On the 1st of January 2005, an interesting piece of legislation came into effect. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 allows members of the public to access information about public bodies. That is to say, an ordinary person like you or I can request information about police forces, the health service and government agencies.
Details are given on the North Wales police website of some of their FOI Responses. Some of them are intriguing, some not surprising and others downright ludicrous!
I really want to send some requests in - any suggestions?
Timmy "Free as free info" Magic
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
lonesome movies
I got back from Ireland this afternoon and, after a brief trip home to drop my overweight bag off and have a shower, decided to go out, eat, watch some sport and a movie.
I packed myself off to the Sports Cafe, at a nice hot dog and watched the first half of Ulster's defeat at the hands of Leinster.
Then I went to see Choke, a film that has been out for a few weeks (pre-Christmas) and is rude but hilarious. Written by Chuck Palahniuk, author of the brilliant but odd Fight Club, it tells the story of a man who will do the immoral to pay for his mother's mental health care. Oh, and he's a sex addict too!
As I say, the film is a bit rude at times, but is generally pretty good and funny, but I sense it may be only suited to a certain sense of humour!
Even better was the fact that the cinema was completely empty apart from me! I used my cinema card so didn't pay for my ticket and Cineworld made no money from me!
Timmy "Choked Out" Magic
I packed myself off to the Sports Cafe, at a nice hot dog and watched the first half of Ulster's defeat at the hands of Leinster.
Then I went to see Choke, a film that has been out for a few weeks (pre-Christmas) and is rude but hilarious. Written by Chuck Palahniuk, author of the brilliant but odd Fight Club, it tells the story of a man who will do the immoral to pay for his mother's mental health care. Oh, and he's a sex addict too!
As I say, the film is a bit rude at times, but is generally pretty good and funny, but I sense it may be only suited to a certain sense of humour!
Even better was the fact that the cinema was completely empty apart from me! I used my cinema card so didn't pay for my ticket and Cineworld made no money from me!
Timmy "Choked Out" Magic
Thursday, December 25, 2008
festive greetings
Happy Christmas 2008 readers!
I hope it is a great occasion for you all, wherever you may be!
Timmy "Chrimbo Blog" Magic
I hope it is a great occasion for you all, wherever you may be!
Timmy "Chrimbo Blog" Magic
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
tim's new camera
I have a new camera. I like taking photos. I now have a Flickr account.
Check it out.
Also quite good is Photo Answers
Timmy "Snappy Chappy" Magic
Check it out.
Also quite good is Photo Answers
Timmy "Snappy Chappy" Magic
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
jason krejza dropped
Friday, December 19, 2008
asbo jesus
Linked from a few of my friends' blogs is the ASBO Jesus website.
It is often thought provoking, and occasionally irreverent. I think.
Is it possible for a religious website, albeit one with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, to be irreverent?
Anyway, it provides a good look at Christian stereotypes, a different slant on religious ideas and a funny look at bible texts.
Timmy "Smirking Salvo" Magic
It is often thought provoking, and occasionally irreverent. I think.
Is it possible for a religious website, albeit one with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, to be irreverent?
Anyway, it provides a good look at Christian stereotypes, a different slant on religious ideas and a funny look at bible texts.
Timmy "Smirking Salvo" Magic
Thursday, December 18, 2008
macworld ends in january
The fast approaching Macworld conference in January will be the last one, the BBC today reported.
Rumours have been abounding over the past few weeks and months, particularly in light of Steve Jobs recent illness. The rumours have seemed sufficiently real that it has had a downward effect on stock and share prices (allegedly).
After all he survived a pancreatic cancer scare in 2004, and in August this year, was reported as dead by Bloomberg.
So, hopefully Mac is still going to pump out the quality goods it always has, but it looks like it's taking a back seat media-wise.
Timmy "Blue Mac fan" Magic
Rumours have been abounding over the past few weeks and months, particularly in light of Steve Jobs recent illness. The rumours have seemed sufficiently real that it has had a downward effect on stock and share prices (allegedly).
After all he survived a pancreatic cancer scare in 2004, and in August this year, was reported as dead by Bloomberg.
So, hopefully Mac is still going to pump out the quality goods it always has, but it looks like it's taking a back seat media-wise.
Timmy "Blue Mac fan" Magic
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
am i really back?
I thought I was, but then it turned out that I wasn't!
I have been struggling for blogspiration recently but am really really going to try harder in the New Year. If I have enough stuff to post on Twitter and Facebook, then I most likely have enough to blog on.
So blog readers, if I go weeks without posting, phone, email, text, comment or generally harass me until I do!
Timmy "Shamefully blogless" Magic
I have been struggling for blogspiration recently but am really really going to try harder in the New Year. If I have enough stuff to post on Twitter and Facebook, then I most likely have enough to blog on.
So blog readers, if I go weeks without posting, phone, email, text, comment or generally harass me until I do!
Timmy "Shamefully blogless" Magic
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
look who's back!
Nope, it's not Arnold Schwarzenegger or, in fact, Jesus. It is me, Mr Timothy of Magic, re-entering the world of blog. And do you notice the date? 15th October 2008.
What is so special about 15/10/08? Is it the day that the United States government announced a $250,000,000,000 plan to rescue American banks from the midst of the credit crunch? Or the day that Somali pirates demand a £12m ransom for the safe return of a Ukrainian ship? What about the day that consumer inflation in the United Kingdom hit a sixteen year high of 5.2%? Or a German government report discovered that the German economy will grow by just 0.2% in the next 12 months?
Well, yes. It is all of those days. But it's also the same day that 1,800,000,000 people have to walk up to half a mile to collect 20 litres of water to live on. That's about half what the average Briton uses to flush the toilet in a day.
It's the day that 30,000 children died because they couldn't afford to eat.
It's the day that 72,000,000 children aged 5-11 didn't go to school because they couldn't.
It's the day that 800,000 children in one country couldn't afford to eat. Any guesses what country that was? India? South Africa? Some small war torn country you only know of from the news? A famine ridden African nation?
No. It was Canada.
15th October 2008 is also Blog Action Day. This year's theme is Poverty.
The issues of poverty are global issues, but also local issues. It is something that seems to be on everyone's minds during the present financial turmoil the world is facing. But the credit crunch doesn't matter to the child who has to walk to fetch water, or to the HIV orphan whose parents couldn't afford retro viral treatment. It doesn't matter to the Canadian child or the British homeless man as they have to queue up for their handouts of unwanted food and tepid soup.
Whoever you may be reading this, I beg you - do something. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, do something sponsored for a charity, donate money, tell you friends about the issues of poverty, take a stand. Don't just sit on the Internet, reading blogs and playing inane games. Don't hassle your friends if they aren't on Facebook for a day or two, or if they don't answer text messages or, worst of all, they don't update their blog.
Take that energy, that passion, and do something with it!
Timmy "Poverty Poster" Magic
What is so special about 15/10/08? Is it the day that the United States government announced a $250,000,000,000 plan to rescue American banks from the midst of the credit crunch? Or the day that Somali pirates demand a £12m ransom for the safe return of a Ukrainian ship? What about the day that consumer inflation in the United Kingdom hit a sixteen year high of 5.2%? Or a German government report discovered that the German economy will grow by just 0.2% in the next 12 months?
Well, yes. It is all of those days. But it's also the same day that 1,800,000,000 people have to walk up to half a mile to collect 20 litres of water to live on. That's about half what the average Briton uses to flush the toilet in a day.
It's the day that 30,000 children died because they couldn't afford to eat.
It's the day that 72,000,000 children aged 5-11 didn't go to school because they couldn't.
It's the day that 800,000 children in one country couldn't afford to eat. Any guesses what country that was? India? South Africa? Some small war torn country you only know of from the news? A famine ridden African nation?
No. It was Canada.
15th October 2008 is also Blog Action Day. This year's theme is Poverty.
The issues of poverty are global issues, but also local issues. It is something that seems to be on everyone's minds during the present financial turmoil the world is facing. But the credit crunch doesn't matter to the child who has to walk to fetch water, or to the HIV orphan whose parents couldn't afford retro viral treatment. It doesn't matter to the Canadian child or the British homeless man as they have to queue up for their handouts of unwanted food and tepid soup.
Whoever you may be reading this, I beg you - do something. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, do something sponsored for a charity, donate money, tell you friends about the issues of poverty, take a stand. Don't just sit on the Internet, reading blogs and playing inane games. Don't hassle your friends if they aren't on Facebook for a day or two, or if they don't answer text messages or, worst of all, they don't update their blog.
Take that energy, that passion, and do something with it!
Timmy "Poverty Poster" Magic
Saturday, August 23, 2008
piemonte posting
Stand by readers - an epic post will be arriving soon! The overview of the Pipe-Hood wedding and related antics
Timmy "Italy to Ireland" Magic
Timmy "Italy to Ireland" Magic
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
just not her day
This made lots of policemen laugh over lunch
Timmy "Could do it but doesn't want to" Magic
Timmy "Could do it but doesn't want to" Magic
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
good old auntie
I was perusing Facebook earlier and spotted that a number of friends stateside had made mention of the earthquake that hit Los Angeles today. I popped on over to the BBC News website and looked for the news report but had to look under the world section to find it. Lloyd blogged a few weeks back about how the BBC have a sense of humour/don't think about headlines on their site. On the right hand side of the report, the top stories about the Americas were listed.
You have to love the BBC and its British-ness, don't you?
Timmy "Not at all shook up" Magic
You have to love the BBC and its British-ness, don't you?
Timmy "Not at all shook up" Magic
Saturday, July 19, 2008
things i don't do often
Over the past few days I have embarked on a few things that I don't do often.
