Yep, it's me again. And yep, it's another rant about the posh plebs who are performing incredibly stupidly for my own amusement. That's right, it's time for another Apprentice rant!
Firstly, to the BBC, you claim the show is on for 12 weeks but yet you show the second episode the day after the first? Is this indicative of the way the show will be this year, in that you're packing 12 weeks of douchebags being plebs into a 6 week period? This really has nothing to do with my rant, but I was out Tuesday watching the football & was only made aware of this second episode about 10 minutes before it started!
Ok, so onto the second episode. I was actually looking forward to watching this, as watching dumbasses trying to make beer was bound to be tittilating, especially because you know a cock-up was bound to occur. I wasn't disappointed.
Firstly, one of the boys (Tim) was assigned to be head of the girls (in a non-pervy way) as he piped up after his team had won the last task. You could tell the guy was loving it, as everything the girls said he agreed to. Yep, he changed his mind every single time. He was only after a bit of boob methinks! But if you're going to run a business, the best boss to be is the David Brent friendly boss, as we knoe that works out right...right?
At least his team decided on a brand, flavour and advertising way before the boys who, for some strange reason, had decided on the flavour, name & advertising before the makers had actually ascertained what flavours would work. I have to give the boys their due though, they did get manufacturing straight away whilst the girls couldn't get a simple bit of maths right & had already lost the task before the beer was even made.
It was then onto the big sell where the stupidity really kicked in. At this point, I would like to go back to my previous rant, in which I had a pop at the schoolboy who's never had a job before. If you didn't know that he hadn't ever worked a day in his life, then hopefully this proved it to you. He was like a private schoolboy in a brothel - he wanted to get stuck in but had no clue what he was doing. Then he tried to claim that the other sales guys were misleading the customer - well, I'll let you into a little secret Jason, THATS WHAT SALES IS!!!! Sell the product, make it sexy, even if you talk bollocks about it! Dumb posh pleb.
The boys started off spectacularly stupidly - half headed to St Albans to sell their chocolate orange beer at London prices, then went back to London to sell it at St Albans prices. Surely that should be the other way round? Wait a minute, they are all twats. I forgot that for a moment. You are excused Endeavour. Wait a moment! I also forgot that half the boys attempted to sell casks of beer with absolutely no samples or advertising, and left it to Dracula to think about sucking sheeps dry. The lack of business acumen shown towards businesses was amazing.
Then we got to the girls. they went to the Kent Beer Festival. Which was in a pub. In Hackney. In London. Yep, you read that right. Though, to their credit they did sell well. Then they decided to head to the yuppy area of Richmond to a WINE BAR to sell their beer. Yep, a WINE bar. Surely they should have guessed by the bar type & patrons only drinking WINE that the beer wouldn't help. If in doubt though, pimp off one of the girls to offer sex to drinkers in exchange for them buying drinks. It was cringeworthy.
In the end, somehow the boys won, but then again they did pimp off the beer at a price tramps could afford. I got kind of bored towards the end of this episode, as I was heading out to a quiz night and was trying to make myself look pretty. All I know is that a pleb was fired. Thankfully I didn't see what the next task was, so that leaves me open to some sort of surprise.
Sorry the blog is a bit short today, but I'm tired, cranky, stressed & currently have a shit load of work to get on with. So peace out party people!
Friday, 10 May 2013
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
The Apprentice - Shouting at my television!!!
I know what you're all thinking, another blog just one day after the last one - yes, this is the first time this has happened this year, and hopefully it's a trend that will continue going forward.
So how's everyone doing today? Feeling refreshed today? Right, well I hope you're ready for a rant of sorts, as I watched the latest series of the Apprentice last night. I don't really know why I watch this show, it is pure car crash television, but I think it must be my deep seated desire to be amused, as the majority of people on the show are utter, utter, utter, UTTER douchebags and I do like watching people that deserve to fail actually fail. Come on, how hard is it to actually do the things asked of you?
Well, the new series started with 16 would-be business partners, which included blonde airheads, posh twats, people with Napoleon complexes and one that looked like Dracula. The task for these douchebags? Sell general stuff to London stores. First thing first though, they had to pick team leaders...
For the girls, Jaz (who liked like an oak tree) immediately offered her "expertise", which was to patronise her "employees" by treating them as if they were about 8 years old. I was half expecting her to start patting the rest of the girls on their heads then, when someone said or did something half decent, have her clap loudly just like Peter Griffin did in the Family Guy episode "Petarded". This is a woman who seems so sure of her ability to lead, that she continually asked for approval from her followers, in a desperate attempt to feel self-worth. Her acceptance of the team name Evolve was brilliantly pathetic - you can tell she's angling for her own show on Pick TV at some point. Keep hoping love. As for the team name Evolve - the only thing evolving is the menstrual cycles and need for chocolate cake.
