Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dollhouse
Just watched episode 1 of season 2 of Dollhouse, one of a couple that I missed. Has there ever been a darker tv series? It is presented lightly with lots of explosions and surface glamour, it could almost be the heist of the week show that Fox probably thought they were buying. But it is dark, dark, dark. Every episode shows nice people struggling with moral dilemmas and failing utterly, while subjecting other people to unimaginable but all too believable abuse. Eliza Dushku is terrific as the lead character, but like so many of Joss Wheedon's shows this is an ensemble piece. Overall the guy who plays Victor is incredible - playing a huge range of roles and being totally believable in all of them. To be watched.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
An odd sense of achievement
A while ago I had to change my i-tunes library from the PC to external hard drives. In doing so I ended up resetting the play status of a lot of songs. Coupled with quite a lot of ripping from CDs, I ended up with over 2100 songs marked as unplayed. Following a quite dedicated programme of only playing "unplayed" songs, I have got that down to below 500. (Which is still about 50 albums worth). It has been enjoyable, but not always as easy as you might expect. Crossing the broad steppes of Radiohead took forever, no matter how brilliant they are. The mountain range of Kristin Hersh and 50ft wave were full of highs and lows. The slough of Leonard Cohen takes self confidence. Still to come are the fields of Joy Division.
It gives me a rather odd sense of achievement.
It gives me a rather odd sense of achievement.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Vote, vote, vote
Today is likely to be a big change in the country. Obviously. It is election day. The signs are not good nationally and although I have some hopes locally, the reality is that the damage has probably been done and we will be lumbered with our incombent MP for another term. Which is depressing.
The best we can hope for is a hung parliament with "call me Dave" denied an absolute majority. Which is a shocking performance on his part. In the teeth of a once in a century recession he has failed to make the case for the Conservative party. And his call for change failed to consider that people could also change to the Liberal Democrats... oops.
The best we can hope for is a hung parliament with "call me Dave" denied an absolute majority. Which is a shocking performance on his part. In the teeth of a once in a century recession he has failed to make the case for the Conservative party. And his call for change failed to consider that people could also change to the Liberal Democrats... oops.
Monday, May 03, 2010
limping to the end
A tame and lacklustre end to a terrible season. The Europa cup would have been some return, but we didn't deserve it. Good luck to Fulham - hope they can do it and Roy Hodgson gets the recognition he deserves. The rumour is we are looking at him to replace Rafa.
To be honest I fear a firesale before Hicks and Gillette sell up - cashing in on Torres, Gerrard and Mascherano might net them £100m, and would it change the value of the club? Their strategy has failed though - now we cannot finish in the top 4 and are out of the European Champions League, will we ever regain that position? Will we now slip down to take the traditional Spurs role - pretty good, may win a cup, but can't attract or keep the strongest players and so cannot crack the top 4? It is an ominous thought.
Still there is a perverse pleasure in our feeble performance almost certainly denying the Premiership to Man Utd. But that is a pathetic way to go.
To be honest I fear a firesale before Hicks and Gillette sell up - cashing in on Torres, Gerrard and Mascherano might net them £100m, and would it change the value of the club? Their strategy has failed though - now we cannot finish in the top 4 and are out of the European Champions League, will we ever regain that position? Will we now slip down to take the traditional Spurs role - pretty good, may win a cup, but can't attract or keep the strongest players and so cannot crack the top 4? It is an ominous thought.
Still there is a perverse pleasure in our feeble performance almost certainly denying the Premiership to Man Utd. But that is a pathetic way to go.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sleeping with a Bear
The Breadcrumbs identified something that was missing in our lives. They recognised that Mrs Breadcrumb and I share a room and a bed, which is obviously nice and fun, but oddly we did not have any cuddly toys in bed with us. Everyone needs a toy to cuddle. So they gave us a bear to share in bed. And oddly enough they were right.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
busy busy busy
Which makes a change.
Phrase of the week: Context is for the weak.
Meanwhile, 2 good wins in a row but Man utd on Sunday. Oh well. Roll on next year.
Phrase of the week: Context is for the weak.
Meanwhile, 2 good wins in a row but Man utd on Sunday. Oh well. Roll on next year.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Sutcliffe
I have a personal connection to the Yorkshire Ripper case. His last victim, Jackie Hill, lived in the same group of flats, and at the time of her murder I was probably less than 50m away.
The debate over whether he should be allowed to appeal for parole seems based on the idea that he would eventually get out. The subsequent furor over James Venables raises the pressure even higher.
I always felt that the Ripper trial was something that was done to please the public. He was judged sane to stand trial, but my definition of sanity does not encompass what he did. However we tried him as a sane man, and decided that he was insane later. With that background he is entitled to ask for a parole hearing. Justice should be seen to be blind in these things. He should be allowed his hearing - and never, ever let out. This is surely a case where life must mean life. But even monsters are entitled to a due legal process.
The debate over whether he should be allowed to appeal for parole seems based on the idea that he would eventually get out. The subsequent furor over James Venables raises the pressure even higher.
I always felt that the Ripper trial was something that was done to please the public. He was judged sane to stand trial, but my definition of sanity does not encompass what he did. However we tried him as a sane man, and decided that he was insane later. With that background he is entitled to ask for a parole hearing. Justice should be seen to be blind in these things. He should be allowed his hearing - and never, ever let out. This is surely a case where life must mean life. But even monsters are entitled to a due legal process.
Friday, February 19, 2010
that's more like it
A one goal home victory over Roumanian opposition at Anfield. We are clearly on the path to glory. (What is the emoticon for sarcasm again?)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The 4 Horse riders of the Recession Apocalypse
Fear, Panic, Debt and Robert Peston.
As they used to say in the war, "it's being so cheerful that keeps me going".
As they used to say in the war, "it's being so cheerful that keeps me going".
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thucydides
I think that 2009 was so rubbish I have been driven to delve into history. Anyway, I seem to be reading history books at the moment (Andrew Marr Making of Modern Britain, The Perfect Thing, History of the Pelopenesian War).
Thing about Thucydides is, apart from the fact that all that killing becomes strangely undifferentiated and samey after a while, is that people have not changed in two and a half thousand years. I paraphrase but one of the Athenian debates about how to treat a rebelious colony had a speaker saying "if a man does a patriotic act everyone says he only did it for his own benefit". Sounds very familiar in these times, when no politician is portrayed as anything but venal and self interested.
Plus ca change, as the French say.
Thing about Thucydides is, apart from the fact that all that killing becomes strangely undifferentiated and samey after a while, is that people have not changed in two and a half thousand years. I paraphrase but one of the Athenian debates about how to treat a rebelious colony had a speaker saying "if a man does a patriotic act everyone says he only did it for his own benefit". Sounds very familiar in these times, when no politician is portrayed as anything but venal and self interested.
Plus ca change, as the French say.
Friday, December 18, 2009
2010
The year we make contact. According to Arthur C. Clarke.
Well hopefully it will be better than this year, which has been a disaster the like of which I cannot remember. Annus Horribilis is what the Queen called one year - oh, boy, this was it for so many of us.
Here's to next year.
Well hopefully it will be better than this year, which has been a disaster the like of which I cannot remember. Annus Horribilis is what the Queen called one year - oh, boy, this was it for so many of us.
Here's to next year.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ouch!
When Saturday Comes have nailed Liverpool's problems. Truth hurts. "We just need another 9 good players". Indeed.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The glamour of travel
That will be the bit when I slept for 90 minutes on the marble floor of the zone between gate check in and the water bottle removing security station at Schipol airport. Ah, yes. That glamour.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Up
I almost cried. Up is the funniest and saddest film I have seen in ages. Mrs Breadcrumb cried - the breadcrumbs laughed, and didn't really notice the aching poignancy. Plus, talking dogs.
Strongly recommended.
And a reminder of my increasing age ("time travel one day at a time") is the increasing length of time I have to spend in the bathroom getting ready for the day- teeth, floss, shave, moisturise, anti-net shampoo, foot powder, verucca salt. It all takes time!
Strongly recommended.
And a reminder of my increasing age ("time travel one day at a time") is the increasing length of time I have to spend in the bathroom getting ready for the day- teeth, floss, shave, moisturise, anti-net shampoo, foot powder, verucca salt. It all takes time!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
3 down
The defeat at Chelsea killed off the season for the mighty Reds.
Last season I gave up all hope in April. This year in September. Cruel times.
This is personally a year not to remember. No money, no work, no titles for my team, hard times at work for Mrs Breadcrumb.
Enduring is the hardest. And being blunt soccer is just soccer.
Last season I gave up all hope in April. This year in September. Cruel times.
This is personally a year not to remember. No money, no work, no titles for my team, hard times at work for Mrs Breadcrumb.
Enduring is the hardest. And being blunt soccer is just soccer.
