Listening to : Nothing, but I have listened to the U2 - How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb on a loop to get me through my dissertation!
No political section for now, as for this moment I am revelling in a world without constant essay writing. Of course, this time must be savoured until exam revision kicks in so Im lapping it up large. In all im fine, my lack of blogging over the last week is to due to my dissertation, which I have just handed into my tutor. For that I apologise and of course, I hope this tasty morsel of a web blog can satisfy your curious blog reading hungers.
Im currently wrestling with my stomach to keep it quiet as I have felt the only way to go now is to diet. Speaking truthfully, Im sick of being the shape I am. Not because of the sheer size of my belly but the fact that I let myself get into a state which endangers my health really angers me. Therefore, it has to stop. So at the moment, Im trading my Mars Bars for Mango fruit salad, not to mention my chocolate roll for a not-so-fat filled chocolate mousse. My first week has been encouraging as I have managed to resist temptation on unnecessary food, as well as my Cokes have become Diet Cokes. Heres to a long and painful journey.
Eeek, the time is 3:15 and I must dash so I will write to you later dear blog, complete with all my political jazz. Bye!
Blue and Red... but who will prosper?
Listening to: Hell Is For Heroes - The Neon Handshake
Well a lot can happen in a week, too much in fact. In short for those who cannot be bothered reading; the quiz team triumphed for the first time, dissertation coming ok, had a reply from the Conservative candidiate and started a brand new keep fit campaign. For all those with an attention to detail please, read on.
Political Section
Not much really happened in Grangetown, so this week the main focus has been placed on national events. Blair is sweating over the Tory stance on the NHS, Plaid Cymru announce their manifesto, completing the set of all the major parties' pledges and Charles Kennedy becomes the father of baby Donald. Thrilling stuff.
Back home, Cardiff Central is on the national stage as it will be hotly contested by Labour and the Lib Dems. Labour hold the seat but only on the slimmest of majorities, and the student vote will be important for the Lib Dems in their bid for the seat. So then you guys in CC, you know what to do! Vote Lib Dem!
Cardiff North is also another swing seat - Labour hold but the Tories have strong opposition in one of the most affluent areas of Wales. So for all those up there, dont hold back.... place that X in the Tory box on May 5th.
If you may or may not have noticed, I dont have a good word to say about Labour. If its one thing I hate more than political apathy, its voting through tradition. Im sure too many people will vote Labour next month, stating that 'they had always done that' or its a 'family tradition', not properly thinking through the issues, eventually pissing and moaning that the country's gone to pot. I dont think Labour do enough anyway for this area. Thus my campiagn to find a suitable alternative.
It may lead me to the Tories. Victoria Green was kind enough to reply to my email and explain to me why activity in Grangetown was non-existant. Much to my delight, I had a pledge for Grange given to me:
Now that was a good answer. In fact, I was quite wowed. Could my Plaid sympathies be thrown out of the window? Perhaps! Anyway in regards to the title, it refers to the Labour and Conservative dog fight for power.
Non-Political Section
However in the non-political world, it can only mean the European Cup 'Premi-final' between the Kop and Chelski. What can I say - I was shocked to see the Reds reach this stage, but as I said once before to you Herr Blog, Chelsea will knock them out because they are on another footballing level, as much as I would hate to admit it. Oh well. Only time will tell.
Dissrtation is coming on now. Still wanna freak out sometimes, but overall I am calmed and confident. Im more annoyed that I had a third for an essay I WORKED MY ASS FOR, only to find I went down the wrong path. 2:1 - a sheer miracle now? Oh dear blog, tell me true and tell me right, will I be getting a graduation delight?
After taking the day off work on Sunday to get on with my my essay, going out to the quiz in the evening was just what the doctor ordered. So we tried the Hollybush - home of a delicious carvery - and found that it was very entertaining. Good atmosphere, good quiz, plus we aced the Picture round which scored us a round of drinks. Our first win in a quiz EVER! Twas a time to celebrate! Mission accomplished for the Quiz Team.