Then we get to the boys. I would say men but these guys always look like they have no clue what happens in the real world. Take the team leader Jason, a man who has never had a job in his life - you can guaran-damn-tee that his parents paid for him to study greek philosophy/mythology/whatever at the finest university around. This is what gets my goat, the first Apprentice was made in America with Donald Trump, and it included one college dropout who actually performed much better than most business owners. I wanted something like this in the UK version, maybe have someone with no business acumen try to win it. it would have been an underdog story. Then we get this, a posh 22 year old who has had his life paid for every day. He took the Team Leader spot and just proved exactly how little he knows business by being unable to sell something as simple as a leather jacket or a union jack mug, and in doing so another member of the team stepped up to take charge.
And don't even get me started on the scary welsh guy - "people say I look like famous people, and I've been called Freddie Mercury before" - yeah, a gypsy romani version of a moustached Freddie Mercury. Minus his talent. I think that Miles was correct when he stated that you looked like someone else famous. Dracula. Yep, Dracula. He hit the nail on the mark there.
What I don't get about this show is that, when there are three people in the boardroom awaiting Nookie Bear's verdict, they really slag each other off. After that they're all huggy and nice and friendly with the fired competitor and with each other when they get back to the house. Really? If that was me I would either explode in their face (not sexually, just figuratively) with insult after insult (probably involving their mama) or just bide my time and wait for the perfect revenge moment. I would not be nice. And that is saying something, as I'm actually a nice guy.
So this was how I spent my Tuesday evening, watching 16 plebs battle it out over the next 12 weeks to be a business partner to the guy who made Amstrad computers in the 80s (I had one, they weren't that great), only to find themselves either leaving/being fired within 3 months, or if the winner is female, launching a sexual harassment/discrimination suit within 3 months. Anything to get into Nuts or Zoo magazine.
The crazy thing is, I will still be watching this every week. So expect more Apprentice rant blog shennanigans to come.
Until then, peace out.
So how's everyone doing today? Feeling refreshed today? Right, well I hope you're ready for a rant of sorts, as I watched the latest series of the Apprentice last night. I don't really know why I watch this show, it is pure car crash television, but I think it must be my deep seated desire to be amused, as the majority of people on the show are utter, utter, utter, UTTER douchebags and I do like watching people that deserve to fail actually fail. Come on, how hard is it to actually do the things asked of you?
Well, the new series started with 16 would-be business partners, which included blonde airheads, posh twats, people with Napoleon complexes and one that looked like Dracula. The task for these douchebags? Sell general stuff to London stores. First thing first though, they had to pick team leaders...
For the girls, Jaz (who liked like an oak tree) immediately offered her "expertise", which was to patronise her "employees" by treating them as if they were about 8 years old. I was half expecting her to start patting the rest of the girls on their heads then, when someone said or did something half decent, have her clap loudly just like Peter Griffin did in the Family Guy episode "Petarded". This is a woman who seems so sure of her ability to lead, that she continually asked for approval from her followers, in a desperate attempt to feel self-worth. Her acceptance of the team name Evolve was brilliantly pathetic - you can tell she's angling for her own show on Pick TV at some point. Keep hoping love. As for the team name Evolve - the only thing evolving is the menstrual cycles and need for chocolate cake.
Then we get to the boys. I would say men but these guys always look like they have no clue what happens in the real world. Take the team leader Jason, a man who has never had a job in his life - you can guaran-damn-tee that his parents paid for him to study greek philosophy/mythology/whatever at the finest university around. This is what gets my goat, the first Apprentice was made in America with Donald Trump, and it included one college dropout who actually performed much better than most business owners. I wanted something like this in the UK version, maybe have someone with no business acumen try to win it. it would have been an underdog story. Then we get this, a posh 22 year old who has had his life paid for every day. He took the Team Leader spot and just proved exactly how little he knows business by being unable to sell something as simple as a leather jacket or a union jack mug, and in doing so another member of the team stepped up to take charge.
And don't even get me started on the scary welsh guy - "people say I look like famous people, and I've been called Freddie Mercury before" - yeah, a gypsy romani version of a moustached Freddie Mercury. Minus his talent. I think that Miles was correct when he stated that you looked like someone else famous. Dracula. Yep, Dracula. He hit the nail on the mark there.
What I don't get about this show is that, when there are three people in the boardroom awaiting Nookie Bear's verdict, they really slag each other off. After that they're all huggy and nice and friendly with the fired competitor and with each other when they get back to the house. Really? If that was me I would either explode in their face (not sexually, just figuratively) with insult after insult (probably involving their mama) or just bide my time and wait for the perfect revenge moment. I would not be nice. And that is saying something, as I'm actually a nice guy.
So this was how I spent my Tuesday evening, watching 16 plebs battle it out over the next 12 weeks to be a business partner to the guy who made Amstrad computers in the 80s (I had one, they weren't that great), only to find themselves either leaving/being fired within 3 months, or if the winner is female, launching a sexual harassment/discrimination suit within 3 months. Anything to get into Nuts or Zoo magazine.
The crazy thing is, I will still be watching this every week. So expect more Apprentice rant blog shennanigans to come.
Until then, peace out.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
It's been too long - I need to write again!
Yep, I know it. I've been very very lax in updating my blog. I've kept saying that I want to get back into writing, and putting my thoughts down in words will help my imagination flow in some crazy way.
