Portsmouth Away (New Years Eve)

Alright, alright.

First of all I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope all your celebrations went well and you are looking forward to the fun of the weekend. My celebrations will be tame by virtue of falling ill once again with a cold. Figures, the last day of the year, I spend half of it in bed. However, the second half is proving to be more of the usual show.

(I believe it was the shot of Brugal in the tea.)

Quick reminder, for those who are coming. Station (my band) is playing the Sidebar on the 2nd. I hope that you all can make it out, but if not, so be it.

So Portsmouth, a team I actually feel kind of bad for, is having tons of issues both on and off the pitch. I hope they can get it together. Here is to wishing Pompey a better new year and to a great escape out of relegation.

I remember, fondly, Leeds dropping... dropping... dropping and I really didn't care too much. They, well didn't deserve to drop, but I had no real feelings for it either way. Portsmouth on the other hand I have a soft spot for.

Play up Pompey. Play up!

So shall I do a quick look back? Well not really, nothing exciting is happening. I started this blog on a whim, well a well thought out whim. I felt like there were stories from a supporter's perspective that needed to be told. We all hear about this player and that, this coach and that, but we seem to forget about what makes the teams keep going.

They cynic in me would say, the all mighty pound, dollar, euro or what have you. In essence though, the bare bottom of it, is heart. Now I sound like one of the Cantona Joga Bonito adverts.



The fact of the matter is, if there wasn't this heart, passion or rabid spirit for these teams/leagues. There would be no teams/leagues. For comparison, while the MLS is still a toddler there is not as much support, even in comparison to say Coca Cola division 2. Better yet, let's talk about the defunct NASL.

The NASL had names with star power, even changed some of the rules to accommodate the masses, however it did not enjoy the same support as some of the European and South American leagues and teams. It's this support, the cogs in the wheel that keep things going.

The only time you hear about supporters of proper football, it is usually in the light of "hooliganism" reported by some short-sighted journo who needs a story before their deadline. While I'm not against like minded individuals stomping the shit out of each other on a Saturday afternoon. I am against the over-simplification and denegration of the wide range of supporters that do exist.

This is why I do this blog. Hopefully someone will stumble across it and it will open their eyes and they will go "Hey, this doesn't seem all that bad Martha." They will come to understand that because someone puts on a kit and scarf and sings mildly offensive songs at the top of their lungs at 9 AM on a Saturday morning, that they are not bad people or even miscreants or soccer hooligans, as a woman put it to me a few seasons ago.

Well here's to a new decade and hopefully an excellent finish to an already surprising EPL season. I hope to see those that are near soon and those that are far, some time later.

Bonne Annee

~LeChat

Villa at Home (and other holiday stuff.. so it is long)

Alright, here we go. I was debating on whether I should start this from mid-week or not. I decided, probably against my better intuition, why not... funny things did happen. So grab a cup of tea and some warm slippers.

Christmas Eve-Eve

The night prior my old indoor friends were looking for people to fill in for their match at local indoor arena. I had nothing better to do so figured I would make an appearance and run around a bit. I jotted out a quick, "I'll be there," and that was done.

After work, I decided it would be best for me not to travel all the way to the homestead and go have some food and drinks at one of the fine establishments between the arena and work. I made some calls and met up with ChelskiGirl for a couple. She was filling me in on her trip, since I hadn't heard anything from her since she had returned.

Somewhere along the second cocktail or so, a bright idea came across to go see this Polish Christmas Carole Parade. We met up with a couple of her friends and ended up amongst a mob of Polish/Semi-Polish or whatever. There was a truck pulling a guy with an accordian, a drummer with a full drum set and a couple of horn players.

I mean it had to have been well over 100 people all massed on Broadway singing Jingle Bells. When we got up there with the santa hat wearing friends, it was just in time for the critical mass to begin its movement.

Things to note: Christmas Eve Eve was bloody cold, well bloody cold to be walking around and caroling. I just wanted a beer. Apparently, there are other people who really like this sort of thing. Correction: A shit ton of people who like said thing.

That's me hiding my face with one of the Santa Hat wearing friends.

Well after following the procession around for five more minutes, ChelskiGirl and I ducked out to her other place of employment to imbibe in some Chocolate Stouts. It was just the thing needed for a cold winter night.

My infinite wisdom, having about 3 of these Stouts, was in a mood to go play some football. I was tip top as they say. I make it to the arena and play had already started. I changed into the old uniform, felt good, made my way to the floor and hopped on as a sub. Less than 1 minute on, the other team wanted me to change, for kit clashing. The ref was even a little confused and whispered a comment as such.

