Originally uploaded by nogbad the bad
Monday, 27 April 2009
Dylan
Only available for a few more days but well worth a listen - it's a Radio 2 programme about Dylan's lyrics.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Student again
Just when I thought I was having a rest I realised that the next course is starting. T189 now - Digital Photography. For the non-OU folk I'll translate the course code; Technology, Level 1. It's 10 points and runs for a few months (rather than the usual nine months for a 30 or 60 point course). Expect lots of arty photographs and hand-wringing angst over soft light or some such which.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Happy birthday
The Open University was established by Royal Charter in 1969. On April 23 of that year The Queen endorsed the proposals and asked for a Charter to be drawn up. This was to establish The Open University for the "advancement and dissemination of learning and knowledge by teaching and research by a diversity of means such as broadcasting and technological devices".Happy birthday OU!
Monday, 20 April 2009
Friday, 17 April 2009
Thursday, 16 April 2009
The biter bit!
Just found this while working through the blogs of the LCC group. Someone took a photo of me that I didn't know about. I look drunk!
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Monday, 13 April 2009
Steam railway's new station
This is the railway that Cal and I visited.
more about "Steam railway's new station", posted with vodpodSunday, 12 April 2009
Amazon FAIL
Open letter here. And the petition is here.
One needn't be GBLT to think this decision is wrong and to sign the petition. But even if you don't sign make people aware!
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Be aware
You might already know that the rights of the subjects of Her Britannic Majesty are again under threat from the people charged with protecting us. Once again it's from our own government and once again it's in the name of protecting us from terrorism. This is a "catch all" used to cloak any and all erosion of our civil liberties. This time it's photography. You might not be aware that if you are taking a photograph in the street of, say, a loved one or your new car or an interesting post box and you catch a policeman or PCSO in the shot you can be asked to delete the image or you might have the film, memory stick or even the camera confiscated.
It's madness of course but it's being done in our name. John Naughton has a post rounding this up and there is more on Amateur Photographer web site (and others). Be aware and remember "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". Terrorism is certainly a threat to this country but so are the actions supposedly meant to protect us.
It's madness of course but it's being done in our name. John Naughton has a post rounding this up and there is more on Amateur Photographer web site (and others). Be aware and remember "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". Terrorism is certainly a threat to this country but so are the actions supposedly meant to protect us.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
40th Anniversary
more about "40th Anniversary", posted with vodpod from BBC Home page
Today is the 40th anniversary of Concorde's maiden flight. A rare example of a technology where we've subsequently gone backwards. Costs killed Concorde. I'm one of those lucky enough to have seen this wonderful aircraft in service and it really was beautiful.
Today is the 40th anniversary of Concorde's maiden flight. A rare example of a technology where we've subsequently gone backwards. Costs killed Concorde. I'm one of those lucky enough to have seen this wonderful aircraft in service and it really was beautiful.
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Retired manager owns giant lizard
more about "BBC NEWS | England | Retired manager ...", posted with vodpod
The title doesn't really do this clip justice. Well worth a watch
The title doesn't really do this clip justice. Well worth a watch
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Today
"To mark the paper was the decisive act. In small clumsy letters he wrote:
April 4th, 1984.
He sat back. A sense of complete helplessness had descended upon him. To begin with, he did not know with any certainty that this was 1984."
Quote from here - (the complete book online) and image from here
And from a different source
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride"
Image from here, the lyrics are from U2 "Pride, In the name of love" for anyone not familiar with them.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Yummy!
Fresh tuna on a bed of steamed spinach and finished with a sauce of butter, lemon juice, capers and rough chopped parsley
- Posted using Mobypicture.com
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Shearer
The great thing about supporting Newcastle United is that there is always another Messiah round the corner.
Friday, 27 March 2009
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Rail track
The world's longest model railway!
"It has six miles of track, cost £8m to build and its 1,150 square metres (12,380 square feet) take in the US, Scandinavia and the Swiss Alps." From BBC Europe web site.
more about "Rail track", posted with vodpod
It's a filthy day
Raining here - streams of water running down the side of the road and it's windy too, big change from last week.
- Posted using Mobypicture.com
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Images online
The previous post, Misty morning, was a test of posting to Mobypicture. This is a service that hosts images which can be uploaded by email and thus from a range of mobile devices as well as larger PCs. It feeds other services and, for now at least, it's set to feed this blog and my Twitter account.You might also have noticed that I'm using Twitpics - it feeds a little widget down the side there. Twitpic provides a very similar service to that offered by Mobypicture but of late it's been unreliable. I thought I'd give them both a spin.
