A diary of sorts, but with thoughts and views on the topics of the day!
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I have sorted the problem out, this time it was me that was at fault, somehow my LAN settings become messed up, so I wasn’t able to view some web pages correctly, but being a good engineer, I managed to solve the problem.
Rabbit
Is it me or is this site playing up again, I don't seem tobe able to display the pages properly
Rabbit
Another player made the maximum break of 147 in the World Championship Snooker at Sheffield yesterday. In the history of tournament there have only been 8 maximum never before has there been two in the same year. Out of the eight maximum’s Ronnie O’ Sullivan has made 3 of them some going!
One a bitter and disappointing note Manchester United made it to the Champions League final night, this will set up the first all English final, they opponents will either be Chelsea or Liverpool who platy their second fixture tonight.
Am sitting at my desk the office is very quiet, once again I was the first one in, have been here for over half an hour and no else as yet arrived. We don’t have set working hours office based staff have to work 37 hours a week, while site based staff should work 40 hours a week. At present I am office based but I do far more than 37 hours, in fact I normally do about 42 or 43 hours a week.
Yesterday the traffic was bad and I wasn’t feeling too good so I left at 14:15, boy did I get some funny looks as I walked out, even though I had already done 7 ½ hours, honestly they want blood some people. Perhaps I should give them dirty looks when they get at 09:00. You know the look I mean, look at them then glance at my watch, shrug your shoulders while tut tutting , that will get to them.
I find I get more down starting early no distractions, about from writing this blog which only takes about 5 minutes, 10 at the most.
April is nearly over, today is the last day of the month, well they say times flies it certainly has this month, I can hardly believe just how fast it seems to have gone.
We have finally booked our summer holiday, we have been meaning to do it for weeks, but never actually got round to doing anything about it. Well we have booked a cottage in the Lake District for the middle of August, just what we wanted. A week walking and of course talking lots of pictures.
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While we suffer at the rising cost of fuel over the last few months, oil giants shell is laughing all the way to the bank. In the first 3 months of this year Shell profits have risen to £3.9bn. While BP saw it profits jump by 48% to £3.1bn for the same period.
In January shell reported annual profits of £13.9bn, a record for UK listed company. It really quite astonishing that petrol prices keeping rising at the rate they are, we are being held to ransom by the oil companies and this is not helped by the amount of tax the Government levies on fuel.
It doesn’t matter if you own a car or not, eventually this price will be passed on to us, by the supermarkets or by public transport companies we will not escape these risers.
Both my dad and father in law are in their element at the moment, the snooker as entered its second week, much to pleasure of males of the households, but to the disgust of the females.
I don’t watch the snooker myself, however saying that I have just watched Ronnie O Sullivan score the maximum 147, you have to admire the skill of these players, I have tried to play the game, my maximum break being about one.
At least this summer we won’t have to suffer the humiliation of England failing again in the football, because we have already been through it. So it’s only the cricket where we will have the chance to show just how bad we have become at sport.
I forgot we have the Olympics later this year, we should produce our usual performance do well at boxing, sailing, rowing and a few of the other minor sports but in the major events we will under perform as usual, and then we blame the weather for being too hot or the pollution in Beijing.
Sorry for being cynical, but that’s the way this country is at the moment.
Rabbit
Only a few days left before the local elections, I think Labour will take a bit of a hammering in this one. They seem to have come of the track a little; I think Blair jumped ship at the right time. It probably won’t make any difference to us, we will just get rid of one bunch of scheming idiots only to be replaced by another bunch of crooks.
I have now living in Southend on Sea for about six years and in that time nothing has happened in the town to benefit the public. What has happened in that time, well the councillors have had there expenses increased by 70%, the pier has burnt down, we have had a landslide on the seafront and nothing had been done about it, oh and the illuminations have been taken down.
The town has become so run down, the locals people don’t even recognise the place, all this under a Conservative council. The local MP is no better he claimed £23,000 last year for a second home even though he only lives 30 minutes from the Houses the of Parliament and he does even live in the town.
