Unfortunately, over the weekend, I decided to walk before I could run. I installed the Gingerbread (Android 2.3) keyboard, and enjoyed it so much I decided to upgrade my O/S to Gingerbread.
Some of you may be aware that Gingerbread is not officially available for the Gtab at the moment, so it is quite tricky and there are a number of steps involved in getting everything running correctly. Unfortunately, I didn't follow those steps involved (at least, not all of them), and so my Gtab is now running at below full capacity.
Basically I have managed to remove the Google APKs which make the device so handy...
I have lost the Android Marketplace app, and I can't sync my contacts or email with Google either. Also, those lovely bought apps (Pocket Informant, Taskos, Poweramp, etc.) are all unreachable.
I have spent a lot of time trying to right this, but with no success so far. Keep on keepin' on.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Alternative Vote System
If this is the best the No2AV campaign can come up with:
http://playpolitical.typepad.com/all_sorts/2011/04/rik-mayall-stars-as-alan-bstard-in-first-no2av-referendum-broadcast-.html
Then I think it'll be a 'yes' from me.
The most persuasive argument I've heard so far is that fringe parties will accumulate votes. But I have yet to see figures showing an actual incident where that would have occurred under AV. If someone can show me such figures, I'll reconsider.
My view is that the more we can express a view at the polls, the better.
If there are marginal seats under AV, it'll make the politicians work harder with the public. I know they work hard any way, but they'll have to play up their accountability to the electorate.
TTFN.
http://playpolitical.typepad.com/all_sorts/2011/04/rik-mayall-stars-as-alan-bstard-in-first-no2av-referendum-broadcast-.html
Then I think it'll be a 'yes' from me.
The most persuasive argument I've heard so far is that fringe parties will accumulate votes. But I have yet to see figures showing an actual incident where that would have occurred under AV. If someone can show me such figures, I'll reconsider.
My view is that the more we can express a view at the polls, the better.
If there are marginal seats under AV, it'll make the politicians work harder with the public. I know they work hard any way, but they'll have to play up their accountability to the electorate.
TTFN.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Conversation with a Four-year Old
Me: Is it bedtime yet?
4-yr Old: No. Why, don't you have your watch on?
Me: No, I don't.
4-yr Old: Then go and look at your watch. That's what I would do.
4-yr Old: No. Why, don't you have your watch on?
Me: No, I don't.
4-yr Old: Then go and look at your watch. That's what I would do.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Lent 2011
This year I've given up booze. Surprisingly. And, so far, it's gone okay. Better than January, any way. My last drink was on March 9th, two and a half weeks ago. I've still got 19 days to go until April 15th, the end of Lent, but I reckon I'll make it.
It's surprising how tired I get in the evenings without a drink. Most nights I'm ready to hit the hay by 21:30, and then I'm awake by 06:00, raring to go. If I went back to my old ways, I would miss the mornings and how good I feel.
I also think I've lost weight, although I wouldn't expect to have done so, the amount of crap I've eaten. I think I've been stockpiling the calories because I know I'm not going to get them via wine. Oh well.
TTFN.
It's surprising how tired I get in the evenings without a drink. Most nights I'm ready to hit the hay by 21:30, and then I'm awake by 06:00, raring to go. If I went back to my old ways, I would miss the mornings and how good I feel.
I also think I've lost weight, although I wouldn't expect to have done so, the amount of crap I've eaten. I think I've been stockpiling the calories because I know I'm not going to get them via wine. Oh well.
TTFN.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
India Triumphant
Pleased to see India beat Australia in the ICC World Cup. Pleased that we won't be facing them in the final...
I took a vicarious pleasure in flitting between Cricinfo (or www.espncricinfo.com, as it is now) and the Guardian OBO and watching the score rattle up and the RRR tumble. Of course, we'll never beat Sri Lanka, but a boy can dream...
I took a vicarious pleasure in flitting between Cricinfo (or www.espncricinfo.com, as it is now) and the Guardian OBO and watching the score rattle up and the RRR tumble. Of course, we'll never beat Sri Lanka, but a boy can dream...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Samsung Galaxy Tab IV
Well, a tricky couple of days with the Tab. The system was slow and I thought I'd discovered what 'bricking' a phone was like. But I managed to trace the problem to the SD card - I hope I can reformat it, because I don't want to waste sixteen pounds on a new one! Also, it means I can't load the Tab up with all the music and movies I want to load... But a friend at work has an SD card reader, so I'm hoping to use that and reformat the card so it is usable again. Will let you know.
TTFN.
