The Limited Edition

Long Time No Post!

2009-08-11T21:44:00.002+01:00

Hola,
Well it has been 18 months since Adele promised review after enlightened review on our dining experiences. Fortunately the fact there haven't been any reviews doesn't mean we haven't eaten out. It's fair to say we've had our share of tasty nosh in the past 18 months. Its just that there was no inclination from Adele or I to write about them.

I haven't even looked at this blog for 18 months and I now have the same problem I always have and thats coming up with a subject worth writing about.

The reason I'm on here today is becuase I have just signed up for a Friendfeed account and looking at all the links that I could have coming through I noticed blogger was one of them. You have to make the most of your interactive interfaces when you get the chance. Facebook, Flickr & Twitter have taken up all my time and as they are so instant it makes me think that the blog (well this one) is a little to slow and not nstant enough. Anything that happens to me, whether thats photographs or interesting tidbits are now feed through Facebook. I haven't really got into to twiiter. My phones prehistoric and want support it, and I cant see the point in using the twitter website. I would have to be online constantly for it to be worthwhile. Hopefully in the not to distant future I will upgrade my phone and I will be tweeting with the best of them.

In the mean time if anybody still checks this page I hope it make refreshing change to see something a little different.

Adios.

Move over AA Gill

2008-01-12T22:57:00.000Z

Yes we have been rubbish at keeping the old blog topped up with regular doses of self indulgence, but we are both extremely lazy and make no apologies for this. A very valid excuse is also that since facebook came along we have even more to type in an average day, what with work, texting, emails, it's all very tedious sometimes and I'm sure I'm getting RSI. If I even tried to hold a pen I'd fail miserably like someone who just came out of a coma and can't control their muscles. All of that was a long winded way of saying 'sorry the blog has not been updated in 6 months'. If anyone is still checking the LE let alone interested in the drivel, I'll bloody well eat my hat.
Well, we're back and as because you all know what we're up to anyway thanks to facebook, we're taking a slightly different approach this time. It's all about food! I will be reviewing the Northwests finest eateries as and when I eat there (with some archives now and again.)

For those of you who know us we do consider ourselves 'foodies', a cringeworthy term I agree, but one without a worthy synonym all the same. The position a 'foodie' finds themselves is not an easy one. A paradox of a position, a feeling of superiority and unashamed snobbery conflicts with a constant anticipation and excitement before one eats that is rarely fully satiated - well, not in this country anyway.

The British hospitality industry ten years ago was to food what British 70's sitcoms were to diversity awareness. A takeaway coffee was chicory powder in a polystyrene cup. A posh restaurant was the local Italian that served pasta as a main course, potato wedges with the mains and parma ham with melon ON THE SAME PLATE took a lot of persuading. Things have improved greatly I am pleased to say in some parts of the country. Awareness of fresh, healthy and delicious food is at least around amongst some. Those same 'some' of which I include myself will not tolerate poor service, being ripped off and (pardon my appropriate language) shit food. Some call me fussy but we shouldn't put up with it. Britain is not known for it's culinary heritage/appreciation/awareness it is perhaps the most expensive country (except for Scandinavian ones) to eat out, it is not a regular everyday thing for us to do like it might be for Americans or Italians, so it has to be special and it has to be good. Poor establishments beware you will feel my wrath. I'm a compassionate person in most other areas of my life but I have no sympathy for poor restaurants (or cafes) that go out of business, it is is good sign that you good people of Britain know your food and vote with your feet.

There will always be complete dullards that think black pasta is exotic, that Nando's is their favourite restaurant, that TGI's do a bloody good plate of chicken wings and that more than one knife and fork per meal is beyond them. These people drive Fiestas, love the Trafford Centre, wear fleeces over going out clothes, shop in Next and watch dancing on ice. For everyone else I hope you enjoy my reviews.

posted by Adele

Vive La France

2007-07-29T20:54:00.000+01:00

We just had a week and a half in Paris and then in the French countryside with the family. I failed to take any pictures in the country but there will be plenty here shortly.

Spot the difference

2007-06-11T19:22:00.000+01:00

David Mitchell

Simon Weaver

Sissy Spacek

2007-06-08T23:18:00.000+01:00

Santorini

2007-05-23T22:32:00.000+01:00

We just had a week in Santorini.

Flickr

2007-03-25T03:14:00.000+01:00

I've just created a bean account. Sorry I mean Flickr account. Link to your right.

Hold me back

2007-02-25T23:34:00.000Z

One of the worst excuses for a musician has recently been on every radio station and TV channel I've found myself listening to or watching.

Last year saw an enormous amount of new male acoustic "talent". Nutini & Morrison joined the rear guard of James C*nt and "O" so clever Damien Rice, the guy who's lived off his "outstanding" - The Times, "inspiring" - The Mail, debut album, which was still being advertised on tv last year regardless of its 2003 release. Another of the "shit how do you write songs again?" pretenders is Ray Lamontagne. Dining out on trouble since 2004.

The latest pile of steaming crap is.... Jesus I cringe when I even think of the name he's given himself. It makes me feel sick its so bad. When this chap writes his songs I'm sure he wants his audience to react but how about vomiting. I really would explode vomit over him & his guitar if I found myself in a room with him "jammin". Have you guessed who it is yet? Probably not. My dislike for him is intense and probably not matched.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

I don't understand who saw this guy and said "Yeah! We'll sign him. This chaps got real talent". Not to completely bash him. Maybe if he'd had 50 or 60 more years to develop, to live a little. But his lyrics are fresh from the sixth form centre. His voice is weak and lacking in originality.