Friday, October 02, 2009
2016
Hard to believe that it is more than 4 years since London won the right to stage the 2012 Olympics. What a thrill it was, coupled with a certain Schadenfreude at the French disappointment. London 2012 made a great pitch - pointing out the UK is such as young country, and that London is one of the great international cities. Maybe only New York has that same And now less than 3 years until the Games themselves.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
not getting my hopes up
Just in case they may begin to rise after 4 successive victories, Man Utd beating City 4-3 with a goal from Michael Owen is a reminder that realistically our chance was last season. I shall not be becoming optimistic. Oh no, not me.
Happy Eid to everyone.
Happy Eid to everyone.
Monday, August 17, 2009
TS Elliot was wrong
April is not the cruellest month - August is.
One match down, a loss to Spurs, and already the season is over for the Mighty Reds. I'm not joking. That is it. We will never catch up.
So, here's to the 2010/1 season.
One match down, a loss to Spurs, and already the season is over for the Mighty Reds. I'm not joking. That is it. We will never catch up.
So, here's to the 2010/1 season.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
50 gigs
Following on from Jude Rogers and David Hepworth...
1. The Pirates in Hull – my first at the Ritz or similar grotty nightclub
2. Human League – meant to be the second but eventually at GMex on an 80s package
3. The Beat/Au Pairs – first uni gig, and still one of the very best
4. The Beat – last year at a grotty pub in Bradford– amazingly brilliant
5. The Beat – Last Year at a grotty pub in Bradford – somehow it all failed second time around
6. Beck – Manchester Apollo - the best I’ve ever seen
7. Bruce Springsteen – Roundhay Park 85 – first big gig. Ok, but put me off festivals
8. Radiohead – Warrington – next big gig. And worth it
9. Thom Yorke – Latitude 2009 - my first festival and a wonderful experience
10. Pere Ubu – Carlsberg free festival in Copenhagen, following the Blue Brothers Band and just before Kool and the Gang. Who booked that?
11. The Undertones – Hull – just happened to be passing
12. The Undertones – supporting Peter Gabriel at Crystal Palace, their last English appearance – we slept on the streets
13. The Go-betweens – Leeds, when I drank in the pub with them and Tracey Thorn beforehand
14. The Eagles in a corporate box at MEN, with an Aussie friend of the Go-betweens
15. Alanis Morrisette at MEN – amazingly disappointing
16. Symbol at G-mex, good but even he can’t ignore Prince’s back catalogue
17. Robert Plant – and evening of swing jazz at Leeds Uni – god how they called for Stairway
18. The Waterboys in Newcastle – fine until they turned up the volume
19. REM in Newcastle city hall – Nick Lowe supported- can you believe I didn’t know what they looked like?
20. The Who in Newcastle – but Keith was already dead, and really so was the band.
21. Pixies in Newcastle – my 27th birthday with the girl I loved and her new boyfriend. Now out on bootleg
22. Dr Remi Engala and the Orchestra Super Matimbele – Stockton Riverside Festival – every year and totally brilliant
23. They Might Be Giants – Redcar Bowl 1989 with the woman who I would date and marry 7 years later
24. Sisters of Mercy- Leeds Uni -3 shows in one term, moving up the venues each time. They lived round the corner from me
25. Motorhead – Leeds Uni – never saw them for more than a minute, but I HEARD THEM
26. The Pogues – Leeds Uni – I delayed starting work for a week to see them
27. Gil Scott Heron – Boston, USA 1990 – found out he was on by accident and drove 50 miles on the off-chance
28. Gill Scott Heron – Newcastle Riverside – met him backstage, but the drugs were taking hold
29. David Byrne – Nottingham – that’s near Cambridge isn’t it? Oh, not really. Worth the trip
30. David Byrne – Newcastle – he’s actually good said the people I dragged along
31. Husker Du – Leeds Uni – these guys had a plan
32. Julian Cope – Riverside on the Peggy Suicide tour – my female friends all wanted to have his children. Did I really meet Courtney love at a previous JC gig?
33. Kitchens of distinction – riverside – why were they not big? Why?
34. Smashing Pumpkins – Newcastle night club – they have anger issues. Really.
35. Fatima Mansions – Middlesbrough crypt – another one with anger issues.
36. Sugercubes – Newcastle night club – curiouser and curiouser said Bjork. Who’s the twat with the trumpet said everyone else.
37. Jesus and Mary Chain – Leeds Uni for 15 minutes. It was only a small riot
38. Jesus and Mary chain/Blur/My Bloody Valentine/Dinosaur Jnr – Rollercoaster tour on an Ice rink in South Shields. Bloody cold. Bloody loud. Blur surprisingly good
39. Blur – MEN greatest hits tour – and got better. That Boy Coxon can play.
40. Richard Thompson - a tent in York – and so can this boy. First time was such as surprise
41. The Velvet Underground in Edinburgh. The first reunion gig. I never thought I would see that, and could not understand how few people wanted to see them.
42. Billy Bragg – Bradford Uni 2006 – he was as drunk as the rest of us, but we had a good time. Phil Jupitus sang Beastiality
43. Franz Ferdinand – Bradford St Georges hall – the homecoming show. Mach shau!
44. Aztec Camera – Newcastle – how can he reproduce it all so perfectly, so effortlessly?
45. Tinariwen – Bradford st Georges – guardian reading worthies have supreme pleasure
46. The Mission – Leeds Uni – more tins of hairspray than booze
47. Steel Pulse – Leeds Uni – no need to bring your own, get high just breathing in
48. The Streets – Leeds Uni 2007 – is that what rave was really like? I got it for just a song
49. The Smiths/Red guitars – Leeds Uni - and the Smiths were blown off stage
50. Madness – Leeds Uni – 2 hits, a new song, repeat for 2 hours of delirium
1. The Pirates in Hull – my first at the Ritz or similar grotty nightclub
2. Human League – meant to be the second but eventually at GMex on an 80s package
3. The Beat/Au Pairs – first uni gig, and still one of the very best
4. The Beat – last year at a grotty pub in Bradford– amazingly brilliant
5. The Beat – Last Year at a grotty pub in Bradford – somehow it all failed second time around
6. Beck – Manchester Apollo - the best I’ve ever seen
7. Bruce Springsteen – Roundhay Park 85 – first big gig. Ok, but put me off festivals
8. Radiohead – Warrington – next big gig. And worth it
9. Thom Yorke – Latitude 2009 - my first festival and a wonderful experience
10. Pere Ubu – Carlsberg free festival in Copenhagen, following the Blue Brothers Band and just before Kool and the Gang. Who booked that?
11. The Undertones – Hull – just happened to be passing
12. The Undertones – supporting Peter Gabriel at Crystal Palace, their last English appearance – we slept on the streets
13. The Go-betweens – Leeds, when I drank in the pub with them and Tracey Thorn beforehand
14. The Eagles in a corporate box at MEN, with an Aussie friend of the Go-betweens
15. Alanis Morrisette at MEN – amazingly disappointing
16. Symbol at G-mex, good but even he can’t ignore Prince’s back catalogue
17. Robert Plant – and evening of swing jazz at Leeds Uni – god how they called for Stairway
18. The Waterboys in Newcastle – fine until they turned up the volume
19. REM in Newcastle city hall – Nick Lowe supported- can you believe I didn’t know what they looked like?
20. The Who in Newcastle – but Keith was already dead, and really so was the band.
21. Pixies in Newcastle – my 27th birthday with the girl I loved and her new boyfriend. Now out on bootleg
22. Dr Remi Engala and the Orchestra Super Matimbele – Stockton Riverside Festival – every year and totally brilliant
23. They Might Be Giants – Redcar Bowl 1989 with the woman who I would date and marry 7 years later
24. Sisters of Mercy- Leeds Uni -3 shows in one term, moving up the venues each time. They lived round the corner from me
25. Motorhead – Leeds Uni – never saw them for more than a minute, but I HEARD THEM
26. The Pogues – Leeds Uni – I delayed starting work for a week to see them
27. Gil Scott Heron – Boston, USA 1990 – found out he was on by accident and drove 50 miles on the off-chance
28. Gill Scott Heron – Newcastle Riverside – met him backstage, but the drugs were taking hold
29. David Byrne – Nottingham – that’s near Cambridge isn’t it? Oh, not really. Worth the trip
30. David Byrne – Newcastle – he’s actually good said the people I dragged along
31. Husker Du – Leeds Uni – these guys had a plan
32. Julian Cope – Riverside on the Peggy Suicide tour – my female friends all wanted to have his children. Did I really meet Courtney love at a previous JC gig?
33. Kitchens of distinction – riverside – why were they not big? Why?
34. Smashing Pumpkins – Newcastle night club – they have anger issues. Really.
35. Fatima Mansions – Middlesbrough crypt – another one with anger issues.
36. Sugercubes – Newcastle night club – curiouser and curiouser said Bjork. Who’s the twat with the trumpet said everyone else.
