The countdown is now complete, with my all time favourite band and favourite song….
The greatest band on the planet today, with one of the best front men ever, Bon Jovi. I could quite easily have had 10 of their legendary songs in the top 10, and will in fact do my Bon Jovi top 10 songs of all time :D:D This song has it all and long may it be played forever :D:D
No preamble for this song. The Calling, with a superb song that barely anybody knows. The lyrics, the meaning, the voice of Alex Band, just brilliant. Another song I could listen to over and over and over again til the end of my days.
As soon as I hear the first few guitar strums of this song, I get goosebumps. The song is a classic, instantly recognisable, and the band although not massively huge, they have a cult following. Enjoy :)
This is the best ever performance of this beautiful song, in the pouring rain, most other bands would have stopped playing, but not the GGD’s. The guitar solos in the middle of the song are just incredible. Rock on Goo Goo Dolls. One of the best bands going!
Making it to the steady heights of number 4 is one of my all time favourite bands, and I think the singer with the most versatile voice of the 21st century so far. He is a man who can sing a love song, a ballad, an acoustic masterclass now…
The phenomenal Corey Taylor, who of course we all know can go from Bother to the other end into roaring, gnarling, shouting, powerful and thunderous with Slipknot. Stone Sour are an awesome band, and Slipknot are unlucky not to make it into my top 10, but Corey Taylor is too damn good not to make it. Bother is a song that always clutches at the heart strings and so often brings tears to the corners of my eyes.
This song is a blast from the near and distant past. Not their most recognised song but by far and away my favourite song by this Aussie band.
The superb Savage Garden. I don’t know whether it is a good thing or not to admit that I went to see them, twice. But I was young and dragged along. Nah, who am I kidding, they were good. And Crash and Burn is a superb song with lyrics and a tune that just gives that little bit of hope and fills you with the knowledge that somewhere, someone should always be there for you :)
Halfway there after this song into my top 10 songs countdown. This version of a classic song is a relatively new song but has already forced it’s way into my top 10. A litttle known band called Lynyrd Skynyrd did this song first but the singer in this band adds such a vocal intensity, raw emotion and passion into this version it is just superb. As soon as I heard it, it was on repeat constantly.
Shinedown…they are going to be the next big rock band, and with the ability to pull of a classic like Simple Man in amazing fashion, it’s easy to hear why. Listen to voice, take in the advice of the lyrics, but mostly, enjoy!
It gets difficult to put the next few songs in the right order, and even harder to choose the right song from my favourite bands as there are plenty of contenders. My number 7 artist could supply Paper Wings, Audience of One, Swing Life Away, Make It Stop or Satellite. However, the song that makes it into my top 10 is the first song that got me into this awesome band…
It isn’t the actually video for the song, as I couldn’t find one, but the epic start, the explosive guitar riff to get the song started, and the lyrics are immense. What a band, what a song, greatness. RISE AGAINST!
One of my favourite bands with one of their newer songs. Could have been one of a dozen songs to choose from but this instantly became the song they made I enjoyed the most. Coming in at No.8 is
Just the melody of the guitars and the awesome Jacoby Shaddix voice. One of the bands I hope to get to see in the next couple of years.
The oldest of my top 10, and there are a whole load of rocking songs from the 70′s and 80′s I’d like to have chosen such as Rainbow – Since You’ve Been Gone, or Dio – We Rock to name just 2. However making it into number 9 is one of my mum’s favourite bands and one I grew up listening to appreciating….
The majestic Ultravox, lead by the forgotten man of Band Aid, Midge Ure. The Voice is a fantastic song not only for the backing vocals of the support band Messengers, but at the end of the song the drummer Warren Cann is joined in acoustic hitting by the other 3 members on the front of the stage delivering a masterful drumming 4 piece performance. Pure brilliance. Hearing the end always leaves me with goosebumps, and a heavy heart knowing I’ll never get to see it live in person.
