What I've Been Clicking On

Finally - here are the websites I've been wiling away my time on recently:

1. Various Everton fora
The usual summer drill - day after day of painstakingly scouring Everton message boards hoping to see if signed someone, or to glean some inside knowledge on a deal in process. And day after day of disappointment!
I've been a regular visitor especially to BlueKipper and Grand Old Team in particular. The latter is home to one guy who seems to be genuinely 'in the know'. However, his bits of news and info are generally hard to prove, as they largely involved nothing happening whatsoever because the club is skint!
As yet, no news is bad news...


2. Music goodness
A lot of my music finds come via Pitchfork nowadays, although it has to be said that their reviews often reach a level of pretension that is almost unbearable.
The big discovery for me though has been a replacement for Spotify! With Spotify needing the download of a piece of software to operate, it can be a pain to access it away from home. This led to frustration and unwanted musical silences. I tried using the reformed MySpace music site but found it clunky and cumbersome. Listening to the radio was ok at times, but I wanted greater control over what I was listening to. Then, Pete Elliott, a good friend of mine, introduced me to Grooveshark and I've not looked back! It has a lot of the good features of Spotify - ease of use, and a wealth of songs to listen to, absolutely free. However, unlike Spotify, your listening is unlimited, and more importantly, browser based! There's nothing to download at all, so you can listen to it wherever you have an internet connection! I definitely recommend it!

3. Twitter
Obvious I know, but I it's just so much fun. I reckon I find out most of what's happening in the world via Twitter nowadays, and I like how easy it is to find stuff out quickly. Whether it's on my phone, on my iPod or on my computer, I can keep in touch with people really easily, and it's a great source of news, information and acerbic humour!
Facebook is a distant 2nd for me now, when it comes to social networking.

What I've Been Reading

I've had plenty of books on the go recently. As ever, there's no fiction, as I don't enjoy wasting my time with that nonsense anymore....


1. Bobby Robson - "Farewell But Not Goodbye"
This was one of two books I was kindly lent by my next door neighbour. Few who have followed football in the last 30 years and more will have a bad word to say about Sir Bobby - now sadly departed. This autobiography had plenty of interesting tit-bits in - although could have given some more details about his European exploits, managing PSV, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Barca, in my humble opinion. Nevertheless, I learnt some interesting things...:

• Robson very nearly became Everton manager in the mid 70s, but backed out on a handshake agreement after Everton leaked the news to the press against his expressed wishes that they keep it quiet until he had spoken to his employers, Ipswich Town. Sad!
• He considered Jermaine Jenas to be capable of being England's key midfielder for 'many years to come'. Oh dear....
• Liverpool bid £3m for Alan Shearer when he was 33.
• He actually had 2 serious battles with cancer before it finally claimed his life a year or two ago

A big chunk of the book towards the end is understandably devoted to Bobby's time at Newcastle, and to be fair, the board there come across as complete pillocks. But that's no great surprise.

2. Barry Fry - "Big Fry - The Autobiography"

The other book I borrowed from my neighbour. Decent- but not as enjoyable for me. Fry is certainly a colourful character, and lived a very different football life to Robson. Some of the characters he's dealt with down the years have been, frankly, mental (Stan Flashman, Keith Cheeseman etc), but I couldn't help but disagree with a lot of stuff he said, and I got the impression he wasn't telling the whole truth a lot of the time!

Still - a decent read.

3. Kenneth E. Bailey - "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes"

A good, meaty, theological book, with some excellent insights on what Jesus' words would have meant to his actual contemporary audience. There are some really interesting things to think about - but I'm not even half way through the book yet and I think it's taking a little while to get going!

One thing that has challenged me a lot has been Bailey's analysis of the Lord's prayer, in which he highlights the importance of forgiving even when the people we are to forgive have shown no repentance. Jesus is the ultimate model of this - even on the cross, as he shouted out, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do". It's not easy to forgive people who have wronged us even when they've apologised - but it's a whole new level to show grace to those who have not even asked for it. Challenging!

4. The Bible

Ok - who's going to make the joke about me not enjoying fiction? I'm close to the end now of my 'Bible In One Year' programme, which I've followed since September 1st 2010. It's been tough going at times, but I've kept up to date with it, currently racing through the very challenging books of Ezekiel and James. I've learnt a lot through the year, and have a much improved idea of how it all fits together. Definitely a worthwhile year!

What I've Been Listening To

So...what's been pumping into my ears over the last few months? Some pretty good stuff, as it happens! Some old, some new. Here's a little taste:

1. The Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I

This is actually an old album (1999) which I discovered purely because Pitchfork re-reviewed it on account of its re-release on vinyl only. Frustratingly, it's unavailable on CD in the UK. It's a superb album - pretty rocky and choppy, with some cool lyrics. What I love about it is that it perfectly treads the fine line between dis-jointed and really well formed indie-rock, with dis-chord aplenty, but also some superb melody and great beats. The track "Memory Machine" (see video) is a perfect example, alternating excitingly between chaos and rocky perfection. The lyrics are good too:

"Some day I'm telling you they'll make a memory machine, to wax our hearts to a blinding sheen.......
If they can make machines to save us labor Someday they'll do our hearts the very same favour
The wails of ruined lives brought to a halt
By the serene hum of computers in air-conditioned vaults"

Anyway - it won't be to everyone's taste, but if you bands like Pavement and The Pixies, I reckon you'll enjoy the D-Plan.


