Write something profound...
C'mon, I know you have it in you...
Surely you have something to say on Memorial Day...
Maybe it's the pain, maybe it's the fatigue, or maybe I am just dried up today. I don't know...I can't focus beyond a few words. The two in the title here being the most important.
My buddy Arne had more to say check it out here...
http://eastlund.tumblr.com/
As for me I will just say...
"You are my brother, you are my friend,
But I'll never hear your laugh again."
And,
Thank You All.
Cheers,
g
31 May 2010
24 May 2010
A Day At The Races or What's In A Name?
Liverpool
Aintree Racecourse,
The Grand National Steeplechase
So I still don't quite know what I think about horse racing, (I know the Missus likes all things horse related) but maybe after going to the Grand National Steeplechase I have a better idea. I know that some people think nothing of the races, it is what it is. But I have to question a little more (I mean at least they aren't eating the horses but...) you know is it fair for the horses. They really don't have a say in the whole thing, but they do seem to be up for it. Would it be better if there was an actual place for them to run wild and free (ask me about the video sometime, I would have posted it but since I use the F word in it I don't know if it meets the obscenity requirements...yada yada yada) but watching them as they kept running after they'd shed their riders, some even still jumping (for the uninformed {like me just prior to going to the race} a steeplechase is were they run like crazy and then jump over stuff) I may be closer to giving it a thumb's sideways or whatever. As we watched the horse run and jump on their own, looking wild and free and pround I say, "Looks like Fekin Colorado." (It may well have been the pints of John Smith's Bitter (also the sponser of the event) followed quickly by, "That's where they have the wild mustangs, yeah?" It may not be a perfect world, but I think that in a perfect world maybe the horses would say, "Yeah, I'll have a go!"
Aintree Racecourse,
The Grand National Steeplechase
So I still don't quite know what I think about horse racing, (I know the Missus likes all things horse related) but maybe after going to the Grand National Steeplechase I have a better idea. I know that some people think nothing of the races, it is what it is. But I have to question a little more (I mean at least they aren't eating the horses but...) you know is it fair for the horses. They really don't have a say in the whole thing, but they do seem to be up for it. Would it be better if there was an actual place for them to run wild and free (ask me about the video sometime, I would have posted it but since I use the F word in it I don't know if it meets the obscenity requirements...yada yada yada) but watching them as they kept running after they'd shed their riders, some even still jumping (for the uninformed {like me just prior to going to the race} a steeplechase is were they run like crazy and then jump over stuff) I may be closer to giving it a thumb's sideways or whatever. As we watched the horse run and jump on their own, looking wild and free and pround I say, "Looks like Fekin Colorado." (It may well have been the pints of John Smith's Bitter (also the sponser of the event) followed quickly by, "That's where they have the wild mustangs, yeah?" It may not be a perfect world, but I think that in a perfect world maybe the horses would say, "Yeah, I'll have a go!"
Interlude: Iraq
I wanted to say to him, "Yeah I do. I have to live here for a year with another guy. So yeah I've got a lot of shite. What does you fekin room look like?"
Do you share with someone else? (Probably not.)
Do you have a bloody bathroom? (Probably.)
Do you live like a fekin Spartan?" (I Fekin Doubt It, Batard!)
REALLY!?!?
This is what I have to deal with? This and the fact that this fat bastard makes more than I do, and the poor guys who have to snap to his every order and do all the bloody work get paid no more than a couple hundred dollars a month probably. These contractors and the companies that pay them have developed a whole new brand of slavery. They may not own these Third Country Nationals (read anyone from a poor country just trying to get ahead) but they own their contract, they can send them home anytime they want for whatever reason (or none at all) that they can make up, they don't pay them shite-especially compared to the contracts they get from the government, and they do all the work.
If we've bollocked anything up during this war...there it is. You want to know why we are in a recession? Don't blame the Soldiers, blame the Fat Cats...those in Washington DC and in the Corporate World. You want to make a difference in the world try this, no matter where you live go vote and don't vote for ANYONE who is now or has ever been in government before.
And on my 'Day Off."
Fekinell!
End Interlude
So I was 'Off' the other day, and just my luck it is time for KBR to come inspect my trailer. Just what I need some contractor getting paid way too much of your and my money, and his lackies getting paid way too little of KBR's money invading my privacy and rest. Anyway so in they come, and they aren't really doing anything but taking stock of what is in the room. "So you've got three wall lockers, two nightstands...do you have any lights?" At which point I look up at the ceiling light and raise my eyebrows. "Lights, lights," he say. "Lamps?" I tell him that there are two, one red and one black and he continues to look around and has the balls to say,
"You've got a lot of stuff in here."
Really?!?!"You've got a lot of stuff in here."
I wanted to say to him, "Yeah I do. I have to live here for a year with another guy. So yeah I've got a lot of shite. What does you fekin room look like?"
Do you share with someone else? (Probably not.)
Do you have a bloody bathroom? (Probably.)
Do you live like a fekin Spartan?" (I Fekin Doubt It, Batard!)
REALLY!?!?
This is what I have to deal with? This and the fact that this fat bastard makes more than I do, and the poor guys who have to snap to his every order and do all the bloody work get paid no more than a couple hundred dollars a month probably. These contractors and the companies that pay them have developed a whole new brand of slavery. They may not own these Third Country Nationals (read anyone from a poor country just trying to get ahead) but they own their contract, they can send them home anytime they want for whatever reason (or none at all) that they can make up, they don't pay them shite-especially compared to the contracts they get from the government, and they do all the work.
If we've bollocked anything up during this war...there it is. You want to know why we are in a recession? Don't blame the Soldiers, blame the Fat Cats...those in Washington DC and in the Corporate World. You want to make a difference in the world try this, no matter where you live go vote and don't vote for ANYONE who is now or has ever been in government before.
And on my 'Day Off."
Fekinell!
End Interlude
So anyway back to the good stuff, yeah. Here are a few differences noted from the Races. Now I've only been to like Bay Meadows sometime in the 90's so I have little frame of reference, bear with me yeah. But not only did they have much better beer (seriously I remember drinking lukewarm Bud our of a wax cup at the Meadows) but they also get dressed up for the event. I reckon they do this at like the Kentucky Derby or whatever. Let me put something else straight here in American (I sound like Yacov Shmirnoff for crying out loud) if you get dressed up you may well put on fancy clothes. Well in Britain Fancy Dress means something else entirely. It means not coat and tie, but silly costumes. And while the former is preferred (but not required) at the Grand National, the latter is strictly verboten. (Yet some of the ladies hats and feather clip would have looked right at home at a masquerade party.) So you get dressed up... As you can see below. Me and the Missus, and the wife with a new friend and one of our many pints of bitter.
And then the all just cop a squat down on the hill that's covered with asphalt. Men and women can be seen queuing in long lines to go to the toilet, and even coming around from behind them. Most woman's feathers that were so proudly displayed on centered and lovely on their heads are now in disarray. And that which disturbed the missus so, they are barefoot, too high heels slung over their shoulders or carried and dropped from their hands. Yes they are walking in split food and beer, probably some vomit, and who knows what else. But they are all happy, again that could have something to do with the better beer sponsors (really the worst thing they had was Fosters which is better than lukewarm Bud any day. They'd also be carrying around bottles of wine, laughing, winning, loosing, etc, etc. It was also unseasonably warm and sunny that day that added to the drinking for us at least. So here is the crowd, there are other grandstands and stuff too but that is where the fancy people sit. We were even able to get pretty close to the course on a little patch of grass, I think we had pizza. Plus I just like this picture of us.
So there you are, a day at the races (still under review, but had a good time, yeah.)
And what's in a name: Fancy Dress = Costume.
Yeah.
I'll have to read the thing about obscenity and see if I can post the "Fekin Colorado" video, until then.
Cheers,
g
And then the all just cop a squat down on the hill that's covered with asphalt. Men and women can be seen queuing in long lines to go to the toilet, and even coming around from behind them. Most woman's feathers that were so proudly displayed on centered and lovely on their heads are now in disarray. And that which disturbed the missus so, they are barefoot, too high heels slung over their shoulders or carried and dropped from their hands. Yes they are walking in split food and beer, probably some vomit, and who knows what else. But they are all happy, again that could have something to do with the better beer sponsors (really the worst thing they had was Fosters which is better than lukewarm Bud any day. They'd also be carrying around bottles of wine, laughing, winning, loosing, etc, etc. It was also unseasonably warm and sunny that day that added to the drinking for us at least. So here is the crowd, there are other grandstands and stuff too but that is where the fancy people sit. We were even able to get pretty close to the course on a little patch of grass, I think we had pizza. Plus I just like this picture of us.
So there you are, a day at the races (still under review, but had a good time, yeah.)
And what's in a name: Fancy Dress = Costume.
Yeah.
