Meenzer

I think we can also blame the Americans for the death of the "is concerned" part of the phrase "as far as ... is concerned". And even if it's not their fault, I'm going to blame them anyway.

Tax and other such bureaucracy was always the main sticking point for me in Germany - registering with the authorities, getting a residence permit, doing income tax returns and so on. The system works, it's just impenetrable at first, particularly if you're not overly familiar with the language - so that might be a consideration in terms of where you decide to go. Accommodation can be awkward, but it's generally fine if you're willing to let your new employer find you something or pay an agent a month or two's rent to find a few options for you in advance - or just sleep in someone's spare room at first while you find something on the ground. Be prepared for everything to be up in the air and generally "waaaaaargh, I'm going to die " right up until you move - it's normal, and you won't. It's probably worth going somewhere that isn't too "exotic". At the very least, if you head for a fairly big city with a decent, transparent public transport network then at least you know you'll be able to get from A to B without too much hassle. And obviously somewhere with reasonable proximity to an airport, cheap flights or otherwise, never hurts. Depends how much of a big city person you are though, I suppose - you might want the experience of everyday life in a sheep-farming village in the Andes. And obviously there's the general issue of culture shock, but again that depends on where you go. Don't be afraid to go down obvious routes like finding the local Irish pub or similar hangout so you can hear some familiar voices, watch sports etc. - if it's still your regular haunt after six months to a year, that's when to be afraid.

All done. Apparently a day-before diet of Zywiec, Jamesons, pork scratchings and relegation is the sure-fire way to a comfortable PB.

Freiheit?! :angry: :lol: :lol: :lol: Cracking sentiment though Stevie fella.

Right. When I signed up for this 10k run malarkey, I wasn't expecting to do it crippled with the hangover of a relegation battle-induced drinking session. Anyway, Monday morning is the big, erm, hour or so, hence me bumping this thread. The good members of this forum have been fantastically generous already and I've smashed my original target, but if there's any more for any more, it goes without saying that your donations would be gratefully accepted. Otherwise, send good vibes and strong coffee my way on Monday. I suspect I'll need both.

A middle-class German kitchen without honey? I despair.

Oh, absolutely. Especially people who try out three or four cards before finding one that they can actually withdraw some money on. If you're that far in debt, STOP SPENDING MONEY, fucktard.

Herzlichen Stuff

Might hit the Cock and Lion near Bond Street for superstition's sake - saw a decent run of results there (Mackems aside). Then again, maybe that last bit isn't such a good omen. So I might just head for the local Millwall-oriented Irish dive and drown my sorrows with the stout-addled old men and their betting slips.

I liked the Evening Standard's headline sandwichboard tonight. Something along the lines of "PLOT TO BLOW UP U.S. JETS AND JEWS".

There's some excellent highlights of past Monaco Grands Prix (1961, 1981, 1982, 1992 and 1996) on the red button on BBC1 at the minute. Well worth checking out. EDIT: Apparently they're already gone from the Freeview feed but they'll be available until the end of Friday if you've got satellite or cable.

Oh good

That sting never fails to crack me up. Usually in the middle of the gym. Which is nice.

Probably this: Nah, they won the televoting-only semi-final too. Not that you care. And nor should I really. Apparently he's turning into Andrew Lloyd Webber. The signs are all there!

I reckon we've got a decent shot at the title this year tbh. (Probably end up 12th now. )

At least that covers my other losing bets this year.

I've put a tidy amount on Ireland failing to qualify from the Eurovision semi tonight. Feel a bit guilty because it's co-written by two Scandi friends of mine, but the rehearsals have been god-awful and Paddy Power were still offering 4/7. Fingers crossed... sort of...

ha ha. Chomp chomp. I reckon you need to get out of town centre and into the orcale bit and the surrounding area thats where the turtle bar was. But Purple Turtle and the Oracle are in the town centre... There's some canny pubs out in Brock's neck of the woods, south of the stadium on the other side of the M4. Village-y type affairs but without the inbreeding.

Jesus christ, man, you'll have me out of a job!

Two and a bit hours to go. Aquavit on ice!

Lovely with Coke as a summer drink, but I'd struggle to call it a whisky really.

It's one of four films being shown in Melbourne this month as part of a music film series. Mine's one of the other three Haha, excellent! Make sure you catch it when it's there. It won't exactly be your musical cup of cocoa, but something tells me you've a soft old heart in there somewhere.

sounds like a plan He's too young even for you.

Sounds Like Teen Spirit It's a genre that's been done to death of late, the "documentary about subgroup of kids with a weird interest" thing, and I freely admit that my Eurovision fetish makes me a far from unbiased observer - but this is just lovely. Equal parts funny, poignant, powerful and downright entertaining, I defy you to watch it without grudgingly admitting it's a canny flick. And it's on at the Tyneside later this month so you've no excuse. Be warned, though: you might end up wanting to adopt a camp-as-a-row-of-tents doe-eyed Cypriot boy.

Been there plenty of times. It's canny enough and you'll be in decent (misery-loves-)company.