Friday, December 31, 2010
iPhone 12 Days of Christmas App
I received an email from O2, or Apple, or both, advising that between 26th December and 6th Jan, I would be entitled to a free download each day. I didn't have high hopes, as 'free' normally means 'of no interest', to my understanding of things.
However, I have dutifully downloaded everything on offer so far, and as a result I have the following:
a Kylie Minogue single (never to be played or mentioned again)
a Cheryl Cole single (to be played once, and then probably deleted)
a Father Ted Christmas special (probably the jewel in the crown, but the 12 days aren't up yet...)
a game - Fishing Kings (no idea why I downloaded this, it didn't work)
Life of Pi (through iBooks - this should be good).
So, all told, 2 out of 5 isn't bad. But why would I download Cheryl Cole or Kylie tracks, when I have absolutely no interest in those? It's just part of this 'eat all you can, consume all data' era we live in... I think a New Year's resolution should be that I be more choosy in what I download, and not just take it cos it's free. There are other resolutions too...
Ashes 2010/11
England retain the Ashes after thrashing the Australians at home. I don't really know how to explain it.
How can one team be all out for 98, and the other team then proceed to get 513? The simple answer would be that England are miles better than Australia at batting, and the Australian bowling attack was toothless. But I don't buy that.
When you consider Australia's line-up individually, they have world-class players; Ponting, Hussey, Johnson, and Siddle should be in any top ten. And Australia should have had the home advantage. So what happened?
I read something this morning which suggested Australia haven't been watching England play recently. If that's the case, then Australia were woefully under-prepared. And while I think you can compare the batting line-ups, where England prevailed was in the bowling dept. England knew where the Australian batting weaknesses were. A lot has been made of the fact that Ponting can be unseated early, if the bowling is on target, and I expect the England team had similar plans for the other batsmen.
Anyway, there's loads been written about it, so I'm off to read even more. Now all we need is England to win the last Test and I can collect on my wager...
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Ashes 2010/11 Brief Thought I
Just watched Nick Knight try to explain how Cook has done so well. I've been saying Cook should be dropped. But his earlier movement in response to the bowler has changed the whole shooting match. Well done to the selectors for continuing to include him in the team and not bow to pressure from twats like me. Apologies to Ali !
*Full disclosure - I have a bet on England to win this Ashes series outright, and I am not a professional cricketer, therefore any of my views should be treated as the diarrhetic outpourings of an eternal optimist.
TTFN.
*Full disclosure - I have a bet on England to win this Ashes series outright, and I am not a professional cricketer, therefore any of my views should be treated as the diarrhetic outpourings of an eternal optimist.
TTFN.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Ashes 2010/11 Post #1
Ah, the Ashes is back. Hurrah. Sky Sports reinstalled. Late nights and early mornings beckon, as the contest is taking place on the other side of the world, in Australia, where they do everything vice versa.
Imagine having your day during night-time, or summer during winter. Imagine celebrating Christmas D with a barbecue on the beach in glorious sunshine. Imagine having the water go around the plughole the wrong way as it drains away.
Okay - that last one not so mind-bending.
D'you know what, I can't stay up late and get up early and function normally any more. It's now almost the start of Day 3 of Test #2, and I'm seriously contemplating going to bed. I was 39 on Wednesday. And I've got the girls to look after all day tomorrow - although we are going to M&P's for Pa's birthday lunch.
Besides, England seem to do better when I'm not watching. And I've got a bet on England to win. So, I might leave them to it. But well done for keeping the English end up to this point! Betting on an England win has now shortened from 13-8 to 11-10. And if the bookies are changing their minds, England are on to a good thing.
TTFN.
Imagine having your day during night-time, or summer during winter. Imagine celebrating Christmas D with a barbecue on the beach in glorious sunshine. Imagine having the water go around the plughole the wrong way as it drains away.
Okay - that last one not so mind-bending.
D'you know what, I can't stay up late and get up early and function normally any more. It's now almost the start of Day 3 of Test #2, and I'm seriously contemplating going to bed. I was 39 on Wednesday. And I've got the girls to look after all day tomorrow - although we are going to M&P's for Pa's birthday lunch.
Besides, England seem to do better when I'm not watching. And I've got a bet on England to win. So, I might leave them to it. But well done for keeping the English end up to this point! Betting on an England win has now shortened from 13-8 to 11-10. And if the bookies are changing their minds, England are on to a good thing.
TTFN.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Who's The Birthday Boy?
That'll be me, then...!
39 today, for the first time. I may be 39 again next year, depending on how this year goes. I received some funny cards, and a Dr Who card as well, which was 'cool'.
I was given a beard-trimming kit, which was nice, some vouchers for Uncanny Comics and Next, as well as some old school CDs (Pixies and Run DMC). Had a big fried breakfast, incl. black pudding, sausage, bacon, tomato and egg. Then spent the rest of the day traipsing around Worthing. Lovely. Might go to the 7-11 for wine in a bit.
TTFN.
39 today, for the first time. I may be 39 again next year, depending on how this year goes. I received some funny cards, and a Dr Who card as well, which was 'cool'.
