Went to “Lucky Voice” with work last night, a flash new Karaoke joint in Soho. Whilst the beer was probably not the best of ideas on a weeknight, the singing was incredibly fun and uplifting, and I went with a great bunch of people from the office – all of whom were (a) moderately talented and (b) utterly shameless, so we all got into it properly.
Particular favourite moments were us singing “Combine Harvester” by The Wurzels and “Without Me” by Eminem, although the more tuneful numbers demonstrated more skill… I did, of course, sing my signature “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by the Crash Test Dummies in a tuneful baritone.
I always plug too many things into my computer. Something in the last batch of things I’ve added to the USB daisy chain, or possibly my flash new Freecom NAS, has caused my computer to crash to the new, improved, WindowsXP “blue screen of death”.
Google has failed me. Can a visiting Geek to my blog tell me what I can do about the mysterious “lpx.sys” that keeps causing my computer to crash catastrophically?
I lost my Windows profile at work yesterday. Net result: new password, new settings, needing to set up everything from scratch and re-import all favourites and bookmarks. Augh!
Rose leaves my family after 15 years with us today. It’s a sad day for all of us, and rightly so; after so many years of working for us, and being that warm and uplifting presence, and, as Sheila puts it, helping to make our house a home, we will all miss her terribly.
She goes on, hopefully, to brighter and better things, and her family, back in the Phillipines. We all wish her the best of luck.
Cripes, been a long time since I’ve blogged. Work, as ever, takes responsibility for my crapness (as well as my ongoing addiction to DotA: oh, ok, so its my own fault).
It has been busy: sorting out plumbing nightmare, organising birthday celebs (for Nov!) preparing for parents abortive trip to London (now postponed…), failing to get my shinsplints pounded with ultrasonic waves — despite some efforts. And doing some reading – have finished Zadie Smith’s newest book now – which I loathed and was compelled by simultaneously. A more complete post on that later on…
Also finished Ian Irvine’s “View from the Mirror” series… which, while being really really badly written, was a great story. Looking forward to starting the Geomancer series next…
…it’s quite exciting really. Vic Keegan’s blog about it is quite interesting reading… reminds my of my journalism years… Ah, those were… well, days at any rate.
Much as it seemed like a pointless relaunch (I understand the supposed reasoning behind the move to the Berliner format but it seemed primarily about being perversely different from the other “broadsheets”), and much though I agree with Chris that the masthead is moderately hideous, it does looks like it hangs together well. Look forward to seeing the paper tomorrow.
I do wish they’d be marginally less self-congratulatory about it (Vic’s blog, at least, reads honestly) but I guess that’s marketing for you.
I taught Matt how to duel with banjos (again – well, guitars) at this year’s stunning “Damo’s Bonza Coast Party”. Big up to Dr & Mr K for tolerating us, and to the big “banana oops” DK himself for not soiling his trousers and giving us all a great party. Gem’s “organised fun” went down a treat last night and we’ve all since returned happy & exhausted. Couple of more pics, of Matt & DK burning absinthe (and not chasing the dragon, no matter how much it may seem that way, and of a beachy sunset, on my flickr photostream – all taken with my flash new Sony DSC-T7 camera.
Many others on good form, including Tant Pis and “you don’t want to know what I’ve just googled” Applegate, and Robin “Bum Charades is a real game” Sims-Williams. Was a stellar weekend.
…had a good one, although knackered now. Guys and Dolls on Friday was awesome (Mr McGregor has some mad skills) and the party at Vik & Farrah’s was awesome (thanks!), if I didn’t sing as much as I’d like. Make your own pizza – what a concept!
Going to be a busy week, but linklog will be maintained if not the main blog. Have a good one, all!
Had a great few days away in Bordeax with Gem and her family. Here’s super-me enjoying some fine medoc on the edge of the beach, whilst eating some fine merguez covered pizza and enjoying Gem’s company… and trying to ignore the monster truck smash going on next door (which entertained me secretly).
P’raps more on this later. Montalivet is a fun part of the world, although BA, having lost my bag (don’t worry, they eventually found it… so much for quick check-in), are phenomenally incompetent.
Apologies for poor exposure, my digicam is on the blink…
Arvind did the London Triathlon today, which was very impressive. Whilst his swimming time wasn’t fantastic, his cycling and running were both good, and he was still (just about) standing at the end of it. V proud of him.
If you want to support Arvind’s fundraising efforts – the money he raised from sponsorship goes to arthritis research – click here.
If you want to look at pictures, or a video of Arvind, see below (or click the video button back there).
Quick, get me out of this wet… suit.
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.
One with the speed force
Armand David's personal weblog: dadhood, technology, running, media, food, stuff and nonsense.