Earlier, I visited Spalding Market. It was pleasing to see the place so busy. There's something about the market I really like - the mix of stalls, the smells and the hustle and bustle make it a wonderful place to be. Amongst the stalls of fruit, nuts and spices, fresh sea food, antiques and books was a new stall selling freshly made curry. The smell was wonderful and it had attracted quite an audience. Good for them I say! They had an idea and it worked.
There are things an open market offer that I don't think you can find anywhere else. It's a unique experience. It's fascinating to know that many markets have been at the heart of their towns and villages for many hundreds of years, often held on a set day every week of the year. Much of what is sold is produced locally. That's really what I like to see... sausages made from locally farmed pigs, bread made from local grain, fruit grown in local orchards and food from local restaurants prepared in the open.
Walking through Spalding Market, what struck me was the amount of effort the stall-owners put in to making their goods look presentable. It's no easy job. They have to endure the earliest of early starts and often the worst of worst weather. Many run their stalls single-handed, constructing their stall, unloading their goods and preparing them for the likes of me to be prodded, sniffed and squeezed. These are good people, hard working and dedicated.
Shops are closing at an alarming rate. Walking through my local towns, I see so many shops displaying signs such as 'Closing Down' and 'Everything Must Go!'... It's sad. The market though seems to carry on, almost unaffected. Yes they have the same financial pressures we all have but there's something very reassuring about the market. It makes you feel that 'everything's OK'. They are there every week, their stalls looking neat, well stocked and immaculate. The same friendly sellers exchange banter with their 'regulars'. There's a bond that you simply don't get in a supermarket or large store.
For me, markets are special and I love them. Long may they live...
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Monday, 30 May 2011
Germany and Bank Holiday blues
Looking out of the window, I see a grey sky and rain. It's the kind of weather I hate, really hate. That blanket grey with no breaks in it at all and the constant rain. Horrible... but typically BBH (British Bank Holiday) weather. I've remarked previously about the effect weather can have on mood. I'm a firm believer in this and my lack of enthusiasm today I'm sure is linked to the damp grey outdoors.
Good news from our friends in Germany though.... they have decided to dispense completely with nuclear power. Now, I am actually against nuclear power - well the way we play with it anyway. I do think it has potential as being a clean energy but there are two fundamental aspects of its use that we don't understand. The first is safety and the second is spent fuel. Nuclear safety is something we don't take seriously enough. Fukushima has taught us that and Germany have conceded that because we can't do it safely then it's best to not to it at all. After all, the nuclear industry is unable to get any organisation to insure its sites - the risk being so high.
The by-products and waste fuel are things we simply do not know what to do with. We prefer the 'out of sight, out of mind option' so bury it underground, hoping it will go away. The truth is of course that it won't - it'll be there in thousands of years from now, assuming it hasn't already leaked into the soil around it.
I do think Germany have made the right decision, but in doing so, they have set themselves enormous challenges to generate energy from conventional and renewable sources. They must be confident in their ability to do this and I don't think the decision to scrap nuclear energy has been just a knee-jerk reaction to Fukushima, though I do think it was influenced strongly by it.
Something I would like to see discussed is 'Thorium Energy'. It's probably something many have never heard of but if you Google the word 'thorium', you'll find a wealth of information relating to it. There are it appears several groups dotted all over the world already playing with it and a few who claim it to be the energy source of the future - clean, plentiful and above all, safe. I won't write much about it here, I'd rather prefer for others to make up their own minds as to the merits of Thorium Energy. It does all sound very exciting though...
Back to Germany and there is no doubt the decision they have made is a huge one - politically motivated or not. I wonder how many others will follow? I suspect very few...
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Dressed for the occasion
I would certainly describe myself as observant. I always have been and I look at things others may normally miss. I observe people especially so any trip out and about brings with it a wealth of opportunity to spot the unusual looking, the under-dressed, the over-dressed or the inappropriately dressed. Today was certainly no exception and a trip to King's Lynn provided a plethora of subjects to study.
I do find myself more and more critical of clothing. My wife would normally always point out if someone was dressed inappropriately but I find myself often doing just that. I do expect people to dress appropriately. I don't hanker for top hats and tailored suits but there is a minimum level I deem appropriate for 'public display'. Sadly, there are fewer people nowadays that meet my 'minimum standard'.
The majority of people in King's Lynn today were shoppers. I knew that because they were carrying bags festooned with high street names. It was busy too - busier than I've known it to be for a long time. So there is certainly money available for spending. The shops I visited were all doing a very good trade. Why then can't people spend just a little of that money on their appearance? I was genuinely shocked by some of the people I saw today. Some displayed more flesh than was decent. Teenagers were barely dressed at all and grown men were dressed in what I can only describe as beach attire. I consider myself pretty broad minded but even I had to look twice. These people were in full public view and going in and out of shops. Surely they must have a level of self awareness or a smidgen of interest in what they look like?
I have always felt that appearance often dictates how others perceive you and affects how you are treated. I know this as I spent many many years in suits - smart suits with crisp shirts and silk ties. I would also have a handkerchief to match my tie and this would protrude appropriately from my top pocket. I looked smart and I knew it. I know for a fact that this would often affect how I was treated and and how people perceived me. In shops, the assistants would be more polite. People in the street would often give way. Above all, I felt good and I felt confident. Now I'm not saying for one second that everyone should go round in suits but I am convinced that appearance is one of those things we've stopped caring about.
For me, the suits have now gone. They went two years ago and now I would only wear one to a funeral or a special occasion. Now, I mostly wear jeans and a polo shirt. At home, I wear what I like - normally jeans and a t-shirt. But when I am out, I still like to feel smart. OK, the man in the suit has gone but that doesn't mean I should drop my standards. I'm not out to impress - I don't need to. I'm happily married and I no longer want the life of a high-flying executive. I've done that. I'm happy now to settle for 'normal'. Normal for me does though mean dressing appropriately - comfortable but smart. I know what that is. My wife is an excellent judge and I looked smart every day - I had to, it was part of the job. It's just so sad that so many do not. If people can't be bothered to make the effort then why should they expect others to do the same?
Or maybe I'm just getting old...?
I do find myself more and more critical of clothing. My wife would normally always point out if someone was dressed inappropriately but I find myself often doing just that. I do expect people to dress appropriately. I don't hanker for top hats and tailored suits but there is a minimum level I deem appropriate for 'public display'. Sadly, there are fewer people nowadays that meet my 'minimum standard'.
The majority of people in King's Lynn today were shoppers. I knew that because they were carrying bags festooned with high street names. It was busy too - busier than I've known it to be for a long time. So there is certainly money available for spending. The shops I visited were all doing a very good trade. Why then can't people spend just a little of that money on their appearance? I was genuinely shocked by some of the people I saw today. Some displayed more flesh than was decent. Teenagers were barely dressed at all and grown men were dressed in what I can only describe as beach attire. I consider myself pretty broad minded but even I had to look twice. These people were in full public view and going in and out of shops. Surely they must have a level of self awareness or a smidgen of interest in what they look like?
I have always felt that appearance often dictates how others perceive you and affects how you are treated. I know this as I spent many many years in suits - smart suits with crisp shirts and silk ties. I would also have a handkerchief to match my tie and this would protrude appropriately from my top pocket. I looked smart and I knew it. I know for a fact that this would often affect how I was treated and and how people perceived me. In shops, the assistants would be more polite. People in the street would often give way. Above all, I felt good and I felt confident. Now I'm not saying for one second that everyone should go round in suits but I am convinced that appearance is one of those things we've stopped caring about.
For me, the suits have now gone. They went two years ago and now I would only wear one to a funeral or a special occasion. Now, I mostly wear jeans and a polo shirt. At home, I wear what I like - normally jeans and a t-shirt. But when I am out, I still like to feel smart. OK, the man in the suit has gone but that doesn't mean I should drop my standards. I'm not out to impress - I don't need to. I'm happily married and I no longer want the life of a high-flying executive. I've done that. I'm happy now to settle for 'normal'. Normal for me does though mean dressing appropriately - comfortable but smart. I know what that is. My wife is an excellent judge and I looked smart every day - I had to, it was part of the job. It's just so sad that so many do not. If people can't be bothered to make the effort then why should they expect others to do the same?
Or maybe I'm just getting old...?
Saturday, 28 May 2011
School and duty of care
I was please with the open evening my wife and I attended the other night for our son's new school. All very professionally done. I do confess to feeling a little like a school kid myself. I might have had something to do with the tiny chairs we had to sit on and the classic classroom layout. The teachers there all see very friendly and passionate about what they do. I do always look for passion in people's work. It's all very well doing what you do to earn a living but when it comes to teaching and being responsible for vulnerable young children, then I look for something extra. I'm glad to say this was evident in what I saw and heard. The school is very small and therefore very focused on devoting as much time as possible to each and every pupil. It was pleasing to see the range of subjects he will be taught along with an impressive array of computers and audio-visual aids. There are many after-school activities such as gardening club and games evening that I'm sure our son will want to get involved with. Every other Monday the school take the children swimming and there are regular trips to places of interest. Lunches are prepared by a well-known local catering company renowned for their excellent food. In fact it's so good, I may even join our son for lunch!
So we came away feeling quite confident about everything. It's a big thing when you leave your son and daughter in someone else's care and I confess to still feeling a twinge of sadness whenever he's away from us.
He starts attending reception days from 6th June until 20th June and will begin school properly in September.
Duty of care is an enormous responsibility and hugely important. Head of social services for any organisation carries with it the responsibility and accountability for your actions and the actions of your staff and all those who report to you. I therefore find it quite unbelievable that we are now being asked to feel sorry for Sharon Shoesmith and dismiss the death of 'Baby P'. It's all very well her saying she's 'not in the blame game', but I'm sorry, am I missing something? There has to be blame. A child you were paid a huge amount of money to ensure the safety of died needlessly. This is despite countless visits and knowing that the child was living in an 'at risk' environment. The attitude of this woman is simply unbelievable. What makes me so angry is the fact that she is now trying to be the person 'hard done by' and the victim of ill treatment. Excuse me but if anyone should be complaining it's 'Baby P' who has lost everything. He never had a chance to make his mark on the World.