37. Jesus and Mary Chain – Leeds Uni for 15 minutes. It was only a small riot
38. Jesus and Mary chain/Blur/My Bloody Valentine/Dinosaur Jnr – Rollercoaster tour on an Ice rink in South Shields. Bloody cold. Bloody loud. Blur surprisingly good
39. Blur – MEN greatest hits tour – and got better. That Boy Coxon can play.
40. Richard Thompson - a tent in York – and so can this boy. First time was such as surprise
41. The Velvet Underground in Edinburgh. The first reunion gig. I never thought I would see that, and could not understand how few people wanted to see them.
42. Billy Bragg – Bradford Uni 2006 – he was as drunk as the rest of us, but we had a good time. Phil Jupitus sang Beastiality
43. Franz Ferdinand – Bradford St Georges hall – the homecoming show. Mach shau!
44. Aztec Camera – Newcastle – how can he reproduce it all so perfectly, so effortlessly?
45. Tinariwen – Bradford st Georges – guardian reading worthies have supreme pleasure
46. The Mission – Leeds Uni – more tins of hairspray than booze
47. Steel Pulse – Leeds Uni – no need to bring your own, get high just breathing in
48. The Streets – Leeds Uni 2007 – is that what rave was really like? I got it for just a song
49. The Smiths/Red guitars – Leeds Uni - and the Smiths were blown off stage
50. Madness – Leeds Uni – 2 hits, a new song, repeat for 2 hours of delirium
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Is that the time?
The summer rain is still lashing down. England are still throwing it all away in the Ashes. The breadcrumbs are with their grandparents in the obviously superior nation. It still seems like it should be summer. But next Monday is the Anniversary of Middlesbrough 3 Liverpool FC 3. Or to put it another way our wedding anniversary. 13 summers. And time for another season of soccer.
Time for hopes to rise, and disappointment to lurk. To be honest - I can wait. It's only when the season has started that I get carried away. I am quite happy now before hostilities begin, when all is possible once more.
Come on you Reds...
Time for hopes to rise, and disappointment to lurk. To be honest - I can wait. It's only when the season has started that I get carried away. I am quite happy now before hostilities begin, when all is possible once more.
Come on you Reds...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
harry potter 6
Well I enjoyed it. The Breadcrumbs were suitably terrified, there were jokes about young love that went completely over their heads, and Mrs Breadcrumb and I could forget our crummy lives for 2 1/2 hours. Result.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Phineas & Ferb
The breadcrumbs prefer The Suite Life, but I like Phineas and Ferb. There, I've said it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
No Power in the 'verse
I'm still a Browncoat. Firefly still rocks.
Dare I finally start watching Dollhouse?
Dare I finally start watching Dollhouse?
Technically it is the other fascist - but you get the point.
You can buy this on mugs and t-shirts if you click here.
No, I don't get a cut.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Oxymoron
There are posters around saying "vote for change - vote conservative". Don't they actually understand the English language?
Anyway, a bloody awful result in the European elections, and the loss of Richard Corbett as an MEP in place of a BNP candidate. The very best we can hope for is that they will show themselves up badly.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
all ends in tears again
MUFC were just to good for us over the season. I would have like Arsenal to have won to take it to the last day, but at least we were in it until almost the end.
So another season without silverware, another season without the Premiership - and I don't think we will have a better chance. It all comes down to individual moments - that last minute winner for MUFC against Villa, compared to us putting on Lucas rather than Mascherano with 10 minutes to go against Everton, and the referees error gifting Stoke a point. Small differences, but in the end we did not have either the luck or the ability.
So another season without silverware, another season without the Premiership - and I don't think we will have a better chance. It all comes down to individual moments - that last minute winner for MUFC against Villa, compared to us putting on Lucas rather than Mascherano with 10 minutes to go against Everton, and the referees error gifting Stoke a point. Small differences, but in the end we did not have either the luck or the ability.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Star Trek
Another rave. Brilliant. Far better than I could have hoped. Far better than all the previous films (except possibly 2).
Go see. Now. We are going again. Soon.
Go see. Now. We are going again. Soon.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hillsborough
On the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough I was in Paphos in Cyprus, and surprised to see an organised memorial service being conducted at the waterfront. People were asking me what was going on, and I explained.
There were about 50 or 60 people (including me and the breadcrumbs) who followed a couple of priests down to the water to throw a wreath to commemmorate the 96.
After all this time it is still emotional. There was a photo on the memorial at the Shankly Gates of one of the victims - forever frozen in his 80's tache (ala Soueness). The victims and their families can never move on. Looking again at the memorial it reminds me of how young so many of the victims were - just teenagers. Now they would be in their 30s. Never grew up and had families of their own.
It is too late for justice, but there are still the badges saying "Don't buy the Sun".
And let's hope it never happens again. And let's not forget the victims of Heysel either, or the Bradford fire.
There were about 50 or 60 people (including me and the breadcrumbs) who followed a couple of priests down to the water to throw a wreath to commemmorate the 96.
After all this time it is still emotional. There was a photo on the memorial at the Shankly Gates of one of the victims - forever frozen in his 80's tache (ala Soueness). The victims and their families can never move on. Looking again at the memorial it reminds me of how young so many of the victims were - just teenagers. Now they would be in their 30s. Never grew up and had families of their own.
It is too late for justice, but there are still the badges saying "Don't buy the Sun".
And let's hope it never happens again. And let's not forget the victims of Heysel either, or the Bradford fire.
4-4 Repeat
Well I suppose we can't say we don't get our money's worth. Liverpool 4- 4 Arsenal.
Can't knock Arshavin - took the only 4 chances they had all evening with perfect success. We on the other struggled, and the defence was too ropey. For once we were too focussed on the attacking half of the pitch.
When was the last time we scored 8 goals in 2 matches and didn't win either of them?
So, advantage Man U. I would say game over, but I've said that enough times already.
In the end the team did brilliantly to conjour a final equalizer and gain a point.
I just hope Arsenal can do us a favour at Man U and Chelsea now.
Can't knock Arshavin - took the only 4 chances they had all evening with perfect success. We on the other struggled, and the defence was too ropey. For once we were too focussed on the attacking half of the pitch.
When was the last time we scored 8 goals in 2 matches and didn't win either of them?
So, advantage Man U. I would say game over, but I've said that enough times already.
In the end the team did brilliantly to conjour a final equalizer and gain a point.
I just hope Arsenal can do us a favour at Man U and Chelsea now.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
ouch
That was a spanking, and why I didn't want us to face Chelsea. So that is the Champions League over for us - now we can concentrate on the Premiership. So, realistically - it is all over for another season.
At least it is April, and not August.
At least it is April, and not August.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
And the toilet seat
That broke too. Unfortunate with the LFC vs Chelsea Champions League game coming up.
Oh, I don't want this. Again. Too many times. It just hurts - whether we win or lose, it just hurts. It would have been so nice to have one of non-British teams.
Still, given that the scum drew 2-2 there is always the hope that if we do get through this we will not have to play them if we get to the final.
But the hope is always the thing that kills you...
Oh, I don't want this. Again. Too many times. It just hurts - whether we win or lose, it just hurts. It would have been so nice to have one of non-British teams.
Still, given that the scum drew 2-2 there is always the hope that if we do get through this we will not have to play them if we get to the final.
But the hope is always the thing that kills you...
Thursday, April 02, 2009
things fall apart
The house appears to have taken it ill out that we repaired the roof. Since then things have just given up the ghost for no reason. Several lightbulbs - not unusual - couple of lamps, the underfloor heating, the kettle. Aha, I hear you say - so it is the electics that are the problem. If that is the case why did the tap handle join in?
Monday, March 30, 2009
an apology
I was going to write about more than LFC, but apparently I don't. What that says about my life, I leave to your imagination.
Meanwhile, Mrs Breadcrumb apparently works in the Office. Her boss has just done the good news/bad news thing. The bad news is that everyone's pay is frozen. The good news is that he has a swanky new job in Europe. Not irony. Not even a little.
Apparently he was hurt that people were so pleased he was leaving that they almost cheered.
Meanwhile, Mrs Breadcrumb apparently works in the Office. Her boss has just done the good news/bad news thing. The bad news is that everyone's pay is frozen. The good news is that he has a swanky new job in Europe. Not irony. Not even a little.
Apparently he was hurt that people were so pleased he was leaving that they almost cheered.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The times they are a changing
Just been in a Virgin megastore, or what ever they are called now. It was surprisingly difficult to find actual music in there. The CDs are now only given a small portion of (underground) floor space, and the easy access bits of the shop are all DVD boxsets and Games. Funny how the world moves on. I used to spend my weekends browsing such places for new music - now there is more music than I can ever listen to available for free a few keystrokes away. Really these places are dead, dead, dead.
As obsolete as warships in the Baltic (c) Paddy MacAloon.
As obsolete as warships in the Baltic (c) Paddy MacAloon.
