Mike (best dressed in my opinion) and Kat
Friday, May 19, 2006
George Orwell would be turning in his grave...
Just had a quiet moment at work so I thought I'd cast my eye over this years UK Big Brother contestants. Oh dear. It would have been painful to spend the next 3 months watching round the clock coverage of those tossers. Which, I'm big enough to admit, I would have definitely done.
I'll just have to settle for spending a couple of hours a day reading about it on the interweb.
Groome, have you finished your giant heart-shaped Shahbaz banner yet? Or is Richard more your cup of tea?
I'll just have to settle for spending a couple of hours a day reading about it on the interweb.
Groome, have you finished your giant heart-shaped Shahbaz banner yet? Or is Richard more your cup of tea?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
To kill a mocking bird...
Due to technical difficulties there's been a delay in getting my photos up from the party at the weekend.
So, to keep Boz from having to do too much work I'll babble on about my latest sporting excursion...indoor cricket.
Hamish (Kat's fella) asked me if I fancied a game on Sunday evening, so I went along to try and quench my thirst for competitive sport, with absolutely no idea what happens or how it worked. In summary, the game is 16 overs per side on a full size pitch, there are 8 players on each team each of whom bowls 2 overs and bats for 4. The court is about...hang on, I'm boring myself. For those who give a rats batty about how big the court is, how you score runs etc then look HERE
We bowled first and the opposition scored 122. Fielding is quite tricky - the game moves pretty quickly and it's quite an enclosed space. I was suffering with a horrendous hangover from the party and hadn't eaten since lunch time on the Saturday. So my performance in the field was more Sends'emback than Collingwood. I did however keep my bowling surprisingly straight and only went for 6 runs in each of my overs.
Our run chase started spectacularly well, then went spectacularly wrong, so by the time me and Hamish went in as the 3rd partnership things were looking bleak. It took me a while to get my eye in but I ended up doing ok scoring 10 of our 37 runs together.
We ended up losing, but it was a good laugh and something I'll hopefully be doing regularly. They really should have something like this in England - you don't need pads or any equipment...bats/balls/gloves are provided and they have several courts in one indoor place (about half the size of jjb). Maybe a business idea for some of you over there - cash in whilst the public is still riding on the waves of last years ashes euphoria.
So, to keep Boz from having to do too much work I'll babble on about my latest sporting excursion...indoor cricket.
Hamish (Kat's fella) asked me if I fancied a game on Sunday evening, so I went along to try and quench my thirst for competitive sport, with absolutely no idea what happens or how it worked. In summary, the game is 16 overs per side on a full size pitch, there are 8 players on each team each of whom bowls 2 overs and bats for 4. The court is about...hang on, I'm boring myself. For those who give a rats batty about how big the court is, how you score runs etc then look HERE
We bowled first and the opposition scored 122. Fielding is quite tricky - the game moves pretty quickly and it's quite an enclosed space. I was suffering with a horrendous hangover from the party and hadn't eaten since lunch time on the Saturday. So my performance in the field was more Sends'emback than Collingwood. I did however keep my bowling surprisingly straight and only went for 6 runs in each of my overs.
Our run chase started spectacularly well, then went spectacularly wrong, so by the time me and Hamish went in as the 3rd partnership things were looking bleak. It took me a while to get my eye in but I ended up doing ok scoring 10 of our 37 runs together.
We ended up losing, but it was a good laugh and something I'll hopefully be doing regularly. They really should have something like this in England - you don't need pads or any equipment...bats/balls/gloves are provided and they have several courts in one indoor place (about half the size of jjb). Maybe a business idea for some of you over there - cash in whilst the public is still riding on the waves of last years ashes euphoria.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Lousy, talentless, wouldn't know a good extra if he came up and slapped them in the face...
I received my cheque from the film company today. Although I was delighted to get quite a decent chunk of cash for doing not all that much, it was only the flat rate.
What this means is that I'm not going to have an elongated close up on the ad and am probably not in it at all.
Bugger.
What this means is that I'm not going to have an elongated close up on the ad and am probably not in it at all.
Bugger.
England squad announced...
Not much to say really as I'm pretty happy with the selection.
31 and a half days to go...
31 and a half days to go...
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Boom, shake shake shake the room
Panic and confusion hit New Zealand this morning but fortunately nothing else. The strongest earthquake of the year hit off the coast of Tonga in the early hours. Apparently NZ civil defence was told about this but decided not to mention anything and left if to foreign media sources to break the news that a dangerous Tsunami was scheduled to hit the NZ coastline at 6.20am.
As it turns out there was no Tsunami but it's good to know the authorities are on the ball.
Luckily there doesn't appear to be human casualties other than someone in a Tongan hotel who, when the tremour struck, panicked and threw himself out of his 3rd floor window. He's now in hospital.
As it turns out there was no Tsunami but it's good to know the authorities are on the ball.
Luckily there doesn't appear to be human casualties other than someone in a Tongan hotel who, when the tremour struck, panicked and threw himself out of his 3rd floor window. He's now in hospital.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
End of a goal-den age...
Sad news recently, the legend has announced his retirement from the professional game. No, I'm not talking about myself, I mean the one and only Alan Shearer. No longer will we see the famous celebration...
(This was after scoring in the 5-0 against Man Utd)
By way of a small tribute to the England player who's given me the most footballing joy since I was old enough to care, here are my top 3 favourite SHEARER related memories. Feel free to comment, contest or offer your own if you will. But be warned...any blasphemous comments will be deleted (and I'm talking mainly to the faux-Mancs like Millhouse and Smaje, and the faux-Welsh like Lunt)
3....England vs. Germany (Euro 2000 group game)
A group of us (me, Andy, James, Pete, Groome, Mike and Boz) were at the airport early on the day of the game as we were flying to Amsterdam for a couple of weeks touring Holland and Belgium during the tournament. Disaster struck though, and all flights we grounded due to some computer glitch.
After a couple of hours of mad panic we got ourselves on flights for the next day and managed to crash in Liverpool with the uni lot (Haggis/Merv/Jose/Dunc I think). We made it to the boozer in time for the game too - a load of us decked out in England shirts, carrying flags. The locals didn't seem to mind though and we got a free sausage and chips feed before the match.
Captain, number 9 and hero then headed the only goal of the game and the resulting party in Liverpool was one of the best ever. My last memory was watching a few of the group conga-ing round the dancefloor with the St George's flag lofted high.
2....Kavos, Corfu (1999)
I think this followed an England game but I can't quite remember. The location is Kavos High Street, in a bar called TJ Hookers, the people were me, Andy, James, Pete, Mike, Chris, Breeny and Raz and the drink was a pint of headfrigger (although the bar gave it a slightly different name). With DJ Tourette spinning the tunes and MCing in his own special way..."How you bloody f-ing doing tonight you virgins??"...someone came up with a drinking game. We had to take it in turns to sing a football song about Shearer, and if you couldn't manage it then you had to down your pint in one. Considering the ingredients for this pint were about 9 parts various spirits, 1 part mixed fruit juice, this was a strict punishment. And rightly so.
Round the group it went, with a variety of the usual songs, adapted to fit Shearer's name in, until someone (Breeny maybe) managed to invent a song. Probably not in the original rules of the game but it was so good it had to count (I think I'd need permission of the composer to post the lyrics). I think I was last (again, can't remember), and I'm fairly sure I was panicking but by the time it got round to me no one had used the only chant that ever gets sung about him...."SHEARER, SHEARER" so I survived.
Funnily enough, I don't think anyone pulled that night.
1....England vs. Holland (Euro 96 group game)
We gathered to watch this match in the greatest pub in Britain - the Tut'n'Shive in Donny. It was the final group game and a draw would have been enough to see us through as group winners. However, the Dutch were third favourites for the tournament and we hadn't played all that great up to that point, so tension was high. England went on to put in arguably their greatest ever performance as Shearer's impeccably taken penalty spurred them on to a magnificent 4-1 win.
The highlight of the game was England's third goal. On 57 minutes, Gascoigne received the ball from McManaman before passing a Dutch defender on the left wing - he passed the ball inside to Teddy Sheringham who squared to an unmarked Shearer. The legend duly crashed the ball into the top corner, grazing a post on the way and sending the whole nation into a frenzy. This was typified in the Tut'n'Shive where a local simply threw his hands up in ecstasy releasing his full (plastic) pint glass which looped in a high arc and landed perfectly on to Dave Santiuste's head. I can still hear the commentator (Martin Tyler I believe) scream "SHEARER!!!!!!!!" when he hit home. Thinking about that split second makes realise what Martine McCutcheon was making such a fuss about.
