a cat that stands up

Jacksie is getting taught later on today

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nicky campbell slip up - twice!

He messes up this pretty badly, then does it again later. Silly boy

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/audio/2010/apr/01/nicky-campbell-fox-hunting?popup=true

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the season has blown up

Manchester United's season is just getting worse game by game. Obviously a lot of people will be very chuffed by that fact but it's doing my head in. Finished work today and rushed back to watch the United v Blackburn game. I shouldn't have bothered (0 - 0). It is now going to take some kind of divine intervention for United to win the league, and I hold out no hope of that happening. it's even more galling watching Match of the Day 2 later on and seeing Tevez scoring another couple of goals, we really need someone to harry defenders and cause mischief in the opposition box. Sadly Rooney is injured and I have dodgy knees, so I don't know who is going to step up to that roll. Berbatov gets some stick, but he was probably our best player today, he is just not a man to lead the attack, he is better playing behind it. At the moment, there is no way I can see us overtaking Chelsea, who now look as though they will do the League and Cup double. I would try to live in hope, but I have non left.

On a related note, I have just watched Barcelona v Real Madrid (2 - 0 to Barcelona). Once again, Messi produced the goods and scored the first goal. There was a lot of hype beforehand that it would all be about Messi and Ronaldo, but to me, there is no contest. Messi has been the best player in the world for a while, but he plays more for the team. Much as I admire all Ronaldo did for United when he was there, he still came across as though he was playing for himself and for his own glory, rather than the teams. Messi is different. He goes on long dribbles and shoots when he gets the chance, but is always willing to pick out a team-mate if it is a better option. He is still only 22 (I think), and I hate to think how good he would be if he was taller and stronger. Probably a lot like me when I was younger. Ah, those where the days...

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dazzer's birthday

A splendid time guaranteed for all. We all went out for Dazzer's birthday tonight at the Indian at White shops, which was OK, pretty quiet, and the food was not that spectacular (should have gone to Shute road). By we, I mean Dazzer and Louise, me, Mandy, Ruck, Debbie, Maria and John. We all ate loads and got pretty drunk, apart from Louise, who is with child and had the scan to prove it. Who's it is is anyones guess but at least she's happy (only joking!). Couldn't make head or tail of the scan though, just a smudge to me, but I do think I saw a snout there somewhere. Anyway, off to J.T's afterwards for more drinkiepoos, leaving about 1pm I guess, can't really remember. On the good side, I didn't collapse again so I managed to retain a little bit of dignity (what little I still possess), although I did manage to scratch my nose, which I did not realise until it was pointed out to me and the blood started running down it. Damn! What can I say? I have issues. Argued playfully with a conductor guy at the bar in J.T's about music not having to be perfect, which was a bit of a laugh (I was right, he was wrong). Walked home with Ruck and Debbie as the rest of them buggered off back to Stockton in the car (Louise driving). Same time again next year!(at Shute road).

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old photos 1924

To carry on from the last post showing the old film, these are photos taken in 1924 of Fleet street in London and the Thames. The one from the Tower of London is from 1913. Once again, where the hell is everybody?

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the great north road 1939

This film is from August 1939, showing a car journey from London to Grantham, up the A1 (Great North road). It is remarkable for the lack of people about. Most places look deserted, and this is in the middle of summertime. The Second World War started a month after this film was shot (there are black and white markings on the pavements in London, for better visibility during the expected blackouts). If the country looks empty in this film, it was emptier a short while later, when lots of people were killed during the war.It really was a different country then.
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mad men dolls and the beatles waxworks

Mad Men Dolls

Having a quiet night in with the FPO tonight and catching up on the TV. Nearly finished the new series of Mad Men, which has been really good so far, but I don't fancy spending any money on the Mad Men dolls above. Let's face it, they are crap. Not as crap as the Beatles in the Great Yarmouth waxworks museum though. I think they just got any waxworks they had and then clothed them in Beatles jackets. It doesn't work.

