Bits & pieces The dry January is not going too well. Apart from my indiscretion on Friday, I failed again on Monday night at dinner with an old London colleague of mine (was a nice drop of Pinot Noir mind) and again last night when I was at the United Center to watch the revitalised Chicago Bulls hammer Philadelphia 76ers 110-78.

My the Bulls were on fire last night. And for the first time I really heard the over-expectant and success-starved Chicago crowd get behind them, especially after they passed the 100-point mark with fully 6 minutes left. It was exhibition stuff after that.

I have stepped up my look for a loft. I have seen about 15 or so now and am going back to one I liked tomorrow evening. Just need to get the price I want and then maybe I will go for it. It will be nice to own my own place, I have never been a renter and despite the ease of it, I don't like the fact that I have nothing to show for my monthly outlay.

The weather is all over the place at the moment. Yesterday I walked back from lunch - I went for a curry, it's not the same, I don't care what they say - and it was like a spring day. Last night it bucketed down and today it snowed. Then the forecast for tomorrow is freezing - about -13 oC. Jeez.

I have been considering purchasing Tivo, which seemed to disappear at home but is thriving here. There is so much toot on telly that when something is on worth watching, like my favourite programme in the whole world, 24, I want to make sure I don't miss it and Tivo sounds just the job but guess I should really be sensible and wait until I decide what to do about moving.

One of my resolutions, well more promises to myself than resolutions was to see more movies this year. Last weekend I went and saw Sideways with some friends and it was great. It was rich with both humour and characters with a nice touch of cringe and if you enjoy the subtleties of wine then this film is a must.

One of the things I really miss from being at home is playing 5-a-side. I used to play every Monday and loved it. The competitiveness, the heart racing, the fun, it was great. Well, after not playing for over a year I get my first game here on Sunday morning (9am, ridiculous time) and am really looking forward to it although I know my fitness is terrible. In fact I have just popped out to get some shin pads as they are mandatory in the US. And what colour (sorry color) do the team play in that I've joined. Yep, Red. Brilliant!

Nothing going on in the transfer market as far as Charlton are concerned but I was mightily pissed off today when I read on the Daily Bulletin that they are considering moving the Liverpool game to the Wednesday. Bastards, I purposely chose to fly back to Chicago on the Wednesday so I could squeeze the game in. Can't believe it, come on the Burnley!
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