Less than 24 hours after seeing Metallica, and on the same day the initial line up for V festival 2009 was announced, Robide made an announcement that is sure to send shockwaves of joy out to members of Camp Good Arse around the world.
Word has broken, that at 19:58 GMT, Robide officially became the latest member of camp good arse to secure a place at Download Festival, 2009.
The move is somewhat surprising, as Robide has already announced an unprecedented attendance to three festivals this summer, having already secured places at Glastonbury, V, and his yearly residency at Reading. This announcement will mean that in what Robide calls “The Summer Of Music” he will officially double the previous record set in 2004, repeated in 2005 where he attended Reading and Download, and in 2008 where he attended The Great Escape and Reading.
Robide made the following statement:
“I am delighted to be attending Download, along with Glasto, V and of course Reading. I am a huge fan of live music, but at the same time am very unsure what the future holds. I am in an unusual position this year in that I don’t plan to vacation this summer, and attending these events feels like the right replacement.
Clearly, most people start slowing down as they hit their late twenties and early thirties when it comes to summer festivals, and I want to capitalise on the fact I know so many people at these different events.”
When asked about Sonisphere, Robide was quick to quash speculation:
“With four festivals already planned this summer, as well as the 10th reunion, I have decided to opt out of Sonisphere. Having seen Linkin Park last summer, and Metallica 4 times inside of a year, I feel that for my bank balance’s sake, I will pass on this years Sonisphere.”
The decision to attend Download means that Robide will potentially be seeing the following acts this summer:
Download:
Faith No More
Slipknot
Def Leppard
Korn
Marilyn Manson
Whitesnake
Limp Bizkit
Pendulum
ZZ Top
Motley Crue
The Prodigy
Dream Theater
Trivium
Killswitch Engage
Billy Talent
Dragonforce
Buck Cherry
Anvil
The Blackout
Devildriver
Glastonbury:
Bruce Springsteen
Blur
V Festival:
Oasis
The Killers
Razorlight
Snow Patrol
Fatboy Slim
Keane
The Specials
Elbow
James
Lily Allen
The Enemy
Pendulum
The Script
Biffy Clyro
The Ting Tings
Paolo Nutini
MGMT
Katy Perry
The Wombats
James Morrison
Peter Doherty
The Streets
Lady GaGa
Dizzee Rascal
Happy Mondays
Seasick Steve
Ocean Colour Scene
The Saturdays
British Sea Power
Taylor Swift
Alesha Dixon
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Monday 23 February 2009
Top 30 features in Windows 7
Yes, yes, yes. This OS will be awesome. Check out the following link.
The 30 best features of windows 7 - PC Authority
The 30 best features of windows 7 - PC Authority
Film Stuff
I picked up on a couple of cool movie titbits this weekend, which are worth checking out.
Firstly, some Ghostbusters 3 news. Yes, it's being written as we speak, and will hopefully go into production later this year.... Who you gunna call?
As we are talking sequels, check out the trailer for s.Darko the sequel to Donnie Darko. Sha-weet.
Firstly, some Ghostbusters 3 news. Yes, it's being written as we speak, and will hopefully go into production later this year.... Who you gunna call?
As we are talking sequels, check out the trailer for s.Darko the sequel to Donnie Darko. Sha-weet.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Wrestling, Smashups, Evil Hedgehogs, Goon City and some amazing animation.
So, I actually have quite a lot to cover in this one. After a long day, and getting home from work, I started bouncing some websites, and stumbled across some pretty cool stuff I thought worth sharing.
Firstly, let's kick off with a favourite past time of mine - Wrestling. There are a few different things I want to cover here. Firstly, well done to all involved in the last segment of RAW this week. Not only was the Shane/Randy street fight brutal, the follow ups were excellent, whilst predictable. The whole Randy/McMahon family situation has been building for a while now, and was always heading one place - Wrestlemania, with HHH taking on Orton.
The build up last night was a clever one, but I tell you what - HHH reaction to the RKO on Stephanie was amazing. There's a reason I refer to HHH as being the best around, and last night cemented that. The next few weeks will be really interesting in the build up, but I can only hope that there is a DX reunion, and a very interesting feud with Legacy.