TTFN.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Samsung Galaxy Tab III
Couldn't play media today. Had to reset the device. Not to worry. More people at work noticing and coming for a gender. Which is quite pleasing
TTFN.
TTFN.
Lent - a time of restraint
So, I've agreed with TW that she will give up chocolate for Lent, and I will give up wine. Lent starts today, since I got drunk last night. On a school night. Silly boy.
We'll see how that goes..
TTFN.
We'll see how that goes..
TTFN.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Samsung Galaxy Tab II
Wow, found out today that I can answer calls directly from the headphones Samsung supplied with the GT. Just by pressing the button on the wire. Means I don't have to fish 'The Beast' out of my pocket and press buttons. Trialled it at work, very impressed.
Small things for small minds. I still don't know the full functionality of the buttons on the headphones.
TTFN.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Off to Ireland...
Strange to be heading off to Heathrow instead of heading home to Worthing...
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wolverine 5.1
This is a bit of an obscure topic for a post, but I thought I'd mention this before launching into an even weirder fetish of mine.
So, to set the scene, Marvel, one of the biggest (if not the biggest) comic producer in the world, has been banging on about relaunching several of their titles, including Wolverine and Iron Man. Iron Man is up to issue #500, and the relaunch will be numbered #500.1 - which is nice.
Wolverine, on the other hand, has reached issue #5, and the relaunch is numbered #5.1.
A question that springs to mind immediately is - why would you need a relaunch, after five issues? But, it's a relaunch, it's a special issue, it's going to be good, right?
Erm.
Maybe the writers and illustrators missed the point? This is supposed to be an issue to draw people in. This is supposed to 'sell' Wolverine to the general masses, the people who've never bothered with the big fella before. So, let's look at the story, then; it's a surprise birthday for Wolverine, but it turns out to be a real surprise because he doesn't know today is his birthday. So he doesn't show. Cue a lot of small-talk from a lot of superheroes - Luke Cage, The Thing, Deadpool, the list goes on.
One possible seed is the appearance of The Hand, but I've just collected all of Shadowland, I've had enough of The Hand. In my view, there was nothing gripping about this issue.
Maybe the artwork was exemplary? Maybe the issue was a visual delight? Here are two examples of the art work in this pisspoor (in my opinion) publication:
So, the artwork not impressive either. Oh well. That's a shame. I've got Wolverine (Road to Hell) Prelude, #1 - #5, and #5.1. I was thinking I could bag 'em up and sell 'em off as one interesting lot. So, thanks for nothing, Marvel.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Swimming
Ah, Sunday brings the weekly trip to the swimming pool in Worthing, the Aquarena.
Today was one of the better sessions; the youngest kept the general populace entertained by throwing herself with gusto into the pool at any and every opportunity.
Lulu went down the big slide, with me. It was the first time for both of us! Amy was trying to persuade me to take Hattie down, but I refused - she's too young.
And this afternoon has brought some entertaining Six Nations rugby, as I expected. Ireland vs. France was always going to be good. Let's see how it ends...
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Nick Clegg and Work-life Balance
I read this article in The Telegraph at the weekend, and it's been niggling me ever since.
Basically, Clegg's office have said they won't put ordinary business on his agenda after 3pm.
To me, that seems fair enough. After all, as DPM, he must have to review shedloads of paperwork on a daily basis. Why not have a cut-off time?
But The Telegraph are able to rustle up a Labour MP willing to go on record as saying "Nick Clegg seems to be clocking off after lunch and putting his feet up". Where do they get these rent-a-quote mouthpieces from?
The problem is that The Torygraph has its knickers in a twist because although the Tories are in power, they're practicing a brand of 'Tory lite', which isn't providing enough true Conservatism to satisfy their readership.
But they should know that The Grauniad, from their point of view, are unhappy too. It's nothing but doom'n'gloom on their pages.
So the Coalition, the Con-Dems (will that stick, do we think?), soldier on, with no support from either side of the established media, but with a general "they're okay so far" from The general public. Okay, so they've stuffed up on tuition fees, but apart from that, they're pretty solid.
So to waste firepower on this sort of bureaucratic nothingness, both by The Torygraph and the Labour rent-a-quote, seems wrong-footed. If this was on the back of some pretty big policy misjudgements, that might add to the overall political 'mood music'. But to me, now, this just jars. Must try harder.
TTFN.
Basically, Clegg's office have said they won't put ordinary business on his agenda after 3pm.
To me, that seems fair enough. After all, as DPM, he must have to review shedloads of paperwork on a daily basis. Why not have a cut-off time?
But The Telegraph are able to rustle up a Labour MP willing to go on record as saying "Nick Clegg seems to be clocking off after lunch and putting his feet up". Where do they get these rent-a-quote mouthpieces from?
