Upper 10 - Retail Never Stops

In The News!!

2009-08-12T13:50:00.004+01:00

So it isn't The Times, The Washington Post or The Sun, but being featured in the York Evening Press is still quite a nice treat.

Here is the link to the full article.

You might wonder why I look so thin on top in this picture. I think it has something to do with the high position of the sun, the reflection of the glass behind and the length of exposure. It has absolutely nothing to do with my rapidly receeding hairline.

Laters

XXX

The Glorious Twelfth

2009-08-10T14:11:00.005+01:00

So the shooting season is upon us once again, and a large number of Upper 10 customers are going to be heading to the moors in their new kit from Upper 10.

Our offerings include breeks, field coats, gilets, vests and caps. All made to the usual exacting Upper 10 standards. We stock 100's of tweeds from merchants including Dugdale, Porter & Harding and Bateman Ogden. We have a variety of weights so whether it's a Autumnal afternoon in Yorkshire or a Baltic afternoon in Scotland we can cover your requirements.

Email us on enquiries@upper10.co.uk for more information.

Good luck with the grouse...

Summer Sport

2009-05-18T14:43:00.007+01:00

Hello Blog Fans,

Apologies for the dearth of blogging recently - we have been too busy!

Things at HQ are flying at the moment, busy keeping our shirt and suit customers happy!

That said, there has been enough time for Mrs. Mullen Jr to enroll the BC, Slug & JLC on the York Knavesmire Harriers Summer Series - 6 x 10 kilometre runs!

The first race was last Tuesday and to say that I was under prepared would be a mahoosive understatement, and to say that Rachel had told us the truth about the topography of the run would be a downright lie. The first 5K was solidly uphill.

For you amusement you can search the results here but I hope that your scroll down button works.

Ciao

Spot the Difference.

2009-05-16T13:40:00.006+01:00

Pete Sampras (left picture) Dominic Mullen (right Picture)

Well, Dom is hardly insulted by the comparison. But I must confess there do seem to be certain similarities. I'm not sure of the degree to which their genetc material, or hand-eye coordination is shared...... But on this eveidence it seems a fact beyond question that they have their Barber in Common, if not their dentist- check out Pete's pearly whites!

Who'd have thought Pete would travel to York to get his hair cut? I must catch him next time he's over to see what he makes of Roger's refusal to use a two handed backhand... Its a question thats been troubling me.

Trash TV

2009-04-13T13:11:00.004+01:00

I will watch more or less anything on TV. Favourites of mine include Big Brother (series 1 - present), Celebrity Love Island, Love Island (not enough column inches to justify the 'celebrity' moniker), Castaway (Fogle is a dream boat), Hell's Kitchen, The Farm (Loos + Pig as a reminder), The Restaurant...You get the idea, I have a seriously un refined palate when it comes to TV!

One programme that is not allowed to be viewed in The Slug Bunker however is The Apprentice.

I can't stand it. I can't stand 'Suralan'. I can't stand any of the people who have ever been on it.

Whilst I appreciate that Sugar has been very successful throughout his career, though I doubt he sold more than about 20 of those 'communicator' telephones which hilariously the 'PA' still uses on the show, the ritual humiliation of the contestants is boring and for me a massive turn off. He always seems to end up with a 'rough diamond', not much formal education but a hardness and an ability above all to sell anything to anyone, seems to get you the gig!

Whilst I'm at it I find Dragon's Den equally painful. I like the concept of it (obviously) but this too has become a humiliation exercise where too often people who are ill equipped to deal with the trauma of a professional presentation, flounder and come a cropper. No thanks.

That said - I did have my first BBQ of the year last night, the highlight of which were some spare ribs, marinated in Levi's Reggae Reggae sauce!

Finally, I really enjoyed watching The US Masters this weekend. I particularly enjoyed the shape/age of the leading protaganists. Perry, Cabrerra, Campbell & Mickleson are all 40 something (maybe not campbell) and all a little chubbalubba and it felt good to be watching them battle it out, and no matter how fit the young guns are, you can't work on your bottle in the gym!

Ciao
X

Reuters Square, London

2009-03-28T13:17:00.006Z

A fantastic view of Reuters square in London, encompassing the series of fantastic Mondaine Clocks they have in situ there!

Their setting here says a lot about their iconic status, visual appeal, and performance. Time is money; and in Canary Wharf, such a major business centre, up to the second accuracy is called for and delivered by Mondaine.

We are delighted to have them here at Upper 10, sticking as wqe do, their full range of clocks and watches. For a closer look, please visit us at: http://www.upper10.co.uk/mondaine.html

March is Mondaine Month!

2009-03-03T16:32:00.004Z

The inclusion of Mondaine Watches to our product range has been a huge success. WHat more could you want, they are an iconic brand with a matching style and memorable design. Of course they are Swiss, which all the best watches are, and furthermore they are the official clock of the Swiss railway which speaks volumes of their accuracy and heritage. They have a wonderful provenance, and are a watch to be taken seriously by anyone building up a watch collection or simply wishing to wear a functional and stylish watch.

Mondaine's uniquely styled and legible face is echoed throughout its extensive range which includes an automatic model as well as watches with an alarm function, sporty chronographs, and pieces with enhanced water resistance and toughened mineral glass. My own favourite was the "Night Vision" which is a purposeful and stylish watch containing tiny gas cylinders rather than the traditional (and not as bright superluminova paint) it reads clearly and brightly at night and at £189- Its a snip!

For the whole of March we will be stocking the entire product range and are thye only authorised dealers doing so for many a mile.... So get down here for a peek, or check them out online at: http://www.upper10.co.uk/mondaine.html

Quite A Suit!

2009-02-23T11:42:00.002Z

Since its outing at the Brits, we haven't been inundated by requests foe copy-cat suits to rival this one worn by Matt Horne.

Its pretty full on and clearly not something you'd wear every day to the office. Its also extremely close fitting, check out the trousers.... So its hardly Surprising that James Corden wasn't sporting a matching effort!

I think any suit is probably improved when standing next to Kylie!

Heart Vs Head!

2009-02-13T15:36:00.003Z

Ryan Jones= Dynamic, big, good carrier, goes forward

Steve Borthwick= One paced, too small, goes backwards with the ball

Above in microcosm is one of the many problems we face tomorrow. I'm not an England basher, in fact I'm very patriotic, and I also have nothing against Steve Borthwick. I think Borthwick, is a very nice man, intelligent, and an excellent rugby player- however, he's not big, fast or nasty enough to be a truly international calibre forward.

And basically Wales, on paper at least, are superior on almost every department to us, and they're at home ...... So:

Prediction:

Heart: Eng 18-15 Wales

Head: Wales 38-12 Eng

I know that is a huge cop out and that basically 2 predictions is no prediction at all!- But there you go!

Cold Snap!

2009-02-12T16:26:00.002Z

This cold snap is getting ridiculous. I can't remember such a prolonged period of having to listen to Dom going on about how much he enjoys wearing longjohns.

A very pictorially topical blog today; thanks for that to the ubiquitous and historically capped Mr Beckham. Clearly comparisons between him and Bobby Moore are not entirely justified, and I think most will agree their true sporting parity begins and ends with their current number of caps.

The superior number of caps on offer these days and Beckham's lack of real success with England surely place him well behind Bobby. But one must commend his admirable stickability, professionalism and ability to do one thing VERY well. Testament also to his fitness which despite one or two high profile injuries has been excellent (think Michael Owen).

