It's official, I have now bought the rights and ownership to my future home on the net - janstar.co.uk.
I am hoping to work on it as soon as my postgraduate form is fully sorted, so hopefully in a week or so. I hope to put up a good source of info, including the progress of the mighty 'Rangers in greter detail, pictures showing my latest exploits and of course, a few tricks up my sleeve which will stay a secret for now. Like Jen, I have to learn HTML from scratch so dont expect a web site of delight (probably expect more of a web site designer's worst nightmare!).
Not much happening at the mo, only that Cat Launch in Argos is soon upon us so get your catalogues (not books!) this Friday from 2pm down the Bay. I don't advertise much! Also the gift voucher offer is back on - so if you want something expensive, buy it this week and you will get a little something extra.
Recently I have celebrated my mother's birthday at the Phoenix Garden, where we partook of a plentiful Chinese buffet meal. Just to avoid any confusion, my mother's birthday was last month, but this is the first time the family was all available for a get-together. Just shows how busy it is in the Newbury family at the moment! It was all the more important because it was the first time we have gone for a meal since I moved out. It was so odd to arrive and depart in Jen's car, to go to a different house and say goodbye to my mum, dad and Nathan (my brother). I think now the house is beginning to feel more homely , especially after moments like that which really hit home what you're doing (sorry for the pun; wasn't intended!).
Just a question to end - Jen's birthday is coming up... what do I get? ;)
Denn du bist, was du isst!
So the Kop made a safe passage into the Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round with a 3-0 win at the 'Racecourse', to complete a 6-0 aggregate win over the Welsh Champions TNS. No shocker here; we all knew that if TNS won this fairytale tie, the world would surely have turned upside down. What does alarm me as a loyal fan, is the midfielder to striker goal ratio shown in these two European matches. In fact, we might as well change that to the Gerrard to the rest of the team goal ratio! As you may know Stevie G scored 5 of the 6 goals against TNS and you must consider that this guy is not even a forward! I can't complain with the goal tally of the team as a whole, but when you have Morientes, Cisse and possibly Crouch by the end of today, its very worrying that these top class strikers are being overtaken in the goalscorers chart, by a midfielder!
As the title suggests I have been very German of late as I went to see Rammstein at the CIA last Monday. It was a pyromaniac's idea of paradise - big flames, big bangs and a scrawny German keyboardist placed in a cauldron in preparation to be cooked by the lead singer and his kick-ass flame-thrower. If the fire and flames were not enough to satisfy me, they delivered a host of hits from all their albums and set the crowd on fire themselves (well, not literally of course) with the electric Feuer Frei. A very good show; sehr gut Rammstein!
Today Im trying to make the most of my day before a 4 day Argos workathon starting tomorrow. Im also still revelling in the awesome meal we had in house last night - Bangers and Mash! In addition, Im nursing my wounds from the Rangers' game last night which we won 6-3. It was great time for me; my leg is keeeeeeeeling me plus I scored the greatest own-goal of my footballing career. Im hoping for a much better performance at Hunter's Green this Thursday! I must now limp away for breccie, so I bid you farewell!
As the title suggests I have been very German of late as I went to see Rammstein at the CIA last Monday. It was a pyromaniac's idea of paradise - big flames, big bangs and a scrawny German keyboardist placed in a cauldron in preparation to be cooked by the lead singer and his kick-ass flame-thrower. If the fire and flames were not enough to satisfy me, they delivered a host of hits from all their albums and set the crowd on fire themselves (well, not literally of course) with the electric Feuer Frei. A very good show; sehr gut Rammstein!
Today Im trying to make the most of my day before a 4 day Argos workathon starting tomorrow. Im also still revelling in the awesome meal we had in house last night - Bangers and Mash! In addition, Im nursing my wounds from the Rangers' game last night which we won 6-3. It was great time for me; my leg is keeeeeeeeling me plus I scored the greatest own-goal of my footballing career. Im hoping for a much better performance at Hunter's Green this Thursday! I must now limp away for breccie, so I bid you farewell!
