I know from historical evidence that blog stories about poker are unappreciated by my reader base, so I will keep this brief.
However, during the final of the work poker tournament tonight (when I finished a credible but not-quite-good-enough second), there was a brilliant moment right out of a TV or Hollywood poker game.
Down to the last two in a heads-up, I have about 30% of the chips, so am definitely down. I finally get a hand - pocket 7s - that I can put my money on, so I go all in, and am instantly called. I'm facing another pocket pair. 8s.
At this point, I'm hoping for a 7 - nothing else will do. The first two cards on the flop are irrelevant, but the third is a 7! I have three of a kind and am likely to win. I just need to avoid an eight, and nothing can stop me.
So the turn is an eight.
We now both have a three of a kind, but my 7s still are inferior to the 8s. I need a miracle on the river.
The river is a seven.
Unbelieveably, I have four of a kind and win the hand. The way the final three cards were revealed was suitable of a Hollywood script. The only part missing was where my all in would win me the game. It didn't, I recovered to be ahead but couldn't get any decent hands and eventually lost. But it was still a frankly amazing hand.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Season of Misgivings
Is it just me, or is Christmas coming earlier this year than usual. Maybe it's the onset of the Credit Crunch that has caused it - retailers desperate to ge the most out of their peak time.
But the adverts seem to be earlier and more obnoxious than ever.
But the adverts seem to be earlier and more obnoxious than ever.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Holiday
Well, today marks the second day of a two-week holiday. The more perceptive among you won't probably have to work out where I am, it's not much of a surprise!
Yes, I am in America visiting Chrissi again! The weather is lovely and warm, the sun is shining and I've had a lovely lie-in. Overall, all is good!
Yes, I am in America visiting Chrissi again! The weather is lovely and warm, the sun is shining and I've had a lovely lie-in. Overall, all is good!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Positivity
So an odd subject to post on, but I will do so anyway. Positivity.
This is despite the fact that I'm usually a rather upbeat, realistic-through-to-positive person, I seem to have gained a reputation for being a cynical, pessimistic, negative person.
Which isn't really true. I'm usually fairly positive. The main reason this happens - particularly at work - is because I get really pissed off at inequality, injustice and so forth. Ignoring things that are completely out of order just isn't in my nature, so by pointing them out and saying as much, I'm a negative person.
Or so I hear!
This is despite the fact that I'm usually a rather upbeat, realistic-through-to-positive person, I seem to have gained a reputation for being a cynical, pessimistic, negative person.
Which isn't really true. I'm usually fairly positive. The main reason this happens - particularly at work - is because I get really pissed off at inequality, injustice and so forth. Ignoring things that are completely out of order just isn't in my nature, so by pointing them out and saying as much, I'm a negative person.
Or so I hear!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Hopes and Fears
So, after all that, it's Obama. Election night reflected an interesting mix in my view.
On the one side, you have the incredible story of progress. It is just fourty years since the year when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, when John Carlos and Tommy Smith made their famous stand on the podium. Yet today we have a black president-elect of America.
On the other side, you have the tale of fear, of the continuation of exclusion and division, as Proposition 8 passed in California to sign into law the banning of gay marriages in the most liberal state of America. You can't help but wonder if this will be the story for the next fourty years.
On the one side, you have the incredible story of progress. It is just fourty years since the year when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, when John Carlos and Tommy Smith made their famous stand on the podium. Yet today we have a black president-elect of America.
On the other side, you have the tale of fear, of the continuation of exclusion and division, as Proposition 8 passed in California to sign into law the banning of gay marriages in the most liberal state of America. You can't help but wonder if this will be the story for the next fourty years.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Decision Time
So after eight years of President George W. Bush, we'll today find out who his successor in the Oval Office will be. Two years of campaigning, a never-ending news cycle dominated by the US election that has gripped the globe in fevered interest.
All the talk for months of change, mavericks, hockey moms, pitbulls with lipstick, moose hunting, terrorist fist jabs (a personal favourite), Joe the Plumber who wasn't called Joe, and wasn't a plumber either, the economic crisis, more change, no talk of George Bush at all, change, pro-Americans, Alaskan independence, Troopergate, and it all comes down to this: millions of Americans casting their vote where they best see fit.
All we know is that when Europeans wake up in the morning it'll be with President-elect Obama or President-elect McCain ready to inherit the keys to the White House in January as the 44th President of the United States of America.
All the talk for months of change, mavericks, hockey moms, pitbulls with lipstick, moose hunting, terrorist fist jabs (a personal favourite), Joe the Plumber who wasn't called Joe, and wasn't a plumber either, the economic crisis, more change, no talk of George Bush at all, change, pro-Americans, Alaskan independence, Troopergate, and it all comes down to this: millions of Americans casting their vote where they best see fit.
All we know is that when Europeans wake up in the morning it'll be with President-elect Obama or President-elect McCain ready to inherit the keys to the White House in January as the 44th President of the United States of America.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Culinary Wizardry
So, the one thing I often forget about when others in my family disappear on holiday and I have to fend for myself for a while is how much I actually enjoy cooking.
I always complain about it, but I actually quite enjoy cooking as a whole. It's nice, it's relatively relaxing, and it gives you that extra sense of satisfaction while eating. On the menu tonight is lamb chops; fabulous.
I always complain about it, but I actually quite enjoy cooking as a whole. It's nice, it's relatively relaxing, and it gives you that extra sense of satisfaction while eating. On the menu tonight is lamb chops; fabulous.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Back to the Past
In what is a reminder of my traditional classic blogging style, here is an amusing picture:
Thursday, October 09, 2008
On and Off
This week I've had a couple of days off. It's nice, gives a bit of a change from working all the time, and helps to give a bit of a break.
I had Tuesday morning off and have tomorrow off as well. Tuesday morning helped me recover from football on the preceding evening. Tomorrow is just because I can; these days off are using up annual leave carried over from last year and some outstanding time off in lieu respectively.
Briefly reading back in my blog, I'm wondering what happened to positive Andrew from August. I'll look into it for you.
I had Tuesday morning off and have tomorrow off as well. Tuesday morning helped me recover from football on the preceding evening. Tomorrow is just because I can; these days off are using up annual leave carried over from last year and some outstanding time off in lieu respectively.
Briefly reading back in my blog, I'm wondering what happened to positive Andrew from August. I'll look into it for you.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
New Adapter
The biggest update for me this weekend is that I have a new adapter. It's exciting, I now sometimes stay connected. Woo! That's awesome, I know.
I also went to the Grand Final on Saturday, and have a sore throat, which I'm getting over now. But mostly things are on an even keel. Have a couple of days off coming this week - Tuesday morning and Friday - to use up a bit of annual leave and time off in lieu respectively. Hopefully with a shorter week and a bit of rest I'll be back to full fitness and raring to go.
In other news, I have dates confirmed for my next trip to the States in late-November, so that's all good in the near future.
I also went to the Grand Final on Saturday, and have a sore throat, which I'm getting over now. But mostly things are on an even keel. Have a couple of days off coming this week - Tuesday morning and Friday - to use up a bit of annual leave and time off in lieu respectively. Hopefully with a shorter week and a bit of rest I'll be back to full fitness and raring to go.
In other news, I have dates confirmed for my next trip to the States in late-November, so that's all good in the near future.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Button Makes A Day ...
It's odd the little things that can make your day satisfying or give you a sense of achievement.
For me, it was the fact that I got through Friday without the button from my jeans falling off. An odd goal, you would think - and no, my waistline has not expanded so drastically that it is threatening buttons.
Simply because the previous button had fallen off of it's own accord when I tried to do something revolutionary like undo the button. So I spent Thursday evening attaching another button to my jeans.
