Week 8 - Guess Who, Growing Up and The Crown

Guess Who

This section refers to the age old classic board game named 'Guess Who'. I know your all thinking "a very random heading" for such an intellectual blog and level headed blogger. Well, it is random but I put it in for this reason. Having gone over to my sisters to see my 2 nieces, the eldest, Evie (now 4), wanted to play me at her new favourite game 'Guess Who' (this game is comprehensively better than her previous weeks game of 'Barbie Weddings' and the week before's game called 'Furniture Weddings', where different forms of furniture get married, enthralling stuff when the table marries the sofa :s). She is growing up fast.

So anyway, after cooking a tuna steak and garlic mash tea (had to add this in to point out my culinary prowess) we played the game. Firstly, she only picks a card that is a girl as she "doesn't like boys", therefore straight away I am thinking I am onto a winner and put all the boys down (she will never know). She asks me if 'I am a boy', I answer 'yes, I am a boy and so is my person', she ignores my subtle wit, maybe as she is 4 or maybe because it was too quick for her. So she asks me if she puts the boys down, I say 'no, leave the boys up'. I have a go, then its her go. Bearing in mind she has about 12 boys to pick from she just comes out with 'you have Sam'. I did have Sam. She won, comfortably. The morale of the story is don't let a 4 year old 'randomly' pick you a card/person, 4 year olds can cheat aswell and that you should never underestimate a 4 year old who claims not to know how to play a game, they know and they will win.

Growing Up

I don't want to grow up, its a fact of life. It upsets me when I see people write statuses about going to the Leadmill (Sheffield) on a Monday night. That used to be my life but not anymore. The next stage of my life is to buy a house (along with a new car), may aswell spend the money in one go. I went and looked at a few houses this week. I know I need to commit to buying but I just can't, I want to rent and be a student all my life. My liver would disagree with this and so would my body but its the truth. I also have a slight glimmer left inside me that still wants to travel. Its an on going dilemma.

The Crown

This section will be of little interest to anyone but it has made me happy. Having changed football pubs to 'The Crown', we have played 2 games and won them both 3-0. There is nothing more satisfying than getting a clean sheet as a defender, unless you score which for me is unlikely this season as I am currently on -2 for the season. UP THE CROWN!

Song of the Week - Bastille - Pompeii

Bastille are a band that I have already harped on about over the last few weeks but for a good reason - they are brilliant. Such an easy listening tune, with great vocals once again. Cannot wait to see these AGAIN in a few weeks. I am starting to think these are my new obsession taking over from the mighty Little Comets.

One for the oldies........ WHAT A TUNE (see below):

The picture says it all.

Quote of the Week

Week 7 - The Council, Taybarns and Work Stresses

Taybarns

I started the week off by taking a very rare visit to the all you can eat buffet near Barnsley called 'Taybarns'. For anyone who has any level of standards when it comes to food then I would strongly recommend you stay away from this establishment. If you think this horse meat scandal is bad then you should have see the burgers at this place. It was literally like a Noah's Ark stab in the dark on what was in their burgers. On a global scale though this was NEIGHwhere near as bad as the horse meat scandal. Bu dum che (sound made when you make a very poor joke). This was followed by a few games of snooker, in which I won them all, I don't need to brag but I am the best.

Work Stresses

I really enjoy my job, 75% of the time, most of this week has been the other 25%. All day meetings with our biggest Belgian customer about a new problem was the low point. Having to constantly be alert to answer in depth and off the cuff questions can put a strain on the mind, especially when the customers first language is NOT English. I guess the saying "It's tough at the top" is extremely appropriate in this case. Basically, these meetings and follow up report writing days are where you earn your dollar, the stress has to be second nature. Work is tough but I am grateful for my job, it allows my to have a great lifestyle.

The Council Meeting - Southport Week 2

It was Katey Breen's birthday on Saturday so I went to my second home, Southport again this weekend for the celebrations with five of 'The Council' members. We had an amazing meal at the Hesketh, did a lot of holiday reminiscing had a few drinks then all got really tired at the grand old time of - midnight. The meal I had was steak and ale with a mixed platter starter. Sian was majorly hungover, the result can be seen below, along with our extreme party celebrations.......NAAT!

The next morning it was Breen's 23rd birthday, woo. We all went for late breakfast, well at like half one in the afternoon. I had curly fries and chicken pieces, continental breakfast its called in Southport. We gave Katey a Pandora charm for her birthday. It was a charm that looked like a mini house and had 37 engraved on it from our Uni house days. She got emotional, everyone wins. Great couple of days away, again!