There are reasons for the lack of any new blog pages. One of those involved me moving out of my house share in Benfleet and moving back to my old stomping ground in Southchurch. This move was kind of put upon me by some unbelievable douchebags (not my housemates, just two people who owned half the house) and caused a fair bit of stress, though I tried not to let it show. The real reason for the stress was the passing of my nan, just prior to moving.
I'd like to take this moment and talk about my nan, and how her passing affected me. If you talk to my mum and uncle, they would both agree that my nan was not a particularly maternal person, but I know that she loved her kids, and they in turn loved her and looked after her right until she passed away. As a grandchild, I can only say good things about my nan. She wasn't the greatest cook and, at times, bordered on eccentric, but she was good with me and my brother, as well as my cousins.
I have very good memories of her bungalow in Leigh, some of which I will never share with anyone other than my family. I remember Saturday afternoons playing in her garden, picking apples then watching Supergran, the A-Team and Columbo. Despite being much older than her grandkids, she would always let us watch what we wanted, or let us run up to the shop for ice pops.
Just over a week before my nan passed, she was given the last rites, as many didn't believe that she would hang on much longer. But she did. She was given the last rites on the Sunday evening, but didn't pass away until the following Friday, Good Friday - a fitting date for a woman who believed in god and was a true servant at her local church. I wasn't there at the end, but I had been there throughout the week. My last memory of her will always be her 90th birthday, just over a week before the end. The whole family were there and, when we started singing Happy Birthday, she opened her eyes and smiled, before drifting off. I never saw her awake again, but I know that she would have been so happy at that point.
On the 7th April 2013, I tried to hold back tears as I carried my nan to her final resting place. Both me and my brother kissed her coffin goodbye, and I hope she's up there watching down on us now. Hopefully you can bring a little luck to us nan.
As I write this, I'm getting choked up but the memories are playing in my head and I'm smiling too. It's true that the most emotional experiences can cause so many different feelings, and I want to be able to try and capture that in writing form.
Now I'm back in Southchurch and enjoying my new flat (which still requires a lot of work), and have some spare time in the evening, I'm going to try and update this blog as often as possible (I hope!). Starting today, I'm going to try and blog about things that are going on in my life at the moment.
1. My New Abode
As I've mentioned above, I recently moved back to Southchurch. I was enjoying my time in Benfleet, as I lived with some good people. Unfortunately, towards the end of March, some unscrupulous bastards (who were well aware of my nan's health at the time) decided that my rent needed to be increased. With the amount that I was expected to pay, it made more sense to get my own place. Thankfully, my little cousin (who also lived in our Benfleet house share) was able to help pay the bills, so the two of us looked at places and found one in Southchurch, 10 mins from town.
On the 5th April 2013, we signed the tennancy agreement and got the keys. What followed was a very busy few days moving, tidying and washing the flat. Over a month on from our initial move, there are still bits at the flat that need to be fixed (broken window and plumbing), but slowly and surely it's coming together. A few people have popped round to see the place, but once we actually have everything fixed and tidied up, we shall be looking to actually have people round for food and drinks (where in we can fit more than one person in!).
2. My Social Life
This has picked up somewhat! Being back in Southend does have its perks, especially being so near to places. Only a few weeks ago I found myself in Dick De Vignes for the first time since it was Chicago Rock (I'm going back quite a way there!) and I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it did feature a lot of older clientele and the majority of people I went to school with, but I think I handled it quite well. Also, I've had the opportunity to hang out with some new people (namely one new person) which has brought me a few smiles. Oh, and I got behind the DJ decks for the first time this year and loved every minute of it, so I may actually get my passion back for playing music to people. With stuff planned over the next couple of weeks, my weekends should be quite interesting going forward!
3. My Passions
Those that know me know that I love film. Despite agreeing last year to try and watch 1000 films a year, I made it to March before I conceded defeat - 18-19 films a week is doable, but doesn't leave you open for anything else. I'm trying to watch a few films here and there, and since my move I've sat down and watched Iron Man 3, Carrie, Looper, Seven Psycopaths, The Jerk, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Dragnet, Problem Child, Gremlins, Babys Day Out, Police Academy and a couple more that have escaped me. Hopefully I can soon get a cinema buddy that will join me for movies.
My other passion is Southend United. I was at Wembley Stadium when we lost to Crewe on the 7th April, and we've kind of gone downhill since. Hopefully Phil Brown will lead us up next season, and I've managed to bag myself another football "friend" who will join me at Roots Hall as long as we sit near the bar. I was on the pitch earlier this year to celebrate our win over Orient, and I hope that we can get on the pitch for a promotion party in 2013/14.
Ok, for what was going to be a brief post, this has actually turned out quite well. Getting the fingers typing has helped, and it's also made me want to bust out some more of my film reviews...think that may have to happen sooner rather than later! Until then, expect a rant about the Apprentice, which starts at 9pm on BBC1 tonight. Thats the one show that really makes my blue blood boil (and yes, I did just end this post with a wrestling reference)!
