Phone moan

I haven't posted a blog for about a year now. So take it as red, that when I do write one these days, it is regarding something I consider to be fairly important.

This blog post is, in my humble opinion, really important.

If you own a mobile phone, I am about to tell you something that could save your bacon one day should you be unfortunate enough to lose a handset.


I've owned many different mobile phones over the years and I would like to think of myself as a responsible consumer when it comes to products of the cellular variety.

However, this all changed at the weekend...

After making my way home in a Taxi (admittedly after a few Shandies) the other night, I did something I had NEVER done before. Quite simply; I lost my phone.

I had been speaking on my handset in the back of the Taxi, which I often do. Especially when the driver decides to take the scenic route on what should be a standard, routine journey.
The driver pulled up outside my house just I had finished my phone conversation.
I put the phone down on the seat whilst I fumbled around to find the correct change for the fare, and...well you can guess the rest.

Obviously the first thing I did was to phone my mobile phone network to get my number blocked. I followed this up with calls to the Taxi firm, who honestly couldn't have cared less about my loss, and then I phoned the Police on the 101 non-emergency number.

I went to bed, phoneless, and pretty fed up with the world.

Skip forward 24 hours and I had heard absolutely nothing, and by now my anger was turning to worry.
It slowly started to dawn on me that, although I had blocked my phone and nobody could use it with my SIM card inside it, what if somebody was to get it unlocked and stick a new SIM in it?
What about all the things saved to the device? My contacts, messages, Facebook, Twitter, E Mail etc.
Would they all still be on the phone for someone else to view and potentially exploit?

This was something that I couldn't bear to think about. Having been a victim of identity theft previously, I didn't want anything similar to happen again. So I set about Googling the ins and outs of mobile phone security.

And thank goodness I did...

Ever heard of an IMEI number? No, neither had I. Neither has anyone I have spoken to since.

Over to Wikipedia to explain;


 

International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a number usually found printed inside the battery compartment of the phone. It can also be displayed on the screen of the phone by entering *#06# into the keypad on most phones.
The IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing that network. 
For example, if a mobile phone is stolen, the owner can call his or her network provider and instruct them to "blacklist" the phone using its IMEI number. 
This renders the phone useless on that network and sometimes other networks too, whether or not the phone's SIM is changed.






Pretty important stuff right? Yet how many of us even knew this number existed? Let alone that it was called an IMEI!

It is also worth bearing in mind that this number is also usually printed on the box that your handset originally came in when you purchased it. Luckily for me I had kept the box, as it was the only way I would ever have been able to find the number.

I phoned my mobile phone network, gave them my IMEI number, and they blocked it. Simple as that.

For me, the biggest travesty is not the lack of awareness about this magical number, it's the fact that I had to find this information out for myself!

I wasn't asked about my IMEI number by my mobile phone network provider when I made the initial call after losing the phone. They didn't tell me about it. They didn't offer me the option to block it, and effectively blacklist my phone. Why not?


Surely blocking an IMEI should be a standard procedure for any mobile phone network, anytime they receive a call from a customer telling them that their phone has been lost or stolen.
The customer at the very least should be informed of its existence, what it has the power to do, and the option of enforcing those powers.

So now you know! Make a note of your IMEI number, keep it somewhere safe, and if God forbid you ever have to use it, then at least you know you can.

So now the phone I lost is utterly useless to anyone apart from me.

I can only hope the person who failed to hand it in, is enjoying staring at what is now effectively a large lump of plastic. I do hope it was worth it.



Further reading;
 
IMEI Wikipedia entry
WikiHow IMEI Tips

Put your hands together for Steven Gerrard!

So we are out of the Carling Cup at the 3rd stage after a 2-1 defeat to Premier League Liverpool. No disgrace in that whatsoever, especially when you consider the performance in the second half and the fact we have two more important games just around the corner. Leeds on Friday and of course our rivals Palace on Tuesday.

There were many talking points from the match, but the one which seems to have struck up the most debate is the return of Steven Gerrard. The debate is nothing to do with his comeback after a six month layoff, or indeed his performance as a second half substitute. No, in actual fact the main talking point seems to be the reception he got from us, the Brighton fans.

He, along with other Liverpool subs were warming up along the touchline right in front of the PA box where I am positioned, when suddenly I witnessed something I have never seen at an Albion game before. Despite the fact he has never played for us (or even against us), and has no ties whatsoever to the club, a large section of the Albion fans started to clap him! He responded in kind in between stretches and lunges and the applause seemed to grow larger and larger. At first glance this was a most bizarre situation and I wasn't sure how to react to it. In the end I succumbed to the fact that this was a nice gesture on both parts.

Gerrard is one of the finest players this country has produced in recent years and although the 'Golden Generation' failed to deliver much whilst wearing the three lions, Gerrard has still been an ever-present for our country. We don't often get to play against teams which contain England International players, let alone a team whose captain has worn the Three Lions a total of 89 times during his career.

