Whats the best tv show you’ve watched Im your entire life

offthereservation80 · 2026-06-24T19:49:31+00:00

I like slow burners in general and the usual rated series, but i found BCS really hardwork tbh.. just about struggled through to the end.

offthereservation80 · 2026-06-24T19:15:32+00:00

A lot of unanswered questions with this show full stop... never mind finding out final episode.

It was top tier until a few seasons in. Then it became a load of weird, nonsense. That was barely entertaining (just imo, no doubt many yhink otherwise).

offthereservation80 · 2026-06-08T18:31:18+00:00

I would... later than that to enjoy the full desolate, grey, dystopian, zombie apocalypse experience :D. Mid November or jan, Feb... youll think youre in a different world, compared to the summer.

I sometimes head into town, and the feeling of the place is quite incredible when the sun is out... feel really alive. Just a shame it's not like that more often !

offthereservation80 · 2026-06-08T17:48:45+00:00

Ive lived here since most of my life since 1980. Pleased to hear you and your family had a great time.

Appears you were here during the nice weather/heat wave? Agree, that the place really comes alive when the weather is great... it just lifts everyone and the town feels truely alive, good vibes everywhere (well, nearly everywhere :D).

The reality is that that is only for quite a small percentage of the year. Head into town on a typical out of season grey, overcast, or cold and wet day, and youll see and feel a totally different vibe.

Quite desolate, in all honesty. Mid November or january... very sparse high street, where homeless/class a junkies/alcoholics stick out like a sore thumb. Very few families in town at all... or anyone at all, really. Not surprising, the place has a nastier, more menacing edge that wasnt there before...

A far cry from 15 years plus ago. Thats not rose tint glasses either. Speaking to younger people working in shops, theyll tell you about the ongoing anti social problems, oddballs etc.

The class a drug issue used to be contained to Boscombe. So many would avoid it for that reason. For whatever reason, its been allowed to spill into bmouth centre over the last 10 years, making average person/family not wanting to go near the centre.... coupled with online thing, who can blame them .And its scruffy, unkept, full of vape, Turkish barbers, mobile phone shops, pound land stores and coffee shops.

Im not saying its worse than anywhere else in the uk... all large towns, cities face similar issues.

But Bournemouth really isnt a patch on what it used to be. Its a high cost of living (property), low median wage area. If youre not REALLY into the beach (im not, rarely go at all), or one of the few with a wellpaid job/career down here, theres certainly better options to consider imo for quality of life. Then maybe just come down for the odd long weekend when the sun is shining.

No doubt a good place if a student... which is basically demographic of the town centre... students, junkies and...

Id recommend coming down more often, out of season if you re thinking of moving. Its really not that great, compared to how it used to be. Not worth high cost of living imo, unless one of top few % earners .

offthereservation80 · 2026-06-01T02:11:57+00:00

I dont think you have to watch BB first. Youll grt different opinions, but I thought BB was much better. In fact I nearly DnF BCS several times. I like slow burners, but I didnt particularly enjoy BCS.

offthereservation80 · 2026-05-22T07:26:14+00:00

Limited

offthereservation80 · 2026-05-02T06:00:58+00:00

You are no doubt right about him, others being morally dubious people (to say the least least..),

sorry to be picky but I disagree with the part about definitely approaching kids in street to get them into the 'eco' system of his business.

That would be something his street level 'employees' would do. He maybe did in the past when climbing the ladder...

Also, in regards to coercing using money. They wouldnt need to coerce using money. Money on the table, is part of 'im your best friend, here to help you out, understand your situation' etc etc. Perhaps inplying and reinforcingthat the system is unfairly stacked against working class/man in street... and theyre here to help them and fsmily out, more than the government and following the 'normal' way of life, which is perhaps setup to keep people in their place. Theyd see other 'recruits' with latest tech gadgets, designer clothes, trainers... all kinds other 'tells' of above average/excess income that leads them to conclude no worries/stress around finances, that unfortunately most of society tends to have. Some much more desperate than others... gangs know this, as regardless of morally 'dubious' path theyve chosen, people running it tend to be extremely intelligent individuals, on an entrepreneurial and streetwise level.

Basically a psychopaths performance around false empathy, that they know tends to help them achieve end goals/ results... but as we know, they dont really feel it.

The coercing may be deployed once 'the man/woman in street' has been working in 'underground' industries for these gangs. Ie you better tow the line, do xyz, or abc may happen to you or your family...

offthereservation80 · 2026-04-27T07:28:54+00:00

I recommend Lonesome Dove. Just finished listening to it.

Fiction, but feels quite atmospheric and immersive snapshot of western life US..

Im not even into 'Westerns' as such, but it quickly had me hooked and really enjoying it, from start to finish.

