Friday, 11 January 2008
I'd like to believe.
That this is a good sign. I guess nothing short of impeachment will remove George Bush from office before the end of his term. On that basis he has little to lose and quite a lot to gain. Better late than never?
Should I take the green pill or the silver pill?
I asked this question a couple of weeks ago: the answer has become YES.
I'm having one of those nights where you go to bed at a sensible time, only to wake a couple of hours later. In this case lights out was 11.00 and I awoke around 12.30 wondering when the alarm was due to go off. My head's whizzing away, yet has that cotton-wool feel and various passages aren't free either, so I suspect the real culprit is a minor infection that's been lurking since Christmas.
Anyway, after all I said about Peugeots, silver cars and black interiors, it seems that is what we've replaced the 406 with. On Wednesday night Steve dropped off a 307 SW (basically the estate with moveable seats) and collected the old one. Guess I needed to stop worrying about externals.
So I've driven it to Banbury and back this evening to go shopping, and that's another part of the reason for not sleeping - the head won't stop analysing. 20 odd miles isn't really enough to know a car, but it *feels* like I already understand it pretty well. Compared to the 406 it feels quite a bit smaller, but with lighter, sharper handling: more tension and less smooth unruffledness. The bigger pug had a particularly good ride on bad roads and very relaxed neutral handling where this is sensitive, responsive and quicker, although not truly sporting with a bit too much body roll.
The comparison is interesting because I drove another 307 over the Christmas break. That had 43K on the clock, and was - I hope - the 90bhp version instead of the 110 like this. It felt so much like the 406 in a slightly smaller package that there was zero familiarisation needed. It was also sluggish feeling (compared to our 200,000 mile car). This one theoretically has the same power output as the older 2.0L 110 406, but feels more powerful as it doesn't run out of steam above 3200 revs like the older car. Gearing is the same with 70mph at around 2400rpm ish, and at speed it's a little quieter, as you might hope from a younger car. On tickover it's noticeably more dieselly sounding, but not unpleasantly so.
While typing this I popped the Beatles Revolver album in the drive (bought cheap at Tesco this evening). They really were hitting the pharmaceuticals for Yellow Submarine. Not being a Beatles fan I also never realised how much they've been ripped off by everyone from the Jam through Oasis and all the crappy Indie bands.
Back on topic, fuel economy should be pretty special - if we can keep our right feet light. Steve reckoned it was doing 65mpg on his journey up from Exeter at a steady 70mph. The 406 did around 40 to 45mpg mostly, and from tonights drive I reckon this'll be doing around 55mpg with normal use. Saving 20% of our fuel bill wouldn't do any harm at all.
Just a couple more comments. Modern car designs seem to be placing the windscreen further away from the occupants. In this car its a lot further forward than in the 406, and very similar to the beetle. I'm not sure how it'll be possible to wipe the screen on that car and it'll be a struggle to reach on this one. The roof line is also very high (like the beetle again) and with the panoramic roof (basically a large glass section that doesn't open, but instead is covered or concealed with an electric blind) it feels like there's a lot of space above your head. Outside it's OK for a silver car, with one of the more sparkly silvers available (VWs tend to be grey, even from new) and various other shiny bits. It'll dull down to inconspicuity after a couple of week road dirt covers everything.
So what's not to like? I'm struggling to find a seating position I like in the rather firm (less so than the BMW) seats, and the wheel/seat/pedals relationship needs some tweaking. I was spoiled with the 406, as it had one of the best seating arrangements I've found and was only really beaten by our old Citroen CX GTi. Wheel height needs tweaking, as there's nowhere comfy for the elbows. One more thing: this car has the least effective heating system I've come across in as long as I can remember. Maybe I'm doing something fundamentally wrong, but it only really became warm after winding the heater to max, turning up the fan speed and setting air on re-circulate only. The 406 had climate control that I never really cared about, but was really extremely effective with the cabin becoming warm within about 5 min of starting off. I'll reserve judgement on this until I've done more than one journey, but find it hard to believe this is real.
So for all those who wondered, now you know - probably way more than you wanted to.
I'm having one of those nights where you go to bed at a sensible time, only to wake a couple of hours later. In this case lights out was 11.00 and I awoke around 12.30 wondering when the alarm was due to go off. My head's whizzing away, yet has that cotton-wool feel and various passages aren't free either, so I suspect the real culprit is a minor infection that's been lurking since Christmas.
Anyway, after all I said about Peugeots, silver cars and black interiors, it seems that is what we've replaced the 406 with. On Wednesday night Steve dropped off a 307 SW (basically the estate with moveable seats) and collected the old one. Guess I needed to stop worrying about externals.
So I've driven it to Banbury and back this evening to go shopping, and that's another part of the reason for not sleeping - the head won't stop analysing. 20 odd miles isn't really enough to know a car, but it *feels* like I already understand it pretty well. Compared to the 406 it feels quite a bit smaller, but with lighter, sharper handling: more tension and less smooth unruffledness. The bigger pug had a particularly good ride on bad roads and very relaxed neutral handling where this is sensitive, responsive and quicker, although not truly sporting with a bit too much body roll.
The comparison is interesting because I drove another 307 over the Christmas break. That had 43K on the clock, and was - I hope - the 90bhp version instead of the 110 like this. It felt so much like the 406 in a slightly smaller package that there was zero familiarisation needed. It was also sluggish feeling (compared to our 200,000 mile car). This one theoretically has the same power output as the older 2.0L 110 406, but feels more powerful as it doesn't run out of steam above 3200 revs like the older car. Gearing is the same with 70mph at around 2400rpm ish, and at speed it's a little quieter, as you might hope from a younger car. On tickover it's noticeably more dieselly sounding, but not unpleasantly so.
