Death of a Hero.

I see the great 'John Barry' died today. I love Film and TV music, and he was in my top 5 list of composers. Another One of my 'heroes' gone but never forgotten. We came Third in the quiz last night. A little disappointing, but 'Cest La Ve'. Quiz league again tonight, with a home match against 'Clifford Arms'. They always win the title, and the cup as well, so are hard to beat. They have lost a game this season so who knows, but I think we will lose tonight. I see that the 'Tory in disguise' nob 'Nick Clegg' is saying that he cannot cope with his post. He only got it because of a perverse injustice in his parties morals. Do us all a favour. Admit you were wrong to form the coalition on the back of glory seeking, and stick to your own party pledges instead of being a puppet manipulated by the crass policies of the 'Nazi'...oh I mean 'Tory' party. Good draw for 'Crawley' in the 5th round of the cup. 'Man Utd' away is probobly the biggest plum both in prestige and money making. 'Leyton Orient ' v 'Arsenal' looks like a good One also.

Saturday Night, Sunday Morning.

Decided to watch 'The Hangover' on 'Blu Ray' last night. I borrowed it along with a 'DVD' of 'Toy Story 3' and ' V For Vendetta' on 'Blu Ray'. As with other films in the 'Gross out' genre. 'The Hangover' was a jolly romp of embarrasing situations, crude humour, and crazy characters. Not the funniest ever, but it was enjoyable. Today saw me watch 'Toy Story 3' on 'DVD',  followed by 'Notts County v Manchester City' in the 'FA Cup on 'ITV'. In 'Toy Story 3', we see a nice ending to an enchanting film series. Full of familiar characters, and comic set pieces, it delivered on a high level. Going to the fortnightly 'Sunday' quiz tonight. Should be interesting, but as ever I am always apprehensive about going out as I can feel ill quite quickly. It is only for a couple of hours though, and I should enjoy it.

The Burning Question.

Enjoyed the 'Burns Night' Quiz at the Guildhall. We were 'The Drinks Cabinet on Tour', and came Second out of Sixteen teams with a score of 79/100. We were let down in the rounds that were about Scotland, and especially the last One which was a 'Burns True or False'. One of our team did win a prize on the raffle. A brace of 'Pheasants' no less. Visited some friends this morning, and felt crap when I returned home. The 'Fatigue/pain/headache cycle has hit me big time, and the 'anxiety' is also a concern. Watching the 'Southampton v Manchester United Reserves' match on 'ITV', but after that I think it is a dour night in 'TV Land'. Might watch a 'DVD', or have a very early night. The irony of the 'FA Cup' was revealed today, when 'Torquay' were beaten by Non league 'Crawley'. The former are in 'league 2' which is a step higher than the latter, but it is said that the 'Crawley' wage bill is more than 'Torquays'.

That was the week that was.

Monday saw a short trip to 'Morrisons', and in the evening, a home Quiz League match versus 'Sports and Social'. We lost 73-63, so the poor run continues. In the 'Mystery round'. We were given cryptic clues associated with Films. 'Eggs that are unwashed' was 'The Dirty Dozen', 'Unruly Grapes' was 'The Wild Bunch', you get the drift. One question which nobody got was' 'Lion is pleased at devouring dead Zebra'. The amazing answer was 'Gladiator'.
Tuesday saw another bout of extreme pain, and depression. I watched 'Transformers Revenge of the Fallen' to try and lift the gloom. After my medication. Wednesday and Thursday were the usual 'Hangover' period where on top of my pains, I had to suffer headache and nausea. I was also pissed off when attempting to watch a 'DVD' of 'The Double Deckers'. My wife had bought it for me at Christmas, and although sealed, contained only One disc of what should be a 'Double Disc' set. Thursday also saw my anxiety and depression hit new lows to the point of feeling suicidal. I don't really know how much more of these health problems I can cope with. At least I have some Quizzes to look forward to. Tonight sees a 'Burns night' Quiz at Lichfield 'Guildhall'. In the past. Similar events have attracted 25 + teams, and have been well organised. I will be uncomfortable no doubt on the chairs so will have to move about between rounds. Negotiating the steps will also be a nightmare, and will take ages to ascend, but I must push myself a little or I will be a 'Cabbage' sooner rather than later. Sunday is the normal Fortnightly Pub Quiz, and Monday is a Quiz League home game against the mighty 'Clifford Arms'.

The 'CD' side of life.

