The Beach
Relax.
Jump to more content from this blog
About this blog
PM The evening news and current affairs programme presented by Eddie Mair.
iPM The programme that starts with its listeners. Join the discussions online and contribute ideas for a weekly programme presented by Eddie Mair and Jennifer Tracey.
The PM Privacy Commission
Read the final report of the PM Privacy Commission.
- Full Audio and Transcripts
- Hugh Tomlinson QC
- Zac Goldsmith MP
- Max Mosley
- Stephen Abell
- Hugh Grant
- Sir Charles Gray
- Alan Rusbridger
- Helen Wood
- Max Clifford
- Marcus Partington
- John Kampfner
- Christopher Graham
- Louise Mensch
- Andy Trotter
- John Mullin
- Avril Sanders Royle
- Jimmy Wales
Meet the commissioners, view the terms of reference and hear the Commission Chair Sir Michael Lyons explain his approach.
RSS feed
Email us
Listen to PM
Cooo..... pure clean sand!
I'll just take up residence in this purple spangly hammock, for an early morning snooze before the nooze.........
Budge up, Fearless!
Fifi ;o)
Morning Eddie and good morning Fifi,
Everbody's seems to be smilin' on the beach this morning, it's one of those sunshine days. Do you know - I've just found out there's a flavour of Ben & Jerry's ice cream called Peanut Butter Me Up. It is half chocolate ice cream and half peanut butter ice cream, with fudge chips mixed in.
But here's the amazing part . . .It has a Peanut Butter Caramel core. PEANUT BUTTER CARAMEL!!!
The fact that Peanut Butter Caramel EXISTS is ample proof to me that the universe is benevolent. I left a catering pack in the fridge at the NC bar for those who wish to try iy.
Morning Eddie and good morning Fifi,
Everbody's seems to be smilin' on the beach this morning, it's one of those sunshine days. Do you know - I've just found out there's a flavour of Ben & Jerry's ice cream called Peanut Butter Me Up. It is half chocolate ice cream and half peanut butter ice cream, with fudge chips mixed in.
But here's the amazing part . . .It has a Peanut Butter Caramel core. PEANUT BUTTER CARAMEL!!!
The fact that Peanut Butter Caramel EXISTS is ample proof to me that the universe is benevolent. I left a catering pack in the fridge at the NC bar for those who wish to try iy.
This morning's dance on the pristine sands:
5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...5-0-2...2-0-5...
morning peeps, my turn to make the Blue Mountain this morning, its on the counter in Cafe 502.
Update:
well given that I've been 502'd umpteen times in trying to post this, the d*mn stuff's probably cold by now, grrrrrrr!!
Gladys (2), Forgive me buit that sounds utterly awful! But then, I don't like peanut butter, caramel or any ice cream except coconut...
All the more for you then.
:-)
Ah....how lovely, a new beach, a new day.
If anyone is looking for me I'll be the one floating gently in the big rock pool and thinking of nothing in particular.
Fresh English Breakfast on the bar and I've set up the coffee machine: croissants are in the solar oven keeping warm.
A.
xx
They may have to keep warm for a long time if I can't get out of room 502....
Morning peeps, new day, new Beach so it must be Friday!
Feefs it looks as if FF has overslept again!
Gladys, you know they way to a blokes heart then......mmmmm....delicious!
BTW if, and it may be a big if, this post does go through OK I may think about closing Cafe 502 for the winter!
Doh...502'd......i am getting a bit fed up with this!
Cafe 502 will stay open and will probably do a roaring trade.
DiY:)
wot....still....502...i'll get this through if its the last thing I do.........DOH
third time lucky?......no.....
one more go and then its out with the hammer....
wsznhft.... Oh, morning everyone:-) Nice to wake up on a nice new clean beach. Thanks Eddie. Now to help myself to a coffee and investigate that strange new dune that appeard just to the left of the beach. Anyone want to tag along for the stroll?
Hmm a new beach, but already it's got a few 502 holes to trip up the unwary frogger....
Coooeee Eddie lammy pie,
My cat Madison loves the sunshine. And when the sun rears his full face, of an autumnal morn, a felling of goodwill and peace to all men shepherds us weak, past the valley of darkness and gets the ol鈥 brown eyes 鈥榓 smiling again.
Eddie life is good and the rails are back on.
Friday - so it is - traditionally the weekend eve; - and half-celebratory in a sense, for those of us who look at a half-full glass with a smile. :0)
Fillet mignons are relaxing in the fridge and a cheeky little Shiraz is getting ready in the cellar 鈥 an afternoon in the setting sun beckons, staring at the blue sea and thinking of good times, laughter and cheer. :0)
Eddie - have a great day the butter-free crusty bread is on the NC bar . . .
5
0
2
Big Sis - may I join in?
By the time I get here it will certianly be time for the hazlenut liqueur (which was meant to go with the hot chocolate - the wonderful thing about the Beach is that npthing ever goes cold. Or congeals!)
So, try again shall we? I was so full of hope...
502502502
If anybody says "Why the long face?", I'm leaving.
Someone left this on the Froggers refuge earlier. It wasn't me - not enough mistakes? and too well composed - actually very amusing and close to the truth.
Anyone have any ideas??
--------------------------------------------------------
The 502 Editor @ Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:20:39 BST:
I'm afraid you lot only have yourselves to blame - if you didn't all post so frequently you wouldn't be having this problem.