* I have had a day at home with nothing but my own company.
I didn't speak to anyone in real life or feel the need to be out doing something, which is odd for me. I just sat and enjoyed some of my own company.
* I have been out without my usual comforts
Most people who see me frequently will know that I almost without fail will have a rucksack with me. My bag normally contains a coat, a kite, an iPod, a set of headphones and Moses. This week, however, I have been without. I haven't listened to podcasts on the train, I have watched the scenery beside the tracks. I haven't read a paper on the tube, I have watched people and wondered who they are, what they do and where they are going. I have been without a coat, so if it rained, I would get wet. Simple things, but often ignored in the bustle of the rush hour.
* I have been walking in London
For someone who spends his professional life outside in the city, I miss quite alot of things. When trying to spot crime or criminals, or get to places in a reasonable rush, it is easy to miss (or difficult to see) the quaint things that make the capital what it is. A haze of blue when passed on a bike could be a crisp packet or a plaque announcing some local celebrity of yesteryear. So many people ask for directions to places that it becomes second nature to point them on the right way without stopping to marvel at shopping centres that were department stores, museuams that were houses and churches that are still churches.
So I went out with Becca, after some food, to wander aimlessly around the city that is our home. We started at Victoria and took some back streets through to Buckingham Palace, through St James's Park and into Whitehall. From there we went down through Parliament Square and onto the South Bank, before heading to Blackfriars to come home.
* I have made the most of time with friends
So often in our collectively busy lives, social interactions are moulded to fit the time and effort we can spend in and amongst the business. Sometimes it is nice to make plans not to make plans, if that makes sense. Just spending time with the people who you care about and who care back is a great use of time. 'Doing' takes the place of 'being' - people often say 'we should do something' when maybe their time would be better spent just being together and making the most of it. A friend and I once sat together, individually. We didn't need to talk, or even look at each other. Merely existing together was enough. To the person on the outside looking in, it would appear the relationship was a cold one. To those on the inside, it showed absolute comfort in our relationship. A friendship with love, respect, humour, closeness, understanding, but most of all, without an agenda.
Timmy "Using Time Wisely" Magic
* I have had a day at home with nothing but my own company.
I didn't speak to anyone in real life or feel the need to be out doing something, which is odd for me. I just sat and enjoyed some of my own company.
* I have been out without my usual comforts
Most people who see me frequently will know that I almost without fail will have a rucksack with me. My bag normally contains a coat, a kite, an iPod, a set of headphones and Moses. This week, however, I have been without. I haven't listened to podcasts on the train, I have watched the scenery beside the tracks. I haven't read a paper on the tube, I have watched people and wondered who they are, what they do and where they are going. I have been without a coat, so if it rained, I would get wet. Simple things, but often ignored in the bustle of the rush hour.
* I have been walking in London
For someone who spends his professional life outside in the city, I miss quite alot of things. When trying to spot crime or criminals, or get to places in a reasonable rush, it is easy to miss (or difficult to see) the quaint things that make the capital what it is. A haze of blue when passed on a bike could be a crisp packet or a plaque announcing some local celebrity of yesteryear. So many people ask for directions to places that it becomes second nature to point them on the right way without stopping to marvel at shopping centres that were department stores, museuams that were houses and churches that are still churches.
So I went out with Becca, after some food, to wander aimlessly around the city that is our home. We started at Victoria and took some back streets through to Buckingham Palace, through St James's Park and into Whitehall. From there we went down through Parliament Square and onto the South Bank, before heading to Blackfriars to come home.
* I have made the most of time with friends
So often in our collectively busy lives, social interactions are moulded to fit the time and effort we can spend in and amongst the business. Sometimes it is nice to make plans not to make plans, if that makes sense. Just spending time with the people who you care about and who care back is a great use of time. 'Doing' takes the place of 'being' - people often say 'we should do something' when maybe their time would be better spent just being together and making the most of it. A friend and I once sat together, individually. We didn't need to talk, or even look at each other. Merely existing together was enough. To the person on the outside looking in, it would appear the relationship was a cold one. To those on the inside, it showed absolute comfort in our relationship. A friendship with love, respect, humour, closeness, understanding, but most of all, without an agenda.
Timmy "Using Time Wisely" Magic
Sunday, July 13, 2008
2 acknowledgments
I am a bad geek.
I have a blog and don't write stuff on it for periods of in excess of two weeks (sometimes).
At the same time though, I am a good geek.
I queued for the new iPhone at 7.45am on Friday. My geek balance has been restored and I will be back to the blogland once I stop playing with my awesome new gadget. Or maybe I will blog from it - who knows?
Timmy "iPhone lover" Magic
I have a blog and don't write stuff on it for periods of in excess of two weeks (sometimes).
At the same time though, I am a good geek.
I queued for the new iPhone at 7.45am on Friday. My geek balance has been restored and I will be back to the blogland once I stop playing with my awesome new gadget. Or maybe I will blog from it - who knows?
Timmy "iPhone lover" Magic
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
a justifiable absence?
I have had 2 weeks away from the blogosphere! Is this forgivable or justified? I hope so!
I have rediscovered Heroes. I dipped in and out of it when the first series was on but never really got into it properly. Now the second series has arrived and I felt like I was missing out, so I took it upon myself to borrow the DVDs of series 1 and catch up.
I am up to episode 13 or so of 20+ so will hopefully surface again soon with no more TV to watch.
So that's where I have been...
Timmy "Super Blogger" Magic
I have rediscovered Heroes. I dipped in and out of it when the first series was on but never really got into it properly. Now the second series has arrived and I felt like I was missing out, so I took it upon myself to borrow the DVDs of series 1 and catch up.
I am up to episode 13 or so of 20+ so will hopefully surface again soon with no more TV to watch.
So that's where I have been...
Timmy "Super Blogger" Magic
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
plastic popo
In light of my current favour for all things PCSO, here is a blog written by an anonymous PCSO from a "semi-rural force". The language is a little coarse at times, but the posts are frank and give an accurate view of life on the mean streets from someone with no powers, no equipment and, in some cases, no common sense.
The Plastic Fuzz
Timmy "Plastic Blogger" Magic
The Plastic Fuzz
Timmy "Plastic Blogger" Magic
holiday magic
I need a holiday and can't decide where I want to go!
Please proffer suggestions in the comments section!
Timmy "Bored of Britain" Magic
Please proffer suggestions in the comments section!
Timmy "Bored of Britain" Magic
Sunday, June 08, 2008
army music - on the right track?
In light of my previous post (incidentally my 300th ever) I thought it would be worth sharing these words from a CD review I read this morning. It really set me thinking as to the aims of our musical mission, and what it's all about
At the start of the 20th century, the Salvation Army took the contemporary pop songs of its day, changed the words and hit the streets to see souls saved. Radical stuff! Judging from this, at the start of the 21st century, they now take a fairly boring selection of almost contemporary Christian praise and worship songs (Kenoly, Kendrick et al) and record them with bland arrangements. Wonder what General Booth would make of all of this! I long for the Salvation Army to rediscover its roots and choose to make music that is relevant, impacting and dynamic but this selection is enough to make me weep at how a once vibrant movement has been reduced to badly recording religious music. If General Booth was around today, there wouldn't be a brass band in sight but rather a church whose worship sounded like Fatboy Slim. What went wrong?
It doesn't matter which CD the review was for, as the comments speak for themselves
Timmy "Modern Muso?" Magic
At the start of the 20th century, the Salvation Army took the contemporary pop songs of its day, changed the words and hit the streets to see souls saved. Radical stuff! Judging from this, at the start of the 21st century, they now take a fairly boring selection of almost contemporary Christian praise and worship songs (Kenoly, Kendrick et al) and record them with bland arrangements. Wonder what General Booth would make of all of this! I long for the Salvation Army to rediscover its roots and choose to make music that is relevant, impacting and dynamic but this selection is enough to make me weep at how a once vibrant movement has been reduced to badly recording religious music. If General Booth was around today, there wouldn't be a brass band in sight but rather a church whose worship sounded like Fatboy Slim. What went wrong?
It doesn't matter which CD the review was for, as the comments speak for themselves
Timmy "Modern Muso?" Magic
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
rinkers in guernsey - a little late
So yes, it is more than a little late but here is a brief wander through the weekend away with the Regent Hall Band in Guernsey.
The fun and frolics started at Victoria with my sectional buddy Glen and his billet-stealing wife Lisa as we got the train to Gatwick together. Lisa decided that she needed some new sunglasses as her old ones were a little bent out of shape.
Upon arriving at the airport we met up with a gang of band members and assorted wives, girlfriends, children and other groupies. George, son of Paul and Charlotte, had never been on a plane before and appeared quite excited. So excited that the answer to every question we could throw at him was "airport!"
Once through security and suitably fed by the world famous Scottish beef restaurant (McDonalds), we boarded our winged bus and went on our way across the Channel.
The flight was disappointingly uneventful, with minimal amounts of singing, dancing, auditioning for the cornet section and other silliness. However once we hit foreign(?) soil and were stood on the runway, we discovered that the door to enter the terminal was locked. From the inside. The official looking people were on the outside. This proved to be a slight problem. After some frantic radio messaging and waving, someone arrived to let us in. During the wait on the tarmac, we had watched our bags disappear behind us, yet still had to wait at the carousel for them to arrive.
With everyone's bags safely recovered, we went through the gates and met up with the advance party and our minibus drivers for the weekend.
We took a circuitous route round the island to the main hotel, then onto the smaller hotel, home to the Littles, the Burrows, a Jones and a Gaze for the weekend.
After a swift change of clothes, the four young people (Glen, Lisa, Cameron and I - Alex hadn't arrived!) wandered down into St Peter Port and found a (or the) very nice pizza restaurant in the town centre.