Monday, March 23, 2009
This is what they pay their license fee for part 2
Ok, so Mrs Breadcrumb was not impressed because it was Mother's day, and neither where the friends who came to visit. But it was worth it to be at Anfield for the Mighty Reds crushing of the Villa 5-0. Oddly enough Villa were pretty good, and Friedel should not have been sent off. Hey, ho.
More please.
The problem is that I occassionally start believing it might be possible...
More please.
The problem is that I occassionally start believing it might be possible...
Friday, March 20, 2009
ouch
So, the deal is beat Chelsea, beat Barcelona and then beat Man U to win the Champions league. Sorry, but it is not going to happen. The red scum have had the luck of the draw, and the easy ride should help them win the Premiership too. Bastards.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
That is what we pay our license fee for!
Even if it was actually on Sky. Manchester United 1 - Liverpool 4.
Coming 4 days after Liverpool 4 - Real Madrid 0, it was a good week.
Still United's Premiership to lose, but there was a joy in it anyway.
Now all I am hoping for is to avoid the other English teams in the Champion's league until the final. My ideal would be Man U vs Chelsea with the winners to play Arsenal or Barcelona. Unlikely, but as likely as any other combination. Just not Chelsea in the semis again please.
Coming 4 days after Liverpool 4 - Real Madrid 0, it was a good week.
Still United's Premiership to lose, but there was a joy in it anyway.
Now all I am hoping for is to avoid the other English teams in the Champion's league until the final. My ideal would be Man U vs Chelsea with the winners to play Arsenal or Barcelona. Unlikely, but as likely as any other combination. Just not Chelsea in the semis again please.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sometimes you can't win
The 1-1 draw with Everton in the cup was nowhere near as painful as the draw in the Premiership, but still not good. But being realistic this is a match where there is no good result - winning would not have got us 3 points, or made up for dropping 2 in the league. Losing is never good. A draw is the worst of all worlds - with a match we really don't want.
Following football really is a pastime for masochists. As a friend said, you should try supporting Swindon.
Following football really is a pastime for masochists. As a friend said, you should try supporting Swindon.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The moment we lost the Premiership
85 minutes into the derby game with Everton, 1-nil up, and we take off Torres and put on Lucas. Lucas! Not Mascherano. Lucas! Inevitably he ran around like a headless chicken, giving away pointless fouls and not touching the ball. Also inevitably 2 minutes later Everton equalised. And thus ended our challenge for the Premiership. Still it was a lot later than usual.
And yes we are still 2nd, but with the filth a game in hand and ahead on goal difference we are in the ackward position of having to beat Chelsea in the next match just to stay in touch. What would normally be seen as a good result (a draw) will probably mean that the filth go from 8 points behind us to 5 points ahead of us in 3 weeks. And that, my friends, is the sound of the Fat Fergie crowing...
And yes we are still 2nd, but with the filth a game in hand and ahead on goal difference we are in the ackward position of having to beat Chelsea in the next match just to stay in touch. What would normally be seen as a good result (a draw) will probably mean that the filth go from 8 points behind us to 5 points ahead of us in 3 weeks. And that, my friends, is the sound of the Fat Fergie crowing...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
January gym bunnies
Good intentions and new year's resolutions mean that the gym is full of people trying to reverse the ravages of time. Including me. But it is so hard to get motivated when you can't get parked.
This level of drive and determination is why I need to lose 20kg!
This level of drive and determination is why I need to lose 20kg!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
It's 2009
So this decade is already on it's last legs. Where did it all go? Nearly 20 years since Kurt Cobain killed himself, more than 30 since punk, and 20 since the Mighty Reds won the league. Funny where the time goes.
Meanwhile, I can hardly bear to think about our chances of winning the Premiership. The longer we stay at the top, the harder it will be to take if we don't win. It is hard to realise that we actually do have more points - that the opposition don't have games in hand. So what I am hoping for this weekend is a 0-0 draw between Chelski and the scum with 3 sendings off per side. It could happen!
Meanwhile, I can hardly bear to think about our chances of winning the Premiership. The longer we stay at the top, the harder it will be to take if we don't win. It is hard to realise that we actually do have more points - that the opposition don't have games in hand. So what I am hoping for this weekend is a 0-0 draw between Chelski and the scum with 3 sendings off per side. It could happen!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Let it snow...
Very Christmassy round here with 4 inches of snow. So, now is the time we discover that the Purple People Carrier has a flashing light to tell you that it is skidding. It was on and off like a strobe at a disco. The Breadcrumbs were severely disappointed to still be going to school, but did manage to make a snowman in their pyjamas. Why it wasn't in the garden I'll never know (thank you Groucho). And of course to fall out over snowballs in the ears. It must be nearly Christmas!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
you can get what you want and still not be happy
A great lesson in life.
The mighty Reds are top of the Premiership, and a point clear. And still I feel disappointed we didn't beat West Ham but drew 0-0.
It is going to be a tough old season.
The mighty Reds are top of the Premiership, and a point clear. And still I feel disappointed we didn't beat West Ham but drew 0-0.
It is going to be a tough old season.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
I have a bad feeling about this...
Denial is just a river in Egypt, and I am sitting on its banks to prove that point.
Meanwhile, half a world away, the USA votes. The media are already acclaiming President Saint Obama. I hope that they are right, but I am worried. Nothing against the guy, but I suspect that the gloss will soon come off and the media will quickly turn on him as a glossy liberal with no clear economic policy. Maybe not - I was wrong about Mandela.
Also meanwhile, the Mighty Reds are playing up a storm while I am out of the way and my season ticket ticks down. Having seen the highlights of the defeat at Spurs I am somewhat mollified - we did hit the post 3 times. Sometimes the ball just does not want to go in. Still too early to talk of winning anything - not the Liverpool way -be it is nice to still be in the race come November.
Meanwhile, half a world away, the USA votes. The media are already acclaiming President Saint Obama. I hope that they are right, but I am worried. Nothing against the guy, but I suspect that the gloss will soon come off and the media will quickly turn on him as a glossy liberal with no clear economic policy. Maybe not - I was wrong about Mandela.
Also meanwhile, the Mighty Reds are playing up a storm while I am out of the way and my season ticket ticks down. Having seen the highlights of the defeat at Spurs I am somewhat mollified - we did hit the post 3 times. Sometimes the ball just does not want to go in. Still too early to talk of winning anything - not the Liverpool way -be it is nice to still be in the race come November.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Truth
One thing that really ticks me off is having to sit through the anti-piracy videos on DVDs. I mean I bought the effing thing, so I am not the person they should be lecturing.
XKCD have it nailed.... http://xkcd.com/488/
XKCD have it nailed.... http://xkcd.com/488/
Thursday, October 09, 2008
A huge sucking sound
So apparently our entire economy is broken. In fact the whole of global capitalism is broken. And according to David Cameron, it is all Gordon Brown's fault. I don't know how long that line of argument can hold when the people with the biggest problem appear to be in Iceland - and I hadn't noticed us taking control of Iceland recently.
Meanwhile, the Mighty Reds continue to perform better than expected. I don't like to even mention it in case I jinx something. Got to give kudos to Hull City though - even if they go down eventually it is a major achievement to be 3rd after 7 games and to have beaten Arsenal and Spurs away from home. Go Tigers (but please remember to lose at Anfield).
Meanwhile, the Mighty Reds continue to perform better than expected. I don't like to even mention it in case I jinx something. Got to give kudos to Hull City though - even if they go down eventually it is a major achievement to be 3rd after 7 games and to have beaten Arsenal and Spurs away from home. Go Tigers (but please remember to lose at Anfield).
Monday, September 15, 2008
When Saturday comes
At last we beat the Scum. Sorry to be so pathetically crowing about one victory, but the relief is fantastic. At the match we didn't sing to celebrate we just roared. And roared. And roared.
When Man Utd scored after 3 minutes I thought we were going to get pasted. And we were very lucky to get the equaliser. And another referee might have thought that Robbie Keane was interfering with play by standing on the goal line for the winner. But then again, we all thought Vidic should have been sent off for his tackle on Keane, rather than his elbow on Alonso.
And anyway, it is over now. And we can move on. But without a particular monkey on our backs. No, we are not a better team than them - but at least we have regained some pride.
Onwards and upwards...
PS I am finally begining to feel that it is late enough in the year for the football season to have started.
When Man Utd scored after 3 minutes I thought we were going to get pasted. And we were very lucky to get the equaliser. And another referee might have thought that Robbie Keane was interfering with play by standing on the goal line for the winner. But then again, we all thought Vidic should have been sent off for his tackle on Keane, rather than his elbow on Alonso.
And anyway, it is over now. And we can move on. But without a particular monkey on our backs. No, we are not a better team than them - but at least we have regained some pride.
Onwards and upwards...
