I came across this gif which shows just how insignificant we are....
Friday, 8 November 2013
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
How the (potential) mighty have fallen
He could have been a Liverpool legend. Instead Michael Owen went to Real Madrid under a cloud to win things. He won nothing.
He had the chance to redeem himself (slightly) and return to Anfield. Not happy being 3rd or 4th choice striker, he opted for Newcastle where he would have been first choice. Clearly he targeted an England recall. Always the man who put the National team over club football. Injury stopped that in it's tracks.
He really put the (football) boot in when he signed for Liverpool's most bitter rivals, Man Utd (Scum).
And just when you think he couldn't sink any lower, he's now writing for The S*n!
Spitting on the memory of the 96.
Michael Owen, you really are a vile little man. I hope you and Kelvin will be happy sharing stories together.
Edit : So it turns out, like many Liverpool fans, I may have been a bit hasty in jumping on the bandwagon in relation with my comments linking Michael Owen to The S*n.
He had the chance to redeem himself (slightly) and return to Anfield. Not happy being 3rd or 4th choice striker, he opted for Newcastle where he would have been first choice. Clearly he targeted an England recall. Always the man who put the National team over club football. Injury stopped that in it's tracks.
He really put the (football) boot in when he signed for Liverpool's most bitter rivals, Man Utd (Scum).
And just when you think he couldn't sink any lower, he's now writing for The S*n!
Spitting on the memory of the 96.
Michael Owen, you really are a vile little man. I hope you and Kelvin will be happy sharing stories together.
Edit : So it turns out, like many Liverpool fans, I may have been a bit hasty in jumping on the bandwagon in relation with my comments linking Michael Owen to The S*n.
For that, I apologies.
I stand by the rest of this post though. As far as I'm concerned, he will never be welcomed back to Anfield. His ties with the Scum (Man Utd NOT the rag) have burnt all his bridges with the Club and the fans
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Our Volunteer Day
On 25th April 2013, Staff from United Biscuits and Jacob’s in Liverpool were invited to a ‘Team Volunteer Day’ with FareShare who are based in Hunts Cross, Merseyside.
Why us?
United Biscuits (UB) is a manufacturer of biscuits, savoury
baked bagged snacks, biscuits for cheese and cakes through their Companies
McVitie’s, Jacob’s & Carr's and are a founder supporter of the FareShare
organisation.
UB pays FareShare £5,000 a year in support but due
to the long shelf life of their products do not give them a lot of
product, unless there is an exceptional situation where they have produced
something that they could not sell but which is still absolutely safe.
Keen to build upon this relationship, they invited us to
go along, help out and see first hand the work they do.
Who are FareShare?
To quote from their official Twitter page @FareShareUK “UK charity fighting hunger and food
waste by rescuing surplus food and getting it to people in need.”
Volunteers go out in
vehicles packed with crates of food and deliver to women's refuges, homeless
shelters and other similar organisations in the city.
For more information and details on how to Volunteer or Donate
visit their website www.fareshare.org.uk/
After introductions, inductions
and a tour of the depot, it was down to work.
Two of our team jumped onto the van to help the driver with the
deliveries. The four of us who remained
in the depot got down to sorting out the boxes of food donated by
Manufacturers, Supermarkets and the general public courtesy of food-drives.
The majority of the stock comes in
on pallets but, as we found out, there are also huge cardboard boxes filled
with anything that a Supermarket may stock.
It was one of our tasks to sort through 2
of these boxes, putting similar items in crates by weight and documenting how
many crates we’d sorted. Each item had
to be checked for damages such as ripped packets or dented tins and also by Sell By or Best Before dates. Later,
the number of crates we had filled would be inputted onto a database to make
picking for the next days deliveries easier.
It was a dirty (and sometimes
sticky) job but somebody had to do it and well, that’s what we were there for.
 |
| On a break with other volunteers |
There were a number of other
volunteers there, whether they wanted
to be or not! We learnt some of these may actually have been carrying out community
service.
Whatever their reasons for being
there, they all worked very hard and worked well as a team. They got the job done without any
complaints. Credit deservedly goes to
them.
It was certainly a day of mixed
emotions. Shock at realising just how
many organisations rely on charities such as FareShare. Disbelief at realising only 1% of surplus
stock goes to the likes of FareShare but overall satisfaction at knowing we did
our bit to help out even if it was for only one day.
And Finally...
A short poem pinned up on the toilet wall...
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Random Act of Kindness
I'm following an account on Twitter called "Capital of Kindness" and it has inspired me to write about an incident that happened to me.