Well yesterday was spent feeling crap both physically and mentally, and not being able to concentrate on anything properly. I was trying to find something to lift the gloom, so turned to music to try and slay the ever growing minions of demons that are attacking my psyche. I am a great fan of Movies and TV, but also there music. I have a large collection of soundtracks, but hav'nt listened to any for ages. I was just randomly playing odd peices before I realised something. 'Bruno Nicolai' is better than 'Ennio Morricone'. What is he on about? you ask. Well my favourite composer of all time is 'Ennio Morricone', but he had a bloke who helped to arrange and conduct some of his work. That chap is 'Bruno Nicolai'. His work with 'Morricone' is well documented, but he was also a brilliant composer in his own right. He did scores for many Italian films in all genres, especially 'Westerns' and 'Horror'. He has often been seen as playing 'Second Fiddle' to 'Morricone', but I really think he is better.
Visited some friends this morning for a chat. There son 'Ed' has just got 'Little Big Planet 2' on the 'PS3', which looks as difficult and odd as the original.
Saw an arrow sign pointing into a field, and I thought that there was'nt any Car Boot sales yet. I was right. It was actually what looked like some sort of Metal Detectors club, all members presumably trying to find another Staffordshire Hoard. That poses a question. What is the best way to find hidden treasures?. 'Car Boot' or 'metal detecting'?. Answers on a postcard to..................................??????????????

At last...................A review.

Managed to watch a 'DVD' yesterday. The item in question was 'Taken', the kidnap action film starring 'Liam Neeson. What a cracking yarn. Basically, 'Neesons' daughter is kidnapped in 'Paris' by 'Albanian' sex trafficers, and he goes over to kick some ass. It is helped by the fact that he used to be an agent for the government, for which he has learnt almost 'Ninja' like qualities in 'Stealth' and 'combat'. He does'nt mess about as he kills loads of slimey 'Albanian' low lives, and saves both his daughters life and her 'virginity'. In a nice subplot,having earlier saved a famous singer while acting as security at a concert. She returns the favour and offers his daughter the chance to become a singer herself. You get the feeling that if this was made 20 odd years ago. It would be a vehicle for 'Steven Segal', but any plot credibility would be replaced with just more action. With 'Neeson; in the lead role. You feel his character has vulnerability as well as motive. I thought the balance of plot and action were fine, and lead to a pretty good effort all round.

Feeling rough in a rough town.

Went to 'Walsall' with the Mother in law this morning. She only had to pick some documents up, but wanted me with her to show her how to use her new 'Sat Nav'. Still in considerable pain, and very tired, but slightly better than yesterday. I stayed in the car, but you still feel that 'Walsall' is a sorry looking town. A bit ramshackle, and infested with 'Asians'. In some areas, it is so rough, that 'Pit Bull Terriers' carry knives, and some houses use 'Pigs' as air fresheners. Did'nt get to the old main street, but I bet it has changed since I last went.
Nothing much on the viewing front, but have had a few short but sweet gaming sessions on the 'PS3'. Must try and watch a few 'DVD'S' soon, in an attempt to lift the gloom a little.

Medications what you need.

This 'Insomnia' is getting me down somewhat. Its bad enough having a crippling illness with all the pain and crap that comes with it. But add sleep depravation, and life is looking pretty grim. It is also One of my 'hangover' periods caused by One of the medications I have to take, which used to just be a headache on a Wednesday, but this now usually drags on into Thursday and sometimes Friday , and I have added 'nausea' as an extra free gift. Then even on the other days I feel like Shit. I really am questioning my whole existance at the moment, but will try to persevere.
On the viewing front. I might catch up with 'Shameless' on '4OD', although there are Six episodes to watch. I still have no recording facility, so this should be a decent back up option. It seems strange that the 'BBC' call there on demend service 'I Player',but then I suppose if '4OD' was called '4 Player', they might see it as a sexual innuendo. Had the bloody 'Jovo's' round earlier, spouting 'Bollocks'. Apparently there version of the good book says that all suffering will end. Well if my physical and mental suffering get any worse, I will top myself and it will be 'Job Done'.

It seems there is a problem with '4OD' on the 'PS3'. After getting half way through a programme, it shows a message 'not enough memory'. It looks like others are experiencing the same problem after looking at internet forums, so it looks like a fault with the software and not the machine. Looks like this series of 'Shameless' will be missed after all.

Its the taking part that counts........................is it Bollocks.

Well and truly thrashed at 'Bank House 'A' in the Quiz League last night, with the 87-61 scoreline being One of our worst defeats ever, We just never got going, and were playing catch up after the first Two rounds. Even our best guesses didnt go our way. I wasnt at my best, with pain and fatigue spoiling the night nearly as much as the defeat. The best thing was the barmaid, who was a pretty young girl wearing knee length boots. Managed to get some sleep last night, but this extra pain is a bit of a concern as my painkillers dont seem to touch it. Perhaps my crippling illness is 'Metamorphasasising' into something even more sinister. I really dont know how much more anxiety,depression, and pain I can put up with, as eveything is getting worse not better.

There are more questions than answers.