While typing this I popped the Beatles Revolver album in the drive (bought cheap at Tesco this evening). They really were hitting the pharmaceuticals for Yellow Submarine. Not being a Beatles fan I also never realised how much they've been ripped off by everyone from the Jam through Oasis and all the crappy Indie bands.
Back on topic, fuel economy should be pretty special - if we can keep our right feet light. Steve reckoned it was doing 65mpg on his journey up from Exeter at a steady 70mph. The 406 did around 40 to 45mpg mostly, and from tonights drive I reckon this'll be doing around 55mpg with normal use. Saving 20% of our fuel bill wouldn't do any harm at all.
Just a couple more comments. Modern car designs seem to be placing the windscreen further away from the occupants. In this car its a lot further forward than in the 406, and very similar to the beetle. I'm not sure how it'll be possible to wipe the screen on that car and it'll be a struggle to reach on this one. The roof line is also very high (like the beetle again) and with the panoramic roof (basically a large glass section that doesn't open, but instead is covered or concealed with an electric blind) it feels like there's a lot of space above your head. Outside it's OK for a silver car, with one of the more sparkly silvers available (VWs tend to be grey, even from new) and various other shiny bits. It'll dull down to inconspicuity after a couple of week road dirt covers everything.
So what's not to like? I'm struggling to find a seating position I like in the rather firm (less so than the BMW) seats, and the wheel/seat/pedals relationship needs some tweaking. I was spoiled with the 406, as it had one of the best seating arrangements I've found and was only really beaten by our old Citroen CX GTi. Wheel height needs tweaking, as there's nowhere comfy for the elbows. One more thing: this car has the least effective heating system I've come across in as long as I can remember. Maybe I'm doing something fundamentally wrong, but it only really became warm after winding the heater to max, turning up the fan speed and setting air on re-circulate only. The 406 had climate control that I never really cared about, but was really extremely effective with the cabin becoming warm within about 5 min of starting off. I'll reserve judgement on this until I've done more than one journey, but find it hard to believe this is real.
So for all those who wondered, now you know - probably way more than you wanted to.
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
HUNGRY!
Not REALLY hungry - mouth hungry.
Maxine has just waved a biscuit tin under my nose, and my mouth is telling me it wants filling.
I
DO
NOT
NEED
MORE
FOOD.
12st 7lb this morning.
Maxine has just waved a biscuit tin under my nose, and my mouth is telling me it wants filling.
I
DO
NOT
NEED
MORE
FOOD.
12st 7lb this morning.
Ever lose comments?
I posted a comment on a blog about feminisation of the church. Someone then posted a 'ranty' comment about how women ought to be in leadership and how typical of me it was to blame women for the troubles in the church. My final comment was to ask what their church background was.
I can't remember whose blog it was.
I've checked the usual suspects and drawn a blank. Didn't mean to step away from the conversation, but that's how it'll seem (if they haven't done the equivalent of lobbing a verbal grenade in and then running out).
I can't remember whose blog it was.
I've checked the usual suspects and drawn a blank. Didn't mean to step away from the conversation, but that's how it'll seem (if they haven't done the equivalent of lobbing a verbal grenade in and then running out).
There's something that I've been wanting to put into words.
It stems from a contradiction that caused great internal angst and unrest, yet could never be brought out to a satisfactory conclusion.
The issue is when those that are Christian brothers condemn one source of evil while supporting another.
An example would be the condemning of Islamic terrorism while applauding the mis-treatment of Palestinians by Israel.
I cannot minimise the effect this has had on me internally, and the effect that I believe it has had on them. It is an insidious evil that has seared the consciences of otherwise good men and made them the helpless tools of wickedness in those aspects of their lives. I believe it has blinded their eyes to the plight of the poor and helpless and hardened their hearts to suffering caused by the regimes they support.
In the Christian walk it is difficult to live the black and white reality of absolute good and absolute evil, yet we must learn to distinguish between them. This also has implications on how God works and walks with us, but those are thoughts for another time.
The issue is when those that are Christian brothers condemn one source of evil while supporting another.
An example would be the condemning of Islamic terrorism while applauding the mis-treatment of Palestinians by Israel.
I cannot minimise the effect this has had on me internally, and the effect that I believe it has had on them. It is an insidious evil that has seared the consciences of otherwise good men and made them the helpless tools of wickedness in those aspects of their lives. I believe it has blinded their eyes to the plight of the poor and helpless and hardened their hearts to suffering caused by the regimes they support.
In the Christian walk it is difficult to live the black and white reality of absolute good and absolute evil, yet we must learn to distinguish between them. This also has implications on how God works and walks with us, but those are thoughts for another time.
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Thoughts from the leaders conference: Toni
Well, I managed to get to all of it, despite some headaches and a quick dose of serving.
This is a bit of a random record. Some things I'll try to come back for and maybe expand later. Others are just passing comments that I'll leave where they lie. Not necessarily in any particular order.
Steve Thomas: Speaking prophetically, the kingdom of God has now bottomed out. We should be expecting to see a rise in the kingdom in the future.
Mark Stibbe: The 2 main demonic forces ruling the world today are battling it out, and the church is sleeping while this is happening. [I believe he's referring to western consumerism and Islam.]
Barney Coombs: The church is full of spiritually orphaned, crying out for parents. Who will be spiritual fathers?
Mark Stibbe: People ask me why I am still in the Anglican church. It is because there's more glory in raising the dead than healing the sick.
