37 and done!

Well I cannot leave for long. I know some people have been asking what happened to the blog. Well the answer was/is simple... I had quit. I don't remember, probably the last one, you can go back and read, if you would like.

On a more serious note, there's been a lot happening in the world. I'm not going to rehash it right now but just a simple nod at it and know that it has been addressed. I know there is place in the after for us all and that's good enough for me.

The pub has been quite a bit active lately. I must have been missing something for quite a few weeks as the attendance had been lacking. However, it's good to see a few new faces, hopefully these will stick around and learn the secret ways of the pub.

Honestly, there are no secrets.

So you all may know of my dislike for the Bistro and some of it's denizens. Well prince of the bistro who apparently enjoys the nightlife on this side of the Patapsaco decided to make a royal ass of himself, as usual.

I'm not one to launch bricks for no proper reason, but this guy is aiming to get himself done. First he goes off and yobs off after the sheriff as he happened to be walking the bar next-door. Later he tries to front up on the manager in black. History should tell you a little bit but I'm not even one to push my luck with the manager in black. He's a shady enough mid-western character to begin with and only, well nothing good comes out of Detroit.

Anyways, enough of dealing with stupidity.

Congrats to LOSC for winning something or the other. heehee

Congrats to ManYoo on winning the league... 19. And a proper nod to the ones who unfurled the banner in Anfield.

Congrats to ManShitty for being not so shitty and getting the Fuck All cup.

And a big cake to West Ham, sorry my friends. I understand there was a bit of a fracas at the end of season dinner. I don't see Ba staying there.

Well next week should see the final nails in the coffin for some. It will also be the return of the Crescendo!

Next grand plans... thinking of moving the blog, but still undecided.

We will see... we will see...

~LeChat

Barcelona Away (CL) ManYoo Away (FA)

I don't have much to say. Really nothing to say at all.

To be honest, I've given up on things to say. It's really indefensible.

Two competitions in one week. What is there to be said? Nothing at all.

My CD player has stopped working in my car. My laptop has a virus and won't let me restore. Japan got wiped out and there was not a large monster in sight!

Will something restore my faith?

Wait? What's this? JENS? You've got to be kidding.



I don't really care anymore.

~LeChat

Orient at Home (FA) and Sunderland at Home

My what a lackluster week. To be honest, I could care less about either tie. It's kind of funny how one can be a hero on a Wednesday and a complete muppet by the weekend.

Nicklas Bendtner, please stand up!

Fact of the matter is you may think you're the bees knees but your consistency is severely lacking. The big head and the big feet need to be in communication.

Ahh, I'm not here to slag off on poor Nicky alone. Honestly there's no reason, no concrete reason to drop points at this stage of the season. With the United scum falling prey to the team that once was Liverpool, the Arsenal would be 1 point, ONE BLOODY SODDING POINT off the title.

However, this is not the team to do things the easy way. Let's not revisit the should have, could have and would haves of these last couple of weeks. It's trying. A man could be dying slowly in a pool of quicksand and you have about 33% chance of the Arsenal throwing the rope within arms reach, whether or not the rope doesn't break is a different story.

I know there are some reading this saying, "What kind of fan are you, slagging off your own squad like this? Are you some kind of glory hunter? If they don't win, you just whine."

To those I say, when you've been doing this as long as I have, you would understand the intimate and almost salacious relationship you have with your club. How that club comes to define your very being to the point of perversion. How, if you come up to my face and say those words to me, that I might actually haul off and hit you with nary hesitance or judiciousness.

When you have paid your dues and have been allocated your time, in that case, you may question my loyalty as I would question yours. In short, that is not for me to decide nor care about your loyalties or lack thereof.

I'm just saying, I've walked the valley of death and am prepared to stride once more with my head held high, in spite of what mine enemies and detractors would throw down upon me.




Oh to... Oh to be... Oh to be a Gooner!

~LeChat

Barcelona at Home (CL) and Leyton Orient Away (FA)

Well a bunch more of the expected.

Earlier in the week, someone had asked me why I hadn't done a write up after the Barca game. Simple reason, I'm only doing the one a week, on the traditional football Monday. I certainly could have but why change?

In all honesty, while Barca are well on form for the last couple of seasons; they are not the be all and end all of the world of football. At the end of the day, they play a game that is determined within 90 minutes, with only one certainty.

