Changing your mind is often difficult. Especially when you've expressed your opinion in public. For you reading this post, all two of you, by 'public' I mean you.
For those of you who read my plea for Andy Murray to lose at the Australian Open, looks like I need to retract my statements. Or, at least, temper them. So, what was it that dented my hatred of Murray? The softy that I am, it was watching him cry. After losing to King Fed the 1st in the final Andy simply couldn't hold back the tears. Having to withstand an interview in front of 10,000 people in the stadium and millions of TV viewers, Murray found the grace to say: "Now you know I can cry like Roger. It's a shame I couldn't play like him!". Only a man with a heart of stone could still hate the guy. At least I can still hate his mum. Horrible, horrible person with not a single redeeming feature.
So, end of January and 105km behind me. For those of you with a mind for numbers going "he's gonna make it to a 1,000km easily", hold your horses. I was lucky, with bank holidays and weekends squeezing themselves into the month most snuggily. February is short and mean. I am targeting 180km by the end of the month. Wish me luck.
J
Sunday 31 January 2010
Tuesday 26 January 2010
For the sake of generations to come
Well, I should probably write about the Chilcot Iraq inquiry. It touches on the most profound moral and legal issues in relationships between nations. To make it even more Hollywoodic, there is a hero / anti-hero in Tony Blair, whose personal story embodies these issues. The drama will reach its peak Friday when Blair faces the inquiry. He will surely need to pull off the most incredible rope-a-dope to survive it. This is his rumble in the jungle.
And still, I feel compelled to address a more urgent issue. The alarming possibility of Andy Murray winning a grand-slam. As you may be aware Murray thoroughly dispatched Raphael Nadal this morning in the quarter finals. Nadal, one of the best tennis players of all time, preferred retiring in the 3rd set rather than suffer a humiliating blow to his reputation. Seriously, it is looking like Murray is in with a shout.
"So, what's wrong with that?" you might ask. Well, I will try to answer without digressing to a eulogy of The Man RF. The problem is Murray the man, not the tennis player. Have you ever seen him? He is The Most miserable git ever. All sulk. No fun. No charm. No grace.
Just imagine Murray winning. Suddenly he will be touted as the most important Brit since Nelson. Churchill? Lady Diana? Turin? Nope. Murray. And if he is the role model for kids around the country, what kind of place can we expect? A nation of miserable, angry, sulking people. No fun. No charm. No grace.
So please, for the sake of generations to come. May he lose!
And still, I feel compelled to address a more urgent issue. The alarming possibility of Andy Murray winning a grand-slam. As you may be aware Murray thoroughly dispatched Raphael Nadal this morning in the quarter finals. Nadal, one of the best tennis players of all time, preferred retiring in the 3rd set rather than suffer a humiliating blow to his reputation. Seriously, it is looking like Murray is in with a shout.
"So, what's wrong with that?" you might ask. Well, I will try to answer without digressing to a eulogy of The Man RF. The problem is Murray the man, not the tennis player. Have you ever seen him? He is The Most miserable git ever. All sulk. No fun. No charm. No grace.
Just imagine Murray winning. Suddenly he will be touted as the most important Brit since Nelson. Churchill? Lady Diana? Turin? Nope. Murray. And if he is the role model for kids around the country, what kind of place can we expect? A nation of miserable, angry, sulking people. No fun. No charm. No grace.
So please, for the sake of generations to come. May he lose!
Sunday 24 January 2010
Moral predicament
So, almost a month in and not a single word from me about the economy, banking or finance.
If there is one thing the economic / financial crisis has managed to achieve it is ensuring that smug 25 year old nippers who just got a job in an investment bank can no longer pull girls by knowingly throwing about obscure names and acronyms of financial instruments. [sorry, but simply cannot resist adding, "and boy how they played those instruments!"]
"You know, I am a fixed assets spot trader in CDSs" says STYON (Smug Twentyfive Year Old Nipper). "So you are the bastard who got my nan to re-mortgage her house? She now lives out of a box in our garden!" says G-PEB (Gorgeous, Plastically Enhanced Blonde) as she throws the glass of champagne he sent her over the bar straight in STYON's face.
