Lesley :: Blog

I can't remember the last time I blogged.  Actually, I've just looked back and it seems it was many months ago, and it was all about stuff that was annoying me.  So, instead, today I will share some things that are making me happy:

1. As of 5pm this afternoon, I'm off work on hols til a week on Monday!  Yahoo!  It's been a very long time since I've felt so in need of a holiday.  March has been insanely busy at work, with loads of different things going on - and I've been working a lot of nights.  So roll on 5pm!  I'm off down to Bristol to visit my cousin on Saturday, then we're off for a girlie holiday to Centreparcs at Longleat - which, I'm reliably informed, is great when it's outwith school holidays and weekend (nae weans) - which it will be!  I intend to swin, steam, sauna-it-up and, hopefully, enjoy a bit of nice weather, if we're lucky?

2. Since the last time we spoke (?) I have taken up running.  Stop laughing.  No, STOP laughing.  This is the truth.  I did a beginners' running course back in October (starts with running 30 second spurts, and builds up to 20 mins non stop after 8 weeks) and I now manage 30 minutes 3 times a week.  And, weirdly, I quite enjoy it.  So I'm off for a run in the sunshine after work today - although not looking forwward to braving that cold wind.

3.  I am an auntie! My sister's baby, Isla, was born back in January.  Being an aunt is pretty cool.  You get to do all the cuddling and fun stuff, but hand her back when she cries / poos / wees - and you can also just leave when you get bored

4. I have discovered a few more good eateries.  Firstly, on the recommendation of Graham, I went to Sarti's in Glasgow a few weeks back and it was one of the nicest Italian meals I've had in a long time.  Mother India Cafe, here in Edinburgh, is a very welcome addition - I've raved and raved about the original MI in Glasgow - this is the Edinburgh branch, and it's bloomin' excellent.  Another Glasgow one: Grill on the Corner (amazing meat dishes).  The Roseleaf in Leith - fab Sunday brunch option.  And, this evening, I'm meeting the girls for dinner at the Tailend Fish Bar, on Leith Walk, which I haven't tried before, but which is apparently excellent.  It is run by the original owner of the famous Anstuther Fish Bar - arguably the best chippie in Scotland - so I'm expecting good things!

5. I have read some awesome books in the last couple of months.  One of the best was Bad Science by Ben Goldacre.  Amazing book all about psuedo science.  He has an excellent website:  http://www.badscience.net/  Other great books I've read lately include The Gargoyle and The Raw Shark Texts.

6. The Apprentice has started again - yay!

7. I have joined a very successful pub quiz team - with Andrew and Laura - and we often blow the competition at The Abbey on a Thursday night out of the water.

8. I have a gorgeous new green coat

9. I am much happier with Filemaker Pro these days.  We have come to an understanding - we don't like each other, but we'll do our best to get along, for the greater good...

10. I'm on holiday til a week on Monday - have I mentioned that already?

Wow - how weird.  A whole blog posting without one moan...

1.  The Australian Pink Floyd are playing in Glasgow next year and the tickets are - wait for it - £38.  £38!!!!  For a TRIBUTE BAND!  Admittedly, they are great, but that is just a piece of nonsense.

2. Filemaker Pro - again.

3. My work email.  "Will I bother sending this email today?" it asks itself, "Or will I just hide it in a drafts folder and not tell anyone?  And how about if I just send all her emails directly to her junk folder, just for kicks?"  etc etc

4. Ryanair charge a total of £16 for two return flights to book online with your card.  but you can't do it WITHOUT a card!  Only Visa Electron is free.  Granted, this was not happening to me - I am outraged on the part of my colleague who was the one booking the flights.

5.  The fact that Heat magazine is really going downhill.

6. Laura White leaving The X Factor - nuff said.

Last Friday, I blogged about my nervousness about going to see Queen and Paul Rodgers: http://scribble.scran.ac.uk/lesleystokes/weblog/3695.html

I am happy to report that the gig was fantastic.  MUCH better than I thought it would be - a real treat.