The Ball is round.

In the next decade, or maybe in the next couple of years, there will be a new squad on the block that is just clicking and everything is falling down in all the right places.

For every rise, there must be a fall.

I read an article, somewhere that I can't remember, talking about the Dutch total football system and how Ajax employed it for several years cementing their name in the annals of club football history.

So, now while Ajax brings a weepy tear of good time memories to their supporters/fans/wannabes, they're just memories of a once great team. This will too be the fate of Barca and all great teams. Much like the Roman Empire, some nice sculptures and a legacy but little more than a bunch of white marble lying in the sun.

In short, there is no reason to be celebrating until the job is done. And by done, I mean there is still a second half of a series to be played in Camp Nou. The odds stand against the Arsenal but we will see.

Now for the Leyton Orient, another I couldn't really be bothered with. I knew the outcome before I laid my head on the pillow the night before. I'm not a pessimist but a shocking realist, true unto myself.

A game that's supposed to be won, isn't. Simple and true. I have nothing else to say about it but it gives another replay and a bunch of tired millionaires. As a good friend in high school told me once about a girl who would yell at her lovers, "If you're not going to do it right, then why bother?" Truer words have never been spoken. Mind you the girl mentioned above was a bit of a loose one in all honesty.

As many of you may know, this weekend was my birthday as well. If you couldn't make out, than you missed a good time or so I've been told.

Saturday evening I met up with Sheffield and surprised guest appearances by ArsenalBob, The Bakerman and SlainteLOSC. Let's say it was supposed to be a bit of a quiet drink or two before heading up to ChelskiGirl's surprise party.

Little did I know, ArsenalBob had other plans. I think in total it was about 40 odd shots bought and shared amongst a little group that varied in size throughout the early evening hours.

Sheffield, Vinnie, Gingerette and myself decided it was time to go, so we headed up towards the surprise party. Rumour has it that ArsenalBob colourized someone's car and left the Bakerman with a rather large bill.

The surprise for ChelskiGirl went off well. She was late, as usual, but then again it was a surprise so you can never expect those things to go as planned.

Sunday night there was the big party. There are several amongst the pub regulars who share birthdays within the same week, myself included. The birthday extravaganza keeps getting bigger and bigger.

This year, we made sure to grab the society room. Someone asked how many did I expect, but as usual, I had no idea. It's hard to tell 30 odd may respond but you may end up with a lot more or a lot less. One of those things, human nature.

We had some good numbers. I was feeling a bit under the weather, so was not my usual self. To be honest, I was feeling well out of sorts. It appears the flu monster has taken another victim.

I also received some rather sad news on the weekend as well. The man, who I called Santa Claus, a good friend of mine, will be sipping his pints with St. Peter and Gabriel. He lived life to his fullest and was one of the more inspirational people I have ever known.

May the gods bless him and may his soul have a wonderful journey.

~LeChat

Ipswich Home (Carling) and Huddersfield Home (FA)

CUP CUP CUP

The Arsenal are still in some cups. It should be an exciting time, a real chance for some silverware after such a long drought and the continuous bridesmaid finishes for the last half decade.

I haven't and well couldn't be assed with going to the pub this week. To be honest, getting up for Huddersfield at 7:30 Eastern was not in the books. I should plan my Saturday evenings out a bit better.

Meanwhile (imagine funky comic book script)

The closing of the mid-season transfer has come and now gone, as it was today. There wasn't much in it for the Arsenal, no surprise there. However, it appears the Scousers may have got one over on Newcastle. I swear Newcastle must be giving a lesson on how to yo-yo between leagues at the moment. Not a good move, once again.

Seriously though, what do I know. I'm not the manager or the owner but from a layman's vantage point; It. No. Good.

Now let's get on with the proper stuff. This whole mid-season transfer market stuff really screws my head. Honestly, I think there should be something done about it. In my heart of hearts, would love to be done with the whole thing but I have a feeling that's not going to happen.

The month of February does give us a bit to look forward to though. There's the Barcelona Champions League tie and um my birthday. Yes, I know. Something good and something, well we will see the outcome of it.

