I managed to sit down and watch the Queen: Live AT Wembley DVD which I received for Christmas whilst I started the post-move paperwork shuffle.
I won't say too much as most of it has been said over the years. Freddie Mercury was a great performer and entertainer. I consider him one of the best front-men in the business, and he had one of the greatest singing voices to go with it. His early death through AIDS was a great loss, and I still remember hearing the radio when it was announced on the news. At least his legacy as a musician, and in helping to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS lives on. He is ion many ways one of my heroes.
It is too easy to forget the rest of Queen. John Deacon and Roger Taylor are a good rhythm section. Brian May is a underrated guitarist, and in my opinion was the strongest song writer in the group. It was also unusual to have a band in which every member was a good enough singer that they could sing lead vocals if they wanted[*].
As an added bonus, I have finally ejected Nickleback from my head. I quite enjoy them, but it is my wife's favourite driving music and various snatches of their songs have been stuck in my head for about a fortnight. It is a relief to have Freddie and Brian going over 'Is this the world we created?' instead.
*Somebody please gag Phil Collins
26 February 2009
23 February 2009
If only I were a Duck
I could fly to work.
The one substantial downside of our lovely new house is that we are now about four and half miles from my place of work (and my wife's place of study) instead of a little over one mile. Previously I had a gentle fifteen or twenty minute walk to the office. Now my options are:
Bus: an hour, or possibly more in the evening if the traffic is particularly heavy.
Walk: an hour and fifteen or twenty minutes.
Cycle: twenty five or thirty minutes.
Even if I could drive, which I can't, I wouldn't.
I won't catch the bus unless I absolutely have to. Not only does it cost money, but there are other people there (which makes me nervous) and lots of them (which makes me even more nervous). It also grates a little to catch a bus when it is almost as quick for me to walk.
Ultimately, cycling will be a good thing. My general fitness will improve. I will feel less guilty about having an expensive bike which I rarely use. Coming into work and getting home after substantial exercise will tend to improve my short term mood.
I worry that if I wake up and am feeling low, I will be even less inclined to face up to the cycle than I would have been to the much shorter walk. Most of the cycle is on quiet roads or off road cycle paths, so it quite safe, and my usual fear of cycling on roads is minimised.
One of the few things that has always consistently been true from all of my experiences of various health and mental health professionals is that exercise is a positive thing. The short term boost of chemicals may only be short term, but it does boost me for a while, and sometimes that boost can be enough to get me out of the rut for a day. A day that may then turn into a week. All I need is for my body not to collapse in a heap for me.
One thing that irritates me more is the doubling of travel time. I now have even less time to do useful things (and play WoW). At least I won't be catching the bus every day.
The one substantial downside of our lovely new house is that we are now about four and half miles from my place of work (and my wife's place of study) instead of a little over one mile. Previously I had a gentle fifteen or twenty minute walk to the office. Now my options are:
Bus: an hour, or possibly more in the evening if the traffic is particularly heavy.
Walk: an hour and fifteen or twenty minutes.
Cycle: twenty five or thirty minutes.
Even if I could drive, which I can't, I wouldn't.
I won't catch the bus unless I absolutely have to. Not only does it cost money, but there are other people there (which makes me nervous) and lots of them (which makes me even more nervous). It also grates a little to catch a bus when it is almost as quick for me to walk.
Ultimately, cycling will be a good thing. My general fitness will improve. I will feel less guilty about having an expensive bike which I rarely use. Coming into work and getting home after substantial exercise will tend to improve my short term mood.
I worry that if I wake up and am feeling low, I will be even less inclined to face up to the cycle than I would have been to the much shorter walk. Most of the cycle is on quiet roads or off road cycle paths, so it quite safe, and my usual fear of cycling on roads is minimised.
One of the few things that has always consistently been true from all of my experiences of various health and mental health professionals is that exercise is a positive thing. The short term boost of chemicals may only be short term, but it does boost me for a while, and sometimes that boost can be enough to get me out of the rut for a day. A day that may then turn into a week. All I need is for my body not to collapse in a heap for me.
