About Middle Man
These are the sometimes irreverent ramblings and observations of a middle-aged, Midland-born, middle manager from the UK…..
To protect my friends and family, and, occasionally to avoid legal action, I have disguised the identity of certain people in my posts. They will, however, recognise themselves I am sure, as will those close to them. The events depicted, however, are real and factual……at least as I remember them. And, I haven’t been a whisky drinker for years now.
It is never my intention to cause offense. So, if you do feel offended please let me know and I will consider an apology and moderating my input. But I do reserve the editorial privilege of ignoring all and any such requests.
A potted me:
- Mid (OK late) 40s
- Married
- No kids – but a very spoilt cat (sadly now passed away)
- Born in Walsall, raised in Birmingham, “educated” at Oxford University
- Living in Cheshire in the UK
- Reluctant globe-trotter
- Returned to Audi (Q5) after a year on the orange side (BMW)
Feel free to add comments (no rude ones please). If you like my Blog, please pass the link on to your friends. Thanks – the Middle Man.
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Middle Man 
1.
Daniel | June 25, 2008 at 12:23 pm
How about a photo of the cat to show my cat? Eh?
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2.
Middle Man | June 27, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Maslow, the cat, enjoys his privacy!
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3.
Cresus Archipelago | February 10, 2013 at 6:40 pm
obviously high up on his hierarchy of needs!
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4.
ted evans | July 15, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Leave Bill Turnbull alone. Reading your profile suggests that you are a BMW driver, you have no sense of humour, do not have the slightest idea of how a news programme is scheduled or formatted. Bill only presents what is put before him. As for the dancing have you got 1. the guts to do what he tried to do.2. Tow left feet? if so put one in your mouth and shut up.
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5.
Middle Man | July 16, 2008 at 7:55 am
Thanks for popping in, Ted. Not sure how you got a car from my profile at all but, actually, I drive an Audi TT. Furthermore, I do have a sense of humour – however, it is clearly a tad too sophisticated for a few of my readers (you know who you are ;)). And, actually I am not entirely un-media savvy! I have the guts but choose not to go on a celebrity dance programme, primarily because I do indeed have TWO left feet.
But, Bill Turnbull is not a serious news presenter and reduces everything to the lowest denomination and a cheap, tongue-in-cheek, remark. Contrast his approach with that of the presenters on the Today programme which airs at the same time. Get Bill out! Get Bill out!
Oh and Ted, as Bill would no doubt add, thank you for your very interesting point, have a nice day, and be kind to bees!
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6.
renaissanceronin | August 4, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This just in…
Does Ted have one of “Bill’s bees” up his butt?
Inquiring minds want to know…
Everybody knows that “middle-aged middle managers” don’t drive Beemer’s. It’s that kind of common sense that got them to middle management!
I think Ted needs a lesson in manners… and anatomy. No “middle-aged middle manager” in all of the UK could possibly put one foot in his mouth, and then… shut up about it!
BTW: If I was flexible enough to do that, I’d brag my ass off!
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7.
Steve Campbell | September 5, 2008 at 11:40 pm
I am deeply offended by your public relations guide for the area of Manchester you’ve termed ‘Shameless’. There are myriad regions much like Wythenshawe, unfortunately, but the picture you’ve painted of my hometown is graphic in its nature and sweeping in its suppositions.
I’ve left a comment on the blog page, so won’t repeat it here.
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8.
Middle Man | September 10, 2008 at 8:50 am
Hey Steve, great use of the word “myriad”!
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9.
Steve Campbell | September 12, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Thanks.
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10.
lily | November 7, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I disagree with your critic, Ted. I’d say you do have a sense of humour. And what does he mean by ‘tow’ left feet?
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11.
Middle Man | November 8, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Thanks Lily!
I do try and, occasionally, I do have my moments……
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12.
Peter the Pedant | November 20, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I two (or possibly tow) have seen evidence of a sense of humour…. though admittedly scant
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13.
Middle Man | November 20, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Aw shucks, Pedant, I am moved 🙂
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14.
leakelley | February 10, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Maslow is fabulous!
Is he named after Abraham Maslow?
Does he have a pyramid?
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15.
Middle Man | February 11, 2009 at 9:26 am
Dear Leakelley,
Thanks for popping in. Why is it Maslow gets all of the “isn’t he cute” comments from the babes and not me? 😉
Maslow is indeed named after the Pyramid of Needs. This will explain how he came to us and how he got his name:
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16.
larycrews | February 11, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Whether you want them or not, expect some readers from America, as I have linked to your terrific site.
http://serendipitydoodah.wordpress.com/
Lary Crews
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17.
Middle Man | February 12, 2009 at 10:19 am
Well thank you Lary!
I have returned the compliment by providing a link to your site.
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18.
Anonymous | March 13, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Interesting reading….it’s been a while…..
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19.
Middle Man | March 13, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Dear Amsterdam-based Anonymous,
Declare yourself!
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20.
Little old me | March 18, 2009 at 10:26 am
very interesting site
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21.
Anonymous | April 9, 2009 at 12:32 pm
You’ll have to guess…………….
