tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33186692012-01-27T20:50:36.000ZPut your hands on your head... Or just read my waffle.Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.comBlogger6051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-71925837584312837992012-01-19T11:59:00.000Z2012-01-19T11:59:09.106Z

When I was a wee nipper, I could never get my head around the adult addiction to things like The Magic Roundabout.  Not for the seemingly obvious reason that it was a "children's show" but because of the time it was shown.  I remember hearing about it being a success because it was on before the news, meaning all the adults got to watch it.  But the news was on at 5.45 (only later moving to 6)

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-85461291411154226732012-01-05T12:07:00.001Z2012-01-05T12:28:44.358Z

All The Books Of 2011, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr. As in previous years, let us kick off 2012 with all my reading matter from 2011. This includes audio books (in italics) and graphic novels (including those serialised in Clint Magazine). Santa was kind enough to bring me a Kindle, and the SFX Star Wars guide right near the bottom is the first thing I have read on it. Not sure

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55541895270987281822011-12-29T12:00:00.001Z2011-12-29T12:01:11.213Z

Illuminati, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr. Er, hello!Been a busy few weeks what with Christmas and having to put a new floor down in our dining room (curses on the previous occupants, praises to Our Lords of Black and Decker for their marvellous power tools and workmate) as well as moving office at the start of the month and just life in general getting in the way.Anyway, hope

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-24867761158238396692011-10-21T09:49:00.001Z2011-10-21T09:49:52.546Z

Our office is a bit like the Marie Celeste these days.  Half of those who used to work here have been shipped out to new locations, and about a quarter of the others took the money and ran so those of us who remain are rattling round somewhat.  At the time of writing, there are only three of us making use of the 20 desks I can see from my perch.  Still, we are being shipped out to a different

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-37886031198561529092011-10-06T13:03:00.000Z2011-10-06T13:03:04.978Z

Got a bit of an insight into two different aspects of life last night - communal living and political activism.  Josie Long's Alternative Reality Tour came to the Old Hall commune in East Bergholt and we went along to be entertained and educated.  The tour is visiting places that don't normally get on the normal touring map, and is being organised largely through word of mouth and twittering.  A

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-56076349051842892542011-09-29T10:35:00.001Z2011-09-29T10:37:37.239Z

Canary Wharf Complex, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr. OK, so it is nearly two weeks back at work now, but it was very nice to have a couple of weeks off at the start of the month.As may be reasonably obvious from this picture, we did have a day in London amongst the excursions. This time we did two thirds of the National Maritime Museum (i.e. the museum itself and the Queen's House).

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-37096806811981875372011-09-01T08:43:00.001Z2011-09-01T08:43:55.538Z

After 5 months or so of consultation, discussion, uncertainty, drip-feed of information, interviews and worry we find ourselves in a new working structure today. All intended to make us a leaner and meaner organisation realising large savings and get us into shape for another restructuring, joint working company or straightforward sell-off to the private sector in 2013. In theory I now have new

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-19309664270603759192011-08-24T19:34:00.002Z2011-08-24T19:37:25.413Z

Into the Groove, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr. I know I've been lax with this recently. Still can't think of anything earth-shattering to write, so here's part one of somehting I satrted a couple of years ago and really ought to get on with. Maybe publishing this bit will spur me on. Music has provided the background to my life for as long as I can remember as well as being the

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-85518021877092534102011-07-15T12:55:00.002Z2011-07-15T12:57:34.474Z

Ransome Boats, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.So when, exactly, does an interest tip over to become an obsession?I am currently reading Arthur Ransome's "Racundra's First Cruise", a tale of sailing on the Baltic just after the First World War. It is a book I've been wanting to read for some 30+ years since I first noticed it listed in the front of one of the Swallows and Amazons series.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-79633195418608894192011-06-11T11:22:00.002Z2011-06-11T11:25:03.213Z

Beach from the pier, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.OK, I know I've talked about the thrill of seeing somewhere familiar in the tellybox before, but ITV have taken it to a new level this week with Injustice, a "psychological thriller" stripped across all five days and largely shot in and around, well, here. Written by Suffolk local Anthony Horowitz, we have a lawyer and his family

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-67556916159637256542011-06-06T12:05:00.002Z2011-06-06T12:22:56.527Z

Winner of something, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.Aaah, the County Agricultural Show. One of the few places where high fashion, bowler hatted stewards, farming tweeds and replica football kits get to rub shoulders with each other. Usually in the queue for an organic hog roast or artisan-made ice cream. While wearing wellies (although not this year due to the recent lack of rain).We

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-40011828204212640662011-05-24T08:32:00.002Z2011-05-24T08:34:34.770Z

Home From Home, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.OK, so I missed last year due to laziness but the Summer Burn has opened for 2011 registration HERE and I'm in again.If you don't know the score, sign up, burn a couple of CDs of your fave summery tunes and then send them off to the addresses you get given and receive a matched pair in return. Usually good fun, highly enjoyable and worth a

