I looked at this one and then discovered that there are dozens of follow-up videos to this one. Check out U-Tube for the best ones.
Monday, 31 December 2007
Achmed dead Terrorist
An original act even if some of the jokes are old, and I do hate political correctness so here is an antidote.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Speedway-Exeter Oct 10th 2005
We have had no speedway in Exeter since this final meeting at the County Ground.
Arsenal Football Club Crossbar Challenge
The one that Soccer AM discovered that was not filmed by them.
Friday, 28 December 2007
John Cale with Chrissy Hynde and Nick Cave - Ship of Fools
Add Chrissy Hynde and what do you get? This one!
World Party - Ship of Fools
This came up when I was typing all sorts of things into the search box at You Tube. I shall continue my random typing.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Christmas & New Year
December is always a busy time of year and this year has proved no different.
We had Goose for lunch on Christmas Day and along with the Sesame Prawn Toast and Brie with Cranberry parcels we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.
Jessica was back to work in Boots today (Boxing Day) and I am back at work tomorrow. I then have a good break of 5 days before returning on 2nd January to the backlog of work that always results from any time off.
Arsenal are playing Portsmouth tonight so I must sign off and watch.
Sorry about the long delay but if I am not posting here then I must be happily involved elsewhere.
See you again in a month or two.
We had Goose for lunch on Christmas Day and along with the Sesame Prawn Toast and Brie with Cranberry parcels we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.
Jessica was back to work in Boots today (Boxing Day) and I am back at work tomorrow. I then have a good break of 5 days before returning on 2nd January to the backlog of work that always results from any time off.
Arsenal are playing Portsmouth tonight so I must sign off and watch.
Sorry about the long delay but if I am not posting here then I must be happily involved elsewhere.
See you again in a month or two.
Friday, 16 November 2007
Strange World of Google Earth
I noticed recently that there have been some updates to Google Earth and in my local area the photographs are no older than a couple of years.
I may even have spotted my car outside the house of a relative.
I wonder if these anomalies have been fixed yet, or are they still building remote parts of the globe?
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Saturday, 10 November 2007
That Emotional Switch
That last minute goal at Anfield was one of the Emotional Switches that I remember so well from a long distant past. Football always influenced my young life because I recall going to a very boring 1-0 victory but being happy for a week because we had won, then soon afterwards watching one of the most entertaining matches I had seen (memory purged due to defeat) and being miserable for a week afterwards because of the negative result.
Watching a 90 minute match and being in the position of loser with one minute to go leaves the football supporter in the depths of depression. This is followed a few moments later by the highest elation when a goal is scored and suddenly we are the winners and they are the losers. Oddly it does not seem to work in reverse. Being in a winning position and 'holding on' is a strain on the nerves leading merely to 'release' when the win is confirmed and a gradual rising of the mood as the implications gradually dawn on the individual that the result is confirmed.
Maturity brings with it the understanding that emotional highs and lows can be very damaging and we learn to accept triumph and disaster with the same professional aloofness. The saying goes that something is lost but something is gained in living every moment, every day, and taking all the highs and lows on board. It is true.
Today I decided, after declining an opportunity to watch the Exeter Chiefs take on Northampton at the top of the league that I would invest in Setanta Sports (partly because Arsenal TV is starting up on there soon) so I can now watch the Reading match on Monday night. I was persuaded (for an extra £1.50 a month) to go for one of their packages which includes all my sport (I am happy), all the music channels (Jessica is happy) as well as many more channels including the Biography Channel and National Geographic (Dawn is happy). With so many happy people in the house I think it is worth an extra £10 a month.
I want to support Virgin. They are getting there. Broadband is much better than anything that comes through a BT Line. We have never had a problem with the phones. I only wish they could match the Sky Sports Red Button options. They do not. Sky are too powerful and it will be a dangerous thing if we are compelled down the line of a single provider. They may be the best at the moment but they must be stopped. It would be like letting America police the world. Nobody would be safe.
I must go.
Watching a 90 minute match and being in the position of loser with one minute to go leaves the football supporter in the depths of depression. This is followed a few moments later by the highest elation when a goal is scored and suddenly we are the winners and they are the losers. Oddly it does not seem to work in reverse. Being in a winning position and 'holding on' is a strain on the nerves leading merely to 'release' when the win is confirmed and a gradual rising of the mood as the implications gradually dawn on the individual that the result is confirmed.
Maturity brings with it the understanding that emotional highs and lows can be very damaging and we learn to accept triumph and disaster with the same professional aloofness. The saying goes that something is lost but something is gained in living every moment, every day, and taking all the highs and lows on board. It is true.
Today I decided, after declining an opportunity to watch the Exeter Chiefs take on Northampton at the top of the league that I would invest in Setanta Sports (partly because Arsenal TV is starting up on there soon) so I can now watch the Reading match on Monday night. I was persuaded (for an extra £1.50 a month) to go for one of their packages which includes all my sport (I am happy), all the music channels (Jessica is happy) as well as many more channels including the Biography Channel and National Geographic (Dawn is happy). With so many happy people in the house I think it is worth an extra £10 a month.
I want to support Virgin. They are getting there. Broadband is much better than anything that comes through a BT Line. We have never had a problem with the phones. I only wish they could match the Sky Sports Red Button options. They do not. Sky are too powerful and it will be a dangerous thing if we are compelled down the line of a single provider. They may be the best at the moment but they must be stopped. It would be like letting America police the world. Nobody would be safe.
I must go.
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Germany & Back
It has been a busy week or two, partly because normal routine maintenance has to be fitted in along with the adventure that was a Speedway meeting in Germany.
Friday evening we joined the Plymouth supporters coach in Exeter and settled down to a long overnight journey through England, across the channel, then through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Arriving at 8:00 am in Dortmund where we had written confirmation that we would be allowed into our rooms for a freshen up, we determined that the staff had not been informed and we were told there was no chance.
Fortunately, thanks to strong bargaining from our organiser and a responsible manager at the hotel, we were treated to a breakfast free gratis to compensate for the lack of a room. I call that a result as we had a good choice from the buffet including bacon, eggs, ham, cheese, croissant, fruit juices, melon, fruit, and other bits and pieces that I was happy to leave.
We got to our room about 10:00, although others had to wait a lot longer. We then slept through to 12:30 as the overnight journey, although affording some slumber, had been less than comfortable.
At 13:00 we left for the stadium, arriving there just before 14:00. Fortunately we spotted a local immigrant market about 500 yards from the stadium and that occupied the next hour or so as we walked to the market, ambled around, and walked back to the stadium.
There was nothing to do at the stadium except buy and drink beer or buy and eat bratwurst. What could we do? We did both. Twice. Dawn thoroughly enjoyed her bratwurst and also spotted a long blue horn retailing for 3 Euros, so I had to buy her one of those. It was money well spent as she enjoyed blowing her trumpet for the next three hours.
As gate opening time approached we made our way to the gate noted on the ticket. After waiting for half an hour there appeared a young German who informed the Germans waiting that this particular gate was not going to open. We had to make our way to another one for the body search. I had a deadly weapon which was a bottle opener with a cork screw. They let me in with no problem. My wife had a bottle of water to quench her thirst. Naturally they took that off her.
The meeting was probably one of the dullest affairs I have ever witnessed as the track was a one line wonder. Anyone that tried to move from the racing line lost position and lost place. The gate was the only place to win any of the races. After lap 1 there was not a single pass all night.
The journey home on the Sunday was a good one as we stopped for a delicious salad on the Dutch motorway, then stopped at a Belgian chocolate shop, and finally a French booze store where we found that most of the prices in Britain are now better than the ones we found over there. Times have changed.
I got kicked at football a week ago. The only problem at the time was pain, but since then the bruising has developed resulting in me collapsing on the floor a week later. I took two days off work to allow the bruising to subside, resting with an ice pack on my leg. I still cannot walk freely but at least the pain has subsided and it no longer feels as if my leg is fluid.
Now, I must find a You Tube video or two for your entertainment.
Friday evening we joined the Plymouth supporters coach in Exeter and settled down to a long overnight journey through England, across the channel, then through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Arriving at 8:00 am in Dortmund where we had written confirmation that we would be allowed into our rooms for a freshen up, we determined that the staff had not been informed and we were told there was no chance.
