2012 has the potential to be an exciting year. Well, it has if you're an England-based sports fan.
In June we have the European Football Championships based in Ukraine and Poland. Although I hold out no hope at all of England doing well (they NEVER do), it should still be an interesting tournament, and - unlike the World Cup - there are no easy games, and competition will be fierce. Expect the usual over-hyped expectations of England's chances from a hysterical media, who will also do their best to undo any chance we might have as they go in search of any scandal at all. The bottom line is actually that everything depends on the players and sadly, they're neither good enough nor disciplined enough to do any good in the tournament.
And then in late July and August we have the London Olympics! Truly exciting, once-in-a-lifetime stuff. Despite the doom-sayers and negative words of the vocal minority, the fact is that England (and Britain) has already embraced the Olympics and will continue to do so right through to the end of the Paralympics. The fact is - we love the Olympics coming to London!
Stadiums are mostly ready, tickets are nearly all sold out, merchandise is selling well - it's going to be a momentous occasion. I have no doubt that - unlike our footballers - our GB athletes will find the crest of the wave and be carried on in to unprecedented success.
The mood of the nation will be lifted by the excitement of the occasion and the gold medals that we'll win. Let's hope the weather doesn't spoil it!
Friday 30 December 2011
Friday 25 November 2011
What's in a name, Staines?
When you read a headline, as there is on the BBC's website in the south-east today, that says: "Staines name-change moves forward", you think you can guess what the story is about.
Ah yes, you'll nod to yourself knowingly, they've finally decided they can do without all the bad jokes and innuendo coming from such a name and they're going to change it to Runnymedesville or something.
But no!
Reading beyond the headline into the article we find that the name change proposed is to make it "Staines-upon-Thames".
Well, that's better, isn't it!
Who am I to cast aspersions? Nobody.
So I say, good luck to the councillors and the people of Staines, and I hope the name change serves them well; I cast no "stubborn dirty mark" on their character.
Ah yes, you'll nod to yourself knowingly, they've finally decided they can do without all the bad jokes and innuendo coming from such a name and they're going to change it to Runnymedesville or something.
But no!
Reading beyond the headline into the article we find that the name change proposed is to make it "Staines-upon-Thames".
Well, that's better, isn't it!
Who am I to cast aspersions? Nobody.
So I say, good luck to the councillors and the people of Staines, and I hope the name change serves them well; I cast no "stubborn dirty mark" on their character.
Friday 18 November 2011
When it comes to bin collections, who IS the customer?
I'm sure this makes many people cross. It's made me cross for years.
Why is that we, as CUSTOMERS, have to put our rubbish bins in exactly the right place - right at the edge of our property - whereas the bin people (SERVICE PROVIDERS) can leave the bins wherever and however they like?
Why is that we, as CUSTOMERS, have to put our rubbish bins in exactly the right place - right at the edge of our property - whereas the bin people (SERVICE PROVIDERS) can leave the bins wherever and however they like?
Before: 
After: 
What is going on here? Why is it SO important that we have to leave our bins in exactly the prescribed place, whereas the bin people can chuck them wherever they like with no regard for neatness, safety or access?
There may be good reasons (I doubt it), but one thing's for sure: they've all lost sight of who the customer actually is here.
Thursday 10 November 2011
The Litherland Moment
Struggling bands are always looking for the “break-through”, when they “make it”. Most play pub and clubs and never have a break-through gig.
Even The Beatles played hundreds of gigs before their break-through. For them it came on Tuesday 27 December 1960 at the Town Hall Ballroom Litherland, near Bootle, Liverpool.
It is described by Mark Lewisohn in his book The Complete Beatles Chronicle: “If any one live performance in the Beatles’ career could be described as the turning point it would be this, their penultimate engagement in 1960. Their career was not without hiccups in the future, but, really, the group never looked back after this night.”
Wow! The Litherland moment .
The Beatles (who had only just changed their named from The Silver Beatles) had a line-up of John Lennon, Paul McCartney (still on guitar at this time), George Harrison, Pete Best (drums) and Chas Newby on bass (he only played one more gig, four days later).
There can’t be anyone who doesn’t know how the story developed after that.
The Beatles were, of course, unique, but I’m sure many other bands have had similar break-through moments.
My own band MP5 (www.lemonrock.com/mp5) never expects to have one (we’re too old!), but we still strive to please the crowds as much as we can!
The Litherland moment – what all bands dream of.
