Donald Trump says he will spend 2 million USD every week on TV advertising. I hope that's because the advertising it expensive, I wouldn't like to think of him being beamed into all those poor American households.
The thing is, doesn't he realise that TV watchers can just switch him off? Seems a bit of a waste of money to me, but it keeps him in the headlines I suppose.
He probably has a policy of 'one headline a week' or similar where he has a team of weirdos thinking up headline grabbing statements.
One man who has hit the headlines in the last few days is Frank. Storm Frank to give him his full name. He has played havoc in the North West and Yorkshire, with York and other places being badly affected. There's talk of a 'complete rethink of flood defences' whatever that means. I suppose the barriers have gone as high as they can. Can't remember where it was, but someone jacked their house up last year to escape the water. That seems like a good idea to me, you even gain a bit of room under the house (albeit potentially a bit wet). I wonder how the planners would deal with that?
Mr Trump could probably help with the financing, but he's more than likely up to his neck in some other controversy by the time I finish writing this.
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Seasons Greetings
Well, you learn something every day. The Church of England is different to the Church of Scotland, both being based on a different flavour of Protestanism (I thing that's spelt correctly, but the spell check disagrees). Anyway, they have agreed to work together more - must be the Christmas spirit at work.
The IAAF keeps on getting bad press and Mr Coe, sorry, Lord Coe has his hands full handling all that. I wonder if he will manage to hang on in 2016.
There's a bit of additional noise coming from the UCI as Brian Cookson tries to put some shape around the new, clean, drug free cycling federation. ASO (who manage Tour De France and others) are not happy with some race classifications that might undermine some commercial aspects, so we can expect public arguments whilst they resolve it differently behind closed doors.
Merry Christmas by the way.
The IAAF keeps on getting bad press and Mr Coe, sorry, Lord Coe has his hands full handling all that. I wonder if he will manage to hang on in 2016.
There's a bit of additional noise coming from the UCI as Brian Cookson tries to put some shape around the new, clean, drug free cycling federation. ASO (who manage Tour De France and others) are not happy with some race classifications that might undermine some commercial aspects, so we can expect public arguments whilst they resolve it differently behind closed doors.
Merry Christmas by the way.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Apple Racing
Formula 1 is leaving the BBC and moving to Channel 4, 3 years before the contract is up for renewal. The BBC have to save £150 million (I think), so the F1 contract was probably a good way of saving most of that. Mind you, I read that they spent 240 million on Premier league highlights, so it puts it into some sort of perspective. They have probably dropped F1 at the right time, if not a year late, so I cannot think anyone will be losing too much sleep about it. C4 have even promised not to screen ads during the race, so it will be interesting how that manage that - I reckon we will see much more on-screen advertising of some sort. No more bland shirts by the presenters, expect big logos, obligatory caps and flashy watches. I also suspect some big name brand will the a title sponsor much like the 'Barclays Premier League' or whatever it is nowadays.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Will you do the fandango?
I can't believe it's been 40 years!
How many time do I hear that nowadays? One of my colleagues - a mere 21 years young has his own version, something like 'I can just remember when...' when recounting something that I would call 'recent'.
"Just remember"? He should be able to remember his whole life in minute detail. He's got loads of memory space left, although he is a bit of a film fan so some will be taken up with fictitious film facts of no use to anyone.
Anyway back to the 40 year thing. It's just that Bohemian Rhapsody was the Christmas number 1 40 years ago in 1975 and I remember it like it was yesterday. Well, not yesterday, but what we take in as a 'major event' stays with us for much longer than the ordinary run-of-the-mill non-descript memories and gives an impression of a recent event. Quite clever the way our brain handles memory, not unlike how some computer memory works, with the important data staying close by in case it's needed and can be grabbed quickly without resorting to searching e,g, a hard disk. If Bohemian Rhapsody was data, I would cache it in as many places as possible.
Mind you, it's not as if the song had a huge impact on me, it was just so different than the bland mediocre pop music at the time accompanied by a cool video that would probably be seen as quite amateurish nowadays. It was also at No 1 for what seemed weeks and weeks, although I'm not sure how long (and can't be bothered to look it up).
How many time do I hear that nowadays? One of my colleagues - a mere 21 years young has his own version, something like 'I can just remember when...' when recounting something that I would call 'recent'.
"Just remember"? He should be able to remember his whole life in minute detail. He's got loads of memory space left, although he is a bit of a film fan so some will be taken up with fictitious film facts of no use to anyone.
Anyway back to the 40 year thing. It's just that Bohemian Rhapsody was the Christmas number 1 40 years ago in 1975 and I remember it like it was yesterday. Well, not yesterday, but what we take in as a 'major event' stays with us for much longer than the ordinary run-of-the-mill non-descript memories and gives an impression of a recent event. Quite clever the way our brain handles memory, not unlike how some computer memory works, with the important data staying close by in case it's needed and can be grabbed quickly without resorting to searching e,g, a hard disk. If Bohemian Rhapsody was data, I would cache it in as many places as possible.
Mind you, it's not as if the song had a huge impact on me, it was just so different than the bland mediocre pop music at the time accompanied by a cool video that would probably be seen as quite amateurish nowadays. It was also at No 1 for what seemed weeks and weeks, although I'm not sure how long (and can't be bothered to look it up).
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Less bovver.
I'm quite impressed by the latest new toy/gadget in town - the hoverboard. Or is it hovverbord? That latter spelling would make it less mainstream, more off the board (probably). There must be a whole lot of electronics and gyroscopes at play underneath the shiny plastic trim to make it ridable (by the way, that's not a word according to my PC dictionary when I'm sure it should be). Anyway, I probably won't be getting one, not because they are too expensive (are they about 100+ quids?) but I'm sure I would not be able to handle one. My skating skills (on ice or tarmac) are pretty dismal and surely no amount of anti-tilt mechanism would be able to keep me balanced.
However, someone has mastered how to manoeuvre them, and went off with a crate of lemonade from the Co-Op to prove it. Luckily he was caught and will be brought to justice for his audacious act. To rub salt into it, he is also charged with riding his hovveryboard on the pavement. They are strictly for use on private property it seems.
However, someone has mastered how to manoeuvre them, and went off with a crate of lemonade from the Co-Op to prove it. Luckily he was caught and will be brought to justice for his audacious act. To rub salt into it, he is also charged with riding his hovveryboard on the pavement. They are strictly for use on private property it seems.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Dead Relations
The South Koreans seem a bit of an odd bunch. There's plenty of detrimental stuff written about the North which hits the headlines, but there are also many curiosities about the Southerners that can be found after page 1. The latest is a story about how they are trying to reduce the number of suicides, by using 'try out dying' training where they experience their own funeral, including lying in a coffin, clutching their own picture. Is that odd? ..or is it just me?
Meanwhile, over in North Korea a planned performance of Kim Jung-Un's own pop group had to be cancelled for no apparent reason. It appears that this pop group (hand-picked by the good leader) were meant to be fostering Chinese/NK relations but had to pull out at the last minute.
Still, that better than some South Korean K-Pop band being sent home from the US where there were mistakenly assumed to be sex workers.
Meanwhile, over in North Korea a planned performance of Kim Jung-Un's own pop group had to be cancelled for no apparent reason. It appears that this pop group (hand-picked by the good leader) were meant to be fostering Chinese/NK relations but had to pull out at the last minute.
Still, that better than some South Korean K-Pop band being sent home from the US where there were mistakenly assumed to be sex workers.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Ready, Set, Go!
Unhappiness will not shorten your life, but what you are unhappy about might. That's one of the conclusions by some university who have monitored a million women aged around 60.
Sounds like a sensible conclusion. Other surveys have concluded differently, that misery = an early death but now we know that to be untrue, it makes me quite happy.
The IAAF keeps getting adverse publicity, first from the doping revelations and now the French are investigating how the World Athletics champs were awarded to Eugene in the US - the home of Nike. Even though Sebastian Coe exudes a very polished exterior, he has to find some good answers to justify how they won that bid, given that he was a 'Nike Ambassador'. I assume this is not a voluntary post, and given Lord Coe's other 'fortunate' business dealings during the Olympics, I hope he hasn't overstepped the mark.
Sounds like a sensible conclusion. Other surveys have concluded differently, that misery = an early death but now we know that to be untrue, it makes me quite happy.
The IAAF keeps getting adverse publicity, first from the doping revelations and now the French are investigating how the World Athletics champs were awarded to Eugene in the US - the home of Nike. Even though Sebastian Coe exudes a very polished exterior, he has to find some good answers to justify how they won that bid, given that he was a 'Nike Ambassador'. I assume this is not a voluntary post, and given Lord Coe's other 'fortunate' business dealings during the Olympics, I hope he hasn't overstepped the mark.
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Off he went to the circus, trump, trump, trump.
Dear old Donald Trump, he doesn't mind what he says does he? I see him as the old, cantankerous member of the family, spouting out extreme views as he mumbles to himself in the corner, and no-one paying any attention to him.
Unfortunately, reality is not quite like that. There appear to be more than a handful of Americans that seem to concur with his views, which makes him a bit more dangerous than old Uncle Hector in the corner. With a bit of luck the Republicans will quietly lean on him to clam up and he will disappear from the political scene. If we're unlucky, he'll be voted for in a few key Southern states and have to endure him all the way to the presidential election.
