I had a busy day at work today (no sniggering at the back). So against my better judgement I nipped out to a back street sandwich shop a couple of minutes away from the office to purchase some luncheon. This place has had bad reviews from my work colleagues but needs must. Walked in and there was three or four people in front of me. 5 minutes later I'm still waiting in the same spot. The Three Musketeers behind the counter are excruciatingly slow at making low standard sandwiches and they suck their teeth when people hand over £10 as they've "nae change ken". Imagine thinking a catering establishment might have change of a tenner, down that road lies madness.
As I'm waiting I sense someone acting in a pretty impatient and irritated manner behind me. I have a quick glance behind and there's a woman, obviously of pension age, agitated and moving from side to side like a winger trying to lose his full back. I now know how Danny McGrain must have felt when he was marking Peter Weir (apologies if you have no idea who these people are!). As I finally get to the counter, Mrs Miggins shoots in front of me like Alan Wells lunging for the tape in the 100 metres final in Moscow in 1980 and asks for a tuna sandwich or some other such delicacy that won't stick to her bloody false teeth.
I am a bit taken aback, this is not the kind of behaviour you're used to from senior citizens, but in my state of shock I manage to blurt out "erm excuse me, are you having a laugh, there is a queue and I was before you". She makes a face like Blanche from Coronation Street and then studiously ignores me. The brains trust behind the counter as one look at me in disgust.
Miggins' mate, who was standing nearby now gets involved, stating to me (and the rest of the shop) in a loud and screechy voice, "for goodness sake that's pathetic." Dander well and truly up now, I ask her if she would have thought the same had a teenager barged in front of her in a queue or would she have instead started into a tirade about the "youth of today".
She refuted this saying she had "better things to do". I guess these things would include standing in aisles at supermarkets blocking them with a strategically positioned trolley, writing to the Evening Express complaining about Donald Trump, watching soap operas, spending her pension on Bingo and smelling of piss, but I digress.
I just shook my head and ordered my stovies. The Mensa members counter side were overtly rude to me and made it quite clear they thought I was an arse. The stovies were anaemic, the beetroot had black bits on it and the oat cakes were soggy by the way.
So dear readers, what do you think. Was I an arse? Or was I within my rights and is this just another example of this country going to hell in a hand cart. When Molly Sugden decides it's time to stop the age old British custom of queueing and just barge to the front, I personally think we're totally screwed.
Tonight's music is Same Old Scene by Roxy Music. I urge you all to get some Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music into your life and this is a cracker to get you started - not as obvious as the likes of Jealous Guy, Dance Away or Do The Strand but a forgotten gem.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
We are now at War with Eurasia
When I started this blog, I made a vow to myself that I wouldn't get bogged down in a long list of blogs which could come under the banner of "you couldn't make it up" or "it's political correctness gone maaaaaaaaaaaad".
However, I am afraid that the depths to which this country plumbs on a daily basis makes it almost impossible for me not to come back time and again to these kind of stories and today I've found another cracker for your edification and enlightenment.
Pauline Howe, who is 67 years old, wrote a letter to Norwich Council objecting to a local gay pride march. She used the word “sodomites” and objected to “perverted sexual practices” amongst other phrases about homosexuality, mostly coming from her own religious viewpoint.
The Council requested she be visited by the Police and Plod duly obliged, with two Officers turning up at her door and lectured her about having committed a potential "hate crime".
Yes you read that right dear reader. Accused of Hate Speech. George Orwell got it bang on the money didn't he. The fact that two wooden tops turned up at her door suggests to me they were considering charging her with a crime, hate or otherwise.
Now Ms Howe's views are a little on the 1950s side. Some of the stuff she spouted in her letter is naive and broad brush in the extreme. However it has to be taken into consideration she is a 67 year old grandmother who has a strong Christian religious faith, with the resultant naivety and conservative (with a small c) views she will hold. For the Council and Police to waste taxpayer's money on this charade is quite simply astonishing. Even Stonewall has suggested the actions were heavy handed. The saddest thing is I'm not surprised by any of this anymore.
I do wonder had Ms Howe and the rest of her congregation been planning a Christian Pride march and the Council had received a letter of complaint from a third party calling them "God botherers", stating "there is no God" and that the bible was a "fantasy", would the Old Bill have turned up at their doors?
Tonight's music comes from Erasure, with the 80s classic "Sometimes". Andy's soaring vocals compliment Vince's sublime synth and made the song a number 2 hit here in the UK and top 5 Stateside. They went on to have 20 top 30 hits in the UK with their signature synth dance/pop.
However, I am afraid that the depths to which this country plumbs on a daily basis makes it almost impossible for me not to come back time and again to these kind of stories and today I've found another cracker for your edification and enlightenment.
Pauline Howe, who is 67 years old, wrote a letter to Norwich Council objecting to a local gay pride march. She used the word “sodomites” and objected to “perverted sexual practices” amongst other phrases about homosexuality, mostly coming from her own religious viewpoint.
The Council requested she be visited by the Police and Plod duly obliged, with two Officers turning up at her door and lectured her about having committed a potential "hate crime".
Yes you read that right dear reader. Accused of Hate Speech. George Orwell got it bang on the money didn't he. The fact that two wooden tops turned up at her door suggests to me they were considering charging her with a crime, hate or otherwise.
Now Ms Howe's views are a little on the 1950s side. Some of the stuff she spouted in her letter is naive and broad brush in the extreme. However it has to be taken into consideration she is a 67 year old grandmother who has a strong Christian religious faith, with the resultant naivety and conservative (with a small c) views she will hold. For the Council and Police to waste taxpayer's money on this charade is quite simply astonishing. Even Stonewall has suggested the actions were heavy handed. The saddest thing is I'm not surprised by any of this anymore.
I do wonder had Ms Howe and the rest of her congregation been planning a Christian Pride march and the Council had received a letter of complaint from a third party calling them "God botherers", stating "there is no God" and that the bible was a "fantasy", would the Old Bill have turned up at their doors?
Tonight's music comes from Erasure, with the 80s classic "Sometimes". Andy's soaring vocals compliment Vince's sublime synth and made the song a number 2 hit here in the UK and top 5 Stateside. They went on to have 20 top 30 hits in the UK with their signature synth dance/pop.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Get Well Soon Morrissey
Morrissey collapsed on stage at a gig in Swindon on Saturday night. I was sitting having a beer catching up on the news on Sky when the news came out. I felt a little shiver down my spine. Now I am not Avid Merrion. I despise the celebrity culture and all these talentless nonentities who go on some shit programme and are suddenly on the pages of all those bloody magazines.
However, over the years you do become fond of certain people in the public eye, mainly people who you have grown up/old with and are generally in the music, sport or entertainment industries which I have interest in. Some of these people have been on the box in the corner of the room for as long as I can remember watching it. When they head for the far side banks of Jordan, it will feel strange for them not to be there anymore.
