Piano Concerto No.1

I played on my friend's X Box today. It was the first time I'd played on a games console for a long time. I felt like a pensioner using a computer to begin with but eventually realigned my coordination. I was close to getting my PS2 out of the attic but I was really sleepy after dinner so I had a lie down for a bit, listening to classical music.
That sounds rather dramatic but I've been curious about different bits of classical music for a while so I downloaded a compilation. Much of it is known to me from films or TV. I love this piece of music:


Louis Theroux was on tonight, looking at crime on the streets of Philadelphia. It reminded me a lot of The Wire. I need to finish the book I've been reading (here and there) for months and move on to others I have such as David Simon's Homicide.

From the director of Monster's Ball

I watched Quantum Of Solace tonight. After watching Schindler's List last night I returned to form and had struggling concentrating but I think that is also a reflection of the latest Bond film. I found it to be pretty incoherent. There seems to be a good film in there somewhere with interesting themes such as American Imperialism and oil in South America but it all gets lost. The script was finished two hours before the writers' strike and they should have spent more time on it.

I read the wikipedia synopsis afterwards and the film is nowhere near that clear. Films are often derided for having too much or obvious exposition but this didn't have enough; sometimes a film needs to say, "this is the plot". It's one thing to have mystery in a film but something else to have the audience asking, "What exactly is going on?" It might be better on a second viewing but I'm not rushing to do that.

Getting Better

The sun shone brighter today. I knew I had to at least return an application with further info so I rested in bed til a bit later. My back still hurts. I got to work on the application early on and, when taking a break, received a phone call. I was otherwise engaged and missed the call. I checked my voicemail to discover that it was about a job I'd applied for last week.
I was glad I missed the call because it meant I could look up which job it was. I returned the call and spoke to the lady from recruitment. The job sounds OK and is fairly local. I don't know if it would be quite challenging enough but working in the marketing department of a company would provide a new avenue and would in some way be related to my degree. And the other job is for much more money.

I then engaged in a few email exchanges with friends. When I took a walk out for an hour I felt much better than I had done yesterday and even treated myself to a book and DVD.
This new found optimism lead me to strapping my leg up and risking my troublesome hamstring. I didn't exactly do my run in record time but at least I did it and it eased the pain in my back.

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 29 November 2008

Aston Villa v Fulham, 15:00

Fulham produced a sterling performance to get a 0-0 draw at Anfield last week. Villa also produced a stalemate against Man Utd, gaining the first point from them for 6 years. Fulham don't have a good record on the road so I'd have to go with the high-flying home side.

2-1



Middlesbrough v Newcastle, 15:00
The Tyne-Tees Derby sounds like something on ITV in the 80s. Boro are always unpredictable and Newcastle are starting to look like a team rather than a collection of individuals. Too close to call.
2-2

Stoke v Hull, 15:00
If only away games counted the Hull would be third in the league. Stoke have little more than Rory Delap's long throw. With that in mind I think Hull might continue their away form.
0-1

Sunderland v Bolton, 15:00
There's been murmurings from Wearside that Keane wants out but he's denied these unequivocally. Bolton, after a shaky start have been getting results but Keane will know that it's games against teams like this that his team have to win. Cisse has looked like scoring regularly.
2-1

Wigan v West Brom, 15:00
Not a game to get everyone tingling with excitement. Wigan have looked firm and West Brom toothless.
2-0

Sunday, 30 November 2008

Chelsea v Arsenal, 16:00
Last season this would have been a top of the table clash but Arsenal have fallen so far behind it's not worth considering them winning the title this year. The emotional wreck that is William Gallas has been replaced by the better and steadier Cesc Fabregas but is it too much responsibility for the 21 to shoulder? Arsenal will raise their game Chelsea will know that despite Arsenal's recent league record they are team who could turn it on and rip them apart.
2-2

Man City v Man Utd, 13:30
Battle commences at Middle Eastlands to lay claim to be the best team in Manchester. City had hit a poor streak before thrashing Arsenal last week so there's nothing to say that they won't resort to type but form goes out the window for these games (cliche alert!). The Champions have not yet been their imperious selves this year and will surely be cautious about losing to their bitter rivals. Expect a tight but thrilling affair.
1-1

Portsmouth v Blackburn, 15:00
Pompey will surely be deflated after leading Milan 2-0 only to see the rossoneri draw level in injury time. Blackburn should be able to capitalise on this deflation.
1-2

Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
'Appy 'Arry or Moaning Moyes? Redknapp has brought his Midas touch to North London and should have no problems against the resolute but one-dimensional Toffeemen.

Monday, 1 December 2008

Liverpool v West Ham, 20:00
Torres is out for three weeks and Liverpool can't rely on the blank firing Robbie Keane to provide the goals just. This might give Ryan Babel the opportunity he needs to impress in his desired position up front. Until last weekend's victory questions were being asked about the length of Zola's tenure at Upton Park. Expect those questions to be asked again on Tuesday morning.
2-0

Some Hope

I haven't been sleeping well for the past few nights. I've been getting to sleep without any problems but I've been waking up intermittently. I know that I have to get up and try and find a job so this means that I do wake up I think about getting up rather than going back to sleep because I'm tired. I strained my back muscles lifting weights the other day which possibly causes me pain and wakes me.
This really got to me today and I've felt depressed all day. I didn't look for any jobs because I didn't feel up to the task. It was in direct contrast to the enjoyment I'd had on Monday and Tuesday. In an attempt to remove myself from this slump I decided to address the mess in my flat. I'm not naturally a tidy person so the mess that was is in no way an externalisation of the way I've been feeling - it was a mess on Monday. But I also know that when I'm sitting around with things everywhere I find it hard to concentrate and thought the activity would distract me.
It didn't bring about a fundamental change but just when I was finishing I got an email saying that my CV had past the first stage of a screening process and they wanted further info. This brought brief respite and I'm going to fill in my response tomorrow. It feels good to get some kind of response but right now I feel like I could do with a good night's sleep. I've changed my sheets, which usually helps and won't have my laptop in my bedroom overnight.
Additionally, I just spent the past two hours writing a blog about my favourite albums but it's nowhere near finished.

I hope tomorrow is a better day.

Diatonic

I've heard nothing from any of the jobs I've applied for. I hope I hear soon. Do I just keep on applying? Do I need to do something better? I got an email form Reed recruiting which is basically a questionnaire. I need to send it back and I hope it comes to something.

I've bought myself a harmonica. I've got quite a long way to go before I can play it properly but I've enjoyed giving it a go throughout the day today.

Blades Of Glory

I went ice skating this afternoon. I've never really been before. I went once 17 years ago but didn't do the boots up tight and fell over for what seemed like hours. I hated it. I had the boots tightened and still struggled a little bit but I eventually got the hang of it. I was a totally unplanned day which went from one thing to another. I had no idea the day was going to pan out that way. If I could have everyday like that I'd be a social pariah but I'd probably die a happy man.

In the morning I applied for a real job so I achieved many things. The afternoon also included baking a cake and making it look like the Stars And Stripes.

Hays hays, my my

I briefly thought I was getting somewhere with a job today when someone from Hays phoned me but the job she had wasn't suitable. At least I'm somewhere on the radar. In between trips to the post office with ebay items and lunching with a friend (I love her new haircut) I didn't actually do any jobsearching today. There will always be a tomorrow.