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-69506302635524214312011-05-10T09:36:00.002Z2011-05-10T09:38:40.920Z

Faded Formats 6, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.So last night I finally caved in and paid for my first ever music download (Mr Blue Sky by Jim Bob (you know, him off of Carter) which is to be the theme for a new Radio 4 comedy written by Andrew Collins and starting next week). I'm not sure where I stand on the technological progress line between early adopter and total luddite, but I

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-30598846755970538392011-04-14T14:22:00.004Z2011-04-14T14:33:04.577Z

We have just spent a slightly dull 20 minutes in the park at the end of the road following a security evacuation drill. It was announced that a "specific security threat to the building" had been received and we were told to collect our belongings then given a three minute countdown to evacuation. That was the first clue that this might only be a drill as normally the policy is to leave anything

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-41354535250018786602011-04-06T16:20:00.002Z2011-04-06T16:22:17.029Z

Protest!, a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.Someone is a bit upset about recent cuts to bus services and has plastered our bus station and other town centre stops with a range of stickers like this one. So now I am going to have to pay our cleaners extra to remove them all, further biting into the revenue budget that could have been used for services... I must say the perpetrator has put

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-51916891640307489972011-03-21T14:07:00.002Z2011-03-21T14:09:50.477Z

Westleton relic a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.OK, I know I'm ever so slightly biased as it is part of my job to decide locations for them, but I do fail to understand quite how worked up people can get over the presence of a bus stop somewhere in the vicinity of their house. And let us be clear about this, I am not talking about a bus shelter, or a raised kerb for wheelchair access or

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-38186629222592498602011-03-09T11:20:00.003Z2011-03-09T11:24:53.570Z

Mind the step a photo by The original SimonB on Flickr.I'm currently reading Underground England by Stephen Smith, a follow-up to his previous book based on the capital Underground London. Both take us below the streets and fields of every day life to see what lurks beneath in tunnels, vaults, burial chambers and so forth. They also both stretch their definitions somewhat by covering issues that

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55157274756699220572011-02-22T10:08:00.002Z2011-02-22T10:10:46.736Z

How can this be true?Originally uploaded by The original SimonBSo yesterday I changed the first digit of my age again. Sure doesn't seem like 10 years since the last time that happened. Been spoilt rotten over the whole weekend with some lovely meals, top presents and lots of time with MrsB.And no, my teeth haven't fallen out, I've not gone grey (well, greyer) overnight and my knees still work.So

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-26359607578584228622011-02-08T17:04:00.002Z2011-02-08T17:05:31.720Z

In between the towersOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBSo we had our first proper day out of the year on Saturday - a jaunt down to the Tower of London care of cheap coach tickets and a two-for-one entrance voucher. I'm sure the places that do still charge have got disproportionally more expensive since we got free entry to so many other museums etc. Anyway the two offers combined gave us

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55221881292136460902011-01-28T15:31:00.002Z2011-01-28T15:33:37.863Z

SimulatorOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBJust discovered it is 25 years since the Challenger launch explosion put the brakes on the US space programme and changed the lives of more than just the seven folks on board. I can see the explosion happening and the SRBs spiralling off as clear in my mind as if it had happened yesterday. A real tragic event. More here.I know the remainder of

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-53595534458490437642011-01-20T16:48:00.002Z2011-01-20T16:50:33.594Z

HMS QuornOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBOK, this is the third attempt to commit what I'm thinking into words (and you really wouldn't want to see the previous drafts) and it is going to have to go something like this.Having just listened to a reading of Alistair Maclean's HMS Ulysses I am once again staggered by what people go through in times of conflict and would really like to dig

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-85453867937911217362011-01-12T17:07:00.002Z2011-01-12T17:09:13.271Z

Sport Relief Mini-World CupOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBYou can always tell when Ipswich Town are playing a home evening game. Large chunks of the office get up and leave early in order to go home, have a bite and get changed before coming back for the match. An equally large proportion stays late at their desks then goes straight over (the office is literally next door to the ground

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-43525232897526707362011-01-05T19:40:00.002Z2011-01-05T19:47:19.405Z

This is me in six books.Originally uploaded by The original SimonBOK, nobody asked for it but as I've been logging my books again for another year here's the full list. As with last year, audio books are in italics.Peter Biddlecombe - The United Burger States Of AmericaIan Hislop (Ed) - Private Eye Annual 2009Terry Pratchett - NationMichael Harvey (Ed) - Top Gear Top DrivesStephen Cole - Doctor

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-41108644132002019312010-12-31T16:04:00.001Z2010-12-31T16:05:44.350Z

Aargh, nightmare couple of weeks of flu and general unwellness but Christmas was great so that's OK.Anyway, nothing special to say, just Happy New Year to all who have read and commented in 2010. I'm hoping to keep waffling in 2011 so you have been warned!

