On posterous
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Camberwick Green,Trumpton or Chigley?
So there we were zooming along the highway - n, Spail and me. I don't know how or why but the conversation led to those animated puppet classics of BBC children's telly namely
Trumpton
As we drove the two oldies sang out this very song
Camberwick Green
We tried our best to sing the Windy Miller song but could really only come up with the sound for the windmill
and although forgotten in the nostalgia taxi this evening lets us also include
Chigley
Needless to say young Spail from his back seat looked on and reflected on how he could escape from this four wheeled time capsule before giving in to the mood and singing a tune from his childhood
Its just not the same really or perhaps that's a generational thing?
What do you recall?
It did not help when with the words forgotten we made up our own verses, involving rats and other things that rhyme with Pat and Cat, perhaps for another day?
Trumpton
As we drove the two oldies sang out this very song
Camberwick Green
We tried our best to sing the Windy Miller song but could really only come up with the sound for the windmill
and although forgotten in the nostalgia taxi this evening lets us also include
Chigley
Needless to say young Spail from his back seat looked on and reflected on how he could escape from this four wheeled time capsule before giving in to the mood and singing a tune from his childhood
Its just not the same really or perhaps that's a generational thing?
What do you recall?
It did not help when with the words forgotten we made up our own verses, involving rats and other things that rhyme with Pat and Cat, perhaps for another day?
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Technology, humph!
Technology didn't work in the way it should have today.
A series of text messages just persisted with an intractible problem that resisted attempts of resolution by the use of a.... phone.
A greatly anticipated video call with a loved one many miles away resulted in a hear no sister, see no sister type of episode. Writing things down on paper, sign language and general visual comedy all lifted the mood and we shall try again at the weekend.
So time to put this piece of technology to bed.
G'night
A series of text messages just persisted with an intractible problem that resisted attempts of resolution by the use of a.... phone.
A greatly anticipated video call with a loved one many miles away resulted in a hear no sister, see no sister type of episode. Writing things down on paper, sign language and general visual comedy all lifted the mood and we shall try again at the weekend.
So time to put this piece of technology to bed.
G'night
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Three Men
It's here at long last after many trials, tribulations, mistakes, gaffes. pressure, tension, sweat and tears.
It does not get much harder than this!
It's down to just three men and how they present their efforts to the public and the judges of expert opinion.
Who will get the vote?
Who will get the reward they have prized for so long?
Who will win MasterChef 2010?
What?....
You thought I was talking about the official start of the UK election campaign?....
I suppose I can see the comparisons, that is also about three men and their pursuance of the top prize, not the keys to their own restaurant but to number 10 Downing Street and all that it encompasses.
For the first time in the UK we are to have presidential style debates, head to head style.
What if we were to decide the winner not in a head to head debate but in the kitchen, MasterChef style.
What would be there signature dishes?
From Labour we have Gordon Brown who has been heavy on the bananas recently so what about a traditionally Scottish dish with a twist? Banana Cranachan?
For the Conservatives, David Cameron, well it would just have to be Eton Mess.
Lastly from Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats we could have, well what does it matter as he's not going to win anyway.
So there you have it in a months time it will be all over for this electoral cycle and we will have a new government. Will they be serving re-heated left overs, stuff that was unpalatable 13 years ago. Or will we be having more of the same?
Me I quite like Porridge, but spare the bananas!
It does not get much harder than this!
It's down to just three men and how they present their efforts to the public and the judges of expert opinion.
Who will get the vote?
Who will get the reward they have prized for so long?
Who will win MasterChef 2010?
What?....
You thought I was talking about the official start of the UK election campaign?....
I suppose I can see the comparisons, that is also about three men and their pursuance of the top prize, not the keys to their own restaurant but to number 10 Downing Street and all that it encompasses.
For the first time in the UK we are to have presidential style debates, head to head style.
What if we were to decide the winner not in a head to head debate but in the kitchen, MasterChef style.
What would be there signature dishes?
From Labour we have Gordon Brown who has been heavy on the bananas recently so what about a traditionally Scottish dish with a twist? Banana Cranachan?