This year the party will be moving back to the Pub, second floor, Society Room. We're going to do it on Sunday 20 Feb at 8 PM. (Monday is a holiday)

Remember it's not just me but also ChelskiGirl and the Toffee's birthday as well. Don't bring presents, just bring yourselves.

~LeChat

Leeds Away (FA) and Wigan at Home

Well FA is said and done. Well Leeds got done, something to be said in that. It's always a good day when Leeds gets done. I spent my fine afternoon at work, looking at the Guardian play by play concerning the doing of Leeds.

Funny part about it, the Guardian is not allowed in Elland Road. It has something to do with reporting a story about the shadowy ownership of Leeds a few years back. There was a call for transparency which was met with a "you're not allowed in here, again, ever." Real mature but it is Leeds, should you expect more.

So, the weekend comes with no real surprises. Somehow along the way I had picked up a cold from someone. I don't want to point any fingers but someone did shake my hand and explain to me how they were sick all week. To that person, thanks a mil brutha, now I got this bloody cold.

It was bound to happen one way or another. It's the sickness time of year.

There was a fair number of MancScum supporters out this weekend, which was nice to see. It wasn't even a big game or anything, even a newer face. It's always good when someone new comes in and just jumps right in, like they belong; none of this trying hard to impress drek or any sort of thing like that. Hop up on a couch/stool or what have you, give a friendly nod and on with the football. Too bad everyone can't be like that.

I was going to do a whole rant about the sexism thing. The female linesman and what the two numptys on Sky had said. Honestly, it's been beaten to death already. The problem is inherent in the system, not to paraphrase Monty Python, but it is.

There is no need for the degradation of anyone based on gender, race, sexual or religious preference. It should be about doing the job. Apparently, the young woman in question does her job better than most of the men out there. I would like to add a plus she's much better looking but that just adds to the sexism fire.

I myself can often give into lad culture as well. I'm not going to pretend to be holier than thou or anything like that. However, in my heart of hearts, the referee is still a bastard, the linesman/woman is blind and Chelsea is a bunch of pillow-biting tossers.

In all seriousness though, there is no room for what those announcers did. There is no room for anything like that.

Is it destroying football?
That I do not know because it's been there and is still an ugly mark upon it's face.

Is there an easy solution?
No, there is never an easy solution.

Well what should we do?
Start subtly reminding everyone that they are probably an asshole, just like everyone else and get on with it. It's unnecessary to continue with ideas like that in this century. Whether the person is man/woman/black/white/Muslim/Hindu or whatever they may be; It has no bearing on the scoreline, well, unless the linesman/woman is truly blind.

~LeChat

ManCity at Home (EPL) Leeds at Home (FA)

January and the games come fast and furious, however the blog comes slow and almost on-time. If you haven't noticed, it's easier for me to just combine the mid-weeks in with the weekend games. Keeping up is a test of my mental capacity right now and to be honest I just don't feel like it. This is a work of love and inspiration so it comes when it comes.

Now check these apples. The mid-week affair left little to be desired. I know there were plenty of arguments from all sides. I believe ACMilan even called me to give me his two lire about the game.

(musical interlude - Cloud 9 by Bob Marley followed with)

(Country Roads by Toots and The Maytals)

So where was I? Oh ManShitty came and played like their namesake, well shitty. Shut the door, parked the bus, acted Italian, however you want to say it. Mind you, no disrespect to the Italians but they do play a good defensive game... almost too good.

And that about sums it up. It was a whole lot of nothing. Nil-NIL

The weekend looked more promising, but I should never get my hopes up. I do follow the Arsenal and have been following them for 20 odd years too long to be deceived by what looks like a skip through the park.

Leeds has always been a team that gives issues. Way back when they were in the olde Division 1, they were a team that caused problems. *cue grainy film clip*

I wasn't feeling up for going to the pub and took in the game on the laptop from my very warm bed. I must say, it was a good idea. Just closed my eyes and listened to it like an old radio show.

Saturday evening, Station played for my friend Matt's benefit. We were the last band so most people had left before we started playing. Oh wells, MiniScouse had shown up and we were talking about the Liverpool United cup tie.

There was a side bet made that if Liverpool didn't lose, I'd get to punch her in the face. Something I was looking forward to in more of a non-serious way. She was being very pessimistic and that is only reserved for Gooners and Brummies. Wouldn't you just be depressed if you were a Brummie?

