Mostly Harmless

Fun In The Snow

2012-02-06T21:04:00.000Z

Snowball fight anyone..?

A Bit Chilly

2012-02-04T22:26:00.000Z

OK so it's finally getting officially cold here now. We've had something of a mild winter to date here in the south of England but this morning was quite a shock to the system: At around 8 this morning my weather station in the garden was proudly telling me it was -8 degrees Celsius (that's about 18 degrees F). Brrrrr!

And you know what? Around 4pm it started to gently snow and hasn't stopped since (it's a mere zero degrees at present). Here's a couple of images, taken this evening.

View into the street.

Garden seats and table, complete with carrots (no, really) growing in a container.

Tomorrow we get to go play in the snow with LL. I suspect however GFDU will be wearing even more layers of clothes. We've got to four already LOL.

Honour

2012-01-26T22:24:00.003Z

Today I got to be an "Aussie for the day" in honour of Australia Day and my guest from Down Under.

So like a good Aussie I listened to a CD of Australian music (great), consumed home-made ANZAC biscuits (yummy) and drank Bundaberg Ginger Beer (need I say more?). The only downside being that at a maximum temperature of around 6.5 degrees Celsius, the weather wasn't exactly typically Australian.

Someone even thought it a good idea to fly the Aussie flag from the roof of my car all the way down to Southampton and Portsmouth today...

Strewth!

Nice Card

2012-01-20T21:46:00.000Z

You know how it is- just as you press the shutter, the subject pulls the card up and hides behind it!

...And Another Year Wiser

2012-01-20T00:01:00.005Z

Eight today. Happy Birthday son.

Cost Of Implants

2012-01-15T11:57:00.002Z

There's been a whole lot of coverage in the media this past few weeks regarding the scandal of faulty breast implants made by the now bust (no pun intended) French company PIP. You can read more here.

The British government has said there is no evidence of a risk to health (other governments including the French have taken a somewhat different line). The UK department of health has gone on to state that since the majority of the around 40000 UK women possibly affected chose to have cosmetic surgery via private clinics, it is the responsibility of those private providers to remedy. They claim in the vast majority of cases there was no medical need to have the implants ~~installed~~ (sorry) fitted, therefore it is not the responsibility of the National Health Service.

Not looking quite so 'glamorous' now, are they?

I kind of get that and for the most part agree. As a tax payer, it isn't my responsibility to pay to put right what was in effect a matter of personal vanity. Except if there is a health risk, in particular cancer for example, you can bet the NHS will end up having to provide the care and support, not to mention footing the bill. Surely the cost of providing future long term health care to potentially up to 40000 women more than outweighs the cost of replacing sub-standard implants now?

Just my thought...

Sick

2012-01-14T21:49:00.004Z

You know how you often hear parents telling their children not to bolt down their food? That they should take their time, chew properly and swallow before cramming the next fork load in or else they will be sick..?

Tonight I'm afraid I was proved right. LL was quite violently sick and the whole lot seemed to come back. Not nice.

Earlier in the day we had to spent far too much time on his homework. They've each been given the task for next few weeks of producing a booklet on an aspect of ancient Egypt, such as the Pyramids, Pharaohs or Mummies. You get the idea. Personally I think it's a bit of a stretch for most 8 year old kids, LL included. If they had been asked to research one new fact each week and then report back, I feel it might have been more appropriate. What they've been given instead is far too onerous and I suspect in many cases the work handed in at half term will be that of many parents, not their children.

I'll let you know if I get a good mark from Teacher LOL.

2 Jan Cardiff 3 - 1 Reading
14 Jan Watford 1 - 2 Reading

The Royals are currently 5th in the Championship on 42 points after 26 games.

Two Sherlocks

2012-01-08T21:03:00.018Z

Some readers will know I'm a bit of a fan of Conan Doyle's most famous consulting detective. You can imagine my joy at an impromptu trip with a friend to the cinema to see Guy Richie's latest this afternoon. Added to that the BBC are currently showing the second series of Steven Moffat's modernised version on Sunday nights. Two for the price of one you might say.

I thoroughly enjoyed the big screen version even if the final destination was somewhat signposted. The spectacle of the thing and its scale was most impressive. I did however comment that the actor playing Moriarty had- to my mind- more than a striking resemblance to the former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, poor bloke.

Also I should say last week's opening episode on BBC 1- text messaging and all- kept me gripped throughout and guessing right to the closing credits. So which is better? Must I choose now..?

Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr as Dr Watson and Mr Holmes, big screen style.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson in 21st Century Sherlock.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T20:49:00.001Z

There's quite a lot I wanted to say today regarding this past year- my own personal highs and lows and in fact I've been formulating ideas of what to say for a couple of days. The truth is that I've left it all too late and only now have time for a brief entry. I guess I could blog something in the coming days but I suspect it will all seem so "last year" by then LOL.

To business, I took LL out today for a trip to Henley on Thames, which was lovely. Very few people out and about by the river and the weather was quite kind. We even came across this lovely black swan, who was very keen to make our acquaintance and eat the bread we were carrying. The other ducks, geese and mute swans didn't really get a look in!

You don't see many of these around here.

And later we found out that his new LEGO boat really did float (in the bath). Until that is we learnt a new word: capsize.

Elsewhere Reading FC have put on a good show over the Christmas period and have moved nicely into 5th in the Championship.

17 Dec Leeds 0 - 1 Reading
26 Dec Reading 3 - 0 Brighton and Hove Albion
31 Dec Reading 1 - Ipswich

The Royals travel to Cardiff on Monday 2 Jan.

All that remains is for me to wish everyone a happy New Year.

Nearly But Not Quite Christmas

2011-12-24T20:30:00.004Z

LL came to visit today and spend some time with Dad and SM, who are staying for a few days. We all had lunch together and exchanged some gifts afterwards. This evening we had a go at tracking the progress of the Fat Man, here. Excellent fun. Maybe bookmark for next year..?

Don't you just feel all festive?

Only one more sleep to go...

Seasonal Greetings

2011-12-23T12:56:00.001Z

I'd just like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and all the very best for 2012.

Getting Round To Christmas

2011-12-11T19:58:00.000Z

I know I've been a bit "Blog-lite" of late and haven't posted a great deal. There's no need to send out the search party- I'm still alive (and well), just very busy at work. Ah the joys of employment- long may that continue (at least until I win the Lottery).

Having made a start helping LL yesterday to decorate the tree where he lives, I thought it was about time I did similar here. I've spent today tidying up and then doing my best to make the place look festive, although I think I might have gone a tad overboard, with the lights throughout the house. Another story for another time perhaps.

You might recall last year the tree was treated to blue lighting, this time I have picked mostly reds. What do you think?

I have positioned the tree to the left of the chimney, for ease of pressie delivery LOL.

No word yet about whether the office will be open over Christmas grrr. I hope it will be: I could do with working Wednesday to Friday that week and saving my leave for next year...

Elsewhere, the Royals have hauled themselves to 10th in the nPower Championship on 30 points from 21 games, after a mixed bag of results:

19 Nov Reading 1 - 2 Cardiff
26 Nov Ipswich 2 - 3 Reading
29 Nov Reading 3 - 2 Peterborough
3 Dec Blackpool 1 - 0 Reading
10 Dec Reading 3 - 0 West Ham

Check. Out.

2011-11-17T18:47:00.002Z

Have you ever tried one of those self service check-outs at your local supermarket, where you scan your own items? I have and I don't know why I bother. They're supposed to be quicker and easier to use than the traditional staffed till, right? Wrong. More often than not the queues seem to be much longer and when you get to the check-out, in my view they are far from straight forward.

For example my trip tonight to my local ASDA for a handful of the weekly items was just so stressful. No less than four interventions were required by the poor harassed assistant before I was able to scan all my purchases. First off despite telling me the till was ready for me to place my own bags in the bagging area, that wasn't good enough. So I had to wait to be manually authorised grrrr. Then there was the stress of the scanned item not being registered. Another visit, override code grrr. And... well you get the picture.