I was given a beard-trimming kit, which was nice, some vouchers for Uncanny Comics and Next, as well as some old school CDs (Pixies and Run DMC). Had a big fried breakfast, incl. black pudding, sausage, bacon, tomato and egg. Then spent the rest of the day traipsing around Worthing. Lovely. Might go to the 7-11 for wine in a bit.
TTFN.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Winning The Lottery
What would you do if you won the Lottery?
That's a question TW often asks, and it's probably one of her family'sfavourite topics of conversation. She'd probably be a very good Lotto winner, spending lavishly but sensibly, not frittering it away.
We could always do with more cash - it would be nice not to worry about how much is left in the bank from the 5th of the month onwards - but it seems to me we're in a constant state of anticipation, waiting for The Next Big Thing.
I'm probably more guilty of this than most; I'm an unashamed neophile. I love The New. At work we are moving from Lotus Notes to Outlook, and I can't wait. A New Toy to play with! What amazing new opportunities will it provide? I'm also applying for a six month secondment as a Project Manager - that'll be another New Thing, if I'm successful. I'll be working in a New team, with New people, on New issues. How delightful! And then, after six months, I can take my Newly-learnt skills back to my old role and look at it anew - I'm trembling with anticipation!
TTFN.
That's a question TW often asks, and it's probably one of her family'sfavourite topics of conversation. She'd probably be a very good Lotto winner, spending lavishly but sensibly, not frittering it away.
We could always do with more cash - it would be nice not to worry about how much is left in the bank from the 5th of the month onwards - but it seems to me we're in a constant state of anticipation, waiting for The Next Big Thing.
I'm probably more guilty of this than most; I'm an unashamed neophile. I love The New. At work we are moving from Lotus Notes to Outlook, and I can't wait. A New Toy to play with! What amazing new opportunities will it provide? I'm also applying for a six month secondment as a Project Manager - that'll be another New Thing, if I'm successful. I'll be working in a New team, with New people, on New issues. How delightful! And then, after six months, I can take my Newly-learnt skills back to my old role and look at it anew - I'm trembling with anticipation!
TTFN.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Brainbloodvolume
So, I bought Ned's Atomic Dustbin's third album from Amazon Marketplace, for close to £2.50, including P+P.
It's very noisy.
I've not listened to the whole thing yet, but maybe this was a purchase too far for me...
TTFN.
It's very noisy.
I've not listened to the whole thing yet, but maybe this was a purchase too far for me...
TTFN.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Mudhoney
You probably know by now, I managed to check out Mudhoney at Concorde II in Brighton, on Tues 5th October 2010. When I checked the Concorde website and saw tickets were still available, I knew I had to go.
They rocked.
Seriously, from the first strum of the guitars, from the first beat of the drums, they were on the money. They tapped in to a visceral, raw groove which got my attention. They had a take on rock n' roll which pulled me in, even though they were playing tunes I don't think I'd heard before. Of course I recognised "Touch Me I'm Sick", and I identified "Sweet Young Thing (Ain't Sweet No More)" as the lyrics were pretty clear. The rest was a joyous rock noise which I loved.
I probably had one or two beers too many, and the McDonalds meal probably didn't help, but I was feeling a bit dicky by the end. I was glad to get home. Maybe I'm getting too old for this...
I can still track down some Mudhoney back-catalogue, though, and enjoy it in the comfortable surroundings of the dining room, or more likely my Sennheisers on the way to work (!).
TTFN.
They rocked.
Seriously, from the first strum of the guitars, from the first beat of the drums, they were on the money. They tapped in to a visceral, raw groove which got my attention. They had a take on rock n' roll which pulled me in, even though they were playing tunes I don't think I'd heard before. Of course I recognised "Touch Me I'm Sick", and I identified "Sweet Young Thing (Ain't Sweet No More)" as the lyrics were pretty clear. The rest was a joyous rock noise which I loved.
I probably had one or two beers too many, and the McDonalds meal probably didn't help, but I was feeling a bit dicky by the end. I was glad to get home. Maybe I'm getting too old for this...
I can still track down some Mudhoney back-catalogue, though, and enjoy it in the comfortable surroundings of the dining room, or more likely my Sennheisers on the way to work (!).
TTFN.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Loss of Child Benefit
Its not such a big deal, in my view. True, it doesn't impact me - I'd have to earn a bit more than I do now - but I support TW and three children on my wage. TW has a couple of pounds coming in from her Phoenix and Micro-Scooter sales, but it's not enough to worry the taxman.
If I earned enough to pay the higher rate of income tax, we'd be rock steady. Currently we rely on the child benefit, but that's because I spend a lot on booze and TW spends a lot on food. We could trim our sails if required (and I am trying to do that...!). It'd be nice to be in the position a lot of my friends find themselves:
"Child benefit? We bank it for his future", so it's not used for its intended purpose.
One point made on the radio last night was that if a household had a higher tax rate payer and a stay-at-home Mum, they would be impacted, but the next-door DITKYs (Double Income Two Kids) both paying lower rate tax would be unaffected.
The interviewee responded that maybe the DITKYs should, as a unit, be paying some higher rate tax on their income. At the moment tax is an individual affair, and so the marker was set as it was. There will be winners and losers at the margin, as there always is with tax changes.
So let's not make it a universal benefit, let's target it at those who need it most - which is still me, for the time being. Phew!
TTFN.
