Well, I’m back from my break in York and Sheffield. As per normal, I’ll split this into two posts, otherwise a single post will be way too long and complicated.
Mum and I left home at 05:55 on Monday, with the rain hammering down. The idea was to get through the bottleneck at Derby, as I refused to use the M1. Not because I am afraid of motorways, far from it. It’s more a case of preserving my driving license and helping the fuel economy on the car (and given the weather conditions, the spray on the motorway would have been horrendous to drive in).
So, it wasn’t a bad run and we were through Derby and well en-route when we decided to stop for breakfast (think we were near Alfreton). So, we stopped at the Little Chef. Ok – not a problem there, but Mum and I were the only ones in the restaurant. Considering it was attached to a Travel Lodge, the guests didn’t seem to be showing any inclination to eat there.
Mind you, I guess that I can see the reason why. A breakfast at the Premier Inn group that I tend to stay in will cost £7.95 for the Premier Breakfast, which is everything that is on offer, from croissants to a full cooked breakfast and everything in between, with drinks included in the price. However, a breakfast at the Little Chef would be about £10 (or more), as you would have to buy the breakfast and drinks of your choice individually.
Aside from that, I appreciated the break as driving in the rain wasn’t pleasant – mainly because it was dark until about 07:30 (I loathe the switch back to GMT – the only benefit that I can see is the fact that I get an extra hour in bed the day or rather night that the clocks go back).
Then it was back on track, again avoiding the motorway, and to be honest, there wasn’t much to look at (or stop off for) on the way up to York… Or at least not until I spotted a sign that said “York Designer Village"
That was it. The perfect place to stop and have a break from driving, as I was getting bored with driving, and Mum was starting to suffer from “numb bum” syndrome. So, we parked and headed into the outlet.
To call it a designer outlet was somewhat misleading. Yes, there were a few designer outlets there (think one of them was Armani, and another was L K Bennett) but most of them were the usual run of the mill high street shops – places like Next and Marks & Spencer spring to mind immediately, with a few others mixed in with them.
Lunch was nothing too special – it was a jacket potato (ok – mine had chicken tikka as the filling) but it did the job, and allowed us to get back on the road to the Premier Inn that I had booked for the first part of our trip.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, and we managed to locate the Premier Inn without much hassle.
The approach to the hotel was somewhat disconcerting, but once I’d gotten over the fact that it was almost a single track road to get past the pub that the hotel was behind, it was nice and easy to park.
The hotel itself was very well appointed – just what I’ve come to expect from Premier inn, and although the bathroom was a slightly odd layout, (the bathroom door was placed so that the toilet area could be closed off from the main bathroom) it was just what I wanted. Apart from the fact that there was a shower cubical instead of a bath.
Ok – that did take some getting used to, as it didn’t allow as much movement space as I am accustomed to, but once I was used it, it was nice and easy to use, with plenty of hot water.
Dinner was at the Dormouse, which was part of the Vintage Inn group – not one that I know much about (although I think there is a pub that I’ve been to with my beloved that is part of the same group – I’ll have to ask him) and to say that I was spoilt for choice was an understatement.
Good beer (think things like Black Sheep and Sharps Doombar on draught) and the food menu was very good as well. To say that I was stuffed after my choice was an understatement (but I think that the pint of Doombar helped as well!)
The following morning, after breakfast Mum and I headed into York, using the Park and Ride (think it was the Rawston Lane one – I can recall that it was the Green line though) The weather was vile, and I have to admit, York is rather reminiscent of a rabbit warren – and is hardly compact when it comes to shopping. It’s ok I guess if you know your way around the city, but as I haven’t been to York for about 20 years or so, things have changed an awful lot.
As the weather was so vile (think heavy rain and very cold wind) Mum and I spent most of our time dodging in and out of the various shops. The one I was pleased to find was Culppeper – there was one in Leamington many years ago, but it closed and has been replaced by some perfume shop or other…
Aside from that, there were quite a few individual shops, that ranged from really interesting (things like the Whisky Shop on Coppergate) to the run of the mill (like Marks and Spencer)
As the weather was so vile, I skipped my trip to see York Minster, as I was cold and tired – I think the early start on Monday had knocked the living daylights out of me, so it was a cold walk back to the bus stop. Thankfully, we didn’t have too long to wait, and we were soon back in the room at the hotel (and I have to admit that I was soon asleep!)
The following day (Wednesday) we headed back into York, as I was determined to go around the Minster. Again, it wasn’t very pleasant weather, but at least it wasn’t raining – just blasted cold. As Mum didn’t fancy going around the Minster, we agreed to meet in the Costa coffee shop that was near (ok – opposite) the park and ride bus stop.
So, off I scampered to the Minster- only to discover the entrance had been changed, and was in a different location. But that was soon overcome, and I entered the Minster. The memories came flooding back, as the last time I was there was with Dad, and I remember being awestruck even then.
I spent a shorter time there than I would have really liked, but as I was supposed to be heading to our next stop, it meant I couldn’t spend as long as I would have liked (plus I didn’t have my camera with me – something for which I am kicking myself for) but as I was going to be going to Sheffield Meadowhall I didn’t really want to have to leave the camera in the car…
Ah well, time to call this quits – I’m supposed to be unpacking – not blogging.
Back later with the details about the Sheffield leg of the trip…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Canadian Billboards are Great
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
These got sent to me by a colleague, and they’ve really brightened up a gloomy afternoon. Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
***************************************************************************
Canadian Billboards are Great!
Now I know why I like our neighbors to the North. Nothing they do is politically correct.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
***************************************************************************
Canadian Billboards are Great!
Now I know why I like our neighbors to the North. Nothing they do is politically correct.
GED Test
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Some times, you just have to post things – and this is one of them. All I will say is enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
**********************************************************************
The following questions were set in last year's GED examination.
These are genuine answers (from 16 year olds)............and they WILL breed.
Q. Name the four seasons
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists
Q. How is dew formed
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election
Q. What are steroids
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs
(Shoot yourself now , there is little hope)
Q. What happens to your body as you age
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery
(So true)
Q. Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A. Premature death
Q. What is artificial insemination
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour
A. Keep it in the cow
(Simple, but brilliant)
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorised (e.g. The abdomen)
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I,O,U.
(WTF?!)
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie
Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby
Q. What is the most common form of birth control
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium
(That would work)
Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarean section'
A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
(Julius Seizure, I came, I saw, I had a fit)
Q. What is a terminal illness
A. When you are sick at the airport.
(Irrefutable)
Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas
Q. Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its meaning
A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.
(OMG)
Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight
(Brilliant)
Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
**********************************************************************
The following questions were set in last year's GED examination.
These are genuine answers (from 16 year olds)............and they WILL breed.
Q. Name the four seasons
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists
Q. How is dew formed
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election
Q. What are steroids
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs
(Shoot yourself now , there is little hope)
Q. What happens to your body as you age
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery
(So true)
Q. Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A. Premature death
Q. What is artificial insemination
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour
A. Keep it in the cow
(Simple, but brilliant)
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorised (e.g. The abdomen)
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I,O,U.