We should line all the politicians up and shoot them, (god I sound like a 1970’s socialist). I just get so fed up with how inept and sometimes corrupt these people are it maddening
Well am first one in the office again and even earlier this morning, even though I left at the normal time. Very little traffic on the road, I asked myself half down the road, 'is it a weekend'. Probably won't stay that way and I will struggle to get home tonight.
Am on mine own today, the team is away been educated and trained, so a fairly quiet day, just sit here and get onh with my work.
Rabbit
Have just looked at my watch and find is 3 o clock already where does the time go, have been very productive today, sending emails out fast that it clogging up the server…well maybe not quite that fast but it going great.
I was feeling knackered earlier, but I seem to have overcome that and am now working at full steam, perhaps I should slow down a little otherwise I may run out work, however, I very much doubt that. Only one problem at the moment I have spread all my work over two and half desks and a couple of large drawing boards, heaven knows what I’m going to do when my neighbours come back to work.
Rabbit
You can tell its Monday, am knackered already and its not even lunch time yet. At this rate I have burnt myself out by Wednesday. Still we have a long weekend to look forward to, but still a long way of yet.
Hope your week has started good and I hope it continues.
Rabbit
It the start of a new week, which will probably be the same as last week, nothing too taxing but enough to keep me occupied and stop me from becoming bored. Work is actually going well, to well, something’s bound to happen to throw us into chaos.
The good thing is that that it early spring bank holiday this coming weekend, so I will have to start making plans on what to do. However, I suppose I better consult Rosemary on that, I am sure she will have soy on the matter.
Things didn't go to plan yesterday, firstly we had planned on going to the woods , but changed our minds due to the weather forecast, only to find it was dry. So we thought what the heck lets go, on our way there it poured it down, the woods were like a quagmire so we abandoned that and came home.
Then I decided that I should have a photoshop day, and actually did about an hours works before receiving a phone and then having to dash off to Rosemary’s parents because they had a bit of flood. We spent about 3 hours round there mopping up and repairing the leak, which wasn’t too bad just a bad joint on a heating pipe, fortunately I didn’t have to lift any floor board it was in clear view.
So my plans didn’t come to fruition, but we have a busy day, and every thing turned out alright in the end.
Rabbit
It looks like a photoshop day, I have to play with all the pictures I took yesterday. It seems a little chilly as well, may have to but a jersey on
Rabbit
Very quiet this morning, back to the rain my plans are in tatters
Rabit
Well done to Chelsea, hopefully you can leap frog Man Utd to the title, the lesser of the two evils.
Rabbit
What a wonderfull day, have been out for most it, am just processing my pictures at the moment. I'm a little disappointed with my landscapes today they seem a little under exposed, hopefully I can rescue them.
But am very pleased with my wildlife pictures, at first glance I have caught some great shots, hopefully.
Am now relaxing at home, tired but vey happy
Rabbit
It looks like a nice start to the weekend. Lets hope it continues this way.
After last weeks visit the barbers, this week see's Caz visiting the hairdressers, normally Rosemary would also be going but after her accident, where the nursers shaved part of her head, it has not grown back, and it is still rather tender to the touch, so she is not going this time.
I need afew from town, but after that, well we shall see. Gaia, my little cat is presently sat on the table looking of the window, watching the birds flying past to their nest in the tree. She is makinhg funny little squeaking noises at them, I am sure she wouldbe after them if she got the chance.
Well time to go for now, will try and get back on later if I am given the opportunity.
Rabbit 
It friday lunch and the meeting is over, I don’t know if we achieved very much, which I suppose is typical for any meeting. We did agree to meet again next Friday, where we will be issued a program when the design for our project will be complete. We have agreed to issue the designers comments from the design drawings that we have already been issued. Therefore something did come out of it.
Not long now before I disappear home, I have a couple of things that I need to look at before I go, nothing taxing but it best to finish things off before the weekend.
