Such a beautiful horizon

It's the final day of 2008 and what a year it's been. I began the year disenfranchised with my job and thought I'd seek employment elsewhere. I gave it a chance but after a few weeks realised that it wouldn't get any better. I chose to stay on til I got news of my annual bonus before informing my boss of my intentions.

I'd been there too long. I'd enjoyed good times but the work had died down over the past couple of years and I'd felt that my roll was less and less important. Additionally, I'd had something of an epiphany in May 2006 when I went on holiday to Barcelona. I went with some friends, a married couple. but mostly toured the city alone. It's a really beautiful city with great architecture and I visited a few art museums. In my youth I'd had artistic inclinations, doing Art A Level and even got a place on an Art Foundation course. By the time it came to start the course I'd had enough of drawing and painting and wanted to pursue my interest in films and television so, instead, did a National Diploma in Media. This change of course eventually lead me to working for an insurance conglomerate.

I don't know if it happened exactly this way, but I'll tell it this way because it adds a metaphysical element to the story. I'd spent the day looking round Barcelona but retreated to the apartment because I was feeling a little run down. I had a chocolate biscuit and a strong cup of coffee and immediately felt better. It was only about 5pm so I consulted one of the guide books we had and decided to take a look at Parc Guell, which was designed by Gaudi.

I took the subway from Las Ramblas and then had a walk, uphill of about a mile to the park. It was raining as I got off the subway and so took shelter at or near the university. Once the rain had subsided I continued on my journey. The park itself is decorated by serpent designs and is overlooked by a cross on a hill. I took the spiralling trail to the top of the hill and, standing next to the crucifix, had a wonderful view of the city. It was at that moment that the sun came out. I'm not religious so the presence of a cross is incidental but the sun did come out after it had been raining. It was at this moment that I began to truly question the nature of my job. What value did it bring not only to me but to society?

Upon my return to work a few days later I really struggled to work conscientiously as I had done before. It all seemed so pointless. It was an occupation. I'd fallen out of love with what I was doing. It's obvious that, as I write this on the cusp of 2009, that I didn't act immediately and take hold of my life. Instead, I became lethargic and in a state of limbo because I didn't know what to do. It was clear that I didn't want to work in an office for the rest of my life but I couldn't see an affordable way to get out of it.

Twelve months ago I felt thoroughly miserable as this cycle was coming to an end. I'd managed to muster some motivation to continue working but there wasn't enough work to be excited about. Shortly after I'd made my decision to leave there was an announcement at work about potential restructuring. Anyone with any nous could see that this would mean redundancies. As my colleagues took the news with concern I privately smiled to myself because, having taken the decision to leave, I thought I was above it all now.

It was only a few months before this that a former housemate and longest standing colleague had taken redundancy. He'd had what I considered to be a long slow death by coming to work for months but in a directionless fashion. I wanted to have more control and was certain that I would just find another job rather than go through the rigmarole of redundancy. I'd never considered the financial implications of redundancy for myself. It was only when I sat down with my boss to discuss my apparent ambivalent reaction to the "restructure" announcement that I realised that I would likely benefit financially from redundancy.

I barely slept that night as a wave of realisations swept over me. I may soon be able to end the cycle of debt reconciliation and do something I want to do. I thought about what I really wanted to to do and it came down to three things: actor; comedian; singer-songwriter. I'd wanted to be a comedian when I was younger but partly lost interest and partly had no ideas. In my late twenties I think I'd started to find myself and what I was about. Whereas previously I'd tried to fit in to an existing model, I'd now felt comfortable fitting in as myself. I'd had a number of comedy ideas in my head for a while and eventually (not immediately) started to type them up. More ideas began to flow, not only in comedy but musically too when I started to come up with a few different musical ideas in the space of a week. I was experiencing my own Renaissance.

This was couple with an absolute lack of activity at work. I'd decided and had a tacet agreement with my boss that I would sit out redundancy. No longer was I covertly surfing the net, instead I built up a routine of reading The Guardian online almost page by page and then different subjects on wikipedia. This actually proved harder and harder as time went on and never before have I had to be so resolute.

I have not yet performed as a comedian and unless something crazy happens tonight, I won't be doing so in 2008. I experienced a block when work came to an end and I also questioned my ability after I discovered that two jokes I'd written were the same or similar to jokes by Jerry Seinfeld and Mark Steele. I wondered how much of what I'd written was just in fact the regurgitation of my subconscious memory of other comedians work. Not only that, I don't think I have straight gags and there's an esoteric nature about some of it. All I need is the confidence to try it out. And the confidence to compile in act form first because I'm not going to be in a pub/club when someone says "We need an act, can anyone do 5 minutes?"

I have no tangible achievements this year but I've got back in touch with the self who disappeared a few years ago, lost in debt and determined to pay for things with a successful job. I still need a good job for the time being but I hope I don't look back in twelve months with a handful of excuses as to why I haven't stepped on stage in 2009. I'm not looking for fame, I'm looking for satisfaction and catharsis through performance and expression.

Slow news day

There's not much going on on the world and the same is true for me. I
went out clothes shopping and spent the rest of the day feeling ill.
This virus just won't go away! Hoped to play football this evening
which might have cured my illness but there wasn't enough players. New
Years Eve tomorrow (technically today) and that's bound to be an
anticlmax. So maybe something big will happen.

Sent from my iPhone

New book and The Sopranos

After spending months on the same book I bought a new book today (which I've been waiting ages for in paperback) and read the first 60 pages. The book is Flat Earth News by Nick Davies. It's the type of book that I've been waiting to be written, given my own opinion and analysis of the news. It focuses on the respectable Big 4 English papers (The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and The Independent) as well as the popular The Mail. It takes for granted that there's little truth in the tabloids.

Perhaps one day I will present my own case against the tabloids distortions. They use inflammatory and defamatory adjectives almost covertly. For example, "Shamed pop singer". Who is to judge shame? It's applying a judgment.

