airliebirds nest

3-0 to the FC!

2010-07-18T23:45:00.004+01:00

Last Thursday night was the 3rd derby against Hull KR this season, (there was a pre season testimonial game too) and we have won them all!
I have to say looking at the form book, most people was expecting a KR win, but we clinched a close game 20-16.
It was a fantastic game, really enjoyed it. Even had a couple of decent scraps, just like the old days!
Here's a video of the first punch up, someone has taken a video off the TV lol.

'A hard budget, but fair...'

2010-06-22T21:22:00.004+01:00

Or so Mr George Osbourne said today when he rolled out his budget.
So lets see shall we?
Vat increase, of course that will effect people with less money.
Child benefit freeze, again, this will effect the poorest of us.
That is just 2 examples off the top of my head. It is a fact of life that people with excess funds can absorb increases in the cost of living, easier than people on a fixed income. People who work in the public sector are having their wages frozen for 2 years, (if they earn over £21,000 per year). The electric bill and the gas bill and the water bill and the food bill...will they be frozen for people? No. they wont be.
The thing is, who got us into this financial mess? The new coalition government would have you believe it was the outgoing Labour Government. This is partly true, but bailing out the banks cost this country a pretty penny. It's about time those crooks started giving it back.
I can remember the last Tory administration, I think this one scares me even more. Every one of them in the top jobs have no idea how it is to struggle to keep their heads above water financially. Not one of them.

Need Cheering up?

2010-06-16T19:25:00.001+01:00

Well get your hands on an album by a band called The Baseballs, entitled 'Strike' They're a little bit different and new, in an old type of way. Here's an example, and their take on Katy Perry's 'Hot and Cold'

What a win by the FC

2010-06-04T23:17:00.002+01:00

We beat St Helens 27-26 tonight at the KC after being 6-26 down at the beginning of the 2nd half. Trust me to miss the game as I had a knee flair up last night and couldn't walk very well.
Ah well we're at home next week too, should be able to make that match.
Well done lads, and thank you! :D

Oh Jermaine!

2010-06-04T11:57:00.001+01:00

You forsake the gleaming white for this. I hope they're paying you enough!

New Phone pic

2010-06-01T19:56:00.001+01:00

Just discovered I can send a pic too!

New Phone

2010-06-01T19:50:00.001+01:00

I've just got a new Phone, and a jolly posh one it is too!
The HTC Desire has the Android operating system, and really is like a
little PC in your hand! I'm just messing about with it now, trying to
do a blog post by email. I wonder if it will work!

Hello

2010-05-23T23:14:00.002+01:00

I have been awfully lax with this haven't I? Now what has happened since I last posted on here? Hmmm now let me seeee......

Good innit? :D
Just on another related note, wasn't it lovely to see Bayern Munich get beat in the Champions League Final last night. I still remember 1975 you dogs!

Hull FC are having an up and down season. But having said that we went to 4th today with a win at Castleford. So really all we have to do is hit some real form around now and bingo! Mind you, nothing is never simple with both the teams I support.

Here's Hull FC fan video from youtube. Some of the players featured have left the club and one has been sent down the road for fraud! I just like it, and the last shot illustrates for me how Hull FC and the fans are a special team.

A thing of beauty, it has to be said........

2010-01-04T23:35:00.001Z

I love Leeds United very much indeed xx

My God its December!!

2009-12-01T23:45:00.002Z

Apologies for not keeping up to date with this. I'm sure I'll get better as the rugby season kicks off again. The thing is there are so many things to do online nowadays. Facebook is one. You read what other people are doing, you can keep in touch so easily, and the games.....
I have a farm, a fishtank, and a little pet to take care of. It all keeps me immensely busy lol. You see I'm at the twitchy stage of the close season, when I miss going to see the FC VERY MUCH, so busy is the only way! Thankfully the Mighty Whites are going great guns! Surely we can't muck this season up? Automatic promotion has to be the only way. I couldn't cope with another Wembley trip!
What has been happening with me? Well, I really need to get my eyes tested, my youngest daughter has moved back home, and the cats are still keeping me up till all hours as I don't like to leave them out all night if the weather is bad!
It's been really cold the last couple of days, where's this global warming then?? I have to admit to being a sceptic. Of course I have no evidence, it's just a gut instinct, and looking at some of the stuff I've read lately the other side haven't as well!
Back to the FC. Our 2 main overseas signings are actually have visas and are in the country! Amazing isn't it?? The way our pack is shaping up, we definitely will NOT win the Fair Play league this season lol. (Yippee!)
Signing off for now, be lucky :)

New Kit New Start!

2009-10-05T20:41:00.002+01:00

I know I haven't posted on here for ages, but our new kit has been unveiled. I like em, lets hope its the start of a good season next year!!

Thoughts on the FC after another defeat.

2009-08-17T12:58:00.001+01:00

On Saturday we lost our 16th game out of the last 20. This season has been a nightmare, and it has broken my heart seeing the absolute drivel my beloved team have served up to us fans. Anyone who has read my blog regularly (if anyone has!) will know that I try not to be reactionary and have always tried to back the coach. I cannot stand some of the fans that call for the coaches head at every opportunity. I found myself reasoning in a similar way to when our last coach Peter Sharp was under pressure, that he should have a chance with his chosen team in place, with players he had brought in himself.
This, I have argued, should be the case with Richard Agar, but some of his actions are beginning to worry me.
For instance his interchanges (substitutions) are a bit lacking in common sense. The interchanges are there to give players a rest, especially forwards, who have to get through a hell of a lot of physical work. the modern game is in reality a 17 man game. Who you name on the subs bench is as important as the 1st 13.
Anyway, I digress. Mr Agar has this strange habit of leaving forwards on until they are absolutely shattered. If fans from the stand can spot a player who is struggling and is becoming a weak link because of it, why cant the head coach?
OK, it has to be said Richard has admitted he gets this wrong. He is a new head coach with not a lot of experience. But Saturdays team selections where just unfathomable.
Let me explain. The team has injuries, our stand off is injured. Now who would you choose to replace him? The man who came to the club as a stand off, and happens to have the best footballing brain in the club, or do you move the Full back (who has been playing very well there, and prefers that position, and very little experience at stand off) to SO and put the aforementioned player at Full back?
What sounds like sense to you?
Well to our coach the latter scenario made more sense.
He also dropped who to many is the player of the season, and one of the few players that shows he gives a shit, Mark Calderwood, for a player coming in after a long term injury.
Mr Agar, you are going to have to start making sense, and fast. Because if you don't you wont get the chance of your 'own' team next season.

A lovely moment

2009-08-06T13:24:00.002+01:00

I haven't posted much lately as I haven't really had too much to say, but today I have. It's only a little thing but it made me smile.
This morning I went into the kitchen, and a butterfly had got caught between the blinds and the window. I managed to get hold of it and gently carried it outside to let it go. When I opened my hand it didn't fly straight away, but stayed on my fingertips for a couple of seconds so I could look at how beautiful it was. It then swooped high up and away.
I'm not ashamed to say that it got me all weepy for a while. I don't really know why. Maybe its because some of the smallest things in life, that you can take for granted, are the most beautiful. It's always good to stop and smell the roses.

Good news At Last!

2009-07-01T12:42:00.004+01:00

This season for the FC has been a disaster, rubbish on the pitch and bad luck off it. Well at least I have a bit of good news to report.

You may remember me posting in February (yes February!) that we had signed Hame Lauaki from the New Zealand Warriors. Well, he has eventually got his visa! So its taken about 5 months! Apparently his living and working in NZ for 20 years, wasn't good enough proof for the British authorities that he could speak English. So he had to take a test to prove it and re-submit his application.

Now I'm all for immigration control, our country is small and can only support so many people, but the bloody messing about Hull FC have had first with Michael Crocker's visa rejection, and now with Hame's application, just shows what chaos there is at the Border Agency. I'm still waiting with baited breath to see a foreign footballer held up like this! (cynic that I am!)

Just a word about Michael Jackson. I was never a big fan of his music as I went down a more rocky route taste wise, but I could see how good he was. I was though a big fan of the Jackson 5. Michael was a couple of months older than I am, and when I was a kid it was either The Osmond's or the Jackson 5. I was a big fan of The Osmond's, but loved the Jackson's because they made such fantastic records. In fact this song I'm embedding here, 'I Want You Back' Is one of my all time favourite ever tracks.

There's been some horrid things said about Michael in his life and after his death. I for one have never believed he harmed children. I think he was a sad man that desperately wanted to grasp a little of the childhood he undoubtedly lost.

If there is one story that shows that fame and fortune isn't everything, then his story is it.

May he rest in peace, and may God bless his children.

MP's expenses

2009-06-18T10:13:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post.

Apparently some info has been released about what Mp's have claimed in expenses. My MP the Home Secretary himself, Alan Johnson claimed £131,711 in the last calendar year.

Now that seems a bloody lot to me, but I haven't got anything to compare it to. So, if anyone comes across this post and youre from the UK, please pop here: http://tinyurl.com/nycdn2

Put in your postcode and let me know what your MP has claimed.

