Gangsta Stylie

This is all Kathy's fault

Danny DeVito Loaded

Guess the theory goes that being small means he doesn't need quite as much alcohol as the next guy, but being out all night on the piss with George Clooney probably didn't help.

Honda Step Bus

It's the LA Motor Show this week, so all kinds of weird and wonderful future designs are on show (and some not so wonderful as well).

This one from Honda is obviously just a concept, and small enough to put in your pocket instead of parking it (well, not quite, but have you seen the size of some of the pockets you get these days). Sliding doors, 2 upfront and a bench at the back mean you might be able to fit in 4 or 5 people into this thing.

What I'm waiting for is those flying cars they always predicted we'd be using by now...

More details on the Honda here

Rach Demolishes the House

I promised last week (I must have been under the slight influence of alcohol) that I'd post a link to Rach's site, so people could see (the shoe loving) Scarlett's photos, and impress on people that the demo/rebuild work her and Tim are undertaking is far more widespread and disruptive than our little bathroom project.

So, always one to keep my word (well, most of the time anyway), here's Keeping up with the Joneses for your perusal.

10 Things Your Casino Won't Tell You

The title says it all

10 Things Your Casino Won't Tell You (10 Things: Personal Finance) | SmartMoney.com

Never show your receipt again

A suprisingly witty, entertaining piece that seems to have got a bit of publicity recently. Makes great reading, and a definite "call to arms" over a ridiculous policy that seems to be getting a little more common. If you're reading this from outside the US, you probably have no idea what this guy is talking about - lets hope it stays that way.

Anyway, although I appear to be inspired by the article, my natural demeanour of feeling guilty without actually doing anything probably couldn't cope with the stress and publicity of walking past the old codger on the way out of CostCo - it may require a visit after a couple of beers. And I might take photos if I ever do do it.

Black & White, Birmingham's City Paper

Top 10 Naked People on Google Earth

One of the disadvantages (or advantages I guess if you're so inclined) of Google taking aerial photos with no warning, is the chance of catching some people unprepared for staring in a world wide web without suitable attire. Given the photos also need to be taken on non-cloudy days, it's highly likely it's a good day for sunbathing. Be careful if you have a penchant for sunbathing naked on your roof.

Google Sightseeing » Post Archive » Top 10 Naked People on Google Earth

Denver Snow - it's back

After a week of "blustery" weather in the UK, the snow in Denver is a bit of a shock to the system. So far, only about 3 or 4 inches where we are, but it's still snowing, and the drive was a little rough in this morning (as in a car 2 cars in front of me did an impromptu 180 spin, causing a little excitement). The snow tires and traction control held up pretty well, and the car is pretty balanced, so I've been able to catch any slides. However, the temperature is only going to hit 18 degrees farenheit today (that's -8 C in your money mother), and that's the high, so there'll be plenty of ice around later.

Hopefully the snow sticks around in a car park or two until tonight though, as I fancy a little drifting practise with the tracion control off - stay tuned...

Carrera GT Crash

This break's my heart....

Life in England

Well, the trip is all over, back to work in a couple of minutes, and actually managed to stay in bed past 6am (which is a definite improvement over yesterday).

The week and a bit was great, but as usual, way too short to fit everything in, so if I missed you (Nick, Nev, Grandma!! etc) I'm really sorry, and will work harder next time.

We did fit in two birthday parties, some karting, a casino, couple of nice restaurants, fish and chips, kebab, curry, and a couple of pub lunches, as well as removing HMV of a decent selection of CD's. Tired just thinking about it now.

Still, good progress was made - Heidi saw it rain in Newcastle (and us win in Europe), the parents are now fully mac'd up, Matthew has a gearbox that works and a girlfriend that isn't psycho, and me and Ella are good mates. Now if only we had gone to the casino on a non-karaoke night, it might have almost been perfect....

Travel, drink, drink, travel and eat and drink

Sorry for the lack of posts, but on a bit of holiday for the holidays so to speak. Managed a whirlwind trip to London last Thursday, followed by the usual around this time of year trip to Newcastle.

Plenty of meeting up with old friends and family, and my brothers birthday this week is providing a (not needed) excuse for the occasional beverage. I'm actually on about a 5 or 6 day roll as far as being out on the beers, which is a little scary for me - been a few years since I managed that. And no end in sight until we get home, so I'll need a couple of days of recovery I think before I'm fully functioning again.

