It's coming to the end of my time off work, and I have to say, I've rather enjoyed myself. With the introduction of Sky TV in the Mitten household, even the boring times have been supplemented by a bit of test match cricket on the box, and then the rest has been filled with the classic combination of sun, alcohol and our own cricket.
After I'd finished my 4 hours of work for the week on Wednesday morning, I headed down to the club for my weekly bit of volunteering behind the bar and in the kitchen for Bedfordshire University's final game of their shortened season. They won comfortably, but I had a laugh with Boony as the game ended and we sat about in the clubhouse long after all the students had left and had a good old chat. At this point, my own batting game was on the ropes and we talked about what I needed to do to get my mojo back. We agreed that most of it was in the brain department, and left it at that before training. Training was generally pretty bad for me. We re-created a match situation, with opening batsmen facing opening bowlers, and once you were out, you were out. I was out pretty quickly. So spent the next two hours thinking about what the hell I was doing wrong whilst drifting around the outfield.
Then Friday night came. I apologise for the chronological orderings of this entry, but to fit it all in, I need to keep it concise! So yes... Friday night... It had been in the pipeline for a while, but me and Miss. Black were to hit up the Barley Mow again, and hit it up we did! Actually, I thought this section might be one of the largest to describe, but its just occurred to me I cannot remember a single thing that happened... All I remember was making A LOT of noise coming in at 4am and literally waking the house up. Walking into radiators, slamming doors whilst not knowing my own strength and dropping the fruit bowl just a selection of the noise-inducing shenanigans that I got up to...
Waking up a few hours later then was... Interesting. Not only was I faced with a long day of cricket in the sun with the worst possible hangover, (I don't usually get them), but as I walked downstairs, I was introduced to my sisters new boyfriend...
"Got a hangover have we?"
Ah... That's awkward. I don't really do awkward these days, its just not worth the hassle, but that moment sure was. I simply said, "Err... Yeah", shook his hand, and walked off. He must think I'm a professional alcoholic, (cease sniggering at the back please!), and I didn't see him again before they both trekked back over the River Severn to Cardiff.
The cricket that day was rather strange. As I said earlier, my batting has been atrocious lately, and as we had concluded on Wednesday, it was mostly my confidence letting me down. However today, despite being put into bat on a dodgy looking wicket, I was faced with the prospect of seeing 3 balls approach me from the other end thanks to the copious levels of Jack Daniels consumed the night before. Given my form of late, I didn't expect to last very long, so I just settled into it. Albeit a fair few overs later, I was on 35 before I got out, and given my barren spell of late, 35 runs that I will gladly accept. It was the confidence booster I needed. We set 185 for Pavenham to chase, which they did (just), as we battled away into the evening. We got 7 wickets, but couldn't find the other 3 as Pavenham crept over the line. There were certainly positives to take away from the game however.
No. Before you ask, I was not crazy enough to go out into Bedford town again. I was still struggling from a hangover at 9.30pm, which is when I think I collapsed into a sleep-hazed dream about a cricket ball being pummelled into my brain multiple times by Brett Lee. That was fun. I also missed all the goals from the Champions League final, the first time I have done so since 2003.
13 and a half hours later, and without a hangover, I was on my way again. We had another away game, in the league that is our priority, and I was desperate for a win. The game was in a place called Eggington, (Where?!), and it was another 50 minute journey to get there. Again, we bowled first, (YES, I WON THE TOSS! I know! Amazing!), and we had another fantastic fielding performance, restricting them to 121, and then we were chasing again... Chasing a low target, with a batting line-up bereft of confidence...
I started well. It took me a while to get off the mark - a fact that the vocal fielding side kept on reminding me - but once I did, I felt very confident indeed. It was very strange. The opposition were sledging left, right and centre about my patient style, until I told them I couldn't give a damn. This is the exchange:
Gully: Test match special here boys, still on 0 after 3 overs. Must be feeling the pressure!
Me: I don't feel pressure mate, not when we're chasing a s**t total.
Gully: I saw how you batted last week fella, you're bricking it, I can tell.
Me: The week before, I got 6 off 20 overs, (that's true by the way ... I know). Call me "Test Match Special" as much as you like, I know I am. I'm here for the long haul my friend.
*The next ball comes down, and I middle it through the covers for 4*
Me: (Sarcastically and JUST loudly enough...) Bricking it. Yep. I'm certainly bricking it.
*Gully remains silent*
It's not really part of the game I like particularly much - sledging. I've never been mentally very good, and obviously that means the fielding side have the ability to get to me a bit more... Although I have been better recently. I certainly won that little battle yesterday. Especially when I put away another boundary in the same over. I went on to make 22, with 5 boundaries, before I got out to an admittedly very good catch.
At that stage we were 37-2, and usually, there would be no trouble in reaching our target of 122. But a long way down the line, we were suddenly 76-5 and the opposition had their tails up. Our number 3, Mark Hodgson, was still there and looking relatively comfortable, but with not a lot of batting to come, I was out umpiring, and this time - I was bricking it.
I would have been furious if we'd have thrown away a winning position yet again. Thankfully we didn't, as Mark despatched the first ball of the tense final over for a massive 6, all but confirming our victory and he knocked off the remaining two runs off the next ball. Finally, we had won. Not convincingly, but we had won. By 3 wickets. I was a happy chappy.
I had not intended to go out on Sunday night. Certain people were not best pleased with my loud performance on Friday night, but I felt the victory had to be celebrated. I wasn't feeling getting very drunk to be honest, just a quiet few round a friend's house and then maybe a couple in town before calling it a night. I think I should know by now that this never happens...
It was going to plan, despite waiting forever in Yates' to get a drink. Don't judge me for going to Yates', it was the only place that seemed to not be that busy. The barmen made it look so however, as we stood at the bar for a full 18 minutes, (yes - I counted), before being served. It was at this point, as I bought in three drinks so I didn't have to wait for ages again, that I thought... Go on then! Let's do this properly!
Which is when the night got interesting. There was only two of us, me and my friend, and he was extremely drunk already. So I told him I was off to The Barley Mow, (which is pretty standard these days!), expecting him to not want to go. Oh, how wrong I was! It's always good fun when your straight friends accompany you to a gay bar, and on the walk up there, we had a bet on how long it would take for him to be hit on. He said, "10 minutes". I said, "After 3am". Closing time.
It was a very good night! It was a bit less busy than I had anticipated, but we met a few people there who I know, and we danced and chatted and drank a few more. I was drunk, but not on the same level as Friday and it all went swimmingly, until I ended up getting a cab to Clapham to practically watch Family Guy and American Dad for two hours. That was a bit silly... Otherwise, it was a brilliant end to a rather eventful bank holiday weekend.
Back at work tomorrow, and its probably time to be getting back into the swing of things.