You disgust me Sharon Shoesmith. How dare you absolve yourself of any blame. I hear the government object to the ruling of unfair dismissal. Good - I hope they find a way to bring you and your team to justice. Your job was to prevent harm to a vulnerable child. In my view, you failed in the worst way possible. Surely that has to be wrong...?
OK, I'm glad I got that off my chest...
So we came away feeling quite confident about everything. It's a big thing when you leave your son and daughter in someone else's care and I confess to still feeling a twinge of sadness whenever he's away from us.
He starts attending reception days from 6th June until 20th June and will begin school properly in September.
Duty of care is an enormous responsibility and hugely important. Head of social services for any organisation carries with it the responsibility and accountability for your actions and the actions of your staff and all those who report to you. I therefore find it quite unbelievable that we are now being asked to feel sorry for Sharon Shoesmith and dismiss the death of 'Baby P'. It's all very well her saying she's 'not in the blame game', but I'm sorry, am I missing something? There has to be blame. A child you were paid a huge amount of money to ensure the safety of died needlessly. This is despite countless visits and knowing that the child was living in an 'at risk' environment. The attitude of this woman is simply unbelievable. What makes me so angry is the fact that she is now trying to be the person 'hard done by' and the victim of ill treatment. Excuse me but if anyone should be complaining it's 'Baby P' who has lost everything. He never had a chance to make his mark on the World.
You disgust me Sharon Shoesmith. How dare you absolve yourself of any blame. I hear the government object to the ruling of unfair dismissal. Good - I hope they find a way to bring you and your team to justice. Your job was to prevent harm to a vulnerable child. In my view, you failed in the worst way possible. Surely that has to be wrong...?
OK, I'm glad I got that off my chest...
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Serbian justice, rain and my brave little soldier
It's good to see that Ratko Mladic has finally been caught and will soon be brought to justice. The deaths this man is responsible for is incalculable and it's difficult to know what sort of punishment would be suitable. This person committed mass genocide and comparison can definitely be made with the atrocities of the Second World War. I recall the period well and the feeling of utter helplessness as day after day we were served the horrific images of senseless violence and death on our TV screens. This was happening on our doorstep, in Serbia, in Europe and it can be argued that we along with the rest of Europe and the US did very little to stop it. I believe it is a period in our recent history that we should be ashamed of but as to what is done with the perpetrators, I cannot say. It will have to be left up to the Hague though I doubt very much whether anything they do will even begin to placate those who lost sons, brothers, mothers and sisters back in 1995.
I see we have rain, and lots of it. It's actually quite welcome and for the first time in ages, the car looks quite clean. I've just returned from collecting my son from playschool and a visit to the local health center. He needed his pre-school boosters and I really wasn't looking forward to it at all knowing he was going to have two injections. I actually felt more nervous than he did. When it came to it, he actually coped with it a lot better than I thought he would. I was expecting tears but he didn't shed one, instead he just said 'ouch' as each needle entered his arm. The nurse was impressed too and gave him two stickers for being brave. As a treat for being a little soldier, we bought him a McDonald's for his dinner.
This evening, my wife and I are off to see our son's new school. He starts there properly in September. The school as I've mentioned previously is practically next door so we don't have to go far at all. It'll feel quite odd visiting a school as a parent. I recall my parents coming to see my new school many years ago, looking at displays of projects, chemistry experiments and physical education. It didn't mean much to me back then - it just all looked a bit scary and I know I didn't look forward to it at all. The opposite is true of my son - he's quite excited and looking forward to going to 'big school'. What will certainly help is the fact it's a fairly small school with less than fifty children. I hope to find out a lot more later this evening. I'll be interested in the teaching techniques that are used - not just a chalkboard or text books as it was in my day - but computers and interactive tools. Above all, I would wish for my son to feel comfortable and at ease with his new environment but I should get a feel for that later on.
The weather we're having at the moment is quite lively. I like the weather to 'do something'. I can't stand all that boring grey stuff we're so famous for. We certainly need the rain but I wouldn't have thought a few heavy showers will make much of a difference to water levels in our reservoirs. I did find out earlier that the model railway cabin I spend much of my time in has a leak. It's always leaked down the walls due to the roof not fitting the walls properly but this time rainwater was dripping from the ceiling directly above the small village I have been creating. I don't think it will be a simple job to fix. The whole roof really needs sealing properly.
Today I started work on terraforming a small hillock which will eventually hold the other end of a viaduct I'm adding to take a line above the village I'm building below. It's quite an ambitious plan though I'm quite confident of success. I'll try to take some photos tomorrow or Saturday and upload them.
Again, I felt I had little to write about and manage to produce a small novel. I hope it hasn't been too boring but I do like to record a little of what I get up to day to day.
Oh, must mention soon about my brother-in-law. He's in hospital with appendicitis, poor chap.
I see we have rain, and lots of it. It's actually quite welcome and for the first time in ages, the car looks quite clean. I've just returned from collecting my son from playschool and a visit to the local health center. He needed his pre-school boosters and I really wasn't looking forward to it at all knowing he was going to have two injections. I actually felt more nervous than he did. When it came to it, he actually coped with it a lot better than I thought he would. I was expecting tears but he didn't shed one, instead he just said 'ouch' as each needle entered his arm. The nurse was impressed too and gave him two stickers for being brave. As a treat for being a little soldier, we bought him a McDonald's for his dinner.
This evening, my wife and I are off to see our son's new school. He starts there properly in September. The school as I've mentioned previously is practically next door so we don't have to go far at all. It'll feel quite odd visiting a school as a parent. I recall my parents coming to see my new school many years ago, looking at displays of projects, chemistry experiments and physical education. It didn't mean much to me back then - it just all looked a bit scary and I know I didn't look forward to it at all. The opposite is true of my son - he's quite excited and looking forward to going to 'big school'. What will certainly help is the fact it's a fairly small school with less than fifty children. I hope to find out a lot more later this evening. I'll be interested in the teaching techniques that are used - not just a chalkboard or text books as it was in my day - but computers and interactive tools. Above all, I would wish for my son to feel comfortable and at ease with his new environment but I should get a feel for that later on.
The weather we're having at the moment is quite lively. I like the weather to 'do something'. I can't stand all that boring grey stuff we're so famous for. We certainly need the rain but I wouldn't have thought a few heavy showers will make much of a difference to water levels in our reservoirs. I did find out earlier that the model railway cabin I spend much of my time in has a leak. It's always leaked down the walls due to the roof not fitting the walls properly but this time rainwater was dripping from the ceiling directly above the small village I have been creating. I don't think it will be a simple job to fix. The whole roof really needs sealing properly.
Today I started work on terraforming a small hillock which will eventually hold the other end of a viaduct I'm adding to take a line above the village I'm building below. It's quite an ambitious plan though I'm quite confident of success. I'll try to take some photos tomorrow or Saturday and upload them.
Again, I felt I had little to write about and manage to produce a small novel. I hope it hasn't been too boring but I do like to record a little of what I get up to day to day.
Oh, must mention soon about my brother-in-law. He's in hospital with appendicitis, poor chap.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
King's Cliffe
Something that appears to have escaped my news radar is the plight of the people who live in and around King's Cliffe, Northamptonshire. The government have gone against their protests and the opposition of the district council to agree to the dumping of low level radioactive waste in a nearby landfill site. This has quite incensed me and I can imagine how I would feel if a decision was made for me to do the same thing here.
Quite how anyone in their right mind could justify the burial of radioactive waste is beyond me - regardless of whether it it low risk or not, it still presents a risk not just now but for future generations. I understand also that the landfill is above a water table to the contamination of natural spring water in the area is highly likely.
There seems to be total disregard for the views and fears of the local residents and the authorities have adopted a typical 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude to the whole thing - and that has to be wrong. Surely the days are gone whereby if we didn't like something, we simply buried it. Burying radioactive waste cannot be the answer. Are the authorities going to supply local residents with gieger counters and provide an alarm for radiation leakage? No is most definitely the answer. In truth, no one will actually care once it's buried. The people who will care, and who will go on caring, are the people of King's Cliffe who will be worrying for their children playing in the fields, worrying whenever they drink from the tap and worrying about how much their homes will be worth. For these people, their lives will change and all because of an ill thought money-oriented decision by the machine of government here in the UK. If it's so safe, then why isn't it being buried in London or near Sandringham perhaps? There's loads of open space there. Of course it won't - it's too risky. So why risk the people of King's Cliffe...?
I support fully the people of King's Cliffe and oppose this decision to pollute a vast area of land with radioactive waste. I would suggest that their fight should be taken to the European Courts if they haven't already done so.
Wrong, wrong wrong!
Quite how anyone in their right mind could justify the burial of radioactive waste is beyond me - regardless of whether it it low risk or not, it still presents a risk not just now but for future generations. I understand also that the landfill is above a water table to the contamination of natural spring water in the area is highly likely.
There seems to be total disregard for the views and fears of the local residents and the authorities have adopted a typical 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude to the whole thing - and that has to be wrong. Surely the days are gone whereby if we didn't like something, we simply buried it. Burying radioactive waste cannot be the answer. Are the authorities going to supply local residents with gieger counters and provide an alarm for radiation leakage? No is most definitely the answer. In truth, no one will actually care once it's buried. The people who will care, and who will go on caring, are the people of King's Cliffe who will be worrying for their children playing in the fields, worrying whenever they drink from the tap and worrying about how much their homes will be worth. For these people, their lives will change and all because of an ill thought money-oriented decision by the machine of government here in the UK. If it's so safe, then why isn't it being buried in London or near Sandringham perhaps? There's loads of open space there. Of course it won't - it's too risky. So why risk the people of King's Cliffe...?