The problem is that The Torygraph has its knickers in a twist because although the Tories are in power, they're practicing a brand of 'Tory lite', which isn't providing enough true Conservatism to satisfy their readership.
But they should know that The Grauniad, from their point of view, are unhappy too. It's nothing but doom'n'gloom on their pages.
So the Coalition, the Con-Dems (will that stick, do we think?), soldier on, with no support from either side of the established media, but with a general "they're okay so far" from The general public. Okay, so they've stuffed up on tuition fees, but apart from that, they're pretty solid.
So to waste firepower on this sort of bureaucratic nothingness, both by The Torygraph and the Labour rent-a-quote, seems wrong-footed. If this was on the back of some pretty big policy misjudgements, that might add to the overall political 'mood music'. But to me, now, this just jars. Must try harder.
TTFN.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Pleasant Children, Please?
Is it too much to ask, that we can have pleasant children in the morning? Every morning this week there has been some sort of histrionics. When is it
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Tired
I was tired this week. Going back at work coincided with the final Ashes test, and so it's been late to bed and early to rise every day.
Staying up until 00:30 or 01:00 is no fun when I've had to drag my sorry arse out of bed at 06:30 later the same day. I think I've actually fallen asleep on the train on the way home each night this week.
This lack of sleep and need for concentration at work comes after ten days or so of free-wheeling mental non-engagement and (whisper it) lie-ins. The girls had relaxed into the holidays and were sleeping until 07:30 or so. This may have been related to the fact that we allowed them to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve...
Still, a good night's sleep last night has almost sorted me out. Adding on to that the fact that I'm not drinking in January, by middle of next week I should be raring to go!
TTFN.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Ashes Series Victory
So I've been staying up late and getting up early this week, to catch as much cricket as possible. As a result, I'm knackered. But, needs must and tonight is the last night. Australia have only three wickets left and the whole day to bat out.
Even if they do make it, England will still win 2-1, so whatever happens I should be picking up about £12.80 from the bookie's tomorrow. Result.
Even if they do make it, England will still win 2-1, so whatever happens I should be picking up about £12.80 from the bookie's tomorrow. Result.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Saturday 1st January '11
We got off to a slow start yesterday, what with having got to bed at 03:30 after the night before. The girls didn't surface until 09:30, which was handy - the first bit of luck of the New Year!
I think I had breakfast at 11:55, which wasn't ideal. I was a bit fragile after the night before, but TW was really hanging.
Once we'd sorted ourselves out, we walked to the car to retrieve it, said 'good afternoon' to our NYE party hosts, and drove to Tesco to get hangover food.
TW picked up some pastries, but they didn't have the Chinese/Oriental selection she was looking for, so we discussed heading to the Tesco Extra at West Durrington. We'd also thought about buying a PS Move, as TW had very kindly bought me a PS3 for Christmas. The Tesco Extra scares me, though. It's so big, light bends around it and time slows down when you're in there. But it was surprisingly empty - I guess Worthing was nursing its communal hangover and couldn't face up to the neon intensity of consumerism.
I think I had breakfast at 11:55, which wasn't ideal. I was a bit fragile after the night before, but TW was really hanging.
Once we'd sorted ourselves out, we walked to the car to retrieve it, said 'good afternoon' to our NYE party hosts, and drove to Tesco to get hangover food.
TW picked up some pastries, but they didn't have the Chinese/Oriental selection she was looking for, so we discussed heading to the Tesco Extra at West Durrington. We'd also thought about buying a PS Move, as TW had very kindly bought me a PS3 for Christmas. The Tesco Extra scares me, though. It's so big, light bends around it and time slows down when you're in there. But it was surprisingly empty - I guess Worthing was nursing its communal hangover and couldn't face up to the neon intensity of consumerism.
We got the Chinese selection, we got the PS Move - at about £37, which was a good price. We also got a game called "Start the Party" or somesuch, which I think the girls will love, and we had a bash on that when we got home.
We watched Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, and then went to bed.
Yesterday was an acceptably lethargic recovery day, but we need to get active in 2011, and rather than let things drift (blown lightbulbs, holey socks, etc), we need to be on it. I'm planning to read more, drink less, and write more, so there should be more blog entries this year. Let's see how it goes...
TTFN.
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
Monday, December 28, 2009
Present to Self
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
True Blood
Watching the final ep of the first series. I'm v. impressed by the whole thing. I tried watching 'Lost', but that fell away. TB had a pace from the beginning that sucked me in. I've got Flash Forward on tape to watch and I've got the feeling I shall bum that off after three eps. Never mind. If I lose interest, it'll free up space on the HD.
