Monday, August 13, 2007
This could be expensive
My car's in for a MOT and major service and I was expecting a bill of £300-£400. But there's an additional £200 for broken shock absorbers, £50+ for a tyre, and the gearbox is leaking. That last could be majorly expensive, just when I don't need to be spending money.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
So I went to bed at 03:30
Almost dawn!
Anyway, I'd finished watching Cliffhanger on the TV and went to check my email before going to bed. And shortly thereafter felt slighty nauseous and smelled gas. So I went round the house and checked everything. I hadn't left the oven on or anything. But the smell was still there. And outside. So I rang Transco and we went through the usual palaver. An engineer duly arrived at about 02:30 and found nothing. But the smell had gone. He left a bit after 03:00
We reckoned it was fuel - or something else - dumped by an aircraft.
Still, going to bed at that hour is not fun. I must be getting old...
Anyway, I'd finished watching Cliffhanger on the TV and went to check my email before going to bed. And shortly thereafter felt slighty nauseous and smelled gas. So I went round the house and checked everything. I hadn't left the oven on or anything. But the smell was still there. And outside. So I rang Transco and we went through the usual palaver. An engineer duly arrived at about 02:30 and found nothing. But the smell had gone. He left a bit after 03:00
We reckoned it was fuel - or something else - dumped by an aircraft.
Still, going to bed at that hour is not fun. I must be getting old...
Monday, July 02, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Pub review: Rose & Crown, Kew
I was on my way home last night and in need of a pint and some food. As I was driving through Kew, I spotted the Rose & Crown. A nice pub by the green. There was plenty of parking around the green.
I ordered a pint and a mixed grill - at £13, very expensive - from a very helpful barman and settled to a seat by a window overlooking the green. Earlier in the day it would have been a lovely view.
The pub was very quiet. Too quiet, really, for that time of night.
The food seemed a long time in coming, but I had a newspaper to occupy me, and when it came, I was pleased to see a generous platter. Chips, two sausages, steak, ham steak, two eggs. Tartare sauce was supplied without demur. In a proper pot too, not a little packet. The food was great, except the chef needs to learn that a steak ordered rare is not cooked well done. I was too hungry to complain too much - the steak was still good.
I'd go there again.
I ordered a pint and a mixed grill - at £13, very expensive - from a very helpful barman and settled to a seat by a window overlooking the green. Earlier in the day it would have been a lovely view.
The pub was very quiet. Too quiet, really, for that time of night.
The food seemed a long time in coming, but I had a newspaper to occupy me, and when it came, I was pleased to see a generous platter. Chips, two sausages, steak, ham steak, two eggs. Tartare sauce was supplied without demur. In a proper pot too, not a little packet. The food was great, except the chef needs to learn that a steak ordered rare is not cooked well done. I was too hungry to complain too much - the steak was still good.
I'd go there again.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Busy with the builders
The builders have finally turned up - they were due last week but were delayed due to the weather. Not their fault, and I've allowed for the delay. They've been doing the edging of the patio, which crumbled over the winter. This time, it's being done with engineering bricks. More expensive, but they'll last.
The skip's due tomorrow and I don't think I'll have too much trouble filling it.
It's a good thing I was prudent and put the money aside some time ago.
The delay has meant that I've not been to my aunt's house for a while. There's just so much to do there.
The skip's due tomorrow and I don't think I'll have too much trouble filling it.
It's a good thing I was prudent and put the money aside some time ago.
The delay has meant that I've not been to my aunt's house for a while. There's just so much to do there.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Roebuck and the New Inn
After a hard and very boring but profitable day's work on Richmond Hill, I needed some food. The Roebuck was the nearest and they had a decent menu - steak and ale pie would have hit the spot nicely - but they don't sell draught cider, so I walked straight out. I used to take my aunt to the New Inn on Ham Common for a good feed - they have a nice garden - so I went there. It's been over a year - if not two - since I visited and they've changed owners and the food has gone downhill significantly. Both in quality and range. My scampi and chips wasn't bad but it was decidedly average.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Busy, busy.
Got to prep my house for sale, and clean up my aunt's for her return.
And hayfever sucks.
And hayfever sucks.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Wierd 24 Movie Meme
Via The Smallest Minority
1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.
Lord of the Rings. All three films.
2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in the theater.
Star Wars.
3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.
Denzel Washington, Sean Connery, and Alan Rickman for starters.
4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.
'Hanoi Jane' Jane Fonda.
5. Name a movie from which you can and do quote.
Aliens, assorted Monty Python.
6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.
Nope. Unless you count one of the filmings of Handel's Messiah.
7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.
Nope.
8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.
The Incredibles. Fun for all the family.
9. Name a movie that you own.
I've got many DVDs.
10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.
Fred Thompson. Seriously.
11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?
Are there any drive-ins in the U.K.?
12. Ever made out in a movie?
Nope.
13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't yet gotten around to it.
Hot Fuzz.
14. Ever walked out of a movie?
In a cinema? Yes.
15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.
Probably most romances. A Tale of Two Cities never fails to bring a tear to my eye.
16. Popcorn?
Iced Water
17. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Very variable. I never rent, though.
18. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?
300. Excellent fun; not terribly historical.
19. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?
Anything that isn't horror. I like action, adventure, romance, comedy, farce, and more. Curiously, I generally only like comedy and farce the first time around.
20. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theatre?
No idea.
21. What movie do you wish you had never seen?
The Lair of the White Worm. I saw it at too young an age.
22. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
That would be telling.
23. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?
I don't actually enjoy horror movies, but I'll make an exception for Alien.
24. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?
Here my mind goes blank. I've seen plenty of funny movies but I couldn't say which one was the funniest. Seems like some rewatching is in order.
1. Name a movie that you have seen more than 10 times.
Lord of the Rings. All three films.
2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in the theater.
Star Wars.
3. Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a movie.
Denzel Washington, Sean Connery, and Alan Rickman for starters.
4. Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a movie.
'Hanoi Jane' Jane Fonda.
5. Name a movie from which you can and do quote.
Aliens, assorted Monty Python.
