The way it is
Entertainer, accountant, camper, fire lighter, manager, diplomat, surrogate parent, chef, administrator, secretary, maker and repairer of just about anything, teacher, instructor, first aider, plumber, electrician, mechanic, health and safety, singer, lumber jack, navigator blah blah blag blah blah.
Just call me a cub leader.
Think I wore at least 5 of those hats today and didn't even meet any kids.
Yup, it's been one of those days.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Totally out of fashion
One thing that slightly pisses me off about music is the way that the "in crowd", the people who decide who is cool are so fickle. And when I mean what's cool I don't meant the people who made Girls Aloud popular, I mean the people who decided that the White Stripes, or Plane White T's or the Huckabees were cool. Now I actually quite like all those bands (although I suspect I spelt Huckabees wrong, but I don't care, it's my blog, deal with the numerous typo's ok!) but what irritates me is how other bands are just cast by the way side for simply doing what they do best.
Principle among these people guilty of doing this is Jo Whiley, who is so far up her own arse that she can see daylight and principle amongst these bands is Oasis.
I'm not asking you to like Oasis, they are not to everybody's taste. They are, however, exactly what they are. A bunch of blokes that play guitars, not to the most talented standard but a dam site better than I do, and produce rock and roll. Occasionally they produce something touching, I still think Slight Away is the best rock ballad ever recorded. Sometimes they produce some utter wank. Witness songs like Be Here Now.
All I'm saying is that if you like a certain band, or song or type of music then just admit it, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I like all kinds of music, some of it I'm sure you, good reader, would like, some of it you wouldn't. Rummage through my record collection and you will find that gem where you will look at me and say "wow I never knew anyone else liked that", equally you will find something that will make you point at me and laugh. What will link those two very different extremes is that I will still like them and I wont give a monkey's if you do or don't. I'm sure the same would be true if I went through your record collection.
The likes of Joe Whiley though, regardless of their undoubted greater knowledge of music than mine, will simply cast aside bands like Oasis when they are out of fashion and I just think that shows how utterly shallow the likes of her.
And I write this as I've just been watching Oasis on tv. They're not big, they're not clever, they're never going to write some great work of introspective angst, but you know what? They still rock and I still love them!
One thing that slightly pisses me off about music is the way that the "in crowd", the people who decide who is cool are so fickle. And when I mean what's cool I don't meant the people who made Girls Aloud popular, I mean the people who decided that the White Stripes, or Plane White T's or the Huckabees were cool. Now I actually quite like all those bands (although I suspect I spelt Huckabees wrong, but I don't care, it's my blog, deal with the numerous typo's ok!) but what irritates me is how other bands are just cast by the way side for simply doing what they do best.
Principle among these people guilty of doing this is Jo Whiley, who is so far up her own arse that she can see daylight and principle amongst these bands is Oasis.
I'm not asking you to like Oasis, they are not to everybody's taste. They are, however, exactly what they are. A bunch of blokes that play guitars, not to the most talented standard but a dam site better than I do, and produce rock and roll. Occasionally they produce something touching, I still think Slight Away is the best rock ballad ever recorded. Sometimes they produce some utter wank. Witness songs like Be Here Now.
All I'm saying is that if you like a certain band, or song or type of music then just admit it, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I like all kinds of music, some of it I'm sure you, good reader, would like, some of it you wouldn't. Rummage through my record collection and you will find that gem where you will look at me and say "wow I never knew anyone else liked that", equally you will find something that will make you point at me and laugh. What will link those two very different extremes is that I will still like them and I wont give a monkey's if you do or don't. I'm sure the same would be true if I went through your record collection.
The likes of Joe Whiley though, regardless of their undoubted greater knowledge of music than mine, will simply cast aside bands like Oasis when they are out of fashion and I just think that shows how utterly shallow the likes of her.
And I write this as I've just been watching Oasis on tv. They're not big, they're not clever, they're never going to write some great work of introspective angst, but you know what? They still rock and I still love them!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Promotion
After 3 years of muddling through with a series of ineffectual stand ins we finally have themselves a new District Commissioner. He's young (25 I think), enthusiastic and will do a fantastic job, and good luck to him. While we have some very successful groups in the area we are simply not functioning as a district. Outside of cub level (which has muddled through on its own devices for some time) very little happens at district level so we certainly need him.
One of his first jobs was to offer me the position of Assistant District Commissioner (Development), ie to make the district events happen.
I was flattered. Honestly I was. It's not the first time I've been offered something either, previously I've been offered ADC (cubs), DESC and ESL (Young leaders). In the name of honesty I'll abandon modesty. They have been offered because I run a successful group. I have more kids than I know what to do with, I've had to stop letting kids on the waiting list because they'll never get to the top. I have recruited a brilliant team around me who have a wonderful mixture of youth and experience. I have also had a series of teenage explorer scouts help me who I have trained up to spread their wings and take on leader roles themselves.
So while I was flattered I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.
That doesn't mean I accepted it though, I turned it down.
If I felt I could have done the job then I would have taken it. As it is though I reckon I commit at least 10 hours a week, often more, to scouting, most of it on my cubs. In the same way as teachers don't finish work at 3, scout leaders work far more than 2 hours on a Monday night. Remember this is voluntary time, I have a job, a family and a life elsewhere. The only way I could do it would be to quit as CSL and take it on as my "full time" role. And if I had I reckon I could have made a good job of it. It's not what I would want to do though.