Mark Stibbe: "there is HOPE in the neutral zone". Talking about Noah, after he was shut in the ark (Gen 7v16) being afloat, not able to navigate anywhere and just having to live through a time of drastic change. It is fully acceptable to float through the 'neutral zone' without having a specific destination you're heading to.
Sally Harding: If you want to put rocks in your bucket then you'll have to leave out some of the sand. "When I had less rocks in my bucket then I just put the sand back in - did anyone notice that for 6 months when I did less things my floors were cleaner?"
Mark Stibbe: The Ark was a temporary place of shelter and confinement and was not home. After restriction comes release.
Mark Stibbe: Change and transition are different. Change is situational, Transition is psychological. We need to not just create change, but manage transition. We need to move through the gate in 2008.
Sally Harding: It's not enough to just trust God - you need to take responsibility.
Barney Coombs: Handling finances according to how God speaks will influence the whole capacity of your ministry.
Richard Colebrooke: We need to oppose doubt masquerading as rational thinking, moaning and grumbling. We also need to be aware of people who can't keep up and aren't yet ready to move in faith.
Barney Coombs: Pruning is a blessing from the Lord.Pruning comes in seasons, but we need to ask: if God is not pruning me, is it because He's had to shelve me?
Barney Coombs: The first voice you hear is usually God. The second is usually the devil.
Steve Thomas: We have a rich heritage that travels with us in a ruckasck.
Mark Stibbe: We need to make a good finish. It is better to finish our lifelong race being supported than to win minor races but fail in the end.
Martin Dunkley: (quoting Barney) If God has said to do something then that's good, but if God hasn't said to do something then why are you doing it?
Other realisations that aren't exactly quotable.
We (Chris and I) are called to be spiritual parents here.
I am a natural and instinctive law-breaker. I instinctively lack respect for authority and automatically distrust it. I also lead others astray with my thinking.
I need to be ruthless about sin in my own life.
Most men are happy to make plans up as required at the time. Most women want plans in advance, despite knowing they will have to be changed.
I still feel a call to Italy some day, and wonder how it may be possible for us to become involved there.
This is a bit of a random record. Some things I'll try to come back for and maybe expand later. Others are just passing comments that I'll leave where they lie. Not necessarily in any particular order.
Steve Thomas: Speaking prophetically, the kingdom of God has now bottomed out. We should be expecting to see a rise in the kingdom in the future.
Mark Stibbe: The 2 main demonic forces ruling the world today are battling it out, and the church is sleeping while this is happening. [I believe he's referring to western consumerism and Islam.]
Barney Coombs: The church is full of spiritually orphaned, crying out for parents. Who will be spiritual fathers?
Mark Stibbe: People ask me why I am still in the Anglican church. It is because there's more glory in raising the dead than healing the sick.
Mark Stibbe: "there is HOPE in the neutral zone". Talking about Noah, after he was shut in the ark (Gen 7v16) being afloat, not able to navigate anywhere and just having to live through a time of drastic change. It is fully acceptable to float through the 'neutral zone' without having a specific destination you're heading to.
Sally Harding: If you want to put rocks in your bucket then you'll have to leave out some of the sand. "When I had less rocks in my bucket then I just put the sand back in - did anyone notice that for 6 months when I did less things my floors were cleaner?"
Mark Stibbe: The Ark was a temporary place of shelter and confinement and was not home. After restriction comes release.
Mark Stibbe: Change and transition are different. Change is situational, Transition is psychological. We need to not just create change, but manage transition. We need to move through the gate in 2008.
Sally Harding: It's not enough to just trust God - you need to take responsibility.
Barney Coombs: Handling finances according to how God speaks will influence the whole capacity of your ministry.
Richard Colebrooke: We need to oppose doubt masquerading as rational thinking, moaning and grumbling. We also need to be aware of people who can't keep up and aren't yet ready to move in faith.
Barney Coombs: Pruning is a blessing from the Lord.Pruning comes in seasons, but we need to ask: if God is not pruning me, is it because He's had to shelve me?
Barney Coombs: The first voice you hear is usually God. The second is usually the devil.
Steve Thomas: We have a rich heritage that travels with us in a ruckasck.
Mark Stibbe: We need to make a good finish. It is better to finish our lifelong race being supported than to win minor races but fail in the end.
Martin Dunkley: (quoting Barney) If God has said to do something then that's good, but if God hasn't said to do something then why are you doing it?
Other realisations that aren't exactly quotable.
We (Chris and I) are called to be spiritual parents here.
I am a natural and instinctive law-breaker. I instinctively lack respect for authority and automatically distrust it. I also lead others astray with my thinking.
I need to be ruthless about sin in my own life.
Most men are happy to make plans up as required at the time. Most women want plans in advance, despite knowing they will have to be changed.
I still feel a call to Italy some day, and wonder how it may be possible for us to become involved there.
Thoughts from the Leaders conference: Chris
Well, I manged to miss half of it anyway. What with helping with the catering Friday morning, which was absolutely exhausting. (Who would ever have thought that washing up 1,000 cups & saucers could be so tiring?) And then having a migraine for 2 days. Presumably God got me to the things he wanted me to hear!
Primarily what I think he said to me was:
1) The anointing that we received in 2005 is still on us, but that the special grace we had for that year is no longer required. We need to step out in faith & be disciplined in preparation, & he will meet us halfway. What he won't do anymore is carry us.
