Before 44 Review

 

It’s that time of year again. A year ago, I set some goals for the timespan of being a 43-year-old. How did I do?

1. Second bodybuilding month

Throughout March I revisited this Bodybuilding Challenge from a few years ago, using the newer equipment in my now refurbished public gym. I beat aload more PBs. 

2. Get back into suit trousers

I gave this a few good shots. It just didn’t quite happen this year. I expect I will in the next couple of months.

3. Veganuary

I gave a second shot at going vegan for a month in January. Twice is enough. Felt healthy, was an interesting challenge, but I like my meat.

4. Reading month

Throughout September / October I hammered through as many books as I could, which wasn’t many. Distractions galore. Good books though. 

5. 50wpm Typing

Throughout July I literally tapped away at Edclub, an educational program that included a typing tutor. The aim was to beat the PB of 47 Words Per Minute, hopefully hitting 50. This was a few weeks before the Commonwealth Games, and I had another idea for a blogging project tying into that, so the opening ceremony was my deadline.

During this project, on one occasion I seemed to hit 72WPM, which seemed kinda flukey. I didn’t manage to do it again, usually hitting around 40. A fun package, although quite confusing. I’m hoping that my speed has improved and blogging will take a little less time out of my day.

6. Tweet for Chaos

I spent 2 weeks in February trying to dish out inflammatory (but truthful) remarks over X to try and get a bit of traction to the blog. I used lists of people who were anti-vaxxers, Zionists, Trumpster Republicans etc. etc. that I’d been compiling for years. I was hoping someone would bite and kick off, as had happened when I’d tweeted about a certain UFC fighter some months prior to that. Due to this, my blog page views went through the roof. This time, nobody bit. 

That said, pretty much as soon as I’d finished the project, my blog hits surged again. Was I suddenly a much better blogger? Had I unwittingly wound up a silent sub-sector of Twitter?

Seemingly not. It was just a bot surge, programs designed – as I understand it - to trawl the Blogger platform adding to the hits. It lasted a few months, at its peak racking up 27 thousand hits in 1 day. Then it dropped off again. I was at 1.7 million at the start of that project. I’m now at 2.9 million. So who knows?

7. See more of Scandinavia

Fail. No time. Family member got married. Parents too busy. No friends can do this right now. Plus, various museums are closed anyway, that being a main draw. Let’s try again this year, yeah?

8. See more of the rest of the world

See above.

A busy year. Ups and downs. I’ve been quite public on the blog about mental health challenges – giving myself projects like this has kept me focused and, to some degree, kept negative mindsets at bay, feeling like I’m working on something and improving.

Now to set a few more…

Comic Con Manchester ‘26 Part 2

See Part 1. 

Bill Duke. 

A suggestion, again – Monopoly desperately need bullhorns for the photo ops as we can’t hear what the stewards are shouting. 

SoCalVal, Richard Chaves, Bill Duke

 

Next to the stage is the Predator panel, with Richard Chaves – Poncho – and Bill Duke – Mac – answering compare SoCalVal’s questions. 

RC: I took a bad road through Manchester, but the hospitality is incredible. 

BD: It’s great being here. Great food. 

SCV: What’s your favourite Manchester cuisine? 

RC: Fish and chips. And I found a great Thai restaurant. The hotel food is excellent. 

SCV: What are your first memories of meeting each other? 

RC: Bill was a brilliant actor and director. I first met Carl Weathers and Bill Duke; we spent time in the gym together. Great memories. 

BD: I met Richard in prison. He was in the top bunk, I was in the bottom. 

SCV: You had no CGI in 1987. What was it like not taking shortcuts? 

BD: In the middle of the jungle, we had bugs in the food. I said, ‘take this back. We’re not eating this!’ The caterers said, ‘we’re in the jungle! We’re not putting bugs in your food!’ 

Our first audience question is from a man who travelled to the show from Budapest. He tells us there’s a dubbed version of Predator with one person narrating it all. They’re not even voiceovers. 

RC: There were 2 friends of Bill’s who were French. They saw it in French. When Arnold does a movie, the dubbers do his accent. I had to do all the breathing and running for the dub track. That was intense. 

The next question asks about the predator creature reveal towards the end of the film. 

RC: We didn’t see the predator until the movie. James Cameron worked on it. We went to Mexico to film with Kevin Peter Hall (the titular predator). He’s passed. I went, ‘oh, man, this is going to be good.’ I think it’s one of the greatest alien creatures of all time. 

