The curse of campbell

It was as though the fates were toying with us. In every crucial match that Campbell has scored in for England, we have then gone on to lose and exit the tournament. So when he scored that fabulous header tonight I was half expecting the inept referee to blow his whistle for some minor infringement, disallow the goal and thus invoke the curse the Campbell whereby England would proceed to lose on penalties. Except the goal stood and this was not England, but Arsenal, so the curse wouldn't strike, right? It was one nil to the Arsenal, long enough in the match to believe it would be. Arsenal hadn't conceded a goal in 995 minutes. This could be the perfect send off for Pires, Bergkamp and Highbury. However it wasn't to be.

So yes, it was as though the fates were toying with us.

: 18 May 2006 02:04 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Creating a 21st century empire

Excerpt from the Bush/Wolfowitz doctrine: The National Security Strategy 2006

"If necessary, however, under long-standing principles of self-defence, we do not rule out use of force before attacks occur, even if uncertainty remains as to the time and place of the enemy's attack"

The rejection of Article 51 of the UN charter which states:

Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.

: 16 Mar 2006 15:13 |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Tiny annoyances

Things that annoy me, but not enough for me to notice much, except now:

CRT monitors: They hurt my eyes :(

Pro evo soccer: I play it way too much and also I'm not improving anymore. I reached a plateau and now i'm deproving instead.

Bog roll holders that encase the bog roll. So you spend an inordinate amount of time feeling the underside of the loo roll in a come hitherto fashion until you find the tissue end. 1) why encase the bog roll so you can't see it 2) why can't they reinvent the stuff (like a square bog roll) so the end always dangles off? I can't wait for the future where they've got those three sea shells...¹

While i'm here, other public lavoratories related annoyances are push button taps and towel roll depensers thingys that you have to tug. Its not that I don't like pushing or tugging, what self respecting individual doesn't? No, its that they're crap, and we can't do anything about it (if we tried a mass boycott we'd be beset with major hygiene problems before we got anywhere).

Not to be a total sourpuss I like the fact that public toilets are well public (no need to explain that), those hot air thingys you dry your hands with, and disabled toilets which are first class (with their extra leg room, cushions and personal sinks and mirrors).

Back to my gripes:

University computer keyboards: On the underside of most keyboards there are two flaps. I like to flick mine out, as I prefer a raised keyboard. Can't explain why, its just the way I was made. Some son of gun has found this out and proceeded to remove one of these two flaps from every keyboard the uni owns. Don't believe me- check it out yourself. In some instances both flaps are removed. The bastard.

Me: I'm revising for exams at the end of this term and for my own good i've isolated myself in a cubbyhole in the library. Consequently I've been spending way too much time with me.

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1. That picture is just begging for a clever caption!

: 26 Feb 2006 14:33 |  Tags: Diaryhea |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Trouble with a capital D

Writing about web page http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4670370.stm

The reprinting of that Danish newpaper cartoon depicting the prophet muhammad (pbuh) is beyond ridiculous. Its inflammatory, divisive and dangerous.

For instance, if we were to substitute Mose for Muhammad (pbut) that cartoon would never of made it to print. The paper would be roundly criticised & labelled anti-semitic (& rightly so) if it dared too. And that would be the end of the story. But because its Islam (europe's current evil darling) this is not the case and situation becomes one of a debate about "press freedom" Vs the obtruse narrow-minded oppressive "muhammadians".

"I might not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"

How continental press try and hide behind "Press freedom" is pathetic. Voltaire would role over in his grave. There are limits to what we can say (or the National Front would have a field day). How this "press freedom" stance adopted by continental press is for the betterment of the general public I have no idea.

I would accept a claim of naivety when the cartoon was published orginally. Then it could be argued that this was a case of ignorance on the part of that newspaper and the cartoonist. However the reprinting of a blasphemous cartoon is another kettle of fish altogether and is a premediated attack on a religion & equates to religious incitement.

: 02 Feb 2006 04:42 |  Tags: Deep And Meaningfuls Politics |  Comments (18) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

the company of amazing inventions

Interesting excerpt from an article in a national newspaper :

…recently acclaimed The Warwick Inventions Company (world enterpreneur of year 2005) was successfully spun out of Warwick University's Chemistry, Engineering and Philosophy departments two years ago. Now the market leader, it's rapid ascent to the top has not gone unnoticed- the successful model WIC implemented is being closely analysed by leading British institutions such as Oxbridge & Goldsmiths.

A small company of 42 dedicated employees, CEO Floda Ye Hetlir attributes himself and the company's combination of facist & socialist principles for its success: "Using a highly trained workforce of mainly gypsy children, we've built up an arsenal of products, renegaded on some deals and then proceeded to blitzkrieg our opposition into submission."

He argues success lies with constant conquest, i.e. newer bolder products that will take the market by storm. And a strengthing portfolio is what the company is achieving. In their annual report WIC mentions several exciting products that have increased turnover by 12.3478%:

Yummy perfume range: Non- provocative scented perfumes, including: Oven fresh bread, Coriander herbs & Diesel exhaust pour homme scents.