Also he's a handsome devil, and wearing this scarf rather well!! If you're shivering away at the moment pop down and get one of our Lovely Merino numbers, very soft and very warm!- And on sale at £35- BARGAIN"

Feedback

2009-02-11T15:56:00.003Z

We would love some feedback on our revamped site. It has been really successful since it relaunched before Christmas, getting lots of traffic and whilst I doubt it is troubling Amazon in terms of sales it is doing really well.

All rather surprising considering it was built by a gastropod mollusc:

Anyway, please havea look and send us an email with any thoughts!

Ciao for now,

Da Slug

Suits You Sir!

2009-02-09T13:37:00.001Z

Online Surveys & Market Research

West Indies 392 bt England 318 & 51 by an innings and 23 runs

2009-02-08T14:46:00.002Z

Not the best day for English sport yesterday- And certainly not the best for Cricket. There seems to be a rather large hubristic element to the fiasco following, as it did; hot on the heels of the the IPL sales. I'm not sure of the total sales value of Freddie, KP and Colly, but perhaps their minds were elsewhere!!

Hopping Mad!

2009-02-07T13:09:00.002Z

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7875271.stm

The weather has obviously been a major talking point of late, but this is about the most amusing thing I've seen to come from the snowy conditions! Reminds me of some of the moves I've seen being thrown in the basement of the Gallery in York!

6 Nations! - and Glory Days!

2009-02-06T12:00:00.003Z

I'm not sure that at the start of the 2004 6 Nations after the above took place, or at the start of the 2008 tournament after JW had steered England to an improbable 2nd consecutive final, that anyone would have thought it would be Andy Goode lining up at No. 10 for the 2009 series. Goode has never been first choice, and still isn't now; but for his calf injury Toby Flood would be starting. However, I wish him luck, he's a decent player and has a solid kicking game and has a chance to claim for his own the berth he has had to watch JW, Charlie Hodgson, Toby Flood, Danny Cipriani and even Olly Barkley dominate. He's more one dimensional than any of those others but Johnson will be banking on him to be more solid and dependable than all (but JW). A solid start is what we need tomorrow, dominate possession and territory get the scoreboard moving and maybe cut lose with our exciting backs towards the end.
I don't think it promises to be a glory Year for English Rugby.
For those wanting a permanent reminder of our high-water mark then try:
http://www.upper10.co.uk/category-22/jonny6.html
Still a best-seller!
I predict: Eng 28-12 Italy

Time Flies!

2009-02-05T11:51:00.003Z

http://www.upper10.co.uk/mondaine/A6673033811SBB.html

Well, its already a month since I tied the knot- time really does fly... And to think they said it'd never last!
Married life suits very well, I've upgraded from worn cotton slippers to a shiny leather pair and now only the finest shag tobacco ( http://www.smoke.co.uk/acatalog/Shag__Fine_Cut__Tobacco_To_Weigh_Out.html )makes it into the pipe. These are just two of a plethora of small adjustments I've made to live a lifestyle commensurate with my new married status.
Some things remain the same, like the faultless timekeeping of my Mondaine... For those unacquainted check them out on the link above...Timeless Swiss perfection!
Ciao

Happy New Year!

2009-01-11T14:23:00.003Z

And what a way to start the Year. A beautiful day in Hull and a smashing evening in Beverly. Magic.

Be in touch soon, busy slug at the mo as the Big Cat and his Tigress are sprawled on a beach somewhere!
X

Show Dates

2008-10-10T16:22:00.002+01:00

Here is where you can find us over the next few weeks:

13 - 14 October: Presents Galore, Kelso
15 October: NSPCC Gift Fair, Uckfield
15 - 16 October: The Durham Shopping Extravaganza, Durham
27 - 28 October: Tynedale Fair, Matfen
28 - 29 October: Auntumn Fair, Westonbirt
3 - 4 November: Angus Fair, Scotland
4 - 6 November: Irnham Bazaar, Lincolnshire
5 November: Duntreath Fair, Scotland
6 - 7 November: Christmas Shopping, Castle Howard
10 - 11 November: Buriton Fair, Hants
11 - 13 November: Arneston Fair, Perthshire
14 - 15 November: Nettlecombe Court, Devon
18 - 19 November: Malcolm Sargent, Scotland
19 November: Osberton Hall, Lincs
20 - 21 November: Erskine Christmas Cracker, Scotland
24 - 25 November: Perth Fair

More Will be added as we go along!!

See you there

SS

It's SHOWTIME!

2008-10-08T16:46:00.004+01:00

So here we go again. We have begun our 2008 CHRISTMAS show season. There you go, the first mention of Christmas this year, October 8th - not bad.

The Big Cat is already on the road - the Ladies of Beaconsfield are about to be offered some seriously tempting wares for the gents in their lives.

This year we are breaking records - over 40 days of shows, between now and the 1st December, so it's going to be busy, busy, busy.

I can hear you all wondering - Will I end up in a more curious lodging than the Salisbury House of Prayer of 2006?

Will Big Cat eat only Pasta Pots from now till Xmas? (what about the wedding diet? - Don't think we haven't noticed BC - only 7 beers last Saturday - that got the alarm bells ringing)

How many Pen Again demonstrations will take place? (my personal estimate = 200-300)

Will The Sherrif be left deflated by my aleing for the 4th year running? (very likely)

So we'll keep you up to speed with all the shows and hopefully some amusing anecdotes along the way.

Remember there are only 78 shopping days till Christmas.

The Slug

PS Relaunch of our website www.upper10.co.uk check it.

Wedding Fever

2008-09-07T15:05:00.007+01:00

Firstly apologies for the lack of action recently, our blogger in chief has been busy planning his nuptuals and I've been busy worrying about how long before a wedding to get my haircut, in order that on the day it is represented to it's fullest self. I kid not, and to add to the tension, after I calcluated that it should be 17 days before, I booked a 1/2 hour slot to visit the barber and when I got there, his card machine was broken and I found myself 800m from a cash point with slightly straggly hair.

So here I am, 13 days from N & A's wedding and still no haircut - so I have a decision to make - do I attend with my hair too short, or do I continue to let it grow and hope that the thickness and irish wave of the hair on the side of my cranium steals the show and directs attention from the sparse covering on top...

Next weekend is the trip over to The Lakes to celebrate Big Cat's stag. It's going to be triple wicked. Just organised a little surprise for the Great cat himself, he's going to hate it but that's not the point is it!!

Ok, I'm outtahere, the only thing to say is to thank one time Team Member 'The Sheriff' and the rest of the Department in Lincs. for putting up with Damo this week, we all know he's not easy company and he hates drinking load of ale, but we appreciate it. Fear not, I will be making my annual pilgrimage in October where I can show you what proper aleing is.

Ciao, The Slippery Slug X

Keep On Running!

2008-07-17T15:06:00.001+01:00

Tuesday night saw the culmination of the aforementioned Summer Series of 10k races. The final 6th race in the series is different to the others in that competitors are started in Reverse Speed order according to a handicap arrived at by averaging the times in the previoius 5 races.
So as anyone who has seen my previous times will know, I started pretty near the front, with the best runners starting a full 20 minutes after me.
Several things of note occurred;
1. Rachel overtook me after 5.5 having started over a minute behind, this was disappointing as I though for once I might break the tape ahead of her. She actually finished in the top 10 overall and won a T-shirt.
2. I overtook a horse! Yes it was moving and being piloted by a jockey/rider (no they weren't obese) but I suppose I would be exaggerating if I said it was moving at more than a slow trot. Pleasing all the same.
3. I actually got to see some fast people running. Normally the "elite atheletes" disappear on the B of the bang and I never see them again- I think that they are generally at home in bed by the time I finish. But the handicapping worked really well and in the last kilometre they came streaming up alongside (and past me) at alarming pace, it made me realise quite how far I've got to go in terms of improving beyond the group of seniors and stragglers I'm usually surrounded by.
As for whether I manage to keep it up without the spur of competition to galvanise my resolve remains to be seen!!!

