Is it OK for a web site to be upgraded and lose your existing data, such that you have to re-register?
Appears that First Great Western (part of the First Group) - have not only altered the website to make it 'better' - but broken it for existing users.
However, maybe it is just me Anyone else had difficulties?
Today, I was trying, for the second time to buy tickets, couldn't remember the password, after the update made me change it, and the password saved in the browser was not the 'right' one anymore.
Clicked the reset password, and waited for the email, and waited, and waited some more. Clicked the reset password again, still waiting.
Gave up waiting created a new account with a new email address and re-registered, as that was quicker than waiting to change the password on the existing account. Well done FGW!
So maybe I it is possible to write a small app that spends its life registering new customers on the FGW site? Well they appear quite willing to make the process of buying a ticket really, really hard for existing customers, so maybe it is possible to make their servers database fill up with large numbers of registered users who fail to use the system. I wonder if that is a slow denial of service attack, that is probably illegal.
Hmm, I guess that might tick some box in the management hierarchy to say that the new Website is working well and is much more usable (no) than the previous one, as look at all the new registered users!
However, that would be a foolish thing to do and I could not countenance that at all, but I am not at all happy with it.
The worst thing is when you confirm your order, it does not give you a break down on the tickets you have purchased, just the total, so I cannot double check that I bought the correct (non-refundable) tickets at the point that I actually buy them, way to go FGW.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Monday, 3 December 2012
A Delayed Post On Programming
This has been a difficult post to actually publish. Started writing it on Friday afternoon, then stopped to have a think and read up on some research and recommendations that have been put forward about the UK National Curriculum, skills shortages etc. Seems like a maze of twisty passages all alike (name that game - ed)
So to cut a long story short, here is my contention.
The problem with programming is thus: Anyone can program.
The Government's contention, along with some great and good of the Video Games industry is that not enough people know how to program!
Very straightforward, very simple and it appears this is what the changes to the UK (England and maybe Wales - devolution is a wonderful thing) National Curriculum are going to bring about. The existing ICT that is taught in schools is not fit for purpose. Having read some (but not all - just a tad bull) of the OFSTED report - I didn't spot this phrase at all - maybe it is in report speak where the words that are used have other meanings - i.e. think of Yes, (Prime) Minister, and I missed though it was there but not in those exact words.
There appears to be a ground swell of opinion that things have to change, and as with most thinks linked to the Government, they need to change quickly (well that is after multiple years of reports, falling number of students studying GCSE and A Level Computer Science and the lack of joined together teaching of ICT across the whole National Curriculum) The UK Government are finally going to leap into action, possibly by 2014.
There is even a report, to whit, Next Gen, that uses phrases list STEM (Science, Technology, Engingeering and Mathematics) and STEAM - that is STEM with Arts as the additional A, (there is nothing like a dame - or in this case a good acronym - ed) which states that the UK is failing to produce enough skilled people with the appropriate ICT skills, and the main contention of the report is that not enough people know how to program and programming should be taught
Aside: Forgive me if I am mistaken, but isn't the reason we have fallen from 3rd to 6th in Video Gaming industry is due to lack of tax breaks amongst other things? The other could be argued that we are just moving with the times and outsourcing our highly skilled work to cheaper countries - why pay programmers UK wages when you can bring them in from around them world for a much cheaper price, or maybe more simply just off-shore the work! Makes good business sense to me. Remember all programmers are of identical standard and are interchangeable resources to be moved from job to job as often as necessary (not really - there is lot of research on the difference between the best and worst programmers in terms of quality of work etc - ed.)
So, why is there a skills shortage in programmers? There is not. There is a shortage of good, great and brilliant and exceptional programmers!
Writing code is easy, anyone can do it! Even the major of New York is now taking lessons.
However, the issue is that the vast majority of code that is written :
So to cut a long story short, here is my contention.
The problem with programming is thus: Anyone can program.
The Government's contention, along with some great and good of the Video Games industry is that not enough people know how to program!
