Monday - and a rant (sorry)
Good morning, one and all and as happy a Monday as can be imagined.

This is my last Monday in the former colony of the indescribables that is Hong Kong (at least for a couple of weeks) and I can't wait to get home to work in London again.

Much is made by certain right-wing organisations of how multi-culturalism is a bad thing in the world in general and in the UK in particular; I've always disagreed with that - surely multi-culturalism gives us a new series of openings on our view of the world.

Having spent time here with the new Chinese hegemony of the world for a fair part of this year I have seen the future and - if I may be forgiven for such a random generalisation - it is yellow (some of whom are so yellow I'm sorely tempted to ask for a liver biopsy), and it has domestic staff who are, in essence, indentured slaves. If the world is serious about ending poverty and slavery, if the world is serious about the right of self-determination for all people on the planet then the vastly overpreened, overcosseted and overwhelmingly rude and undignified Hong Kong Chinese should be second against the wall when the revolution comes.

In the same way that the North Vietnamese beat the US (or, as Kevin Klines' character in A Fish Called Wanda said "That was a draw!") in their conflict - by simply having more bodies to throw at the problem the Chinese have the same. Almost everyone here has a job and whilst there's an official 3.9% jobless rate, this is mainly accounted for by the long-term ill or those who are in pre-retirement. The simplest task - of doing laundry, for example - here would make Adam Smith cringe and quake that after all of these years his study of pin manufacture has been thrown away like so much bad thinking.

Humour me, for a moment, whilst I prepare for you an example of this. My company designs and builds software that is implemented by banks and asset management companies to be able to predict into the future with an element of accuracy. It normally takes one person to maintain post-implementation and the most I've seen elsewhere in the world was (for a much larger institution than the one I'm working for here) was a team of three people who were going to maintain it (to enable redundancy of coverage). Here, in Hong Kong, I'm training twenty people to do it and I've been asked to split the training into five sections, with four people each learning it.

In addition to this, IP-holders of the world, prepare to defend yourselves and your rights. I have evidence from here of my clients' making attempts to both directly access the IP in the device (including brazenly making the statement "We need the formulae to be able to prove it for our regulator" (they don't, I checked - and boy were they pissed off when I told them that I'd done it)) and to reverse engineer from the limited information that I was prepared to give them. If you have IP for goodness sakes keep it to yourselves; if you don't but your device / code / whatever is unique, seek patent protection before you come here and ensure that your contract enables you to sue should you have evidence of copyright infringement.

And ... breathe ...

Anyway - happy Monday, y'all.




(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 4:53, 185 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Blimey Ed
That rant might be a bit much for me this early in morning so instead of getting all serious I'm going to answer the questions I wish you'd asked.
Yes I had a lovely weekend and my favourite animals are pennywell piggies, kittems and bunny rabbits with big floppy ears.
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:29, Reply)

crikey
Cheer up Ed. You're almost home!!
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:43, Reply)

Morning folks
I feel like death - got back to Leeds at 1 this morning after Clutch gig.
So hungover, deaf, and hoarse. Shall be asleep at my desk by 10 I think.
( Boss Keloid Got your mother's maiden name tattooed on my arm, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:44, Reply)

@wanderlust / weekirst
Good morning ladies!

Thanks ... I'm on the home stretch now and tempting as it might be to lose parole by punching one of these buggers I'm managing to "keep the heid" (an expression that weekirst for one will understand!)
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:45, Reply)

Awww
Poor Ed. I have great faith that you can indeed "Keep the heid"
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:49, Reply)

BK
I feel your pain. I would give anything to be back in bed right now!
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:56, Reply)

@BK, Wander
I feel exactly the same. My new bed is very nice, a haven If you will. Think I might go straight into bed and camp out when I do get home! Whoot!
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 8:59, Reply)

morning folks
an interesting bit of reading Ed, and it doesn't surprise me at all.