I certainly wasn't the only one having issues from I could see. On one level you have to feel sorry for the staff who I imagine receive a good deal of grief and it really isn't their fault, is it? Ho hum.

Oh one last (unrelated) thought: I've been hearing lately a lot in the media about the "Innernet." Repeat after me "In-Ter-net." There, that wasn't hard was it?

Hands Off?

2011-11-16T00:01:00.003Z

There's been mixed reaction to the news BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the BBC) are planning a big screen film version of Doctor Who. Apparently Harry Potter director David Yates is one of the prime movers behind this announcement. Now I don't know about you but I thought he did quite a decent job with the later instalments of that franchise. However Andrew M Brown in the Telegraph even went so far in his blog to seemingly list many of the reasons often cited as being behind the series cancellation (in the 1990's) as reasons why "Hollywood" should keep well away. So because it used to be seen as fairly low budget- and I guess against the average episode of say Battlestar Galactica it still is- Hollywood money shouldn't be used to (possibly) improve these things? I dunno.

But this is not the first time Doctor Who has appeared on the big screen. Those two 1960's Peter Cushing films weren't too bad. Surely?

Yes that was the Bernard Cribbins co-starring.

For me the jury is still out and I'll wait to hear more information before passing judgement. Perhaps a new film will be a welcome addition to the canon and assuming they move quickly maybe even a fitting 50th anniversary celebration in 2013...

1 Nov Nottingham Forest 1 - 0 Reading
6 Nov Reading 1 - 0 Birmingham

Dance

2011-11-15T05:09:00.002Z

I think I am in danger of becoming addicted to Strictly Come Dancing (or Dancing With The Stars, as it is known elsewhere). Read more here.

Star Chelsee Healy and professional dance partner Pasha Kovalev. Can't see what the attraction is myself LOL.

So how come with all the great British talent in the series, why is it two former Aussie soap stars seem to be leading the field?

But seriously I'm finding it rather good and quite unmissable. Must be getting old...

Remembrance

2011-11-13T11:00:00.006Z

To the brave men and women who have given so much so we all might enjoy freedom, thank you. We will never forget you.

11:11 11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.002Z

Today marks the anniversary of Armistice Day.

A depiction of the signing of the Armistice.

Right

2011-11-05T16:49:00.002Z

Gonna be a tad controversial now but I'm not trying to offend...

A few years back the previous UK government created "civil partnerships" as a means of recognising same sex unions and putting them on the same legal footing as a civil or religious marriage between a woman and a man. This was well intentioned I don't doubt, although some campaigners argued that even the term put it on a lesser standing to marriage. And oddly only same sex couples could have a civil partnership; if you are heterosexual you are currently only permitted to have a marriage, civil or religious. So one hardly equals the other.

The current coalition government has sought to equalise matters by announcing recently that by 2015 or thereabouts they intend to make it possible for same sex civil marriages to be held in places of religious worship. Such as a church, mosque or synagogue. The proviso being the people running a particular religious building have to be in agreement. Fair enough I guess. So far so good.

Now at this point I don't want anyone to think I am anti- this or anti- that. I'm not for one moment making any sort of comment on the preferences, lifestyles or choices made by others.

My concern is that a campaign group will find a religious building- say a church where the vicar does not agree with gay marriage- and they will attempt to force the issue via the law courts, claiming it is their right under the Human Rights Act to marry wherever they wish. I know there are likely to be a great many churches of various denominations who will welcome the opportunity to conduct same sex marriages, there will however be some where the leadership will feel that for them it is not in line with teaching and conviction. So while it might be your right to live the life you choose and with whom, is it not also the right of others to express their beliefs? As we approach Remembrance Day I think it is especially important to remind ourselves of the sacrifice made by many others so that we all can enjoy freedom of speech and thought. Enforcing one will or opinion on others is just not right.

And finally one last thought. If say this hypothetical vicar was so against same sex unions, why on God's Green Earth would you wish to be married and blessed in a building where you would clearly not be welcome?

Bwahaha!

2011-10-31T00:25:00.004Z

LL and I spent some time Saturday carving a pumpkin in time for Halloween. I'm not sure looking at this image which one is more scary...

I think he might go out tonight with some little friends "Trick or Treating." Or "Demanding with Menaces" as perhaps it might more accurately be described. To be honest at his age it's just innocent fun and they don't go further than a few houses in the immediate area, where all the children are well known anyway but you get my point.

Have a ghoulish (and safe) evening everyone...

Big Bang

2011-10-29T23:04:00.002+01:00

It's got round to that time of year again when the UK goes mad on fireworks to mark Guy Fawkes' attempt to destroy Parliament on 5 Nov 1605. The anniversary of this event is celebrated with fireworks and a bonfire on which a "Guy" is usually burnt.

As is tradition where LL lives, they celebrate on the nearest Saturday a whole week early, don't ask me why, so usually around Halloween. It seems to work and a great time is had by all. Here's a couple of images from this evening...

Great fun.

29 Oct Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Reading

Ta-Dah!

2011-10-23T21:24:00.005+01:00

Here it is, as promised....

Don't worry- I did wash the holly first LOL.

The Smell Of Christmas*

2011-10-23T15:54:00.002+01:00

Some readers may recall last year I had a go at baking a Christmas cake based on the Delia Smith kit sold in a well known supermarket. If you need to, you can refresh your memory here and here LOL.

Now if ever there was an example of how imitation is one of the best forms of flattery, may I present exhibit "A" below?

All that's missing from this image is 170g of unsalted butter.

At £10 (the same price Delia's was offered for last year) you can understand that I couldn't refuse the chance to give it go. And in fact it requires fewer additional ingredients; how can I go wrong? It's in the oven now and should be finished after 3 and a half hours at a relatively low heat, so a couple more to go. There's whole almonds in the mix so I'm thinking this year perhaps I might leave it totally plain and adorn it with some holly from the garden...

Either way I might post an image later as it cools. Do check back soon to see how it went.

18 Oct Reading 2 - 2 Derby
22 Oct Reading 1 - 1 Southampton

* Don't you just love the smell of spices and mixed fruit that has been soaked in a generous portion of Brandy? I know I do LOL.

Extra

2011-10-16T22:47:00.000+01:00

Extra minutes and extra teeth.

LL has been feeling very much under the weather this weekend, complaining of headaches and a sore throat. It seems the route cause is a number of adult teeth pushing through. As you see, at least some of the new ones appear to be a little off target...

Ouch!

Meanwhile yesterday the Royals travelled to Burnley and ended up playing an unheard of additional 9 minutes, in lieu of injury time. Substitute Jem Karacan managed to score the only goal of the match right before the final whistle (at 99 minutes), winning Reading a vital 3 points. Following their no-score-draw at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday (1 Oct), Reading's unbeaten run now stretches to 4 games but they remain mid-table at 14th out of 24.

P.Y.O*

2011-10-01T23:02:00.001+01:00

Who would have thought the first day of October would see us out in the sunshine picking strawberries and raspberries? In fact at 29.9 degrees Celsius (about 86 degrees F), today has been the hottest October day in Britain on record. Wow.

Now where shall we start?

Did we pick enough?

* Pick Your Own. Just so you know.

Crunch

2011-09-29T21:07:00.012+01:00

Those clever marketing girls and boys at Kellogg have excelled themselves. Recently they left on my doorstep a full size (390g) box of cereal to try out. Lucky me.

It's claimed to be a great start to the day and high in fibre. That'll keep me going LOL.

...And it was actually about 2 degrees higher than forecast. Perhaps the BBQ will be coming out for one last gasp this year...

Twenty-6

2011-09-28T20:35:00.002+01:00

It's all about the numbers tonight...

