NHS, Moose, Obama Healthcare, NHS Walk in Surgery

I watched a documentary on the whole sniper thing last night and the police, and Moose were balmed for how long the whole thing went on for. One of the snipers (it wasnt clear which) was phoning the police, giving clues,; they stopped their car twice but were so stuck on a white van they never checked. The programme ended up really taking the piss out of Moose who apparently went back to beat work, but in Hawaii straight after the case!!!!!!!

On the subject of severance pay and health care... It cost us a fortune to let go of employees, I am talking thousands each, even the 21 year old who was still in training. Yesterday I took Mum to a health care drop in centre, a new fangled way to see a nurse or GP, no booking, open 365 days a year, 8am to 8pm, she had the full check over and then got some anti biotics for a chest infection. I wont be going anywhere else again, nor take the boys....and it means N can get in from work, or go on a Sunday if he has any worries; thats why men are notoriously bad at taking care of their health, because they cant fit in with surgery hours, and they let things get out of control. Its brilliant. All news on the Obama healthcare reform has dried up here. Once again, I am very happy to pay taxes for the NHS.

Larry King Live, Muhammad Execution, Health Insurance

I am SWAMPED!!!! and stressed out, and then my cousin called me yesterday to tell me that she had been laid off, as of the time she was calling me, no severance, nothing, they just came in and told them to pack their shit and go. She wasn't too upset, as she has only been working for them for just over a year, but she was upset because their were people there that had been working there 15 years or more, and no severance for them either. When you get laid off here, bang goes the health insurance, unless you can afford to pay what your employer was paying monthly (thus taking it over), then you can get coverage for a year. I did that when I left my job, it cost me $310 a month (look up the conversion). Most people can't afford to do it.

I will be in Virginia for a show next week from Weds to Sat, I will write more then. But, here goes regarding the sniper then I am going to have to get back to work...............

I actually don't know too many people that agree with the death penalty, even my Repub friends, it's not a deterrent, and most don't believe in an eye for an eye. I personally think that it's inhumane on every level. However, and I must admit me included, most of us were indifferent regarding the sniper. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that for those few weeks we feared for our fucking lives. I have NEVER been so terrified for my life. When there is a terrorist attack you are not expecting it, however, when there is a guy going round randomly shooting people, and you think you might be next it's freaking terrifying. I had just bought my house when the killing spree started, on the first day he shot 4 or 5 people. I drove 5 miles out of my way to get my petrol pumped at a place where they pump it for you, because he was popping people off at petrol stations at first. Then it was outside the grocery store, and then the last killing (he killed 10 in this area), was a Ride-On bus driver. That killing was the worst, and it upset people more than any of the other killings, plus he also shot an elementary school kid, while he was walking into school (elementary is from 10-13 years old I think). The boy apparently did some of the shooting too, and I would have been distraught if he had got the death penalty, but they gave him life. They tried Muhammad in VA first, even though most of the killings were in MD because although both states have the death penalty, we are more liberal here in MD, and they were afraid that he would get life, or the death penalty and be on death row forever. I have never heard of someone only being on death row for 7 years, people are generally on it for about 15, so it shocked the shit out of me last year when I heard that he would get executed this week!! Anyway, regardless of Muhammad's last name he was a goner anyway. He shot up blacks, whites, hispanic and Indian. Everyone thought that it was some redneck white guy from West Virginia, even the FBI profiled him as such, we were all shocked as hell when we saw it was a nice-looking black guy. Np one was more shocked than the blacks!!

He was crazy like a fox. He fired his trial attorneys, and decided to represent himself, and then after he was convicted based his appeal on having inadequate counsel at trial, LMAO. I didn't even realize it was still a big story until his 2 ex wives were on Larry King Live (LKL), on Monday night. Then I had to watch LKL last night, because he was due to be executed at 9pm, and I wanted to see the press conference afterwards etc. They also had Chief Moose on the show, who was the police chief of the Maryland county where most of the murders occurred, he is a huge hero here, even now, and he has been gone for about 6 years.

Anyway, they were saying on LKL that they didn't have the anti-execution protesters out at the prison last night, like they normally do when an execution is scheduled. There were maybe a handful, there are usually hundreds. As high-profile a case as this was, I just think people were kind of indifferent to it.

I had closure when his ass was convicted, I didn't feel that they needed to kill him, and as one victim's relative said, the death penalty doesn't bring closure it just re-opens old wounds.

BNP on Question Time, Execution in the US

Even though we are both so busy we can barely get a post written on the ridiculous BNP leader appearing on Question Time (it had to happen as he was elected, and Bonnie Greer made him look like a loony) I feel the need to comment on the fact that you live in a place where they have just injected someone, who must be a nutcase, with a lethal injection, and worse, I had to listen to how he behaved in his last hour and what he had to eat. My questions for you are
How many of your associates think thats OK?
Does his Muslim surname have an impact?
Why dont Americans who want the right to bear arms (or is it Bare?) understand that thats how he was able to get the gun in the first place?
What was the role of the 17 year old, apart driving?

Redskins, Gareth Southgate, Dan Snyder,Raffa Benitez

So Middlesborough have sacked Gareth Southgate. Now, he is neither here or there to me personally, but this is ridiculous. These managers are hired and fired on a whim, and shit, the fans are pissed off so they are not supporting the team, well, when you sell all your good players and bring in players past their prime, that's what happens, it's not the manager's fault, most of the time it's the owner. We are having huge issues here, because the Redskins are shit, they are the laughing stock of the NFL, some are blaming the coach, but he shouldn't have been hired as head coach in the first place. Most though, including me are blaming the owner Dan Snyder. He is a bastard of the highest order. He bought the Redskins when he was 34, and is a billionaire. Before he bought the team he was a huge Redskins fan, and he doesn't understand that he has to step back from running the team and leave that to the experts. Now the games aren't selling out because the fans are pissed with the results, and if the game is not a sell-out the NFL blackout the game to the local viewers, so if they don't sell out we won't get to see it on TV!!!! MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!! The Redskins are one of the biggest franchises in the NFL. So this is huge. All the local sports stations, and newspapers are making a huge deal out of it, but Snyder refuses to talk to the press. Meanwhile ex-players and ex-employees are spilling shit about Snyder and what a bastard he is. For example, his wife lost a diamond earring which she thought she lost in a suite at a Redskins game. They grilled the cleaning crew, and accused one of them of stealing it, no-one admitted to it, (probably because no-one stole it, more likely it went up a vacuum cleaner hose), so he fired the whole cleaning crew and hired a new one!!! Another story, (I heard this one a couple of years ago on the radio),the lives in Bethesda, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Maryland, it is also one of the oldest too. When ever there is ice or snow or severe weather, they tend to lose power. All of the neighbors were in the dark when the power went out, and it was out for a couple of days, he got this souped up generator, and turned on all the power that he possibly could, basically to taunt the neighbors and to say that he could. Neighbors said his house was lit up like a Christmas tree, like more than it would be if they had power.

Wow, Cambodia and Vietnam, that's freaking awesome, the boys will love it, and I bet that the foood will be awesome. I'm sure that the flight will be expensive, but once you get there everything will be dirt cheap. Joe told me that squid and octopus are plentiful in Vietnam, I love both of 'em. I am soooo looking forward to the World Cup next year.

Been busy trying to catch up with the work I didnt do while in France.We had a lovely time and N insisted on 2 hotels with a view (I'll send you the views when I get them off my phone because they were spectacular)- I am a bit tight and my new phrase is "thats 2 nights on the mekong" Ask J what we should not miss in Vietnam. The pound/euro exchange rate was appalling- £6 for a bier grande in the front cafes. So I insisted on going to the supermarket and sitting looking at our view with some bottles before venturing out for food.....bloody gorgeous food.....Oysters,Moulles frite and veal with goats cheese;I'm dribbling now.

