Unknown Tower Ruins

Just down the road and on the other side of the Tweed from Neidpath was this structure. We're unsure what it was, but considering it's very definite non-strategic placement, we presume it to be an abandoned croft or farm building of some sort. We were driving along and it just appeared out of the mist in the middle of field. We could get no closer than perhaps 200 yards due to fencing and there were no signs anywhere to tell us more. Nor was it listed in any of our maps or guides. But, ruins of any type generally fascinate me. I'm positive that were I someday to get over my anal-bit concerning clean hands, I'd make a fine archaeologist. But, until then, I'll just admire the ruins from afar. Talked to my Magic 8-Ball this morning. These are the Oscar winners as predicted by my trusty ball.

• Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain
• Best Actor - Joaquim Phoenix
• Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon
• Best Director - Paul Haggis
• Best Original Screenplay - Crash

If I'm wrong, remember it's the Magic 8-Balls fault, not mine.

Cesc Fabregas gets his first call up to the Spanish side to play against Kolo Toure & the Ivory Coast today. Senderos & Johann Djourou were both called up for Switzerland with Djourou making his first senior team appearance. Robbie Van Persie was exonerated yesterday of the rape charges that have been hanging over his head for most of a year, due to a lack of evidence. Lehmann is optimistic about a new deal, but rumour has it he wants 4 years, while Arsenal's policy is 1 year at a time for the over 30 players. Sol Campbell is out for another month after a scan revealed that he's got some sort of bone thing going on that could result in broken bones were to suffer a collision of any merit. That leaves Rio Ferdinand & John Terry in the centre for tonight's game against Uruguay. Theo Walcott debuted on the England U-19 squad last night and marked it with a goal helping England to a 3-1 win over Slovakia. Freddie Ljungberg bows out of the Sweden v Republic of Ireland friendly with a calf injury, possibly opening the door for a Walcott debut in the domestic charge to the finish. Last week Arsenal entered a $350,000 agreement to use Israel as the official & exclusive tourist destination of the Arsenal FC. This will be an interesting arrangement as Fly Emirates are the official sponsor of the team stadium & kit. This will likely set the club & their sponsor at sixes and sevens. In fact the Emirates are so strongly anti-Israel that in order to obtain a visa for entry into any of the seven emirates you must satisfy "The three entry requirements of obtaining a visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) are that you are not a citizen of Israel, that your passport doesn't contain Israeli stamps, and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your arrival." Look for further argy-bargy on this one. The England squad face Uruguay in the first national-side game since Eriksson announced his intent to leave his post immediately following the World Cup. Lampard has pulled out of the squad with a "tight hamstring" giving Michael Carrick another cap. Up front, Darren Bent will have a debut alongside Rooney. Since both Alan Smith & Michael Owen out, I see this as a very logical choice. At the back Ashley Cole will be replaced by Wayne Bridge and as mentioned earlier, Sol is out giving Terry & that over-priced hack Ferdinand a chance to cement their partnership which can only be good for England. England have a VERY strong squad and stand every chance of winning the World Cup if they'll play as a team. Under Eriksson, however, they have played more as eleven individuals and that has hampered them. The FA announced yesterday that they have compiled a short-list of six to take the position of England Manager, but won't reveal who's on that list. The sooner the better I say.

Wastrel On! (Listening to: Low by R.E.M.)