Sandor Earl: So Good He Is The Main Reason Rugby Is Better Than Football

Is it me, or do rugby players enjoy getting their kit off even more than footballers? I think that says a lot about rugby players!

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Happy Birthday To Me!

10 years ago this blog recorded my 19th birthday here and here. Life has changed a lot since and now I'm 29 (or, as I prefer, 19 plus 10). Marriage to the most awesome man in the world (no, no not Charles Dera) is, hopefully, not too long away, I've got a dog and a bearded dragon and I live in Folkestone. Ok so that did change but then changed back again... that's how long it's been!

So what happened yesterday? Jim, Ayden and I met up with Mum, Stuart, Nat and Finn and went for a walk down to the old Rotunda, along the beach and had a drink in the Mermaid Cafe. On the way home Mum gave me some money for my birthday and some... gypsy tarts! Mmm... I love gypsy tarts.

Today has been a bit blah. It started out with a nice surprise, bumping into Zoe half way to work and getting a lift there with her. It's always good to see Zoe! But work itself was so awful that it drove me to using the C-word about customers and that is just not like me at all. Slightly appeased however by getting home to Jim having cooked me a Thai green chicken curry, served with a Singha beer and a chocolate cake for afters. Along with plenty of other chocolate my food haul has been particularly epic!

One more year, Dear Constant Reader, and then I'm 30. Yes. 30. Let's make this year epic.

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Brett Kelly: A Really Good Reason Rugby Is Better Than Football

Brett Kelly is so hot that I've completely forgotten the point of this series of posts; something 2012? Can't remember. Look at that body.

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Daniel Conn: Another Reason Rugby Is Better Than Football

Euro 2012 continues to be broadcast in all its boring glory, so I've we sane few must double our efforts to remind people of the superior sports people: the men of rugby. 

Daniel Conn, sadly, succumbed to too many tattoos after these pictures were taken. But we can still remember him at his best. 

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Crap Movies And Steven McQueen Being All Attractive

After walking Ayden down to the beach, around to the harbour and up through the town, Jim and I have had a "guilty pleasure" movie day with Jaws II, Jaws III and Piranha 3D.  The number of breasts in Piranha must surely put pornos to shame!

Which reminded me of the cuteness (and now hotness!) of Steven McQueen. So let's take a break from rugby for a minute and enjoy

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Ben Cohen: Reasons Rugby Is Better Than Football

There's some sort of football related match on at the moment and to fight the bad karma here's another in our ongoing series of reasons rugby is better than football!

Until next time... I rest my case.

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Life Update

I never write about what I'm up to any more. I suppose that's because I now no longer have a crazy commute, crazy workmates and crazy after work craziness to blog about like I did whilst in London and before I moved up. Things have become rather laid back, unexciting and comfortable.

There are currently ZERO suitable stalkees at work. This situation has been ongoing since Rugby Boy left over a year ago. And although I do love my team at work, who are fun, the lack of hotties does make everything seem a little bland.

My old TVW job came back up this week. I applied. Sadly due to the fact I'm now on a higher pay scale and in a position of more responsibility I've been told, in a roundabout way, that I really shouldn't have applied as I'm needed elsewhere. They couldn't quite comprehend that I was willing to take a pay cut and a "lower" position in the company for a job I loved. I'll never understand people's fascination with moving up the ladder. Oh well, I'll slog it out in my current position. In better news my pay has increased by over 10% in the year and a half that I've been back at TVW. Good going! And I do believe it's company pay review month next month. Let's hope the union don't hold up talks for 8 months like they did last year.

Ayden is absolutely fantastic. He really is a great dog!

Jim's doing okay considering what he has been through over the last year and a half.

And, well, that's it for now. I will try to get back to daily postings about the things I see and do. The people of Folkestone are well worth a humourous study!

I do hope you're holding up Dear Constant Reader. It's our 11th year now! Sheesh. Where did the time go?