One thing that irritates me more is the doubling of travel time. I now have even less time to do useful things (and play WoW). At least I won't be catching the bus every day.
17 February 2009
New nest
After all of the usual stress and hassle, the Lovely Lady Duck and I have moved into our new nest. We are now home-owners; hurrah. I shall take some pictures soon, or to be precise when we have finished tidying. Unfortunately, after a long weekend for the move, I am now back at work; harrumph.
26 January 2009
Excellent customer service
People often use the internet to complain about bad service, or how they were diddled by unscrupulous companies. Such events are frustrating, and it can be useful to vent. It can also be pointless, counter-productive and petty.
So, here is a happy little tale of a company making an effort and providing some excellent service.
At Christmas, my wife and I received some gifts as cash. We tucked the envelopes inside the case of a DVD that I had also received (the classic Queen at Wembley concert), so as to keep the money safe and together. Unfortunately, both my Father and my in-laws purchased the same DVD for me (as useful as it is the Amazon wish list system is flawed in some ways). We returned one of the DVDs to Amazon using their normal returns policy. Only a day or so afterwards did we realise that the DVD we sent back was the one with the money in.
At this point I completely fell to pieces; it was largely my fault, it was stupid in the extreme, and I couldn't deal with having to try to sort it out. Fortunately, my better half is made of sterner stuff, and made a series of phone calls to Amazon and assorted Royal Mail facilities.
A lass at Amazon customer services immediately grasped the issue, and with her colleagues at the returns facility, went out of her way to track down our package and return the money to us. There was little obligation, either as individuals or a company, for them to do that, and the trouble and effort I put them to was much appreciated.
Now I am sure we can all sit and yarn about how Amazon have screwed us over in the past and how they are the spawn of all evil. Good things do happen, remember that and all the times when things also occurred exactly as they should have done.
(Consider confirmation bias and related effects).
So, here is a happy little tale of a company making an effort and providing some excellent service.
At Christmas, my wife and I received some gifts as cash. We tucked the envelopes inside the case of a DVD that I had also received (the classic Queen at Wembley concert), so as to keep the money safe and together. Unfortunately, both my Father and my in-laws purchased the same DVD for me (as useful as it is the Amazon wish list system is flawed in some ways). We returned one of the DVDs to Amazon using their normal returns policy. Only a day or so afterwards did we realise that the DVD we sent back was the one with the money in.
At this point I completely fell to pieces; it was largely my fault, it was stupid in the extreme, and I couldn't deal with having to try to sort it out. Fortunately, my better half is made of sterner stuff, and made a series of phone calls to Amazon and assorted Royal Mail facilities.
A lass at Amazon customer services immediately grasped the issue, and with her colleagues at the returns facility, went out of her way to track down our package and return the money to us. There was little obligation, either as individuals or a company, for them to do that, and the trouble and effort I put them to was much appreciated.
Now I am sure we can all sit and yarn about how Amazon have screwed us over in the past and how they are the spawn of all evil. Good things do happen, remember that and all the times when things also occurred exactly as they should have done.
(Consider confirmation bias and related effects).
22 January 2009
Silly question list meme thing
I have always been opposed to silly question list meme things, but it is a handy thing to keep in storage against not being able to be bothered to make a proper post. So, stolen from Aethelread The Unread, here is a silly question list meme thing.
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing?
No. I dislike blue cheese. Did you know that the odour of blue cheeses is caused by a bacterium closely related to the type that causes the smell of feet?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_cheese
2. Favourite late night snack?
I try not to eat close to going to sleep. I am rarely up late in the first place to be honest.
3. Do you own a gun?
Nope.
4. What’s your favourite drink at Starbucks or other speciality coffee shop?
Hot chocolate. Although I am one of the irritating types who enjoys going in to Starbucks and asking for a medium coffee please.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
It varies depending on my state of mind and the doctor.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I'd rather have a kebab. That shouldn't be taken as implying that I like kebabs.