Sensibly, the remaining members of Queen have not gone for the "replace the lead singer and keep everything else the same" option.  They are like a new band entirely which, in my opinion, is the only way something like this could work.  Each song had a very new arrangement, much more suited to Paul Rodgers' voice, and making it very distinct and different to how it would have been with Mr Mercury.  Rodgers' voice adds a whole new bluesy dimension to the proceedings. 

Brian May is simply an awesome guitar player and it really was an honour to be in the vicinity of him and hear this stuff.  I'll admit there were tears in my eyes during his solo spot when he (well, more accurately, the crowd) sang "Love of my Life" after he'd talked about Freddie.

Another high point was definitely Roger Taylor's drum solo, which started with just him and a bass drum (which he'd used for an ace version of " '39", a personal favourite) and continued with the drum roadie bringing out one drum after another, until he was battering the hell out of a full kit.  Admittedly he looked utterly shattered by the end of the gig, but bearing in mind he's knocking 60, the dude can still play phenomenally well.

The rest of the staging just added to the sense of occasion - huge video screens, smoke machines, massive mirror ball and various platforms on the stage. 

They played solidly for 2 and a quarter hours and we left on such a high.  I'm so glad I went - I would really not have wanted to miss that gig. 

Here's a clip to give you an idea: it's the song "Cosmos Rockin' " from the new album "The Cosmos Rocks" (yes, yes - pants name, but surprisingly good stuff...)

I am a Queen fan.  Have been since summer 1987.  In the past, I've been a fully paid up member if the Official International Queen Fan Club.  Sad, but true.  Yes, the later offerings from Queen leave a lot to be desired, but I continue to delve into the outstanding back catalogue when I need an hug from an old musical friend.

Anyway, along with many others, I did my mourning on that sad day in 1991 when we said goodbye to the inimitable Mr Mercury.  I got into Queen too late to have had the pleasure of seeing them live, and thought I never would.

So, when Brian May and Roger Taylor decided to phone a friend in the shape of Paul Rogers and go on tour, unlike many other die-hard Queen fans, I was quite delighted.  Others have called tha whole thing sacriledge and will have nothing to do with it.  Anyway, I decided I would have to go for it and see for myself, so bagged a couple of tickets for the Queen and Paul Rogers gig at the SECC tomorrow night - they toured last year, but I missed out.

Queen and Paul Rogers (who looks like he's definitely "had stuff done", methinks)

Now it's getting closer I am nervous.  I have to reiterate what Queen mean to me.  Yes, I may have been a sad and untrendy youth, but I was obsessed by Queen's music from the age of 13 to 18.  And Queen led me to music by sooooo many other artists too, that I have to thank them for that.  So I'm understandly nervous that the gig will not be all that I'm hoping for.  I saw Brian May on his solo tour in the early 90s (don't mention Driven By You unless you want a smack) and he was great.  And Paul Rogers can belt out a tune.  

Noone could argue that it will actually be "Queen" on that stage tomorrow night, but I'm just hoping they live up to my expectations and I'm not left disappointed. 

He's now won his THIRD gold medal in the cycling at the Olympics.  Have a look at the race here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/cycling/7570265.stm 

Well done, that man!

(University of Edinburgh alumnus, of course )

The OH and I have recently started making a real effort with recycling.  However, in our new flat, we have yet to work out the deal with kerbside recycling (in out last place there were big recycling bins outside the door) so we've been dropping off our stuff at Cameron Toll, or wherever, when we go shopping.  So, on Sunday I went to dump a load of bottles and a bag full of packaging.  And the same thing that always annoys me really got my goat again...

How come, when someone who cares enough to recycle, they insist on chucking the poly bags they've brought their stuff in on the ground near the bottle banks / recycling bins or wedging them in spaces against the bin?!  WHY - if they have made the effort to think about recycling - can't they just shove the bag in their pocket to reuse?  OR, better still (and this I REALLY don't understand) WHY are there never poly bag recycling bins NEXT TO packaging bins / bottle banks?  Aren't they missing a trick there?  Most of the supermarkets have a poly bag recycling bin, but I, for one, have yet to see one next to the main recycling bins (maybe they have them somewhere, but not at any of the recycling sites I've been at).  Very strange - it would solve that problem straightaway!