Being the uniformly anal person I am about my kits, I put on the other black one, without the white fade and all was good. There's not much to mention of the game. I stumbled around for a bit, shoved a couple of people but didn't gain any cards.

I was having a good time though, so I hope I can fill in some other time. My ankle didn't even bother me, which is always double plus good. Now if I could only get the defense to pump the ball forward to me, then maybe I could have one of my little cheeky goals that I like.

On the way home, in my mind... I started calling randomly selected people from my phone. I still don't know why. A Certain Scouser was the unlucky one who answered. We talked for a bit, apparently she was in Buffalo robbing houses or something. That's all I can really remember her saying and something about not driving crazy, still unsure on that last part.

Actual Christmas Eve

The day started out nice. I was surprised that my ankle wasn't giving it to me, which had me overjoyed. That evening, some of us were getting together for a Christmas Eve dinner. I was bringing the eggnog or so it had been decided over Chocolate Stouts the night before or somewhere along the line.

I will point out two cool things, besides giving ChelskiGirl her BFF mug, which was more embarrassing to buy than anything else. A big giant pink mug for my BFF, I know the girl at the register was thinking I had some issues. Well I did get this great Madness tea towel. I need to figure out where to put it, but that's the first cool thing.

Second cool thing was Birmingwho coming in late, a bit well for the wear. He offered some vodka that he had but there was less than a quarter of the bottle left. He was in rare form and kept saying "Arsenal are going to lose to Villa, you know that right." He must have repeated it like 5 times before knocking over several glasses of water and then passing out on the couch.

Christmas Day

Two words: BRUGAL RUM!

My Real (facist) loving cousin's wife had me in the family Christmas exchange. We cracked it open and had cuba libre's all afternoon. Beauty, eh?

Boxing Day!!! (St. Stephen's Day)

This has seriously become my favorite holiday, especially over the most recent years since you can get so many games on the satellite now. It's footballing heaven. Well, the Arsenal weren't playing til Sunday, due to whatever genius who created the schedule. However, the day did hold some nice points dropping surprises and a Scouser win. You don't see too many of those lately.

I just realized my speakers have gone to shit on my desktop. It took an Untouchables song to realize it. Hmm, surround sound here I come.



Boxing day had a weird non-influx of people. HalfArseDean pointed it out but I hadn't noticed. It was a significantly smaller crowd than in the past. Maybe the weather, maybe people traveling cause of the weekend being long but it still had an energy about it in my opinion.

I LOVE BOXING DAY!

St. John the Apostle's Day (otherwise known as the day after Boxing Day)

Did I ever tell you I love the Saint's calendar? It's a very interesting hodge podge of people who have been beatified. Now don't think I'm some over zealous religious nut but I do find the subject interesting to say the least. I blame it on Art History, you can't escape the subject.

The Arsenal were playing early, so as normal I did not go out late the night before. I make it into the pub to be greeted by an overly jovial GrumpyGooner. Well with a very loud, "Yah fahkin Cunt!"

His excuse is that he had been up all night, enjoying the life and got zero sleep. I do feel bad that his girl had to wake him up and drag his big ass down to the pub. GrumpyGooner was in rare form, even tried picking a fight with a 4 year old, who probably could have taken him in his state. The 4 year old was non-plussed to say the least. His mum is a Gooner, so she made sure GrumpyGooner didn't get the bottle to the head.

Well the pub Gooners are starting to have some injury woes as well, LilBlondieGooner broke her clavicle or something. She's in a brace, but seriously, don't help her cut her French Toast. She was about to stab NightCaller.

HalfArseDean wound her up a little bit as well. I thought she was going to have him. I thought they gave you pain medication to sedate you. I mean she's small and all, would figure she'd be half knocked out.

Bayern gave me a nice shirt. I felt kind of bad, cause as usual I was present-less. I just wanted to give a big hearty thanks mate and seriously...

Who the Fuck Are MAN UNITED?

I am going to give it to Hull, making them bastards work for their points. I just wanted them to drop two. I hadn't counted on a Hull win but it would have been nice. It would have been nice. It would have been nice. MancScum!

Oh and for those that read this and like American Football.

FUCK PITTSBURGH! FUCKING SCUM!

MONDAY (Sorry I am not looking up the Saint)

OK, I know it's not the day after but this is comedy gold, and I quote, The Guardian of course,...

Roberto Mancini, the new Manchester City manager, predicted his side could catch Chelsea at the top of the Premier League after their 3-0 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers maintained his immaculate start as Mark Hughes's replacement.

DUDE, you beat Wolves! Calm down. Calm Down.