Bottom line is that he wasn't being applauded as the captain of Liverpool, I'm pretty sure of that. He was in fact being applauded as an England International and I have no problem with that.

The main thing is that we don't get to play against these players week in, week out and it would be an entirely different matter if we were on an even keel. If that was a Premier League fixture I genuinely doubt that the applause would have occurred, or at least it would not have been as vigorous. So no offence Stevie G, but I really hope we meet again next season and this time there will be no need for the applause!

New Music August 2011

In my new role at Brighton & Hove Albion, I have had to take a keen(er) interest in new music. I've heard a lot of people saying that music has hit a bit of a wall recently, so I have decided to try and quash that rumour with my top 5 songs of the moment. Enjoy!

#5 - FOO FIGHTERS - Arlandria




#4 - NERO - Crush On You




#3 - WILL YOUNG - Jealousy




#2 - CALVIN HARRIS - Feel So Close




#1 - BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - Shuffle

Brighton welcomes Titus Bramble and friends!

Tuesday night saw the Albion seal their place in the Carling Cup 2nd Round draw with a 1-0 win over League 2 Gillingham. The game was watched by an extremely respectable attendance of over 16,000 - all of which still in awe of the Amex (It still hasn't sunk in for me yet either!)

Last year, Gus Poyet would have been the first person to admit that he wasn't all that bothered by the Carling Cup and we were duly dispatched in Round 1 away to Northampton. This time round it's a different story. The idea being that it would be great to play a Premier League side at our new stadium. Our wish was granted when we were drawn against top flight opposition in the form of Sunderland. Steve Bruce may not be so happy with the draw considering he has to drag his team down to the south coast from the other end of the country!

In terms of pervious meetings between the two sides, it is very nearly all square. Sunderland having won 14, Brighton 13 with 6 draws.
The last time the sides met, the Albion ran out 2-1 winners at the Withdean and that was back in February 2005. That day Super, Super Mark, Super, Super Mark, Super, Super Mark - Super Mark(et trolly) McCammon, scored the deciding goal. Times have changed.

It will be very exciting to play host to a Premier League side, along with a number of Premier League stars. New additions Wes Brown and John O'Shea may have a part to play. The FLAIR Asamoah Gyan will be a particular highligh if he is to feature. And of course the chance to see Titus Bramble perform, in the flesh, is an opportunity that no self respecting football fan would want to miss. Here is why...



I feel there is not much left for me to say, other than the fixture will be played at the Amex on the week commencing the 22nd August.

Brighton v Doncaster - A view from the PA box

What a weekend!

On Saturday afternoon Brighton & Hove Albion kicked off a brand new season, in a brand new league, in a brand new stadium and with a brand new winger by the name of William Buckley.

Mr. Buckley has been immediately written into Albion folklore by scoring both goals in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers. Quite an impact when you consider that he started the game as a substitute and only played for the last twenty-odd minutes of the game.

I could try and tell you how good it felt to see him hit the winner deep into injury time, but I don't think I could do it justice. I think this should do the trick. (Skip to 1:08 for the winner or just watch the entire video)



Those two goals sent the Albion fans into raptures and now that we actually have roofing facilities above the stands, I think 20,000 people nearly took it off!

So Buckley had a lot to be proud of on Saturday afternoon but surely the proudest moment was when he found out he was trending on Twitter! That, my friends, is something all of us could only ever aspire to.

Aside from the match itself the atmosphere was electric at the AMEX. You knew it was going to be a special day when Football Focus were in town, and even Mark Lawrenson was prepared to admit he used to play for us! I have a feeling his 'Legends' picture outside the ground had something to do with it...
Robbie Savage was there in all his glory as well. Rumour has it that he was spotted with lots of boxes of the new pies on sale at the AMEX. You can't blame him, they are supposed to be out of this world. Also now he is retired I think it's only fair that he can eat whatever he likes!

I'm sure you will agree that the pre-match build up was amazing. We actually have a PA system at the AMEX that sounds fantastic and we made full use of it. The build-up was timed and executed to the second and then, as I'm sure you are well aware, it went a little bit quiet. The Albion team were lined up in the tunnel on time and ready to come out, but there was no sign of Doncaster Rovers. For two whole minutes.
For me this meant flapping like a madman after making sure that a very tight schedule was on time. But I needn't have worried. For the two minutes of silence from the speakers allowed me to stop, look out the PA box window, and listen.

What I heard was the entire ground chanting in unison. What I saw was every seat in the house waving the flags provided by the club, again in unison. This was, I am not at all afraid to admit, when I started to well-up. It is a moment that will live with me forever, on one of the most memorable days of my life.
So thank you to Doncaster Rovers for holding up proceedings - it worked a treat didn't it?!

