INTERVIEW- Relative Values

*Now, I will be the first to say that this piece is a bit weak. And by weak, I mean if it was an actual physical object it would be soggy cardboard. Nevertheless, here is a piece on a father and Son, and how their relationship works. This is possibly the most exciting thing you will ever read…NOT!

PS- This was written circa late 2008*

Relationship of rivalry and respect

Steve Yeates and his son David Yeates

Steve Yeates, 52, has been working as a police officer and will soon retire after working for over 25 years. He lives with his wife Alison, 50, their daughters Sam, 23, and Holly, 21, and their son David, 19. David recently qualified as a Ski instructor on a three month course which cost around seven thousand pounds.

David-

Paying out three grand to let me go on my skiing course shows a lot about my dad. He rarely goes skiing himself yet he still helped me out as he could see that it was something I truly cared about.

The course totalled seven grand though, so it’s not like he could give me all the money. But I like that, the fact that he doesn’t do everything for me, and that I still have to work hard to get what I want. It’s nice to know that he’s there if I need him though, even if he said I owe him that three grand back. Maybe he’ll just forget, that’s what I hoping! That’s pretty unlikely however.

The great thing is that I know he won’t force the money out of me; he’ll just wait until I give it back of my own free will. I think that’s because in our family there is an element of trust. I like that the trust between us isn’t forced, it just helps to make everyone more relaxed.

I’m surprised that he can be relaxed at all considering that he has such a high pressure job. I mean he sometimes has had to work night shifts alongside day shifts, which I couldn’t even imagine doing myself. I’m not sure whether I could ever develop a work ethic like his.

It’s not all laid back between him and me of course. Sports are a common link between father and son, but in me and my Dads case it adds a competitive edge to our relationship. He thrashed me in Squash when I first played it but I slowly got better, joined a league and then was more than a match for him. It’s a shame I beat him in pretty much everything now, he’s getting too old now! He’d never admit that though, that would be admitting defeat, so thankfully that competitive spark still exists.

Despite the sporting rivalry we still help and support each other. One of my earliest, clearest memories of him is when he was cheering me on one of my first school’s sports days; I guess I could have only been about seven or eight. Thinking back he must have had to take the day of work, just to see me finish second in some skipping race. Considering I was skipping that’s even more impressive. I mean, he watched me skip, which isn’t the most masculine thing to be competing in. Yet he still turned up and supported me.

If I achieved everything my Dad has in my life I think I would be satisfied. I’d like to go one better than him and become a multi millionaire and own a mansion, but they’re long shots to be honest. I think my dad’s ahead of me so far in terms of his life achievements, so I’ll just keep competing with him and hopefully be as content with life as he is.

Steve-

If you asked me what words come to mind when talking of David, I would probably say something like ‘what a strange boy.’ I do mean that it the most affectionate way possible though!

I find it hard to criticize David to be honest. He’s so relaxed that sometimes I think that he almost doesn’t care about whether he does well in something or not. But deep down I know he wants to succeed, he has an inner competitiveness. His fixation on becoming a Ski Instructor came out of the blue for me but I could see he loved skiing when we went on holiday in France so at least he’s doing something that sparks him into life.

I couldn’t see David going into something that doesn’t interest him though; he can be quite stubborn sometimes. A good example is when he was in his school years. I mean, when he was doing his A-levels I tried to encourage him into working hard but he never seemed interested in doing well in stuff like physics, which he ended up failing. It’s strange, when he’s competing in sports he’s pretty driven, but education was pretty much a write off for him. Not that I’m not going to get irritated about it though. His two sisters are pretty academically driven so I think David helps to even that out with his interest in sports. If that even makes sense!

I’m glad David’s so laid back with stuff that others might treat deadly seriously though, and I’d like to think that part of that comes from me. As well as his sense of humour, which could be described as a little odd! I think as a comedic duo we’ve received our fair share of confused looks from people! But I think we’re pretty strange when it comes to most things in life. Like when I had to drive David to the hospital once because a ladder hit him on the head when he was in the middle of playing a football match. That could only happen to David or me to be honest.

Although David and I are pretty close competitively in sports I think highly charged emotional moments in our relationship are hard to pinpoint if I’m honest. I mean I was high with emotion the day when David was born, even though I’d been through the experience twice before. I think it’s because David and me try to keep ourselves so stress free that big emotions don’t arise too often. Maybe we’ll be all emotional when he’s older. I’ll be there if that ever happens.

Sport is the hobby we share the most, I think I’m responsible for fostering the epic sporting matches that happen between us. I helped him get into squash and he eventually got better than me, and I became the underdog when I played him! There’s always that chance of the tables being turned, and I think that’s why we both like playing each other in so many sports. As for who’s the best out of us? I have the better record over the years, but that’s being chipped away. Not that I’m getting too old, I would say it’s more a case that David is far too young!

