It is my company's policy to send all company car drivers on a defensive driving course.
I had put it off for too long, so today I trotted down to Nottingham looking forward to seeing lots of videos of car crashes and idiotic driving.
It wasn't quite like that. We actually had to drive while someone made notes and then pointed out all the things we had done wrong. It was like taking my test again.
Then, at the end, we had to drive for about 30 minutes and give a commentary and what we were doing and could see. This didn't include criticising other drivers, laughing at women parking or abusing old people crossing the road. I was at a complete loss.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Is It a Bird?
I am quite a big fan of the first two Christopher Reeve Superman movies and was slightly disappointed with Bryan Singer's Superman Returns.
However, if this story were ever to happen I might feel a tingle not experienced since the epic and wonderful Lord of the Rings trilogy...
However, if this story were ever to happen I might feel a tingle not experienced since the epic and wonderful Lord of the Rings trilogy...
Friday, 14 November 2008
Children In Need
OK, it is a worthy cause and I am not denying that the charity deserves the money it raises.
However, the TV "feast" we get subjected to, year-upon-year, leaves me feeling like tearing my eyes out and sticking them in my ears to spare me the horror.
This is just a sample of the "spectacular" events gracing the BBC this year. I quote:
"The cast of the Bill do the jailhouse rock at Sun Hill in their tribute to the Blues Brothers."
"Gok Wan shows the residents of Coronation Street How To Look Good Naked in Weatherfield, followed by live music from Girls Aloud and Leon Jackson."
"East meets West as the cast of EastEnders put on a showstopping West End musical spectacular from Albert Square, and there's an exclusive performance from Take That."
Awful. Just painfully, painfully awful.
However, the TV "feast" we get subjected to, year-upon-year, leaves me feeling like tearing my eyes out and sticking them in my ears to spare me the horror.
This is just a sample of the "spectacular" events gracing the BBC this year. I quote:
"The cast of the Bill do the jailhouse rock at Sun Hill in their tribute to the Blues Brothers."
"Gok Wan shows the residents of Coronation Street How To Look Good Naked in Weatherfield, followed by live music from Girls Aloud and Leon Jackson."
"East meets West as the cast of EastEnders put on a showstopping West End musical spectacular from Albert Square, and there's an exclusive performance from Take That."
Awful. Just painfully, painfully awful.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Nothing Stays The Same
I was in Sheffield the other day, mooching around and just killing time.
I ventured onto a street where there used to be a couple of good record shops and thought I could burn some minutes there.
No such luck. The stores (independent and with a good mix of music) had both gone. Lots of other stores had disappeared too and all that was left were some tacky-looking theme pubs and lots of coffeee shop chains.
It was all rather sad.
I ventured onto a street where there used to be a couple of good record shops and thought I could burn some minutes there.
No such luck. The stores (independent and with a good mix of music) had both gone. Lots of other stores had disappeared too and all that was left were some tacky-looking theme pubs and lots of coffeee shop chains.
It was all rather sad.
Monday, 27 October 2008
Gridiron
I am a fan of American Football and have been since the 1980s. I was lucky enough to see the first International Series game in London last year between my team, the Miami Dolphins, and the New York Giants.
The second of these games in London was played last night, with the Saints defeating the Chargers in a cracking game. I didn't get to this one - as I am not a fan of either team and I have already seen the Chargers play two years ago in the US.
I am hoping that the game next year will feature a team I have an interest in, as it was a great occasion.
The second of these games in London was played last night, with the Saints defeating the Chargers in a cracking game. I didn't get to this one - as I am not a fan of either team and I have already seen the Chargers play two years ago in the US.
I am hoping that the game next year will feature a team I have an interest in, as it was a great occasion.
Poorly
Sat at home today after coming down with a stomach bug on Saturday night. It is the sort you can't shift and it kept me up most of last night. So, I called into work to say I wouldn't be in - something I always hate doing. I always feel like I should put on a weak sounding voice, to show I am really ill. But, it always ends up sounding as if I am faking it, even when I am not.
Monday, 20 October 2008
On The iPod
Current Mix on my iPod:
Stay With Me - Faces
Jacqueline - The Coral
Laid - James
Panic - The Smiths
Building a Mystery - Sarah McLachlan
Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles
Wish You Were Here - Pink Flloyd
The Thrill is Gone - BB King
Freewheel - Duke Special
'Tis rather splendid.
Stay With Me - Faces
Jacqueline - The Coral
Laid - James
Panic - The Smiths
Building a Mystery - Sarah McLachlan
Video Killed The Radio Star - The Buggles
Wish You Were Here - Pink Flloyd
The Thrill is Gone - BB King
Freewheel - Duke Special
'Tis rather splendid.
Friday, 17 October 2008
I Make No Comment
A Christian being interviewed on the radio this morning made the following statements:
- Dressing a child up as a witch to celebrate Halloween is evil.
- God hates it when we don't accept Him into our lives. If we do not accept Him into our lives we will face eternal consequences.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Battle Of The Bands
A list of bands/artists that I regard as being rather good. I would not say I am a massive fan of all of them, but have at least enjoyed one or two albums down the years.
In no particular order:
I could go on. But I won't. For now.
In no particular order:
I could go on. But I won't. For now.
Friday, 10 October 2008
Smarty Pants
Smart cars are weird little things. I am not a fan personally, but I have to admit I love their new line.