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the match facts

Man Utd 3-2 Bayern Munich FT
(HT 3-1)
(agg 4-4)

Gibson 3
Nani 7
Nani 41
Olic 43
Robben 74


Man Utd
01 Van der Sar
03 Evra
05 Ferdinand
15 Vidic
21 Rafael Da Silva yellow card, red card
16 Carrick (Berbatov 80)
17 Nani
24 Fletcher
25 Valencia
28 Gibson (Giggs 80)
10 Rooney (O'Shea 55)

Substitutes
29 Kuszczak, 22 O'Shea, 23 Evans, 11 Giggs, 18 Scholes, 09 Berbatov, 27 Macheda


Bayern Munich
22 Butt
05 Van Buyten
06 Demichelis
21 Lahm
28 Holger Badstuber yellow card
07 Ribery
17 Van Bommel yellow card
31 Schweinsteiger
10 Robben (Altintop 76)
11 Olic (Pranjic 84)
25 Muller (Gomez 46)

Substitutes
01 Rensing, 26 Contento, 08 Altintop, 23 Pranjic, 44 Tymoschuk, 18 Klose, 33 Gomez


Ref: Rizzoli

Att: 74,482

bloody football (again)

I am still trying to get over the elimination last night against Bayern. I was not expecting a lot from the game, as I actually thought United would draw and be knocked out that way. After the start they had (3-0 up, then 3-1 at half time), I had changed my mind and believed they could do it (with some trepidation). Unfortunately, the goal just before half time for Bayern gave them hope, and Rafael getting sent off destroyed Uniteds hopes of punishing the Germans further. It is a real shame, as Rafael had been playing great, containing Ribery, and the Bayern players definitely influenced the referee to get him sent off for his second bookable offence. A really soft and stupid sending off, coupled with Rooney still not being fit, left United exposed to attacks, which eventually paid of for Bayern. It was a great strike by Robben, but with 11 men, I think he would have been picked up at the corner and United would have got another goal or two in the second half. Still, life goes on I suppose, but I can't see United winning all their remaining games in the League (with Chelsea dropping points), so the season is very nearly over. It reminds me of so many times in the 1970's and 1980's when United played really well and looked like they might win something, only to fuck it up at the end (usually with Liverpool winning the trophy). I thought those days had long gone. Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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niagara falls power station

Behind Niagara falls, there is a power station built in 1906 that is no longer in use and closed off. Some guys have broken into it, had a good look round, and taken a load of pictures, including directly behind the waterfall. What a great experience that must have been.

The whole story and more pictures are here :

file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Jamie.HOMEPC-96FE574C/My%20Documents/Downloads/DIY_Supervillain_Hideout.htm

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foghorn leghorn

brian cox

messi does it again

I have been saying for a while that Messi is the best player in the world, and he has just turned on the magic again tonight, with Barcelona beating Arsenal 4-1 and Messi scoring all the goals. Barcelona didn't play as well as they did in the first leg, but contained Arsenal better and Messi (who had a quiet game in the first leg), was clinical in his finishing, especially in the first half, when he scored his first three goals.

Manchester United play their second leg tomorrow (2-1 down v Bayern), but I have a bad feeling about it and think it may well be a draw, meaning United are knocked out. Let's hope I am wrong.

At least I have no work untill Friday afternoon, so I can doss about before the game and prepare myself for it (lucky socks etc).

If only I believed in that or thought it could make a difference. Rather sadly, I will be reading and keeping myself busy, just to try and take my mind off it.

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cute animals

I am a busy lad today, so here's some cute animals, just so I can keep up with posting daily

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friday in the boro

Easter Friday report coming up!

Left Catterick at about 3pm and met Robbo and Kerry at their place for a few drinks and a chat before heading into town by taxi. Stopped at the Camels Hump first, meeting Danny and Gill there, before going to the House for a game of pool and to meet the others. Mandy had a bottle of vodka on her to add to the drinks of coke/apple juice the girls were having (which quickly went). Emma and her sister Tina (first base only) turned up, plus Mat and Nat, Chris and Hill. Taxis to the old Purple Onion followed after lots of ale had been consumed. The upstairs of the Purple Onion (now known as the Medicine bar) was small but pretty good, old Northern Soul music and a pretty English backdrop (Union jacks), but no threat of any violence about to kick off, like would have happened in the old days (maaaan). I was impressed with the toilets, which changed colour as you were weeing - trippy! Went downstairs to the indie disco whatever time that opened, with Rick Whitter from Shed Seven spinning the wheels of steel (not that we saw him or paid any attention). Got pissed, danced, pratted about and headed back to Nunthorpe for drinks and a burger. Splendid night and no collapsing. It's a shame I then had to head home in the morning so I could watch the footie before moseying off to work. What a waste of time that was. Anyway, clothes got soaked and dirty, I didn't collapse, and everyone got on after they had felt the dents in my skull. Amazing. Same again, same time next year.