Ciao
~LeChat

Hull at Home

This weekend I found myself stuck in quite a bit of snow. I would like to say it was about 12 inches on the ground before I even ventured out but I wouldn't be exactly truthful, as I didn't measure. I spent half the morning trying to order the game package from local cable company, to no avail.

Everyone was probably doubling up on some channels at the same time and I'm impatient when it comes to myself buying stuff. If I'm ready to buy, give me service and give it to me now. Otherwise, I am just window shopping so don't bother me.

I got a few messages from A Certain Scouser inquiring why I wasn't at the pub. My answer, of course was along the lines of, "Do you see all that snow on the ground?"

That went back and forth for a few moments, but basically I was stuck. One bad thing about living just outside the city, no way to get to the city. I could have tried to find a bus running or called a cab but it's not worth it. Most people in the general area don't know or simply can't understand the concept of driving in weather; snow, rain, fog, or otherwise. I'd rather take my chances on my own and decided it would better be spent doing fuck all.

Anyways, DJM told me to order by remote on my cable box. ALSO, to no avail... about this time I was purely frustrated with my local cable monopoly. I hopped onto Arsenal.com and forked over a few quid for ArsenalTV.

Have you ever felt like a junkie, needing to get your fix somehow? I even endured the early game on ESPN2 with Mr. ONION BAG Smyth. Now I was dropping my hard earned bucks on the choppy picture from Arsenal.com. It was like watching a slideshow with audio commentary, except with no "oops I didn't mean to snap a picture of that woman's bikini clad bottom" pictures.

By the way, some "Stephen Hunt" fan decided to take the piss out of me on my mobile as well. I still can't figure out who it is. I wish they would step forward before I start prank calling them from various other phones. So in short, Mr. or Ms. Stephen Hunt fan, HA fucking HA!

or as ChelskiGirl put it, "Hunt's a dirty cunt."

SUNDAY

Much of the same, absolutely nothing. I spent the good portion of the morning digging out from the 20 odd inches of snow in my backyard, plus the 50 foot of driveway. This is the one time I miss living in the condo, well this and the cats but that's a different story.

Luckily my RealMadrid loving cousin came out to assist and we ended up with a 3 man shovel brigade with the one kid up the street. I still owe that kid a couple of bucks, he worked like a "insert whatever cultural stereotype you would like" trying to "insert whatever direct object you think that above said stereotype would work very hard for or against."

Am I being PC? Not at all, just I have to many I can throw out there and I want to make sure I offend everyone equally. I have a long list of things but it doesn't matter. They are all bad.

ACMilan gives me a call about going stir crazy and that he was thinking of heading up to the pub. I let him know that I was worn out from all the shoveling, that being two long ass driveways and a couple of cars. At first, I thought I would make it out but my body hit the bed and the next thing I know it was once again dark outside.

I do love the snow, but I do love football in the pub, with my mates, much better.

~LeChat

Burnley Away

DRAW!

Yes I should pull out all my guns on this one. However, as usual, I was working, so I only saw replays. It is not like it matters much, because, from what I understand it was nothing.

I actually enjoy my job. So I really don't mind that I miss these mid-week fixtures at times. The one thing I can say is that my work is never boring. Most of my days, in general, end up in draws.

The crux of my employment is connecting low income people with pro-bono attorneys. While on the surface it doesn't sound hard but it is one of those things you have to experience.

Some of the folks that call in are pretty normal and just ran into a spot of bad luck, like losing to Sunderland. On paper, you should walk all over life but reality is, you dropped the points. You dropped points at the most inopportune time, for whatever reason.

You might blame it on the economy and not having enough to spend. You might blame it on not having the right tools to compete. In the end, it doesn't really matter because now you are in the situation that you are in and it's time to fix it.

Now the normal ones will say, "Hey, I just need a little help. I can get back in the game," or "If I can just get past this," or something along those lines. Those are the people that realize that most of their situation is combination of this bad luck, improper planning or simply being unrealistic and coming to terms with what needs to be done.

So, if that is normal, by my definition, then there must be a non-normal, or as I like to say KORAZIE. Fine, you got me, I've never said anything like that in my life before.

Now crazy comes in all kinds of flavors, just to keep it interesting. I wish I could break it down into digestible slices but at this time I don't think it's possible, but here are a few examples.

Tim "Fucking" Howard - Now Tim is not really crazy, on his own accord but he does suffer from Tourette's or so it's said. This means sometimes he has this little tick thing going on that he can't control. Now Tim Howard crazy is mild, not really his fault, just happens that way. This I feel for because there's not much you can do but deal with it in your own way. Plus, Tim Howard is still great because he knows what's going on and is working with it.