Thanks :)

Odds and sods

2009-06-05T09:12:00.006+01:00

Hello, I thought it was about time I updated this. What with Facebook and Twitter and everything else since I stopped work I haven't had the time lol.

I started this clog primarily for updates on my beloved Hull FC, so here goes:

Hame Lauaki is still in bloody New Zealand, no visa has appeared yet! For next season we have signed St Helens scrum half Sean Long, Forward Craig Fitzgibbon and full back Jason Tandy, both from the Sydney Roosters (although Jason is English so not on the quota) All this is very encouraging and a sign the board is starting to spend some of the money they make off us so well. But, it does seem to telegraph to the fans, that this season can go whistle Dixie when we are only half way through! We have had to sit through some utter dross after the first 5 winning games, culminating at Leeds just over a week ago, when our scrum half, Chris Thorman, buggered up the whole game himself. I have never seen such a incompetent performance from a Hull FC player in the way he sabotaged the whole performance. Of course that is because of his pivotal role in the team. It will be interesting to see if he plays tonight against St Helens. Craig Hall has not been near the team since his awful run at Full Back, a position he was not used too, but put there because there was no one else. He was terrible there, but the coach decided to put him in the position. He was dropped, will Mr Thorman be dropped tonight? He may get a roasting from the fans if he does play. We are very fair, but when we think someone is taking the mick, we can be vicious.

Now I called this post Odds and Sods, so lets go onto the Sods.

Can you believe the shenanigans that is going on in Parliament at the mo?. The MP expenses revelations have been jaw dropping at times and just goes to show how things REALLY need to change. But what I fear is that we'll just have a General Election, the Tories will get in, and everything will go on as it always has. We will, also I believe, see Mr David (cuddly) Cameron's real suit of clothes. I would be very surprised indeed if he turned out to be anything new when in government.

The Labour Party are reaping what they have sown in my opinion. As I write Gordon Brown is in a lot of bother with Ministers resigning one after the other. There is talk the leader may change, but I think Mr Brown will hang on as long as he can. He seems the type to tough it out.

What is interesting is that the Conservatives are calling for a General Election, which they would most probably win, but would they comfortably? The way the public are so angry about all the expenses palaver I would hope they would turn from both of them and go independent. For once we have a real bit of power in our hands, if there is a General Election!

As I write this I'm listening to Sky News and it has been announced that my MP Alan Johnson, who's constituency contains the KC stadium has been given the post of Home Office minister. Bloody typical! Too late to help us with the Crocker visa!

BLAH!

No visa

2009-05-13T17:08:00.003+01:00

Just an update on the long running Michael Crocker signing, last week he had his 2nd application turned down. He signed for South Sydney Rabbitohs at the weekend. To say I'm dissapointed about this is an understatement, (I've been sulking ever since I heard, hence the late post) but I think we all new that it was on the cards. Lets hope that our other overseas signing, Hame Lauaki, isn't waiting much longer for his visa. I first wrote about his signing in late February, nothing has been heard of him since!!! At least he hasn't any convictions for anything as far as I know. So at least we know he will be playing for us..........eventually!!

Crooks!

2009-05-12T03:39:00.005+01:00

I can hardly believe some of the stories that the Daily Telegraph has been printing about MP's and their expenses. If this doesn't get the British people going nothing will!
It is absolutely outrageous what has been claimed for, from one MP claiming for having a chandelier fitted into his house, to someone claiming for a box of Tampax!
To put no finer point on it, this is fraud of the British people, and don't give me all that tripe about 'acting within the rules' Surely the thought must have passed through the brain of the MP who claimed for a bag of horse manure, that this isn't really ' essential in doing my job as an MP' Actually, that claim is about right because I think this lot in Parliament, and I mean all sides, have just been shovelling shit on us for long enough!
Maybe in the upcoming elections we should look beyond the 2 party system and vote for other parties. I don't advocate voting for the BNP of course, but look at UKIP, The Greens etc. We haven't heard how bad the Lib Dems have been yet, its their turn soon, maybe they could come out of this smelling of roses you never know.
A couple of posts ago I wrote about a speech given to Parliament by Oliver Cromwell in 1653, when he dissolved the then' Long Parliament'. History speaks truth once again.
Here's the link to that speech

MOT!!

2009-05-09T09:42:00.002+01:00

I know I've been a bit lax with updates, but I have been busy of late and will do a catch up post soon. But today I just want to wish the football team I love, Leeds United the best of luck in the play offs today.

We're going to go UP this time! Marching on Together!!!

Support the Ghurkas

2009-04-27T12:53:00.001+01:00

sign this petition: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/ghurka1/

Praise the Lord!

2009-04-26T23:09:00.002+01:00

The FC get a win after 6 straight defeats! (14-18 at Salford) This will be a short post as I'm still in shock.

P.S. Mr Crocker and Mr Leuaki still have no visas. Border Agency, what is bloody hell going on!!!!???

My mobile phone history.

2009-04-25T06:36:00.006+01:00

A few times I've done searches on old mobile phones I used to own, just to refresh my memory. Anyway this morning I was up at an ungodly hour, and decided to waste time listing my mobile phone history. Looking at the pics things have really improved in leaps and bounds in a very short time!
My very first phone the Nokia 3210. I remember ordering a cheaper version at the time and they sent me this posher one for the same price by mistake lol.
This was my next phone and first contract mobile. A Samsung SGH-T100. I remember thinking this was soooo cool with it being a flip phone!
I went back to Nokia with my next phone, a 3100. It was my first colour screen phone and was so really easy to use. I lost this phone on a night out unfortunately.
After this phone I did have a Motorola, it only lasted a few months as I didn't like it, and ended up giving it to my niece. I've tried to find a pic of it but cant remember the name/number of it!
This is a Sony Ericsson K300i. I absolutely loved this phone. It was my first proper multi media type with it taking videos etc. I drove everyone mad taking little videos lol. My daughter still uses this as a back up phone.
My next phone was a BenQ Siemens Mia. I wanted this phone because it was so pretty! and although it was pretty good it didn't have a video function, and I missed that. I still have this as my back up phone.
I went for this Samsung d9ooi next. It had a video function, took good pics and was pink! Unfortunately after only 6 months the connection to charge the phone went to pot. I think I was just unlucky as my daughter, her boyfriend and my sister in law used this type without any problems, although I must add that Michelle's boyfriends is not pink!
So on to my latest phone, a LG KU990 Viewty. I must admit to being a little reluctant at first to try a touch screen phone, but this is absolutely fabulous. It takes brilliant pictures, great video, you can surf the net with ease it really is feature packed. The only downside is the battery life, but I suppose in this day and age when handsets do so much this is to be expected. I just bought a desktop charger and a spare battery, so I'm not charging up my phone all the time.
Well that is my phone history. I think I might go back to bed now!

Lessons from History.

2009-04-14T11:34:00.002+01:00

Nearly all my life I have been fascinated with History. Have never read fiction or Mills and Boon, give me a book about Richard III and I'm in heaven. It never ceases to amaze me how things are so different now, but are also the same. History I believe is a really important subject to study, to see how our forfathers handled things, and to maybe stop us making the same mistakes.

Anyway, onto the subject of the post. I watched a programme late at night over the weekend about great orators and great speeches. One, that I admit to not hearing before even though I have an interest in history, was by Oliver Cromwell. It was a speech made to the House of Commons on the 20th April 1653. It's quite amazing to me how it fits in this day and age.

Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!"

How we could do with Mr Cromwell to clear out some of the rubbish in Parliament now!!

As I've mentioned before......

2009-04-12T10:30:00.002+01:00

.....there is never a dull moment supporting Hull FC. After a very disapointing defeat against Rovers, and our 5th defeat on the trot, what else do the club have in store for us? Well they go and sign a new full back, a new fullback that is awaiting sentence on a charge of assault at the end of the month! His club Warrington released him, and who snapped him up? We did! The irony being, at the derby game on Friday, the club in partner with the NHS, launched a campaign highlighting domestic violence. Mr Reardons assault was perpetrated against his estranged wife and new partner!

Now I'm all for giving people a 2nd chance. But to sign Reardon when in a couple of weeks time he could be down the road is ridiculous, and smacks of the people in charge either being in a blind panic, or proof there isn't a working brain cell amongst em.

If after he has served any punishment and he is still at the FC, I would be willing to support Mr Reardon if he is wearing the black and white, like I say everyone deserves a second chance. But to sign him now shows a really worrying line of irrational thought at the club. If you go on rugby alone he hasn't played since last May I believe through injury! We could end up having 3 fullbacks injured at the club!

I need some good news............please you lot at the Border Agency, hear my plea!!!!!!!!!

New Post

2009-04-11T07:28:00.002+01:00

It's been a while since I last posted, I just haven't had the time to sit down and do one. Which is strange really, as you'd think I'd have more time now I'm not working!

On the Hull FC front we have gone into a bit of a slump loosing 5 games on the bounce, including being knocked out of the Cup, and loosing to the Sith 14-18 yesterday. It was a really exciting game to watch, and I would say the Dark Side deserved their win as we only started playing towards the end of the game.

Things have really gone to pot quite suddenly at the FC after a start of 5 straight wins. But then anyone who has read this blog knows if you want a smooth ride don't support Hull FC!