I've just watched two episodes of The Sopranos. Unfortunately, it's Season 3 which is the weakest of all 6 Seasons. It lacks the season long story arcs which make the other seasons so much better. It's a collection of one-off episodes rather than a series of episodes which contribute to a greater whole. This, I believe, is in large part due to the fact that the actress who played Tony's mother died shortly before filming began and her storyline had to be exorcised. The show always placed great emphasis on the relationship between a gangster and his mother, and loses itself when it loses this relationship. It's still the greatest TV show of all time, however.

Still Ill

Yesterday I fell asleep, flu-ridden. It just won't go away! Hence no blog yesterday. I didn't really get that much rest back in Wales because I had to walk a few miles up and down the village or along the beach. Now that I'm back in my flat I can take a more leisurely approach and hopefully get over this thing.

I was ill with a stomach bug last Xmas. Maybe I really hate Xmas. It is a chore. I wish it could be spent with friends but we all feel a need to go off and spend time with our families and don't enjoy it. I'm thinking of starting a campaign called Enjoy Xmas and Fuck The Family. What?

The shivers

Last night I became increasingly affected by flu. For a number of
years I've managed to remain pretty healthy but yesterday I was hit by
the worst bout I've had in years. I was aching and exhausted, and
worst of all I was shivering. I haven't played football for a couple
of weeks due to other commitments, developed a mold strain of flu and
couldn't go running either. That seems to keep me healthy. It came as
quite a surprise to be so affected over a week after first feeling
illl I look forward to resting at home - especially as there's no
heating or hit water where I'm staying. Brilliant.

Sent from my iPhone

Dispatches

I'm here where I came from in Wales. I rarely come back here but it's
Xmas. I have the worst cold/flu that I've had for ages. Can't think
enough to say anything.

Premiership Predictions Part 2

Hull will hope to capitalise on City's vulnerability and the ever
diminishing Micah Richards.
1-1

Boro v Everton
just thinking about this dullfest is making me tired.
2-1

Portsmouth v West Ham
Just as dull will be Tony Adams self-analytical post match interview.
The journey might tell on Zola's players though.
1-0

Stoke City v Man United
United return from to the hustle bustle of the Premiership as World
Club Champions which they will no doubt continue to remind the
watching world. Fergie will use his players' jet lag as a handy excuse
if his team lose. Such co early kick off could really affect United.
1-0

Spurs v Fulham
Fulham have yet to win on the road. That won't change here.2-1

Wigan v Newcastle
the long journey could take its toll on the Magpies against Bruce's
respectable side.
2-0

On 12/24/08, Kevin Williams <williamskevinjames@googlemail.com> wrote:
> I'm writing this on a phone so i'll have to be economical to prevent
> my texting thumb seizing up.
>
> aston villa v arsenal
> Arsenal will be without their most important player for 4 months. They
> don't have co adequate replacement and could be exposed by the
> quickness me Villa's game.
> 2-1
>
> Chelsea v West Brom
> there's talk that Big Phil is not controlling his team as he should.
> West Brom experienced the strange sensation me winning a game at the
> weekend. The familiar stench of defeat will be all they'll get from
> this encounter.
> 3-0
>
> Liverpool v Bolton
> it's rumoured that Torres could return from injury. The Spaniard has
> been sorely missed in home games where Liverpool have failed to win
> for 4 games. The trotters are not generally a pushover and will
> present a resilient challenge. But they aven't won at Anfield since
> 1954.
> 2-0
>
> Man City v Hull
> This could be Hughes's last game in charge as his city side reside in
> the relegation zone and the club's owners will surely not countenance
> another defeat. Hull are...
>
> On 12/17/08, Kevin Williams <williamskevinjames@googlemail.com> wrote:
>> I've been beset with flu today. It hasn't been ideal because I've had
>> to prepare for an interview tomorrow. First thing this morning I felt
>> like calling it off. I consumed vitamins, coffee and ibuprofen and
>> perked up
>> slightly but I was hardly full on energy. I think the task of
>> preparation and revision was daunting and therefore made me feel more
>> lethargic. I managed to get through it and feel better now.
>>
>> I'd really like the job I'm being interviewed for but I think that
>> there will be more experienced candidates. It would be fantastic if I
>> did get it as it would pay well and I'd feel good about it. Hopefully
>> I will be better tomorrow and will have my wits about when being
>> interviewed.
>>
>
> --
> Sent from my mobile device
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

Premiership Predictions Part 1

I'm writing this on a phone so i'll have to be economical to prevent
my texting thumb seizing up.

aston villa v arsenal
Arsenal will be without their most important player for 4 months. They
don't have co adequate replacement and could be exposed by the
quickness me Villa's game.
2-1

Chelsea v West Brom
there's talk that Big Phil is not controlling his team as he should.
West Brom experienced the strange sensation me winning a game at the
weekend. The familiar stench of defeat will be all they'll get from
this encounter.
3-0

Liverpool v Bolton
it's rumoured that Torres could return from injury. The Spaniard has
been sorely missed in home games where Liverpool have failed to win
for 4 games. The trotters are not generally a pushover and will
present a resilient challenge. But they aven't won at Anfield since
1954.
2-0

Man City v Hull
This could be Hughes's last game in charge as his city side reside in
the relegation zone and the club's owners will surely not countenance
another defeat. Hull are...

On 12/17/08, Kevin Williams <williamskevinjames@googlemail.com> wrote:
> I've been beset with flu today. It hasn't been ideal because I've had
> to prepare for an interview tomorrow. First thing this morning I felt
> like calling it off. I consumed vitamins, coffee and ibuprofen and
> perked up
> slightly but I was hardly full on energy. I think the task of
> preparation and revision was daunting and therefore made me feel more
> lethargic. I managed to get through it and feel better now.
>
> I'd really like the job I'm being interviewed for but I think that
> there will be more experienced candidates. It would be fantastic if I
> did get it as it would pay well and I'd feel good about it. Hopefully
> I will be better tomorrow and will have my wits about when being
> interviewed.
>

--
Sent from my mobile device

Who are you?

Do any of us know we are? Do you find that so many people think they're perceived as something yet they're not that? If they feel that, don't all of us? How many of us get hung up on the fact that we're not like other people? Maybe we're all deceiving each other.