The summer continues...
Monday 27 May 2013
Friday 24 May 2013
The Power of Education
When I was 16, I saw a short film simply called, 'The Power of Love'. I've spent the last two hours trying to find it again, but its nowhere to be seen, and only just now have I found out why. It was removed from the Internet.
The creator of said movie was a young gay man called David. He had spent his entire childhood being bullied in school, and later college, for having camp tendencies. Somehow, I remember the movie and the comments underneath like I had written them myself.
The movie was about a young man, much like myself at the time, who was at school and being bullied for wearing mascara and acting camp. His peers assumed he was gay, and bullied him endlessly for it. Later on, one of his bullies is being attacked outside school and David goes across and helps him. It was brilliantly simple, but also amazingly effective. Yet the comments were horrific...
"Why the f*** have you made this? You're just promoting evil!"
"Faggot! No one likes you!"
"You'll burn in Hell for making this movie!"
As a young man who was just beginning the journey of self-discovery, these comments were very disconcerting and played on my mind a lot. The amount of hate being splurged on to that page, poisoning the power of the film itself says a lot about the society we lived in during the year of 2007, and before. Since then, have things moved on? The attitudes of same-sex relationships differ in the US (where this video originated) and the UK, but ultimately, the arguments for and against remain the same.
Since then, I have seen many films, websites and blogs designed to educate. For, I believe, education is the key to acceptance and the beginning to living a life where you accept all for who they are. I have mentioned RUComingOut a few times now, (www.rucomingout.com), but sexuality is just one branch to the huge tree that is the taboo of life. Sexuality, mental health, sexual health, racism and immigration, religion.... Somewhere out there, there is someone raising awareness of subjects that, if we lived in the perfect world, would never need to be raised. However, this world of ours is far from perfect.
I'd like to share just two examples.
Starting here at home, there is one chap called Tom. Tom is HIV Positive, and around his day job spends his time raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. The stigma around this virus is unbelievably negative, but Tom works tirelessly to break through that large taboo and educate people. HIV is not a guaranteed killer, and it can be treated. Only a few months ago did I learn that, and that was because of Tom with his website and blog, (http://www.ukpositivelad.com/). Although I am negative myself, in terms of HIV status anyway, I do know that many, many people, (and one person personally) have found help through Tom and his website, and that is just one man. One man is helping to change the world, and that is admirable.
How did I find out I was HIV negative? I read about Tom's campaign, 'It Starts With Me', and felt I owed it to myself to find out. (http://www.ukpositivelad.com/it-starts-with-me-a-new-hiv-campaign-for-the-uk/) The symptoms related to HIV don't seem dangerous, (i.e. some people suffer with flu like symptoms at the beginning), but some don't have any symptoms AT ALL. There are so many people out there who are walking the streets completely unaware. I am no longer unaware, and its thanks to Tom that I owe my thanks for just tripping my brain into thinking about it.
For that is the power of these initiatives. Some of the people who hear about it will not think twice about it. The vast majority of young people, simply browsing the internet in the middle of the night through boredom, will skip over the website and think it has nothing to do with them. However, some people will see the website and wonder. Some of the people who visit this, and similar websites, will just think... Wonder if it has anything to do with them... And then some of those will do something about it... I did... Sure, I was negative, but there might be one person out there who wasn't... And their life might have been saved...
Once you appreciate the importance of that, you really begin to appreciate everything that life has to offer...
If you can manage to make one person think about a topic they had previously disregarded, and educate them on it, your effort has been made worthwhile.
And then we go across the pond to the States, and to a website called Connected Health Solutions, ran by another young man called Kenny. This website creates educational videos, aswell as giving young people the opportunity to work together in creating, publishing and promoting them. I have watched a lot of their PSA's, and have been impressed by every single one.
Especially this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jFXSv0KVfw&feature=youtu.be
Its close to my heart, for obvious reasons, but it makes you think. The majority of the world population are heterosexual, for this is a fact, but imagine what it would be like to be in the situation the young man above finds himself in, simply for being straight. Imagine... This is the scene that many young LGBT people face every day, in schools and colleges across the world. Whether it is deliberate or not, I am not sure, but the fact the cast of the film above are either black or Hispanic, adds to the message that it simply does not matter what race, colour, sexuality or creed you are. It simply doesn't matter, and there are people like Kenny and Tom who are working to make this world a better place, by education.
Trying to show people that it really is what's inside that counts.
Another example from Connected Health Solutions is also about HIV. This is their most recent video, and is an emotive example of how HIV doesn't have to ruin lives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=37t19yqbKCU
...
So is it working? Yes. It is working, slowly. However, I imagine it to be an exceptionally difficult task. There are many examples of ignorance when it comes to equality, across the board. Take the Woolwich murder a couple of weeks ago. A young man lost his life in a horrific attack, and the amount of hatred against Islam I saw because of that was astounding. Frighteningly so. There needs to be a lot more education about the world in general before we see the desired result, and there needs to be many more examples of people wanting to educate and spread the message of equality if we are to reach it.
You can follow Tom on Twitter (@UKPositiveLad) and Kenny at CHS (@CHS_Kenny) and see more of the brilliant work they do. There are so many similar initiatives, for any type of taboo that exists in our society.
Sometimes it feels like I waffle for all eternity on this blog, but if you don't take anything from this post, it is important to remember this: If you are struggling with any aspect of your life whatsoever, there is ALWAYS someone out there who will help you. Always.
You are not alone.
P.S. What about David I hear you ask? He went on to marry a beautiful woman and start a family. He was straight, yet was bullied for being gay. That's how wrong the bullies are.
The creator of said movie was a young gay man called David. He had spent his entire childhood being bullied in school, and later college, for having camp tendencies. Somehow, I remember the movie and the comments underneath like I had written them myself.
The movie was about a young man, much like myself at the time, who was at school and being bullied for wearing mascara and acting camp. His peers assumed he was gay, and bullied him endlessly for it. Later on, one of his bullies is being attacked outside school and David goes across and helps him. It was brilliantly simple, but also amazingly effective. Yet the comments were horrific...
"Why the f*** have you made this? You're just promoting evil!"
"Faggot! No one likes you!"
"You'll burn in Hell for making this movie!"
As a young man who was just beginning the journey of self-discovery, these comments were very disconcerting and played on my mind a lot. The amount of hate being splurged on to that page, poisoning the power of the film itself says a lot about the society we lived in during the year of 2007, and before. Since then, have things moved on? The attitudes of same-sex relationships differ in the US (where this video originated) and the UK, but ultimately, the arguments for and against remain the same.