More fun from the build up to he BBC's Sports Personality of the Year. The inclusion of Tyson Fury onto the shortlist has not gone down too well given his ability to enrage women and the LGBT community. The latest incident is where a BBC presenter stated that 'you cannot be a dickhead AND win sports personality of the year' live on air.
What is it with all these public people speaking what they think?
Unfortunately, reality is not quite like that. There appear to be more than a handful of Americans that seem to concur with his views, which makes him a bit more dangerous than old Uncle Hector in the corner. With a bit of luck the Republicans will quietly lean on him to clam up and he will disappear from the political scene. If we're unlucky, he'll be voted for in a few key Southern states and have to endure him all the way to the presidential election.
More fun from the build up to he BBC's Sports Personality of the Year. The inclusion of Tyson Fury onto the shortlist has not gone down too well given his ability to enrage women and the LGBT community. The latest incident is where a BBC presenter stated that 'you cannot be a dickhead AND win sports personality of the year' live on air.
What is it with all these public people speaking what they think?
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Tales of The Riverbank
The Super Soaraway Sun has had to eat humble pie when it found out that a story about the (freelance) reporter where he claimed to have travelled from Turkey to Paris evading passport checks was actually... incorrect.
The freelancer forgot to add the bit where he had his passport checked in Zagreb, but what the heck, let's put it over a 2 page spread anyway. They are now 'changing how they deal with freelancers'.
Of course, no full time Sun reporter would do such a thing would they?
Another heavy shower, another burst river bank, another reason to blame someone somewhere. The environment secretary has taken the unusual step of stating the obvious - 'when it rains, you get wet, don't blame me'. I paraphrase slightly, but you get the drift. I do have some sympathy with her, but than again I also do with the affected house owners. What the solution is I don't know, but I get an impression we are not going to build however high they have to be walls around rivers, and we are not going to make people move out of houses, or even get people t voluntarily give their houses up so we can expect more good intentioned politicians saying 'the right thing' and residents lambasting them for doing nothing.
The freelancer forgot to add the bit where he had his passport checked in Zagreb, but what the heck, let's put it over a 2 page spread anyway. They are now 'changing how they deal with freelancers'.
Of course, no full time Sun reporter would do such a thing would they?
Another heavy shower, another burst river bank, another reason to blame someone somewhere. The environment secretary has taken the unusual step of stating the obvious - 'when it rains, you get wet, don't blame me'. I paraphrase slightly, but you get the drift. I do have some sympathy with her, but than again I also do with the affected house owners. What the solution is I don't know, but I get an impression we are not going to build however high they have to be walls around rivers, and we are not going to make people move out of houses, or even get people t voluntarily give their houses up so we can expect more good intentioned politicians saying 'the right thing' and residents lambasting them for doing nothing.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Left a bit...
Labour won their existing safe seat of Oldham West with a reduced majority, so does this mean that the new Jeremy Corbyn style is going to be a winner? He will be hoping so and spared no time in travelling up there congratulating the winning candidate. Strange how he wasn't here for the announcement, I suspect exit polls were not showing quite the same margin of win.
Anyway, I guess the lefties will be pleased with that result, and given the flurry of condemnation over those Labour MPS that voted for air strikes, could be that there will be a general swing to the left but it will take time.
And when are they going to start building more houses? We seem to have a constant increase in the population, coupled with a very modest rise in housing stock. You would think that market forces would be encouraging development to match the demand, but that does not appear to be happening. Prices to rise by 4-6% in 2016 according to the Halifax, (although looking into the future is not the easiest thing to do). Mind you, could be we have Labour councils building council homes soon.
Anyway, I guess the lefties will be pleased with that result, and given the flurry of condemnation over those Labour MPS that voted for air strikes, could be that there will be a general swing to the left but it will take time.
And when are they going to start building more houses? We seem to have a constant increase in the population, coupled with a very modest rise in housing stock. You would think that market forces would be encouraging development to match the demand, but that does not appear to be happening. Prices to rise by 4-6% in 2016 according to the Halifax, (although looking into the future is not the easiest thing to do). Mind you, could be we have Labour councils building council homes soon.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Pressing Engagement.
94.5% of the country's electricity from renewables. That sounds like a good news story, so why haven't all countries done that? The star pupil is Uruguay, a country of less than 5 million people, but not known for being very rich in resources (well, not as far as I know anyway). They have decreased energy prices over the last 10 years as the renewable kit has been installed without having to add supplements to local bills like out own government have decided to do. They don't even have any nuclear plants in the mix. Let's hope our venerable leaders take notes and get some tricks and tips at the ongoing climate talks in Paris.
Ironing is so last year, according to an article in The Guardian. I'm pleased to hear this, because no-one in my house enjoys that job, least of all me. Evidently I have to feel comfortable in that 'crumpled look' before I ditch the ironing board completely. I wonder if that would have looked good at yesterday's funeral I attended.
Ironing is so last year, according to an article in The Guardian. I'm pleased to hear this, because no-one in my house enjoys that job, least of all me. Evidently I have to feel comfortable in that 'crumpled look' before I ditch the ironing board completely. I wonder if that would have looked good at yesterday's funeral I attended.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Taking it personally.
I'm not sure about the BBC's 'Sports Personality of the Year' award. They have just announced the shortlist, all of them worthy sportsmen/women in their field, but I can't see why we have this annual ceremony each year. My theory is that now the BBC has cut down to the bare minimum of sports on TV, they have to hype up a ceremony that I expect no other broadcaster cares about. Its an ideal opportunity to splash a relatively small part of the sports budget about without doing much, and as luck would have it, it encompasses about 12 sports all at once - what a bonus! They can then sit back and feel like that have covered all those sports. Then there's the 'personality' tag that accompanies the title - what a misnomer! So, expect loads of hype and not much action for this year's event.
The air strikes debate wages on, but has been overshadowed by Jeremy Corbyn's difficult position as Labour leader without the authority to lay the law down with his cabinet. I guess we'll see more of these situations, and until these slightly more right wing Labourites move on, he's stuck with this type of situation as far as I can see.
However, he managed to row back from a damaging 'split the party' type of scenario, to a bit of a cop out of giving everyone a free vote.
The air strikes debate wages on, but has been overshadowed by Jeremy Corbyn's difficult position as Labour leader without the authority to lay the law down with his cabinet. I guess we'll see more of these situations, and until these slightly more right wing Labourites move on, he's stuck with this type of situation as far as I can see.
However, he managed to row back from a damaging 'split the party' type of scenario, to a bit of a cop out of giving everyone a free vote.
Monday, 30 November 2015
Aim high.
Amazon are still keen on the drone delivery idea. They have unveiled their latest machine that they intend to try and make deliveries within 30 minutes of a particular site. The machine flies at 15mph, so that gives it a 7.5 mile range, give or take depending on weather conditions. It has collision avoidance, but crucially, does not get the backing of the US air regulator, who is insisting in 'line of sight of the pilot'. All the testing is being done in Canada, who I assume allows such reckless behaviour. Good job the US military don't have to comply with the rules.
I read that the UK is open to a more autonomous type of aircraft as long as it is within defined flying corridors. For me, I really can't see it happening within my lifetime there are so many factors to overcome, or am I being too negative? I can see the advantages of cost, speed and easing traffic congestion so there's no surprise that Amazon are pushing hard to get it implemented, but what about rival drones? Kids with remote controlled toys buzzing/hitting them? Birds? Mechanical/battery failure? Too risky for me.
I read that the UK is open to a more autonomous type of aircraft as long as it is within defined flying corridors. For me, I really can't see it happening within my lifetime there are so many factors to overcome, or am I being too negative? I can see the advantages of cost, speed and easing traffic congestion so there's no surprise that Amazon are pushing hard to get it implemented, but what about rival drones? Kids with remote controlled toys buzzing/hitting them? Birds? Mechanical/battery failure? Too risky for me.
Friday, 27 November 2015
Neck and Neck
There's an article in the Guardian about how one should wear a scarf, written tongue in cheek (I hope) and I can empathise with what they are saying. You can't just sling it on and hope it looks right, it's one of the few items of clothing I wear that has to go on just right. Practical, and stylish - and that's very difficult I can tell you.
The UK political scene keeps getting surprised by Jeremy Corbyn. Instead of persuading his cabinet to fall in line with one particular view on the Syrian bombing options, he has simply written to all his MPs telling them he will not support it. This is in marked contrast to his predecessors from all parties, who manage to get the cabinet to toe the 'party line' whether they like it or not. It will be interesting how this turns out i.e. will it be seen as a successful way to run the party, or will he end up being the 'weak leader' that the papers are desperate for.
The UK political scene keeps getting surprised by Jeremy Corbyn. Instead of persuading his cabinet to fall in line with one particular view on the Syrian bombing options, he has simply written to all his MPs telling them he will not support it. This is in marked contrast to his predecessors from all parties, who manage to get the cabinet to toe the 'party line' whether they like it or not. It will be interesting how this turns out i.e. will it be seen as a successful way to run the party, or will he end up being the 'weak leader' that the papers are desperate for.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Pillow Talk.
Pillow fights have been banned at West Point, the top military academy in the US, due to injuries suffered as a result of said fracas's. They're obviously not hardening them up enough.
