Lunt's London adventures

Links to some holiday snaps.

2007-11-05T11:15:00.001Z

Ma/Auntie P - This may or may not work but there are some links to the hol snaps I've put on Facebook below. Let me know if it doesn't work would you?
XXX

Brissie
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28246&l=6c3da&id=638040890

Sydney
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28245&l=4ae8e&id=638040890

NZ
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28241&l=cf971&id=638040890

Tokyo
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28236&l=d6b30&id=638040890

Big holiday - post 9

2007-10-31T23:13:00.001Z

Hello kiddiewinkles/ma/Auntie P.

A few photos quickly as I am about to rush up the Gold Coast to go to, would you believe, a French restaurant. When in Rome.....do as the French do! Having said that, I've already had a Ozzie BBQ and was ace. They really know how to put on a good BBQ show over here.

Lightening summary of recent events.

Final days in NZ

Sniffed around Rotorua for a while. Lovely place - NZ really is beautiful. I want to come back.

Me on the beach at Rotorua. Stinks due to the sulphur, but scenery is
amazing (incl the natural springs, which are everywhere).

Another example of this county's varied prettiness.

A night of NZ razle/dazzle with OG in Rotorua followed. T'was a top old school evening (i.e. we we drank a fair bit) . Cheap booze helped ($3 a pint - that's one nicker twenty UK chaps), then some pool, an altercation with locals over a pool table. I then dozed off in a club and got booted out because of it. I then lost the hotel key. The night had everything. Top class!

Then Pitch and Putt, Zorbing and Luge with OG in Rotorua. All class activities (but no time to write about as have to run).

OG and me with Lake Rotorua in the back ground. This is from

the high up luge place (you need to take a cable car to get up there).

OG, looking good.

In Nandos mid night out. God he's got a long thumb.

At the luge. Meant to get the same chairlift as him

but there was a bit of a communication breakdown.....

Last night in NZ - out to a feederie called Genghis Khan with da gang. You get a bowl and then fill it with raw meat, veggies and tasty sauces of your choice and then some bloke cooks it in front of you on a hot plate. Completely yum. Thinking about it is making me hungry. We then hit a few NZ boozers before ending up at the place where we watched England lost in the rugby final a week earlier (was it Foxes OG?). Someone somewhere may have captured me dancing and singing You'll Never Walk Along at 5am and put it on a video clip. This is war Gartside! The new youngsters who were part of the gang - Jo's friends Harriet and Gemma - contributed massively to a top evening. Cheers chucks.

Gemma, Jo, Harriet, OG and me about to get fed.

Da crowd several drinks later.

Me and OG in one of those embarrassing snaps
together (of which we have very many)

NZ riff raff (all of you) - I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you ALL (esp OG, Jo, Rob, Bonzo, Harriet and Gemma) for making the week completely class. I really had a blast. You are welcome anytime to experience the delights of Islington!

I then hopped on a plane to Brisbane to meet my dad and continued festivities, OZ style. So far, I've done lots (quelle surprise), including:

Dinner near Brisbane port with dad's girlf Kelly's workmates. Lebanese food this time and was, again, very very yum (all this tasty food will impact on the temple which is my body - a few session at Fitness First are required when I get back methinks).
Last day or two - traveled down the Gold Coast for an hour to Kelly's parents' patch and went fishing and then swimming in the Specific Ocean (deliberate typo - it sounds better that way I think). Fishing was a strange thing for me to be doing as I don't eat fish or seafood of any description but it was quite relaxing - just sitting there for hours catching nothing. Actually, that isn't quite true. I attracted about five tiddlers.
We then went to a class cafe and wolfed down a FINE gourmet burger. One of the fanciest burgers I've ever eater actually. Oozed class!

And look what I found on the wall of
my dad's house. Who you gonna call?

Have to go RIGHT NOW and hop in the shower. Where is a Zorb when you need one? Would washing machine me in a jiffy.

Quick update.

2007-10-27T07:05:00.000+01:00

About to go out on the razzle dazzle with that man OG so have no time to do a proper post but get a load of the below! Is called Zorbing. And Gartside took me to that luge thing today Box - t'was tons of fun.

Proper post soon.

Big holiday - post 7

2007-10-26T02:17:00.000+01:00

Hello ma, OG, Smaje and whoever else is looking at this thing.

I've been at it again, this time with a spot of white water rafting. I'm every outdoor activity operator's dream as I have once again signed up to the thing and then bought the pictures CD afterwards. Was a good one this, though it could have done with being a smidgen more hair raising - though I am very comfortable in water generally. Did some good stuff though:

- Flew off the highest commercially used waterfall in the world (7 meters high) in a dingy.

- Got thrown off the dingy backwards by the tour bloke and then had to swim through a few sets of rapids before being able to climb back on the boat. That really was fun actually.

I bought the pics so I'm damned if I'm not going to use them.

Me and the rabble looking fetching.

Heading off down the stream. The scenery was beautiful.

It was in a deep ravine with all sorts of stuff growing up the walls.

Me with the usual thumbs up pose. I'm getting

bored of it though. I need a new pose.

Going down some rapids.

Us at the top of that 7m waterfall. This bit was good
fun actually. You'd know about it if you got this
wrong. The other boat did and very nearly overturned.

I'm in Rotorua (i.e. still NZ) by the way. A few hours drive from Waitomo Caves. I got bussed over last night and plonked in a six person backpackers dorm, which I wasn't thrilled about. Luckily I was the only person who slept in there so it was alright in the end. This place is very scenic, though the very beautiful lake Roturua is quite polluted in places. This place smells funny anyway due to the sulfur from the underground springs but in some places you can't tell if the funny smell is that or the polluted water.

OG is not appearing until later on this afternoon so I got the guy to drop me off a mile or so outside of time so I could play some pitch and putt. A very respectable 7 over par for the nine holes as well. I then walked around the lake and found a very impressive stretch where there was loads of white cinder like sand. The sulfur smell around there was overpowering though. There used to be a man made pool heated around there heated by the springs but the strength of the sulphur kept overcoming people and people kept drowning so they bulldozed it. Have a stack of new scenic pictures though. The scenery in this country really is incredible.

Right I'm off, maybe for a dip in the new thermal spring heated pools. Wish me luck.

Big hol - post 6

2007-10-25T02:12:00.000+01:00

Righto. Just been caving with an inner tube in Waitomo (which is about three hours from Auckland) and have a bit of time to kill prior to my bus to Rotorua arriving. Will therefore upload some snaps from the CD I bought up now as I'm likely break the flaming thing before I get home, knowing me. Either that or lose it.

This caving lark really was good fun. The water was damn deep as well. I couldn't touch the floor for a lot of the route. And the glow worms (one of the main reasons people do this particular activity) were amazing. Looked like a starry night when you turned the torch on your hat off. And if you make a big bang (or any loud noise) they light up much brighter. You learn something new every day.

...BUT (and it's a big but), New Zealand t'interweb is not fast enough to handle uploading lots of pics quickly. Below are the ones I managed to upload prior to the bus appearing.

Waitomo Caves - well above them anyway. Pretty, ain't it?

The guide clearly fancied himself as a bit of a creative photographer.
The result? A scene reminiscent of the Teletubbies.

My arse. No, really. It's my arse. And the inner tube I
selected fitted a treat (obvious opportunity for 'is it the inner tube
from a waggon wheel' style gag here, 'funny' friends).
The rabble who came caving with me.
Me, neck deep in water in a cave.
Me in a sort of inner tube snake thing with the randoms.
My work is done here.

Big holiday - post 5

2007-10-23T22:00:00.000+01:00

Day 8 (Mon 23 Oct) - A quiet one

A day or rest/recovery and a whole series of Max and Paddy.

Day 9 (Tue 24 Oct) - Waiheke island

Decided to walk from OG's pad into Auckland city, which took round about an hour. This place really is very anglicized. They can't get enough British TV, the irritating Richard Hammond's autobiog is in the window of the bookshops etc etc. Though it is a bit like Oz as well. They have quite a few Oz shops and they strangely call linen 'Manchester' as well. They don't call steel 'Sheffield' though - I did ask! Wonder if they say 'Liverpool' instead of 'football'? Probably not at the moment actually...

When I got to town I hopped on a ferry for the 35 min trip to Waiheke Island (not Waikiki as I said a few times - which is in Hawaii). Is generally 5 degrees hotter than the mainland, my Lonely Planet tells me, and the whole island is totally and completely stunning. I had my camera out every ten seconds it seemed and felt the urge to say 'wow' out loud on several occasions despite being on a solo wander. I took a fairly tricky three hour hiking route around the island and, despite a few minor difficulties (e.g. turned around to look at the scenery and realised I'd walked right up someone's driveway and was standing in their garden), all went smoothly.

Me at some high lookout on Waiheke.

Wine Science!?! I did the wrong course.

Someone said NZ was like Wales. Don't
remember Talacre being like this.

Another non-Wales like fine scene.

Relaxing on the ferry on the way back to Auckland.

When I got back, I headed off to the quiz I'd heard so much about. Tuesday night is quiz night in NZ it seems and loads of pubs have the same (very professional) interactive quiz on at the same time. There's no entry fee and you get a free 3 pint jug of beer for your troubles as well. Think every Tue night of mine would be booked up if you had the same thing in the UK - probably with several teams entered. Unfortunately, 'Disaster for Lunt' blew it and came last - by 11 points. At one stage, we had 0 out of 5 on the true or false round. How embarrassing....

Me, OG and Jo doing badly at the
quiz we've heard so much about.

Well poured OG.

Last by 11 points. How embarrassing. Thank
god I'm leaving the country on Sunday.

I mentioned to a few of you that I might be going to an Auckland brewery for a piss up. Owen failed to organise it. This will surprise none of you that know him. He does however have some other fun and games in store for me though in the coming days. Watch this space.

Oh, and we played a spot of rugby.

Big holiday - post 4

2007-10-21T23:11:00.000+01:00

Day 5 (Fri 19 Oct) - Boat ride to Manley/Flight to NZ

Got up and lazed around in the lovely apartment in which I was staying in Darling Harbour, then walked through town for an hour to get the main harbour (with yet another Starbucks coffee) and then hopped on the ferry to Manley for the morning. I found (another) stunning beach and then proceeded to get lost for an hour or two down the backstreets. Thought for a bit that I'd ended up the other side of Manley and that I was going to miss my flight but thankfully I wasn't so things turned out alright. I also found the best pie shop ever on route. If you ever make it there, go for the meat and potato. Mmmmm.

Got some old bloke to take my snap for me on Manly beach.

Later that day, I hopped on the plane and met OG and his lovely ladyf Jo at Auckland airport. I was greeted with the below. Revenge, when I exact it, will be sweet!

OG and Jo with the age old ambiguous 'L' gag. This is war.

Day 6 (Sat 21 Oct) - Sniffing around Auckland, rugby final in Eden Park

That man OG gave me a whistle stop tour of Auckland, taking me up to one of the (47 odd) volcanoes that are in NZ. Was more like a little mound than something like Vesuvius but was still cool as you could see the whole of the city. We then headed off to the supra scenic Browns Bay for some scram and then hit Eden Park for a rugby union final. Wet and cold but still good to see some really high standard rugby in a country that is obsessed with the sport (you should hear the whinging they've been doing about NZ getting dumped out of the rugby world cup on the radio phone ins).

OG and Jo on the beach at Browns Bay.

OG, espressing his dissatistfaction with the
actions of the tow away bloke people.

Day 7 (Sun 22 Oct) - Rugby World Cup final and the dogs for Rob's b'day.