An audience member asks about Chaves’ work on Hill St Blues, and he tells of performing with Bruno Kirby from Godfather Part II (young Clemenza). 

AQ: There are so many iconic lines from Predator. Were they all scripted, or did you come up with any? 

BD: They were scripted, but a good director will tell you what to do. On a great film like this it’s a collaboration. You can put in your 2 cents, try to make it better. It was a privilege. 

The next audience question comes from a Marty McFly cosplayer. 

AQ: I heard a story that Arnold took a gym to the jungle. Who was hiding from him? 

BD: I used to hide. Richard and Arnie used to run miles before filming. Before we went down there, we worked out for 3 and a half months, then got told: ‘Richard, you’ve broken a sweat, will you please come down and join me?’ I was in the best shape before, during and after. 

AQ: Is Arnold more scary than the Predator? 

BD: Arnie had a trainer called Sven. He was bigger than Arnold and could bicep curl Arnold holding him under his armpits. 

RC: Sven was the World’s Strongest Man in the 80s. There are stories that I’m saving for my book that will not be published until after I’m gone. 

AQ: Are there any 80s actors that you never got to work with that you wanted to? 

RC: I wanted to work for the director James Cameron. I auditioned for a small part in the first Terminator. The guy I wanted to be directed by is this man. 

He points at Bill Duke. 

AQ: There were so many big names on the set. Who was tougher? 

RC: I’d love to say Richard Chavez. They used to call me ‘El Gato,’ The Cat. Carl was incredible. I loved to see Bill say ‘I’m gonna have me some fun.’ 

BD: The jungle doesn’t care how big you are, or about fame. The heat, the animals, the food was not great. It was the brotherhood that brought us together. 

SCV: Any final words? 

BD: This is my first time in Manchester. Your kindness has been a great experience. We’d love to come back. 

RC: I was in Liverpool last year, but this year… He looks at Duke - RC: Buddy buddy buddy. This is my 4th time. I did a play, then Milton Keynes, then Liverpool. An incredible experience. 

I actually met Chaves in Liverpool at said event. 

BD: One thing you could all improve is the damn driving. You come to the crossroads, the streets don’t have signs. Who’s idea was that?! 

Well, I doubt any British drivers would argue with that. Fittingly, I had to battle that traffic after the panel, which closed off the itinerary for the day. 

Another great Monopoly event. 

 

Vlad the Impaler cosplay

Cosplay competition

Sand people cosplay

Toy Story set

South Park set

To infinity... and beyond!

Predator 2 trophy cabinet

Ripley, Aliens cosplay

Possibly Star Wars model?

Richard Chaves

Sons of Anarchy set

*Predator 2 voice* 'Take it'

Flock to Flok this Saturday

Hella behind with blogging at the moment. Expect part 2 of the Comic Con writeup. There’s also a pharmapsychological experiment that I conducted during the Manchester Day Parade last Sunday. I haven’t even written that yet. I won a competition – more details to come. I went to see a music producer / DJ in a house music club Friday. Great night. Then The Commonwealth Games closed last night, and with it this absurd fitness project. Again, there’s a write-up of that to come.

I got 2000 likes on this joke insta comment. 

Passed 2.9 million hits on this blog. 

Got an Insta commentfrom Richard Chaves, Poncho from Predator.

I recently turned 44. Going to try to round a few people up and have a few scoops this Saturday night, starting in favourite Flok and trying a few bars around Stevenson Square. I’ve told a few friends, and I’ve put up a meetup with Manchester Nightlife too. Sign up, come along. 

 

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Comic Con Manchester '26 Part 1

SoCalVal with Jamie Bigg

 

“My favourite film is Commando,” says Jamie Bigg, Giant from Gladiators. “Bill Duke is just over there! I’m a big Superman and Batman fan.” 

Giant is the first guest on stage at Comic Con Manchester. It’s the 25th July and Bowlers Exhibition Centre is packed with actors (including Duke who played Cook in Commando and Mac in Predator), cosplayers, movie fans and comic stalls. Compare SoCalVal kicks off the proceedings asking Bigg about his journey into the Gladiators reboot of the 90s TV show. 

JB: I always was a big guy. I watched Gladiators back in the day. To play the character being a superhero. 

SCV: What are the differences with the new Gladiators? 

