Was marked by a bunch of thunderstorms and rainfalls. Did some washing, got irritated in Sainsbury's and lifted a bunch of words from previous drafts. A bit of tinkering and it might be okay. Possibly.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Finding the Good Stuff
More good stuff from The Obvious. Plus, I have a half-baked theory that hyperlinks aren't what they used to be, and so without all this blog-referring, Google would grind to a halt.
Last Weekend of Summer
1. Saturday seemed to have lots of things on offer, not the least of which was a pedalo tournament that the fixed-gear hipsters were putting on. I realised I should probably spend time with people I actually know, rather than hanging around. Later reports revealed what looked to be a blast, Team Zissou outfits, and altercations with the cops and pedalo police. Bright Times, as they would say.
2. Instead, I met up with John at Ferdandez & Wells. Fernandez, or possibly Wells, seem to think that we were together. Sat in the sun, talked bikes ate out Spanish cheese and ham sandwiches with ginger beer. Then a coffee at the Nordic Bakery round the corner, although sadly no cinnamon buns. Talk of why Vista isn't so bad, followed by a quick Brompton ride to Victoria Station.
3. Whitstable. Spent the first half of the journey listening to a 28-year old Irish woman discussing her last night out, how she got high, and was flirted with by some friends, one of whom did it in that teasing manner. She was off to see two "little gay friends" in W. As this suggests, she talked loudly. Still, joie de vivre. Whitstable was warm, slightly boho, slightly smug, slightly East End. Missed the barbeque, but sat around and went for a walk on the Street, which stretches out into the sea at low tide. It was slippery, had the tang of salt, and was covered in tasty looking green seaweed and tiny white and brown crabs. Mike had some friends over, and it was amusing to see him being teased by them.
4. Back. Listened to the Boo Radley's albums in sequence, post Wake Up!. Always guaranteed to make a slightly emotional but enjoyable journey, especially if you put the nostalgia, age-related stuff on one side. Each one is so focused, and so committed, exploring a couple of themes, such as where to live, relationships, not settling for average, remembering childhood. Nothing that is said is particularly new, and I'm told they happily reworked tunes, but still a fantastic series of albums. Most of which got a 10 from the NME. Odd how they are largely forgotten, it seems, and relegated to the heavy drinking, joking around at festivals, wacky side of things, when, along with Spiritualized, they made the best set of albums bar none in the 1990s.
5. Today, however, is wet. This is a good thing, as I really have to try and get some re-writing done. Although it's really writing. I just can't seem to get this thing done.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Friday, 29 August 2008
What's new
1. "The government is listening"
2. Ryan Adams lashes out.
3. McCain goes for opposites.
4. I get an email from Boston.
2. Ryan Adams lashes out.
3. McCain goes for opposites.
4. I get an email from Boston.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
tits
left wallet at work. At least I hope I did. Roll on tomorrow...
Excitement of the evening: Obama's speech and Gray's Anatomy. I must get out more.
Excitement of the evening: Obama's speech and Gray's Anatomy. I must get out more.
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
August passes
1. A trip back to Somerset. Highlights included some waterpistols, and a descent of Cheddar (80km).
2. Exhibition continues to be a lot of work: editing, re-editing, discussing what panels go where.
3. Enjoyed the final Olympics ceremony, not least Boris not dropping the flat, and Chris Hoy on a Brompton.
2. Exhibition continues to be a lot of work: editing, re-editing, discussing what panels go where.
3. Enjoyed the final Olympics ceremony, not least Boris not dropping the flat, and Chris Hoy on a Brompton.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Red Bull
1. I went to the bike polo tournament in Shoreditch afterall. And took a lot of photos. And drank two cans of red bull. And helped a unicyclist climb a big rock. Really. And today there was a radio show about couriers, with Nhatt and Buffalo Bill. Not that I have a real clue who these people are, but red bull messes with your head.
2. This was a bit of a twist. When the national library has it in for you, what's left? And, ironically, I'm a big Gordon fan. The Telegraph is such a rag these days.