Thursday 20 October 2011
We dread the Westlife reunion tour
What a cynical world we live in!
It seems that no sooner had Westlife announced their retirement than people were forecasting their reunion tour in a few years!
The trouble is that so many others have decided to reunite and tour again, the prime ones being, of course, Take That.
Neil McCormick of the Daily Telegraph sheds no tears for Westlife (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100057112/westlife-good-night-and-good-riddance/) and would dread their return. I have to say I agree with him.
Let's hope the cynics are wrong and Westlife are gone for good. We don't need them.
It seems that no sooner had Westlife announced their retirement than people were forecasting their reunion tour in a few years!
The trouble is that so many others have decided to reunite and tour again, the prime ones being, of course, Take That.
Neil McCormick of the Daily Telegraph sheds no tears for Westlife (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100057112/westlife-good-night-and-good-riddance/) and would dread their return. I have to say I agree with him.
Let's hope the cynics are wrong and Westlife are gone for good. We don't need them.
Thursday 6 October 2011
Cho cell media
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Moreover, STEMCELL has a first-class staff of support team and scientists who can provide direct support and training courses around the world.
STEMCELL has manufacturing, research and shipping locations in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Grenoble, France and Tukwila, WA, USA.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
When shall we hibernate until?
We were all briefly uplifted in the UK (well, at least the southern half) last week as our summer finally arrived - in autumn! Temperatures soared into the high twenties (C) and people dashed for beaches and last minute weekend trips away.
It was a chance to forget the troubles of the debt-crisis and the economy and our spirits had a chance to be revived.
Now, as temperatures head back towards their normal levels for October, we are left with the shops beginning to fill with Christmas items (that seemed a lifetime away last week!) and the economic woes getting even bleaker.
Makes you feel like going into hibernation, doesn't it? But when on earth would you come out again? Next April, June ... October?
It was a chance to forget the troubles of the debt-crisis and the economy and our spirits had a chance to be revived.
Now, as temperatures head back towards their normal levels for October, we are left with the shops beginning to fill with Christmas items (that seemed a lifetime away last week!) and the economic woes getting even bleaker.
Makes you feel like going into hibernation, doesn't it? But when on earth would you come out again? Next April, June ... October?
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Rail fares race ahead of inflation
I see that rail fares are to up by an average of 8% next year. Inflation is currently 4.4% (RPI), and the chances of any of us getting adecent pay rise something like 0%!
Apparrently rail fares have been rising on a formula based on inflation: It has been RPI + 1%, but for the next three years it will be RPI + 3%.
This begs three questions:
Apparently the answer to quesion 2 is that the government is trying to reduce the taxpayers' burden for the railways; thus, people using the service (fare payers) have to pay more. But will the money go to improvements in rail services?
I could find no answer to question 1.
Apparrently rail fares have been rising on a formula based on inflation: It has been RPI + 1%, but for the next three years it will be RPI + 3%.
This begs three questions:
- Why do rail fares go up at a higher rate than inflation at all?
- Why are they going up at a higher than normal rate over the next three years?
- How is 4.4% + 3% equal to 8%?
Apparently the answer to quesion 2 is that the government is trying to reduce the taxpayers' burden for the railways; thus, people using the service (fare payers) have to pay more. But will the money go to improvements in rail services?
I could find no answer to question 1.
Tuesday 9 August 2011
England game postponed due to riots
I wonder what it will take to stop the opportunist looters (rioters) wreaking havoc in England's cities of late. First, and worst, London, followed by Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Bristol, have seen riots, violence, arson and looting in the last few days.
Now several football matches have been postponed, including England v Holland, scheduled for Wednesday night at Wembley. Others to fall victim are the Carling Cup ties at Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.
I can't see football fans tolerating that for long - though I've no idea what they will do in response. Currently the England v India test match at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on Wednesday, will go ahead - but it does have the benefit of being played during the day.
I'm sure we could all argue day and night about the causes for these riots, but it's difficult to see how an incident in Tottenham can have anything to do with riots in cities over a hundred miles away. That is why I describe them as opportunistic looting.
Now several football matches have been postponed, including England v Holland, scheduled for Wednesday night at Wembley. Others to fall victim are the Carling Cup ties at Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.
I can't see football fans tolerating that for long - though I've no idea what they will do in response. Currently the England v India test match at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on Wednesday, will go ahead - but it does have the benefit of being played during the day.