Two months of tomorrows like today and I could be in trouble.

I've got nothing to say but it's OK.

I'm not quite sure where the day's gone. It's been freezing all day. Yesterday's late night began to take it's toll. I watched Curb Your Enthusiasm and read the news online but didn't little else of note - that that either of those are noteworthy. Having applied for some jobs last week I intend to continue this week. I also hope to hear from at least one. Two months to go.

Just remembered that I spent ages waiting for some mobile phone software to download so that I could upload a few videos to youtube.

Let It Snow

I was too busy to add anything yesterday. I went out just after I got up and helped some friends demolish their kitchen. I stayed the night so I couldn't say, "Excuse me, I'm just going to update my blog".

Later at night we recorded a few songs including me doing my best Dean Martin impression for Let It Snow. This morning, there was snow on the ground. Coincidence? I think not.

Ulster Racist

This is where I should have written something earlier. I thought that I'd be fine to come in and write something profound (as I normally do) but I can't hold my drink these days.

I did apply for some jobs today so I hope that comes to something. I'm currently distracted by Patrick Kielty. Until now I thought he was merely mediocre but now discover that he's racist. Being from Northern Ireland doesn't give someone right to take liberty with races.

This Is Yesterday

I feel asleep last night and didn't write anything. I had a half productive day by working on an application but I was distracted by TV and emails. I also went in to work for a meeting with my boss to discuss potential options. My falling asleep may or may not be related to the fact that I had four pints of Guinness on an empty stomach.

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 22 November 2008
Aston Villa v Man Utd, 17:30

Villa will be reeling after victory over Arsenal last weekend. United beat Stoke with relative ease but will face tougher opposition in Aston Villa but teams like Villa usually lose their next game after beating a "bigger" side.

1-2

Chelsea v Newcastle, 15:00

Chelsea have only lost once at home in four years and I don't see that changing against Newcastle. Kinnear has brought about something of a revival but they simply don't have the players to beat Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge. Jonas Guttierez should be back after playing for Argentine midweek and could offer the Magpies an outlet.

2-0

Liverpool v Fulham, 15:00

Torres is slowly regaining his fitness and showed his sublime genius with the pass for Gerrard's goal (about 6 minutes in to the video below) on Saturday. Liverpool have a pretty good record against Fulham and their desire to play attractive football will suit Liverpool.

2-0

Man City v Arsenal, 15:00

The pressure is still on Mark Hughes. They could only draw with Hull last weekend. Arsenal will be desperate to make up for their ignominious defeat at the hands of Villa. The title is out if Arsenal's grasp but the should have enough quality to beat City and their shoddy defence.

2-0

Middlesbrough v Bolton, 15:00

Expect little in the way of thrills in this game. Boro are so unpredictable that it could go either way but I'll back the home side.

1-0

Portsmouth v Hull, 15:00

Tony Adams is still new to managing a top side. Hull have been the surprise package this season and the longer Pompey go on without Harry Redknapp the more they will struggle.

1-2

Stoke v West Brom, 15:00

West Brom won the Championship at a canter last year but it's been Stoke and Rory Delap's long throw-ins that have fared better in the Premiership. However, I think familiarity will aid West Brom and they will get a result.

1-1


Sunday, 23 November 2008
Sunderland v West Ham, 16:00

West Ham have been in freefall in recent weeks. Sunderland, although not great on a regular basis as capable of getting results. Cisse will probably score.

2-0

Tottenham v Blackburn, 13:30

Spurs have sacked their goalkeeping coach this week but one dismissal surely won't eradicate Gomes's deficiencies immediately. But, Spurs have found some form since Redknapp took over and if they can protect the keeper from crosses and corners they should have enough in attack to beat Blackburn.

2-0


Monday, 24 November 2008
Wigan v Everton, 20:00

Everton are traditionally the bigger team and Wigan is traditionally a rugby playing town but Steve Bruce has started to narrow the gap in terms of onfield ability with canny signings such as Wilson Palacios and Amir Zaki. Six points separate the sides but that is likely to be three by 10pm on Monday.

2-1

No sleep

After writing last night's blog I barely slept at all last night. I'm now exhausted. I got up early and did some work on a job applications.

I saw my friend in the afternoon and it was good to see her.

The End Of Money (A Personal Financial History)

I've just watched the the first part of the Channel 4 series that this book accompanies. So far it's address a few of the things I've been thinking about for a while: where does money come from and how is the financial world related? It's only the first part so it hasn't answered everything yet but I've been trying to envision a world without money.

I think that my own financial situation as well as my knowledge of the financial markets has lead me to think about this. I've worked for an international financial institution for over eight years. My role was mainly IT based and concerned with improving operations or upholding financial requirements from an operational point of view. In that time picked up a lot of information on the job and also studied for two of the five exams which are needed to qualify as a financial adviser in the UK. I passed one of the two and was close to passing the other.

Unfortunately (for me) there's no correlation between what I learnt and my own financial health. I have considerable debts and enjoy the spending money even if it's not mine. I wasn't always like this. Whether or not I am now working class is a sociological issue but I grew up in a working class family with largely working class values. The exception to this was that my mother encouraged me to read books and I went to a theatre group in my late teens. Until my mother started working when I was aged 14 we were a single income family and my father's income was not large. Basically we had little money. I'm not aware of any debts my parents might have accrued but I don't think it ever went beyond a mortgage and an overdraft. Pocket money ceases to be entirely sufficient as one enters the mid to late teens and I'd had to give up a paper round when I was 12 because of epilepsy. In a rural village at least seven miles away from the nearest town or city it was hard for a boy to found work. Employers always seemed happy to take on girls as waitresses but the opportunities weren't there for boys.

I held a paper round for a few months when I was 14 so that I could go on a French exchange trip. I gave it up as soon as I felt I'd saved enough because I hated the early freezing cold mornings for what was only £5 a week. Even in 1991 that was not a lot of money. As I'd only been saving the money it wasn't like I would miss the income.

Aside from the occasional odd job I wouldn't work again for another few years when I worked on the tills at Woolworths over Xmas one year. I rarely had any money to do anything but I was ineligible for an overdraft and I frowned upon the idea of debt. My parents wanted me to work and didn't have that much themselves so there was no handouts. But, I was comfortable having no money because I lived at home and my food was provided for. I then worked weekends and during the summer of 1995 at a job my Dad helped me get. I had to give the job up when I returned to college. During these late teen years I didn't enjoy having to exclude myself from nights out because I had no money.

One of my then best friends went to University before I did (because I'd been a less than successful A Level candidate). When he came back he spoke of his overdraft and his student loan. That de-stigmatized the idea of debt and being forbidden from doing something simply because you didn't have any money. My parents separated about nine months before I started University so, now paying individual mortgages, they were unable to give me any money. That's not to say they didn't give me anything but I had no income from them and I didn't ask them for anything. What that meant was that I was entirely responsible for myself and away from home.