(This was after scoring in the 5-0 against Man Utd)By way of a small tribute to the England player who's given me the most footballing joy since I was old enough to care, here are my top 3 favourite SHEARER related memories. Feel free to comment, contest or offer your own if you will. But be warned...any blasphemous comments will be deleted (and I'm talking mainly to the faux-Mancs like Millhouse and Smaje, and the faux-Welsh like Lunt)
3....England vs. Germany (Euro 2000 group game)
A group of us (me, Andy, James, Pete, Groome, Mike and Boz) were at the airport early on the day of the game as we were flying to Amsterdam for a couple of weeks touring Holland and Belgium during the tournament. Disaster struck though, and all flights we grounded due to some computer glitch.
After a couple of hours of mad panic we got ourselves on flights for the next day and managed to crash in Liverpool with the uni lot (Haggis/Merv/Jose/Dunc I think). We made it to the boozer in time for the game too - a load of us decked out in England shirts, carrying flags. The locals didn't seem to mind though and we got a free sausage and chips feed before the match.
Captain, number 9 and hero then headed the only goal of the game and the resulting party in Liverpool was one of the best ever. My last memory was watching a few of the group conga-ing round the dancefloor with the St George's flag lofted high.
2....Kavos, Corfu (1999)
I think this followed an England game but I can't quite remember. The location is Kavos High Street, in a bar called TJ Hookers, the people were me, Andy, James, Pete, Mike, Chris, Breeny and Raz and the drink was a pint of headfrigger (although the bar gave it a slightly different name). With DJ Tourette spinning the tunes and MCing in his own special way..."How you bloody f-ing doing tonight you virgins??"...someone came up with a drinking game. We had to take it in turns to sing a football song about Shearer, and if you couldn't manage it then you had to down your pint in one. Considering the ingredients for this pint were about 9 parts various spirits, 1 part mixed fruit juice, this was a strict punishment. And rightly so.
Round the group it went, with a variety of the usual songs, adapted to fit Shearer's name in, until someone (Breeny maybe) managed to invent a song. Probably not in the original rules of the game but it was so good it had to count (I think I'd need permission of the composer to post the lyrics). I think I was last (again, can't remember), and I'm fairly sure I was panicking but by the time it got round to me no one had used the only chant that ever gets sung about him...."SHEARER, SHEARER" so I survived.
Funnily enough, I don't think anyone pulled that night.
1....England vs. Holland (Euro 96 group game)
We gathered to watch this match in the greatest pub in Britain - the Tut'n'Shive in Donny. It was the final group game and a draw would have been enough to see us through as group winners. However, the Dutch were third favourites for the tournament and we hadn't played all that great up to that point, so tension was high. England went on to put in arguably their greatest ever performance as Shearer's impeccably taken penalty spurred them on to a magnificent 4-1 win.
The highlight of the game was England's third goal. On 57 minutes, Gascoigne received the ball from McManaman before passing a Dutch defender on the left wing - he passed the ball inside to Teddy Sheringham who squared to an unmarked Shearer. The legend duly crashed the ball into the top corner, grazing a post on the way and sending the whole nation into a frenzy. This was typified in the Tut'n'Shive where a local simply threw his hands up in ecstasy releasing his full (plastic) pint glass which looped in a high arc and landed perfectly on to Dave Santiuste's head. I can still hear the commentator (Martin Tyler I believe) scream "SHEARER!!!!!!!!" when he hit home. Thinking about that split second makes realise what Martine McCutcheon was making such a fuss about.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Strike a pose...
Not content with being the drunken photo star of 3 barely read blogs I've now got my mug (along with 2 other reprobates) on the website for the big swim race that went on last weekend...
last one on 12th row
last one on 12th row
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Oh dear...
Me, Chris, Jessica and Leanne...
The true sign of a good snakky session...inappropriate embraces
The true sign of a good snakky session...inappropriate embraces
Lunt - these proof enough that I am not an imposter?...
Shane and me. We'd had a few drinks by this stage you know...
And the award for most drunk goes too...
Me and Leanne showing off her and Jessica's medals. I wasn't planning on giving it back easily...
Textbook v's...
We moved on to the Dogs Bollix to listen and sing along to a couple of guys playing guitar.
Then on to a bar where my arm wasn't stamped so I've no idea what it was called. More beers/shooters/cocktails here and by about 3 it was time to stumble in to a taxi and go home.
Chris, Si and my ever so funny self...
Then on to a bar where my arm wasn't stamped so I've no idea what it was called. More beers/shooters/cocktails here and by about 3 it was time to stumble in to a taxi and go home.
Chris, Si and my ever so funny self...
Snakky beneath the St George...
There was only one proper way to celebrate the girls' achievements - Snakebite Sunday.
We started with champagne and soon moved on to the good stuff. Several vats later, the 4 of us were joined by Shane (Leanne's brother) and Chris (Leanne's cousin).
Shane being the legend that he is brought more ingredients with him and the snakky b's continued to flow.
Here's me excitedly tucking in my next glass...
We started with champagne and soon moved on to the good stuff. Several vats later, the 4 of us were joined by Shane (Leanne's brother) and Chris (Leanne's cousin).
Shane being the legend that he is brought more ingredients with him and the snakky b's continued to flow.
Here's me excitedly tucking in my next glass...
Monday, April 24, 2006
Mad swimmers...
It was an early start on Sunday as Leanne and her friend Jessica were competing in the King of the Bays ocean race. Leanne finished the 1k race in around 17 minutes and Jessica did the 2.8k in 54 minutes. Unbelievable times if you ask me, especially as it was pretty choppy out there...
Zoo time...
We were turfed out at 10am the next day, and the only option we had when feeling that ropey was to go and look chimps.
Game on
What an action packed weekend. Let's start from the very beginning, a very good place to start...
I met up with Si after work on Friday and we headed off to Hamilton in our hire car. We were expecting a little corolla but ended up with a pretty sporty Mitsubishi Lancer.
I'm not sure what the old couple running the hostel thought as we walked in through the door with a couple of carrier bags of booze as our only luggage. But here was our challenge, and a pretty daunting one to boot.
With virtually all bottles drained we headed in to town. We were out for what must have been about 6 hours but it felt like about 10 minutes. Probably due to the nastiest shooter I've had - the ingredients were Bacardi 151, Jagermeister, Aftershock and Tequila.
Don't really have much else to tell I'm afraid, other than the collection of teen disco stamps on my arms indicated we went to Axces, Bahama Club, Outback and Monkeyfeather.
I met up with Si after work on Friday and we headed off to Hamilton in our hire car. We were expecting a little corolla but ended up with a pretty sporty Mitsubishi Lancer.
I'm not sure what the old couple running the hostel thought as we walked in through the door with a couple of carrier bags of booze as our only luggage. But here was our challenge, and a pretty daunting one to boot.
With virtually all bottles drained we headed in to town. We were out for what must have been about 6 hours but it felt like about 10 minutes. Probably due to the nastiest shooter I've had - the ingredients were Bacardi 151, Jagermeister, Aftershock and Tequila.
Don't really have much else to tell I'm afraid, other than the collection of teen disco stamps on my arms indicated we went to Axces, Bahama Club, Outback and Monkeyfeather.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Cocktails and Dreams...
My CV took a turn for the diverse last night - I did my first shift behind a bar. Despite not having the first clue what I was doing I managed to muddle through. Thrown right in at the deep end too with my 2nd order being 2 kilkenny's, 4 murphys red, 4 murphys and a Celtic. If you hadn't guessed already it's an Irish bar.
The Jim Beam promo girls swanning around also made it an enjoyable experience.
All that vodka and redbull so close at hand....ahhhh the temptation.
Still, only a couple of hours till me and Si hit the bars of Hamilton. Expect a messy tale and some equally messy pictures by the end of the weekend...
The Jim Beam promo girls swanning around also made it an enjoyable experience.
All that vodka and redbull so close at hand....ahhhh the temptation.
Still, only a couple of hours till me and Si hit the bars of Hamilton. Expect a messy tale and some equally messy pictures by the end of the weekend...
Monday, April 17, 2006
The birthday boy does it in style...
Got sent this picture from the Heyes birthday celebrations...I think he's on his arse, at the bottom of the stairs.
Good work Heyesie
Good work Heyesie
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Notices
Happy Birthday Heyesie...
Again I'm missing out on the celebrations, which will no doubt look something a little like this...
Again I'm missing out on the celebrations, which will no doubt look something a little like this...
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Notices
Happy Birthday Dad!
Sorry that I'm not there to celebrate it with you. The best I could do was a "hilarious" card and to put this family picture up on the net. Enjoy the day...
Sorry that I'm not there to celebrate it with you. The best I could do was a "hilarious" card and to put this family picture up on the net. Enjoy the day...
Friday, April 14, 2006
Happy Easter
When Jesus gave up the fags for 40 days and 40 nights then stuffed himself to bursting on chocolate eggs he probably didn't know we'd still be celebrating it a couple of thousand of years later.