For the Conservatives, David Cameron, well it would just have to be Eton Mess.
Lastly from Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats we could have, well what does it matter as he's not going to win anyway.
So there you have it in a months time it will be all over for this electoral cycle and we will have a new government. Will they be serving re-heated left overs, stuff that was unpalatable 13 years ago. Or will we be having more of the same?
Me I quite like Porridge, but spare the bananas!
Monday, 5 April 2010
Belts, lap tops and toiletries...
I've been spending more time than is healthy for the environment and indeed me in and around airports recently.
It's not that I've changed jobs and I am now collecting luggage trolleys or have become a traffic warden shooing on those sitting in their cars waiting for their loved ones. Or even a plane spotter with my nose pressed against the wire mesh fence, note book in hand as I keep out the chill with my trusty anorak. Waiting for the next plane and it's ID number.
I've just been a traveller, a user of the airport services, a victim of the security process. Standing in line as you do, you have the time in a slow moving line to look around. Your fellow customers reflect how you feel. They look hot and sticky, dressed as they are for the climate at their departure or arrival point. Their wardrobe however is nullified by being in the artificially over heated terminal building. The sort of building that you could image hosting a religious gathering, sports event or growing tomatoes, perhaps.
Looking at others in the queue can be a bit demoralising especially as you just have to go with the flow like an unwilling twig who has been picked to participate in a game of Pooh Sticks!
Standing there my eyes were attracted to the security videos. Constantly looped they silently play out their instruction again and again. I do wonder if anyone has completed any research on their role in the effective participation of customers. So many still make mistakes that hold up the queue and add to the collective exasperation.
Did you really think that the full mega size Heinz ketchup bottle did not need to be declared and could pass as hand luggage? Let us not even consider the traveller who looks like she had scooped her dressing table top into a clear plastic carrier bag. Feigning knowledge of the metric system is not good enough, not knowing what 100mls is tsk, tsk! Was it really wise to wear the steel capped knee length boots, numerous neck chains and your metal mesh vest as your holiday going away clothes?
If pushed I would have said all these looped security videos would be the same as there is no language barrier to confuse the process as it's just a case of including the relevant language captions. They are not all the same.
In the UK you have actors playing the parts of the traveller and the security staff, against an animated background it's all smiles and directional but pleasant open hand instructional pointing. All very genial and British. No sign of the armed police or dogs that occasionally pass by on their way for a cup of tea and a dog biscuit.
In line passing through security at Frankfurt I observed a full cartoon version. This version seemed full of sharp Germanic order, pointing here and there with few smiles. This version contained a mum her child and it's pram. The other passenger was a bearded V shaped man all smart dressed layers and lap top. His beard appearing as sharp as his suit. The film explained what to do with prams and multi layers but not babies, would anyone notice if it had directed the traveler to put them on the x-ray machine belt?
A few hours later travelling through Brussels (truly living up to it's European capital tag with all the observed flights flying to every corner of the EU) and a new version of the security video.
Here the lady was multi layered, no babies - maybe off to meet Herr Bearded V Shape from Germany for a romantic weekend? The other traveller was a man with jeans and an ability to empty his pockets without the use of hands into the security tray from some distance away. Henri Potier perhaps? He just pulled out his pockets and the keys, coin etc wafted across to the tray. Perhaps it is some secret Belgian anti-bad person software. Remove your gun, explosives etc or the software will remove all your clothes into the tray allowing us to see your bombs?
The security guy in the Belgian story was the grandson of Bluto the nemesis of Popeye. Either that or he feasted on the trafficked steroids discovered during security checks? However the diligence did not extend to asking Mr Denim to remove his belt. No consistency then across Europe. In some countries the video informs you that you have to go through the scanner gate with your trousers at your ankles or at least sweeping the floor but not here in Belgium - "just go right through with that explosive laced belt sir, no problem"
Regardless of the video preparation the queue in Brussels moved like slowly melting toffee - warm and slow to move. You know it's bad when the staff returning from their break when turning the corner voice what the queue is thinking,
"Oh no, look at the queue"
Nearing the end and its the old what queue to join conundrum, the wrong choice could keep you in this security stasis even longer. An impatient traveller decides to take the express queue reserved only for those of a certain income or status and is promptly lambasted by the chief of security who is remarkably like Bluto from the video playing above his head but with greyer hair and features, the ravages of steroid use perhaps?