(musical interlude - Day On The Town by Madness)

By the way, let's talk about a proper surprise or well not really a surprise but Stevanage with a victory over Newcastle. I'm still pissed at Newcastle for getting rid of a decent bloke for whatever they put in his place. OH I know exactly what it is but really, was it worth it now? Talk about shit owners.

It reminds me of what was said about the African teams at WC2010 and well all previous World Cups. They have this manager, a good manager knows the team well, gets them through Africa Nations, gets them through Cup qualifiers and looks to give them a good run at the cup and maybe even the finals.

So what do they do when they get ready to go to the group stages. They replace him some Dutch twat that doesn't know a hippo from rhino and thinks that those drums sound really scary like in a movie with cannibals.

Seriously if the man had been there from the beginning, built the team, had dinner with the midfielders and their families, knows that the striker prefers Congolese rap music as opposed to Somali pirate songs, then I'd have no problem with it.

However, it never happens that way. Only a few managers are allowed to build, shape and mold a team. It's not surprising that teams look to have promise and fail, never to meet any kind of potential or consistency, even if that consistency is finishing mid-table year in and year out.

Whatever, fuck it.

~LeChat
(musical finish - Life's Lonely Road by Gregory Isaacs)

Fulham at home...

YES! I know... I WAS NOT AT THE PUB!
The half a dozen text messages I also received let me know as well. It was mother's day! And I for one am grateful for my mother, cause if it wasn't for her I don't know if I'd be as big of a supporter of the beautiful game as I am today.

So, that's where I was, spending Sunday with my mom, my aunt and bits and pieces of the extended family. I have to mention, constantly getting score updates on the phone while attending Sunday morning services shows my level of addiction, er... dedication.

At one point, my mother looks at me and asks if someone keeps calling me. I just shook my head and said, End of season, we need a draw. My mom just nods, knowingly. That's the beauty of it.

Remember, this is the same woman who one day randomly decided to tell me Beckham is crap and why she thought he was crap.

End of Season Reflection
So, looking back at the season, what do I glean out of it. To be honest, nothing spectacular or unknown from the beginning of the season. I am still the same person, for better or worst, with a few less Warrior of God moments in the last 9 months.

The club, well they still need a decent keeper, a better/more consistent defensive mid, and a sturdy back 4 with the left and rights being fully capable overlapping the wings. Is that too much to ask for?

I keep hearing names being bandied about like bikini tops during spring break in Florida. They exist but until you actually see it being pulled off, it's a whole lot of nothing and wishful thinking. In short, I don't really care right now.

WORLD CUP 2010
I'm totally not sure what to do. Someone suggested that I do a preview on the groups but that seems like it would be major work. I think I might just enjoy and not worry too much about the blog until EPL starts back up.

I am still flirting with the idea of keeping it up during the cup but it does take a lot of effort for no compensation. However I need to say, I do it for love of the sport, the club, the pub, just to write at times.

The PUB
There is a bunch I could say, but I won't say much at all. The rumours of the sound and HD are to be fully realised prior to the WC2010 matches. That does not give them much time, let's hope they can get it done and get it done right.

Sheffield and WestBrom are to be wed, shortly prior to the start of WC2010. I hope to be able to party on the beaches of Italy alongside of them for that. I know a few of the regular crew will be there, so that should be a good time.

I believe our good friend Bayern is taking a trip back to the Middle East. He will surely be missed but I wish him safe travels. I know it's not his intention to return to this area but it would be nice if he did. Good luck good friend.

LilBlondieGooner is taking a bit of time to finish her studies and is Go(ing) West.

Everyone should at least recognize the tune, from various chants, especially the One Nil to the Arsenal.

Last and most of important of all, the loss of a great supporter is still deeply heartfelt. I don't know what to say without being cliche about the whole thing. It is great that our pub even extended a spot for us to put up the framed kit with Pretzel's name across the back. There was truly only one Nick Dauner and I think he may have had a hand in Chelski winning the league.

It also makes me remember a few years ago, a good Gooner mate of mine who also fell ill and passed away a bit too soon. There are things like that which always tugs at your heart.

We have all been united by this one thing, as MiniMourinho would say, it has nothing to do with geography, race, religion or background but the very love of a single sport. I may have it slightly off but the sentiment is there.