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-83707528887499286372010-12-10T16:14:00.002Z2010-12-10T16:15:48.978Z

audibleOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBNormally about now I would be posting my top songs of the year, but as mentioned in the post below I have hardly heard anything new at all. In fact, looking at the shelves this morning I counted a grand total of two 2010 CDs. Plenty of re-issues and stuff bought cheap in sales, but only those two day of release jobs.Personally, I blame the BBC.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-18840370371138645522010-12-01T20:10:00.004Z2010-12-01T20:33:13.985Z

You've seen them no doubt, perhaps even sought them out to see who the victim is this time. Tucked away in boxouts in the news section, front or back page features or just propping up the small ads pages. Regular question and answer features with celebrities or just readers of the magazine. Always the same questions but often wildly different answers. So in an attempt to bare my soul in a

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-17614192240993640262010-11-25T16:41:00.002Z2010-11-25T16:42:51.796Z

Tree!Originally uploaded by The original SimonBAfter a year or so of general bumbling about in the library, grabbing research done by others in the family and banging our heads against the wall in frustration we are going for a session with a genealogist this weekend. MrsB has been wanting to plot out her family tree for years (blame Who Do You Think You Are) but has been hampered by a lack of

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-69848264144414246632010-11-17T12:08:00.002Z2011-01-10T16:12:39.158Z

Too much informationOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBI've seen the packets of nuts that say "may contain nuts" and the "caution, hot" messages on cups of tea and apple pies but I think ridiculous information labels have reached a new low with this one. To save anyone having to enlarge the text, this comes from a packet of Wafer Thin salt beef slices from Marks & Spencer: "Wafer thin

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-18719468134843610272010-11-10T21:02:00.002Z2010-11-10T21:03:39.482Z

BBC World serviceOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBA bit of idle channel hopping last night found us watching an old episode of Coast on BBC2, covering the edges of Norfolk and Suffolk. Although we had seen this one before, it had to be watched purely for the local recognition factor. The trip ended in Felixstowe and included a nice aerial shot over the town (missing our house by a matter

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-630969458145598252010-11-04T09:29:00.002Z2010-11-04T09:31:31.243Z

Signing the registerOriginally uploaded by The original SimonB15 Years ago today and still as happy as ever.That is all.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-90022001270119599132010-10-30T12:21:00.002Z2010-10-30T12:24:43.263Z

I'm scaredOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBWhy do we so like to scare ourselves for entertainment? Not just the obvious (well, obvious this weekend anyway) horror films/books imagery etc but also stuff like rollercoasters or murder mysteries that get the pulse racing and leave you with a great sense of still being alive/relief that it didn't happen to you at the end. Hmm, probably just

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-16203932511966490982010-10-19T20:11:00.002Z2010-10-19T20:13:31.120Z

What colour christmas are you having?Originally uploaded by The original SimonBThis may surprise some, but I don't actually mind the build-up to Christmas starting as soon as the kids go back to school. I'd prefer it if things were delayed a bit after that (f'rinstance as we now do Halloween over here then perhaps waiting until that was over would be better), but having worked in retail can see

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-42467337833367700272010-10-13T20:03:00.002Z2010-10-13T20:05:38.719Z

Park And ReflectOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBSince I restarted this blogging malarky I've tried not to write about work too much. Not through any fear of people finding out, reprisals or whatever but simply because I think I did too much of that first time around and no-ne else is interested. You can read the archives if you really like.But today I have to get stuff off my chest

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-28307245123956941002010-10-09T10:11:00.001Z2010-10-09T10:20:06.245Z

Ah, I've given in and am now on twitter as TheSimonb - maybe see you there.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55219877887404877382010-09-24T15:02:00.002Z2010-09-24T15:28:48.681Z

So here I am a week into a fortnight away from work and finally getting fingers to keys. MrsB has come down with Sinusitis and spent the last couple of days in bed, so we haven't been out and about as much as planned, but that does mean I've got through a couple of books which I am going to waffle on about today. Site reports from where we have managed to go another time.Following the Fiction

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-37541332775848881062010-09-10T15:08:00.002Z2010-09-10T15:10:15.642Z

SwallowdaleOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBWe watched the first part of choir-master Gareth Malone's new TV series last night - the Dangerous School For Boys. A fairly laudible attempt to improve the literacy levels of primary school boys who are lagging behind the girls across the country. He has taken over the boys from two year groups at an Essex primary school and is attmpting to

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-62683848580689414712010-09-03T08:34:00.002Z2010-09-03T08:35:40.322Z

Clacton PierOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBJust had a week or so off to host MrsB's sister and hubby over from Canada. Always good to see them and we really don't mind putting them up and ferrying them about as they always do the same for us when we head west. But the phrase "back to work for a rest" has never seemed more appropriate!Unfortunately Stuart weas suffering from a dreadful

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-74013214186755502762010-08-17T13:26:00.002Z2010-08-17T13:28:15.978Z

