Been busy recently preparing for my wedding NEXT WEEK! Can't believe it is only a week away. Still, that doesn't stop me taking every precious moment of wedding preparation and casting it to the side to make a new video. And now I have even got my other half in on the act. (She is so cool) So whilst the delights of getting married are well known, the honeymoon is going to be amazing because we are coming to LA. Awwww yeah!! Last time was business, this time it's pleasure...Party on!
Watch the video of how Nikki and I got together. INCLUDING STEAMY BEDROOM ACTION!
Yesterday, the Galaxy were very unlucky to lose on penalties in the final of the Superliga. I've only seen the highlights but by all accounts the team seemed to find the heart that seems to have been missing recently. I wish I could have been there for a number of reasons, including an absolutely brilliant over-head equaliser from Klein to take the game into extra-time. Becks was injured during normal play (knee, could be 4-6 weeks out) and Abel Xavier was the unfortunate man whose penalty miss meant Pachuca walked away with the $1 million prize. After the game, Frank Yallop did an interview that somebody has posted a link to here which is well worth a listen. It has changed my opinion on him a lot. I love the fact that he swears all the way through - in this case it IS big and it IS clever. You've got to listen to it.
August 12th
Slightly off-topic but something recently reminded me of an incident that happened with my UK team, Norwich City, a couple of years back when we were in the Premiership. Delia SMith, our celebrity shareholder, got a little bit tipsy and tried to rally the crowd. Great idea but unfortunately not well executed in front of a TV crew showing the game. Still, I for one thought it was brilliant that she showed her real support for the team. I mean, when was the last time you saw Abramovich stagger onto the pitch to tell Mourinho that Shevchenko should be in the starting line-up? Amateurs. This is wha a REAL director should do:
Still, it reminded me that when it happened I started to make a little flash game about the incident but never finished. I'd ony just started out with flash so it's not my best but still, I've just gone back and added a couple of things to finish it off. Enjoy!
August 1st
I was bored today so made my own version of a well-known flash game. Mine is titled, 'Jim Rome's Hell'. Jim Rome is a soccer-hating tv guy in the US so I am sure there will be many out there who appreciate this. Enjoy!
July 26th
I missed the post this morning and received a note saying I had a package to pick up. There have been a few things I have expecting so after a 45 minute trip through rush hour traffic you can imagine my delight when I ripped open the package to find this....
GOOD TIMES!
However, the smile was soon wiped from my face as I turned to discover...
BAD TIMES.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do like Becks but where the hell am I expected to fit 'getme2thegalaxy'?
Damn it. I rang the supplier who said they were sorry for the error and would I like to keep it at now extra charge (Becks number and name costs £10 extra) to which I ploitely declined. They then told me that the next shipment wouldn't be in til mid-August. I then got a bit irate and I am pleased to say that within half an hour they rang me back after findin one in the stock room and will send it out next week.
GOOD TIMES!
July 22nd
So this is where the fun starts again. I am excited to say that I am coming back to LA in September. I am even more excited as it is going to be my honeymoon. I have the most amazing fiance (more to follow on her) but I think the fact that she is willing to go to LA is a mark of just how cool she is. Add to this the fact that she allowed me to give up my job, and spend what money we have on going to LA for the tryouts and, as Alexi Lalas once said, "Nikki, you are a strong woman and he's a lucky guy." Amen.
With the upcoming trip just over a month away, I have decided that it is about time that I started making some videos in the build up again. As I mentioned somewhere elsewhere on here, I never really did much to this site because I was waiting to hear back from the TV channels etc but now I have a reason, I'm ready to rumble. Speaking of the TV channels, this Wednesday will see a new programme about Beckham and the MLS air on UK's channel 5. It will be a mix of Beckham's diary and lots of silly sketches and stuff. Now, back in March the tv company I have been working with sent off a programme outline for 'Payne in the ASS' to channel 5 with details of what would happen in each episode and regular features etc. Channel 5 kept the idea for over 2 months before coming back to the tv company and sending this email:
Robbie (tv guy)
Thanks for the offer but we are already some way down the road with an MLS show.
Robert Charles
Hmmm not sure about this, but anyway, it's not going to Five that's for sure.
Never mind, onward and upward!
Now, it may well sound like sour grapes but 2 months to say they're already doing something? I got a no from ITV the same day!! So I will watch with interest on Wednesday to see just how similar any of the ideas are. Not that I can do anything about it if they are but at least I can say that my ideas are good enough for TV!
Anyway, like I have said before, this has only spurred me on to do it myself and make my own videos once more. This is the first in the series as I prepare to getmeback2thegalaxy.
This is probably the best god damn thing I have ever made. And it is all for LARS.
Download it here or watch it in my video section. A full screen version can be downloaded here.(119MB) It does look much better but I would recommend watching the lower quality ones in full screen so you can make out some of the writing.
Watch it, enjoy it, pass it on. I'm going to try my best to do my bit to get Posh into that seat in 138 and swearing like the rest of LARS.