Jens "Mad German" Lehmann - Unpredictable crazy. Poor Jens, you never know what he's going to do next. First he's world class, the kind of bloke you would love to have a beer with, then... he's totally lost the plot, punching people in the face, swearing like an Austrian, drop kicking like an Angry Samoan. This is the kind of crazy I am terrified of because you never know when it's going to kick off.

Sepp Blatter - This is sort of an "out of touch" with reality crazy. Do I really need to explain this one? I mean the man just doesn't have a bloody clue. Typical politican. Another example of this would be Harry Rednapp, who insists that Scum will be a top 4 club. Crazy innit.

Arsene Wenger - I love Arsene. He's one of the best managers around, but you know sometimes, just sometimes, his paranoia even gets to me. I like talking to this type of crazy when they call into my work. As long as you aren't the one who is the "cause" of their issues, they can bring some interesting insights to what is usually just routine to every one else. I welcome this crazy.

The Whole of WALES - Yah, you're not really a real country. Pure delusional, sorry, it's not going to happen, just deal with it and speaking in foreign tongues does you no service. That's like hanging out with Tolkein elves at Ren-fest, just deluded. No one wants to understand you anyways.

Beckham - Another type of delusional. Constantly told he's great and a superstar but when reality comes knocking, he hasn't produced in quite some time. When he does produce, then maybe we can call him great, but until that time, you're not really that good or as good as you used to be. Get used to it.

The list, as I said, can go on and on. I didn't even approach the whole Bellamy thing. However, like I said, just a sampling of the types of crazy I have to deal with on a regular basis.

Anyways, here is to hoping that the wintry mix doesn't ruin a footballers weekend.

~LeChat

Liverpool Away

What a glorious weekend! I will admit my memory of certain said events have faded due to the Sunday Funday Good Luck Day of events that transpired. However I believe I should keep this in some kind of chronological format.

Saturday

I found myself putting up the lights for Christmas, one of my least favorite activities. I really don't see much point in it anymore, they're just stupid little lights. Maybe it is others that find this to be of some enjoyment, personally I feel it's an act of futility.

However, the fact of the matter is that I need to play nice to keep a roof over my head and not pay rent. So, my Saturday was to be spent putting up these bloody lights and sitting around in my room playing video games.

Yes, this was my big plan. I am not that interesting of a person. Give me a web connection and a fast computer and I will hole up for days living off of microwave meals, coffee and other refreshing beverages.

Fine, I will leave out for some Chick-fil-a or to get more beer/rum/grey goose.

I am about to settle in and then I get the miracle text -
(by the way I apparently can't spell miracle correctly in 3 tries)

10.56AM ChelskiGirl: Well this isn't good. Angry Chelsea fans.

My interest is peaked. I realized I hadn't looked at any scores at this time. I had just got in from hanging the lights and was just settling down in my chair for a day of gaming fun.

10.57AM LeChat: Oh Yah?

I hop on the laptop, click click click, Guardian football scores.
CONFIRMED! Chelski was bottling it big time against Everton. Which serves ChelskiGirl right for going to London and seeing Madness.

There is a GOD and he/she/it loves the Arsenal.

I dropped whatever it was that I was planning, put my shoes, coat and gloves back on and headed towards the promised land, or as I call it the pub.

11.08AM ChelskiGirl: Sad quiet and grunting

All I can say is that I made it to the pub in record time. Schumacher would have been proud. I walked in just as the second half was starting and IrishDave is giving it up big time to the ChelskiBoys. I got a few glaring but welcoming nods and I think someone may have told me to go home. I just smiled and found a spot to watch the dismantling of the glorious Chelski at the hands of a mid-table Everton.

11.18AM LeChat: hehe

Chelski scores one shortly into the second. The Boys were doing their little dance and song. I quietly vowed to myself not to come down for any more Chelski games, since it must be me who is giving them luck.

11.22AM ChelskiGirl: Better now!

At this point in time, I am figuring this will just end up being another shit weekend. I got my hopes up only to have them shattered, once again. Then in the glory of a once most hated and now semi-liked striker who shall go by the name of SAHA. Saha salvation is now upon us in 4 minutes.

11.26AM LeChat: Yes much better

11.27AM ChelskiGirl: Fuck you

Such harsh words. I, however, was more than content with the draw. I couldn't help but not wipe the Chesire grin off my face. The ChelskiBoys for the most part consigned themselves to the result as we all focused on bewitching the MancScum.

Word around the pub about this time is that Wolves had stuffed Scum, 1-Nil. ManShitty, which had a small vocal crowd in the back section had also drawn to Bolton.