Twenty-Six degrees Celsius (about 79 degrees F) is the forecast temperature for the south of England tomorrow. Can you believe it? The end of September and we are experiencing better weather than in some summers. Go figure. The good weather is expected to last at least until Sunday.
I'm loving paying tax at the moment (You what?!? I hear you ask). Well my tax bill this month was 40 pence, about $0.60 of anybody's persuasion. Last month was better at a big fat zero. Just adore the tax free allowance. Or will I just get hit with a huge tax bill later LOL?
The Royals seem to have remembered how to play "the beautiful game" at last. Saturday (24/09) saw them travel to Coventry and gain a vital point from a one-all draw and on Tuesday (27/09) Bristol City were the hosts. Reading came home with all three points, having won by 3 goals to 2. Well done.
33% is the amount my local water company wanted to increase my bill by this week. We've agreed an 11% rise, based on what I am likely to use, not what they want me to spend.

That's all, TTFN.

Pepper

2011-09-21T19:40:00.000+01:00

I've been growing peppers again this summer and recently decided it was time to harvest them. (I guess it's not rocket science to work out why Harvest Festival has always traditionally been held in September/October). Anyway here they are all lined up on the kitchen window sill a couple of days back.

And what do you know? They've started to ripen in the late Summer (or is it now Autumn?) sun, mmmm...

At Last

2011-09-18T09:47:00.000+01:00

I've been waiting a good while to publish Reading FC's results, in order to actually mention a win. Well here it is:

23 Aug Charlton 2 - 1 Reading
27 Aug Hull 1 - 0 Reading
10 Sept Reading 0 - 2 Watford
17 Sept Reading 2 - 0 Doncaster

The Royals are now in 14th out of 24 in the Championship.

Elsewhere, yes I admit Torchwood: Miracle Day didn't quite resolve itself as I had expected/predicted. Nevertheless it was still pretty poor, with key moments conveniently occurring off-screen so as to manufacture suspense for the viewer. Can't see the point of the cliff hanger "surprise" ending- unless Starz secretly intend to make a US-only version with their own not-so-unique central character- because I don't see Torchwood itself returning for a 5th I'm afraid.

A friend and former work colleague has also this week shared some news of a not so good kind. I'm thinking of them all.

Oh and finally have you noticed I've avoided mentioning how poorly some countries are currently doing in the Rugby World Cup? Oops think I just have LOL...

Time For Snow?

2011-09-13T17:44:00.000+01:00

The lovely Kate Bush has announced the release of her next album- "50 Words for Snow," which is due on 21 November. Would you believe I already have a copy on order? LOL

All Grown Up

2011-09-07T19:14:00.002+01:00

Today was the first day back at school for LL. And in fact his first day at Junior School, having spent Foundation and years 1 and 2 at the nearby Infant establishment. He seemed to have been looking forward to it this morning when I accompanied him and perfectly happy this evening.

Ready for school, lunch in hand.

Waiting for the school bell to ring.

Dog Suit

2011-09-06T23:44:00.044+01:00

How funny is the Elijah Wood starring series Wilfred, currently showing on BBC Three?

Mind you, I can't help but wonder why we are getting the remake rather than the two seasons of the Aussie original..? Both versions co-star Jason Gann, who also co-created the series, who is fantastic as the wise talking man/dog or whatever he is.

Oh and hello to my new Aussie visitors to this blog. Pleased to meet you, hope you've found something interesting to read while you were here.

Maris Piper

2011-09-03T23:12:00.000+01:00

With a little help (LOL) I dug my final crop of spuds today. Don't they look tasty?

Omnisexual

2011-08-29T07:46:00.002+01:00

I've been thinking of late a little bit about the latest series of Torchwood, subtitled Miracle Day.

It seems to me that when Torchwood was smaller, ie made exclusively by the BBC, it was somehow bigger and far more creative, had better aspirations than this new Startz co-production incarnation. I mean eight episodes in (and only two remaining) and we've mostly had exposition and run of the mill conspiracies which to be frank almost border on villain-of-the-week standard; there's not been a compelling narrative which has built the story week on week. Torchwood used to be about the aliens and monsters that lived amongst us, in the underworld and just out of sight or the occasional glimpse of the monster living inside each of us. We've had none of that. Just an undefined plodding lecture on how despite medical advances we really need people to die or else we face population explosion and all the hardships, strains on resources that will bring.

So what of the central character, Captain Jack Harkness? He's meant to be around 2000 years old, quite possibly immortal and above all a humanoid alien with quite different sexual desires to us. To be exact Jack is meant to be omnisexual. Not a word you tend to hear outside of the world of Torchwood and Doctor Who but basically means he is attracted to men, women and aliens and will bed any and all without a moments thought. Something of a sexual predator; he will happily stop in the middle of an adventure if someone/thing catches his eye. What exactly does this have to do with Miracle Day? Well he suddenly seems to have become exclusively Homosexual and us viewers have been "treated" to some pretty graphic sex scenes and references.

And do you know what? At the conclusion of episode eight the villain behind the so called miracle is revealed as a- conveniently just invented- spurned (homosexual) lover from the 1920's. Not very original and to be honest I'm not quite sure what the openly gay writer, Russell T Davies is saying here. Don't cross a gay man because he will never forget and will set out to wreck havoc in your life for years to come..? Please!

Team Torchwood as it used to be. Note the giant Phallic structure in the background.

Now what of some of the other characters in the series? The excellent Bill Pullman has produced a compellingly creepy character in the form of convicted paedophile Oswald Danes. Whether this character is essential to the story arc and part of the conspiracy or just a diversion is at this point unclear. Having escaped execution in the first episode and having travelled on some sort of personal journey towards public adulation (within the plot) it seems likely at the close, death will catch up with him. Equally Rex Matheson, played by Mekhi Phifer seems largely redundant and only there to serve as a moral opposite to the promiscuous Captain Jack. Having turned himself into a human kebab in the opener, he too will expire I am sure before the final credits. This much was obvious from the beginning therefore I haven't been able to invest in either of these characters.

The supporting female cast members seem to have come off worse. Eve Myles returns as Gwen Cooper playing the "heart and soul" of the piece and reminding us all that Torchwood is Welsh but has very little else to do. She frets over her baby and worries about her father who has had a fatal heart attack, so I think we can guess where that is going. Finally Alexa Havins seems largely along for the ride as CIA agent Esther Drummond. Obviously meant to be the new "eyes and ears" of the viewer to ask the who, what and why questions, she's avoided not dying but as an actress should be feeling poorly served by this opportunity.

All in all I think you can gather I'm not impressed with Torchwood: Miracle Day. To be honest the only miracle here is that anyone, myself included, is still watching.

End of Rant.

Oh by the way, wasn't it great to see new Doctor Who back on our screens this past weekend? That's how to tell a compelling story.

Soap Dodgers

2011-08-28T10:44:00.026+01:00

Thank goodness very soon the great unwashed and other undesirables will be leaving the area for another year. Yes I am referring to the Reading Music Festival, held annually on the last weekend of August.

Many residents find the town centre at daytime to be a no-go area over this period, myself included. This year the noise at night has been particularly unbearable until quite late. I live around 5 miles (about 7 km) from the main site, yet I could hear it all very well, thank you.

Despite Reading Council's annual protestations that they will be tough on the organisers, that the costs of policing and clearing up will not be met by Tax Payers and that sound levels will be closely controlled and monitored, I can't help suspect the Council find this event far too lucrative and nothing will change.

I think next year I will go away for the weekend.

Cowboys And Buses

2011-08-24T21:43:00.001+01:00

My recent life in brief...

Last night I met a friend at the cinema and we saw Cowboys and Aliens. Absolutely brilliant concept and really well executed. Couldn't quite believe it had such a low certificate mind you. Ford and Craig, almost but not quite a movie dream team.
Love the new series of "Who Do You Think You Are?"
College beckons again. Seems like ages since I last had my hands in some clay.
I've recently found someone really important.
I have resumed work on the loft hatch cover. I intend to be snug this winter no matter how cold it gets.
After 8 months out of work, just like buses, two different job offers come along in one go. For the record it's not all about the money but the prospect of having to drive 200 miles (about 320 km) each way at least twice a week sure had something to do with my choice.