If I earned enough to pay the higher rate of income tax, we'd be rock steady. Currently we rely on the child benefit, but that's because I spend a lot on booze and TW spends a lot on food. We could trim our sails if required (and I am trying to do that...!). It'd be nice to be in the position a lot of my friends find themselves:
"Child benefit? We bank it for his future", so it's not used for its intended purpose.
One point made on the radio last night was that if a household had a higher tax rate payer and a stay-at-home Mum, they would be impacted, but the next-door DITKYs (Double Income Two Kids) both paying lower rate tax would be unaffected.
The interviewee responded that maybe the DITKYs should, as a unit, be paying some higher rate tax on their income. At the moment tax is an individual affair, and so the marker was set as it was. There will be winners and losers at the margin, as there always is with tax changes.
So let's not make it a universal benefit, let's target it at those who need it most - which is still me, for the time being. Phew!
TTFN.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
So, then: Ed Miliband - eh?
What a bizarre choice. I'm not sure what else to say.
Surely, when choosing a political leader and a potential national premier, you want someone who's not likely to get carded buying Hooch or Thunderbird at Sainsburys? Of course, he'd get his older brother to buy it, but that's beside the point.
As a floating voter (I'd still class myself thus), Ed Miliband is not going to attract me to the Labour Party as the solution to all our ills.
I watched him on the Andrew Marr show this morning and he came across at times like a VIth Form debating contestant - petulant, querulous, unsure. I may be reflecting back incorrectly, and I realise that AM's questioning - "What would *YOU* do?" was a bit unfair after only 24hrs in post. However, since he put Labour's policies together, he should have an idea. It's not like he doesn't know what was left in the kitty.
So it could be oblivion for Labour. We'll see. TTFN.
Surely, when choosing a political leader and a potential national premier, you want someone who's not likely to get carded buying Hooch or Thunderbird at Sainsburys? Of course, he'd get his older brother to buy it, but that's beside the point.
As a floating voter (I'd still class myself thus), Ed Miliband is not going to attract me to the Labour Party as the solution to all our ills.
I watched him on the Andrew Marr show this morning and he came across at times like a VIth Form debating contestant - petulant, querulous, unsure. I may be reflecting back incorrectly, and I realise that AM's questioning - "What would *YOU* do?" was a bit unfair after only 24hrs in post. However, since he put Labour's policies together, he should have an idea. It's not like he doesn't know what was left in the kitty.
So it could be oblivion for Labour. We'll see. TTFN.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Bye Bye Sky Sports
Just cancelled Sky Sports, and they made no attempt to keep me - no half-price offers, no free three months, what's going on? Maybe they're all hungover...?
TTFN.
TTFN.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Aah, the Weekend...
So, here we are then. TW still in bed, me in my PJs downstairs with the girls, watching Tiny Pop. We were watching Grease but the disc is cocked and keeps skipping - a trip to Amazon for a replacement might be in order. £3 with free postage? Bargainous.
I know what'll happen - TW will wake up, burst into life and dictate the pace of the day. We're off to a christening, or a 'naming ceremony' later today. That might be fun - I shall drive and so not drink. Probably for the best...
Looking forward to bacon sandwiches though - it's getting to be a Sunday tradition. Nice.
TTFN.
I know what'll happen - TW will wake up, burst into life and dictate the pace of the day. We're off to a christening, or a 'naming ceremony' later today. That might be fun - I shall drive and so not drink. Probably for the best...
Looking forward to bacon sandwiches though - it's getting to be a Sunday tradition. Nice.
TTFN.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Camping It Up
So, this was our week, our annual camping expedition to Dorset.
Unfortunately, it rained. It rained a lot. We arrived in the rain on Sunday, and got the tent up in a break.
Sunday night we spent mostly awake, checking the tent's integrity and listening to the torrential downpour.
On Monday we took the steam train from Norden to Swanage, and the kids played on the beach in the sun. We had fish and chips, and then ran for the train to get back to the campsite. Lion was asleep before the end of the train ride.
Tuesday was spent in Weymouth, on the beach again, the kids loved it. TW went swimming in the sea with Tiger.
Wednesday we decided to come home. It was raining and the rain was set in. So we left a day early. That was a bit of a shame.
It was a good break. We went with friends, and they enjoyed it. We'll try again next year...
TTFN.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Unfortunately, it rained. It rained a lot. We arrived in the rain on Sunday, and got the tent up in a break.
Sunday night we spent mostly awake, checking the tent's integrity and listening to the torrential downpour.
On Monday we took the steam train from Norden to Swanage, and the kids played on the beach in the sun. We had fish and chips, and then ran for the train to get back to the campsite. Lion was asleep before the end of the train ride.
Tuesday was spent in Weymouth, on the beach again, the kids loved it. TW went swimming in the sea with Tiger.
Wednesday we decided to come home. It was raining and the rain was set in. So we left a day early. That was a bit of a shame.
It was a good break. We went with friends, and they enjoyed it. We'll try again next year...
TTFN.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Daredevil: Shadowland
Gotta say, am loving the new Daredevil arc. There's a bunch of titles included, and most of them are great. Moon Knight is a bit odd, but I shall re-read it.
I'm planning to stock up on back-issues, I hope that doesn't prove too expensive...