I say this as a positive thing. This is my perception and has been for a while. Nobody is normal. Life life. Live a long life. But most of all, live your own life.

Black Gold Turkey

In an effort to reduce my high blood pressure I didn't buy any coffee after I ran out this morning. I have a taste for strong coffee and can easily drink several cups when I'm around the house. When I'm not in the house just pine for the next cup. Or go to a coffee shop. Every now and again I go cold turkey for a bit. I love coffee and I hope I don't have to give up. I could manage to cut down but when I don't drink coffee at all I feel like I'm not myself. That said, I can sleep easier and it makes me realise how and why other people get tired so much more easily.

There are worse drugs to be addicted to.

Film Review: Frost/Nixon

Following his portrayals of Kenneth Williams and Tony Blair, Michael Sheen plays another real life figure in David Frost (before returning next year to play Brian Clough in the screen adaptation of David Peace's The Damned Utd). There's little in the way of physical likeness but that does not deter from the performance. The same can be said of Frank Langella's Nixon.

The film starts with a montage of news footage of the Watergate scandal and Nixon's eventual resignation. Frost is presented as a chat show host working in Australia. Despite being the presenter of Through The Keyhole, history has been kind to Frost in terms of the respect he has in the UK. In Frost/Nixon he is presented as a more successful Alan Partridge with an interest in celebrity, fame and money rather than political machinations of the Watergate scandal. It's said that he hadn't even voted in his life.

The charming yet buffoon-like Frost set about setting up an interview with Nixon when he learns of the number of viewers who watched Nixon's resignation speech. As a disgraced president Nixon has been reduced to telling anecdotes of his time as presidents and abhors questions regarding Watergate. He agrees to a series of interviews with Frost, commanding a large fee. Frost has trouble raising the money throughout as all the major US networks are uninterested in paying a large sum of money for an English chat show host interviewing the former US president.

The defining moment of the 1960 Presidential Election is often said to be the televised debate between Nixon and John F Kennedy where Nixon, who had recently been ill, sweated and looked unhealthy and uncomfortable in contrast to the healthy and good looking Kennedy. Therefore, it's a surprise to see the relative ease with which Nixon conducts himself and controls Frost for much of the interviews. It's not until the a few days before the final interview that Frost channels his energies into researching Watergate himself.

This final act leads to the film playing out like Rocky with Frost as the plucky underdog who overcomes his own shortcomings for a montage that will ultimately lead to a performance against the heavyweight champion. It forms a convenient narrative arc but it's hard to believe that Frost could have been so buffoonish and ignorant until the final day's interview. As a result, it seems a slightly romanticised version of events.

The film is to be admired for making a compelling drama out of what is essentially a series of interviews, and the pursuit of those interviews. The film would never work without two excellent central performances from Sheen and Langella, and credit must also go to the supporting cast of Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell and an underused Toby Jones.

No Surprises

As expected, I didn't get the job for which I had an interview on Thursday. I lack the experience. I had hoped that they might take a chance on me because of my experience.

I had a check up with the nurse yesterday too. I haven't seen a doctor in over ten years because I haven't been ill enough and felt that if I was to go they would surely find something wrong, cause a chain of events leading to my premature death. I'd rather just drop dead than live with constant illness. I found out that I have high blood pressure. I have to go back in January for a second test but I'm hoping that it was/is caused by flu (or the medication I'd taken) or my caffeine intake. Or, it could be the anxiety caused by job hunting. Or, I'm generally an anxious person. I'm going to reduce my caffeine intake but don't know if I'm quite prepared to go cold turkey.

Premiership Predictions

Dear reader,

I don't have much time today so you're spared my inaccurate ramblings. Perhaps this quick and simple approach will lead to getting more results right?

Saturday, 20 December 2008
Blackburn v Stoke, 15:00
Fat Sam's first game in charge at Rovers. He doesn't have a bad team to work with and they'll be comfortable playing his direct and physical football. His impact could garner a win.
1-0

Bolton v Portsmouth, 15:00
Portsmouth were humiliated last weekend. Can Adams cut the mustard in the long term? Possibly, but this is a difficult period for him now.
2-0

Fulham v Middlesbrough, 15:00
The ever unpredictable Boro probably won't raise their game here.
2-1

Hull v Sunderland, 15:00
Phil Brown is not tempted to leave Hull and manage the team he supported as a boy. Spragia has steadied the ship following the departure of the bipolar Keane.
1-1

West Ham v Aston Villa, 17:30
The Hammers eeked out a draw with another top 4 side (Chelsea) last week and will be confident of doing at least the same again against Top 4 challengers, Villa. Villa are, however, lethal on the counter-attack.
1-2

Sunday, 21 December 2008
Arsenal v Liverpool, 16:00
Arsenal are the one side who have consummately outplayed Liverpool in recent years, especially at Highbury. Despite faltering to lesser sides, the Gunners have performed beaten Man United and Chelsea (albeit with the assistance of a generous linesman). Liverpool are shaky at the back with Dossena slow and lacking in positional sense. Daniel Agger has yet to find his form after a year out with injury and Hyypia is surely too slow on his feet to cope with Arsenal's marauding attackers.
2-1

Newcastle v Tottenham, 15:00
The battle for mid-table respectability starts in earnest.
2-2

West Brom v Man City, 13:30
City go from the sublime to the ridiculous and will no doubt have one eye on the January transfer window. City's approach play might suit the Baggies' game but it's still hard to see them scoring.
0-2

Monday, 22 December 2008
Everton v Chelsea, 20:00
Without their home hoodoo Chelsea should beat a resistant Everton.
0-1

A pivotal moment

On The Apprentice You're Fired there's usually one moment when Adrian Chiles shows a clip from the board room that resulted in the losing candidate being fired. I have my own such moment but it wasn't captured on TV. At the very end of Monday's interview I was asked if I had brought the application and medical forms. I hadn't.