Beanz

2011-08-21T21:10:00.001+01:00

Picked my first crop of dwarf runner beans this afternoon and cooked a handful for dinner. Very tasty- the best way to eat produce is straight from the garden and into the kitchen. Of course you do realise you're invited round sometime if you fancy. Just let me know when you are free...

Oh and what's happened to Torchwood: Miracle Day? Six episodes in, lots of exposition and still no sign of a monster or alien. Mind you, finger's crossed for episode 7...

16 Aug Portsmouth 1 - 0 Reading
20 Aug Reading 1 - 2 Barnsley

Yesterday was the anniversary of mum dying. Miss her.

Costa

2011-08-19T20:27:00.000+01:00

Have discovered this week that one of the office units near work has sub-let space on the ground floor to a Costa Coffee franchise. A couple of us paid a "fact finding" (LOL) trip this lunchtime. A large Latte is only £1.75 (about $2.60 US, $2.80 AU) and taste just great.

You shouldn't drink near expensive electronic equipment- don't worry this one was empty.

They even tried to ensnare me with the promise breakfast bacon butties. Sneaky don't you think? Given I drive past this unit on my way to the office, I think this might become a regular if I'm not too careful! Mmmm.

Seaside

2011-08-14T21:14:00.002+01:00

Friday saw me take a day off from work (so soon?!?) and take LL down to Highcliffe to visit his Grandad. Unexpectedly he got to spend some quality time with one of his step-cousins (is there such a term?), very noisy and full-on. Later we cut over to Swanage where he is currently spending some time away with his mum.

13 Aug Leicester 0 - 2 Reading

So Soon?

2011-08-06T21:00:00.001+01:00

The new English football season started today.

It seems like only yesterday the whistle was blown in the final match of the 2010/2011 competition. Used to be football was a winter sport along with rugby, while in summer we had cricket and athletics. How things change.

Anyway the Royals kicked off their campaign at home to Millwall and a final score of 2 a piece.

Vales Emerald

2011-07-31T16:30:00.001+01:00

I had a little helper yesterday assist me removing these from their container, while the sun smiled down on us.

Come supplied with dirt, at no extra cost LOL.

It's not quite The Good Life but it certainly is great growing your own food and knowing exactly where it came from, what is in it. Mmmm.

Gone

2011-07-26T19:43:00.000+01:00

Have just seen the final Harry Potter. Wow.

Can't believe it's all over now (sniff).

Saturday Night Thoughts

2011-07-23T20:51:00.003+01:00

A few comments and observations:

27 is far too young to die. It sadly didn't come as a surprise to hear Amy Winehouse has been found dead but nevertheless you have to concede that despite her troubles she was extremely talented.
As of yesterday LL is on summer holidays for around 6 weeks. He's now finished at the Infant school and in September, the start of year 3, will transfer to the Junior school.
I've been offered a job, after so long looking. All being well I start this coming week. Am feeling excited at the prospect, although starting early once again may come as a shock to my system.
Still not quite sure what has happened to the summer weather. Downpours one minute, glorious sunshine the next.
The death toll from Friday's Norwegian bombing and shooting spree now stands at over 90 confirmed. Can't imagine the horror.
I've heard rumours the rent-a-house round the corner is due to be filled with students again from September, grrrrr. Please can we have some quiet, sensible ones this time?
Just as I feared, the new series of Torchwood has so far proved to be a poor shadow of it's former self.
I've been eyeing up Kindles, iPads and similar of late. Is that bad of me?

Today at the park.

End

2011-07-21T17:59:00.003+01:00

How sad the Space Shuttle program has now come to a close after 30 years.

In my younger years I had a poster of one of the Shuttles sat on it's launch pad over my bed (next to the life size one of Kate Bush, naturally); like many I used to dream about space exploration and the brave new era it promised. Not quite the fully reusable craft to make Han Solo envious but still an incredible vehicle. I guess now I can add to my list of unfulfilled ambitions: to fly Concorde, to see in person the Space Shuttle take-off and ... oh maybe I'll cover those in another posting...

At least the crew completed their mission and returned home safely. Truly historic.

A Plot Is Hatched...

2011-07-17T21:59:00.000+01:00

I know I have been a bit quiet of late, here's something I have been up to...

Some will know I have an attic room in this house. It's quite nice and roomy although at the moment it is only used as a store, it could easily be used as a bedroom. During summer it's really handy to open wide the window up there and allow the heat from the house a means of escape through the stairway. There's no door and needless to say that last winter, even with the window fully closed, I felt too much heat was escaping by the same route, therefore contributing to rather excessive fuel costs.

This coming 12 months fuel costs are set to rise by between 15 and 20% depending on supplier and the only way to realistically curb this is to use less. Last winter was pretty harsh admittedly but I'm preparing for the worst, particularly when you consider I don't have an income.

To this end I have constructed a light weight cover or hatch to the attic room which can be easily lifted into place in time for the cold. It's not quite completed yet: I'm yet to stain it to match the existing woodwork before adding the insulation.

Here's a couple of work-in-progress images, what do you think?

From below.

There are pictures of me as a baby sat on this carpet.

Anyway, I'm just doing my bit to save energy.

Potter Fest

2011-07-06T11:23:00.000+01:00

I seem to have a little time on my hands at present so I'm thinking perhaps I should re-watch the first 7 Harry Potter films in readiness for the final. Maybe not all in one sitting; that might be considered a tad extreme and I wouldn't want to come across obsessive in any way LOL.

Have I mentioned I can't wait until The Deathly Hallows part 2 comes out..?

How Could I Resist?

2011-07-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

Why can't more products have cool and descriptive packaging?

Tilted

2011-06-23T23:37:00.002+01:00

I've just uploaded images of my final (for the moment) two pots. They can be found on Webshots here and as ever will be at the very end of the folder.

Now before you say they look rather wonky, they were thrown on an angled wheel head, as I've previously mentioned. It's pretty b****y tricky I can tell you. Having thrown a nice regular pot, the effect is that when placed to a level surface, the pot leans at a pleasing angle. If I return to ceramics, I think I'll give this another go...

Deathly Hallows

2011-06-17T12:26:00.001+01:00

I've just seen the latest trailer for the final instalment of the Harry Potter series. It looks great.

It's due for release on 15 July and based on part one, it should be a good one even if it has the shortest running time of all 8 films. To be honest I thought the final book was flabby and somewhat unfocussed; thankfully the screen version- at least of the first part- corrected matters and was a much tighter affair, so I have great hopes Harry and co will leave the silver screen on a high.

What exactly is the deal with Pottermore, I wonder?

The Sky At Night

2011-06-16T19:30:00.001+01:00

I found this image today and couldn't resist posting it. This is the United Kingdom as seen from the International Space Station. While I feel it looks rather cool, it does highlight just how much light pollution there is. Most of it I expect is unnecessary.

The view from 230 miles (around 370 km).

Read the full article from the Daily Mail website here.

Rocket. Man.

2011-06-13T12:28:00.002+01:00

Further to yesterday's posting, I dug my first crop of spuds. A modest bowlful of Rocket variety yes but not bad from only four seeds potatoes. Can't wait to give them a scrub, cook and eat with a little butter mmm.

The next batch won't be ready for digging until August/September time.

Let's Talk About...

2011-06-12T16:21:00.002+01:00

One of the things us British are famous/notorious* for is our obsession with the weather and that we seem to devote a disproportionate amount of time talking about it.

Is there, you might ask, any reason for this state of affairs? Let's consider the following: This past week vast areas of the east of England have been placed under a severe drought warning, with farmers being told to expect restrictions on the amount of water they can use to irrigate crops. At the same time here in the Thames Valley we've had rain for probably 24 hours (putting a halt on my plans to dig some of my potato crop today) with daytime temperatures down at around 12 degrees Celsius, a marked contrast on a few weeks ago. Oh and over in Wales they had snow on Thursday.