6. Name a movie musical that you know all of the lyrics to all of the songs.
Nope. Unless you count one of the filmings of Handel's Messiah.
7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.
Nope.
8. Name a movie that you would recommend everyone see.
The Incredibles. Fun for all the family.
9. Name a movie that you own.
I've got many DVDs.
10. Name an actor that launched his/her entertainment career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops.
Fred Thompson. Seriously.
11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in? If so, what?
Are there any drive-ins in the U.K.?
12. Ever made out in a movie?
Nope.
13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't yet gotten around to it.
Hot Fuzz.
14. Ever walked out of a movie?
In a cinema? Yes.
15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.
Probably most romances. A Tale of Two Cities never fails to bring a tear to my eye.
16. Popcorn?
Iced Water
17. How often do you go to the movies (as opposed to renting them or watching them at home)?
Very variable. I never rent, though.
18. What’s the last movie you saw in the theater?
300. Excellent fun; not terribly historical.
19. What’s your favorite/preferred genre of movie?
Anything that isn't horror. I like action, adventure, romance, comedy, farce, and more. Curiously, I generally only like comedy and farce the first time around.
20. What’s the first movie you remember seeing in the theatre?
No idea.
21. What movie do you wish you had never seen?
The Lair of the White Worm. I saw it at too young an age.
22. What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed?
That would be telling.
23. What is the scariest movie you’ve seen?
I don't actually enjoy horror movies, but I'll make an exception for Alien.
24. What is the funniest movie you’ve seen?
Here my mind goes blank. I've seen plenty of funny movies but I couldn't say which one was the funniest. Seems like some rewatching is in order.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Narcotics
Misty describes her previous (and often involuntary) uses of narcotics. I've never taken narcotics stronger than alcohol - and I don't do spirits. I don't smoke, either. Cigarette smoke makes me choke or sneeze.
In other words, I'm a sad boring young fart. :) And I'm happy to be one.
In other words, I'm a sad boring young fart. :) And I'm happy to be one.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Another excellent Fishmongers' do last night
Pity my guest couldn't make it, but I sat with some fascinating people. A retired mogul in the shoemaking industry, the head of English heritage, the chief archivist of a county, the Renter Warden of the Gardeners and more.
The food was, as ever, spellbindingly good, but it's the first time I've started with ice cream! There was an interesting speech afterwards.
The food was, as ever, spellbindingly good, but it's the first time I've started with ice cream! There was an interesting speech afterwards.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I'm free!
I am now unemployed, having accepted voluntary redundancy and a modest wodge of cash.
Now I've got to decide whether to sell my house or to rent it out. Anyway, I've had the estate agents round and things are looking modestly favourable.
Now I've got to decide whether to sell my house or to rent it out. Anyway, I've had the estate agents round and things are looking modestly favourable.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Busy, busy!
Good stuff, bad stuff, difficult stuff. My aunt is sliding, but not fast, and it's not a pretty experience. There's more about which I cannot blog at the moment.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
My first hangover!
Only a mild one, though.
At 40, I've been drinking alcoholic beverages for 22 years and until this morning had yet to have a hangover. This is probably because I stick to decent stuff and don't drink too much. But last night I was sipping Thatcher's Katy cider and really rather regretted it this morning.
At 40, I've been drinking alcoholic beverages for 22 years and until this morning had yet to have a hangover. This is probably because I stick to decent stuff and don't drink too much. But last night I was sipping Thatcher's Katy cider and really rather regretted it this morning.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Bother said Q
As his server died.
Oh well, a new box has been ordered and will arrive on Saturday. This means I get to spend part of my weekend building a server.
Oh well, a new box has been ordered and will arrive on Saturday. This means I get to spend part of my weekend building a server.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Fishmongers' Livery Concert
Ah, bliss!
It was a black tie do. We started with Champagne and nibbles, courtesy of Stephen Pini. Then it was off to listen to the Forte String Quartet from the Guildhall School of Music for some Haydn and Tchaikovsky. A break for more drink and nibbles (I had proper lemonade). And back for a piano recital by Anton Lyakhovsky and Toms Ostrovskis who played pieces by Rachmaninov and Lutoslawski. Piano music isn't normally my cup of tea, but the two pianos together made a real difference. I was surprised at how loud they were, even though I was right at the back.
And then we had a buffet supper. Top quality food.
It was a black tie do. We started with Champagne and nibbles, courtesy of Stephen Pini. Then it was off to listen to the Forte String Quartet from the Guildhall School of Music for some Haydn and Tchaikovsky. A break for more drink and nibbles (I had proper lemonade). And back for a piano recital by Anton Lyakhovsky and Toms Ostrovskis who played pieces by Rachmaninov and Lutoslawski. Piano music isn't normally my cup of tea, but the two pianos together made a real difference. I was surprised at how loud they were, even though I was right at the back.
And then we had a buffet supper. Top quality food.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Torchwood finale
Crap, wasn't it? It was so bad that I couldn't watch it all the way through but switched over to other programs then switched back. And the big baddie? I'm sure they've used him before.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Predictions for 2007
Happy New Year to my one reader.
Now, Misty's made her predictions, I'm going to make mine.
January: Nothing of significance happens; the press get distracted by twin badgers.
February: I get fixed up for a blind date on St.Valentine's Day with a blind Russian shot-putter; being a gentleman, I get her drunk and put her in a taxi home.
March: Excitement about Tony Blair's resignation reaches fever-pitch; TB tells them to fuck off.
April: Showers. The badgers are doing well.
May: Gordon Brown succeeds Tony Blair and calls a quickie election. The skunks topa BBC poll and get proposed as candidates.
June: Elections. Who cares who wins? They're all after my wallet. My MP's a tosser, so I'll probably vote for her best opponent. Round here that would probably be the Monster Raving Loony Party. The badgers almost get elected.
July: Sunshine! My nephew's 5. Damn the rest.
August: More sunshine!
September: Prime Minister Cameron announces that Britain will leave the EU but remain in EFTA.
October: Cameron announces that the UK is negotiating membership of NAFTA.