Up bright and early (6am) in order to drink beer, get dressed up in 'dead man's clothes' (v old shockingly bad taste suits from a local charity shop) and hit a bar in town to watch England make a good stab at winning the final in time for the 8am kick off. Was a great atmosphere - with loads of singing and screaming (i.e. pissed up - at 8am) England and SA fans in their team's colours. Atmosphere was similar to a busy bar on a Friday night, but at 8am on a Saturday. We then went for some breakie at an American style diner and had the car towed away as we stuck it in the wrong bay. Whoops! It was 10.30am on a Sat and town was dead. Fair enough we made a mistake but these people really are low lives. There was loads of spaces in the wrong bit as well as in the right bit next door. The result - a taxi to the compound and a $200 release fee, thank you very much.

OG, Rob and me at 8.30am, looking snappy and enjoying a beverage.

Rob and bro showing a bit of brotherly love at the after dogs house party.

Musical aside

Been listening to some albums. Listen to the Polly Jean track below. Is the greatest thing since sliced wombat. I really love the album (White Chalk), although sometimes she sings so high pitched only dogs can hear it. Her lyrics are great as well - apart maybe for the one where she goes an about her boots being on the floor, but makes it sound a bit too much like boobs (which conjures up all kinds of unpleasant images). I prefer this to the new Radiohead album at the mo, by quite a way (though Reckoning is a class song, also below).

The Devils - PJ Harvey
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SSqRJbA9Duo

Reckoner - Radiohead
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tv2GvJyY5JY

Big holiday - post 3

2007-10-18T06:47:00.000+01:00

Day 3 (Wed 17 Oct) - Arrival in Sydney schmoozing around town

Slept well on the plane (by my standards) and turned up in Sydney at the same time as my dad's girlf Kelly who flew in from Brisbane to meet me and her Sydney based college friend Mandy, whose birthday it was the week before. Then I had another action packed day of thrills and spills thanks thanks to Kelly. The power of local knowledge really really shouldn't be underestimated - thanks HSBC.

Sydney's Port Jackson bay by night.

Sydney Center Point Tower

Me and Kelly went up this thing (2/3ds to the left in the above pic), which is the tallest tower in Sydney and is around the same height as the Eiffel Tower. Anyway, you could see everything from up the top - and the views really were spectacular. You realise when you're up there, firstly, just how big and sprawling the Sydney area is (4.5m people, but are things are much more spread out than Tokyo) and also how modern the buildings are. Sydney is filled with shiny mirrored skyscrapers and nice new buildings generally. The oldest thing here is only 200 years - but the vast majority of things seem to have been put up in the last few decades.

Center Point from a different angle.

Sydney Opera House Tour

We continued the touristy stuff with a tour of the Opera House (which you may have heard of). Saw the two main halls inside - the opera theatre and the philharmonic hall. The latter was incredibly impressive. It was build purely for the sound to travel well - e.g. it has no protruding screws in the floorboards as they would have damaged acoustics. The resulting acoustics are amazing. One day, FWA will play an acoustic concert at this venue and it will be the greatest thing since sliced Tasmanian Devil.

Sydney Harbour Bridge climb

Kelly and dad treated me to a climb up the Harbour Bridge. We had a breath test (which I passed you cheeky b*%$^&s), got kitted up and then headed off up the bridge. Getting up to the summit and down took a few hours but was well worth it. It's not every day that you get to scale something like that. Again, views were to die for. Bit windy up top though. My hair was ruined. Can you see me waving at the top of the bridge?

Day 4 (Thurs 18 Oct) - Walking around Sydney's Port Jackson Bay

Me, Kelly and Mandy set off early in order to do a famous walk from somewhere called Spit Bridge (named, I understand, after Bob Carolgees's dog) to Manley (named, I understand, after Amelie Mauresmo). We got to the start and were huffing and puffing as the walk was closed as they were refurbing some of the bridges. We were a bit gutted as it was a perfect day and we'd made some effort to get there, then this lady who we were whinging to said 'hey, I'll drive you to another good walk'. We walked over to her house and she drove us to its start. Her house was shockingly class. From what was in there, I think her hubby is a successful pro golfer. Will have a sniff round t'internet at some point as see if I can work out who it is. Anyway, she was lovely and made our day - thanks random woman. The people of Sydney are really friendly to randoms generally by the way. Loads of people started chatting to us. Compare and contrast Central London.

The new walk went past somewhere called Chowder Bay and included some completely amazing views of the 'other' side of the Harbour Bridge (i.e. not the Opera house end) and also some great views of Port Jackson and the city. We ended up at the entrance to Taronga Zoo (don't you just love Ausisie names?) and hopped on the boat over to get over by the Opera house. A truly class few hours.

I then headed off on my own to Bondi Beach as I thought I had to see it as it was so close. I'm actually sitting here typing this right now. Is as gorgoes as everyone says. Right - I'm off on another walk. See you later, alligators.

A picture taken 100m away from where I'm currently
sitting. Literally, fine scenes.

Big holiday - post 2

2007-10-16T10:57:00.000+01:00

Righto. At Tokyo Narita airport with a computer that doesn't dislike me and an hour to kill so time for some more ramble (or at least I was when I first started and almost finished this post - have uploaded from Sydney). Again, are stolen photos. My own snaps will have to follow.

Day 2 - Tokyo Tsukiji fishmarket and a trip to the Japanese mountains.

Tokyo's Tsukiji fishmarket

Got up at the crack of a sparrow's yawn in order to look around this place, mainly because it was so heartily recommended by my Lonely Planet guide. When I got there, I understood why. There were hundreds of stalls selling all kind of stuff to the restaurants of Tokyo - incl some v strange types of fish (some of which were alive), some very big types of fish getting divvied up into more manageable chunks as well as all kinds of other weird fishy stuff (e.g. barrels full of different type of live eel things etc). Also, there were hundreds of these scooter trailer things flying about and not caring what the hell was in their way. Truly amazing due to its size, the variety of fish and the general hustle/bustle. You really have to go if you ever visit Tokyo.

Very fishy...

Bus tour to Nikko and the Japanese mountains

Went on a guided tour to the Toshogu Shrine (incl the Rinnoji Temple) then over to have a squiz at Lake Chuzenji and then to the Kegon waterfall, which I couldn't see as it was too foggy. Obviously I remembered all these names - along with the correct spelling - without referring to anything as I'm that kind of guy. Some stolen snaps for you.

Some temple thing in Nikko. Incidentally, got a roasting from a
monk for sitting on the steps of a nearby sacred temple in order to
tie my shoelace. Whoopsie...

The waterfall that I heard but couldn't see (despite being a few
hundred foot away) as was too foggy. Sounded good though.
Lake Chuzenji with the an impressive
Japanese mountain range in the background.

Big holiday - post 1

2007-10-14T10:41:00.000+01:00

Ok, I'm back on here by popular demand (namely my mum and Kate G) in order to bore you ridged with tales from my big holiday. I'm actually writing this from the coolest internet cafe of all time in Tokyo. Is on the 12th floor of some building and I'm sitting here typing this in a very classy little dark wood cubicle, sitting on a black leather reclining chair and listening to some subtle lift music style jazz. Oozes cheesy yuppie class - I love it! Here's the link:

http://www.gcc-bagus.jp/

Think I'll do this chronologically. Oh, and I can't put my pics on here yet so have nicked other peoples (much better) ones from the internet in order to make things a smidgen more interesting.

Day 1 - Heathrow to Tokyo

Had to work very late on Fri night and then had to get up very early on Sat morning in order to pack and ended up having about 5 hours sleep . My plane then left at 1.45pm on the Sat and I managed to sleep for about an hour I reckon on the 11 hour flight as I'm far to big to get comfortable on the piddling little chairs in peasant class. Then had a power nap when I finally got to my hotel here (after an hour on a coach) and literally dragged myself up in order to look around Tokyo since I'm only here for two days. Is 8pm over here now and I feel like it's 8am after staying up all night. My body clock doesn't know whether I'm coming or going.

Day 2 - Milling around Tokyo

Tokyo is clearly a very cool city - what I've seen so far I love. So many people yet so more relaxed than London. People are so nice and polite as well. Went into Starbucks (shame on me) and the girl who served me gave me a coffee with a beaming smile and cupped my outstretched hand in hers when she gave me the change. Wasn't sure if she was just being polite or fancied a bit of a weary looking, unshaven UK bloke with large bags under his eyes. Ok, ok. I know deep down it was probably the former!

People are very polite and respectful over here generally. Speaking to people on mobiles on tubes/trains/buses is frowned upon as it annoys other passengers. I actually went on a tube ride after getting lost wandering around aimlessly for an hour or two. Was sat outside the station for quite a while working out where to go though. Click on the below and you might understand why...

Go on then - try and find Sengakuji on this baby.

Have tried a bit of the local stuff as well as the visit to Starbucks. Sat down in a place called Noodle Workshop (some Japanese fast food chain I reckon) and woolfed down some 'beef cheek with mushroom' noodles. Not sure which of the two obvious places on a cow where you can find cheek that it originated from but was very nice nonetheless.

Something else I came across was the below, the Tokyo Tower. I'd never heard of it before but it's really similar in structure to the Eiffel Tower and not dissimilar proportions. There were also a few French restaurants and cafes dotted around as well. Wonder if this place is somehow linked with France?

Ring a bell mes amis de la France?

One other thing that was weird was the taxis. As well as there being loads of them, the doors open for you by themselves - as if by magic (and I personally think magic is somehow involved). Impressed me anyway. They also look quite cool - see nicked snap below.

One final thing is that I feel like Hulk Hogan. There are not many non-Japanese folk about and relative to most of them, I feel like I'm a full foot taller and twice the weight (that means they must be five and a half stone doesn't it, calculation fans?).

Tomorrow I'm going to some temple in the Japanese countryside near Tokyo. I'm actually treading in the footsteps of the great explorer Eileen 'Chong' Cheng and will compare notes with her when I get back.

Right, I'm going off on another wander. Next update in a few days. Later.

Phonio phonio, where for art thou phonio (hmmmmmm, some deja vu going on here)

2007-08-12T20:39:00.000+01:00

Well I would put a few weeks worth of snaps up here had I not lost my camera phone (and iPod) after a particularly bevy-ridden sesh for a mate’s leaving do last Thursday. Non-Facebook Luddites (ma, Auntie P, Acres, McEvoy) may have had no response to texts/calls and this is the reason. Not at all bothered about knackered and insured iPod but the loss of phone is a right pain in the arse. Had a few weeks worth of pics on there as well as all my phone numbers. Oh well. Will just have to email the rabble asking for new details I suppose. Note to self – back up all the numbers as this is becoming quite a common occurrence in my old age.

The thrills and spills you've missed out on images of in the last few weeks include;

me playing golf badly with work
me playing in goal ok-ish with Spartak Mojo (Sleggy's team)
me driving a go cart badly with work
me played poker badly with Duckers
me making an ok-ish stab at a BBQ with Mai and her French pals
me trying to speak French with Mai and friends very very badly
Me dancing very badly in an Angel indie club last week and then again in Manchester on Friday night.

Hmmmm. Maybe the pics of the last few weeks won't be too badly missed after all.

Lots of stuff from July 07

2007-07-23T22:32:00.000+01:00

Well well. Haven’t updated this for a month. Been busy, as ever, having lots of fun all over the place with da gang. Have done lots and lost of stuff since the last post but a few highlights are;

Corporate Games trip to Sheffield - Packed full of ‘fine scenes’, include hitting the Sheffield Leadmill (indie club) twice and magnificent curry with the chaps.
Manchester with da boys - A boys weekend in Manchester with MWard, Tel and Smaje. Did the Morrissey/Smiths night (all ex Tel) followed by a night out on the town (all incl Tel) and had a complete blast.
Going to the worst concert of all time at the Shepherd's Bush Empire (Frank Black, who had a shocker).
Going to Paris for Heurve’s surprise 30th party and trying to speak some French (e.g. je voudrais un autre bier sil vous plait) .
Moved house from Wimbledon to London Bridge.
Moved house from London Bridge to Angel.

Let's see some snaps then.

Heurve and Mai saying 'fromage' on the Paris Metro.

Heurve and pal engrossed by the laptop. Are
tinkering about on Facebook no doubt. Angelique and Ciaran wolfing down some petite
dejuner the morning after the night before.
The blue waters of the Seine. Compare and contrast with...

