Line out

Line out

After 3rd try

After 3rd try

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 player
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.

Or how about.........

This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
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.

From Richard II.

Dive over to Robert's blog and give it a go!

Where in the world

Where in the world

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.

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!

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.

I know I'm a day late but..........

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!

Flooding in Darent valley (edited)

Flooding in Darent valley - taken from the train

The OU Song

The Boss

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.

Isn't this nice? - edited

Isn't this nice? (Edited to revolve image)

Gif Vs JPG

Done during third year group to show how to save a screenshot as a GIF and a JPG and upload to a blog. Also shows the differences in quality

Not waving

Heading home I heard that the motorway was closed so I decided to come back through the country lanes - lovely drive and 10 miles shorter but not quicker.

After Tunbridge Wells and past Paddock Wood I double back to cut through to Yalding. Onto Lees Road I was following a couple of cars and as we went round a bend the road was under water - not too much but more than a puddle. No big problems and we were all still fine. Further round the bend the water was higher but the end was in sight when a car went past, at speed, in the other direction - his bow wave splashed water high up the side of my car and the engine spluttered and died. In the middle of the road with water lapping against the bottom of the car. The engine simply wouldn't start so I put on the hazard lights and called for assistance. For nearly an hour I sat in the dark ,with water in the rear footwell, getting colder. Cars and a couple of council vans went by but only one stopped to check I was okay.

Finally the pick-up truck arrived and towed me to dry land where we tried to jump start the car - no joy so the front was hitched up and I was in the cab with the driver. Round the next bend the road was underwater and the police had blocked it. A number of cars were abandoned and the police were trying to get them moved.

Not the best trip home and the end of a hectic week - I'm due to be working tomorrow but unless the car has dried out and starts I can't see me getting there. Grrrr!

This one

I read Memex 1.1 most days and often share the posts to Facebook and my RSS feeds. This one, however, screams to be given (even) more attention. I agree with John from every corner of my being and, I promise, my language is far more colourful than that of John's mother. It's outwith our control but don't let that get in the way of giving it some consideration.

Mike Wesch - Machine is us

Told ya!

Much as I predicted the Kaka deal was a diversion so that City could grab Bellamy!

Diet tips

Everyone knows that a large Cornish pasty from Ginsters contains all but two of the important food groups - the missing two are alcohol and chocolate.

But, I hear you say, what about those who don't eat meat? Clearly my first response is that you really should try - it's terribly good for you and generally tastes nice. If you still can't muster the energy to masticate a Burger King or a nice steak then this posting is for you.

Toblerone - product of a country known the world over for its fine cuisine, efficiency and the cuckoo clock. A whole Toblerone (the small size) contains fruit, nuts, honey and chocolate - all very healthy. The triangular shape is also very healthy and used for pyramids and tepees amongst other things. Don't skimp on all the goodness in a Toblerone - eat a whole one!

So my vegetarian friends - if you can summon the energy a Toblerone might just give you the strength to dial an Indian takeaway and get a Lamb Buhna or a Chicken Tikka.

More dietary tips to follow.