A bit of a rough patch...

Somehow, I've managed to duplicate a couple of orders for a couple of the accounts that I work with. To be honest, I'm somewhat embarrassed about this, as it's the first time that I've made such a mistake. My colleagues have told me not to worry, as it's "just one of those things", but that doesn't make me feel any brighter, as I feel that I've let myself down..

Still, I shouldn't be too downbeat - I'm off out tonight to see an old friend. No - not my ex - but a fella who knows just what to do to cheer me up - and make me smile in the process. Including sending me silly jokes whilst I'm at work - along the lines of:

Vodka & Red Bull Christmas cake
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle vodka
I can Red Bull
2 cups dried fruit
Method: 1. Sample the vodka to check the quality
2. Take a large bowl and sample the vodka again
3. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and mix with a little Red Bull and drink
4. Repeat
5. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl
6. Add teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
7. At this point, it is best to make sure that the vodka is still ok.
8. Flavour with Red Bull to taste.
9. Try another cup just in case, turn off the mixerer.
10. Break to leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the dried fruit.
11. Pick fruit off the floor.
12. Mix on the turner.
13. If the dried fruit gets stuck in the beaters, pry it loose with a drewscriver.
14. Shample the vodka for tonsistency, flavour with a little Bed Rull.
15. Next ssiffft two cups of salt. Or something. Who gives a ***t.
16. Throw a pinch of Bed Rull over your shoulder.
17. Pick up can, mop floor.
18. Check the vodka.
19. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
20. Add one table.
21. Add a shpoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.
22. Turn the cake tin 350 degrees and try not to fall over.
23. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
24. Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the vodka and kick the dog.
25. Fall into bed.

CHERRY MISTMASS

Ah well, suppose I'd better get on with some work....

Back later - if I get chance.

Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Short staffed, and short voiced....

We've got a whole load of people off sick / on holiday today, and I'm losing my voice. Still, guess it could be worse - I could still look like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!


But, having said that, the weekend was quite good, as I managed to get all of my Christmas shopping done - including getting my Godsprog's birthday and Christmas presents. The little munchkin is getting a space hopper for her birthday - that way, she can chase the family cat to her heart's content...


Christmas.... Me being malevolent, I've bought her the cymbal set to match her drum set that her aunt has bought her for Christmas. Her mother is going to skin the pair of us, but I think she may forgive me.... Eventually. *Grin*


Having said that though, I know that Amber will appreciate the pressies - and will take great delight in driving her family barmy!


Mind you, I picked this little gem up from the company newsletter....


A Christmas Story

It was Christmas Eve, and the excitement and anticipation of the night ahead, was so close you could almost taste it. Kitchens all over were infused with the heady scent of mince pies oozing with brandy butter. Children were hanging their stockings on the chimney breast hoping that tomorrow they would be stuffed beyond their wildest dreams (the stockings, not the children!?!).

So what tragic irony that amidst such seasonal goodwill, Father Christmas, the man who shoulders the burden of all our Christmas expectations should be having such a torrid time.

Mrs Christmas wasn't speaking to him as she'd discovered she was getting perfume for the 10th year running. The Elves were complaining that they had not been paid for the overtime they'd put in while making the toys for the world's children.

The reindeer had found a bottle of cherry brandy at the back of the cupboard and had taken the sleigh out for a spin, crashed it into a tree and were now rolling around laughing hysterically and telling silly jokes.

Poor Father Christmas was at the end of his tether. "I CAN'T believe it! I've got to deliver millions of presents all over the world in just a few hours from now and my reindeer are drunk, my elves are on strike, the wife's in a strop and I don't even have a Christmas tree! I sent that silly Little Angel out HOURS ago to find a tree and he still hasn't come back yet!"

Just then the Little Angel, all aglow with heavenly goodness, opened the front door and stepped in from the snowy night, dragging an enormous, lush Christmas tree behind him. The little Angel looked up at Father Christmas with shining eyes and spake forth: "Where would you like me to stick this, Father Christmas???"

And thus it came to pass, in homes the whole world over, the tradition of an Angel perching precariously atop the Family Christmas tree. Sure to bring a tear to even the most unfeeling eye!

Suppose I should think about doing some work, instead of blogging..


Back later - if I get the chance...


Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Why can’t I sleep?