I support fully the people of King's Cliffe and oppose this decision to pollute a vast area of land with radioactive waste. I would suggest that their fight should be taken to the European Courts if they haven't already done so.
Wrong, wrong wrong!
Letters and Marmite
I'm a little lost for inspiration at the moment for something to write about. I do often get like this, it'll last a couple of days and then all of a sudden I'll find loads to comment on. For this entry, I've decided to use my Apple PowerMac. It's the most neglected of all my computers. I don't know why really, after all, it is more comfortable to use. Windows appears more harsh in comparison to its warm, soft and inviting operating system. I do like typing on it but I could do with a bigger monitor. I have to look up at it as the monitor is perched up on high and I have to sort of look up to it.
Yesterday I posted two important things. The first was a Warrant of Execution request. It sounds worse than it actually is. It's a form that requests the court to enforce and order they have already served but has been ignored. Normally you have to pay for this privilege - £200, but I have special dispensation. So that should have arrived at the court this morning. I'm wondering if they simply send the instructions to the bailiff to go and collect my money...?
The second thing of importance is my loan request. This time it was sent to the Lincolnshire Credit Union. I added a pleading letter along with copies of all the other documentary proof they needed. I'm hoping they will be in touch soon to say that they have granted my request. If so, I will be able to go ahead straight away and book my course. There is of course every chance they may say no. After all, alarm bells go off in banks whenever my name is mentioned. I do though have the funds to pay the first few months repayments so I'm hoping that will go in my favor.
Oh, a Happy Birthday to my nephew Oliver. He's 6 today and growing up fast. He's a very studious child for his age and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he ends up at university. He'll always be more studious than my son - mine just wants to enjoy himself and drive buses like his Daddy. I'd hate to force my son to learn, I enjoy his innocence and a know-it-all for a son like I would not. On that subject my wife and I are to visit his school Thursday evening. It's the school he starts in September. He doesn't have to go far - the school is about 50 yards from our home. I'm hoping that knowing he's near home will make him feel a little more comfortable when he starts 'big school', as we call it. I know feeling a long way from home made it all the worse for me when I was his age...
I've decided I really don't like Alex Ferguson. He's just another one of those odious runts obsessed by their own importance and another example of someone who thinks they can stop others from speaking freely. If you don't like what you hear about your players, do your job and get them to behave a little more appropriately.
Marmite! Apparently the Danes have banned the import and sale of Marmite. The justification is based on the various vitamins and minerals in the ingredients. Essentially it's too healthy. OK, two can play at that game. Let's ban the import of their bacon based on additives and the factory farming methods used to mass produce it. After all, anyone ever tasted Wiltshire bacon? Far superior.
So for someone who didn't have much to write about, I think I've done pretty well. And I haven't even mentioned Obama's visit to the UK and Ireland. I did have to laugh when one of his 'beast's' got stuck leaving the US Embassy in Dublin.
Yesterday I posted two important things. The first was a Warrant of Execution request. It sounds worse than it actually is. It's a form that requests the court to enforce and order they have already served but has been ignored. Normally you have to pay for this privilege - £200, but I have special dispensation. So that should have arrived at the court this morning. I'm wondering if they simply send the instructions to the bailiff to go and collect my money...?
The second thing of importance is my loan request. This time it was sent to the Lincolnshire Credit Union. I added a pleading letter along with copies of all the other documentary proof they needed. I'm hoping they will be in touch soon to say that they have granted my request. If so, I will be able to go ahead straight away and book my course. There is of course every chance they may say no. After all, alarm bells go off in banks whenever my name is mentioned. I do though have the funds to pay the first few months repayments so I'm hoping that will go in my favor.
Oh, a Happy Birthday to my nephew Oliver. He's 6 today and growing up fast. He's a very studious child for his age and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he ends up at university. He'll always be more studious than my son - mine just wants to enjoy himself and drive buses like his Daddy. I'd hate to force my son to learn, I enjoy his innocence and a know-it-all for a son like I would not. On that subject my wife and I are to visit his school Thursday evening. It's the school he starts in September. He doesn't have to go far - the school is about 50 yards from our home. I'm hoping that knowing he's near home will make him feel a little more comfortable when he starts 'big school', as we call it. I know feeling a long way from home made it all the worse for me when I was his age...
I've decided I really don't like Alex Ferguson. He's just another one of those odious runts obsessed by their own importance and another example of someone who thinks they can stop others from speaking freely. If you don't like what you hear about your players, do your job and get them to behave a little more appropriately.
Marmite! Apparently the Danes have banned the import and sale of Marmite. The justification is based on the various vitamins and minerals in the ingredients. Essentially it's too healthy. OK, two can play at that game. Let's ban the import of their bacon based on additives and the factory farming methods used to mass produce it. After all, anyone ever tasted Wiltshire bacon? Far superior.
So for someone who didn't have much to write about, I think I've done pretty well. And I haven't even mentioned Obama's visit to the UK and Ireland. I did have to laugh when one of his 'beast's' got stuck leaving the US Embassy in Dublin.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Common sense finally prevails
It's good to see that this country has finally come to its senses and realised how futile it is to prevent our media from reporting what we all already know. It's about time the people who make the law in the UK begin to understand that we live in the Internet age and that the laws of yesteryear no longer apply and cannot work.
I'll repeat what I have said before... If you don't want people to find out, don't do it. Simple. If you believe what is being said about you is wrong, then sue for libel. This applies to you Ryan Giggs and all the others out there with more money than sense who are under the misguided assumption that they can stifle free speech or impose their will on the millions of Internet users that make up the free Cyberspace we know and cherish.
Let's start getting down to basics - what's right and what's wrong...
I'll repeat what I have said before... If you don't want people to find out, don't do it. Simple. If you believe what is being said about you is wrong, then sue for libel. This applies to you Ryan Giggs and all the others out there with more money than sense who are under the misguided assumption that they can stifle free speech or impose their will on the millions of Internet users that make up the free Cyberspace we know and cherish.
Let's start getting down to basics - what's right and what's wrong...
Sunday, 22 May 2011
A miserable couple of hours
This afternoon saw another one of my in-law's BBQ cum family gatherings. I had been secretly dreading it but what made it worse this time was the fact that my wife took my son to a Birthday party nearby, leaving me on my own for two hours. I've remarked previously about my difficulty with social gatherings - even family - but my darling wife forgot this and cited our lack of funds for not letting me stay at home and collect me when the party ended. 'You'll be fine', exclaimed my wife. 'You know everyone there'. It makes no difference if I know the people or not. It doesn't help that two of the people there (a couple I call the Bungy's), actually come from Bungay in Suffolk and are pleasant enough but they are also the most quite, the most boring people I've ever met. They don't even talk to themselves much of the time. So there I was having to endure two whole hours in near silence, hoping, praying that something would happen. It didn't. Instead, we found as much interest as we could in the weather, staring out of the conservatory at my father-in-law as he struggled to get the BBQ going. At one point the sun emerged from behind some heavy clouds and that gave way to about thirty seconds of mutterings, followed again by silence and the odd grunt.
The whole experience was excruciatingly painful - and my wife knows it. Worse of all is the fact that she hates me for it. She won't talk to me as she knows I wasn't looking forward to the event - and didn't enjoy it. OK, I admit it was a relief to see them arrive straight from the party at 2 pm, my son clutching a motorbike fashioned with balloons, but I soon found myself alone again with little or nothing to talk about feeling as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit.
It felt like an eternity until I heard the muffled sounds of 'time to go home' and 'say goodbye'. Oh, what a relief, my agony and torment would soon be over. I could get back to the company of my computer, the Internet and my safe haven I call Home.
The drive back was silent. No a word was muttered and my wife looked the other way the whole six or seven miles back to our house. I knew I was in the wrong - I always am - my social ineptitude and inability to make small talk goes completely against my wife's sense of family duty. To her, I'm not normal and I suspect this is the sentiment throughout the rest of the family. The thing is, for someone who's had a breakdown - a breakdown that nearly finished them off, nothing really is normal ever again. I know it's my fault and I accept that. Everyone tries to be as nice as they can, but deep down I know they are doing it because they feel they have to. You make the most of it, you force yourself but most of the time, you just want a little understanding.
The whole experience was excruciatingly painful - and my wife knows it. Worse of all is the fact that she hates me for it. She won't talk to me as she knows I wasn't looking forward to the event - and didn't enjoy it. OK, I admit it was a relief to see them arrive straight from the party at 2 pm, my son clutching a motorbike fashioned with balloons, but I soon found myself alone again with little or nothing to talk about feeling as welcome as a fart in a spacesuit.
It felt like an eternity until I heard the muffled sounds of 'time to go home' and 'say goodbye'. Oh, what a relief, my agony and torment would soon be over. I could get back to the company of my computer, the Internet and my safe haven I call Home.
The drive back was silent. No a word was muttered and my wife looked the other way the whole six or seven miles back to our house. I knew I was in the wrong - I always am - my social ineptitude and inability to make small talk goes completely against my wife's sense of family duty. To her, I'm not normal and I suspect this is the sentiment throughout the rest of the family. The thing is, for someone who's had a breakdown - a breakdown that nearly finished them off, nothing really is normal ever again. I know it's my fault and I accept that. Everyone tries to be as nice as they can, but deep down I know they are doing it because they feel they have to. You make the most of it, you force yourself but most of the time, you just want a little understanding.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Injunction madness
I cannot let today pass without adding my comments to the many thousands circulating the Internet regarding the utter madness that is the latest injunction to prevent freedom of speech in the UK.
I simply cannot believe anyone let alone Ryan Giggs can think that preventing Internet users to speak freely can possibly keep a lid on his antics. As I've said before, if you don't want people to know about it or if you're ashamed of it that much - don't do it in the first place. Simple. Now, I don't for one second believe this person is stupid - they can kick a ball around after all - but gagging the Internet...? Think again.
