different post

I can't ready an image to post because of the shite that is our IT department. They have worked for 2+ years to prepare computers for the monkeys that work in this company. Completely locked down, employees cannot write anything to their c:\ drive. Every box is supposed to be identical to every other. On the surface it's probably a good idea, but underneath where the real work gets done, it's fucked me. Now, I can't even open my copy of Photoshop to work an image. Yeah, great job, IT, you ball-less wonders. At least some good news on the footy-front. Bergkamp & Ljungberg could be back for weekend action against Fulham. Robbie van Persie remains out, though and it's looking like Cygan will be ready in 1 week, Sol Campbell in 2 weeks (year, right) and Ashley Cole in 3 weeks (prat!). Ashley Cole is suing News of the World because he's not included in an article about gay footballers. Go figure. Robert Pires was offered the Dennis Bergkamp formula in terms of his contract. That is to say, one year, plus one year, plus one year ad nauseum. Alexander Graham Bell, that famous Scot what invented the Telephone, was born on this day in 1847. Did you know that the Decibel is named after him, too? It's Friday. I'll soon be Off to drink healthy beer, then play some Mah-Jongg Wastrel On! (Listening to: Delcicate by Patrick O'Hearn)

Bed & Breakfast in Melrose, Scotland

Here we have arrived in Melrose, Scotland home of the Sevens Rugby Football Club. We are staying in this wonderfully old building that has been most thoroughly modernised. It used to be the school house for the nearby Melrose Abbey, but is now privately owned. The morning we left this location, I spied on their wall a tasteful watercolour of a Rugby match. I enquired of the town's infatuation with Rugby having seen numerous strips while out & about the night before. Apparently, Melrose is known for having created the 7-a-side Rugby phenomenon. So, I had to have a shirt; I just had to. The B&B owners are apparently tight with the club, so they rung down the arena and arranged for someone to go and open the gift shop that I might purchase my shirt. Not a cheap thing, it was £70 (iirc), but I have my black & yellow hooped rugby shirt that I now wear frequently. Hell, if I'm going to pay $130 for a shirt, I damn well should wear it every day! In footy bits, Djourou did indeed get his debut in the second half of Switzerland vs. Scotland (which the Swiss won 3-1). By all reports both Senderos & Djourou made good accounts of themselves. Spain vs. Ivory Coast ended 3-2 to Spain with Cesc (the youngest player in 70 years to make his debut) setting up a goal and Reyes coming on as a sub to net one for the team at 17 minutes til time. Well done, youngsters! And here we have yet one more reason to continue our long-standing boycott of Domino's Pizza. What a maroon! Rocky 6? You've got to be kidding me. and, whoever did this has WAAAAY too much time on their hands and far too manyLegoss. Wastrel On! (Listening to: The Silken Whip by Afrocelts)

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.)

Neidpath Castle

Our visit to Neidpath Castle was one of those serendipitous moments you read about but are positive never happen, at least to you. We were on our way from Peebles to Melrose where we intended to stay the night, when we rounded the turn on some small road we were travelling and espied this (I presumed) Peel tower. We stopped. I took photos; lots of photos. Neidpath Castle was originally built by the Fraser family in or around the 14th century. At some point it passed into the hands of the Earl of Tweeddale who owned it until the end of the 17th century. Currently, it is owned & cared for by the Earl of Wemyss & March and in the process of being slowly restored. It is a typically shaped L-Tower (not a Peel tower) overlooking the river Tweed. This was an astonishing discovery that we explored & enjoyed thoroughly. Unfortunately, we were running a bit short of time, so we didn't prowl the grounds as we might otherwise have done, but we'll be back. It's family after all. Well Ashley Cole is well & truly buggered, I fear. The boy's been out of action since October when he broke his foot in a match. He's played portions of games but not started since that time. Thus, he has only played a total of 7 games since the start of the season. Last night in a Reserve game against the shite-heads up on Whitehart Lane, he fell victim to an overly reckless tackle and is out again after playing only 7 minutes of that game. His World Cup hopes (and England's) are looking slimmer by the day. No official word yet from the Arsenal, but I'm not holding out hope. The Black Death caused the Little Ice Age. Who knew? And just in case you need it, here's a list of the cleanest restrooms in America according to the Cincinnati Enquirer: All Seasons Bistro in East Lansing, Michigan Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey Hemenways in Providence, Rhode Island Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois Wendell's Restaurant in Westerville, Ohio Wastrel On! (Listening to: Eyes of a Stranger by Queensrÿche)