It’s crazy. I’m too wired to sleep, and I will admit, my brain cell has been racing, trying to work out the reasons why. I think the main reason is because I didn’t want to admit to myself how wound up I’d been about my review.

I know this sounds crazy, (and those people who know me will no doubt agree with me) but I was really worried. My boss was really pleased with me, and said that it was one of the easiest reviews that he’d had to do. (Guess I must be doing something right then!)

But, I know that I have no room for complacency, and in a way, I think I was sub-consciously prepping myself for a real kicking.

So, rather than lie in bed, feeling frustrated, as there is bugger all on TV worth watching (I refuse point blank to watch I’m a celebrity – get me out of here! – For those people who haven’t heard of / seen it – believe me, you’re not missing much!) I decided to do some updates for my blog.

I admit that I've not been updating it as much as I would like to, but given that my workload over the past few weeks or so has been horrific, I’ve hardly had chance to think straight, and when I get home, the last thing I want to do, is sit in front of a computer again!

As I type this entry, I must be a real glutton for punishment. I’m listening to a variety of music that I’ve copied onto my computer (ah, the joys of a 120 GB hard disk), and one of the songs is Eurythmics – Thorn in my side.

I will admit, it does remind me an awful lot of the way I’ve ended up feeling about my ex-fiancé. It talks about feeling emotionally overpowered by someone else, and that the only option left to the singer is to get the hell out of the relationship. See what you make of it…

Thorn in my side
Eurythmics [spoken] You gave me such a bad time
[spoken] Tried to hurt me
[spoken] But now I know

Thorn in my side
You know that’s all you ever were
A bundle of lies
You know that it’s all that it was worth

I should have known better
But I trusted you at first
I should have know better
But I got what I deserved

To run away from you
Was all that I could do
To run away from you
Was all that I could do
To run away from you
Was all that I could do
To run away from you
Was all that I could do

Thorn in my side
You know that’s all you’ll ever be
So don’t think you know better
‘Cause that’s what you mean to me

I was feeling complicated
I was feeling low
Now every time I think of you
I shiver to the bone

To run away from you
Was all that I could do
To run away from you

Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run
Run, run, run, run

To run away from you
Was all that I could do
To run away from you
Was all that I could do

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t regret getting involved with him the first time, but I should have listened to my gut instincts and stayed away when we first split up, instead of allowing myself to be talked into giving the relationship another try. Crazy I know, but again, another song sums up how low I was feeling towards the end of the relationship…

The Rasmus
The One I Love


Haven't slept in a week
My bed has become my coffin
Cannot breath, cannot speak
My head's like a bomb, still waiting
Take my heart and take my soul
I don't need them anymore

The one I love
Is striking me down on my knees
[The one I love] Drowning me in my dreams
[The one I love] Over and over again
Dragging me under

Hypnotized by the night
Silently rising beside me
Emptiness, nothingness
Is burning a hole inside me
Take my faith and take my pride
I don't need them anymore

The one I love
Is striking me down on my knees
Drowning me in my dreams
[The one I love] Over and over again
[The one I love] Dragging me under

This bed has become my chapel of stone
A garden of darkness to where I'm thrown
So take my life, I don't need it anymore

The one I love
Is striking me down on my knees
The one I love
Drowning me in my dreams
The one I love
Over and over again
Dragging me under

All I can say is thank God I got out before I married him – otherwise I would be in a bigger mess than I am now. Admittedly, I’m single and more than happy with that situation (despite what people may think – I don’t need to be arm candy for some fella – been there, done that and got the battle scars thank you very much!)

Ah well, suppose I'd better call this entry quits - I've got to be up and around in a few hours - I'm going Christmas shopping.

Back later - if I'm not too bumped, bruised and battered from the trip!

Karen.


Do spiders scream when they see a bug fat hairy human in the bath?

Getting fed up..

Yes, I'm getting fed up. I'm supposed to have been through my annual review, and as you may have guessed, I'm getting fed up. Ok - I admit that I'm not that desperate to go through this review, but I'd rather get it over and done with, instead of having it hanging over me.

Every time my boss says "Oh, Karen, I'll do your review with you this afternoon" you can guarantee that something will go wrong, or one of us will be called away for a meeting.

Still, at least I know I can't be doing too badly, otherwise I would have been hauled over hot coals by now, or had my ears chewed off. But, despite that, I know that I've got no real room to be complacent....