This Smerrari would be perfect for getting around town without getting laughed at (much):
This Smerrari would be perfect for getting around town without getting laughed at (much):
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Tales of Woe
As the financial crisis seems to worsen, I have several fears about banks around the world.
There are rumours that the Origami bank will fold, there is something fishy about the Sushi bank and the Page Three bank could go bust.
I am losing sleep...
There are rumours that the Origami bank will fold, there is something fishy about the Sushi bank and the Page Three bank could go bust.
I am losing sleep...
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Men (and women) Of Property
We bought a house today. It is not for us to live in - but as an investment for the future.
I know some people feel now is the wrong time to buy - but prices are low and sellers are jittery. We picked this house up for £11,000 less than it was originally on the market for.
I am confident property is still a very good investment and means of providing financial and working freedom. Only time will tell if I am correct, but we are on our way...
I know some people feel now is the wrong time to buy - but prices are low and sellers are jittery. We picked this house up for £11,000 less than it was originally on the market for.
I am confident property is still a very good investment and means of providing financial and working freedom. Only time will tell if I am correct, but we are on our way...
Thursday, 2 October 2008
The Good Life
I am currently enjoying three days holiday from work. For no particular reason, I just fancied some time off.
My days have been spent walking the mutt, doing a bit of painting (walls not canvasses), watching some movies, playing a bit of guitar and general mooching about.
I have thoroughly enjoyed it. People who say they would be bored without work are - in my opinion - plain crazy. I could get used to this lifestyle very easily.
My days have been spent walking the mutt, doing a bit of painting (walls not canvasses), watching some movies, playing a bit of guitar and general mooching about.
I have thoroughly enjoyed it. People who say they would be bored without work are - in my opinion - plain crazy. I could get used to this lifestyle very easily.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
New Jumper
I bought a new jumper today. It is green and chunky and just what I was after. I wanted something to keep me warm now winter is approaching.
It wasn't expensive, but I like it. It has the potential to become an all-time favourite. I once had a black jumper than I loved dearly. It was very comfortable and I thought looked very cool. Unfortunately it developed a hole and is long since gone. I am thinking this new one could become as much-loved as that one.
RIP black jumper.
It wasn't expensive, but I like it. It has the potential to become an all-time favourite. I once had a black jumper than I loved dearly. It was very comfortable and I thought looked very cool. Unfortunately it developed a hole and is long since gone. I am thinking this new one could become as much-loved as that one.
RIP black jumper.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
West Sham United
The viewpoints and arguments regarding the whole Tevez-West-Ham-cheating scandal are many. Some I agree with and some I disagree with.
However, the following comment about it on TalkSport (which can be entertaining at times, but does tend to employ a rather high number of ignorant, racist halfwits) really got my goat. Apparently Sheffield United should "leave West Ham alone" because "the 'Ammers 'ave got, like, a good tradition and, you know, like, had people who, like, won the World Cup, or suffink".
Ah, so that means cheating is OK. But if a club with a less illustrious past (say, Sheffield United) should cheat then they should be taken to the cleaners. How fair.
However, the following comment about it on TalkSport (which can be entertaining at times, but does tend to employ a rather high number of ignorant, racist halfwits) really got my goat. Apparently Sheffield United should "leave West Ham alone" because "the 'Ammers 'ave got, like, a good tradition and, you know, like, had people who, like, won the World Cup, or suffink".
Ah, so that means cheating is OK. But if a club with a less illustrious past (say, Sheffield United) should cheat then they should be taken to the cleaners. How fair.
Monday, 22 September 2008
Commuting Commotion
I spent three hours commuting to and from work today.
Not only that, but I estimated that this pleasure also cost me about £15 in fuel.
Three hours, £15, to sit in a boring, tedious, irritating meeting for nearly five hours.
Work, to use an Americanism, sucks.
Not only that, but I estimated that this pleasure also cost me about £15 in fuel.
Three hours, £15, to sit in a boring, tedious, irritating meeting for nearly five hours.
Work, to use an Americanism, sucks.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
The Trouble With Bosses
I think I have had a quite bad run when it comes to bosses. My first was a particularly unlikeable chap, homophobic, racist and sexist.
The other seemed OK at first, but then showed his true colours by being ignorant, bad at his job, manipulative, hypocritical and fat (well, he was always fat, but the other traits came out as time wore on).
Mysteriously, both of these unpleasant individuals are called Ian.
My current boss is not particularly my cup of tea. She isn't called Ian, but we don't quite see eye-to-eye. I think it is just a personality clash, but I know my predecessor had similar difficulties with her.
I think the only answer is to work for myself. Then I would be my own boss - but who knows, maybe he will be the worst of them all...
The other seemed OK at first, but then showed his true colours by being ignorant, bad at his job, manipulative, hypocritical and fat (well, he was always fat, but the other traits came out as time wore on).
Mysteriously, both of these unpleasant individuals are called Ian.
My current boss is not particularly my cup of tea. She isn't called Ian, but we don't quite see eye-to-eye. I think it is just a personality clash, but I know my predecessor had similar difficulties with her.
I think the only answer is to work for myself. Then I would be my own boss - but who knows, maybe he will be the worst of them all...
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Good News Day
Sometimes one can have a day when things just work out. Today was one such day. Both myself and my fiancée had great news about jobs that suggest our future is looking very rosy indeed.
We are enjoying a glass (or two) of wine and toasting our continuing good fortune and happiness.
We are enjoying a glass (or two) of wine and toasting our continuing good fortune and happiness.
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