Take today for example. A NEW Beach is provided for you at 5.06 am. By 11.11 am, you have put 10 messages on it (plus a repeat). That's getting on for about 2 posts an hour!! What sort of rate do you think we are able to work at here?
And look at the storm of postings to the other threads that Mr Mair has put up today. 5 threads he's only gone and placed on the Blog and you lot have bombarded them with a grand total of 17 posts! Yes 17!!! I mean give us a break here.
Any more days like today and you'll wake the moderators up. You should realise that the Blog is a very delicate creature and should not be over-stretched.
I sometimes think that you lot consider the Blog is place where you can simply debate issues and comment on the programme and have the odd bit of fun. Well I have news for you; the 成人快手 isn't spending a fortune on the shiny Blog just so you lot can comment on issues and inform the programme-makers.
Oh No!
This shiny Blog was specially built to attract a shiny Sony. Now that we've captured it, we don't really think you lot are relevant anymore, but we'll keep the Blog running for appearances sake - but at the reduced level that you are now experiencing.
Can I suggest that you all get together and draw lots for posting order timings? With a bit of organisation I reckon that you regulars should be able to each post 1.5 times per fortnight.
Can't say fairer than that now, can I?
And until you cut the incessant and ludicrous rate of posting, we are leaving 鈥楳ac鈥 where he is - just to annoy you a bit more!
Crate of Champagne on the bar. I've just bought (with the help of a royal scottish bank) the property I work from. Probably won't be able to do this again for a while! i.e. provide the champagne
From previous beach - hello Molly - it's nice to be back! And, DIY, I always have a bucket don't you?
Ha ha Jonnie - Are you sure it wasn't you?!
jonnie, spot on!
Congrats, stewart m.
Meanwhile the sun is down, so G&Ts and fresh orange juices on the 502 bar
2nd try: 1928
Drinks all round at the NC Bar. I'm in need of some refreshment after dancing all day.
Oh, and a double for Eddie of whatever poison he chooses. It's Friday. Relax.
Much appreciated. And I come with this from our techy colleagues:
"We are working as fast as we can towards a resolution but it's likelythat a small percentage of those who try to comment at the moment willcontinue to get error messages of various types. We realise this isfrustrating and it shouldn't happen to even one person. We hope to havea resolution soon and will let you know when things are back as they should be."
I know that spam has been a huge problem. They are working on a fix for that. I share your frustration about all this. It sucks all the fun out of the Blog. I know THIS will be 502'd several times. One day...soon I hope...it will be over.
And I was...once...twice...
Anne P - look out for the sea anemones ... and, of course, the seaweed fronds. Mind you, with fronds like that, who needs anemones?
Sid
How hot has the sand become in this heat? Can I walk on it without my flip-flops? I'll take a little step......
Sid.......get a grip mate.....:)
Gillian.....ooh...ow..ow..oh..ow..ow..oh....oh....oh...ow....ow...ow......oh...ow....splosh....its about 502 degrees!
Sorry, DIY - I didn't think it would get through. And I'd just discovered I wouldn't be standing in a November election after all.
Drinks all round ...
Sid
So I've just trie a test - which said it was accepted!
Now that looks positive - however some of us - as Eddie suggested - have moved here till Monday -
and on Monday we can see what's happening here!
Sid (24)
shame.....BTW, wotz Brown and got no bottle?
DIY - isn't there a rhyming slang phrase to do with Aristotle? Or shall we just make one up?
Sid
'Aristotle Brown, leader of the Labour Party ...' Hmm. Just doesn't quite gel ...
Wow! An almost empty beach! And a beautiful starry sky! And a glass of wine....perfect!
DIY - isn't there a rhyming slang phrase to do with Aristotle? Or shall we just make one up?
Sid
'Aristotle Brown, leader of the Labour Party ...' Hmm. Just doesn't quite gel ...
Geronimo!!!
I think can see an adolescent camel having his first hump ...
Sid
(It's funny what you come up with when no one's listening, isn't it?)
I think can see an adolescent camel having his first hump ...
Sid
(It's funny what you come up with when no one's listening, isn't it?)
I think can see an adolescent camel having his first hump ...
Sid
(It's funny what you come up with when no one's listening, isn't it?)
So, Sid, if there are three adolescent camels having their first hump, can we now officially declare this an orgy? ;o)
Sid - (31, 32 and 33)
Kindly avert your eyes.
(what do you call a camel with 3 humps?)
Hmm ... I thought no one was listening ... oh dear.
Anyway - yes, let's declare this orgy officially open - careful where you put those scissors.
And I'd call a camel wiv free humps 'Humpfree', being an Essex boy.
Sid
Morning all,
I have to tell you about last night hope you don't mind - what a scream - so there I was, with this cheeky little Shiraz, regaling me with her tales of life on the vines, lying in the sun, then getting picked up by a sun-ripened, olive-skinned Portuguese farmer, before a brief spell feeling down-trodden and squashed out by the local gentry and then there was nothing else for it but to hit the bottle鈥ig-time.
A couple of dark years followed, not venturing outside, afraid of the daylight and all the time turning to alcohol, until she was gradually teased out of her shell, into the light by . . . good ole me!!
We spent several hours together; I swallowed her every thought, drowned in her happiness and for the first time in years myself, I felt at one with another, this tall thin stranger, 鈥 yes, admittedly hard-nosed, maybe even full of herself, at first, but when she opened up and poured out all to me, a warm fuzzy feeling enveloped my very being. Noice.