The other thing that I'm getting fed up with, is the mere fact that I can't drive. No - I've not been banned (frantically looking round for a piece of wood to grab hold of!) I've damaged my shoulder - again.

So, I spent four dratted hours at Warwick Hospital, and have been put back into a sling, and am dosed up to the eyeballs on painkillers... Still - should make having a drink a lot more fun - it'll take me less to get plastered!

Ah well, suppose I'd better get on with some work...

Back when I get the chance...

Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

I wish!

Wishful thinking at the moment! (Or more to the point, until I get the car run in properly!)

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Another week begins...

And I'm knackered! Add to that, the mere fact that my shoulder feels like there's some little demon sitting inside, carving its initials and other intricate drawings in the joint tissue and you get an idea of the reason why I'm feeling like this.

I must look & sound pretty rough, as my boss asked me if I was ok this morning, as "you're not as chirpy as normal." For him to notice, I must be flat!

But, I'm going to see the doctor tomorrow, and that way, I can make sure that I haven't done anything major to the joint. Still, at least I can still type (and update my blog!)..

The weekend was quiet, and Mum and I went to Bridgemere Garden World near Nantwich. Mum drove, as her car needed to get a proper run, and my shoulder wasn't 100% pain-free. We got parked, only to discover that Santa had arrived just before us, so the place was full of spoilt little brats.

Needless to say, neither of us were very impressed, as the pair of us have very little time for kids. Don't get me wrong - I do have time for kids - but not when they're screeching little b'stards, with no manners.

But, thankfully, the bits that Mum and I were interested in were well away from the screeching hoard. I treated Mum to a double flowered cyclamen, and a couple of amaryllis bulbs, as they're the sort of plants that she grows. Me? I bought myself a fern that will cope with drafts, and needs the compost to be kept wet, so that will survive on my desk (hopefully).

That reminds me - I did promise to keep this blog updated with progress reports on the cuttings... Well, the good news is, that they've all taken and there are now little Tradescantias all over the office - including on the boss's desk!

There have been jokes about me trying to turn the office into a greenhouse, but for me to do that, I really need to get a decent heating / ventilation system installed - then I could grow my real passion - Carnivorous Plants.

Yes - the things that eat meat - along the lines of the infamous Venus Fly-Trap in the classic musical - Little Shop of Horrors. (The plant was called Audrey II - the most memorable line from the plant was "feed me!")

Hmm - suppose I ought to call this entry quits, as it's nearly time to log off & bog off...

Back tomorrow - possibly.

Karen.
Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Back to the posts....

Trying to get a little bit of time to post for my blog has been a real nightmare at the moment! I've been on a training course for the earthmover & industrial tyres, and all I've really managed to do is re-affirm my first thought that the tyres tend to be big and expensive.

But, it's also given me another idea about what I would like to specialise in... Aircraft & related tyres. Ok - suppose I'd better explain that leap in logic. Aircraft tyres are considered as industrial tyres, and given my background (I grew up with aircraft as a result of Dad's job. Most kids played with toy spanners - I played with the real thing!) it would be rather interesting...

However, my other great love is motor sport. So, at this moment in time, I'm torn between heading off into the motor sport realm, or going into a similar field as my late father.

But, no doubt the people here will be able to guide me, and I know which ever route I decide to scamper off down, Mum will give me her full support - as she said that the main thing in life, is that I'm happy in my work.

Hmm - suppose I'd better call this entry quits, and get some work done...

Back later - if I get the chance.

Karen.

Do spiders scream if they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

I thought I'd recovered... Mother Nature says I haven't!

And boy, doesn't the old bitch make you suffer for it! I damaged my right shoulder back in April (I managed to rupture the rotor cuff in the shoulder. That's the bit that holds the arm to the body - and when you damage it - it makes life v. painful - not to mention awkward!) and now it's really hurting.

It's almost as if ol' Ma Nature has decided that I've had an easy time of things just recently, and has decided to give me some real pain.

Still, there are such magical things as Wheaties - these are just material sacks with specially treated wheat gains in them, that you can put into the microwave, and heat up. I find it's incredibly beneficial, especially as I can sit at my desk, and enjoy the heat and relief that it provides.

Time to go and heat the wheatie.....

Back later - if workload allows!

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

More warped humour...

Again, this came in from the USA, and was sent to me by an American...