Enjoyed the Sunday quiz last night, despite the ever increasing pain. With Thirteen teams participating we scored a total of 63/70, but it was only enough for a tie in First place. The 'Tie break' question was 'How many episodes did Tom Baker appear as Dr Who'?. 'The Jackdaws' put 350, while we competing as 'Dry Roasted' put 180. We change our name each time, and last night my mate was eating 'Dry Roasted nuts' and a novel name was created. We usually have names like 'Three Stooges', Four of a Kind', 'Famous Five' etc. But also have random names wherever possible. Back to the tie break. The correct answer was 172, so we won. After returning home victorious, I then tryed to get to sleep in bed, only for my pain to increase to unbearable propertions. I decided to get up and did'nt return to the 'Wanking Pit' until 2.00. I still struggled to sleep due to pain and a racing mind. I hope I am not going to have to put 'Insomnia' on my list of health problems. This and everything else I have to put up with is making me ponder my whole existance, and even brings back the rather negative but relevant thought of is suicide actually painless.?
Its back to the serious 'Quiz League' tonight, with an away match at 'Bank House A' in 'Hixon'. Athough I have a lift, this is One of the longer journeys we have to endure. Part of me wants to cry off, but I have had to give up so many hobbies, that I am determined to keep my quizzing alive. Will take extra painkillers, and hope for the best. It is usually a 'humdinger' when we play these, as there captain 'Nigel' has caused controversy in the past. He queries more questions and answers in One match than other captains do in a whole season. They are however, still One of the better teams, so there is added satisfaction when we occasionaly beat them.

The 'Fat' of the land.

Is it me, or are there more fitness DVDs advertised on TV this time. All these so called celebrities who in most cases are already overpaid, are making a fat buck spouting how brilliant they have done on a certain regime/diet, only to make even more money out of it. It was only a while ago that some of there colleagues were telling us to stuff our faces at 'Christmas', and then make money out of it with a recipe book or Two.. Bloody 'Hypocrits' the lot of them. They want to try to put up with an Illness like mine, that means you are a 'cripple', makes you feel like a 'Second Class' citizen, and because of some of the medication, you have to suffer 'nausea' for Three days out of Seven every week.
Just glimpsed 'The Biggest Loser' on 'ITV'. Not exactly riveting viewing for a Sunday morning, but it asks the question what are the contestants trying to achieve.? OK it is basically an organised diet for a Dozen fat Bastards who want to make a name for themselves. Although they say they are in it to lose weight, I think the winners (or losers) prize is £25.000 is what they are really after. They never tell you how many go back to 'Kebabs' and 'Curries' after the end of the series, but some obviously do. I also wonder if the gym exercises they are subjected to, and not a junk diet, will cause One of them to suffer a massive heart attack. When the contestants saw the brochure for the hotel they would be staying in. I wonder if the term 'Gym' and 'Spa' were misinterpreted, and they thought there was a 'Spar' where they could sneak out for a crafty bag of crisps and a Pasty.
If my hands are not too painful, I might have a go on the 'PS3' later. I am enjoying 'Gran Turismo 5', and all the frustration that goes with it.

A 'Bond' film is for life, not just for 'Xmas'.

Although 'Bond' films seem to fill the TV schedules copiously, and especially around 'Xmas'. It is strange that although there has been airings during most 'Xmas' periods. On the big day itself only 14 have actually been shown. The first 'Bond' film shown on British TV was 'Dr No' in October 1975 on 'ITV'. It was'nt until 1978 that a 'Bond' film was shown on 'Xmas day', with the early evening 'Premiere' of 'Diamonds Are Forever'. Although heavily cut for violence, it started an ongoing trend for 'ITV' to schedule 'Bond' films during following festive seasons. 1979 saw a repeat showing of 'Goldfinger' complete with cuts, at 3.10 just after the Queens speech. While 1980 saw the 'Premiere' of 'The Man With The Golden Gun'. 1981 saw an afternoon repeat outing of 'Dr No' complete with 10 mins of cuts. There were none shown again on 'Xmas' day itself until 1984, when 'The Man With The Golden Gun' re appeared. 1985 saw another showing of 'Moonraker, while 1986 saw the early evening 'premiere' of the unnofficial and overrated 'Never Say Never Again'. There then followed a trend for scheduling 'Bond' in a late morning slot just for the sake of it. 1987 with 'The Spy Who Loved Me', and 1989 with 'OHMSS'. The last few all went back to filling the traditional post Queens speech slot, so in it was 1990 'Moonraker'. 1991 'For Your Eyes Only'. 2000 'Octopussy'. 2001 'Thunderball'. 2003' Tomorrow never dies. Of course there is usually an outing or Two for '007' around 'Xmas', but the myth that you had a nap during a 'Bond' film on 'Xmas' afternoon is only correct in 14 occasions during the last Three decades.