TTFN.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Windy Worthing Seafront
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Worst Day in Parenting Evah
So, am embarrassed to say, I had my worst day in five years as a parent yesterday.
TW and The Girls had returned from a week's camping on Friday evening, so yesterday morning was given over to sorting and tidying. In my view, the house was in a fairly presentable state before they got home, and they arrived like a tornado, turning the house upside down within seconds.
So on Saturday, we organised. We tried to involve Tiger and Lion, asking them to put stuff in certain places. They either studiously ignored us, or resolutely responded 'NO'.
'Darling, can you take this sleeping bag upstairs and put it in our room, please?'
'NO.'
And so the day was set for niggles.
Then we went to a certain supermarket that rhymes with 'Nesco', where they cried, complained of being hungry, or thirsty, or tired, or not tired, or needing a wee. I had to take Lion out of the store and sit with her in the car for twenty minutes or so while she cried. It was a really exhausting, nerve-jangling outing, and I intend never to go to Durrington's Tesco store ever again.
But we survived, and got home and had lunch. Then the girls went out to play, which basically meant they stood in front of a neighbour's house, shouting 'J!', hoping to be invited in. J wasn't there, so basically they were looking like stalkers. We called them in several times and told them not to do that, but they persisted so I called them in and told them that was it.
So they then played upstairs, and this was when I lost my rag completely.
I went up to see what they were up to, and they had emptied a toiletries basket. Not such a big deal, I asked them to put all the stuff away and returned downstairs.
I went back upstairs a few minutes later to check they had tidied up, and found them smeared in Sudocrem. Tiger's hands were covered, and Lion's legs. It was all over their clothes and the carpet.
I saw red.
I raged at them, picked Lion up and threw her in to the bathroom, almost literally, and started hosing them down. Thankfully TW, who had been asleep, came up and sent me downstairs.
Away from the girls, I was sweating, my heart was racing, the adrenaline was up, I was in a bad way. I guess the day of needling and sniping and frustration all came together in that one situation.
I was disappointed - I expected them to know better, I guess. Certainly Tiger, who was five this Summer, who tried to blame it all on Lion. I could have quite happily put them all up for adoption yesterday.
Still, today's a new day, so let's hope for an improvement.
TTFN.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Consumerism
I'm struck by the fact that life seems to be one long consuming experience.
I've been consuming a lot of alcohol and a lot of information off the Internet this week, and I don't feel my life is any the better for it.
That's a bit of a sobering thought (no pun intended).
I am glad The Girls are back, though. They fill my life, even if they do turn the house into a complete cesspit.
TTFN.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
I've been consuming a lot of alcohol and a lot of information off the Internet this week, and I don't feel my life is any the better for it.
That's a bit of a sobering thought (no pun intended).
I am glad The Girls are back, though. They fill my life, even if they do turn the house into a complete cesspit.
TTFN.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
A Fine Harvest
Friday, July 16, 2010
10 Reasons to Stop Apologizing for Your Online Life - The Conversation - Harvard Business Review
#thankyoujesus for irl and online friends. Couldn't live w/o either.
Laptop down. It's IRL Face Time!
it was so cool meeting you irl! :)
IRL: In Real Life. It's used as shorthand all over the Internet, to distinguish what happens online from what happens offline.And it's a lie.
If we still refer to the offline world as "real life," it's only a sign of deep denial — or unwarranted shame — about what reality looks like in the 21st century.
The Internet's impact on our daily lives, experiences and relationships is real. Our world is deeply affected by networks. From the moment you wake up to news that was gathered online to the minute you fall asleep listening to a podcast, the Internet shapes how you experience the world around you. From the lunch date you make with your BFF ("r u free 4 lunch 2day?") to the colleagues your company recruited online, the Internet shapes who you interact with. And from the boss who fills you in on a Twitter rumor to the kid who fills you in on her Facebook activities, the Internet shapes how you interact with them.
And yet many of us feel like we don't have a lot of choices about the role of the Internet in our lives. We spend more and more time online, but feel less and less connected. We resent our Blackberries but feel terrified if we end up somewhere with no cell phone coverage. We may have occasional moments of delight when we find an online video of Shiba Inu puppies (awww......) but they're overshadowed by the relentlessness and vacuity of an online world in which teens can be literally bullied to death.
Still, the fact that life online can occasionally surprise and delight us points us towards the truth: it's not the Internet itself that leads to pathologies like cyber-bullying, spam and identity theft. Rather it's our decision — individually and collectively — to separate the Internet from the context, norms and experience that guide human behavior. It's our decision to engage in online interaction as if it were fundamentally different from offline conversation. It's our decision to label the Internet as something — anything! — other than real life.
There's no denying the differences between life online and off. In our online lives we shake off the limitations of our physical selves, perhaps even our names and consciences, too. What remains are the fundamentals: human beings, human conversations, human communities. To say that "reality" includes only offline beings, offline conversations and offline communities is to say that face-to-face matters more than human-to-human.
It's time to start living in 21st century reality: a reality that is both on- and offline. Acknowledge online life as real, and the Internet's transformative potential opens up:
1. When you commit to being your real self online, you discover parts of yourself you never dared to share offline.
2. When you visualize the real person you're about to e-mail or tweet, you bring human qualities of attention and empathy to your online communications.