(WTF?!)
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie
Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby
Q. What is the most common form of birth control
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium
(That would work)
Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Caesarean section'
A. The caesarean section is a district in Rome
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
(Julius Seizure, I came, I saw, I had a fit)
Q. What is a terminal illness
A. When you are sick at the airport.
(Irrefutable)
Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas
Q. Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its meaning
A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face.
(OMG)
Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight
(Brilliant)
Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head
More news...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
I’ve just received another e-mail from my beloved:
Good afternoon
Just to let you know the company is with immediate effect in administration.
There are likely to be some redundancies possibly as soon as tomorrow morning. The company is in the High Court in London and the administrators will be here until a conclusion is met.
They are hopeful of a sale but this may not be until next Friday at the earliest. We are to try to continue to trade but it will be almost impossible. It’s been fun but right now it is not
There isn’t a lot I can add to this right now, as my head is spinning, and I dread to think how my beloved is feeling right now.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Good afternoon
Just to let you know the company is with immediate effect in administration.
There are likely to be some redundancies possibly as soon as tomorrow morning. The company is in the High Court in London and the administrators will be here until a conclusion is met.
They are hopeful of a sale but this may not be until next Friday at the earliest. We are to try to continue to trade but it will be almost impossible. It’s been fun but right now it is not
There isn’t a lot I can add to this right now, as my head is spinning, and I dread to think how my beloved is feeling right now.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Well, Smeg.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Not the sort of e-mail that I wanted to receive under any circumstances. My beloved's company has been in trouble for a while, and I received this e-mail from him this morning:
Good morning
Well the state of play today is that we have a team of administrators in with us today. They are here to determine redundancies throughout the company.
We may well be told that we are no longer needed by the end of the week and that we are all redundant. This is all happening as this goes to print as you can guess the atmosphere here is not at all good as this well may be our last day of trading.
God alone knows what the outcome will be. Of course I will let you know how it seems to be panning out as soon as there is anything to say. That is if I can still e-mail from here....
To say I am shaken is an understatement. Ok - I knew that there was a chance that he was going to have to re-apply for his job, but to see it in writing from him just seems to make it all the more real.
All I can do at this moment in time is pray that everything goes ok for him, as it’s not nice to go through this at anytime of year, and on the run up to Christmas just makes it seem all the worst. But as I know that he is capable of pulling thought this, and I have every intention of making sure that his health doesn’t suffer.
Ah well, I guess I should call this quits – I'm nearly at the end of my lunch break – not that I could eat anything.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Good morning
Well the state of play today is that we have a team of administrators in with us today. They are here to determine redundancies throughout the company.
We may well be told that we are no longer needed by the end of the week and that we are all redundant. This is all happening as this goes to print as you can guess the atmosphere here is not at all good as this well may be our last day of trading.
God alone knows what the outcome will be. Of course I will let you know how it seems to be panning out as soon as there is anything to say. That is if I can still e-mail from here....
To say I am shaken is an understatement. Ok - I knew that there was a chance that he was going to have to re-apply for his job, but to see it in writing from him just seems to make it all the more real.
All I can do at this moment in time is pray that everything goes ok for him, as it’s not nice to go through this at anytime of year, and on the run up to Christmas just makes it seem all the worst. But as I know that he is capable of pulling thought this, and I have every intention of making sure that his health doesn’t suffer.
Ah well, I guess I should call this quits – I'm nearly at the end of my lunch break – not that I could eat anything.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Return of the Cookie
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Well, my phone is now back on my desk where it belongs. The muppets that had it for repair called to say it was ready – only they didn’t speak to me – they spoke to Mum. When she said I wasn’t available, the muppet on the phone got quite snotty, and Mum politely pointed out that I was at work. She then asked a relevant question for me – as in does the phone work?
Only to be told that they couldn’t test it without the SIM card. Lying sods. I demonstrated the phone was knackered without the SIM card, so it appears that they couldn’t be bothered to check.
So, I made sure that I had the paperwork with me this afternoon, and went to collect the Cookie. Ok – so good so far. Until I was asked to sign the paperwork that said the product was in an acceptable condition – even before I had checked to see if it was working. No way was I going to sign anything until I knew that the fault had been sorted out, and the phone looked / worked OK.
The muppet on the collection desk wasn’t too impressed, but I wasn’t signing anything until I was happy that the Cookie worked. Thankfully it did, and I returned to the office… Only to realise that I had dropped the micro SD card for my Cookie.
Thankfully I found it, and it’s now safely stored in my phone, so I can copy all the contacts back onto the Cookie, as well as the dedicated ring tones for friends and family (at least I now know who’s calling me without having to look at the display!)
Ah well, time to call this quits – I need to put the Cookie on charge, as I’ve managed to deplete the battery with all the things that I've had to restore.
Back tomorrow, if I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Only to be told that they couldn’t test it without the SIM card. Lying sods. I demonstrated the phone was knackered without the SIM card, so it appears that they couldn’t be bothered to check.
So, I made sure that I had the paperwork with me this afternoon, and went to collect the Cookie. Ok – so good so far. Until I was asked to sign the paperwork that said the product was in an acceptable condition – even before I had checked to see if it was working. No way was I going to sign anything until I knew that the fault had been sorted out, and the phone looked / worked OK.
The muppet on the collection desk wasn’t too impressed, but I wasn’t signing anything until I was happy that the Cookie worked. Thankfully it did, and I returned to the office… Only to realise that I had dropped the micro SD card for my Cookie.
Thankfully I found it, and it’s now safely stored in my phone, so I can copy all the contacts back onto the Cookie, as well as the dedicated ring tones for friends and family (at least I now know who’s calling me without having to look at the display!)
Ah well, time to call this quits – I need to put the Cookie on charge, as I’ve managed to deplete the battery with all the things that I've had to restore.
Back tomorrow, if I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
The Older Crowd.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Just a little something that made me smile…
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
****************************************************************************
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office.
"Is it true,' she wanted to know, that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so" the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied,
"I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'."
****************************************************************************
An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation.
As he was about to get the anaesthesia, he asked to speak to his son.
"Yes, Dad, what is it?"
"Don't be nervous, son; do your best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aging:
Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age
and start bragging about it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people try to turn back their odometers.
Not me!
I want people to know 'why' I look this way.
I've travelled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
****************************************************************************
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
First you forget names, then you forget faces.
Then you forget to pull up your zipper.
It's worse when you forget to pull it down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft...
Today, it's called golf..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two old guys are pushing their carts around Wal-Mart when they collide.
The first old guy says to the second guy, "Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
The second old guy says, "That's OK, it's a coincidence. I'm looking for my wife, too. I can't find her and I'm getting a little desperate."
The first old guy says, "Well, maybe I can help you find her. What does she look like?"
The second old guy says, "Well, she is 27 yrs old , tall, with red hair, blue eyes, long legs, and is wearing a mini skirt. What does your wife look like?"