Now don't think I am going all Princess Diana hysteria on you here. I will feel a little sad, have a wee think about some of the memories I have of them and move on. That's the British way. You do NOT collapse into a blubbering mass of tears and hyperventilation about someone who you did not personally know.
I'm thinking here about people like Bruce Forsyth. I remember Brucie in the 70s on the Generation Game with Anthea Redfearn. Sir Alex of Ferguson, for making my childhood football memories so amazing. Clint Eastwood, I sat and watched the spaghetti westerns and Dirty Harry movies with my dad. Ditto Sean Connery for the Bond Movies.
I could be here all night really. But you get the gist of what I'm saying. The individuals above did not have to go into the jungle or get their tits out to become 'famous'. Amen for that.
Music tonight has of course to come from Morrissey. A solo single as opposed to his Smith's output. Suedehead was his first solo single and still one of the best. If you get the chance to see the video it's awesome too, a bit of a homage to James Dean.
However, over the years you do become fond of certain people in the public eye, mainly people who you have grown up/old with and are generally in the music, sport or entertainment industries which I have interest in. Some of these people have been on the box in the corner of the room for as long as I can remember watching it. When they head for the far side banks of Jordan, it will feel strange for them not to be there anymore.
Now don't think I am going all Princess Diana hysteria on you here. I will feel a little sad, have a wee think about some of the memories I have of them and move on. That's the British way. You do NOT collapse into a blubbering mass of tears and hyperventilation about someone who you did not personally know.
I'm thinking here about people like Bruce Forsyth. I remember Brucie in the 70s on the Generation Game with Anthea Redfearn. Sir Alex of Ferguson, for making my childhood football memories so amazing. Clint Eastwood, I sat and watched the spaghetti westerns and Dirty Harry movies with my dad. Ditto Sean Connery for the Bond Movies.
I could be here all night really. But you get the gist of what I'm saying. The individuals above did not have to go into the jungle or get their tits out to become 'famous'. Amen for that.
Music tonight has of course to come from Morrissey. A solo single as opposed to his Smith's output. Suedehead was his first solo single and still one of the best. If you get the chance to see the video it's awesome too, a bit of a homage to James Dean.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Sports Fans = Neanderathals
Donal Og Cusack, the goalkeeper of the Cork hurling team has "came out" in the Irish Media today and it has sparked fierce debate in the Emerald Isle. Reporting about it on the BBC website, BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson ends his screed with the following:
"Apart from some homophobic text messages sent to radio stations, the overwhelming reaction to Cusack's announcement has been positive.
However, in some ways, the biggest test could be the opposition crowd's reaction the next time he runs out on the pitch for Cork.
In most sports across the world, rival fans are not renowned for their open-mindedness. "
This really reinforced a discussion I had at the Aberdeen match yesterday with two of the followers to this blog. At Scottish Football matches you are bombarded with messages on bigotry, racism, homophobia, in fact an "ism" or "phobia" you can think of.
The media and administrator's label for sports fans and in particular football fans, is they are all narrow minded brain dead scum who require to be battered into submission by "on message" information to show them how thick and bigoted they are.
The people who "run" football in our country have a simple maxim for the average football fan: "you are stupid and gullible, we will treat you with utter contempt, now give us your money and keep quiet."
In these people's minds sport's fans read the Sun and Sport, watch "celebrity Jordan and Peter Big Brother can't cook on ice" and go out and batter pensioners and ethnic minorities of a weekend, whilst "binge drinking"..........
It really is an insult to the vast majority of football fans. Of course there are people who watch football who you can label as above, but it's the same for all sectors of society.
Here's hoping the fans of one of the oldest sports in the world confound the media's perceptions and give Donal a rousing reception when he minds the net again for Cork, give him a ribbing if he makes a mistake and then have a pint of the black stuff at the end of the game with him and discuss the merits of Joyce, Shaw and Beckett. Mark Simpson might be aghast to know this thick as pig shit football fan has read Ulysses - didn't understand a word of it........... :o)
Music tonight is You're the Devil in Disguise by Elvis. A less well known track, it's one of the few 7" singles my mum and dad had from the King. I played it to death as a kid. Still love it now. Listen to the drums in the backing track to the chorus, sublime.
"Apart from some homophobic text messages sent to radio stations, the overwhelming reaction to Cusack's announcement has been positive.
However, in some ways, the biggest test could be the opposition crowd's reaction the next time he runs out on the pitch for Cork.
In most sports across the world, rival fans are not renowned for their open-mindedness. "
This really reinforced a discussion I had at the Aberdeen match yesterday with two of the followers to this blog. At Scottish Football matches you are bombarded with messages on bigotry, racism, homophobia, in fact an "ism" or "phobia" you can think of.
The media and administrator's label for sports fans and in particular football fans, is they are all narrow minded brain dead scum who require to be battered into submission by "on message" information to show them how thick and bigoted they are.
The people who "run" football in our country have a simple maxim for the average football fan: "you are stupid and gullible, we will treat you with utter contempt, now give us your money and keep quiet."
In these people's minds sport's fans read the Sun and Sport, watch "celebrity Jordan and Peter Big Brother can't cook on ice" and go out and batter pensioners and ethnic minorities of a weekend, whilst "binge drinking"..........
It really is an insult to the vast majority of football fans. Of course there are people who watch football who you can label as above, but it's the same for all sectors of society.
Here's hoping the fans of one of the oldest sports in the world confound the media's perceptions and give Donal a rousing reception when he minds the net again for Cork, give him a ribbing if he makes a mistake and then have a pint of the black stuff at the end of the game with him and discuss the merits of Joyce, Shaw and Beckett. Mark Simpson might be aghast to know this thick as pig shit football fan has read Ulysses - didn't understand a word of it........... :o)
Music tonight is You're the Devil in Disguise by Elvis. A less well known track, it's one of the few 7" singles my mum and dad had from the King. I played it to death as a kid. Still love it now. Listen to the drums in the backing track to the chorus, sublime.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Playing into the Hands of the BNP
So, did you watch Question Time last night? Predictably, the "mainstream" parties (and the 'neutral' chairman of the panel Dimbleby) walked straight into the BNP's hands by attacking Griffin in the style of a lynch mob.
Griffin is an unsavoury character. In amongst the platitudes of 'moderating' his party last night there was a nod towards Holocaust denial. He is a politician all right.
So the way to neutralise him and his party is to engage them in a debate about their policies. Last night was the perfect chance to do so. Instead the BBC loaded their panel and audience with people whose hatred for the BNP clouded their judgement and ability to debate. Instead it became an all out attack on Griffin. He wasn't allowed to talk without interruption, so in effect got away scot-free.
Many viewers will have had sympathy for him because of the "performance" of the other panellists and therefore his reputation was wrongly enhanced. Jack Straw in particular was a disgrace, waffling and pontificating at every turn.