I think the cutting off of the TV for the Redskins game is a good idea for getting the stadiums full, though if ST is on the telly its a full house anyway.Everyone wants to be on the telly. But I do pay for the boys (not H, he hates football and says "what would I want to go to see ST play for )to go to a home match, whenever, because you should support your local team. Redskins must be big if I have heard or them. Dont you have employment laws do prevent unfair dismissal?

Gareth Southgate is a strange one. They are 2nd in the Championship, but cant win at home, and they won the night he was "released" The Chairman is THE best bloke in football and has supported Bryan Robson and SOuthgate through bad times and it is generally recognised that managers at Middlesborough have the best relationships with their Chairman. Do you remember when Ravenelli and Juninhio and Emerson were there, and Craig Hignett was the Capain. We howled when he was interviewed and said " Yeah, Rav, Emo and Juni have really brought something else to the team"

I am giving Raffa til Monday, after they have played Man utd on SUnday, then I expect transfer requests from Gerrard and Torres. They have leaked bad stories about their relationship with him. Torres was unhappy with Raffas reaction to the news that he was expecting his first child. Apparently he just started talking tactics and did not make any attempt to congratulate him.

Obama, Nobel Peace Prize, The Olympic Bid

So Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize! Are you fucking kidding me. They have just devalued the award. I understand how the world feels about Obama, but it's just the most ridiculous shit I've ever heard. He had been in office 11 days when the nomination process closed!!! I am so incensed. I have nothing against Obama, but they have politicized the award and turned it into a farce. Didn't Bill Clinton broker the Good Friday agreement, didn't he do more for Mid-East peace than any other Pres. before him? I just don't get it. I was already pissed off that he felt the need to go to Copenhagen for the Olympic bid, surely Michelle and Oprah were enough, particularly since there is so much shit going on over here on all fronts right now.

We too are dumbfounded? I think, from his speech that he was a little embarrassed. Our commentators say its an award for not being Bush. There was a wave of peace and hope across the world the weeks after he was elected and perhaps that did it? They have chosen some dodgy winners in the past too- Northern Irish hardliners who managed to hold their tongues long enough for a treaty to be signed etc even Yasser Arrafat who lost every opportunity to get a peace in Palestine, while his people suffered and his wife shopped in Paris. We English believe that Bill Clinton was the person at the party who was able to talk to everyone because they had no understanding of the problems...lets face it the American Irish bankrolled IRA terrorism for years, and they always forget who asked the British Army in, in the first place. John Major started the talks and is recognised as the broker by both sides, Tony Blair kept the ball rolling, and Mo Mowlem was a calming influence in many heated stand offs. As for the Olympic bid, well it was about time it went south, just like next years world cup. You cant get a flight to south Africa for love nor money here, so we have decide to go to Cambodia and Vietnam for 4 weeks straight after the final!

DC United, Womens Problems, Fibroids, This American Life

We went to see DC United on Saturday night, what a disaster. They lost and now can't get into the play-offs because there are only 2 games left. They really suck. It's tough for the fans because DC are the most "winningest team" in the MLS. Jeez 10 years ago there were parades through the streets etc when they won the MLS cup etc, now they're just crap. Although, to be fair, they are in a rebuilding stage, and need to get rid of some of their old ass players. The Washington Redskins suck big time too, only their problem is way more serious, last week they were booed through the whole game. They have been shit since they won the Superbowl back in the 1991 season, and people are pig sick of it.

So I finally went to the specialist a couple of weeks ago. He diagnosed that I have fibroids, which are growing and need to be removed. Only problem is that I will have to be off my feet for 6 weeks after surgery, and I told him that at this time of year there is no way that I can afford to take the time off, and it will have to wait until the summer. He said well, we will need to keep an eye on them every 3 months, but if the pain gets too much they will have to come out. If worst comes to worst I will get myself through the holiday season, and then get them taken out in January or February. He said that the fibroids are causing my periods to be really heavy, which in turn is leading to the anemia, and if I get them removed "it will be like you had a tummy tuck, you're stomach will be totally flat", well he didn't need to say anymore, I'm definitely going to get them taken out!!!

Jesus, Wish I had fibroids. 3 enormous children have wrecked my stomach.R was half an ounce off 12lb H was 10lb4oz and A was 9lb 6oz. H had the 2nd biggest head circumference of all time in the hospital.There are no muscles in my stomach. Sit ups do nothing. I just feel lucky I am able to control my bladder!I believe I am less likely to get breast cancer from breast feeding (these mommas had to be good for something) and cervical cancer. Doesn't "off your feet" mean you can do more work? Wouldn't one of your family come and help? Doesn't your insurance include off work cover especially as you are self employed?

I am just trying to work out how to get the England match off the internet which is the only way to watch it this Saturday. I want to get it off the net and on our screen for everyone who normally comes. There is an outcry here- kids will give up football if they cant see it on the TV , just like cricket. The London evening standard is free now too so you can hear the news link between the 2. Surely the advertising in the game, more sponsorship on the players etc are all the arguments. Apparently the sun screen in the Cricket West Indies series had the sponsors name all over the players noses!


Jesus Christ, your boys were huge!!! Surely you didn't give birth to them all naturally? Apparently all women have fibroids, but most of them don't grow. They are benign tumors. Apparently they affect black women disproportionately. They can be exacerbated by caffeine (guilty), red meat (not so much), and alcohol, (not so much). Ha, no, the insurance doesn't cover loss of income, you can only get that if you are working for an employer, I don't know all the details, but over here it is better not to apply for any free shit anyway, because it can affect your credit rating!!!! It's no biggie, as long as I can wait until the summer. And you are right, I am just going to work the whole time. Plus, I am thinking 6 weeks is worst case scenario for someone who isn't fit, I am thinking 4 weeks for me.

We get the England game next Wednesday!!!! First free England game ever, (other than World Cup games), I am psyched!! We don't get the Saturday game though, and I'm pretty sure that they won't let me watch it on the internet.

I still want you to listen to This American Life, I really think that you will enjoy it, and I want to discuss some of the episodes with you. There are 100's of them.


I was induced with all 3 children so that is not considered natural, though they all came out the right orifice! Imagine how big they might have got? They were all 2 weeks overdue except H who was born the day after a bank holiday weekend so he was 18 days. The NHS is great but they dont want too many in over a bank holiday!

I will try to listen to This American Life

Kanye West, Whitney Housten, Healthcare Immigration and Jamie's American Road Trip

If you ever get the show The First 48 over there you HAVE to watch it. It is awesome. Better than any fictional detective show. It's true life murder's, and if the case is not solved within the first 48 hours it gets significantly harder to solve. It's raw though, you get to meet the family's who have lost a loved one, and you see the detectives interviewing the suspect's etc. LOVE the show. They are showing a marathon today.

The big news here is that Jimmy Carter has said what a lot of us have thought for a long time, essentially the crazies are knocking Obama's policies because he is black. I was in DC on Saturday when the right wing protesters were in town. One of them came by my booth and said to me did you know in England they can't choose their doctor. I said, actually I am British, and you can choose your Dr. and here actually you can't, because if your health insurance provider says that he is not on their provider list, then you can't go to him. She said nothing, sniffed and walked out. So much fucking misinformation being bandied about. Some of the signs they were carrying were so ridiculous they were hysterical. One of the signs said, "Hotline to socialized medicine - 1800- UR-DEAD. Then some of them were carrying photos of Obama with bones through his nose, so disrespectful. I want you to go online just once and listen to Rush Limbaugh, he is the one inciting these people. Fat bastard. O'Reilly is tame in comparison.