Oh, and Michael Crocker STILL hasn't got his visa. He actually re-applied with better documentation in the middle of February. Especially at the moment when some of the people involved in terrorist arrests made in the last few days, where in the country on student visas. Maybe the powers that be should stop being so studious about sportsmen's visa applications and concentrate elsewhere!

On the same note latest signing Hame Lauaki is also still awaiting a visa. Bit of a joke innit?

100% comes to an end.

2009-03-24T10:21:00.004Z

Well it had to come to and end some day, and on Friday we lost our first game of the season to Castleford 18-19. Cas had a good game pushed around the park by a certain 'Shifty' Sherwin (remember him readers?)

We had a bad day at the office, but still scored more tries than Cas. In a way I'm glad the run is out of the way, this will concentrate the lads minds a bit.

Here is my 3rd little video taken with my phone at the game, catching The FC's last try.

5 out of 5, and its a small world!

2009-03-16T10:42:00.003Z

The FC have their best ever start to the season with a 26-34 win away at the Bradford Bulls. I can't believe the start we've had, and long may it continue!!

I was supposed to be going to the game yesterday, but instead was in bed nursing the hangover from hell! We never learn do we? I did have a good reason though, as I met up with some friends I hadn't seen for years. One, Dave, was my best pal in my teens and Saturday was the first time I'd seen him in 27 years! He was my sisters boyfriend, and she was best pals with his sister. They got in touch after many years on Facebook and found out they could wave at each other from their bedrooms! They had actually been living practically back to back for quite a few years! It's a small world really isn't it, and things like Facebook make it a hell of a lot smaller!! :)

Yay!!!!

2009-03-06T23:19:00.002Z

Huddersfield 20 Hull FC 24

Read it and weep all you unbelievers!!

FC update

2009-03-03T11:25:00.002Z

Just a quick post about Fridays game.
Another good win for the FC over the Catalan Dragons 28-12. I was very pleased with the performance, the defence looked fantastic and I was impressed by the teams fitness once again. We're not playing any fancy stuff, but that will come with game time, and as our half back pairing of Chris Thorman and Richard Horne really begins to click. Shaun Berrigan looked sharp at Hooker, and he can only improve with a long stint in his preferred position. Last season he had to play all over the place with all the bad injuries we had.
The pack are looking really excellent at the moment. They are not a big pack by today's standards, but seem to be punching above their weight, hopefully they can keep this up.
Still no news about Micheal Crocker's visa re-application. Hopefully we'll hear news very soon (fingers, legs, eyes, and everything crossed!)

Sad news about full back Todd Byrne getting an injury that will see him out for the rest of the season. It's looking likely that he will be released from the rest of his contract so we can bring a replacement in. Todd looked in great form this season, and the the last ditch tackle he made against Wigan in the season opener will live long in the memory. I hope he has a speedy recovery!

Finally here's my 2nd rugby action video!! Taken from the game against Le Cats last Friday. It shows a passage of play leading up to the last FC try of the match scored by Tom Briscoe. Of course because of my excellent camera skills (and being a bit excited)I managed to miss the touch down! (doh!) But there is a rousing rendition of 'Old Faithful' near to the end as Danny Tickle converts the try. As you will see, a career in Hollywood beckons! :)

Update Time

2009-02-25T09:27:00.002Z

Just a post to update news of the FC. Saturday saw us go down to Bridgend, Wales to be the Celtic Crusaders first vistors as they start there Superleague career. Potentially a bit of a banana skin,and going down 10-0 at the start, we did the job, winning 20-28. A great start for the lads I have to admit. Our next game is at home against Le Catatan, they did a complete demolition job at Warrington last Saturday, and have been one of our real bogey teams at home. If we beat them on Friday, I think it can be said we have really started well!

Welcome to new signing Hame Lauaki, a forward from the New Zealand Warriors, I dont know a great deal about him, but I would expect him to be used as an impact prop to cause a bit of havoc when the other side is flagging a bit! The powers that be have insisted he isn't a replacement for Michael Crocker, who is still awaiting the result of his visa re-application.
If he does manage to get it (fingers and even eyes crossed!)....wow what a pack we would have!!

Having a boogie!

2009-02-19T14:15:00.002Z

I've just treated myself to a new cd, 'Stax Gold, Memphis Hits' With Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T and the MG's et all. I was only a small child when all the tracks were first released, and was really introduced to this sort of music through the 1980 film 'The Blues Brothers' I defy anyone to keep still when listening to this marvellous stuff!

A Winning Start!

2009-02-14T12:47:00.004Z

We had a winning start last night at home to Wigan. The game finished 18-10 in our favour with tries by Richard Horne, Captain Lee Radford,and Peter Cusack. All tries converted by Danny Tickle.
The lads looked a bit rusty in some areas it had to be said, but the fitness was good. Todd Byrne had a fabulous game at fullback! I am worried about our pack though, although they did really well against the bigger Wigan pack last night, will we be able to keep it up all season if Michael Crocker doesn't have a successful visa reapplication? The other forward signing that hasn't arrived yet, Tongan Sam Moa, (no its not a joke name!) is a big lad but a bit of an unknown quantity and has been labled as a 'project' This gives us FC fans the jitters as our last 'project', Hutch Maiava, (or Butch Mavis as he became known) ended up a bit of a disaster!
I took a short video or a passage of play last night, its not the best quality as I had the video on my phone on the wrong setting lol.
Anyway, here it is:

Watch Game footage | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Can't wait!

2009-02-13T17:09:00.002Z

Just under 3 hours to go to kick off! Lets hope we have a good start against the pies (Wigan)
I'll post about the match itself with maybe a picture or two later :)

Not long now.......

2009-02-04T11:46:00.004Z

....and my darling lads will be back!

Blah!

2009-01-30T17:41:00.003Z

Well the news all us Hull FC fans have been waiting for finally arrived. Much to our neighbours, the Sith's delight, Michael Crocker has had his visa denied.

Now for once we can't blame the board. The club obtained his work permit, but it was Crocker himself who had to apply for the visa. It's looking like a conviction for affray, that he was fined for in 2005 was the reason it was refused.

When I think about all the low lifes that are let into this country, who sponge off the state, and I compare it with an Australian international, who would be coming here to work, pay taxes, and contribute a lot to the community he will live in has been denied access to the country.

This country is fast becoming a madhouse, and the inmates are running the asylum!

Scratches ones head

2009-01-29T09:54:00.005Z

There have been two stories in the news that have made me think 'What?!' over the last couple of days. The first being about 2 children aged 5 and 4, and their Grandparents who wanted to to adopt them. Fair enough you would think. The Grandfather is 59 his wife 46, he does suffer from angina, but is a farmworker so cant be that unfit. The Grandmother was being treated for diabetes. Now there has been numerous stories about sportsmen having this ailment and carrying on as normal. The club I support, Hull FC have a player diagnosed with Diabetes, and he has carried on as normal with medication.

Now any reasonably minded person would say, sounds ok to me. Let the bairns stay with their Grandparents. But no, social services have placed them with a male gay couple.

Now don't get me wrong, I believe gay people should have the same rights as anyone else, I back gay marriage, but just like with equality for women, there are some jobs we just can't do (ones that take a lot of physical strength for instance) The ideal way children should be brought up is with a Mother and a Father. End of. How the social services came to this decision is quite unfathomable to me. But then the decision was made behind closed doors wasn't it? So we wont find out how they made this decision.

The second story that had me non-plussed was the proposal by the Government to compensate families who had lost family members during the troubles in Northern Ireland. Fair enough you may think. No amount of money can replace a loved family member, but at least it would feel as if their life was valued.

That would be until you find out that the families of members of the paramilitary organisations, who where killed in the process of committing terrorist acts, would get the compensation too. So that means someone who was just going about their business and ended up being blown up is on the same level as the person who set the bomb?

Ok then.......

Just checking in.

2009-01-24T08:25:00.005Z

I thought I'd just do a quick post as I have neglected this for a while. As I have mentioned in other posts my family hasn't had a good start to the New Year. What has been nice to see if anything can be seen as nice when there is a bereavement, is how the 'Family' kicks in. I have a brilliant family, and I have to say I married into a pretty nice one too.

Onto other more trivial things, (as I am prone to do at times!) I am so looking forward to the rugby season. I'm getting serious withdrawal symptoms, and have started to look longingly at the KC Stadium every time we pass it in the car! Pre-season seems to be going ok with the lads, and are to be doing not so bad for injuries for a change, at last compared to last season when they where going down like flies! We are all waiting of course with baited breath for Michael Crocker's visa to come through. I have one piece of advice for the immigration officials handling his case: GET YOUR BLOODY FINGERS OUT!

This week has seen wall to wall coverage of Barack Obama's transfer to power as President of the US. Now I've expressed my misgivings about him in the past, and all this euphoria surrounding his inauguration reminds me so much of Tony Blair when he was first elected, although admittedly on a much smaller scale. He is in a way, on a hiding to nothing. A lot of hopes have been raised, and it will be impossible to please everyone.
I'm always prepared to give any one a fair shot, and I really hope President Obama does really well. Because we all know how he deals with all the problems around nowadays, will have effects worldwide.