We're only a small country- in fact the British Isles will fit into most US or Australian states several times over- yet our weather conditions can vary so wildly. This is meant to be summertime; is it any wonder we're obsessed LOL?

* Delete as applicable.

Buzz-off!

2011-06-09T15:41:00.001+01:00

So I had to go into the attic the other day and noticed about four wasps harassing the strip light in a rather demented manner. I didn't think anything of it, merely treated them to a good dose of aerosol wasp and fly killer and left it at that.

Today there were many more and I don't think they were too happy to be honest. They're entering via gaps in the exterior wall tiles up high on the side of the house and have built themselves a cosy home between the roof tiles and insulation (I can hear them buzzing around under the insulation).

A British wasp nest in a Sussex roof space. My visitors may have constructed something similar.

The good news is the wasps won't reuse the nest next summer but I can't wait that long and I have to admit to being unsure quite how to deal with it. Answers on a postcard or back of a sealed down envelope to the usual competition address. Or you could just email your suggestions.

Poppy

2011-06-03T13:06:00.003+01:00

Thought I would share this picture I took in my front garden around 8 this morning. For some reason my poppies seem to be a little behind those in the surrounding area but it's good to see the first couple flowering.

It's been said poppies only really grow on former battlefield sites; something to do with corpses making for good manure. Well I'm not sure about that and although Reading has seen it's share over the years, I'm not convinced any skirmishes were held at my exact location. Maybe there's just a body down there somewhere following a grisly murder LOL?

Spoilers!*

2011-06-02T16:13:00.002+01:00

How much do I love the cover of the new addition of Radio Times, the BBC's weekly listing magazine?

Enough to publish a cropped, spoiler free, version of the Doctor Who themed cover, that's for sure.

Amy Pond (played by Karen Gillan) and some sword wielding fellows.

This coming Saturday the BBC broadcasts episode 7 of the current excellent series and with it a mid-season finale. Viewers are promised a spectacular episode (extended to 50 minutes) and cliffhanger to ensure we all tune in for the next episode.

Those wishing to see the entire Radio Times spoiler filled front cover can click here to view, together with a collection of past Doctor Who covers dating back to 1964.

The sixth series returns in the Autumn. Can it come back soon enough?

*As Alex Kingston's character might say LOL.

Outplayed

2011-05-30T21:45:00.005+01:00

A thrilling match at Wembly stadium today saw Reading FC make a valiant attempt but in the end Swansea were the better team on the day. The final score of Reading 2 - 4 Swansea sees the Welsh team promoted to play Premiership football next season.

Maybe next year.

Torch

2011-05-22T21:14:00.001+01:00

Further to my last posting where I mentioned the Olympic torch would be visiting Reading.

Dad told me recently some interesting things about the 1948 games (he was 10 at the time). Not only was the marathon held round what is now the Reading University campus but his brother D, being slightly older, got to carry the torch (as part of a group from Boy's Brigade) as it made it's way through the town towards London.

How cool is that?

Ten Pound Challenge

2011-05-19T20:10:00.000+01:00

I've been set of the task today of trying to get my weekly shopping for under £10 (about US $16, AU $15).

You can't get much but here's how I got on:

2.27 l (4 pints) fresh semi-skimmed milk, £1.25
500 g butter, £2.00
925 g apples, £1.61
1.02 g bananas, £0.80
140 g sliced corned beef, £1.75
large wholemeal loaf (sliced), £0.47
750 g cornflakes, £1.28

The total comes to £9.16, well done me. Dad and SM are due for a visit next week, I may therefore find my larder, freezer and fridge gets depleted but I intend to give this a go again next week.

And elsewhere...

I've had quite a lot of interest in my CV this week, you never know it might lead to a job!

Reading has been announced as one of the venues to be visited by the Olympic torch next year on it's way to the games in "that London." Might have to take LL along for a look-see.

Wembly

2011-05-17T22:00:00.000+01:00

The Royals dominated their away leg in Wales with a 3 - 0 win against Cardiff. Next up they will play (former Reading manager) Brendan Rodgers' Swansea at the end of the month, for the right next year to play in the Premiership.

Well done.

Curly Fries And Other Thoughts

2011-05-15T23:03:00.008+01:00

Have you noticed the current trend of saying "Up Coming"? If we mean "Future" why not use it? It takes fewer letters after all.
I got asked yesterday by the lady living across from LL to help apply some eye drops to her poorly cat. Those beasties have sharp claws- I very nearly lost my left raspberry*. No really.
I now have three different varieties of potato growing in my garden: Rocket, Vales Emerald and Maris Piper. These are due to crop June, Aug/Sept and Aug/Oct respectively.
Ever heard someone say "I've not heard from you in ages"? If they were that concerned, why weren't they the first to pick up the phone or write an email? It works both ways don't you think?
Heard today that my great aunt (on Mum's side) died on Friday. She was the last living sibling of my Grandad.
As requested I returned to the Surgery for another Asthma check. This time I saw someone different and apparently "lung age" is a load of rubbish. Go figure.
The Royals need a win away at Cardiff on Tuesday if they are to proceed to the play-off final at Wembly. The no score draw at home last Friday in the first leg wasn't a good start.
Whoever dreamt up curly fries should be given an award. Oh so tasty and brings to mind some very fond memories.

King of the road (or path)?

* Rhyming slang for... you can work it out, think about ice cream LOL.

5th

2011-05-08T12:42:00.001+01:00

The Royals finished the championship season proper with a mixed bag of results. Possibly having worked their way into the play-off zone, they rested on their laurels just a little too much...

22 Apr Leeds 0 - 0 Reading
25 Apr Reading 2 - 3 Sheffield United
30 Apr Coventry 0 - 0 Reading
7 May Reading 2 - 1 Derby

Reading will take on fourth placed Cardiff for the chance to play the winner of Swansea and Nottingham Forest in the play-off final. The winner will be awarded promotion to the Premiership along with Queens Park Rangers and Norwich.

Npower Championship table

		P	GD	PTS
1	QPR	46	39	88
2	Norwich	46	25	84

3	Swansea	46	27	80
4	Cardiff	46	22	80
5	Reading	46	26	77
6	Nott'm Forest	46	19	75

7	Leeds	46	11	72
8	Burnley	46	4	68
9	Millwall	46	14	67
10	Leicester	46	5	67
11	Hull	46	1	65
12	Middlesbrough	46	0	62
13	Ipswich	46	-6	62
14	Watford	46	6	61
15	Bristol City	46	-3	60
16	Portsmouth	46	-7	58
17	Barnsley	46	-11	56
18	Coventry	46	-4	55
19	Derby	46	-13	49
20	Crystal Palace	46	-25	48
21	Doncaster	46	-26	48

22	Preston	46	-25	42
23	Sheffield Utd	46	-35	42
24	Scunthorpe	46	-44	42

Book Worm

2011-05-02T19:36:00.001+01:00

Now I don't usually do this but may I just recommend a thoroughly good book?

It's "Empty Cradles," Margaret Humphreys 1994 account of her work uncovering the scandal of the Home Children scheme. You may recall I mentioned it here after I had seen the film based on this book.

A compelling read that tells how Margaret first became aware that over several years children had been removed from this country without parental consent. She details how they lost their identities, were split from brothers or sisters and often ended up living in worse conditions than those the so-called "orphans" had left behind in the mother country. Many told of abuse at the hands of the individuals entrusted to look after them.

Flying The Flag

2011-04-29T06:30:00.004+01:00

Hurray- today marks the wedding of our future King, Prince William to Kate Middleton. Another reason why it is great to be British.

(Just be thankful I didn't use this image LOL)

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T00:58:00.005+01:00

Happy Easter everyone.