It must have had a big impact as it happened almost 30 years ago when I was just 12 years old and I've never forgotten it.
In March 1984 Liverpool played Everton at Maine Road (the then home of Manchester City F.C.) in the Milk Cup Final Replay. This was to be the first football match I'd ever been to so obviously was very excited. I left Liverpool Lime Street on the Football Special with my 14 year old brother. The proviso of us going to Manchester at such a young age was we were meeting our 19 year old brother who had travelled in the opposite direction from Sheffield.
The match ended in a 1 nil victory for the Reds so we were in good spirits as the 3 of us left the ground. After taking us to the coach park, our elder brother left us as he had his own coach to catch.
What we witnessed then, I have never witnessed since. Every coach we could see had all their windows smashed as fans, I'm guessing from both sides, climbed through in order not to be left behind. Whether these coaches were heading to the train station or direct back to Liverpool, we weren't sure. What we were sure about was that there was no way we were going to get on one of these coaches even if there was room. It was pure chaos.
That's where this story really begins. We started out on foot looking for the train station. As we were in a strange city we started to follow other groups of supporters and really, hoped for the best.
After walking for what seemed like miles, we realised there were no fans in front of us and we were alone and lost. For whatever reason, we made the decision to turn around and walk back the way we came.
Walking past some waste ground there was a group of lads who shouted at us to get out of the way. As we ran they started throwing stones at one of the football coaches passing by. It was at that point we realised we were in a hostile place. Luckily they hadn't spotted my rolled up souvenir flag which was now shoved up the sleeve of my coat. Our coats fastened all the way up to hide our scarves, we carried on walking.
By now it was getting late, probably around 11:00 pm but the road was very busy. Still unsure of where we were going or how long it would take to get there, we flagged down a taxi purely to ask for directions. We had no money, no phone (mobiles in 1984?) and running out of hope. Random Act of Kindness (1) - knowing we had no money, the driver told us to get in and he would take us part of the way. After he dropped us off and told us where to go, we gave our thanks and headed, now, in the right direction.
Not long after, another taxi stopped and asked us if we were going for the Football Special. How he knew, we don't know. Maybe by now I was carrying my flag again and he spotted it. We said we were and - Random Act of Kindness (2) - he told us to get in as we would never make it in time. Again we made it clear we had no money but it didn't matter. We were soon at the train station.
Even standing in the queue we weren't sure if we would get on. Rumours were going around that this was going to be the last Special and we were at the back of a very very long queue. Not only did we get on but we had seats as well. Not like the outbound train were we had to sit on the floor.
The train was due to finish it's run at Lime Street but made, if I remember this correctly, an unscheduled stop at Edge Hill. As we only lived a 2 minute walk away we got off. To our surprise there were our parents waiting for us. I'm not sure how they knew the train was stopping off at Edge Hill, we were just glad they did.
There was talk of our mum writing to the local Manchester Newspapers to thank the two taxi drivers, like people often do in the Liverpool Echo. Whether she did or not, I don't know. I hope so.
This proves that although Liverpool to us is "Capital of Kindness", kindness can be found everywhere...and it's free.
Remember - It's boss to be kind!
Follow me on Twitter - @Degsy1013 but more importantly follow @RAKLPOOL and spread a bit of kindness.
It must have had a big impact as it happened almost 30 years ago when I was just 12 years old and I've never forgotten it.
In March 1984 Liverpool played Everton at Maine Road (the then home of Manchester City F.C.) in the Milk Cup Final Replay. This was to be the first football match I'd ever been to so obviously was very excited. I left Liverpool Lime Street on the Football Special with my 14 year old brother. The proviso of us going to Manchester at such a young age was we were meeting our 19 year old brother who had travelled in the opposite direction from Sheffield.
The match ended in a 1 nil victory for the Reds so we were in good spirits as the 3 of us left the ground. After taking us to the coach park, our elder brother left us as he had his own coach to catch.
What we witnessed then, I have never witnessed since. Every coach we could see had all their windows smashed as fans, I'm guessing from both sides, climbed through in order not to be left behind. Whether these coaches were heading to the train station or direct back to Liverpool, we weren't sure. What we were sure about was that there was no way we were going to get on one of these coaches even if there was room. It was pure chaos.
That's where this story really begins. We started out on foot looking for the train station. As we were in a strange city we started to follow other groups of supporters and really, hoped for the best.
After walking for what seemed like miles, we realised there were no fans in front of us and we were alone and lost. For whatever reason, we made the decision to turn around and walk back the way we came.