The other side of the story is also an interesting one. It feels like they are gearing up for another Edge vs Cena feud – and for the record, I rate the last one as being one of the best in recent times. I can think of worse co-headliner than it looks like we are going to get.
Sticking with wrestling for a moment, there was a really interesting, and debate starting column written by Brett Hart on the Wrestler which I would recommend anyone interested in wrestling read: Clicky Clicky!
Moving on to marketing, in a wrestling context, has anyone seen this? The smash-ups section is pretty cool, and worth checking out. Clicky Clicky!
Leaving wrestling behind, there are a few other things that caught my eye. Firstly, is an article on the times website which shows some amazing life like animation. Clicky Clicky! Having watched that, I was genuinely blown away. It will be very interesting to see how computer games, and animated films move forwards. Here’s to the next final fantasy film!
Next up, Bloc City. This site is immense. Check it out, and see what you can spot. So far, I’ve seen the Joker, the Simpsons house, planet express HQ, Empire Records, the crystals from superman – and I suspect that is just the tip of the iceberg. Definitely my new procrastination site of choice!! Clicky Clicky!
Finally, a cute bit of marketing from Samsung. I especially like the evil hedgehog chair!
Firstly, let's kick off with a favourite past time of mine - Wrestling. There are a few different things I want to cover here. Firstly, well done to all involved in the last segment of RAW this week. Not only was the Shane/Randy street fight brutal, the follow ups were excellent, whilst predictable. The whole Randy/McMahon family situation has been building for a while now, and was always heading one place - Wrestlemania, with HHH taking on Orton.
The build up last night was a clever one, but I tell you what - HHH reaction to the RKO on Stephanie was amazing. There's a reason I refer to HHH as being the best around, and last night cemented that. The next few weeks will be really interesting in the build up, but I can only hope that there is a DX reunion, and a very interesting feud with Legacy.
The other side of the story is also an interesting one. It feels like they are gearing up for another Edge vs Cena feud – and for the record, I rate the last one as being one of the best in recent times. I can think of worse co-headliner than it looks like we are going to get.
Sticking with wrestling for a moment, there was a really interesting, and debate starting column written by Brett Hart on the Wrestler which I would recommend anyone interested in wrestling read: Clicky Clicky!
Moving on to marketing, in a wrestling context, has anyone seen this? The smash-ups section is pretty cool, and worth checking out. Clicky Clicky!
Leaving wrestling behind, there are a few other things that caught my eye. Firstly, is an article on the times website which shows some amazing life like animation. Clicky Clicky! Having watched that, I was genuinely blown away. It will be very interesting to see how computer games, and animated films move forwards. Here’s to the next final fantasy film!
Next up, Bloc City. This site is immense. Check it out, and see what you can spot. So far, I’ve seen the Joker, the Simpsons house, planet express HQ, Empire Records, the crystals from superman – and I suspect that is just the tip of the iceberg. Definitely my new procrastination site of choice!! Clicky Clicky!
Finally, a cute bit of marketing from Samsung. I especially like the evil hedgehog chair!
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Thunder, Thunder, THUNDERCATS!!
Kevin Smith twitted about this, and it was so damned good, I had to share.....
The latest 'super' group
So, I read on Billboard and NME today that a new band called Tinted Windows has formed. It contains an interesting blend of musicians - James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins fame, along with Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, Taylor Hanson, from Hanson (!), and bassist Adam Schlesinger who is in Fountains of Wayne.
Not a bad lineup, to be fair, and Iha and Schlesinger have done a fair bit of work together, so the chemistry there should be ok. The most interesting member for me will be Taylor Hanson. I've not really heard much of his since Hanson were around when I was a kid, so I will be interested to hear what his voice is like post-puberty, and in front of a guitarist as talented as James Iha, who is without a doubt, a legend.
They are set to play at SXSW in March, so keep your eyes peeled for the inevitable YouTube uploads.
Not a bad lineup, to be fair, and Iha and Schlesinger have done a fair bit of work together, so the chemistry there should be ok. The most interesting member for me will be Taylor Hanson. I've not really heard much of his since Hanson were around when I was a kid, so I will be interested to hear what his voice is like post-puberty, and in front of a guitarist as talented as James Iha, who is without a doubt, a legend.
They are set to play at SXSW in March, so keep your eyes peeled for the inevitable YouTube uploads.