Red wine - check.  Maltesters - check.  Kettle Chips - check.  Houmous - check.  Comfy sofa - check.

Yes, yes - you're all way too intellectual for reality TV blah blah - but I for one am delighted that the wait is nearly over and that tomorrow night sees the start of this year's "X Factor".  Top telly - especially the auditions.  And for your viewing pleasure, here's a sneak preview:

http://xfactor.itv.com/videos/video-detail/item_200036.htm

(Sadly you have to sit through a wee ad before the vid starts)

Utter class.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7546975.stm

"Variant spellings?!" 

Grrrrrrrr.

After a weekend of catching up with family in the West Country (blog posting here), we flew from Bristol Airport to Amsterdam for a couple of days.  I love Amsterdam - it's such a great city to walk around.  Even just wandering along the canals is a great way to spend the day.

We arrived to find that we'd just missed the famous Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend, which was a shame as they have processions along the canals and streets and it looked like it would have been great fun.  A lot of the bars were still really busy as people finished their weekend celebrations.

Amsterdam Gay Pride website 

We stayed at the Albus Grand Hotel, just near the Muntplein and Rembrandtsplein - and I'd thoroughly recommend it.  Many hotels in Amsterdam are very over priced and basic, but this place worked out at only £60 between us for the room per night - bargain!  It was a nice room too, and the location - just across from the famous flower market - was excellent.

Albus Grand Hotel website 

As soon as we were settled, we headed to our favourite eating place - Bojo.  Amsterdam has an abundance of Indonesian restaurants, but this is a bit special.  Their nasi goreng special - delicious fried rice served with yummy beef stew and chicken satay - is to die for.

Bojo website

Nasi goreng on wikipedia

Monday was spent walking around enjoying the sunshine, and then we visited the excellent Van Gogh Museum.

Van Gogh Musuem website

This is a fantastic gallery, not only packed with a lot of famous paintings by the man himself, but also containing many works by some of his contemporaries.  It's a very airy and light building too, which makes it pleasant to walk around, despite the hoards of tourists.

  Van Gogh's "Olive Trees" (Scran pic)

We're big fans of all the fantastic street food available in Amsterdam and can never resist the chips and mayo option, as well as the amazing falafels on offer.  A lot of our time was spent stuffing our faces - no change there, then!

  Falafel!

The rest of our time was spent very happily bar hopping and exploring the canals and streets, including the Waterlooplein Market. 

Waterlooplein on Wikipedia 

Another great wee trip to the 'Dam! 

Last weekend, we headed down to the Bristol area to visit my family - my aunt and four cousins all live around there.  We started off the weekend in style, with an afternoon in Bath Thermae Spa

Bath Thermae Spa website

Oh.  My.  Me.  This place was goooooood!!  Kind of like a "play pool" for adults!  The main attraction was the rooftop outdoor heated pool, which has views right across the beautiful city of Bath.  There was also a whole floor of huge steam rooms, each with a different aromatherapy fragrance, and a huge indoor pool, complete with jacuzzi areas and a whirlpool!  A blissful way to spend the afternoon.

Friday night saw us in the trendy and picturesque area of Clifton in Bristol, famous for its suspension bridge:

The Clifton Suspension Bridge website

We had an excellent meal at The Clifton Sausage, which - funnily enough - specialises in different delicious types of sausage and mash - awesome!

The Clifton Sausage website

That weekend was the Bristol Harbour Festival, so we headed into town to explore it on the Saturday.  It was another blazing hot and sunny day and we spent our time wandering (with masses of other people!) around the harbour area, soaking up the fun atmosphere.

  My cousin Debs and I at the Harbour Festival

Bristol Harbour Festival website 

On Saturday night, we headed to Portishead, a town on the coast not far from Bristol, where my cousin Julie lives.  After a lovely meal at her place, we went further along the coast to the village of Clevedon, which is a picturesque wee seaside town, with some fantastic bars.

  Me with my cousins Debs and Julie outside the Salthouse bar in Clevedon.