Thunder GodOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBAs a result of staff sickness and holidays I got called up at short notice to help run our stall at the Lowestoft air festival last Friday. What a real blow that was to go back to my old publicity routes and deal with the public face to face!Actually, we only had quite straightforward questions to deal with - nobody shouting about poor service

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-51362247191128555322010-08-10T10:50:00.002Z2010-08-10T10:53:48.537Z

Buzz took a lunchtime stroll by the riverOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBWhen we were shopping at the weekend there was a child absolutely breaking his heart and sobbing for England because he wasn't allowed a Buzz Lightyear figure. While I can remember desperately wanting similar stuff around that age (especially when "everybody else" had one) I don't recall ever having hysterics in

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-71321110629507658122010-07-26T13:53:00.002Z2010-07-26T13:54:42.017Z

Oh, go on thenOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBJust finished reading Julian May's "Boreal Moon" trilogy and it has been a bit of an effort. OK, so the three books total over 1500 pages and I have kept to the fiction/non-fiction rotation for my main reading (thus not counting "breakfast books", audio and other general page turning) but they seemd to take an age to get through. I've always

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-16021247038153345562010-07-23T14:34:00.002Z2010-07-23T14:41:53.266Z

Advertiser of plays.Originally uploaded by The original SimonBBetter late than never, I can recall that we did manage to experience the Eastern Angles production "Bentwater Roads" last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. If it hadn't now finished I would recommend anyone within range snapping up tickets, but I'm afraid I rather missed the boat with that idea.Anyway, the plot concerned a girl

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-56434433568283933552010-07-15T20:53:00.002Z2010-07-15T20:55:59.369Z

YAK 52 over the topOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBJust a quick picture from the free air display we had on Sunday to commemorate various RAF anniverseries, which provided a good hour of entertainment at a price we could hardly refuse.And also to make sure this is working after a week with no broadband...

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-64679948606724214112010-07-08T09:30:00.002Z2010-07-08T09:31:40.693Z

New motorOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBAs intimated in the last post, we finally took the plunge that had been threatening for a year or so and consigned the Escort to the great scrap heap in the sky. A pity we couldn't afford a brand new car while the scrappage scheme was still running, but such are the whims of finance. But having hummed and ha'd since February when the annual road

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-82748925148097100782010-06-29T10:25:00.001Z2010-06-29T10:25:45.684Z

Why do bag-using vaccuum cleaners have such a distinctive smell? The cleaner has just come and sucked up rubbish from my desk area and the whiff of the cleaner takes me straight back to my Mum's old Hoover. Which was actually a hoover and not just a case of us using the generic name for floor sucking devices. That was a venerable old upright with a green cloth bag that the paper dust bags went

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-28973249675672605592010-06-20T10:27:00.002Z2010-06-20T10:33:08.360Z

Sherringham GatewayOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBOK, so I had a week off and never got round to writing anything. But I did think about what to write now that I do make it happen.MrsB had a week in Spain with her sister and a couple of friends while I stayed at home (but did at least take the time off work, unlike last year when she went to the same place). I also had some days out

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-88142174043159157022010-05-19T18:44:00.001Z2010-05-19T18:44:59.266Z

CustardyOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBNothing to say, just wanting to celebrate custard creams.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55473994316567144612010-05-08T13:58:00.002Z2010-05-08T14:01:36.496Z

Beach Hut viewOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBSo the episode of Duncan Bannatyne's Seaside Rescue filmed last year in Felixstowe finally hit our screens courtesy of Virgin 1 this week. Up against the first episode of Luther and amid the election overload I have no idea how many people managed to watch it, but there was a reasonable reaction on radio Suffolk the next morning. In the end

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-53149369330320572982010-04-29T15:57:00.002Z2010-04-29T16:09:00.845Z

Been wondering for a couple of days what to write about the BBC drama Five Daughters, based on the Ipswich Murders of 2006. Hard to believe it was that long ago and yet still so fresh in the memory. Being able to see the red light district from the office, and having the court opposite where Steve Wright was tried it was inevitable that we would get caught up in the events much more than if they

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-27550175758324358372010-04-15T16:11:00.002Z2010-04-15T16:21:50.275Z

Despite it now being over 12 years since I stopped working there (and indeed at least four now since they chucked Joan out as well), I am still having recurring dreams about going back to work at Argos. These nearly always feature the Felixstowe or Newmarket branches, which are the two where I had the happier moments of that part of my career, rather than say Ipswich or Stowmarket where things

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-14449240087809549622010-04-12T17:56:00.002Z2010-04-12T17:57:37.535Z

Dafoldillyskyness 1Originally uploaded by The original SimonBWell, it sure is nice to have had some proper blue skies again after weeks of interminable greyness whenever I have wanted to go out and exercise my camera muscles. I hope whoever was on that plane in the pic ended up somewhere nice, or they'll be kicking themselves for missing out on our sunshine.Not that I have restricted myself to

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-8434428661601310512010-04-02T11:36:00.002Z2010-04-02T11:37:55.749Z

Richard DiganceOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBSo last night we went to see Richard Digance here in Felixstowe. He comes along to the Spa Pavillion every couple of years to take us all back to the mid-80s, when he first came to prominence, with an acoustic guitar and a good sense of humour. Terribly unfashionable of course, and if it wasn't for my brother I'd normally be the youngest

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-46075252985860905932010-04-01T11:33:00.002Z2010-04-01T11:34:52.346Z

Which way now?Originally uploaded by The original SimonBBeen stuck in a rut of not knowing what to write about that would lift things since the last post's negativity, so here's another post that doesn't know where it is going either!