November: Georgina celebrates her first birthday. Yay!
December: The badgers do what Guy Fawkes failed to do: blow up Parliament. Everyone thinks it's part of some celebration and nobody notices that all the MPs are dead. When it is finally noticed, nobody really cares.
Now, Misty's made her predictions, I'm going to make mine.
January: Nothing of significance happens; the press get distracted by twin badgers.
February: I get fixed up for a blind date on St.Valentine's Day with a blind Russian shot-putter; being a gentleman, I get her drunk and put her in a taxi home.
March: Excitement about Tony Blair's resignation reaches fever-pitch; TB tells them to fuck off.
April: Showers. The badgers are doing well.
May: Gordon Brown succeeds Tony Blair and calls a quickie election. The skunks topa BBC poll and get proposed as candidates.
June: Elections. Who cares who wins? They're all after my wallet. My MP's a tosser, so I'll probably vote for her best opponent. Round here that would probably be the Monster Raving Loony Party. The badgers almost get elected.
July: Sunshine! My nephew's 5. Damn the rest.
August: More sunshine!
September: Prime Minister Cameron announces that Britain will leave the EU but remain in EFTA.
October: Cameron announces that the UK is negotiating membership of NAFTA.
November: Georgina celebrates her first birthday. Yay!
December: The badgers do what Guy Fawkes failed to do: blow up Parliament. Everyone thinks it's part of some celebration and nobody notices that all the MPs are dead. When it is finally noticed, nobody really cares.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I've been banned by Samizdata.Net!
So for the first time in a long while I try to post a comment to Libertarian Samizdata and get the message that I've been banned. I've no idea why; I've had no email from them. I can only presume some previous user of my IP address was a spammer. But I've been on NTL for 3 years now, with mostly the same IP address, so they're a bunch of tossers for keeping the ban so long.
Friday, December 15, 2006
A tale of two carol services
I attended two carol services this week. One at work and one at St Magnus Martyr in London with the Fishmongers.
The one at work was given by children from a local school and they sang while we had mulled wine and mince pies. The wine was dreadful. The children sang really well, and the carols were a mixture of traditional and modern 'happy-clappy' carols. The traditional carols were excellent, but the modern ones did not take my fancy at all. The music teacherdid a couple of solos and he was crap. He didn't take into account the acoustics of the building at all. And he sang in the happy-clappy manner.
The service in London was excellent: it was full blown service with choristers and traditional carols. The congregation (i.e. us) sang most of the carols but we paused a couple of times and the choristers sang. And they were excellent. Then we repaired to Fishmongers' Hall for nibbles and wine. Lovely.
The one at work was given by children from a local school and they sang while we had mulled wine and mince pies. The wine was dreadful. The children sang really well, and the carols were a mixture of traditional and modern 'happy-clappy' carols. The traditional carols were excellent, but the modern ones did not take my fancy at all. The music teacherdid a couple of solos and he was crap. He didn't take into account the acoustics of the building at all. And he sang in the happy-clappy manner.
The service in London was excellent: it was full blown service with choristers and traditional carols. The congregation (i.e. us) sang most of the carols but we paused a couple of times and the choristers sang. And they were excellent. Then we repaired to Fishmongers' Hall for nibbles and wine. Lovely.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
I'm an uncle again
Isn't she gorgeous?
I flew to see her yesterday, and back today. I spent a long time simply sitting and holding her in my arms and when you're like that, you know that despite the bad weather outside, there's nothing wrong with the world.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Idiot cyclist
I saw a cyclist get bumped today. It was about 17:30 and dark, and the moron was wearing dark clothing (no high-visibility jacket or anything), had no helmet,was weaving around the traffic, and was riding far too close to the cars. He tried to undertake a car and got brushed. Fortunately it was only a little bump, but had he been run over, I'd be willing to stand up in court and say it was the cyclist's fault. Hopefully the idiot has learned his lesson.
Halloween: nobody came.
There was me all togged up with plenty of chocolate to disburse and nobody came. Not one trick-or-treater. Well, it looks like all that chocolate's for me!
Friday, October 20, 2006
New toy alert!
I've gone and got myself an Inverto PVR. I ordered it from Boots' website on Sunday. I was less than impressed when it only came today.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Eating out
Just had a gorgeous steak at The Wyvern. Lovely meat, lovely sauce. Pity they default to chips; their mashed potato is so much better.
And I've a new toy on the way.
And I've a new toy on the way.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Ofcom replied
And I wasn't fobbed off. It was a well-written and thoughtful reply, with which I thoroughly disagreed.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Holiday!
Three weeks away from work! Well, it would be nice if my aged aunt weren't seriously ill. Still, I've got loads to do around the house.
Digital radio
About a week ago I purchased a cheap DAB radio. It's very good. The best feature: the alarm that operates weekdays only.
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Three Things Meme
Directly cribbed from Misty, but I don't think she'll mind.
1. Things that scare me
Bees & wasps & the like.
Creepy-crawlies.
The prospect of long-term loneliness.
2. People who make me laugh
The Two Ronnies.
Yes, Minister.
Actually, most people, really.
3. Things I hate
Bullies
Cruelty
Pettiness.
4. Things I don't understand
How to tell a joke.
Bigotry.
Women.
5. Things I'm doing right now.
Enjoying the day.
Writing this!
Waiting for the kettle to boil
6. Things I want to do before I die
See another eclipse
Learn to fly.
Travel widely.
7. Things I can do
Fix computers (a large hammer helps) & computer-type stuff.
Proofread / copyedit.
Get things done.
8. Ways to describe my personality.
Honest & loving.
Aspergers (near enough).
Different.
9. Things I can't do
Tell jokes.
Spend money recklessly.
Run - much (I'm far too unfit).
10. Things to which you should listen
Classical music.
Other people.
Nature.
11. Things you to which you should never listen
Anyone urging you to do ill.
12. Things I'd like to learn
Women.
To fly a plane.
To skydive.
13. Favourite foods
My mother's cooking
Tzatziki
Roast beef with all the trimmings.