2) We are to focus on what he wants us to do, i.e. disciple & nurture our group of young Christians, & concentrate on trying to do it excellently. Everything else will just have to fall into place or fall by the wayside. I am NOT to worry about the things that fall by the wayside as they won't be things of eternal consequence!
Primarily what I think he said to me was:
1) The anointing that we received in 2005 is still on us, but that the special grace we had for that year is no longer required. We need to step out in faith & be disciplined in preparation, & he will meet us halfway. What he won't do anymore is carry us.
2) We are to focus on what he wants us to do, i.e. disciple & nurture our group of young Christians, & concentrate on trying to do it excellently. Everything else will just have to fall into place or fall by the wayside. I am NOT to worry about the things that fall by the wayside as they won't be things of eternal consequence!
Friday, 4 January 2008
Chris has just told me to......
create a blog entry telling you what car we bought.
We bought a green VW Beetle.
We *may* buy a silver Peugeot 307, but that's still under discussion.
I guess it would keep us balanced, with one vehicle with a little individuality and one vehicle without.
We bought a green VW Beetle.
We *may* buy a silver Peugeot 307, but that's still under discussion.
I guess it would keep us balanced, with one vehicle with a little individuality and one vehicle without.
This weekend we're at the Salt & Light leaders conference
Which IS a good thing, although it takes us out for effectively 3 days, which makes life a little strange after the Christmas break.
If I get time and remember I will try to blog a couple of the key thoughts for me that have dropped out.
If I get time and remember I will try to blog a couple of the key thoughts for me that have dropped out.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Apparently it is now illegal...
.... to create MP3 files for personal use from CDs you have paid for.
It's not too surprising this has happened, because this is a business to make as much money as possible, so fair use is not a concern. And IF they win (which they might well) then I really hope all this stupidity remains in the US and doesn't get imported here. However since we have our own share of the greedy this is an issue of concern for anyone that enjoys listening to music on more than just their CD player.
*edit*
Or maybe not according to an ex Washington post reporter (story originated with the WP apparently).
It's not too surprising this has happened, because this is a business to make as much money as possible, so fair use is not a concern. And IF they win (which they might well) then I really hope all this stupidity remains in the US and doesn't get imported here. However since we have our own share of the greedy this is an issue of concern for anyone that enjoys listening to music on more than just their CD player.
*edit*
Or maybe not according to an ex Washington post reporter (story originated with the WP apparently).
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
TANSTAAFL
Ask Robert Heinlein.
Luke and Hayley came by to borrow some heaters as their heating has broken and we're due freezing temperatures and snow tomorrow. Since they were coming over we invited them for dinner.
Before Christmas Sainsburys supermarket had a special offer on LARGE pieces of beef at half price. I bought one, and as well as feeding 12 people it was one of the nicest bits of beef we've enjoyed here.
So I bought another, as the offer was still going.
This one was tough. So tough that some sections were almost inedible, even when cooked to perfection. The twist was, Luke and Hayley were our guests being fed this incredibly chewy beef. Flavour great, edibility minimal. And to cap it off, the Apple pudding I bought did not thaw adequately over a 2 hour period before being eaten, so they got frozen pudding on top of un-chewable meat.
Guys: this is NOT our normal level of hospitality.
Luke and Hayley came by to borrow some heaters as their heating has broken and we're due freezing temperatures and snow tomorrow. Since they were coming over we invited them for dinner.
Before Christmas Sainsburys supermarket had a special offer on LARGE pieces of beef at half price. I bought one, and as well as feeding 12 people it was one of the nicest bits of beef we've enjoyed here.
So I bought another, as the offer was still going.
This one was tough. So tough that some sections were almost inedible, even when cooked to perfection. The twist was, Luke and Hayley were our guests being fed this incredibly chewy beef. Flavour great, edibility minimal. And to cap it off, the Apple pudding I bought did not thaw adequately over a 2 hour period before being eaten, so they got frozen pudding on top of un-chewable meat.
Guys: this is NOT our normal level of hospitality.
Sunday, 30 December 2007
Bored with that.
Next.
The car hunt is proving more hassle now we have got cash than when we hadn't - then it was always very simple: just grab the least bad car you can afford. It became more difficult with having *some* money so that we could get something reasonably decent, but not too new. Now we can (in theory) afford what we want we both find we're baulking at investing real money in a vehicle that will rot and break down.
We need a reasonable sized car for stuff like transporting guitars, amps etc. going away, moving furniture.... all those boring things. We need a second form of transport that would *preferably* also be able to manage other people and guitars & amps, therefore we can't just rely on a bike. On top of that we want to move the 406 on.
My preference would be to buy Chris a VW Beetle, but that was before I realised just how little space of any kind they have (this IS a golf with a different body shell, for heavens sakes). So if we had that as Chris's main car we'd still need a medium sized vehicle. We *could* keep the 406, but that runs directly contrary to our plans and expectations. So to do what we'd *like* to do would cost around £20K, which seems slightly obscene and is substantially more than our first mortgage (heck it's more than half our present one!).
On top of that I've developed an allergy to the colours silver and grey (i.e. almost 80% of cars out there). And to rub salt in the wounds, the 'best' car for our run around purposes looks to be a Peugeot 307 estate.
So almost everything I'd said we didn't want to have in the way of a car looks like it'll probably happen. It's got to the point where there's no will or desire left to keep looking for the 'right' car and it's just down to the old numbers (youngest/lowest mileage) game.
Hi fellow silver car driving sheep, won't you welcome me into your arms?
*edit* We now have a plan. It all depends on whether a car we hope to see tomorrow is bona fide. If it's good then we know what to do, but if not then we know what else to do.
