I'm a Blackpool fool!!

Can somebody please remind me, when this time next year, I am flapping about doing my personal tax return, that it actually only took me fifteen minutes today.

I am on late shift tomorrow night at work, working until nine pee emm.... Ker-ching! You can almost see the pound signs lighting up in my eyes.

I really need to get some gaming action fitted into my life... Today I was dreaming back to playing Trophy Bass 4 fishing game online... Oh, the international fishing tournaments we had.

I don't know why I have this fascination with fishing games. Is it strange? Some people like to play driving games, some people like to play snowboarding games, some people like to play fighting games.... With me, it's all of the above, but mostly I have the fondest memories of fishing.

I still have two games left over from my Christmas haul, that as yet, remain unplayed. This is purely criminal! I'd hate to get run over by a bus tomorrow and not have played them.

I've reached a Pogo impasse. I have achieved all the weekly challenge badges available to me now. The only badges left are for achieving certain ranks within each game. These are called "game awards" and take a notoriously inordinate amount of time and effort.

Take for example, my "Tri-Peaks Solitaire" Jaguar badge.... In order to achieve this thing, I had to play something in the region of twenty thousand hands!! Think about that for a minute... In that minute, you might have completed one hand if you are lucky!!

So that'll be the two weeks of my life that I can't account for!!

Talking of wasting two weeks.... Remember my call centre hell from January the third? Well, the conversation ended with them telling me that my security code would be in the post the following day. I had to call them back today and go through the most ridiculous conversation in order to ascertain that the code was never posted. The reason? Apparently, it was never posted to me because they never posted a letter that should have come before, and because the computer showed that this previous letter had never been sent, then how on earth could I want the next one? I would honestly effing fire the lot of them!!

Sad to say, this is the final week of England for the Rt. Hon. Spice The Cat and his good lady wife. I sure am gonna miss them, and wish to take this opportunity to wish them both the best of luck in their new adventure. Dave's been a good friend for a fair number of years now. He's a special, undemanding, reliable, friend. Good luck to you both and bon voyage from Mr. and Mrs. A. Fox, Esq. If you have ten minutes spare Wednesday evening for a farewell cocktail then let me know!!

I really must get round to uploading some photographs from my phone.... All typing and no pictures makes fox go crazy!!

Foxy mood-o-meter says:

Mercurial.

I've got the fear....

Now I've copied one blog entry (see yesterday), I have a great deal of worry that it might happen again.

I am making sure that I make my blog entry before reading anyone else's today.

All characters herein are purely frictional. Any similarities between real events and anything you might read on the internet are coincidental, or is it accidental? No animals were hurt in the making of this blog.

My kitten is doing pretty well on Kittenwars last time I looked. So far, he's been in one hundred and eleven battles. He's won fifty six, lost forty one, and drawn fourteen. To be honest, I thought his picture was quite ugly, but he seems to be doing ok.

On the subject of kittens, we may well be expecting to hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws on our laminate flooring quite soon.

Recently, I've been researching some pedigree kittens. I always wanted a sphynx, but Michelle said the were too fugly, and they have a history of skin conditions etc.

I looked into getting a bengal, but for a housebound cat (pedigree cats are rarely built with sufficient road sense to venture into our garden alone), they are a trifle on the wild side, as they are not far removed from their wildcat cousins (mebbe just three generations).

It seems we may have reached a compromise with a cat known as the Devon Rex. I absolutely love this cat, and have tracked an available kitten down, but it's a few hundred miles away.

I have a real problem with pedigree animals though... It's an effing quandary for me. I'd be interested to know what people think about pedigrees and controlled animal breeding such as this.

One thing I have achieved today... This is quite laughable, but it's put me in a good mood, is to sift through a great deal of recorded programmes on my Sky+ and tried to watch as much of it as I could manage/stomach.

The result was me, spending most of the day, reclining on the monster bean bag, wrapped up in a faux zebra skin blanket, watching telly and drinking coffee with cinnamon swirls. Sunday heaven.

