suewhistle

I think you're accusing him of being a masochist? Whatever, a very sad thread.

No sympathy for distracted bisexuals then?

Thanks for that, I was getting a bit ****ed off with the fantasy view of foreign footie. This isn't to disparage anybody who goes to these games, but they will tend to go to decent matches: derbys or European ties. Let me repeat some stuff from my previous post which everybody ignored: we probably get a higher average gate than half the serie A teams (Chievo Verona - I ask you!). If anyone is prepared to do the research to actually prove me wrong they're welcome to do it. As for Italian second division teams: you are having a laugh. Papa Waigo is now lucky to play in front of 6000. Third division - and guys, remember, that's where we are... they probably get fewer than when Maidenhead United used to play Slough Town. There are loads of empty seats at Italian serie A matches. I'm not against a manic core of noisy supporters, and I've been pretty noisy myself at away matches over the years, but anyone who thinks it's great to havy 200 nutters in a group and three fairly empty stands or think it's clever to drop a scooter on the tier below needs to reconsider.

When I visit Mum there are loads of Red Kites around: on one run around the local NT common I saw 7 in a few minutes: goodness knows what it's doing to the local wild life population, but as they eat lots of carrion perhaps it's not too bad. Now I _did_ see an eagle the other day: here in the mountains they live in the National Park and soar along the standing wave at the crest of the local ski resort and then cross at high altitude to the massif on the border with Switzerland. I saw 3 together a few summers ago after walking up about 800m: made it worthwhile.

As Bexy says, been there, done that. I was never very ambitious at work though: in fact if I'd had been married and had kids I'd have probably been more focussed at important stages of my career. But I managed to bale out, live on not too much (on my own and having paid the mortgage) and now enjoy what I do. I teach kids and adults here in Italy, and in my time off go skiing if the snow is good! There was powder on Tuesday and another 20cm tomorrow so I'll be up early Saturday.:-) It really depends on your commitments and stage of your career, but a change can work wonders. I can definitely recommend paying down the mortgage rather than [say] a new car though, it gives you more flexibility down the line and an ability to tell your employers politely: no, I'm not going to do that same job for 6k less (or whatever..).

Heck, even Terry Hurlock!

But I don't think their margarine is going to be spread that thickly...

Oh God, the ray of joy that is Alpine has arrived. To give you another Alpine perspective, today I had a great day off-piste, a meeting about a new English course I'm going to teach and then a few apperitivi. Risotto to eat shortly: life really ain't so bad!

Anyways, there's a game on, and even I must eventually eat...

I'm not an ore. Me, I'm pure gold. As for going on hunger strike, I did exactly the same today. Went skiing and as I can't afford lunch AND a drink, I went without food. So there!

Why do I get the impression that you're probably a little overweight anyway, and it'll probably do you good. Make sure you're on a balanced diet hunger sstrike now...

Which clubs - all in the Premiership perhaps? Still, at least we can feel superior to Pompey's!

For All The Saints [Who from their labours rest] First line of a romping hymn which would tie in with the church connection

Which ones? Gawd, it's late on Saturday night, dontchaknow? Wessex Saint... I'm tempted, but then I'd be taking the whole thing too seriously. It's entertainment really, in between other more serious matters like this bottle of Hobgoblin and the half a chapter of a detective novel in Sicilian dialect I'm off to read. Night...

I don't think the terminology helps much: sometimes it implies a fair bit of the negative stuff too, violence and stupidity. I came across the term in 1990 at the world cup in Italy when I met some great guys at Cagliari (speaking Italian helped!). But one of the reasons it's important is that the crowds are so small, even compared to SMS in the third division: in fact they're impressed here by the crowds at Saints - I make sure I spread the word.. I'm not saying a core of singers isn't great: I sing myself and it's obviously a lot easier away than alone in the Itchen! Perhaps we need groups of 20 nutters spread around in the stands so that the singing spreads better. Actually, that wine and beer fuelled idea doesn't seem so bad! What do we reckon is a minimum number for a group - 5x5? 25 slightly subsidised seats (3 pints each!) for guaranteed singing.. doesn't seem such a bad idea?

Some of the comments on this thread have made me cackle with laughter. I actually feel sorry for Dune, but then, as I am a leftie I always have a soft spot for the disadvantaged.

Now that's a brilliant idea Phil. Not a non-refundable deposit as proof of intent and funds: you just have to pay a month's wages. Sod, that means they'll get to the end of the season..

For those of us of a certain age it is always a shock when a sportsman you've watched in the prime of their days dies before you. So Dean I remember you. Stevie Mills too. Hard...

Originally posted by me Thank you, thank you, thank you. Firstly, I didn't mention any names, but perhaps you are more self-aware than I thought.. if the cap fits, and all that. Secondly, it confirms that you have abolutely no sense of humour or irony at all; perhaps you aren't British! To take my comment 'Perhaps some posters should be banned..' seriously shows either you take yourself completely seriously or,.. I don't know: other suggestions welcome. Either way, having re-considered my original post I'm quite happy to stand by it, and in the scale of ****tyness here I am a mere humble apprentice.

I was on the match thread here and then went for a snooze in the second half and woke up after full time. I saw the result and then, just for fun, went for a quick browse of the second half thread. Perhaps some posters should be banned from posting until the end of games, although the end of the season might be preferable... As me dad used to say, "no names, no pack drill", but really, the comments from some posters were so predictable when swindon had the gall to have a spell of possession and Saints had a period slightly less than fully in control. So thanks to those who posted who were actually at the match and had a more reasonable view, or perhaps realise a bit more the realities of footie.

I should point out for the benefit of all reading here that I am not _that_ Sue. Anyway, finished one lesson plan. Now for cut 'n paste the next...

Sod

Don't worry, I will..:-)

Let's hope we can now relax having made the breakthrough. Sounds like some of our fans in different time zones are already relaxed! Back to lesson planning and hope my next visit is also a good one. Doubt if I'll last 5 minutes away though!

Yep, that Old Speckled has a lot to answer for. Mind you, close proximity to DP hasn't done Tiger any good either.