Have just heard the new track from Julia Fordham. Somehow I knew I'd love it.
Good to hear she's touring the UK again and by all accounts is sold out. Been years since I saw her in concert- happy days.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Geese And Spuds
With Dad and SM up for the weekend, I brought LL over to see them on Saturday. Among other activities we dug some of my early Potato crop, as you do. Here's how we got on...
It's serious business, dontcha know.
Earlier in the day we'd made the most of the good weather to take a stride around the university lake and feed bread to the ducks and geese. There were quite a number of rather hungry mouths to feed, I can tell you.
Canada's finest find out if there is enough food to go round.
Walk like an Egyptian LOL
It's serious business, dontcha know.
Earlier in the day we'd made the most of the good weather to take a stride around the university lake and feed bread to the ducks and geese. There were quite a number of rather hungry mouths to feed, I can tell you.
Canada's finest find out if there is enough food to go round.
Walk like an Egyptian LOL
Friday, 21 June 2013
(Quite) Small But Mighty
Recently treated myself to a little bit of tech' courtesy of T-Mobile (or EE as they are now known in the UK).
This handy device (a sort of mobile broadband router) allows Wifi connectivity via the 3G network for my tablet and 6 other devices. Not bad for only £7 per month, about $11 at current exchange rates.
Just hope sometime soon Summer finally arrives- then I can sit in a field somewhere and surf the web to my hearts' content LOL.
This handy device (a sort of mobile broadband router) allows Wifi connectivity via the 3G network for my tablet and 6 other devices. Not bad for only £7 per month, about $11 at current exchange rates.
Just hope sometime soon Summer finally arrives- then I can sit in a field somewhere and surf the web to my hearts' content LOL.
Sunday, 16 June 2013
(Sort Of) Bread Pudding
OK so it's not actually made from a loaf of bread. I used some Hot Cross Buns that had been lurking in the freezer for a couple of months instead. To this I added the usual fruit, cinnamon and milk. And a whole jar of Duerr's Seville Orange Marmalade. Mmmm.
These two should keep me going for a while LOL.
These two should keep me going for a while LOL.
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
All Fall Down
Just how good is The Fall, featuring a strong cast, led by Gillian Anderson? It's a bit gruesome and certainly not for the feint-hearted but I for one can't wait to see the conclusion next Monday.
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Ummm...Are You Being Serious..?
The weather here has finally got its act together- Spring might actually have arrived at last. Better late than never I say.
Anyway, as a result the good weather has brought many out into their gardens to enjoy the sunshine, myself included doing a few long overdue jobs. My neighbours too have been outside today and you can't help but overhear the odd snippet here and there as you go about your business. Of the many things I did hear (I promise I wasn't deliberately ear-wigging) was the following, said by an adult while- I assume- trying to educate or inform a child:
"Salmon doesn't build muscles, it refines your accent."
This person couldn't have been serious, surely?
Elsewhere this weekend I learnt LL has a new word to describe absolutely everything: "Awesome." I know at least one person who will be delighted and impressed with this news LOL.
Matt Smith is leaving at Christmas. Say it ain't so, Moff?!?
Anyway, as a result the good weather has brought many out into their gardens to enjoy the sunshine, myself included doing a few long overdue jobs. My neighbours too have been outside today and you can't help but overhear the odd snippet here and there as you go about your business. Of the many things I did hear (I promise I wasn't deliberately ear-wigging) was the following, said by an adult while- I assume- trying to educate or inform a child:
"Salmon doesn't build muscles, it refines your accent."
This person couldn't have been serious, surely?
Elsewhere this weekend I learnt LL has a new word to describe absolutely everything: "Awesome." I know at least one person who will be delighted and impressed with this news LOL.
Matt Smith is leaving at Christmas. Say it ain't so, Moff?!?
Monday, 20 May 2013
Run You Clever Boy!
How good was the final episode of the current run of Doctor Who?
The second half of series 7 has been a little patchy- Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS and The Rings of Akhaten being in my opinion two duds but balanced with outstanding stories such as Hide and Cold War. The final episode had some lovely little touches that made a fan-boy smile and I hope has set up for a cracking 50th anniversary episode in November.
Elsewhere the Royals time in the Premier league came to an end this weekend, with a result that pretty much mirrors their season as a whole. At least though, they finished above QPR. I wonder if either or both will be on their way back to the top flight this time next year? Reading will certainly have to try harder and be far more consistent, that's for sure.
14 May Reading 0 - 2 Manchester City
19 May West Ham 4 - 2 Reading
The second half of series 7 has been a little patchy- Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS and The Rings of Akhaten being in my opinion two duds but balanced with outstanding stories such as Hide and Cold War. The final episode had some lovely little touches that made a fan-boy smile and I hope has set up for a cracking 50th anniversary episode in November.
Elsewhere the Royals time in the Premier league came to an end this weekend, with a result that pretty much mirrors their season as a whole. At least though, they finished above QPR. I wonder if either or both will be on their way back to the top flight this time next year? Reading will certainly have to try harder and be far more consistent, that's for sure.
14 May Reading 0 - 2 Manchester City
19 May West Ham 4 - 2 Reading
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Star Trekkin'
Went to see the new Trek film today, subtitled Into Darkness.
The reports in the news had suggested the cinema would be full to capacity with queues out of the cinema. I think 6 people for a showing is a slightly different story but I guess that's what you get on a late Thursday afternoon. Apparently the early evening is the time to miss if you hate crowds.