To which the first old guy says, "Doesn't matter, let's look for yours."
****************************************************************************
Lord, Keep Your arm around my shoulder, and Your hand over my mouth!
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
****************************************************************************
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office.
"Is it true,' she wanted to know, that the medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so" the doctor told her.
There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied,
"I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'."
****************************************************************************
An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation.
As he was about to get the anaesthesia, he asked to speak to his son.
"Yes, Dad, what is it?"
"Don't be nervous, son; do your best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aging:
Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age
and start bragging about it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people try to turn back their odometers.
Not me!
I want people to know 'why' I look this way.
I've travelled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
****************************************************************************
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
First you forget names, then you forget faces.
Then you forget to pull up your zipper.
It's worse when you forget to pull it down.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft...
Today, it's called golf..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two old guys are pushing their carts around Wal-Mart when they collide.
The first old guy says to the second guy, "Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."
The second old guy says, "That's OK, it's a coincidence. I'm looking for my wife, too. I can't find her and I'm getting a little desperate."
The first old guy says, "Well, maybe I can help you find her. What does she look like?"
The second old guy says, "Well, she is 27 yrs old , tall, with red hair, blue eyes, long legs, and is wearing a mini skirt. What does your wife look like?"
To which the first old guy says, "Doesn't matter, let's look for yours."
****************************************************************************
Lord, Keep Your arm around my shoulder, and Your hand over my mouth!
More jokes
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Well, the jokes are comming in thick and fast today - and it's not even 09:00. So, I've posted the best ones here.
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Italian Confession
An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini , Italy , went to the local church for confession.
When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said:
"Father.. During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our
neighborhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic."
The priest replied: "That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that."
"There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays."
The priest said, "That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven."
"Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind. I do have one more question."
"And what is that?" asked the priest.
"Should I tell her the war is over?"
And this one:
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Italian Confession
An elderly Italian man who lived on the outskirts of Rimini , Italy , went to the local church for confession.
When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said:
"Father.. During World War II, a beautiful Jewish woman from our
neighborhood knocked urgently on my door and asked me to hide her from the Nazis. So I hid her in my attic."
The priest replied: "That was a wonderful thing you did, and you have no need to confess that."
"There is more to tell, Father.. She started to repay me with sexual favors. This happened several times a week, and sometimes twice on Sundays."
The priest said, "That was a long time ago and by doing what you did, you placed the two of you in great danger, but two people under those circumstances can easily succumb to the weakness of the flesh. However, if you are truly sorry for your actions, you are indeed forgiven."
"Thank you, Father. That's a great load off my mind. I do have one more question."
"And what is that?" asked the priest.
"Should I tell her the war is over?"
And this one:
Darwin Award Nominees 2009
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
I make no apologies for this – it always makes me laugh.
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Once again, it's time for the Darwin Award Nominees.
"The Darwins" are awarded every year to the persons who died in the stupidest manner, thereby removing themselves from the gene pool.
Here is the official 2009 list. Notice the interesting spin for this year's first place award which comes to us - from of all places, Arkansas. How surprising is that?
This year's nominees are:
Nominee No. 1 :
(San Jose Mercury News):
An unidentified man, using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend's windshield, accidentally shot himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a hole in his gut.
Nominee No. 2 :
(Kalamazoo Gazette):
James Burns, 34, (a mechanic) of Alamo, MI, was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police describe as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Burns hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped in the drive shaft.
Nominee No. 3:
(Hickory Daily Record):
Ken Charles Barger, 47, accidentally shot himself to death in December in Newton, NC. Awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but grabbed instead a Smith & Wesson 38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.
Nominee No. 4:
(UPI, Toronto):
Police said a lawyer demonstrating the safety of windows in a downtown Toronto skyscraper crashed through a pane with his shoulder and plunged 24 floors to his death. A police spokesman said Garry Hoy, 39, fell into the courtyard of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower early Friday evening as he was explaining the strength of the buildings' windows to visiting law students. Hoy previously has conducted demonstrations of window strength according to police reports. Peter Lawson, managing partner of the firm Holden Day Wilson, told the Toronto Sun newspaper that Hoy was "one of the best and brightest" members of the 200-man association.
Nominee No. 5:
(The News of the Weird):
Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weird posthumously. He had spent several years awaiting South Carolina's electric chair on a murder conviction before having his sentence reduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cell attempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
Nominee No. 6:
A cigarette lighter may have triggered a fatal explosion in Dunkirk, IN. A Jay Countryman, using a cigarette lighter to check the barrel of a muzzle loader, was killed Monday night when the weapon discharged in his face, sheriff's investigators said. Gregory David Pryor, 19, died in his parents' rural Dunkirk home at about 11:30 PM. Investigators said Pryor was cleaning a 54-caliber muzzle-loader that had not been firing properly. He was using the lighter to look into the barrel when the gunpowder ignited.
Nominee No. 7:
(Reuters, Mississauga, Ontario):
A man cleaning a bird feeder on the balcony of his condominium apartment in this Toronto suburb slipped and fell 23 stories to his death. "Stefan Macko, 55, was standing on a wheelchair when the accident occurred," said Inspector Darcy Honer of the Peel Regional Police. "It appears that the chair moved, and he went over the balcony."
Finally, THE WINNER!!!:
(Arkansas Democrat Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Highway 38 early Monday. Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after midnight Monday. Thurston Poole, 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis, 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned. The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older-model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the 22 calibre bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering- wheel column. Upon inserting the bullet the headlights again began to operate properly, and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White River Bridge After travelling approximately 20 miles, and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged, and struck Poole in the testicles. The vehicle swerved sharply right, exiting the pavement, and striking a tree. Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate again as intended. Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank Goodness we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his nuts off, or we might both be dead," stated Wallis. "I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world, but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder. Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Poole 's wife), asked how many frogs the boys had caught and did anyone get them from the truck. Priorities, after all!!
Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did, in fact, effectively remove himself from the gene pool.
Enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Once again, it's time for the Darwin Award Nominees.
"The Darwins" are awarded every year to the persons who died in the stupidest manner, thereby removing themselves from the gene pool.
Here is the official 2009 list. Notice the interesting spin for this year's first place award which comes to us - from of all places, Arkansas. How surprising is that?
This year's nominees are:
Nominee No. 1 :
(San Jose Mercury News):
An unidentified man, using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend's windshield, accidentally shot himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a hole in his gut.
Nominee No. 2 :
(Kalamazoo Gazette):
James Burns, 34, (a mechanic) of Alamo, MI, was killed in March as he was trying to repair what police describe as a "farm-type truck." Burns got a friend to drive the truck on a highway while Burns hung underneath so that he could ascertain the source of a troubling noise. Burns clothes caught on something, however, and the other man found Burns "wrapped in the drive shaft.
Nominee No. 3:
(Hickory Daily Record):
Ken Charles Barger, 47, accidentally shot himself to death in December in Newton, NC. Awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but grabbed instead a Smith & Wesson 38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear.
