From the hard 'c' to the sharp 't'

I used to collect background material and make notes and write salient points and themes and areas for debate. Now, mostly, I’ve got one newspaper cutting with four letters scrawled at the top of it and the rest is window-dressing. When John Reid panics the nation by telling us that it is highly likely we will be under attack from terrorists in the build-up to Christmas and absolutely nothing happens, and I recall that this is the same man who, as Defence Minister, justified dispatching more British troops to a hellish, lawless region of Afghanistan by glibly suggesting they would probably leave without a bullet being fired, I no longer think of a thousand words. I think of one.

From Martin Samuels' column in The Times.

Ludmilla's Broken English by DBC Pierre

Ludmilla's Broken English by DBC Pierre
Originally uploaded by Ian Wilson.

For Nat's meme that she tagged me with ages ago.

1. Take the nearest book and go to page 123.
2. Go to the fifth sentence of the page.
3. Copy down the next three sentences and tag three people.
4. Either do this at work, or do it on a book about or relating to your work.
5. Did you know about the information in these sentences? Does the information affect your day-to-day work, ie, is it an aspect of your work that you actually use or have interest in?

I have absolutely no books relating to work right now so I just went with the novel that I was reading. I've included a couple more sentences.

'I can only tell you this: that last night, while you bumbled around talking nonsense about the healing properties of mud, and other senseless inutilities about nothing, and probably already lounged with bread and drink while I fought my way through the snows - I secured our first shipment of communication technologies. The result of this action, even as you scorn me to my face, is that within a week - two at most - I predict you'll insult me instead from the balcony of a duplex on the Caspian.'
Irina's head puckered like an old party balloon. 'Just tell us,' she whispered.
'And let me announce' - Maks raised a glorious finger - 'in case you thought it was shit what I now said, that these are the first instruments of their kind anywhere in these republics. Better even than Nokia.'

I'm not going to tag anyone because I would struggle to deal with the rejection of one of them not actually propagating the meme at my request. However, if you feel the need why don't you run with it.

Watch more gigs, take better photos, play club hockey

The Rebecca's @ Lovebuzz
Originally uploaded by Ian Wilson.

Those are my new year resolutions. Nothing really ground breaking but they're all things that will make Ian happy.

I kick started the gig endeavor with a trip out to Archway with Gill to catch The Rebecca's live. It was meant to be a quiet night as funding is short, and we would catch the last train home. As the adage goes, quiet nights often end up being the biggest. By 1am we where 7 pints better off, had missed the last train home (but managed to find a place to stay), and watched four great unsigned indie bands. It was a good night... I crawled home at 13:00 the next afternoon... just in time to shower, have a meal, and head out the door to watch the football (arg!), drink more beer, and then go for cocktails at Chateau 6 in Fulham.

Wash, rince, repeat. It was a good weekend.

I took about 500 photo's on Friday night but only managed to salvage about 8 thanks to crap light and beer affected camera skills. Was then handed my arse on a plate by Mr Neal who did some post production work on a photo I took that completely pwned the stuff I'd done. Bah, I'll get it eventually... although if anyone wants to share hints for reducing noise in low light shots, please do.

Other than that life ticks along. The South Africa holiday creeps ever nearer (late Feb for anyone interested), and the bun fight for the New York trip starts this week as well. I need to prove that I've done enough at work to be eligible for an all expenses trip to New York for Nat and I. I'm in the running at the moment but will only find out on the 17th/18th.

I also did the unthinkable and signed up to Myspace. I feel like I've sold out completely. I loathe Myspace almost as much as I do 50 Cent. The flip side is that I can stay up to date with local indie band gigs. I'm here (if you're also lame enough to have a Myspace page).

Signing out.

How to Wrap a Headphone Cable

This has got to be one of the most useful videos I've ever seen. Complements of Lifehacker.

I promptly went and wrapped both my headphone cables in this manner, clawing back a tiny particle of organisation from the usual maelstrom of my life.