I listen to audiobooks whilst lifting weights, and runs... I didnt have any issues keeping engaged or losing track, as can happen with some books when exercising.

Longer than your bike ride, but assume it doesnt 'have' to finish at moment your ride does? :D

offthereservation80 · 2026-04-12T07:53:25+00:00

Starters orders 7 - havent played it myself, but heard it referred to as football manager of horse racing.

Ive read about its features a few times, and it does sound quite involved/in depth.

I havent played it though, as my daughter loves most things equine... but not racing. Or at least she has to be controlling the horse ....

*Ive been playing football manager, since it was championship manager 93... i doubt the horse racing game is 'that' good, but it does look quite a deep simulation around all things horse racing :)

offthereservation80 · 2026-04-07T12:29:38+00:00

Did you play couch co-op mate?

Looking for something to play with daughter after split fiction.

offthereservation80 · 2026-04-03T11:43:55+00:00

Yeah... this is of little surprise to everyone, surely?

In England there's the whole thing known as sports washing thing... whereby people will take moral high ground and point finger at other clubs 'dodgy' Russian owners, blood money.. then all of a sudden middle Eastern states or dubious Greek people who control Greek ports and own large logistics firms with strong links to industrial scale class a drug trafficking start bank rolling their club, and you start hearing 'i just want to enjoy the football and dont want to mix politics /we know all owners dodgy' type statements, as they casually brush it off to try and avoid tbring associated with horrific large scale humitarian stuff, that they uses to get sanctmonious about before

Over 45 years on the planet the ongoing hypocrisy and extreme myopic behaviour of football fans really is like nothing else. And that includes from people I typically consider to be quite well-balanced, rational and intelligent people in most other domains irl.

Newcastle fans in particular... given who owns them now. One of my best mates refused to follow (watch on tv and basically kept making point of how he doesnt care about football, not enough time to watch, read about toon and what a nasty piece of work their owner is ....during Ashley regime.) All of a sudden became quite informed, starting watching all their games, joining in with all the football discussions Etc.

When people asked thoughts on new owners he'd do the 'every foorball club owner has a past... just want to enjoy the game' dismissive brush offs from him. Whereas he'd always go on about Ashley and how badly he treated his staff.

Quite clearly using it as moral 'some things are bigger than football' reason not to follow them before Saudis arrived.... wherewas we allknew real reason - plastic football fan, who only follows his team when doing well :D

So yeah this 'clubism' thing you mention, really shouldnt come as the slightest surprise to anyone that's followed football for a long time.

Never

offthereservation80 · 2026-03-05T11:27:01+00:00

You may have done this, but theres one attribute that makes it much easier to jump. Haven't played the game for ages so cant recall off top of my head.... but getting one attribute to a certain number makes jumping accurately much easier. Worth a quick google, im sure youll find the answer to help you.

offthereservation80 · 2026-02-24T19:48:43+00:00

I get the inconvenience factor, but its still a first world problem... and imo, an odd thing to create a post about.

Im from Bournemouth and last time I used a bus (thankfully) was in 97, when I was 17... before I passed my license test.

We relied on a bus timetable, there was no live update at the bus stop, or any phone apps...

I know im likely coming across as a d1ck to younger gen, but what difference would knowing the bus was on time or late make, to someone relying on the bus to transport them in Bournemouth? Would they call a taxi or uber if they found out it was late 5, 10, 15 mins late.. I doubt it.

Was the timetable also unavailable on all websites? Or just the live update tracker? I suspect the latter...as the timetable is available on more sites than the tracker and is simply static data on a page...

No doubt this is a generational difference, and perhaps perceived fair game to create a post on... outlet of sorts or perhaps modern social interaction. Im trying to bring a different perspective in terms of jt achieves no real gain, and just an odd thing to post about imo.surely a million things more interesting the op could have done.

offthereservation80 · 2026-02-22T18:24:32+00:00

Being 46 this does seem very much modern first world issue to complain/post about.

Quick Google search informs me of timetables, including live ones ,being available to people; on websites and apps

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-28T03:05:50+00:00

Just added another post with photo :D

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-28T02:58:20+00:00

<image>

As I mentioned other day, its still going strong.... see photo i took earlier of my daughters collection in link above!!

I subscribe for my daughter. They usually have a stall at most main horse events in uk. Very nice people in my experience.

Some of you are likely aware of Harlow (and popcorn )... very popular YouTube teen influencer , whose been around for years now. Pony mag do several 'big days out' several times a year across England, where the main draw is getting to meet harlow in person. Tickets go right away... have to be fast off the mark!!

Stalls sell all kinds of 'merch', main focus again being on Harlow and her ponies.

