Political Wrestling.... (work with me on this!)

Having been set this challenge to link politics and wrestling, the most obvious line was not forthcoming; just how on earth you can link sports entertainment and current affairs is beyond me... (Other than they both seem to have a little too much drama at times!)

But then after I watched some WWE wrestling on YouTube last night, I began to think about it more and more. Maybe they are not so different after all, and I know that many of you will be sat there thinking about this and wondering; what the heck am I on about...  so let me explain :-

When you think about it, every MP is chasing after a dream; that they will reach the top and do the best they can for their constituents. Just as all wrestlers spend their whole lives working damned hard to be the best, and to make their fans proud.

We elect every MP because we think/feel they will be the best for the job, in wrestling us fans make those we love (or love to hate) popular for much the same reason.

When we get fed up of their actions, we turn our backs/stop supporting our MP’s. When we stop liking a wrestler, we stop cheering for them; turn our backs on them.

But one of the biggest likenesses I have found is the most surprising, it happens in both politics and wrestling ~ and in much the same way!

I had watched WWE wrestling for a while, (probably ten years) before giving up sky about three or so years ago. I do not claim to be an expert on any of it; I just used to watch for some amazing athletic performances and the storylines. But one thing became clear to me, I loved a “face” ~ what they also call baby faces..., it basically means a good guy!

One such wrestler is, John Cena. Kids and women love him; guys over the age of about eighteen do not. They think he sucks and cannot wrestler, and maybe that is true. But he always carries himself well, and sends out a good message to the young fans out there.

Which brings me to my point, the hatred this wrestler has evoked is amazing. From the “Cena Sucks” chants that fly around the arena’s, to the puerile videos on YouTube; some fans cannot wait to vent their fury upon a wrestling character!

He is not the only one that has received this type of treatment either; Michael Cole has been demonised too. Both have had their fair share of videos posted about how they suck, both have had the “you can’t wrestler” or “you suck” videos; but both have been turned into demonic baby eating monsters.

And here is why I think wrestling and politics are alike in this way, simply; if your face does not fit you are pilloried and hung out to dry by fans and voters alike.

I end with an example from politics, one of our local councillors; Tony Woods. Made a mistake by leaving his car, in his parking space; in a car park very few people can use. I believe that, for the most part he was simply too busy to sort matters. I also believe that, when matters became “political” he showed a stubborn nature and attitude. I believe that while it was “wrong” to leave the car their, in the grander scheme of things; it was not that bigger deal.

In my life I have far more important things to worry about, I am sure that the majority of people do also. Do I really care that the man is not the same as everyone else? Do I really care that he parked his car in his parking space? Why should I care about anything, other than if he is doing his job?

Just the same as John Cena, do I care that he cannot wrestle as well as say; Kurt Angle or Chris Beniot? Do I care that fans think he sucks or is gay because young fans like him?  Do I care that people do not like him being a “face” or because he is popular? He does his job of entertaining us fans very well, which all you can ask really isn’t it?

A Day in the Life of Me.... (well, a few hours)

Walking into my favourite café, I find my usual drink waiting for me before sitting down. As I take a seat I think about how strange it might seem to some people, but I like having a usual and it being there when I walk in. I also like the feeling of being part of a regular crowd, and that people seem to care about you.

The café itself has enough room (just) for five tables and a counter, the space behind the counter is also limited; which seems only add to the authenticity of the place. Manuel is the owner of this Italian styled cafe, he is a Swiss Italian; which lends a true feel to the place. Every day you can hear him pepper his conversations with strong Italian, mixing well with the multicultural customers that come in every day. The floor has blue tiles, the walls are peach coloured sandstone effect; and the ceiling is plain white with sunken spotlights.

It is hard to describe what you would see when you walk in, maybe a true taste of Italy? A picture of Napoli adorns the left wall as you entre, next to that is two small full-face Venetian masks. Next to that are three pictures with scenes from films, between them and the counter is a mini life sized statue of “David” in white.