Marathon!!

2008-05-23T15:01:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to Rachel who completed her first marathon at Lake Windermere last weekend. The triumph was sealed in a time of 5hrs 6mins, no mean feat considering the elevation of the course which in her words was, "mountainous"!- Don't believe her check it out at: http://www.gillman.org.uk/misc/windermere-elevation-2007.jpg

Lots of effort went in during the previous months of training, as well as on the day itself- so a big WELL DONE!!

During Rachel's enforced absence due to "marathon recovery" I have been press-ganged into a spot of running myself. Wearing the number 45 bib, I represented York Knavesmire Harriers on Tuesday night in the Tadcaster 10k, known by all to be a particularly hellatious run encompassing some "everest-like peaks". Those of you who believe the Vale of York to be pancake-like, I urge to to re-study the local topography. (ok I may be exaggerating slightly, but there were some nasty hills)!

As you can see from the link below, I did the vest proud and trundled in on 56 and a bit mins to claim 169th spot just ahead of an asthmatic, octagenarian double-amputee..... With performances like that, not for much longer will rachel be the Haile Gebreselassie of U10!

http://www.ukresults.net/yorkrrl/2008/race2.html

Expansion

2008-05-19T17:07:00.002+01:00

No - I am not referring to the waists of the Upper 10 board, in fact I refer to Peter Obank.

Pete is a long standing friend of The Big Cat and myself and so we are delighted to announce that Pete has become an Associate of Upper 10. Pete is going to be working with some of our existing clients and forging ahead to create his own portfolio of Shirt clients, and immeasurably improve the shirt scene in London.

Pete, a one man hurricane (with a tape measure), brings with him a wealth of sales experience and a pedigree of impeccable sartorial taste.

You can contact Pete on pete@upper10.co.uk and he will be only too happy to arrange an appointment with you either at work or at home.

Pete is also a wonderful dancer. It is isn't relevant but it is worth trying to catch a glimpse.

El Sluge

AirWolf Meets AirWasp

2008-03-14T14:26:00.004Z

We are definitely not the Gadget shop, but we couldn't resist these little rippers. You may well have seen them before but that doesn't take away the fun that's to be had with them. Easy to pilot and remarkably hardy these little fellas are totally addictive...... Snap 'em up now only £19.99.

Also, how cool is the Airwolf Music?!?!!

Over and Out!

Stacked!

2008-03-03T17:08:00.005Z

Size matters, or so we're told; and between brothers so does height. Dom and I are very similar in height, we've never quite been able to call it between us, although if asked I'm sure we'd both claim to be the taller...

The debate was rekindled recently when Dom was measured by his GP and came in bang on 183cm or 6ft in old money. I reckon I'm about 6ft exactly too, so today, inspired by a delivery of fine, Bespoke shirts we decided to have a "Height off".

The measuring was conducted with Surgical precision by a combination of Tape measure, and more precisely still by stacking boxes of shirts to our respective heights. Surprisingly given the very fine calibration of the boxes we were unable to produce a winner (we both came in at 28 boxes).... So until technology produces a more accurate system for gauging height than the old "Shirt Box Stack" Dom and I will have to wait to be separated, so that the winner can claim their bragging rights!

STAG

2008-02-25T12:00:00.001Z

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Tick tock

2008-02-24T12:34:00.002Z

"A man with a watch knows what time it is." Or so I believe goes the first clause of Segal's Law (not Steven, the pony-tailed high kicker and judo chopper). Sounds like a wise man.

Upper 10 was fortunate enough on Thursday night to host a merry gathering of wise men and women for our inaugural "Watch Evening".

The main thrust of the evening was to launch our fantastic new Arctos Range- see previous blogs. However, we were also fortunate to have a serious additional range of very collectible pieces including several Pre-Tag Heuer chronographs, and a fantastically kitsch "Time computer" from the 70s complete with red LED display!

The evening was most enjoyable and a great success, many thanks to those who attended, the next will be going in the diary soon- so be sure to make the time to drop by for a drink a chat and a look at some very cool watches!

Book Club

2008-02-12T16:48:00.001Z

I've read some really good books recently..... really good ones. Then along came a really bad one....really bad. It would never normally enter my mind to foist my opinions on books, or anything else, on anyone else, but this last one has riled me, and rankled away to the extent that I feel the need to share. Usually I read books that have been reccommended to me, or physically passed my way for digestion; on this occasion I chose the book myself and even went out of my way to buy it. I think this active involvement on my part is a big factor in my annoyance now- there's nobody else to blame, I brought this on myself.
I think that there is a self-satisfaction that comes with having read a good book. A good book of any genre educates as well as entertains, its been my long-held belief that books (good ones) teach you how to think. Books and their characters, provide new ways of considering problems, and different mental vantage points from which to assess life's more interesting challenges. There have been many times that I have failed to pass on a book to the Chairman just so that I could bask in, and enjoy my own increasing wealth in the currency of knowledge that I had just gleaned from its pages.
I hope you are by now beginning to appreciate this important, and small minded aspect of my enjoyment of reading, and that you can, therefore, understand my excitement at having found this great book, which would furnish me with throw away lines and facts to hurl down as winners in arguments with the Chairman, as majestically as Federer would unfurl a backhand down the line.... or so I hoped.
The book in Question? A best seller that I'm sure many of you will have heard of and surely some will have read: "Freakonomics" by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. What better as a business owner and Entrepreneur to read the thoughts of this sage of our times, the man who applies complex economic theorem to everyday issues and produces brilliant counter-intuitive conclusions- Brilliant! How would the Chairman and members of the board live with my interjections across the mahogany board room table once I was furnished with this kind of conversational firepower?
Its a dud, a flop, a phoney and I think it might even be a con. I think my cognative powers may have actually diminished with each page. The Chairman who is more Michael Buble than Michaelangelo in matters cerebral, had nothing to fear from me the day I finished the final page- and finish I did, just in case enlightenment was lurking in the last line- it wasn't. Somehow Levitt (the economist, who enjoys a huge retainer at the University of Chicago) and Dubner (the journo turned author) managed to spend about 250 pages running through about 4 arguments. One of which was to do with Sumo wrestlers throwing matches (they do apparently) and another linking names with success in life. Of course Sumo's throw matches, it has gone on and still goes on in every major sport, and of course Children with certain names will fare better on average than those with others. Poor and underpriviledged parents will lean towards certain names for their kids, and on average those kids will fare worse in life because of their poor and underpriviledged start in life, not because of their name itself- I could have told you that.
The reason I think it might be a con, and all be a bit disingenious is because one of the books main theories is to do with the effect of abortion on the crime rate- a highly emotive and controversial subject in the Christian heartlands in the US of A. When this hit the media there was an almighty furore in the press and media. Levitt was villified by many despite the intrinsic sound principal of his theory. It is the prerogative of the economist and scientist to operate outside and beyond the sphere of religious morality- try telling that to the Bible Belt.
I think Levitt has opportunistically ridden the publicity to promote and sell an apallingly written, uninteresting and dull book to the masses- me included. Don't buy it, don't read it, its a whole lot of uninteresting, repetitive waffle fleshing out the one interesting and morally explosive bone that Levitt stumbled accross.
These are not the views of Upper 10 Ltd- just one of its subjects.

