Killing me softly

I do not believe in one God or several. Keeping it scientific if God wishes to make him/herself/themselves known by fiery chariot or email I am prepared to reconsider.

However, if there is a God then I imagine that in October 2004 ‘they’ needed a night out at the pub with some good company. Writer, broadcaster, and comedian Pete McCarthy (of McCarthy’s Bar) sadly departed this world. He was followed closely by John Peel – writer, broadcaster, DJ and champion of many an aspiring band who went on to be big (and many that didn’t). Both men are fondly remembered and sadly missed by many people who never met them, but who held them dear (and felt they knew them) through their public works.

I never met Pete or John, but I would have liked to. There is one person still living for whom I have a similar longing to meet: 'Mil' Millington. For those who have not come across him can I direct you to the website that has made him famous. Before I do can I also suggest that if your bladder is in anyway full that you empty it first – for your own safety, that of your clothing and furniture.

The website, about Englishman Mil and his long suffering relationship with his German girlfriend Margret, is www.thingsmygirlfriendandihavearguedabout.com. It is well known, it has been around a while – Mil has written three books on the back of its fame.

Why this site and its author are particularly resonant with me:
a) Long ago I had a strident, vociferous and cute (in a moody sort of way) German girlfriend (she is now married and living in Australia – not that I am stalking her or anything – I am also married and not living in Australia)
b) My wife and I argue in similar ways although sadly I am probably veer closer to Margret in terms of behaviour
c) I used to work in IT
d) I used to live in Wolverhampton (Go Wolves!)

Now I shall probably never meet Mil (unless he frequents Asda at lunchtimes on Saturdays that Wolves play at home), but I would like to. Just to say how much I enjoy his humour, his observation, that is 'so' like me. But isn’t that key to every great observational comic, jounalist, travel writer? To highlight the absurd, render the real surreal. Find that essence with which we can all identify – to reflect the common idiosyncrasies that bind all humanity.

Pete, John -RIP. Mil – more power to your elbow. Margret – keep him in check.