The other news is the Kanye West bullshit. He is SUCH an arsehole, I really believe he has mental problems. That poor kid is only 19 years old, and he took away her 5 minutes. It just so happened that he was on the Jay Leno show the following evening. I didn't watch, I hate Jay Leno, but I saw the highlights, and now people are up in arms because Jay Leno said, "how would your mum feel about the way you acted", well, you probably know this, but his mum died during a plastic surgery procedure about 2 years ago, perfomed by this rogue plastic surgeon, and people thought it was a low blow to ask him about his mother.

In other celebrity news Whitney was on Oprah on Monday and Tuesday (yes, special 2 day season opening event!!!!). I really enjoyed the interview though, she was really candid about the drug use, and what a disaster the marriage was. Oprah asked her if she thought that she would ever use again and she said, "Oprah, I can only think about today, and today I'm not using" I really respected her for saying that, instead of bullshitting about saying, "hell no, I ain't gonna use again."

Health care is so fucking good in this country that I have been having serious pelvic pains, and just some general gyno problems for more than a week. I call the gyno's office today, and I'm putting it on a bit in my voice, saying I think I might have cervical cancer, and describing the symptons and telling her that it's an emergency............they'll fit me in on Wednesday, next week!!!!!! Tell me how that is better than the UK. If it did turn out to be something serious then my health insurance could drop me at any time because I'm costing them too much money - no bull!

I am so glad that woman picked on you- we can change our doctor anytime, and last week I got a leaflet through for a drop in NHS surgery, for when you dont want to see your own doctor for all things right up to minor surgery. Tell them THAT!

I hadnt realised that it was Jimmy Carter bringing up the race card. Do you think its true? This would cause so much trouble here. As for those protesters its incredible that people are so easily conned with sound bites and easily accessible points and issues. Its so easy to do and whip up a dangerous mob. After a real feeling of relief when Barak was elected, these health care protesters are really frightening us. How does a few illegal immigrants getting health care impact on the USAs healthcare costs..really. I looked at the LA Times the other day. Completely NUTS, linking all sorts of scare issues to this fiddling with the insurance system.

Yesterday we watched Teen cribs, and the ostentatious waste of money on entertaining the kids made me feel sick...then we watched Jamie Olivers road trip in New York (hes done LA's Mexican community and Wyoming cowboys already) In NY he went to immigrant communities- underground Peruvian home cooking Restaurant, Columbian legal immigrant who feeds 70 homeless immigrants every night, egyptian restaurants and Halal butchers 6 miles from the Empire State, then he did a dinner Party where people apply online to come to your house and them just leave a donation in a pot (all proceeds to the Columbian bloke) The contrast between dull teens with their own vehicles, games rooms, climbing walls, firemans poles and lifts, then the interesting communities which is actually what the US was built on. But then, thats what these people have trekked through south America, risked the border guards etc for- the American Dream. Why don't the better off understand that the whole point is that the US offers this dream, is built on it and therefore should celebrate it? What is their history of immigration?

Yes, the US in general thinks that all of Europe is socialist, which is understandable really. Here they think that if you can't help yourself then t

Yes, the US in general thinks that all of Europe is socialist, which is understandable really. Here they think that if you can't help yourself then tough!!

Obama, and Illegal Immigrants

I thought Obamas speech to Congress on Healthcare was great and didnt think much of the senator or congressman's apology for shouting liar. He said "they (the Republicans) told me ring the White House and say......" I cant understand hoe the opposition works really. The legislation only covers the health insurance system doesn't it. Its not like they are doubling taxes to give the poor boobjobs!But I heard someone say its all the illegal immigrants who are going to come and take advantage-has anyone ever tried to see a Doctor when on holiday in the EU. Its a definite case of get your Euros out first. Its just tagging on totally irrelevant easily accessible scare issues to drum up opposition and flag waving.


His speech yesterday for 9/11 was great too. Have you got used to having the date about arse? Surely its 11/9, but then that would not rhyme with our very own 7/7. Do you suppose it was organised that way?

Who has got the power in America?

Boys are at under 19 International at the new Gay Meadow.England vs Russia...should be good.

Poor Barak. Why should he lose so much? Because hes failed to get the healthcare thing through? Who will change their vote? Why hasnt he got enough Democrats in congress to get it through? Is the Senate or congress more powerful then? Dont answer, I will do my own research. As for talking to the kids...thats how Michele got us in the 1st place, talking to the 'innah citay kids innit'. I just couldnt put up with that shit. H wondered if our 20%tax rate made Americans think the UK was a communist state- I said I wasnt sure they would know, but probably.

Well, ultimately Senators are more powerful because there are only 2 of 'em per state, and they serve 6 year terms. Representatives are determined by the size of the state that they represent, and they only serve 2 years at a time before re-election (such a waste of money), there are 435 of them. However, either house can scupper a bill, and to me they're both powerful. When Bush introduced the last immigration bill the Senate went for it, but it was the House of Representatives that scuppered it.

Obama does have enough Democrats in Congress to approve the health care bill, but ultimately it's the lobbyists and special interests that are in control. The health care lobby is the biggest lobby I believe. Additionally, some of the Dems were elected with small/marginal majorities, and they are afraid to piss off their constituents. Plus, there are a lot of conservative Democrats in middle America and the southern states. Personally, I think Obama has tried to do too much too soon, and he has freaked a lot of people out. He should have concentrated on the economy and stimulus packages for the first year, and immigration reform which wouldn't cost as much as healthcare.

Obama, Healthcare, Republicans and Rush Limbaugh

Lots of crap going on in the political world. This healthcare bill ain't going anywhere, although Obama is going to address Congress on Wednesday, I don't think that it is going to make a difference, I can't see a comprehensive healthcare bill being passed. I believe that the mistake that Obama made was that he should have gone with immigration reform as his big policy change. He is on the same page pretty much as John McCain on this and there are a ton of Republicans in big hispanic districts that politically can't afford not to back him. He would have gotten mass bipartisan support, which would have helped him out next year in the mid-terms, and then he could have introduced the Health Care legislation. I'm afraid Dems are going to lose big in the mid-terms and he won't have a hope in hell of getting anything through after that.

The other thing is that he is going to address the nations schoolkids tomorrow, and there's a big outcry from the right (led by that bastard Rush Limbaugh) of course, saying he plans to indoctrinate our kids. Fucking 'ell!!! I agree with the Education Secretary who says that the question shouldn't be whether he is going to indoctrinate our kids, but why in the hell has it been 18 years since their was a Presidential Adress to the nation's kids (Bush No. 1) He was going to tell them to stay in school, and make the most of every opportunity etc, etc, it's so ridiculous.

Ali Al Magrahi, Gadaffi, Justice, Compassion and Humanity

I had to reply to the Libyan thing. For a start it was the Scots, which I dont think the US understands- their own laws, judiciary, parliament etc then theres the fact that all the UK famillies believe he is not guilty, but just a scapegoat. Yes the celebrations were ill advised by the libyans, but Prince Andrew has cancelled his trade trip therewhich may not sound like much but Gadaffis sons love all that hanging out with a prince thing, and they have oil too.I totally support pragmatic decisions to protect trade and oil, even Bushes dodgy war (though I wish they had thought beyond the deployment of troops.DOnt forget the trouble we had with letting the US use our bases to bomb Libya in the 80,s what sort of behaviour was that? This bloke was innocent, is dying and cost £900 a week to keep in prison when hes well. Whats the point in keeping him in prison. This would be revenge not justice. I am for JUSTICE. FInd the real bombers. But let them home too if they are dying. What was Clinton doing in Korea? What about the Journalist in Iran. WHat about the girl drug mule in Vietnam who came home a couple of weeks ago. The Americans only do their own justice which looking up and down death row doesnt have much to do with compassion or humanity.

