Our esteem Prime Minister has stated that Britain is a Christian country totally ignoring the fact that a vast majority of people on the last census stated that they had no religious beliefs.
Our governmental system however is full of the influence of the religions, their influence far outweighs their numbers. Why should this be, why should we all be ruled by a storybook that most people do not believe is anywhere near the truth? But of course religion is seen as a control on the population, something that it was originally designed to be. Be good, work hard, don't complain and you will go to heaven, be bad, lazy and moan and go to hell. Nice!
The truth is that we can explain most things in the universe and those that we can't we are working on. It looks like the Higgs Boson has finally be found, that being the part of all matter that gives it mass, although the news that neutrinos have been observed to travel faster than the speed of light is an unexpected one. But that is science in all its glory, changing and evolving as new evidence comes to light and as scientists explore and theorize over the information we get wonderful new ideas and theories coming to light.
The real upshot of this is that as a species man no longer needs religion to give him rules and explain the universe as we have outgrown it to a huge extent.
After saying that I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :-)
Monday, 19 December 2011
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Brasilian Grand Prix
The last race of a long year is almost with us, the qualifying is still to run, and it marks the end of an era. F1 has always been available free-to-air in the UK except for a short time when Ecclestone had a dedicated channel that removed a lot of the info and in-car from the free-to-air. That proved to be a failure and it all returned to the public feed.
The coverage improved over time, the only hick-up was when it moved to ITV and the dreaded adverts, even with this overall the coverage improved. The BBC regained the coverage and improved it even more to a point where I could not see where more improvements could come from. We all looked forward to many years of such quality coverage when the rug was pulled from under us and the coverage moves behind the SKY paywall with a restricted feed on the BBC seemingly designed to discorage people from watching and instead paying £300-£600 per year to get the new SKY channel.
I will continue watching it on the BBC as I do not have the money to spare for SKY and I am unwilling to give up my fast Internet connection with Virgin to downgrade to copper internet with SKY and BT.
The coverage improved over time, the only hick-up was when it moved to ITV and the dreaded adverts, even with this overall the coverage improved. The BBC regained the coverage and improved it even more to a point where I could not see where more improvements could come from. We all looked forward to many years of such quality coverage when the rug was pulled from under us and the coverage moves behind the SKY paywall with a restricted feed on the BBC seemingly designed to discorage people from watching and instead paying £300-£600 per year to get the new SKY channel.
I will continue watching it on the BBC as I do not have the money to spare for SKY and I am unwilling to give up my fast Internet connection with Virgin to downgrade to copper internet with SKY and BT.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Christmas is coming!
As I write this post we have only 1 month till Christmas. Have you got all your presents yet? No! Me neither.
I really need to get my arse in gear and buy some goodies for the Wife. She has presented me with a list of things and, of course, I will also have to use my wit and cunning to find her something not on that list so as to keep on her good side.
Tidying up the kitchen area so it is now free of all my model railway 'rubbish' (as she so wonderfully puts it) should earn a few brownie points and I plan to tackle some of the stuff in our bedroom over the weekend as well as getting the Xmas decs down from the loft for a quick once over to see what we need for this year.
Work, work, work! :-)
I really need to get my arse in gear and buy some goodies for the Wife. She has presented me with a list of things and, of course, I will also have to use my wit and cunning to find her something not on that list so as to keep on her good side.
Tidying up the kitchen area so it is now free of all my model railway 'rubbish' (as she so wonderfully puts it) should earn a few brownie points and I plan to tackle some of the stuff in our bedroom over the weekend as well as getting the Xmas decs down from the loft for a quick once over to see what we need for this year.
Work, work, work! :-)
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Remembrance Poppy
On the lead up to the remembrance weekend there has been a lot of negative postings on social networks about the red poppy that we wear to show respect to the fallen in the great wars. It has been accused of being a symbol to glorify war and as a fashion statement with the glittery ones worn by several celebrities being held up as examples.
