I expect there to be some serious shit talking on this site over the next 4 weeks. We are less then 24hr away from the start of the world cup …..so let it fly.
USA VS England, no need to say what an upset we might be in for.

This is my first post here on the lodges, to be fair this is my first post on any blog. I am in fact not what you might call a blogger, just a guy with a few thoughts to share as I run around the globe trying to make a few products people like. I get the impression that most of my post will be done from departure lounges, train stations or random hotels in places I do not call home. Such is the case as I found myself heading back from a weekend in Stockholm. Now most of you know that Stockholm is a great and beautiful city (If you do not then please go and visit), one that is stylish, modern and progressive in technology (Home of Nokia). It seams that some times this quest to combine all three can lead to a less then ideal situation. Such was the case when I arrived at my Hotel (Story hotel), a great, modern and shall we say very trendy new hotel in the city. It is a mix of bohemian chic with just enough cutting edge design to ensure you know everything in the spot was well thought out. Upon entering the hotel you notice a bar full of some of the most beautiful people you have ever seen (in this city that is just a normal friday night), on the left a well appointed restaurant with a menu of some delicious looking fresh and well prepared items but what was most noticeable was not what I did see but what I did not; no reception. Nope no one to welcome you, just two I-mac desk tops waiting to play there part in checking you in. The process is quite simple, sign in with your name and booking code that was sent via email before you arrived. Once you have done so a room number is given and a new door code is given. Simple right! Well not really, you see you are given this 5 digit code and room number rather then a key. Cool and high tech I guess, but the fact is a key is simple. You get it and it works, nothing to add to the process. With this 5 digit nonsense, you have to add something else to the process, memory. Now I would say I have a good memory but with all the codes that already fill my brain (mobile phone pin, bank pin, email log on, back pass word ect…) the idea of committing another code to my current list just seamed unnecessary. Well needless to say I had no choice, as I head to my room with my new not to be forgotten code front of mind. First it is needed for the lift and then for the door. Now we can agree a better planner might right down the code, again an extra step not needed if we had a key but I am not such a person so I go with the memory route. When I enter the room is nice and I quickly change as we are quickly off to a meeting. As the day progresses we end our meeting and head straight to dinner, being that it is the land of midnight sun, we stay outside after dinner drinking and enjoying the views (people and place). After dinner we find ourself doing what one does in Stockholm, heading out for a big night, from one bar to the next ending up a a late night show of local pop hero Robin. As the night comes to and end, I find myself on route back to the hotel. Many of you might see what is coming but that is the point. I arrive back at the hotel and sure enough the code that was only a few hours ago was in my head is no where to be found. I had managed to jump in the lift with another late night guest but as the door opened on floor 2, I was quickly confronted with my door. After a good 15 min of punching every 5 digit code I could remember, not sure what most of them were or if I was even close, I needed a plan b or it was clear the night would be spent in the hall. Thankfully as I returned to the lobby I was able to locate a staff member of the hotel who was able to find some magic or master code to get me in. Safely in my bed I vented repeatedly about the failed attempt of the hotel to be cool more then convenient (of course equally about my stupidity). This is a lesson that should not be forgotten and one that often occurs as people lose perspective on what is important. Progress is only progress if it makes something better, not just because it is different. Ok enough for a first blog or rant as I might call it.