Then bedtime!
Saturday brought another visit into St Peter Port, this time in the car of our new friend Becky. There was small amounts of banter, but nothing of any real interest. After a small luncheon from M&S we conducted one of the world's first indoor outdoor services in the town church. It was a good experience and I have heard some great stories of people hearing the band and recontacting the Army.
The evening's activity was a big band style concert at L'Islet which was well received and very much enjoyed by the band. Quite notable was the great water key/polo shirt combination offered by Paul W mid way through his flugel solo.
After returning to the hotel and chilling for a few minutes, the opportunity arose to visit the opposite end of the island to play some pool. The boys played badly and were shamed by the girls on more than one occasion. Disappointingly I didn't find my form, and neither did Alex or Glen.
Sunday was a standard service for the band at L'Islet and it was great to find out that people had heard us over the preceding day and had made the effort to attend the meeting. We even had some visitors from across the pond (Jersey!)
Lunch was taken thereafter, consisting of a splendidly nice BBQ in the back garden in the company of a couple of people from the church. A good deal of banter was had, as well as some interesting discussions about banding, the Army and faith.
Candie Gardens was our next port of call for an open air service. The weather was excellent and we had a good time. Adding to the fun was the presence of a mad bloke in a silly uniform, and, oddly enough, it wasn't one of the bandsmen! A gentleman sauntered up in full military garb and asked how we were going to fight the fuzzy wuzzies with instruments.
A concert in St James' concert hall was the musical conclusion of the weekend and took the format of the regular Saturday night festival. The atmosphere was great, particularly during the singing of the Guernsey anthem "Sarnia Cherie" and the finale of Montreal Citadel - something that will not be forgotten soon.
We then were invited up to the house of some of the guys from church for fish and chips and computer games. By 2am it was firmly established that I rock at Buzz (regular and sporting editions) and that it was probably sleeping time.
Monday was a day of fun on the island and we took a tour round the sights of the small chapel, a wood turning place and a gun emplacement with the campest cannon ever.
After a lovely lunch at L'Islet and some fun and frolics on the beach we headed off to the airport.
The plane was late. By about 3 hours! Free food appeared to placate a hungry band, pool was once again played and the boys, once again, got beaten severely by Kate. Once we returned to the airport, now armed with Chinese takeaway, the plane arrived and we headed home, more than a little tired but glad of a fun weekend away!
I am, at present, not able to upload photos but I will try and stick them together in a video in the next week or so!
Timmy "Rink Oversea(s) Tourer" Magic
The fun and frolics started at Victoria with my sectional buddy Glen and his billet-stealing wife Lisa as we got the train to Gatwick together. Lisa decided that she needed some new sunglasses as her old ones were a little bent out of shape.
Upon arriving at the airport we met up with a gang of band members and assorted wives, girlfriends, children and other groupies. George, son of Paul and Charlotte, had never been on a plane before and appeared quite excited. So excited that the answer to every question we could throw at him was "airport!"
Once through security and suitably fed by the world famous Scottish beef restaurant (McDonalds), we boarded our winged bus and went on our way across the Channel.
The flight was disappointingly uneventful, with minimal amounts of singing, dancing, auditioning for the cornet section and other silliness. However once we hit foreign(?) soil and were stood on the runway, we discovered that the door to enter the terminal was locked. From the inside. The official looking people were on the outside. This proved to be a slight problem. After some frantic radio messaging and waving, someone arrived to let us in. During the wait on the tarmac, we had watched our bags disappear behind us, yet still had to wait at the carousel for them to arrive.
With everyone's bags safely recovered, we went through the gates and met up with the advance party and our minibus drivers for the weekend.
We took a circuitous route round the island to the main hotel, then onto the smaller hotel, home to the Littles, the Burrows, a Jones and a Gaze for the weekend.
After a swift change of clothes, the four young people (Glen, Lisa, Cameron and I - Alex hadn't arrived!) wandered down into St Peter Port and found a (or the) very nice pizza restaurant in the town centre.
Then bedtime!
Saturday brought another visit into St Peter Port, this time in the car of our new friend Becky. There was small amounts of banter, but nothing of any real interest. After a small luncheon from M&S we conducted one of the world's first indoor outdoor services in the town church. It was a good experience and I have heard some great stories of people hearing the band and recontacting the Army.
The evening's activity was a big band style concert at L'Islet which was well received and very much enjoyed by the band. Quite notable was the great water key/polo shirt combination offered by Paul W mid way through his flugel solo.
After returning to the hotel and chilling for a few minutes, the opportunity arose to visit the opposite end of the island to play some pool. The boys played badly and were shamed by the girls on more than one occasion. Disappointingly I didn't find my form, and neither did Alex or Glen.
Sunday was a standard service for the band at L'Islet and it was great to find out that people had heard us over the preceding day and had made the effort to attend the meeting. We even had some visitors from across the pond (Jersey!)
Lunch was taken thereafter, consisting of a splendidly nice BBQ in the back garden in the company of a couple of people from the church. A good deal of banter was had, as well as some interesting discussions about banding, the Army and faith.
Candie Gardens was our next port of call for an open air service. The weather was excellent and we had a good time. Adding to the fun was the presence of a mad bloke in a silly uniform, and, oddly enough, it wasn't one of the bandsmen! A gentleman sauntered up in full military garb and asked how we were going to fight the fuzzy wuzzies with instruments.
A concert in St James' concert hall was the musical conclusion of the weekend and took the format of the regular Saturday night festival. The atmosphere was great, particularly during the singing of the Guernsey anthem "Sarnia Cherie" and the finale of Montreal Citadel - something that will not be forgotten soon.
We then were invited up to the house of some of the guys from church for fish and chips and computer games. By 2am it was firmly established that I rock at Buzz (regular and sporting editions) and that it was probably sleeping time.
Monday was a day of fun on the island and we took a tour round the sights of the small chapel, a wood turning place and a gun emplacement with the campest cannon ever.
After a lovely lunch at L'Islet and some fun and frolics on the beach we headed off to the airport.
The plane was late. By about 3 hours! Free food appeared to placate a hungry band, pool was once again played and the boys, once again, got beaten severely by Kate. Once we returned to the airport, now armed with Chinese takeaway, the plane arrived and we headed home, more than a little tired but glad of a fun weekend away!
I am, at present, not able to upload photos but I will try and stick them together in a video in the next week or so!
Timmy "Rink Oversea(s) Tourer" Magic
Monday, May 26, 2008
channel island chums
As I write this, I am sat in Guernsey International(!) Airport waiting for a delayed plane. The airport is about the size of a football pitch and has one shop and one cafe, but it does have WiFi so it allows me to blog and catch up on my Facebook habit!
I will return later in the week to fill you in on all the banter, japes and general jokery from our weekend away in the Bailiwick.
Timmy "Stuck in Sarnia" Magic
I will return later in the week to fill you in on all the banter, japes and general jokery from our weekend away in the Bailiwick.
Timmy "Stuck in Sarnia" Magic
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
for sale - one football player
Recently listed for sale is one football player, named Nicolas Anelka.
With extensive footballing experience he has been evaluated thus:-
Not good enough for Arsenal
Not good enough for Real Madrid
Not good enough for Paris Saint-Germain
Not good enough for Liverpool
Not good enough for Manchester City
Not good enough for Fenerbahçe
Not good enough for Bolton Wanderers
And evidently not good enough for Chelsea
In other news, my beloved Manchester United won the European Championship, thanks in part to a missed penalty by the aforementioned Anelka
Timmy "Happy United Fan" Magic
With extensive footballing experience he has been evaluated thus:-
Not good enough for Arsenal
Not good enough for Real Madrid
Not good enough for Paris Saint-Germain
Not good enough for Liverpool
Not good enough for Manchester City
Not good enough for Fenerbahçe
Not good enough for Bolton Wanderers
And evidently not good enough for Chelsea
In other news, my beloved Manchester United won the European Championship, thanks in part to a missed penalty by the aforementioned Anelka
Timmy "Happy United Fan" Magic
Sunday, May 18, 2008
visibly different
A video about PCSOs but I have to add that it's not real!
Oh no - real PCSOs are far worse
Timmy "Two Torches" Magic
Oh no - real PCSOs are far worse
Timmy "Two Torches" Magic
Saturday, May 17, 2008
magic's cookery tips
Having been abandoned, first by my parents when they went to Ireland, and now by my Italian housemate who could cook, I have to fend for myself in the food department.
Through extensive research I have discovered a few important points.
a) hot pan on plastic tub means melting
b) pan with no water on hot hob means burning
c) hot oven tray with no oven gloves means your fingers get a bit hurty
d) when making homemade chicken kebabs it really helps if the oven is on
If you fail to heed point d) you end up with an evening meal of two toasted pittas with a glass of fizzy pop and a yoghurt!
Timmy "Meat Free" Magic
Through extensive research I have discovered a few important points.
a) hot pan on plastic tub means melting
b) pan with no water on hot hob means burning
c) hot oven tray with no oven gloves means your fingers get a bit hurty
d) when making homemade chicken kebabs it really helps if the oven is on
If you fail to heed point d) you end up with an evening meal of two toasted pittas with a glass of fizzy pop and a yoghurt!