Fortunately, thanks to strong bargaining from our organiser and a responsible manager at the hotel, we were treated to a breakfast free gratis to compensate for the lack of a room. I call that a result as we had a good choice from the buffet including bacon, eggs, ham, cheese, croissant, fruit juices, melon, fruit, and other bits and pieces that I was happy to leave.
We got to our room about 10:00, although others had to wait a lot longer. We then slept through to 12:30 as the overnight journey, although affording some slumber, had been less than comfortable.
At 13:00 we left for the stadium, arriving there just before 14:00. Fortunately we spotted a local immigrant market about 500 yards from the stadium and that occupied the next hour or so as we walked to the market, ambled around, and walked back to the stadium.
There was nothing to do at the stadium except buy and drink beer or buy and eat bratwurst. What could we do? We did both. Twice. Dawn thoroughly enjoyed her bratwurst and also spotted a long blue horn retailing for 3 Euros, so I had to buy her one of those. It was money well spent as she enjoyed blowing her trumpet for the next three hours.
As gate opening time approached we made our way to the gate noted on the ticket. After waiting for half an hour there appeared a young German who informed the Germans waiting that this particular gate was not going to open. We had to make our way to another one for the body search. I had a deadly weapon which was a bottle opener with a cork screw. They let me in with no problem. My wife had a bottle of water to quench her thirst. Naturally they took that off her.
The meeting was probably one of the dullest affairs I have ever witnessed as the track was a one line wonder. Anyone that tried to move from the racing line lost position and lost place. The gate was the only place to win any of the races. After lap 1 there was not a single pass all night.
The journey home on the Sunday was a good one as we stopped for a delicious salad on the Dutch motorway, then stopped at a Belgian chocolate shop, and finally a French booze store where we found that most of the prices in Britain are now better than the ones we found over there. Times have changed.
I got kicked at football a week ago. The only problem at the time was pain, but since then the bruising has developed resulting in me collapsing on the floor a week later. I took two days off work to allow the bruising to subside, resting with an ice pack on my leg. I still cannot walk freely but at least the pain has subsided and it no longer feels as if my leg is fluid.
Now, I must find a You Tube video or two for your entertainment.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
101 NOT OUT
I found it.
One of the proudest moments of my life.
I was checking the Rayleigh Cricket Club website and I clicked on statistics, and from there I hit the season 2000 link. I checked the batting averages and looked at the Sunday side. There I am with my highest ever batting score clearing the ton (see the HS column = highest score).
I was never a natural cricketer. My mathematical ability was inate and I seemed to go through to my degree without putting in much effort but I had to work really hard at my cricket. The end result, after 13 long years with Rayleigh Cricket Club was my maiden, and to date only, ton.
I enjoyed my time at the club and in many ways it helped me to grow up. I had to progress from being an ordinary member of a very ordinary side to become captain of a young and progressing team full of characters and enthusiasts. Those were the happiest times, when few of us had any real ability but we all had boundless enthusiasm.
With experience comes knowledge of tricks of the trade and spotting opponents using those tricks to cheat my teams of an honest result eventually took its toll on me. I retired knowing that umpiring standards had reached the level of Darryl Hare. On one occasion I asked an old umpire about a decision and was told he would have been sacked from his club if he had made the right decision. Such is modern club cricket.
Tomorrow, we head for Germany.
One of the proudest moments of my life.
I was checking the Rayleigh Cricket Club website and I clicked on statistics, and from there I hit the season 2000 link. I checked the batting averages and looked at the Sunday side. There I am with my highest ever batting score clearing the ton (see the HS column = highest score).
I was never a natural cricketer. My mathematical ability was inate and I seemed to go through to my degree without putting in much effort but I had to work really hard at my cricket. The end result, after 13 long years with Rayleigh Cricket Club was my maiden, and to date only, ton.
I enjoyed my time at the club and in many ways it helped me to grow up. I had to progress from being an ordinary member of a very ordinary side to become captain of a young and progressing team full of characters and enthusiasts. Those were the happiest times, when few of us had any real ability but we all had boundless enthusiasm.
With experience comes knowledge of tricks of the trade and spotting opponents using those tricks to cheat my teams of an honest result eventually took its toll on me. I retired knowing that umpiring standards had reached the level of Darryl Hare. On one occasion I asked an old umpire about a decision and was told he would have been sacked from his club if he had made the right decision. Such is modern club cricket.
Tomorrow, we head for Germany.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Facebook and Old Friends
Facebook has just entered my family and looking up old friends has become the thing to do.
My wife found that an old boyfriend of hers in now an M.P.
My daughter has linked up with lots of friends she has lost in the five years since leaving school.
I tracked down my old cricket club and details can be found on the website:
http://rayleighcricketclub.org.uk/
One of my old playing partners is leaving the club and I get a couple of mentions in his report.
I joined the club at the same time as he did when we were struggling to get two teams out, and I left when we had four teams with an occasional fifth. Now there are six full teams and a set of colts sides to push the club forward.
I was part of the committee that proposed buying the land and building a clubhouse, started raising funds and made applications to the National Lottery. It is gratifying to know that the acorn has grown into an Oak Tree and the clubhouse now has its own bar raising funds for the club.
I notice that international players are being notified not to apply for a place. That tells me how far forward the club has progressed. A young player that I introduced to the club is playing well and producing results in the first team now.
I must send an Email.
My wife found that an old boyfriend of hers in now an M.P.
My daughter has linked up with lots of friends she has lost in the five years since leaving school.
I tracked down my old cricket club and details can be found on the website:
http://rayleighcricketclub.org.uk/
One of my old playing partners is leaving the club and I get a couple of mentions in his report.
I joined the club at the same time as he did when we were struggling to get two teams out, and I left when we had four teams with an occasional fifth. Now there are six full teams and a set of colts sides to push the club forward.
I was part of the committee that proposed buying the land and building a clubhouse, started raising funds and made applications to the National Lottery. It is gratifying to know that the acorn has grown into an Oak Tree and the clubhouse now has its own bar raising funds for the club.
I notice that international players are being notified not to apply for a place. That tells me how far forward the club has progressed. A young player that I introduced to the club is playing well and producing results in the first team now.
I must send an Email.
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Sunday Cycle
Today was the day that I took Dawn out on her new bike.
I got a rusty old heap from the recycling centre and pumped up the tyres which seemed to hold despite the obvious age of the rubber judging by the cracks in all places. The first thing I tested was the brakes and I soon worked out that the left hand operates the back brake (safe) while the right hand operates the front brake (accident assist) then I oiled the chain and made sure that the cogs had a coating to cover all the obvious rust.
I have managed to get the 6 back gears working but the chain remained firmly on the smallest front cog, so I was able to go from slow to slightly faster, which is all I needed today. Sixth gear was plenty fast enough to keep up with Dawn, who did not dare use her gears until the journey home. She has now gained in confidence and is happier since I moved her chain to her smallest front cog. She was able to pedal uphill on the way home.
We both walked our bikes up the final steep hill back home but we hope that by the summer at least one of us will feel fit enough to cycle all the way up.
The Mill on the Exe was our cycling stop, where we indulged in a pint of diet coke each.
As a reward for all the effort Dawn put in, and on seeing her glowing rosy cheeks, I took her to the Double Locks for lunch, where we enjoyed an hour's wait for food (we were warned in advance) before enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home.
Now to look at that other cogset and see if I can get all 18 gears working.
I will have a much better chance of killing myself then.
:)
I got a rusty old heap from the recycling centre and pumped up the tyres which seemed to hold despite the obvious age of the rubber judging by the cracks in all places. The first thing I tested was the brakes and I soon worked out that the left hand operates the back brake (safe) while the right hand operates the front brake (accident assist) then I oiled the chain and made sure that the cogs had a coating to cover all the obvious rust.
I have managed to get the 6 back gears working but the chain remained firmly on the smallest front cog, so I was able to go from slow to slightly faster, which is all I needed today. Sixth gear was plenty fast enough to keep up with Dawn, who did not dare use her gears until the journey home. She has now gained in confidence and is happier since I moved her chain to her smallest front cog. She was able to pedal uphill on the way home.
We both walked our bikes up the final steep hill back home but we hope that by the summer at least one of us will feel fit enough to cycle all the way up.
The Mill on the Exe was our cycling stop, where we indulged in a pint of diet coke each.