I never did get round to doing my personal tax return.... Time is ticking away.... The deadline for the payment is 31st January, and before then, my calculations need to get to the accountant and back again.... I do this EVERY damn year!! I usually have to take the day off work to hand deliver the payment and get a receipt on the very last day.

Quick recap of my movie quotes (just in case anyone was puzzled by any of them):

2nd Jan: Lawrence of Arabia.
3rd Jan: Kelly's Heroes.
4th Jan: Evil Dead II - Dead by Dawn.
5th Jan: Spirited Away.
6th Jan: O' Brother Where Art Thou.
7th Jan: Santa Sangre.
8th Jan: Crash.
9th Jan: Easy Rider.
10th Jan: Rollerball.
11th Jan: Fargo.
12th Jan: Apocalypse Now.
13th Jan: South Park - Bigger, Longer, and Uncut.
14th Jan: Existenz.

Ho hum, weekend over.... Psyching myself up for work.

Fox's mood of the day:

Incandescent.

Scuppered!!

I was going to explore the theory of Britain Day in today's blog, but spice-the-cat already did it... So go there and read it if you want to know about it.

Personally, I'm not so down on England as a country as spice is. I think England, although it is changing (not necessarily for the better) is a fascinating, complex, diverse country.

One thing about Britain Day that does make me wonder slightly (that spice hasn't discussed and I didn't mention in my comment on his site either) is that we already have Saint George's day.

In England we celebrate Saint Patrick's day with great abandon. Guinness sales figures will testify to this end. I think last St. Pat's day I managed to drink a staggering 20 pints of the black stuff.... I am spice's worst binge drinking nightmare. I don't know how I managed to crawl home.

So, why don't we celebrate Saint George's day with such enthusiasm... Will Britain Day be unconnected to our patron saint??

Seems odd to me.

Anyroad, it's been a quiet old Saturday for me... Been quite busy, but generally doing not very much.

I'm gonna kick back now, and get a cup of coffee and play some SSX. Tomorrow I shall scale the heady heights of personal tax!!

PS: I am now laughing at myself for making a whole blog out of something that had already been done, and which I said I was going to do... Sorry spice!!

Movie quote of the day:

"Then understand this. Understand that I knew you were my real assassin when you pointed that gun at me in the Chinese restaurant. And understand that you're dead. Death to the demon Ted Pikul! Have I won? Have I won the game? Have I won?"

You could hear a pin drop.

Is it just me, or has the blog world fallen asleep at the wheel?

Seems the recent MSN Spaces cock-up has caused a huge internal haemorrhaging of regular blog readers and commenters.

The last day yielded some forty (or so) page views and only elicited just two comments!!

The fox can hear the echoes as he rambles on... and on.... and on.

Does nobody care about the guy who got arrested for calling a police horse gay?

Does nobody wish to hear about Jodie's progress on Celebrity Big Brother, or the fact that Jimmy Saville may be entering the house this weekend?

Do my movie quotes simply float silently by, unnoticed, unloved?

Are fluorescent pigs not tickling your fancy anymore?

Does the full moon not fill you with trepidation, excitement, or sense of wonder?

I just added a new service that counts my page hits, and generates statistics about where my visitors come from... Two times nothing is still nothing!!

I feel unloved and isolated.

If I type a blog and there's nobody around to read it, does it still make a sound?

I am racking my brains, trying to think of new ways to entice people in. Trying to find ways to make the blog interesting. Endeavouring to bring people together. Disseminating nonsense, and trivia, in the only manner I know how.

Do I need to include the popular search terms: Bird flu, Lindsay Lohan, Wedding crashers, Texas Longhorns, Vince young..... (All of which feature in Google's fantastic Zeitgeist site, and all of which I know absolutely nothing about.

I give in... There's nothing I can do.

Lurkers are my only friends... nameless, faceless visitors, who stop by for whatever reason, and never elude to their purpose.

Thanks for dropping in.

Sign the guestbook, leave a comment, make a vote.... Just let me know you came and hated it and won't be coming back.

Movie quote of the day:

"Satan, your ass is gigantic and red. Who am I going to pretend you are, Liza Minelli?"

Give us a clue!