Introducing the Upper 10 Vlog

2008-02-05T17:22:00.000Z

HAKA!!

2008-02-01T11:11:00.000Z

Indulge me one more rugby-centric Blog, after all it is the eve of the second best Rugby Tournament in the world. I'm pleased to see that Brian Ashton read my previous posting and went with Jonny for tomorrow. Although in retrospect, it seems Narraway has been the big selectorial talking point of the week, and not the Jonny/Cipps axis as I had predicted. I'm all for blooding in a bit of youth, and he seems a big athletic lump of a number eight which is fine by me. I wonder to what extent that is due to growing up a butcher's son and dining on choice cuts of British beef as a youth? Thank goodness his Dad didn't have some sort of Vegan/Fruitarian Emporium; surely then he wouldn't have turned out a grizzled 17 stone beast and might have instead been an underweight, pallid synchronised basket weaver or something.

Seriously though, with the formidable, settled and experienced front five we've currently got, it can't be a bad time to make a debut in the back row; you'd have thought he'll have the benefit of operating from a stable platform- we'll see...

Casting my eye over the line-ups I thought their (the Welsh) backs looked pretty good compared to ours, but that our forwards looked better than theirs. Bearing in mind you win rugby matches with your forwards, and factoring in JW's goal kicking, I predict a home win Tomorrow. Again, we'll see....

So you may or may not be wondering why there is a picture of the Haka atop this article. Allow me to explain. Here at Upper 10 we have made the acqaintance of a fantastic local artist and rugby fan, he paints phenomenal canvas images of rugby and other sporting scenes and moments. Obviously the Haka is one of the most evocative and impressive sights in rugby and Rob has captured it marvellously in a huge canvas that we currently have on display and available for sale at £350 in Upper 10. It is approx 2ft x 3ft and in stark black and white would handsomely adorn the wall of any rugby fan. Come along and check it out!!!!

Six Nations!

2008-01-28T16:53:00.000Z

Read the press at the moment and its all about the new talent coming streaming through from all directions and all nations ahead of Saturday's opening games. Chief among the great new hopes is Danny Cipriani, Wasp's no 10 and pretender to the highest throne of all- our Jonny's.

So clearly, despite the emergence of James Haskell and Tom Croft in the English back row, its the selectorial decision around the key Fly half berth that will occupy the English media this week.

I propose that there is no decision at all. You've got to go with Jonny. He is the best we've ever had, and in my opinion the best the professional era has ever seen. Freddie Michalak, Dan Carter? Not men for a tight spot, where was Carter when the supremely talented NZ team slipped rudderlessly out of the world cup? Greatness is measured in results and Jonny has a winner's and runners up medal, the second almost as impressive seeing as he was guiding a far less capable team and playing with one ankle for the whole tournament. Cipriani and others are sure to challenge that supremacy in the future, but for now the QB role is his.

I concede that Jonny is not necessarily at his best right now, and that judgement is harder to make given his insistence on playing his club rugby behind an underpowered pack. But he has never let England down and the jersey is his.

It would seem Cipriani has more attacking gifts than Jonny in terms of his pace, vision and ability to play right on the gain line, but game management and pressure goal kicking are key, and Cipriani is untested in these areas. Jonny's defence even now is superior especially head-on, I think he has lost something in more lateral defence through injury, but those are the flanker's channels anyway and his past work there was beyond the call.

I'm not totally blinkered to a future without JW, but his time hasn't come yet!

Finally his contribution to Upper 10's sales has been, and continues to be considerable, Cipriani is unproved in this area and that should be considered. I can see that he's pretty handsome but he plays in a scrum-cap, and thats not good for photo-opportunities.

Finally Cipriani's predeliction for transsexuals worries me greatly. Jonny's a stand up guy, more likely to be found in a bridge club than a strip club; and thats an important quality in my heroes.

Upper 10 Unveils Arctos

2008-01-23T13:25:00.000Z

Men like watches. That is one of the first things we learnt when we opened Upper 10. It is not uncommon for a gent to have 5-10 pieces in his collection, in fact our very own Big Cat has 7 (of course he does need 4 for his paws), and I have a couple.
Our watch brands of Simon Carter and Lalex sell extremely well at the 75 - 199 GBP price points but we have always intended to find a brand at a slightly higher price point.
Enter Arctos. German design. Swiss movement. Stunning.
These watches are available ONLY in Upper 10.

Take this beauty for example:

Have a look at www.upper10.co.uk for more information.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Da Sluge x

Wedding Bell

2008-01-10T19:46:00.000Z

So HUGE news today at Upper 10 Towers. The Big Cat is to be wed.

And BIGGER news - The Slug has been upgraded to BEST MAN (Joint).

WAHOOOO!!

A-List!

2007-12-12T15:51:00.000Z

What a 10 days it has been at Upper 10 Towers! A full-on festive frenzy of the World's most famous people. Our Doors have resembled
portals to a Hollywood world of glitz and Glamour. Not just any old B grade,
tabloid fodder celebs either but high grade stars with whom you'd be happy to be
seen in St Tropez or at any of the Costas (del Sol, Brava or Bridlington).

Step aside George (news at 6) Alighia, Richard (twice nightly) Whitely, Alastair (Fame Academy) Griffin, and that woman who played one of the Mums on Holyoaks- you are no longer Upper 10's most famous....

First there was Mika, aptly enough Dominic was on duty, and for a few minutes it wasn't
clear who was the most effeminately dressed and styled man in HQ. I think Dom' s slip
on the Crown was loosened for a few minutes. In Dom' s own words, "Mika is taller and more masculine than you would think, and very handsome." There was a moment when Dom was uncertain whether it was actually the Chart topping frizz merchant stood before him, when he noticed one of his friends/entourage was wearing an outsized fleece helpfully emblazoned "MIKA".
He was due to play Doncaster and Newcastle in the days following his detour to York, but I noticed he had to call off some gigs soon after with a sore throat (imagine those high falsetto notes with a scratchy larynx). Funny Dom had a sore throat around the time of his visit too, sensibly he's been protecting it with his lovely fine, PINK merino scarf ever since.

Second came Harold Bishop, aptly enough I was on duty, and for a few minutes it wasn't clear who was tipping the scales at the top weight in HQ. I think the crown stayed firmly put on my own oversized cranium as in my own words, "Harold isn't as tall or fat as you might expect, he's just got those lovely, wobbly jowells we all love to see shaking in the sunshine on Ramsay St." He is currently rehearsing for his
upcoming role in Cinderella at York Theatre Royal, and will hopefully re-visit before the end of the run and purchase the bag that i was too star-struck to sell him!

6 Feet of Upper 10

2007-11-10T11:42:00.000Z

Hello retail afficionados, El Sluge here, fresh from 3 days of 'Raw Retailing' in Lincolnshire. It's pure and primitive, 6 feet of Upper 10, but boy is it effective. We do not choose a 6 foot pitch because it happens to be the EXACT length of one of the Co-Founders (before you all let out a 'he's not 6 foot' groan, I'm talking DE and not DT, and it is official - it's on my medical records), but because we can cause maximum destruction in a very tight spot (quite like Temujin, The Khan of the Sea of Green - also known as Genghis Khan).

