Electric Scotland
Loads and loads of stuff about our kinsmen north of the border.
via linkfilter
Scotland
Woody
Woodpeckers in Scotland have been attacking wooden telephone poles, so effectively that wastage is ten times higher than expected.
Blog Regime Change!
Ok. Here’s the scoop. Team Spinneyhead requires a weekend retreat to refresh the blog batteries!!!!
I am sure the whole team requires a weekend away either in Scotland or Tuscany, but to continue the practice of global quality content delivery, a BBQ at Team Spinneyhead HQ will suffice.
I dare ask the question, can Spinneyhead management cope with the extra pressure of keeping its core workers content?
Will Spinneyhead Management make an initial commitment and provide a date and list of team events?
We all await management response!
Product Placement
I’m a little lost for inspiration. I’m at page 14 of the Union Jack script and I know what’s got to happen next, but I can’t quite figure out how to say it. The first draft goes-
PAGE 14
1- WOLVERINE wanders across the road in front of UNION JACK’s car. There’s no reason for this, I just know that putting WOLVIE in a comic adds at least ten thousand to the circulation.
2- UNION JACK carries on driving to Scotland.
And Another
Edinburgh this time
Click the image for the full picture
Back in Edinburgh
Hooray! Finally home, but alas, now I cannot get my broadband connection to work. Nothing is ever so easy as it seems.
I will post some good links after I have the time to sort through all the email and junk that has accumulated. I wonder about Mr. P having 230 emails for half a week, it must mean he has given his email address out to even more pr0n swubscription lists.
Oh dear.
The Chair of DEATH
I can breathe! I like breathing, it’s one of the things that separates me from dead people. As part of the house move we went through the time honoured tradition of trying to beg, borrow or steal furniture. Daz’s parents came through, with a big ugly comfy chair for slouching and watching the TV. Except, well, it was a smoker’s chair and the stale fag smell has permeated to its very core (oh, okay, I exaggerate, but I wanted to use the word ‘permeated’ in a post). Within less than five minutes of sitting in the chair my throat started to constrict and I was wheezing. It got a lot worse when I went to bed, with the wheeze progressing to painful hacking coughs and a horrible death rattle/ water on the lungs noise when I tried to breathe. I was beginning to worry that, should I be able to fall asleep, mucus would flood my lungs and I’d never wake. That didn’t happen, but it wasn’t pleasant. The chair is going to be Febreze’d, vac’d and beaten into submission.
Thanks are also due to Alan and Steph for equipment and muscle loaned during the move. Sadly, not even a Vax could lift the stains on the carpet, but I did manage to keep a straight face when the nice lady from the agency said I had obviously looked after the house.
Plans to Puce up the website are on hold, due to my not knowing just what colour Puce is.
It’s good to see the SUA moderating its demands, John has agreed that he doesn’t really need a jacuzzi and he’ll just fart in the bath like everyone else. However, I feel I have to return with a few minor counter demands if this site is to be unionised.
-Spelling and grammar. That means you , Mr. O. Your ‘president’ has problems with the English language, but you’re better than him, so check before you post.
-Help with the Mozilla thing. It’s tables! Surely they are one of the simplest pieces of HTML going. Please don’t tell me Microsoft have screwed with tables.
-A floor to sleep on come Edinburgh Festival and/ or Hogmanay.
-Use of the swivel chair in all future negotiations.
I’m not a masochist, just too damn lazy to go and find another supplier for my broadband.
Alien in Europe
Remember the Sting tune “Alien in New York”? Well, being of American nature, I think we should have a exchange program of politicians serving terms abroad! It might help broaden the horizons of so many shite politicians and give them some appreciation for why things are the way they are. The New York Times this morning tries to solve the riddle of how the world doesn’t like “the best example of freedom and democracy worldwide”. Hmmm. Makes you wonder doesn’t it.
I have been listening to Radio 5 Live quite a bit over the past couple of weeks. It truly is the best news, chat and sports station in the whole UK. My favourite program is called Up All Night and provides some features along with guests from all over the world to debate current UK and world events. Highly informative and worth a listen if you have the chance. Scotland would not seem to be a hot bed of music, but let me tell you the Scnots have some excellent venues and bands. Try listening in to Beat 106 on Sunday evenings from 7 till midnight; there is so much indie and good stuff in them there highlands it’s ridiculous. Manchester and London have nothing on this country. I imagine it’s Scotlands wide availability of drugs and drink that fuel the attempted rockstar lifestyles, but hey, the music is fantastic so no complaints.
One word for a great new band from New York – LONGWAVE – these guys are f*ing awesome. Think all the things that made alternative music right all rolled up into one cool band. Just so you know they are good – Longwave was formed in the suburbs north of NYC.
So that's how the holes get there!
What is it about Americans and Doughnuts (read as “Donuts” if you’re the subject). Especially American cops?