Quick note: There was a random Scum supporter. I hadn't really been paying attention but assumed he was ManShitty from the bluish colour of his kit. He mentioned something about covering it up. I looked at him after he had pulled his jacket closed and said something to the effect of Bolton being a tough team.

He chuckled nervously and said "OH, no, we lost to Wolves," then showed me the badge.

I laughed, "Ha! Fucking scum deserved it."

We spoke a little bit about league positions and then he had to leave. I took the table he was sitting at, just to have a good view of the televisions and optimum abuse hurling positioning.

There was actually a good number of United supporters. HalfArseDean and I were making comments how the one guy looked like the blonde kid from the Karate Kid movie. This led to several movie quotes between the two of us and the Sheriff.


Villa go up with the Agbonlahor strike and I kid you not, more than half the pub started cheering. However, it was a nervous second half. MancScum has the ability to turn a 1-nil first half into a 1-4 second half rather quickly or as ChelskiGirl put it, "London is waiting with baited breath... VillaVillaVilla."

To add to my mood, the fat C*nt Rooney gets a card for diving. I felt like I was in an alternate universe. I think everyone did, about fucking time.

The second half seemed to drag on forever and 3 days. When it was all said and done and the final whistle was blown, the scoreline stood. One Nil to the Villa!

I found the exit, as I had plenty to do and didn't want to kill my bank account before the Scouser match on Sunday.

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!

Live at the pub, Thames Street, Baltimore.

In this corner, wearing the red. The Red tide of money snatching, granny mugging, hubcap robbing, ice pick striking northern bastards.... SCOUSERS!

In the opposite corner, wearing the away blue. The youthful and rather short side, visiting from the beautiful Ashburton Grove, North London... The Royal ARSENAL!

For those who don't know, well if you are reading this, you probably do know, that Gunner-Scouse fixtures are a big deal, no matter when they come on the calendar. They are akin to any of the big 4 meetings, more respectful and sporting than say a Gunner-MancScum fixture and less one-sided than Gunner-Scum fixtures.

Ahh, I remember the snatching the league at Anfield, 1989.
10 minutes for you to enjoy. A moment I can relive over and over.
Thank GOD for YouTube, seriously.



I appeared at the pub early, to get some breakfast in and find a good seat, as I expected the Red Scouse Tide to takeover the pub, as usual. HalfArseDean had beaten me there and I settled down at the booth with him.

It was actually quite quiet for some time. WestsideScouser came in shortly after and grabbed the small table where he's usually sitting. We all joked around for a bit, no one really expecting anything to happen.

WestsideScouser was telling us about one of the ChelskiBoys that he's good friends with. Apparently, he takes quite some time getting all primmed up before he comes out. I vow to start calling him Girlfriend from now on.

WestsideScouser agrees that it is spot on. Girlfriend shows up about 10 minutes after, and is greeted by his new nickname, taking it in stride like a good woman should.

He's always quick on the quips anyways so he gives it as much as he takes it. Hmm, talking about a ChelskiBoy like that makes me feel kind of gross.

Gooners started coming in about 30 minutes before kick off, Scousers seemed to be running late. It was really odd. However, the usuals were in place. GrumpyGooner, HalfArseDean, LilBlondieGooner, Nightcaller, Bistroboys(Yes, some have come back and I know they probably hate that I refer to them that way but I never have been to the Bistro, they have) and several others.

A good Arsenal showing I must say. We understand the importance of every point at this point in the season. It has come to a do or die situation and with the results from Saturday, now we have the drivers seat.

Scousers were still a little thin. A Certain Scouser hadn't even showed up. The Librarian had sent out a text with no response. MancDJ had also popped in looking for her as well. Time was counting down and I have to admit I was a bit surprised she hadn't shown up, so I called.

No answer. Very odd but I figured she was being her usual self, whatever that is. I swear the girl has multiple personality disorder but I'm going to leave it at that. I think she would swear to it as well.

All in all it was a decent game, with a semi-decent gathering. I got really angered by the first Scouse goal and paced all over the place during the half-time break. I knew the weekend had gone too well and the Arsenal had bottled it, like everyone else.

Then lo and behold, like the savior he did not wish to become, Glen Johnson (own goal). Followed by the beauty and precision of a finely tuned automobile, er... Russian fashion designer, Yes! Little Arshavin puts in the most beautiful goal that I have witnessed in ages.

Overjoyed does not describe the feelings that yours truly had at the moment. HalfArseDean was there to whisper "Calm down, Calm down," to me just because it wasn't over yet. Let's just see it was a good finish.