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chris kamara - genius

Chris Kamara misses the sending off - what a character and how much is he being paid?
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bloody football

Damn - I really think Manchester United have blown the chance of winning the Premier League this year after the defeat to Chelsea today (2-1 at home). I do think more points will be dropped, but I don't think United will make up the points they are now behind, especially with Rooney out. It's not looking too good for the return game against Bayern Munich this week either, as apart from Berbatov, we have no real tried and tested strikers (Kiko Macheda is still too young), and Berbatov is not suited to playing upfront by himself. I am also aware that football is a funny old game and things don't always go right for you, but the amount of easy passes going astray against Chelsea and Bayern was ridiculous, just like the final against Barcelona last year, even when no pressure is being applied. It makes you harp back to the days of Cantona, Hughes, Robson etc, they would have put up a lot more of a fight. I am not looking foreword to the Bayern game on Wednesday, I have a really bad feeling about it.
In other news, Barcelona were fucking fantastic for the first half an hour against Arsenal. I am so glad they were not playing United.
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ok go

Very very clever - now I definitely have to go and get ready
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off to the boro

Just off to go and get myself ready for the big push in the Boro this afternoon/evening. Time of departure is 3pm so I am going to go and have a shave. The picture above is what I look like at at the moment. Let's hope there is an Easter miracle and I don't collapse again, I can only rise from the dead so many times.

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cool keith

Finished reading this magazine this morning. Once again, Keith is a star.

new labour poster

This is a spoof poster, but I wish it was really used by them.

nozzer's return and back to work

I am glad to say little Nozzer has come back from the vets and he has survived another operation on his cheek. He is still a bit subdued, but a lot better than yesterday, and as is plainly visible from the before and after pictures above, looking a lot worse for wear. He has to go back on Wednesday, and at the moment he has a pellet in his cheek, plus he has to have antibiotics until his return to the vets. At least he is back home, I was a bit worried something might go wrong this time, and let's face it, like his daddy, he is no longer a spring chicken (think he is about seven years old). It did say however (in the Observer giveaway about small animals), that rabbits can live to about twelve years old. Let's hope so.

In other news, I returned to work yesterday and finished at 2.30pm today. Oh it was great too be back, back amongst the thick of it and keeping myself out of mischief. At least I could sit around watching the first leg of Arsenal v Barcelona while getting paid for doing so (Barcelona relaxed too much and should have hammered Arsenal). I had to get a 'OK to return to work' note from the doctor, and was praying he would say he couldn't give me one (that's another story), but unfortunately, the note was no problem. I never bothered getting a sick note for Tuesday either, so I used one days holiday when I could have got it back. Never mind, it was still marvellous to be off again last week. It was no trouble cycling to work, but coming back I had the bloody wind blowing directly at me and it is nearly all uphill. Christ my legs were aching by the time I managed to drag myself off the bike. I was cursing all the way home, but it's character building I suppose. Legs like tree trunks for the summer.

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handsome men's club

My t-shirt is in the post
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life - bah humbug!

What a crappy day it is today. Still getting over last nights 2-1 defeat to Bayern in the first leg of the quarter finals (1-0 up from the start, then lost in injury time.) Rooney also hurt himself, so he is unlikely to play on Saturday against Chelsea, and probably the return leg against Bayern next week. Damn.

Also, little Nozzer is not himself. The little blighter is very quiet and doing very small hard poos, plus his cheek has swollen up again. He is off to the vets tomorrow morning, as there were no appointments available for this afternoon.

I am also back to work today (extra special DAMN!!), so will be cycling in in aprox one hour. I wouldn't be surprised if it pissed down as well, just to rub it in. If I believed in a God I would be cursing him now. The milk has run out again so I can't even have a coffee. Certainly don't want to go near the soya milk again.

At least I finish work tomorrow afternoon until after the Chelsea game on Saturday, plus there is Friday in the Boro to look ahead to (Good Friday day out/piss up). I also still have my dents in my skull to fiddle with, so I suppose I will struggle on.

Damn again! It has just started to rain a little bit!