Time is short now and the picture of Alun Michael on the Labour leaflet besides me is beginning to disturb me so...... Ciao! For now!
Well a lot can happen in a week, too much in fact. In short for those who cannot be bothered reading; the quiz team triumphed for the first time, dissertation coming ok, had a reply from the Conservative candidiate and started a brand new keep fit campaign. For all those with an attention to detail please, read on.
Political Section
Not much really happened in Grangetown, so this week the main focus has been placed on national events. Blair is sweating over the Tory stance on the NHS, Plaid Cymru announce their manifesto, completing the set of all the major parties' pledges and Charles Kennedy becomes the father of baby Donald. Thrilling stuff.
Back home, Cardiff Central is on the national stage as it will be hotly contested by Labour and the Lib Dems. Labour hold the seat but only on the slimmest of majorities, and the student vote will be important for the Lib Dems in their bid for the seat. So then you guys in CC, you know what to do! Vote Lib Dem!
Cardiff North is also another swing seat - Labour hold but the Tories have strong opposition in one of the most affluent areas of Wales. So for all those up there, dont hold back.... place that X in the Tory box on May 5th.
If you may or may not have noticed, I dont have a good word to say about Labour. If its one thing I hate more than political apathy, its voting through tradition. Im sure too many people will vote Labour next month, stating that 'they had always done that' or its a 'family tradition', not properly thinking through the issues, eventually pissing and moaning that the country's gone to pot. I dont think Labour do enough anyway for this area. Thus my campiagn to find a suitable alternative.
It may lead me to the Tories. Victoria Green was kind enough to reply to my email and explain to me why activity in Grangetown was non-existant. Much to my delight, I had a pledge for Grange given to me:
If elected, I will fight to ensure that the people of Grangetown are represented fairly and that the issues that matter to them are addressed. I want to see more police on the streets of Grangetown and other parts of the constituency to tackle the problems of rising crime, particularly violent crime, burglary and drug-related crime. With regard to drug-related crime, we are committed to providing more rehabilitation places for users of hard drugs, helping to break the link between drugs and crime.
Now that was a good answer. In fact, I was quite wowed. Could my Plaid sympathies be thrown out of the window? Perhaps! Anyway in regards to the title, it refers to the Labour and Conservative dog fight for power.
Non-Political Section
However in the non-political world, it can only mean the European Cup 'Premi-final' between the Kop and Chelski. What can I say - I was shocked to see the Reds reach this stage, but as I said once before to you Herr Blog, Chelsea will knock them out because they are on another footballing level, as much as I would hate to admit it. Oh well. Only time will tell.
Dissrtation is coming on now. Still wanna freak out sometimes, but overall I am calmed and confident. Im more annoyed that I had a third for an essay I WORKED MY ASS FOR, only to find I went down the wrong path. 2:1 - a sheer miracle now? Oh dear blog, tell me true and tell me right, will I be getting a graduation delight?
After taking the day off work on Sunday to get on with my my essay, going out to the quiz in the evening was just what the doctor ordered. So we tried the Hollybush - home of a delicious carvery - and found that it was very entertaining. Good atmosphere, good quiz, plus we aced the Picture round which scored us a round of drinks. Our first win in a quiz EVER! Twas a time to celebrate! Mission accomplished for the Quiz Team.
Time is short now and the picture of Alun Michael on the Labour leaflet besides me is beginning to disturb me so...... Ciao! For now!
First Blood
Listening to: Manic Street Preachers - This is my Truth, Tell me yours
Political Section
The election here in Grange is in full swing, with two parties getting their leaflets out to the electorate already. The Lib Dems have produced another edition of the 'Focus' leaflet, which is circulated throughout the year, 'not just at election time' as the headlining banner on the front page confidently states. The current Labour MP, Alun Michael, has also launched his campaign in a small, glossy and colourful pamphlet.