Tuesday 17 February 2009
A few musical titbits that caught my eye
So a few interesting stories in the world of music today (and me picking up a guitar and sucking wasn't one of them) that I thought I'd share with you all.
The most exciting was the announcement that FREE (yes, free. As in no additional cost, free) with next week’s NME is a compilation CD full of Cure covers. The track listing looks like this:
'Robert Smith spoken word intro'
Mystery Jets and Esser – 'In Between Days
'Lostprophets – 'Boys Don't Cry'
Marmaduke Duke – 'Friday I'm In Love'
Dinosaur Jnr – 'Just Like Heaven'
The Big Pink – 'Love Song'
Editors – 'Lullaby'
British Sea Power – 'A Forest'
The Dandy Warhols – 'Primary'
The Get Up Kids – 'Close To Me'
The Futureheads – 'The Lovecats'
Art Brut – 'Catch'
Metronomy – 'Fascination Street'
Alkaline Trio – 'Cut Here'
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly – 'In Between Days'
Now, I don't know how you responded, but when I read that, I came close to shooting my load. There are some amazing bands in there, and some who I think will do some really interesting covers. The copy of NME goes on sale on the 25th, and the reminder to pick it up is already in my diary - I suggest all of you hit the newsagents as well!
The second titbit was a few class additions to this years Great Escape in Brighton. For those of you not in the know, it is a 3 day event, where several of Brightons bars get taken over, and a lot of up and coming bands play. Last year, I had the privilege of seeing acts like Pete and the Pirates, The Subways, The Wombats, The Young Knives, Ben Ottewell (one of the two singers from Gomez) and the Ting Tings.
This year is no brush over. Kasabian have now been confirmed to headline the festival, with bands such as British Sea Power, Future of the Left and Cage The Elephant all now confirmed. Sadly, I can't afford to go, but I would encourage those of you into up and coming music check it out (dependant on who falls on what day, I may still hit the Saturday!)
The Festival which seems to be growing year on year is definitely Rock Ness (I think we should all go, and try to spot good ol' Nessy!) who this year have Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Flaming Lips, Dizzy Rascal, the Prodigy, Basement Jaxx and The Wombats confirmed. For a festival that is growing, that's not a bad line up. I'd go, if I didn't anticipate Reading, V and Glasto (my three chosen this year) having most of those acts also.
Anyway, back to attempting to play Everlong.... Badly!
The most exciting was the announcement that FREE (yes, free. As in no additional cost, free) with next week’s NME is a compilation CD full of Cure covers. The track listing looks like this:
'Robert Smith spoken word intro'
Mystery Jets and Esser – 'In Between Days
'Lostprophets – 'Boys Don't Cry'
Marmaduke Duke – 'Friday I'm In Love'
Dinosaur Jnr – 'Just Like Heaven'
The Big Pink – 'Love Song'
Editors – 'Lullaby'
British Sea Power – 'A Forest'
The Dandy Warhols – 'Primary'
The Get Up Kids – 'Close To Me'
The Futureheads – 'The Lovecats'
Art Brut – 'Catch'
Metronomy – 'Fascination Street'
Alkaline Trio – 'Cut Here'
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly – 'In Between Days'
Now, I don't know how you responded, but when I read that, I came close to shooting my load. There are some amazing bands in there, and some who I think will do some really interesting covers. The copy of NME goes on sale on the 25th, and the reminder to pick it up is already in my diary - I suggest all of you hit the newsagents as well!
The second titbit was a few class additions to this years Great Escape in Brighton. For those of you not in the know, it is a 3 day event, where several of Brightons bars get taken over, and a lot of up and coming bands play. Last year, I had the privilege of seeing acts like Pete and the Pirates, The Subways, The Wombats, The Young Knives, Ben Ottewell (one of the two singers from Gomez) and the Ting Tings.
This year is no brush over. Kasabian have now been confirmed to headline the festival, with bands such as British Sea Power, Future of the Left and Cage The Elephant all now confirmed. Sadly, I can't afford to go, but I would encourage those of you into up and coming music check it out (dependant on who falls on what day, I may still hit the Saturday!)