After some time though, I鈥檇 had enough and decided that this relationship was not the way forward. She was becoming scarily addictive. I didn鈥檛 want to dump her there and then, that would be just rubbish and that鈥檚 not me.
No, beside the corkscrew and stopper, I left her to her own devices - in the kitchen. That was her, her in the corner, losing her religion - with Mr. Sheen (not great company admittedly, as he also happened to be pretty wasted).
As I left for the evening, my cat gave me such a catty look as if to say 鈥淗mm, you鈥檙e a real lothario, my friend and compadre, aren鈥檛 you?鈥
Calm down, pet.., I mumbled and set off into the night . .
Ah, Sid - but there's no such thing as a "free" Hump!
sticks head round corner......pssst.....is it fixed?
and why can't we free Humph?
wots 'e done anyway?
and it's raining here in Norfampton. (Well Kingsthorpe really)
Sid (29) may I refer you to Monty Python's Philosophers' Song -
Aristotle Aristotle was a bu**er for the bottle
Hello all.
As you may know I have been testing the PM Blog comment thing and it seems, for now, to be working. I was wondering if you would be kind enough to test it too? I have been posting on the "suspending service" thread. It helps if you post the time of your comment.
If it all seems to be working and no-one gets 502'd, we'll maybe re-start. What I don't want to do is re-start then annoy everyone and have to grind to a halt again.
Only if you can be faffed. Wouldn't blame you if you couldn't!
DIY - see 31,32 and33 *smirk* - and it's not raining on the beach.
Come on everyone!
We,re all bieng faffed on the suspenders thread..
`14.48
Mollyxx
DIY (43)
I blame global warming - but, hey, who's complaining?
Not only are they going through on iPM and Suspenders, but they are going through fast!!
15.21
sb46 (for old times' sake)
....and the good news is (see Rescue Beach) I didn't have to do a Chocolate Run, in the end, I found a bag of them in the glove box of the car. Bit fusty, but oh well, any port in a storm eh?
Oh dear, sorry, that last should have had 15.27 on.
15.28
Oh, lord, my suspenders are faffed. Must've washed them too often.
Great story, Al B!
Giggle, Goosipmrs!
It's pouring down in October, so I'll just stretch out my pins by the NCMB and eye up that jug of sangria, the one of homemade lemonade, and the crudites and dips I put there... ahhhh, sunshine.
Molly, ValP and Frances0
I'm just so glad we don't have to keep 'em up any longer - and we don't have to resort to tights!
Slap on a bit of fake tan and relax on a lounger. Bring on the margueritas - Time to chill out!
Phew! Took an age to get here. That sand really saps the energy from your legs. Just enough time for a power nap before jumping into the car to catch up with how the world looks in radioland
1648
and malicious at 1649
Does anyone have a spare corkscrew? I found this crate of Fleurie behind the bar, and I think a glass of that would be just right about now....
faffed at 16:43
Ffred (49) Here's a corkscrew
ll
ll@@@@@@@@---
ll
or is it a syringe?!
16:56
Wahey.....splash!!!!! splosh!!!!!
splutter
:)
Molly, ValP and Frances0
I'm just so glad we don't have to keep 'em up any longer - and we don't have to resort to tights!
Slap on a bit of fake tan and relax on a lounger. Bring on the margueritas - Time to chill out!
Big Sister
Mmmmm- sounds wonderful- just a large one
please...
Quite like old times is it not?
Do you have a song for the occasion, Big sister?
Mollyxx
(Sings) Happy days are here again!
Oh dear, Molly - I've tried to send my song through to the Beach and ....... well, it simply hasn't appeared.
Pass me another marguerita.
It's 18.48 here in Essex ...
Sid
Hi Sid, well if it's 18.48 in Essex then it must be 2007 in Norfolk....tee hee
either way the sun is well over the yard arm, Darling Alistair has shoplifted everything he can so lets share this bottle of Islay single malt and dream of thing to come...
Too see if things are a bit better . . .
Oh, and ValP (45), how about a new game:
SB 19:44 ;o)
H.
ooh, a song, Mollster??!!
May I?!
*sings*
Early one mor-or-ning, just as the sun was ri-ising,
I heard a maid sing in the valley below:
"Oh, don't deceive me, oh, never leave me!
How could you use a poor maiden so?"
n-n
xx
Hey, lets do the whole blog here On the Beach!
Aha!\\The beach is afloat again?
Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
-- Mark Twain
Tue Oct 9 20:29:32 BST 2007
xx
ed
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
In an effort to curb malicious comment posting by abusive users, I've enabled a feature that requires a weblog commenter to wait a short amount of time before being able to post again. Please try to post your comment again in a short while. Thanks for your patience.
Return to the original entry
Oh well!
Tue Oct 9 20:31:14 BST 2007
I'd join in with the singing, but I think i'd get barred for singing the rude version of Nessum D'Orma!
wot a strange day it has been...even RL still has a few surprises left!
anyhoo......feel welcome to pull up a bean bag, pour a glass of yer favourite poison and look at the stars.....
.......isn't that Camerons Comet just fading away there over in the west?
Have the suspenders come off then?
I only ask as if its all back to normal is the naughty step also working.
Eric (41) Only if you can be faffed
I can always be faffed for you :-)
"oh danny boy, the pipes the pipes are calling...
de dum di dum, de dum di dum di duuuuum"
n-n
Big Sister (57)
Don't worry- n-n stepped into the breech....
n-n 61
what a charming rendition- that top note!
gosh!!!
(Jacques Briel, is it?)!!