Lib Dems (Gavin Cox) have underlined:
Political Section
The election here in Grange is in full swing, with two parties getting their leaflets out to the electorate already. The Lib Dems have produced another edition of the 'Focus' leaflet, which is circulated throughout the year, 'not just at election time' as the headlining banner on the front page confidently states. The current Labour MP, Alun Michael, has also launched his campaign in a small, glossy and colourful pamphlet.
Lib Dems (Gavin Cox) have underlined:
- Labour Assembly Govt's cut of £3.4 million on public services
- Former Cardiff Council leader Russell Goodway's annual Council Tax increases of 11%
- The repairing of the pavement outside the Grangetown Farmhouse was prompt after swift action from the Lib Dem Focus Team
- Opposition to a phone mast to be placed on Penarth Road
- New playground and skate park in the Marl Park.
Overall, good for Grangetown. The Lib Dems have always made it clear to Grangetown residents that they will do something for them, as well as understanding the concerns which Grangetownians arise.
Labour (Alun Michael) have underlined:
- ASBOs in Splott - decrease in crime and vandalism
- Ploughing more money into public spending which was cut by the Tory government in the 80s and 90s
- Pledges of safety, better communities, security, jobs and prosperity.
As expected, the pamphlet does not identify Grangetown, in addition to taking a more national approach to the campaign which is not surprising considering his involvement in the cabinet of the current Labour government. Michael has held this seat since 1987, a real indicator of the traditional Labour stronghold Cardiff South and Penarth really is. In the last election of 2001 Labour's 56% of the vote in comparison to the strongest opposition party, the Conservatives who got 21%, is key evidence to show that attitudes are not changing.
Non Political Section
A good weekend in all, funfilled with randomness, pubage (as in to go to a pub) and goats. On Saturday we celebrated the birthday of good old Mr Broome in the Pen and Wig pub - which I have now come to like very much so! Many topics were discussed, however the main body of conversation swiftly moved to the most important debate of whether a nearby girl was with or without a bra. Nice. Jenny was dead on and Chuck well, its clear that you have to educate yourself in the ways of women's attire! :D
The usual quiz night was blighted by a lack of tables, so the gang decided to move into Whitchurch and check out the Hollybush. Nice, quiet and the promise of a good quiz. So next week its carvery and a quiz! Excellent combination. Fashion accessory of the night goes to Chris for his dashing Sainsbury's fleece. Plus he has my sympathy for the recent biking accident which he sadly experienced. Thursday Football wont be the same without you on the pitch me old son. :(
After pubbing it large our tummies groaned so a trip to Maccy D's was in order. It involved some pedestrianised drive thru action because the main lobby was closed, followed by syncronised parking in the Asda Coryton car park (a famous venue for cruising). We munched, we chatted, then we were moved on by the boys in blue.
Now I continue to write my dissertation, I lapse back into a state of frenzy and worry. Oh well. 2 weeks left. Ta ta.
This is 'Fat Joey Bagpuss', the air freshener which lives in Jenny's car. Might I just say he is the perfect specimen of all bagpi and there is the firm belief that he possesses magical powers.
The long and winding road begins......
Listening to: The Hives - Tyrannosaurus Hives
Unless you have been living under a large rock over the last two days, you will have heard that another polling day upon us. That means if you hate politics and election coverage, the BBC website will certainly be a no-go area for you (just bypass to the sport section, you should be fine then). This year I have renewed faith for the Party of Wales, Plaid Cymru, especially as the three main parties have shown little promise. In posts leading up to the election I hope to give insight into the election happenings here in my constituency, Cardiff South and Penarth. Typically Labour heartland, I feel that the seeds of change are planted here in Grangetown. I mean for a start, people have to actually vote at all! Voter apathy here in Grange is so high with some insisting their vote is wasted.....
'No matter what I do, that Blair twat will still get us into another war or something'
'All those politicans are as bad as each other'
'I dont do politics...'
ENOUGH! Ok maybe I stole the last quote from the ad but they all mean the same thing! YOU GOTTA VOTE! OTHERWISE YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BITCH AND MOAN!
