Who should I vote for?

Who should I vote for in Wales?

Your expected outcome:

Conservative

Your actual outcome:

Labour -1
Conservative -3
Liberal Democrat -2
	UKIP 1
	Green 4
	Plaid Cymru 12

You should vote: Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru is a left of centre party which supports higher marginal rates of taxation, the replacement of council tax by local income tax, increases to the minimum wage and higher pension rates. They are pro both the EU constitution and the Euro, support the ban on smoking in public places, consider hitting CO2 reduction targets to be very important and oppose top-up tuition fees. They took a very strong stance against the war in Iraq.

Take the test at Who Should You Vote For


I wanted to re-take this quiz just to see if it is any different that before. It scares me that UKIP is quite high, but can I be surprised?!?! I think this test is bogus - I put down that I was for the war on Iraq and was against the Euro for Christ's sake!

The sunnier side to Newport?

You would have thought that Goldie Lookin' Chain had it right when they said Newport resembled a cesspit ghetto similar to South Central LA. They have always ensured that the less -than-pretty areas of their home town are exposed for all to see. They have even gotten into trouble with the Newport council over this negative image they depict. I was convinced that Newport was just a strange bridge, a shoddy shopping centre and a outdated leisure centre with a swimming pool (which also hosts gigs, oddly enough). But when I needed a book from the UWCN (Newport Uni) when it wasn't available at the uni library, I discovered a side to Newport which was unknown to me. Allt-Yr-Yn is actually a very affluent area of the city which would confuse you into thinking that you were in Cyncoed, or even Lisvane in parts. Perhaps I was foolish to think that such a city lacked an upper class!

The past few weeks have been full of work and family celebrations. Happy birthday to George on your 21st, hope you had a good night out! Went out for my grandparents' golden wedding anniversary to the Marriot where a delicious steak was to be had.... and overall a nice family meal was enjoyed by all. Valentines Day was different this year as Jen and I went to see Romeo and Juliet in the New Theatre. It was a good show and wasn't too long, much to our relief! My mum also sprang a 'Supermarket Sweep'-esque surprise on me, by allowing me to stock up on whatever I liked with her footing the bill! Sponge? Me? Never!

Can I open my mouth?

Just checking, of late it seems freedom of speech once again is being questioned after this debacle concerning these Danish cartoons. I don't think I want to really comment on this topic as enough about it has been said already, but I have to say that we must value freedom of speech for all it's worth. When Marilyn Manson went to play a gig in Croatia and was orginally prohibited by the police because he 'promotes Satanism', he had said:

"If they think that an artist can destroy their faith, then their faith is rather fragile.

Wise words I feel which sums up how I feel about it. Of course in this case it is not music, but an image.

With that said, I move to home territory. Question Time last week exposed Rhodri Morgan as a bumbling fool in his attempt to explain his opinion on the Iraq War. One would think clever editing by the BBC surely must have had a hand in duping our First Minister, but no, he seemed to do it all on his own. Not only that, all he had to do was to answer a single question. Even more disturbing, is that fact that Morgan may not even have an opinion on the Iraq War, which for a senior politican governing forward our new Wales, fills me with dread. lthough rest assured, there must be a second force at work here. He daren't not oppose Blair, but at the same time he wants to remain popular. Despite that, he embarrassed himself and Wales that night. Not the news you want to hear when the new debating chamber opens next month. Check out the story here.

House is now let out, so no more viewings. That didn't stop The Letting Shop drilling a sign into the wall though, waking up Jen and I! In all this week has not been too interesting; now back in uni things are starting to get back to normal. I hope the Steed Unit had a good time for his birthday! I also wish the Welsh team all the best against the Scots on Sunday. Im pissed off that Wales' Grand Slam win last year is being seen as a fluke now that the English beat us, but I shall moan about that in another post. Til then, toodles.

My lifestyle determines my deathstyle

Metallica are an unlikely source of philosophical direction, but this ever so simple thought means a hell of a lot. To continue the way I live my life, will quite rightly determine the way I will die. So you all know what this means - I am worrying about weight again. Maybe if I listen to that Metallica song a few more times, I will actually do something about it.