Big Brother is moving up a notch. It's gone all weird and funky, and everyone's arguing and ganging up. Even people who would only normally have a passing interest are seemingly becoming hooked. It's great. It's also very random!!



I would normally have sent this picture on to the mighty Kevski, for him to proudly display amongst his collection of great images. It was far too good to not show!! I guess for those amongst us who do not know the story, here it is:

He has no shame!!

In keeping with spice-the-cat's recent Vietnam article, I'd like to point out:

On this day in 1962, operation Ranch Hand was launched.

Ranch Hand was a quest to uncover the roads and trails being used by the Viet Cong. In order to achieve this end, they proceeded to "defoliate" the jungle of Vietnam and parts of Laos.

Vast quantities of herbicides were dumped on these countries, possibly in the region of nineteen million gallons, over an area of up to twenty percent of the land area.

The most famous of these herbicides, was the notorious "Agent Orange". The side effects recorded are:

- Skin rashes
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- Abnormally high incidence of miscarriages
- Congenital malformations

Chemical warfare at its most unholy. Countries have been invaded for less!!

Sorry my blog's a bit doom and gloom, but you can't beat some cold hard facts now and again.

Movie quote of the day:

"I watched a snail crawl along the edge of a straight razor. That's my dream. That's my nightmare. Crawling, slithering, along the edge of a straight... Razor... And surviving."

Fox laughs an evil laugh.

Lately, I have had trouble visiting most of my fellow blogger's blogs.

Lately, I've been reading about my fellow bloggers having their blog entries eaten.

Lately, I've had my comments lost somewhere between clicking "submit" and it actually appearing on the page.

I used to have my very own MSN Space. I lost too many entries. I lost too much time. I lost too much spontaneity.

I moved to Blogger as an experiment, to find out if there were other, better services on offer.

If you visit my old blog... If you can get to it.... You'll clearly see my last posting (apart from the blogshares listing) was a farewell to MSN Spaces, for all the reasons listed above.

There are loads of blogging tools out there. Your blog is too important to the world to leave it to the mercy of such a flaky service.

Friends, Romans, and fellow bloggers... Do us all a favour, find a new home!! The grass for me, has been greener to an exponential value on this side of the fence.

Movie quote of the day:

F***ing little weasel! F*** you! You f***ing motherf***er son of a bitch Jesus Christ you f***ing sh**bag motherf***er!

Transport of the future?

***** Warning. Geek alert. Non geeks may skip to the end of this section at will.

Was Sir Clive Sinclair a genius or a madman?

He brought us such things we could only dream about.

The first affordable, accessible household computers. The first truly "pocket" calculator. He sparked electronic revolution, with the ZX Spectrum.

What went wrong?

Twenty one years ago, Sir Clive's dream almost made it onto the starting blocks. On this very day in 1985, you could have walked out of the showrooms with a Sinclair C5 for about four hundred quid. Imagine.

It walked off the production line and into controversy.

The safety council said "The vehicle is too close to the ground and the driver has poor visibility in traffic".

Birmingham University's accident research unit claimed "It's a sort of milk float you're putting into the traffic stream and that sort of dislocation is going to cause conflicts, particularly turning right".

The legendary Stirling Moss, had this to say (following a test drive, can you imagine the scene?? I am almost wetting my pants thinking about it) "I think it's safe if you drive it realising it isn't a car... Ride it just like a bicycle and I think you should be alright."

If it's good enough for Stirling Moss, then it's good enough for a fox!

In memoriam:
The Sinclair C5 -
Launched: 10th Jan 1985
Produced: 12000
Original price: Four hundred pounds
2002 Cult price: Nine hundred pounds
2006 Cult price: Starting at seven hundred and fifty... Knock yourselves out!!

Sinclair (to my knowledge) are still going.... But who has heard of the bicycle propulsion device, or the radio that's the size of a coin that you put in your ear??

Thanks for the memories Sir Clive!

***** Geek free zone (well, a bit less geeky I guess) begins here.

Here's one of my kittens!! He hasn't won many battles yet.

My Blogshares have fallen through the floor... I don't even know what happened!!