I'll have to read the thing about obscenity and see if I can post the "Fekin Colorado" video, until then.
Cheers,
g
20 May 2010
Conflict
Iraq
So having listened to the People, here is a musical interlude if you will. Last time y'all got treated to some Echo & the Bunnymen, this time it is all me (and Johan of camera.) It just looks like a singing head this time around (I really need to work on camera placement.)
Anyway this is one of my originals, its called "Conflict" and it has been being battered around for awhile now. I was never really sure what it was about until recently then it all came together. This one is for Raven. It is still a work in progress (like the camera angle, yeah) but the first verse and the last verse are pretty clear I think so I will write them out.
So having listened to the People, here is a musical interlude if you will. Last time y'all got treated to some Echo & the Bunnymen, this time it is all me (and Johan of camera.) It just looks like a singing head this time around (I really need to work on camera placement.)
Anyway this is one of my originals, its called "Conflict" and it has been being battered around for awhile now. I was never really sure what it was about until recently then it all came together. This one is for Raven. It is still a work in progress (like the camera angle, yeah) but the first verse and the last verse are pretty clear I think so I will write them out.
"Everyday I wonder,
Where it was I turned Wrong.
Mistakes I'd Never seen,
Until they were all too late to Change.
Will You Come?"
"An apology may sound Strange,
Never be enough to take Away all the Pain.
If I say, 'I'm Sorry' Anyway,
Then Maybe I'm not to old to Change.
Will You Come?"
There it is in a nutshell ("I could be bounded within a nutshell, and call myself the King of Infinite Space, were it not that I have Bad Dreams") I like the song, always have. Don't necessarily like having to sing it (if that makes any sense) but maybe we can all laugh about it someday. So the invitation, or challenge, or whatever you want to call it is there daughter. "Will You Come?"
Cheers,
g
Where it was I turned Wrong.
Mistakes I'd Never seen,
Until they were all too late to Change.
Will You Come?"
"An apology may sound Strange,
Never be enough to take Away all the Pain.
If I say, 'I'm Sorry' Anyway,
Then Maybe I'm not to old to Change.
Will You Come?"
There it is in a nutshell ("I could be bounded within a nutshell, and call myself the King of Infinite Space, were it not that I have Bad Dreams") I like the song, always have. Don't necessarily like having to sing it (if that makes any sense) but maybe we can all laugh about it someday. So the invitation, or challenge, or whatever you want to call it is there daughter. "Will You Come?"
Hope you enjoy the song (if not the video, I am actually playing guitar not just having arm spasms) I'd really love to see what everyone (someone especially) thinks.
Cheers,
g
SuperLamBanana (No That's Not Mispelled)
Liverpool
Day ?
Another reason that you've got to love Liverpool... Superlambanana! (That's not misspelled either, both are acceptable, yeah.) Here's the deal (in a nutshell) the original sculpture was bright yellow and part of some "Let's art up the North of England" campaign. It's part lamb and part banana, and is supposed to be a warning of the evils of genetic engineering or some such. And based on the fact that bananas and lambs used to come through Liverpool's port. The artist built a little like 4 inch model and then a 17 foot multi-ton monstrosity was built and put on display. Now you have to figure that this Superlambanana-thing must've brought Scousers to scratching their heads and saying, "Fekinell, wot does it mean then?"
Superlambanana was a talking point to be sure, you can almost see the folks in the pubs, on the trains, shopping for trainers discussing this bizarre thing that had sauntered into town.
But in true Liverpool fashion once it was rumored that it might be sold and taken over to The Dark Side (Manchester, yeah) they grabbed a hold of it and made it their own. "Who cares what it is right, it's Ours, yeah." So what they do is they move the big one around the city and for the Capitol of Culture event they made a bunch more that also evidently travel around. We'd seen them around before but never this particular one..
Yep that's yours truly (in my totally cool Elvis t-shirt) and the Bunnymen. Down by the Royal Liver Building. How cool is that. So this is Liverpool, yeah? It may not make sense but it is ours and now we love it. It just shows the spirit of the town. Always the outsider, always the underdog, and always taking care of its own.
You can see here in this other one that they can be quite creative with the Superlambanana, we saw one that looked like a tiger too. You can see one that looks like a clown in the background (for all of you with clown-o-phobia...avert your eyes) there are also cows, and one that has all kinds of little Superlambananas that are dressed like everything from The Beatles to (dare I say it...) Evertonians (worry not dear reader there was a little Red on there with the little Blue, there's even been a full-sized Red, yeah.) So here are me an the Missus with the herd.
So lesson learned, yeah. Take something that may or may not make sense make it your own and never let it go. Lessons of Liverpool 101, yeah. Yet another "Show of Strength" from Merseyside.
We actually were going to buy a bunch of little ones and give them away to folks. You know talismans to give them a little bit of the strength and spirit of Liverpool. But the little buggers are expensive. We'll have to pick one up when we are there during December, maybe a Christmas ornament, yeah. Taking orders now, get your own little slice of weirdness and Spirit of 'Pool {to ward off the Dark Side yeah.)
No interlude tonight, gonna do a whole non-travel thing tomorrow. Taking in some of the suggestions from you the reader as well. The People have spoken!
My dad likes my hat... I do too. I am sure that wearing a hat will probably piss off the same folks who now know I have a full and luxurious head of hair as well. I guess the people who are going a bit bald up top thought I was one of them. Fact was I was just lazy. And the new do is really getting some of their panties in a bunch. (That really was almost an interlude, oh well.)
Last note, you'll all be glad to know that Superlambanana won't be going to Manchester anytime soon. It's home will be Liverpool for the next 80 years. Some places have bears and eagles, or lions and tigers. Not the 'Pool though...SUPERLAMBANANA! And the Reds, yeah.
Cheers,
g
Day ?
Another reason that you've got to love Liverpool... Superlambanana! (That's not misspelled either, both are acceptable, yeah.) Here's the deal (in a nutshell) the original sculpture was bright yellow and part of some "Let's art up the North of England" campaign. It's part lamb and part banana, and is supposed to be a warning of the evils of genetic engineering or some such. And based on the fact that bananas and lambs used to come through Liverpool's port. The artist built a little like 4 inch model and then a 17 foot multi-ton monstrosity was built and put on display. Now you have to figure that this Superlambanana-thing must've brought Scousers to scratching their heads and saying, "Fekinell, wot does it mean then?"
Superlambanana was a talking point to be sure, you can almost see the folks in the pubs, on the trains, shopping for trainers discussing this bizarre thing that had sauntered into town.
But in true Liverpool fashion once it was rumored that it might be sold and taken over to The Dark Side (Manchester, yeah) they grabbed a hold of it and made it their own. "Who cares what it is right, it's Ours, yeah." So what they do is they move the big one around the city and for the Capitol of Culture event they made a bunch more that also evidently travel around. We'd seen them around before but never this particular one..
Yep that's yours truly (in my totally cool Elvis t-shirt) and the Bunnymen. Down by the Royal Liver Building. How cool is that. So this is Liverpool, yeah? It may not make sense but it is ours and now we love it. It just shows the spirit of the town. Always the outsider, always the underdog, and always taking care of its own.
You can see here in this other one that they can be quite creative with the Superlambanana, we saw one that looked like a tiger too. You can see one that looks like a clown in the background (for all of you with clown-o-phobia...avert your eyes) there are also cows, and one that has all kinds of little Superlambananas that are dressed like everything from The Beatles to (dare I say it...) Evertonians (worry not dear reader there was a little Red on there with the little Blue, there's even been a full-sized Red, yeah.) So here are me an the Missus with the herd.
So lesson learned, yeah. Take something that may or may not make sense make it your own and never let it go. Lessons of Liverpool 101, yeah. Yet another "Show of Strength" from Merseyside.
We actually were going to buy a bunch of little ones and give them away to folks. You know talismans to give them a little bit of the strength and spirit of Liverpool. But the little buggers are expensive. We'll have to pick one up when we are there during December, maybe a Christmas ornament, yeah. Taking orders now, get your own little slice of weirdness and Spirit of 'Pool {to ward off the Dark Side yeah.)
No interlude tonight, gonna do a whole non-travel thing tomorrow. Taking in some of the suggestions from you the reader as well. The People have spoken!
My dad likes my hat... I do too. I am sure that wearing a hat will probably piss off the same folks who now know I have a full and luxurious head of hair as well. I guess the people who are going a bit bald up top thought I was one of them. Fact was I was just lazy. And the new do is really getting some of their panties in a bunch. (That really was almost an interlude, oh well.)
Last note, you'll all be glad to know that Superlambanana won't be going to Manchester anytime soon. It's home will be Liverpool for the next 80 years. Some places have bears and eagles, or lions and tigers. Not the 'Pool though...SUPERLAMBANANA! And the Reds, yeah.