July 21st
So, after months of waiting, the expectant fans of LA Galaxy finally got a glimpse of their new hero. Although Beck's only made a cameo appearance, the numerous photos, blogs and articles have shown what is in store. It really is incredible to think that one player can make such a huge difference to not only his team but to the whole of the league in which he plays. Below is a video made by shirtees.net who was lucky enough to actually be there.
I didn't see the whole game but by all accounts the Gs gave a good account of themselves and, in particular, Abel Xavier, who is looking to be an incredible acquisition. I always thought he was a good defender but in Euro 2004 he certainly went up in my estimation with his solid displays for Portugal. (and he should never have been sent off)
Now, whilst the the world was understandably watching Becks, you may have missed a colossal display from the 13th man on the field - The LA Riot Squad. These guys prepared what can only be described as a galactic effort as they laid on not only a DOUBLE F*CKING DECKER BUS! to get them all to the game but they also turned up wearing Beckham wigs and singing their hearts out. Not just any songs mind you, songs of pure genius. Taunting the Chelsea fans with songs such as 'Stamford Bridge is falling down...' and 'You're just a suburb of Fulham' - outstanding. I bet the Chelsea fans didn't know what hit them. Beckham likewise.
So when the fuss dies down and the camera crews diminish, one thing that is certainly not going to change is the loyalty of LARS. Good on 'em. Posh had better get her skinny ass down there to 138 at some point this season...especially now Landon Donovan has raised the stakes...
Whilst the press have all been focsuing their attentions on the new guy, I think it is really important to consider the impact the Beckham signing will have on the rest of the squad. Unfortunately, one casualty has already fallen. Goodbye old friend. See the emotional farewell here.
July 11th
Two days until Beckham arrives and the unveiling of one of the world's worst kept secrets...
Yes, I will be working as a body double for Mr. B when he can't fulfill all of his media engagments. In fact, you may have seen this rather camp photo with Beckham's head superimposed on. They have also airbrushed out the small dwarf I was resting my foot on.
July 10th
Got the following email from the MD of the TV company I have been talking with since March. Looks like the end before it has begun.
Five is to follow David Beckham’s new high-profile career playing for LA Galaxy in the United States in a weekly magazine show.
David Beckham’s Soccer USA will also show exclusive live coverage of his matches in the US.
The series starts on Wednesday July 25 at 7.15pm and will follow Becks and his family as they adapt to a very different life in North America both on and off the field. Five will have exclusive access to the Beckhams and hear first-hand what the former England captain thinks of his new life.
The on the pitch action kicks off when Beckham makes his debut for LA Galaxy against Toronto live on Five at midnight on Sunday, August 5.
The 45-minute programmes, produced by ‘19’, the Beckham’s management company, will also feature other well-know players such as former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel and former Newcastle and West Ham keeper Shaka Hislop, both also playing in the US. There will also be a look at how Hollywood celebrities have taken to the game such as Tom Cruise, Eric Clapton and Steven Spielberg.
A regular 'US WAGs' feature will focus on the many famous US wives and girlfriends including Bianca Kajlich, model and wife of Galaxy captain Landon Donovan.
Robert Charles, controller of sport for Five, said: “There is no doubt that David Beckham's arrival in the US will give the MLS a huge boost and we're delighted that Five’s viewers will be able to see the impact he has on the game over there, both on and off the field. We will have unprecedented access to his new life and viewers will be able to see not only how he and his family settle in the US but also how the American public takes to one of the most charismatic players the world has ever seen. We have been showing weekly action from the MLS for nearly 10 years now so there is no UK broadcaster that understands the game over there like we do.”
Well I think that kinda seals it mate. If theres a TV series WITH beckham - regardless of how different ours ir, commissioners will be blinded to anything else.
Its still in with Bravo - but reckon we will be super lucky now, but NEVER GIVE UP HOPE!!!!!!
Oh well, at least I had a good idea. This is partly the reason I haven't done much to this site because I have been waiting around to hear back from various TV channels. I didn't want to end up doing something that might have been used or repeated on the show. Still, in some ways I guess it is a relief that I can just go and make my own dumb ass videos without having somebody tell me how to do it.
Plans are afoot to celebrate the second coming. I haven't given up on following my dreams just yet. 'Payne in the ASS' is still alive and kicking....just. The only difference is that instead of thousands of viewers there will be 3. So now it's going underground, it's hardcore.
Stay tuned.
July 5th
I know, I know. I have been crap at keeping anything on this site for a while. I guess I have found it kind of hard without a focus for the site. With 'getme2thegalaxy' I had a purpose in keeping up to date as I only had 3 weeks to prepare but with 'Payne in the ASS' I have just been waiting and waiting to see if anything is going to happen.
