At The Games

Just got back from the Sprite Urban Games in Clapham, for which I’d managed to blag a free 3-day press pass. The event is only open until 8pm over the next three days, which is probably why it felt very empty. Still, the massed ranks of participating skaters (no robot sk8rs, I’m afraid…), BMXers, and B-Boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I took lots of photos - which was nice. The B-Boy arena was my favourite, just like in that Run DMC/Jason Nevins video. I’ve got no idea what it’s all about or what the rules might be - beyond the fact that no “nine minute commandos were allowed” in the final round; all very entertaining…

A journalist interviews Sir Paul McCartney:

 
“So, Sir Paul, do you think that you will ever
go down on one knee again?”
Sir Paul: “I’d prefer it if you called her Heather”.

Cauty Crushes 4K Car

This is exactly the sort of thing many of us would love to do. Fortunately for ex-KLF frontman James Cauty he’s now a cash-fluid artiste and can probably afford to take the hit if it doesn’t work out as planned. Great stunt though, and worth every penny even if if all it achieves is column inches of bad publicity for County Cars:

Stupid things and reminiscences (or vice-versa).

…what’re you trying to say like ?

On another note: the new Spidey 3 trailer is now online, and it looks awesome! (thanks to Binky for the heads up on this one), and about a squillion times better than the ridiculously (but accurately) titled ‘Snakes On A Plane‘..

I’ve been listening to The Wonder Stuff this afternoon, probably for the first time in 14 years. The fact that I’m able to place the date so accurately has meant that listening to it took me riiiiight back to a time when (…well, never mind.) ‘Its Yer Money I’m After…’ provoked flashbacks of dancing with someone, both shouting the lyrics at each other. I don’t remember ever dancing to The Wonder Stuff, but I guess flashbacks never lie, so it must be true. ‘Circle Square’ in particular made me smile - maybe I’ve got that one on a home made compilation tape somewhere…

They wuz robbed!

I was gutted at the way the Socceroos went out of the cup last night - f***ing disgraceful diving by the Italians, and for it to happen in the dying seconds of the game just rubbed salt into the wound. Still, if they had to go out, it was probably better than going out pretty much any other way. They did really well, and I’m sure we’ll see them again in four years time.
Elsewhere, secret footage of the Italian team in training has just been released…, you might like to compare and contrast it with this exclusive footage of the Australian fans in training. :

Song for the day:
You Trip Me Up - The Jesus & Mary Chain

NPB feels my wrath!

I've just had to relist a book I sold on eBay over two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the original high bidder has failed to come up with the goods - and despite reporting that the cheque hadn't been cashed refused to let me know when he'd posted the cheque, by what method he'd posted it, or to where. He even threatened to 'report me to eBay' if I kept hassling him for payment. Now that I've filed a non-paying bidder alert against him, I fully expect the cheque to turn up in the next couple of days.
Sixteen days is a bit too long to have to wait for a cheque, not least when it would take another week to clear. It's not even as though I got a particularly good price for the book in the first place…
That said, this bidder has been the tip of the iceberg recently. I've encountered a bit of a run of high bidders who take weeks to pay, or who - on winning, immediately email me and suggest I 'resell' or offer the item to someone else as they're 'not bothered about the item really…' ! So sorry, if this relisting seems harsh, but it's time to make a stand. If you haven't paid within two weeks expect a kick up the arse.

London - Southend ?

Following the fun of the London-Brighton, and in an effort to keep up the momentum, I’ve just entered the London - Southend:
59 miles, Sunday 9^th July, so should be back in time for the cup final. Not for charity this time around, as there's only so much charity hassle friends and colleagues can take!
I’ve gone for a 7.30 start - any of you cycling types fancy joining me ?

Scissor Sisters

Went to see The Scissor Sisters gig at The Scala tonight! A very exclusive gig, not available to the general public - tickets were made available at The Scala’s regular Friday night bash - Popstarz.
Less than a thousand people watched (including, from the balcony, Elton John, David Furnish, and friends). The band played all their hits (encoring with ‘Filthy Gorgeous’) and about five tracks from the new album ‘Ta-Dah!’. Great stuff, and all over with by 10.30 in time for the publically accessible ‘after show party’. Home in time for hot dogs.

Set list (courtesy of music like dirt):

Take Your Mama
I Can’t Decide
Tits on the radio
She’s my man
Laura
Paul McCartney
Everybody wants the same thing
Kiss You Off
Mary
The Other Side
I Don’t Feel like Dancing
Comfortably Numb
Music is the victim
Land of A Thousand Words

Encore
Filthy Gorgeous

London - Brighton: Results

Time: 3hrs. 16 mins.
Average Speed: 16mph
Distance 52.26 miles
Maximum Speed: 41mph

Well, I managed it - and I'm really pleased with the result! My target time was 4hrs., and I'd told myself (and others) that I'd be disappointed if my time was greater than four-and-a-half hours. Imagine my surprise when I checked my computer around the 26 mile mark to see how I was doing and it read 1hr. 40mins.!

Linky Friday #1

Here's a bunch of things I found interesting today:
Finger Football - cool World Cup stylee video
The Darwin Awards (with Winona Ryder)
Stackopolis - the new Tetris ?
Ratatouille and Transformers Trailers
A cool media player what plugs into your telly
Good Search - search the web and donate to charidee at the same time!
TiVo via Slingbox - a great demo showing you how you can watch TV, change channels etc. on your Motorola Q. This is so the future.