(Picture- A father and Son, but in cartoon form. So nothing like the father and son detailed above then.)

SPORT FEATURE- Josh Gowling

*Written just before Gowling left for Carlisle in June 2008, I felt like a curse, because Kevin Bond, who also talked to me, left AFCB shortly after as well.

However, Josh has now ended up at League One Gillingham, and Bond as Assistant manager at Tottenham, so perhaps it wasn’t such a bad curse. A happy curse, if there is such a thing.

Bournemouth fans I talk to don’t seem to have fond memories of Gowling, but when he let me interview him he seemed like a thoroughly nice chap. If my team (Bournemouth) play against him next year I will be sure to give a cheer when his name is called out. All the best Josh.*

Fighting back- Josh Gowling

Meeting just after training for our interview Josh Gowling is the pinnacle of calm. Not visibly tired after a full blooded training session, he simply smiles as he talks about Denmark, nightmare injuries and his exciting career so far with current club AFC Bournemouth.

The central defender has managed to play nearly the whole 2007-08 season, but an injury last year has only added to the disappointments in his career so far.

The first being when he was released by West Bromwich Albion in 2003, a side now in the Premiership, Gowling could have decided to sign for a Championship club at the very least.

Instead he baffled everyone by signing for Danish Division one side Ølstykke, playing unknown (in England at least) teams like Frem and Hellerup. Unfortunately this experience was just another disappointment and after only managing to play over ten games, Gowling soon became disillusioned with life overseas and came back to England and was snapped up by AFC Bournemouth.

It is thought by many around Bournemouth that Gowling was only too glad to leave Denmark, but the player himself sees things differently ‘I still would have gone, because it was a good experience for me to branch out and see a different style of football and culture, even if didn’t have the best time out there.’

His frustrating Danish experience still managed to revitalise his passion for football, as AFC Bournemouth’s press officer Jon Sharkey could testify. ‘I honestly think Gowling came back even stronger from that experience. I think the fact he has played consistently well this season for us (AFC Bournemouth) after last season’s injury proves that.’

Even though Bournemouth were further down the league ladder than West Brom, Gowling’s friendly nature helped him to experience a good first impression of the southern club. ‘I thought it was a really friendly club when I first came here on a trial basis, the players, staff and fans were all welcoming and really made me feel at home.’

After playing for Bournemouth on trial for several pre season friendlies, and impressing in a draw with Everton, Gowling was signed on a one year contract.

Continuing this good form to the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, Gowling then suffered the greatest disappointment of his career. After playing not even twenty seconds of an away game, against Brentford, Gowling was victim of a terrible tackle which put him out for the rest of the season, with his knee ligaments badly damaged.

When talking to Gowling about the injury it is clear that it still haunts him, because when he is asked about what he would try and change in his career he says, without hesitation, ‘all the many injuries I’ve had, no question, especially last seasons.’ Although only 23 it is clear that Gowling has matured as a person and player through his disappointments. This is obvious when he sadly, but philosophically says ‘the fact that I’ve been able to keep fit and play nearly all of this season is probably my proudest and most treasured moment of my football career so far.’

Recovering from the injury in time for the 2006-2007 campaign many fans were expecting Gowling to reassert his position in the team with his usual calm and decisive play. Unfortunately Gowling came back into a team that was in a poor run of form, and were facing relegation. An example of the team’s inadequacies was in the FA Cup game against Barrow, where the side from the Conference North almost beat Gowling and his team. Although Bournemouth progressed internet criticism was still scathing of the side, with Gowling receiving some harsh words. The unofficial Cherries Mad side remarked that ‘Gowling allows even non-League players to get goal side of him too easily.' A 4-1 home defeat to Southend followed, bringing more abuse, describing Gowling’s play as 'car crash defending,' and labeling him as a 'Titus Bramble wannabee.'

Talking to current Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond, even he admitted that Gowling’s game could easily be improved. ‘Josh just needs to concentrate harder and has to treat training as just as important as the games themselves.’

This online abuse doesn’t get to Gowling though, and for a very simple reason. ‘I don’t read about us online, or read our match reports, even if the team or my performances have been good.’

Local Bournemouth sports writer, Neil Perrett, who has covered the clubs progress for years, said that ‘I’m not surprised that Josh doesn’t listen to the critics, as he knows himself that he has room for improvement, and because of that he’s become a popular player with the fans.’