Once again, however, I have realised that the only way to get things done is to do it yourself. So whether the TV company I am working with manage to get a channel interested or not, I am going to make this happen (but not necessarily on the same scale)
So during the summer expect to see a whole host of new videos as I prepare for my honeymoon in LA - and getting back to the Galaxy.
In the meantime, it seems that everyday some player is linked with signing for the Galaxy. The British media can't help themselves and the lunacy has stretched even as far as saying that the G's are considering giving Dec, from And and Dec , a tryout after he made a cameo appearance for Robbie Williams' team, LA Vale. Unbelievable.
Still, with this in mind, I have made the following 'thing' to save time in thinking who will be next on the galaxy hitlist. Simply follow the instructions and, hey presto!, you too could be writing for one of the UK's leading tabloids!
Enjoy!
May 26th
A few weeks ago, I came across the absolutely incredible and addictive 'Money Kick Off'. If you have never played it go to www.totebo.com and play it. I thought it would be perfect to make my own version and keep up my motto of 'Punt it like Payne' for the game.
Anyways, after much searching and head scratching I realised that behind the simplicity of the game was a very complex set of rules of physics that I have no hope of ever understanding. So instead I just adapted the existing one and put my monkey face on it. Credit where it is due, I take no credit for anything other than tweaking the design to include my dumb ideas.
Enjoy!
May 11th (part 2)
Damn it, I just couldn't stop thinking about it...
'Chewbeccam'
May 11th
Being here in the UK whilst all the fun goes on in LA I can't help but feel as if I have been grounded. It's a very similar feeling.
It also reminds me of times when I have decided to stay in rather than go out only to find the next day that your friends are all buzzing about what could have possibly been the 'best night of their entire lives'. So whilst I am here waving my flag and listening to the sound of one man clapping, the riot squad et al sound like they're having a great time. I guess I will just have to bide my time and comfort myself in the fact that I will get to go out there and enjoy it at some point this season.
I am still constantly amazed at finding out about what the riot squad get up to. Whilst making the 'Join LARS' video, I got a chance to see the infamous 'Chivas girls' episode and the heckling of Guzan. Absolutely awesome. I have never experienced fans like this and I really wish the English game would include a lot more of this sense of fun over here. I think that over here the fans pride themselves on the volume of their singing and that's about it but I think the invention and creativity that goes into some of the riot squad plans are brilliant. I read via myspace that they are planning a new chant ready for the 'Revs' game tomorrow. I hope that someone posts that up on youtube so I can link to it here. (hint hint)
As for me, I will be singing it from here and looking on from afar...
May 4th
I note from the date and the pictures I have included so far that my blog is heavily influenced by star wars. This was unintentional. I guess that since January my brain has been increasingly surrounded by the word 'galaxy', and I have therefore been subconsciously drawing on my childhood love of all things jedi.
This could be a problem. Unfortunately, when I get an idea in my head it isn't long before that idea makes a connection with another one and then before you know it, my ideas have divided and multiplied faster than ecoli on a hotdog. Therefore I have been sat here thinking of all the connections between Star Wars and the LA Galaxy and I could quite happily spend the rest of the day photoshopping pictures of David Beckham onto the body of a wookie just so I can create the caption, 'Chewbeccham'. (Damn it, I really want to do that picture...)
Last week, I got an email from 'Nines' of the LA Riot Squad who asked if I could do a new video to celebrate the wonder of LARS. I couldn't wait to do it but unfortunately I've been really busy and so didn't get a chace to do it until now. It is now ready to rumble. As you will see, the star wars thing has cropped up again...click on the picture to download the new 'join LARS!' video or go to the video section.
Until next time, and I am sure you have been thinking of it...
May the 4th be with you.
(I can't believe I actually get to use this phrase in context.)
April 10th
So I suppose I got this blogging thing the wrong way round on 'getme2thegalaxy.co.uk' and always put the most recent entry all the way down at the bottom of the page. I will hopefully learn my lesson and do things properly this time round.
So welcome to my new site. I hope you enjoy your visit. After how much fun I had with 'getme2thegalaxy' I guess I don't want the ride to end so I have come up with this new scheme to go all over America and find out about soccer in the US. I guess this is less likely to happen than the LA Galaxy experience but if that trip caught me anything then I know that nothing is ever going to happen unless you give it a shot.
I can't go into too much details at the moment about my plans as there are a few irons in the fire but suffice to say I hope to back out there in the US to deliver some Payne to the uninformed. I will let you know as soon as I know anything and then you can give me some suggestions about how I could annoy millions of people next time I visit.
I will hopefully get the site completely up and functional within a couple of weeks and will be looking for contributions from people to tell me all about their teams and why I should come and crash your training session / awards ceremony / wedding. I also want to start a couple of competitions and, who knows, maybe my 'Payne in the ASS' may just take off.
In the meantime, please take yourself to the video section to find out about what I have been up to since 'getme2thegalaxy' and how I watched the Galaxy vs Houston game from the depths of the UK.
I may not be in the US yet, but believe me, I am there in spirit...