I'm knackered, my boiler is broken, my car is broken but on the bright side, I finished my tiling. now just got to grout and seal it all....

on the plus side, my home insurance and emergency cover is hardcore, so boiler repairs will be free, and the car is a minor problem and should be fixable pretty cheap by friendly mechanic. having contacts is brilliant!

how is everyone?
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:03, Reply)

If everyone's this tired.
I suggest we all just come round mine and have a nice little nap. I can make us tea and biscuits for when we wake up.
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:13, Reply)

@wander
Sounds good to me, but I suggest when we wake up there is toast/bacon butties...
-I'll bring duvets and pillows, for I like to have both in abundance for napping!
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:15, Reply)

I met Terry Jones
on Saturday night in a bar in a backwater village in West Clare. He was sound and chatty and we had a few beers. Ace!

On Sunday morning, I climbed down the rocks to the Atlantic ocean and stood in sheer terror at its raw power. It was amazing.

I bought the new Opeth record on the way home and have yet to pass judgement after only two listens. Cool DVD extras though.

Monday is, of course, pure concentrated misery but we shall persevere!
(bazmorningstar efil4nat3b, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:16, Reply)

@kirst
I shall see what I can do. I've run out of bacon though as I had to make a fry up for 9 people yesterday morning, I didn't even have any as I was too hungover :(
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:17, Reply)

Goodmorning all.
@Ed - thought provoking and interesting way to start Monday.

Thank you
( girlinthehole, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:18, Reply)

@baz
morning sunshine!

you joining our communal nap?

Edit @bgb -morning!

@wander Yesterday I was too hungover for fried food too. I ate starburst Ice lollies instead :) Surely someone will bring it along?
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:19, Reply)

@kirst
I'm sure someone will be kind enough to bring us bacon.
nom nom nom
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:32, Reply)

*brings bacon*
nom away, my pretties!
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:39, Reply)

Morning my wonderful
OT-Dwelling b3tards.

I feel tired today, and very hungover.
Oddly, I've not had a drink since Friday.
*shrugs*

*drinks orange juice*
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:48, Reply)

yum
Thanks Ed!

@kaol, then your just instime for our communal nap and bacon buttie party. Wander has kindly invited us all round :)
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:51, Reply)

*wanders back in, falls asleep and lands on his face*
Zzzzzz
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:53, Reply)

Excellent!
I could do with something salty in my mouth.
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 9:56, Reply)

Kaol
I hope that's not a reference to me passing out and you doing stuff....
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:02, Reply)

bacon sandwich fueled
orgy!
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:06, Reply)

Nah,
T'was a bacon reference.
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:06, Reply)

Gid Moaning!
And how are we all on this fine and sunny Monday morn?

It's barely 10am, and I have already had a woman guff loudly and profusely in to my face (don't you just love the tube?), and I've come in to work to be told not to do anything as there was a massive fuck up at the weekend that needs to be rectified first. Which, great as that sounds, isn't really helpful.

So, things to look forward to this week:

Thrice at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday.
B3TA Bash on Saturday!
BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!

Oh, and my favourite animals are Giraffes.
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:06, Reply)

morning DIT
This monday morning nap is sounding lovely! Better than Smelly work anyway!

My favourite animal just now is the Brazolian Tapir. Found generally in South America, but at the moment, also In Dubli zoo
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:19, Reply)

Ed, that all went over my pretty little head...
Bacon shag-fest should do the trick.

Good morning all!

My favourite animals are seals.... aw, lovely eyes :o)
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:19, Reply)

Ning, O sweary one!
*smoosh*

Still coming (fnar!) on Saturday?
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:21, Reply)

Morning D-I-T and all
Yep, she'll be there with knobs on. As will I.

I've pulled the old working from home shtick today. Because the tiling in our kitchen is a bit of a dog's arse and I want to catch the builders and negotiate a discount. Most of it is OK, but the gaffer let his labourer loose on Friday and the lad really isn't a tiler... We probably should have got Vipros in, sounds like he's done a stirling job!

It's nearly 10:30 and they still haven't turned up - no doubt wrestling monstrous hangovers following the Toon's frankly impressive display against Man Ure yesterday. Fair enough, but they ain't knocking off until the kitchen's finished and the washer's plumbed back in again...

23rd August ftw!
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:27, Reply)

*smooshes DiT*
I'm sooooooooooo excited :o)

I only have two pairs of clean (ergo dry) knickers left!