Cheers,
g
17 May 2010
Seeing Red or "Ring of Fire"
Liverpool
Thursday Night, Europa League Quarter Finals, 2nd LegLiverpool FC 4-1 Benfica (agg. LFC 4-2)
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Another great European Night at Anfield, and even though we know what we know now we must just go back to that night that feeling. After falling behind in Portugal during the First Leg, every supporter in the ground knew what they had to do. Be that 12th man the way only Liverpool supporters can. The flags were waving and as you can see from the video the crowd was in fine voice.
Liverpool if nothing else have been the come from behind masters this campaign. Falling behind is seemingly ever Leg. Of course there are only so many miracles in any team. We had great seats down int he lower paddock only feet away from the pitch, though a little close to the away fans for me. Now I know what other teams supporters must feel like when the Travelling Kop come to town. They gave all, the fans even after goal after goal came smashing in.
And the best part is...I was in the toilet when they say Lucas scored (plausable deniability for me yeah, cos I don't really believe it. But even a broken clock is right twice a day and lightening has to strike something sometime. So why not I guess it could have been him what scored, but I didn't have to see it, so I don't have to acknowledge it. Wouldn't change my mind anyway, he's still shite.) and just got to come back and say, "Yes!"
I wish I'd gotten some footage of the crowd doing "Ring of Fire" amazing stuff really 40 some odd thousand swinging their scarves in the air like lassoes. Na-na-na,na. Na-na-na-na (I was going to title this entry that but thought it just might confuse folks) brilliant. And you'd think scoring 4 times I wouldn't have missed it...but I did. I don't have any pictures from the match either (Jennifer has the big camera at home) but I think the video will suffice, yeah. As cool as it all is here, it is a million times better in real life.
I've tried to describe a match at Anfield before, and you know all the old cliches come out, "Like a religious experience" and "something to remember" those are all true, yeah. And it does move you. This was a cracker, yeah. We'd had a nail bitter last season, and would have another stomach churner later on, but this one 4-1... Amazing!
What did we do all day waiting to get to the match? Yeah, I don't really know (I am sure the Missus does though) I remember having a few pints, I might have made breakfast that day, maybe we took a nap. Its funny how 90 minutes can change everything, I might have met the bloody queen and all I would remember was the match. We had a pint or two as we waited for traffic to die down and get a cab back to the apartment. We heard the city party into the wee hours of the night, almost like they knew that this might be it.
It was too, another great night among a season of so many disappointments. But for that night we, the city, the players...we all knew we were the best. We all did it together, the players gave their all and looked magnificent, and we supporters took on, if not the Red Shirt then the responsibility of letting the men down there in the Red Shirts know that we were all in this together. And that were were unbelievable. I mean think on it yeah, if the stars hadn't all aligned and force me to the gents and threw the ball and Lucas at each other, it might have only been 3-1.
This is why I didn't want to do any interludes this time around, just to live in the moment again, forget the future (and the present) and submerge into the wonder of Anfield and Liverpool Football Club.
It was a good night and a good match and it will always mean something to me and the Missus, even if things didn't turn out the way we'd have all hoped. That night was and will remain Magik. She has pictures and I have more video, so maybe you'll see some more (when I need to escape) later.
Until then, remember...
"When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk
You'll never walk
You'll never walk alone."
Cheers,
g16 May 2010
"Someone, Somewhere In Summertime"
I was going to go with the "Hot in the City" but that is too obvious. Well it must be summer cos everyone is putting up their thermometers and saying things like, "It's 106 (thanks Yahoo) today." And hanging around said thermometers (not for long though, cos it is hot) and talking about the weather. "It always ends in dark" though, if course it supposedly dips down into the 80's sometime "after midnight" but I am not really looking to "let it all hang out" too dusty.
The weather, what is there to say? It sucks. Move on. It rained the other day, of course it was dry almost before it hit the ground. And didn't do a damn thing to cool anything off. But time marches on. (Don't get me started on that one unless you want a contractor-like tirade) we have days left. Who cares about the number. Move on. Everyone wants to countdown, but to me it would help if the days weren't all alike maybe. I can't even keep track of when the World Cup starts, or if this week has been 6, 7, or 9 days long. It sucks. Move on.
Isn't this cheery? Uplifting? I don't want to bring anyone down. I also didn't want to intrude on the next R & R posting with anything from here. (That will all get intruded upon and beaten down in all due course.) And this whole temperature and countdown thing has to be addressed somehow. If for nothing else to try and extricate it from my system (like the contractor, that probably isn't going to happen though) and try to follow my own advice and move on.
By the time I'd walked home from work today I was drained of all energy. Not sleepy but just tired. (I know who cares right this is like those duesch bags who Twitter about watching TV.) Maybe I'd better move on. (Instead of "Ramble On" you mean? {Fekinell, maybe you'll start talking about yourself in the third person next.})
This next bit might be offensive, so Kevin Costner & Danielle Steele (among others) fans may want to skip to the end. But we watched part of "The Guardian" yesterday (on AFN to boot) and seriously made "Waterworld" look like "Citizen Kane." Beyond awful... a new entry into the Top Five Worst Movies (look out "The Shadow" Astin Kutcher and Costner are on your tail) I swear they just took "Ladder 49" (another Top Five) and "Heartbreak Ridge" {Really Clint?} and mashed them together. Did a find and replace on the names and proffesions like Danielle Steele and let the director phone it in then called it a day. Its funny they change so much in some movies (you know ones made from books, etc.) change the ending, add shit that doesn't need to be there etc. Half the time it is to make a "Happy Ending" or over explain things, or whatever. You know what I would have changed about "The Guardian"? I would have cut out the bit from the opening credits to the end credits added some white noise and added a caption like, "You might feel like the makers of this film have stolen your money, we have. But we didn't steal your time. You are welcome!"
"Excuse me Editor, did I make my word count?"
"I don't have an Editor?" (As if that wasn't self evident.)
"Well then let's see...ranted about the weather, time, people...
Slammed "The Guardian"... wondered about Mr. Eastwood's sanity when they dropped off the script for "Heartbreak Ridge" and said, "No it'll be great Clint-baby. We've got this great kid...Mario Pebblesandbambam...or some such. It'll be great." UGH.)
Held back on messing with the Coast Guard (everyone has a job, and most of them suck, and the movie really wasn't their fault, or was it? Someone should be held to blame.)
Yup that sounds like it.
Cheers,
g
The weather, what is there to say? It sucks. Move on. It rained the other day, of course it was dry almost before it hit the ground. And didn't do a damn thing to cool anything off. But time marches on. (Don't get me started on that one unless you want a contractor-like tirade) we have days left. Who cares about the number. Move on. Everyone wants to countdown, but to me it would help if the days weren't all alike maybe. I can't even keep track of when the World Cup starts, or if this week has been 6, 7, or 9 days long. It sucks. Move on.
Isn't this cheery? Uplifting? I don't want to bring anyone down. I also didn't want to intrude on the next R & R posting with anything from here. (That will all get intruded upon and beaten down in all due course.) And this whole temperature and countdown thing has to be addressed somehow. If for nothing else to try and extricate it from my system (like the contractor, that probably isn't going to happen though) and try to follow my own advice and move on.
By the time I'd walked home from work today I was drained of all energy. Not sleepy but just tired. (I know who cares right this is like those duesch
This next bit might be offensive, so Kevin Costner & Danielle Steele (among others) fans may want to skip to the end. But we watched part of "The Guardian" yesterday (on AFN to boot) and seriously made "Waterworld" look like "Citizen Kane." Beyond awful... a new entry into the Top Five Worst Movies (look out "The Shadow" Astin Kutcher and Costner are on your tail) I swear they just took "Ladder 49" (another Top Five) and "Heartbreak Ridge" {Really Clint?} and mashed them together. Did a find and replace on the names and proffesions like Danielle Steele and let the director phone it in then called it a day. Its funny they change so much in some movies (you know ones made from books, etc.) change the ending, add shit that doesn't need to be there etc. Half the time it is to make a "Happy Ending" or over explain things, or whatever. You know what I would have changed about "The Guardian"? I would have cut out the bit from the opening credits to the end credits added some white noise and added a caption like, "You might feel like the makers of this film have stolen your money, we have. But we didn't steal your time. You are welcome!"
"Excuse me Editor, did I make my word count?"
"I don't have an Editor?" (As if that wasn't self evident.)
"Well then let's see...ranted about the weather, time, people...
Slammed "The Guardian"... wondered about Mr. Eastwood's sanity when they dropped off the script for "Heartbreak Ridge" and said, "No it'll be great Clint-baby. We've got this great kid...Mario Pebblesandbambam...or some such. It'll be great." UGH.)
Held back on messing with the Coast Guard (everyone has a job, and most of them suck, and the movie really wasn't their fault, or was it? Someone should be held to blame.)
Yup that sounds like it.
Cheers,
g
13 May 2010
"Ferry 'Cross the Mersey"
Liverpool
Day ?