2. Bon Iver - "Bon Iver"

After the brilliant debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago" (easier to type than say!), I was massively looking forward to Justin Vernon and co's follow up album. I have not been disappointed! The sophomore release is a thing of absolute beauty - but is also very different. Where the first album was very much about a girl, this one seems much more to be about a sense of place, rather than person. The music is different too - less instantly accessible, but more varied and exciting. "Perth", the first song on the album takes the listener's breath away, with marching drums dramatically replaced by the crashing of 3 kits/percussion sets in the climax.
But for me it's the hauntingly beautiful "Wash" (see video), with its echoing piano and swooning strings which takes the album to a whole new level. Just brilliant.


3. Bethel Church - "Be Lifted High"

Very rare that I recommend a worship album - largely because I don't often enjoy whole ones, given what I perceive to be a musical inferiority to secular stuff (sorry!). But this album combines excellent musicianship with brilliant lyrics and I've found myself really drawn into worship by it. The stand out track for me is Brian Johnson's song, "What Would I Have Done" (see video) which builds slowly to a rousing and emotional chorus which asks on behalf of all believers that intriguing question - where would we be without the love and forgiveness of God? Great music, with a powerful message.


4. Metronomy - "The English Riviera"

Cool little album this - and today it was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize. I got into this one thanks to Radio 6, and have really enjoyed it. There are hints of Phoenix, Daft Punk, Zero 7 and Postal Service in there if you listen hard enough. The stand out track is the latest single, "The Bay" (see video), which has a fun rhythm section and some superb harmonies. Love it!


5. Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues"

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys in concert in June and they didn't disappoint. Their second album is every bit as brilliant as their first, with sensational harmonisation over folksy music. The title track for me is the stand out song....(see video).

Time to catch up...

Despite my best intentions, I've not got around to blogging for quite a while now. And there are so many things I could talk about! In my own little world, there's the been quite a lot going on...

• George's continuing development - 5 and a half months old now, and sitting up!
• Some pretty dramatic weight loss - 24 pounds and counting!
• My first ever preach at Gateway Church 
• Cricketing exploits aplenty
• Beavering away at work
• Having quality time with Mrs Butland
• Planning the new FC Gateway season

It's all happening. But tonight I have a bit of time on my hands - so I'm going to update you on the REALLY important stuff. Namely, what I've been listening to, what I've been clicking on, and what I've been reading! I'll release a little blog for each section!

I know you're excited...

Back

It's been quite some time since I last blogged - and a lot has happened since then! Most notably, George has happened! My son is now almost 3 months old - and he's a little cracker. Fatherhood is still taking a bit of getting used to - but by and large I'm loving it!
Anyway - seeing as I've been away from the blogosphere for a few months, here's a quick run down of things that have been on my mind in that time.....


1. Sunshine brings out the best in people
I could be wrong, but with the lovely weather we've had recently, I've sensed a real upturn in people's general mood/demeanour. People are outside more! I've had loads of great conversations with next door neighbours etc recently, simply because we're all out and about more. It was a long hard winter - as bad weather and austerity measures hit people hard. But a bit of sunshine appears to have been quite a tonic! Long may it continue....


2. The Royal Wedding
I'm a cynical so-and-so by nature, and I'm no great fan of the monarchy either. That said - I'm certainly not anti-monarchy either. As someone pointed out to me today - would we really like a 'President Cameron'?!
Whatever, I found myself strangely enjoying the festivities and pageantry of the Royal Wedding today. It was great to see two young people committing to each other in marriage - in an age when marriage seems less and less valued by society. Much as two rich, posh people tying the knot really has little effect on my life, I really hope their commitment serves as an example to others, and we see the our country grasp hold of the joy and pleasure of marriage once more. As a new father, I believe more than ever that a loving, stable marriage is so key for bringing children up in the best way possible. It's right that we celebrate at weddings, because they symbolise the start of something so special.


3. Emotional rollercoaster
Since little George came along, I think I've become far more emotional! Amazingly, I've still not cried, but I've found myself welling up emotive tv moments - even ones I've seen before! I've never been one for shedding tears - in fact my wife describes me as an "emotional brick"! But I'm heartened that I perhaps have discovered some feelings deep down somewhere! 


Right - I'll hopefully be back to some semblance or blogging routine again soon - and will resume my usual mix of sporting reminiscing and musical recommendations. 

Women and football - the Keys to this Gray area....