As soon as I've bollocked the builders for their tiling (Mildew could have done a better job - she's our special needs dog) I'm off to Asda for a bumper pack of Tena ladies.

Also, the smell of bacon here is making me salivate profusely....

Kettle's back on - anyone for coffee? Can't do tea, I've lost the jar in all this mess.
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:35, Reply)

I'm looking forward to
The bash!
Then I'm spending the rest of the weekend with ancrenne, and it's a bank holiday!
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:37, Reply)

Word up, Davros!
*gets up to get down*

Excellent news! Saturday FTW!

Good result for the Toon yesterday... Is that your season now? Hehehe
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:37, Reply)

'ning all!

I am hopping from foot to foot in giddy anticipation of this weekend's bash...

The people in my office think I have the gout again :(

EDIT: Seeing Kaol's sig has given me a bit of an idea for a Star Wars pisstake post...but meh...I don't know if I can be arsed.
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:41, Reply)

Poof, do it!
I'm glad I've inspired you :p
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:53, Reply)

All this talk of the bash
Is making me very sad.
Excuse me while I go and sit in the corner to have a little cry.
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 10:54, Reply)

Ah, go on then Kaol...

Give us 5 minutes...
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:13, Reply)

Yeah...
But you are going to Reading, so you can't be all sad! :)

*ruffles*
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:13, Reply)

*looks at Poof*
*locks doors*

You have five minutes...

Start the fans please!
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:14, Reply)

"What can you see?"
"I've got a kettle, some water, a teabag, and a cup. There's a sign that says 'Make Tea For Crystal."

"Make some tea! Make some tea!"

"I'm coming out!"

*harmonicas*
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:16, Reply)

DiT
I am excited about reading. I went and bought the ugliest pair of shorts with skulls all over them and my friend Holly has made me a fluffeh hat with ears on so I can look like even more of a spanner than usual!
Just try not to have too much fun at the bash without me :p
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:22, Reply)

Ning.
Fuck me, I'm having to work. This is beyond shit.
However, finding time to keep an eye on you lot too, so don't misbehave.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:26, Reply)

@Lusty
I'll do my best! ;)

Who's at Reading this year? As I didn't have the funds when the tix came out I'm not going, and have been avoiding it so I don't think I'm missing out!

Ning, Clenders!
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:32, Reply)

Hello everyone!
Blimey it's been a while since I've been on here. How is everyone? I see the current QOTW is a bit pants.
Wanderlust - don't be too sad about the bash missing, we have Reading to look forward to! I'm taking a kettle and stove so I can have as much tea as I want. And Mr V P might buy me some wellies. I feel very prepared.
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:42, Reply)

@ Kaol...

Did I say 5 minutes? I meant 35...

I had to get the drinks in :(

but it's done now
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:42, Reply)

Oops
My request you all behave has killed the conversation.
Sorry about that.
As you were...

And you're back. Phew!
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:43, Reply)

You're only missing out on bloody RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, Tightly.
So I wouldn't sweat it too much.

*bitters*

'Ning all, they're making me do work, I don't like it. Nice weekends all round I hope?
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:44, Reply)

@DiT
So you don't feel left out I will say the line up is rubbish. Rage against the machine won't be playing and I plan to not rock out at all.

Infact I think I may just sit in my tent drinking tea the whole time and not running around having fun. Honestly, who goes to a festival to have fun?!
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:44, Reply)

Poof,
I looked, I laughed, I clicked.
Nice work!

EDIT: Morning Lucy and Clendrix!
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:44, Reply)

*tastes bitterness*
*feels at home*

I ate too much caramel slice and now I feel sick.

Edit: *hugs kaol*
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:45, Reply)

'Ning Kaol!
I'm in bed eating Haribo at the moment :) However I did get up at 5.30 this morning to catch the train back to London as I have a second round interview this afternoon. I'm crapping it a bit to be honest.
But once it's over, to Reading and beyond!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:46, Reply)

Talking of feeling sick...
I had curry.
Friday night.
Saturday night.
Last night.

No more curry for me for quite some time.

EDIT: *grins at unexpected hugs*
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:46, Reply)

Oh, Feck.
I knew I shouldn't have asked. I have also found out that Biffy Clyro are mainstaging it, and I like them.