I'll use Mobypicture for images that I want to blog and Twitpic for images that won't have oodles of text.
Does that help explain why it's all gone photos-a-gogo on this blog?
I think it's worth reflecting - yet again - on how quickly all this has arrived. Not long ago a digital camera was far too expensive for many people to own. The cost of storage meant that most companies could only store a few images and they'd usually be on a central server rather than on local PCs. Connection speeds were too poor to reliably host images online and web designers were very careful about using images because users with slow connections wouldn't hang around while the pictures download.
Fast moving world.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Google street view
Many folk are very exercised about Google Street View so I decided to give it a go. I found some truly beautiful pictures on it and it's fantastic for showing how close together some sites of special interest are located.
(Click images for better view)Look at this for example. First I navigated to The Pev on Great Bridgewater Street and then went towards the Bridgewater Hall to The Briton's Protection!
I'm sure that many - spurred on by the BBC - are looking for images of people throwing up or engaged in something naughty but as far as I can see capturing images of beautiful pubs is wonderful.
More power to Google!
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Art!
This striking piece is called "Letraset for Dyslexics" and it's stencilled on one of the walls in the coffee area at LCC. It's the work of Jon Adams. Jon is currently a Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth school of Architecture. He's a geologist and spent 25 years working as a book illustrator.His work reflects his own early life as an unrecognized dyslexic and he works with Dada South and others to promote the work of disabled artists.
I've distilled the text from the information on site and I loved this and other pieces on display. Check out Jon's website for more information and to see work.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Sunday, 15 March 2009
More government madness
Plans for a minimum price for alcohol
The government's top medical adviser has drawn up plans for a minimum price for alcohol which would double the cost of some drinks in England. Under the proposal from Sir Liam Donaldson, it has been reported that no drinks could be sold for less than 50 pence per unit of alcohol they contain. It would mean most bottles of wine could not be sold for less than £4.50.
Of course, as was discussed this morning on the broadcast media, this won't have an enormous impact on those with a steady income and a controlled alcohol habit. The groups which will be hardest hit are those people who are addicted to booze and those with a low or no income. These groups tend to overlap.
Of course there are some major flaws in the logic here. If I travel for about an hour from here I can be in a Calais Hypermarket stocking up on as much booze as the car will carry. Increasing the differential between UK prices and those on the mainland of Europe is a great was of helping the ferry services and the French economy. As with other drugs those who have a real addiction will turn to illegal means to acquire the means with which to buy their drug of choice - is there any reason to believe that alcohol is any different in this regard?
One of the declared target groups are younger people who binge drink but many of these people have the highest disposable income;first job, living with parents, no mortgage, etc. One of the target groups not explicitly declared is made up of those homeless people who drink cheap cider - they are price-sensitive but without additional support to deal with a wide-range of problems, sometimes including mental health issues, simply hiking the price of White Lightening isn't sorting anything out at all.
Another worrying strand is that this isn't a tax. The government are considering instructing private companies on their charging policies but the government will not get any of the money raised by this policy should it be introduced. This really is the nanny state gone mad.
Nobody doubts that alcohol is a dangerous drug and the damage caused by misusing it can be devastating but this isn't the correct way of dealing with the issues. No personal agenda here - I earn a reasonable whack and if I want a drink I might grumble about the price but I can afford the money. If I decided to binge drink I could still afford it (In fact since I stopped smoking I have a good deal more disposable income). I suppose this also points to the stupidity of this plan - it'll just be the middle-class who can afford to go on getting wrecked but they will keep on drinking regardless of what Liam thinks happens behind the net curtains.
From MCVITA
I'm copying this from MCIVTA ("Manchester City information via the Alps"), an email fanzine, with the permission of the editor. I think it's a nice story which demonstrates yet again that people are generally nice despite the prevailing stories in the red tops.