Many's the time I've wished I'd taken more care to document my photos as I take them. None more so than now. The only thing I can tell you of this bridge is that it lies somewhere between Roslin & Melrouse, for it is during that stretch of our trip that I took this photo. The rest, you will have to glean & judge for yourself. Arsenal, on the heels of a fantastic victory in Madrid fell to the antics of Mark Hughes' team, Blackburn on Saturday. That sets Blackburn ahead of Arsenal in the table and on a collision course with Tottenham for that coveted fourth-place finish. There's still some 10+ games in the season, so anything is possible in this funny ol' game with the exception of Chelsea NOT winning the title. That's already a wrap, so it's 2-4 places that are the prize now. Papers in Madrid are claiming that theres a swap deal on the table, Ronaldo for Thierry. Are you kidding me? A Ferrari for a Yugo? Has to be a crank and the Arsenal would be fools to even think about following up on it. Manchester United took the Carling Cup victory yesterday with a 4-Nil win over Wigan. Wigan's had a purple season, but when it came to it, the team didn't show. Sounds like our Arsenal season, wot? Oh, hey, did you know that Henges are older than the Pyramids? I'm not sure I did, but I'm not overly surprised that the aliens went to Great Britain before they went to Egypt. Really. Verdant green hills and forests or Sand. Which would YOU choose? Ok. It's Monday, which means it's time for a beer. The liver be damned. I'm off...down the Psycho Path. Wastrel On! Listening to (The Tell-Tale Heart by Alan Parson's Project)

Rosslyn Chapel Interior

The Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Midlothian (home of the Roslin Biocentre) has held captive my attention and imagination for much of my life. Its inexorable (and possibly implausible) link to the Templars and the Masons lends itself to wonderfully fortean conspiracy-driven theories. Thus my attention. After placing Ginger on her plane, Marita Beth & began the slow journey to London. On that passage, we made sure to stop at Rosslyn Chapel, a place I have longed to visit for many, many years. Worth the wait it was, and our timing was ideal. We arrived on a Sunday morning just as service was to begin. Rosslyn Chapel is an active chapel and holds weekly services. By attending the service, we managed to escape the £6 entrance charge. And, although Church services don't appeal to me in the slightest, sitting with a bunch of true-believers in a building that has stood since 1446 is pretty damn cool. Of course, I wasn't dressed for church, being in just a t-shirt and shorts, but I suppose that doesn't really matter these days anyway, so I didn't fret it. We just sat at the back, and I took clandestine photos of the service in process...probably against some law somewhere. But there you have it. Oh, and of course, Rosslyn Chapel will be featured in the upcoming Tom Hanks/Ron Howard vehicle, the Davinci Code. Arsenal secured a famous victory against Real Madrid the other night. 1-0 in the Bernabeu is an amazing victory. We are the first English team to ever defeat Real Madrid on their home turf and we did it having never encountered them in a regulation game before. Great fun, that. I just hope the lads learn from the experiece rather than letting the win go to their heads and thus turning the remainder of the season all pear-shaped. We're in a good patch right now, let's play that patch purple on Saturday against Blackburn. Chelsea lost 2-1 to Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. Serves the whingers right, and of course "Moan"rinho didn't take too long to blame the loss on the officiating. That's right, it couldn't be because they're shite, it had to be someone else's fault. Get over yourself 'special one'. Two of my very dear friends are apparently househunting in Racine, WI. They move there, I may just have to follow. Two of my other friends are being stupid with their relationship difficulties and I get to be in the middle. Oh hell, oh well, that's what friends are for, wot? East Wind Games is coming along. We will be out patching & painting, building & destroying all weekend. Just a few more weeks and the hard-won dream becomes reality. Oh, and yeah, there are scores of UFO's flying about our sun while the U.S. government tries to hide this fact from us. Right, well, it's Friday. Which means work then beer. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Falling In Love (is Hard on the Knees) by Aerosmith)