Have a great few days off work everyone...
(Sorry for this post Mum. To make things worse I've only got meat in the fridge for dinner)
Have a great few days off work everyone...
(Sorry for this post Mum. To make things worse I've only got meat in the fridge for dinner)
Relax people...
I bought booze in yesterday, so I'll be able to spend Friday night watching the rugby (yawn) with a few bottles of Becks (yippee).
In other news, Si had his head shaved the other day after about 4 months of growing it. Fortunately I managed to get this picture on my phone of his sumo do before it disappeared....
In other news, Si had his head shaved the other day after about 4 months of growing it. Fortunately I managed to get this picture on my phone of his sumo do before it disappeared....
Thursday, April 13, 2006
It's the weekend...
Well, I've finished reading the 72nd best book in the world. I enjoyed it. Not sure why though, it's about an awkward, socially inept character who's good at maths. Hmmm.
Anyway, Easter is upon us. 4 days off work but some strange licensing laws over here are trying to dictate it to be a dry weekend. On Friday and Sunday Pubs/clubs are shut and NOWHERE sells alcohol apparently. Which also means everywhere shuts at midnight on Thursday and Saturday.
Disgrace.
Anyway, Easter is upon us. 4 days off work but some strange licensing laws over here are trying to dictate it to be a dry weekend. On Friday and Sunday Pubs/clubs are shut and NOWHERE sells alcohol apparently. Which also means everywhere shuts at midnight on Thursday and Saturday.
Disgrace.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Notices
Dan Lane, one of the Staffordshire University gang, has done what social services would have recommended he shouldn't had they seen him hunched over a littlewoods catalogue with a pair of scissors that time...he's become a father.
Here is a picture of young Joshua who weighed in at 9lb 9. Congratulations to the Lane family!...
Here is a picture of young Joshua who weighed in at 9lb 9. Congratulations to the Lane family!...
Book worm
I was just in Whitcoulls (the NZ equivalent of WH Smith's) and discovered that I've only read 7 of their top 100 books of all time (numbers 2, 11, 21, 25, 27, 46 and 91 if you were wondering).
That's a mere 7%. Pretty poor, I'm sure you'll agree. If only I was a Harry Potter fan I would have near on doubled my tally.
I've been reading quite a lot since I got here so decided to get a new book. I was torn between "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and "Birdsong". I've recently read quite a depressing, but excellent one (The Lovely Bones) so decided to leave the WWI book for now and throw $25 at the weird dog one.
I knew I should have nicked that from Acres' house when I had the chance.
That's a mere 7%. Pretty poor, I'm sure you'll agree. If only I was a Harry Potter fan I would have near on doubled my tally.
I've been reading quite a lot since I got here so decided to get a new book. I was torn between "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and "Birdsong". I've recently read quite a depressing, but excellent one (The Lovely Bones) so decided to leave the WWI book for now and throw $25 at the weird dog one.
I knew I should have nicked that from Acres' house when I had the chance.
I have in my hand a piece of paper...
Actually, I have several and they all grant admission to the Arctic Monkeys gig here in July.
The tickets are for standing in a venue which holds no more than 1000 people. I presume I'll be about 10 years over the average age there, but bothered, I'm from Donny so will have more in common with the band than anyone else there I reckon.
I need to be drunk enough to start a "Don-cast-er, la-la-la" chant.
The tickets are for standing in a venue which holds no more than 1000 people. I presume I'll be about 10 years over the average age there, but bothered, I'm from Donny so will have more in common with the band than anyone else there I reckon.
I need to be drunk enough to start a "Don-cast-er, la-la-la" chant.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
OhMyGod OhMyGod OhMyGod OhMyGod OhMyGod
Artcic....Monkeys.....St James Theatre.....Auckland......Friday July 28th......
Actually, I'm curious - how is this band doing over in England? I'd guess that they're being played constantly on radio and tv and in the papers all the time. So, pretty soon, everyone will be sick of them and have moved on to gossip about the winner of Celebrity Shower Karaoke.
As far as I'm concerned some catchy tunes and fantastic lyrics. Best album I've heard in ages.
Actually, I'm curious - how is this band doing over in England? I'd guess that they're being played constantly on radio and tv and in the papers all the time. So, pretty soon, everyone will be sick of them and have moved on to gossip about the winner of Celebrity Shower Karaoke.
As far as I'm concerned some catchy tunes and fantastic lyrics. Best album I've heard in ages.
I finally got a good lesson in Auckland weather this time of year. The bad weather at the football cleared so me and Kat went for a run, setting off in sunshine with my washing drying nicely on the line outside.
After a couple of k's the clouds thickened up and an unbelievably stormy storm hit, and hit hard. It was lashing down and the sky was greyer than a grey man's cape as far as the eye could see.
We took shelter for a few minutes, then out of nowhere the skies cleared and the rest of the run was fairly pleasant.
Crowded House weren't kidding.
After a couple of k's the clouds thickened up and an unbelievably stormy storm hit, and hit hard. It was lashing down and the sky was greyer than a grey man's cape as far as the eye could see.
We took shelter for a few minutes, then out of nowhere the skies cleared and the rest of the run was fairly pleasant.
Crowded House weren't kidding.
The guys I play football with had the tournament they've been training for today.
This was a national tournament organised by their company (Danone) with the winner flying to Sydney to play off against the Australian champions. The prize for the winners of that game is entry in to the Danone World Cup which takes place in Portugal.
Obviously my input during the training games helped as Fraser (Si's mate) and the lads won a tense final 1-0 and fly off to Aussie in a few weeks.
Don't think this picture does justice to how bad the rain was
This was a national tournament organised by their company (Danone) with the winner flying to Sydney to play off against the Australian champions. The prize for the winners of that game is entry in to the Danone World Cup which takes place in Portugal.
Obviously my input during the training games helped as Fraser (Si's mate) and the lads won a tense final 1-0 and fly off to Aussie in a few weeks.
Don't think this picture does justice to how bad the rain was
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
New photos
Follow the link for a few NZ ones and a selection of pics from my leaving do...
I'll be adding a Donny boys and Watson Wyatt section soon. Excited?
I'll be adding a Donny boys and Watson Wyatt section soon. Excited?
Behind the scenes...
This post is for all you doubting thomassessessessess. I got a call from the production company on Saturday afternoon, asking if I was free for filming the next day. God damn right I was. So, at 7.30am I rolled up to the old Union Fish Company building in the city and reported for duty.
The brief was business people walking along a London street, so I was decked out pretty dapper and armed with a rain coat. I put myself forward for the first scene and got picked! No mean feat as there were only 12 of us for this shoot and there were 80 extras in total, most of which were attached to agencies. Get in.
We had to walk down the street in the rain, looking up at the sky and acting naturally. My slant on this was to talk into my mobile - this went down well and to cut a very long story every so slightly shorter, I ended up walking right to the camera and getting a lot of exposure. After each take I was talking with the director and getting some, well, direction. A lot of fun, and at the end the AD (assistant director for the laymen) took my name as if they use this shot I should get a bit of airtime...AND MORE MONEY. Totally worth getting soaked to the core.
The afternoon started really well as I got selected along with another guy to play the security guards in the airport scene. However, I wasn't in shot much in this one and essentially stood in the same place for about 4 hours.
I had a really good day all in all, drank lots of tea, ate some biscuits, had a really nice lunch and chatted to quite a lot of interesting people. The one downside though was I didn't have my camera with me - a common mistake for the novice blogger.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES....THIS AD GOES TO AIR IN THE UK ON MAY 21ST DURING CORONATION STREET.
I shall be posting several reminders and probably sending several emails - wouldn't want any of you to miss my big moment now would I?
The brief was business people walking along a London street, so I was decked out pretty dapper and armed with a rain coat. I put myself forward for the first scene and got picked! No mean feat as there were only 12 of us for this shoot and there were 80 extras in total, most of which were attached to agencies. Get in.
We had to walk down the street in the rain, looking up at the sky and acting naturally. My slant on this was to talk into my mobile - this went down well and to cut a very long story every so slightly shorter, I ended up walking right to the camera and getting a lot of exposure. After each take I was talking with the director and getting some, well, direction. A lot of fun, and at the end the AD (assistant director for the laymen) took my name as if they use this shot I should get a bit of airtime...AND MORE MONEY. Totally worth getting soaked to the core.
The afternoon started really well as I got selected along with another guy to play the security guards in the airport scene. However, I wasn't in shot much in this one and essentially stood in the same place for about 4 hours.
I had a really good day all in all, drank lots of tea, ate some biscuits, had a really nice lunch and chatted to quite a lot of interesting people. The one downside though was I didn't have my camera with me - a common mistake for the novice blogger.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES....THIS AD GOES TO AIR IN THE UK ON MAY 21ST DURING CORONATION STREET.