Nominee No. 4:
(UPI, Toronto):
Police said a lawyer demonstrating the safety of windows in a downtown Toronto skyscraper crashed through a pane with his shoulder and plunged 24 floors to his death. A police spokesman said Garry Hoy, 39, fell into the courtyard of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower early Friday evening as he was explaining the strength of the buildings' windows to visiting law students. Hoy previously has conducted demonstrations of window strength according to police reports. Peter Lawson, managing partner of the firm Holden Day Wilson, told the Toronto Sun newspaper that Hoy was "one of the best and brightest" members of the 200-man association.
Nominee No. 5:
(The News of the Weird):
Michael Anderson Godwin made News of the Weird posthumously. He had spent several years awaiting South Carolina's electric chair on a murder conviction before having his sentence reduced to life in prison. While sitting on a metal toilet in his cell attempting to fix his small TV set, he bit into a wire and was electrocuted.
Nominee No. 6:
A cigarette lighter may have triggered a fatal explosion in Dunkirk, IN. A Jay Countryman, using a cigarette lighter to check the barrel of a muzzle loader, was killed Monday night when the weapon discharged in his face, sheriff's investigators said. Gregory David Pryor, 19, died in his parents' rural Dunkirk home at about 11:30 PM. Investigators said Pryor was cleaning a 54-caliber muzzle-loader that had not been firing properly. He was using the lighter to look into the barrel when the gunpowder ignited.
Nominee No. 7:
(Reuters, Mississauga, Ontario):
A man cleaning a bird feeder on the balcony of his condominium apartment in this Toronto suburb slipped and fell 23 stories to his death. "Stefan Macko, 55, was standing on a wheelchair when the accident occurred," said Inspector Darcy Honer of the Peel Regional Police. "It appears that the chair moved, and he went over the balcony."
Finally, THE WINNER!!!:
(Arkansas Democrat Gazette):
Two local men were injured when their pickup truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Highway 38 early Monday. Woodruff County deputy Dovey Snyder reported the accident shortly after midnight Monday. Thurston Poole, 33, of Des Arc, and Billy Ray Wallis, 38, of Little Rock, were returning to Des Arc after a frog catching trip. On an overcast Sunday night, Poole's pickup truck headlights malfunctioned. The two men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older-model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, Wallis noticed that the 22 calibre bullets from his pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering- wheel column. Upon inserting the bullet the headlights again began to operate properly, and the two men proceeded on eastbound toward the White River Bridge After travelling approximately 20 miles, and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged, and struck Poole in the testicles. The vehicle swerved sharply right, exiting the pavement, and striking a tree. Poole suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident but will require extensive surgery to repair the damage to his testicles, which will never operate again as intended. Wallis sustained a broken clavicle and was treated and released. "Thank Goodness we weren't on that bridge when Thurston shot his nuts off, or we might both be dead," stated Wallis. "I've been a trooper for 10 years in this part of the world, but this is a first for me. I can't believe that those two would admit how this accident happened," said Snyder. Upon being notified of the wreck, Lavinia (Poole 's wife), asked how many frogs the boys had caught and did anyone get them from the truck. Priorities, after all!!
Though Poole and Wallis did not die as a result of their misadventure as normally required by Darwin Award Official Rules, it can be argued that Poole did, in fact, effectively remove himself from the gene pool.
Another year older.
Posted by
Karen
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Well, another birthday has been (and almost gone), and allegedly as you get older, you’re supposed to feel wiser. I certainly haven’t, so I think that myth has, in the infamous words of the MythBuster team “been well and truly busted”.
Today started on a surprising note for me. My alarm had gone off at 07:25, and I was doing my best to ignore it, when my phone rang. Now normally, I would ignore it, and go back to sleep.
But not for this call, because it was my beloved. The fact that he’d taken the time to call me (ok, it was 07:30) really started the day off with a smile. He sang “happy birthday” to me, and said that when we met up, he would give me my birthday hug when he saw me, but that he was sending me virtual hugs all day.
It was then time for me to crawl out of my pit and get ready for work, but I have to admit that it was with real reluctance that I got up as I was nice and warm in bed! As I had agreed to have my presents when I came home, as it would have meant a mad rush for me this morning, and I really cannot face that sort of thing!
Once into the playpen, it was quiet, and there were no decorations on my desk! Not that I am complaining – far from it. Mind you – this could be due to the fact that I have a habit of leaving my desk in such a way that it is almost impossible to decorate it without removing stuff that I need.
My beloved was true to form, and kept sending me silly pictures on my e-mail:
To be honest, it was a nice, gentle day, but as I type this, I can feel my eyes getting heavy, and I am ready to crawl into my pit, so I guess this is time to call this entry quits and head for bed.
Back tomorrow if I get the chance…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Today started on a surprising note for me. My alarm had gone off at 07:25, and I was doing my best to ignore it, when my phone rang. Now normally, I would ignore it, and go back to sleep.
But not for this call, because it was my beloved. The fact that he’d taken the time to call me (ok, it was 07:30) really started the day off with a smile. He sang “happy birthday” to me, and said that when we met up, he would give me my birthday hug when he saw me, but that he was sending me virtual hugs all day.
It was then time for me to crawl out of my pit and get ready for work, but I have to admit that it was with real reluctance that I got up as I was nice and warm in bed! As I had agreed to have my presents when I came home, as it would have meant a mad rush for me this morning, and I really cannot face that sort of thing!
Once into the playpen, it was quiet, and there were no decorations on my desk! Not that I am complaining – far from it. Mind you – this could be due to the fact that I have a habit of leaving my desk in such a way that it is almost impossible to decorate it without removing stuff that I need.
My beloved was true to form, and kept sending me silly pictures on my e-mail:
I have to admit, they had the desired effect and made me gin like the proverbial village idiot all day.
Once the working day was over, I escaped home and much to my amusement, Mum had left my presents on the sofa, along with my card. I opened the card, and it promptly started playing the theme to Shaun the Sheep! My presents were silly bits – the best one being a bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum.
Back tomorrow if I get the chance…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Jokes to brighten a gloomy day
Posted by
Karen
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It's not been a nice day today - in fact, it's been bloody cold. But these jokes have really made me giggle.
So all I will say is enjoy (and I take no responsibility for them - other than posting!)
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
**************************************************************************
As I've matured:
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just assholes.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better have a big willy or huge boobs.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others - they are more screwed up than you think.
I've learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you're finished.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of money to take its place.
I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away.
I've learned that if its not broke, don't try and fix it.
I've learned to say "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke" in 6 languages.
I've learned that if its not broke, don't try and fix it.
And:
Are you aware of the discovery in the human body of a nerve that connects the eyeball to the asshole?
It is called the anal optic nerve.
It is responsible for giving people a shitty outlook on life.
If you don't believe me, pull a hair from your ass and see if it doesn't bring a tear to your eye.
So all I will say is enjoy (and I take no responsibility for them - other than posting!)
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
**************************************************************************
As I've matured:
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in
I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people are just assholes.
I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and it only takes suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.