As a reward for all the effort Dawn put in, and on seeing her glowing rosy cheeks, I took her to the Double Locks for lunch, where we enjoyed an hour's wait for food (we were warned in advance) before enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home.
Now to look at that other cogset and see if I can get all 18 gears working.
I will have a much better chance of killing myself then.
:)
Saturday, 29 September 2007
The Results
SO
England beat Tonga quite easily in the end.
Arsenal have gone 1-0 up away to West Ham (a bogey team in the last few years).
Portsmouth are beating Reading 6-3.
Wales are losing 25-3 to Fiji when they need to win to go through.
If you are reading this a week ahead or further all this will be meaningless, but today, at this point in time, a lot of people are living and dying (emotionally) by the results of these sporting events.
We went out for breakfast to a lovely place called Terry's which is rough and ready and cheap but the service is always fast and the throughput is what keeps them going. I have a bacon sandwich and then my wife, who had ordered the full breakfast, gave me one of her sausages and most of her toast, so I ate big this morning.
I have just picked up my suit from the cleaner's and am hoping to patch together the bicycle we picked up from the recycling centre so that I can keep an eye on Dawn as she rides her new bike for the first time tomorrow.
Now, Wales have just scored two very well worked tries and the conversion is bouncing off the post. 25-22 now. Wales are still in with a chance, and obviously have the upper hand at the moment.
Tickles is fast asleep (when is he ever awake?) lying just in front of my laptop. He is a great example of how to stay laid back in all situations. He would sleep through an earthquake.
Wales now lead 27-25 so it is up to them to lose it now.
Signing off to watch the rugby.
This is looking good.
Ciao
England beat Tonga quite easily in the end.
Arsenal have gone 1-0 up away to West Ham (a bogey team in the last few years).
Portsmouth are beating Reading 6-3.
Wales are losing 25-3 to Fiji when they need to win to go through.
If you are reading this a week ahead or further all this will be meaningless, but today, at this point in time, a lot of people are living and dying (emotionally) by the results of these sporting events.
We went out for breakfast to a lovely place called Terry's which is rough and ready and cheap but the service is always fast and the throughput is what keeps them going. I have a bacon sandwich and then my wife, who had ordered the full breakfast, gave me one of her sausages and most of her toast, so I ate big this morning.
I have just picked up my suit from the cleaner's and am hoping to patch together the bicycle we picked up from the recycling centre so that I can keep an eye on Dawn as she rides her new bike for the first time tomorrow.
Now, Wales have just scored two very well worked tries and the conversion is bouncing off the post. 25-22 now. Wales are still in with a chance, and obviously have the upper hand at the moment.
Tickles is fast asleep (when is he ever awake?) lying just in front of my laptop. He is a great example of how to stay laid back in all situations. He would sleep through an earthquake.
Wales now lead 27-25 so it is up to them to lose it now.
Signing off to watch the rugby.
This is looking good.
Ciao
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Cardiff Bay
Brilliant.
The song that first attracted Steve Knightley to the music of Martyn Joseph, set to pictures of Cardiff Bay and the surrounding area.
I particulalry like the way the images are used to give you a real feel of movement and life.
A great effort.
I love it.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Speedway
It has been a good week for me.
Monday night is Speedway night and Sky Sports were showing both Elite League playoff semi-finals so I was able to watch all the action all night.
Tuesday I finally got to see the Latvian Grand Prix thanks to an unseen friend who recorded it and sent me a copy so that I did not have to miss any of the action.
Wednesday night we took Dawn's nephew Sam up to Somerset for a Double Header as they rode against both Edinburgh and Newcastle on the same evening. A full evening of entertainment.
Thursday I took it easy and simply scanned the Bydgoszcz event but then there was World Cup cricket and World Cup rugby on at the same time. I kept flicking to get updates on the lot.
Friday I was going to go down to Plymouth to watch Allen Trump's Oxford side in action. Dawn is not feeling very well at the moment so we have stayed in and I have started relaxing ready for the weekend.
It is funny how getting older makes you appreciate the quiet times. There was a time when I would have tried to fill every second with some activity or other.
Ireland have just lost to France.
Monday night is Speedway night and Sky Sports were showing both Elite League playoff semi-finals so I was able to watch all the action all night.
Tuesday I finally got to see the Latvian Grand Prix thanks to an unseen friend who recorded it and sent me a copy so that I did not have to miss any of the action.
Wednesday night we took Dawn's nephew Sam up to Somerset for a Double Header as they rode against both Edinburgh and Newcastle on the same evening. A full evening of entertainment.
Thursday I took it easy and simply scanned the Bydgoszcz event but then there was World Cup cricket and World Cup rugby on at the same time. I kept flicking to get updates on the lot.
Friday I was going to go down to Plymouth to watch Allen Trump's Oxford side in action. Dawn is not feeling very well at the moment so we have stayed in and I have started relaxing ready for the weekend.
It is funny how getting older makes you appreciate the quiet times. There was a time when I would have tried to fill every second with some activity or other.
Ireland have just lost to France.
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Unknown Friends
One of the advantages of forming friendships on the internet is that you sometimes receive gifts from friends you have never met and had no idea they were so generous.
One such friend who knows me as a Speedway fanatic very kindly enclosed not ONE but THREE DVDs covering three important meetings over the past three weeks.
I am now watching one of them, I scanned the third (very unexpected one) and I am looking forward to watching the third one another evening.
Thank God for Internet Friends.
One such friend who knows me as a Speedway fanatic very kindly enclosed not ONE but THREE DVDs covering three important meetings over the past three weeks.
I am now watching one of them, I scanned the third (very unexpected one) and I am looking forward to watching the third one another evening.
Thank God for Internet Friends.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Swindon v. Coventry
Coventry Bees have beaten the Poole Pirates and Swindon Robins have beaten the Peterborough Panthers in a great evening's entertainment on Sky Sports.
Next week we will get the first leg of the final.
Swindon v. Coventry
Speedway is about to reach its climax before we put it away for the winter.
I am preparing to put away happiness and develop depression like the rest of the English.
Today the weather is cold.
Next week we will get the first leg of the final.
Swindon v. Coventry
Speedway is about to reach its climax before we put it away for the winter.
I am preparing to put away happiness and develop depression like the rest of the English.
Today the weather is cold.
Monday, 10 September 2007
Ski-Gliding the Eiger
As a keen skier, and knowing the area around the Eiger like the back of my hand I would love to be given the chance to do this, although I can see that it is seriously dangerous terrain.
Barbecue Sunday
This was one very busy day for me.
I had to clear my papers from the lounge so that my wife could prepare the place for visitors. I gave her a hand by hoovering up the cat and rabbit fur and some paper and glitter from the girls attempts to produce some stunning art.
Next I set about the garden after strimming the lawn (more like a meadow) from top to bottom the day before. There were a few tufts that I pulled out with my hands and the back fence then needed to be trimmed as we have some rush fencing with brambles pushing through from the rough land behind. Protruding brambles were given the snip to clean up the fence and I also topped off the tallest bramble branches to prevent overhang.
As guests arrived I made the first pot of tea then set myself up at the barbecue as the first branch of the family arrived. Timing was good as the second family group arrived just as the first lot had finished eating. We has sausages, burgers, chicken kebabs and a few lamb and spicy beef kebabs to go with the assorted salads that had been produced during the morning.
The next door neighbours arrived just as the embers cooled so I had to do a relight to get the food cooked for them. The final arrival was just in time to catch the tail end of the second set of flames.
All this for a 21st birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Jessica.
In the evening (after I had driven one of our guests home - 30 minutes each way) we had our regular Sunday night guests round for a few (more) drinks and a chat.
I had absolutely no problem sleeping.
I had to clear my papers from the lounge so that my wife could prepare the place for visitors. I gave her a hand by hoovering up the cat and rabbit fur and some paper and glitter from the girls attempts to produce some stunning art.
Next I set about the garden after strimming the lawn (more like a meadow) from top to bottom the day before. There were a few tufts that I pulled out with my hands and the back fence then needed to be trimmed as we have some rush fencing with brambles pushing through from the rough land behind. Protruding brambles were given the snip to clean up the fence and I also topped off the tallest bramble branches to prevent overhang.
As guests arrived I made the first pot of tea then set myself up at the barbecue as the first branch of the family arrived. Timing was good as the second family group arrived just as the first lot had finished eating. We has sausages, burgers, chicken kebabs and a few lamb and spicy beef kebabs to go with the assorted salads that had been produced during the morning.