Songs of the Week

Thrift Shop - Macklemore. Probably the most unlikely song that I would recommend on this blog but I love it. The lyrics are terrible but the backing track is quality and you can't help but dance when it comes on. Make your own mind up but its a winner for me.

Chocolate - 1975. I first saw this band a few years ago. They supported one of my favourite bands, the Little Comets in Leeds. They were called 'Drive Like I Do' at the time and have since changed their name a few times. Having now settled on '1975' they have some really good songs. Other tunes by them include: You and Sex. The draw of the song for me lies in the inability to work out the lyrics but it just works.

Quote of the Week:

Week 6 - Kos, Two Door and Sowwie

Gig Review - Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille and Swim Deep

I have had a total mind blank for Tuesday and Wednesday so I will go straight to a gig which I have had booked for a few months now on Thursday. Three of my favourite current bands, all on in one show in Leeds, it couldn't be missed. 

Travelled to Leeds met up with ET and headed to the gig. Entered the gig as Swim Deep were lazily playing one of their slow, melodic; yet strangely addictive songs. All members were wearing oversized jumpers and had long 'Kurt Cobain' style hair. They finish with their small hit - King City, watch below:

Swim Deep are followed by another up and coming band, Bastille, who had the audiences' attention from the off with their song 'Flaws', which I had in one of my blogs a few weeks ago. All the audience are swaying as the lead singer bounces about the stage with his Grimmy style hair. They finish on the re-make of a classic 'Of the Night' they slyly rename it after the classic 'Rhythm of the Night'. Everyone is bouncing now and singing along. They are one to watch for sure.

Finally, Two Door enter the stage and kick off with a song off their new album, with a great light show in tow. Every song has a catchy riff, with a few highlights including someone wearing a Star Trek eye visa, a man falling over and my mate scaring some 16 year old girls (that's when you know your old, when younger people stare, turn away and laugh), rather him than me. They had some large balls flying about which were......big but all in all they disappointed me. Their songs are too similar, they will be a third album flop band unless they change their direction. Subway, reminiscing about the 'Magnum Crash Lady' (long story short, my mate crashed into a woman and she got out of the car eating a Magnum Ice Cream), drive home and then bed.....very late.

Southport and 2013 Holiday

Friday and Saturday involved a visit to the seaside to see one of my best mates who has just had an ACL operation. I get spoilt rotten by his family and they make me feel like one their own, they are a great group of people, I am so lucky to know them. We watched Soccer Saturday whilst failing at betting, had amazing meals, watched films and had an unbelievable Chinese meal, great spin table. 

Finally, I met up with 'the leaf' and we went with Martin to book our holiday. After ruling out Croatia for funding issues we finally, after shopping around, landed at Kos Town. The end of August. Cannot wait. Third year in a row we have gone away now, every year its been amazing, I expect nothing less this year.

BEFORE                                                                   AFTER

Comedy Moment of the Weekend - Whilst putting Martin's crutches in Katey's car, I walked round the back only for Katey to drive off, leaving me looking like a tool on the side of the road. You had to be there but it was funny, well for them two at least.

Sunday involved the end of the Badger, a pub I have played football for, for the last 4 years. Quite emotional as we gave Julie, Owen and Liz some presents as a thanks for their help. The end of an era, I think so.

Week 5 - Dogs, Thai Curry and Day Sesh

A Method to Lose Weight

I have decided the best yet most uncontrollable way to lose weight for all you tubbies is......wait for it......get ill. I managed to lose half a stone in 4 days by not eating and staying in bed all weekend. Admittedly, it isn't the most healthy way to lose weight but it does work. I should copyright this shiz.

A Method to Gain Weight

When you are 75% feeling better again, then eat crap, this will help you gain sufficient weight to do daily tasks such as walking down the stairs and fetching the blog roll. Another way is to cook up a delicious Thai Green Curry (with noodles and honey chicken), I would say so far this has been my favourite cooked meal so far. The satisfaction of making the curry paste from scratch made it challenging but worthwhile.

Blurry Weekend

Its worrying when your discussing drinking with your mates and you say "I haven't had alcohol in ages", then finding out it was 2 weeks ago that you got drunk and would have only been a week if you hadn't been ill. Oh well, have fun while your young and all that. So on Friday I got some free tickets (including food and alcohol) to the dogs at the last minute thanks to the brother in law. This inevitably lead to losing every bet on every race then going out after and spending even more money. Great night though. I thought I had seen the last of the dogs at the races when I left, this wasn't true as they managed to get into Babylon, 35% certain I was dancing to Spice Girls with a few of them, I am proud of this.