I shall be posting several reminders and probably sending several emails - wouldn't want any of you to miss my big moment now would I?
Notices
Someone within Watson Wyatt has seen it fit to promote this man...
...David Acres.
Congratulations Dave, who has made it to Band 3. This won't mean all that much to non-WW people, and probably not all that much to those who work with him.
I'm kidding Dave, I haven't met a more conscientious, hard-working, goal-oriented champion of the pensions industry. This promotion is well deserved and long overdue. Ahem.
...David Acres.
Congratulations Dave, who has made it to Band 3. This won't mean all that much to non-WW people, and probably not all that much to those who work with him.
I'm kidding Dave, I haven't met a more conscientious, hard-working, goal-oriented champion of the pensions industry. This promotion is well deserved and long overdue. Ahem.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
My photos...
Here is how to access my photo collection, should you want to...
1. Follow the link on the right
2. Create a yahoo sign-in (takes about a minute)
3. Once in to Flickr, do a people search for OWENLG
4. Look at photos
Currently there are just photos of my trip to NZ, but I'll be sorting out the rest soon. Have fun.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Carpet bombing...
It's getting a bit me, me, me on this site, so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all the Watson Wyatt critters the best of luck in their exams. Saves having to do it one by one.
I've just noticed how the sincerity of my wishes isn't what it used to be. Could have something to do with me now not being around to get free booze on results night I guess.
I've just noticed how the sincerity of my wishes isn't what it used to be. Could have something to do with me now not being around to get free booze on results night I guess.
Running man...
I hung up my running shoes after my one and only 10k run in November 2004. However, I have been coaxed out of retirement for the Onehunga 10k.
I need a bit of an incentive to step up the fitness regime and this is perfect (although my dodgy knees and ankles would probably tell you different).
I'm a little puzzled though when looking at the results of previous races - if I had run the same time in the 2005 race that I did in Leeds (49m 24) I would have finished 15th and in 2004 I would have finished 10th.
The course is "flat and fast" so the pressure is on to beat my previous time. Predictions please..... (that might get the comments flowing)
I need a bit of an incentive to step up the fitness regime and this is perfect (although my dodgy knees and ankles would probably tell you different).
I'm a little puzzled though when looking at the results of previous races - if I had run the same time in the 2005 race that I did in Leeds (49m 24) I would have finished 15th and in 2004 I would have finished 10th.
The course is "flat and fast" so the pressure is on to beat my previous time. Predictions please..... (that might get the comments flowing)
Saturday, March 25, 2006
And that's a rap...
or is it "wrap"? anyway, had the audition this morning and what a very strange experience it was. I have to admit that I was a suspicious alloicious about the whole thing but it was all above board. In answer to Lunt's comment, why pay a load of actors on Equity rates when you can get people off the street without agents and pay them less?
Aaanyhoo, I got there to find only a handful of people were in golf stuff and it became pretty apparent that this ad wasn't just about golfers but about everyone in England getting over excited at the prospect of a few minutes sunshine. As if.
There were about 100 of us and we all had to walk from one end of the field toward the camera acting as if we were fed up that there was no sunshine. Then at the command of the director, the sun came out and we all had to go mad, strip off (if so desired) and run around celebrating the sun.
I've just read that back to myself and would like to make a couple of things clear....
1. It wasn't a porno, and just a few people took their shirts off (men, unfortunately)
2. The director wasn't God, the sun didn't actually come out at his request.
It was a lot of fun and I think I gave myself a better chance of making the final selection of people by keeping my shirt on. They'll be reviewing the film and contacting the lucky few needed for filming sometime this week, so fingers crossed.
Aaanyhoo, I got there to find only a handful of people were in golf stuff and it became pretty apparent that this ad wasn't just about golfers but about everyone in England getting over excited at the prospect of a few minutes sunshine. As if.
There were about 100 of us and we all had to walk from one end of the field toward the camera acting as if we were fed up that there was no sunshine. Then at the command of the director, the sun came out and we all had to go mad, strip off (if so desired) and run around celebrating the sun.
I've just read that back to myself and would like to make a couple of things clear....
1. It wasn't a porno, and just a few people took their shirts off (men, unfortunately)
2. The director wasn't God, the sun didn't actually come out at his request.
It was a lot of fun and I think I gave myself a better chance of making the final selection of people by keeping my shirt on. They'll be reviewing the film and contacting the lucky few needed for filming sometime this week, so fingers crossed.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Lights, camera....
I got a call yesterday from the casting company who invited me along to an audition on Saturday morning for this golf ad. How exciting. Ryno also got the call, and when I spoke to the girl on the phone I got the distinct impression they were inviting everyone back who filled in their details.
Bothered. I'm pretty sure that this audition makes me the biggest actor to come from Doncaster since Janet Dibley.
Time to dust off those GCSE Drama monologues me thinks...
Bothered. I'm pretty sure that this audition makes me the biggest actor to come from Doncaster since Janet Dibley.
Time to dust off those GCSE Drama monologues me thinks...
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
We're 4 again...
Kat has returned home from her month-long Asian shopping trip (buying jewellry for her business), so the house is back up to full compliment. I will now get a house photo taken of us and post it up on here so you can all see the kind of freaks I live with.
One other thing - WHERE ARE THE COMMENTS???? I'm blogging my guts out for you people (sort of) and there only seems to be Lunt and occasionally a few others who ever say anything. It's time to name and shame...
Donny - there aren't any real regulars (except James), and some of you haven't commented once (Groome/Heyes). I feel hurt.
WW - Caz, Acres, Bradbury (although I'd no doubt be deleting anything he'd put up), Tranter - where are you lot?
Actually, I've just had a thought...maybe the reason there are hardly any comments is that no one actually reads this site.
Naaaah, that can't be true - it's chuffin' brilliant.
One other thing - WHERE ARE THE COMMENTS???? I'm blogging my guts out for you people (sort of) and there only seems to be Lunt and occasionally a few others who ever say anything. It's time to name and shame...
Donny - there aren't any real regulars (except James), and some of you haven't commented once (Groome/Heyes). I feel hurt.
WW - Caz, Acres, Bradbury (although I'd no doubt be deleting anything he'd put up), Tranter - where are you lot?
Actually, I've just had a thought...maybe the reason there are hardly any comments is that no one actually reads this site.
Naaaah, that can't be true - it's chuffin' brilliant.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Weekend...
It's Sunday morning and I have a stinker of a hangover.
Yesterday I got up pretty early and went for a round of golf with my housemate Ryno. This turned out to be a pretty good move as whilst we were queuing at the first tee a couple of blokes from a casting agency came up to see if we were interested in being in an advert for Boots to be screened in the UK. This got a big old yes from me so they took my details and a couple of mugshots and will get back some time this week if they want me. This could be the start of a new career don't you think? If I'm honest, the biggest attraction to getting called up would be the $200 they pay for an afternoon of standing around. Sweet.
After the golf I met up with Si and went to watch Auckland City play a top of the table clash against Youngheart Manawatu. 2-1 to the home side, not that anyone really cares.
Then we went to meet Leanne and her friend Jessica in the boozer - and here begins the journey I went on to feel so rough today. A few beers, followed by champagne at Si and Leanne's to celebrate Jessica recently qualifying as a diving instructor, followed by more beers in another boozer. I'm using the excuse of not having any dinner for knocking a pint over Jessica's leg. I've still got the magic touch with the ladies, eh?
Football in a couple of hours - I may very well pass out.
Yesterday I got up pretty early and went for a round of golf with my housemate Ryno. This turned out to be a pretty good move as whilst we were queuing at the first tee a couple of blokes from a casting agency came up to see if we were interested in being in an advert for Boots to be screened in the UK. This got a big old yes from me so they took my details and a couple of mugshots and will get back some time this week if they want me. This could be the start of a new career don't you think? If I'm honest, the biggest attraction to getting called up would be the $200 they pay for an afternoon of standing around. Sweet.
After the golf I met up with Si and went to watch Auckland City play a top of the table clash against Youngheart Manawatu. 2-1 to the home side, not that anyone really cares.
Then we went to meet Leanne and her friend Jessica in the boozer - and here begins the journey I went on to feel so rough today. A few beers, followed by champagne at Si and Leanne's to celebrate Jessica recently qualifying as a diving instructor, followed by more beers in another boozer. I'm using the excuse of not having any dinner for knocking a pint over Jessica's leg. I've still got the magic touch with the ladies, eh?
Football in a couple of hours - I may very well pass out.
Rant
It was St Patricks Day on Friday...BOTHERED.