Very straightforward, very simple and it appears this is what the changes to the UK (England and maybe Wales - devolution is a wonderful thing) National Curriculum are going to bring about. The existing ICT that is taught in schools is not fit for purpose. Having read some (but not all - just a tad bull) of the OFSTED report - I didn't spot this phrase at all - maybe it is in report speak where the words that are used have other meanings - i.e. think of Yes, (Prime) Minister, and I missed though it was there but not in those exact words.
There appears to be a ground swell of opinion that things have to change, and as with most thinks linked to the Government, they need to change quickly (well that is after multiple years of reports, falling number of students studying GCSE and A Level Computer Science and the lack of joined together teaching of ICT across the whole National Curriculum) The UK Government are finally going to leap into action, possibly by 2014.
There is even a report, to whit, Next Gen, that uses phrases list STEM (Science, Technology, Engingeering and Mathematics) and STEAM - that is STEM with Arts as the additional A, (there is nothing like a dame - or in this case a good acronym - ed) which states that the UK is failing to produce enough skilled people with the appropriate ICT skills, and the main contention of the report is that not enough people know how to program and programming should be taught
Aside: Forgive me if I am mistaken, but isn't the reason we have fallen from 3rd to 6th in Video Gaming industry is due to lack of tax breaks amongst other things? The other could be argued that we are just moving with the times and outsourcing our highly skilled work to cheaper countries - why pay programmers UK wages when you can bring them in from around them world for a much cheaper price, or maybe more simply just off-shore the work! Makes good business sense to me. Remember all programmers are of identical standard and are interchangeable resources to be moved from job to job as often as necessary (not really - there is lot of research on the difference between the best and worst programmers in terms of quality of work etc - ed.)
So, why is there a skills shortage in programmers? There is not. There is a shortage of good, great and brilliant and exceptional programmers!
Writing code is easy, anyone can do it! Even the major of New York is now taking lessons.
However, the issue is that the vast majority of code that is written :
- is not robust
- is not test driven (and ain't that a subject for discussion - but not today)
- is not performant
- is not reliable
- fails to meet the end user requirements (even when the end user knows what they want, and in the vast majority of cases they do not have a clue what they actually want - but they do know what they don't want!) If you cannot believe this - see UK Government IT Blunders
- is not maintainable
- is incomprehensible
- is unthinkingly cut and pasted
- is sometimes not even under source code control (yup - that is real scary)
- is not part of a continuous integration process (even though free tools do exist to help do just this)
- is written against out of date business requirements, high level designs, low level designs and other specifications written in a language that is open to interpretation (English).
- is not cared for by the very programmers creating it
- is unsupportable
- is unrepeatably built (i.e. build once and forget - almost like fire and forget)
- is not tested much (how many projects have test code coverage of > 90% and when it is that high the statistics have been gamed so are useless. How we cheered when the test coverage on one project I worked on moved from 0% to 1%)
- fails to be "I've started so I'll finished" - but I've started - now I am rotated to another short term contract and couldn't care less about the mess I have left behind; and never learn from mistakes as they are sorted by someone else!
- fails to log useful information - real Goldilocks stuff this one - not too little logging and not too much logging - needs to be just right!
Argh, now I have run out of STEAM ! There is a rich seam to be picked here, and pick at it I will; it is like a scab that has hit that itchy stage!
The above is the start of a much longer discussion (rant - ed) that I shall continue with over the coming days and months.
I have to say that I feel that I am kicking the donkey that has fed me for the last 30+ years.
Minor Bio: I have been programming to little or no effect since the early PC days, Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore PET/64, initially mostly in BASIC, even had a FORTH machine for a while! The vast majority of the time in C and Java, with forays into a number of other languages, C++, Scala, PHP, on most flavours of *NIX, Linux - for small, medium and large companies, almost all on contract. Had my contract renewed most (if not all?) of the time - so must have been doing something right I suppose.
For reasons of NDA's I will not name the companies directly, and will change the names of any protagonists to protect the guilty, but I am findable on LinkedIn and that has a potted history of many of the companies I have contracted at, so with a little thought you should be able to work out which companies are which!
As Zebedee says, "Time For Bed." Boing.
BTW: Don't ask me about "IR35, Gordon Brown, Dawn Primarolo, Section 660A, Business Tests and Hoops" - as that will definitely cause a rant.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Post Painting Post
Have spent most of today doing a new oil painting. Looking like a Caribbean sea/sky scape, with a setting sun and a sail boat on the horizon...D'oh - why don't I just upload the painting as it is so far... one second.