St George's Day

2011-04-23T09:10:00.000+01:00

Proud to be British.

Morph

2011-04-21T16:30:00.003+01:00

Take a listen to this: it's amazing just how easily Lady GaGa's "Born This Way" could morph into Madonna's "Express Yourself." I believe the Young People call it a 'mash up,' which frankly was something I thought you did to root vegetables using a little butter, milk and seasoning but there you go LOL.

This is an acoustic recording by Doll & The Kicks. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: This is a non profit making Blog. Copyright remains with respective authors and rights holders. No infringement intended.

Sarah Jane

2011-04-19T21:41:00.004+01:00

I've just read that another great British TV icon has died; Elizabeth Sladen, forever known to fans as Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who and also in her own (spin-off) the Sarah Jane Adventures.

Sladen originally appeared opposite (3rd Dr) Jon Pertwee and (4th Dr) Tom Baker. She then returned in a guest starring role in the relaunched series opposite David Tennant before starring in her own programme. Tennant later guested as the Doctor in the SJA before Matt Smith followed in 2010. A fifth series had been planned for broadcast by the BBC this Autumn.

Sladen with the "K9" prop filming the Doctor Who episode "School Reunion."

Cause of death has yet to be confirmed although it has been said she had been battling against cancer. Read more about Elizabeth Sladen here.

You'll be missed, Sarah Jane but I know somewhere in the Universe you will keep on having adventures.

600

2011-04-18T12:32:00.000+01:00

Just a brief update from the weekend:

Dad and SM came up Friday to stay for the weekend, so I had a mad moment or two beforehand tidying and putting away. Not that the place was really a mess but Dad in particular is a bit fixed in his ways and expects everything to be "just so" if you follow. SM has also recently had an operation on one of her feet, so mobility is something of an issue for her and it was helpful not to have too many obstacles about the place. You get the picture.

Saturday LL and I arranged to meet Dad at Lockey Farm in nearby Arborfield where they were holding their first open weekend. The sun shone and the sky was blue, everything was fine with the world. The farmer and his staff were running tours of the farm for a small fee, which we all enjoyed. The farm has over 6000 (Columbian Blacktail) free range chickens who get the run of some 40+ acres. In addition the farm has wonderful pigs and a large flock of sheep who were lambing.

Later I paid a brief visit to the area of outer Reading previously known as Worton Grange, to look at this lovely house.

This grade 2 heritage listed (protected) building is a former farm house and is now known as Little Lea Cottage. It is now surrounded by modern development and is in effect on a little island all of it's own. I never knew it was there. The reason I went to check it out is that apparently there is a family link back in the 1850's. Fairly recent for us although I know some overseas readers may feel that far back is the dim and distant past, given the relative short history of their own countries LOL. Oddly Dad remembers delivering newspapers as a lad to this house (after WWII) without realising the family link.

The Royals have also chalked up another couple of good results, moving them nicely up the table:

12 Apr Scunthorpe 0 - 2 Reading
16 Apr Reading 3 - 1 Leicester

Oh yeah and this entry marks 600 posts. Well done, me!

Does My Hair Clash With My Shirt?*

2011-04-09T22:32:00.000+01:00

*Or what happens when children are allowed to pick their own clothes LOL.

What a lovely day, with temperatures at 20 degrees Celsius in the shade in my garden. Not bad for early April. In fact an excellent day for playing in the park and then back home for toasted cheese sandwiches. Mmm.

Oh and I should mention I got another pot back from college this past week. It's Marbled Blue, my Stoneware glaze of choice at present. It will be uploaded to Webshots shortly but in the mean time, take a look at this:

Nottingham Forest 3 - 4 Reading

The Royals move to 5th on 66 points.

Specs Appeal

2011-04-07T14:38:00.002+01:00

Isn't it strange how the oddest things make us happy? A couple of weeks ago, I ordered some new glasses from one of those web-only retailers where you supply your prescription details and other information, then off your order goes into the depths of the Wibbly Wobbly Web. Or something like that. Over here glasses cost from around £70 (about $112) for the most basic specs on the high street, so when it's suggested you could pay less that half that, there's got to be a catch, right?

With light weight scratch resistant lens, supplied all the way from Hong Kong for only £23.50 (around US $37), how could I go wrong LOL?

Recent footie results have gone rather well for The Royals:

19 March Barnsley 0 - 1 Reading
2 April Reading 2 - 0 Portsmouth
5 April Reading 2 - 1 Preston

Reading are back in the play-off zone, right at the crucial period of the season. They just need to hold on for a few more weeks and then win their play-off matches. No pressure then LOL.

Sunshine

2011-04-06T13:27:00.002+01:00

Can I take a moment to recommend a film, currently showing at Cinemas..?

"Oranges and Sunshine" is the story of Margaret Humphreys and the formation of the Child Migration Trust. This truly moving account, set in the 1980's, tells how Margaret a Social Worker from Nottingham, discovered vulnerable children- who had been placed into the care of the State- had been shipped to far flung Commonwealth countries to start new lives. This was done without the knowledge or consent of the parents and in some cases the children were told their parents had died and that they had no choice. They were promised better lives but in many instances they ended up being split from siblings, living in hardship and for some in abusive situations.

Migrant children arriving in Australia.

The film focusses on the displaced children sent to Australia but in reality many were also sent to Canada, New Zealand and (the former) Rhodesia, with the knowledge and approval of the respective governments.

Britain had also sent vagrant children from London to Virginia, the first British outpost in America, back in the 17th century in order to boost the population. Forced migration would continue for some 350 years, with over 100,000 children being affected. The Home Children scheme as it was known ended with the last arrivals in Australia in 1970 but it was not until 2009/2010 that the Prime Ministers of those countries (Gordon Brown and Kevin Rudd) formally recognised and apologised on behalf of both nations.

Margaret's book "Empty Cradles" has been re-released (to coincide with the film) and sales have helped fund the work of the Trust.

Cut-Out

2011-04-01T13:08:00.001+01:00

I've just uploaded here, 5 images from 2 of my most recent pots. As always the latests pictures are at the far end of the folder.

Stoneware glazes used are Light Oatmeal and Fiord Blue with Blue/Grey. Unfortunately the Oatmeal seems to have run a little too thin and has pretty much burnt away. I'm intending to see if I might be able to re-glaze it in the coming weeks but since the clay has now vitrified, a second glaze may not take and instead simply run off in firing. We'll see and as always I'll publish the outcome.

Missed Data?

2011-03-28T15:06:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was the official date of the 2011 UK census, where all households have by law to declare certain facts. These include the total number and details of anyone present overnight, the type of housing (number of bedrooms etc). You get the picture. We have a Census every 10 years with the only exception being WW2, I believe.

I'm not sure exactly how long it will take the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to upload all the data and start producing (meaningful) information. The idea is that this will directly influence the future provision of infrastructure such as roads, schools, houses and hospitals. As a result this will also have a direct bearing on future taxation, and there was me thinking the Government just plucked a figure out of thin air LOL. The only information that will be published will be statistical trends, with the raw data locked away until 2111.

I dutifully completed mine yesterday and popped it back in the post. I could have submitted it electronically, completing on-line but I felt there's something nice knowing in 100 years time my descendants- should they wish- will be able to actually view my handwriting. Perhaps I'm a little old fashioned...

Anyway I did notice one omission from the questionnaire which given the make up of many modern families seems quite major. Nowhere on the form is there a question relating to the number of offspring under age 18 who for whatever reason live at another address. To me this seems quite important and something of a missed opportunity to gather meaningful data. Did this not occur to the ONS when they spent the last 10 years planning the Census? Perhaps they are all middle class men of a certain age, nicely secure in their slightly out-of-step view of society and insulated from the real world?

Maybe my outlook isn't so old fashioned after all.

Update: It's also been pointed out that for some unknown reason, the current Census does not ask for middle names. Strange.