Oh fuck. And 'tallica, though I still gaven't forgiven them for 'St. Anger'.

But then all the pain washes away when I see the word 'Babyshambles'.
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:47, Reply)

I can't like Biffy.
The name is too awful.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:49, Reply)

Aww shucks Kaol...

Thanks for clicky

and good morni nearly afternoon to all folk just joining us^^^

Edit: Kaol, the curry hat-trick is the stuff of legend. I myself have indulged in it on many an occasion, but with Chinese curry, which is like the watered-down, wussy wet pants equivilent.

My hugs go out to your asbestos innards!
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:49, Reply)

*does reading excited dance for Lucy*
*spins*

*twirls*

*rock out a little bit in wellies*

*feels sick from all the spinning*

*has a sit down*
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:52, Reply)

*catches wanderlust*
*sits her down*

*offers her a biscuit and a cup of tea*
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:54, Reply)

@LvP
A very good morning to you too Ms LvP - and good luck this afternoon. What's the process?
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:55, Reply)

Thank you miss Lucy
I'm excited I get to meet you! It also looks like it might be a sunny weekend.

*excites*

*double excites*
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 11:59, Reply)

hi ed!
It's a group interview this afternoon. I wasn't expecting to get this far so feel a bit underqualified but what the hell, it's good fun anyway. And a good excuse for a nice new pair of shoes (I went crazy and got heels, I'm over 6 feet tall in them, love it!).
I have to prepare an advert and learn about the healthcare system. I feel underprepared so am doing my usual last minute wikipedia research!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:00, Reply)

*runs in*
hello one and all!

good weekends?

I'm still on mine... til Wednesday...

Have some consolatory carrot cake to make up for the fact that it's Monday and I've only just got out of bed.

*snogs everyone*

*runs out again*
(happylittletulip helpless and delicious, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:02, Reply)

*Tries to snog HLT*
*misses*

Where's she gone?

Thanks for the carrot cake chuck! Not only is it moist and yummy, the carrot counts towards one's five a day ;o)
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:13, Reply)

ancrenne!
*snogs*

*offers tea*

*puts special milk in it*
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:15, Reply)

morning ancrenne :o)
We have the kettle on again - can't find teabags though - kitchen's like Sarajevo - will coffee do?
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:16, Reply)

Morning everybody.
How the devil are you all?

I'm back at work now after having two weeks off on holiday in Cornwall, it rained all the time, but I still got a tan!

In other news It looks like I will be coming to the Bash on the 23rd. Woo and Yay.
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:25, Reply)

*wanders out from dark corner*
*adjusts himself*

Yeah, that many b3tans in one place...
Someone's gonna make a tit of themselves, but who?
Sweepstake?
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:30, Reply)

The Dok's back!
Yay!
*does celebratory dance*
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:30, Reply)

Thanks
for the dance Clendrix. That's made my day so far. When are you off to the States then?

I'm just hoping that nobody makes a tit of themselves, but it does seam to be a bit of a longshot!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:35, Reply)

ancrenne
I'm looking forward to meeting you too!

*passes coffee*

Congraltulations on your knicker funding :o)
Do you have any spare prototypes kicking around? I've only got two clean pairs left (washing machine still not plumbed in).

*thinks about Saturday and does another liitle wee*
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:36, Reply)

'Noon Dok!
Glad you gad a good holiday! 2 months today til I get to go on mine! In fact, I'll have been in the air for 10 minutes!

Hmm. I reckon there will be no tit-making. We're all witty, sophisticated and urbane people!
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:37, Reply)

oooh miss crenne!
I haven't had the chance to congratulate you for the funding yet! have some sweets to celebrate, that's such good news!
Edit - I was in cornwall last week and i got rained on too. We had to leave a day early as our tent couldn't cope!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:38, Reply)

I have five english pounds...
on myself being the one who makes a tit out of themselves.

Edit: As for Ancrenne's theory on the combined wit, charm, elegance and wisdom taking over the world...every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

That's why I'm going...to water down the levels of sexiness and intelligence to normal proportions.
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:39, Reply)

@Dok
Glad to be of service.

I'm off to the States on Friday. FRIDAY! So excited.