The cowed traveler rejoins the queue perhaps silently collectively mesmerised as it trudges forward to the mantra of
"Belts, lap tops and toiletries....."
-- Post From My iPhone
It's not that I've changed jobs and I am now collecting luggage trolleys or have become a traffic warden shooing on those sitting in their cars waiting for their loved ones. Or even a plane spotter with my nose pressed against the wire mesh fence, note book in hand as I keep out the chill with my trusty anorak. Waiting for the next plane and it's ID number.
I've just been a traveller, a user of the airport services, a victim of the security process. Standing in line as you do, you have the time in a slow moving line to look around. Your fellow customers reflect how you feel. They look hot and sticky, dressed as they are for the climate at their departure or arrival point. Their wardrobe however is nullified by being in the artificially over heated terminal building. The sort of building that you could image hosting a religious gathering, sports event or growing tomatoes, perhaps.
Looking at others in the queue can be a bit demoralising especially as you just have to go with the flow like an unwilling twig who has been picked to participate in a game of Pooh Sticks!
Standing there my eyes were attracted to the security videos. Constantly looped they silently play out their instruction again and again. I do wonder if anyone has completed any research on their role in the effective participation of customers. So many still make mistakes that hold up the queue and add to the collective exasperation.
Did you really think that the full mega size Heinz ketchup bottle did not need to be declared and could pass as hand luggage? Let us not even consider the traveller who looks like she had scooped her dressing table top into a clear plastic carrier bag. Feigning knowledge of the metric system is not good enough, not knowing what 100mls is tsk, tsk! Was it really wise to wear the steel capped knee length boots, numerous neck chains and your metal mesh vest as your holiday going away clothes?
If pushed I would have said all these looped security videos would be the same as there is no language barrier to confuse the process as it's just a case of including the relevant language captions. They are not all the same.
In the UK you have actors playing the parts of the traveller and the security staff, against an animated background it's all smiles and directional but pleasant open hand instructional pointing. All very genial and British. No sign of the armed police or dogs that occasionally pass by on their way for a cup of tea and a dog biscuit.
In line passing through security at Frankfurt I observed a full cartoon version. This version seemed full of sharp Germanic order, pointing here and there with few smiles. This version contained a mum her child and it's pram. The other passenger was a bearded V shaped man all smart dressed layers and lap top. His beard appearing as sharp as his suit. The film explained what to do with prams and multi layers but not babies, would anyone notice if it had directed the traveler to put them on the x-ray machine belt?
A few hours later travelling through Brussels (truly living up to it's European capital tag with all the observed flights flying to every corner of the EU) and a new version of the security video.
Here the lady was multi layered, no babies - maybe off to meet Herr Bearded V Shape from Germany for a romantic weekend? The other traveller was a man with jeans and an ability to empty his pockets without the use of hands into the security tray from some distance away. Henri Potier perhaps? He just pulled out his pockets and the keys, coin etc wafted across to the tray. Perhaps it is some secret Belgian anti-bad person software. Remove your gun, explosives etc or the software will remove all your clothes into the tray allowing us to see your bombs?
The security guy in the Belgian story was the grandson of Bluto the nemesis of Popeye. Either that or he feasted on the trafficked steroids discovered during security checks? However the diligence did not extend to asking Mr Denim to remove his belt. No consistency then across Europe. In some countries the video informs you that you have to go through the scanner gate with your trousers at your ankles or at least sweeping the floor but not here in Belgium - "just go right through with that explosive laced belt sir, no problem"
Regardless of the video preparation the queue in Brussels moved like slowly melting toffee - warm and slow to move. You know it's bad when the staff returning from their break when turning the corner voice what the queue is thinking,
"Oh no, look at the queue"
Nearing the end and its the old what queue to join conundrum, the wrong choice could keep you in this security stasis even longer. An impatient traveller decides to take the express queue reserved only for those of a certain income or status and is promptly lambasted by the chief of security who is remarkably like Bluto from the video playing above his head but with greyer hair and features, the ravages of steroid use perhaps?