I stayed away from the city which was full of idiots wearing guinness t-shirts that haven't been out of the drawer for a year and massive green hats. Most of them spouting the phrase "I'm quarter Irish". A pointless day no doubt invented by Guinness to boost global sales. And yes, if you were wondering I also think Valentines day is another piece of coporate trickery to get money out of people.*
And as far as I'm concerned Tiny Tim would have starved and I'd have had that giant turkey to myself. Bah humbug.
Anyway, this is where I live. Not bad eh?...
*This opinion is in no way affected by me NEVER getting a valentines card.
I stayed away from the city which was full of idiots wearing guinness t-shirts that haven't been out of the drawer for a year and massive green hats. Most of them spouting the phrase "I'm quarter Irish". A pointless day no doubt invented by Guinness to boost global sales. And yes, if you were wondering I also think Valentines day is another piece of coporate trickery to get money out of people.*
And as far as I'm concerned Tiny Tim would have starved and I'd have had that giant turkey to myself. Bah humbug.
Anyway, this is where I live. Not bad eh?...
*This opinion is in no way affected by me NEVER getting a valentines card.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
'Cos he's a ladies man....
Lunt showing some of his killer moves. My sister clearly isn't impressed.
(Lunt, you didn't think you were going to get a link scot free did you?)
We could be in business people. Despite several hours (ok, minutes) googling indie clubs in Auckland and getting nowhere I could have found what I'm looking for when walking to work. It's called "The Indie Club" and is on every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Sounds promising, no?
After the couple of minor negative issues I had with NZ in a previous post I thought I'd re-dress that with a couple of things I love about this place...
1. The night sky - when it's clear its pretty freakin' impressive. About a million more stars than the skies over the UK and, for some reason, the sky just looks bigger. No picture of this though as my camera probably couldn't have coped with such a task even before I dropped it on its arse repeatedly.
2. Ex-volcanic crators/hills and lakes make for some breathtaking local scenery. Tucked away about 2 minutes walk from my street is the Orakei basin , where I took a stroll on my last week day as a free man. The bloke taking his wife and their young child on a cruise on the water on their speed boat received some very envious glances as I contemplated my impending return to office life. My time will come after I've made my millions.
Orakei Basin
1. The night sky - when it's clear its pretty freakin' impressive. About a million more stars than the skies over the UK and, for some reason, the sky just looks bigger. No picture of this though as my camera probably couldn't have coped with such a task even before I dropped it on its arse repeatedly.
2. Ex-volcanic crators/hills and lakes make for some breathtaking local scenery. Tucked away about 2 minutes walk from my street is the Orakei basin , where I took a stroll on my last week day as a free man. The bloke taking his wife and their young child on a cruise on the water on their speed boat received some very envious glances as I contemplated my impending return to office life. My time will come after I've made my millions.
Orakei Basin
I miss going t'latics...
Last Saturday I got my first taste of live New Zealand football or "soccer" (as the freaks sometimes call it over here) as Auckland City took on Otago Utd.
Alas, there were no back flicks or overhead volleys, just a standard just slightly above Kaye FC. It's amazing to think that the winner of this league is only a few qualifying games away from the World Club Championship.
Great little ground though (definitely more impressive than Milton Keynes) and Auckland even have their own little band of singing supporters - who must be ex-pats desperate to recreate the terraces back in England. To be frank, they sounded rubbish and didn't do much good as the Terry Phelan managed Otago won 1-0.
Alas, there were no back flicks or overhead volleys, just a standard just slightly above Kaye FC. It's amazing to think that the winner of this league is only a few qualifying games away from the World Club Championship.
Great little ground though (definitely more impressive than Milton Keynes) and Auckland even have their own little band of singing supporters - who must be ex-pats desperate to recreate the terraces back in England. To be frank, they sounded rubbish and didn't do much good as the Terry Phelan managed Otago won 1-0.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Just a quickie
I saw a picture of Kirsten Dunst without her make up in a gossip mag today. It totally backed up my theory that I could pull her if she wasn't famous. And to think of all the laughter I got when I made that statement in the first place. Pshhh.
Will be posting a bit more soon (promise), watch this space....
Will be posting a bit more soon (promise), watch this space....
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Its job time
After just over 4 months of living like Wayne Slob I have succumbed to financial pressures and got myself a job. From Monday I will be working for Hanover Finance in the city centre on a 4 month(ish) contract.
Disappointing, as I vowed to leave the office work back in England, but the stark reality is that Auckland is just too expensive. So for the time being, it's back to the "smart/casual" 9-5 life that we all know and love.
Click here for the regenerated Boundary Park. Probably ready before the new Wembley.
Now back to the trivialities.....
2 most annoying things I've found about NZ so far...
1: horn tooting. Kiwi drivers are terrible, and they appear to want to advertise this by blasting their horns when THEY'RE in the wrong. IDIOTS.
2: the insects that occupy every tree and bush and screech incessantly. not content with giving me the impression I've got tinnitus, one leapt through the open window of the car the other day (whilst moving) and landed on my chest. I may have jumped somewhat. And maybe even let out a little girlie scream.
It's the weekend soon, so I plan to go out, get drunk and take lots of pictures...
Disappointing, as I vowed to leave the office work back in England, but the stark reality is that Auckland is just too expensive. So for the time being, it's back to the "smart/casual" 9-5 life that we all know and love.
Click here for the regenerated Boundary Park. Probably ready before the new Wembley.
Now back to the trivialities.....
2 most annoying things I've found about NZ so far...
1: horn tooting. Kiwi drivers are terrible, and they appear to want to advertise this by blasting their horns when THEY'RE in the wrong. IDIOTS.
2: the insects that occupy every tree and bush and screech incessantly. not content with giving me the impression I've got tinnitus, one leapt through the open window of the car the other day (whilst moving) and landed on my chest. I may have jumped somewhat. And maybe even let out a little girlie scream.
It's the weekend soon, so I plan to go out, get drunk and take lots of pictures...
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Question...
I heard somewhere that there's some sort of scandal involving some back door shenanigans between a pair of premiership footballers.
Discuss.
(Yes, this site is getting more low-brow by the day)
Discuss.
(Yes, this site is getting more low-brow by the day)
Monday, February 20, 2006
Settling in...
The start of a new week and one where I can no longer put off getting a job. I've properly moved in to my new home (pictures soon I promise) and have no more excuses to be a bone idle layabout.
Fairly tame weekend, just getting my stuff sorted and getting moved in. Went for a meal on Saturday night with my new housemates, Kat, Liz and Ryno (soon to be ex-housemate as he's moving out in a couple of weeks). I could have had the cajun chicken in a smaller portion, but not wanting to look like a weakling I got the full portion - and left most of it. What a ridiculous feed....Lunt, I think you'll be able to dish out quite a few more fatty jibes for a while.
I'm considering doing a weekly worst personalised number plate slot. There are some shockers, namely a 50+ bleech blonde grannie in a mazda convertable with the number plate "2 SEXIE". I beg to differ, love.
Other news, Lost season 2 started on tv here the other week and after a brilliant first episode it's returned to it's frustrating best. Roll on 24 season 5.
And some of you thought these posts would get more boring with time...watch this space tomorrow where I discuss what the hell happened to the New Zealand Curling team in the Olympics.
Fairly tame weekend, just getting my stuff sorted and getting moved in. Went for a meal on Saturday night with my new housemates, Kat, Liz and Ryno (soon to be ex-housemate as he's moving out in a couple of weeks). I could have had the cajun chicken in a smaller portion, but not wanting to look like a weakling I got the full portion - and left most of it. What a ridiculous feed....Lunt, I think you'll be able to dish out quite a few more fatty jibes for a while.
I'm considering doing a weekly worst personalised number plate slot. There are some shockers, namely a 50+ bleech blonde grannie in a mazda convertable with the number plate "2 SEXIE". I beg to differ, love.
Other news, Lost season 2 started on tv here the other week and after a brilliant first episode it's returned to it's frustrating best. Roll on 24 season 5.
And some of you thought these posts would get more boring with time...watch this space tomorrow where I discuss what the hell happened to the New Zealand Curling team in the Olympics.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Big news... (Saturday 11 Feb)
Today has been a good day. It didn't start particularly well - a stinking hangover made the morning pretty difficult. In fact, before I tell you about today I'll fill you in about last night. After work Si picked me up, then Leanne from her work and we went over to the RSA (Returned Services Association) in Onehunga. The people there are sound, a round of drinks cost $9 (£3.50) and snooker, yes snooker, was 50c for 30 minutes (20p). I love working mens clubs. For the sports stat fans among you (Heyesie) I beat Si 90-19 which made up for the pasting I took at tennis. We then went over to Newmarket to a pub call the Cock and Bull, which I'd guess you'd have to say is an english themed pub, where we sank a few pints and an incredibly painful shot of malibu, peach schnaps and vodka and watched the rugby on the telly which ended up....bothered. Then on to the city centre - I'll sum this up briefly...we went to 3 clubs (one of which, Boogie Wonderland, 3 times) and they were all rubbish. I'm sure Auckland must have a good indie club tucked away somewhere but I'm yet to find it.