Walking past some waste ground there was a group of lads who shouted at us to get out of the way. As we ran they started throwing stones at one of the football coaches passing by. It was at that point we realised we were in a hostile place. Luckily they hadn't spotted my rolled up souvenir flag which was now shoved up the sleeve of my coat. Our coats fastened all the way up to hide our scarves, we carried on walking.
By now it was getting late, probably around 11:00 pm but the road was very busy. Still unsure of where we were going or how long it would take to get there, we flagged down a taxi purely to ask for directions. We had no money, no phone (mobiles in 1984?) and running out of hope. Random Act of Kindness (1) - knowing we had no money, the driver told us to get in and he would take us part of the way. After he dropped us off and told us where to go, we gave our thanks and headed, now, in the right direction.
Not long after, another taxi stopped and asked us if we were going for the Football Special. How he knew, we don't know. Maybe by now I was carrying my flag again and he spotted it. We said we were and - Random Act of Kindness (2) - he told us to get in as we would never make it in time. Again we made it clear we had no money but it didn't matter. We were soon at the train station.
Even standing in the queue we weren't sure if we would get on. Rumours were going around that this was going to be the last Special and we were at the back of a very very long queue. Not only did we get on but we had seats as well. Not like the outbound train were we had to sit on the floor.
The train was due to finish it's run at Lime Street but made, if I remember this correctly, an unscheduled stop at Edge Hill. As we only lived a 2 minute walk away we got off. To our surprise there were our parents waiting for us. I'm not sure how they knew the train was stopping off at Edge Hill, we were just glad they did.
There was talk of our mum writing to the local Manchester Newspapers to thank the two taxi drivers, like people often do in the Liverpool Echo. Whether she did or not, I don't know. I hope so.
This proves that although Liverpool to us is "Capital of Kindness", kindness can be found everywhere...and it's free.
Remember - It's boss to be kind!
Follow me on Twitter - @Degsy1013 but more importantly follow @RAKLPOOL and spread a bit of kindness.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Anyone out there?
Trying to explain to an 11 year old there has to be life on other planets is no easy task especially when she doesn't understand the logic.
Of course I can't prove there is but you'd have to be pretty naive not to believe it.
I'm no expert in space or astronomy but my understanding about life on Earth is down to proximity from the Sun. At least that's one of the reasons. Too close and the planet is too hot, too far away and it's too cold. It has to be in 'the Goldilocks Zone'...it has to be just right!
This year scientists are hoping to find 700,000 new galaxies to add to the billions already out there in the universe.
Our own galaxy, The Milky Way, has the potential to contain billions of Solar Systems. Only a few hundred have been discovered so far as it is difficult to spot a planet in the glare of its sun.
Just taking into account The Milky Way, the probability of a planet having the right criteria to sustain life has to be quite high.
Multiply that by the number of galaxies, solar systems and countless number of planets, that probability (in my opinion) becomes inevitable.
Footnote: Just because I believe in life on other planets doesn't mean I believe in UFO's...except in the literal sense - Flying objects that are unidentified! Aeroplanes, light and atmospheric anomalies are just some of the causes. Little green men?*...Nah!
(*Possibly grey depending on what YOU believe in ;-) )
You can also view this on my YouTube page.
Of course I can't prove there is but you'd have to be pretty naive not to believe it.
I'm no expert in space or astronomy but my understanding about life on Earth is down to proximity from the Sun. At least that's one of the reasons. Too close and the planet is too hot, too far away and it's too cold. It has to be in 'the Goldilocks Zone'...it has to be just right!
This year scientists are hoping to find 700,000 new galaxies to add to the billions already out there in the universe.
Our own galaxy, The Milky Way, has the potential to contain billions of Solar Systems. Only a few hundred have been discovered so far as it is difficult to spot a planet in the glare of its sun.
Just taking into account The Milky Way, the probability of a planet having the right criteria to sustain life has to be quite high.
Multiply that by the number of galaxies, solar systems and countless number of planets, that probability (in my opinion) becomes inevitable.
Footnote: Just because I believe in life on other planets doesn't mean I believe in UFO's...except in the literal sense - Flying objects that are unidentified! Aeroplanes, light and atmospheric anomalies are just some of the causes. Little green men?*...Nah!
(*Possibly grey depending on what YOU believe in ;-) )
You can also view this on my YouTube page.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Gay Marriage - All in favour...?
Had I been asked my view about gay marriage a few months ago,
my off the cuff remark would have been it doesn't affect me so I don't really
care.
However, as the topic has been all over the media for the past few months (and I'm
sure in reality, it's been under discussion for years), I've had time
to think.