Picture 2. (Bottom) Me and the Missus on the ferry, yeah it was a little cool out there on the water (oh yeah, cool I remember that... sounds like a good time for an Interlude.)
So we've been up we've been down. We've walked down the lanes of the park and down Memory Lane. We've gone on a boat and to a pub (I didn't mention it but there is always a pub.) We've learned about rockeries and even talked a little bit about the heat (there will be heat from now on, so expect to keep hearing about that too.)
A good outing then, yeah? So in the immortal words of Gerry & the Pacemakers...
Day ?
Part One:
"We don't care what your name is boy,
We'll never turn you away."
"We don't care what your name is boy,
We'll never turn you away."
We listened to the calling of Gerry & the Pacemakers and took the Ferry. It is not like all those people who did it day after day to go to work and back or whatever, they have actually made it real nice. They give you a running commentary and take you past the sites. We'll worth it. This is where my new Facebook picture of me under the Red Ensign (flown on British Merchant ships, natch. The White Ensign is flown over Royal Navy vessels and buildings.) We also got a good seat 'cos a old man was telling tales to his grandson as we cruised around.
Picture 1.(Top) The Three Graces as seen from the River Mersey. From left to right: The Royal Liver (Li-ver, not liv-er {not the organ})Building, the Cunard Building, & the Port of Liverpool Building.
Picture 1.(Top) The Three Graces as seen from the River Mersey. From left to right: The Royal Liver (Li-ver, not liv-er {not the organ})Building, the Cunard Building, & the Port of Liverpool Building.
End Part One
* * * * *
Interlude: Iraq
Picture 4. (Bottom) Me and the Missus atop the rockery (Note: She wants to build one of her own now. Remember what I said about being like a madwoman?)* * * * *
Interlude: Iraq
So the other night when I went out for my "final pee" of the night (sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't, but I always tell myself that I really shouldn't get up and go pee after 0100) it was still like 80 or so degrees. Makes you just want to scoop up some vacation property here doesn't it? I know that I am thinking about it. Could be the new hot spot (argh, horrible again.)
I've been really horrible about calling people this time around (actually I was pretty horrible last time too) and I want to apologize to everyone that I should call. If it helps at all I think about it everyday (actually depending on how you take that it could seem worse.) There are actually alot of things that I think about everyday... I think about never coming back here again, I think about my dad and how different (and the same) things probably were in Korea, I think about why I don't write more, why I don't know more chords, if I am doing right by my troops, about if I want to work in a bar for awhile before opening one, about moving to Liverpool, about friends and family, about Isaac, about Raven (my daughter) and loads of other things. These are not excuses, excuses are worthless. These are just facts.
Is that melancholy enough?
So it's hot.
End Interlude
* * * * *
Part Two:
Birkenhead Revisited
(A Little Better, Yeah?)
I've been really horrible about calling people this time around (actually I was pretty horrible last time too) and I want to apologize to everyone that I should call. If it helps at all I think about it everyday (actually depending on how you take that it could seem worse.) There are actually alot of things that I think about everyday... I think about never coming back here again, I think about my dad and how different (and the same) things probably were in Korea, I think about why I don't write more, why I don't know more chords, if I am doing right by my troops, about if I want to work in a bar for awhile before opening one, about moving to Liverpool, about friends and family, about Isaac, about Raven (my daughter) and loads of other things. These are not excuses, excuses are worthless. These are just facts.
Is that melancholy enough?
So it's hot.
End Interlude
* * * * *
Part Two:
Birkenhead Revisited
(A Little Better, Yeah?)
Last time we were in The Promised Land, we took the tunnel under the Mersey (I can see why no one has written a song about that, just doesn't roll of the tongue) and we really didn't see much of the other side. This time was much better we got off at one Terminal and got back on at another. So we were able to walk through, see some of the docklands and the like. It also gave us a chance to see Birkenhead Park.
Great place really. I guess the guy who designed Central Park in New York, got most of his ideas from there. He was also involved in The World's Fair in Chicago in the late 1800s. Side note to those of you who know about the fact that the missus is a little obsessed with The Titanic, on board The Titanic when it sunk was a man who worked with the Central Park guy on the Chicago World's Fair. Another World's Fair guy was also on the Olympic (one of Titanic's sister ships) that very night. Jennifer didn't know all this though so I got to be the guy who trumped some of her Titanic knowledge (or course without the Internet at my fingers it was all much more muddled {seriously I have 10 tabs open right now so I could get the story straight}) I read it all in "The Devil in the White City" a book by Erik Larson (not the Savage Dragon comic book artist/writer.) Good book its about all kinds of stuff, the Fair, serial killers, bricklayers, architects, and park designers to name just a few.
Wow, that was a long way to go to try and make some point about the more trivial aspects of my brain. You know I don't know what day it is unless I think about it, but I (more or less) remember all that kind of stuff.
So the park is really nice, you can see some of the Central Park stuff. You can see people just sitting and fishing too. Don't know that they ever catch anything (hopefully not) or what they do with 'em (hopefully the fish just sit beneath the water and have a laugh at them) but there they sit. All kinds a ducks and geese and things. And a rockery which is what it is called when they lump all kind of rocks together and make hill-like things or whatever. Learned something, there... just thought that was a whatever... rockery sounds like a place where rocks are born or something (that'd be a rookery.) Anyway it was a nice way to spend the day checking out the Roman boat house and the Swiss bridge and all that. Woulda been a nice place to sit and have a beer, next time we'll have to take a few cans and a few sarnie/sammies (sandwiches, yeah) and relax. Next time, yeah.
Picture 3. (Top) Birkenhead Park, just thought it kinda looked cool in Black & White.
Great place really. I guess the guy who designed Central Park in New York, got most of his ideas from there. He was also involved in The World's Fair in Chicago in the late 1800s. Side note to those of you who know about the fact that the missus is a little obsessed with The Titanic, on board The Titanic when it sunk was a man who worked with the Central Park guy on the Chicago World's Fair. Another World's Fair guy was also on the Olympic (one of Titanic's sister ships) that very night. Jennifer didn't know all this though so I got to be the guy who trumped some of her Titanic knowledge (or course without the Internet at my fingers it was all much more muddled {seriously I have 10 tabs open right now so I could get the story straight}) I read it all in "The Devil in the White City" a book by Erik Larson (not the Savage Dragon comic book artist/writer.) Good book its about all kinds of stuff, the Fair, serial killers, bricklayers, architects, and park designers to name just a few.
Wow, that was a long way to go to try and make some point about the more trivial aspects of my brain. You know I don't know what day it is unless I think about it, but I (more or less) remember all that kind of stuff.
So the park is really nice, you can see some of the Central Park stuff. You can see people just sitting and fishing too. Don't know that they ever catch anything (hopefully not) or what they do with 'em (hopefully the fish just sit beneath the water and have a laugh at them) but there they sit. All kinds a ducks and geese and things. And a rockery which is what it is called when they lump all kind of rocks together and make hill-like things or whatever. Learned something, there... just thought that was a whatever... rockery sounds like a place where rocks are born or something (that'd be a rookery.) Anyway it was a nice way to spend the day checking out the Roman boat house and the Swiss bridge and all that. Woulda been a nice place to sit and have a beer, next time we'll have to take a few cans and a few sarnie/sammies (sandwiches, yeah) and relax. Next time, yeah.
Picture 3. (Top) Birkenhead Park, just thought it kinda looked cool in Black & White.
So we've been up we've been down. We've walked down the lanes of the park and down Memory Lane. We've gone on a boat and to a pub (I didn't mention it but there is always a pub.) We've learned about rockeries and even talked a little bit about the heat (there will be heat from now on, so expect to keep hearing about that too.)
A good outing then, yeah? So in the immortal words of Gerry & the Pacemakers...
"So ferry 'cross the Mersey
'cos this land's the place I love
and here I'll stay."
'cos this land's the place I love
and here I'll stay."
Cheers,
g
g
10 May 2010
"You Can Ring My Bell" {Horrible, I Know}
Liverpool
Day ?-? (Not Thursday night yet.)
Let the ale flow... need I say more? I suppose I should but really we were just getting into being somewhere that felt like home. I know that home felt like home for Jennifer, but for me home is just a word for trailer where my stuff is and/or someplace that isn't where I work.
So this was great, yeah. Beer's good, food's good, people are good... can't go wrong really. So we dove in, went to the market and got some stock, for tea and breakfast and snack time. And for a can or bottle or two (or more) of bitter. Typical day was up in the morning get breakfast, have a walk, have a pint, have a walk, maybe (hahaha, maybe... more like usually) another pint, back to the apartment for tea and snack, out for dinner and a few more pints. Sounds sound yes.