PS I am finally begining to feel that it is late enough in the year for the football season to have started.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Beijing 2008
I miss the Olympics. It was great to wake up every morning and have some wonderful sport to catch up on. It is just too early for football - even if the mighty Reds were briefly top of the Premiership. I haven't given up on there being a summer yet - I can't think about football.
But tonight LFC have the first of their "make or break" games of the season to determine whether we get into the knockout stages of the Champions League. The team have been playing like they think it is too early too, so I hope that they come through.
Bolt was amazing - I watched his heats in the 100m in Schipol, and had to say to a colleague "he's fucking jogging!". It all seemed so easy for him. Wonderful stuff.
Asafa Powell must have been gutted.
But tonight LFC have the first of their "make or break" games of the season to determine whether we get into the knockout stages of the Champions League. The team have been playing like they think it is too early too, so I hope that they come through.
Bolt was amazing - I watched his heats in the 100m in Schipol, and had to say to a colleague "he's fucking jogging!". It all seemed so easy for him. Wonderful stuff.
Asafa Powell must have been gutted.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
More statements of the Bleeding obvious
I'm slowly watching the New Final Honest Really the Last We Mean it Version of Blade Runner. And it is good. Really good. This is a film I thought I knew and loved, but when I think about it I had not watched it in a decade. I have an old DVD kicking about somewhere, but it didn't do much for me. The new version is just so beautiful. And slow. And opaque - they don't explain much early on; it just starts.
Hardly an original thought I know, but it is good.
Hardly an original thought I know, but it is good.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Peggy Sue still lives
Quite marvelous really. I was just listening to Buddy Holly through the random wonders of i-tunes when it occured to me that the person the song is named for (but was not originally written for) is still alive. The 50s seem impossibly far off and far away, as if they only ever happened in the movies (and in America). But in human terms they are close enough that millions of people still around lived through them, and are not even particularly old. I mean 70 is old, but nowadays not that old, and that would make you 18 in 1956 - old enough to get Elvis. My 60 year old sister (and that is quite a thought) saw the Beatles.
Some of the old Blues guys currently touring are being feted more for being alive than what they actually do, but it is quite a thought that there are musicians around who played with Robert Johnson.
Some of the old Blues guys currently touring are being feted more for being alive than what they actually do, but it is quite a thought that there are musicians around who played with Robert Johnson.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Perceptions
No matter how bad was for you yesterday, it was worse for John Terry and Nicolas Anelka. Missing penalties in the European Cup final must be gutting. Particularly for Terry, who should have won it but his foot slipped.
How quickly the story changes - Ronaldo would have been the villan despite his wonderful season for missing his penalty with one bit of trickery too far. Instead his story is of success and not falling at the final fence.
As Kipling said, those twin imposters...
How quickly the story changes - Ronaldo would have been the villan despite his wonderful season for missing his penalty with one bit of trickery too far. Instead his story is of success and not falling at the final fence.
As Kipling said, those twin imposters...
Saturday, May 03, 2008
and that's the season
So, we lost to Chelsea, and that's the season over. I could hardly watch, but realistically we were not up to the job. Riise's own goal ended up being too much of a blow. When we had the upperhand we didn't push, and Drogba beat us. That is why he is so annoying - that is what he can do if he doesn't fall over all the time.
Now in Egypt with the world's most expensive internet connection...
Now in Egypt with the world's most expensive internet connection...
Monday, April 28, 2008
drawing to an end
The season is now just about finished. We are safe in the 4th Champions league spot. So, it is a question of whether there are 3 more games this season or 4. After the gut renching disappointment of Riise's owngoal in the 95th minute, my hope is beginning to drag itself off the floor. Realistically though, we need to score at a ground where we have not scored for years, and where we usually get a drubbing. The Champions league magic will have to be especially strong, especially as Chelsea are on a high after beating Man Utd. Realistically we stand no chance. The only positive thing is that because we have to score it is not a problem if they score first. Oddly, them scoring the first goal changes little.
Now is the time for Torres to pay back his transfer fee.
Oddly enough if Man Utd get through against Barcalona I would feel better about losing to Chelski - better them than the scum.
Meanwhile I feel shattered - run over by a truck. I need a break. Only another 3 weeks and I can have one. By which time the season will really be over.
Now is the time for Torres to pay back his transfer fee.
Oddly enough if Man Utd get through against Barcalona I would feel better about losing to Chelski - better them than the scum.
Meanwhile I feel shattered - run over by a truck. I need a break. Only another 3 weeks and I can have one. By which time the season will really be over.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Well that sucked
So I stayed up until late to watch the mighty Reds overwhelm Chelski, and then throw it all away in the fifth minute of extra time. 1-1. Still all to play for, I guess, but realistically it looks like Chelski will be in Moscow. The luck is with them.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Retro
So, I am officially getting old and stopping listening to new music. As witnessed by the fact that my favourite listening at the moment is those radical new acts Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Still, occasionally I listen to the Byrds.
Ho hum. Senility cannot be far away.
Tomorrow is the next big day - the Mighty Reds vs Chelski. Again. I don't know how to feel. Dread and hope combine to neutralise me.
Ho hum. Senility cannot be far away.
Tomorrow is the next big day - the Mighty Reds vs Chelski. Again. I don't know how to feel. Dread and hope combine to neutralise me.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
That's all for this season...
Thanks to a dull victory over Fulham we are 1 point or one Everton slip up from 4th place in the Premiership, and our ticket to the Champions league next year. Of course the better way is to win old big ears again - but first it is the Threepeat. Chelsea again. Oh, my nervous tummy. What would be best - winning it a 6th time. Which would be worse - losing to Chelsea or Man U? Please let Barcelona have a sudden burst of quality.
Now in my second home - a hotel in the UAE - surrounded by the minor luxuries of a new disposal keyboard and speakers. With a 1 pound copy of the Animatrix to watch when I have a moment. Life, but not as we know it Jim.
Now in my second home - a hotel in the UAE - surrounded by the minor luxuries of a new disposal keyboard and speakers. With a 1 pound copy of the Animatrix to watch when I have a moment. Life, but not as we know it Jim.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Tender Evaluation
At the moment I am taking a break from a massive tender evaluation programme - 15 lots, and 94 companies bidding for multiple lots. As a process it will take the rest of April.
When I am writing proposals, it is easy to forget what is going to happen to them when they are opened. In particular it is easy to remember how long it takes to write the proposal, and not to think about how long it takes to properly interpret them.
The companies in this process are no doubt eager to know whether they have been successful, and where they can improve if not. They should be reassured that this is being done thoroughly and with all due consideration - but it takes considerable time.
It does remind me though that effort put into presentation is valuable - as is reading the brief, and answering the questions asked. Obvious, but true.
When I am writing proposals, it is easy to forget what is going to happen to them when they are opened. In particular it is easy to remember how long it takes to write the proposal, and not to think about how long it takes to properly interpret them.
The companies in this process are no doubt eager to know whether they have been successful, and where they can improve if not. They should be reassured that this is being done thoroughly and with all due consideration - but it takes considerable time.
It does remind me though that effort put into presentation is valuable - as is reading the brief, and answering the questions asked. Obvious, but true.
Friday, March 28, 2008
too busy
But that brings in the pennies. Another day another dollar etc.
And of course it means no time to talk about our dismal failure at the home of the scum again - even if the referee was a liability. Mascherano was sent off for dissent because Ashley Cole was not 4 days before. Which is hardly the way to make the point about dissent.
Still, the Toffees and then 3 matches against Arsenal which define both our seasons. I would be happy to take the Champions league quarter final, and not the Premiership match. But realistically both of us need all 3. Beginning to look like Man U's season.
And of course it means no time to talk about our dismal failure at the home of the scum again - even if the referee was a liability. Mascherano was sent off for dissent because Ashley Cole was not 4 days before. Which is hardly the way to make the point about dissent.
Still, the Toffees and then 3 matches against Arsenal which define both our seasons. I would be happy to take the Champions league quarter final, and not the Premiership match. But realistically both of us need all 3. Beginning to look like Man U's season.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Next
Internazionale tumble to the mighty Reds, or at least the combination of 2 soft sendings off, and the mighty Fernando Torres.
So the season continues - at least until the draw on Friday. Never happy, us football fans. Though the season has picked up oddly after Barnsley beat Chelsea, and it became the year when "the big 4" didn't win the FA Cup. Somehow that helped deal with them putting us out in the earlier round.
Meanwhile... here are the countries I have visited. Still a lot to go.
create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide
So the season continues - at least until the draw on Friday. Never happy, us football fans. Though the season has picked up oddly after Barnsley beat Chelsea, and it became the year when "the big 4" didn't win the FA Cup. Somehow that helped deal with them putting us out in the earlier round.
Meanwhile... here are the countries I have visited. Still a lot to go.
create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide
Monday, March 03, 2008
snow again
Which is a funny reminder that winter still has a last blow.
