Nick's Ramblings

I find it very amusing during American film or TV series, that whenever they show a new city, they always caption the city's name and state e.g. Los Angeles, CA.

However, when somewhere outside the USA is mentioned, the caption is 'London, England' followed by pictures of Big Ben, Tower Bridge etc. Now I know most Americans don't know much about the outside world, but you'd have to be fairly thick to assume that London referred to London, Ontario (that's Canada!) or London, Minnesota!
But I guess Hollywood has to make things as idiot proof as possible!

When Carol and I were in Canada, they showed foreign news on the TV. They made a point of showing the Special Olympics which were on at the time. In America, the only foreign news was Iraq and sod all about the Special Olympics. Says a lot really!

I’ve been a bit poor at putting stuff on here recently, but never mind!

Happy New Year!

Well we break up tomorrow and the whole School has stopped doing any work! To say I’m bored would be an understatement!

Should have stayed in bed!

Feeling awful today after 2 hours sleep last night. I have a cold, although Carol calls it 'Man Flu'! +o(

For the first time in years, I've had some Spam as opposed to spam . I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was on my butties. I will be getting more!
Must try Lobster thermidor aux crevettes with a Mornay sauce served in the Provençale manner with shallots and aubergines, garnished with truffle paté, brandy and with a fried egg on top and spam!

Altogether now Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam etc.

 

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

 

Wilfred Owen 1893 – 1918 

We went to London for a few days over half term. Apart from the fact that it was full of kids (surprise….), I'd forgotten how rude, ignorant and generally up themselves the general population of London are (there are exceptions, my family (!) and their neighbours among them).
People try to charge on a Tube train before people have got off, look really upset if someone has to sit by them and are generally only concerned about themselves. No one else matters really!
One thing that made me want to laugh and scream at the same time was when I took my uncle and aunt to the railway station (that's RAILWAY and NOT TRAIN station!), I was turning round to come back on myself at a roundabout, with indicators flashing and got hooted by some smug git in an Jaguar! Now I had right of way, was doing the right things, but his inconvenience was my fault!
London is a nice place to visit, but it's nice to be home.

We went Blackpool yesterday to see the lights. I'd forgotten what a dump it is! It's filled with people whose idea of a good time is getting as pissed as possible as quick as possible. In fact the only things its got going for it are the Illuminations and the trams! Trouble is the tram system needs loads of money throwing at it.

 

To be fair, the promenade is having a lot of work done to it to make it look nicer and also to help with sea defences. It will look good once it is done. All they have to do is start rebuilding on the other side of the road!

We've been without our phone since Wednesday of last week, and there no internet. It made me think, of which of the 'utilities' could we live without for a period of time?

Telephone – yes. Inconvienient but not critical.

Water – no!

Gas – maybe. Very inconvenient not to have gas as this means no heating, hot water or cooking.

Electricity – possibly. As long as the contents of the fridge were safe, we could live without electricity for a bit.

Makes you realise quite how relient you are on these things though, especially when compaired to 100 years ago. No phone, no electricity, gas only for the lighting and a single cold tap. We don't know how lucky we are really!

Just been to the funeral of a close friend’s Dad. Not good.

Rest in peace Tony.

Today is a day for remembering.
From my point of view, the attacks in America five years ago are worth remembering, but it is not as important, to me at least, as the fact that it's my second wedding anniversary!

 

Carol and I were married two years ago today 😀

Us! 

The hols are over soon, back to work on Monday! I’ll get back to writing stuff again soon – just too chilled at the mo!!! 🙂

Well, three and a half weeks after everyone else has finished for their hols, I finish today!

We’re off to South Devon for a week and then a week at home – can’t wait!!!!!