The liberal elite in this country of all political hues really do not have a clue. They sit in their ivory towers and multi-million pound houses in Notting Hill, pontificating over a Grande Latte about the disgrace the "extreme right wing" are.
Meanwhile in many working class areas (especially in England) there are genuine concerns over where this country is heading. Many of these people aged 50 and above have seen such fundamental change in the demographic of the country it is understandable they are worried. However if any of them try and speak about their concerns they are pilloried as "racists".
The BNP prey on this and the way the "establishment" act over immigration and multiculturalism only exacerbates the situation. And then they wonder why almost a million people voted for the BNP at the Euro Elections - many of whom I have no doubt do not know exactly what the party stands for.
It's hard to believe I know but we've seen the BNP in action here in rural Deeside! There was a local council election not long ago and I had the misfortune to be walking down to the local shop for the Sunday paper. A clapped out Transit van was sitting in the car park with a BNP sticker on the window. 4 or 5 middle aged denim clad men (jean suits are soooooooo 80s) were standing outside the van. I have to admit they intimidated me, so goodness knows how it would be for a pensioner answering their door to them.
This is the side of the BNP you don't see. But if the mainstream parties don't get a grip and tackle the BNP about their POLICIES, instead of writing them off as racist loonies, the foothold they've already got will become an irreversible base camp.
My song choice today embraces multicultural Britain as this band were suggested to me by my American follower! She is working in this country until at least the end of the year and it's nice to see us giving the colonials some work experience!! The band are called Wilco and they do a darned good blend of country/rock. Check out I Must be High and then Impossible Germany and you'll see these guys are no one trick ponies though. Cheers Terri!
Griffin is an unsavoury character. In amongst the platitudes of 'moderating' his party last night there was a nod towards Holocaust denial. He is a politician all right.
So the way to neutralise him and his party is to engage them in a debate about their policies. Last night was the perfect chance to do so. Instead the BBC loaded their panel and audience with people whose hatred for the BNP clouded their judgement and ability to debate. Instead it became an all out attack on Griffin. He wasn't allowed to talk without interruption, so in effect got away scot-free.
Many viewers will have had sympathy for him because of the "performance" of the other panellists and therefore his reputation was wrongly enhanced. Jack Straw in particular was a disgrace, waffling and pontificating at every turn.
The liberal elite in this country of all political hues really do not have a clue. They sit in their ivory towers and multi-million pound houses in Notting Hill, pontificating over a Grande Latte about the disgrace the "extreme right wing" are.
Meanwhile in many working class areas (especially in England) there are genuine concerns over where this country is heading. Many of these people aged 50 and above have seen such fundamental change in the demographic of the country it is understandable they are worried. However if any of them try and speak about their concerns they are pilloried as "racists".
The BNP prey on this and the way the "establishment" act over immigration and multiculturalism only exacerbates the situation. And then they wonder why almost a million people voted for the BNP at the Euro Elections - many of whom I have no doubt do not know exactly what the party stands for.
It's hard to believe I know but we've seen the BNP in action here in rural Deeside! There was a local council election not long ago and I had the misfortune to be walking down to the local shop for the Sunday paper. A clapped out Transit van was sitting in the car park with a BNP sticker on the window. 4 or 5 middle aged denim clad men (jean suits are soooooooo 80s) were standing outside the van. I have to admit they intimidated me, so goodness knows how it would be for a pensioner answering their door to them.
This is the side of the BNP you don't see. But if the mainstream parties don't get a grip and tackle the BNP about their POLICIES, instead of writing them off as racist loonies, the foothold they've already got will become an irreversible base camp.
My song choice today embraces multicultural Britain as this band were suggested to me by my American follower! She is working in this country until at least the end of the year and it's nice to see us giving the colonials some work experience!! The band are called Wilco and they do a darned good blend of country/rock. Check out I Must be High and then Impossible Germany and you'll see these guys are no one trick ponies though. Cheers Terri!
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Driven to Distraction
The quality of driving in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is quite frankly appalling. You have to wonder which lucky dip some of these tubes found their driving licences in. I could be here all night with examples but in general here's my biggest bugbears:
Lack of indicators. Are these things optional extras in the car showrooms of the North East? Roundabouts are negotiated at break neck speed with no indication to fellow road users which exit they are about to use. Junctions are negotiated in the same manner. Frustrating and dangerous in equal parts.
Driving on "B" and Unclassified roads. There are two types of clown on these roads. The first is the 10 miles an hour crawler. They will have a line of traffic behind them like the safety car in a Formula 1 race, but they will not under any circumstances pull over and let them past. The other is Mr Arrogant. Mr Arrogant is usually driving a 4x4, BMW or Audi. He is normally morbidly obese. He drives at 60mph on single track roads, on the wrong side of the road, and will not move over for anyone else. He will tailgate anyone who is travelling at a "normal" speed for these types of road. If anyone gets in his way he will sound his horn, flash his headlights and swear at them. The only good thing is you can see his blood pressure rising - it will not be long before he drops down with a heart attack.
The 10 miles an hour crawler can also to be seen on "scenic" routes like the North and South Deeside Roads. The people who go for a "wee run" on these roads sit at 20mph and seem oblivious to the fact that some people actually live out in these parts and might actually have things to do. These people drive me to distraction - they have nowhere to go and all day to go there.
There just does not seem to be a happy medium with speed. It's either people driving so slow that cyclists are overtaking them or absolute nutters overtaking on blind corners at 80mph. What is wrong with sitting at 50-60mph? What's the problem with driving as you were taught, Mirror, SIGNAL, manoeuvre? Some people's brains seem to go into neutral when they get behind the wheel.
Today's music is from the Cars - "Drive". What else really after this post? Pompous 80s Rock Balladry at it's finest!
Lack of indicators. Are these things optional extras in the car showrooms of the North East? Roundabouts are negotiated at break neck speed with no indication to fellow road users which exit they are about to use. Junctions are negotiated in the same manner. Frustrating and dangerous in equal parts.
Driving on "B" and Unclassified roads. There are two types of clown on these roads. The first is the 10 miles an hour crawler. They will have a line of traffic behind them like the safety car in a Formula 1 race, but they will not under any circumstances pull over and let them past. The other is Mr Arrogant. Mr Arrogant is usually driving a 4x4, BMW or Audi. He is normally morbidly obese. He drives at 60mph on single track roads, on the wrong side of the road, and will not move over for anyone else. He will tailgate anyone who is travelling at a "normal" speed for these types of road. If anyone gets in his way he will sound his horn, flash his headlights and swear at them. The only good thing is you can see his blood pressure rising - it will not be long before he drops down with a heart attack.
The 10 miles an hour crawler can also to be seen on "scenic" routes like the North and South Deeside Roads. The people who go for a "wee run" on these roads sit at 20mph and seem oblivious to the fact that some people actually live out in these parts and might actually have things to do. These people drive me to distraction - they have nowhere to go and all day to go there.
