Well, it finally came to this. Noel Gallagher walking out on Oasis after one row too many with brother Liam.
Well I'm glad to say I did get to see them last year at one of the opening shows of this tour, in Sheffield. It was a great gig, though the seats we were in were rather shit, to be fair but still that communal sing-along is one great feeling and experience.
People might slag them off and say they should have packed in after What's the Story. To me that is people following the 'cool' opinion. And, I disagree with it. For me, all of their albums have been fantastic.
I know, they didn't 'crack the USA' and they're bickering/arrogance filled the papers but so what? They were a truly great, massive, iconic band who produced some of the finest songs ever made. They sold millions of records, set records and defined an era.
Oasis have also provided me many happy memories, lots of singalongs in particular one that stands out is singing Don't Look Back in Anger at Pete's stag do; five or six of us arm in arm in a crowded nightclub in Nottingham.
So, for all the joy they've brought me and no doubt will in hopefully future solo projects or a Noel-less Oasis (who can picture that? Not me.) I say thank you for the good times...
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Arena, Middlesbrough
Me and mate Keith arrived here nice and early last night to boogie on down, enjoy a few more drinks and have a good time. However, it seems that Nazis have taken over and following a long wait in the queue they demanded to see everybody's ID. We didn't have any and that was that, fun over. It was over the top in my opinion and a very disappointing end to the night.
We ended the night in Chicago Rock Cafe.
Truly awful.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My All Time Favourite Song - Part 3
A quick follow up.
I've been having a really good think about this and listening to some serious amounts of music. Where to start?!
There are just so many! From Abba's SOS to the Walker Brother's The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore and everything in between.
There's a very small selection on this Spotify playlist...
spotify:user:kingchief1000:playlist:3LuXGMLrqQbCaRlPU3tiP3
...which will no doubt grow and grow.
I've been having a really good think about this and listening to some serious amounts of music. Where to start?!
There are just so many! From Abba's SOS to the Walker Brother's The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore and everything in between.
There's a very small selection on this Spotify playlist...
spotify:user:kingchief1000:playlist:3LuXGMLrqQbCaRlPU3tiP3
...which will no doubt grow and grow.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Phone Saga
Let me tell you a tall tale about my mobile phone. I could do with getting it off my chest.
I had a thoroughly miserable time yesterday arranging the update of my mobile phone.
It all started a month or so ago when my current contract came to an end with Orange. I currently have a Sony Ericsson k810i which I am sure you'll agree is now ancient. I did my research, took, and ignored people's advice and took the plunge on an iPhone 3GS from O2 on a £45 a month contract.
I knew it was out of stock at the time but I thought yeah that's too bad but great, it's popular, it's the phone to be seen with. So, all well and good.
Well, a week or two went by and it still hadn't arrived. I explored the Carphone Warehouse website for a number to ring but it was constantly engaged. So, I gave up and it got to the point maybe early this week where I actually had a momentary thought of "Oh yeah, I ordered an iPhone and it's still not here and I've done nothing about it." That's how great my mind works.
Anyway, I tried them again and eventually got through where I was put straight onto the world's most complicated automated phone system. There must have been 15 button presses before I finally reached the stage of inputting my order reference.
After inputting that 10 digit number I was told,
"The order reference number you have entered is...invalid!"
"Arrrrgghhh!!"
I hung up and started again.
20 minutes later I finally got through and it was as if I had been connected to the identity theft illegal immigration hotline! The guy wanted my account numbers, debit card numbers, my driving license number too. That can't be right can it?
Apparently because O2 want to do these security checks before issuing the iPhones out. It's not a child you know! It felt a little bit ridiculous so I cut the guy off mid account number and said I would sort it myself face to face with "a geezer in a shop" as I so eloquently put it.
So that was it, iphone order cancelled and left stuck with my current handset still with Orange.
Now then, when I ordered the iphone, I handed in my 30 day contract notice to the guy at Orange who advised me at the time that to transfer my existing number to a new network I would need a PAC (Port Authority Code) Number so he sent me one out. It arrived but I thought nah, sod it, I'll just have a new number. At the time though he said "It's ok if you don't use it just let us know and we'll cancel it." so I thought fine, in the bin it goes. Oh no...