For me scouting is, always has been and always will be about what goes on on a Monday night. It's about doing something amazing with the kids, developing their confidence, self respect and self discipline. About teaching them life skills. I am proud that by the time a kid moves up to scouts from me they can cook properly and carry out first aid above and beyond what is expected of their age group. It's about those opportunities to be a kid and learn from their own mistakes in a world where too many kids are wrapped in cotton wool. It's those glorious summer days where they form bonds of friendship that will last a life time and those cold wet winter night hikes where they prove to themselves what they are capable of. It's all those things and more and they are things that I can't be part of or make happen from what would essentially be a desk job.
So I effectively turned down a promotion.
It's an important job and the right person will be out there somewhere for it, but that person is not me.
After 3 years of muddling through with a series of ineffectual stand ins we finally have themselves a new District Commissioner. He's young (25 I think), enthusiastic and will do a fantastic job, and good luck to him. While we have some very successful groups in the area we are simply not functioning as a district. Outside of cub level (which has muddled through on its own devices for some time) very little happens at district level so we certainly need him.
One of his first jobs was to offer me the position of Assistant District Commissioner (Development), ie to make the district events happen.
I was flattered. Honestly I was. It's not the first time I've been offered something either, previously I've been offered ADC (cubs), DESC and ESL (Young leaders). In the name of honesty I'll abandon modesty. They have been offered because I run a successful group. I have more kids than I know what to do with, I've had to stop letting kids on the waiting list because they'll never get to the top. I have recruited a brilliant team around me who have a wonderful mixture of youth and experience. I have also had a series of teenage explorer scouts help me who I have trained up to spread their wings and take on leader roles themselves.
So while I was flattered I guess I shouldn't have been surprised.
That doesn't mean I accepted it though, I turned it down.
If I felt I could have done the job then I would have taken it. As it is though I reckon I commit at least 10 hours a week, often more, to scouting, most of it on my cubs. In the same way as teachers don't finish work at 3, scout leaders work far more than 2 hours on a Monday night. Remember this is voluntary time, I have a job, a family and a life elsewhere. The only way I could do it would be to quit as CSL and take it on as my "full time" role. And if I had I reckon I could have made a good job of it. It's not what I would want to do though.
For me scouting is, always has been and always will be about what goes on on a Monday night. It's about doing something amazing with the kids, developing their confidence, self respect and self discipline. About teaching them life skills. I am proud that by the time a kid moves up to scouts from me they can cook properly and carry out first aid above and beyond what is expected of their age group. It's about those opportunities to be a kid and learn from their own mistakes in a world where too many kids are wrapped in cotton wool. It's those glorious summer days where they form bonds of friendship that will last a life time and those cold wet winter night hikes where they prove to themselves what they are capable of. It's all those things and more and they are things that I can't be part of or make happen from what would essentially be a desk job.
So I effectively turned down a promotion.
It's an important job and the right person will be out there somewhere for it, but that person is not me.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Can Anne Widdicombe Read?
It may sound like a rather odd title for a post but it is a question that I think need asking given that Ms Widdicombe is not only an elected MP but also a newspaper columnist (although given that it's in the Express I guess newspaper should be used in its loosest possible terms). In particular it needs to be asked following her latest missive in Dirty Des's rapidly sinking ship.
So what is so wrong about this latest rambling? Which concerns the scout association's new guidance issued to leaders concerning sex education
Lets pick out the factually incorrect stuff shall we?
First the caption on the (out of date) picture
"Gone are the innocent day of conkers and bonfires"
Sorry Anne, we still have an annual conker tournament at our place, we still love a good camp fire. Sorry if that disappoints you.
"Now, Heaven help us, they (scout leaders) are going to teach sex."
No they are not Anne. Have you read the guidance? Have you? You see it doesn't tell us to teach sex at all. What it does is give guidance on how to deal with specific situations. It does not at any point tell us to teach young people the facts of life.
"Let us be clear what they mean by that. According to a spokesman, it will not be reactive; that is to say, advice or information given by a Scout leader to an enquiring older child. No. It will be proactive, supplied without request and even to Beavers, those innocent little youngsters of six."
No Anne, that's not what it says. In some situations it will be quite correct to be pro active. A role play activity with 15 or 16 year explorer scouts that teaches how to say "No" may be appropriate. Sorry Anne would agree with that? And will it be to beavers? Shall we see what it actually says about beavers,and indeed cubs (so this covers 6-10 year olds)?
"it is unlikely that leaders will need to take positive action to deal with sexual health issues".
It is quite clear that no form of sex education is envisaged being given to beavers or cubs.
Lets move on to her questions and opinions shall we?
"Why therefore do we need the Scouts adding to this vast corpus of knowledge instead of singing harmlessly around campfires?"
Because Anne I, with more experience of dealing with teenagers than you, know that many teenagers are sexually active or under pressure to be so. I know that sometimes they want to talk to someone older who is not a parent and not is a teacher. That means that sometimes they will ask us questions and we need to deal with those questions. What do you expect us to do? Turn our back and walk away?
"It places parents in an impossible dilemma, particularly with Beavers and Cubs. Some will delay their child’s entry as a result and that will be a loss to Scouts, children and parents."
Only if they read moronic rubbish like this Anne.
"Presumably Guides, Brownies and Rainbows will follow suit and the last strands of childhood innocence will evaporate."