If this was the matrix, would you take the green pill or the silver pill?
The car hunt is proving more hassle now we have got cash than when we hadn't - then it was always very simple: just grab the least bad car you can afford. It became more difficult with having *some* money so that we could get something reasonably decent, but not too new. Now we can (in theory) afford what we want we both find we're baulking at investing real money in a vehicle that will rot and break down.
We need a reasonable sized car for stuff like transporting guitars, amps etc. going away, moving furniture.... all those boring things. We need a second form of transport that would *preferably* also be able to manage other people and guitars & amps, therefore we can't just rely on a bike. On top of that we want to move the 406 on.
My preference would be to buy Chris a VW Beetle, but that was before I realised just how little space of any kind they have (this IS a golf with a different body shell, for heavens sakes). So if we had that as Chris's main car we'd still need a medium sized vehicle. We *could* keep the 406, but that runs directly contrary to our plans and expectations. So to do what we'd *like* to do would cost around £20K, which seems slightly obscene and is substantially more than our first mortgage (heck it's more than half our present one!).
On top of that I've developed an allergy to the colours silver and grey (i.e. almost 80% of cars out there). And to rub salt in the wounds, the 'best' car for our run around purposes looks to be a Peugeot 307 estate.
So almost everything I'd said we didn't want to have in the way of a car looks like it'll probably happen. It's got to the point where there's no will or desire left to keep looking for the 'right' car and it's just down to the old numbers (youngest/lowest mileage) game.
Hi fellow silver car driving sheep, won't you welcome me into your arms?
*edit* We now have a plan. It all depends on whether a car we hope to see tomorrow is bona fide. If it's good then we know what to do, but if not then we know what else to do.
If this was the matrix, would you take the green pill or the silver pill?
Thursday, 27 December 2007
Well we tried another car today
This time Chris drove a new Beetle - gets a thumbs up from her as both a driving experience and on a comfort basis.
That does not mean our search is finished, as there were things about this car I wasn't happy with. Also this is a car designed - apparently - to be as impractical as possible. When I was told it had almost no boot space I didn't think they really meant that it has ALMOST NO BOOT SPACE. And the opening is so narrow, I'm sure my mouth has been wider from the number of feet I've stuck in it.
But it was nice to drive - calm, neutral, reasonably precise and with just enough weight. Shame it's only the 100bhp version of the TDi engine.
That does not mean our search is finished, as there were things about this car I wasn't happy with. Also this is a car designed - apparently - to be as impractical as possible. When I was told it had almost no boot space I didn't think they really meant that it has ALMOST NO BOOT SPACE. And the opening is so narrow, I'm sure my mouth has been wider from the number of feet I've stuck in it.
But it was nice to drive - calm, neutral, reasonably precise and with just enough weight. Shame it's only the 100bhp version of the TDi engine.
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
We had a visitation this evening.
Sarah of Two Red Boots and her husband Steve and Abby & Josiah. Steve very kindly brought over a Beemer for us to try - kindly because it's the holidays and they took time out of visiting family to drop in for us. Good people to meet and be with.
Hope you guys had a decent journey home. It would be nice to see you again some time, and maybe Steve and I could jam somewhere a little louder (and a little better in my case).
Hope you guys had a decent journey home. It would be nice to see you again some time, and maybe Steve and I could jam somewhere a little louder (and a little better in my case).
Remember that guitar cab I mentioned?
Well here it is: English cocoa, salt'n'pepper grill, gold piping.
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
The Christmas season is like a heavy snowfall
In this county it blankets everything.
All businesses stop, hardly anyone goes out and the country becomes almost unrecognisable.
Some look forward to it's coming with happiness. Some view it as a bleak time, holding fear, isolation and even danger. Some just seem to get buried by it.
I've been asking myself why we 'do' Christmas. Us personally that is. It seems to have become the season of opportunity: businesses to get a little peak in sales, employees to get time off, most of us to eat too much nice food, the church to outreach.
This isn't one of those "what's the hidden meaning of Christmas" posts, and it's not a "Christmas humbug - I'm so miserable" post either. I guess for me, just as I saw a gap between what happens in a substantial portion of church and Jesus, I'm seeing a gap between Christmas and Christ. I'm not sure this is a train I want to step off, but this year I don't think I'd have done stuff like trees and lights if Chris hadn't wanted them. When I was a kid it was a chance to obtain the things I could never afford outright on my own, and to a degree after we were married and had no money that was true again.
Some of this IS affected by what's happened to us.
In our garden there are 2 pieces of slate, one with Sarah and the other with Laurence written on in white paint. The slate with Chris's dad's name has faded and the name become indistinct, partially washed away over the last 2 years. The slate with Sarah's name is still virtually untouched and intact. So it is with us. 2 1/2 years on we still feel much like we did at the beginning, at times. I don't know about this business of time healing: I think instead you just get used to having the load in place and most of the time it sits there without being too obvious.
This is too maudlin for Christmas day. Time to get the family up and feed them croissants.
All businesses stop, hardly anyone goes out and the country becomes almost unrecognisable.
Some look forward to it's coming with happiness. Some view it as a bleak time, holding fear, isolation and even danger. Some just seem to get buried by it.
I've been asking myself why we 'do' Christmas. Us personally that is. It seems to have become the season of opportunity: businesses to get a little peak in sales, employees to get time off, most of us to eat too much nice food, the church to outreach.