What we need to remember is that the poppy was chosen as it flowered in great numbers on the battlefields in France after the war had ended and became a symbol for soldiers when remembering their fallen comrades. It was taken up by the people as a national sign of remembrance and we now wear it every November to show a united front against those who would rather the memories were forgotten.
The alternative white poppy means nothing, it has no valid symbolic meaning and is worn by those very people who would rather the soldiers names were wiped from history.
I for one remember the stories my Grandad and his friends told of the war. Many were happy memories but most were of their friends who are no longer with us. I realized then how much the horrors of war affected people and still realize that war should never be glorified however the act of remembering those who did fight in a war against tyranny and oppression and who still fight that war is an important one.
Wear your poppy with pride and show those who wish to tarnish the memory of the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts who fell on the battle field and at home that they will never win this war.
What we need to remember is that the poppy was chosen as it flowered in great numbers on the battlefields in France after the war had ended and became a symbol for soldiers when remembering their fallen comrades. It was taken up by the people as a national sign of remembrance and we now wear it every November to show a united front against those who would rather the memories were forgotten.
The alternative white poppy means nothing, it has no valid symbolic meaning and is worn by those very people who would rather the soldiers names were wiped from history.
I for one remember the stories my Grandad and his friends told of the war. Many were happy memories but most were of their friends who are no longer with us. I realized then how much the horrors of war affected people and still realize that war should never be glorified however the act of remembering those who did fight in a war against tyranny and oppression and who still fight that war is an important one.
Wear your poppy with pride and show those who wish to tarnish the memory of the sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts who fell on the battle field and at home that they will never win this war.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Good news, bad news
It has not been a very good end to the year for some. What with the deaths in motorsport we have also lost Jimmy Saville and, from the boxing world, Joe Frazier, plus just this afternoon we have news that a second Red Arrows pilot has died in what looks like an accident with his ejector seat. Nothing there to make you smile.
On the good side we have seen Alex Zanardi, an ex-Formula One driver who, despite a huge accident that saw him lose both legs, still managed to return to the cockpit in a BMW touring car. He has also taken up the sport of Handbiking and recently won the class in the New York Marathon and we may well see him in London next year for the paralympics.
One other good thing was the reaction to the deaths of Dan and Marco with drivers and riders marking their passing at the last race meetings. The MotoGP was perhaps the most poignant with the entire field, 125's, GP2 and Moto GP's all riding round the circuit joined by Kevin Schwantz on Marco's bike. It bought a real lump to the throat.
On the good side we have seen Alex Zanardi, an ex-Formula One driver who, despite a huge accident that saw him lose both legs, still managed to return to the cockpit in a BMW touring car. He has also taken up the sport of Handbiking and recently won the class in the New York Marathon and we may well see him in London next year for the paralympics.
One other good thing was the reaction to the deaths of Dan and Marco with drivers and riders marking their passing at the last race meetings. The MotoGP was perhaps the most poignant with the entire field, 125's, GP2 and Moto GP's all riding round the circuit joined by Kevin Schwantz on Marco's bike. It bought a real lump to the throat.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
The Indian Grand Prix
This weekend we see a new race added to the Formula One schedule at the Buddh International Circuit. This race track has been built purely for Formula One and has had a rather rocky path to its completion with problems in construction (mainly down to corruption in the government) as well as protests by local farmers who claim they have either not been paid for their land or have been paid too little.
The pictures of the circuit make it look good, some interesting corners and a desire by the organisers to make a success of the event will surely help to create a real spectacle, although after the tragedy of the last two weekends perhaps a quiet one would be in order.
I really hope that McLaren can continue their fightback against Red Bull, I would love to see a McLaren 1-2 (don't care what order) and then, hopefully, with the rules changing very little for next year they will be in a good position to challenge Red Bull properly next year.