Carriden House in Bo'Ness

Carriden Brae in Bo'Ness. The very epitome of why my wife & I sometimes prefer to just pop in and scout out a Bed & Breakfast rather than book one days, weeks or even months in advance. This is the one that we booked while in that small, charming Hamlet watching a parade of children. Carriden House was a perfect place to spend the last night with our loving Ginger. The next morning we were to take her to Edinburgh for her flight back to the U.S. Carriden House was originally a 16th century 5-story tower house. It has since been expanded & modernized. Most of the interior was unavailable to us as the house is in the process of revitalization and the remaining original portion of the house is completely off-limits as it is the private residence of the owners. However, the parts that are available to the guests are delightful. I hope to someday return here and witness the completed restoration. At that time, I hope also to spend more time in Bo'ness proper as it is, by all accounts, a fascinating location. Bo'ness (complete name is Borrowstounness) sits on the River Forth and it is here that the Antonine Wall begins. James Watt also developed the steam engine in this, the Jewel in the Crown of Falkirk. I'm sure many more interesting tidbits of architectural and archaeological history would surface with just a wee bit of digging. Arsenal travel to Madrid for the first of a two-leg tie against Real Madrid for Champions League glory. We travel without much of our first team squad out due to injury. But, as bad as our injury situation is we have to be thankful that none of our players suffered the sort of horrific long-term injury that befell Alan Smith of Manchester United on the weekend. Self-inflicted as it was, it remains "the worst injury" Alex Ferguson has ever seen. The hope is that he will be back in nine-months time. That's my hope. No player deserves the kind of pain & misery he must be feeling right now. All the best, Alan & hopes for a speedy come-back to the top-flight. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Explosions Polka by Johann Strauss)

Kenmore Kirk

Just the other side of the Loch from the Crannog Centre is Kenmore, the Taymouth. This charming church is the Kenmore Kirk and sits squarely at the end of the town "centre". Directly behind me as I take this photo is the Kenmore Inn, the oldest Inn in all Scotland. Of course, what small village visit is complete without a trip to the local pub? The Kenmore Inn holds the Poet Bar where in 1782 Robbie Burns penned a poem on the chimney. Barely readable, at least to these eyes, that poem still adorns the wall in Robbie's own hand. Some very interesting Arsenal bits today. Read here and here to get the gist. I've not the time to write out my own thoughts on the team. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Kashmir by The Housejacks)

Croft Moraig

We've left the Crannog Centre, it being time to continue on toward Edinburgh. We'd gone perhaps 5 miles when I'm instructed to turn around. Marita Beth or Ginger had espied this unassuming, yet beautiful circle of stones set in a field. We believe it to be Croft Moraig (or Mary's Croft), but saw no signs to confirm that presumption. As you can see we were one side of a barbed-wired fence while the stones set serenely the other side. We stayed no longer than was necessary to capture a few photos. However, in looking back, I'd have stayed longer in an attempt to drink in its ancient story. Well, the self-destruction is nearly complete. A must win game was played for a draw when in the end, Luis Garcia managed to bollocks-rock us with a toe-poke securing all three points for the home side. Yet again, Gilberto proved he can't pass and is certainly not value for money. Sadly, the same can be said of Pires & Ljungberg. However, my man of the match had to be Lehman, the man was brilliant between the sticks and kept us in the game for a long time. In fact, it truly did look to end all square, but football's a funny ol' game and it really only does take a second to dash all dreams to hell. The addage goes, "you can have many friends, many lovers even many wives (for some), but you can only have one football team". I'm here to tell you that is so very wise & true. For were it not, Arsenal would be exchanged for a younger, prettier mistress. However, I'm a Gooner and always will be, no matter how much shite they are on the pitch. Come on Arse, stop with the antics and let's play some footy for real. Oh yeah. Thanks for reading. Go click on some of the ads and help me pay for the next trip overseas. :-) Wastrel On! (Listening to: Where the Streets Have No Name (Can't Take My Eyes Off of You) by the Pet Shop Boys)

Exterior of the Crannog

I'm remarkeably unmotivated today, so you get another Crannog photo. This time from the outside looking onto Loch Tay. You really can see how canny these forebears were. It really borders on the brilliant doesn't it?