Big Brother's gone a bit fruit loopy.

It's very windy, and I am feared that my trees are gonna take my phone lines and beloved internet connection out.

Movie quote of the day:

The game was created to demonstrate the futility of individual effort.

Ready.... Steady..... Camera!!

Some thirty years ago today, when I was a mere whipper-snapper of only seven years old, a very strange thing happened.

Sylvester Stallone, after five months of training began filming his movie: Rocky.

This in itself is an interesting fact, but I owe Sylvester far more credit than simply making a landmark movie.

Rocky was in fact the first feature length movie to use the "steadicam".

The steadicam is a device that allows hand held cameras to be stabilised, thus allowing a more fluid shot. The use of dollies, and rigs, and jibs, and all that mallarkey isn't essential to create fast tracking shots any more.

The Evil Dead trilogy and all its fantastic, mad camera work was done using the steadicam, and I thank Sylvester for making the bold step and bringing this magical device to the public forum. My life is vastly enriched for having enjoyed these camera tricks over and over again.

On a more depressing note, I bring news of Tony Banks' death. He died in Florida, following a rather serious stroke, aged just 62.

Tony Banks was a cool member of parliament, with an acid tongue. He was a vegetarian, and a staunch supporter of animal rights. He was always considered "very left" within the labour party, and even opposed the war in Iraq. He always opposed vivisection.

His only comments/speeches regarding the war in Afghanistan, were to request government money, and the assistance of the Royal Navy to help the animals in Kabul zoo. In particular he wanted to help "Marjan" the elderly lion, which needed air-conditioning for his rheumatism.

I'm sorry to say goodbye to Tony Banks. The world is a poorer place without him.

Movie quote of the day:

Neh! Neh! Neh! Fuh! Fuh! Fuh! Indians.

Elvis, George Bush Sr., and the Unabomber.

There's a strange connection between these people. True they were/are all mad as hatters, but that's not what I am looking for.

The eighth of January is what binds them in some loose way.

Elvis was born on this day in 1935.

The Unabomber tried to hang himself in his cell using his underwear in 1998. I really hope for his sake that they were clean.

Good old George Bush Sr., had stomach flu, today in 1992. He was at a Tokyo state dinner in fact, and refused to give in gracefully, so proceeded to dine with the Japanese prime minister. Imagine the amusement of all, when Bush Sr. Only mananges to vomit in the prime minister's lap!!

If that doesn't make you smile, then nothing will.

I've just remembered my dream from last night. The dream involved a chip shop, my work colleagues, Michelle, milk, bread, and a great deal of indecision. What does it all mean??

Everyone, who is anyone, will know that my local chip shop isn't open on Sundays, what must I have been thinking?

It seems spice-the-cat has vanished from the face of the earth.... I've texted him twice and emailed him... Either that, or he is still so pissed off at my artefact antics on Blogshares that he doesn't want to speak to me. Perhaps he has already packed his mobile phone??

Today is sleuth day... Michelle has commandeered the TV and DVD player. So far, we've had two episodes of Poirot, and now were are starting the Joan Hickson's Miss Marple collection... I wouldn't mind, but we've pretty much seen them all before, and I can generally remember whodunnit!!

I think there's a wooden fish puzzle kit somewhere that reuires attention!!

Oh, my good lord, we'll probably end up watching Midsomer Murders after this... Michelle has recently subscribed to the fortnightly magazine and DVD collection... Woe of woes!!

Ok, I am going to find a knife and some sandpaper.... Before you get too worked up, it's for the wooden fish!!

Movie quote of the day:

I want really big tits, out to here, so the audience can see 'em get all cut up and crushed on the dashboard.

Too easy....

The movie quotes are so easily googleable, that I can no longer attribute points to anyone for getting them right. From now on, if you've guessed the movie without google (or any other research), then take a million points. If you google the films (or go off and read about them), and subsequently watch the movie (and would like to come back and tell me what you thought), then take two squillion points. It's just a way of me recalling classic moments from my favourite films.