Apart from his sometimes inconsistent game, nobody seems to have a bad word to say about Gowling. When asked what he thought of Gowling away from the pitch Kevin Bond’s tone changed, and smiling he said ‘he really is a good guy, he’s got an answer to anything, and he’s always there when the going gets tough.’

That ability to fight back was proven at the end of last season as Gowling recovered his form, as Bournemouth went on a run of seven games unbeaten and were only relegated on the last game of the season.

Despite the disappointment of relegation there was still pride from the supporters for the team and Gowling. Life long Bournemouth supporter Luke Frater agreed, saying that ‘He could have laid down and given up, but the way he and the team fought for survival. He can definitely play at a higher level, but I hope he stays.’

When asked about his future Gowling laughed, and bravely said ‘I would love to play in the Premiership, even if it was for just one match!’ After a little silence he added somewhat quietly, ‘if I’m completely honest I don’t know, I just want to play at the highest level possible.’

It’s this quiet confidence that could only help Gowling move upwards through the English leagues. If he can avoid the injuries that have dominated his career so far and play with the same spirit as at the end of Bournemouth near relegation escape, then it is only a matter of time before he is no longer fighting back but fighting forward.

(Above- The legend that is Josh Gowling)

VIDEOGAME REVIEW- A Link to the Past (no, not that one…)

A couple of years ago I started a blog about obscure videogames, but now I feel more confident in looking a wider range of things than games alone. So take a look, there’s not much there but it’s a nice welcoming little place at the edge of the internet, in which to while a few minutes away.

Oh, and there’s probably some spelling errors over there too, but I can assure you that won’t happen again heir.

A link to the past- http://randomvideogamereviewsonline.blogspot.com/

FILM REVIEW- Blade Runner, the Directors Cut

*This was written a while back and after seeing it again I think I was a little generous. Blade Runner is a far simpler film than you think, and beyond it’s incredible aesthetic is perhaps a little shallow. I would probably give it 4, or perhaps even 3, if I reviewed it again*

Blade Runner- The Final Cut

Where? On 5 Disc DVD set

Back to the future…for the fifth time.

Plot
Set in 2019 Los Angeles, Detective Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) must track down some escaped robotic replicants. These robots runaways look identical to humans, yet have a set four year lifespan, and their leader, Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), is not eager to give himself up yet…

Film Review
After over 25 years and five different cuts, has director Ridley Scott finally delivered the final version of Blade Runner? Let’s hope not, otherwise there may not be another chance to watch it on the big screen. Shown in only a few lucky cinemas, it still remains a science fiction landmark.
This new version has had minor, near unnoticeable editing changes, but it’s the new and re-mastered picture that is the real attraction here. Never before has Scott’s gloomy vision of the future Los Angeles had neon that glows so warmly through the dense fog, or rain that glitters down so coldly.
Of course, even if the print was plagued with scratches the beauty of Blade Runner would still shine through. The films production design has been discussed endlessly, but it undoubtedly outdid any film before it. Its effects still impressing today, infinitely more believable than the cold, soulless CGI that plagues today’s sci-fi efforts. Even though the bleak future portrayed in this film has had its critics for being a little too bleak, it would have simply been impossible for the film to hit its future-noir vibe without it.
From production to casting, the film continues to excel, possessing perfectly pitched performances from its main cast. It is common knowledge that Harrison Ford did not understand or like Scott’s directorial style, yet the confusion and uncertainty that Ford brings to Deckard's character helps give the film a larger sense of ambiguity. Hauer too, is superb, adding a dangerous and unpredictable edge to Batty, drawing contrasts to the vulnerable Deckard. Young, as the replicant Deckard falls in love with, is also faultless, portraying a fragility and hesitancy that makes her scenes with Ford crackle with an uncertain future.
Talking of uncertainty, Blade Runner is itself such a tangle of possibilities that it’s impossible to be certain of anything. The lines of who is and isn’t a replicant is one thing, but what about the potential religious allegory behind the film? The film asks its viewer more question than it answers, but it is all the better for it. Deeper and more mysterious than 2001: A space odyssey, far edgier than Star Wars, Blade Runner is the definitive Science fiction film.

(5/5)

DVD review-

It's 5 discs, so it's as comprehensive as you can get. Commentaries, docs, interviews and much more behind. A flawless package. The tin is nice too.

(5/5)

Overall Verdict-
Even if you’ve seen the previous versions to death, you should still go and watch this on DVD, if not the big screen if possible. Still magical, still mysterious, Blade Runner is an incredible enigma. (5 /5)

(Above- Rutger Hauer, in perhaps his finest film role. Except for maybe the Hitcher. Or Soldier of Orange. Or Blind Fury. Actually, scratch that last one.)