The Guides had a similar policy some years ago, so you're just showing your ignorance now Anne.
Overall this column is so badly though out, poorly researched and factually wrong that I am shocked that even the Express would publish it. In fact it makes me wonder if Anne can even read, so wrong this column actually is. I would like to see the scout association seek to publicly challenge ignorant rubbish like this, the trouble is I doubt anyone will bother to listen.
It may sound like a rather odd title for a post but it is a question that I think need asking given that Ms Widdicombe is not only an elected MP but also a newspaper columnist (although given that it's in the Express I guess newspaper should be used in its loosest possible terms). In particular it needs to be asked following her latest missive in Dirty Des's rapidly sinking ship.
So what is so wrong about this latest rambling? Which concerns the scout association's new guidance issued to leaders concerning sex education
Lets pick out the factually incorrect stuff shall we?
First the caption on the (out of date) picture
"Gone are the innocent day of conkers and bonfires"
Sorry Anne, we still have an annual conker tournament at our place, we still love a good camp fire. Sorry if that disappoints you.
"Now, Heaven help us, they (scout leaders) are going to teach sex."
No they are not Anne. Have you read the guidance? Have you? You see it doesn't tell us to teach sex at all. What it does is give guidance on how to deal with specific situations. It does not at any point tell us to teach young people the facts of life.
"Let us be clear what they mean by that. According to a spokesman, it will not be reactive; that is to say, advice or information given by a Scout leader to an enquiring older child. No. It will be proactive, supplied without request and even to Beavers, those innocent little youngsters of six."
No Anne, that's not what it says. In some situations it will be quite correct to be pro active. A role play activity with 15 or 16 year explorer scouts that teaches how to say "No" may be appropriate. Sorry Anne would agree with that? And will it be to beavers? Shall we see what it actually says about beavers,and indeed cubs (so this covers 6-10 year olds)?
"it is unlikely that leaders will need to take positive action to deal with sexual health issues".
It is quite clear that no form of sex education is envisaged being given to beavers or cubs.
Lets move on to her questions and opinions shall we?
"Why therefore do we need the Scouts adding to this vast corpus of knowledge instead of singing harmlessly around campfires?"
Because Anne I, with more experience of dealing with teenagers than you, know that many teenagers are sexually active or under pressure to be so. I know that sometimes they want to talk to someone older who is not a parent and not is a teacher. That means that sometimes they will ask us questions and we need to deal with those questions. What do you expect us to do? Turn our back and walk away?
"It places parents in an impossible dilemma, particularly with Beavers and Cubs. Some will delay their child’s entry as a result and that will be a loss to Scouts, children and parents."
Only if they read moronic rubbish like this Anne.
"Presumably Guides, Brownies and Rainbows will follow suit and the last strands of childhood innocence will evaporate."
The Guides had a similar policy some years ago, so you're just showing your ignorance now Anne.
Overall this column is so badly though out, poorly researched and factually wrong that I am shocked that even the Express would publish it. In fact it makes me wonder if Anne can even read, so wrong this column actually is. I would like to see the scout association seek to publicly challenge ignorant rubbish like this, the trouble is I doubt anyone will bother to listen.
Big enough and ugly enough to know better
What do you do when two particularly vile individuals decide to have a bit of a spat in public?
Well normally yours truly would sit back, point and laugh and let them fight to the finish till hopefully one of them although preferably both, crawl off broken, battered and no longer able to wield power, influence or generally piss me off. And that is how it would be if, say, Anne Widdecombe and Digby Jones had a row or Michael Howard and Michael Portilo, or Paul Dacre and Richard Desmond. The common theme in that list being that they are all representatives of causes or organisations that I can’t bare.
The last few days though have seen two individuals that I find particularly vile having a spat but I have felt very differently because quite frankly they are just making a mockery of two things that I believe in and wish people would understand better while both being under the impression that they are doing the right thing. What I have felt is a huge desire to tell them to both shut the fuck up.
Yes I am referring to Richard Dawkins, scientist and author of, amongst other things, the Blind Watch Maker and The God Delusion and Stephen Green, the head (or as many report, and I hope they are true, it’s only member) of Christian Voice, a right wing Christian pressure group.
So what has gone on, well take a look at this story.
Yes Dawkins is at it again, giving it all the arrogant attitude that he can and generally making scientists look like insensitive arseholes. And Green is equally at it, spouting hypocrisy of the highest order and generally making Christians look like reactionary bigots. These two are being childish, petulant and to be honest most of my cubs can show more maturity, sensitivity and back bone than either of these supposed adults.
Dawkins seems unable to comprehend the fact that Christians, and indeed those of any religion, can quite happily believe in God and in evolution. The bible may say God made the world, it does not say how he did it! Equally he doesn’t seem to realise that not all of those of a religious persuasion are right wing bigots who want to restrict anyone’s freedoms of belief or speech.
I have no problem with atheists arguing their point, what I do have a problem with is atheists arguing their point in a rude, aggressive disrespectful and arrogant way that Dawkins does.
Equally Green cannot seem to grasp that one of the fundamentals of his own religion is love, compassion and tolerance (actually that’s 3, but hell, who’s counting? And it’s my blog ok?). He too can’t grasp that I can be a Christian and have a biology degree and believe in evolution. You want evolution Green? Why do you think we don’t have a treatment for the common cold virus? Well? Because it mutates too fucking quickly, it evolves you prick! Comprende?
