David Hatton

Goodbye!

2012-01-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

I am saying goodbye to my dear Blogspot! It has been a fantastic 3 years and we've come along way. Writing on here has led me to go on and write for some amazing people and given me some amazing chances! Since being on here I've written for Coronation Street Blog, various charities, a Michael Jackson site and various news websites. I have had over 20,000 views and has allowed me to express my thoughts and reviews on a whole variety of things.

More importantly it has kept a diary of some of the most memorable events from the last 3 years including many fantastic holidays and gigs. It began when I was living out in the USA in 2009 and allowed me to keep in touch with so many of my friends and family back home who were wondering what I was up to.

I love blogspot but the time has come to move on and have my own website where I can design it myself and have more control over the editing. Please join me at davidhatton.hatrex.com where my articles, blogs and reviews will continue.

I have also begun a website using my knowledge from recruitment to help the jobless find work at www.hatrex.com which has had some fantastic feedback and has really kicked off, so I am very very pleased.

As for blogspot, well this webpage will continue to hold my past blogs; I have too many amazing memories on here to delete it. I hope people still come and look at my old journals on here. I certainly have had a lot of fun and recommend anyone starting off a website or a journal on this page!

And a happy new year to you!

2011-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

As the Big Ben clock makes its final bong in 2011 and the fireworks across the country explode into the atmosphere, I contemplate the last year and wonder what will become of 2012 for little old me (little I hear you question?)

I began the year in the middle of my final year of University, completing my dissertation on the touristic legacy of Michael Jackson. The end of the semester also meant the end of one of my closest friend’s time in England as my dear friend Emily moved to Boston, MA to live with her husband and give birth to her little boy. Emily wasn’t the only one to have a baby this year as my cousin Chris and his wife had their first baby girl.

The year of 2011 sums up me finishing University and having to grow up. I graduated with excellent grades and was awarded for Outstanding Achievement with the faculty. My dissertation was also passed onto Michael Jackson’s estate and family too. I also continued Michael Jackson’s touristic legacy myself through attending a live show Man In The Mirror with my friend Kat, and attended the Forever tribute show in Cardiff (although the latter was nearly ruined as I ran around the capital of Wales looking for a hotel room).

Finishing university meant I had to go and get a job (tut) and temping at a large retail chain led me to move into my sought after career in Human Resources, a career I had desired since my University modules last year in the subject. I now recruit for one of the largest retail firms in the UK and the studying has not all together stopped as I completed an Equality and Diversity course this year and have plans to complete a part time Masters and CIPD qualification next year to help me progress with my career.

I went to V Festival where I hung out with the celebs in the VIP section and danced away to Rihanna! Me and Angus went to the Lake District where we walked up mountains which never ended (mainly because the paths had been redirected without notice) and did a spot of literary tourism in Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth’s homes.

October was a mixed month. It began with the wedding of two of my closest friends, Vanessa and Shaun but I later lost my Uncle Mick who sadly passed after being diagnosed of cancer. The month ended on a high however as my cousin’s christening brought a focus on new life in the Hatton family. Not many people can say they’ve done the full circle of life in just 4 weeks!

The year ends with close friends, who are coming to celebrate with us. And to that I raise a glass and wish all of my friends and readers a wonderful New Year and that 2012 bring everything you wish for x

2011 in Review

2011-12-27T04:08:00.001-08:00

It is safe to say that 2011 has been an eventful year with ups and downs. I tend to keep a log of major events across a year in the news as a reminder and I have filled nearly double what I had for 2010!

The year began with the New Years Eve Egyptian Terrorist Attacks where 17 people were killed after a church was bombed, bringing a less than optimistic beginning to the year. Later on in the year a revolution occurred in Egypt forcing out the government, which also occurred in Tunisia and Libya also in 2011. Egypt wasn’t the only place to receive terrorist attacks as an airport in Russia was also bombed as well as Morocco. The most shocking terrorist attacks were found in Norway where a right wing extremist set off a bomb in Oslo and killed 69 people at a summer camp. There was some good news in 2011 in the combat against terrorism as we caught Osama Bin Laden and our troops left Iraq, shortly before the 9/11 ten year anniversary.

In the UK, VAT rises and government cuts led to many strikes and protests across the country. We were offered a new way of electing in a way of an alternative vote but this was voted against coming into future elections. The UK also had a series of riots, which showed to be more of a group of vandalising looting chavs rather than a revolution.

2011 had held many natural disasters across the world including floods in Brazil and Australia, a tsunami in Japan, and earth Quakes in Spain and New Zealand. We had a repeat of a 2010 mining disaster, but unlike Chile, the Welsh were not so fortunate to escape.

There was a series of celebrity scandals this year; Charlie Sheen showed that he was no longer winning as he got too high and was fired from Two and a Half Men. Dr Conrad Murray was found guilty for his involvement in Michael Jackson’s death. Cheryl Cole was promised a job on the American X Factor, only to be fired shortly after; and Ryan Giggs realized that super injunctions do not work. But the biggest scandal of 2011 had to be the phone hacking from the News of the World, where Hugh Grant, JK Rowling, Steve Coogan and many other celebrities fought out against the phone hackers and the News of the World was shut down after 168 years of being in print.

We lost a number of famous faces in 2011 including Pete Postlethwaite, Elizabeth Taylor, Ryan Dunn, Amy Winehouse, Betty Driver, Jimmy Saville, Gary Speed and Kim Jong Il. The world was cheered up however when Prince William finally got married to Kate Middleton bringing lots of hope (and tourism income) to the UK.

And there is the sum up for 2011; who knows what is to come in 2012? The Olympics should be a huge event in 2012 as well as no doubt more strikes and protests against our forever disappointing government. But to everyone out there, have a happy new year!

Merry Crimbo and that

2011-12-23T09:44:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again where I try to compete with the Queen for best Christmas message... personally I think hers lacks a little edge or humor but whatever!
I finished work today at 4pm (nice!) and now I'm not in until next Thursday, which will be the longest I've had off in ages! I received a lovely secret santa gift off a work colleague: a Coronation Street Rovers Return mug and a pair of Jack Duckworth Racing Pidgeons. I don't know what gave anyone the impression that I liked Coronation Street??

I tried to be all nice and charitable (''David, are you still doing stuff for charity?'' I hear you cry!) so I bought a selection box to give to the children's hospital as they were collecting them at work. I took my selection box to work but they had already been taken the night before; so I'm stuck with all this chocolate, oh how I will suffer this Christmas.

Working in a city centre is horrible at this time of year... people don't appreciate that I don't want to be there and that I have to be there due to work being all inconsiderate and placing it in a central business hub. I try to rush past the dordellers (you know who you are) who walk at a half a mile an hour and stop at every window to see what offers on. I HAVE A BUS TO CATCH! Is murder wrong if its a Manchester shopper?

The bus home on my final day was amusing; a young child stood up and announced to the bus, ''LOOK GRANDAD, THAT STRANGE WOMAN IS ASLEEP!'', the woman opened her eyes to see a young blonde haired boy pointing at her. As I got off the bus I saved a dog, who had run away from his owner, from running into the road. As his owner came running I could understand why the poor little animal had considered suicide; the owner was a chav, didn't for a second thank me for saving the cute puppy, but did pick it and screamed ''YOU LITTLE BASTARD!' at the dog. At least I hope it was the dog... if it was aimed at me, I don't know who he was calling 'little'. Lovely Christmas spirit.

I came home where I found a flustered Angus who informed me that I had used up all his Christmas paper. He wasn't happy I had used it all up. What am I? A shop keeper? I don't do stock checks. Anyway he's off finding Christmas paper two days before Christmas. Fun.

Christmas will be spent with my lovely family in Preston. New Year will be enjoyed with my good friends Finn and Shelley who I'm hoping will bring some of Finn's Scottish heritage to our festivities. We have a Scot, we only need Travis now and it will be Hogmanay in our own house!

Anyway Have a Wonderful Christmas too all my wonderful friends and family!

a personal note after an emotional week

2011-12-15T10:07:00.000-08:00

I am not going to advertise this on Facebook or Twitter but if you manage to find it then you will have come across something very personal and one of the saddest weeks of my adult life. On Tuesday evening I found out that two incredibly close friends of mine are HIV positive. I will never mention names, as it is not my place to; this a mere week in my shoes as their friend.

Devastated is the only word I can think of to sum up what I’ve been feeling. I was shocked, horrified and in fear for their welfare. In the past I have dealt with people having cancer and all sorts of illnesses, but this I have no idea how to handle because I have never come across it before. I am not belittling other illnesses, I merely want to express that I understand those illnesses and therefore feel I can cope with them, but this has been something else.

I’ve felt sick, tired, saddened and in a way quite mournful over the fact that my friends have an incurable disease. This isn’t even my body. I cannot imagine what the last few months have been like for my dear friends. My heart bleeds when I think of the day they found out or how they’ve managed to tell other people when there is so much stigma out there.

Knowledge is power and that is the only thing that has got me through this week. Knowing how good the drugs are to keep sufferers alive and healthy gives me a great peace of mind. If they are reading this (or if anyone who is positive is reading) my heart goes out to you and I’ll think of you everyday. To my two in particular friends, I love you both so very much and hope you remain happy and healthy for a very very long time.

The Union Debate

2011-11-30T13:24:00.001-08:00

I write not today to press an opinion on the public sector strikes; I have enough friends on both sides and I do not wish to partake in this debate and have kept many of my opinions of it to myself. I write today to talk about the Unions who push for these strikes and how I disagree with the Unions and not those on strike.

After my research at University and my past experience with them myself and through my nearest and dearest, I have become increasingly disgusted with the unions who supposedly hold our welfare and our rights so dear to them. A friend of mine who is a teacher wondered whether to strike; he couldn't afford to take the day off work and he didn't really feel the strike was justified, but his union turned around and told him that if he didn't strike he shouldn't bother coming to them for help again in the future, despite them taking some of his salary every month so that they will be there to support him should the time come. I would be horrified but after studying organisations such as Unite and other unions, I am more than aware of their reputations.

Unite, a union always in the news, particularly for their association with British Airways staff, have on numerous occasions accused companies of bullying their staff, and yet Unite have infamously 'named and shamed' those who haven't gone on strike and actively encouraged union members to bully those who dare not go on strike. Many unions have also had alternative motives to strike (especially with Unite with their links with the Labour government) and is not always for the concern of the workers who have lost their pay to fight.

I realize that unions can be a lot of good; I realize there has to be a balance and that they have brought justice because sometimes an organisation is in the wrong. I also believe that when your employer is the government that yes there should be someone there to make sure that the workers have their say. But some of the horrific counts of bullying have made me never want to join a Union. As someone with quite unitary views, I see joining a union as distancing myself away from my employer, rather being a part of the company who have employed me. I also don't hold it against others for joining them as that is their right and they hold differing views to mine. Maybe I have just had good employers who have embraced their employees and maybe my views will change in the future, but for now I commit to not being a part of a union and embrace the organisation I work within rather than fight against it.

My Transexual Summer

2011-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

While the final moments of last night's episode of My Transexual Summer was supposed to provide an air of hope and joy for a transgender girl finding a job around accepting people, it instead made me angry, unoptimistic and reduced me to tears. All this male to female transexual person wanted was to have a job and for once not be judged. Channel 4 watched her as she traveled from shop to shop asking for work. I was horrified to see how many people rejected her (on camera!) saying that she would make the customers feel uncomfortable and therefore could not give her a job. Is this legal? How can it be? If it is, it is disgusting. A flamboyant gay man, a disfigured or disabled person could make someone feel uncomfortable, but you would not dare reject them from a job they were perfectly be suitable and could easily do surely?

It probably didn't help that Channel 4 kept going up to customers and asking what they thought of the new transexual barista, they probably wouldn't have even noticed she was trans if they hadn't shaken bigotry out of these elderly customers.

I could not believe how horrificly these people are still treated in this country today; Britain claims it is a cosmopolitan and accepting place, but seeing how transgender people suffer on a daily basis shows that we are far from it. These people struggle a life time of pain just to be able to enjoy the simple luxury of being able to wear the clothes they wish to wear and feel comfortable in their own skin, which many of us take for granted on a daily basis.

The government need to crack down and make more clear that the poor treatment of these minorities will not be tolerated. Jobs should not be restricted from them because they might put off a bigoted customer. We need to open our arms and welcome these people who have suffered enough quietly themselves without the rest of the world looking in and judging them too.

Ticket Inspector Bullies

2011-11-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

The other day a good friend of mine was traveling on a train. She was tired and decided to rest her legs on a metal bar which sat beneith the seat in front of her. The ticket inspector passed and noticed her feet on this bar and without warning or even asking her to take her feet down, issued her a fine and threatened to have her arrested. The way they spoke to her was dispicable and had she not been so shook up by the whole process, she would have likely called the police herself for the way she had been treated. This was not some teenager causing a riot on a train, this was a twenty-something IT professional who was commuting for work purproses. Had she been asked to take her feet off the metal bar, she would have done so immediately and yet she hadn't and now faces a penalty.

Wind back a few months, I was traveling from Manchester to Leeds. A gentleman in the seat behind me gave a printed out confirmation receipt from his email to the ticket inspector after the ticket machine in Manchester had not worked. The Network Rail representative in Manchester had told the gentleman to just get on the train as he would miss his connection and to just explain to the ticket inspector. The ticket inspector did not believe the gentleman, despite him having full confirmation printed out with him. He demanded another ticket or he would have him arrested at Leeds station.

Last year, my friend's boyfriend traveled from London to Manchester. There were two trains departing at the same time and he accidentally got on the wrong one. Easy mistake. When the inspector inspected his ticket, he informed him he had got the wrong one and demanded he pay a full fair up to Manchester which cost over £100 because his ticket was not valid on this train, despite it being the same train company and was obviously an easy mistake to be made.

A few months before that, another friend of mine was traveling from Hull to Leeds. It was late at night, he was exhausted and had fallen asleep on the train and woke up in Manchester. He quickly got on the return train to Leeds and tried explaining his fault to the inspector who demanded he buys another ticket. My friend had no money on him at all and he had left his debit card at home. The inspector demanded he got off at Stockport or once again would be arrested. My friend pleaded with the driver explaining that if he got off at Stockport he would have no way of getting home and would have no where to stay. He would have had to have slept rough. He showed his ticket, showing the exact times he bought the ticket which would show he would have had to have got off and back on again in seconds to prove his mistake. The inspector continued to push my friend to buy a ticket and once again threatened him with the police. My friend had no choice and so he called his bluff on his threat of the police. The inspector instead of calling the cops went over to the tannoy and told the passengers that train would not be moving until my friend had got off, hoping that the passengers would begin an angry mob to get my friend off the train, unfortunately for the inspector it backfired and the angry mob was actually turned around onto the inspector and the train service who eventually had to set off.

These are just four of many stories I hear frequently. Who the hell are these bullies from these train companies? Who do they think they are? They would allow someone to remain homeless for the night or to be fined ludicrous fines because of innocent mistakes. They threaten with the police because the majority of people would respond to that, but clearly they know the police have more important cases on their hands. They resort to angry passengers to force these people off the trains. They are bullies, pure and simple, on a power trip. With rising fair tickets, the train companies are forgetting how much the public pay for this service and forget that we are customers. We get crushed on a daily basis on busy services because the companies will not provide an extra carriage. The facilities are a joke and the journey is pure hell. And yet we pay high prices for these poor facilities and are made to feel guilty for using them.

I want to put a stop to these Ticket Inspector bullies. I know we have to stop fair dodgers and yes if people are generally causing a nuscience on a train then sort it out. But don't try and send your message through the punishment of good, hard working people who just want to get from A to B and just want to get home and have paid to use the rubbish service this country provides. They threaten us with the police but evidence has shown that actually they are bluffing. I ask everyone to stand up to these nasty power-mad imbeciles. Call their bluff! Let them try and arrest you! You are in the right and these companies need to know that we are the customer and they cannot force us to be out of pocket because of innocent mistakes! I am not asking to cause a riot; no way. I'm not suggesting you break the law; far from it! But don't bend over and take it if these petty people demand us to be fined and treated poorly for innocent mistakes! I will happily face being arrested for any of the above incidents and I will happily meet them in court if it means an end to the disgusting way they treat us!

The Darkness Rock Manchester

2011-11-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

It had been several years since The Darkness had performed since Justin Hawkin's departure in 2006 and the world wondered whether they could live up to their name in their reunion tour. On the 12th November 2011, The Darkness proved at the Manchester Academy that their glam rocking days were not over.

Despite not having the flexibility of an arena for stage tricks, they managed to fill the stage with a large cage and a number of light illusions made it a terrific show. Justin and his brother managed to create some amazing guitar solos and Justin's voice is still just as high.

They played a number of new songs which ensured the audience that the new album will include some terrific tracks which relay the sounds of their rock n' roll legacy. But everyone was there for the oldies and they didn't let us down with tracks such as Black Shuck, I believe In a Thing Called Love and Growing On Me. They also played a few tracks off their second album, One Way Ticket and their famous Christmas Track, which despite being a little early, got everyone in the festive mood.

It was surprising to see them not perform any Queen tracks, which they usually did, but the lengthy show was filled with the Permission To Land classics which everyone loves. They are back next year with a new album and tour, and I cannot wait to see more from the rock legends!

Heavy D: 1967-2011

2011-11-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

I was saddened to hear the news that rapper Heavy D died suddenly this week. While I hadn't followed Heavy's career closely, he had collaborated with my favourite artist of all time Michael Jackson on no other than my favourite Michael Jackson's song: Jam!

I saw Heavy live in his final weeks at the Michael Jackson Tribute Show in Cardiff in which he joined Michael's sister Latoya in the performance of Jam.

So in tribute to heavy here are his lyrics from one of the greatest collaborations of all time; Jam:

Jam Jam
Here Comes The Man
Hot Damn
The Big Boy Stands
Movin' Up A Hand
Makin' Funky Tracks
With My Man
Michael Jackson
Smooth Criminal
That's The Man
Mike's So Relaxed
Mingle Mingle Jingle
In The Jungle
Bum Rushed The Door
3 And 4's In A Bundle
Execute The Plan
First I Cooled Like A Fan
Got With Janet
Then With Guy
Now With Michael
Cause It Ain't Hard To...

JAM!

Sally Morgan's Psychic Skeptics

2011-11-12T03:10:00.000-08:00

Sally Morgan is in hot water again after Derren Brown managed to expose her as a fraud on his Secret of Luck show. The ''medium'' went to visit a 'lucky dog' and confirmed its powers, unbeknownst to her that Derren had planted the dog and made up the rumor that it had any form of lucky powers.

After years of incresing success and popularity, especially with high profile celebrity admirers, Sally's career seems to be these days facing increasing scruitny. Recently she has been accused of having back stage helpers feeding information to her as audience members in Dublin said they heard a man reading out messages which Sally would seconds later repeat. Her reviews on Ticketmaster of her shows also show that her fans have been very disapointed and that her tv show really does show the best of her guess work.

In October of this year a skeptic group in Liverpool invited Sally to come and prove her powers, offering £1 million if she was able to prove it. Derren Brown has even been involved urging her it is more for a matter of science than exposure. Sally declined the invitation.

Is this the end of Sally Morgan's career? It is doubtful, no matter how much evidence is presented against her, people will still believe her. Derren Brown proved this in a documentary on mediums as he did the same tricks as mediums but explained he was just using guess work; a girl he tested his theory on still believed he was 'magic' despite him telling her otherwise.

All we can do is urge Sally to come forward and do this test, it could after all save her credibility and line her pockets with £1million; but with the amount of proof against her and the number of sold books and contracts with Living TV/ITV2, she is most likely to earn more than the million proposed and her credibility will always be strong with those who will believe almost anything.

Conrad Murray: Dr Death

2011-11-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

I awaited for the verdict as it came out live on Sky News on Monday evening. It was unbelivably intense as we awaited the fate of Conrad Murray and the verdict which would outline his part in Michael Jackson's death. Unlike many fans, I wanted to give him a fair trial and let him have his day in court like we gave Michael in 2005; but the evidence was clear soon into the trial that this man had been irresponsible and had to face punishment.

Fans across the world have deemed a murderer and a monster. I don't believe him to be either. I believe that he was idiotic and money hungry; he gave into whatever Michael Jackson demanded and for that he needs to be stripped of his medical liscence. While he may have felt he was giving Michael everything he wanted, he was letting him down. I have no doubt that Michael thanked him everyday for going against the law to end his insomnia. Conrad, instead of finding him help, he sat and fed his addiction, even recording Jackson's drugged up slurs.

Conrad Murray isn't the only one to blame; AEG, everyone involved with the This Is It tour, his management and anyone who had access to him in those last few weeks were just as much as to blame for Jackson's death as Murray. They made the world believe Michael was ok and encouraged him onto a stage when he was obviously in no fit state to perform. Instead of getting him to recuperate and come off the drugs, they fed him whatever he wanted to get him on that stage and ready to go.

Of course Michael too was to blame, but he was an addict, he didn't know any better. If your friend, family member or colleague is an addict, you help them and say ''please don't die''. You don't ignore it or (in Murray's case) feed the addiction. Michael relied on those closest to him and today only Conrad Murray is the one who is on trial.

The world has lost an icon and it is all down to an entourage of money-hungry men who felt it better to line their own pockets, rather than considering the welfare of a human being. Should Murray serve time? Possibly, anyone responsible for someone else's death should have some of their own life taken away. Prison is probably the safest place for him right now; I know I wouldn't want to face billions of angry Michael Jackson fans after being blamed for killing their hero. But more than anything he should have his medical liscence away, he went against the oath that as a Doctor he had to take. There is no doubt he will find some fortune at the end of this, the media are already beginning to make programmes and when he is released he will be able to exploit the media attention in interviews, books and television documentaries.

But if nothing else, Michael's family and fans will be able to at last have closure on what did happen to him on his final weeks, they have got that person to blame and he is now being punished. While there are people out there who should still be blamed, it will never replace the King of Pop, and now the world should let him go and embrace his musical legacy that he leaves behind.

Michael Jackson: An Innocent Man

2011-10-27T02:37:00.001-07:00

Away from the drama of the court battle between the people and Conrad Murray, it seems that people still, long after his death, believe Michael Jackson was a pedophile. Whether it comes within a joke or just discussions between friends, television or debates. People always come up with the same arguments about him; why did he sleep in the same bed as children? Why did he pay out $20million to the Chandler family in 1993. Why was he so eccentric?

After reading various books, both balanced biographical accounts, Jermaine Jackson's memoirs and the book Redemption (a book written by someone who worked for Chandler's soliciter) there are many answers to all those questions and how Jackson was set up to suck money out of the billionaire popstar. I wanted to portray a few facts to those who are in disbelief or cannot make up their minds.

I will begin with the big one, the one that always asks... why did Michael Jackson pay out $20million to spare him from jail if he was an innocent man? Well... he didn't. That agreement was never to stop the family taking Michael Jackson to court, it was to stop them going to the media. Michael wanted the court case, he wanted to prove his innocence, but the family only wanted money. The family could have taken the money and still taken him to court, but they didn't. Funny how no one turns the question around to ask why the parents of Jordy Chandler accepted money instead of making sure a man they called a predator to serve time. Surely if someone harmed your child, justice would be preferred instead of money? And yet they could have had both... but they didn't they only took the money. The media never report this fact.

So why did Michael Jackson not just sue the family for the lies they were telling rather than trying to buy their silence? He was a drug addict at the time, addicted to prescription pain killers, and he wasn't strong enough for a fight against the family or the media. He paid out to stop them from ruining his reputation because he didn't have the energy to be able to fight himself. What the media also didn't report was that Jordy Chandler became estranged from his parents after this, he didn't speak to his father again, who later killed himself after trying to sue another person.

Jordy Chandler was asked in 1993 to identify Michael Jackson's body by giving descriptions of his naked frame. Michael posed naked to give evidence. All of Chandler's descriptions were incorrect. The second family who accused him were also suckers for suing people. They tried to make a claim against a security guard at a department store a couple of years before, accusing the security guard of assaulting them, however CCTV proved otherwise. Another set of liars.

Why did Michael Jackson sleep in the same bed as children? He didn't! He slept on the floor in a sleeping bag while more than one child would sleep in the bed. The media never mention that the children's parents would also come and stay and would agree to let their children sleep in the room and would often join in themselves. Jermaine Jackson provides a wonderful description of Michael's love of slumber parties with candy and pillow fights; mainly down to the closeness he and his brothers had as a child. On the Victory Tour, Michael wanted to share a room with his brothers once again, but the others felt they were too old and wanted their own hotel rooms. Jermaine Jackson also provides wonderful descriptions of Michael's childhood which inspired areas of Neverland, poems, Peter Pan and many many other artifacts have come from Michael's nostalgia, rather than planning an entrapment for children like something out of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Neverland? Why the fairgrounds? Well Michael has said many times he is a child at heart and that was seen very clearly in Martin Bashire's documentary. But Whoopi Goldberg made a clear analysis in 2009 that when someone is as famous as Michael Jackson, they cannot go out to a theme park like the rest of us without being mobbed; therefore he had to build it in his own home. Many Holywood stars have had to resort to building elements within their homes so that they don't have to go out and Michael was doing just that; Neverland was his haven, his safe place and he didn't want to leave until the media drove him out in 2005. Whoopi Goldberg also stood up for her friend Michael Jackson when asked whether she would ''seriously let him look after her children'', Whoopi Goldberg said ''I would let Michael Jackson babysit my child, and Michael Jackson has babysat my children''.