3. When you take the idea of online presence literally, you can experience your online disembodiment as a journey into your mind rather than out of your body.
4. When you treat your Facebook connections as real friends instead of "friends", you stop worrying about how many you have and focus on how well you treat them.
5. When you take your Flickr photos, YouTube videos and blog posts seriously as real art, you reclaim creative expression as your birthright.
6. When you focus on creating real meaning with your time online, your online footprint makes a deeper impression.
7. When you treat your online attention as a real resource, you invest your attention in the sites that reflect your values, helping those sites grow.
8. When you spend your online time on what really matters to you, you experience your time online as an authentic reflection of your values.
9. When you embrace online conversations as real, you imbue them with the power to change how you and others think and feel.
10. When you talk honestly about the real joys and frustrations of the Internet, you can stop apologizing for your life online.
If this sounds like the kind of reality you want to live in, I've got great news: you can move in today. All it takes is the decision to treat your online existence seriously, honestly and attentively, and you will find that the Internet is RLT: Real Life Too.
Alexandra Samuel provides insight and resources for working with social media on her blog at alexandrasamuel.com and on Twitter as awsamuel. She is the Director of the Social Interactive Media Centre at Emily Carr University, and the co-founder of Social Signal, a Vancouver-based social media agency.
via blogs.hbr.org
Food for thought...
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Good Weekend
So, heading back to work on a grey & dull Monday a.m. But we had a good weekend.
I left a bit early on Friday, about 15:45, and TW picked me up at Worthing. We drove around aimlessly for a bit, and got home about 17:00. I went to meet M & P to see what needed watering on the allotment. Bought some wine on the way home, and that was Friday.
On Saturday we went to Lindfield school fair, so that TW could sell her wares, and so that we could see A & A and their brood. 'Twas a lovely day, TW did okay, and we came home at about three-ish. She wanted to go for a dip in the sea, so called I & H. H was up for it, so I stayed with I and our combined brood and played in the paddling pool.
Can I just say that, on probably the hottest & sunniest day of the year, none of the kids got sunburn? I'm quite pleased about that.
Then we drank loads and had a BBQ at I & H's. We walked home and drank some more.
I had a lie-in on Sunday morning, but was still hungover. We watched a bit of Cricket Writers on TV (thank you Sky!) and then picked up the car. After lunch we went swimming, where [the youngest] loved it. First off, she couldn't hold on tightly enough, but once she was used to it, she was squirming out of our arms, trying to get into the water by herself !
I watered the allotment and then TW had a massage. By the time she got home I was nearly asleep, so that was bedtime.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
I left a bit early on Friday, about 15:45, and TW picked me up at Worthing. We drove around aimlessly for a bit, and got home about 17:00. I went to meet M & P to see what needed watering on the allotment. Bought some wine on the way home, and that was Friday.
On Saturday we went to Lindfield school fair, so that TW could sell her wares, and so that we could see A & A and their brood. 'Twas a lovely day, TW did okay, and we came home at about three-ish. She wanted to go for a dip in the sea, so called I & H. H was up for it, so I stayed with I and our combined brood and played in the paddling pool.
Can I just say that, on probably the hottest & sunniest day of the year, none of the kids got sunburn? I'm quite pleased about that.
Then we drank loads and had a BBQ at I & H's. We walked home and drank some more.
I had a lie-in on Sunday morning, but was still hungover. We watched a bit of Cricket Writers on TV (thank you Sky!) and then picked up the car. After lunch we went swimming, where [the youngest] loved it. First off, she couldn't hold on tightly enough, but once she was used to it, she was squirming out of our arms, trying to get into the water by herself !
I watered the allotment and then TW had a massage. By the time she got home I was nearly asleep, so that was bedtime.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Universal Free School Meals
Just listening to TiP, and thinking that universal free school meal entitlement is a lovely idea, but not really something that should be instituted in the real world.
Labour MPs on Wednesday were using the cancellation of the program as a stick with which to beat the Tories. If the scheme was implemented in full, how would they justify giving free school meals to the children of investment bankers and GPs at a time when the public deficit is ~£150bn?
Labour's approach seems to me to be taking on the role of provider of everything, in return for taking everything, and that way lies communism.
The way they refer to 'money being taken out of the economy' when public spending programs are cut indicates they believe the road to prosperity lies in taking and spending our money. I believe the private sector is where wealth and new money is generated. If all we had was the public sector, sooner or later the money would dry up.
So, those who can afford school meals, or prepare packed lunches for their offspring, should. No school meals are being taken away from the less well-off, the fact is that the scheme isn't being extended. And that means the funds which would have been used there can be used more effectively elsewhere.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Labour MPs on Wednesday were using the cancellation of the program as a stick with which to beat the Tories. If the scheme was implemented in full, how would they justify giving free school meals to the children of investment bankers and GPs at a time when the public deficit is ~£150bn?
Labour's approach seems to me to be taking on the role of provider of everything, in return for taking everything, and that way lies communism.
The way they refer to 'money being taken out of the economy' when public spending programs are cut indicates they believe the road to prosperity lies in taking and spending our money. I believe the private sector is where wealth and new money is generated. If all we had was the public sector, sooner or later the money would dry up.