It's been busy in Cathays of late. It's house-hunting madness as anxious first years are desperate to get their digs for next year. Everyone here has decided against another year at Casa del Cathays, so we had to prepare for the inevitable viewings for potential tenants. I hope it dies down soon, it's only February!

Back in uni this week and hopefully will come up with a topic for my dissertation soon. I have also bought a diary (75p in the Blackwells sale) in the hope that I can actually organise my life more effectively.

Went to see Max Boyce last Friday and he was absolutely awesome. He's still got it, that unique wit, that fantatstic ability to tell a story and even the musical talent that gets every self -respecting Welsh person to their feet.

To all the Argos guys I am sorry I let you down over the Butlins idea. I have become incredibly broke of late and I completly forgot about the trip, despite the reminders I have been sent. There's no reason why however we can't do something nearer to the summer, such as a theme park stop-over trip?

In spite of not joining the Lost bandwagon earlier when it was being braodcasted here in the UK, I have finally given up the fight against watching the sheer brilliance of this drama. After a massive Lost marathon, I have caught up with Chris and Greg now up to Episode 17 and look forward to the (hopefully question answering) climax.



Other things I should mention include my recent trip to Ludlow and the footballing news in my life at the moment. Ludlow was very nice - Jen and I went on our Saturday off from work - and we are going back because the castle had closed before we got there! Pictures of our day are on my new pictures website. Just in case I haven't stated on the blog before, I am proud to mention that I play for two teams now, my beloved QVR and the TTFE league team. The QVR recently made the playoffs after a thrilling 4-3 win over the top team in the division in the final game of the season. TTFE however have not recorded their first win just yet, but it's coming. Please check out all these sites if you are interested.

22? Oh that's nice....

Birthdays bring good memories, but also provoke some troubling thoughts. It's that time again when you start to think what's going with your life. When you hear your new age from others and you realise that you are actually 22, I felt old. Theo Walcott, the new Arsenal 12 million pound signing, is only 16 years old for Christ's sake! He's acheived something before he can legally drink an ale! And what have I done?!?! SQUAT, that's what! What my football career?!?!!?! Nevermind... I never wanted to be a figure in the footballing world... too much pressure. Isn't that right Sven? I don't think he will be going to Dubai anytime soon.

Thanks to the Argos catalogue calendar, which can possibly doom those with a birthday between 17th and 24th of both January and July, I had the unfortunate luck of my birthday falling on one of the two biggest days in the company. Cat Launch! A day which is almost impossible to get off as a holiday (well, I have succeeded sometimes before) and therefore has to be worked. Luckily the day wasn't too busy and I appreciate all the birthday wishes everyone gave!

Whilst talking of birthdays, I must wish a very happy birthday to both James and Clare. The night out at the Hawaiian was awesome - something different as well! Thanks again for the invite, and I hope you both had a good time.

I have gone a bit mad spending spree wise, and my recent purchases are as follows:

CKY - An Answer can be Found

Arrived this morning and so far it's pretty good. I would suggest getting their debut album, CKY : Volume 1.




Fallout Boy - From Under the Cork Tree

Not bad - but I'm getting the impression that every song sounds the same. I hate that on an album. I bet this one will grow on me in time.



(Had to be the biggest)

The Lightning Seeds - Like You Do.... Best of

What a brilliant album. I had it before but alas, it was lost. After taking advantage of some Amazon sales, I have once again got Ian Broudie back on my tunes list. Pure is a beautiful song, whilst The Life of Riley is an upbeat, song-a-long classic. God bless you Liverpudian genuises!









And so on that note kids, I take my leave. Look after yourselves and remember - the fake sheikh is out and about!

Terrorism powders its nose

Im hoping that 2006 will bring a better year for film, as 2005 was pretty poor in my opinion when it came to a good movie. On preview it looks like my prayers have been answered.

Dont get me wrong, I love the odd comedy. Adam Sandler still has me in stitches (next Happy Madison production being The Benchwarmers looks good) and the odd chuckle never did me any harm. But Im just soo sick and tired of seeing Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and the like monopolizing all the teen comedies. They might be funny, but I don't want them rammed down my throat with advert after advert displaying their new film which promises to be funnier than the last. Bollocks to that, I will see something a bit more stimulating thank you!