In the back of my mind then yesterday whilst on the phone to Carphone Warehouse and cancelling my order was this whole PAC number thing. I rang Orange and was connected to a young guy who seemed to have absolutely no idea what I was talking about and in the midst of explaining it all for the third time he tried to offer me a Pay as You go phone at the end of another 30 day notice period?!!? He put me on to a lass who explained the PAC number thing. I shouldn't have been sent it apparently. Orange are great aren't they?
She then put me through to the upgrades dept to see what they could do once I'd explained most of the above to her.
In the end after much hard selling and what was no doubt an 'imaginary approval from my line manager', I've managed to bag a LG GT505 for £19.60 a month. It cost nothing and comes with 200 mins talking, unlimited texts and 500mb internet usage which seemed alright to me.
I finally put the phone after maybe 2 hours of ringing, holding, button pressing and explaining but I was happy I'd finally sorted one.
It arrives Tuesday and will be getting a thorough analysis on here.
Now this is the kind of blog post I will be doing a video of in future methinks. I could have told this much better so I will give it a go at some point this week.
Might get a haircut and shave first though.
I had a thoroughly miserable time yesterday arranging the update of my mobile phone.
It all started a month or so ago when my current contract came to an end with Orange. I currently have a Sony Ericsson k810i which I am sure you'll agree is now ancient. I did my research, took, and ignored people's advice and took the plunge on an iPhone 3GS from O2 on a £45 a month contract.
I knew it was out of stock at the time but I thought yeah that's too bad but great, it's popular, it's the phone to be seen with. So, all well and good.
Well, a week or two went by and it still hadn't arrived. I explored the Carphone Warehouse website for a number to ring but it was constantly engaged. So, I gave up and it got to the point maybe early this week where I actually had a momentary thought of "Oh yeah, I ordered an iPhone and it's still not here and I've done nothing about it." That's how great my mind works.
Anyway, I tried them again and eventually got through where I was put straight onto the world's most complicated automated phone system. There must have been 15 button presses before I finally reached the stage of inputting my order reference.
After inputting that 10 digit number I was told,
"The order reference number you have entered is...invalid!"
"Arrrrgghhh!!"
I hung up and started again.
20 minutes later I finally got through and it was as if I had been connected to the identity theft illegal immigration hotline! The guy wanted my account numbers, debit card numbers, my driving license number too. That can't be right can it?
Apparently because O2 want to do these security checks before issuing the iPhones out. It's not a child you know! It felt a little bit ridiculous so I cut the guy off mid account number and said I would sort it myself face to face with "a geezer in a shop" as I so eloquently put it.
So that was it, iphone order cancelled and left stuck with my current handset still with Orange.
Now then, when I ordered the iphone, I handed in my 30 day contract notice to the guy at Orange who advised me at the time that to transfer my existing number to a new network I would need a PAC (Port Authority Code) Number so he sent me one out. It arrived but I thought nah, sod it, I'll just have a new number. At the time though he said "It's ok if you don't use it just let us know and we'll cancel it." so I thought fine, in the bin it goes. Oh no...
In the back of my mind then yesterday whilst on the phone to Carphone Warehouse and cancelling my order was this whole PAC number thing. I rang Orange and was connected to a young guy who seemed to have absolutely no idea what I was talking about and in the midst of explaining it all for the third time he tried to offer me a Pay as You go phone at the end of another 30 day notice period?!!? He put me on to a lass who explained the PAC number thing. I shouldn't have been sent it apparently. Orange are great aren't they?
She then put me through to the upgrades dept to see what they could do once I'd explained most of the above to her.
In the end after much hard selling and what was no doubt an 'imaginary approval from my line manager', I've managed to bag a LG GT505 for £19.60 a month. It cost nothing and comes with 200 mins talking, unlimited texts and 500mb internet usage which seemed alright to me.
I finally put the phone after maybe 2 hours of ringing, holding, button pressing and explaining but I was happy I'd finally sorted one.
It arrives Tuesday and will be getting a thorough analysis on here.
Now this is the kind of blog post I will be doing a video of in future methinks. I could have told this much better so I will give it a go at some point this week.