Since then, I have seen many films, websites and blogs designed to educate. For, I believe, education is the key to acceptance and the beginning to living a life where you accept all for who they are. I have mentioned RUComingOut a few times now, (www.rucomingout.com), but sexuality is just one branch to the huge tree that is the taboo of life. Sexuality, mental health, sexual health, racism and immigration, religion.... Somewhere out there, there is someone raising awareness of subjects that, if we lived in the perfect world, would never need to be raised. However, this world of ours is far from perfect.
I'd like to share just two examples.
Starting here at home, there is one chap called Tom. Tom is HIV Positive, and around his day job spends his time raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. The stigma around this virus is unbelievably negative, but Tom works tirelessly to break through that large taboo and educate people. HIV is not a guaranteed killer, and it can be treated. Only a few months ago did I learn that, and that was because of Tom with his website and blog, (http://www.ukpositivelad.com/). Although I am negative myself, in terms of HIV status anyway, I do know that many, many people, (and one person personally) have found help through Tom and his website, and that is just one man. One man is helping to change the world, and that is admirable.
How did I find out I was HIV negative? I read about Tom's campaign, 'It Starts With Me', and felt I owed it to myself to find out. (http://www.ukpositivelad.com/it-starts-with-me-a-new-hiv-campaign-for-the-uk/) The symptoms related to HIV don't seem dangerous, (i.e. some people suffer with flu like symptoms at the beginning), but some don't have any symptoms AT ALL. There are so many people out there who are walking the streets completely unaware. I am no longer unaware, and its thanks to Tom that I owe my thanks for just tripping my brain into thinking about it.
For that is the power of these initiatives. Some of the people who hear about it will not think twice about it. The vast majority of young people, simply browsing the internet in the middle of the night through boredom, will skip over the website and think it has nothing to do with them. However, some people will see the website and wonder. Some of the people who visit this, and similar websites, will just think... Wonder if it has anything to do with them... And then some of those will do something about it... I did... Sure, I was negative, but there might be one person out there who wasn't... And their life might have been saved...
Once you appreciate the importance of that, you really begin to appreciate everything that life has to offer...
If you can manage to make one person think about a topic they had previously disregarded, and educate them on it, your effort has been made worthwhile.
And then we go across the pond to the States, and to a website called Connected Health Solutions, ran by another young man called Kenny. This website creates educational videos, aswell as giving young people the opportunity to work together in creating, publishing and promoting them. I have watched a lot of their PSA's, and have been impressed by every single one.
Especially this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jFXSv0KVfw&feature=youtu.be
Its close to my heart, for obvious reasons, but it makes you think. The majority of the world population are heterosexual, for this is a fact, but imagine what it would be like to be in the situation the young man above finds himself in, simply for being straight. Imagine... This is the scene that many young LGBT people face every day, in schools and colleges across the world. Whether it is deliberate or not, I am not sure, but the fact the cast of the film above are either black or Hispanic, adds to the message that it simply does not matter what race, colour, sexuality or creed you are. It simply doesn't matter, and there are people like Kenny and Tom who are working to make this world a better place, by education.
Trying to show people that it really is what's inside that counts.
Another example from Connected Health Solutions is also about HIV. This is their most recent video, and is an emotive example of how HIV doesn't have to ruin lives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=37t19yqbKCU
...
So is it working? Yes. It is working, slowly. However, I imagine it to be an exceptionally difficult task. There are many examples of ignorance when it comes to equality, across the board. Take the Woolwich murder a couple of weeks ago. A young man lost his life in a horrific attack, and the amount of hatred against Islam I saw because of that was astounding. Frighteningly so. There needs to be a lot more education about the world in general before we see the desired result, and there needs to be many more examples of people wanting to educate and spread the message of equality if we are to reach it.
You can follow Tom on Twitter (@UKPositiveLad) and Kenny at CHS (@CHS_Kenny) and see more of the brilliant work they do. There are so many similar initiatives, for any type of taboo that exists in our society.
Sometimes it feels like I waffle for all eternity on this blog, but if you don't take anything from this post, it is important to remember this: If you are struggling with any aspect of your life whatsoever, there is ALWAYS someone out there who will help you. Always.
You are not alone.
P.S. What about David I hear you ask? He went on to marry a beautiful woman and start a family. He was straight, yet was bullied for being gay. That's how wrong the bullies are.
Sunday 19 May 2013
Eurovision - The Review
Last night, I spent a whole three hours watching the wonderful thing that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Originally created in 1956, it was imagined as a way of bringing Europe together through music and 57 years later, that notion is still realised in this annual competition. Due to last years winner being Sweden, the contest this year was held in the city of Malmo. This is my review of each song, and I promise... I'll try not to be too camp about it!
(Apologies for the lack of pictures - Having a bit of trouble with the site!)
1. France: Amandine Bourgeois - L'enfer Et Moi (Final Position: 23rd with 14 points)
Never the greatest position to be in the Eurovision Song Contest, the first song up was from one of the "Big 5". The French entry this year reminded me a bit of a disgruntled teenager. Obviously, I could not understand the lyrics, but this hardly mattered as she shouted her way through the evening's opening number. It was never going to be popular, even if it was in a better place than 1st, but that merely compounded the misery for Amandine on the night.
2. Andrius Pojavis - Something (Final Position : 22nd with 17 points)
Someone told me Andrius was a doppelganger of myself, and there seemed to be a lot of love from the gay community for him, but the song itself never really kicked off. (Wait - Did I just big myself up there?!) ... Once again at a disadvantage because of its placing on the night, Andrius looked as if he was enjoying himself, but it was a largely forgettable performance and this was confirmed as Lithuania picked up a lowly 22nd place.
3. Moldova - Aliona Moon - O Mie (Final Position: 11th with 71 points)
Although this song got a good reception from the Malmo crowd, it lacked a bit of spark and magic for me which probably was the reason why it didn't place higher than it did. Got a lot of support from Eastern Europe, which has become natural for Eurovision in recent years, but they will be relatively pleased with an appearance on the left hand side of the scoreboard.
4. Finland - Krista Siegfrids - Marry Me (Final Position: 24th with 13 points)
I was fairly surprised that this didn't place higher, but possibly the controversy of the song didn't sit well with European voters despite Eurovision having camp tendencies. The song was good fun, although the backing singers sometimes looked a bit lost. The lesbian kiss at the end seemed to go down well with the LGBT community on social media, but the rest of Europe thought the song didn't amount to much, and it was left rotting away in the doldrums of the lower reaches of the scoreboard.
5. Spain - ESDM - Contigo Hasta El Final (Final Position: 25th with 8 points)
Again, a largely forgettable song, with the only detail I remember being the strange appearance of bagpipes. Maybe the Scottish had an influence in Spain? Clearly, the voting public forgot about this song too, with a 2nd to last placing continuing Spain's poor track record in the competition.