People say he is an eccentric freak; but if they find his actions strange or different to theirs, is it any wonder? He has not had the most normal of upbringings has he? Listen to the song 'Childhood', Jackson's autobiographical song. The answers all lie within there.

These many many elements the media never demonstrate; the world likes a negative story. It is in our nature to respond to the negative rather than the positive. But when it comes to reporting pure lies, it is surely just another evil. I hope this post changes opinions or at least allows people to consider the possibility that he might just not be the predator that the world made him out to be. Michael Jackson may have died an innocent man in the eyes of the law, but his critics may never hold the same opinion.

Nostalgia of my American Dream

2011-10-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

When leaving America after spending a year living and working there, I never felt saddened that I was leaving. I loved my friends there and I would surely miss them, but I was so excited to see all my friends back home that it overshadowed the life I was leaving behind. This is not to say I had a bad time out there, I had the most amazing year with the most amazing people and in some ways I felt my life was better out there. I lived like a king, I ate out at the best restaurants every day, lived in a massive house and my bills were hilariously little cost. Back here I can barely stretch to a Boots Meal Deal on a daily basis!

Since returning to England I've looked over my photos many times and wanted to go and visit and see my friends, but never once did I cry or feel saddened that I was here in England and not there. I suppose in a way my photographs were of events and holidays over there, which like any holiday can be looked back on with joy but not saddened that we are no longer there.

But then a few weeks back, I was looking through a suitcase. I opened a pocket that I hadn't opened in 2 years. There I found a bank statement from Chase, my bank account provider over in Chicago. It showed a month of my life, the places I would eat out everyday, a trip down to Chicago, the different activities that I would get up to on the daily basis whether that was just a trip to Starbucks in Woodfield Mall or hanging out in Hot Topic. I suddenly burst into tears. It was so strange that a bank statement could cause such emotion, which a photograph couldn't. I think with the photograph, like earlier, is more like capturing an event or a holiday; we don't take photos of our daily lives of walking to work. But with a bank statement, it made me remember the life I had out there, the daily routine and the comfortableness of my daily life.

I am so happy to be here in England, but part of me wishes I could just live just a week or two back within my old routine. A visit back there for a holiday is indeed needed one day , although no doubt much of what I remember will have changed. My closest of friends have moved away from the town I lived in and the employees of the hotel I worked have all moved on too. But just to walk along memory lane and see the sites and go to the shops would be amazing to see and to recapture the American Dream that I was once a part of.

The Time I Was Hypnotized

2011-10-21T15:33:00.001-07:00

After watching Derren Brown this evening hypnotize a man to assassinate the much loved Stephen Fry, it reminded me of the time I was hypnotized myself back in 2004. On a holiday with my family, we watched hypnotist, Morpheus on a couple of occasions, in which my dad believed it was all fake. However, each evening I was falling asleep just sitting in the audience, and the hypnotist's stage hand had to keep poking me to wake me up as being in the audience and not in the spotlight, they couldn't keep me under control. I decided to give it a go and be hypnotized!

We took the evening very seriously, especially since my mum was rather concerned with what I was about to undertake. The stories of people falling unconcious and never waking up again deeply scared her. I didn't drink any alcohol before as advised and when called I went up and sat with the other volunteers. The first test was similar to Derren's tricks of making our hands stick together and being unable to pull them apart. Those that could pull them apart were asked to return to their seat. Mine, however, were unable to break apart; a feeling so very strange and defied all logic to me.

After Morpheus broke my hands apart, he began the trance. I was told to picture walking down hundreds of steps going down down down, deeper, deeper deeper. And that's the last I remember of it. The next I knew, people were applauding me and I'd assumed the whole experiment hadn't worked. What my family and anyone who has watched the DVD saw was me believing I was a kangaroo, having sex with a chair (not literally) and physically crying on stage (both with laughter and with sadness). At one point I was asked to rejoin my family under the trance, to which my best friend, Rob and my parents said it was as if I wasn't really there, like my mind was some place else.

After I was awoke up to the applaud, my family's reaction said it all that it had been a success. People came up to me and told me how hilarious I was. We bought the DVD so I could go home and watch it. After waking up I felt so awake and alive with energy. It was very late into the night, and yet it felt like it was mid-afternoon. I felt so unbelievably happy and alive with life and I wanted to party the night away. It was if I had taken some sort of drug.

I can understand how dangerous hypnosis could be being in the wrong hands, as Derren has demonstrated in his show, but at the same time it shows how remarkable the human body is. For those who don't believe in it, I only suggest you try it (and let yourself go rather than stubbornly fighting against it) or take my word for it, as it was a truly remarkable experience, one which I will never forget.

Ricky Gervais

2011-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Once again the world and its’ tabloids have turned against comedian Ricky Gervais for his supposedly offensive humour. This time for using the word ‘mong’ a derogatory word for Down Syndrome people. However Ricky repeated time and time again that the word does not mean that anymore and he is not using that word to use those people. In which case, it is those who are making that connection who are becoming the offensive ones, not Gervais.

Many people say Ricky Gervais has always been offensive, however this is far from the truth. Those who have actually spent time to listen to Ricky’s jokes in context (rather than the snippets in the press) will understand that his jokes are aimed to make fun of the morons that are bigoted. He tells the joke because we are like-minded and not agreeing with the statement. Those who actually listen to the joke in context and still think he’s offensive are just ignorant and quite honestly, unintelligent if they can’t understand the joke. They don’t have to like the joke, but to say he is an offensive man is ludicrous.

Ricky has said time and time again that he does not mean to offend. My favourite quote of his is ‘’You have the right to be offended, and I have to the right to offend you. Being offended does not make you right’’. He’s right; it doesn’t make them right. There are people who are offended by homophobia and black people, are they right?

Like I’ve said over and over again with other ‘’offensive’’ television or comedians, if you don’t like it, turn it off. He’s not thrusting his humour in your face. He’s on the television or on twitter. Don’t follow him or switch the television off. I could understand if he turned up at your house and shouted ‘’MONG’’ at you or even began screaming it a Downs Syndrome child in the street. But he hasn’t, and he never will.

Ricky Gervais is a highly intelligent, artistic and articulate man who is incredibly liberal. Whether you disagree with that is your right, but to call him offensive is just far from the truth.

Michael Jackson Forever

2011-10-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

Like Michael Jackson’s life, his tribute concert came with just as much controversy. Fans across the world had shunned the show saying its’ timing with the trial of Dr Murray was not appropriate, but as Neyo who opened the show with Billie Jean pointed out that this show was not about the trial, but about celebrating a musical genius.

I had travelled to Cardiff on the Saturday morning and as soon as I got on the train in Manchester I was pleased to see how many MJ fans had made the effort to travel for the show. Rumors of it being cancelled and poor ticket sales had circled for weeks, but the day before it was announced that all standing tickets had completely sold out. I was quite glad that there were other fans on the train as I was slightly concerned that all the train stations were signed in Welsh; I didn’t know if I would know where to get off!

I arrived in Cardiff which is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in the UK, and with its friendly nation, I could see myself one day living here. I collected my ticket and walked a mile and a half to the guest house which was to be my accommodation for the night, only to be told that I had booked the room for the wrong year! I walked around Cardiff looking for somewhere to stay, but they were all sold out. I had visions of sleeping rough at the train station but thankfully a Travel Lodge had one room left, which was actually right in the city centre and had a view of the Millenium Stadium from my room where the concert was to be held that night.

On the way to the concert I passed dozens of bars all blasting out Jackson songs and dancers in the street impersonating his moves. As I was walking towards the stadium a huge black car with high security passed and inside I spied a perfect silhouette of Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine, who when I flashed her my t-shirt gave me a wave!

I arrived at the stadium, which suddenly seemed very dark upon entry, when I realized they had pulled the roof over it to keep out the poor weather that had been predicted for that evening. The stage was spectacular and the fans had already been gathering for hours for the best spots.

I grabbed a beer and that’s when I bumped into Navi, the world’s most famous MJ impersonator who had crowds around him; he was nearly as a popular as the man himself! Before the concert began I met some lovely people from Birmingham and Africa and together we celebrated the music and the legacy of our hero, Michael Jackson!

After Neyo’s entrance to the show, JLS came on with the Jackson brothers to sing a collection of Jackson 5 hits. Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight sang a collection of MJ songs both as soloists and as a duet and brought the Motown Michael to the stage. Christina, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke were also fantastic acts, but it was the unknown Yolandis Adams who stole the show. When Yolandis came to the stage, people were questioning who she was, but by the end of her rendition of Earth Song, she had the biggest applaud of the night.

Michael Jackson’s children came out to talk to the fans. Paris and Prince were really getting into the night, but I think Blanket is still a little young to appreciate who his father was as he looked less than impressed to be there. They introduced Beyonce who did a video link performance from the USA, but to be honest I’m not too sure whey they bothered, it wouldn’t be impressive unless she was performing at the stadium itself.

The show went on for over four hours and hadn’t even covered half of Michael’s most famous hits, which shows how many hits he really had. The night finished with everyone coming on stage together to sing ‘Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough’.

Everyone left the concert singing the songs of our hero back into the city centre. We dispersed and I returned to the Travel Lodge where I heard local clubs and bars playing Michael Jackson songs late into the night. There are rumours that the Jackson family plan to do an annual tribute concert, which I will certainly be doing… especially if its in Cardiff as I have a room booked there for next year!

The best part of the evening was being in a city full of people with the same love for music, it was wonderful to see how many different generations of fans were there, especially the young children who were not even around in Michael's most successful of years. It proves that Michael's music, like the same of his concert, will live on forever.

Dollywood comes to Manchester

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

It was a miserable September day; the edges of a hurricane made the already dark and miserable Manchester even colder and bleaker. The date was September 11^th, and the world was mourning the 10^th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. So there was a lot to go against the Queen of Country achieving her goal of everyone singing and dancing in the MEN Arena… but Dolly managed it anyway!

With a two and a half hour show filled with old songs and new, Dolly Parton rocked the stage like it was 1967. Dolly was here to promote her new album, Better Day, an album, which certainly lives up to her musical legacy.

But like any living legend, the crowd wanted the hits, and she didn’t let her fans down, as she played the classics such as 9-5, Coat of Many Colours and Jolene. She even did some covers such as Walking on Sunshine and Stairway to Heaven.

The atmosphere was electric as the audience embraced the fact that they were in a room with one of the most famous women in the world. Dolly is 65 now, an age in the UK when many are getting ready for retirement, but she showed that she was far from it.

She ended the show with I Will Always Love You, which she mocked Whitney Houston’s version, but pointed out that she liked the cash back she gets every time Whitney’s cover gets played. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous show and it was clear that everyone in the audience will always love Dolly too.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

10 years ago, I was sat in Mr Nunn’s class in a History lesson at school. We were in the middle of reading about the Holocaust; an historic event we thought we certainly wouldn't see of again in the Western World. Suddenly another teacher came in and went up to Mr Nunns and whispered something in his ear. He turned to us and told us that when we went home that night we would hear news that would change the world forever.

On the bus people were mumbling, something about bombs, planes, explosions. People have been killed. No one would explain to us what had happened. Fear surrounded the bus, but no one could understand why.

While walking home with my friend Barry, a friend of his mum’s ran out of his house and told us the World Trade Centre had been blown up and that World War III was about to begin. I had never heard of the World Trace Centre; I was 13 years old; but I knew what I had just heard was big. Bigger than big.

I ran home and switched on the news. The horrific view before me suddenly put everything into focus. The visions on the news were something that you saw in movies. It was scary, frightening and inhumane. I knew Mr Nunns was right. The world really had changed forever.

10 years later the world is a different place. It is hard to find an area of the world the event hasn’t affected or even an area of our lives. It has hit all of us some way, whether it is trying to get on a plane or simply logging onto the Internet. Even at work, we have processes in place in case anything like 9/11 was to occur again, we have an evacuation procedure to make sure no one has to die like they did back on that dreadful day.

10 years on, I remember the events of that day like they were yesterday. I still see the towers collapse and people jumping to their deaths to save themselves from burning. I don’t believe that what happened that day will ever leave me. The fact that people died simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time will scare me for eternity.

In 2007 I was on the subway in New York. Suddenly four Asian men stood up and together lined up across the train. For those few seconds the colour in everyone’s faces disappeared while everyone froze in fear. Suddenly the four men began to sing and collect money for charity. As much as it was those men trying to spread a message, it showed the fear that was still distilled in all of us all those years later.

As much as I hate the extra security checks at the airports and often feel like Big Brother really is watching me, I focus on the fact that these processes are in place so that none of us ever have to go through what happened on that day ever again.

I’ll be sparing a moment for all those that died that day today; those who reluctantly and unknowingly became martyrs for the freedom of the western world that each and every one of us take advantage of daily.

Recruitment in a Recession

2011-08-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have recently begun a job working within the Human Resources department for one of the largest retail chains in the UK. My role is focused mainly within recruitment and I have to sift through applications to decide who is suitable and legally acceptable for each job. I speak with applicants on a daily basis and I cannot believe how many applicants we have come to us who used to be senior management or even CEOs applying for a 12 hour a week role as a shelf stacker or a trolley collector. It is so eye opening to the problems in this country today.

It is so sad and yet on the other hand I have so much admiration for these people who are willing to start at the bottom all over again, rather than claiming benefits which so many happily abuse.

I have to give bad news on a daily basis, informing people they haven't made the cut because they either were not within legal requirements to fulfill the job or were unsuitable; the despair in their voices is heartbreaking at times. Thankfully my job also provides good news on a daily basis. I give hope and opportunity to people and the joy within the applicant is overwhelming; at these times I feel I am doing a good thing.

More than anything I am thankful I am within a job, at the beginning of a career I do want to pursue and one that I am very much enjoying; one which I appreciate more and more everyday after hearing the stories and struggles of our applicants.

V Festival: VIP Style

2011-08-22T02:01:00.001-07:00

After his hard work over the last several months in his job, Angus received two complimentary tickets for a VIP experience at V Festival, and very kindly took me along with him. Unfortunately the show we had to attend was in Chelmsford, which (with traffic and several accidents on the way down) took us seven hours to get to! However once we were there, we were delighted with the set up. The campsite held a quiet tranquillity, unlike the over crowded campsites I had previously experienced; however there was still enough people for a good party on a Saturday night! The campsite was mainly filled with people like us, who belonged with companies from Nokia, Virgin Media and various other promoters.

The best part about the campsite had to be how little we had to walk anywhere. It took us no more than five minutes to walk from the car, to the campsite and then onto the main stage within the arena, which made it so easy to move our heavy belongings between the two; not that we needed to struggle, as golfing buggys were on hand to shuffle our belongings around! It was also helpful to have real toilets and access to warm showers.

The next day we got our first taste of the Louder Lounge VIP experience. We entered and the decorative flowers, fountains and hippyish garden party themed tents made it a haven. I began to call the area ‘Happy Land’. We had lunch and dinner everyday within the place for free and all drinks were free throughout the weekend, which we were allowed to take into the arena with us. To get in and out of the area we had to walk through a highly secured gap in the fencing which seemed quite ominous, but the very friendly staff began to know who we are and before long they didn’t even bother to ask for our passes.

Louder Lounge is famous for its celebrity guests and across the weekend we bumped into Ralph Little (2 pints, Royale Family), Matt Smith (Dr Who) who happened to go to the same school as Angus, Sam Pepper (Big Brother), Robert Sheehan (Nathan from Misfits), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) and the only way is essex crew. What was rather shocking was that every entrance of V festival has police dogs and sniffer dogs.... every entrance, that is, except the VIP section and it was quite clear why. The VIP section was rifled with drugs, with some people openly snorting cocaine in the bar without any subtlety at all. It does seem sometimes that there is one rule for one, and a different rule for another.

On Saturday the bands we went to see were Fun Lovin Criminals, Kids in Glass Houses, Bruno Mars, Lost Prophets, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight and Gomez. We had many, many cocktails and spent the evening dancing the evening away in the Louder Lounge bar and singing on the Sing Star stage. Afterwards a sing-song around a grand piano in the camp site went on into the early hours.

On Sunday we packed up our things in the morning so that we could leave after the show. That day we went to see Wolfgang, Fitz and the Tantrums, Mummies, Ellie Goulding, Manic Street Preachers, Hard Fi (who made a surprise appearance) and Rihanna. We left after Rihanna’s set as we wanted to get back and half way through the four-hour trip home, I really appreciated it as I was shattered and couldn’t wait to curl up on a comfy bed which I had been deprived of since Thursday. We finally got in after 1am, burnt to a crisp and ready for a shower!

The best acts amongst the weekend had to be Rihanna, Manic Street Preachers and Kaiser Chiefs. The most surprisingly good performance was Bruno Mars, who are such fun guys and got everyone dancing and enjoying themselves (it was also nice to see new talent appreciate having an audience so big). We had the most amazing time at the festival, unfortunately I think it has broken us for all future festivals as we now expect a certain standard, which sucks for Angus who is going to Leeds Festival on Wednesday, where there wont be any VIP treatment.

As for now, it is back to work, away from the ‘Happy Land’ which is Louder Lounge, which was sad to leave, but it doesn’t even compare to the comfort of my own bed.

Concerns Over Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

2011-08-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last month, the Jackson Estate announced plans of a tribute to the late King of Pop. The concert planned to bring some of the world's biggest selling artists together to celebrate the music and life of Michael Jackson. Details of who was performing were supposed to be announced leading up to the day of the ticket release, and on the day of the ticket release, earlier this month, no bands had been announced and the website distributing tickets had little else but a 'Coming Soon' sign. Meanwhile the Jackson Brothers discussed their disgust at the concert being planned at the same time as the trial of the Doctor accused of killing Jackson.

Now the tickets are out and the artists are released, and whom were these great artists we were all eagerly awaiting for? Alexander Burke, Cee Lo Green, Craig David, JLS, Leona Lewis and Pixie Lott. Now I am not here to critisize these name's music or their success, but are these the caliber of musicians we want playing to remember Jackson's life? I think not.

Where are the people who Jackson befriended and performed with? Where are the people from Motwown? Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin? Where are those who Jackson has inspired? Justin Timberlake? Usher? Not that I'm a fan of the latter, but at least they are remembered for their association with Jackson. The others had little to no connection and it is a disgrace that the promoters have found such a poor line up.

Maybe those close to him have turned it down due to personal reasons, or like his brothers have disliked the timing. We have to remember that a tribute concert has been canceled before due to the lack of sign ups. It is quite sad that we can't get a decent line up to celebrate a musical legend.

What has been most disturbing has been the announcement of the most recent line up, KISS. Now I am a fan of KISS, but Gene Simmons has publicly criticized Jackson and in his words is ''in doubt a pedophile''.

This show is clearly not a a tribute to Michael Jackson, but a way for promoters to get as much money as possible, rather than the charitable causes they at first claimed they were setting out to do. This show is a mockery of Michael Jackson's successes and I, like many fans, will not be attending. Hopefully, his brothers, who have Jackson and his fans' concerns at heart will eventually bring out an appropriate tribute to a man who made music what it is today.

Raging About Riots

2011-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

I’m not often angry within my blogs, if anything I’m often attempting to be comical (whether that comes across can be left to you to judge), but today I am angry. Angry at the people across this country who are destroying cities and lives.

This is not a political movement. This has nothing to do even with the policeman who shot a member of the public. There will be no ‘liberation’ for anyone at the end of this. This is nothing more than a few 17-18 year old chavs with no political agenda, who are doing nothing more than causing disruption and looting. Pure criminals.

Martin Luther King said that riots are caused by the unheard. Well tonight the BBC asked those rioting why they were doing it, providing them a stage to be heard, and did they have a response? Did they bollocks.

If for whatever reason people are out there with a political agenda, nothing justifies this mess. We are not in poverty. We are not having are human rights removed or being persecuted. Your actions are sickening and only hurting the general public, who do not deserve this.

I had to quickly run out of the city centre and luckily managed to catch a taxi home; if it had been a few minutes later I wouldn’t have been able to get home.

I am now sat at home in fear of the coming days or whether it will spread to my local area. Nobody should have to be in fear leaving work or being at home.

These people are scum. Nothing more, nothing less.

BeatleMania 50 Years On

2011-08-08T00:44:00.000-07:00

My avid Beatle fan friend, Janet, approached me about going to Liverpool to see the sites and sounds of The Beatles. As someone who isn’t a big fan, but who is a tourism student who has just completed a dissertation in celebrity and music tourism, I couldn’t resist.

We arrived in Liverpool at 11am on a Sunny North Western Day (for a change), unfortunately we arrived in a Northern Rail train, one of the worst transport providers in the UK. It took over an hour to arrive on a slow shack of a carriage, which stopped at nearly every station available between Preston and Liverpool.

Upon arrival, we realized we had no idea where to go to get to the Beatles Story Museum; after asking the Travel Office, we were told it would take us over half an hour to get to the Albert Dock from the station; it took us no more than 15 minutes.

It was magnificent walking through Liverpool, a city that has had such regeneration over the years; much of this has been down to being nominated Capital of Culture. Liverpool has transformed into a modern city but still hosts some magnificent historic architecture; Albert Dock (home to The Beatles Story) is a prime example of development.

Upon arriving at the museum, I was surprised at the £12.50 entry fee to the museum (especially since most museums today have no entry fee) but I’m glad to say that it is worth every penny. From birth to death, along with the continued living legacy of The Beatles, the museum covered everything. With some amazing artifacts, such as original recording contracts, awards and birth certificates. There was also an Elvis exhibition, which held artifacts such as his clothing and shoes that have been let out of Graceland for the first time.

With inspiration for their hit songs and the details of how the Beatles made it to such high levels of success, the museum truly covered the story of The Beatles; they also featured many of the artists they have inspired over the years.

My only criticism was that there was no mention of Michael Jackson within the museum; this is not just because I am an avid Jackson fan, but more for the fact that he had a huge musical relationship with The Beatles, especially Paul McCartney, who wrote many hits together such as The Girl Is Mine and Say, Say, Say. Michael Jackson even owned some of the back catalog of Beatles tracks up until his death in 2009, when he returned the music to Paul. Now his name may have not been mentioned to overshadow the legacy of The Beatles or it could have been down to his turbulent friendship with Sir Paul in the final decades of Jackson’s life, but some mention should surely have been noted.

I will say this, however, The Beatles Story Museum is there for everyone. You do not have to be a fan of The Beatles to enjoy this museum. It is significant within the history of music and is a must see for any music fan. They have inspired musicians world wide, some of whom you may not have even considered.

The museum ended with a beautiful tribute to John Lennon with an Imagine area with his famous grand white piano, glasses and lyrics displayed across the museum. It was an elegant and moving tribute to a man who before going to the museum, I knew little about.

After leaving the museum, we traveled over to St Mathew Street to The Cavern Club, which is described as The Most Famous Club in the World. The Beatles were the first performers at The Cavern and led to the club becoming one of the most popular choices for the world's greatest artists to perform. Outside is a very subtle statue of Lennon resting casually against the Wall Of Fame, which lists the many artists who have played over the years from Elton John and Stevie Wonder, to Oasis and Arctic Monkeys; it was hard to find anyone who hadn't played there!

We entered The Cavern and walked down into the club, which is still open today. The bar is propped open and ready to serve and bands still continue to play day and night for punters. It was unbelievable how tiny the club was compared to today’s extensive arenas and stadiums, which host our most famous artists. The lack of security surrounding the stage was the most interesting; it would be doubtful that such famous acts could play there today with fan hysteria. It must have been amazing for the performers who play there today to be on a stage which has held some of the world’s greatest musical performers.

What I liked the most was how this famous club, which boasts so much musical history, is hidden in a tiny back street in Liverpool city centre. Liverpool quite rightly got the Capital of Culture because it has an amazing history of culture, not only from The Beatles but other musical legends and a whole host of British comedians and writers whom have come from this great city.

I am so glad that I chose to go to Liverpool and would suggest it to any music fan. It is certainly fitting for many of my American friends, whom I would gladly escort there to be entertained with the North West’s musical legacy; many Americans certainly filled the museum on the day of our arrival. Many people slate celebrity culture, but in terms of The Beatles and Liverpool’s musical history, I say Let It Be.