This isn't one of those "what's the hidden meaning of Christmas" posts, and it's not a "Christmas humbug - I'm so miserable" post either. I guess for me, just as I saw a gap between what happens in a substantial portion of church and Jesus, I'm seeing a gap between Christmas and Christ. I'm not sure this is a train I want to step off, but this year I don't think I'd have done stuff like trees and lights if Chris hadn't wanted them. When I was a kid it was a chance to obtain the things I could never afford outright on my own, and to a degree after we were married and had no money that was true again.
Some of this IS affected by what's happened to us.
In our garden there are 2 pieces of slate, one with Sarah and the other with Laurence written on in white paint. The slate with Chris's dad's name has faded and the name become indistinct, partially washed away over the last 2 years. The slate with Sarah's name is still virtually untouched and intact. So it is with us. 2 1/2 years on we still feel much like we did at the beginning, at times. I don't know about this business of time healing: I think instead you just get used to having the load in place and most of the time it sits there without being too obvious.
This is too maudlin for Christmas day. Time to get the family up and feed them croissants.
Monday, 24 December 2007
Happy Christmas everyone
It's almost Christmas day here.
Congrats Dan and Kita?
p.s. I bought Chris a vacuum cleaner for Christmas. Do you think she'll be pleased?
Congrats Dan and Kita?
p.s. I bought Chris a vacuum cleaner for Christmas. Do you think she'll be pleased?
Thursday, 20 December 2007
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
For those who understand and find this funny.
Yesterday last thing I set up some SP2 myeloma cells before going home.
I grabbed a convenient bottle of 'normal' culture medium that had been prepared for a different project and wasn't used.
Said medium contains HAT for hybridoma culture.
I was un-aware of the HAT content.
Said SP2 cells are specially engineered to find HAT lethal.
It is good to know that this system works well. I shall be quite confident that any cells growing after my fusion on Christmas eve will, absolutely definitely be hybridomas and not suriving myelomas.
Now I DO regret making Chris wait 5 more minutes to collect me.
I grabbed a convenient bottle of 'normal' culture medium that had been prepared for a different project and wasn't used.
Said medium contains HAT for hybridoma culture.
I was un-aware of the HAT content.
Said SP2 cells are specially engineered to find HAT lethal.
It is good to know that this system works well. I shall be quite confident that any cells growing after my fusion on Christmas eve will, absolutely definitely be hybridomas and not suriving myelomas.
Now I DO regret making Chris wait 5 more minutes to collect me.
Please don't kid yourself.
You can feel the excitement of driving the Ford Focus just by looking at it.
Zzzzzzz.
Duh?
Someone say something?
I've never really had much of a choice or budget before, so I can actually look at more than just the lowest possible price. How come there are so many utterly boring cars around these days?
Does no-one have any imagination when selecting colours for current models? Who thought metallic blue was an exciting alternative to the otherwise universal silver or grey?
And why do they virtually ALL look like tedious boxes with varying degrees of edges creased into the metal. The only exceptions to that seem Peugeots and Renaults, neither of which I'm really willing to risk spending real money on. BMWs appeal slightly, but they're too darn expensive, there's no local dealers I know of and they look depressingly similar to Vauxhalls range.
OK. What I'd like is something with some interest and some styling, both inside and outside.
It needs to be large enough to carry amps and guitars, luggage for holidays, 5 adults for medium length journeys. It must be small enough to park without too much difficulty in a smaller space.
It MUST be diesel. No petrol engine could ever win me back for serious ownership, no matter how fun it was to drive for a day or a month.
It must handle well in terms of being well controlled through corners between 40mph and 70mph for country lane driving and stable at motorway speeds without the need for white-knuckle concentration from the driver (hello Volvo - have you fixed the V40 yet?).
It must feel reasonably solid, thereby eliminating pretty much any Asian car manufacturer not already ruled out by what might be termed 'styling'.
It must make at least *promises* of reliability. Goodbye Fiat, Renault and Alfa.
I have a feeling that no vehicle matching all of these criteria really exists.
There's a sense of dread that we'll end up with a car in silver - an even more bland colour than beige. If that's the only compromise we'll have probably got away lightly.
Zzzzzzz.
Duh?
Someone say something?
I've never really had much of a choice or budget before, so I can actually look at more than just the lowest possible price. How come there are so many utterly boring cars around these days?
Does no-one have any imagination when selecting colours for current models? Who thought metallic blue was an exciting alternative to the otherwise universal silver or grey?
And why do they virtually ALL look like tedious boxes with varying degrees of edges creased into the metal. The only exceptions to that seem Peugeots and Renaults, neither of which I'm really willing to risk spending real money on. BMWs appeal slightly, but they're too darn expensive, there's no local dealers I know of and they look depressingly similar to Vauxhalls range.
OK. What I'd like is something with some interest and some styling, both inside and outside.
It needs to be large enough to carry amps and guitars, luggage for holidays, 5 adults for medium length journeys. It must be small enough to park without too much difficulty in a smaller space.
It MUST be diesel. No petrol engine could ever win me back for serious ownership, no matter how fun it was to drive for a day or a month.
It must handle well in terms of being well controlled through corners between 40mph and 70mph for country lane driving and stable at motorway speeds without the need for white-knuckle concentration from the driver (hello Volvo - have you fixed the V40 yet?).
It must feel reasonably solid, thereby eliminating pretty much any Asian car manufacturer not already ruled out by what might be termed 'styling'.
It must make at least *promises* of reliability. Goodbye Fiat, Renault and Alfa.
I have a feeling that no vehicle matching all of these criteria really exists.
There's a sense of dread that we'll end up with a car in silver - an even more bland colour than beige. If that's the only compromise we'll have probably got away lightly.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Well, we're back again.
