the boy in the striped pajamas, how vietnam was lost and the world cup 2002

I had to drag myself out of bed this morning as I got picked up at 8.45am to go to a discharge meeting at Harrogate hospital, but it has been quite a pleasant day since then. The weather is still crap, and it has been pissing down all week, which means I can't go out and cut the grass yet. The downside of this is the grass is getting longer and I will have to cut it at some stage. The good side of this is I was back at home about 1pm and had nothing much to do (nothing l couldn't put off anyway). This resulted in me lazing around as usual, watching films and reading. Back to work tomorrow, and the person who is being discharged will be coming to spend his first night there, so I am staying overnight to try to help him settle. Also volunteered to come back in at 9pm on Friday night and stay the night again. I must have lost my marbles.Anyway, back to the lazing around....

The documentary of the 2002 World Cup was the official FIFA film, so it was a bit bland, but did show some good footage that l had not seen before. It's the year England were knocked out by Brazil, with David Seaman waving at the ball as a free kick goes sailing past him. Brazil went on to beat Germany in the final 2-0, and suddenly Sven was not considered much of a manager.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (based on the John Boyne book) was alright, although l didn't believe the little Jewish boy could spend so long sitting by the fence and chatting when he was meant to be working (he had a wheelbarrow with him most of the time). Hardly any guards about either. Very suspicious. I did enjoy David Thewlis' performance, and Asa Butterfield (as Bruno, the eight year old German) was pretty good as well. Still not keen on people talking in their usual posh English accents when playing Germans though. I don't expect them to speak like a comedy baddie, but at least David Thewlis made an effort and didn't sound out of place.

How Vietnam was lost was a Storyville documentary based on the book by David Maraniss (They marched into sunlight), relating the tales of student unrest at Wisconsin which led to them being beaten by the 'pigs' and the US troops who were ambushed by the Viet Cong, both in October 1967. It was pretty moving and told both sides of the stories, and how they changed peoples perception of the war, especially how events were reported.

Also found out about the large amount of plastic that is floating around in the Pacific Trash Vortex (it was mentioned on QI). I have since looked it up and it is pretty grim. Thankfully I won't be around to watch the planet completely go to the dogs. One of the benefits of being old (there aren't that many!).

toodle pip

moon river with spider fingers

Look at the size of Audrey Hepburns fingers!! They would spook me out (and make my cock look small/smaller)

toodle pip

space shuttle atlantis

This is the space shuttle Atlantis coming up to the space docking station with the Sun in the background. Cosmic.

toodle pip

keith richards

A great shot of Keith at home in his library. He is indeed a man of style and taste.

toodle pip

heart monitor and old house

I have been to Northallerton hospital and had a heart monitor fitted for 24 hours. This was returned to the hospital this evening, and I now have to go there again on Friday for an ECG and to then see the consultant. Exciting stuff. Wore the monitor yesterday, when I went out to see Joe at the Wine Bar and got very very drunk, so it will be interesting to see if something shows up from that. Sadly I did not flake out while wearing it, so I am not sure if it will discover anything.

While I was in Northallerton, I noticed this house and plaque. I have walked past this house many times and never noticed it before, so either the plaque is recent, or I am just a half blind idiot with no awareness of his surroundings. I think it is the latter.

toodle pip

recent stuff l have enjoyed

Worried about the Boy. Documentary about Boy George, some of it seemed pretty unbelievable.

A film about trying to get paid off by having three suicides in a month leap in front of a train Crap.

The series has been repeated on Sky. It's excellent, especially when they have the relaxing pills.

Classic Hitchcock, dated but still keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen.

Albert Finney lives for the moment and realises life in the factory is shit. Then he gets a woman pregnant and gets himself a girlfriend. The book is better than the film.

Classic stuff. Nicholson is great in this. I can't be bothered looking it up but I think he got an Oscar for it. The chief is also pretty cool.

Obviously dated, but some decent characters in the plays, especially that scoundrel Scapin.

Thought this would be crap but it was a lot funnier than I was expecting. Not brilliant by any means, but it had some good moments.

I started watching this and then accidentally deleted it, so I am waiting for it to come back on so I can see the end of it. Tilda Swinton is excellent in it, playing a wayward drunk, not afraid to show herself in an unflattering light.

A classic. Also dated, but it is still a fantastic film which flies by.