My Dad knew of my love of music and had warned me about spending all my money on CDs. A few weeks into my first term I hadn't bought anything and thought, "Hey, I'm alright for money". At that time I thought of myself only as working class and was very proud of the fact because I felt that working class people could still achieve something through education. A lot of the friends I made there are still some of my closest friends to this day were from similar backgrounds. We were united in our belief that we should enjoy ourselves and reassured each other that there was nothing wrong with debt, they couldn't reclaim what we didn't have and that we'd all receive enormous salaries upon graduation. There was no immediacy about the latter. This was in contrast to my friends who were from middle class families, received no grant and were therefore responsible to their parents. They didn't spend beyond their means.

The first thing I bought with my Student Loan was an electric guitar and amplifier. When I got a credit card for the first time I bought The Beatles Anthology boxed set (£99.99). I had jobs in my second third years so I was supporting myself to the extent that I gave loans to some friends at the start of term. I struck a balance between earning money and acquiring debt. When I left University I had a certain amount of debt but I didn't regret a penny because I'd had such a good time. That's not to say that it was three years of partying because that's not the case. There were life experiences that I gained in that time which I couldn't put a price on.

I went back to my Mum's upon graduating and slowly tried to decrease my overdraft. After a few months I was even able to pat her some rent. The problem I had that I was back in Wales after three years of a decent life surrounded by friends. Mentally, I felt I was still at University but on an extended sabbatical.

11 months later I gave up my record store job in Bangor and moved in with a friend in York. The decision to move wasn't difficult because I wanted to be nearer more friends and didn't think I could progress in North Wales. I did have doubts in the weeks before I left because I was starting to build up a better social life but I'm not sure how much of this was down to the fact that I was leaving and was on an extended farewell mission. I can remember the night before I left that I was extremely anxious because I had very little cash to my name and didn't have a job lined up where I was moving too. I'd paid a couple of months rent in advanced so I knew could live without being a burden to my housemate.

I soon found office temp work and was paid weekly which made things easy. After 4 months the job became permanent and offered slightly more money. I thought that this was the perfect opportunity to take out a graduate loan. I used some of the money to buy my first PC which I justified as an investment and the rest went on the cost of living well. In retrospect this is a pivotal moment because as far as I'm aware I didn't need the loan. I took it because I could and saw the rewards (a PC) that it would reap.

I continued to live well on credit, enjoying very regular nights out, CDs and DVDs. University hadn't given me huge debts but it had brought about a culture of debt in me. In the following years I have taken out other loans followed by consolidation loans or credit cards. If there was a way to live comfortably and juggle money round then I was comfortable with it. At the same time I had friends were in a similar or, more pertinently, a worse fate than me. Therefore, I didn't see any of this as a bad thing.

I worked hard so that I could pay these debts off. I was rewarded with promotions and payrises but the frustrating thing was that these rises never seemed to be effective for long. I'd soon find myself overspending and think to myself that "I'll just spend less and save next month". It came to a point where I was on a reasonable salary but seeing little in return because I had repayments to make. I can't say that there was a "Eureka" moment and that I'm cured of this habit but I have started to address the problem by spending less than I used to on DVDs and accepting that I can't continue to add to debts and must go in the opposite direction by repaying them and not borrowing money from myself. I thought I'd become pretty good at this but earlier I found a receipt for a pair of gloves that I wear only once a week playing football if it's cold. They cost £15. Away from the shop it seems extravagant.

The main thing I've done to address the situation is to take voluntary redundancy so that I can repay at least one loan in one swift swoop - wiping out monthly repayments, interest on the loan and Payment Protection in the process. As the world economy collapses and I continue not to find a job the risk I've taken becomes more and more real but will ultimately be far more rewarded than playing it safe. I really don't think I'll be out of work for that long.

That's my history, but what of the future? The idea of eliminating money completely had began to occur to me. I looked not only myself but the implications money has for the world. It's an old cliche that "money is the root of all evil" and it's hard to disagree with that when one sees the financial success of Celine Dion or Jade Goody. I'm being flippant, obviously, but so many bad things seemed to succeed because of money. But, so much can fail because of money or the lack of it.

Much of the current recession has been attributed to the Sub Prime market in America. Financial markets have always been cyclical where a period of growth is followed by a period of retraction. I think that this is derivatively and misleadingly called "boom and bust" by the Tories because they apply it only to Labour when it seems to be the economic model which is at fault. Alan Greenspan recently conceded that the only flaw in the model was trust. The idea of a deregulated free market economy was that it would be in the best interests of the people who controlled the money to make more money but it failed to account for the fact that these people might fail or just might not be that good at what they do.

The Enron case showed that it was possible to create the illusion of assets and wealth. The basic knowledge I have of economics has shown me that the economic structure throughout the world is not entirely illusory but elements of it are, if not illusory, only theoretical. There's an old edict that, in times of woe, one should always bank on gold or commodities (because their value is stable unless a huge quantity of gold is suddenly unearthed). This points to the vulnerability of the equities market. In simple terms, an equity or share is the value of a fraction of a companies estimated worth. When companies are first floated on the stock exchange said company's worth is estimated based on its existing assets and projected income which gives the price for each share depending on the number of shares to be issued.

Over the long term, shares for successful companies increase in value which is the incentive to buy them in the first place. Not only that, shareholders are paid dividends (usually) based on the company's performance on the fiscal year. The company is accountable to shareholder because the shareholder doesn't want to lose money so the company acts to increase profitability by either improving sales or reducing their operating costs. The former eventually reaches saturation point and they try to sell a whiter white. The latter usually means a reduction of or an offshoring of the work force.

I wasn't a victim of the latter but I saw it happening where I worked and knew that I would be in eighteen months or so. In a free market economy there is little or no restriction on global trade so companies are free to employ the cheapest workers. I'm not sure what effect this will have on the economies of Western countries once their major corporations are outsourcing throughout the world. A company might become more profitable and be liable to more corporation tax but how does that balance with the revenue generated from income tax?

If one ignores the ramifications of offshoring and looks at the idea of market trading in straight equities it seems to be a sustainable model. But, the market is clouded by the trading of derivatives and futures. Derivatives are trades based on other trades. For example, one can buy or trade the speculated future value of a share (or shares) at a given value:

• Buyer thinks Share A will increase in value and offers to buy buy for a specific amount at a future date (or strike point).
• If Share A is worth more than specified value at strike point then the buyer makes a profit. If it is worth less then he loses money.

These trades are sold on the stock exchange but are effectively bets. These don't reflect the true value of shares, only their speculated upon performance. In that sense they add to the illusory nature of the financial markets because they are not a direct exchange of value. Futures/derivatives, along with other investments such as bonds, mortgages and straight shares can also be traded as funds in many permutations on the stock exchange. Much of this is the market effectively trading on itself. Sub prime mortgages affected the markets because they were underlying assets of funds and few people had considered the fact that they might be a risky investment. Additionally, much of the trading in these funds was done by computers who could calculate risk but could not assess it. That's to say they a computer would not know that a sub prime mortgage is being paid by someone for whom it is is beyond their means and that they are likely to default on it. Large companies either invested directly in these mortgages as an asset or via the stock exchange.

