It's taken a time to get this far, and I'll have quite a time of ploughing more items on, but the website for Marj's half of the company is launched!
Serranda Sensuals.
Pop along for all your hosiery, lingerie and swimwear needs.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Parish Notices
I have flu, or the tail end of it. Real flu. Not man-flu. Being ill is very good for losing weight. 5lbs in a week. Better than I'd been doing by being careful with what I ate.
Spirits were raised yesterday by once more attending The Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition. Scantilly clad women and a free chocolate fountain! Marj was also delighted to find there were some male models this year. She has had to lie down in a darkened room to recover.
Spirits were raised yesterday by once more attending The Harrogate Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition. Scantilly clad women and a free chocolate fountain! Marj was also delighted to find there were some male models this year. She has had to lie down in a darkened room to recover.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Many a true word, and other proverbs....
How sharper than a serpents tooth is an ungrateful child, or three for that matter! Domestic bliss eh?!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Culture for the Masses
I did write quite a long piece on this, but as you can imagine it was a slightly ineloquent rant. But basically you can file it under the, "if only teachers had no life of their own, worked 47 hours a day for 12 days a week, then all would be right with the world".
I'm all for giving kids culture but for gods sake, can't someone explain to parents that they have some bloody responsibility to "educate" their kids as well!
I'm all for giving kids culture but for gods sake, can't someone explain to parents that they have some bloody responsibility to "educate" their kids as well!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Onwards to glory
As part of Marj's annual assessment, she has been asked to consider whether she wants to take the extra training and exams to become a full time teacher and leave the world of Higher Level Teaching Assisstant behind.
As the schools music specialist she already does some teaching just in that subject. So she has been working on the pros and cons of moving forward.
PROS : Having a whole class to take and teach full time. The extra money. Paid holidays. (HLTAs only get paid for working time, not the 13 weeks they are on holiday). "On the job" courses rather than full time education.
CONS : The time needed to complete the course outside of the working day. The parents! (More so than the kids). But by far the worst thing is the amount of admin required to be carrried out by teachers.
That admin is what will probably put her off. Planning the lessons is okay. And if it was just marking work then she could cope. It's the assesments, the "levelling" of pupils, the follow-ups and a whole raft of other stuff she's told me about that I've forgotten.
Gone are the days when teachers just taught, marked and wrote reports. Now they must prove to the government that they can fit all the new initiatives that Westminster come up with into an already full timetable, and then be ready to scrap those next year when they change everything. They must take the blame for the deficiencies of parents in helping their children learn at home. (Parents are asked to read with their children for just 10 mins per day, but for many of the parents at her school there just isn't time to fit this into the merry-go-round of soaps and reality programmes). They are now being cited as a reason that children are obese. When children fight, if a teacher breaks the fight up they are liable to be sued, or at the least reported, should a child decide they were rough handled.
So on balance, what is probably a vocation for her, will be avoided as it is too stressful. That's why most teachers need the holidays.
As the schools music specialist she already does some teaching just in that subject. So she has been working on the pros and cons of moving forward.
PROS : Having a whole class to take and teach full time. The extra money. Paid holidays. (HLTAs only get paid for working time, not the 13 weeks they are on holiday). "On the job" courses rather than full time education.
CONS : The time needed to complete the course outside of the working day. The parents! (More so than the kids). But by far the worst thing is the amount of admin required to be carrried out by teachers.
That admin is what will probably put her off. Planning the lessons is okay. And if it was just marking work then she could cope. It's the assesments, the "levelling" of pupils, the follow-ups and a whole raft of other stuff she's told me about that I've forgotten.
Gone are the days when teachers just taught, marked and wrote reports. Now they must prove to the government that they can fit all the new initiatives that Westminster come up with into an already full timetable, and then be ready to scrap those next year when they change everything. They must take the blame for the deficiencies of parents in helping their children learn at home. (Parents are asked to read with their children for just 10 mins per day, but for many of the parents at her school there just isn't time to fit this into the merry-go-round of soaps and reality programmes). They are now being cited as a reason that children are obese. When children fight, if a teacher breaks the fight up they are liable to be sued, or at the least reported, should a child decide they were rough handled.