The new Homeland Security Bill has passed. Things will be different now. Internet surfing will be tracked by the FBI with a non-intrusive method. The FBI says you will not notice anything different. Click below for a demonstration.

Unobtrusive?!?!? Find out by clicking the website below:

http://users.chartertn.net/tonytemplin/FBI_eyes

I will admit, I had an awful lot of fun playing with this.................................

Suppose I should get on with some work....

Back later (possibly)

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Scaring myself stupid

Not something that I do very often, but messing around with the seetings on my blog, I managed to wipe out all the formatting! EEK! Thankfully, I was able to restore it, but it's made me a little bit more aware about messing with HTML - and I'm now going to see if I can beg/borrow/copy a decent HTML editor...

Time to call this quits for tonight - I need my ugly sleep.

Back tomorrow.

Karen.


Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Totally addicted to frogs...

No, I haven't lost the plot (although there have been times when I have wondered about this today!) I've signed up to an addictive new game that a friend of mine was good enough to e-mail me about.. It's called Racing Frogs (for more information, see http://www.racingfrogs.org/)

It appeals to my very warped sense of humour, and I've got two frogs entered.. One is called Froghopper, and the other is known as heartoffrog...


Time to call this entry quits - got to train my frogs!

Back tomorrow.

Karen.


Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Presidential elections and other matters of importance

To be honest, I'm heartily sick of the American election. So the incumbent president won. Big deal. Ok - maybe it is a big deal for the Americans, but please, spare those of us who have no interest in American politics whatsoever..

I mean, for the past three days, the news has been overtaken by the election, and all the subsequent analysis that goes with it. If there are people so obsessed with this, put the coverage on a separate channel, and leave the rest of the news for those of us who have no interest in American politics. Ok - that's that particular rant over and done with.

Now onto another rant... I read on BBC on-line that an a fellow blogger - Queen of the Sky (see http://queenofsky.journalspace.com/) has been fired (ok - in the spirit of political correctness - her contract has been terminated) by her employer. (See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3974081.stm)

I personally feel that this is taking the matter to an extreme - and yes - I do believe in free speech - so long as you're not causing offence to your employer, and there is nothing in your contract to say that you can't mention what you do for a living. (Especially if you do most of your posting from your desk!!)

I mean, it would be a bit daft if you were working for one of the security agencies, and were blabbing secrets that could cause people to lose their lives or cause real problems for national / international security... I guess that the cautionary tale from Queen of the Sky's unfortunate situation, is avoid mentioning your employers by name...

Those people who know me, know who I work for, but I refuse point blank to name the company, simply because I know that they (the powers that be) are just a little bit sensitive about being shown in a grotty light by a disgruntled employee.

Not that I'm disgruntled - far from it. I enjoy working here, and the mere fact that I get to deal with everything from standard (and not so standard) cars right through to the big 44 tonne wagons is a bonus, as I am, by my own admission, a petrol head.

On to a little bit of world news- there's been a news flash that says "Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has fallen into a coma at the French hospital where he is under treatment, Palestinian officials confirm." God alone knows what will happen to the Palestinian people when he dies, as he's been in power for as long as most people of my generation can remember.

All that the rest of the world can hope, is that there is minimal infighting,and that the new leader is acceptable to the Israeli government of the time, and that they can resolve their differences - without resorting to bloodshed.

I know that this blog is slightly out of character for me, as I rarely mention world events, but there are some events that need to be commented on - and to Queen of the Sky - I salute you - and wish you all the luck in the world with your fight for unfair dismissal. 'Cause if it happens to one blogger, what's to stop 'Big Brother' tactics being used by other employers against us bloggers?!

Back later - if I get the chance....

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Bringing sprogs into the office...

Is not a good idea, as far as I'm concerned. I have all the maternal instincts of a rattlesnake. (If the female meets its offspring, it has the tendency to eat them - sounds pretty good to me!) All the women seem to coo over the sprog, and I'm treated with suspicion, as I make it plain that I have very little time for babies and small children in general.

Don't get me wrong, I do have time for kids - just not in the workplace. Why do I say this? Simple, because muggins here is the one who ends up doing most of the work whilst the others coo over the sprog, who looks terrified, and obviously wishes it was elsewhere! Still - can't blame the kid - I feel the same way sometimes...