Can't wait :-)
The pictures of the circuit make it look good, some interesting corners and a desire by the organisers to make a success of the event will surely help to create a real spectacle, although after the tragedy of the last two weekends perhaps a quiet one would be in order.
I really hope that McLaren can continue their fightback against Red Bull, I would love to see a McLaren 1-2 (don't care what order) and then, hopefully, with the rules changing very little for next year they will be in a good position to challenge Red Bull properly next year.
Can't wait :-)
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Marco Simoncelli 1987-2011
It is terribly sad that I find myself looking back on the career of yet another young talent cruely snatched from us.
Marco was born in Italy and through his rise to the top of his sport he won the European 125 title (2002), the 250cc World Championship (2008) and was knocking on the door of his first win in Motogp after his pole in Catalunya and 2nd place finish in Australia this year.
An immensely talented young man who many thought was going to be seen as the new Rossi. Wins and championships were surely not far away.
Now the man from Cattolica with the shock of hair who showed his class time and time again will no longer grace the MotoGP grids.
As with Dan I can only say, goodby Marco, rest in peace.
Marco was born in Italy and through his rise to the top of his sport he won the European 125 title (2002), the 250cc World Championship (2008) and was knocking on the door of his first win in Motogp after his pole in Catalunya and 2nd place finish in Australia this year.
An immensely talented young man who many thought was going to be seen as the new Rossi. Wins and championships were surely not far away.
Now the man from Cattolica with the shock of hair who showed his class time and time again will no longer grace the MotoGP grids.
As with Dan I can only say, goodby Marco, rest in peace.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Dan Wheldon 1978-2011
On Sunday a great talent was extinguished. A man who had risen from the ranks of the British Cadet Karts through Formula Vauxhall Junior and Formula Ford where he was to race against future champion Jenson Button. He won championships in all the series he raced in, several at the first try.
His career in Europe stalled and he moved to America where he found fame and fortune in Formula Ford 2000, Toyota Atlantic and Indy Lights where his smooth and fast driving style shone through.
In 2003 he made the step up to Indycar with Andretti Green and it wasn't long before he was into winning ways despite a crash at the Brickyard that saw his car flip. 2004 saw his first victory in the IRL at Motegi and then he joined the ranks of the greats by winning at the Brickyard in 2005, the first Brit to do so since Graham Hill in 1966 and then going on to win the championship
He did get an invite to be a reserve driver for BMW Sauber but it never came to pass with the post going to Robert Kubica and he stayed in Indy with Chip Ganassi Racing. Back to back titles just eluded him as he lost the 2006 title on point countback.
It is ironic that his smooth, fluid style suited the ovals best and he had little success on the road courses that were rapidly making up a majority of the races. He showed his style with several runner up finishes at Indy and, after loosing his full time drive in 2009, he returned as a one-off at the Brickyard to win the race.
His final race at Vegas was another single race where he was to try to win the race from the back to gain a $5,000,000 prize. At the time of the accident he was well on the way to do so having past 10 cars in as many laps. The crash that took his life was not his own, he was just unlucky to be caight in somebody elses mistake.
Perhaps the best way to end this little tribute is to use the words that Marty Reid used when signing off Sky's coverage of the race.
'People ask me why I always sign off by saying till we meet again, it's because goodbye is so final. Goodbye Dan Wheldon'
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Dan Wheldon
It is with great sadness that, with reference to my previous post, I have to report the death of Indycar driver Dan Wheldon.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
British Touring Car Championship at Silverstone
I write this having just returned from Silverstone for the final BTCC meeting of the year. Sadly we didn't see Jason Plato take the championship, a puncture in the first race made sure of that. However we did see some really good racing with Alex Lynn winning in the Renault single seaters, which was good.
We also bumped into Chris van de Drift, a talented driver who's career was almost finished with a huge smash in 2010. We first met him at a charity go-cart race at Milton Keynes Raceway organised to raise money for his treatment. I am pleased to report he is almost fully fit, just a swollen finger left to heal, and he has been back behind the wheel of a race car with plans for next year in hand. Good luck to him.