Aaaanyway, back to the good news. Bought American Pie 2 and 3 for a total of $15 - that's about 6 quid. Bargain.
Also, I found somewhere to live today. I'm actually going to be able to unpack my suitcase and sleep on a proper bed. It's an amazing house in one of the poshest areas of Auckland, it's pretty cheap and I'm sharing with 2 and possibly 3 girls. Someone was smiling on me today.
Pictures and more news to follow soon...
Aaaanyway, back to the good news. Bought American Pie 2 and 3 for a total of $15 - that's about 6 quid. Bargain.
Also, I found somewhere to live today. I'm actually going to be able to unpack my suitcase and sleep on a proper bed. It's an amazing house in one of the poshest areas of Auckland, it's pretty cheap and I'm sharing with 2 and possibly 3 girls. Someone was smiling on me today.
Pictures and more news to follow soon...
Big ship... (Thursday 9 Feb)
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Chocks away...(Sunday 5 Feb)
Greetings from the other side of the world!
I've been here a week now, and I'm getting settled and used to the place. Currently I'm crashing on Si and Leanne's floor whilst I'm searching for somewhere to live. Seen a couple of good places already but I'm still waiting for them to call and offer me the room. That reminds me, I'll have to take my phone in to be checked tomorrow - I think it must be faulty.
Went out on the first night, but as that was a sunday Auckland was pretty quiet. First major night was my first Friday...finally called it a day at 7am and the hangover is still raging (its Sunday evening now).
Today was a first for me - I flew a plane! This was a tad unexpected. Leanne's friends Amy and Kev came a knocking this morning and it turns out that Kev is a pilot. Him, Si and myself headed for Ardmore aerodrome and spent a pretty amazing hour checking out the views from 2000ft above Auckland and pulling 2.5G turns over the water. I can't believe I didn't throw up. Kev let me have the controls for a while too and apart from gaining us a few hundred feet without realising it, I had a fairly trouble free first flying experience. I'm told I've got to start using the term "awesome" in NZ and it definitely applies to this.
"What's my vector, Victor?"
Maverick (Kev)
Goose (Si)
Back to the reality of looking for somewhere to live now.
I've been here a week now, and I'm getting settled and used to the place. Currently I'm crashing on Si and Leanne's floor whilst I'm searching for somewhere to live. Seen a couple of good places already but I'm still waiting for them to call and offer me the room. That reminds me, I'll have to take my phone in to be checked tomorrow - I think it must be faulty.
Went out on the first night, but as that was a sunday Auckland was pretty quiet. First major night was my first Friday...finally called it a day at 7am and the hangover is still raging (its Sunday evening now).
Today was a first for me - I flew a plane! This was a tad unexpected. Leanne's friends Amy and Kev came a knocking this morning and it turns out that Kev is a pilot. Him, Si and myself headed for Ardmore aerodrome and spent a pretty amazing hour checking out the views from 2000ft above Auckland and pulling 2.5G turns over the water. I can't believe I didn't throw up. Kev let me have the controls for a while too and apart from gaining us a few hundred feet without realising it, I had a fairly trouble free first flying experience. I'm told I've got to start using the term "awesome" in NZ and it definitely applies to this.
"What's my vector, Victor?"
Maverick (Kev)
Goose (Si)Back to the reality of looking for somewhere to live now.
Just to clear up
I arrived here on Jan 29th, but this is the earliest I could get what I'd wrote on the net. So the dates for each installment so far aren't that accurate.
Arrived at last...
Just a 3 hour flight remained and I take my negative comments about Qantas back. Pretty comfortable and good in flight entertainment. I watched In the Blue, a rubbish film but 2 hours of Jessica Alba in a bikini aint bad, and played a few games. Only problem I had with it was the quality of the staff. No offence to anyone's grandmother that is currently a stewardess with Qantas, but it's not really what I want to be faced with for any great length of time.
So here I am, visa stamped and already the owner of a kiwi bank account.
So here I am, visa stamped and already the owner of a kiwi bank account.
Melbourne...Part Three
Today, wine tasting was on the agenda. There are several vineyards in the yarra valley, around an hours drive from Melbourne, most of which offer tasting for nowt which is a nice way to sample some of the great wines of the region. Or a great way to get leathered for free if you're on a hen do. Then on the way back, a most unexpected sight...an old man, stood on his balcony in only his y-fronts, watching the traffic go by. Damn my slowness in trying to get the camera out.
In the evening we ate at a favourite haunt of the Kwai's...the Deck. Wow. The best restaurant meal I've had in a long time, and very reasonably priced. For those thinking of paying a visit I recommend the sirloin and chocolate souffle. Not together, obviously. The meal was superb, service top drawer and all for $70 each (around £30).
Stomachs full and sighing contentedly, we moved on to the casino, owned by the freshly deceased Kerry Packer. We stopped for a rest along the way, and I realised this was to show me the impressive display of the fire-breathing water features. Once inside, we briefly flirted with the idea of cash poker tables before we settled on the roulette. Whilst I performed my magic trick of turning a $50 bill into a $100 bill, Ben and Nicola left empty handed. Unlucky.
Fiery fountain
It's only been a flying visit to Melbourne, but to say I'm impressed with the place would be a big understatement. Ben and Nicola have been perfect hosts and the city itself has something for everyone. I'd be surprised if I don't drop anchor here at some point in the future.
How about a bit of aussie buzz word bingo? Guess how many of the following phrases I heard during my few days in Oz...
* GOOD ON YA
* YOU BEAUT
* YOU LITTLE RIPPA
* FAIR DINK'UM
* BONZA
* FLAMING GALAAA
* YOU LONG HAIRED GREENIE LEFT WING YAHOO
5 out of 7 as it happens. And I presume the only way to hear the last 2 would be to meet Alf Stewart in person.
It's been a pretty action packed 10 days and I'm very happy with all that I've managed to do and see. It's also been great to visit James before he left Seoul and Ben and Nicola before they left Melbourne. I've also learnt that to do 2 massive nights on the trot is proving quite difficult these days (I remember when it only took me a couple of days to get over 2 weeks in Kavos). All that remains now is to get that 6th flight of 6 and go to my new home...
In the evening we ate at a favourite haunt of the Kwai's...the Deck. Wow. The best restaurant meal I've had in a long time, and very reasonably priced. For those thinking of paying a visit I recommend the sirloin and chocolate souffle. Not together, obviously. The meal was superb, service top drawer and all for $70 each (around £30).
Stomachs full and sighing contentedly, we moved on to the casino, owned by the freshly deceased Kerry Packer. We stopped for a rest along the way, and I realised this was to show me the impressive display of the fire-breathing water features. Once inside, we briefly flirted with the idea of cash poker tables before we settled on the roulette. Whilst I performed my magic trick of turning a $50 bill into a $100 bill, Ben and Nicola left empty handed. Unlucky.
Fiery fountainIt's only been a flying visit to Melbourne, but to say I'm impressed with the place would be a big understatement. Ben and Nicola have been perfect hosts and the city itself has something for everyone. I'd be surprised if I don't drop anchor here at some point in the future.
How about a bit of aussie buzz word bingo? Guess how many of the following phrases I heard during my few days in Oz...
* GOOD ON YA
* YOU BEAUT
* YOU LITTLE RIPPA
* FAIR DINK'UM
* BONZA
* FLAMING GALAAA
* YOU LONG HAIRED GREENIE LEFT WING YAHOO
5 out of 7 as it happens. And I presume the only way to hear the last 2 would be to meet Alf Stewart in person.
It's been a pretty action packed 10 days and I'm very happy with all that I've managed to do and see. It's also been great to visit James before he left Seoul and Ben and Nicola before they left Melbourne. I've also learnt that to do 2 massive nights on the trot is proving quite difficult these days (I remember when it only took me a couple of days to get over 2 weeks in Kavos). All that remains now is to get that 6th flight of 6 and go to my new home...
Melbourne...Part Two
A cool day today, only 37C. Ben and Nicola had to work so I was alone to go sight-seeing. Top of my list was a tour of the MCG, the most famous and historic cricket ground outside of England. It was a very interesting tour conducted by one of the MCC members and we saw most of the in and outside of the place. One slight shame was that it was being prepped for the Commonwealth Games in March so no cricket pitch and quite a lot of building work was going on. Still, great place though and not too many pom jokes whilst going round (I was the only one in the group).