Ah well, suppose I'd better look like I'm working - especially as I'm not cooing over the sprog....

Back later, if I get chance.

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Getting to grips with the new car...

I never realised just how much fun the Peugeot could be... It handles like a dream, and now that I've got the automatic lights sorted out (I didn't know that you had to activate the dratted things - the Peugeot 307 had them activated at the factory!) the car is perfect.

To be honest, I did wonder if I'd made a mistake when I bought the Yaris, but having spoken to the service manager at Arbury Peugeot, I now realise that the Yaris was the right choice of car for me - at the time when I bought it (2000).

Driving the car to Malvern (I went to the Giant Flea Market at the Three Counties Showground), was a real treat.

I discovered the Pug has a tenancy to oversteer (i.e. it tries to whip the back end 'round on a corner) which is totally the opposite to the Yaris - which was prone to understeer (i.e. it tries to go straight on in a corner.) No wonder I used to knacker my front tyres on that car!

The market itself was really good, and I spent over four hours wandering around, seeing what was what... I will admit, I splashed out on a couple of pieces - one was a sterling silver cross, with 5 peridots in it, and a test piece from Cobridge pottery. Again, that was something that Dad taught me about and as it wasn't wildly expensive, I decided to buy it...

But only after much deliberation on my part, as I was unsure about the colours. But the more I thought about the piece, the more I realised that I wanted it....

All in all, it was a good weekend, and I learnt an awful lot about the car, and I know that it's going to be one hell of a car when it's run in properly!

Suppose I should get on with some work.....

Back later - if I get the chance...

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Feeling slightly guilty...

I know this sounds crazy, especially as I picked my new car up today, but I feel like I've betrayed an old friend. My previous car (a Toyota Yaris) had done 58k miles with me, and had been blasted all over the UK.. And yes, I knew and loved all the quirks - including the transmission whine that I used to get at 56 mph...

Despite that, the 206 is a cracking little car to drive, and I can see me having an awful lot of fun with it, and this time, I'm not going to allow anyone to smoke in my car AT ALL - regardless of whether they're my friend or not.

Simply because the Yaris suffered damage that was smoking related, and caused me no end of grief with my family because I don't smoke, and I was (and still am) unwilling to reveal the person responsible.

Time to call it quits - I've got to give the appetite on legs his worming pill.... Wish me luck, as this may be one hell of a long night!

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Messing with my head

No, I've not been indulging in illegal substances - it's what my ex-fiance is doing to me. He had a song, Hoobastank: - The Reason, dedicated to me.

Hoobastank The Reason

I'm not a perfect person
As many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's why I need you to hear

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you
And the reason is you

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

So, you can imagine how I felt, when I heard that! Especially as the message said that the song was dedicated to the only girl he ever really loved! ARRGH! *Moment of panic!*

That's the last thing I need at this moment in time - as life seems to be improving, and I'm more than happy on my own for the moment.

If I decide to hook up with someone, I can guarantee that he'll be the last person that I would consider - he made a mess of me the last time, and I'll be damned before I'll let him have another attempt!

I told my best mate what my ex had done, and was told in no uncertain terms that I would be a fool to even consider getting back with him.

I know he's right, and I'm refusing to answer my 'phone when he calls me, and on the odd occasion that he calls me at home, it's amazing how often I'm out!

Still, that's just one advantage of sounding like Mum on the 'phone - I can avoid talking to people that I don't want anything to do with!

Time to call this entry quits - I'm starting to get a bit upset...

Back later.

Possibly.

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

More news on Silverstone....

This is what the reports on the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/default.stm) have to say...

Silverstone eyes unofficial race [21.10.04]

Silverstone bosses say they may be interested in staging a breakaway British Grand Prix next season.

The Northamptonshire circuit faces being axed from the 2005 F1 calendar. Alex Hooton, chief executive of track owners the British Racing Drivers' Club, said he had heard suggestions about a new, non-championship race.

"That would have attractions as we wouldn't have to pay the fees to Formula One, but there is nothing definite," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

It is not clear whether any of the ten teams competing in the F1 championship would enter such a race, or how it would fit into their calendar.

But Hooton said the BRDC is still focused on trying to keep a British Grand Prix on the F1 calendar, despite supremo Bernie Ecclestone announcing discussions to save the race were over.
"We have to admit defeat and end the discussions," Ecclestone said on Wednesday. "It looks certain there will not be a British GP in 2005."