Cliches galore.

Managed to get on Facebook eventually. There must have been a problem all day, but at least I can glance at it now. I have decided to mention some of the cliches that occur in Film and TV, which often go unnoticed, but can also be a pain in the Arse.
In 'Westerns', especially old Ones. They never seem to have the need to reload there guns even though they are usually 'Six Shooters'. The 'Cowboys' never seem to go to the 'Bog', and although they consume lots of 'Beans', they never 'Fart' either. In other Films. Why is it that if they have an apartment in 'Paris', it always has a view of the 'Eiffel Tower'. Why do 'Americans' when shopping. Always have groceries in a 'Brown Paper bag' with a 'French Stick' peeping through the top?. Some other notable items are Why are 'Henchmen' always bad shots?. Why is every 'Computer Geek' able to hack the government systems on a simple laptop?. Everyone can 'hotwire' a car. A cigarette thrown onto petrol always causes an explosion. Hot Coffee from a cup never burns there mouth. Of course there are many more, but this is just a few to drool over. The best One is from 'Star Trek'. In the original series. If you were wearing a Red top in a landing party, and were'nt One of the regular cast. You would die or be taken over by some Alien illness.

Its just not 'Cricket'.

Still cannot get on 'Facebook' today, and loads of people seem to be having the same problem. I thought I would recall the small brush I had playing 'Cricket' many years ago. A mate of mine was a regular with 'Cannock Wood', and decided he would like to organise a few charity games. He was, and still is working for the library. That is at least until this fascist bunch of nobs in government ruin everything for everybody. His first organised event was 'Cannock Ladies' v 'Hednesford Town FC Supporters Club'. The 'Ladies in question were 5 of his female colleagues, a couple of spouses, me, my mate, and his brother. The match took place in May 1988 at 'Heath Hayes Park'. Only about 45 mins of play could be had because of the showers, and a draw was declared after the rain set in for the rest of the day.
After much deliberation, and 2 years later. 'Cannock Wood' offered to send a team to 'Heath Hayes Park' for another charity match. Our team now consisted of a ramshackle bunch of friends, friends of friends, and anybody that was remotely interested. We were also now known as 'Old Gentleshawians' as my mate lives in 'Gentleshaw'. We played 2 matches in 1990 and 1991 on the last Sunday in August, and lost both. Again another 2 years past, but there would be One last outing for this legendary troup of athletes. 'Cannock Wood' offered a match at there own ground at the beginning of August 1993. The drama unfolded even before a ball was bowled. My mate was helping to prepare the pitch with a roller, which ran over his foot. The swelling was massive, but he still decided to skipper his bunch of retrobates in the end, and even batted with a 'runner'. I ended up as wicket keeper, and scored 7 in my innings. Again we lost to a regular team, but it was fun all the same.

The draw of the sock.

Just looking through my sock drawer. It seems that of the 30 odd pairs in there, at least 19 are 'Christmas' themed. Another take on the phrase 'Stocking filler', as in stuffing stockings with socks at Christmas. Caught up with the first episode of 'Zen' on the 'I Player'. It introduced the ministery for whom 'Zen' is called upon to do some occasional 'dirty', work, and this explains why they all cropped up again the following week.

The 'Thunderbird' One Show.

Nice to a see a short piece on yesterdays 'One Show' regarding the issue of a range of stamps commemorating the works of the great 'Gerry Anderson'. Anybody of my age were priveliged to watch his productions in the 60s and 70s on TV, and in later years on Video and DVD. It is only the last 20 odd years that he has got the full praise he deserves, mainly due to repeats of the shows on 'BBC2'. I remember a poster magazine in the mid 70s called 'TV Sci Fi'. It mainly consisted of 'Star Trek' and the then current 'Anderson' show 'Space 1999'. They insisted on spelling his name incorrectly as 'Jerry Anderson', which I found both irritating and astonishing. At least a few years later. 'Fanzines' were cropping up everywhere covering 'Cult TV' and 'Andersons' now correctly spelt name and prominence were at last back again. It is nice to see him and his shows now get the praise they thoroughly deserve.

A 'hop' too far.