...the mucky brown water of the Thames (sigh).
Big McE and little Miss Molly McE enjoying a refreshing
pint (Guinness and milk respectively) after our rained off
cricket game last week.
Tonight, Matthew, Andy Prag is Bono.
David Shaw was unfazed by the gamesmanship of his opponents.
Herb pesto + rocket fuel = Yagermeister.
Oh. More Yager. This explains quite a lot.
I think this is at the Moz night in Manchester.
In fact it must be because...
...so was this (as usual).
Come and get it girls.
A sensible start...
...but a few beers later...
...things got interesting. Here, Mike 'Gordon Ramsay'
Smaje turns the air blue when one of his personal chefs
fails to cook his steak to specification
Classic full English. Classic scowling miserable Smaje.
Ohhhh, I say. Stoney and Cookie doing
their best to look like a couple.
We're freeeeeeeeeee. Jack and Trants
are determined not to be outdone.
Gaz and Stonio stripe it up.
David, seemingly horrified that there is a spare beer going.
Trants and Acres force grins at Bradbury's latest dirty
joke/observation (complete with a mime on this occasion).

And in other news.

I number of people I know will be getting extra garlic slipped in their food next time I’m out with them and sleeping in the same room as them. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/6288012.stm

Wa, wa, wahhhhhhhhhh.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6289770.stm

Maybe they thought it was a blow-up doll? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/derbyshire/6702017.stm

Glasto 07

2007-06-25T20:55:00.000+01:00

Went to Glasto last Wed. Got blisters early doors, one of which got infected and was a right mess. So much so that I had to go to the medi centre (one of 1,800 people who had to do so - though I'm not a number, I'm a free man) and have some guy put my feet in a mysterious foot bath, zap me with a strange spray, slice the offending area open with a scalpel and then patch me up with a nice, comprehensive whiter-than-white dressing. It really did help though.

Band-wise, a few off top of head:

CSS – saw the last 1.5 songs as I was in the medical tent getting my feet done (I’ll spare you the photos). CSS looked ace though. Gutted to have missed most of the set but have noticed that they’re playing Leeds (phew).
Reverend and the Makers – I enjoyed. And front man is as funny as hell.
Super Furry Animals – Very Welsh. Very ok-ish.
Arcade Fire – Nah.
Arctic Monkeys – Yeah! But tailed off a bit mid set.
Shiley Bassey – Class. Some great covers.
Maximo Park – Ok ish.
The Long Blonds – Completely ace. Front woman is tops.
Killers – Really enjoyed them.
The Pippetts – So bad we all liked them. They are good honest rubbish.
Billy Bragg – Very political and had some people just out of prison on stage playing with him. Also did a raffle for some campaign he’s fronting to get musical instruments into prisons. You have to respect him even if you’re not supra-socialist leftie (which I’m not) and I enjoyed him which is the main thing.
Manics – I quite liked. No one else did though for some reason.

A special mention to the person who cleverly rubbed out the letter ‘p’ from the word ‘passes’ on a sign so that it read as follows.

"Hospitality area – asses must be shown".

Could have caused all manner of hilarious confusion.

Some songs

Fave song at the mo - 'Old Yellow Bricks' by Arctic Monkeys.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IkmwJKwa2X8

And get a load of their version of Diamonds Are Forever!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvzy_ubmr8I

Some pics

Let's get ready to rumble.

All hail the famous Pyramid stage.

Stoney, George and me in some interesting chill out area.

Me and Mr Stone mix it up.

Me, Stone, Croom and Jonet at the back of the Pyramid stage field.

The Crooms looking sickeningly lovey dovey. Yuk.

Croom and Martyn in the Jazz World field. Also home to the
perry (i.e. pear cider) shop which is the only reason why everyone
was there (seriously).
Croom, Stone, Martyn and me pre the very surreal hippy-like
opening act of the festival on the Pyramid. It rained heavily, as
it did the whole of the weekend (sigh).
Got much worse than this.

Just to prove to PT that I wear the t-shirt he bought me.

Stone enjoying a cup of tasty beverage.
Stone, enjoying a bagel and pear cider. Maybe they're right
and I do take too many rubbish photos. OG - I hope you're
proud that I've taken over your mantle in the UK.
Peace in the valley, peace in the city, peace in your soul. Luckily the
cheesy 90s band who once sang those lyrics weren't at the festival. Stone sporting a tasteful bracelet that we found.
You can't beat a bit of bully.

Muddy hell.

Cricket / Jonet's drinks / Camden / 02 festival

2007-06-18T20:33:00.000+01:00

Off work yesterday and today and have been getting ready for Glasto v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. Nice to just mill around doing basically nothing as haven't done that in a while.

A week of fun and games and only a few late night moments here and there on Fri/Sat night that need to be filed under OMG/Whaaaaaaa - but such moments are good for the soul and character building ........errr.........maybe!

Let’s have a look then shall we.

Firstly a bit of work cricket. This is Chris and Colin from work looking
ready for action. Note that Col (on right) has taken steps to ensure
that the damage from a bit of unexpected bounce from the wicket is
greatly reduced.

Completely unstaged, obviously.

Never let it be said that I don't mingle when on corporate events.
Me and a load of HSBC types who organised the cricket on Wed.
This is shortly before me and Colin blasted out a tune on
the karaoke. It was my usual very easy song (Song 2 by
Blur - just shout 'Whooo hooo' for 2 mins).

Maybe I should give them a ring, though surely 'muscular
pecks' don't count?

Phil, the lean, mean Guinness drinking machine.

Fri night - Croom, Vicki and that man McE having fun.
Love the pose Phil.

Coff (in my bro's year back home and now in London) in a
separate white t-shirt and cardie - or so we thought. Who'd have
thought it would turn out to be an all in one job?

Sat night in Camden with some ladies I found called Sarah
and Emma from left to right respectively.

Da crowd on Sat night having a schmiiile at the camera.

Ad and Emma somewhere. Looks like a tube station to me.

Let's rawk - at the 02 Wireless festival in Hyde Park...
...with Gary from work, sporting whiter-than-white halfmasts...
et Mlle Aurelie!
Gary and Aurelie outside the coolest tent ever.
I want one for Glasto 08.

And in other news.

1. Diabolical
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4253849.stm

2. Under-crackers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6751777.stm

3. Aftershock vs aftershave
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6752515.stm

Caz and Daniels wedding weekend

2007-06-10T20:47:00.000+01:00

Final wedding in my my month long wedding marathonon Sat. The wedding of the lovely Caroline and less lovely but still ok (ish) Daniels. Have put pics on Facebook, as I will do in future, but will also continue to post on here weekly for the benefit of technological Luddites (that's you mother) and the two or three people who occasionally click onto this site as they know there might be a picture of themselves on it. Anyway, I like writing on here.

That man Trantorial weighs up his options in the Leigh
Arms before going for the inevitable pint of mix.

Charismatic Tranter was able to pull in the curry house with ease.

Me with a healthy garden salad. My glass of mineral water is just out of shot.

Completely amazing venue from above...

...and outside. And inside as well. Tranter concurs.

PT and Marie looking please with themselves.

Some girls I found. And ok Alice, maybe your top is pink after all.
But I stick by my assertion that brown is this seasons colour
and what all the cool kids are wearing this season. Well played Lydia.

Me, wearing a brown shirt, and that man Mullock.
Yum yum in my tum.

Awwwwwwwww/blughhhhhh.
Duckers tries to pass Michelle's hair off as his own.

Caz reminds Daniels who's boss. Daniels probably cried again.

Nice catch Jen. I'll expect an invite to your wedding in the post then.

And in other news.

1. Maybe they thought it was a blow-up doll?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/derbyshire/6702017.stm

2. Eh-oh.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6698753.stm

Gartside at 30

2007-06-07T07:37:00.000+01:00

One of our inner circle passed over into thirty-something-ness today. Gartside, we salute you.

Give us a break

2007-06-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

Need to start thinking about ski soon guys. Don't forget the fun and games we've had in years gone by...

Kate and Andrew wedding / Redhead Blondes

2007-06-02T10:58:00.000+01:00

Fellow uni maths boy Ban scopes out the venue.

Kate and Andrew by big tasty cake.

Feeling clucky Kathryn?

Hello sailor! Ban camps it up.

Kate and Andrew dancing splendidly.

Koko, Mornington Crescent. Great venue for seeing a band.
And was so quality inside. A small Victorian theater all painted

dark red with a massive glitterball hanging from the roof.

Aurelie, pleasant housemate gentleman and Lam.

Lunt and Lamington inside the place.

"Excuse me? Can you put a call out on the tannoy for me? I've lost one of the kids."

Stoney and Pepper at the rubbish and far too hot Abbey last night.

Tagged along with Mai and Aurelie to see a film this week. Special mention to the man I saw bitterly complaining to Aurelie about the film being 'too French' afterwards. I think he probably should have seen this coming given that:

It was a French production...
...in French...
...called 'Dans Paris'...
...being shown at the French Institute.

Well played sir.

I enjoyed the film. Ultra dark in places with a smatterings of unnecessary artistic nudity.

Cobblers post

2007-06-01T17:00:00.000+01:00

Right. Haven't had one of these replace group email posts in a while. Below we have the most popular baby names of 2006 as published by the ONS. Link below if you want a look.

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/specials/babiesnames_boys.asp

For banter value I have also put a Y or N by the side indicating whether I think the girl's name sounds fit. This is shark infested waters though so have some very strong caveats;
- If I'm aware that you/you sister/girlfriend/mother/granny/baby has the name I've avoided certain death and put a 'Y', no matter how rubbish the name is!!
- With some names, I've encountered grim people with the name and so written 'N' simply because of that (e.g. Eleanor and another one - see if you can spot it). If there is a 'N' next to the name of a loved one then that's the reason! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
- Or I might have made a typo?
- I'm really going to regret posting this.
- Please don't kill me.

Popularity in 06/name/(fit sounding?)

1 - OLIVIA (N)
2 - GRACE (N)
3 - JESSICA (Y)
4 - RUBY (N)
5 - EMILY (Y)
6 - SOPHIE (Y)
7 - CHLOE (Y)
8 - LUCY (Y)
9 - LILY (N)
10 - ELLIE (Y)
11 - ELLA (N)
12 - CHARLOTTE (N)
13 - KATIE (N)
14 - MIA (N)
15 - HANNAH (Y)
16 - AMELIA (N)
17 - MEGAN (N)
18 - AMY (N)
19 - ISABELLA (N)
20 - MILLIE (N)
21 - EVIE (N)
22 - ABIGAIL (N)
23 - FREYA (N)
24 - MOLLY (Y)
25 - DAISY (Y)
26 - HOLLY (Y)
27 - EMMA (Y)
28 - ERIN (N)
29 - ISABELLE (N)
30 - POPPY (N)
31 - JASMINE (N)
32 - LEAH (N)
33 - KEIRA (N)
34 - PHOEBE (N)
35 - CAITLIN (Y)
36 - REBECCA (Y)
37 - GEORGIA (N)
38 - LAUREN (N)
39 - MADISON (N)
40 - AMBER (Y)
41 - ELIZABETH (N)
42 - ELEANOR (N)
43 - BETHANY (Y)
44 - ISABEL (N)
45 - PAIGE (N)
46 - SCARLETT (N)
47 - ALICE (Y)
48 - IMOGEN (N)
49 - SOPHIA (N)
50 - ANNA (Y)
51 - LOLA (N)
52 - LIBBY (N)
53 - MAISIE (N)
54 - ISOBEL (N)
55 - BROOKE (N)
56 - ALISHA (N)
57 - TIA (N)
58 - SARAH (Y)
59 - SUMMER (N)
60 - GRACIE (N)
61 - FAITH (N)
62 - COURTNEY (N)
63 - NIAMH (N)
64 - AVA (N)
65 - EVE (N)
66 - AIMEE (N)
67 - MADDISON (N)
68 - ROSIE (N)
69 - MATILDA (N)
70 - SIENNA (N)
71 - SHANNON (N)
72 - LILLY (N)
73 - MADELEINE (Y)
74 - ZOE (Y)
75 - NICOLE (Y)
76 - EVA (N)
77 - SKYE (N)
78 - AMELIE (N)
79 - ABBIE (N)
80 - HARRIET (N)
81 - MAYA (N)
82 - ZARA (N)
83 - RACHEL (Y)
84 - FRANCESCA (N)
85 - LYDIA (Y)
86 - ALICIA (N)
87 - HOLLIE (N)
88 - SOFIA (N)
89 - ALEXANDRA (N)
90 - LAYLA (N)
91 - NATASHA (Y)
92 - MOLLIE (Y)
93 - MORGAN (N)
94 - ISLA (N)
95 - DEMI (N)
96 - LAURA (Y)
97 - LARA (N)
98 - TILLY (N)
99 - MARTHA (N)
100 - ELOISE (N)

Be quick or be dead (as I'd miss Kate Taylor's wedding)

2007-05-21T22:39:00.000+01:00

Like lightning post today as I've got to rush off to K-k-k-k-Kathryn Taylor's wedding in Brighton. Some pics with quick commentary methinks. Haven't even got time to upload them in a sensible order.

