Tom_NUFC

Trimm Trabs

My purchases in the last couple of days. Fender Mustang II amp (40w) Squier Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster

Not a lurker so much, but it's been a while since I've posted on here.

Got one of these a few weeks ago. Its a Yamaha Guitalele, and as the name suggests its a Guitar/Ukelele cross. It's the size of A concert-sized Ukelele and it sounds like a Ukelele, but it has six strings, and you play it like a guitar. In its natural tuning it's like playing a guitar with a capo on the 4th or 5th fret. It's great. Very light, very portable, decent quality and reasonably priced. Windows sell them for £65, but if you look online, you can get them even cheaper. And with it being a Yamaha, it's well-made. In fact, it'd be superb to give to young kids, get them started early.

Tons of pet hates. Loads already mentioned like Cyclists riding on pavements, people going out wearing Pyjamas (in fact pyjamas in general are a pet hate), people saying literally when they don't mean literally (Jamie Redknapp on Sky does this, announcing how players are literally on fire, have been left for dead or only have one leg). As well as that, Checky Shirts are just wrong. Students who think that Heaton is an extension of the university campus. People who think it's perfectly alright to put their feet up on bus or metro seats. Stupid exaggerated pauses in every reality TV, quiz show etc. Reality TV shows Tories People who don't use their indicators - sheer laziness People who wear trousers halfway down their arses Jeans with button down pockets and or all sorts of ridiculous loops and unnecessary buttons

Found out about midday. Gutted. Such a tragic loss. I don't think I've ever been as upset upon hearing the death of an ex NUFC player/manager. Probably because of his age, the fact that he was playing for us relatively recently and there were no (known) health issues. Then there's also the fact that he was such a fantastic player. The team was always the poorer when he didn't play. He gave his all, commanded the midfield, commanded the whole team at times, would battle and never shirk from physical encounters. And yet played with such style, flair and vision. He really was an incredible player. The fact that former team mates, opponents, current players, journalists and supporters of not only all of his former teams, but many others besides have paid such wonderful tributes shows how much he was loved and respected. I saw Joey Barton's Tweet and I wasn't at all offended by it. I understand what he meant. Put in the context of what else he was tweeting at the same time, it came over as someone expressing shock as to why Gary Speed committed suicide. I have suffered from clinical depression (although I haven't had a bout for some time now, I'm not sure I can say I'm cured) and got to the stage where I seriously considered suicide (minutes away). From the outside, I can understand why it is seen by many as selfish. In fact, I think I would agree with Barton that it is both selfish and tragic. But from the inside, you don't see it that way, because you're at rock bottom, and it's impossible for me to describe how utterly low and completely helpless you feel when you are in that state. You can see no way out, have no one to help you and have no other option. The tragedy is that this is not the case, but like I said, you're in such a state you can't think clearly. If the latest rumours are true, he probably thought he'd lose his family, friends, job, reputation, respect. And as a result, felt there was nowhere to turn. IF it's true then people seriously need to boycott that paper en masse. The Scousers did it after Hillsborough. Lets see mass boycotts on Tyneside, in Yorkshire, in Wales and in Lancashire too. Easy for me to say like as I don't buy it myself. Whatever the reasons (and we may never know for sure), it's tragic, and he should be remembered for being the great player he was. A shining example to all professional footballers. I feel so sorry for his family and friends. RIP

Class fighter. RIP

I work in a benefits office and for about every 1 non-brit claiming benefits theres 39 brits claiming benefits. I don't get why people associate benefits and the majority of people being immigrants collecting them, baffles is tbh. quoted for truth.

Feeling rather mixed. Had a shitty day at work as a load of us are getting moved somewhere we don't want to go. But at the same time it might be better off out of it, as there's a feeling more is coming. Feeling crap about it, but determined to turn a negative into a positive. And its also clarified what I was thinking anyway. That I can do better and should look for something else (not that its easy, but its easier if you have a job). Feeling canny about the match like.

Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. I was recommended it via Amazon, read the reviews/synopsis, bought it then never got round to reading it (I have literally have thousands of books). I've only recently got round to it, and it is immense. It's about various characters living in Los Angeles - from all different backgrounds - Film Stars, Mexican Immigrants, Teenage Runaways, Homeless people, Gang members etc. They don't meet each other, but it dips in and out of their lives. Some of them just the once, whilst others are followed throughout the book. It is just so diverse and very believable and exposes LA's best and worst sides, and everything in between. The Wall by Christopher Hilton, tracking the history of the Berlin Wall through personal and eyewitness accounts of Berliners. And a couple of books about Aspergers Syndrome, that have been a big help, having recently discovered I have it.

Aye. True enough!

Aye. Me mate texted me last night to say he had them already on pre-sales. Can't wait!

OK, a copy of the minutes for those interested. This could quite easily have been penned as being just another night in Newcastle with a bunch of blokes sitting in a pub and talking about their beloved football club, Newcastle United. In fact, that’s exactly what this was, but with a slightly more serious twist to what your everyday conversation would be. The following piece therefore is the transcript from the minutes that were compiled during the initial meeting at The Tyneside Irish Centre, Newcastle, on the evening of Monday 8th June 2011, and done under the banner of the NUFC Fans United. It was to be a meeting where fans, fanzines, blog writers and podcasts et al would all come together in a collision of minds (and voices) to discuss the state of affairs presently engulfing our beloved club. In attendance were representatives of the following independent factions: - The Shite Seats, United for Newcastle, Toon Talk, Mike Ashley Out, Toontastic, Skunkers, Taylor & Besty, NUFCforum.com, alongside the likes of Ian Cusack, Michael Hudson, Malcolm Dixon and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Geoff O’Brien, amongst numerous others. First and foremost a copy of the meeting’s agenda was handed out to the thirty or so attendees, and from this the key personnel of Steve Wraith, Steve Hastie, Neil Mitchell, Zahra and Malcolm Dix were ascertained. Of those persons Messer’s Hastie, Wraith and Dix were to introduce themselves and their aims for the both the evening and the future of NUFC Fans United, especially within the current predicament, was presented to all. Malcolm Dix was introduced as he whom would be entrusted with being the conduit between that of the supporters and the hierarchy at NUFC itself. The topics on the agenda would be marginalised into that of: - I) Level 7 and Fans Displacement, II) Allocation of Away Tickets and the non-purchasing of match tickets for those supporters without a season ticket, III) Direct Debits and the Financial Issues connected to the fans in the close season, IV) Communication with the fans over issues that directly affect the supporters. The evening would conclude with a ‘brief’ discussion concerning other business and the confirmation of the next meeting. INTRODUCTION This would be started by Mr Steve Hastie, former member of the NUST (Newcastle United Supporters Trust) whom discussed the issues of communications, or lack of, in the club and welcomed the presence of Mr Dix, himself the Honorary Vice President of NUFC to the meeting and whom had offered his services as the afore mentioned conduit between the two factions. Hastie went on to discuss that this would be an amalgamation of groups to put across the voice of the fans to that of NUFC as a whole, not just Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias and would be quoted as saying ‘if you don’t keep plugging away then you don’t get anywhere’. Sentiments indeed. Mr Steve Wraith, editor of Toon Talk fanzine and himself a former Fans Liaison Officer for Newcastle United was the next to speak and he began by stating that he had built up a working relationship with both Hastie and Mitchell over the past 18 months but stated that ‘everyone’s opinions are important, not just my own’. He would go on to then discuss that the strengths would lie in the opinions of the groups of fans which were present as well as those beyond this. There was a need for direction and communication not just with the club but with each other as well as reiterating point previously made by Hastie concerning the club and adding about continuance with any future regimes possibly at the club as well. The introduction portion was concluded by a brief section with Mr Malcolm Dix and to who said that both parties (NUFC Fans United and Newcastle United) were to work as one and that it would be to make the club both successful and financially viable. However there was the need for a relationship between the two and for both to work together as one, solitary unit, not against each other. It was also reiterated that all voices of the club, irrespective of format, were invited and would continue to be so invited to future meetings. LEVEL 7 / FANS DISPLACEMENT There would be points presented here by representatives of Shite Seats, Mike Ashley Out and United for Newcastle. Some of which would be interlinked with other topics of the meeting as well. It was suggested that, although the supporters of the club had a reputation for being raucous, they also brought atmosphere to the stadium and that the said supporters were, understandably upset due to the main lack of communication and that they wanted something from the club’s hierarchy in relation to numerous points, some of which are presented within these minutes. In relation to the issue of Level 7 though it was said that, although it was initially taken as a pinch of salt, the break-up of friends built up over time was emotional and that it was more to do with a lack of engagement at all points of the proceedings. It was to be seen as a personal attack on the fans. There have already been a number of meetings conducted in relation to the Level 7 issue, and with club representatives and that although the attention was gained, the response wasn’t really justified to the needs of the supporters. It was also mentioned by Neil Mitchell about the supporters’ panel which occurred at the start of Alan Shearer’s reign as NUFC manager and, with Llambias in attendance/calling to discuss points of view, progress was seen to be made. However, it was then pointed out that the willingness previously shown all but ended on the Monday after the football club was relegated to the Championship. Mr Wraith stated that, overall ‘it’s not just a singularity but a group opinion. There is no banner, and that you are only tied to the group when present at meetings. Other times you would stay with your own representative faction’. It was also mentioned that there seemed to be a mismatch into what’s there and what’s happening, a discussion about how and where the supporters can and will sit in family enclosures and the problems there could lead to campaigns being presented from other directions – that some sort of clarity was needed from those entrusted to provide it. But that the club or those connected to it, only seem to be surfacing when they are criticising someone from the club – Andy Carroll, Michael Owen etc. TICKET ALLOCATION & AWAY GAMES It was forwarded that there were already problems in the ticket allocation for the derby (second match of the season) against Sunderland, and that they were allocating on an unfounded, not working, points system. This all stemmed from the Darlington game and the events surrounding it and that it was noted, obviously, that the club was looking for another excuse in which to have a go at the fans and that on top of this, the cost of season tickets and club membership costs would continue to rise on an annual basis. The stopping of the purchasing of away tickets was to be seen as suicidal and that this would not lead to supporters attempting to purchase their tickets by others means and for other areas. Although the reaction seemed to be kneejerk, as is usually the case with the club, it was actually more an untimely response and could have been done so differently. Also, the supporters of Newcastle United seem to have been given some label or tag by the media, however, they are just quick to react – good or bad is the question though? DIRECT DEBITS & FINANCIAL ISSUES As with all points raised, the main issue here is that of communication, or lack of, but from both sides of the coin. That the finances in today’s environment could lead to possible legal issues in regards of the payments that have been made/received between both parties. However, there need to be some admittance from the club for their mistakes and that the fans deserve some sort of feedback. COMMUNICATION & DIRECT EFFECTS ON SUPPORTERS Communication, under the present regime at least, is a major issue. This raised questions such as – How do we bring the fans groups together? How does it present a united front to the football club? Who and how communication is made at? From this it was suggested that one of the best communicators in recent years was Freddie Fletcher. Also that we need to find ways of being resistant and reliable and reasonable in presenting a medium to the football club, perhaps even some kind of advocating TUC model in order to present things. And that we need to think collectively and begin a dialogue through creating something meaningful. Mr Hastie interjected by stating that we need to gain a rapport and confidence for each other over the coming months. That there was a need for questions, probing and probing by each faction that represents the NUFC Fans United, the models and unions themselves. In the meanwhile we are empowering ourselves to have a point, not to feel disenfranchised and through the point of economic power and that money does indeed talk. Other interjections were the mentions of the Save our Seats campaign, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust, and the Supporters 4 Change from 1989 where around eight thousand fans boycotted the opening match of the season against Leeds United, as well as that, although there was no support, what was present was apathetic in its own nature. However, is this achieved with the presence of some casualties or collateral damage attached? There was also mentioned that there was a need to form obvious lines of communication between the group and the club and which creates both more and reliable credibility. As well as that there will be a point where all or most of us would agree upon and that when that specific day arrives then the strengths presented would become apparent. United for Newcastle gladly pointed out that one of the biggest strengths from within the room was that we are supporting each other , irrespective of whether we agree with each other or not. That people need to think of ourselves and each other as human beings, that certain things do work, and that others have struck nerves in the past, irrespective of the in-house regime. It shows that with some willingness, one little thing will speak volumes, be that from the football club, where the main source of communication needs to come, or from ourselves, the supporters. But this needs to be done properly and in an orderly fashion. OTHER BUSINESS Those present felt that the club should answer several questions to begin with, and to open those said channels of communications. These questions are – What are the long-term intentions of the football club? Is history seen to be repeating itself? Upon conclusion, Malcolm Dix summed up everything upon his departure when he said, and I quote – ‘all I want to see is a successful club, and one that is winning trophies before I pop my clogs’. The date of the next meeting will be announced at a later date. Peter Mann 08/08/2011

Aye, that seems about right.

Aye, me too, and I helped set the thing up. It's heart breaking. Anyway, I was at the meeting last night and turned up a little bit unsure of the motives or agenda. But I found it positive. I think it's important to stress that this isn't intended as another NUST/NUSC. There is no paid membership etc, it's completely open. This is about NUFC fans (be they individuals, fansites, fanzines, bloggers, tweeters etc) getting together to communicate with each other, and see if we can get some coordination. We all come from different view points and it's about hearing where people are coming from, who can help who out, and what sort of things we can all do together. There will be meetings every 1st Monday of the month (unless we happen to be playing, in which case it moves to the following night) and as I've said, it's completely open to all. You can dip in and out as you wish. NUST, NUFC.com and True Faith were invited, but declined (although the TF podcast lads were there). But like anyone else they're welcome to attend any future meetings. I've had the meeting minutes e-mailed to me, but as I'm using my iPod at the minute and off to work in a bit I can't post them right now. I'll do so tonight, unless someone else who was there does first.

Shooting Stars - Vic and Bob show a clip by the Sunderland Independent Film Company

75 apparently. My dad's been losing his hair for years, but still isn't fully bald at 60. He always had very thin hair, whereas I seem to have inherited the very thick hair from my Mam's side. My Grandad had a full head of thick hair right up until he died at the age of 86.

Aspergers Syndrome - its linked to Autism. People with Aspbergers tend to have normal development of language, learning, memory etc (many people with Aspergers are very intelligent with high IQ levels), but the ability to develop social skills/behaviour, form relationships and recognise facial emotional expressions is impared and social situations can be very uncomfortable. Other traits are hyper sensitivity to touch, physical clumsiness, and intense interests in subjects to name but a few. It doesn't mean that its impossible for people with Aspergers to have developed social skills, but where as it normally comes naturally, people with Aspergers have to learn how to do it, and put some effort into social tasks that are natural for anyone else. For some people with Aspergers, its very debilitating and they're going to need constant or at least monitored care or supervision their whole lives. Fortunately, I'm what's called 'Highly Functioning', which means that for all that I find these things hard, I can get by in day to day life. I can look after myself normally, hold down a job etc. Only people think that I'm a bit odd, shy and pedantic. Its a bit like when you're a teenager and your paranoid and think that everyone thinks you're a freak or wierd, and you're not sure how to act etc. There's loads of things I could add, but I'd be here all night.

I'm feeling good, and have some clarity. After years of wondering what the hell is wrong with me, things now make sense - Aspergers.

Has anyone seen Darth Vadersehen Pet?

I'm so disappointed with the trust. They have been silent for months and now they rear their heads to give some toothless quote because renewal time is here. I'm a founder member from the very beginning of the NUSC days, and Im not renewing this year.

I don't think this is an issue really. If Scotland goes independent then the Queen will be Monarch, followed by Charles (or whatever other name he chooses) and then William - the same as now. Of course at some point they may decide to become a Republic, but otherwise if its a Monarchy, it'll remain as it is. The issue over whether the Monarchy will continue to favour sons over daughters is up for debate, but whatever happens the next two in line remain unaffected (which means its a good time to change, and in my opinion it should). It's an issue apparently that all the countries that have the Queen as head of state will discuss, but if its agreed, I can't see a future independent Scotland going against it.

I don't feel very English really. I regard myself as Geordie/Northumbrian and also British. My country is the UK, not England.