If you’ve ever gotten involved in a stupid argument on an internet forum:
wrong!
well – it made me laugh!
April 14, 2009
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!
February 18, 2009
Yes, there is a recession.
I had a couple of signs today that the recesssion is starting to take effect. Firstly, an order I’d made with Amazon came early. Secondly, my bus (or at least the second stage bus) to work actually got there on time – no delays due to over-congestion. So the economy is definitely slowing out there. Of course, come March (when I’m out of work again) I’ll be able to experience it first-hand. At least I’ve had plenty of practice of being without a job over the last 7 years. I’m looking forward to walking in the sunshine again!
February 9, 2009
Great News!
MJ from BA is back. Great to see you again MJ!!
February 7, 2009
Live with it
It’s estimated that between 3 and 4 billion’s worth of work has been lost by problems caused by snow in the UK. Well guess what – no-one cares! It’s not often people get the chance to take some time out, play in the snow and generally escape the stress of modern day life. I find snow to be quite amazing – it transforms the landscape, and even the greyest ugliest townscape can become virgin white (if only for a few hours). Besides which, 3 – 4 billion? Look, we’ve just had to pay off the banksters to the tune of hundreds of billions. These big figures no longer impress us!