No photos as I'm on a borrowed computer (thanks to North Tyneside Council - don't ask), and probably won't be for a little while. But future nights out will hopefully result in a meeting with Mr Kirkwood, maybe Nev if I can sort it out, and taking Rach out for the first big night out since Scarlett was born (back in February!). Heidi has already managed a night of bingo down at North Sheilds Catholic club (they don't get many American tourists in there....) so we'll see what delights are awaiting us the rest of the week.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Surprising no-one, Aston Martin officially released the V8 Vantage Roadster today. It's just as pretty (if not more so) than it's hard topped sibling, and still gets to 60 in less than 5 seconds. Price is somewhere around the $130k mark, but will probably be worth every penny the first time you drive through a tunnel with the top down and floor it.

More pics here

Zune released

I couldn't really ignore the fact that the Zune is being released by Microsoft (I tried, but obviously not that hard). Anyway, largely not really very exciting at all, and I know Engadget or someone fell in love with the brown one (it's the new black) would you really choose one of these over an iPod? Not me, although I did happen to see an Archos 604 at the weekend, and they're pretty (but I don't want one - holding out for the touch screen iPod that doesn't exist yet).

Anyway, two noteworthy things in the news today - one - the word on the street is that one of the Zune ladies is mid orgasm in a screen splash and two - CNN had a great piece on the Zune that somehow turned into an ad for iPod - this is great - I think Soledad is the best! 8-)

Wee Dod - Skater Boy

We now present Mr George Wallace as you've never seen him before - very wee, and very skateboardeeeeeeeeee



What I really want to know is how come they even had video cameras in Scotland all those years ago - I didn't even think they had electricity.... ;-)

Meredith Gets Engaged

Obviously not in the program - that would just be too much, but in real life. Apparently she's been dating some record producer, and he proposed on her birthday.

Oh, and her real name is Ellen Pompeo (I've been to Pompeii, but that's pretty irrelevant really)

You know it's a strange day

When one of the searches in your top 5 that directed people to your website is "Paul Scholes and Bob the Builder". It's too scary to even comment on.

Dowie Gone - First Premiership Manager of the Season

Although guaranteed to win the ugliest manager in the premiership (sorry, Glenn, I know you're disappointed, but you have to agree...) few people thought that Iain (yes, that's the spelling he uses) Dowie would be the winner of the yearly race to get fired first, especially given the guy who had his job before him lasted about 12 years. But, football is a strange old game, and Dowie has gone, after a ridiculously bad run to kick off the (still only 12 games young) Premiership season.

I must now pay homage to the man in the know, Mr Peter Walker, who, on his visit to Denver in early September, did predict this (he is "in the game", so he has a little more inside knowledge than most). His reasoning ("he's screwed coz look who he signed - a Newcastle reject to hold up his midfield.....") was obviously spot on.

Oh, and on a more pleasing note, Borat is still number one over here!!! Go, Kahzikstan (or however you spell it).

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Charlton Athletic | Charlton part company with Dowie

Bathroom Remodelling

I know I have hinted (or just came out and told everyone) that we're in the middle of a bit of a bathroom design at the minute - I think I might have even posted a pic of the bath we chose to go in the room.

Well, I have a feeling some people weren't too sure on the scale of the remodel, so just for grins, here's a pic of how the room currently looks.



Not much there, and actually a little tidier than it was a couple of weeks ago. We're making good progress now (I'm saying we, but we actually owe the whole progress thing to some very generous in-laws with the necessary skill, experience, ideas, work ethic and patience to handle a project like this). Hopefully, all the stuff in the pic below will end up in the bathroom when we're done, and we don't end up with an Aaron-like furniture put together moment with key pieces being left behind after project completion (and yes, my bedroom drawer set thing still doesn't have a back on it and wobbles like crazy...).

Just in time Snow Tires

My lovely wife managed to get my new snow tires (and wheels) on while I was out last week, and just in time from the view outside on Sunday morning.

They don't look as bad as I expected (had to go down from a 19" to 18s to get tires that fit), and initial impressions of the Dunlop WinterSport M3's I got are that they handle a lot better in the dry than my old Blizzaks I had on the STi. Once we get a decent covering, I'll let you know how the snow grip is (and how the drifting in the carpark goes as well of course).

Worst Places to Take a Dump

Following on from a conversation Mr Tonkin initiated after a late arrival into Atlanta on Sunday night, I stole the link for this site from Rufus, who I don't actually know (at least I don't think I've met him), but he's Nick's mate. Anyway, don't view the site if you're eating.

Elise Tire Change

Oops - according to the guy, he went through what needed to happen to change the wheels on his Elise at the local garage. The guys who were doing the work didn't read all the instructions in the manual before they tried to lift it, and you can see the results here.