That's not the definitive reason for the collapse of the economic markets but it accounts for a number of the factors. It's all based on money or the appearance of money. Money is important to individuals so that they can buy food and have a place to live. I think the latter is important because aside from the biological need for shelter it is seen as desirable to own one's home. It represents a measurable achievement. Not only can you and others see it with your own eyes but you can live in it and walk around it. A house has become not what le Corbusier called "a machine for living in" but rather a measure of work and reward. One can't easily dispense with this notion or remove a need for decoration so it's hard to remove money from the equation.

Since money became the way to exchange goods I think the only serious attempt to develop a society without money was that of Communism which had as its central tenet the notion that society worked together for the greater good. The problem was that power as exploited so that the majority of people had very little in terms of material goods and, most importantly, food. Furthermore, communism had to be enforced by the suppression of dissent or the use of propaganda. A dissenting voice might suggest that it wasn't fair and that those with ability were being unduly rewarded. Human beings have have evolved psychologically to the extent that they cannot live machine-like in deference to the state. Therefore, despite some of its ideological principles, I don't think that communism, like its cousin socialism, works.

How can I live in a house and not pay for it? How can I obtain food without an exchange of currency and without hunting a cow myself? Can we live in a culture of pure exchange? The problem is, as flawed as the economic model might be and as much as money and avarice lead to much ill will I don't see how an evolved society can exist without a means of trade. Even if everyone could be housed and everyone fed, I don't think that enough people would find that to be enough. I don't know if I would find that to be enough. If I was told that I could eat forever and have a place to live until I died as long as I did a particular thing every day I wouldn't be happy. I need stimulation. I need to feel a sense of achievement and progress. I don't think I'm alone. Until I find the end of money I will continue to live with and without it.

I apologise for any typos and inaccuracies but this was written in a straight two and a half hour session and, right now, it's not the time to think about re-drafting it.

A different fruit

I met a friend for for coffee earlier and ambled around town with her. It meant that I didn't write the blog I'd intended to today. At least I wasn't stuck here all day. I'd been out for a walk before that and could feel my hamstring is still tight but I think the exercise will have done it good. I'd really like to go running or cycling because I feel like I'm atrophying. I don't think I can play football on Tuesday but I might take the risk. I can't stand sitting around all day everyday.

Contingencies

I should have gone out today. I had a couple of things lined up but they didn't come to fruition. I've watched football, put things up on ebay and applied for a few online job. But, I didn't leave the flat and it really felt like it by the evening. I need to start doing other things. I must go outside for as long as possible tomorrow.

I've started drafting another blog but it needs more time. I intend to feel fulfilled by writing it all up tomorrow.

Something

I didn't really write much today or yesterday. Posting a video or football predictions isn't really a blog. Drinking a bottle of wine and then writing something means something.

Yesterday I rewrote my CV and (re)uploaded it to a couple of sites. I was also resting my hamstring which I'd pulled by running and playing football. Having stayed in all day yesterday I felt full of cabin fever and depressed because I couldn't do anything. Thankfully, my leg felt much better this morning. I mixed up today by catching up with TV that I'd recorded and er... already I seemed to have lost what I've done. Is it the alcohol? Or is it the uneventfulness?

I had intended to apply for jobs today but that didn't really happen. Hmmmm.

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 15 November 2008
Arsenal v Aston Villa, 15:00
Arsenal will buoyed by victory over United last weekend and are at home. Villa are OK but aren't genuine contenders.
2-0

Blackburn v Sunderland, 15:00
Ince is still learning the ropes as a top flight manager but so is Keane. Two former United players adds to the even nature of the contest.
1-1

Bolton v Liverpool, 12:45
Bolton looked on the ropes a few weeks ago but have since been resurgent, beating Hull last weekend. However, I think Liverpool will have too much for them especially with Torres regaining match fitness.
1-3

Fulham v Tottenham, 15:00
A London derby is not always easy to call. 'Appy 'Arry's run will surely end soon. I think Hodgson's a decent manager and will pull it off in a close contest.
2-1

Man Utd v Stoke, 15:00
Are United susceptible to Rory Delap's ridiculously long throws? I doubt it. A full strength United side will win in the end. They'll score early on and Stoke will fight admirably but United will score late on.
3-0

Newcastle v Wigan, 15:00
Joe Kinnear seems to be making his mark at Newcastle now. The decent Zaki might get a goal.
2-1

West Brom v Chelsea, 17:30
Chelsea will be hoping to recover from exiting the Carling Cup on penalties. West Brom have supposedly played good football but they're toothless in front of goal.
0-3

West Ham v Portsmouth, 15:00
Zola's been struggling recently. Adams is still a new manager. It's got draw written all over it - so expect a seven goal thriller.
0-0

Sunday, 16 November 2008
Everton v Middlesbrough, 13:30
Two of the most boring teams in the league battle it out. Boro are often capable of shock results but not here.
2-1

Hull v Man City, 16:00
The wheels have started of fall off Hull's title challenge recently. Mark Hughes has had the cursed vote of confidence. Both teams have a lot to play for.
2-2

JFK

I've seen JFK many times and could almost be called a Kennedy Assassination buff but I didn't realise how much film footage was available before and after, and that some of it was filmed from opposite Abraham Zapruder.

Watch JFK's last moments in Entertainment Videos View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Back to the old house

I'm partly good on my word and did work on my CV today. I didn't finish it because I had to pop out for a few things. One of which was to go into the (old) office and fill out and expenses claim form for the rail travel to Leeds. I've only been away from there for three weeks so it wasn't really that strange going back but I did feel strange being there because I wasn't dressed for work and I've quietly disappeared from view.


I've yet to see Quantum Of Solace. I went along tonight but it had sold out. It did allow me to come back and make risotto for the first time. Very nice but the accompanying wine made me sleepy.

Ask me again tomorrow

I attended the second day of the Career Transition workshop / training course today. Although being up so early was less of a strain I didn't feel as enthusiastic today. I kept looking at my watch, thinking about getting home in time to play football tonight.

Overall, it was worth going on the course because it highlighted a few things I wasn't aware or sure of and it got me doing exercises which got my brain going on again on job related things.

I expect to write tomorrow that I have rewritten my CV and applied for several suitable jobs.

Operation Menu

This time last year I was in Bermuda. At the moment I feel like I'm there, or at least feel like I did when I was there and adjusting to the time difference. I had to get up at 7.30 this morning. Although I usually wake up early and during the night this was the first time for more than three weeks that I'd had to get up and be active at this time, and I've not exactly been going to bed early.

I went to Leeds to attend a career transition workshop/course. Much of it was aimed at people who were uncomfortable with finding a new job/career and hadn't thought about the ramifications of not having to go to work every day. One of the first things the tutor spoke about was the need to look after one's physical wellbeing. My vanity means that won't be a problem. Plus, I know myself well enough to know that I can't be inactive for prolonged periods.



There were a few valid points which I made note of but I felt I'd already done my research for most of it. However, when I came home and reviewed my CV in the context of some of the things we went through today I realised that it was deficient in showing my achievements - it showed a career chronology but, at best, took for granted that someone would know the contexts to which it referred. Additionally, I went to see my friend at a recruitment consultants and spoke to one of his colleagues. Having sent my CV for a couple of jobs and uploaded it onto a few sites and heard nothing I have been thinking, "What the hell's wrong with it?" I think I know now - it doesn't really show what I'm good at, instead it shows what I've done and assumes that I've done it well. I'll spend even more time on it on Wednesday and then launch a carpet bombing campaign to rival America's attack on Cambodia.