F1 teams to lobby for Silverstone [22.10.04]

Silverstone has been named on the provisional calendar for 2005Formula One team bosses will try to persuade F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to keep the British Grand Prix when they meet in Brazil on Friday.

"There's a meeting and I'm sure it will be an issue for discussion," said BAR chief David Richards.

But he added: "The teams do not have the influence of where we race that one might assume we do. We can obviously talk to him and try to persuade him but the reality is it's his decision alone."

Richards, speaking ahead of the Brazilian GP at Interlagos, added: "The commercial rights are completely with Bernie Ecclestone and his companies and he determines where the races take place."

Ecclestone has said he has ended negotiations on the future of the race after talks broke down with the British Racing Drivers' Club, which owns the Silverstone circuit.

The BRDC wants a two-year contract with a five-year extension, while Ecclestone has offered a one-year contract with an option to extend by six years.

BRDC boss Sir Jackie Stewart said the deal Ecclestone had offered featured 10% compounded annual interest "which would double the price after seven years - this is unaffordable".
Britain is one of three races, alongside France and San Marino, given provisional dates for next season pending the resolution of contract issues.

Silverstone has been given a date of 3 July on next year's draft schedule but a commercial deal must be agreed before the race is confirmed.

A final calendar is due to be issued on 10 December.

All I can say is:- "Please Bernie - don't betray the UK petrolheads!"

Back later - possibly.

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

More information on the British GP fight...

The British Grand Prix saga is far from over, despite Bernie Ecclestone's claim that it "looks certain" the race will not happen next year.

Ecclestone says he has broken off talks with Silverstone's owner the British Racing Drivers' Club, but with the 2005 calendar not published until 10 December there is still plenty of time for a deal to be made.

So what is behind Ecclestone's latest salvo in one of Formula One's longest-running battles?

WHAT IS ECCLESTONE'S PROBLEM?

He wants there to be a British Grand Prix, but at a track that matches his high standards and at his price.

Unlike the new venues in Malaysia, China and Bahrain, Silverstone is not funded by a government so cannot afford to spend hundreds of millions on lavish facilities.

Nor can the BRDC afford to run the race at a loss, which it says is what would happen if it accepted Ecclestone's current offer.

DOES ECCLESTONE DECIDE THE RACE'S FATE?

Yes. He owns the promotional rights to the race, and in his role as F1's commercial supremo, organises the calendar. If he wants to drop it, he can.

DOES HE HAVE A HIDDEN AGENDA?

Ecclestone is exasperated with the BRDC - but the feeling is mutualAlmost certainly, but no-one knows what it is.

Many believe he wants to end up controlling the British GP at Silverstone, or even owning the track, which he denies.

The issue is not helped by a long-held antagonism between Ecclestone and the BRDC, the roots of which are lost in the mists of motor racing history.

Ecclestone and BRDC president Jackie Stewart have also had a difficult relationship for at least three decades.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR A RESOLUTION?

The official 2005 F1 calendar is published on 10 December, but even if Silverstone is not on that list, its fate is not necessarily sealed - last year the French Grand Prix was not confirmed until January.

HOW CAN SILVERSTONE SECURE ITS GRAND PRIX?

The BRDC needs to seal a deal for the promotional rights to the race, which are owned by Ecclestone following the decision of US company Interpublic to extricate itself from its loss-making motorsport business.

The issues holding up progress boil down to the length and price of the contract. Ecclestone will want any deal to include provision for the improvement of the Silverstone site.

Some say the BRDC could help itself a bit more by developing its massive grounds, either with a new track, or into a multi-use area generating income, rather than just as a racetrack and driving school.

This is an approach favoured by the Nigel Mansell-backed Brand Synergy consortium, to which the BRDC has given a cool response so far.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH ECCLESTONE'S OFFER?

The BRDC wants a two-year deal followed by talks over the next five seasons, while Ecclestone is offering a one-year deal with an option on the following six.

Silverstone's large crowds are not enough to cover Ecclestone's fee. The BRDC says Ecclestone's offer does not give it the security it needs to embark on a major redevelopment of Silverstone; Ecclestone says it is non-negotiable.

Another major sticking point is Ecclestone's asking price for the race.

