sort of took their foot off the gas. Leeds United kept their unbeaten run going but were held to a draw at Elland road by early pace setters Leyton Orient. The Londoners even had a man sent off in an eventful match played in front of the divisions biggest crowd of the season.

Orient took a first half lead but Seb Carole equalised and Leeds had a great chance to win it but Tresor Kandol missed a late penalty, we'll forgive him he's scored a few this season.

Then this evening Leeds has become a very proud City following a great performance by their Rugby League team the "Rhinos", they overcame favorites St Helens in fact the thumped them 33-6 with a fantastic performance.

One of my friends Lofty and his wife "Anonymous" (well thats what she signs on my blog) are big fans so I reckon he can buy the beers at Pool on Monday.

Its been a great season for Yorkshires Rugby League Clubs with Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers winning their respective play offs last week.

Finally it was the turn of Englands Rugby Union Team to play France in the World Cup Semi-Final in Paris. Well four years ago we won it and lets just say we will be defending it next week, result was a 14-9 victory for our boys, it was nearly as good as Argincort, by we just love beating the French.

In next weeks final we will face either South Africa or Argentina who play tomorrow.

Fed Up

Today at work I managed to have a little accident where I ended up slashing open the back of my trouser leg and also cutting myself, I won't go into details its a long story but I wasn't laughing but couldn't blame anyone but myself.
The good thing about it was I got a free pair of jeans from the stores, didn't know they stocked them, they seem ok for work. Wouldn't go out in them though.

I still haven't shaken my cold off, just can't seem to get rid of it. I've been feeling really crappy and my chest is a little tight. It keeps giving signs of clearing up then seems to go back to step one. Hopfully it'll soon clear though.

Reading everyones blogs tonight I noticed Rebecca commented on the fact that there seem less comments of late. Its a thing I've noticed that a lot of bloggers are not only doing less comments but are not posting so much on their own blogs. I've been thinking maybe doing a few random blog searches to try attract a few new friends with comments on blogs I like (I did this a bit when I started).

However after giving it a lot of thought and looking down the list of blog friends I decided I was happy with the people on my friends list, there is a good selection of people all with different outlooks. I can blog on different subjects with different people and to me you all seem like people I can trust and could get on with if we lived close by. Saying that its not a closed shop and I'd always be happy for anyone else to join in with comments, I always try to return comments to others blogs.

Finally as you can imagine work is quite depressing at present with people leaving, I think at the end of this week there will be less than forty people on site. We still don't know for sure whether the take over will be succesfull or we are shutting. Not knowing seems worse than either way so much indecision, some people don't know whether to look for other jobs or not. Me I'm just staying put until they stop paying me, I don't think I'm going to look for work straight away may have some time out.

With all the indecision and not knowing if or when I'll finish I'm undecided whether to have a short vacation in december, I have been checking out a few deals and there is a few good offers about. Four Cities I've never visited that I can get a decent deal at present are San Diego, Austin, Phoenix & New Orleans. Others that Ive been to that I can get a good flight/hotel price include San Francisco & Chicago but believe it or not the best price of the lot is to Atlanta, sods law I've just been there.

Opinions please if I do decide to go somewhere which of the above Cities do you reckon would be best to visit (7 days) in mid December ? Obviosly some of these prices change by the day so that may influence any decision I make.

Music Monday - The "Q's"

Well upto the letter Q and not so many to choose from this week but I reckon I've come up with three good acts. What do you think ?

1. Queen "Killer Queen" - A group that can truly be called a "supergroup" with a string of top hits. This offering was their 2nd UK chart hit and reached No2 in 1974.


2. Suzy Quatro "Devil Gate Drive" - Another hit from 1974 and this reached the top spot in the UK. I always reckoned she was kind of cute for a girl that wore leather, remember her in some of the Happy Days episodes with the Fonz.