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22.
woodman3 | August 19, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Had to link to your site… I love your style of writing
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23.
Anonymous | August 20, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Aw shucks – I am really touched.
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24.
What's the weather like? | March 29, 2010 at 6:55 am
ah the BBC, those 2 in the morning which represent less than two intelligent school children. I mean, 2 school children or more, have the decency at not knowing how politics works, because they are too intelligent to get mixed up in the hands of any 2 presenters in the morning who are bias towards the finer unemployed in life.
School children, I was once one, a child. I loved it when I became an adult. Although those 2 presenters in the morning will not allow us to grow beyond our school like and youthful politics so denied by their morning show, that I am actually more better than any back hander of an MP. But a child i will proudly be.
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things that are horrible the BBC made them all. Except for which we are there for, as any fine folk of this world have realised, the women and the suits.
Except for her in the morning Sian. She too is a boutique of an old flower, a daisy, weathered by BBC weather forecast. She is well rained off with BBC politics. But we like the BBC political reporters at Westminster….and when they give Parliment an ear talking. I mean, when they start to go against the grain. We like it when the BBC start to speak against the grain of politics. It shows with grain, they too have a brain.
Or their politics just drives us in circles, around the River Insane.
Silly BBC, they will grow out of their diner suits and eat porridge like the rest of us and remember (here in the UK, we like UK news) even though we rarely hear of any. What’s all this about a war? I never seem to watch enough BBC to find out. Back to morning breakfast and channel 3 and that blonde I’ve had my eyes on.
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25.
Anonymous | July 28, 2010 at 11:53 am
What the xxxx was that about?
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26.
Middle Man | July 28, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Just another justified tirade about the banality of Bill Turnbill/BBC Breakfast News
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27.
Anonymous | May 19, 2010 at 2:12 pm
You’ve gone very quiet…..
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28.
Middle Man | May 19, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Thanks Anon, you shamed me into action…….
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29.
Weir | September 30, 2010 at 6:39 am
This is a bit odd, but does the name William Bol Beis mean anything to you, middle man?
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30.
Middle Man | September 30, 2010 at 6:57 am
I am afraid it does not. Should it?
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31.
Anonymous | March 25, 2012 at 9:51 am
Not read your blog for at least a year, but it’s great to remind me why I am not in the UK lol
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32.
Anonymous | June 6, 2012 at 10:20 pm
I agree with you about Damien Hurst. He must be laughing all the way to the bank
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33.
Ellie | November 13, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Hi Middleman,
I work for a TV production company called Boundless Productions. I was wondering if we could have a quick chat about a new project that I’m working on this week?
It would be great if yoy could email me on ellie.winstanley@boundlessproductions.tv
Kind Regards,
Ellie
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34.
bookvolunteer | December 28, 2012 at 11:39 pm
I’m nominating you for an award in my 6pm post tomorrow. Great blog!
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35.
Middle Man | January 2, 2013 at 9:00 am
Why thank you! What was the award and how did I get on?
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36.
bookvolunteer | January 2, 2013 at 11:39 am
Apologies, if this is the third reply you receive from me. Since Christmas I’ve been converting from Windows to an AppleMac and occasionally it still puzzles and surprises. The award is the Versatile Blogger Award. I inherited the peculiar terminology from generations who probably didn’t want to award an award. It was in my gift and I have given it to you. For more info see my post -http://oxfamwilmslow.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/versatile-blogger-award/
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37.
groundsservices | March 19, 2013 at 3:46 pm
I had a chance to read some of your post and just wanted to stop by and tell you that I really like your style of writing.
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38.
littlemissnerdybookworm | April 30, 2013 at 7:34 pm
http://littlemissnerdybookworm.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/3-the-beautiful-blogger-award-3/ 🙂
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39.
Dave woods | January 19, 2016 at 5:10 pm
Oh my whata tale of woe, first, bmw, audi, volvo, are all supposed to do with being middleaged, obese, and retiring, its got nothing to do with being intelligent, second, i wouldnt watch too much tv if i were you, dont you know all programmes and films are repeated, who in their right mind would want to watch it, and childrens progs, are you having a mental breakdown as watching them, is supposed to lead to one, oh for being young again, whata drag. Thirdly, i like your style of writing middleman, isnt it great to have support, although il say this, do you need script writers etc, running the show, we all end up having it being repeated, isnt that awful, i can imagine the bbc, or itv, being run by a bunch of stupid dicks, and not by a middleman trying to be different, obviously that man who said something about production management, you either work for them or you imagine vaneness in everything. Praps he wants me to watch repeat after repeat, mental, no thanks…
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40.
Tom O'Donnell | April 17, 2023 at 9:59 am
Fantastic read, I was HGS from 75 to 80 and can concur with everything you have said.I too loved Mrs M, and had thoughts about Frau W. Also can confirm the PE teacher’s were sadistic bastards particularly if they didn’t like you, Mr M and Mr R. Mr F the RE teacher could also be evil. Great read and bought back some great memories. Regards Tom O’Donnell.
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41.
Anonymous | April 17, 2023 at 10:27 am
Thanks for the feedback Tom. Hope all is good with you.
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