Autumn

Lucky you. We didnt have it as Satanta collapsed, and we have not subscribed to ESPN. But yes...woooohhoooo. I haven't mention it to the Liverpool fans in the house. I love this time of year too, the flower show is over, Match of the day starts, we now have a second programme covering the Championship,straight after MOTD, and I can start looking for jumpers.

I had a great day on Sunday while everyone was at the wedding. I watched Burnley beat Everton flipping over for the Ashes win, lying on my bed and eating left overs.

Kevin Keegan, Premier League, American Football, ESPN, Satanta

You just have no idea how happy I am!! 3-1 at Anfield!!!! Live game on ESPN, new this year prem. and SPL. And you don't have to pay a subsciption fee, plus the live games on FSC, although I miss most of the weekend games because I'm working, this monday night shit is perfect. Comes on at 3pm here. Then Monday night american football at 9. I LOVE this time of year!!!!

ESPN thing is the best. The only thing that I don't like is that there is no post-match analysis. Yesterday we had King Kevin Keegan and some other guy called Matt something, along with the announcer. But still you didn't see much of them during half-time, it's all about the commercials here. It's alien to them to go 45 minutes without a break, which is why they weren't interested in footie here, finally they realized how much money showing the Premier League would bring in, and they broke down. An American Football game has 4 15 minute quarters, but that one hour game can last an average of 3 hours, because they have to make provision for the commercials.

The Michael Jackson Funeral Memorial Thing

I would not want anyone to think that my view was the view of the majority in the UK. My sister and family watched from beginning to end sobbing, and later explained there had been communication between the Britains got Talent Kid and Michael. Loads of people have commented on the complete silence from the 20,000 people at the service and the appearance of one of his children on stage saying he was the best Dad ever. So many times I have heard that there will never be another one like him. I agree, and its all very sad, but I just had other things to do.

Michael Jackson Memorial Service

The Memorial Service live??? It starts here in abot 90 minutes. I'm currently watching the preamble, it's on a ton of channels, no-one wants to miss out!




No. Once I knew the kid off Britains got talent was singing, I knew it was sometghing I wanted to avoid. Had Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and Janet done a song and said a prayer of course I would have watched!

The weather is breaking today, though its still humid. We have R's last ever school summer fair and BBQ, which has been lobbed into 1 event because the powers that be cannot stand anyone to have too much fun. When I first went to one when Alex was 5, there were loads of savage pissed parents and the kids were rampaging round the field til 10pm at night and they always said "it was the best night ever because they had so much freedom and saw relaxed parents. Then they banned smoking from the site, then last year they were clearing up and us out at 8pm. This year theres no hog roast and its all over in 2 hours. I have had so many run ins with the HEad but the worst was when Harry and friends were sitting round my table and asked what " theres no black in the union Jack " meant. I explained fully what it meant and why we were not appreciative of this sort of thing, found out where they heard it and went up to the school to have a word with the head.. just to give her the info, so she could address the issue in the appropriate way. SUrely they had a policy for racism, in any form, I thought? NO. SHe said, "i expect they heard it at a football match" i said " I doubt it, you would be expelled from the ground and banned if you shouted that nowadays" SLight giggle and condescending " oh come now Mrs George, its not that big an issue" "It is to me..what are you going to do" "What would you like me to do" she says sweetly smiling at me as if I was over reacting. " Perhaps you could have a word with the parents, perhaps an assembly on racism, perhaps a clear message that this is not acceptable" Nothing. She turned away and started talking to someone else. " you are condoning racism in the school" I shout as I walk away.


Jesus! What a bitch that headmistress is. I find it a little disturbing that racism seems to be more prevalent today in the UK than it was when I was living there. I had to give one of my nephews (C's brother's kid), a good ticking off on Facebook. He and his friends were all talking about some black dude, and every other word was NIGGER.

Jackos Will and Andy Murray at Wimbledon

Well I dont know why are making such a big deal out of Jackos will. He had obviously already reached a legal and binding agreement with the kids mothers, and after his Mum, Diana Ross is a very good choice of Foster parent. She has thousands of her own children, and she knows all about the business and protection of children of celebrities. I once had a Christmas Post office job at the sorting office and worked next to a girl who had been the Nanny to one or two of Diana Ross's children, when she was with the Swedish SHip owner. Thats my degree of separation from Jacko. We are almost on 1st name terms for gods sake.

Do yo get Wimbledon. I love Andy Murray. He was only joking when he said "anyone but England" when asked who he would supporting the world cup. Scots have to say that. I will not take part in the inter UK hate triangle...or rather, its not a triangle; the scotts and Welsh just hate the English, the Northern Irish resent everyone, and until recently the English didnt have a clue they were to blame in so much made up and poor history taught to the Scots and Irish.
ANyway Andy was on Soccer AM and was hilarious.They kept showing him throwing up at a tournament, when he had been suffering from heat exhaustion. He took it all very well, and I enjoy his dealings with the press. When asked how he was coping with the press coverage and pressure, he said he didnt really take any notice, because 90% of whats written or said is never true anyway. A murmur round the room full of journalists turned into some giggling, and Andy just smiled. I dont know how his Mum copes with the pressure watching him. His stock answer is that she enjoys the fact he is there on centre court, but her reaction when he comes through a tough match tells it all. John Mcenroe does a great job commentating, and does a 6love6 (606 football phone in, this is tennis, geddit?)phone in which is hilarious. He is always mis- pronouncing towns and cities. I always supported him, though I was sad when he and Tatum O'niel split up- Paper Moon is one of my fave films.

By the way, did you get any of those whacko Jacko sick jokes? The was a terrible one about Jacko and Farrah Fawcett too (Tatums step Mom for a bit?)It was about Majors and Minors I could not possibly write it down

Yes, Wimbledon is big here, we get every game live on NBC. It pisses the soap opera watchers off, because the soaps are on during the day here, and their shows get cut for Wimbledon. I have a bet on with J, obviously he's taking Roddick and I'm taking Murray.

The King is Dead! Michael Jackson RIP

So the King of Pop is dead! Surprised? Yes. Shocked? Absolutely not!

Honestly, is there anyone of our age and our generation that doesn't pretty much know every word to every song on Thriller? While I can't claim to ever have been a Michael Jackson fan, I was a huge fan of his music and his dancing, most especially everything to do with the Thriller album and video . Regardless of what he did later in life, regardless of the fact that he was a freak, he was an entertainment genius, and by the way, all geniuses, regardless of their medium are a little whacko. I'm not shocked at his death, because it was always going to end this way, no? I would have been much more surprised if in 20 years he died in his sleep of natural causes.

Recent events have proved that Michael Jackson was still a cultural icon, who crossed all racial and ethnic divides, and he did so long before Barack Obama came along. 50 concerts in England were total sell-outs, who in the world would have that kind of clout 40 years into his profession? They loved him in Europe, they loved him in Asia, and they loved him in Africa, long after his star had faded in America.

May his troubled soul rest in peace.

On the flip side, he's not totally getting a pass from me. I know he had a fucked up childhood, but he was a fucking freak. I totally started losing respect for him during the Oprah Winfrey interview, which I remember watching when I lived in London. He claimed that his skin was getting lighter due to vitiligo, and no-one bought the bullshite, especially not Oprah. I realized he was a total joke during the Martin Bashir interviews, when he was frantically rocking "blanket" on his knee. You know it was The Sun and The News of the World that started calling him, "whacko Jacko!" As far as the child abuse allegations go, I personally believe he was guilty as sin. While there wasn't really any doubt in my mind anyway, it was confirmed to me at least when one of the kids said he gave them wine, and told them it was Jesus Juice - ROFL, bloody hysterical, and absolutely believable.