RANDOM RANT- Card charges

*Written a while back it’s not great, but gave me the chance to get this issue off my chest*

-Card charges are a idea straight from the devil-

You’re in the middle of a car journey. You need a break. That service station looks good. Not a five star shining light of sheer class, but it’ll do.

Hmm, no money left. Ah well, this is a service station! There will be many places to bleed your account dry. And so there is. Dododo, card in, screen loads...amount? £20 please, thank you very much. What’s that? A £1.85 charge? That’s fine…wait, what!?!

I really do hate that. If life wasn’t occasionally grey and tedious enough, here comes card machine charges. Some lifeless berk thought those up, and when the idea crossed his mind I bet he burped out a bellowing toad like laugh.

There’s no need for it. I’ll bet many people in service stations are already miserable when they enter. Most of the time you’re either driving back from that wonderful holiday you wished had never ended, and stepping into some dark overpriced hall of bland fast food chains and Whsmiths is hardly likely to replicate the experience. So when you see that you’re being charged for a service that by all rights should be free, it’s likely that all the good work done by your holiday is undone. No, life isn’t relaxing, with the sun always winking back at you. It’s a depressing world where some snivelling berk gets off on charging you for simply taking your money out. Welcome to reality.

It’s our money! I shouldn’t be charged for wanting to get at it! The money charging machines are, pure and simple, extremely exploitative. But from a completely cynical and evil view, they’re brilliant. They attack us when we are at are most vulnerable. What I fear is that the same idea will be applied to many parts of our life (if they aren’t already).

Picture it. You’re on a plane. You and everyone else are plugged into individual air supplies. No joint oxygen sharing here. Halfway through the flight you notice a strange flashing red light on your arm rest. Oxygen near depleted. Switching to alternative air supply. You worriedly tap a stewardess on the shoulder, and ask what this is all about.

“Oh it’s nothing, not really” she says, with a somewhat demented giggle. “It’s just our airlines policy. Unless you pay the extra charge then your air will be swapped with the alternative, Oxygen lite. It makes it incredibly difficult to breathe, with a bare minimum oxygen content, but you will survive. But only just,” and she giggles again, this time at your awestruck expression. “It’s only £4.99 for Oxygen regular, and £9.99 for Oxygen supreme.”

At first you consider rejecting this out of an emphasised sense of injustice. But then your throat feels sore. Your hands go numb. You can feel you lungs squeezing themselves dry to survive on the small slurp of oxygen you have left. Your vision becomes blurry. You turn again to the stewardess and give her a strained nod.

“So do you want to pay through cash or card?” Card you gesture, pushing it into the machine. Is there anyway for this could be worse, as you enter your pin. Turns out there is. A £1.80 card charge.

You may laugh, but it’ll happen. Squeezing money out of you is what some do for a job, and I couldn’t possibly imagine how miserable those peoples lives are.

(PS-The spelling of ‘lite’ is deliberate, not a spelling error. Just wanted to make that clear. Thanks for reading).

NEWS- The Ghost Shop Shift

*Dated April 2009- So Jo Davis no longer works the ghost shop shift anymore. Plans to do re-do this story are in the works, but I thought you might enjoy this anyway*

The Ghost Shop Shift

By Simon Reed

More than two customers in an hour is seen as surprisingly busy for workers at a store in West Moors.

The Co-op on Station Roads number of customers rarely comes to double figures between 9pm and when it closes at 11pm on Sunday nights.

Last Sunday, in the stores last two hours open, it took just £70 in sales, whereas the next day, in what was described as a ‘relatively quiet’ Monday afternoon by the clerk at the till, took that in less than 15 minutes.

Selling alcohol after 10pm is prohibited as well, due to a licensing agreement between the local council and the stores in the area.

One customer was confused at the law, and said ‘it makes no sense. Most people coming in this late will only be after more alcohol, after getting kicked out of the pub across the road, so the shop should close at ten to avoid annoying and confusing customers.’

Pascal Longhurst, 30, the stores manager, defended the store being open so late and said ‘we’re providing a service to the community and if we help that one or two people then it’s worth our while.’

In charge of the store during Sunday nights, Joanne Johnstone, 34, said ‘I could be doing a lot better things with my time especially as there’s no customers, it’s also quite demoralising because I’ve got no-one to talk to.’

In this time when money is tight and shops must cut down to survive, it is surprising that the shop remains open, but the reason may be because of the Tesco’s Express across the road, which also closes at 11pm.

If each store is only open because they do not want to close earlier than the other, then perhaps an agreement should be met between the two to close at a time more suitable for the incredibly quiet village of West Moors.

(Picture of Jo on a quiet, miserable Sunday night)