Timmy "Meat Free" Magic
Monday, May 12, 2008
in these few weeks
In the past few weeks a number of things, both exciting and not, have happened
* Roots has happened - I went on the Medical team again, had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting a bunch of great new people
* Work has happened, but nothing overly interesting has happened there
* Summer has arrived - it was 25 degrees today and its been pretty hot at other times during the week
* Barcalona boss Frank Rijkaard will leave his post at the end of the season, proving the great Magic punditry correct
* Manchester United have beaten Chelsea into second place in the Premiership, giving them their 10th Premier League title and their 17th league title
Timmy "Happy Man U Fan" Magic
* Roots has happened - I went on the Medical team again, had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting a bunch of great new people
* Work has happened, but nothing overly interesting has happened there
* Summer has arrived - it was 25 degrees today and its been pretty hot at other times during the week
* Barcalona boss Frank Rijkaard will leave his post at the end of the season, proving the great Magic punditry correct
* Manchester United have beaten Chelsea into second place in the Premiership, giving them their 10th Premier League title and their 17th league title
Timmy "Happy Man U Fan" Magic
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
rijkaard won't quit
BBC Sport reports that Frank Rijkaard will not quit Barcelona after their defeat at the hands (or feet?) of the mighty Manchester United.
In footballing terms, this means he will be fired by the end of the season.
Timmy "Wannabee Pundit" Magic
In footballing terms, this means he will be fired by the end of the season.
Timmy "Wannabee Pundit" Magic
Friday, April 25, 2008
oval odyssey
Ok, so it wasn't exactly an epic journey from my house to the Oval, but it was my first time at Surrey's home ground.
I spent the day at the Lancashire vs Surrey match and saw some good cricket. The day was late starting due to a damp pitch but just after 1pm, the day got underway. Lancashire welcomed return of England star Andrew Flintoff who took a couple of wickets early on before Surrey greats Mark Butcher and Mark Ramprakash settled in for what turned out to be two century innings.
I was quite pleased by the facilities at the ground. Owing to bulding works at the site, the pavilion was closed so instead the members were in the debenture box. The bar is quite cheap which is a bonus. They also have a low level FM transmitter installed and all members get a free radio receiver to listen to the BBC London commentary.
Timmy "Surrey convert" Magic
I spent the day at the Lancashire vs Surrey match and saw some good cricket. The day was late starting due to a damp pitch but just after 1pm, the day got underway. Lancashire welcomed return of England star Andrew Flintoff who took a couple of wickets early on before Surrey greats Mark Butcher and Mark Ramprakash settled in for what turned out to be two century innings.
I was quite pleased by the facilities at the ground. Owing to bulding works at the site, the pavilion was closed so instead the members were in the debenture box. The bar is quite cheap which is a bonus. They also have a low level FM transmitter installed and all members get a free radio receiver to listen to the BBC London commentary.
Timmy "Surrey convert" Magic
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
the return of cinemagic
Today I went to the cinema for the first time in a while. I was too late for one showing and too late for another of 21, the film I may see tomorrow, so I settled for Son of Rambow.
Quoted in the press as being one of the funniest British films in recent years, I was expecting something like the recent Simon Pegg/Edgar Wright but it just wasn't.
It was a good film, nonetheless, but just lacked something. It was a little too comic for what could have been a nice story exploring some different issues. It is not really comic enough for it to be a good comedy. Having said this, the film is good and would be good to invest in when it's out on DVD.
It is a story with a genuine feel to it. Issues of bullying, loneliness and friendship are explored and dealt with sensitively.
Timmy "Not Ram-tastic" Magic
Quoted in the press as being one of the funniest British films in recent years, I was expecting something like the recent Simon Pegg/Edgar Wright but it just wasn't.
It was a good film, nonetheless, but just lacked something. It was a little too comic for what could have been a nice story exploring some different issues. It is not really comic enough for it to be a good comedy. Having said this, the film is good and would be good to invest in when it's out on DVD.
It is a story with a genuine feel to it. Issues of bullying, loneliness and friendship are explored and dealt with sensitively.
Timmy "Not Ram-tastic" Magic
Friday, April 11, 2008
heathrow - it really is terminal
My mate Andy, good musician and all round to bloke made a video about the new T5 at Heathrow with his friend Tim. (Everyone has a cool friend called Tim - Andy is lucky enough to have 3!)
Timmy "Flightless Terminal" Magic
Timmy "Flightless Terminal" Magic
Sunday, April 06, 2008
shame at the flame?
Today was the day that the Olympic flame came to my home city of London. What a day it was!
The day began, like many other parts of the country, with snow. It has been a bit of a weird weekend for weather - less than 48 hours before I had cycled to a meeting in my body armour and a t-shirt because it was too hot for my jacket. But the weirdness had only just begun.
At the Army, it was decided that we should end the meeting a few minutes early and go outside to see the flame pass our church and to play a bit of Christian music. A sizeable group of Salvos made their way to the front of church to wave the flame on its way to Greenwich. Lucy and Tim, both linked on the left hand side, took the opportunity to arrange a protest against the human rights abuses that are taking place across China.
It was only when I arrived at home and saw the news the full extent of the protest was made apparant.
A number of scuffles, assaults and security breaches marred what should have been a celebration of sport, culture and all things great and British. Don't get me wrong, I understand that issues that are going on in the region at the moment and over recent years but I really don't feel that today was an appropriate time to protest.
The protesters claimed that they were going to be peaceful, but photographs prove that not to be so. Is it peaceful to attempt an assault on a TV presenter carrying the torch? Or to direct a fire extinguisher at another torch carrier?
Having had a look through various news sources that show various images of what went on today, I can assure you that the manner in which the police acted would have been entirely justified and entirely lawful.
The Olympics is about equality, respect, peace, sharing cultures and leaving a better person. Today in London did not reflect that in the slightest.
So do I feel shame? Well yes, I do - shame that London couldn't effect their displeasure and discomfort about the situation in a way that was fitting for the Olympics
Timmy "Beijing Blogger" Magic
PS - before anyone asks, the band didn't play "Torchbearers"
The day began, like many other parts of the country, with snow. It has been a bit of a weird weekend for weather - less than 48 hours before I had cycled to a meeting in my body armour and a t-shirt because it was too hot for my jacket. But the weirdness had only just begun.
At the Army, it was decided that we should end the meeting a few minutes early and go outside to see the flame pass our church and to play a bit of Christian music. A sizeable group of Salvos made their way to the front of church to wave the flame on its way to Greenwich. Lucy and Tim, both linked on the left hand side, took the opportunity to arrange a protest against the human rights abuses that are taking place across China.
It was only when I arrived at home and saw the news the full extent of the protest was made apparant.
A number of scuffles, assaults and security breaches marred what should have been a celebration of sport, culture and all things great and British. Don't get me wrong, I understand that issues that are going on in the region at the moment and over recent years but I really don't feel that today was an appropriate time to protest.
The protesters claimed that they were going to be peaceful, but photographs prove that not to be so. Is it peaceful to attempt an assault on a TV presenter carrying the torch? Or to direct a fire extinguisher at another torch carrier?
Having had a look through various news sources that show various images of what went on today, I can assure you that the manner in which the police acted would have been entirely justified and entirely lawful.
The Olympics is about equality, respect, peace, sharing cultures and leaving a better person. Today in London did not reflect that in the slightest.
So do I feel shame? Well yes, I do - shame that London couldn't effect their displeasure and discomfort about the situation in a way that was fitting for the Olympics
Timmy "Beijing Blogger" Magic
PS - before anyone asks, the band didn't play "Torchbearers"
12 tips to create a sleep haven
Whilst perusing Lifehacker I came across this article in the Reader's Digest.
If you know me at all, you will know that I love being in bed and moreover, being asleep. I shall perhaps heed some of the advice given, and felt it worth sharing!
1. Buy a New Mattress
Don't even try to comparison shop. Every mattress in every store has a different name. And every owner of every mattress shop says that the mattresses in his shop are different -- and better -- than every other mattress shop on the planet. The truth is that the right mattress for you is the one that you try in your home for 30 days. Find a mattress shop that offers that option, pick out the mattress that you and your partner think is the most comfortable, make sure it has a guarantee, and flash your plastic. Don't worry about coils and foam and luxury toppers. The mattress that allows you to sink into a deep, natural sleep and wake up in the morning without aches and pains is the one you want. And there's only one way to find out which mattress that is.
2. Bask in Comfort
Buy silky, natural tree-fiber sheets in a soothing color. An exquisitely soft cashmere throw for the bed. A hypoallergenic down comforter. A sunshine silk duvet cover. Pillows, pillows, and more pillows. A roll for behind your neck, a wedge for behind your back, a full-body pillow for when your bed partner is away. Hypoallergenic, of course. And don't forget the teddy bear. No girl can sleep without one.
3. Spritz
A quick spritz of soothing lavender water on your pillows before bed will help calm your exhausted mind.
4. Chill Before Bed
Lower the temperature of your bedroom before you climb into bed, says Becky Wang-Cheng, M.D., a medical director at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio. Lower temperatures signal your body it's time to sleep. If your bed partner objects, just tell him to bundle up.
5. Soak
A hot bath also helps you lower your body's temperature. Yeah, your temperature goes up while you're in the bath, but your body's response to the heat will be to drop your temperature way down low.
6. Schedule a Massage
"Massage interrupts the neurohormones connected with sleeplessness and almost manually imposes sleep on you," says therapist Belleruth Naparstek, M.S. "If you can't afford a massage, go to a massage school. You can get one there for $15."
7. Get Mean
Women aren't used to nurturing themselves or putting themselves first. But sleep is so necessary to health and happiness that you have to do it. If the dog's snoring wakes you up, then put him in another room. If your partner's snoring wakes you up, help him get treatment. If he refuses to cooperate, put him in another room, too.
8. Shut the Drapes
You sleep better in the dark. If your eyelids flutter open as you move from one stage of sleep to another, even streetlights or a full moon can wake you up.