No pain, no gain

Last night I worked out by doing some dumbbell curls and lifts plus sit-ups and stomach crunches. It felt good and didn't hurt in any way. This morning I moved around in the kitchen and suddenly felt my upper back muscles tighten up. It's a recurring problem which seems to be the muscles squeezing on my spine causing pain and restricting movement (because it hurts). It was really painful when I took a quick walk round the city so I soon came home and rested on the sofa. I'm willing to work out to get to look like Brad Pitt in Fight Club but I thought the deal was that the pain hurt at the time. Despite the pain I take some comfort in that fact that that it's not my lower back which is what really messes people up. Or, in The Sopranos, gives Big Pussy Bonpensiero a stress related condition. I hope my pain passes and brings cosmetic gains.

I may experience a different type of pain tomorrow: I have to get up early enough to be in Leeds by 9.15am. I'll have to get up about two hours than I've become accustomed to over the past three weeks and then spend all day in a workshop. I expect a combination of exhaustion and caffeine withdrawals. I hope it brings some kind of vocational gain.

Zen and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance or: Watching The Wheels

I finally got round to fixing my bike today. Two weeks and a day after the chain snapped. It too longer than anticipated, most of the afternoon, in fact. I was exhausted afterwards. It was a couple of hours of solid work because I followed it up by washing it and then hoovering the mess I'd made. I can't say it gave me any pleasure or sense of peace. It was just something that needed to be done.

On the radio about 15 minutes ago was John Lennon's Watching The Wheels. I've always liked the song. John Lennon's hymn to giving it all up and doing nothing (or looking after his infant son). It seems particularly apt at the moment and today I was literally watching the wheels.

It doesn't fit

It's late in the day and once again I've forgotten to write something til now. Perhaps I would have thought of something earlier but as it is this is stream of consciousness. Whatever comes out. Call it a literary experiment. Like James Joyce. Without the respect. Or actual quality.

I'm beginning to master the art of procrastination. I'm no closer to getting a job than I was at the start of the week. I've done nothing after Monday which constitutes jobseeking. I got up early (or earlier than the rest of the week) in a deliberate attempt to do something. I had to post some things I'd sold on ebay so I went out to buy envelopes and address labels. The envelopes were too small for all but one of the items I'd sold. Therefore I had to go out and buy some more envelopes. More time gone. And my ipod broke albeit temporarily. It's as if I'm subconsciously controlling my environment to prevent me from getting a job. Maybe I should just think about being a song and dance man.

New York Stories Part 2, 2006

I've been to New York City twice, once in 2005 and again in 2006. I tried to keep a diary of my time there. I stopped writing after a few days each time but I'm glad I wrote down a lot of things I've since forgotten. Here are those diaries. I've included them unedited as a true reflection of what I was experiencing at the time regardless of how naive some of it now seems.

2006

November 9

A reminder to myself [of] what I've done so far.

I really don't think it's necessary to document Manchester Airport. The flight itself was reasonable except I missed the start times of the films on display, so I had to settle for the 2nd half of Talladega Nights. I finished A Season On The Brink on the plane - so I read most of it there. I find it much better to read a book than a magazine which is stop-start.

I tried to get off the plane as soon as I could so that I could beat the queues at immigration.

This made little difference as I was stopped. When the guy looked at my passport something alerted him on the screen. He didn't have the decency to tell me what it was. He called over another guy who could not share with me their suspicions. I was asked if I'd ever lived in the USA, which leads me to believe that they thought I had.

I was taken to a separate waiting room where I was twice asked to confirm my length of stay before being given the "OK" - but no explanation. For a split second I forgot about getting my suitcase. I was pretty unnerved by the affair as I thought I was going to be interviewed or that someone had copied my passport. Because they'd marked my customs card I was again taken to one side and asked the same question about length of stay.

Not the best way to make me relaxed.

I got outside to pouring rain. My Moldavian taxi driver, who said he was Russian - I know the difference! - soon became very chatty. On America he said that religion and politics should not be mixed. I made reference to the fact that he was from the former Soviet Union and that he'd know all about that. I think I over-egged the pudding.

[there was Catholic paraphernalia on the dashboard]


The journey was much quicker than it had been last time. Due to the fog and the driver's chatting I was unable to look for many sights on the way - although he did point out the projects in Harlem.

The Hostel is nice enough. Plenty of facilities and, unlike last year's Jazz On The Park, plenty of room. Although, I wish I'd got a bottom bunk. My suitcase fits in the locker. Which is nice.
I freshened up and went for a stroll. In the pouring rain. I know the area from last time but I wanted some fresh air and to stretch my legs. I walked past a bar and saw that the Liverpool game was on, stopped in and got a pint of Guinness. Due to the rain I stopped for another. When you're lacking in sleep in a strange time zone this is not the best idea. I came back to the hostel and drank coffee and water in an attempt to wake myself up. I sat on a bean bag in the lounge, watched CSI for a while before heading for some food. After going up and down Broadway about 10 blocks in the rain I settled on some kind of Cuban diner. Chicken and rice. There were bones in it but it served a purpose. Felt absurdly exhausted by this point so I came back to go to bed. It was only 9:15 but I was fucked. Of course, nobody else was going to bed at that time so the door was banged, the lights were on and some Japanese chattered for a few hours. My throat was feeling terribly dry, and had been since the immigration check. I had to get up several times during the night for a slash whilst thinking "please don't be flu".

I slept here and there but the strange time zone and noise in the room made it difficult. Someone in here snores badly.

Still programmed to GMT. I was awake very early but I forced myself to at least dose until daylight. Once some other started to get up I was very happy to lie there and wait for them to piss off.

I got up just after 7.30, showered, up and out to Tom's Restaurant. Where was the Lumberjack? Breakfast only menu! It was that early. I'm getting tired of this so I'm resorting to bullet points:

• subway downtown to South Ferry, after change twice thinking I was getting on the Express.
• Boat to Liberty Island. Got time pass to go in the pedestal. Free on Thursdays it seems!
• Enjoyed the views and being inside a woman for the first time in ages (thanks, Woody Allen).
• Ellis Island. Same as last year but I took a bit more time.
• Skyscraper museum. WTC special. Bought NYC architecture book.
• WTC arcade. Looked round and got throat lozenges.
• Uptown on a mission: The Ghostbusters fire station. Got some pix. Also saw a movie being filmed nearby but couldn't work out what it was.
• Meandered further uptown. Canal Street, Mulberry Street. Think I saw where they: a) shot Vito Corleone; b) made GF2.
• Flatiron building. Legs tired! Where was that cinema from last year? Where is the subway? Eventually got on at Times Square to bring me back here.

Have spoken a bit to a couple of roommates: a Japanese student and an Egyptian man who, without my glasses, I could have sworn was George Costanza. General chat about NYC and where we're from. I was eventually able to read my New York Times then write this.

It's 8:15 I should really head out for some food.

November 10

Last night after walking blocks and blocks I eventually settled on some shitty diner. The Italian wrap was chewy. I got it half price because the wait was so long. It was not worth the wait.

