The Future
"You've just a got a computer, why don't you embrace this technology to the full and do a blog? There's normally something happening in your life."
Well is true, I have just got a pc and all the stuff that comes with it.The waiting around all day for it to be delievered, which it then doesn't, phoning the company after 6pm only to find that they keep office hours for this type of thing.Although they would have been happy to sell me some more stuff at that time. Having finally tracked down the the damned thing, I decided once it was up and running to fire off a letter of compliant as after all delivery shouldn't have to included me trailing round a shabby industrial park on a Saturday and then missing most of SoccerAM, including Barry Proudfoot. I had the wording in my head, all I need to do was type it up and print it off. This proved to be harder then imagined as the printer that was sent with the pc was missing a small yet vital piece of equipment, a USB cable. For those of you with lives, it links the printer to the box and enables printing to be done. This would appear to be standard practice in the computer world. The best analogy I can think of is buying a car only to find that the steering wheel needs to be purchased separately at a location several miles away that is only accessable via motor vehicle.
As is normally the case in situations like this I ended up getting several off a bloke at work, "You can never have too many of these mate" and how right he was proved when I was contacted just after noon on Boxing Day by one of my friends requesting an emergency USB cable. Computer and printer companies get it sorted!!
I'll get round to describing my xmas shenanigans next time. It might be that blogging is the future, everyone can have a rant, get stuff off their chest and then settle down with a warm milk drink.
Published Date:
03/01/2007
Modified Date:
26/04/2008
Its a strange land of which we know little
This week, more than any other, has been dominated by The Crunch. As an aside do the French call it "Le Crunch" or would they get confused with those poor 80s adverts for the Golden Delicious apples they insisted on sending us. Anyway after watching one too many TV reporter or pundit lashing the gloom on us, I got to thinking. The two big UK banks most effected by this, the ones who's share prices have dropped quicker than Quantas airbus both have the name of a country on their full title. That country is Scotland. You would expect a Scottish banker to be a dour fellow who is careful with the money but sterotypes can obviously be wrong. I can only conclude that they are secretly Scottish nationalist intent on bring the UK economy to its knees before they declare independance and stop the export of haggis and whisky. They can keep their midgies as well.
The hikes are back on this weekend, hopefully that will take my mind off all this doom and gloom in the air.
Published Date:
09/10/2008
Modified Date:
09/10/2008
Credit Crunch
According to what seems like an endless parade of spokesmen it "business as usual" for all the many banks and finance houses effected by the on going credit crunch on the Island. Several have had their UK owners forced into mergers as specualtion about their ability to survive has driven down the share price to such a point that the company appears worthless. This must have an effect. If I saw on the TV news or read in a paper that the place I kept my nest egg was about to go down the swanny, I'd be there sharpish to get my money out and find somewhere better or safer at least. But perhaps some of these places are used to long lines of customers closing their accounts and questioning the basic financial soundness of the company that it just is "business as usual". Its not. There will eventually be a shakedown; places will close, jobs will be lost and those greedy so and sos who started it all will walk away with large payoffs while the staff who work to keep a roof over their heads and feed the family will be ones who suffer.
One a lighter note its the weekend.
Published Date:
03/10/2008
Modified Date:
03/10/2008
Land of the Free
Blogging from dull old work today. My holiday seems like nothing but a dim memory. The places visited and the people met all all bluring into one. Did a US Marine reservist on route to another tour of Iraq really show me his conflict photos? Did the whole population of Minnasota desend on Vegas while I was there? For a while the only people encountered where from this fine state; the 21st most populous in the Union.
The steaks, chicken wings and hot dogs all over for another year. Ain't missing the traveling though. It's a long old haul back from Las Vegas with only a roast pork sandwich and a cold Corona to break things up.
No sooner had I returned than it was back to normal. 30 degress cooler, grass to cut, washing to do. Pub tonight, footy tomorrow. Welcome back.
Published Date:
26/09/2008
Modified Date:
26/09/2008
Apple (Big) Mac , Fries to go.
I' m in the apple store at the Forum Shops in Las Vegas and just thought i'd do a quick blog as the shop is quiet. As always Vegas is fantastic. Went to the Steakhouse at the Circus Circus last night and had a great meal. Just kicking it back today with wondering around and making a few last minute purchases. I only popped in this shop to find out the Tranmere score and was pleasantly surprised to find they won away from home last week.
Bring on the $2 Heinekens, its mighty hot.
Published Date:
16/09/2008
Modified Date:
19/09/2008
Well Well
Firstly the dial up internet I use is shocking tonight. It would be better if I used an old style news ticker or perhaps a telex. What ever happened to them? One minute a must have; the next in the cupboard next to the adding machine and electric typrwriter.
Anyway an early blog this week as I'm off on my holidays tomorrow . Due to EuroManx going bust, I'm forced to spend the best part of tomorrow in Manchester. Then on Saturday its off to America, Seattle to start with for five nights and then on to Las Vegas or Sin City as its known; although I'm sure you can everything that goes on there in most large cities if you look hard enough. The land of chicken wings and large steaks washed down with a frosted one. While in Seattle I must remember not to sign up for the Deadliest Catch as many of the crab boats are based there.
Not sure what I should avoid in Vegas. Not getting arrested will be a start.
Published Date:
04/09/2008
Modified Date:
04/09/2008
No Place for Old Men
Its good to be back in the hot seat after being indisposed and therefore unable to blog last week. It wasn't all bad news though. I managed to catch the England innings in the 1st ODI against South Africa. After a poor start it was uplifting to see both KP and Fred set about the Bok's quicks. If ever someone needs to be biffed out of the ground its Andre Nel. Bumble was commentating as well which is always a bonus.
I'm off for a curry tonight but I'm unsure what to have as I think the days of stuffing myself to the limit at every oppotunity might be at an end. Probably not a bad thing as cutting extra notches on the belt is a pain. I might try tandori chicken.
Once I'm over the curry tomorrow, I'll have to start thinging about packing as I'm leaving the island next Friday for my ususal trip to the States. Yipee.
Published Date:
29/08/2008
Modified Date:
29/08/2008
Gigs
I've no idea why musical performances by guitar acts are called gigs: its just a fact. I went to what might be decribed as a gig this week. The Charlatans at the Villa Marina and very good they were today. I'd been a fan since the first album, "Some Friendly". The use of the organ always gave their music a distinct sound. The late 1980s also saw the rise of the Inspiral Carpets with an organ to the fore of their music as well. It must have been a fightback against Yazz.
Anyway Wednesday's performance saw a mix of new from the latest album along with timeless classics such as "One to Another" and "Weirdo". It had would could be described as a packed Villa rocking.
It got me thinking though, is it best to go to a gig knowing next to nothing about whats going to be played or having detailed knowledge of every classic track played. Some of the most enjoyable shows I've seen have full of music I knew nothing about. Graham Coxon at the Villa was fantastic, his punkish outlook very to the fore and you could see his infulance in such Blur tracks as "Song Two". John Power's sole performance last year also lives in the memory.
If your not sure give it ago, live music is great.
Published Date:
15/08/2008
Modified Date:
15/08/2008