There are reasons for the lack of any new blog pages. One of those involved me moving out of my house share in Benfleet and moving back to my old stomping ground in Southchurch. This move was kind of put upon me by some unbelievable douchebags (not my housemates, just two people who owned half the house) and caused a fair bit of stress, though I tried not to let it show. The real reason for the stress was the passing of my nan, just prior to moving.
I'd like to take this moment and talk about my nan, and how her passing affected me. If you talk to my mum and uncle, they would both agree that my nan was not a particularly maternal person, but I know that she loved her kids, and they in turn loved her and looked after her right until she passed away. As a grandchild, I can only say good things about my nan. She wasn't the greatest cook and, at times, bordered on eccentric, but she was good with me and my brother, as well as my cousins.
I have very good memories of her bungalow in Leigh, some of which I will never share with anyone other than my family. I remember Saturday afternoons playing in her garden, picking apples then watching Supergran, the A-Team and Columbo. Despite being much older than her grandkids, she would always let us watch what we wanted, or let us run up to the shop for ice pops.
Just over a week before my nan passed, she was given the last rites, as many didn't believe that she would hang on much longer. But she did. She was given the last rites on the Sunday evening, but didn't pass away until the following Friday, Good Friday - a fitting date for a woman who believed in god and was a true servant at her local church. I wasn't there at the end, but I had been there throughout the week. My last memory of her will always be her 90th birthday, just over a week before the end. The whole family were there and, when we started singing Happy Birthday, she opened her eyes and smiled, before drifting off. I never saw her awake again, but I know that she would have been so happy at that point.
On the 7th April 2013, I tried to hold back tears as I carried my nan to her final resting place. Both me and my brother kissed her coffin goodbye, and I hope she's up there watching down on us now. Hopefully you can bring a little luck to us nan.
As I write this, I'm getting choked up but the memories are playing in my head and I'm smiling too. It's true that the most emotional experiences can cause so many different feelings, and I want to be able to try and capture that in writing form.
Now I'm back in Southchurch and enjoying my new flat (which still requires a lot of work), and have some spare time in the evening, I'm going to try and update this blog as often as possible (I hope!). Starting today, I'm going to try and blog about things that are going on in my life at the moment.
1. My New Abode
As I've mentioned above, I recently moved back to Southchurch. I was enjoying my time in Benfleet, as I lived with some good people. Unfortunately, towards the end of March, some unscrupulous bastards (who were well aware of my nan's health at the time) decided that my rent needed to be increased. With the amount that I was expected to pay, it made more sense to get my own place. Thankfully, my little cousin (who also lived in our Benfleet house share) was able to help pay the bills, so the two of us looked at places and found one in Southchurch, 10 mins from town.
On the 5th April 2013, we signed the tennancy agreement and got the keys. What followed was a very busy few days moving, tidying and washing the flat. Over a month on from our initial move, there are still bits at the flat that need to be fixed (broken window and plumbing), but slowly and surely it's coming together. A few people have popped round to see the place, but once we actually have everything fixed and tidied up, we shall be looking to actually have people round for food and drinks (where in we can fit more than one person in!).
2. My Social Life
This has picked up somewhat! Being back in Southend does have its perks, especially being so near to places. Only a few weeks ago I found myself in Dick De Vignes for the first time since it was Chicago Rock (I'm going back quite a way there!) and I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, it did feature a lot of older clientele and the majority of people I went to school with, but I think I handled it quite well. Also, I've had the opportunity to hang out with some new people (namely one new person) which has brought me a few smiles. Oh, and I got behind the DJ decks for the first time this year and loved every minute of it, so I may actually get my passion back for playing music to people. With stuff planned over the next couple of weeks, my weekends should be quite interesting going forward!
3. My Passions
Those that know me know that I love film. Despite agreeing last year to try and watch 1000 films a year, I made it to March before I conceded defeat - 18-19 films a week is doable, but doesn't leave you open for anything else. I'm trying to watch a few films here and there, and since my move I've sat down and watched Iron Man 3, Carrie, Looper, Seven Psycopaths, The Jerk, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Dragnet, Problem Child, Gremlins, Babys Day Out, Police Academy and a couple more that have escaped me. Hopefully I can soon get a cinema buddy that will join me for movies.
My other passion is Southend United. I was at Wembley Stadium when we lost to Crewe on the 7th April, and we've kind of gone downhill since. Hopefully Phil Brown will lead us up next season, and I've managed to bag myself another football "friend" who will join me at Roots Hall as long as we sit near the bar. I was on the pitch earlier this year to celebrate our win over Orient, and I hope that we can get on the pitch for a promotion party in 2013/14.
Ok, for what was going to be a brief post, this has actually turned out quite well. Getting the fingers typing has helped, and it's also made me want to bust out some more of my film reviews...think that may have to happen sooner rather than later! Until then, expect a rant about the Apprentice, which starts at 9pm on BBC1 tonight. Thats the one show that really makes my blue blood boil (and yes, I did just end this post with a wrestling reference)!
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Come on Southend!!!!