Though for thousands of fans the UEFA Cup victory against Schalke will be remembered as City's best away win of the season, for one fan the trip to Gelsenkirchen had tragic consequences. As regular readers will know, Carl Ramsbottom, life long City fan, made the trip to Germany to watch his beloved blues and fell down a flight of stairs at a train station, suffering severe head injuries. Carl has been hospitalized in Germany ever since the event and the doctors alongside his family have been working hard in order to help Carl recover. From the dark however there is always a glimmer of light and this has come in the form of wonderful acts of charity from opposition fans. Only last month Schalke supporter Markus Rehse presented Carl and his family with a cheque for 2,500 euros which will go towards caring for Carl whilst he remains in Germany. Hughes told of the club's appreciation for the contribution: "It was fantastic to see how City and Schalke supporters stood together for Carl and I think this will forge a lasting bond between our two clubs. I would like to thank everyone so much for supporting the collection." Even before the contribution from the German side, a club a little closer to home got involved.From MCIVTA 1514, 12/03/09
Ahead of the Boxing Day match between City and Hull, a Tiger's travelling fan took a look at the official City website in order to confirm travel details to CoMS. Whilst on the website, the Hull City fan known only as 'Tigger' read about Carl's situation and led a collection on the Hull City coaches in aid of Carl. The travelling fans donated more than £150.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
BBC NEWS | England | Dream job? Beer taster wanted
More about "BBC NEWS | England | Dream job? Beer ...", posted with vodpod
Job as a beer taster available - it's in Lincolnshire but the end of the queue is currently just outside Cardiff :-)
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Forgot to say....
"Consultation Evening" last night. First appointment was at 16:00 and the teacher arrived at 16:05 (people who know me know I hate being late for anything and I don't do waiting when others are late). Teacher arrived, sat us down and did the spiel. Had to borrow one of his red pens to correct his crib sheet because he'd spelt my son's name incorrectly! I was not very impressed at all.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Faversham Guild Hall
Cal and I have had a busy weekend! As well as having a drive around the Isle of Sheppey today we also had a walk in Faversham and had a quick shopping stop in Maidstone. If you don't know Faversham I can heartily recommend it - lovely buildings in the centre.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Bishopsbourne
Remember I used to live there? Well the church was featured on the local news last night. A grant they need to carry our repairs is threatened in these cash-strapped times. This link goes to the video and if you want to see the snippet about St Mary's starts at 42 seconds.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Cory Doctorow
Those not familiar with the name won't be aware that Cory is one of those terribly smart guys who spans a range of pursuits with scary efficiency. He's a blogger (co edits BoingBoing and his own site), journalist, sci fi author and general all round activist. He gave a talk at the OU last week and it was jolly good indeed! Start at Platform for an interview and from there hit the link to video of his talk (look for "Computing Research Centre Distinguished Lecture") it's well worth watching a few times! You should also check out Rebecca's visualization of the back channel in action during Cory's talk.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Who said librarians are boring?
It's all kicking off at CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals). Their Chief Exec keeps a blog - rather pompously entitled "From the Chief Executive's Desk" - and he's shared with the world his view on Twitter. More importantly he's given his considered opinion on whether CILIP (remember the "Information Professionals" bit) should have a Twitter presence.
The simple answer, of course, is no. In terms of "official" activity, cyber life is just like real like - if it happens in a CILIP-sanctioned space, it's
official; if it happens down the pub or in someone else's space, it isn't.
Bob McKee - "From the Chief Executive's Desk", 18/02/09
How that is "a simple answer" is beyond me but I'm more exercised by this idea of hypothecating spaces. I'm writing this on blogspot while working for the University of the Arts, London but I'm also thinking about some work I'm doing for the Open University. This blogging space is neutral (not managed by any of the organizations I work for) so how credible is it?
Phil Bradley - a pukka member of CILIP (notice that the Cheif Exec's blog only accepts comments from paid up members of CILIP!) has written a wonderful response to the original posting.
This is proper web 2.0 stuff - and I think that this is the point that Bob has missed. "The space" is no longer contested - it's out there wherever people chose to write or speak. The idea that anyone will get that genii back in the bottle is laughable and those who aren't engaging with these technologies are the ones who are being left behind. Treat yourself to reading all the comments - the last one, it's from Bob, talks of printing off all the comments so that he can read them on the train and consider his response........
Thanks to Clari for tweeting this in the first place - the futility of Bob's position will be evidenced by the spike in reads that post will have simply because it's been passed around on Twitter.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Final score
Canterbury 27 - Bridgewater 11
Good open game with some thundering tackles and great running play. Canterbury fell behind to a penalty in the first few minutes and it looked like it might be a tough afternoon but three tries in the first half saw of the visitors.
Wonder if I can get a job writing match reviews?