The next door neighbours arrived just as the embers cooled so I had to do a relight to get the food cooked for them. The final arrival was just in time to catch the tail end of the second set of flames.
All this for a 21st birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Jessica.
In the evening (after I had driven one of our guests home - 30 minutes each way) we had our regular Sunday night guests round for a few (more) drinks and a chat.
I had absolutely no problem sleeping.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
Through Exeter at Night
If you come to visit us at night please follow this route then turn left at the roundabout and first left after that.
See you soon.
Greenbelt Weekend
Memories of this event go back to the late 1970s and I remember back then it was a chance for church raised children to ask all the questions that were stifled in the indoctrinatory methods used back then to whip Christians into a "Christian Shape".
This year, having settled into a 'non-Christian shape' I am far closer to God than ever before. The indoctrination is still evident in some attendees and the freedom from doctrine is clear in the faces of the youth at whom the event was originally aimed. I will admit I object greatly to people of my own age complaining about the noise made by noisy teenagers as that was the whole point of the event for me over 30 years ago.
I enjoyed this year in a different way. Several people pointed out significant changes and I liked the idea of this year's theme. Heaven in Ordinary is so accurate as to be pointedly precise if you are looking for a direction to head if you want to experience heaven on earth.
Alcohol consumption was far lower this year than I can ever remember, which meant we went home with some undrunk bottles. Conversation with one internet friend suggested that we love the idea of being able to relive teenage years and just let go and enjoy the weekend. Maturity denies one that pleasure most of the time.
Music was once again a disappointment. Over the Rhine promised a lot but did not quite deliver in my opinion. The find of the weekend was, less surprisingly, Irish. Duke Special impressed the wife so much that she has gone and ordered an album from the internet. My call was that he produced a 99.99% performance but then "I was there when U2 performed in 1981".
The talk of the weekend for me was listening to another internet friend talk about the day she met her future husband. The emotions were full on as the mystical tale was woven and we were drawn into her complete and total happiness at the result of what happened. A group walk, with people dropping out, a mountain and talk of Scotland have never sounded quite like they did that evening.
Roll on the next one. Go if you get the chance.
This year, having settled into a 'non-Christian shape' I am far closer to God than ever before. The indoctrination is still evident in some attendees and the freedom from doctrine is clear in the faces of the youth at whom the event was originally aimed. I will admit I object greatly to people of my own age complaining about the noise made by noisy teenagers as that was the whole point of the event for me over 30 years ago.
I enjoyed this year in a different way. Several people pointed out significant changes and I liked the idea of this year's theme. Heaven in Ordinary is so accurate as to be pointedly precise if you are looking for a direction to head if you want to experience heaven on earth.
Alcohol consumption was far lower this year than I can ever remember, which meant we went home with some undrunk bottles. Conversation with one internet friend suggested that we love the idea of being able to relive teenage years and just let go and enjoy the weekend. Maturity denies one that pleasure most of the time.
Music was once again a disappointment. Over the Rhine promised a lot but did not quite deliver in my opinion. The find of the weekend was, less surprisingly, Irish. Duke Special impressed the wife so much that she has gone and ordered an album from the internet. My call was that he produced a 99.99% performance but then "I was there when U2 performed in 1981".
The talk of the weekend for me was listening to another internet friend talk about the day she met her future husband. The emotions were full on as the mystical tale was woven and we were drawn into her complete and total happiness at the result of what happened. A group walk, with people dropping out, a mountain and talk of Scotland have never sounded quite like they did that evening.
Roll on the next one. Go if you get the chance.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Too Much Going On
There is so much going on that I just do not have the time to tell you, so to summarise:
Computer Network Updated to make it secure.
Plans afoot for a barbecue to celebrate Jessica's birthday.
The cats have just got new flea collars and have been fed flea pills.
The rabbits have dug a burrow at the top of the garden.
We have returned from an enjoyable weekend at Greenbelt.
We are booking tickets for a short trip to Germany.
The bills seem to have been all paid for the first time in years.
The 2007 Knockout Quiz has just been started.
I have to update the Fantasy Grand Prix tables now.
Farewell all those who browse this with a caring eye.
Fare badly if you are just a nosey bastard.
Ciao for now.
Computer Network Updated to make it secure.
Plans afoot for a barbecue to celebrate Jessica's birthday.
The cats have just got new flea collars and have been fed flea pills.
The rabbits have dug a burrow at the top of the garden.
We have returned from an enjoyable weekend at Greenbelt.
We are booking tickets for a short trip to Germany.
The bills seem to have been all paid for the first time in years.
The 2007 Knockout Quiz has just been started.
I have to update the Fantasy Grand Prix tables now.
Farewell all those who browse this with a caring eye.
Fare badly if you are just a nosey bastard.
Ciao for now.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Backlog Gone
It is a feature of working where I do that whenever you go away on holiday your work piles up and you have to complete all the work that arrived while you were away as well as all the work that arrives after you get back.
It normally takes months to clear the backlog as the level of my work is close to keeping me permanently busy.
This time I had a colleague pick up and complete some of the work. This has meant that a mere week after returning I have caught up and completed all outstanding tasks. I even had time to add a new skill to my colleague's abilities.
Now for the rest of the week I shall be back to 'normal' i.e. overworked and underpaid as opposed to stressed out and valued as worthless.
WORK OVER
Speedway on Sky tonight so I had better get all the bits done before it starts.
See you again soon.
It normally takes months to clear the backlog as the level of my work is close to keeping me permanently busy.
This time I had a colleague pick up and complete some of the work. This has meant that a mere week after returning I have caught up and completed all outstanding tasks. I even had time to add a new skill to my colleague's abilities.
Now for the rest of the week I shall be back to 'normal' i.e. overworked and underpaid as opposed to stressed out and valued as worthless.
WORK OVER
Speedway on Sky tonight so I had better get all the bits done before it starts.
See you again soon.
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Catching Up
Sorry Folks,
I accidentally got a life and have been living it.
The Cruise of the Greek Islands was better than expected.
Our anticipation of a lot of hot islands with nice cafes and bars and ruins up the hills was wrong.
We found some hot islands with nice cafes and bars and ruins up the hill but we also found:
Santorini - Probably the loveliest island in Europe.
Ephesus - Second only to pompeii in extensively uncovered ruins
Kephalonia - Where my wife was watched far more closely than my daughter
Zante (on the map as Zykanthos) - A great place to shop for cuddly turtles
The ship was a safe haven after mornings in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to 49 degrees.
We went back to the air conditioned atmosphere for a swim and some time in the jaccuzzi.
A cocktail or two whilst soaking is something I can easily get used to.
BACK HOME
A good Sunday night with friends in the pub
Monday night and the Speedway was so close it included a race-off
Tuesday night and I got to watch the Czech Grand Prix recorded for me by a friend
Wednesday night was football night and I was nominated for MOTM for save of the night
Thursday night and I finally get around to updating my blog.
That's it for now. We are expecting friends any minute.
I accidentally got a life and have been living it.
The Cruise of the Greek Islands was better than expected.
Our anticipation of a lot of hot islands with nice cafes and bars and ruins up the hills was wrong.
We found some hot islands with nice cafes and bars and ruins up the hill but we also found:
Santorini - Probably the loveliest island in Europe.
Ephesus - Second only to pompeii in extensively uncovered ruins
Kephalonia - Where my wife was watched far more closely than my daughter
Zante (on the map as Zykanthos) - A great place to shop for cuddly turtles
The ship was a safe haven after mornings in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to 49 degrees.
We went back to the air conditioned atmosphere for a swim and some time in the jaccuzzi.
A cocktail or two whilst soaking is something I can easily get used to.
BACK HOME
A good Sunday night with friends in the pub
Monday night and the Speedway was so close it included a race-off
Tuesday night and I got to watch the Czech Grand Prix recorded for me by a friend
Wednesday night was football night and I was nominated for MOTM for save of the night
Thursday night and I finally get around to updating my blog.
That's it for now. We are expecting friends any minute.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
What Planet are you on?
That is a question that I have heard many times.
Well, now I have an answer .....