One of the hobbies I have had to give up because of my ill health, is 'groundhopping'. Basically you try to visit a different football ground each time, and I had got to no 296. Most of them were Non League and as I was'nt a 'Die Hard' got to go every week type, it took about 20 years overall. I did attend The 'Easter; Hops in 'Cornwall' a couple of times. Here they staggered kick off times so you could visit a match in the morning, One in the afternoon, and One in the evening. The 'Hellenic' league went One better by having Four games on 'August Bank Holiday' in 2000 and again in 2001. The record however, is held by the 'Central Midlands League'. I did'nt attend this event, but on 'Easter' Saturday 2005, they fitted in Five games in One day. It was helped by having Three of the grounds being only a few Hundred yards apart in the same road, and the others were only about Two miles away.
My mate always wanted to take me to 'Scotland' for my 300th ground, probobly 'Wick Acedemy' right in the far 'North East' near 'John O Groats'. As my health started to deteriorate, I stopped watching football over Two years ago, so I will probobly never reach the milestone. We nearly did do a 'Scottish' Non league ground though, and it would have made us legends if we had have gone. Here is the story............................
The 'Scottish FA Cup' Third round in November 2008 was in turmoil because of poor weather. An all Non League clash between 'Dalbeattie Star' and 'Forres Mechanics' had been postponed, and because they had no floodlights, the replay would have to be the following Saturday. Most 'English' Non League teams have floodlights, but a lot in 'Scotland' do not. It was postponed a further Twice, when the 'Scottish' FA said they must play it on a weekday when the weather allowed. So the match was to go ahead on Monday 15th December 2008 kick off 1.15. Now what has this got to do with me and my mate? you may ask. Well at the time. My mate was a Courier, who did a Monday package delivery from the Midlands to 'Glasgow'. 'Dalbeattie; is in the South West of 'Scotland, and would have only added about 30 miles to his normal journey if he made a detour. I decided that I would'nt be well enough to travel that far, and in the end, he did'nt have a delivery that week anyway.. If things had been different. It would have given us bragging rights in the'groundhopping' fraternity. 'Dalbeattie Star' on a Monday afternoon would have put us in the realms of 'hopping' folklore forever.

3 or 360?

With the 'PS3' being launched. I started the 'when shall I go next gen'? cycle again. As with other consoles. The 'PS3' was far too expensive at launch, and again the first games seemed nothing special. I was tempted to stray and go for the cheaper 'X Box 360', which was established, had a large catalogue of games, and even had some budget titles too. In the end I bided my time, and got a '40G PS3' and 3 games in early 2008. 'The games bundle consisted of the crap 'Kane and Lynch', The overated 'Assassins Creed', and the great 'Uncharted Drakes Fortune'. I then got 'FIFA 09' and the dissapointing 'Tomb Raider Underworld' at the end of that year. My gaming was becoming less and less enjoyable, and I thought the enthusiastic bubble had finaly burst. Then in late 2009 came a new gaming buzz all over again. My 'PS3' was now connected to a 'HD' TV,was my 'DVD' and 'Blu Ray' player, and I found some games that I enjoyed. I borrowed the brilliant 'Batman Arkham Asylum', and bought the amazing 'Uncharted 2 Among Thieves'. I also played 'Silent Hill Homecoming' 'Resident Evil 5', and 'Everybodys Golf World Tour', but they were only average. I also borrowed 'Heavy Rain' which was thought was great, and even found a 'First Person' game that I enjoyed, after borrowing 'COD Modern Warfare'. My current 'Arsenal' of games are 'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11', COD Black Ops', and 'Gran Tourismo 5'. I have to restrict my gaming now, due to the pain incurred from my increasing health problems, but at the end of the day and although restricted, I am still gaming to a degree. Having mentioned before. I have had to give up vertually every hobby I once had due to my deteriorating health. If I ever become completely unable to play games at all, then they might as well give me something to put me out of my misery.

Hey mate!!!!. I want a Playstation too.

As with the original console. The 'PS2' was too expensive on launch, and the early games were nothing special either. I eventualy got One at a reasonable price complete with the games 'Devil May Cry', and 'Pro Evolution Soccer'. The leap from 'CD ROM' to 'DVD ROM' was not as great as 'Megadrive' to 'Playstation', but the graphics were noticably better none the less.
This was turning out to be a smashing machine, and I soon added a few more games to the collection, and also borrowed 'Silent Hill 2' which was excellent.  Other games of note were 'Resident Evil Code Veronica X', and 'GT3'. There were also dissapointments in the shape of 'Tomb Raider. The Angel of Darkness', and a boring 'Scrabble' derivative. The former suffered from poor controls, why the latter was cheap and cheerful with the emphasis leaning more towards cheap. I played a few other odds and sods, but great games were getting thin on the ground. Just as the console was looking a little tired. A shining light was to befall this great machine One more time. This turned out to be 'Resident Evil 4'. A slightly different take on the old series of games, but better for it. Good gameplay,controls, and graphics all made this an instant classic.

It 'Sony' a game.