A little more exercised than before, on account of walking quite a lot. Brussels has a great metro, but you can't see much from an underground train.
Brussels has a nice feel to it, despite being the centre of European government. It has obviously seen a lot of money spent over a couple of centuries, which is slightly surprising, as Belgium hasn't been a country in its own right for too long.
It's interesting contrasting this with Vienna. In that city there was a sense of it once having been intensely powerful and extremely wealthy, with a long and busy history. Yet it is now a city apparently reduced to scraping a living from tourism, still being proud and elegant yet so poor. Brussels looked like a city that had been poor, yet had become well off and comfortable recently, and was relaxed and enjoying the idea of doing well.
The market wasn't too much like the Vienna market. Few stalls seemed to carry hand crafted goods or amazing decorations. It WAS good to visit, but with a much more modern and commercial feel to it.
We also spent time with Richard and Anna (and Joel). They send their love back to all who know them from Bicester and Oxford. They're doing well, and Richard hopes to set up his own language business next year.
With no more ado, here's a small selection of pics. Sorry if you're on dialup.
Brussels has a nice feel to it, despite being the centre of European government. It has obviously seen a lot of money spent over a couple of centuries, which is slightly surprising, as Belgium hasn't been a country in its own right for too long.
It's interesting contrasting this with Vienna. In that city there was a sense of it once having been intensely powerful and extremely wealthy, with a long and busy history. Yet it is now a city apparently reduced to scraping a living from tourism, still being proud and elegant yet so poor. Brussels looked like a city that had been poor, yet had become well off and comfortable recently, and was relaxed and enjoying the idea of doing well.
The market wasn't too much like the Vienna market. Few stalls seemed to carry hand crafted goods or amazing decorations. It WAS good to visit, but with a much more modern and commercial feel to it.
We also spent time with Richard and Anna (and Joel). They send their love back to all who know them from Bicester and Oxford. They're doing well, and Richard hopes to set up his own language business next year.
With no more ado, here's a small selection of pics. Sorry if you're on dialup.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Ever wonder why?
No - not really.
So this morning we had a hard frost that stretched all the way to work.
Because we live in a valley it's common for the air to be much colder down below, and often cycling upwards brings me out into sunlight and moderate temperatures. However the wind was obviously blowing last night, mixing the freezing air above and below the valley, leaving a trail of solid puddles and crunchy grass. Because of the rain that's been and gone, many of the roads have small streams flowing down their edges and these had been churned into slush by care tyres in the bitter air.
I'd been undecided about motorcycling or or push-biking to work today, and eventually decided on the path of least effort. But someone had other plans for me, and when I got on the Triumph this morning nothing I did would convince the engine to turn over. There's a bad contact in there somewhere - probably the sensor on the clutch lever being frozen solid - and it simply didn't want to know.
I've enjoyed a week of not cycling, and now that I'm back on the bike I feel slow when riding and seriously strained from the ride. It feels very much like having been shaken enthusiastically in a giant hand, and it takes the senses a long while to settle down.
Another strange thing is this management business.
Half of me wants to manage people while the other half hates the idea. It seems bizarre to be able (as I did yesterday) to send someone home sick. It's also mildly terrifying to be responsible for the day-to-day activities of 3 other people, knowing my choices will affect their careers, earning potential and happiness at work. In some ways it's the scariest thing I've done.
Oh well, back to the lab.
So this morning we had a hard frost that stretched all the way to work.
Because we live in a valley it's common for the air to be much colder down below, and often cycling upwards brings me out into sunlight and moderate temperatures. However the wind was obviously blowing last night, mixing the freezing air above and below the valley, leaving a trail of solid puddles and crunchy grass. Because of the rain that's been and gone, many of the roads have small streams flowing down their edges and these had been churned into slush by care tyres in the bitter air.
I'd been undecided about motorcycling or or push-biking to work today, and eventually decided on the path of least effort. But someone had other plans for me, and when I got on the Triumph this morning nothing I did would convince the engine to turn over. There's a bad contact in there somewhere - probably the sensor on the clutch lever being frozen solid - and it simply didn't want to know.
I've enjoyed a week of not cycling, and now that I'm back on the bike I feel slow when riding and seriously strained from the ride. It feels very much like having been shaken enthusiastically in a giant hand, and it takes the senses a long while to settle down.
Another strange thing is this management business.
Half of me wants to manage people while the other half hates the idea. It seems bizarre to be able (as I did yesterday) to send someone home sick. It's also mildly terrifying to be responsible for the day-to-day activities of 3 other people, knowing my choices will affect their careers, earning potential and happiness at work. In some ways it's the scariest thing I've done.
Oh well, back to the lab.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
I've found
What I consider the first visually acceptable version of Linux ever. Sabayon
Unfortunately it's been built like a typical Italian car and the darn thing hangs when I run from the DVD (that I actually paid for this time!). Seems this happens to others too, all caused by improperly implemented hardware acceleration, according the their forum.
This is just plain stoopid. And there's guys on their forum getting a bit stroppy about the different philosophies between Ubuntu and Sabayon when updating, all the time working on parts of the software that aren't broken. I had VERY high hopes for this one - seems they're going to be dashed again. I might dislike some of the things M$ do, but they've made a relatively clean looking, reliable, stable and very functional OS that doesn't require a degree in programming to install and use.
Unfortunately it's been built like a typical Italian car and the darn thing hangs when I run from the DVD (that I actually paid for this time!). Seems this happens to others too, all caused by improperly implemented hardware acceleration, according the their forum.