Return to 'Silent Hill'
Ive worked in Argos for a helluva long time. In fact, its near approaching 5 years since I went for an interview down the Bay. Today for the first time in my Argos career, I experienced something Grangetownians are usually accustomed to - a powercut. This mammoth of a store, which is usually a hive of activity on a Sunday afternoon was reduced to an eerie, silent darkened state. Although it was really cool as we got to go home early, walking around the stockroom before we were allowed to go was really unnerving as it reminded me soooooo much of Silent Hill.... the dim flicker of the emergency lights, the need for a torch at hand, strange blinking noises and aisle after aisle of dark passageways..... It doesnt help when a certain room already freaks you out when the store is operational and fully lit up..... As Dale once said about the 'Plant Room' in Argos it kind of reminded him of Half Life; with its twisty pipes and shiny ventilation shafts all in a really dark room, with just the noise of a rotating fan to keep you company.... Damn, that place has real computer game setting potential.
Which brings me onto Customer Psychology. The task given to the staff was to alert to the public that the store had ceased trading and had closed. Firstly, take a sign which says clearly in the exact wording "STORE IS CLOSED DUE TO POWER FAILURE" and place in front of the Argos shop doors. Then place 4 members of staff also in front of the doors but behind the sign, reinforcing the 'no entry' policy of the store at this current moment. Now, how many customers do you think still tried to go into the store by barging past the 4 members of staff and after bypassing the sign? TOO MANY. I had seen 3 examples, but I knew there were more, plus surely 3 is enough for me to doubt the true intelligence of the human race. Saying this however, it was pure comedy to watch customers literally walk into the automatic doors and get 'frustrated' because they were closed. In conclusion, 'the customer isn't always right' in response to the classic retail slogan, they are just plain stupid. And if you don't believe me, just work in retail! Im sure many of you can vouch for me!
Which brings me onto Customer Psychology. The task given to the staff was to alert to the public that the store had ceased trading and had closed. Firstly, take a sign which says clearly in the exact wording "STORE IS CLOSED DUE TO POWER FAILURE" and place in front of the Argos shop doors. Then place 4 members of staff also in front of the doors but behind the sign, reinforcing the 'no entry' policy of the store at this current moment. Now, how many customers do you think still tried to go into the store by barging past the 4 members of staff and after bypassing the sign? TOO MANY. I had seen 3 examples, but I knew there were more, plus surely 3 is enough for me to doubt the true intelligence of the human race. Saying this however, it was pure comedy to watch customers literally walk into the automatic doors and get 'frustrated' because they were closed. In conclusion, 'the customer isn't always right' in response to the classic retail slogan, they are just plain stupid. And if you don't believe me, just work in retail! Im sure many of you can vouch for me!
Rapid Eye Movement
Now that I am alone in this new house for the first time, it seems like a perfect time to get a post out there to you, my dear blog. I've been busy over the last week with loads to do around the house (e.g. tidying my room already) and sorting out next year (hopefully a masters in Political Theory). However, as I sit in my new pink seat (yes, you read that correctly) and wonder what to write for the personal statement on my postgraduate application form, Im trying to keep cool in this freak heatwave! Chris is by far the greatest dramatist in the house, but I like to find I come a very close second. In fact the latest catchphrase here is quite appropriately "ITS TOO EFFING HOT!", with our Plasmo bellyaching like a bitch. I really need to take a few lessons from him in becoming a drama queen!
I've also graduated this week which was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I figured that the ceremony would be long, tiring and boring as hell, not to mention the potential roasting gathered from those robes in this searing heat. However St. Davids Hall was air conditioned, it only lasted 1 3/4 hours and the Grand Slam winning Welsh rugby coach, Mike Ruddock, received an honourary fellowship at the end of the ceremony. He looked really nervous giving a speech, but just like our lads he rose up to the occasion with a cracking oratory moment.