So, those who can afford school meals, or prepare packed lunches for their offspring, should. No school meals are being taken away from the less well-off, the fact is that the scheme isn't being extended. And that means the funds which would have been used there can be used more effectively elsewhere.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Don't Do It Kids - the perils of excess
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Three Men in a Boat...
Posted via web from Rob Thorley's Posterous Site
This picture was taken during the day while we were treating the girls to a day out. Then, after pizza last night, they became the most unmanageable trolls ever. Shame to end such a nice day with pointless tantrums.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Recent Events
You might have noticed there's been an election recently (in the UK). It was a good opportunity to blog, which I missed. Thoughts are:
- It's a shame the Lib Dems didn't realise their potential (again)
- People wanted to vote against Labour, but they don't want to vote Tory.
The visceral reaction against the Lib-Con coalition is unnecessary.
Both sides want power. Both sides have priorities. In order to come to an agreement, you have to negotiate. That'll mean that both parties (Con & Lib Dem) have to trade their priorities.
In my view, the current anti-govt. feeling is completely media-driven. Anyone with any political savvy knows that these guys (and they are mostly guys) retire to the bar and congratulate each other on a battle well fought after a day's hard debating on the green chairs.
I believe the current coalition has a >50% chance of enduring.
I don't believe that's contraversial, that's just pragmatic.
In my view, I believe the LibDems have a good chance of curbing the Tories' capitalistic tendencies, and they have a chance to 'prettify' the Tory policy. Dave might be 'wetter' than the right wing ever thought...
Wouldn't that be a thing?
TTFN.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
ECB warns free-to-air TV ruling threatens Test grounds and counties | Sport | The Observer
ECB warns free-to-air TV ruling threatens Test grounds and counties | Sport | The Observer
But if people can't watch it for free, people will no longer be interested in cricket as a national sport. How much is that worth?
Ten and eleven year-olds won't be clamouring to play it, dads won't be pressured into taking their kids to local grounds, there won't be any fresh talent. How soon until that adds up to £137m?
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Bob Crow
Is it just me, or was his reaction to losing in court today completely inappropriate?
Talking about fights and losing the first round, and there being 15, etc., etc.?
It seems to me he is more than keen to have a strike.
But really, who benefits from a strike? If you want a couple of days off, book holiday.
Tch.
TTFN.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
MPs Above The Law?
So I see the three MPs & one peer are claiming parliamentary privilege? Isn't that what got them into trouble in the first place?
Sunday, March 07, 2010
To BBC or not to BBC?
So, David Mitchell today in the Observer wrote about the BBC and how great it is.
I agree, I think the BBC is worth the licence fee, and I found it quite amusing to read the 350+ comments below the article.
I am disappointed that they are planning to cut 6music, as I was looking forward to that as a treat when analogue is switched off.
If we, as a nation, want quality broadcasting, we'll have to pay for it. Those who accuse the BBC of left-leaning liberal bias are a frightening bunch, but luckily they have their own ghetto in which to lurk (I'm referring to the Biased BBC forum - pop over and have a look, if you fancy a good scare). They watch the BBC, they just don't want to pay for it, and they don't see the need to have any Labour or LibDem representation on BBCQT.
I do think the BBC could cut down a bit - maybe their publishing arm could be trimmed. Who needs CBeebies or Gardeners World magazine?
Having said that, I am gutted that they've pulled the Celebdaq site. I played that daily. Oh well.
If the Tories do get in, and decide to do something, I hope they ask us. And I hope the BBC Trust decides not to can 6music. Who else provides a service like that?
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
I agree, I think the BBC is worth the licence fee, and I found it quite amusing to read the 350+ comments below the article.
I am disappointed that they are planning to cut 6music, as I was looking forward to that as a treat when analogue is switched off.
If we, as a nation, want quality broadcasting, we'll have to pay for it. Those who accuse the BBC of left-leaning liberal bias are a frightening bunch, but luckily they have their own ghetto in which to lurk (I'm referring to the Biased BBC forum - pop over and have a look, if you fancy a good scare). They watch the BBC, they just don't want to pay for it, and they don't see the need to have any Labour or LibDem representation on BBCQT.
I do think the BBC could cut down a bit - maybe their publishing arm could be trimmed. Who needs CBeebies or Gardeners World magazine?
Having said that, I am gutted that they've pulled the Celebdaq site. I played that daily. Oh well.
If the Tories do get in, and decide to do something, I hope they ask us. And I hope the BBC Trust decides not to can 6music. Who else provides a service like that?
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
England Win Second ODI Shocker [Cricket]
So, thanks to bad luck and an upset stomach, I was home yesterday to watch the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh.
It was a pretty dreary affair, Bangla batted first and scored 260, which was a fair score. I missed that innings as I was asleep, catching up on the sleep I missed Monday night, due to spending most of my time on the loo rather than asleep!
