Exclusive Interview - Iain O'Brien

Life throws many a challenge at all of us in everyday life and Iain O’Brien (OB), the now retired New Zealand international cricketer it was no different.

I caught up with Iain (pictured below) on Friday, to discuss life, moving to England, twitter, English weather and even cricket!!

GSB: Hi Iain, nice to speak with you. How are you today?

OB: Yeah I’m good thanks Derek.

GSB: How you finding the conditions in England at this time of the year?

OB: Well it’s my first winter in seven years so I’m enjoying it but it will start to wear thin soon.

GSB: If I could start by asking you for your all-time favourite cricketer?

OB: Glenn McGrath, for the obvious reasons.

GSB: Your favourite cricket ground then?

OB: My former home ground, the Basin Reserve (pictured below), Wellington.

GSB: And the best player you have played against?

OB: It is pretty difficult to go past Sachin Tendulkar. Especially when you can see his love for the game.

GSB: How did it feel to play test match cricket?

OB: Well, it’s the reason you play and it’s the dream but then it gets better when you make a job out of playing cricket. Then to fulfill the dream and make your ambition is what it is all about.

GSB: So do you see a future for test match cricket?

OB: Well for anyone who has watched test matches over the past two months, will see that it is as strong as ever. There have been phenomenal draws and wins, it’s the most interesting period of test cricket I’ve seen in my life-time.

GSB: Despite some high-profile retirements recently, namely Shane Bond, Andrew Flintoff and yourself?

OB: Thanks for including me with those two great names. That won’t affect it, as they retired due to injuries and I had my reasons too. If you can’t handle test cricket then you can’t play and we’ll still see them in the shorter versions of the game.

GSB: So what was your international high point?

OB: It has to be when I took 6/75 versus West Indies at Napier as it was my only 5 wicket haul in test cricket and everything happened for me in that innings.

GSB: And the lowest point?

OB: Been a few to be honest. But, probably in South Africa, in my first match back after being dropped from the squad. I was useless and it made me think long and hard after the second days play.

I wondered if this form would continue forever, but the next day I returned to form. Those demons are hard to deal with and it was a very tough moment for me.

GSB: Your first test victim was Matthew Hayden (pictured below), how did that feel?

OB: Pretty cool and I hate that word. Amazingly it happened in my 4th over in test cricket and it went to Nathan Astle at second slip, who took a good catch.

That gave me figures of 1/13 and having my parents and close friends in the crowd was very special. Though my figures for the rest of the match didn’t stay to that level.

GSB: You gained a reputation as a ‘go-to’ bowler for the New Zealand team, how did you find that?

OB: Yeah I am proud of that. When your not an out-and-out wicket taker you have to dry up an end and make life uncomfortable for the batsmen.

Bowling along side Daniel Vettori, who was the captain, he had confidence in me and my ability to adapt my role and do as required. I loved it in other words.

GSB: Have you learned to control the dissent?

OB: I don’t know where this has come from. I had one incident last summer, where I got caught behind after the ball had nicked my wicket but the bails hadn’t come off and was given out.

I was confused and not sure what had happened and I had a couple of cross messages but that was it. So I have to say I have only had a slap on the wrist really.

GSB: So international retirement, any regrets?

OB: No not at all. I’m very proud of my decision and it was about a life balance outside of cricket and time with my wife (Rosie is English and lives in Derbyshire, England).

It is sad in some ways, but I have no regrets and I am ready for the next phase of my life.

GSB: Not even when you watch live matches?

OB: I enjoy watching cricket, like the current South Africa versus England series but New Zealand haven’t played a test match since I retired.

I guess when they do, part of me will feel like I would when I’m injured or when I’ve been dropped but I will be supporting the guys. 

GSB: Missing New Zealand then?

OB: I have only been over here a week, so it’s alright at the moment, but, I do miss home and the folks. It will eat at me slightly, but it’s my decision and I stick by it.

GSB: So you’ve signed for Middlesex, happy with the move? Shame you didn’t move to my team, Yorkshire!

OB: Yorkshire enquired but I had already signed for Middlesex. Yeah I am happy with it. I still want to play and it is my job. Be nice to only be playing 3 hours from home too.

It’s a change of lifestyle and we’ve made some great signings. I’m looking forward to getting started as everything seems very professionally done and looks like exciting times ahead.

GSB: Looking forward to playing at the ‘home of cricket’ (Lord’s pictured below) regularly?