9. Ditch the Night-Lights
You can also get rid of the clock radios with lighted displays. It turns out your brain can misinterpret even such dim lights and wonder if it should wake you up. "Dark inhibits the brain's biological clock," says Dr. Yan-Go. It tells your brain it's time to sleep.
10. Pull on Socks
There's no solid explanation for it, but studies have found that wearing socks to bed helps you sleep. It may be that warming your feet and legs allows your internal body temperature to drop.
11. Ignore the clock
Turn your clock's face or digital readout away so you can't see it. We wake slightly throughout the night. A glimpse of your clock - and the realization that you have to get up soon - is enough to jolt you out of sleep and keep you out.
12. Sleep Naked
It's easier to adjust your comfort zone with sheets and blankets you can pull up or throw off rather than a long nightgown or a pair of fleece pajamas, says neurologist Charles J. Bae, M.D., a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center. The idea is to make the adjustment in a way that rouses you from sleep the least.
Timmy "Zzzzz" Magic
If you know me at all, you will know that I love being in bed and moreover, being asleep. I shall perhaps heed some of the advice given, and felt it worth sharing!
1. Buy a New Mattress
Don't even try to comparison shop. Every mattress in every store has a different name. And every owner of every mattress shop says that the mattresses in his shop are different -- and better -- than every other mattress shop on the planet. The truth is that the right mattress for you is the one that you try in your home for 30 days. Find a mattress shop that offers that option, pick out the mattress that you and your partner think is the most comfortable, make sure it has a guarantee, and flash your plastic. Don't worry about coils and foam and luxury toppers. The mattress that allows you to sink into a deep, natural sleep and wake up in the morning without aches and pains is the one you want. And there's only one way to find out which mattress that is.
2. Bask in Comfort
Buy silky, natural tree-fiber sheets in a soothing color. An exquisitely soft cashmere throw for the bed. A hypoallergenic down comforter. A sunshine silk duvet cover. Pillows, pillows, and more pillows. A roll for behind your neck, a wedge for behind your back, a full-body pillow for when your bed partner is away. Hypoallergenic, of course. And don't forget the teddy bear. No girl can sleep without one.
3. Spritz
A quick spritz of soothing lavender water on your pillows before bed will help calm your exhausted mind.
4. Chill Before Bed
Lower the temperature of your bedroom before you climb into bed, says Becky Wang-Cheng, M.D., a medical director at Kettering Medical Center in Ohio. Lower temperatures signal your body it's time to sleep. If your bed partner objects, just tell him to bundle up.
5. Soak
A hot bath also helps you lower your body's temperature. Yeah, your temperature goes up while you're in the bath, but your body's response to the heat will be to drop your temperature way down low.
6. Schedule a Massage
"Massage interrupts the neurohormones connected with sleeplessness and almost manually imposes sleep on you," says therapist Belleruth Naparstek, M.S. "If you can't afford a massage, go to a massage school. You can get one there for $15."
7. Get Mean
Women aren't used to nurturing themselves or putting themselves first. But sleep is so necessary to health and happiness that you have to do it. If the dog's snoring wakes you up, then put him in another room. If your partner's snoring wakes you up, help him get treatment. If he refuses to cooperate, put him in another room, too.
8. Shut the Drapes
You sleep better in the dark. If your eyelids flutter open as you move from one stage of sleep to another, even streetlights or a full moon can wake you up.
9. Ditch the Night-Lights
You can also get rid of the clock radios with lighted displays. It turns out your brain can misinterpret even such dim lights and wonder if it should wake you up. "Dark inhibits the brain's biological clock," says Dr. Yan-Go. It tells your brain it's time to sleep.
10. Pull on Socks
There's no solid explanation for it, but studies have found that wearing socks to bed helps you sleep. It may be that warming your feet and legs allows your internal body temperature to drop.
11. Ignore the clock
Turn your clock's face or digital readout away so you can't see it. We wake slightly throughout the night. A glimpse of your clock - and the realization that you have to get up soon - is enough to jolt you out of sleep and keep you out.
12. Sleep Naked
It's easier to adjust your comfort zone with sheets and blankets you can pull up or throw off rather than a long nightgown or a pair of fleece pajamas, says neurologist Charles J. Bae, M.D., a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center. The idea is to make the adjustment in a way that rouses you from sleep the least.
Timmy "Zzzzz" Magic
Saturday, April 05, 2008
a week or two as timbo
I have been away from the blogosphere for the past week or two - as I have been very busy with lots of very important things.
I have helped various people move various things from and to various places
I have been to work
I have attended some good meetings
I have attended some bad meetings
I have been to, and won, a quiz at Hadleigh Salvation Army
I have written lots of tickets, none of them for David Cameron
For those of you who are on Facebook, I have created an album which recreates one of the days of the last fortnight.
Timmy "Glad of a day off" Magic
I have helped various people move various things from and to various places
I have been to work
I have attended some good meetings
I have attended some bad meetings
I have been to, and won, a quiz at Hadleigh Salvation Army
I have written lots of tickets, none of them for David Cameron
For those of you who are on Facebook, I have created an album which recreates one of the days of the last fortnight.
Timmy "Glad of a day off" Magic
Friday, March 21, 2008
dodgy dave cameron
Today's BBC News website reports that leader of the opposition David Cameron was doing naughty things on his bicycle.
This annoys me, not just as a cyclist, but also as a police man. It should also be noted that one of his traffic indiscretions took place on Dawson Place, which is the south western boundary of the area I work in.
If he gets stuck on for being a bad cyclist it might set a good example for other cyclists. No-one is above the law, especially when I'm in town!
Timmy "On a Tory Hunt" Magic
This annoys me, not just as a cyclist, but also as a police man. It should also be noted that one of his traffic indiscretions took place on Dawson Place, which is the south western boundary of the area I work in.
If he gets stuck on for being a bad cyclist it might set a good example for other cyclists. No-one is above the law, especially when I'm in town!
Timmy "On a Tory Hunt" Magic
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
new old blogger
Another blogger has been added to the left hand links. He is also called Andrew! He is a self-proclaimed old man, but I am not sure if that is actually true!
I have known Andy for a good few years but can't remember exactly when and where we met - what can be said is that he is a thoroughly nice chap who is another one of the those dratted linguists
Timmy "Welcome to the party Andy" Magic
I have known Andy for a good few years but can't remember exactly when and where we met - what can be said is that he is a thoroughly nice chap who is another one of the those dratted linguists
Timmy "Welcome to the party Andy" Magic
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
the saga of the blood stained carpet
There was high drama with the House 1 Hotties this morning, but as I was home alone, it is down to me to report it to you!
I was awoken from my slumber by my parents who had been visiting me for the evening before returning to the Emerald Isle. Once they were safely off to the airport, I hopped back onto the sofa and went back to sleep. My alarm clock went off about 90 minutes later and I was still in a slumbery mood, so I snoozed it a few times while I had 30 minutes more kip.
When I finally decided to be awake and get off the sofa I looked at my phone and discovered that someone had commented on a Facebook photo of me. I grabbed my laptop, loaded up the offending picture and smiled gently to myself at the goatee I once sported. It was at this point the high drama began. The alarm on my phone, now at the end of its snooze stage vibrated on my knee and fell to the floor. Too tired to reach and get it, I kicked it towards me to facilitate easy reaching of it. As well as finding the phone, I found a tiny bit of plastic or glass which looked somewhat sharp.
Being ever safety conscious, I decided to move the bit of detritus before somebody injured themselves on it. Wandering up to the kitchen bin and placing the bit in it was uneventful, though when I turned round the situation was different. Every metre or so, coinciding with where my right foot had been, was a small patch of red, sticky liquid. I was too late. Somebody had already injured themselves. Me!
I balanced myself precariously on he side of the bath, and, doing my best not to dampen my PJs, washed and plastered the offending area.
So If you come to my house before I move out and wonder what the bloodstains are, there's the explanation.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
Timmy "Great Bleeding Foot Saga Survivor" Magic
I was awoken from my slumber by my parents who had been visiting me for the evening before returning to the Emerald Isle. Once they were safely off to the airport, I hopped back onto the sofa and went back to sleep. My alarm clock went off about 90 minutes later and I was still in a slumbery mood, so I snoozed it a few times while I had 30 minutes more kip.
When I finally decided to be awake and get off the sofa I looked at my phone and discovered that someone had commented on a Facebook photo of me. I grabbed my laptop, loaded up the offending picture and smiled gently to myself at the goatee I once sported. It was at this point the high drama began. The alarm on my phone, now at the end of its snooze stage vibrated on my knee and fell to the floor. Too tired to reach and get it, I kicked it towards me to facilitate easy reaching of it. As well as finding the phone, I found a tiny bit of plastic or glass which looked somewhat sharp.
Being ever safety conscious, I decided to move the bit of detritus before somebody injured themselves on it. Wandering up to the kitchen bin and placing the bit in it was uneventful, though when I turned round the situation was different. Every metre or so, coinciding with where my right foot had been, was a small patch of red, sticky liquid. I was too late. Somebody had already injured themselves. Me!
I balanced myself precariously on he side of the bath, and, doing my best not to dampen my PJs, washed and plastered the offending area.
So If you come to my house before I move out and wonder what the bloodstains are, there's the explanation.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
Timmy "Great Bleeding Foot Saga Survivor" Magic
Thursday, March 13, 2008
new blogger on the list
In January, I went to Centre Parcs in Nottingham. While there I met Andrew Whitehouse, DYO for East Midlands. He is a thoroughly nice bloke.
Whilst perusing another blog on the list, I came across his blog and found a link back to my blog. So he is going on the blogroll.