So, I joined the action with England in bat. Kieswetter was out second ball a he nicked one to first slip. He'd done the same with the first delivery, they just weren't expecting it. Cook set off steadily and scored 60. Pietersen was out for 18, and Sky made a big fuss about how it was a slow left-arm spinner - again! Colly, who should have steadied the ship, was out for 7, and then Eoin Morgan and Prior were on. They went slowly and matched Bangla's run-rate (5.2), but Prior put on 42 before losing his wicket. Bresnan and Swann fell quickly and the RRR was climbing, and then it got good. Morgan let loose in the last four overs to win the game with a couple of deliveries and two wickets to spare. An excellent innings of 110 not out saved England.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
It was a pretty dreary affair, Bangla batted first and scored 260, which was a fair score. I missed that innings as I was asleep, catching up on the sleep I missed Monday night, due to spending most of my time on the loo rather than asleep!
So, I joined the action with England in bat. Kieswetter was out second ball a he nicked one to first slip. He'd done the same with the first delivery, they just weren't expecting it. Cook set off steadily and scored 60. Pietersen was out for 18, and Sky made a big fuss about how it was a slow left-arm spinner - again! Colly, who should have steadied the ship, was out for 7, and then Eoin Morgan and Prior were on. They went slowly and matched Bangla's run-rate (5.2), but Prior put on 42 before losing his wicket. Bresnan and Swann fell quickly and the RRR was climbing, and then it got good. Morgan let loose in the last four overs to win the game with a couple of deliveries and two wickets to spare. An excellent innings of 110 not out saved England.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Miliband the Hair-Splitter
This clip starts at exactly the right point. Miliband allows that Binyam Mohamed was subject to inhumane treatment, but doesn't accept inhumane treatment = torture. Apparently a court is investigating whether Mohamed suffered torture. If he suffered intentional repeated inhumane treatment over two years, what specifically would make that torture, in a way that Miliband would agree?
Coming on top of the 'Campbell on Marr fiasco', things are beginning to smell funny...
TTFN
Alastair Campbell cries (nearly)
I watched this last week and couldn't believe my eyes. I thought it was a mickey-take. This is the guy, after all, who dug a pin into his palm during the Hutton enquiry because he was so angry at being questioned. And now we're supposed to believe he's 'overwhelmed' after six years of stonewalling journos, manipulating news and dictating Labour policy?
That's a bit much to take. Maybe he saw it work for Peter Andre on Sky News and thought he'd try it? I don't know, but it's one of the more bizarre things I've seen recently...
TTFN.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
The Church
The Church should just shut up. If they decide they don't want to treat people with equality, they should just zip it and carry on as they always have.
I always thought the Church was based on principles of inclusiveness. Mary Magdelene was a prostitute, wasn't she? And the Apostles were all farmers and fishermen. Didn't Jesus preach love for one's fellow man. And now the established Church is pleading with lawmakers not to have 'the gays' forced on them.
I know things change as you go on, but that's a terrible volte-face.
Perhaps next they can make a case for bringing back witch-hunting and the Inquisition?
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
I always thought the Church was based on principles of inclusiveness. Mary Magdelene was a prostitute, wasn't she? And the Apostles were all farmers and fishermen. Didn't Jesus preach love for one's fellow man. And now the established Church is pleading with lawmakers not to have 'the gays' forced on them.
I know things change as you go on, but that's a terrible volte-face.
Perhaps next they can make a case for bringing back witch-hunting and the Inquisition?
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
National TV Awards
What a travesty that was. I wasn't concentrating on the show 100%, which was probably for the best.
There were several things hideous about it, and I shall enumerate them here:
1. The venue. It was the O2 arena, if I'm not mistaken. It was too large, and bizarre.
2. The presenter. Dermot O'Leary, as much as I like him, couldn't pull it off. He needed to be 'bigger'.
3. The guests. Jedward. With Vanilla Ice. Normally that would be 'nuff said. But I feel I have to add that I have watched some of Vanilla Ice's recent performances on YouTube, and when he does that song, I get goosebumps. I would go and see Vanilla Ice to hear him perform that song. But now he's compromised himself (even more than he has already, you might say) and my nostalgic regard for The Iceman has turned to ambivalence.
4. The acceptance speeches. With the exception, of course, of Stephen Fry. That bloke off Corrie was excruciating, and D. Tennant was poor.
I played Wolfenstein instead.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
There were several things hideous about it, and I shall enumerate them here:
1. The venue. It was the O2 arena, if I'm not mistaken. It was too large, and bizarre.
2. The presenter. Dermot O'Leary, as much as I like him, couldn't pull it off. He needed to be 'bigger'.
3. The guests. Jedward. With Vanilla Ice. Normally that would be 'nuff said. But I feel I have to add that I have watched some of Vanilla Ice's recent performances on YouTube, and when he does that song, I get goosebumps. I would go and see Vanilla Ice to hear him perform that song. But now he's compromised himself (even more than he has already, you might say) and my nostalgic regard for The Iceman has turned to ambivalence.
4. The acceptance speeches. With the exception, of course, of Stephen Fry. That bloke off Corrie was excruciating, and D. Tennant was poor.
I played Wolfenstein instead.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bill McLaren, a fixture of our national sporting life, passes away aged 86 | Sport | guardian.co.uk
Bill McLaren, a fixture of our national sporting life, passes away aged 86
Sad news. The Six Nations was never the same once he stopped commentating. The man had such a voice, it was like going back to a familiar pub year after year. RIP.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Another Test Series Ends (S.A. vs. ENG)
So, that was another nail-biting series. Drew 1-1 with South Africa, the test side ranked #2 in the world. It was a bit unconvincing - when South Africa won, they whupped our ass. When we won, it was by the skin of our teeth.