Might get a haircut and shave first though.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
HTML Amazement
I found this thing astonishing.
If you visit this website here... Fujinonbinos and then right click and view page source, you'll see a load of 8pt font sizes giving you the impression that somebody really, really wanted the font to be at 8pt size.
Oh no, some geezer has made the remarkable observation that if the page source is turned on it's side, it looks like this...
Which happens to look very much like this...
Now, the view above is taken from the Fuji Headquarters in Saitama on Google Earth.
Put them together and...
How the frig did they work this out?!! Mental. Just mental.
All found from the b3ta newsletter.
If you don't read it, you should, it's fantastic. Do it here.
If you visit this website here... Fujinonbinos and then right click and view page source, you'll see a load of 8pt font sizes giving you the impression that somebody really, really wanted the font to be at 8pt size.
Oh no, some geezer has made the remarkable observation that if the page source is turned on it's side, it looks like this...
Which happens to look very much like this...
Now, the view above is taken from the Fuji Headquarters in Saitama on Google Earth.
Put them together and...
How the frig did they work this out?!! Mental. Just mental.
All found from the b3ta newsletter.
If you don't read it, you should, it's fantastic. Do it here.
My All Time Favourite Song - Part 2
Well it turns out that I misinterpeted Keith's favourite song of all time. Although Rocking All Over The World was given a mention, it was actually this...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thanks Glen
Thank you for the promotion via your various status updates, tweets and blog and a very big HELLO if you're visiting the site via Glen's link.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
My All Time Favourite Song - Part 1
This debate got going last night back at my friends Robbie's house and when I was asked what my all time favourite song was, it stumped me.
What is my all time favourite song? I literally don't have one!! I like so many songs but I don't have one that stands out above all the others. Or do I?
What better excuse then to do some blogging and analyse my favourite songs.
Robbie's answer was, quite unbelievably, this...
And Keith's was, yes, you've guessed it, Status Quo...
...neither of which I am particularly fond of.
I couldn't have even told you who sang the Vandross song above until last night and the Quo song is well, just what it is, an overly simple party song that, whilst it gets me out of my seat, it doesn't say or mean anything to me emotionally. Whereas to Keith, he associates it with a particularly happy time - Boro lifting the Carling Cup all those years ago.
More on this very soon.
What is my all time favourite song? I literally don't have one!! I like so many songs but I don't have one that stands out above all the others. Or do I?
What better excuse then to do some blogging and analyse my favourite songs.
Robbie's answer was, quite unbelievably, this...
And Keith's was, yes, you've guessed it, Status Quo...
...neither of which I am particularly fond of.
I couldn't have even told you who sang the Vandross song above until last night and the Quo song is well, just what it is, an overly simple party song that, whilst it gets me out of my seat, it doesn't say or mean anything to me emotionally. Whereas to Keith, he associates it with a particularly happy time - Boro lifting the Carling Cup all those years ago.
More on this very soon.
Old at 26
Ouch! It was a like a punch to the stomach entering the world of Middlesbrough pub, "The Crown" last night.
I'd heard plenty of people mention "The Crown on a Monday" but never gave it a shot until last night.
Dear me. I was easily one of the oldest in there and it hurt my pride quite a bit!
Still, £1.50 a drink, a top laugh and some serious amounts of clunge.
I shall have to go more often.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
I was playing the "All Ghillied Up" Level and wondered whether any of it was based on the real city. Check this out...
If you've played it, you'll instantly recognise the above. How freaky's that?!
If you've played it, you'll instantly recognise the above. How freaky's that?!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Woodstock Anniversary
It's the 40th Anniversary of this monumental, historical event and what better excuse than to air a little of my favourite band on my blog.
Here's a clip of Pete Townshend, spiked with acid (as they all were), smashing a guitar around political activist Abbie Hoffman. Hoffman interrupted them at the conclusion of Pinball Wizard, mid-way through their Rock Opera, Tommy. Earlier in the show Townshend had already booted a cameraman for getting too close to Roger Daltrey.
Easily the most exciting, dangerous and talented live band there's ever been.
Woodstock: The Director's Cut airs tonight on BBC 4 at 9pm.