..or maybe the students are filling the pillow cases with something a bit harder than feathers.
The labour man John MacDonald has been defending his decision to quote chairman Mao in response to the Autumn statement, but saying that the reason he did was to raise awareness of the governments wish to sell off air traffic control (to the Chinese I assume). It seems to me a bit of a strange excuse, will we for instance see him quoting Jimmy Saville just to raise the awareness of e.g. financing of child support agencies?
Maybe they should have pillow fights instead of prime ministers questions.
..or maybe the students are filling the pillow cases with something a bit harder than feathers.
The labour man John MacDonald has been defending his decision to quote chairman Mao in response to the Autumn statement, but saying that the reason he did was to raise awareness of the governments wish to sell off air traffic control (to the Chinese I assume). It seems to me a bit of a strange excuse, will we for instance see him quoting Jimmy Saville just to raise the awareness of e.g. financing of child support agencies?
Maybe they should have pillow fights instead of prime ministers questions.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Running away with it.
I don't know much about Saudi Arabia. When I was a lad, it was the place to earn big bucks in the oil industry, I even went for an interview once but they effectively talked me out of going, probably because they could see my heart was not really in it. Good job really, because the more I read about it the less likely I will be spending a holiday there.
The latest one to add to the '100 reasons not to visit Saudi Arabia' concerns the sentencing to death of a poet for renouncing Islam, although if you read (and believe) the small print it doesn't look like that is the case anyway. More likely he's upset a few clergy and they exaggerate some statement he made for their own justification. Whatever it is, it doesn't sound like he deserves to die for it.
Another topic in the news that has attracted my attention is the intention of a council (was it Stafford?) to charge Park Run users a pound each as a contribution to the running of the park. I think it's specifically the car park, so why they can't just put a parking fee on is beyond me, it just seems like it's an easy way to raise a few quid without doing anything. If they succeed, I hope the park runners go somewhere else and carry on as usual.
The latest one to add to the '100 reasons not to visit Saudi Arabia' concerns the sentencing to death of a poet for renouncing Islam, although if you read (and believe) the small print it doesn't look like that is the case anyway. More likely he's upset a few clergy and they exaggerate some statement he made for their own justification. Whatever it is, it doesn't sound like he deserves to die for it.
Another topic in the news that has attracted my attention is the intention of a council (was it Stafford?) to charge Park Run users a pound each as a contribution to the running of the park. I think it's specifically the car park, so why they can't just put a parking fee on is beyond me, it just seems like it's an easy way to raise a few quid without doing anything. If they succeed, I hope the park runners go somewhere else and carry on as usual.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Fly By Wire
If it was during the cold war, Turkey shooting down a Russian jet would be off the scale in the diplomatic stakes. As it is, shooting one down over Turkey (or was it?) whilst engaging in bombing 'rebels' in Syria is probably not going to result in more than a semi-major spat. At least we hope so.
There's some noise over the The Soaraway Sun's use of dodgy statistics to portray 1 in 5 Muslims as supporting jihadists, and rightly so (the noise, not the support). Misuse of statistics is a daily fact of life for newspapers, and I expect Sun is one of the worst just to make headline grabbing claims.
It's a pity the 'I didn't actually really mean that...' that will inevitably have to follow will be tucked away amongst the adverts on page 15. ..or maybe Sun readers believe it and don't complain.
There's some noise over the The Soaraway Sun's use of dodgy statistics to portray 1 in 5 Muslims as supporting jihadists, and rightly so (the noise, not the support). Misuse of statistics is a daily fact of life for newspapers, and I expect Sun is one of the worst just to make headline grabbing claims.
It's a pity the 'I didn't actually really mean that...' that will inevitably have to follow will be tucked away amongst the adverts on page 15. ..or maybe Sun readers believe it and don't complain.
Monday, 23 November 2015
Read all about it!
There's something about ITV's breakfast show offering that makes me want to switch it off, but I'm not sure what it is.
I have a deep seated aversion to advertising breaks (of which there are plenty) even one's that advertise their own programs (a la BBC), and I loath ridiculous phone-in quizzes where the answer is so obvious that a 3 year old would struggle to get the wrong answer. All 'serious' news items seem to be sensationalised by the use of tabloid language - probably written by headline writers rather than journalists (mind you, this is not confined to breakfast time, it crops up on most commercial news programming), and then, just as you think they are treating a subject with the seriousness it deserves, the slip in a trivial silly item designed to appeal to a knitting grandmother somewhere.
They have now shipped in Piers Morgan as a part time presenter, heralding his arrival with 'he's so unpopular he must be good' snippets. I'm not sure he will help much, but I guess he's cheap.
I have a deep seated aversion to advertising breaks (of which there are plenty) even one's that advertise their own programs (a la BBC), and I loath ridiculous phone-in quizzes where the answer is so obvious that a 3 year old would struggle to get the wrong answer. All 'serious' news items seem to be sensationalised by the use of tabloid language - probably written by headline writers rather than journalists (mind you, this is not confined to breakfast time, it crops up on most commercial news programming), and then, just as you think they are treating a subject with the seriousness it deserves, the slip in a trivial silly item designed to appeal to a knitting grandmother somewhere.
They have now shipped in Piers Morgan as a part time presenter, heralding his arrival with 'he's so unpopular he must be good' snippets. I'm not sure he will help much, but I guess he's cheap.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Please Be Seated.
I spied a headline just before I left home this morning that looked like an ideal daily blog topic - International Toilet Day. Unfortunately, I can't find any trace of it on the newspaper website, but fear not, thanks to the powers of Mr Google I find out that it's actually World Toilet Day 2015 sponsored by the auspicious UN.
I'm not going to 'waste' (geddit?) time delving into what it means, but I am sure there's a very good reason for it, probably highlighting the lack of facilities in the developing world.
So much better than world book day - the day when the UN highlights the lack of books in the developing world.
I'm not going to 'waste' (geddit?) time delving into what it means, but I am sure there's a very good reason for it, probably highlighting the lack of facilities in the developing world.
So much better than world book day - the day when the UN highlights the lack of books in the developing world.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Pass.
Mastermind. As a verb it's the very summit of knowledge, or outstanding intellect according to some definitions. As an adjective, it's someone who plans something ingenious or complex.
It's been used a lot in the media and by politicians over the last couple of days to describe the alleged ringleader/planner of the Paris terrorist acts.
For me, it's the wrong word to use altogether. It was neither ingenious, or complex and didn't take much intellect to organise a few guns and gullible lads to blow themselves up after shooting a few Parisians.
It also undermines the proper use of the word mastermind, e.g. as used in the TV quiz show. I have no arguments with that (although some of the specialist subjects don't appear too difficult to me, but that's another issue), as you can soon tell if the contestant is worthy of the title 'Mastermind'. Put this so called terrorist mastermind in the hot chair, and he'll probably be like the permanently drunk priest on Father Ted shouting 'Guns!' and 'Allah!' or similar.
Maybe we should decide the future of civilisation via a quiz show, I'm sure that would work.
It's been used a lot in the media and by politicians over the last couple of days to describe the alleged ringleader/planner of the Paris terrorist acts.
For me, it's the wrong word to use altogether. It was neither ingenious, or complex and didn't take much intellect to organise a few guns and gullible lads to blow themselves up after shooting a few Parisians.
It also undermines the proper use of the word mastermind, e.g. as used in the TV quiz show. I have no arguments with that (although some of the specialist subjects don't appear too difficult to me, but that's another issue), as you can soon tell if the contestant is worthy of the title 'Mastermind'. Put this so called terrorist mastermind in the hot chair, and he'll probably be like the permanently drunk priest on Father Ted shouting 'Guns!' and 'Allah!' or similar.
Maybe we should decide the future of civilisation via a quiz show, I'm sure that would work.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Radio Ga Ga.
A radio DJ is not a job I would relish. Not only do they have to keep putting the needle on the records (do they still do that?), but they have to think about those gaps in between where the listener has to be entertained, informed and enlightened.
You will have noticed the regular 'features' in radio shows that are employed to fill the time, thereby reducing the amount of imaginative stuff that is required to pad them out. I also think that although some of these features are pretty weak, we get used to them, even to the extent that we 'like' them...or maybe we just endure them.
However, I think the thing that makes one DJ standout from the others is 'delivery'. The way they make even the most dull format sound interesting, and get enthusiastic about the most mundane topics. You probably know the ones I mean, and not usually found on local radio stations.
You will have noticed the regular 'features' in radio shows that are employed to fill the time, thereby reducing the amount of imaginative stuff that is required to pad them out. I also think that although some of these features are pretty weak, we get used to them, even to the extent that we 'like' them...or maybe we just endure them.
However, I think the thing that makes one DJ standout from the others is 'delivery'. The way they make even the most dull format sound interesting, and get enthusiastic about the most mundane topics. You probably know the ones I mean, and not usually found on local radio stations.
Friday, 13 November 2015
Wonka.
Rolf Harris has a problem with chocolate evidently. It's so bad, he had to go to visit a hospital from jail cell, entering 'by the side door'. Well, you would wouldn't you if you had to go to hospital because of an excess of Galaxy or similar.
I'm a bit surprised that he could enough chocolate to get that bad, but maybe there's some sort allergy think going on - poor soul.