Liverpool are entertaining Arsenal at Anfield as I write this. And where am I? At work, like a dull dolt, unable to motivate myself to do much of anything. I suppose the upside is that the game is 38 minutes in and Liverpool haven't scored yet. Up the Arse!

Wastrel On!

(Listening to: I Am a UFO by Kevin Lux)

Crannog Door

From the inside of the Crannog looking at the light streaming through the open door. One marvels at the technical prowess of the ancient folks. The crannog itself is pretty large. There were 18 (or so...the memory fails) on our tour and we all fit comfortably around the centre fireplace leaving plenty of room around the walls for bunking, eating, gaming & whatnot. It's deceptively large both in diameter & height. Of course, the chances of ever having a basement were nil to none, while the potential of a flood wiping out your life was pretty high. To point, the day after we left Loch Tay (and the Crannog Centre), a massive deluge arrived and flooded great parts of the area. I have no idea if this Crannog survived, but if our modern builders built it with the same skill as our forebears, than I imagine it likely did survive. Chelsea got trounced over the weekend by M'boro. 3- 0 was the score in the "contest" and while it gains other teams nothing in terms of the Championship, it sets up a potential downfall of the champions in the upcoming season. ManU won in a boring encounter, while Arsenal were saved with a last-gasp net by our own mid-field travesty Gilberto and ended up with a 1-1 draw. Finally, he's done something right. Let's hope that streak continues. The Gunners face Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow. If they play like they did against Bolton on the weekend, they'll suffer a loss of some magnitude. Especially, since Benitez quips out such gems as "but the most important thing, is the difference between one thing and the other thing". Truly, how could a team possibly lose when their manager has so obviously got his finger on the pulse of ...something. My wife's team, Blackburn, went down to sorry Everton leaving them struggling for (but within reach of) that coveted fourth place. See the season already has a winner unless Chelsea totally cock it up and ManU don't. So, everyone is now playing for 4th to ensure European football. Tottenham currently have it with 45 points. However Arsenal are on 41 with a game in hand, while Bolton, Wigan, West Ham, Man City & Blackburn are all within striking distance having 37 - 39 points apiece. I'll be content if Tottenham drops a few and Arsenal secure that 4th spot. That has to be our focus now. Show me a man without a mask and I'll show you a hasty disguise! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Tell Him by Celine Dion (with Barbara Streisand))

The Crannog Centre

It's a crannog. Marita Beth, Ginger & I went to the Crannog Centre in Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland. The crannog itself sits on the Loch Tay & is a fascinating dwelling. We went here because our dear Mary was unable to join us and it was what she was most interested in. So, went for her. Prior to the visit I had only a vague, murky clue of what the hell a crannog actually was. Now, I'm enlightened. Our forefathers were canny fucks, wot? The centre has a self-guided tour/display that walk you through the concepts of underwater archaeology and explain to you just what in the hell a crannog really is. Following that, and if you pay enough, they provide you with a real-live guide that takes you into this crannog and talks to you about life 5000 years ago. Dank, dusty & wet (I'm sure...it was a dry day when we went) but just darned neat. The after crannog experience was kinda hep, too. They took you to an on-land tent-like structure and showed how various tools were made, then used, then recycled. An all-for-all positive, illuminating experience. I'm just sorry Mary couldn't join us...it was her idea, after all. So, Sol Campbell is out injured now. Apparently he's been playing with some sort of bone bruise and can't even kick the ball now. Of course, if you ask me he's been unable to kick the ball for most of the season. On the good news front, it looks like Clichy may make a return in a week or two and of course the African Nation's Cup ends this weekend. So maybe we'll be able to field a team again. Hleb denies being in touch with any German teams, but as much of a cock-up as he's been, I'd be more surprised if he wasn't looking elsewhere. He's got to know his days are numbered. Liverpool lost to Charlton yesterday which pretty much makes the EPL a one-horse race with Chelsea having already crossed the line. No photo-finish here. Arsenal sit in 5th place, so at least we have a shot at European football next year. We just have to force those bastards of White Hart out of their spot. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Diamond Girls by Neil Diamond)