Still, we held our own - for the most part - and frustrated Graeme Smith and his cohorts. Not bad for a team ranked #5 and playing more games than anyone else. I'm not surprised Strauss is being rested for Bangladesh.
Still, Cook as captain? I'm not sure that's a good idea, but I don't know the guy. He strikes me as very young, but he's been V-C for a year, so must have the support of the team... Glad to see Carberry is getting a look-in. I hope he acquits himself well, I have high hopes.
I think we have all the elements we need for a world-class team, we just need the pieces to click into place. With Strauss, Colly and KP as batsmen, supported by Prior, Swann & Broad, we should be scoring 400+ in every innings. And with Jimmy, Swann and Broad in attack, we should be taking wickets much more cheaply than we are doing. I'm sure we'll have some good games during the summer, and I'm off for a rest until then (I wish)...
Saturday, January 09, 2010
ENG vs. SA Revisited
So, who can we blame for England’s close shave at Newlands? | The Nurdler
Excellent piece from The Nurdler, advising that we can expect more of the same if we are to be world-beaters. I'm off to buy some spare pants...
Friday, January 08, 2010
The Great Escape, Part III
England save yet another thriller | South Africa v England, 3rd Test, Cape Town, 5th day Report | Cricket News | Cricinfo.com
So, England managed to do it again. They batted all day to draw the match, in the same way they did in Cardiff vs AUS and at Centurion vs. SA. in the first match of the series.
England are showing an admirable stickability at the crease, and a refusal to lose. I am pleased that we have now beaten AUS in the Ashes and at worst we are going to draw this series in SA. What we need to do, in my opinion, is turn that refusal to accept defeat into a hunger for victory. Our bowling attack was the best in 2009, with Swann at 2, Broad at 3 and Anderson at 5.
I am firmly of the opinion that we can be top of the tables, with little change. We need our openers to do a better job, play as if they like it, and be confident that the middle order can hold things up if wickets fall quickly.
Pietersen needs to temper his approach and get into a groove where he's regularly getting 40s and 50s. Cook and Bell, although they both play well, need to turn that class into runs more frequently. Although Cook is quietly coming on - I read that he and Strauss have the third highest opening partnership aggregate scores.
So the parts are all there, they just need to click into place. I would like us to have been tested against India this year, but tests against Bangladesh and Pakistan should keep our eye in...
TTFN.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Snow in Worthing
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Unthinkable? England become the world's best cricketers
I've been thinking that with a run of luck and self-belief, England are on the way to a massive improvement. I don't think it'll be showy, and I don't think it'll be an even run. I think we'll probably suffer massive defeats and set backs, but we could get to mid-2011 and suddenly realise we're within touching distance of being (officially) the best team in the world. We'll look back and think 'how did we get here?', and we'll point to the South Africa ODI victories and the test victories as where we really started to gain momentum. Holding our own against the Aussies in the Ashes (ranked 3rd) and South Africa (ranked 2nd) is a pretty good platform for world domination.
Or could I be reading too much into a few fortunate results? ;-D
Friday, January 01, 2010
Graeme Swann No3 and Stuart Broad No7 in ICC world rankings
Graeme Swann has plenty to smile about. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad have climbed to their highest ever positions in the ICC player rankings after helping England to beat South Africa by an innings and 98 runs in the second Test in Durban.
The off-spinner Swann took five for 54, including the wicket of Dale Steyn that secured victory at Kingsmead, and is third in the Test rankings behind Steyn and Australia's Mitchell Johnson.
Broad, the hero of the Ashes-clinching victory over Australia at The Oval in the summer, took four for 43 and is ranked seventh. Swann has taken 14 wickets in the current series, Broad nine.
There are no Englishmen in the top 10 of the batting rankings – Kevin Pietersen is 12th.
Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship bowling rankings
1 Dale Steyn (South Africa) 823pts
2 Mitchell Johnson (Australia) 809
3 Graeme Swann (England) 756
4 Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) 752
5 Mohammad Asif (Pakistan) 720
6 Harbhajan Singh (India) 712
7 Stuart Broad (England) 697
8 Makhaya Ntini (South Africa) 685
9 Stuart Clark (Australia) 682
10 Shane Bond (New Zealand) 676
Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship batting rankings
1 Gautam Gambhir (India) 877pts
2 Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 836
3 Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) 835
4 Virender Sehwag (India) 804
5 Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) 793
6 Michael Clarke (Australia) 7827
7 Younus Khan (Pakistan) 769
8 Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) 765
9= Jacques Kallis (South Africa) 763
9= Ross Taylor (New Zealand) 763
via guardian.co.uk
Good work Swanny and Broad. Your 2010 resolutions should be to get on the batting top ten lists as well... :-D
Happy New Year
I hope you are all well and saw in the New Year in appropriate style. TW & I were tucked up warmly in bed, and asleep, at least until the barrage of fireworks was released over Worthing.
New Year's resolutions:
New Year's resolutions:
- Drink less
- Weigh less
- Watch a test match at Sussex
- Carry out maintenance (on the house, the car, etc.), when it's due
- blog more regularly
- watch less telly
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