This is a paragraph to state that my blog is now officially a Celebrity Big Brother free zone (until something good happens hahahah). This is where you would normally be reading about the fragile Jodie Marsh, or the questionable stability of Michael Barrymore, or about Chantelle's personal mission. Instead, you'll just have to imagine it. Or, you could in fact watch it!! Or, you could in fact read about it here.

J has hit the nail on the head... There's some very good TV on currently. It's a curse... A curse on all humans. I am becoming a complete bean-bag potato!! I am now alternating between games and TV, almost faster than I can click through the channels. I am scared I might miss something!!

The Christmas supply of chocolate is almost through.... I might have to leave the house and go to a shop soon!!

Lazy Saturday, lazy blog!!

Movie quote of the day:

With your hands and my body, we'll have an act that will be sensational.

Big Brother...

Let me get this out of the way... I will keep it brief, 'cos I imagine there'll be a squadrupillion people discussing it elsewhere.

Let me say, I am loving Maggot, the mighty Goldie Lookin' Chain dude. He is a smart, articulate guy.

For the benefit of those who don't know Goldie Lookin' Chain, here's some of their finest lyrics:

Binatone, Spectrum, Pacman, Commodore,
ZX-81, Donkey Kong, f***ing high score,
Push it to the limit, couldn't push it any more,
Wanna be a f***ing robot after smoking loads of draw.

Sheer genius, I am sure you'll agree.

... Fox disappears to watch "My Name Is Earl"......

Hell, I'm having such a good time lately, just doing my work, and getting a few bits of my life sorted. I feel like there's a lot less pressure around me. It's a good feeling. I don't even have much to rant about on my blog... Except of course that bloody Kitten War STILL isn't back to normal service.

Ok, I am back from watching the UK premiere of My Name Is Earl.... I am loving it already. If you ain't seen it, remember to tune in on Friday nights at 10:30pm on Channel 4. I guess the Americans amongst us have already had an opportunity to see it, and I'd be grateful if they don't ruin it by telling me how it goes!!

My Blogshares have gone to the dogs.... Some of my best shares have gone to seed, and I went a bit overboard with some artefact abuse. It was good while it lasted. I think I should stick to Pogo and SSX in future. I'm certainly not cut out for the world of high finance, virtual or otherwise.

Yesterday's movie quote award goes to the delightfully perceptive Resa, for correctly identifying Spirited Away. I thought that was quite a tough and obscure one...

And now, for something completely different;

Movie quote of the day:

You shall see a... a cow... on the roof of a cotton house, ha.

Early doors...

A double edged blog title.

I am blogging early this evening for several reasons. I have quite a lot of stuff to do tonight, and I'm not sure I will fit it all in.... You'll just have to put up with this early, and extremely "thin" blog entry. I am sure you will live.

The comedy show "Early Doors" is a fantastic show... I don't recall ever having mentioned this before, but if you've never seen it, then I suggest you make an effort to. The season 1 and 2 boxset DVD is available from Play quite cheaply, so you've got no excuses!! I particularly like the two policemen in it. Superb!!

I am upset that Kitten War is still not working properly... Can you hear the gentle sobbing of this arctic fox??

something eating away at me... I feel the need to share my latest campaign with you all, and hope you will become ardent supporters.

Recently, the sweet (candy for the benefit of American readers) manufacturer Lion has been bought out by Cadburys (which incorporates Maynards).

Lion were responsible for the delicious (but vegetarianly dubious) Sports Mixtures and Midget Gems. These sweets have such fond memories for me. I grew up on them, and they remain(ed) a safe haven in the stormy port of confectionery.

Now, these loyal friends have been rebranded as Maynards. They've "reformulated" them so they are now much softer - more like Wine Gums, which Maynards already make, and have ditched the traditional black liquorice ones and replaced them with blackcurrant flavoured.

I am absolutely outraged!!

Please take a minute to visit this site.

As a token of love for your nearest and dearest, how about getting them a lasting memento of those glorious sugary days gone by?

It really pisses me off when a large multinational takes over the little guy (Lion were originally based in Cleckheaton just a few miles from here). It defies logic that they would buy them out and change such great produce to mimic one that they currently produce.... Why why why??