I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better have a big willy or huge boobs.
I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others - they are more screwed up than you think.
I've learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you're finished.
I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities.
I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades, and there had better be a lot of money to take its place.
I've learned that 99% of the time when something isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away.
I've learned that if its not broke, don't try and fix it.
I've learned to say "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke" in 6 languages.
I've learned that if its not broke, don't try and fix it.
And:
Are you aware of the discovery in the human body of a nerve that connects the eyeball to the asshole?
It is called the anal optic nerve.
It is responsible for giving people a shitty outlook on life.
If you don't believe me, pull a hair from your ass and see if it doesn't bring a tear to your eye.
New mobile…
Posted by
Karen
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As I type this, I am not a happy person. Simply because the trolls where I returned my phone said that it had to be repaired as opposed to replaced, and this was after I’d argued with them about the phone not working.
These things are sent to try us, and allegedly this repair will take a week However, it may be a week on Monday, as I had allegedly missed the repair courier. But in the mood that I am in, I am inclined to go back to the store next Friday and ask if my phone is back, as it will be a week since they had it for a “repair”.
Then, to add insult to my injury, when they were booking the phone in for the repair, I was asked the daftest question ever... Had I got a mobile number that they could contact me on? Hello? Earth calling moron. You’ve just taken my bloody mobile for repair, and I don’t have a spare.
Ok – I do now, but that was because I decided to walk down to Carphone Warehouse, and splash out a whole £20 on a new phone. Ok - £10 for the phone, and £10 for the airtime. So at least I have a phone that I can use, and it’s not cost me silly money, unlike the ones that were available where I took my phone back.
But to be honest, I really wish that I’d got my LG Cookie back, as it had got everything on there – including silly games and plenty of jokes that I had been sent – not to mention all my bloody contacts.
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m very close to the end of my very late lunch break, and I’ve still got to grab a bite to eat.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
These things are sent to try us, and allegedly this repair will take a week However, it may be a week on Monday, as I had allegedly missed the repair courier. But in the mood that I am in, I am inclined to go back to the store next Friday and ask if my phone is back, as it will be a week since they had it for a “repair”.
Then, to add insult to my injury, when they were booking the phone in for the repair, I was asked the daftest question ever... Had I got a mobile number that they could contact me on? Hello? Earth calling moron. You’ve just taken my bloody mobile for repair, and I don’t have a spare.
Ok – I do now, but that was because I decided to walk down to Carphone Warehouse, and splash out a whole £20 on a new phone. Ok - £10 for the phone, and £10 for the airtime. So at least I have a phone that I can use, and it’s not cost me silly money, unlike the ones that were available where I took my phone back.
But to be honest, I really wish that I’d got my LG Cookie back, as it had got everything on there – including silly games and plenty of jokes that I had been sent – not to mention all my bloody contacts.
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m very close to the end of my very late lunch break, and I’ve still got to grab a bite to eat.
Back when I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Friday jokes…
Posted by
Karen
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It’s funny, but every Friday, I seem to get a load of jokes sent to me. I’ve posted the best ones, so enjoy.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A mobile phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.
MAN: "Hello"
WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
MAN: "Yes"
WOMAN: "I am at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only £2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
MAN: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked."
MAN: "How much?"
WOMAN: " £60,000"
MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing, the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're only asking £950,000"
MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of £920,000. They will probably take it.. If not, we can go the extra 30 thousand if it's really a pretty good deal."
WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!"
MAN: "Bye! I love you, too."
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape.
He turns and asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"
Next joke:
DUCKS IN HEAVEN !!!
Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven.
When they get there, St. Peter says, 'We only have one rule here in heaven: don't step on the ducks!'
So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.
Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw. St. Peter chains them together and says, 'Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!'
The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn't miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.
The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, very careful where she steps.
She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on .... Very tall, long eyelashes, muscular.
St. Peter chains them together without saying a word.
The happy woman says, 'I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?'
The guy says, 'I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck.’
Final joke...
Man killed on golf course
A foursome of guys is waiting at the men’s tee while a foursome of women is hitting from the ladies' tee. The ladies are taking their time.
When the final lady is ready to hit her ball, she hacks it 10 feet. Then she goes over and whiffs it completely. Then she hacks it another ten feet and finally hacks it another five feet
She looks up at the patiently waiting men and says apologetically, "I guess all those "F------ LESSONS I took over the winter didn't help."
One of the men immediately responds, "Well, there you have it. You should have taken "golf lessons" instead!"
He never even had a chance to duck. He was 43.......
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*********************************************************************************
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A mobile phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen.
MAN: "Hello"
WOMAN: "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
MAN: "Yes"
WOMAN: "I am at the shops now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only £2,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
MAN: "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
WOMAN: "I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked."
MAN: "How much?"
WOMAN: " £60,000"
MAN: "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
WOMAN: "Great! Oh, and one more thing, the house I wanted last year is back on the market. They're only asking £950,000"
MAN: "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer of £920,000. They will probably take it.. If not, we can go the extra 30 thousand if it's really a pretty good deal."
WOMAN: "OK. I'll see you later! I love you so much!"
MAN: "Bye! I love you, too."
The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are staring at him in astonishment, mouths agape.
He turns and asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"
Next joke:
DUCKS IN HEAVEN !!!
Three women die together in an accident and go to heaven.
When they get there, St. Peter says, 'We only have one rule here in heaven: don't step on the ducks!'
So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first woman accidentally steps on one.
Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest man she ever saw. St. Peter chains them together and says, 'Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to this ugly man!'
The next day, the second woman steps accidentally on a duck and along comes St. Peter, who doesn't miss a thing. With him is another extremely ugly man. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first woman.
The third woman has observed all this and, not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly man, is very, very careful where she steps.
She manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to her with the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on .... Very tall, long eyelashes, muscular.
St. Peter chains them together without saying a word.
The happy woman says, 'I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?'
The guy says, 'I don't know about you, but I stepped on a duck.’
Final joke...
Man killed on golf course
A foursome of guys is waiting at the men’s tee while a foursome of women is hitting from the ladies' tee. The ladies are taking their time.
When the final lady is ready to hit her ball, she hacks it 10 feet. Then she goes over and whiffs it completely. Then she hacks it another ten feet and finally hacks it another five feet
She looks up at the patiently waiting men and says apologetically, "I guess all those "F------ LESSONS I took over the winter didn't help."
One of the men immediately responds, "Well, there you have it. You should have taken "golf lessons" instead!"
He never even had a chance to duck. He was 43.......
Another mobile bites the dust.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
As the title says, my mobile phone has packed up. This time, the speaker / microphone part has failed, thus rendering the phone useless. Yes, you can still send text messages, and use the mobile internet, but actually using it as a phone? No chance.
Now normally, I wouldn’t complain, as I have been known to drop my phone into various bodies of water (a full bath was the demise of the last phone!) But this time, it’s not been maltreated with water or anything else. Yes, I dropped it onto my bed, from a grand height of oh, ½ inch, but nothing more than that.