OB: Well I’ve been there as 12th man a couple of times, but only played once in a twenty20 match. It’s not the worst place in the world to play is it?

It wasn’t part of my decision, but it’s a nice ground and I wasn’t overly excited about it to begin with. But, people keep mentioning it and with everyday that passes and the closer I get to playing there, then the more exciting and edgy I get for it.

GSB: Angus Fraser had some very kind words to say about you when they signed you. Has that added any pressure?

OB: No not at all. It was a positive press release and I feel he has made a good signing. He was a similar bowler to me in his day and I’m hoping I can impact my attitude on the other bowlers in the squad.

“He is an into the wind bowler & I know the wind in Wellington is strong. I immediately knew Iain was a determined, wholehearted cricketer”

Angus Fraser, Middlesex’s Managing Director of Cricket

GSB: So with your recent international retirement, do you fancy a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?

OB: If it came along it’d be great but it would also be a tough decision at this time. I’m here to live my life but agreeing to go to India for 6 weeks would be the opposite to my agreed decisions.

GSB: What would you have done if you hadn’t become a cricketer?

OB: Well I have a background in teaching Physical Education and have taught in earlier stints over here. I did some supply work too. So I would probably go back into that.

GSB: So do you see  a career in writing when you retire from cricket?

OB: Well I didn’t start my blog as an angle to get into it, even though it maybe received that way. It would be silly not to continue it and if it opens doors and opportunities continue to open up and I do a few things then so be it.

I want to go into coaching and specifically as a bowling coach, I enjoy spending my time with the other bowlers and feel I can help them mentally too.

GSB: So moving to this country and with New Zealand’s qualification for the football World Cup. Are you a football fan?

OB: Well I was at the match when we qualified for the World Cup finals. It was the most amazing sporting event I have ever been too and I was proud to have been there.

I am looking forward to the tournament and I have brought my whitecaps scarf with me, but, I must admit I am not a big football fan and I haven’t got a team as such and will have to take an interest now I am here.

GSB: Finally how have you embraced the twitter phenomenon?

OB: Well it is there for a reason and it is useful for people like me and you. It helps get our blogs read and it gives people the chance to talk to people in the limelight like me.

I respond to people’s questions and I am grateful to respond to them. It is another avenue for the media and will obviously become more prominent.

GSB: Thanks very much for your time today Iain and good luck in the coming months in England.

OB: You are welcome Derek, have a great weekend and speak with you soon.

Check out Iain’s blog at http://iainobrien.co.nz/ it’s a great insight into his cricketing life and he assures me he’ll be updating it soon.

He was a pleasure to talk too and made the interview extremely easy for me to conduct.  I am looking forward to seeing him perform in the coming County Championship season.

Cheers for reading.

Enjoy your weekend.

Gaffers

[Via http://gafferssportsblog.wordpress.com]

TAMEKA FOSTER & JAMIE FOXX hit FEBRUARY's issue of UPSCALE MAGAZINE

 

Both JAMIE FOXX and TAMEKA FOSTER appear in next months issue of UPSCALE MAGAZINE for their “Love and Romance” issue…. Not sure if my first choice would be TAMEKA with love and relationships not being her strong point at the moment! On a good note, however, she looks absolutely amazing and JAMIE FOXX tells what he likes in a woman and what turns him on! 

 

 

 

Images sourced from YBF.com

[Via http://butterfly-productions.org]

Vettel not concerned about testing absence

Sebastian Vettel has said that he is not concerned about Red Bull missing the first F1 2010 test, in Valencia. On the contrary, he believes that the extra time spent in the wind tunnel will pay off in the long run.

In an interview with the Formula1.com website, he said:

“Sure it’s disappointing. But we will have 12 days of testing for the new car, which is plenty of time. It’s much better to spend time in the windtunnel and on the design of the new car, so I am perfectly happy with this.”

Regardless of this absence from the first test, Vettel is still aiming for a world championship this year.

“It’s my target to win the championship as soon as possible,” he said. “It is why I am here and, as always, I will give my best and fight until the very end. It’s very difficult to predict anything before testing has even started, but after the first race in Bahrain we will know more. I want to be the best of all. 2009 was a good year for me, and now I am working very hard to make this new season even better.”

He appears to have lost none of his competitive nature, adding:

“Out on the circuit everybody is your ‘enemy’, it doesn’t matter who it is. In the end you have to beat them all.”