Clevedon website 

A nice Sunday lunch at Aunt Cath's on Sunday, then it was off to the airport to head to Amsterdam for a couple of days!

I haven't blogged properly for a while.  This has been mainly due to being busy at work and equally busy moving house!  In amongst all the chaos, however, we have managed two lovely wee trips away.

The weekend before last, we went to Mull for a couple of nights.  I had only been once before - for a flying visit to Tobermory when I worked with Scran, to deliver training to teachers at the high school there.  This time, however, we had a chance to explore the island.  And what a treat!  I expected it to be good, but I didn't expect to be as blown away by the place as I was.  

The journey there was excellent.  We were lucky enough to have blue skies and sunshine for the 45 minute ferry crossing from Oban.  After arriving, we took a drive round the coast and the views were just stunning.

We stayed in Tobermory at the Copeland Guest House, which was really great - beautiful big room and the house itself is on the hill overlooking Tobermory Bay.  The owner was friendly and welcoming, and the home made bread accompanying the delicious breakfast was a treat.

"All about Tobermory" website

Copeland Guest House website 

We explored some of the local pubs (of course) on the Friday night, then Eddie spent Saturday climbing Ben More and I headed for a flying visit to Iona, which I have always wanted to go to.  What a place!  A five minute ferry ride brings you to the island, and I explored the famous abbey.  It really is an awesome place - even for the non religious like myself.  I can't wait to go back and spend some more time there.

Isle of Iona website

Iona Abbey (Scran pic)

On the Sunday, we woke up to blazing sunshine and headed to Calgary Bay.  This has to be up there amongst my favourite beaches now.  A long sandy expanse, with beautiful clear water - and it was even warm enough to paddle! 

Calgary, Mull on Wikipedia 

We took further advantage of the sunny weather and went on the tiny ferry across to the island of Ulva.  Now this really was an experience.  The tiny wee ferry goes back and forth all day and you it takes about a minute! 

The ferry to Ulva 

You arrive at "The Boathouse" which serves amazing food, including local seafood - oysters, huge prawns, crab etc - as well as other treats and wine etc.  We were still pretty full from breakfast, so only managed a sandwich, but I will definitely be back to sample their seafood sometime!  We took a wee walk around the island before lazing in the sun for a bit and heading back to Mull, and the ferry back to Oban.

Isle of Ulva website

"The Boathouse" website 

The view from Ulva to Ben More on Mull.

I can't believe it has taken me this long to get to Mull.  I absolutely LOVED it. 

Who invented Filemaker Pro 8??!! Have they been arrested yet?

I work in the George Square campus of the University of Edinburgh.  For those of you familiar with this area, you'll know that it is taken over almost in its entirety for the Fringe, with venues such as Teviot, George Square Theatre and Potterow just about within spitting distance of my office. 

You may also be familiar with the popular Spiegeltent, which is erected in George Square Gardens, to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at exorbitant prices, whilst one sits (as if you can ever find a seat...) soaking up the ambience.  Ahem...  The Spiegeltent is, as we speak, being erected pretty much right outside my office window.  We have no air con, so all the windows are open as it's so hot, so can you imagine the noise??  The drilling, sawing, banging and shouting would be bad enough, but one particular construction worker has not stopped whistling all day.  I MEAN all day.  And by whistling I mean loud, piercing whistling, which has no discernible tune.  Constantly.  All day, like.  Seriously.  

And, of course, I have the actual Fringe to look forward to, with happy people making a racket outside my office all day, with me stuck inside during one of our busiest times of the year, knowing I can't go and join in the fun.

Grrrrrrrrrrr...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7481715.stm

The examiner said it would be "wicked" to give the kid zero points.  Er - why? 

And I love the point made that if he'd ended the "sentence" with an exclamation point he'd have got an extra mark.

I read this with horror on the BBC news website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7468837.stm

The very thought of that talentless woman even daring to cover a classic hard rock song like AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long makes me throw up a little in my mouth.  Mind you, there's a masochistic part of me that wants to hear it for some weird reason.

Old joke ahoy: Hey, Celine - you're so successful - why the long face? 