Because of this, I’m off to the store where I bought it from originally, and am intending to get a replacement phone, as this one has lasted less than 5 months. I don’t even object to paying a little extra – I just need something that works! So, that’s what my lunch break tomorrow will entail – me trying to get myself a phone that works (and doesn’t cost a dratted fortune either!)
Ah well, time to call this quits – I’m getting cold sitting here at my computer.
Back tomorrow with the outcome of this saga…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Now normally, I wouldn’t complain, as I have been known to drop my phone into various bodies of water (a full bath was the demise of the last phone!) But this time, it’s not been maltreated with water or anything else. Yes, I dropped it onto my bed, from a grand height of oh, ½ inch, but nothing more than that.
Because of this, I’m off to the store where I bought it from originally, and am intending to get a replacement phone, as this one has lasted less than 5 months. I don’t even object to paying a little extra – I just need something that works! So, that’s what my lunch break tomorrow will entail – me trying to get myself a phone that works (and doesn’t cost a dratted fortune either!)
Ah well, time to call this quits – I’m getting cold sitting here at my computer.
Back tomorrow with the outcome of this saga…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
A new addiction.
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Normally, I’m not a great one for so-called “geek toys”, but this time, I’ve been bitten by a bug. Or more precisely, a putty.
What am I talking about? Thinking Putty. I got the “bug” (ok putty) when one of my workmates told me about it, and made the bad mistake of passing over the tin… That was it. I was hooked. I sat at my desk, playing with the putty, and I felt like I was 5 years old again, and playing with Plasticine. Only this Plasticine was changing colour, ripping, tearing, snapping, popping and bouncing!
So, after I’d gently terrorised (and interrogated) my work mate I promptly went on line to the retailer concerned (Firebox.com) and ordered myself some… And waited very impatiently for it to arrive.
Well, it has arrived, and I freely admit being like a small child at Christmas today, as I have spent rather a lot of time playing with my putty. Admittedly I bought two versions – a colour changing putty and an illusion putty:
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – it’s nearly the end of my lunch break, and the putty is calling me….
Back later (putty permitting!)
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
What am I talking about? Thinking Putty. I got the “bug” (ok putty) when one of my workmates told me about it, and made the bad mistake of passing over the tin… That was it. I was hooked. I sat at my desk, playing with the putty, and I felt like I was 5 years old again, and playing with Plasticine. Only this Plasticine was changing colour, ripping, tearing, snapping, popping and bouncing!
So, after I’d gently terrorised (and interrogated) my work mate I promptly went on line to the retailer concerned (Firebox.com) and ordered myself some… And waited very impatiently for it to arrive.
Well, it has arrived, and I freely admit being like a small child at Christmas today, as I have spent rather a lot of time playing with my putty. Admittedly I bought two versions – a colour changing putty and an illusion putty:
 |
| Thinking Putty - this is the colour change - Sunburst |
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| Illusion Thinking Putty - Scarab (from the US website) |
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – it’s nearly the end of my lunch break, and the putty is calling me….
Back later (putty permitting!)
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Vatican official criticises Nobel win for IVF pioneer
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Again, this comes from the BBC website, and I’ll put my thoughts at the end.
Karen
************************************************************
A Vatican official has said the awarding of the Nobel Prize for Medicine to British IVF pioneer Robert Edwards is "completely out of order".
Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said the award ignored the ethical questions raised by the fertility treatment.
He said IVF had led to the destruction of large numbers of human embryos.
Nearly four million babies have been born using IVF fertility treatment since 1978.
Monsignor Carrasco, the Vatican's spokesman on bio-ethics, said in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) had been "a new and important chapter in the field of human reproduction".
But he said the Nobel prize committee's choice of Prof Edwards had been "completely out of order" as without his treatment, there would be no market for human eggs "and there would not be a large number of freezers filled with embryos in the world", he told Italy's Ansa news agency.
"In the best of cases they are transferred into a uterus but most probably they will end up abandoned or dead, which is a problem for which the new Nobel prize winner is responsible."
In his statement, Monsignor Carrasco stressed that he was speaking in a personal capacity.
The Nobel medicine prize committee in Sweden said Prof Edwards' work had brought "joy to infertile people all over the world".
"His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity, including more than 10% of all couples worldwide," it said.
Prof Edwards efforts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby", Louise Brown, in July 1978.
Ms Brown said the award was "fantastic news".
"Me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves," she said.
"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."
******************************************************************
Yet again, the Catholic Church has shown just how out of touch it is with the rest of the world. Most people in this world see IVF as a blessing, as it has allowed them to have a family of their own.
It strikes me that Monsignor Carrasco would be happy to see this technology buried, along with everything else that he and his colleagues disapprove of, and push us back into the medical dark ages, and this attitude is doing little to entice people to stay with the Church.
Until the Vatican (and the Pope) change their views, they will continue to provide ammunition to people like Prof Dawkins, who will continue to argue that the Church is irrelevant in these times. And I’m sorry to say that in this instance, I am quite inclined to agree with him.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Karen
************************************************************
A Vatican official has said the awarding of the Nobel Prize for Medicine to British IVF pioneer Robert Edwards is "completely out of order".
 |
| Louise Brown with Prof Edwards |
Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, head of the Pontifical Academy for Life, said the award ignored the ethical questions raised by the fertility treatment.
He said IVF had led to the destruction of large numbers of human embryos.
Nearly four million babies have been born using IVF fertility treatment since 1978.
Monsignor Carrasco, the Vatican's spokesman on bio-ethics, said in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) had been "a new and important chapter in the field of human reproduction".
But he said the Nobel prize committee's choice of Prof Edwards had been "completely out of order" as without his treatment, there would be no market for human eggs "and there would not be a large number of freezers filled with embryos in the world", he told Italy's Ansa news agency.
"In the best of cases they are transferred into a uterus but most probably they will end up abandoned or dead, which is a problem for which the new Nobel prize winner is responsible."
In his statement, Monsignor Carrasco stressed that he was speaking in a personal capacity.
The Nobel medicine prize committee in Sweden said Prof Edwards' work had brought "joy to infertile people all over the world".
"His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity, including more than 10% of all couples worldwide," it said.
Prof Edwards efforts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s led to the birth of the world's first "test tube baby", Louise Brown, in July 1978.
Ms Brown said the award was "fantastic news".
"Me and mum are so glad that one of the pioneers of IVF has been given the recognition he deserves," she said.
"We hold Bob in great affection and are delighted to send our personal congratulations to him and his family at this time."
******************************************************************
Yet again, the Catholic Church has shown just how out of touch it is with the rest of the world. Most people in this world see IVF as a blessing, as it has allowed them to have a family of their own.
It strikes me that Monsignor Carrasco would be happy to see this technology buried, along with everything else that he and his colleagues disapprove of, and push us back into the medical dark ages, and this attitude is doing little to entice people to stay with the Church.