Here's to a good FA Cup, next week... a good World Cup, starting in June... a decent season for Crystal Palace-Baltimore!

~LeChat

Burnley at home

I have to admit, this weekend was the absolute bore when it came to football. I do not know what's going on, is it just me or am I just in need of more entertainment. I mean I can't always be this angry and unfulfilled? Can I?

Saturday

Wake me up when someone decides to actually play football. I figured catching the last bit of the first half of an FA cup tie would be exciting. PLEASE next time remind me to scratch my eyes out with rusty forks.

I guess the good thing is.. Pompey won.

Gooners did show up for the game. It was a nice handful of us for Burnley, but nothing to write home about. The game was lackluster and uneventful for a full 3 points. I wasn't too plussed about it but could have been more enthralled if a certain Muppet could hit the broad side of a barn from 6 yards away.

As I was saying, nothing exciting happened at all. We all gathered round, watch the match and that was it. The MancScum match was even more tedious, to say the least. After which, due to my lack of anything else better to do I sat with ACMilan and watched his match as well.

I will just say that the rest of my day consisted of me sitting in my room and playing video games. YES, that's right, it just ended up being underwhelming, football drove me to become a hermit.

Sunday

My day of being a hermit was now over and decided to give football another chance. I made my way to the pub to enjoy another fine spectacle of a day, Chelski FA cup match. There just did not seem to be much happening this weekend. I said it once and I'll say it over and over. NOTHING!

Of interesting note, I decided to vent my rage of nothingness on someone who had called the pub to ask some inane question that could have been answered had they just got off their fat asses and came down to the point and enjoyed the day. Why on God's greenest would you take the liberty and call a pub at noon and ask if they are open and what specials they have? Seriously? Are you brain dead?

The long and short is I gave my 2 cents but I wasn't the one who actually answered the phone, just venting my anger towards the person who called. If that makes any sense at all.

MiniMourhino looked at me and asked if Warrior of God mode was being reinstated. The only thing I could do was nod my head.

~LeChat

Porto Away (CL)

OUCH!

That hurts! Don't let it happen again.

I had some great jokes about Polish Keepers but I think Fabianski totally made them all a little too accurate. I bet if we put a Polish Striker in the net and put Fab up front, maybe we would win some games. Apparently Fab has a nose for goal, as they say.

Let's see, midweek and I was at work. OF course my phone was constantly ringing and since I had not been at work for a week and a day because of the snow and holiday, I had zero time to even entertain sending back a text message.

Needless to say, I really wasn't much into talking to anyone yesterday as it was. I can sulk on my own, Anelka has nothing on me!

I did have an interesting conversation via FB with LilBlondieGooner about the Arsenal keeper issue. She is convinced the solution lies in the Italian, of course I feel that the solution exists in finding a new David Seaman. Actually, he used to make me quite nervous during corners. Hmm, I wonder if cloning is possible?

I should have probably put down a few lines about last weekend, however I was equally unmotivated. For the first time in about a week, I was able to venture from my icy dungeon and make it towards the pub. I have to admit, there was not much excitement going on either day, FA cup matches and that was about it. I did stay out quite a bit longer than usual on Sunday and even took in the Italian Oscars with ACMilan, which is always good for a laugh. Go Juve!

Now this week coming up should provide some real entertainment. Premiership is back on the screen, my birthday is Friday, ChelskiGirl's birthday is Sunday and we are having a joint party on Saturday eve, upstairs at the bar next door. I just hope I can remember it all, I usually do. So, if you are reading this, know that you are invited, the more the merrier is what I say.

Well I feel I need to finish my sulking, practice makes perfect.

~LeChat

Stoke Away (FA Cup)

Greetings.

Well we all know of the unceremonious exit of the Arsenal from the FACup this weekend by the hands of a very capable Stoke. I can't be ashamed of the loss because it was a hard fought battle of which the scoreline belies.

The pub, however, was full of some interesting happenings this weekend.

Saturday

I entered the pub around 8 or so to be greeted by the smiling Reading fan. There were quite a few of the Chelsea lads in attendance as well. There was a good footballing vibe going on. I took my seat next to Reading and we started discussing the finer points of the match.