Appy- I think you'll find that I was faffed f.irst....
sorry..
Mollyxx
Helloooooooooooooo!
My SO respectfully reminds me to ask if anyone knows what you call a camel with four humps.
While you're pondering that one, here's a case of Pigassou for those partial (as I am) to the black pig. Mmmmmm!
Lovely to be back!
Fifi ;o)
"Always listen between five and six...."
* whistles *
Would someone like to grab an end of this bunting? I've been saving it up for weeks now, and it keeps tungling round my lags.....
Good stuff that Pigassou. Goes great with Appy's ice cream!
Fifi ;o)
Oh, the good old Content Submission Error. How wonderful to see it again after all those 50.... no I won't say it....s!
* mwah! * to Content Submission Error.
omigawd...
I've been posting occasional frivolity in other places just to see what happened, knowing that it would just get a 502 or 'this server is dead. It is an ex-server. The 成人快手 does not exist.' or something, and I just did over on a thread somewhere, and it said 'your comment has been held for approval', and I have a nasty feeling that it has gone through.
Shocks like that are *not good for me*.
Please would someone pass a bottle of something appropriately strong? Nobody's going to mind if I just sit in a corner and get quietly slarmy....
I may sing a little....
starting at 00.08 on Wednesday
What lovely bunting, Feef :) I'm off for a quick jog round the beach and dunes. When I get back, I'll start the coffee machine going, as well as the various pots of teas for folks. If I see any fresh fruit on the jog, I'll collect it and we can make some smoothies later :)
Isn't it good to have the blog back? I shall have to repeat my jokes in case anyone missed them ...
Give us a nudge when the coffee's ready, Mr Fearless.
Sid
Okay, coffee's brewing, teas are in their respective pots, and the mangoes, pineapples, kiwi fruits, and oranges I found in the copse behind the dunes are lined up on the bar for juicing/smoothie-ing. :)
Ah, the most of good of good mornings to you all! What a lovely day. On my walk in to work I discovered the very colour that I want to use in my new abode (or the West Wing as we like to call it....have to actually sign the contracts though....anyway). Trouble is how to replicate the golden green slightly brown tinge of turning leaves.
So with thoughts of beauty and natural wonder in my mind I will indulge in some of FFs juice and go and meditate under the palm. Any takers for a bit of yoga. Downward frog will of course feature x
PS SP (72) Slarmy, what a great word!
Good morning one and all,
And on this auspicious day (Blog revived - hurrah!) I have a little game for us all to play. It's one of those caption competitions and involves visiting the Today Programme website.
/radio4/today/galleries/1957/
is the link to their gallery called Through a Glass Darkly, consisting largely of photos of the Today Team at work. Now, if we discount the non-Team photos (like No. 1, of the lights outside the studio), we could work through those photos providing captions for each one, perhaps on a daily basis.
So, here's my opening shot, for this link
/radio4/today/galleries/1957/2/
"The Welsh Terrier gets ready to pounce."
A few crumpets left for those who want to toast 'em. I've put the butter in the fridge behind the bar.
I might try a bit of yoga witchiwoman - may take my mind off other things which are dragging me down a bit
I know this might be a bit premature, but will we be having a beach Hallowe'en party this year? I'm imagining a huge feast, lots of drinks and cleverly-disguised froggers. Anyone up for decorating the sand-dunes??
Sid (74) - *Nudge*
I feel like celbrating. I just closed a Six Sigma project that seems to have been going on forever. Anyone mind if I bring some champers to the beach later?
p.s. What's the difference between a teabag and the All Blacks? The teabag stays in the cup longer!
79 - Perky, that is early! Are we having a particular theme? Witches & Wizards? Faeries and Other Folk? Goblins and Ghouls?
Someone else can be in charge of pumpkins though, I always sustain injuries.
UpTheT - feel free to join in! And afterwards feel free to drag up a lounger if you need a chat.
What a glorious day, am feeling remarkably happy!
Gaah! Everything in working order again just when I have a Monday deadline to meet :-(
Mind if I sit over here with a sand-resistant laptop? I'll just sip at this lemonade and get on with my work...
Fearless - just spotted this on a South African blog.
England meet France in the first semi-final
South Africa meet Argentina in the second semi-final
Australia meet New Zealand at the Airport.....
Oh, and I quite like this one:
Q: What do you call an Australian at the RWC final?
A: Ref
Q: What do you call a camel with 4 humps?
A: A Saudi Quattro
(I'll get me coat...)
Fifi ;oD
FFred:
Six Sigma? That got me confused. First thing I thought was Six Pack - mmm, that sounds nice! Time for a visit from Daniel Craig, thought I - until I looked it up.
Well, if you think it's worth celebrating, I'll drink along with you as ever, and maybe, just maybe, some six packs will appear along the way? ;o)
'Morning Appy, let me squeeze some fresh lemons for that lemonade. Sorry you're snowed under in real time (though not on the Beach, of course!)
I gather the All Blacks are now branching out into some new business venture that combines trampolining with car wrecking.
Sounds like the good people of Munster would be well advised to keep their cars in their garages.
Big Sis (88) Trust me, if you g*ggle (other search engines are available) the term Six Sigma, you'll underrstand how nice it is to complete a project and get it out of the way. Much as I would love to have the six pack as well, that will have to remain a dream!
Now, what is that camel doing over behind the hammocks?
Big Sis - did you hear that the All Blacks are also branching out into underwear production. They have a revolutionary new bra - all the suport, but no cup..