Another wish of Bon Voyage.

2009-01-08T01:45:00.002Z

After much suffering my Father in Law, Ben, passed on tonight. He has been in and out of hospital for nigh on 18 months, and has battled from the edge a couple of times, but this time it was too much.

On Monday my Uncle Tom passed, and now my Father in law. A sad time indeed.

Bon Voyage Ben, onto the next adventure, and getting to watch Hull KR for free :)

Love, the Black n White xx

First Post of 2009

2009-01-05T11:50:00.004Z

Happy New Year to everyone.

This is just a quick post to make my first of the new year.

I'll be back up and posting more regularly very soon so don't think you're off the hook! :)

Bon Voyage, Uncle Tom. x

Woo Hoo!

2008-12-29T16:20:00.002Z

After nearly 30 years of supporting Hull FC I have my very first season pass!

The old man put on a disguise and went for it today as part of my Xmas pressie.

I am very happy :)

Happy New Year to everyone :)

Who needs Coronation St, Eastenders, Or Even Emmerdale Farm..

2008-12-21T13:08:00.003Z

.. When you support Leeds United??

Do we ever have a quiet time at the club when nout happens? The news has come through this morning that Manager Gary McAllister has been sacked. I have to say after yesterdays very dissapointing result at MKDons it was on the cards. I must admit to thinking he would be given the Xmas period to turn things around though.

The thing is, Macca got us playing a lot better technically, we started playing on the deck and we saw some lovely stuff in attack....but the defence, well, I was frightened to death everytime we got a free kick or a corner against us! We have been, to be frank, bloody useless.

So, we'll see who Chairman Bates appoints, you can call the old sod (and many Leeds fans do) but one thing he doesn't do is arse about!

Just a quick post....

2008-12-20T18:21:00.002Z

For the last 5 days I have been battling a virus on my PC, and what a pesky devil it was. It blocked access to most of my scanners, I couldn't access PC security websites and when I got something working it wouldnt update. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome where unusable, the only browser I could do anything with was Opera. So whether that is a recommendation or not I couldn't say, but the fact speaks for itself.

In the end I thought I'd have a look for scanning software that wasn't so well known, because if I was one of those little rats who write these things, I would block the most popular types of software and sites. Anyway, I found these 2 progs, called Norman Malware cleaner, and the other called Dr Web Cureit! I dont know which one got the little beastie (or beasties as it turned out) but they freed up everything and my anti virus started to kick in big time, and the scanners that wouldn't update/work before suddenly did!

I was on the verge of re-formatting and starting from scratch, so thank God for that! I found both pieces of software here

The Big 50

2008-12-07T17:31:00.002Z

Well this week, you could say, is a big week for both my Husband and I. We both turn 50. He will on Wednesday, and it will be my turn the day after. I've always given him stick about being older than I am!
I'm not upset or anything about reaching 50. Age hardly ever bothers me to be honest. I did have a bit of a crisis of confidence when I hit 40, but 10 years later, I'm just not bothered.
To be honest I'm pretty settled, I don't spend my time worrying about things I maybe missing out on in my life. I have 2 lovely daughters, a Husband who I love to bits, and a wonderful family. OK. there are some things I'd like, just like most people, but when I think about it, they don't really matter.
I think that is the main thing about getting older, things you always thought where so important......just aren't.

Supporting Leeds Utd.

2008-11-30T14:56:00.002Z

Is a bloody hard job I can tell you! It was a bit of an embarrassment I must admit to get knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Histon. I'm sure it gave countless others a right laff though. I've just read a post on the WACCOE forum and it sort of covered what has happened to the club in the last four years:
" 2 relegations
2 play off final defeats
administration
receivership
near bankruptcy
-10 points
-15points
defeats in the cup to teams below us like Bury, Hereford, Rotherham...
And now we get beat by a pub team in a village I have never heard of by the fu*king postman...
you could not make it up..."

You could not make it up indeed, but although I was really pissed off after the game, and quite frankly turned the air blue, I have one thing to say...

MARCHING ON TOGETHER!!!!

Unbelievable.

2008-11-28T09:05:00.003Z

Just lately there has been stories in the news that are beyond belief, you sit and think about them and just cannot comprehend how a human being can do such things. First there was the Baby P case, then this week the horrendous story of the Father that had 9 children by his daughters, now there is the terrorists in Mumbai, India.
The pictures that have been released of them show they all look so young. Barely in their 20's. how do you get into the mind set to walk into a train station and just kill innocent people?
It seems as I get older I understand myself better but the rest of the world less.

Nurses told not to call patients 'love'

2008-11-26T11:38:00.004Z

I don't have to add much to the title of this post do I? Is it nuts or is it nuts? Apparently the Nursing and Midwifery Council have advised this. I heard a spokesperson for the said Council on the radio, saying that they had taken surveys and advice on this, and a lot of people don't like to be called things like 'love', 'dearie', 'sweetheart' etc. What a load of old rubbish that is. I wonder how much money was spent on coming to this conclusion?
When I first started work, I worked for a local supermarket. The boss was this little bloke and I must admit most of us thought he was a bit of a busybody at the time, but looking back he was an old fashioned 'hands on' businessman. Anyway one thing he said to me I have always remembered. He told me to always to be polite and pleasant to the customers, especially older people, because you might be the only human contact they have all the day. I always get annoyed when you see check out people that do not acknowledge you, and barely speak.
My real point being political correctness is erasing many forms of 'Human' contact.
Just as an aside about terms you should call people, I do love the way Americans call ladies Ma'am. That's lovely :)
Read about the above mentioned report HERE

Friday Rugby

2008-11-24T21:03:00.004Z

The Fixture lists for the new RL season where released today. Nothing unusual in that, but there is a bee in many a Hull FC fans bonnet because of the announcement that all our home games will be played on a Friday night.
The thing is passes have been on sale for about 3 weeks and 3000 have been sold. But they have only told people about this today. Now because some people who have purchased passes did so on the basis of Sunday afternoon games, the club have had to offer refunds. Whatever day we play games some people are going to be at a disadvantage. But the way the club has announced this is a bit shabby to say the least. Apparently the reason they gave is that because of all the consultations they took about the decision, it took them until now to decide. Thing is, they've been taking opinions for about 2 years!
I suppose we'll soon find out how the move will effect crowds.

Poor Chibi!

2008-11-17T17:31:00.003Z

I've been looking after one of my cats this week, as he hasn't been very well. Last Monday evening 2 dogs set about him in our front garden. Both where big dogs too, one looked like an Alsation and the other like a Japanese Akita dog. The Hubster luckilly was there and pulled them both off. Both wore collars so it looked like they had escaped from someones garden. It's pretty rare to see strays in this part of the city now.
Luckily I think his long fur saved him as he has some completely bald patches and only had his skin broken in a couple of places. He's had a pretty bad limp, but that is getting better now and he has even ventured outside a couple of times.
I just wish people who want to keep big dogs, would make sure they are secure and do not get out unsupervised. I know dogs don't like cats of course, but I can't help thinking that could have been a child.
I did call the police about the incident, thinking that the dogs could be looked out for, but was just given the number for Hull City Council, of course no one was there, unless you wanted to pay a bill that is...

Unfathomable!

2008-11-12T10:09:00.003Z

I wont go into the details of what happened to little 'Baby P' (as he was called in court) But he was beaten to death, no other words for it. Now something like this upsets me greatly, as I'm sure it does everybody. What I cant fathom is how bad do things have to get before a child is taken into care?? This little mites home was visited 60 times! I tell you what I think, its bloody political correctness, the social services are frightened to death to impinge on peoples 'rights', and as a result don't bloody do their jobs properly!
The three 'people' who lived in the house with this poor child have all been convicted, but none of murder, there's something amazing about that too. I hope quite frankly hope they rot in hell, but will most probably be protected in prison, and be out in a few years.

Now I'll tell you something about being a Mother . You get some powerful feelings when you have a child, an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness. Some can be a bit scary quite frankly, as with no qualms whatsoever I would do anything to protect my children. When I read about women who stand by, and let someone hurt their child in this way, well, they are just worse than the dirt on the ground. I know one thing, if it was me and I'm sure most women, they would do it only once.

My Daughter has just started a Masters Degree in Social Work. She said it's very hard work. I'm sure most Social Workers work very hard, and it must be a tough slog to be confronted with sad stories everyday. But when you hear stories like this, it has to be said that heads have to roll.

But then in this day and age, when do we see anyone in charge take responsibility when things go wrong? Unless you work for the BBC, or your name is Russell Brand!

Absolutely Dire!

2008-11-08T12:09:00.004Z

England lost against New Zealand this morning (yet another lie in bed down the swanny) After going into a 24-8 lead in the 1st half, we preceded to not score another point and went down 36-24. My thoughts on this debacle are in a previous post. I'm even beginning to hope Papua New Guinea miraculously beat the Aussies to stop this shower from getting into the semi finals. (I know, one win and were in the semi's, the tournament has been all but rigged to be honest)
I'll leave this video to illustrate the point I posted about last week. It is Great Britain, (as they was then) and the last time we beat the Aussies, with toughness and a bit of guile.