There must be a thousand singer song writers spraying their drinks over there mates when it hits home that this guys releasing music.

I wouldn't mind so much if he'd been put in the same sentence as McFly of Avril Lavinge, but he's not. The NME have him nominated for awards and Lauren Leverne can't contain herself whenever she has the misfortune of exposing him to us again.

I can only hope he does a BeddingfieldS and drops off the radar when this current buzz buzzes off!

Movie Night

2007-01-24T00:11:00.000Z

We subscribe to LOVEFiLM and we've had a few movies lying around for a good week. This is annoying as its a waste of money. These problems accur mostly because I have sole control of the films that we have posted. These invariably contain silly comedies, comic book adaptions, action adventures and plenty of sci fi. All of these genres are not to Adeles liking, which means to find a gap to get these babies in results in a little tension from the boss.

So this evening to get the beauties in which were going stale I pulled off a double biller. For your information they were Night Watch & X-Men 3. Both mightly good fun. The tension's not quite doubled but I've definitely experienced an above average level.

I wouldn't have this problem if I had plenty of space on my hard drive, so I could ram it full of this entertaining nonsense. But its close to bursting point. I'm going to have to get myself a new one sharpish.

Geek boy

2007-01-05T12:00:00.000Z

Everytime I watch youtube for any length of time I want to start saying "dude" and "no way". I getting totally drowned in Americanisms. Sooooo no way, this dude on youtube man. Like you know was soo cool. SHIT I have no control of it!

Anyway this is my first youtube link, and as the heavy fella tell you himself its a bit of mindless fun. But I'll be honest, as much I tried not to laugh. He got to me..

NYE

2007-01-03T17:58:00.000Z

We had a bit of a do at ours.

A Christmas Day Engagement!

2006-12-29T15:41:00.000Z

I proposed to Adele on Christmas Day and thankfully she accepted! We had a great day with our friends. The pics are a little taster.

Berlin (with a pinch of punch)

2006-12-29T15:31:00.000Z

These were a gift from an old Indonesian guy who's restaurant we had enjoyed. Maybe it was little disrespectful.

Christmas Eve curry. I real delight!

Click to Enlarge

Berlin 21st to 28th December

2006-12-29T15:12:00.000Z

Christmas

2006-12-20T23:53:00.000Z

We're off to Berlin tomorrow for the festive holidays. It's the first time I've ever been away from home for Christmas. This pushed the last minute stresses of season forward for us. Visiting all the family and delivering and receiving our gifts hectically for the past few days.

I'd like to pass my wishes of a Merry Christmas to the cheery readers of The LE.

And a Happy New Year... (keep the change you filthy animal)...

Work

2006-12-15T02:12:00.000Z

I've been worrking for myself now for the past couple of months. Last week was the first with no real work and this made me panic bigtime! Being self employed is a real stress. The number of things I get worked up about is unbelievable. One minute its no work, then its to much, then is deciding on whether I'm able to do a job I've taken on, having no concept of time scales, having the customer nose over your shoulders (thats a real anal pain). Even the quoting process is stressful. It leaves me breathless and paniced.

Bring back the call centres, the 9 to 5, the regular wage, the free holidays... Oh Lord.. what have I done...

Well maybe that last paragraph was a bit to far. But honestly I'm going to have to start meditating because I think its as close as I've come to losing it.

Recently I've been doing a lot of flooring, laminated and of the real wood variety. If you know anybody who would like a "fresh new floor for new year" point them in my direction!

Festive Greetings

2006-12-15T01:32:00.000Z

How! Long Time, No Post.

There was a report today about the business of the blog and how there popularity will wane from next year. It could well be claimed that The LE started to wane this year. But not to worry.

I'm sure most people are similar to me in respect of checking certain sites without fail each day when you arrive into work or put your pc/mac on at home. I have a pretty strict regime and I rigorously check certain sites for what news may be new or for new posts fresh from the mind of friends or family.

Firstly I'll always click onto BBC Sport to check any footy news, thats number one. This will inevitably lead to checking BBC News. This is then followed by a quick check on Gmail, I'll then have a look at my brothers blog which happily, he updates a helluva lot more regularly than I do, I'll check The Muvs, I'll check the Empire site, then eBay (I'm selling all my posessions). Screenselect to see if I have a new dvd on the way. And this is often washed down with the bitter taste of my bank balance. I also sadly check this very blog hoping I've turned into a witty sleepwalking blogomaniac.

If anyone has any crucial sites I can add to my routine I'll be happy for the suggestion because frankly I'm sick of my routine.

To finish up I've put a few pictures below. Adele & I did a little tour of Eastern Europe this summer and this included a stop in Prague. When we got together our first trip was to Prague but in the winter. I took the first photo then and always thought Adele looked like a Ruski spy, I tried to recreate the effect on our second stay, the picture was taken on the same street but my angles were a little off. Adele's gonna give me ear ache over this because she ain't no fan of the close up, and even less a fan of close ups of her published on the world wide web, man! But I like them!

All new

2006-10-08T19:56:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd have a change of scenery. It's a little softer on the eye. I like it!