The Festival which seems to be growing year on year is definitely Rock Ness (I think we should all go, and try to spot good ol' Nessy!) who this year have Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Flaming Lips, Dizzy Rascal, the Prodigy, Basement Jaxx and The Wombats confirmed. For a festival that is growing, that's not a bad line up. I'd go, if I didn't anticipate Reading, V and Glasto (my three chosen this year) having most of those acts also.
Anyway, back to attempting to play Everlong.... Badly!
Monday 16 February 2009
Transformers Movie Trailer
In case you hadn't seen this already, I thought it worth sharing.
Go watch, and get as excited as me (and not just because Megan Fox is that hot.)
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809943432/video/12063123
Go watch, and get as excited as me (and not just because Megan Fox is that hot.)
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809943432/video/12063123
Top Tips For Meribel and Seattle
So, as you will see, it’s been a while since I last threw up a note, but what can I say? Sometimes, real life gets in the way, along with all the hangovers that come with it.
There’s a hell of a lot that I could write about, like how amazing Tech Ready 8 was (for those not in the know, Tech Ready is a twice a year geek marathon where MS brings all us Technical Specialists and Technical Strategists together to pine over how amazing our current and future solutions are – and this one was no different), but due to the strict, and consistent reminder not to blog about the content, I won’t do that. I will however, blog about things around the event worth noting, as well as some other random stuff that has amused me lately.
Where to start? Let’s jump waaaaaaaaaaaay back to the middle of January, and my first ever skiing trip to Meribel. My, what a trip that was. There are some extra special tips I have for you though.
1) When learning to ski, don’t try and follow an ex-arctic warfare instructor down a slope. Granted, it was only a blue, but falling backwards, and being dragged halfway down a slope because your feet are strapped into the skis still is no fun. In fact, it may result in you screaming like a girl for fear of death.... Like I did.
2) Don’t worry about the people behind you. The fact you are on the slopes is their problem, not yours. It isn’t like driving at 60 in the outside lane of the motorway – there’s enough space for other people to get round you, but for the LOVE OF GOD, go nowhere near a red slope.
3) Drink. A lot. Mountain air is the miracle cure for a hangover, so don’t worry about feeling awful the next day.
4) Apparently, Spyder is the ultimate ski wear.... well, so say a bunch of forty somethings....
5) Take a hip flask with Port. Trust me. Nigel was right.
6) A line of jaeger bombs stretching most of the bar width is the only way you are allowed to drink them.
7) If cheese isn’t included in the meal, don’t bother eating it.
8) Make sure, when you leave the bar drunk, you start an all town involving snowball fight.
And so concludes, my not so top tips for skiing in Meribel.
Now, let’s park Meribel, and focus on another international destination – the luxurious Seattle. I spent a week there, and definitely learnt a couple of top tips there also.
1) Cheesecake factory sell more than just cheesecake. Who would have thought it? Make sure you only ever order the small portion, the large portion of Salad had in excess of 900 calories, according to their nutritional value guide. Thats a lot of calories for some leaf and chicken. But then again, it could feed you for a whole week, easy.
2) Head to Lowell’s in the farmers market. Not only can you see some fish throwing en-route, but you can also get a kick ass (like how I am throwing in some Americanisms here?) stack of blueberry pancakes.
3) If, like most men in relationships (thank god I’m single!) you are in Seattle, and want to go perv on some women with about twenty thousand other men, trying to keep a promise not to go to a strip club, then go to Cowgirls. If however you man up, you could go to the 25 cent Big Seattle Butt Show. After the crapness of Cowgirls, I opted for the hotel bar, and skipped the 25 cent Big Seattle Butt Show. I’m not man enough for that type of action!
4) Jaeger Bomb’s, evidently, aren’t cool in Seattle. Stick to Meribel and Reading for some bombing action (plus, the two I had were pre bombed, which is LAME.)
5) Rock Bottom, Rock Bottom, Rock Bottom. A micro brewery, which does ok food, great pale ale, and has a load of pool tables as well. Most definitely the best place to hang out after a day of conferences in Seattle, and if I do move out there, you will find me there regularly.
6) Not a Seattle tip, but a flying tip. If you try to get out of your seat on a plane, make sure you unbuckle your seat belt. Whilst it will result in fits of laughter if you try to get up with it still on, it is surprisingly painful.
7) When on the black playing pool, always look your opponent in the eye when you pot. It’s pure comedy.