14. Beverages I drink regularly
Coffee / Tea
Water
Wine
15. Shows I watched as a kid
Dr Who
Star Trek
Tom & Jerry.
1. Things that scare me
Bees & wasps & the like.
Creepy-crawlies.
The prospect of long-term loneliness.
2. People who make me laugh
The Two Ronnies.
Yes, Minister.
Actually, most people, really.
3. Things I hate
Bullies
Cruelty
Pettiness.
4. Things I don't understand
How to tell a joke.
Bigotry.
Women.
5. Things I'm doing right now.
Enjoying the day.
Writing this!
Waiting for the kettle to boil
6. Things I want to do before I die
See another eclipse
Learn to fly.
Travel widely.
7. Things I can do
Fix computers (a large hammer helps) & computer-type stuff.
Proofread / copyedit.
Get things done.
8. Ways to describe my personality.
Honest & loving.
Aspergers (near enough).
Different.
9. Things I can't do
Tell jokes.
Spend money recklessly.
Run - much (I'm far too unfit).
10. Things to which you should listen
Classical music.
Other people.
Nature.
11. Things you to which you should never listen
Anyone urging you to do ill.
12. Things I'd like to learn
Women.
To fly a plane.
To skydive.
13. Favourite foods
My mother's cooking
Tzatziki
Roast beef with all the trimmings.
14. Beverages I drink regularly
Coffee / Tea
Water
Wine
15. Shows I watched as a kid
Dr Who
Star Trek
Tom & Jerry.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
So I complained to Ofcom
At 21:02 the other night, I happened to switch on BBC 1, only to see full frontal female nudity - actually, a man in a fatsuit, but near enough. I felt it was a little too near the watershed for that sort of thing. So I complained. It will be interesting to see the reaction.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Bad drivers
I still haven't got my driving confidence back after I was rear-ended two years ago, and today didn't help. A nice short two and a half mile trip, and people don't bother stopping at roundabouts: two tossers shot out straight in front of me. I'm not in a hurry to kill myself but idiots like these make it just that bit more difficult.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Konáll Oakengoat
http://www.thequarter.org/Media/VikingName.php
Your Viking Personality: You're a fearsome Viking, but you aren't completely uncivilized. The other Vikings make fun of you for that. You are strong and tireless, frequently shouldering burdens that would tire lesser men. You might be able to hold your own on the battlefield, but you're no "berserker".
You might grumble a bit at the lack of amenities on board a Viking longboat, but you can handle it. Other Vikings tolerate your presence, though they're not quite sure if they can trust you to fight dirty.
People who've known you for a while don't always trust your word. You sometimes come off as a bit of a snob. Vikings are not snobbish people -- they either like you, or they kill you. Try to be more like a Viking.
Hmmm...
I must blog about the ballet soon.
Your Viking Personality: You're a fearsome Viking, but you aren't completely uncivilized. The other Vikings make fun of you for that. You are strong and tireless, frequently shouldering burdens that would tire lesser men. You might be able to hold your own on the battlefield, but you're no "berserker".
You might grumble a bit at the lack of amenities on board a Viking longboat, but you can handle it. Other Vikings tolerate your presence, though they're not quite sure if they can trust you to fight dirty.
People who've known you for a while don't always trust your word. You sometimes come off as a bit of a snob. Vikings are not snobbish people -- they either like you, or they kill you. Try to be more like a Viking.
Hmmm...
I must blog about the ballet soon.
Monday, July 03, 2006
The joys of Tech Support
A significant part of my job is tech support. So, I raised a ticket for one of my users with a helpdesk in forn parts. A little while later I get an email saying that the ticket has been cancelled. No details, of course. So I ring up and ask why. It's been referred to local staff, i.e. me. Who logged the call in the first place. Sheesh!
But rest assured, I screw up too. But that's a story for a few months' time.
But rest assured, I screw up too. But that's a story for a few months' time.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Wherein Quartz has a bit of an epiphany on same-sex marriage.
And proposes the concept of a solution which helps out with some other issues too.
First off, this is a bit of a broad brush: nitpickers can assume that trivial and minor issues are squared away by clever civil servants.
Same sex marriage is a perrenial subject here, one fraught with many difficulties - what if two straight people of the same sex marry? What about inheritance? And so on.
(Just to expand on two straight people of the same sex entering a formal relationship, consider the examples of two batchelors living together, like Holmes and Watson. Or two old war comrades. Or two brothers. Or two spinsters. Or...)
But I contend that these are all side issues, reflextions of the main issues: tax and tax allowances. How can you be fair to same-sex marriages while retaining advantages for other-sex marriages and promoting family values, so you don't get voted out at the next election? I contend that the answer lies in tax. First off, we seperate marriage from partnership - after all, the partners making up the partnership of a law firm aren't married to each other, are they? So marriage becomes a religious concept for those who so believe, and we have a legal concept of a monogamous partnership (sorry, Mormons and Muslims, that's a seperate battle) restricted to next-of-kin status etc.
Now, the key to what we do is permit tax allowances to be transferred one generation up as long as all are on the same property, or down any number of generations to a minor as long as all are on the same property.
In a typical family, we have parents, children, and grandparents. By parent I mean the legal parent (or guardian), not necessarily the biological parent. Currently, it's quite expensive to have a grandparent in the home, despite the help they can provide with children, because parents can't make use of their tax allowances. Equally, parents may be looking after a grown-up child or grandparent who has become incapacitated. So we're making it fancially easier for people to care for family members, thus reducing the strain on Social Services / Welfare and promoting the family to boot.