Look Up

2011-03-27T21:38:00.002+01:00

On a recent trip into Reading I lifted my gaze from street level (and trying to dodge idiots!) and noticed just how wonderful some of the building in my home town really are. Here's a picture I took at the Broad Street Mall (St Mary's Butts) end of Broad Street.

There's another one of those nice stone balconies at the far corner, just out of sight. Now if only I could find out some of the history of this building...

UPDATE 10 April 2011. I've been advised by a reader, that this building was once the McIlroy Department Store, built at the turn of the twentieth century and closed in the 1950's. Apparently the McIlroys were once a prominent family in this great town. Read a little more here.

Not Long Now (Part II)

2011-03-25T22:50:00.002Z

The BBC have just launched this short "prequel" for the first episode of the new series of Doctor Who, which is due to air Easter weekend. Can't wait, can you?

Please note, this may not work outside the UK however versions may be available on YouTube or similar but to be honest I haven't checked. Readers in the US may also view this prequel/trailer here on the BBC America site.

Amber (May) Mean 'Go'

2011-03-24T21:45:00.000Z

At last common sense might prevail. I've experienced this type of system while travelling in the New England area of the US, where a flashing traffic light means "proceed with caution." Seems to work pretty well both day and night overseas, so why can't a night time system work here? Or at least let's discuss it.

Things That Make Me Go "Grrrr"

2011-03-23T12:29:00.002Z

In no specific order:

I sometimes truly worry this (once) great country is becoming a nation of half-wits. For example it really grates with me when I hear the word "nuffink" instead of "nothing." If we can't express ourselves correctly, what hope is there? The word "init" is another I have a love/hate relationship with. Then again why do nearly all teens try to express their individuality by sounding like every other teen and use some sort of rap/gang speak? Learn to speak proper, just like what I does lol.
Yesterday I nearly ran a woman over in my car. I was turning right at a mini round-a-bout and was part way through the manoeuvre when without warning she stepped out from the kerb in front of me, totally oblivious to her surroundings. Now here's the best bit: she was pushing a pram with a baby inside. FFS! You won't hear me swear too often on this blog but you get my point. I sounded the horn, stopped to remonstrate with her and I know she heard me but she carried on as if nothing had occurred.
The European Union and the UK regulator OFCOM have ruled that mobile phone termination charges must be reduced. That is the fee companies charge each other (and ultimately pass on to end-users) for services such as international roaming (using your phone on another network, while travelling abroad). This is fine but these companies will seek to recoup the shortfall by other means, in order to maintain their profits. For example I've just been notified one service I use a lot will increase from 20p per minute (about 30c/min) to 92p per minute ($1.47/min). That helps me how?
The kids in the rent-a-house behind me don't seem to understand the concept of "quiet." Every Saturday night their parents seem happy they are outside in the dark screaming the place down. These are teen and pre-teen children- shouldn't they be tucked up in bed? The clocks change this weekend, meaning our peaceful neighbourhood will be subject to disruption for longer. At least they are better than the Uni students who were there last year. It was definitely the party house then. Grrrr.

Feel better now, I've got that off my chest

Spud-U-Like?

2011-03-20T17:49:00.002Z

I've invested the grand sum of £1.00 (about $1.60) on four seed Potatoes to try growing in a container. Just a bit of fun you understand and maybe I'll even end up with a crop that will supply a few meals..?

For the record these are Rocket variety, for sowing now (done) and with a little luck should be ready around May/June time. I think I might even get some other types for cropping later in the year. Mmmm...

Tomorrow marks the Spring Solstice, when the Sun leaves the Southern Hemisphere and re-enters the North. Not long 'til Summer!

Super

2011-03-19T20:31:00.005Z

Apparently tonight's "Super Moon," where our nearest natural satellite is at it's closest to us for 19 years, will herald the end of the World. Or something like that lol. Thought I'd best post my own (poor) image quick before the whole of time and space goes up it's own you-know-what.

And should you wish to see some professional, in focus pictures take a look at the Daily Mail site.

While I'm about it, here's a picture of LL taken last weekend (yes, a bit late I know) when we went down to visit Dad and SM. If the World does go boom, this might be the last chance to see him lol.

It's serious business eating Ice Cream, dontchaknow.

Wonky

2011-03-16T13:25:00.002Z

Last week at our monthly West Forest Potters Guild meeting, guest Louisa Taylor demonstrated how to throw a pot using an angled bat. That is in effect puts the Potter's Wheel is at an angle of say 10 or 20 degrees, rather than being the usual horizontal.

Once the clay is centred on the bat, the idea is you can then throw a pot in the normal manner. The outcome of this is a) you learn not to rest your hands on the wheel head and b) the finished pot is beautifully thrown but leans at a pleasing angle.

Here's a couple of images of Louisa demonstrating the technique:

A wad of clay (seen on the left) is used to prop one side of the bat, while Louisa throws a cylinder.

Louisa proudly displays her leaning pot.

And here's my own humble attempt from last night:

My leaning open bowl.

I threw two pots last night which are now drying and hopefully next week I can work on the bases before sending for bisque firing. It's pretty hard work I can tell you: the surface of the bat moves up and down at a disconcerting speed, while the wheel is rotating.

As always, once they are completed I will post some images here and also on Webshots. These will likely be the last pots I work on for some time- the college term ends in a couple of weeks and due to lack of employment (therefore lack of funds) I'm taking a break. Fingers crossed I get to finish on high note.

Bush

2011-03-14T21:03:00.001Z

Two blog posts in one day? Well I've just found some exciting (at least to me) news on The Telegraph website. So it must be true. Please, please, please be true!

The wonderful and lovely Kate Bush is releasing in May "Director's Cut," a new CD of reworked tracks from the late 1980's and early 90's. That's "The Sensual World" and "The Red Shoes" albums.

In addition, she is also said to be working on a new album of original work. Mmm :-)

For years I had this poster on my bedroom wall. It's nearly life size dontchaknow. Still got it somewhere...

Pot. Kettle. Black.

2011-03-14T17:08:00.001Z

According to the head of a multi-national company, food in the UK is truly "terrible." The comment was made recently to university students in Chicago (and carried in The Chicago Maroon newspaper) by Bernardo Hees, new global head of Burger King.

I'm sorry I must have missed BK being awarded a Michelin star for the high standard of cuisine served in their "restauarants."

Oh and in case there was any doubt that Mr Hess didn't view the UK with any sort of affection, apparently British women are "unattractive." According to Mr Hees this is just as well otherwise the poor soul would not have been able to concentrate while studying here. Read all about it here.

Blood

2011-03-09T12:40:00.001Z

Three unconnected items to mention today:

I've just uploaded a couple of images of my latest work: it's a stoneware bowl with earthenware glazes applied. Crimson Blood and Turquoise so you know.

Earthenware glazes as a rule give a different range of colours so it can be fun to experiment, provided a basic principle is followed. Stoneware glaze needs to be fired at around 1260 degrees Celsius (about 2300 degrees Fahrenheit) and earthenware clay can only be fired to about 1080 degrees C (1976 degrees F) without it starting to break down. This means you can put earthenware glaze on a stoneware pot and fire at the lower temperature without any problems but you can't fire an earthenware pot with stoneware glaze at the higher level.

Unfortunately the Crimson is a tad thin in places but overall I'm rather satisfied. Please take a look here and I've been asked to point out that the latest work is to found at the back of the folder.

I recently purchased (on a whim) a toasted sandwich maker. Kind of takes me back to my childhood: I absolutely loved toasted sandwiches during my formative years and I suspect I might have lived on the things if I'd been permitted LOL. Anyway this one cost the grand sum of £5.47 (about $8.75). How on Earth do we make it for that price, let alone no doubt ship it half way round the planet and still sell it for a profit?

Exploitation of the Third World work force? Discuss.

08 March 2011 Ipswich 1 - 3 Reading

The Royals move to 8th in the league on 54 points.