Well, now I have an answer .....
| You Are From Pluto |
 You are a dark, mysterious soul, full of magic and the secrets of the universe. You can get the scoop on anything, but you keep your own secrets locked in your heart. You love change and you use it to your advantage, whether by choice or chance. You don't like to compromise, to the point of being self-destructive with your stubborness. Live life with love, and your deep powers will open the world to you. |
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Speedway World Cup
Monday Night is Speedway night as Sky Sports usually serve up a delight.
This Monday it was World Cup Night and we watched the second event of four. Great Britain and Sweden were in contention for first place and automatic qualification for the final. USA and Russia were competing for third place and qualification for the third event on Thursday. I was very glad to see the USA team beaten by an emerging Russian unit. It seems that there is Russian support using U-Tube as well. Here is probably the best race by a Russian:
So, with the Race-off on Thursday and the final on Saturday we have to fill the other three nights. Friday night we will watch live Speedway at Somerset as they race against Newcastle. That leaves Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tonight, Tuesday, we elected to go and watch the new Harry Potter film at the cinema. I was led to believe that the production was average and having been disappointed by Shrek 3 I kept my hopes down. My wife and daughter were ready for the film and immediately got into it. I was able to start believing in the "Good v. Evil" battle again, and the child in me came out as young Ron Weasley was accused of having the emotional range of a tea spoon. My wife wants one of those plates with living cats in. My daughter was happy with the large bag of sweets and came out inspired by the film.
SO, now the week is almost full maybe I should leave Wednesday free. Actually I am hoping one of the 5-a-side footballers will drop out as I did not get my money to the organiser in time to guarantee a place. That fills the week and prevents me worrying about all the things around the house and garden that I should be doing and need to do.
The final Harry Potter book comes out at midnight on Friday and as we will be driving back from Somerset that night we may just stop off in town to pick up the book.
This Monday it was World Cup Night and we watched the second event of four. Great Britain and Sweden were in contention for first place and automatic qualification for the final. USA and Russia were competing for third place and qualification for the third event on Thursday. I was very glad to see the USA team beaten by an emerging Russian unit. It seems that there is Russian support using U-Tube as well. Here is probably the best race by a Russian:
So, with the Race-off on Thursday and the final on Saturday we have to fill the other three nights. Friday night we will watch live Speedway at Somerset as they race against Newcastle. That leaves Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tonight, Tuesday, we elected to go and watch the new Harry Potter film at the cinema. I was led to believe that the production was average and having been disappointed by Shrek 3 I kept my hopes down. My wife and daughter were ready for the film and immediately got into it. I was able to start believing in the "Good v. Evil" battle again, and the child in me came out as young Ron Weasley was accused of having the emotional range of a tea spoon. My wife wants one of those plates with living cats in. My daughter was happy with the large bag of sweets and came out inspired by the film.
SO, now the week is almost full maybe I should leave Wednesday free. Actually I am hoping one of the 5-a-side footballers will drop out as I did not get my money to the organiser in time to guarantee a place. That fills the week and prevents me worrying about all the things around the house and garden that I should be doing and need to do.
The final Harry Potter book comes out at midnight on Friday and as we will be driving back from Somerset that night we may just stop off in town to pick up the book.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
A Weekend Away
We have been away for the weekend visiting mother so I will share a few experiences with you.
Our favourite stopping off point at the moment is the Somerfield store at Solstice Park in or near Amesbury,Wiltshire. The Countess Services used to be the halfway stopping off point but as they knew they had a captive audience the standards of service dropped well below acceptable and we vowed never to go back. Solstice Park opened shortly afterwards and we found service there much better including a coffee bar inside the Somerfield store. That coffee bar is no more but they have a new coffee making machine that is well worth a try if a little expensive.
Our local store of the same name has earned the nickname Scummerfield as in order to turn a profit they have employed all those who would be unemployable in any other organisation. Although all the staff are keen to help we have watched them pick stuff off the floor and replace it on the shelves indicating a lack of proper training by the lack of proper management. We have also followed staff around the whole store searching for the item that we asked for.
Over the weekend we visited Hurstmonceux Observatory and were impressed by all the child friendly exhibits. There was plenty for children to do and enough plaques for the adults to read, so we can recommend it for an afternoon. Before that we stopped at the Brewers Arms in the town and enjoyed excellent service as I put away a Gammon Steak, my wife consumed a Goats Cheese and Vegetable Pie, and we both enjoyed the dessert, her ice cream and my Belgian Waffle savoured their way through our bodies.
I found a new name for my place of employment. My wife was wearing one of the company T-shirts when my mother asked "Who is Ed Fenergy?". "Well, Ed is currently on a world tour and is very popular with younger people." I responded before Brian pointed out that the T-Shirt is in fact an EDF Energy one. I shall be using this bloke, Ed Fenergy, when I get back to work.
Our friends just got back from Spain and we will be joining them in the pub shortly. They should have plenty to say as they started out in Switzerland and travelled through France. We can talk about Old Telescopes and Ed Fenergy. Still, we always enjoy the end of each weekend.
Our favourite stopping off point at the moment is the Somerfield store at Solstice Park in or near Amesbury,Wiltshire. The Countess Services used to be the halfway stopping off point but as they knew they had a captive audience the standards of service dropped well below acceptable and we vowed never to go back. Solstice Park opened shortly afterwards and we found service there much better including a coffee bar inside the Somerfield store. That coffee bar is no more but they have a new coffee making machine that is well worth a try if a little expensive.
Our local store of the same name has earned the nickname Scummerfield as in order to turn a profit they have employed all those who would be unemployable in any other organisation. Although all the staff are keen to help we have watched them pick stuff off the floor and replace it on the shelves indicating a lack of proper training by the lack of proper management. We have also followed staff around the whole store searching for the item that we asked for.
Over the weekend we visited Hurstmonceux Observatory and were impressed by all the child friendly exhibits. There was plenty for children to do and enough plaques for the adults to read, so we can recommend it for an afternoon. Before that we stopped at the Brewers Arms in the town and enjoyed excellent service as I put away a Gammon Steak, my wife consumed a Goats Cheese and Vegetable Pie, and we both enjoyed the dessert, her ice cream and my Belgian Waffle savoured their way through our bodies.
I found a new name for my place of employment. My wife was wearing one of the company T-shirts when my mother asked "Who is Ed Fenergy?". "Well, Ed is currently on a world tour and is very popular with younger people." I responded before Brian pointed out that the T-Shirt is in fact an EDF Energy one. I shall be using this bloke, Ed Fenergy, when I get back to work.
Our friends just got back from Spain and we will be joining them in the pub shortly. They should have plenty to say as they started out in Switzerland and travelled through France. We can talk about Old Telescopes and Ed Fenergy. Still, we always enjoy the end of each weekend.
Thursday, 12 July 2007
5-a-side Football
I can still do it.
O.K. These days I restrict myself to keeping goal but I saved a few and my distribution has improved from the first match two weeks ago.
The lads I was playing with have improved markedly since that first match and there was some good football played tonight. A few private battles were evident as the evening went on but that is all part of the fun.
As a reward to my family for waiting till I got home much later than usual I decide to buy the traditional English dish of Fish and Chips. My wife likes pickled eggs and mushy peas so I added that to her menu and I got myself a jar of cockles. Both I and the daughter like barbecue sauce so I picked up a couple of those as well.
Now we are watching my family's favourite viewing - Big Brother - Charley is arguing once again and she is so easy to wind up that one of the lads is winding her to her limit. Now they are throwing water at each other. This is what passes for entertainment on TV these days but in one way it is good to see people with nothing to say and nothing to do passing the time of day on our screens. It can make the rest of us feel superior.
Tomorrow we head for Worthing. It is Mother's birthday.
O.K. These days I restrict myself to keeping goal but I saved a few and my distribution has improved from the first match two weeks ago.
The lads I was playing with have improved markedly since that first match and there was some good football played tonight. A few private battles were evident as the evening went on but that is all part of the fun.
As a reward to my family for waiting till I got home much later than usual I decide to buy the traditional English dish of Fish and Chips. My wife likes pickled eggs and mushy peas so I added that to her menu and I got myself a jar of cockles. Both I and the daughter like barbecue sauce so I picked up a couple of those as well.
Now we are watching my family's favourite viewing - Big Brother - Charley is arguing once again and she is so easy to wind up that one of the lads is winding her to her limit. Now they are throwing water at each other. This is what passes for entertainment on TV these days but in one way it is good to see people with nothing to say and nothing to do passing the time of day on our screens. It can make the rest of us feel superior.