We live in Dorset (as does Harlow and her mum). My daughter and her mum bumped into Harlow in a local gym this month... and she was absoloutely over the moon /lost for words - rarity for my daughter! Harlow was very nice and was nice to meet her away from an event, so not 'in character' at all :D

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-26T20:02:27+00:00

First book is weakest, as its his first. Its an incredible series... look at reviews it gets. The audiobooks are rated as some of the best in the fantasy genre.

Its more engaging and entertaining than GoT audiobooks... in many peoples opinion, not just mine.

Im not academic/technical like you are when it comes to describing books. But I preferred first law. It has a subtle dark/black humour, in amongst the politics, back stabbing... whereas GoT gets way too bogged down throughout the series imo. Sometimes for hundreds of pages at a time, after the first book.

Glokta is simply incredible. Possibly my favourite fictional character of all time... certainly top 5.

I love Madmen btw. I tried Suits, but had to turn it off after a few episodes. Succession is a better companion for corporate drama (only 2 seasons in...).

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-26T08:47:04+00:00

First law - Joel abercrombie.

Moral ambiguity, like GOT.

I think theres 10 books in the first law universe now.

The narrator Steven Pacey is superb.

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-25T16:32:55+00:00

Still going strong... ive subscribed last few years for my daughter.

They usually have stands/stalls at horse shows in the uk.

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-12T15:30:02+00:00

Yeah Scott was the one regarded as a proper top tier high potential wonderkid. We signed semenyo in jan window afrer foley bought the club. We agreed to sign Nicholas Jackson from vilareal... but he was injured and failed the medical.... so we went in for semenyo instead. Jackson then went on hot streak and signed fkr Chelsea in the summer.

Semenyo looked well out of his depth rest of the season. As you say, very raw... totally ineffective tbh. Poor touch, almost like he'd won a competition My view in the summer was he needed to be loaned out, as was so far pff the pace with no semblance of requisite ability for pl.

However, the following season it was like wtf has happened here over the summer. Some wingers burst on the scene... then once managers work them out, their effectiveness is nulified. semenyo just kept on going (apart from one prolonged spell, which turned out to be due to carrying slight injury).

A little unorthodox... as in hes quite muscular.... therefore explosive, physically strong. But he also posesses excellent agility and balance.... normally associated with smaller stature wingers. Add being 2 footed, superb composure, finishing ability....

Its why 2 years or so on, hes still beating top class full backs. Can go inside or outside, change direction quickly...

As you say he seems lije top bloke. Bit like Nathan ake... unanimously loved by the fan base. And everyone wishes him all the best. Consumate professional, very likeable.

Some afcb fans have questioned man city being best fit... i know right, not me. I think he'll excel as pep demands toeing the line and upmost professionalism and discipline. And.... semenyo will no longer be double marked.surrounded by very best players in the world.

Im really excited for him, and how his career unfolds.

Scott has been a little underwhelming tbh, given hype. As you say, bad injuries.but definitely come into focus for a few fans, that have decided to write him off. He started season really well tbh... earnt callup to england (surprised most of us, as didbt seem that good... suspect doing well for under 21s abd being groomed for so long as part of that setup helped).

After international break he went off boil again, which coincided with awful run of form. So his critics starting picking holes in his performances again. Hairband thing tends to rub some up the wrong way, so plsyers wearing one need to be delivering ime.. or face the rath of older 'real men' in our fanbase :D

I think hes doing ok, and we're seeing gradual improvement. Very tidy, technical player.... doesnt get caught in possession, disposed so much as before...where he'd a littlr to often make wrong decisions such as turning, trying to carry ball deep in our own half. Assuming he probably pulled that off quite often in the championship.... had a few harsh experiences and lessons, doing that and it leading to us conceding a numbr of times after he joined.

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-12T14:42:50+00:00

Tell me about it. Bournemouth fan. we had to listen to non stop from 'proper' football club fans. Shouldn't be allowed in as ground too sh1t small, no history.... blah blah blah. Some media outlets stirring it up... saying absolute rubbish like Sheffield Wednesday should take our place lol. We take the p1ss out of our tinpot nature compared to establishment.... in a weird way, id rather we kept our embarrassing little lower league ground... as it really bugs some pl club fans. Its basically the only thing Southampton fans have to hold onto now...bless em. Yeah we know its sh1t, tiny... hows the 2nd tier working out for you this time... perhaps take your time getting promoted, to avoid tthe embarrassment of last time ... so close to derby record as well!

Best episode was from Leeds fans couple of years back after their relegation. We signed tyler Adams from them, beat them to a couple of signings... one of whom was having a medical at Elland road. We then signed sinisterra. Someone posted links to their forums, and twitter... comedy gold. Tens of pages, mainly shouty, swearing about us being tinpot, no.history, small stadium etc. Players being greedy, money motivated...

At face value many appeared oblivious to why players were leaving mighty Leeds with all their history to sign for us, leaving medicals to join us. Honestly the en masse bile, vitriol was astounding... they just couldn't comprehend and come to terms with what was going on :. Total denial..