3. Queens of the Stone Age "Little Sister" - I'll bring you more upto date with my final offering from Qeens of the Stone Age. This group were actually playing at the Roxy in Buckhead, Atlanta on the saturday I was in that city and a bloke I got talking to in a bar had tickets to go.

Sport Sunday - Almost a Perfect Weekend

I haven't done a Sunday Sport Post for quite a while as I've just been concentrating on my main love for Leeds United. However this weekend has been good as I say almost perfect.


Obviously as mentioned yesterday the Mighty Whites continued their unbeaten run with a hard fought 1-0 victory over a good Yeovil team, the start to the season has been fantastic almost unbelivable. Following the 15 point deduction a lot of people expected the club to lay down and die, sorry folks you were wrong this is the start of something big. Momentum is building we look unstoppable.
Anyway as we are ten matches into the season I thought I'd post this video of the season so far, hell I'm so chuffed.



The Soccer team wern't the only one's to make the City of Leeds proud this weekend because Rugby League Side the Rhinos stuffed Lancashire Outfit Wigan Warriors 36-6 on Friday night to reach the Super League Grand Final. They will face favorites St Helens in the final but on their day the Rhinos are capable of beating anyone. The City of Leeds is buzzing with the success of their sports teams anything is possible.

Talking of anything is possible the Rugby Union World Cup Quarter Finals were played this weekend, England despite been champions just haven't really performed in the four years since that great day and everyone expected them to be hammered by one of the favorites Australia. But guess what a 12-10 victory sets up a semi-final clash with host nation France who also had a great win over the New Zealand All Blacks. Now who said the southern hemisphere sides are much stronger ?

Boxing and our up and coming superstar Amir Khan continued his rise to the world title with his 15th succesive victory over Scott Lawton to retain the commonwealth crown. The lad is only 20 years old but looks to have the speed and power to become a all time great.

I did say it was almost a perfect weekend because this was supposed to be when Lewis Hamilton became the youngest ever Formula One world champion. However a mistake in not changing his tyres soon enough in the China Grand Prix cost him as he crashed out. He still leads the championship but only by four points and it all goes down to the last race.

While I'm doing a article I thought I'd post this its probably the best song ever, I'm sure Airliebird will agree anyway.

The Late Show - Again

I've just got back from Elland Road watching the mighty Whites take on Yeovil, to be honest our opponents played well especially in the first half but this Leeds team doesn't know how to lose and with one minute left on the clock onloan striker Mark DeVries headed the winner to once again send the fans crazy.
In ten matches we have smashed the 15 point penalty to pieces with 9 wins and one draw (cheated), Lord Mahwinny and his cronies on the Football league committee must be gutted.
We are now up to 12th in the table, yes the top half which is unbelievable, 11 teams in front of us and 12 behind that we have overtook. We are 6 points off the lead and only 3 points away from a play off spot.
The sickening fact is without the riddiculous penaly we would be top Nine points clear of 2nd place.

A Bit of Everthing

I'll start with Weight Loss because as pointed out bySpidey on his blog I haven't weighed for quite while. Actually it was back in August and on the scales at work I was 102.5kg. To be honest I knew I'd increased I have had a lot on my mind and losing weight has not been a priority.
I've also been on vacation and two weeks of drinking and eating is not helpful to any weight loss, anyway my fears proved correct cos today I weighed in at 107.5kg a 5kg increase. Remember I am weighing in full working clothes. I hope to now get back on track I'll update next week.

I've played in three Table Tennis Matches this week, Sunday it was against Wakefield in the Yorkshire League we won 9-1 and I won all my games but struggled a little, I was a touch rusty since my hol.
I've had two York league matches this week Tuesday we won 6-4 and I won all three of my games, Thursday we lost 7-3 and I won two lost one. To be fair I lost comfortably in my defeat the other player is one I always struggle with. I didn't feel sharp and was dissapointed but credit where it is due he played well.