2 crucial goals at Anfield, 20 years and 6 1/2 months later.

After the match, most of the crowd dispersed. Happy Gooners, disappointed Scousers and the few random usuals hanging about. MiniMourhino, Sheffield, ACMilan, LilBlondieGooner, NightCaller and myself hung around for a bit. DoratheExplorer joined us for a bit, which is always a fun time.

NightCaller and I decided to give ScouseDrummer some abuse. I dialed his number and before a word could be spoken he answered. FUCK OFF!

You got to love your mates, even if they are Scouse.

Our little crowd, with the encouragement of Irish started doing football chants during the Ravens game. It was pretty hilarious. The normals who had come in, either laughed or looked in pure shock at us. Someone commented "Isn't their game over?", which was promptly followed by It's ARSELOBA LALALALALA!

Some abuse was hurled around and a lot of laughter. One couple after a rather course round of abuse between myself and Irish decided they had enough, quickly paid their tab and fucked off. We all knew it was a small victory and laughed amongst ourselves.

All good things must come to an end. I agreed to take NightCaller and LilBlondieGooner up to NightCaller's restaurant. LilBlondie and I sat and ate some food that NightCaller had prepared for us. Good times!

By the way, spot on suggestion on the meal NightCaller! Cheers!

I headed back to my hovel, satiated and in a brilliant mood. A great weekend with good mates and wonderful results all around.

It's AR-SE-LO-BA LALALALALALA! ARSELOBA FC! The greatest team that no one has ever seen!

~LeChat

Midweek - Radio Show - Olympiakos Away (CL)

Same day post, now what do we owe this pleasure?

Well, to be honest, it's a post the day after the remote broadcast from the pub. Which I must say was an interesting little happening. I'll take a moment to mention the Champions League in brief because really not much happened from the Arsenal point of view.

The Arsenal fielded a young side and took a reasonable loss. The scoreline justly reflects that. Of course, I am only going off of highlight reels and not the whole match. However, what is slightly more interesting is the Scousers fell once again. It is really not their year. I would say my heart goes out to that lot but I wouldn't really be sincere with it at this time.

Radio...... life transmission.....

As many of you may or may not know, one of the local sports shows decided to do a remote broadcast from the pub. The focus was on the World Cup draw and impressions from some of the pundits and players, more like two or three. Little to my knowledge, the extremely talkative Manc chap who was at Grant Wahl's reading was the radio host.

Early Monday evening, SlainteLOSC was sending me messages about this thing. Apparently there was an FB invite to it but I don't recall ever receiving it. I agreed to show up, just to represent and see what was really happening.

After work on Tuesday, I head over to the pub. The downstairs was bare, maybe 2 or 3 random people but nothing exciting. I take a few moments to harass Little sister and say hey to Bridge then head up.

Little sister was warning me that they all looked like skinheads. I laughed and said they were probably all balding and shaved the rest off to look cool. She wasn't convinced, so I started singing some lines from some random old school dirty reggae song as I headed upstairs.

Exactly as expected, just a couple of random guys. I immediately recognized the talkative Manc and put it all together about him hosting the radio show. Part of me knew how this was going to play out but I would endure it either way.

Manager in Black came over and was talking me up to the TalkativeManc. We nodded and he asked if I had any questions for Alexi Lalas. I bit my tongue and just said no but I was thinking "What the fuck would I ask that dude a question for?"

Yes I am being nice today, can you tell?

It was more interesting that Grant Wahl was going to be there. I'll say it again, very cool guy. Now if I had a question to ask, that is the man to ask the questions.

Grant came in and talked to me for a bit about the Arsenal. TalkativeManc came over and started yapping his ear off. I will say Grant is a patient man. They went over to the broadcast set up to begin the show and go over some of the talking points.

I took a seat at the bar, SlainteLOSC joined me and we perused some scores from Europa and he gave me a little jibe about Lyon losing to Lille. The Manager in Black sat on the other side of me just as the show began.

The first bit was a little interesting, however the three stooges began our own conversation. All I can remember is there was a discussion about the Revolutionary War, Lafayette, and something about how come the French got their asses kicked by the English.

My response -> We did not cheat. followed by a Gallic shrug.

Somehow, I hope none of that got picked up on the mics. The show continued, one of the DC United players was on for a bit, talking about things and then some more commercial breaks. Grant and TalkativeManc, with his sidekick, got into a decent discussion about the African teams.

HOWEVER, after the 10th commercial break, they had to start talking about American Football, to keep their numbers up, or so they say. I really think there needs to be a proper football show, if you are going to call yourself a sports radio station.