With these points addressed, my work here for one night is done. Until next time, ta ta.
Unless you have been living under a large rock over the last two days, you will have heard that another polling day upon us. That means if you hate politics and election coverage, the BBC website will certainly be a no-go area for you (just bypass to the sport section, you should be fine then). This year I have renewed faith for the Party of Wales, Plaid Cymru, especially as the three main parties have shown little promise. In posts leading up to the election I hope to give insight into the election happenings here in my constituency, Cardiff South and Penarth. Typically Labour heartland, I feel that the seeds of change are planted here in Grangetown. I mean for a start, people have to actually vote at all! Voter apathy here in Grange is so high with some insisting their vote is wasted.....
'No matter what I do, that Blair twat will still get us into another war or something'
'All those politicans are as bad as each other'
'I dont do politics...'
ENOUGH! Ok maybe I stole the last quote from the ad but they all mean the same thing! YOU GOTTA VOTE! OTHERWISE YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BITCH AND MOAN!
With these points addressed, my work here for one night is done. Until next time, ta ta.
IFJOEDOESNTWRITEADISSERTATIONONTHISDAYHISWORLDWILLFALLAPART
Listening to : Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible
I think I'm going crazy. I can't write this bloody thing at all. Even three-lettered words seem to be free-falling from my vocabulary. I fear for the worst. It seems that summer is getting further and further away and I will be writing this thing forever. Therefore the evil sound from 'The Holy Bible' is currently soothing. I must ask you all to pray for me at this time, in this dreaded writer's block hell.
On a less depressing note, but not far from it, is the fact that I am allergic to kitty cats. 21 years and not a clue that close contact with them will send my breathing into a frenzy, not to mention making me sound like a ex-convict. If I had a list of arch-enemies, Im sure this feline foe would be added making close second behind those evil ringtone adverts (see previous post for more discontentment I have encountered, especially on this subject).
I guess I can't be too disheartened and down in the dumps, as I wouldn't like to be Mr Bowyer at the moment. I'd be right pissed off too if I had to miss out on 200 grand all because I had a go at someone who wouldn't pass the ball to me. Plus with the whole of Newcastle out for his blood, I think I personally have things pretty easy.
So merely a mini-post my blog, but much more to come - my dissertation is due in 3 weeks. That means 3 more weeks of moaning!!! Take care!!!
I think I'm going crazy. I can't write this bloody thing at all. Even three-lettered words seem to be free-falling from my vocabulary. I fear for the worst. It seems that summer is getting further and further away and I will be writing this thing forever. Therefore the evil sound from 'The Holy Bible' is currently soothing. I must ask you all to pray for me at this time, in this dreaded writer's block hell.
On a less depressing note, but not far from it, is the fact that I am allergic to kitty cats. 21 years and not a clue that close contact with them will send my breathing into a frenzy, not to mention making me sound like a ex-convict. If I had a list of arch-enemies, Im sure this feline foe would be added making close second behind those evil ringtone adverts (see previous post for more discontentment I have encountered, especially on this subject).
I guess I can't be too disheartened and down in the dumps, as I wouldn't like to be Mr Bowyer at the moment. I'd be right pissed off too if I had to miss out on 200 grand all because I had a go at someone who wouldn't pass the ball to me. Plus with the whole of Newcastle out for his blood, I think I personally have things pretty easy.
So merely a mini-post my blog, but much more to come - my dissertation is due in 3 weeks. That means 3 more weeks of moaning!!! Take care!!!
They still sell Power Ranger party cups?
Listening to : Billy Talent - Billy Talent
Ok ok ok first thing to rant about tonight..... If I have to hear that bloody frog or that annoying wannabe-popstar chick one more time during a commerical break I think Im going to scream! Now they want to destroy one of the most bodacious songs of all time.. by remixing Sir Mix-a-lot's 'I Love Big Butts'. TRAVESTY! The music channels are beyond rescue, even Channel 4 seem to have 50% of their commerical breaks dedicated to the Jamster Club and all those poor rip offs of the Little Britain character greats. Its sooooooooooooooo annoying! So I, a 21-year-old white male (part of a group most often ignored) am now taking a stand. I suggest two things; 1) to rid the world of ringtone adverts which are soo repetitve and overplayed that you can be just about anywhere and still have the 'Sweety the Chick' tune in your head and 2), restore some quality commericals on our TVs! Come back 'You've been tangoed' adverts, all is forgiven!!!!