Sog and Honor lifted above people's heads on the dancefloor in a really cool fashion.

The only pic I have of Vic on her wedding day! Well played Richard!
There were millions of people taking pics though so will bag myself
some good ones from them. Was a top gig, as expected.

Lambo (or should that be 'Mary'?) and Aurelie
at a nice Chinese place by Waterloo on Fri.
Da boys in the boozer post rugby yesterday.
Da boys at the rugby pre boozer yesterday.
Read it and weep roastbif.
Nich and Heather at Vic and Smithers' wedding.
Vic's wedding again. Mr Heggarty and Mr Dolby
outside the cool food/night do venue.
Valentina and v nice Irish fiance at Vic's wedding.
Tis that man Soggy with his lovely new wife Honor. She was
soooo happy all day and permanently had this big excited smile on
her face. It was really lovely to see
Shockingly, Sog can do proper ballroom dancing
stuff. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Wonders never cease. My new hat.

And in other news

1. Mai likes Foreigner. No, not Harvey - her v nice French husband who she like lots. I mean the band. And she can spot a Foreigner video on MTV in 2 milliseconds.

2. Mitchell and Web on the radio. Is really good. Be quick though as I think they’re only on for a week after broadcast. Click on the below then on the ‘comedy and quizzes’ link on the right. Then click on ‘That Mitchell and Webb Sound’ and Robert’s your uncle. We have the other non-Foreigner fan Frenchie to thank for this spot (well at least I think she doesn't like Foreigner).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/waystolisten/podcasts/

3. Gartside could be in line for a handsome lump sum payout.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6682827.stm

4. What Champions League final?

Kate Ashbridge

2007-05-17T11:55:00.000+01:00

I heard earlier this week that I girl I used to work with in Watson Wyatt London, and who for a long time sat opposite me and then a couple of meters from me, was in a critical condition following a brain haemorrhage. I then heard the terrible news that she was not going to survive. She died yesterday aged 25. This girl was lovely. The kind of girl that everyone liked and no one had a bad thing to say about. Sometimes life is not fair. Really, it isn’t. Rest in peace Kate.

Vicki, Charlotte, Kate and Bina at Phil’s leaving do a few years ago.

Pic post

2007-05-17T10:54:00.000+01:00

Box and Mai at a kebabie in Angel in the wee hours.
Latest quiche. It's could have done with a spot of creme fraishe
and another egg or two, le masterchefs tell me.
Gartside runs into some competition.
Good work Anna. And yes that is beer.
Crosby seafront. My Wales house is on the horizon 'over the water',
as scouse/plastic scouse types say. Can you see my ma waving
from the window? Two iron men side by side on Crosby Beach.

They're these things.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6428935.stm

Here's a cool 360 degree thing of the place.
Has someone, er, coloured him in?
http://www.england-360.co.uk/movies/liverpool/crosby-beach.htm

Mother, complete with new hair do.
Da gang. Is VJ about to hoist up Bina's skirt?

No danger of balls dropping when it's Tranter's shot
(I believe I have just engaged in 'banter').
Suit's you actually MM. It's a good look.
You're a loser baby.
Sale of the Century.
"Delivery for Acres."

Rubbish post

2007-05-08T21:30:00.000+01:00

I haven't had time to do a proper post this week. Instead have this half-arsed one including the first couple of the pile of pics I was going to put on but didn't get round to. I'll put some more on soon.

Trantorial, with the best entrance I've ever seen. He came
charging in, banged his fist on table following shocking day
and sent Paul Wood's pint flying over table and over
Millward. Class.
Smooth operators.
Usual suspects....
...in usual Friday night activity. Yes, we normally drink
with our pinkies out and didn't stage this for the camera
(insert the obvious hilarious comment re this statement
in the box below folks).

A band logo is born. Anyone want a t-shirt?

And in other news:

"I used to watch Doctor Who and Star Trek, but they went PC - making women commanders, that kind of thing. I stopped watching."
- Sir Patrick Moore
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6634255.stm
You can’t generalise to quite this extent. Evans likes some top TV (as me and MM can testify) and Tranter has been know to video Trisha.

And we’ll see who’s laughing when we, errrrr, we get a sound thrashing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6637733.stm

Andrew Gold's stag/footie at mine

2007-05-04T07:05:00.000+01:00

Yo homepeople (see what I've done?). Another jam packed week. I have been mostly:

- Travelling to Bratislava in Slovakia for a fun stag do in honour of that man Andrew Gold.

- Having some pals round to the flat to watch the Mighty Pool game.

Lots of pics this week so will limit the blurb. And I've taken the day off rather than the afternoon btw, in case you were wondering why I've ignored your Friday banter emails/instructions for tonight.

Da boys, who were a lovely bunch actually
and made the weekend most agreeable.

Brati was full of Eastern European stunners. It this instance
it was little Russell who managed to get lucky.

The boys concentrate hard at the beginning of the
race in order to get the best possible start.

The Jimmy Sommerville appreciation society, Vienna
branch (only 30 mins drive from Brati would you believe)

*** THIS IS NOT DANIELS ***
It's a lookalike who was sitting behind me on the plane. I reckon
many people caught unwanted glimpses of his particulars though.
A common problem with this particular outfit so my
reporters in Budapest tell me.

I also had a select bunch round to the palace in order to watch the big game. Preparation for such an event is very important...

...so I lugged a couple of crates home the night before to
ensure the fridge was looking splendid...
...ad picked up a few last minute snacks on the way home
from work (no, it's a rubbish bought quiche regular readers).
The gang pretending to be enthralled at the game,
at my request for photograph purposes.

And then.........bang, bang, bang, bang and success! The Pool took their rightful place in the European Cup final on 23 May and knocked that gobshite's £450m team out of the best competition in the world once again. A time for picture messages, which really do tell a thousand words.

Whooooooooo!!!

Wa, wa, waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh.

And in other news:

Doggie, doggie, doggie.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/6612529.stm

The wish-it-would-happen quote of the week:
“At a minimum, I hope that Scholes slips on a banana skin in the tunnel, and boots Ronaldo in the face, fracturing his skull. His weakened skull will then no longer be able to contain his massive ego, and the resultant football-diva explosion will decimate both squads, and the entire San Siro.” *

Scroll down to the Kiss casket. Do these come in Pixies flavour? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6614755.stm

* Trantorial High Quality Gags Limited 2007

Sog's stag

2007-04-26T17:47:00.000+01:00

Stop. Weekly update time.

This week I’ve been mostly...

...wearing a scouser wig in Bristol with load of men...

... including that soon to be lumbered
man, my uni mate Soggy boy.

Easily the best thing in a skirt we saw in that room
on Friday night, as discussed with most of you.

We also enjoyed a few quiet drinks.

I also got beaten by Mike 'lucky' Smaje at pool. Bother.

And in other news:

Yea!!!
“Molly Jemima McEvoy born after much resistance at 9.20 this morning. 8 pounds 1 oz, happy healthy and beautiful.”

Mullock’s luck has turned round since last post. Look out for some of the most garish outfits ever appearing in coming months.
“Hundreds of people entered the Aon20 quiz by answering four questions about Aon. All correct entries were entered into a prize draw and the winner is... Sam Mullock. Sam wins £1000 of EXTRAs retail vouchers.”

Heroic wideboy action of the week:
“I woke up in the Chesterfield this morning following (insert name of London-based corporate jolly here). I can't tell you how much vintage champagne I drank, but it was a lot. A lot.”

And the waiter only asked him for a tip*. http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6586879.stm

Yeah, good on ya.

2007-04-17T13:34:00.000+01:00

Played poker with a gang of people from work last night and that man Mullock. Below is a funny as hell video of the biggest pot of the night. Full of 'fine scenes' including hilarious pressure on Mullock from my work colleague John Finn who was already busted and was was dealing ('gonna have to hurry you - we'll give you 30 seconds'), me getting shouted at for failing to notice there was a player still to act and the second worst call of all time from a random who was playing with us. Also look out for a hilariously ungenuine 'yeah, good on ya' by the unlucky loser.

Was not that an unreasonable call by Mullock asTom (the ginger guy - another workmate) was playing loose and mental aggressive, as usual. And Mullock was only £15 down in the end so very respectable overall.

Sam da man.

Mr Shaw and 'FTSE' Finn battle it out across the blue baize.

Get a load of my ace quiche. Home made pastry as well.
DA unfairly suggested that this wasn't the most manly way
to spend my Sunday morning. The lovely young ladies I had dinner with t'other day.

Bond didn't end up with this many chips in Casino Royale.

And in other news:

Want to buy a flat in Wimbledon?
http://www.findaproperty.com/displayprop.aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&pid=103636&agentid=00349

The age old dilemma - dolly bird vs Dairy Milk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6558775.stm

Fast love.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6552333.stm?ls

Deffo Dairy Milk for this guy from now on.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1902559.htm

Easy pickings.

2007-04-13T12:26:00.000+01:00

Inspired by this lady I decided to organise a gathering at Chez Lunt on Tue 1 May so me plus pals can all watch the big Pool CL game vs Chelsea together. Anything she can do I can do better – I’m aiming for £500,000 of damage. Internet invite, eh? I can do that. Unfortunately, half the people I sent it to claim to be away on holiday, claim to live too far away (a frankly pathetic excuse Gartside) or claim to not like football. Also, I have had countless emails (approx 4) saying stuff like ‘busy at work then?’ after sending out the above. A tad unfair as this kind of thing doesn’t take at all long to put together, as fellow reprographics experts Millhouse-Ward and Pedro Trantorial can testify. You will be shocked to learn that the image below IS NOT genuine and was instead created by Trantorial in two shakes of a lambs tail.
Come to my party if you're around. Which you're probably not.

The Leeds side streets that you slip down

2007-04-08T19:12:00.000+01:00

Well, well, well.

Pleasant weekend in Leeds this weekend. Fun night at indie club the Cockpit with Smaje on Fri followed by a very successful BBQ and poker night session at Emma’s patch on the Sat. In the words of Mark Stanley™ Millward, 'fine scenes'. Still in Leeds as the trains to London are up the spout and I didn't fancy a bus replacement journey. No probs however as have filled the day playing internet poker with Ad and Emma (am playing a tourno with them while typing this), watching some Peep Show (tis cringeworthy funny, thanks Evans) and eating some Easter Eggs. Nice.

Some pics:

Perhaps a spot too much liquid firelighter?

Slightly more under control. Note pro
bloater Smaje loitering ready to pounce.

Ad camping it up in his Brokeback Mountain hat.

