New Manager Starts Restructure
This evening saw the purchase of Danish veteran, Knud-Erik Thorup, in a bid to strengthen Stockholm Wolves’ lackluster defense.
“There is much to do to make Stockholm Wolves a contender for promotion. Whilst it is late in the season, we felt it important to give the team a boost to encourage the support we so desperately need,” said Wolves manager at a press conference tonight. “We have few players to fill the wingback position, and Knud-Erik has the necessary experience.”
Author Archives: jon
Hooked On Classics
At the moment it is quite fashionable to put on concerts with a live orchestra and play music from videogames old and new. Actually, I wouldn’t say fashionable, more that there are two different tours currently making their way across America and Europe. One is “Video Games Live” who, according to their website, are scheduled to play Sweden sometime this year, and the other is “Play! A videogame symphony“, who played in Stockholm this afternoon. Jo and I were there.
The public was made up of a large amount of gamers, along with a sprinkling of normal concert goers. I have no idea what they (or for that matter the orchestra) thought of the event. Some of the pieces are taken from modern games that are already orchestrated, so I can imagine it’s not so different; however, the retro pieces/melodies are, because of the audio limits of the time, a different kettle of fish. I wondered a few times throughout the concert if the orchestra members were bored because of the (assumed) simplicity of the songs. Arne Roth, the director, did say that the Mario Theme was one of the trickiest to perform, so perhaps it is not at the case.
I enjoyed the whole concert immensely; not only to be presented with game music in a way my ears are not accustomed to, but the surreality of it all. It felt wonderful to be surrounded by folk who have chosen to be a part of geekdom for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon.
Whilst we were there Freya was spending the afternoon with Jack. When she woke up in the morning she was pretty much ready to go, standing around with her bag full of toys to take with her. When we eventually did go (the wait must have seemed like an eternity) she had absolutely no problem with our leaving her. We hadn’t expected her to, but she almost seemed happy to be rid of us.
We had planned to pick up Freya after the concert and go home to an important football match, Denmark vs Sweden. On our arrival we were asked by Mark and Sara if we were hungry (always a yes, at that moment incredibly so). We accepted the offer of food and ended up staying a further 3 hours or so, enjoying their company fully.
Freya was very sad when we got ready to leave, wanting to stay over. It’s fantastic to know that Freya has such a friendship with Jack, and opens up the possibility of a safe haven for Freya in the future, when we go off to do similar “adult” things.
Teddybears’ Picnic And Back To Jack’s
Freya had her first ever Teddybears’ Picnic today, which her school had arranged in a local park. She wanted her entire teddybear collection to be there with her on this very special day, which meant a somewhat encumbered Jo cycling to school in the morning with Freya and her friends.
The idea was that all the children were to sing “Teddybears’ Picnic”. Freya and I had practiced the song the few weeks previous to the gathering, but when it came to standing in front of the paparazzi parents, she and her best friend Jack refused to perform. It was a prime photo opportunity missed, but I understand her apprehension.
After the show, we headed off to Jack’s house, having received an invitation to dine there. I’d seen Jack and Freya playing at nursery school before, though this was the first time we got to see them for a prolonged period, and they really do have something going on. They are incredibly alike in so many ways: their looks, disposition, physical forms (except for the genitals), way of speaking.
Jo and I had an excellent time with Jack’s parents, Mark and Sara, and I can certainly see us meeting up for more social evenings like this one. It was easy to talk (maybe because it included a fair bit of chat about videogames), and they have very amiable personalities. Once again, I have been pleasantly surprised with an evening of socialising, which is filling up our diaries (and the blog) quite nicely.
Hattrick Press Release #1
New Owner
The recent change of ownership to Stockholm Wolves has seen an expected turmoil that has amounted to three consecutive losses. Whilst fans are debating the change, management is working hard to get to grips with the club.
Attempts at acquiring new players is currently underway, with the hopes of bringing a few seasoned faces to an eager, though inexperienced, team.
Relegation looks likely, but the boss says “give us time and we’ll turn around the team”.
At present I have 112 members in my supporters club, so the aforementioned debate was probably more like a chat with tea and biscuits.
The Referee’s Still A W*****
Another loss suffered by Stockholm Wolves today, making a 100% failure on my part as a coach to date. I can still console myself with excuses of n00bness, which are nonetheless valid.
I have downloaded a free statistical analysis program that give more figures about my team than an accountant sees in a decade. Hattrick Control has shown me that my first match player positions were completely ridiculous, so, with this newfound information (and let us not forget, information is power), I hope to avoid too many more 5-0 losses this season.
I am, as the hints and tips page of Hattrick suggested, holding back on spending out too much money on players. The last thing I want to do is suffer bankruptcy within a month of receiving my account. I look forward with trepidation to my next (mid-week) match, a friendly against Kristoffer, the sports-teacher at my school that turned me on to the game.