‘’I don’t think anyone comes close to The Beatles, including Oasis’’ – Brian May

Madeline McCann: a glimmer of hope

2011-07-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

After the excitement of a possible find of missing Madeline, Katie McCann has confirmed that the girl in question was not their daughter. After four years, the public thought for just a few hours that the search might be over. Sadly this is not the case, a massive blow for not only the McCanns but for the country.

I don't believe this was just the case of another tabloid news story going out of proportion, I believe the world was genuinely trying to hold onto some good news, something that we've had a shortage off this year. The Norwegian Massacre, Amy Winehouse's death, Libya, Africa, the list of negative news goes on; today for just a short while we had a glimmer of hope that we could for once celebrate.

Sadly this is not the case as we continue to dwell on the negative press that fills our webpages, newspapers and television screens. Hopefully the world will soon be able to celebrate a more joyous news story.

Amy Winehouse: 1983-2011

2011-07-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Another talented artist has tragically died due to drink and drugs today. Amy Winehouse follows the likes of Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson whose talent has been overridden by addiction.

A musical genius and a legend she will remain to future generations, but will also be remembered as a wonderfully kind person who clearly got lost within a world of fame, drugs and unstable relationships.

While this news is shocking, it is sadly not surprising. Her behaviour over the last few months and her last performance made people fear the worst for Amy; that fear has sadly become a reality.

Hopefully Amy's legacy will be her music and talent, rather than her infamous addictions.

Rest In Peace Amy Winehouse. A Tortured Soul No More. x

''I'm a musician. I'm not someone who's trying to be diplomatic, you know, trying to get my 15 minutes. I'm just a musician who is honest'' (Amy Winehouse)

''I only write about stuff that’s happened to me.. stuff I can’t get past personally. Luckily, I'm quite self-destructive'' (Amy Winehouse)

David Hatton, BA (Hons)

2011-07-23T03:16:00.000-07:00

After four years of hard work and a sandwich work placement I have finally graduated! The 22nd July saw me travel to Leeds Metropolitan University to collect my cap and gown and see my mum cry with pride before having thousands of snaps in front of the Harvard-esk architecture of the University campus. As egotistical as I am, I realized how uncomfortable cameras made me feel!

It was an early start because I had to attend a prize ceremony because I had been awarded with the faculty for outstanding achievement... (well of course...). I then moved onto the main ceremony where I sat through an hour applauding 300 people I had never even met. Good times.

The moment came where I had to get on stage to collect my degree. Unfortunately the cap and gown are not the most stable of garments, and I was petrified throughout the entire experience of it all falling to pieces. When having my hat fitted, an elderly gentleman grabbed the first hat he saw, put it on my head and then proceeded to say ''I knew you were seven inches'', which was a little disconcerting! It was even worse that he winked.

The best part of the day was catching up with wonderful friends who had made the last few years some of the best. And now we all move on to different careers and some moving away to different countries. I begin my own career in two weeks in the Human Resources department of a large retail chain.

So that is it! Graduation over and moving onto bigger and better things, it is surprising how fast it all went. Oh well, I'll be doing it all again once I've completed my Masters ;) I have a feeling my Masters graduation will be my last unless some prestigious university wants to provide me with an honorary Doctorate, which I will happily accept. Dr David Hatton Msc BA Hons CIPD, I could live with that... maybe even a knighthood too for all my philanthropy.

So with that I wish all my peers the best of luck with their future careers and hope we all keep in touch, mainly so that those in nice sunny climates can give me a place to stay on my travels!

Employed!

2011-06-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

I have received the wonderful news that I am finally employed! After the long search, countless applications, interviews and of course, rejections, I have a job within the Human Resources Department within a large retail chain.

For the past few years at University, I have regularly taken on HR subjects and has been something which I have really wanted to get into as a career but unfortunately it has been difficult to do so with every HR job needing previous experience and a CIPD qualification (which you can't do without working in HR... it is one horrible endless cycle).

On the 1st August I begin my new position and will hopefully be able to bring all that I learned throughout my degree to the position, as well as eventually get to do my CIPD and Masters in HR.

Until August, I will be temping back at my old job from last summer, which was a fantastic job which I loved and I have also heard that I will be joined with some of my old team mates from back then too!

Next week I receive my grades back from my degree, slightly nervous, but it is so good to know I have a job lined up within the field I want to go in :)

I send my best wishes and good luck to all my fellow colleagues who I went to University with on receiving their results and all the best for finding employment (or if you've already found employment, good luck in career paths). I am so happy that someone has given me the chance and I just hope I get to grow and develop within this new position :)

End of University

2011-05-17T03:57:00.000-07:00

The last four years have flown by; I remember the first day of entering my Halls of Residence at Liberty Park, Leeds, anxious about the year ahead. Immediately becoming more comfortable after meeting my roommates, with whom Liberty Park couldn’t of put six more perfect people under one roof. I began a year of partying and some studying along the way too. I remember walking into my first class and instantly becoming friends with Emily Hall as she questioned ‘’who on earth would go into that dingy nightclub, Cockpitt??’’ in which I responded, ‘’me!’’. Two years later, she was born again and was dancing the night away in Cockpitt!

I began my first assignment, which was a group presentation with a man known as ‘Rustic Rohan’ who believed ‘best served chilled’ was the Coca Cola’s slogan. Thankfully, the group was also joined by Emma Stevens, who four years later is one of my closest friends. And that began a year of mayhem, lunchtime drinking sessions and accidental racism in McDonalds. ‘’Chocolate??’’ – Impersonation is the best form of flattery. Who could forget the afternoon seminars with MC Sue after a three hour pub session, in which we would stumble drunkenly into her class as she commented ‘’You three are always happy in my class’’, before teaching us that a progress report is ‘’a report about your progress’’. £2000 a year was obviously not wasted with that type of quality education.

Sitting in on a Saturday night (the only night that students stay in) with Chinese, watching Britain’s Got Talent and the OC were the norm; as was filling up condoms with water to test their strength. And after the final exam, I became familiar with what was known as the Otley Run; a two and a half mile route of pubs between Headingley and Leeds, which has become the annual final exam tradition.

My second year took me to the USA where I worked in a hotel in Chicago as part of my University placement. A year of work experience, culture shocks, more alcohol and seeing some of the most breathtaking sites of the United States. Along the way, Emily and I visited each other’s states which led to karaoke, losing bank cards and running out of pubs with other people’s jackets, without paying for drinks! Oops!

Third year began at a new house in Burley Road with Emily, Emma and three other characters, which began an uncomfortable year in a house with a dodgy toilet. At university, we got to meet the greats such as Nigel, Grieg and Gordon! ITO nearly killed us but we strived through as house problems became much more problematic! In the end, a night of eating Chinese food led us to move out and go our separate ways. I blame the spring rolls! But my friendship with Emma and Emily never dissolved and continued into the next year.

And thus became the fourth and final year of dissertations and Consultancy Projects for the industry. My dissertation consisted of the Touristic Legacy of Michael Jackson; writing about my all-time hero just didn’t quite feel like work. Emily left to get married and have babies in America, but the Atlantic isn’t big enough to separate us! Emma and I finished as we begun, with a group presentation together, and of course, The Otley Run.

And here ends four years of madness, friendship and alcohol. Who knows where we will all be in the coming months, but I am highly excited about the prospects ahead. I thank you to everyone who made the last few years the best of my life. Goodbye and Good luck to everyone at Leeds Metropolitan University BA (Hons) International Tourism Management class of 2011! :)

Gender Bender

2011-04-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

America have gone a tad crazy again! The small minded republicans have sparked a debate over whether it is acceptable to paint little boys' toenails has covered talk shows and newspapers across the United States. Apparently painting a little boy's nails will cause gender confusion. Of course the real worry is that they will end up gay which is any tight-assed republican's worst nightmare. God forbid your son would end up gay. But I have news for you... nail polish will not make any difference.

The fact is if your little boy is gay, he'll be gay, whether you provide him a barbie doll or a football. If he's gay then he'll work it out by the time he becomes a teenager, and if he's not he will most likely grow out of any female traits by the time he's joined school. Take it from somebody who asked his parents for a Barbie Doll and was turned down.... I still ended up just as 'hows your father' as Graham Norton.

It is such a shame for any child who has to suffer the the wrath of an intolerant parent. Surely you should love your child whether they turn out gay, straight, transgender or like a bit of everything! It is them as a person who you bring up and love, not who they sleep with.

So let your boys run freely with their barbies, their painted nails and platted hair if they so wish, for they will soon make their minds up of their sexuality, because you certainly cannot tailor it for them!

Peter Kay's Transgender Taboos

2011-03-29T10:46:00.001-07:00

As a fan of Peter Kay for many years, I never really saw him as an offensive comedian; his bubbly Bolton humour has brought laughter to the North West since the late 90s. Kay’s humour, while at times edgy, was a household name and enjoyed by all the family. His jokes about his holidays in Blackpool and his dad’s repulsion of garlic bread are not quite on par with the riskier comedians such as Frankie Boyle. So it was to my surprise this week how many comments on Twitter criticized his offensive behaviour with one of his more recent characters, Geraldine McQueen.

Kay plays Geraldine as an Irish winner of a UK talent show; Geraldine is also a transsexual. The jokes concentrate on Geraldine’s sex change after her quick operation in Bangkok. Last night Twitter filled with criticisms of Kay; one Tweet read ‘’ The one thing I can't understand is why Peter Kay didn't go for broke and make 'Geraldine' a black lesbian trans woman in a wheelchair.’’

I have to say that I watched Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and also laughed at the Geraldine jokes, unaware of how offensive it could be to others. I’ve looked at the situation again, especially since the above statement was Tweeted. The Tweeter made a valid point; we wouldn’t laugh if Kay had come on and joked about black people, homosexuals or the disabled. So why is a transgender person any different?

Transsexual people have fought for the same (if not more so) rights that other minorities have for their equality and yet they still do not appear to gain the same respect. Jokes about race, sexuality or disabled are incredibly taboo and yet society still deems that transsexuals are still acceptable to mock within a casual joke or even as far as national television. The law may have changed so that transgender people can legally be deemed the sex they desire and yet society still falls behind.

It isn’t necessarily Peter Kay’s fault; he was most likely unaware (like the rest of us) of how people may feel watching the show and wouldn't of produced the show had he considered someone may have been hurt by the scenes.

Jokes about transgenders are most likely to be due to the small number of transsexual people in the country; everyone knows somebody who is of a different colour, sexuality or disabled, but few know someone who is transsexual (or at least are not aware of it). It is the lack of understanding within the public that allows people to believe they can carry these jokes through. Racial and gay history surrounds us through the heroic stories of Martin Luther King and Harvey Milk, but little history has been presented of those who have changed sex.

The fact is that transsexuals do still suffer today, despite our seemingly open and accepting society of all minorities; it is sadly, for many, a lifetime of confusion, operations and worst of all judgment from other people. Thankfully programs such as Coronation Street have tried to convey a positive message about transgender people through characters such as Hayley Cropper; seeing Hayley’s struggle over the years to strive for acceptance from her neighbours allows the human element of feelings to carry through the screen. It is the human element that people sadly forget. It is possibly a subject that the government and Ofcom need to consider in their regulations in the future of television to portray these messages, rather than transgender people being a subject of humility.

New Year... New?

2011-01-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

No not new me... same old me.... little me! Angus is questioning the 'little' part, as I'm forever expanding due to the amount of cake and chocolate I eat on a daily basis. Come on it's Christmas... ok it's not Christmas.

2011 has had a fairly slow beginning... been mainly working on my dissertation and applying to graduate jobs. Got a couple of interviews coming up, but that is all I'm saying for now. My dissertation is going strong, and I've finished my literature review, and the next stage is to begin interviewing fans, neighbors, and other stakeholders involved in Michael Jackson's Neverland home to assess his touristic legacy.

I've finished my final exam, and while I have other assessments this year, I only have 12 weeks left at university which is incredibly scary! I will then be a graduate and have no excuse to stay in bed until the mid-afternoon and watch Jeremy Kyle and Loose Women all day... ask me anything about teenage pregnancies or menopausal women!

I'm continuing to write for One Face in a Million News http://onefaceinamillion.com/author/david-hatton/ and I'm soon to launch a new website with travel writings, travel advice and other things... so watch this space!

This month I'm also saying goodbye to one of my closest friends, Emily Hall, who is departing to live in Boston. Emily has been a rock through the last four years of university, and have spent the last four years laughing at the most inappropriate of things. We kept in touch throughout our time in America and even went to visit each other, in each others cities. While I now have a free place to stay in Boston, I'm really going to miss having her at my disposal to meet for a quick half in the Headingley Taps and a good gossip! Of course a quick half is a complete fabrication... it usually turns into several bottles of wine!

And so until the next time :) Au Revoir! or in the words of my American friends.... Have a Nice Day! :D x

The midnight bong of Big Ben means the End of 2010

2010-12-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

As we close in on 2010, I wanted to reflect on the last year, which has been the beginning of a new decade. I began 2010 very drunk outside a flat in Salford, first footing (at least that’s what they tell me, they probably just wanted me to leave), and I end the year in my house in Chorlton, Manchester, which I share with Angus.

I began the year in a very difficult second year, which was so much more difficult than final year; my dissertation doesn’t cover half as much grief as what a group module in my second year caused. Needless to say I couldn’t wait to finish 2^nd year, and this resulted in me leaving my shared house in Leeds; sadly leaving two of my closest friends, but gladly leaving other people behind where friendships had dissolved. From Leeds, I moved to Chorlton with Angus, where we have been cozily living in our 3x bed, 3x bathroom house (thank you very much!), and it also meant that I had to learn how to drive again due to the move… and being in a car with me is like being in a car with Mo from Driving School (remember her?).

I completed a charity run (yes me!), although run being a bit of a misleading word, for I merely meandered across the finish line; I wasn’t rushing things; plus there had to be a pit stop to take photos of me in Coronation Street which the run traveled through. This wasn’t the only time I went to Coronation Street this year; I was invited back to ITV for a birthday special for the show’s 50-year anniversary. If you are as sadly obsessed as me, you’ll know how exciting this was.

I began working back in the hospitality industry in a hotel chain in Manchester; and that’s when I realised I never want to work in a hotel again. After the three days I was there, I quit (I really gave it my best shot didn’t I?) and began working for the QCDA advising schools on Teacher Assessments. If your child’s education was messed up this year, it had nothing to do with me.

After an immense stag party around Preston; I was an usher at my cousins wedding (a lot of trust and responsibility has been put in me this year – lord knows why?) where I saw old relatives, and mainly trying to hide my relationship with Angus from the elderly members of the family, although that failed and it turned out they were more liberal than we assumed. The wedding was fantastic, and now I’m wondering when mine will be (where’s Angus gone?).

I went to Pride Festival (by now your wondering if I’m still the same David Hatton?) and this followed by a holiday with Angus to Barcelona where I fell in love with Spain and can actually see myself retiring out there (mainly for the nudists which meander the streets).

After the summer I began my final year, which after 2^nd year I was rather worried about, but everything worked out well. I began my dissertation on the Touristic Legacy of Michael Jackson (no surprises there) and I’m doing some consultancy for a fishing company up in Yorkshire (wow). While university is a long commute from Manchester (6 hours of travelling a day!) I’ve got through so many books and I’ve actually begun to enjoy the commute, although at times really hated National Rail. Why they can’t add an extra carriage to a route that is constantly packed, I don’t know. This country…. *shakes head*

I’ve also begun my search for graduate jobs, which has been found to be truly difficult although some companies have taken interest and will just have to watch this step. It should be interesting to read next year’s blog to see where I will be then.

Christmas was spent at mine and Angus’s home, where we invited both of our parents to dinner (are we mad?). And New Year is being spent with friends in the house, anticipating the coming year, which for me should be an interesting one as I finish university and begin a career… who knows where I will be when I write this next year.

So as I close this blog for the final time in 2010, I wish all my readers a wonderful New Year and hope 2011 brings you everything you wish for xxx

An Alternative Christmas Message

2010-12-23T01:05:00.001-08:00

Well as I practically am Royalty these days, one has to do as a Royal does and send out a Christmas message.... I'm even doing as the Queen does, and pre-recording this as (like Ma'am)... I don't want to have to work on Christmas Day.

I will be spending Christmas in my home with Angus and both of our lovely parents. We have our black Christmas tree up with sickeningly tacky decorations which will make our guests throw up before we give them chance to endure food poisoning. If that isn't Christmas... I don't know what is.

Hopefully the weather won't cause too much of a struggle to everyone, I know our inability to cope with a millimeter of snow will cause many people to be stranded, but I hope all of you, whereever you are across the world, will have a wonderful Christmas.... even if you end up stuck at home, on your own with a Tesco's ready meal.

Anyway I'm off to put 'Fairytale of New York' by the Pogues on, and listen to music from a day where 'Faggot' wasn't an offensive term! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! XXX

Interviewed

2010-12-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by the Lancashire Evening Post after I visited ITV Studios to celebrate Coronation Street's 50th Birthday:

http://www.lep.co.uk/lifestyle/culture/superfan_finds_the_drama_also_goes_on_behind_the_scenes_1_2846723

Official Author

2010-12-12T06:13:00.001-08:00

I have begun writing for One Face in a Million News! Check out my work:

http://onefaceinamillion.com/author/david-hatton/

The time I (almost) interviewed Ricky Gervais

2010-12-04T09:59:00.001-08:00

Ricky Gervais was a guest on ITV's This Morning and I emailed in to ask him a question, and my name and question was read out! :) Enjoy x

Happy Birthday Coronation Street

2010-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

This year see’s the 50th Anniversary of legendry soap, Coronation Street. For 50 years we’ve seen many pints being pulled in the Rovers Return, countless marriages, deaths and, of course, affairs.

For me, Coronation Street has always been part of my life. As long as I can remember it has always been on in the living room of my parents home, watching Alan Bradley being knocked over by a tram to the Battersby’s causing mayhem across the street.

I spent a year in Chicago, which when people over there realised I was from the UK, one of the first questions I was always asked was ‘Do you watch Coronation Street’. It has been part of many people in the UK’s lives, it has caused more controversy and discussion amongst people at work, school and in the pub than Xfactor, Big Brother and I’m a celebrity combined; even leading to the prime minister getting involved in 1998 when Tony Blair asked that Deidre Rachid be freed. But why is Coronation Street so popular?

Unlike other soaps such as Eastenders and Emerdale; it has merged humor into every storyline; even some of the most dramatic or horrific scenes have been turned into hilarious sketches; most notably when Richard Hillman battered Maxine to death suddenly switched to Fred Elliot bashing a piece of meat turned my shocked and disturbed self reaction into a fit of laughter. Characters such as Blanche Hunt and Norris Cole have been around to make a sly comment even if it was within the most mournful scenes.

Another key to its success is that it is about normal, working class people. For so long before Coronation Street, films and TV shows were about the rich and the famous; this even continues today with programs such as the OC and Desperate Housewives. But Coronation Street was different to this, people could relate to the characters and brought forward the working class humor, which translated, not only across the country, but also all over the world including Canada, the USA and Australia. It has some prestigious fans including Sir Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Julie Walters…the list goes on. But there is no more famous fanatic than the Queen, who has been said to tune in regularly. However, what impressions she must have of us up here in Manchester these days due to the show could be worrying!

I’ve been lucky to visit Coronation Street twice this year; one was on a sponsored run through the set earlier in March; and I was invited by ITV last week in celebration of the anniversary to join a discussion over Coronation Street for the Corrie Uncovered Live program on ITV 2 for its 50th birthday which airs on the evening of the crash.

It is without a doubt that Coronation Street has become a national treasure over the last 50 years, and there is no doubt that it will continue to be so for the next 50. So I end this by saying thank you to Coronation Street for the shock, the tears but mainly the laughter over the last 50 years and I look forward to seeing more. Happy Birthday Corrie!!!

The Graduate Assessment Day

2010-11-24T01:54:00.000-08:00

I traveled to Windsor for my very first assessment day for a graduate scheme on Tuesday. I was rather nervous about the event, mainly through watching 'The Apprentice' and having this image that everyone was going to be over competitive and aggressive. It was nothing of the sort.

I was welcomed by the company as soon as I got to the head office, and straight away the people attending the assessment were incredibly friendly and we all clicked instantly. I was expecting between 20 and 40 people at the assessment day, but there was a total of 7 of us. I was surprised to hear that 5000 people had applied to the scheme, and 7 of us were here for the first day of assessments.

The company broke the ice by getting us all to introduce ourselves, and this followed by a presentation of the company and the scheme itself. The day was led by last years graduates who had begun the scheme; it was refreshing to see how excited they were with the scheme and the company itself.

After the presentation, we were given a written test, where I was required to read a complaint from a customer and write a letter of response to the customer, write an action plan to implement so the problems don't occur again and to write a memo to my manager explaining why the plan would be effective.

I was called to my interview where I was readily prepared after researching all about the company; however there were no questions on the organisation, and was all competence based questions, and as it was a Human Resources role, a question on why I wanted to work in that department and why I would be effective within this role.

I returned to the assessment room where we were broken into groups, and were observed as we put together and presented a presentation. Thankfully no one was over-competitive within the group and we all got on perfectly, and everyone got their input and say.

After lunch, I had the final part of the assessment which was an individual presentation. I had one hour to research the strategic plans for the organisation and assess how the role I was going into would be affected by it. The fire alarm went off during my presentation (typical), and was put on hold for 15 minutes while we stood in the car park waiting to be told to go back inside.

The other graduates talked about other assessment days and said they had seen varied ones. They explained that some of the assessment days were quite competitive with more people, but pointed out that it is often dependent on the type of role your going for.

We finished the day by traveling to London together as we were all getting similar timed trains home. We had dinner together in London and a final drink, wished each other luck and returned home.

It was a refreshing day, and really got me excited about the organisation and the role. Of course I can't say how it went until I hear so I'll just have to wait and see. But whether I get the job or not, it was certainly an experience, one which I will be able to take to another assessment day and be able to be more prepared as to what type of assessments I'll be expecting.

Taking the X out of the Xfactor

2010-11-16T06:11:00.001-08:00

It was expected to be Katie Waissel's last weekend in the Xfactor after weeks of abuse from the press and the public, however she managed to slip through to another week of performances, much to many people's anger.

Simon Cowell doesn't seem to be able to win; after the public complained that the judges were sending the wrong people home, this week they left it up to the public vote; and yet the public are still complaining even though it was in their hands.

Some argued that people didn't vote for Aiden because they didn't feel he needed the votes, but is this the Xfactor's fault? If you want someone to go through, vote for them. Simple as. People are complaining that its all rigged, but after the complaints following last year's phone competition problems, ITV wouldn't dare make the same mistake again, and there is no doubt that there are both external and internal people making sure that all votes are above board, as anything else would be deemed fraudulent.

People are forgetting that this is not Big Brother. This is not a personality contest. You vote for those who want to go forward, and Katie's fans took the time to vote for her; sadly Aiden's didn't, and this will be a lesson to any other Xfactor fanatic.

People are also forgetting that Katie is just a girl who wants a music career, and the public are responding with abuse and even death threats. Any aggravation the public have of the show should be taken up with Simon and his team, not this poor girl who just wants to get on with her life.

Many of this is boiling down to the rumors that Katie is there because of her friendship with Sony; however these rumors have been cleared up by her family who explained that she met with Sony once but nothing came of it. We must also bare in mind that Xfactor have a very strict policy on people who have already had contracts, and have removed people in the past. The accusations against Katie are put down to tabloid rumor and doesn't appear to be any hard evidence for it.

But even if the rumors were true, the viewers should remember that it is a TV show. Nothing more, nothing less, and abuse of any kind is unacceptable. If you like somebody within the show, pick up the phone and vote. It is just like politics, you can't complain or have any say morally if you didn't vote in the first place.

Finally, it is unfortunate for those who are Katie haters that there is no doubt she will become a success regardless of the show, she is clearly talented. While we're on the subject of talent, it is unbelivable that people such as Katie get abuse while untalented hopefuls such as Wagner get through each week. Xfactor is turning into some reality TV show rather than a talent contest; maybe the loss of Big Brother this year is causing people to turn to other shows. But it is the public, not Katie Waissel, who have taken the X out of Xfactor

A Little Perspective

2010-11-14T02:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I was watching 'Julia', a movie about people fighting against the persecution received under the Nazi regime . While watching it, it was refreshing to see people fighting back against these evil monsters who murdered millions across Europe.

However, it got me thinking about the protests against the rise in university fees this week, and the behavior of the protesters. Attacking policemen, smashing up windows and destroying everything in site. The scenes were uncanny to those seen in Julia and other Nazi uprising movies I've seen in the past.

Who the hell are these people? We're not being persecuted. The ConDem government are not murderers. We are not having our human rights taken away from us. They're putting up fees. Something which has happened twice before.

So we have to pay more for our education? Student loans will take care of that; it will take longer to pay back, but in no way does it stop us having an education. A few years ago, higher education was free, then it went up to £1000, and now it is £3000. A rise in fees is inevitable, especially in a recession.