I took the subway to 72nd and walked to the cinema. 45 minutes before Borat so I patrolled the area. I deffo passed the election office in Taxi Driver but wasn't sure which one it was. Walked round the Bill Murray fountain at the Lincoln Center.

Couldn't work out out the screen for the film as the "queue" was in the wrong place to begin with. Plus, the screens seemed to have names rather than numbers.

The audience were pretty loud during the film and trailers. There were boos when Mel Gibson's name appeared on the screen for Apocalypto. Someone shouted "holler" as if she was a female Jay-Z.

It was interesting and good to see an American audience respond to Borat. They got the jokes. As New Yorkers they're not really the butt of the jokes.

Stopped for a pint of Guinness on my way home. Would have slept brilliantly were it not for the loud bastard snoring. I hope he checks out soon.

November 11

Was tired so I didn't get up til 9am. Headed to Tom's.

Took the subway down to 72nd. Saw The Dakota again and managed to get a photo of the Imagine mosaic this time. Loved going through Central Park. Saw Bethesda Fountain, the bridge, lake. All the great things. Weather is/was brilliant so the autumn colours looked great.

After and hour and a half I had to make my way back to meet Jim. E77 is much fancier than its western equivalent. Subwayed up to 110 and walked through Harlem to Cen Park.

Written 14-11-06

Later that day I waited for Jim in the cafe shop. His flight had been delayed. Simon was on the bus from JFK so he was to be [no idea what this is supposed to mean].

At least 2 hours. Jim and I went for a walk south, several blocks before talking a walk through Central Park. Simon was, understandably very tired. The three of us had a couple of drinks in a nearby Irish Bar with the notion of heading to the Mercury Lounge to see Micah P Hinson. Jim and I set off to see it. We couldn't make it in the end due to time and not remembering where the hell it was. MacDonald's for tea! We had a few drinks in Malin's bar and another nearby. Taxi home. Asked for ID! O'Conners? Water? [I think I'm asking myself if this was the night that Jim was tired and drank water].

The next day we all had brunch in Tom's (Lumberjacks all round) before heading down to Greenwich Village. We took an improvised walking tour. The Whits browsed a chess shop. Boring! I bought a few things in a record store. Being literary types we sought out Dylan Thomas's last drinking place. It could have been ours as we has more and more to drink.

That evening [I've also written "wrong day" next to this] we ate at Harry's, a respectable restaurant. We all had the New York Strip Steak. It was huge, like an animal's leg. We spoke to the woman on the next table who was a costume lady for TV and theater [sic]. She had a reference from Angela Lansbury. The three of us went to the Underground bar where we stayed til the early hours of the morning. Whisky and Coke for my cold. Unwell the next day.

The next day...

Didn't get up til 12. We walked all the way down Central Park. Round the Great Lake + running track. We then did shopping in midtown. We spent the evening in an Irish Bar named The Abbey where we also ate.

At some point on the 12 we explored SoHo and the East Village. Stopped and ate on St Marks Place. Saw CBGBs. Adidas shop. Levis store.

And that's where it ends quite prematurely. I still had a few days to go after that but didn't write them up. There's nothing of note in any emails I sent either.

Palin's Africa

Yes we can

It was worth staying up til 5.30 in the morning. I stayed up to about the same time in 2000 only to see Bush declared the winner having taken Florida. By the time I got up a few hours later it was still up for grabs. There was to be no such worries when I went to bed this morning as I'd already seen Obama's victory speech.

Much is now being made of the historic moment or a black man becoming president of the United States. For the past few months I'd thought little of it, thinking that it was good but we should think of it as normal. It didn't dawn on me til yesterday that black people didn't have the vote in America until 1968 - that put it into prespective. The LA Riots were only 16 years ago.

Fatigue may have played its part but I felt emotional watching Obama make his speech. It was as if anything coudl happen now. This is especially true after eight years of George W Bush imbecilic rule. For the past few weeks I've been trying to think of the positive aspects of his legacy but can only think of the negative. And, that's trying to take an objective stance despite my disagreeing with the majority of his doctrine. Obama hasn't been specific about his political strategies, speaking mostly in ideological language or rhetoric but it is, for my ears, the right rhetoric. The Right has criticised his apparent willingness to open talks with Iran without pre-conditions but how can you negotiate anything without talking to someone first? Diplomacy should not involve imposing demands before even talking to your adversary because that will only antagonise them further.

Obama has also been vocal in his support for Israel. I'm not exactly sure why (outside of the Jewish American vote) but this seems to be essential for political success in the States. However, America's support is also a key factor in Al-Quaeda's hatred of America. I'm not suggesting that America should abandon support but it needs to reopen negotiations with Palestine. Either that or dismiss them all as religious zealots who don't deserve to be treated with civility.

I look forward to the future.

I am not George Best

I don't think that an afternoon drinking beers, gin, and vodka is conducive to playing football well. I managed to play but it doesn't lend itself to staying up all night watching the election.

The feeling on Newsnight is that there will be a string shift to Obama but they're also being cautious. I hope this will be like the night in 1997 when the country turned red. Except that it's not this country, it's America and I want it to turn blue. Add to that the massive states in the middle which will always be Red States but don't have many votes in the electoral college, it won't look that blue. I hope it happens quickly or it's going to be a long night.

New York Stories Part 1, 2005

I've been to New York City twice, once in 2005 and again in 2006. I tried to keep a diary of my time there. I stopped writing after a few days each time but I'm glad I wrote down a lot of things I've since forgotten. Here are those diaries. I've included them unedited as a true reflection of what I was experiencing at the time regardless of how naive some of it now seems. Typos are included in emails to reflect that I was writing them quickly at an internet terminal (and not because I can't spell or am too lazy to correct them here).

2005





Day One (Minus One) A prelude.

I wake up knowing that I have to stay up until at least 1.30 this morning. My day must be carefully planned so that I can fit everything in and then sleep at the right times on my way to NYC.

It's thrilling to know that in 36 hours I will not be in my untidy studio apartment, I will be in the capital of the world. I've been studying maps of the city and details of the areas / 5 boroughs for weeks, if not months. In a sense I've been studying the city for years through films. With a, no doubt, tightly packed day it is unlikely that I will be able to conclude my New York Movie Season by watching Midnight Cowboy.

Most of the films I've watched have tended to be pretty old (the 70s or period films). I don't imagine that large areas have changed that much. Question to self: how big is Times Square?


Day One - Proper

"I'm sitting in a railroad station, got a ticket for my destination..."
Except it's Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3. I have several hours to kill as it's only 8.30 and my flight is not until 1.15pm. It's too early to even check in my suitcase so I have to carry it round for another four hours.

The journey thus far not been without event. There was a collection of foreigners (is that a politically correct term?) at York Station. They seemed to have missed an earlier bus so the driver or coach captain was averse to letting them on. The bus was trying to pull away as one of them tried to board. There were cries of "don't push me,just because I'm a foreigner, don't push me".

There was continued arguing outside during which the police were called. I wasn't watching too closely because I was without glasses/contact lenses by that time. One of the foreigners punched one of the policemen and was duly arrested. I thought this was a good sigh and hoped we would now get moving.