Friday is here again just a few more hours and we will be into the weekend, it seems that tomorrow we will have nice weather but Sunday is not looking too good, with more heavy rain forecast, just my luck. Just when I was planning on going into woods do little photography, it may be time to get my umbrella out.
I have a meeting this morning at 10:00, with the designers of a project we are undertaking, we have a number of issues that need to be resolved before we can complete our firm price. We are building a new magistrates court, a building which in this present climate that we always need. The specification is quiet demanding and quite a few of the systems ar5e very high tech, so it could be a challenge.
It could be a n early finish again I will have done well over my hours before lunch time, in fact if I did my allotted hours for the week I think I could leave at 08:45.
Am looking forward to the weekend, even if the weather is bad.
Rabbit
After a great morning and early afternoon where I achieved loads, I now have slowed down a lot and am struggling to keep my concentration. Still I only have a hour left here before I can head home.
We have some weird weather here, one minute its sunny next we have heavy rain. We have even had some thunder and hail storms. Thankfully it a good forecast for the weekend, perhaps we might get out and do some serious photography.
The first teachers strike is on for today, the NUT have voted to go strike in a dispute over pay. Unions say that 2.5% offered is below the rate of inflation and are demanding a 4.1% rise. It the first time in over two decades that teachers have gone on strike. It is estimated that across the country over 8000 schools will close.
Some parents have complained at the lack of notice and some are struggling to find child care, while others have had to take a days holiday to be at home and look after their children.
Caz (my step daughter) is lucky in that she is a sixth former and will taking her exams in the next few months so her teachers will be at school. It can therefore be said that while it is unfortunate that they have decided to strike they are still thinking about the children’s education. Children who have exams coming up will not miss out on vital school time because the teachers will not harm their education.
I don’t believe in unions and have never been a member of any union, but while I was a serving a solider I did a number of jobs because of strikes, fire, ambulance and rubbish collection. So I know how disruptive strikes can be for all involved, dialogue is the only solution to disputes. By the way I only received a 2% pay rise this year and I work in the private sector.
On the subject of photography I have been thinking of joining the Royal Photographic Society. I have been contemplating this for a number of years now and I have been putting together a portfolio of my best photographs. I would like to apply for one of the societies awards.
The Royal Photographic Society's Distinctions are recognised as measures of achievement throughout the world.
When you work towards a Distinction you will improve your photographic skills and also know that once you have been successful the quality of your work will be recognised worldwide.
Distinctions are awarded either on the basis of a portfolio of work which may be photographic images or it may be research, or by successful completion of a recognised course.
There are three levels of Distinction and, in addition, the Imaging Scientist Qualifications which are specifically aimed at engineers, scientists and technologists and provide vocational qualifications relevant to a professional career in imaging science.
The three levels of Distinction are:
Licentiateship: The Licentiateship (LRPS) is normally the entry level Distinction and is awarded for a good level of basic skill and competence.
Associateship: The Associateship (ARPS) is awarded for a high standard of technical competence and individual creative ability.
The Fellowship: The Fellowship (FRPS) is awarded for exceptional standards of excellence and distinguished ability.
I now have a collection of great wildlife pictures which should stand in good stead. Although it quite expensive at £91.50 a year, there are many events which as member you can attend, with special interest groups and area groups is seems like a great organisation to join.
If you are interested in photography follow the link and check if out.
Rabbit
Wednesday, half way through the week already, yesterday morning seemed to drag but the afternoon just flew by. Am already looking forward to the weekend the weather is supposed to be good and apparently the bluebells are now out in full blow so I am of to the woods with my camera. I am already in the process of sorting out my camera equipment. I had some batteries on charge last night; I will finish charging them to night and clean all my camera equipment.
Am thinking of buying a new camera, Canon have brought out the EOS450D, with a 12.2 megapixel sensor, 3” LCD screen and self cleaning sensor, it is getting great reviews. The cheapest I have seen is advertised for is £472. I think I better start saving up.
Rabbit
Am a little miffed at the moment, I wrote a blog about hour ago, came back to view it and found its not been posted.