I'm sure we could all argue day and night about the causes for these riots, but it's difficult to see how an incident in Tottenham can have anything to do with riots in cities over a hundred miles away. That is why I describe them as opportunistic looting.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Can you see what I see - use your imagination!
One thing that amused my wife and me on our holiday to the Neapolitan Riviera was the number of times our guides (on transfers and trips) asked us to "use our imagination" and see what we could spot in the rock shapes etc. See if you can pick out from these: the Virgin Mary, a man's head, two elephants kissing, St Francis and another Virgin Mary. And you've got to guess which one is of my own making!
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Sorrento and the Amalfi coast - wonderful!
I've just come back from holiday with my wife to Sorrento, Italy. Overlooking the Bay of Naples, it is a beautiful place, with the stunning Amalfi coast within reach.
Here are just three photos to demonstrate. 1. Sorrento bay; 2. Vesuvius; 3. Positano
We'll be going back. If you haven't been - go!
Here are just three photos to demonstrate. 1. Sorrento bay; 2. Vesuvius; 3. Positano
We'll be going back. If you haven't been - go!
Thursday 14 July 2011
Guilfest gets ready to roll
I'm excited to be going to my local festival, Guilfest, this weekend. As I live fairly close by, I won't be camping (no need to take "the festival experience" too seriously!).
Headliners over the three days are ROGER DALTREY, RAZORLIGHT and JAMES BLUNT. Something for everyone? Almost, especially as N-DUBZ are right behind Razorlight on Saturday night's bill, and ERASURE and second only to James Blunt on the Sunday night.
However, with the weather forecast not so sparkling for the weekend, I could be heading for the cover of some of the indoor stages. I have acquaintances, for example, in LOOK! NO HANDS! who play on Friday evening in The Liveclub Stage tent, and in PLAY DEAD SISTER who open proceedings on Sunday afternoon in The Big Cheese Cave tent. Should both be interesting.
Other acts I'll be seeking out will be FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, THE LAMBRETTAS, STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL, FORTY 45, HUGH CORNWELL, NYLON SKY. It's going to be busy!
Guilfest is renowned for its family atmosphere and, having been before and taken my family, I can vouch for that. Always, when I've been in the poast, it's been sunny. Come on sun!
Headliners over the three days are ROGER DALTREY, RAZORLIGHT and JAMES BLUNT. Something for everyone? Almost, especially as N-DUBZ are right behind Razorlight on Saturday night's bill, and ERASURE and second only to James Blunt on the Sunday night.
However, with the weather forecast not so sparkling for the weekend, I could be heading for the cover of some of the indoor stages. I have acquaintances, for example, in LOOK! NO HANDS! who play on Friday evening in The Liveclub Stage tent, and in PLAY DEAD SISTER who open proceedings on Sunday afternoon in The Big Cheese Cave tent. Should both be interesting.
Other acts I'll be seeking out will be FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, THE LAMBRETTAS, STEVE HARLEY & COCKNEY REBEL, FORTY 45, HUGH CORNWELL, NYLON SKY. It's going to be busy!
Guilfest is renowned for its family atmosphere and, having been before and taken my family, I can vouch for that. Always, when I've been in the poast, it's been sunny. Come on sun!
Thursday 7 July 2011
High efficiency furnace
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Monday 4 July 2011
Price of shandy is outrageous
I was at a pub on Saturday night. It doesn't matter which pub; it could have been any pub.
As I was driving I thought it sensible to have two shandies, rather than two lagers.
A lager cost £3.70.
A shandy cost £3.70.
I know that's "always" been the case, but how does that work? Even if you can justify £3.70 for a lager (and I'm not really sure you can), I can't see how you can justify £3.70 for half a lager and half a lemonade. How much is a bottle of lemonade? Less than 50p, I'll bet. And half a pint of the stuff? Let's call it 25p so we're not underpricing it. OK, we'll double it back to 50p to take into account pub overheads. In fact we'll call it £1.20 which is what they probably charge (more research needed!).
So half a lager is half of £3.70 = £1.85.
Half a lemonade = £1.20.
The maximum price for a shandy should be £3.05.
But it's £3.70.
The answer's obvious, isn't it?
I'll be ordering half a lager and half a lemonade separately next time.
Rip-off Britain lives on.
As I was driving I thought it sensible to have two shandies, rather than two lagers.
A lager cost £3.70.
A shandy cost £3.70.