Everytime I've spoken to my dad in Cornwall over the past two weeks, he's informed me it's, 'pissing down'. I felt bad. But apparently, it's still pissing down, so at least it didn't turn nice once you left.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:39, Reply)

if there's to be any tit-making
bagsy it'll be me.....

or I can do arse either...
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:40, Reply)

Gr3tans
"Someone's gonna make a tit of themselves, but who? Sweepstake?"

Me?

I'm so looking forward to this bash I've been weeing all week!

Is it just me or do the the Starwars pisstake posts now outnumber the genuine Starwars posts?
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:46, Reply)

@ Clendrix
Yeah Cornwall was wet, I'm just glad I had my wetsuit! And despite att the good breweries there I only managed to have five pints of beer, and those were Worthingtons so not really beer at all then.
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:47, Reply)

No tit-making from me.
I shall be standing in a corner, observing the proceedings with my usual dignified serenity whilst shaking my head every now and again...

Ah, fuck it who am I kidding? Expect tittery of 48GG proportions...
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:47, Reply)

Dok
so how soon do you intend to fix this beer deficit?
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:48, Reply)

b3ta
bit of an outside chance BUT ... if anyone's coming down to London on Friday, do they want to do a b3ta breakfast on Saturday morning? I'm getting in at stupid o'clock on Saturday (5am is NOT ftw) but will be in central London by 7-ish...
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:51, Reply)

Hey, that Kid Rock song is on the radio for the gillionth time today.
He's from Detroit, isn't he?
I'm going there next week.
Guns are legal in the US.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:52, Reply)

.
"though part of me thinks getting that many b3tans in one place might mean we just have to take over the world."

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I luv it when we think we can take over the world.

The YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY will only come once we've conquered the world!

@HDL: But Worthingtons is beer!
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:52, Reply)

@Edmund
I'll be arriving in London on Friday evening at 22:04, so I might be up for a b3ta br3akfast.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:53, Reply)

Afternoon all
I am now returned from lovely sunny wet N.Ireland. It was quite wet, don't ya know. Although from the pictures I've seen, we had it pretty good on the north coast.

And for the first time this summer, easyjet actually managed to get me somewhere on time, which I thought was fairly impressive.

Everyone else well? Had fun weekends?
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:58, Reply)

afternoon folks
how is everyone?

good weekend Ancrenne?

I sent you my sympathies as I watched the rain lashing my house about 8 miles from where you were festivalling!
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 12:58, Reply)

Who or what is Kid Rock?
My view of the world comes form Radio 4 and I stopped listening to music in 1986 when it all went to shit.

My tomatoes are going red! I'm slightly too excited about that.
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:00, Reply)

Penguins: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7562773.stm
Ancrenne: it was crazy wet. it was wet last year but at least the ground started out green and it didn't rain during the days!

I'm glad I gave it a miss. I ache from 14 hours of tiling though....
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:03, Reply)

Aftenrron POD, Vipros, Mrs. L
Spent yesterday fixing my computer and now, it's a Frankenstein of mismatching parts, but at least it runs well.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:04, Reply)

Kid Rock
is a white-trash, er, singer musician performer twat.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:04, Reply)

@clendrix
Sorry about that, some bastard gave me some work to do!

I'm planning on sorting the beer situation out tonight, why do you ask my dear?
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:04, Reply)

Noon to Newcomers! :)
Also: I might not be able to make the bash til about 6pm at the weekend... Will it still be going on?
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:06, Reply)

Mrs L
Mine are still green. We do lead exciting lives, don't we? (sighs)

On the subject (ish) of this week's QOTW, I am having a major clear out and chuck away session- the loft is first, about 3 binliners full of baby clothes are now destined for the charity shop so far (and we still seem to have about the same left, which is making me worry a bit.....

I can guarantee one thing: there are NO STAR WARS TOYS up there, and if there were, I'd bin them on general principles.

Incidentally, the Septic who is currently leading in the Women's Discus is a bloke. Must be. Just must be. Discuss.
(osok Rebel without a clue, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:09, Reply)

Hey folks
I definitely can't make the bash now *mucho sads*
Funds are too tight and I have to hold Miss K's hand on Saturday while she gets her foot tattooed. She is paying for me to get one though as a belated birthday pressie. Yay!
( Boss Keloid Got your mother's maiden name tattooed on my arm, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:09, Reply)

I suspect
that by 6pm we'll all be lying around, twitching and groaning feebly, surrounded by empties and vomit.