Have some more rubbish. A link to my favourite website ever.

http://www.dianamystery.com/

In particular.

http://www.dianamystery.com/TQID10th_song.htm

And a funny picture.
Stop press - they're about to make me watch Lord of the Rings. I'm a goblin and elf dodger and proud to have avoided it for years. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

All hail King Croom

2007-04-02T14:22:00.001+01:00

We have a LEGEND in our midst. I got up early last Sunday morning and sat there eagerly refreshing four Internet Explorer windows simultaneously again and again in the hope that one would get through to the Glastonbury ticket purchase website. After an hour and a quarter my finger was aching and my hope draining away........until (cue fanfare in the style of Mighty Mouse) that man Croomo phoned and muttered the magic words:

‘I’m on the ticket purchase screen - I’ll get one for you if you give me your registration number’.

Moments later, a Glasto ticket was safely bagged. The great, good and kind superhero master genius King Croomo (as he will now be known) is pictured below in Budapest in Dec 04. I will be printing this image off and worshiping it every day.

The magnificent image of the great, good and
kind superhero master genius King Croomo.

Incidentally, I found this nice one of me and Ms L posing on the
very same Budapest jolly when looking for the above pic.

I expect more of the same as last time. That is:

1. Lots of mud

2. Lots of fun to (very) questionable music

3. And lots of poking fun at people
who decided not to wear wellies.

Though I'd better watch my step re the last one. I think Box nearly gave me slapping at the time and that was before I posted it on the internet. Think I'd better lay low for a while.

Plastered in Paris

2007-03-27T21:34:00.000+01:00

Went away for the weekend last weekend while my mum and step-dad came round to fix the flat up a bit in advance of the forthcoming sale. As my ma was coming down as well as my DIY minded step-dad (as in good around the house – what’s the world coming to etc), I spent quite a while cleaning the house and doing stuff in order for it to look spotless, sparkling and generally in tip top condition. I thought this would mean my ma could just chill for the weekend...

....errrrrrrrrrrrrr, no.

Missed the washing basket as well as 1,000,000 other things. Never has a page of A4 left me feeling so very thankful yet so f*cking useless......

And in other news I went to Paris. I was very pleased with the way I managed to mix with the locals seamlessly in their native tongue. One particular bit of dialogue with a shopkeeper stuck in the mind:

Me (in best French accent): "Bonjour. C’est combien?"
Shopkeeper: "It’s two Euro forty sir."

And I also had a top evening with...

...my three favourite Frenchies; Mai, Alice and
Melissa Theuriau (who is just out of shot)......and a selection of very nice Irish
people, of which two of four are above...

...and a selection of very nice Irish people’s very nice
beer. Label says it all really. Thanks again guys.

Pic post

2007-03-23T16:36:00.000Z

Righto. Friday so here's an update. New card reader isn't plug and play so can't use at work (doh) but had a few pics on email so here goes.

Congrats to Mullock for making the hallowed pages of
FC United magazine, and having his image glared at by
its readership of ten. Click on the picture and see if you can
spot the big excitable goon.
Mullock in a more sober moment, in one sense.
My old pals Vicci and Rhonda boozing in the Crown.
Mike and Tel announce that they're more than just friends.

Caz reflects on her decision to accept Daniels' marriage proposal.

Disaster for Lunt.

2007-03-15T12:15:00.000Z

Picture the scene - me standing by the kettle this morning making a nice cup of tea with the bath running in the background and my phone resting on the side of the bath out of trouble. Then ‘ring, ring, buzz, buzz’ – the alarm that I had put on snooze went off and my phone started vibrating violently. Then, before I knew it, there was a splosh and the ‘ring, ring, buzz buzz’ continued but in a more stifled, submerged kind of way. Needless to say the phone appears knackered. Watch this space for a phone number request email if I have saved numbers to the phone instead of the SIM, which I think I have done.

In hindsight, resting it by the taps of a half full bath may not have been the finest decision I’ve ever made.

Happier times.

FFS

2007-03-07T22:42:00.000Z

Was about to upload my phone pictures (boozing) and phone video clips (sporting activities) from the weekend up to this thing but the card reader I use to transfer images has broken. Flip.

But you look more like that green guy from Shrek!?!

2007-02-28T13:31:00.000Z

Mentioned to a few of you about the PKR.com thing that my tops old (but young looking in the unlikely event she ever reads this rubbish) pal Rhonda made me sign up for. Takes a while to download but has major novelty value, esp when set on 'dynamic' TV style mode. I reckon it'll really take off and people will copy it.

Rustled up a version of myself in about 5 mins. What do you think?

I call your raise cowboy and raise my yacht.

The familiar sight of me with a large chip stack - of very low denomination chips.

I did actually try and recreate Dave A as well but with disastrous results for technical reasons (i.e. all the preset hairstyles had too much hair). Naturally I'm referring to Dave's shaved style - as it were - rather than any receding hairline characteristics he may/may not have.

Evening filled up theme is continuing tonight with badminton, or 'fagminton' as one of the blokes in work called it when I said what I was doing. I think he might think it isn't the most macho of pastimes....

Of course I won't fall asleep on the sofa Jo.

2007-02-25T19:13:00.000Z

Spent a few days up North last week, firstly with the family and then with the gang in Leeds.

Bro's girlf Emma playing poker and eating some of the ACE chicken
in a parcel (or something like that) dinner they made me.

Trantorial, supplementing his salary with a spot of waiting on at the Manc bash.

It's only Trantorial and Millhouse-Ward at Brooklands tram stop.

Bro with the top luncheon he greeted me with on my return up North (scrambled eggs with chives and creme fraiche, grilled mushrooms and grilled baby tommies on the vine drizzled in olive oil - tres posh).

A selection of da gang on Saturday night.

Big break

2007-02-21T08:51:00.000Z

Richard and Charlotte - 1997 to 2007

Take care my darling.

Say what you see

2007-02-09T13:31:00.000Z

Went to a manager jolly quiz last night for one reason and one reason only – to see ‘TV’s own’ Roy Walker to be a quizmaster. Ok, two reasons. They were supplying the booze.

The event was amateurish (OG’s pub quizzes would have been better organised) but was a highlight to meet a minor celeb who I think is cool (I LOVE his cameo in Pheonix Nights) and have a chat. And it was also special to hear Roy take the piss out of my semi Scouse accent and swear at me – what an honour.

He’s generally quite a funny guy and nice chap though - unlike my former hero Bruce Grobbelaar who I queued up for hours to meet when I was young only to be gutted about how rude and obnoxious he was. I laughed out loud when he was involved in that bung thing, not that I hold grudges or anything.

Now for some snaps.

This is the wrong one I uploaded by mistake. My brother's chin doesn't
normally look like Desperate Dan's. He's pulling a face again.
Roy in action. Honest!
Ian and best pal Roy having a chat.

I’m also available to take photos at weddings and birthdays should anyone fancy me capturing that special day with a selection of professional, high quality images per the above.

Muppet

2007-02-07T09:30:00.000Z

Played a live poker tourney last night. It was a big 200 player opening night freeroll for some poker club that I’ve joined, and the field contained Teddy Sherringham and a few other famous people. I was moved to a table with Grub Smith on (who you might have heard of), by which time I’d had a few jars. Two of the blokes went all in and I decided to chip in with my tuppence worth.

LUNT (out loud to the table): Look – he’s still got chances. He’s got an open ender!!*

A few seconds passed......

SMITH (staring at the cards, squinting with a puzzled look on his face): And HOW do you make it that he has got an open ender?

A few more seconds passed......

LUNT: Oh yeah. Whoops.

He must have thought that I had a very big brain.

Smith - thinks Lunt's a goon

* open ended straight draw, non poker fans

I'm inspired.

2007-02-04T20:39:00.001Z

If you're on a ski trip with me any time soon...

...watch your back.

Let's do this

2007-01-21T10:38:00.000Z

For your viewing pleasure...

Phonio, phonio – where for art thou phonio?

2007-01-10T23:57:00.000Z

Does no-one post on these things any more then?

Anyway, just to back up my claim that blogs are basically the new group email, here's a post that may be considered by some as being boring and rubbish. These people would be correct.

I looked high and low for my phone yesterday without success. Tried phoning it, searching through bags and pockets etc before coming to the horrible realisation that I was experiencing my monthly phone misplacement episode. I was then informed by thingie when I saw her that Mr Acres had been trying to phone/email me (was out the office for the day) in order to inform me that a venue had phoned him in order to point out that they had found my blower a night or two earlier.

Can you guess where it was yet? (As Rolf might say). Haven't had an OG quiz in a while so I'll help you out. It's one of the following venues:

A. The Royal Opera House in London, after witnessing a splendid rendition of Puccini's Tosca.

B. At Tate Modern, following a powerful exhibition of the work of David Smith (one of the most innovative and influential American sculptors of the twentieth century).

C. The Prince of Wales boozer on Wimbledon Broadway following a cheeky pint with an ex-colleague.

Answers on a postcard.

Introducing....Mark 'Stanley™' Millward

2006-12-30T13:13:00.000Z

Must dash to the Spurs game or I'll be late (2-0 to the Pool) but the pics I have covering MM in glory from the other night are below. A glorious final table visit and eventual 9th place finish in the 87 entrant £20 pot limit hold 'em ultra short stack maniac rebuy event is something to be proud of. At the Stanley casino, Manc - hence MM's poker nickname was born. We might hear about this for a number of decades to come.

An artists impression of what might have been, with
the real winners name kept on the top left for evidence
(suddenly thought that it might not be a good idea publishing

your signature on the t'intaweb MM, and couldn't resist
a few further small changes when editing...) .

One of life's winners. MM skillfully negotiated a £300 win in the end
with a final table deal. What a pro. A professional poker career beckons.

Legend and fellow loser in the kebab shop very early
in the morning post casino.

I can imagine this image adorning the pages of poker
player magazine. I might send it in.

MM with a big wedge, including the entry fees of the
rest of us (sob). Oh well, at least PT engineeredd a big
win (£15) on the roulette wheel for me to offset my losses.

Poker, poker, poker, poker, poker, poker.

2006-12-28T13:40:00.000Z

1. Get a load of the poker table me and my stepdad built my bro xmas day! Admittedly it was much more down to him and I basically played a 'high level' role (e.g. "yes, that's a good idea John") but it turned out soooooo well. It's the greatest thing since sliced wombat.

From this...........
.....to this!

2. Look at this. I want a go. Click on number 4.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/6200933.stm?dynamic_vote=ON#vote_sport_funnyvideos_28_12_2006

3. I finished 9th in a 28 person pub poker tournament last night with old pals (no offence meant girls) Rhonda and Vicci. I went out one place away from the final table and the money (doh). Vic crashed and burned just before me but poker hero Rhonda finished third and was only ko'd when her trip threes got busted by a flush. Gutted. A solid show by the crew generally though I think.

4. The casino poker night tonight in Manc with Trants and Mullock will be most agreeable.

5. Happy New Year to my many readers*.

* factually incorrect.

Two unimportant things

2006-12-21T22:50:00.000Z

1. Me demonstrating my athletic prowess and golfing skills (or perhaps just attempting an ugly hack out the rough with a comedy stance on a work golf day).

2. I'm getting my stuff together for my trip back to Wales tomorrow and a film called Serendipity has been on in the background for the last half hour. Under no circumstances ever watch this terrible, terrible, terrible film.

3. I'm looking forward to this Sat in Manc muchly.

Ok, that's three unimportant things. I'm just putting off packing, aren't I? Might waste another few mins sticking a new lyric up.

Da boys in action

2006-12-17T22:15:00.000Z

Return of the Manc.

2006-12-13T17:25:00.000Z

Just had a nice few days in Manc, partaking in the following activities:

BOOZING - though Le Trappiste was shut so it was curry, the Leigh Arms and Belge beers afterwards at Chez MWard. Most agreeable.
SKIING - at a real fake snow place (if you know what I mean) near Leeds.
LUMBERED - in a car with MWard, PT and Marie for hours following the M62 being shut.
ENTERTAINED - by Tenacious D at the MEN with some of the old Manc crowd and 15,000 other punters.