Timmy "DY-OK bloke" Magic
Whilst perusing another blog on the list, I came across his blog and found a link back to my blog. So he is going on the blogroll.
Timmy "DY-OK bloke" Magic
Monday, March 10, 2008
a rare retraction
I don't often write retractions as I am hardly ever wrong. But this is a historic moment.
Mike Owen was the cowboy and Mike McCredie was the Indian.
Sorry for any confusion caused
Timmy "Maybe Mistaken" Magic
Mike Owen was the cowboy and Mike McCredie was the Indian.
Sorry for any confusion caused
Timmy "Maybe Mistaken" Magic
Saturday, March 08, 2008
iplayer and ipods and iphones
The BBC announced yesterday that their iPlayer is now available on the iPhone and iPod touch via any WiFi connection, though free for all on the Cloud wifi hotspots. Sadly, unlike the YouTube feature of the iPhone, it will not work over the EDGE network as it is too slow, but the concept of life on the move is certainly added to.
To be able to watch any of the last week's television on the Internet is quite an achievement but when taken mobile it becomes even more admirable.
The corporation have struck a deal with the Cloud, provider of WiFi hotspots to a number of locations across the UK, to allow access to all BBC Internet services for free. O2 included free access to the Cloud to all its customers as part of their contract so that perk wont make too much of a difference for iPhone users, but opens a whole new world to iPod touch fans.
So I am going to sit on the couch being a slob, TV, laptop and phone watching.
Timmy "iLike it" Magic
To be able to watch any of the last week's television on the Internet is quite an achievement but when taken mobile it becomes even more admirable.
The corporation have struck a deal with the Cloud, provider of WiFi hotspots to a number of locations across the UK, to allow access to all BBC Internet services for free. O2 included free access to the Cloud to all its customers as part of their contract so that perk wont make too much of a difference for iPhone users, but opens a whole new world to iPod touch fans.
So I am going to sit on the couch being a slob, TV, laptop and phone watching.
Timmy "iLike it" Magic
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
the end of an era
After 34 years in their current building, the Salvation Army in Chelmsford have departed Baddow Road and landed at St Peter's College. This weekend the corps held their celebration and valedictory weekend.
The weekend got under way on Saturday evening with a cabaret featuring videos of previous cabaret evenings and reconstructions of some of the silliness, along with some new items. Mention should go to Daniel Schultz who organised the event and did a really good job of it.
Fortunately, or maybe not, my only cabaret appearance did not feature in the review, so the good people of Chelmsford were spared the sight of me, Mike McCredie, Mike Owen, Simon Hull and Jon Scott as the Village People. It was pointed out, however, that I was the policeman on the night and am a policeman now and Jon was the builder and went on to work for a building firm. Evidence has not yet presented itself that Mike McCredie ever became a cowboy though.
Sunday was a good day, with a really sensitive approach to Mothering Sunday and the family nature of the church in the morning. The evening service was a great opportunity to look back on all things gone at the corps and anticipation for all things to come. With an eye on the good old days, the Corps sang "Storm the Forts of Darkness", a traditional Army hymn with strong words even today, before the flags were marched out to "Emblem of the Army".
It was with a real sense of shock that I realised that it is nearly 7 years since I first arrived in Essex. Lots of things have changed in that time. People have met, married, had kids and moved on in that time. I can assure you that having a conversation with a child who was only just walking when I arrived and seeing kids that were born in this century doing their bit makes me feel old.
All in all, it was a great weekend and I am looking forward to returning in about a year's time to open the new suite of buildings with the same passion and enthusiasm as the old one was closed with.
Timmy "Reflecting and Rejoicing" Magic
The weekend got under way on Saturday evening with a cabaret featuring videos of previous cabaret evenings and reconstructions of some of the silliness, along with some new items. Mention should go to Daniel Schultz who organised the event and did a really good job of it.
Fortunately, or maybe not, my only cabaret appearance did not feature in the review, so the good people of Chelmsford were spared the sight of me, Mike McCredie, Mike Owen, Simon Hull and Jon Scott as the Village People. It was pointed out, however, that I was the policeman on the night and am a policeman now and Jon was the builder and went on to work for a building firm. Evidence has not yet presented itself that Mike McCredie ever became a cowboy though.
Sunday was a good day, with a really sensitive approach to Mothering Sunday and the family nature of the church in the morning. The evening service was a great opportunity to look back on all things gone at the corps and anticipation for all things to come. With an eye on the good old days, the Corps sang "Storm the Forts of Darkness", a traditional Army hymn with strong words even today, before the flags were marched out to "Emblem of the Army".
It was with a real sense of shock that I realised that it is nearly 7 years since I first arrived in Essex. Lots of things have changed in that time. People have met, married, had kids and moved on in that time. I can assure you that having a conversation with a child who was only just walking when I arrived and seeing kids that were born in this century doing their bit makes me feel old.
All in all, it was a great weekend and I am looking forward to returning in about a year's time to open the new suite of buildings with the same passion and enthusiasm as the old one was closed with.
Timmy "Reflecting and Rejoicing" Magic
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
teen pregnancy - in this case, it is cool
Today I decided that I didn't want to be a slob around the house all day, so I went out to the cinema for a walk.
I set out yesterday to go to the cinema but got waylaid by missing Oyster cards and forgotten keys. This afternoon, however, I made it to see Juno and it's brilliant. I was slightly concerned by the fact that I was the only person laughing at most of the jokes, until I realised that I was one of the only people in the cinema.
The humour is very similar to that of Napoleon Dynamite, which I very much enjoyed.
The eponymous protagonist is loveable from the opening scene to the last, and it is easily possible to identify with her. The film has no heroes and villains but in some way, everyone has their own positive and negative qualities.
See it! It's great!
Timmy "Thundercats are GO!" Magic
I set out yesterday to go to the cinema but got waylaid by missing Oyster cards and forgotten keys. This afternoon, however, I made it to see Juno and it's brilliant. I was slightly concerned by the fact that I was the only person laughing at most of the jokes, until I realised that I was one of the only people in the cinema.
The humour is very similar to that of Napoleon Dynamite, which I very much enjoyed.
The eponymous protagonist is loveable from the opening scene to the last, and it is easily possible to identify with her. The film has no heroes and villains but in some way, everyone has their own positive and negative qualities.
See it! It's great!
Timmy "Thundercats are GO!" Magic
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
harry hill's horns
I was pointed in the direction of this video by a chum of mine, Shaun Collins!
It is rather amusing, and musically, quite clever. Listen out for some of the sarcastic comments Harry makes at the start
Timmy "Good YouTubing sHorn" MAgic
It is rather amusing, and musically, quite clever. Listen out for some of the sarcastic comments Harry makes at the start
Timmy "Good YouTubing sHorn" MAgic
Monday, February 11, 2008
magic the tourist
Timmy Magic has been being touristy today.
As often happens on mutual days off, Karen and I hung out together and had a pretty silly time. Today we decided that as we didn't need or want to go to Costco and we didn't need Kopparberg as I am off fizzy drinks for Lent, we would venture off to Harrods for the day.
We hopped on the bus down to Victoria then walked round the corner to one of the world's finest department stores.
Most shocking was the fact that neither of us bought anything, not even to get a bag!
It's wonderful to revel in the opulance of expense and wonder at why people, for example, would spend £5000 on a pair of shoes.
Timmy "Wants to able to shop at Harrods" Magic
As often happens on mutual days off, Karen and I hung out together and had a pretty silly time. Today we decided that as we didn't need or want to go to Costco and we didn't need Kopparberg as I am off fizzy drinks for Lent, we would venture off to Harrods for the day.
We hopped on the bus down to Victoria then walked round the corner to one of the world's finest department stores.
Most shocking was the fact that neither of us bought anything, not even to get a bag!
It's wonderful to revel in the opulance of expense and wonder at why people, for example, would spend £5000 on a pair of shoes.
Timmy "Wants to able to shop at Harrods" Magic
Saturday, February 09, 2008
3 bandsmen and a fireman
Today saw Timmy Magic and the rest of Regent Hall Band visit Sittingbourne in Kent for an evening of fun, laughs and games (according to Jonny Lomax).
We had a jolly ice time when we arrived, but this post concerns the pre-arrival antics, and to some extent, the pre-departure antics.
We loaded the van up, as is customary when we go away, and hopped on in. I chucked my bag onto the front seat and, realising that there was little leg room, it might be more sensible to put in the the back of the van. I asked Norman if the van was locked, to which he replied in the affirmative. But that the key was in his jacket pocket and that his jacket was, oddly enough, in the back of the van. The locked van.
Into action we sprung, finding hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, broken music stands and big bits of metal in an attempt to break the padlock. We poked, prodded, pulled, pushed and generally beats seven bells out of this padlock but to no avail.
It was decided that we should leave, think about the problem on the way and if required, buy a hacksaw. By the time we had got from the Rink to All Souls, a plan was formed. We would stop at the fire station on Euston Road to ask them if they could help.
We pulled up outside and couldn't see any sign of life apart from the cars parked outside. After large amounts of hunting and small amounts of ringing the bell we missed first time round, a helpful fireman arrived. We asked him if he had any bolt croppers and he told us he did not as they were in the other van. He did however have this.
"This" was a petrol powered set of cutters, much like the fire brigade use to remove railings and roofs from cars. Oddly enough, it did the trick. After about 2 seconds of using the machine, the padlock went 'ping' and fell to the ground.
The helpful fireman then asked who we were and when we told him, he offered us a cup of tea because the Salvation Army are always helping them. We declined, thinking they had evened it up in our minds.
Timmy "Pinged Padlock" Magic
We had a jolly ice time when we arrived, but this post concerns the pre-arrival antics, and to some extent, the pre-departure antics.