2. This was a bit of a twist. When the national library has it in for you, what's left? And, ironically, I'm a big Gordon fan. The Telegraph is such a rag these days.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Weekend
1. I woke up early, so joined a couple of work colleagues for a cycle ride. Notched up 77 miles, a pint at the Spaniards, and a trip around Hertford.
2. Nap and a shower. Then some noodles and a film with F. Went to the Prince Charles, perhaps the best cinema in London, and saw In Bruge, which wasn't really dark or comedic enough; rather Film 4 in production values, but definately one of the better recent releases.
3. Am tempted by bike polo tomorrow, but suspect I won't go.
4. I have a new laptop. A Dell M1330, which seems very indulgent. Still getting used to the keyboard and warm palm rest, as well as Vista's quirks, but its a revelation to have a modern PC that runs at a decent speed, has a DVD drive, connects fairly well to the internet, etc.
On reflection, the last couple of days would probably have impressed me ten years ago.
2. Nap and a shower. Then some noodles and a film with F. Went to the Prince Charles, perhaps the best cinema in London, and saw In Bruge, which wasn't really dark or comedic enough; rather Film 4 in production values, but definately one of the better recent releases.
3. Am tempted by bike polo tomorrow, but suspect I won't go.
4. I have a new laptop. A Dell M1330, which seems very indulgent. Still getting used to the keyboard and warm palm rest, as well as Vista's quirks, but its a revelation to have a modern PC that runs at a decent speed, has a DVD drive, connects fairly well to the internet, etc.
On reflection, the last couple of days would probably have impressed me ten years ago.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
On a lighter note
The pub over the road seems to have been adopted by some wannabe hipster couriers, except they look like damaged ex-punks. Lots of one-legged trouser rolls, road bikes, and self-conscious oiling of chains.
Eager to Please
This is, I suspect, one of my many faults. Today, I realised I messed up reading Outlook's calendar (which is pretty easy to do, given how slow it is at populating months with appointments) and booked a day off to catch up with the chapter that's due for Friday, and wait in for a parcel that was supposed to arrive on Monday (otherwise it will be sent back). Plus I spent all of Sat. and most of Sunday working, so could do with a break.
I email an apology for the meeting I decided I could reluctantly miss (prob. the second in two years on this project), but am clearly coming across as rude and incompetent, when in reality I am not particularly needed, and the person most concerned will be there.
But, I know this is a little rude, and my fault, so now I feel shitty and will have this evening and tomorrow ruined. I know I shouldn't really care, and just say Fuck You, but I clearly have no balls.
On the plus side, a reminder of how difficult it is to co-ordinate things with a lot of people, esp. when you're not really in charge, and can only go through the motions of approving things, when in reality it all happens in meetings off-stage. Lesson 2: always phone to cancel meetings, rather than a chicken email.
I email an apology for the meeting I decided I could reluctantly miss (prob. the second in two years on this project), but am clearly coming across as rude and incompetent, when in reality I am not particularly needed, and the person most concerned will be there.
But, I know this is a little rude, and my fault, so now I feel shitty and will have this evening and tomorrow ruined. I know I shouldn't really care, and just say Fuck You, but I clearly have no balls.
On the plus side, a reminder of how difficult it is to co-ordinate things with a lot of people, esp. when you're not really in charge, and can only go through the motions of approving things, when in reality it all happens in meetings off-stage. Lesson 2: always phone to cancel meetings, rather than a chicken email.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Unpleasant
I popped back home for any early lunch, in hopes of being in for a parcel delivery (which I missed, of course. One of the things that I miss about Dolphin Square).
On the cycle path up Royal College Street, which I have written to Camden about (no response), I saw the same Condor as mine, under a black car, which had clearly just turned across the cycle route. The cyclist was being attended to by paramedics, and was on oxygen. He looked unconscious. I couldn't do anything, so just had to cycle by slowly (so as not to cause trouble). Worryingly, they were all still there on my way back. Hope he's okay. Not reflecting on the dangers of it, given this is just one statistic, but may reassess using that cycle path again. Nearly every day you see someone almost getting hit.
Ploughed on with the Exhibition book editing, which is much improved, and the rather ropey interactive. Worked till 8; must push on.