We have returned home from the race to the news of a huge 15 car pile up in the Las Vegas Indy Car race, with several drivers in hospital after cars hit each other and the wall and included 3 cars flying through the air. All drivers are ok except for Dam Wheeldon of who we currently have no news. I do hope he is ok and that all the drivers involved get well soon.
We also bumped into Chris van de Drift, a talented driver who's career was almost finished with a huge smash in 2010. We first met him at a charity go-cart race at Milton Keynes Raceway organised to raise money for his treatment. I am pleased to report he is almost fully fit, just a swollen finger left to heal, and he has been back behind the wheel of a race car with plans for next year in hand. Good luck to him.
We have returned home from the race to the news of a huge 15 car pile up in the Las Vegas Indy Car race, with several drivers in hospital after cars hit each other and the wall and included 3 cars flying through the air. All drivers are ok except for Dam Wheeldon of who we currently have no news. I do hope he is ok and that all the drivers involved get well soon.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Sci-Fi
This weekend I watched two items of Sci-Fi storytelling told via two groundbreaking television series from either side of the Atlantic, although one has morphed into a series of high profile films whilst the other has remained on its original medium.
The First was Doctor Who with an episode entitled 'The Wedding of River Song' which told a complicated and sometimes confusing story of how the Doctor managed to escape being killed on the shores of Lake Silencio in Utah. I will not go through the story here except to say it didn't include a re-boot of the universe as several other series enders have, which was nice.
The second was a re-boot (no pun intended) of the Star Trek franchise introducing us to the much younger crew of the start ship Enterprise and putting them in a completely new time-line so that they would not be tied into the events of the original TV series and the other films. Clever stuff and very Dr Whoish as well.
What struck me was that I was actually looking at equivalent story types, Start Trek was Americas Dr Who. There have been several different captains of the Enterprise as there have been Doctors in the Tardis, plus the Tardis changed as did the Enterprise. (I include Voyager as a form of Enterprise in this as well).
Both series have a strong hero figure with many useful and in several cases, expendable, assistanys and companions. Both series have a space (and time) travelling ship that is very much central to the strories and takes on a charcter of its own to the point that the story without it is not very satisfying (The Search for Spock).
So what dis I think of the stories that I saw?
Dr Who was good if not as good as the Doctors Wife, it did certainly have its moments. I especially liked the ending when we found out what the question hidden in plain sight was (won't spoil it here). Can't wait for the next series as it will be the 50th anniversary year. All in all it was a slightly disappointing end to a brilliant series, but that said it would have been a humdinger for most other lesser series that we are subjected to from America!
Star Trek has always been the exception to the rule that American Sci-Fi will be formulaic and predictable. It told some really good stories and several of the films were great pieces of sci-fi art. The latest film was not really ground breaking and much like several of the Harry Potter films it really felt like there was a great story fighting to get out but that it was sacrificed somewhat to set-up the next film. I really hope this will be a good one as the set-up was nicely done if a little bit slow at times.
The First was Doctor Who with an episode entitled 'The Wedding of River Song' which told a complicated and sometimes confusing story of how the Doctor managed to escape being killed on the shores of Lake Silencio in Utah. I will not go through the story here except to say it didn't include a re-boot of the universe as several other series enders have, which was nice.
The second was a re-boot (no pun intended) of the Star Trek franchise introducing us to the much younger crew of the start ship Enterprise and putting them in a completely new time-line so that they would not be tied into the events of the original TV series and the other films. Clever stuff and very Dr Whoish as well.
What struck me was that I was actually looking at equivalent story types, Start Trek was Americas Dr Who. There have been several different captains of the Enterprise as there have been Doctors in the Tardis, plus the Tardis changed as did the Enterprise. (I include Voyager as a form of Enterprise in this as well).