Now this is tough. Choosing my favourite 10 songs from a list of hundreds, from dozens of artists and bands I could listen to minute after minute, repeat after repeat singing out loud :D
Honourable mentions go to Paramore, Slipknot, Buck Cherry, Bullet For My Valentine, Linkin Park, Lost Prophets, Live, Vintage Trouble, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Green Day who would rank 11-20 with various songs, but here we go
So making it into the 10th spot….
This song has a deep meaning as it is in memory of the bands drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan who sadly passed away. The raw and emotional voice of M Shadows sends shivers down my spine, and it is an apt song to begin my countdown of Top 10 songs. Tune in tomorrow for No.9
This could be one of the nastiest cans of worms opened this decade. I don’t see how there is a happy ending one way or another whichever route is taken.
As an Englishman living in Edinburgh, Scotland, I’m not too concerned whether Scotland becomes independent from England except from the fact I don’t wish for Scotland to become worse off from the split. Personally a free Scotland makes no odds, just don’t want my life being more of a struggle than some age-old pride war.
It is certainly going to be interesting what choices they put on the poll. A straight Yes or No, or Yes, No, Yes but with some caveats to help both countries. I’d hope for the Yes, No, Don’t give a Fuck option.
Then comes the question of who gets to vote. Will it only be Scottish people living in Scotland, anyone living in Scotland wherever they are from, Scottish people in Scotland and Scots all over the World. It wouldn’t be fair to allow only Scots in Scotland to vote, because I have every right as does every Pole, Canadian, American who reside in Scotland.
Going to be an interesting couple of years for sure :D
Whilst there is always going to be some debate as to which stories actually are the top 10, based either on it being news, earth-shattering news, bad news, good news or not really that much of a story, here’s my top 10.
1. The Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. The proudest day of the year to be British by a long way. Celebrations were held up and down the country to commerate the special day, and what a day it was. We can pull off a spectacle watched and adored worldwide so well, it brings hope that we can do well with the Olympics as well. A day that will live long in the memory. 
2. Arab Spring. In the early months of the year people in the countries of Egypt and Tunisia rallied and protested as one to shake the dictatorship leaders of their countries and it worked. The leaders had no answer to the passion of freedom that the people wanted. A monumentous series of days.
3. The downfall of evil. With 3 of the worst men on the planet dying, it will be remembered for a year when good fought back against evil and gained some revenge for the attrocities they’d brought upon the world. Firstly it was Bin Laden who died at the beginning of May, followed by Gaddafi as Libya followed the example of Egypt and Tunisia to rise against their leader, and finally the leader of North Korea Kim Jong-Il. 
4. The Japan Tsunami. March 11th, I remember it clearly as I was down in Bournemouth at College, standing in the reception area and watching the TV in disbelief as walls of water engulfed the islands of Japan. Watching little planes being washed away, cars, buildings, people. A truly horrific event and one that will hopefully not occur again for a long long time. 
5. The English Riots. A series of events that will scar England for a long time. It started off with the police shooting, and the mindless, idiotic and violent mob used that as an excuse to bring terror upon London, Birmingham and Manchester. It was the excuse they needed, not the reason for the violence. With shops being burnt down, vehicles torched, stores broken into and looted it was the polar opposite of the royal wedding, a day not to be proud of being British. However, yet again goodness showed afterwards when a group of volunteers entered the streets with rubber gloves, bin bags, shovels, brushes, dustbins and began cleaning the mess of the mindless much to the sheer disbelief yet joy of those affected. Never in a million years did they expect good people to come and do that. Showed that there is still community spirit :) 
6. Norway Terror attacks. The world watched on in horror and shock as the capital Oslo was targetted by 2 bomb blasts, and then in the remoters islands, a meeting of youngsters was ripped apart with bullets and a massacre ensued. Horrible scenes and again something that will live long in that country’s memory.