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latest collapsing news

Just got back from the doctors again, as he wanted me in to discuss the results of my tests. Everything is fine at the moment, my heart seems to be in tip top condition (like a 21 year old), and all my blood tests were fine, except for one that showed a possible under active thyroid, which the doc does not have too much concern about, as there is no family history of it and I do not have intolerance to cold, or feel tired a lot (the opposite in fact).

I have to return in two weeks for more blood tests and get strapped up with a heart monitor for 24 hours. I will look like a suicide bomber when I go out. If nothing is found then, it's a call to a neurosurgeon and a cardiologist for further detailed investigation.

As for the dents in my skull, as long as I am suffering no pain from them, they are nothing to be worried about. Still feel impressive though, I hope they don't heal up.

Back to work tomorrow. Damn!

Highly coincidentally (or not), I have also just received the above in the post. Talk about striking for a new market straight away. Cheeky bastards. I definitely do not need a pro skid chair, that's for sure.

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the sky from our house

I took the dark pictures while out feeding Tubbs the rabbit, very late on. The rainbow was early on in the day from the spare room window while at the computer. It's a pity I couldn't find the decent camera for the night ones as it looked really spooky. Sadly, these were taken on my mobile and I didn't know how to zoom in and capture the scene effectively. Never mind.

apt correspondent

Vienna Boys’ Choir caught

up in

sex

abuse scandals

Roger Boyes, Berlin Correspondent of The Times

• 43 COMMENTS

RECOMMEND? (780)

(Alberto Pellaschiar/AP)

Georg Ratzinger has admitted hearing of cases of ill-treatment during his time as director of the Regensburg choir

The most famous choir in the world has been caught up in the wave of paedophile scandals sweeping Germany and Austria, with eight former choristers denouncing their teachers in the past few days.

An open letter from the management of the Vienna Boys’ Choir to parents expressed regret at the incidents, which were recounted by former singers now aged between 40 and 70

This report goes on for longer, but the main thing I noticed was the name of the Berlin correspondent. Didn't anyone else spot this? The world's a funny old place (not for the boys involved though)

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google books

Google books is great - loads of books on it for free and also loads of old magazines. I have just been wasting some more of my precious time looking at old issues of Spin (USA music magazine). There is definitely not enough time in the world to read everything. It would help if I was off work permanently.

http://books.google.com/books/serial/ISSN:08863032?rview=1&rview=1&source=gbs_navlinks_s

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footballers as pop stars

Dimitar Berbatov with Spandau Ballet

Joey Barton with the Small faces

This could keep me entertained for hours, footballers who look like they should be in a pop band.

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head caved in

I am getting grief off the FPO as I have discovered I have a couple of dents in my skull from collapsing, one of them being pretty impressive, even if I say so myself.

As they do not hurt, and try as I may, I can't push my finger into my brain, I am not bothered about them, (apart from to show off and let people feel them - fnaarr). Unfortunately, the FPO wants me to make an appointment at the doctors to get them checked out. As I have to phone about my tests last week, I think I will just explain on the telephone and only go in if they really think it is necessary.

It's a good job I've got a thick head or I would be dead by now.

Sadly though, the dents are not as impressive as the fellow above. He had an accident which caved his skull in (still lived) and he was like that for a couple of months. I can't remember now where he was from. Anyhow, he makes my dents look rubbish (the git).

No work till Wednesday though, as they phoned today and said they would cover my Tuesday shift - result!!

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tory posters

When watching the Russell Howard show last night, he featured a couple of piss taking Tory posters. Well here's two more that I was just about to post. Damn! He beat me to it, although they have been knocking about for a while, so it serves me right.

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Sistine chapel

This is a link from the Vatican, showing the Sistine chapel, and it is so outrageously good. Those painters knew what they were doing (Mike and Joe?)

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

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carra

I borrowed this off someone at work on Sunday, as 'Carra' is from Bootle like me, so I was curious to read about his early days. Sadly, he is from Marsh lane, very close to where I was born (the other side of North park) but it meant he went to a different primary school than me. Didn't plan on reading the whole book, but decided I might as well as I am off work. Skimmed a lot of the talk about Liverpool and was not interested in the stories about their triumphs (so long ago now!), so overall it was not that interesting for me. Think it's good that he is so proud of his roots though, still hangs around with his old Bootle mates and although he plays it down in the book, I know he has helped out supporters financially when they have been stuck. Just a pity he plays for Liverpool really. Admits as well that he would rather Liverpool were successful rather than England. Substitute Manchester United in place of Liverpool and I am in agreement.