There just does not seem to be a happy medium with speed. It's either people driving so slow that cyclists are overtaking them or absolute nutters overtaking on blind corners at 80mph. What is wrong with sitting at 50-60mph? What's the problem with driving as you were taught, Mirror, SIGNAL, manoeuvre? Some people's brains seem to go into neutral when they get behind the wheel.
Today's music is from the Cars - "Drive". What else really after this post? Pompous 80s Rock Balladry at it's finest!
Monday, 19 October 2009
Scottish Football - A Template for Change
Hi folks. Apologies, but Blogs will be infrequent this week as we are on holiday - great weather as ever for the tattie holidays!
After Aberdeen were robbed of a deserved three points on Saturday by the maroon hammer throwers from Edinburgh I was thinking of how Scottish football could be improved.
A poster on Aberdeen Mad had a great idea which was basically for the rest of the teams in the SPL to resign and re-enter the SFL, meaning the Old Firm were left high and dry. This is an excellent idea. After this happens (!) I would suggest the following:
Reconstruct the leagues - have two leagues of 16; 32 teams in total. We are a tenth of the size of England with around a third of the teams so something has to give. I think 32 is still too much but it's a start. Play each other home and away, 30 games a season.
Promotion and relegation from Division 2. 2 teams go down to be replaced by two non-league sides. These would be the champions of a reconstructed regional non-league - North and South.
Promotion and relegation from Division 1. 2 teams relegated. Top two from Division two promoted. Third bottom on Division one, plays off against team which is third in Division two at Hampden, winner takes all.
League cup back to being a short and sweet competition at the start of the season. Straight knockout, no seeding. Final by the end of October.
Ask Fifa if we can experiment with a new points system. 4 points for an away win. 3 points for a home win. 2 points for a scoring away draw. 1 point for a home scoring draw. 1 point each for a no score draw. Extra point for a team if they score 3 or more goals, that includes in a defeat.
This should ensure more attacking football as there are plenty of incentives to score goals.
This is obviously a simple rough plan but I think there's merit in it. I remember the hoo ha when 3 points for a win came to pass, now you can't remember what it was like before it was implemented. It needs bravery from all - and that's why it will never happen.
Music tonight comes from Elton John - Tiny Dancer. It's got a pedal steel guitar in it - that's good enough for me!
After Aberdeen were robbed of a deserved three points on Saturday by the maroon hammer throwers from Edinburgh I was thinking of how Scottish football could be improved.
A poster on Aberdeen Mad had a great idea which was basically for the rest of the teams in the SPL to resign and re-enter the SFL, meaning the Old Firm were left high and dry. This is an excellent idea. After this happens (!) I would suggest the following:
Reconstruct the leagues - have two leagues of 16; 32 teams in total. We are a tenth of the size of England with around a third of the teams so something has to give. I think 32 is still too much but it's a start. Play each other home and away, 30 games a season.
Promotion and relegation from Division 2. 2 teams go down to be replaced by two non-league sides. These would be the champions of a reconstructed regional non-league - North and South.
Promotion and relegation from Division 1. 2 teams relegated. Top two from Division two promoted. Third bottom on Division one, plays off against team which is third in Division two at Hampden, winner takes all.
League cup back to being a short and sweet competition at the start of the season. Straight knockout, no seeding. Final by the end of October.
Ask Fifa if we can experiment with a new points system. 4 points for an away win. 3 points for a home win. 2 points for a scoring away draw. 1 point for a home scoring draw. 1 point each for a no score draw. Extra point for a team if they score 3 or more goals, that includes in a defeat.
This should ensure more attacking football as there are plenty of incentives to score goals.
This is obviously a simple rough plan but I think there's merit in it. I remember the hoo ha when 3 points for a win came to pass, now you can't remember what it was like before it was implemented. It needs bravery from all - and that's why it will never happen.
Music tonight comes from Elton John - Tiny Dancer. It's got a pedal steel guitar in it - that's good enough for me!
Friday, 16 October 2009
Sport for All; Family Thoughts
Evening All. Apologies for missed blog yesterday, I bet you were all devastated about it! I was out last night to the Premier League Snooker, my dad's birthday present. A good night and great to get out with dad for the evening - it's only as you get older you appreciate your parents properly. It's scary how much I'm like him, appearance and personality wise. You really do morph into your parents eventually! I remember travelling all over Scotland in his lorry with him, praying he'd change the radio from Radio 2 to Radio 1........now guess who listens to Radio 2, along with Radio Scotland and Radio 4........oh god........!
The AECC in Aberdeen was full for this event. Sky come up here every year for their Premier League Snooker and Darts. Every time any decent sized national sporting event is brought to Aberdeen it's a great success. The Aberdeen public is generally starved of top notch sport so we lap it up when it comes here. The Seniors Open Golf at Royal Aberdeen is another example. As is every time the Scotland National Football team plays at Pittodrie. And that's at any age group. Take the Under 21s to Aberdeen you'll get 10,000+. Play it in Glasgow you'll get about 2,000 there.
So thanks Sky, keep coming up the road with the Darts and Snooker. There's no chance the SFA will follow suit with the football, they think Scotland ends at Cumbernauld. But there's surely room for a PGA European Tour golf event (Trump International perhaps, just to piss off Tilda Swinton, whoever she is), some more one day international cricket at Mannofield, a higher profile for the 10k run at Balmoral or even an Aberdeen Marathon. I can but hope.
Music tonight, I'm coming right up to date with a NEW RELEASE.....it's ok it's not as radical as you think, it's by everyone's favourite Hibs fans, the Proclaimers! Check out their new single, Three More Days, it's got everything you want from Auchterarder's 2nd biggest exports (after Jimmy Shand), unique harmonies, a key change, acoustic/electric guitars, and almost naive lyrics sung from the heart. One of Scotland's most underrated bands.
The AECC in Aberdeen was full for this event. Sky come up here every year for their Premier League Snooker and Darts. Every time any decent sized national sporting event is brought to Aberdeen it's a great success. The Aberdeen public is generally starved of top notch sport so we lap it up when it comes here. The Seniors Open Golf at Royal Aberdeen is another example. As is every time the Scotland National Football team plays at Pittodrie. And that's at any age group. Take the Under 21s to Aberdeen you'll get 10,000+. Play it in Glasgow you'll get about 2,000 there.
So thanks Sky, keep coming up the road with the Darts and Snooker. There's no chance the SFA will follow suit with the football, they think Scotland ends at Cumbernauld. But there's surely room for a PGA European Tour golf event (Trump International perhaps, just to piss off Tilda Swinton, whoever she is), some more one day international cricket at Mannofield, a higher profile for the 10k run at Balmoral or even an Aberdeen Marathon. I can but hope.