So on balance, what is probably a vocation for her, will be avoided as it is too stressful. That's why most teachers need the holidays.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Not quite according to plan.
I particularly liked the report on News at Ten last night regarding the terrorist who was planning to capture a UK Muslim soldier and "behead him like a pig".
At the end of the report it mentioned that he had always wanted to go to Afghanistan and fight with the Taliban. And what was the reason given that he couldn't go? His wife wouldn't let him!
No doubt he would have fought in the first Gulf War, but his mum made him come in for tea! Sometimes it must be really awkward being an international terrorist when your family just don't get it.
At the end of the report it mentioned that he had always wanted to go to Afghanistan and fight with the Taliban. And what was the reason given that he couldn't go? His wife wouldn't let him!
No doubt he would have fought in the first Gulf War, but his mum made him come in for tea! Sometimes it must be really awkward being an international terrorist when your family just don't get it.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
'Twas if it never were.
So all is back to normal. Marj is back at school, the traffic is as bad as ever and suppliers have dragged themselves back into their offices. Even I have managed to do some paperwork!
Having stood on a pair of scales last week and immediately fallen off them with shock I've started the annual diet. Part of the exercise routine is to go to Ceroc every week. If ever there is a series of Strictly Come Lumbering About I'll be a shoo-in. Those who fancy seeing an 18.5 stone 51 year old two left footed idiot trying to dance should get themselves to Twickenham of a Monday night. It's better entertainment than what's on telly.
Having stood on a pair of scales last week and immediately fallen off them with shock I've started the annual diet. Part of the exercise routine is to go to Ceroc every week. If ever there is a series of Strictly Come Lumbering About I'll be a shoo-in. Those who fancy seeing an 18.5 stone 51 year old two left footed idiot trying to dance should get themselves to Twickenham of a Monday night. It's better entertainment than what's on telly.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Michelin Magic
People may think he's got his head up his arse but you have to hand it to Heston Blumenthal, his ideas are amazing before you even get to marvel at the accomplishment of them.
His Christmas Dinner involved a sorbet that was on fire but didn't burn.
Marj had better pull out all the stops!
His Christmas Dinner involved a sorbet that was on fire but didn't burn.
Marj had better pull out all the stops!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Comeback
So Led Zep have done whatever it is that they do. My brother was a big fan, they did nothing for me.
On the radio this morning the commentator was mentioning that Jimmy Page didn't make any reference to them going on a world tour.
I hope they don't. If they did I think it would be unfair on those who went to see them last night who applied for tickets on the grounds that this was the one and only chance to see them play again. I also think it would be selling out rather and it's not something I would expect them to do. In this age of bands reforming at the drop of a very large cheque I hope they have some integrity.
Assuming they don't, the only person I would feel a bit sorry for is John Bonhams son who took his place on the drums. I guess it might be nice for him to tour with his dads old group.
On the radio this morning the commentator was mentioning that Jimmy Page didn't make any reference to them going on a world tour.
I hope they don't. If they did I think it would be unfair on those who went to see them last night who applied for tickets on the grounds that this was the one and only chance to see them play again. I also think it would be selling out rather and it's not something I would expect them to do. In this age of bands reforming at the drop of a very large cheque I hope they have some integrity.
Assuming they don't, the only person I would feel a bit sorry for is John Bonhams son who took his place on the drums. I guess it might be nice for him to tour with his dads old group.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Scum
An open letter to the bastards that burgled us last night.
Oi scum.
Bring Marj's car back. But bring it back whilst I'm here. I won't say anything negative to you. But I am likely to kick your fucking head in!
When we find out who you are, and there will be ways and means, because you're a bit of a stupid c*nt and you left a dna trace behind, and I have a friend in the police who will happily pass on your details, you will be meeting me, or an agent of my intention.
Please don't feel threatened as it's not a threat. It's a promise!
Oi scum.
Bring Marj's car back. But bring it back whilst I'm here. I won't say anything negative to you. But I am likely to kick your fucking head in!
When we find out who you are, and there will be ways and means, because you're a bit of a stupid c*nt and you left a dna trace behind, and I have a friend in the police who will happily pass on your details, you will be meeting me, or an agent of my intention.