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-88954500903860454752010-03-16T12:26:00.004Z2010-03-16T12:41:10.637Z

Having replaced the washing machine just after Christmas, in the last couple of weeks we have suffered from a dead dishwasher, dead telly and dead broadband and I've also had terrible toothache and lost the offending gnasher (first casualty in the war against empty gums which I talked about a couple of weeks ago).Any one of these could have been coped with on its own, but arriving in close

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-26151354304869967952010-03-10T20:23:00.002Z2010-03-10T20:24:28.043Z

Time spent in BondageOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBI've gradually re-read (or in some cases read for the first time) the entire Bond series over the last couple of years and loved every word. I did think of blasting through them one after the other (as I will often do with a good ongoing Epic) but as the links from tale to tale are often tenuous or non-existent I decided a steady

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-47781250439756238322010-03-03T21:11:00.004Z2010-03-03T21:17:57.021Z

As mentioned last month, we saw Mr Julian Clary last week in Ipswich. He was, as expected, really rather funny and not a little but rude. From his entrance on roller skates (add your own double entendres throughout!) to a demonstration of psychic powers he was at his campest and seemed pretty much on form. Not sure if he was truly giving us his all, but he certainly gave a good impression of

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-44337272380243498662010-02-22T21:15:00.002Z2010-02-22T21:16:34.628Z

Protest 1Originally uploaded by The original SimonBSo how did I spend my birthday yesterday? Mostly getting soaked through to the skin marching along the sea front in order to try and save the Blue Cross centre here in Felixstowe which is threatened with closure. Something to do with the charity wanting to concentrate resources elsewhere and the current site not being suitable for expansion.As we

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-91816241277098993162010-02-17T20:14:00.003Z2010-03-17T16:58:19.166Z

My disreputable lower jawOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBYup, that's a plaster cast of my lower jaw. Taken recently in order to make a custom gumshield to help prevent nocturnal tooth grinding which is making my already unhelpfully deep pockets deeper. That's pockets around the teeth you understand, where stuff can get trapped and erode away at the roots. Although as I seem to spend a

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-23294755749606576462010-02-09T17:32:00.002Z2010-02-09T17:33:22.044Z

Is it just me or is it totally unsurprising when links turn up between disparate items these days? Maybe I have been sensitised to it by recent media coverage (e.g. the London copper whoyesterday got sentenced for framing an innocent man turned out of have a history of "issues" and blemishes on his record that had been overlooked by him claiming harassment, and an article sent to me about a

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-35530343761610401332010-02-08T16:52:00.000Z2010-02-08T16:52:32.918Z

Just seeing if I can blog from my phone.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-5444116952817480322010-01-29T21:35:00.003Z2010-01-29T21:43:53.816Z

Left on the shelfOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBAs I have now found time to sort out the stats, here are the the surprising number of books I managed to get through last year. Those marked * were audio, which I get through on the way to work, when travelling to meetings or site visits etc which helps the total numbers no end!A few comments to add along the way, and more on some of the

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-38831416735976974482010-01-25T18:32:00.002Z2010-01-25T18:51:16.443Z

Although I'm not really one for New Year's Resolutions, I did decide while we were away that we need to get out and do more things during 2010. Not that we spend all night every night slumped in front of the telly or banging away at the keyboard - it just seems like most of them! I think it was partly realising that while we were in Canada we were out and about a bit more than we would be here.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-7120955950484333292010-01-20T20:24:00.002Z2010-01-20T20:26:22.747Z

The glories of the A&W Mama burgerOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBWhile many people will probably disagree, the North American continent is not generally known for amazing cuisine and is more likely to be associated with fast food, huge steaks and huger people eating them. Although I can't exactly disagree with that general diagnosis we did have some very nice meals over in that Canada

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-75120122909939038952010-01-16T16:42:00.002Z2010-01-16T16:44:02.137Z

A Mountie always gets his reindeerOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBWe went, we saw, we had a Canadian Christmas and we did a lot of shopping. Oh yes, that was an interesting three weeks away. And how come we have been back a week already? Where does the time go? Anyway, we managed to avoid the worst of Britain's Big Freeze (or Snowpocalypse if you prefer) but the start of it did affect

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-44638157997027520962009-12-18T14:41:00.002Z2009-12-18T14:54:45.833Z

As we head of for Canada on Sunday this will be my last post of the year and while I thought of several topics I could cover (snow!, Christmas telly, chiropodists, cameras) I am instead leaving this year with some random reminiscences from Christmas past...Delight at finding the biggest parcel under the tree was for me - and even more delight on finding it to contain a set of dropped handlebars

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-9469138849388240392009-12-09T19:51:00.004Z2009-12-09T20:03:10.353Z

Well, as much as I get frustrated by things being sealed before they are ready*, I have just cast my votes in the YakYak Dancing About Architecture Festive Fifty to add my views on the music of the year. So, for what it is worth, here are my favourite songs of the year:1 – The Prodigy: Omen. This was destined to be my number one for the year as soon as I heard it, just top notch stuff.2 – The

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-68082050304459813752009-12-07T19:28:00.002Z2009-12-07T19:30:18.766Z

I've just noticed that my phone now believes me to have walked over 1,000 miles this year and that I will pass the 2,000,000 step mark next week. And that's without trying at all over the last couple of months since dark evenings and generally wet lunchtimes set in. Now I suppose I will have to use that as a target to beat next year.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-12515652681714631092009-11-30T18:52:00.003Z2009-11-30T19:02:46.613Z

Prehistoric BuickOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBThere is something about number/registration/licence plates that has always seemed to catch my attention. We used to make up words or sentences from them on long family journeys and eagerly looked for the first new car whenever the year letters changed. I can remember my Dad's old cars (CBM130T and FTM252Y spring immediately to mind),

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-55495480724913921612009-11-17T11:22:00.004Z2009-11-17T15:09:31.740Z

Just had a text from MrsB - one of our former managers from the Argos days has died, and another ex-employee I didn't know has killed himself. Not got any details, and we haven't been in contact with the manager in question for 10 years or so. But, not sure how I feel or ought to be feeling about it.On the one hand he was actually quite an inspiring manager for me, helped me out with

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-30654502045167201762009-11-03T09:38:00.002Z2009-11-03T09:43:55.437Z

I have just seen a woman in the corridor clutching some sort of stuffed dog, and across the office from me I can see Paddington propped up against a monitor.Turns out it is Bring Your Bear To Work day. Oh what joy.I hope nobody brings one to the meeting I have later and expects me to take them seriously. Not meaning to be a grump, but I think this is one charity thing too far. I wore it pink

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-27945398817406651022009-10-27T19:38:00.004Z2009-10-27T19:50:23.063Z

As I think I have mentioned, I do like a nice audio book. Since getting a phone with built in MP3 player I have become particularly addicted to them, but this is an interest going back as far as I can remember. Maybe it links back to Mum and Dad reading to us, then story time at school and Jackanory on the tv but there really is nothing like having a tale read out to you while driving around,

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-80563872534483404072009-10-21T19:02:00.003Z2009-10-21T19:04:44.303Z

Sister ActOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBAs foreshadowed, Saturday saw our visit to London to see Sister Act. It was absolutely superb - definitely the best west end production we have seen so far. OK, so perhaps they have an advantage at the Palladium with revolving stage, trapdoors etc that you may not see in other venues, but by 'eck do they make the most of it. Acting, singing,

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-25353528277540305312009-10-14T19:22:00.003Z2009-10-14T19:34:34.463Z

Some comedian I can't recall once said that you know you are getting old/turning into your Dad when you see a stick and think "I'll keep that for stirring paint" or something along those lines. In my case it is a strip of plastic edging from when we had the kitchen refitted, but the idea is much the same. And it got a fair bit of use this weekend as I chose to recover from my cold by repainting

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-38715072462304035312009-10-09T14:42:00.002Z2009-10-09T14:49:49.961Z

So, this week I have mostly been off work with a cold. Sounds pathetic really, doesn't it? I felt a bit grotty and did lots of sneezing on Sunday, struggled in on Monday then gave up half way through the day and haven't been back. I always feel guilty when I'm off sick whatever the cause, but this really does feel a bit stupid to be home with. The trouble is, when I do get a bad cold I get

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-72446375131784022362009-09-28T18:08:00.002Z2009-09-28T18:09:15.269Z

GeorginaOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBTook a trip to Duxford yesterday for the Showbus event. Went four years in a row when I first started at the council due to free bus journeys and reduced entry being offered, but this was my first visit since 2001.A glorious day in terms of weather (they normally call it Showerbus) and I quite enjoyed getting back into the old buses as art kind of

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-69596503679198724622009-09-26T12:30:00.002Z2009-09-26T12:31:59.180Z

Bad start to the dayOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBEagle-eyed readers will already have spotted what greeted me when we left the house this morning. It seems that somewhere on the way home last night my car got screwed (click pick to go through the Flickr and you can see the actual screw in the next image - top class photo reporting here!). And of course this particular tyre has only

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-70654303867797268122009-09-23T19:49:00.003Z2009-09-23T20:04:52.492Z

Came home tonight to find the third charity bag through the door in as many days. Whay have they all decided to target us this week? Something to do with the distributors having been off over the school hols perhaps? They have all gone straight back outside where they will no douibt sit on the drive for a week before we give up and thrown them in the bin. I've never known an empty one be

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-29586951690395792012009-09-07T17:48:00.002Z2009-09-07T17:49:32.330Z

Watching YouOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBSo we came home one day last week to find the living room full of flies. A little searching found a mouldering bird under the sofa. No need to guess as to the culprit, as this was the second little brown job that Tawny had brought in in a week or so.The question is, why has she suddenly taken up hunting again after a break of at least seven

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-81003490457641113102009-09-02T19:34:00.003Z2009-09-02T19:37:27.763Z

Bannatyne 2Originally uploaded by The original SimonBSo, how do you get people to come and visit your town on a sunny bank holiday? We had an event every day over the weekend and only one of them was as a result of having a Dragon available.Saturday was the annual Custom/American car run. There have been four or five of these now to my knowledge. Unlike the historic vehicle run in May (organised

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-2351296714095483822009-08-26T20:13:00.002Z2009-08-26T20:16:35.895Z

Bradfield Combust WallOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBI'm not sure what triggered it, but I seem to have become re-obsessed with photography over the last couple of months. It was always something I enjoyed, but from the files just on this hard drive there have been big gaps when I haven't had the camera out at all over the years, never mind back in the pre-digital days.Parlty this has

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-35321117855078609302009-08-19T20:09:00.001Z2009-08-19T20:11:01.060Z

OK, lets get this holiday wrapped up so I can talk about something else next time.Thursday: You're Bard.So we went on down to Stratford Upon Avon to do the Shalespeare thing. Well, three fifths of the houses and no play at any rate. Another Park & Ride visit (well, got to keep my hand in) and a journey into town through an unexpected industrial area.Of the houses we visited, I think I enjoyed

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-22338723110977619992009-08-17T17:37:00.003Z2009-08-17T17:47:43.283Z

Day Two: A-Warwick A-Warwick!We hadn't decided what order to do days two and three (if you see what I mean) before arriving, but waking up to rain on Wednesday made the decision for us to stay local. OK, partly I wanted a day off from driving, but we figured that we could duck in and out of different bits of Warwick castle and stay reasonably dry better than trying to get between different

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-25658856724206651912009-08-16T11:19:00.002Z2009-08-16T11:21:58.607Z

Cathedral Stained GlassOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBA few words about our little break in the midlands.Day One: Home - Coventry - WarwickUnexpectedly leaving home within a few minutes of our intended departure time, we hit the A14 and had a breeze of a drive to Coventry. The weather was overcast enough to make driving easy in terms of not having to battle with bright lights, rain or

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-66219023393741648702009-08-10T17:28:00.002Z2009-08-10T17:29:39.081Z

Major and MinorettesOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBUrp, where did that last week go?Anyway, summer is now making a proper appearance and to go with it the carnival season is upon us. A much shorter procession than in previous years and no "extras" in the form of firework displays or concerts etc owing to the main sponsor pulling out. But then it would have been hard for them to justify

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-15158209977760263952009-08-03T17:46:00.002Z2009-08-03T17:48:58.303Z

Bobby Robson tributes 1Originally uploaded by The original SimonBI've been thinking long and hard over the weekend about what to write here. Nor especially on the topic of Bobby Robson, but more the way we choose to mark the passing of someone in the public eye these days.I can't claim to be much of a football fan. Working right next door to the ground (hey, out fire assembly point is on the

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-11619438677751653392009-08-02T15:00:00.002Z2009-08-02T15:02:30.436Z

Norman's BridgeOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBGrowing up a mere 25 minute train trip from King's Cross, and with grandparents and aunts within the outer metropolis it was perhaps inevitable that we would spend a fair amount of time in London as children. The fact that I still like to get down there as often as possible for a wander about, nose at the sights and poke around a museum is

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-10960652915470701022009-07-29T20:18:00.002Z2009-07-29T20:19:40.784Z

Seat of PowerOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBDid the London day trip yesterday but haven't got time to write much now so a fuller report will come along over the weekend. I'll just say here that it was a south bank day and you can click through parliament for more pictures on flickr.Oh, 14000+ steps recorded!