Although he has reduced the fee for 2005, the deal calls for 10% compounded interest over the next seven years, which the BRDC says it cannot afford.

The only revenue a host track can generate is through ticket sales. All other monies from the staging of an F1 Grand Prix are trousered by Ecclestone.

Ecclestone is offering the BRDC the cheapest contract in F1, but even at this price the club says it cannot afford to pay without risking bankrupting itself.

SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT HELP FINANCIALLY?

Depends on your point of view.

The "No" camp would say a shortfall of a couple of million seems like small beer but that is just the thin end of the wedge - fork out this year and next year Ecclestone increases the price a bit more and so on.

Governments in places like China, Malaysia and Bahrain are funding Grands Prix as a promotional tool, but for how long? Britain doesn't need to do that and critics would argue that the money would be better spent elsewhere.

The "Yes" camp would say the race is a vital cog in the future of the British motor industry and the sport's heritage, not to mention the UK's credibility for hosting events such as the Olympics.

And if the government can back a multi-million-pound 2012 Olympic bid for a two-week event, why not a race that happens every year?

But the government says it has already pumped £16m into the motor industry and £8m into the circuit to improve access and facilities.

COULD THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX GO ANYWHERE ELSE?

Not really. Donington Park in Leicestershire is the closest in terms of facilities but is still a long way off.

A race around the streets of London would take several years to be finalised, even if the anticipated mass protest over traffic, cost and noise pollution it would spark from residents of the capital could be overcome.

WHY SHOULD BRITAIN HOLD A GRAND PRIX?

It's an image and heritage thing.

Britain is the centre of the world's motorsport industry - although it is highly unlikely that the F1 teams based in the south-east would leave the UK if the country lost its race.

And the race's supporters argue that a major political and economic power and a proud sporting nation should be able to stage a Grand Prix once a year.

Britain is also one of only two countries to have held a Grand Prix every year since the inception of the F1 world championship - the other being Italy.

Fans say losing Silverstone, one of the last remaining classic tracks, along with Spa, Monza, Suzuka and Monaco, would render the sport soulless.

These older tracks, they say, often produce better racing than the modern computer-designed autodromes. And if all races are held on similar tracks with the same team and driver winning, the argument is that viewers will eventually switch off.

IS THIS TO DO WITH A TOBACCO AD BAN?

Probably not. There is likely to be a worldwide ban at some stage and teams will have to find the money in other ways.

They already use liveries which resemble cigarette brands without actually stating what they are and even are looking into developing this idea further when a tobacco ban does come into force.

Getting to grips with being 30.....

Isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. OK - I get the occasional crack about my age, but on the whole, I don't feel any different. Admittedly, I do miss Dad, and I guess that it will take a while for that to subside, but on the whole, my family have been very supportive.

The samosas went down a storm, and within an hour, all that was left were a few crumbs! So, I guess that they must have been good! Me? I munched a couple of them, and as they were a good size, decided to skip the lunch at the pub, as I would be too full to contemplate working this afternoon. Mind you, I very often don't feel like working on a Friday afternoon anyway!

On a different note, I've had some really good news. I've got a date to collect my new car! It's going to be next Friday, and I've been able to book the afternoon off, in order to collect it! I will admit, that I'll be sorry to see my little green flyer, but I know that I can't keep hearking back to the past, as I'll never be able to move on with my life.

Time to call it quits - got paperwork that needs attending to...

Back later.

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?

Another year, another birthday..

From all the fuss that is made about turning 30, you would expect to wake up feeling totally different - more mature somehow. But, the only thing that I feel this morning, is knackered! Simply because I got a 'phone call at 05:00 from some horrible person who shall remain nameless (you know who you are, as you read my blog!)

But, despite that, it has been a good start to the day, as I got to my desk, only to have found that my colleagues had decorated my desk with banners proclaiming my age! Thanks - as if I needed reminding. But, despite that, it was done in good humour and it's a nice touch.

There's also the tradition of bringing munchies into the office... I've obliged by a small box of Thorntons toffee, but as one of the girls is leaving tomorrow, we both said that it was pointless bringing in two lots of munchies on two consecutive days. So we're doing a double munch tomorrow - we're going to order 100 vegetable samosas from a local shop that will deliver to the office.

Time to call it quits - got 'phone calls to make.

Back later...

Karen.

Do spiders scream when they see a big fat hairy human in the bath?