[Via http://gforcef1.wordpress.com]

EPISODE 122 - a really cool X Files-themed cocktail bar

Hello pals!

So Simon Cowell has left American Idol. Rumours he’s jumped ship to Answer Me This! are unsubstantiated. Because they’re completely fabricated! But let’s start one, just for giggles. Anyway, it’s the same team as usual for Episode 122, as you shall hear:

And that team are talking about:

Frightfest
the revolving restaurant in Berlin
venereal disease
Bovril
junior wine buffs
Agamemnon
A Serious Man
culinary innovation in Streatham
Simon Armitage
the wrath of Kate Winslet
and
Dr Cilla Black.

In addition: Olly demonstrates why he should never be made editor of the Oxford Etymological Dictionary; Helen spots the hidden messages to the Russians in sweetie adverts; and Martin the Sound Man does NOT want to have sex with you in a toilet. Not even if you ask really nicely. We also hear about one of our listener’s friendship dealbreakers – if you have one of your own, share it in a comment below. Because we all enjoy other people bitching about their dear friends, don’t we?

Please send us YOUR QUESTIONS for future episodes, via answermethispodcast@googlemail.com, Skype ID answermethis or the question line 0208 123 5877. And we hope you’re thoroughly enjoying your free Audible audiobooks; if you haven’t already got yours, skedaddle to our Audible page and sign thyself up.

We’ll see you next week!

Helen and Olly

Add this episode to:

Subscribe with iTunes • Listen to episodes • Question Archive • FAQ
Facebook • Twitter • Merch Superstore • YouTube Channel

[Via http://answermethis.wordpress.com]

Meet @VampireMagister

Name:

The Magister, supreme vampire adjudicator of the North American region. You may call me ‘Sir’. If you know me personally, you may use my assumed name of ‘Charles’. My human name was Quintus Caelius Aculeo but you will not call me that on pain of a torturous death.

You are perhaps the busiest Vampire I know. How do you fit Twitter into your busy schedule and why are you here?:

Someone needs to keep the fucktards in line, of course. Why else would I put up with that fucking failwhale? The vampires on twitter are very, very naughty. And I have heard the Belles are also very naughty… *raises an eyebrow, twirls cane*

How did you come to hold your position as Adjudicator of North America?:

I came to hold the position of a Magister when I was 400 years in existence. We have a tradition in my line that involves staking one’s maker to take over the position. Very Darwinist or Hobbesian if you ask me. I was the European Magister for many centuries. A need arose in the new world for a vampire adjudicator and I wished change, therefore I appointed one of my progenies, Magnus, to the European region and made my merry way to the Americas.

That must be a difficult job, but judging from your tweets, you relish in torture. That must be why you have spent so much time with @LorenaTheMaker. The Belles are dying to know….WHY????:

Torture *FANG* I am the King of Torture and enjoy inflicting it. Very, very much. Lorena enjoys pain, both physical and psychological. Crazy bitch. You can see the attraction, and if you do not then I do believe you need fucking glasses.

The two of you made a pretty kick ass couple. You were ripping out spines recently after you were injured and held captive. How are you healing?:

You will be quite happy to know my balls are no longer extra crispy.

We all know you think mainstreaming is for pussies. What is your preferred scenario for feeding?:

*FANG* Blood taken at the time just before orgasm is the best in my opinion *grins* Call me a traditional vampire, but one cannot top such a scenario.

Um, ok TMI Chuck. Moving on….Women throw themselves at you in the stream. Are you ok with being magisterial catnip?:

Of course, cheesy heifer. Do you think me a moron?

Even though you have a new love @KaydenBellerose, will you still consider putting on those pants I sent you and letting me take a picture?:

*sighs* I suppose so. You do know that my love can be very possessive when she wishes to be *grins* Perhaps you will let her take… other… pictures…

Ok, EWWW, no thank you. So anyway, @TrevorMurdoch wants to know if you’ll race him:

What kind of race does he wish to have? I hope it involves me slinging his severed ball sack over my head several times…

Is there anything you’d care to let us know about the writer behind the dark and twisty Chuck?

I am equally dark and twisty, of course. (um yeah, no kidding)

[Via http://billsbelles.wordpress.com]

Interview : Bogue Millionaires

Repost of my interview with Bogue Millionaires from the old site.

SJK:How long have you guys been playing together?
BM:Since June.