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David Williams: Reasons Rugby Is Better Than Football

As long as Euro 2012 continues we sane few must fight the evil that is football through the power of pictures of hot rugby players. It's the only thing that makes sense. 

Arms. ARMS. Say it one more time: ARMS!

RAWR. 

Here is David Williams looking good enough to take home to visit your mother. Well if you lived with her, and she met you on the journey in between the front door and your bedroom. Otherwise, what are you doing wasting time introducing him to your mother?

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Dave Taylor: Reasons Rugby Is Better Than Football

It has been a long time since I posted on my favourite subject, hot rugby players. But the drought is over and in honour of Euro 2012 it's time to show why rugby is a million times more exciting that football.

Dave Taylor is, despite his battle-scarred face, my sort of guy. A little short perhaps (6'2", practically a dwarf) but YUM.

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Eurovision 2012: When Will Britain Learn?

It's sad to see someone like Engelbert Humperdinck brought low by cruel fate. He gave his all to win Eurovision and we should be proud of him.

However it's that time, like every year, where I point out exactly what the United Kingdom is doing wrong at Eurovision.

Before I do, let's just get one canard out of the way. Block voting. It's an issue that everyone always brings up, and some in this country use it as an excuse for our poor performance. Firstly they forget we engage in neighbourly voting with our friends in Ireland, so we really can't moan about it in others. And secondly, though block voting absolutely exists (Greece/Cyprus, Germany/Turkey, the Balkans, the Baltic, Scandinavia, the former USSR, Spain/Portugal), it does not mean a good song won't do well. Sweden won last night, Germany won in 2010, we got 5th position in 2009. Block voting punishes poor songs more than you'd expect but doesn't do enough to stop the momentum of an outstanding song. Here are some stats from 2007 (under a different voting system, I might add, but still relevant) which show this clearly.

So with that out of the way, what could we do better?

1) Choose a good song. We consistently choose bland songs that might be okay if heard at a restaurant but really don't cut it when put up for a television music contest. Remember when we got Lloyd-Weber and then Waterman to write our songs? Has-been, past their prime songwriters of a different generation. We get what we deserve if we aren't using the Eurovision song contest to highlight the talented songwriters we have all over the place in this country. We need people who are on the way up, not heading towards retirement! Be honest, did you see anyone (even in the UK) claim that Engelbert's was their favourite song of the contest?

2) Choose the right artist. We have a habit in this country of either sending someone completely unknown to Eurovision (Jade, that guy from 2010, Daz Sampson) or an act that's basically retired (Scooch, Blue, Engelbert). We have a huge diversity of amazing singers and acts in this country. We are one of the music capitals of the world. And yet we never send an active, known, talented act to Eurovision. And then we get surprised that we don't win! Send One Direction and watch us clean up.

3) Do a grand European tour. One of the many things Jade Ewan (5th place remember!) got right was appearing on lots of European TV shows before the contest in 2009. We must promote our song to others. We are so disengaged from Europe these days, and seem to view the Continent (which I can see clearly from the end of my street!) as some distant, unfathomable beast. It's not, if we get our good artist and our good song on the airwaves before the contest then we shall give ourselves an actual chance.

4) Lose graciously. Whilst all the other acts applauded Sweden's act as she walked to the stage last night, our contingent in the green room was having a group hug. Sheesh, show at least a little decorum. No wonder we do so badly, I wouldn't vote for us after that!

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The 57th Eurovision Song Contest: I Can't Believe It's Not A Live Blog!

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Eurovision Is Tonight!!!

I took the decision not to listen to Eurovision songs before the contest this year. Partly this was due to laziness, partly due to dread at the thought of some of the awful songs I'd encounter and partly to try to keep it feeling fresh for once. Usually I've heard the songs a few times before the contest and it's taken away a little of the magic for me.

And I think it worked, I enjoyed seeing what the songs were like on the night during the semi-finals, but something else has conspired to take away the Eurovision magic this year; politics. Sadly Azerbaijan's human rights record leaves a lot to be desired and that has tainted the contest for me. Anyway, here are my favourite songs from the semis that have made it through!