Prior to that I saw R.E.M. in the Millennium Stadium with Jen, James and Emma. They really kicked ass and gave an awesome show. Im not a big fan, however im no stranger to 'Losing my Religion' or 'Man on the Moon', which really got the crowds going. To see Michael Stipe in a Welsh rugby jersey was certainly a sight no to miss, whilst the endorsement of Brains SA by one of the band members was also particularly good music to my ears. We also witnessed some vintage dance moves from a few members of the audience which raised a laugh! :D
Im getting old. Nonsense some would say, whilst some sarcastic others would reply to my outburst as 'Fairly obvious'. However it is now clear that my usual levels of paranoia and caution have disappeared over the past week, perhaps now as I approach 21 and a half. For you see, I had left a bag of CDs at Leisure Leagues on Tuesday which I firmly believed I had placed in my bag. In addition to that, I nearly stranded Jen and I in Ster Century yesterday as I misplaced my car keys at the box office before going to see 'War of the Worlds'. After the film I panicked as my pockets were keyless. Then, once I had dragged everyone into an extensive key hunt as well as into mass hysteria, it took ages until we could find a member of staff! In the end the keys were held by a staff member and were handed over to a very relieved Joey. It is now clear that I cannot look after myself - housemates take note!
I've also graduated this week which was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I figured that the ceremony would be long, tiring and boring as hell, not to mention the potential roasting gathered from those robes in this searing heat. However St. Davids Hall was air conditioned, it only lasted 1 3/4 hours and the Grand Slam winning Welsh rugby coach, Mike Ruddock, received an honourary fellowship at the end of the ceremony. He looked really nervous giving a speech, but just like our lads he rose up to the occasion with a cracking oratory moment.
Prior to that I saw R.E.M. in the Millennium Stadium with Jen, James and Emma. They really kicked ass and gave an awesome show. Im not a big fan, however im no stranger to 'Losing my Religion' or 'Man on the Moon', which really got the crowds going. To see Michael Stipe in a Welsh rugby jersey was certainly a sight no to miss, whilst the endorsement of Brains SA by one of the band members was also particularly good music to my ears. We also witnessed some vintage dance moves from a few members of the audience which raised a laugh! :D
Im getting old. Nonsense some would say, whilst some sarcastic others would reply to my outburst as 'Fairly obvious'. However it is now clear that my usual levels of paranoia and caution have disappeared over the past week, perhaps now as I approach 21 and a half. For you see, I had left a bag of CDs at Leisure Leagues on Tuesday which I firmly believed I had placed in my bag. In addition to that, I nearly stranded Jen and I in Ster Century yesterday as I misplaced my car keys at the box office before going to see 'War of the Worlds'. After the film I panicked as my pockets were keyless. Then, once I had dragged everyone into an extensive key hunt as well as into mass hysteria, it took ages until we could find a member of staff! In the end the keys were held by a staff member and were handed over to a very relieved Joey. It is now clear that I cannot look after myself - housemates take note!
Conspiracy Theory
I realise that I havent blogged in a while probably due to the big move to my new Casa del Cathays, but now the events which have occurred in the last week have forced me to get into blogging action. My new crib is cool; Im sharing with Jen, Greg and Chris, who I all look forward to living with. I have such a girlie room! Complete with dressing table and pink wall bordering! Oh well, I will pimp it up a bit when I have the chance to. Plus cheers to Jen and all of her family who donated lots of cool stuff for us!!!!
Its weird that Grangetown has become a revolving door of late. As Im off to my new digs, me mate Gaji has returned to the ghetto from his previous residence in Pentwyn. Grangetown has always been my home since I was born, so one could say I have particular loyalty to this small suburb. But when I move out properly this week, no love will be lost between this area and I. The front page of the Echo last Friday which had shown a picture of a man chain-whipped and robbed at 8.30am, in a lane just off a main street in Grange was enough to convince me that times have changed in this community. Guns, gangs and general car crime have gripped Grangetown so tightly that it is now living up to the perception of many that it is a bad area. Shame really.