Picture 1. The Church of St. Luke, known locally as "the bombed out church." It just sits there kinda wonderfully in the middle of town, just outside the city centre. Evidently they open it up every once in awhile and do stuff like art shows and even movies (nothing like that going on for us though.) Pretty cool, yeah.
Day ?-? (Not Thursday night yet.)
Let the ale flow... need I say more? I suppose I should but really we were just getting into being somewhere that felt like home. I know that home felt like home for Jennifer, but for me home is just a word for trailer where my stuff is and/or someplace that isn't where I work.
So this was great, yeah. Beer's good, food's good, people are good... can't go wrong really. So we dove in, went to the market and got some stock, for tea and breakfast and snack time. And for a can or bottle or two (or more) of bitter. Typical day was up in the morning get breakfast, have a walk, have a pint, have a walk, maybe (hahaha, maybe... more like usually) another pint, back to the apartment for tea and snack, out for dinner and a few more pints. Sounds sound yes.
Picture 1. The Church of St. Luke, known locally as "the bombed out church." It just sits there kinda wonderfully in the middle of town, just outside the city centre. Evidently they open it up every once in awhile and do stuff like art shows and even movies (nothing like that going on for us though.) Pretty cool, yeah.
Interlude: Iraq
Tearing down my Tears."
"and there's a Howl, Howl, Howling Wind,
Ringing 'round my ears.
and a Wild, Wild Wind is a blowing,Ringing 'round my ears.
Tearing down my Tears."
A wind like a hairdryer that is. Put your hairdryer on High and Hot, put it up to your face and you've got your very own windy day in Iraq. Isn't it just like being there? But the plus (last night anyway, tonight there is not even a breeze {or there wasn't last time I was out}) was that even the Mutant Mosquitoes couldn't keep up with it. I reckon they all blew somewhere, but at least they weren't biting as much. Small pleasures, small victories. You take what you can get.
End Interlude
So anyway back to the pubs (oh, you don't know how good that sounds) where we spent the bulk or our time I guess, who knows I wasn't counting. I suppose I should try and write this off as a business trip... not only did we get some good ideas for The Bar, but also in what kind of beer we need to focus on brewing. Its all about The Bitter, baby. And not like those "bitter beer face" ads from Keystone Light, or whoever (pretty sure it was them though, amazing how a horrible beer can try and make you drink it by telling you, "Our beer is what beer should taste like...fekinell!) Those bastards and their crappy beer and crappier ads make everyone scared of the word Bitter, but look at the source.
Tirade over.
Picture 2. In many many pubs there were these little buttons. And yes we probably took pictures very similar to this one everytime we sat near one. Musta been the ale. Don't know if they were for service in some more civilized era or what, but whatever we had a laugh.
And that is what it is all about right, having a laugh getting away from here. If they told me I had to walk back, I would be on my way in a hot minute.
Cheers,
g
So anyway back to the pubs (oh, you don't know how good that sounds) where we spent the bulk or our time I guess, who knows I wasn't counting. I suppose I should try and write this off as a business trip... not only did we get some good ideas for The Bar, but also in what kind of beer we need to focus on brewing. Its all about The Bitter, baby. And not like those "bitter beer face" ads from Keystone Light, or whoever (pretty sure it was them though, amazing how a horrible beer can try and make you drink it by telling you, "Our beer is what beer should taste like...fekinell!) Those bastards and their crappy beer and crappier ads make everyone scared of the word Bitter, but look at the source.
Tirade over.
Picture 2. In many many pubs there were these little buttons. And yes we probably took pictures very similar to this one everytime we sat near one. Musta been the ale. Don't know if they were for service in some more civilized era or what, but whatever we had a laugh.
And that is what it is all about right, having a laugh getting away from here. If they told me I had to walk back, I would be on my way in a hot minute.
Cheers,
g
07 May 2010
The 'Pool of Life
Liverpool
Day Four/Five...
I would be lying if I said I could keep track of the days once we got where we were going. Besides Matchdays, and the Grand National (but even for those I am going to have to look at the calendar and count) life was just life...and that was more than okay. We drove from Birmingham mulling over The Reds draw and what we was next. We got there later than we'd expected (having the match moved a day back on us and all) we should have arrived Sunday morning, and here it was Sunday night, but we didn't have to stay in Birmingham...so (not that there is anything wrong with that...either way that is.) And were met by the apartment manager, who (being who I am) I can't remember his name for sure (I've always said that I am horrible with; names, faces, numbers, and really anything that needs to be remembered, except scores maybe...) but we'll call him James because Jennifer and I both agree that we are pretty sure that is his name. Anyway our apartment is great and he's a great guy (for a Blue) and was super great to us the whole time (hence are going back to say in December) and if I could really remember his name, I would tell him to read this and say, "Cheers & Thanks." As it is if you ever want to spend some time in Liverpool check out Signature Living, nuff said.
Day Four/Five...
I would be lying if I said I could keep track of the days once we got where we were going. Besides Matchdays, and the Grand National (but even for those I am going to have to look at the calendar and count) life was just life...and that was more than okay. We drove from Birmingham mulling over The Reds draw and what we was next. We got there later than we'd expected (having the match moved a day back on us and all) we should have arrived Sunday morning, and here it was Sunday night, but we didn't have to stay in Birmingham...so (not that there is anything wrong with that...either way that is.) And were met by the apartment manager, who (being who I am) I can't remember his name for sure (I've always said that I am horrible with; names, faces, numbers, and really anything that needs to be remembered, except scores maybe...) but we'll call him James because Jennifer and I both agree that we are pretty sure that is his name. Anyway our apartment is great and he's a great guy (for a Blue) and was super great to us the whole time (hence are going back to say in December) and if I could really remember his name, I would tell him to read this and say, "Cheers & Thanks." As it is if you ever want to spend some time in Liverpool check out Signature Living, nuff said.
Interlude One: Iraq
End Interlude One
So Picture 1. is our landmark (for the life of me I can't remember what it is right now, but I do know we went and checked it out so that I could remember) anyway as we would head home (often times stumble) we would look up and see this structure. I am sure Jennifer will remember what it is (check the comments in the future, she set the cathedral straight.) We were right in the City Centre and it was fantastic, a pint was never more than a few blocks away. (That might be Fact One as to why Liverpool is so great.) As I have said I can't really remember day to day stuff, but I do know this...we had a great time EVERYDAY. We shopped quite a bit, we were both looking for shoes (I thought I needed something a little nicer than the 2 pairs of Converse I'd brought {black & red} and Jennifer wanted some red shoes and some trainers) there are probably more shoe stores in the City Centre than anywhere else in the world. And we put back on average (at least) five to ten pints a day, can't go wrong with that. Did I mention we had a great time?
That brings us to Pictures 2. & 3. Reading "The Echo" in a pub (I think this is the Philharmonic) for a bit of the bevy... you might notice that the breakfast dishes are still on the table.
Interlude Two: Reflection/Iraq
I've been asked several times since I've been back if I went home for R & R. And you know what I tell them? "Yes," say I. "I went home to Liverpool." Cos that is what it felt like (not that it is really anything like anywhere I've lived {'cept maybe San Francisco}) it felt like coming home. Maybe someday it will be. I would like to live 6 months in and 6 months out (actually I could go there and never come back, but that is not the Kosher thing to say) that would be great. And it would give everyone a great destination for vacations. I hope I can put across in the next few installments how much Liverpool means to me and how great it is, and why. I shall endevour.
End Interlude One
So Picture 1. is our landmark (for the life of me I can't remember what it is right now, but I do know we went and checked it out so that I could remember) anyway as we would head home (often times stumble) we would look up and see this structure. I am sure Jennifer will remember what it is (check the comments in the future, she set the cathedral straight.) We were right in the City Centre and it was fantastic, a pint was never more than a few blocks away. (That might be Fact One as to why Liverpool is so great.) As I have said I can't really remember day to day stuff, but I do know this...we had a great time EVERYDAY. We shopped quite a bit, we were both looking for shoes (I thought I needed something a little nicer than the 2 pairs of Converse I'd brought {black & red} and Jennifer wanted some red shoes and some trainers) there are probably more shoe stores in the City Centre than anywhere else in the world. And we put back on average (at least) five to ten pints a day, can't go wrong with that. Did I mention we had a great time?
That brings us to Pictures 2. & 3. Reading "The Echo" in a pub (I think this is the Philharmonic) for a bit of the bevy... you might notice that the breakfast dishes are still on the table.