I know that's "always" been the case, but how does that work? Even if you can justify £3.70 for a lager (and I'm not really sure you can), I can't see how you can justify £3.70 for half a lager and half a lemonade. How much is a bottle of lemonade? Less than 50p, I'll bet. And half a pint of the stuff? Let's call it 25p so we're not underpricing it. OK, we'll double it back to 50p to take into account pub overheads. In fact we'll call it £1.20 which is what they probably charge (more research needed!).
So half a lager is half of £3.70 = £1.85.
Half a lemonade = £1.20.
The maximum price for a shandy should be £3.05.
But it's £3.70.
The answer's obvious, isn't it?
I'll be ordering half a lager and half a lemonade separately next time.
Rip-off Britain lives on.
Monday 27 June 2011
Lastminute.com: Scratch awful Comfotel from your list
I went with friends to the marvellous Hard Rock Calling 2011 at Hyde Park, London over the weekend. We went on Saturday to see Bon Jovi, and on Sunday to see Rod Stewart.
We booked a hotel three months ago in Shepherd's Bush (within striking distance) to stay at on the Saturday night. But when we arrived to check in at 1.30 Saturday afternoon, the guy tried to fob us off and move us to an alternative hotel in Baker Street - without so much as an apology, or even an attempt at politeness.
"What country?" [are you from] he asked us! "ENGLAND," I told him, with huge indignation. I might have asked him the same question as he prattled into the phone in non-English. I guess it would have been easy to switch poor foreign visitors to another hotel (what choice would they have?), but we quickly told him, no thanks, we'll have a refund (via bookers Lastminute.com) and wouldn't be staying in Baker Street or any other hotel in the crappy Comfotel chain. The hotel was dingy and not very clean, with 16 chairs for breakfast crammed into the same room as the office (about 12 feet square).
People like this should not be allowed to run hotels. We'll be complaining to Lastminute.com and encouraging them to scratch these hotels from their list as they will quickly sully their reputation.
Comfotel nearly ruined our weekend, but we rose above that.
We booked a hotel three months ago in Shepherd's Bush (within striking distance) to stay at on the Saturday night. But when we arrived to check in at 1.30 Saturday afternoon, the guy tried to fob us off and move us to an alternative hotel in Baker Street - without so much as an apology, or even an attempt at politeness.
"What country?" [are you from] he asked us! "ENGLAND," I told him, with huge indignation. I might have asked him the same question as he prattled into the phone in non-English. I guess it would have been easy to switch poor foreign visitors to another hotel (what choice would they have?), but we quickly told him, no thanks, we'll have a refund (via bookers Lastminute.com) and wouldn't be staying in Baker Street or any other hotel in the crappy Comfotel chain. The hotel was dingy and not very clean, with 16 chairs for breakfast crammed into the same room as the office (about 12 feet square).
People like this should not be allowed to run hotels. We'll be complaining to Lastminute.com and encouraging them to scratch these hotels from their list as they will quickly sully their reputation.
Comfotel nearly ruined our weekend, but we rose above that.
Friday 24 June 2011
Second round London 2012 tickets go on sale
There have been a lot of complaints about the way Olympics tickets have been sold for next year's London games. Today the "second round" of ticket sales began at 6am (UK time).
There were 2.3 million tickets available, with 1.7 million of them for football. This time tickets are for sale on a first-come-first-served basis, unlike the first round when tickets were allocated on a mystery basis (will it ever be revealed?).
The site was said to be experiencing "high demand" this morning. Curiosity as to what's available, I would guess, rather than anxiety to get expensive handball tickets. Tickets for popular events such as athletics, beach volleyball, hockey, handball and basketball quickly disappeared.
The reason there are so many football tickets available is, I would say, because the stadiums are large, there are lots of games, we already get the most entertaining club football in our Premier League anyway, and also: what have Manchester, Newcastle, Coventry, Cardiff and Glasgow got to do with the London Olympics? I'm not denigrating the venues, but there will hardly be any romance of the Olympics at those stadiums, will there?
The site for tickets is currently open to those who failed to get tickets the first time round. Those who did will have to wait for another two weeks. Seems fair, but is it? I know people who got their least favoured option of their choices in the first round. It's something, but now they are denied the chance to get something more akin to what they'd prefer. Is that fair?
Is there any fair way of selling tickets?
There were 2.3 million tickets available, with 1.7 million of them for football. This time tickets are for sale on a first-come-first-served basis, unlike the first round when tickets were allocated on a mystery basis (will it ever be revealed?).