I am in no way a Conservative follower and disagree with many of their political decisions; but the behavior of the protesters this week was despicable, and those involved should be ashamed. These were not protesters, but simply arsonists who put peoples lives at risks, and for what? Cheaper fees. Are these the type of people we even want at our universities? A peaceful protest, march or petition would of been sufficient enough without violence and arson.

There should be a little perspective in all of this; remember how lucky we really are to live in this country and have the right and access to education despite its expense, while there are areas in the world without access to education or even basic resources; and many are persecuted for their beliefs or for simply being themselves.

A Real Thriller!

2010-11-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

A Real Thriller!

As part of a birthday treat, my boyfriend Angus took me to see Thriller Live, a stage musical of Michael Jackson’s life. From start to finish, the show lived up to its name, and was a real Thriller!

The show took the audience through Michael’s life, from the early days of the Jackson 5 through five decades of an amazing career, covering songs from ‘ABC’ right through to ‘They don’t really care about us’. They recreated Michael’s hit live performances including Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal (they even did the lean!). This wasn’t some impersonator copying Michael’s act, instead they had various dancers and singers recreating his work and making it entertaining to all.

What was different about the show is that they had made it into a concert environment; people were dancing in the aisles and partying across the Palace Theatre. However the Theatre were obviously not used to this type of show and were constantly having to threaten drunken women that they will throw them out if they didn’t sit down. The most interesting, funny and ironic part of the night was when two women to the right of us began to start a fight during ‘Heal The World’ – a song about world peace. Before long though, the whole audience were on their feet, singing and dancing along to some of Michael's greatest hits.

From fireworks and amazing visual affects, along with a catalogue of fantastic hits, it was the perfect tribute to the life of Michael Jackson, who as they pointed out, is still the undisputed king of rock, pop and soul, and one of (if not, THE) greatest performers of all time.

The Cirque du Soleil group have just announced ‘The Immortal Tour’, their tribute show to the King of Pop, and is about to tour America, with plans to be global in the next two years, one which many fans of both Cirque du Soleil and Michael Jackson are anticipating to be another springboard of posthumous celebrations of a musical genius. Michael Jackson continues to thrill fans across the world, and there isn’t any sign of it stopping anytime soon.

Set List:

Jam
Music and Me
ABC
Stop the love you save
I’ll be there
Dancing Machine
Can you Feel It
Wannabe Starting Something
Working Day and Night
Don’t Stop Til ‘You Get Enough
PYT
Your Out of My Life
Rock With You
The Way You Make Me Feel
Beat It
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You
Dirty Diana
Man In The Mirror
Billie Jean
Smooth Criminal
Dangerous
They Don’t Really Care About Us
Heal The World
Bad
Thriller
Black Or White

(Photo taken from: http://www.eurweb.com/?p=31055)

Michael Jackson: Fans Still Fighting

2010-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

In 1989, Gardner Street Elementary school in LA dedicated the name of its auditorium in Michael Jackson's name; Jackson had been a past pupil of the school and due to the height of his success, the school decided to make reference to their past star pupil. Sadly, when Michael was accused of child abuse, the school made the decision to cover up the pop-stars name as not to offend parents of the school.

This cover-up continued for the rest of Michael's life despite him being found innocent of all charges; but earlier this year a campaign began to uncover Michael's name at the school. Websites, Facebook pages and fan groups became involved, many in the LA area met with the school to reveal the King of Pop's name upon the auditorium. Those who couldn't attend the meetings, including myself, wrote letters to the school campaigning to reveal Michael's name.

On October 15th 2010, the school finally uncovered Michael's name, with much celebration by both the Jacksons and Michael's fans. However this celebration was short lived as a spokesperson for SNAP, a charity for the survivors of abused by priests, said that the uncovering was 'disappointing' and was a 'slap in the face' for those children who have been abused. And now fans, family and friends of Michael are wondering, will these accusations ever end?

The spokesperson explained that despite Michael being acquitted in 2005, the accusations in 1993 which resulted in a pay out from Jackson has left people with doubt and suspicion. But you would hope that a spokesperson for an organisation would complete a little research before making these statements; but seeing they didn't, here are some facts.

The 1993 accusations were made by Jordan Chandler, whose family rather than taking the usual route of childhood abuse and informing the authorities, decided to take it upon themselves to sue Michael Jackson, and accepted a huge pay out. You have to question the integrity of anyone who would rather take a pay-out rather than see a pedophile be sent to prison where he can't harm another child. There are many books written on the real story behind the Michael Jackson allegations and the evidence is quite clear that the Chandler's were money grabbing liars with not a single piece of evidence against Michael.

But many question, if this is the case, why did Michael pay out? Michael was incredibly depressed at the time and was not fit enough to fight against these accusations and was advised to pay out as it could have continued for years. However in 2005 when similar accusations were made, Michael was ready to fight and cleared his name once and for all under US law. He has been legally acquitted, and anything other than this is slander.

Why Joelle Casteix, the spokesperson for SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) needed to make any comment, is unbeknownst to many people. Michael was neither a priest, and nor was he a pedophile. And what would Casteix's words have brought to this situation? Was there a need? One can only assume that it was some shameless self promotion of the charity to increase donations. Instead she has just upset a lot of people, who thought that these horrific accusations had finally been put to rest. The sad part is, that if Michael was still around, he would of most likely provided a large donation to the organisation, due to his incredibly charitable nature.

Many fans, including myself, have taken it into their own hands and emailed the charity asking for a retraction of the statement. It is currently the next big project since the uncovering of his name from the elementary school. It is refreshing to know that Michael's friends, family and his fans are continuing Michael's legacy and promoting his innocence long after his death seeing he isn't around to do this himself. And so, while the accusations will keep coming, Michael's fans will not stop fighting...

by David Hatton

[image taken from: http://www.celebritywonder.com/picturebydate/20090708_29.html]

The Graduate Scrap Heap

2010-10-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Graduate Scrap Heap

I am in my first semester of final year of university and haven’t even graduated, and yet I am already feeling the heat of the graduate leftover pile. My original beliefs of starting early and getting on a graduate scheme ready for when I finish would lead me to be ‘all set’, have quickly been blown out the window. My original beliefs of those who had failed to find a job when they graduated were because they didn’t start early enough and didn’t apply to the schemes available to them, have changed. I now realise at how wrong I was and how difficult it has been for my friends and associates who have and some still are on that scrap heap of people affected by this devastating economy.

You begin university with so much optimism that if you go to university and get a good degree, you will finish and the doors will be all open. Today, you are lucky if you are even accepted by entry-level jobs, which may for some be rejected for being over qualified. Maybe the irony of the situation would be funny if it wasn’t so frustrating.

‘Go on a placement year’, they pushed. I did, and that seems to have pushed me further into an area of industry I want to stay away from. How is one supposed to actually get the correct amount of experience and a degree without starting at the bottom after spending the last 3-4 years getting a degree to avoid just that?

Maybe the rise in the university prices will at least be of some benefit to the last of those who are being charged £3000, as it may cut down the competition.

The graduate schemes themselves have gruelling application stages. To even get past the first stage of actually completing the application form seems to be difficult enough. An average time of 3-4 hours filling in an application to get an automatic response seconds after submitting it, informing you that you didn’t quite make the cut is always the worst.

Once you’ve got past the first stage you progress onto the second round of numeracy and verbal reasoning tests. The tests wouldn’t be so ridiculous if you didn’t have to answer 35 questions in 21 minutes, and didn’t have to spend at least two minutes a question trying to absorb the massive quantities of information you need to answer the question. I gave Angus the opportunity to try the practice questions, and even somebody who took A-level maths and uses maths frequently in his job found the questions challenging. And all this to apply for jobs which don’t even require that higher level of maths in the actual role, seems somewhat of a joke.

I haven’t as yet progressed to the 3rd round of the application process where you are invited to a day of tasks and challenges which probably make the BBC1 show ‘The Apprentice’ look like a stroll in the park.

It hurts when the one graduate scheme you dreamed of joining rejects you; but when the back-up schemes in retail inform you that you don’t have the sufficient experience for the scheme after working over six years in the customer service and retail industries; you begin to wonder what you are actually qualified for?

And so I retire in the hope, like everyone else, that it will all work out in the end; that I will find a graduate job eventually….

By David Hatton

[Image taken from: http://www.mikecausey.co.uk/]

London Baby, Round II

2010-10-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

Traveled to London for Angus's brother, Rory's birthday, one which after last years events at Milton Keynes was surely to be filled with laughter and lots of booze.

We were not disappointed.

We arrived in London on Saturday, immediately unimpressed that the weather was just as terrible as it was in Manchester. I thought it was meant to be warmer south of Birmingham?

We traveled over to Camden Market which is very much a very large outdoor Aflecks Palace. I must warn anyone who wishes to go however, to get cash out before you go! There is a lack of cash machines anywhere and nowhere accepts cards. I was gutted as I found a Michael Jackson Bad Tour DVD which you can't find ANYWHERE, but had no cash to purchase it with :( We also saw people with their legs in a tank having their feet being eaten by fish! It was like a more mundane version of Jaws.

Afterwards we ventured over to Borough Market where we met Rory and his friends where we commenced drinking in a wine bar at 2pm, and that was the beginning of a very messy afternoon.

We checked into the Thistle Euston hotel, which is a very clean, modern and comfortable hotel. However their service was rubbish. For those of you who know me, will know I've worked in customer service and the hospitality industry, and I was shocked at their level of service. They checked us into a twin room despite us booking a double... would it be that awkward to confirm the room with us? They charged the wrong credit card and refused to change it over and we saw others complaining of room problems and credit card issues.

The last straw was when Angus found a passport of another guest's on the front desk and handed it in; the girl instead of taking it, pointed at a man on the other side of the room and said ''its his over there''. Angus asked ''so should I just go and give it him then?'', and the girl behind the desk replied 'yeah sure', and continued her conversation with her colleague. When Angus returned, she was serving someone else and we had to queue! Unbelievable.

That evening we visited Rory's new apartment where he decided to make us jealous with his spectacular views of London.

We spent Saturday night at the G.A.Y club, which was expensive (it is London), but awsome. To go outside you have to get stamped, and now I have GAY branded upon my wrist. I assure you this was not the work of the SS or the Gestapo. Sadly, McFly were not at G.A.Y to perform naked again.

Upon leaving the club, we discovered how difficult it was to get a taxi in London. Plenty were around and many pulled over, but as soon as we said ''Euston Station please'', they replied ''I'm sorry mate, not going that way''. Excuse me? Your not going that way??? What kind of taxi service is this??? So after trying at least a dozen cabs, the only option left was to take a rickshaw home. It took one hour and cost £25 for us to go 2km, and didn't even drop us off anywhere near where we wanted to be. And he asked for a tip. The cheek!

Sunday morning we awoke rather hungover but had to check out. We were immediately disappointed to see the weather was just as terrible as the day before. After breakfast we went over to Oxford Street and wondered around the shops we had no money to spend in. This followed by lunch in an American Diner in Soho and was served by a real American! Finally we stopped off at the Apollo Theatre where Thriller Live is showing to see the plaque which had been erected for Michael Jackson; which unless I was looking in the wrong place, doesn't appear to be there???

We said our goodbyes and got the train back to Manchester and now I've put 'new feet' on my birthday wish list my current ones are killing me :( Maybe I should go for the Camden Market fish treatment?

An awsome weekend and now back to the day job... by job I mean lazy student bum.

Barcelona

2010-09-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Angus and myself jetted off to the Capital of Catalonia. After visiting Spain many times across my 22 (nearly 23) years on this earth, it was interesting contrast to the other resorts I’d visited in the past. We arrived at Barcelona on Monday lunchtime and was immediately glad to see that despite being further north than some of the seaside resorts I had stayed at in the past, it was still just as sunny, just as warm and still had an outstandingly beautiful beach.

But before we took advantage of any of that, there was some culture to take advantage of. So we stopped off at the local zoo. There we saw a range of animals from bears to elephants, and even saw a tortoise humping an alligator. Afterwards we rented out a boat and Angus rowed us around a lake while I led back and took in the scenery of Citucidella Park.

On Tuesday we wondered over to the Gaudi Park to see a collection of Gaudi’s architectural work as well as a strenuous stroll to the top of the mountain, where we saw a theme park built around a church. I wondered if this was something the new pope was encouraging; someone should ask him while he's over here in the UK.

After the Gaudi Park we went over to see Guadi’s most famous work, the Sagrada Familia, which was impressive, however there is building work around it due until 2030, so I didn’t really have the time to see it become finished.

On Wednesday we had a walk up through the Manjuic Park where we hiked to the top of the mountain to the castle to see some of the most spectacular views of Barcelona.

The afternoon was spent having a long awaited rest on the beach, although we were quite surprised that the Spanish have a different approach to nudity than we do; they just let it all hang out, even on the streets near by the beach! I hope they used plenty of sun cream.

Our final day was spent taking in galleries and museums, from the Contemporary Art Gallery to the Picasso Museum. I decided I liked Barcelona. It is like Paris, except its hot and has a nice beach. It’s the Chicago of Spain. I was also happy to find that Spain has Dunkin' Donuts; a brand which made me very happy in America and we should campaign it to bring here to England.... their coffee is better than Starbucks!

Our final evening was spent watching fountains outside the National Gallery, which danced to music. It was like the Bellagio in Las Vegas, so impressive and equally popular in terms of the crowd gatherings.

We returned to the airport for our flight home on Friday where we discovered there was two things which could have disrupted our flight. France were having an air traffic control strike (wonder how they’ll deport all those Roma people now?), and then a terminal at Manchester Airport was closed due to a bomb scare. I don’t know why but I always manage to attract trouble when I go on holiday, two terrorist attacts have occurred while I’ve been on holiday as well as various other misadventures, I’m clearly a curse to the tourism industry which is terrible seeing that is my major.

I’m now back at home in Manchester ready to start my final year at university. An interesting and tough one, no doubt. But hopefully it will all pay off next year.

a letter to my dear new yorkers

2010-09-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

Dear naive tabloid junkies,

It has come to my attention that many of you are rather upset about a mosque being built upon the area of Ground Zero in New York City. It seems you find building a mosque would be insulting and insensitive to all those who died on 9/11 after all the terrible things those Muslims did to you.

I wanted to write to you today to confirm a couple of things with you before you all lose your head and embarrass yourselves during your protests and before you go writing your letters to the President (who by the way, is Muslim).

First of all; it is NOT a mosque. It is a centre of which holds a swimming pool, basketball courts and restaurants. It happens to also hold a prayer room.

Secondly, it isn't even on ground zero. It is 2 blocks away. And if it was a mosque, is there a particular distance you would like it to be away? Maybe you could measure out a suitable distance which is inoffensive for us so when we do decide to build an actual mosque one day, we can keep it within it without upsetting you all.

Finally, even if it was a mosque being built on ground zero. Who cares? Muslims are not the cause of 9/11, the Taliban (who actually happen to be muslim) did. If the city of New York decided to do a tribute memorial statue to Osama Bin Laden, then I'd say 'Go Ahead, protest away'. Remember lots of Muslims died that day just like any other race were affected that day; with the majority actually pretty distraught over the events just as much as you are, without their faith being slammed. So take your Islamaphobia, your mixed up tabloid affected minds and go home, switch the kettle on and have a cup of tea. Try reading a little less National Enquirer and a little more New York Times :)

Yours sincerely,

David Hatton

Pride Festival 2010

2010-08-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

This was my first Pride Festival in the UK, it was quite a contrast from the Washington DC Pride which was heavily political with many people protesting against Proposition 8 and The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policies in the US Army.

Manchester Pride seemed a lot more fun, and gay and straight people from around the country were all involved just having a party! There seemed to be more straight people than gays in some areas.

This didn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy Washington DC’s. I enjoyed being in America and at a more serious Pride and being involved fighting and protesting for the rights which sadly many Americans still don’t have like we are lucky to have here across the UK. Plus the Washington DC Pride finished with a rock concert in front of the Capital Building, which you can’t argue with. That is just pure awesome.

The Manchester parade was fantastic. Sir Ian Mckellen fronted it, one of the most famous gay actors in the world, and is from Manchester! This followed by the cast of Coronation Street, drag queens and others entertaining floats!

On the Sunday I decided to go along to the markets along Canal Street. It seemed strange having to need a wrist band to walk somewhere I walk through so regularly for free. I was speaking to one lady who lives on Canal Street, who said it took her an hour and a half to get a residents pass to get into her own house! Once I was in I grabbed some lunch and meandered along the stalls; from jewelry to dildos; they had it all.

The afternoon was spent watching the bands and having some beers in the lovely sun (which in Manchester is a rarity which needs to be appreciated before it goes away for another year). The bands were all local and absolutely fantastic. They had an interpreter for the deaf on stage; correct me if I’m wrong but I wondered what deaf people were turning up and watching lyrics? How very strange. Maybe everyone in the audience were signing and not dancing?

In between bands there was a live DJ playing all different types of music from dance to Motown to rock and roll. Everyone was dancing and people were so friendly, a real community. It was unlike gay clubs and bars; you didn’t feel like people were coming onto you, it just felt friendly and comfortable and just wanted to enjoy the day, the sun and the people. The beer went down well too!

I’d encourage anyone to go to the day events. Many people I knew were just going for the nightclubs, which to be honest you can do any weekend, and it’s a lot cheaper when its not Pride. I went for the bands and the events and had a terrific day!

Today (August 25th) is Michael Jackson’s birthday, and would have been his 52nd. I wore my MJ t-shirt to the festival, and it was so wonderful how many people came up to me to high-five me or just talk about Michael and how much they loved his music. He still lives on despite being gone. Long Live MJ!

‘Born to amuse. Born to inspire. To Delight. Here one day. Gone one night. Gone too soon.’ – Michael Jackson, (1958-2009)

The Dawkins Delusion

2010-08-19T03:12:00.000-07:00

Whether you watched the Raoul Moat Tapes on Channel 4, or the Richard Dawkins Faith School documentary on More 4, you were pretty much watching the same thing, two deluded nutters talking gobbledygook.

I’d like to begin this blog by confirming with everyone that I am NOT religious. I think this is important to my argument for my problems with Dawkins and most of his views.

Last night Dawkins tried to argue across that religious schools should be banned. His main arguments were that it indoctrinates children into believing in religion and that children shouldn’t be forced into their parents beliefs. It divides society and doesn’t allow children to mix. That they teach children incorrect information, that they should be taught about evolution and not about creationism.

I went to two faith schools and my experience was a positive one. We were supposed to sing and pray in assemblies, but to be honest if anything it gave us structure, discipline and thought. Science lessons were taught as science lessons according to the national curriculum and RE taught all religions, beliefs and faiths. The religion actually came into school in assemblies, where we did hear bible stories, sing hymns and pray; there was also optional communion once a week. Did I feel indoctrinated? No. Not at all. My peers around me were of different races and faiths, but mostly had already decided they were atheist. When in a Christian primary school, most pupils had made up their mind by the time they were seven years old that they didn’t believe in god, so clearly the ‘indoctrinating ‘ as Dawkins believes isn’t working.

But what is most interesting that most of my peers who turned out atheist in primary school went onto CHOOSE a religious high school, and it was the same for my jewish, catholic, muslim and hindu friends. Why?

Lets face it. The clientele and the grades. My high school was in the top 10 high schools in the England. It had a strict entry system that you had to be a member of a church, synagogue, mosque, temple or other, and had to have a minimum number of weeks attendance at that school. From my point of view, it was about dedication. You really want to be in this school? Go to church. Prove you really want to go. Most of these people came from Christian upbringings or equivalent and brought a well behaved group of people to the school. The behavior compared to other schools in the area was spectacular, and the grades were brilliant. At no point do I believe God caused all this; but its religious structure and the clientele and background of the pupils along with of course the teachers. One year the school opened its doors to anyone, and after the behavior of that year was despicable and probably one of the worst years the school had ever had, they reverted back to the original, selective system.

Dawkins argued about mixing and childrens choice? Should the children be liberated and allowed their own choice? Or is it not the right of the parent to be able to raise their child in the religion of their choice. My parents chose to bring me up as a Christian. Are they evil for that? Have they indoctrinated me? Well as an unreligious gay 22 year old, I don’t think they were too successful if they had.

If it is about liberating our children to choice, then should churches, temples and mosques be closed to all under 16s? Allow them to go in at 16 and then make their own choice as anything before then would clearly indoctrinating?

And if its about mixing, should we close all single sex schools as it stops boys and girls mixing? Should we close independent schools because it broadens the divide between middle and working class people? No. Because those parents have the right to choose how their children are taught and who they are surrounded by. Just like my parents wanted me to be in a Christian environment.

I agree with Dawkins that religious schools should be heavily monitored to make sure they are teaching science correctly and that RE lessons are balanced and informs them of everything they need to know along with the national curriculum. But if they choose to have religious assemblies, prayer and hymns then who are they really hurting?

It wasn’t really just the program subject which got me last night. I put some of my thoughts on Twitter and some of the abusive replies I got from atheists and Richard Dawkins fanatics was unbelievable. It was as if I had insulted the Catholics or Muslims the reaction I had received, for putting up a couple of thoughts. It seems Dawkins is turning atheism into a religion in itself.

I’ve read Dawkins book and various programs, and it seems he cannot rest until everyone is atheist. Religion can be a beautiful thing, it gives hope, purpose and structure to so many people’s lives. Don’t like it? Don’t get involved.
Last night we saw him actually tell a Muslim man that he should be like Christians have, and change his faith and beliefs on creationism. The Muslim man looked like he was about to laugh out loud at the suggestion.

Lets face it, if we see a Christian preaching in the middle of a city centre, shouting Leviticus passages or the Revelations; we walk past and think ‘what a nutter’ and get annoyed at them for forcing their views onto us. And yet Dawkins is doing exactly the same thing?

To be honest, his shows and books are pretty pointless. Those who read or watch them have often made up their own mind already. I haven’t heard of any nuns or priests reading it and going ‘’yeh your right Dawkins, fuck it’’, or Our Ladies Catholic School Headteacher suddenly scrapping the religion in the school after hearing Dawkins views. Anyone watching the show was pretty much for or against, and those who hadn’t made up their mind most likely didn’t bother to tune it, because they weren’t bothered. Richard Dawkins like that ‘nutter’ in the street is only being listened to by those who already see his point of view or wish to argue against him.

But these are just a few thoughts and opinions of mine and I know others disagree; I’m not saying I’m right or your wrong. I’m just asking at least, please, formulate a more sophisticated argument than that cringe-worthy Richard Dawkins does, who in my opinion is just like his view of believers; deluded.

Next week a more sophisticated debate. Who should win big brother???

Michael Mcintyre at Blackpool Tower

2010-08-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday 1st August 2010

When I saw the price of a ticket to see Michael Mcintyre I couldn't believe how cheap it was to see someone who sells out arenas around the country; along with the fact that it was at Blackpool Tower, I had to be there.

Mcintyre who after years of fame became well known to the world after his performance on 'Live At the Apollo' with his observational comedy, hilarious anecdotes and energetic performances is now a household name and now has his own show 'Michael Mcintyre's Comedy Roadshow'. He has built up a reputation of which he is loved or loathed; but I, like many, love him.

As soon as we arrived at Blackpool Tower we were instantly pleased with the intimate venue which he had chosen to perform his 'Working Progress' gig. We felt so close to the stage and gave the audience a much more personal performance than the arena tours allow. There were no grand entrances or exits, and it took us back to the days when he was still working the comedy circuit as an amateur.

He instantly explained the cheap ticket as soon as he got on stage that this was a warm-up gig ready for his television Comedy Roadshow gig in Blackpool later this week. He wanted to try his jokes of his observations of Blackpool on us before he did the live show later in the week. He had even brought on his notes which later (after realising he had run out of material after 35 minutes) referred to and tried different stories out on the audience. Some got huge laughs, others left the audience in silence. But Mcintyre, professional as ever kept the show incredibly entertaining and much of it was made up on the spot. He even began one joke with ''This might be funny'', before going into it and getting the audience to imagine he had just talked about something related earlier.

It was an interesting insight into how professional comedians put together jokes and how they decide if they will work on large audiences. I cannot wait to see how he fits the jokes that did work into his show when it airs in the next series of Comedy Roadshow.

From stories from him dealing with fame and a family, to scoring blow jobs from his wife, it was every bit of fantastic comedy.

It was a short but sweet gig, and the mixture of the small venue along with the warm up style performance made it feel incredibly personal and seemed like we were a few of his mates in the pub.

It has opened my eyes to these warm up performances, and in future will be tempted to go to these type of gigs rather than pay the £35-£50 for an arena tour and still get a fantastically funny show.

The good news for Mcintyre fans as he certainly hasn't lost it and wont be going away anytime soon.

(photo taken from: http://www.solarchitecture.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=85)

Is This it?

2010-06-24T15:37:00.001-07:00

Is this it?