In my spare time between moving house and working, my current anarchist streak compelled me to create a playlist full of anarchist and politically outspoken greats (e.g. Rage Against The Machine, Manics, At The Drive In) and I have been closely watching the events of Live 8 and the G8 Summit. Chris Martin the next Bono? I dont think so. I still dont understand how a random selection of people who entered a text lottery to see a music gig for free is 'making poverty history'. Or those who wear writsbands to look cool and insist they are helping the cause by buying them, yet I'm sure the Live 8 banner clearly stated that they 'did not want your money'. What do you want then?!!?!!
With these controversial overtones streaming through my body, I am drawn back to a web site time and time again like a fly on poo. 'Pentagon Strike' (www.pentagonstrike.co.uk) is a flash animation devised upon the hottest conspiracy theory at the moment. This conspiracy is the fact that whether the plane which hit the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks was not actually a Boeing passenger aeroplane, but actually a missile or a fighter jet. I don't know if I believe it but hell, its's really convincing and puts on a really good argument. Tell me what you think!!!
Finally (perhaps the most important), I have received my results for my degree. I got a 2:2, which means that I will not be able to go on the postgraduate course next year :( I am disappointed but not surprised. Im just waiting for the breakdown of the marks to see how far I was off a 2:1, so I can decide on what to do for next year. Im pretty sure that Im going to do another year to get that 2:1, but I have to sort that out this week. Overall I didnt deserve the 2:1 anyway and I know its a case of too little too late. So let it be a lesson to you - if you don't put the work in, you will get fuck all back.
I hope to write my next blog in the comfort of a Cathayian domacile, so until then, ta ta.
Its weird that Grangetown has become a revolving door of late. As Im off to my new digs, me mate Gaji has returned to the ghetto from his previous residence in Pentwyn. Grangetown has always been my home since I was born, so one could say I have particular loyalty to this small suburb. But when I move out properly this week, no love will be lost between this area and I. The front page of the Echo last Friday which had shown a picture of a man chain-whipped and robbed at 8.30am, in a lane just off a main street in Grange was enough to convince me that times have changed in this community. Guns, gangs and general car crime have gripped Grangetown so tightly that it is now living up to the perception of many that it is a bad area. Shame really.
In my spare time between moving house and working, my current anarchist streak compelled me to create a playlist full of anarchist and politically outspoken greats (e.g. Rage Against The Machine, Manics, At The Drive In) and I have been closely watching the events of Live 8 and the G8 Summit. Chris Martin the next Bono? I dont think so. I still dont understand how a random selection of people who entered a text lottery to see a music gig for free is 'making poverty history'. Or those who wear writsbands to look cool and insist they are helping the cause by buying them, yet I'm sure the Live 8 banner clearly stated that they 'did not want your money'. What do you want then?!!?!!
With these controversial overtones streaming through my body, I am drawn back to a web site time and time again like a fly on poo. 'Pentagon Strike' (www.pentagonstrike.co.uk) is a flash animation devised upon the hottest conspiracy theory at the moment. This conspiracy is the fact that whether the plane which hit the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks was not actually a Boeing passenger aeroplane, but actually a missile or a fighter jet. I don't know if I believe it but hell, its's really convincing and puts on a really good argument. Tell me what you think!!!
Finally (perhaps the most important), I have received my results for my degree. I got a 2:2, which means that I will not be able to go on the postgraduate course next year :( I am disappointed but not surprised. Im just waiting for the breakdown of the marks to see how far I was off a 2:1, so I can decide on what to do for next year. Im pretty sure that Im going to do another year to get that 2:1, but I have to sort that out this week. Overall I didnt deserve the 2:1 anyway and I know its a case of too little too late. So let it be a lesson to you - if you don't put the work in, you will get fuck all back.
I hope to write my next blog in the comfort of a Cathayian domacile, so until then, ta ta.