I have been reading about this little Mongol and have decided that he is possibly one of the most mis represented men of all time. True, he did kill a great deal of people, but if I was a Mongol, living on the plains, having to suck blood from a horse to survive, I couldn't promise you that I wouldn't be forced to unleash my inner power. Also if Big Yeff had been slain by a rival clan from Stonegrave, betrayed by the Wolverhampton Wolves, then I think I would be pretty angry about it. I don't think I could have killed the Big Cat though, even if he was taking all the pasties.
Anyway, I digress.
Recently, the face of Upper 10 bacame engaged.
I am quite delighted about MJN's news, and obviously the recent law changes have made the whole thing a little easier for him and Jean-Paul. He is SO proud of his Scottish heritage.

Ok fans, I'm off to skin a Marmot.
Slug X

York's Voice of Reason

2007-09-12T12:37:00.000+01:00

Hello blogfans. As you are a very widely dispersed group of people, you may or may not be avid listeners of BBC Radio York. You shoud be. If you tune in to the morning and lunchtime shows you would have a very good chance of hearing my dulcet tones and erudite opinions and comments. I have been a consistent and alarmingly regular contributor for some time now but don't like to boast, so haven't widely made it known. Until now....
As I'm in the shop most of the time I am an easy mark for the BBC's roving reporter. All he has to do is turn up, corner me behind the desk and thrust the mike under my nose, what follows is pure radio gold. So far I have held forth on subjects as diverse as customer service from high street banks, tourism in York, Cookery and the place of metrosexuality in today's society....
It is only recently that I have been roped into to take part in an "outside broadcast". As you can see I had to play air guitar in a band to mark the occasion of the "World Air Guitar" championships in Finland. As you can see I'm not quite up there with this guy in terms of enthusiasm, and after my harrowing experience in front of the masses in York the other day I don't think I'll be trying!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r10UbGC6RI

Also see the link to the BBC York Website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/image_galleries/radio_york_rogues_gallery.shtml?5

-Right I'm off, I've got to go and give my tuppence worth on reality TV!

Time to admit defeat

2007-08-16T15:51:00.000+01:00

When those of you who have been lucky enough to know me for most of my life conjure an image of me in your mind, who do you see?
Do you see the fresh faced youngster, delighted to have been selected for his primary schools Under 9 side a year early?(back right)

If you met me in Liverpool you may remember a different chap. A chap who loved living in Halls of residence, a man who honestly believed that Supper was served in the Hall Dining Room at 5pm, so that you could have a second feed at 9. The 3 years took their toll, and it was here that I met George Rippon:

George is hidden, 2nd in from the right on this image.
Losing my hair had never crossed my mind, I had a mane equal to that of the mighty Simba, however as I recall, my very first convsersation with George went along these lines:

DEM: "You're a big lad. Do you work out?"
GR: "A little. I used to have hair like yours. You're looking at the future."

Nothing to worry about. Just because he was bald didn't mean that he had some kind of special gift, enabling him to predict new members to the Brotherhood of Baldies.

Those of you who have come to know me lately perhaps didn't feel it appropriate to mention that I was falling prey to the combover.

And so George had been right 6 years ago.
Yesterday I did 2 things.
1) I acquired a new 'hair hero'

2) I cut my hair. Grade 3 all over.

Time to admit defeat.

So George and Igor, you can both stop sending me invitations to the Belgravia Clinic, and news cuttings about the latest medicines uncovered in the rain forest.

El Sluge
X

Celebdaq!

2007-06-19T15:54:00.000+01:00

Those of you who dabble in the financial markets may also be aware of "Celebdaq" where punters can buy celebrities and watch their stock rise and fall depending on the number of column inches and photographic coverage that their choices attract. No doubt some of you have invested heavily in Dom and I at Upper 10 and will
have been rubbing your hands together with glee as your stocks soared this last week. Foget Lewis Hamilton's second win, Beckham's Spanish Championship and Beefy's Knighthood (I only read the sports pages- don't know what else has been happening) this week has been all about OK Magazine's....Er... I mean Yorkshire Living's Glossy photographic spread of Upper 10's finest!
Say Cheese...... Tuck in!

Car-Wars!

2007-06-15T14:53:00.000+01:00

Blogfans! Damien here, this blog centres around my unfortunate brother and he should really be writing it,but he can't see past the constant stream of tears flowing down his (worryingly) hirsuite cheeks. No he's not crying because he can't get anywhere near my powerball record (an impressive 12,440) or because he is insanely jealous that another man was wearing a pink headband at football the other night. It is due entirely to the crushing run of bad luck that he and Upper 10 global corps have had to endure of late with regard to the company fleet.

As has already been reported on these pages, the Turbo blew up a few weeks ago at great expense and inconvenience to all concerned. This was duly replaced and the car put back on the road. Then within a week the cam-belt went. This apparently can lead to a car being written-off, so obviously concern all round as more inconvenience and possibly eye-watering expense seemed sure to ensue. Thankfully the local garage had a spare, matching engine lying around- ripe for cannibalisation. The car was saved, the cost was bearable- hoorah!
Within 24 hrs a puncture happened, and the jack broke mid-repair. The tyre was sorted and within another 48 hrs the Turbo had gone-AGAIN.

It was a reconditioned Turbo and under warranty, so was refunded and a replacement sent. An hour ago we got a call, they are out of stock- don't know when they'll next be in.

All very demoralising.

With some funny results however:

- We both had to go to a show loaded with stock in a tiny borrowed Corsa. We turned a few heads arriving at a country mansion, driving over their moat (yes moat) to park alongside all the spacious transit vans, with Framed pictures of Jonny Wilkinson poking out of the sunroof!

- Dom had to buy a foot-pump, for the flat tyre. So we were also able to use it for my bike tyres and our indoor football.

- Dom has now used all his free call-outs with the AA, so if he breaks down again he will have to push the car to a garage (hope I'm not with him when that happens).

- You can drive really really far on a full tank in a Corsa. So if th ecar stays off the road for 132 years and we drive the Corsa 3, 536 miles a week for the duration of that time, we'll actually save 54 quid on petrol!

Powerball

2007-05-14T12:36:00.000+01:00

So the Big Cat turned 124 last week (27 in human years), but couldn't celebrate as he normally would. He would normally see in his birthday lifting his body weight on two dumbells, however after over exerting himself a few months ago he is off games, so spent it curled up on the sofa:

But in order to cheer him up and put a spring back in his step, I bought him a powerball.

If you do not know what a powerball is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0v05iaYZC0

I'm not going to go on about it, but will post our PBs on here soon.

Also, there has been some debate recently about quite what is the Biggest Cat in the Jungle. Is it the Tiger, the Lion, is it the Liger, but no it is definitely the powerball wielding BIG CAT.

Sluge XX

Turbalicious

2007-04-25T16:58:00.000+01:00

So what do you do when you let your girlfriend drive your car, and the next time you see it the entire oil supply of the Largeuna are on the floor?
The answer is to descend into a major sulk, whilst grumbling that "I'm sure it isn't your fault (it is). It could have happened if I was driving (definitely not). It will probably be very inexpensive to fix (it wasn't). "

So we waited for the nice man from the AA to turn up, but as it happened the AA had subcontracted to a local garage, who in turn had asked his mate to deal with it as he was having difficulty with a Ewe who was lambing.

I don't work for the AA, nor do I work for a garage in Malton, nor I am I the chap in Malton's mate, but if I was and I turned up to a situation where all of the oil had leaked out of the car, I am confident that my first suggestion would NOT have been to refill the oil tank ("Oh, you're out of oil pal")(1. Not pals 2. He was standing in said oil).