Still have loads of Wallender to watch and have been ploughing through the latest series of American dad. There's just not enough hours in the day.

toodle pip

san francisco market street

A great old movie of a journey down San Francisco's market street 100 years ago and the same scene in 2005. How times have changed

toodle pip

adam ant 'ill' again

I am probably a little bit behind the times as I am playing catch up with news, but Adam Ant has been sectioned again, which is a real shame, as he had been getting himself back in shape and playing some gigs. The brains a funny old thing. Here's his message he sent to his fans (although he may be out by now).

toodle pip

l love japan part 4047

A game show in Japan. The dirty dirty people. They are so far ahead of us in the UK, because when we get game shows like this, l will start watching them.

toodle pip

updates with life in general

I just feel as though I am slowly getting back into the swing of things at the moment. Although I was only away for a week at work, it has been all go since then, learning about my new job (yawn). Went out and about in Richmond on bank holiday Monday, which was also the FPO's birthday, therefore a lot of ale was taken. Since then I have been at work, dealing with the aftermath of the death of the person I was visiting in hospital before the holiday. She died on Thursday morning, so there have been things to sort out at work for her (death certificates, freezing bank accounts, seeing undertakers etc). Also had a visit from Louise and Dazzer on Friday so more ale was taken as it's the only way I can tolerate them (only joking!). Had work again on Saturday, then relaxing properly for the first time tonight (when even more ale was taken, a couple of bottles of scrumptious Merlot). Thankfully I am only working on Thursday afternoon this week, although I do have to attend a meeting in Harrogate on Wednesday, which should only take an hour or two. The grass shall be cut, the weather shall be sweet (I hope), and I shall chill out and do my usual crap. That reminds me of something. When I was out and about on bank holiday Monday, I must have said to someone I had not read Mark E Smith's book (from the Fall), as it has since been thrust through my letterbox (ooeer!). I really do not have a clue where it has come from (apart from the letter box), and it may have been put through by someone who may just think I would like it (I'm thinking along the lines of Powlie). At some stage I will bump into someone who will ask me if I have enjoyed it, then I will realise who it is from. In the meantime.. a free book! Excellent!

Off to the hospital tomorrow for a heart monitor to be fitted, then it's ECG tests on Friday, followed by an appointment with the consultant. looking forward to it (if the old ticker holds out that long).

toodle pip

drum kit

http://www.stanwilliamsmusic.com/drums.html

It's a drum kit on your keyboard!

toodle pip

world cup interactive guide

http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html

It's all the info you need on one page

toodle pip

IfItWasMyHome.com - Visualizing the BP Oil Disaster

IfItWasMyHome.com - Visualizing the BP Oil Disaster

This is amazing. It makes you realise just how large the spillage is. Don't forget that the oil is still flowing at the moment, with no great end in site.

toodle pip

promotion at work and hospital visits

Damn! It looks like I will have to crumble and do some real work as I have been promoted to boss/team leader/head honcho whatever the hell it is I will be called. More importantly, it's OK with being in charge, it's not so good having to do some real work for a change. I have been going over stuff today with my line manager, and there's a lot more to be going over on Friday. I get more pay, but to tell the truth I am not that bothered about that, it's more the fact that a dickhead might become my boss if I don't accept the role. I can do whatever hours I want and still go on the freebie holidays, do overtime if I wish, and don't have to do sleepovers, on calls or weekends. I will still do some as I don't mind doing so, but at least I have the choice. Just a shame about the extra work.

Also.... the person I have been visiting in hospital since before going to Rhodes is still there, still hanging on grimly to whatever life she has left, although death is expected at any time. I have been through to visit yesterday and today, but I don't think that there is any recognition that I am there. It would be better if a load of morphine was given to help her on her way, as there is no way she is going to get better. As the old saying goes, if it was an animal it would have been put down by now. When I am in those shoes, I want the extra morphine.

toodle pip

rhodes trip

Here's some photos from the work trip to Rhodes last week. It was hot hot hot and everyone was friendly, but more importantly, everything was paid for and it was all inclusive, including trips out. Managed to go to Rhodes town (Rhodos) and Faleraki, but mainly it was lazing around on the beach for the week, although we did end up at a Greek wedding on the last day, which was pretty lively to say the least.

Bit of a bugger being back in freezing England, but the good news is I have to book another trip for work in the next few days, to go somewhere else hot in September. Hurrah!! That will help me get over the struggle of returning to normal life.

toodle pip

working on mount rushmore

These workers must be pretty brave, very hot and not scared of heights. What a job.

toodle pip

back from rhodes

Here's me on the beach in Rhodes yesterday. It all seems such a long time ago, this time last night I was at a Greek wedding, then travelled overnight to get back home. The flight was delayed till 7.40am (from 5.15am) so I have had no sleep yet. Certainly off to bed pretty soon though, as there is a big day ahead tomorrow, what with it being Bank holiday Monday and the FPO's birthday. More news later.

toodle pip

off on my hols

This will probably be the last post for a week as I am off to Rhodes this evening and don't come back until the 30th of May. It's a work holiday so its all inclusive and I get extra pay for going. What a result!