And it stood up to the test.
For me, it was the fact that I got through Friday without the button from my jeans falling off. An odd goal, you would think - and no, my waistline has not expanded so drastically that it is threatening buttons.
Simply because the previous button had fallen off of it's own accord when I tried to do something revolutionary like undo the button. So I spent Thursday evening attaching another button to my jeans.
And it stood up to the test.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Working It Out
So as far as I'm concerned, work is approaching a bit of a crisis point and potential showdown. Not as far as my own job is concerned - I'm happy with what I'm doing. But as far as the wider team is concerned, it's - well, concerning.
To briefly fill in the background - the team is 12 people + manager, of which only one has been on the team for more than a year and a half - and they're not really in the same 'team' strictly speaking. Of those, three are grads like myself; another four are essentially the same level. Another is part time, and there are three permanent experienced project managers.
Of those, two are extremely overworked - one experienced PM and the one person who's been there for a long time. The workload is fairly busy between all the grad/grad-levels on the team. People exaggerate how busy they are, but all are busy. The other two experienced PMs are not busy and not caring.
And they're taking the piss.
Not doing full hours, complaining about how busy they are and trying to reassign work to others who are busier. Claiming excessive time off in lieu when noone can remember them doing anything to warrant it. Working from home once a week - when you can get little done (although some might speculate how genuinely they are 'working') anyway.
Oh, and these are the people who are paid double most of the rest of the team - this should imply they put in the hard work more. I believe in a decent work ethic, but I'd at least excuse relatively more slacking off from someone on half the salary, a relative lowbie. Someone who should be showing seniority and behaving like it should definitely not.
As for our manager, she's absent this week (on holiday), but might as well be absent the rest of the time for the level of guidance and clear direction we get.
It's come to a head for me when this week when I learnt that some of the newer people to the team were feeling pressurised, guilty for taking off time in lieu (validly) and having to justify it. Justifying it because people are resentful of others taking excessive liberties with similar attitudes. People being resentful because there is no leadership.
It's becoming absurd, yet noone is saying anything. The ones who are complaining are, ironically, those who have no reason to. The rest of the team is either wanting to just get their head down and get on with it, not wanting to complain because they don't like to, or not wanting to rock the boat - and a combination of the above.
But when a relatively new starter to the team feels pressurised for doing everything right because others are resentful that others are doing everything wrong, then someone has to say something. Because this is unacceptable.
And I'm concerned that it's going to have to end up being me if noone else does.
To briefly fill in the background - the team is 12 people + manager, of which only one has been on the team for more than a year and a half - and they're not really in the same 'team' strictly speaking. Of those, three are grads like myself; another four are essentially the same level. Another is part time, and there are three permanent experienced project managers.
Of those, two are extremely overworked - one experienced PM and the one person who's been there for a long time. The workload is fairly busy between all the grad/grad-levels on the team. People exaggerate how busy they are, but all are busy. The other two experienced PMs are not busy and not caring.
And they're taking the piss.
Not doing full hours, complaining about how busy they are and trying to reassign work to others who are busier. Claiming excessive time off in lieu when noone can remember them doing anything to warrant it. Working from home once a week - when you can get little done (although some might speculate how genuinely they are 'working') anyway.
Oh, and these are the people who are paid double most of the rest of the team - this should imply they put in the hard work more. I believe in a decent work ethic, but I'd at least excuse relatively more slacking off from someone on half the salary, a relative lowbie. Someone who should be showing seniority and behaving like it should definitely not.
As for our manager, she's absent this week (on holiday), but might as well be absent the rest of the time for the level of guidance and clear direction we get.
It's come to a head for me when this week when I learnt that some of the newer people to the team were feeling pressurised, guilty for taking off time in lieu (validly) and having to justify it. Justifying it because people are resentful of others taking excessive liberties with similar attitudes. People being resentful because there is no leadership.
It's becoming absurd, yet noone is saying anything. The ones who are complaining are, ironically, those who have no reason to. The rest of the team is either wanting to just get their head down and get on with it, not wanting to complain because they don't like to, or not wanting to rock the boat - and a combination of the above.
But when a relatively new starter to the team feels pressurised for doing everything right because others are resentful that others are doing everything wrong, then someone has to say something. Because this is unacceptable.
And I'm concerned that it's going to have to end up being me if noone else does.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Edge of Insanity
For those of you who have not seen the papers today, we have the insane story that an Italian prosecutor wants to convict an Italian comedienne based on jokes she made against the Pope, for insulting a sacrosant figure. This is flatly absurd. If you look beyond the political hypocrisy (yes, that's right, Italy as a member of NATO have soldiers in Afghanistan to stop extremism ... guess they should try stationing them near St. Peter's Basilica and see if they have any more luck there) ... the entire issue is very, very strange. Not to mention disturbing.
With all due respect to the religious of you among my handful of readers, this is why the concept of organised religion deeply concerns me. It derives power from numbers, even when they are irrelevant and ambivolent.
This is a good example. The Catholic population of the world numbers in the billions. As the head of the Catholic faith, the Pope is a symbol of religious leadership. An insult against the Pope is not just that, but an insult against the entire Catholic faith and Catholic believers. But it's not. Some of them probably don't like the Pope. Some are probably only casual believers who will fill it in on a census form, but not much else.
Yet the weight of numbers, the statistics, builds this up in importance. And this includes many, many, many of those who say they are not part of the problem; that they are forward-thinking, open-minded, they condemn the extremist branches of their faith - and I can't argue with that, they are. Yet here, they are part of the problem.
Because this is how it starts.
And this is deeply unsettling.
With all due respect to the religious of you among my handful of readers, this is why the concept of organised religion deeply concerns me. It derives power from numbers, even when they are irrelevant and ambivolent.
This is a good example. The Catholic population of the world numbers in the billions. As the head of the Catholic faith, the Pope is a symbol of religious leadership. An insult against the Pope is not just that, but an insult against the entire Catholic faith and Catholic believers. But it's not. Some of them probably don't like the Pope. Some are probably only casual believers who will fill it in on a census form, but not much else.
Yet the weight of numbers, the statistics, builds this up in importance. And this includes many, many, many of those who say they are not part of the problem; that they are forward-thinking, open-minded, they condemn the extremist branches of their faith - and I can't argue with that, they are. Yet here, they are part of the problem.
Because this is how it starts.
And this is deeply unsettling.
National Disinterest
While the topic of the pubs and offices of the day has been of England and Walcott from last night, I have to confess to being entirely underwhelmed. I didn't watch the game, nor was interested in it. For me, football has become less and less interesting and this is the proof, where I now would probably prefer a defeat for the national team just to stop the ridiculous media hype surrounding it.
However, all credit to the players who went out and produced a superb 4-1 victory away to Croatia. But for me, that wasn't the story of last night. The big story was tiny Luxembourg, perennial underdogs, winning 2-1 in Switzerland.
Not that it was really noted among the Walcott delirium.
However, all credit to the players who went out and produced a superb 4-1 victory away to Croatia. But for me, that wasn't the story of last night. The big story was tiny Luxembourg, perennial underdogs, winning 2-1 in Switzerland.
Not that it was really noted among the Walcott delirium.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Double Century
So, today I got my first birthday present from my family - yes, you are correct, my birthday was late July and this is the second week of September.
The present in question was the CD Hvarf Heim from Icelandic sensation Sigur Ros. It's superb. It's very different, but it's haunting, ethereal, and very, very good. Listen to it, do.
Also, this marks my 200th blog post. Fireworks are in order.