;卢)
Snow White returned to the cottage to find it had burned down. Distraught, she searches for the dwarfs in the forest and hears a lone voice chanting, "Wales for the World Cup, Wales for the World Cup, Wales for the World Cup." On hearing this, Snow White gave a little sigh of relief as she knew that at least Dopey was safe.
Witchi - I don't mind wielding the pumpkin saw; it's the scooping-out of all the seeds that makes the mess in my house....
I'm open to suggestions theme-wise, although I'd probably veer towards the gruesome side, which always seems like lots more fun.
As for the All Blacks, I've heard they've been seen looking a little sheep-ish.
Sorry.
FFred: I DID look it up, and it looked (well, how can I put this?) extremely complicated and - for a non-techie - boring. But I know it's 'what you do', so I'm v. pleased for you.
Should we set up a gym on the Beach to help with the six packs? ;o)
hi peeps....just bimbled in from RL where October is being really b*tchy at the moment.
I am just going to count to 100, eat my lunch, have a stroll and then re enter the fray..
..may pop back for tea at three.
Congratulations to Ffred and the Stainless Steel Cat, who have both had work-related successes back in October.
Oh, it's soooooo good to have the Blog back!
Let's have some little fairy cakes with our afternoon tea - do you like the way I've iced a frog on each of them?!
Thanks Sis (88).
Yes Gillian (96), they're lovely! One for me please! :-)
Gilian (96)
mmmmmm......delicious frogging fairy cakes, just wot like me ol' gran used to bake!
Youngest son is coming round for dinner this evening, (sure sign he is getting low on pennies for food), so there may will be some left over Beef Madras & rice. Will pop it down to NC's if there is.
I'll have a fairy cake too, please and offer 'round this wee supply of Liffey Water, as it's nearly yardarm time....Slainte
And congrats FFred, but I've often pondered on matters of Quality Control, as in reality it's Uniformity Control, for truly, Quality is in the differences.....Gnu's not Unix & Uniformity's not Quality.
We expect the world to provide us with totally predictable outcomes (products, services, etc), yet claim the right to be totally individualistic and unpredictable ourselves. Hmmmm.
xx
ed
Charlie was a chemist,
But Charlie is no more.
For what he thought was H2O,
Was H2SO4.
Wed Oct 10 16:30:06 BST 2007
Fearless (90)
re g**gle - Ask dot com is getting much better as a search engine (it finds what you want trather than what goblins are able to persuade g**gle you want).
Sid
Any of that Islay left? Which one? I'm partial to a Leapfrog myself, which is appropriate, but I like Lagavulin, Bowmore and the old Ardbeg was a favourite.
Hello all, it's been a busy but good day.
hello all - please help me out - I'm sat here with a pack of choc digestive biscuits and if I'm not careful I'll eat the lot - so please help yourselves! ( but sorry the bottle already seems to be empty hic!)
evening peeps!!
I'll assist with them there biscuits, millie-oh!!
Was so glad the beach was back, I was moved to post in French, (well, franglais), which sadly seems to have slipped down the back of the sofa. I ask you! infact, i-sofa, now I come to think of it.
Right, time for a burst of song:
"If you were the only girl in the world,
And I were the only boy,"
n-n
Millie (102) Are you sure? That's very generous....well if you insist...thank you. It's lovely to meet you!
Pass your glass, I have a bottle we can share. ;o)
I've some Munchen Hell Beer on offer anyone.
Also some Chilli beer I have not dared to try yet!
Ed @ 99, my old Ma used to say 'oh you young things! You spend your time demanding the right to dress how you please so that you can flaunt your individuality in the faces of us boring oldies -- then you all wear identical jeans and t-shirts, and I can't tell one uniformed one of you from the next!'
As for being wrapped in paper, have you been spying on my study? And what can one say about my being totally wrapped in 450 A4 pages of my father's memoirs? Oh my all that proof-reading! And it is nearly done.
I think I'll just fall into a hammock and have another drink...
I'll swap a liffey for a chilli, just for the hell of it, Stewart Munchken!
And Chris, I couldn't resist the fishwrapper quote when it turned up. Just got a new toy from Linux - a 'fortune cookie' lucky dip:
I like myself, but I won't say I'm as handsome as the bull that kidnapped Europa.
-- Marcus Tullius Cicero
Something mysterious is formed, born in the silent void. Waiting alone and unmoving, it is at once still and yet in constant motion. It is
the source of all programs. I do not know its name, so I will call it the Tao of Programming.
If the Tao is great, then the operating system is great. If the operating system is great, then the compiler is great. If the compiler is greater, then the applications is great. The user is pleased and there is harmony in the world.
The Tao of Programming flows far away and returns on the wind of morning.
-- Geoffrey James, "The Tao of Programming"
Subtlety is the art of saying what you think and getting out of the way before it is understood.
Do nothing unless you must, and when you must act -- hesitate.
Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level.
-- Quentin Crisp
'nuff for now, eh?
xx
ed
Surprise due today. Also the rent.
Thu Oct 11 00:21:30 BST 2007
Morning all - and what a glorious one it is. Before I get too embroiled in RL I must get this of my chest and ask for your Froggy thoughts tomorrow morning.
I have decided to hand in my notice. Some of you are aware that I work for the family business and, even before I started here, things with my Dad were not great. They are now a whole heap worse. So, for the sake of my sanity, health and general well being I've decided enough is enough. I was hoping to hang until I'd got my teaching really started but don't have time to do that if tied to the office so this will be a huge leap.