One show where it is on target, that would help raise the level of interest. People just aren't exposed to the beautiful game like they should be and when they are, it's by some semi-supporter of (insert the club everyone supports). It gives a very skewed vision of the dynamics that reside in the game and within the greater culture surrounding the game.

So, there were like about 20 people scattered around the pub, they all converged for the Ravens segment, like flies to shit. It was really odd. SlainteLOSC and myself moved to the corner by the bar supplies and talked about the crowd. We also decided to stack a bunch of the kiddie cups and thought of other ways to entertain ourselves at the expense of others.

Final segment was with the gentleman from the Baltimore Brigade. One of the US supporters club that is based in Baltimore, of course. I bet you had trouble figuring that one out. They are trying to connect with one of the national groups, forget which one but it's not Sam's Army.

So the broadcast ends and that is my cue to head home. Like I said, it was interesting and now I understand why TalkativeManc is the way he is. I don't think he has an off button.

They are planning on doing some more remote broadcasts closer to WC2010, so we will see.

Final Note

I actually failed in my radio bombing. The only thing I really did was yell WOOOO really obnoxiously whenever they mentioned pub on the air. I know, not exciting, should have broken into some vulgar football songs and see how many F-words I could get away with before being carded.

Such is my life!

~LeChat

Stoke at Home *yawn*

The fine month of Decembre rolls in with out much a hitch. I guess the small exception of the left over funk that I have been in, hangover from last month. I won't dwell on the negatives though. Positive thoughts, positive actions.

Who the hell am I kidding?

Saturday

Let's start this out properly by saying there are better things to watch than Pompey v. Burnley, but then I'd be lying. I made it down for at least the second half if my memory serves correctly. I wasn't in much of a hurry to catch the beginning but it was nice to see Pompey deliver some points.

There is something about that club that I like. I don't know what IT is though.

I also don't know if it is the holidays or what lately. The pub has been a little thinner crowd wise. I think I may have mentioned this before but it may have just been the games being shown.

Since, Scousers were on the big screen, I went to the Arsenal section. Yes, the official Arsenal section, in the back with the big comfy booths and the small telly that sits at an angle. It has a certain quaintness about it, if you ask me. I know some will disagree but honestly I don't give a fuck what they think.

My blog, my opinion. Piss off.

The Arsenal section, believe it or not, was more abuzz with WC2010 conversations than actual paying attention to game. It wasn't that exciting of a tie. The Gunners just aren't about playing their usual beautiful football lately. Quite depressing when you really think about when it is all clicking together.

At one point in time, we were trying to pull up the groups. For some reason my phone, which has been crappy ever since the new WinMobile came out, wasn't able to pull anything worthwhile across. ChiTownGooner pulls out her I-phone and started trying to locate it as well. She kept pulling up articles related to people's opinions on the draw and not the actual draw itself.

Finally, I mentioned that the FIFA site should have it. I still don't know why we were looking in other places for it. Anyways, after searching for about 10 minutes, TheFlanneledGooner says, "OH we found out what we were looking for, just wanted to see how long it would take you guys."

Yah, thanks mate.

The other portion of time spent in the Arsenal section was trying to pull off the best imitations of ManCity himself. The more Chelski supporters that started arriving, the more we started bellowing out "CITEEEEHHHHH!"

I believe B-boy started that but it was fun to say the least. So ManCity, we of the Arsenal section salute you. At least when you're playing Chelski and MancScum and proper Scum. I don't really know about other times.

OH and by the way, I do not look like SWP.

Now for the fun!

Chelski, HAHAHA, you bitches loss to City.

The only bad part is the solid drubbing that MancScum gave to WestHam. It was interesting to see as many WestHam supporters as MancScum.

Ah, I remembered there was a positive to all this... ChelskiGirl being the good friend she is, downloaded some Madness for me and put it on a CD. It's good to have a thoughtful friend, who is still trying to bribe me.

However, with every positive there is a negative. I made the mistake of trying to wind up SlainteLOSC and paid for it. O'Lyon took a shot to the head and were deflated by Lille. This was made very clear on my FB page.

After the Chelski game, I had to break out west to attend my littlest cousin's Princess Party. Let me tell you, it is an odd feeling going from pub to hanging out with family and trying to keep it all under your hat, so to speak.

It was a nice little soiree but the lure and drag of more football being shown was pulling me back towards the pub. Alright it was a call from ACMilan who was watching the Italian Oscars by himself. I headed down and kept him company for a bit before turning in for the evening.

Sunday

I had a rather sour morning. I learned that depending on people to do things is something that I am at fault at and should not set myself up for that kind of disappointment. Anyways enough about all that noise cause it has nothing to do with football at all.