Pinchynator and Pinchynator deluxe: are a range of brightly coloured high definition low density plastic sheets that are clipped to the trouser or skirt in a manner that covers the derriere, thus preventing pinching. Size of the sheet covers most derriere sizes (though not all).

Drunk Water: Get drunk without drinking alcohol! Yes thats right, DW bypasses all of those nasty side effects that alcohol has on you!! No more liver damage, bad breath, rotting teeth, red ruddy cheeks and nose, memory loss, alcoholic poisoning, nausea or hang overs!! Its true, its real and its coming here soon!!! _{Note there is a warning that drinking DW will induce dipsomania.}

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I feel proud that Warwick is competing with the best of them.

: 27 Jan 2006 19:40 |  Tags: Creative Splurging |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Mike Kitson

I was reading Michael Moore's "Idiot Nation" when to my surprise (as I'm a fan of his), I just gave up.

Though the subject matter isn't great¹, (it's a depressing read) and the contents is nothing new or that I couldn't figure out, the overiding desire to stop reading came about because Mike doesn't know how to write. He's rubbish at it, and thats a shame.
And that last sentence is an understatement.

Meanwhile in other news the comedian Daniel Kitson was articulate and quite entertaining (always helpful for one in his profession).

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1. Though the MM has a disclaimer (near the beginning of the essay) stating his love for his country et cetera, I still feel its has an anti-american vibe. I could understand the MM's desire to highlight the problems in his homeland in hope for betterment. However his decision to entitle it Idiot Nation and rib Americans panders to his global (non-US) audience and the general decadence of a country's education system is not solely applicable to the US. I feel he seems fixated with an easy target.

: 15 Jan 2006 02:58 |  Tags: Diaryhea |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

If you have one AIR GUITAR song make sure its…

The Pixies – Debaser

It shouldn't work; in the middle I dont think it does, but somehow, even with them just saying "Debaser" most of the time, the Pixies make it work.¹

Other songs to include:

1. Killer Queen- Queen
2. Freakin' out- Graham coxon
3. Born To Be Wild- Steppenwolf
4. All Right Now- Free
5. More Than A Feeling- Boston
6. Bomber – Motorhead
7. Sunflower- Paul Weller
8. I love rock n' roll- Joan Jett and the Sex Pistols
9. Freebird- Lynard Skynard
10. Hard to Explain- The Strokes
11. Love Spreads- Stone Roses (though it's a bit long)
12. Cold Hard Bitch- Jet
13. Killing In The Name- Rage against the machine
14. How Soon Is Now- The Smiths
15. Schools Out For Summer- Alice Cooper
16. Sweet Child Of Mine – Guns N' Roses
17. ZZ Top – La Grange
18. Wild Thing- The Troggs
19. The Boys Are Back In Town- Thin lizzy
20. Reeling In The Years- Steely Dan
21. Welcome To The Jungle- Guns N' Roses

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1. For such a cool word debaser its not nearly used enough. I think i'm going to start using it, just randomly slip it into conversations or accuse people of being one. Yeah debaser's back baby!

: 21 Dec 2005 06:21 |  Tags: Music To Make Your Toes Tingle |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

If you have one REGGAE song make sure its….

Using my immense knowledge of music and the ability to read music magazines, plagerise, cut, copy and paste I will deliver to you an essential music series that must be listened to.¹ But before all that I will nominate, nay I will give you the greatest song of that category.

So if you have one REGGAE song make sure its:

10cc's- Dreadlock holiday¹

The best reggae song ever. Encapulsated in those 7 simple verses is the meaning of life.

Other songs to include:

1. Don't worry Be Happy- Boddy McFerrin
2. No Woman No Cry (Bob marley & the Wailers)
3. sunshine reggae (Laid Back)
4. Pass the dutchie (Musical Youth)
5. Red red Wine (UB40)
6. oh carolina (shaggy)
7. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes (Paul simon)
8. Gimme hope Jo'Anna (Eddy Grant)
9. Ice in the sunshine (No angels) lol ok maybe not, this one does happen to have the best worst lyrics ever- very 80's.

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1. I don't care for lyrics, amazing riffs, voice or other, my decision making is based on one simple rule: if it makes my toes tingle.

Ok that not entirely true, actually thats a fib, lyrics et al do matter in the decision making, but only at a latter stage when I'm deciding the best of the best. But for a song to make the initial list the music has to catch me. Its got to be sonorous, touching, distinctive.

: 21 Dec 2005 06:06 |  Tags: Music To Make Your Toes Tingle |  Comments (3) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

2005– The week and a day that sat outside

As the year comes to a close, a plethora of articles documenting the year's major events await their release. Often written weeks in advance, they've been handed over to editors and keen interns to check and will only be revised upon an error of some sort being found, or an event of major circumstance occurring between now and the end of 2005.

But thats the funny thing about news, its dynamic, everchanging and well, new. Annual reviews are a luxury as the present past just happened with everyone looking, pointing and talking about it. It isn't exactly going to suddenly change on you while your back's turned like some other bits of bygone history do.