Never mind all this 'history in the making' stuff.....

2008-11-06T09:51:00.003Z

.... with the new US President etc.

The lads are back in training!!! :) (Doesn't Richard Horne look just Fab!)

US Elections.

2008-11-04T12:12:00.006Z

After what has seemed like an eternity, the US elections are here. US politics has always fascinated me, and I'll be up until the early hours, watching the results come in.
It is looking very likely indeed that Barack Obama will be the next President, and although I have misgivings about him (mainly because he reminds me so much of Tony Blair, who I couldn't stand) if I was American, I would most probably vote for him.
He does seem to be pretty left wing, and that is the way I lean. But will he be too far to the left for a lot of Americans? I seem to get the impression that a lot don't have the same concept of the left as we do in this country. We'll just have to wait and see what Obama is able to do change wise, of course that will depend how well the Democrats do in the Senate and House of Representatives.
What Obama does have in spades is an fantastic image, and what the US needs now most of all is an image makeover. Mr Obama will provide this without a doubt. I hope he uses all the goodwill wisely if he is eventually elected.
As for his opponent John McCain, I think his chance to run came too late. He seems a decent man, with lots of integrity. But it has to be said that his age is the one elephant in the room that no one can ignore. Being US President is a terribly demanding job, and a man in his 70's, no matter how fit mentally and physically cannot guarantee how long he will continue to be so. This is where his choice of running mate has been fundamental. Sarah Palin obviously isn't the idiot she is painted to be, or she wouldn't have gotten to where she is today. But she just as obviously isn't ready to step in as President of the USA. Simple as.
As I have posted before, in the primary process to elect the candidate, I was rooting for Hillary Clinton.
In my view neither of the men on today's ballot has the experience, intelligence and class of this lady.
But then she is just that, a lady. I hope I live to see a woman in worlds top job some day.

Rugby Rant

2008-11-02T10:59:00.003Z

Now forgive me if this reads a bit like a stream of conscience here but I'm a bit pissed off!
I've just watched the Aussies beat England 50-4 in the RL World Cup.
We where tonked it has to be said. The Aussies are excellent at what they do, they are well drilled in defence, accurate when they pass and always have players in the right place at the right time. What they do not do in my opinion is CREATE anything. I fell in love with the game in the late 70's, when attacks had finesse and a bit of the unexpected. This is where our game has changed. All the players are far fitter than of old of course, they're professional full time players, but it seems that any sort of off the cuff play anything unexpected has been all but erased from our game. The only team who play the game I love are St Helens, even my beloved Hull FC have succumbed in some ways to playing the 'Aussie way'
Just to try and illustrate my point, lets look at the Loose Forward position. I was raised on the genius of Steve 'Knocker' Norton, and Mick Crane. They created and acted like an extra half back, nowadays they just make up the numbers in the scrum.
People say that the amount of foreign players should be cut, but I think the real damage to the English game has been a succession of Aussie coaches.
We must go back to our roots, by all means take heed of the Aussie's fitness and defensive qualities, and how they prepare for games. But for God sake lets get the English style of rugby back!

Lady of Leisure.

2008-11-01T00:33:00.002Z

Yesterday I finished work. I'll miss it because it was more of the social aspect for me rather than the money, but I had to face reality unfortunately. About a fortnight ago I saw my Consultant, and he told me he can do nothing for the arthritis in my knees (ie knee replacements) for at least 5 years, and maybe even 10. So a job standing up all the time had to go.
Fortunately we have just finished paying the mortgage, so have some extra money every month. I'm lucky that way, there must be a lot of people in my position who wont have that luxury.
I'm going to take some time off and have a full Christmas/New Year at home. All my working life I have worked in shops and of course the last few years in a pub. So I've always had to work Xmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve or Day. Then in the New Year see if I can get something where I'm not on my feet all the time.
We'll see what happens.
I got some lovely flowers a card and balloon from the guys at work, I was very touched, many thanks to them all.

Better pics of the new shirts.

2008-10-24T10:25:00.003+01:00

New Kit for 08/09 Season

2008-10-21T18:58:00.002+01:00

The new Hull FC kits where unveiled today.
Well, The home kit is ok, but it is mostly black (the shorts are also black this season) so that could be a problem in hot weather for the players. The away kit is far too light. The design is ok, incorporating the irregular hoops into the away shirt for the first time. The colour is wishy washy though. If it was a couple of shades darker it would have been smashing.
Shame captain Lee Radford (right of pic) Doesn't seem to have put his teeth in for the shoot. :)
I think I'll be sticking to club polo shirts once again this season. I personally havent bought a replica shirt since 2005. The type of thick polyester used to make em are awful in warm weather!
I know, I'm a miserable git! lol

UFO's!

2008-10-18T18:09:00.004+01:00

I know this subject is a bit off beam from what I usually post about on here, but I have been fascinated by the UFO mystery for as long as I can remember. It amazes me how many people have seen something. I go on a forum called Above Top Secret that has a UFO section, and some very clued up posters. It's really interesting how some can take a video and look it over, more often than not finding it was a hoax.
I have had one sighting a couple of years ago. My Husband and I was walking home late one night, it was a very clear with no clouds, and I think you just naturally look up at the stars when things are like that. Anyway, something caught our eye, moving steadily across the sky. It was 3 lights, in a triangular formation. It seemed pretty high up, and we both stood and watched it move from one horizon to the other, maybe taking about 30 seconds. By the time it had nearly reached the horizon we had sort of thought it was maybe a plane (there was no noise BTW) or a satellite, then all of a sudden, all 3 lights shot off in different directions!
Now this could of course been the Red Arrows doing a training session at about 1am at night but somehow I doubt it!
People always say we never see any really good pictures of UFO's and that is true, but I have to say it never crossed my mind to try and take a pic of what we saw, and I did have a camera phone in my handbag!
Anyway, here's a video someone has put together of UFO photos going back as far as 1870.

You couldn't make it up. Part 3786 (or something like that!)

2008-10-10T09:28:00.002+01:00

The world financial crisis is still all over the news. The amounts of money bandied about are just unimaginable. It's all quite ironic how all the fat cats are having to rely on the great unwashed to bail them out!
Take the UK governments bail out plan. I'm not sure about the correct amount (50 Billion?) they are using to help out the poor little banks, but apparently this is to give them capital to start giving loans again.
So let me get this right....I go for a loan, and the bank lends me public money used to bail them out, and I pay it back plus interest. So, in reality I would be lending my own money and the banks would earn a profit off it!
I tell you what, the only difference between those banks and Dick Turpin is that he wore a mask!

Economic Crisis????

2008-10-01T10:44:00.004+01:00

The media has been full of news about the 'world economic crisis' and the 700 billion Dollar bail out that the US Congress didn't pass on Monday. A lot of pundits and the markets where gob-smacked that the Bail-out Bill didn't pass. What a lot of people didn't seem to cotton on too is that all of the US Congress are up for re-election at the same time as the US President is elected, and a hell of a lot of US voters don't like the idea of bailing out the Fat Cats on Wall Street.
I have to say I can totally understand how they feel. The UK tax payer has already bailed out 2 banks, (Northern Rock and now Bradford and Bingley) and what are we getting for this?? I heard a caller on a radio station today, and he said that all the Fat Cats lived high on the hog for some time by playing the stock market, selling mortgages that people really couldn't afford, and giving away credit cards like they where going out of fashion. While all this went on and they bought their Fararri's and had their big bonus's, the ordinary working people where skint, and up to their eyes in debt. Now their chickens have come home to roost, who has to bail them out? The ordinary working man.
Now the politicians, and the economic hierarchy say this bail out is the only way, (I read in the paper today that the UK is considering a similar scheme) but how do we really know? We don't do we? We believed them when we took out Endowment mortgages that didn't mature as we where promised they would and ended with a shortfall, we saw the housing market start to drop so people where in negative equity. We've seen people offered fixed rate mortgages that go up so much when the fixed rate time frame finishes, that they have to remorgage and end up, in reality, paying for their house for ever.
Now Gordon Brown says the Government (that means us the tax payer) will guarentee bank savings up to £50,000. How many of us have savings at all in bank? We just live week to week, month to month don't we?
Like I say, I can totally understand the ordinary American's reaction to all this.

Upside down!

2008-09-21T11:10:00.004+01:00

This week my hubby has had the week off and has embarked on sorting the kitchen out. Its been a madhouse here, dust all over, and we've had half the kitchen in the living room all week. Anyway, its taking shape now, of course there where things he ended up doing that we didn't think would need doing.
Friday was my 27th Wedding Anniversary, we went out for a meal on the Saturday before, but on the actual day I cleared off to my Parents and left the Hubster to bang about!
It never ceases to amaze me how time catches up with you, that we've been married 27 years. I still think the world of him (most of the time) and that's amazing considering he supports bloody Rovers. If he'd have told me who he supported when we met I'd have told him to bugger off! :)

The worlds gone mad (again!)