I'll be on the beach this time tomorrow.

toodle pip

meal at robbos and inlaws gardening

I have only just uploaded these photos from last weekend, from when a free meal at Robbo and Kerry's was offered for Sunday and taken, the remains of which are photographed above.

The day before, Dazzer and Louise came down to visit and Dazzer (the mad git) got stuck into the gardening outside, digging out roots from the bushes. Luckily I could not assist as I had to go to work, but I did manage a couple of photos. The grass is no longer so high, as I cut it earlier on today (and hated every minute of it).

Can't say what for, but there was also a visit from armed police. I didn't get a good photo as it was too dark for the camera, but the gun and badge are on display (but not the face, as it was hideous!).

It's fun fun fun round these parts. See you in court.

toodle pip

three nights in hospital

I have just finished three nights at work supporting someone who had to go into hospital. This was OK for me and I volunteered to do it, as I usually stay up pretty late anyway, so it was not too much of a hardship, just a bit boring. I originally went into work on Monday at 3pm, to be informed someone had been taken in, so I said I would go, and ended up working non stop until 1pm the next day, then back to the hospital at 9pm for the next night shift. Rather idiotically , I did not go to bed when I got back home for my eight hours kip, deciding instead to stay awake and make the most of the days. I managed to grab about two hours sleep each day for the last three days, and probably won't get to bed early tonight (I finished work today at 9am). This means I have had about six hours sleep since Sunday, but I have managed to watch a lot of films, read and listen to a lot of stuff. On my return home today I even decided to go outside and try and sort the garden out, the first grass cut of the year, which is always a right bastard of a job. Spent about forty seven and a half hours of continuous hard work grass cutting, then put together a wood burner and a table. I was mighty glad to be hitting the bath after that, washing off the filth of hard manual labour, stuff I am not used to.

Anyway, the main point was about the hospital support. I was there for three nights and whenever I decided to stretch my legs and have a walk, I wandered round the hospital by myself, hardly seeing anyone, and never getting asked what I was up to. Very poor security. I look like a stinking hippie most of the time and I could have had anything in my bag, luckily I didn't have explosives, just ipods and books. I won't say which hospital it was as the care they gave to the person I was supporting was really good, so I don't want to get them into trouble, but it was weird wandering around the place.

No work now till 7pm Saturday, when I get picked up to support people on a trip to Rhodes for a week. Hurrah! Better than hospital support any day. More news about the trip later.

toodle pip

chris evans' new car

This is the car that Chris Evans bought last week. It's a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO and it cost him 12 million pounds. Now I like Chris Evans, but he is one rich bastard and spending money like that makes me extremely jealous. One thing though, at least he knows how to enjoy his money, so good luck to him (not that he needs it). I hate to think what I would waste my money on if I was as rich as him, but I sure would like to try.

toodle pip

lord triesman

With Becks and the 2018 World Cup Bid

Lord Triesman is 66 and a rich idiot

The posh educated tottie/slapper is 37

So, what a surprise. Someone else in a position of power decides to have an affair with someone younger. This time it's Lord Triesman, (the head of the FA) who has been caught playing away from home. The Mail and his old flame Melissa Jacobs (37) have stitched him up like a kipper. She was dating him (why?? money by any chance??) and then secretly taped him at a meal so the Mail could use the recording as evidence (you can also listen to the recordings on the Mail's website). The Mail have been keen to stress that Melissa is posh and educated ("A privately educated economics and biology graduate") and not just a money grabber, but it is all very seedy as far as I am concerned. If she cared about him, she would not have stitched him up, knowing his family would find out and he would lose his job. Also, there is no way she would have gone for him if he was not rich and powerful. There is also the fact that he has probably been hounded by the Mail as he is a Labour peer, even if he is an idiot for falling to temptation and then sending texts and slagging off other countries World Cup bids. Another sad old bastard gets done, another trollop shags and sells her story, another scoop for the Mail to wet its pants over, and a chance that Englands World Cup bid may be scuppered due to the accusations made over dinner. Never mind eh. At least the Mail got their story and the trollop got her money.

On a related note, the World Cup bid that Becks is handing over runs to 1,752 pages.

That will not be read.