The present in question was the CD Hvarf Heim from Icelandic sensation Sigur Ros. It's superb. It's very different, but it's haunting, ethereal, and very, very good. Listen to it, do.
Also, this marks my 200th blog post. Fireworks are in order.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
30 Minutes
So, I had a new bed delivered today. Exciting, you don't say, I'm sure.
This is good, and it's a good bed. Problem is that because I had to clean out everything that was under my previous bed ... I now have far too much taking up far too much space in my room, and am feeling that I need much time off to probably sort out my room again!
Things I need to do:
- Find space for my CDs/DVDs as they're overflowing onto every available surface. Well, DVDs never had a surface of their own.
- Ditto books.
- Downgrade my stereo to a normal size one made within the last ten years so that it fits on my desk better, and gives me more desk space.
- Work out just what I'm going to do with all the lego that was under my bed.
That'll keep me busy for a while at least!
This is good, and it's a good bed. Problem is that because I had to clean out everything that was under my previous bed ... I now have far too much taking up far too much space in my room, and am feeling that I need much time off to probably sort out my room again!
Things I need to do:
- Find space for my CDs/DVDs as they're overflowing onto every available surface. Well, DVDs never had a surface of their own.
- Ditto books.
- Downgrade my stereo to a normal size one made within the last ten years so that it fits on my desk better, and gives me more desk space.
- Work out just what I'm going to do with all the lego that was under my bed.
That'll keep me busy for a while at least!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Insert Superlative Here
Well, it's Monday, my blogging run has gone a little dry, and I'm tired.
All in good spirits though. Chrissi is here (hurrah), and have had a good weekend. Was at Wembley for the second year running to watch St. Helens lift the Challenge Cup for the third year running. A good game, if not quite the epic game that the sponsor/announcer was overselling it to be!
Tries from Gidley, Pryce, Wilkin and Meli (2) meant Saints ran out 28-16 winners after it being far too tight at one point, and looking like they had blown it after they should've been coasting at halftime. But all's well that ends well!
All in good spirits though. Chrissi is here (hurrah), and have had a good weekend. Was at Wembley for the second year running to watch St. Helens lift the Challenge Cup for the third year running. A good game, if not quite the epic game that the sponsor/announcer was overselling it to be!
Tries from Gidley, Pryce, Wilkin and Meli (2) meant Saints ran out 28-16 winners after it being far too tight at one point, and looking like they had blown it after they should've been coasting at halftime. But all's well that ends well!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Spot On
Well, I called it beautifully, I'll be honest. First day of the week, and I'm exhausted, my priorities list has jumped around so much at work it's untrue, and I came home and slept for two hours.
What I expected, but despite the above, I'm still feeling fairly good and positive. The new positive me is unstoppable, no? Well, maybe. But a good night's sleep tonight (watch this space) and we'll be in top form for tomorrow and make progress into the current priorities list, waiting for it to change at a moment's notice!
What I expected, but despite the above, I'm still feeling fairly good and positive. The new positive me is unstoppable, no? Well, maybe. But a good night's sleep tonight (watch this space) and we'll be in top form for tomorrow and make progress into the current priorities list, waiting for it to change at a moment's notice!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Not Near Enough ...
Today's title comes from the REM song Near Wild Heaven, which I've been listening to earlier, and is a nice suitable title for this evening's blog.
This evening I'm enjoying the benefits of the bank holiday by procrastinating all the 'weekend' tasks to the Sunday. I have to say, although the net efficiency gains are non-existent, sitting here nicely laid-back, listening to music knowing I don't have to go to work tomorrow is very nice; and if I was to update you on my mood, it'd be relaxed.
The title is suitable because this coming Friday, Chrissi arrives for a stay of a little over a week. I'm very much looking forward to that, although it's not near enough (there's the link!).
The main flipside to this Friday still being a long way away is the big release at work on Friday which is going to consume a lot of my time this coming week; add to that finalising the development list for the next phase and producing proof-of-concept specification documents, all the while jumping through ad-hoc positioned hoops, and it's going to be a busy few days! As I mentioned the other day, I really enjoy the action and activity surrounding this part of my new role - but that doesn't mean I'm not still going to be drained of energy and cursing it's existence by the end of the week!
This evening I'm enjoying the benefits of the bank holiday by procrastinating all the 'weekend' tasks to the Sunday. I have to say, although the net efficiency gains are non-existent, sitting here nicely laid-back, listening to music knowing I don't have to go to work tomorrow is very nice; and if I was to update you on my mood, it'd be relaxed.
The title is suitable because this coming Friday, Chrissi arrives for a stay of a little over a week. I'm very much looking forward to that, although it's not near enough (there's the link!).
The main flipside to this Friday still being a long way away is the big release at work on Friday which is going to consume a lot of my time this coming week; add to that finalising the development list for the next phase and producing proof-of-concept specification documents, all the while jumping through ad-hoc positioned hoops, and it's going to be a busy few days! As I mentioned the other day, I really enjoy the action and activity surrounding this part of my new role - but that doesn't mean I'm not still going to be drained of energy and cursing it's existence by the end of the week!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The List
So, it's now the 20th August, and I've just about worked out what I wanted for my birthday back on the 25th July. This is perhaps the most apathetic I've actually been about wanting something for my birthday.
Typically, I'd just have a list I could pick from of things I wouldn't mind - but increasingly, there are lots of things I wouldn't mind, but nothing I really want. I don't feel I have the time to get lots of DVDs, CDs or books - the typical fillers - because one, I lack the time to read them, watch them or listen to them as applicable, and two, I seem to be running out of storing space.
And I'm going to be damned if I'm rearranging my entire room and purchasing extra furniture and storage space just for the luxury of having easy present lists!
Typically, I'd just have a list I could pick from of things I wouldn't mind - but increasingly, there are lots of things I wouldn't mind, but nothing I really want. I don't feel I have the time to get lots of DVDs, CDs or books - the typical fillers - because one, I lack the time to read them, watch them or listen to them as applicable, and two, I seem to be running out of storing space.
And I'm going to be damned if I'm rearranging my entire room and purchasing extra furniture and storage space just for the luxury of having easy present lists!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Feeling of Compulsion
If I'm brutally honest, today's blog is really just because I've gotten back into the blogging groove recently, and am liking it so want to continue.
Today's status is really me aching. Football is seeming to result in me getting simply more tired and more injured each week, which is probably not the best thing. I enjoy it, but it's probably a good thing that next week is a bank holiday so means missing out on the weekly game!
Today's status is really me aching. Football is seeming to result in me getting simply more tired and more injured each week, which is probably not the best thing. I enjoy it, but it's probably a good thing that next week is a bank holiday so means missing out on the weekly game!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
New Job, New Me?
The new job part is not really news, as it's something that I've gradually morphed into over the past couple of months. This is also no more than the simple transition from one role on the graduate scheme to another.
Whereas before I was Project Support Co-ordinator, my role now is as Business Systems Analyst. I work on the same team, doing a similar job with the same people. But it's a new role, and as of such a new job.
I'm quite enjoying this role, there's a lot more to it than I realised, and it gets me involved with more parts of the business than previously. It also allows me to actually utilise some of my skills and fits a little more with what I want to do. The nature of the role - working on the core recruitment system used by Reed - is one that means I'm a lot more involved in what I'm doing. The size of the task also means that it's less downtime and a lot more ad-hoc. This is quite an enjoyable part of the job.
New me is more metaphorical than actual. This is perhaps because over the last few weeks I've been trying to be more positive and slightly less cynical, and in turn placing greater stress on the positives than on the negatives. This is admittedly somewhat of a contradiction to my usual traditional self, but I think it's something that is having benefits for me.