On the right wall as you walk in are five pictures, also with scenes from films too. A small television screen is on the wall between that and the counter; it normally plays Italian Cityscapes or pictures of food. There is a gap between the counter and right wall, and usually has a table and chair so close to blocking it.

Above the counter runs a “film strip” scene with people drinking coffee, talking of coffee… one deep intake of breath and you cannot fail to smell freshly roasted coffee beans!  And you only need to try the cappuccino once to know it is easily the best in Northampton,  just ask all the people who sometimes queue to get into the café to be served. That reminds me, coffee time! Excuse me for a while, my latte is waiting…

Above the counter, right in the middle is the price list. And below this is what can only be described as the knick knack shelf, way too many things to mention each one by one; I am sure every one of them has their own story behind it. The food is now what is tempting me, maybe I should have eaten before I started to do this?

Anyways, the reason I love coming here? Other than the lovely coffee and food, the regular customers from Michael and Joe, to the “Prof” (BG ~ my councillor friend) and “him!”

This place is quite simple the perfect playground to write, think, relax and make new friends; this place has it all for people like you and me and well everyone!

Last Girl in the World...

It will always be someone, anyone but me.
They don’t see this, but I do.
I have always seen it, always been aware of it.
I make the best friend ever, not to mention the one your man goes to when he needs a little “something extra…”


But no, I will never make that girl.
I will never be the girl he marries.
Or the one he cannot live without.
Or the one he would give it all up for.
I will never be the bride, always the one sitting at the back.


I know I will never see that day when I am the one he cannot do without.
I will never see that day when all these years of heartache make sense.
It will always be “her…”
The one who wants you for what you can do for her.
The one you will always believe is better for you.


Maybe when I am lying on my death bed, right as usual; you will all see this.
Maybe you will see that what I told you would happen, did happen.
When there is no one left, you will see.
When I am that girl I told you I would be; you will agree that I was always right.
Until then, I shall nod and agree with you; just to stop your looks and comments.


Always knowing deep down, that I will always be the last girl in the world.

My Wish For You...

I wish you knew how much I could love you...

How easy it would be for me to give you my all.

I wish I could tell you that it kills me each time I see you sad.


That "she" was the biggest fool ever to let you walk away, let alone hurt you.


I wish you could see that I would never do that to you.

I would let the sky fall down before it even got that far.


I so wish I could tell you that I bloody love you!!!


Yes, me. Stupid; ugly; plain old me.


I know that I am never going to be your type.


I am never going to be anything more to you than your mate.


But I would love you. I would make you happy. I would never walk away from you.

I know my type is always the wrong type, I know you see me making "doe eyes" at them ~ many of them your "mates" too ~ but it still does not mean I cannot feel something for you.

I know you see what others see, I know it will always be anyone (EVERYONE) but me; but should you heart every take more than enough... should you want a change... should you want a forever kinda squishy love...

I'll always be right here.

Watching The World Go By...

Sitting here in my favourite café watching the world go by.



Watching, waiting; hoping, thinking even praying that you would walk in.


Every noise, every time the door opens; I want it to be you ~ maybe I need it to be you?


On rare days, you’ll surprise me; in you will walk ~ or there I shall find you.


A smile and loving greeting for me, some much needed gossip for both of us to hear.


Sometimes we have arranged it so I know you will be there with that beautiful smile, yet still I cannot help but be nervous.


Most days though I am left, wishing; waiting; watching and hoping for it to be my day!

What I Did Tonight....

As I am on a bit of a writing roll, I thought I would begin by telling you all what I did tonight… now don’t worry it is nothing like that, certainly not when my folks will be reading anyways!



Tonight (Thursday 13th January 2011) I went out on duty with my St. John colleague Erica, mainly because I was robbed of my duty last night; but that’s another story!


It was a tribute to Karen Carpenter called Voice of the Heart.


While I love music and do like some of the Carpenter’s music, I would not call myself a fan of their stuff; so I went into this duty without any preconceptions and no idea what I was going to find.


Having only heard some of their songs on the radio and only know the basics of her story, I had no idea what I would think, feel or if I would like it.