But maybe that'll just be me.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:12, Reply)

Wookiee
You're a creature of habit.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:13, Reply)

Haha!
I'll just have to play super catch-up, then!

I have a plan to save £150,000 over two years. All I need now is an income that would facilitate me saving that kind of money.

Stupid credit crunch.
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:15, Reply)

Arrival on saturday
Depends - we want to be there by 6 at the latest I think, especially as Chickenlady and PJM are having to duck away early.

Does the Cardinal do food? If so we may get there earlier with Rakky in tow...
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:15, Reply)

O NOES!
I suspect I'll be playing 'only sober person at a party'...

But I'm fine with that!

I CAN'T RUDDY WAIT!!
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:19, Reply)

@DiT
I would expect that by 6 o'clock we'll all just be getting into an indepth conversation about something or other. Probaly about taking over the world.

EDIT But that can soon be fixed!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:20, Reply)

.
@DiT: Of course it will still be going on. The bash will be unstoppable! No matter how hard they try, this is a bash that cannot be stopped!!!

@BK: Pity * hugs *
Hope you make it to another bash.

@Davros:
Yes, the Cardinal does food - both Lunch and Dinner.

BTW: What time is it starting?
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:22, Reply)

Hello?
What happened? I went out to get a sarnie and everyone's gone!

*ensaddened*
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:45, Reply)

*runs in*

*gives DiT quick hug*

*runs off for meeting*
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:47, Reply)

Hi DiT!
I'm still here! about to start getting ready for my interview. its the second round of the MR one, your field!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:48, Reply)

Just seen the new attendees on the calender.
Yay for Herr Doktor.

You know it makes sense.

*Gets exited again*
( girlinthehole, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:49, Reply)

*gets exited again*
made me think, "Ouch!".
(bazmorningstar efil4nat3b, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:53, Reply)

@BGB
It's the only way to go.

Yup its all getting very exciting now, I can bearly contain myself!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:53, Reply)

Ah...
Sweet, wonderful lunchtime pub-trip...
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:56, Reply)

I hope to be there as early as possible...

For a couple of reasons.

1. To spend some quality time with PJM and Chickenlady before their early departure.

2. To bagsy the left side of the bed in BGB's hotel room.

3. To start the early drinking.

Although my actual arrival time depends on Captain Placid (my musical mentor, bodyguard, chauffeur and (cider permitting) red hot loveur)...I still think it will be early because he is just as chufty about Saturday as I am...

*excites*

*does little wee to Tourettes proportions*

*loses bladder control*

*does big wee*

*walks slowly past colleagues*
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:58, Reply)

Ah, I see!
Good Luck, LvP! :)
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 13:58, Reply)

Ta v much DiT!
Oh it's such a shame I'm going to miss the bash. I request that you have a pint for wanderlust and me. We'll have a pint for you lot!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:02, Reply)

All this weeing
Perhaps we could put it to good use and start a b3ta fire-brigade.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:04, Reply)

Noon al!
Alright ta, just stuffed my face with a chicken and bacon sub!

*will have to go for a run later*

3 hours? Blimey. At least a woman didn't guff in your face.
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:08, Reply)

hi al!
*waves!*
DiT - eh? woman guffing in your face? was this some bad tube experience?
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:10, Reply)

^Yeah
'Twas this morning. Rancid old cow.

Her that is, not you. ;)
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:13, Reply)

@DiT...

You MUST be mistaken...

I have it under good authority that ladies do not guff...just like they don't sweat...or drink pints...or take it up the wrongun.

Maybe it was a man in drag?
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:14, Reply)

ha
People are gross aren't they? Tube people in particular! I got squashed against the wall today by a man reading a paper. Then a lady reading a book WHILST WALKING banged into me.
Stupid woman. Far too busy and important to actually use her eyes for looking, oh no, she has to read.
bint.
Edit - Pooflake - If thats true then I am most certainly not a lady. :)
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:15, Reply)

Poof...
Is that true?
*panics*

I need to adjust the ratio of "women:men I've slept with"...
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:16, Reply)

@ Kaol...