JB: I’m a big guy. We see that in the old show but Gladiators now are more 360. They’re more all round athletes. When I was a bodybuilder I was eating 10k calories per day. To maintain a physique you need to stretch, stay all-round healthy. 

SCV: What’s your favourite cheat meal? 

JB: Large Papa Johns Pepperoni Passion with barbecue sauce, and for dessert apple crumble with custard. 

SCV: Who do you get on with? 

JB: Legend. 

The mic is passed out to the audience, where a kid asks about his favourite Gladiators event. Giant’s a big Duel fan. 

JB: It’s a high pressure game. I don’t like heights, but due to the fear factor, the adrenaline meaning you have to jump off safely. Why would I do that?! 

Another child asks, what’s the worst day you ever had? 

JB: When they brought in Duel! You have to fall off backwards! 

CHILD AQ: What’s your favourite thing about wrestling? 

JB: The music. Shawn Michaels walking out. The special moves, and how exciting they were. I love Hulk Hogan. 

SCV: Why not present your own travel show? Is there anywhere you’ve not been? 

JB: I’d love to see Thailand. 

Next comes a question about social media. 

JB: It can take over your life. You wake up and reach for your phone. I’m trying to be productive with it, spending time with family instead. Something in moderation is good, but it can take over your whole life. 

Hmm. Try being a blogger, Jamie. 

SCV: Gladiators is a comfort show for many. What’s yours? 

JB: Suits. I’m in season 8. Also Game of Thrones, and I loved (Superman spin-off) Smallville. 

SCV: We’ve had the cast here. 

JB: Chris Reeves is the all time favourite Superman. And Henry Cavill…. I’m a straight guy, but what a gorgeous man. 

AQ: Wolf was always my favourite Gladiator. Who was yours? 

JB: Wolf is 70 now! He’s doing great for his age. Hunter was my favourite, physically, and he was a nice guy. 

SCV: Any actors that inspire you? 

JB: Arnie. Not just his films and bodybuilding, but in terms of believing you can do something. 

SCV: What’s next? 

JB: I’d love to be here tomorrow but I’m at an event in Stoke. I’ve got more travel; I’ve never been to Amsterdam. I’m 41 next month; it’s gonna be great. There’ll be things with wrestling; I’m going to speak on mental health - I have a speech I’m passionate about. I’m gonna use social media to promote men’s mental health and prevent suicide. 

SCV: What do you want to accomplish? 

JB: I’d try reality TV like I’m a Celebrity. I want a lot of challenges like lack of food. 

 Carrie Henn is next to the stage: Newt from 1986’s Aliens. 

CH: 40 years later, it’s great to see fans. I don’t watch Aliens back. I don’t like to do that. I was 9 when filming, 10 when it came out. 

SCV: How did the part come to you? 

CH: Dad was in the Air Force. They couldn’t find a person in the US. Dad was over in the UK and had no clue what what the part entailed. It just fell into my lap. I had no clue whatsoever how big it would be. Then a few years ago a guy invited me to a con in London. 

SCV: What was the release like? Did people spot you? 

CH: I moved towns just as the film came out. Most girls at 10 aren’t always nice. 

SCV: Any pearls of wisdom for getting into entertainment? 

CH: Not really. 

Okaaaay… 

SCV: I was looking at your Saturn Award. Congratulations! How did that come about? 

CH: I got my Saturn Award in ‘87. James Cameron was there. He’s hard but amazing.

 

The mic goes out to the audience. 

AQ: Do you ever get spotted now you’re a teacher? 

CH: Sometimes people bring stuff to sign, but not that often. I’m just their teacher. 

AQ: What was acting like with Sigourney Weaver? 

CH: I had Velcro shoes, and she kept taking them off. She just cut the shoes off in the end. 

SCV: What franchises speak to you at Comic Con? 

CH: I don’t want to have to think when I watch TV. Rom-coms. My kids are fans of Harry Potter and Star Wars. 

AQ: Who’s you’re favourite marine? (in Aliens) 

CH: Hudson. He saved me a few times. 

SCV: What’s your favourite romcom? 

CH: Clueless, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, that’s what I watched on the first date I went on with my husband. 

SCV: Any places you’d like to go? 

CH: England. I lived here from ages 2-10. My mom’s British. But I’m a Liverpool fan. They’re my team. 

SCV: Did you enjoy the World Cup? 