I have no problem with those of a conservative view pint arguing their case but again I do have a problem with them doing so in a manner that is rude, aggressive, disrespectful and arrogant, the way Green does. And indeed I have issues with Green's views full stop which are best described as sexist, homophobic, racist and every other ist and ic you can think of.
These two are as bad as each other and are making both science and religion look foolish.
It’s time for both of them to have points knocked off their six, lose their sixers stripes and bloody well grow up.
What do you do when two particularly vile individuals decide to have a bit of a spat in public?
Well normally yours truly would sit back, point and laugh and let them fight to the finish till hopefully one of them although preferably both, crawl off broken, battered and no longer able to wield power, influence or generally piss me off. And that is how it would be if, say, Anne Widdecombe and Digby Jones had a row or Michael Howard and Michael Portilo, or Paul Dacre and Richard Desmond. The common theme in that list being that they are all representatives of causes or organisations that I can’t bare.
The last few days though have seen two individuals that I find particularly vile having a spat but I have felt very differently because quite frankly they are just making a mockery of two things that I believe in and wish people would understand better while both being under the impression that they are doing the right thing. What I have felt is a huge desire to tell them to both shut the fuck up.
Yes I am referring to Richard Dawkins, scientist and author of, amongst other things, the Blind Watch Maker and The God Delusion and Stephen Green, the head (or as many report, and I hope they are true, it’s only member) of Christian Voice, a right wing Christian pressure group.
So what has gone on, well take a look at this story.
Yes Dawkins is at it again, giving it all the arrogant attitude that he can and generally making scientists look like insensitive arseholes. And Green is equally at it, spouting hypocrisy of the highest order and generally making Christians look like reactionary bigots. These two are being childish, petulant and to be honest most of my cubs can show more maturity, sensitivity and back bone than either of these supposed adults.
Dawkins seems unable to comprehend the fact that Christians, and indeed those of any religion, can quite happily believe in God and in evolution. The bible may say God made the world, it does not say how he did it! Equally he doesn’t seem to realise that not all of those of a religious persuasion are right wing bigots who want to restrict anyone’s freedoms of belief or speech.
I have no problem with atheists arguing their point, what I do have a problem with is atheists arguing their point in a rude, aggressive disrespectful and arrogant way that Dawkins does.
Equally Green cannot seem to grasp that one of the fundamentals of his own religion is love, compassion and tolerance (actually that’s 3, but hell, who’s counting? And it’s my blog ok?). He too can’t grasp that I can be a Christian and have a biology degree and believe in evolution. You want evolution Green? Why do you think we don’t have a treatment for the common cold virus? Well? Because it mutates too fucking quickly, it evolves you prick! Comprende?
I have no problem with those of a conservative view pint arguing their case but again I do have a problem with them doing so in a manner that is rude, aggressive, disrespectful and arrogant, the way Green does. And indeed I have issues with Green's views full stop which are best described as sexist, homophobic, racist and every other ist and ic you can think of.
These two are as bad as each other and are making both science and religion look foolish.
It’s time for both of them to have points knocked off their six, lose their sixers stripes and bloody well grow up.
Barnet 1
Wycombe Wanderers 1
Let's be clear from the start, in the unlikely event that this blogger ever needs a cows arse hit with a banjo he will not be calling upon the services of either of these two football teams. Entertainment there was a plenty at Underhill last night, chances came out of everybody's ears as two teams intent on playing football the right way, with the ball at their feet went hell for leather at each other. Trouble was neither of them seemed to realise that you're meant to put the ball inside those nice white poles at the end of the pitch!
I wont go into a full match report but the two goals were fantastic to see.
Barnet opened the scoring on 24 minutes when a well worked free kick saw Nicky Deverdics score his first for the club, driving home a fierce low shot from 25 yards.
Wycombe's equaliser on 67 minutes was a slick move down the left finished with a deft header at the back post.
In between we saw shots go over (one of them from all of 2 yards) go wide, get saved, players trip over their own feet when 6 yards from goal having gone round the keeper (yes Mr Adomah, I'm talking about you! I could have fucking scored that!)
Even the referee, Mr Singh, had a good game, he must have because I hardly noticed him.
For once I came back thinking £15 well spent! Football, at times I love it!
Wycombe Wanderers 1
Let's be clear from the start, in the unlikely event that this blogger ever needs a cows arse hit with a banjo he will not be calling upon the services of either of these two football teams. Entertainment there was a plenty at Underhill last night, chances came out of everybody's ears as two teams intent on playing football the right way, with the ball at their feet went hell for leather at each other. Trouble was neither of them seemed to realise that you're meant to put the ball inside those nice white poles at the end of the pitch!
I wont go into a full match report but the two goals were fantastic to see.
Barnet opened the scoring on 24 minutes when a well worked free kick saw Nicky Deverdics score his first for the club, driving home a fierce low shot from 25 yards.
Wycombe's equaliser on 67 minutes was a slick move down the left finished with a deft header at the back post.
In between we saw shots go over (one of them from all of 2 yards) go wide, get saved, players trip over their own feet when 6 yards from goal having gone round the keeper (yes Mr Adomah, I'm talking about you! I could have fucking scored that!)
Even the referee, Mr Singh, had a good game, he must have because I hardly noticed him.