Tomorrow we head for Worthing. It is Mother's birthday.
Monday, 9 July 2007
Weekend Visitor
We adopted a nephew of the wife for the weekend.
I hope he had a good weekend as we started out visiting one of the Aunties before heading on to Somerset Speedway. He seemed pleased that he could tell his friends he had DSD'd. We asked what he meant by that and he said 'did something different'. He will not be aware that he watched the home team, the Somerset Rebels, go to the top of the table with the win that they produced. They have never been top of the table before so it was a momentous occasion.
On Saturday morning we had some shopping to do and it was all complete after a quick trip to the local shopping square and a few minutes in LIDL. I asked if we needed anything at Makro only to hear from the back seat "Makro? I love Makro" so off we popped to Makro and by the time we had finished walking around we had £70 worth of goods in the trolley.
After the shopping we visited another Auntie and found the usually boisterous dogs penned in at the back of the house instead of all over us as on past visits. The other reason for visiting was to pass on a birthday card to another nephew. He seemed pleased with his card and relaxed about life as he is training to be a chef.
In the afternoon we insisted that he help us with the garden. I am trying to landscape our hill to make it a little more accessible and the process is to turn the steep slope into a set of terraces. Dawn opted to strim the grass and showed off at one point by somersaulting down the garden with the strimmer in her hands. It turns out that this was involuntary and she had actually slipped but as soon as she reached the bottom she was on her feet again looking for the next patch to strim.
In the evening we organised a barbecue and that was what most of the money spent at Makro went on. Peppered beefsteaks and peppered pork plus lamb kebabs and scallops. Four of us had a feast to remember which included some jerk chicken which we exchanged for some scallops with next door. Our guest indulged in the Coke with Lime that we had bought a tray of from Makro, Jess decided to try the Oasis and I found myself thoroughly enjoying my Hoegaarden, my favourite Belgian beer.
After that we watched a bit of the Live Earth concert before retiring for the night.
Sunday morning started slowly but we agreed to head out onto Dartmoor. The day was dry if cloudy but as we got up on the moors it turned cold, wet and windy. We drove further than we normally do and eventually settled at a place called the Warren Inn. We heard that the fire had been burning for 150 years, summer and winter. There are two fireplaces and when they want to clean one chimney they lift the fire on its grate into the other fireplace. Nice tale whether it is true or not. We enjoyed an expensive meal before heading the long way back home.
In the afternoon we played a borrowed DVD, Pirates of the Caribbean 2, with some marvellous scenes of escapism as we watched some marvellous scenes of escape. Davy Jones' locker really exists and there is really a beating heart in there. The ending is not a proper one but sets things up for Pirates of the Caribbean 3. We shall have to watch.
Sunday Nights are 'Our Time' and we invited some friends round for beer and conversation. The conversation was clearly not appealing to the lad but he endured it manfully and commented when spoken to. He enjoyed two more coke and limes as well as a couple of J2Os.
He left this morning with my wife. We hope he had a good time but we may not find out until (or if) he gets in touch again. The weekend is over now but I always look forward to the Speedway on Sky Sports Monday nights as the real end of the weekend.
I hope he had a good weekend as we started out visiting one of the Aunties before heading on to Somerset Speedway. He seemed pleased that he could tell his friends he had DSD'd. We asked what he meant by that and he said 'did something different'. He will not be aware that he watched the home team, the Somerset Rebels, go to the top of the table with the win that they produced. They have never been top of the table before so it was a momentous occasion.
On Saturday morning we had some shopping to do and it was all complete after a quick trip to the local shopping square and a few minutes in LIDL. I asked if we needed anything at Makro only to hear from the back seat "Makro? I love Makro" so off we popped to Makro and by the time we had finished walking around we had £70 worth of goods in the trolley.
After the shopping we visited another Auntie and found the usually boisterous dogs penned in at the back of the house instead of all over us as on past visits. The other reason for visiting was to pass on a birthday card to another nephew. He seemed pleased with his card and relaxed about life as he is training to be a chef.
In the afternoon we insisted that he help us with the garden. I am trying to landscape our hill to make it a little more accessible and the process is to turn the steep slope into a set of terraces. Dawn opted to strim the grass and showed off at one point by somersaulting down the garden with the strimmer in her hands. It turns out that this was involuntary and she had actually slipped but as soon as she reached the bottom she was on her feet again looking for the next patch to strim.
In the evening we organised a barbecue and that was what most of the money spent at Makro went on. Peppered beefsteaks and peppered pork plus lamb kebabs and scallops. Four of us had a feast to remember which included some jerk chicken which we exchanged for some scallops with next door. Our guest indulged in the Coke with Lime that we had bought a tray of from Makro, Jess decided to try the Oasis and I found myself thoroughly enjoying my Hoegaarden, my favourite Belgian beer.
After that we watched a bit of the Live Earth concert before retiring for the night.
Sunday morning started slowly but we agreed to head out onto Dartmoor. The day was dry if cloudy but as we got up on the moors it turned cold, wet and windy. We drove further than we normally do and eventually settled at a place called the Warren Inn. We heard that the fire had been burning for 150 years, summer and winter. There are two fireplaces and when they want to clean one chimney they lift the fire on its grate into the other fireplace. Nice tale whether it is true or not. We enjoyed an expensive meal before heading the long way back home.
In the afternoon we played a borrowed DVD, Pirates of the Caribbean 2, with some marvellous scenes of escapism as we watched some marvellous scenes of escape. Davy Jones' locker really exists and there is really a beating heart in there. The ending is not a proper one but sets things up for Pirates of the Caribbean 3. We shall have to watch.
Sunday Nights are 'Our Time' and we invited some friends round for beer and conversation. The conversation was clearly not appealing to the lad but he endured it manfully and commented when spoken to. He enjoyed two more coke and limes as well as a couple of J2Os.
He left this morning with my wife. We hope he had a good time but we may not find out until (or if) he gets in touch again. The weekend is over now but I always look forward to the Speedway on Sky Sports Monday nights as the real end of the weekend.
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Arsenal TV
My wife must love me.
I got home today and she said .....
'Look on the computer'
and
'Check your Bookmarks'
I looked on my computer and checked my bookmarks and there was a new one at the bottom of the list.
Arsenal TV
I checked in using the name and password that my wife had set up and I have access to all the matches from last season and the one before that.
She said "Now you can watch all the pre-season matches".
Is she trying keep me occupied?
I think my wife must love me.
I got home today and she said .....
'Look on the computer'
and
'Check your Bookmarks'
I looked on my computer and checked my bookmarks and there was a new one at the bottom of the list.
Arsenal TV
I checked in using the name and password that my wife had set up and I have access to all the matches from last season and the one before that.
She said "Now you can watch all the pre-season matches".
Is she trying keep me occupied?
I think my wife must love me.
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
My 2007 High Point
This is the race that won "Our Boy" the British Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. I was enjoying the race and was happy to accept second place as that is one better than he has ever done before, but just look and see what happened. I lost my voice as a result of that final corner.
You Too?
This is the song that I have used time and again to remind me how angry and passionate I was as a young man determined to right the wrongs in the world. I have learned since my youth that you cannot change the world because there are too many people that like things just the way they are.
Surgeons need wound victims so they can practice their skills, detectives need crimes so they have something to solve, carers need handicapped so they have someone to care for. We are all here for a reason although the reason is not always clear.
Anyway ..... Enjoy my all time favourite song of all time.
Surgeons need wound victims so they can practice their skills, detectives need crimes so they have something to solve, carers need handicapped so they have someone to care for. We are all here for a reason although the reason is not always clear.
Anyway ..... Enjoy my all time favourite song of all time.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Best Weekend of the Year
For any fan of Speedway the British Grand Prix at Cardiff is the best weekend of the year because all of the best riders in the world gather to compete for the Grand Prix prize. There are usually two meetings in a Scandinavian country and two meetings in Poland but there is only ever one meeting in Britain and that is at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
This year a young Brit from Cornwall by the name of Chris Harris is competing in the Grand Prix for the first time and he has provided an exciting display of racing coming from behind in several races but he saved the best for last. Having reached the final of the competition he gated last and that is often enough to guarantee defeat, but he fought back and in one corner passed two of the other riders then set about chasing the leader. He got closer and closer corner by corner but saved the final pass until 10 yards before the line. It does not get any better than that.