Music tonight, I'm coming right up to date with a NEW RELEASE.....it's ok it's not as radical as you think, it's by everyone's favourite Hibs fans, the Proclaimers! Check out their new single, Three More Days, it's got everything you want from Auchterarder's 2nd biggest exports (after Jimmy Shand), unique harmonies, a key change, acoustic/electric guitars, and almost naive lyrics sung from the heart. One of Scotland's most underrated bands.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Rejoice! Only 90,000 More Unemployed!
Reading the BBC website today you might be forgiven for thinking we are living in a land of milk and honey.
In accounting the first adage you're told is "every debit must have a credit".....the BBC have used that very well today, with the following quotes:
"Unemployment figure has risen once again, but the rate of increase has slowed" (my emphasis on the but)
"The rise in the number of unemployed was the lowest since July 2008"
"While the number of people claiming benefit is now the highest since 1997, the rise compared with the previous month was the least since May 2008"
So that's all right then. Now I could let them off with this kind of "reporting" if the jobless figure went up 800. 8,000 even. But 88,000! That's around the population of Hartlepool (Peter "Fighter not a Quitter" Mandleson's old constituency).
To try and paint a picture that almost 90,000 people losing their job is some sort of positive news is an absolute disgrace. It is a shocking statistic which should have Government talking heads being taken to task by the State Broadcaster.
However you get the feeling that the BBC is very much a mouthpiece for the incumbent government. I think they fear a Conservative Government and what they might do to try and change the BBC. To be honest I don't think they should worry unduly, I can't see the Tories changing anything much, they seem a pretty spineless bunch.
But the Beeb can't take any chances and I think the next few months will see them becoming more and more like Pravda.
We'll be hearing the good news about increased tractor production in Siberia and hourly speeches from the Dear Leader before the year is out.
Music tonight comes from a left wing firebrand which Auntie Beeb would thoroughly approve of - Between the Wars by Billy Bragg.
In accounting the first adage you're told is "every debit must have a credit".....the BBC have used that very well today, with the following quotes:
"Unemployment figure has risen once again, but the rate of increase has slowed" (my emphasis on the but)
"The rise in the number of unemployed was the lowest since July 2008"
"While the number of people claiming benefit is now the highest since 1997, the rise compared with the previous month was the least since May 2008"
So that's all right then. Now I could let them off with this kind of "reporting" if the jobless figure went up 800. 8,000 even. But 88,000! That's around the population of Hartlepool (Peter "Fighter not a Quitter" Mandleson's old constituency).
To try and paint a picture that almost 90,000 people losing their job is some sort of positive news is an absolute disgrace. It is a shocking statistic which should have Government talking heads being taken to task by the State Broadcaster.
However you get the feeling that the BBC is very much a mouthpiece for the incumbent government. I think they fear a Conservative Government and what they might do to try and change the BBC. To be honest I don't think they should worry unduly, I can't see the Tories changing anything much, they seem a pretty spineless bunch.
But the Beeb can't take any chances and I think the next few months will see them becoming more and more like Pravda.
We'll be hearing the good news about increased tractor production in Siberia and hourly speeches from the Dear Leader before the year is out.
Music tonight comes from a left wing firebrand which Auntie Beeb would thoroughly approve of - Between the Wars by Billy Bragg.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Breaking My Rules over Politicians
When I started this blog just over a week ago I made a promise to myself - I wouldn't blog about the same subject on consecutive days. As usual with the double standards you'll no doubt see me employ a lot as time goes on, I'm going to break it already and blog again today about MPs expenses.
Why? Because I'm hot under the collar about it. Apparently backbench MPs are up in arms about what they perceive as the "changing of the goalposts" by Sir Thomas Legg as he requests they pay back expenses. We claimed, they whine, within the rules at the time. Well the rules, which they made up themselves, stank to high heaven.
These people are our representatives. How can they be so ostrich like and have no idea whatsoever as to how the likes of expense claims work in the real world. Do you really expect to be reimbursed for the likes of gardening and decorating when it is of no consequence to the job you are employed in?
I have worked for a few small to medium sized businesses. I have alway been entitled to mileage as I have had to travel 3 or 4 times a week to meet Clients and candidates. Very rarely will I claim for this.
Same with meeting people for coffee or lunch, which due the nature of my job I have to do frequently and would be quite entitled to claim on expenses. Again, I rarely do it. Every penny is a prisoner in the private sector and I get paid a decent salary for what I do. I'd feel like I was taking the piss if I claimed a couple of quid every time I took someone to Starbucks. I know people who do claim every last penny and they are generally viewed dimly by their peers.
But these brass necked parasites in the House of Commons feel they are "entitled" to claim for duck houses, light bulbs, grass cutting and tree pruning. They need to work for a small business who are being crippled by the punitive tax regime for a few weeks to see what the real world looks like. Let's see where they're told to stick their receipt for grass cutting outwith their Ivory Tower.
Totally different music tonight. Traditional North East of Scotland folk music. Bothy Ballads. Listen to the Barnyards of Delgaty, Charlie Allan or Willie Clark have fantastic versions. If you can't understand it, let me know, I'll translate! Now that's me loused till the morn's nicht!
Why? Because I'm hot under the collar about it. Apparently backbench MPs are up in arms about what they perceive as the "changing of the goalposts" by Sir Thomas Legg as he requests they pay back expenses. We claimed, they whine, within the rules at the time. Well the rules, which they made up themselves, stank to high heaven.
These people are our representatives. How can they be so ostrich like and have no idea whatsoever as to how the likes of expense claims work in the real world. Do you really expect to be reimbursed for the likes of gardening and decorating when it is of no consequence to the job you are employed in?
I have worked for a few small to medium sized businesses. I have alway been entitled to mileage as I have had to travel 3 or 4 times a week to meet Clients and candidates. Very rarely will I claim for this.
Same with meeting people for coffee or lunch, which due the nature of my job I have to do frequently and would be quite entitled to claim on expenses. Again, I rarely do it. Every penny is a prisoner in the private sector and I get paid a decent salary for what I do. I'd feel like I was taking the piss if I claimed a couple of quid every time I took someone to Starbucks. I know people who do claim every last penny and they are generally viewed dimly by their peers.
But these brass necked parasites in the House of Commons feel they are "entitled" to claim for duck houses, light bulbs, grass cutting and tree pruning. They need to work for a small business who are being crippled by the punitive tax regime for a few weeks to see what the real world looks like. Let's see where they're told to stick their receipt for grass cutting outwith their Ivory Tower.
Totally different music tonight. Traditional North East of Scotland folk music. Bothy Ballads. Listen to the Barnyards of Delgaty, Charlie Allan or Willie Clark have fantastic versions. If you can't understand it, let me know, I'll translate! Now that's me loused till the morn's nicht!