Tester Email
Just testing this email channel. Apparently the subject matter becomes the blog title, and the text is the body. Let's find out...
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Just watched this film. Starred Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. Absolutely excellent. I had got halfway through, but had been watching in installments and couldn't follow the plot. This is worth re-watching, it's a beautiful, knowing film noir. Well done Rob & Val.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Washed out by Wave
Well, I'm really cheesed off.
I was given a Google Wave account a week or so ago and felt like I was one of the chosen ones. Then I find out Wave is not compatible with normal email, the blog apps don't work, and the only people I can wave to are the ones I invite.
I know folks dig the collaborative aspect, and I know this is the USP. But Google must've known that people would want to upgrade from Gmail to Wave, and the fact that you can't integrate is a dissatisfier. v. poor Google! v. poor
I was given a Google Wave account a week or so ago and felt like I was one of the chosen ones. Then I find out Wave is not compatible with normal email, the blog apps don't work, and the only people I can wave to are the ones I invite.
I know folks dig the collaborative aspect, and I know this is the USP. But Google must've known that people would want to upgrade from Gmail to Wave, and the fact that you can't integrate is a dissatisfier. v. poor Google! v. poor
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Google Wave has arrived!
I received my invitation to use Google Wave last night. I was chuffed! I've been playing with it for most of the day, in between firefighting, putting the world to rights, and a spot of light childcare.
Unfortunately there are several serious drawbacks to Wave. Firstly, I have no-one to wave to. I've identified people I want to wave to, but invitations won't be sent out immediately.
Secondly, it's sooo Beta, it needs weekly updates at least. No way to empty the trash? That's just wrong-headed.
Thirdly, work has already firewalled Wave, so I shan't be accessing it during work hours or on my work laptop. This is a real shame, as I can see a lot of benefit in this. In addition, it can replace Facebook and Twitter for keeping in touch socially too.
I'm sure I'll get it eventually though - never mind...
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Unfortunately there are several serious drawbacks to Wave. Firstly, I have no-one to wave to. I've identified people I want to wave to, but invitations won't be sent out immediately.
Secondly, it's sooo Beta, it needs weekly updates at least. No way to empty the trash? That's just wrong-headed.
Thirdly, work has already firewalled Wave, so I shan't be accessing it during work hours or on my work laptop. This is a real shame, as I can see a lot of benefit in this. In addition, it can replace Facebook and Twitter for keeping in touch socially too.
I'm sure I'll get it eventually though - never mind...
- Posted using BlogPress on the move.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
66 - The New Retirement Age?
I am aware that I will have to work until I'm 68 before I retire. I don't see what the issue is with bringing that date forward, so that older people than me will have to work longer. It's not like the Tories are saying, 'from tomorrow you must all work like dogs until you die'. They've given seven years' warning. That's enough time to make preparation. Bring it on.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Silly Season Starts - it's the Lib Dem Conference!
The Lib Dems are frustrating. They're obviously nice intelligent people, and their hearts are in the right place. But I don't know if I can vote for them.
My question is whether they believe in a larger or a smaller state. I guess I'm beginning to become conservative, but the LibDems have some interesting ideas.
1. Scrap the £250 child trust fund. This is a good idea. We don't need it, and the money can be used to improve primary education. If everyone is given £250, then everyone starts from the same position, so there is no advantage for the less well-off.
2. Income tax to start at £10k. Another good idea, as those on lower incomes pay proportionately more tax. The trouble here is that this would be funded by a tax on houses worth more than £1m. But the LibDems don't know how they will value the houses (from here). Will they use Rightmove? Maybe I should buy some shares... My deeper concern is that these £1M+ houses are assets, and just because you have an expensive asset doesn't mean you have corresponding cash flow. I've got an iPhone, but I also have an overdraft and other monthly debts. If I had a house worth £1M I would have to sell it. So this measure would discourage people from buying expensive houses.
I guess we'll have to read more to find out exactly what their plans are... But it's a good start to the conference season.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ashes Victory!
Well, what to say that hasn't been said? I think we owe the win to Broad's blitz on the Friday afternoon, and Australia's strange decision to not play a spinner. This has been an up and down series, and as Strauss said, when England were bad, they were abysmal, and when they were good, they were good enough. I've sat and watched in amazement as wickets fell like dominos, and LBWs were not given. Some single events have decided matches, and it wasn't as cut & dried at the end as some people have suggested - I certainly wasn't confident it was all over as I left the house on Sunday morning. Still, the Ashes have changed hands again, which indicates an even contest in my opinion. My view was that if England managed to hold position at the start of the final test, we had a chance of winning. I always thought we could do it, and am pleased to have been proven right.