So Saturday proved to have a perfect climax but the weekend started well on Friday night when the best pairings from the Premier League gathered in Somerset at the Oak Tree Arena to compete for the national championships. Some of the favourites were beaten back early on and this left others with a chance of victory. Overtaking moves came at crucial points in the meeting but the final proved to be a very exciting one as for two laps Glasgow held the lead by taking first and third places, then on the third lap the Isle of Wight leading rider Chris Holder overtook Shane Parker, the leading Glasgow rider, and shortly afterwards Jason Bunyan, the Isle of Wight number two passed Craig Watson, the Glasgow second. I was delighted to watch this turnaround in fortunes. A great evening.
Now, on Sunday morning, I have a chance to rest and bring you all up to date with my recent adventures. It has been the best weekend of the year so far.
This year a young Brit from Cornwall by the name of Chris Harris is competing in the Grand Prix for the first time and he has provided an exciting display of racing coming from behind in several races but he saved the best for last. Having reached the final of the competition he gated last and that is often enough to guarantee defeat, but he fought back and in one corner passed two of the other riders then set about chasing the leader. He got closer and closer corner by corner but saved the final pass until 10 yards before the line. It does not get any better than that.
So Saturday proved to have a perfect climax but the weekend started well on Friday night when the best pairings from the Premier League gathered in Somerset at the Oak Tree Arena to compete for the national championships. Some of the favourites were beaten back early on and this left others with a chance of victory. Overtaking moves came at crucial points in the meeting but the final proved to be a very exciting one as for two laps Glasgow held the lead by taking first and third places, then on the third lap the Isle of Wight leading rider Chris Holder overtook Shane Parker, the leading Glasgow rider, and shortly afterwards Jason Bunyan, the Isle of Wight number two passed Craig Watson, the Glasgow second. I was delighted to watch this turnaround in fortunes. A great evening.
Now, on Sunday morning, I have a chance to rest and bring you all up to date with my recent adventures. It has been the best weekend of the year so far.
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Speedway Weekend Part One
The Friday night Pairs Championship went well tonight.
I was roped into sending text messages so that our online friends could keep up with events at the stadium. It was hard work but I felt part of the network of fans again. Looking at the comments of those stuck at home it was worth the effort to allow them to join in the fun albeit in a limited capacity.
There were some upsets that pleased the neutrals and some great racing at the end.
The final between Isle of Wight and Glasgow was the highlight for me as Glasgow got into a winning position with Shane Parker leading and Craig Watson in third place. The scoring system of 4-3-2-0 meant that Glasgow were in a winning position at 6-3. In the third lap of a four lap race Chris Holder overtook Shane Parker to take the score to 5-4 to Glasgow but that was still enough for a win.
As I pop over to the Isle of Wight every year they are my second team and it was pure pleasure to watch Jason Bunyan pass Craig Watson on the last lap to take the title back off the south coast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and I now have to hope that the British Grand Prix in Cardiff lives up to expectations and provides some exciting racing to match that witnessed tonight.
I was roped into sending text messages so that our online friends could keep up with events at the stadium. It was hard work but I felt part of the network of fans again. Looking at the comments of those stuck at home it was worth the effort to allow them to join in the fun albeit in a limited capacity.
There were some upsets that pleased the neutrals and some great racing at the end.
The final between Isle of Wight and Glasgow was the highlight for me as Glasgow got into a winning position with Shane Parker leading and Craig Watson in third place. The scoring system of 4-3-2-0 meant that Glasgow were in a winning position at 6-3. In the third lap of a four lap race Chris Holder overtook Shane Parker to take the score to 5-4 to Glasgow but that was still enough for a win.
As I pop over to the Isle of Wight every year they are my second team and it was pure pleasure to watch Jason Bunyan pass Craig Watson on the last lap to take the title back off the south coast.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and I now have to hope that the British Grand Prix in Cardiff lives up to expectations and provides some exciting racing to match that witnessed tonight.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Just got the time right
Having noticed the time of my afternoon blog as 8:55 am I decided to hunt out the option to correct the time to British money, and you can from now on see the actual time that I have logged the posts.
They are now correct as at 17:00 on Sunday 24th June 2007.
See!
They are now correct as at 17:00 on Sunday 24th June 2007.
See!
Another Sunday Afternoon
What do you do on a Sunday afternoon when it is raining?
In winter you watch the football on television, but this is the height of summer and there is no football on television. Fortunately for me, my wife and daughter decided to go shopping at the visiting 'foreign market' so I had the place all to myself and my wife had insisted that we buy the Arsenal video "49 The Complete Unbeaten Record" so I watched that.
The beauty of this particular DVD is that I could watch the Arsenal play knowing that we were never going to get beaten - all afternoon - no danger of defeat - there might be the odd nil nil draw and there was but I knew I could enjoy every game with no risk of depression setting in. One of the major problems with maturity is that rather than be carried high on emotion when your team win and digging the depths when your team lose you learn to treat both those imposters just the same (I borrowed that) AND YOU MISS OUT ON THE HIGHS.
I am writing this the day after Thierry Henry announced that he is leaving Highbury (or rather The Emirates Stadium) for Barcelona. Good luck to him. He was truly world class while at the Arsenal and made many goals from nothing, but watching the DVD both he and Robert Pires never gave up the chase and could often be seen rushing in at the far post to score.
Arsenal will find new strikers and the team will go on. It will be rare to get the likes of Henry, Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp playing together but all of them knew how to thread the ball like a needle through a pack of defenders. We may have to rely on the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky coming through from midfield but just perhaps the likes of Theo Walcott will come through quicker as a result of the departure. I do remember that it took Thierry Henry a little while to get going.
So there go my thoughts on this particular very wet Sunday Afternoon.
In winter you watch the football on television, but this is the height of summer and there is no football on television. Fortunately for me, my wife and daughter decided to go shopping at the visiting 'foreign market' so I had the place all to myself and my wife had insisted that we buy the Arsenal video "49 The Complete Unbeaten Record" so I watched that.
The beauty of this particular DVD is that I could watch the Arsenal play knowing that we were never going to get beaten - all afternoon - no danger of defeat - there might be the odd nil nil draw and there was but I knew I could enjoy every game with no risk of depression setting in. One of the major problems with maturity is that rather than be carried high on emotion when your team win and digging the depths when your team lose you learn to treat both those imposters just the same (I borrowed that) AND YOU MISS OUT ON THE HIGHS.
I am writing this the day after Thierry Henry announced that he is leaving Highbury (or rather The Emirates Stadium) for Barcelona. Good luck to him. He was truly world class while at the Arsenal and made many goals from nothing, but watching the DVD both he and Robert Pires never gave up the chase and could often be seen rushing in at the far post to score.
Arsenal will find new strikers and the team will go on. It will be rare to get the likes of Henry, Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp playing together but all of them knew how to thread the ball like a needle through a pack of defenders. We may have to rely on the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky coming through from midfield but just perhaps the likes of Theo Walcott will come through quicker as a result of the departure. I do remember that it took Thierry Henry a little while to get going.
So there go my thoughts on this particular very wet Sunday Afternoon.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Puchai Aber Carlem Gabindo Camerinthum
Check out the title of this blogbit. Why would those five words in that order be so important? The answer is (unless you already know) Runescape. Those five words in that particular order are needed to defeat a demon. That is after you have defeated the monk. I do enjoy the game and have wasted many hours completing all of the free quests. I should really join up and carry on playing the members quests but I know I am not making best use of my time although the sense of achievement when a task or a quest is completed is tangible.
I have always been a fan of adventure gaming and still remember with fondness the games where you had to guess the correct word to progress further in the game. Police Quest had me stuck for ages trying to get the officer to do a 'breathaliser', a 'breathalizer', a brethalizer' only to find out in an American article that they refer to the test as the 'sobriety test' and the key to continuing the game was 'Administer Sobriety Test'. That one had me stuck for days.
My favourite was always Space Quest. I missed out on Kings Quest but intend to play it one day when I get the time (probably after I retire). There were one or two online adventures but they were always limited. Does anyone know of any good adventures. Runescape is holding my attention at the moment but it will not last forever.