The New Jumback

2006-10-08T19:11:00.000+01:00

We just took the new "Ute" up to the lakes for it's maiden journey! We went to Waswater in Wasdale near Scarfell. Not that we climbed it! Adele's very sensitive to exercise so in the interest of public safety we kept the walking to a minimum. We did however take the Jumback up and down the mountains! We found the most precarious road with a 30% incline. No worries for the Jumback.

The World's best market

2006-09-26T21:18:00.001+01:00

Posted by Adele

Welcome to my debut, I have been meaning to contribute to this for sometime now but you know how it is, laziness, tiredness, full time job, crap soaps, sleep maximisation on a school night etc etc all seem to take over. You are lucky though, tonight there is football on TV. Perhaps I have very few sympathisers here but I find football incredibly tedious, I'm still reading 'Ladybird's first book of football' I don't understand it (predictably offside rule) I don't know any of the footballers (and not even the fit ones since I left school and could stop feigning mild albeit girly interest) I don't care who wins and I have no concept of how you can hate Man United one day and then say "I support any english teams in Europe" the next, if anyone wishes to enlighten me then please don't, I'll never change.

So, this is why I find myself blogging tonight.

I feel it is my duty, nay, mission, to spread the word on some things that interest me and my latest interest (that is not to suggest it is a fad however) is Bury Market! Ok, 'World's best market' might be a tad generous, Camden, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Marrakesh and Portabello may disagree, but the title 'World's best food market beginning in the North of England' belongs only to Bury.

I won't lecture LE's intelligent readers on why one should avoid supermarkets, particularly Tesco (for no reason other than I just hate them the most and this may stem from the 'Aldi quality-Harrods prices' of Tesco Metro on Market Street which until recently held the monopoly on City Centre food shopping-M&S only counts on payday), other reasons for supermarchephobia should include high food miles on fresh produce, unnecessary packaging, pesticides, not really-so-organic organic food and a desire to support local businesses. Bury market truly is one of the few remaining markets in the most old fashioned sense of the word. The shoppers who've been going for years can't see what all the fuss is about and city slickers like me are acting like tourists. Working class women in fingerless gloves shouting out "2 punnets for £1.50...come and get your strawberries girls..." Three generations of a family cutting fabrics for regulars, bohemian young families from Chorlton jumping on this bandwagon ('cause lets face it who can really afford to do the weekly shop in Unicorn?) buying free range, locally produced, super fresh eggs next to the pensioner from Radcliffe who thought she was just buying eggs! The choice of fruit and veg on offer beats any supermarket in this country, it comes in little brown paper bags, your stuff is weighed on scales, the staff are human calculators as your purchases mount up, you bring your own shopping bags, theres no other packaging, some of the food is organic not in a "Look at us, you simply MUST eat organic darling" way, often they don't even realise, a sign for tomatoes last week read "Local tomatoes pollenated by bees". The greatest thing of all about Bury market is it's down to earthness, yes, it is working class and a real treat for people watchers, every Peter Kaye-esque character that ever there was can be seen there, there's even a few regular crazies with their predicatable repetoires but the food on offer is as sophisticated as it gets. Now take Radiccio lettuce, its just a lettuce, it might have a fancy name but whats in a name? At Bury market they do not believe in fancy names for fancy lettuces, radiccio is known under it's more Northern moniker - 'Posh Lettuce' No word of a lie! See it for yourselves and do your weekly food shop while you're at it! Enjoy.

News

2006-09-25T01:51:00.000+01:00

I know I always seem to start these updates with a "it's been a long time.." etc etc intro. And it has, well been a long time.
I truly can't be arsed. Its a chore. My computers on all of the time and I look a the short cut to the blogger hundreds of times a week and my mind goes blank, or remains blank. It's a pain to put it quite simply. I also have the added problem that my cameras shite so at the moment don't even have lovely snaps to add.

This isn't to say I've been up to nothing. In fairness the opposite can be said now. It's a busy and enjoyable past month.

Highlights including the whistlestop trip to the capital to watch Alton Ellis in a gig in Camden, for which I owe Gaz a sincere thanks for being mightily sharp on the blower. This was my first reggae night ever. I've never even been to a club unless you count some heavy dubage at the rear of the musicbox. And what can I say other than that it was amazing. I can't put it into words. I was moved. The chaps in his seventies and he was belting the numbers out pitch perfect and his band were amazing. To hear the rocksteady tunes so loudly and performed so perfectly was great. I thought he was pretty great anyway but now I'm listening back with a greater appreciation. Seek him out if you can Mon...

Other than that and to bore those who know and inform those who don't. I'm no longer an employee of B&Q. I wanted to take the company forward but the management wouldn't allow me to cascade my ideas to my team mates. Bolderdash, I'm now seeking self employment. My Joinery course finished in July and the work is starting to come in. I shall be setting myself up properly in due course. Please contact me if you have work. Needless to say I'm competitive, and erm honest!

September's also been heavy on the birthday calendar. Sister Weaver turned 30, which is well old (as a youngster I fell I get away with saying "well" in a sentence, it probably wouldn't sound right from a 30 pluser). Jude & Shandy turned 26, with which a hangover is still gnawing away at me, hell of night mind!

It's been one hellova start to the footy season. The Villa, sorry I mean the mighty Villa showing their true colours holding the top 5 up. Early days I know but my entire Villa supporting life has been one mundane result to the next and the recent headlines have invigorated me. What can you say they now have the best named chairman in footy history.