After this I walked back to the centre for some lunch before heading to sight number 2. In celebration of Australia Day I wanted to go and see the Old Melbourne Gaol. However, due to a slight (180 degree) directional miscalculation I ended up on the wrong side of the city centre. Fortunately though, I was next to the Rialto Towers - a huge building and member of the World Group of Towers (or summat). Along with the likes of Seoul Tower and the Sky Tower, oh and Blackpool tower. Good views of the city, very high, yadda yadda.
Got back to the apartment about 5 minutes ahead of some incredibly heavy showers, lounged about for a bit then headed back into town when Nicola was back from work to meet Ben for drinks.
Ben was in a bar with his work colleagues who made me realise one of the (few) things I miss about office life...gossip and back stabbing. The group thinned out one by one and by midnight it was just me and Ben left standing. And I thought the aussies were supposed to be drinkers? A few vodkas, a dodgy black russian, an unfinished pint and a couple hours of good chat later we were done. Cracking night, although Melbourne was very quiet - this was unusual apparently and we even had no trouble getting into a couple of poncy bars that normally queue round the block.
After this I walked back to the centre for some lunch before heading to sight number 2. In celebration of Australia Day I wanted to go and see the Old Melbourne Gaol. However, due to a slight (180 degree) directional miscalculation I ended up on the wrong side of the city centre. Fortunately though, I was next to the Rialto Towers - a huge building and member of the World Group of Towers (or summat). Along with the likes of Seoul Tower and the Sky Tower, oh and Blackpool tower. Good views of the city, very high, yadda yadda.
Got back to the apartment about 5 minutes ahead of some incredibly heavy showers, lounged about for a bit then headed back into town when Nicola was back from work to meet Ben for drinks.
Ben was in a bar with his work colleagues who made me realise one of the (few) things I miss about office life...gossip and back stabbing. The group thinned out one by one and by midnight it was just me and Ben left standing. And I thought the aussies were supposed to be drinkers? A few vodkas, a dodgy black russian, an unfinished pint and a couple hours of good chat later we were done. Cracking night, although Melbourne was very quiet - this was unusual apparently and we even had no trouble getting into a couple of poncy bars that normally queue round the block.
Melbourne...Part One
It was a poor flight, 10 hours long with little room, no personal telly, rubbish films on and massive queues for the bogs (tip - avoid flying Qantas long haul). I arrived in Melbourne not in the best of condition but that soon changed as I stepped outside. The heat was incredible...27 degrees and just gone 9am. By late afternoon temperatures had peaked at 39.3C - a whole 39.3C hotter than Tokyo.
I was met at the airport by ex-work colleague Ben Kwai who's been on secondement in Melbourne for the last 2 and a half years. He and his wife Nicola live in a lovely 17th floor apartment with great views. I was shown to my fantastic room with double bed, huge windows and plenty of floor space for me to scatter all my clothes and various bits of rubbish.
And so to the city...I arrived on Australia Day and as we were walking through the centre we came across a parade including representitives of buddhism, countries and traditions of Tibet, China, Taipei and of, course, the Australian Ukelele Movement. Braving the heat we moved on to Federation Square where leading Australian tennis player, Aussie Molic (fit) was doing a Q&A. She then went on to hit a few serves on a mini court (pictures of that somewhere don't you worry).
Ben, a weirdo and me
Then we caught a tram to St Kilda, about 15 minutes up the road - a busy beach with plenty going on. Avoiding the heat for a while, we went to Greasy Joe's for some lunch. Kwai tried to coax me into attempting the 'Fat Bastard' - a burger so named due to it's layer of bacon cheeseburger followed by another layer of bacon cheeseburger and then a third layer of bacon cheeseburger. In the end I went for the regular bacon cheeseburger and just about managed it...I challenge anyone to finish the Fat Bastard (Tranter?). Another high point, other than the food, was that the guy who played Malcolm Kennedy in Neighbours was waiting tables. How the mighty have fallen eh? Still, he was chatting up a table of blonde beauties so he's probably fairly content with life. Good news for me is that I've seen a cast member so I can chalk the Neighbours tour off my list of things to do.
After a power nap we went off to the Rod Laver Arena to watch the first mens semi final in the Australian Open tennis. Marko Bagdhaditz (or summat) beat David Nalbandian in 5 sets finally finishing at around midnight. A thrilling game made even more exciting by the pockets of Greek/Cyrpriats supporting the underdog, not at all singing slightly altered football songs.
The aussies are at the forefront of court drying technology
All in all, a great day. Looking forward to tomorrow when I plan to tour the MCG and the Old Melbourne Gaol. Oh, and get pist.
I was met at the airport by ex-work colleague Ben Kwai who's been on secondement in Melbourne for the last 2 and a half years. He and his wife Nicola live in a lovely 17th floor apartment with great views. I was shown to my fantastic room with double bed, huge windows and plenty of floor space for me to scatter all my clothes and various bits of rubbish.
And so to the city...I arrived on Australia Day and as we were walking through the centre we came across a parade including representitives of buddhism, countries and traditions of Tibet, China, Taipei and of, course, the Australian Ukelele Movement. Braving the heat we moved on to Federation Square where leading Australian tennis player, Aussie Molic (fit) was doing a Q&A. She then went on to hit a few serves on a mini court (pictures of that somewhere don't you worry).
Ben, a weirdo and meThen we caught a tram to St Kilda, about 15 minutes up the road - a busy beach with plenty going on. Avoiding the heat for a while, we went to Greasy Joe's for some lunch. Kwai tried to coax me into attempting the 'Fat Bastard' - a burger so named due to it's layer of bacon cheeseburger followed by another layer of bacon cheeseburger and then a third layer of bacon cheeseburger. In the end I went for the regular bacon cheeseburger and just about managed it...I challenge anyone to finish the Fat Bastard (Tranter?). Another high point, other than the food, was that the guy who played Malcolm Kennedy in Neighbours was waiting tables. How the mighty have fallen eh? Still, he was chatting up a table of blonde beauties so he's probably fairly content with life. Good news for me is that I've seen a cast member so I can chalk the Neighbours tour off my list of things to do.
After a power nap we went off to the Rod Laver Arena to watch the first mens semi final in the Australian Open tennis. Marko Bagdhaditz (or summat) beat David Nalbandian in 5 sets finally finishing at around midnight. A thrilling game made even more exciting by the pockets of Greek/Cyrpriats supporting the underdog, not at all singing slightly altered football songs.
The aussies are at the forefront of court drying technologyAll in all, a great day. Looking forward to tomorrow when I plan to tour the MCG and the Old Melbourne Gaol. Oh, and get pist.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Tokyo
Arriving in Tokyo absolutely knackered and with a touch of the Monday blues, it was quite disconcerting to almost fall asleep on the train and miss my stop, then arrive in Shinjuku station totally baffled. This place has to be the most confusing station in the world. There are 60 exits apparently, ones in to department stores, then west, east, central west, central east etc. Just before I burst in to tears though I found an info desk and got directions to the nearest taxi rank.
The New City Hotel was a recommendation of Smaje and it was perfectly adequate. However, I presume he managed to find penthouse suite with soft pillows and complimentary 'massage' service. I was in a small single, though it had everything I needed and was a good base from which to explore.
I arrived late in the afternoon so after I sorted my stuff out I took a walk into Shinjuku to see what was going on. Once I got to the neon bit there were suddenly thousands of people, all seemingly walking the opposite direction to me. Restaurants galore although none had any English descriptions and only a handful had pictures to help out. The golden arches were drawing me in like the Death Star tractor beam but I managed to lock in the auxiliary power and resist temptation to be a pussy and ventured in to one of the local noodle places. I watched the person before me do the necessary then followed suit - this was because you picked a number on the machine, paid, got a ticket and handed that to the chef. There was no English on the machine, but fortunately the picture outside that looked quite nice had a number next to it so I went with that. Some sort of noodle soup and pork with rice was given to me and it was really good...only Y500 too (about £2.50). I was shattered after this so I wandered back and got my head down.
Tuesday was sight-seeing day. On the recommendation of Haggis, I took the train over to Harajuku where I took a wander down Takeshita Street (snigger) and saw an amazing array of freaks and freak boutiques. On the other side of the station there was the Meiji Jingu shrine - a complete contrast to Takeshita Street, with a tranquil walk through the gardens to the shrine itself, all very relaxing.
Erm, I think I'll go, erm, left
Wednesday morning before my flight was spent in the Shinjuku-Gyeon gardens which according to the Rough Guide are arguably the most beautiful in Tokyo. Being winter, it was pretty bare but still very beautiful indeed and worth the trek to get there.
Pretty Japanese this
Tokyo is a place I would definitely like to see more of and preferably not when feeling totally destroyed. One more thing, on checking my watch it turns out there is no time difference between Korea and Japan. James 1-2 Owen. Ha.
On to Melbourne now...