25th June 2010

It has been exactly one year to the day that the King of Pop, Michael Jacskon, tragically died and left the world in mourning. Since then it has been one of those common questions – ‘where were you when Michael Jackson died?’. I was out in the United States in Chicago, working on the front desk of a hotel; I had just started my shift when the news came up on the televisions in the reception area. The world was filled with disbelief, twitter was over-capacity, text messages and phone lines were going crazy. Now I am back at university in England, and the shock, the disbelief, but more importantly his legacy continues.

Michael left behind a family, children, friends and millions of fans. He also left behind a legacy, a lifetime of music, 50 unfinished concerts and an unknown number of songs which he had been working on before his death.

It has been shown over the last 12 months that even though the king is dead, his legacy certainly isn’t. His music has continued through other artists,; kept alive by directors and producers in films; and replayed by television stations, radios, DJ’s and his fans.

In the past year, Michael has achieved a number one movie ‘This is it’, top 10 chart albums, the opening of an exhibition, his own cirque du soleil show and brought out unheard songs and albums. And from what we’ve seen, it isn’t to stop anytime soon with more unreleased tracks, albums, a video game, tour video releases and a museum in the pipeline; Michael isn’t going away quietly, and who would want him to?

Despite the film, album and tour title, Michael has in fact proven that this really isn’t it. Not by a long way. And like many, I look forward to seeing how he is going to continue to surprise and mesmerise us in the years to come.

Long live, Michael Jackson. The man, the myth, the ultimate legend.

By David Hatton

I'm a dot.

2010-05-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

On the 25th June, 2010, will be the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. Its unbelievable to think that a year ago, the world was in shock to hear that one of the world's greatest entertainers and humanitarian died suddenly, just weeks before his farewell tour.

Since his untimely death, there have been many tributes, websites and shows which have been a tribute to an amazing life of an extraordinary man. One site which caught my eye however was the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait, where artist David Ilan is creating a portrait of Michael using photos of his fans. There will be 1 million photographic dots making up this tremendous picture, which will be a wonderful representation of the people who loved Michael. I have already added my photo to become a dot on their website. The tribute also requires money, so any Michael Jackson fans are encouraged to either donate or buy a product from their gift store where you can buy the portrait, t-shirts and other MJ gifts which goes towards supporting this project. This is a wonderful scheme and if you are interested in anything they do please visit: http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/home.php

On the June 14th, Dr Conrad Murray will be entering court again regarding his involvement with the death of Michael. Joe Jackson and representatives of the family have asked that Michael's fans keep calm and not to shout abuse at Murray as it would look negatively on Michael. This is absolutly true, and is certainly what Michael would have wanted. However what is not being pushed is that Murray deserves his day in court. None of us know what happened on that tragic day, and fans and people across the world have sent abuse to Murray. I would like to take you all back to 2003, where Michael was on trial for those despicable allegations; all Michael asked was for us to listen, to keep an open mind, and to let him have his day in court. The same respect should be provided for Dr Murray, as we just don't know what happened, and is up to the courts to decide. People have asked me what I believe, and I've told them that I just don't know, and will let the courts decide to make a firm judgment. We must remember that for a long time Michael trusted Dr Murray as his general practitioner and also as a friend, and while Michael hasn't always made the right choices in his companions in the past due to his wonderful character of always trying to see good in people, he still trusted him and it is up to the courts to decide whether Murray has done anything wrong. So let Murray have his day in court, we cannot give rights to one man and not another just because we have respect for one of them. Lets hear him out, keep an open mind and lets see what the outcome is. I have complete faith in the American justice system and will not judge either way until the outcome has been decided and hope others will do the same. So if you are attending the court date on the 14th, go in peace, and go in support in Michael. I hope once this has been sorted that Michael's family will find peace and will be able to move on from this tragic last year without their son.

Long live Michael Jackson :)

Sport Relief 2010

2010-03-24T03:03:00.001-07:00

Took part in the Manchester Sport Relief run in Manchester on the 21st March, along with Angus, Clare, Janet Atkinson, Laura Atkinson and Laura's partner Leanne all met up in Manchester, very early to complete the charity event!

The most exhausting part of the event was the warm up at the start.... they made us dance around to 'I gotta feeling' by Black Eyed Peas (or is it Pees? I dont know), while some camera man was filming us all looking very silly.... I hope we weren't on national tv... some sicko probably got a thrill out of that.

Then we began the run, after a few meters we entered Granada Studios where we ran down Coronation Street. I say we ran down Coronation Street... we actually spent 20 minutes taking photos of each other in front of the Rovers Return, Street Cars and Auderys hair salon. We also helped ourselves in the Websters back garden as some fool had left the gate unlocked. I couldn't believe how tiny it was down there! All the houses looked so minature... which made me wonder how the hell they supposadly have about 6 rooms in each house to accommodate the millions of people who seem to shack up under each roof. I also couldn't believe how fake it looked down there, most of the scenery around Corrie is all just large billboards with prints on them... unbelievable. Not even the bridge is real. Anyway it was all very exciting getting to go down Corrie... it was like Disney for grown ups.... well sad grown ups like me who don't miss an episode.

I remember going to the studios years ago when they were open to the public. Its a shame they don't do that anymore as they were amazing days out. I remember there being a walk through ride where it was like being in an episode of the Borrowers, everything was so large, the furniture was made for giants and at one point the roof was lifted off us and a giant cat tried to eat us. It was so good, in fact reading this sounds like I was hooked up on ketamine at 5 years old entering the studios!
I also remember getting to see 'Sutty-Live' that day too... that was good. I don't think I'd appreciate that as much today though.

So after we spent all that time gawping at Corrie, we ran the rest of the way to the finish...I couldn't tell you how long it took us... but I did receive a medal for my run, as well as a bottle of Sainsburys own water and a nutrigrain. mmm nutrigrains. Its a good job we werent taking the time too seriously seeing we spent half of our time acting like bloody tourists! I was considering entering the New York Marathon for Aids, but I think I'd get too distracted by the Empire State Building.

After the run it was straight to the pub where we spent the day necking vino and catching up down anal treet. sorry thats meant to be canal street.

Anyway the run was so much fun and I raised quite a lot for charity... the current online total is £115, and I have not quite clocked up all the cash, so once thats done I'll update everyone with the final amount... my mum's been getting change off anyone whose brushed past her for sponsorship. http://www.justgiving.com/DAVID-HATTON

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, it was a great day out and doing something different, and all the money has gone to good causes, so thank you very much to everyone for your support :)

LONDON BABY!

2009-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

My wonderful boyfriend Angus as a birthday surprise took me away to London! It's certainly going to be difficult to compete with that at Christmas... especially as a poor student!

We headed down on Friday 26th December. We got first class train tickets which was very nice... at least for free alcohol although the food isn't recommended (if your asking, an onion baji in an a rubbery nann bread). A lovely professional gentleman in front was coughing and I'm sure he was sick as we heard quite a bit of moisture, but no one reacted... not the type of experience you expect from first class!

Once in London we headed to Covent Garden where we experienced the delights of Ben's Cookies... mmmmmm! After a lengthy walk and getting lost in London, we went to see Sister Act The Musical... a brilliant stage rendition of the movie, and Whoopi Goldberg fans will not be disappointed! The stage was amazing, and performers were brilliant, although it was slightly disappointing that not one of the original music was in the performance, however the new music was hilariously funny and equally catchy.

The following morning the weather was atrocious so we headed to the Tate Modern Gallery, followed by the British Museum. That evening we dined at the best French restaurant outside of Paris in SoHo. From the superb Sole fish to the hot waiters, it was amazing... if only I could remember the name!

After dinner we headed back to the theatre where we watched Avenue Q.... how to describe it? Its like the muppets... for adults... on steroids! One lady next to us, clearly didn't know what she was in store for and walked out during the intermission and didn't return. They were blasting out hits such as 'Everyones a little bit racist sometimes', and we got to see some muppet sex scenes! It did have some good foundations to the story though, basically lifes shit but its only for now...

On Sunday we headed to the O2 arena at the Millennium Dome where we had booked to see the Michael Jackson exhibition. There was a wonderful array of outfits and antiques from Michael's home, and even explained how he did the famous Smooth Criminal lean. The saddest part was at the end, when you can leave messages for the Jackson family in a memory book, and after before the exit you walk into a dark room where Michael's famous white sparkly glove is sat, and Man in the Mirror was played... it very sadly brought me to tears, but it was so emotional, and so sad that he wasn't around anymore.

After my little pilgrimage, we got drenched in the rain and so after a walk around Covent Garden, we had a rest at the hotel. That evening we had a more relaxing evening of dinner and drinks.

Our final morning in London was spent in St James's park and a walk over to Buckingham Palace and WestMinster Abbey. We went to the Churchill Museum where we learnt all about Churchill's life and his times during the Second World War and were introduced to a secret annex which went all the way to 10 Downing Street.

After all the exciting events, we took our journey back to sunny Manchester... which was raining more than London. Sad to leave but looking forward to the next adventure!

I'm alive... and back!

2009-11-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

It has been a long while since I last updated this online journal of my exciting life, and quite a bit has happened recently, so I'm back! I know you were missing me.

I am now back in the land of Leeds and falling back into the life of a student. How hard work it is; waking up in a morning to Jeremy Kyle, followed by This Morning, Loose Women.... then a LECTURE.... then back just in time for Mr Paul O Grady. If you think that is tough you should see the amount of nights out and alcohol I have to consume to live up to this vocation.

As you will have also seen I'm back with the Angus... and while some people might thinking 'What the hell??', we are incredibly happy and better than ever :) In fact we are off to London Town in just a few weeks which was his very thoughtful birthday present to me :)

Apart from the drinking, socialising... oh and a bit of studying, I've been attending concerts! The first of which was Pink! I met my friend Sandra (from America... well she's from Sheffield, but lived with me in America so you get the shizzle. shut up) and after a few catch up coctails we headed to the MEN Arena to see one of the most exciting show cases I've seen since Kylie Minogue (I know I need to get out more). But what a performer! Flinging about all over the stage, she is quite the contortionist! She sang songs both old and new, from Lets get this party started to So What, she did them all, and even covered Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Crazy by Gnarls Barkley and Blondie's 'I touch myself'... and well... she didn't just sing that last one (thats all I'm saying). To no ones surprise there were a lot of lesbians there... I questioned Sandra as to what that said about her?

The Monday after I met up with Sandra in her home town of Sheffield, where along with her mum and sister (she has a cool family) we went to see GreenDay! I didn't know if the band would be able to live up to Pink's showmanship but they blew us away. With pirotechnics left, right and centre, they really haven't lost it. I was slightly gutted they didn't play as many old ones as they did new, but they still fit in Time of Your Life, Basketcase, Minority and Scumbag.

This past weekend me and the Angus celebrated Halloween. We thought no better way to do it but go to see a scary movie, so we went to see Michael Jackson's This is it! (I kid, I kid, he's a genius and always will be). Angus very kindly came with me, much to his dismay, however he came out complementing the star! It was an amazing movie, the only criticism I have is that it was just rehearsals; I felt that with interviews and different footage they could have compiled a bit of a story together from Michael agreeing to the tour, to London, to auditions, rehearsals and the sad day he died. But in the 2 hours which the movie played, you could see what a magnificent show it was going to be, and what a magical performer he still was. Whoever said he had lost it, had it wrong. It was sad to think that he never got to play it to just one full stadium, but his work will always be available on the DVD which is available in a few weeks (I would get a great job in marketing wouldn't I??). It was also sad that this was to be the closest I was ever get to see the king of pop in concert; but I have my commemorative ticket at home, ready to be framed and have that little piece of history forever. He was due to play some amazing songs from Black or White, Earth Song, Beat it, Billie Jean and You wanna be startin' something. They were also going to play my favorite song - Jam, which I was surprised as while its my favorite MJ hit, I didn't think it was anyone elses! What did annoyed me were the protesters who stood outside cinemas across the world at the premier claimed the film was unfair, and didn't show Michael's true health in the final weeks... but if Michael knew this movie was to be made, surely he would want a movie to show him as the amazing performer he is, and now his downfall. He wanted the world to see his masterpiece, and this is the only way to see it. So shut up and go see it.

That evening we had a Halloween Party at Angus's apartment. We made Absinth and Vodka jelly and pumpkin pies! I dressed as Michael Jackson, and Angus dressed up as Jesus.... the two together at last! I had the hat, the glasses, the wig, the bandana for a surgical mask and the suit. Angus said he couldn't afford a diamond encrusted glove, but I think the suit just worked without.

I am now sat in my 6 bedroom bastard student house with my awsome roommates. With 3 bathrooms,( one of which is my en suite, another has gold plated tiles and the main bathroom has a jacuzzi bath), beautifully decorated lounge with plazma tvs, dining room, conservatory, walk in wardrobes and a deck looking over our garden... it really is a PALACE of student house. Now before I begin to brag I'm going to take my modest mind off to my king size bed. Ok its not king size. and I'm not at all modest.

I have a month ahead of parties, Ricky Gervais stand up shows and a trip to London, and will be reporting on all in good time. But in the mean time... Goodnight my dedicated followers!

V Festival 2009

2009-08-24T09:49:00.001-07:00

What can I say? It was bloody awsome! The music, the weather... but most of all... the company.

It began at 10am on Friday morning where myself, Vanessa and Shaun got the coach down to the festival. Absolutely no traffic the entire journey, so no humorous stories there, but all the same began a perfect beginning to our trip. However our friends who were meeting us there who had our tents ready to set up had a different story; they set off at 7am in the morning, got stuck in traffic; Kat decided she needed the toilet and got out and went along the hard shoulder when traffic suddenly speeded up, and Kat was left running down the motorway after her transportation. They arrived minutes before we did.

We arrived at the festival at 2pm, and as soon as we got off the coach, we had ourselves a well deserved beer... about an hour later we put up the tents and the festival began. I purposely bought a cow painted tent thinking I was different... I turned up and half the bloody festival had them, as well as someone in my own group, which the others thought it would be funny if they swapped our tents in the night, just to confuse our drunken selves.

Saturday morning began very sunny! So sunny that I'm currently sat here looking like a lobster! We went down to the arena and began with some fantastic performances by Ocean Colour Scene, James Morrison, Biffy Clyro and James. Elbow as usual were mellow as sin... I'm not a fan (sorry), and wonder why these people are ever so high up on a festival line up... dreary crap. However Snow Patrol soon put an end to that with an amazing performance, spilling out some of their best tracks. I was slightly gutted that Oasis actually managed to turn up to Staffordshire, as I would of loved an extended performance from Snow Patrol. Also the fact that Oasis bring Oasis fans... who are in my opinion the scummiest people who shouldn't ever attend a festival. As soon as we arrived on the coach it was obvious who the Oasis fans were, the typical Northern louts who for some reason think they are actually Noel Gallagher. I would of quite liked to have seen their disappointed faces in Chelmsford. I'm a bitter bastard, I know...

Anyway I am glad Oasis did turn up Staffordshire in end, as I did hear in Chelmsford there were some riots due to them not turning up and I don't care for trouble; but more so for the fact I went to see a fantastic performance from Keane. I was saddened to see how few people turned up to see them; the place was empty. Tim, their lead singer, at one point asked the crowd to scream louder 'to drown out the din from the main stage'. Here... here.

We went across to see Lady Gaga, who provided a very amusing performance. She kept reminding us how much she enjoyed 'cock', and I was so hoping mothers had brought their young children to see their idol play, as that would be an awkward conversation for later... Lady Gaga however did turn up 15 minutes late, and ran over her set, which caused the sound crew to pull the plug, leaving her very embarressed and had to apologise to a booing audience.

The night ended with MGMT. During their gig, huge enflatable balls were being kicked around. I went to go and throw one, when my shoe went flying into the audience and clouted someone on the head. I quickly ran in and retrieved my shoe... luckilly no one had decided to throw it further (they were my only pair!), and I was reminded why men like me should never play football.

Sunday began with breakfast at 10 am which consisted of a nutri grain bar and John Smiths finest ale. After a few hours of midmorning boozing we headed down to the arena where I managed to purchase myself a Michael Jackson styled hat... more so for the fact that my hair was something to be desired. It was a cool hat though... in fact a bar man who had awsome afro hair asked me if he could have it... I told him I'd do a fair swap, he could have the hat if I could have his hair. He didn't accept.

We watched the brilliant Noisettes, followed by a bit of dancing in the Bacardi dance tent. We returned later to watch Dizzee Rascal and then caught the last part of Lily Allen, who once again I would have loved to have seen parents bring their children to see the famous Lily who was belting out tracks such as 'F*ck you very much' and songs about her giving oral sex to selfish boys.... interesting. But she was incredibly entertaining, and very much a perfectionist... so much so she stopped half way through her new song 'Not fair' to yell at her guitarist who messed up and demanded they begin the song again.

This followed by The Wombats and The Ting Tings, and a belting performance from Pendulum. The crowd weren't as crazy as at download festival for Pendulum, however two gentleman dancing behind us brought flame throwers... which really made the evening explosive, even if it was a tad dangerous.

We managed to catch up with the entire group for the end of the night to watch the Killers, which was a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

Monday morning we woke up bright and early, said our goodbyes and made our way home. The coach journey back was just as perfect as going, absolutly no traffic, although the Oasis chav fans on our coach insisted we stop off at Charnock Richard services, 15 minutes away from Preston! Unbelievable.

But now I'm home, I've got into a nice bubble bed and ready for an early night in a very comfortable bed! :)

The performances I saw over the weekend are as follows:

Saturday:
Ocean Colour Scene
James Morrison
Biffly Clyro
James
Elbow
Snow Patrol
Lady Gaga
Keane
MGMT

Sunday:
The Noisettes
Dizzee Rascal
Lily Allen
The Wombats
The Ting Tings
Pendulum
The Killlers

Back in Britain!

2009-07-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

My final week in America began in Las Vegas! Casino City! I landed at 8am at the Las Vegas airport, and was amused to find that you don't have to even leave the airport to begin gambling!

I arrived at the El Cortez on Fremont Street, and found that Vegas is really not a morning place. I left my belongings at the hotel and wondered down to the strip. The place was dead. Silence. I know I was wondering the desert but I expected some excitement? But no one appeared until lunchtime, when suddenly a mass of people dispersed onto the streets!

I couldn't believe how massive this city was, and how different it was from any other American city. You can smoke indoors and drink in the streets, and gamble 24/7, to which most people take advantage of. No matter what time you are up in vegas, whether its 10pm at night or 5-6am in the morning, the casinos are full.

The first evening I had tickets to see Cirque Du Soleil, which turned out to be an amazing show. However before hand I decided to dress up in a suit (which I had purposely bought for my travels). I get to Las Vegas and find that people don't even dress up for even the nicest of establishments. Embarressed that I appeared to be the ONLY person in a suit, I found the most expensive restaurant I could find, which was in the MGM grand, where even here people were still coming in jeans. The prices were extortionate but was worth it if only to fit in.

The next morning I set off to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. With a keen interest in 1920s american history, I couldn't wait to see the Hoover Dam, a true iconic moment in american history, but also an industrial wonder of the world; followed by one of the seven wonders of the world; the Grand Canyon. The group I was with took a ride across the west brim of the canyon, a walk across the skywalk (I wouldn't bother...) with beautiful views of what is essentially a hole in the ground, but breath-taking all the same. This followed by a meal and entertainment at a local ranch. That evening I went to see the light show on Fremont Street and watched some live bands across the downtown area.

My final day in Vegas was spent in the shopping malls and checking out the casinos; however not for the casinos themselves as I don't actually gamble. The casinos are filled with rollercoasters, attractions, lion inhabitants in some cases! I also managed to visit the shop where Michael Jackson famously spent millions on Martin Bashire's documentary 'living with Michael Jackson'. They weren't letting the tourists in, however they must of assumed I had money as they let me straight in. After all the shopping and rollercoaster fun, I went to see the Blue Man Group perform which was hilariously entertaining. However word of warning; never turn up late to their performances, a poor couple turned up a few minutes late, and they stopped the show, put a spotlight on them and got the crowd to constantly sing 'Your late' until they got to their seats. Also never buy front row tickets as you will have to wear a rain coat to avoid the paint spillages on your clothes, glad I'd learnt not to turn up in my suit that evening!

The next day I awoke and went down to reception where I had booked the complimentary airport shuttle. They directed me outside where I was welcomed with a black executive jaguar, and the gentleman had the door open ready for me! I assumed there was a mistake and protested that the car wasn't for me... I was paying $20 a night for this hotel, I was surely getting a van of some form to the airport? But no the driver insisted the executive jaguar was for yours truly, and so I stopped protesting and accepted the free ride!

I flew to San Francisco, where my friend Renee was awaiting in the airport. We travelled up to the Haight District, an area full of hippy stores and anarchist shops, and BEAUTIFUL hairy hippy men. I gave a woman collecting for opposing against prop 8 $20 in the hope to hurry it up so I could marry one of these gorgeous fiends and live in San Francisco forever! We then went to the Castro where Harvey Milk famously began his campaign to provide homosexual rights. It was like a mini pilgrimage to the gay holy land!

We then took a famous San Francisco trolley down to Fishermans Warf where we attempted to get tickets across to Alcatraz, but it was booked up for 2 weeks! Ridiculous. But we got some good views of the island, and gives me another reason to return (besides the beautifully dirty hippies of course)! We walked along the water front where we discovered San Francisco seems to have a large number of homeless people. In fact on a trip to a public restroom, I had to step over, not one, but TWO homeless men asleep on the bathroom floor in order to use the urinals. I couldn't handle that so instead I waited until we found the nearest restaurant where I could also try some of that San Francisco famous Clam Chowder.

The next morning we got up and headed to China Town, where we found a nice collection of restaurants, gift stores and sex shops... those Chinese are horny gets I tell thee! After lunch we headed to Golden Gate Park where we had planned to visit the King Tut Egyptian exhibition, which once again appeared to be sold out! So after another disappointment we jumped on a bus to Golden Gate Bridge. However in California they're a bit strange and seem to have confusing bus routes which end in the middle of nowhere. We were dropped off on top of a hill with no side walk and were told it was the end of the line. So rather than pretending we were lost, we renamed it a hike and an adventure, and walked over to the Golden Gate Bridge.

On Thursday I returned to Chicago, where Obama was selfishly visiting just as I was landing, and of course had to take up the entire airport and surrounding roads, making my 15 minute drive home last an hour. I had my last night out with Albert and Patrik and said my goodbyes to very good friends this last year who I wouldn't have got very far without.

Friday was my final day in America, and work had set up a final farewell dinner. I packed and said my emotional farewells to the friends and the place which had been home for the last year.

I landed at Dublin at 8:30am on Saturday morning very tired and wanting my bed; I was hoping to have slept on the plane, but they distracted me with '17 again' and the 'The Office' as air entertainment... the bastards. 5 hours I had to keep away in the airport, and what else was there to do in Dublin but drink? So I found the nearest bar, and sat with an irish man for 2 hours who was giving me the addresses to the best irish bars in America... I think he was too drunk to comprehend I'd just left America...

I landed in Manchester at 3pm and realised I was home before the plane had landed. The people on the plane barely waited for the back wheels to hit the ground before running to the front of the plane with their luggage, eagerly waiting for the doors to open. One gentleman actually jumped over me to grab his stuff, such impatience. My parents were waiting for me and got me back home safely, where nothing appears to have changed, everything is just the same.... although my dad had bought a new kettle which he was keen to show me.

2 hours later, we were back in the pub again, having a drinking competition with one of my mum's friends. I officially won though seeing I'd been drinking since 9am...

So I'm back... not so much with any avengence... just with a slight yank accent and weird words which need to be beaten out with me as quickly as possible!

end of an era...

2009-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

I've just got back from my final shift at the Courtyard Marriott - Chicago-Schaumburg property and my time here with white lodging and can't believe its all come to an end! My final week has been an eventful one and have barely found time to pack!

Last Thursday my mum turned 50 years old... yes I know, old! My dad turns 60 in a few days, even older! Anyway with their two birthdays together I decided to surprise them with a weekend away in the Lake District. I put the itinerary in their cards and they opened them while on holiday in Austria. Luckily they managed to be surprised, its hard to sneak anything past them two! I had to convince them that I wanted an entire weekend to move my stuff into my house in Leeds in order for them not to plan anything else during that weekend!

On that day I also said goodbye to my dear friend Grace, or as she's commonly known as Gayface, which is weird, as she's very much a hetrosexual. Although if you apply the original meaning of gay, ie happy, she would be happy face and I think that sums her up to a tee! Gayface moved to Australia for a years placement with a Christian group, just days before I was to come home, and therefore we'll be going two whole years without seeing each other. Ridiculous. So a trip out to Oz may be needed in the next year, although I know already I'll annoy the Australian public with all the innuendo's of being 'down under'. I wish the best of luck to Grace, although she'll be having that much fun with all those surfer boys she won't even be reading this.... do they even have internet in Oz? or just sand? hmmm.