For anyone who thinks the UK is a country of freedom and liberty - they are wrong, very wrong. This latest round of injunctions just goes to prove that censorship is alive and well and if you have lots of money, then you have the power to censor the press and the media at large. If you don't have money - tough.
The only 'freedom' we have is in Cyberspace. Take this away and we might as well be living in China or North Korea. I am pretty angry about this whole matter, as you can tell. I am ashamed of this country and its ridiculous legal system and draconian laws. It's about time the people running this country woke up...
I simply cannot believe anyone let alone Ryan Giggs can think that preventing Internet users to speak freely can possibly keep a lid on his antics. As I've said before, if you don't want people to know about it or if you're ashamed of it that much - don't do it in the first place. Simple. Now, I don't for one second believe this person is stupid - they can kick a ball around after all - but gagging the Internet...? Think again.
For anyone who thinks the UK is a country of freedom and liberty - they are wrong, very wrong. This latest round of injunctions just goes to prove that censorship is alive and well and if you have lots of money, then you have the power to censor the press and the media at large. If you don't have money - tough.
The only 'freedom' we have is in Cyberspace. Take this away and we might as well be living in China or North Korea. I am pretty angry about this whole matter, as you can tell. I am ashamed of this country and its ridiculous legal system and draconian laws. It's about time the people running this country woke up...
Friday, 20 May 2011
My son's first swear-word & Friday road idiots
For a Friday, today was quite typical. It will though now be remembered for the day my 4 year old son uttered his first swear-word - 'Shit'. There were witnesses to it - my mother-in-law and my wife heard him say it as he rolled about the floor in a small tent. He's managed to get himself stuck and out came the expletive. Now, I'm against bad language generally - especially where children are concerned - and I can only assume he's picked up this new word from playschool, for the language used by other children his age is really terrible. It's no great surprise when you meet some of the parents responsible for these little budding brain surgeons and airline pilots (not!) - they communicate only by shouting at the top of their voices and every other word is an expletive. You cannot blame the children when they are growing-up in this kind of environment and I shouldn't be surprised at all that my son has brought the word home with him. I'm actually quite resigned to the fact that his language will become more diverse and expletive ridden the older he gets. He knows what guns are for and associates them with instant death, as he demonstrates on his mother and father (and the dog) regularly. I suppose I don't really want him to grow-up. The world is just so full of nasty things and equally nasty people. I must face the fact that I can't protect him from everything...
I can guarantee at least one idiot every Friday evening flouting our road laws or endangering road users. This evening was no exception. Once again the new and clearly marked 50mph limit was ignored by two drivers who shot past me at 60-70mph, and once again I was nearly pushed off the road by some idiot who had no idea how to safely overtake. The standard of driving in this county has to be the worst I have ever seen, and possibly the worst in the UK. It's no wonder Lincolnshire has some of the highest incidents of road accidents and fatalities.
Enforcement is the answer and I don't think education is. Those breaking the law are young and education has either failed them or they simply can't be bothered. It's sad, but it's a fact. But all the while there are fewer and fewer police on our streets, they'll simply continue to get away with it. If you want people to drive according to the law, I'm afraid you have to make them.
I can guarantee at least one idiot every Friday evening flouting our road laws or endangering road users. This evening was no exception. Once again the new and clearly marked 50mph limit was ignored by two drivers who shot past me at 60-70mph, and once again I was nearly pushed off the road by some idiot who had no idea how to safely overtake. The standard of driving in this county has to be the worst I have ever seen, and possibly the worst in the UK. It's no wonder Lincolnshire has some of the highest incidents of road accidents and fatalities.
Enforcement is the answer and I don't think education is. Those breaking the law are young and education has either failed them or they simply can't be bothered. It's sad, but it's a fact. But all the while there are fewer and fewer police on our streets, they'll simply continue to get away with it. If you want people to drive according to the law, I'm afraid you have to make them.
Another opportunity and a dangerous defect
My trip this afternoon to Boston went quite well - in fact better than I thought it would I met a very nice guy called Joseph at Taylor ITEX who discussed with me my plan and the problems I had encountered along the way. He suggested I contact Lincolnshire Credit Union, an outfit I hadn't come across up to now. They are a community bank of sorts who provide loans to those who would find getting them elsewhere impossible. As I need the loan to advance my career, there's a good chance it will be granted. So this afternoon I completed another application form and will add the various other documents required tomorrow. I should have it in the post in time for the weekend and hopefully they can get to work on my application early next week.
So, another try...
Something in the news today that caught my eye is the Citroen recall which affects the C3 Picasso. Now, I wouldn't normally remark about car recalls - as there have in recent times been so many - but this one really is quite ridiculous. It involves the pedal arrangement and the fact that they have had to be moved to right hand drive configuration. Fine you might think. But not when the gubbins the brake pedal is connected to is left on the passenger side and protected by a thin piece of felt. For when the passenger presses his or her foot down , it connects with the brake and stops the car. This can happen at any speed and without the knowledge of the passenger or driver. Unbelievable but true.
Now I always had great respect for Citroen. They have a fine history of car design and production but I find it incredible that such a fault could have gone unnoticed. Surely someone must have questioned the fact that the brake pedal gubbins was so accessible from the passenger foot well? Or did they just keep it to themselves for fear of appearing to criticise their management. Maybe they thought no one would notice and genuinely believed that no one would press their foot down in that particular spot? We'll never know.
I know only too well what it's like to lose all power in the fast lane of a motorway - that's bad enough but for the brakes to go on for no reason, well that could be disastrous...
So, another try...
Something in the news today that caught my eye is the Citroen recall which affects the C3 Picasso. Now, I wouldn't normally remark about car recalls - as there have in recent times been so many - but this one really is quite ridiculous. It involves the pedal arrangement and the fact that they have had to be moved to right hand drive configuration. Fine you might think. But not when the gubbins the brake pedal is connected to is left on the passenger side and protected by a thin piece of felt. For when the passenger presses his or her foot down , it connects with the brake and stops the car. This can happen at any speed and without the knowledge of the passenger or driver. Unbelievable but true.
Now I always had great respect for Citroen. They have a fine history of car design and production but I find it incredible that such a fault could have gone unnoticed. Surely someone must have questioned the fact that the brake pedal gubbins was so accessible from the passenger foot well? Or did they just keep it to themselves for fear of appearing to criticise their management. Maybe they thought no one would notice and genuinely believed that no one would press their foot down in that particular spot? We'll never know.
I know only too well what it's like to lose all power in the fast lane of a motorway - that's bad enough but for the brakes to go on for no reason, well that could be disastrous...
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Boston
Credit ratings have a firm grip on our lives and what we can or can't do. My credit rating is blown to pieces following a long period of illness when I was unable to pay things I owed. This I of course accept but it has now made any application for funds to assist with my training impossible. So tomorrow, I am off to Boston to see Taylor ITEX. I'd never heard of them before now but apparently they may be able to help with my training and more importantly the funding I need. PCV training is not cheap - I need about £2,500. It's a while since I've been to Boston - I try to avoid it if I can as it has one of the worst road layouts I know and the traffic is often horrendous. It's a worth a try though, they may be able to help. I do though have a feeling they'll just tell me everything I already know. I've already sorted out a training provider - I just need the money loaned to me so I can do the training, take my test and start working to pay back the money I owe. Simple really. My frustration with it all stems mainly from the fact that I'm owed money by the training provider I'm taking legal action against and now my credit card company who owe me £950 in overpayments. If I had the money owed me then I'd be at the wheel of a coach in Peterborough training right now...
As an aside, it is sad to note the demise of a well known local bus and coach operator - Carnell's of Long Sutton. They have gone into voluntary liquidation as a result of soaring fuel and operating costs. It's a real shame to see a local company 'go under'. They have been operating since 1969 and provided school bus services and local passenger services throughout the county. I see that the other major operator in the area have taken over their services and that a number of their drivers have found re-employment. I'm sure Carnell's aren't the first and certainly won't be the last to suffer from the extreme operating conditions imposed by our current government.
As an aside, it is sad to note the demise of a well known local bus and coach operator - Carnell's of Long Sutton. They have gone into voluntary liquidation as a result of soaring fuel and operating costs. It's a real shame to see a local company 'go under'. They have been operating since 1969 and provided school bus services and local passenger services throughout the county. I see that the other major operator in the area have taken over their services and that a number of their drivers have found re-employment. I'm sure Carnell's aren't the first and certainly won't be the last to suffer from the extreme operating conditions imposed by our current government.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
My digital past
Normally photographs or written diaries would give clues to a person's past. In my case, it's different. Yes there are photographs though these get fewer the further back you go. In my case, it's a box packed full of floppy disks and tapes. I'd retrieved it from the loft yesterday curious to know what was in it. I fished out all the floppy disks, some of them covered in dust and with cryptic labels only I knew the meaning of sometime long ago. I began to read some of them and was surprised to find things such as backups of my e-mail, photographs of pen friends, early electronic diaries and letters - many of which were to and from my early 'electronic lovers'. It was actually quite a shock to find that I had committed so much of my early adult life to digital media. The majority of the disks date back to 1995. I even found a great many projects and documents I had created whilst with my first proper employer. It's all useless today, but interesting nevertheless.