On the cycle path up Royal College Street, which I have written to Camden about (no response), I saw the same Condor as mine, under a black car, which had clearly just turned across the cycle route. The cyclist was being attended to by paramedics, and was on oxygen. He looked unconscious. I couldn't do anything, so just had to cycle by slowly (so as not to cause trouble). Worryingly, they were all still there on my way back. Hope he's okay. Not reflecting on the dangers of it, given this is just one statistic, but may reassess using that cycle path again. Nearly every day you see someone almost getting hit.
Ploughed on with the Exhibition book editing, which is much improved, and the rather ropey interactive. Worked till 8; must push on.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Supplies
I have managed to go to the supermarket. I think everyone was in a slight daze, although Sainsbury's was not as manic as it can be.
So, I get my stuff, basically, something citrus looking, something green, and bunch of cereals, some fish, duck and pork, and head to the counter. The person in front of me needs a pen to sign something, so I hand over my Mitsubishi that knocks around in my Chrome bag (this is sounding very Bateman-esque entry). They leave, and I start to have my stuff scanned. The counter guy says he's seen me around the store before with the bag, and chats about saving the planet, etc. I don't have a store-card, and he tells me it's probably for the best as they spy on you. What with that and him complaining about the cost of food, I suspect The Management would be unhappy. On the other hand, the whole checkout experience becomes much more human, and I leave with a warmer feeling than I would otherwise.
One salmon and dolcelatte bagel later (not the best combo), I am preparing to get some writing done. Outside, it is miserable - windy and wet. Inside, I am doing some washing. Not really Sunday activity. Looking at the Facebook feeds, I think I currently know more people who are physically in Boston than I do in London.
So, I get my stuff, basically, something citrus looking, something green, and bunch of cereals, some fish, duck and pork, and head to the counter. The person in front of me needs a pen to sign something, so I hand over my Mitsubishi that knocks around in my Chrome bag (this is sounding very Bateman-esque entry). They leave, and I start to have my stuff scanned. The counter guy says he's seen me around the store before with the bag, and chats about saving the planet, etc. I don't have a store-card, and he tells me it's probably for the best as they spy on you. What with that and him complaining about the cost of food, I suspect The Management would be unhappy. On the other hand, the whole checkout experience becomes much more human, and I leave with a warmer feeling than I would otherwise.
One salmon and dolcelatte bagel later (not the best combo), I am preparing to get some writing done. Outside, it is miserable - windy and wet. Inside, I am doing some washing. Not really Sunday activity. Looking at the Facebook feeds, I think I currently know more people who are physically in Boston than I do in London.
Friday, 8 August 2008
Friday Night
I am listening to Any Questions on Radio 4, which is coming from Somerset. Paddy Ashdown seems to be enjoying himself. I am not (even though it's not a bad show this evening). Why? Well, my fingers and toes are tingling like crazy, so I'm imagining all kinds of dreadful diseases, I have a cold, a headache, a flatmate's house guest (which is actually fine, but I'll throw it into the mix), still waiting for laptop to arrive, so expect this to crash any moment, and have the prospect of a wet Saturday and a day in the office tomorrow. This is basically warm up for trying to edit a chapter for a volume that is due on the 15th, and which I am not at all happy. The day was spent on labels and worringly about the gizmo for The Exhibition.
I think I have a sense of what I want to say (which is something about sentimentality and images of the popular classes), but feel little reason to say it, except as some some of simulacrum of scholarly work. Although rather cheeringly, I sat down with a second-hand copy of Sorel on Napoleon, which was once owned by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, the jay-walking global historian (picked up at the bargain price on Charing Cross Road). Sorel is quite lively as a writer, and FF-A's comments (some in French) are spritely, too. What is cheering, though, is that quite clearly he started well, and ran out of steam about page 46.
The Olympics have also begun. Rather sadly, I am sort of looking forward to watching the fireworks on the TV (or YouTube, as I must have missed it). I rather enjoyed the Australian ones.