6. Belgium - Roberto Bellarosa - Love Kills (Final Position: 12th with 71 points)
The youngest act in the competition, 18 year old Roberto certainly did well with his song. I thought his eyebrows were a bit scary, but the song was pretty good. Maybe lacked that perfect Eurovision recipe, but I liked it, and probably a fair placing for the youngster, just sneaking on to the left hand side of our screens.
7. Estonia - Birgit - Et Uus Saaks Alguse (Final Position: 20th with 19 points)
Something tells me Europe doesn't appreciate being taken back to the 1960s with this song, as the coverage began in black and white. I can see what they were trying to do, but it instantly put me off. The song was OK, if a bit boring, but I couldn't justify a higher placing for it. Nice dress though.
8. Belarus - Alyona Lanskaya - Solayoh (Final Position: 16th with 48 points)
Glitter balls, strobe lights and impossibly high heels, this seemed like classic Eurovision. Unfortunately, the contest demands something more unique these days, so this never really quite cut the mustard. It lacked that originality for it to be a major contender, so it might have blended in with everything else of years gone by. 16th was a fair placing.
9. Malta - Gianluca - Tomorrow (Final Position: 8th with 120 points)
My favourite song of this years contest, although I'm not entirely surprised it didn't finish higher. The simplicity of it was everything, and Doctor Gianluca looked as if he was really enjoying himself as did the people on stage with him. A constant smile across his face added to the song's cheeriness, and it went down well across Europe. It's a shame it didn't get a podium finish at least, but Malta should be proud of their efforts this year. It got my vote! Also goes without saying, it got in my top 5!
10. Russia - Dina Garipova - What If (Final Position: 5th with 174 points)
The Russians always tend to do well in Eurovision and this year was no different as they sneaked into the top 5 with a beautiful ballad. A lot of this song needed a good voice from Dina and she didn't disappoint. Good work!
11. Germany - Cascada - Glorious (Final Position: 21st with 18 points)
A very, very odd entry from Germany, as it seemed like a carbon copy of last years winner, Euphoria. A change of lyrics did nothing to hide the obvious likeness, and this obviously didn't go down well in the arena or with the voting public as they picked up a measly 18 points. Sheer laziness from the Germans, and Cascada will have done nothing to help her popularity with this one. I think I wouldn't be the only one to 'evacuate the dancefloor'...
12. Armenia - Dorians - Lonely Planet (Final Position: 18th with 41 points)
I distinctly remember listening to this song and thinking, "I'm pretty sure I won't remember this", and I was right. Upon re-jigging my memory though, I can see why it didn't finish higher. Someone argued that it had an originality and a roughness to it, which was welcome from the usual Eurovision camp parade. But the voting public didn't think the same! And neither did I!
13. The Netherlands - Anouk - Birds (Final Position: 9th with 114 points)
Horrible, horrible song. I had to leave the room to avoid crying my eyes out. The depressing nature of it literally made me walk out in despair, and frankly I'm amazed it managed a top 10 finish. If it was my choice, it would have come stone dead last. Maybe it stood out as depressing amongst a show full of glitz and glamour, that people remembered it and voted for it? Shame on you.
14. Romania - Cesar - Its My Life (Final Position: 13th with 65 points)
Possibly the most bizarre finalist of this years contest, Cesar took the meaning of "a high pitched voice" to new ball-breaking heights with this one. However, I strangely enjoyed it, so much so that I put it in my own top 5. What made it more bizarre was the "naked" dancers who weren't really naked. This entry encapsulates the image of Eurovision that "non fans" have. Crazy. Mad. And we loved it.
15. United Kingdom - Bonnie Tyler - Believe In Me (Final Position: 19th with 23 points)
Poor Bonnie. It was an apt title for a fading British Eurovision dream, but once again, the song just wasn't good enough. It was a good performance, certainly the best version of it I have heard so far, but in a good field this year, it never stood out as great. Will I live to see a British Eurovision winner? Something is telling me, no.
16. Sweden - Robin Stjernberg - You (Final Position: 14th with 62 points)
I liked this song, but strangely, the holders of the contest find it difficult to create the same effect 2nd time around, (unless you happen to be Irish!), and it seems that was the case again with Sweden. Robin sang his song well, and it seemed to go down pretty well aswell - and I liked it - but it just didn't get the votes, and ended with mid table mediocrity. Maybe it was the dancers fault? They looked like out of control Sims characters...
17. Hungary - Bye Alex - Kedvesem (Final Position: 10th with 84 points)
A good song, so much so that the good-looking guitarist nearly fell off his stool in excitement. Its always difficult to appreciate a song to its fullest extent when its sang in its native language, so maybe this song was lost on me a bit. I quite liked the melodies however, and the arena seemed to love it. A deserved top 10 finish.
18. Denmark - Emmelie De Forest - Only Teardrops (Final Position: 1ST WITH 281 POINTS!)
A brilliant, brilliant song and a deserved winner of Eurovision 2013. It was runaway favourite before the start and you can see why. I just loved the flute (or piccolo?) intro and the lyrics were great and the performance was brilliant. How many times can Scandinavian countries get it right between them? In my top 5 aswell.
19. Iceland - Eythor Ingi - Eg a Lif (Final Position: 17th with 47 points)
Eythor had a tough ask following a great Danish entry, so maybe his song was lost in the greatness of the Danish. Again, largely forgettable and that was reflected in its final standing.
20. Azerbaijan - Farid Mammadov - Hold Me (Final Position: 2nd with 234 points)
Great lyrics, and equally great dancing, the Azerbaijani entry was performed very well indeed. Farid had quite a task mirroring the dance moves with his fellow dancers whilst keeping up a good singing performance, but he succeeded. Unfortunately, very few remember 2nd places in the land of Eurovision, but this runners-up spot was largely deserved, although it just missed out on a top 5 finish in my books.
21. Greece - Koza Mostra ft. Agathon Iakovidis - Alcohol is Free (Final Position: 6th with 152 pts)
A song about the troubled economic times of current Greece was met with a general likeness in Europe, (especially in the UK - Probably because of the title!) I didn't think it would do that well, but I liked the quirkiness of the song and it probably deserved a little bit more than a nonetheless, good 6th place finish.
22. Ukraine - Zlata Ognevich - Gravity (Final Position: 3rd with 214 points)
Another good song, ruined by 5 seconds of the giant. I just cannot see why they did that, and it took away the seriousness of the song for me. It started off on a bad note, and despite an amazing voice, I just couldn't stop asking the question, "What was the point of the 7ft 8 man?!" It might have provided more dangerous competition for Denmark without it.
24. Norway - Margaret Berger - I Feed You My Love (Final Position: 4th with 191 points)
I liked this song a lot. It almost woke up a fading Eurovision crowd towards the end of the songs, and it was welcomed. It had a modern, club vibe to it and that's my cup of tea! It just squeezed into my top 5, and Europe tended to agree with me! A fair placing for a good song, from a country still flying high on the back of Mr.Rybak's runaway victory in 2009.