So after watching the oil drain through my French Beauty he suggested turning the engine on.

This, my mechanic informed me, dragged oil through my Air Conditioning sytem and front radiator. Two areas that do not benfit from the presence of lubricant.

Anyhow car got towed (I never get bored of sitting in the cab of an HGV) and it was fixed over a week later.

My car now has a new Turbo.

I'm off to check my Lubricant,

Sluge

This piccy is reference to my great pal FCB. He knows. It's just so soft.

PS Just read High Fidelity

Top 5 Take That Songs
1) Never Forget
2) Back for Good
3) Patience
4) A Million Love songs
5) Pray

We tend not to get out of bed for less than five grand

2007-04-01T13:20:00.000+01:00

So this week saw the lads at Upper 10 produce their best poses for some new images for our spanking new website www.upper10.co.uk,

It went something like this, pout and stare, look to the distance...

Lets just say that one member of the board was much more adept than other..

Ok, more blogging later,

Ciao

Sluge

Jonny Wilkinson

2007-02-15T12:21:00.000Z

So Jonny is back. Which we at Upper 10 are pleased about for a number if reasons:

1) We are massive rugby fans and so nothing pleases us more than a fantastic sportsman returning to fitness and form.

2) Right up to Jonny's return to the fray at HQ against the Auld Enemy, something had been eating away at him, and now I believe at least this demon has been laid to rest. That demon of course was that he had actually witnessed the greatest ever performance at Twickers, made by no other than the Big Cat. That's right blogfans, Jonny and the Big Cat made their Twickenham debuts together, shoulder to shoulder back in 1990. And that day the BigCat had fire running through his veins - Jonny could only admire. As you can see in this picture whilst Big Cat is behind the action, a certain JW has been trail blazed by him and his Mane:

But now he has finally surpased that performance, and the Big Cat has been dethroned.

3) Commercially JW is a great asset to U10, the 6 photo sequence of him dropping the winning goal at RWC 2003 remains an U10 topseller and since the beginnning of this 6 nations campaign, they have been running out of the shop. Check it out http://www.upper10.co.uk/products/Jonny_Wilkinson_World_Cup_Winning_Drop_Goal_6_Sequence_.htm

Here is another team shot with BC and JW down on the bottom left:

Ok Blog fans, see you later

Big Cat Goes Green!!

2007-01-19T13:37:00.000Z

So yesterday saw an historic event take place in York. Having handed back the Impreza (estate- with spoiler) after the show season, I decided it was time to review my transportation apparatus. The principal reason for this was that I wanted to reduce my carbon paw-print. Of late I have been using the "bendy bus" which is the most futuristc and frustrating vehicle in existence:

- You can't speak to the driver ( he sits in a sealed-off cab)

- You have to pay a machine with a touch-screen that doesn't work.

- You have to have the exact change ( which leads to random trips to the co-op to buy chewing gum (handy for the Sluge's hallitosis) to break a tenner).

So all things considered i decided to go-green and get a bike. Halfords sorted me out with a sporty little number, and I duly got the add-ons: lock, lights and helmet (large obviously). I then took the bike back to HQ and chained it to a post outside. 20 minutes later I watched a youth surreptitiously stop by for a quick inspection- I was on the phone trying to seal an appointment with a customer so didn't want to hang up and go outside. I didn't get the appointment which was disappointing- but not as disappointing as going outside to find my front light (£18.99-cheers) had been lifted. I was not happy.

After closing up it was time for my inaugral journey, as i left i could be heard commenting, "Its all very well using a bike but i don't think a short journey like this will impact my fitness.." 20 minutes later i arrived home; quads burning, sweat literally dripping from my nose, panting and with the sorest of posteriors conceivable. This last pain was a surprise as i am particularly well upholstered in this region.

The good news was i had half an hour to rest before going off to play football! I think i volunteered for my spell in goal earlier than usual as my legs gave out quicker than ever. Luckily my heavily put-upon quads held out long enough to see me net a beauty and make a great diving save (low to the right at full stretch)- Showing all of my natural feline agility!

Back in the saddle this morning- every bit as sore! The day i make the journey without breaking sweat is the day i know i'm getting fitter.

Watch this space for my next update and a cycling- related joke to boot!

Harvie and Hudson Shirts- World Exclusive!

2007-01-15T10:01:00.000Z

Another Week at Upper 10 and another new line of products. We are very proud to announce that Upper 10 is now the only stockist in the world other than Harvie and Hudson themselves to be stocking Harvie and Hudson's fantastic quality shirts. After blazing the trail for some time now with our own Bespoke shirts we were able to use our growing reputation to good effect and secure this fabulous opportunity to bring a famous name and quality product to York!

In our Opening promotion we are offering :

1 Shirt £49.99

2 Shirts £85

3 Shirts £115

So the bottom line is- Get along to 16 High Petergate and snap up 3 today!

Kristoff our ex- apprentice came up immediately to check them out after an "Old boys Jogging match" at his old convent school. He was pleased with his performance even though all eight of the current under 14 girls team beat him.

Also hello to the Sheriff- we do extra long sleeves on the Harvie and Hudson. The Sheriff really adds credibility to the old saying about the "long arm of the law!"

If Success Is Measured On Looking Good - Meet The New World Champions

2006-12-16T11:28:00.000Z

Following on from Upper 10's successful sponsorship of the University of York Polo Team, we are very proud to have won the contract to become the lead sponsor of the Old Amplefordian Football Club. The team are currently operating on a semi - professional basis, but are hoping to secure promotion and full time contracts.

Whilst the team's winning streak has yet to start, they have already secured a number of FIFA approved individual awards. The include 'Gallic Attitude Of The Year', 'Best Nose for Goal', 'Tightest Merkin', 'Least likely to be invited to George Clooney's Martini Party', 'Roundest Head', and the team were delighted with a guest appearence from the 'Receeder of The Year'.

Thanks must also go to The PRA (Professional Referees Association) for supplying P Kennedy.

Upper 10 is proud to be associated with such a fine Club, under the guidance of Louis 'Don't tell me weightlifting and associated drug abuse can become addictive' Robertson.

Peace,

Sluge

Chrimbo!!!!!

2006-12-08T12:26:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!!

December is already marching on, and Dom and I have landed back at Upper 10 Towers for December. Many Thanks to Mum who looked after H.Q brilliantly while we were hammering the highways.

No rest for the wicked though, Retail doesn't stop (particularly at Christmas) and we are busy trying to get the diary filled up with shirt appointments for January. So those of you who need a new look for 2007 get booking!

The Slug is laying the trail in Middlesborough, Catterick and Goathland today so the mileometer isn't getting a rest. remember he's a very amenable Slug and can drop by your house or office with his tape and swatch book any time!

My Show season came to an end with 4 days in Kensington Town Hall. On leaving Yorkshire for my final sortie, i packed my bags and passport, leaving verdant, friendly Yorkshire for the concrete jungle and mean streets of the smoke. First stop Clapham, where i have a media- mogul friend who lives with another guy who works in London's equivalent of C.T.U (see jack Bauer 24). They are a lovely couple and live in a nice little studio in Clapham. The media mogul also happens to be a walking A-Z so he guided me into London flawlessly and accompanied me expertly at the events, lending his artistic eye to merchandising the stall. He had been able to put a couple of projects "on ice" to lend his support which was most welcome!