Ordinarily I would have filled the forms in, meticulously, and brought them with me. Unfortunately I had been rushing around on Friday and only discovered the form when I came back from an eye test. I was in a rush to go out for a Xmas Do with the guys I play football with, put it to one side and then got horrendously drunk. Saturday was a write off and in the intervening time I'd completely forgotten about the existence of the form.

I'd struggled to sleep the night before the interview and felt dulled by a migraine so I was completely off guard when asked about the form. I said that I'd had a hectic weekend and had forgotten about it. I knew there and then that I shouldn't have said it but it wasn't like it was a considered response because if I was thinking I would have said that it hadn't come in the post or I didn't have it with me. I paid for my frankness and looked unprofessional as a result.


I slipped on a banana skin of my own making

I'm disappointed with myself for making such an elementary error but at the same time I'm not distraught because I wasn't convinced by the job. If they had made a reasonable offer I would have accepted it because it would have been good to have the security before Xmas. However, the nature of the job and the role didn't seem the right fit for me. Furthermore, the location was a little remote and would have required an 8.15 start everyday. I could get up early if needs be but there was only 45 minutes for lunch and the finish was, I think, 5.30. This resulted in finishing at 12.30 on Fridays but I'd rather just work a full week. Additionally, they offered only 24 days holiday, 4 of which had to be used over Xmas so it was effectively 20 days. If I had been offered the role it would have been very reluctantly - for the sake of having a job rather than a job I really wanted.

I'm hoping that I've made a mistake at the right time.

This afternoon I had an interview for a different job. It's a job I would genuinely feel good about doing. I think I demonstrated the right skills and enthusiasm for the role but that I lack enough experience of SQL Server.

As a result of these two jobs in the pipeline I had stopped applying for other jobs. I know that I have to continue to look but that there's little that can happen over the next couple of weeks because of Xmas and New Years. I hope that I can relax over this time because I'll know that there's nothing I can do in that time - or at least I know not to expect to hear anything. I officially become unemployed on Feb 1 and had always hoped to start a new job before that point but, given the circumstances, it looks as though I might reach that point.

No sick days for Kredit Krunched

I've been beset with flu today. It hasn't been ideal because I've had
to prepare for an interview tomorrow. First thing this morning I felt
like calling it off. I consumed vitamins, coffee and ibuprofen and
perked up
slightly but I was hardly full on energy. I think the task of
preparation and revision was daunting and therefore made me feel more
lethargic. I managed to get through it and feel better now.

I'd really like the job I'm being interviewed for but I think that
there will be more experienced candidates. It would be fantastic if I
did get it as it would pay well and I'd feel good about it. Hopefully
I will be better tomorrow and will have my wits about when being
interviewed.

Albums Of The Year 2008

What follow is mostly true. I've tried to list my favourite albums of the year. This is not an attempt to be definitive because I haven't heard everthing released or I've not listened to some things enough for them to merit inclusion. Here's what I like (in no order):

The Fleet Foxes
About once a month I talk on the phone to an old friend of mine, usually about music we like or new music we'd discovered. He mentioned the Fleet Foxes to me but, as often happens, I forgot about them and wasn't impressed by the name. A couple of weeks later I'd popped home for lunch and put 6Music on. George Lamb is much maligned in some quarters, possibly because he lacks the pompous earnestness of some of his Northern colleagues. He mentioned something about "Fleet Foxes" but I was making my sandwiches and wasn't really paying attention. Then this came on:


I was taken aback. It was so out of place and yet so brilliant. I stood in my kitchen waiting to find out what it was (for some reason there was no accompanying DAB text). As soon as it finished and Lamb said what it was I downloaded the whole album straight away. I thought it was something special and would be worth it. I immediately listened to White Winter Hymnal again and again in quick succession in the ten minutes it used to take me to walk back to work.

I listened to the whole album at different occasions after that. It has more than a shade of My Morning Jacket's earlier work, especially due to the lead vocalist sounding exactly like Jim James but it didn't sound like a rip off. It/they has/have been compared to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young but I don't like CSNY's cheesy block harmonies. Despite not being remotely modern, there's something timeless about the Fleet Foxes. My only concern is that it's built too much in the "classic" mould and I'll grew tired of it.
Standout track: White Winter Hymnal

Vampire Weekend
The album that I've listened to more than any other this year. I'd heard the name mentioned in the press but thought that they must be some kind of emo band. It wasn't until there was a rave review for one of their live shows in The Observer that I took any real notice and downloaded the album. They were described as incorporating aspects of African music which doesn't appeal to me but at least they weren't emo. I loaded the album on my ipod and went running in a Sunday afternoon. I liked what I heard instantly with it's busy drums and catchy hooks. I find that I get in to a good album through one or two songs first before getting to know the others. It's only then that I can think of an album as good or not.

I'd had the album for while and several listens before I realised I'd downloaded a different tracklisting. I was missing two songs and had an extra one which I considered to be one of my favourites (I thought it was called Boston but is in fact named Ladies Of Cambridge). I can hear the African influences on the album but they're not strong enough for me to hate them or, conversely, listen to more African music. The only song I don't like is the most African: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. But it also namechecks Peter Gabriel so I don't think it's necessarily the African influence.
Standout track:



The Black Keys - Attack & Release
Back in 2002 my then housemate bought their debut album. They'd been touted as "the new White Stripes" and upon hearing them I was immediately dismissive. They sounded too devoted to replicating a blues sound whereas there was more originality on White Blood Cells. Attack & Release received a good review in the Observer Music Monthly and it was produced by Danger Mouse who had impressed me and others with The Grey Album in 2004. Danger Mouse then gained more widespread acclaim producing Gorillaz and his own band Gnarls Berkley. Therefore, I was intrigued enough to acquire the album.