This hasn't necessarily been a concious effort, but something that I have been gradually working on where possible. Being negative, pessimistic and cynical all the time probably isn't too good anyway!
Whether anyone else has noticed this change or attempted subtle perspective alteration is a good question though!
Whereas before I was Project Support Co-ordinator, my role now is as Business Systems Analyst. I work on the same team, doing a similar job with the same people. But it's a new role, and as of such a new job.
I'm quite enjoying this role, there's a lot more to it than I realised, and it gets me involved with more parts of the business than previously. It also allows me to actually utilise some of my skills and fits a little more with what I want to do. The nature of the role - working on the core recruitment system used by Reed - is one that means I'm a lot more involved in what I'm doing. The size of the task also means that it's less downtime and a lot more ad-hoc. This is quite an enjoyable part of the job.
New me is more metaphorical than actual. This is perhaps because over the last few weeks I've been trying to be more positive and slightly less cynical, and in turn placing greater stress on the positives than on the negatives. This is admittedly somewhat of a contradiction to my usual traditional self, but I think it's something that is having benefits for me.
This hasn't necessarily been a concious effort, but something that I have been gradually working on where possible. Being negative, pessimistic and cynical all the time probably isn't too good anyway!
Whether anyone else has noticed this change or attempted subtle perspective alteration is a good question though!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Automotive Showdown
So, what would come off worse in a typical collision? A double-decker bus ... or a VW Golf?
Erm, the Golf. A slight dent on the side at the front. The bus? Grille smashed in and the radiator leaking all over the road.
So much for getting the bus home ... walking from there it was!
Erm, the Golf. A slight dent on the side at the front. The bus? Grille smashed in and the radiator leaking all over the road.
So much for getting the bus home ... walking from there it was!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Foreign Spotlight
I got an interesting insight into what it's like viewing the coverage abroad of a sport that isn't big in your country. It's a nice counterbalancer to the 'Beckham ties his shoes exclusive' that I'm sure they get in the US.
This was because last week, in The Guardian, there was a short snippet about baseball. Amazing, I thought. Something happened worthy to be mentioned from the baseball season?
So what was the big story? Well, Mussina had pitched his 15th win of the season in a 3-0 Yankees victory over the Rangers.
That was the big story?
The Yankees, perennial big club but third in the AL East behind the Devil Rays and the Red Sox, and looking iffy for a post-season berth. The Rangers, twelve games behind the Angels in the AL West and seemingly long gone.
It's hysterical that this is the one mention we get. The Angels are running away with the AL West, and have just completed a tough East-coast trip with a 7-3 record, including sweeping Boston at Fenway. The Rays are the surprise leaders of the AL East. So what do we get? A spotlight on none of these big stories of the season.
The story that went on from there was that the Yankees then went to get swept at the Angels, then lost the fourth in a row against the Twins. The Rangers then lost consecutive series and are now fifteen games back of the Angels - with a lower elimination number than the bottom team in every other AL series.
In short, it's a story on nothing much. But it'll be the only baseball coverage I'll see in the paper all month.
This was because last week, in The Guardian, there was a short snippet about baseball. Amazing, I thought. Something happened worthy to be mentioned from the baseball season?
So what was the big story? Well, Mussina had pitched his 15th win of the season in a 3-0 Yankees victory over the Rangers.
That was the big story?
The Yankees, perennial big club but third in the AL East behind the Devil Rays and the Red Sox, and looking iffy for a post-season berth. The Rangers, twelve games behind the Angels in the AL West and seemingly long gone.
It's hysterical that this is the one mention we get. The Angels are running away with the AL West, and have just completed a tough East-coast trip with a 7-3 record, including sweeping Boston at Fenway. The Rays are the surprise leaders of the AL East. So what do we get? A spotlight on none of these big stories of the season.
The story that went on from there was that the Yankees then went to get swept at the Angels, then lost the fourth in a row against the Twins. The Rangers then lost consecutive series and are now fifteen games back of the Angels - with a lower elimination number than the bottom team in every other AL series.
In short, it's a story on nothing much. But it'll be the only baseball coverage I'll see in the paper all month.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Alanis Would Be Proud ...
So after my comment yesterday about the most congested trains, and how I've been avoiding mine, I had a hellish journey home today.
There had been a fatality at Surbiton. Now, I don't know the details or I'd call them selfish. But it messed up my journey, my 20 minutes commute back to Woking took closer to quadruple that time. This included getting on a crowded train from Clapham Junction - so crowded that I could only actually get ON the train at the third set of doors I got to. It was slightly packed to put it mildly.
The ease with which our transport system can be put into total chaos is a little depressing. Not to take away from the tragic loss of life, but you do wonder how we can be paranoid about terrorists striking at the transport infrastructure and causing chaos, when we'd probably have more disorder and impact having synchronised 'fatalities' at key feeder stations around the capital.
Just to note, the title 'Alanis would be proud' refers only to the title of the song. It should be remembered, as per the classic Ed Byrne skit, that nothing in the song is ironic. It's just slightly unfortunate. If you haven't seen this, do look it up on YouTube.
There had been a fatality at Surbiton. Now, I don't know the details or I'd call them selfish. But it messed up my journey, my 20 minutes commute back to Woking took closer to quadruple that time. This included getting on a crowded train from Clapham Junction - so crowded that I could only actually get ON the train at the third set of doors I got to. It was slightly packed to put it mildly.
The ease with which our transport system can be put into total chaos is a little depressing. Not to take away from the tragic loss of life, but you do wonder how we can be paranoid about terrorists striking at the transport infrastructure and causing chaos, when we'd probably have more disorder and impact having synchronised 'fatalities' at key feeder stations around the capital.
Just to note, the title 'Alanis would be proud' refers only to the title of the song. It should be remembered, as per the classic Ed Byrne skit, that nothing in the song is ironic. It's just slightly unfortunate. If you haven't seen this, do look it up on YouTube.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Two Month Absence
Well, it's been two months of absence, nearly, for me from the blogosphere. I'll try to update a little more regularly, but it's one that I get into a run, then run out of things to say, and stop bothering.
It's all hypothetical, as the last time someone read it was probably a couple of years ago, but it keeps me involved at least.
Earlier this week I discovered that my usual train in the mornings when I'm doing a 'late' start - the 08:02 from Woking to London Waterloo - is the most overcrowded train in the country, running at 176% of seated capacity.
It's nice to be recognised. Even if it is for being just a sardine in a particularly crammed sardine tin, and the only contribution that you're making is just to make it that slightly bit more overcrowded.
Although this week I've been going in earlier. Coincidence? Well, yes actually. I j just prefer it. But it's a nice thought at least.
It's all hypothetical, as the last time someone read it was probably a couple of years ago, but it keeps me involved at least.
Earlier this week I discovered that my usual train in the mornings when I'm doing a 'late' start - the 08:02 from Woking to London Waterloo - is the most overcrowded train in the country, running at 176% of seated capacity.
It's nice to be recognised. Even if it is for being just a sardine in a particularly crammed sardine tin, and the only contribution that you're making is just to make it that slightly bit more overcrowded.
Although this week I've been going in earlier. Coincidence? Well, yes actually. I j just prefer it. But it's a nice thought at least.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Finish That With An Eight
Eight hours sleep last night - hurrah! Undermining this by still being up at 2am, but hey. What's life for if not for living.
On that note, sleep, then heading up to Durham tomorrow! Woohoo, and so forth.
On that note, sleep, then heading up to Durham tomorrow! Woohoo, and so forth.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Not to Drive the Point Home
2,4,5,4,3
No, not some random mathematical numerical sequence with a hidden meaning. Merely the hours of sleep I've gotten the past five nights.