The site was said to be experiencing "high demand" this morning. Curiosity as to what's available, I would guess, rather than anxiety to get expensive handball tickets. Tickets for popular events such as athletics, beach volleyball, hockey, handball and basketball quickly disappeared.
The reason there are so many football tickets available is, I would say, because the stadiums are large, there are lots of games, we already get the most entertaining club football in our Premier League anyway, and also: what have Manchester, Newcastle, Coventry, Cardiff and Glasgow got to do with the London Olympics? I'm not denigrating the venues, but there will hardly be any romance of the Olympics at those stadiums, will there?
The site for tickets is currently open to those who failed to get tickets the first time round. Those who did will have to wait for another two weeks. Seems fair, but is it? I know people who got their least favoured option of their choices in the first round. It's something, but now they are denied the chance to get something more akin to what they'd prefer. Is that fair?
Is there any fair way of selling tickets?
Thursday 16 June 2011
Facebook juror jailed for eight months
Well, if ever there was a warning about how not to use Facebook, then the jailing of Joanne Fraill, the juror who contacted a defendant via the social media network, is surely it.
Let alone the footballer who took out a superinjunction who was named on Twitter, the use of Facebook in this way by this juror is obviously a more serious breach of the law.
Solicitor General Edward Garnier QC said that the case had to go to court to protect jury integrity.
Although the defendant, Jamie Sewart, had been cleared of drugs offences, other defendants were still on trial at the time of the unwise Facebook contact. The case against the defendants collapsed as a result of this as the jury wa discharged.
When sentence was passed against Fraill, she gasped "eight months" and sobbed uncontrollably, as did her family.
Lord Judge, hearing the case, said: Lord Judge said in a written ruling: "Her conduct in visiting the internet repeatedly was directly contrary to her oath as a juror, and her contact with the acquitted defendant, as well as her repeated searches on the internet, constituted flagrant breaches of the orders made by the judge for the proper conduct of the trial."
Let alone the footballer who took out a superinjunction who was named on Twitter, the use of Facebook in this way by this juror is obviously a more serious breach of the law.
Solicitor General Edward Garnier QC said that the case had to go to court to protect jury integrity.
Although the defendant, Jamie Sewart, had been cleared of drugs offences, other defendants were still on trial at the time of the unwise Facebook contact. The case against the defendants collapsed as a result of this as the jury wa discharged.
When sentence was passed against Fraill, she gasped "eight months" and sobbed uncontrollably, as did her family.
Lord Judge, hearing the case, said: Lord Judge said in a written ruling: "Her conduct in visiting the internet repeatedly was directly contrary to her oath as a juror, and her contact with the acquitted defendant, as well as her repeated searches on the internet, constituted flagrant breaches of the orders made by the judge for the proper conduct of the trial."
Friday 3 June 2011
Do you get your news from Twitter?
Like, I guess, many people, I use the BBC website to find out the latest news. Today's top five stories are:
It just makes me wonder: Could Twitter become a key source of news in the future (is it already?) because it can "trend" stories more quickly than sites like the BBC can write them up?
- Inquiry into four refinery deaths
- Mladic faces war crimes tribunal
- Betfred buys the Tote for £265m
- Spain seeks E. coli compensation
- Hackers claim another Sony attack
- Tinky Winky
- Willow Sage Hart
- Marlon King
- Snodgrass
- MRSA
It just makes me wonder: Could Twitter become a key source of news in the future (is it already?) because it can "trend" stories more quickly than sites like the BBC can write them up?
Monday 16 May 2011
Have you got any Olympic tickets?
I wonder how many of us will be checking our VISA accounts from today to see if we have secured tickets for next year's Olympics.
After a six-day delay (originally it was from 10 May), money will be taken out of our accounts between today and (I assume the original end date remains the dame) 10 June if we have been successful in our ticket applications.
If some money has been taken out of your account, it will be then a case of waiting until 24 June to find out which events we have tickets for, unless you have applied for very few, or conjure up some algebraic equation to figure out how many tickets at exactly what prices you have got! Good luck on that one.
It seems that a lot of people "over-ordered" the number of tickets they actually want, so I have a feeling that the return of tickets and the subsequent re-sale (I believe in early 2012) will prompt a bigger frenzy for tickets as people realise what they really want and that this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Off to check my VISA account...