Off to Edinburgh for a day or two next week. Might meet somebody like Tony Blair, but then again I may meet somebody important like the great John O himself. Alternatively, I might end up getting seriously mashed. But that doesn’t preclude the other two, just makes for more interesting blogs afterwards.
Odd sense of English. “Alternatively” shouldn’t really work in the sentence above since you can only have two alternatives. “Optionally” didn’t sound right, due to other connotations, which imply I could or couldn’t do it. It doesn’t really accept the hand of fate (nor alcohol) in getting drunk.
As for it being Monday, it’s one of the better days.
The day I met Tony Blair
Well excitement for me! I ended up saying meeting Tony Blair on the steps of the Hilton Caledonian in Edinburgh yesterday!!! Yeppo, it was me! I said hello, he said hello, it was like a big party! I must admit to being in a small state of shock because in person he doesn’t look like such a pathetic wimp. It’s true, in real life he actually looks a bit like the devil and has much more stature. Gotta admit, he does look like the type of chap you could actually sit down and share a coffee with. I mean, try to imagine sitting down with the quiet man, Mr. Duncan Smith, you would want to top yourself after two minutes of shitty conversation.
War, ugh, what is it good for? Well, absolutely not the economy or world peace! The NY Times this morning points out that America does require at least another Month to get the troops to the frontline, although a bombing capaign could be launched in the first of March. The other point they make is that the US is reluctant to go it alone and may be able to use the monthly Mr. Blix reporting as a way to build a trend of total non-compliance which seems to be a good ploy. How many times does Mr. Blix have to come back to the Secruity Council saying more could be done before the world representatives are backed into a corner?
About the war protests today. Even my brother is going to London to march for the antiwar sentiment. I applaud all those people going and if you think you don’t have democracy here, remember that in New York City today, the protesters have been denied a permit to March, are only allowed on sidewalks (kerb to you limies) for a rally, and the police have encapsulated the protesters into an area that only holds 10,000 people rather than the 100,000+ coming. Makes you wonder about all the hype surrouding freedom and democracy…..Check out this article providing an American viewpoint to how important the London protest is as it could deny Tony Blair concensus in his own country…
And just to make you laugh at those twits at Salon:
“SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14 (AP) � The Salon Media Group, the online magazine publisher, warned today that it might not survive beyond this month if it cannot raise more money to pay its rent and other bills.The company, based in San Francisco, painted a grim financial picture in a quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Things are so bad, Salon said, that it stopped paying the rent for its headquarters in December, prompting the landlord to issue a demand last month for a $200,000 payment.”
Well, Well, Well. NationStates continues to be a prime activity for me these days and my republic is a happy, joyous land of 40 million people.
This is pretty funny. I have found an English to 12 year old AOLer translator. Quite a good joke.
One last note. Why not visit the official WhiteHouse site and get a glimpse of what truly is going on at www.whitehouse.org
Holy Sh*te! The Dead Kennedys Are On Tour
On April 22 this year the famed Dead Kennedys sans one Mr. Jello Biafro will be in Scotland and the UK! How cool is that? I brought the list of tour dates here as it is imperative that every member is society attend one of these land mark events. I mean who could resist listening to the classics like Kill, Kill, Kill the Poor; Holiday in Cambodia; Police Truck; Chickensh*t Conformist Like Your Parents and maybe just a dash of Moon of Marin!!! My god, this will mark a complete return to my youth and invigorate me to enjoy old-school Californian Punk Rock again.
A Letter to Europe – Especially the UK
Although I have been lacking in links to cool and new websites, things have taken a turn for the worse. Constantly in Edinburgh and across the company I work for, persons have been asking me if the USA represents my beliefs. Well, I guess can dispell the notions; but it becomes very iritating to be a voice-piece for the interpretation of American ideals. Ask not what you have done for your country, but ask why you have done it. I hate to use the allmighty arguement along the lines of comparison, but I do believe if more people had experiences abroad, especialy the economically underpriveldged, understanding and sympathy would be in the air.
Enough of my rant, things will get better post GW. If GW persists in power for another four years it is just a sign of popular discontent with crap econmic and social conditions. After one boom and bust cycle, my retirement might see one more. I hope to be on the good side.
Edinburgh fire cause 'unknown'
Though it’s not thought to be suspicious we will never know why the Old Town burnt down.
Four colour world
Mark Millar, writer of some of the best (and best selling) superhero books of the moment is certain that we’re not just living in the future, we’re living in a comic book.