Apparently he died without a will, that will all come out later. Apparently the cardiac arrest was caused by a drug overdose, that will all come out later. Apparently he was $400-$500 million in debt, and making an annual salary of $20 million, that will all come out later. If it is all true, what a way to end your life, and what a legacy to leave your kids, poor bastards.

Well my sister rang up on the night crying her eyes out. Her daughter had been at her school prom (thats another issue...American culture arriving here boosting the hair, limo and tux business)and the DJ said "Just before I play this record, I have some sad news. Michael Jackson is Dead" Then those entre Thriller chords cut in and the poor kids were left just standing there on the dance floor looking round at each other! She then rang my sisiter who put on the news. I agree completely about his impact on the music of our generation, and his strange life producing whacko behaviour.I dont know about the child abuse but I am against the blanket "its not true" from his fans.

The newspaper headlines were shocking. Here we at least had "Jacko Dead"But I saw a US paper whichjust had DEAD written across a dodgy photo! All that day we had Uri Gellar (spoon bender)on telling us he had hypnotised Michael and asked him about the allegations, where they true etc etc and Michael had denied all. However his questions had been carefully thought out "Did you harm any child" "Did you do anything wrong" Well Jacko probably believed he did not harm or do anything wrong, so its hardly conclusive.But Uri made his money that day.

What did make me very sad was his famillies grief; we have had Jermaine and La Toya on Celebrity Big Brother, and they were universally liked- they were gentle and kind individuals, with high standards of behaviour and manners. Jermaine was in with Jade Goody so you can imagine the contrast? Ulrika Johnston won the La Toya Big Brother. Whatever he was , he was someones son, father and brother so we should leave them and his kids to grieve in peace.

Recycling, Fox Soccer, Tevez and Barak

So I have to comment on the recycling. You can be such a curmudgeon sometimes. I am not sure if anyone HAS to recycle, but everyone has a green recycle bin. We don't have to sort it, we just put everything in the bin and they pick it up once a week on a Friday. They sort it in my town, but it is likely different in different jurisdictions. However, I live in a community with a Homeowner's Association (HOA), which means I pay a fee (mandatory) per month, and they have set rules and regulations. If you want new windows, doors, anything on the exterior, you have to go through the HOA, otherwise hefty fine. No satellite dishes on the roof, my only violation, which was not my violation. Before I bought the house there was a satellilte dish on the roof, so I just went ahead and took out the satellite subscription in my name. 3 years later these bastards sent me a letter telling me that they would take me to court if I did not remove the dish within 10 days. I tried to fight it saying dish was on the roof before I got there, but they weren't buying that excuse, and I couldn't be arsed to fight them. They said I could put the dish on my deck which I had them do, but there is a flaming great tree behind me, and when Spring came I couldn't get reception, so I went to cable. However, if my roof collapses or anything on the exterior of the property gets fucked, they have to pay for it. They also have to take care of snow removal, the grass and tree cutting etc. Anyway, back to the recycling, our town and HOA say we should recycle everything that can be recycled, and it has been known for them to ransack the trash bags to find mail and then send you a fine for not recycling what is supposed to be recycled. To be honest though, I am all for recycling, and I recycle everything I can. I'm also one of those people that take my reusable bags to the store!! I must admit I am a bit of a lefty hippy at times.

So Setanta are going under? I have looked at their line-up for the past couple of months, and I am not that impressed. Plus, it's not really worth me getting it for the England games now, and all of the World Cup games will be on ESPN and ABC. As much as I hate Rupert Murdoch I LOVE Fox Soccer Channel.

I think that Obama has earned the name of the school because he is the first black president. Regardless of how well he serves, that cannot be changed. However, Michelle - not so much. I'm starting to agree with some of the naysayers regarding the fact that the press treats him like a celebrity. I just don't think that they are holding him accountable for some of his campaign promises that he has either disregarded or failed to act upon as quickly as he said he would. I love Obama, but Iwould appreciate SOME objectivity.

I missed the Sky Sports News at noon, and I wanted to see the United schedule for next season, I will wait for the 7 o'clock news.

Have you seen that Tevez has gone? I am sure this has little to do with his wishes or Man Utds. I dont understand the set up where he a the other one who plays for Liverpool are owned by another person, but their only concern must be making money, and not any loyalty to a club, or even to the individual. And of course this is clear in that Tevez may be going to Man City!!!! where all the money is. Can I remind you of what Noel Gallagher said about the Abu Dhabi take over of City? "Its so good to know that every time a Utd fan puts petrol in his car, he is funding city" Hilarious Yes?

We now have to take bags to the shop, or buy some more. We have separate bins for everything, and still have to take plastics to the tip. They were planning on putting little computers in bins to ensure you dont put in ANYTHING that should not be there, on pain of death, or a big fine anyway.We have the same size bin for real rubbish as a single person household too! Its the worst job in the house, and so I am teaching the boys how to do it. Who needs a man about the house when you have a home owners association?

Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary and Cat Shit

I have just read that some school in the US has changed its name to Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary! It all seems a bit early even if he is the saviour. Although we dont do God much in England I think I prefer ST Giles, or Blessed Mary etc. Though we do have Thomas Telford, Mary Webb, Captain Webb (who swam the channel) and Blessed Robert Johnstone locally I am sure they all proved themselves and are dead now so they cant be discredited. And did they include Michelle for any particular reason? We really like them and everything but its a bit premature.

Roasting hot today. Done a load of gardening and mowed over some hidden cat shit. Dirty Bastard animals shitting on my lawn. It takes 10 minutes to get the mower out and 2 minutes to mow, then you have to clean up the cat shit and have a shower because you can smell it all day if you dont, like its on the end of your nose. My Mum has spoken to a neighbour the ther side of the cat owner from me; he has a small child and they agreed that it would be a case of putting out a little saucer of de icer in milk, or she would stick the animal in her car and drop it off somewhere far away. There was a dead bird, obviously mauled by the cat, outside next door (the cat owner) so my Mum said and prayer and it laid it on their front. I felt lucky she had not posted the corpse through the door. Our neighbour at the bottom of our garden, recently deceased (natural causes) used to feed all local cats with prawns and tiny strips of streaky bacon, she had cooked for them. Well.... you can imagine the stench of the cat shit from that diet, and all over my grass. I wont say I was pleased she had gone but the mess was less for a long time til these lot moved in with Tibbles.She left all her cash to the Cat Protection league in her will too. They will need the cash if I have another morning like this one.

I still want to see photos of your house. I love American houses, though I realise they are not all like Home Alone or Steel Magnolias.

Lisa Ling, Barak in Egypt, England Win

So I have to admit that I haven't paid as much attention to the Obama trip to the Middle East and Europe. Shit, I didn't even know the England result from Saturday night, although I am about to check that out now. They didn't mention the result on Sky Sports News yesterday, but there was an interview with John Terry, and I got the gist from that conversation that England won.

Back to the Obama trip. I actually watched "the speech" while I was on the treadmill at the gym. He said what needed to be said, and he let the world know that he might be a liberal, but he's not to be fucked with. Ironically I watched it on "Faux News" because that was the channel on the TV in front of me. Actually, it's sometimes worth watching Fox for the entertainment value. Of course none of their analysts had anything positive to say about his remarks, and they were slamming him for being an "apologist" whenever he goes abroad, whatever.