8) There is no place for the use of the word kerfuffle in a sentence, unless you were aiming to be mocked for a week.
Anyway, there is more I could write about. Like my addiction to live music rearing its head again, or how I became another example of why to drink responsibly, but
There’s a hell of a lot that I could write about, like how amazing Tech Ready 8 was (for those not in the know, Tech Ready is a twice a year geek marathon where MS brings all us Technical Specialists and Technical Strategists together to pine over how amazing our current and future solutions are – and this one was no different), but due to the strict, and consistent reminder not to blog about the content, I won’t do that. I will however, blog about things around the event worth noting, as well as some other random stuff that has amused me lately.
Where to start? Let’s jump waaaaaaaaaaaay back to the middle of January, and my first ever skiing trip to Meribel. My, what a trip that was. There are some extra special tips I have for you though.
1) When learning to ski, don’t try and follow an ex-arctic warfare instructor down a slope. Granted, it was only a blue, but falling backwards, and being dragged halfway down a slope because your feet are strapped into the skis still is no fun. In fact, it may result in you screaming like a girl for fear of death.... Like I did.
2) Don’t worry about the people behind you. The fact you are on the slopes is their problem, not yours. It isn’t like driving at 60 in the outside lane of the motorway – there’s enough space for other people to get round you, but for the LOVE OF GOD, go nowhere near a red slope.
3) Drink. A lot. Mountain air is the miracle cure for a hangover, so don’t worry about feeling awful the next day.
4) Apparently, Spyder is the ultimate ski wear.... well, so say a bunch of forty somethings....
5) Take a hip flask with Port. Trust me. Nigel was right.
6) A line of jaeger bombs stretching most of the bar width is the only way you are allowed to drink them.
7) If cheese isn’t included in the meal, don’t bother eating it.
8) Make sure, when you leave the bar drunk, you start an all town involving snowball fight.
And so concludes, my not so top tips for skiing in Meribel.
Now, let’s park Meribel, and focus on another international destination – the luxurious Seattle. I spent a week there, and definitely learnt a couple of top tips there also.
1) Cheesecake factory sell more than just cheesecake. Who would have thought it? Make sure you only ever order the small portion, the large portion of Salad had in excess of 900 calories, according to their nutritional value guide. Thats a lot of calories for some leaf and chicken. But then again, it could feed you for a whole week, easy.
2) Head to Lowell’s in the farmers market. Not only can you see some fish throwing en-route, but you can also get a kick ass (like how I am throwing in some Americanisms here?) stack of blueberry pancakes.
3) If, like most men in relationships (thank god I’m single!) you are in Seattle, and want to go perv on some women with about twenty thousand other men, trying to keep a promise not to go to a strip club, then go to Cowgirls. If however you man up, you could go to the 25 cent Big Seattle Butt Show. After the crapness of Cowgirls, I opted for the hotel bar, and skipped the 25 cent Big Seattle Butt Show. I’m not man enough for that type of action!
4) Jaeger Bomb’s, evidently, aren’t cool in Seattle. Stick to Meribel and Reading for some bombing action (plus, the two I had were pre bombed, which is LAME.)
5) Rock Bottom, Rock Bottom, Rock Bottom. A micro brewery, which does ok food, great pale ale, and has a load of pool tables as well. Most definitely the best place to hang out after a day of conferences in Seattle, and if I do move out there, you will find me there regularly.
6) Not a Seattle tip, but a flying tip. If you try to get out of your seat on a plane, make sure you unbuckle your seat belt. Whilst it will result in fits of laughter if you try to get up with it still on, it is surprisingly painful.
7) When on the black playing pool, always look your opponent in the eye when you pot. It’s pure comedy.
8) There is no place for the use of the word kerfuffle in a sentence, unless you were aiming to be mocked for a week.
Anyway, there is more I could write about. Like my addiction to live music rearing its head again, or how I became another example of why to drink responsibly, but
Sunday 11 January 2009
So, for my sins, in the last week or so, I’ve been on the road a lot. Nottingham, Ipswich and Chelmsford have all had the unrivalled privilege of my presence. Needless to say, with the cost of the rail network in this country (over £100 for a return to Nottingham, and based on recent train experiences, I would have to stand most of the way!) I did what any good man would do – I got in my 2 seater sports car, put on some Music (in this case, Radio 1 Live Lounge vol. 3, Killers Day and Age, Trivium Shogun and ACDC Black Ice), and hit the motorway.