I may have said this before, but GAH!
No, not some random mathematical numerical sequence with a hidden meaning. Merely the hours of sleep I've gotten the past five nights.
I may have said this before, but GAH!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Jetlag
Let's be quite frank about this. Jetlag really, really sucks.
It's now 12:30 am, give or take. I've been up since six this morning, having slept only five hours last night, and less the night before - the Saturday night, preceding that, was my overnight flight where I dozed fitfully for a couple of hours at best.
So here I am, absolutely shattered, feeling this all day at work, and when I come to bed, I simply can't fall asleep.
Frustrating.
It's now 12:30 am, give or take. I've been up since six this morning, having slept only five hours last night, and less the night before - the Saturday night, preceding that, was my overnight flight where I dozed fitfully for a couple of hours at best.
So here I am, absolutely shattered, feeling this all day at work, and when I come to bed, I simply can't fall asleep.
Frustrating.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
No-one Mourns The Wicked
So, Chrissi kindly arranged for myself and I to go and see the musical Wicked while I was there on Thursday.
Now, consider that I'm not typically a musical person - they're just not typically my cup of tea. However, this was absolutely fantastic and I really, really enjoyed myself. I still, sadly, find myself humming along to the songs - worrying, I know.
In case you aren't aware as to the basic plot - based in Oz, gives an alternative viewpoint on the background of the 'Wicked Witch of the West' and her childhood, upbringing, and how evil can be looked at from another perspective. Really, really fasincating.
For me, it's the sheer originality of the concept and the way it makes us think as to how we look at things that is so impressive. I'm currently reading the book, and this manages to exceeds the musical.
Updates from this in due course as well, I'm sure.
Now, consider that I'm not typically a musical person - they're just not typically my cup of tea. However, this was absolutely fantastic and I really, really enjoyed myself. I still, sadly, find myself humming along to the songs - worrying, I know.
In case you aren't aware as to the basic plot - based in Oz, gives an alternative viewpoint on the background of the 'Wicked Witch of the West' and her childhood, upbringing, and how evil can be looked at from another perspective. Really, really fasincating.
For me, it's the sheer originality of the concept and the way it makes us think as to how we look at things that is so impressive. I'm currently reading the book, and this manages to exceeds the musical.
Updates from this in due course as well, I'm sure.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Interesting Non-Sighting
Allegedly I shared an airplane to the US with Coldplay. I have no proof of this, nor knowledge of this myself besides a member of the now non-genderised 'cabin crew' mentioning this to a passenger in the seat next to me.
I also went through Terminal Five, again, without losing my luggage. It's a most impressive terminal and I was, needless to say, most impressed with it.
I am now also armed with baked goods in the form of cookies for my trip home.
I also went through Terminal Five, again, without losing my luggage. It's a most impressive terminal and I was, needless to say, most impressed with it.
I am now also armed with baked goods in the form of cookies for my trip home.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Upcoming Plans
So, I've got a bit going on the next few weeks. Thought I'd update you lovely folk with my impending itinery.
30th May-8th June - Holiday in the US of A with Chrissi.
14th-15th June - Trip up to Durham to visit folk before they disappear for the year.
16th June - calling in on Leeds on the way back to visit Mark.
An action-packed set of weekends then.
30th May-8th June - Holiday in the US of A with Chrissi.
14th-15th June - Trip up to Durham to visit folk before they disappear for the year.
16th June - calling in on Leeds on the way back to visit Mark.
An action-packed set of weekends then.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Edge of Extremism
This week, common sense and progress won. But only by a narrow margin.
In a controversial series of votes, some people with their own agendas used a weakened Prime Minister and divided party to try and introduce some amendments to the parenting, embryo and abortion laws this week.
Considering the implications, the votes went the right way. But it was a lot closer than it should've been. In my mind, some of these were the thin end of the wedge. Either you have policies put in place by science, or you don't. You don't justify using rhetoric.
Those who attempted to cut the abortion limited with no scientific or medical backing had no justification. Considering how often people in this country have sneered across the Atlantic at similar policies, to have the retained law passing by a narrow majority is disheartening.
The 'father figure' IVF vote had the potential to be just as bad. Clad in concern for 'traditional' society, this was only going to affect all-female couples. Whether or not the intention, the homophobic undertones of the message were clear. I'm unsure whether this act itself would have been legal under discrimination legislation. Again, it was defeated, with the phrase 'supportive parenting' correctly applied. But not convincingly.
Both votes here went the right way. But it spells worrying messages for what the next government might bring if this is what they're displaying.
In a controversial series of votes, some people with their own agendas used a weakened Prime Minister and divided party to try and introduce some amendments to the parenting, embryo and abortion laws this week.
Considering the implications, the votes went the right way. But it was a lot closer than it should've been. In my mind, some of these were the thin end of the wedge. Either you have policies put in place by science, or you don't. You don't justify using rhetoric.
Those who attempted to cut the abortion limited with no scientific or medical backing had no justification. Considering how often people in this country have sneered across the Atlantic at similar policies, to have the retained law passing by a narrow majority is disheartening.
The 'father figure' IVF vote had the potential to be just as bad. Clad in concern for 'traditional' society, this was only going to affect all-female couples. Whether or not the intention, the homophobic undertones of the message were clear. I'm unsure whether this act itself would have been legal under discrimination legislation. Again, it was defeated, with the phrase 'supportive parenting' correctly applied. But not convincingly.
Both votes here went the right way. But it spells worrying messages for what the next government might bring if this is what they're displaying.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Less Dimensions, More Meaning
So, last night I saw Persepolis at the cinema. I'm not a rabid cinema-goer, and this is probably the first time I've gone for a good eighteen months.
For those of you who don't know the backstory - it's the story of a girl growing up in Iran, throughout the period of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war that followed.
It was well worth seeing. The film was absolutely superb. It's one of the more bizarre mediums on the face of it - telling the tale of a revolution, war and repression through a two-dimensional animation (mostly in black and white, to add to that). But it's fantastic, beautifully written, with comical touches and for such a serious subject, incredibly warming.
It's impossible to explain it for what it is. But the oft-referred to scene of the anatomy art class of a woman in a burkha provides a wonderful touch that exhibits so much about this film. The clip of men 'pushing' casettes of western music illicitly is also beautifully done.
I really recommend that you try and find somewhere that's showing and go and see it. It's well worth it.
For those of you who don't know the backstory - it's the story of a girl growing up in Iran, throughout the period of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the Iran-Iraq war that followed.
It was well worth seeing. The film was absolutely superb. It's one of the more bizarre mediums on the face of it - telling the tale of a revolution, war and repression through a two-dimensional animation (mostly in black and white, to add to that). But it's fantastic, beautifully written, with comical touches and for such a serious subject, incredibly warming.
It's impossible to explain it for what it is. But the oft-referred to scene of the anatomy art class of a woman in a burkha provides a wonderful touch that exhibits so much about this film. The clip of men 'pushing' casettes of western music illicitly is also beautifully done.
I really recommend that you try and find somewhere that's showing and go and see it. It's well worth it.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Politics Idol
The best example of the trivialisation of politics has become the extent to which it has been another reality TV show. Candidates' answers on what their favourite food is or similar mundane irrelevancies are more likely to make viewers' minds up than the average policy.
Living on the outskirts of London and commuting further towards the official outskirts every day, I've naturally received a lot of coverage of the London mayoral elections recently.
I've been really impressed throughout this of the excellent coverage - ironically - of the freebie papers, the Metro and LondonPaper. Both have been strictly unbiased, not promoting a favoured winner, and featuring equal coverage of all four main candidates (unlike most major TV debates, newspaper updates and so forth who have frozen Green Party candidate Sian Berry out). This is a standard of media coverage that the rest of our press could follow.