2008-09-17T10:04:00.004+01:00

According to my morning paper, 'famous' artist Damien Hurst (he who sticks dead animals in Formaldehyde) has been having a bit of a sell off of his art works, for example this item pictured was sold for £10.3 million, yes you read that correctly, over TEN MILLION QUID! What sort of people buy this stuff? I know I wouldn't want it in my front room!
You know the old fairy tale about the 'Emperor's New Clothes'? Well I would bet that when he wrote the story, Hans Christian Anderson would have never believed how it could be a fable for our times. Certain people say how something or someone is so fabulous, and the sheep go along to not appear out of the loop.
Anyway, maybe Damien is getting in while the going is good, the way the markets are falling right now, there is going to be a lot less idiots about with the money to pay his prices!!

Byeee Gazza, make sure the door doesn't hit yer on the way out!

2008-09-15T18:17:00.003+01:00

Mr Carvell (pictured left after playing in one of those finals he longs to play in with Warrington

Prop Gareth Carvell has left Hull FC and signed for Warrington. You may remember Mr Carvell, for it was he who signed a contract one day (after arseing around for some months, and therefore stalling a lot of negotiations with other players) then the next morning said he had changed his mind.
Well he's off to Warrington on a very sweet deal, and we have got a transfer fee. Apparently Mr Carvell wants to play in more finals (so 3 in 4 years isn't enough then G?)
He's done some good work for us in the past, and I wish him well. But now he has taken off the Black & White all I've got to say is...
BYEEEEEEEEEEE! OFF YOU POP!

An end to a very ordinary season.

2008-09-08T13:33:00.003+01:00

So the season ended for Hull FC with a dire performance at The Sith. It has to be said that the Wembley appearance flattered to deceive, and it also has to be said that there has to be a major clear out at the club, too many players are taking the piss, and are just going through the motions. What some of them don't seem to understand is that most of the fans that support them, (Through thick and VERY thin this season) would give their right arms to pull on the Black and White they wear
Anyway, according to THIS article in the Yorkshire Post, Coach Richard Agar has started to sort the wheat from the Chaff, and I wish him well.

Barcodes and Humbugs.

2008-09-02T18:32:00.002+01:00

I've always had a soft spot for the Barcodes (Newcastle Utd) I think maybe because they seem to mirror Hull FC so much. Both play in Black and White, (The stripes the other way of course) both have fans that adore their club, the enemy play in red and white, and seem to fall from one disaster to another.
Completely different sports of course, but both areas are very similar, and the clubs are at the heart of their community's. That makes them (the clubs) very important, and maybe fosters a kind of love for them that can seem strange to many.
It looks like they've lost a coach early on in the season like we did this season, maybe they'll end up at Wembley like we did, and loose most probably!

A few pics from my Wembley trip.

2008-08-31T13:08:00.003+01:00

Although we lost the game yesterday (28-16) We did hit the front at one time, and considering we went in at half time 10-0 down, I think the lads gave their all. Saints it has to be said are a great team. In fact I've watched quite a bit of Aussie RL this season, and I would say Saints are a good shout for the best team in the world at the present time.
We haven't had a good season, for a number of reasons (I'll go into that a bit further come the end of the season, but a trip to Wembley (my first after supporting the FC for nearly 30 years...Its a long story lol) was well worth it!
Here's a few pics:

Everyone going for the loo's at the services on the way there. (You guessed it, our loo on the bus went down on us!)

First view of Wembley:

The FC end fills up:

The lads warm up in in a bonny circle! :)

Feeder - New single

2008-08-29T22:46:00.001+01:00

My very favourite band, Feeder have a new single release, 'Tracing Lines' Smashing stuff :)

Wembley Time!

2008-08-29T00:44:00.003+01:00

Saturday morning at 7am we'll be setting off From West Hull ARLFC for Wembley. I'm excited, nervous, and hoping everything will work out, (and my knees hold out!) We are really the underdogs here, no one expects us to win, But hey, that's when we perk up! I'm going to take loads of pics, and hope to post some on here.
COME ON YOU HULLA!!
One last thing, yes, if you read this blog from time to time you may know what is coming.....
That's right Five and 'Keep on Moving' !! :)

Pendulum!

2008-08-25T16:51:00.004+01:00

It's been a bloody long time since I've seen a band that have quite literally blown my hat off, but last night Pendulum did! I was watching coverage of the Reading/Leeds festival and saw their set. Fantastic. Unfortunately you can't embed BBC video, but here's a taster of them live at the Radio One Big Weekend earlier this year. The energy is brilliant. My daughter had heard of them from when they started as a drum and bass outfit, but they've sort of evolved a bit... and how!
I love finding something new and fresh in music, (well it's new to me anyway) It blows the cobwebs out and makes me feel less old!
So here we have Pendulum - 'Intro + Slam'

Graduation Pic.

2008-08-15T15:40:00.002+01:00

Here's my youngest daughter's official graduation pic. I think it's a pretty good one, but she hates it.
Because she's smiling! :)

A new season for the Mighty Whites....

2008-08-09T12:02:00.004+01:00

and guess what? We've just been voted the most hated team in the country! You'd think with all our troubles folk would have a bit of sympathy for us, but no, and to be honest I could give a flying f*ck!
Let em get on with it, and we'll get on with winning League One!!
Here's a link to the article HERE ok, it's a load of old tripe, but worth reading for a great quote from 'The Office' actor Ralph Ineson: “I think the whole anti-Leeds thing stems originally from jealousy of the great 70s side of Don Revie. But more recently — when we haven’t been quite as dominant on the pitch — the jealousy stems from how devilishly attractive Leeds fans are.”
Top bloke!

MOT

State funeral for Mrs T.

2008-08-03T15:19:00.002+01:00

I know this was muted about in the news about a week ago, but I was listening to George Galloway's radio show on Talksport last night and it was one of the topics of conversation.
I'll be honest and up front about this, I hate the old witch for what she did to the ordinary working man in this country, and I honestly think a lot of today's problems can be laid at the door of her government. In my view this would be a waste of money!
I read one comment on this and heard another on the show yesterday:
'Never mind a State Funeral, she should be burnt at the stake!' and:
'If she had a State funeral it will be the only one where the gun salute would be aimed at the coffin'
Both very un-politically correct I know, but covers the views of a lot of the people in my part of the world!!

What listening pleasure!

2008-08-01T22:09:00.004+01:00

One of the first things you learn when you start supporting Hull FC is not to get cocky. Last Sunday we got to the final of the Challenge Cup. Tonight we lost at Wigan 66-6. I spent my evening listening to that tripe on the radio, and I could hear our fans singing 'Old Faithful' right through the game.
It's not bloody good enough lads, not bloody good enough!

My shiney new phone!

2008-07-31T09:02:00.003+01:00

Well, the Hubster said I could get a contract phone and he would pay for it (so who am I to argue!) I think maybe the reason is he has just got a very flash phone on contract, and my pink, Pay and Go Samsung d900i went kaput on me a week or so ago.
Anyway, I was looking through the contract phones on O2 and didn't fancy many of them, (mostly because none where pink) then I saw the LG Viewty. I was a bit iffy about it being a touch screen phone, (and its not pink) but I shouldn't have worried. It is absolutely fab! So clever! There is a little stylus to click on things but I don't have to use it much, nails work just as well. (thanks to Mam for stopping me biting my nails!)
Anyway, I'm well made up with it. Lets hope it lasts me a bit longer than my last phone!
(Oh, and I've ordered a pink case off ebay for it! )

Semi Final Highlights.

2008-07-29T11:06:00.003+01:00

Here's some highlights of Sunday's Challenge Cup semi final. Thanks to all the posters on You Tube for their uploads!
Highlights of the game:

Next is after match celebrations, Hull FC Scrum half, Adam Dykes is the player that sprays and gives away his Man of the Match Champagne away in this video.

And finally, we'll have a bit of this on Cup Final day please!!

COME ON YOU HULLLLAHHHH!!!!

Woo Hoo!

2008-07-27T23:32:00.004+01:00

We did it! Were off to Wembley! I have never seen my lads play at Wembley so I'm going to go of I can. I've managed to get the day after off work, so at least I'll get some recovery time.
The only Challenge Cup final I have ever got too was 2005 in Cardiff, and we won. So I have a good record to protect. :)
I will try and post some highlights as soon as I can.
Yipppeeeeeeeee!!!!
(Five worked)!

Semi final day.

2008-07-27T00:43:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post to wish my darling lads all the best in the Challenge Cup semi -final against Wakefield today. Go get em lads!!
Just to fulfil a bit of a superstition, as I have explained before, here's Five, with 'Keep on Moving'

Forgetting their roots.

