It wasn't just that I fancied a pint of lager, Spurs were losing 3-0 to some dubiously-sounding Swiss team that, for some reason that I could probably wikipediup, call themselves Young Boys, which doesn't sound particularly Swiss (whatever language they choose to use) and I felt that, as your typically emotional Spurs fan, I ought to turn up at the local and support the mighty Spurs.
The two blokes were slouched in front of the TV, one Scandinavian and one about as English as a bacon butty. "Any of you Spurs fans?" I asked. The Scandinavian looked at me like I was some jerk who had stuffed a ton of junk mail through his door. I hadn't, why would I pick a square-jawed Scandinavian at random and stuff some crap through his door? He said nothing so I said nothing, it was a mutual statement of zero, pointless in the grand scheme of things but decisive in the social context.
"I am," said the Englishman, and we entered into a lively discussion of the Spurs greats, Ossie Ardiles, Lineker, Gazza, why Lennon wasn't playing and why Pav was, and before we knew it, the Scandinavian had gone, vanished into the night, and Pav had scored a cracking goal.
"Seen that bloke before?" I said.
"Nope," he replied, "Scandinavian?"
The "sequel" to Perdido Street Station, one of my absolute favourites, and I'm enjoying it just as much, if not more so.
The worlds and races Mieville creates are simply superb. If you've not read this series and you like "weird fiction" then please crack on and get reading.
Comments
Welcome back, Mo!
If we're talking basketball, as in San Antonio Spurs, then I'm all over it. Used to follow those boys around the country. Yes, I was a Spurs groupie. I get the feeling yer not talkin' U.S. basketball though...
What's basketball?
Ya gotta beware of those Scandinavians apparently.
Wise tip, if I may say so myself.
If they don't play on ice with sticks and a puck then it's not really a sport.
Welcome back.
Like I said to Dumbo, not back, but I miss you dude.
Typical, Spuds couldn't beat 11 young boys and they're Swiss too boot.
Anyhow, great to see you back posting. The blogosphere has been quiet without you.
I was in a team that got beaten by some whippersnappers the other day, young boys should be banned.
I don't know what kind of fan I am. . . but I'm a MO fan!!!!
I've missed you AMOS, nice to see you again!
Not a Spurs fan, no, but aware of the bonding power of the pint and the game. I listen to it on a weekly basis, smiling and nodding like l know the back catalogue of every football player since time immemorial. The last time l knew a players name was in 1988 when l had the Man U sticker book. Nice to see you back :)
I've listened to a pint many a time, what a lovely sound.
Well look who it is! Welcome back!
Awww thanks, but I'm not back, just, um, dabbling...
Okay, I won't say "welcome back", since you seem adamant about not 'being back'...I'll just say: Nice visit. I miss your little slice of life sketches.
I hope life is treating you well.
And, lastly, the only Spurs team I know of is basketball in the states (of which I am not a fan), but I am quite familiar with watching sports with friends and strangers while drinking in a pub. This I know. :)
Lola-->out.
Hey Mo, glad to see ya back!
Good to see you're still writing, I will pop by soon. Miss that spine-tingling story-telling.
You are returned! Hurray to see you back.
Not "back", just visiting...
Some unknown "football" team, funny English terms (bacon butty?!?), silent Scandinavians = Mo's back! Yay!!!
Unknown? *blink* Shame.
Not Spurs fan myself... Not really a football fan either though!
Anyway, I see you've sneeked in a post! Will this become a more regular thing again or are you just teasing us?
Teasing I'm afraid. Just teasing.
Am just thankful I'm not the only one who was ignorant of the bacon butty.
My aim, as usual, is to enlighten.
Hey, Mo! You're back! Hooray!
Hey, Mo! I'm not a Spurs fan...I'm...(wait for it)...
A Gooner. That's right, Arsenal. There, I said it. In my defense, I can say I'm a tolerant sort, and I'm cool with Spurs.
Now, Man U, that's a different story...
Welcome back, Mo!
Can't believe you're a Gooner.
Not back, but hoooooo yeah I'm considering it.
Hello. Reading you again was like drinking a cool glass of water after a long walk on a hot summer day.
Also? I had to wikipediup "bacon butty" owing to my being American and all.
I hope you went straight out and bought a "bacon butty" too?
I'm team MO!
Welcome back!
Miss the old days.
Spurs, eh? The jingle of spurs is music to a cowgirl's heart! Welcome back, Mo!
I can't speak for the cowgirls, but Spurs are a jingle oh yeah. A sinusoidal jingle of joy and dissapointment.
I see you've been enjoying yourself, as predicted.
Whooah. Long long time no see. Popping by now.
Mo! Where have you been? I demand an explanation!
Heh.
By spurs, I am thinking you don't mean those sharp heel thingys that cowboys wear to make their horses go faster?
I've been...um...resting.
Well, as usual I am late to the game. I've been involuntarily off line. It is wonderful to have you back to read. I missed you.
I am not a Spurs fan, but that's location. No doubt I would enjoy them, were I there to see them.
I love the Jimmy Bastard quote. So fitting!
Haven't heard or seen JB for a long time. Hope he's ok.
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