And that brings me to a close for this evening. The nights are beginning to close in, the leaves are getting tired and our summer's about to become autumn. Get your reflective armbands out and dust off your winter coats.

Bier? Just a small one please!

2006-08-04T23:06:00.000+01:00

Where'd she come from?

Holiday Snaps Continued - Vienna

2006-08-04T22:31:00.000+01:00

Eurotrain

2006-07-29T00:07:00.000+01:00

Take Two - Bratislava

2006-07-28T22:38:00.000+01:00

Bratislava Castle

Views from the Castle. The weather was thyit!

The Old Town Hall

This was our hostel!

Holiday Snaps - Take One, Budapest

2006-07-25T00:02:00.000+01:00

Adele and I enjoyed our first holiday for quite some time. We touched on a little bit of Europe. Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna & Prague. I shall start by posting a choice selection of our snaps from Hungary.

The Buda Hills

Parliment & Me

Th Cow Parade in Budapest

Adele in Heroes Square

Eve over the Danube

Cinderella Man

2006-06-18T22:36:00.000+01:00

Movies

2006-06-18T22:33:00.000+01:00

I'll be rating the last movie Adele and I have enjoyed (or not). Keep posted!

Pleasant

2006-06-07T17:17:00.000+01:00

Danger Zone - Taxi Edition

2006-05-24T21:59:00.000+01:00

Mainline Dolphin, Salfords premium taxi service have just launched their all new first class waiting lounge.

If you find yourself at the top of Cromwell Road on a lonely eve feel assured that there's a safe place close by!

Brighton

2006-05-23T22:04:00.000+01:00

We also had a nighton in Brighton.

Moody...

Wedding

2006-05-23T21:49:00.000+01:00

We just had a very good weekend in Sussex.

Here are a few snaps at Tim & Charlies wedding.

Supergeek

2006-05-08T00:46:00.000+01:00

Every now and again Adele feels the need to call me a geek.

This happens mostly when I talk about Superman. All through my life it's been one of my favourite films. It's a movie I can put on and watch anytime. I think I've seen Superman The Movie more than any other and almost every scene and line makes me laugh, smile and feel emotional. The special effects hold up so well and the characters are perfectly cast. When I was younger everyone seemed fascinated with Star Wars but it never had the hold on me the way good old Supe had. I remember lying in bed as a youngster and concentrating on being able to fly, needless to say I wasted my time there.

However this brings me up to now and the soon to be released Superman Returns. I've never been so excited about a films release. I feel about six and can state now that I will be geek numero1 in line on the day.

I thought for anyone who was not tuned into the upcoming release you could check this link to realise your full SUPER geek potential. I think I may for the first time ever be reaching my full potential on something.

Boys night in.

2006-05-08T00:25:00.000+01:00

Free of the female this weekend so had ourselves an evening filled with beer, xbox, pro evo and then unconsciousness!

Ouch!

2006-05-03T23:27:00.000+01:00

Ouch ouch ouch, paper ouch, cut ouch ouch on my ouch finger ouch ouch!

"It's only on game so......."

2006-05-02T23:41:00.000+01:00

Been out this evening for my second session of snooker. I started last week and this evening saw the success of my first frame. 6 -1 to my opponent Tim so for.

It's a jolly hard game and not only is it hard to hit the ball you intended, it also hurts the eyes. I don't think I've had to concentrate on a object so hard in my life. Such masses of concentration are followed by great bouts of depression as only 1 in every 15 attempts at a pot goes in.

My first success was only due to the lapse in focus of Tim, I scooped up over 20 points through fouls. As you can understand it's not quite the crucible.

I'll keep you posted on my blossoming skills!

lAzY

2006-05-02T00:02:00.000+01:00

I'm shocked at how hard I've been finding it recently to write on this here blog, bloggers block it must be.

The day to day trails at B&Q have really worn my mind to a dull stump and the evenings are spent dreading the following day. It sure is a sorry state and one I hope changes aSAP...

I thought then tonight I'd have a sit, start to write and see if anything comes out (of my mind).

I'd very much like a new camera, my Canon PowerShot A40 no longer holds the attraction it did when I first had it, the times have a moved on at a hearty pace but my photographic apparatus has stalled. The thing a about pictures is that they're very easy to take and to post and they fill masses of space and make you (me) seem very proactive in upkeeping your blog. Plus on the whole the reader enjoys looking at whats on offer. The main reason for the blog is to keep a sneaky eye at what the blogger and their family/friends have been up to.

I'd have to admit that when I have a nosey at the strangers on blogger (if you've not done this then press the next botton in the top right hand corner) I do often feel like I'm looking through a strangers diary. On the one hand its a bit of fun to see how weird most people seem to be but sometimes its quite fascinating. (Although my contribution isn't too fascinating).

Enough of this mumbo jumbo. We watched The Machinist tonight, I wanted to watch it although it took a week or two to get in the right frame of mind, aware it was probably going to be a little grim. Which it was! I rate Christian Bale and apart from Captain Correli's Big Bag Of Shite I've found him very watchable (although he hasn't taken residence in my dreams unlike a certain girlfriend of mine). The first few scenes in the movie are a real trawl, he is so thin it's uncomfortable to watch. I got used to his skeletal appearance and though it's not quite Momento it kept us well gripped.

Other than that we started on the 3rd Season of Six Feet Under this week. Unfortunately the makers seem to have forgotten how to write and make a tv programme and its taken a slump. I was warned about this though so we shall endure these hard days and hope the fallen rise again.