Well the might reds have squeaked past Inter 2-0, Middlesbrough 3-2, Bolton 1-3 and apparently the season now comes down to beating West Ham and Newcastle and avoiding defeat to Inter. Here's hoping.
Has to be said that Torres is a God. He singlehandedly destroyed Boro. Though it has to be said that recently I have wondered if we were actually paying the opposition to gift us goals.
I strongly recommend Melvin Bragg's In our Time on Radio 4. How many people can say that?
Well the might reds have squeaked past Inter 2-0, Middlesbrough 3-2, Bolton 1-3 and apparently the season now comes down to beating West Ham and Newcastle and avoiding defeat to Inter. Here's hoping.
Has to be said that Torres is a God. He singlehandedly destroyed Boro. Though it has to be said that recently I have wondered if we were actually paying the opposition to gift us goals.
I strongly recommend Melvin Bragg's In our Time on Radio 4. How many people can say that?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
skiing...
...is rather good fun. Next week on statements of the bleeding obvious we will be saying that some middle aged men like golf.
Anyway, I go away for a while and Liverpool have fallen apart like Northern Rock - there is still something there but goodness things are not going well.
But as I write, we have just taken the lead against Internazionale...
Anyway, I go away for a while and Liverpool have fallen apart like Northern Rock - there is still something there but goodness things are not going well.
But as I write, we have just taken the lead against Internazionale...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
More statements of the bleeding obvious
The new Radiohead album is very good. And so are Sigur Ros.
Next time on statements of the bleeding obvious, George W Bush is a controversial president, and Gordon Brown is rather dour...
Oh, and The Ghost by Robert Harris is excellent. More than that, brilliant. And short. I even forgive him for not writing another Cicero book.
On a tangent, I met Kirsty McGee working reception at an expensive and trendy office complex. She like los bros Hernandez, and is a rather good singer/songwriter in the Michelle Shocked mode. Click on the link and see...www.kirstymcgee.com
All of which I only know because the people I was seeing were an hour late. I mean, it is not as if I had driven 50 miles to see them.
Next time on statements of the bleeding obvious, George W Bush is a controversial president, and Gordon Brown is rather dour...
Oh, and The Ghost by Robert Harris is excellent. More than that, brilliant. And short. I even forgive him for not writing another Cicero book.
On a tangent, I met Kirsty McGee working reception at an expensive and trendy office complex. She like los bros Hernandez, and is a rather good singer/songwriter in the Michelle Shocked mode. Click on the link and see...www.kirstymcgee.com
All of which I only know because the people I was seeing were an hour late. I mean, it is not as if I had driven 50 miles to see them.
Friday, January 25, 2008
reconnected
As I was saying... it is the time of year when we seem to reconnect with people. The aftershocks of Christmas cards unexpected, or reminders that a whole year (or more) has passed.
It lead to a party where we all seemed older, more mellow and more settled. Which probably means we don't have the thrusting vibrant hopes of earlier years. So we can afford to be more generous with each other and the world around us. If a little dissapointed that we were not in fact going to set the world ablaze.
Of course it can still all turn out badly, even if the upside now seems to be keeping what we have. A couple of friends have lost their marrriages when they retired and their partners realised that they didn't actually want them in their lives. And a couple more have remarried to Russian partners - which will have interesting consequences in the years to come.
Our lives move on, but even the drama seems so undramatic compared to our teens when a look, a glance, a word could be the whole world.
It lead to a party where we all seemed older, more mellow and more settled. Which probably means we don't have the thrusting vibrant hopes of earlier years. So we can afford to be more generous with each other and the world around us. If a little dissapointed that we were not in fact going to set the world ablaze.
Of course it can still all turn out badly, even if the upside now seems to be keeping what we have. A couple of friends have lost their marrriages when they retired and their partners realised that they didn't actually want them in their lives. And a couple more have remarried to Russian partners - which will have interesting consequences in the years to come.
Our lives move on, but even the drama seems so undramatic compared to our teens when a look, a glance, a word could be the whole world.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
It is only fair to point out that Tesco have now paid up for bashing the PPC. Only 13 months after the incident. Or collision, because accident means there is no one to blame... (Hot Fuzz - great movie).
Looks like I was right about our season - off to see the mighty reds vs wimpy Wigan, and if we don't win then Rafa may be for the chop. So, all we have to do to save the season is beat Internazionale. Easy stuff. Next!
Looks like I was right about our season - off to see the mighty reds vs wimpy Wigan, and if we don't win then Rafa may be for the chop. So, all we have to do to save the season is beat Internazionale. Easy stuff. Next!
another year
Welcome to 2008. Sounds like the future to me.
Finally watched the last few episodes of Battlestar Galactica Series 3. Great stuff. Great.
Makes me hate Richard Branson for denying me it in May 07. Bastard. Virgin Media are still rubbish, and still have an almost total lack of HD programmes - as well of course as high fees, and no Sky ONE. Bastards.
I would willingly switcht to SKY, if they and BT did not want to charge me so much for the privilige of buying from them. £150 for a new phone line, plus £300 for a new HD box, plus installation. I mean, I would like to - but that is going to be £500. Somewhat cheaper to bitch about it and wait for the box sets. Bastards.
Finally watched the last few episodes of Battlestar Galactica Series 3. Great stuff. Great.
Makes me hate Richard Branson for denying me it in May 07. Bastard. Virgin Media are still rubbish, and still have an almost total lack of HD programmes - as well of course as high fees, and no Sky ONE. Bastards.
I would willingly switcht to SKY, if they and BT did not want to charge me so much for the privilige of buying from them. £150 for a new phone line, plus £300 for a new HD box, plus installation. I mean, I would like to - but that is going to be £500. Somewhat cheaper to bitch about it and wait for the box sets. Bastards.
Friday, December 21, 2007
That was the season that was
So, Merry Christmas. The Premiership is gone with the loss to MU, the League cup with the loss to Chelsea. And now we have Inter, run away leaders of the Italian League. So, that's the season gone right there.
So, here's to 2008/9
Happy new year.
So, here's to 2008/9
Happy new year.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hey, I missed November
Listening to Central Reservation, Beth Orton.
I appear to have missed out November. First time. Says something about my month. And now 2 in a day.
Click on the Link - I find it rather romantic.
Outside it's Blade Runner
For what seems no good reason I find myself in Kuala Lumpur. It is night and raining. And indeed, it appears to be Blade Runner. Ok, there are no flyers and I have not actually seen Deckard hunting replicants, but apart from that this is it exactly. Constant warm rain, glowing neon, a sky the colour of tv tuned to a dead channel, mixed English and Asian languages, every nationality under the sun. Or rather the rain.
The future is now - just not evenly distributed.
The fusion of William Gibson and Blade Runner reminds me that WG had to leave the cinema when watching the film because he was seeing the Neuromancer in his head on the screen. And somehow they merge in the real world.
The future is now - just not evenly distributed.
The fusion of William Gibson and Blade Runner reminds me that WG had to leave the cinema when watching the film because he was seeing the Neuromancer in his head on the screen. And somehow they merge in the real world.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Rust never sleeps
But insurance claims do seem to. We are nearing the anniversary of when a well known supermarket (begins with T, ends with Esco) dropped off the weekly shop and drove off with a cheery wave, taking out the side of the purple people carrier on the way. The first I knew about this was when a passing motorist rang the doorbell and asked "is that your PPC that Tesco have just hit?" Unluckily for me I did not take her details. Luckily for me another guy stopped and gave me his, and offered to be a witness.
Insurance paid up apart from my excess, and promised to repay that when they got the money back. We are now getting ready to go to court. Court! What a ridiculous thing. The delivery guy says there was no accident, and so both sides are merrily running up legal bills and threatening to waste court time.
Well I was always interested in legal proceedings. Looks like I will get to see them up close.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Gagarin
Yuri Gagarin appears to be in fact film critic Mark Kermode.
Whilst this would explain why Mark's hairstyle is more appropriate to the 50's, it does beg the question of why he has not aged. Obviously, he is some kind of Soviet super soldier, a la Steve Rodgers, better known as Captain America. Well, known to some anyhow. And thus the hidden conspiricies in the world are laid bare.
Don't rush to thank me.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
I remember the future
Today is the 50th Anniversary of Sputnik 1. And the breadcrumbs have never known a man on the moon. I imagined a different future.
There were only just over 50 years from the Wright Brothers to space, and only 12 from the first satellite to man walking on the moon. There has been little progress since. The X-prize may have stimulated interest in private enterprise launching space flights, but in reality these are sub-orbital hops. Not the real thing. I suspect, but hope I am wrong, that interest will die quickly when the routine flights start.
It is a long way to the moon. We don't think about it. Colleagues asked me to help them with a plan to "walk to the moon" to improve fitness. It is difficult to explain that all the interesting stuff happens in the first 10 miles, and then there is more or less nothing to report for a quarter of a million (we can ignore a few Lagrange points). We live in the layer of paint and varnish on a globe. The highest mountain is only 8 miles high, on a planet that is near enough 4 000 miles in diameter. A mere bobble. Space starts in earnest after 100miles. Still insignificant really.
