Spot the difference

Has anyone else noticed the similarity between Mr. Bean and Ronnie O'Sullivan?

Maybe it's just me, but I was watching the snooker on TV tonight and every time the camera zoomed in on Ronnie he was pulling some unusual expressions and the first thought that came to mind was Mr. Bean... Maybe it's the same person? Ronnie Bean, or Bean O'Sullivan.

PC or not PC that is the question

I think I'm turning into my computer! Yes you may think I am strange or have lost the plot, but I woke up this morning thinking what was the difference and I believe I am one in the same as my PC. A Metamorphosis has taken place and my PC and I have become one. A bit like the movie 'The Fly' when actor Jeff Goldblum becomes one with the fly that enters his telepod. Good movie and probably more interested than my story, so I advise you to stop reading this and go and watch the movie instead. Anyway back to me and my PC (no not Police Constable, but Personal Computer), so where was I? mm, OK so I was thinking what is the difference as I think we are the same in many aspects as noted: We both switch on in the morning and run through the starting up process. For me it's a wash, clean my operating system, dump download, and a refresh my parts. Then check all my features and attributes are working properly or I would need to do a restart, a bit like getting out of the wrong side of bed, if it does not work, go back to bed and start again. Then some intake of new information and energies, which is breakfast of course, followed by a levels check to ensure that everything is topped up ready for the day ahead. So with my power levels up, disc cleaned and my chips eaten (maybe the lunch reboot), I'm ready to start the day. My virtual world then begins and I become an extension of my PC or is my PC becoming an extension of me? mmm that's a little like the chicken and egg... So all plugged in I'm ready to switch off from the real world and enter my virtual world. If you too are experiencing these problems, take my advice and get yourself a life and switch off the PC and go for a walk, it's better for your health and it's real..

A load of Baltics

Have you ever been to the Baltic States? No! Well for me I have had the pleasure to at least see one of them, and not knowing too much about the Baltic countries I was a little naive to where they are and what countries make them up. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. My journey brought me to Lithuania on a business trip, which is always nice, but you don’t get enough time to explore and discover the beauties of the country. Having arrived on a direct flight from Zurich to Vilnius (the capital city of Lithuania), on airBaltic, I made my way to my hotel, the Reval Hotel Lietuva just over the river from the main city and a 20 minute walk away from the centre. So here is my synopsis of Vilnius; In 2009 Vilnius will celebrate 1000 years of its name as a recognized capital city and the city will also be preparing to become the European Capital of Culture. So a lot will happen next year and it is pretty evident as the city is having a face lift and a lot of restoration work is going on, especially with the churches and old period buildings. They say Vilnius is dreaming with its eyes open, well I tend to agree, and having spent a lazy day wandering through the city, up and down the old cobbled inner city, I have come to relies that this city is a thrive of activity, not only during the day with the hustle and bustle of city life, but it comes alive after sunset so be prepared! So if you like market stalls, street music, carnivals and traditional costume, local beer, great food, superb hospitality and beautiful looking girls, then this is the place. I also noticed a lot of casinos all over the city, so is this a gambling nation? With the mix of old and new, modern and classic architecture, Vilnius is truly a beautiful city. Vilnius airport has also changed since my last trip and has a brand new extension and is looking pretty modern and relatively easy to navigate around as it’s still small. Check out the links you may learn something new..

I would also like to add that whilst I was wandering through the city I noticed a crowd of people gathering and was curious to know what was going on. So I made may way over to find out what was so interesting and to my and everyone else's astonishment we saw the aftermath of an accident. Nothing serious, but more amusing than anything else. What appeared to have happened was; a woman driver, yes sorry but it was a woman, had somehow managed to drive, or should I say reverse her car down a pedestrian walkway, through some metal posts, then across a paved area, embedding the rear of the car onto a big potted plant and launching the car airborne up some steps before finally coming to stop at the top. Strange and quite bizarre that she just did not stop and apply the breaks before causing so much destruction, but then she was probably on the phone and putting her make-up on at the same time.

No more heros!

I watch and wait but nothing ever changes. Up and down, but never quite high enough, then down again but never quite to the bottom. So what am I talking about you may ask, well my beloved, Newcastle United Football club, and one I have followed since I was a young lad living in the North East of England. A team for me that just don't have what it takes to be a great team, a good team at best but never a great team. Why? I have no idea, the investment is there, and they have had some great players over the last decade, and some good coaches and unquestionable loyalty from the many thousands of fans, but still no return of investment. No sliver wear, no trophy's and a very frustrated old firm of supports that have been waiting patiently for something that they can pass on to the next generation of supporter. So what has and is going wrong? I have no idea and although Sam the Man Allardyce, has pledged his guidance and management skills to get them over the finish line, this is still not working. Prior to the latest game against Reading, which we lost 2-1, Newcastle were in 8th position and had 2 games in hand, which if we had won, we would have jumped to 4th spot, right up there with the big boys and would have been the best start in the premiership for many years and really given Sam a fighting chance to prove he has what it takes to get the old dog going.