However, ChelskiGirl had my CD all done and I was to meet her down for the second half of the Everton-Scum game. The Scum had a 2-nil lead at one point and the one Yid who looks like he'd kill you if given half a chance was down at the opposite end of the bar.

All I remember hearing was something about how the Scum would be in 3rd above the Arsenal. It is not something I like to hear on a Sunday morning. Mind you, I am sure this guy is a nice enough bloke but we have never said two words to each other. I am not sure if it's because of our allegiances or just, who the fuck am I kidding?

So 1 Yid and 1 Toffee are sitting there, plus myself and ChelskiGirl who believes throwing a CD at me is the best way to greet me. It was a Madness CD so all is forgiven on that account.

Now, like I said I was having a shit day to begin with and watching the fucking Scum being up 2-nil was not making it much better. I took a deep breath and was about to begin resigning myself and the Arsenal to fourth.

But, OH how does the patience pay off for M. LeChat?

Yakuba and Saha, my new best mates.. oh and Timmy "FUCKING" Howard, saving against the Defoe penalty. Saha with what would have been Goal of the Year had he scored it and a reignited Everton squad dismantling Good Ol'Arry's piece of shit SCUM!

So all in all the Sunday turned out so-so.

Shyte morning with slight downpour followed by the glorious sun arising and drying everything out. Itsy-Bitsy spider climbing the bloody fahkin rain spout.

And a Madness CD!

~LeChat

Midweek - ManCity Away (Carling Cup)

I am out of witticisms like the Arsenal in the Milk Cup. Lately writing these blogs have been a great chore. I don't mean like washing dishes or mopping the floor. I am talking about stripping the walls, putting on a base coat and then covering that with a nice warm red currant with gold accents. I can't even make it pretty anymore.

A week or so ago, I didn't feel up to doing a mid-week. It didn't really matter much anyways but A Certain Scouser reminded me of it. I don't know whether to damn her for actually pointing out the fact or thank her for actually being an avid follower.

I know I've strayed from my usual blogginess as well, for that I do apologize but November is a not so good month for me traditionally. I can't even blame it on the form of my beloved Arsenal but on more personal matters that I don't really care to go into on such a public forum.

So, lets take a little time and reflect on the recent past and look at what lies in the near future. It's December now, so we can do that whole Charles Dickens Christmas Tale type of thing.

Past or as I like to call it, November and before

The outrage over a certain HANDsome gentleman and his marvelous skills lending a HAND to a lackluster display by LesBleus. I really like how this seems to be the main focus of everything with the world cup, never mind the band of marauding Gibbons or whatever that are terrorizing South Africa right now.

Despite that everything about the pub has been pretty much status quo; too many Scousers, not enough MANCScum, One very enthusiastic ManShitty supporter and a couple of his friends... and the Chelski lads with all their phones on vibrate.

LoudmouthGooner has gone missing, possibly found the Bistro, not that I care but it is interesting. What is more interesting is the number of Bistro boys that end up at the pub anyways since they want to see some other game.

Present (like the last week or so)

I had the great pleasure of watching American College Football with T-Bone, Grubbs and MiniMourhino at an undisclosed location just outside of the Point. I have to admit I have never seen T-Bone so ramped up over anything. It was a serious twilight zone moment.

And I quote, "RUN MOTHERFUCKER RUN!"

I discovered in order to make me not hate her for going to London/Dublin as well as going to see Madness, ChelskiGirl can be really nice. I know that you have been bribing me but it's all good. Cheers! Have a good trip!



Love that song.

FUTURE (December and Beyond)

I do look forward to Boxing Day. I don't know why but it's just a thing that I always look forward to, as far as football goes. I am not even sure what the ties are that day.

Oh to rewind a bit, ACMilan sent me a text about the pots being chosen for WC2010. I think FIFA has a good system for it but I really don't like the pot system to begin with. I like complete randomness. However, like he said, it will be very interesting to see how things work out.

The Guardian ran an article about how there will be a serious group of death this time, if the balls bounce the right way. My only hope is that with all the controversy and conspiracy theories that...

1. France makes it out of the Group stage;
2. England does not go out on penalties, and;
3. South Africa (as a country) does not have any major problems with crime, government collapsing, marauding wild animals or any of the other things that might otherwise distract the rest of the world from the beautiful game.

On a more personal note:

My glorious musical group will be playing a couple of shows at the Sidebar. So mark your calendars friends or enemies and come out for a night of angry music.

January 2, 2010 - it's a week after Boxing Day!

Here's to hoping the train gets back on track and see you all at the pub.

SALUT!

~LeChat