As a kid I was never into football that much. My dad did whatever he could to try and interest me, especially when it came to his team, Tottenham Hotspur. My brother is a couple of years older than me, and he happily went with my dad to see games, though he ended up providing his allegiance to the red side of Liverpool. For me, the idea of watching football was not as high up as other past-times.
I went to a crap old school in Southend. For where it was situated (on the "millionaire's row" AKA Southchurch Boulevard) it weren't half a shit-hole (since leaving the Thorpe Bay school, it was closed down but has since re-opened as a community college). The only way to bide the time during breaks (aside from bunking off or smoking) was to play football.
Playing football was a good thing - with my friends back then we played dirty, so there would always be dodgy tackles and a few punchups, but that was all part of the fun. I was an energetic kid (in a way I still am - I find it very difficult just sitting down & doing nothing, and my mind will always wander unless my attention is fully taken), so the idea of sitting down for 90+ minutes always put me off.
It wasn't until 1992 that I was watching a league cup game on TV that pitted Tranmere Rovers against Aston Villa that I actually appreciated the art of watching football. From that moment on, I started following the mighty (I use that term loosely) Villa. However, being that I was a 12 year old kid who couldn't get to Birmingham to watch them, I also started visiting my hometown team of Southend United.
Over the next 20 years, I found that I'd spent most of my adult life cherring on the mighty Shrimpers over the Villa. In fact, I worked for Southend United as a chief steward from the beginning of the 95/96 season, until the end of the 96/97 season. During that time I got to meet the team and found myself chatting with one of my favourite players - Chris Powell - during Steve Tilson's testimonial match, as well as joke around with Andy Ansah and Jason Lee, experiences I would never have had the chance with some of my favourite Villa players.
Over the past 2 years, I've found my loyalty to the Villa waning, and at the end of last season I did something that some people may find controversial. I ditched my allegiance to Aston Villa. A lot of people thought that this was sacrilege, but I had always follwed Southend United alongside them. Given Villa's form last season, I had had enough and decided to appreciate the football that my home town team could provide as my football allegiance.
I've been to a few games this season at Roots Hall, but none with as much on the line as last night. Southend United had a slender 1-0 advantage over hated rivals Leyton Orient going into the 2nd leg of the Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Area Final. A spot at Wembley was available to the winner, so a win or draw would get us there.
As a football fan, I've experienced my fair share of nail-biting moments, but watching that game live last night was by far the worst. We did not play exciting (or even good football) but we managed to sneak a spot at Wembley in injury time. I was elated and managed to get on the pitch at the end of the game to celebrate with the other blues fans.
I've seen Southend United go from the top of the 1st Division (what is in effect the Championship) down to the bottom of league 2. I've seen us go through highs (successive promotions & LDV final appearances) and lows, hell earlier on this season we were the most in form team in the country! I've never had the opportunity to cheer my home town team to glory at Wembley Stadium, but I will do loud & proud on the 7th April 2013.
Last night was the culmination of 22 years of support for my team. This is my thank you to those players and staff that made it possible for me to get to see Southend United at Wembley (seeing as its been 83 years since we were there last, this may not happen again in my lifetime).
Now its time to cheer the boys on as they push for a playoff place - lets hope this gives us the momentum to get there! I'm going to use my last few words to quote a song that was sung loudly last night by the thousands on the Roots Hall pitch:
Que-sara-sara, whatever will be will be, we're going to wem-ber-ley, que-sara-sara!
I went to a crap old school in Southend. For where it was situated (on the "millionaire's row" AKA Southchurch Boulevard) it weren't half a shit-hole (since leaving the Thorpe Bay school, it was closed down but has since re-opened as a community college). The only way to bide the time during breaks (aside from bunking off or smoking) was to play football.
Playing football was a good thing - with my friends back then we played dirty, so there would always be dodgy tackles and a few punchups, but that was all part of the fun. I was an energetic kid (in a way I still am - I find it very difficult just sitting down & doing nothing, and my mind will always wander unless my attention is fully taken), so the idea of sitting down for 90+ minutes always put me off.
It wasn't until 1992 that I was watching a league cup game on TV that pitted Tranmere Rovers against Aston Villa that I actually appreciated the art of watching football. From that moment on, I started following the mighty (I use that term loosely) Villa. However, being that I was a 12 year old kid who couldn't get to Birmingham to watch them, I also started visiting my hometown team of Southend United.
Over the next 20 years, I found that I'd spent most of my adult life cherring on the mighty Shrimpers over the Villa. In fact, I worked for Southend United as a chief steward from the beginning of the 95/96 season, until the end of the 96/97 season. During that time I got to meet the team and found myself chatting with one of my favourite players - Chris Powell - during Steve Tilson's testimonial match, as well as joke around with Andy Ansah and Jason Lee, experiences I would never have had the chance with some of my favourite Villa players.
Over the past 2 years, I've found my loyalty to the Villa waning, and at the end of last season I did something that some people may find controversial. I ditched my allegiance to Aston Villa. A lot of people thought that this was sacrilege, but I had always follwed Southend United alongside them. Given Villa's form last season, I had had enough and decided to appreciate the football that my home town team could provide as my football allegiance.