More pics here

Britney Spears files for divorce

Breaking News - looks like Britney is as sick of Kevin Federline as the rest of America, and has filed for divorce. Court officials have confirmed it in LA - no more news yet....

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Britney Spears files for divorce

UPDATE: A rumour has appeared that this is a bit of a stunt to scare K-Fed into behaving, and it might be a little PR move too. I'll let you decide, or you can just wait for this whole thing to play out, as it isn't really a big deal one way or the other...

Borat makes No. 1

Faith has been restored in the public - the right movie in the right spot. Now if only it holds true thru tomorrow night...

Kazakh journalist escapes Tim Allen's jolly old elf - CNN.com

Fergie Makes it 20 Years

Nope, not Fergilicious Fergie, or even that girl who used to think she was royalty just coz Randy Andy was actually randy (now relegated to Weight Watcher adverts to bring in the cash), but Mr Alex Ferguson, Scottish mad man and one of the greatest football managers ever. Monday will mark his 20 year anniversary at Man Utd (the team everyone loves to hate).

He's had a pretty good career (much as I hate to admit it), with one of his most impressive talents has been to ditch star players once he thinks they're past their prime. Ince was a prime example, along with David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelroy, Jaap Stam and even that left back/winger guy who I can't even remember - oh yeah, Lee Sharpe.

To mark the occasion, The Fiver produced a list of his best comments, although Paul Scholes gets the best quote not from the man himself

"I was scared to death of him the first time I met him. I still am actually" - Paul Scholes pays tribute to Lord Ferg.

Anyway, here they are....

"Clubs come away from Anfield choking on their own vomit and biting their own tongues knowing they have been done by the referee" - revealing his love for Liverpool after the 10-man Rowdies grabbed a 3-3 draw in 1988.

"I should have gone ahead and signed Mick Harford" - explaining why the Rowdies failed to win the league in 1992.

"Big? It isn't big. It's magnificent! I've seen some whoppers in my time, but Dion's is something else" - Ferg's verdict on Dion Dublin's lunchbox, according to the then Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson, in 1994.

"I f*****g told youse not to ask that John. You know the rules here" - introducing John Motson to the hairdryer after Motty asked why Roy Keane had slugged Jan Fjortoft in 1995.

"If he was an inch taller he'd be the best centre-half in Britain. His father is 6ft 2in - I'd check the milkman" - appraising Gary Neville's parentage in 1996.

"He probably started crying" - explaining why Jack Walker wouldn't let Alan Shearer go to the DevilBowl in 1996.

"Some sinister magic appeared to be at work" - after defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the 1997 Big Cup semi-final.

"He's a bully, a f*****g big-time Charlie" - an impromptu paean to his former midfield stalwart Paul Ince in 1998.

"When an Italian says it's pasta I check under the sauce to make sure" - the old charmer limbers up for a visit to Milan in 1999.

"Football. Bloody hell" - lost for words after the Treble victory in 1999.

"We were very unlucky to lose the toss twice and play into the sun" - putting a novel spin on embarrassing failure at the World Club Championship in 2000.

"I'm no' f*****g talking to you. Veron's a great f***ing player. Youse are all f***ing idiots" - building bridges with the press after criticism of Juan Veron in 2002.

"My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their f****n' perch, and you can print that" - responding to Alan Hansen's suggestion that regaining the title in 2002-03 would be his greatest challenge.

"Just f*****g patch him up" - Fergie's reputed instruction to the United physio after lamping a stray boot into David Beckham's face in 2003.

"It's getting tickly now. Squeaky-bum time, I call it" - tickling Arsenal's undercarriage in 2003.

"Real Madrid - they have a nice draw, they must have picked it themselves. The Spanish or Italian teams don't play each other, how do you think they work that out? They don't want us in the final, that's for sure, but I'm not listening" - after the Rowdies drew Real in Big Cup quarter-final in 2003. They lost.

"Arsenal played too many draws. The best team in England? That's always debatable" - evaluating Arsenal's 2003-04 Invincibles.

"Could I have two bullets?" - when asked 'If you had one bullet and Victoria Beckham and Arsene Wenger were in the room, what would you do?' in 2004.

"We're as good as Chelsea, no question" - after finishing eight points off the pace last season.

"It's scandalous that some people think I should retire. I have every right to work hard. I am going to continue working" - warming up for a few more years on the eve of his 20th anniversary.

British believe Bush more dangerous than Kim Jong-il | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited

The Guardian is currently running a piece stating that the rest of the world think that George Bush is a greater threat to World than Kim Jong Il.