Please don't feel threatened as it's not a threat. It's a promise!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Je suis off to France
I'm off to France for the weekend for a bit of Christmas shopping both of the presents and the booze variety.
Ta Ta.
Ta Ta.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Calling Graybo!..... Calling Graybo!
Monsieur Graybo, should you find yourself in Kingston, Surrey, at any time, there is a new branch of Montezuma.
I should hate you to go hungry and miss it. :)
I should hate you to go hungry and miss it. :)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Where is my muse?
Following on from last years storming success as the boss of the shepherds in last years carol service at M's church I am attempting to write a small section for the three kings, although only two appear and it's bit of a Waiting for God(ot) scenario. At the moment we have gold, frankinsence and a shortage of decent script ideas.
Do you have any good Three Kings jokes?
I have no problem with gold, Frankinsence and plagiarism!
Do you have any good Three Kings jokes?
I have no problem with gold, Frankinsence and plagiarism!
I know my rights!
Not sure who the guy was on the radio yesterday, but whilst discussing education came up with a very relevant quote.
The problem these days is that school kids all know their rights but don't understand that to have those rights they also have responsibilities.
[Sound of teenagers fainting all over Britain]
The problem these days is that school kids all know their rights but don't understand that to have those rights they also have responsibilities.
[Sound of teenagers fainting all over Britain]
Sitting Tenants
At friends on Sunday we were chatting and they mentioned that their neighbours were having trouble moving as their 20-odd year old layabout son refused to give them permission to sell.
What? We thought. Was he on the deeds? No. Had he been left a share of the property via inheritance? No.
It was explained that now, if you have children still at home with you who have attained the age of majority that in the eyes of the law they are sitting tennts and thus have rights to remain in the property if you sell.
Very interesting, we thought, but rare it should come up.
Until yesterday evening that is. M had a financial adviser around to re-negotiate the mortgage and when he found out her 20 year-old daughter still lives with her mentioned that she will have to sign a disclaimer to say that she will not attempt to stay in the property should it be sold by her mother.
Bloody Hell. How on earth have we got to this situation?
What? We thought. Was he on the deeds? No. Had he been left a share of the property via inheritance? No.
It was explained that now, if you have children still at home with you who have attained the age of majority that in the eyes of the law they are sitting tennts and thus have rights to remain in the property if you sell.
Very interesting, we thought, but rare it should come up.
Until yesterday evening that is. M had a financial adviser around to re-negotiate the mortgage and when he found out her 20 year-old daughter still lives with her mentioned that she will have to sign a disclaimer to say that she will not attempt to stay in the property should it be sold by her mother.
Bloody Hell. How on earth have we got to this situation?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
1984 - Big Brother IS watching you.
This morning I received a parking ticket.
Actually, that's not correct.
This morning I had a letter telling me that 13 days ago my car was parked in a place where loading and parking were subject to restrictions during certain hours.
I couldn't have been given a ticket, not because I wasn't there, but because there was no warden there. I was spotted by a remote CCTV camera.
A camera which is obviously trained on monitoring the public during the day. Watching you walk down the road. Watching your kids go to school. Noting you drop that piece of litter. Monitoring you chat innocently enough to the girl from the office opposite. Watching your wife answer the door in her nightie.
There are also three boards on this section of road asking for witnesses to various road accidents and assaults. Of course, they failed to notice them.
Was that a clock I just heard striking thirteen?
Actually, that's not correct.
This morning I had a letter telling me that 13 days ago my car was parked in a place where loading and parking were subject to restrictions during certain hours.
I couldn't have been given a ticket, not because I wasn't there, but because there was no warden there. I was spotted by a remote CCTV camera.
A camera which is obviously trained on monitoring the public during the day. Watching you walk down the road. Watching your kids go to school. Noting you drop that piece of litter. Monitoring you chat innocently enough to the girl from the office opposite. Watching your wife answer the door in her nightie.
There are also three boards on this section of road asking for witnesses to various road accidents and assaults. Of course, they failed to notice them.
Was that a clock I just heard striking thirteen?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
All Aboard.
Spent today testing the new Eurotunnel terminus at St Pancras.
As you would expect it is very modern, glass everywhere, and other than the roof doesn't blend in with the architecture of the hotel to the front on Euston Road. The new bit incorporates many old iron pillars which don't seem out of place until you look at them and then it lust looks a bit strange though not unpleasant. Nice wooden floor arrangement in departure and arrival halls.