And yet, at least for me, banker compensation, or its complete elimination, is not that easy a subject from a moral perspective. Here goes. On the one hand I find people making money for taking risks with other people's money rather than for how successfully they did it (returns to investors and shareholders) morally unacceptable. And, by the way, when the tax payer needs to bankroll the banks when they fail that means they are risking everyone's money. On the other hand, I wouldn't really mind two or three years of 7-figure cash bonuses. I have to ask myself, were I in the position to get those bonuses, would I have refused them on account of them being morally unacceptable? I have to admit, to myself first and foremost, that the answer would be a resounding "No" [and probably also, on my knees, "please don't take my bonus away. Pleeeeese."] Would you?
And for those of you who were wondering how the Russian New Year party went, I can honestly say: not since the days of Marie Antoinette did so much champagne flow. Not since the days of Tsar Nikolay II did so much vodka ease the downing of so much caviar. I only hope for a better ending than those two enjoyed.
J
If there is one thing the economic / financial crisis has managed to achieve it is ensuring that smug 25 year old nippers who just got a job in an investment bank can no longer pull girls by knowingly throwing about obscure names and acronyms of financial instruments. [sorry, but simply cannot resist adding, "and boy how they played those instruments!"]
"You know, I am a fixed assets spot trader in CDSs" says STYON (Smug Twentyfive Year Old Nipper). "So you are the bastard who got my nan to re-mortgage her house? She now lives out of a box in our garden!" says G-PEB (Gorgeous, Plastically Enhanced Blonde) as she throws the glass of champagne he sent her over the bar straight in STYON's face.
And yet, at least for me, banker compensation, or its complete elimination, is not that easy a subject from a moral perspective. Here goes. On the one hand I find people making money for taking risks with other people's money rather than for how successfully they did it (returns to investors and shareholders) morally unacceptable. And, by the way, when the tax payer needs to bankroll the banks when they fail that means they are risking everyone's money. On the other hand, I wouldn't really mind two or three years of 7-figure cash bonuses. I have to ask myself, were I in the position to get those bonuses, would I have refused them on account of them being morally unacceptable? I have to admit, to myself first and foremost, that the answer would be a resounding "No" [and probably also, on my knees, "please don't take my bonus away. Pleeeeese."] Would you?
And for those of you who were wondering how the Russian New Year party went, I can honestly say: not since the days of Marie Antoinette did so much champagne flow. Not since the days of Tsar Nikolay II did so much vodka ease the downing of so much caviar. I only hope for a better ending than those two enjoyed.
J
Saturday 23 January 2010
счастливый новый год
And now to the social event of the year! The Russian New Year party by MGF comrade V.
It's one of those, you know, when a stretch limo picks you up and takes you blind-folded to a place that's not even on the map. Very exclusive indeed.
Here's the drill. Vodka for the men. Champagne for the women. The urban myth is about a male friend who had a couple of glasses of champagne. He was never invited back!
If you can walk out, rather than crawl, you didn't do it right.
The music? Russian pop. And I am not talking about the mock-lesbian duo. We are talking the last 30 Russian entries to the Eurovision.
Again, if you are sober enough to find the music not exactly to you liking, you didn't do it right.
So, for those of you who are following the KM chart - 80KM as of today - I will be counting any kilometre I run tomorrow as 5!
прощание
J
It's one of those, you know, when a stretch limo picks you up and takes you blind-folded to a place that's not even on the map. Very exclusive indeed.
Here's the drill. Vodka for the men. Champagne for the women. The urban myth is about a male friend who had a couple of glasses of champagne. He was never invited back!
If you can walk out, rather than crawl, you didn't do it right.
The music? Russian pop. And I am not talking about the mock-lesbian duo. We are talking the last 30 Russian entries to the Eurovision.
Again, if you are sober enough to find the music not exactly to you liking, you didn't do it right.
So, for those of you who are following the KM chart - 80KM as of today - I will be counting any kilometre I run tomorrow as 5!
прощание
J
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Dizzying heights
And now for the important things in life!
As you may be aware, I am something of a football fan. The poor sod type of a football fan, whose team have lost the habit for winning trophies. I wouldn't mind that if there was genuinely no hope. Hope, in this case, is the problem. We will be in contention until mid March and then fade away. When it matters most, we'll feel fortunate if we drew the game even if we are leading 3:0 on the 89th minute.
Unsurprisingly then, today, when we had to pull a regulation 2:0 win at home over a team from the relegation zone, we were 0:2 down by the 23rd minute.
And yet, something is genuinely different this season. Before half time we pulled back to 1:2. On the 85th minute we managed to pull it off with 4:2. So, I know you would not believe me but, as we speak, my football team is enjoying the dizzying heights of the top of the Premier League.