NEWS> NEWS> NEWS>>>> Simon, Heidi & Billy have moved to a two bedder in Lynbrook and although they've been disconnected from cyberspace the news is they're settling in just fine. NEWS> NEWS> NEWS>>>> If you've failed to check Senor Wrights podcast out then click the link to the right, there's a new one just out. NEWS>NEWS NEWS>>>> After a spell in hospital with gout Charlottes now fully recovered and back at home. NEWS> NEWS> NEWS>>>> I bought an electric planer this week, just another weapon at my disposal. NEWS> NEWS> NEWS>>>> Finally a picture...

Proof of Lennon's faked death, here seen in August 2003 opening an electronics shop at Liverpool Airport.

Oooops, drunk.....

2006-04-13T01:03:00.000+01:00

I successfully completed my first carpentry job this weekend......

If you know anyone who needs any work doing then let them know my number, I'll let them know if I can do what they need!!!

Serious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good price..... etc etc.... Internal.... External......

Sky

2006-03-09T00:58:00.000Z

(Enlarge for your viewing pleasure)

The LE Movie Awards

2006-03-07T00:21:00.000Z

What with it being awards season I thought it was only right to publish the best movies of 2005 as voted for by a select commitee of highly experienced movie going experts. In other words, ME!

The difference with these almighty gongs is that they're not restricted to just movies out in 2005, but to any movie I've seen for the first time. As to restrict it to release date would be to hastily wrap the proceedings up! I ain't seen half the flicks I would have liked to...

Getting straight into it, no fussing around with weighty intros. The first award will be presented.

This much lauded award is more often than not the one that causes the judges the biggest headache - The Finest Actress - this could only really go to one winner this year. A B.E.A.U.ty on and off the silver screen. She has been present in The Limited Edition movie suite many times this year and for great movies including House Of Flying Daggers, 2046 (didn't get it but not her fault) and Memoirs Of A Geisha (didn't like it but couldn't take me eyes of her) the winner is Zhang Ziyi.

As the ceremony moves up a gear we can welcome the much anticipated - Action Movie - award. This year was difficult. There was plenty of fine, kick back and relax action candy to soak up. Including the fourth instalment of Potter, Narnia (please let the follow ups at least be good). Ding Dong King Kong was a treat & Sin City was hardcore shit man!! But hands down and only because I poohed a little bit is War Of The Worlds which conquers this catorgary. I bloody loved it & I don't even like Tom SCHMOOZE...

Taking a break from the big awards we move towards a make or break category. - The Soundtrack - This year was a hell of a one for tunage! Ditties on the ipod included BrokenBack Mountain, Garden State & Broken Flowers with a late entry from Layer Cake. But hands down the award this year goes to Danny Elfman for Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, making an alright film into a pretty pretty damn good one.

We set the ladies & shepherds heartbeats a pumping now with the award for best Actor. Splendid performances this year from Gyllenhaal & Ledger. Giamatti in Sideways was a treat. Seymore Hoffman & Clooney are out as I ain't seen their flicks. A worthy shout out for Denzel WashingTAIN in Man On Fire. But my choice as mountain buddy this year goes to Eric Bana in Munich.

Now onto to the BIG cheese - Best Director - I often think it must be the hardest job in the world, as shit films are so see through. But the amount of quality produce around at the moment suggests plenty a hearty harvest in future years. Stand out numbers this year include Chris Nolan for Batman Begins, Paul Haggis for Crash, Tim Burton making the best films since Edward Scissorhands and the Cloonster. But the grand master gong this year goes to Speilberg for two excellent numbers in Munich & War Of The Worlds (Legend). Ang Lee wasn't nominated, as pretty as sheep & mountains are it was by no means his best film!

- Best Documentary - is a short one this year as I only recall seeing one, but it was so good that it deserved a hearty mention, and that mention goes to DIG! for being completely enthralling. Watch it if you can coz it digs man!

Now moving onto "the movies I missed first time around" category. - Best DVD - This year I've had the pleasure with catching up on the Big Screen numbers I missed at the picture house. Stand out praise for Passion Of The Christ, OldBoy, Collateral, Infernal Affairs, The Station Agent & Stuck On You. But the winner goes to Ong Bak for some meaty mother f*cking kick ass action! Right on, Wooo!!!

And that near enough wraps the 2006 LE Movie Awards up. Its been a pleasure to host you and hope to see you soon enough again for another star studded, diamond encrusted evening.

Good Night...

Fools (G)old

2006-03-05T23:27:00.000Z

It's been an age since my last post so I'll apologise for that firstly. Sorry.

I haven't been able to muster any thoughts to post. No ideas at all. There's been a slight depression hanging over me in a mild way only affecting my blog. I've still been managing to get out of bed and perform my other daily routines. Which is lucky as my impact on the world is very important and the high levels of customer service that the jolly clientelle from B&Q have just got used to can't been seen to faulter.

Anyway enough of these weak excuses, I shall remind you of my promise of day one of The Limited Edition, that posts will be as fresh as the morning catch and so on......

It's been a while but I awoke this afternoon with an almighty hangover... Booze fueled and sickening... I felt so sick and needed to pee so badly that I had to think quickly to recall any embarrassing moments from the previous night. As the level of hungoverness would usually suggest at some point I had made a d*ck of myself. Fortunately I don't remember any particular moments of madness or any enthusiastic promises made to brand new aquaintances. So unless I'm reminded of an instance that I have no memory of, I got away with a good night intact.