This race is though, once more going to be a fight over personalities and perceptions. It's again refreshing that both Livingstone and Paddick have been effectively refusing to talk at all about their personal lives, maintaining that it's nothing to do with the elections. And of course they're right.
The problem is Boris.
Boris comes into it with the perception as a loveable buffoon. It is indicative of how important experience and knowledge rank that his BAFTA award for his inept performances on Have I Got News For You take higher credence in his qualifications for the post than his experience as editing The Spectator or being Shadow Arts Minister - neither demanding tasks.
Compare this to Livingstone, with eight years of experience as mayor, and has been closely involved in London politics since the days of the GLC in the 1970s. Or Paddick, a successful head of the Metropolitan Police.
In real terms, this experience is far more crucial for running a thriving city like London than anything on Johnson's CV. But this is where I fear the Politics Idol factor. Reality TV will triumph, people will vote for the person who made them laugh on TV for bumbling his lines, and the politicians will lose.
And London will be the poorer for it.
Living on the outskirts of London and commuting further towards the official outskirts every day, I've naturally received a lot of coverage of the London mayoral elections recently.
I've been really impressed throughout this of the excellent coverage - ironically - of the freebie papers, the Metro and LondonPaper. Both have been strictly unbiased, not promoting a favoured winner, and featuring equal coverage of all four main candidates (unlike most major TV debates, newspaper updates and so forth who have frozen Green Party candidate Sian Berry out). This is a standard of media coverage that the rest of our press could follow.
This race is though, once more going to be a fight over personalities and perceptions. It's again refreshing that both Livingstone and Paddick have been effectively refusing to talk at all about their personal lives, maintaining that it's nothing to do with the elections. And of course they're right.
The problem is Boris.
Boris comes into it with the perception as a loveable buffoon. It is indicative of how important experience and knowledge rank that his BAFTA award for his inept performances on Have I Got News For You take higher credence in his qualifications for the post than his experience as editing The Spectator or being Shadow Arts Minister - neither demanding tasks.
Compare this to Livingstone, with eight years of experience as mayor, and has been closely involved in London politics since the days of the GLC in the 1970s. Or Paddick, a successful head of the Metropolitan Police.
In real terms, this experience is far more crucial for running a thriving city like London than anything on Johnson's CV. But this is where I fear the Politics Idol factor. Reality TV will triumph, people will vote for the person who made them laugh on TV for bumbling his lines, and the politicians will lose.
And London will be the poorer for it.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Flashback Four: Terminal Decline
So, believe it or not, last month when I was on holiday I had the misfortune for my flight back to land at terminal five. Sorry, I mean Terminal Five, as it has now become known; the sort of phrase which should be uttered in a similar tone to that which you'd use to announce a B-movie horror film. Much mayhem would surely ensue.
It started badly. My flight was delayed by three hours on departure, due to a previous delay on the incoming flight. This allowed me another three hours with my girlfriend and a chance for a nice meal as opposed to being force-fed airplane food. So far, it's proving a clear disaster.
But wait! Surely the sting is in the tail?
We come into landing, and as we're about 100m altitude and just about at the end of our descent, we shoot back up again because the preceding plane is lost and has stopped in the middle of the runway to ask for directions. So thirteen minutes later, we're on the ground once more.
Surely this is the start of my worries. I get through the state-of-the-art gate, immigration, passport control and similar. I must also say that the terminal itself is a beautiful building.
But now I approached the baggage hall, where surely disaster would befall me.
Yet within five minutes, my bag arrived. I went through customs, and out into the arrivals hall - a mere fourty minutes after landing.
Quite frankly, were it not for the newspaper bombardment I'd have thought that Terminal 5 was a great, efficient system that was a drastic improvement over normal airport waits.
It started badly. My flight was delayed by three hours on departure, due to a previous delay on the incoming flight. This allowed me another three hours with my girlfriend and a chance for a nice meal as opposed to being force-fed airplane food. So far, it's proving a clear disaster.
But wait! Surely the sting is in the tail?
We come into landing, and as we're about 100m altitude and just about at the end of our descent, we shoot back up again because the preceding plane is lost and has stopped in the middle of the runway to ask for directions. So thirteen minutes later, we're on the ground once more.
Surely this is the start of my worries. I get through the state-of-the-art gate, immigration, passport control and similar. I must also say that the terminal itself is a beautiful building.
But now I approached the baggage hall, where surely disaster would befall me.
Yet within five minutes, my bag arrived. I went through customs, and out into the arrivals hall - a mere fourty minutes after landing.
Quite frankly, were it not for the newspaper bombardment I'd have thought that Terminal 5 was a great, efficient system that was a drastic improvement over normal airport waits.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Flashback Three: Live Comedy
Although it now seems like a long time ago, one of my first days in America with Chrissi - I arrived on the Friday, and I'm fairly sure it was the following evening - we went to see a live comedian. Well, several.
And this is the secret that they don't tell you when you see a stand-up comedian on TV or DVD; there are warm up acts. And they're damn funny too. So you're always already laughing before you even get to the main act.
I truly recommend a stand-up comedy night to anyone. The main act in this case was Gabriel Inglesias, who has apparantly come somewhere near the top of Comic Idol or whatever the show is. Anyway, he was very funny. But for me some of the warm up acts were great as well. I can't remember many or really any of the jokes - but they were damn funny.
Learn from this.
And this is the secret that they don't tell you when you see a stand-up comedian on TV or DVD; there are warm up acts. And they're damn funny too. So you're always already laughing before you even get to the main act.
I truly recommend a stand-up comedy night to anyone. The main act in this case was Gabriel Inglesias, who has apparantly come somewhere near the top of Comic Idol or whatever the show is. Anyway, he was very funny. But for me some of the warm up acts were great as well. I can't remember many or really any of the jokes - but they were damn funny.
Learn from this.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Flashback Two: Easter Weather
Who can remember three-four weeks back to the Easter weekend? That weekend when the weather went crazy. Well, it was a bank holiday, so what can you expect but snow, sleet, hail, rain, winds, the occasional spot of sunshine - it's all part of the event.
Well, I for one don't remember a bit of it. I was sitting in California, revelling in the sunshine. It was 30 degrees celcius at least. While others were bemoaning the rain, I was on a boat in the Pacific Ocean dolphin-watching and whale-watching in glorious sunshine.
Not to rub it in!
Well, I for one don't remember a bit of it. I was sitting in California, revelling in the sunshine. It was 30 degrees celcius at least. While others were bemoaning the rain, I was on a boat in the Pacific Ocean dolphin-watching and whale-watching in glorious sunshine.
Not to rub it in!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Flashback One: Environment Doomed
As I didn't provide any updates while I was in America, I'm now going to do it belatedly in the form of flashbacks. This is an awesome new gimmick of mine.
A lot of us here have been seeing the green agenda pushed more and more. I think it's a good point - recycling what you can, walking short journeys, using public transport, turning off electrical appliances to save energy and what have you. I've been quite an advocate myself, in a quiet non-preaching way.
However, after my recent trip to the States, I have come to a realisation - what is the point? You travel down the freeway in Orange County - that most challenging of terrain, after all - and every other vehicle, no exaggeration, is either a truck or an SUV. A 'small' car is the average four-door saloon. I hate to think what they'd think of a mini, smart car or equivalent, it'd be a shock.
The end result of this is that I'm wondering what the point is. No matter what effort we make, people wasting their time in SUVs and trucks when they have no reason to be will dwarf the impact of those few people making the effort.