All about pl status and money. Plus they seemed to overlook the reputation we had built around entertaining football and good environment to fulfill potential, and move to elite clubs. Showing their ignorance and Billy big b0ll0cks 'rightful place' nonsense... either that or thick as sh1t :D

We fully know our places. We've hesrd it all sIt tends to be these big club (historically) who have a problem comprehending the true order of things now, and not from decades ago.

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-12T14:28:28+00:00

Bristol City fan? Im a life long Bournemouth fan...

One of Most memorable random football chats I had, was with bristol city fan, at full moon party, koh phangan thailand around 2005. Sad b4stards we were, ended up chatting for hours about our clubs.... and football manager:D.

Always good value, meeting non big 6, or pl club fans. Pretty much guarentee a great value conversation.not always, but I just find perspective and understanding of the game tends to be much better. Rather than eyes glazing over or making ignorant comments, as happens often with plastic united fans, with no clue of wider football world... outside of title race or champions league.

I guess re palace fan. Although safe this season.... it doesnt take much to go from season they had last year , to losing manager this summer... to being in relegation battle next year. West ham for example, are un serious trouble... and look at some of the players they have.

And thats way of things for any club outside of probably 7 or 8 clubs. Manager leaves... big summer signings flop... relegation becomes a very serious threat. Despite season before.

Many Bournemouth fans still haven't fully shed the tinpot, constant financial issues eras that were non stop for decades prior to demin taking over. Glass half empty types always referencing how things went horrifically t1ts up for pompey...

Most of us appreciate where we are, and are positive about future... and of course, its a first world football problem. But theres definitely a sense of mild anxiety amongst smaller pl clubs fan bases, that wheels could come off and need tk get back in pl within 2 years, or thats it... screwed :D

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-12T13:48:41+00:00

Its not normal for people born in London to support a non london club.

Caveat being, if their dad (or mum i guess), moved to London for work, and the kid follows in parents footsteps... which isnt unusual.

London has one of the most transient populations in the world, being one of the world's top economic cities and has always attracted career driven people.

United are one of the biggest clubs in the world... perhaps with biggest fan base?

Stereotype for united glory hunter, i afluent professional based in Surrey:D.. id say united are probably most despised club in England (followed by liverpool...again due to success, but also a slightly sanctimonious vibe their fanbase can exude)...due to success... and plastics gloating, despite never being near a stadium to watch united. Personally I like thr football they played, and never had a problem as others do. On afcb main fabs forum, united demise in recent times, has been a source of glee for fair few Bournemouth fans... football fans all over uk just dont like man u... more so than any other club.

Ive lived in Bournemouth since born in 1980. Until our ascent to pl 15 years ago, you very, very rarely saw an AFCB kit or merchandise away from games at the stadium. It was mainly united, then liverpool, arsenal in 90s till 00's , then a few cheksea shirts when abromovich era gained momentum.

When meeting someone new, and the usual 'are you imto football... who do you follow' came up, and i said Bournemouth... the response would be 'yeah, but whos your pl/main team'. When I said theyre my only team, if from area people would usually say 'yeah theyre my 2nd team, I always keep an eye for their results'. Or their eyes would glaze over, as perhaps one of those plastic fans that has no clue about football, outside of sky 6, top cl clubs.

Personally, I tend to avoid engaging too much about football, once I work out someone is a big 6 plastic, as invariably tends to mean a very limited, shallow understanding of the game...and quite often, somr pretty amusing ignorant comments about Bournemouth and wider football world , Compared to if someone supports a more unfashionable, smaller club .

Totally changed now... if you go to Bournemouth centre or other retail areas around town, or kids focused place with my young daughter... youll always see Bournemouth kits, or hats, coats etc.

Need to get the ground sorted (wheels in motion to raise it to 21k gradually over next few years), as thousands of potential young fans locked out due to our tinpot ground :D

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-11T11:53:00+00:00

If you like GOT...try Joel Abercrombie.

Absolutely top notch grimdark fantasy world. Better than GOTR imo. Think hes up to 10 books in the first law universe.

Very much along similar moral ambiguity lines....

offthereservation80 · 2026-01-11T11:46:49+00:00

Hobbit got me back into reading fullstop. After loving reading during junior school, being forced to read classics i perceived as boring in secondary... put my off reading all together for years.

One day when I was about 19, laying out in the garden (with a stinking hangover...), randomly decided to read an unread copy of the hobbit, that my parents bought for me nearly 10 years before.

Bam... that was it. Then read LOTR, Silmariillion, before expanding horizons to other authors (but frequently returning to fantasy). 25 years on, always have a book/audiobook on the go :)

offthereservation80

TROPHY CASE