Just me and my thoughts....

If you see this woman...

2008-07-01T15:50:00.003Z

SLAP HER!!!!

(Or should that be Slapper????)

Me and the eggheads

2008-06-27T07:33:00.002Z

Probably one of the greatest moments of my life...

Are you an egghead? Part 2....

2008-06-26T07:39:00.003Z

Sadly, it was not second time lucky.

In the second round I was up against a guy named Terry (I think his surname was Tovey) and he was so bloody good.... He knew the majority of his answers and I was shocked at how good he was (but not really, since this was the second round)

Once again, I ended up with 2 eggheads in the final (This time CJ and Daphne) but Terry managed to get all five of his questions right opposed to my four right answers.

However, as I said to Nazia and Caroline, the wonderful researchers, If I was going to lose, I Would have been glad to lose to Terry, as he was again a really nice guy.

I now pass all my support to Terry to get through to the finals and trounce all comers.

And once again, thanks to all the eggheads, and especially CJ and Daphne for being so friendly, and CJ, I will keep in touch.

Next stop, Anne bloody Robinson!

New Game

2008-06-24T10:50:00.000Z

"you grab any book, go to page 123, find the fifth sentence, and blog it. Then tag five people"

My nearest book is "The encyclopaedia of classic 80's pop" by Daniel Blythe.

...but fans rate the 1995 comeback solo album "Duffy". He also...

Not as much fun as the songs one, as it's slightly less revealing, but hey ho!

Are you an egghead?

2008-06-24T09:31:00.005Z

Well maybe? I'm certainly one step closer this morning after winning the first round match against Harold Wyber yesterday.

That's right, faithful reader, I've applied to become an Egghead. I've been through the audition process and yesterday I was called to TV Centre (Wood Lane) to film my first round.

I got to meet the eggheads including "the wonderful" Daphne Fowler. I was shaking like a leaf when she approached me, and I was genuinely nervous of meeting such quizzing royalty. Sir Christopher Hughes and I got chatting about trains and all of them were so wonderfully kind and polite. And as for CJ De Mooi, he is an extremely approachable and incredibly nice bloke.

Dermot Murnaghan was a consummate professional - Johnny Newspresenter. He turned up 3 minutes before we started filming and disappeared as quickly afterwards. Nowt special there!

So here's the rules:

Two potential eggheads go against each other over 5 rounds of questions picked from the themes used in regular eggheads.

Each round is 3 multiple choice questions long.

If you win a round, you get to choose an egghead to help you out in the final round.

At the end of the five rounds, the final head to head is played.

If you do not know the answer to a question, you can elect any of your accumulated eggheads to answer the question for you.

The winner goes through to the next round, the loser goes home.

Then we started filming - The rounds were in the following order:

First round - History - Round won - Chose Daphne as Egghead
Second round - Music - Round lost
Third round - Food and Drink - Round lost
Fourth round - Arts and Books - Round lost
Fifth round - Geography - Round won - Chose Chris as Egghead

The final round was five general knowledge questions. Chris answered my first one for me, then I got the following two questions right without calling on Daphne for help. Then question number four was about Hiram Maxim's flying machine at Blackpool Pleasure Beach - No problem there.

It all came down to Harold missing out a couple of questions, meaning I was too far out of reach for him to claw back.

I won!!!!! Made a very inappropriate comment about preferring childbirth to the game (of course they'll include this!) and Harold was sent home. Sorry H.

After i'd won the heat and the researchers scraped me up from the floor (I could have fainted!) Daph, Ceej and Chris all came over and said about how happy they were I'd gotten through. I was so relieved and exalted and humbled. It was amazing!

So now, i go throught to the quarter finals, filmining back at TVC tomorrow morning.

Wish me luck - Although this was not the plan, winnning the first round has left me believing I might just have a chance!

Paul's seen The Stolen Earth.....

2008-06-20T08:47:00.004Z

.....and it's had quite a strange effect on him.

I received a text from him last night at 19:10pm saying the following:

Finished Stolen Earth. OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. OH SWEET JESUS. HOLY CRAP. F*CKOLA ON A STICK.

Now what you need to know about Paul is that he doesn't normally write like this. It takes something extreme to get a response like this. And it's the fact that he's seen Stolen Earth that has led to this.

This has led me to start to shake in anticipation of this finale....

For Paul to react like this, it must be an amazing finale.

Now the waiting starts...