25. Georgia - Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani - Waterfall (Final Position: 15th with 50 points)
Quite surprised this got as high as it did. It had a whiff of Peter Andre and Jordan about it, and I have never been a fan of these love song duets, (unless you count Bosnia's 2008 entry - Pokusaj!) It lacked magic and spark, and as the contest was coming to a close, it was pretty boring.
26. Ireland - Ryan Dolan - Only Love Survives (Final Position: 26th with 5 points)
Oh, the injustice! This song was in my top 5 and for good reason. Sure, the drummers were good-looking, (as was Ryan!), but the song was brilliant for me. The drums were mesmerising, the lyrics were infectious, and just like in the semi-final, Mr Dolan performed it admirably. Maybe because it was last up, the European public had given up listening? That's my only explanation for such a surprising finish for the Irish, and the wooden spoon. And what's more, Ireland will now probably revert back to the tried and trusted Jedward... Sigh...
...
All in all though, I really enjoyed this year's contest. The last few years haven't been great for me really, but this years was superb, almost on a par with 2008. A brilliant job from Emmelie De Forest ensured Denmark's first win in the contest since the Olsen Brothers in 2000, and it was richly deserved. Bring on Denmark 2014!
(Apologies for the lack of pictures - Having a bit of trouble with the site!)
1. France: Amandine Bourgeois - L'enfer Et Moi (Final Position: 23rd with 14 points)
Never the greatest position to be in the Eurovision Song Contest, the first song up was from one of the "Big 5". The French entry this year reminded me a bit of a disgruntled teenager. Obviously, I could not understand the lyrics, but this hardly mattered as she shouted her way through the evening's opening number. It was never going to be popular, even if it was in a better place than 1st, but that merely compounded the misery for Amandine on the night.
2. Andrius Pojavis - Something (Final Position : 22nd with 17 points)
Someone told me Andrius was a doppelganger of myself, and there seemed to be a lot of love from the gay community for him, but the song itself never really kicked off. (Wait - Did I just big myself up there?!) ... Once again at a disadvantage because of its placing on the night, Andrius looked as if he was enjoying himself, but it was a largely forgettable performance and this was confirmed as Lithuania picked up a lowly 22nd place.
3. Moldova - Aliona Moon - O Mie (Final Position: 11th with 71 points)
Although this song got a good reception from the Malmo crowd, it lacked a bit of spark and magic for me which probably was the reason why it didn't place higher than it did. Got a lot of support from Eastern Europe, which has become natural for Eurovision in recent years, but they will be relatively pleased with an appearance on the left hand side of the scoreboard.
4. Finland - Krista Siegfrids - Marry Me (Final Position: 24th with 13 points)
I was fairly surprised that this didn't place higher, but possibly the controversy of the song didn't sit well with European voters despite Eurovision having camp tendencies. The song was good fun, although the backing singers sometimes looked a bit lost. The lesbian kiss at the end seemed to go down well with the LGBT community on social media, but the rest of Europe thought the song didn't amount to much, and it was left rotting away in the doldrums of the lower reaches of the scoreboard.
5. Spain - ESDM - Contigo Hasta El Final (Final Position: 25th with 8 points)
Again, a largely forgettable song, with the only detail I remember being the strange appearance of bagpipes. Maybe the Scottish had an influence in Spain? Clearly, the voting public forgot about this song too, with a 2nd to last placing continuing Spain's poor track record in the competition.
6. Belgium - Roberto Bellarosa - Love Kills (Final Position: 12th with 71 points)
The youngest act in the competition, 18 year old Roberto certainly did well with his song. I thought his eyebrows were a bit scary, but the song was pretty good. Maybe lacked that perfect Eurovision recipe, but I liked it, and probably a fair placing for the youngster, just sneaking on to the left hand side of our screens.
7. Estonia - Birgit - Et Uus Saaks Alguse (Final Position: 20th with 19 points)
Something tells me Europe doesn't appreciate being taken back to the 1960s with this song, as the coverage began in black and white. I can see what they were trying to do, but it instantly put me off. The song was OK, if a bit boring, but I couldn't justify a higher placing for it. Nice dress though.
8. Belarus - Alyona Lanskaya - Solayoh (Final Position: 16th with 48 points)
Glitter balls, strobe lights and impossibly high heels, this seemed like classic Eurovision. Unfortunately, the contest demands something more unique these days, so this never really quite cut the mustard. It lacked that originality for it to be a major contender, so it might have blended in with everything else of years gone by. 16th was a fair placing.
9. Malta - Gianluca - Tomorrow (Final Position: 8th with 120 points)
My favourite song of this years contest, although I'm not entirely surprised it didn't finish higher. The simplicity of it was everything, and Doctor Gianluca looked as if he was really enjoying himself as did the people on stage with him. A constant smile across his face added to the song's cheeriness, and it went down well across Europe. It's a shame it didn't get a podium finish at least, but Malta should be proud of their efforts this year. It got my vote! Also goes without saying, it got in my top 5!
10. Russia - Dina Garipova - What If (Final Position: 5th with 174 points)
The Russians always tend to do well in Eurovision and this year was no different as they sneaked into the top 5 with a beautiful ballad. A lot of this song needed a good voice from Dina and she didn't disappoint. Good work!
11. Germany - Cascada - Glorious (Final Position: 21st with 18 points)
A very, very odd entry from Germany, as it seemed like a carbon copy of last years winner, Euphoria. A change of lyrics did nothing to hide the obvious likeness, and this obviously didn't go down well in the arena or with the voting public as they picked up a measly 18 points. Sheer laziness from the Germans, and Cascada will have done nothing to help her popularity with this one. I think I wouldn't be the only one to 'evacuate the dancefloor'...
12. Armenia - Dorians - Lonely Planet (Final Position: 18th with 41 points)
I distinctly remember listening to this song and thinking, "I'm pretty sure I won't remember this", and I was right. Upon re-jigging my memory though, I can see why it didn't finish higher. Someone argued that it had an originality and a roughness to it, which was welcome from the usual Eurovision camp parade. But the voting public didn't think the same! And neither did I!
13. The Netherlands - Anouk - Birds (Final Position: 9th with 114 points)
Horrible, horrible song. I had to leave the room to avoid crying my eyes out. The depressing nature of it literally made me walk out in despair, and frankly I'm amazed it managed a top 10 finish. If it was my choice, it would have come stone dead last. Maybe it stood out as depressing amongst a show full of glitz and glamour, that people remembered it and voted for it? Shame on you.