Other headlines include the possible death of who the media dubbed 'Jihadist John' - a particularly unlikeable character that starred in gruesome beheading videos published by ISIS/ISIL (delete as applicable). He was probably splattered by a drone air strike last night, and not a moment too soon in my opinion, although my inner Christian tells me that these sort of thoughts are not particularly good for you, it's difficult to ignore them.
I'm a bit surprised that he could enough chocolate to get that bad, but maybe there's some sort allergy think going on - poor soul.
Other headlines include the possible death of who the media dubbed 'Jihadist John' - a particularly unlikeable character that starred in gruesome beheading videos published by ISIS/ISIL (delete as applicable). He was probably splattered by a drone air strike last night, and not a moment too soon in my opinion, although my inner Christian tells me that these sort of thoughts are not particularly good for you, it's difficult to ignore them.
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Leaving Present.
England rugby coach 'steps down'; 'Leaves by mutual consent' and many other phrases mean the same thing - sacked, but with a wad of cash in the bank to ease the pain.
It's not confined to sport, business's do it all the time and the more senior, the less likely you are to see the 'sacked' word appear in any headlines, interviews etc. although we all know what's really gone on.
Interestingly, we don't bother with these statements for the more lowly worker, even if they do receive a relatively large amount of cash when they leave. The 1000 steel workers recently made redundant in Scunthorpe will receive a nice redundancy package, but did not leave 'by mutual consent' but the outcome is exactly the same as Stuart Lancaster.
It's not confined to sport, business's do it all the time and the more senior, the less likely you are to see the 'sacked' word appear in any headlines, interviews etc. although we all know what's really gone on.
Interestingly, we don't bother with these statements for the more lowly worker, even if they do receive a relatively large amount of cash when they leave. The 1000 steel workers recently made redundant in Scunthorpe will receive a nice redundancy package, but did not leave 'by mutual consent' but the outcome is exactly the same as Stuart Lancaster.
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
WADA Ya Know..
Well, the WADA report into athlete doping was published yesterday and it's not a pretty sight. The Russians have been roundly condemned, with recommendations to bad a few athletes and coaches as well as close the doping lab down in Moscow until it 'conforms'. Evidently there's more to come.
It seems to me that having a country's own lab testing their own countrymen's samples that could well influence national achievements one way or the other is not a very healthy state of affairs.
It seems to me that having a country's own lab testing their own countrymen's samples that could well influence national achievements one way or the other is not a very healthy state of affairs.
Monday, 9 November 2015
Jericho Road
There seems to be something big brewing in the athletics world regarding drugs, cover ups, and plain brown paper envelopes full of money changing hands.
It centres round positive drug tests that were covered up, but only if the respective athletics federation and/or the offending athlete coughed up some cash, some of it making it's way to the top man at the IAAF (retired).
It seems to be a very convenient, safe way of making money/keep on earning money (depending on which side of the fence you sit). The offender can keep competing, thereby keeping his/her job and the athletics federation keeps a top athlete on it's books and doesn't get tainted by any doping controversy. Neither side are likely to be found out, because it's in no-one's interest to blab about it.
..until you encounter a doping athlete that won't pay the cash. Oops!
And the walls came crashing down.
It centres round positive drug tests that were covered up, but only if the respective athletics federation and/or the offending athlete coughed up some cash, some of it making it's way to the top man at the IAAF (retired).
It seems to be a very convenient, safe way of making money/keep on earning money (depending on which side of the fence you sit). The offender can keep competing, thereby keeping his/her job and the athletics federation keeps a top athlete on it's books and doesn't get tainted by any doping controversy. Neither side are likely to be found out, because it's in no-one's interest to blab about it.
..until you encounter a doping athlete that won't pay the cash. Oops!
And the walls came crashing down.
Thursday, 5 November 2015
Damp Squib
Fireworks displays are 'fizzling out' as austerity bites according to a report into the state of the British firework display. It has always amazed me how much you have to pay for a decent flash and bang, and even more amazed that we watch so much money literally going up in smoke within a few short minutes. Not that I don't like firework displays, but I also like to watch motor racing which also uses up copious amounts for cash for little reward, although it seems to have a modicum of purpose for doing so.
I would be no good organising a display - where/how do you end it? It surely has to end with something spectacular, but if the previous few minutes were not spectacular, what's the point of them? Therefore, at the really big displays (I'm thinking London Eye stuff here) it's a never ending, rolling finale from the first blue touchpaper to the last puff of smoke wafting out into the Thames/Clyde/local ditch (delete as applicable) and everyone drifts home or to the pub.
So we needn't worry too much about firework displays, it will be a holographic, digital image at a park near you in a couple of years.
I would be no good organising a display - where/how do you end it? It surely has to end with something spectacular, but if the previous few minutes were not spectacular, what's the point of them? Therefore, at the really big displays (I'm thinking London Eye stuff here) it's a never ending, rolling finale from the first blue touchpaper to the last puff of smoke wafting out into the Thames/Clyde/local ditch (delete as applicable) and everyone drifts home or to the pub.
So we needn't worry too much about firework displays, it will be a holographic, digital image at a park near you in a couple of years.
Monday, 2 November 2015
Hot and Smoking
Conservative MP admits to being human shock!
Well, he didn't go that far but he admitted to smoking dope, watching porn and being sick after drinking. He won't last long.
One of the more worrying revelations about the crashed Russian jet in Egypt is that an Egyptian official inially reported that the pilot had requested to make an emergency landing before it disappeared from radar. They have now admitted that this was not the case.
So why the heck did someone think it was a good idea to make that statement? It has proved to be an out and out lie - not even close to being true. Not that it makes a jot of difference to those that died, or even the relatives, but it brings the whole of the Egyptian 'authorities' into disrepute so that we (well, me anyway) will immediately take 'official' responses as cobblers.
Well, he didn't go that far but he admitted to smoking dope, watching porn and being sick after drinking. He won't last long.
One of the more worrying revelations about the crashed Russian jet in Egypt is that an Egyptian official inially reported that the pilot had requested to make an emergency landing before it disappeared from radar. They have now admitted that this was not the case.
So why the heck did someone think it was a good idea to make that statement? It has proved to be an out and out lie - not even close to being true. Not that it makes a jot of difference to those that died, or even the relatives, but it brings the whole of the Egyptian 'authorities' into disrepute so that we (well, me anyway) will immediately take 'official' responses as cobblers.
Friday, 30 October 2015
Takk.
Justin Beiber left his show after performing one song. Lucky audience.
Puzzlingly, some audience members were in tears, some angry. That puzzles me.
Evidently his fans in the front row 'didn't listen to me' Maybe he should learn to speak Norwegian.
In other news, the UKs longest Guantamo Bay resident (aka prisoner) left today after 14 years. Can you imagine how he's feeling? I can't. Surely he's going to have a gigantic chip on his shoulder, that I can fully imagine.
Puzzlingly, some audience members were in tears, some angry. That puzzles me.
Evidently his fans in the front row 'didn't listen to me' Maybe he should learn to speak Norwegian.
In other news, the UKs longest Guantamo Bay resident (aka prisoner) left today after 14 years. Can you imagine how he's feeling? I can't. Surely he's going to have a gigantic chip on his shoulder, that I can fully imagine.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Uprising
There's something brewing in the South China sea. China have laid claim to most of the sea in that area, although there are some competing claims from the Phillipines, Vietnam and other military minnows. They have even gone as far as creating artificial islands with runways to lend support to their claim. The US (predictably) don't see it in quite the same way, so they have sailed a destroyer past one of these island thingys to make a point. China has wailed and whinged as you would expect, but I can see this rumbling on for some years.
It's quite an interesting option, building islands where you would like to have a 'presence'. We might see this in other contested areas, although with a bit of luck global warming will raise the sea level and render it a waste of time.
It's quite an interesting option, building islands where you would like to have a 'presence'. We might see this in other contested areas, although with a bit of luck global warming will raise the sea level and render it a waste of time.
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Sunny side up.
A dog named trigger shoots owner. Really?? Actually shoots the owner? In reality, the gun owner put the gun on the floor and the dog jumped on it accidentally (or was it?) setting it off and it hit the owners' foot. So, a case of poor gun design rather than attempted murder.
In other news, there's been a report published that suggests a direct link between the consumption of red meat and cancer. Increase the meat, increase the risk of cancer. Sinple. So should I stay avoid red meat? If I do, I'll also have to stay away from red wine, anyone who smokes and sunshine.
In other news, there's been a report published that suggests a direct link between the consumption of red meat and cancer. Increase the meat, increase the risk of cancer. Sinple. So should I stay avoid red meat? If I do, I'll also have to stay away from red wine, anyone who smokes and sunshine.
Monday, 26 October 2015
Chequered History
Poor old Bernie Ecclestone. He must be in a bit of a quandary with how to handle the Formula 1 circus/show/spectacle/money machine (delete as applicable).
The thing is, he's probably doing exactly as he has been doing for the last 10 years or so - simply feathering his own nest - or so it appears.
But it can't be an easy job making money for yourself and family whilst keeping the rest of the 'F1 Family' happy. Our own Lewis Hamilton won a 3rd world championship yesterday, maintaining the British tradition of producing decent drivers now and again. It was even an 'exciting' race, with plenty of thrill, spills and overtaking manoeuvres, albeit aided by the stupid DRS system that they had to introduce to counter the aero technology available.