I've been to a few games this season at Roots Hall, but none with as much on the line as last night. Southend United had a slender 1-0 advantage over hated rivals Leyton Orient going into the 2nd leg of the Johnstones Paint Trophy Southern Area Final. A spot at Wembley was available to the winner, so a win or draw would get us there.
As a football fan, I've experienced my fair share of nail-biting moments, but watching that game live last night was by far the worst. We did not play exciting (or even good football) but we managed to sneak a spot at Wembley in injury time. I was elated and managed to get on the pitch at the end of the game to celebrate with the other blues fans.
I've seen Southend United go from the top of the 1st Division (what is in effect the Championship) down to the bottom of league 2. I've seen us go through highs (successive promotions & LDV final appearances) and lows, hell earlier on this season we were the most in form team in the country! I've never had the opportunity to cheer my home town team to glory at Wembley Stadium, but I will do loud & proud on the 7th April 2013.
Last night was the culmination of 22 years of support for my team. This is my thank you to those players and staff that made it possible for me to get to see Southend United at Wembley (seeing as its been 83 years since we were there last, this may not happen again in my lifetime).
Now its time to cheer the boys on as they push for a playoff place - lets hope this gives us the momentum to get there! I'm going to use my last few words to quote a song that was sung loudly last night by the thousands on the Roots Hall pitch:
Que-sara-sara, whatever will be will be, we're going to wem-ber-ley, que-sara-sara!
Monday, 14 January 2013
The beginning of the Road to Wrestlemania
In just a few short weeks, the Road to Wrestlemania 29 will begin. Usually at this point each match will have been decided, and all storylines will work towards finalising these on TV. This is my look at the first of the three pay per views that will decide just who will be king of the mountain come the early hours of the 8th April 2013 (at least for us here in the UK).
Its guaranteed that Vince McMahon will have already noted who the Rumble winner will be this year. If you take the time to look at the news sites online, you'll have seen that John Cena is the rumoured winner, who will go on to take on the Rock for the WWE title in the Wrestlemania Main Event for that all important pass-the-torch moment. I have many gripes with this scenario.
Firstly, this would mean that the Rock would win the WWE title at the Royal Rumble by cleanly beating CM Punk. This is itself a travesty. Whilst I can understand that the Rock will no doubt bring in numerous ratings and buyrates, he isn't a constant performer anymore. Having the title put on him will be a slap in the face to those who actually generally deserve it. CM Punk would have been champion for around 430 days at the Rumble. This means that whoever beats him would have done what no-one has been able to do for the past 14+ months. If the Rock does beat him only to pass the title to Cena, who - in my honest opinion - is at the point where he doesn't need the title, this cheapens Punk's reign.
I'm all for a new champion (thank god the days of constant title changes appear to be behind us!) but it really should be someone else and more deserving. My choice would be either Dolph Ziggler or Daniel Bryan (who, along with CM Punk, are two of the best workers in the company) as they would benefit more from the victory, especially as they have the criteria to be the future for the company over the next few years.
At the moment, the current Wrestlemania card is as follows:
Sheamus vs Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight title
John Cena vs the Rock for the WWE title
Brock Lesnar vs HHH
CM Punk vs Undertaker
At present, the predictable booking seems to be in place. However, things can change - look at last year's Royal Rumble when Chris Jericho was booked to win until an hour before the pay per view started, as Vince McMahon realised that every fan in the world knew that was the finish so he stuck a different winner in. Current news reports state that they are looking to keeping the title on Punk until Mania, which would be the preferred fan option, however this is just rumour at this time.
Looking at the current rumoured Mania card, this would mean that Punk loses the title to the Rock & will not be involved in the main event, which would be a travesty given all that he has done over the past year. Whilst a Punk / Taker match would no doubt be a great match, we all know that he won't beat the streak. There are so many options available in order to keep the title with Punk & have him lose to a babyface in the Mania main event. Cena vs Punk doesn't do it for me (neither does Cena vs Rock), & I would rather have Cena take on Taker.
Please Vince, don't do what every fan knows you want to do & give Rock the title - that can be done after Mania if need be. Jericho came back & put himself in the title picture last year - he didn't need the title then & Rock doesn't need it now!
Aside from the WWE title, the World Heavyweight title seems to be going in a predictable fashion, with Sheamus rumoured to either be the champ going into Mania, or win it from Randy Orton in the opening bout. This leaves a question as to when one of these two will take the title off of Alberto Del Rio, who only won it a week ago - will it be at the Rumble or the Chamber? It seems that Del Rio's face turn is to begin with an interim championship reign. I think that putting the title on him was a master stroke, as it meant something due to Big Show being a super-dominant heel. The rumour is that Orton will turn heel & beat Del Rio. I'm all for that, as a heel Orton can do wonders with the over-loaded face stars they have. I would have loved a Daniel Bryan vs Dolph Ziggler match, but we can't always get what we want.