I can remember what it was about but not exactly what I said. So here goes once again.
A man in Whitehaven, Cumbria has been fined and given a criminal record for over filling his wheelie bin by 4”. Council officers took photographs of Gareth Corkhill wheelie bin and issued him a £110 fixed penalty noticed. When he refused to pay Copeland Council took him to court where he was found guilty of overfilling a waste receptacle, and magistrates added another £115 to his fine.
Copeland Council has defended its actions and pledged to continue to take action against overfilled wheelie bins. The council have just switched from weekly rubbish collection to fortnightly collections and the public have complained that the wheelie bins are no longer big enough.
You would have thought that the council would have realised this, and issued warning notices in the first instance rather than taking people to court. How long will it be before someone is sent to prison when they refuse to pay the fine? What happens when somebody else puts rubbish in your bin when you have left it out?
Bureaucracy gone mad, and power crazy officials no wonder this country is going to pot!
It’s no where near lunch time yet and I have already eaten part of my lunch, an apple and two plums. Don’t know why am so hungry am not usually like this, I did have breakfast (consisting of cereal and a coffee). Still not long till lunch then I dig into my roast beef sandwich.
It seems to be dragging this morning, I have had my head down working steadily, and then I glanced at my watch expecting to be around 12, and was surprised to find it was only 11:00.
It seems the weather is finally starting to improve, its forecast increasing temperatures and more sunshine, hopefully summer has finally arrived. More time to get out with my camera and take some great shots, hopefully.
Rabbit
The training is over and I am now fully trained on the company’s financial package. All I have top do now is to put what I have been caught into practice unfortunately it will probably be a little while before I actually use it in on any project as we are not due to start on site until later this year, so by then I will have forgotten all that I was taught.
It was a very useful day and despite what I said above it not really that difficult and the guides are really very good, so I should be ok. I didn’t get away as early as I would have liked, but I still got away at the normal so it wasn’t too bad.
It now back to my normal work, reading specifications and checking that they and the drawing conform to all statutory regulations and the actual design is build able.
A number of South American leaders have issued warnings over the production of biofuel. Speaking in the New York the Bolivian President Evo Morales said that the production of biofuel will harm the world poorest people.
Opening a UN forum on the global impact of climate change on indigenous peoples, Mr Morales said that capitalism should be scrapped if the planet is to be saved from the effects of climate change. "If we want to save our planet earth, we have a duty to put an end to the capitalist system," he said.
Campaigners say providing a renewable alternative for conventional fuels can help stop global warming. But as food prices climb worldwide, there is a fear that development of biofuels could reduce the production of badly-needed basic foodstuffs. The EU has come under criticism for its target of getting 10% of road transport fuel from crops by 2020.
Meanwhile UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is hosting a meeting to discuss European policy encouraging biofuels. Ahead of the meeting, Mr Brown said that the UK should be "more selective in our support" for biofuels.
Not a bad day so far, have leant lots of interesting stuff, the question is though will I remember it when I come to need it. I won’t be using it every day, so when I come to use in probably 2 or 3 months time, I doubt that I will remember any of it.
But it seems a relatively simple system to use so I should be able to find myself around pretty quickly in future.
Oh well back to work in question.
Rabbit
A very quiet day yesterday, I just vegetated on the sofa read the newspapers and a book. Later on in day while I finished pressing my shirts for the week and of the course the rest of the ironing I watched a DVD. Altogether it was a very relaxing day, no stress or worries. I didn’t even come back on here.
Today is a training day; I am learning the company’s financial package, how to raise orders, goods receipting that type of thing, should be very interesting (I don’t think so). Unfortunately it has to done, so there’s no getting out of it. The only good thing is that we should finish early
Rabbit
It seems very quiet this morning, not a lot of traffic on the road, I had a little lay in this morning didn't get out of bed until 09:00, which is very unusual for me.
Not a lot planned today, a quick tidy around the house and I have to press my shirts and that about it. I don't think I will be going out the weather doesn't look to good!
Rabbit