The thing is, he's probably doing exactly as he has been doing for the last 10 years or so - simply feathering his own nest - or so it appears.
But it can't be an easy job making money for yourself and family whilst keeping the rest of the 'F1 Family' happy. Our own Lewis Hamilton won a 3rd world championship yesterday, maintaining the British tradition of producing decent drivers now and again. It was even an 'exciting' race, with plenty of thrill, spills and overtaking manoeuvres, albeit aided by the stupid DRS system that they had to introduce to counter the aero technology available.
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Life Changing.
Lists. It seems that we need to itemise/catalogue 'things' to make them more interesting. Buzzfeed has built a business on it, and the daily press are full of them: 10 things that will change your life; 15 American bridges you must cross before you die. The American bridge thing popped up yesterday - what???! I'm amazed that they are still prevalent, surely we all know its a load of tosh after a few years of seeing this sort of thing?
It could well have started with the 'bucket list' that seemed to balloon a few years ago. It grates on me if I hear anyone still using that phrase.
There, that's 5 things that will change your life today.
It could well have started with the 'bucket list' that seemed to balloon a few years ago. It grates on me if I hear anyone still using that phrase.
There, that's 5 things that will change your life today.
Monday, 19 October 2015
Moleskin.
Eleven moles or more and you're 'at risk' of getting skin cancer. This is on your right arm - very important that. Don't want you to get worried about the 58 moles on your left arm, they're fine. Even the pussy, sticky ones.
I wonder if this is a scientifically sound diagnosis? If it is, then expect scrutiny on the beach. I'm quite well endowed with moles, possibly more than 11 on my right arm even, so those looks I get when in my trunks were not what I thought.
I wonder if this is a scientifically sound diagnosis? If it is, then expect scrutiny on the beach. I'm quite well endowed with moles, possibly more than 11 on my right arm even, so those looks I get when in my trunks were not what I thought.
Friday, 16 October 2015
The Bottom Line
I'm not sure what to think about Uber, the on-line taxi booking service. It offers a very convenient way of getting a taxi, and (if what you read is true) at less cost than your conventional black cab.
The black cab guys are (of course) not impressed as their business gets taken off them, and they are kicking off about safety, un-registered drivers etc., but the bottom line is.. the bottom line of course. They are not getting as much money as they used to, and no-one likes that. One interview with a driver ended up with him admitting that he is quite well paid (or was), so do I feel sympathy with him?
In my own field of work (IT), we have been undercut by lower paid Indians for years, resulting in some companies employing more Indians than Brits, and my initial reaction was to assume they were lower skilled than us clever locals, but I have tempered those thoughts to admitting that they are likely to be as skilled, but definitely lack the experience of real life work. However, even that is probably incorrect now, because they have gained quite a bit of experience.
The fact is though, that IT salaries have been lowered by this use of cheaper labour, and that's the way of the world, so unfortunately I do think that the cabbies are going to have to get their own on-line booking system, lower their prices and get used to it.
The black cab guys are (of course) not impressed as their business gets taken off them, and they are kicking off about safety, un-registered drivers etc., but the bottom line is.. the bottom line of course. They are not getting as much money as they used to, and no-one likes that. One interview with a driver ended up with him admitting that he is quite well paid (or was), so do I feel sympathy with him?
In my own field of work (IT), we have been undercut by lower paid Indians for years, resulting in some companies employing more Indians than Brits, and my initial reaction was to assume they were lower skilled than us clever locals, but I have tempered those thoughts to admitting that they are likely to be as skilled, but definitely lack the experience of real life work. However, even that is probably incorrect now, because they have gained quite a bit of experience.
The fact is though, that IT salaries have been lowered by this use of cheaper labour, and that's the way of the world, so unfortunately I do think that the cabbies are going to have to get their own on-line booking system, lower their prices and get used to it.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
Swing Voters.
A new grammar school has been approved, which is an 'annex' of an existing, thereby getting round the 'no more grammar school' law. No matter that the annex is quite a few miles away, it's in the spirit of the law. Hmm, I'm not so sure.
Not that I'm losing too much sleep about grammar school, the comprehensive system that kicked in just as I was leaving school seems to cope reasonably well, and I didn't realise there was a law against building new ones. Probably brought in on the back of the hunting ban.
The SDLP will look at running another Scottish referendum when enough 'No' voters have changed their mind. I might have paraphrased that slightly, but that's the message I heard. Obviously don't want to lose again. A bit like '..and don't come back' when someone is already running away.
Not that I'm losing too much sleep about grammar school, the comprehensive system that kicked in just as I was leaving school seems to cope reasonably well, and I didn't realise there was a law against building new ones. Probably brought in on the back of the hunting ban.
The SDLP will look at running another Scottish referendum when enough 'No' voters have changed their mind. I might have paraphrased that slightly, but that's the message I heard. Obviously don't want to lose again. A bit like '..and don't come back' when someone is already running away.
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Quite Interesting.
I'm sure the Daily Mail will make a meal of it, but there's something morally right about a convicted killer winning a human rights act case where he has been unlawfully segregated (solitary confinement) for over 4 years. Except that the unlawful bit was only 14 months long, and then, if they had kept to the segregation procedure where they get approval from a minister to extend it, it would not have been unlawful at all. I hope the lawyers sleep easy at night winning that one. Fortunately, the judge saw sense and didn't award damages, so the only outcome is that every prison governor will have to get the right paperwork in place for every person in solitary confinement.
Stephen Fry steps down as QI host should not be big news, but it is. I associate QI with a high intellect, and as a watcher of the program, I'm sure that viewers are aligned with that.
Therefore, I'm a bit unsure about Sandi Toksvieg who will take over. She was OK on the News Quiz, but that always sounded like it was scripted down to the last syllable. We'll see.
Stephen Fry steps down as QI host should not be big news, but it is. I associate QI with a high intellect, and as a watcher of the program, I'm sure that viewers are aligned with that.
Therefore, I'm a bit unsure about Sandi Toksvieg who will take over. She was OK on the News Quiz, but that always sounded like it was scripted down to the last syllable. We'll see.
Tuesday, 13 October 2015
I'm, Spinning Around..
Ah, the trials of selling stuff on eBay. I have a couple of items in the shop window, and although one if knackered (I think), it has generated a lot of interest with a couple of bids to 'buy it now' even though I haven't added this option. So I'm torn.. sell it now, or wait to see what the market comes up with. I'll sleep on it. Usually, it's easier to buy than sell stuff - just ask my wife, but in this case the rule has been suspended.
The labour party has given itself some work to do. Jeremy Corbyn was voted in on an 'Anti-austerity' ticket, but recent remarks have put him in line with his predecessor i.e. stick to the spending cuts. The spin doctors will have to work overtime to make this one look good.
The labour party has given itself some work to do. Jeremy Corbyn was voted in on an 'Anti-austerity' ticket, but recent remarks have put him in line with his predecessor i.e. stick to the spending cuts. The spin doctors will have to work overtime to make this one look good.
Monday, 12 October 2015
Bombing Run
The last flying Vulcan bomber had it's final flight at the weekend (or could be one of it's last). Crowds turned out to watch as it powered by, burning as much fuel in a few minutes as your average family car does in a year. I made that up actually, but it's probably not too far out.
The thing is, I remember many a Vulcan practising south of Lincoln when visiting the mother-in-law's house not so may years ago without it instilling any romantic nostalgic thoughts. Would we get so nostalgic as for example, seeing the last remaining Boeing 737 fly? Probably not, so it must be something about the 'iconic' image we have about the Vulcan.
It was just about to be retired in 1981 when the Falklands war demanded it's use to bomb the runway to stop supplies landing, so it should probably have flown it's last flight a few years ago if it wasn't for that.
And although the Falklands sorties were iconic in their own right (multiple mid-air refuelling, knackered old planes etc), I think that it's the design of the Vulcan that make people stop and stare. The V-shaped wing is just so different from anything else in the air, and the 4 old jet engines kick out the decibels more than any current aeroplane.
We'll have wait a while for last reaper drone to fly, I wonder how many turn out for that?
The thing is, I remember many a Vulcan practising south of Lincoln when visiting the mother-in-law's house not so may years ago without it instilling any romantic nostalgic thoughts. Would we get so nostalgic as for example, seeing the last remaining Boeing 737 fly? Probably not, so it must be something about the 'iconic' image we have about the Vulcan.
It was just about to be retired in 1981 when the Falklands war demanded it's use to bomb the runway to stop supplies landing, so it should probably have flown it's last flight a few years ago if it wasn't for that.
And although the Falklands sorties were iconic in their own right (multiple mid-air refuelling, knackered old planes etc), I think that it's the design of the Vulcan that make people stop and stare. The V-shaped wing is just so different from anything else in the air, and the 4 old jet engines kick out the decibels more than any current aeroplane.
We'll have wait a while for last reaper drone to fly, I wonder how many turn out for that?
Tuesday, 6 October 2015
Westworld.
There's a discussion going on at the UN about the banning of some types of 'robotic weapons'. This is reported under a catchy 'Robot Wars' headline in the Guardian, whereas the definition of a 'robot' is a bit vague, and maybe that's why its' taking so long to get agreement.