Norway 




I won't lie, I'm not that impressed with the song itself. But Norway has obviously got some sort of Eric Saade cloning technology in use here. HOT.

Greece



I quite enjoyed this piece of Eurovision fluff. :) Greece has a good record of putting up "Eurovision" songs (that means the sort I like!)

Ukraine




Ruslana, Verka et al. I tend to like the Ukraine entry. This is no different, they know how to put on a show. :)

Estonia



Looking good. No really... looking really good.

Ireland



I wasn't a big fan of the first semi-final's selection, so despite myself I find this song pretty alright! They are still total prats...

Onwards to tonight when the Hump will Eurovision for the UK!! See that positive thinking there... Come on Britain!!!

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Ayden The Tamaskan

At the beginning of April, a new character was welcomed into our family. Not without some second thoughts, we decided to get a dog. And not just any dog, but a Tamaskan. He was bought from a breeder in Bulgaria, and arrived with us at 12 weeks old. His official name is the grand sounding Saxon Midzor but he's happy to be known as Ayden.

It's taken a bit of adjustment, taking him for regular walks is alright except for when it's dark and rainy and you just want to be in bed already. But he's gorgeous, well-tempered, playful, intelligent and easy to train. And he doesn't eat Mr Gibbs the Bearded Dragon which is also a huge bonus obviously! (Mr Gibbs, as if it needed stating, is ambivalent on this new addition. As long as it doesn't affect the wax-worm supply, anything goes!)

And with a dog comes that great excuse to start exploring, walks through country parks, forests and on the beach are just the beginning. I've already seen a grass snake and tadpoles on our adventures which takes me back to be a child walking our dogs in Snodland's "pit". It's refreshing. Not to be outdone, my Mum has only gone and got herself a Tamaskan!  He's called Finn and, although a few weeks younger than Ayden, is firm friends with his cousin!

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I Am Not Ashamed

Being more than a little interested in marriage equality articles means I come into contact with a great deal of negativity every day. From the concerned folks who worry about homosexuals and the future well-being of our souls, to those who think we are paedophiles, monsters and/or bound for Hell, it all boils down to one thing; being gay is not okay and is at best something worthy of sympathy.

After a while it starts to get you down. How can so many people, often well-meaning and intelligent, be so negative about something that they don't even seem to understand? How can they cast judgement so readily over something so unworthy of that judgement?

Well I reject this viewpoint. I reject it with every part of my being. My sexuality isn't something I look for acceptance of. It's not something I look for tolerance of. It's something I embrace, celebrate and enjoy. It's a positive in my life, a piece of untainted joy. Jim sometimes says I'm a bit too focussed on gay issues but that's because gay issues excite me in the way Star Wars, dinosaurs and history excite me. They are all something I love and find rewarding.

I remember when I was just coming to terms with my sexuality, desperately ashamed due to my then ongoing fling with Christianity. I remember the day I first saw a boy who made that shame just disappear. His beauty was so intoxicating I couldn't even think of disliking how I was feeling. I knew then that my sexuality wasn't something that was going wrong with me, that needed to be fixed, but something that was a good thing.

The strange thing is that often people seem to just equate homosexuality with lust. I didn't feel lust towards my first crush. He was too beautiful for that. And I don't just fall in love with men because of their looks. I fall in love with who they are as men. Their personality and their character are far more important to me than looks and love is far more important to me than sex (not to say I didn't mess around a little as a teen, as you Dear Constant Reader know only too well!).

I love men, and I'm not ashamed to say it. I love their looks. I love their voices. I love how they think. I love how they act. There's nothing, not a single thing, wrong with that.

I refuse to allow people to tell me what my sexuality is and how I'd be better off conforming to what they want for me. I'm not going to repent for something that needs no repentance. I'm not going to apologise for something that needs no apology. And I'm not going to reject something that brings me happiness every single day through the man I love.