SJK:What inspires you to make music? BM:Going to really crummy shows. SJK:Tell me about your writing process? BM:Top-down management; transparent dictatorship; guitar then words then bass and drums. SJK:Do you prefer vinyl, tape, cd , or mp3? Why? BM:Whatever fills your wind sock. SJK:How do you want people to listen to your music? BM:However, really. It’s enough that they’re listening. If it’s at a show we’d like it if they danced. SJK:What are you recording on? BM:A tascam. And Schweppes. SJK:Whats your top five of 2009? BM:We haven’t really listened to anything from 2009. We all listen to a lot of Half Japanese, the Cramps, the Homosexuals, Billy Bragg, Urinals, this sort of stuff. We named our band after a Half Japanese song. The new Homosexuals songs are pretty cool.  The Telephone Callers from Ann Arbor are real good, too. There are probably some other local groups. There you have it. My interview with my favorite new band. check out their myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/boguemillionaires -SJK

[Via http://talkingloudandsayingnothing.wordpress.com]

What's Your Story? An Interview With Aubrey Lane

Hello all and welcome to another exciting installment of “What’s Your Story?” Today’s subject is Aubrey Lane, an avid fan of author Laurell K. Hamilton, a rubber duck, reading, motorcycle and horse aficionado (which I love), and an all around sweetheart. So, put your hands together for Mrs. Lane.

***

Can you tell everyone your name and location?

-My name is Aubrey Lane and I live in Bangor, Maine.

Okay, Aubrey. Here is a set of simple questions to set begin with.

What are your hobbies?

-Reading, driving my motorcycle, riding horses.

How long have you had these hobbies?

-Reading? Pretty much since I learned how; horses since I was about 10 and I have had my motorcycle license for about 2 years.

What is your favorite part about these hobbies?

-In all of these, it’s the escape, especially if the writing is good (in reading). I can actually picture myself in the story as an observer vs. being one of the characters.

What kind (s) of music does you like (bands, singers, genres)?

-Country: Blake Shelton; George Strait; Tim McGraw; Brooks and Dunn; Reba; Wynonna; Taylor Swift (LOL) Rock : Metallica; Bon Jovi; I don’t know what Finger 13, Fall Out Boy or Coldplay would be listed as, but those are some. I am extremely eclectic.

Who is your favorite author? Why?

-Laurell K Hamilton, because she has this amazing gift of making the books real and you feel like you have gone through everything with her books.

What was the most recent book you’ve read?

-Divine Misdemeanors, her last Merry Gentry book. I have placed my order for Flirt and can’t wait…

What were your thoughts on it?

-I was worried about Merry being pregnant and how that would work out. But Laurell, as usual, handled it very well.

What place do you/have you want (ed) to visit or live in? Why?

-I want to go to Ireland or leave North America in general just to say that I can. And I have a tiny bit of Irish in me and I love the cadence of the accent it just makes me happy that and most any accent in the world.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

-I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up but I can tell you I used to want to be: A vet and a jockey. I will have to get back to you on this.

Here are some more personal questions:

What three people are most important to you?

-I actually have four: Heather, Adam, and my parents.

Could you describe them and your relationship to them?

-Heather is one of my very best friends we don’t get to talk a lot but when we do it’s one of those things that it’s like there has been no time  missed at all. She has been with me since just before I married my husband and is just really an amazing person. The irony with her is that we are totally polar opposites. She is very tidy and I am cluttered, she is quick to temper and I am slower to temper but when I get there, I blow. She holds a grudge for a long time, but I hold a grudge then I let it go and end up forgetting all about it. My husband Adam; what can I say about him other then the fact that he is so totally my soul mate. He completes me on so many levels. J  My parents are very important because no matter what I do, they still love me.

Can you describe your most recent mistake or failure?

-Fudging up my check book J

Can you describe your most recent victory?

-Sticking up for myself when someone tried to put me down.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2010?

-Have our first child hopefully and continue the circle of life.

How do you think you’ll accomplish this/these goal (s)?

Lots and lots of Sex?? LOL

Can you name three to five things you want to do before you die?

-Travel outside of North America, go to Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC; Take my Husband to the Grand Canyon (travel with our motorcycles), and last but not least; I want to go to Disney Land.

***

Thank you very much, Aubrey, for your wonderful interview. I hope to see more of you here at The Melting Pot. If you wish to be interviewed, feel free to email me at Natasha.Hollerup@Rocketmail.com. Thank you.

[Via http://mymeltingpot.wordpress.com]