As the new generation of consoles drew ever nearer. I was reluctant to get One as the prices were too high. Late in 1996. The prices of the 'Sega Saturn' and 'Sony Playstation' had dropped enough for me to consider joining the 'next generation' gaming fraternity. On advice from a bloke in a local game shop, and after watching a convincing demo, I decided that I would go for the 'Playstation' over the 'Saturn'. I waited another week until I made a trip to the huge 'Merry Hill' shopping complex, where I compared deals at various shops. In the end I got a 'Playstation' and 6 games for £299 from the now long gone 'Beatties' model shop. The 6 games were 'Ridge Racer','Worms','Thunderhawk','Tekken','Destruction Derby', and 'Rayman'. Add to this 'FIFA 97', and demo discs, and I was in gaming heaven for a very long time.
Then something occured that to this date takes some beating. I borrowed what I thought was just another game from a chap I knew, and the rest is history. The game in question was 'Tomb Raider, which set the benchmark for most games after. I think most modern 'adventure' games owe there popularity because of this title, and I still wonder if it actually pushed the 'Playstation' to its technical limits. Over the next 4 years. I added the First 3 'Resident Evil' games, FIFA World Cup 98, 'Tomb Raider 2 and 3,Alien Trilogy,Everybodys Golf, and Micro Machines V4 to my collection and also borrowed 'Tomb Raider 4 and 'Silent Hill'.

The gaming 'Sega' continues.

So in early 1993. I purchased a £149 'Sega Megadrive', with the games 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and a 3 game cartridge containing 'Road Rash,Columns, and World Cup Italia 90'. What a leap from the 'ZX Spectrum', both graphically and of course loading time. The games were very expensive, so I did'nt buy any more that year. I did borrow 'European Club Soccer', which was a much better football game than 'WCI90', and 'Revenge of Shinobi'. The following year. I obtained 'PGA Tour Golf', and 'Kick Off', a pretty dire football game. Just around the corner however, I was unknowingly going to purchase the greatest game ever to grace the 'Megadrive' format. I payed about £35 for it, but Pound for Pound it turned out to be excellent value for money. The game in question was 'Micro Machines Turbo Tournament', which still ranks as One of the greatest racing games of all time. I got the sequel 'Turbo Tournament 96' the following year, but it did'nt have the same impact as the original as it was almost much of the same.

Life is just a game Part 1.

I thought I would look back at my gaming memories over the years. I am of an age when I remember 'Space Invaders' arriving in pubs and arcades, but Two of my favourites were 'Missile Command', and 'Crazy Climber'.
I had a home 'Pong' console in 1977, but it was 6 years later, in 1983 and the arrival of a 'ZX Spectrum', that changed my gaming experience forever. Around this time. There were a lot of 'Computers' around, all with games sold in shops. One of my mates borrowed a 'Dragon 32' which I thought was the 'Bees Knees'. Then another mate said you either need a 'BBC model B' or a 'ZX spectrum' to be ahead of the pack. He also said that he already had a 'ZX Spectrum', and could copy some of his games for me. With this thought in toe, and the fact that the 'Spectrum' was about half the price of the 'BBC model B', my mind was made up. The next hurdle was actually being able to get One. There were both 16K and 48K versions, for which I needed the latter to play all available games. On a trip to 'Walsall'. Most places had 16K versions but not 48K. Then after all seemed lost. I arrived in 'Dixons' who had just had a batch of the 48K version and the rest is history. It was £110 I think, and I also had to purchase an £11 'Cassette Recorder' to load the games. The first games I bought were 'Super Spy' and 'Flight Simulator'. My mate then did me copies of 'Jetpack',ZZoom','Chuckie Egg', 'Lunar Jetman', 'Ah Diddums', 'Scrabble', 'The Hobbit', 'Inca Curse', and 'Penetrator'. This gave me a good game selection to start me off, and more importantly hours of fun.
I must have had over 150 games eventually, but 2 really stood out. The football game 'Match Day', and a golf came 'The Open'. Both were so playable, and stood the test of time. Even when I upgraded to a 128K 'Spectrum' now with proper keys and a built in 'Cassette Player'. I always went back to play those 2 games more than any others.

Trent Valley Quiz League.