The big news here right now is that Lisa Ling's sister, and her co-worker have been sentenced to 12 years hard labor for entering N. Korea illegally, although that's up for debate. Oh wait, sorry, the biggest news here is about John and Kate (plus 8), (look it up), and whether he's a lying cheating bastard. However (and I have to admit, I've never watched the show, but I have seen excerpts), if I had a wife that treated me like a piece of shit in front of the whole nation, I might have to screw around on her too.

Have to run, Monday means a busy day, and I still have lots to do before dinner.

We had a full house for the England match, and crisps and crap all over the floor and a recycle bin full of becks cans the next morning. Of course we expected the win. We were spotting the ski lift attendants from previous Andorra holidays, and saying "theres the bloke who did the pizzas" etc... but it was David playing the full match which made it special...and he did make such a difference. We wondered id Theo Walcott would take the corners, or Lampard would want a free kick, but they know David can win a match.Now if Scholes came back, just for the World Cup.....Apparently his son is a football prodigy. We say we dont even notice hes ginger!

I really dont know how you cope without the foorball. Satanta are going under but some American has put in a load of cash for 51% of the co. so perhaps that means youll get more Premiership and some England Games.

Do you have to recycle? Its the bane of my life and I hate all the separate stinking bins up the side alley where we should be just plonking bikes and other rubbish.

Oasis Kasabian Barak in Egypt

Went to see Kasabian and Oasis on Saturday. We got in the Pit, then my friend Marianne, R (aged 11) and I went to the bar. R had fancied the £35 hoody, but we agreed that it was a bit expensive. Then we saw this kid collecting the beer and cider cups that people were dropping on the floor so we asked what he was doing –you get 10p per cup!!!!!!!!!!!! So R spent the next 2 hours looking cute, collecting cups, with me asking people for them, and explaining what he was doing, and what he wanted to buy....met loads of people, had a right laugh and ruaridh made £12 without trying, Marianne gave him a fiver for being such a good boy keeping us all occupied and entertained while. I gave him the rest for his hoody. He got so much attention, and we had such a laugh....next time we go to a concert we are going to do the job properly, and Marianne will bring her cute little girl Mia who is in R’s Class. I had taken all 3 boys plus 2 15 yr old friends but once we were in the pit I only had time to say "you know where the car is if we dont see each other again" We all had mobiles and I was looking at mine to get the England scores, from Chloe..but the 15 year olds were obviously occupied.
Kasabian were fab but we were not amoung friends. It was a bit like I imagine Rolling Stones Concerts. No-one knows ALL the words because there were too many albums and a whole generation gap...and they were only there really to see Oasis. But we were there to see Kasabian. We loved Kasabian, H (age 15) lost a lens , then found it in the mosh, R was asked if he wanted to go on this blokes shoulders for it, so sheepishly he said yes, for Fire he would please.....4 hours later, Brian and R are big mates and R has has the best view of Kasabian and Oasis EVVVVER. When Brian went to Glastonbury when he was young some bloke put him on his shoulders......so Brian passed it on and so shall R.

Barak has really had a great go at it in the Middle East Peace thing. His speech in Egypt made me want to stand up and cheer- it didnt really say anything anti Israel as they are constantly removing their loonies from occupation settlements anyway. All the US ever needed to do was hold out a hand offering some support of some sort, and Hamas would have to reply for fear of looking like the spoilt brat. I just wish Israeli commentators could keep their mouths shut for a bit, so the Palestinians could get some dignity back. ANd I wish our news would stop asking Israeli commentators questions which sound like "ha ha your best mate has dropped you for the other side" They could end up punching someone.

Britains Got Talent, Man Utd v Barcelona and MPs expenses

Not much going on here. Championship Final was a joke! United played well for the 1st 10 minutes and then it was all over. Now Tevez is playing games, and I'm sure we won't get through the summer without Ronaldo being an arsehole about being transferred and treated like a slave! I hate this time of year, it's already hot and humid as hell - thank god for the air conditioning, electricity bill becomes astronomical, but you can't live without it. Mine broke down 2 years ago, and I had to go and live with my cousin for 4 days while they fixed it.

Fucking hell, I turn on Larry King Live last night and the show is about Susan Boyle's breakdown, and Amanda Holden was on there, and then Dr. Drew was on there analyzing her condition, does anyone really give a shite? What a waste of an hour. I switched it off after 10 minutes, I just couldn't take it. She (and now her brother), have been on every talk show, breakfast telly show, and news show that exists over here. Her brother has been on all the shows this week explaining what/how it all happened, give me a break.

OK off to see what I have in the fridge for tea. Too hot to actually cook anything, and I need to get a new gas tank for my grill, so I won't be cooking out tonight.

We only saw up to Barcelonas goal then had to go through passport control. I thought Man utd were playing better than Barcelona and felt sure that by the time I went through passport control at Stanstead Airport it would be 5-1 to Utd. I was annoyed to see quite a few cheers from people in the queue as Etu scored and then to get home and find that my sister and family had been supporting Barcelona was most unpleasant. They are such cheating bastards most of the time even if we have to recognise their great skills too.

We had a big Britains got talent party, and I think it was overkill of press coverage for Susan Boyle that did it. We, a group of 9, all agreed that Diversity were the best, or at least what we would prefer to watch if we were Queenie, so I voted twice!Her potential voters did not bother because they thought it was a dead cert. Then the next day the Scots were on the talk shows claiming London bias had done it to her! My arse. The Scots block vote has a lot to answer for...Michele MacManners, Leon someone who both won X factor or Pop Idol. The only vote that beats the Scottish vote is the Irish vote; Big Brother starts tonight and all bets will be off in this house if there is a single Welsh, Irish or Scottish contestant- if theres more than one it splits the vote.

How is the UK MPs expenses scandel being covered?We have local elections and MEP elections today- it took me reading Alexs AS Level Politics revision notes to realise that MEPs have no power at all; apparently they can suggest amendments only...and they get £200,000 allowance to do what they want with, and get paid for turning up in Brussels or Strasbourg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am off to see Oasis and Kasabian on Saturday a Heaton Park Manchester with 5 boys, so thats the weekend gone. By then the PM might have gone and Barak will have saved the world, or the Middle East.

Michele Platini, Poor French Vocabulary, The French

Do you still have some basic French? its all you need to appreciate this story I am reminded of when I took Lucy Skiing with Rupert. On our last night we were in a bar, the kids playing pool, watching videos, and the owners dog was wandering around. Then we noticed a dribbly mess from where it sat down every so often, and one thing led to another and the kids were howling about the dog shitting itself and Rupert said he was going to inform the manager and in his best accent (Frencjh people dont know what part of France he is from) "Excuse est moi, Monsiuer,mais votre chein, Il est merd dans le derriere. Je Reccommend le Pampers pour le Chein ou peut etre les 'uggies" Can you hear it? We all have poor french and wet ourselves.

Tell me.....(a good blog subject)... I watch South park and they really hate the french. Then the Canadians because they are french and boring. Is it standard, and did you take over your innate english hatred of the french with you. I know they were called french fry eating surrender monkeys when they did not join the war in Iraq (more like they wanted to continue selling Saddam Arms) but ar they universally disliked? We know everyone hates us. Thats why Chelsea were denied 18 penalties. Because Michelle Platini hates us.