We ended up in 4.2's and by no means was this decision made without my enthusiastic imput. I hadn't been there for almost three years. That occasion was the night the Ricky Charm worked it's magic on Miss Mora for the first time. Its the reasuring smell of vomit that you could always rely on.

The place however has had something of a make over. The DJ both had moved, the toilets where well lit, the lingering vomit smell had been reigned in, and last but not least the indie kids of the noughties would have looked more suited to a bleedin catwalk. It was shocking. The dingey dark corners of old had all gone, I didn't spot one parker, and not one "on the seventh day god made manchester" t-shirt. It knocked me a little and when I went for a wander to see if I could identify a familiar face my search returned no results. I went to the bar and to add insult to injury I was clearly significantly older than all the bar staff.

In any club I always have this feeling of being a little intimidated by the bar staff. It's like they have the power over whether or not your night goes well. Without exception if you end up getting on with a bar person, male or female then your night is guaranteed to be that little bit better. Although last night the intimidation I had memorised from 4.2's wasn't there. It wasn't important or necessary to impress my fellow clubbers and the mighty bar staff didn't have the look of a hundred boozey club nights in their eyes. I think it was the aging processes kicking in again. Not that I've been out on the tiles persistantly for the last few years but these wee nippers seemed comfort fresh, coiled and ready to jump out of the ground.

I wont be rushing back but its good to see the youngsters are breaking there city shoes in the same places and backed up by the same old dutch courage I found necessary when approaching the dance floor - Saturdays bar offer was vodbul (trademake) at a quid a go. (Reliable 42's!)

No nonsense.

2006-02-02T00:46:00.000Z

Over the last six months myself and few close friends have changed! It's a change that I to be quite frank didn't see coming!

For years I've been totally satisfied with the decisions I quite proudly made when I was 16(ish).

The choices I'm talking about are that of beer! As with any youngster hoping to climb up the social ladder, to get a taste for the amber nectar was as vital as your voice breaking or your pits smelling. Just another step towards adulthood.

Myself, and my friends, of whom I feel I can speak on behalf of were contented with the fizzy wife beating, headache inducing liquids of Stella Artois, Heineken and the odd Fosters. These fine beverages went down well on cold winter evenings and barmy summer afternoons. They helped us mature and contemplate, dance & fall over, they made the boring people interesting and the ugly people, pretty.

What on earth could shake this seemingly perfect world?!

I tell you now... It is BITTER.......

Bitter is a substance I can remember from early childhood, looking on at my Dad drink this mulch with excitement in his eyes. It was inconceivable what positives could be found when my 5 (approx) year old palette tasted this dish water. "Errr its orrible" or there abouts was a remark I must have furnished my Dad with numerous times, "I'll never drink that!".

And then on to my teens when I was acquiring a taste for the bubbly amber nectar, the flat, thick glass clinging bitter held no appeal and never would.

However, times do change, I am now in my twentyfifth year and as with Eric and Acacia Road my taste buds have made an amazing transformation.

They love the smooth, creamy taste. The amazingly long lasting snow white heads. The gasless satisfaction. The effort required in pumping the hearty life blood from the cellars below. And not only that, the amounts and variations are seemingly endless. With many microbreweries in every city there's a new taste experience in every corner of the country.

I look forward to sampling the bitters & stouts of our fine land.

Cheers!

What seems to be the problem officer?

2006-01-30T00:41:00.000Z

In July 2002 Philo, Sladylad & I joined Gaz in Greece for a spot of island hopping! The following snaps tell not only a graphic tale of those weeks but also serve as a warning for anybody wishing to indulge to highly when on holiday. Let the flick of Philo & Sladylad be a lesson to all!

Sadly this was also the one & only time in my life I experimented with hair products, my decision to quit my relationship with the waxy stuff was a wise one of which I'm sure you'll agree. (Enlarge the final snap for a laugh!)

Working wounds

2006-01-28T00:23:00.000Z

I SLASHED my arm with a chisel this week at college. It was a bleeder! It took two, yes 2 plaster to cover it. It's my first proper tool related injury and without sounding to proud it was a goody.

It's amazing how whenever you show off a wound almost everyone (every men) have even better scars and wound stories than you do.

The "oh that's nothing" and "check this one out" stun me! I've had a mixture this week of real horror stories. From the mates of mates to them themselves my poxy chisel wound gash is an ants piss in the ocean. I heard someone lost the entire underside of their hand in a big planing machine. A nutter who had all his fingers cut off with a band saw and due to the lack of medical expertise at the time couldn't have them sawn back on so kept them on their work bench. (God knows how he managed to carry on with his job, mental note - ask how he carried on with his job). Then there were ripping off of finger nails and tips. And the efficient sanding down to the bear bone stories.

The one aspect of a good old cut is that it makes me remember that I'm just skin and muscle and sinew and blood and bone and fat. When the first Autopsy programme was on the box last year I had a real revulsion at the thought of seeing a body being cut up.
I don't have any moral problem with this kind of programme being on the TV. I never have any problem with anything on the box, you've got control of what you watch, but for me Professor Gunther von Hagens the creepy German human butcher and dead people being cut up made me feel a little sick.