I think I have a sense of what I want to say (which is something about sentimentality and images of the popular classes), but feel little reason to say it, except as some some of simulacrum of scholarly work. Although rather cheeringly, I sat down with a second-hand copy of Sorel on Napoleon, which was once owned by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, the jay-walking global historian (picked up at the bargain price on Charing Cross Road). Sorel is quite lively as a writer, and FF-A's comments (some in French) are spritely, too. What is cheering, though, is that quite clearly he started well, and ran out of steam about page 46.
The Olympics have also begun. Rather sadly, I am sort of looking forward to watching the fireworks on the TV (or YouTube, as I must have missed it). I rather enjoyed the Australian ones.
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Blue Screen of Death
My computer hasn't had one of these for a while, but last night it decided to crash twice, losing most of the evening's work. Annoying.
Spent this morning in a darkened room, learning more about the CMS. Spent most of the time wondering how the program worked, what -1 means in Pearl or Java (infinity, basically), and how the program could be better. In theory, it makes sense, but it's far to complicated, unautomated, and the interface is terrible in the post Web 2.0 world.
Attempted to write labels in the afternoon, but read up on the philosophy of law instead. I suspect this is anglocentric, but I wonder what accounts for the importance of Hobbes, Locke, Bentham, Austin? I suspect a primer written elsewhere would emphasize others. Am happier, however, with one of the definitions of natural law, which is the rule of God worked out on earth, by rational beings (and then Grotius broke the link between the moral law and a supreme being).
Spent this morning in a darkened room, learning more about the CMS. Spent most of the time wondering how the program worked, what -1 means in Pearl or Java (infinity, basically), and how the program could be better. In theory, it makes sense, but it's far to complicated, unautomated, and the interface is terrible in the post Web 2.0 world.
Attempted to write labels in the afternoon, but read up on the philosophy of law instead. I suspect this is anglocentric, but I wonder what accounts for the importance of Hobbes, Locke, Bentham, Austin? I suspect a primer written elsewhere would emphasize others. Am happier, however, with one of the definitions of natural law, which is the rule of God worked out on earth, by rational beings (and then Grotius broke the link between the moral law and a supreme being).
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Bump
Down to earth with a.
Feeling rather tired, and not a little glum, now that the trip to Edinburgh is over. Spent the day being told about the new Content Management System, which is super clunky, and is abbreviated to CMS, which made me think of the Centre for Medieval Studies. Blue Screen of Death stopped me getting on with some writing, this evening so have been distracted with R4, and a pot of yoghurt, as well as wondering what the guy over the road is doing with a specialized carbon bike. He looks like the messenger out of Spaced, just a bit older. I also hear a whiskey whispering my name...
I have been reading Scarlett Thomas's The End of Mr. Y., which was lent to me. Recommendations usually stop me reading something, but I persisted with this one. It's pretty good, rather fun, with a bit of a resemblance (at least in terms of heroine with rather ropey back-story) to Ian Bank's Whit. And a bit of The Ring meets a Catherine Fox novel. However, it irritated me with its belief in c19th dust-jackets (or was this a device to undermine the narrator's trustworthiness) and a misunderstanding about the location of "My Documents" on networked university PCs (ditto; both rather geeky points and hence should be ruled out of literary crit. court). The author has spent too long in a library. Interestingly, one of the National Express staff chatted with me a little about the book as she refilled my coffee (thank you, First Advance), saying she'd heard it was good, and was thinking of reading it. (Clearly, takes the opposite view of recommendations to me, and warily approaches texts.) I predict a film.
I am also about to be in print, wittering on about The Exhibition, in a journal aimed, it seems, at foreign tourists. I display a remarkable knowledge of Hollywood starlets (filled in for me by the journalist), and a silly story about Germaine Greer. Oddly, the best thing about it is the photograph. Got some more hints from the designers as well: the logo reminds me of Funny Feet ice-lollies that I used to enjoy as a child.
More grumpiness: I seem to have been afflicted by a minor cold, which has led to also sorts of crazy speculations, such as the need for a kettle with a torch on the spout for dark-kitchen tea making expeditions.