So consider the canonical family of a working man, non-working woman, their two children, and one grandparent in an annexe. The woman can transfer her allowance to the children, as can the grandparent, who can transfer their allowances, plus their mother's and their grandparent's, to the man. The family's tax allowances are therefore concentrated in the hands of the breadwinner. Now consider the case of two people in a partnership, no matter the sex, with no children: they are no better or worse off financially than if they were not in a partnership, but still reap the other benefits and have the same responsibilities.Consider now the modern canonical dysfunctional family: a working man and a non-working or low-wage woman in partnership, several children of the woman by different men where the working man is not her legal partner. The woman can get the allowances from her children but the working man - and thus the family as a whole - cannot benefit because he is not the legal partner of the woman and thus not the legal guardian of the children and so much of the allowance is lost. So there is considerable financial encouragement to enter a formal relationship, thus enhancing family stability. This also encourages women who were in highly paid work to take time off to have children because their full allowances are put to good use. Again, consider a same-sex couple who have adopted two children: they are in almost the same situation as the first family (no grandparent). Now, the perspicacious will spot that a couple with children will benefit identically financially whether they're partners or not. This is indeed the case, but the couple will not benefit from being legally considered partners.
Inheritance tax? You follow a similar rubric: instead of a person's estate having a tax-free allowance, each inheritor (including the partner) has an allowance, and related inheritors can give other inheritors all or part of their allowances.
To me, this seems like a simple and elegant solution which not only squares the circle of same-sex marriage but promotes social harmony and welfare
Now, it hasn't been done, so I'm obviously being hare-brained and missing something, but what?
First off, this is a bit of a broad brush: nitpickers can assume that trivial and minor issues are squared away by clever civil servants.
Same sex marriage is a perrenial subject here, one fraught with many difficulties - what if two straight people of the same sex marry? What about inheritance? And so on.
(Just to expand on two straight people of the same sex entering a formal relationship, consider the examples of two batchelors living together, like Holmes and Watson. Or two old war comrades. Or two brothers. Or two spinsters. Or...)
But I contend that these are all side issues, reflextions of the main issues: tax and tax allowances. How can you be fair to same-sex marriages while retaining advantages for other-sex marriages and promoting family values, so you don't get voted out at the next election? I contend that the answer lies in tax. First off, we seperate marriage from partnership - after all, the partners making up the partnership of a law firm aren't married to each other, are they? So marriage becomes a religious concept for those who so believe, and we have a legal concept of a monogamous partnership (sorry, Mormons and Muslims, that's a seperate battle) restricted to next-of-kin status etc.
Now, the key to what we do is permit tax allowances to be transferred one generation up as long as all are on the same property, or down any number of generations to a minor as long as all are on the same property.
In a typical family, we have parents, children, and grandparents. By parent I mean the legal parent (or guardian), not necessarily the biological parent. Currently, it's quite expensive to have a grandparent in the home, despite the help they can provide with children, because parents can't make use of their tax allowances. Equally, parents may be looking after a grown-up child or grandparent who has become incapacitated. So we're making it fancially easier for people to care for family members, thus reducing the strain on Social Services / Welfare and promoting the family to boot.
So consider the canonical family of a working man, non-working woman, their two children, and one grandparent in an annexe. The woman can transfer her allowance to the children, as can the grandparent, who can transfer their allowances, plus their mother's and their grandparent's, to the man. The family's tax allowances are therefore concentrated in the hands of the breadwinner. Now consider the case of two people in a partnership, no matter the sex, with no children: they are no better or worse off financially than if they were not in a partnership, but still reap the other benefits and have the same responsibilities.Consider now the modern canonical dysfunctional family: a working man and a non-working or low-wage woman in partnership, several children of the woman by different men where the working man is not her legal partner. The woman can get the allowances from her children but the working man - and thus the family as a whole - cannot benefit because he is not the legal partner of the woman and thus not the legal guardian of the children and so much of the allowance is lost. So there is considerable financial encouragement to enter a formal relationship, thus enhancing family stability. This also encourages women who were in highly paid work to take time off to have children because their full allowances are put to good use. Again, consider a same-sex couple who have adopted two children: they are in almost the same situation as the first family (no grandparent). Now, the perspicacious will spot that a couple with children will benefit identically financially whether they're partners or not. This is indeed the case, but the couple will not benefit from being legally considered partners.
Inheritance tax? You follow a similar rubric: instead of a person's estate having a tax-free allowance, each inheritor (including the partner) has an allowance, and related inheritors can give other inheritors all or part of their allowances.
To me, this seems like a simple and elegant solution which not only squares the circle of same-sex marriage but promotes social harmony and welfare
Now, it hasn't been done, so I'm obviously being hare-brained and missing something, but what?
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Bar review: the Peppercorn in Harpenden
Summary: don't bother.
I've just got back from dining at The Peppercorn. It's just been refurbished, so I thought it worth a go. The cider there is decently priced - £2.45 for a pint - but the interior decor is entirely unremarkable. I didn't notice anything of interest. The menu was short and expensive, with few of the usual bar staples. I ordered the lamb chops - £12.95 - and opted to eat outside since it's such a lovely evening. After sufficient time for two long phone calls, the food arrived: three modest lamb chops with a roundel of potato in the middle and a scattering of beans, spring onions, and peas. It wasn't hot. But it was moderately tasty.
Eating outside was a mistake: there was insufficient insulation against the road (granted I was sat next to the hedge, but I'd earlier sat further away with no difference). This is unlike the Old Bell, a few hundred yards up the road where you can sit outside and not be bothered. And the view from the Old Bell is great too.
The price of the food did not match the quality, nor the quality of the place. If you want to eat well in Harpenden, go to the Old Bell. you'll eat better in a better place for less. Likewise the Wyvern in Luton, which is in staggering distance for me.
I've just got back from dining at The Peppercorn. It's just been refurbished, so I thought it worth a go. The cider there is decently priced - £2.45 for a pint - but the interior decor is entirely unremarkable. I didn't notice anything of interest. The menu was short and expensive, with few of the usual bar staples. I ordered the lamb chops - £12.95 - and opted to eat outside since it's such a lovely evening. After sufficient time for two long phone calls, the food arrived: three modest lamb chops with a roundel of potato in the middle and a scattering of beans, spring onions, and peas. It wasn't hot. But it was moderately tasty.
Eating outside was a mistake: there was insufficient insulation against the road (granted I was sat next to the hedge, but I'd earlier sat further away with no difference). This is unlike the Old Bell, a few hundred yards up the road where you can sit outside and not be bothered. And the view from the Old Bell is great too.