Space is hard. But when I was growing up I thought we would be doing better than this. Here's to Laika, and Gagarin, and Ed White, and Neil Armstrong. And the first man on Mars. I wonder if he is even born yet.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Bat cheez burger
Thank mightgodking, not me.
Is that assigning credit, or blame?
TV now broken. Of course it is. It is 14 months old, and therefore 2 months out of warranty. That is actually quite reasonable. I mean who expects an £800 tv to last?
It then took me until 9pm to make the digibox work with the spare tv. Of course if I had RTFM it might not have taken that long. All I had to do was press reset, hold down the pause and stop buttons, then press FF until I selected SD not HDrni. Obvious really. Can you read the sarcasm?
The best bit is that seeing the 17" replacing the 37", Kid A asked "did you shrink the tv?" Almost made the whole thing worthwhile.
Monday, October 01, 2007
win some lose some
So, the roof leaks and damages the house. Both will cost £800 to fix. The insurance will pay one, but not the other. Not much choice is there?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
TV
Mrs Breadcrumb has been away from home earning a crust. What splendid timing, since it co-incides with the Mighty Reds crushing Reading in the League Cup, and a number of excellent documentaries.
Torres is really looking the part. There was a coolness in his hattrick against Reading that just made you feel he could not miss. He is a class apart, and I can feel a Reds hero in development. Nothing against Crouch or Kuyt, but not since Owen have we had striker you feel is going to score. And terrorises defenders.
On tv as well as a Factory documentary (the history of Factory is the nearest thing I would have to a Mastermind subject) there have been some interesting comics documentaries. In search of Steve Ditko was not really illuminating (mainly because he refuses to talk), and Comics Brittania though interesting wasn't that exciting. In search of Mobius was great though. For the first time I could really see the Moebius contribution to Alien. The art is still so fantastic, though it appears that Giraud himself is less fabulous. He himself says that everything is second to his art. Lots of people applauded his genius - none called themselves his friend.
Torres is really looking the part. There was a coolness in his hattrick against Reading that just made you feel he could not miss. He is a class apart, and I can feel a Reds hero in development. Nothing against Crouch or Kuyt, but not since Owen have we had striker you feel is going to score. And terrorises defenders.
On tv as well as a Factory documentary (the history of Factory is the nearest thing I would have to a Mastermind subject) there have been some interesting comics documentaries. In search of Steve Ditko was not really illuminating (mainly because he refuses to talk), and Comics Brittania though interesting wasn't that exciting. In search of Mobius was great though. For the first time I could really see the Moebius contribution to Alien. The art is still so fantastic, though it appears that Giraud himself is less fabulous. He himself says that everything is second to his art. Lots of people applauded his genius - none called themselves his friend.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Winter Blues
I am sure that the reason I am so down is because of the change of the seasons, and not because we have run out of money (again), there is a hole in the roof, and I have no work coming in. That would be just crazy talk.
And of course I am fat, which doesn't help. Though apparently I lost 2 kg over the week, I gained 6 kg over the summer. This should help protect me through the winter when the heating is cut off and rain pours in through the roof. So, a bright side, eh?
And of course I am fat, which doesn't help. Though apparently I lost 2 kg over the week, I gained 6 kg over the summer. This should help protect me through the winter when the heating is cut off and rain pours in through the roof. So, a bright side, eh?
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Things fall apart
One of those days. Lost my laptop power cable. Remote for the car doesn't work. They days when everything electric is cursed.
Of course this is all really just because I have just found out that I have put on 5 kg during the summer. Suddenly the folds of fat feel obvious around my midrift. So, for 30 seconds or so I am dedicated to fighting the flab and cutting down on the chocolate, and stepping up the exercise.
But no doubt only for 30 seconds.
I think I would be happy to replace an addition to exercise for several of my other additions.
Of course this is all really just because I have just found out that I have put on 5 kg during the summer. Suddenly the folds of fat feel obvious around my midrift. So, for 30 seconds or so I am dedicated to fighting the flab and cutting down on the chocolate, and stepping up the exercise.
But no doubt only for 30 seconds.
I think I would be happy to replace an addition to exercise for several of my other additions.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
A cunning plan
Apparently it is a year since Steve Irwin was offed by a "stingray". Now Steve Fossett is "missing" in the Nevada desert? Coincidence? I think not. Obviously there is a serial killer on the loose intent on murdering adventurers called Steve. Now if only we could work out why this particular day is so important.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Celebrity Politics
Last night we voted for a pop star (well, technically a drummer) to be put forward as a candidate to be our local MP. Not sure what this actually says about the democratic process. But at least I am participating. 28 candidates, and 5 or 6 have gone through to the next phase. The rules say that we have to have one women and one BME candidate out of our 3 nominations - in practice the two best candidates (for entirely different reasons) were both white males who don't live in the area. Isn't democracy funny? Meanwhile our previous MP who lost his seat when I moved here, is about to stand as a candidate in my home constituency. Small world. Good news was there were was a reasonable number of people attending the selection meeting - about the same as the number of candidates. In such a way do we contribute to the global democracy - from village halls to number 10. It is a vanishingly small number of people who bestirr themselves to get involved. Imperfect though it is, if you don't get involved you really don't have much say.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Silly Season
A bit of warmth, but an autumn wind in the air. It is still the silly season for news though. Last night's 10 o'clock news had a feature on how there is still peace in Northern Ireland. Good news, but a bit of a sign that not a lot else is happening.
The Mighty Reds, having disposed of Toulouse in old Big Ears, have got Porto, Marseille and Beskitas. Could have been worse. But realistically you would expect the top seeds to get through. Given that that is the 4 English clubs, the 2 Milans and Real and Barca, I can see how UEFA are beginning to think the system needs a shake up.
Jim Shooter going back to LoSH? That would be news (for about a thousand of us worldwide).
The Mighty Reds, having disposed of Toulouse in old Big Ears, have got Porto, Marseille and Beskitas. Could have been worse. But realistically you would expect the top seeds to get through. Given that that is the 4 English clubs, the 2 Milans and Real and Barca, I can see how UEFA are beginning to think the system needs a shake up.
Jim Shooter going back to LoSH? That would be news (for about a thousand of us worldwide).
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Version
Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before. Can't get it out of my head. Like the Go! Team I am thinking of it as a form of brain cancer, when it is just a very sucessful meme.
Back to work, and soon the breadcrumbs will be back at school. Time for the Boo Radleys - "summers gone..."
Back to work, and soon the breadcrumbs will be back at school. Time for the Boo Radleys - "summers gone..."
Monday, August 27, 2007
The boy who cried at Happy Birthday
A refugee from About a boy was at the Breadcrumb's birthday party. He had a handmade jumper, hand made cards and present, and cried at loud noises. He was a vegetarian. Poor lamb - a world of pain awaits. The world of children, who are cruel and relentless.
Other than that a success. Though the divisions between the kids from the schemes and the kids from the middle classes grow bigger by the day. As do the number of single parents. We fit in and don't fit in with all of them.
Other than that a success. Though the divisions between the kids from the schemes and the kids from the middle classes grow bigger by the day. As do the number of single parents. We fit in and don't fit in with all of them.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Breadcrumb Day
Do you mean you don't celebrate Breadcrumb Day?
One more year and they can say "now we are 6".
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
You are old father time
The breadcrumbs reach 5 tomorrow, but we are holding back celebrations till Thursday. Luckily they are still too young to realise that they are being conned.
As was referee Rob Stiles on Sunday when he gave Chelsea a penalty at Anfield for Malouda throwing himself at Steve Finnan. At least he has apologised, but a probable win has been turned into a disappointing draw.
I was not there because I was learning valuable life lessons at Centre Parcs. The first of these is that the breadcrumbs are heavy, and the second is that I am not a golfer. My first ever driving practice left the shed peppered with dents, and the driving range miraculously untroubled by golf balls. It was a laugh though. And now I ache, ache, ache. All over.
As was referee Rob Stiles on Sunday when he gave Chelsea a penalty at Anfield for Malouda throwing himself at Steve Finnan. At least he has apologised, but a probable win has been turned into a disappointing draw.
I was not there because I was learning valuable life lessons at Centre Parcs. The first of these is that the breadcrumbs are heavy, and the second is that I am not a golfer. My first ever driving practice left the shed peppered with dents, and the driving range miraculously untroubled by golf balls. It was a laugh though. And now I ache, ache, ache. All over.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Slow learner/Partition
Having discovered Portishead about a decade later, I would now like to go even further back and finally declare Loveless by My Bloody Valentine one of the great albums of all time. I've always loved Soon, but I think that I was resentful of them damaging my hearing on the Rollercoaster tour (Mary chain, MBV, Dinosaur Jnr and Blur. Yes, that Blur). 1 minute of pure noise is a cleanser for the palatte. 10 minutes is industrial noise damage. Anyway, thanks to the randomness of I-tunes I have been getting odd blasts of MBV which then carve permanent tracks into my brain. Listening to the whole thing at fuck off stupid noise it just works. Next I will be declaring my love for Wire, and going back to 1977 to start all over. (Can you spot the link pop pickers?