Feeling rather tired, and not a little glum, now that the trip to Edinburgh is over. Spent the day being told about the new Content Management System, which is super clunky, and is abbreviated to CMS, which made me think of the Centre for Medieval Studies. Blue Screen of Death stopped me getting on with some writing, this evening so have been distracted with R4, and a pot of yoghurt, as well as wondering what the guy over the road is doing with a specialized carbon bike. He looks like the messenger out of Spaced, just a bit older. I also hear a whiskey whispering my name...
I have been reading Scarlett Thomas's The End of Mr. Y., which was lent to me. Recommendations usually stop me reading something, but I persisted with this one. It's pretty good, rather fun, with a bit of a resemblance (at least in terms of heroine with rather ropey back-story) to Ian Bank's Whit. And a bit of The Ring meets a Catherine Fox novel. However, it irritated me with its belief in c19th dust-jackets (or was this a device to undermine the narrator's trustworthiness) and a misunderstanding about the location of "My Documents" on networked university PCs (ditto; both rather geeky points and hence should be ruled out of literary crit. court). The author has spent too long in a library. Interestingly, one of the National Express staff chatted with me a little about the book as she refilled my coffee (thank you, First Advance), saying she'd heard it was good, and was thinking of reading it. (Clearly, takes the opposite view of recommendations to me, and warily approaches texts.) I predict a film.
I am also about to be in print, wittering on about The Exhibition, in a journal aimed, it seems, at foreign tourists. I display a remarkable knowledge of Hollywood starlets (filled in for me by the journalist), and a silly story about Germaine Greer. Oddly, the best thing about it is the photograph. Got some more hints from the designers as well: the logo reminds me of Funny Feet ice-lollies that I used to enjoy as a child.
More grumpiness: I seem to have been afflicted by a minor cold, which has led to also sorts of crazy speculations, such as the need for a kettle with a torch on the spout for dark-kitchen tea making expeditions.
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Edinburgh
I am in Edinburgh, visiting my sister and her rock star husband. She kindly arranged a bunch of tickets for the Fringe (the main purpose was to get away, not hang out with drama students or ambitious stand-ups, but made sense to catch some of it). So, as the Replacements play on Martin's magnificent stereo, and it pisses down outside, here's the review so far. (Teenage Fanclub, and an argument between Alan McGee and Tony Blair over whether Norman or Gerard were the best songwriter made a nostalgic story in the paper on the way up).
1. Despite instructions to avoid any comics who are likely to pick on their audience, that is exactly what happened at the first gig - David O'Doherty: Let's Comedy, at the Stand Comedy Club. This turned out to be at the Police Association's social club, which made for a good opening, with obvious jokes about the Boys in Blue's fondness for the Irish (actually, most of the skits were well-ploughed ground - yes, more about the silliness of text templates, viz. conversation on the train to the Hop Farm Festival - but D O'D's affable, intelligent, slightly spiky, presentation more than made up for this). For some reason, I was talking about Daniel's badger attack on the way there, and then the subject of badger attacks came up in the show. Coincidence? I don't think so. So I laughed, and then was accused of romaticising the beastly brock a la Wind in the Willows. I may be too defensive here... E=MC2 joke (Marie Curie and Einstein) I've heard before, too. Still a good one. Liked at the tech joke stuff (mac owners and their bongs... ), and the toothbrush story has the makings of a classic. Three and a Half Highland Springs out of Five.
2. What Would Ferris Do. A rather feeble show buried in the bottom of the Espionage Club. Think my website is better, and at least questions Bueller in some way. Surely, the guy is a dick, while also being very cool? A series of bar-end skits, embarrassing interaction with a 15-year old in the audience, and a teenage revellry in rude jokes and swearing was tiring. Worst of all was the sense of seize the day, even if that meant giving up a job as a computer programmer and eeking out what looked like a not very successful stand-up comedy career. Harsh? Well, Ferris would have told it like it was, and he knew he was going to sell out and work in the city. Sure, kick back and look around once in a while, but you can't beat The Man. That was John Hughe's reactionary, if probably realistic, message. But a good point, why was Ferris a 15? And a nice badge given out at the end (during sneaky whip round). One HS/5
3. Spiegeltent. Much amusement at smeagaltent, etc. Would rather be at the South Sea Seaport, where Laura Cantrell is set to play at said US tent. Speaking off, discovered some old Strode pals via friend on FB. One of whom is in Manhattan with child, the other seems obsessed with US history. Not sure what he would make of my grubbing around the detritus of UK constitutional history at TNA. (Reminds me, must add Sarah and John Austin to list of future blog posts, i.e., what's not in).