That night I went to see Bruno at the movie theatre. What can I say? It was brilliant, but America was not ready for it. People were walking out the cinema in horror, shouting at the tv, and when the credits came on at the end, I had to get out of there as fast as possible as everyone wanted to find the nearest gay and beat him. What many of the audience failed to understand I think is that the film makers had not gone out to make a gay porno, they didn't want the movie to be pleasent for ANYONE! Hence choosing an ugly old fat man to be his lover, was not attractive to even the most repulsive of gay men. And I'm pretty repulsive. It was fantastic, hilarious, and very creative. But should be kept in Europe.

On Friday I went for my final trip to Boys Town in Chicago. We had a few drinks and watched an incredible electro band do a very interesting but fantastic cover of 'Man in the Mirror' by Michael Jackson! It was my last night out in Chicago and was sad to have my final night out with Albert and Patrik, two people I really couldn't have done without this year. They helped me set up my life and my home. When I first arrived in America, they drove me to Ikea and helped me set up my stuff, they helped me move twice! We've gone on many adventures across Chicago and Illinois this past year and will be gutted to leave them.

On Monday I went downtown to work at the Courtyard on Mag Mile. It was fantastic to be able to go down here on my final week and say goodbye to the friends I'd made down there. Working in Chicago is always interesting. We had a girl come in and ask for a $99 rate... in CHICAGO.... we told her we couldn't take that rate. She told us she was being chased by someone and so we offered her the phone to called the authorities but informed her we didn't hand out sympathy rates. She then ended up admitting she was a prosititue and that it was none of our 'god damn business' what she does with her body and that if she wants to sell it, she'll sell it. We didn't even ask.

The next day I went for my last wonder along Mag Mile and said goodbye to my favorite city in the entire world (so far of course). I went along Navy Pier and it was like they knew I was leaving. They were blasting out a song called 'goodbye' across the pier, and it really hit home that I was leaving soon. I then walked along to Millennium Park where they had a live orchestra play, they were fantastic. I then passed what was the Sears Tower as it was known for the last time before they changed the name. I headed home to Schaumburg where I met up with some of the staff and managers from around the cluster who took me on a night out to Alumni to say goodbye. I went to get around, $1 pints! bargain... especially if you know cook county where the average beer is $5, not even including tip. Ridiculous. I'm looking forward to being back in a good British pub where you pay between £1.50 -£2 for a pint :) Although I've been away a while, hope those prices haven't gone up too much!

I worked my final evening shift on Wednesday, and that didn't go without drama. A guest runs in screaming telling me to call an ambulance. I called emergency services and I went out to find a woman covered in blood. She had tripped and smashed her face in, and looked like a broken nose and teeth. Luckily due to a medical group being in house, we had many nurses around to help in the situation. I saw the lady that fell on my final day, as she passed the desk. I asked her how she was, and she was in bright spirits and smiling about the situation, she told me she was fine and that she had fortunately not broken anything. I then jokingly asked her how our side walk was and told her I hoped it wasn't damaged. Insurance claim alert! Could get a new parking lot for that!

Yesterday (16th), my best friend Rachael's daughter turned 1! can't believe how fast its gone and how much she's grown! I'm gutted I've missed so much of her first year, however she's in the molding stages now where she'll remember me! So I can have a big affect on the 2nd year as well as meeting my god daughter in August. It has gone scarily fast this last year, this time last year I went round to Rachaels to meet Isabella for the first time and say my goodbyes, and now I'm coming back next week!

That evening, me and Amy took a trip downtown to Wrigley Field to see Elton John and Billy Joel play the Face to Face tour concert. They came on together and sang a medley of hits, before going off and each artist coming on individually to do an hour set each. Elton came on and sang some great hits including Rocket Man and I feel fine! Billy Joel followed with hits such as 'Uptown girl' and whatever else he sings. Then they came back on together at the end to do a final few songs together, including Candle in the Wind and they finished off with Piano Man, a perfect fitting to the Piano men! Such a good finale song too, especially with a drink. Me and Amy teared up a bit realizing this was our finale and that this was a perfect last night together after an amazing year of friendship.

I'm now sat in my hotel room, packed and getting ready for my adventures tomorrow! So much to do still but I'll get through it. Meeting Patrik and Albert for a final meal together over at Weber Grill and then some more packing!

My last day was a busy one but I leave in confidence that they are on the way up and getting past these hard economic times, and that the staff will lead onto bigger and better careers having got through these hard times. I'm really looking forward to returning to Schaumburg in a few years time to see how the hotel and the area has changed. There is so much unused land and full of land to let or buy for businesses to open, it will be interesting to see if it is like a smaller chicago in 5 years time!

So this is the end of an era, I'm not unemployed and off for a packed summer of fun and little responsibility until September!

So goodbye Courtyard and the white lodging team across the cluster of Schaumburg!!!

Bring on Vegas and California!

THIS IS IT!

This is it....

2009-07-07T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today we saw the memorial of Michael Jackson, one which I to be honest, was worried would be a cheesy event which would just be in distaste, and didn't blame Elizabeth Taylor for not turning up to the event. However as soon as it begun, it quickly showed that this was a tasteful, and beautiful tribute to the king of pop.

Some people have made it quite clear it was just another chauvinistic event which shouldn't have been so publicized, however I believe his fans and the world needed a time and a place to grieve, and it would have been very empty had the Jackson's not prepared anything for the people of the world. This was not a day to make fun, make hurtful comments, or say how pathetic this whole situation is (no matter what your beliefs were), nor was it a day for the press to make up more rumors or hurtful stories or what we should do with those kids....

this was a day to remember a legend...

It began with a gospel choir singing 'The King is Here', a grande entrance for our king of pop. Seeing his coffin for the first time made his death suddenly so horribly real.

Mariah Carey began the event singing 'I'll be there', a song which always makes my hairs stand on end, when he was both alive and especially now Michael has passed.

The most moving song for me though was 'Will you be there', performed by Jennifer Hudson, a woman who has been through some horrific tragedy this last year. The most touching at the end when they actually had Michael's speach at the end of the song:

In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tripulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.

Shaheen Jafargholi from Britain's got Talent sang 'Who's loving you', reminded us of Michael's younger days, and would of been around Shaheen's age when he sang that song. Through this event, Shaheen will now most likely become a world wide phenomenon much like Michael himself.

Brook Shields gave a very moving tribute, telling us about the real Michael, not the singer, not the entertainer, but the dad, the brother, the friend. How he used to laugh, a prankster, a real human being. This followed by Jermain Jackson's performance of smile, which was just as beautiful, that reminded us that Michael would want us to smile, despite how much we hurt at this difficult time.

Martin Luther King III told us of Michael's poltical breakthroughs. Michael was the african american artist to ever have a video played on MTV. He set the grounds for black music, and introduced the caucasian world to Motown and african american music, and broke racial barriers. We were also reminded that the past should be forgotten and those false allegations should be put away and we should remember him for what he really was. In America, and in the UK, you are innocent until proven guilty, and Michael was never proven guilty, he was acquitted by a jury. He is an innocent man, and the pedophiliac disgusting comments and jokes should be put to an end. Anything further is just slander.

Al Sharpton gave an aggressive but an incredibly inspiration speach telling us that Michael Jackson will be known across the world through his music and talent, political and charity work for ever and ever, and ever. He also told Michael's children that their father wasn't weird or strange, but that the situations he faced and the things he had to deal with were strange. One thing I learnt from Michael Jackson was that being different and not being part of the crowd and maybe being a bit odd and strange was far cooler than being a stereotype. I hate stereotypes or 'normal' people. I love unique qualities and people who others may perceive as odd or weird, I find far more interesting than plane people who have to fit into stereotypes. I think more than ever now, we have to stand out from the crowd, especially in this economy when we're applying for jobs with such high competition out there... fitting in will get you nowhere in life. Michael might not have fit into the norms of society, but look what he accomplished.

Usha sang 'Gone too soon', one song which was fitting for the situation, Michael has gone too soon. He should have been able to live out at least one of his final curtain concerts, to say goodbye and to once again feel that love from an audience and to know he still has it. Michael offstage seems very fragile, but when he was on stage he transformed into this remarkable performer who had so much energy and wasn't letting anyone get to him. He was invincible. One last performance would have have left him on a high, and his song Gone Too Soon, really reflects these last 2 weeks. Usha came off the stage and sang it directly to Michael's casket, before breaking down, which was truely a moving scene.

Stevie Wonder sang 'I never dreamed you'd leave this summer', again another fitting song for Michael. The words reflected his death so much... we all expected the big come back this summer and that he'd be very much coming back, instead we're left without him.

The Jacksons came on at the end and said their own goodbyes. Paris Jackson, left an orphan, broke down saying how much she's going to miss her father. This moved everyone, watching this young girl, parentless. No child should have to go through this.

Marlon Jackson said some words which really stuck with me today ''Maybe now they'll leave you alone'', and I really hope the world does leave him alone now to finally rest in peace. The press can leave him alone now, him and his family to grieve. We don't need to know any more gossip or hurt, or rumors. What's done is done, and Michael should be allowed to rest in peace, anything more now is just hurtful to anyone who knew him

The event ended with all Michael's friends and family singing Heal the World and We are the World, recreated from the plans for the summer concerts. A beautiful ending to see everyone up there. Afterwards, the screen left with a photo of Michael behind a camera from the video ''Laberian Girl'', where he famously said at the end ''thats a rap'', and it showed that this was a rap, the end, a complete life, a perfect ending to a beautiful tribute and the ending to a wonderful life of a man who completed everything he'd dreamed. This was it. Its a rap.

It then brought up a quote of Michael Jackson's - ''I am alive and I'm here forver'' , and he will be... he really will.

The audience left the arena to 'Man in the Mirror', on the stage was a microphone stand with a spotlight beaming down on it. Very much like the ending of many concerts, where the microphone is still there but the artist has gone. Michael has gone, but his music and entertainment will go on forever.

Today was a very difficult day for me and many others, but its over now. We can move on. Many people don't understand how we can grieve for someone we didn't know. But I honestly feel like I lost apart of my family, I've cried more over Michael's death than I have of some of my blood relatives.

Thank you so much to those who expressed concern, who sent texts, letters, emails, and messages asking if I was ok, saying I was the first person they thought of. It was so lovely for your concern, even people who I assumed would laugh at me for feeling the way I feel, turned around and sent their sympathy knowing how much of a real loss this is to me.
But I am no Jackson, and thoughts a prayers should be with the Jackson family at this time who must be devastated, and have to deal with that grief in the public eye, which must be incredibly difficult.

Well much like this whole situation, Michael's life, his career and concerts, this is it... and this is it for my reporting and blogs to Michael, as what is to be be said has been said, and I'm going to leave him alone in the hope that others will also leave him be. He will always be remembered, and believe we should remember him through his beautiful music, which we will always have on whether its in a show, nightclub or a hotel elevator.... and will always have a special place in my heart which will live on forever and still make my hairs on my arms stand on end and get the goosebumps and those thrills everytime i see a video or hear certain songs. Michael said we'd always be in his heart, and he'll always be in mine.

Michael will live on forever, and I hope he can now finally rest in peace

So thats a rap, this IS it...

Goodbye and Goodnight Michael Jackson, We will always love you x

The final countdown....

2009-07-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Its been exactly one week since we heard the shocking news that Michael Jackson died, and since all we seemed to have heard is the dirty details of who or what killed him and whether he's really those children's father. Quite frankly, none of this is anyones business but the Jackson famiy's, and we should be taking more time to focus on remembering a man who provided us with entertainment for the past 40 years. One thing which has come out of this, are videos and photos of him and his children, playing and being a family. Its my belief that its those who bring us up are our parents, not biology. And Michael is more of a father to those children than half of these supposed biological dads out there who couldn't care less about being involved in their children's lives.

One fantastic breakthrough this past week, has been footage and photos of the This Is It concerts, which the full rehearsals are to be released onto DVD in the next few months, so we can finally see what Michael had in store for us, and his art and vision has not been lost. Its just such a shame that the shows wont go on, as so much work has gone into those performances, however it wouldn't be the same without the king of pop himself. AEG gave everyone the option of giving people a refund or keeping the tickets. I, myself, kept the ticket option, as we can always earn more money, but now I have this little piece of Michael, part of my life dream to see him live, which unfortunately never got to live out. Many complained that we didn't get both refunds and tickets. I'm not bothered about the money, I just wish AEG would have provided more, a program, or memorabilia from the event to add to the ticket. But those tickets are priceless in the forms that they will always be the tickets to Michael's final gigs. But I'm going to have my ticket framed, to always have on show that I had a ticket to his final tour :)

A few days ago, the world felt empty without him. It still seems rediculous to say this, to be devestated over someone I didn't even know personally. But it did. I couldn't watch the news, or listen to his music. And then they released the photos of the This Is It concerts, and I just broke down. I decided to go for a walk and clear my head. As I was crossing Higgins Road in Schaumburg, a car pulled up, blasting 'Bad' out of the window. I turned to the driver and smiled, and he smiled back before he drove on. I kept on walking (mainly because if I hadn't I'd of been knocked down... those cars go fast on Higgins), but I walked on with a smile and with confidence that Michael still lives, with all of us, forever through his music which will inspire us and entertain us for years to come :) and since that day I haven't been sad or down. But optimistic! And excited for the summer, and the future!

The other good news this past week, that the people that have given him a hard time in the past have finally turned around and given him a break. Martin Bashir, the man who tore his career apart after the documentary 'Living with Michael Jackson', has finally turned round and said he never truly believed Michael Jackson was harmful to children and while his life was extraordinary, he believed him to be a safe and sound gentleman who had a lot of love for those around. It is also reported that Jordan Chandler, the boy (or now man) who claimed Jackson abused him (and yet took the $20 million pay off ) has admitted that his accusations were completely untrue.

Michael's funeral is to be on Tuesday, and I just hope that they give him the send off he deserves. I also hope, at last the press, and the public will give him and the Jackson family the privacy and the respect they deserve. There are reports that Neverland will one day be opened like Grace Land, for the public to visit and see the house that Michael designed. So maybe I never got to see Michael live, but I'm optomistic that one day I'll be able to visit Neverland (his home which he designed and made him happy, his refuge and inspiration for much of his music), and pay the respects I never got to do here and be able to see a part of Michael and possibly where he's buried?

His memorial is on Tuesday and afterwards it will be my final blog for the king of pop, as I want to let him rest in peace. Plus my blogs are getting a tad serious, and the people who know me will know I don't do serious.

---

So its the final countdown to my return to England! Its been an easier week at work, a short breather after the stressed unbelievably busy shifts we've had these past few weeks! Hopefully my final weeks at work will be a rememberable and fantastic end to my time here in America. I've already been told that one of my final shifts will be spent on our property on Mag Mile in Downtown Chicago, where I'll be able to visit downtown one last time, and work in the enjoyable rush of the city!

Myself and Amy went to o'hare airport last week to collect our new intern. I never realized how much fun it is to stand there waiting for people to come out of customs! Me and Amy were thinking of coming back again next week with coctails and just hanging out with everyone who are awaiting families and friends from all over the world! It made me realize that will be my mum and dad in just 3 weeks, waiting for little old me!

Our new intern is called Eszter, who is from Budapest, Hungary, and since we've been showing her the delights of Schaumburg and helping her get about. It brought it home to me that that was me last year, and looking back at how far I've come and how much has changed in these past 12 months, and remembering how different I was. Remembering the feelings of fear, optimism and wondering how the next year will pan out! But realizing how quickly everything came together, and how brilliant this last year has been, and the experiences I've had. We're collecting another new intern in the coming weeks, a girl from Hong Kong called Apple who will be my replacement. I'll have to train her to platinum employee status before I leave! as we can't have the people of Schaumburg grieving my loss for too long! I'm thinking of having Madam Tussauds come in and have a wax work of myself put in the lobby.

As we said hello to new interns, we said goodbye to old interns and managers. First we said goodbye to Shannon my old AGM who has been a great friend and mentor this year. I gave her Fawlty Towers on dvd as a leaving gift, in the hope she'll use it as a training video for staff at her new hotel! We also said goodbye to my friend and intern Sandra, who has returned to England, although those goodbyes wont be for long as I'll be seeing her in September; we have various concerts and nights out planned when we're back home, and we're also planning to come back to America next summer to travel the south, including Texas and New Orleans!

Tomorrow I'm speaking to my parents for the last time before I fly home. During that time they're off on holiday to Austria (this is not an invite to burgle their houses... they have security alarms and very nosey neighbors who would inform the authorities within seconds! While they're there they are celebrating their 50th and 60th birthdays! They're going to kill me for telling everyone their ages! But please if you see them, wish them happy birthday as its quite a landmark! I can't believe its been 10 years since they're joint 90th (40th and 50th birthdays incase your confused)! Its gone so fast. It was the day I received my SATs results and was leaving primary school and about to go to High School! And now I'm living in America, and I'm, well, me! We were celebrating at a hotel which no longer exsists and I remember doing the moonwalk in front of my family to Billie Jean. Today I'm still just as optimistic, have the thrive to entertain and still have a fond love for Michael Jackson.... can't you tell? I guess I am pretty quiet about that....

So with 22 days to go... this is the final countdown! See you soon England ;)

The man, the myth, the legend.

2009-06-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

June 25th 2009

Today we heard the news that we lost the king of pop, Michael Jackson. To sum up how I felt about this news, was devastated. Some may laugh that anyone could cry over someone they didn't know, but the fact is we did know him. Through his songs that have inspired us for over 40 years, we've all grown up around those songs and made us feel things we didn't know we could feel. Michael Jackson was an inspiration to all of us, no matter what you thought about his personal life, I don't think anyone could not think of one song of Michael's they liked.

I can't even remember when I first listened to Michael, as long as I can remember, I was listening to his music and dancing to his songs. I remember the first mixed tape I had was from my uncle of MJ songs, and the first album I ever owned was Michael Jackson - History. To this day I own every album (both original and special edition), dvd, video and box set he's ever brought out. I have his songs countless of times on several CDs. Every album, song, video, movie, video game and god knows what else he's created over the years, was a work of art.

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest performers the world has ever seen. He inspired me to be on the stage. From a young age I wanted to be a singer, and then when I discovered I couldn't sing any longer I knew I still wanted to be up on that stage, and once I found out I was pretty funny, stand up comedy was my way to go. But I still was inspired to be like Michael, and when I think of if I was to ever make it big, I always dream of having a grand entrance like Michael would have.... totally over the top, but with taste.

He was a genius. He made us think about race through songs such as black or white, about love, about equality and caring for others. Songs such as heal the world and we are the world, inspired events such as live aid, helping millions all over the world. His charities feed hungry children and help young children who have been severly burnt.

His music and videos have inspired artists such as Justin Timberlake, Will Young, Usher and many others to be the stars they are today. His music and art will live on through the inspiration of others.

I actually have admit that I became tearful at work when I heard the news, and made a bit of an embarressment of myself in front of a guest. I thought it was silly, but I genuinly feel I've lost a friend or a family member. He's been part of my life for 21 years. Friends, family and colleagues texted, emailed and phoned me to ask if I was ok. I didn't know my obsession or love of Michael was so grand, and I thank those who expressed concern.

Its such a tragedy that a man has been struck down at such a young age, just before he was able to do his final farewell tour. I'm devestated that I never got to see a legend who I'd been waiting my entire life to see! However at the same time, it was good that he went now, at a time he knew he was loved all over the world. He'd sold out 50 dates, with millions of people wanting more. He really had come back and the world and himself knew it. Imagine he had gone 2 years ago when his career and respect was in crumbles. At least he died knowing that he was loved and respected all over the world by millions.

Many people laugh, joke, but people need to remember that he leaves behind 2 parents who have lost a son, 4 brothers and 2 sisters who have lost a dear sibling. He's left behind 3 children; paris, prince and blanket, who have been left orphaned; and not forgetting the millions of fans who have lost their idol. For the most part though, even those who loathed him, actually stopped today and knew something had changed. No one could walk past and laugh it off. Something happened today. I couldn't believe it. The streets were empty. Chicago was silent. People were rushing up to any tv they could find. Guests were coming back in shock.

A friend of mine works in a hotel in florida, she said the guests were opening their windows and playing michael jackson songs into the street. In new york city this evening the streets are filled with people celebrating the life of a man who gave so much.

Its awful that the bad press which surrounded him is still going on, and yet he proved two court battles to be complete lies. He was proven innocent, and left a wreck, but didn't let that stop him. I hope for once the press leave him and his family to grieve this awful time.

As for the concerts; I hope they carry them on as a memorial to a legend. There are all those dancers who are trained for the shows left unemployed, that stage is built, left for the trash, and all that hard work and effort, which could be left for ruins. I hope the creators plan a memorial for all those who have paid good money and possibly arranged flights and hotels to London to see a show, and hope they put on a show as memory to Michael Jackson. They could have great stars and performers such as Justin Timberlake and the likes perform the great songs of the a historic man, and his millions of fans would have somewhere to grieve and remember him. I hope someone decides to do this. After the death of kurt cobain, his concerts continued and were used as a memory to a man who inspired so many, and I hope this is done with MJ.

Michael wrote a song on his Dangerous album called 'Gone too soon', it was used in 1997 also as a memory to Princess Diana and I think the song is appropriate for the loss of our hero himself:

"Gone Too Soon"

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

Everything about these lyrics are true to this tragedy.

We know that Michael Jackson is dead, but his songs, videos and his genius works of art will live out time.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson, my idol - the man, the myth - the ultimate legend.

Mountain Moma brought me home!

2009-06-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

The week began at Residence Inn, a sister property of ours here in Schaumburg. Don't ask why they can't be brothers, I guess feminism has gone crazy. The Residence Inn property is more of an apartment complex than a hotel, and therefore there are very few people coming in and out or checking in. Time ACTUALLY stops at this property. When I thought my night must be nearly over, it was still only 6pm and I had another 5 hours to go. There are only so many times you can refresh your facebook before you want to throw your computer out the window. I would have kept myself busy by tidying or cleaning, but due to the lack of people, there was no mess to be created!

Anyway the second night came, and I pulling my hair out with boredom, and when tapping the desk, my hands went off on their own and went on a wondering around the desk (I'm male), and accidentally clicked the panic button. 5 minutes later, the phone called, it was Schaumburg police and they wanted to know if everything was ok. I explained how much of an idiot I was but it was an accident and everything was ok. The woman on the phone asked that I go and explain that to the officers outside and to make sure my hands were where they could see them. I walk outside where police cars are surrounding the building and armed police were stood there making sure some crazy terrorist wasn't causing trouble. I explained again how silly my wondering hands were and that everything was ok. One of the policeman sent the others away and came in with me and checked everywhere to make sure no one was held hostage. He stayed for another 15 minutes to make sure everything was ok before leaving, which made me put huge faith in the local police... as long as they dont think i was 'the boy who cried wolf' and dont come if theres a real emergency!

So since then, managers and colleagues from all properties have been calling up and just laughing down the phone at me. I'm the talk of the town and will probably never live it down, although I'm only here for another 4 weeks!

The next night I was back at Courtyard, and wasn't complaining about the rush after the Res experience. It was so busy that i scalded my hand in hot water when replenishing the coffee station! Nearly screaming in pain and obviously in pain, a guest stood there and asked for a wake up call. I went over to the phone to set it up, one hand still dripping in hot scalding water, slowling burning away the flesh, the guest just looked at me and said 'I am going to get this wake up call arnt i?'
How inconsiderate can these people be? It wasn't enough that I was withholding physical pain just to set up his wake up call? I swear I could drop dead at the desk, and people would just complain that the service was rubbish. Unbelievable.

Anyway after these dramatic events, I managed to have a couple of days off, where I flew to Washington DC! I met my friend Beverly at the airport, and we wondered into the city centre. We were going to go to the Holocaust Museum but due to the shootings, the museum was shut and therefore we wondered around the city and saw all the sites. We saw the Washington and Lincoln monuments, the Korean, Vietnam and World War II memorials, as well as the White House and Capitol Building.

That evening we drove up to West Virginia where I was staying and spent the evening with friends Marti and Beverly. The next day we got up and explored the town of Shepherdstown, a small hippy town which turns out to be the oldest town in West Virginia. In the afternoon we headed out to the state of Maryland to see the sites of the Civil War. I did very well and didn't once sing 'Country Road!! take me home! to the place I belong! West Virginia, Mountain Moma, take me home, country road!' which I bet Beverly was glad about.

On Saturday we went into DC and managed to finally get to see the Holocaust Museum. It was amazing how many people only came to see where a security guard got shot, rather than actually coming to see the Holocaust Museum. 6 million dead Jews were forgotten for one security guard who wasn't even Jewish. However he was black. I wonder if the old nazi who killed him walked in and thought he'd cover all bases by shooting a black man in a Jewish museum. Too bad he wasn't gay, he would have made all points!

That afternoon we went to the Pride Festival where we saw the parades! Thousands of gays swarmed the streets of Washington to celebrate their sexuality. It was interesting to say the least, with the biggest point trying to get gay marriage in America.
Afterwards we went to a party in a hotel room, I got to be the annoying guest who I usually have to shout at every Saturday night. Its fun to be in the other persons shoes.