Support the cause. Don't let these ivory towered bigwigs mess with our heritage!!

Just two comments require attention recently:

Jen: Sorry to have caused controversy with my latest vote. I can't really comment on how I see the argument, as this may well affect the voting outcome. It is indeed a much tougher question than it first appears if you start to think about it though.

Kev: Take 100 points for actually being the first person to identify on of my new movie quotations. For those of you that might have been interested, they have thus far (in chronological order) been: Lawrence of Arabia, Kelly's Heroes, and Evil Dead 2.

Movie quote of the day:

I finally get a bouquet and it's a goodbye present. That's depressing.

Little bits of sealing wax....

... And other fancy things!!

Ok, you lucky people.... I have created yet another foxy poll for your amusement, and subsequently archived the previous poll to the "previous polls" section... Funnily enough!!

I have a couple of links that I want to share with the world today...

The first link was sent to me by the lovely Michelle: Kitten Wars. I love the little kittens, but I couldn't eat a full one!! I have actually uploaded three pictures of my very own kitty cats today, and I think someone has published their link in a newspaper, so the site is probably broken, but ou can try it for nothing. I will post links to my kitty pics as soon as they are approved.

The second link, is one which runs along the lines of useless information, a topic which is dear to my heart: BBC 100 things we didn't know this time last year.

The third link, is in keeping with the second link, and of course invalidates the fact that there might be 100 things we didn't know, because we already read most of them here: Fact Me! I am a trivial old Hector!!

If I might be so bold as to suggest a fourth link, it would be a funny blog I stumbled upon today: Pandas, Lego, and much more. There's even a picture of a Lego pinhole camera, so that should cheer up me pal spice-the-cat.

Pogo faux pas. Whilst playing Pogo this afternoon (Wednesday is always the release of new badges) I figured it wouldn't hurt to attempt this week's new challenges. I dutifully set about the task, and within a couple of hours, I'd completed them both and helped three other people get theirs to. At the final whistle, when I completed the impossible Poppit badge, someone mentioned my name... Urko.... And lo and behold, I realised I'd been logged in as Michelle all afternoon, and finished her badges, and now I can't do mine!! It's too damn hard! I am an arse.

Movie quote of the day:

"Then let's head on down into that cellar and carve ourselves a witch."

Ding dong merrily on high....

Call centre madness.

Some time ago, when I rebuilt my computer, I had to phone the bank in order to obtain a new security code, so I could continue to use internet banking.

The plan is, that you are limited to only being able to use the internet banking on the computer that uses this security code (which they post out to you).

Well, like a fool, I managed to get my password wrong whilst making this important phone call. The normal procedure is that your internet banking is then suspended, and you have to make a few phone calls and write a letter, and they reinstate it.

For some reason, they simply deleted all my internet banking details, and I had to reregister for the whole package again.

So far, so good.

I received a letter saying that my account was set up and ready to use, and that I needed to call this number and they would set up a password and send out the security code.

I phone the number.....

I am transferred between three separate departments.

I am placed on hold five times.

I have to give my personal details three times.

I am on the phone for the trifling time of forty minutes!!

What the hell is all that about?

Royal Bank of Scotland, if you are reading this.... You bunch of arses!!

I have been back at work today. The first day back. I already feel like I have flu. Damn their poxy air conditioning!!

I have made a bid to curtail my apathy and procrastination. I sorted the post out. Mailed the taxes. Booked my car in for the necessary service and testing. I cooked an evening meal. Spent two hours playing SSX On Tour.... Old habits die hard indeed. How can anyone resist snowboarding to Iron Maiden and Motorhead??

Tomorrow I am staying home, because:
a) My car is going into the garage for the day.
b) I still have personal taxes to do.
c) I still have my business accounts to do for December.
d) I currently have no contract, and as such shouldn't really be at work (at least that's my excuse and I am sticking to it).

Movie quote of the day:

"Always with the negative waves Moriarty, always with the negative waves."

Ah the old chestnut...

... Has reared its ugly head!!

Procrastination.... It's the second of January, and already I am finding myself falling into my old habits. So much for a new year, a new leaf, etc etc.