For once I came back thinking £15 well spent! Football, at times I love it!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Ban it, ban it now
In my beloved place of work there is a little coffee shop concession type thing where, if you’re lazy like me, and can’t be arsed bringing in tea bags or a six pack of diet cokes each week you can wander down and get a drink.
So you grab a diet coke from the fridge, hand over your groats to the chap or chappess at the counter and back you go to your desk. So far so good.
It doesn’t always work that way though, oh no, in fact pretty rarely. And why good people does it not work? Because there is always some arsehole who wants some skinny chocolate late mocha cappa fucking chino doobry watsit that requires said chap or chappess to spend half the morning pulling leavers, pressing buttons and causing all manner of weird and wonderful noises to come out of a machine. All to produce a cardboard cup of some revolting looking froth.
And then there’s two more fucking people in front of you who want the same thing.
Can’t these people just get a cup of tea or rot their teeth on diet coke like me? Can’t they just get out of the fucking way? Clearly not.
So that’s why I say ban frothy coffee, ban it now, ban it forever and ban it on pain of death before yours truly gets high blood pressure or goes into orbit in rage.
Grrrrrr…….
In my beloved place of work there is a little coffee shop concession type thing where, if you’re lazy like me, and can’t be arsed bringing in tea bags or a six pack of diet cokes each week you can wander down and get a drink.
So you grab a diet coke from the fridge, hand over your groats to the chap or chappess at the counter and back you go to your desk. So far so good.
It doesn’t always work that way though, oh no, in fact pretty rarely. And why good people does it not work? Because there is always some arsehole who wants some skinny chocolate late mocha cappa fucking chino doobry watsit that requires said chap or chappess to spend half the morning pulling leavers, pressing buttons and causing all manner of weird and wonderful noises to come out of a machine. All to produce a cardboard cup of some revolting looking froth.
And then there’s two more fucking people in front of you who want the same thing.
Can’t these people just get a cup of tea or rot their teeth on diet coke like me? Can’t they just get out of the fucking way? Clearly not.
So that’s why I say ban frothy coffee, ban it now, ban it forever and ban it on pain of death before yours truly gets high blood pressure or goes into orbit in rage.
Grrrrrr…….
Monday, October 20, 2008
Roll with the punches part 2A
Take a look at the far more sensible and balanced approach that the BBC have taken over the story about advice given to scout leaders is.
And people wonder why I think that Mail is such a joke!
Take a look at the far more sensible and balanced approach that the BBC have taken over the story about advice given to scout leaders is.
And people wonder why I think that Mail is such a joke!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Harrogate Town 2
Alfreton 2
Last weekend saw me at Wembley for England v Kazakstan. This weekend saw me at a very different venue, namely Weatherby Road to see Harrogate Town v Alfreton in the Blue Square North. I don't think it is possible to get two more contrasting games or venues, but I have to confess that it is the latter that I found altogether more enjoyable.
So what took me to sunny Harrogate in the first place? Well it is where Mrs Akela's parents live and we were there for the weekend. Mrs Akela was planning on going shopping with her sister Saturday afternoon. I had a choice between joining them (no thanks, I hate shopping) or going to see Harrogate Town, Harrogate Railway or York City. Town got the nod in the end, based purely on proximity to the house, so off I went.
Weatherby Road is quite typical of grounds at this level, a couple of entrances, a small club house, quite smart looking seated stand along one side and some shallow terracing (mostly uncovered) around the rest of the pitch. All with the bonus of being able to walk right the way around and swap ends at half time (albeit an extra £1 to go in the seats on top of the £10 general admission).
I took my position just near the dug outs (always great fun to here what the gaffers are shouting!) and the game kicked off. Don't ask me for players names, I didn't read the (really quite good) programme that closely to pick them up. It quickly became apparent that Alfreton were going to play the more attractive football however, as the league table indicates, Town had by far the more aggressive winning attitude. In particular they had a useful combination up front who caused more and more problems as the game progressed. Town though at times looked too dependent on them and looked to lack the width that Alfreton had as they consistently got it out to the wings with some neat passing. Instead Town were rather dependent on their full backs for crosses.
The first half finished goalless and I slipped into the club house for a swift pint. Good friendly service and they even managed to make John Smiths taste of something! I can heartily recommend the place!
The second half restarted and this time I went behind the bottom goal and so was at the wrong end to see the first goal. And it was no surprise that it was a case of Alfreton picking up on some sloppy play on their left, breaking down the wing before putting in a cross that the Town keeper flapped at causing all kinds of problems, eventually the ball being headed home.
Town though stepped up a gear and the two strikers began to run at the defence, particularly the little no.10 who looks quite useful. The Alfreton defence didn't like it and eventually an equalizer came, a defender under pressure from the big no.9 played a back pass that the keeper made an utter hash of dealing with resulting in an hilarious own goal for an equalizer. And the goal that took town into the lead was equally down to Alfreton failing to deal with being run at. The big no.9 burst into the box and was felled by a terrible tackle. The penalty was dispatched and it looked like town were on for their 6th consecutive home win.
They were undone though in the closing minutes by some sloppy defending at a corner and the game finished with an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Lets face facts, this was not the best standard of football in the world, however don't be fooled into thinking that football at this level is all about long balls. There is great entertainment to be had in a friendly environment where you can feel part of the community. Where football is about football and not about big business and Rupert Murdoch.