14. Romania - Cesar - Its My Life (Final Position: 13th with 65 points)
Possibly the most bizarre finalist of this years contest, Cesar took the meaning of "a high pitched voice" to new ball-breaking heights with this one. However, I strangely enjoyed it, so much so that I put it in my own top 5. What made it more bizarre was the "naked" dancers who weren't really naked. This entry encapsulates the image of Eurovision that "non fans" have. Crazy. Mad. And we loved it.
15. United Kingdom - Bonnie Tyler - Believe In Me (Final Position: 19th with 23 points)
Poor Bonnie. It was an apt title for a fading British Eurovision dream, but once again, the song just wasn't good enough. It was a good performance, certainly the best version of it I have heard so far, but in a good field this year, it never stood out as great. Will I live to see a British Eurovision winner? Something is telling me, no.
16. Sweden - Robin Stjernberg - You (Final Position: 14th with 62 points)
I liked this song, but strangely, the holders of the contest find it difficult to create the same effect 2nd time around, (unless you happen to be Irish!), and it seems that was the case again with Sweden. Robin sang his song well, and it seemed to go down pretty well aswell - and I liked it - but it just didn't get the votes, and ended with mid table mediocrity. Maybe it was the dancers fault? They looked like out of control Sims characters...
17. Hungary - Bye Alex - Kedvesem (Final Position: 10th with 84 points)
A good song, so much so that the good-looking guitarist nearly fell off his stool in excitement. Its always difficult to appreciate a song to its fullest extent when its sang in its native language, so maybe this song was lost on me a bit. I quite liked the melodies however, and the arena seemed to love it. A deserved top 10 finish.
18. Denmark - Emmelie De Forest - Only Teardrops (Final Position: 1ST WITH 281 POINTS!)
A brilliant, brilliant song and a deserved winner of Eurovision 2013. It was runaway favourite before the start and you can see why. I just loved the flute (or piccolo?) intro and the lyrics were great and the performance was brilliant. How many times can Scandinavian countries get it right between them? In my top 5 aswell.
19. Iceland - Eythor Ingi - Eg a Lif (Final Position: 17th with 47 points)
Eythor had a tough ask following a great Danish entry, so maybe his song was lost in the greatness of the Danish. Again, largely forgettable and that was reflected in its final standing.
20. Azerbaijan - Farid Mammadov - Hold Me (Final Position: 2nd with 234 points)
Great lyrics, and equally great dancing, the Azerbaijani entry was performed very well indeed. Farid had quite a task mirroring the dance moves with his fellow dancers whilst keeping up a good singing performance, but he succeeded. Unfortunately, very few remember 2nd places in the land of Eurovision, but this runners-up spot was largely deserved, although it just missed out on a top 5 finish in my books.
21. Greece - Koza Mostra ft. Agathon Iakovidis - Alcohol is Free (Final Position: 6th with 152 pts)
A song about the troubled economic times of current Greece was met with a general likeness in Europe, (especially in the UK - Probably because of the title!) I didn't think it would do that well, but I liked the quirkiness of the song and it probably deserved a little bit more than a nonetheless, good 6th place finish.
22. Ukraine - Zlata Ognevich - Gravity (Final Position: 3rd with 214 points)
Another good song, ruined by 5 seconds of the giant. I just cannot see why they did that, and it took away the seriousness of the song for me. It started off on a bad note, and despite an amazing voice, I just couldn't stop asking the question, "What was the point of the 7ft 8 man?!" It might have provided more dangerous competition for Denmark without it.
24. Norway - Margaret Berger - I Feed You My Love (Final Position: 4th with 191 points)
I liked this song a lot. It almost woke up a fading Eurovision crowd towards the end of the songs, and it was welcomed. It had a modern, club vibe to it and that's my cup of tea! It just squeezed into my top 5, and Europe tended to agree with me! A fair placing for a good song, from a country still flying high on the back of Mr.Rybak's runaway victory in 2009.
25. Georgia - Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani - Waterfall (Final Position: 15th with 50 points)
Quite surprised this got as high as it did. It had a whiff of Peter Andre and Jordan about it, and I have never been a fan of these love song duets, (unless you count Bosnia's 2008 entry - Pokusaj!) It lacked magic and spark, and as the contest was coming to a close, it was pretty boring.
26. Ireland - Ryan Dolan - Only Love Survives (Final Position: 26th with 5 points)
Oh, the injustice! This song was in my top 5 and for good reason. Sure, the drummers were good-looking, (as was Ryan!), but the song was brilliant for me. The drums were mesmerising, the lyrics were infectious, and just like in the semi-final, Mr Dolan performed it admirably. Maybe because it was last up, the European public had given up listening? That's my only explanation for such a surprising finish for the Irish, and the wooden spoon. And what's more, Ireland will now probably revert back to the tried and trusted Jedward... Sigh...
...
All in all though, I really enjoyed this year's contest. The last few years haven't been great for me really, but this years was superb, almost on a par with 2008. A brilliant job from Emmelie De Forest ensured Denmark's first win in the contest since the Olsen Brothers in 2000, and it was richly deserved. Bring on Denmark 2014!
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Same Sex Marriage Bill 2013
I've just lobbied to my MP on the Same Sex Marriage Bill that is approaching its 3rd reading in the House of Commons, on the date of my 22nd birthday. We need to do all we can to help push this through. This is the e-mail I sent to Richard Fuller MP (Member of Parliament for Bedford and Kempston)
Dear Richard,
I am e-mailing you today to outline my thoughts on the same-sex marriage bill. I wrote to you after the vote on February 5th to ask you to outline your reasons for abstaining in that vote. Hopefully, my thoughts will help towards you voting for the Same Sex marriage bill on 20th May this time around.
Monday 20th May is the day of my 22nd birthday, almost 4 years to the day that I "came out" for the first time to my best friend, at a birthday party. The fear of his reaction is still a feeling I have not forgotten, although he wholeheartedly accepted my sexuality without question or condition. Since then, I have come out to everyone in my life and am open about my sexuality, and I am proud that I have been able to do so. One day, I hope I am able to marry the man I love and I simply cannot see the reasoning behind being against that notion. In my view, the majority of people opposing the bill are using religious and social reasons to hide their homophobia in a society that claims it is increasingly accepting of all.
I understand that the re-definition of "marriage" was a major reason why some voted against the Same Sex Marriage Bill in February, claiming that the definition is between a man and a woman. I do not understand why we can't simply change the definition. They claim that civil partnerships "should be enough" for homosexuals, which I cannot disagree with enough. There is a simple inequality there, that I think is being over-complicated by social issues that do not exist anymore. The wording of "civil partnership" makes my potential relationship different from "marriage". That is a fact. However, I do agree that civil partnerships, aswell as marriage, should be made available to everyone, regardless of sexuality. Equality is a two-way street after all.
Re-defining a social institution is nothing new. A minimum age requirement was introduced in 1753, civil marriage in 1836 and from 1949 only those over 16 could marry. I reiterate my belief that this latest fighting against re-definition is cloaked homophobia.