ChelskiGirl was stuck in her bed, being lazy. I called her and informed all the lads of such. There were many volunteers who wished to join her but she left her cocoon and joined the rest of us shortly by the half.

Reading and I decided that we were only cheering on underdogs for the rest of the day. We were transfixed to the Accrington Stanley - Fulham match, just because it was more interesting than the Everton - Birmingham tie that was also being shown.

My original plan was to take my leave prior to the end of the match but Leeds was taking on Scum. They had already eliminated MancScum so let's see if they could do the proper Scum.

The pub was still full, much fuller than it had been in the most recent weekends. I was half done with what seemed to be bottomless pints of New Castle, as was Reading. Sheffield and WestBrom pop by and it just continued.

The four of us caught up and chatted, killing time before the Haiti fundraiser. I am still trying to remember if that was even a good idea. All I can say, is some money left my pocket and ended up in the hands of some Scousers.

The event was not at the pub so we did enter some foreign territory. And as followers of the English game, we did what we knew best... found a dart board. The setup was close to the kitchen so the food runners had to keep cutting through. Which at first wasn't that bad but as the night creeped on.

BC/BC bounced up the stairs in the middle of our darts game and I think we all tried to explain it to her but it wasn't working. They also had a Wii, which someone had the brilliant idea of quickly finishing darts and starting Wii-Bowling.

I sat out of that, as I am not biggest fan of bowling to begin with. I believe WestBrom came from behind and beat everyone. It was an enjoyable time. However, like all good things, it had to come to an end.

A Certain Scouser would not believe I was fine. I kept telling her I was just tired, so on the way home I ended up with about 10 text. It would have probably been smarter not to answer all of them but I did.

Safe and sound I found my bed, after about a 12 hour bender, where I believe I ended up more sober by the time I made it home than I started out the day.

SUNDAY

It was to be a short morning, whether or not the result of the match should be considered. My band had to move it's practice space and time, which Sunday afternoon was the final result.

It mattered much not anyway. The Arsenal crew was cynical from the drop of the ball. I think we all had a sneaking suspicion of what type of day it was going to be after the first goal. I have to admit, we are quite a hilarious group even in the midst of a loss. It's been quite some time since we've even sneezed on a trophy, I suppose.

There was a positive side to this all. LittleWill was on his last day before heading back to school. He's a pretty funny kid. We spent a good half hour teasing LittleSister before I had to take my leave.

I guess in summation it was not a bad weekend but not quite a good one. A win would have been nice but now The Arsenal boys can concentrate on the league, which is much more important in my opinion.

The other thing that made the weekend much more pleasurable was being able to spend it with the good folks I have grown to be as close to as members of a large family. There is something unique and special about this football crowd. It may seem insular and strange to an outsider but some of the most generous and open people that I have ever come to know stand beside me on a weekend morning at 8 am swearing at a referee 2000 miles away.

I would not care to be with anyone else but my extended crew.

~LeChat

West Ham away (FA Cup) and the New Year.

A New Year and a new blog post!

Thursday (New Year's Eve)

My plans, well there were none technically. I never make concrete plans but I think we all know that. My New Year's usually ends up with me going to the pub and hanging around to watch the fireworks across the harbor.

However, I was blindsided, waylaid, mugged by the most annoying cold that I have ever been on the receiving end of. I woke up and decided it was going to be a thera-flu morning. Which I do highly recommend for all your cold/flu needs.

Now only if I could figure out a way to get paid for my name dropping.

I was finally able to rouse myself from tomb of blankets, as it has been Frostbite Falls cold lately. I am waiting for Boris and Natasha to come ask me if I have seen moose and squirrel. These are the times I miss the husky.

So I kept my profile low and celebrated the New Year with my band mates at the guitarist's home. Quiet, mellow and breaking it down to some good old Michael before he became a shadow of his former self.

Friday (New Year's Day)

Equally quiet. There was nothing happening on the football front. I decided to go join T-Bone at the bar across the way and watch some good old American College Football.

I wasn't good luck for his home team this time. ScouseGrubs came by as well. I think I waited half an hour for some breadsticks but they were worth it. I need to remember when going into foreign territory to order before I think I need to order. There's nothing like a slow ass kitchen.