The media are keen to portray these weapons as marching robots in the human form as in the film 'I Robot', eventually turning rogue and killing all mankind, but I reckon they are taking about much simpler types of automation. It seems to me that automated weapons have been around for years in one form or another, probably since Smith and Wesson invented the automatic revolver that loaded the next bullet without any intervention. I remember reading somewhere that trip wires were rigged up to spray bullet across no-man's land in Berlin during the cold war, and drones of one sort or another have been flown remotely for years. When the button is pressed on a ;smart' torpedo, the weapon itself decides what action to take to hit the target, so why not have the torpedo decide when to launch itself?
The genie is already out of the bottle.
The media are keen to portray these weapons as marching robots in the human form as in the film 'I Robot', eventually turning rogue and killing all mankind, but I reckon they are taking about much simpler types of automation. It seems to me that automated weapons have been around for years in one form or another, probably since Smith and Wesson invented the automatic revolver that loaded the next bullet without any intervention. I remember reading somewhere that trip wires were rigged up to spray bullet across no-man's land in Berlin during the cold war, and drones of one sort or another have been flown remotely for years. When the button is pressed on a ;smart' torpedo, the weapon itself decides what action to take to hit the target, so why not have the torpedo decide when to launch itself?
The genie is already out of the bottle.
Monday, 5 October 2015
The answer my friend....
As I was driving back from Spalding yesterday I was listening to a radio report about the new 5p plastic bag charge. How ironic that I spotted one of the offending bags floating in the breeze as I drove along.
Hopefully this will be come a thing of the past. The bag, not me driving.
I managed to shoulder barge a tree when cutting a corner yesterday at the cyclocross. The tree didn't move, but I did, ripping my short on the process incurring a large sore, bruised shoulder and some cuts on my wrist. Luckily, I managed to get back on the bike and not drop any places.
Hopefully this will be come a thing of the past. The bag, not me driving.
I managed to shoulder barge a tree when cutting a corner yesterday at the cyclocross. The tree didn't move, but I did, ripping my short on the process incurring a large sore, bruised shoulder and some cuts on my wrist. Luckily, I managed to get back on the bike and not drop any places.
Monday, 28 September 2015
Very Cross.
It was the first cyclocross of the season yesterday at Sleaford. Nothing too technical, so I did reasonably well by my standards. By 'reasonably well' I mean I stayed upright and wasn't lapped by too many - about 6 I think. Better start than last year anyway, when I struggled with almost every aspect of riding a bike over a cross country course.
The IOC have decided to add 5 new sports for the Tokyo Olympics. As well as karate, skateboarding, baseball and climbing, they have included surfing. I assume this will be the water based activity.
The IOC have decided to add 5 new sports for the Tokyo Olympics. As well as karate, skateboarding, baseball and climbing, they have included surfing. I assume this will be the water based activity.
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Live Deaths.
'Live: Deaths in stampede' so read the headlines in The Guardian bringing the notion of a 'Live' broadcast about death into disrepute. If that makes sense, which it probably doesn't, but I hope you get the gist.
It appears to me that there is nearly always some incident during the pilgrimage to Mecca that results in deaths. You would have thought that everyone would have learnt this by now, and given it's religious significance, surely they would want to avoid portraying it as an uncaring occasion.
The VW boss has fallen on his sword in relation to the emissions scandal. I'm not sure how dodgy the deed was, but it looks to be up there with other big ones with plenty of expensive lawyers set to cash in. Pity I sold my Passat.
It appears to me that there is nearly always some incident during the pilgrimage to Mecca that results in deaths. You would have thought that everyone would have learnt this by now, and given it's religious significance, surely they would want to avoid portraying it as an uncaring occasion.
The VW boss has fallen on his sword in relation to the emissions scandal. I'm not sure how dodgy the deed was, but it looks to be up there with other big ones with plenty of expensive lawyers set to cash in. Pity I sold my Passat.
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
Writing can be bad for you.
A Bangladeshi militant group have put 9 bloggers on their 'wanted' list. I assume that by 'wanted' they mean 'bumped off' and I was a bit worried that they had found my anti-Balgadesh rantings on this blog. Luckily it's not me, so I can carry on as normal.
The other frightening bit of news is that police were called to a brawl at the Big Brother Bit on The Side studio. Don't know what that was all about, but I'm sure it was very serious indeed.
The other frightening bit of news is that police were called to a brawl at the Big Brother Bit on The Side studio. Don't know what that was all about, but I'm sure it was very serious indeed.
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
Economic Virtues.
I notice there has been a few bits of 'bad news', politically-wise since the election. Neither the Tories or Labour have made much of it, the latest being an increase in some deficit somewhere (see, even I can't be bothered to read up on something I'm 'commentating' on). I guess the Labour view is why bother with these smaller tit-bits which won't have any effect on the election result.
So this leads me to think that the chancellor's economic plan s revolve around the election cycle, but buy how much? If, for instance he planned for every thing to 'peak' just as the election was gathering pace, then how well would he do if he didn't have to take that into account? I'm sure that every economic decision has a political evaluation before being enacted, or maybe I'm just being too cynical.
So this leads me to think that the chancellor's economic plan s revolve around the election cycle, but buy how much? If, for instance he planned for every thing to 'peak' just as the election was gathering pace, then how well would he do if he didn't have to take that into account? I'm sure that every economic decision has a political evaluation before being enacted, or maybe I'm just being too cynical.
Friday, 18 September 2015
Back of the net.
The Scottish Nationalist Party are back on the independence case.
I don't suppose it should be a surprise. Independence could be construed as their sole object in life, although they seem to have policies for most other things. Bit of a Trojan horse type of party really.
Now all we need is for Labour to have some good policies to make them electable and they can do all the other things as well.
Another FIFA mess hits the headlines with the secretary general Jerome Someone-or-other being suspended whilst travelling in the private jet (is it a FIFA jet?) midway between Vienna and Moscow. Evidently he also tried to secure a multi-million Euro payoff a few weeks ago, so he obviously knew the game was up. This scandal just keeps giving and giving, and how long before the top man himself get implicated. He was obviously very, very careful.
I don't suppose it should be a surprise. Independence could be construed as their sole object in life, although they seem to have policies for most other things. Bit of a Trojan horse type of party really.
Now all we need is for Labour to have some good policies to make them electable and they can do all the other things as well.
Another FIFA mess hits the headlines with the secretary general Jerome Someone-or-other being suspended whilst travelling in the private jet (is it a FIFA jet?) midway between Vienna and Moscow. Evidently he also tried to secure a multi-million Euro payoff a few weeks ago, so he obviously knew the game was up. This scandal just keeps giving and giving, and how long before the top man himself get implicated. He was obviously very, very careful.
Thursday, 17 September 2015
In the dark.
A survey concluded that if you drink strong coffee or tea before you go to bed it interferes with your sleeping. Amazing.
Researchers also found that bears $hit in the woods and that the Pope is not a Muslim.
The papers have been overflowing with Corbyn-isms/Corbynmania or whatever you like to call the 'event' that is Jeremy Corbyn as Labour party leader. I wonder how long it will last (the flow of news, not the leadership), but surely the Sun etc. will tire of poking fun at trivialities such as the 'outrage as Corbyn refuses to sing national anthem'. Who gives a fig?
Surely 'outrage as national newspapers hack Royal's phone' deserves more airtime?
I was up and about at 5 this morning going for a 7 mile run. It felt surprisingly warm when the temperature must have been around 6 or 7 degrees. The only issue was not falling down the drive amongst the overhanging trees where is was particularly dark. I must look out my head torch.
Researchers also found that bears $hit in the woods and that the Pope is not a Muslim.
The papers have been overflowing with Corbyn-isms/Corbynmania or whatever you like to call the 'event' that is Jeremy Corbyn as Labour party leader. I wonder how long it will last (the flow of news, not the leadership), but surely the Sun etc. will tire of poking fun at trivialities such as the 'outrage as Corbyn refuses to sing national anthem'. Who gives a fig?
Surely 'outrage as national newspapers hack Royal's phone' deserves more airtime?
I was up and about at 5 this morning going for a 7 mile run. It felt surprisingly warm when the temperature must have been around 6 or 7 degrees. The only issue was not falling down the drive amongst the overhanging trees where is was particularly dark. I must look out my head torch.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Left Turn.
A few days late, but I need to comment on Jeremy Corbyn's win as Labour party leader. There's so much comment in the press, there surely cannot be any more to say, but they manage to regurgitate the same stories with a slightly different slant. I notice a few variations on the shadow cabinet selection meetings, but it was essentially the same thing - a space filler trying to invent theories on why a particular candidate turned it down/accepted.
The press are essentially right wing, so most of the stories have a contemptuous feel to them, pouring scorn on decisions, actions and statements.
Personally, I think having a left wing opposition is good for politics in the UK, although there's no way I agree with a lot of what they stand for. Mind you, it's the same with the Tories. I'm a bit of a democrat at heart with a liberal dose of conservatism thrown in when the wind blows that way.
The press are essentially right wing, so most of the stories have a contemptuous feel to them, pouring scorn on decisions, actions and statements.
Personally, I think having a left wing opposition is good for politics in the UK, although there's no way I agree with a lot of what they stand for. Mind you, it's the same with the Tories. I'm a bit of a democrat at heart with a liberal dose of conservatism thrown in when the wind blows that way.