Thursday, 26 February 2009
English
On "Overheard by blog" Robert Fraser is asking people what they consider to be the most beautiful line in English literature. Most people probably know that I know little of English literature so picking a line isn't easy. I think the opening line of "Earthly Powers" is awesome and grips the reader. "It is a far, far better thing that I do now" is stirring and resonates with selflessness while "And so, dear reader, I married him" is a wonderful finish. But what do I know? But I do know a few passages and poems which make the hairs on the back of my neck tingle. "Do not go gentle into that good night", a son pleading with his father not to die but to fight death, is so poignant. Also about death and grieving - Auden's "Stop all the clocks" is beautifully simple.
But for power and majesty and to see a master using the tools of his trade I think it's back to Bill.
From The Scottish Play
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor playerOr how about.........
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,From Richard II.
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,—
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
Dive over to Robert's blog and give it a go!
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Friday, 20 February 2009
Typical
Manchester City twice surrendered the lead as they drew with FC Copenhagen in their last-32 Uefa Cup first-leg tie. (BBC Sport)
It was televised which meant I had a chance to watch the might of Sparky's Brazilian Army.
Oh dear.
Great going forward but still lacking a finish - the first goal was a classic of the "Comedy Goal" genre.
The wonderful thing is that despite moving to a new stadium, changing the strip, millions of pounds worth of investment in the playing staff, despite all of this - my dad would still recognise our beloved Manchester City.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
It's half term!
So I get to spend some time with children. Not the bigger, female ones of course - they are far too busy to hang around with dad. But Cal and I watched Stargate and this morning started with Thomas the Tank Engine (but I still prefer the news).
I've got some work to finish off today but I think we'll be playing out - I've got to collect my glasses and then we might slide off to the coast. Love half-term!
Monday, 16 February 2009
Until death do us part... and beyond...
Kinda Learning Stuff: Until death do us part... and beyond...
Sarah's posting about the new Facebook Ts & Cs is well worth reading.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Backing the wrong horse
This is Invicta, the white horse of Kent. As a symbol it dates back to the Jutish kings of Kent in the 6th century. The armies of Hengist and Horsa are believed to have carried this on their banner when they landed on these shores in 450. It lives on in the logo of the county council and in numerous images and statues around the county. As an exiled Mancunian I'm fond of Invicta, it means "Undefeated", because it's a proud symbol of a particular area and it has a long and distiguished history. After the success of the Angel of the North it was decided that Kent should have a sculpture to symbolise the county and welcome those passing through. Like the Angel it'll be near a major through-route and visible for many miles. It's going to be at Ebbsfleet (near the International Station which is not near anything except the railway track) and is being organised by the Ebbsfleet Landmark Project company. This week they picked the winning design and it's a horse - here it is.
This isn't "our" horse. Our white horse is proud and defiant. This beautiful animal is redolent of Aintree and Newmarket and Kempton Park and the Arabian stallions which sired it. In Kent we had a hill carving done in 2003 above channel tunnel, and it welcomes visitors from Europe. It's active and dynamic while this thoroughbred is passive and docile; neither are terms should be used to describe this county which has been at forefront of English history since time began. The Angles and Saxons and Jutes 
and Danes and Normans and Romans all came through Kent; most landed in Kent on their first trip to these Sceptred Isles. After the battle of Hastings William the Conqueror headed to London only after taking Dover and Canterbury. The Battle of Britain was fought over the hop fields of Kent.
There is nothing wrong with this design, it's wonderful, but it's the wrong horse!
This isn't "our" horse. Our white horse is proud and defiant. This beautiful animal is redolent of Aintree and Newmarket and Kempton Park and the Arabian stallions which sired it. In Kent we had a hill carving done in 2003 above channel tunnel, and it welcomes visitors from Europe. It's active and dynamic while this thoroughbred is passive and docile; neither are terms should be used to describe this county which has been at forefront of English history since time began. The Angles and Saxons and Jutes 
and Danes and Normans and Romans all came through Kent; most landed in Kent on their first trip to these Sceptred Isles. After the battle of Hastings William the Conqueror headed to London only after taking Dover and Canterbury. The Battle of Britain was fought over the hop fields of Kent.There is nothing wrong with this design, it's wonderful, but it's the wrong horse!
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Monday, 2 February 2009
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Tony Benn Vs the BBC
Tony Benn discussing the BBC's decision not to show the DEC Gaza appeal. Well worth seeing - a wonderful example of Benn in his pomp.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
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