Here's a clip of Pete Townshend, spiked with acid (as they all were), smashing a guitar around political activist Abbie Hoffman. Hoffman interrupted them at the conclusion of Pinball Wizard, mid-way through their Rock Opera, Tommy. Earlier in the show Townshend had already booted a cameraman for getting too close to Roger Daltrey.
Easily the most exciting, dangerous and talented live band there's ever been.
Woodstock: The Director's Cut airs tonight on BBC 4 at 9pm.
Football
The Championship restarted last weekend with a lot more hype than usual amongst my friends; simply because of local team Middlesbrough's newfound position within the league. They visit Swansea today (mates Keith and Rob have gotten the train down and I'm already receiving some fantastic texts through of their exploits. I shall have to blog them later) for the Boro game.
But things really get going today with the return of the Premiership.
I'm currently watching Chelsea vs. Hull and I'm hooked already. As I type Didier Drogba's just confirmed how excellent it is with a delightful free-kick.
I think Chelsea are going to win the whole thing this season, they look like a much more fluid, attack minded force. Man Utd will miss the attacking menace and skills of Ronaldo. He's been far too important a player for them in too many matches in the last two seasons to not be missed. In contrast, Chelsea have lost no-one and brought in one or two whilst getting some key players back from injury. They've also got a player who I think has been one of the best players in the land for the last five years; Frank Lampard. His record is immense. He's scored 20 or more goals in all competitions in the past five consecutive seasons. I am a real admirer of his talent and ability to perform consistently throughout the season, every season.
I'm certain though that it will be as unpredictable as ever and I'm really looking forward to it.
Here's too another spectacular season and plenty to talk, blog and tweet about in the forthcoming season!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Chai-Yo Thai Massage Parlour, Krakow
I mentioned the Thai Massage Parlour in an earlier post the other day. Well here's a little story for you all...
It was the Thursday afternoon of a five day long trip (Tuesday to Saturday). It was around about 3pm and we (me and my mate Keith) were both pretty leathered - merely topping up the previous days over the top binge with some seriously strong lager. We both sat blurry eyed wondering what to do next as yet another drink seemed a bit of a challenge.
"Well I don't know about you Keith but I want a massage. Can we get one?" I shouted. "Like now?"
"But Mikey you don't even know where the friggin' place is."
"Yeah, it's on the map. Here, look!"
The free tourist map from the hotel was our pride and joy on this trip. Krakow is almost as mazey as Amsterdam. So off we went with our tails up (not a euphemism) and we stopped a taxi.
It took forever. It was absolutely miles away.
We finally got there and were greeted with what can only be described as the biggest front door you've ever seen.
"I am a tad scared pal!"
I hesitantly pressed the button on the intercom and was greeted in Polish.
"Errr yeah, it's Mikey Heaney and Keith Groves here, we've come for the massage, can we come in?"
It creeked open and I thought I would be greeted by about 6 or 7 burly former bare knuckle boxers. But no, I was met by a young Polish girl. This looked promising!!
I quickly explained why we there - for massages of course! But as I garbled through the beer, I hadn't heard her say that they were full until 4pm tomorrow. Keith had!
I asked again, this time not slurring my words...
"Mikey they haven't got any room for ya, you thick cunt!" (We have the utmost respect for each other.)
At which point I let out the biggest "Nooooooooooooo!!!" this side of Darth Vader!
Anyway, I finally, tonight, got round to Googling the Chai Yo Thai Massage Parlour and do you know what I visited the websites gallery and found this guy...
It was almost guaranteed that this Bruce Lee wannabe was going to massage me within an inch of my life and then ask if I wanted any extras.
Well, I wasn't sticking around to get to know his Fist of Fury!
Here's the link...click!
It was the Thursday afternoon of a five day long trip (Tuesday to Saturday). It was around about 3pm and we (me and my mate Keith) were both pretty leathered - merely topping up the previous days over the top binge with some seriously strong lager. We both sat blurry eyed wondering what to do next as yet another drink seemed a bit of a challenge.
"Well I don't know about you Keith but I want a massage. Can we get one?" I shouted. "Like now?"
"But Mikey you don't even know where the friggin' place is."
"Yeah, it's on the map. Here, look!"