I won't write a review of the year as I don't remember past last weekend. However one week, well 8 days, (2nd- 10th July) does stick in my mind. The UK (and London in particular) was timetabled in to be at the centre of the world's attention, with Live 8 centre piece at Hyde park, the G8 summit, Commemoration Day celebrations and the possibility of the 2012 olympic games being held in London. For those 8 days any news worth its salt was going to be in London and that was it. Sadly while this was all anticipated and prepared for, it was events that we were unprepared for that stole the headlines.

2nd July- Live 8

So it began with the biggest civil movement in history. The centre piece in Hyde park, London. 3 billion people watched 10 concerts around the world with 1000 artists performing, all under the slogan "Make poverty history." Birhan Woldu gave us a big smile. It was fab.

But fab wasn't the point. Click your fingers, count 3 seconds and repeat. For every click a child in Africa dies of abject poverty. The point was stopping this from happening.

6–8 July- G8 summit

Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, called Gleneagles G8 'the greatest summit for Africa ever'. The G8 and Outreach leaders- the worlds most powerful men gathered at a castle, to make sure they were all on the same page in their dictating of world politics. It was a historical event with aid, debt relief, the environment and controlling weapons poliferation¹ dominating the headlines.

6th July- Olympics 2012

Citizens in the five candidate cities watched tranfixed, as proceedings in Singapore got underway to choose where a lot of sweaty people would converge for a couple of weeks in 2012. London won! It felt fantastic. My sister wanted to go down to Traflagar square there and then, but we decided that we had left it too late. Anyway we reasoned, tomorrow there'd be the official party, which would be even bigger and better.

7th July- London bombings

It was such a crazy week to be in London. I can't begin to tell you. And then this happened.

8th July- Repercussions

Why did it happen?
Who was it?
Was it a suicide bombing?
Will infringing on our civil rights help prevent terrorist attacks?
What the fuck do ID cards have to do with stopping terrorists?
Can a multicultural society exist?
and many more questions were posed…

The G8 summit came to a conclusion, but questions hung over it and to whether it was a success.
Only time will tell if it was a momental achievement or otherwise.

9th July

As one country struggled with its wounds another had perhaps begun to heal. The Sudanese president signed a power-sharing deal that ended a civil war that had taken 1.5m lives.

Respects were paid at a memorial for Luther Vandross in New York.

A study was released that showed that 1 in 8 scots injured themselves when moving house.

The world continued onwards.

10th July- Commemoration Day

In its 60th anniversary, Commemoration Day marks the end of WWII. To mark the occasion a million poppies were dropped on the thousands of people who filled the Mall.

Perhaps I'm vainly searching for some symmetry, a deus ex machina to resolve this passage but I felt that in a week that began with us looking forward to the future, in a week where we were suddenly forced to question and scrutinise the present, that it was fitting that we ended it remembering the past.

A collection of surreal events, all occurring in the same period of time and in the same place. That was a hellva week and a day.

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1. Slightly off topic but ask yourself this: in war-torn countries where there is little if any infrastructure, where do these people (who are armed to their teeth) get their big shiny guns from, as they don't have the means to bloody make 'em. Oh, and which countries would you hazard a guess are the major players in weapon manufacturing?

: 17 Dec 2005 17:27 |  Tags: Deep And Meaningfuls |  Comments (3) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

He's behind you

What do you do if you happen to come across a colleague's, flatmate's or friend's blog, who in all his/her time of knowing you has never mentioned it. Lets imagine the worst case scenario, that they don't want you to know about it. Do you…

a)… tell them you have read this blog, full choca block with their intimate thoughts and…

i)...leave it at that.

ii) …not leave it at that and tell them…
…its great (even if its not) or its rubbish (even if it not).
… or slap them for their stupidity of owning a warwick blog and not forseeing this.
…or slap them for writing about you.
…or slap them for not writing about you.

b)... not tell them you read it...

i) …and never ever read it again or mention it to anyone else.

ii)...but tell everyone else about it, as your a complusive gossip and you have needs.

iii) …and use the knowledge gained from your new found insight into this person, so that you can…

…understand them better and help improve the quality of their life.
… not understand them better and become confused, before realising they're not who you thought they were. Which is a great/good/bad/terrible/cataclysmal/inconsequential thing.
…use the information to your advantage and
+ manipulate them.
++ manipulate them some more.
+++ manipulate them for their own good (or so you tell yourself that).
+++++ 'tease em
++++++ anonymously harrass them online.
+++++++ stalk 'em
++++++++ marry 'em.
+++++++++ kill 'em.
++++++++++ marry and then proceed to kill them in the elaborate but deeply flawed and morally reprehensible plan to assume control of their blog.

c) ...cry¹ or curse profusely for being placed in such a predictament.

d) ...sit down and write a blog entry about it

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1. It goes without saying real men will sob man sized tears.

: 16 Nov 2005 04:19 |  Tags: Creative Splurging |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem