This is the first post using Google's 'custom publishing' link (after they decided, on apparently sound grounds, it must be said).
Information Is Beautiful and we all know I love a good visualiser, so I was triffically excited to stumble over "Reduce Your Chances of Dying in a Plane Crash"
This sums up the beginning of the 21st century for me.....at least, the Tech side of it.
Pat is my oldest friend and Godfather to both my (current) kids. We miss him terribly, so here's something to put a smile on your face - Mr Vigers would be proud!
They happen all too rarely these days, so when my addled brain stumbles upon a swift, witty or even plain coherent response, they are probably worth noting.Whilst trying to elicit a dinner guest's preference for main course this evening, I suddenly came upon the ideal statement for the situation.
"I'd rather cook what you wanted to eat, than you eat what I wanted to cook."
I thought it was quite cool, but I suspect Marcus and Arthur missed it due to someone on Jackass doing themselves a mischief.
So they got Packet Enchiladas. That'll teach 'em.
Today is MJL's birthday. Sixteen years ago Anna and I were doing lots of things, starting with sleeping peacefully, and ending with sleeping fitfully. In between we did grinning insanely, shouting in pain, staring astonished, some more grinning, and lots, and lots, of hugging. We are stilling doing much the same, although not so 'compressed: you run through the steps first in just 24 hours, then you repeat them slower over the next sixteen years apparently.As a 'product' I think that we have moulded well - he's strong and clever, vocally adept and adored by his friends. He can be lazy, but he can work like a Trojan (sic) and he's not uncomfortable on the eye ;-)
As a person, he is a self-made Man. What he has accomplished in sixteen years is a source of wonder and pride to me, and his entire family. He is entertaining and engaging, a little shy, but with a laugh that makes me join in just at the thought of it. He is clever and insightful, seldom moody, (he's not very good at it) and very, very funny.
It has been a delight and a privilege, thank you and happy birthday Marcus Jordan Lister Hollingsworth.
I'm re-reading Archangel (just because I have nothing else I want to get started before Christmas!) and coincidentally, I'm playing Poker online, and one of the players has an image of Karl Marx as his Avatar.Putting 'gim Karl Marx' into my excellent search-bar addin by YubNub.org resulted in a picture of a Lego Karl, and this eaqually excellent Lenin figurine.
It's the simple things that make me smile!
Tonight, I'm very, VERY proud of Adam, Arthur, Lotte and Marcus. They played at their school tonight, supporting Rod Aldrige and Phil Hogg's presentation of the new Falmer Academy to prospective parents of next year's intake.
From the start, they were confident, accomplished, the words had meaning, and they gave their audience what they wanted.
Rod Aldridge on the other hand....
I believe the Children are our future(sic).
From the start, they were confident, accomplished, the words had meaning, and they gave their audience what they wanted.
Rod Aldridge on the other hand....
I believe the Children are our future(sic).
Just because it ALWAYS makes me laugh.
Addendum - there is a nice variation here.
Addendum - there is a nice variation here.

18 years ago this month, Anna and I were settling into the evening in our new flat in south London. Suddenly, through the part-open window, in streaked a brown and black blur, scooting across the living room floor and disappearing into the Kitchen.
Upon entering the kitchen, we were more than a little surprised to observe a cat peering at us from inside the washing machine! A quick phonecall to the Martin (the previous tenent, landlord and mate) explained the weird goings-on -
Hornby (for 'twas his name) was used to waiting in the drum whilst his food was dished-up.
And so began Hornby's adoption of Ben and Anna. Throughout his 18 years with us (we STILL don't know when he was born) he has supplied the ammunition for many a good tail (sic) - for example, buy me a drink and ask about the first time he saw a Seagull - and has provided us with cuddles, scratches, bits of animals (he's seen a couple of Hamsters off too) and adorable photos.
We have been feeding him by hand for the past few days, and Anna and I said goodbye to him finally around midday : old age won, as it always does. As is the Family tradition, he will be laid to rest in his garden this evening.
Thank you Hornby - for everything. We love you.