When I think of a life without Jim, I feel myself die a little inside. For the last year and a bit he's had some very serious health problems and it's really made me think about the unthinkable and it was not a happy time. My love for him is no less, NO LESS, than anyone else's love for somebody. To suggest otherwise is to tilt at windmills and to delude yourself.

Every time I read another comment like those on here, I'll remember that unlike them I'm on the side of love. And woe betide anyone who thinks they can tell me differently.

I'm here, I'm queer and I'm not going anywhere (unless there's chocolate, in which case I'm yours).

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Not While I'm Around - Neil Patrick Harris

Absolutely fantastic. LOVE IT.

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Judas Kiss

It's been a while since I've blogged and even longer since I watched a gay themed movie. So two birds and one stone and all that.

 

I watched Judas Kiss last night. The only reason I even knew about this movie was because Sean Lockhart (AKA Brent Corrigan) was in it and you, Dear Constant Reader, know this blog has been obsessing over Brent for a long, long time. However I went into it knowing his acting ability isn't dazzling, but I've heard good things about the story.

Lockhart's acting was actually not as bad as most of the rest of the cast. That's about the only positive thing I can say about this movie, and once you've seen just how bad the others were you'll realise it's not that positive. The story had potential, in a Strange Case of Benjamin Button sort of way, but completely fell apart with no satisfying conclusion. The idea of having an opportunity to meet your teenage self and change the course of your life is fascinating. Imagine how you'd react emotionally on either side of that situation. Well none of what you imagined can possibility relate to what actually happened because none of the characters in this movie ever act like real human beings.

Each situation seemed to descend into an unrealistic farce, and the characters were so unrealistic that I was left unable to empathise with any of them. I really didn't care what they did to each other, even to the point that when the main character's teenage self confronts his abusive father I started drifting off and thinking about the next movie I was going to watch.

Dull, unrealistic, poorly written, poorly acted. Sean Lockhart's enchanting smile was simply not enough to keep me interested. Most disappointing movie of the year so far. Oh that reminds me: Happy New Year!

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I Got The Job... Damn Spoilers!

Yesterday I was in the middle of watching an episode of Airline (Satellite TV Rule 1: An episode of Airline is on at least one channel at any given moment in time) in which Leo received a phone call telling him he hadn't got his promotion. At the very second he got the news my phone rang, and I was informed I had got the promotion I was after. 

With the pay rise involved with that, the standard 3% pay rise we're likely to get once the union sees sense, the bonus I get in February and the tax changes next April things should start looking up in my bank balance over the next few months! Good news for once Dear Constant Reader. 

I have a new husband (conservatively numbered 52033). He's not like most of my husbands, more in line with the more twinky set such as Brent Corrigan a few years ago, but wow isn't he cute? Goes by the name Cody Cachet for now (until I've worked out that whole marriage equality thing, and that polyamourous marriage thing too).

 On that front the new year brings about the Westminster consultation on marriage equality (pencilled in for March so expect it to start in September), so keep an eye on my politics blog for all the normal marriage equality news. 


Oh, in case you hadn't noticed I now have a new easier URL for this blog: http://blog.jaekay.net. You're welcome ;)
 
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Christmas Is Just Around The Corner

It's been a busy week. Monday I had an assessment for a new job I've applied for. It involved 2 roleplays which are my least favourite things. The first one went well (in my opinion) but the second one I felt I came across as rushed and uncaring. 

Tuesday was my works Christmas party. As part of the changes (including the new role I've applied for) our teams are being broken up and mixed around so we had our Christmas party early so that we all got to enjoy each others company one last time. It was at the Brickfields, and whilst the starter and dessert were lovely, the main course was dry and vaguely unpleasant. I received a present of 12 cans of Stella Artois (classy as always) with a free DVD! But I also found out I had successfully passed the assessment and was through to the interview stage.

Wednesday was just one hell of a busy day we work with one of the other teams having their Christmas do, meaning we had to pick up the slack. 