It's tragic, but true.
A lot of us here have been seeing the green agenda pushed more and more. I think it's a good point - recycling what you can, walking short journeys, using public transport, turning off electrical appliances to save energy and what have you. I've been quite an advocate myself, in a quiet non-preaching way.
However, after my recent trip to the States, I have come to a realisation - what is the point? You travel down the freeway in Orange County - that most challenging of terrain, after all - and every other vehicle, no exaggeration, is either a truck or an SUV. A 'small' car is the average four-door saloon. I hate to think what they'd think of a mini, smart car or equivalent, it'd be a shock.
The end result of this is that I'm wondering what the point is. No matter what effort we make, people wasting their time in SUVs and trucks when they have no reason to be will dwarf the impact of those few people making the effort.
It's tragic, but true.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
I Doff My Cap ...
... to one specific letter-writer to thelondonpaper, one of the train freebies. The comment was superb, and went along the lines of the following:
"After reading the articles on the same page on TFL getting fares from ghost oyster journeys and Tescos paying pittance for chickens, I was wondering. Money for nothing and chicks for free? Mark Knopfler would be proud."
Superb.
"After reading the articles on the same page on TFL getting fares from ghost oyster journeys and Tescos paying pittance for chickens, I was wondering. Money for nothing and chicks for free? Mark Knopfler would be proud."
Superb.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Shocking
Believe it or not, today marks six months to the day since I started work.
I have no idea if this seems a lot longer than it actually is, or a lot shorter. I think a bit of both, as usual - it feels like only yesterday I started work, but equally feels like I've been there for a long time and it's become so routine. So don't believe what they tell you kids, working isn't as hard as it's made out to be. And if it is, you get paid anyway so it balances out.
I finish this short post with two fingers at all those who doubted my ability to get up at 6am for six whole months.
I have no idea if this seems a lot longer than it actually is, or a lot shorter. I think a bit of both, as usual - it feels like only yesterday I started work, but equally feels like I've been there for a long time and it's become so routine. So don't believe what they tell you kids, working isn't as hard as it's made out to be. And if it is, you get paid anyway so it balances out.
I finish this short post with two fingers at all those who doubted my ability to get up at 6am for six whole months.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Marching Onwards
I'm fairly sure this is not the first time I have started a March-commencing blog with a similar pun. Apologies if it's old. It is.
I somewhat promised a bit of an update on things today, so I'll try and oblige and let you know how I was getting on with my Feb resolutions. If you remember, these were small and simple things I could change to just set myself some goals.
So, how have I done?
1. Walking each weekend. Miserable failure. I've just not had the motivation. Need to work on this one a bit I think! I am walking to the station tomorrow to go into work. So perhaps that'll be a start.
2. Not snacking, eating properly. This has been a success. I've made myself a lunch every day, and it's far better than the inevitable snacking. So I'm happy there. I've also cut down on the extra 'unnecessary' snacking as best as possible.
3. Attempt at learning to drive is still on the grid awaiting the starter's orders. My dead phone has hindered my here as all the relevant numbers were stored on it.
4. Making more of weekends. Getting there a bit, although to be honest I've been trying to clear the decks every weekend to make sure that I have more time to do stuff during the week if I want to. The effects are gradually starting to show - paperwork, ironing, tidying the room, throwing out old stuff are hardly something to show for the weekend, but at least they're helping me get things straight.
5. Trying to do more socially. A bit of this, has been okay. Have done some things but not that much to be frank. Again, the aforementioned phone problem has been a hinderance here. I'm going to try and work on that this month.
Overall, one goal achieved, one worked on, and one failed. Two that were non-starters. Relatively decent progress. I'm going to continue these aims through March and we'll see how the next progress report ends up!
I somewhat promised a bit of an update on things today, so I'll try and oblige and let you know how I was getting on with my Feb resolutions. If you remember, these were small and simple things I could change to just set myself some goals.
So, how have I done?
1. Walking each weekend. Miserable failure. I've just not had the motivation. Need to work on this one a bit I think! I am walking to the station tomorrow to go into work. So perhaps that'll be a start.
2. Not snacking, eating properly. This has been a success. I've made myself a lunch every day, and it's far better than the inevitable snacking. So I'm happy there. I've also cut down on the extra 'unnecessary' snacking as best as possible.
3. Attempt at learning to drive is still on the grid awaiting the starter's orders. My dead phone has hindered my here as all the relevant numbers were stored on it.
4. Making more of weekends. Getting there a bit, although to be honest I've been trying to clear the decks every weekend to make sure that I have more time to do stuff during the week if I want to. The effects are gradually starting to show - paperwork, ironing, tidying the room, throwing out old stuff are hardly something to show for the weekend, but at least they're helping me get things straight.
5. Trying to do more socially. A bit of this, has been okay. Have done some things but not that much to be frank. Again, the aforementioned phone problem has been a hinderance here. I'm going to try and work on that this month.
Overall, one goal achieved, one worked on, and one failed. Two that were non-starters. Relatively decent progress. I'm going to continue these aims through March and we'll see how the next progress report ends up!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Progress Update
So, I set myself some goals for February. So far I think I'm not completely underperforming, and am doing okay in some of them.
The nice thing about lots of small goals is that it's always easy to achieve some of them, so you have positive reinforcement and avoid the complete disenchantment and demotivation of not achieving some grand goal. Baby steps and all that malarky.
I'll provide a full update on the 1st March.
The nice thing about lots of small goals is that it's always easy to achieve some of them, so you have positive reinforcement and avoid the complete disenchantment and demotivation of not achieving some grand goal. Baby steps and all that malarky.
I'll provide a full update on the 1st March.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Teetotal Fridays
I made a brief allusion to this via Facebook on Saturday. The fact being, that I myself - as you all know - do not drink. This naturally means that when going out after work on a Friday, I'll generally have a coke instead of an alcoholic beverage.
What this usually results in is me having 3-4 glasses of coke (which I'm trying to narrow down on from pints to a bottle to aid in this) over the course of an evening. This in turn generally results in me coming home, having had lots of caffiene, fully awake. This is actually really annoying in the long term.
I end up staying up late on a Friday, getting up late on a Saturday, as a result staying up late on a Saturday and getting up late on Sunday. Most of my weekend disappears because of these bizarrely shifted hours and I never get much accomplished, especially in the mornings when I'm still sleeping!
End conclusion is that teetotalism is as bad for your Saturday mornings as drinking is.
What this usually results in is me having 3-4 glasses of coke (which I'm trying to narrow down on from pints to a bottle to aid in this) over the course of an evening. This in turn generally results in me coming home, having had lots of caffiene, fully awake. This is actually really annoying in the long term.
I end up staying up late on a Friday, getting up late on a Saturday, as a result staying up late on a Saturday and getting up late on Sunday. Most of my weekend disappears because of these bizarrely shifted hours and I never get much accomplished, especially in the mornings when I'm still sleeping!
End conclusion is that teetotalism is as bad for your Saturday mornings as drinking is.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
The World We Live In
I got a huge chuckle this morning when reading in the Metro the reaction to the Archbishop of Canterbury's bumblings about Sharia law. I don't have a copy with me, alas, but it was along the lines of this.
"Bishops have reported masses of e-mails from confused clergy asking just what they do about it".
Wait a second. E-mails from confused clergy? I don't know why, but there's something about this that you cannot square with religion. What sort of religious organisation communicates by e-mail? They should send it by letter. Perhaps courier. Pigeon at a stretch. Not by freaking e-mail. Even telephoning shouldn't be happening, unless it's one of those old-style telephones that weigh 30 tonnes and have five different pieces you have to hold together to speak.