It wasn't the earnest blues sound I'd come to expect and dismiss (from hearing a few seconds of their debut). It's much more mellow and the band uses more instrumentation than just guitar, drums and voice. Keyboards are used on occasion. There's nothing complex about the record but it's a collection of good songs, well produced and it doesn't overstay its welcome at 37 minutes length. It's received some criticism from long term fans for not sounding like The Black Keys. I don't think this is a bad thing.
Key track (that's available on youtube):


Conor Oberst
I'm Wide Awake It's Morning has become one of my most listened to albums. There's nothing innovative about it but the combination of the songs and the lyrics have earned repeated listening. The follow up, Cassadaga, had some excellent tracks on it (notably Lime Tree) but on the whole it felt over produced in comparison to its predecessor. Oberst (who is essentially Bright Eyes without Mike Moggis) returned with this largely stripped down effort and is all the better for it. Oberst's frail voice is suited to simple acoustic based songs. That's not to say he can't be raucous on songs like I Don't Want To Die In A Hospital about an old man approaching death who wants to die with dignity outside of a sterile hospital ward. It's actually quite funny.

Favourite track:



Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
At the start of the year I was trawling through pitchfork for potential acquisitions. This was highly acclaimed but had only had a very limited release last year so I had to wait for it to come out properly. I'd read about how he's just one guy (Justin Vernon) who had, heartbroken, retreated to a cabin and returned with this. There's an effecting warmth and tenderness to the record which isn't derived purely from its simplicity.



Panda Bear - Person Pitch
This was another I acquired as a result of pitchfork. If I'd known only that it was a solo album by the drummer for This Animal Collective I wouldn't have gone anywhere near it. Instead, I'd read that it was as if the Beach Boys had gone trip hop. The album is made up of loops, heavy reverb, repeated melodies and harmonies. It shouldn't work but its sounds ethereal. It really has to be listened to in its entirety because a 4 minute song doesn't do it justice.



Honorable mentions that I can't write about at length because I haven't listened to them as much/enough [delete as applicable]:
MGMT; R.E.M.; The Raconteurs; Band Of Horses; Kings Of Leon; The Walkmen; My Morning Jacket; Iron And Wine; I'm Not There OST (certain tracks).

Playlist for the year:

Name	Artist	Album
Stella	Ida Maria	Stella - Single
Things Ain't Like They Used to Be	the Black Keys	Attack & Release
Time to Pretend	MGMT	Oracular Spectacular
Ladies Of Cambridge	Vampire Weekend	Mansard Roof
White Winter Hymnal	Fleet Foxes	Fleet Foxes
Falling Out Of Reach	Guillemots	Red
Always Right Behind You	The Zutons	Always Right Behind You - EP
Supernatural Superserious	R.E.M.	Accelerate
Hold Up	The Raconteurs	Consolers Of The Lonely
the general specific	Band of horses	Cease to begin
Let It Be Me	Ray LaMontagne	Gossip In The Grain
Sex On Fire	Kings Of Leon	Only By The Night
Daddy's Gone	Glasvegas	Glasvegas
In My Arms	Teddy Thompson	A Piece Of What You Need [2008]
In the New Year	The Walkmen	You & Me
5 Years Time	Noah & The Whale	Noah & The Whale
Lenders in the Temple	Conor Oberst	Conor Oberst
Mr. Carte (Produced By Just Blaze)	Lil Wayne	Tha Carter 3 (C3)
Touch ME I'm Going To Scream	My Morning Jacket	Evil Urges
The Rip	Portishead	Third
The Wolves (Act I and II)	Bon Iver	For Emma, Forever Ago
Goin' To Acapulco	Jim James & Calexico	I'm Not There OST
Good Girl	Panda Bear	Person Pitch
Flightless Bird, American Mouth	Iron and Wine	The Shepherd's Dog
Let Us Down Easy	Ryan Adams & The Cardinals	Cardinology

Next up: Negotiation or Rejection

Getting up at 6.30 in the morning was a chore, to say the least. I went to bed with a headache and the ibuprofen I took had little effect. I got little sleep and worried that my iPhone wouldn't wake me up. I had a mild migraine when I got up.

Coffee and and berocca assuaged the mental numbness until the interview finished but I found it harder and harder to concentrate. In fact, I was unable to answer one of the questions (it was about me rejecting my own ideas so it wasn't as if I missed an opportunity to present something positive about myself). I think I got away it but as I sat there trying to think of an example I also thought, "I could sit here all day and nothing will pop into my insomnolenced and dehydrated brain". Those weren't the exact words but you get the picture.

The interview was followed by a maths test which I didn't feel in any fit state to do. I'd seemingly got by on reserve energy until that point but staring at the example questions I could not think at all. I might as well have been reading Ulysses in the Cyrillic alphabet. I got all three example questions wrong.

This seemed to warm up by brain a little and I think I answered the real questions accurately. Unfortunately I didn't have time to answer all questions. Had I been more alert I think I would have progressed further. Also sitting the test was another candidate for the job. He was about ten years younger than I, overweight and with goofy teeth. He might just have been nervous but he wasn't exactly shining with charisma and confidence - although he looked to have answered more questions than me on the test. I'm hoping that personality and experience will go much further in whom to offer the job. I think I performed confidently, amusingly and professionally in the interview.

I came straight home afterwards and have been in a daze ever since. I've surfed the Internet (I could copy and paste those four words in for every day's entry) and watched TV. I tried to sleep in the afternoon without success. My friend's coming round for breakfast/coffee tomorrow morning so I won't stay up late.

On Friday afternoon I'd received an application form to complete for today. I forgot all about it until asked today. I was washed out all weekend and still feel it. I filled in most of the form tonight. I need to buy some tippex.

I will rise

I have a second interview tomorrow morning at eight-thirty. Having passed the Maths and English tests, getting up that early will be a test in itself. I did some prep today by reading some sample questions for the numerical reasoning test I'll undergo tomorrow as well as filling in some Excel data based on a competency test I found on the net.

I feel pretty confident. The maths test may prove harder depending on the sums involved and whether or not I can use a calculator. I must also remember to be my charming self. But, being in a different timezone, it may prove difficult.

I was still feeling the knock on effects of Friday night today. I didn't sleep brilliantly either and had to force myself to get up so that I'll have some chance of sleeping tonight. I've been out for a run which may help me sleep or may have woken me up to the extent that I'll be watching youtube at 3am.