I'm not so much worried about that as my father's reaction; it could be rage, disinterest or plain nastiness. So please do spare a thought to this wee frogger at about 8.30 tomorrow morning, I could really do with an extra bit of strength xxx
EdI, It was actually a performance-based project, improving people's use of certain codes on a system to ensure (yes) uniformity. All I can say is that I was "well-chuffed" afterwards when one of the reviewers (a Master Black Belt for those in "the know") said she was impressed at the use of some of the measures, including some that are "rarely used" by people like me who are running lower level projects. :D
Still, I see that there's still some champers left over from last night. Bucks Fizz anyone?
WW (108) sorry, I missed your earlier wander along the beach. I hope things went well earlier. I've set aside an Apple & Cinnamon muffin for you. It's hidden under the counter on the NCMB...
FF - will it keep until tomorrow?? Thats N-Day!
WW Of course it will keep! It's a special blog muffin :)
Strength to you in all matters, WonderWitchi, and deep hopes that your dad and you find a way through the mirky woods.
I can say that there have been moments of fire and ice with both my offspring, and that we're damned good friends now.
(((((frugs)))))
xx
ed
From the cookie pool:
VICARIOUSLY experience some reason to LIVE!!
The difference between a career and a job is about 20 hours a week.
If some day we are defeated, well, war has its fortunes, good and bad.
-- Commander Kor, "Errand of Mercy", stardate 3201.7
And FFred, Good on you, and I'm sure you know no offence was intended.
Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi/Dorood/Peace
Namaste -ed
Thu Oct 11 11:16:23 BST 2007
EdI: I hadn't even thought of offence :) 6 Sigma is, as you rightly state, about achieving uniformity or repeatability. Quality? Who needs that! :p
btw, While we're using quotes from TV & Film, I offer this:
Relax, it's much worse than you think -- Ethan Hunt, on the train; Mission Impossible
afternoon peeps, just popped down for a breath of fresh air and a cup of tea..
...deep joy in RL as the brummy chocolate people are re(launching) that quietly spoke chocky bar...I used to love them. Pop one in the fridge for a few hours to really chill and then consume......heaven
Ed, Thanks for the liffey. I have a web address for this Chilli beer. But its at home. I'll post it at some point over the next day. They do normal (whatever a normal chilli is) and hot. Have not yet tried either.
Kew had a glasshouse of different chilli's this summer. Also some info on the hotness scale.
Witchi, my thoughts are with you. There's a huge cuddly ((((((((((frug)))))))))) waiting in your in-box.
Give me a shout if you want to talk about anything.
Fifi x
Dear Witchi, you have always been there offering frugs to me when needed so please let me offer you some back (((((((((witchi))))))))))
Hope it goes well
Fiona x
Dear Witchi (108)
I haven't been around here long but already beginning to feel part of the virtual PM family. Will be thinking of you tomorrow morning. I don't know your circumstances but sounds from this one post that you are starting out on something new and exciting - so try and keep that positive thought in your mind.
Will try and post a message in the sand tomorrow morning so if you do manage to come down for an early wander you'll know you are being thought about!
and tonight- well build your courage up with a glass or two of your favourite tipple!
Millie xx
Q: What's the difference between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War?
A: George W. Bush had a plan to get out of the Vietnam War.
Millie (119) : You? new?
Nah!
Part of the furniture, you are. ;o)
So, are you and n-n up for a bit of Competitive Hammocking?
We each pick a hammock. When I shout: "Knickers!" we see who can be the first to swing it right over the top.
"KNICKERS!"
Fifi ;oD
Oooh it's good to be back! (Oi Nikki - that's cheating...)
You are all such lovely lovely people (thanks Millie for the offer of the drink....I have some champagne ready for tomorrow night!)
Am feeling very nearly ready for the fray and you are all helping so so much.
I love this blog!
OUCH my poor head (was going to say something else but not sure if allowed!) I've just fallen out the hammock - all your fault Fifi (121)leading me astray and encouraging me to swing so high plus of course the effects of a relaxing lunch as off work this afternoon!!!! or did I see FF (114) & Ed (113) sneaking away behind the dunes after giving an extra big push!!! you rotters! :-)
wots all these pairs of Speedos lying around for.....oh, they aren't!
for heavens sake wots going on, a bloke pops in from RL for a tea and biccie to find KNICKERS strewn everywhere.....blimey Feefs where on earth did you get that pair from?
PUUUUSH! (a blast from the past?)
;-)
In Hollywood, all marriages are happy. It's trying to live together afterwards that causes the problems.
-- Shelley Winters
Witchi - good on you gal! There's nothing like making a decision for giving you that feeling of empowerment.
wW{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{W}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}Ww
Make sure you swirl the above scarflet around your neck tomorrow morning (I don't knit as well as Anne P, but it's the thought that counts). It's a power scarf. Here's hoping it goes with your outfit ;-)
DIY (124) : Now then, young sir. A gentleman never comments upon a laydee's breeks.
Taint seemly, tha noze.
;o)
Fifi
Just had a skim through so forgive me if I omit anything.
Witchi (108) good luck and well done for making the decision.
Welcome Millie O'Neare-Nott.
Does anyone have a cure for a heart that was broken a long time ago, fairly healed but with still-tender scars that have recently been ripped open? Thought not. Anyone got a large gin then?
Can I interupt you, Big Sis, or are you having a precious moment or two with Tom Conti (good guess?)?