I had a superb time at Weatherby Road on Saturday and anyone who simply loves football for the sake of football should get themselves down to their nearest non league ground and give it a try. You may just surprise yourself.
Alfreton 2
Last weekend saw me at Wembley for England v Kazakstan. This weekend saw me at a very different venue, namely Weatherby Road to see Harrogate Town v Alfreton in the Blue Square North. I don't think it is possible to get two more contrasting games or venues, but I have to confess that it is the latter that I found altogether more enjoyable.
So what took me to sunny Harrogate in the first place? Well it is where Mrs Akela's parents live and we were there for the weekend. Mrs Akela was planning on going shopping with her sister Saturday afternoon. I had a choice between joining them (no thanks, I hate shopping) or going to see Harrogate Town, Harrogate Railway or York City. Town got the nod in the end, based purely on proximity to the house, so off I went.
Weatherby Road is quite typical of grounds at this level, a couple of entrances, a small club house, quite smart looking seated stand along one side and some shallow terracing (mostly uncovered) around the rest of the pitch. All with the bonus of being able to walk right the way around and swap ends at half time (albeit an extra £1 to go in the seats on top of the £10 general admission).
I took my position just near the dug outs (always great fun to here what the gaffers are shouting!) and the game kicked off. Don't ask me for players names, I didn't read the (really quite good) programme that closely to pick them up. It quickly became apparent that Alfreton were going to play the more attractive football however, as the league table indicates, Town had by far the more aggressive winning attitude. In particular they had a useful combination up front who caused more and more problems as the game progressed. Town though at times looked too dependent on them and looked to lack the width that Alfreton had as they consistently got it out to the wings with some neat passing. Instead Town were rather dependent on their full backs for crosses.
The first half finished goalless and I slipped into the club house for a swift pint. Good friendly service and they even managed to make John Smiths taste of something! I can heartily recommend the place!
The second half restarted and this time I went behind the bottom goal and so was at the wrong end to see the first goal. And it was no surprise that it was a case of Alfreton picking up on some sloppy play on their left, breaking down the wing before putting in a cross that the Town keeper flapped at causing all kinds of problems, eventually the ball being headed home.
Town though stepped up a gear and the two strikers began to run at the defence, particularly the little no.10 who looks quite useful. The Alfreton defence didn't like it and eventually an equalizer came, a defender under pressure from the big no.9 played a back pass that the keeper made an utter hash of dealing with resulting in an hilarious own goal for an equalizer. And the goal that took town into the lead was equally down to Alfreton failing to deal with being run at. The big no.9 burst into the box and was felled by a terrible tackle. The penalty was dispatched and it looked like town were on for their 6th consecutive home win.
They were undone though in the closing minutes by some sloppy defending at a corner and the game finished with an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Lets face facts, this was not the best standard of football in the world, however don't be fooled into thinking that football at this level is all about long balls. There is great entertainment to be had in a friendly environment where you can feel part of the community. Where football is about football and not about big business and Rupert Murdoch.
I had a superb time at Weatherby Road on Saturday and anyone who simply loves football for the sake of football should get themselves down to their nearest non league ground and give it a try. You may just surprise yourself.
Roll with the punches part 2
Today I'm actually laughing at the Mail, laughing at just how out of touch they are.
The article that is causing my mirth is this Peice of comedy
It sets out how the scout association is to publish new guidance to its adult leaders on how to deal with matters of sexual health among it's young members. I think that this is the guidance in question. I say think because the story says that it is to be published tomorrow, and as I write it is still today, if you see what I mean. However, have a read and see what you make of it.
I cannot see anything in this guidance that makes me uncomfortable, can you? When you read it you can see that leaders are told to discourage underage sex but to make sure that information is available about STDs, contraception etc. I simply don't get what the problem is.
The attitude of mail to this is nothing short of hilarious. The photo they show of a scout leader and his "pack" (for fuck's sake, can't they even get the terminology right if they want to be taken seriously?) from the 60s complete with shorts and big hat just makes me want to point and laugh. They seem to think that an attitude of don't speak, don't tell is going to stop teenagers having sex. Well I have news for them, it wont. And adults that deal with kids need to be ready to deal with what may be awkward situations. Anyone that says it is a simple thing to deal with is lying. Then again the Mail wouldn't know anything about that, they all think that young people are knife wielding hood rats who get A levels from bog roll dispensers.
Dealing with cubs it is unlikely this will be much of an issue for me, however I have had a series of teenaged young leaders helping me and if any of them had, or if any of them do approach me for advice then this guidance is what I consider a sensible approach.
I'm not entirely sure what the Mail would suggest but what I do note is that they haven't put their head on the block and actually said what they think we should do.
This paper is a fucking joke, it really is.
Today I'm actually laughing at the Mail, laughing at just how out of touch they are.
The article that is causing my mirth is this Peice of comedy
It sets out how the scout association is to publish new guidance to its adult leaders on how to deal with matters of sexual health among it's young members. I think that this is the guidance in question. I say think because the story says that it is to be published tomorrow, and as I write it is still today, if you see what I mean. However, have a read and see what you make of it.
I cannot see anything in this guidance that makes me uncomfortable, can you? When you read it you can see that leaders are told to discourage underage sex but to make sure that information is available about STDs, contraception etc. I simply don't get what the problem is.
