My weekend, overall went as planned. Apart from a minor football result, but we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off for Sunday. For a change there has been little build up to this game. Unlike last year, when it was hyped as Judgment Day. In my heart I know we have the ability on the pitch to win. My head tells me we are in for the toughest test of the season and could be on the verge of humiliation. Still a few days left to wait. For now, let me just give a quick update on last weekend and look forward to this coming weekend, and of course the big day the following weekend.

Rarely do I have the time to plan my time at the weekend. Usually something comes up, or I have various errands to run. My Sunday was as perfect as can be. Probably. Over the course of the week, I had seen the spots on Channel 4 (before, midway and after Hollyoaks) for a film I had wanted to see four years ago, during it’s theatrical release. Starring, perhaps one of the greatest actors of his generation, Fifteen Minutes is an interesting journey into the mind of a killer and his accomplice, looking for fortune and fame. At times, De Niro reminded me of an alternative Columbo (no disrespect to Peter Falk of course) whenever he lit up one of his cigars. Without wishing to reveal too much, the finale is more revenge than justice and you feel somewhat shortchanged. Particularly with such a high profile array of stars. Having said that, a great watchable television movie. Just a shame a great opening half hour is not given the time to develop into a great story.

When I was at school, although perhaps not the most popular person in the world, I received my fair share of Christmas cards. Perhaps never matching the numbers of my younger siblings. This year, for some strange reason, has been appalling, with my total count standing at three at this moment in time. While both my youngest sister and Mum are already in double figures each. My Dad even wanted me to count the Carling promotional card I received yesterday morning. No, I’m not that sad. However, I am shocked and perhaps even dismayed at this culture of not sending cards in our office. I can understand a few people not signing up to the idea (even on the feeble environmental stance!) but never have I felt the atmosphere of bar humbug in the air. Making a donation to charity, is an honourable gesture, but you can do that all year around. If it ever comes to the point, when I turn into Ebeneezer, feel free to come over and shot me! What would Mr. C. Dickens think? Thankfully there are people on this planet, who have never lost (and never hope to) lose the true Christmas spirit, in every sense of the word.

Which, brings us on perfectly to my journey home this evening. By mistake I put on Radio One. I had been aiming to change from the CD changer to the CD disc (in the head unit) but pressed the wrong button. Yet, this must have been some strange act of God. For the song they were playing was from a well known mobile advert. Of course, due to the unique way the BBC is funded, Scott Mills was unable to give away the actually name of the organisation. The strange thing is, I never noticed the song before, even though it is quite prominent in the television commercial. The first time I saw it, a few weeks ago, I was too busy trying to decipher what the service or product they were selling. Quite easy in the end, when they start waving their mobile phone directly in front of the camera and superstars, Schumacher and Van Nistelrooy appear in computerised format to stand next to Big Phil from down the road. Every year, I suppose there is a Christmas song, novelty song if you will, that captures the mood of the nation. This song is it. Some years it can be completely unrelated to the season of good will, or perhaps just slightly reflect the pressures of modern living. What makes this song, entitled, “Under The Tree” so special? Well firstly it is so simple and catchy, with a great straightforward chorus. (Do not worry the full song, is much more substancial than the short segment in the snow on television. There is the romantic harmony of the lyrics too, which have the same sentiments as The bells in the background make it magical and I can proudly say their inclusion has put me right into the mood for Christmas. I’m like a giddy little schoolboy, excited and longing for the big day to come. Damn, I’m so pathetic!