It is incomplete - need to sort out the right hand bottom tree/bush. Also the sail boat needs some fixing - but needs to dry a little before I do any more. I like the sea colour, managed to capture some of the turquoise in the sea that was visible - but the photo failed to do justice too.
As ever, room for improvement. Another second and I'll put the photo that this is based on.
I have accentuated the colours a little, artistic licence (Artistic licences are available for £75.65 from all good post offices - ed).
So tonight is a special night, was my 52nd on Monday, and we have saved the minor celebration until this evening. Looks like it is going to be Smoked Salmon & Champagne (Bit cheesey - ed) - absolutely no cheese, but some crispy things for the Salmon to sit on.
So cheers, have a great weekend, I intend to.
But what happened to any Leveson comment. Well, I will have to read up on it before I comment. But given my liberal (note the small L) and libertarian instincts - the thought of the state getting involved with direct regulation of the press looks to me like the thin end of a very dangerous wedge.
Remember Income Tax was a temporary tax that only the wealthy had to pay for.
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| View from Barbados looking west into setting sun. |
It is incomplete - need to sort out the right hand bottom tree/bush. Also the sail boat needs some fixing - but needs to dry a little before I do any more. I like the sea colour, managed to capture some of the turquoise in the sea that was visible - but the photo failed to do justice too.
As ever, room for improvement. Another second and I'll put the photo that this is based on.
I have accentuated the colours a little, artistic licence (Artistic licences are available for £75.65 from all good post offices - ed).
So tonight is a special night, was my 52nd on Monday, and we have saved the minor celebration until this evening. Looks like it is going to be Smoked Salmon & Champagne (Bit cheesey - ed) - absolutely no cheese, but some crispy things for the Salmon to sit on.
So cheers, have a great weekend, I intend to.
But what happened to any Leveson comment. Well, I will have to read up on it before I comment. But given my liberal (note the small L) and libertarian instincts - the thought of the state getting involved with direct regulation of the press looks to me like the thin end of a very dangerous wedge.
Remember Income Tax was a temporary tax that only the wealthy had to pay for.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
The week as a series of slopes
People who have spent any time in my company, soon begin to realise that I have some what of an off beat and very dry sense of humour (that is humor for my USA friends - ed). What I am noticing so far, and I fully expect to come out in the wash over the coming days, weeks and months, is that it appears here!
One of my thoughts is how to draw a diagram of the week.... uh? What do I mean. Well I reckon that the lowest point of the week is, not in fact, Monday morning, but Tuesday morning, ok Monday is low, but was it good about Tuesday mornings?. So from hitting bottom Tuesday morning, the week then climbs up until the highest point of the week (note, not the weekend) that is Wednesday lunch time. After that point we are heading down slope, at some speed through Thursday and accelerating through Friday ('Happy Friday', as Rajat used to say) and off the end of the slope to soar through the weekend and then being falling back around Sunday evening as the start of the next week impinges on us.
Think of Eddie the Eagle and ski slopes.
Well I have to head off now. Eastleigh beckons, and that is a two edged thought at the best of times.
One of my thoughts is how to draw a diagram of the week.... uh? What do I mean. Well I reckon that the lowest point of the week is, not in fact, Monday morning, but Tuesday morning, ok Monday is low, but was it good about Tuesday mornings?. So from hitting bottom Tuesday morning, the week then climbs up until the highest point of the week (note, not the weekend) that is Wednesday lunch time. After that point we are heading down slope, at some speed through Thursday and accelerating through Friday ('Happy Friday', as Rajat used to say) and off the end of the slope to soar through the weekend and then being falling back around Sunday evening as the start of the next week impinges on us.
Think of Eddie the Eagle and ski slopes.
Well I have to head off now. Eastleigh beckons, and that is a two edged thought at the best of times.
Not Leveson
This is a post that is not about the Leveson report. I have chosen not to listen to any of it so far, as it will be well and truly plastered all of the newspapers tomorrow, and I can catch up with it all there.