Twenty Twenty

I had an eye test yesterday and my optometrist told me that I have better than average vision. That's better than 20:20. With my glasses. I woke up feeling pretty bad this morning after a night out. I can't remember coming home. I was still wearing my shirt from the night before, all of the lights were on and my bedroom door was open. It was about an hour later that I got up and looked out the window and realised that my vision was pretty good. I was still wearing my contact lenses. I six years of wearing lenses I've never done that before.

I've done very little today.

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 13 December 2008
Aston Villa v Bolton, 15:00

Villa are one of the league's best counter-attacking sides but I'd expect Bolton to park a white bus in front of goal and try to beat Villa at their own game. Rumour has it that O'Neill wants to reunite himself with Emile Heskey in the January transfer window because his team lack a focal point of attack with or without John Carew. This will be like to boxers jabbing for twelve rounds as they look for an opening.

0-0


Liverpool v Hull, 15:00


Rafa Benitez clearly has no friend in a sub-editor at The Guardian. Benitez appears to offer a level-headed assessment that in order to win the title his side will need their rivals to falter. Liverpool have looked like faltering themselves in recent weeks, drawing with sides they are expected to beat. This peaked with sections of the crowd booing after their scoreless draw with West Ham. Hull have one of the best records on the road and have been this season's surprise package but have not been averse to the odd thrashing. Liverpool's second string comfortably beat PSV during the week so a rested side should have enough to beat Hull.


2-0
A Hull player


Man City v Everton, 15:00


Mark Hughes returns to one of the many clubs for whom he played in the twighlight of his career. Not so long ago this would have been a dull fixture that would be the last game on Match Of The Day but City's recent cash injection make this a more interesting fixture. Robinho should return to complete City's attacking trident. Contrary to my expectations, the diminutive Brazilian has consistently impressed in England following his lachrymose antics at Real Madrid. Much was expected of him when he arrived at the Spanish capital and only showed his potential in fits and starts. His chip against Arsenal was sublime and anything like that will be enough to gain victory over Moyes's strikerless rudimentary side.
2-0



Middlesbrough v Arsenal, 12:45

Arsenal have lost five games already this season. It used to be seen that a team could lose as many as six games in a season and still win the league but that figure has shrunk in recent years with Arsenal going unbeaten in the 03-04 season. Since then, Chelsea lost just once when they won their first Premiership and they and Man United lost five games in each of the following three seasons and won the league. In theory, the Premiership is not beyond them but in reality they don't look like completing the season unbeaten. The Gunners' first game in their Invincibles year was a 4-0 thrashing of Steve McLaren's Boro at The Riverside. Under the helm of Gareth Southgate the Teesiders can be just as susceptible but can also perform very well against the big sides on occasion. Boro are so unpredicatable that it's too close to call.

2-2

Stoke v Fulham, 15:00

Fulham have plenty of guile in midfield bit lack a bit of bite with Danny Murphy as the defensive fulcrum. Murphy is skillful but mobility and pace have never been any of his assets. Stoke's tall and robust side will prove to be a difficult adversary for Fulham. Stoke's home record versus Fulham's away record is a key indicator.

2-1

Sunderland v West Brom, 15:00

The other day I saw some of Sunderland's defeat at the hand's of Manchester United with Portuguese commentary. It made Sunderland's stand-in manager, Ricky Spragia, sound like he'd just flown in from the continent rather than the dour Scotsman he is. It's Mowbray's West Brom who have shown some continental flair but they are not entirely as advertised. For all their promise of attractive football a closer examination of the small print reveals that they are toothless in attack. Spragia will be looking to keep the Black Cats' ship steady until a real manager comes aboard and will be pleased with a result.

1-1

Tottenham v Man Utd, 17:30

Redknapp has historically done fairly well against his friend, Alex Ferguson. His re-introduction of Ketchup into the Spurs player's diet has done wonders to eliminate the wan demeanour they suffered under Ramos. But, third placed United will be no picnic. United look to be without key players in Rooney, Evra, Ferdinand and Carick. Berbatov is also doubtful and is seen by some United supporters as a hindrance on a par with Juan Seba Veron when he disrupted the balance of the side with his languid displays in the 2001-02 season. Some fans think that his signing ruined the side for about five years and question the need to change the innovative attacking trident of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez that won the league and Champions League double last year. Fans have doubted Ferguson in the past only to later dine on humble pie. Ferguson will want his side to rack up the points before they fly out to Japan next week for the FIFA Club World Cup.

0-1

Wigan v Blackburn, 15:00
Under pressure Paul Ince faces his former teammate Steve Bruce and, like two long lost friends at a school reunion, Ince will want to show that he's better than his club's current standing suggests. Blackburn haven't been a terrible side this year, they've just fallen short at times and failed to get the requisite results. Bruce's steady side have enough to beat Ince's precipitous side but don't expect a walk in the park as Rovers fight for survival.

1-1


Sunday, 14 December 2008
Chelsea v West Ham, 16:00

Zola returns to the stage where he shone so brightly and was much loved but now watches from the wings as his collection of yesteryear's understudies face the stars of today. Teflon Terry has escaped criticism for all the goals for which he has been at fault recently because he shouts a lot and heads the ball. A combination of Bellamy's pace and Carlton Cole's strength and skill could get the beating of Terry but the rest of the Hammers overcoming Scolari's obdurate midfield.

1-0

Portsmouth v Newcastle, 13:30

Victory for Sunderland would see Newcastle start this game in the relegation zone, above which Roy Kinnear has kept them so precariously balanced. Tony Adams is still pretty green as a Premiership manager but has thus followed where his predecessor left off. It remains to be seen whether or not he can sustain this over the course of the season and the busy Festive fixture list. Michael Owen is in the shop window and will hope to score against friend David James.

1-1

Ignore this

Aparantly this should post directly to my blog. This will mean I can
now write it anywhere, especially if I've forgotten to do it on my
laptop.