I read Tiffany's blog earlier regarding procrastination, and it led me to thinking.... I think ALL bloggers must be procrastinators... I am even sure I've said all this before, but as I have a mountain of things to be doing, you'll find me writing my blog... About why I am not doing them.

I can't begin to tell you of all the things I need to do this week.... My car alone, requires enough attention to make it legal to drive, that I am sure I will be catching a bus to work by the end of the week.

I can finally say today, that I have broken the ridiculous habit of visiting all the blogs and commenting about "Happy New Year" or "Merry Christmas" or "Festive felicitations" or whatever other nonsense seemed fitting at the time.

My taxes are overdue, and this is always a very bad sign.... If there's one person in life you should never piss off, then I am going the right way about breaking this golden rule.

So far, today, in order to avoid the inevitable deluge of paperwork, and document hunting, I have played Pogo, got some breakfast, read some blogs, played a bit of blogshares, played more Pogo, smoked a few cigs, played a bit of SSX on tour, caught up on football news (my own team and others that would normally not interest me) and now I am typing my blog... I am running out of useful excuses now.... And just as I thought that, Lawrence of Arabia is on telly... Firstly, it's a great film. Secondly, I already have it on DVD so there's no real excuse for sitting and watching it. Thirdly, it's a flipping LONG film (4 hours or so), and is therefore the procrastinator's best friend.

Hope everyone is in good spirits.

Movie quote of the day:

"There may be honour among thieves, but there's none in politicians."

Looking down the barrel of a gun....

... Son of a gun, son of a bitch!

I am in pensive mode. New Year's Eve, and I am already on the Guinness scooter.

What will next year have in store for us? In all honesty, it really does feel a bit like staring down the barrel of a fully loaded twelve gauge, wondering whether some crazy horse might actually pull the trigger.

The world is a crazy place my friends, it really is.

Take any year out of its context and examine the events, and you can only agree.

Of course the small optimistic voice in my head is struggling to be heard above the cacophony of pessimism bellowing out. I'd love to think we will create Utopia or reach Nirvana this year, but what are the chances??

I need to go and cook dinner... She who must be obeyed has ordered sausage, beans, eggs, and chips.... I told you the world is mad, and Michelle is a fascinating example of this.

I'll keep this brief....

Normally I get two goldfinches eating Niger seed in my garden... Today there were fifteen all at the same time... They were queueing up!! I hope this is a positive omen for the next twelve months. I have never seen anything like it.

I listened to some pretty good radio shows today, and would like to share them with you.

Check out my huge organ!! Philadelphians must feel so lucky to be able to witness this.

British radio comedy is like this.... Count Arthur.

Ok my little brussel sprouts, I have to run or me chips'll be burnt. I bid each of you a happy New Year, and hope that my optimistic voice is right, and we'll all be drinking ambrosia within the next few months.

Peace and goodwill to all.

Pole to Pole...

... With Michael Palin.

I have watched (over the last few days) a LOT of Mr. Palin's travel adventures. I think the guy's totally cool. He is like Alan Whicker but with a conscience.

I particularly like the way that Mr. Palin has used his fame to basically pay his way around the entire world on some absolutely fascinating journeys. Is there a country this guy DIDN'T visit?

He would definitely be one of the select few I would invite to the mythical fantasy dinner party scenario.

Wanna know something I hate? I hate web pages that have media embedded in them, but don't display any control elements. If you wanna piss me off, then just make sure you put some music, or a midi file embedded in your web page without the ability to turn it off. It pisses me off so much, because (for a while) I will visit your page more often than you change the tune.

Wanna know something else that pisses me off?? I effing hate web pages that contain "layers". You've all seen 'em, I am sure (except perhaps those of you who use a fancy schmancy browser as an alternative to internet exploder) on various web pages. You are trying to read some information, and for no reason at all this bloody advert slides across your screen and sits squarely atop the piece of text you reached. Bollocks to that!!

Ah, there's nothing quite like a good rant to clear your head.

If anyone can come up with a layer that slides on AND plays some effing music without controls, then please, be my guest, and don't be offended when I start sticking pins in your wax doll!!