I went to the toilet only to open the door on a young Japanese girl. I don't know who was more embarrassed. I think it was her. I think the darkness spared my blushes. When I returned to my seat my dream of spending the night on a double seat was shattered as one of the seats had been taken up by one of the less disgruntled foreigners. As I tried to sleep he continued to talk loudly on his phone. Sleep was further disturbed snoring, loud crisp packets (at 3 in the morning!) and a distinct lack of room for my long legs.

I did eventually if very briefly. I stopped trying to sleep at Golder's Green - somewhere I had been several times in my youth on the way to St Albans. London was mostly deserted at this time and was a bit like the opening of Vanilla Sky.

Further time was spent in Victoria Coach Station while I awaited my connection to Heathrow. It's almost 20 years since I was last here [in Heathrow] so I can't comment on any significant change. I thought there was a severe lack of facilities until I found the departure lounge at Terminal 3. I've had coffee and croissant for breakfast in the spirit of a New Yorker. I still have so much time to kill. I can't wait to get rid of my case and get on the plane.

I'm finally here. I accidentally turned my watch back on to the PROPER time and realised how late it is. It's only 7pm here but it's approaching midnight back home. I'm not bad considering I've been up since 9.20 UK time yesterday. I managed to get some sleep on the plane but not for any substantial length of time. As on the coach there was barely any leg room. And the women in front reclined her chair so that there was even less room. It was a very slow 6 or 7 hours. I had a window seat so I was at least able to see a few things as we arrived at The Americas. Nothing was recognisable. I'd heard that you can see the Statue Of Liberty as you fly in but I was clearly on the wrong side of the plane.

Immigration seemed like Ellis Island scenes in The Godfather 2. There was lines and lines of people of differing ethnicities. Things were not helped by the fact that the computer systems were down for about 30 minutes. I was standing with an ageing Scottish rocker who thought of himself as liberal and alternative but clearly wasn't. He kept repeating that "this is bullshit". I don't think they were saying .the systems were down for a laugh. He also moaned that it only took a few minutes to get in the last time he visited ten years ago. It would seem the repercussions of 9/11 had escaped his attention.

I finally got into the Land Of The Free and looked for a cab. I took heed of the Rough Guide's advice and ignored the independent taxi firms. We drove here through Spanish Harlem. We were on E 106 Street whereas this is W 106 Street. I was worrying that he was going to drop me off there but he got me here OK. I got glimpses of The City on the way here. I could make out the Chrysler Building and a bit of The Empire State . I couldn't help but grin at the sight of Shea Stadium. We drove along Central Park East and cut through the Park to come here. One doesn't realise how big it is until here.

I'm now in our dorm room awaiting Jim's return. The girl on reception's [word illegible] yesterday that I would be here at 7.30 was a tad pessimistic especially considering the farrago at Immigration. Add to that Jim's unconventional approach to time-keeping and I could have been waiting here a while longer.

The facilities are, as Jim said, scant. We're in a room of 4 bunk beds with very little space to put bags etc. If only I'd listened to Jim and been bothered to pack a bag instead of a suitcase. [Word could be 'Ultimately' or 'furthermore'], we're not going to be spending much time here so we've got a bed and a roof over our heads for about £13 a night.

I don't know what Jim's got planned for us tonight. I shall have to wait... and I hope not too much longer.

Supplementary thoughts on the day. This is the longest I have ever spent travelling alone. It's a strangely rewarding experience. I guess I feel there's a daft nobility in it as though it's a test of character. That said, it's only been 24 hours.

Day Three (Thursday)
Been here a while now so I will try and collect my thoughts and not forget what I've done.
On the first night Jim and I went out for a meal a few blocks away from the hostel and sat outside. I was absolutely exhausted after the journey. We then moved along to some bar called Underground. It's pretty near Columbia University so there was plenty of studenty types in there. We felt fairly at home as the music was recognisable. There doesn't appear to be a huge difference in fashions round here. It's not like a few years ago when they had mullets and rolled up the sleeves on their jackets.

Yesterday we intended to do the Ellis and Liberty Island things but the queues were too big.
Instead we saw the Financial District, Chinatown, Little Italy, Canal Street, Tribeca and later, the East Village. We went outside Robert De Niro's Tribeca Grill. You'd have no idea that it had anything to do with him. There was also no indication that it also houses his Tribeca Film Center and the Miramax NY Headquarters.

It was good to see areas which were clearly New York but not the typical areas. It was strange to see the change in areas in the space of a few blocks. From the affluence of the Financial District to the less affluent Chinatown. It was a bit like a theme park. In the evening we visited the boho East Village. I hope that we can look back in a number of years and say, "Oh yeah, we went to The Village in 2005" and look really cool. Saw 3 bands: World Leader Pretend - pulled too many stupid faces but musically OK. Jeff Klein - showed too much arse and didn't play anything I recognised. Last band was fairly forgettable and we were getting pretty drunk by that point.

There didn't appear to be an abundance if drinking. Very strange for a gig. No smoking either.
I participate but don't like the idea of tipping a barman everytime. All they're doing is turning around. It's hardly a service.

Argh... my fingers are hurting from this pen...

Went to Jesse Malin's bar. He wasn't there. Nice enough place and not commercial as it appears on the website. Got home via taxi fairly drunk. Waitress service @ the Mercury Lounge.
I'll write about today later when I'm not so tired.

And, that's where it ended in the journal. Therefore, I'm filling in some gaps with emails I sent:

---

Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 18:58:30 -0400
Subject: Re: Yawk!
To: "*************" <***************@h******l.com>


Alright soonsheeine!

Been here for a couple of days now. I'll keep this brief because I willbe sending a summary round to my mailing list. Whether people like it ornot.

Hostel is very very sparse. Sharing a cramped room with Jim and 6 or soother people. We've hardly been here and for $30 a night so what. Whatis the deal with tipping here? Tipping a barman? Why? They've only turnedround and got a bottle.

I've put loads of stuff on the 64MB memory card. Photos of everything.I only partially charged the phone today so it ran out just before we gotto the Empire State Building. I was able to use my phone though and Jim'sgot a proper camera.

Saw Jeff Klein last night at The Mercury Lounge in the East Village. I gotID-ed! They're so strict. The guy thought about it for a few minutes beforeletting me in. Klein was OK. Was only third on a bill of 4. Had neverheard of the headliners The Walk Up or the 2nd on the bill World Leader Pretend.WLP seemed to have a following and said they're on Warners. They were OK-ish.Not great. What will really prevent them from making any waves back homeis the ridiculous faces they pulled whilst playing their music.

Not seen much about the footy. Had a brief look on The Grauny earlier andI get The Fiver. FA Cup Final on Saturday morning. The MORNING! The bleedin'FA! Time diffo.

You should hear more in the next e-mail.

---

Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 19:18:53 -0400
From: ******************
Subject: Empire Strikes Back Building
To: *********


Buenos dias compadres,The second full day here. Yesterday Jim and I got the subway downtown toBattery Park and would have gone on the ferries to Ellis and Liberty Islandswere it not for the enormous queues. Instead we wandered over to the FinancialDistrict and saw Wall Street, The NY Stock Excange, Ground Zero and the WorldFinancial Center (sic).