Oh and he did send me through a spoiler - Flydale North's most famous resident is returning...

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

2008-06-19T15:31:00.001Z

There are no words

You gotta love Joan Rivers....

2008-06-18T10:38:00.004Z

Good old Joan Rivers.

I've always been a fan,
but it must have been an
unfamiliar booker who
decided to book her for
Loose Women yesterday.

If you're not familiar with the show, you need to know that:

It's on prime time ITV1
It's on at 1pm in the afternoon
It's watched by a large percentage of viewers who would balk at the word "bugger"...

The outcome? Joanie thinks the show is prerecorded and calls Russell Crowe a "piece of fucking shit".

Whoops!

Cut to slack jaws, Lynda Bellingham hiding her head in her hands and Jackie Brambles courageously trying to change the subject (no doubt she had the producers screaming in here earpiece!)

Anyway, if you want to see what happened, Click HERE

Now, does anyone have the number for OfCom handy????

Now, does

Venting the spleen

2008-06-17T14:12:00.003Z

Right.... this is going to be ugly!

I am in the foulest of foul moods and the only place I have to vent the vitriol is here, on me blog. So here we go....

AAHHHHHGGGGHHHHHHH

My boss is a wanker and I hate my effing job.

He decided to take the rest of the day "working from home" after spending the morning with the police discussing a scrape on his bastard car. Yet, when I want to work from home, I feel guilty asking and have to beg. Why do people like this exist, is the question?

It sucks.

Thanks for listening!

Seven Songs

2008-06-17T12:04:00.002Z

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your spring. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they’re listening to."

Paulie's tagged me so it would be rude for me not to list my seven songs. These are the last 7 songs played on my MP3 player this morning....and get ready for a shock - No Kylie!

Before you start berating me, let me explain the Kylie embargo. I'm going to see her at the o2 next month (with Paul, Manda and Young David), and in the past, before a concert, I have OD'd on Min's back catalogue prior to the concert leading to quite a major post gig comedown. Therefore this time round, I have decided to keep clear of X and David is keeping me informed of any set list changes. I'll let you know if this works (I don't think it will!)

Anyway, on with the songs!

1) Rose's Theme - Murray Gold

Given all the curfuffle that's going on in WHO at the moment, i've had the new series albums playing like mad and this one is a stunner. Listen out for that delicious key change at 46 seconds - it gives me goosebumps every time. Other faves are anything BOe related and of course the Doomsday theme sung by Chancellor Flavia!

2) The Corrs - Summer Sunshine (Fernando Garibay Remix)

This song has ALWAYS been one of my favourite Corrs tracks (plus the video is fantastic - the family literally bringing down the house!!!) but this particular remix is so perfectly poptastic, it has been on my summer compilations for the last couple of years. Plus Andrea Corr has such a wonderful voice!

3) Billie Piper - Walk of life

Now look, La Piper has recently proved herself to be a bit of a cracking actress, what with "Secret diary of a call girl" and of course, the unforgettable Rose Tyler. But previous to this, she had quite a successful music career. This was her last single from 2000 and I rediscovered it on my MP3 player earlier this week and have played it over and over again since...

4) The Beloved - Sweet Harmony

This is just such a menaingful song - If you can be distracted from the video (lots of naked female flesh, be warned) and just listen to the lyrics, they are wonderful and warm. We should all come together in sweet harmony.

5) Kim Wilde - You came (2006 version)

This song sounded sooooo good in the 80's. Then Kim decided that the music world waas no longer for her, so she become a gardener (OK then!), but then she dicsovered she was still HUGE in Germany, and relaunched her pop career in Europe. Sadly it didn't get much of a whiff on our shores, but here is the 2006 remix of "You Came", complete with new video. I don't know which version I prefer.

6) Scritti Politti - Absolute

Now, I wanted this to be Wood Beez (Pray like Aretha Franklin) since that was my first favourite Scritti song, but for some strange reason, I chose to play this one instead, which is my second favourite Scritti song. There's an excellent remix on youtube of Absolute, the link for which is here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbc8Raofnc8 (Just when you thought Green Garside's voice couldn't go any higher...)

7) Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton - You don't own me

Well, for all those who haven't seen First Wives Club - why not? Rent it tonight, grab a bottle of wine and invite your mates over for one of the funniest films I have EVER seen.... All I will say is look out for the scene in the window washing gondola!!!