How glad am I that I went? Not often has something moved me so much that I end up crying my eyes out openly ~ yes I am a softy and yes I can cry at the drop of a hat; but never normally in view of anyone!


First off, the lady singing; Carole Gordon ~ was amazing! She had the most perfect voice and certainly sounded like Karen; the musicians were live and were also amazing. I can safely say that all did the Carpenter name justice with their performance, and if any of you ever get the chance; go!


It has not only made me want to learn more about the Carpenter’s, but also made me want to hear more of her music.


And now here is the point (well, other than to sing the praises of tonight’s duty) to this post… when something, anything touches your life; for better or worse ~ then you remember it forever. And the point of writing about it; is that you share it. With everyone. Your family, your friends, your colleagues, your enemies and even strangers.


Which is what I am doing, and why I like doing it.

Just So You Know....

I will never be your first kiss.



I will never be your first love.


I am not your first valentine, your first fight, your first teddy bear, or first date.

I am not in this to be your first anything...


I just want to be your last everything!!!


The last one that sees you smile.


That feels you warm arms around me.


The last to say those words.

Out With A Bang...

You know I am about to start when I take my ring from the finger it usually sits upon…



For inspiration, it was suggested that I lie upon the floor. Well, apart from the fact I shall get my uniform dirty; it will probably look funny!


And in such a small coffee shop, would more than likely take up too much space!!


As I try to find something to get me writing, all I can think about is that question I got wrong at the Christmas quiz; and that I now actually know what “onomatopoeia” means!!!


Bang Bang and Oink Oink…

She Was a Showgirl....

Downtown New York City in the 1950’s, some broad is sitting in some backstreet gin joint; with an air of mystery about her. She wore a yellow feather in her hair and a low cut dress, man it was right up to her… well, you get the picture anyway. Of course anyone could tell that she was a showgirl, the garish make up a dead giveaway. To most people this would sound like a tragic love story, to us hard New Yorkers it is more a way of life; having seen it all. But allow me to tell you of a time when good guys didn’t always win, bad guys got away with it; and the girl never got her happy ending…

Her name was Lola; she was a showgirl with yellow feathers in her hair, and her dress cut down to there. Her life was not an easy one, working 8 in the evening until 4 in the morning. The pay wasn’t that great, and believe me when I tell you she had a lot of crap to deal with. But then there was Tony, a young and handsome bar tender who took a shine to Lola the very first moment they met; it was clear for all to see that they were young and they had each other ~ well, who could ask for more.

Well, one night as Tony tended the bar and Lola dance this guy; Rico walked in. now Rico was bad news, local mobster and one guy you certainly did not want to get on the wrong side of. You could tell he was someone from the diamond ring he wore to the smartest of suits he also had on, this dude was somebody; and what he wanted he always got.

But Lola wanted Tony, and Tony wanted Lola; pity nobody told Rico that. He saw Lola dancing, and wanted her; calling her over after she had finished dancing. With Tony keeping a watchful eye over Lola, you’d think everything would end for the best ~ but of course that’s not how it happened. Rico went a bit too far, Tony sailed across the bar. Punches flew, chairs were smashed in two; the whole works came out that night. Sadly there was blood in a single gun shot, but no one ever knew just who shot who…

Well, as you can imagine all that music and passion; the finding and loosing her love, all did something to Lola. Affecting her deeply, scaring her for life. As I said before, good guys don’t always win, bad guys often get away with it; and the girl doesn’t always get her happy ever after…

But her name is Lola, she was a showgirl; but that was thirty years ago when they used to have a show. Now it’s a disco, but not for Lola. Still in that dress she used to wear, faded feathers in her hair. She’ll sit there so refined, drinking herself half blind. All she thinks about is loosing her youth and her Tony, but now she’s lost her mind too.

That’s the Copa for you, the Copacabana; don’t fall in love!

Beauty vs. Devastation...

This assignment was hard for me, I have seen many beautiful places; but thankfully no devastation. I have been to places that have also seen much devastation, France; New York to name but a few.