Seoul...Part Three
The reason for the curfew is that James teaches at an Orphanage on Sundays - if you can call pretending to throw them off a wall, showing them how to play slaps and giving them Chinese burns teaching. The general idea is to get there around midday so it was no surprise that there was no one there when we turned up at 4.15. They were due back soon though so we took a quick trip to the nearby World Cup Stadium. Impressive.
When we got back to the orphanage the little ones were back and full of beans. Well, noodles actually. James was straight in there getting nutmegged by a 7 year old footballer (no change there then). After a short while I was at it too though as I couldn't turn down that many requests for a helicopter. I wish I had though...spinning a young child round by his hands as fast as you can does nothing for a hangover I can tell you. The kids were great though and I really enjoyed our visit.
The kids enjoyed this - honestly.
In the evening we went off to see Seoul Tower - another feat of impressive Korean engineering with views of all around, but stamina was fading fast so we headed back home. Along the way, the biting wind was taking its toll and I claimed that the worst possible pain at that point was to have someone flick your ear. James didn't believe me so invited me to try, which I obviously did and sent James recoiling and near to tears. Etiquette was such that he had to return the favour and after a bit of flinching I held still and he gave me his worst. Christ. It REALLY hurt. I was right though...James 1-1 Owen.
It saddened me to leave Seoul, I really enjoyed it. For James' version of events, follow the link to his blog on the right of the page.
Seoul...Part Two
It was a struggle to get up, but that we did at 2.45. We hadn't wasted the day yet fortunately and we got out pretty quickly to soak up some culture. First stop was the local chemist for hangover cures, then on to a Buddhist temple. Very interesting and weird, but enjoyable. And I felt like I'd live for another 10 years after drinking water from the holy pond (probably not its actual name).
Then we had a wander round Seoul. I thought James had a pretty good route planned as we managed to do and see quite a lot, but it turns out he was just looking for any photo place that would develop in 17 minutes. Still, it took us past a batting cage which made my day. You pop a million won coin into the slot, pick up the baseball bat and start swinging. I'm guessing they weren't 100mph curve balls but they certainly seemed like it, I did manage to connect with a few...one even went in the air, probably straight down mid-on's throat or whatever the baseball equivalent is. What a fantastic way to spend a few minutes.
James then professed to know where the world's greatest orange juice was available. Being the pedant that I am, I was sceptical as sure, it may be good, but how can you say it's the best? The proof is in the drinking though so we went to get some. Well, it pains me to admit it, but James was right. There is no way any orange juice on the planet can beat that. Pure liquid gold.
James 1-0 Owen.
Enough of all this cultural rubbish, lets get on with the night out. We met up with Stuart, a friend of James' and coincidentally another Doncastrian. We went for eats at a tuna restaurant where they serve you slices of raw tuna and various sundries until you either burst and die or walk out. Delicious. Marshall, a Canadian, met up with us after and we went on to the hole in the wall bar where we shared a bottle of vodka. Enough for the night??? Not at all, we met up with another crowd celebrating a birthday and shared another bottle. Enough??? You'd think so, but I'm pretty sure when we went to the club there was more drinking done there. Another great night out and really good to meet another group all of whom seem to share the same drinking stamina (see what I mean about this city?!). James called time on the night at 4am - his Saturday curfew for reasons explained later...
Then we had a wander round Seoul. I thought James had a pretty good route planned as we managed to do and see quite a lot, but it turns out he was just looking for any photo place that would develop in 17 minutes. Still, it took us past a batting cage which made my day. You pop a million won coin into the slot, pick up the baseball bat and start swinging. I'm guessing they weren't 100mph curve balls but they certainly seemed like it, I did manage to connect with a few...one even went in the air, probably straight down mid-on's throat or whatever the baseball equivalent is. What a fantastic way to spend a few minutes.
James then professed to know where the world's greatest orange juice was available. Being the pedant that I am, I was sceptical as sure, it may be good, but how can you say it's the best? The proof is in the drinking though so we went to get some. Well, it pains me to admit it, but James was right. There is no way any orange juice on the planet can beat that. Pure liquid gold.
James 1-0 Owen.
Enough of all this cultural rubbish, lets get on with the night out. We met up with Stuart, a friend of James' and coincidentally another Doncastrian. We went for eats at a tuna restaurant where they serve you slices of raw tuna and various sundries until you either burst and die or walk out. Delicious. Marshall, a Canadian, met up with us after and we went on to the hole in the wall bar where we shared a bottle of vodka. Enough for the night??? Not at all, we met up with another crowd celebrating a birthday and shared another bottle. Enough??? You'd think so, but I'm pretty sure when we went to the club there was more drinking done there. Another great night out and really good to meet another group all of whom seem to share the same drinking stamina (see what I mean about this city?!). James called time on the night at 4am - his Saturday curfew for reasons explained later...
Seoul...Part One
After changing in London and Tokyo, I finally rested in Seoul - a large and confusing place where blowing your nose in public is considered bad form whereas coughing up a greenie and spitting it out in the street is almost compulsory. Fortunately for me though, I had my very own guide in fellow Donny Boy James Creegan.
I arrived late afternoon then spent a short time sat in James' office at Incheon airport where he messed about on the net until safe to leave (I'm assured this is not the norm). A scary taxi ride to James' hotel and a quick change of clothes later we were heading off to Hongdae for a true Korean night out. First of all a restaurant where I almost got the hang of chopsticks but not quite. The food was great, even though I hadn't the first clue about what I was eating. Once that was out of the way it was on to the main point of my trip - the booze.
Having had 2 nights out in Seoul I think it's safe to say that it's a binge drinker’s paradise. You down shots of soju with your meal, drink gallons of dirt cheap makoli (a gritty rice wine with a kick) and you buy a bottle of vodka for your table instead of frequent and frustrating trips to a crowded bar.
We met up with a mate, or should I say buddy, of James' - Tim the American (to give him his full name). Tim possesses an unusual quality for a yank in that he's highly proficient in the art of sarcasm. We hit a variety of bars its safe to say you wouldn't find in England - from a strange bed/sofa type place where you sit in a booth surrounded by curtains (not as seedy as it sounds) to a place where you sit cross-legged on the dusty floor around a sunken pond in the middle. This experience was made even better when a girl trying to get past us stumbled and landed in the pond. We laughed. The fish did not.
The night ended in a Noraebang (if you want proper spellings you won't get them here) after bumping into a couple more people who I presume someone knew. Noraebangs are karaoke places where you rent out a room by the hour with a couple of sofas in and a huge karaoke machine. Then you blast out the likes of "Don't Stop Me Now" (a personal favourite of me and the boy who's skin fell off), "Living on a Prayer" (the choice of Tim) and "Forget About Dre" (surprisingly well performed by James).
Jet-lag, schmet-lag...we got back to James' hotel at 7am.
Here Comes the Sun performed to perfection by me and James.
I arrived late afternoon then spent a short time sat in James' office at Incheon airport where he messed about on the net until safe to leave (I'm assured this is not the norm). A scary taxi ride to James' hotel and a quick change of clothes later we were heading off to Hongdae for a true Korean night out. First of all a restaurant where I almost got the hang of chopsticks but not quite. The food was great, even though I hadn't the first clue about what I was eating. Once that was out of the way it was on to the main point of my trip - the booze.
Having had 2 nights out in Seoul I think it's safe to say that it's a binge drinker’s paradise. You down shots of soju with your meal, drink gallons of dirt cheap makoli (a gritty rice wine with a kick) and you buy a bottle of vodka for your table instead of frequent and frustrating trips to a crowded bar.
We met up with a mate, or should I say buddy, of James' - Tim the American (to give him his full name). Tim possesses an unusual quality for a yank in that he's highly proficient in the art of sarcasm. We hit a variety of bars its safe to say you wouldn't find in England - from a strange bed/sofa type place where you sit in a booth surrounded by curtains (not as seedy as it sounds) to a place where you sit cross-legged on the dusty floor around a sunken pond in the middle. This experience was made even better when a girl trying to get past us stumbled and landed in the pond. We laughed. The fish did not.
The night ended in a Noraebang (if you want proper spellings you won't get them here) after bumping into a couple more people who I presume someone knew. Noraebangs are karaoke places where you rent out a room by the hour with a couple of sofas in and a huge karaoke machine. Then you blast out the likes of "Don't Stop Me Now" (a personal favourite of me and the boy who's skin fell off), "Living on a Prayer" (the choice of Tim) and "Forget About Dre" (surprisingly well performed by James).
Jet-lag, schmet-lag...we got back to James' hotel at 7am.
Here Comes the Sun performed to perfection by me and James.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Getting started
Right, I'm only a few days from leaving so I'm trying to set this thing up. First of all, a picture. Although it's taking quite a long time to actually find one where I'm not hammered or flicking v's, or both.
Failure. I'm drunk on this one.
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