The free tourist map from the hotel was our pride and joy on this trip. Krakow is almost as mazey as Amsterdam. So off we went with our tails up (not a euphemism) and we stopped a taxi.
It took forever. It was absolutely miles away.
We finally got there and were greeted with what can only be described as the biggest front door you've ever seen.
"I am a tad scared pal!"
I hesitantly pressed the button on the intercom and was greeted in Polish.
"Errr yeah, it's Mikey Heaney and Keith Groves here, we've come for the massage, can we come in?"
It creeked open and I thought I would be greeted by about 6 or 7 burly former bare knuckle boxers. But no, I was met by a young Polish girl. This looked promising!!
I quickly explained why we there - for massages of course! But as I garbled through the beer, I hadn't heard her say that they were full until 4pm tomorrow. Keith had!
I asked again, this time not slurring my words...
"Mikey they haven't got any room for ya, you thick cunt!" (We have the utmost respect for each other.)
At which point I let out the biggest "Nooooooooooooo!!!" this side of Darth Vader!
Anyway, I finally, tonight, got round to Googling the Chai Yo Thai Massage Parlour and do you know what I visited the websites gallery and found this guy...
It was almost guaranteed that this Bruce Lee wannabe was going to massage me within an inch of my life and then ask if I wanted any extras.
Well, I wasn't sticking around to get to know his Fist of Fury!
Here's the link...click!
i-Pod and i-Phone
Well I was in for some conflict today. I wasn't too bothered today about the lass who's on work experience wearing her ipod all day. After all she was doing a load of filing for me and doing a fairly good job. I couldn't hear it, she didn't hum along either so there was no need to bother her you might think. Oh no, a few complaints came my way after she'd left and I wondered what everyone thought? Should I knack her?
But it also got me thinking quite a bit about the iPhone 3gs I've ordered. I am seriously reconsidering it now as, when the chuff am I going to use it?
I have a fully functioning PC at home (well sometimes), I use Spotify for music and well anything else that it does doesn't seem to be that practical or useful...or is it? Would I use these 'apps' a lot? Or 3 months into my 2 year contract would I just be saying, "Big fucking wow!" to the app that lets me drink an imaginary pint of Carling.
I hate Carling.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Altercation Last Night
Albert Road, Middlesbrough. Scum absolutely everywhere, pizza shops full and parmos selling out! As we wondered up Albert Road, this lass is getting some grief or dishing it out to this young coloured chap. Dizzee Rascal as my mate Keith called him later.
She smashed his head off a car and then he speared her in to some shutters before launching a blistering 1-2 combination that didn't even phase her! She was a big old girl and hard as nails!
It made me ashamed of the shit-hole I live in that the police took about ten minutes for them to come and sort anything out. They were stood about 15 yards away (near Flares) and everyone seemed to get a bit of a kick out of it. I suppose it's a scene seen everywhere in today's Booze Britain. The highlight for me was that she called him a paedophile! But he clearly wasn't, as he did not have NHS glasses on or a beard.
Bonkers.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Mysterious White Balloon
Whilst in Krakow, from the hotel room window we could see a mysterious white balloon. Anyway, I finally decided to check out what it was.
It turns out it is a tethered hot air balloon which you can go up on and check out the cities marvellous views. I wish I'd gone on it now and not got that taxi across the city looking for a Thai massage parlour!
Pete's Birthday
Had a cracking time at Pete's birthday last night including an impromptu dance along to Rolf Harris's superb Court of King Caractacus. Much like this...
Great fun and Happy Birthday again to Pete, it was a quality night out.
Great fun and Happy Birthday again to Pete, it was a quality night out.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Polish TV
On my recent trip to Krakow we would watch the TV late at night and there was a kids TV channel. This would air a semi-still shot of a fish which would blow a bubble to the surface. It was pretty weird and can I hell as like find anything on Google about it. So relaxing though when trying to sleep off a huge amount of alcohol. Can anyone find anything about this?
Also, the Simpsons in Polish was strangely brilliant!
Also, the Simpsons in Polish was strangely brilliant!
Hello
Well here's a new blog which I intend to update on a daily basis. I shall have to have a play with how it looks too so watch this space.
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