Well that's what I heard...

Also, you'll be horrified thilled to know that I have decided to attach myself to you for the Sat Bash, as it appears your drinking skills are on a par with my own...must run in the family eh?

*winks*
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:17, Reply)

Ah
The usual morning on the tube, stinky people and idiots. What more could you ask for?
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:18, Reply)

Hmmm...
Sounds good Dad Poof.
I take it you've read the story of the first London Bash now then...
Haha!

Welcome to my entourage, grab a drink and slump awkwardly.
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:20, Reply)

@al
Womens' guff does smell of kittens if the kittens have just guffed.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:23, Reply)

Who's your supplier, Al?
Kaol broke my last one... :(

(EDIT: Women do guff. Just in their sleep so they can claim it wasn't them as you flee from the room, your nose trying to crawl off your face. Also, the word 'guff' is brilliant and makes me smile.)
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:25, Reply)

Oh noes!
Your making me all fret about getting on the tube now.


@Pooflake....It's ok because I sleep on the right. Yay!

The captain can sleep at our feet like the family pet.
( girlinthehole, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:30, Reply)

BGB
Don't panic, just ignore everybody. That's what the general attitude seems to be.
Or smile at randomers and freak them out!
(Lucy Van Pelt embracing ginlovers, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:31, Reply)

Just so rock & roll I may faint
4 binliners full for recycling so far, nearly 3 for the charidee shop.

I found my old, beloved biker jacket! Huzzah!

It's too small...

*sobs*

I also found a mint condition 'UCNW Bangor Parachute Club' sweatshirt which I will defiantly wear around the house all day in a desperate attempt to recall the days when I was young, optimistic and lighter.
(osok Rebel without a clue, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:32, Reply)

I'd say
"alcohol-fuled relationship" isn't far off the mark...
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:37, Reply)

'Noon all
So what's the acceptable time to appear at the Cardinal then?

If I can lever PJM out of bed before 11am then we should be in town for about 1ish...should we just hang around the Cardinal and wait until we get picked up?

;)
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:41, Reply)

@Ancrenne...

BGB is well versed in my alco-ma-hol fuelled general crapness, foulness & idiocy. She provided me with my own toilet when she hostessed(?) the last bash I attended.

yay for tolerance!
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:43, Reply)

Is that a threat ancrenne?
*panics*
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:47, Reply)

Excellent!
I shall make him go to bed early on Friday and set the alarm clock for Very Early so he has time to come to...

That just sounds wrong.

To give him time to wake up.

Better.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:47, Reply)

@Ancrenne...

I can give a sort of 'no vomit' guarantee...

what I mean by that is I am such a notorius tightwad that I abhor alcomahol wastage in any variety...so if I should blow chunks, I will slurp it up again like a fruit fly.

Indeedy, I am class in a glass!
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:47, Reply)

My hotel is 5 minutes away from the Cardinal.
I shall be there early doors.

Unless I'm apprehended by shifty foreigners and sold into the white slavery market specially targeted at the gentlemen who prefer the older women.
( girlinthehole, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:49, Reply)

*bokes*
How long will you be there, Chickenlady? To meet you and PJM I may have to organise things so I can come arrive get there earlier...
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:50, Reply)

Haha!
Poof, it runs in the family...

Except when I was sick in London I was already passed out, so... No re-drinking.
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:50, Reply)

I shall be there at 1pm
Possibly earlier if I want to have my lunch there.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:57, Reply)

I'm sorry...
"Sticky mess"?

*giggles*
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 14:58, Reply)

*giggles*
*remembers kissing ancrenne*
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:02, Reply)

^ Kaol
just what I was thinking :o)

*giggles aswell*
( Tourette's ( . )( . ) has a monkey hair in her fried egg, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:07, Reply)

@LvP
How'd the prep go? I'm sure that you'll be fabulous at the interview.
(Eds Meds Mathskillz=1,Socialskillz=0, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:08, Reply)

Yups, the wet fields and cider calls me.
I wish I could be in two places at once. But I haven't managed it yet! :(

You'll just have to make sure you all have extra fun for me!
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:10, Reply)

Jealous
I'm very jealous of you all. This weekend I shall be making my new house look pretty and not a great deal else...
I want to go to the bash (or reading)
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:20, Reply)

I'm sure
LvP and I will have a drink or 7 at our own micro bash for you all! :D
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:21, Reply)

Everyone's buggered off.
How terribly rude.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:51, Reply)

@clendrix
I was just waiting on everybody else.