One place that has certainly ticked the beauty box is Montserrat in Spain, also known as the Serrated Mountain. It is a working monastery carved into the mountainside, and somewhere I visited many moons ago. Many will know that I am not religious in the slightest, but do love the often stunning buildings; be they Church or Cathedral.

And while this particular monastery is no different, it is the outside that I was more interested in. The surrounding areas had many walks, roads and paths carved into the rocks of the mountains so travellers could explore and experience what many a local had. It was also my plan, bored of the fact that my folks wanted to sit around and go shopping.

So off I went along this path no clue of where it would lead or even how long it would take, but of course as was my way I never follow the crowd. About two minutes from the start of my walk I became curious, looking around me there was nothing but rocks and hillsides around me. As I climb a hill to my right I have no idea what I will find over the top, I was expecting to see a sheer drop. What I got was the most peaceful and tranquil scene I have ever known.

Sitting upon the hillside looking out over sprawling mountains and nothingness, I felt a calmness wash over me. There was no sounds, no noises from where I had just come from; nothing. No cars going by, no screaming kids; just peace. And time, time to think... much too much time for me to think, but somewhere I would highly recommend people going at least once in their lives!

France is another place I have spent many a happy holiday, from the first time with my parents camping to the school trip when I was at middle school; all have been memorable for one reason or another. Personally one of my favourite places is Normandy, here you can find both beauty and devastation.

The coastal towns are just as quaint as you can imagine, and just as breezy! The countryside as green and lush as anything we have over here, the wildlife seems to be richer though! Once you go off the beaten track you find yourself almost in the middle of nowhere at most turns, but even nowhere looks hospitable!

But then when you think you have missed it, you begin to see the signs of devastation around you; a few bullet holes here or a pillbox there. Once you get further away from the beauty of the rolling green fields and inland jewels, you start to see the scars of war; once you reach many costal towns and villages you see the with increasing regularity.

There are monuments, museums and many stories to be heard. Some scream at you to be heard, others need seeking out; all as important as each other... as is the lessons it teaches us.

Another place I enjoy going, (or places) are the Italian Lakes; a country that holds a special place in my hear for various reason. Of course they lakes are stunningly beautiful, they also have links to the war and Il’ Duce; but by far these lakes hold a place in my heart because of the links to my own family name... no matter what anyone says, my fathers side of the family came from Italy and that’s the end of it.

I think I have always had a love of the place and its culture before I became interested in where I came from and the history of my family, like I always say; you cannot know where you are going until you know where you have been! But in truth nothing could have prepared me for the feelings that hit me as I climbed in the boat that was to take me to Venice for the first time, I had heard the stories, but none of them mattered; I was about to see Venice in my line of vision...

And there before me was that most famous skyline ~ this would not be the last time I thought those words; but more on that later! The dome of St. Mark’s, the tower of the Campanile; the Doge’s Palace ~ all there in front of me. And as the trip we had planned continued, we travelled down the Grand Canal; passing under the famous Rialto Bridge... which should never be walked over in crocks or slippy-bottomed shoes!

The highlight for me was getting lost, which may surprise you; but totally something I would recommend. Usually getting lost would be trouble some and problematic, but then usually you would not get to see a hidden gem of Venice; even if only in my eyes! As we came across this tiny Church which was nothing like the splendour of St. Mark’s, but just as beautiful; for inside was a fresco of the Last Supper that captivated me... of course it helped that I had been reading The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown earlier!

But I think the one place that has captivated me the most is of course New York City, without doubt one of the most amazing Cities in the world; it is always going to be a place you will never forget once you go there... no matter how hard you try, it will always be in your soul.

A City of extremes, where you can see such devastation at the site of Ground Zero to the surprising tranquillity of the top of the Empire State Building; a place to forget and remember. To see the names and faces of many of the fallen gave me goose bumps, to know of the stories; to know that my Aunt had a building closer than anyone of us would like to Ground Zero will haunt me forever.

But then to know of the beauty that surrounds you as you watch the sun going down over the Manhattan skyline, one of the most famous ones in the world; is breathtaking. Nothing could have prepared me for the silence and bright twinkling lights around me, the words “wow!” leaving my lips many times that trip...