The cowed traveler rejoins the queue perhaps silently collectively mesmerised as it trudges forward to the mantra of
"Belts, lap tops and toiletries....."
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, 4 April 2010
The Good Life?
Summers here and a young man's thoughts turn to
The Veg Patch!
Although it could be argued that a older man's thoughts should turn to his wardrobe rather than the veg patch. In my defence I was dressed for the environment, as opposed to an audition for Joseph and his multi-coloured gardening gear. Despite the bright sky today there was an ominous cloud base over head for most of the day. There was also a bit of a chilly breeze now and again.
The woolly bonnet provides the "attic" insulation and I can usually stomp around outside fairly well as long as there is minimal heat seeping though the "roof space", just as well really as there is nothing much else up there to keep in the heat.
The wax waistcoat helped out with the odd bit of drizzle and the misdirected emissions from the garden hose, keeping the breeze out was an added bonus.
The wellies are usually essential when venturing out of the back door and especially after the recent snow, rain, snow, slush and puddles that have made the ground like a large piece of cotton wool - a piece of cotton wool that has fallen into a sink full of water. The ground is pretty saturated. In the area where the chickens have been living the grass has long gone and their natural scratching and scraping has developed little craters - ideal mud pool territory. Wellies as I said, essential.
So the chickens had their weekly house top and tail, fresh bedding, food and water before moving them to a new spot. Then I lifted the square raised beds which have been unused for a couple of years. The plan is to use them in the sunniest part of the patch to be the receptacles for fruit - strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and perhaps a small herb garden.
It looks pretty decrepit at the moment but with some hard work, a shovel and no doubt some blood (first injury of the season today - a cut finger) the patch will come to life in no time. A sea of greenery assuming of course we can keep the pests at bay.
One of the positive outcomes to all of this of course will be feeding on the fruits of our labours. Although the only thing that came from the garden today was the eggs courtesy of the girls a wonderful dinner had been prepared when I was outside. Roast lamb with trimmings, home made apple pie and custard. Yum yum.
I will keep you appraised of developments.....
The Veg Patch!
Although it could be argued that a older man's thoughts should turn to his wardrobe rather than the veg patch. In my defence I was dressed for the environment, as opposed to an audition for Joseph and his multi-coloured gardening gear. Despite the bright sky today there was an ominous cloud base over head for most of the day. There was also a bit of a chilly breeze now and again.
The woolly bonnet provides the "attic" insulation and I can usually stomp around outside fairly well as long as there is minimal heat seeping though the "roof space", just as well really as there is nothing much else up there to keep in the heat.
The wax waistcoat helped out with the odd bit of drizzle and the misdirected emissions from the garden hose, keeping the breeze out was an added bonus.
The wellies are usually essential when venturing out of the back door and especially after the recent snow, rain, snow, slush and puddles that have made the ground like a large piece of cotton wool - a piece of cotton wool that has fallen into a sink full of water. The ground is pretty saturated. In the area where the chickens have been living the grass has long gone and their natural scratching and scraping has developed little craters - ideal mud pool territory. Wellies as I said, essential.
So the chickens had their weekly house top and tail, fresh bedding, food and water before moving them to a new spot. Then I lifted the square raised beds which have been unused for a couple of years. The plan is to use them in the sunniest part of the patch to be the receptacles for fruit - strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and perhaps a small herb garden.
It looks pretty decrepit at the moment but with some hard work, a shovel and no doubt some blood (first injury of the season today - a cut finger) the patch will come to life in no time. A sea of greenery assuming of course we can keep the pests at bay.
One of the positive outcomes to all of this of course will be feeding on the fruits of our labours. Although the only thing that came from the garden today was the eggs courtesy of the girls a wonderful dinner had been prepared when I was outside. Roast lamb with trimmings, home made apple pie and custard. Yum yum.