Thursday was interview D-Day! I hate interviews only a little less than roleplays but feel it went okay. I will find out on Monday whether I've got the job or not. Well I will do if they remember to phone me as I'm off this week! 

Friday was the last day of work for a whole week and thus seemed to take forever to finish. I got home to a find Jim had gotten very adventurous with dinner and was serving hare! Turns out I don't like hare. 

Saturday was very random indeed. I simply asked what Jim would like for breakfast and, before we even knew it, we were on the HS1 to Greenwich. Getting off at Stratford, we walked through the new Westfield shopping centre and were very impressed. Given our many trips to Stratford International during the construction, it was a nice not to have to get a bus through a construction site but instead take a sedate walk past some gorgeous shops to get to Stratford's DLR station. 

Our initial plan was to get breakfast at Maggie's in Lewisham but we decided instead to have an early lunch from the little Thai lady's shack that had been our weekend haunt when we lived in Greenwich. We were shocked and appalled to find she was no longer there! Many years of good food and humourous "misunderstandings" over Jim and I's relationship ("Where your Dad?") have thus come to an end. We had some Thai food from her replacement but whilst it was lovely, it wasn't half as good as little Thai lady's spin on Indian cuisine. 

After that disappointment we made our way up our old road (which hasn't really changed at all in the last 18 months) and plopped ourselves down in our usual seats in the local! It was good to see Dennis, and Pamula the cat, and the various other passing characters who still frequent our much missed drinking hole. We stayed for a few hours, chatting and drinking and around 7pm we called it a day and headed back up to Stratford. 

The timings didn't quite work out, and there was no DLR waiting to whisk us to Stratford International at Stratford station. So we wandered back through Westfield, past the ice-skaters and shoppers and settled ourselves in at Wahaca, a Mexican restaurant which turned out to be staffed by quite appealing waiters who served even more appealing food. We had the Wahaca selection for two, a Queso Fundido to satisfy Jim's curiousty for cactus and a sweet potato side. I have a huge appetite and even I felt the Wahaca selection was a LOT of food for £20.00. The sweet potato side was gorgeous, the Queso Fundido was alright and the Wahaca selection went from tasty to orgasmic. The quesadilla was awesome and the refried beans that came with it was excellent. Affordable and tasty, the only thing I find strange (not annoying just weird) was how apologetic our waiter was. He apologised for the wait when we were served amazingly quickly. And then seemed really apologetic when he collected our mostly clean plates (there was no way we could finish it all) as if he'd left us there for ages. We were in and out in half an hour (due to need to catch out train) so we really had nothing we could be upset about! Very odd. Also their mojitos were top-notch and up there with the best I've had. Plus their tortilla chip nibbles are worth the visit alone. 


Both train journeys there and back were packed, so Christmas has truly arrived! Shoppers everywhere. I did get that "London" feeling I used to get but the usual good vibes are now very much kept in check by the memories of the commutes, the noise, the people, the smells etc. etc. London is no longer the paradise I once thought it was. It's now a place that has a lot of good things to do, but one I don't want to hang around in. Folkestone always seems a little bit nicer after a visit to London. Home sweet home. 
 
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Plymouth

I've just not been in the mood for blogging of late, which is usually just a temporary situation. But just to keep things ticking over... 

I went to Plymouth this weekend for the HMS Iron Duke Reunion party Saturday night


No, I've never served on the Iron Duke, nor in the Navy. 


The A303 is hideous. Littered with animal corpses every few yards. 


Yes, I know it's ironic that I say this even though by being in a car on the A303 I was part of the problem. 


Went to the Little Chef in Popham for breakfast, just to see what Heston Blumenthal improvements were like.


I can report that it was one of the worst cooked breakfasts I've ever had. Strange taste to the eggs, nasty bacon, the black pudding was it's only saving grace. 


Plymouth's nice. 


Except for the couple in the room next to us who had extremely noisy sex. Yuck. 


That is all for now! 

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