So, what delectations and delights do have I to warble on about today. Well saw 'Brave', the movie last night. Have to admit, though pleasant as it was, it just didn't hit the spot for me. Graphics were good, the story just failed to engage me sufficiently, which was disappointing. I have to admit, that given I have watched 'In Bruges' and 'My Name is Khan' over the last couple of days, there is probably not a lot that would have engaged me.
If you have not seen 'My Name is Khan', I strongly recommend it. Brought out the tears (but you are a man - ed), which I am not at all bothered about admitting too. One of the many scenes that did me in, was when Ammi asked for a hug from Rizu, struck a deep resonant chord with me that one. At least my teenage boys still allow me to hug them.
'In Bruges', causing a turning of the tap of tears, which was most unexpected. It is in the genre of 'The Guard' and to an extent 'Perrier's Bounty' - all three of which had Brendan Gleeson. Is it now mandatory for any Irish made films to have either Brendan Gleeson or Liam Cunningham in? Their agent has got a very good deal for them there, luckily for him they are both wonderful actors (is their agent paying you - ed).
So, what delectations and delights do have I to warble on about today. Well saw 'Brave', the movie last night. Have to admit, though pleasant as it was, it just didn't hit the spot for me. Graphics were good, the story just failed to engage me sufficiently, which was disappointing. I have to admit, that given I have watched 'In Bruges' and 'My Name is Khan' over the last couple of days, there is probably not a lot that would have engaged me.
If you have not seen 'My Name is Khan', I strongly recommend it. Brought out the tears (but you are a man - ed), which I am not at all bothered about admitting too. One of the many scenes that did me in, was when Ammi asked for a hug from Rizu, struck a deep resonant chord with me that one. At least my teenage boys still allow me to hug them.
'In Bruges', causing a turning of the tap of tears, which was most unexpected. It is in the genre of 'The Guard' and to an extent 'Perrier's Bounty' - all three of which had Brendan Gleeson. Is it now mandatory for any Irish made films to have either Brendan Gleeson or Liam Cunningham in? Their agent has got a very good deal for them there, luckily for him they are both wonderful actors (is their agent paying you - ed).
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Child Support Agency - CSA
Well I for one would like to give this much maligned organisation a pat on the back.
I have been dealing with them since July and after a slight initial hiccup they have been brilliant! Great telephone support and knowledgeable staff to boot!
Now for many reasons, that I am just not in the mood to talk about (ooh ooh hark at her - ed) ... yet; I have had to deal with more than my fair share of large organisations of late. Just don't ask. The disappointing thing is that my customer experience has generally been poor. One moment, no, that is too generous, rubbish would be more appropriate.
The ability of organisations to lose information (is it an ability - ed) , ask for the same information multiple times, ask totally irrelevant questions, use no longer relevant information, magically lose physical mail and then miraculously find it when challenged is quite simply breathtaking. I have had to jump through hoops and then some more hoops and to cap it all more hoops!
I have been dealing with them since July and after a slight initial hiccup they have been brilliant! Great telephone support and knowledgeable staff to boot!
Now for many reasons, that I am just not in the mood to talk about (ooh ooh hark at her - ed) ... yet; I have had to deal with more than my fair share of large organisations of late. Just don't ask. The disappointing thing is that my customer experience has generally been poor. One moment, no, that is too generous, rubbish would be more appropriate.
The ability of organisations to lose information (is it an ability - ed) , ask for the same information multiple times, ask totally irrelevant questions, use no longer relevant information, magically lose physical mail and then miraculously find it when challenged is quite simply breathtaking. I have had to jump through hoops and then some more hoops and to cap it all more hoops!
Governor of the Bank of England
It is wonderful to read in the papers that a new Governor of the Bank of England has been appointed. What is astounding is that everyone (well politicians, The City etc.) seems to think he is a good selection. The man on the Clapham Omnibus was not asked as the answer, 'Who He?', doesn't make for good television.
What I understand is that he is going to single handedly save the Economy! It is therefore such a disappointment (for a girl - ed ) that he is not due to start the job until July 2013.... makes you wonder whether the Economy is going to continue to flat-line until then or maybe we should all just hold our breaths until he arrives.