Therefore enter controversy: the receipe for film-tastic 2006. Jarhead, a possible political hot potato, gives an insight into the experiences of a soldier in the first Gulf War. Of course, this is released at a time when Iraq still is a sore point for many families who have relatives fighting to restore order in the chaotic state. In reference to the director Sam Mendes, I bet this film will be another hit for him just like Road To Perdition, one of my fave movies.

Spielburg's Munich will not help Middle-Eastern peace talks either. The film focuses upon the aftermath of the '72 Munich Olympics when a group of Israeli athletes were taken hostage and eventually murdered by a Palestinian militant group. Spielburg might be taking a chance with this one; sci-fi, dinosaurs and alien invasions are all well and good but a political issue such as the Middle-Eastern conflict? No doubt that it will be superbly made though and it is worth a good look.

This year marks the 5 year anniversary of living in a post 9/11 world. Flight 93 is due for release in the States in April and I'm sure it's going to be a real hit over there. I predict this because Flight 93 will document the final moments of the passengers of the fourth hijacked plane during the terrorist attacks of the 11 September 2001. The only plane not to reach it's intended target thanks to the heroics of some of them onboard, this film will show the courage of the doomed men and women who knew full well that they would never see their loved ones again. Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 was a big hit at the box office, so I'm sure that this will be a hit as well.

What Hit Song of 2005 are you?

Your 2005 Song Is

Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz "Love forever love is free. Let's turn forever you and me." In 2005, you were loving life and feeling no pain.

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Im not surprised, I was humming this little ditty all year round!!!

Requiem For Them

The thoughts of my past linger on
As echoes and phantoms in my today
Breathing on fear and feeding on indecision
Laying the path of a new morality.

Mistakes of me, mistakes of many
My actions are one of autonomy
Like the cold components of Calculon
We are bound together in transparent unity.

I commend those who know, I offer only
A veil of hopefulness for those who are they,
Ignorant to all but only themselves
And that their errored cost is one we all must pay.

January Jive

My Tanglefoot ale crate which got me through Crimbo is running dangerously low, the TV programming has got noticeably better and I have a stack of uni work to do. Yes, it’s quite self-explanatory – January is here. 2006 has arrived just as cold as 2005 made it’s entrance, but it’s good to see that Wales has had a flying start. It’s January 5^th and already two Welsh/Cardiff tragedies have occurred. The horrific death of a student in Thailand and the shameful ordeal of toddler from Rumney have marred 2006 in only 5 days. Not to mention the mine shift blast in West Virginia, where more than a dozen had died.

Maybe 2005 was just too good a year and we are paying for it now. Putting the Tsunami and the 7/7 bombings aside last year was a bloody good year. I moved out, I graduated, managed to get onto a Masters degree, went on holiday, went to lots of gigs, The Kop became Euro Champs, the City didn’t get relegated, I didn’t get hurt in any way, drank enough ale and overall – had a grand year. Let’s hope that this one will get better, but Im not holding my breath – economists already reckon that this year will be the hangover of a prosperous honeymoon spending period. Tighten up your purses now!

I still maintain that New Year Resolutions are silly, but I suppose it’s a clean start to banish some of the sins I have committed. Last year I half-heartedly stated that I was to read some more as well proclaiming the classic promise, I will eat less. I now read a hell of lot more, but the weight thing is still on the drawing board. This year if I had to sort out resolutions, I will promise to eat less (again), learn to guitar, write more (be it poetry or blogging), read even more and most importantly, try my hardest in writing my dissertation this year. I want something that I can be proud of. Not something I produced in a week and finished on the morning of the deadline. Let it be known blog, I must do these things if I’m going to Heaven. If I don’t… well… I don’t even want to think of what might happen to me.

The Not-so-ancient Art of 'Googlestalking'

In the misery of which is the post-xmas period I have been recollecting in some old tunes from a few years back. I dug out an old Kerrang CD from like 2001-2 and with curosity played the whole thing in the kitchen (of course, music in the kitchen is the best place to listen to anything) whilst washing the dishes. Immediately I remembered the likes of 'A', Lit, Fu Manchu and Alkaline Trio, which floated my boat back in the day. It made me acquire the new Trio album, Crimson, which is awesome. Get it - it might just change your life. Might.