Now, as we all know as licensed drivers in the UK, the highway code clearly states in paragraph 264:
“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking. You MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, HA traffic officers in uniform or by signs”
So, why, I ask myself, was I stuck behind cars in the outside lane when there were no cars in the middle lane? Why was I stuck behind slow moving vehicles in the outside lane, because even slower moving cars were in the middle lane, when there were no cars in the inside lane?
It’s enough to drive a man mad. I like to drive, really, I do. That’s why I bought the car I did, because it allows me to drive with even more enjoyment. Driving around, stuck behind idiots who fail to follow the highway code makes me want to scream. Now, seeing as breaking most elements of the highway code result in punishment, I can’t help but wonder why it is that these idiots who are doing nothing more than causing unnecessary congestion in our already creaking road networks don’t face some sort of idiot punishment?
Personally, I think they should all be sent on advanced driving courses to encourage them to stop driving like learners. Better yet, let’s make them all walk behind a bunch of OAP’s with Zimmerframes from Reading to Bracknell until they begin to understand how irritating they are.
If our esteemed government decide not to do something about the plague on our roads that is the “middle lane driver” then they really need to rethink paragraph 268:
“Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.”
In fact, if middle lane, and worst still, middle lane in fast lane drivers can ignore paragraph 264, then I can ignore paragraph 268, just to hit home the point that they shouldn’t be in that lane.
In order to combat the congestion these idiots are causing, on the M”5 (or as it is hilariously called, the London Orbital) has opened in some areas a fourth lane. This fourth lane really must be the most pointless lane on the M25, because it has resulted in the phenomenon of the middle lane driver branching out to the middle left and middle right lane driver, where you find morons in the third lane to the right when there are no cars in either lane to the left.
Worse still, the fourth lane on the M25 appears to have given lorry drivers the belief that our motorways should be the new site for the lorry 1 mile drag race, in which the drivers of lorrys decide to see who can go half a mile hour faster than the lorry next to them, and take about 10 minutes to overtake them. That is the single most pointless exercise EVER. Again, this is the type of behavior on our highways which are rapidly becoming painful to drive on.
But enough of that.
On a slightly related note, I would like to advise all of you to go out and get Live Lounge Volume 3. It is simply put, amazing. I’ve always enjoyed the live lounges. I like how you get some completely unexpected covers, like Biffy Clyro covering Umbrella, or on Volume 3, Dizzee Rascal covering the Ting Tings That’s Not My Name. A great album, yet again.
Finally – congratulations to Bern and Vicky for getting married yesterday. It was a great night to celebrate, and seeing Bern cutting those moves on the dance floor was a joy to behold. Shame we got rumbled putting potato wedges, sherbert saucers and popcorn in the marital bed though!! Congratulations again!
Now, as we all know as licensed drivers in the UK, the highway code clearly states in paragraph 264:
“You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past. Slow-moving or speed-restricted vehicles should always remain in the left-hand lane of the carriageway unless overtaking. You MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by the police, HA traffic officers in uniform or by signs”
So, why, I ask myself, was I stuck behind cars in the outside lane when there were no cars in the middle lane? Why was I stuck behind slow moving vehicles in the outside lane, because even slower moving cars were in the middle lane, when there were no cars in the inside lane?
It’s enough to drive a man mad. I like to drive, really, I do. That’s why I bought the car I did, because it allows me to drive with even more enjoyment. Driving around, stuck behind idiots who fail to follow the highway code makes me want to scream. Now, seeing as breaking most elements of the highway code result in punishment, I can’t help but wonder why it is that these idiots who are doing nothing more than causing unnecessary congestion in our already creaking road networks don’t face some sort of idiot punishment?
Personally, I think they should all be sent on advanced driving courses to encourage them to stop driving like learners. Better yet, let’s make them all walk behind a bunch of OAP’s with Zimmerframes from Reading to Bracknell until they begin to understand how irritating they are.
If our esteemed government decide not to do something about the plague on our roads that is the “middle lane driver” then they really need to rethink paragraph 268:
“Do not overtake on the left or move to a lane on your left to overtake. In congested conditions, where adjacent lanes of traffic are moving at similar speeds, traffic in left-hand lanes may sometimes be moving faster than traffic to the right. In these conditions you may keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic in the lane to your right. Do not weave in and out of lanes to overtake.”