Check me out on Podquiz

2008-02-12T09:26:00.000Z

I'm guest quizmastering this week on the internet quiz site "Podquiz".

It's one of my favourite sites and I am grateful to James for letting me take part.

You can check out my special "Valentines" round at http://www.podquiz.com/ from Friday.

Life after Mars....

2008-02-08T13:11:00.000Z

Did anyone else happen to be watching BBC1 last night at about 9pm? If you did you would have been watching what I am already calling one of MY TV highlights of 2008! - Ashes to Ashes.

I never really got into Life on Mars, since, being born in 1976 it meant little to me. I was an eighties babe (and in some ways still am), so when I heard about the follow up being set in 1981, I was immediately hooked. This WAS my time!

Then a few weeks ago, the trailers began - Keeley Hawes dressed up like Lily Savage's daughter, accompanyed by the soft piano bridge from "Vienna" (THIS MEAN'S NOTHING TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEE). Adam Ant and the scary arsed clown from David Bowie's iconic video announced that "Ashes to Ashes" would be starting on Thursday 7th Feb.

Brilliant!

So what of the programme itself? Well, the start was a bit long winded as we waited for DCI Alex Drake (Hawes) to get shot in the bonce. But once she did we were transported back to a world of smoking in offices, sexism and rubiks cubes!

The first thing I was amazed by was how the graphics department had worked overtime to re-introduce the bleak east-end dockside of the early eighties - The 02 was merely a deserted flatland on the edge of the river.

The clothing was SPOT ON, as was the soundtrack that rattled along in the background. Keeley Hawes, with an initially out of place haughty taughty accent, seems to have settled in quite nicely to eighties life. Phil Glenister was once again effrvescent as Gene Hunt, the sexist, racist, early eighties archetype coming out with some classic one liners (all of which escape me at the moment!) but proving my time was well spent tuning in!

Cameos from Zippy and George were inspired but the clown was a little frightening (Ok, a lot frightening!) and even though the gun battle at the end was a tad far fetched - if the bullets had really been flying, there would have been a massacre of "Moldavian" proportions - in all it wasn't a bad story.

In short, it was every bit as excellent as I was hoping. I will be tuning in next Thursday, and if you've nothing else to do, I would advise you do the same (It'll be set during Charles and Di's wedding!!!).

I'm back....

2007-09-04T20:08:00.001Z

...and it's all thanks to Paul (aka Queenieboy!).

I've just spent an hour on the phone with him (was a rather one-sided conversation, but I know Paul wont take offence at that comment. In fact he would probably agree with me when I say he could jaw for England!!!!) during which he re-introduced me to the beauty of blogging!

So with a mild fanfare (parp!) it's a pleasure to be back with you and i'm hoping this should be the start of what I am hoping to be a good stress relief (masturbation is soooo passe!).

Tomorrow sees the first "online film review" and with more juicy entries planned, it should be worth checking in when you can!

Love 2 U all

All packed and ready to go - Blackpool here I come....

2006-09-24T17:29:00.000Z

Afternoon all

Well, the shirts are folded. The toiletries secured and the case is almost closed. I'm off to Lancashire in the morning and I honestly cannot wait.

I feel like I've been waiting years for this holiday, my last trip having been in 1998
and I don't mind telling you i'm glad it's finally arrived.

Work's been getting to me and i've had enough of smoggy old East London to fill an Internet full of blogs, but now with a break by the coast (Even though it's going to p*ss down with rain!) I can finally rest up and recharge.

Only question left to ask you all is what flavour Rock do you want brought back?

I'm hoping to blog during the hols if I can find an internet cafe, but just in case I don't i'll be back on Friday....

And if you don't know about Rock, check this:

http://www.sweetthoughts.co.uk/acatalog/How_is_Rock_Candy_Made.html

Anyone got a remedy for insomnia?

2006-09-20T14:29:00.000Z

The pro-plus is seeping through my system and yet my eyes are heavier than an iron elephant!

The fact i'm listening to some irish pop music (Triniti, if you're interested!) isn't helping!

I thought i'd blog an entry before I start snoring in the office and my manager sends me home.

Topic of conversation today - Insomnia. I suffer from it and even though I have been to the doctors to ask about it, and taken sleeping pills for it, I cannot seem to get a restful night's sleep.

I find myself awake at 3am watching Will and Grace re-runs on LivingTV while clock-watching until it's time for work and i'll admit it's killing me... I'd cut my right arm off for a decent night's sleep....