I was somewhat shocked (and saddened) to hear the news yesterday that Reading defender Chris Armstrong has been forced to retire from professional football at the age of just 28 because he has Multiple Sclerosis. Apparently he was diagnosed in 2009 and has continued to be able to play for the first team until now but feels it is right to stand down.

This makes me feel very grateful for my relative good health.

Illegal

2011-03-06T11:21:00.003Z

Thought I would share these pictures of illegal immigrants found smuggling themselves into the Reading area, hiding in the back of a truck.

Someone has too much time on their hands but I'm not admitting to anything LOL!

Also I've read Warner Bros have announced that next year there will be a Harry Potter themed tour over here at the film studios. Don't think it will be a patch on the Florida theme park. Still sounds like it might be fun.

05 March 2011 Reading 5 - 2 Middlesbrough

Made In The UK?

2011-03-03T16:57:00.000Z

One of the joys of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood is that it is a distinctly British take on the world of Sci-Fi. In particular it has an unashamedly Welsh setting with very strong Welsh accents, putting it apart from the competition.

The new 10 episode series currently before the cameras is a co-production between the BBC and the Starz network. The majority of the writers are veterans of US network TV, with more than half the episodes being shot on location in America. Barely a week goes by without an announcement that more American Film and TV stars have been added to the cast.

None of this is bad and don't for one moment believe this is any sort of anti US rant. In fact it all sounds very impressive. My question is however, at what point does an exciting and distinctly British property become just another X-Files wannabe?

So Far...

2011-03-01T22:38:00.002Z

Thought I'd post a sneak view of my current work in progress. It's now waiting bisque firing so fingers crossed I'll be glazing soon.

56

2011-02-28T12:17:00.003Z

A few comments and thoughts for a Monday afternoon:

I knew it was going to be tough this time round but job seeking is proving to be harder than I thought. There just doesn't seem to be be many suitable positions out there but I try to remain positive.

The government is considering an increase to the motorway speed limit to 80mph (about 130kph). Having attended a speed awareness course recently I'm not sure I can agree.

Some readers will know I have an interest in tracing my family history. It's proving to be a whole lot of fun and quite informative. No connections yet to anyone famous or notorious mind you. I doubt there will be.

The Royals just about kept their promotions hopes alive on Saturday with a 3-all draw away at Crystal Palace.

Commercial television in the UK has got it's way and from today product placement will be permitted during certain programmes, together with an increase in the number of adverts per hour. Apparently this is in response to falling advertising revenue. Here's a thought- make better programmes. Audiences figures will rise and then you can charge more for advertisement spots.

Apparently attempts to move the UK permanently to Central European Time have been shelved. Would have made for lighter evenings but much darker mornings. Oddly reports suggest Spain is now considering moving back an hour to GMT.

My doctor told me this month I have a "lung age" of 56. Back on the meds for me. :-(

Farewell Brigadier

2011-02-23T11:06:00.009Z

The actor, and Doctor Who fan-favourite, Nicholas Courtney died yesterday aged 81 due- I believe- to a cancer related illness.

His first Doctor Who appearance was in 1965 opposite the original lead, William Hartnell. However the role he is perhaps best remembered was that of leader of the fictional United Nations Intelligence Task-force (UNIT), a role Courtney played from 1967 opposite Patrick Troughton. He then appeared regularly throughout the original "classic" tv run working with the first 7 Doctors, with the exception of Colin Baker.

Although mentioned a few times in the reborn Doctor Who, he did not get to appear in the new series and Courtney's final tv appearance as the (retired) Brigadier was guest starring in 2008 in a two part story for The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Nicholas Courtney as Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart.

My own lasting memories of the character are tied with "my Doctor," the one I grew up with, Jon Pertwee and the Earth based UNIT stories of the 1970's. You might even argue it was a vital part of my childhood: The Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith and The Brigadier, fighting (weekly) alien invasions of the English country-side and the odd chalk quarry. Happy days.

Mixed

2011-02-22T22:49:00.002Z

Recent results for The Royals has been somewhat variable:

4 Feb Reading 0 - 1 QPR
12 Feb Norwich 2 - 1 Reading
15 Feb Sheffield United 1 -1 Reading
19 Feb Reading 1 -1 Watford
22 Feb Reading 2 - 1 Millwall

Reading crawl back to 9th in the Championship on 47 points, some 7 points below the teams currently in the play-off zone.

Seeing Stars

2011-02-16T12:05:00.000Z

Please take a couple of minutes to wander over to my Webshots page, where you'll find some new images of my latest work. I've put a handy link here.

LSD

2011-02-15T19:12:00.002Z

(That's Pounds, Shillings and Pence)

It hardly seems true but 40 years ago today saw the adoption of decimal currency in the United Kingdom. Until 15 February 1971 our coinage had been based on a system that dated back to Roman times whereby 240 pence equalled a pound weight in silver. We even referenced the old Latin terms: Librum, Solidus, Denarius.

First introduced in the 16th century, a pair of Thrupenny bits or 3d (3 pence). Not to be confused with cockney rhyming slang LOL.

For the record there were were 12 Pennies in the Shilling and 20 Shillings in the Pound. I can't begin to imagine how we all coped.

Read more here.

Brush Up

2011-02-11T08:36:00.034Z

I've recently switched to using an electric tooth brush. No big deal you say and I quite agree. The fact is both my dentist and hygienist have been suggesting for some time I should introduce such a device to my regime. I guess if it saves me pain on my twice yearly visits, I'm all for it. And it might just help keep my dental bills down.

Anyway while fighting with the hermetically sealed packaging I studied the bullet points thoughtfully laid out for my instruction by Braun.

Apparently I'm encouraged to "brush like a dentist." I imagine that doesn't actually mean donning a protective smock and face mask LOL?

Have-A-Go Hero?

2011-02-09T12:54:00.004Z

Take a look at this attempted robbery in progress. Keep an eye out for the lady in red. The video clip can be found towards the end of the article.

I just hope this brave woman is rewarded universally with praise and thanks, rather than a claim of assault from the six wrong-doers.

"We Was Robbed"

2011-02-02T20:17:00.002Z

After an "iffy" call from the referee, giving Cardiff a penalty chance and ultimately an equalizing goal, the Royals had to settle for a single point for their efforts last night. The score from their trip along the M4 to the Welsh hosts finished at 2 - 2.

Other recent Championship scores for the Royals are as follows:

15 Jan Doncaster 0 - 3 Reading

22 Jan Reading 1 - 1 Hull

The Royals remain outside the promotion play-off zone, in 8th with 42 points.

By the way, happy Groundhog day!

From Planet Skaro Via Your Toy Shop

2011-01-26T16:05:00.001Z

How cool is this, as mentioned in today's Daily Mail newspaper? It's battery powered dontchaknow.

A real chance to get in touch with your inner Davros* and take over the Universe. Oh to still be working in the toy industry LOL...

*Fictional creator of the DALEKS.

Pud

2011-01-21T20:57:00.000Z

Today's kitchen attempt: Bread pudding.

Much like Bread and Butter pudding but with far less egg and milk. And oh yes, the bread is broken up into much smaller pieces.

Mmm. Want some?

7

2011-01-20T21:44:00.000Z

Happy birthday son.

Speech Therapy

2011-01-19T22:39:00.000Z

Have just got back from seeing The King's Speech. What a great film- so moving and funny all in one go, with strong performances from an excellent cast. I came away from the cinema saying I'd be quite happy to stay and watch it over again.

Visitor

2011-01-18T16:49:00.000Z

Thought I would share these images of a visitor I had in the garden today. Isn't he or she lovely?

Nice to see you, Woody.

Lisp

2011-01-14T20:22:00.001Z

He's now got both top front teeth missing. Poor kid and it's nearly his birthday too LOL.

Upload

2011-01-13T14:02:00.000Z

For the interested few, I've just uploaded some new images of my ceramic work to Webshots. To whet your appetite, here's a sample: