Up later than normal and into the Regal for coffee (needed after bad night with little sleep) and sausage in a bun. Thence to M&S as, allegedly, they were open at 8am. Saw old woman being served in one of the normal tills so Lou said to use self-service, which broke. No staff around to fix it so went to till with old lady to find staff member had fucked off somewhere. Only other person was woman fannying about with flowers. Got fucked off so walked out.
Seriously, if you're going to open at 8am you should be ready to trade then, not wank about so you'll be ready around 11am. #tossers
Over to the Senate House and Phil & I got stand packed away by 10.15 (though still a load of frames that he'd got Bill to deliver there to return).
Over to RNB for the late morning/afternoon & some stuff for Dave.
Then on leave. :¬)
Monday, 30 March 2015
Weekend 28/03 & 29/0315
Saturday 28/03/15
Main part of the day taken up by another Graduation. Quite busy (poxy colleges always want something to prove they went to Cambridge & something to show that their £30 MA off with).
Talked to Phil about move. Apparently we are paying (out of reserves) but nowhere near the £100k figure. Seems somebody (registry?) was playing silly buggers & told council that it would be £100k and we'd only be there a year. Not surprising that they said no. Pointed out we'd be there a lot longer and it wouldn't cost that to put up some walls - still don;t know where the figure came from (Registry trying to skim off/recoup RNB/NMS Helpdesk build money?).
Also builder apparently contracted to start work on April 1st despite there still a question of who would be paying existing (shows were fucking about). Estimated buld will be 3 weeks or so, meaning we might be able to move in early May (late May is no good as graduation is then and will need to be put to print all the pictures).
Finished at 17.00 and went round to Bath House to meet Lou, Helen, Colin, Tim & Ali. They'd been there a couple of hours already so were a bit squiffy. Lots of laughter & catching up over the next few hours (eg Holly is gay, both her & Amber are into Cosplay and Colin has been shafted by Tesco's over his pension). Ali had brought a load of photos of time in Alpha Rd etc (didn't have time to look at more than a couple of bits).
Moved onto the Brew House for a change of scene (and volume). Helen & Colin then went to catch bus to Swavesey and Ali & Tim wandered off home. Went to the refurbished Radigan's for a quick pint (Silk?). Pub looks nice (even though find relocated bar a bit odd after so many years). Downstairs not so much - only female bog as gent's full of building rubble as was room beyond.
Decided to accompany Lou to Sainsbury's etc as it was clear she was trollied (which she denied for about 1/2 an hour until confessing when we were nearly home).
Sunday 29/03/15
Up early to watch Malaysian GP on phone (BBC coverage is pretty pants compared to Sky). Then over to Afternoon Tease for shakshuka (nomtastic middle eastern stew of onion, peppers feta etc topped off with an egg).
Went home as whatever I ate yesterday was disagreeing with my stomach. Wasn't pleasant!
Over the road for beer in front of the fire & roast for Lou (who'd had toast in Jo's). Weather turned vicious as the afternoon went on: driving rain & very windy (peaking around 27mph).
Home around 7pm & fell asleep quickly (which meant, of course, I woke at midnight).
Main part of the day taken up by another Graduation. Quite busy (poxy colleges always want something to prove they went to Cambridge & something to show that their £30 MA off with).
Talked to Phil about move. Apparently we are paying (out of reserves) but nowhere near the £100k figure. Seems somebody (registry?) was playing silly buggers & told council that it would be £100k and we'd only be there a year. Not surprising that they said no. Pointed out we'd be there a lot longer and it wouldn't cost that to put up some walls - still don;t know where the figure came from (Registry trying to skim off/recoup RNB/NMS Helpdesk build money?).
Also builder apparently contracted to start work on April 1st despite there still a question of who would be paying existing (shows were fucking about). Estimated buld will be 3 weeks or so, meaning we might be able to move in early May (late May is no good as graduation is then and will need to be put to print all the pictures).
Finished at 17.00 and went round to Bath House to meet Lou, Helen, Colin, Tim & Ali. They'd been there a couple of hours already so were a bit squiffy. Lots of laughter & catching up over the next few hours (eg Holly is gay, both her & Amber are into Cosplay and Colin has been shafted by Tesco's over his pension). Ali had brought a load of photos of time in Alpha Rd etc (didn't have time to look at more than a couple of bits).
Moved onto the Brew House for a change of scene (and volume). Helen & Colin then went to catch bus to Swavesey and Ali & Tim wandered off home. Went to the refurbished Radigan's for a quick pint (Silk?). Pub looks nice (even though find relocated bar a bit odd after so many years). Downstairs not so much - only female bog as gent's full of building rubble as was room beyond.
Decided to accompany Lou to Sainsbury's etc as it was clear she was trollied (which she denied for about 1/2 an hour until confessing when we were nearly home).
Sunday 29/03/15
Up early to watch Malaysian GP on phone (BBC coverage is pretty pants compared to Sky). Then over to Afternoon Tease for shakshuka (nomtastic middle eastern stew of onion, peppers feta etc topped off with an egg).
Went home as whatever I ate yesterday was disagreeing with my stomach. Wasn't pleasant!
Over the road for beer in front of the fire & roast for Lou (who'd had toast in Jo's). Weather turned vicious as the afternoon went on: driving rain & very windy (peaking around 27mph).
Home around 7pm & fell asleep quickly (which meant, of course, I woke at midnight).
Friday, 27 March 2015
Friday 27/03/15
Went to have a shower to find that both cubicles were locked. When checked email found out that at 16.00 (when in PandIS) Will had sent an email saying that they would be closed to prepare for painting over the weekend. Bugger.
Did all the photos that arrived yesterday. Just doing the last one when Phil & Richard M stuck their head round the door to say hello. Didn't ask him what the outcome of the meeting was as can do that tomorrow.
No McCavity today - he's off looking at mobility scooters for his mother. I'm only in on Monday next week and he's off to Spain after Easter too.
A day of bits here and there.
Did all the photos that arrived yesterday. Just doing the last one when Phil & Richard M stuck their head round the door to say hello. Didn't ask him what the outcome of the meeting was as can do that tomorrow.
No McCavity today - he's off looking at mobility scooters for his mother. I'm only in on Monday next week and he's off to Spain after Easter too.
A day of bits here and there.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Thursday 26/03/15
What a pissing miserable start to a day - absolutely pissing down!
Still it's pay day.
Ordered 3rd "Finishing School" book & pre-ordered new MOPO book (out on Tuesday).
Also finished registering for http://draculaclothing.com/index.php/
Once done, dded a load of stuff to 'wishlist' and showed Lou later.
At around 3pm caught the bus to Lou's to meet American chap who is doing background checks on Meg. Whole process took 10 minutes - guess I was just repeating/covering same ground as everybody else he'd talked to.
Then to PandIS where had a slightly alarming conversation with Phil: as Uni don't want to pay (and we can't afford to) Steve K had hinted on Monday that the unit could close entirely!
Phil was going to have a meeting with Richard's Mee & Hey on Friday Am to talk about it.
To the Pint Shop for a couple then the Castle for a change. Just sat down and Katie Berman walked in (haven't seen her in about 18 years). She's working at the Vet School, has been married for 15 years and lives in Willingham.
After Castle went to Isaac where chatted to Adie & shouted at smegheaded foreigners.
Left with "Goodnight stupid fat slags." to harpies who wanted the France - Brazil game on and then didn't watch it.
Still it's pay day.
Ordered 3rd "Finishing School" book & pre-ordered new MOPO book (out on Tuesday).
Also finished registering for http://draculaclothing.com/index.php/
Once done, dded a load of stuff to 'wishlist' and showed Lou later.
At around 3pm caught the bus to Lou's to meet American chap who is doing background checks on Meg. Whole process took 10 minutes - guess I was just repeating/covering same ground as everybody else he'd talked to.
Then to PandIS where had a slightly alarming conversation with Phil: as Uni don't want to pay (and we can't afford to) Steve K had hinted on Monday that the unit could close entirely!
Phil was going to have a meeting with Richard's Mee & Hey on Friday Am to talk about it.
To the Pint Shop for a couple then the Castle for a change. Just sat down and Katie Berman walked in (haven't seen her in about 18 years). She's working at the Vet School, has been married for 15 years and lives in Willingham.
After Castle went to Isaac where chatted to Adie & shouted at smegheaded foreigners.
Left with "Goodnight stupid fat slags." to harpies who wanted the France - Brazil game on and then didn't watch it.
Wenesday 25/03/15
A slow day at work but did get the go ahead for the MSM books. Printed them & took them up in the van.
Conversations following the staff meeting on Monday afternoon are continuing and to sat that a lot of people aren't happy would be an understatement.
In the evening we went to the Isaac and, in conjunction with Nicole & Anna, added some items to the special's board.
The 'Dick on a stick' was Anna's (who was displaying her fine legs in a short dress & fishnets), the tribute to STP was from us.
Conversations following the staff meeting on Monday afternoon are continuing and to sat that a lot of people aren't happy would be an understatement.
In the evening we went to the Isaac and, in conjunction with Nicole & Anna, added some items to the special's board.
The 'Dick on a stick' was Anna's (who was displaying her fine legs in a short dress & fishnets), the tribute to STP was from us.
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Tuesday 24/03/15
Turns out the US Government bod still wants to meet me (fuck knows why) and is coming to Cambridge on Thursday. Will have to see if I can run away from work ...
[Update OK'd by Bruce & Lou has emailed bloke saying will be able to get there at 15.30.]
In one of those 'mention somebody & they get in touch moments' Emma sent over a job wanted asap as lecturer going on holiday.
In other news a plane crashed in the Southern French Alps with the loss of 150 lives.
In the evening went to Mitre as usual on a Tuesday and they ran out of Doom Bar!
Had to drink a very tasty beer instead - Cameron's Strongarm 150. Malty, tasty and brewed for the 150th anniversary of the brewery's founding.
Will keep an eye out for this :¬)
[Update OK'd by Bruce & Lou has emailed bloke saying will be able to get there at 15.30.]
In one of those 'mention somebody & they get in touch moments' Emma sent over a job wanted asap as lecturer going on holiday.
In other news a plane crashed in the Southern French Alps with the loss of 150 lives.
In the evening went to Mitre as usual on a Tuesday and they ran out of Doom Bar!
Had to drink a very tasty beer instead - Cameron's Strongarm 150. Malty, tasty and brewed for the 150th anniversary of the brewery's founding.
Will keep an eye out for this :¬)
Monday, 23 March 2015
Monday 23/03/15
Bright but bloody cold this morning!
Interesting email came in from somebody working for US Government asking about Meg which turned out to be real and not the spam it looked like (though was under the impression I worked with her).
A quiet morning followed by 'Martin's Mystery Buzzword Bullshit Bingo' (aka a staff meeting). Highlights included: declaring that the successor to CARET that's joining the UIS will not be a division & then referring to it as exactly that; admitting that he is aquainted with several of the new deputy directors (on of whom is/was in charge of the 'Universal Credits' IT clusterfuck); hinting tht we might drop Hermes in favour of MS Outlook for email; If you work in a crowded/noisy office that should all magically become OK in late May & staff can go on secondments except when they can't.
As somebody observed at the previous meeting, the more he talks the less people trust him.
Home for bangers & mash.
Interesting email came in from somebody working for US Government asking about Meg which turned out to be real and not the spam it looked like (though was under the impression I worked with her).
A quiet morning followed by 'Martin's Mystery Buzzword Bullshit Bingo' (aka a staff meeting). Highlights included: declaring that the successor to CARET that's joining the UIS will not be a division & then referring to it as exactly that; admitting that he is aquainted with several of the new deputy directors (on of whom is/was in charge of the 'Universal Credits' IT clusterfuck); hinting tht we might drop Hermes in favour of MS Outlook for email; If you work in a crowded/noisy office that should all magically become OK in late May & staff can go on secondments except when they can't.
As somebody observed at the previous meeting, the more he talks the less people trust him.
Home for bangers & mash.
Weekend 21/03 & 22/03/15
Saturday 21/03/15
Got up relatively early and got to the Senate House about 10.15. It was bloody freezing with a biting wind. If it wasn't for the heater we'd have all been chilled to the bone. It was a very slow day (think we did about 20 frome orders (though several were for 2 or 3 frames). Spent so long hanging about by the heater my boot heated up and left me with a sore foot. Richard M stopped by (either visit us or go shopping with the wife). Now he's leaving he's being less diplomatic about things in the UIS & the university. He's also bought a house in Denmark: it's an architect's building from the mid-50s & the architect wants to downsize (he is in his 80s).
We talked a lot about the ridiculous demand from the University that we pay 100k for the priviledge of being evicted.
Ceremony finished early so went over to Lou's to watch rugbyonly to find that somebody had buggered the PC so it couldn't boot up. So a long walk to the Isaac to catch the end of the 1st half & finding that Ireland had stuffed the useless jocks. In a crazy match we put 7 tries past the french and scored 55 points, agonizingly short (6points) of the total we needed to take the title. The main culprits for this was terrible finishing against the jocks & James "Fucknut" Haskell who saw yellow for a deliberate trip. While the twatsplash was in the bin, France scored twice.
Sunday 22/03/15
Over to the Isaac after a trip to Aldi. Heather was already there. Liverpool were absolutely gash in the 1st half.We played like we'd never seen a ball or each other before. ManU dominated the game comfortably and went in one up.
At the start of the 2nd half Lallana (who'd missed an open goal sitter in the 1st half) was subbed for Gerrard.
Who lasted 38 seconds before being sent off for a stamp on Herrerra! The decision was fair (and he acknowledged that later). Apart from SG, Jones should have gone for 2 fouls, Di Maria for deliberate handball (a fine catch that a full back would have been proud of), Balotelli for 2 fouls* and Skrtl for another stamp, this time on Di Gea.
The ManU fans (and everyone else) thought Gerrard's red card was the funniest thing ever.
This was Gerrard's heat map
And this an impression of his time on the pitch (even Pele lasted longer).
Mata won the game with a superb acrobatic kick and despite pulling a goal back we are now 5 pts off 4th and look like missing out again (which means players will leave & other targets wont come).
Stayed to watch the Hull Chelski match (after Lou turned into sweary mary & got told off by Dick) and howled at their comedy defending that had Heather screaming (she'd been laughing when the red was produced - karma is fast in these parts). Dick said he knew when Chelsea ad scored as he could hear Heather upstairs.
* Mario got smashed by Smalling and had to be restrained from twatting him by LFC fans.
Got up relatively early and got to the Senate House about 10.15. It was bloody freezing with a biting wind. If it wasn't for the heater we'd have all been chilled to the bone. It was a very slow day (think we did about 20 frome orders (though several were for 2 or 3 frames). Spent so long hanging about by the heater my boot heated up and left me with a sore foot. Richard M stopped by (either visit us or go shopping with the wife). Now he's leaving he's being less diplomatic about things in the UIS & the university. He's also bought a house in Denmark: it's an architect's building from the mid-50s & the architect wants to downsize (he is in his 80s).
We talked a lot about the ridiculous demand from the University that we pay 100k for the priviledge of being evicted.
Ceremony finished early so went over to Lou's to watch rugbyonly to find that somebody had buggered the PC so it couldn't boot up. So a long walk to the Isaac to catch the end of the 1st half & finding that Ireland had stuffed the useless jocks. In a crazy match we put 7 tries past the french and scored 55 points, agonizingly short (6points) of the total we needed to take the title. The main culprits for this was terrible finishing against the jocks & James "Fucknut" Haskell who saw yellow for a deliberate trip. While the twatsplash was in the bin, France scored twice.
Sunday 22/03/15
Over to the Isaac after a trip to Aldi. Heather was already there. Liverpool were absolutely gash in the 1st half.We played like we'd never seen a ball or each other before. ManU dominated the game comfortably and went in one up.
At the start of the 2nd half Lallana (who'd missed an open goal sitter in the 1st half) was subbed for Gerrard.
Who lasted 38 seconds before being sent off for a stamp on Herrerra! The decision was fair (and he acknowledged that later). Apart from SG, Jones should have gone for 2 fouls, Di Maria for deliberate handball (a fine catch that a full back would have been proud of), Balotelli for 2 fouls* and Skrtl for another stamp, this time on Di Gea.
The ManU fans (and everyone else) thought Gerrard's red card was the funniest thing ever.
This was Gerrard's heat map
And this an impression of his time on the pitch (even Pele lasted longer).
Mata won the game with a superb acrobatic kick and despite pulling a goal back we are now 5 pts off 4th and look like missing out again (which means players will leave & other targets wont come).
Stayed to watch the Hull Chelski match (after Lou turned into sweary mary & got told off by Dick) and howled at their comedy defending that had Heather screaming (she'd been laughing when the red was produced - karma is fast in these parts). Dick said he knew when Chelsea ad scored as he could hear Heather upstairs.
* Mario got smashed by Smalling and had to be restrained from twatting him by LFC fans.
Friday 20/03/15
The day of the partial solar eclipse &, predictably, Cambridge is blanketed in cloud. Grrrrr
As a result I ended up watching the eclipse on the BBC on a 'Stargazing Live' show hosted by Dara O'Brien & Brian Cox. Others got some great photos though
Also. predictably,after the eclipse was over the clouds cleared and bright, warm sunshine ensued. Double Grrrrr
Walked into town and had lunch with Lou then over to PandIS to cut new/spare labels. Interestingly, despite being from the same file as originally run they were a different colour (probs due to machine being fixed between run 1 & 2).
Set up the stand in record time and wandered back to the unit in the warm sunshine then a quick trip with some landscape 20" x 15" mounts. After work went over to the Granta for beer in the sun but, due to Lou fannying about, a couple got to the last tale in the sun 1st. Went inside after a bit outside & tried new (expensive!) beer - Goose Island IPA from Chicago. Odd taste but quite nice.
Feeling totally shattered so home for pizza and sleep at the weird time of 9pm.
As a result I ended up watching the eclipse on the BBC on a 'Stargazing Live' show hosted by Dara O'Brien & Brian Cox. Others got some great photos though
Also. predictably,after the eclipse was over the clouds cleared and bright, warm sunshine ensued. Double Grrrrr
Walked into town and had lunch with Lou then over to PandIS to cut new/spare labels. Interestingly, despite being from the same file as originally run they were a different colour (probs due to machine being fixed between run 1 & 2).
Set up the stand in record time and wandered back to the unit in the warm sunshine then a quick trip with some landscape 20" x 15" mounts. After work went over to the Granta for beer in the sun but, due to Lou fannying about, a couple got to the last tale in the sun 1st. Went inside after a bit outside & tried new (expensive!) beer - Goose Island IPA from Chicago. Odd taste but quite nice.
Feeling totally shattered so home for pizza and sleep at the weird time of 9pm.
Thurday 19/03/15
A busy day at work thanks to Dave sending half a dozen jobs at once. Production wasn't helped by Bruce spending most of the day either reading Hannah's thesis or on the phone to her discussing it.
After work went to the Regal for a curry, then went to the Isaac for a few beers where the following exchange happened
Lou: "We're not eating tonight so I'll get another beer."
Me: "So you don't remember the curry we had a couple of hours ago then?"
While we were in the Regal Andy phoned to tell us that Keith had died. Somebody in the Grapes had taken round a 'get well' card and his wife told her that he'd died in the morning. Keith had been ill for quite some time and, after the cancer returned, it wasn't unexpected but a shock all the same. Everybody had several drinks in his memory.
After work went to the Regal for a curry, then went to the Isaac for a few beers where the following exchange happened
Lou: "We're not eating tonight so I'll get another beer."
Me: "So you don't remember the curry we had a couple of hours ago then?"
While we were in the Regal Andy phoned to tell us that Keith had died. Somebody in the Grapes had taken round a 'get well' card and his wife told her that he'd died in the morning. Keith had been ill for quite some time and, after the cancer returned, it wasn't unexpected but a shock all the same. Everybody had several drinks in his memory.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Wednesday 18/03/15
Asylum Wristband Sale Day :¬)
Seemed very misty out but, judging by the numbers driving without lights, I must have imagined it.
Talked to Phil about leave (said we'd have to deal with lack of packing etc so go ahead). He also said latest date on move might be late August, instead of early May. Apparently, despite it being agreed in September & plans drawn up (and 2 prices coming & going), the University now wants to charge PandIS/the UIS £100k for the work that's caused by their desire to replace an old building with a hideous carbuncle.
Cheeky fecking smeggers!
Phil & Steve K talked yesterday and Phil told him that we need to move early or it wouldn't be until the end of the summer/early autumn as otherwise we'd have to pack up shop (no money for UIS + redundancies + explain to graduates/parents why they can't have photos or certs framed). I'm assuming Steve is going to point out to whoever is in charge if this particular fuck-up that we can't move in the middle of the summer (want us out by end of June/early July).
Booked all bar 7 days off & wrote it on the calendar (wonder how long it will take Bruce to notice).
Email saying tickets going on sale tonight came in just before lunchtime.
After work went to the Isaac, not intending to stay long. Lou was incredulous when told about the university demanding £100k. We weren't intending to stay for the Barca v Citeh game but decided to watch the 1st half. Barca were brilliant & Messi looked like a visitor from another dimension. If it wasn't for Joe Hart (who made 10 goal-denying saves) the score would have accurately reflected how Man City were comprehensively battered. Messi nutmegging James Milner & leaving him on the ground summed up the game in a small moment
Not long after the kick-off the tickets for Asylum went on sale. Got in & purchased 2 wristbands after 2 minutes (told the 250 early-bird tickets sold out in 59 minutes!) - I love living in the future.
Seemed very misty out but, judging by the numbers driving without lights, I must have imagined it.
Talked to Phil about leave (said we'd have to deal with lack of packing etc so go ahead). He also said latest date on move might be late August, instead of early May. Apparently, despite it being agreed in September & plans drawn up (and 2 prices coming & going), the University now wants to charge PandIS/the UIS £100k for the work that's caused by their desire to replace an old building with a hideous carbuncle.
Cheeky fecking smeggers!
Phil & Steve K talked yesterday and Phil told him that we need to move early or it wouldn't be until the end of the summer/early autumn as otherwise we'd have to pack up shop (no money for UIS + redundancies + explain to graduates/parents why they can't have photos or certs framed). I'm assuming Steve is going to point out to whoever is in charge if this particular fuck-up that we can't move in the middle of the summer (want us out by end of June/early July).
Booked all bar 7 days off & wrote it on the calendar (wonder how long it will take Bruce to notice).
Email saying tickets going on sale tonight came in just before lunchtime.
After work went to the Isaac, not intending to stay long. Lou was incredulous when told about the university demanding £100k. We weren't intending to stay for the Barca v Citeh game but decided to watch the 1st half. Barca were brilliant & Messi looked like a visitor from another dimension. If it wasn't for Joe Hart (who made 10 goal-denying saves) the score would have accurately reflected how Man City were comprehensively battered. Messi nutmegging James Milner & leaving him on the ground summed up the game in a small moment
Not long after the kick-off the tickets for Asylum went on sale. Got in & purchased 2 wristbands after 2 minutes (told the 250 early-bird tickets sold out in 59 minutes!) - I love living in the future.
Tuesday 17/03/15
Went to PandIS for the day. Spent all morning packing leaflets into folders.
Apart, that is from the fiasco that was the audio test. Got there 5-6 minutes before the appointment and was still there at 11.10. Finally got in a few minutes later to find that the printer was broken & that couldn't find record on the database. Sat in the booth & test on left ear went as normal. Got to right ear & low frequencies worked fine then it stopped. After a jiggling of the connections it worked a bit: did 1st of high frequencies & then stopped again. After profuse apologies for sporadically working machinery was told that they'll have to make another appointment in 'a couple of months'.
Back to work where found Phil had a client in at 14.00 and then he was off to RNB for SMTP debrief (ie muggins had to do all the packing solo again).
Finally finished packing & getting 5 of the cages downstairs at 14.45, leaving 1 cage upstairs with space for lights when Natalie had finished with them. Also had to put tables in a cage due to a rather sticky surface (hopefully pop & not spunk).
Over to Quinn's for our annual pint of black stuff to toast those we've lost. Had a couple of pints then moved to the Mitre for more before finishing at the Isaac watching Le Arse nearly, but not quite, managing to overturn their cock-up at home. Or, as the tabloids put it 'Crashing Out".
Apart, that is from the fiasco that was the audio test. Got there 5-6 minutes before the appointment and was still there at 11.10. Finally got in a few minutes later to find that the printer was broken & that couldn't find record on the database. Sat in the booth & test on left ear went as normal. Got to right ear & low frequencies worked fine then it stopped. After a jiggling of the connections it worked a bit: did 1st of high frequencies & then stopped again. After profuse apologies for sporadically working machinery was told that they'll have to make another appointment in 'a couple of months'.
Back to work where found Phil had a client in at 14.00 and then he was off to RNB for SMTP debrief (ie muggins had to do all the packing solo again).
Finally finished packing & getting 5 of the cages downstairs at 14.45, leaving 1 cage upstairs with space for lights when Natalie had finished with them. Also had to put tables in a cage due to a rather sticky surface (hopefully pop & not spunk).
Over to Quinn's for our annual pint of black stuff to toast those we've lost. Had a couple of pints then moved to the Mitre for more before finishing at the Isaac watching Le Arse nearly, but not quite, managing to overturn their cock-up at home. Or, as the tabloids put it 'Crashing Out".
Also watched a comedy penalty shootout between Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen (Madrid through 3-2 after 5 shots each).
Away from all that:
i) got 2 tweets from Margaretha on Vanuatu. She's safe and she's OK.
ii) David Duckenfield FINALLY admitted that he was responsible for ordering the gate opened and was responsible for the deaths of 96 people. And responsible for lying about his actions and seeking to shift the blame the fans for drunken behaviour.
Away from all that:
i) got 2 tweets from Margaretha on Vanuatu. She's safe and she's OK.
ii) David Duckenfield FINALLY admitted that he was responsible for ordering the gate opened and was responsible for the deaths of 96 people. And responsible for lying about his actions and seeking to shift the blame the fans for drunken behaviour.
Utter, utter, lying CUNT!
Monday, 16 March 2015
Monday 16/03/15
Happy birthday to me.
Decided to leave the present opening till later and went into work with the nibbles (nearly forgot about them - remembered with 10 minutes to spare). Unsurprisingly McCavity didn't come in (he called in at 09.33).
In F1 news, Red Bull are threatening to pull out because Mercedes are too dominant. Don't remember other teams doing the same when the team & Seb Vettel were winning 4 seasons in a row. #sourgrapes
A very quiet day really (apart from 75 certificates for Dave & Paul) so got quite a lot of reading done.
Lou called to say that the sheika was a midget. Also she'd found Margaretha on twitter & she seemed to be OK. Followed & sent her a tweet saying that hoped she was OK/
In the evening we went to the Carpenter's Arms as we judged that to be the quietest pub (bearing in mind the hearing test on Tuesday AM) for a couple of G&T's.
How wrong we were!
10 fat heifers came in an started hollering at each other over their knitting (when they weren't frantically shoveling food into their flapping shoutyholes). The obese twats will need reinforced trolleys when they keel over after their hearts give out.
As a result of the screaming harpies we went to the Portland where we did have a quiet pint.
On the way home we had a quick look at the Tivoli but couldn't really see much. Home for pizza and opening of presents from family: an astroglobe from parents & a pop-up Star Wars book + photos from ISS by Chris Hadfield from brother.
Listened to Swansea v LFC game on the phone.
Decided to leave the present opening till later and went into work with the nibbles (nearly forgot about them - remembered with 10 minutes to spare). Unsurprisingly McCavity didn't come in (he called in at 09.33).
In F1 news, Red Bull are threatening to pull out because Mercedes are too dominant. Don't remember other teams doing the same when the team & Seb Vettel were winning 4 seasons in a row. #sourgrapes
A very quiet day really (apart from 75 certificates for Dave & Paul) so got quite a lot of reading done.
Lou called to say that the sheika was a midget. Also she'd found Margaretha on twitter & she seemed to be OK. Followed & sent her a tweet saying that hoped she was OK/
In the evening we went to the Carpenter's Arms as we judged that to be the quietest pub (bearing in mind the hearing test on Tuesday AM) for a couple of G&T's.
How wrong we were!
10 fat heifers came in an started hollering at each other over their knitting (when they weren't frantically shoveling food into their flapping shoutyholes). The obese twats will need reinforced trolleys when they keel over after their hearts give out.
As a result of the screaming harpies we went to the Portland where we did have a quiet pint.
On the way home we had a quick look at the Tivoli but couldn't really see much. Home for pizza and opening of presents from family: an astroglobe from parents & a pop-up Star Wars book + photos from ISS by Chris Hadfield from brother.
Listened to Swansea v LFC game on the phone.
Sunday 15/03/15
Awake early to listen to the Aussie GP (a procession for the Merc's who were in a different league). Remember when 1 driver & 1 team winning everything was deemed bad for the sport?
Plus ça change...
Went into town for birthday sweets for Monday morning & some hair grips for Lou. Then we went to Lou's office as Doug had sent a message saying that a sheik was coming to visit 4CMR 1st thing Monday (he was hoping to "hit her up" for some money). After Lou had sent him an email we headed to the pub for nosh & the BBC's highlights of the race.
Pub was pretty busy as it was Mother's day. Dick said he'd heard that the Boathouse would have to be closed because, if they had to demolish the Tivoli, the shared wall would mean that the pub wouldn't be safe (and even if not half the garden would be closed off over the summer).
Come time to get up & meet steampunk folks in the Castle and Lou decided to miss it. Went on my own and tried a new beer from the Meantime Brewery: Yakima Red. It's kind of like Noble in that it's brewed with interesting hops (in this case Japanese ones). It was nice to chat to Jamie & Mags, Jill & Andrew & a new bloke called Craig. There s a sense of excitement that Sharon has announced SICIII will be happening at the beginning of August.
Home for a read while Lou snored.
Saturday 14/03/15
Happy 'Steak & You've Got No Chance Sunshine" Day
Got up quite early - had heard that the Tivoli had gone up in smoke. The alarm was raised at 3am and it was still burning more than 6 hours later when we got there. We talked to a fireman who said that the roof had completely gone. They had saved the Boathouse and were trying to keep the fire contained. The roads around the area were all closed (Chesterton/Victoria/Elizabeth Way/Maid's Causeway/Victoria etc) which, combined with roadworks on the Histon Rd/Victoria Rd/Huntingdon Rd junction, caused complete gridlock.
It's a terrible shame to see a lovely old art deco building & decent pub being destroyed by a devastating fire. Speculation is that it started in the kitchen (somebody left the gas on?). There were reports that the main damage is the roof & top floor and that the ground & lower floors had just suffered smoke damage. Not sure how somebody came up with this as, due to the structural damage nobody has been inside.
Also heard that Vanuatu had taken a direct hit from a monster cyclone, Pam. Bit worried as Margarettha had just moved there to take up a new job. Lou sent a text & WhatsAp message but heard nothing back. Hope she's OK
In the afternoon we met the Seru's & the Harry's in the Grain Store (aka the Avery). Lots of chats & laughter (eg Chris launching Angry Birds when trying to take a picture of Harry at the bar).
Turns out I was wrong about 'No Chance Sunshine' ...
Got up quite early - had heard that the Tivoli had gone up in smoke. The alarm was raised at 3am and it was still burning more than 6 hours later when we got there. We talked to a fireman who said that the roof had completely gone. They had saved the Boathouse and were trying to keep the fire contained. The roads around the area were all closed (Chesterton/Victoria/Elizabeth Way/Maid's Causeway/Victoria etc) which, combined with roadworks on the Histon Rd/Victoria Rd/Huntingdon Rd junction, caused complete gridlock.
It's a terrible shame to see a lovely old art deco building & decent pub being destroyed by a devastating fire. Speculation is that it started in the kitchen (somebody left the gas on?). There were reports that the main damage is the roof & top floor and that the ground & lower floors had just suffered smoke damage. Not sure how somebody came up with this as, due to the structural damage nobody has been inside.
Also heard that Vanuatu had taken a direct hit from a monster cyclone, Pam. Bit worried as Margarettha had just moved there to take up a new job. Lou sent a text & WhatsAp message but heard nothing back. Hope she's OK
In the afternoon we met the Seru's & the Harry's in the Grain Store (aka the Avery). Lots of chats & laughter (eg Chris launching Angry Birds when trying to take a picture of Harry at the bar).
Turns out I was wrong about 'No Chance Sunshine' ...
Friday, 13 March 2015
Friday 13/03/15
Still trying to get my head around the fact that Terry Pratchett is gone :¬[
Away from the devastating news of STP's death, the F1 season kicked off in Australia.
The situation at Sauber gets even more ludicrous: they sat out FP1 and then sent Erricson & Nasr out in FP2 whilst Giedo had a seat fitting (so much for they can't redesign the car). Not sure why he didn't start but I'm guessing that his superlicence hadn't been rubber-stamped in time. It remains to be seen whether he will drive this weekend and, if not, whether his lawyer will activate the contempt of court proceedings. If they do, there is a genuine risk that Monisha Kaltenborn will go to jail/get a fine & all the assets of the team being sequestored by bailiffs. It's possible that the 2 registered drivers will drive this weekend & then the line-up will change for Malaysia.
Whatever happens, it's a complete fucking mess. How on earth did an experienced contract lawyer manage to cock-up so completely? Her recklessness has overshadowed what should have been a great start to the new F1 season and risks the entire team going out of business. Despite this being down to her (not least as team principal) she says she has no plans to resign. As she holds a stake of 33.4% of the team she will probably be safe from being fired, even if Peter Sauber (who owns the other 66.6%) wanted to.
Sky: http://bit.ly/1BBsEdj
Update: According to autosport, both parties have agreed to an adjournment until Saturday morning (Oz time) to resolve matters http://bit.ly/1Atv4H6
Along with the news of Terry's passing, it was announced that (barring any unforeseen problems) the tickets for Asylum XII would finally be going on sale on the 18th.
Seemed to do all the work today as McCavity spent a lot of time on walkabout.
Sue R popped in and said that the Hardware Support Store next door was bing turned into a meeting room (and possibly a video conferencing facility too). Should be nice in there when the machines are running!
Had a nomtastic 'Shroom burger from the S&H van.
Met Lou in town for a few beers at the club and a log conversation with people, then home.
Away from the devastating news of STP's death, the F1 season kicked off in Australia.
The situation at Sauber gets even more ludicrous: they sat out FP1 and then sent Erricson & Nasr out in FP2 whilst Giedo had a seat fitting (so much for they can't redesign the car). Not sure why he didn't start but I'm guessing that his superlicence hadn't been rubber-stamped in time. It remains to be seen whether he will drive this weekend and, if not, whether his lawyer will activate the contempt of court proceedings. If they do, there is a genuine risk that Monisha Kaltenborn will go to jail/get a fine & all the assets of the team being sequestored by bailiffs. It's possible that the 2 registered drivers will drive this weekend & then the line-up will change for Malaysia.
Whatever happens, it's a complete fucking mess. How on earth did an experienced contract lawyer manage to cock-up so completely? Her recklessness has overshadowed what should have been a great start to the new F1 season and risks the entire team going out of business. Despite this being down to her (not least as team principal) she says she has no plans to resign. As she holds a stake of 33.4% of the team she will probably be safe from being fired, even if Peter Sauber (who owns the other 66.6%) wanted to.
Sky: http://bit.ly/1BBsEdj
Update: According to autosport, both parties have agreed to an adjournment until Saturday morning (Oz time) to resolve matters http://bit.ly/1Atv4H6
Along with the news of Terry's passing, it was announced that (barring any unforeseen problems) the tickets for Asylum XII would finally be going on sale on the 18th.
Seemed to do all the work today as McCavity spent a lot of time on walkabout.
Sue R popped in and said that the Hardware Support Store next door was bing turned into a meeting room (and possibly a video conferencing facility too). Should be nice in there when the machines are running!
Had a nomtastic 'Shroom burger from the S&H van.
Met Lou in town for a few beers at the club and a log conversation with people, then home.
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Sir Terry Pratchett
Terrible news came at around 3pm on Thursday afternoon: Sir Terry Pratchett died at the age of 66.
Genuinely devastated.
:¬(
Genuinely devastated.
:¬(
Thursday 12/03/05
A lovely mild spring morning ... hopefully it'll stay nice over Easter (and the summer).
The 'Bring Back Clarkson' petition has passed 600,000 names. There are reports that he's considering walking away from the BBC as his current deal finishes at the end of March. The 3 presenters were about to sign another 3 year deal but that process has ground to a halt. If Clarkson leaves the BBC surely be a major scrap by other broadcasters to sign him up (ITV & C4 have tried before). Not sure where that would leave Hammond & May though.
There was also news on what prompted the 'fracas': apparently he was told he couldn't order a hot meal (a steak) and would have to make do with a cold meat platter. Nobody has explained why he couldn't order a steak (it's not like he & the BBC couldn't afford it). There are also reports that the BBC could lose millions over this as it's broadcast in 214 countries and those broadcasters will want money back for the non-appearance of 3 shows. And that's aside from all the live shows etc (2 of which are coming in the next few weeks and are both sold out) and assorted other merchandise (TG makes about £50m a year for Auntie).
Away from Jezza, an Australian court has upheld its ruling that Giedo van der Garde must race for Sauber in the season-opening Australian GP (and the whole of the 2015 season too). “The conditions set down by Melbourne’s Supreme Court are pretty clear – they say Sauber must run van der Garde as a driver and must do nothing to obstruct him in his right to race for the team," reported Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.
Which means that Monisha Kaltenborn will have to chose which of the other drivers she will drop, knowing full well that they in turn will probably sue the team. Additionally I imagine that the sponsors of the dropped driver will want their money back (especially the ones who paid money up front). According to the Telegraph, Nasr is thought to bring around £12 million from Banco do Brasil, while Ericsson has £10 million of backing. Reporters at the Victoria Supreme Court also said that Van der Garde's legal team has filed a contempt of court application to force Sauber to comply with the order. A failure to comply could be in contempt of court & result in the seizure of Sauber's assets, according to his lawyer. Sauber have since been asked to provide a list of those assets, which includes their cars and equipment at Melbourne’s Albert Park in place for the race.
Just how on earth did a qualified lawer like Monisha Kaltenborn end up with 3 contracted drivers for 2 cars and this massive, expensive mess? This could be the end of Sauber.
Sky sports: http://bit.ly/1MtKySb
BBC: http://bbc.in/1NNRUD
The major, devastating news of the day was the death of Sir Terry Pratchett at the absurd age of only 66. The news came around 3pm in the afternoon, leaving fans throughout the world distraught.
The passing of a true gent was marked with his typical wit.
His daughter tweeted a message
As Lou was off work I had to call her an deliver the terrible news.
After work we went to the Isaac to raise a glass to one of the finest, funniest, kindest gents that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Then, we thought it appropriate to go for a curry (rogan josh) and hoped that he was tucking into a "Klatchinan Hot".
The 'Bring Back Clarkson' petition has passed 600,000 names. There are reports that he's considering walking away from the BBC as his current deal finishes at the end of March. The 3 presenters were about to sign another 3 year deal but that process has ground to a halt. If Clarkson leaves the BBC surely be a major scrap by other broadcasters to sign him up (ITV & C4 have tried before). Not sure where that would leave Hammond & May though.
There was also news on what prompted the 'fracas': apparently he was told he couldn't order a hot meal (a steak) and would have to make do with a cold meat platter. Nobody has explained why he couldn't order a steak (it's not like he & the BBC couldn't afford it). There are also reports that the BBC could lose millions over this as it's broadcast in 214 countries and those broadcasters will want money back for the non-appearance of 3 shows. And that's aside from all the live shows etc (2 of which are coming in the next few weeks and are both sold out) and assorted other merchandise (TG makes about £50m a year for Auntie).
Away from Jezza, an Australian court has upheld its ruling that Giedo van der Garde must race for Sauber in the season-opening Australian GP (and the whole of the 2015 season too). “The conditions set down by Melbourne’s Supreme Court are pretty clear – they say Sauber must run van der Garde as a driver and must do nothing to obstruct him in his right to race for the team," reported Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.
Which means that Monisha Kaltenborn will have to chose which of the other drivers she will drop, knowing full well that they in turn will probably sue the team. Additionally I imagine that the sponsors of the dropped driver will want their money back (especially the ones who paid money up front). According to the Telegraph, Nasr is thought to bring around £12 million from Banco do Brasil, while Ericsson has £10 million of backing. Reporters at the Victoria Supreme Court also said that Van der Garde's legal team has filed a contempt of court application to force Sauber to comply with the order. A failure to comply could be in contempt of court & result in the seizure of Sauber's assets, according to his lawyer. Sauber have since been asked to provide a list of those assets, which includes their cars and equipment at Melbourne’s Albert Park in place for the race.
Just how on earth did a qualified lawer like Monisha Kaltenborn end up with 3 contracted drivers for 2 cars and this massive, expensive mess? This could be the end of Sauber.
Sky sports: http://bit.ly/1MtKySb
BBC: http://bbc.in/1NNRUD
The major, devastating news of the day was the death of Sir Terry Pratchett at the absurd age of only 66. The news came around 3pm in the afternoon, leaving fans throughout the world distraught.
The passing of a true gent was marked with his typical wit.
His daughter tweeted a message
As Lou was off work I had to call her an deliver the terrible news.
After work we went to the Isaac to raise a glass to one of the finest, funniest, kindest gents that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Then, we thought it appropriate to go for a curry (rogan josh) and hoped that he was tucking into a "Klatchinan Hot".
Wednesday, 11 March 2015
Wednesday 11/03/15
Another day, another dollar. And that's just the Foxconn employees making Apple's ludicrous watch.
The "fracas" news story grew overnight with a online petition started by Guido Fawkes reportedly passing 150k signatures as the BBC indicated that the remaining scheduled episodes were all cancelled. The rumour was that, after a long day of filming, JC was angry as there was no food laid on (why didn't they all go to a pub?).
It's a big call for the BBC as the show and related activities are estimated to generate around £150m for the corporation. It's also the most watched programme on BBC, reaching an audience that they don't normally get. Luckily for them, the BBC bought the rights to the programme from Clarkson & Wilman in 2012 so they can't just push off and make the same show for somebody else (though I guess they may be able to do something similar with a different name).
There's quite a bit of speculation that the BBC will sack him. The question being, will the 'Hamster' & 'Captain Slow' do the show without him or with a new co-host? As he's on the BBC all the fucking time anyway I have the perfect candidate ...
Away from the 'Stop Gear' story had a phone call at 8am which was from a panicked Dave J who'd got a course and forgot about handouts. Luckily I found them and rushed through 45 copies for a waiting Paul J.
News came in during the morning that Giedo van der Garde had won his court case that Sauber must give him a race seat in 2015. As Sauber already have announced their drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, who bring significant sponsorship money to the team this is a headache they could do without just before the start of the season. To make matters worse, the appeal will be heard on Thursday ie. a day before the start of 1st practice. If they are forced to hand the seat to GvdG (which they say is impossible as they don't have the parts like a seat, the car is designed for the 2 drivers and he hadn't driven the car either) they could face litigation from the driver who is dropped as they have a contract too. Worse, the sponsors will most likely demand their money back (plus maybe compensation too). Either way, it could force the entire team to the wall and all before a wheel has turned in anger.
Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Fa7F3P
Independent: http://ind.pn/18zRgc1
Saw a photographer get injured at Cheltenham - French horse jumped badly in the cross country pushing horse on the inside (with Nina Carbury aboard?) and both went through the rail. Not sure if he got hit by a horse or the rail - the poor sod was last seen curled into a ball with his camera flying away. Could have been a lot worse I guess :¬/
In the evening went to the Isaac with some job ads for Lou & watched the game with Heather. I swear as she gets more excited her voice reaches frequencies that only dogs can hear. Asked if she had a small shrine in her bedroom to Lampard. She denied it & the Lou said she must have a large shrine then LOL.
Chelski managed to get themselves eliminated despite playing for most of the game after Ibrahimovic got sent off for a flying, reckless challenge.
The "fracas" news story grew overnight with a online petition started by Guido Fawkes reportedly passing 150k signatures as the BBC indicated that the remaining scheduled episodes were all cancelled. The rumour was that, after a long day of filming, JC was angry as there was no food laid on (why didn't they all go to a pub?).
It's a big call for the BBC as the show and related activities are estimated to generate around £150m for the corporation. It's also the most watched programme on BBC, reaching an audience that they don't normally get. Luckily for them, the BBC bought the rights to the programme from Clarkson & Wilman in 2012 so they can't just push off and make the same show for somebody else (though I guess they may be able to do something similar with a different name).
There's quite a bit of speculation that the BBC will sack him. The question being, will the 'Hamster' & 'Captain Slow' do the show without him or with a new co-host? As he's on the BBC all the fucking time anyway I have the perfect candidate ...
Away from the 'Stop Gear' story had a phone call at 8am which was from a panicked Dave J who'd got a course and forgot about handouts. Luckily I found them and rushed through 45 copies for a waiting Paul J.
News came in during the morning that Giedo van der Garde had won his court case that Sauber must give him a race seat in 2015. As Sauber already have announced their drivers, Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr, who bring significant sponsorship money to the team this is a headache they could do without just before the start of the season. To make matters worse, the appeal will be heard on Thursday ie. a day before the start of 1st practice. If they are forced to hand the seat to GvdG (which they say is impossible as they don't have the parts like a seat, the car is designed for the 2 drivers and he hadn't driven the car either) they could face litigation from the driver who is dropped as they have a contract too. Worse, the sponsors will most likely demand their money back (plus maybe compensation too). Either way, it could force the entire team to the wall and all before a wheel has turned in anger.
Guardian: http://bit.ly/1Fa7F3P
Independent: http://ind.pn/18zRgc1
Saw a photographer get injured at Cheltenham - French horse jumped badly in the cross country pushing horse on the inside (with Nina Carbury aboard?) and both went through the rail. Not sure if he got hit by a horse or the rail - the poor sod was last seen curled into a ball with his camera flying away. Could have been a lot worse I guess :¬/
In the evening went to the Isaac with some job ads for Lou & watched the game with Heather. I swear as she gets more excited her voice reaches frequencies that only dogs can hear. Asked if she had a small shrine in her bedroom to Lampard. She denied it & the Lou said she must have a large shrine then LOL.
Chelski managed to get themselves eliminated despite playing for most of the game after Ibrahimovic got sent off for a flying, reckless challenge.
Tuesday, 10 March 2015
Tuesday 10/03/15
After a 'wake up' shower put the gun together and tested it out. Shorter darts go about 5 yards (longer one goes about double that. Might test it with the darts that came with the maverick.
Lou sent her CV over for viewing and I passed it to Bruce for a neutral view (and also because he's good at grammar etc).
A slow day work-wise which was good with the Cheltenham Festival starting today. While Bruce went up to sit on the balcony for lunch I stayed downstairs waiting for the famous 'roar' that accompanies the start of the 1st race.
It was a huge day for Ruby Walsh & Willie Mullins: they won the first 3 races. Douvan taking the 1st, Un De Sceaux the 2nd and the superb Faugheen taking the 3rd easily. The bookies were looking at a major kicking with Annie Power romping away from the field. Then she made a terrible jump and face-planted, throwing Walsh to the floor. Mullins still won though with Glens Melody, making him the first trainer to win four Grade One Festival races in one day. Mullins is also the first to saddle a 1-2-3 in the Champion Hurdle.
The other major news today was that Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC following a "fracas" with a producer. Then they announced that Sunday's edition, due to be filmed tomorrow, had been postponed pending a 'further investigation'.
After work I met Lou in the Mitre for a few jars.
Lou sent her CV over for viewing and I passed it to Bruce for a neutral view (and also because he's good at grammar etc).
A slow day work-wise which was good with the Cheltenham Festival starting today. While Bruce went up to sit on the balcony for lunch I stayed downstairs waiting for the famous 'roar' that accompanies the start of the 1st race.
It was a huge day for Ruby Walsh & Willie Mullins: they won the first 3 races. Douvan taking the 1st, Un De Sceaux the 2nd and the superb Faugheen taking the 3rd easily. The bookies were looking at a major kicking with Annie Power romping away from the field. Then she made a terrible jump and face-planted, throwing Walsh to the floor. Mullins still won though with Glens Melody, making him the first trainer to win four Grade One Festival races in one day. Mullins is also the first to saddle a 1-2-3 in the Champion Hurdle.
The other major news today was that Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC following a "fracas" with a producer. Then they announced that Sunday's edition, due to be filmed tomorrow, had been postponed pending a 'further investigation'.
After work I met Lou in the Mitre for a few jars.
Monday, 9 March 2015
Monday 09/03/15
A lovely sunny walk to work, but frigging cold again.
Big sporting news was the release of the report on doping in cycling, which reached the extraordinary conclusion that the UCI under Hein Verbruggen and Pat McQuaid actively colluded with Lance Armstrong to cover up doping in the sport they were supposed to be overseeing! The report even seemed to admit that doping is still going on and they have no idea how many cyclists, coaches etc are involved, at all levels of the sport.
Guardian summary here: http://bit.ly/1wiXSXn
Report here: http://bit.ly/1NzmSzb
Took all the boxes to Zoology & PandIS and (after Natalie asked) returned with loads of boxes of mounts.When we got back found that the gun had arrived - looks good.
Met Lou in the Architect and, as she usually does, she came out with some meanigless puff about a former member of staff before the bad news. In ths case the bad news is worse for Doug as he has been diagnosed with a hereditary form of Alzheimers - in this case one that will affect his ability to remember appointments etc. As a consequence he's been advised to take early retirement in November when he's 62. At that point his US pension (and savings/money from MIL) should last until his University pension kicks in. Lou is pretty down about this as she loves working for Doug.
After a few beers we went to the Isaac, not intending to watch the Scum getting beaten by Le Arse but enjoying the match nonetheless. I don't know which was better: seeing a man deemed surplus to requirements putting Van Gaal's rabble out of the cup; watching Di Maria getting himself sent off (well done Michael Oliver) or Di Maria & Januzaj's embarrassing, theatrical dives.
Di Maria in particular was a pillock: a player who cost £60m shouldn't be grabbing the ref, particularly after he just got booked for "simulation" (ie attempting to cheat).
After the game the draw was held (why was Dermot O'Leary there?). Assuming we get past Blackburn on their bog of a pitch, we get to play a resurgent Villa away. :¬/
Big sporting news was the release of the report on doping in cycling, which reached the extraordinary conclusion that the UCI under Hein Verbruggen and Pat McQuaid actively colluded with Lance Armstrong to cover up doping in the sport they were supposed to be overseeing! The report even seemed to admit that doping is still going on and they have no idea how many cyclists, coaches etc are involved, at all levels of the sport.
Guardian summary here: http://bit.ly/1wiXSXn
Report here: http://bit.ly/1NzmSzb
Took all the boxes to Zoology & PandIS and (after Natalie asked) returned with loads of boxes of mounts.When we got back found that the gun had arrived - looks good.
Met Lou in the Architect and, as she usually does, she came out with some meanigless puff about a former member of staff before the bad news. In ths case the bad news is worse for Doug as he has been diagnosed with a hereditary form of Alzheimers - in this case one that will affect his ability to remember appointments etc. As a consequence he's been advised to take early retirement in November when he's 62. At that point his US pension (and savings/money from MIL) should last until his University pension kicks in. Lou is pretty down about this as she loves working for Doug.
After a few beers we went to the Isaac, not intending to watch the Scum getting beaten by Le Arse but enjoying the match nonetheless. I don't know which was better: seeing a man deemed surplus to requirements putting Van Gaal's rabble out of the cup; watching Di Maria getting himself sent off (well done Michael Oliver) or Di Maria & Januzaj's embarrassing, theatrical dives.
Di Maria in particular was a pillock: a player who cost £60m shouldn't be grabbing the ref, particularly after he just got booked for "simulation" (ie attempting to cheat).
After the game the draw was held (why was Dermot O'Leary there?). Assuming we get past Blackburn on their bog of a pitch, we get to play a resurgent Villa away. :¬/
Weekend 07/03/15 & 08/03/15
Saturday 07/03/15
We were casting about for something to do when Lou suddenly suggested a walk to the Haymakers for pizza. A lovely sunny day (but pretty windy) and the "Hood" beer (from Nottingham) and tasty pizza was worth the walk.
On the way back went to Homebase (for a pot to bake octopus on & painter's tape for the gun), Hobbycraft (for clay modeling tools but they didn't have any) and Pats At Home for cat nosh. Got a taxi to the Isaac.
Only had a single pint as 3 fat fuckers insisted on putting a heap of garbage (that makes the UK Eurovision entry sound like an song from the pen of George Gershwin). When asked if they could turn it doewn the under-eveolved chinps just laughed. Lou complained to Luke (he was notionally in charge of this disco) and we decamped to the Grapes which was quieter, even when it was noisy. Asked Toddy how his holiday was - apparently bloody brilliant but he said he'd eaten so much seafood & pasta that he needed to go on a diet.
Afer coming home I made a new dish using the pancakes & rats twats I'd got earlier in the week. It was a sort of lasagne but with the pancakes & cheddar cheese/rats twats in alternating layers. As ratatouille can sometimes be quite harsh I added tomato puree, pesto & 6 olives. Baed for 30 minutes and it was bloody tasty! Definitely going to make that again.
Sunday 08/03/15
Up early-ish to get to the Vintage clothes show while there were bargains/before it became uncomfortably rammed. Saw a number of steampunk-suitable items, none of which fitted Lou. In the ned I got a nice vintage waistcoat (£15) and Lou bought a checked cotton shirt (£10).
Stopped in the Castle and sat in the garden for a bit (until clouded over): the 1st time sitting outside with a pint this year.
Despite my better judgment, we went to the Isaac for nosh. 2 fat fat fucks from yesterday were there so we ignored them entirely. Nice chat with Heather about Carling Cup final (and a decent amount of winding up done).
Watched the FA Cup game against Blackburn. Another game ruined by a blind cock-sucer from Soho Square. The game stopped for about 8 minutes after one of the Blackburn palers elbowed Skrtl in the head twice in 2 seconds.
You'd think that out of 5-6 penalty shouts the prick could spot one! Interestingly, when the dame offence was committed in the centre circle, it was a foul & free kick to Blackburn. One nasty little shite, Conway, consistently got away with smashing into Sterling.
To be fair to the ref, he was just conscientiously following his orders from the corrupt fuckers in Soho Square. Really the qaulity of officials is getting worse by the week and the supposedly "professional" organization led by Mike Riley (himself a useless cunting twatsplash) is directly to blame.
After a quick nap, went to the Maypole for a reading of "The Door In The Wall" by HG Wells. Think it was by the same bloke who did the MR James story at "SICII' in 2014.
Was pretty a good story and well told. Also something different to do on a Sunday evening.
Bought a doubleCD of Mr James stories for £5 (something Lou will enjoy).
We were casting about for something to do when Lou suddenly suggested a walk to the Haymakers for pizza. A lovely sunny day (but pretty windy) and the "Hood" beer (from Nottingham) and tasty pizza was worth the walk.
On the way back went to Homebase (for a pot to bake octopus on & painter's tape for the gun), Hobbycraft (for clay modeling tools but they didn't have any) and Pats At Home for cat nosh. Got a taxi to the Isaac.
Only had a single pint as 3 fat fuckers insisted on putting a heap of garbage (that makes the UK Eurovision entry sound like an song from the pen of George Gershwin). When asked if they could turn it doewn the under-eveolved chinps just laughed. Lou complained to Luke (he was notionally in charge of this disco) and we decamped to the Grapes which was quieter, even when it was noisy. Asked Toddy how his holiday was - apparently bloody brilliant but he said he'd eaten so much seafood & pasta that he needed to go on a diet.
Afer coming home I made a new dish using the pancakes & rats twats I'd got earlier in the week. It was a sort of lasagne but with the pancakes & cheddar cheese/rats twats in alternating layers. As ratatouille can sometimes be quite harsh I added tomato puree, pesto & 6 olives. Baed for 30 minutes and it was bloody tasty! Definitely going to make that again.
Sunday 08/03/15
Up early-ish to get to the Vintage clothes show while there were bargains/before it became uncomfortably rammed. Saw a number of steampunk-suitable items, none of which fitted Lou. In the ned I got a nice vintage waistcoat (£15) and Lou bought a checked cotton shirt (£10).
Stopped in the Castle and sat in the garden for a bit (until clouded over): the 1st time sitting outside with a pint this year.
Despite my better judgment, we went to the Isaac for nosh. 2 fat fat fucks from yesterday were there so we ignored them entirely. Nice chat with Heather about Carling Cup final (and a decent amount of winding up done).
Watched the FA Cup game against Blackburn. Another game ruined by a blind cock-sucer from Soho Square. The game stopped for about 8 minutes after one of the Blackburn palers elbowed Skrtl in the head twice in 2 seconds.
You'd think that out of 5-6 penalty shouts the prick could spot one! Interestingly, when the dame offence was committed in the centre circle, it was a foul & free kick to Blackburn. One nasty little shite, Conway, consistently got away with smashing into Sterling.
To be fair to the ref, he was just conscientiously following his orders from the corrupt fuckers in Soho Square. Really the qaulity of officials is getting worse by the week and the supposedly "professional" organization led by Mike Riley (himself a useless cunting twatsplash) is directly to blame.
After a quick nap, went to the Maypole for a reading of "The Door In The Wall" by HG Wells. Think it was by the same bloke who did the MR James story at "SICII' in 2014.
Was pretty a good story and well told. Also something different to do on a Sunday evening.
Bought a doubleCD of Mr James stories for £5 (something Lou will enjoy).
Friday 06/03/15
Another busy day creasing covers while Bruce drove the booklet maker hard. By the end of the day we'd managed about 200-250 of each of the required amounts.
After work I went into town & met Lou (again had taken day off) for 'Movie Night'. Got food and the only person who turned up was Dmitri (despite Lou reminding Pablo et al on Wednesday night). He'd never seen "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" so that was OK. Regardless of whether Lou stays there or not I think movie night has finished due to lack of interest.
After work I went into town & met Lou (again had taken day off) for 'Movie Night'. Got food and the only person who turned up was Dmitri (despite Lou reminding Pablo et al on Wednesday night). He'd never seen "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" so that was OK. Regardless of whether Lou stays there or not I think movie night has finished due to lack of interest.
Thursday 05/03/15
A massively busy day at work. The covers for the Zoology booklets turned up earlier than expected. They turned up in the wrong place but they turned up. With me creasing & Bruce running the booklet machine we managed to make a decent start on the stuff needed for Monday morning.
After work I picked up Lou (who'd taken the day off) and went to Aldi. Stopped in the Isaac but had to move several times as jukbox playing shit very loudly. Unfortunately we ended up next to a group of hichly excitable, highly noisy mouthbreathers.
In future, I think I'll have to pack ear defenders before going into the pub.
After work I picked up Lou (who'd taken the day off) and went to Aldi. Stopped in the Isaac but had to move several times as jukbox playing shit very loudly. Unfortunately we ended up next to a group of hichly excitable, highly noisy mouthbreathers.
In future, I think I'll have to pack ear defenders before going into the pub.
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
Wednesday 04/03/15
A breezy, sunny & chilly walk to work.
No Bruce today as he is picking his mother up & taking her to Bury for her hip operation.
Plenty to do though in his absence ( for once justified).
Also had one crazy woman on the phone. Judging from the rapidity of her speech she had just done about 86 bags of speed cut with Columbian nose candy (why do I always get the drugged up nutbags?)! She plans to come in later this afternoon (hopefully she'll think we are still on the NMS). #deepjoy
Update: drugged-up twatsplash turned up at 16.30 (despite being told was going home around then). She wanted us to match something done by somebody else (who probably told her to fuck off too) - double sided cards that need to be trimmed to narrow (2mm) margins and have to line up precisely. Told the dumbo that we couldn't do this as the cards don't go through in exactly the same place and therefore even if we could cut with total accuracy would still not work. As she couldn't grasp this I eventually had to run one out so the dumb slag could understand. She alo seemed to think that the whole job should only cost about £7 for 4 sets of cards rather than the £36/£43.20 it would actually cost.
Thankfully the idiot left, hopefully never to darken the printroom door again (though I have no doubt she'll turn up again, like a pile of forgotten puke).
Went into town in a beautiful sunset & golden light.
Lou was feeling a bit tired so we put off the cinema and went to to the Brew House (as a load of twats were entering the Pint Shop as we approached). Then went to the Isaac where we joined by Pablo & his mates, all of who thought Arsenal would be shown (despite not being advertised). Watched the Barcodes get denied a blatant penalty by an obviously bent, visually challenged ref. Of course the scum also got a dubious decision allowing them to score late in the match.
Liverpool beat Burnley too. Since Xmas we have taken 29 points which is 1 more than Everton have managed all season. Something I dutifully pointed out to Dave Marsden on facebook. No he wan't happy LOL.
No Bruce today as he is picking his mother up & taking her to Bury for her hip operation.
Plenty to do though in his absence ( for once justified).
Also had one crazy woman on the phone. Judging from the rapidity of her speech she had just done about 86 bags of speed cut with Columbian nose candy (why do I always get the drugged up nutbags?)! She plans to come in later this afternoon (hopefully she'll think we are still on the NMS). #deepjoy
Update: drugged-up twatsplash turned up at 16.30 (despite being told was going home around then). She wanted us to match something done by somebody else (who probably told her to fuck off too) - double sided cards that need to be trimmed to narrow (2mm) margins and have to line up precisely. Told the dumbo that we couldn't do this as the cards don't go through in exactly the same place and therefore even if we could cut with total accuracy would still not work. As she couldn't grasp this I eventually had to run one out so the dumb slag could understand. She alo seemed to think that the whole job should only cost about £7 for 4 sets of cards rather than the £36/£43.20 it would actually cost.
Thankfully the idiot left, hopefully never to darken the printroom door again (though I have no doubt she'll turn up again, like a pile of forgotten puke).
Went into town in a beautiful sunset & golden light.
Lou was feeling a bit tired so we put off the cinema and went to to the Brew House (as a load of twats were entering the Pint Shop as we approached). Then went to the Isaac where we joined by Pablo & his mates, all of who thought Arsenal would be shown (despite not being advertised). Watched the Barcodes get denied a blatant penalty by an obviously bent, visually challenged ref. Of course the scum also got a dubious decision allowing them to score late in the match.
Liverpool beat Burnley too. Since Xmas we have taken 29 points which is 1 more than Everton have managed all season. Something I dutifully pointed out to Dave Marsden on facebook. No he wan't happy LOL.
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
Tuesday 03/03/15
Another bright but bastard cold start to the day.
Did all the remaining printing for PandIS (only the frame forms left to be glued).
Bruce continued printing shitloads for Zoology but is getting a bit worried as latest ETA on covers from Falcon is Friday and the booklets are needed on Monday (not enough time really even if machine works perfectly). Guess we'll have to drop off what we can get done & then the rest as & when.
Hats turned up (well packed) so now Lou can figure how to bake her octopus so it fits on it.
Met Lou in the Mitre for debrief on meeting. Said it went well and there weren't many questions either didn't have any or were absorbing news). Only Anne missing as Rose wasn't well. Mark came up with some idea of stopping photocopying and locking others such as Sophie out too.
Got a new wristband from Amy as only a small blob of yellow left on the original.
Did all the remaining printing for PandIS (only the frame forms left to be glued).
Bruce continued printing shitloads for Zoology but is getting a bit worried as latest ETA on covers from Falcon is Friday and the booklets are needed on Monday (not enough time really even if machine works perfectly). Guess we'll have to drop off what we can get done & then the rest as & when.
Hats turned up (well packed) so now Lou can figure how to bake her octopus so it fits on it.
Met Lou in the Mitre for debrief on meeting. Said it went well and there weren't many questions either didn't have any or were absorbing news). Only Anne missing as Rose wasn't well. Mark came up with some idea of stopping photocopying and locking others such as Sophie out too.
Got a new wristband from Amy as only a small blob of yellow left on the original.
Monday, 2 March 2015
Monday 02/03/15
Started the morning doing stuff for PandIS for the March congregations. Printed all the Senate House forms and folded the T&Cs. Also did version 4 of the group project booklet for Megan.
Arranged to meet Lou in the County/Architect then she phoned to say she'd be late as Marina had asked her to pop by for 'a chat' (always an ominous phrase). When she got there the new head of the department was also with Marina.
Apparently Land Economy is in the red to the tune of around £45k and 4CMR are also in the red. The upshot of this is that there is a blanket ban on all spending such as refreshments at meetings, printing, trips to conferences etc. The department will fund salaries until the end of May but nobody can renew licences for software etc.
Both Marina & Martin offered to tell staff but Lou said she'd do it as it was her team. She emailed all the centre staff with a summons to an urgent meeting on Tuesday morning where she would outline the details. She then spent some time exchanging emails with Doug who was kicking his heels in the airport waiting for his flight to India. He asked JF, as deputy director, to lead the meeting and also asked Lou to check that the centre had been paid for some of the work he'd done.
As a result of all this Lou was a bit stressed so put the thought of dinner on hold and plied her with alcohol. Went up to the Isaac where she could chat to Alissia about it while I went to Aldi for cat food, bread etc.
Arranged to meet Lou in the County/Architect then she phoned to say she'd be late as Marina had asked her to pop by for 'a chat' (always an ominous phrase). When she got there the new head of the department was also with Marina.
Apparently Land Economy is in the red to the tune of around £45k and 4CMR are also in the red. The upshot of this is that there is a blanket ban on all spending such as refreshments at meetings, printing, trips to conferences etc. The department will fund salaries until the end of May but nobody can renew licences for software etc.
Both Marina & Martin offered to tell staff but Lou said she'd do it as it was her team. She emailed all the centre staff with a summons to an urgent meeting on Tuesday morning where she would outline the details. She then spent some time exchanging emails with Doug who was kicking his heels in the airport waiting for his flight to India. He asked JF, as deputy director, to lead the meeting and also asked Lou to check that the centre had been paid for some of the work he'd done.
As a result of all this Lou was a bit stressed so put the thought of dinner on hold and plied her with alcohol. Went up to the Isaac where she could chat to Alissia about it while I went to Aldi for cat food, bread etc.
Weekend 28/02 & 01/03/15
Saturday 28/02/15
Quite a successful day. Went to Jo's for brunch but it was packed so doubled back to the Mitre. Good job we had as it seems Nicky had put us down for the 28th rather than the 8th - they did wonder if we were coming in again.
Back to King Street to look for modelling clay for Lou then over to John Lewis to look at tablets. Liked both the Asus & Lenovo offerings but due to terrible wifi we couldn't directly compare the properly.
On the way back we went into Rymans as Lou wanted something to keep her FIMO in & I suggested some little lockable tubs. Whilst she was buying them I notice they had a 10" tablet for the same price as the ones in John Lewis but I couldn't test it out as thew alarm went off when I picked it up.
Back to the Isaac to watch the 2nd half of the Palace - West Ham game. Stayed for a while & then went home to cook. Lou caused a stink by saying the shepherds pie I'd made wasn't what she expected & she didn't like it. #grrr.
Sunday 01/03/15
How is it March already (and still no sign of the Asylum tickets being released).
Up relatively early and over to the Mill Road Feast on Donkey Common. Bought cheese, chilli sauce & pate but it was a bit early to eat (and some food places weren't going). It was an EXTREMELY windy day and the Spanish bloke's gazebo thing actually came free but was caught before it could get onto the road.
As it was very gusty & we'd spent a lot we went over to the new cafe across the road - The Espresso Library. It's quite nice inside and the coffee was pretty good (not up to Jo's but there you are). We went to leave and found the door wouldn't open. While standing like a pair of wallies a girl tried to come in without success and another bloke tried too. Turns out the door had been blown by the wind and had locked itself.
Went to head for the Isaac and turned corner by fire station into 2 blasts of wind. Lou had to grab me to stop her being knocked over & it was so strong I couldn't walk forward for a moment. Turns out the wind speed was averaging around about 20 knots (or 23-ish MPH)!
Wasn't too confident ahead of the game against City but we played really well and Hendo's goal in the 1st half was a thronker. Slightly gutted when we conceded but shouldn't have worried. Philippe came up with an even better thronker than Jordan had managed to seal the 3 points.
Overall it was an entertaining game, with both sides taking turns to attack each other (more like a mental 5-a-side match). After Hendo scored I couldn't resist sending a message to Pablo who was stuck in Abu Dhabi with Doug (somehow I forgot to mention Dzeko's equalizer). After the game I taunted him some more for the fun of it :¬) I also suggested that he might not be able to see it till he got home as I doubt that Etihad would be playing it ...
The less said about the piss-poor "performance" from the England team in the rugby that followed the footy the better.....
Useless twats.
Chelski battered a hapless Tottenham into submission (which will only make the Special Needs one an even more arrogant twatsplash). And not only did Chelski win the cup they saw Citeh drop points and now they are 5 clear with a game in hand(and only 11 to go for the rest).
Quite a successful day. Went to Jo's for brunch but it was packed so doubled back to the Mitre. Good job we had as it seems Nicky had put us down for the 28th rather than the 8th - they did wonder if we were coming in again.
Back to King Street to look for modelling clay for Lou then over to John Lewis to look at tablets. Liked both the Asus & Lenovo offerings but due to terrible wifi we couldn't directly compare the properly.
On the way back we went into Rymans as Lou wanted something to keep her FIMO in & I suggested some little lockable tubs. Whilst she was buying them I notice they had a 10" tablet for the same price as the ones in John Lewis but I couldn't test it out as thew alarm went off when I picked it up.
Back to the Isaac to watch the 2nd half of the Palace - West Ham game. Stayed for a while & then went home to cook. Lou caused a stink by saying the shepherds pie I'd made wasn't what she expected & she didn't like it. #grrr.
Sunday 01/03/15
How is it March already (and still no sign of the Asylum tickets being released).
Up relatively early and over to the Mill Road Feast on Donkey Common. Bought cheese, chilli sauce & pate but it was a bit early to eat (and some food places weren't going). It was an EXTREMELY windy day and the Spanish bloke's gazebo thing actually came free but was caught before it could get onto the road.
As it was very gusty & we'd spent a lot we went over to the new cafe across the road - The Espresso Library. It's quite nice inside and the coffee was pretty good (not up to Jo's but there you are). We went to leave and found the door wouldn't open. While standing like a pair of wallies a girl tried to come in without success and another bloke tried too. Turns out the door had been blown by the wind and had locked itself.
Went to head for the Isaac and turned corner by fire station into 2 blasts of wind. Lou had to grab me to stop her being knocked over & it was so strong I couldn't walk forward for a moment. Turns out the wind speed was averaging around about 20 knots (or 23-ish MPH)!
Wasn't too confident ahead of the game against City but we played really well and Hendo's goal in the 1st half was a thronker. Slightly gutted when we conceded but shouldn't have worried. Philippe came up with an even better thronker than Jordan had managed to seal the 3 points.
Overall it was an entertaining game, with both sides taking turns to attack each other (more like a mental 5-a-side match). After Hendo scored I couldn't resist sending a message to Pablo who was stuck in Abu Dhabi with Doug (somehow I forgot to mention Dzeko's equalizer). After the game I taunted him some more for the fun of it :¬) I also suggested that he might not be able to see it till he got home as I doubt that Etihad would be playing it ...
The less said about the piss-poor "performance" from the England team in the rugby that followed the footy the better.....
Useless twats.
Chelski battered a hapless Tottenham into submission (which will only make the Special Needs one an even more arrogant twatsplash). And not only did Chelski win the cup they saw Citeh drop points and now they are 5 clear with a game in hand(and only 11 to go for the rest).
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