Both series have a strong hero figure with many useful and in several cases, expendable, assistanys and companions. Both series have a space (and time) travelling ship that is very much central to the strories and takes on a charcter of its own to the point that the story without it is not very satisfying (The Search for Spock).
So what dis I think of the stories that I saw?
Dr Who was good if not as good as the Doctors Wife, it did certainly have its moments. I especially liked the ending when we found out what the question hidden in plain sight was (won't spoil it here). Can't wait for the next series as it will be the 50th anniversary year. All in all it was a slightly disappointing end to a brilliant series, but that said it would have been a humdinger for most other lesser series that we are subjected to from America!
Star Trek has always been the exception to the rule that American Sci-Fi will be formulaic and predictable. It told some really good stories and several of the films were great pieces of sci-fi art. The latest film was not really ground breaking and much like several of the Harry Potter films it really felt like there was a great story fighting to get out but that it was sacrificed somewhat to set-up the next film. I really hope this will be a good one as the set-up was nicely done if a little bit slow at times.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Singapore Grand Prix
One of my favorite pastimes is watching Motorsport and so the Grand Prix season is something I never miss. The Grand Prix at Singapore is not usually one of the best despite the spectacular city around which the track winds, lit by thousands of projector lamps. The reason for the lamps? The race is run to European times so is actually run at night so the track is lit-up and in aerial shots it looks like a ribbon of light.
The race can be boring due to the street race circuit and its lack of overtaking places. Even Mr Hamilton could not overtake round here in years past. This year, however, we had DRS (Drag Reduction System) which gives the following car an advantage which allowed overtaking all through the field.
The jury is out on DRS but I like it, give me some overtaking any day.
So to the race. Mr Vetel was on pole with his team mate beside him and the Mclarens and Ferraris in rows behined. At the start Hamilton looked like he was going to get into second but got hung out in the wind and ended up back in the pack. Button was the winner getting a second place that he would not give up.
The main story of the race was Hamilton's fightback and his little moment with Massa which saw the McLaren loose part of its front wing and the Ferrari pick up a puncture. Hamilton got a drive through penalty and a rather prima-donna flounce from Massa at the interviews after the race.
The World Championship could have been won by Vettel this race but Buttons 2nd place saw it roll over to the next race where McLaren need to win to keep their hopes alive but seeing as Vettel is only 1 point away from winning it does seem like a foregone conclusion.
The race can be boring due to the street race circuit and its lack of overtaking places. Even Mr Hamilton could not overtake round here in years past. This year, however, we had DRS (Drag Reduction System) which gives the following car an advantage which allowed overtaking all through the field.
The jury is out on DRS but I like it, give me some overtaking any day.
So to the race. Mr Vetel was on pole with his team mate beside him and the Mclarens and Ferraris in rows behined. At the start Hamilton looked like he was going to get into second but got hung out in the wind and ended up back in the pack. Button was the winner getting a second place that he would not give up.
The main story of the race was Hamilton's fightback and his little moment with Massa which saw the McLaren loose part of its front wing and the Ferrari pick up a puncture. Hamilton got a drive through penalty and a rather prima-donna flounce from Massa at the interviews after the race.
The World Championship could have been won by Vettel this race but Buttons 2nd place saw it roll over to the next race where McLaren need to win to keep their hopes alive but seeing as Vettel is only 1 point away from winning it does seem like a foregone conclusion.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Bicycle news
I have finally broken the 100 mile barrier on my bike, and thats only through cycling too and from work. I am still finding that I am panting a lot when I get home but I recover quicker and the muscles in my legs are starting to respond better. Many years of no exercise have taken their toll!
I may go for a ride tomorrow to get a few geocaches nearby, depends on the weather
I may go for a ride tomorrow to get a few geocaches nearby, depends on the weather
Saturday, 17 September 2011
The Weather
It is a real English tradition to talk about the weather, I am English so here goes.