In fact, if middle lane, and worst still, middle lane in fast lane drivers can ignore paragraph 264, then I can ignore paragraph 268, just to hit home the point that they shouldn’t be in that lane.
In order to combat the congestion these idiots are causing, on the M”5 (or as it is hilariously called, the London Orbital) has opened in some areas a fourth lane. This fourth lane really must be the most pointless lane on the M25, because it has resulted in the phenomenon of the middle lane driver branching out to the middle left and middle right lane driver, where you find morons in the third lane to the right when there are no cars in either lane to the left.
Worse still, the fourth lane on the M25 appears to have given lorry drivers the belief that our motorways should be the new site for the lorry 1 mile drag race, in which the drivers of lorrys decide to see who can go half a mile hour faster than the lorry next to them, and take about 10 minutes to overtake them. That is the single most pointless exercise EVER. Again, this is the type of behavior on our highways which are rapidly becoming painful to drive on.
But enough of that.
On a slightly related note, I would like to advise all of you to go out and get Live Lounge Volume 3. It is simply put, amazing. I’ve always enjoyed the live lounges. I like how you get some completely unexpected covers, like Biffy Clyro covering Umbrella, or on Volume 3, Dizzee Rascal covering the Ting Tings That’s Not My Name. A great album, yet again.
Finally – congratulations to Bern and Vicky for getting married yesterday. It was a great night to celebrate, and seeing Bern cutting those moves on the dance floor was a joy to behold. Shame we got rumbled putting potato wedges, sherbert saucers and popcorn in the marital bed though!! Congratulations again!
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Random Thoughts for the New Year
So, to kick this all off with a proper start, I thought I would share some of my thoughts from the past few weeks, on several topics.
Firstly, the pikey scum who broke into the communal area of the flats, purely to steal a number of parcels that had arrived for me whilst out. How do I know it was a pair of teenage pikey c*nts I hear you ask? Because I saw them leaving as I came home, but didn't realise what had happened until it was too late, and they were long gone.
Now, forgive me if I am wrong, but I can't help but wonder what would make anyone think it was fine to force a front door, and steal 4 parcels (I know what they took as they left the wrapping, which is now with the police for finger print checks). I don't know. Maybe at the ancient age of 26 I am past it, but my moral compass says that's wrong. Thanks Mum.
Like everyone, I want to blame someone for this, and that someone is the pikey's Mother. She clearly stopped breast feeding him at an early age, and didn't let him watch Transformers or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Shame on her. Again, thanks Mum for letting me watch such awesome, morally guiding TV. Mothers everywhere need to learn!
But enough of that!
On a more positive note, it's not long until I head off to Meribel to learn how to ski. By learn to ski, what I mean is fall over a lot, whilst trying not to break something. But never fear, citizens of Gotham, because even if I do fall (which I will) and break something (which I hope not to!) I am now insured for up to £10 million of medical charges. So, should I do something, I don't want any old helicopter to air lift me off the side of a mountain, I want a gold one, flown by a Vietnam veteran, with Scarlett Johansson giving me some TLC, and I want to be put up in a 5 star hotel rather than the hospital.
Seriously.... 10 million of our English pounds. I mean, I could go on holiday to the USA, and have full cancer treatment for that. Which is more than those poor citizens of America could get in that country, where medicine is only provided to those with insurance provided by morally bankrupt billionaires.
But, as usual I digress. So yes, I get to learn to ski! 3 whole days of skiing, with lessons, and 4 nights of intense drinking will surely make the Robide a very, very happy boy. Watch this space for the updates on it!
To finish off, I thought I would share with you my latest inspiration. Jamie's Ministry of Food. Seriously people, get this book. Is it really, really simple and quick cooking? Yes. Which is what I want. All the fancier books I have are great for cooking from once in a while, but this thing has great recipes that are quick and easy, and taste amazing.
Tonight, I took his Spag Bol, and made it my own with a few additional bits and pieces. And it tasted amazing. EVERYTHING in it was fresh, including the basil which I picked from my window garden, and it tasted great. Honestly, I far preferred it to the old style Dolmio/Ragu stuff I used to do, and no doubt, it was healthier - which as a fat bastard, I need.