This week has been quite boring especially as I've been working on my dissertation, plus the Errorists (my Tuesday footie team) lost their 3rd game in a row. Now we've dropped to 7th, when we were once 3rd and things have gone from bad to worse. What really saved my Tuesday was the film I watched after the game; the newly British made animation film Valiant. It gave me quite a laugh and Ricky Gervais was perhaps top pigeon.
Wednesday I met up with my old gang; Spencer, Nathan, Baz and a Gaji was thrown into the mix also. We ended up roadtrippin' across South Wales with a bottle of JD, maltloaf and a set of Power Ranger party cups. Yes yes, random would definitely not cut it. It was a good night - tiring, but in all I enjoyed talking of times past. Shout out to Spence - thanks again for the membership card!!
Thursday my lovely Bear and I ventured for IKEA breccie and dreamed of owning an apartment fully furnished in Sweden's finest tables and cabinets. Then after grabbing Jen's car from the garage (for the reason it will be on her site soon enough Im sure) we went uni-bound and then home. Footie was a close encounter once more, but the new 'score cards' stole the night's limelight. A controversial idea, but very good in solving disputes when used properly. I wont record the score here as Dale will explain that it is once again over debate......
Anyway my blog of blogs, my time is wearing thin. Until next time, DON'T be tempted by those Jamster adverts. They are the source of all evil. I assure you.
Ok ok ok first thing to rant about tonight..... If I have to hear that bloody frog or that annoying wannabe-popstar chick one more time during a commerical break I think Im going to scream! Now they want to destroy one of the most bodacious songs of all time.. by remixing Sir Mix-a-lot's 'I Love Big Butts'. TRAVESTY! The music channels are beyond rescue, even Channel 4 seem to have 50% of their commerical breaks dedicated to the Jamster Club and all those poor rip offs of the Little Britain character greats. Its sooooooooooooooo annoying! So I, a 21-year-old white male (part of a group most often ignored) am now taking a stand. I suggest two things; 1) to rid the world of ringtone adverts which are soo repetitve and overplayed that you can be just about anywhere and still have the 'Sweety the Chick' tune in your head and 2), restore some quality commericals on our TVs! Come back 'You've been tangoed' adverts, all is forgiven!!!!
This week has been quite boring especially as I've been working on my dissertation, plus the Errorists (my Tuesday footie team) lost their 3rd game in a row. Now we've dropped to 7th, when we were once 3rd and things have gone from bad to worse. What really saved my Tuesday was the film I watched after the game; the newly British made animation film Valiant. It gave me quite a laugh and Ricky Gervais was perhaps top pigeon.
Wednesday I met up with my old gang; Spencer, Nathan, Baz and a Gaji was thrown into the mix also. We ended up roadtrippin' across South Wales with a bottle of JD, maltloaf and a set of Power Ranger party cups. Yes yes, random would definitely not cut it. It was a good night - tiring, but in all I enjoyed talking of times past. Shout out to Spence - thanks again for the membership card!!
Thursday my lovely Bear and I ventured for IKEA breccie and dreamed of owning an apartment fully furnished in Sweden's finest tables and cabinets. Then after grabbing Jen's car from the garage (for the reason it will be on her site soon enough Im sure) we went uni-bound and then home. Footie was a close encounter once more, but the new 'score cards' stole the night's limelight. A controversial idea, but very good in solving disputes when used properly. I wont record the score here as Dale will explain that it is once again over debate......
Anyway my blog of blogs, my time is wearing thin. Until next time, DON'T be tempted by those Jamster adverts. They are the source of all evil. I assure you.