In an attempt to get back into the academic feel of things I have been reading the comment section of the Times. Oh what a bad idea. Especially when the subject prays upon my overactive paranoia. For some who know me well, they will explain that I have very strong paranoid tendencies. For example, checking the front door is locked after I leave the house (even if Im 10 minutes down the road) and when I lived at home, ringing my mum to wake her so that she could check if I had left the iron on.

The article I read was about internet identity and what information which we could describe as 'personal' actually reaches the web. 'Googlestalking' is a new craze for identity theives, paranoid androids and the bored. Just type your name into Google and see what comes up - you'd be surprised. Even if you don't appear in any of the articles once you've added a few details about yourself e.g. where you live, where you work etc. to narrow your identity down, what you can uncover is quite worrying. I now know that my father shares a name with a West Wiltshire County Councillor and that Jen shares her name with a law lecturer in Oxford. In another article I have read that some women track their ex-boyfriends if they were 'stalker-esque'. One woman discovered that her ex lover had left town by checking a newspaper article. This worries me - is this too much information to have avaliable?

People put the info about themselves on their blogs and sites in many different ways. Some will be very limited in what they display, some all bare all details including name, address, telephone number etc. and for some, they even create separate identities entirely for the internet and effectively become a duality. We are all permitted to share information about ourselves in what ever way we choose, but surely we must be prepared we accept that what we place on the net is not just going to be seen by our mates, but the whole world. That includes the scum of this world.

Some other scary sites with worrying prospects:

Net House Prices - Enter your postcode and see how much some of the houses in your street have sold for. Good to reveal if someone is feeding you bullshit concerning the price they paid for their house. Bad as it is perhaps information which just shouldn't be on view.

Check Your Area - Enter your postcode once again and witness the real wonder of which is your street. This site will tell you what type of area it really is, who lives there, whether it's has a 'good or bad' credit rating (creditors consider the postcode, not just the house and it's occupants) and whether you read a newspaper or not. Designed for people moving house and to have an idea of their potential home. But once again, should we really have this type of info available to all?

Some things are just meant to be private.

A Christmassy Post

And so another Christmas comes and goes, just like the occasional cold. You only have to blink and before you know it, the nice shiny presents you once were eyeing up now clutter up the bedroom cupboard, probably never to be seen again. Christmas had of course been creeping up on us for ages, but to me the last visable sign of the season came on the night of Christmas Eve. THERE WERE NO CARS AT ALL NEAR CASA DEL CATHAYS AT ALL! Parking was a dream. I really wish I took a picture now!


Its been a pretty good Christmas in all - pretty much like the previous ones, so no complaints there. Its always great to have a family Crimbo, sit around the table and take the piss out of the Queen's message, take the piss out of the 'cracker treats', not to mention wearing those rather fetching cracker paper hats, which never fit my head properly. I think it meant more to me as it was my first 'live-away-then-come-back-for-Christmas' Christmas. I must give many thanks to both Jen's family and my own for some excellent festive meals. They were delicious! We should have sausages in bacon more often!

The pic above is from the Argos Crimbo Party a few weeks back, which was a big disappointment. Sadly only a few people turned up, but we still had a good time thanks to many drinks on the company and some rare Cha-Cha sliding from Leighton. The above creature could feature in a BBC One wildlife documentary for it's arachnid presence, but fear not, it is merely Tom's party sausage .. erm .. thing. Well done Tom - not only for your creativity, but that thing was a great time killer, not to mention it raised a good laugh.

With work on both ends of the 25th, Christmas Day was also a good time to relax and actually take some time out from a work marathon. On Christmas Eve, as part of the festive dress up theme in work, I found a kindred spirit in a fellow fat man - Father Christmas himself! Thats right, I was wearing red and you bet your ass that I looked the part!!! Explaining out of stock refunds was brill because the customers couldn't take me seriously wearing a hat and (well, for some of the time) a beard. The effort from all was great - most of the guys dressed up, wore tinsel, a hat etc.. Well done to all!

So now the celebrations are well and truly over one can only look back. But why do that? New Year is on the way and my birthday is around the corner! I wear my Boris Johnson 'Piffle' shirt (gift from Jen) with pride in awe of one of new heroes, and think about what to spend with my Crimbo cash. Hmm.... Anyways I hope you all had a great time over the last week and I wish you all a great New Year too.