So what happens in the mean time - we shall have to hope that Merv the Swerve will continue to pump billions of pounds into the coffers of the banks. It seems to me that in the not too recent past farmers were paid large amounts of money to not grow stuff, not it is the bankers that are on the end of this largesse, they are being thrown large amounts of very cheap money, but they don't lend it! That wonderful phrase, 'Go Figure!', leaps to mind like a somewhat uneasy gazelle.
A song also comes to mind, 'Banks Uhhhh - What are they good for! Absolutely nothing, say it again'. Maybe the dark winter nights of cynicism are coming in early to roost.
What I understand is that he is going to single handedly save the Economy! It is therefore such a disappointment (for a girl - ed ) that he is not due to start the job until July 2013.... makes you wonder whether the Economy is going to continue to flat-line until then or maybe we should all just hold our breaths until he arrives.
So what happens in the mean time - we shall have to hope that Merv the Swerve will continue to pump billions of pounds into the coffers of the banks. It seems to me that in the not too recent past farmers were paid large amounts of money to not grow stuff, not it is the bankers that are on the end of this largesse, they are being thrown large amounts of very cheap money, but they don't lend it! That wonderful phrase, 'Go Figure!', leaps to mind like a somewhat uneasy gazelle.
A song also comes to mind, 'Banks Uhhhh - What are they good for! Absolutely nothing, say it again'. Maybe the dark winter nights of cynicism are coming in early to roost.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Something For The Weekend - Sir?
Well, it's been a busy old day today. A number of firsts (you should have had that cup of tea - ed). Joining the 21st Century appearing to be one of them. But to finish the day off I shall recommend something for the weekend, (now, now - ed).
A short while ago (to tell the truth if it is up to 5 years ago, it is a short while in my head) a friend (thanks SteveyC) recommended a book, 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie. Simply 'wow'.
Having been an inveterate (you were never in the armed forces - ed) consumer of fantasy books; particularly the cheap and trashy fantasy paperbacks with scantily clad women and for some reason that escapes me, heavily muscled men all looking like an early Arnie on the front covers, I had grown somewhat dulled by the same old same old plots. However, reading Mr. Abercrombie (btw - this is a real book - ed) I was totally blown away by the realistic language and excellent characters.
I have now read all of his books, and can't wait for more, write faster Joe, but keep up the quality!
So thanks Joe, you have restored my faith in the fantasy genre, though your latest is a double genre book - both Fantasy and a Western - brilliant. (Please Note: The blogger is in no way related to Mr A, does not work for his or any other publishing company, has never proofread any of his books, and has no real understanding of the word 'genre' - ed)
Mr A's latest is called 'Red' and strangely so is Taylor Swift's latest Album (so so dates you Mr C - ed). Is there some connection we are missing? Or is Red the new Black, Grey, Pink, Blue - or whichever is the fashionable colour (for our USA readers that last word is known to you as - color' - ed).
Will have to cover fashion at some point, but not today.
A short while ago (to tell the truth if it is up to 5 years ago, it is a short while in my head) a friend (thanks SteveyC) recommended a book, 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie. Simply 'wow'.
Having been an inveterate (you were never in the armed forces - ed) consumer of fantasy books; particularly the cheap and trashy fantasy paperbacks with scantily clad women and for some reason that escapes me, heavily muscled men all looking like an early Arnie on the front covers, I had grown somewhat dulled by the same old same old plots. However, reading Mr. Abercrombie (btw - this is a real book - ed) I was totally blown away by the realistic language and excellent characters.
I have now read all of his books, and can't wait for more, write faster Joe, but keep up the quality!
So thanks Joe, you have restored my faith in the fantasy genre, though your latest is a double genre book - both Fantasy and a Western - brilliant. (Please Note: The blogger is in no way related to Mr A, does not work for his or any other publishing company, has never proofread any of his books, and has no real understanding of the word 'genre' - ed)
Mr A's latest is called 'Red' and strangely so is Taylor Swift's latest Album (so so dates you Mr C - ed). Is there some connection we are missing? Or is Red the new Black, Grey, Pink, Blue - or whichever is the fashionable colour (for our USA readers that last word is known to you as - color' - ed).
Will have to cover fashion at some point, but not today.