A class mini break. Am so looking forward to Val Thorens in Jan. Some pics below. Vids will follow when I work out how to turn 3GP files to MPEG or something.

PT defying gravity with an 'Iron Cross 720 grab' big air.
Those who think he's just lying in the snow with his legs in the air
have been fooled by a trick of the light.
Me.
MWard ripping up the slope at 175mph. Those who think
he was stationary when this picture was taken have been
fooled by the glare from the snow.
Marie just before performing a double forward
somersault with 1 1/2 twists from the stunt ramp.

Lyric corner

Have spoken to three people in the last week about this song (Stone and Peps at a poker night and MM after he caught me singing it) all of who agree that it's a class song on a class album. It's also one of my fave songs ever, easily.

I thought it was about a prostitute but I've just seen a few internet sources saying that it's about the (bloke) lead singer's then girlfriend who was at the same time seeing another girl (not JF though). This is very plausible when you read all the lyrics.

Not amused.

2006-12-10T21:23:00.000Z

Just got in from squash to be confronted with the following on BBC News:

"Equestrian star Zara Phillips was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year with an victory in a public vote."

The world had gone madder.

Am not doing much tonight - am home alone. Will play a spot of bet365 in the event of anyone fancying a bit. Let me know.

Hello, good evening and b-b-b-b-.....

2006-12-08T13:06:00.000Z

.....b-b-b-BIRTHDAY. That man McE has excelled himself by posting this chap through my door for my birthday. Class.

Roger reporting from my bookshelf, yesterday.

That's not a quiz. THIS is a quiz.

2006-12-07T13:45:00.000Z

Inspired by consistent success* on the quiz questions that OG puts up, I thought I’d strut my stuff at a real live quiz for the first time in a while. Was a good one as well – a manager organised xmas quiz/jolly hosted by former University Challenge host Bamber Gascoigne, who I’ve heard of but can’t remember ever being on it. Probably because it's poncy and rubbish and I don't ever watch it.

Apart from the slight administrative error that meant I had to sit in a table full of randoms (had a name badge, my name was on the seating list but there wasn’t a place name for me at the table – sob) it was a blast. The questions set by a professional quiz setting company and there were loads of sound effects, pictures and video questions etc. And there was massive bucket in the middle of the table full of iced beer. Smashing.

I can remember a few questions but most of them are easy. One that I thought was easy but no one else on my table got (and no one on the table I was supposed to be on – who were the winning team got either) was:

“What is the name of the caramel and chocolate covered chocolate bar whose price has remained at 10p for the last 10 years?”

Easy street.

The team I was supposed to be on won following a tie breaker with Spencer Bowen from Watsons (email him about this McK!) and I therefore have a bottle of champagne to glug which I may do.....

****ON MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW.****

Our guy was the quickest to get:

“How many grooves are there on one side of an old LP record?”

How long did it take you? Basically an instant answer from our man.

The winning team and the ringer (i.e. me).

Bamber babbling.

Star know it all Gavin accepts the award.

* failure

Hit. By. Beer. Juggernaut.

2006-12-01T09:19:00.000Z

Someone email me to ask me about this. Never again. I haven't been this bad in quite some time.

Special guest edition lyric corner

2006-11-30T12:27:00.000Z

That man PM has suggested a lyric, presumably because he's looked on here a few times and is sick of the bollards that I've been putting up. This one does have me baffled though. My best guess is that it's from one of the artists that he likes of which I'm not mega familiar, so it could be:
- REM
- U2
- Cheeky Girls*
- Boyzone**

My money's on the first one. Anyone caught cheating via an internet search will be subjected to a perfect plex.

Phil mobbed by female admirers. Happens wherever he goes. Though
they are also interested in the very tall man just out of shot.

* untrue
** perhaps untrue, but my investigations have proved inconclusive

Bond night on Fri.

2006-11-26T23:42:00.000Z

Ahhhhhhh, Mr Bond.

Seconds before crashing and burning.....at the hands of McK.

Northern folk 4 eva.
My word.

OK - Let's rock

2006-11-26T15:50:00.000Z

The top 10 rock albums according to this rubbish mag I've bought (complete with traffic light colour coded ratings - sorry Gartside) are:

10. Nirvana - Nevermind
Ace. Now prefer Bleach as less polished and have overheard this. Would never have heard Bleach if it weren't for this though.

9. Slayer - Reign in Blood
Breakthrough early 80s heavy album. As influential to hard rock as Pixies/Smiths are to softer stuff.

8. Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet
Get out of it.

7. Sex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks
I've always thought this was ok but overrated.

6. Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
Don't like glam like rock/metal with spandex.

5. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Very influential again (early 70s), though I prefer Paranoid which has Planet Caravan on.

4. Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
Much prefer earlier Led Zep. Early Led Zep would have got a green rating.

3. AC/DC - Back in Black
I've never really got AC/DC. Dressing up a schoolboy and playing guitar etc.

2. Metallica - Master of Puppets
Brilliant album. Haven't liked anything since 91 from this band though.

1. Guns N Roses – Appetite for Destruction
A good rock album, but not that good.

Let there be rock

2006-11-25T17:35:00.000Z

I listened to most of MWards songs that he put on when I was ill last week and, while there were some great songs on there, it was all very indie. I've always dabbled in indie but will forever be a rock man at heart. For this reason I have just bought a Kerrang special edition listing the 'best 100 rock albums ever'. Some frankly shocking selections in the top 100. I might list it here complete with some embarrassing admissions about some albums I like later on. Off to squash now. Have decided to go a second time today as punishment for playing like Mr Spoon in my league game earlier today. I lost 3-0, which was nice. It's amazing the effect of two weeks without playing (a very long time given how much I've played in the last year) can have on your game.

God I ramble. I've caught this from OG.

Let the festivities begin

2006-11-24T12:20:00.000Z

The action packed festive social scene has started already in London. There's loads of stuff going on, mostly in locations where liquid refreshment is available. It all started on Wed.

Wed - Played broomball, which is like ice hockey (i.e. on an ice rink and there are goals) but everyone wears trainers and skateboard-like safety stuff for elbows, knees and head. Unfortunately no pics but t'was good fun and lots on comedy falls. I didn't fall but did manage to look silly by missing a penalty in a group stage shoot out, which was nice. I also had a run in with a ref who threatened to send me off for giving backchat. Some things never change.

Thurs - Grand presentation evening (i.e. thinly disguised piss up) for a 5 a side team I played for once all season who came second in their division. We ended up in the infamously crap Abacus club for a bit near 'the Bank' (as all the wideboys call it) which if I never saw again would be too soon.

Fri - Get a load of the Bond private screening below! I think there's a themed tux party afterwards with a casino etc. Am well excited. And Ian'll be there as well to help ensure that fun is had by all and that beer will flow.

Got a few things on next week as well incl Poker (again see below) and a big meet up with Kearns and twfka Cutler. The busy social schedule will continue right until the new year now. I expect to wake up some time in January with a very big headache.

Bennybobs presents Dave with the spectacularly cheap-feeling footie award.

Dave's manly looking footie injury.

Glory for me and Ian, who played three games between us all season.

Tonight's fun and games.
Next week's poker.

Internet poker gag of the day

2006-11-21T22:45:00.000Z

> Dragon55 wins 2,210 with Two Pair, Kings over Sens and kicker card Queen
> trippin has left the tournament in 5th place
> trippin left the table
> The tournament is now at level 2. Blinds are now 15.00/30.00
> KingLunt posted small blind (15)
> kg-notme posted big blind (30)
> Game # 625,665,482 starting.
> Dealing Hole Cards(Qs 4d )
> Dragon55 raised for 60
> maro8iancos8 folded
[Observer]trippin> * you
> KingLunt folded
[Observer]trippin> biiiitch
> kg-notme called for 30
> Dealing the Flop(10s 7d Kd )
> kg-notme checked
Dragon55> you remind me of a loaf of bread
> Dragon55, you have 10 seconds to respond
> Dragon55 checked
> Dealing the turn(3h )
> kg-notme checked
Dragon55> then i saw itr said thick cut

Brussels spouts (the two manikins geddit?)

2006-11-20T23:24:00.000Z

I've been to Brussels a few times and never really liked it before. Went again on the weekend and it's grown on me a lot. The outside of Midi station is still the most horrible place in the world ever though.

The inexplicably pathetic famous little man of Brussels, and it's owner the manikin. There's apparently a girl version nearby (called Jeanneke Pis - see what they've done), but it's not quite as old - 17th century vs 1985. The tourist board apparently don't even acknowledge the the existence of the girl version. I don't think they should acknowledge the existence of either.

Smashing.
The really class 335ft Atomium which is well worth a trip on the metro to get to. Was built for an exhibition in 1958 and was meant to stay up for 6 months. Quality pic by C on her camera phone, non? We've some cool snaps from inside the top ball as well.

The beer wagon. And what a beer wagon. It's rare that I manage to
get a picture of one of these rather than just getting hit by it.
Me near the Atomuim. The Stad Brussel referred to in the picture is actually Heysel, which is nearest stop to the Atomium in the background. I had my Pool scarf with me but didn't put it on due to the feeling of pure shame that came over me when I realised where I was.

Sicko

2006-11-15T18:23:00.000Z

That's right, I'm ill and have had to take two days off work. I've had enough now Gartside and am very sorry for mocking you. Please leave that voodoo doll of me alone now.

Was too ill to move for most of yesterday (sat in bed all day groaning) but, strangely, post throwing up was in much better nick. Still not working tickedy boo though.

Pulling power.

2006-11-11T21:07:00.000Z

Great sporting injuries of our time:

1. David Busst snapping his leg in the mid 90's vs the Mancs.

2. Richard Hammond scraping his helmet on the tarmac while foolishly attempting to break the land speed record in a giant firework with wheels a month or two back.

3. Owen Gartside's nasty ankle/back/toenail injuries that kept him off work on alternate Fridays in the early 00's (dispite those that played footie with him the night before never noticing any problems during the games).

And now.......

4. Me having twinged my back again trying to lunge for a drop shot at the squash club this evening. And I've a feeling that the John Wayne style walk that I've had to adopt will raise a few eyebrows when I head off out shortly. Lovely.

Disaster for Smaje/Kerr/Lunt

2006-11-10T11:56:00.000Z

A few snaps (literally in some cases) to peruse on Friday afternoon involving disaster for those involved. Unfortunately it doesn't include the Daniels dislocation shots (forgotten them) but I've included the equally serious incident when I ripped my skiing trousers. I was helicoptered off the slope and flown to the emergency darning unit in an Alpine hospital. Despite an insulating fluff transfusion, the trousers tragically became unsuitable for use and now reside in the great ski wardrobe in the sky.

By popular demand. Don't zoom in under any circumstances.
Kerr-splat!! (give me a break)

Daniels manages to stop laughing for just long
enough to take a photo of my face first wipe out.
Ripper.

Can someone explain the lyric to me? Why does living by the river mean that he has no fear when London is drowning? Drowing in something else? Beats me anyway.

And now.................you will die.

2006-11-06T12:35:00.000Z

Me and Trants hit Bet365 last night in order to show a few internet people a thing or two about poker. The, admittedly spontaneous, group game didn't quite materialize (see my comment in the first screenshot below boys) but me and PT played a spot of holdem and then some Pot Limit Omaha Hi Lo. Lowlight of evening was crashing and burning at the hands of PT in the Omaha sit and go. Bummer. A quick back of the envelope calculation* reveals that I got done on a coin toss (well ish).

Omaha Hi/Low 8-or-better: 1086008 enumerated boards
cards scoop HIwin HIlos HItie LOwin LOlos LOtie EV
Kc Qc 5c 2c 460546 460546 625462 0 391824 0 0 0.545
3c Jd Jh 3h 3 63492 625462 460546 0 0 0 0 0.455

Where are you all then?