Sent from my iPhone

I think, therefore iPhone or: Even Kredit Krunched Gets The Blues

I tried to write this last night on my new aforementioned gadget. I'm not yet disappointed with it. I was worried that my big fingers would struggle to text (an essential part of me communicating with the world) but I was able to use it straight away. Apple's instructional video suggests that within a week one can text with two thumbs but I think my thumbs are too big. For the phone, that is, I don't have disproportionately large thumbs.



The other reason I forgot to write this yesterday was that I went to some friends' for dinner. In other news I have a second interview with one job and a first interview with a job which I had been told had gone. The latter appears to pay well. I won't get it.

Positive Inaction

I was expecting to receive a couple of phone calls this morning so I dragged myself out of my freezing cold bed at a reasonable hour. Well, 9am. I had every intention of looking online for jobs. After having a shower I thought I'd have a quick look online. I spent a couple of hours looking at youtune and IPhone videos before my friend texted me and I met her for coffee.

I'd already accepted that it might not be the most productive day. After a couple of hours out I got a call and I have an interview next week. It seems that things are looking up and I was right not to do anything today. I was going to spend the afternoon watching Seinfeld and/or other sitcoms but Ricky Gervais was on the radio. Afternoon gone.


I played football this evening and almost scored the most beautiful goal of all time but the keeper saved it.

Somehere in the Atlantic

Over the weekend I discovered email IMAP settings rather than POP3. This means that my emails are now permanently stored on a server so I can access them from anywhere - rather than them being saved on my laptop. It also means that when I get an iPhone my inbox will be the same wherever I am rather than Pop3 deleted messages from the server. I also copied all my old emails going back 4 years to the server. All was good except I somehow managed to lose 4-5 days worth of emails leading up to the weekend. It would have been more were it not for the fact that I'd backed up my laptop a week ago.


None of these people are me.

This lead me to further exploration of google's capabilities and installing the google toolbar. Very late last night my touchpad/mouse stopped working and wireless connection wouldn't start even after I rebooted. I could only blame the google toolbar and restored my system to a few days ago. This was all well and good but it meant that I was up til far too late last night. I woke at a normal time but felt too tired to contemplate a maths test and dozed for a few hours. I had no idea that it was 10.30 when I checked my phone for messages. I was still half asleep but had to get up so that I could take the online tests for a potential job. The practice tests were pretty hard so it was with a great deal of trepidation that I started the real tests. Thankfully there were further practice questions to get me used to the format and awaken my brain. The expensive hot chocolate I consumed beforehand also helped spark the synapses.

The tests themselves didn't seem as hard as the practice ones and there was no mental arithmetic test (for me to fail). I think I will have done OK on the data analysis but I'm not sure about the verbal comprehension one because there's certain ambiguities in them which you can be fooled by in a timed test situation. I expect to find out how I've done soon.

During one of the practice tests I received a call from another recruiter but I was unable to take the call and she's going to call me back. I also spoke to my friend, the recruiter, who has something I might be interested in. I haven't got a new job yet and still need to keep my options open. Even if I get the job I've interviewed for it might not pay enough for me to accept it.

As for the title of this blog, I got up so late felt as though I'd shifted timezones over night and would therefore be somewhere in the Atlantic. I except a few calls tomorrow morning so I hope my circadian rhythms aren't too unaligned with GMT.

Brainfreeze

A few years ago I watched a documentary about feral children. Most of the kids struggled with language because they'd been isolated for so long that they'd never developed the part of the brain that deals with communication. Once the brain doesn't develop certain things at certain ages it closes off the areas with the brain that process these aspects of thought.

I have to take a maths test for the job I interviewed for on Friday morning. If I don't pass the test I don't get the job. It's as simple as that. I tried the practice tests online this evening and I felt like one of those feral kids trying to recite Gravity's Rainbow. I used to be very good at mental arithmetic but I've become so reliant on calculators and computers that the part of my brain that processes long division, subtraction, multiplication and addition and has long seized up. I had a glass of red wine with my evening meal (Chicken Korma) beforehand which didn't aid my concentration but it felt like the thoughts were going through my brain and getting to a door marked "NO ENTRY". I know that I can practice and regain the techniques required to do the Maths but I don't know if can do it by Tuesday. I've been told that the real test is not as hard as the practice test. That better be the case or I can banish all thoughts of getting the job.

Ripped

I watched Burn After Reading tonight. Unfortunately the two glasses of red wine I had during it meant I lost my concentration and I'm not quite sure what happened in the last half hour. I'll have to watch it again sometime.
I've lost seven pounds in weight since I finished working so I made an attempt to address that this evening. I had a pig pizza, a packet of boasters cookies and worked out a bit with weights. I've been eating less because sitting on a sofa all day has not necessitated large meals and I've felt fuller. I'm not regularly seen without a top on so I don't think it's noticeable to anyone else but I do look a bit tighter. I'm hoping to regain the weight entirely in muscle. I may be deterred by back problems or shear laziness.

Progress

The interview seemed to go well and I've got through to the next stage. The next stage involves mental arithmetic which I was good at when I was younger but have since become very reliant on calculators. I find it hard to believe that I'm going to spend the weekend practicing doing sums in my head.

The morning's activity meant I was totally out of sync with time. I met a friend for a drink later on. I needed it in a good way; it's the end of the week and today went well. I still feel out of sync with time and not really with it. Maybe it's the glass of wine.