Eddie and I have just enjoyed a fab week long holiday in the South of France, in the Roussillon region. 

It was an excellent holiday in a brilliant location.  The whole area is full of amazing history, with Cathar castles dotted along the clifftops.  We stayed in the tiny village of Le Vivier, which is about 2 and a half hours' drive from Toulouse Airport and just over an hour from the coast of the Med, in the foothills of the Pyrenees.  The village itself is in the middle of nowhere, the closest shop being about a 15 minute drive.  Le Vivier was a great base, though, for exploring the area - and it had its very own Cathar castle overlooking the rest of the village.  It was a really picturesque wee village:

View of Le Vivier

I spent plenty of quality time reading and lazying in the sun on the terrace.  Fantastic.  but we were also out and about exploring every day.

We visited one of the local markets, which was massive, and stocked up on delicious local cheese, pate, bread and, of course, wine.  As well as great home cooking with local produce, we had a couple of lovely meals out in local restaurants.  

The weather wasn't as amazing as we'd hoped it would be, but we made the most of the sun when we got it and went to Collioure, a little village on the coast, which has been a popular hang out for artists for many years, Matisse and Picasso both lived and worked there at some point. 

Me at Collioure

We also did some walking locally and Eddie attemped one of the peaks of the Pyrenees, only to be stopped for reaching the summit by loads of snow! 

Perpignan was the nearest sizeable city and I liked it a lot.  It had a lot of character and interesting buildings.   

Rennes le Chateau, a tiny village which is becoming very famous because of the "mystery" of its priest, Berenger Saurniere and also because of a certain book by Dan Brown, was a real treat.  I expected it to be very touristy, with all those Grail hunters, but it turned out to be quite a rustic wee museum, with awesome surrounding scenery.

The view from Rennes Le Chateau

The best scenery of the week, though, was found on our last day.  We went to one of the largest Cathar castles in the area - Queribus.  After a long, windy drive, going higher and higher into the mountains, you park the car and troop up a steep path to get to the ruin, which we'd been seeing all week from the main road - right at the top of a craggy cliff, seemingly built right into the rock.  The castle is amazing - so many rooms  and layers - and you really can't imagine how the Cathars managed to build it all that way up!  But the view is even more spectaculer than the castle - utterly breathtaking.  I've never seen anything like it.

 
Chateau Queribus and its view

I'd definitely recommend this - perhaps less well known- region of France.  Although a week is NO WAY long enough.  We could quite easily have stayed another two weeks and STILL not seen everything that we wanted to!  I hope I go back again - it was a real find.

More pics on Eddie's website here. 

Those of you who read my Scribble entries may already be aware that I'm a big fan of Glasgow.  It's my original home town (well kinda - was brought up in the 'burbs) and I've been keen to move back for ages.  But fortunes have conspired to keep me in Edinburgh, careerwise.

Anyway, I love to get back and visit Glasgow whenever I can and last weekend, myself, Eddie and our good friends Jess and Graeme treated ourselves to a wee weekend break there.  Now, many people may think Glasgow is a strange choice for a weekend break, but it was fantastic.  Jess and I went to Glasgow Uni together and had been meaning to go back together for ages to revisit some old haunts, but this was the first time we'd had a chance.

On a recommendation from Andrew, I tried Lastminute.com and their "mystery hotel" option.  This is where you get a hugely discounted rate, but you don't find out the exact hotel until you book it.  May sound risky, but you gets lots of info about the hotel.  This one said it was just off Sauchiehall Street, 4 stars, pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, gym etc - so I decided to take a chance.  And I'm glad I did.  It was the Thistle Hotel on Cambridge Street and it was really lovely.  Newly refurbished, beautiful room, fantastic leisure facilities and very central.  And all for £60 a room.  Job's a good'un.

We started our trip with lunch at Wagamama.  Now all you London types may think this is dull - going to a chain restaurant - but since the Glasgow Wag's is the only one in Scotland, it doesn't feel like you're copping out with a chain restaurant.  We all stuffed our face with noodles, then headed to the hotel for a relaxing hour or two in the pool.