The attitude of mail to this is nothing short of hilarious. The photo they show of a scout leader and his "pack" (for fuck's sake, can't they even get the terminology right if they want to be taken seriously?) from the 60s complete with shorts and big hat just makes me want to point and laugh. They seem to think that an attitude of don't speak, don't tell is going to stop teenagers having sex. Well I have news for them, it wont. And adults that deal with kids need to be ready to deal with what may be awkward situations. Anyone that says it is a simple thing to deal with is lying. Then again the Mail wouldn't know anything about that, they all think that young people are knife wielding hood rats who get A levels from bog roll dispensers.
Dealing with cubs it is unlikely this will be much of an issue for me, however I have had a series of teenaged young leaders helping me and if any of them had, or if any of them do approach me for advice then this guidance is what I consider a sensible approach.
I'm not entirely sure what the Mail would suggest but what I do note is that they haven't put their head on the block and actually said what they think we should do.
This paper is a fucking joke, it really is.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
In Praise of Blue Peter
So Blue Peter is 50 years old today, and I would like to wish them a very happy birthday!
Blue Peter is not cutting edge, lets be clear on that. What it does do though is appeal to all those millions of kids that are quite simply into all kinds of, for want of a better word, stuff. They like making things, they like messing around in the garden, they like planes that go fast, they like sport and they like cooking. Every episode (and I watch it if I'm home from work in time as I've got all kinds of ideas for my cubs off of there!) gives a huge mixture of different things that appeal to all kinds of kids.
It's not too dramatic, although it does look at some big issues, particularly through it's appeals, it entertains yet is still intellectually stimulating while, and this is the important bit, still allowing kids to be kids.
50 years old and going strong, here's to another 50 years!
So Blue Peter is 50 years old today, and I would like to wish them a very happy birthday!
Blue Peter is not cutting edge, lets be clear on that. What it does do though is appeal to all those millions of kids that are quite simply into all kinds of, for want of a better word, stuff. They like making things, they like messing around in the garden, they like planes that go fast, they like sport and they like cooking. Every episode (and I watch it if I'm home from work in time as I've got all kinds of ideas for my cubs off of there!) gives a huge mixture of different things that appeal to all kinds of kids.
It's not too dramatic, although it does look at some big issues, particularly through it's appeals, it entertains yet is still intellectually stimulating while, and this is the important bit, still allowing kids to be kids.
50 years old and going strong, here's to another 50 years!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Hysteria
It is the tradition at my particular place of work to head to one of the local real ale boozers of a Friday lunch time and this Friday was no different.
This time a couple of people were there who I don't know that well, I think you'd call them acquaintances more than anything else, certainly they were not aware that I was involved in scouting in anyway. And conversation came round to the fact that one of them has a son who is about to start cubs. So far so good, I naturally showed an interest. Anyway eventually this individual said that he had volunteered to help out with cubs, not because he really wanted to, but because he didn't trust the leaders. This was not a particular anti scout leader thing, the fact is he does not trust any adult with his child. And what a sad state of affairs that is.
Now I completely understand wanting to meet the leaders involved, that makes sense, I get maybe enquiring as to what checks have been done on them, what training they have done and what first aid qualifications they have. It's very protective, but I get it. Yet to wrap your kid in cotton wool to the point where you wont trust them with anyone else is shocking, on two levels.
Firstly, where is the sense of adventure? The biggest thing kids get out of scouting, or any other organisation like guides, or boys/girls brigade, cadets, St Johns ambulance and so on, is that sense of adventure. It's about doing something away from your parents and gaining that sense of independence, of standing on your own two feet. And I think that kids that don't do that are missing out on something.
Secondly, that sense of mistrust. What a sad state of mind to be in. How tragic it must be to treat everyone you meet with suspicion, that they may realistically pose a threat to your child. Imagine that state of mind. How do you get to that place? I blame the media to a certain extent but there is an overall obsession in society with paedophiles etc that is just not healthy. And we need to start changing our mind set because unless we do, more kids are going to miss out.
It is the tradition at my particular place of work to head to one of the local real ale boozers of a Friday lunch time and this Friday was no different.
This time a couple of people were there who I don't know that well, I think you'd call them acquaintances more than anything else, certainly they were not aware that I was involved in scouting in anyway. And conversation came round to the fact that one of them has a son who is about to start cubs. So far so good, I naturally showed an interest. Anyway eventually this individual said that he had volunteered to help out with cubs, not because he really wanted to, but because he didn't trust the leaders. This was not a particular anti scout leader thing, the fact is he does not trust any adult with his child. And what a sad state of affairs that is.
Now I completely understand wanting to meet the leaders involved, that makes sense, I get maybe enquiring as to what checks have been done on them, what training they have done and what first aid qualifications they have. It's very protective, but I get it. Yet to wrap your kid in cotton wool to the point where you wont trust them with anyone else is shocking, on two levels.
Firstly, where is the sense of adventure? The biggest thing kids get out of scouting, or any other organisation like guides, or boys/girls brigade, cadets, St Johns ambulance and so on, is that sense of adventure. It's about doing something away from your parents and gaining that sense of independence, of standing on your own two feet. And I think that kids that don't do that are missing out on something.
Secondly, that sense of mistrust. What a sad state of mind to be in. How tragic it must be to treat everyone you meet with suspicion, that they may realistically pose a threat to your child. Imagine that state of mind. How do you get to that place? I blame the media to a certain extent but there is an overall obsession in society with paedophiles etc that is just not healthy. And we need to start changing our mind set because unless we do, more kids are going to miss out.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
In a minority of one
I remember seeing a t-shirt once that said "If you can keep you head when all around you are losing theirs, you don't understand the gravity of the situation." And I do wonder whether that t-shirt was written with me in mind.