Saturday involved an extremely early Maccy D's, a slightly later Maccy D's, a film (Bullet to the Head) which was truly awful and then an early-ish night. You know your tired when you fall asleep half way through MOTD (Match of the Day, in the rare chance that a female is reading this).

Sunday was meant to be the big send off for the Bull and Badger Pub after the sad news of closure this week. It was a big send off but next week is now the final day of trading. Had some great times in there over the last 5 years, mainly laughing at the resident entertainer, see below a clip of his antics Sunday night (comedy gold):

Evans Dancing - Poker Dot Face

Song of the Week

Foals - My Number

It doesn't get much better for the Foals. Only a few weeks ago, Greg James copied me with their other recent hit (Inhaler) as his song of the week. This time Grimmy from Radio 1 has done the same with this catchy number. Holy Fire - their new album is released on the 11th of Feb, a must have for any Indie-Pop lovers. A foot tapping start, followed by an outstanding bassline along with catchy vocals. Very similar to Inhaler but if you succeed, then carry on. This is not an infamous quote, just drivvle from my mouth (keyboard).

Quote of the Week:

Week 4 - Birthday Week, the World's Food and Django

BELOW: Birthday Week, Film of the Week, Song of the Week, Quote of the Week and Overuse of the Week: of the Week.

25th Birthday Week - A World of Food

After last weekends Sushi special in Leeds I carried on with the theme of foods from different countries throughout my birthday week. I understand to most people this section (maybe the whole blog) will not be interesting if you don't like food but how I see it is, everyone should 'Open up their minds to a world of different foods' and everyone has to eat.

Monday - the mother cooked me a birthday Monday night English roast, which as always was amazing.

Tuesday - the family went out to a Turkish restaurant called Zeugma's (http://www.zeugmaiki.com/userrestaurants/preview). Unbelievable food, especially the filo pastry with feta cheese filling starter. A highlight of the night was the Turkish music which my dad (mildly racist) seemed to abuse out loud constantly throughout the meal at a high volume as he 'couldn't hear a bloody thing' and commented 'this music is shit'. Although, he did try Halloumi.

Wednesday - I went round to the sisters house to see the two nieces (secretly just wanted to play marriage time with Barbie and Ken), where the brother in law cooked a few Spanish Tapas dishes. Patatas Bravas, Garlic Bread, Mushrooms, Courgette and Spicy Chicken Skewers were on the menu. Very, very nice.

Thursday - went to Chiquito's for a Mexican feast involving Chicken, Pepper and Choritzo Kebabs and Nacho's for starters. Want to hear a joke - What did the Mexican policeman say to the cheese thief? THAT'S NACHO CHEESE! Brilliant eh! Thanks to Sian for that one. After the meal I went to see the film: DJANGO UNCHAINED (see below in film of the week).

Friday - the final meal of the week was at the local Indian restaurant called Bay of Bengal (http://www.bayofbengalsheffield.co.uk/). I would highly recommend anyone who likes Indian's to visit, it was delicious. I had the Muroogh Jalfrezi with Keema Rice and Nan. It was nice but I over-egged it with how much heat I can take, it was an eye watering experience. Then the snow came down which ruined the night out but this was a blessing in disguise as I had felt ill all day. This illness has carried on all weekend, with me leaving my bed for about 4 hours all weekend to fetch water and drugs (the medicinal type).

Film of the Week: Django Unchained by Quentin Tarantino

As you can see in the trailer above, its another classic by Tarantino. If you liked Pulp Fiction you will love this piece of genius which takes you back to a time when slave trade was common and so was the word 'N****r' which is widely used as you will see. It drags on at times and could cut about an hour out where Jamie Foxx is riding a horse but that adds to the dramatic side as it keeps you on your toes as to what will happen next. 

My highlight was the brilliant Samuel L Jackson who plays an interesting character who will have you in hysterics. He is in my top 3 actors for sure.

Song of the Week - Safe and Sound by Capital City

A song which was released in 2011 by a band I know little about. I found it via spotify which for anyone who enjoys music should download straight away and utilise the 'Play Artist Radio' which basically just sees that you like an artist and creates a random plalyist similar to Genius for Itunes but a lot lot better.