Any road up, you were the first person to mention Christmas this year.
yours
mac
Appy, A double gin and a huge (((((((frug)))))))) !
xxxx
ed
Thanks Ed (130). You know how to settle a girl down as well as wind her up ;-)
Witch
My dad has Alzheimer and 15 days ago we decided to move him to a care house. It was so tough but we made decisions and were certain things would be better.
Now hes well treated and adapted.
A frug from the South Brazil.
Guima
good weekend for all
WW, fins crossed for you that all goes well and there are no explosions and nobody drownded -- in fact, nothing to laff at at all...
Have a shiny pebble to keep in your pocket and touch for confidence.
Appy (128): Several large gins in the company of a male gay friend who adores you, would be my best suggestion.
(You might get caught, lobbing a half brick through his front window, which was my other thought...)
(((((frugs)))))
Fifi x
Someone on our regional 成人快手 news programme has just concluded a piece about schizophrenia, saying:
"The overriding message is that, if you've got schizophrenia....
"You're not alone."
Other incredibly-inappropriate wording is available.
Doesn't anybody EDIT these things????
Fifi >:o(
Witchi - lots of frugs to you and I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. You're always tremendously supportive to others on this board, which is one of the many reasons you're receiving such frog-love today! Hope it all goes well.
Appy - have been there, so I sympathise and encourage you to stick with the gin for now. I've brought some double chocolate brownies down too, so we can waggle our toes in the sand and share stories if that will help.
(((((((((((((hugs to you both)))))))))))))))
Feefs - are these yours?? I found them hanging off one of the camels!
Just what are you inferring, Fifi????
Old maybe, and platonically inclined (sort of), but...
xx
ed
mmmmm.....KNICKERS......with a reinforced zip gusset....very interesting...
Gosh,
My biggest bestest wishes all round, ww and aperitif!! Let's try another packet of hob-nobs, and dunk them in the booze....
((()))
n-n
xx
Appy, have some frugs from me too
((((Appy))))
They will not cure a damaged heart, nor even heal any scars, but they are yours all the same.
H.
Good luck for the morrow Witchi and don't forget there is no problem to which booze is not the answer (unless you're pregnant).
And a frug and tonic for Nikki
(((((((((((((((((((Frugs)))))))))))))))))))))
www.littlegreenmen.co.uk Chilli beer
Witchi, good luck for the morn. I'm sure it will be the best thing you ever do.
And NN hobnobs dipped in gin. I'm off to try that!
Witchi - good luck, I hope it goes ok x
Appy - here - I've brought you some special liquid wound bandage from work. Use three times daily whilst drinking a large Bombay Sapphire & Tonic. Works wonders!x
Feefs (135) we once saw an advert (can't remember which paper) for 'Two part time posts with the Schizophrenia Society'. Not even the charity gets it right!
Best wishes and {{{{{frugs}}}}} for witchi. I will be thinking of you at 8:30 whilst I am on the (number 25) bus to work.
H. x
Well I came down for an early stroll this morning and the beach was closed! (well 502'd) shame as i'd brought my camping gas cooking, frying pan and bacon & eggs - sorry had to move on and come back and haven't got them with me now.
anyway Witchi hope you get 5 mins to have quiet 5 mins relax here before going into work to have THAT conversation! will be thinking of you. :-)
Oh the waves are looking wonderful this morning
have a good day all.
millie x
Hello all - before I start, Appy frugs to you and I hope things are less raw today xx
Well, what fun! Boss/Pa broke his shoulder yesterday so is at home pumped full of painkillers. But I did phone him this morning and tell him, reaction 'put it in writing'. Am sure there will be further come back at some point but theres no point living in fear of that.
Thank you Val for the lovely scarf, it matched perfectly and SP the stone was very reassuring and beautiful.
And even more thanks and frugs to you all. Felt a positive woosh of strengthening vibes on my in way in this morning. I know that whatever happens in the future I can deal with it and that all us frogs will pull together for each other.
I feel truly blessed to know such good people.
Now, anyone for chapmpagne? xxx
Hello all - before I start, Appy frugs to you and I hope things are less raw today xx
Well, what fun! Boss/Pa broke his shoulder yesterday so is at home pumped full of painkillers. But I did phone him this morning and tell him, reaction 'put it in writing'. Am sure there will be further come back at some point but theres no point living in fear of that.
Thank you Val for the lovely scarf, it matched perfectly and SP the stone was very reassuring and beautiful.
And even more thanks and frugs to you all. Felt a positive woosh of strengthening vibes on my in way in this morning. I know that whatever happens in the future I can deal with it and that all us frogs will pull together for each other.
I feel truly blessed to know such good people.
Now, anyone for chapmpagne? xxx
do you believe it 502'd!!
Well, I wrote a lovely post so will try again, apologies for any duplication...
Appy - I hope things are less raw today.
The deed is done but Boss/Dad fell yesterday and broke his shoulder so I had to ring him this morning with the news - reaction: 'put it in writing'. Am sure there will be further come back once the pain killers have warn off in 6 weeks time (in which case I won't be here anyway!).
Val - thank you for the scarf, it matched perfectly! And SP the stone was very reassuring and quite beautiful.
And the biggest of big frugs and thanks to you all. I did feel a burst of strength on the way in this morning. I feel truly blessed to know such generous, special people.
Now, who's for champagne?
third time lucky....
do you believe it 502'd!!
Well, I wrote a lovely post so will try again, apologies for any duplication...