Graeme wouldn't believe me that one of his old haunts, the Brunswick Cellars, had become a bit of a rubbish style bar, so we had to start our evening there to prove it to him.  But it actually turned out to be a good option - live music and very cheap cocktails!

Next it was on to the main event - The Glasgow Curry.  Again, those of you who know me or read my blog will no doubt be aware of my love - nay obsession - with good Indian food.  And Glasgow has fantastic Indian restaurants in abundance.  And my all time favourite is Mother India.  The meal was phenomenal.  Full review here.

A quick (and cheap!  Another plus for Glasgow - very cheap taxis compared to Edinburgh...) taxi ride found us in our old stomping ground of Ashton Lane, just off Byre's road in the City's West End.

When Jess and I were at Uni, we couldn't afford to drink in most of the bars here, and only visited them on special occasions (I remember my first post-finals drink was in the Grosvenor Cafe Bar, which I think may be gone now...).  Ashton Lane at night is vibrant - fairy lights across the street, people spilling out of the trendy bars and restaurants.  It has a very cosmopolitan feel.  We hiked upstairs to a bar called Nude which was busy, but not claustraphobic, with a good atmosphere and great cocktails (can you see a theme here?)  After an hour or two here, we felt we needed to be in a "proper" pub for a bit, so headed to the Uisge Beatha on Woodlands Road.  Great place - and more student memories.

On Sunday, after a lengthy wander looking for a suitable brunch venue, we found ourselves in the Merchant City, and at the Brutti Ma Buoni bar at the Brunswick Hotel - a fab wee find, serving excellent food with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. 

After stuffing our faces (again) I suggested a trip on the Glasgow Tour Bus!  Thinking I would be shouted down at such a ridiculous idea, I was surprised to find that everyone fancied it.  It was really interesting!  I've known Glasgow all my life, but still it showed me buildings I'd never seen, and told stories I was unaware of.  The best thing about it is, if you sit on the top, you can really see the interesting and varied - and often stunning - architecture. I often think that Glasgow is overlooked as a beautiful city - people may think it is less appealing on the eye than Edinburgh - but in my opinion, that's simply not true.  There are some architectural gems all throughout Glasgow.

Just time for a cheeky wee beer and a bratwurst in the Republic Bier Halle on Gordon Street and then back East on the train.

What a brilliant way to spend the weekend.  It's easy to forget some of the great places to visit in Scotland, especially its cities.  This trip has prompted us to plan weekend trips away to the other Scottish cities.  I only ever seem to visit them when I'm working, so it'll be nice to explore them properly.  Our next plan is Dundee, which I don't know at all and even although some people think it's not the nicest city, I'm sure we'll find its charm.

From the "stating the obvious" school of journalism:

http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/wellbeing/story/0,,2280020,00.html

I was quite perturbed, however, at the mental picture of a wine glass full of cooking oil in each kebab!

Despite being a food fanatic, a doner kebab is one thing I never feel the need to indulge in.  In fact, I honestly don't think I've ever had one.  In my student youth, I may have nicked a piece of meat from a friend's while under the influence of a few wine glasses full of something other than cooking oil, but that's about it.

Give me a yummy grilled chicken shish anyday.  Or a falafel.  Hmmmmmm - falafel.  I bet that's still not a very healthy option but at least a bit less than a wine glass of fat!

Yes, I'm sure you're all way too intellectual to watch this top notch Saturday evening entertainment programme, but I have to say, sadly, I am hooked.  And I'm not bothered about arguing about whether or not that makes me thick.  I just want to share a couple of auditions with you.

Obviously, there are the embarrassingly bad auditions that are, of course, there just to be mocked, but there have been a few that have been really fantastic.