British believe Bush more dangerous than Kim Jong-il | Special reports | Guardian Unlimited:

Halloween Pics

Heidi is way more organized than me (like that's a surprise to anyone who knows me), so she got the photos up on Flickr here.

Two parties, ripped off for 12 bucks in a game we could never win (thanks Derren!), and attending the first ever house party where we felt too old for the majority of the crowd. But it was a great night anyway, and we did scientifically (sp?) prove that the beer tap on my hat worked correctly.

Newcastle Win In Europe

A remarkable 1-0 win for Newcastle against an in-form Palermo team for a number of reasons. If you saw the team we put out, it was missing a large number of regulars, right through the team, our keeper was only 18 years old, Albert Luque (pictured) scored the only goal of the game, and we had never won on Italian soil before tonight.

Well done lads - now if we can get another win for the one possible game I might actually see live this season, we'll be through for definite. I can't wait.

Clear Wheels (I can see straight through)

Sure to be the latest craze are these rims released at this years SEMA - completely transparent. It also is some indication of what your bank account will look like once you've bought these - they run for at least $2000 per wheel - that's a nice round $8k (without tires I might add) as the entry price.

Oh, and given everyone is going to be looking directly at your brakes, if you're not lucky enough to already have a decent set on, you better throw in another 4 grand for a big brake kit from Brembo or AP or someone.

What I really want to know though is how on earth you keep these things clean, especially with the brake dust staying on the inside? Maybe just have "people" to take them off every night and give them a quick rince?

Heidi Bakes Another Cake!

And as you can see, it's a great one!

This was especially for Emma's 3rd Birthday, and prior to being devoured by the family (it tasted as good as it looked), it was covered with thousands of candles (well, definitely more than 3 anyway).

100 million Web Sites!

How crazy is that - you can sit at your computer for years and years, and never even have a shot at hitting all of the home pages, never mind the actual content. And I hope they have somehow automated the counting, coz that would be some boring job.....

Web reaches new milestone: 100 million sites - CNN.com

Halloween Costumes, Parties and Fat City

I know I owe everyone a few pics from the weekend, along with an update on what we did and didn't do (unfortunately - sorry Neil and George). But I haven't loaded the pics yet, so you'll have to wait.

In the meantime, here's some pics from the Thompsons to tide you over.

This one is my fave (although the deer in the back garden is pretty impressive.

The Worlds Biggest Skate Ramp?

According to the New York Times anyway, and we all know how truthful and accurate they always are (or is that the Post, I can never remember, and no-one really reads newspapers anymore unless they're delivered free to your hotel door every morning, right?).

Bob (the builder) Burnquist is the owner I think, but I got distracted by the video footage on the site and never got to actually reading the article. I think the ADD is kicking in big time today.....

New York Time Article

Anderson, Hasselhoff in 'Baywatch' reunion

Luckily for us this doesn't mean we will be faced with watching a 50 something Hasslehoff (The Hoff to Radio 1 Listeners) run in slow motion down the beach (although being chased by cops as part of a drugs sting might actually be pretty funny). They were just promoting the release of Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD (and who exactly will buy these, apart from Joey and Chandler, who aren't exactly real people, especially now that Friends isn't even on now).

It did bring some interesting quotes though, with The Hoff getting all nostalgic

"I think the secret of its success was that is was always about saving lives, not taking lives," Hasselhoff noted.

Nothing to do with all those teenage boys watching swimsuit wearing hotties run down the beach in slow motion then....

OK - apologies for this in advance, but for the uneducated, here's The Hoff's video for his latest "hit" single. Like I said, I'm sorry.



Anderson, Hasselhoff part of 'Baywatch' reunion - CNN.com

Worlds Lightest Laptop?

Sony have just announced this new laptop, which weighs in at under 2lbs (or 1KG if you're European, or English and are now forced to use the metric system). It looks pretty too (and has my fav material built in - carbon fiber), and almost makes up for their blatant copy of the MacBook they also released today. But not quite.

Sony Vaio G1

Golf GTi (with that all important extra little something)

Welcome to the world of SEMA (nope, not the company I used to work for, but the Las Vegas show of all things car and speed). It gives you a look at special one off production versions of cars for you to stare at, and perhaps one day aspire to.

This one here is the Golf R GTI, courtesy of the VW factory boys. 375BHP and lots and lots of carbon fiber inside and out make this one actually go as fast as it looks like it would. And apparently if you're patient and rich, you could probably put all this stuff together yourself if you fancied it (coz you can be sure they won't release a production version).