2008-07-25T09:32:00.002+01:00

I have posted about this subject before and I return to it now in the light of the Glasgow East by-election defeat for the Labour government. Although the SNP only won by 300+ votes a majority of 13,507 was overturned.
By all accounts Glasgow East isn't a salubrious place. I heard a fact on the radio that was quite stunning. One part of the constituency has a male life expectancy of 53! Yes you read that right, 53. Although we are a rich country, well rich enough to give millions of aid away abroad, we still have pockets of poverty in this country that are a disgrace!
The Labour Party was founded in 1900, and evolved primarily through the trade union movement to be a voice for the ordinary working man.
Well that goal was turned away from in my opinion with the arrival of Tony Blair, the party sold their soul for power, and now it's starting to bite them in the arse. I come from a family and an area of Labour voters where it was nigh on a sin to vote for anyone else. (I still could never vote for the Conservatives) But you are seeing the rock base of Labour turning away. My area hasn't in a general election yet, but we have locally by electing a Lib-Dem Council.
Labour has got to start listening to people and fast, because God help us if that fop Cameron gets in!
Come on Gordon Brown, I thought you would be better than this, remember no matter how high and mighty you are, and how little democracy we really have in this country, you are in charge because of the people, the ordinary working people of the UK!

Tries from Sunday's Derby:

2008-07-23T13:16:00.002+01:00

Just the FC tries unfortunately (snigger) as whoever has uploaded the video has edited the Sith out! (Outrageous, I know ......)
Lets hope the lads form keeps up for Sunday's semi-final.

Just to cap off a good week!

2008-07-20T23:37:00.002+01:00

I've had a very nice week, I've been on holiday, my daughter graduated on Thursday, my nephew got married yesterday, and today my darling boys nailed the Sith, 44-18!
Yes, a very nice week indeed..........

Graduation pics

2008-07-17T20:49:00.005+01:00

Just a couple of pics from my daughters graduation. They're not brilliant as I took them with my phone. Hopefully the Hubster will have some better ones.
Here's Kirsty in her robes:
And here she is with my eldest daughter Michelle:
Here's all the Graduates standing under Queen Victoria's statue. Just before the Town Crier spoke and they all threw there hats in the air.

Just checking in.

2008-07-16T15:38:00.003+01:00

I'd thought I'd better check in as I haven't posted for a while. I'm on holiday this week and have been keeping busy lately. Tomorrow my youngest daughter Kirsty graduates from University. The ceremony will be held at the City Hall in Hull. Hopefully it will be all done by dinner time, and then its off to the pub! If I get any good photos of her in her Batman costume I will post them on here!
Saturday my nephew Danny gets married, so there's another busy day!

Sunday is the Derby between The FC and The Sith. I wont be attending unfortunately as all the steps etc at the KC are a bit of a struggle nowadays. I hope for a win, but with us having a Challenge cup semi final the next weekend, it will be interesting to see what sort of a team we'll put out. We're due a win, but it doesn't seem as important as it usually is.

Here we go again!

2008-07-02T12:01:00.003+01:00

And there's me thinking this season couldn't get any worse. Silly me! Hull FC prop Gareth Carvell, signed a 3 year contract with us, after a lot of messing about. 24 hours later he's changed his mind and wants out!
Now I've met Gareth once and he's a lovely chap, but he's absolutely played us like a kipper here (if that's the right term!)
I wouldn't play the bugger for the rest of this season, even though we're so strapped for players!
This all whiffs a bit it must be said, and points to an illegal tap up by another club. (You can't talk to players until September)
Surely Gareth wouldn't throw away a 3 year contract and a testimonial season, that can earn a player upwards of a £100,000, without some sort of 'back up' hmmm?
In the meantime we have apparently missed out on a couple of signings whilst awaiting Mr Carvells decision, and other contract talks with existing players have been put on hold. Considering Superleague clubs operate under a salary cap for players, he really has put a spanner in the works.
One thing that is good about this is his considerable wages will be freed up and we should get a transfer fee for any move.
It's never dull supporting Hull!

FC Update

2008-06-23T10:58:00.003+01:00

The lads got a win last Sunday against Castleford (You can watch the highlights here) Unfortunately we lost on Sunday against Bradford. To be expected as we had even more players out than usual. I think we've had it as far as a top 6 play off place in concerned, but the cup is still with in our grasp. If we can just start to get some injured players back for more than 5 minutes we could settle as a side, which we have been unable to do all season.
There is such a difference when scrum half Adam Dykes plays it is quite unbelievable, he really is a class act. But 'when' he plays is the operative word. I would like to see how his appearances have panned out over the season as he only seems to make 2 games tops and then he's out with an injury. Adam is coming to the end of his career and it worries me whether he is worth the next year of his contract. He plays in such a pivotal role this must be addressed. I know there is a shortage of good half backs about, and like I say Adam is a great player, but he is no good to us on the bench. Maybe a full close season to sort out all injuries will do us the world of good, as I believe that both our Aussie signings for this season (Dykes and Berrigan) have not been fully fit all season.
Ah well I guess thats Rugby League!

I love this song!

2008-06-14T20:22:00.002+01:00

And its a ballad too!
Here's Duffy and 'Warwick Avenue'

Politician makes sense shock horror....

2008-06-12T23:07:00.001+01:00

and he's a Tory too!

I agree with everything he said actually. Bravo Mr Davies!

The Empty Suit.

2008-06-12T01:48:00.005+01:00

I was just replying to a comment on a prior post and said that US Presidential candidate Barack Obama struck me as a bit of an empty suit. It puzzles me how he has got so immensely popular in the US without really revealing anything about himself, or his core policies and beliefs.
Something just came to mind when I wrote about the 'Empty suit'. There was a very famous film called 'Queen Christina' starring the old film star Greta Garbo. In it she played the Queen of Sweden, who abdicated her throne. The closing shot was of the exiled Queen on the bridge of a sailing ship, and ended with a full close up of her expressionless face. The reason for doing this, the Director said, was so the viewer could use his own interpretation of the Queens thoughts as she sailed away from her country.
People always have hopes and dreams, they want a better way of life for themselves and their children, and it struck me, people are using the empty suit, the blank canvas of Barack Obama to project their hopes and dreams on.
I hope he has more about him than I personally think he has, or many people will be bitterly dissapointed.

Update on the FC

2008-06-11T10:46:00.002+01:00

Well there hasn't been a lot happening FC wise lately (usually means trouble on the way that does!)
We lost away to Leeds Rhinos last Friday after being 18-2 up at half time. I was gobsmacked how well it went in the 1st half, especially as we lost yet another 2 key players just before the game. Leeds kicked into full gear though and wiped the floor with us in the 2nd half.
We entertain Castleford on Sunday, we should get a win, but Cas can either play like puddings or fantastic so we will have to see!
There's been a bit of bother about the Challenge Cup Semi against Wakefield and where it is being held. Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium. It only holds around 15,000, and when you consider we have 8,500 season pass holders alone, not everyone is going to be able to get to the game. I have never had a season pass, mainly because they come out at Christmas, when to be totally honest I'm skint! Lots of other fans are the same, quite a few thousand in fact.
A lot of people are going to be penalised, for the sole reason that The Keepmoat (and it's a smashing stadium) will be full and look good on TV. That's it in a nutshell.
The RFL strike again!

Hillary concedes

2008-06-07T23:59:00.003+01:00

I watched Hillary Clinton's concession speech this afternoon, and what an excellent speech it was. Even though I'm not an American, and only an interested observer of US politics, I felt so very sad to hear her concede.
I think maybe I was rooting for her because she was a woman and I liked her, and as I mentioned in an earlier post how amazingly disgusting some of her treatment in the US media has been. Where it has to be said that her opponent Barack Obama has had a pretty free ride.
On the other hand I've seen Mrs Clinton's cleavage discussed, and as mentioned before her liking for trousers. It has even been pointed out how it would be a bit dodgy for a President to have 'emotional' challenges every month, when at age 60 Hillary is a bit past all that sort of thing!
I think what it all boils down to is I'm just a housewife that works part time, and pretty happy with my lot. But I read about how women are trodden on all over the world. You particularly hear some horrendous stories from the Middle East.
I think Mrs Clinton lived the dream for a lot of women watching on, and it was so sad for the lady to make way for the man once again, as it has always been.

Has common sense completely left this country??

2008-06-02T13:13:00.004+01:00

Well has it? I quote:

"An airline passenger claimed that a security guard threatened to arrest him because he was wearing a T-shirt showing a cartoon robot with a gun.

Brad Jayakody, 30, from London, said he was stopped from passing through security at Heathrow's Terminal 5 after his Transformers T-shirt was deemed 'offensive.' "

What a bloody joke! actions like these are going to have Al Qaeda et al quaking in their boots!

LINK

Well done lads!

2008-06-02T13:01:00.003+01:00

Excellent win by the lads yesterday, 16-22. I must admit even I thought it was a long shot to win at Bradford. We rarely do well there. But onto the Semi-finals we go. Of course everyone will want us to stop there with the Jamie Thackray affair. (We played him in 2 rounds and he wasn't eligible. Although it was an awful oversight on our part, we have to submit our teams a couple of days before hand to the RFL. How come they didn't see it! Also, although it was deemed to be a breach of the regulations, there wasn't a punishment in said rules, so we're still in the competition!)
But all that is by no means the team or the fans fault is it? So...Come on you Hull!

New signing.

2008-05-29T11:38:00.003+01:00

We have signed forward Michael Crocker from the Melbourne Storm for next season on a 3 yr contract.
He's a top class player, no doubt about it, but has had injury problems, and apparently is a bit of a bad lad (or has been) on the pitch. A parking space at Red Hall then for easy access for disciplinary meetings then! (Next to Stanley's lol)
If he keeps fit we have a gem. Unfortunately, we haven't been too lucky in that department of late.
Welcome to the madhouse Michael! :)

Well done Kirsty!