Quote of the Week

"I went to a karaoke bar last night that didn’t play any 70′s music…at first I was afraid, oh I was petrified." Stewart Francis 

Week 3 - Birthday Sushi, Call Lane and Snow

With the snow causing chaos, all 2cms of it, its been a quiet week until my birthday weekend this weekend. For the last three years I have done an Otley run, which for anyone who doesn't know is basically one long road with 18 bars on, it gets "completed" in fancy dress. Last year the theme was 'Pairs' (I went as a pair of tits), then the year before it was 'Half and Half' (I went as half Jacko white and half as black), controversial but most people enjoyed it. OAP's, Crayons, Trapeze artists are other fancy dress outfits I have worn on the Otley run.

Anyway, so even though it was freezing, the Little Tokyo restaurant was amazing. I had a mixed sushi box and had my first try of Sake, not to mention the best version of Japanese 'Happy Birthday' ever, in which bringing out a firework stuck in some cream was topped off by a guy shining a very bright flashlight at the group. Most surreal experience ever. Just to go back to Sake, it was warm, it was horrendous, if you have a choice make sure you 'Sake' it off if asked to try it. Standard night out, with the 80's tunes and classic one hit wonders in Jakes Bar, Leeds and rum on tap. Third night out running where I haven't had a hangover, maybe I am evolving so my body can now cope with alcohol? Doubt it but maybe there is hope for us all.

Box hangover (not for me) meal then head home to prepare for reality once again. I have the best mates, the council, as Martin named us.

Song of the Week

KING CHARLES - LOVE LUST

This band have gone under the radar for the last few years but having got their album, created in 2010, this week I had to share this song. Very mainstream Indie but catchy beats, riffs and an interesting set of lyrics. They also team up with one of my favourite bands (Mumford and Sons) to perform a song called 'The Brightest Lights'. Worth a listen as it incorporates Mumford's country spin and King Charles' pleasant tune making. Other songs: Love Blood and Bam Bam.

Quote of the Week: "You have big sheds, but nobody’s allowed in, and inside these big sheds are twenty-foot high chickens. Because of all the chemicals you put in them. And these chickens are scared. They don’t know why they’re so big. They go “oh why am I so massive?” And they’re looking down on all the other little chickens, and they think they’re in an aeroplane because all the other chickens are so small… do you deny that?" Alan Partridge

Week 2 - An Inability to do 3 Days Drinking and BASTILLE

Four For the Week

As promised I will do a small section on my 'Four For the Week', a good pun which basically is just four really good songs, obviously in my opinion but have a listen and see what you think.

1) BASTILLE - OF THE NIGHT - get the bass turned up for this remix of a classic, if it doesn't make your foot tap then I can't help you, musically or generally in life. This tune is part of Bastille's free mix tapes which you can get from their website (www.bastillebastille.com), which involve other classics such as 'No Scrubs' all mixed in an alternative way. Have a listen, see what you think. Other decent tunes: Flaws, Overjoyed, Bad Blood.

2) FOALS - INHALER - this is the newest tune of the eagerly anticipated new album. The song is in a totally different direction to their previous albums, with a high pitched vocal, catchy bass line and all round tune (really in depth analysis I know). Greg James on Radio One has also followed my lead and made it his record of the week. Other decent tunes: Cassius, Blue Blood, Spanish Sahara.

3) EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - KEMOSABE - different. That's how I would expertly summarise this song and this band in general. Eclectic beats and an indistinguishable vocal performance in which making out the words is fairly impossible but adds to the pleasure of the song. Other decent tunes: Cough Cough, Schoolin, Photoshop Handsome.

4) PEACE - BLOODSHAKE - retro style, baggy clothing, long hair and these lazy tones makes Peace a band who resemble similarities between themselves and 'Swim Deep'. An Indie-Retro pop tune which will get you boogying (I need to work on my analysing skills). Other decent tunes: Wraith.

Nearing a Milestone

"Spontaneous behaviour is what makes people individuals". A quote by ones self. As I near the big two five, I headed into the weekend with zero plans apart from continuing to play football with a knee not to similar to Ledley King's. 

However, I decided to meet up with and old friend and have a spontaneous weekend involving Leeds, Leadmill, Wagamama's, alcohol. Not going to lie, it's been amazing, took me back to Uni days with no work worries and meeting up with 'the council'. Although, we failed to do 3 days in a row of drinking due to sleep deprivation. Tomorrow, back to reality......woop there goes gravity (god knows if these are the words). 

Anyone wishing to cry at the cinema, then go and see 'The Impossible'. A great film but shockingly graphic and touching, worth a watch though. Take tissues.

Quote of the week: "When going in for a hug as a witty remark I am going to start saying out loud 'Going for the Hugular'" - Myself (I was thinking about hugging not killing at the time).