No post today or tomorrow

I'm in training today & tomorrow, so no post. However, I have to say that the fact that the fucking Rolling Stones were censored on Sunday during the super bowl just proves how far up their collective asses are the heads of our government. For pity's sake, since when is "You make a dead man come" an offensive phrase? I hear worse on Two and a half Men. What the fuck's the point? Are we still titty-shocked from last year's mammary explosion? I should point out to the politicians here that in most other civilized countries a teat does not cause quite the stir it apparently causes here. You see Mr. President and all attendant shrubs, sex is a necessary, beautiful aspect of life. It's not the dirty, hide-your-head-in-the-sand act that you seem to make it. We are NOT a puritanical society no matter how hard you try to make it so. right then. back to training. Wastrel On!

The Fountain

We've left New Milne with joy & sadness in our hearts. We felt joy at having had the opportunity; however, sadness that it was over was also present. Marita Beth, Ginger & I headed south with the need to have Ginger at the airport the next morning. But, by golly we were going to make the best of it, all we needed was Lisa to complete another Kyle & the Babes memory. At some point along the drive we realised, "uhh-oh, we don't know where we're going or where we're staying". Of course, this is typical (and generally preferred) for Marita Beth & myself, but we stopped nonetheless at the first I (tourist information spot) we encountered. While Ginger & Marita Beth went in and attempted to secure a night's lodging somewhere, I did what any self-respecting wanna-be anglican would do; I went to a pub. How delightful that just across the square from the I was The Fountain. I would that I recalled the name of the town, but I fear I don't. So, all I can comment upon is The Fountain. A delightful pub, well-appointed & spacious with not too many patrons as it was just prior to noon and a parade was just starting. Yes, a parade. My dear girls arrived just before the parade was to start so we established ourselves at the window (the one on the right) and watched the parade troop down the street. I don't know why a parade, but it was peopled with children in costumes. It was perhaps 8 minutes long and then it was over. We finished our lunch & drinks and went on our way with the memories of a Saturday morning parade in a small town in Scotland. Priceless. If I ever write a fiction book, I'm going to visit here to get the name of my book. Something like one of these: Apprentice of Darkness Autumn and Doom Dwindelle's Autumn Hunter of Legend Keeperِ Memoryِ and Fire Maiden of the Ebony King Runeِ Curseِ and Castle The Fordurgir Stone The Seventh Faerie The Xandirid City Really, the names just damn near write the stories themselves, wot? The saga of Sol continues with normal tabloid drama. I say let the rotter sit the bench on the reserves until he learns his lesson. No one has the right to leave a team in the lurch as he did. Only 2 fit natural defenders in the squad and he decides to walk out of the stadium. Rubbish! Write the prat off and move on. Arsenal did win 2-nil on the weekend over Birmingham. Apaprently have Fabregas back in the squad alongside new kid Diaby makes a difference. Gilberto sat out with Diaby placing a nail squarely in the coffin lid by bagging a goal. So long Gilberto, long live Diaby! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Would Not Come by Alannis Morissette)

New Milne

Our final day at New Milne has arrived. Some are headed to the airport, some have already left, some are spending a few more days in Scotland & England. Kelly is confirming reservations here before she & Joseph take off for Skibo (I believe). It's an emotional hour as we all scurry about cleaning our rooms, making sure we have everything and saying our goodbyes. Already plans are being made for the next large group trip (Greece, I believe); hopefully I'll be done with this travelogue before that starts. Our stay at New Milne was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; an opportunity that I can only hope will happen more than once in this lifetime. We learned some things, we'll do some things differently next time, but all-in-all, it was damn near perfect. No footy news today because I just don't feel like it. But Arsenal does play tomorrow, so perhaps I'll write a bit then. It's Friday. Time for a beer. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Breathe (Techno Remix) by Faith Hill)