As a father of 4 kids, the law of averages surely means there is a chance one of them will be gay.
I don't want to assume but I used to think it would be one of the
boys (unless all boys under 5 like pink and mummy's shoes!). As they've got older football and fighting has kicked in, so perhaps not. Maybe one of the girls.
One of them does have a massive 'girl crush' on an American TV star....
Victoria Justice at the Kids' Choice Awards 2011
This would be perfectly understandable!
If this turns out to be the case, they may want to settle down with their partner and who knows maybe have a traditional wedding. Both my girls have been confirmed so why shouldn't they want a church wedding.
I'm not a religious person but I do know there is an Old and New Testament. Maybe another Testament needs to be introduced to drag the church into the 21st century - A Modern Testament.
As a parent I want my kids to be happy in whatever they do so if it came down to a vote on whether or not there should be gay marriages, I would firmly put my mark in the YES box.
Equal Rights and Common Sense should prevail.
These are my ramblings based on what I believe in and nothing else. I'm not open to debate on this matter but please feel free to leave a comment.
One of them does have a massive 'girl crush' on an American TV star....
Victoria Justice at the Kids' Choice Awards 2011
This would be perfectly understandable!
If this turns out to be the case, they may want to settle down with their partner and who knows maybe have a traditional wedding. Both my girls have been confirmed so why shouldn't they want a church wedding.
I'm not a religious person but I do know there is an Old and New Testament. Maybe another Testament needs to be introduced to drag the church into the 21st century - A Modern Testament.
As a parent I want my kids to be happy in whatever they do so if it came down to a vote on whether or not there should be gay marriages, I would firmly put my mark in the YES box.
Equal Rights and Common Sense should prevail.
These are my ramblings based on what I believe in and nothing else. I'm not open to debate on this matter but please feel free to leave a comment.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Hillsborough Poem
I wrote this poem soon after the Hillsborough tragedy and proves, even as a naive 17 year old, we all knew the truth but families of the 96 that died and survivors who were there that day, have had to fight for 23 years for the rest of the world to see.
Only this week (12/09/2012) the results of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings were published and the truth is now documented in black and white.
Full details can be found here http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk/
My poem...
The crowd gathered
to watch the game
but to the officials
it only brought shame.
They started to push
when they thought they were late
so a senior officer
opened the gate.
Like a gallon of water
out of a funnel
the 3000 fans
rushed down the tunnel.
They all squashed in
the Leppings Lane End
and like pipe-cleaners
the barriers did bend.
On the pitch
a Policeman came
and, after 6 minutes,
the ref stopped the game.
An ambulance came
onto the football ground
and even then
some dead were found.
From the tunnel
the fans still gushed
and the kids at the front
to death they were crushed.
The police and the fans
were clearly shocked
to see three gates
that were still locked.
Across the pitch
a line was formed
to stop the Forest fans
being stormed.
But everyone
was on their best behaviour
and some of them
became a fans saviour.
An inquest began
soon after the game
and immediately the police said
they weren't to blame.
As people outside Anfield
wait in the queue
others lay down their scarves
both red and blue.
Most people in the hospitals
are very much alive
as we say Rest in Peace
"Hillsborough 95"
(The 96th victim was in a permanent coma following the tragedy and died almost 4 years later after the courts allowed him to 'die with dignity'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Bland)
Only this week (12/09/2012) the results of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's findings were published and the truth is now documented in black and white.
Full details can be found here http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk/
My poem...
The crowd gathered
to watch the game
but to the officials
it only brought shame.
They started to push
when they thought they were late
so a senior officer
opened the gate.
Like a gallon of water
out of a funnel
the 3000 fans
rushed down the tunnel.
They all squashed in
the Leppings Lane End
and like pipe-cleaners
the barriers did bend.
On the pitch
a Policeman came
and, after 6 minutes,
the ref stopped the game.
An ambulance came
onto the football ground
and even then
some dead were found.
From the tunnel
the fans still gushed
and the kids at the front
to death they were crushed.
The police and the fans
were clearly shocked
to see three gates
that were still locked.
Across the pitch
a line was formed
to stop the Forest fans
being stormed.
But everyone
was on their best behaviour
and some of them
became a fans saviour.
An inquest began
soon after the game
and immediately the police said
they weren't to blame.
As people outside Anfield
wait in the queue
others lay down their scarves
both red and blue.
Most people in the hospitals
are very much alive
as we say Rest in Peace
"Hillsborough 95"
(The 96th victim was in a permanent coma following the tragedy and died almost 4 years later after the courts allowed him to 'die with dignity'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Bland)
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