The price of the food did not match the quality, nor the quality of the place. If you want to eat well in Harpenden, go to the Old Bell. you'll eat better in a better place for less. Likewise the Wyvern in Luton, which is in staggering distance for me.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Global warming bigots
I recently had a run-in with the Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) bigots. Now I'm a sceptic: there's a lot of evidence out there which works more than one way, and detailed measurements simply aren't available for sufficient lengths of time. I don't know, but I know that I don't know, but these were of the 'if you're not with us, you're against us' variety. Arrogantly dismissive of everything not in their world view. No consideration of the Little Ice Age or the Medeival Warm Period. And AGW is bad too, if it exists: no thought that it might be keeping us from an ice age. No thought of the effect of volcanos either. Belief but not knowledge.
Bollocks to the lot of them.
Bollocks to the lot of them.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
I passed!
I had an exam today. I wasn't confident of the material, which turned out to be quite right as my main training material was next to useless. But I squeaked through and now it's on to the next one, probably in 2 or 3 months.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Fox cubs
I was late at work today. I happenned to look outside and saw three fox cubs playing. Very cute. At least they'll keep the rabbits down.
Of course, foxes can be pests, as any shepherd will tell you, and if I had a shotgun, they'd be fox-fur by now.
Of course, foxes can be pests, as any shepherd will tell you, and if I had a shotgun, they'd be fox-fur by now.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
United Guilds service
Today was the United Guilds service in St Paul's Cathedral. Wow! I haven't been there for some years, and this year, they'd finally got rid of the scaffolding inside. The people restoring the cathedral have done a wonderful job and it looks gorgeous.
It was a good, short, service, with Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor preaching from the pulpit. He told lots of jokes but this was probably the best:
He and a friend were travelling in Ireland and came to a village. The village had two inns, so the question arose as to at which should they eat? So they asked a local; who, after sucking on his pipe and putting it down said, "Whichever one you choose, you'll wish you'd chosen the other."
It was a good, short, service, with Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor preaching from the pulpit. He told lots of jokes but this was probably the best:
He and a friend were travelling in Ireland and came to a village. The village had two inns, so the question arose as to at which should they eat? So they asked a local; who, after sucking on his pipe and putting it down said, "Whichever one you choose, you'll wish you'd chosen the other."
Thursday, March 30, 2006
A cunning plan.
I have a succession of short weeks ahead: a 4-day weekend this weekend gives me a 4-day week this week and next, and Easter then gives me two 4-day weeks in the following weeks. Four 4-day weeks on the trot. Should be good.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
New toys!
I've been shopping at I Want One Of Those and bought some new toys.
First up is the corkscrew keyfob. Collapses down to a cylinder when not in use so it doesn't make a hole in your pocket.
Next up is a mini-tool. Sort of like a Leatherman (TM) but about the size of a 50p piece. This is actually one that's better for the ladies as it can be easily slipped into a purse and extracted when your glasses need adjusting, the kid's toy needs a new battery or whatever.
The Eon Ice credit-card torch is incredibly cool. It went straight in my wallet.
I was disappinted with the 'glowing keyfob': it didn't really glow that much. Maybe I need to give it a little time?
Put aside for later were the knife and steel and the lantern torch. Okay, I did test that the former really could produce sparks.
First up is the corkscrew keyfob. Collapses down to a cylinder when not in use so it doesn't make a hole in your pocket.
Next up is a mini-tool. Sort of like a Leatherman (TM) but about the size of a 50p piece. This is actually one that's better for the ladies as it can be easily slipped into a purse and extracted when your glasses need adjusting, the kid's toy needs a new battery or whatever.
The Eon Ice credit-card torch is incredibly cool. It went straight in my wallet.
I was disappinted with the 'glowing keyfob': it didn't really glow that much. Maybe I need to give it a little time?
Put aside for later were the knife and steel and the lantern torch. Okay, I did test that the former really could produce sparks.
Monday, March 27, 2006
So XP died on me
Good thing I've got more than one machine. I tried to use NLite to create a CD with the RAID driver slipstreamed but that didn't work out, so I had to hook up a floppy. I guess I'll have to manually merge the driver - lots of good stuff at www.msfn.org.
I've had to do a repair install and it's looking good so far.
But why does it happen when I've just finished Far Cry?
I've had to do a repair install and it's looking good so far.
But why does it happen when I've just finished Far Cry?
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Hands free kit
I did get it fitted. I should have postponed it - I really wasn't well enough that day - but it's done and it's good. So next time there's some twit of a Darwin-candidate in front of me, I'll be on to the police; I really don't want to be collateral damage.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
I shouldn't have tempted fate
I tempted fate with my last post. Someone shunted my car this morning :(. No injuries apparent so far and the guy seems to have given me good details. Unlike the last one. I'm going to need a new bumper at the very least.
It's back.
No longer am I getting errors when trying to post. Now all I have to do is find something about which to post. :)
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Driving while using a mobile phone
I felt lucky to get to work alive today. I was stuck behind a Polish car (i.e. left-hand drive) and the driver was using a mobile phone in one hand. He was swerving all over the road. I stayed well back. Unfortunately, I didn't have a hands-free kit of my own else I'd have reported him to the police. I have today ordered such a kit. It's being fitted next Thursday.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Apparently, I'm 'defiantly independent'
So I had my annual appraisal yesterday. As part of the process we get feedback from colleagues and customers. And this phrase stuck out like a pikestaff. Of course, from the context, it was obvious that the person had originally typoed 'definitely' and MS Word's spellchecker had done its worst.
But I couldn't stop laughing throughout the day.
But I couldn't stop laughing throughout the day.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
An evening at Fishmongers' Hall
I'm a Fishmonger. No, not a fishmonger as in someone who sells fish, but a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. And we had a Livery Dinner last night.
So, I left work early to get togged up in my dinner jacket, only to find that I couldn't find my bow tie. You can't wear a dinner jacket without a bow tie. Fortunately, I was able to dig out my old school bow tie: twenty-five years old and a bit dusty, but it sufficed.