Pre-punditry
I am not sure whether it is due to the longness of tooth (time to see the dentist - ed) or I have heard the same things so often. But pre-punditry seems to be getting easier with age.
Pre-punditry, what is that I hear you ask? (there are no voices - ed). This is the game where you say what the pundits are going to say moments before they say it. The more words/phrases you get correct the more points you achieve.
Admittedly, football pre-punditry is as easy as pie and points won from that are therefore worth so much less than some other more difficult subject matters . You may recall that football pundits are restricted to certain words and phrases arranged in slightly different orders so as not to confuse the viewer/listener. I direct you to the book ,'The Art and Artistry of Football Punditry' by A Fowler as it is the definitive work on the subject. It is somewhat difficult to get a hold of these days, but any decent second hand bookshop should be able to find you a copy for a small fee.
Political pre-punditry is unfortunately also rather easy to play and so it also garners fewer points than you would hope. Political stock phrases and canned responses are so easily regurgitated by modern MPs (are they allowed to think for themselves these days?) that this particular avenue of pre-punditry has lost a lot of fun and excitement.
What is the most difficult subject to pre-pundit? Announcements on trains giving the reason for the delay and or cancellation of the service you really needed to catch for that important appointment (not that I am in any way, shape or form, bitter about train delays/cancellations.)
Your opinions on subjects that are difficult to pre-pundit would of course be most welcome (I knew you would write that - ed). Maybe we can try and put together a list and define the rules of the game? Hmm, I can see a board game come out of this...
Pre-punditry, what is that I hear you ask? (there are no voices - ed). This is the game where you say what the pundits are going to say moments before they say it. The more words/phrases you get correct the more points you achieve.
Admittedly, football pre-punditry is as easy as pie and points won from that are therefore worth so much less than some other more difficult subject matters . You may recall that football pundits are restricted to certain words and phrases arranged in slightly different orders so as not to confuse the viewer/listener. I direct you to the book ,'The Art and Artistry of Football Punditry' by A Fowler as it is the definitive work on the subject. It is somewhat difficult to get a hold of these days, but any decent second hand bookshop should be able to find you a copy for a small fee.
Political pre-punditry is unfortunately also rather easy to play and so it also garners fewer points than you would hope. Political stock phrases and canned responses are so easily regurgitated by modern MPs (are they allowed to think for themselves these days?) that this particular avenue of pre-punditry has lost a lot of fun and excitement.
What is the most difficult subject to pre-pundit? Announcements on trains giving the reason for the delay and or cancellation of the service you really needed to catch for that important appointment (not that I am in any way, shape or form, bitter about train delays/cancellations.)
Your opinions on subjects that are difficult to pre-pundit would of course be most welcome (I knew you would write that - ed). Maybe we can try and put together a list and define the rules of the game? Hmm, I can see a board game come out of this...
Floods & Droughts
The thought for today must be with all those people who's homes have been flooded over the past few days and some worry for those who are going to get flooded real soon now.
We have to wish them luck with their insurance companies - as no doubt that those wondrous companies will all do their very best to payout the least possible over the longest possible time.
The only people who will benefit at the end of the day will be the publishers Delay, Prevaricate & Deny who's 'Insurance Book Of Tricks - 176th Edition' is bound to sell well. Almost forgot - the loss adjusters will benefit with a lot of overtime - so it is not all doom and gloom.
Alternatively, we can be sure that the companies will do their best to help out these people in their time of need and will do their utmost to ensure that all claims are handled with speed and efficiency.
It would be pleasant to have some good stories about insurance claims going through without a hitch. It does happen, doesn't it?
Is it me - or wasn't it the case that earlier this year there was a drought across a large swathe of the South and the Water Companies were saying that we needed to have more than average rainfall to refill all the reservoirs and aquifers otherwise there would be water shortages in 2013? They got their wish - it appears big time. How a country as wet at the UK can ever be in drought astounds me. Will look into the figures and get some statistics (lies, damned lies and statistics - ed) to see what the facts are.
We have to wish them luck with their insurance companies - as no doubt that those wondrous companies will all do their very best to payout the least possible over the longest possible time.