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-44154272990235500622009-07-27T15:45:00.003Z2009-07-27T16:01:36.516Z

So yesterday saw Felixstowe's third Xtremefest over on the cliff top just along the road from us. A couple of my cousins and their offspring were up for the day so we all went along to watch people falling off their skateboards, climbing, judoing and so forth whilst being entertained by a number of up and coming local bands. It has to be said that it wasn't quite as interesting for the slightly

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-18776511498957426042009-07-22T19:05:00.000Z2009-07-22T19:59:39.013Z

Don't let that Lastfm list over on the right lull you into a false sense of security about my musical tastes. That just happens to cover what has ended up on this PC through downloads and ripping of choice tracks to use on compilations or as ring tones or just to listen to while I'm up here. There are plenty of artists on the CD shelves not currently starring on this hard drive not to mention

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-42419384366170097102009-07-20T17:09:00.005Z2009-07-20T17:34:32.215Z

So today is the 40th anniversary of Mr Armstrong taking his small step onto the moon and I am quite surprised to note that none of the blogs I regularly read have mentioned it at all. Perhaps I'm the only space freak out there (can't quite believe that) or perhaps everyone else had more thrilling things to write about. After all, it was fourty years ago and who cares these days? Well, I do.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-83761235829012363662009-07-19T09:45:00.002Z2009-07-19T09:47:51.027Z

Well, my feet anyway.According to my phone I have now recorded over one million steps this year. OK, so if I was managing my 10,000 a day this milestone would have been passed over a month or so ago, but I still think it's worth noting for posterior. Or posterity!It reckons that's over 500 miles too, which is not bad going if you ask me.And now the sun is shining so time to add a few more to

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-85539444872988126652009-07-15T19:31:00.003Z2009-07-15T19:33:25.020Z

Number 1: taken my top off in publicI know I need to loose a bit of weight meaning I have a bit too much belly and budding moobs and am pale of skin, so I keep it all covered up so as not to make people feel ill if they glance my way. Now all I need is to persuade most of the other men in Suffolk to do the same.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-13552961333474238752009-07-13T17:35:00.002Z2009-07-13T17:36:35.742Z

The face of Essex?Originally uploaded by The original SimonBAnother day at a Country show on Saturday, this time the Tendring Hundred one. A really good day out, much better weather than the Suffolk Show although there were a couple of very short sharp showers.We met up with friends, got to see the whole selection of stalls, animals, arena events etc, ate some great food and generally relaxed and

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-85000088206780452262009-07-08T19:06:00.002Z2009-07-08T19:21:33.693Z

OK, so I've finished another book and want to share the joy. In this case, as the picture may just hint at, it is Mallard by Don Hale.Not just a simple tale of the loco itself and the attaining of the world steam speed record, but a detailed look at the work of Sir Nigel Gresley and the development of his pacific engines. I've always had a soft spot for Mallard and the A4s (I took the photo

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-24083682237006798102009-07-04T14:25:00.003Z2009-07-04T14:32:21.096Z

Review: Kim Stanley Robinson - The Years Of Rice And SaltI'll be the first to admit I struggled with this book. Not sure if itwasn't quite what I was expecting, or if the musings on religion were a bit more than I wanted but some days I found it hard to get through more than a couple of pages. But, I did enjoy it in the end and find the concept to be superb.As the cover blurb says, imagine a

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-81698252247394993762009-06-29T20:21:00.001Z2009-06-29T20:24:05.455Z

Who is Virgilio Anderson?

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-59982447075914786882009-06-21T08:57:00.002Z2009-06-21T09:04:00.210Z

Summer Burn 2009Originally uploaded by The original SimonBSo it is Summer Burn time again. For those of you who don't know about this then sorry, you've missed out for another year but keep your eyes peeled at www.funjunkie.co.uk for next year. I also organise a copycat burn at the Llamasoft forum (www.yakyak.org) bringing together a few more people in search of a bit of music-sharing fun. You

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-5363153063404453482009-06-19T19:43:00.003Z2009-06-19T20:01:17.000Z

Well, yesterday was the funeral of Peter Fuller, colleague and friend who will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. Very much a larger than life character who brought a genuine spark of life to the office. Definitely the person I made the most effort to keep up to date with when we got reshuffled last year and ended up at the other end of the building with a couple of doors between us.

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-66895264016475022482009-06-11T20:59:00.002Z2009-06-11T21:34:56.237Z

Just some bits that need to get out of my head...So the BBC Springwatch is nearly over for another year (just some round up shows and the web stuff). I have really enjoyed watching it this year. Lots of wonderful shots of nature at its best. And even better, Tawny has watched it too. I've never known her take an interest in the TV before, but she has paid close attention, tried to grab at the

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-73468020446549994292009-06-05T21:17:00.002Z2009-06-05T21:18:51.356Z

Upside DownOriginally uploaded by The original SimonBHad to take our Tawny for her annual booster today. She absolutely hates going to the vet and yet they never have anything but praise for her. A struggle to get her in the basket, and then she cries the entire way there (and back again) but is as meek as anything when on the table.She must be at least 13 years old now (we've had her for 12, and

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318669.post-26716769260563852632009-06-03T18:24:00.002Z2009-06-03T18:32:24.704Z

So there I am, packing up to leave work tonight, waiting for the PC to shut down etc I grabbed my mug in haste, only to shower my lap and chair with unexpectedly undrunk water. You'd think I'd remember whether I'd finished or not. Luckily it was still quite sunny, so by the time my bus turned up it no longer looked like I'd wet myself on the way. But the ride down in the lift and walk to the

Simonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02357929317301843307noreply@blogger.com0