2008-05-28T12:22:00.002+01:00

My youngest daughter Kirsty handed in her last essay yesterday. so she's finished her degree! She has worked so hard and I'm very proud of her. We're pretty sure she has a pass, as marks are built up over the course, but will have to wait what sort of pass she has. If it is a good one she has a place to start a Masters degree next year.
I left school at 16 and didn't have the chance of further education. We had to get to work and start bringing money in. So I'm proud that both my daughters have had the chance. One thing that is scary is the amount of debt they both are in with student loans etc. I have posted before how much a disgrace it is that my girls are in debt for trying to educate themselves, if they lived in Scotland, their University education would be free.
We have to invest in our future, saddling young people with thousands of pounds in debt just for trying to do better for themselves, and as a result, bettering the country as a whole, is just wrong. We have plenty invested in the 'no goods', who can't be bothered to work etc don't we?

New Coach at the FC

2008-05-27T14:45:00.005+01:00

Richard Agar, assistant to both Peter Sharp and his predecessor John Kear, has been given the top job with a 2 and a half year contract.
A few fans are underwhelmed, but I'm not so sure. You used to see time and time again in especially football (ie Liverpool) that an appointment from within can be very successful indeed. In fact where Liverpool are concerned when that process stopped, it could be argued they haven't been quite the same. I've always been of the belief that certain clubs need a man at the helm that 'gets it' They understand the clubs culture and what it means to the fans. Garry McAllister is one that springs to mind at Leeds Utd.
The last time I saw the FC have a decent attack was when Agar took over from John Kear in our Grand Final season in 2006. I know Sharpy led them out on final day, but even he admitted he had done very little, and had left things the way Richard had decided on.
Only 36, we have taken the chance on a British coach. I wish him well.

What a bloody disastrous day!

2008-05-26T22:32:00.002+01:00

Both my teams where beaten yesterday. By far the most sickening was Leeds Utd's defeat, I was absolutely gutted.
The FC, even though they lost to St Helens, worked bloody hard. The one glaring thing wrong with us all season is the lack of ideas in attack. Manly because both our main half backs have hardly played through injury.
I think league wise our season is over to be honest, we'll just have to win the cup then! :)

I found this clip on You tube of the pre game singing of 'Marching on Together' yesterday, it made me smile. (Hope this cheers you up too Mick if you see it!)

Onto more important things........

2008-05-24T19:41:00.004+01:00

in my eyes at least. No matter how well my home town football club have done today, my real focus will be tomorrow when the Mighty Whites take the 1st step back up that ladder, and back where they belong!
I honestly can't contemplate them loosing, I can't imagine it. We have this long and heartbreaking history of falling at the last hurdle. But having said that, when things do come together it is fabulous!
Come on lads, I want to hear a great rendition of
'15 points who gives a f*ck,
Were super Leeds and we're going up!'
Oh and 'Fook off to the Football League' too!!
MARCHING ON TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck to the FC tomorrow night in their match against Saints. They're gonna need it!!

Well done City!

2008-05-24T19:34:00.002+01:00

As you may know my football allegiances are elsewhere, but I have to say well done to Hull City for gaining promotion to the Premiership. The thought of Chelsea, Liverpool, and yes, even the Red Gerbils coming to play at the KC is quite a surreal thought. I would be very suprised if they last more than a season in the top flight, but that doesn't take away the fact that it's the 1st time they have made it. I hope the club and the fans enjoy the ride!

Seeing 'real' Predjudice

2008-05-19T22:23:00.003+01:00

I have always been interested in American politics, so have followed this years Presidential race on the net and American news channels on Sky.
What has struck me with quite some horror, is how Hillary Clinton has been treated in the American media. In the way it has been inferred that she should give up and call it a day, and let the men take over. You see her called a bitch, a witch, and all those old chestnuts that are rolled out when a strong woman starts to do well.
I hated everything that Margaret Thatcher stood for, but she used to get the same sort of treatment in a way. Even in 'Spitting Image' she was portrayed in a mans suit and smoking cigars.
Hillary gets 'witty' comments on her preference for trousers. I wear trousers all the time because they are damn comfy, I would think she thinks the same.
The thought of an intelligent able woman becoming President of the US fills me with pride. She may not win, but it would be nice if she got a fair shot! Good luck Hillary, do it for the girls!

Going, going gone.

2008-05-19T14:56:00.006+01:00

Hull FC coach Peter Sharp has left the club with mutual consent. I feel sorry for the bloke, because he worked really hard, and had some terrible luck with injuries. But it has to be said that he didn't seem to be able to adapt the team to a situation like you see with other coaches. I wish him the very best of luck though, and will miss 'Sharps soundbites!

Just a word about Richard Whiting (on the right of the pic) who sadly broke his leg at the game against Quins yesterday.
Now the bad luck that has plagued Richard this season, sort of illustrates the luck of the club as a whole injury wise. Rich broke his arm in a pre-season friendly, he's been back about 2 weeks, and broke his leg in the last minute of yesterdays game!
I have always rated Richard from the first time I set eyes on him (I'm also a bit biased as I once got one of the most loveliest of smiles from him after a game!) He has great ability and a good rugby brain. I wish him a full and speedy recovery, the injury is by all accounts a very bad one.
Best wishes Richard!

Good News at Last!!!

2008-05-15T22:42:00.002+01:00

Leeds Utd are in the play off final, after a 2-0 win tonight at Carlisle. (3-2 on aggregate)
After all what has happened over the last few years, and even this season. We start the season on -15 points, loose first our 1st team coach, then our Manager, have had to settle under a new management team, and if we win at Wembley next week, promotion!
Back to the game, we played brilliantly well, both goals scored by Jonny Howson (pictured right with Jermaine Beckford) a local lad and only 19 to boot.
I'm just coming down off the ceiling, the Hubster and I scared the hell out of the cats when that last goal went in lol.

Marching on together!! (This clip was from the 1st leg on monday)

Dissappointed again!

2008-05-06T00:44:00.002+01:00

Yes the Sith did it again and beat us at Cardiff. Now I will say that some of the refereeing decisions where a disgrace, (yes, and that means you Mr Ganson!) but that doesn't change the fact that although we worked very hard, and defended brilliantly at times, the attack was woeful. We seem to have no idea whatsoever at times. Now we've had this running excuse of all the injuries which was true, then we had the excuse that we hadn't had a lot of time on the training pitch which was again true. I have to say though these reasons are wearing pretty thin!
If we had a team of dopes all this could be understandable, put we have a bloody good team on paper that should be doing a lot better than this!
A lot of us FC fans have been very patient and fair, no one can say I haven't been fair, especially to coach Peter Sharp, but if things don't start picking up soon our season will be over. I was just looking at our remaining Superleague fixtures, and on this form we'll have trouble winning any of em!!
It's shape up time methinks, or certain people will be out on their ear!

N.B. I just want to say that I do not question the teams commitment one bit, they worked very hard yesterday, it just doesn't seem to be channelled in the right way.

airliebirds nest

3-0 to the FC!

'A hard budget, but fair...'

Need Cheering up?

What a win by the FC

Oh Jermaine!

New Phone pic

New Phone

Hello

A thing of beauty, it has to be said........

My God its December!!

New Kit New Start!

Thoughts on the FC after another defeat.

A lovely moment

Good news At Last!

MP's expenses

Odds and sods

No visa

Crooks!

MOT!!

Support the Ghurkas

Praise the Lord!

My mobile phone history.

Lessons from History.

As I've mentioned before......

New Post

100% comes to an end.

5 out of 5, and its a small world!

Yay!!!!

FC update

Update Time

Having a boogie!

A Winning Start!

Can't wait!

Not long now.......

Blah!

*Scratches ones head*

Just checking in.

Another wish of Bon Voyage.

First Post of 2009

Woo Hoo!

Who needs Coronation St, Eastenders, Or Even Emmerdale Farm..

Just a quick post....

The Big 50

Supporting Leeds Utd.

Unbelievable.

Nurses told not to call patients 'love'

Friday Rugby

Poor Chibi!

Unfathomable!

Absolutely Dire!

Never mind all this 'history in the making' stuff.....

US Elections.

Rugby Rant

Lady of Leisure.

Better pics of the new shirts.

New Kit for 08/09 Season

UFO's!

You couldn't make it up. Part 3786 (or something like that!)

Economic Crisis????

Upside down!

The worlds gone mad (again!)

Byeee Gazza, make sure the door doesn't hit yer on the way out!

An end to a very ordinary season.

Barcodes and Humbugs.

A few pics from my Wembley trip.

Feeder - New single

Wembley Time!

Pendulum!

Graduation Pic.

A new season for the Mighty Whites....

State funeral for Mrs T.

What listening pleasure!

My shiney new phone!

Semi Final Highlights.

Woo Hoo!

Semi final day.

Forgetting their roots.

Tries from Sunday's Derby:

Just to cap off a good week!

Scratches ones head