On Sunday we went straight down to DC again where we visited the Smithsonian Museum of National American History, followed by a return to the Pride Fest events where they had an open air concert in front of the Capitol Building.
That evening we returned to West Virginia where I spent the evening enjoying my last few hours with Beverly and Marti. We had an amazing few days and wouldn't have been as good without them!

I flew back to Chicago on Monday morning and was back to work that afternoon. I really don't know how all my guests travel and work the way they do, because after a two hour flight I was exhausted! I don't blame them for being so grouchy!!

Back to normality at least for a few weeks. 4 weeks left of work before my last day, and then travelling again before I return to England in 5 weeks time!! I didn't think I'd be upset to leave Schaumburg, not because I haven't enjoyed my time here, because I've met some amazing friends; but I thought I wouldn't be upset as I thought I'd be too excited to see everyone in England, but driving through Schaumburg and seeing the Zurich Towers, knowing that in just a few weeks time it'll be the last time I would be seeing them! A tear came to my eye, and it'll be sad to leave this place which has been home for the last year.

Land of Lincoln

2009-06-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, myself, Patrik and Albert took a trip to the Capital of Illinois - Springfield. We took route 66 (even though it technically doesn't still exist unless you take the back roads, its much easier to take route 55 highway), we managed to find the historic route and drove through these very unique villages and town. I think I've been watching too many horror movies, as I was terrified, these towns looked like scenes out of Devils Rejects! I warned Albert not to stop for gas anywhere!

We arrived in Springfield at 9:30am, and for the CAPITAL of a state, I was surprised at how tiny and quiet this apparent city was, but also at how southern the people were, especially seeing it was only a 3 hour drive from Chicago. But don't be put off, Springfield was one of the most friendliest towns I have ever visited, the locals were more than welcoming!

Springfield is famous for the fact that Abraham Lincoln was from here (well actually if your asking he was born in Indiana, but he studied, worked, began his political career and is buried here... but no one likes technicalities), but what amused me about the visit, is that clearly Lincoln is ALL Springfield is famous for. Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln. These poor people clanged onto him like a breast feeding child! I didn't want to rub it into their faces that in Chicago, we had Obama.

We visited the Old Capitol Building where we saw where Lincoln worked as Senator of State, his offices and where he lied in state for the people of Illinois to visit after he died. We visited the Lincoln Museum, where we learnt all about, you guessed it... Lincoln!

We took a tour around the Law offices where Lincoln worked as a lawyer for many years before his political career took off; followed by a tour of his house. While the house was exactly how it was when he left it, the law offices over the years had changed, and it turned out they had no idea where he would have actually worked, what building or what his office was like. We were shown around by a local volunteer who was clearly out of retirement looking for something to do, and kept forgetting important facts, and we spent a good half hour waiting for her to remember how the building was designed.... because, sure, thats what we came for. But we couldn't complain, we didn't pay for the tour.

The tour of the house however was very impressive, to see exactly how Lincoln had it. The house was a good standard, 5 bedroom, for a man of that time, he had done very well, seeing he had come from a one bedroom barn in Indiana, he had come a long way (as the tour guide kept reminding us several times), however there wasn't a bathroom. Can you imagine... the president of the united states.... no bathroom! Unbelievable. We had a wonder around the house and had a guided tour of each room; we got to actually touch the banister up the stairs which Lincoln touched... they promoted this by saying this is the closest thing we could get to shaking his hand; I couldn't help think with all this bird flu going about that they wipe that historic aid down with anti-bacterial spray each day. I know this in affect would remove any lincoln remains away from the banister, but my health comes first...

We finished off by stopping off at Lincoln's tomb, and what an impressive monument to the 16th president it was! At 36m high, I was incredibly inspired and decided that I want an even bigger tomb after my death. You walk into the tomb and there's statues of Lincoln on the walk round to the actual grave. We learnt of how some crafty devils once tried to steal the presidents body for ransom, of course that failed as one of their accomplices stitched them right up! How rude.

After an amazing day, we returned to Schaumburg, and I lined my gifts of a Lincoln head statue and Illinois flag up on my desk, and now my desk looks like the presidential desk in the white house, which while we are on it, I'll be visiting in 7 days! Yes 7 days from now I'll be on my mini tour of Washington DC and West Virginia!

'Country Roaaaaad, take me home, to the place I belong! West Virginia, Mountain Momma, Country Roaaaad! Take me home!' - poor Beverly (my tour guide for the week) is going to hate me! I best download that now and get it out of my system before I get there! I wonder if Blue Ridge Mountains are anywhere near Sheperdstown?

In England today (june 4th) its the elections, and I urge anyone reading this to go out and vote anyone but the BNP.

If you need a reason why, watch the following: http://bit.ly/yWZcO

These people are going to gain seats if people don't vote against them, and this could be potentially dangerous! I wish I could be there to make the difference myself, but seeing I'm not around myself to stop this fascist party getting into power, I urge those who can to go and vote and keep our country liberal! It never just stops at immigration; it will go on until anyone who doesn't fit into the norm of society to be discriminated against, whether you or your friends are black, asian, jewish or gay (as we're practically a race now... not a choice!). Now while I can't be there to support us all this week, next week I'll be in DC supporting my tribe at my very first Pride Festival!

Diversity won Britains Got Talent, and I was gutted Susan Boyle didn't have a fit and throw a camera at Ant and Dec in a rage! I bet all those people who said they would take her virginity if she won are relieved. Diversity have been called up to perform with Michael Jackson at his summer concerts - this is going to be immense! Also on Michael Jackson news, he's now confirmed a Jackson family reunion concert next summer in Texas! So I'm thinking a tour of the south with a stop off in texas to see the Jackson family blow me away with their musical magic all over again July 2010!

Only 6 weeks left of work in the hotel left! And even after a year, people actually manage to suprise me! The best question ever was asked for me, more annoying than 'Where are you located?' (which is so vague it makes me want to shoot somebody). A guest called down and asked 'Where do I find information?'. I felt like suggesting a library or the internet? But sucked up my comedic response (basically my natural instincts), and asked what sort of information he would like; he replied 'a phone number'. I was assuming a phone number for a local restaurant or a business, but no. He wanted the phone number to John Mayer, who apparently lives in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. I was suddenly the White Pages (which by the way isn't a fascist movement paper, but is like the yellow pages, accept for regular people... i suggest changing the name to neutrally respectful pages). Unbelievable.

Well my dedicated readers, I leave you with some advice today... Vote liberal on June 4th and NEVER work with the public...

C'est la vie x

Coyote aint so ugly

2009-05-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

I begin this new post from my new home at the hotel in Schaumburg. For the next 8 weeks, i'll be living in a hotel room.... now I feel like a true rock star! I've moved out all my stuff and it was kind of sad that I could pack up mu life into two suitcases. It was quite sad leaving the area I lived in, although I will not miss the walk to work, especially in the Chicago summer heat! But I'll miss the wildlife and the scenery and the nice neighbors I usually chat to on the way. The wildlife we get in my area is amazing; Racoons, Skunks, rabbits...and some things I haven't even seen or heard of. The other week I saw a large dog like animal, and was slighly worried as we are reported to have wolves in the area, and it was at midnight and I was walking home from work. Anyway I did some research and found out these animals are Coyotes and that they're quite common in the Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates area these days and have adapted to being around humans. Just last night I was walking down the street to my house, and one walked right past me... I was shitting it, but the Coyote wasn't even phased by me, just carried on with its business... quite snooty if anything.

http://www.ci.schaumburg.il.us/vos.nsf/schaumburg/MJFT-664S3H

Of course me moving in here means that Sandra has left on her travels! She has gone from New York to LA! I'm very jealous but I of course have booked some travels of my own! 2 weeks today I'll be setting off to Washington DC and staying with some friends in West Virginia. Then I come back and I have 5 weeks left of work (and an Elton John concert to attend) before I fly off to Las Vega s for 4 days, then fly to San Francisco for 3 days to meet my friend Renee and see the sites of this amazing California city! Then I'll be flying back to Chicago for one night for my final goodbyes before flying home the next day to England. Its scary how little time I have and how fast the past year has gone, but what an amazing summer I have to look forward to. My last week in America I'll be flying 8 times... I'm self destroying the world in one week... Al Gore would have a field day.

This weekend was memorial day, and I spent it on Schaumburg town square where the army did a presentation firing guns and the such, we also had a war veteran tell us of his time in Vietnam, which lets be honest was a pretty horrific war. Of course the holidays meant an interesting weekend at work, with CHILDREN. Damn them... I had one little boy who couldn't reach the urinal in the restroom, so instead he decided to just urinate all over the floor in the middle of the bathroom! I had another woman try to hog the entire hotel for herself and her little girl, asking me to ask other guests to leave the swimming pool so she could swim.... unbelievable. I sometimes lose faith in humanity when I work with people so much... But weekends in the hotel can be so stressful... leisure guests need rollaway beds, towels, EVERYTHING. Businessmen come into the hotel and as long as they've got a bed, the internet and access to pornography, they're a happy bunch. No problems. 7 weekends to go anyways ;)

American Idol ended last week, something which I tried not to get attatched to, but ultimatly... you do. I apologize for the posting the winner on facebook forgetting they wouldn't be showing the show until the following day and ruined the show for everyone but oh well. But I KNEW it was fixed, how could that plane, red necked loser win? Adam performed with KISS! He was bringing the glam rock back and put on the most amazing performances week after week. And now we hear the news that it was fixed that the vote was unfair, due to phone provider AT&T allowing voters to vote for Chris for free but charging to vote for Adam. Unbelievable. What is happening to our world if we can't even trust a family tv show. I feel more hurt than that time I got screwed by Richard and Judy.

Anyway just a short one this week as I need to go and unpack and make this Marriott hotel room feel like home! In the mean time listen to the Jimmy Carr Writers Room podcasts, available from Itunes, or the Ricky Gervais audiobooks, available from the same place.

Chicago is crazzzyyy! (well when Emily comes to town...)

2009-05-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

This week I had the joys of Emily (my friend from University who lives in Boston) visiting the Chicago land area! And it was probably the most randomly fun week I've had here. Chicago is CRAZY, in the words of Emily, but lets face it, anywhere Emily is, is crazy!

First stop once in Chicago, was the bar (of course, its me and em?) and what better bar than the Hancock building with the beautiful view and the coctails! 2 coctails later, we thought we better ought to see the sites of Chicago, so we wondered over to Navy Pier, where we were distracted immediatly by a beer garden. We were in the beer garden for several hours, and after many many pints later, we went for dinner where a bottle of wine was consumed, and then an irish bar where 2 more bottles of wine were consumed! We met some very nice people and got quite typsy.... thats a lie, very typsy and nearly left the bar without paying. The bar man ran out to remind us of our outstanding bill... eek!

The next morning we awoke at 6am to a horrible alarm clock and a banging hangover, but there was no time to suffer. We needed to be on the mega bus by 8 and had to get across the city. A stop at Mcdonalds on the way was also on the agenda.

We could not find a single locker to put Emily's bright pink suitcase named Brenda in Chicago, so she had to join us on our travels. While she was a burden, it was much fun taking photos of this bright pink suitcase in different tourist areas and the people of Indiana giving us strange looks and wondering why we were treating this piece of luggage like a human being.

We jumped on the mega bus to Indianapolis where if you want to see the biggest number of ghetto women you'll ever meet, get on a mega bus, who just sit on the back of the bus acting all stereotypical and singing to themselves.

We arrived in Indianapolis at noon, and first stop was to visit the Lucas Oil Stadium - home to the Colts, Indianapolis American Football team! My best mate Rob has a brick in the building from when they rebuilt the stadium which was bought for him as a 21st birthday present from his mum as he's massive Colts fan! After an hour of looking through hundreds of names, we found the brick and were so happy!

We also wondered around memorial circle, white state park and had a wonder around the beautiful architecture of indianapolis! Oh yes I've made Emily quite the cultured one!

We then took the ghetto bus back to Chicago and had to get on the metra back to Schaumburg. Emily was not impressed with the metra, she thought that the speed it was going was due to it setting off, it was only after 45 minutes of travelling that she realized that this was its fastest speed it actually went. She actually has on camera someone running faster than the bloody train!

We then got off the train and Emily was even more amused at how in the middle of nowhere I live, in her words 'Dave your a red neck , you live out in the sticks!'

So anyway we arrived back at my house where we found Prison Steve! He's out of prison! So he's now back to being just named Steve... maybe we can call him 'ex-con steve' instead. He found prison like a vacation but is glad to have his freedom again.

On the final day I felt quite bad that Emily hadn't seen any of Chicago seeing we'd spent the entire first day drinking in the beer garden. So we hopped on the very slow metra down to Chicago and went to Millenium Square, where they have happened to put up a beer garden! So we were distracted again! and spent 2 hours in the Millenium Park drinking. However we didnt spend as long there as it was $25 for 2 beers. Thats expensive, even for Chicago where beer costs more than gold.

Before we missed any more sites through our drunken distraction of beer gardens, we moved onto mag mile and took in the sites, before finally landing in a British pub where they sold Boddingtons and Strongbow. How delighful. More drunken fun.

Emily went home Saturday morning and that evening I met Amy downtown and we went to see Bryan Adams in concert at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago. He was absolutely amazing! Sat behind some people from Summerset! Always manage to find us Brits somewhere. One woman in the audience didn't quite understand it was a acoustic night and kept standing up and going ''is this a rock concert or what?? stand up and rock!!! ''. It was a cracking night though, everyone sang along to every song and was such an amazing night. Anyway here was the set list from the concert:

Run to You
Tonight we have the stars
Back to you
Lets make this a night to remember
Here I am
When you love someone
This Time
Remember
Not romeo, not juliet
Heaven
Lonely Nights
Everything I do (I do it for you)
Cuts like a knife
Please Forgive Me
Walk on by
Somebody
I just wanna make love to you
Summer of 69
Have you ever really loved a woman

At work this week we had the Marriott Associate Appreciation week, and I think I felt even less appreciated than most weeks. One guest even told me to shut up after I helped him with his luggage to his room and wished him a good night, he turned round and went 'Oh shut up David'. I feel like I should make a sign as not to embarress the guests when theyre screaming at me on this appreciative week. Can't believe I only have 10 weeks left... not that I'm counting or anything. but 10 weeks!

Adios Amigos!!!

its all about the Dave ...

2009-05-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

Well this week I've began to round up all my things, began packing for the big move at the end of the month! My roommate Steve's been in touch. He described prison as an extended holiday. Brilliant. I see why he's in there now. Nothing phases this guy. Before he was carted off to jail, he was demoted from work, living off take out and basically spent his days on his xbox. He physically wouldn't move. He had no ambition. Nothing. When he got a girlfriend, i thought this has to inspire some feeling of some form, excitement? Human emotion maybe? He said 'I can be bothered with this one'. Lucky girl. But he was the happiest guy in the world, nothing phased him. I never saw him angry, frustrated or upset, and the fact that he see's prison as a vacation sums him up! Here are the rest of us, ambitious, excited in life and yet always moaning. We're never satisfied. Maybe we could learn something from Prison Steve, as he will now be known.

I've been listening to the delights of the Ricky Gervais podcasts this week, hours of just listening to Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant having intellegent debates, which are regularly ruined with the thoughts of Karl Pilkington. I've been laughing in tears for hours on end, I've laughed more at these podcasts than all Ricky's series and all his stand up comedy, and I'm a BIG Ricky fan. If you haven't listened to them, make sure you download them at Itunes, they are bloody hilarious !

In the world of work this week; my girlfriend turned up and stayed at my hotel. I know what your thinking... 'Dave ya big homo, what you doin' gettin' yaself a girlfriend? You don't hang out with them folk!!?'' Well for those of you who are not aware of this story I will share! In the Schaumburg area there are 5 Marriott properties under various brands. We occasionally call each other up for information such as occupancy and if a guest turns up at the wrong hotel and such. Anyway a couple of times before I've been chatting to these front desk agents, getting quite friendly, we've ended up going out after work, as you can imagine most nights at 11pm after we finish work, there isnt many people wanting to go out!

anyway I had been ringing this Marriott property for sometime, and each time I'd got quite chatty with this girl, I couldn't remember her name, I assumed it was Chloe or something like that. She looked like a Chloe, and I'm sure thats what she said her name was. Anyway she asked if I wanted to go for a quick drink after work. I was all up for it. I love meeting new friends, new drinking buddies are always fun, I'm game for that. So she picks me up. Fairly piggish looking girl. Not the most attractive.

I'm all for inner beauty, but if somethings gonna turn me straight, it wouldn't be this...

So anyway it soon becomes apparent that this girl is after more than friendship. She tells me how she'd been joking with some girl at work wondering what the hell she would do (bare in mind we'd only spoken on the phone) if she'd turned up to the bar and I'd been 60 years old. I laughed, confused, and asked her what she would of done. She replied, 'I'd just shut my eyes'.

So, quite scared. Didn't know what to do. The poor girl was so damn happy I'd even turned up that I couldn't crush her dreams that this was a date and not a drink with a gay mate. I didn't tell her, and instead made it obvious I wasn't really interested in sex or relationships and that I was leaving in a couple of weeks (at the time it was more like 6 months but whatever, you do what u have to do). I've since been criticized for instead of at least maintaining her ego of telling her I was gay, I just let her think i just wasn't interested in HER. Meh. anyway she soon got bored and began chatting up the barman, who would you believe it, was even less interested in her than I was. And he actually likes girls!

The next evening she turned up at work unannounced, saying she was gonna drive me home. I would of made an excuse, but it was raining and I wanted the ride. I'd of accepted it off Charles Manson at this point due to the thunder and hail which was pounding down on this remote suburb. We got back to mine and it was a bit awkward, think she wanted me to invite her in or at least a kiss, instead i ran out shouting 'THANKS!'

On Valentines Day she turns up at my work and asks if we're going out for a drink. Luckilly I was doing an usual shift of working on until 1am, she offered to stick about but I excused that by saying I had too much to do.

Anyway since my managers and colleagues have been mocking me asking me how my girfriend is etc and having a good laugh at it all. I personally think its all a bit harsh on Chloe, or whatever her name is.

At this point I would like to remind you I still didn't know this girls name. I felt like I was in an episode of Seinfeld.

Anyway Monday night comes along... as it does. She turns up just before 11, I thought 'jesus christ here we go'. She was like ''hiiiiii! I'm staying here''. Turns out due to her living far away or something she needed somewhere to stay... (i was just grateful she hadnt asked to stay at mine!!). Anyway the awkward bit came where I had to check her in, I had no idea what the hell her name was??? Anyway there was a moments hesitation and silence, and then she handed me her Marriott associate identification, and I see her names Taylor! friggin Taylor. Where the hell was Chloe from?

Anyway luckily she hasn't been asking me out or trying it on or anything. Well if anything, its a bonus her staying because I have an excuse, I can't be fooling around with guests now can I? Ah ha! Shes ultimately ruined any future for us, if there was to ever be one. And unless she has a very dark secret (which even then would be at a push, don't do inbetweens), i doubt there would be one.

Talking of weirdos fancying me (a regular topic). My roommate Jake decides to set me up last weekend with one of his fiances friends. Now I hate set ups, you end up feeling sort of required to do something then. Like when someones bought you an expensive dinner, you have to give in then don't you, no matter how weird and boring they are. Anyway we go and theres a good few of us. I asked Jake before we met what this guy was like, he said 'I only met him once at Halloween', I was like great, this has to be gold.

We get there and I'm introduced to Simon (again I think thats what his name was, I didn't pay much attention), who is the weirdest, ugliest pug faced arse you'd ever met. But you know, you at least think maybe they have a personality. Well this one did, but its not the type you'd ever want anywhere near you.

Now I love awkwardness, i thrive off it, so i was loving it all night. This guy tells me he's a professional singer and a fantastic actor. He then decides to prove he's neither of these by doing sketches from ab-fab and Seinfeld, just because 1) i was british, and 2) i mentioned at some point during the night, that I liked seinfeld. His acting was terrible. He basically did the sketch in his same voice, same way, just him basically reading the script with no acting skills at all. Now of all the Seinfelds to do, there are many to pick from, maybe the masturbation competition, the time George took his dead ex fiances parents to the hamptons, or even maybe when Kramer became the president of an OAP club in Florida. But no, he decides to choose the episode which includes Elaine dancing. He then begins to stand up and in front of the entire BAR did Elaine's horrific dance.

It got worse...

He heard also, due to a discussion I'd had with one of his friends a month ago, that I liked the Darkness. He'd done his research, I'll give him credit. He's obviously heard about my love of freaks too but had gone too far with it. Anyway he got so excited with this that he confirmed with me that i liked the Darkness. I said I loved them. He said he was going to sing it on the kareoke in there for me, I believe in a think called love. I was honored. I asked him if he could do the high pitch voice. He decided to show me, again with no music and in the middle of this mid ranged Hoffman Estates pub (it was a Friday night, it was a busy) that again he couldnt really do any of the things he'd claimed to. The high pitched note was similar to the noise a cat makes when its being strangled. Anyway I couldn't ruin his dreams, I let him go up there, and he managed to ruin one of my favorite songs of all time. Thank you Simon, if that is your name. who knows?

At the end of the evening he asked me if would like to go out sometime, I told him I had to go but Jake would pass on my number. I don't know whether he took that as a yes or a no, but I quickly told Jake not to ever give that boy my number. He gave him the number to an official rejection hotline.

Swine flu's got a bit about this week. I've had to get bacteria wipes and wipe all the keyboards and phones down. I've also seen protective masks come in which they used during the sars epidemic. i'm hoping they are not for us. I do not want to be checking guests in looking like I'm about to repaint the place. My manager sneezed. You should of seen everyone shit themselves. Priceless.

The new Freddie Krugar movie is to be remade in Arlington Heights which is the next village to me. I was there last week with my mum and dad, lovely little town, but we did say it would make a perfect horror movie location, so there you go. I love Alrington Heights, its the smallest village you could possibly come across, but the centre of it with the trainstation and a choice of 4 restaurants and a bar is actually known as 'Downtown Arlington Heights'', its all going on there!

Wanted to send a message out to the family of Carol Spinks who suddenly died earlier this week. Carol was the life and soul of all the Hatton partiies, throughout 21 years of knowing her, all I remember was laughing when she was about, she had an amazing sense of humour and managed to break Hatton tension (and believe me theres a lot of it) in seconds. She will be will be truely missed.

Not much else happening! Me and Sandra went out for a lovely lunch at Wildfire, a place which makes a grilled cheese sandwich, aka cheese on toast become pretentious. one of the priciest places in Schaumburg this week. Its somewhere many people save up to go maybe on a special occasion but me and Sandra like a couple of middle aged desperate housewives do lunch there like we have money coming out of our backsides. It got us wondering though where the hell everyones money goes to? Everyone else seems to have the same rent, responsibilities, nights out etc, and yet everyone complains they dont have money to do anything and yet me and Sandra go off travelling all the time and go for fancy dinners willy nilly. This got me and Sandra worried whether there was some form of tax we haven't been paying which everyone else has. Will we be randomly pulled up for tax avasion or even fraud before we leave? Who knows... maybe it'll be in next week's blog! :) We've since worked it out that the fact that we don't have a car and walk miles everyday saves us a lot of money hence why we can afford to do extravagant things, daily, but we pay the price of walking about 10 miles a day, and bare in mind Schaumburg doesn't have sidewalks!!

12 weeks and I'm home people (not that I'm counting), well thats if i'm not joining Steve for tax avasion!

This week: Emily comes from Boston to Chicago! possible trip to Indianapolis and a Bryan Adams gig :) The Mccans are on oprah on monday so dont miss that if your in america, because they'll surely find her in Chicago, IL after losing her in Portugal. i cant wait to see shannon matthews mother on there, now that would be a show. i passed leeds crown court last year as it was just near my student flat. I saw a bunch of chavs outside with prams... it was the the matthews family. such class, such elegance.

Until next time ... chiow!

The parentals make their mark on America!!!

2009-04-24T15:07:00.001-07:00

I've been rather idol for the past week on the twit and faceache front! Because on the 17th April, the parentals landed in America! After working the 7-3, I hopped on a train down to Chicago and met them at their hotel on Magnificent Mile. It was a very warm sunny day and we decided to go quickly run up the hancock for the coctails and the view, and then off to Irish bar for a few drinks. As soon as we got in the irish bar, first drink, I make a gesture with my hand and knock my pint of sams onto the floor and smashes. glass and beer go everywhere! I sighed. This is a daily occurance for me, but after seeing your parents for the first time in 6 months its not the first impression you want to make on them. No America has not turned me into an idiot... I just always was.

So after a couple more drinks we made our way back to the hotel, i hid myself from the staff, not because i didn't want to see them, but more for the fact that i looked like I'd pissed myself.