I have always been a fan of adventure gaming and still remember with fondness the games where you had to guess the correct word to progress further in the game. Police Quest had me stuck for ages trying to get the officer to do a 'breathaliser', a 'breathalizer', a brethalizer' only to find out in an American article that they refer to the test as the 'sobriety test' and the key to continuing the game was 'Administer Sobriety Test'. That one had me stuck for days.
My favourite was always Space Quest. I missed out on Kings Quest but intend to play it one day when I get the time (probably after I retire). There were one or two online adventures but they were always limited. Does anyone know of any good adventures. Runescape is holding my attention at the moment but it will not last forever.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Muppetalike
| You Are Rowlf the Dog |
 Mellow and serious, you enjoy time alone cultivating your talents. You're a cool dog, and you always present a relaxed vibe. A talented pianist, you can play almost anything - especially songs by Beethoven. "My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both." |
Sunday, 17 June 2007
WTF is OCSP
OCSP is implicated in my sudden inability to load Runescape correctly. It has something to do with the verification of Java scripts, or at least that seems to be the case. If I mark the option not to verify then everything works, but when I try to verify by whatever method the whole site is out of reach for me. Maybe this is an indication that it is time to stop playing.
I have enjoyed my time in Runescape and have completed all of the free quests bar two. There is much more to the game that I can discover if I become a member but it is such a huge timewaster that I may deny myself that pleasure. Now that OCSP is interfering I may just leave the game where I am and move on to other pleasures.
Today we are going to visit some friends as we are celebrating our wedding anniversary along with another couple who also married in June. There was talk of a barbecue but we will confirm all the details later in the day.
Now that I have actually continued this BLOG past the initiation stage I may just have to pass the information of its location to a few close friends. If I enjoy reading about them then just maybe they will be interested in me.
I have enjoyed my time in Runescape and have completed all of the free quests bar two. There is much more to the game that I can discover if I become a member but it is such a huge timewaster that I may deny myself that pleasure. Now that OCSP is interfering I may just leave the game where I am and move on to other pleasures.
Today we are going to visit some friends as we are celebrating our wedding anniversary along with another couple who also married in June. There was talk of a barbecue but we will confirm all the details later in the day.
Now that I have actually continued this BLOG past the initiation stage I may just have to pass the information of its location to a few close friends. If I enjoy reading about them then just maybe they will be interested in me.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
A Quiet Saturday
Jessica fell asleep in the armchair halfway through Carry On Cruising. The level of humour seems so low to me now but she has been laughing and it is good to hear. Dawn is working on her own and seems to be very happy crafting whatever takes her fancy these days, from birthday cards to imitation plants.
I have been playing Runescape which has proved remarkably addictive. Time spent in various activities earns rewards in increased options. I have learned the odd thing or two as well. If the game is accurate then copper and tin make bronze, news to me before the game.
I agreed earlier in the day to take the wife to Poundland. We can afford things in there so she has spent many a happy hour picking up bargain after bargain along with a few "That looks nice" bits.
We have a picture being framed due for collection today, and I need to pick my suit up from the cleaners. We also need some cement and mortar for a brick retaining wall that I need to build at the top of the garden.
Be good and stop reading now as you have reached the end of this entry.
I have been playing Runescape which has proved remarkably addictive. Time spent in various activities earns rewards in increased options. I have learned the odd thing or two as well. If the game is accurate then copper and tin make bronze, news to me before the game.
I agreed earlier in the day to take the wife to Poundland. We can afford things in there so she has spent many a happy hour picking up bargain after bargain along with a few "That looks nice" bits.
We have a picture being framed due for collection today, and I need to pick my suit up from the cleaners. We also need some cement and mortar for a brick retaining wall that I need to build at the top of the garden.
Be good and stop reading now as you have reached the end of this entry.
Friday, 8 June 2007
A Pleasing Result
| Your Mind is 38% Cluttered |
 Your mind is very free. You've liberated yourself from most worries and problems. And even if something does start to clutter your mind, you're easily able to let it go. |
The view from the window
It is just past 6 O'Clock in the morning and I am awake.
As I gaze from the window I can see the morning mist obscuring the hills. The cows are hoovering the grass and every so occasionally have to move a pace or two forward. The air is still as not a single branch on any tree is moving. The cars are silent as none of them have yet awoken. A single gull glides across the morning sky and ducks behind a nearby garage. The birds are starting their morning natter. Some birds are in the bush. I can tell because the branches are moving. The sky is grey with mist but it is turning gradually bluer. It is going to be hot.
The television has just informed us all that George Bush is going to "seriously consider" climate change. If the worst predictions are true it is already too late to save the human race but we have life forms developing right now around the deep sea vents at temperatures of 400 degrees Celcius. They will be the ones that thrive if the warming trend continues. So many species have terminated their development, from dinosaurs to dodos that I see no reason why humans should not be just another redundant life form.
Today we are heading north for our entertainment. Somerset Rebels Speedway team are taking on the Glasgow Tigers and we intend to join the crowd for what promises to be some good racing. One of the old Exeter riders is now with Glasgow. Lee Smethills was always a competent middle order rider and I would like to see whether he has developed his skills.
The clock is now ticking very loudly. It must have been ticking all along but I must have reached the end of this entry if I am reduced to talking about the noise.
As I gaze from the window I can see the morning mist obscuring the hills. The cows are hoovering the grass and every so occasionally have to move a pace or two forward. The air is still as not a single branch on any tree is moving. The cars are silent as none of them have yet awoken. A single gull glides across the morning sky and ducks behind a nearby garage. The birds are starting their morning natter. Some birds are in the bush. I can tell because the branches are moving. The sky is grey with mist but it is turning gradually bluer. It is going to be hot.
The television has just informed us all that George Bush is going to "seriously consider" climate change. If the worst predictions are true it is already too late to save the human race but we have life forms developing right now around the deep sea vents at temperatures of 400 degrees Celcius. They will be the ones that thrive if the warming trend continues. So many species have terminated their development, from dinosaurs to dodos that I see no reason why humans should not be just another redundant life form.
Today we are heading north for our entertainment. Somerset Rebels Speedway team are taking on the Glasgow Tigers and we intend to join the crowd for what promises to be some good racing. One of the old Exeter riders is now with Glasgow. Lee Smethills was always a competent middle order rider and I would like to see whether he has developed his skills.
The clock is now ticking very loudly. It must have been ticking all along but I must have reached the end of this entry if I am reduced to talking about the noise.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
A Good Day
Today went well.
That is about all I can say without boring you and telling you about the division of accounts into separate portfolios for various members of the team to manage. AND. What about the account that has a single set of charges but has charged the customer four times in a single bill. The experts in the IT department are still working on that one.
The weekend exhibition of Speedway memorabilia went very well as part of a model railway meeting. A London Underground model won the day with a couple of tube trains and a little camera in the cab so you could get a model drivers eye view.
The garden is coming on nicely and we have carted over 200 bricks from the garage up two flights of stairs to the garden. It only remains to carry them on up the garden (1 in 2) ready to build the retaining wall that is needed to prevent the winter falls that we have experienced over the last two years.
The area immediately outside the back door is now useable as we have got rid of most of the rotten wood and broken implements. Paving slabs have been laid so the shed now has a very solid base and the barbecue is in its own corner with a paving slab all of its own to rest on.
Jessica is in a very fetching orange and white summer dress.
Dawn is in the bath.
That is about all I can say without boring you and telling you about the division of accounts into separate portfolios for various members of the team to manage. AND. What about the account that has a single set of charges but has charged the customer four times in a single bill. The experts in the IT department are still working on that one.
The weekend exhibition of Speedway memorabilia went very well as part of a model railway meeting. A London Underground model won the day with a couple of tube trains and a little camera in the cab so you could get a model drivers eye view.
The garden is coming on nicely and we have carted over 200 bricks from the garage up two flights of stairs to the garden. It only remains to carry them on up the garden (1 in 2) ready to build the retaining wall that is needed to prevent the winter falls that we have experienced over the last two years.
The area immediately outside the back door is now useable as we have got rid of most of the rotten wood and broken implements. Paving slabs have been laid so the shed now has a very solid base and the barbecue is in its own corner with a paving slab all of its own to rest on.
Jessica is in a very fetching orange and white summer dress.
Dawn is in the bath.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Second Site
My second post is simply another chance to practice.
I will add some serious content once I am happy with the setup.
I will add some serious content once I am happy with the setup.
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