I will keep you appraised of developments.....
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Tiles For America
Hello I don't know about you but sometimes the photos taken sit on the camera memory card for a while before downloading them onto the lap top, does anyone print photos nowadays? I am no exception and I have transferred images from some recent travels and I thought I would share them.
More specifically the set that follows were taken in Greenwich Village, New York. To be precise on on a chain link fence at the corner of 7th Avenue and 11th Street. It is a collection of tiles submitted from all over the world relating to the emotions felt after the September 11th disaster.
Tiles For America
Without doubt a defining moment in recent US history.
More specifically the set that follows were taken in Greenwich Village, New York. To be precise on on a chain link fence at the corner of 7th Avenue and 11th Street. It is a collection of tiles submitted from all over the world relating to the emotions felt after the September 11th disaster.
Tiles For America
Without doubt a defining moment in recent US history.
Friday, 2 April 2010
1983 - Music, fashion and hair gel
Just sat and watched the first episode of what is to be the last series of
"Ashes To Ashes"
If you have not been following it and it's older sibling "Life On Mars" I will not try and explain to you as I cannot really explain further than, modern day police officer as a result of a traumatic event travels back to (in this case) the early 1980's, 1983 to be precise. One of the programme threads is the clash of the modern thinking and the past approach. It also has a huge chattering class who dissect plot twists and the rationale for each action and clue.
One of the reasons it is so popular I think is that the viewer will be on a nostalgia fest. The script and action redolent of the early 80's cop shows, the fashions and the background music.
At the time this programme is set I was 20 and the fashions if not worn by me, are certainly memorable. Denim jackets (blousons) I had one, thin ties I had one, berets - no, leggings and jumper sets - no.
The music, ah the music the 1980's and indeed the late 1970's much maligned perhaps but I liked it. Throughout the programme tonight we had
Now Neil Kinnock was another man who lost his hair, there is a thread there. Phil Oakey, Sting, Neil Kinnock and me careful now or the "Ashes to Ashes" twitterati might delve into that but there is a simple answer male pattern hair loss or maybe it was the excessive use of hair product?
"Ashes To Ashes"
If you have not been following it and it's older sibling "Life On Mars" I will not try and explain to you as I cannot really explain further than, modern day police officer as a result of a traumatic event travels back to (in this case) the early 1980's, 1983 to be precise. One of the programme threads is the clash of the modern thinking and the past approach. It also has a huge chattering class who dissect plot twists and the rationale for each action and clue.
One of the reasons it is so popular I think is that the viewer will be on a nostalgia fest. The script and action redolent of the early 80's cop shows, the fashions and the background music.
At the time this programme is set I was 20 and the fashions if not worn by me, are certainly memorable. Denim jackets (blousons) I had one, thin ties I had one, berets - no, leggings and jumper sets - no.
The music, ah the music the 1980's and indeed the late 1970's much maligned perhaps but I liked it. Throughout the programme tonight we had
- Sweet Dreams
- Eurythmics
- Electric Avenue
- Eddy Grant
- Da Da Da
- Trio
- Blue Monday
- New Order
- Under Pressure
- David Bowie and Queen
- Walking on Sunshine
- Katrina and the Waves
- Every Breath You Take
- The Police
Now Neil Kinnock was another man who lost his hair, there is a thread there. Phil Oakey, Sting, Neil Kinnock and me careful now or the "Ashes to Ashes" twitterati might delve into that but there is a simple answer male pattern hair loss or maybe it was the excessive use of hair product?
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Easter Hols
A long week end coming up as I'm lucky to have the preceding Friday and the Monday after away from work. The Easter hols.
What will I do, what will you do?
Having just woken up from falling asleep on the sofa I'm thinking that I'll have a big sleep undisturbed by bonnets, bunnies or eggs.
Goodnight
-- Post From My iPhone
What will I do, what will you do?
Having just woken up from falling asleep on the sofa I'm thinking that I'll have a big sleep undisturbed by bonnets, bunnies or eggs.
Goodnight
-- Post From My iPhone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)