So i am asking you, People of the world - If you have a remedy for sleeplessness, please post a comment. I am willing - within reason - to try anything so please if you can help, you know what to do.

The Amazing Race is back!!!!

2006-09-19T07:18:00.000Z

As a self confessed Telly addict (He'd watch the test card if they still used it!) my life too a shift into first gear when i got Broadband earlier this year. Now I can not only watch the hundreds of british channels we get in jolly old blightly, but now I have access to a world of telly!!!

Now I am also a self confessed Yankophile. I love America. Americans. Patriotism. And far from being obsessed by this, i think they produce some of the best TV shows in the world (Don't forget you first saw Supermarket Sweep on a US channel - That can't be a good thing?!?!). Shut up!

Anyway, since January, I discovered an adventure gameshow called The Amazing Race. Now in its 10th year and winner of the Emmy for best Reality show four years running, the concept is simple. X number of teams set off from a location somewhere in the USA on a race around the world. Along the way they have to complete a series of challenges which, if successful and done quickly, will see them speed on to successive legs of the race. If not, then they are eliminated. The first team to cross the finish line wins $1,000,000. Simple, eh?

If you've never heard of it, here's a good place to start: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race10/
but be warned, spoilers are posted every Monday (since the show airs on Sunday).

So series 10 has just started in the States and I caught the first episode last night. They claimed to have the most diverse group of teams ever (Muslims, Asians, Amputees, Lesbians, Gays, the whole enchilada) but I laughed out loud when, within the space fo the first hour, they had dispatched the Asians and the Muslims. Diversity was lopped off within the first 10% of the series!

Now we are left with the follwing:

Tyler and James - Recovering drug addicts
Team Spliff
Nice guys who are now models after coming off the crack. Nice boys though!

Duke and Lauren - Dad and recently discovered lesbian daughter
Team Deal-with-it
Dad coming to terms with daughter's new life. My faves so far.

Peter and Sarah - The lady with one leg and her over enthusiatic bloke
Team Oo-aarrr
She's playing too much on the leg and uses it to get one-up on the rest. Least fave.

Dustin and Kandice - Miss California and Miss New York
Team World-peace
Two beauty queens on the Amazing race? What's going to happen when the nails start to chip and the mascara runs???

Rob and Kimberley - Mister and Mrs Vanilla
Team Yaaaaaaaawn
Can't even remember what these two look like, cos they're so normal!

Kellie and Jamie - Cheerleaders
Team Rah Rah Rah!
These two are hilarious. There'll be backflips in Botswana no doubt!!!

Erwin and Godwin - Korean bodybuilders
Team Arigato
OK, I suppose - need to stop pumping the steroids and concentrate on the game.

Lyn and Karlyn - Alabama Mamas
Team fried-chicken
Wont take no crap from no-one, with determination to go far - and I bet they will!

David and Mary - Coal miner and wife
Team Hickory
I like these two, simply cos they're the most normal of all the couples. The sort of couple you find living on your street...

Tom and Terry - Bitchy Boyfriends
Team Diva
The sooner these lose a leg (No offence to Sarah) the better. Tom's forehead is disturbingly big and I don't like their bitchy attitude!

Personally i'm putting a fiver on DUKE AND LAUREN, the Father and lesbian daughter. A thoroughly likeable couple and both so enthusiatic to build on their relationship and win this race....

If you don't watch the show, try and get into it. Now in its 10th season, it's just getting stronger and stronger, and judging by the viewing figures in the US and the awards it grabs, it's going to be round for a while yet!

My first Blog

2006-09-18T14:03:00.000Z

Firstly, apologies if you stumbled on this blog by accident. Please feel free to hit "back" and return to normality...

The reason I set this up, apart from seeing my friend Paul's blog and deciding
I wanted one of those, was so I could offload my thoughts, like a Harry Potter Penseive.

As i get older (You're only thirty!) I find that I am rapidly running out of space in my head. So to share my inane ramblings with cyberspace would be a nice way to offload some of the crap floating around inside my cranium!

You might find at times my conscience will interject (Yeah I will!) at any opportunity. I have been told I am too self-critical, so my conscience will be posting his own thoughts on my thoughts. He's quite negative, so give him a chance... And don't take any of his comments personally!

So that's the first post out of the way.... Thanks to Paul for getting the ball rolling and let's see if i'm still here in 12 months time....

On with the randomness....