This is just plain stoopid. And there's guys on their forum getting a bit stroppy about the different philosophies between Ubuntu and Sabayon when updating, all the time working on parts of the software that aren't broken. I had VERY high hopes for this one - seems they're going to be dashed again. I might dislike some of the things M$ do, but they've made a relatively clean looking, reliable, stable and very functional OS that doesn't require a degree in programming to install and use.
We're about to re-embark on a car hunt.
We've decided to change the car again I think. We had issues with the local Peugeot dealer in Bicester that they eventually put right, but we're just not happy in that department any more.
Since Chris is driving so much to work at the mo I would like to find something more suitable than a large family estate car. Anyone know of a new-style VW Beetle with a Diesel engine and cream leather interior for sale? Anyone need a large diesel powered family estate car that's just been serviced for a good price?
I've also just ordered a cab that looks like this:
It'll be a little narrower for a single 12" speaker (this is a 2X12) to take a Marshall 18watt clone. Phil - that amp is sweet.
Since Chris is driving so much to work at the mo I would like to find something more suitable than a large family estate car. Anyone know of a new-style VW Beetle with a Diesel engine and cream leather interior for sale? Anyone need a large diesel powered family estate car that's just been serviced for a good price?
I've also just ordered a cab that looks like this:
It'll be a little narrower for a single 12" speaker (this is a 2X12) to take a Marshall 18watt clone. Phil - that amp is sweet.
You should find this disturbing.
In case you didn't know, the United States considers it fully legal to adbuct you regardless of extradition treaties and transport you to American soil, where you have no legal recourse. It is using the historical 'bounty hunter' law in a modern context. It is not just being used against terrorist suspects.
I hope the US elects someone with a very strong hand and firmly centrist politics next time round, for the good of the whole world.
I hope the US elects someone with a very strong hand and firmly centrist politics next time round, for the good of the whole world.
Friday, 7 December 2007
I don't often get cross about newspaper articles
And I ESPECIALLY don't usually get sucked into the angry, fruitless and often vicious arguments surrounding pro-choice and pro-life. However when this article was published today I felt stirred to make the following comments:
We need an abortion law because 2 equally valuable lives have to be considered. One can be very vocal about its rights, needs and wants while the other is completely silent.
We need an abortion law because people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Who else will protect the children when the adults behave like children themselves?
We need an abortion law because many pro-choice supporters refuse to recognise that many lives are shattered by guilt, anguish and shame. Not because a pro-lifer has brow-beaten a victim that underwent termination but because of the biological, emotional and psychological consequences attached to terminating the life of a baby.
It is embarrassing that we must parade our brutal disregard of the value of human life under the wrapping of scientific integrity and personal freedom.
I doubt they will be published below the article, but who knows? Two of the three comments 'in favour' that I saw were almost breath-taking in their naked selfishness and deliberate misunderstanding.
We need an abortion law because 2 equally valuable lives have to be considered. One can be very vocal about its rights, needs and wants while the other is completely silent.
We need an abortion law because people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Who else will protect the children when the adults behave like children themselves?
We need an abortion law because many pro-choice supporters refuse to recognise that many lives are shattered by guilt, anguish and shame. Not because a pro-lifer has brow-beaten a victim that underwent termination but because of the biological, emotional and psychological consequences attached to terminating the life of a baby.
It is embarrassing that we must parade our brutal disregard of the value of human life under the wrapping of scientific integrity and personal freedom.
I doubt they will be published below the article, but who knows? Two of the three comments 'in favour' that I saw were almost breath-taking in their naked selfishness and deliberate misunderstanding.
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
True lies
Does anyone else ever step back from the 'standard' replies and phrases they use?
"How are you?" "I'm all right."
That's an obvious one.
Something a bit more subtle, and particularly for an older generation: referring to Jesus as 'the Lord', although it's not unusual even now to hear people pray "Oh Lord....".
There's something in me that says Father, but really struggles with 'Lord'. It's not a conscious rebellion, so much as a recognition of practical reality. You know the law has a right to require you to do certain things, but you don't always do them. At least, unlike with the law, I can come back and say sorry. And even mean it.
Honesty is a curious thing. Sometimes a blunt-edged weapon, wielded with great and careless strength. Sometimes a generous or delicate gift, presented in love.
How often the words have come out of my mouth that I've felt but never meant to say. How often have we watched films (we rarely notice the moments in real life) when a few honest words would save a situation, yet neither party speaks them and the whole film becomes (often unfortunately) possible instead of just a short preface to living happily ever after.
How true is proverbs 26:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
But so often we'd prefer to just settle for bland neutrality. Neither a kiss nor a slap.
"How are you?" "I'm all right."
That's an obvious one.
Something a bit more subtle, and particularly for an older generation: referring to Jesus as 'the Lord', although it's not unusual even now to hear people pray "Oh Lord....".
There's something in me that says Father, but really struggles with 'Lord'. It's not a conscious rebellion, so much as a recognition of practical reality. You know the law has a right to require you to do certain things, but you don't always do them. At least, unlike with the law, I can come back and say sorry. And even mean it.
Honesty is a curious thing. Sometimes a blunt-edged weapon, wielded with great and careless strength. Sometimes a generous or delicate gift, presented in love.
How often the words have come out of my mouth that I've felt but never meant to say. How often have we watched films (we rarely notice the moments in real life) when a few honest words would save a situation, yet neither party speaks them and the whole film becomes (often unfortunately) possible instead of just a short preface to living happily ever after.
How true is proverbs 26:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
But so often we'd prefer to just settle for bland neutrality. Neither a kiss nor a slap.
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