Appy - I hope things are less raw today.
The deed is done but Boss/Dad fell yesterday and broke his shoulder so I had to ring him this morning with the news - reaction: 'put it in writing'. Am sure there will be further come back once the pain killers have warn off in 6 weeks time (in which case I won't be here anyway!).
Val - thank you for the scarf, it matched perfectly! And SP the stone was very reassuring and quite beautiful.
And the biggest of big frugs and thanks to you all. I did feel a burst of strength on the way in this morning. I feel truly blessed to know such generous, special people.
Now, who's for champagne?
4th time....am determined
no.5! I will not be silenced, but may have a coffee whilst I'm waiting
Ok, 2nd attempt! those lovely 502's are back!!
Good morning one and all and big (((frugs))) to all in need - in particular Appy and Witchi.
And if you don't mind Witchi, I will gladly take you up on the offer of some champagne - let me just fetch a glass and pull up a sun lounger, Time to chill I think...
By the way have to say I love the little quotes
Ed I usually puts at the end of his posts. I cannot claim to be anywhere near the same ballpark as Ed in terms of how well read or knowledgeable I am but if you don't mind I would like to share with you all one of my very favourite quotes, and one which I feel applies to me
"with my luck the day my ship comes in I'll be waiting at the airport"
Charlie Brown
(extracted from Peanuts by the late and very great Charles M Schulz)
Fiona xx
Fiona, Love that Charlie Brown!
Reminds me :
If I traveled to the end of the rainbow As Dame Fortune did intend, Murphy would be there to tell me The pot's at the other end.
-- Bert Whitney
I have to admit to having gathered and kept a large and still growing (searchable) collection of 'commonplaces', but I recently came upon a venerable Unix/Linux routine called 'fortune', which will spit out a random 'fortune cookie', and I love it.
My old favourites include,
Those who talk don't know;
Those who know don't talk.
--Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, verse 56, ~450 BCE
and
Pereant, inquit, qui ante nos nostra dixerunt.
"Confound those who have said our remarks before us."
-- Aelius Donatus
for obvious reasons.
And now, for a dip into 'fortune':
Dear Emily:
How can I choose what groups to post in?
-- Confused
Dear Confused:
Pick as many as you can, so that you get the widest audience. After all, the net exists to give you an audience. Ignore those who suggest you
should only use groups where you think the article is highly appropriate. Pick all groups where anybody might even be slightly interested.
Always make sure followups go to all the groups. In the rare event that you post a followup which contains something original, make sure you expand the list of groups. Never include a "Followup-to:" line in the header, since some people might miss part of the valuable discussion in the fringe groups.
-- Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette
and
To say that UNIX is doomed is pretty rabid, OS/2 will certainly play a role, but you don't build a hundred million instructions per second multiprocessor micro and then try to run it on OS/2. I mean, get serious.
-- William Zachmann, International Data Corp
Fri Oct 12 13:08:44 BST 2007
Never mind the 502! Press on regardless!
If it heals good, say it.
A putt that stops close enough to the cup to inspire such comments as "you could blow it in" may be blown in. This rule does not apply if the ball is more than three inches from the hole, because no one wants to make a travesty of the game.
-- Donald A. Metz
Save the Whales -- Harpoon a Honda.
WW, Did you really have to get that physical?
It must have been possible to twist his arm a little more gently!
xx
ed
(aikamuotojen k盲ytt枚 aikamatkustuksessa)
"You can arrive (mayan arivan on-when) for any sitting you like without prior (late fore-when) reservation because you can book retrospectively, as it were when you return to your own time. (you can have on-book haventa forewhen presooning returningwenta retrohome.) "
Fiona, Love that Charlie Brown!
Reminds me :
If I traveled to the end of the rainbow As Dame Fortune did intend, Murphy would be there to tell me The pot's at the other end.
-- Bert Whitney
I have to admit to having gathered and kept a large and still growing (searchable) collection of 'commonplaces', but I recently came upon a venerable Unix/Linux routine called 'fortune', which will spit out a random 'fortune cookie', and I love it.
My old favourites include,
Those who talk don't know;
Those who know don't talk.
--Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, verse 56, ~450 BCE
and
Pereant, inquit, qui ante nos nostra dixerunt.
"Confound those who have said our remarks before us."
-- Aelius Donatus
for obvious reasons.
And now, for a dip into 'fortune':
Dear Emily:
How can I choose what groups to post in?
-- Confused
Dear Confused:
Pick as many as you can, so that you get the widest audience. After all, the net exists to give you an audience. Ignore those who suggest you
should only use groups where you think the article is highly appropriate. Pick all groups where anybody might even be slightly interested.
Always make sure followups go to all the groups. In the rare event that you post a followup which contains something original, make sure you expand the list of groups. Never include a "Followup-to:" line in the header, since some people might miss part of the valuable discussion in the fringe groups.
-- Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette
and
To say that UNIX is doomed is pretty rabid, OS/2 will certainly play a role, but you don't build a hundred million instructions per second multiprocessor micro and then try to run it on OS/2. I mean, get serious.
-- William Zachmann, International Data Corp
Fri Oct 12 13:08:44 BST 2007
Never mind the 502! Press on regardless!
If it heals good, say it.
A putt that stops close enough to the cup to inspire such comments as "you could blow it in" may be blown in. This rule does not apply if the ball is more than three inches from the hole, because no one wants to make a travesty of the game.
-- Donald A. Metz
Save the Whales -- Harpoon a Honda.