Now it's time to say goodbye to Sky Sports, because it costs too much and I don't get as much out of it as I would like, what with three chillun an' all...
TTFN.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Street Chat
Overheard tonight: "she may be a cunt and a dickhead, but how many times have I beaten her up? I've got respect for her."
What is the world coming to?
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Taste of Ashes in my Mouth
Well. Well, well, well. I am shocked and appalled by the turn of events in Headingley over the last two days. I am expecting this horrible experience to be brought to a swift end by some appalling batting (by England) and some sublime bowling (by Australia).
We've done okay so far, we've matched Australia stride for stride: we won a match, then batted for a draw. Australia batted for a draw (which we should have denied them). And now we've just collapsed as a batting unit and bowled woefully. Shocking. It's like there's a different team out there.
Is it down to the absence of KP and Flintoff? Can that really be it?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Half-Days and Time-keeping
I took a half-day yesterday from work, with the original intention of going camping yesterday afternoon for an extended weekend. As it was, I had a call with Australia at 07:00 (after a 21:00 call the previous evening), and didn't finish in the office until 13:15. So by that point I had worked four and a half hours. Then when I got home I joined another call from 14:30 to 15:15, bring my work hours for the day to five and a quarter. There are some days I work less than this when I'm putting in a 'full day'.
Still, I got lots done, so that's okay. And you can probably guess we didn't go camping yesterday. We are planning to go today, as long as it's fine. There's no point going for two days just to get wet.
Going back to the work thing, we are so busy at the moment it is untrue. There have been two rounds of redundancies at work so far (one at end '08, one just completing), and our department wasn't impacted, so it's not like we have three people doing five people's jobs. It's just really busy. And the company have decided in order to maintain liquidity, they are going to stop paying into our pension funds for eighteen months. So we are working our socks off, having been given a pay cut. It's a crazy world.
TTFN.
Still, I got lots done, so that's okay. And you can probably guess we didn't go camping yesterday. We are planning to go today, as long as it's fine. There's no point going for two days just to get wet.
Going back to the work thing, we are so busy at the moment it is untrue. There have been two rounds of redundancies at work so far (one at end '08, one just completing), and our department wasn't impacted, so it's not like we have three people doing five people's jobs. It's just really busy. And the company have decided in order to maintain liquidity, they are going to stop paying into our pension funds for eighteen months. So we are working our socks off, having been given a pay cut. It's a crazy world.
TTFN.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Go, the Sussex
Sussex have made it through to the Friends Provident Final, the 50-over version of the game. Good work fellas. Shame the international match between West Indies and India was rained off. Gayle was out first ball, near enough.
'Twas a busy weekend of weeding. I wish I'd taken before and after photos, as the grasses were of almost biblical bulrush proportion. I took two loads of grass to the dump, and that amounted to two binloads each time. God, I sweated! Watched X2 as well, all the way through - that's a good film, but so long! I was willing it to end, eventually...
Night night.
'Twas a busy weekend of weeding. I wish I'd taken before and after photos, as the grasses were of almost biblical bulrush proportion. I took two loads of grass to the dump, and that amounted to two binloads each time. God, I sweated! Watched X2 as well, all the way through - that's a good film, but so long! I was willing it to end, eventually...
Night night.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Catch-Up
Can't believe it's been so long!
Have had Daughter #3, 'Gunk-Eye' (will probably come up with a new name soon).
Have enjoyed the weather - it's been lovely recently.
Have had my pension payments stopped by work, due to 'the economic downturn' - 'but our people are our most valuable asset'. Doesn't add up, if you ask me.
Went to see Sussex play the Australians at the end of June - a very enjoyable few days.
Went to Goodwood Festival of Speed yesterday - very noisy and hot - a good way to start the weekend.
Really busy at work. Not enough time to do what I want at home. Shouldn't really be doing this - am off to get dressed and garden. Those weeds need sorting out.
TTFN.
Have had Daughter #3, 'Gunk-Eye' (will probably come up with a new name soon).
Have enjoyed the weather - it's been lovely recently.
Have had my pension payments stopped by work, due to 'the economic downturn' - 'but our people are our most valuable asset'. Doesn't add up, if you ask me.
Went to see Sussex play the Australians at the end of June - a very enjoyable few days.
Went to Goodwood Festival of Speed yesterday - very noisy and hot - a good way to start the weekend.
Really busy at work. Not enough time to do what I want at home. Shouldn't really be doing this - am off to get dressed and garden. Those weeds need sorting out.
TTFN.
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