Take this one, for example.  Now, watch the WHOLE THING, even if you don't think it's your kind of thing.  Trust me - it's worth it:

Now, as I said, others are pretty dire.  But this one, from last Saturday's show, really dropped my jaw.  Not only is it surely a criminal offence for the man to have hair like that, but it's a really poor, old fashioned piece of nonsense.  Albeit with some fairly clever magic tricks thrown in.  Also, for those of you familiar with the film Zoolander, you'll laugh at the voice over - "The world of ANIMALGIQUE!" (echoes of Derelict!)  Watch and "enjoy"

I totally forgot about the "Here I am - Rigadon!" bit

After blogging the other day about how much I love the VW Polo ad, with the singing dog - here - I was perturbed to come across this article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews

It's been banned!  People moaned about the fact the dog looked a bit perturbed when it was shaking.  And the complaints have led to the ad being withdrawn, despite the fact that the RSPCA have concluded that absolutely no harm was caused to the dog.

*Holds head in hands at the fact that some people with too much time on their hands will complain about anything* 

Edit: AAARRRGGGHH!!  Just found this article on the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/27/nd

Quotation - "She (RSPCA rep) added that the dog should be wearing a harness while it is in the car, and should be travelling in the back of the vehicle."

It's MADE UP!!  It's ANIMATION!! 

A grizzly bear, featured in a number of Holywood movies has killed its handler:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7364394.stm

It is, of course, tragic that the handler of this bear died.  However, this quotation from the article caught my eye:

"...officials have said they are puzzled by what provoked the bear, who had been touted as one of the "best trained" in showbusiness"

They're puzzled?  Er - it's a grizzly bear.  It's an extremely strong, potentially deadly wild animal.  No matter how well trained it is, it's still a wild animal.  

Another quotation: 

"The victim's brother, Randy, told news agency The Associated Press the bite occurred during "playful" wrestling behaviour by a "loving, affectionate, friendly, safe bear"."  

"Playful"?!  It's a bear!  There's no such thing as a "safe bear", no matter how well trained it is.  It's still a wild animal and should be respected as such. 

This story also reminded me of some stuff I read this week on Siegfried and Roy, (check out the plastic surgery on that site, btw) the famous lion tamers (often ridiculed on The Simpons, under the thinly veiled pseudonyms Gunter and Ernst).  Apparently, some of their secrets are to be revealed in a new book (info courtesy of Pop Bitch):

- Siegfried was so scared of the animals he'd never even hold their leashes.

- Their tricks are done with body doubles and concealed panels. 

- Roy died for a while during surgery after being bitten by Montecore the tiger. 

- Shirley MacLaine is one of many of their friends who believes Roy did die and that Siegfried parades around a hired lookalike.

- The animals had to be zapped with electric prods to perform.

I'll never understand why people think it's ok to use wild animals for entertainment. 

You've probably all seen this already, but I love this so decided to share it - great stuff.

Not only do I love this song but the Spencer Davis Group (bizarrely, Chicago did an amazing cover of it, featured on a TOTP 2 programme not long ago - before they were actually Chicago, and cr*p - they were still called The Chicago Transit Authority at that time) but I think the animation of the dog's mouth is fab - especially the bit near the end: "I'm a maaaaaaaaaaaaan, yes I aaaaaaam..." 

In fact, here's the Chicago Transit Authority version, for your pleasure - dudes...

Starting a new job is very strange, as I'm sure people can relate to.  I've been at the new place for nearly three days now and so far it's been great - although I'm being barraged from all sides with new info, new names to remember and, infuriatingly, far too many acronyms: EUCLID, LEAPS, HELOA, UKCAT - the list goes on.  I keep looking at the remit list with which I've been provided and feeling rather nervous - although I'm sure things will get clearer as time goes on.  There are tonnes of things that I'm excited to get started on, although right now I seem to be spending most of my time reading development plans, meeting various colleagues in partner departments and trying to get my head round File Maker pro.  

Some stuff that I have enjoyed so far:

1. Free lunch on day 1; prospect of three further free lunches in my diary before the end of next week
2. Being informed that there's to be a "wine" event to welcome me on Friday pm (new boss said she thought I might prefer that to the usual coffee morning - how did she know???)
3. My lovely sunny office (although the three flights if stairs are a pain)
4. Discovering the David Hume Tower student shop, which sells Diet Coke and chocolate at student prices and which is about 2 mins walk away
5. The "Police Box" coffee hut outside the front door

I'm really tired, though.  All this new stuff is exhausting...