However when the new series came on a few weeks ago I felt a little compelled to watch it. I seemed to forget what the programme would entail and sat there in anticipation ready to watch my first autopsy.
There were introductions and everything was keep completely scientific and clinical, everything was explained. But when this 90 year old woman was wheeled out and exposed all ridged and grey everything I'd forgotten to remember flooded back. I've never seen a real dead body. I find the whole thought of seeing one quite upsetting. I've never had any inclination to see the bodies of relatives who have died and when this body came onto the screen and the first incision was made my brain shorted. I got as far as the subcutaneous fat and I had to turn over.

I'm sure I'll never watch or attempt to watch an autopsy again, 10 minutes was more that I could handle. I realise that the body is just meat and it gives me a respect for doctors and surgeons how they seemingly have this ability to look at a body as an object to fix.

The way my chisel went into me like a knife through chicken may well have taught me to be a little more careful in the future. I'll make a promise not to jigsaw a finger off or bash a nail into myself. And Jeez you better believe there's no f*cking chance my bodies going to medical research!

AIR BAND

2006-01-16T23:58:00.000Z

It was the great SladyLads 25th birthday this weekend and on Saturday he and SladyLass had a wee bite to eat followed by a few (to many) sherberts at our urban loft retreat (flat)!
Peace Out!!

This grand evening included a quite momentous game of Trivia Pursuit, Boys v Girls to which I may unsurprisingly add we Men dominated from start to finish, first pie to last cheese etc etc!!

However the fun had only just begun, not only did Marco and I appreciate the small pleasure of the widget we formed a band which, if we had the time to direct our energy and talent would probably be the best band in the world! I'll let you decide but I'm sure you can see talent when it's looking at you! Holy Smoke, there's music in Slady's fingers!

Generations

2006-01-15T21:53:00.000Z

Lil'Billy Weaver made his UK debut appearance this weekend!

Ma Weaver organised a big do to indroduce him to his new family!

From Billy's perspective and from left to right we have Great Great Aunty Olive, Cousin Max, Dad Simon, Aunty Charlotte, Great Granny Johns, Billy Himself, Uncle Richard, 2nd Cousin Helen, Cousin Lucy & last but not least 2nd Cousin Christopher!

iya playin out???

2006-01-06T23:42:00.000Z

Was the most used phrase of our childhoods! This stopped when I was about 12 for something a little more gruntish!

Age however doesn't stop boys "playin out"!

I've scanned a few snaps of me & the boys playin in the Autumn of 2002, these stunts weren't all done on the same day but they were highly wreckless yet polished acts of madness that we couldn't stop ourselves from doing. (not philo though, his bones are made from hoover fluff).

The first were taken down "the streams."

Warming up for the big one!

Leaping Leprechauns Batman...

This was a windy day on Rooley Moor and at Greenbooth.

See how many flicks Peggy the Dog sneaks onto!

TAXED!

Greenbooth

2006-01-05T00:55:00.000Z

Gaz, Kel, Sally & I went for a walk the other day to clear the nye cobwebs.

We took a soden stroll up to Greenbooth Reservoir. It was a mirky day but regardless still as beautiful and picturesque as ever.

If you find yourself that way anytime soon beware the suicidal sheep, they're leaping from the cliffs

One or two of the big snaps are courtesy of Philo.

nye

2006-01-05T00:16:00.000Z

New Years Eve was a hell of a night. Firstly Kathrine arrived home from a year in Oz and hosted a hell of a "Welcome Home/NYE" do!

All was going sensibly (for me at least). Midnight swung around so quickly I'd only managed a few chilled cervezas.

I don't brag about alcohol consumption because it's not clever (and I don't consume much). I also don't condone having a 14 year old mix you your drinks when you're not watching, because "cocktails & dreams" they aint!

By 2:30am I was vomiting so much it felt like I was chundering my own liver!

It's clear from the happy snaps I wasn't alone in the frivolities!

The cold sweats cleared up on Monday afternoon!

2005

2005-12-29T17:11:00.000Z

As the year draws to a close I thought I'd take this opportunity to have a recap. From friends to family, delights and developments. With the help of my photographic friend. I'll trail back through the highlights from the past 12 months.

Spring 2005

After a slow start Adele and I went to visit brother & sister-in-law Weaver for a week in chilly New York. It was a treat, we took a cool heli ride over the city, ate in the "best" pizza restaurant this side of Italy and generally took in the sights of NYC.

2005 being the year the Weaver clan expanded by one it was with sheer amazment how Heidi expanded due to lil'billy's enormous appetite.

April arrived and Pa Weaver & I headed for Villa Park for our first game for to many years. Unfortunately we witnessed a drumming by City (Manchester). Lets just say we didn't let the defeat spoil our day. C'mon tha Villa!

May saw my only attempt at exercise with the completion of the Great Manchester Run, no records were broken but it was worth it for the medal.

As Spring turned into summer the big event of the year was speedily approaching, the marriage of our close friends Sladylad & the soon to be Sladylass (Mark & Linz). Malta was to be the HHHHOT HOT HOT destination and many friends and family turned up for the free feed.

Nights of partying...

And days of culture...

Were followed by the BIG day itself...

July was also the month Nephew Billy was born, jeez with all the fuss anybody would think it was the 4th July.

The Bin Laden's Big Event continued into August with a do for all the folks who couldn't make it to Malta.

As Autumn advanced Sarah & Jim invited us for a hike in Derbyshire. Beautiful...

We wondered into Royston Vasey on our way home. Don't worry, we're local!!!

