If I Were A Rich Man

Apartment

Weiran and I last year went to Japan and stayed at the Cerulean Tower in Shibuya district, Tokyo. As well as being a hotel, it hosts offices and residential flats, with, of course, incredible views of the city and nearby Mount Fuji. Its location cannot be faulted within the city — it seems you are close to everything. So, I’d buy one of these flats.

Burns Sonic

I do like electric guitars — I think they look rather pretty, too. I first heard of Burns guitars when Brian May said he uses Burns’ pickups on his Red Special, which contribute to his unique sound. Obviously I will never be able to get the Red Special (though replicas are available), but I think the Sonic looks better. I hear they sound good, but I have to be honest it is more about the looks: but at around £700 it is an expensive ornament!

Chinese Food

Chinese food never disappoints me. It is always my first choice for a takeaway and I have been known to suggest Chinese restaurants whenever people suggest we meet for a meal. The link on the picture takes you to a Ken Hom recipe for Chow Mein — I’ve tried it, and it tastes just like the takeaways (and possibly healthier for you too)!

Dog

I like Jack Russells. I would rather like to have to have a pet to look after (it would after all force me out of the house and run for a bit) but our flat isn’t really big enough to accommodate one. I always think Jack Russells look cool and rather impressive for their size.

English Premiership Title

Roman Abramovich has done it, so why not try to buy Newcastle United the Premiership Title? We haven’t won it since 1955, so I think it’s our turn again! That’s not to say I don’t think the present incumbents of the Newcastle United board room are incapable or lack the money, but I’d probably give them a hand!

Futurama Boxset

The link on the picture takes you to the Season 2 boxset at play.com. I have Season 1, but would rather like the rest of the Futurama collection. I love the characters — by plunging into the future the creators can have the ultimate mix of characters.

Glasses

… or contact lenses. I hate the ones I chose last time round. The ones in the link are a little whacky — some Quiksilver ones from Specsavers (at £125 for the frames alone) — but anything but these ones! I wouldn’t mind contact lenses again either.

Haircut

When I first saw this haircut featured in an advertisement for BT, I obsessed over it for weeks afterwards. I never had the patience (or the hair length) to get a haircut like that, but if I were rich I could get someone to sort that all out for me!

Internet Notoriety

I have great ideas for websites, but I don’t have the knowledge or skills to have them realised. With money I could get someone to do them for me. It isn’t so much notoriety I would like, but I would like to have my stake in the Internet.

JD & Coke

This is my tipple. I guess if I am wealthy I could enjoy it a bit more. But not too much of course…

Killer Part

I reckon I’d be a great character in Skins. Hence the link takes you to the E4 Skins site. If I were rich maybe I could buy a cameo part in it.

Log Cabin

Since watching the film Los amantes del círculo polar (dir. Julio Medem, 1998), I would like to have a log cabin, perhaps by a large lake, but definitely with a view to enjoy. I would rather one of the size of ‘the secret house’, as featured in that classic show Tots TV.

An idea for a business

My Own Business

I had a great opportunity and a pretty nice idea for a business last year, and I made some headway towards making it happen. But like most things in life, money was the barrier. Somewhat ironically and cruelly, one set of premises I had identified has been taken over by a company offering a very similar set of services.

Newcastle United Supporters Trust

Newcastle United

For the good of mankind, I would hope to own Newcastle United one day. It’s in a bit of a pickle at the moment. It seems, though, that the Newcastle United Supporters Trust is the best way at the moment. I wish I could help and be more of a part of it.

Overlord of Football

Sometimes I wonder whether the people that run football worldwide actually have heard of the game. I would revert back to the old offside system, when everyone knew how it worked. I would also have every player that takes to the ground sent from the pitch for a nominal time to get the treatment they so require. I would also have Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter dance for half time entertainment.

Party

The link heads to back to my old school. I miss it, particularly the people. I’d like to have a mansion for a party and so that everyone can stay over comfortably and not worry about travelling and so on. I have great plans for this party!

Quality Public Transport

Again, in Japan, Weiran and I experienced the Japanese public transport systems. They are, short, extremely impressive. Having said that, I suspect the Japanese don’t really appreciate how great their trains and subways are (until they come here, of course) — the fact they arrive clean and on time and arrive clean and on time is nothing extraordinary over there. We should have that.

Roast Dinner

I still remember my grandma’s roast dinners. She never really had much confidence in her cooking, but I could never get enough of her roasts. They were perfect in every day, from the meat to the vegetables to the gravy. And there was always enough for seconds!

Seat Leon

I think car manufacturers overlook the importance of looks on a car; particularly in cheaper models, and especially at the back (which you appreciate all the more having been a regular bus traveller for three years). The Seat Leon is a good looking car and performs well. I bet it’s rather nice to drive as well — and it’s not a car you see all the time. So I’d have one. Possibly in yellow.

Trust

I would like to set up a charity trust. I’d like to provide for a pool of charities rather than concentrate on one. Of course, I would certainly like to raise HIV awareness, but there are plenty other good causes worthy of help and support.

Unity

Can money bring the world closer together? I think money can be spent to help countries, regions and communities help themselves; but doing so would not likely invite worthwhile returns for an investor. That is the problem. Money can help bring some independence, but without it being seen as an investment opportunity, it’s unlikely that any major financial help will be forthcoming.

Voice of an Angel

If only I could sing…

Winnebago

Having a holiday with friends these days normally involves loud music, drink and warm sunshine. I’m not completely different: ideally I’d have us travelling the country, drinking and playing guitars around a campfire and making some silly roadtrip video on a camcorder. I’d really enjoy it.

Xbox 360

It begins with X. That gives it a head start – not many other things do. But on comparing the Xbox 360 with the PS3, I would far sooner take the Xbox 360. On looks alone, in which none of the PlayStation series really impress at all, the Xbox 360 reigns supreme; whilst also having a similar range of titles.

Yearning for Earning

The picture is of the Jesmond Picture House: a derelict former cinema lying in ruin. It’s a waste. One of my ultimate dreams is to create a live music venue: a relaxed place with bands performing each night a variety of genres, from big band to punk rock. It needn’t be loud or brash, or dark and underground — it would be a like musician’s retreat!

Zoidberg’s Autograph

Dr Zoidberg is easily the best character in Futurama.