CH: We did have a good time: the Scottish drinking us dry was fun. (Henn resides in Atwater California.) There was one guy, an American, who started a GoFundMe so he could stay. 

SCV: Are you a ranch fan? People were taking it home! 

CH: It’s okay. The chocolate isn’t the same. I love it here. 

SCV: What’s next? 

CH: We broke up beginning of June. I’m taking my daughter back to Florida. When I filmed Aliens I was in 4th grade. It’s the only school photo I don’t have. Now I teach that grade.

Carrie Henn

Trader hall

Bengali Mustard Fish

From Rukmini Iyer’s India Express book: Bengali Style Mustard Fish with Crushed Peas and Spiced Sweet Potato. 

I had to improvise a few ingredients: neither Aldi, Asda nor Tesco had panko breadcrumbs, so I made some with regular flour, or at least I attempted to. They all clumped together. I should have just bought pre-sliced bread and blended it. Also I only had kefir yoghurt, not the regular stuff. Don’t know what difference this would have made. I’m also lacking a potato masher, so crushed all that up haphazardly with the back of a wooden spoon. The whole thing took and hour and 53 minutes. 

Interesting, but way to mustard-heavy for me. Murders the nose.

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House Music in Manchester Friday Night

Superb return of Comic Con Manchester on Saturday. Blog post coming. 

Commonwealth Games are in full swing. We get to see parts on Channel 5, and a little more on BBC Alba. England are in 2nd place on the medals table behind Australia. I’m working through this Commonwealth Games Fit project I set for myself. 

Manchester Day Parade took place yesterday, a celebration of the city by a consortium of different local social groups. More on each of these soon. 

Greater Manchester elects a new mayor on Thursday. Looks like I’ll be going for Greens, with Geraldine Goggins on the ballot. I’m disgusted in Labour’s Zionism, their refusal to accept the ICC’s ruling that Israel is conducting a genocide in Gaza, and their apparent lack of understanding of their own rules on Personal Independence Payment. It’s not an out-of-work benefit. Labour seem unaware of this. Greens, on the other hand, want to properly tax the billionaires, fund the NHS and social care system, build more affordable homes, fund proper mental health support, increase the minimum wage, stop the gig economy and stop corporations from dumping literal shit in our rivers, to name a few reforms. So they’ve got my vote. 

Friday night: Manchester club Joshua Brooks welcomes house music producer Miguel Campbell for Full Circle, a night of deep house. His 2011 hit Something Special is still a banger. 

 

 

Manchester Nightlife are headed there. 3 of us have signed up so far. Be 4th! 

New Batman spinoff Clayface has finally released their trailer. 

 

 

Clayface was partly filmed in Castlefield Manchester, and also Stockport Centre. Look carefully and you’ll notice Stockport Plaza. Back in September last year, the production of the movie used Castlefield Manchester as a filming location. I took a look. 

Sunday night: The Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony takes place, around 6pm (the exact details aren’t readily available). I’m working through this absurd Commonwealth Games Fit project, with an unrealistic goal of losing nearly 13 kilos. I wouldn’t count on it happening at present. 

That’s this week. Quiet week next week.

Edclub Typing: Results

 

On the 7th this month I started using Edclub’s Typing Jungle, an educational package for computer use that includes a typing program. I’ve just had a good bash at this before the Commonwealth Games started. 

I very steadily worked through the lessons but made the mistake of not making an account. This meant every time I closed the browser, I lost my place and started from lesson 1 again. There is a placement test that you can take to see which level you should start at, but no matter how much I progressed through the month, that test threw me back in at level 1 again. I’ve gone over the basics a LOT. 

The plan was to beat my PB of 47 Words Per Minute. Pretty much straight away, the program showed my speed as reaching 72WPM. I think this was a fluke, or a glitch in the system. I dunno. But I kept tapping through it to see if I could get anything like that again. I worked the lessons a step at a time, learning the basics and which specific keys each finger goes to. I felt like I was getting better, not looking at the keyboard as much. But my speeds were nowhere near as good, hitting 40 usually. 

The lessons are interspersed with fun, colourful typing games to keep you motivated and to test your ability. The only other issue was the placement of the backslash key, which is pretty much at the opposite end of my keyboard from where the program suggested. 

Eventually it occurred to me to make an account, meaning I could save my progress and carry on where I left off… right as I hit the deadline. 

Well, I gave it a shot. There are a thousand other things I want to do now. Hopefully writing up future events will take a little less time.