My final thought for this (very long - thank you for sticking with it!) blog, is saved for my bladder. Yes, my bladder.

Before the game I was drinking tea by the bucketload as well as bottles of water. As you well know, nature will inevitably call when you drink like a fish.

Now, I'm still getting used to this PA lark, but I started playing the music at 1pm. The game ended at gone 5pm after all of the injury time required. I cannot leave the PA box for a second during that time and especially not during the game. What happened was that I required a wee at around 1.05pm, by which time it was far too late. I had to live with this, ever-increasing urge, for the best part of FOUR HOURS!

Here is a simple mathematical equation that I will have to abide by in future.

Tea + H20 + H20 x 2 = The urge to relieve yourself almost immediately x 4 hours without being able to satisfy that urge = Suicide.

I am pleased to report, and just to clarify - I did not wet myself.

Walking on a Wednesday afternoon

It was pointed out to me the other day, by an ever so thoughtful colleague, that I have put a bit of weight on lately. In truth I haven't put that much weight on however I have been meaning to lose a bit of 'timber' for some time now anyway.

So I have started cutting out certain foods. For example instead of eating a sandwich and crisps for lunch, I have now disposed of the crisps and in the process about 200 extra calories. Losing weight should be a mathematical equation - burn off more calories that you consume and you will lose weight right? So I had to admit to myself that taking in some physical activity might well be required. Easier said than done when my job has involved me sitting on my bum drinking tea every day since the age of 16!

Now the idea of jogging scared me half to death so I settled on a compromise - Walking.

I must be a natural at walking, everybody must be! It's even an Olympic sport. Using that theory we all partake in a sport (using the term very loosely) that is recognised by the Olympic games, every day of our entire lives. I have come to the conclusion that we are all Olympians in one way or another. However we have probably missed the boat for 2012 I fear.

So now I walk 5 miles a day, 5 days a week and based on an online calorie calculator, this burns around 400 calories a day! That's 400 calories that I wasn't burning before. You bet I'm excited! I can't wait to step on the scales in a month and show off my new slimline figure to the world. You just wait!

There is, as with most things in life, a hitch. A daunting realisation that hit me like a steam train as I was sweating my way up Islingwood Road in Brighton. And the hitch is summed up neatly in this series of pictures. (See if you can work out what I'm going to type next)







Well yes they are all golfers. As part of their job they spent most days of their lives walking miles and miles and yet most of them are still fat.

Based on the evidence above here is my theory;

Walk to get from A to B. Jog to lose weight.

Thanks Colin Montgomerie et al. You have ruined my day and made me build up a sweat for no reason in particular. I hope you all fail to make the cut next time round.

Football has come home...with a Seagull on our shirts.

Saturday 30th July is a day that will forever be etched in the mind of us Brighton & Hove Albion fans, for this was the day that the Seagulls finally had a place to call home.
And what a home it is! The new American Express Community Stadium is one of the most strikingly beautiful football grounds in the country. The design is first-class and the comfort of the stadium for supporters is second to none.

17,000 odd fans turned out for the second of two ramp-up events which saw Premier League Tottenham Hotspur come to town, big names included in what was a very strong Spurs line-up.
This was the official opening of the stadium with plenty going on in the build up to kick off. There was a full brass band, an opera singer and a chance for Brighton legends to be paraded on the pitch.

The day was very special for every single Albion fan, and especially for me as I made my debut as a matchday announcer. As a lifelong Brighton fan, to get the chance to announce Ashley Barnes as the scorer on 11 minutes gave me goosebumps like you wouldn't believe!
It was a busy match with five goals and numerous substitutions owing to the fact it was a friendly fixture, so I was kept well on my toes throughout. Sometimes I think being thrown in at the deep end is the best way to do these kind of things and I was happy with how it went.

I owe particular thanks to our explosive winger Kazenga Lua Lua for scoring an absolute screamer in the second half. The reason for this is because in the weeks leading up to the game I would quietly rehearse to myself what I would have to say over the microphone during a game. The most frequent line of my rehearsals went along the lines of; "Goalscorer for the Albion, number 26 - Kazenga Lua Lua!". And I got to do exactly that - so thank you Kaz!

Spurs just about edged the game 3-2, but the signs from the game were positive. The result on the Saturday 30th July was irrelevant anyway, it was all about the fans and the club coming home after 14 long years. This Saturday 6th August is a different matter as we get our league campaign underway against Doncaster Rovers. The irony will not be lost on the Brighton fans that attended the final game at the Goldstone on the 26th April in 1997, when our opponents that day were (guess who) Doncaster Rovers.

On that day we won 1-0 staring an entirely different future flush in the face. This time round our future is looking not perilous, but prosperous. Although I'll take the same scoreline again quite happily.