7. 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Is it really 10 years already since the day that changed the world forever? Where has that time gone? Doesn’t seem like yesterday as I ran home from school to sit open-mouthed, crying and shaking in front of the TV. Thankfully the man responsible was brought to death last year but that won’t heal the scar of the 3000 plus people that died. New York has recovered brilliantly and can’t do anything but admire that bullish ” is that all you got?” attitude the inhabitants have. Fantastic to see that the replacements towers are getting under way. Aptly New York is a pillar of light for the world.
8. Death of Steve Jobs. One of the most influencial men in the world and one that has changed the way we all go about our daily lives. Apple’s most prized asset, bringing us iPods, iPhones, iPads, lots of iThings. His ideas and technologies has affected and improved a lot of lives. I for one can’t be without my iPod or iPhone. 
9. Last NASA Space Shuttle. I think this major event got somewhat overshadowed by the tragedies in Norway the day after. But it should be remembered as the dream of space travel has kept many a kid awake at night, and the chance to watch a launch in person has been something I’ve always wanted to do, guess that just got a bit harder. 
10. M5 crash. Granted it isn’t as earth-shattering, worldwide news as some of the previous 9, but this awful crash on November 4th was one of the worst moments in the UK’s year. With 7 people dying on the road in Somerset and the utter carnage that ensued after it, it is a minor miracle the number was so low because by the wreckages left after the blaze, it could have been far higher. 
Well, there’s the top 10 news stories that I recall for 2011, and I’m sure 2012 will give way to some equally amazing, shocking stories. Hopefully there will be more good ones than bad ones.
Well unlike my normal punctual-self I’ve missed the start of the year blogging wise and begin this new year a few days late. That isn’t gonna stop me though from continuing to lay into assholes who deserve some public mention and denigration, supplying many humourous things, applying my quirky humour to everyday life and putting something out there. Before I carry on though…may 2012 eclipse 2011 and be a superb year for my random readers!
2012 is going to have a tough time surpassing 2011 personally. 2011 I gained an Audi TT, passed a course, made new friends, saw a friend I hadn’t seen in 8 years, met a good friend for the first time, and met old friends from Tallinn. So 2012, what are you going to give me. Already booked and sorted is a trip to Las Vegas at the end of February. That’ll be amazing so long as I don’t come back married. Then hopefully tie up my Approach Validation some time in the year and whatever else comes my way, bring it on :D
2011 was a year that contained a ridiculous amount of news stories that shook the world over and over again, some times literally in the face of earthquakes ravaging Japan, New Zealand and Turkey. My next post will be my top 10 moments of 2011 and I’m kinda spolit for choice. All that’s left to say today is a belated Happy New Year :)
Just a very quick one this Christmas morning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day, that Santa has been kind, and that you can enjoy this time of year with either friends or family :) Now go and get stuffed on Turkey!!! :D
This has been a topic I’ve meant to moan about for a while now, finally got reminded to do it with it being mentioned again in the news, so here it comes.
The problem politicians and the health services see is that supermarkets are offering cheap alcohol for sale at in large amounts. So for under £20 it is very easy to get hammered. A crate of beer and a bottle of good stuff and you’re well on your way. Compared to going to the pub where prices continue to rise, is it any frickin’ wonder people are getting tipsy before heading off to the pubs/clubs because it’s a damn sight frickin’ cheaper, and only need to buy a few drinks to keep topping it up.
I think if they raise the price of alcohol units, so shops can’t promote alcohol in cheap deals a lot of innocent, responsible, and rightly so annoyed people are going to be affected. I’ll be one, I buy mycrate of beer and have a few beers in the house on days off or after a heck of a day at work to unwind, or with the football and a pizza. I don’t drink the lot in one night with the intention of getting absolutely hammered, killing my liver and for the hell of it. Yet under these proposals I’m going to have to pay a lot more? How it is that fair?
Surely there can be some kind of limit, where alcohol is only served to people over 23 in supermarkets, with the idea being that they are sensible enough, and not 18, 19, 20, getting tanked up before another night out. If they do choose to get tanked up, then if they haven;t learnt by the time they are 23, then so be it, then can spend the night in a police cell or A&E when they kick off later in the night.