…a doctor friend of mine was telling me that six Muslim extremists had been arrested in Edinburgh last week before they could scatter anthrax over our country’s major New Year’s Eve celebrations from hang-gliders. All that’s missing from these scenarios is the eleven-page brawl and the witty one-liners…
The Lakes and Then There Is Oban
Ok. So I was supposed to go to Dublin leaving tomorrow and now I find myself sitting in Oban, Scotland, enjoying the ultimate in Scottish tourism industry. It is BEAUTIFUL! I dare say Mr. P that it might even rival the lakes for peace and tranquility, plus the concept of land massess taller than 200feet (read the small hills plaguing The Lakes) is interesting. The city sits on a small port and we have just come back from dinner at the Lourdes Hotel (no, Madonna was not here trying to conceive!) where they put out fresh bowls of boiled jumbo prawns and an assortment of deep fried something on every table. Can’t beat that!
Anyway, commenting on the first cloned person born – the event lasted a whole five minutes in the media. Just a couple of clips from the BBC and no grand discussions about the ethics and morality involved. The New York Times rated it a page 16 mention, although I do believe they were jealous that the US lost out to Canada in the genetics race…..Where is South Park when you need it?
Oh and in other news. The Washington Times has a brilliant commentary on how the War on Terrorism is funded by California and Methaamphetine labs owned by Hezbolla and other terrorist factions. A must read – scroll down to the commentary section.
Ho Ho Ho
Merry Christmas and all that jazz. Edinburgh was awash in Santa hats and expensive packages for the gift of giving. I have been busily reading away at North Koreas latest move into the nuclear arms race. Very interesting stuff and I believe they are just “messin” with the good old boys in Washington, but it paints a very frightful picture of the world. Things can change so quickly and something must be done about how agressive the US has become. Call me an ex-pat bleeding heart liberal but about 4 years back the last thing on the public radar was global war. What is a peace loving hippy like myself to do?
1988pw (pre web)
Ian God bless you are finally safe and home in the Lakes! I will see you on the other side.
So once more I will spout useless artifacts from the web. I have found the Lord and he is resting on emulation sites. Before all this hab-dashery of the web junk there was true dial-up!!!! No, I pledge, it was devoted to useless children of an ungodly age, read fifteen, a place online where all the hearts where content!
Anyone remember Telnet and it’s god-awful approach to BBS’ing and long distance phone calls. I need more RBBS-PC in my life without the price of phone calls. Beejeebus, get me some 1200bps modems and a x286 box running a 40meg drive and I will be happy. Things are much too complicated in the internet land.
On a serious note, before Blogger, geeks had the right to customise their gear and try to get the most hits via the old fashioned telephone.
Can anyone name me one of the best online games from the 1989 days? I thought not……..Just a quick challenge – Send me five and I will send you an Edinburgh Scotland Fringe Festival T-Shirt. No cheating over the old google, as a few of us old dogs remember our day.
Jack Frost
Edinburgh is coated with a deep white frost this morning and it feels marvelous! All the way to the office humming christmas carols and thinking about baking some cookies tonight. The office is nearly empty as all have bade farewell until January and the jovial spirit if those remaining makes it fun to be at work.
“My God, John O, you must have gone mad, far to happy for this time of year”, you say? No not really. After four years of living down south and the Northwest, this is the first time I feel as though its Christmas. People are far more festive in Scotland and to some degree it is infectous. I even have a cold, afresh with runny nose and sinus that makes my head feel like exploding. What else says cold weather and warm hot toddies, possibly some mulled wine sitting in front of an open fire?
It will all be over to quickly, and those New Year resolutions will be meaningless by Monday, 6th January, 2003, but for most people this holiday isn’t even about religion anymore. It is an opportunity to stop with busy lives and enjoy some downtime. Getting out of bed late for the next two weeks and not having to rush about will be the best thing ever. I have decided that me and Christmas Holidays are super-dooper-bestest friends. Oh and I forgot to mention, unlike you uncivlised people elsewhere, 2nd January is also a holiday! Take that London!
Proceed with caution
Yes indeed. Do not get extremely drunk and then attempt to blog. What was i thinking. The shopping here in Edinburgh is insane! I have not seen such activity since my mom and dad used to take us into New York City! Truly amazing. Saw James Bond movie last night for the second time, and I must admit the whole thing wasn’t very impressive. Also, I couldn’t figure out why everyone thinks Halle Berry is the business. She really is just another good looking skinny girl with ample flesh in the right places!
Mia Culpa: not
ok. so you source out resouces to make a task work. Prince2 readers will no doubt find this completely assinine.
Been out in Edinburgh tonight and have noticed hilarity ensues as always. Why is when I dress like a bum people don’t hesitate to give me money?
Change business structure, integrity and incorporate some flat out rules – you end up with Ians worst nightmare! All jokes aside, someone tried to appoint me as a primary business resource only though I have been at the company two months.
The dark overlord, supreme commanfer, number one at helm of this blog will testffy that idiotic corporate notions cannot be met. Hence my fear. I wish I was M. Frost, thus negating the need for something better than sliced bread.
PS to Ians Mother: Good job. I think he is a good ‘un. Mrs.Pattinson I am drunk