Interlude Two: Reflection/Iraq
I promised Jennifer that I would add a little bit to the Story of a Madwoman. When she was doing her Shambolic thing with the car and the clothes she asked me the pointed question, "Have you ever had a car broken into?" and which point I had to reply, "Yes." Again... nuff said. I remember it well it was San Francisco, we went to a show I think (can't remember for sure but it may well have been The Cult with Guns & Roses opening up) and there was all kinds of stuff in the back (I had a Mercury LN7 {perhaps the worst car ever, definitely Top Ten, it had no backseats and a hatchback...picture that}) and there really was all this stuff. Part of a stereo (simulated wood grain and all) and who knows what else. Anyway what did they break in and steal? Cassette tapes (remember those?) one was G 'n R (maybe that is why I think it was that show) and a couple of others. Cassette Tapes!! Really!?! I didn't even tell Jennifer that at the time, I just sat back and watched the madwoman work. I am being eaten alive here by mosquitoes...everyone is. These bastards are relentless and number in the billions (seriously like a hydra...cut off one limb and two more grow back) I think. And they are somehow mutated, they can bite through clothes (I think I has bitten though my boots.) Normally (and even now, really) I am not that bothered by them. Don't get me wrong they still bite the shit out of me, but usually I can play the "mind over matter" card and not itch, but here all you have to do is touch your skin and it is like you went to town...skin turning red, welts growing, the feeling of tearing skin...the works. I mention this why? Please don't everyone rush out and send like Off or DDT or whatever...nothing effects the bastards. I am fine just thought I would share in case anyone is thinking of buying vacation property here after the war. These are the things you should know.
End Interlude Two: Reflection/Iraq
So do we get the gist of the whole thing by now? Liverpool = Great. Elevensies = First (usual timing, somedays earlier and somedays later) Pint = Great. Needing a coat everyday was no big thing especially as I knew where I was going back to. Seriously they would say, "It'll be around 14 today." on the news, we'd both look at each other with the "what the Hell does that mean?" look, and then I'd say, "It's not Iraq, so it sounds great." And it was.
If I close my eyes right now I can almost see...the blue lights wrapped around the trees in the car park across for our apartment...the River Mersey winding through town...the half drunken smile of my wife as we head to the next pub.
I can't remember much of the day to day, but I do remember that they were some of the best days of my life.
Cheers,
g
If I close my eyes right now I can almost see...the blue lights wrapped around the trees in the car park across for our apartment...the River Mersey winding through town...the half drunken smile of my wife as we head to the next pub.
I can't remember much of the day to day, but I do remember that they were some of the best days of my life.
Cheers,
g
05 May 2010
Awayday (Undercover Of Course)
Day Four
Birmingham
Matchday... Awayday...Yippee Yahoo Hurray!
Up in the morning and into the car, headed to Birmingham. Match time is 3 PM, so we've got plenty of time, and not far to go. Now I am sure Jennifer can tell you what we ate and when we ate it day for day, me though...not so much. A minute or two about Birmingham, and I don't want to harp on the city (Believe me there will be harping and it will be more deserved but that will come later and lies farther south.) cos we really didn't see much of the city. You know we spent all our time there in the industrial outskirts of mini/maxi malls, warehouses, train bridges were trains no longer run... all that stuff that is around Birmingham City's ground. It wasn't exactly cheery, but down amongst all this is like one of the oldest pubs in the world (or somesuch.) So you know we had to go there. Unfortunately it took longer to get to it than we spent there. Seems that the world that is now just sort of sprung up willy nilly around the old pub. Like the city planners took sometime off, or just threw a bunch of straw in the air and said, "Yes this is it! The straw has landed and that is where the streets will go. These here will be one way...crisscrossing each other, mind you...and this one will be six lanes. Ha ha, too right!"
Anyway after much confusion and much driving around in triangles we made it in and got a pint from a guy who I understood exactly one word from. Jennifer would have been completely lost, she has a hard enough time already. I can say that cos she's gonna hate the next part.
So here is Picture 1. 1368, like I said OLD.
Reflection
So that brings us to picture 2. Note the "Home Fans Only" sign.
you know make the cases inconspicuous, but she's having none of it. So twenty minutes under some train bridge or flyway and two smokes later the car is shambolic enough (with no Red showing either, my addition to the madness) we are off to the secure car park. And twenty minutes later we have "snuck" into the Blues ground.
Birmingham
Matchday... Awayday...Yippee Yahoo Hurray!
Up in the morning and into the car, headed to Birmingham. Match time is 3 PM, so we've got plenty of time, and not far to go. Now I am sure Jennifer can tell you what we ate and when we ate it day for day, me though...not so much. A minute or two about Birmingham, and I don't want to harp on the city (Believe me there will be harping and it will be more deserved but that will come later and lies farther south.) cos we really didn't see much of the city. You know we spent all our time there in the industrial outskirts of mini/maxi malls, warehouses, train bridges were trains no longer run... all that stuff that is around Birmingham City's ground. It wasn't exactly cheery, but down amongst all this is like one of the oldest pubs in the world (or somesuch.) So you know we had to go there. Unfortunately it took longer to get to it than we spent there. Seems that the world that is now just sort of sprung up willy nilly around the old pub. Like the city planners took sometime off, or just threw a bunch of straw in the air and said, "Yes this is it! The straw has landed and that is where the streets will go. These here will be one way...crisscrossing each other, mind you...and this one will be six lanes. Ha ha, too right!"
Anyway after much confusion and much driving around in triangles we made it in and got a pint from a guy who I understood exactly one word from. Jennifer would have been completely lost, she has a hard enough time already. I can say that cos she's gonna hate the next part.
So here is Picture 1. 1368, like I said OLD.
Reflection
I really did struggle with our "sneaking" into the Birmingham City ground. I went back and forth, studied the net to see if this was safe (much less a good idea.) That's the thing with football (as it should be) a teams home ground is their fortress. They separate the fans, for good reason, something we could learn from in the US (anyone who has ever been to a game
{Giants vs. The Much Hated Dodgers- for example} and had to sit next to someone who wasn't on "your" team knows what I mean.) The thing is though it is so hard to get a Liverpool ticket in the first place, much less an away fixture that this was going to be the only way we were able to do it. I mean we could have paid 300 pounds to some ticket agent, but who are we helping then? (The frustrating thing is that someone is selling these tickets to the agents, and still getting the Points for them so that they can get more and sell more and supporters are left out. Big business... of somekindfekinell!) So we went in undercover, no colours {so no red, and no bloody blue thank you very much}- very nondescript (I'd show pictures but my wife looks like a madwoman in all of them, and like I said she's not going to like the next part anyway. But maybe it does make more sense of why she looks like she does in the photos.)
{Giants vs. The Much Hated Dodgers- for example} and had to sit next to someone who wasn't on "your" team knows what I mean.) The thing is though it is so hard to get a Liverpool ticket in the first place, much less an away fixture that this was going to be the only way we were able to do it. I mean we could have paid 300 pounds to some ticket agent, but who are we helping then? (The frustrating thing is that someone is selling these tickets to the agents, and still getting the Points for them so that they can get more and sell more and supporters are left out. Big business... of somekindfekinell!) So we went in undercover, no colours {so no red, and no bloody blue thank you very much}- very nondescript (I'd show pictures but my wife looks like a madwoman in all of them, and like I said she's not going to like the next part anyway. But maybe it does make more sense of why she looks like she does in the photos.)
End Reflection
So that brings us to picture 2. Note the "Home Fans Only" sign.
Did I mention the part of town that we were in? Did I mention that the boot (truck to you Americans) was big enough to fit exactly one 3X5 card, a pair of socks, and an hours worth of air for three ants. Seriously SMALL isn't a big enough word (gong) for where we wanted to put all of our stuff. We saw a sign for secure car park near the ground. Let me say this about car parks and football grounds (obviously I can't speak for all of them who knows maybe Old Trafford has a 70,000 space parking lot near it. But Anfield doesn't and neither does St. Andrews. They both have some parking but it is not for the likes small people like us.) The "secure" car park is like 5 pounds and isn't that far, I figure that should be enough...enter the madwoman. This will not do for her, oh no. She has a plan to make the car look like something that no one would ever break into. She wants it to look like some shambolic mess that someone lives in. That means opening up all the suitcases and spreading the clothes out all over the car. I thought maybe we could just
Interlude One: Iraq
Took the day off today, first one since getting back. Not my normal day off, Wednesday seems a little weird but whatever... I needed it. Didn't do much, but did finally unpack. I know crazy. I also changed my bedding, caught up on FIFA 10 (in my 3rd season) and watched some "Farscape" and "Doctor Who" cooked myself some eggs, and generally took it easy. It needed to be done just some me time, I'd forgotten how important that was. Don't anyone take that the wrong way, whatever that might in your mind be. To do nothing here is very important, it can really make all the difference in the world. Now I think I am really back in the swing of things. I don't think I'll be taking Wednesday's off though... I really liked Mondays better.
End Interlude One
So this can bring us to Picture 3. Our view of the match.