Monday, 12 October 2009
Another Great Day in the UK
Well what have we today. Another normal day in the "mother of paliaments". Our esteemed Prime Minister has to repay almost £12.5k he claimed for cleaning and gardening. That's 12 thousand pounds. A lot of people in this country hardly earn that in wages a year. Clegg (you may not know this nonentity, he is the 'leader' of the Lib Dems) has to pay back almost a grand for the same. Cameron is being asked for clarification on mortgage payments he claimed for.
Then the ex-home Secretary Jacqui Smith "apologises" to the House of Commons for a little local difficulty with her expenses. She designated her sister's house in London, which she shares, as her main home and then claimed second home allowances on her family home. And there was the fun with her hubby's porn film. No repayment of the money, and the apology seemed more like a child shouting "It's not fair".......with a rubbish little ditty about not being able to work for her constituents because of it all. She won't have to worry about that after May next year.
And finally they wish to sell off the last of the family silver (including the Tote, Dartford Crossing and the Channel Rail Link) for raise £16 billion. That sounds impressive doesn't it. Unfortunately that will pay off about one month of our debts.
And these clowns wonder why the public don't trust them. They are a disgrace.
Tonight's music is Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. A far cry from their early stuff and all the better for it.
Then the ex-home Secretary Jacqui Smith "apologises" to the House of Commons for a little local difficulty with her expenses. She designated her sister's house in London, which she shares, as her main home and then claimed second home allowances on her family home. And there was the fun with her hubby's porn film. No repayment of the money, and the apology seemed more like a child shouting "It's not fair".......with a rubbish little ditty about not being able to work for her constituents because of it all. She won't have to worry about that after May next year.
And finally they wish to sell off the last of the family silver (including the Tote, Dartford Crossing and the Channel Rail Link) for raise £16 billion. That sounds impressive doesn't it. Unfortunately that will pay off about one month of our debts.
And these clowns wonder why the public don't trust them. They are a disgrace.
Tonight's music is Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. A far cry from their early stuff and all the better for it.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Go Now Bigots
We've had another week of the bigot brothers from the West Coast telling the rest of Scottish Football how we hold them back and they need to move to the English Leagues to "fulfil their potential". Their mates in the (mainly) Glasgow press have enthusiastically backed them up.
Well I think I speak for the vast majority of fans of other teams in the SPL when I say, just go. Now. Leave us all in peace. We will survive very well without you. The league would be very competitive, with Aberdeen, the Dundee and Edinburgh teams all fighting for the title every season. The likes of Motherwell and Killie would also have a great chance of getting in on the act. You'd never know who was going to win the Cups, it would be wide open.
The crowds would be like the Leagues in Ireland and Wales the Glasgow press advise us. Nonsense. With a chance of winning the title the clubs I've mentioned above would get healthy crowds. Aberdeen games against Hearts and Dundee United have a healthy needle already and that's with only a European place up for grabs. Imagine if it were to win the title.
The TV money wouldn't be enough. Celtic and Rangers hoard 80% of it already. I'd be confident the SPL could negotiate a deal worth more than the 20% the other teams get just now.
We'd also get rid of the disgusting sectarian bile Celtic and Rangers specialise in. Every now and again UEFA make noises about sorting this out. The SFA do nothing. So they continue to sing their songs of hate.
My worry is that the English won't want them. And who can blame them. They saw how the Old Firm behave when Rangers "fans" trashed Manchester at the UEFA Cup Final. They won't stand for the sectarian tosh in London.
If there was a English Premier League 2 and the Old Firm had to start there, how long would it take them to get promoted into the top division? The Championship is a notoriously difficult league to get promoted from. I can't see EPL2 being any easier. A couple of seasons without promotion, no trophies and no Europe and the glory hunters would disappear like snow off a dyke. I remember the early 80's when the attendances at Ibrox hovered around 10,000.
So goodbye and good riddance Old Firm. Don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.
Music today Walk on By by the Stranglers. What a cover should be - a totally different take on the original.
Well I think I speak for the vast majority of fans of other teams in the SPL when I say, just go. Now. Leave us all in peace. We will survive very well without you. The league would be very competitive, with Aberdeen, the Dundee and Edinburgh teams all fighting for the title every season. The likes of Motherwell and Killie would also have a great chance of getting in on the act. You'd never know who was going to win the Cups, it would be wide open.
The crowds would be like the Leagues in Ireland and Wales the Glasgow press advise us. Nonsense. With a chance of winning the title the clubs I've mentioned above would get healthy crowds. Aberdeen games against Hearts and Dundee United have a healthy needle already and that's with only a European place up for grabs. Imagine if it were to win the title.
The TV money wouldn't be enough. Celtic and Rangers hoard 80% of it already. I'd be confident the SPL could negotiate a deal worth more than the 20% the other teams get just now.
We'd also get rid of the disgusting sectarian bile Celtic and Rangers specialise in. Every now and again UEFA make noises about sorting this out. The SFA do nothing. So they continue to sing their songs of hate.
My worry is that the English won't want them. And who can blame them. They saw how the Old Firm behave when Rangers "fans" trashed Manchester at the UEFA Cup Final. They won't stand for the sectarian tosh in London.
If there was a English Premier League 2 and the Old Firm had to start there, how long would it take them to get promoted into the top division? The Championship is a notoriously difficult league to get promoted from. I can't see EPL2 being any easier. A couple of seasons without promotion, no trophies and no Europe and the glory hunters would disappear like snow off a dyke. I remember the early 80's when the attendances at Ibrox hovered around 10,000.
So goodbye and good riddance Old Firm. Don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.
Music today Walk on By by the Stranglers. What a cover should be - a totally different take on the original.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Back to the Future
The north east of Scotland is a beautiful place to live. Out here in Deeside the scenery is fantastic, it's generally low in crime and a great place to bring up your family. The weather can be dire, but if you've grown up here you're used to it. But it doesn't come without it's drawbacks, mainly in the sphere of transport.
Beeching decimated the railway system. Here in Lumphanan you can see the old Deeside railway line clearly and it annoys me that I can't jump on a train to work every day. The bus is over £8 SINGLE into Aberdeen. And it takes 90 minutes to get there, in the car you'll be there in less than half that time. There are about 3 buses a day, all of which are at times to suit the bus company, not the public. And they wonder why no-one uses public transport.
There is no chance of the railway being re-opened. It would cost too much and much of the old line has been built over. The bus company isn't going to reduce their prices, speed up or increase their service any time soon.
That's why every time a politician whines about getting us out of our cars and onto public transport, my eyes glaze over and my blood pressure heads up a little more. Surely once in a while these clowns can get into the real world and see how we live - they could do it in their annual leave, which seems to be a little more generous that the 28 days per annum most of us in the revenue generating sector of the population receive.
Music for today - try Happy Hour by the Housemartins. Cutting satire about the 9 to 5 in a killer feel good melody.