7. Favourite Christmas song?
Lonely This Christmas by Mud or the one by the drunk Irish guy and Kirsty MacColl. I think they adequately sum up my feelings about Christmas.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the mornings?
Usually water or weak squash, sometimes tea, I should drink fruit juice
9. Can you do push-ups?
Indeed I can, although not that many at the moment. In fact, even fewer at the moment, I slipped up walking to walk and bashed my shoulder.
10. What’s your favourite piece of jewellery?
As a category on me; a simple cross on a chain. A particular item on me; my wedding ring. On other people; it varies.
11. Favourite hobby?
Playing World of Warcraft. Muttermuttermutter.
12. Do you have A.D.D.?
Nope, although my concentration is very poor and cute fluffy things distract me very easily. Bunny!
13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I'm only allowed one? Sulk.
14. The last disease you contracted?
I can't remember having a disease. I had a bit of a dodgy tummy before Christmas.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
Ten minutes until I can leave work. I really should do some work in those last ten minutes. Urghghhh.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
Water. Squash. Lemonade and lime.
17. Current worry right now?
Hahahahaha. No wait, I am supposed to be thinking happy thoughts. Bad question, don't do that again.
18. Current hate right now?
Me. Bad question, I shall have to send you to the naughty step.
19. Favourite place to be?
Somewhere warm, comfortable, with good food, my lovely wife, and preferably an internet connection so I can play WoW.
20. How did you ring in the new year?
With my wife and my best man and his wife, playing a board game about zombies.
Brrrrainzzzzzz.
21. Like to travel?
Yes and no. Probably mostly no. But sometimes yes.
22. Name three people who will complete Sunday Stealing this week.
No idea, but I suspect my Sunday will be stolen by WoW.
23. Do you own slippers?
Yes. They really need a wash.
24. What colour shirt are you wearing?
Black with very tiny little white dots in lines.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
I have no idea.
26. Can you whistle?
Not very well.
27. Favourite singer/ band?
Depends on mood, location, frame of mind, recent listening trends, colour of socks, blah.
28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor?
I doubt it; I would likely be arrested for doing vicious and illegal things to the rest of the idiot retards that usually turn up on those sorts of programs.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
None, people are arrested for lesser offences.
30. Favourite girl’s names?
Something nice and Germanic, or Scandinavian.
31. Favourite boy’s names?
See above.
32. What’s in your pocket right now?
Handkerchief.
33. Last thing that made you laugh?
I can't really remember. Not because it was a long time ago, but because my memory is rubbish.
34. Like your job?
Yes. If I only I was better at it and applied myself to it more.
35. Daffodils.
36. Do you love where you live?
Aye, pretty much.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house?
One, and that is one too many.
38. Who is your loudest friend?
I am not really sure.
39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed?
I can't drive. I have occasionally broken the speed limit on my bicycle, but I try to avoid it as much as possible.
40. Does someone have a crush on you?
I have no idea. The hamster snuffles at me sometimes when I give her chocolate, does that count?
41. What’s your favourite book?
I won't limit myself to one. See also my answer to question 27.
42. What is your favourite candy?
Mmm, Candy Shrimps. However, assuming this is the American meaning of candy, see answers to questions 41 and 27.
43. Favourite sports team?
My favourite? I am not sure that I have one. The team I probably get most attached to watching is probably the Irish rugby team. Maybe the Welsh.
44. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Sleeping.
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?
Mostly angry thoughts aimed at me because I deliberately set my alarm later so I could have a little extra sleep and woke up half an hour earlier than usual instead.
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing?
No. I dislike blue cheese. Did you know that the odour of blue cheeses is caused by a bacterium closely related to the type that causes the smell of feet?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_cheese
2. Favourite late night snack?
I try not to eat close to going to sleep. I am rarely up late in the first place to be honest.