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 6 December 2008
Arsenal v Wigan, 15:00
Arsenal have wavered this season but will surely regain some stability not that the infantile William Gallas has lost the captaincy in favour of Fabregas. Wigan have looked pretty bright but I think Arsenal, at home, will overcome the embarrassing midweek defeat to Burnley to beat a different team from the North West. I don't think it will be as comprehensive as when Arsene's kids tore apart Wigan in the Carling Cup.
2-1

Blackburn v Liverpool, 15:00
I always thought Blackburn were doomed to failure when they replaced Mark Hughes with the inexperienced Paul Ince. Ince had more experience of managing at club level but Hughes gained substantial experience and relative success as Wales manager. Liverpool look to be without Torres for four weeks and have looked weak recently, being booed off the pitch following a stalemate with West Ham but I'd expect them to take full advantage of the crisis at Rovers.
1-2

Bolton v Chelsea, 15:00
Despite being second in the table Chelsea haven't been overly convincing in recent weeks, especially with John Terry being so culpable at the back. They lost to Arsenal and weren't helped by a linesman's decision but responded poorly. Gary Megson seems to be getting his team to gel and so I'm going to gamble on a shock result.
1-0

Fulham v Man City, 12:45
At first glance would would expect the Millionaires from Manchester to give Fulham a run for their money but a look at the table shows that Fulham have been more successful on the pitch. City have formidable attacking talent in Ireland, Robinho and Sturridge but have a shaky defence. Fulham have enough guile in midfield to capitalise on this.
2-1

Hull v Middlesbrough, 15:00
Before the start of the season, graduates of the Old Skool may have referred to this game as "a real six pointer" as few expected much from Hull and Middlesbrough aren't averse to a relegation battle. Hull are four points ahead of their Teeside rivals and could be confident of success. But, they haven't won a game in over a months having drawn lost three and then drawn three of theirs last games. Those stats could suggest a sequence of three wins to come but they're away at Liverpool next week so that seems implausible. Boro have a respectable record in the recent past so I'd expect them to continue that form.
1-1

Man Utd v Sunderland, 17:30
Sunderland were in a dire run and now that their manager has jumped ship I don't expect to see a turnaround at Old Trafford. United will take full advantage and pummel the Black Cats.
4-0

Newcastle v Stoke, 15:00
Having brought solidity on the field Kinnear has been rewarded with a contract to manage til the end of the season. His expletive laden debut press conference seems to have earned the respect of the players who are starting to reap the benefits on the pitch. Stoke can only last so long with Rory Delap's slingshot. I expect the crowd at St James to carry the home crowd through.
2-1

Sunday, 7 December 2008
Everton v Aston Villa, 16:00
Villa have had some good results, notably beating Arsenal but have also suffered at the hands of Newcastle and Middlesbrough. They're only 3 points ahead of Everton but the Merseysiders have lost their best strikers. Villa are proving to be an excellent counter-attacking side and could benefit if Everton play into their hands but that's not to say that a side managed by David Moyes will be quick to roll over. Little between the sides.
1-1

West Brom v Portsmouth, 15:00
Tony Mowbray has been devout in his insistent that his team play attractive football but has only proved that beauty is skin deep with his side become this year's whipping boys. Pompey have had respecable if not outstanding results in recent weeks. It's hard to see West Brom being getting battered by every team and they have won a few games but they haven't shown enough to convince that this is an easy home banker.
2-2

The treatment typically meted out on West Brom this year.


Monday, 8 December 2008
West Ham v Tottenham, 20:00
Harry Redknapp returns to his old stomping ground and will be confident of outwitting his younger rival. Prior to a stalemate with Liverpool it looked as though the only thing Zola had to gain was a P45. One game doesn't signify a turnaround. Redknapp has won every game at Upton Park since leaving The Hammers in 2001 and I'd expect to see him continue that run. Man for man, Spurs have a better set up players too.
1-2

The Night Before

I have an interview tomorrow. I might be nervous but I'm too tired to notice. I worked on my preparation til fairly late last night and went to ned tired and hungover with the intention of getting up early today in advance of a phone call with the recruiter. I got up at 7.30 as planned but I barely slept all night as I kept thinking about potential interview questions. I might also have been dehydrated from the previous night's activities.

I was absolutely exhausted when I got up and felt like not bothering at all with the interview. The phone call with the recruiter woke me up a bit. Due to heavy snow my friend couldn't take me in her car to see where the interview will take place so I went on the bus. I just missed the one I intended to get and spent ages being gassed by passive smokers in the bus stop. The office is actually not as remote as I'd thought and is close to lots of shops. Also, the recruiter said that the interviewer is a very creative women and will be looking for an interestng character. That I can be but I don't want to turn it on too much so that I'm not taken seriously. That actually gives me more confidence for the interview in that I can hopefully refer to my creative side and use humour to get points across. Tomorrow's entry might start with me questioning why I thought it was appropriate to make certain remarks in an interview.

Once I knew where the office was I stopped for coffee, walked round the the outlet centre and took the bus home. I felt like falling asleep on the bus and took a lie down as soon as I got in. I laid down to the soothing sounds of John Martyn

I feel prepared as I can be for tomorrow. Let's see how it goes.

Work without work

I didn't have time to write anything yesterday. I had intended to have a lie-in but I got a call about an interview at 9.30. Still being half asleep I was almost too keen in accepting an interview today but I soon said that Friday would be better. As planned, I spent the afternoon at my friend's house and also had to tell another friend that I would have to cancel going out tonight. However, he said he could come over last night instead so that meant that in between playing football in the evening I had to rush around getting ready to go out when he arrived. We were out til pretty late at night. I wasn't too chipper this morning.

I've spent much of today prepping for Friday's interview. I've read up on the company and have made notes for potential questions. I have a prep interview over the phone tomorrow so I've had to get pretty prepared already despite the fact that I was hungover today and might have had a siesta if I didn't have more to do.

I'll have to get up really early tomorrow to finish my prep. It will be quite the chore. I'll also be checking the location of the office either on my bike or in a friend's car. The location and salary will be a major factor in the job - should I even be successful in getting an offer.

Here's some things I probably won't say in an interview situation:

Who Let The Dogs Out?

I thought about going out to watch the Liverpool game tonight. I thought it would be good to get out of the house and to have a few beers but when it got to the time I couldn't be bothered standing in a pub for a couple of hours so I tried to watch it here. None of the streams would work. Seems like the EPL is cracking down. At time of writing I don't regret not going out because it's 0-0.
I heard back from a job pretty quickly today but it was in too remote a location and I wasn't actually qualified to do the job but it was good to hear something quickly. I've still got another couple of jobs in the pipeline and it just depends if I can get to the next stage.
Got an afternoon planned with a friend tomorrow. We're probably going to watch and laugh at Willow. In the evening I hope to return to playing football. I don't expect to be any good but I should enjoy the run out. Hmmm, that makes me sounds like a caged canine.