Beeching decimated the railway system. Here in Lumphanan you can see the old Deeside railway line clearly and it annoys me that I can't jump on a train to work every day. The bus is over £8 SINGLE into Aberdeen. And it takes 90 minutes to get there, in the car you'll be there in less than half that time. There are about 3 buses a day, all of which are at times to suit the bus company, not the public. And they wonder why no-one uses public transport.
There is no chance of the railway being re-opened. It would cost too much and much of the old line has been built over. The bus company isn't going to reduce their prices, speed up or increase their service any time soon.
That's why every time a politician whines about getting us out of our cars and onto public transport, my eyes glaze over and my blood pressure heads up a little more. Surely once in a while these clowns can get into the real world and see how we live - they could do it in their annual leave, which seems to be a little more generous that the 28 days per annum most of us in the revenue generating sector of the population receive.
Music for today - try Happy Hour by the Housemartins. Cutting satire about the 9 to 5 in a killer feel good melody.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Bingeing on the Nanny State
Friday night. The kids are settled and The Dark Knight is taped ready to watch. Down to the local shop for 4 cans of Guinness to relax and watch the film.
Go down there and it's adorned with signs everywhere - "drink aware", "know your limits", "no-one under 25 served alcohol". A young woman, obviously in her 20's is being refused the purchase of a bottle of wine. Embarrased, she walks out. The guy behind the counter, also embarrassed, is only doing his job. As I skulk out with my cans of Guinness, I feel like a criminal. Is this how it is for a junkie when they head into the daylight from a crack den?
Once I've drunk 2 or 3 of these cans, I'll be a 'binge drinker'. I haven't had a drink for a couple of weeks. This is a pretty normal state of affairs. I never drink on a 'school night', but if I go out of a weekend I'll drink more than the government "recommends". Sometimes a lot more. If I'm at home I'll maybe do what I'm doing tonight. This makes me some sort of evil, anti-social citizen according to the SNP "government" (more like a glorified regional council).
If you can't have a couple of beers at the weekend after a hard week at work without being castigated by these nannying busybodies at Hollyrood, god help us all. Now I think I'll go and find that nice bottle of Tomatin Malt and have a whisky chaser with this Guinness.
As a hard working, tax paying, adult, the recommended units of alcohol per day is any amount I damn well like.
Musical interlude tonight is an absolute classic - the Joy Division, Love will Tear us Apart. Ian Curtis' tragic life encapsulated in one heart tearing anthem. Listen to the words and if you're not moved you haven't got a soul.
Go down there and it's adorned with signs everywhere - "drink aware", "know your limits", "no-one under 25 served alcohol". A young woman, obviously in her 20's is being refused the purchase of a bottle of wine. Embarrased, she walks out. The guy behind the counter, also embarrassed, is only doing his job. As I skulk out with my cans of Guinness, I feel like a criminal. Is this how it is for a junkie when they head into the daylight from a crack den?
Once I've drunk 2 or 3 of these cans, I'll be a 'binge drinker'. I haven't had a drink for a couple of weeks. This is a pretty normal state of affairs. I never drink on a 'school night', but if I go out of a weekend I'll drink more than the government "recommends". Sometimes a lot more. If I'm at home I'll maybe do what I'm doing tonight. This makes me some sort of evil, anti-social citizen according to the SNP "government" (more like a glorified regional council).
If you can't have a couple of beers at the weekend after a hard week at work without being castigated by these nannying busybodies at Hollyrood, god help us all. Now I think I'll go and find that nice bottle of Tomatin Malt and have a whisky chaser with this Guinness.
As a hard working, tax paying, adult, the recommended units of alcohol per day is any amount I damn well like.
Musical interlude tonight is an absolute classic - the Joy Division, Love will Tear us Apart. Ian Curtis' tragic life encapsulated in one heart tearing anthem. Listen to the words and if you're not moved you haven't got a soul.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Kids
It's been a long day. Already after 8pm and my two little darlings are still not in bed. They are sitting here with me watching Rainbow. Man this takes me back, George, Zippy and Bungle. And they seem to be as mesmerising to this generation as they were to me.
The wee one has had a bit of an infection so has been off nursery. Hence, the good lady has had to go to work this evening, leaving dad in charge. That's why the TV is on, they won't go to bed and we've had an eventful evening.
The 2 year old is potty training, but decided tonight to use the hall as his potty and has wee'd all over the shop. The pillows are strewn all over our bedroom again. Their toys, neatly put away in the box by mum earlier, are all over the living room floor (oldest looking for his DS, youngest wanting to use the box as a car).
I'm shattered. I haven't got near the report I took home to finish from work this evening and there's little chance of even getting it started before 10pm. If I get the boys to go to bed before 9pm tonight it will be a miracle. Then I'll have to tidy up.
But I wouldn't change the wee rascals for the world!
My muscial recommendation tonight is The Rain by the Cult. Not as well known as the likes of She Shells Sanctuary, it's still a great slice of goth rock from the mid-80s. Can't help thinking they since here comes lorraine though!!
Friday tomorrow, hurrah!
The wee one has had a bit of an infection so has been off nursery. Hence, the good lady has had to go to work this evening, leaving dad in charge. That's why the TV is on, they won't go to bed and we've had an eventful evening.
The 2 year old is potty training, but decided tonight to use the hall as his potty and has wee'd all over the shop. The pillows are strewn all over our bedroom again. Their toys, neatly put away in the box by mum earlier, are all over the living room floor (oldest looking for his DS, youngest wanting to use the box as a car).
I'm shattered. I haven't got near the report I took home to finish from work this evening and there's little chance of even getting it started before 10pm. If I get the boys to go to bed before 9pm tonight it will be a miracle. Then I'll have to tidy up.
But I wouldn't change the wee rascals for the world!
My muscial recommendation tonight is The Rain by the Cult. Not as well known as the likes of She Shells Sanctuary, it's still a great slice of goth rock from the mid-80s. Can't help thinking they since here comes lorraine though!!
Friday tomorrow, hurrah!
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Tartan Barmy
In case you're not aware, I'm a football fan. Not footy, soccer or the beautiful game, but a fitba fan. I've been going to Pittodrie to watch Aberdeen since the mid 1970's. The game's generally been ruined by the johnny come latelys who believe Sky invented footy (I hate that bloody word) in 1992. I'll blog about that another day, tonight's all about international football.
I find internationals a bloody nuisance. You're just getting into the domestic season and an international turns up and breaks the pattern. I have little or no interest in the Scotland international team for several reasons.
Nowadays very few Dons players get into the international side (although Miller and Langfield are with them this time, because the Old Firm players have picked up "injuries" again. Pound to a penny they are all back playing for the bigot brothers next weekend though). I really can't be arsed watching a team full of Rangers and Celtic reserves, plus some guys who play in the English lower leagues but who our esteemed Manager thinks are good players because there's loads of dosh sloshing about in what is Divisions 3 and 4 in old money.