I was also able to meet up with Messrs Sparke and Marken as well as their lovely ladies- so in all it was an excellent and enjoyable trip socially as well as for greasing the wheels of Upper 10's Show based Industry.

I would like to thank all of the above for making my stay so enjoyable with the exception of Christopher Marken- for obvious reasons that it is not appropriate to go into now. Speaking of which, i heard the most hilarious tale of the year in the pub- for more details ask CJ Sparke.

Square Head and Sluge! Where Hast Thee Been?

2006-11-11T12:31:00.000Z

Greetings,

So we have been busy, very busy. As you may or may not know, or care, we have been away on our Tour of the UK and Glasgow as part of the circuit of Charity Fair Association Events. In the past few weeks between us we have represented Upper 10 in (draw breath) Warwickshire, Mayfield, Monmouth, Oxfordishire, Braxted, Odiaham, Beaconsfield, Berkshire, Petergborough, Tunbridge Wells, Cirencester, Uttoxeter, Kelso, Salisury, Durham, Shaftesbuy, Gilling, Newcastle, Glasgow, Easingwold, Shrewsbury, Lincolnshire & Castle Howard!!

And between now and the 1st December we will be at Norwich, Petersfield, Dumfries,Erskine Bridge, Driffield, York, Shropshire, Alton, Wentworth GC, Kensington, Wincanton and Tollerton!!!

So that I hope goes some way to explain why it has been all quiet in Cyberspace!

There are many amusing anecdotes from our jouneys, not least when I ended up in a House of Prayer in Salisbury, purporting to be a B & B! The Third photo is my bedroom taken from the meeting room where hymns were being sung till 10.30pm.

Now the idea of us hitting the road may conjour up images of glamour and showbusiness, however the second photo shows just how glamourous live on the road is.

The Top phot is a picture I took of a couple who were 'selling' at a show next to me. This is not a good sales technique.

Thanks must also go to our hosts on our many trips, including the Wilders, The Chuffaloes, The Rt. On Terry Martino, and The Good Sherriff (apologies for the lowest consumption of Ale the Sherriff has ever seen).

Ok,
Peace out Chums,

Sluge

Apprentice moves on; and moves up..........

2006-09-22T14:53:00.000+01:00

So Kristoff is finally leaving us. Frankly the turnaround has been amazing, miraculous, phenomenal ......i could go on. When Kristoff came to us from the university of Chernobyl to experience our apprenticeship, the prospect of future gainful employment seemed slim. His unnatural affinity for yaks alone seemed to be an insurmounatble impediment. However, as with much else in Kristoff's life, we have been able to wean him off yak milk, and teach him how to survive without hourly contact with his beloved quadrupeds.

Kristoff has gone from being unruly, unkempt, unhygienic and slightly pungent; to being a true gentleman of the highest standing. All of the huge thanks for this transformation must go to UPPER 10, whose staff and apprenticeship scheme are 100% responsible for this metamorphosis.

Kristoff recently wowed interviewers (wearing an Upper 10 bespoke shirt), and secured a terriffic job with a top American Finnancial institution.

We just hope he remembers the enormous debt he owes UPPER 10 for the experience of our Apprenticeship Scheme when he is the CEO of his new Company!

Upper 10 Team Member AWOL

2006-09-13T15:49:00.000+01:00

So Butthead is well and truly on her travels. Here is a picture of her on top of her camper at the foot of some large mound in NZ. Pretty jealous really.

Slug

The Large Feline has returned

2006-08-13T13:02:00.000+01:00

Au Revoir mange tout,

BC has returned, avoiding the airline chaos and terrorist plotting, but before he departed he did have the time to fire over a few last photos from his pilgrimage to the US.
Much like the Catholic Pilgrims who devote weeks and months on their pilgrimage to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, taking in Burgos, Carrion de los Condes, Sahagun, Leon, Astorga and Lugo, the Big Cat's journey has taken him to Sam's Seafood, Pretzel World, KFC, McDonalds- but all of this was leading somewhere. Like the Pilgrims who receive their certificate, the 'Compostela'- from the Pilgrim's office in Santiago for walking over 200km on their journey- So too would the Big Cat be rewarded for his arduous trip.
In keeping with his homge to portions and convenience, his 'Compostela' was a value meal at Taco Bell.
The fortnight of toil had been worth it, the miles covered zig zagging the east coast of the USA, taking in Redbank, Philadelphia, Washington and finally New York culminated in a 'Big Bell 1/2 Lb Cheesy Bean Beef Combo', with a side of Nachos Bellgrande, some cheesy fiesta potatoes, a caramel apple empananda for pudding, washed down with a Big Gulp.

Good Work.

Slug

Pretzel

2006-08-04T14:48:00.000+01:00

The Big Cat writes "So today i tackled a giant pretzel. I've always wondered what these would be like- a giant version of the brittle, crisp like ones we get - surely not! Anyway i kept up my end of the bargain perfectly when i ordered with a large diet coke (see the size of it) and a side of melted cheese 50c xtra! It was very large and not the nicest- its a very heavy, rich doughey- bready substance with a hint of the pretzel flavour i know from the minis. After a rew bites it was hard work in terms of mastication, but also because it was so heavy and the flavour rather flat and dull. At first a few dunks of the melted cheese and swigs of my coke got me through, and i thought i'll definitely finish this. But then as the going was getting tough i encountered the large salted area (you can see from the picture that the main density is in the middle part). these salt rocks, scattered on the pretzel like hundreds and thousands were each the size of meteors, or small moons. A mouthful of them set in train a gag reflex which made you want to down half your pop in a swig (approx 2 litres). This was too much, i soldiered on for another bite but i could actually imagine my arteries furring up and becoming blocked- I tapped out- there's no shame in that i don't think. Anyway an hour later i saw off a helping of lemon cajun chcken and rice without a flicker of doubt as Rachel and her dad had to leave theirs- so i'm back on track. We also sited our first Taco Bell today - the first mouthful gets nearer!!!!!!!!! "

Slug x

Day 2 and the BC finds his stride

2006-08-03T10:31:00.000+01:00

Great news blogfans. The BigCat is back on form, demolishing all that the Hard Rock Cafe NJ had to offer. He didn't even break sweat!
Next stop Taco Bell.
Slug

Meal #1 and he is already struggling

2006-08-01T10:13:00.000+01:00

Just a quick note to let you know that BC's eating odyssey has started slowly. I can report that he first meal was taken at a seafood restaurant where his clam chowder starter proved the undoing of him, so by the time he came to his seafood platter (with fries obv.) he could only manage half. Good to see he is not off his beer though.

X Slug X

BIG CAT STATESIDE

2006-07-31T13:32:00.000+01:00

So, the Big Cat is currently Airborne on his way to NYC. He 'phoned me this morning quite worked up as he had just looked at a weather forecast. It is predicted to be 44degrees in New York this week, I'm not sure how he's going to cope. Cope with the heat and his culinary task, let me explain... He has basically decided that for the duration of his two week holiday he is (in Spurlock fashion) say YES to all offers of going large, adding cheese, extra meat in his burrito, syrup and ice cream on his pancakes, cheese on everything basically. He is hoping to put on two stone in the two weeks, though I'm not sure that he had taken perspiration into account, so he is going to have to work very hard.
This means that the Sluge is going to be manning the helm of the Upper 10, and fitting in shirt appointments in the evenings.

Lalex watches Hit The Shelves- But Not For Long!!