Let's hope there are lots of nice photos for the committees to look at.

toodle pip

football coalition

Aston Villa and Liverpool form coalition to claim Premier League title from Chelsea

NEWLY-FORMED coalition club Liverton Villa have controversially claimed this season’s Premier League trophy after combining the points totals of their former incarnations as Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The Premier League’s constitution allows for clubs to form a coalition if the side that originally won the league did so without a significant majority of floating glory supporters giving them their backing.

The coalition club have been locked in meetings to determine which elements of each side would remain in the merger. The long negotiations resulted in a deal that will see Rafael Benitez step down as manager and hand over a side to Martin O’Neill that will line up in a claret and red strip at Anfield next season, to the strains of You’ll Never Walk Alone (UB40 remix) .

Liverton Villa’s ‘dream team’ of American chairmen George Gillet and Randy Lerner said (speaking alternate words): “With our combined points total of 127 we were by far and away the best team in the Premier League this year. We therefore claim the trophy, and the full backing of the people.”

The coalition will spend the summer campaigning for a new points system, which will more accurately reflect supporters’ wishes by finally registering every kick as a goal, rather than just shots. More engagement with Europe is also expected, potentially via a close-season pan-continental 5-a-side tournament.

But commentators have been quick to question the stability of the Liv-Av coalition, pointing to significant differences in their season manifestos.

“This is naked political horse trading,” said an incensed Richard Keys on Sky Sports News. “The cracks will appear very soon, both sides have totally different policies on hoofs up the pitch, tricky wingers and the need for an Emile Heskey.”

Liverpool have been open to the idea of a coalition team since their season began to go awry in August of last year. The Reds flirted with fashionable Tottenham Hotspur for a deal, before eventually deeming them “unacceptably Southern”.

Usurped champion Didier Drogba angrily responded to the audacious Liverton merger. “It’s a f*cking disgrace,” he said. “And what’s more they sound like one of the fake teams from Pro Evo.”

From ' The Gaffer'

toodle pip

dio again - kill the king

oxford united return

Although Manchester United are my favourite team, I used to go and watch Oxford United a lot when I was younger, as I lived in between Oxford and Reading, so I still look out for their results, and was henceforth chuffed earlier on after watching Oxford beat York 3-1 to get promotion back into the league. They scored two quick goals (One from James Constable above, who has had a great season) and were coasting it until a mistake from their goalkeeper Ryan Clarke cost them a goal, as he fumbled a cross into his own net. It was then a bit nervous until they scored again in injury time, as York were trying to press or an equaliser. It was a miserable day in the pouring rain at Wembley, but a great result. It's a pity Darlington have just been demoted as I could have gone to watch Oxford play there, as I now live about 12 miles from the Darlington ground. Never mind, onwards and upwards.

toodle pip

dio is dead

Bit of sad news tonight as I have discovered on the BBC news site that Ronnie James Dio has died from stomach cancer. I used to love him when he sang for Rainbow, and he also did a splendid job singing for Black Sabbath. I think I have those albums, plus a couple of his solo albums somewhere, not that I have played them for years, but I enjoyed them a lot when they first came out. My matie boy Shuggs was in a table football team with Dio in LA years ago, and said he was one of the nicest people you could meet. That's good enough for me. I was looking at old photographs from weddings and holidays today, it makes you realise how old we are all getting, and this rubs it in, as Dio was 67 when he died. He'll always be a sprightly young thing in my eyes though. Time to go and dig out an old Rainbow album, and blast out something like Kill the King, as it's still great. As the man said, Long Live Rock and Roll.

toodle pip

a drunken night rat poisoning

These are the pictures from last night after trying to poison the bloody rats. I was taking pictures on the decent cameras, but the batteries were crap and I was trying to find some batteries that were OK, with little success. I had also had a wee bit of ale (classy bottles of Chard pictured) and couldn't remember how to put normal picture settings on my phone, which is what I ended up taking the pictures on. Never mind, the rats tucked into the poison and I did get some pictures. The biggest one even tried to pull the blue bowl that had the poison in underneath the hutch. I topped the bowl up before retiring for the night, and this morning ( I was informed) there was nothing left in it, so that's a good sign. It is also good that I am not scared of the buggers, as a big one came alongside me at one point, before climbing the fence next to me so he could get into the rabbits run for the food/poison. Let's see what happens next, it is now a battle of wits between me and them (oh oh). I am away at work tonight, so will put out more poison for them on Monday and Tuesday. I actually finish work on Thursday morning at 8am as I have a few days off before going away at the weekend, so I will have to sort out the rabbits cage, kill the remainder of the rats, and cut the bloody grass for the first time this year(Damn!). Can't wait.

toodle pip