My dilemma now is what to do with them all. My wife knows of their existence but has no idea of what they hold, or the faintest clue of how to read them. Would I be worried about her knowing their contents? Well, yes - the letters would certainly upset her. She gets like that very easily. She'd insist on them being destroyed, of that I have no doubt. For instance, last night the Gadget Show on Channel 5 featured gadgets that could powered by daylight and she got really upset at the fact that I was getting excited over a solar powered camcorder. 'You don't get that excited over me', was her retort. 'You're not portable and solar powered', I replied. We sat in silence for some time after. I really don't want to get rid of any of it but I find myself feeling guilty at keeping this digital cache secret. It's difficult to explain how important it really is to me. It contains so much of who I once was and destroying it would be like destroying a part of me. It is true that back in the early to mid 90's, I did have a life different to my wife's. She is keen to tell me that hers was a life of the outdoors, picking vegetables in the fields and enjoying what nature had to offer. Mine on the other hand was one consumed by TV, electronics and computers. I know I spent most of my time in front of my computer - far more than I do now. I had begun to rely on it for most things - including company - which I know is wrong. Back then though, the Internet was relatively young and it was an exciting time. I will always justify that period in my life as being an important factor in my IT career. Admittedly that's now behind me but I earned good money and lived a good lifestyle as a result.
At the heart of it all was my obsession with collecting. I tried to collect everything I could once, so much in fact that there was a real danger of me falling through my bedroom floor. Much of it is now gone and I have a small den at home which I'm allowed to retreat to occasionally. I was very keen back then to collect what I did and I backed-up as much as I possibly could. The media of the day was tape and floppy disk - each limited in the amount of data they could hold. The tapes I will have a problem reading. They are first generation DAT tapes and I don't currently have a working drive. In addition, I've no idea what format I used to back up the data. A project for another day I think - I've plenty to look at on the floppy disks.
So, do I keep them or destroy them? They have no value to anyone except me. I doubt even if my son would be interested in years to come. He'll have his own life to worry about without wondering what his Dad did way back in 1995. Should I really get rid of them all simply to appease my wife or am I right to want to hang on to my digital past...?
My dilemma now is what to do with them all. My wife knows of their existence but has no idea of what they hold, or the faintest clue of how to read them. Would I be worried about her knowing their contents? Well, yes - the letters would certainly upset her. She gets like that very easily. She'd insist on them being destroyed, of that I have no doubt. For instance, last night the Gadget Show on Channel 5 featured gadgets that could powered by daylight and she got really upset at the fact that I was getting excited over a solar powered camcorder. 'You don't get that excited over me', was her retort. 'You're not portable and solar powered', I replied. We sat in silence for some time after. I really don't want to get rid of any of it but I find myself feeling guilty at keeping this digital cache secret. It's difficult to explain how important it really is to me. It contains so much of who I once was and destroying it would be like destroying a part of me. It is true that back in the early to mid 90's, I did have a life different to my wife's. She is keen to tell me that hers was a life of the outdoors, picking vegetables in the fields and enjoying what nature had to offer. Mine on the other hand was one consumed by TV, electronics and computers. I know I spent most of my time in front of my computer - far more than I do now. I had begun to rely on it for most things - including company - which I know is wrong. Back then though, the Internet was relatively young and it was an exciting time. I will always justify that period in my life as being an important factor in my IT career. Admittedly that's now behind me but I earned good money and lived a good lifestyle as a result.
At the heart of it all was my obsession with collecting. I tried to collect everything I could once, so much in fact that there was a real danger of me falling through my bedroom floor. Much of it is now gone and I have a small den at home which I'm allowed to retreat to occasionally. I was very keen back then to collect what I did and I backed-up as much as I possibly could. The media of the day was tape and floppy disk - each limited in the amount of data they could hold. The tapes I will have a problem reading. They are first generation DAT tapes and I don't currently have a working drive. In addition, I've no idea what format I used to back up the data. A project for another day I think - I've plenty to look at on the floppy disks.
So, do I keep them or destroy them? They have no value to anyone except me. I doubt even if my son would be interested in years to come. He'll have his own life to worry about without wondering what his Dad did way back in 1995. Should I really get rid of them all simply to appease my wife or am I right to want to hang on to my digital past...?
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Eurovision
It's that time of the year again and I am once again finding myself looking forward to this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Despite its campness, its crappy songs and outlandish costumes, there's something endearing about it which still manages to draw a huge worldwide audience.
This year, I think we may actually be in with a chance of scoring more than 1 point. Apparently 'Blue' have gone down well in Europe. They are well known and popular. But the favourite this year is, scarily, 'Jedward' who are representing Ireland. Their song 'Lipstick' is awful, really awful, but it has all the qualities required for a typical Eurovision entry and I understand Europe already love them. In fact, there is now a real fear that they could actually win it for their cash-stricken homeland. There are rumors doing the rounds that they were only put forward as Ireland couldn't afford to host it should they win. Oh dear...
One things for sure, it will be entertaining. Graham Norton will no doubt excel with his unique comedic commentary and the scoring will probably be the best bit as normal.
Love it or hate it, Eurovision is as much a part of our culture as fish and chips or a pint of bitter - and it's here to stay so we may as well enjoy it...
This year, I think we may actually be in with a chance of scoring more than 1 point. Apparently 'Blue' have gone down well in Europe. They are well known and popular. But the favourite this year is, scarily, 'Jedward' who are representing Ireland. Their song 'Lipstick' is awful, really awful, but it has all the qualities required for a typical Eurovision entry and I understand Europe already love them. In fact, there is now a real fear that they could actually win it for their cash-stricken homeland. There are rumors doing the rounds that they were only put forward as Ireland couldn't afford to host it should they win. Oh dear...
One things for sure, it will be entertaining. Graham Norton will no doubt excel with his unique comedic commentary and the scoring will probably be the best bit as normal.
Love it or hate it, Eurovision is as much a part of our culture as fish and chips or a pint of bitter - and it's here to stay so we may as well enjoy it...
Getting away with it
We live in a country where 'getting away with it' is now the norm. I refer to the Potters Bar Rail Inquiry and the news that after 9 years, Network Rail are given a token slap on the wrist for the negligence that caused a commuter train to leave the tracks and plow into a station killing 7 people. It appears that instead of going after the people responsible at the time of the disaster, our wonderful legal system has instead held the current rail maintenance company to account. As they have limited liability, they get a token fine - which incidentally - we are paying for. Now, is it me or does this sound totally ridiculous.
I am totally sympathetic to the views and comments of those who lost loved ones at the hands of Railtrack and I hope you keep up your fight to find justice. Like you, I am disgusted with this country's legal system and its trend for letting people walking away from crime Scot-free.
I am totally sympathetic to the views and comments of those who lost loved ones at the hands of Railtrack and I hope you keep up your fight to find justice. Like you, I am disgusted with this country's legal system and its trend for letting people walking away from crime Scot-free.
Friday, 13 May 2011
A beautiful podiatrist and a mindless idiot
Two things to mention today... Firstly I had an appointment at the Johnson Hospital in Spalding this afternoon. This visit was for my feet, specifically to find out if my diabetes has damaged them. It was my first visit to the Podiatric Dept and though I had a good idea of what was involved, I still had a nervous feeling while I waited for my name to be called. The dental department was right opposite where I was sitting. I have an acute fear of dentists so I felt better knowing I could be waiting for a tooth extraction or a filling.
After about ten minutes, my name was called and I followed the voice into a room to find an absolute vision of loveliness. I really didn't have any pre-expectations of what a podiatrist should look like, but it's fair to say I didn't expect what I found. Being happily married, I shouldn't be writing this, I know and if my wife ever reads this, I'm in trouble. My feet were about to be handled by a stunningly beautiful young lady. I can't say anything else and I certainly won't lie. She was beautiful. As she read through the list of medication I take, we joked about the things I had wrong with myself and for a very short time, we were in each other's company and enjoying it. I imagined what it would be like to know her better. It was wrong, of course it was, but there was a longing to find out more and I drifted off to situations and places where we were together.
I was brought back to reality as I felt something cold on my feet. It was some kind of gel which was needed so her probe could detect circulation. She was very gentle and she seemed so interested in me. Of course it was for purely professional reasons, but I couldn't help but imagine how caring she would be in different circumstances. It left me thinking that whoever won her heart would be a very fortunate person indeed.
My feet were given a clean bill of health and she told me she would discharge me as there wasn't anything seriously wrong with them. I detected a tiny hint of reluctance in her voice as she told me this. But she quickly added that I could contact her at any time if I had any problems or needed her help and advice. She printed me off some leaflets on how to look after my feet as I put my shoes and socks back on. She asked if I had any questions - I told her no but that I was glad my feet weren't going to drop off. She laughed and we parted company. I wondered if I would ever hear her laugh again. Probably not, unless something goes wrong with my feet. I expect to her, I was just another patient - a bit younger than she's used to - but a patient nonetheless. But to me, she wasn't just another nurse. She was more than that but she'll never know...
Once again, I am compelled to write about the mindless idiots that are allowed to continue using the roads here in South Lincolnshire. I am absolutely convinced that road safety training in any shape or form is non-existent and that motorists simply drive the way they want to and with no respect for the law of the road, the safety of others or common sense. The latest idiot (a dark blue VW Golf) decided it would be fine to ignore the new 50 mph speed limit imposed on the main road linking Sutton Bridge with Long Sutton and over take me after overtaking another driver. A look of disapproval was met with the now familiar one fingered salute as he disappeared into the distance overtaking everyone else in his path.
My conclusion is clear. If you set a new speed limit, it MUST be enforced.
A few minutes later who should appear in my rear view mirror, so close to the back of the car I could count his teeth, but the same f***ing idiot who had shot past me a few minutes earlier. Once again he was determined to demonstrate his contempt for the law and the safety of others by carrying out another reckless overtaking routine.This time, he left barely an inch between his car and mine and made sure he'd sprayed me with stones and gravel as he sped away. What makes this all the worse is the fact that this dangerous little prick knew my 4 year old son was on board, but this made no difference to him. It is obvious to me that his mind is incapable of processing common sense commands. This dangerous individual needs to know that he will one day be stopped. He cannot be allowed to put the safety of others at risk through his mindless attitude to driving. But he is of course just one of many idiots of the same mind-set making our roads here a dangerous game of chance for law abiding drivers. I'm watching you and you will be stopped.