After a six-day delay (originally it was from 10 May), money will be taken out of our accounts between today and (I assume the original end date remains the dame) 10 June if we have been successful in our ticket applications.
If some money has been taken out of your account, it will be then a case of waiting until 24 June to find out which events we have tickets for, unless you have applied for very few, or conjure up some algebraic equation to figure out how many tickets at exactly what prices you have got! Good luck on that one.
It seems that a lot of people "over-ordered" the number of tickets they actually want, so I have a feeling that the return of tickets and the subsequent re-sale (I believe in early 2012) will prompt a bigger frenzy for tickets as people realise what they really want and that this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Off to check my VISA account...
Thursday 5 May 2011
The final WWI veteran passes away
It really is the end of an era today, as the last veteran from World War I has died in Australia.
British-born Claude Choules, was 110. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1916 at 15, Claude watched the surrender of the German fleet in 1918.
Having been posted to serv near Melbourne in 1926, Mr Choules met his future wife and moved to Australia.
In spite of serving in the Navy, Mr Choules became a pacifist, and disagreed with the celebration of Australia's most important war memorial holiday, Anzac Day.
Having taken a creative writing course at the age of 80 he recorded his memoirs for his family, and those were turned into his autobiography, The Last of the Last, which was published in 2009.
It is the loss of the final fighting connection with the First World War, and the sad memories that go with it.
British-born Claude Choules, was 110. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1916 at 15, Claude watched the surrender of the German fleet in 1918.
Having been posted to serv near Melbourne in 1926, Mr Choules met his future wife and moved to Australia.
In spite of serving in the Navy, Mr Choules became a pacifist, and disagreed with the celebration of Australia's most important war memorial holiday, Anzac Day.
Having taken a creative writing course at the age of 80 he recorded his memoirs for his family, and those were turned into his autobiography, The Last of the Last, which was published in 2009.
It is the loss of the final fighting connection with the First World War, and the sad memories that go with it.
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Tweeting heck - how Richard Keys tops twitter trends!
I was struggling a bit today for what to write about. "Well, don't write, then!" might be a good response.
However, I decided to see what was TRENDing on twitter. What are the hot topics?
Ignoring "Promoted" tweets the top 10 today are:
However, I decided to see what was TRENDing on twitter. What are the hot topics?
Ignoring "Promoted" tweets the top 10 today are:
- Richard Keys - for reasons of sexist comments "off-air" on Sky Sports.
- #improudtosay - and people say what they are proud of. An example is: "I'm an ELF" by @_ki_chan_
- #celebritydeaths - example: "Homer Simpson, murdered by Ned Flanders. Pissed Ned off for the last diddly-ass time." by @MrGBIZ
- #talksport - because they interviewed Richard Keys.
- Force India - driver news at the Formula One team.
- Sian Massey - see numbers 1 and 4 above. Sian is the object of the comments made by Keys and fellow (sacked) presenter Andy Gray.
- NTAs - huh? National Television Awards, being screened by ITV tonight.
- Razorlight - something about their new press picture.
- Alan Partridge - apparently (tongue in cheek, presumably) being recommended to take over from Andy Gray/ Richard Keys (see numbers 1, 4, 6 above) as a sexist football pundit.
Tuesday 25 January 2011
BBC cuts 200 websites. How many?
I see that, as part of a cost-cutting exercise, the BBC is to close down about 200 websites.
What? The BBC has over 200 websites? Obviously loads more than 200, because presumably they're cutting only a minority, not a majority.
What on earth is it doing with all those websites? It's trying to be too many things to too many people - that's what. Although people respect the BBC's views (as being accurate and impartial), they don't have to be the mouthpiece for everything.
The British Broadcasting Corporation should stick to broadcasting in the traditional sense and work on making quality programmes - the competition appears to be concentrating more and more on making dross.
Among the BBC sites to close include teen services Switch and Blast,as well as Raw, Video Nation and community site 606. I've heard of 606.
It looks like there have been far too many niche websites. Let's face it: there are plenty of other Internet players out there, who can cater for niche markets. The BBC should stick to the mainstream.
What? The BBC has over 200 websites? Obviously loads more than 200, because presumably they're cutting only a minority, not a majority.
What on earth is it doing with all those websites? It's trying to be too many things to too many people - that's what. Although people respect the BBC's views (as being accurate and impartial), they don't have to be the mouthpiece for everything.