So its back to action in the Quiz League' tonight after a 'Festive' break. I have had to give up so many hobbies because of my health problems. But I manage (or struggle) to attend a Fortnightly Sunday quiz with One group of friends, and I am also a member of a different team from a different pub in the 'Quiz League', which runs from 'November to April' on Monday nights.
I first became involved in 2004, when the 4 man 'Park Gate' team needed a 'Super Sub' if anybody was going to be on holiday or could'nt make it for whatever reason. The league has been running for years, but the 'Park Gate' entered in 2002. In 2004. The league consisted of 11 teams. Each play each other home and away, and also in a 'Knockout' trophy. The 'Clifford Arms' always win it, and have completed the League and Cup 'double' every year except One. 'The 'Sports and Social' 'Bank house A' and ' Saracens' are usually in the mix for 'Second', with the rest of the teams being pretty even.
The 'Park Gate' only needed me for 3 games in 2004/5, and finished 5th. This was similar the following season, but now with only 10 teams involved. I was called upon a lot more in 2006/7, and it is the most succesful season to date. Now down to 9 teams. The league campaign saw us finish 3rd, and we had our best cup run as well. Because of the odd number of teams. A 'Preliminary' round had to be drawn, and we were in it. After winning that, and a 'Quarter Final', the scene was set for a home 'Semi Final' against the mighty 'Sports and Social'. Always consistent, they even have a team member who has been on 'Mastermind'. When the match was drawing nearer. It was revealed that 3 regular members would be absent for this encounter. Because of this, I was obviously called into the team, and a couple of 'Rookie' super subs were also drafted. We lost 64-63 in an epic match with an understrength line up, but we were so close to 'cup glory'.
The last 3 seasons. We have finished 5th each year, and I have been a full member for the last 2. This season we have seen the league reduced to 8 teams, and after 5 matches, you've guessed it, we are 5th. If my health deteriorates further. I might have to give up, as the travelling to away matches although only 10 miles away, gets slightly more painful each time.

'BBC' and the 'Zen' of 'Darts'.

So here we go with the 'World Darts' final on 'BBC2', which is won again by 'Martin Adams'. Then I decide to watch 'Zen' on 'BBC1'. I missed last weeks, but decided to give it a chance. It is based on a famous character from a series of 'Italian' novels, so although spoken in 'English' is actually set in 'Rome'. I suppose 'Wallander' is similar but of course is 'Swedish'. At first I thought the site of all the 'Italian' characters uttering in glorious 'English' would put me off, but you get used to it quickly. The title sequence and incedental music are excellent, and are almost a throwback to old action series of the past. 'Zen' is a cool character who enjoys 'Espresso' and 'fags'. The plot about a secret society, echoes 'Da Vinci Code' but in a less fantastic and more low key way. Not the greatest 'detective' series ever, but because of the nice locations in 'Rome', and some good characters. It is better than many others.

2010. A TV Odyssey.

With another 20 odd average outings of 'Shameless' being the only highlight at the beginning of last year. Other offerings were a little thin on the ground. 'Dr Who' came and went without much 'gusto'. Very average with no great episodes to drool over. The 'World Cup'  took over .......well the world, for ages, and the 'Whitechapel' sequel was a tad dissappointing. Most of my viewing was Films, both on 'TV' and 'DVD', to which I will scribe about in another chapter.

Bloody Sport.

I know Saturday is a traditional 'sports' day, but it does'nt mean you want to watch it 'ad infinitum'. Watched the last bit of 'Arsenal v Leeds' on 'ITV' in the 'FA Cup'. This once great competition is now seen as Third best behind the 'Champions League' and the 'Premiership', so some of the so called 'Shock' results dont have the same meaning as in past times. This is because the bigger clubs play 'fringe' players, so one of the shocks should have said 'Southampton 2 Blackpool reserves 0' for example. I also see that the caption in the left hand corner of live games sees the abbreviation of 'Arsenal' as 'Asl' where it used to read 'Ars' in the past. The latter probobly offended some 'Old Farts Knitting Circle' so it has been altered.
Watched most of the 'Darts' semi finals. That 'Dean Winstanley' looks a bit older than 29, but should give 'Adams' a good run in the final.
Watched 'Iron Man' on 'Channel 4'. This must be the 5th time I have seen it, but there was'nt much on other channels. Also saw the last 30 mins of ' The Secret Life of Bob Monkhouse' on 'BBC 4'. Looked like an interesting piece. I shall look out on 'I Player' or a repeat.

Unhappy New Year.

With my continuing health concerns taking over my entire life at the moment. It is difficult to be optomistic about anything, especially on the viewing front.
It was round to the 'Mother in Laws' for tea on 'New Years Day'. She has just got a 'Freeview HD' TV, so I was playing with that in the afternoon before the other guests arrived. I noticed a few things about this format, that shows it is not flawless. Whilst watching 'Downton Abbey' on 'ITV HD', the first thing you notice is that the picture clarity is good.(Remember these TV's upscale ordinary broadcasts to 1080p so picture all round is pretty fine on standard channels). In 'HD' however. The broadcast standard is1080i, and is only 50hz, where the TV is 100hz. This seems to make the lovely 'HD' pictures look like they are running a frame a second faster so in some scenes the characters walk like an old 'Chaplin' film.
The rest of the week has been taken up with 'Darts'. This is the proper 'BDO' championship on 'BBC', and not the 'Sky' funded 'PDC'. I have One major gripe about this sport, and that is the 'experts' always say the same cliched mumblings 'If he turns up',' he is in form but this is a big tournament, 'a nice lad but'.
The only other things I have watched this week are:
The Incredible Hulk  (2008) film on 'ITV'
'Channel 4s' 'Awfully good TV'. It is a shame that the nearly all of the clips had been seen on similar shows in the past.
I managed to watch a 'DVD' of 'The Bank Job' starring 'Jason Statham'. I was amazed that he could be in a whole film, and only be involved in One punch up.