After about ten minutes, my name was called and I followed the voice into a room to find an absolute vision of loveliness. I really didn't have any pre-expectations of what a podiatrist should look like, but it's fair to say I didn't expect what I found. Being happily married, I shouldn't be writing this, I know and if my wife ever reads this, I'm in trouble. My feet were about to be handled by a stunningly beautiful young lady. I can't say anything else and I certainly won't lie. She was beautiful. As she read through the list of medication I take, we joked about the things I had wrong with myself and for a very short time, we were in each other's company and enjoying it. I imagined what it would be like to know her better. It was wrong, of course it was, but there was a longing to find out more and I drifted off to situations and places where we were together.
I was brought back to reality as I felt something cold on my feet. It was some kind of gel which was needed so her probe could detect circulation. She was very gentle and she seemed so interested in me. Of course it was for purely professional reasons, but I couldn't help but imagine how caring she would be in different circumstances. It left me thinking that whoever won her heart would be a very fortunate person indeed.
My feet were given a clean bill of health and she told me she would discharge me as there wasn't anything seriously wrong with them. I detected a tiny hint of reluctance in her voice as she told me this. But she quickly added that I could contact her at any time if I had any problems or needed her help and advice. She printed me off some leaflets on how to look after my feet as I put my shoes and socks back on. She asked if I had any questions - I told her no but that I was glad my feet weren't going to drop off. She laughed and we parted company. I wondered if I would ever hear her laugh again. Probably not, unless something goes wrong with my feet. I expect to her, I was just another patient - a bit younger than she's used to - but a patient nonetheless. But to me, she wasn't just another nurse. She was more than that but she'll never know...
Once again, I am compelled to write about the mindless idiots that are allowed to continue using the roads here in South Lincolnshire. I am absolutely convinced that road safety training in any shape or form is non-existent and that motorists simply drive the way they want to and with no respect for the law of the road, the safety of others or common sense. The latest idiot (a dark blue VW Golf) decided it would be fine to ignore the new 50 mph speed limit imposed on the main road linking Sutton Bridge with Long Sutton and over take me after overtaking another driver. A look of disapproval was met with the now familiar one fingered salute as he disappeared into the distance overtaking everyone else in his path.
My conclusion is clear. If you set a new speed limit, it MUST be enforced.
A few minutes later who should appear in my rear view mirror, so close to the back of the car I could count his teeth, but the same f***ing idiot who had shot past me a few minutes earlier. Once again he was determined to demonstrate his contempt for the law and the safety of others by carrying out another reckless overtaking routine.This time, he left barely an inch between his car and mine and made sure he'd sprayed me with stones and gravel as he sped away. What makes this all the worse is the fact that this dangerous little prick knew my 4 year old son was on board, but this made no difference to him. It is obvious to me that his mind is incapable of processing common sense commands. This dangerous individual needs to know that he will one day be stopped. He cannot be allowed to put the safety of others at risk through his mindless attitude to driving. But he is of course just one of many idiots of the same mind-set making our roads here a dangerous game of chance for law abiding drivers. I'm watching you and you will be stopped.
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Recollections 3 (1986)
1986 was the year of the Domesday Project. It was also for me a year of childhood fear and the unknown.
I knew that we could all be blown up but I didn't know why or by who. I know it was something no one wanted to talk about very much. I know my parents never spoke about it unless I forced them to, but they never acknowledged the fact that we were living in the most volatile period since the Second World War and that much was being made of something called 'MAD' and cruise missiles. There were always pictures on the TV news with women holding hands around wire fences, sometimes fighting with police or being dragged into the back of police vans. I didn't know why - I just though it was normal. In fact most of the decade was spent asking 'what if' and this was fueled by a plethora of films designed to terrify young and old. Just take 'Threads' from 1984...
My curiosity was rewarded when I met a chap from the local CND campaign group. He explained to me what could happen to us if we continued on the course we were on and he convinced me that nuclear weapons were a bad thing. I remember vividly being discovered by my mum and being dragged away while she accused the chap of brainwashing me. In fact, he had told me the truth and more than I had ever been told by my parents or by anyone else around me. From that point, I was convinced that we lived in a mad, bad world and that we could all be blown to pieces in an instant.
Another big event in 1986 was of course the Chernobyl accident. I do remember the news reports and being haunted by the images of the destroyed reactor and the men sent to clear up in the aftermath. Little did I know that they were living their final hours. The news reached us late. By the time it was on the Nine O'Clock News, a radioactive plume was already over a large part of Western Europe. I know not quite understanding what had gone on but looking back, I do question the decision to send me and others to school as normal the following morning. I say this because we know that large swathes of Scottish grazing pasture has been contaminated for years to come by the radiation released from Chernobyl. So what exactly was in the air above us while we made our way to and from school and played on the field? We'll of course probably never know.
I'm a little angry I think. I'm angry at my parents for not talking about these topics. Maybe they knew and simply didn't want to discuss it. Perhaps it would be discussed when I was tucked up in bed, hearing only faint muffled voices through the floorboards. Or maybe they just didn't know. Thanks to so called 'freedom of information' we know that right up until 1991, huge underground cities were kept at a state of readiness. We know that Royal Observer Corps posts up and down the country were continually staffed and linked by a secondary telephone system designed to function in time of war. I know this to be true as I've worked with those who looked after it.
I know it has been remarked that we live in a more dangerous world. But is there the fear nowadays that enveloped society back in the 1980's? Surely nowadays we live in a more open society, some would say a free-er society. Is the fear of the unknown what really makes the world a dangerous place? We know more now than we ever did back then. We relied solely on the media - the TV and printed word. Basically we were fed fear by our government - and it worked. For me, I am more fearful of that period now. I look back and wonder how exactly we managed to emerge from that period unscathed - it's nothing short of a miracle.
I will one day tell my son of those days. I can as I have a greater knowledge of what I was seeing and hearing at the time. I now understand - I didn't then. Those who did know, didn't want to tell.
One thing's for sure, 1986 was for me a year of knowing we weren't safe. It was a year of secrets, radioactive clouds and silence. 1986 is a year I am able to live now, today, with the knowledge I needed then. I now know 1986... and I wish I didn't.
I knew that we could all be blown up but I didn't know why or by who. I know it was something no one wanted to talk about very much. I know my parents never spoke about it unless I forced them to, but they never acknowledged the fact that we were living in the most volatile period since the Second World War and that much was being made of something called 'MAD' and cruise missiles. There were always pictures on the TV news with women holding hands around wire fences, sometimes fighting with police or being dragged into the back of police vans. I didn't know why - I just though it was normal. In fact most of the decade was spent asking 'what if' and this was fueled by a plethora of films designed to terrify young and old. Just take 'Threads' from 1984...
My curiosity was rewarded when I met a chap from the local CND campaign group. He explained to me what could happen to us if we continued on the course we were on and he convinced me that nuclear weapons were a bad thing. I remember vividly being discovered by my mum and being dragged away while she accused the chap of brainwashing me. In fact, he had told me the truth and more than I had ever been told by my parents or by anyone else around me. From that point, I was convinced that we lived in a mad, bad world and that we could all be blown to pieces in an instant.
Another big event in 1986 was of course the Chernobyl accident. I do remember the news reports and being haunted by the images of the destroyed reactor and the men sent to clear up in the aftermath. Little did I know that they were living their final hours. The news reached us late. By the time it was on the Nine O'Clock News, a radioactive plume was already over a large part of Western Europe. I know not quite understanding what had gone on but looking back, I do question the decision to send me and others to school as normal the following morning. I say this because we know that large swathes of Scottish grazing pasture has been contaminated for years to come by the radiation released from Chernobyl. So what exactly was in the air above us while we made our way to and from school and played on the field? We'll of course probably never know.
I'm a little angry I think. I'm angry at my parents for not talking about these topics. Maybe they knew and simply didn't want to discuss it. Perhaps it would be discussed when I was tucked up in bed, hearing only faint muffled voices through the floorboards. Or maybe they just didn't know. Thanks to so called 'freedom of information' we know that right up until 1991, huge underground cities were kept at a state of readiness. We know that Royal Observer Corps posts up and down the country were continually staffed and linked by a secondary telephone system designed to function in time of war. I know this to be true as I've worked with those who looked after it.
I know it has been remarked that we live in a more dangerous world. But is there the fear nowadays that enveloped society back in the 1980's? Surely nowadays we live in a more open society, some would say a free-er society. Is the fear of the unknown what really makes the world a dangerous place? We know more now than we ever did back then. We relied solely on the media - the TV and printed word. Basically we were fed fear by our government - and it worked. For me, I am more fearful of that period now. I look back and wonder how exactly we managed to emerge from that period unscathed - it's nothing short of a miracle.
I will one day tell my son of those days. I can as I have a greater knowledge of what I was seeing and hearing at the time. I now understand - I didn't then. Those who did know, didn't want to tell.
One thing's for sure, 1986 was for me a year of knowing we weren't safe. It was a year of secrets, radioactive clouds and silence. 1986 is a year I am able to live now, today, with the knowledge I needed then. I now know 1986... and I wish I didn't.
Domesday Reloaded
Today the BBC have unveiled 'Domesday Reloaded'. I expect few people will remember the Domesday Project of the mid-80's. I do. It was a project headed by the BBC to record what life was like in the UK during 1986. It involved many thousands of people contributing articles and photographs, all of which was put together into a vast electronic library and written to laser disc. Unfortunately the cost of the machines needed to play the discs placed the Domesday records out of the reach of most people except the odd school, library or museum. But now, the data has been converted to today's standards and it has all been released on the Internet for all to enjoy - 25 years after it was produced.
I do remember the hype surrounding it and I also remember our school submitting material for it. It was a big event but back then I didn't realise just how important it was. It was something the grown-ups were doing. I do recall not longer after, seeing BBC Micro computers springing up in libraries and I recall seeing one at our central library down in Bromley - where I grew up. Of course by todays standards, it was basic but back then it was way ahead of its time and cutting-edge.