The British Broadcasting Corporation should stick to broadcasting in the traditional sense and work on making quality programmes - the competition appears to be concentrating more and more on making dross.
Among the BBC sites to close include teen services Switch and Blast,as well as Raw, Video Nation and community site 606. I've heard of 606.
It looks like there have been far too many niche websites. Let's face it: there are plenty of other Internet players out there, who can cater for niche markets. The BBC should stick to the mainstream.
Thursday 20 January 2011
Who can tell me about their iPad?
I'm considering getting an iPad for my wife.
She currently uses an old laptop that is slow, the battery has failed and the mains connection is 'dodgy'. She uses it mainly for browsing the Internet, email and music (iTunes). She uses it while sitting on the sofa watching TV.
It seems to me that an iPad is looking like a sensible replacement.
Would anyone like to share their iPad experience to tell me whether or not it will be a good investment for my wife?
Thanks!
She currently uses an old laptop that is slow, the battery has failed and the mains connection is 'dodgy'. She uses it mainly for browsing the Internet, email and music (iTunes). She uses it while sitting on the sofa watching TV.
It seems to me that an iPad is looking like a sensible replacement.
Would anyone like to share their iPad experience to tell me whether or not it will be a good investment for my wife?
Thanks!
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Our thoughts remain with Australian flood victims
The continuing stories of the floods in Australia are an ongoing nightmare. The latest news is that residents of the south-eastern town of Kerang have been told to leave their homes, as the river continues to rise.
“You should ensure you have left your property immediately,” a State Emergency Service (SES) message told the 2,500 townspeople by text at 1920 GMT on Tuesday.
The day before a boy drowned in Victoria, and further north in Queensland more than 30 people have died as victims of the floods.
A 13-year-old boy became a national hero, but sadly died, when he insisted that rescue forces save his younger brother first, after the family car had been swept along by the floodwater.
The weather forecast says that there is more rain to come.
Our hearts and thoughts go out to Australia where the floods are said to be the country’s most expensive natural disaster.
Monday 17 January 2011
Pigs on the rampage in Southampton
No, it's no the police charging down a protest march!
Apparently, two pot-bellied Vietnamese pigs have been on the loose in Sothuampton sicne Saturday afternoon.
In a somewhat mysterious statement the BBC reported that the police said the incident may have be linked to a "breakdown in the relationship" between the couple which own the farm.
["Oh well, if you're going to be like that I'm going to set the pigs free." "Go on then." "Right I will!"]
The one black and one white pigs have been sighted several times, but so far they remain at large. They're probably motivated to stay away from the arguing couple.
Apparently, two pot-bellied Vietnamese pigs have been on the loose in Sothuampton sicne Saturday afternoon.
In a somewhat mysterious statement the BBC reported that the police said the incident may have be linked to a "breakdown in the relationship" between the couple which own the farm.
["Oh well, if you're going to be like that I'm going to set the pigs free." "Go on then." "Right I will!"]
The one black and one white pigs have been sighted several times, but so far they remain at large. They're probably motivated to stay away from the arguing couple.
Friday 14 January 2011
Daviot Lodge in the Scottish highlands
It's Friday, and every Friday I advertise a local business that I use, know, support or like, or all four.
They're not exactly local to me in Surrey, but today I recommend the cottage for rent Daviot Lodge at Highland Holiday Lodge.
Set among tranquil birch woods in beautiful Strathglass, Daviot Lodge is the perfect highland retreat. With the beauty of the Scottish highlands and the comfort of our lovely lodge, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. Sleeps 4 (one double & two single beds).
Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Call 01463 782931 or see the website http://www.highlandholidaylodge.co.uk/.
They're not exactly local to me in Surrey, but today I recommend the cottage for rent Daviot Lodge at Highland Holiday Lodge.
Set among tranquil birch woods in beautiful Strathglass, Daviot Lodge is the perfect highland retreat. With the beauty of the Scottish highlands and the comfort of our lovely lodge, this is the perfect place to get away from it all. Sleeps 4 (one double & two single beds).
Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Call 01463 782931 or see the website http://www.highlandholidaylodge.co.uk/.
Wednesday 12 January 2011
Rubbish collection service is rubbish
The subject of rubbish bins rears its head from time to time. It seems to be a subject that gets us all a bit riled from time to time.
Here's my two penn'orth, and I know it's been said before.