Until the Vatican (and the Pope) change their views, they will continue to provide ammunition to people like Prof Dawkins, who will continue to argue that the Church is irrelevant in these times. And I’m sorry to say that in this instance, I am quite inclined to agree with him.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Visual jokes
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Some things don't need explaining - and theses pictures made me smile on a day when not much else has managed to do so.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*******************************************************************
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
*******************************************************************
MOT and brakes…
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Well, this title sums up what the car has needed doing today. It’s hard to believe that my 207 is three years old this month.
But that’s not the thing that’s bugging the hell out of me. I got a call from the lass on the service desk at the main dealer (where the car was taken for the MOT) to advise me the car had passed the MOT ok, but there was an issue.
The brake pads were at 10%, and need changing, at a cost of £205. Ok – not a problem, if it needs doing so be it. But then I realised that I’d had the car serviced at the end of July, and was told that the brake pads were at 50%.
Now had I been driving like a moron, and standing on the brakes, and specialising in last minute braking, I could have possibly understood this. But as I’ve been quite gentle with the car (it doesn’t drink as much petrol that way) I am less than impressed, as I estimate I have done a maximum of 3,500 miles since the car was serviced, so I doubt very much that I have been able to use 40% in such a short time.
So as I type this, I have steam coming out of my ears, as I seriously wonder if I made a bad mistake when I swapped my beloved 206 for the 207. Don’t get me wrong – the 207 is great fun to drive, and is fast enough to get me both into and out of trouble.
However, the 206 had a similar mileage on it, and I had no problems with the brakes at all. So either Peugeot has cheapened the components, or my driving style has altered radically. And my money is on the cheapened components.
Ah well, time to call this rant quits – it’s nearly the end of my lunch break, and I’m still fuming.
Back later if I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
But that’s not the thing that’s bugging the hell out of me. I got a call from the lass on the service desk at the main dealer (where the car was taken for the MOT) to advise me the car had passed the MOT ok, but there was an issue.
The brake pads were at 10%, and need changing, at a cost of £205. Ok – not a problem, if it needs doing so be it. But then I realised that I’d had the car serviced at the end of July, and was told that the brake pads were at 50%.
Now had I been driving like a moron, and standing on the brakes, and specialising in last minute braking, I could have possibly understood this. But as I’ve been quite gentle with the car (it doesn’t drink as much petrol that way) I am less than impressed, as I estimate I have done a maximum of 3,500 miles since the car was serviced, so I doubt very much that I have been able to use 40% in such a short time.
So as I type this, I have steam coming out of my ears, as I seriously wonder if I made a bad mistake when I swapped my beloved 206 for the 207. Don’t get me wrong – the 207 is great fun to drive, and is fast enough to get me both into and out of trouble.
However, the 206 had a similar mileage on it, and I had no problems with the brakes at all. So either Peugeot has cheapened the components, or my driving style has altered radically. And my money is on the cheapened components.
Ah well, time to call this rant quits – it’s nearly the end of my lunch break, and I’m still fuming.
Back later if I get the chance.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
Flu jabs and Banbury..
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
Where do I start with this post? Apart from yelling OUCH every time I try to move my arms. The reason for this yell, is because I’ve had the ‘flu jabs. Yes – I got stuck in both arms – the swine flu in the right arm and the standard flu strains in the left arm. They didn’t hurt (much) when I had them this morning, but as I’m sitting here at my computer, my left arm is screaming, and the right one is whimpering.
By all accounts, I should have had the swine flu jab last year, but I was too cowardly to have it, so thought I’d better get it sorted out as this nasty flu is kicking about this year – allegedly. I personally think that it’s because the government had a load of vaccine left over last year as the supposed pandemic didn’t materialise, so they’re looking for suckers to get stabbed this year.
So, I was duly stabbed in both arms, and as I didn’t feel too bad, went down to Banbury with Mum. Not a problem there, until we got into BHS… There was a strange scent in the air, and as I wasn’t feeling too good, my stomach started to rebel.
Needless to say, I made a swift exit, and headed straight into my favourite shop – Waterstones. I was looking for the next books in a series that I have been reading (Rachel Vincent’s Were Cat series). I struck gold, and got the next three books, much to my delight.
Then it was off to the West Cornwall Pasty Company. This is the company that Dad and I used to go to every time we were in Banbury, as the pasties are very tasty (and are perfect for me taking into the office for lunch).
Once the pasties had been duly purchased, Mum and I then went in search of something rather exotic – knitting patterns. Now most people wouldn’t consider this a problem but for me, trying to find a pattern that I am happy to have on a jersey is rather awkward, as I don’t like anything too fancy. Thankfully, Mum and I managed to find three patterns that she can adapt (they’re Aran wool patterns and I itch like I have fleas).
Then the rest of the time was just wandering around Banbury town centre – until I spotted a new bookshop. It was a real mixed bag – part bookshop, part stationers, and I found something that I have searched high and low for. Pink Parker Quink cartridges for my fountain pen.
The reason? Ever since I was a junior school, I have used a fountain pen, and when I am doing some types of paperwork in the office, I want something that is going to stand out – hence the pink ink.
We then took a leisurely walk towards the Castle Quay centre, and then headed to Debenhams for a coffee and a sandwich, as I was hungry (and my arms were hurting). Thankfully, the pain killers kicked in fairly fast, and the rest of the day was a blur – mainly because I fell asleep this afternoon. Even as I type this, I am still tired but I know damned well if I go back to sleep, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m starting to get hungry.
Back when I get the chance…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
By all accounts, I should have had the swine flu jab last year, but I was too cowardly to have it, so thought I’d better get it sorted out as this nasty flu is kicking about this year – allegedly. I personally think that it’s because the government had a load of vaccine left over last year as the supposed pandemic didn’t materialise, so they’re looking for suckers to get stabbed this year.
So, I was duly stabbed in both arms, and as I didn’t feel too bad, went down to Banbury with Mum. Not a problem there, until we got into BHS… There was a strange scent in the air, and as I wasn’t feeling too good, my stomach started to rebel.
Needless to say, I made a swift exit, and headed straight into my favourite shop – Waterstones. I was looking for the next books in a series that I have been reading (Rachel Vincent’s Were Cat series). I struck gold, and got the next three books, much to my delight.
Then it was off to the West Cornwall Pasty Company. This is the company that Dad and I used to go to every time we were in Banbury, as the pasties are very tasty (and are perfect for me taking into the office for lunch).
Once the pasties had been duly purchased, Mum and I then went in search of something rather exotic – knitting patterns. Now most people wouldn’t consider this a problem but for me, trying to find a pattern that I am happy to have on a jersey is rather awkward, as I don’t like anything too fancy. Thankfully, Mum and I managed to find three patterns that she can adapt (they’re Aran wool patterns and I itch like I have fleas).
Then the rest of the time was just wandering around Banbury town centre – until I spotted a new bookshop. It was a real mixed bag – part bookshop, part stationers, and I found something that I have searched high and low for. Pink Parker Quink cartridges for my fountain pen.
The reason? Ever since I was a junior school, I have used a fountain pen, and when I am doing some types of paperwork in the office, I want something that is going to stand out – hence the pink ink.