Moments after FC Gateway's thrilling 1-1 draw with arch rivals Mosaic FC on Saturday ( ), I walked in to The Regent pub in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. I ordered a drink from the bar - well, actually, I got my mate Suggy to get me one as I realised I was cashless - and I went and sat down with some of the FC Gateway lads. We were gathered in front of the tv, awaiting the start of Wolves v Liverpool. It was a normal, happy, Saturday.

"You'll never believe this Butters", exclaimed Dave Britton, FC Gateway's keeper.

"What Dave?", I replied.

"Look who's running the line".

I turned and looked up at the screen.....

And. There. SHE. Was.

A woman. A WOMAN! Dressed in an official FA referee's kit.
In mock indignation, I slammed my glass on the table. "The whole world's gone MAD', I joked.
A few moments of normal, laddish banter ensued, and the issue was pretty much forgotten.

A similar conversation was, I guarantee, happening in pubs and living rooms up and down the country. Men were making jokey, sexist comments, implying that Sian Massey would simply not be able to function adequately as an assistant referee, purely because she is a woman.

Just 48 hours later, most of those same lads have been condemning Richard Keys and Andy Gray for making comments about Sian, apparently genuinely questioning her ability to officiate. How uncomfortable many of us may have felt, lambasting Sky's anchors whilst knowing that we were making similar comments on Saturday.

Except...there is a difference, I believe. The comments I made to my FC Gateway colleagues on Saturday were entirely in jest. Jokey, sexist remarks, made purely to score a few 'banter points' and get a laugh. In truth, I have no problem whatsoever with a female officiating an football match at any level, provided they are qualified to do so. But seemingly, there was a sense of genuine anger and indignation in the voices of Keys and Gray. They seemed to genuinely believe that Sian Massey was incapable of fulfilling her duty, purely because of what she didn't have down her shorts.

So why the indignation of these two long-serving football celebrities? Why do they and some others genuinely believe that Sian Massey - or any other woman for that matter - have no place in professional men's football?
I have a semi-theory. Although women have increasingly been welcomed into football - as both spectators and players - many men still see Association Football as their domain. It's their escape. It's their place of refuge - the place where they can talk knowledgeably and at length with their mates, without fear of being proved wrong or undermined by their relevant lady-folk. They can bury themselves in their love and enjoyment of the game, safe in the knowledge that football is one of the few things they will always be better at - both playing and understanding.
That's how many men think! For them, football really is a MAN'S game - it's not for girls. For a female to be present, to interfere in this manly world, is a serious challenge to their authority. Their small minds simply can't comprehend that a woman might know as much - if not more - than them. And perish the thought that woman might make a successful living from the game which most men only lose money on watching, playing and gambling.
How dare a woman break in and interfere where she's not welcome! How dare she try and be good at something that men are superior at!

In terms of actually playing the game, perhaps they have a point. Watch a game of international women's football - and you'll see that it just doesn't compare to the men's game. That's not controversial. Men and women are largely built differently. We're wired differently. Men are faster, stronger and often more agile (I'm generalising - just before someone asks me to take on Jessica Ennis at a heptathlon). It's only natural that we would be better at football - because it's a fast, physical and agile game.

However...in the case of Sian Massey, we are NOT talking about playing football. We are essentially talking about a profession. For that's what refereeing a football match is. It's a job. You don't have to be fast, physical or agile to be a referee (just look at Phil 'Moobs' Dowd!). You simply need to know the rules of the game, and be confident enough to apply them in the face of 22 men, half of whom you are likely to annoy with every single decision you make.
In my mind, there is absolutely no reason why a woman can not do that job just as well as a man can. Very often, male referees - I sense - are the kids who got picked last at school for football. They turn to refereeing as a form of revenge. A chance to participate in the game they were left out of, by killing the fun of those who ruined their play-times in school. It doesn't take any particular skill at football to be a referee. Just an understanding of the laws of the game - which anyone can learn. Sian Massey has done this, and has risen to the top of her profession. Hats off to her!

When most men make sexist comments about women in football, it's largely banter. But that's all it is. In the same way that women might comment on men trying to multitask! The key to sexist jokes is that both genders make them, and most people don't really mean them. They're effectively caricaturing some of the differences that make men men, and women women. Those differences ARE there, and shouldn't be ignored. But it's vital not to turn those difference into barriers that divide unnecessarily.
The difference between men and women might prevent a female from playing Premiership football, but absolutely certainly not from being a referee. Or a pundit, commentator, fan or director! If a woman is qualified to do those jobs, then she should do them. And simply being a woman does not disqualify them. Keys and Gray crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. They made themselves look petty, small-minded and stupid. They tried to keep women out of a part of 'their' world which, actually, women have every right to be in. And I think they'll be feeling pretty foolish right now.

Sports Podcast Episode 4

In this week's episode we look back on a surprising set of NFL playoff results, reflect on the Merseyside derby and talk about the magic of the FA cup. Our main focus though is on the Transfer Window as we discuss the impact of Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa and talk about the pros and cons of the system.