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oranges are not the only fruit and new york dolls

More fun and games as I am still off work. Finished watching Oranges are not the only fruit, as I had Sky+'d the series when it was being repeated recently. It was still great after all the years that have passed since it first came out. The book is good but I prefer the series for the dialect and accents. reminds me of the FPO and her family.

Still downloading and listening to lots of music as well. Just got the above bootleg of the New York Dolls, recorded live in the studio before their first album. I can't explain (and I am not in the Who) how chuffed I am with it. Easily the best Dolls bootleg I have, with great versions of all their classics (Jet Boy, Pills, Looking for a Kiss etc), and in great quality. They also talk a bit between songs ("Why are you being so macho? Chill out, you've both got dicks"). What more could they do to improve it? - nothing. If there was such a thing as heaven, I'm already there!. Sod work, I'm never going back.

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hippie coffee

As there is no milk in the house and I can't be bothered going out to get any yet, I thought I would have a cup of coffee with the FPO's soya milk. This is what it goes like - disgusting. Plus this is after it had been stirred a couple of times to try and make it better. It appears as though it has settled down, then goes like this again. It also tastes how it looks, not very good at all. No wonder I keep collapsing, trying to drink this crap. Looks like it's back to the flavoured water for now.
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cocaine cowboys

As I am still off work (hurrah!), I have been sitting around as usual, watching TV and reading. Finished watching the Cocaine Cowboys documentary this afternoon, which was pretty damn interesting. It's about the rise of Miami and how it was related to the smuggling in of cocaine from Columbia, speaking to the police and ex smugglers. The money involved was ridiculous, one of the smugglers estimated he had spent 50 million dollars, and there were many times they just did not know what to do with all the excess money. Once they had bought houses, planes, boats, land racehorses etc, they ended up stashing it anywhere, going so far as to dig holes and bury it for later. Obviously it all went pear shaped, gangs from Cuba got involved, then there were lots of killings and assassinations. It does make you think how much money is enough. The smugglers were clever guys, so you would think they might pack in the trade before getting caught, especially once you have about 50 million. As they admitted, the main thing was the power they had (which the money provided). It all became too addictive, and that was without them doing their own drugs. I like to think I would have got out early and avoided prison, but you never know (I didn't last time). Serving seven years is still not too bad for having that kind of money (if you can do your time without any hassle)
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David Essex - Rock On

What a great song, and what a fine good looking gentleman

collapser update

I have now had my blood pressure checked (like a sleeping 21 year old) and had an ECG today, which was fine. Blood tests tomorrow morning and I may have to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours to check for any abnormalities. Just been lazing around today (apart from the visit to the Doctors). Had a long soak in the bath and tried to avoid hurting my neck or back, both hurt more now but it's fine and manageable. Exciting stuff!
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the collapser returns

Once again I have been having a fun old time, collapsing again and banging my head again. This happened after the United win against Liverpool (2-1 on Sunday). I had some food and went to JT's to celebrate, but zonked out again. This is the first time that it has happened when I have had food, so it is a bit of a turn up to say the least. I have been to the Doctors and have to have more tests done, but he is ruling out seizures at the moment and thinks it may be a problem with my heart. First time I have heard that, but at least I have not been stopped from driving, as I thought I might do. At least I am off work again till next Tuesday, so there's always a good side (even though I am a bit sore at the moment). Lets see what the tests show up and take it from there.
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the death of bunny munro

Finished this book by Nick cave today, about 5 minutes before setting off to work, so it was a close one. It's a pretty good book, although very dirty (Naughty Nick). I think I may have to investigate his other stuff, I like his music a lot, but have never bothered reading anything by him before. The Ass Looked at The Angel (or whatever it is called) will be the next one of his to tick off, I can feel a purchase from Amazon coming on.
I am at work at the moment, nothing much to do apart from waiting for Match of the Day to come on. I say there is nothing to do, but there is, I just don't feel like doing it at the moment, as I have been poking my ear again, so my ear and jaw are pretty sore ... again (idiot that I am).
I won't be able to put in my earplugs or earphones tonight, so I hope it's quiet.
Really looking forward to the United v Liverpool game tomorrow. I'll be watching it as soon as I burst through the door back home. I will hopefully be able to get away and home for 1.30 (kick off time). Hope United don't blow it.
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