We then wandered up to Chinatown, Little Italy, Tribeca and Canal Street.It was good to walk through the less tourist-orientated areas. We heardhardly any of the typical Noo Yoik accent yesterday as it seemed to be mostlylatino and Koreans/Chinese. Later in the evening we wandered over to TheEast Village and stood outside Jesse Malin's bar. We had dinner/tea beforegoing to see a few band in the Mercury Lounge. One of whom was Jeff Kleinwhose CD I have back home. He was alright but kept showing a builder's arsewhen he was plugging his equipment in.

Jim and I eventually got pretty drunk. We received a waitress service.I think the waitress must have realised she was onto a winner with a coupleof English/Welsh lads. People were drinking but not loads. There was onlyone urinal and a bog so these people obviously don't know how to drink.Nobody was smoking. It was pleasant but unusual.

Despite an audience member shouting, "you guys rokc" at the main act, Jimand I decided to make tracks and headed for Jesse Malin's bar. He wasn'taround. Real jazz was being played in the basement bar. No one at alllwas drinking. The tight-fisted gets!

Taxi home. Goodnight Vienna.

Woke very early with headache and inflamed bladder. Doesn't help that we'resharing a room with 6 other people and it's the smallest room in the world.I don't think it's any coincidence that it's Room 101.

Saw the more famous areas today. Wandered round Grand Central Station, thePublic Library (as seen in Ghostbusters), the Daily Planet building fromSuperman, UN headquarters (next to Trump Tower which is eff-ing massive).Allso did Times Square, Rockerfelllar Plaza, Radio City Music Hall tourand eventually the Empire State Building. It's pretty big. Fantastic viewsfor miles around. We might go back up again to see the city at night.

Pretty tired now so we've come back to the hostel for a break. We're venturingout again later.

Apologies for the typos but I get charged by the minute to use this thing.

---

Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 09:37:47 -0400
From: **************
Subject: hello
To: "***********" v*****.t***********************.co.uk


Hey, how ya doin;?

Star Wars day around the world. I've not seen it yet. We were in GreenwochVillage and Times Square last night and there was massive queues around theblock to see it. Jim's not that bothered about it so I don't think we'regoing to see it til Saturday. Damn!

We went into a comedy club last night but when we found out that the actwas a drag act we decided against staying there. We're doing loads of otherstuff too. there'll be few things that we won't have seen by the end ofthe week. I will have walked miles and will sleep forever when I get home.

Still waiting for Jim to get up. We were woken incredibly early this morningby what appeared to be an old vagrant type saying, "I can't find my glasses".Bastard! It didn't help that we didn't get back here til 2am. Times Squareat night is a sight to behold; i was like Coruscant.

---

Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 09:49:57 -0400
From: ***************
Subject: Re: Yawk!
To: ************************


Hey *******,really packing it in. After going to Tom's Restaurant yesterday we wenton a tour of Grand Central. I found it really interesting but Jim less so. He's not into the design of buildings so much. I'm in awe of things saying"wow,look at that... art deco"
"So. What's art deco?"

Trouble is I couldn't define it properly.

After Grand Central (whch i know is not Art Deco - that was the ESB) we wentdown to The West/Greenwich Village. Some village; it's fucking massive.Really cool place. Stopped for half an hour or saw watching a street performer.He was in character but it was the character of an hispanic who loved Queen. He did juggling and shit. Enjoyable and a good break from the previous days walking and walking.

We saw Cafe Wha? which looked a bit shit. Found the exterior of the Friends appartment and took some photos. The Village is home to Stonewall Place (yes, that Stonewall). There was a few around. Jim took a picture of me under a sign for Gay Street.

After that we headed back up Broadway and Fifth Avenue til we got to Times Square at night. A sight to behold. We were looking for a comedy club. One seemed to have a woman playing (bound not to be funny) and (the famous)Caroline's had a drag act on. We went in and left when we found out theact. I'd used the restroom first. Had to tip the restroom guy.

We went back to The Village on the subway after that and walked and walkedtil we found an Irish bar. Round that area we felt surer going to an Irishbar rather than a potential gay bar. Few gays could resist a hunk like me...

Waiting for Jim to get up. We were awoken by some old bastards in our roomlast night. One of whom I thought was a bum but he's using a credit cardnext to me now. Who knows?

I'm gonna get Jim up so we can go to Liberty Island etc.

---

Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 19:35:36 -0400
From: ***************
Subject: hey now
To: "*****************" <********************>

Awight,

just a quick hello. Been shopiing today. Got some Pumas, Levis and some CDs. Nowt special on the CD front. Have only found Anchorman 2 disker in one place and it was $40. Too much.

Having a good time but tired from lack of full nights' sleep and much walking. Still going though. Work is more tiring for some reason. I'll sleep when I get back though. Only got a fwew minutes on this and I'm too tired to write another witty chapter in my travelogue. Plus, I got no replies from the last one!

Cup Final at 10am tomorrow. Not right! Off out in a bit.

Money's running out.

Airing of Grievances

Two days away from the election. I'm keeping my calendar clear for the next few days so that I can stay up all night to watch it. Or, in other words, I've found an excuse not to look for work for the next three days.

In a barely conscious state I submitted my CV for an extremely well paid job which I'll never get but it might lead to something. Having uploaded my CV on to a few sites I feel it necessary to be more proactive. I need to book appointments with recruitment agencies because I don't think that uploading a CV onto websites is sufficient. I've been pretty busy socially over the past few days so it's time to get back down to business.

That's if I don't spend days writing a song for my friend's Xmas album...

Christmas is less than two months away. For a few years I'd thought about not celebrating it for the sake of my atheism but this year I feel a financial imperative not to celebrate. I can't afford it. Whatever I celebrate, I'll call it Festivus or Xmas in defiance of the notion that there was a creator and that I needed saving.

Bush doctrine

I've haven't gone to bed yet and it's only 12.30am so it's still yesterday.

As it was/is Saturday I paid little attention to jobseeking. I had a lazy day. I popped out in the afternoon to get a chain tool for my bike but I'll save the repair job for another day. It'll give me something to do tomorrow.

I spent the evening at some friends' house where we watched Recount (and had beer, hot dogs and toasted marshmallow Graham Crackers). I'd followed the 2000 election fairly closely, or as closely as I could without internet access at work - I used what we called "newspapers" and "television news". Without having a Democrat Party bias it was a reminder of how the world/America was scammed by the result in Florida. Would Bush still have won if all the votes had been counted? What would have happened in the world if George Bush had been unsuccessful? It seems very unlikely that the Iraq War would have happened at all because, from what I read of Bob Woodward's account in Plan Of Attack the Bush Administration had every intention of going to war with Iraq from the outset.


It was inferred that Iraq may have had some kind involvement with 9/11 when, in fact, the opposite was true. I wonder if 9/11 would have happened had a Democratic president been in office. It wouldn't change fundamentalist Muslims opinions' of Israel and America's support but Bush's hostile attitude can't have helped. Not only that, warning signs were ignored. The ignorance approached arrogance. Could those near 3000 lives have been saved? It's pure speculation and deserves greater study than I can give at this time on a Saturday night. I shall try and give myself a few days to write Bush's political obituary.