What is it with the weather just lately? One minute the suns out and its hot, the next it's raining and very muggy. Then the temperature falls and the central heating clicks on, then once more its hot seemingly within a few minutes!
Also why does it rain only on my rest days? I want to get out in the garden and do some work on the railway as well as getting the weeding done but I am buggered if I am doing it in the rain.
One really good thing about our climate though is the greenery, tress grass and shrubs all love the wet then sun and heat, and I love to go out into the countryside to enjoy it.
Hopefully the weather will get better next week so that I can do a bit of Geo-Caching next Friday, tomorrow (sunday) looks like it is going to be a washout.
What is it with the weather just lately? One minute the suns out and its hot, the next it's raining and very muggy. Then the temperature falls and the central heating clicks on, then once more its hot seemingly within a few minutes!
Also why does it rain only on my rest days? I want to get out in the garden and do some work on the railway as well as getting the weeding done but I am buggered if I am doing it in the rain.
One really good thing about our climate though is the greenery, tress grass and shrubs all love the wet then sun and heat, and I love to go out into the countryside to enjoy it.
Hopefully the weather will get better next week so that I can do a bit of Geo-Caching next Friday, tomorrow (sunday) looks like it is going to be a washout.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Good start to holiday
A friend of my daughters was racing in his MX5 (the blue one in the picture on the left) and he won both his races which was a good result for a really great day.
Monday and Tuesday saw us getting the caravan ready for a few days away, my next post will be when we get back.
Friday, 12 August 2011
Holiday Time!
Thats it, i am now officially on holiday for two weeks. No more threading a 40 ft bus full of moaning passengers down overcrowded streets for me for the next 2 weeks.
Only going away for a few days the rest will be spent visiting local places and doing some DIY.
I am hoping to get a few more GeoCaches during my holiday and increase my rather poor total so far although it does include a few from France which I found during last years holiday.
If you dont know about geocaching the why not have a look at the website: www.geocaching.com where you can find out all about it. All you need is a GPS and as most smart phones have them built in most people can enjoy this fun pastime than ever before.
Only going away for a few days the rest will be spent visiting local places and doing some DIY.
I am hoping to get a few more GeoCaches during my holiday and increase my rather poor total so far although it does include a few from France which I found during last years holiday.
If you dont know about geocaching the why not have a look at the website: www.geocaching.com where you can find out all about it. All you need is a GPS and as most smart phones have them built in most people can enjoy this fun pastime than ever before.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
It all starts here
Ah, my first blog. Its a nice feeling when you are at the start of something, a train journey, a relationship, owning a new toy etc. Starting a new blog is just the same.
My day consisted of getting up at silly O'Clock (4:20am), going into work and driving a 40ft bus from my hometown in Harlow to Heathrow airport. The journey would normally take an hour but our convoluted route takes at least 3.
One thing about driving for a living is that you get a good idea of the standards of driving, and folks, it is bad out there. Drivers don't seem to be able to obey speed limits, stop sighns and no entry signs, they treat indication as optional and they don't seem to have any concept of the width of their car.
Subsequently I have to constantly use my driving skills to avoid their accidents.
I have been watching footage of the riots in various cities in the UK and I have to wonder where this country is going to, hopefully not down the drain.
My day consisted of getting up at silly O'Clock (4:20am), going into work and driving a 40ft bus from my hometown in Harlow to Heathrow airport. The journey would normally take an hour but our convoluted route takes at least 3.
One thing about driving for a living is that you get a good idea of the standards of driving, and folks, it is bad out there. Drivers don't seem to be able to obey speed limits, stop sighns and no entry signs, they treat indication as optional and they don't seem to have any concept of the width of their car.
Subsequently I have to constantly use my driving skills to avoid their accidents.
I have been watching footage of the riots in various cities in the UK and I have to wonder where this country is going to, hopefully not down the drain.
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