P.S. This a snap of the some of Swansea's Christmas lights. Compared with Cardiff? It's St. Mary's St all the way baby!!!

Fat Boys For Life? Or just for Christmas?

Recently Jen and I visited Asda Coryton in for some Christmas light/inflatable Santa hunting. As predicted, we walked away with an inflatable Santa (which now sits masterfully in the living room), some cheapy berry lights for our mini 3ft tree (the tree kindly donated by the family of Payne, thanks again!) and finally, a pretty cool icicle light. A pretty good trip in all, however it was to come with a very fulfilling bonus - formed as one of those weighing machines you find now and again at public places. Now I haven't weighed myself in a while - Christ, we are talking years. And I know I ain't no Brad Pitt when it comes to my torso. In fact, over the last couple of years Im sure I could have given Rik Waller a serious run for his money. My eating habits haven't been ideal either. Therefore I expected the worst when this day would come along. I was thinking 20 stone plus.

As of Friday 16th Dec, I weigh 17 st 2.5 lb - which some may find replusive. I call it pure relief! I had a spring in my step all day from then on. Alas, with Crimbo around the corner will this figure of mine stay at this personally acceptable figure? Now where did I put that bacon sandwich.....

Been listening to a lot of Megadeth lately - really forgot how good they actually were. Velvet Revolver also have been rocking my boat of late. From what Ive heard of the new and upcoming Strokes album it looks like the New Yorkers will produce another quality album.

Im still pondering over what to wear for Saturday's fancy dress day in work. Im all outta ideas - its always the same problem every Christmas at Argos and this year is no exception. I may even accept defeat this year and just be 'jolly' with a Santa hat or something. Noooooooooo! I cannot do that! I need to dress up... it just has to be done!!! Its the one chance to look as silly as I like, its an opportunity not to wasted! Thinking caps on!!!

Another shameless advert

Just spotted this on the Guardian website and mainly aimed at my fellow Argos slaves. Here Tim Dowling is in replying to the recent book, 'Is It Just Me Or Is Everything Just Shit?', by stating an A-Z of things we should be grateful for. Sadly, as you can guess, the Argos Catalogue makes one of these very things.

"Argos catalogue

You know when you feel like going out and buying some stuff, but can't think of anything you need? What if there was a big book that reminded you of all the things in the world available for purchase, and the phone number for a shop where you could buy them all? Would that fill the empty place in your aching soul, if only for a while? Well, there is, and you probably already have it. And if not, it's free! Move over, the Bible!"

Unbelievable. But I know for a fact many people share this view!

Pint for the Fella, Glass of white wine for the Lady

Feeling like Alex Ferguson right now; sick as a parrot. However my illness is not due to a certain James McFadden or a recent Euro exit, but of a greater consequence - the common cold. Yes like a true male, I have moaned like a wimp about being 'cold' and enthralling the house with my dramatic antics. I'm sure I could show David Tennant a thing or two about acting after this bout of influenza! I must give a giant thankyou, multipied by a million to Jen, who has put with my moaning and has taken care of me despite my ramblings. Cheers honey!

Last Monday we endured a hellish trip west to the City of Swansea. I say hellish as a 35 mile journey took just under two hours! Mainly this madness is down to a ridiculous set of road works on Fabian Way, perhaps Swansea's busiest route in and out of the city! However the trip was worth the wait as the Grand Theatre was hosting the alter-ego of the dramatically gifted Al Murray, none other than the Pub Landlord himself. The Guv'nor was in top form, especially when he had mistaken a long haired male student for a girl. Even Murray himself was lost for words but his recovery was fantastic, in fact it strengthened his act even more. I felt sorry for that student though... his chuckling parents were even with him!!! The anti-European sketch was also a great laugh and what he had to say about the current state of politics in this country rings true... Its just like a panto!!! I won't give too much away from his act as I implore you all to go see him when he comes to Cardiff in June. If anyone is interested, I'm game for another pint of comedy from the Guv'nor!