It will be interesting to see how the next two months plan out on Smackdown. Big Show will be involved at Mania, as they are looking to put him against Ryback - so am expecting some developments there. Hopefully, by the time the Elimination Chamber comes around, things will start getting finalised (I will do a blog about the Chamber at that time).
At present, the only 2 matches announced for the Rumble are the WWE title match and the Rumble itself. Now I'm a fan of the Rumble match. I used to love the unpredictability of it. But recently, its quite easy to determine who will win. With Cena rumoured for this year, he was actually the last entrant whose appearance at the 2008 Royal Rumble genuinely shocked me (he was ruled out for about 8 months due to injury, but made an appearance after 3 months). Aside from the odd legend or two, we can pretty much work out just who will win. I want there to be the good spots where midcarders fill the ring only for one main event star to clear house - Kane in 2001 springs to mind. The final few wrestlers in the ring should always be of the level where they could main event Mania. This is one of the best gimmick matches that the WWE has. Don't screw it up for the fans Vince!
The Road to Wrestlemania begins on the 27th January. I for one hope that come the end of Wrestlemania, the new breed of superstars will be taking over - as I plan to be at the 2015 Royal Rumble, I hope that will be the case!
Its guaranteed that Vince McMahon will have already noted who the Rumble winner will be this year. If you take the time to look at the news sites online, you'll have seen that John Cena is the rumoured winner, who will go on to take on the Rock for the WWE title in the Wrestlemania Main Event for that all important pass-the-torch moment. I have many gripes with this scenario.
Firstly, this would mean that the Rock would win the WWE title at the Royal Rumble by cleanly beating CM Punk. This is itself a travesty. Whilst I can understand that the Rock will no doubt bring in numerous ratings and buyrates, he isn't a constant performer anymore. Having the title put on him will be a slap in the face to those who actually generally deserve it. CM Punk would have been champion for around 430 days at the Rumble. This means that whoever beats him would have done what no-one has been able to do for the past 14+ months. If the Rock does beat him only to pass the title to Cena, who - in my honest opinion - is at the point where he doesn't need the title, this cheapens Punk's reign.
I'm all for a new champion (thank god the days of constant title changes appear to be behind us!) but it really should be someone else and more deserving. My choice would be either Dolph Ziggler or Daniel Bryan (who, along with CM Punk, are two of the best workers in the company) as they would benefit more from the victory, especially as they have the criteria to be the future for the company over the next few years.
At the moment, the current Wrestlemania card is as follows:
Sheamus vs Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight title
John Cena vs the Rock for the WWE title
Brock Lesnar vs HHH
CM Punk vs Undertaker
At present, the predictable booking seems to be in place. However, things can change - look at last year's Royal Rumble when Chris Jericho was booked to win until an hour before the pay per view started, as Vince McMahon realised that every fan in the world knew that was the finish so he stuck a different winner in. Current news reports state that they are looking to keeping the title on Punk until Mania, which would be the preferred fan option, however this is just rumour at this time.
Looking at the current rumoured Mania card, this would mean that Punk loses the title to the Rock & will not be involved in the main event, which would be a travesty given all that he has done over the past year. Whilst a Punk / Taker match would no doubt be a great match, we all know that he won't beat the streak. There are so many options available in order to keep the title with Punk & have him lose to a babyface in the Mania main event. Cena vs Punk doesn't do it for me (neither does Cena vs Rock), & I would rather have Cena take on Taker.
Please Vince, don't do what every fan knows you want to do & give Rock the title - that can be done after Mania if need be. Jericho came back & put himself in the title picture last year - he didn't need the title then & Rock doesn't need it now!
Aside from the WWE title, the World Heavyweight title seems to be going in a predictable fashion, with Sheamus rumoured to either be the champ going into Mania, or win it from Randy Orton in the opening bout. This leaves a question as to when one of these two will take the title off of Alberto Del Rio, who only won it a week ago - will it be at the Rumble or the Chamber? It seems that Del Rio's face turn is to begin with an interim championship reign. I think that putting the title on him was a master stroke, as it meant something due to Big Show being a super-dominant heel. The rumour is that Orton will turn heel & beat Del Rio. I'm all for that, as a heel Orton can do wonders with the over-loaded face stars they have. I would have loved a Daniel Bryan vs Dolph Ziggler match, but we can't always get what we want.
It will be interesting to see how the next two months plan out on Smackdown. Big Show will be involved at Mania, as they are looking to put him against Ryback - so am expecting some developments there. Hopefully, by the time the Elimination Chamber comes around, things will start getting finalised (I will do a blog about the Chamber at that time).
At present, the only 2 matches announced for the Rumble are the WWE title match and the Rumble itself. Now I'm a fan of the Rumble match. I used to love the unpredictability of it. But recently, its quite easy to determine who will win. With Cena rumoured for this year, he was actually the last entrant whose appearance at the 2008 Royal Rumble genuinely shocked me (he was ruled out for about 8 months due to injury, but made an appearance after 3 months). Aside from the odd legend or two, we can pretty much work out just who will win. I want there to be the good spots where midcarders fill the ring only for one main event star to clear house - Kane in 2001 springs to mind. The final few wrestlers in the ring should always be of the level where they could main event Mania. This is one of the best gimmick matches that the WWE has. Don't screw it up for the fans Vince!