4. Swedish Pastries. Clearly, Edinburgh has its own yuppie media types, who need their own Nordic Bakery. Cardamon buns and poppie cakes to be recommended, as is the coffee, people watching, classical guitar in the distance, and the friendly, leggy american waitress.
5. Dell Outlet. Seems like their own website and servers are not to be trusted. Nonetheless, an XPS should be on its way to me. I have come up with Shaw's Law, which states that one's own computer will appear impossibly slow which each passing year, even if no new software is added.
6. The Crags. The best thing on the fringe of Edinburgh.
7. Neologising. My favourite new pastime: gok, vb., to dress someone up, e.g 'You need gokking'. Neologize, vb., the game of inventing words. Esp. verbs.
8. Foto. Avant-garde photography in central europe. I had problems with this, and may post about it later.
1. Despite instructions to avoid any comics who are likely to pick on their audience, that is exactly what happened at the first gig - David O'Doherty: Let's Comedy, at the Stand Comedy Club. This turned out to be at the Police Association's social club, which made for a good opening, with obvious jokes about the Boys in Blue's fondness for the Irish (actually, most of the skits were well-ploughed ground - yes, more about the silliness of text templates, viz. conversation on the train to the Hop Farm Festival - but D O'D's affable, intelligent, slightly spiky, presentation more than made up for this). For some reason, I was talking about Daniel's badger attack on the way there, and then the subject of badger attacks came up in the show. Coincidence? I don't think so. So I laughed, and then was accused of romaticising the beastly brock a la Wind in the Willows. I may be too defensive here... E=MC2 joke (Marie Curie and Einstein) I've heard before, too. Still a good one. Liked at the tech joke stuff (mac owners and their bongs... ), and the toothbrush story has the makings of a classic. Three and a Half Highland Springs out of Five.
2. What Would Ferris Do. A rather feeble show buried in the bottom of the Espionage Club. Think my website is better, and at least questions Bueller in some way. Surely, the guy is a dick, while also being very cool? A series of bar-end skits, embarrassing interaction with a 15-year old in the audience, and a teenage revellry in rude jokes and swearing was tiring. Worst of all was the sense of seize the day, even if that meant giving up a job as a computer programmer and eeking out what looked like a not very successful stand-up comedy career. Harsh? Well, Ferris would have told it like it was, and he knew he was going to sell out and work in the city. Sure, kick back and look around once in a while, but you can't beat The Man. That was John Hughe's reactionary, if probably realistic, message. But a good point, why was Ferris a 15? And a nice badge given out at the end (during sneaky whip round). One HS/5
3. Spiegeltent. Much amusement at smeagaltent, etc. Would rather be at the South Sea Seaport, where Laura Cantrell is set to play at said US tent. Speaking off, discovered some old Strode pals via friend on FB. One of whom is in Manhattan with child, the other seems obsessed with US history. Not sure what he would make of my grubbing around the detritus of UK constitutional history at TNA. (Reminds me, must add Sarah and John Austin to list of future blog posts, i.e., what's not in).
4. Swedish Pastries. Clearly, Edinburgh has its own yuppie media types, who need their own Nordic Bakery. Cardamon buns and poppie cakes to be recommended, as is the coffee, people watching, classical guitar in the distance, and the friendly, leggy american waitress.
5. Dell Outlet. Seems like their own website and servers are not to be trusted. Nonetheless, an XPS should be on its way to me. I have come up with Shaw's Law, which states that one's own computer will appear impossibly slow which each passing year, even if no new software is added.
6. The Crags. The best thing on the fringe of Edinburgh.
7. Neologising. My favourite new pastime: gok, vb., to dress someone up, e.g 'You need gokking'. Neologize, vb., the game of inventing words. Esp. verbs.
8. Foto. Avant-garde photography in central europe. I had problems with this, and may post about it later.
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