It will stop a lot of people drinking, will stop a lot of time wasted for police and medical staff, but people will always find another way of getting drunk. If people stop buying alcohol, the country would bloody stop. As pubs closed as they had to up the price of a pint because locals voted with their feet and stayed at home instead, the economy will sink even lower as people won’t pay more for their alcohol, if they enjoy it responsibly or irresponsibly. It is a stupid idea, and we should boost the employment rate by having more police and nurses specifically to deal with drunken idiots.
Or we can just accept the economy is fucked beyond repair, all go out and get drunk and say “FUCK IT” :D
This video is just too funny not to share :D:D:D
It’s shows a labrador called Fenton, probably the UK’s most well-known dog now as he chases deer through a park. Quite simply brilliant, and a sure-fire Rude Tube winner :D
In my previous 250 plus posts I don’t recall ever writing about the same topic back to back on successive days, whatever the topic has been. In that respect, it shows what a profound effect the loss of Gary Speed has had not only on myself, but judging by the 606 phone in, the hundreds footballers he played against, the hundreds of media and journalists he came across, and the equally hundreds of Joe Bloggs people in the street he came into contact with and treated equally.
I’ve just finished listening to the 606 from yesterday evening, with Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher. First off, kudos to Robbie and Darren for getting through the 60 minutes. It sounded very emotional, very difficult to push on at times, but I know you did Gary proud. Every time the Welsh anthem came on, like Robbie, and many other Welsh folk, it brought the onset of tears. It’s just one of those anthems that stirs the soul and can never tire of listening to it. That is coming from me, an Englishman, puts our anthem to shame in the liveliness, heartfelt emotion that pours into it. Anyway, I’m going off on a tangent.
Throughout the show I found myself with the tears welling, yet at the same time smiling at the stories that were being told about this incredible man the world has lost. I don’t think there is a word that does justice to the scale of the man. I’ve never met him, but just from stories told you can build a picture of a man. With every story being positive, showing that Gary had time for everyone and anyone, never let fame go to his head, stayed professional, it’s easy to see why he’ll be missed. A lot of current footballers should listen to that 606, and take on board all the things that described Gary Speed and base themselves on the model he left behind. Football would be a better place for it, scrap that, the world would be a better place if that were to happen.
At this time, it would be foolish not to point out this. Even though people seem fine on the outside, can be laughing and joking, looking to the future, and generally seeming well, the inside could be taking a pounding. It’s the inside that needs to be looked out for. I’m not saying people around him missed the signs, maybe there were none or he hid them well, but normally when something is so tragically turmultuous inside as it could have been for Gary for him to take his life, there’s signs. Look out for them in people around you who you care about. We don’t need more good people throwing away good things ahead.
I can’t resist putting in the Welsh anthem.
Woke up this morning to the truly shocking news that the national manager of the Welsh Football team, Gary Speed, former class player for Newcastle, Everton, Leeds, Bolton and finally Sheffield United, and of course Wales.
He was only 42 years old and seems to have been taken when Wales were on the verge of a resurgence with some positive results and will be a major setback to them, and is a blow to the world of sport, within which he seemed to be held in high regard.
Thoughts, prayers, condolences go to the family and close friends as they come to terms with this tragic loss :(
Having just read the blog on the BBC website, felt the need to write down my opinion on the subject. Much of course will come from the two back to back victories England have just earnt themselves against the Euro and World Champions Spain, and a team we haven’t beat in 43 years Sweden.
Against Spain, England weren’t fantastic but what they were was resolute. They stood firm, defended magnificently as a team with Scott Parker being at the forefront of that effort and more than warranted his ovation 5 minutes from time and the MotM performance. Since he has come back into the squad Parker has shown what idiots previous England managers have been in previous years not to incorporate him into the team. I honestly think if he had been playing the last couple of years, which in fairness he should have been, he was only left out because he was playing excellently in a struggling West Ham team, that would have given the freedom Lampard and Gerrard required to both get forward and do what they have both done superbly for Chelsea and Liverpool respectively for most of the last decade without worrying who was going to stay and defend.