I would say it is better than the terminal at Waterloo, more open, more space but that might change when there are more people about. They handled two full trains of passengers at the same time without more than a few seconds delay.
The "journey" involved going to Stratford concrete works International, just 7 minutes away. Not an overly inspiring station at platform level. Maybe it looks better above ground.
Anyway, that's a free return ticket for my troubles so I'll get to visit again for real some time in the next 12 months.
As you would expect it is very modern, glass everywhere, and other than the roof doesn't blend in with the architecture of the hotel to the front on Euston Road. The new bit incorporates many old iron pillars which don't seem out of place until you look at them and then it lust looks a bit strange though not unpleasant. Nice wooden floor arrangement in departure and arrival halls.
I would say it is better than the terminal at Waterloo, more open, more space but that might change when there are more people about. They handled two full trains of passengers at the same time without more than a few seconds delay.
The "journey" involved going to Stratford
Anyway, that's a free return ticket for my troubles so I'll get to visit again for real some time in the next 12 months.
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Special One
No, not Jose.
At Marjs school there is a young child, male, who has started nursery. His parents waited a long time to have him. Indeed, so special is he to them that his name, translated into English from his home tongue means "special one". A fact they remind him of continually. He is 3 years old.
On Tuesday he slapped a teacher round the face. Not an accidental slap due to flailing arms during a temper tantrum but a deliberate strike beacuase he didn't want to do what he had been asked to do.
At the end of the day the headmistress caught his mother and explained what had happened and that they needed to do something about it. Apart from re-iterating that he is "special", the mantra she uses at the beginning of every conversation, as she explained;
"When he does that to us, (his parents), we ask him not to."
Oh well, thats okay then. Hardly going to have a discipline problem with him then in years to come.
But then of course, he is special.
At Marjs school there is a young child, male, who has started nursery. His parents waited a long time to have him. Indeed, so special is he to them that his name, translated into English from his home tongue means "special one". A fact they remind him of continually. He is 3 years old.
On Tuesday he slapped a teacher round the face. Not an accidental slap due to flailing arms during a temper tantrum but a deliberate strike beacuase he didn't want to do what he had been asked to do.
At the end of the day the headmistress caught his mother and explained what had happened and that they needed to do something about it. Apart from re-iterating that he is "special", the mantra she uses at the beginning of every conversation, as she explained;
"When he does that to us, (his parents), we ask him not to."
Oh well, thats okay then. Hardly going to have a discipline problem with him then in years to come.
But then of course, he is special.
Ed Ed Ed
Time for todays education rant.
Dear Labout Government,
You, along with your predecessors from the 60s/70s have tinkered with the education system and it isn't working. Stop It!
No sooner do teachers learn this weeks major policy change than you decide to change it and bring in this years initiative. What with literacy hour, guided reading, catch up reading, Phonics, and a new system of learning which is being introduced as "the answer" there is no consistency and certainly no improvement.
All we hear about is how much better the education system is and you point to how many people come out of school with A grade A Levels. You can dumb the exams down and massage the figures all you like but when Universities, (the real ones that is, not the Fred Bloggs University of Little Clogmorton), have to spend the first term running literacy courses to get the standard of reading up to that required to study degrees, then there's been a major f*ck up somewhere along the way.
Right, I'm off to lie down in a darkened room before my head explodes.
Dear Labout Government,
You, along with your predecessors from the 60s/70s have tinkered with the education system and it isn't working. Stop It!
No sooner do teachers learn this weeks major policy change than you decide to change it and bring in this years initiative. What with literacy hour, guided reading, catch up reading, Phonics, and a new system of learning which is being introduced as "the answer" there is no consistency and certainly no improvement.
All we hear about is how much better the education system is and you point to how many people come out of school with A grade A Levels. You can dumb the exams down and massage the figures all you like but when Universities, (the real ones that is, not the Fred Bloggs University of Little Clogmorton), have to spend the first term running literacy courses to get the standard of reading up to that required to study degrees, then there's been a major f*ck up somewhere along the way.
Right, I'm off to lie down in a darkened room before my head explodes.
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