I've had a browse through it online and I'm amazed at what has been captured. Unlike a typical reference site, the information is made up of small articles. They are all written in a very basic format - as if by youngsters and provide a vaulable nugget of information for any place in the UK during 1986. The photo above shows Raglan Road, the road in which I went to school. The houses are typical of where I lived and grew-up.
It is all the more fantastic as all the articles are based on random everyday things. One such article reads;
We found that most of the shops
that are in Chatterton Road do not
sell food. Some of the older people
that we interviewed said that they did
all their shopping here because you
can buy everything you need and it is
such a friendly place.
Some we interviewed said that they
found the shops a little more
expensive than in Bromley ad so they
did their main shopping at large
supermarkets nearby.
In Chatterton Road there are four
takeaway food shops, a chemist and
Post Office in the same building and a
supermarket. There are several shops
which sell household goods and car
accessorioes. There are quite a few
service shops such as an estate
agent, two hairdressers, dry cleaners,
travel agents and hire shops.
The road is often very busy.
For instance, the M25 is mentioned as being not quite complete. The A17 bypass near to where I live hadn't been built and the subsequent traffic through the village of Long Sutton is mentioned.
It really is an amazing accomplishment and I take my hat off to all involved.
Another wonderfully written article gives a view of public transport in Bromley at the time...
Our transport these days in London 10th
July 1985 is not very good.The
transport takes too long to come_
that's buses.They are always late and
when they come the buses are packed and
they say only one on top sometimes.
The old people sometimes have to go up-
stairs and when their not even half way
up he rings the bell and they could
easily fall and hurt themselves.And
when somebody's running for the bus the
conductor does see him or her and rings
the bell so that the bus goes.Some
people jump on the bus and they could
easily fall and hurt themselves.On the
rectangled buses there are 28 seats
downstairs.And they let them still
stand on the bus.
So wonderful. This is another example of a genuine article;
Today 1985 their is alot of electric
equipment about. eg televisions, light,
microwave ovens. I will explain which
each one is about:
TELEVISION: This is a form of
entertainment. Actors and actresses
perform; films, soap operas, music
plays, series, and things like that.
Television has been around for about
since the 1950's.
MICROWAVE AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT:
Microwave is a oven but this cooks
food quicker. A kettle is something
you boil a cup of tea or hot drink in.
Oven's and hobbs are something that you
cook your meals in. soda stream is a
fizzy drink's maker. Mr Frosty is a
milk shake maker, there are lots more
kitchen appliances but they are not so
well known.
VIDEO: A Video is connected to the
television and it can record things
I recommend a visit to this unique window on our past: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday
I do remember the hype surrounding it and I also remember our school submitting material for it. It was a big event but back then I didn't realise just how important it was. It was something the grown-ups were doing. I do recall not longer after, seeing BBC Micro computers springing up in libraries and I recall seeing one at our central library down in Bromley - where I grew up. Of course by todays standards, it was basic but back then it was way ahead of its time and cutting-edge.
I've had a browse through it online and I'm amazed at what has been captured. Unlike a typical reference site, the information is made up of small articles. They are all written in a very basic format - as if by youngsters and provide a vaulable nugget of information for any place in the UK during 1986. The photo above shows Raglan Road, the road in which I went to school. The houses are typical of where I lived and grew-up.
It is all the more fantastic as all the articles are based on random everyday things. One such article reads;
We found that most of the shops
that are in Chatterton Road do not
sell food. Some of the older people
that we interviewed said that they did
all their shopping here because you
can buy everything you need and it is
such a friendly place.
Some we interviewed said that they
found the shops a little more
expensive than in Bromley ad so they
did their main shopping at large
supermarkets nearby.
In Chatterton Road there are four
takeaway food shops, a chemist and
Post Office in the same building and a
supermarket. There are several shops
which sell household goods and car
accessorioes. There are quite a few
service shops such as an estate
agent, two hairdressers, dry cleaners,
travel agents and hire shops.
The road is often very busy.
For instance, the M25 is mentioned as being not quite complete. The A17 bypass near to where I live hadn't been built and the subsequent traffic through the village of Long Sutton is mentioned.
It really is an amazing accomplishment and I take my hat off to all involved.
Another wonderfully written article gives a view of public transport in Bromley at the time...
Our transport these days in London 10th
July 1985 is not very good.The
transport takes too long to come_
that's buses.They are always late and
when they come the buses are packed and
they say only one on top sometimes.
The old people sometimes have to go up-
stairs and when their not even half way
up he rings the bell and they could
easily fall and hurt themselves.And
when somebody's running for the bus the
conductor does see him or her and rings
the bell so that the bus goes.Some
people jump on the bus and they could
easily fall and hurt themselves.On the
rectangled buses there are 28 seats
downstairs.And they let them still
stand on the bus.
So wonderful. This is another example of a genuine article;
Today 1985 their is alot of electric
equipment about. eg televisions, light,
microwave ovens. I will explain which
each one is about:
TELEVISION: This is a form of
entertainment. Actors and actresses
perform; films, soap operas, music
plays, series, and things like that.
Television has been around for about
since the 1950's.
MICROWAVE AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT:
Microwave is a oven but this cooks
food quicker. A kettle is something
you boil a cup of tea or hot drink in.
Oven's and hobbs are something that you
cook your meals in. soda stream is a
fizzy drink's maker. Mr Frosty is a
milk shake maker, there are lots more
kitchen appliances but they are not so
well known.
VIDEO: A Video is connected to the
television and it can record things
I recommend a visit to this unique window on our past: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
A few words of encouragement
I spoke a moment ago with a nice chap at a local bus company about PCV training. Although they sold their training vehicle, he encouraged me to stick with my current plan and give him a call once I've passed my test and have my license. I'm glad I spoke to him - he was very friendly and spotted straight away that I was a bit of an enthusiast and we chatted about old vehicles. So, I'm sticking with my original plan and if all goes well then I should be training from 20th June in Peterborough.
As an aside, I notice that my plan to win the Euromillions jackpot didn't come to fruition. In fact no one appears to have won it so next week's prize fund is a whopping £107,000,000! Personally I think it would make better sense for it to be split 10 ways to give more people a chance of living their dreams. Just what on Earth is someone expected to do with that amount of money? I suppose a million of it could be justified but surely there's a point at which a person would have bough everything they want...
As an aside, I notice that my plan to win the Euromillions jackpot didn't come to fruition. In fact no one appears to have won it so next week's prize fund is a whopping £107,000,000! Personally I think it would make better sense for it to be split 10 ways to give more people a chance of living their dreams. Just what on Earth is someone expected to do with that amount of money? I suppose a million of it could be justified but surely there's a point at which a person would have bough everything they want...
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Another step forward
Yesterday saw me take another step forward in my plan. I visited the local Citizens Advice bureau to get help with the legal action I'm taking. I didn't actually learn anything new, other than the fact I will need to take out an enforcement order. Normally this would cost a further £200 as was my gripe, but it's possible I may be able to get the fees waived. It does though mean loads more form filling but if it gets me my money back - which I consider as stolen - then that's a good thing.
I also completed my application to the bank for a PCDL (Professional Careers Development Loan). I had to visit my training provider who are in Peterborough to get them to stamp my form. Having filled in the rest, it's now on its way in the post so I'm hopeful I'll hear back from them soon. There is of course the very real chance they will reject my request, in which case I do have a contingency plan. Full of plans me!
So now I do what I'm good at - waiting. It does though make me feel I'm a little closer to my goal...
I also completed my application to the bank for a PCDL (Professional Careers Development Loan). I had to visit my training provider who are in Peterborough to get them to stamp my form. Having filled in the rest, it's now on its way in the post so I'm hopeful I'll hear back from them soon. There is of course the very real chance they will reject my request, in which case I do have a contingency plan. Full of plans me!
So now I do what I'm good at - waiting. It does though make me feel I'm a little closer to my goal...
Friday, 6 May 2011
Recollections 2
I occasionally allow my mind to drift back. It's like trolling through rolls of old film and sometimes I surprise myself at the things I remember. As my son nears school age, I think of my own childhood junior school memories and how I dreaded the prospect of having to go and how I would try to find any way possible not to.
Back then, school was a dark and imposing place, full of children I didn't know and teachers who's job it was to shout and give me nightmares. I can remember the smells of school quite clearly. The musty odour of the classrooms and the smell of sand mixed with disinfectant whenever someone threw up.
I can remember the smell of the gym with its wooden climbing frames, ropes and green rubber mats. I can smell now the canteen and the aroma of custard, fish cakes and pies that heralded lunchtime. I recall the mixed smells of must and water-based paint as I think of art class. Even today, the smell of wood being worked takes me right back to the crafts workshops, filled with huge benches with alien-looking drills and wood dust everywhere.
The secretary's office used to smell of stationery - paper, ink and files. There was always a band printer - normally Gestetner - and this would smell of ink. If I was lucky, I was sometimes allowed to turn the handle and run-off a few hundred letters. Another one I remember is the smell of biscuits being made. This was a rare treat.
Pens had their own unique smell too. We used to use coloured felt-tips, made by Berol I think. They used to smell slightly fruity and sweet - especially the orange one.
The corridor leading to the headmaster's office used to smell of cigarettes. His name was Mr Purkis and he drove a tiny blue camper van. I think he was a very heavy smoker.
Instant coffee - now there's one I remember. Staff rooms would smell of instant coffee and cigarette smoke. I used to make the coffee for one of my teachers. Each time I have a Nescafe, I get taken back.
Occasionally, I'd catch a whiff of the world outside the gates. This would often be petrol or diesel fumes and would give me some sense of hope that I would eventually be free and that there was life elsewhere.