We are high up in the Upper Terrace (as you saw from the other picture) and had a good view of the action. We were right above the Travelling Kop, and it was great to hear them but alas we could not see our Red brothers and sister. Don't worry though there were several more Undercover Agents up there with us. We still had to be cool though. What does it mean to be undercover? Apart from no colours, it means talking in hushed tones and trying to remain calm should something exciting happen. I never felt like we were going to get our asses kicked or anything like that, but no one wants to be that guy from "Schoolhouse Rock"- you remember? "Hurray, I'm for the other team!" So we did our bit to remain inconspicuous and like I said we had a good view of how the match opened up.
We are high up in the Upper Terrace (as you saw from the other picture) and had a good view of the action. We were right above the Travelling Kop, and it was great to hear them but alas we could not see our Red brothers and sister. Don't worry though there were several more Undercover Agents up there with us. We still had to be cool though. What does it mean to be undercover? Apart from no colours, it means talking in hushed tones and trying to remain calm should something exciting happen. I never felt like we were going to get our asses kicked or anything like that, but no one wants to be that guy from "Schoolhouse Rock"- you remember? "Hurray, I'm for the other team!" So we did our bit to remain inconspicuous and like I said we had a good view of how the match opened up.
Interlude Two: Iraq
Does it feel like I am putting something off? I might be, but I also have something else to say about the here and now. So, as I cleaned up and changed the sheets (took off the blankets too, not really going to need them anymore) I put on a DVD of The Clash: Live. Why do I bring this up you may ask...well I'll tell you. I don't think the world appreciates The Clash enough (such is usually the way with great bands though... see Echo & the Bunnymen, among others too numerous to name here) do they get the credit they deserve? Probably not (again who does...IE Joy Division, etc) Not that they were like Mozart or whatever, but look at how much in music changed because of them (and bands like The Damned, etc {I know there are people going "Who?" right now} Point made.) But without them you don't have the Green Day, etc of the world. Maybe if there were more bands like The Clash (and the other above named, etc, etc, etc) we wouldn't have American Idol and its like. Just saying. Good band, check them (and maybe some of the others) out if you haven't. If you have tell someone who hasn't.
End Interlude Two
So down to it, right?
First a comment about the beer...we went to get our pre-match beer (you can't bring alcohol into the stands, maybe another clue we could take back in the states) and the sign says Carlsburg they also sell John Smith's. Jennifer says, "Of course we have to get Carlsburg!" (Liverpool's sponsor, until next year) Anyway I should have mentioned that this small time club hasn't changed their signs (Note: they have airbrushed the Coca-Cola Championship patches off half the pictures hanging all over the place) cos when we coulda had a nice pint of bitter, we got a un-nice pint of Fosters. Try and support your club and see what happens...
I was saying good view, yeah? And I mentioned that we had to be discrete, not get too excited, right? Well that good view showed us how the field opened up, and the fact that we spent most of the time going from side to side, we really didn't have that much to get excited about. Yeah, the Reds scored first and I had to grab Jennifer before she started hugging people she didn't know giving out high fives and the like (in fairness she had to do the same to me at other points) and remember that we are undercover, in semi-hostile territory and all that. But we needn't have worried. My thoughts of, "We've got these, yeah. Just another small-time secondary club(We saw Villa Park on our way into town.) that wears blue, right?" Remind you of some certain across the Park neighbours, yes?) Anyway I was wrong, we didn't have them, they didn't have us either, it turned out a draw, but a draw that The Reds shoulda won. Just seemed like we didn't want it, just pushing the ball, no one attacking, Gerrard playing deep, Lucas playing at all. We came away with a point, but if we'd have tried it coulda been glorious.
It still beats the Hell out of Iraq. And we are headed up to the Promised Land...the 'Pool of Life..."that land that I love" tonight so it can only get better. I should say and we are together and all that, but you get that right?
Cheers,
g
First a comment about the beer...we went to get our pre-match beer (you can't bring alcohol into the stands, maybe another clue we could take back in the states) and the sign says Carlsburg they also sell John Smith's. Jennifer says, "Of course we have to get Carlsburg!" (Liverpool's sponsor, until next year) Anyway I should have mentioned that this small time club hasn't changed their signs (Note: they have airbrushed the Coca-Cola Championship patches off half the pictures hanging all over the place) cos when we coulda had a nice pint of bitter, we got a un-nice pint of Fosters. Try and support your club and see what happens...
I was saying good view, yeah? And I mentioned that we had to be discrete, not get too excited, right? Well that good view showed us how the field opened up, and the fact that we spent most of the time going from side to side, we really didn't have that much to get excited about. Yeah, the Reds scored first and I had to grab Jennifer before she started hugging people she didn't know giving out high fives and the like (in fairness she had to do the same to me at other points) and remember that we are undercover, in semi-hostile territory and all that. But we needn't have worried. My thoughts of, "We've got these, yeah. Just another small-time secondary club(We saw Villa Park on our way into town.) that wears blue, right?" Remind you of some certain across the Park neighbours, yes?) Anyway I was wrong, we didn't have them, they didn't have us either, it turned out a draw, but a draw that The Reds shoulda won. Just seemed like we didn't want it, just pushing the ball, no one attacking, Gerrard playing deep, Lucas playing at all. We came away with a point, but if we'd have tried it coulda been glorious.
It still beats the Hell out of Iraq. And we are headed up to the Promised Land...the 'Pool of Life..."that land that I love" tonight so it can only get better. I should say and we are together and all that, but you get that right?
Cheers,
g
04 May 2010
From Here to Where?
Day Two & Three
London, Cambridge, a whole lot of places I don't remember, & Huntingdon
"So where shall we go?"
Seems an innocent enough question, yeah? Well not so much really, with names like Kettering and Chelltenham bantered about and no plan on hand. Except we needed to be wherever we were going to be by 6:20. For as (someone else's) luck would have it we just happened into the UK as the new series (season for you yanks) of "Doctor Who" was starting Saturday at 6:20. With a new Doctor and everything, dead exciting really.
And so our near aimless amble began, near aimless cos we also needed to be towards Birmingham by Sunday afternoon (it was too be Saturday afternoon, but I guess the folks at Sky Sports thought they could make a little more money off a Easter Sunday Liverpool v Birmingham City match) so we just needed to head North. So we ambled up to Cambridge to see what is what. After driving around in circles (and not just on the roundabouts) we finally found a place to stop and take in the town and a pub for a pint. You know it must have been near 11 or so and we hadn't had one yet.
We both agreed that Cambridge was nice but that there really was no reason to stay there. Not as nice as Oxford. Hope no one takes offense none is meant and maybe it is not right to compare, but I am pretty sure they get it all the time. Just our humble opinion of the towns themselves not their rowing teams, or academia, or anything like that.
So I looked up into the night sky last night, and here is how mundane day-to-day (even month-to-month) life is around here...I thought, "Hey did they get new lights on the blimp?" I was so excited that they seemed to be flashing differently. Of course then I thought how it might be a trick of the light, or my mind, or it could have been that way for months and I just didn't notice. I asked about it the next day (or was it the day after that?) and got the answer of, "I think so...but I really don't know when." (Note: I'll keep doing this from now on so we don't loose track of where and what things are like in the here and now.)
So we consulted the only "Guidebook" we had, "Good Beer Guide 2009" naturally. (Note: While the "Good Beer Guide" is an essential, whichever year it may be from, it is not suggested that it be the only book or planning tool that you bring. {more on this later}) So as we crossed back and forth through Shires, I would flip around and try and find places that sounded good, and maybe had rooms. We put in several City Centers into good old Tom Tom, and sort of drove a jagged path towards Birmingham. Jennifer suggested we go to someplace where they grow horses (I don't remember the name {I could look it up, but...} and yes I know they raise horse they don't grow them) but we just plowed away eating up the motorway, sandwiches from the Services, and Cadbury cream eggs (it being nearly Easter and all.) We stopped for another pint in there somewhere too I'd reckon.
And so we ended up in Huntingdon, and yes I would have as much luck finding it on a map throwing darts blindfolded as anyone else. Suffice it to say it is between London and Birmingham, maybe it is the "Gateway to the Midlands." A quaint but pricey Inn, nice place on some river with the Motorway nearby. Most importantly it had everything we needed; a bed, a TV, and a pub with Real Ale all in one building.
We found a new favored brewery in Adnams and Jennifer even got a couple of cool glasses. We had a pint or two downstairs in the bar, and then had a couple more with our cheeseboard upstairs in the room while watching The Doctor. Was pretty good, this new guy he'll be alright I think. He's no Baker or Tennant, but he's good...who knows. Stories are still good and all that...so here's hoping. We felt kinda special, you know being in Britain for the premiere and all that ('course then we learned it was evidently on all over the world.) Basically all was right in the world, ale and cheese in our bellies, The Doctor on the tellie, and Liverpool vs. Birmingham City tomorrow.
So the pictures are of,
1. Some Abbey or Cathedral that neither the Missus or I remember where it was (we blew through a bunch of little places that day) but thought it was cool that you can see right through the windows.