Monday, 14 September 2015
Hare today.
I had a race with a hare this morning.
Not an actual race you understand, that would be silly, but I had him/her ('hare',geddit?) in front of my bike for about 50m at 5:30 just after I left my house. It eventually realised the best course of action would be to veer off into the filed, so it did. I like to think it gave up because I was going beat it, but maybe not.
A couple of miles further on, a dopey pigeon took off late in front of me resulting in flapping wings whistling across my face. It must be a Monday morning thing.
Watched a few polo matches on Saturday for the first time and was quite surprised how much I enjoyed it. There's quite a skill in controlling a horse, watching out for others around you yet focus on hitting a 4 inch ball 4 feet below you with a fairly thin stick. It's probably called something else.
It appears that you need the hand/eye co-ordination skills of a golfer, the tactical nous of a rugby player and the horse riding prowess of the best flat racer. Impressive.
Not an actual race you understand, that would be silly, but I had him/her ('hare',geddit?) in front of my bike for about 50m at 5:30 just after I left my house. It eventually realised the best course of action would be to veer off into the filed, so it did. I like to think it gave up because I was going beat it, but maybe not.
A couple of miles further on, a dopey pigeon took off late in front of me resulting in flapping wings whistling across my face. It must be a Monday morning thing.
Watched a few polo matches on Saturday for the first time and was quite surprised how much I enjoyed it. There's quite a skill in controlling a horse, watching out for others around you yet focus on hitting a 4 inch ball 4 feet below you with a fairly thin stick. It's probably called something else.
It appears that you need the hand/eye co-ordination skills of a golfer, the tactical nous of a rugby player and the horse riding prowess of the best flat racer. Impressive.
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Long to reign over us.
I note that the Guardian's headline is about a BA aircraft catching fire as it was just about to take off. All 172 passengers (only 172, on a Las Vegas to London??) escaped unharmed, and the captain seems to get a glowing report on how he handled the situation.
The same story is well down the BBC's list, and it seems that the Guardian had a reporter actually on the plane and therefore was able to give the story a personal slant. Lucky for them (and him!), but it begs the question about editorial decisions on lead stories. I often ponder on why or how a particular story makes it to the top. Some are obvious, of course, but some are decidedly 2rd rate items masquerading as top billing. The worst situation must be when there is no obvious choice and someone (or more likely a team) have to sit down and do some head scratching on what their paper should promote or relegate. The BBC headlined today with the Queen's long reign - pretty obvious that they would really, and even Guardian gave her second billing ...alongside a terrorist story.
The same story is well down the BBC's list, and it seems that the Guardian had a reporter actually on the plane and therefore was able to give the story a personal slant. Lucky for them (and him!), but it begs the question about editorial decisions on lead stories. I often ponder on why or how a particular story makes it to the top. Some are obvious, of course, but some are decidedly 2rd rate items masquerading as top billing. The worst situation must be when there is no obvious choice and someone (or more likely a team) have to sit down and do some head scratching on what their paper should promote or relegate. The BBC headlined today with the Queen's long reign - pretty obvious that they would really, and even Guardian gave her second billing ...alongside a terrorist story.
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
Gotcha!
The Sun headlines with a typical unsympathetic 'Wham, Bam, thank you Cam' in response to the governments decision to kill 2 Brits in Syria with a drone who were allegedly plotting nasty stuff. I don't think The Guardian's lead was quite the same as that. Let's hope the parents are not Sun readers.
I've always thought that finishing people off by drone is quite a clinical, albeit crude, way of doing the job. I don't suppose it's much different in principle from the old fashioned James Bond style of assassination, and is at least quite safe for the executioners. There's a scene in the film Syriana where the generals in the US target a bad boy and zap him from afar. Quite a good film by the way and well worth watching.
I've always thought that finishing people off by drone is quite a clinical, albeit crude, way of doing the job. I don't suppose it's much different in principle from the old fashioned James Bond style of assassination, and is at least quite safe for the executioners. There's a scene in the film Syriana where the generals in the US target a bad boy and zap him from afar. Quite a good film by the way and well worth watching.
Thursday, 3 September 2015
Foxy people
2 foxes this morning. No, not what I had for breakfast, but what I saw on the way in to work on my bike today. They didn't seem alarmed to see me bearing down on them although I suppose I look quite innocuous to a fox. Maybe they only panic when they hear a dog barking, but I thought they might have been a little perturbed by my presence.
I feel slightly guilty when listening to news stories (usually the headline news item) about immigrants/asylum seekers. Don't know if it's because it's been going on for a while, or that I'm not directly affected by it, but I'm now switching channels to escape hearing about it. There, that's got it off my chest I can sleep easy now.
I feel slightly guilty when listening to news stories (usually the headline news item) about immigrants/asylum seekers. Don't know if it's because it's been going on for a while, or that I'm not directly affected by it, but I'm now switching channels to escape hearing about it. There, that's got it off my chest I can sleep easy now.
Tuesday, 1 September 2015
Don't Bank on a Dry Day.
There's a bit of debate about the Queen today. Should she retain her 'powers' or not.
The prospective Labour leader Jeremy Corbin thinks they should be curtailed, although I have not studied his proposals, and in the Guardian Polly Toynbee goes off on a bit of a rant about how expensive, pointless etc. etc. the monarchy is and (almost) advocates scrapping it.
They have a point, I'm sure, but the arguments for having no royalty apply to almost any institution that uses public money. In this particular case, historical context is quite important as opposed to, say, the National Parks. Not that I'm comparing the queen to a barren landscape.
Anyway, a bank holiday came and went yesterday living up to the stereotypical British holiday by raining all day. I received a bit of a soaking whilst assisting my wife at an equine event, but she got a 3rd place so it wasn't all bad.
The prospective Labour leader Jeremy Corbin thinks they should be curtailed, although I have not studied his proposals, and in the Guardian Polly Toynbee goes off on a bit of a rant about how expensive, pointless etc. etc. the monarchy is and (almost) advocates scrapping it.
They have a point, I'm sure, but the arguments for having no royalty apply to almost any institution that uses public money. In this particular case, historical context is quite important as opposed to, say, the National Parks. Not that I'm comparing the queen to a barren landscape.
Anyway, a bank holiday came and went yesterday living up to the stereotypical British holiday by raining all day. I received a bit of a soaking whilst assisting my wife at an equine event, but she got a 3rd place so it wasn't all bad.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
Speaking out of turn.
Terry Pratchet's last novel was published today. He died of Alzheimer's a few months ago, so his Discworld series of books will come to an end. It appears that he had plenty of avid fans, some queued to get book, such was their enthusiasm but I can't believe it would have sold out. Its not as if you could read it quickly and go get his next one.
I bought one of the series a few years ago, its full of odd sounding names for people and places, so odd that I really struggled to read it as I grappled with what the pronunciation should be. Given that I reading it in silence, I find that a bit interesting. It means that although they were made up words, I needed to understand them. I suppose that's what learning a language is all about, and I'm not very good at languages.
I bought one of the series a few years ago, its full of odd sounding names for people and places, so odd that I really struggled to read it as I grappled with what the pronunciation should be. Given that I reading it in silence, I find that a bit interesting. It means that although they were made up words, I needed to understand them. I suppose that's what learning a language is all about, and I'm not very good at languages.
Thursday, 20 August 2015
Labouring On
Labour leadership debate keeps on giving and giving.
It seems that every new poll that predicts a Corbyn win manages to incite even higher levels of anxiety and paranoia in the rest of the candidates.
One bookmaker has started paying out already on a win - he was 100-1 a few weeks ago, and now that 100-1 tag is for Liz Kendall.
Results are out on 12th September. Watch this space.
It seems that every new poll that predicts a Corbyn win manages to incite even higher levels of anxiety and paranoia in the rest of the candidates.
One bookmaker has started paying out already on a win - he was 100-1 a few weeks ago, and now that 100-1 tag is for Liz Kendall.
Results are out on 12th September. Watch this space.
Monday, 17 August 2015
Britains Got Seriously Odd Issues (BGSOI)
It seems that Ofcom have decreed that Britain's Got Talent (commonly know as BGT) 'misled' the public when it substituted a dog that was attempting a tightrope walk. I hope I'm not paying for them to decree that. Come on! Who gives a monkeys about that?
There's talk of a Baywatch film. I'm not sure it was good enough to think about that. It wasn't particularly well written, well acted or well produced, just hunky men and large breasted women.
Hmm, maybe a film would be OK after all.
There's talk of a Baywatch film. I'm not sure it was good enough to think about that. It wasn't particularly well written, well acted or well produced, just hunky men and large breasted women.
Hmm, maybe a film would be OK after all.
Friday, 14 August 2015
Party Political Poppycock.
The labour leadership battle is heating up. The Blairites are very worried that all their hard work in 'modernising' the party will be undone, and think the party will be consigned to just being a protest party. It possible, I suppose, but then they are assuming that the majority of the UK population have moved towards the right of politics. This may well be true at the moment, but we know that these things ebb and flow all the time.
The political situation in Greece is interesting. They elected a left wing 'anti-austerity' party, and have ended up with an austerity party, and if they stand for re-election which is likely, they will still get in. My conclusion, is that if the leader is popular, then what the party stands for comes second as was the case in Blair's day. He turned the party towards the right but stayed popular with the voters (even though he doesn't have any fans nowadays).
