An Air France plane has disappeared over the Atlantic.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8076848.stm
Thoughts go to all those who know travellers on that flight.
June 1, 2009
May 2, 2009
Tomorrow I die, apparently…
I started reading one of those chain-mail things yesterday. It stated that if I failed to forward on the message to at least 4 people, I would die within 2 days. So, I’m afraid, my days are numbered, and I perish in the next 24 hours. Never did like those tagging/chain mail things…
April 18, 2009
Fight back!
Something inside me snapped. I’d got tired of hearing of job losses, jobs outsourced overseas etc. So I decided to do something about it. I set up this site (only started functioning today):
http://www.howtofightback.co.uk/
I’m hoping that it’ll give people help and encouragement in looking for work, writing cvs or starting up on their own. Early days obviously, but I want to make it a great resource spot as well as somewhere for people to give their opinion and encourage others.
So, if you’re reading this, please take a look. Better still, join the forum and give your nuggets of advice. It may help one of us find a job some day!
April 14, 2009
Humour
If you’ve ever gotten involved in a stupid argument on an internet forum:
wrong!
well – it made me laugh!
April 12, 2009
Busy standing still
Although I’ve not been in gainful work, I’ve been very busy the last week or so. I’ve taken advantage of my enforced free time to move my computing blog on mysql to a new host (the old one was very inefficient; I know from looking at the logs there must have been quite a few people who tried to look at the site, but logged off when the page failed to display within a few seconds). http://www.oxfordtechnotes.co.uk/sqlblog/blog4.php I’ve also made tentative steps to setting up a webshop – not functional yet (and I have to sort out design/skin as well) but the foundations are there. Plus I’m learning about hosting webspace – I may be able to rent out managed server sites (with databases and applications) to small businesses – instead of them paying an IT geek(s) full-time wages and maintaining computer equipment, I can provide it all for say 700 a month. But in the immediate future I suspect my earning potential will have to come from gardening and odd-jobs. If things go to plan, I will have the services of a car from the end of this month. If so I reckon I can earn money mowing gardens/trimming hedges etc in the richer part of town. It’s something I did in south London a few years ago. No chance of doing it locally though – those who could afford to pay me are the type who would do it themselves (can’t blame them, I’m exactly the same).
Well there’s a famous expression about the plans of mice and men, but you have to try, don’t you? Maybe we’ll all be hunting mushrooms and berries to eat soon?
April 3, 2009
No real jobs around..
..so it’s about time I started up my own business. Any ideas anyone? Actually I have quite a few potential scenarios and I will be following these up over the next few weeks. I suspect I’ll have to work in several fields in the attempt to keep my head above water. Watch this space…
Having said that, it’s really nice and sunny outside again. I may just go for long walks every day if the good weather continues…:)
March 24, 2009
Buskers
I’m one of those mugs who give money occasionally to beggars or the homeless, especially if they’re selling the Big Issue. Well, when I’m in work I do so. I musr admit that part of this is a real fear that I could end up in the same situation (although I have an exit strategy planned if things get this bad). But I find it hard to give to buskers – it seems like a double reward to me. They are already blessed with the ability to play an instrument (and many can earn a living in a band or orchestra). So why are they seeking funds from people less fortunate than themselves? Still, at the moment this question is academic. Looks like I’m going to have a long spell without work. A chance to enjoy all this sunshine we’re getting? Plus keep plugging away at my computer ventures – more of this in a later post…
March 14, 2009
Are we doomed?
Companies and factories appear to be closing down wherever we look. Yet the only action the government appears able to take is to pump umpteen billions of pounds into the failed banks. Have we all gone mad? I wouldn’t mind if it seemed to be working, but so far things look grim. Let’s hope the economy picks up soon.
March 11, 2009
Comillas
I don’t have any photos of my trip (my battery went dead on my mobile). But this clip shows some of the marvellous scenery around Comillas, where I was at the weekend.
March 2, 2009
Back to Madrid
My latest job has come to an end, and I’m taking the opportunity to fly off to Madrid (and then Santander) for a few days. The forecast seems to predict heavy rain later this week, which is not welcome! Temperatures don’t seem too pleasant either – Minimum tomorrow in Madrid is -2, maximum 7. But I’m sure I can have a good time even so! Here in the UK it’s turned a little colder, but there’s been quite a bit of sun today, which is good news. Even if the Spring rains come, at least we get the longer days. Looking good!