November saw the departure of Philo for pastures new. The lucky beggar's currently chilling in New Zealand.

And that brings us upto now, December saw the birth of The Limited Edition, my 25th Birthday and Christmas.

2005 has been pretty tough at times but a lot of fun. 2006 promises to hold much of the same!

All the best for 2006.

Christmas Day at Casa Weaver

2005-12-26T13:10:00.000Z

Thanks Ma & Pa Weaver for a lovely day! Check out the snaps of Christmas a la Weaver! Meal time, yum yum!

Grandpa Weaver & Granny Johns join in the party games!
The winnners!

See how the Weavers on the other side of the pond enjoyed Christmas day!

Quarter Century

2005-12-20T08:51:00.000Z

Party Pictures, unfortunately these represent the passing of my youth. I am now 25... Boooooo!!

Me & The Missus

The Kids

Granny & Aunty Tricia

Sis & Adele

Firenze

2005-12-14T00:20:00.000Z

Adele & I went to Florence at the beginning of November. I'm not often taken aback by art, I think this is primarily because 99% of the contact I have is either through a book or the TV, well the TV then a book. I was however thrown by what Florence had to offer.

A pal once said there was no point making the effort to see great historical sights, they're just the same on the box. This is of course complete rubbish. Being a foot away from a 400 year old sculpture that still has visible chisel marks from the artists own tools is pretty breathtaking.

I've posted a few snaps of our weekend...

The Duomo

Michelangelo's pieta

Adele up the Duomo

Dusk on the Arno

Manchesters Favourite Cow Parade in Florence

The Travelling Amigo

2005-12-12T16:14:00.000Z

Ray Mears

The Festival Hangover

Shaking A Hand To Liberty

The Master Of Style

The Historian

The Squad

B & Phew

2005-12-12T00:56:00.000Z

I have a job!!

As you all know I left my well paid job* in October to pursue an ambition to get out of the nine to five drag of office life.

Myself and the missus, Adele decided this summer that life was to short and the time had come to make a few changes. Adele successfully, after a few stressful months got onto a PGCE at Bolton (hear me know) Uni and I wangled a place on a Carpentry course.

Sensibly we put a little money aside to survive on while I looked for an appropriate job that would compliment my course!

The weeks went on, I wrote letters to building firms, looked through papers, the internet, even made my way to the job centre but all to no avail. My problem was that I was looking for a job in a trade not keen on short cold wet days. I sadly realised that leaving the well paid job when I did may well have been an almighty mistake!

Again the weeks passed by and I swallowed my pride and began dropping my cv off at any and every high street retailer & demon bumming job agency. I picked up application forms for Sainsburys, Asda and even got part way to a job with Greater Manchester Police (prospects really were grim).

The money we'd wisely put to one side was eaten up by the bills and still no sign of employment.

It was at this stage that desperation creeped in and I decided (with a forceful arm twist from Adele) to approach the Job Centre about a little financial help. I was after all "an active Job Seeker".

One word about the b*stards at the job centre, they are all b*stards. Adele took a stab in the dark and suggested my job seeker interview would be conducted by a chocolate munching, pop drinking, pie eating sonofabitch. The 20 stone devil horned lady that interrogated me fitted Adele's description to a tee.

"Do you think it's realistic that you'll get a job that allows you to have Wednesday off?" "Hmm, yep!" "You'll have to leave your course if we get you a suitable job!!!"

Now I don't like to go on but I have been paying taxes and NI for longer than I attended secondary school and to receive this sort of short sighted "help" boiled my blood.

I did however stand firm and finally after a stand off with the Job Centre and the completion of a few bible sized forms got £31 pounds! Woo Hoo!

The job hunt continued...

One of the many applications I filled in was for B&Q. Related in a very broad sense to my future career I waded into the interview with high hopes. And it paid off! 20 hours a week at minimum wage is only a hairsbreadth from what the social had on offer but sodit I'm actually looking forward to it.

If there is any moral to the story it would be that myself and Adele decided to change our dreary lives and better ourselves, this has involved a hearty pay slash and uncertainty about our future but I can honestly say that neither of us have ever been happier. The stress is worth it. I never thought I'd say it but my day in college is the highlight of my week!

Bring on the future!!!!!!

Boom, Blast!

2005-12-12T00:32:00.000Z

A pretty impressive snap...

The end of the world in Hemel Hempstead!

First Edition

2005-12-08T08:12:00.000Z

Hello, this is me!

Your number one editor extraordinaire!

I'm new to the world of blog publishing. I have a fear that each time I approach the keyboard my mind will freeze & go blank....

It has now... However I promise this will be the only time I mention these fears. I will strike out with views and opinions that may upset, shock and maybe even encourage somebody to reply with their own most valued thoughts!

Firstly apologies for i)grammer ii)spelling iii)posts that will no doubt confuse and even waste your time.

I will however make posts regularly, (hastey words from a virgin).

I browsed many a picture before I settled on the one you see above, I was looking for one that wouldn't portrait my head to be bigger than Jeremy Clarksons. Whenever I have a picture taken it seems my teeth just wanna get on film. The beggars aren't shy that's for sure. This was also taken a year or two ago & lets just say the hairlines not as forthcoming as the teeth these days!

A quarter century is but a few days from now for me and the signs of age are creeping (rampaging) on!

Welcome to The Limited Edition, I hope you enjoy...