My turn to host the Argos Poker Night and I promised not to disappoint. All went well I'm happy to say, as we welcomed debutants Rhyd and Alyson for a high turnout of 12 players. Jamie S once again walked away with the most money in his pocket, defeating the Steed Unit in the final showdown. Well done to Rhyd however, who reached the final three! Sian was also very kind to bring down the Buzz game, which was an instant hit with all. We have now stolen it :) and is a regular past time for us all at Casa del Cathays. Only kidding Sian, you can have it back soon enough... as soon as we can part our grubby mits from it!!!

I suspect that I will not blog until Xmas so to all my readers have a very merry good time over your holidays!!!!

Life is for living and.....

Guess the song? Or even the band? No?! No brownie points for you then! 'Life's forgiving' is taken from 'Pilgrim Soul', a rather hard hitting track from Pushing The Senses, the latest offspring from Welsh rock giants Feeder. In fact at the CIA we were treated to the Newport Connection, as the chavtastic GLC were the support. Myself, Jen, Sian, Rhyd and Tom caught the last song of their set, the bluntly titled 'Your Mother's Got a Penis'. Nice. Iit got the crowd going and I did break a smile.

Feeder were in form and as always they never fail to disappoint. 'Buck Rogers' made the walls shake (not literally before you ask) and the inclusion of the oldies like 'High' and 'Insomnia' is always good to see from a band who could churn out all of their newest stuff if they wanted to. Grant Nicholas was also given a standing oviation for his acoustic rendition of 'Dove Grey Sands'. More importantly however, I won the 'First/Last Song' guessing game so now I truly rule!!!



Of course, just in case anyone forgot where they were last night.


Yes this is me sleeping. Why i put this pic up, I do not know. Hideous wouldn't you say? You lovely people have Jen to thank for this eyesore.

Just in case you haven't noticed I have joined the online music revolution, Last.fm. I noticed it on Plas.me.uk and I thought it;s about time the world knew the true garbage I listen to. So if you asked for it or not, here you go! My Last.fm profile

Poker night this Sunday on my gaff - so be prepared to lose some money peeps! I need some dinero pretty badly!!!

My final thought is a poem written by Serj Tankian, who is the lead singer of System of a Down. This poem has made me think about the true concept of identity and what it means to be something. If it strikes a nerve with you, feel free to let me what you think.

Identity - Serj Tankian

I would like to meet a true writer
Who considers himself one who writes,
Or a true musician,
Who considers himself one who plays music,
Or a true hero,
Who considers his heroism as natural acts,
For the definition of the functions tied to people's necks
Choke the true essence of the identity.

On that final thought moment; take care of yourselves, and each other.

One Month

I think I have listened to Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds so much I am now convinced that a Martian attack is right around the corner. If I do start humming 'The Eve of War' when I'm with you, please tell me to stop. Like wise you must tell me to stop singing of the incredibly catchy tunes from Weebls Stuff, as Im sure I am going to annoy someone before long.

One month? Until what?!?! :)

So how am I doing? Dandy. All is well at the moment as far I can report. The work for my course is getting heavy not to mention a lot tougher. However I am enjoying it, which is really baffling me. Never before have I wanted to look through a challenging text like Thomas More's Utopia 'just for fun'. In fact, I can't wait to read Plato's Republic either. Dare I say it, have I become a bookworm?!?!?!?

A shoutout needs to go to Emma who very kindly grabbed a book for me at Swansea Uni. This inparticular book was nowhere to be had all over South East Wales; all 9 copies taken out of Cardiff Uni, no copies in the Newport and Glamorgan unis, plus not even one in any of the public libraries in Cardiff, Newport, the Vale, Caerphilly or even the Rhondda. In Swansea however, there were 14 copies there for the taking! Funny that! Thanks again, Em!!

My new favourite online book store is Swotbooks.com. Prompt delivery and good prices! What more can you ask for!!!

My last point on this small post is the passing of Irish legend, George Best. I wish I had the opportunity to see him play as he was a footballing wizard, which was destined to be one of the all time greats. Thing is, he very much was a great, despite a short career in the game. Sadly the media have not helped the situation by immense overexposure. The papers had already pronounced him dead for us despite the few additional hours he still had fought for himself. Shame on the British media once more and their fanaticism with the celebrity. Rest in Peace George, now that you have actually gone.