Why is that I have to leave my bins (today it was a large general recycling bin and a small food recycling bin) neatly at the edge of my property ... but the bin men (for 'tis thus how they are known) can leave the larger one askew on the pavement and the smaller one sideways down in the flower bed?
If I were to leave them askew on the pavement and fallen over in the flower bed next Wednesday morning for the bin men to collect, guess what? They wouldn't touch them, and maybe I'd get a note telling me off.
It's not very good service is it? In fact, it's rubbish.
Here's my two penn'orth, and I know it's been said before.
Why is that I have to leave my bins (today it was a large general recycling bin and a small food recycling bin) neatly at the edge of my property ... but the bin men (for 'tis thus how they are known) can leave the larger one askew on the pavement and the smaller one sideways down in the flower bed?
If I were to leave them askew on the pavement and fallen over in the flower bed next Wednesday morning for the bin men to collect, guess what? They wouldn't touch them, and maybe I'd get a note telling me off.
It's not very good service is it? In fact, it's rubbish.
Tuesday 11 January 2011
If Virgin succeeds, let's all get a rebate
I see that Virgin Atlantic does not want to the fees it pays airport operator BAA because of its "slow reaction" to last month's heavy snow.
Good idea.
How many times have we all thought that we should get a rebate for things like:
Good luck, Virgin. And if you succeed, can I have a rebate for my failing Virgin V+ box last month?
Good idea.
How many times have we all thought that we should get a rebate for things like:
- Sky or Virgin TV (irony) service not working.
- Power cuts.
- Phone failures.
Good luck, Virgin. And if you succeed, can I have a rebate for my failing Virgin V+ box last month?
Friday 7 January 2011
England and the Barmy Army do us proud
Well done, England's cricketers!
Having retained the Ashes in the fourth test match, they duly completed the job at Sydney earlier today by beating Australia by an innings an 83 runs to win the series 3-1.
This has got to be the best England team for many a year - and the poorest Australian team for many years too. But despite the Australian shortcomings, we should take nothing away from England who batted well and always looked as though they could bowl the Aussies out - which you have to do twice to win cricket matches.
Presumably Alastair Cook has been or will be named man of the series with a fantastic 766 runs in five matches, but many players hit excellent form during the series.
The team has been followed by the unique "Barmy Army" and the support must have been inspirational to the team. For the fifth day of the fifth test, the ground was taken over by the Army, and there's a fantastic picture on the BBC website that sums up the ebullient mood of anticpated victory as Anderson took a catch in front of the Army. See the picture here.
Marvellous.
So as Andrew Strauss raised the smallest trophy in sport, let's say again: Well done, boys.
Having retained the Ashes in the fourth test match, they duly completed the job at Sydney earlier today by beating Australia by an innings an 83 runs to win the series 3-1.
This has got to be the best England team for many a year - and the poorest Australian team for many years too. But despite the Australian shortcomings, we should take nothing away from England who batted well and always looked as though they could bowl the Aussies out - which you have to do twice to win cricket matches.
Presumably Alastair Cook has been or will be named man of the series with a fantastic 766 runs in five matches, but many players hit excellent form during the series.
The team has been followed by the unique "Barmy Army" and the support must have been inspirational to the team. For the fifth day of the fifth test, the ground was taken over by the Army, and there's a fantastic picture on the BBC website that sums up the ebullient mood of anticpated victory as Anderson took a catch in front of the Army. See the picture here.
Marvellous.
So as Andrew Strauss raised the smallest trophy in sport, let's say again: Well done, boys.
Wednesday 5 January 2011
It was the coldest December on record
We've arrived at the New Year and I've just heard that December was the coldest since records began in 1910 and the coldest month since February 1986. The average temperature last month was a bracing -1 C for the whole UK. No doubt some areas had an average a lot colder than that.
It makes the current 5 C in the south east seem positively balmy, although the wind-chill is making it seem colder.
Nevertheless, on we go into January with the days getting longer and promise of brighter, warmer things to come.
The weather is always a huge talking point in the UK, and it's probably the same in Australia right now, with the city of Rockhampton and the state of Queensland suffering from flooding. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse before it starts to get better.
It makes the current 5 C in the south east seem positively balmy, although the wind-chill is making it seem colder.
Nevertheless, on we go into January with the days getting longer and promise of brighter, warmer things to come.
The weather is always a huge talking point in the UK, and it's probably the same in Australia right now, with the city of Rockhampton and the state of Queensland suffering from flooding. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse before it starts to get better.
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