Changing tracks disconcertingly, watched a programme on the Partition of India. God, what a sad affair. The saddest thing was watching an old Sikh talking about his father and uncle beheading all the women in the family because of the risk of them being captured and raped by Muslims. How unspeakable. And apparently carried out in silence, with the women co-operating. The Father started with his own daughter. Makes you wonder about the human race. The one bright bit was a Hindi refugee from Lahore, who rather than blaming the Muslims, blamed Hindus for mistreating them in the first place leading to them wanting their own country. But Pakistan was forged in blood, and not got much happier since. Religion is a blight on the face of the planet. Human beings just can't get the "love one another" bit, and use it as an excuse for killing. And killing in revenge. And then killing because they killed us.
Thank God I am an atheist.
Changing tracks disconcertingly, watched a programme on the Partition of India. God, what a sad affair. The saddest thing was watching an old Sikh talking about his father and uncle beheading all the women in the family because of the risk of them being captured and raped by Muslims. How unspeakable. And apparently carried out in silence, with the women co-operating. The Father started with his own daughter. Makes you wonder about the human race. The one bright bit was a Hindi refugee from Lahore, who rather than blaming the Muslims, blamed Hindus for mistreating them in the first place leading to them wanting their own country. But Pakistan was forged in blood, and not got much happier since. Religion is a blight on the face of the planet. Human beings just can't get the "love one another" bit, and use it as an excuse for killing. And killing in revenge. And then killing because they killed us.
Thank God I am an atheist.
Monday, August 13, 2007
AHW RIP
Anthony H Wilson, late of Factory records, is now late. And Manchester is the lesser for it.
He changed my life by showing me the Sex Pistols, and then signing Joy Division. I never made it to the Hacienda - too shy. Which sounds oddly like Morrisey.
So now that generation is passing or gone - Wilson, Curtis, Hannett and Gretton. Odd firm of accountants. Never good with money. Or rather, never good at keeping it. Tony Wilson's obiturary should probably be that Factory record's HQ had the first Zinc roof in Manchester. But you could only see it from a helicopter. Sums it all up.
I can't explain but it is very Manchester.
Last night I heard an acoustic version of Love will Tear us Apart on Grey's anatomy, the No.1 show in the USA. I still can't understand why either Joy Division where not huge in 1980, or seem to have become so now. A Velvet Underground for a different generation.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Mindless
Group of asian youths went along the street and kicked in all the driver's side mirrors at 2:10am. Pointles, mindless and expensive for me, my asian neighbour, my 90 year old neighbour, my single mother neighbour and at least one other (don't know whose car it is).
Not a good start to the day.
Not a good start to the day.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Like a Motorway
One of my favourite tracks ever - a remix of Like a Motorway by St. Etienne. Not really my cup of tea at all. What it reminds me of is a drunken night in Belgium with a group of friends where we dramatically overestimated the number of limes needed for Margharitas, and emptied the local supermarket. Weended up drinking Tequilla until we had finished the limes. The rest of the weekend is a bit of a blur to be honest - apart from a vision of six of us lying on one double bed watching MTV ambient at 4am. Sounds just like this track. Honest.
Meanwhile, in real life - why do I get a cold when the weather finally turns nice?
Meanwhile, in real life - why do I get a cold when the weather finally turns nice?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Fair Exchange
Be Bop Deluxe. The joy of i-tunes. This still summons up 1973 for me, and a battered 45 that I made a sleeve for out of a couple of adverts in the NME.
Also, still on the retro kick, finally watched the last 3 episodes of Angel. I find David Boreanez difficult to like, because he so obviously thinks that this is beneath him. The rest is just fantastic, and the sparring between Angel and Spike wonderful. I hadn't seen the Ilyria episodes, and so had not realised what an excellent actress Amy Acker is. Honestly. The Fred thing is not the limit of her abilities. And delightful to see Alec Baldwin again, even if he is basically playing Jane in a suit. Browncoats will understand.
Meanwhile, another payday has rolled around. Damn you George W Bush. Will you stop driving the dollar down? Some of us have to take them home to countries with real currencies.
Also, still on the retro kick, finally watched the last 3 episodes of Angel. I find David Boreanez difficult to like, because he so obviously thinks that this is beneath him. The rest is just fantastic, and the sparring between Angel and Spike wonderful. I hadn't seen the Ilyria episodes, and so had not realised what an excellent actress Amy Acker is. Honestly. The Fred thing is not the limit of her abilities. And delightful to see Alec Baldwin again, even if he is basically playing Jane in a suit. Browncoats will understand.
Meanwhile, another payday has rolled around. Damn you George W Bush. Will you stop driving the dollar down? Some of us have to take them home to countries with real currencies.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Going over old ground
Am back in the land of the future present, where the world's tallest building is still taking shape. Curiously though, I am revisiting old DVD favourites. Ok, I know these things are self-evident but Farscape, Serenity and Buffy are really good. Honest.
So far failed to source dodgy bootleg Dr Who DVDs, so the breadcrumbs are looking at disappointment. Still at least they can have fun building Arks again. Blighty is sinking, and me, I live by the river... ok, no I don't.
So, being retro - here is Chriss Foss. The way the future used to look.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Philanthropy/Yellow Ribbon
Well, I'm going home as soon as I eat my tea, have a shower, finish this blog and pack. Easy for 35 minutes...
So, I was thinking. Mainly because of an articlein Psychology Today of 10 politically incorrect truths, that there is probably no such thing as philanthropy. We are all the same gene machines, and anything any of us does to save the planet will help our genes along too. So, every do-gooder is really selfish. Just pointing it out...
So, I was thinking. Mainly because of an articlein Psychology Today of 10 politically incorrect truths, that there is probably no such thing as philanthropy. We are all the same gene machines, and anything any of us does to save the planet will help our genes along too. So, every do-gooder is really selfish. Just pointing it out...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Life's great imponderables
Why does every allegedly international hotel have to have a coctail bar with some national signing songs they have learnt phoentically in an endlessly booming karoake of the damned?
What is wrong with silence? Or piped music? Or god forbid, something that might actually reflect where you are?
Meanwhile in my so called glamourous life, why is it so hard of hotels to sort out the internet connections that they charge us an arm and leg for?
But these are rich person's complaints, which are shown up as rather hollow when I read about the construction workers in Dubai earning 500dh per month. That is £70, or $140. Per month. And they send money home from that.
What is wrong with silence? Or piped music? Or god forbid, something that might actually reflect where you are?
Meanwhile in my so called glamourous life, why is it so hard of hotels to sort out the internet connections that they charge us an arm and leg for?
But these are rich person's complaints, which are shown up as rather hollow when I read about the construction workers in Dubai earning 500dh per month. That is £70, or $140. Per month. And they send money home from that.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Punch up at the 7-11
Unkansas. So there I am at the check out, slowly losing the will to live, when these two guys come pushing and shoving up the steps to the door. Suddenly one lamps the other, who falls down, and follows it up with a kick to the groin. No mean feat on slippery steps. Then both parties run off into the night, while the youths on the steps beat a rhythm on the steps with bottles, showing that they could easily be broken into weapons. So what is the protocol for this?
I've been trying to avoid there being forever a corner of a foreign field that is forever an English pedestrian by obeying the crossing signals. But that does not save you from motherfuckers on motorbikes going the wrong way up 4 lane one way streets, with no lights, against the signals. I mean, what does?
I'm not really abroad, but in Crowne Plaza world. The third world is just around the corner, but in here we are in the first world. And beer is reassuringly expensive. For the hotel that is. For me it is just prohibitive.
Hijabs and hookers. More than one culture clash. But me I am in a cocoon.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Wake up Boo
Genetics is an odd thing. Junior Miss Breadcrumb naturally shares a genetic mix with Kid A. Sadly for all concerned, Kid A, Mrs Breadwinner and me are all predisposed to lying in late. Jnr Miss takes after her grandmother, and Mrs Breadwinner's sisters, and believes that the best of the day is done by 7am. This is going to be a drag for a long, long time. For all of us.
Funnily enough, Jnr miss realises that she takes after Gran - and told me that she looks like Gran. Kid A took himself off to look in a mirror, and announced that he looked like Uncle Simon.
Me and Mrs Breadwinner will be having words...
Funnily enough, Jnr miss realises that she takes after Gran - and told me that she looks like Gran. Kid A took himself off to look in a mirror, and announced that he looked like Uncle Simon.
Me and Mrs Breadwinner will be having words...
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