Therefore, my conclusion is that if Jeremy Corbyn wins the leadership election all he has to do is be popular with the ordinary man in the street. I quite like him, but then again I'm easily swayed by a smooth talker. I also liked TB.
Biked to and from work yesterday taking the long way back home via Brigg to give me 52 miles instead of 40 ish. I had my quickest ride in ever in the morning, coming in via the bypass for a change and getting some slipstreaming from the lorries.
The political situation in Greece is interesting. They elected a left wing 'anti-austerity' party, and have ended up with an austerity party, and if they stand for re-election which is likely, they will still get in. My conclusion, is that if the leader is popular, then what the party stands for comes second as was the case in Blair's day. He turned the party towards the right but stayed popular with the voters (even though he doesn't have any fans nowadays).
Therefore, my conclusion is that if Jeremy Corbyn wins the leadership election all he has to do is be popular with the ordinary man in the street. I quite like him, but then again I'm easily swayed by a smooth talker. I also liked TB.
Biked to and from work yesterday taking the long way back home via Brigg to give me 52 miles instead of 40 ish. I had my quickest ride in ever in the morning, coming in via the bypass for a change and getting some slipstreaming from the lorries.
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Keep the red flag flying.
The Labour party are in a bit of a quandary. They have really tried very hard indeed to increase their membership, which has been going down for years, by introducing low cost options for being an 'associate' member or similar. However, with the party leadership election coming up, this entry level point has been abused by folk wanting to stir things up a bit and voting for the main left wing chappie Jeremy Corbyn. From an outsiders point of view, it's all rather amusing.
Its a system that is helping everyone except the Labour party.
Lib Dems are keen on an extremist so as to demonise the party and therefore bring 'normal' left wingers over to their more centralist views.
Torys are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn being in charge - probably as good as when Michael Foot was in that position.
Old fashioned left wingers see JC as the chance to get Labour back to the right side (left) of the political spectrum where it belongs.
All in all, a bit of a shambles really. For myself, I think Jeremy Corbyn has some good ideas, but unfortunately, they automatically come encumbered with traditional leftish views on things I don't agree with. Not that I was going to join up, of course.
Its a system that is helping everyone except the Labour party.
Lib Dems are keen on an extremist so as to demonise the party and therefore bring 'normal' left wingers over to their more centralist views.
Torys are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn being in charge - probably as good as when Michael Foot was in that position.
Old fashioned left wingers see JC as the chance to get Labour back to the right side (left) of the political spectrum where it belongs.
All in all, a bit of a shambles really. For myself, I think Jeremy Corbyn has some good ideas, but unfortunately, they automatically come encumbered with traditional leftish views on things I don't agree with. Not that I was going to join up, of course.
Tuesday, 11 August 2015
Keep up.
Update on the updates. That's what I overheard my colleague telling someone without a trace of irony.
I've noticed that I hear other's odd comments when they don't, so I can assume that the reciprocal must be true. Must pay more attention to what I say.
We're discussing 'strategy' at work. Musn't say too much, some might be reading (although I doubt it). Suffice to say, it never ceases to amaze me how much utter tripe comes out some peoples mouths when 'management' are present.
Anyway, more importantly, I biked into work today with the return trip at 4:30 with daughter #2. I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment - biked to and from work last week plus a 30 miler in the evening on Thursday, then a whopping 73 miles on Sunday. Lets hope it sets me up for a good start to the cyclocross season in September.
I've noticed that I hear other's odd comments when they don't, so I can assume that the reciprocal must be true. Must pay more attention to what I say.
We're discussing 'strategy' at work. Musn't say too much, some might be reading (although I doubt it). Suffice to say, it never ceases to amaze me how much utter tripe comes out some peoples mouths when 'management' are present.
Anyway, more importantly, I biked into work today with the return trip at 4:30 with daughter #2. I'm on a bit of a roll at the moment - biked to and from work last week plus a 30 miler in the evening on Thursday, then a whopping 73 miles on Sunday. Lets hope it sets me up for a good start to the cyclocross season in September.
Monday, 10 August 2015
Stranded at the drive-in..
A French family drove 93 miles before realising they didn't have their 3 your old in the car with them, and then only because they heard it on the radio. What can we deduce from that?
Do they have such a large family they don't notice one missing? They only have 3 children in total, so probably not. I can only assume that because children are such a pain in the backside, strapping one in whilst reprimanding one for getting sticky finger over the car seats whilst at the same time telling another to stop whining is enough to make you feel relieved to get back behind the car steering wheel and carry on with your interminable drive down to the south coast.
Managed a 73 mile bike ride yesterday in the sun. Got a nice tan despite the wind.
Do they have such a large family they don't notice one missing? They only have 3 children in total, so probably not. I can only assume that because children are such a pain in the backside, strapping one in whilst reprimanding one for getting sticky finger over the car seats whilst at the same time telling another to stop whining is enough to make you feel relieved to get back behind the car steering wheel and carry on with your interminable drive down to the south coast.
Managed a 73 mile bike ride yesterday in the sun. Got a nice tan despite the wind.
Thursday, 6 August 2015
It's Just Not Cricket.
I'm off to watch day 2 of the test match tomorrow at Trent Bridge. Looks like Australia have thrown the towel in already though - they are 9 wickets down before lunch on the 1st day!
The thing is, a close match is much more interesting. Who wants to see one side thrash another? A bit like watching a runner winning by a huge margin compared with a photo finish, I know which one I would rather watch.
Oh well, there will be beer and food all day (it's a corporate day out) so I'll try and enjoy myself.
More rumblings about Edward Heath in the news - being investigated by 5 different police forces. He did get around didn't he? I'm still waiting to see what will happen with the Cliff Richard accusations. Surely squeaky clean Cliff is one of the good guys isn't he?
The thing is, a close match is much more interesting. Who wants to see one side thrash another? A bit like watching a runner winning by a huge margin compared with a photo finish, I know which one I would rather watch.
Oh well, there will be beer and food all day (it's a corporate day out) so I'll try and enjoy myself.
More rumblings about Edward Heath in the news - being investigated by 5 different police forces. He did get around didn't he? I'm still waiting to see what will happen with the Cliff Richard accusations. Surely squeaky clean Cliff is one of the good guys isn't he?
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
Organ Grinder
He was always a bit aloof, in my opinion. Ted Heath was never a 'man's man', or was he? Occasionally, he would turn up on a chat show and do a bit of organ playing showing his 'normal man in the street' side, but that was probably staged by his PR department at Tory head office. He probably hated it.
Anyway, we find him now in he middle of yet another underage sex scandal or similar, I haven't bothered to read beyond the headlines. The thing is, who do you believe? I can't imagine that there's any hard evidence, or any other evidence. Still, gives the papers something to write about.
Anyway, we find him now in he middle of yet another underage sex scandal or similar, I haven't bothered to read beyond the headlines. The thing is, who do you believe? I can't imagine that there's any hard evidence, or any other evidence. Still, gives the papers something to write about.
Monday, 3 August 2015
Oxygen Mask
We'll have a lorra, lorra laffs!
That was one of her catchphrase, Cilla Black who died yesterday. Actually, it might not have been one of her catch phrases, but it's what came to mind when I heard she had passed away.
I glanced at a headline about Katy Hopkins posting derogatory remarks on Twitter about other users making comments on Twitter, then Alan Sugar had posted what he thought about Katy Hopkins posting remarks on Twitter. Good job we have Twitter, eh?
At least they both get a bit of publicity.
Went out for a 65 mile ride at the weekend, that's the longest for a while and felt reasonably OK. I remembered to take 2 water bottles with me this time. The last long one I did I only took 1, with predictable thirst type of anguish as the sun warmed me up.
That was one of her catchphrase, Cilla Black who died yesterday. Actually, it might not have been one of her catch phrases, but it's what came to mind when I heard she had passed away.
I glanced at a headline about Katy Hopkins posting derogatory remarks on Twitter about other users making comments on Twitter, then Alan Sugar had posted what he thought about Katy Hopkins posting remarks on Twitter. Good job we have Twitter, eh?
At least they both get a bit of publicity.
Went out for a 65 mile ride at the weekend, that's the longest for a while and felt reasonably OK. I remembered to take 2 water bottles with me this time. The last long one I did I only took 1, with predictable thirst type of anguish as the sun warmed me up.
Friday, 31 July 2015
All out
10th November 2014. Not too long ago, a little over 8 months, but long enough for me to stop writing this blog and confine my confidences to myself.
So, a brand new start on the last day of July 2015 shall start with er, um, hmmm.
...and that is the problem. What annoys/excites me at various times of the day fails to pop up in my head when I get the necessary 10 minutes to write them down here.
This means I have to resort to factual statements with a bit of KelseySteve slant to them, commentate on current affairs such as the cricket. How zat!?
So, a brand new start on the last day of July 2015 shall start with er, um, hmmm.
...and that is the problem. What annoys/excites me at various times of the day fails to pop up in my head when I get the necessary 10 minutes to write them down here.
This means I have to resort to factual statements with a bit of KelseySteve slant to them, commentate on current affairs such as the cricket. How zat!?
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