Falling into place

I have to admit it. One Man, One Struggle has faced its greatest task in bringing the punters back. It's time for some drastic action. So I present.... pictures!

Yes pretty pictures! I havent really got to grips with them since I've started the blog so here is a desperate attempt to stay hip and cool, like all the other blogs/blods out there!


So above, you may notice my first pic. It is a snapshot of the civic centre shortly after David Tennant and Billie Piper had turned the Cardiff Christmas lights - oh sorry, I must be politically correct these days - or "winter lights". Not a great pic - I admit they all will not be, as they come from my very outdated Nokia brick. The night was bitter cold, but it was great as it marked the beginning of the winter festivities. Im not a huge fan of Christmas celebrations, however they always bring a smile to all faces - including mine. It was good to see the new Doctor, plus the Tardis (even if it was for a short while) and even witness the new Winter Wonderland additions! Crazy golf for the kids and a chocolate fondue machine! Smiles definitely all round.


As the Welsh XV took on the Fujians, it seemed an easy victory from the outset. However we only only beat them 11-10 in a terrible game of rugby. Not a total loss however, as the 16 strong group who I went with to this game were in fine song. Well, most of them anyway! We took part in the Mexican Wave and just when it seemed Deliah had failed to get the crowds going, we tried a good ole'' OGGY OGGY OGGY!' and the crowd woke up to become the effective 16th man! We nicked the game at the end as well! What a coincidence?!?!?! Have we got a chance against South Africa tomorrow? As much chance as the Welsh football team beating Argentina at this moment in time. I won't comment about the Welsh footie game against Cyprus on here, mainly because it would result in another possible 50+ swear count which I cannot afford! But witness my comments gladly at http://www.thursdayfootball.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=185



Ahh yes, poker. Leighton hosted the biggest poker night of the year so far, complete with snacks, giant Rocket Joe's pizza and 9 hopeful card playing studs. The game was Texas Hold 'em and the worthy winner was Karl, who eased to win with a patient approach. I came second, ahead of Tom, who is continuing to shine on the table. Sian did well to reach fourth, she really stuck it to the man with her clever card play. Both Jamies didn't get the hands, whilst Chuck won a few, but luck wasn't on their side. Adam, or the resident Steed Unit, was also defiant in his cool approach, but nothing came his way. Leighton on the other hand was our 'Shirley Bassey' (Big Spender) of the evening and made an early exit. However no tears from our host, as he pumped out 'It's Not Unusual' for our entertainment. In addition, Tom and Nathan discussed the niceness of Nice biscuits. Yep, just another Argos night out.

Other things to note, Franz Ferdinand may have a good second album, however they absolutely suck live. In fact, they were so bad, myself, Tom, Emma and Jen left early to avoid the muffling of 'The Fallen', which is my fav track on 'You Could Have It So Much Better'. The Editors were actually better, much to my surprise. The Rakes were god awful. The night was not wasted as we made an Asda run and ate more Rocket Joe's pizza.

Zebrahead were also pretty awesome. I enjoy Barfly as a venue because it feels so small scale. 'This is where the journey starts to rockstardom', if you would believe. And there is a pit, damn, you better be tough. Stamina is needed for such a small enclave, as I found out during the Zebrahead set. The place exploded! Im sure Emma and Tom were standing next to me at one point.... then they were nowhere to be seen!

Dopamine are on that very road to stardom I believe. They are a local band who are signed up to Plastic Head and sound unique. I would like to see them in the near future. Fastlane were also pretty cool, definitely capable of better things if they get a breakthrough.

Talking of music - get Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds. If you saw Spielberg's remake earlier this year and were impressed, this amazing soundtrack from the Eighties will blow you away even more.

I hope to get the website up and running properly soon. Plus better updates on One Man, One Struggle. But hey, whats new!!!!

"Mort Pour Rien"

Its sad to hear that the race-rioting in France has now reached epic proprtions. Now on its tenth day and has spread to other France provincial towns, the French government really have a problem on their hands. At the same time, its a lesson learned about our neighbours over the channel. Race relations seem a hell of a lot better here than in France, where some black citizens have accused the French authorities of discriminate 'institutional racism'. Lets just hope that this action, drastic and extreme, will turn more than just a few heads.