The only people who will benefit at the end of the day will be the publishers Delay, Prevaricate & Deny who's 'Insurance Book Of Tricks - 176th Edition' is bound to sell well. Almost forgot - the loss adjusters will benefit with a lot of overtime - so it is not all doom and gloom.
Alternatively, we can be sure that the companies will do their best to help out these people in their time of need and will do their utmost to ensure that all claims are handled with speed and efficiency.
It would be pleasant to have some good stories about insurance claims going through without a hitch. It does happen, doesn't it?
Is it me - or wasn't it the case that earlier this year there was a drought across a large swathe of the South and the Water Companies were saying that we needed to have more than average rainfall to refill all the reservoirs and aquifers otherwise there would be water shortages in 2013? They got their wish - it appears big time. How a country as wet at the UK can ever be in drought astounds me. Will look into the figures and get some statistics (lies, damned lies and statistics - ed) to see what the facts are.
First Post Is The Hardest
Well - that all took a lot longer that I thought to do. Not so much stream of conciousness as conscious of the stream of verbiage. Managed to hook it up to twitter and facebook as well. So finally, after much humming and haarring (spelling? - ed) the first post has been done.
Now I can wind down and have a cup of tea and a lemon drizzle cupcake before heading out to brave the weather and make the rest of Monday happen.
Now I can wind down and have a cup of tea and a lemon drizzle cupcake before heading out to brave the weather and make the rest of Monday happen.
Mirror Mirror On The Wall
So what is this blog about? Hmmm - hard to say really. I plan to give my views on many subjects - this might elicit opinions from others (assuming anyone reads the blog - ed) - and that would be fine. My views have room to change and I am sure that I will get things wrong and argue both sides on the same subject just for fun - as I find it gives a certain perspective.
But what kind of subjects I hear you say (well not really - the voices in my head have gone into abeyance at present (appears the drugs are working - ed) ).
Software development and project management are a couple of things I have some views on. Do have some hands on experience of that over the last few decades (and didn't they go quickly.) and some of it is very probably worth sharing (don't sound too sure - ed)
Politics will definitely be in the mix - as I am now of an age (gone on tell us how old - ed) where I think I just about know enough to give fair comment (fair? - ed).
Economics (he reads The Economist - ed) is a favourite for a good rant about the inability of economics to explain what has happened, what is happening or what will happen.
But what kind of subjects I hear you say (well not really - the voices in my head have gone into abeyance at present (appears the drugs are working - ed) ).
Software development and project management are a couple of things I have some views on. Do have some hands on experience of that over the last few decades (and didn't they go quickly.) and some of it is very probably worth sharing (don't sound too sure - ed)
Economics (he reads The Economist - ed) is a favourite for a good rant about the inability of economics to explain what has happened, what is happening or what will happen.
There will be the occasional photograph - probably of the sky (proud member of The Cloud Appreciation Society - thanks Tom)
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| Above Bristol Temple Meads Station - October 2008 |
or trees (particularly trees in Autumn - and Autumn 2012 in the South of England has been outstanding.)
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| Though this is from 2009! |
There will almost certainly be the occasional photo of a painting thrown into the mix - as it is something I have taken up very recently and seem to enjoy. There is nothing quite like the mix of good music, white spirits and oil paints to get the creative juices flowing.
Nearly forgot the books - I am an avid reader (though he appears to have slowed down of late - ed) and will highlight books that I think are worth reading and some that are not, but naturally only of books that I have read. The genres are from software development, economics, business, popular science, history, fantasy, science fiction etc. Eclectic taste moi?
What about music. Well might mention a few of the things that I listen to on occasion, I will listen to anything with no preconceptions (wow - what about Rap? ed) in case I might like it. Though have to admit I still like my music in physical form - started from vinyl - still lurking in the attic - no turntable any more (sob) - and still buy CDs. Why? I worry about Vendor Lock-In.
There are bound to be other subjects that crop up (though I can tell you for certain that there will be no talk of celebrities or soaps - as I neither follow or watch either)
So who is the ed character that pops up with a certain regularity. Used to read Private Eye and liked the comments by the editor - ed. As this is not edited by anyone other than me - a few asides from an imaginary editor in my head appear to me at least as necessary. We will see how it goes.
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