2006-07-24T17:03:00.000+01:00

If you like to be different, then the new line of Lalex watches now in stock at Upper 10 may be just the thing for you. A Lalex watch is bound to set its wearer apart, not only for their striking designs and and fabulous originality, but because they are so new and stocked in only a smattering of outlets in the UK- so you aren't likely to see lots of others sporting them. Which is great if being up to the minute and different is your style.

Lalex do a fantastic selection of classic watch designs, but also have a hugely popular Oversized range- These are watches with huge faces- set on terriffic Italian Leather Pilot style straps- I have been wearing one myself and absolutely loving it- as well as getting plenty of compliments on it.

Lalex are brand new in the world of timepieces- but are long established as makers of fine Italian Leather products- which is why we have no qualms in stocking these watches.

However, they have been flying off the shelves- and Lalex are desperately trying to keep up with demand- so if you see one you like on the shelf or in the window- at Upper 10 snap it up before someone else does!!!!!!!!

The Tiger and the Slug

2006-07-21T10:41:00.000+01:00

It is a well known fact that the Championship Links at Hoylake have borne witness to some of the games true heroes. It is a little known fact that it has also played host to one of our very own true golfing zeros.

As Tiger plotted a steady first nine yesterday, and then tore it up- racing to 5 under by the close of play, I wonder if he realised that the trail he was blazing was covering the tracks of a previous trail that wasn't so much "blazed" as "stickily laid". That's right, the Slug Trail has passed on its travels along the famed 18 holes of Hoylake.

And so a little explanation. On one of the few days when the Slug wasn't studying at the University of Liverpool library or locked in high-level, philosophical debate in one of the many street side bistro/cafes of Toxteth, so popular with the bohemian Liverpool intelligensia; he was invited to play at Hoylake. I believe this was by one of the Slug's university pals who was on the golf team.

Anyway, as the Slug relates it, he played to 16 in lashing rain and driving wind- none of this still sunny weather that Tiger is enjoying. If its true- not a bad knock by the Sluge- Anyone who knows any different, please let us know by posting a comment.

So, there you have it- two of the planets finest beasts, The Tiger and the Slug, united by Hoylake. I wonder who'd win a fight between a Tiger and Slug?

Not so Sluggish for the slug this week though:

The trail has led as far and wide as Durham, Sunderland, Rotherham, Sheffield, Manchetser, London and Chorley in shirt appointments and customer meetings.

Ironically the Slug moves fast on the Shirt Circuit so keep your eyes peeled for a visit to a town near you- get along to see him and refer your friends to get yourself decked out in the finest quality bespoke shirts.

Upper 10's Apprentice

2006-07-17T13:40:00.000+01:00

Ever aware of the perils of rampant capitalism, consumerism, multinationalism leading to the homogenisation of not only our high streets but towns and cities themselves ; we at Upper 10 have decided to do our bit to highlight the positive effects small and medium sized enterprises can have not only on the economy but society itself.

We therefore decided to run our own Apprenticeship Scheme- inspired by Alan Sugar. But in an attempt to benefit the whole of humankind we decided to trawl the ex-Soviet Eastern European States so that a special person- not as privileged as ourselves may benefit from the wealth of business knowledge being accumulated at Upper 10 Towers. Our search was long and tough- through some of the harshest terrain of the Baltic states to the very borders of Russia. It was here in a makeshift Yak- ranching hut that we found our apprentice- herding Yak during his university holidays to help fund his studies.

Kristoff Johan Sparkovsky was orphaned when his parents were sent to the Gulags of Siberia. Left on his own Kris grafted a living de-lousing Yak (which is where is affinity for the animal stems from). So prodigious a de-louser was he, that he made a name for himself stretching far beyond his native land as far as the Urals. He also set up a side business breeding the lice he obtained from the Yaks to show on the Russian travelling Circus Tour. It is this kind of entreprenerial spirit that attracted us the Kris, and that we hope to nurture during his internship with us.

Eventually the Yak and Lice afforded Kris his dream- to study binary Yak farming at the university of Chernobyl. Kris is currently undertaking his Masters degree having aced his undergraduate degree, scoring a commendation in his paper on the genito- urinary system of the yak- a subject close to his heart.

Kris hopes to learn much whilst on his apprenticeship with Upper 10- and hopes to meet lots of nice English girls. Although-(as you can see from the picture) he seems to have taken quite a shine to the chairman.

We will keep you updated on Kris' progress.

TEAM U10

2006-07-17T13:21:00.000+01:00

First Entry

2006-07-14T22:16:00.000+01:00

So... The first ever U10 Blog. Hopefully this is going to be a useful bit of fun for all of our friends and family to keep up to speed with what me and damo are up to, we don't just stand in a shop all day, entertaining all of our mates and fielding prank 'phone calls from the U10 physician.

As i write Dam has begun his w/e off, he has pulled about 14 days straight so he's looking forward to his time off, although frankly i'd much rather be in Upper 10 Towers than in a field in North Wales, which is what awaits him on his return to Red Rose country.

I have to shoot off this afternoon to see a shirt client, so to complete the family feel Butthead is coming in to look after the shop until 5.30!!

In the coming week we are really busy with are Bespoke Shirt Making service, basically i'll be out and about whilst le big cat is at HQ hustling in the shop and filling up my calendar!

No beer for me this w/e, i'm taking it easy and going to try to enjoy some nice weather. I haven't swung in anger for about 6 months so might squeeze 9 holes in on Sunday pm.

Ok - I'm going to post this now and see what the hell happens,

I promise to keep this up and try and up the humour levels, and try and keep this an interesting insight into the running of a small, growing, family run business!!

Slug x

Mitch checks in

2006-07-14T16:20:00.000+01:00

Mitch here in my inaugural blog on the U10 space. As I take a pause from the near impossible art of running along beaches whilst simultaneously sucking my 'pack in and doffing my proverbial cap at hotties to the left and right of me; I take a moment to reflect upon the first time I heard the now legendary Upper 10 name...

Matt & I were togging up in preparation for another shift saving the lives of the vulnerable, occasionally straying onto the more pressing debate as to what on earth possessed the casting directors to put Steph in the line up. C.J., of course, Caroline, obviously; but Steph, Steph! It just doesn't make sense....

....I digress. So, it was at some point in the privacy and intimacy that only a Lifeguards' beach hut can envelop its staff in, that I chose my moment to confide in Matt. The thing is, I had been having trouble keeping my stubble at just the right length so that I was pulling of the 5 o'clock shadow look without unleashing a whole world of schtubbley pain on the numerous hotties upon whom I need to perform CPR on a 10 times daily basis.
Matt let out a relieved sigh- he later told me he'd thought I was going to ask him to check me for testicular cancer again- 'the answer' he said 'is quite straightforward. You need to get yourself a decent razor, brush and, of course, the appropriate cream to leave your face as soft as a baby piglet's bottom.' I had expected a response like this and had in fact already resigned myself to the fact that I would have to relinquish my sponsorship deal with Bic. 'I know of just the place' Matt continued, interrupting my thoughts which had strayed onto other products I would now be free to put my name to. Perhaps GHDs? It may finally be time to say goodbye to the perm, well though it has served me over these last 30 years. 'It is an emporium of fine products for the well-groomed gent. It is a treasure trove of quintessentially British names....' He didn't have time to continue eulogising, I had vanished and was logged on making what would be the first of many orders at www.upper10.co.uk .

Ciao, Mitch.

2006-07-14T14:56:00.000+01:00

Here is a picture of me from my recent holiday in Newquay. I am match fit at the moment thanks to my 5 a side on Mondays.

Slug