We loaded the van up, as is customary when we go away, and hopped on in. I chucked my bag onto the front seat and, realising that there was little leg room, it might be more sensible to put in the the back of the van. I asked Norman if the van was locked, to which he replied in the affirmative. But that the key was in his jacket pocket and that his jacket was, oddly enough, in the back of the van. The locked van.
Into action we sprung, finding hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, broken music stands and big bits of metal in an attempt to break the padlock. We poked, prodded, pulled, pushed and generally beats seven bells out of this padlock but to no avail.
It was decided that we should leave, think about the problem on the way and if required, buy a hacksaw. By the time we had got from the Rink to All Souls, a plan was formed. We would stop at the fire station on Euston Road to ask them if they could help.
We pulled up outside and couldn't see any sign of life apart from the cars parked outside. After large amounts of hunting and small amounts of ringing the bell we missed first time round, a helpful fireman arrived. We asked him if he had any bolt croppers and he told us he did not as they were in the other van. He did however have this.
"This" was a petrol powered set of cutters, much like the fire brigade use to remove railings and roofs from cars. Oddly enough, it did the trick. After about 2 seconds of using the machine, the padlock went 'ping' and fell to the ground.
The helpful fireman then asked who we were and when we told him, he offered us a cup of tea because the Salvation Army are always helping them. We declined, thinking they had evened it up in our minds.
Timmy "Pinged Padlock" Magic
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
the story of stuff
I can't remember if I introduced Lucy when she was added to my blogroll, but she is a nice person with big ideas.
Lucy is one of the people I know who takes her social action seriously. Her blog is often thought provoking and awash with ideas to help change the world, or at least our bit of it.
In a recent post she recommended her readers to look at the Story of Stuff, a 20 minute video about the environmental and social issues of the West's (particularly) production and consumption patterns.
I have been musing on such matters recently so decided to watch it. It sparked a few emotions in me during the 20 minute train and bus ride on the way to work.
In the opening scene, the presenter asks if the viewer has an iPod. Yes, I do. In fact I was watching the film on it. As the film went on, talking about production, consumption, disposal, recycling and other issues, my views were changed. I have an iPod, which is fairly new. My old one stopped working properly so I got rid of it, but I didn't bin it. For those not au fait with technology, iPods are "non-user serviceable", which basically means that the end user can't fix it themselves. This also means that it is nigh on impossible to recycle them once they reach the end of their life span. I gave my iPod to a friend whose own iPod battery broke. Despite it only being a battery fault, she had to throw her iPod away. I guess that only throwing one iPod in the bin is better than throwing two, but it's still not great.
About half way through the film, I was starting to feel bad. I could identify with pretty much all of what was being said and was guilty of most of it. The presenter then made a statement that stuck out. She said that Europeans weren't as bad as Americans at the whole production cycle (which is linear not cyclical!)
That pleased me, until I realised that actually us Brits aren't "proper" Europeans. Having said that we aren't American either, but we don't embrace the rubbish sorting and the likes as well as the Germans or French for example.
By the end of the film, I was sufficiently annoyed at the world's apathy towards recycling that I came home and sorted a bit of our flat's rubbish into plastics, paper, cans and unrecyclable stuff.
Visit the website which gives various options for watching the film and take heed.
P.S. Prepare to be annoyed, lovers of English, as the presenter uses the word "toxics" as a noun. She should use "toxins" but doesn't. Maybe it was intentional to annoy people into action or maybe she just thinks it's the right word
Timmy "Trying not to Stuff up the planet" Magic
Lucy is one of the people I know who takes her social action seriously. Her blog is often thought provoking and awash with ideas to help change the world, or at least our bit of it.
In a recent post she recommended her readers to look at the Story of Stuff, a 20 minute video about the environmental and social issues of the West's (particularly) production and consumption patterns.
I have been musing on such matters recently so decided to watch it. It sparked a few emotions in me during the 20 minute train and bus ride on the way to work.
In the opening scene, the presenter asks if the viewer has an iPod. Yes, I do. In fact I was watching the film on it. As the film went on, talking about production, consumption, disposal, recycling and other issues, my views were changed. I have an iPod, which is fairly new. My old one stopped working properly so I got rid of it, but I didn't bin it. For those not au fait with technology, iPods are "non-user serviceable", which basically means that the end user can't fix it themselves. This also means that it is nigh on impossible to recycle them once they reach the end of their life span. I gave my iPod to a friend whose own iPod battery broke. Despite it only being a battery fault, she had to throw her iPod away. I guess that only throwing one iPod in the bin is better than throwing two, but it's still not great.
About half way through the film, I was starting to feel bad. I could identify with pretty much all of what was being said and was guilty of most of it. The presenter then made a statement that stuck out. She said that Europeans weren't as bad as Americans at the whole production cycle (which is linear not cyclical!)
That pleased me, until I realised that actually us Brits aren't "proper" Europeans. Having said that we aren't American either, but we don't embrace the rubbish sorting and the likes as well as the Germans or French for example.
By the end of the film, I was sufficiently annoyed at the world's apathy towards recycling that I came home and sorted a bit of our flat's rubbish into plastics, paper, cans and unrecyclable stuff.
Visit the website which gives various options for watching the film and take heed.
P.S. Prepare to be annoyed, lovers of English, as the presenter uses the word "toxics" as a noun. She should use "toxins" but doesn't. Maybe it was intentional to annoy people into action or maybe she just thinks it's the right word
Timmy "Trying not to Stuff up the planet" Magic
Monday, February 04, 2008
i am a guitar hero iii
A recent addition to the life of House 1 and its hotties was the Wii game, Guitar Hero III. The third in the series (obviously) is subtitled 'Legends of Rock' and contains songs from those very such bands.
Playable songs include music by Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Weezer, The Sex Pistols, Smashing Pumpkins and Santana. There is some classic older stuff as well as a few contemporary bands that aren't quite legends yet, but could be.
I am good at it on medium level, Jon is just as good, Shaun has it for PS3 and is better at it. Karen tries hards and gets by and Dave is too cool to care that he is rubbish at it.
I have played on previous versions on the game and enjoyed it, but since I have had my own console, my own guitar and my own time to play it in, I have come on leaps and bounds.
If you own a PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PC or Mac, get the game and invite some chums round - you won't regret it
Timmy "Black Magic Bloke" Magic
Playable songs include music by Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, Weezer, The Sex Pistols, Smashing Pumpkins and Santana. There is some classic older stuff as well as a few contemporary bands that aren't quite legends yet, but could be.
I am good at it on medium level, Jon is just as good, Shaun has it for PS3 and is better at it. Karen tries hards and gets by and Dave is too cool to care that he is rubbish at it.
I have played on previous versions on the game and enjoyed it, but since I have had my own console, my own guitar and my own time to play it in, I have come on leaps and bounds.
If you own a PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PC or Mac, get the game and invite some chums round - you won't regret it
Timmy "Black Magic Bloke" Magic
Sunday, February 03, 2008
the super bowl - one xlii of an evening
Tonight is the Super Bowl, the pinnacle of the American football season. The BBC are showing it, meaning that for once, people who don't have Sky and hate Five can watch it.
OK, so it's not REAL football and is akin to rugby but with fatter and softer men but you know what? I like it!
I like to try and expand my horizons every now and again by reading new authors, seeing new films and taking interest in new sports. The sport has had a couple of semi-successful forays into Europe (remember "The Fridge"?) but I finally think it's arrived and is staying. Late last year, the New York Giants, who are in the game tonight, played Miami Dolphins. The game attracted a large number of European fans, despite the rain on that day. The pitch at Wembley was ruined, and it led to the England football team not qualifying for Euro 2008, but it was a good day by all accounts.
American football is here for the forseeable future, so we might as well enjoy it!
Timmy "Still prefers soccer" Magic
OK, so it's not REAL football and is akin to rugby but with fatter and softer men but you know what? I like it!
I like to try and expand my horizons every now and again by reading new authors, seeing new films and taking interest in new sports. The sport has had a couple of semi-successful forays into Europe (remember "The Fridge"?) but I finally think it's arrived and is staying. Late last year, the New York Giants, who are in the game tonight, played Miami Dolphins. The game attracted a large number of European fans, despite the rain on that day. The pitch at Wembley was ruined, and it led to the England football team not qualifying for Euro 2008, but it was a good day by all accounts.
American football is here for the forseeable future, so we might as well enjoy it!
Timmy "Still prefers soccer" Magic
Saturday, February 02, 2008
i lied on my blog
On 23rd March 2007 I said on this blog that I liked Tim Burton. This, I fear to say, is not true.
I love Tim Burton.
This evening, I went to see his new film, Sweeney Todd. It is excellent and well worth seeing. By no means is it nice and fluffy and it is very(!) bloody, but in a comic way. It is the 6th collaboration of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp (guess the other five) and its really reflects the relationship that Depp, Burton and his real life wife, Helena Bonham Carter have.
Timmy "Not shaving tomorrow" Magic
I love Tim Burton.
This evening, I went to see his new film, Sweeney Todd. It is excellent and well worth seeing. By no means is it nice and fluffy and it is very(!) bloody, but in a comic way. It is the 6th collaboration of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp (guess the other five) and its really reflects the relationship that Depp, Burton and his real life wife, Helena Bonham Carter have.
Timmy "Not shaving tomorrow" Magic
Thursday, January 31, 2008
engaging with people
Yesterday I had the joy of attending a course run by an external contractor on communicating with people. It was a full day's course, which is something that Met officers are not familiar with. I will be honest and say that I wasn't looking forward to partaking in the day. I feared that it would be a bunch of corporate experts teaching us to suck eggs.
I was right.