@Ancrenne That's a mighty powerful mixture no wonder you're bruised.
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:56, Reply)

Not so much buggered off...
As 'doing some work'.

It blows, but I don't want to be made redundant! :)

Exactly how does one 'bugger off' anyway?
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 15:57, Reply)

Tightly
I'm not sure how one 'buggers off' exactly, but I think I'd like to see someone try.
( thealternativefact, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:00, Reply)

@ancrenne
But did you all start drinking the day after? I would have, but only to kill the hangover by the way.
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:05, Reply)

Hurrah! My meeting has been cancelled.
Unfortunately I'd already spent the whole day frantically preparing for it, but the important thing is that I don't have to go.

Ancrenne - It's very hard to get a hangover at a festival, I find. I have no idea why this is, but I can't help but feel that there's a fortune to be made in figuring it out.
(wellgroomedwookiee is a filthy-minded hobgoblin, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:12, Reply)

Festival Hangovers don't exist.
Last time I went to Reading, I awoke in a boiling hot tent.

"I say," I thought "the sun is beating down, it must be approaching midday!"

I stuck my head out of the tent. "Oi!" I shouted to my compadres "You up?"

"Yeah" came the reply.

With that, we all crawled out of our tents, dishevelled and dirty.

"Beer anyone?"

Cans were duly opened. It was only then I realised that it was 8am.
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:18, Reply)

@WGW
Perhaps it's got something to do with your mind not being able to shut down so well at a festival (you don't get a good night's sleep). I find that when this happens, I'm more likely to be still drunk than hungover.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:20, Reply)

I over did it at reading a few years ago.
I had the worst hangover of my life and while all of my friends went to go have it large in the dance tent I crawled in my tent and had a little cry about all the fun I was missing as I felt so bad.
I'm so pathetic sometimes it hurts!
( wanderlust, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:22, Reply)

Right
I've had enough of work for the day, I'm going to the pub!
(Herr Doktor Lemminge Is bored, so cheer me up!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:26, Reply)

Speaking of camping bashes
Would anyone be up for a camping in Poland and get their hands dirty with ecobuilding next year?

EDIT: Bye HDL and drink one for me.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:26, Reply)

Sounds like a really good thing there, Spak!
Unfortunately, next year is my Wedding year which pretty much makes it impossible for me to spend money on anything that's not Wedding related! :(

Talking of which, Mrs. Devil will be posting on here soon... Oooh!
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:32, Reply)

DiT
I'll do my best to keep flirting to a minimum :p
( Cawl, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:34, Reply)

Haha!
I don't think she'll be on OT though, she's got one of those proper jobs where she has to work and stuff... ;)
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:39, Reply)

afternoon all
What's been going on today then?
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:42, Reply)

Afternoon Mrs. L
@ancrenne
If this does go anywhere, it won't happen until May 2009 at the earliest - possibly as late as September 2009.

I've been before and can attest to it's awesomeness. If anyone wants my written account, Gaz me.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 16:58, Reply)

*whistles*
Hello? Hello?

Oh, I guess I'll just drink this Tanqueray and Tonic on my own, then... :(
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 17:19, Reply)

hey
I'm still here, but I'll have a pint of wifebeater ta! :)
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 17:22, Reply)

*passes*
Here you go, WK.

*sips*

Ew! This tonic tastes of *swirls* goats and *sniffs* ammonia!

AL! *shakes fist*

Ancrenne: Does the camera have a timer? You could then frame your shot, get in it and take the picture without having to mess about with your arms!

Technology. Love it! :)
( Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 17:25, Reply)

@dit
Cheers! Chin chin everyone
*big gulp*
yum :)
(weekirst23 Is broken! Silly ice. Silly High heels!, Mon 18 Aug 2008, 17:29, Reply)