You see it boils down to this. I am struggling to give a monkeys about the credit crunch/banking crisis. I really am. I'm not concerned, I'm not thinking about it, well I am, but only to the extent that I'm sick to the back teeth of hearing about it and I have not a lot to say about it.
In short, I don't give a shit.
I remember seeing a t-shirt once that said "If you can keep you head when all around you are losing theirs, you don't understand the gravity of the situation." And I do wonder whether that t-shirt was written with me in mind.
You see it boils down to this. I am struggling to give a monkeys about the credit crunch/banking crisis. I really am. I'm not concerned, I'm not thinking about it, well I am, but only to the extent that I'm sick to the back teeth of hearing about it and I have not a lot to say about it.
In short, I don't give a shit.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Quiet Time
Hi folks.
The plan today had been to rant a bit about the Mail's latest bag stabbing of Barry George, somehow managing to accuse him of at least 3 things he hasn't actually done.
I had also planned to go over to Obsolete and rejoin the debate I seemed to have got involved in about censorship.
However there is a family crisis on at the moment so it is unlikely that I'll have much time or inclination to post much here for the next couple of weeks. On a similar note I'll be switching on comment moderation while I'm gone as I do occassionally get undesirables rocking up here.
Akela will be back though!
Hi folks.
The plan today had been to rant a bit about the Mail's latest bag stabbing of Barry George, somehow managing to accuse him of at least 3 things he hasn't actually done.
I had also planned to go over to Obsolete and rejoin the debate I seemed to have got involved in about censorship.
However there is a family crisis on at the moment so it is unlikely that I'll have much time or inclination to post much here for the next couple of weeks. On a similar note I'll be switching on comment moderation while I'm gone as I do occassionally get undesirables rocking up here.
Akela will be back though!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Thank God for football
Shortly I will be off to the footy, to see my beloved Barnet play (and probably lose to) Accrington Stanley (insert bad joke about milk here). At Barnet you can still stand on a grotty old terrace, surge down it when a goal goes in, sing and shout as loud as you possibly can and generally be a big kid.
And thank the Lord for that, because right now that is exactly what I need to do.
I have foolishly cast my eyes over the Mail website and we have articles arguing for the deportation of someone resident in the UK since they were 3 (not the 6 as stated in the article, that's a lie). Interestingly it only quotes the human rights act part of the ruling and ignores altogether the part about the 2004 citizenship directive part which says you can't deport an EU citizen who has been resident for 10 years or more. Another one laying into the UN when they complain about how we treat our children with particular emphasis on attacking the media (which papers in particular might they be referring to. I can't think, can you?) and a bit more of its insidious campaign to discredit global warming.
Once again it has made me angry enough to want to scream and shout so thank God for the footy and the opportunity to do so without people looking at me strangely!
Shortly I will be off to the footy, to see my beloved Barnet play (and probably lose to) Accrington Stanley (insert bad joke about milk here). At Barnet you can still stand on a grotty old terrace, surge down it when a goal goes in, sing and shout as loud as you possibly can and generally be a big kid.
And thank the Lord for that, because right now that is exactly what I need to do.
I have foolishly cast my eyes over the Mail website and we have articles arguing for the deportation of someone resident in the UK since they were 3 (not the 6 as stated in the article, that's a lie). Interestingly it only quotes the human rights act part of the ruling and ignores altogether the part about the 2004 citizenship directive part which says you can't deport an EU citizen who has been resident for 10 years or more. Another one laying into the UN when they complain about how we treat our children with particular emphasis on attacking the media (which papers in particular might they be referring to. I can't think, can you?) and a bit more of its insidious campaign to discredit global warming.
Once again it has made me angry enough to want to scream and shout so thank God for the footy and the opportunity to do so without people looking at me strangely!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Hitting your head against a brick wall
There are times when I deapair of the media, not just the Mail and the Express, but all of them, at the ignorance and attitude of them. This morning on Breakfast news I saw a report an effort to get young offenders to join up with the scouts, guides and other uniformed organisations to try and turn their lives around. Now regardless of what you think of the scheme it was impossible to watch the report and not cringe with embarassment, in particular at the idea of using ging gang bloody gooly as the sound track.
Is there any chance at all that the media might actually sit up and take notice that we have modernised, that we may have something a bit more to offer and we do reflect young people of the 21st century and not those of the 1900's. Any chance of that? Maybe? Or are the same old cliches going to be dug out again and again?
That would be the latter then. Yes, I feared as much.
There are times when I deapair of the media, not just the Mail and the Express, but all of them, at the ignorance and attitude of them. This morning on Breakfast news I saw a report an effort to get young offenders to join up with the scouts, guides and other uniformed organisations to try and turn their lives around. Now regardless of what you think of the scheme it was impossible to watch the report and not cringe with embarassment, in particular at the idea of using ging gang bloody gooly as the sound track.
Is there any chance at all that the media might actually sit up and take notice that we have modernised, that we may have something a bit more to offer and we do reflect young people of the 21st century and not those of the 1900's. Any chance of that? Maybe? Or are the same old cliches going to be dug out again and again?
That would be the latter then. Yes, I feared as much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)