Swine Flu, Chelsea, Elizabeth Edwards, Didier Drogba

I really like Michael Moore, yeah he's an enemy of the right and all the other obvious stuff, and Farenheit 911 although good wasn't as enlightening to me as the less well informed, but if you get the chance watch Roger and Me, and Bowling for Columbine is one of the best documentaries EVER! I think he really became political because of the extremeism of the Bush Administration.
A lot of famous people writing books will do the whole talk-show circuit. Oprah is number 1, and she generally gets the scoop before anyone else, because she really is the most powerful woman in America. For example, Elizabeth Edwards is on there today, (I always record it), and then she is on Larry next Wednesday, and The View next week. She is writing about her husband John Edwards infidelity (look it up), and him running for President, both while she is suffering from breast cancer. Now we find out that the mistress had a kid, and Liz Edwards doesn't know, and I guess ain't trying to know if he's the father. Meanwhile John and Liz also have young kids. Their story is fascinating, t eenage son died several years ago, he was one of the richest guys in the Senate, he came from lowly beginnings, but became one of the most successful litigation attorneys in America. As sorry for her as I feel, my sympathy only goes so far because she knew he had screwed around on her before he ran for President, and she still stuck by her man. I could blog about my feelings on that subject in great detail. I really liked John Edwards because when he first came on the scene in a big way in 2004 he ran for Pres., but lost to John Kerry, and became his running mate. Then we heard the story about how he and Liz met, and how for their wedding anniversary he would take her to Wendy's and they have a standing date every year on that date, and everyone fell in love with the fact that he was so good looking, and she looked like a frumpy mum but he still loved her, and it's now all a crock of shit. Even when he was running against Obama last year none of it had come out yet. His political career is well and truly OVER. Most politicians can come back from infidelity, but not when your wife has breast cancer, and you have another kid. Last night they were saying on the news that she's been told her cancer is terminal (don't know if it's true), it's just a tragic story.
OH the swine flu. What a joke. About 500 confirmed cases in America, (which basically comes down to 10 per state, and everyone is going crazy). It has killed 1 American, because the kid that died here was visiting from Mexico, and she had underlying health problems. Meanwhile, regular flu kills 38,000 people a year here, get a freaking grip. One of the schools in Laurel (where I live) was closed last week, still don't know whether case is confirmed or not, but now the gov. has said that schools shouldn't close because the outbreak is not that severe.

As much as I was enjoying the Chelsea defeat last night, I would have been pissed off if I was a Chelsea fan. However, Anelka was not brought down, and now the Barcelona player loses the right to play in the final- outrageous. Even Hidink said at the end of the game that he didn't think it was a sending off. They have been playing Drogba looking at the camera and saying "it's a disgrace" on a loop all day here on ESPN, every time I see it I fall out laughing. I love that kind of drama when it doesn't involved United, just like I love gossip when it doesn't involve me, LOL!


Shit thats funny that we re both watching Drogba and laughing. We kept rewinding it on the night til C's boyfriend started to get wound up.Do you know Tin Lovejoy? Was Soccer AM on when you left? He does the 606 if you can get Wednesday nights on there is this hilarious welsh bloke getting all upset accusing lovejoy of being biased!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tim lovejoy is the biggest Chelsea fan ever and everyone expects bias, th\at the fun.Looney.

About the Edwards Family- We also heard about about the anniverary trip to Wendys story but not so much about him being a dirty cheating bastard. I just looked for images of her and shes gorgeously mumsy.Shes had 4 kids and no surgery by the looks of it. I could lose 4 stone and my saggy 3 baby no muscle stomach would still be all you saw if I tucked in.

GAZZA AND LONDON

That Cup Final was the one. The semi was against Arsenal-best free kick ever, the final was against Notts Forrest and it was Des Walker. Gazza is all aover the TV this weekend. Hes even on match of the day tomorrow.Soccer AM this morning.

Italia 90 was the best best ever ever ever. But I cannot believe where you lived? I lived in Hearn Hill from September 1990 to the following April, and the only good thing I remember about it was going to the football, sometimes on my own. I did a lot of Spurs because of Gazza but also Crystal Palace and once, because a friend of a friend wanted to go, we went to Arsenal.I was at the first game of the season against Man City and they were all shouting "You fat Bastard" and chucking Mars Bars at Gazza, then he scored the winner, picked up a Mars Bar and eat it, and the whole stadium were cheering and screaming. There was 1 game where the linesman was a thelidamide, and Gazza kept looking for the rest of his arms- but the bloke was laughing too. A girl from The High School kopped off with him art Stringfellows but this is not a story for the web!

GAZZA ITALIA 90 AND LONDON FOOTBALL

I'm lying in bed at 10:30 writing this, I refuse to have a TV in the bedroom, but occasionally I will bring the laptop up to bed with me.

It's really difficult for me to watch Gazza on TV anymore, he was such a hero to me, you know one of the lads too, and now every time I see him I just wanna cry. I don't remember the time you are talking about with Arsenal, but I do remember the cup final when they played Nottingham Forest and he brought down the black player who played for England, Des or Wes something or other, and then f'd up himself in the process. That was typical Gazza.

After Italia '90 he will always be my hero. Do you remember when he got his second yellow card and wouldn't be able to play in the final or semi-final (can't remember now), and he was almost in tears, and Gary Linekar pointed to his head and motioned to Graham Taylor to watch him because he was obviously about to go nuts, that is my favorite part of the world cup EVER, I really need to get that DVD. Poor Gazza. I remember when I was in London and I went to watch a Spurs/Man Utd game, Spurs won 2-1 the second goal was this brilliant free kick by Gazza, you had to hand it to him, when he had it he had it.

It was great when I was living in London, I saw so many football games. When I lived in N. London I didn't live that far from White Hart Lane, and then when I moved to Streatham I was only a bus ride away from Selhurst Park and at the time Crystal Palace and Wimbledon played all of their home games there. It seems funny looking back that Wimbledon, CP, QPR were all in the First Div/Premier League, even Milwall were, although I never set foot over there, they were a bunch of racist thugs.

LOL when I was on YouTube looking at that Susan Boyle woman, I saw this guy on there (forgot his name), he was a black gay guy who thought he could sing. I was howling with laughter at that it was hysterical. He was a bit slow too. He reminded me of the black American guys that are gay, they are so freaking flaming it's hysterical. A few years ago I had a personal trainer who was black and gay and he was 50 at the time but looked at least 10 years younger, he was a scream

GCSE SATS FERGIE AND TORTURE

I never knew there was a drama GCSE, I thought it was just one of those extra-curricular things that you did for fun, like tennis after school or whatever. They don't do any exams really before they leave high school here. They have Grade Point Averages (GPA's) in school and uni and you're doing well with anything over a 3.0, and are brilliant if you have a 4.0 - it's all based on coursework. When your 17/18 you take what is known as the SAT (standard assessment test), max score is 1600, and that along with your GPA determines whether you get into the college of your choosing or not. However, it's all BS because if you don't have the grades, but have the money you can pretty much go to most colleges you want, it's all about the money here at the end of the day.

I don't think that Fergie is running scared, I really believe he's a bit of a shit-stirrer, and just can't resist responding. I wish he hadn't sunk to that level, but he's always getting digs in here and there with various teams and managers. Whatever, I still love Sir Alex - hero for life. I met him once when I was in London. I went to see United at Loftus Road when QPR were still in the Premier League. I got there around noon, and was just standing around and the United bus rolls off. A couple of people got off and then he got off, I said can I have your autograph please=2 0Alex, and he said do you have a pen love, and I go no, and he goes neither do I sorry!!!! Seriously, he so quickly dismissed me that I was gobsmacked. Freaking hilarious.