We then took a leisurely walk towards the Castle Quay centre, and then headed to Debenhams for a coffee and a sandwich, as I was hungry (and my arms were hurting). Thankfully, the pain killers kicked in fairly fast, and the rest of the day was a blur – mainly because I fell asleep this afternoon. Even as I type this, I am still tired but I know damned well if I go back to sleep, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.
Ah well, guess I should call this quits – I’m starting to get hungry.
Back when I get the chance…
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
New equality rights in workplace come into force
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
This was brought to my attention as I was driving into work this morning. As per normal, I was listening to Radio 4 when John Humphries announced this news. So, as soon as I got home this evening, I decided to do some digging, and came across this news article on the BBC website.
I’ve posted it in full, and as normal, I’ll put my thoughts at the end.
Karen
*************************************************************************
New rules aimed at banning discrimination by employers, covering areas such as age, disability and pay, have come into force.
The Equality Act covers many workplace areas and draws nine separate pieces of legislation into a single Act.
Equalities Minister Theresa May says it will now be easier for firms to comply with anti-discrimination rules.
However, some business groups argued the new legislation will impose a heavy burden on employers.
'Challenging times'
The new law restricts the circumstances in which employers can ask job applicants questions about disability or health prior to offering them a position, making it more difficult for disabled people to be unfairly screened out.
"In these challenging economic times it's more important than ever for employers to make the most of all the talent available," said Ms May.
There are also new powers for employment tribunals.
The Act will also stop employers using pay secrecy clauses to prevent employees discussing their own pay, which means men and women can compare pay.
But the Act will not make employers reveal how much they pay men compared with women, as had been planned by the Labour government.
Some campaigners argued that this revision undermined the new legislation.
"Rowing back on the requirement for big business to publish and take action on any differences in pay between men and women employees is tantamount to endorsing the shocking gender pay gap," said Ceri Goddard, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality.
Employees will also now be able to file discrimination claims on two grounds, rather than one. For example, under the previous rules, a woman from an ethnic minority could not file a claim on counts of both gender and race discrimination - an employment tribunal would have to consider the claims separately.
Under the new rules, an employee can file claims on two counts, but no more.
Business cost
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "Everyone is protected by the new law.
"It [the Act] covers age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex (meaning gender) and sexual orientation.
"Under the act people are not allowed to discriminate, harass or victimise another person because they belong to a group that the Act protects, they are thought to belong to one of those groups or are associated with someone who does."
But some business groups argued that the new rules place an extra burden on companies at a time when they are still trying to recover from the recession.
"Businesses are really concerned," Abigail Morris from the British Chambers of Commerce told the BBC.
"The government's own impact assessment shows that this is going to cost £190m just for businesses to understand the legislation, and this at a time when we really need them to be concentrating on creating private sector jobs and driving economic recovery."
During the summer there were some concerns about the new rules expressed by shipping companies.
Some claimed the laws could force them to quit the UK because they would have to pay UK rates to foreign-based seafarers who do not have the burden of British living costs.
**************************************************************************
Now I don’t have anything against the idea of equality – in fact, I’m all for it, as I personally find it revolting that someone can be persecuted for their race and sexual preference.
But this strikes me as being an act that has been taken too far. Why do I say this? Simple. If someone overhears a joke in the office, that they don’t approve of / find personally offensive, then they have the option of making a complaint to an industrial tribunal – even though the comment or joke might not have been aimed specifically at them.
So, that means that it will be almost impossible to have a laugh and a joke with friends in the office, for fear that someone will find an innocent remark offensive, even though it wasn’t aimed at them.
In the end, I feel that the only people who will profit from this are the solicitors and barristers who will represent the litigants, and the rest of us will lose out. I can see this resulting in a loss of the most prized part of our culture – the freedom of speech and expression. And all because of this foolish act.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
I’ve posted it in full, and as normal, I’ll put my thoughts at the end.
Karen
*************************************************************************
New rules aimed at banning discrimination by employers, covering areas such as age, disability and pay, have come into force.
 |
Everyone is protected by the Law |
Equalities Minister Theresa May says it will now be easier for firms to comply with anti-discrimination rules.
However, some business groups argued the new legislation will impose a heavy burden on employers.
'Challenging times'
The new law restricts the circumstances in which employers can ask job applicants questions about disability or health prior to offering them a position, making it more difficult for disabled people to be unfairly screened out.
"In these challenging economic times it's more important than ever for employers to make the most of all the talent available," said Ms May.
There are also new powers for employment tribunals.
The Act will also stop employers using pay secrecy clauses to prevent employees discussing their own pay, which means men and women can compare pay.
But the Act will not make employers reveal how much they pay men compared with women, as had been planned by the Labour government.
Some campaigners argued that this revision undermined the new legislation.
"Rowing back on the requirement for big business to publish and take action on any differences in pay between men and women employees is tantamount to endorsing the shocking gender pay gap," said Ceri Goddard, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender equality.
Employees will also now be able to file discrimination claims on two grounds, rather than one. For example, under the previous rules, a woman from an ethnic minority could not file a claim on counts of both gender and race discrimination - an employment tribunal would have to consider the claims separately.
Under the new rules, an employee can file claims on two counts, but no more.
Business cost
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said: "Everyone is protected by the new law.
"It [the Act] covers age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex (meaning gender) and sexual orientation.
"Under the act people are not allowed to discriminate, harass or victimise another person because they belong to a group that the Act protects, they are thought to belong to one of those groups or are associated with someone who does."
But some business groups argued that the new rules place an extra burden on companies at a time when they are still trying to recover from the recession.
"Businesses are really concerned," Abigail Morris from the British Chambers of Commerce told the BBC.
"The government's own impact assessment shows that this is going to cost £190m just for businesses to understand the legislation, and this at a time when we really need them to be concentrating on creating private sector jobs and driving economic recovery."
During the summer there were some concerns about the new rules expressed by shipping companies.
Some claimed the laws could force them to quit the UK because they would have to pay UK rates to foreign-based seafarers who do not have the burden of British living costs.
**************************************************************************
Now I don’t have anything against the idea of equality – in fact, I’m all for it, as I personally find it revolting that someone can be persecuted for their race and sexual preference.
But this strikes me as being an act that has been taken too far. Why do I say this? Simple. If someone overhears a joke in the office, that they don’t approve of / find personally offensive, then they have the option of making a complaint to an industrial tribunal – even though the comment or joke might not have been aimed specifically at them.
So, that means that it will be almost impossible to have a laugh and a joke with friends in the office, for fear that someone will find an innocent remark offensive, even though it wasn’t aimed at them.
In the end, I feel that the only people who will profit from this are the solicitors and barristers who will represent the litigants, and the rest of us will lose out. I can see this resulting in a loss of the most prized part of our culture – the freedom of speech and expression. And all because of this foolish act.
Karen
Now some things you hold on to - and some you just let go
Seems like the ones that you can't have
Are the ones that you want most
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