I headed to band practice after the game. I find out at practice the band that was scheduled first for Saturday canceled out. Between myself and ScouseDrummer, we were scrambling to find a replacement.

Thank goodness for a couple of comedian friends, who just happen to be 35ers (Crystal Palace USA supporters).

Saturday

FA Cup Third Round. I do not know of a more interesting competition besides the FA Cup. It pits the minnows of the lower leagues against some of the big boys. It separates those who have heart from those who are just going through the motions. It is the great equalizer and my this weekend no exception.

Third Round, of course, is when the Premiership squads start playing. This is when you get to see sides like Torquay taking on Everton and the like. Well this year I believe Torquay played Brighton Hove Albion but it could have been Everton on any other day.

So Saturday brings us the glory of mighty Reading taking on the minnows, now known as Liverpool. It was really a lopsided draw in my opinion, now I didn't discount the Scousers but This. Is. READING! It was good to see Vinny out for a bit, plus he had a beautiful winterized Reading team anorak to fight off the cold and protect his wallet.

Let's just say it was a just score line and leave it at that.

Saturday Night (Station Debut)

WELL first of all I would like to thank all my football friends that braved the sub-zero temps and joined me at the Sidebar. It was really wonderful to see all of you out there. Seriously thank you from the bottom of my heart and I do hope you all enjoyed the show.

For those that missed, let's just say it was a good debut. From what I hear, many enjoyed it. GrumpyGooner was even impressed, which is a huge compliment coming from him.

I was getting stick all night from ScouseDrummer for wearing my Arsenal top, since we both promised not to wear kits on stage. I promised that I wouldn't and I had my Who the Fuck are Man United, shirt on underneath, complements of BayernMunich.

When we hopped on the stage, I pulled off my kit as promised. ScouseDrummer on cue started singing very quietly, Who the Fuck are Man United, which made me start in on full chorus.

The singer thrusts the mic in my face, cause I had half forgotten about the mic on stage for me and I was still in the midst of strapping my bass on. All I can say is that I was ready to go now. From the crowd came a shout from the Sherrif to shut the fuck up or something of that sort.

Like I said, it was a good show.

Sunday more FA Cup

I had left out early Saturday evening/Sunday morning after the show. I am not really a hang out person unless there is some football on the television. Plus I had still been feeling rather under the weather from the New Year's cold that was bogging me down.

I woke up four hours later and found myself at the pub staring at an HD feed of MancScum discussing the previous night with HalfArseDean. Must I say, this was a very nice Sunday treat. Leeds, which I am not a big fan of either, taking it to those gits. It was a thoroughly impressive showing and to watch old Fergie's head explode was an even better treat.

I spent the better half of the match chatting with HalfArseDean and trying to help LittleSister do a crossword. ChelskiGirl came in and joined us a bit later as well, let's just say all had a bit of a laugh at the Manc's expense.

My thing is, I want to see some of the CCTV feeds from the streets of Manchester. I know there had to be some running battles. Come on, Leeds v United, classic.

So the real match's time was upon us. Some of the usual suspects strolled in at their leisure. GrumpyGooner, quite a bit better than the last weekend. LilBlondieGooner still with her arm in a sling. So like I said, nothing unusual.

To my surprise though, Jazz pops in, without a jacket, walks over to the bar and orders a Stella from Irish. What is this, a New Year's miracle? GrumpyGooner and I get a few jibes in about Leeds on him, as we all settled in for a heart stopping match.

All I am going to say is that the Arsenal were very lucky to come out of this. They really need to do themselves a little better in the favor department. I know someone might nail me on my subject verb agreements above but it's my blog and I can be ungrammatical if I want to.

Monday the unexpected.

First day back to work. That's not what was interesting.

What was interesting is that I got a message from one of Pretzel's armed forces mates. He was looking him up and stumbled across the blog. He was unaware of what had happened and contacted me to get some details. It made me feel good to give him what I knew and that somewhere a interweb spider has linked me to one of the nicest and coolest people that I have had the pleasure of meeting and then giving me a way to share that information with others.

It also made me think about how temporal everything is in this world. I don't mean to sound cliche but sometimes you must seize the moment without regrets.

Live your life as you will not have any other.

or in my usual tongue...

TAKE THE FUCKING SHOT! BLOODY FUCKING HELL!

~LeChat