Beginning of the end #1 - the big raise.

Beginning of the end #2 - the big erased. Terminated by Tranter.

* Ok, I got it from pokertips.org.

Lyric is from one of my fave songs ever.

Lunt and da gang

2006-11-02T23:24:00.000Z

Eh up. Lost my USB phone card adapter whatsit so decided to slip on some classic group snaps from my hard drive. Tried to arrange appearances from the blog gang, but failed when it came to Denners (can't find a snap my son).

Me, McK, McE

El Tel & MM

DA & OG HK?, OG, Lindsay, me, C, MS

M&PT, MS, AE, MM, Tel and me

And I'll go you one further.........

Inspired by Tranter, I've posted a lyric that I think is cool, or appears in a cool song or I think is cool for some other reason. Maybe you can guess the songs they appear from? I might update with a new lyric when I put new posts on. Maybe.

Wanna be in our gang?

2006-10-23T08:34:00.000+01:00

MM, PT - we have a new recruit to the Roedenbach gang.

Other applications will be considered by the committee. Photographic evidence will strengthen the case of any applicant, but comment box confirmation that this is one of your weapons of choice will get you places.

The Adventures of Mr Cobblers

2006-10-17T17:50:00.000+01:00

Lets look at the evidence.

Claims of Mr C:
"My goalkeeper was in the dressing room for 30 minutes waiting for an ambulance. "
"The ambulance could not go in the direction of the dressing room. "
"He could not leave the dressing room properly. He had to go in a wheelchair in the lift when he had the injury. "
"He left 30 minutes after my doctor called for an urgent ambulance. "
"If my goalkeeper dies in that dressing room or in the process it is something English football has to think about. "
"This is much more important than football. I would like someone to tell me why my goalkeeper was left in this situation."

Statement from a South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokesman
"At 5.45pm it was decided that an ambulance should be called. It arrived at 5.52 - seven minutes after the call was made".

This man properly gets on my wick.

Pic post 2/2

2006-10-14T18:56:00.000+01:00

Answers on a postcard #2
Pepper mixes it up US style. Three stock poses in one photo. Quite an achievement.
Phil about to hit a big drive (well actually he isn't - he'd hit me
with the ball. Ok, I admit it. We staged yet another photo).
Smithers and Johnson in a boozer in Soho yesterday with some
wooden gentleman. Let be know how the boat race went btw.

Pic post 1/2

2006-10-14T18:30:00.000+01:00

Mr Predictable.
Answers on a postcard #1
Phil McE on the quad thing. This is surely a prime candidate for
photo manipulation and submission to Viz's UTA corner.
Stone at home on the 4x4.
The boys pre scaling the climbing wall like heroes.

Poster poser

2006-10-08T22:33:00.000+01:00

Need a new big poster for my front room as I'm bored of the current Mulholland Drive one that I've had for years. Was thinking the one below. It's another Lynch film, though this one might have been a classic but was flawed unlike MHD which is an incredible film experience when watched in the right manner (see below). I just like Lynch and think this is quite a cool poster. What do you reckon? Any other suggestions?
Re watching Mulholland Drive, it's a really good idea to approach it in the following way to get the most of it (and thanks to the Box for suggesting I do this). I REALLY recommend you don't look at the mega spoiler links first.

1. Watch the film once right through and try - and fail - to work out what's going on. You should also have Lynch's 10 clues to interpreting the film that to hand when watching it to make it more interesting. They are:

1) Pay particular attention to the beginning of the film: at least two clues are revealed before the credits.
2) Notice appearances of the red lampshade.
3) Can you hear the title of the film that Adam Kesher is auditioning actresses for? Is it mentioned again?
4) An accident is a terrible event... Notice the location of the accident.
5) Who gives a key, and why?
6) Notice the robe, the ashtray, the coffee cup.
7) What is felt, realised and gathered at the club Silencio?
8) Did talent alone help Camilla?
9) Note the occurrences surrounding the man behind 'Winkies'
10) Where is Aunt Ruth?

2. After watching it once, read 'The Base Story (Linear chronology)' from this.

3. Then read this as well.

4. Watch the film again.

A shockingly good film.

The luck of the Welsh

2006-10-07T14:54:00.000+01:00

I now believe I’m returning to top form after a week of unfortunate events, including:
- dropping iPod and cracking screen
- turning up to see the filming of a TV show and being turned away at the door as they’d overallocated by 100s of tickets (Jonathan Ross, kindly supplied by Keams and twfka Cutler)
- having to pay £40 for missing a dental appointment because of work, though will claim back from work
- being stung by a wasp when trying to get into bed at 3am after a stag do and my neck swelling up like a balloon (am allergic to them)
- having a very nasty cold all week

Relaxing weekend in order. Will pop to the driving range, a spot of squash and perhaps a some nice food and a glass or ten of chilled beer. Also some online poker (look up KingLunt on Ladbrokes if anyone fancies a bit on Sun night).

Right, some pictures of da gang.

Oh.

My phone card reader is in the office. Maybe my run of unfortunate events hasn’t come to an end quite yet.

Supplemental Errington moment

2006-09-19T17:13:00.000+01:00

DA: “Yeah, she’s pregnant. She’s having the baby in December”
TE: “Really!?! This December.”
DA: “No Terry. Next December.”

Flaming hill

2006-09-19T13:08:00.000+01:00

Went walking on Sat. Hiked up to Scafell Pike in the Lakes - the highest point in England. Didn't bring enough water for myself (hike was around 8 hours) but did manage the extra weight of the speakers attached to my backpack and hooked up to my iPod. I feel that it's very important that you get your priorities right in life.

Humpers leading the way pursued hotly by Acres and Jack.
Tel and Acres adopting very manly poses. Tel and MS in the most unstaged photo of all time.
The Acres boys, inspired by the Eye of the

Tiger, tackle a tricky rocky section.

King Lunt and the team conquer the mountain (ok, slightly steep hill)

On your hike.

2006-09-15T16:38:00.000+01:00

About to get a train to the Pool to go hiking tomorrow (what am I thinking) but thought I'd slip a few pics on here first. A few of the faces below will be there at the hike. The pictures of gentlemen were taken at David's Beers of the World party last weekend in Leeds. None of NZ's crappy tipples made the beer list.

Terry, hopeful of a menage et trois.

Reading festival and some pretty lights.

Charlotte putting cider inside her inside.

Drunken goons take over a respectable eaterie.

Terry tries it on with a few other fellas. Desperado.

Classic Lunt

2006-09-04T08:15:00.000+01:00

There are a 200 people in the squash leagues I play in and the scores for all are posted on a notice board. I decided to make my feelings on a gentleman who caused me to rush back to Wimbledon from cental London twice in two weeks only to stand me up on both occasions very clear for all to see.

The below written was just after I phoned him, found out he was in a pub, gave him a piece of my mind and then hung up following a mega rant. It's fair to say that I was 'less then impressed'. Grrrrrr.

The same ol’ trip it was baaaaacckkkkk then

2006-08-29T13:36:00.000+01:00

Inspired by MWard's posts, and amazed by it's ease, here's a few whatsits from YouTube.

1. One of the current top plays on my iPod. An ace version of a song I think's ace. I nearly saw them live once but the singer was in a coma that day. He eventually died a hermit in his flat a few years after his girlfriend had died of a drug related heart condition and this turned him into a recluse. Not a story that would grace a Mills and Boone book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layne_Staley

2. The reason I think Zappa was an utter, utter mentalist. From 200 Motels.

P.S. My next post will be about some cheery music. Maybe.
P.P.S Guess who's the latest addition to our blog gang. We should have some leather jackets in the style the gangs in Grease made:
http://holleratmybigblog.blogspot.com/

Videos? I can do videos.

2006-08-22T23:44:00.000+01:00

Shot of the championship.

A strategically placed phrase written in very large letters at the top
of a ski lift where thousands of people can see it plus............................

............another message for good measure equals...............

............much hilarity!

Let's see what Tel thinks!

Some Paris, Brugges and Saint Remy pics (2/2)

2006-08-20T13:58:00.000+01:00

Who's the curlytot? (Find out a bit later as
the pics have uploaded in a silly order)
It's my rock star bro Adam outside some cafe in Nimes.
Good choice C. A magnificent beverage.
The curlytot is C. Ad's girlfriend platted her hair very tightly
and it looked like this afterwards. Quite cool I thought.
This beer, though tasting like it's gone off, is strangely addictive.
MM I know this is one of your tipples of choice.

Some Paris, Brugges and Saint Remy pics (1/2)

2006-08-20T13:27:00.000+01:00

Tres classy.
Pa Lunt looking thrilled that I'm taking his pic. C photographed with a bloke with man boobs and a pot belly
(prime joke opportunity for the comment box friends)
There were a few of these in the Louvre. I think it's an Egyptian

house decoration showing a bro and sis. I think it's quite sweet. Attempt at an arty shot. Taken at the base.

Hey little sister what have you done.

2006-08-17T08:53:00.000+01:00

Fancied a McDonalds muffin this morn for the first time in many a moon. Was tucking in to it and then White Wedding by Billy Idol came on my iPod. The day can only get worse.

The demon drink

2006-08-04T09:32:00.000+01:00

You know when your workmates say things such as the following that you probably overcooked it on the beers the previous night:
- "You were hammered last night Lunt"
- "What do you call a scouse actuary? Pissed"
- "You were hilarious last night, getting your belly out and doing the five belly shuffle"*

Further evidence of having a few too many is provided by me falling asleep on the Northern Line and having to taxi home from the end of it.

Luckily, I'm going prevent such things happening in future by not drinking any booze ever again. Ever.

Ever.

Ugh.

* Doesn't ring a bell.

It's a raise.

2006-08-02T08:38:00.000+01:00

Kind of thing that'd happen to me.

Haven't had chance to read this site properly yet but the bloke who sent me the link says that it's serious. Dear me.....

http://www.bestdamnhand.com/

The Fundamental Theorem Of 72 off suit:
- "Any time you aggressively play seven deuce off suit, the universe will bend the laws of short term probability in order to re-balance the long term probability abuses by those trashy players who only play premium hands." - Celeryman, 2004.

Le Snaps......

2006-08-01T08:50:00.000+01:00

........are still not appearing. I wonder why? Hmmmmmm

Paris and Bruges

2006-07-30T23:16:00.000+01:00

Guess who’s back…………..back again……………Mr Lunt is back…………tell a friend etc.

Went away last week. Did the following:

1. Went to Paris

My pa was over from Oz and staying in Paris so popped over to see him. Did a few arguably
touristy things (the Louvre and an open top bus tour) and also walked the streets of Paris for hours searching for cool things to see and cool places to eat and drink, which was very easy to do. Failed to meet up with Evans as she fled the country upon hearing of my imminent arrival (this type of thing has happened before, it’ll happen again), but esteemed former London colleague Mai didn't manage to escape and allowed me to crash her regular Thurs night wine/cheese thing in central Paris. It was really cool - would do it every week for ever if I lived in Paris. Cheese was well nice (technical term often used by cheese buffs) though the lack of beer was a slight cause for concern (got a dirty look from waiter, and one of the girls sitting with us, when I asked for one). I classed it up in the end though with a bottle of Reisling which I was informed was 'like cat's piss'. Whoops.

2. Drank lovely beer in Bruges

Trained it over to Bruges which is very, very touristy but still very pretty and nice. Saw what there was to see in the few days we had there and sampled one or two (or twenty) Belgian beers. Ace.

It won't let me put pictures on. What's up with this flaming thing. Will try and put them on as a new post.

It's got a good beat

2006-07-22T00:06:00.000+01:00

I've been watching VH2. I must be getting old as it's the Sky equivalent of Radio 2. Anyway, they've been doing something called the Indie 500 where they countdown a shite load of tracks down to their top ones, though some are more down my driveway (alternative rock) rather than indie (that I will forever associate with the Levellers and Sultans of Ping FC). Top 20 in reverse order was below (obviously stolen from a Google search). Lunt ratings are included for information. Some unbelievably ace tunes.