There were some interesting takes on some well established Trek themes, none of which I intend to spoil here. That would be just mean. The set piece action was very well executed and to be honest I don't think I missed anything by avoiding the 3D showing and instead saving a few quid by going to the 2D version. I've read this was the format the film was shot in and the 3D effects added later. There was quite enough action for me and even a couple of jump from your seat moments.
Story wise, it held together nicely, flowed well and just as I thought the film was wrapping up it gained another lease of life. Nice twist. All the main characters seemed to have enough to do, I don't think anyone can claim their personal favourite was short changed, and as a second film (with the younger crew) we didn't have to spend too much time establishing old familiar characters but with new faces. JJ Abrams has indeed pulled it off and avoided the curse of the odd numbered Trek films by producing two absolute crackers in a row.
Can we have another one please?
Oh and happy 800th blog post to me LOL.
The reports in the news had suggested the cinema would be full to capacity with queues out of the cinema. I think 6 people for a showing is a slightly different story but I guess that's what you get on a late Thursday afternoon. Apparently the early evening is the time to miss if you hate crowds.
There were some interesting takes on some well established Trek themes, none of which I intend to spoil here. That would be just mean. The set piece action was very well executed and to be honest I don't think I missed anything by avoiding the 3D showing and instead saving a few quid by going to the 2D version. I've read this was the format the film was shot in and the 3D effects added later. There was quite enough action for me and even a couple of jump from your seat moments.
Story wise, it held together nicely, flowed well and just as I thought the film was wrapping up it gained another lease of life. Nice twist. All the main characters seemed to have enough to do, I don't think anyone can claim their personal favourite was short changed, and as a second film (with the younger crew) we didn't have to spend too much time establishing old familiar characters but with new faces. JJ Abrams has indeed pulled it off and avoided the curse of the odd numbered Trek films by producing two absolute crackers in a row.
Can we have another one please?
Oh and happy 800th blog post to me LOL.
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Non-Creative?
This evening I am reproducing the brief text of an email I received this week from a fellow potter. It goes something like this:
The UK Government proposal to re-classify Crafts as Non-creative was drawn to my attention today. The attached link is an article with more information. There is also a concern that in re-designating it will not be possible to enforce Intellectual Property rights. I can see no advantage at such a re-classification for those working in the craft sector.
There's a handy link to an article on the Guardian newspaper site, with more information.
If like me you care about this issue and are a resident in the UK, please click on the link below and follow the simple instructions to add your name to the e-petition being sent to the government. I've reproduced the text of the petition below, just so you know.
Petition to stop the government reclassifying craft as non-creative
Responsible department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
We request the Government reconsider the proposal that craft no longer be considered part of the creative industries, as part of the 30 April proposed changes set out in Classifying and Measuring the Creative Industries consultation paper.
The craft industry and those who work in it, over 88,000 people making a £3bn annual contribution to the UK economy, are inherently and by their very nature creative. We want the UK Government to stop ignoring The Crafts Council and the thousands of mostly sole trading craftsmen and women who consider themselves to be and indeed are creatives.
The Government should be proud & supportive of our vibrant creative craft industry & celebrate the unique, rich diversity of skills & craftsmanship, not seek to declassify, dismiss & undermine it.
Calling an IT Business Analyst a creative but refusing the title to a skilled potter or ceramicist shows the level of understanding that those proposing the change have of what is and isn't creative.
Apparently web designers will still be classed as "creative" but pottery like this might not be.
The UK Government proposal to re-classify Crafts as Non-creative was drawn to my attention today. The attached link is an article with more information. There is also a concern that in re-designating it will not be possible to enforce Intellectual Property rights. I can see no advantage at such a re-classification for those working in the craft sector.
There's a handy link to an article on the Guardian newspaper site, with more information.
If like me you care about this issue and are a resident in the UK, please click on the link below and follow the simple instructions to add your name to the e-petition being sent to the government. I've reproduced the text of the petition below, just so you know.
Petition to stop the government reclassifying craft as non-creative
Responsible department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
We request the Government reconsider the proposal that craft no longer be considered part of the creative industries, as part of the 30 April proposed changes set out in Classifying and Measuring the Creative Industries consultation paper.
The craft industry and those who work in it, over 88,000 people making a £3bn annual contribution to the UK economy, are inherently and by their very nature creative. We want the UK Government to stop ignoring The Crafts Council and the thousands of mostly sole trading craftsmen and women who consider themselves to be and indeed are creatives.
The Government should be proud & supportive of our vibrant creative craft industry & celebrate the unique, rich diversity of skills & craftsmanship, not seek to declassify, dismiss & undermine it.
Calling an IT Business Analyst a creative but refusing the title to a skilled potter or ceramicist shows the level of understanding that those proposing the change have of what is and isn't creative.
Apparently web designers will still be classed as "creative" but pottery like this might not be.
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
You Know You're Getting Old...
...When you have to wear contact lenses due to being shortsighted but find it "sometimes" helps* to use reading glasses when looking at text in a book. Grrrr!
Isn't getting old grand?
* In other words it's near impossible to see the print without them.
Isn't getting old grand?
* In other words it's near impossible to see the print without them.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Better Late...
Nigel Adkins, new(ish) manager of the Royals, finally got the taste of victory yesterday with a win away at Fulham. Sadly this superior performance won't be enough to save Reading from the drop but at least for the moment lifts them above fellow struggling team QPR.
4 May Fulham 2 - 4 Reading.
4 May Fulham 2 - 4 Reading.
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