I am looking to make the most of this. By this time Saturday it will all be over. By March we'll be down to 4th place fighting for a Champion's League spot.
Hopefully, by then I will be clocking enough km to feel on top of my challenge. 70km down, 930km to go.
As you may be aware, I am something of a football fan. The poor sod type of a football fan, whose team have lost the habit for winning trophies. I wouldn't mind that if there was genuinely no hope. Hope, in this case, is the problem. We will be in contention until mid March and then fade away. When it matters most, we'll feel fortunate if we drew the game even if we are leading 3:0 on the 89th minute.
Unsurprisingly then, today, when we had to pull a regulation 2:0 win at home over a team from the relegation zone, we were 0:2 down by the 23rd minute.
And yet, something is genuinely different this season. Before half time we pulled back to 1:2. On the 85th minute we managed to pull it off with 4:2. So, I know you would not believe me but, as we speak, my football team is enjoying the dizzying heights of the top of the Premier League.
I am looking to make the most of this. By this time Saturday it will all be over. By March we'll be down to 4th place fighting for a Champion's League spot.
Hopefully, by then I will be clocking enough km to feel on top of my challenge. 70km down, 930km to go.
Sunday 17 January 2010
MGFs
As significant as it may be to my life at the moment, my running seems to be less central to that of the rest of you. I wonder why. Still, one should pay tribute to their MGFs (My Good Friends). Each of you providing the immense moral support which keeps one going (I just love talking about myself in the royal "we"). Each of you in your own special way.
Take MGF A. Whilst he has the figure of an Ethiopian marathon runner, the truth is, last time he ran was after the C11 bus. He missed it. Yet, against all odds, he joined me for my run today. Being the man that he is, he led the way up the hills and down the swamp-like lawns. In all honesty, Shrek would have felt completely at home. Moreover, half way through, and rather nonchalantly, he mentions (imagine me breathless, unable to utter a word): "oh, I'm getting married next month". What a way to break the news.
A different, yet equally touching, manifestation of support, came from MGF S, encouraging MBH "Be supportive. Be supportive". You should imagine S reclining in her leather armchair with a glass of champagne in her hand. Imagine also a bowl of strawberries and a copy of Zoe Heller's The Believers. Finally, to complete the picture, imagine an Alicia Keys CD in the background. I guess she would probably like to imagine all this too. She probably does. With the 3 little ones running around the house it might be difficult. And still. It is the former vision of S that comes to mind.
So, for all of you MGFs, many many thanks for the continued support. With 6.5% of the job done, I am more than likely to need it.
J
Take MGF A. Whilst he has the figure of an Ethiopian marathon runner, the truth is, last time he ran was after the C11 bus. He missed it. Yet, against all odds, he joined me for my run today. Being the man that he is, he led the way up the hills and down the swamp-like lawns. In all honesty, Shrek would have felt completely at home. Moreover, half way through, and rather nonchalantly, he mentions (imagine me breathless, unable to utter a word): "oh, I'm getting married next month". What a way to break the news.
A different, yet equally touching, manifestation of support, came from MGF S, encouraging MBH "Be supportive. Be supportive". You should imagine S reclining in her leather armchair with a glass of champagne in her hand. Imagine also a bowl of strawberries and a copy of Zoe Heller's The Believers. Finally, to complete the picture, imagine an Alicia Keys CD in the background. I guess she would probably like to imagine all this too. She probably does. With the 3 little ones running around the house it might be difficult. And still. It is the former vision of S that comes to mind.
So, for all of you MGFs, many many thanks for the continued support. With 6.5% of the job done, I am more than likely to need it.
J
Saturday 16 January 2010
Perspective
It is above freezing but not enough for the frozen to de-frost. The rain is coming down hard. Small streams are gushing over a layer of black ice that is covering the ground. Running is nearly impossible. The deeper the stream the less likely I am to slip. So, in the streams it is. Every step fills my shoes with another pint of ice-water. My feet are heavy and cold. Only 7km to go.
Jo was sitting on the beach of a Caribbean island. It was 27c and sunny. He was facing the sea, enjoying the light sea breeze. The smell of salty water and sea-weed distracted him from the stench of decomposing corpses. Still covered in dust, with nowhere to go and no one to go back to, he jumped into the warm bay. He was 11 years old.
Jo was sitting on the beach of a Caribbean island. It was 27c and sunny. He was facing the sea, enjoying the light sea breeze. The smell of salty water and sea-weed distracted him from the stench of decomposing corpses. Still covered in dust, with nowhere to go and no one to go back to, he jumped into the warm bay. He was 11 years old.
Sunday 10 January 2010
The long haul
10 days into the 1,000km challenge and, on the face of it, doing well.
45km run - ahead of schedule - and more than £1,500 raised - 15% of the stretch target.
And this in the coldest, most snowy weather in the UK in 30 years.
Looking forward, however, it is a bit daunting.
Still 955km to go.
Another £8,500 to raise.
Interest from friends and colleagues is beginning to wane.
I expect donations to run dry for the next couple of months until I reach out to people again at the 250km mark.
Still, more than ever, I believe this was the right thing to do. I am in for the long haul.
So, a more sombre note this time round. Hope to bring back the, admittedly minimal, entertainment value next time.
Really appreciate the support and the very generous donations.
J
45km run - ahead of schedule - and more than £1,500 raised - 15% of the stretch target.
And this in the coldest, most snowy weather in the UK in 30 years.
Looking forward, however, it is a bit daunting.
Still 955km to go.
Another £8,500 to raise.
Interest from friends and colleagues is beginning to wane.
I expect donations to run dry for the next couple of months until I reach out to people again at the 250km mark.
Still, more than ever, I believe this was the right thing to do. I am in for the long haul.
So, a more sombre note this time round. Hope to bring back the, admittedly minimal, entertainment value next time.
Really appreciate the support and the very generous donations.
J
Saturday 9 January 2010
Refreshing
It was a late June evening. The sun was setting over the hills and the sky was in shades of red and purple. Otter was floating on his back in the warm shallow stream. He was feeling content now that he managed to balance a piece of slate on his chest. Holding it firmly in his front paws, he started thumping an oyster on the slate. On and on and on. Finally, it broke. Down it goes in one slurp. How refreshing.
-2C. Snowing. 15mph head winds. Warm thoughts.
Another 5km. Only 965km to go.
-2C. Snowing. 15mph head winds. Warm thoughts.
Another 5km. Only 965km to go.
Thursday 7 January 2010
Aaarrrsh
Boy it's cold out there!
About 15cm of snow and arctic winds. Seriously harsh conditions. Or, as MBBS would say in his mock-French accent "aaarrrsh conditions".
Difficult to squeeze the runs between work and, tonight, going out with my Scandinavian friends G & M. Key questions we ended up debating were: "why does the Mossad not get rid of Mugabe"? and "who is Putin's puppet master"? Any ideas would be welcome. Prizes for the best answers.
Once again, a mean 5km. Or, actually 4,990m. 10m more on my back after slipping down the hill. Felt like an ice hockey puck.
So, 29.99km down. 970.01km to go.
Good night.
About 15cm of snow and arctic winds. Seriously harsh conditions. Or, as MBBS would say in his mock-French accent "aaarrrsh conditions".
Difficult to squeeze the runs between work and, tonight, going out with my Scandinavian friends G & M. Key questions we ended up debating were: "why does the Mossad not get rid of Mugabe"? and "who is Putin's puppet master"? Any ideas would be welcome. Prizes for the best answers.
Once again, a mean 5km. Or, actually 4,990m. 10m more on my back after slipping down the hill. Felt like an ice hockey puck.
So, 29.99km down. 970.01km to go.
Good night.
Tuesday 5 January 2010
Standing ovation(ish)
Encouraging start. Passed the £1,000 milestone today. Only £8,865 to go.
Things are looking even better in terms of commitments. My good friends N&T - those who took me over the line (301209 post) - put in place a piggy bank in which they are putting £1 per run. I will be allowed to it when I reach 1,000km.
Started to carve my runs to 100 meter spells; this will bring the total to a cool £10,000. They should have thought of that (ha ha ha).
The no-dry-eye-in-the-house moment of the last few days was when MBBS (My Best Beloved Son) who is 4 1/2 came over and said "I want to sponsor you for charity dadda" and handed me two £1 coins. In terms of share of wealth this is by far the biggest contribution - he had £6 in his money box.
Paid my bi-weekly visit to TVP (Oracle UK HQ) today. The reaction to my new year's resolution was extraordinary. 2 people came over to shake my hand. A few more nodded approvingly when I passed by.
For you Americans reading this blog, this is the British equivalent of an office-wide standing ovation!!! The exclamation marks are, again, for you Americans. Sent a warm feeling through my spine though - nothing to sneeze at in this weather.
Just came back from a paltry 5km run. To my defence, it is 8pm and snowing.
Only 975km to go.
Thanks everyone for the great support.
J
Things are looking even better in terms of commitments. My good friends N&T - those who took me over the line (301209 post) - put in place a piggy bank in which they are putting £1 per run. I will be allowed to it when I reach 1,000km.
Started to carve my runs to 100 meter spells; this will bring the total to a cool £10,000. They should have thought of that (ha ha ha).
The no-dry-eye-in-the-house moment of the last few days was when MBBS (My Best Beloved Son) who is 4 1/2 came over and said "I want to sponsor you for charity dadda" and handed me two £1 coins. In terms of share of wealth this is by far the biggest contribution - he had £6 in his money box.
Paid my bi-weekly visit to TVP (Oracle UK HQ) today. The reaction to my new year's resolution was extraordinary. 2 people came over to shake my hand. A few more nodded approvingly when I passed by.
For you Americans reading this blog, this is the British equivalent of an office-wide standing ovation!!! The exclamation marks are, again, for you Americans. Sent a warm feeling through my spine though - nothing to sneeze at in this weather.
Just came back from a paltry 5km run. To my defence, it is 8pm and snowing.
Only 975km to go.
Thanks everyone for the great support.
J
Sunday 3 January 2010
Mad Men
Went out for my 2nd run today. -2C. The ground completely frozen. And yet, dozens of people out running, jogging & hiking. Exercising in the fresh air.
Have been watching Mad Men religiously over the holiday season - got seasons 1&2 on DVD.
Just in case you haven't heard, it's a TV series set in the early 1960's in NYC, charting the lives and loves of Madison Avenue advertising men (hence Mad Men).
In 20 hours of television drama the main characters consumed ~1,000 cigarettes and ~50 bottles of scotch. Exercise? 3 push-ups. A bit of fresh air? A picnic at the end of which all the rubbish was left on the grass. Still, the men look cooler. The women more glamorous. Is that the trade-off?
So, 20km down, 980km to go.
Have been watching Mad Men religiously over the holiday season - got seasons 1&2 on DVD.
Just in case you haven't heard, it's a TV series set in the early 1960's in NYC, charting the lives and loves of Madison Avenue advertising men (hence Mad Men).
In 20 hours of television drama the main characters consumed ~1,000 cigarettes and ~50 bottles of scotch. Exercise? 3 push-ups. A bit of fresh air? A picnic at the end of which all the rubbish was left on the grass. Still, the men look cooler. The women more glamorous. Is that the trade-off?
So, 20km down, 980km to go.
Friday 1 January 2010
Isn't it ironic
Yes!!! First 10km on the clock.
Hampstead Heath was beautiful, covered with a new layer of snow.
Didn't start that well though. New Year's eve last night. "Can't drink too much tonight dear. Out for the run first thing tomorrow" I said. "This thing is already making you dull" MBH (my better half) responded with a single raised eyebrow. Always was dull; bloody hell, I just listened to Coldplay for 10km. At least now I have an excuse.
Was looking for my NSPCC pin yesterday. "Have you seen my NSPCC pin?" I asked my MFBD (my first born daughter). "I remeber seeing you play with it".
MFBD: "What? What pin?"
Me: "The green circle one"
MFBD: "Ah. You threw it away."
Me: "What?! Why did I do that?"
MFBD: "I wore it and is gave me a HUGE scratch"
Isn't it ironic? Should have listened to Alanis M.
So. 99 x 10km to go.
Hampstead Heath was beautiful, covered with a new layer of snow.
Didn't start that well though. New Year's eve last night. "Can't drink too much tonight dear. Out for the run first thing tomorrow" I said. "This thing is already making you dull" MBH (my better half) responded with a single raised eyebrow. Always was dull; bloody hell, I just listened to Coldplay for 10km. At least now I have an excuse.
Was looking for my NSPCC pin yesterday. "Have you seen my NSPCC pin?" I asked my MFBD (my first born daughter). "I remeber seeing you play with it".
MFBD: "What? What pin?"
Me: "The green circle one"
MFBD: "Ah. You threw it away."
Me: "What?! Why did I do that?"
MFBD: "I wore it and is gave me a HUGE scratch"
Isn't it ironic? Should have listened to Alanis M.
So. 99 x 10km to go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