Those bastards in the Bush administration deserve to be prosecuted, and if Nancy Pelosi had her way they would. It's criminal what those mo-fo's got up to. Rumsfeld and Cheney were the ringleaders. I can't wait until Colin Powell finally writes his memoir, more truths will then come out. He was pushed out by Rumsfeld and Cheney, there was a 2 hour show on PBS about how Bush was too weak to protect Powell, so he ended up being the fall guy, because Cheney and Rummy were in cahoots. Powell is still too honorable to tell the dirty truth, but give him a couple more years, and he's gonna want to clear his name. He's a cheap bastard though, I used to work at this drugstore part-time when I was saving for my house, and he used to come in, it was in this really wealthy part of Virginia where all the big wigs live, including Cheney. He would come in by himself all the time, no-one used to bother him, because they were all rich and powerful. He wouldn't buy anything unless it was on sale or had a coupon!

I just got an email from Fox Soccer Channel asking if we wanted to see Championship Football on there. I was like hell yeah, it's better than them showing Women's Soccer, or the Asian Soccer League. I'm hoping that we're going to get it for next season, because I'm tired of coming home on a Saturday evening and having to watch the Women's footie and can't watch Sky Sports News because of it.

OMG LOLOL, you're such a bitch! Seriously I am so sick of that Susan Boyle, everyone and his brother is asking me if I've seen it, or emailing me the youtube link. She was on the Today show this morning. Jesus, what is it about Brits loving the underdog?

Liverpool or Chelsea

NO accent. Still a huge United supporter. They finally came good right before I left for America. Yeah, I'm about to watch one of the games too, not sure whether to watch Liverpool or Chelsea.

You are in the US?

i thought you were in the US by the friends. did you go to your cousins? Did you go and see BARAK? Wow we were crying here but my harry kept doing bullet noises all through the inaugeration.
I have taalked about you so much Adijat!!!!!!!
Have you got an accent? European football on shortly so I have got to take this kid who came for tea home and get ready for it. Do you still upport Man utd? I will check out now. SO glad to have found you. You look brilliant.

DRAMA GCSE BRITAINS GOT TALENT TORTURE

There was a time when only the thick kids did drama GCSE wasn't there? Now the bright kids do it and music, as well as 9 other subjects....but the GCSE is easier than our o levels.

All day today we have had that idiot Donald Rumsfeld telling us he sanctioned torture for the good of democracy, and loads of republican commentators defending waterboarding and burying someone with stinging insects they have a phobia of. Turns out they learned (the US torture crews) all they know from how US troops were tortured during the last half of the 20th century. Good research then.Barak is not going to prosecute because they were following orders making it legal at the time.....isnt that what the defence from Nuremburg?
ALex Ferguson had kicked off today about Raffa Benitez being arrogant. He might end up looking as bad as spikey Raffa if hes not careful. Mark Lawrenson said it sounds like he is scared. I like Lawro even though he s Liverpool through and through.

This weekend is our anniversary. We dont know the date, but we know I left his flat to dash off to watch the FA Cup semi final with the fa mily. It was the one SPurs VS Arsenal where Gazza did that AMAZING free kick. Then in the final he broke his leg in that stupid tackle and was never the same again. Poor Lad...hes just out of rehab again.

I suppose you have heard of Britains got Talent ugly balding scottish bint with the voice of an angel. Apperntly shes going on Oprah to teach the West that we need to look beyond looks. Demi Moore is a fan...cos of course she knows all about accepting the effects of over eating, time and gravity. DId you ever see dennis pennis ask her that question as she walked up th red carpet at a premiere? He said"Demi, hi Dennis Pennis, BBC......if the part required it ...and it was tastefully done...would you consider ...keeping your clothes on for a part..." He also asked steve Martin " Steve...Steve...Why aRent you funny any more?"

We were in Brighton last September for the day and A wanted to find the alleyway where Lesley Ash did the business with Phil Danials in Quadrophenia.We found it and the boys rushed up the alleyway passed Dennis and some of his mates while I held back to let them out and he was laughing about "these kids looking for Lesley ashes bonk alley" I just smiled. Its all educational though and we had a look at the architecture of the pier and the royal pavillion too!

Obama Palin and Abortion

There are so many "born again" religious nuts over here it's ridiculous. On the day of the election I was leaving the gym, and I had my Obama shirt on. This guy that I had exchanged pleasantries with on more than one occasion accosted me in the parking lot, and goes "well you know that he's pro-choice" and I go "uh yeah, and so am I, and I also know that Sarah Palin is a whack job, since she believes that all abortion should be illegal even in the case of rape and incest. And he goes, well life begins at conception. I lost it then and said well I'm sorry but it doesn't to me, and women have rights and if a female has been subjected to rape or incest and gets pregnant she should have the right to get rid of the abomination within her. He told me that I would likely go to hell for saying that, and hasn't spoken to me since- asshole. I literally see him about 4 times a week, and every time I say hi he just looks at me. People are REALLY passionate on both sides of the abortion issue over here. What pisses me off is that they make everything either political or religious. Part of the reason why Bush won in 2004 is because middle America were worried that if gay rights were to succeed America would go to hell in a handbasket. The religious right is VERY VERY dangerous over here. I don't know if you have ever heard of Rush Limbaugh? He's this right wing talk radio whack job who is a bastard hypocrite. He is fat as fuck, and a couple of years ago addicted to prescription painkillers, he forced his Phillipino housekeeper to get them in her name, so that he wouldn't be found out. I hate his guts. He was an analyst on this American Football show, and he gotlet go because he made these racist remarks about a black quarterback, on live national TV. Anyway, he is basically the de facto leader of the Republican party, since they are in such disarray, which is a joke, because he's a fucking radio host. During the election he said that the only reason Colin Powell voted for Obama is because he is black, and his latest rant is that he hopes Obama fails.

Barak is Black and we are Jedi Knights

I thought that was the point of Obama-that he was black-it meant change from anything ever known before and that was good.Though I did read that if Obama was to become President of Kenya, his fathers homeland, as opposed to his mothers, would he be considered the 1st white candidate with a realistic cahnce of victory. I will look up this Rush bloke. Sarah Palin was the scariest thing I have seen in years. I used to scream everytime she came on the tv and hide my face.

We are so anti religion, N's Mum is huge Catholic and he so anti, he would not even help out with the organisation of the christenings! He watched me struggle, and said I was a hypocrite, but I was quite open about it being a party and a life event and something you neededto avoid doing it at 30... nothing worse than a convert. We see alot about m,iddle america and religious nuts. They are scary people.......and creationism!!!!!!We put that we were Jedi knights on the census last time, following a ralley call via email, and because there were over 30,000 who put it down, it had to be legally recognised as an official religion.

US Guests staying in UK

I have had a black American staying here for Ns Sisters wedding to a bloke from Philedelphia called T. Ts sister had married a bus driver, TJ,and he kept apologising for them both before they turned up. C, Ns sister had worked in Germany and the day before the wedding we had the Germans and the Americans at ours for a drink....everyone behaved as their characatures-TJ was loud, brash and treated everyone like they were sad because they were not from US and kept talking about his bus route (but said ROWT) All but 1 German ignored us talking german to each other accross us- IN MY OWN HOUSE. I sort of excused them trying to keepthe peace til I found out one of them was an English teacher and was fluent.
Ts sister and bus driver husband were very big hearted but I dont know where they thought they had come to-She put her shitty toilet paper in the bin because she had heard we didnt flush. They had a daughter, A and I had made her a little bed on the floor of their room. She told me Ns cat shat in the room, so I said I dont deal with the cat and gave her some cleaning stuff, apologising profusely of course, but when we went in to tidy after they had gone, the pile of shit was still there AND I KID YOU NOT, it was right by where her kids head had rested on her pillow.
I took them to Wales and they just kept saying Geez, theres so many sheep. I was bleedin exhausted when it was all over.