The journey up to London was quick but cold, and we were quickly welcomed with Pol Roger Champagne, or proper, freshly made, lemonade for those not imbibing. I met all sorts of people, including someone new to Fishmongers' Hall and showed him the dagger with which Sir William Walworth, Prime Warden of Fishmongers, slew Wat Tyler in 1381. There was also the Master of the Leathersellers, and some people from the British Shellfish Association.
Dinner followed, dreamed up by master chef Stephen Pini. My starter was lobster with a confit of crab and prawns. Delicious. Then there was a mussel broth with teriyaki salmon with a quenelle of watercress and greek yoghurt. Very creamy and utterly gorgeous. The wine was a Meursault-Genevrieres. The main course was a supreme of guinea fowl and basil, wrapped in parma ham, in a very rich shallot and calvados sauce. I found the guinea fowl rather bland on its own, but it provided a superrb base for the others, and the ensemble was simply wonderful. And swished down with a rather good Ch. Calon-Segur 1990. Then came the desert and then the speeches. The Prime Warden's guest (though actually a Fishmonger himself) was Major Sir Michael Parker, K.C.V.O., C.B.E, and while his speech got off to a bit of a shaky start, he soon warmed to his theme and it was really rather good.
We then retired for more drinks.
I should explain that dinner is served on a huge assembly of a table shaped like a U with a spur up the middle. The Prime Warden sits at the head of the U, presiding over the assembly. My dining companions were most congenial and included a retired microbiologist, an an ex-marine, and a Channel Islander.
The only downer was that my guest couldn't make it - scared of being in a dinner jacket - and no-one else wanted to come!
After that, things went downhill: they'd cancelled the d*mn trains. So there was me expecting to catch the 23:45 from London Bridge, only to have to trek across London and catch a train at one-ish which took the long way home. I got home about 02:30. Unsurprisingly, I was rather late in to work in the morning!
The Renter Warden, the Clerk, Stephen Pini, and the rest of the staff really pushed out the boat and it was a wonderful experience.
So, I left work early to get togged up in my dinner jacket, only to find that I couldn't find my bow tie. You can't wear a dinner jacket without a bow tie. Fortunately, I was able to dig out my old school bow tie: twenty-five years old and a bit dusty, but it sufficed.
The journey up to London was quick but cold, and we were quickly welcomed with Pol Roger Champagne, or proper, freshly made, lemonade for those not imbibing. I met all sorts of people, including someone new to Fishmongers' Hall and showed him the dagger with which Sir William Walworth, Prime Warden of Fishmongers, slew Wat Tyler in 1381. There was also the Master of the Leathersellers, and some people from the British Shellfish Association.
Dinner followed, dreamed up by master chef Stephen Pini. My starter was lobster with a confit of crab and prawns. Delicious. Then there was a mussel broth with teriyaki salmon with a quenelle of watercress and greek yoghurt. Very creamy and utterly gorgeous. The wine was a Meursault-Genevrieres. The main course was a supreme of guinea fowl and basil, wrapped in parma ham, in a very rich shallot and calvados sauce. I found the guinea fowl rather bland on its own, but it provided a superrb base for the others, and the ensemble was simply wonderful. And swished down with a rather good Ch. Calon-Segur 1990. Then came the desert and then the speeches. The Prime Warden's guest (though actually a Fishmonger himself) was Major Sir Michael Parker, K.C.V.O., C.B.E, and while his speech got off to a bit of a shaky start, he soon warmed to his theme and it was really rather good.
We then retired for more drinks.
I should explain that dinner is served on a huge assembly of a table shaped like a U with a spur up the middle. The Prime Warden sits at the head of the U, presiding over the assembly. My dining companions were most congenial and included a retired microbiologist, an an ex-marine, and a Channel Islander.
The only downer was that my guest couldn't make it - scared of being in a dinner jacket - and no-one else wanted to come!
After that, things went downhill: they'd cancelled the d*mn trains. So there was me expecting to catch the 23:45 from London Bridge, only to have to trek across London and catch a train at one-ish which took the long way home. I got home about 02:30. Unsurprisingly, I was rather late in to work in the morning!
The Renter Warden, the Clerk, Stephen Pini, and the rest of the staff really pushed out the boat and it was a wonderful experience.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Domino's new Fajita pizza
I had one of Domino's new Fajita pizzas tonight. It was crap. Don't get me wrong, it's not badly cooked - the cooking's well up to their usual high standard - but it's just that the taste of the ensemble isn't remotely up to par.
Monday, February 20, 2006
The Yellow Peril also save from peril
A member of the much-maligned Parking Wardens writes up an incident. He did good. So remember, they're not always the enemy.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
6 weeks and no update
No, I haven't been in a drunken stupor; I have, however, had severe PC problems. And been very busy at work.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
140 bottles sitting in the hall...
Got back from my visit to France yesterday with 140 bottles of wine. And the odd bit of liver paté. That should keep me going wine-wise for the next 18 months.
I was very delayed by the events at Buncefield and missed my train by a whisker, but the staff were very helpful and re-arranged my booking. The return journey was also delayed - by an hour - due to an incident. No details, alas.
I visited Cité Europe where I got the plonk, then beetled round to Auchun for the better stuff, though I found myself rather disappointed with the lack of the good names. Never mind - I'll visit the right places next year.
I was bl**dy knackered after carry all those boxes from my car into the house. So I cracked open a can of cider!
I was very delayed by the events at Buncefield and missed my train by a whisker, but the staff were very helpful and re-arranged my booking. The return journey was also delayed - by an hour - due to an incident. No details, alas.
I visited Cité Europe where I got the plonk, then beetled round to Auchun for the better stuff, though I found myself rather disappointed with the lack of the good names. Never mind - I'll visit the right places next year.
I was bl**dy knackered after carry all those boxes from my car into the house. So I cracked open a can of cider!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Holiday!
Better late than never. I now have 2 weeks off work. And boy do I need them. I haven't had a real holiday all year. In between the fsckwits who create and distribute viruses and a distinct lack of cooperation from people within my own company, I'm plain bushed. I was thinking of visiting Istanbul but for reasons I won't detail that's not very sensible right now. So it's a booze run to Calais sometime this week.