Although I am not religious myself, (I am an atheist), I do respect that religious institutions may not want to carry out same sex marriages. This is fine, but the argument that the ECHR may force them to doesn't stack up. Other European countries have not been forced, and we have the added bonus of not having to follow ECHR rulings. This argument cannot be used against the same-sex marriage bill, and I would like to see you stand up in the Commons and outline this.
About a week ago, I received a leaflet through the post claiming that same-sex marriage is not popular, even amongst the homosexual community. Proof that the propaganda that the anti-LGBT community use to spread their message is false, is that public opinion is largely in favour of same-sex marriage, as the following statistics below show:
- 62% in support (ICM for The Guardian 26 December 2012)
- 60% in support (Survation for The Mail on Sunday 15 December 2012)
- 73% in support (IPSOS MORI 8-9 December 2012)
- 53% in support (YouGov 9-10 May 2013)
Supporting the Same Sex Marriage Bill is the right thing to do. We live in a world that claims it is accepting, but I feel there is an underlying fear of equality that is still potent in our society. If the people we elect into parliament in our country can help change that feeling and help Planet Earth step into a new age of acceptance, then I feel we can help spread the love. After watching the passing of a similar bill in New Zealand that brought a tear to my eye, I really hope the Commons can do the same.
Kind Regards
Thomas Carr
...
I do appreciate it isn't an issue for 90% of the population. But for me, and other LGBT people, it is an issue of the upmost importance. If you do believe that love should be equal, let your MP know about it! Get involved and campaign for equal marriage, across the board. The world is better when we all love and help each other.
Dear Richard,
I am e-mailing you today to outline my thoughts on the same-sex marriage bill. I wrote to you after the vote on February 5th to ask you to outline your reasons for abstaining in that vote. Hopefully, my thoughts will help towards you voting for the Same Sex marriage bill on 20th May this time around.
Monday 20th May is the day of my 22nd birthday, almost 4 years to the day that I "came out" for the first time to my best friend, at a birthday party. The fear of his reaction is still a feeling I have not forgotten, although he wholeheartedly accepted my sexuality without question or condition. Since then, I have come out to everyone in my life and am open about my sexuality, and I am proud that I have been able to do so. One day, I hope I am able to marry the man I love and I simply cannot see the reasoning behind being against that notion. In my view, the majority of people opposing the bill are using religious and social reasons to hide their homophobia in a society that claims it is increasingly accepting of all.
I understand that the re-definition of "marriage" was a major reason why some voted against the Same Sex Marriage Bill in February, claiming that the definition is between a man and a woman. I do not understand why we can't simply change the definition. They claim that civil partnerships "should be enough" for homosexuals, which I cannot disagree with enough. There is a simple inequality there, that I think is being over-complicated by social issues that do not exist anymore. The wording of "civil partnership" makes my potential relationship different from "marriage". That is a fact. However, I do agree that civil partnerships, aswell as marriage, should be made available to everyone, regardless of sexuality. Equality is a two-way street after all.
Re-defining a social institution is nothing new. A minimum age requirement was introduced in 1753, civil marriage in 1836 and from 1949 only those over 16 could marry. I reiterate my belief that this latest fighting against re-definition is cloaked homophobia.
Although I am not religious myself, (I am an atheist), I do respect that religious institutions may not want to carry out same sex marriages. This is fine, but the argument that the ECHR may force them to doesn't stack up. Other European countries have not been forced, and we have the added bonus of not having to follow ECHR rulings. This argument cannot be used against the same-sex marriage bill, and I would like to see you stand up in the Commons and outline this.
About a week ago, I received a leaflet through the post claiming that same-sex marriage is not popular, even amongst the homosexual community. Proof that the propaganda that the anti-LGBT community use to spread their message is false, is that public opinion is largely in favour of same-sex marriage, as the following statistics below show:
- 62% in support (ICM for The Guardian 26 December 2012)
- 60% in support (Survation for The Mail on Sunday 15 December 2012)
- 73% in support (IPSOS MORI 8-9 December 2012)
- 53% in support (YouGov 9-10 May 2013)
Supporting the Same Sex Marriage Bill is the right thing to do. We live in a world that claims it is accepting, but I feel there is an underlying fear of equality that is still potent in our society. If the people we elect into parliament in our country can help change that feeling and help Planet Earth step into a new age of acceptance, then I feel we can help spread the love. After watching the passing of a similar bill in New Zealand that brought a tear to my eye, I really hope the Commons can do the same.
Kind Regards
Thomas Carr
...
I do appreciate it isn't an issue for 90% of the population. But for me, and other LGBT people, it is an issue of the upmost importance. If you do believe that love should be equal, let your MP know about it! Get involved and campaign for equal marriage, across the board. The world is better when we all love and help each other.
Sunday 12 May 2013
Time in the Middle
Its been a tough start to the cricket season. Up and down weather, a lot of organising and running around and a very poor start with the bat, not just from me, but from the whole team has meant we have yet to get a win on the board. Its a very different scenario from last year, where we had 2 wins on the opening weekend of the season, with our opening batsman (not me!) averaging 199 from that weekend. In the first weekend of this season, he averaged 8.
But this is not just his fault. The whole batting line up has been fraught with cracks and lack of technique since the start of the season, and the fact of the matter is, you cannot win cricket matches if you don't score runs. On the first weekend of the season - last weekend - we got scores of 92 and 105 as a team. We lost them both by (a bucket full) of runs and 9 wickets respectively. I, amongst everyone else, wondered if we had suddenly lost our spark.
This weekend, we had a free week on Saturdays. Instead of moping around at home, I offered my services for another team, and after a heavy Friday night at a party in Flitwick, found myself in the back of a posh Audi on the way to Huntingdon. With news that the forecast didn't look good, I braced myself for a cold day in the field, as I found out we were bowling first. The best moment of the day was finding out that I was playing in the same side as a Pakistani music sensation. Najam Sheraz sold 300,000 copies of his first album worldwide, and in his native country, he is a national superstar. I overheard someone describe him as, "Pakistan's Elton John". It just so happened, that our opposition was full to the brim with Pakistanis, who clustered round him wanting a photograph and his autograph and to shake hands. Sure enough, after 37 overs of on and off fielding in between heavy rain showers, the game was called off after a hailstorm. I spent the time running from one boundary to the other, but despite being exceptionally tired, I wanted to do it. If anything, it was good fitness work, and I proved my fielding ability by pulling off a full length dive on the boundary to stop a powerful and almost certain four. I got a high-five from the music star aswell!