On top of that you've got the Tartan Army themselves. Now I know guys who follow the National Team and good luck to them. But I can't get excited about wandering the world dressed like I've just jumped off the front of a shortbread tin or arrived from Brigadoon singing Doh a Deer or We'll be coming down the road. Each to their own. I'm a parochial sod and will continue to be an Aberdeenshire loon first and foremost thanks.
But the biggest reason I've little interest in international football is Ally MacLeod. Ally was Aberdeen manager when I started going to the football. Ally won the League Cup in 1976 with the Dons. The picture adorning this blog is of Drew Jarvie and Davie "the Brush" Robb celebrating said win. Ally left the Dons and became Scotland Manager. And told us we'd win the World Cup. I was 9 years old. I believed him. Along with everyone else at school we got the 1978 World Cup tops (HUGE badges thereon). My sis and I had Ally's Tartan Army t-shirts. We sat at home eagerly awaiting the first game against Peru. We lost 3-1. Iran......1-1........Holland (THAT Archie Gemmill goal) win 3-2 but we're out. That wasn't supposed to happen. It's a big deal for a 9 year old for a hero to lie to them.
And so it went on.........1982, Alan Hansen gets in the road of Willie Miller, Russia send us out. 1986, we can't beat a team who were down to 10 men after a couple of minutes.............1990 we get beat by Costa Rica..............
It's too much to bear. I can handle Aberdeen being rubbish. It's my calling in life to support my local team through thick and thin, over the past 15 years mostly very thin. But I can't double up and do the same with the international side anymore. I admire those who can. It's just not for me nowadays.
But I can't be mad with Ally anymore, rest his soul, he was an optimist, something this country doesn't have many of. He also had a personality, which, again, is a rare commodity.
So excuse me if I don't watch Scotland draw with Japan this weekend, but to those of you who do....."We'll be coming, we'll be coming, we'll be coming down the road"..................
Tonight's musical recommendation is from The Smiths. How Soon is Now? Listen to Johnny Marr's guitar on this and wonder, how in the world did he do that. The man is a genuis.
I find internationals a bloody nuisance. You're just getting into the domestic season and an international turns up and breaks the pattern. I have little or no interest in the Scotland international team for several reasons.
Nowadays very few Dons players get into the international side (although Miller and Langfield are with them this time, because the Old Firm players have picked up "injuries" again. Pound to a penny they are all back playing for the bigot brothers next weekend though). I really can't be arsed watching a team full of Rangers and Celtic reserves, plus some guys who play in the English lower leagues but who our esteemed Manager thinks are good players because there's loads of dosh sloshing about in what is Divisions 3 and 4 in old money.
On top of that you've got the Tartan Army themselves. Now I know guys who follow the National Team and good luck to them. But I can't get excited about wandering the world dressed like I've just jumped off the front of a shortbread tin or arrived from Brigadoon singing Doh a Deer or We'll be coming down the road. Each to their own. I'm a parochial sod and will continue to be an Aberdeenshire loon first and foremost thanks.
But the biggest reason I've little interest in international football is Ally MacLeod. Ally was Aberdeen manager when I started going to the football. Ally won the League Cup in 1976 with the Dons. The picture adorning this blog is of Drew Jarvie and Davie "the Brush" Robb celebrating said win. Ally left the Dons and became Scotland Manager. And told us we'd win the World Cup. I was 9 years old. I believed him. Along with everyone else at school we got the 1978 World Cup tops (HUGE badges thereon). My sis and I had Ally's Tartan Army t-shirts. We sat at home eagerly awaiting the first game against Peru. We lost 3-1. Iran......1-1........Holland (THAT Archie Gemmill goal) win 3-2 but we're out. That wasn't supposed to happen. It's a big deal for a 9 year old for a hero to lie to them.
And so it went on.........1982, Alan Hansen gets in the road of Willie Miller, Russia send us out. 1986, we can't beat a team who were down to 10 men after a couple of minutes.............1990 we get beat by Costa Rica..............
It's too much to bear. I can handle Aberdeen being rubbish. It's my calling in life to support my local team through thick and thin, over the past 15 years mostly very thin. But I can't double up and do the same with the international side anymore. I admire those who can. It's just not for me nowadays.
But I can't be mad with Ally anymore, rest his soul, he was an optimist, something this country doesn't have many of. He also had a personality, which, again, is a rare commodity.
So excuse me if I don't watch Scotland draw with Japan this weekend, but to those of you who do....."We'll be coming, we'll be coming, we'll be coming down the road"..................
Tonight's musical recommendation is from The Smiths. How Soon is Now? Listen to Johnny Marr's guitar on this and wonder, how in the world did he do that. The man is a genuis.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Blog Number One
I've read other blogs for quite some time now. I always said I'd get round to starting one of my own and tonight's the night. There's two reasons for this (apologies to Rod Stewart for nicking a song title from him in sentence 2. Start as you mean to go on my man):
- Number one son's parent's night went well. He needs to improve the layout of his writing, can dad help? Yes he can, he'll blog and show him how to present a page (or not as the case may be). See mum I was listening to you as you regaled me with the story of the parent's night. I stayed at home with son number two before you start having a pop about me not being there!
- The Conservative Party's announcement today about the increase in the Pension age to 66.
Now this blog will be a place where a guy who has just turned 40 vents his spleen a bit. And it'll be pretty eclectic, whatever takes my fancy on a certain day will be written about, but politics will feature a fair amount. So as good a place to start as any, especially with us being in the conference season.
New Labour have done my head in. Slippery, disingenuous, incompetent, arrogant and sleazy, you just can't imagine things could be any worse.
And then "Boy" George and Call Me Dave turn up and casually advise me "sorry old boy, country in a bit of a mess, you'll have to work another year". And you can bet your life it'll have gone up again by the time I think about spending my days on the golf course.
You end up with the idea that these Labour and Tory clowns are basically two cheeks of the same backside. It appears they've decided the people who do actually work will be made to do so until they drop down dead.
You know who you are - the "hard working families" they patronise once every 5 years when they want your vote. Then they squeeze every single penny they can out of you for the next 4 years, before giving you a few quid back as another bribe in the budget preceding the next General Election.
A cynic would suggest this latest bright idea is a ploy to make sure they don't have to pay any state pension to us at all, as we'll all have worked ourselves to death before we get to pension age. Either that or it's like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You get to 66, sorry it's now 67 until you get your dosh, 67th birthday arrives, sorry mate 68 now and so on..............
Never mind, our private pension pots are teeming with cash........oh hold on, Gordon stole all the cash out of there too..........
On a brighter note (I will try to end on a positive note when at all possible!!), every post will end with a recommendation of a song I think you should listen to/download. You'll find as we go along how much I love music, probably taken from my Dad who was a drummer in a band for many years.
Recommendation 1 - I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better by the Byrds. Listen to the vocal harmonies, awesome.
Well hope you've enjoyed Post 1. I think I'm going to enjoy this!!
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