The Second Week.

Followed the rest of 'Upstairs Downstairs' to the end. The middle episode was very downbeat, almost depressing even. Then the Third and final instalment saved the series by tying up a few loose ends, and having a reasonably happy ending. All in All. A really nice effort, but it was no 'Downton Abbey'. 'Top Gear special' was OK, and ' This is Paul Burling' although being a dated format, was good.
I missed most of the other stuff I wanted to watch due to going early to bed, and as yet having no recording facility. I am sure 'Rock and Chips' and 'Toast' will be repeated, or will still be on 'I Player'.
This has'nt been the best Christmas for all sorts of reasons, and the TV companies hav'nt really helped lift the gloom. Any small TV gems were few this time, and what should have been the Jewel (Doctor Who), was the biggest load of crap ever to grace a TV screen for many a year.

The Big Three.

Christmas Eve.
Saw a bit of the films 'Cars' and 'Prince Caspian', follwed by half watching 'My Family'.

Christmas Day.
After watching the First 25 mins of 'The Polar Express' on 'ITV' and the last 45 mins of 'Shrek the Third' on 'BBC 1. The scene was set for the highlight of the whole Christmas schedule 'Dr Who'. What a pile of tosh. A silly Fantasy story in what is in reality a 'Science Fiction' show. If I had been woken from 'Cryogenic freeze', and saw 'Flying Fish', the men in White coats would section me. At least 'The Royle Family' saved the day with yet another great episode.

Boxing Day.
The eagerly awaited remake of 'Upstairs Downstairs', was the only thing I really watched today. Not a bad effort for the First episode, but  it lacks the humour of say 'Downton Abbey', so was rather droll in parts.

Monday to Thursday.

So we are now into the weekly fodder in the run up to the big day. 'ITV' seem obsessed with repeats of 'Midsomer Murders', while at least the afternoons on 'BBC1' are filled with old comedies like 'Only Fools and Horses' 'Allo Allo' and the like. They are even slotting in a film between 3.30 and 5.15. So even now the schedules are looking 'Festive'.
When it comes to the evenings. Both 'BBC' and 'ITV' seem to have normal schedules, while 'Channel 4' seem obsessed with 'Cookery Programmes'. Surely there can be only a certain number of ways to cook a 'Christmas Dinner'.
I watched the 4 part 'The Nativity' on 'BBC 1'. It was either a very good interpretation of an oft told premise, or it was a tedious arty farty waste of time. We had a double bill of 'Tramodol Nights' on 'Channel 4', and 'ITV' had a live Celebrity 'Who wants to be a Millionaire. This was a failure from the start, and just allowed the producers to ask people to phone in for the 'Viewers games' and get more money in the process. The first celebrity contestants were in the chair for over half of the show, so chaos ensued at the end as time was running out.. If they could have got that ex Tory tart 'Anne Widdicome' to stop telling everybody how good she thinks she really is, and got her answering the questions a bit quicker. Then they could have got more of the others involved.

Week 1. 18th -24th December. Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday 18th December.
The only thing I watched all the way through, was the early evening fodder 'Strictly Come Dancing' Final. Its harmless, and I fancy 'Kara Tointon'.

Sunday 19th December.
Another frustrating day of viewing. The only thing I really watched was '100 Top Toys' on 'Channel 4', and that was in Two different sessions. I watched from 6 o clock until 7.30, from which I then attended my usual fortnightly Quiz. On returning home. I watched the rest on '4OD' via 'PS3'. The 'BBC I Player' has been available for ages, but a week before Christmas both 'ITV Player' and '4OD' were added. The picture quality is'nt brilliant, but 'BBC I Player' and '4OD' are OK. However. The 'ITV Player' has lip sync problems and is shoddy compared to the others.

Christmas TV 2010.

Where do I start?. This is my First attempt at 'Blogging', so be gentle.
I thought I would look at (the very average) TV that I watched over the festive season. Gone are the days when 'Movie Premieres' and 'Big Variety' were commonplace or important. We now don't see proper scheduling, but more like filling of airtime instead. Films do have there place, but not as much as 30 odd years ago. Most Films have already been seen on DVD, but if shown at the right time, can still be credible viewing.
Having downgraded to 'Whats on TV' magazine in recent times. I still fork out the expensive sum of £2.40 for the 'Christmas Radio Times' double issue. Last year covered 18th-31st December, so I will review the things I saw between those dates.