I have escaped the silly season unscathed. I always treat this time of year like a mini-hiberation, as I hate going outside whilst trick-or-treaters are about, fireworks are whizzing around your head or eggs are thrown towards your windows. Call me old fashioned, but Halloween and Bonfire Night belong to the yobs. Only when fireworks are banned and are only available for general display, a sense of normality will be restored on these supposedly 'fun' nights.

Went to see Hamlet in the New Theatre on Friday night and much to my surprise, I thought it absolutely sucked. I am patient with Shakespeare as he was a playwright genius (well, that's if he had written his own plays), but Hamlet portrayed in this production was too long and infuriorating. WHY CAN'T HE JUST KILL HIS UNCLE WHEN HE HAS THE CHANCE, INSTEAD OF MOANING?!!?!?!?!?!?! He began to sound a lot like lot myself; the supreme procrastinator. So now I can see why Im soo annoying when I put things off Jen!

To conclude, "the Bloodhound Gang was here to get it on" and get it on they certainly did at the Students Union last night.

Bye! off to make tea!

Attempted Delivery?!?!?!

Lets face it, I’m not the world’s best blogger and I’m sure that fact is not hidden from you good people out there. Previous ‘Greg-bashing’ for lack of updating is now seriously coming back to haunt me! So this time I offer no apology, just the pure truth!

In the last month (yes, its been that long) I have been up to quite a few things. I ‘owned’ (I believe that is the geek terminology) at a game of poker at Casa del Cathays and took the cash prize, plus I have also rather stupidly bid £240 for a copy of Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan on eBay. As you can probably tell, I should have only bid £2.40 but I couldn’t even do that right! After a day of panicking, no to mention franticly contacting eBay and the seller, I eventually uncovered the retraction bid option. I think I will leave off some eBuying for now I think, for my own nerves’ sake!

Last night Jen and I went with Tom and his mate Stu to see the legendary Lee Evans at the CIA and he was bloody awesome. He has me in stitches every time I watch him; just the actions and the voices he pulls off puts me in a laughing fit! If you are going in the next few days, he will not disappoint you!!!

Thursday football (www.thursdayfootball.co.uk) is still going strong and after 4 games the score is tied between Dale’s side and Chris’ side at 2-2. I have enjoyed being caretaker captain whilst Chris has been away with injury, but now that he is back on the pitch everyone beware of two loudmouths!

The Rangers (www.qvr.blogspot.com) are also enjoying their new season in Division Four, with a good start of 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss. Check out the match reports for further details!

Fresher Madness!

Freshers week here in Cathays and don’t I know it. The Union has finally returned to the usual hustle and bustle I always associate it with, plus drunken antics have also reached a record high in my street. At 4 in the morning some guys decided to play around with a Lidl trolley, however several of our other neighbours took their intoxicated-induced shenanigans to another level – by trashing their own place and chucking stuff out of their windows. As reported by our man Greg (as I couldn’t be assed looking out of the window), the Old Bill were soon on the scene and after a stern ticking off, sleep ness nights will hopefully be a thing of the past.

Went to CIA last Monday to see the Phonics as part of their newest album tour. Christ, they are big. I guess it didn’t hit me before, but its clear now that they have joined an exclusive group of rock and pop band stardom acheivers. They put on a good show regardless, although if I had it my way the strobe lighting could have been knocked down a good few notches. It was certainly good to see the Phonics actually rock the place down for a change, as the last two albums have most definitely failed to provoke any sense of ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ at all. As a previous post has stated, JEEP is perhaps the greatest disappointment of my life. You Gotta Go There…. was even worse – it was then I realised these guys completely forgotten to rock. The new album is an example of a revival even Jesus would be jealous of, in fact, you can be forgiven in thinking that this was a completely new band. Tisk, tisk Kelly, how do you do it?

Just been to see the Horrible Histories Tudor show at the New Theatre, with Jen and little OJ. I enjoyed it so much and yet I was educated; what do they call that? Edu-tainment? It was good stuff, especially with the 3D glasses that made wooden pieces of the Spanish Armada fly right between into my eyes. Now that’s a show!

Oh well, the bags beneath my eyes are beginning to sag more than usual so until next time, remember; DIVORCED, BEHEADED, DIED, DIVORCED, BEHEADED, SURVIVED!