The next morning, we started bright and early and we headed for a traditional american breakfast and then off to Navy Pier, where we went on a speed boat to see the skyline, drank lots of coffee (not on the boat that would be dangerous) followed by a quick run to millenium park and up the sears, before they could ruin my parents dreams and change the name to willis tower!

That evening we went in search of British/Irish ale for my dad, would you believe we found Boddingtons in a little Irish bar in the centre, however we paid a price for our beloved imported beer... $8 a pint! madness.

Our final day was spent at the museum of science and industry where we learnt about all sorts so we did. Me and dad went on this simulator ride, where they told us the ride goes upside-down. My dad laughed and was rather cockey and said ''of course it does'' and we were amused when they were strapping us in so tightly looking at this regular simulator machine and its emergency stop button for naucious riders. How soft must they be?

The simulator began... and OH MY GOD ! IT REALLY DID GO UPSIDE DOWN! and the worst thing was we were in control, it was scary as hell! I'm glad I wasn't with Sandra, she would have just broken the machine and we'd of been stuck upside down.

We then jumped on the train up to sunny schaumburg, and to be honest, theres not a lot to do in this remote subarb. My dad disapointed no one had said 'Have a nice day'
yet, nor had he seen one cow boy hat, was soon cheered up by Panera Bread... the best bakery restaurant in America, which soon became their regular place for lunches and coffee, because starbucks dont make 'real' coffee apparantly.

The plan was to rent a car seeing Schaumburg is so behind the times that public transportation is beyond their imaginations. After running all the way home, and all the way back (i live 2 miles away) to get my credit card and passport, and then walked another mile in the cold, wind and rain to the car rental place where they told us to rent a car for 3 days would be $250, not including insurance!!! I could of bloody bought the car for that! So we decided taxis was the best way, and instead of blowing all that money on a car, we thought we'd spend it on something more useful and lasting, and so i purchased my beautiful new apple mac lap top :)

So in the world of work this week, we had the President of Samsung himself stay, and I personally served him coffee. I'm afraid people I couldn't forward your technological complaints and questions, such as why your camera doesnt work on your apple mac or why your phone battery is so crap, because I wasn't allowed :( And lets face it we would quite like his repeat business.

We're also expecting the ministry of defence for Israel is coming in soon... just a note to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad incase your reading (you never know) thats not all of the israel ministry of defence! They aint let their guard down so don't go poking your facist nose in there! I know your game!

Well... my parents left today after an amazing week catching up, and it was sad to see them go, but its only 13 weeks until I land on British soil, back to sunny Preston, which I'm pleased to hear is the least robbed place in Britain now. In all fairness what the hell would they steal? Although its nice to not have that worry, one thing off my mind, and now I cant focus all my worrying on just getting stabbed :)

losing my lap top, home and organs!!

2009-04-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this this weeks update via my ipod touch due to being a homeless bum with no lap top. Where do I EVEN begin???

So Wednesday 8th April begins. I awake, roll over and pick up my lap top and switch on. At this point I realize the ink has run down all over my screen and its completly cracked beneeeth. There was just nothing left. How this has occurred I do not know, but the lap top was dieing anyway. So I sighed and looked into buy a mac, because everyone I know who has had one has owned them for decades and they still work. One of my ex's threw one out of his bedroom window and it didnt even have a scratch on it and worked perfectly well. Along with my long line of apple products these days I decide its the best to purchase one these amazing indestructable inventions.

Later that day I was due to meet with my roommates and my landlord to discuss extending the lease. It was 6pm and my roommate hadn't returned home, and the doorbell rang and it was my landlord. Me and Jake tried calling Steve countless times but he wouldn't pick up. In the mean time I had the landlords 5 year old girl tell me how she used to live in the house and how they wanted to move back here as 'mummy and daddy fight a lot in the new house'' and how she had her own room in this house. Talk about akward. She then made me guess her favorite Disney character, she looked confused and nearly had a fit when I guessed snow white and the cartoon characters from my days as a child. Eventually she got annoyed and told me she liked Hannah Montannah, (whoever that is), who turns out to not even be a cartoon character??? She's some 16 year old spoilt slutty pop star who has lots of cash and can have anything she wants. What wonderful examples of society we show our kids these days.

Anyway my landlord tells us he's moving his family back in, and with no sign of Steve, he leaves. Jake eventually gets hold of Steve and informs me that Steve is in PRISON!!!!! Apparantly he's missed a gazillion court dates, continued to drive without insurance or a liscence and owes $10,000 to the state in fines and tickets.

So what a wonderful day it turned out to be. But for some reason, it didn't phase me, any of it. I just shrugged it off and thought ''it'll be ok'', I quite like the fact that very little seems to phase me. However then I switched on Marley and Me and weeped like a BITCH when that stupid dog dies at the end. I don't even like dogs?? Why am I caring more about this stupid animal than my living situation?? *sigh*

So now I have to sort out my living situation which looks like the hotel. Hopefully if I can stay to the end of the lease end of May I can take my colleagues Sandra's old room in the hotel. I'll be helping them out with occupancy and bringing money to the hotel so its all good, and will only be there for 8 weeks before I fly home! I can't believe its only 15 weeks until I fly home to sunny England!! Get the parties starting!!!

I also need to get back to rock clubs as soon as I'm home. I'm currently enjoying the sounds of Britney Spears and Beyonce. This is terrible. I need some grunge and rock back into my life before its too late. Need to get back to my roots. Its funny how I'm more worried about fictional dead dogs and my declinging music taste than my laptop and homelessness. meh.

My parents come out on Friday, we're having a lovely weekend in Chicago and then the rest of the week in sunny Schaumburg with a possible trip to Wisconsin. I'm renting a car and showing them the sites, so brace yourself America, David is on the road!!!!

I've finished Twilight and all ready to read the next one. I'm sending Twilight home with my mum to read, but I'm so worried she may leave my dad after reading it. You see Edward Cullen is the msot perfect man in the entire world than no man will match up to him after that. I'm getting picky myself!! Just try to remember, he's fictional!!! He doesn't exsist. Believe me I've looked.

A lot of discussion seems to be about organ donation at the moment. It seems to be on the internet on tv and all around us. My personal belief is that when a person dies, they should automatically have the right to ownership of those organs stricken from them. You don't need them. They didn't make you as a person! There should at least be an opt out option rather than a sign up! But I believe its a selfish act that if once your dead you wont give up a life saving organ which is useless to you to give someone else a chance at a life.

I was shocked and appauled in October when I went to get my State of Illinois ID, the woman behind the counter asked me if I'd like to be a doner. I said of course! She looked at me like I'd just taken a piddle on the floor right in front of everyone. She asked ''are you sure?'', i said ''of course I'm sure, as long as I'm dead, they can take what the hell they want''. She then went onto tell me a story about how some doctors dont wait until your dead and if your a vegetable they just end your life. I explained I'd rather be dead and someone else have life than be a vegetable. She ended the the interview process by explaining that England could have my organs but she wasn't risking the US having them. I thoguht she was joking until I got my ID and noticed she hadn't said I wanted to be a doner. I was so mad. I sure hope its her begging for an organ one day. She certainly ain't getting mine now eh?

Anyways 2 months later I went to renew my ID and had a nicer woman ask me if I wanted to donate them. She completed my application and ticked the doner box and a month later I got a letter from Jesse White Secretary of State thanking me for my organs.

A friend and colleague of mine recently nearly lost her mother to a lung disease. She had her life saved by an organ transplant, and now you wouldn't even know she had ever been ill.

I ure every single one of you to sign up today to be a doner!
http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/default.jsp (UK)
http://www.organdonor.gov/ (USA)

The great thing its charity which you don't have to pay up until your dead so its win win! I see it as a last ditch attempt to get into heaven if you've been a bit of a prick all your life!! You meet St Peter at the gate and he's like ''ok then so why should you get in'' and you can reply ''well I've just saved someones life'', and Peter says ''ok please come in''! That puts you ahead of than say... the pope!

Anyways that is my week. An exciting one to say the least. Hopefully I'll be in a better state and more stable possition for my next post. My parents are out next week, apparantly my dad's already out buying cow boy hats to fit in, I don't know where he thinks i've moved to. Texas maybe? Ah parents eh? bless em.

Take care my blessed readers, and remember, give up your organs TODAY! ok maybe not today, but at least sign up ready to hand them over when you do decide to pop your clogs. I should surely have my seat in heaven reserved for saving several lives through this post *nods*

Night all!!

Twilight and plays about Aids!!

2009-04-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well since we last spoke, my dear friend Sandra, another Brit (from Sheffield… don’t mock) turned the grand age of 21, and for the second time, became legal to drink alcoholic beverages. After buying her many illegal beverages I thought I better ought to buy her er’ first legal one! We spent the day drinking in an arcade bar world called Game Works. To sum up… its awesome! Sandra broke a simulator. One drink and she causes havock! On Friday we went to see Rent the Musical on Chicago’s Broadway. It was absolutely fantastic. I don’t know why a musical focussed on people dieing of aids made me so happy, but it did.

Really coming along with the Twilight book, only had it a couple of days and I’m nearly finished and ready to get the next one! I want my own Edward Cullen, I’m even willing to move to Seattle in search of one, I would move to Forks, but lets face it if I’m gonna live somewhere which rains all the time, I’d rather live in the city and have days out to Forks. Maybe I can live in Fraiser Craine’s building, he had a nice view. Is it worrying I live in a world of vampire and sitcom fiction?? However I found out in chapter 14 that Edward Cullen is actually originally from Chicago, so there is hope people!

I’ve also fallen in love with full chickens from Dominiks supermarket. The trick is to turn up just on time as they’re reducing them at the end of the night, usually when I’m finishing work. They also sell off cheap large lemon cakes. Rob mentions that my binge eating and love of twilight is turning me into an American teenager girl, which I think is a bit harsh. But I still have my ipod which is manly. Much like chandler’s boat in his bubble bath in friends. It makes it acceptable. However I’m getting worried, as I write this I have just eaten an entire chicken and I’m STILL hungry. Might go and get another lemon cake.

I had some fantastic news the other day. My very good friend Rachael Dunderdale (now Mrs, oh yes), is due to have a little girl in August, who which will become my goddaughter once we Christen her and wash away all her sins. Exactly how many sins can a baby commit in the first months of being born? I suppose letting one loose into your nappy and expecting others to clean up could be conceived as a sin; if I was to do the same thing now it wouldn’t be appreciated. Anyways this little baby girl will also be my accomplice to take over the world! I’m investing in the army of Dunderdale women, recruiting them to create world peace, and when everyone lets their guard down, invade them and take over mwahaha. Anyway. To sum up…. Congratulations Rachael and Mike :) If she’s anything like her sister she’ll be absolutely adorable :)

The Leeds Festival line up was announced this week and wow, this has to be the worst in years. I would be very tempted to go on the Saturday only to see Radiohead but Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon. Don’t get me wrong I love the Leon, with their beautifully hairy faces and sweet sounding music they should be at Leeds Festival, but headlining? They should have been a nice afternoon band which I could have enjoyed sitting in the sun in a field with a sweet and sour chicken curry from one of the infamous vendors which will probably give me food poisoning the next day, which isn’t pleasant I tell you in those infamous toilets. One can get hepatitis just entering those shit holes.

You can tell the economy is hitting us this year though, even students and festival lovers. Since when did anyone ever go to Leeds for the bands, no one cared that the last 3 years of leeds that the bands were rubbish? maybe people would rather just get drunk in a random field and not spend £150 these days with this financial crisis? and if they are wanting to spend that money its got to be on something good. V Festival it is for me, and its mainly for the company and booze, but snow patrol will be a winner!

Talking of the economy. I’m bloody sick of hearing about it! Every meeting, every news cast and every bloody second I have to hear about it. I’ve had enough of it. We’re not in poverty. You don’t see those Africans moaning because they can’t stay in the full service hotels on the way back from collecting their buckets of water 5 miles away from their mud huts! Oh no. But at the same time I don’t appreciate our MPs being allowed 2 houses, extra cars and fine hotel suites, as well as multiple porn movies for their husbands to get their jollies courtesy of our tax money either. Not that I pay tax, but still.

I’ve also purchased tickets to see Bryan Adams in May, and Elton John and Billy Joel in July who will be performing at Wrigley Field Stadium here in Chicago. That, along with Michael Jackson, V Fest and Pink isn’t a bad year of concerts!

Anthony Murrell was buried on Friday, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and sorry I couldn’t attend, but I know the church will be overflowing anyway with the many people who knew and loved him. Wherever Anthony is now, I hope he’s happy and at peace at last. Jade Goody was buried this morning, and my thoughts also go out to those who knew our Princess of Essex!

The weather is really warming up here, besides one last snow fall the other day which melted quickly but still made me slip on my arse! We’re having some beautiful Chicago days and hope it warms up for when the parentals come because they don’t do cold. People here think England is just as cold, but I’ve never been anywhere like this. It’s brutal. It hurts. Your skin BLEEDS. News reports say that people have lost fingers in Chicago winters! Scary.

I’ve officially been single for an entire year now, besides various dates and seeing a couple of people. The last year has gone scarily fast, but the first time in my life, I’m incredibly happy to be single! The weird thing is I’ve not even met a single person in the last year who I’ve even considered a relationship with and soon as people have upped and left or I’ve left them, I’ve shrugged my shoulders and not given a second thought. I’ve put up some emotional block. Something like the iron curtain, accept I quite like Western Europe and have no desire to cut it out; don’t think there will be any celebrations or Bryan Adams and David Hasselhoff performing when some strange hairy fiend of a boy manages to break the block down, but that would be awesome!! Notes to self.

Well that is it for now, going to go and rest after this crazy weekend and weird shifts. Back to the norm this week though! 13 days until my parents land on American soil to see me!!! maybe they'll be on the same flight as Obama and Whoopi Goldberg as they return! I wonder who I'd prefer to sit next to.... probably Whoopi Goldberg because she's funny, and Obama doesn't have much of a sense of humour, as much as he thinks he does. Can I get my visa revoked for this? I'm not anti-Obama by the way. I'm all about the 'boma! dont like that Mccain fella, you could actually see him decomposing during those speaches.

In the mean time, Chiow!

2009-03-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

So my ipod touch arrived today, and I'm unbelievably happy with it, like having a mini lap top with me on all my travels!! I've got it mainly so I can twitter whereever I am, because god forbid I can't update my status at any given moment and have to cope with the long wait of getting home or to work! If I do something silly or interesting, the world NEEDS to know! IMMEDIATLY!

It seems most of my albums and music is at home, or downloaded illegally, or stolen off other peoples computers. I also have a habbit of putting music on my lap top and once its on my ipod its deleted. So I went into Apple and asked if they sold a product which would transfer files from my old ipod to my new one. The sales assistant (who probably the most beautiful man to ever exsist I have to say, Brendan his name is) informed me that this idea of mine was COMPLETLY illegal!! So tomorrow I'm going to go in and ask if he sells cocaine.

So now I'm going to have to cope without music, or just keep my old ipod around with me for a while if I want a large variety of music, besides which I only got the touch for its fantastic wireless net whereever its available and the fact its practically a lap top. What I love more is that everyone assumes its an iphone when I get it out, I have no cause to correct them otherwise.

The other night I was wondering home and I decided an evening of DVDs and wine was a good idea! Went into Dominiks superstore and once again whichever bastard it is still hasn't returned Quantum of Solace which I really want to see! The only thing which looked watchable to rent was Twilight so I thought I would give it a go. I don't usually care for vampire movies, but oh my god, I'm in LOVE. This is a wonderful new addition to my life, and I'm going to run to the land of Barnes and Noble (thats a version of Borders/waterstones to my dear English friends) and buy the books because its just pure brilliant.

So yes! Ebay, Ipod touch and Twilight all in one week. Some would say I'm getting quite 'with it', so I am!

A woman the other night asked me if I was from New York, I told her I was from further East. She nodded and walked on, suddenly stopped, turned to me and said 'But there is no further East??'', I smiled and informed I was from across the pond. Am I really becoming that yankeefied though? Its terrorfying. My frinds will have to beat the americanness out of me when I return. I also get asked regularlly if I'm Australian. I once had very rude guest who kept guessing every Australasian country until I finally got a space to tell him I was from England. Once I was asked if I was french (Sandras had german), I have no idea where they got that from.

'What part of London are you from?' is always an annoying one, because clearly thats all England is. I think I sound more yankeefied more than anything these days because I'm fed up of being asked every 4 seconds where I'm from, why I'm here and how long I'll be here for. Its tiring. However as soon as an attractive man is within a metre region of me, or 5 because its me and I have a loud voice, my English accent transforms back, in fact even further to sound more English than the queen! And it works. the things people do for an accent!

So the parentals are coming 3 weeks tonight, very much looking forward to seeing them again. Haven't seen my dad in 8 months! Madness! Anyways they are very kindly taking a suitcase of things back for me so its less stuff to load across when I go home. Of course I will be buying an extra case before I leave in order to carry all the shit I've bought over here back too! So now I have the dilema of what I need for the next 4 months and what I don't. It also got me thinking of when I go home what will I miss?

So heres a list!! :

TARGET - the BEST store in the world, and you have to go to truely appreciate its fantasticness

Drive through EVERYTHING!! Banks/starbucks/cashmachines/pharmacies, you name it, its drive through baby!

Cars stopping for you anywhere so you can cross the road

Woodfield Mall

Hot Topic - mainly for the beautiful servers, I suppose that goes for Apple too

Being able to get away with chatting up anyone with my charming British Accent

Being able to get away with ANYTHING with my charming British accent

Not having to stand and wait at a bar for an entire year! Being waited on and having an open tab

What I will appreciate being back in england will be:

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - more than anything, its non-exsistant here

Side walks everywhere! or 'pavements' as I better get used to calling them again - here they just randomly stop in the middle of nowhere and have to battle the traffic to get anyway

No one expecting a tip, that it really is a pleasure, a nice gesture, rather than something which is expected

Not being asked a million times a day where the hell im from, why im here and who gives a god damn shit??

The overly religiousness of people

So I think its a nice ballance between the 2, pros and cons of both I suppose much! I'll be very sad to leave. I've got 4 more months yet so no point tearing up yet, but packing my suitcase to send home is really making me realize how soon its going to be eek!

I had a very random dream last night that Barack Obama was staying at my hotel, and for some reason was having a meeting in my lobby without security. I went and introduced myself and kept apologizing that I was not in my suit but I hadn't began work yet, I don't know why I thought he'd be so offended. Anyway I awoke this morning, and the dream felt so real, I was confused and was about to call my mum to tell her I'd met Obama and then realized I had been in deam land. Damn it, I'm just looking forward to beating Stevie in New Zealand who has served Kings of Leon and Iron Maiden, and Emily checking in Justin Timberlake (who by the way is apparantly ugly in real life... so there you go!)

It reminded me of the time my good friend Rob had a dream that his dad had died, and had the same experience where he awoke and didnt realize the difference between his dream land and the real world. Later that day his dad called, he was rather freaked out.

Anyways thats all my blogger readers. I'm going to go watch 'Charlie Wilsons War' seeing some pricks bogarding Quantum Solace the bastard!

Night all xxx

Anthony James Murrell

2009-03-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

I was saddened to hear this morning that Anthony Murrell died. I used to work with Anthony a couple of years ago, and we always kept in touch. A real caring guy, and would always make the effort to come and say hello and catch up. He had a huge heart and was caring towards everyone, I know he used to do a lot for children who had taken the wrong turn in life who just needed a hand in life. The circumstances surrounding his death are very upsetting, and I just hope he's at peace now. My thoughts are with him and his family and close friends who must be going through a terrible ordeal at this time.

Goodnight Anthony, and all the best x

I'VE FOUND EBAY!

2009-03-23T21:49:00.001-07:00

Yes I know I'm like 10 years behind but oh my god! It all began this morning when me and Sandra went out for lunch, during which we were trying to think of that song from About a Boy, and that silly thing occurred when you cant remember the bloody thing but you remember it in your head so u can! So anyways Sandra whips out her Ipod Touch and goes on the internet in minutes finds the answer due to the delights of free wifi! WHY DO I NOT HAVE ONE OF THESE???

So now i want one, soon! and so I went online this afternoon and new Ipod Touches are like $200, thats a lot of money to go on the internet once in a while, so I looked on ebay, and decided to give that a go! OMG how addictive is this thing, the tension of that site! 5 minutes to go and you put a bid on something, $2 more than the last person, and then with 1 minute to go your still the top bidder and you know you've got it in the bag, when BANG! some twat comes forward and takes your bloody ipod touch with $1 more than you bidded the bastards! But ahh addictive much! You could choose the 'one click bid' option, which skips the ''are you CERTAIN you want to bid $.... for this item?'', but I think thats a bit dangerous, you could get the decimal in the wrong place and end up bidding 1000s on a used ipod touch which would of been $200 brand new in a shop with seconds before bidding end and whose gonna be as stupid as you as to bid 1000s eh?! No one that is. Don't like all this legally binding millarky!

So yes that began the Ebay invasion into my life! and I'm loving it. It'll take time away from the new UNBELIEVABLY shitty facebook, will they ever listen?? Also twitter is taking up a lot of my time, many are you thinking its a big pile of rubbish due to it just being a status update, but you don't even realize how fantastically amazing it is! you can see what all your favorite comedians are doing at any given moment throughout the day, concert lovers can have ticket updates at any second. the reason i have mj tickets is because of twitter!! its just pure brilliance! so get twittering away my virtual loving friends!

So its a few months until I come home, but the come back tour is already in the planning! Some of you may have seen some of my promotional posters and videos out already, the teaser trailer which i sadly made myself is my favorite: http:

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anyways! I was inspired by the Michael Jackson come back, which I have tickets for if you haven't seen my many 'This is it' type postings. 17 years i've waited for this tour, and this really is it :o there may be a tear when man in the mirror comes on!

Anyways anyways anyways!!! back to the come back tour, mine that is! I think we should all have a party where you all come as me! Its dead easy, baggy jeans, vans trainers, a huddy, and a ripped off band t-shirt, (purchased for $5 outside of every concert venue - NO OFFICIAL MERCH!!) and you've got a dave! It sounds fun much doesn't it? So anyways I will be very much attempting to see every single one of you over the summer! it should be pretty amazing :)

V Festival will also be attended this summer, I was going to do Leeds as I have a house there now I could of bloody walked to the festival and had showers too! but seeing no one is going from my crowd i've left it this year, plus I actually have an event that weekend too! Can't say much as its a bit of a suprise for one person but can't say anything more than that! Could it be you? I doubt it. Anyways anways anyways! V FEST! with some of the coolest hippiest drunkest peepz, I'm thinking Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Ting tings, katy perry, james and pete doherty! I hope petes still high off his face, will make the gig far more interesting. I saw him performing at Leeds a couple of years ago, and bless him, he didn't even know! Didn't even know!

Anyways I hoping your liking my first proper blog, I've been inspired a little by Ricky Gervais, so all those pestering for my blogness you can thank him. Talking of Gervais, I've asked Jonathan Ross, oh yes!, to get Gervais on the old twitter! Also after reading his blog, his next tour, Science should be coming out in the next year or two!! Cannot wait! :)

Also just want to have a mention for Jade Goody, I know some of you reading this will think very differently, but I was saddended to read she had died, no matter what she'd done in the past, she had certianly paid for it now. I just hope those 2 young boys will be looked after, and my thoughts go out to her family. She was so damn brave to the end, been watching some of her video updates, and even through the pain, she still had an amazing sense of humour and made me larrrrfff! goodbye miss goody, our new princess di they're calling you, although never saw princess di running around half naked crying over a varuka!! bless her soul.

Anyways thats enough seriousness, don't do serious so I don't!

I was out the other night with some friends. Met an American man, he tells me his mother was from England, from Preston he said, and asked if I'd heard of it?!!! How awsome is that! Crazy much! His mothers last name was porter,so any of you porters out there, think i've found a relative! This man was 84 years old, and was incredibly proud of his English heritage! He hadnt seen Preston though, but bless him I didn't want to burst his proud englishman bubble!

Anyays thats all for now my readers. This really has been fun. I love talking about me :)

Gonna watch friends, drink a glass of wine and do some more ebaying. eek better be careful with that, can't be doing it drunk, will be buying all sorts!

Ta-rahh!

xxx

Hello!!

2009-03-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

Well for quite a while now people have been pushing me to do a blog, i've been doing random posting on facebook, but seeing its taken up with a bunch of quizzes and what not now I feel my notes are no longer valuable to the facebook society!

So heres the jiz! For those of you who do you can just skim through to the next blog!

For those that don't know I'm working in Schaumburg IL, northwest subbarb of Chicago in the United States of America. I live in the next village on Hoffman Estates! I work in the Courtyard Marriott as part of my work placement for university. I finish here in July and back to England I go for more fun! This year I've visited Chicago many times, also been to Wisconsin (Milwaukee and the Dells) and to Boston, MA!

Anyways thats you all up to date so you are! and the blogging can begin!!!