The Road to Wrestlemania begins on the 27th January. I for one hope that come the end of Wrestlemania, the new breed of superstars will be taking over - as I plan to be at the 2015 Royal Rumble, I hope that will be the case!
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
New Story!
Hi all, as I said in my blog yesterday, I would be dedicating some time to actually sit down and write something. I started last night and would like to put up the introduction and first chapter to this. Not wanting to give too much away, I'm going to keep the synopsis to myself, but its actually got me looking forward to write more chapters, & am planning to do at least one a day.
So, please find below the start to this story, which I am going to call either All the World's a Stage or 15 Minutes of Fame. It is a first draft so I will be making changes to this as I go on, but I welcome your thoughts and views on it so far.
Thanks,
Jay
-----
INTRODUCTION
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances:
And one man in his time plays many parts."
- William Shakespeare, 1623
CHAPTER 1
As the blood soaked sheet was pulled back, he could see the level of damage that was inflicted. A dull pain started to throb in his temple, and he averted his eyes, choosing to look up into the night sky and compose himself. It was a clear night, and the moon seemed to illuminate this scene as if it were a spotlight. After a few short moments, he gazed down at the poor unfortunate that lay at his feet. She appeared to be a middle-aged woman and was fully clothed. Her body was warm to the touch, though it was rapidly cooling due to the cold winter weather that was approaching. Her clothing was wet, saturated with blood. The only noticeable wound was an incision on the left side of her neck, running across her throat.
He knew that this would attract media attention, as this wasn't the first murder on this street. This was Whitechapel, part of London's East End, and an area that - in 1888 - was plagued with poverty, suffering and death. Just over 124 years ago, another body lay in this position, in the exact same spot. This was Durward Street. In 1888, Mary Ann Nichols knew it as Buck's Row, and this was her final resting place. A copycat killer. There had always been attempts to follow in Jack the Ripper's footsteps, but this was different. Something just wasn't quite right about this.
His eyes checked the body for any signs that could aid his investigation. In her right hand she clutched a small piece of blood-spattered paper. Carefully unfolding it, he noted the writing it contained. He had seen this before, and it chilled him to the bone. He knew what this entailed, and he knew that there would be more...there were always more. The note contained just four words: FIFTEEN MINUTES. ANDY WARHOL.
It was shortly after 7pm. This night was just beginning.
So, please find below the start to this story, which I am going to call either All the World's a Stage or 15 Minutes of Fame. It is a first draft so I will be making changes to this as I go on, but I welcome your thoughts and views on it so far.
Thanks,
Jay
-----
INTRODUCTION
"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances:
And one man in his time plays many parts."
- William Shakespeare, 1623
CHAPTER 1
As the blood soaked sheet was pulled back, he could see the level of damage that was inflicted. A dull pain started to throb in his temple, and he averted his eyes, choosing to look up into the night sky and compose himself. It was a clear night, and the moon seemed to illuminate this scene as if it were a spotlight. After a few short moments, he gazed down at the poor unfortunate that lay at his feet. She appeared to be a middle-aged woman and was fully clothed. Her body was warm to the touch, though it was rapidly cooling due to the cold winter weather that was approaching. Her clothing was wet, saturated with blood. The only noticeable wound was an incision on the left side of her neck, running across her throat.
He knew that this would attract media attention, as this wasn't the first murder on this street. This was Whitechapel, part of London's East End, and an area that - in 1888 - was plagued with poverty, suffering and death. Just over 124 years ago, another body lay in this position, in the exact same spot. This was Durward Street. In 1888, Mary Ann Nichols knew it as Buck's Row, and this was her final resting place. A copycat killer. There had always been attempts to follow in Jack the Ripper's footsteps, but this was different. Something just wasn't quite right about this.
His eyes checked the body for any signs that could aid his investigation. In her right hand she clutched a small piece of blood-spattered paper. Carefully unfolding it, he noted the writing it contained. He had seen this before, and it chilled him to the bone. He knew what this entailed, and he knew that there would be more...there were always more. The note contained just four words: FIFTEEN MINUTES. ANDY WARHOL.
It was shortly after 7pm. This night was just beginning.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
New writing plans
When I started my blog back up, I planned to do so on a more regular basis. Unfortunately, other things have got in the way and I haven't had the opportunity. However, I think it's about high time that I did dip my toe back into the world of writing and utilise my imagination for good.
So this is my word that I will be writing some new stuff over the next couple of weeks that I will try to add on here - be they short stories, or a synopsis of an idea that I have.
Jay Makes Blogs will be making blogs, hopefully to showcase some of my "talent" in imaginative/creative writing, so blog you all later!
So this is my word that I will be writing some new stuff over the next couple of weeks that I will try to add on here - be they short stories, or a synopsis of an idea that I have.
Jay Makes Blogs will be making blogs, hopefully to showcase some of my "talent" in imaginative/creative writing, so blog you all later!
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