We had the works Christmas do last night and we went to an Indian restaurant in Harpenden and it was very good. Well done Gareth! Good company, good food, good drink - for what more can one ask? I've been regretting it today, of course - spicy food doesn't really agree with me - but tonight's steak and chips should settle things down.
We had the works Christmas do last night and we went to an Indian restaurant in Harpenden and it was very good. Well done Gareth! Good company, good food, good drink - for what more can one ask? I've been regretting it today, of course - spicy food doesn't really agree with me - but tonight's steak and chips should settle things down.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
I have been so angry
Grrr...
This is work-related so I have to be discreet
Everyone agreed that it was a good idea, so why can't people get their bloody fingers out and get someone to help me?
GRRR!!
Thank goodness it's the weekend.
This is work-related so I have to be discreet
Everyone agreed that it was a good idea, so why can't people get their bloody fingers out and get someone to help me?
GRRR!!
Thank goodness it's the weekend.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
It's been a hard week
Why are bureaucracies so bl**dy minded? I just want something done, so why can't my colleagues extend me the same courtesy that I extend them? It looks like it's all going to get sorted, but slowly. Grrr...
Friday, November 11, 2005
Armistice day
Today is the eleventh of November. On this day in 1918, at 11:00 the guns fell silent after four years of war.
At the going down of the sun.
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England.
There shall beIn that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
Rupert Brooke, War Sonnet V, The Soldier
At the going down of the sun.
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England.
There shall beIn that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
Rupert Brooke, War Sonnet V, The Soldier
Sunday, November 06, 2005
I almost lost my father
Yesterday I had an alarming call from my mother.My father's nearly 80. He caught a late night (arriving past midnight) train to return home. He fell asleep on the train and missed his stop, but woke in time for the next stop. At the next stop he got out and slipped and knocked himself out on the platform. Nobody noticed - or if they did, didn't bother - and the station was unattended.
He severely grazed his face. Fortunately the grazing by his eye didn't break - that can be very bloody. When he came to, he decided to walk home - only a few miles, but he is nearly 80. There were no taxis and he didn't have the means to call one.Fortunately it was a warm night, otherwise he'd be dead of exposure, either from when he knocked himself out or during the walk home.I'm much relieved that he got home safely. He now looks like he's gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
He severely grazed his face. Fortunately the grazing by his eye didn't break - that can be very bloody. When he came to, he decided to walk home - only a few miles, but he is nearly 80. There were no taxis and he didn't have the means to call one.Fortunately it was a warm night, otherwise he'd be dead of exposure, either from when he knocked himself out or during the walk home.I'm much relieved that he got home safely. He now looks like he's gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Car problems
Just today my car (Y reg Kia Shuma) has started behaving rather oddly. When the engine is cold it behaves just fine, but once the engine is warm, it really doesn't like being below about 2500 RPM. If that happens, the gearbox makes 'chr-rrrr-rrrr' noises. This makes driving smoothly and slowly very difficult.
I think it's the gearbox because if I put the car in neutral, the noises disappear. My car didn't used to do this. It's done less than 30K miles. It normally does 30 miles a week, with the odd 100-mile trip. What's happenned?
I think it's the gearbox because if I put the car in neutral, the noises disappear. My car didn't used to do this. It's done less than 30K miles. It normally does 30 miles a week, with the odd 100-mile trip. What's happenned?
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Nano Review: Hero
A sumptuous film shot through with communist Chinese propaganda.
And everyone dies.
And everyone dies.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Review: Van Helsing
I bought this DVD yesterday. Enjoyable hokum with a decidedly non-Hollywood ending, though it's telegraphed early in the movie.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
This is a copy of a post I made on the SDMB.
Is it just me, or could NASA's new moonshot program be easily improved? The idea of sending up the crew seperately to the transit vehicle is good and cool, but would it not be better to repeat the exercise at the other end as well? I mean that there should be a station in lunar-stationary orbit with which the transit vehicle docks, then the astronauts transfer to a landing vehicle and descend to the lunar surface, returning with the whole vehicle to the the station in lunar orbit, transfer back to the transit module, then back to Earth - or to a station in Earth orbit and then back to Earth.
I see a number of key advantages:
Nothing left on the lunar surface - a longer term cost-saving.
Transit vehicle is also re-used - another cost saving.
Fuel for the landers and transit vehicle can be sent seperately.
The stations can have multiple landers and transit vehicles attached - handy for rescues. And other emergencies.
The station can be used to build a test beanstalk. I mean, we're not going to build the first one on Earth, are we?
Monday, September 19, 2005
Goodwood Revival
I went to the Goodwood Revival on Saturday. Quite fun dressing up in blazer and tie; the alternative - dressing up in a sports jacket - felt too much like normal. Good spectacle and an opportunity to meet a good friend. Yay!
But why are people such numpties on the road? I was tailgated by some idiot whose numberplate ended in VNU in some BMW(?) penis-extension, and a kid almost autoDarwinated in front of me. That resulted in a visit to the local police station.
Oh well...
But why are people such numpties on the road? I was tailgated by some idiot whose numberplate ended in VNU in some BMW(?) penis-extension, and a kid almost autoDarwinated in front of me. That resulted in a visit to the local police station.
Oh well...
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Ear infections suck
So I've had an ear infection. It's going but it ruined my Bank Holiday Weekend. It's also made it very difficult to get to sleep - it hurts and then it feels all squishy - so I've only been getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night. This means that I only have two speeds at the moment: slow and dead slow :( .
Sunday, August 28, 2005
England win the Test Match
And it was a close-run thing. A typical England batting collapse left me on tenterhooks. But Australia are too dependent upon Warne and he can't bowl every over.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Do we still need the BBC?
Never mind accusations of bias, with the proliferation of channels via satellite or cable, do we still need the BBC as originally chartered? Why not just cut it back to the World Service and two Parliamentary channels - one for the Commons, and one for the Lords?
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