But anybody who thought Sam had solved Newcastle's age-old problems at the back were left to think again after what could be politely described as a shambolic performance by the defence. All the problems were expected at the other end for a Reading team who had conceded 11 goals in three games, but it was the visitors who did their utmost to gift Steve Coppell's men a goal.

Another problem is also with Newcastle's consistency, they can play some outstanding football one week and beat the top teams then fall by the way side in a crushing defeat against an underdog. It is not just frustrating it is painful to watch week in and out, always hoping they will become the great team they once were. The last piece of silver wear was back in 1975 when Newcastle were the Texaco Cup Winners and prior to that in 1955 as the F.A. Cup winners, but since then, NOTHING!

What has gone wrong and will Newcastle ever be anything more than a medioca club?

Do or Di!

mm, writing about the Death of Princess Di and Dodi al-Fayed was not really my intention, but having lived in London at the the time and having an overwhelming impulse to go to Kensington Palace (the former residence of the People's Princess) I, like many thousands, yes thousands of average everyday people, made our pilgrimage to pay our respects for a truly remarkable lady. When I first heard the news break on the TV, then the radio and every other media source available at the time, I was in shock. A kind of shock that I had never really experienced ever before and one you feel for a close friend or relative that has died. It was very strange as I was not really a follower of the Royals and the Monarchy, although I liked some of the traditions. But was always fascinated with the fairy tale of a Lady that became a Princess then was excommunicated from the Royal household as a potential embarrassment to the Establishment, would surely not go unpunished, after all tradition is tradition! Well as we now live in the 21st Century and times have changed, we don't hang people for treason, or blasphemy, we actually write about it in the tabloid newspapers and then laugh about it during our tea breaks. But this was no ordinary fairy tale, this one was about a jealous and conniving Prince and a Royal Family that believed in tradition (mm a bit like the movie Fiddler on the Roof). Traditions have to be obeyed and followed and whether or not you agree you are now brain washed into this cult and have to follow the rule book or suffer the harsh consequences. So what did really happened on that dreadful day on 31st August, 1997? More than 10 years ago and we still do not know, or do we? Well the evidence is there, if you look hard enough it is all apparent. We have all seen these marvelous conspiracy movies (like the latest one 'The Bourne Ultimatum'), read the numerous books by authors like Dan Brown and also read enough newspapers and Internet findings to realise this was not a tragic accident. You would have to be a fool to think so, especially when there are so, so many damming claims that make it impossible to think otherwise. Don't take my word for it, read them yourself. Also why is it that 98% of the UK citizens asked in a poll, agreed this was no accident? mm! I would also like to know why the body guard Trevor Rees-Jones, the only survivor of the deadly accident, claims he has amnesia and can not remember a thing! Very convenient, so the evidence stacks up higher and higher and will one day topple.. Who Killed Diana? by Simon Regan. I really feel sorry for the direct families of the victims as they have to live this nightmare over and over again. I stand by Mohamed al-Fayed in his judgement, although it will never bring the 3 victims back the truth should be known!

Brushing up on my English

A trip back to my mother land is always a pleasant welcome. It's an opportunity to catch up with old friends, and yes we are all getting older! :-) Spending time with my family and trying to ensure I give them all a piece of my attention, love and warmth.. haha! Anyway this trip was a 10 day break from work and I was able to brush up on my English slang, learn all the new buzz words (so I could fit in and not look like a foreigner in my own country) and eat all the lovely English food I have missed for the past few months since my last trip. For example, I love the smell and taste of fish and chips and to eat them out of the bag, well it's the only way you should eat them... Also a nice Sunday roast, an unhealthy English breakfast and to get to 'Subway' for a tuna and cheese melt, not forgetting the number one dish, an Indian curry. Anyway my trip home was most enjoyable and unfortunately I never seem to have enough time to spend with everyone, but then there is always next time!

Triumphant Triumph

This is the new 'Naked' street bike from Triumph, the Street Triple. Launched in Italy in August the bike has been a huge success, so damn successful I'm still waiting for mine from my local bike dealer. The standard 3 week wait has turned into 6 weeks and I'm still waiting. It will be snowing by the time it arrives and I will have to put it away for the winter season :-( The good thing is I have the demo bike on free loan, so I have been blasting around the Swiss countryside, getting lost and discovering new places. Switzerland is a bikers paradise as there are so many different roads, mountain passes, lakes and great places to explore. This weekend was fantastic, the weather was great and nice and sunny, quite warm around 19' so was perfect for a day's biking.