3. Do you own a gun?
Nope.
4. What’s your favourite drink at Starbucks or other speciality coffee shop?
Hot chocolate. Although I am one of the irritating types who enjoys going in to Starbucks and asking for a medium coffee please.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
It varies depending on my state of mind and the doctor.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
I'd rather have a kebab. That shouldn't be taken as implying that I like kebabs.
7. Favourite Christmas song?
Lonely This Christmas by Mud or the one by the drunk Irish guy and Kirsty MacColl. I think they adequately sum up my feelings about Christmas.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the mornings?
Usually water or weak squash, sometimes tea, I should drink fruit juice
9. Can you do push-ups?
Indeed I can, although not that many at the moment. In fact, even fewer at the moment, I slipped up walking to walk and bashed my shoulder.
10. What’s your favourite piece of jewellery?
As a category on me; a simple cross on a chain. A particular item on me; my wedding ring. On other people; it varies.
11. Favourite hobby?
Playing World of Warcraft. Muttermuttermutter.
12. Do you have A.D.D.?
Nope, although my concentration is very poor and cute fluffy things distract me very easily. Bunny!
13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I'm only allowed one? Sulk.
14. The last disease you contracted?
I can't remember having a disease. I had a bit of a dodgy tummy before Christmas.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
Ten minutes until I can leave work. I really should do some work in those last ten minutes. Urghghhh.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
Water. Squash. Lemonade and lime.
17. Current worry right now?
Hahahahaha. No wait, I am supposed to be thinking happy thoughts. Bad question, don't do that again.
18. Current hate right now?
Me. Bad question, I shall have to send you to the naughty step.
19. Favourite place to be?
Somewhere warm, comfortable, with good food, my lovely wife, and preferably an internet connection so I can play WoW.
20. How did you ring in the new year?
With my wife and my best man and his wife, playing a board game about zombies.
Brrrrainzzzzzz.
21. Like to travel?
Yes and no. Probably mostly no. But sometimes yes.
22. Name three people who will complete Sunday Stealing this week.
No idea, but I suspect my Sunday will be stolen by WoW.
23. Do you own slippers?
Yes. They really need a wash.
24. What colour shirt are you wearing?
Black with very tiny little white dots in lines.
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
I have no idea.
26. Can you whistle?
Not very well.
27. Favourite singer/ band?
Depends on mood, location, frame of mind, recent listening trends, colour of socks, blah.
28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor?
I doubt it; I would likely be arrested for doing vicious and illegal things to the rest of the idiot retards that usually turn up on those sorts of programs.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
None, people are arrested for lesser offences.
30. Favourite girl’s names?
Something nice and Germanic, or Scandinavian.
31. Favourite boy’s names?
See above.
32. What’s in your pocket right now?
Handkerchief.
33. Last thing that made you laugh?
I can't really remember. Not because it was a long time ago, but because my memory is rubbish.
34. Like your job?
Yes. If I only I was better at it and applied myself to it more.
35. Daffodils.
36. Do you love where you live?
Aye, pretty much.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house?
One, and that is one too many.
38. Who is your loudest friend?
I am not really sure.
39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed?
I can't drive. I have occasionally broken the speed limit on my bicycle, but I try to avoid it as much as possible.
40. Does someone have a crush on you?
I have no idea. The hamster snuffles at me sometimes when I give her chocolate, does that count?
41. What’s your favourite book?
I won't limit myself to one. See also my answer to question 27.
42. What is your favourite candy?
Mmm, Candy Shrimps. However, assuming this is the American meaning of candy, see answers to questions 41 and 27.
43. Favourite sports team?
My favourite? I am not sure that I have one. The team I probably get most attached to watching is probably the Irish rugby team. Maybe the Welsh.
44. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Sleeping.
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?
Mostly angry thoughts aimed at me because I deliberately set my alarm later so I could have a little extra sleep and woke up half an hour earlier than usual instead.
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