When I got home at roughly 7pm, I lasted a full hour before collapsing on my bed and falling asleep instantly. It was the first time in 6 weeks I had not been "out on the town" on a Saturday night. Proof that, as I approach the age of 22, I am as much a party animal as ever! It is true, I do like a drink or 8 on a weekend evening, as I'm of the firm belief that I won't be able to do it as much in 10 years time! They are the only opportunities I get to let loose, and with the disposable income I have, I can get away with it. But frankly, after about 3.5 hours sleep and a day in the field on a cold, rainy day, there was no chance I was making it 7 weeks in a row!
Thanks to my mammoth sleep, I was awake at 9 to make my way to Bedford CC to begin preparations for the afternoon. With a lot of people missing, I was opening batsman, captain and official tea man! I spent a lot of the morning preparing the food for the mid-match interval that afternoon until I found out the forecast, and feared I had spent my money on nothing.
As the match came, I lost the toss (of course), and we were put into bat. We didn't have the strongest of batting orders, with a long tail, and with our batting performances of late, (including the friendlies), it was imperative that those of us at the top of the order protected our wickets as if they were our own Mothers. Some of us took this a bit too far...
Ok, now... My own personal performances of late haven't been too good, and that's mainly because I've thrown my own wicket away with a stupid shot and lack of patience. Patience was certainly something I was not lacking today! After 20 overs, (at the drinks break), we were 40-0. My fellow opening batsman, TK, was on 27. I was on 6. 6 runs off 20 overs. For those of you who are well clued up on cricket, you'd know that is positively Geoffrey Boycott-esque. For those of you who are not - I batted at the literal pace of a snail. I spent the first half of our innings leaving and blocking and defending. I figured that, if the rain was going to come down torrentially, then I might aswell spend the remaining time out in the middle trying to find some form, and trying to find the middle of the bat.
After the drinks break, in which I doubled my score in the space of 2 balls, we decided that we needed to start getting a move on, which was the point I got out. I don't do attacking very well, (as you can tell!), and I edged one to slip after trying a big mow down the ground. We finished on 157-5, in the pouring rain - certainly a better effort than of recent times.
In short, we lost. Sure, my teas were not wasted in the end, but we still went down by 5 wickets. We lacked quality with the bowling and fielding, and although there was a point where we could have kicked on with a couple more quick wickets, we ultimately fell short. Never mind.
It's my birthday next Monday! After this week, (another 6 day week - although there are a couple of half days thrown in there), I have a week off! Woohoo!
Until then, I will continue to plough on. I wrote a blog at the end of Friday night also... Admittedly in an intoxicated state, however, I do think its one of my best ever pieces. However, I will not be publishing it. I wrote it specifically for one young man, and I will show him it soon. People say I am too open and honest on this blog of mine, especially to publish on social media, but even I will not be making that step this time...
But this is not just his fault. The whole batting line up has been fraught with cracks and lack of technique since the start of the season, and the fact of the matter is, you cannot win cricket matches if you don't score runs. On the first weekend of the season - last weekend - we got scores of 92 and 105 as a team. We lost them both by (a bucket full) of runs and 9 wickets respectively. I, amongst everyone else, wondered if we had suddenly lost our spark.
This weekend, we had a free week on Saturdays. Instead of moping around at home, I offered my services for another team, and after a heavy Friday night at a party in Flitwick, found myself in the back of a posh Audi on the way to Huntingdon. With news that the forecast didn't look good, I braced myself for a cold day in the field, as I found out we were bowling first. The best moment of the day was finding out that I was playing in the same side as a Pakistani music sensation. Najam Sheraz sold 300,000 copies of his first album worldwide, and in his native country, he is a national superstar. I overheard someone describe him as, "Pakistan's Elton John". It just so happened, that our opposition was full to the brim with Pakistanis, who clustered round him wanting a photograph and his autograph and to shake hands. Sure enough, after 37 overs of on and off fielding in between heavy rain showers, the game was called off after a hailstorm. I spent the time running from one boundary to the other, but despite being exceptionally tired, I wanted to do it. If anything, it was good fitness work, and I proved my fielding ability by pulling off a full length dive on the boundary to stop a powerful and almost certain four. I got a high-five from the music star aswell!
When I got home at roughly 7pm, I lasted a full hour before collapsing on my bed and falling asleep instantly. It was the first time in 6 weeks I had not been "out on the town" on a Saturday night. Proof that, as I approach the age of 22, I am as much a party animal as ever! It is true, I do like a drink or 8 on a weekend evening, as I'm of the firm belief that I won't be able to do it as much in 10 years time! They are the only opportunities I get to let loose, and with the disposable income I have, I can get away with it. But frankly, after about 3.5 hours sleep and a day in the field on a cold, rainy day, there was no chance I was making it 7 weeks in a row!
Thanks to my mammoth sleep, I was awake at 9 to make my way to Bedford CC to begin preparations for the afternoon. With a lot of people missing, I was opening batsman, captain and official tea man! I spent a lot of the morning preparing the food for the mid-match interval that afternoon until I found out the forecast, and feared I had spent my money on nothing.
As the match came, I lost the toss (of course), and we were put into bat. We didn't have the strongest of batting orders, with a long tail, and with our batting performances of late, (including the friendlies), it was imperative that those of us at the top of the order protected our wickets as if they were our own Mothers. Some of us took this a bit too far...
Ok, now... My own personal performances of late haven't been too good, and that's mainly because I've thrown my own wicket away with a stupid shot and lack of patience. Patience was certainly something I was not lacking today! After 20 overs, (at the drinks break), we were 40-0. My fellow opening batsman, TK, was on 27. I was on 6. 6 runs off 20 overs. For those of you who are well clued up on cricket, you'd know that is positively Geoffrey Boycott-esque. For those of you who are not - I batted at the literal pace of a snail. I spent the first half of our innings leaving and blocking and defending. I figured that, if the rain was going to come down torrentially, then I might aswell spend the remaining time out in the middle trying to find some form, and trying to find the middle of the bat.
After the drinks break, in which I doubled my score in the space of 2 balls, we decided that we needed to start getting a move on, which was the point I got out. I don't do attacking very well, (as you can tell!), and I edged one to slip after trying a big mow down the ground. We finished on 157-5, in the pouring rain - certainly a better effort than of recent times.
In short, we lost. Sure, my teas were not wasted in the end, but we still went down by 5 wickets. We lacked quality with the bowling and fielding, and although there was a point where we could have kicked on with a couple more quick wickets, we ultimately fell short. Never mind.
It's my birthday next Monday! After this week, (another 6 day week - although there are a couple of half days thrown in there), I have a week off! Woohoo!
Until then, I will continue to plough on. I wrote a blog at the end of Friday night also... Admittedly in an intoxicated state, however, I do think its one of my best ever pieces. However, I will not be publishing it. I wrote it specifically for one young man, and I will show him it soon. People say I am too open and honest on this blog of mine, especially to publish on social media, but even I will not be making that step this time...
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