20/ the smiths - how soon is now (song=*****/band=*****)
19/ nirvana - smells like teen spirit (song=**** /band=*****)
18/ depose mode - enjoy the silence (song=****/band=***)
17/ suede - animal nitrate (song=***** /band early on=*****/band in later years=***)
16/ new order - blue monday (song=*****/band=***)
15/ the charlatans - the only thing i know (song=****/band=***)
14/ franz ferdinand - take me out (song=**/band=**)
13/ the undertones - teenage kicks (song=**/band=??)
12/ the la's - there she goes (song=**/band=*)
11/ the white stripes - seven nation (army song=****/band =***)
10/ oasis - cigarettes and alcohol (song=*/band=**)
9/ primal sream - loaded (song=**/band=**)
8/ morrissey - suedehead (song=*****/Mozza=*****)
7/ the strokes - last nite (song=**/band=**)
6/ radiohead - just (song=*****/band=*****)
5/ the cure - inbetween days (song=**/band=**?)
4/ joy division - love will tear us apart (song=****/band=***?)
3/ pixes - monkey gone to heaven (song=*****/band=******)
2/ the stone roses - i wanna be adored (song=*****/band=****)
1/ the smiths - there is a light that never goes out (song=*****/band=*****)

While typing this they've followed up with Epic by Faith No More which, frankly, is an another monster tune when playing it at the volume I'm listening at.

RIP Hyper Hammer 145 squash racquet

2006-07-17T08:48:00.000+01:00

Was walking back from the squash club last night with my favorite Wilson Hyper Hammer 145 mallet in hand, complete with fancy red strings following a restring. "No problem", I thought,"I'll slip this beauty in its custom-made racket holder for the remainder of the walk home to keep my beauty safe from harm". Woke up this morning and went to get my bat bag for tonight's big game and that's all that was there was - a bag. It must have fallen out on the way home. Bugger.

No flowers.

Happier times

PS Just spent next year's salary on buying two more so don't get too upset re the above, but donations are gratefully received. I may actually move to NZ to play. They’re so crap at sports that any unfit lump of lard could excel at any sport they put their mind to.

Random update

2006-07-16T23:17:00.000+01:00

Failed to upload this one for some reason.
---------------------------
Da Box

That man Boxall popped over from Jamaica and found time for a few jars with valued former WW friends and colleagues. A few jars in the open air outside the Two Chairmen in Westminster was just what the doctor ordered for me after a day working like a dog. It was when we moved inside that the evening really picked up though.....

Longo enjoys an early evening whistle.

***'s ****! Vintage night out action!
Smooth operator DA pulls this scorcher at the races a few weeks
ago, thanks in no small part to the very fetching cream suit.
Good year.

Now here's a tough one.....

2006-07-09T23:55:00.000+01:00

What's worse?

Exhibit A - Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup final, in his final
professional game ever, shortly before a penalty shoot-out
where he'd be a certain taker and having scored one already.

Exhibit B - Federer's blazer.

I've thought about this for hours and Federer's blazer gets it by a nose.

Live interviews

2006-07-02T23:25:00.000+01:00

A blog post that almost got uploaded on Sun............

----------------------
I'm lucky enough to be in the presence of Lee B and the boy McE. Any words of advice for the watching 'masses' chaps?

Phil McE says:
Stay out of the black and into the red - there's nothing in this game for two in a bed.

That man Box says:
You know you're going to lose. And gambling's for fools - but that's the way I like it baby, I don't want to live forever.
---------------------
Frankly, insperational. And now for a pic of Ian at the tennis on Sat. You get all the big scoops and pictures on this 'popular' site.

Anyone for a corporate freebie - sorry - tennis?

And now for a very interesting picture that was requested for upload by someone who shall forever remain nameless.

(Bet you thought it was the real thing! Don't worry - deleted forever
as promised! Sorry, could resist this parting shot at this incident!)

Pics from new blower

2006-06-21T22:44:00.000+01:00

Got a new phone that takes fairly good pictures. No Mward, didn't lose my last one - broke it throwing it at a hotel window trying to wake up the person I was meant to be sharing the room with (long story). Anyhow, data dump:

Phil McE before.....
.....and after (much prefer after Phil).

Phil was going to a 'begins with S' fancy dress party.
That's a Sith Lord. Though a good look, the S link is
tenuous at best PM.......
London to Brighton. Stoney was cooled down by a road-side
woman with a hosepipe. He shook his head to get rid of the excess
water, lost his balance and crashed into a tree. Laugh? I nearly
died, as did he.

Sleepy Stoney with a nice top.

Jenny W and Mr S in some posh pub with me a few weeks ago.

What do you mean you've all been training for months?

2006-06-20T12:53:00.000+01:00

Decided to do the 54-mile London to Brighton Bike Ride. "Not a problem", I thought. "Any clown can do that without any prep". I may have slightly overestimated my fitness level when making that judgment.

Things started smoothly with a tasty bacon bap breakfast at the house of a guy from work but quickly went downhill once we started going on uphill roads a miles in. My bike didn't appear to handle the hills very well - presumably a design fault or something.

Eventually finished but with a very sore posterior region due to a lack of cycling shorts and a razor-like bike saddle. Was walking in the style of John Wayne for most of yesterday.

Stone buys TWO of the worst burgers ever made and
proceeds to eat them while facing sideways.

The elite team pose after enjoying a bacon and
sausage breakfast prior to the big ride.

The team at the start line relishing the challenge. Relish was soon
replaced by horror when we realised how far it was and how
much of it was uphill.
Never buy a burger from the Dog and Duck - it was a real
shocker. It should be a thumbs down rather than up.
Not entirely sure what I'm doing here, but it's a good look.

Ugh - there it is.

2006-06-13T09:22:00.000+01:00

Courtesy of Scruffy.

Burn baby burn

2006-06-13T08:03:00.000+01:00

Poured just-made black coffee all over my hand this morning. Still stinging. Very pleased.

Went to Alden's wedding bash on Sat night and there was a golden snap of him age 14 or something sporting a mullet. Watch this space for it. Also, some of the cheerleaders at his stag made a re-appearance, but all had deffo had implants since I last saw them. All four looked like Lola Ferrari.

Hang on - someone hasn't nicked it have they?

2006-06-08T12:53:00.000+01:00

Went for a 'few' drinks on a work night out last night to the Slug and Lettuce on Borough High St and some lowlife decided to nick my briefcase. Had my iPod in and various other bits and bobs and so wasn't best pleased* with the actions of this light-fingered individual. It has turned up now though - was found at the scene of a burglary in Paddington Green with bloodstains on (seriously!) though with no iPod. Is currently being given the once over by the plod forensic team will be returned to me tomorrow. Insurance company will be very pleased that my iPod had gone walkies again........

Slug and Lettuce - scene of the incident.

All the above means that I will beat OG to the small screen. Look out for a full interview and reconstruction on Crimewatch UK soon.

* understatement of the millennium

Girls' night out

2006-06-05T23:27:00.000+01:00

Pics from Tom A's stag do from a week or so ago below. Did promise I'd post them so here we go.

Went out in Swindon on Sat after some footie event and my top tip is to never play high stakes drinking games with Gaz Russell from Manc. Honorably sticking to my side of the bargain after suffering a statistically improbable loss (played two-man 5's and lost probably 7-1) caused me to have somewhat of a omg shocker....

Perhaps a wax required?

Girls just wanna have fun.

Speckled Hen - the choice of a classy lady.

Look at this filthy local sneaking a look from the behind.

Sisters doing it for themselves
(included purely to prove it wasn't just me
and a few pals who wore a skirt for the day!)

Actuarial students.....

2006-06-01T22:22:00.000+01:00

.....don't worry about those pesky exams. Consult this volume for guaranteed success time after time. Congrats in advance everyone.

Written by a name you can trust.

And to think I was getting disillusioned with Eurovision

2006-05-20T22:03:00.000+01:00

Thank you Finland.

D'win hoffi sglodion

2006-05-14T22:52:00.000+01:00

Couldn't get tickets for FC United's 'big' tour of Germany so had to leave MM to it and went to the FA Cup final in Cardiff instead. Scorcher of a game though I did feel a touch sorry for West Ham who I thought probably deserved to win. Their fans really were feeling sorry for themselves on the train home - though they made themselves feel better by throwing things at me and then beating me at arm wrestling. Oh well. I least I prevailed in the on train poker. Behind the goal so great views of Carra's OG,
Jose's big boob and Stevie's humdingers.

Young boy seemingly having a waz (I mean the NE Wales definition).
Me plus random fatter bloke outside the ground.
Me and stop-dad John with a nice message for Roman in the background.

Deleted post

2006-05-07T21:59:00.000+01:00

Might delete this one.

Happy birthday Liz

2006-04-25T12:04:00.000+01:00

My pal Rhonda's wedding bash was on Sat. She'd gone to Las Vegas and got married to her bloke without mentioning it to anyone - including her own mother - and had a bash for her family and pals on the w/e. There was a food fight at the end that caused mucho mess, including a poor result for a portrait of the Queen (a direct hit with a chocolate eclair). Received the below from Rhond on Mon:

"I'm in big big trouble - I'm having to pay for the wall to be painted and the dance floor to be resurfaced after the cake fight! Oh dear!"

Dear me.

Bank Hol weekend's varied activities

2006-04-18T13:53:00.000+01:00

Thurs - Out in London to old man's pub and then cheesy bar with Stoney, Angela and (the very drunk) C. Strangely transpired that the people we were out with knew my uni friend Gopher.
Booze-o-meter rating: *** (fair to middling)

Fri - Poker in Chester with Ad and the lads, after a few tins of liquid refreshment on the train:
Booze-o-meter rating: **** (middling to large)

Sat - Out in Blackburn with Ian. Drinking at a heroic pace in Waterspouts (was actually Weatherspoons but the spellcheck suggested the above which is much better) followed by a cheesy bar and a shocker of a night club. It was called 'Heaven and Hell' but was more of the latter. Then it was a pizza and a sleep in the car while I waited for the chaps to return to the hosue I was staying at. I had managed to lose them when I became sleepy and had to have a sit down. Followed by horrid B'burn vs Pool game the next day.
Booze-o-meter rating: ***** (whopper)

Sun - Watched brother's band in the Tiv and then decided to have a few beers. Last memory was drinking a Newcastle Brown while dancing to rock music with my brother's girlfriend's brother. No problem I hear you say, however, we were the only two on the dance floor. Next thing I know, I woke up in bed.
Booze-o-meter rating: ****** (gargantuan)

Mon – No booze required as am still p!ssed from the above.

Oh, happy days.

Ski Les Menuiers

2006-04-10T21:34:00.000+01:00

As promised for quite a while, here are a few snaps from ski hol #2. T'was absolutely ace, with immense conditions up top later in the week. No serious injuries for the first time in a few years, excluding the 90% burns on the noses on me and Smaje due to lack of sun cream. Won't make that mistake again (until next year).

Me and Smaje high up in Val Thorens. 30 meter
visibility and bollard freezing coldness. In fact, it looks
like I' m trying to keep his warm.
Me, Aly and Smaje in the sun pre conk burns.
Me with a pint of Kaliber at lunchtime
Smaje and Tel with macho cocktails
The crew looking as cool as hell in one of the

best pics in the history of the world.

Pensions related thought for the day

2006-04-07T13:44:00.000+01:00

One for the pensions industry folk from yesterday's FT, courtesy of McK.

"Pension saving, like any form of investment, is fraught with risks from which no nannying government can immunise citizens. Conscious perhaps of these perils, my grandfather, a portrait painter, set nothing aside when he eventually made some money in his sixties. Instead, he invested in a splendid Rolls Bentley. He used it to convey his 25-year-old mistress to The Savoy for dinner. He died before he needed a pension. He was, I hope you will agree, an example to us all."