I've had a Cold since Monday and felt a bit crap, I'm starting to improve so the signs are good, I hope so anyway.

Work is a bit depressing with a number of people leaving, today the local MP was on site to meet us. Apparently there is a prospective buyer for the site and they have been given while the end of the month to put the money on the table. If that happend (and I'm not holding my breath) I'd still get my redundancy payment then possibly be offered a job back.

Tomorrow I'm thinking of going to Leeds to watch the mighty whites hopfully clock up another win, they play Yeovil a club they have never played before. Well done to our manager Dennis Wise who has been named the divisions manager of the month for the 2nd month running.

For those of you that are interested I've now downloaded all my holiday photo's for Atlanta & Philadelphia, you can find them here - Micks Photo's

The Clock is ticking

Just to update everyone with my work situation, we have now put the last production run on which will probably all be finished by the middle of this month. Some production people will then leave while everyone else will work on decommisioning of the plant.
The target is to have everthing clean so virtually everyone will leave at the end of November.

However a very small skeleton crew of 6 to 8 people will remain to complete any other work and for site safety for a period following this date. As Site Electrical Manager I am likely to be in this group so I will be in work until I would think Feb/March next year. We will be there until the site is sold either as a working site or for salvage.

I am assured of my redundancy so my money for that is safe (I do get a very good deal due to my service) and if somebody does reopen the factory jobs may be on offer, that would be great for the area. Another benefit is for those of us involved in decommision we are on financial weekly bonus of £100 so that certainly boosts my money.

I've been working on this site since I left school and interestingly I started this year the 17th longest server. I'm now actually the 2nd longest server but the one bloke who is in front of me is a process worker so he will probably finish before me. I suppose it will be a achievment to make the No1 spot just wish it could have been in happier circumstances.

Great Team Amazing Fans

No apologies for a 2nd Football post this week.

Last night Leeds travelled over the hills to play Oldham a place that hasn't always been a great hunting ground in the past. It was a close scrappy match which often happens in these "Battle of the Roses", we were without our two main strikers who were both suspended following their sending offs at Gillingham at the weekend.

The game looked set for a creditable 0-0 away point but with the final kick of the match supersub Ian Westlake struck a superb volley to send the massive travelling support into ecstasy.


Its now played nine won eight, drew one(cheated) lost none, we are now 14th in the league and closing in on the leaders. 37 matches to go we will go up. Without our 15 point penalty we would be clear top by 6 points at this stage.

Our fanatical support are filling every stadium we visit in all our away matches so far this season it has produced our opponents biggest recorded crowd. The atmosphere and noise generated is just drowning out the home fans and last night apparently a new chant was introduced mocking our 15 point deduction, listen and get the feel of supporting Leeds United.

This Chant which goes like this for those that can't speak the Yorkshire Lingo :-

15 points
Who gives a f**k
We're Super Leeds
We're Going Up.

Of course we are at home Saturday (to Yeovil) and the atmosphere will be unbelievable.

Music Monday - The "P's"

Up to the letter "P" this week so here are three classics from three different decades (60's, 70's & 80's) :-

1 Procul Harem "Whiter Shade of Pale " classic No1 hit from 1967 from a very good group.


2. Police "Roxanne" - Best song ever about a prostitute back in 1979.


3. Poison "Every rose has its thorn" - 1989 classic from a underated group.

And for the 2nd month running -

Thats another month gone so its time to check who has commented most on my blog, a quiet month with less posts than normal due to my vacation so I was pleased four people reached double figures.

Anyway for the 2nd month running the lovely Sandii stays in top spot with 15 comments despite not been very active on her own blog for various reasons.
It was a close run thing because only one comment behind on 14 was Spider his highest ever position I believe.
Rebecca whom I was lucky enough to meet in Atlanta was third with 11 posts closely followed by Suzy who with 10 posts achieved her highest position so far.

Thanks to everyone for their input its always appreciated my friends.