I mean, seriously - e-mail?
"Bishops have reported masses of e-mails from confused clergy asking just what they do about it".
Wait a second. E-mails from confused clergy? I don't know why, but there's something about this that you cannot square with religion. What sort of religious organisation communicates by e-mail? They should send it by letter. Perhaps courier. Pigeon at a stretch. Not by freaking e-mail. Even telephoning shouldn't be happening, unless it's one of those old-style telephones that weigh 30 tonnes and have five different pieces you have to hold together to speak.
I mean, seriously - e-mail?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
February Resolutions?
As far as resolutions go, February is not a traditional time. But January was shattering for me, and I was busy first with Chrissi here, then with work, so didn't have time to actually get down to some good old resolving.
Anyway, I'm here now, and that's what matters. As mentioned on my most recent blog, I have a few goals for myself this year. I'm going to set some remarkably low key ones for February, but this is also with the realisation that I might actually meet them.
I'll post them up here as an extra motivational tool, listed in no particular order:
Anyway, I'm here now, and that's what matters. As mentioned on my most recent blog, I have a few goals for myself this year. I'm going to set some remarkably low key ones for February, but this is also with the realisation that I might actually meet them.
I'll post them up here as an extra motivational tool, listed in no particular order:
- Do more exercise. Walk at least five miles one day each weekend.
- Snack less. Make myself a lunch each day and eat it, and don't buy anything extra to eat with it.
- Make an attempt at learning to drive again.
- Make sure I can finish each weekend by having something that I've done and can say I've achieved come Monday morning.
- Make more of a social effort. Attempt to at least do something once a week outside the usual.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
End of January 'Recap'
Having not officially set one, I am probably the only person not to have broken their New Year's Resolutions.
However, I've set myself some goals for this year also. So far, have not made as much progress as I'd like. Tedious, I know, but motivation is a drag and work is swallowing me whole at the moment. When I get some time to myself again, maybe I'll be able to get to making some progress!
However, I've set myself some goals for this year also. So far, have not made as much progress as I'd like. Tedious, I know, but motivation is a drag and work is swallowing me whole at the moment. When I get some time to myself again, maybe I'll be able to get to making some progress!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Conclusion
I need to do more active things over the weekend so I have more to talk about on Mondays at work.
Also, regular playing means I'm getting slightly less rubbish at football. And slightly less out of condition. These two are spectacular achievements in my book. For me.
Also, regular playing means I'm getting slightly less rubbish at football. And slightly less out of condition. These two are spectacular achievements in my book. For me.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Stunned in Disbelief
Random one, this. But yesterday I followed a couple of links, and ended up watching a youtube video - which is the destination for 30% of the links you find anyway (with 60% being porn, and the other 10% being rickrolls). It was a semi-documentary on the Westboro Baptist Church - you may have heard of them, that charming group of 'people' in America who go and picket funerals giving thanks that a military that allows gays to join has died, that sort of thing. Nice 'people' in other words.
But bloody hell was this programme stunning. Their complete lack of awareness, self-absorption and insistence that their own beliefs allow them to convey this complete lack of insensitivity - and the overriding belief that they're the only ones doing things right. It's simply staggering.
What's more irritating is that they're a media sensation because of their controversy, and people talk about them as if they're important, when there's only 150 or so of them. I'm doing it now too. But ... absolutely stunning. Beyond belief. You can see some of their charming literature at the subtly entitled www.godhatesfags.com. I know.
Just speechless.
But bloody hell was this programme stunning. Their complete lack of awareness, self-absorption and insistence that their own beliefs allow them to convey this complete lack of insensitivity - and the overriding belief that they're the only ones doing things right. It's simply staggering.
What's more irritating is that they're a media sensation because of their controversy, and people talk about them as if they're important, when there's only 150 or so of them. I'm doing it now too. But ... absolutely stunning. Beyond belief. You can see some of their charming literature at the subtly entitled www.godhatesfags.com. I know.
Just speechless.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Bemoaning Unintelligent Graffiti 'Artists'
As I walked back home from the station last night, I passed a squiggle that had been graffitied on a road sign indicating a turning. Typical mindless graffiti, you would assume. And indeed, that is correct.
I bemoaned the stupidity and pointlessness of it. Then when I looked around a bit, bemoaned the stupidity of the graffitier. I mean, opposite this sign, there was the denoted turning. The road name was 'Pantiles Close'. Why graffiti a squiggle on the sign, when the road sign opposite is crying out for an extra S? A little further up the road, the pub sign indicated it was open for hire for private functions, in a very over-elaborate script so that the v looked rather like an r. A little modification and it would have said 'open for hire for pirate functions' which would have been far more entertaining.
All I can conclude is that - simply - graffiti artists are letting us down. Their random squiggles and tags are all very quaint, but completely failing to live up to the potential offered.
I bemoaned the stupidity and pointlessness of it. Then when I looked around a bit, bemoaned the stupidity of the graffitier. I mean, opposite this sign, there was the denoted turning. The road name was 'Pantiles Close'. Why graffiti a squiggle on the sign, when the road sign opposite is crying out for an extra S? A little further up the road, the pub sign indicated it was open for hire for private functions, in a very over-elaborate script so that the v looked rather like an r. A little modification and it would have said 'open for hire for pirate functions' which would have been far more entertaining.
All I can conclude is that - simply - graffiti artists are letting us down. Their random squiggles and tags are all very quaint, but completely failing to live up to the potential offered.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Somewhat More Whelmed
I've been fairly overwhelmed at work the last couple of weeks. It's already Wednesday, and I've hardly had a moment to myself. I've already worked four days' worth of work this week, and from only three days. It's not showing any sign of abating either.
On the plus side, at the moment I'm clocking up a bit of time off in lieu due to working evenings on top of normal work, so will at least be able to get the odd half-day off in February as a compensation for that. After this current run, I'll need it.
On the plus side, at the moment I'm clocking up a bit of time off in lieu due to working evenings on top of normal work, so will at least be able to get the odd half-day off in February as a compensation for that. After this current run, I'll need it.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Lack of Commitment
Apologies to one and all, I was intending to update this far more regularly as befitted my recent run. Haven't done so the last fortnight, which is not really up to par.
So, why do things just crack in an instant despite going smoothly for such a long time? Well, no real answer to that one. Just a random musing and pondering as I am prone to.
So, why do things just crack in an instant despite going smoothly for such a long time? Well, no real answer to that one. Just a random musing and pondering as I am prone to.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
2008 And Suchlike
I'm presuming I'm not the only one who finds it odd when dating things at the moment to have to add 2008 instead of 2007 at the end of them. It's rather odd, it seems. Such is the complication and confusion from changing years.
So far this year has been mostly beset by illness and other such fun events. I've been coughing and spluttering for a few days, and have had a blocked nose and other such delightful events. Chrissi has been in bed for a couple of days with the flu, and then ventured out only to be rained upon and struck down again. We're both now on the mend, with me mostly mended and Chrissi at least getting better.
Happy New Year, eh?
So far this year has been mostly beset by illness and other such fun events. I've been coughing and spluttering for a few days, and have had a blocked nose and other such delightful events. Chrissi has been in bed for a couple of days with the flu, and then ventured out only to be rained upon and struck down again. We're both now on the mend, with me mostly mended and Chrissi at least getting better.
Happy New Year, eh?
Saturday, January 05, 2008
New Year's Resolution
My New Year's Resolution is to blog more.
So far it's working awesomely. Sorry about the lack of updates out there people. Will work on it over the next few days a bit more.
So far it's working awesomely. Sorry about the lack of updates out there people. Will work on it over the next few days a bit more.
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