That's enough of me for now. I'm off to watch Transformers.
Firstly, the pikey scum who broke into the communal area of the flats, purely to steal a number of parcels that had arrived for me whilst out. How do I know it was a pair of teenage pikey c*nts I hear you ask? Because I saw them leaving as I came home, but didn't realise what had happened until it was too late, and they were long gone.
Now, forgive me if I am wrong, but I can't help but wonder what would make anyone think it was fine to force a front door, and steal 4 parcels (I know what they took as they left the wrapping, which is now with the police for finger print checks). I don't know. Maybe at the ancient age of 26 I am past it, but my moral compass says that's wrong. Thanks Mum.
Like everyone, I want to blame someone for this, and that someone is the pikey's Mother. She clearly stopped breast feeding him at an early age, and didn't let him watch Transformers or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Shame on her. Again, thanks Mum for letting me watch such awesome, morally guiding TV. Mothers everywhere need to learn!
But enough of that!
On a more positive note, it's not long until I head off to Meribel to learn how to ski. By learn to ski, what I mean is fall over a lot, whilst trying not to break something. But never fear, citizens of Gotham, because even if I do fall (which I will) and break something (which I hope not to!) I am now insured for up to £10 million of medical charges. So, should I do something, I don't want any old helicopter to air lift me off the side of a mountain, I want a gold one, flown by a Vietnam veteran, with Scarlett Johansson giving me some TLC, and I want to be put up in a 5 star hotel rather than the hospital.
Seriously.... 10 million of our English pounds. I mean, I could go on holiday to the USA, and have full cancer treatment for that. Which is more than those poor citizens of America could get in that country, where medicine is only provided to those with insurance provided by morally bankrupt billionaires.
But, as usual I digress. So yes, I get to learn to ski! 3 whole days of skiing, with lessons, and 4 nights of intense drinking will surely make the Robide a very, very happy boy. Watch this space for the updates on it!
To finish off, I thought I would share with you my latest inspiration. Jamie's Ministry of Food. Seriously people, get this book. Is it really, really simple and quick cooking? Yes. Which is what I want. All the fancier books I have are great for cooking from once in a while, but this thing has great recipes that are quick and easy, and taste amazing.
Tonight, I took his Spag Bol, and made it my own with a few additional bits and pieces. And it tasted amazing. EVERYTHING in it was fresh, including the basil which I picked from my window garden, and it tasted great. Honestly, I far preferred it to the old style Dolmio/Ragu stuff I used to do, and no doubt, it was healthier - which as a fat bastard, I need.
That's enough of me for now. I'm off to watch Transformers.
Here it goes!
Well, I tried this once before, and it didn't last, mainly because the company hosting started trying to charge me to blog, which ain't gunna happen!
I wanted to get something going, mainly to make use of my website, which I've had for a while, and not done much with. So, what better to start off with than a blog, I thought? So here it is. Hopefully, I will get my butt in gear, and use this as a basis to grow a site out with random photos that my friends stuck in the pre-facebook dark ages can see some of what I'm doing with my life.
As for this blog, well, we shall have to wait and see how it builds out, but I aim to use it as a venting area for everything to anything, from bitching about the pikey sons of guns who broke in to the communal area of my flat, and stole a load of games that weren't put through my letter box, to my thoughts on games, music, movies, comics, gigs, random news events, and god only knows what else. Who knows, maybe eventually this will be worth you reading, rather than a venting point for me, so check back - it should be fun!
I wanted to get something going, mainly to make use of my website, which I've had for a while, and not done much with. So, what better to start off with than a blog, I thought? So here it is. Hopefully, I will get my butt in gear, and use this as a basis to grow a site out with random photos that my friends stuck in the pre-facebook dark ages can see some of what I'm doing with my life.
As for this blog, well, we shall have to wait and see how it builds out, but I aim to use it as a venting area for everything to anything, from bitching about the pikey sons of guns who broke in to the communal area of my flat, and stole a load of games that weren't put through my letter box, to my thoughts on games, music, movies, comics, gigs, random news events, and god only knows what else. Who knows, maybe eventually this will be worth you reading, rather than a venting point for me, so check back - it should be fun!
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