My son has all this to come. I hope he enjoys it more than I did. It's good to look back but at the time, oh how I hated it...
Back then, school was a dark and imposing place, full of children I didn't know and teachers who's job it was to shout and give me nightmares. I can remember the smells of school quite clearly. The musty odour of the classrooms and the smell of sand mixed with disinfectant whenever someone threw up.
I can remember the smell of the gym with its wooden climbing frames, ropes and green rubber mats. I can smell now the canteen and the aroma of custard, fish cakes and pies that heralded lunchtime. I recall the mixed smells of must and water-based paint as I think of art class. Even today, the smell of wood being worked takes me right back to the crafts workshops, filled with huge benches with alien-looking drills and wood dust everywhere.
The secretary's office used to smell of stationery - paper, ink and files. There was always a band printer - normally Gestetner - and this would smell of ink. If I was lucky, I was sometimes allowed to turn the handle and run-off a few hundred letters. Another one I remember is the smell of biscuits being made. This was a rare treat.
Pens had their own unique smell too. We used to use coloured felt-tips, made by Berol I think. They used to smell slightly fruity and sweet - especially the orange one.
The corridor leading to the headmaster's office used to smell of cigarettes. His name was Mr Purkis and he drove a tiny blue camper van. I think he was a very heavy smoker.
Instant coffee - now there's one I remember. Staff rooms would smell of instant coffee and cigarette smoke. I used to make the coffee for one of my teachers. Each time I have a Nescafe, I get taken back.
Occasionally, I'd catch a whiff of the world outside the gates. This would often be petrol or diesel fumes and would give me some sense of hope that I would eventually be free and that there was life elsewhere.
My son has all this to come. I hope he enjoys it more than I did. It's good to look back but at the time, oh how I hated it...
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Rhubarb crumble
Yesterday was a 'good day'. It was one of those days when things got done and we came out of it a little better than when we went into it. An insurance policy I had to cover my finances while I was poorly paid more than was needed into an account so that I am now in credit by a tidy sum. Being the honest guy I am and fearing the wrath of God should I just decide to take it, I called them to check that it was in order and to ask whether the money was legitimately mine. I was pleased to be told that it was and that I could do with it whatever I pleased.
Hoorah! That now means I am about half-way to funding the training I need for my CPC. I just need to raise the remaining funds through my request for a Careers Development Loan and I should be behind the wheel of a coach in no time.
The other minor, but by no means insignificant success yesterday was with the Citizens Advice Bureau who have agreed to support my case against 1st Class Trucking Ltd to get my money back - which they've already been ordered to do by a Court of Law - an order they have chosen to ignore. After a discussion yesterday afternoon, it's been agreed that we'll go back next Monday afternoon to see their legal person. Any movement in this area is fantastic as I've felt so literally powerless, despite the fact that the Courts had ruled in my favor. As I've mentioned previously, there is simply no help or support available to Joe Public and you're required to fork out money hand over fist to get anyone to do anything. Everything it seems boils down to money - even the Law - which has to be wrong.
So, all in all I'm quite chuffed with yesterday - hard work but worth it.
As I type this, my darling wife is making an apple and rhubarb crumble - one of my all time favourite deserts. I can smell the rhubarb now and look forward later on to enjoying it with a little custard. Oh blow the Diabetes!
So, I'll end this entry on a high - the sun is shining, things are moving in the right direction and my wife's making apple and rhubarb crumble... things are good.
Hoorah! That now means I am about half-way to funding the training I need for my CPC. I just need to raise the remaining funds through my request for a Careers Development Loan and I should be behind the wheel of a coach in no time.
The other minor, but by no means insignificant success yesterday was with the Citizens Advice Bureau who have agreed to support my case against 1st Class Trucking Ltd to get my money back - which they've already been ordered to do by a Court of Law - an order they have chosen to ignore. After a discussion yesterday afternoon, it's been agreed that we'll go back next Monday afternoon to see their legal person. Any movement in this area is fantastic as I've felt so literally powerless, despite the fact that the Courts had ruled in my favor. As I've mentioned previously, there is simply no help or support available to Joe Public and you're required to fork out money hand over fist to get anyone to do anything. Everything it seems boils down to money - even the Law - which has to be wrong.
So, all in all I'm quite chuffed with yesterday - hard work but worth it.
As I type this, my darling wife is making an apple and rhubarb crumble - one of my all time favourite deserts. I can smell the rhubarb now and look forward later on to enjoying it with a little custard. Oh blow the Diabetes!
So, I'll end this entry on a high - the sun is shining, things are moving in the right direction and my wife's making apple and rhubarb crumble... things are good.
Monday, 2 May 2011
One wedding and a funeral
It was only yesterday that the news was full of speculation regarding the royal newlyweds' honeymoon plans. This morning we woke up to the news that Bin Laden had been found and killed by US forces. It's news overload at the moment and I'll be happy when things return to normal - the usual political bickering and more debate regarding the 'alternative vote' system.
Personally, I think this period of rejoicing and celebration will be shortlived and I'm sure we haven't seen the end to deadly campaigns of hate. Just how do I explain things like 9/11 to my 4 year old son...?
Personally, I think this period of rejoicing and celebration will be shortlived and I'm sure we haven't seen the end to deadly campaigns of hate. Just how do I explain things like 9/11 to my 4 year old son...?
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Feeling old...
It's no secret that I'm 38, but I feel old. I was at the Job Centre a couple of weeks ago and my adviser and I got onto the subject of holidays. He told me he was off soon to Great Yarmouth for a quiet couple of weeks at the caravan. I found myself beginning to envy him, but what I found worrying was the fact that he's quite a bit younger than me. He told me he was looking forward to the peace and quiet, away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of everyday life. I was nodding along to all this, agreeing with his every word and imagining the same thing. Can this be a sign that I'm getting old?
Other evidence could include the fact that I now make a noise when I get into and get out of a chair. I make a noise when I climb the stairs. I tut at people I think are dressed inappropriately, such as in supermarkets. I complain about the price of things. I have a favourite cushion. I'm drinking more tea. I get tired in the afternoon and yern for a nap. I get indigestion after a big meal or anything rich. I lament the loss of analogue TV. I often tell me son to keep the noise down. I peer into my neighbours garden to see what they're up to. I keep checking the time. I've taken to wearing slippers.
Are these signs of old age...?
Other evidence could include the fact that I now make a noise when I get into and get out of a chair. I make a noise when I climb the stairs. I tut at people I think are dressed inappropriately, such as in supermarkets. I complain about the price of things. I have a favourite cushion. I'm drinking more tea. I get tired in the afternoon and yern for a nap. I get indigestion after a big meal or anything rich. I lament the loss of analogue TV. I often tell me son to keep the noise down. I peer into my neighbours garden to see what they're up to. I keep checking the time. I've taken to wearing slippers.
Are these signs of old age...?
Wedding afterglow
I notice people are beginning to reminisce about the wedding and the TV is desparately trying not to let go completely, some channels still re-running the highlights. There is much speculation as to where the Royal Couple have disappeared to. Frankly, I don't really care. Chances are, they are just down the road from here at Sandringham and if I made enough noise, they'd probably hear me. Hopefully they are getting some peace and quiet away from the relentless glare of the media. There is though a warmish glow lingering from Friday. It prompts the odd ridiculous conversation about the wedding and how beautiful the bride looked - as if they'd have had her looking a mess. 'I hope she doesn't turn out like Diana' and 'he's more sensible than his father' are amongst some of the phrases I've heard so far. Many seem to agree that Anne could have found something a little less 80's and that Beatrice's hat was simply silly. The gossip in various hairdressers and co-op stores up and down the land will persist for weeks and possibly months to come.
I'm amazed at the weather today, it's really quite good. A little windy maybe but bright, clear and sunny. We did a little shopping earlier in Wisbech and I played 'spot the English person', a regular source of amusement for it is common knowledge that mass imigration has now made English people of British origin a minority group in many parts of the UK. I'm just stating a fast and nothing more. I actually find it amusing.
I picked up a cheap digital TV box in Asda - my parents had requested a cheap one for their kitchen TV. I thought £19 was quite reasonable so bought that and had it installed and working in no time. In August we begin to lose our trusty analogie signal here as everything is converted to the DVB standard. I'll probably mark the event with a special entry nearer the time but I'll always have happy memories of trying to position the antenna for optimum picture and thinking I'd got it just right only to find that just one of the four channels was watchable... Oh what fun. It's hard to imagine that my son will only know digital though I expect FM and Medium Wave will be with us for a few years yet. We'll see...
I'm amazed at the weather today, it's really quite good. A little windy maybe but bright, clear and sunny. We did a little shopping earlier in Wisbech and I played 'spot the English person', a regular source of amusement for it is common knowledge that mass imigration has now made English people of British origin a minority group in many parts of the UK. I'm just stating a fast and nothing more. I actually find it amusing.
I picked up a cheap digital TV box in Asda - my parents had requested a cheap one for their kitchen TV. I thought £19 was quite reasonable so bought that and had it installed and working in no time. In August we begin to lose our trusty analogie signal here as everything is converted to the DVB standard. I'll probably mark the event with a special entry nearer the time but I'll always have happy memories of trying to position the antenna for optimum picture and thinking I'd got it just right only to find that just one of the four channels was watchable... Oh what fun. It's hard to imagine that my son will only know digital though I expect FM and Medium Wave will be with us for a few years yet. We'll see...
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Lynda Bellingham
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Lynda Bellingham on Sunday. I had known she was terminally ill, but I really thought, as did man...
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I was shocked to hear of the passing of Lynda Bellingham on Sunday. I had known she was terminally ill, but I really thought, as did man... -
Once I post something, I'm aware it's on the Internet for ever more. Wow, what a thought... So for my first post, I'm going to g... -
I really love this story on the BBC News site of a letter box that's mysteriously appeared in a bridge at Sonning-On-Thames, Berkshire. ...