2. Our cheeseboard and pints (shoulda take a picture with the tellie in the background, yeah?)
Cheers,
g
London, Cambridge, a whole lot of places I don't remember, & Huntingdon
"So where shall we go?"
Seems an innocent enough question, yeah? Well not so much really, with names like Kettering and Chelltenham bantered about and no plan on hand. Except we needed to be wherever we were going to be by 6:20. For as (someone else's) luck would have it we just happened into the UK as the new series (season for you yanks) of "Doctor Who" was starting Saturday at 6:20. With a new Doctor and everything, dead exciting really.
And so our near aimless amble began, near aimless cos we also needed to be towards Birmingham by Sunday afternoon (it was too be Saturday afternoon, but I guess the folks at Sky Sports thought they could make a little more money off a Easter Sunday Liverpool v Birmingham City match) so we just needed to head North. So we ambled up to Cambridge to see what is what. After driving around in circles (and not just on the roundabouts) we finally found a place to stop and take in the town and a pub for a pint. You know it must have been near 11 or so and we hadn't had one yet.
We both agreed that Cambridge was nice but that there really was no reason to stay there. Not as nice as Oxford. Hope no one takes offense none is meant and maybe it is not right to compare, but I am pretty sure they get it all the time. Just our humble opinion of the towns themselves not their rowing teams, or academia, or anything like that.
Interlude:
Iraq
So I looked up into the night sky last night, and here is how mundane day-to-day (even month-to-month) life is around here...I thought, "Hey did they get new lights on the blimp?" I was so excited that they seemed to be flashing differently. Of course then I thought how it might be a trick of the light, or my mind, or it could have been that way for months and I just didn't notice. I asked about it the next day (or was it the day after that?) and got the answer of, "I think so...but I really don't know when." (Note: I'll keep doing this from now on so we don't loose track of where and what things are like in the here and now.)
End Interlude.
So we consulted the only "Guidebook" we had, "Good Beer Guide 2009" naturally. (Note: While the "Good Beer Guide" is an essential, whichever year it may be from, it is not suggested that it be the only book or planning tool that you bring. {more on this later}) So as we crossed back and forth through Shires, I would flip around and try and find places that sounded good, and maybe had rooms. We put in several City Centers into good old Tom Tom, and sort of drove a jagged path towards Birmingham. Jennifer suggested we go to someplace where they grow horses (I don't remember the name {I could look it up, but...} and yes I know they raise horse they don't grow them) but we just plowed away eating up the motorway, sandwiches from the Services, and Cadbury cream eggs (it being nearly Easter and all.) We stopped for another pint in there somewhere too I'd reckon.
And so we ended up in Huntingdon, and yes I would have as much luck finding it on a map throwing darts blindfolded as anyone else. Suffice it to say it is between London and Birmingham, maybe it is the "Gateway to the Midlands." A quaint but pricey Inn, nice place on some river with the Motorway nearby. Most importantly it had everything we needed; a bed, a TV, and a pub with Real Ale all in one building.
We found a new favored brewery in Adnams and Jennifer even got a couple of cool glasses. We had a pint or two downstairs in the bar, and then had a couple more with our cheeseboard upstairs in the room while watching The Doctor. Was pretty good, this new guy he'll be alright I think. He's no Baker or Tennant, but he's good...who knows. Stories are still good and all that...so here's hoping. We felt kinda special, you know being in Britain for the premiere and all that ('course then we learned it was evidently on all over the world.) Basically all was right in the world, ale and cheese in our bellies, The Doctor on the tellie, and Liverpool vs. Birmingham City tomorrow.
So the pictures are of,
1. Some Abbey or Cathedral that neither the Missus or I remember where it was (we blew through a bunch of little places that day) but thought it was cool that you can see right through the windows.
2. Our cheeseboard and pints (shoulda take a picture with the tellie in the background, yeah?)
Cheers,
g
01 May 2010
A Home Among Heroes
Day One/Two
London
I first heard about Emily Prince through the Stars & Stripes (our only real source of "news" here, print anyway) maybe you've heard of her and her work "The American Servicemen & Women Who Have Died in Iraq and Afghanistan (but Not Including the Injured, Nor the Iraqis, Nor the Afghans)" if not please Google her and check it out. She can tell her story better than I can, but the title says it all she has taken on the task of sketching all of the American Servicemen and Women... an amazing tribute to these fallen heroes. Needless to say I was intrigued, and when I learned that her work was showing at the Saatchi Gallery in London I knew we had to go. I remember telling Jennifer and Arne and a few others. I thought it would be pretty amazing to see the project and to see our friend SFC Isaac S. Lawson who was killed during our last tour.
I don't remember if it was Arne or Jennifer (sorry to both, this was full mid rumble of the deployment) who took a closer look at her website and noticed that a picture of Isaac wasn't there. There was a "frame" if you will that had his name and the dates of his birth and death, and that he was from Sacramento. So I went for a look around and saw that her email was posted on the web, so I sent her a message. We had very good correspondence, she really seems like a great person. I shared a photo that I had taken of Isaac and just days later she sent me her drawing. There I sat, lump in my throat, tear in my eye...not just seeing Isaac, but knowing this wonderful lady had jumped on the chance to draw him. At this point I let Ms. Prince know that my wife and I were going to London in April and were going to see her work. She apologized that Isaac's picture would not be there. I told her not to worry I would take my friend and show him his place among the heroes.
I want to take and do a better job on this and send it to her and maybe do something for the Family Newsletter that the Unit puts out, and in truth (as I sit her in tears {and proud joy}) this is one of the reasons that I was hesitant to start at the beginning. I hope that I have done all parties justice here, I know that Ms. Prince has done justice to all of our fallen brothers and sisters.
I have waited hours for the pictures upload, do without further ado.
One is of Ms. Prince's drawing of my friend Isaac.
Two is me holding him up towards his proper place among the heroes (they are lined up from the top by date) I couldn't quite get high enough but...
Three is me and Isaac.
I just want to take a minute to say some thank yous...
To Ms. Prince for her Herculean work. Bless You.
To all those who have fallen in this conflict, and to all those who have given their lives in the service of their country. We Shall Never Forget.
To all those who have served and supported those that served. United We Stand.
And to my friend SFC Isaac Shawn Lawson, not a day goes by when I don't think of you and the knowledge and strength you gave all of us. "Too Easy," you'd always say. Thank you.
"Too Easy."
Cheers,
g
London
I first heard about Emily Prince through the Stars & Stripes (our only real source of "news" here, print anyway) maybe you've heard of her and her work "The American Servicemen & Women Who Have Died in Iraq and Afghanistan (but Not Including the Injured, Nor the Iraqis, Nor the Afghans)" if not please Google her and check it out. She can tell her story better than I can, but the title says it all she has taken on the task of sketching all of the American Servicemen and Women... an amazing tribute to these fallen heroes. Needless to say I was intrigued, and when I learned that her work was showing at the Saatchi Gallery in London I knew we had to go. I remember telling Jennifer and Arne and a few others. I thought it would be pretty amazing to see the project and to see our friend SFC Isaac S. Lawson who was killed during our last tour.
I don't remember if it was Arne or Jennifer (sorry to both, this was full mid rumble of the deployment) who took a closer look at her website and noticed that a picture of Isaac wasn't there. There was a "frame" if you will that had his name and the dates of his birth and death, and that he was from Sacramento. So I went for a look around and saw that her email was posted on the web, so I sent her a message. We had very good correspondence, she really seems like a great person. I shared a photo that I had taken of Isaac and just days later she sent me her drawing. There I sat, lump in my throat, tear in my eye...not just seeing Isaac, but knowing this wonderful lady had jumped on the chance to draw him. At this point I let Ms. Prince know that my wife and I were going to London in April and were going to see her work. She apologized that Isaac's picture would not be there. I told her not to worry I would take my friend and show him his place among the heroes.
I want to take and do a better job on this and send it to her and maybe do something for the Family Newsletter that the Unit puts out, and in truth (as I sit her in tears {and proud joy}) this is one of the reasons that I was hesitant to start at the beginning. I hope that I have done all parties justice here, I know that Ms. Prince has done justice to all of our fallen brothers and sisters.
I have waited hours for the pictures upload, do without further ado.
One is of Ms. Prince's drawing of my friend Isaac.
Two is me holding him up towards his proper place among the heroes (they are lined up from the top by date) I couldn't quite get high enough but...
Three is me and Isaac.
I just want to take a minute to say some thank yous...
To Ms. Prince for her Herculean work. Bless You.
To all those who have fallen in this conflict, and to all those who have given their lives in the service of their country. We Shall Never Forget.
To all those who have served and supported those that served. United We Stand.
And to my friend SFC Isaac Shawn Lawson, not a day goes by when I don't think of you and the knowledge and strength you gave all of us. "Too Easy," you'd always say. Thank you.
"Too Easy."
Cheers,
g
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