Another player who has been in manager’s good books somehow and gets picked is Gareth Barry. He isn’t international quality as he only has 1 foot and has no pace, and makes clumsy challenges. He came on against Spain and he was very lucky not to give away a penalty for a needless senseless challenge on Fabregas. He then gave away a freekick outside the box with an even clumsier challenge. Then to round off a fine hat-trick of poor play, who was the man who was supposed to be running back with Fabregas when he was alone in the box then shot wide, you guessed it, the tortoise paced Barry. If Scotty Parker had been his marker the ball would have been blocked, but Barry let Fabregas escape him. I’m sure these 3 gaping cracks will be papered over by the fact that England beat the highly favoured Spain.
Then there is the problem with Phil Jones. He is obviously a squad player who can play in a number of positions to good effect. However, the position he played against Spain isn’t one of them. 3 times he received the ball after good passing from Parker and Lampard facing the Spanish defence, with their midfielders behind him. 3 times he picked the wrong ball or dilly-dallied in possession. If it had been Gerrard/Lampard/Rooney who the ball fell to then, then England could have been disappointed not to have won 3 or even 4 to zip. The kid has the creativity of a breeze block. He is good running forward as he showed against Sweden sending the ball a foot wide of the post, but he just put his chest out, ears back and ran, not clever passing or insightful passing.
Granted, it was a good performance and deserves some celebration. However, Spain had lost 4 of their last 19 games. Those 4 were all friendlies. Maybe the defensive-counter attacking method is the way forward for England against the teams possessing better quality, which there are obviously a few, and with the pace of Walcott, directness of Young and Downing, there is no reason why that isn’t a tactic to employ.
Against Sweden it was a more attacking England, Zamora held the ball up well and linked with other players. Walcott terrorised and Downing deserved the MotM over Kyle Walker, but only just. Walker, Jones and Rodwell all performed well, but lets not heap the pressure on these kids like we have done before. And I’m sure we can all too painfully recall the results. The replies to the BBC sports blog about hope for 2012 for England of course meant there were a lot of “my squad would be” replies. Here’s my two penneths worth, providing they are all fit and well.
GK – Hart, Casrson, then pick another to fill the numbers.
DEF – Cole, Baines, Terry, Cahill, Jones, Lescott, Richards, Walker
MID – Parker, Wilshere, Rodwell, Lampard, Young, Walcott, Downing, Gerrard (Milner if not fit)
FOR – Rooney, Bent, Sturridge, Welbeck
Starting XI would be:-
Hart
Cole, Terry, Lescott, Richards,
Lampard, Parker, Gerrard,
Young, Bent, Walcott
Rodwell/Wilshere to come on for Lampard/Gerrard if necessary, Downing/Milner for Young/Walcott. Welbeck/Sturridge for Bent.
I don’t think we need to force a position for Jones. The kid is good, but not good enough to demand a position to himself. A lot of bloggers left the likes of Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, Lescott out completely and decided they’d take Smalling, Cleverly and a few other kids. That’s all well and good, and saying the old Golden generation need to pass onto the new Golden generation. No matter how good these kids are, they haven’t got the experience nor the cool head when it matters. There need to be some older heads around to keep the feet planted on the ground. 2012 is going to come too soon for Rodwell, Jones, Walker, Sturridge, Welbeck, Smalling, Wilshere. But remember these kids are young and when the trip to Rio and Sao Paolo comes around they’ll have another 100 Premier League games, maybe Champions League games under their belts and if they improve on their abilities already, then 2014 is certainly hopeful :)
Well, 15 days into Movember, and my tache is already better than last year, not that it was a difficult challenge to improve upon last years effort. So, whilst most guys will be trimming and shaping their Mo’s, I’m just gonna leave mine alone and let it be :D
Here is what it looks like so far…
Please go to the movember website, search out the team Air Tache it Control and give generously :D:D