The day was filled with exercises in getting to know each other, perceptions of people and how to talk to people. I learned some new things like how to understand people's tells and I relearned some old things.
Whilst I understand that knowing how to deal with people is the most important tool in my job, being told how to do it by people who have never been sworn at, who have never had abuse or items thrown at them and who never have left the office wearing bulletproof armour seem rather condescending.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike the course, but I am sure glad it's out of the way!
As a non sequitur, my housemate Jon no longer has a lovely girlfriend Natalie but now has a lovely fiancee Natalie!
Timmy "Comms Expert" Magic
I was right.
The day was filled with exercises in getting to know each other, perceptions of people and how to talk to people. I learned some new things like how to understand people's tells and I relearned some old things.
Whilst I understand that knowing how to deal with people is the most important tool in my job, being told how to do it by people who have never been sworn at, who have never had abuse or items thrown at them and who never have left the office wearing bulletproof armour seem rather condescending.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike the course, but I am sure glad it's out of the way!
As a non sequitur, my housemate Jon no longer has a lovely girlfriend Natalie but now has a lovely fiancee Natalie!
Timmy "Comms Expert" Magic
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
relaxed to the max
Last weekend I was lucky enough to go to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham. Yes, roll on the Robin Hood jokes, we had them all this weekend.
After an arduous (!) coach journey up, we (Becky, Ben and I) arrived and chilled out with some new friends and some older friends, larked about in the swimming pool, played some Pro Evo and generally had some good banter.
Swimming was order of the morning/lunchtime on Saturday before more chilling out and playing pool (blokes) or belly dancing (women). The highlight of the weekend was to arrive on Saturday night when the gang went en masse to the spa. For those who haven't ever been to a spa, as I hadn't, it is thoroughly recommended. We went to a number of different fragrant and temperate rooms, as well as the outdoor "Zen Garden". Sitting in a near silent forest, wearing swimming trunks and a towel in the pouring rain is one of the nicest thing you can experience. Being able to reflect on nature and head back inside to a 100°C sauna is great.
Sunday morning brought us to the Jazz Brunch, with the 5 piece band, the Center Parcs Discount Jazz Quartet. The band were really good, the atmosphere relaxed and the food delicious and filling. While the real men played football, the girls and I swam once more before home time.
It was brilliant and I will definitely go back
Timmy "Magic says Relax" Magic
After an arduous (!) coach journey up, we (Becky, Ben and I) arrived and chilled out with some new friends and some older friends, larked about in the swimming pool, played some Pro Evo and generally had some good banter.
Swimming was order of the morning/lunchtime on Saturday before more chilling out and playing pool (blokes) or belly dancing (women). The highlight of the weekend was to arrive on Saturday night when the gang went en masse to the spa. For those who haven't ever been to a spa, as I hadn't, it is thoroughly recommended. We went to a number of different fragrant and temperate rooms, as well as the outdoor "Zen Garden". Sitting in a near silent forest, wearing swimming trunks and a towel in the pouring rain is one of the nicest thing you can experience. Being able to reflect on nature and head back inside to a 100°C sauna is great.
Sunday morning brought us to the Jazz Brunch, with the 5 piece band, the Center Parcs Discount Jazz Quartet. The band were really good, the atmosphere relaxed and the food delicious and filling. While the real men played football, the girls and I swam once more before home time.
It was brilliant and I will definitely go back
Timmy "Magic says Relax" Magic
Monday, January 14, 2008
bbc iplayer - making the unwatched, watched
The BBC have recently fully launched their iPlayer to the waiting masses. Well, perhaps not masses, but certainly to the people who have been waiting!
The player, which I was lucky enough to be able to beta test, allows UK viewers to see or repeat the best of BBC programming of the last 7 days. Whilst there is some content missing, the selection is vey good. It has the best bits of BBC One to BBC Four, BBC News 24, BBC News, BBC Parliament and the two children's channels, CBBC and CBeebies. Conspicuous in its absence is the BBC's sports coverage and eviews programmes, but this may be due to licensing issues.
As much as it pains me to say, the site works at its best with Microsoft IE, but as it uses similar technology to YouTube and other video sites, it is accessible from FireFox (for sensible Windows users and Linux users) and Safari (for Mac-ites). Downloading video content is possible for users of Windows XP and Vista, but up to now, streaming online has been good enough for me.
I recommend sitting down for an hour or two and catching up on any PC, sorry, TV, you may have missed this week.
Timmy "real life iPlayer" Magic
The player, which I was lucky enough to be able to beta test, allows UK viewers to see or repeat the best of BBC programming of the last 7 days. Whilst there is some content missing, the selection is vey good. It has the best bits of BBC One to BBC Four, BBC News 24, BBC News, BBC Parliament and the two children's channels, CBBC and CBeebies. Conspicuous in its absence is the BBC's sports coverage and eviews programmes, but this may be due to licensing issues.
As much as it pains me to say, the site works at its best with Microsoft IE, but as it uses similar technology to YouTube and other video sites, it is accessible from FireFox (for sensible Windows users and Linux users) and Safari (for Mac-ites). Downloading video content is possible for users of Windows XP and Vista, but up to now, streaming online has been good enough for me.
I recommend sitting down for an hour or two and catching up on any PC, sorry, TV, you may have missed this week.
Timmy "real life iPlayer" Magic
Saturday, January 12, 2008
new things
So, a new year normally means change. We all know change happens. It happened to such an extent that it led Robert C Gallagher to say:
"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine"
I digress. New Year means new things.
1) Tim's new laptop
I have a new laptop and I am blogging from it now. It's very nice and I like it lots.
2) Tim's new camera
I have purchased a new digital camera as my last one died the other day. It does all kinds of wonderful things like take photos (obviously) and create YouTube videos.
3) Tim's new YouTube account
New camera. Does YouTube videos. Fill in the blanks.
4) Tim's new found love of podcasts
I have had an iPod for a few years now and listened to podcasts before, but as it was early in the life of the technology, they weren't great. Now I have a nice video iPod and a lovely speedy broadband connection and a cool new laptop, I can watch video podcasts (or vodcasts). I am now fully up to date with the news in Germany, France Sweden and Norway as well as here at home. If anyone can recommened any other good videos, feel free to let me know.
Timmy "Same Old Magic" Magic
"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine"
I digress. New Year means new things.
1) Tim's new laptop
I have a new laptop and I am blogging from it now. It's very nice and I like it lots.
2) Tim's new camera
I have purchased a new digital camera as my last one died the other day. It does all kinds of wonderful things like take photos (obviously) and create YouTube videos.
3) Tim's new YouTube account
New camera. Does YouTube videos. Fill in the blanks.
4) Tim's new found love of podcasts
I have had an iPod for a few years now and listened to podcasts before, but as it was early in the life of the technology, they weren't great. Now I have a nice video iPod and a lovely speedy broadband connection and a cool new laptop, I can watch video podcasts (or vodcasts). I am now fully up to date with the news in Germany, France Sweden and Norway as well as here at home. If anyone can recommened any other good videos, feel free to let me know.
Timmy "Same Old Magic" Magic
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
the return of cyclocop - dm style
Today saw the welcome return of Cyclocop to the streets of London. After a brief respite in late 2007, while I puppy walked some new people, I was back in action for the first time in 2008.
It also saw the first time I had patrolled from my new home at Marylebone Police Station following the borough restructure. It was fairly painless although some things did go missing and it is a dive. We won't dwell on that though - we will remain positive!
As part of Cyclocop patrolling today I went through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. On the way back into the station I hit a slight snag. I entered Kensington Gardens a little before 1645 via Bayswater Road. I made my merry way towards Marble Arch and when I arrived at the exit, it was locked. As were all the other exits I could find. Therefore I had to lift my bike over a fence, climb over the fence, stand on my bike then cycle away. Not necessarily an issue unless you are lit up like a Christmas tree and in a bright yellow jacket!
Hopefully no-one saw me, but keep your eyes on YouTube just in case!
Timmy "Cyclohop" Magic
It also saw the first time I had patrolled from my new home at Marylebone Police Station following the borough restructure. It was fairly painless although some things did go missing and it is a dive. We won't dwell on that though - we will remain positive!
As part of Cyclocop patrolling today I went through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. On the way back into the station I hit a slight snag. I entered Kensington Gardens a little before 1645 via Bayswater Road. I made my merry way towards Marble Arch and when I arrived at the exit, it was locked. As were all the other exits I could find. Therefore I had to lift my bike over a fence, climb over the fence, stand on my bike then cycle away. Not necessarily an issue unless you are lit up like a Christmas tree and in a bright yellow jacket!
Hopefully no-one saw me, but keep your eyes on YouTube just in case!
Timmy "Cyclohop" Magic
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
lapsed blogger cull
In an attempt to stick with my New Year's resolution (to be tidier) I have cleared up my blogroll!
If you feel you need putting back on the list, tell why and I might re-add you!
Timmy "Culling Made" Magic
If you feel you need putting back on the list, tell why and I might re-add you!
Timmy "Culling Made" Magic
mmviii/2008/year of the rat
So here we are in 2008! Happy New Year everyone!
I hope that your celebrations were good fun and didn't end in too much trouble!
As I enter my 4th(!) year of blogging I hope to continue to amuse and provoke deep and meaningful thought (see - amusing!) for the next 365 days. It's a leap year.
Timmy "MMVIII Blogger" Magic
I hope that your celebrations were good fun and didn't end in too much trouble!
As I enter my 4th(!) year of blogging I hope to continue to amuse and provoke deep and meaningful thought (see - amusing!) for the next 365 days. It's a leap year.
Timmy "MMVIII Blogger" Magic
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