I am TOTALLY Pogo'ed out.... I will be almost glad to go back to work next week. Perhaps at that point I might actually get dressed again. I can't even remember where I keep my clothes any more!!

I leave you with that thought!!

Motel Hell.

## Warning contains graphic humour, and spoilers ##

I was surfing the channels late last night. Normally at the point where I am tired, I would stick something lighthearted on, and retire to bed to fall asleep to it.

I happened upon a very strange little horror movie. It wasn't what you would call a good movie, but for several reasons I really enjoyed it.

The premise: A farmer and his sister (famed for their smoked meat products) lay traps on the road to catch passing motorists. Once the strangers are caught, they have their vocal chords severed and are buried neck deep in the farmers "field". They keep them there with bags over their heads until they are mature enough to be harvested.

Harvesting involves subjecting the voiceless captives to a hypnotic light show, wrapping a noose around their neck, and snapping their spine by tying the other end of the noose to their "spaceship" (tractor).

The bodies are then harvested and smoked and mixed with pork to make the finest quality smoked meats ever.

The climax: It's obvious from the word "go", that the farmer and his sister are not going to live happily ever after. The film climaxes with a chainsaw duel between a police officer and the farmer. An actual chainsaw duel, how cool is that, but these guys turn it all the way up to number eleven. The farmer (throughout the final fight) wears the actual head of a pig over his own head. Fantastic television.

The punchline: Mortally wounded and sans porcine cranium, the farmer gives his dying words to the police officer. The guy's dying, the police officer leans in close expecting a final confession.

Farmer: "I've been a complete hypocrite"
Police officer: "What is it Vincent?"
Farmer: "My meat.... My meat.... I used preservatives!!"

Well, I'd stayed up extra late, captivated by this low budget soylent greenesque tale, and the punchline had me rolling about on the floor laughing... I rewound and watched it three more times.

It's so long since I've seen such a quality horror film. Tongue in cheek, low budget, late night trash.

There's too many people in the world and not enough food. Now this takes care of both problems at the same time.

Here's some more info about this film!

Almost.....

.... But not quite!!

I nearly made a clean sweep of Christmas blogging. I thought I might actually maintain a steady stream of ranting, but alas, fell at last night's hurdle. I don't even know what I was doing that was so important to make me forget to blog.

Perhaps I was watching the marvellous Laurel and Hardy in Laughing Gravy (another of my lovely presents) or overindulging in chocolate dog treats??

I've had a most lazy day - just the way I like it.

Michelle went back to work, so I had the house to myself.

Lounged round in my pyjamas all day. Had a walk to the papershop (the only part of the day where I got dressed). Filled the bird feeders up - remember this time of year they are proper hungry). Broke the ice on the birdbath and topped it off with a kettle. Played pogo - Completed all badges for 2005. Watched some Samurai Jack.

Currently searching for an interesting option for New Year's Eve - I noticed the local pub is charging, wait for it, thirty seven pounds a ticket!! I am open to suggestions.....

... Time passes as Fox gets sucked into a blogshares black hole.....

Lordy, it's past midnight now, and that technically means I missed two days.

Right, I am off to play some of my Christmas games.... See y'all on the other side!!

Worst episode ever!!

Forgive me if I am wrong, but the quality of television this Christmas, has plumbed new dismal depths.

I didn't actually watch any TV until today, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has watched more than I have, and who can tell me I am wrong.

Everyone who knows me, knows I hate Monday nights, because they are soap nights. Usually, there are one and a half hours of Coronation Street and Eastenders to squirm through. Tonight was no exception, but added to the miserable mix, was an hour of Coronation Street pantomime.

Note to TV bosses: People watch soaps, and become entwined in the fictional lives of your characters. People don't actually give a "monkey's" about the actors and actresses in real life. Please, don't ever try to pull another hour long stunt like this again.

Worst TV ever!!

I think I could quite happily kill someone/myself at this point, and there's another episode of Corrie to come yet.

Have you seen my moon phase indicator yet? I added it today, it's over there on the right hand side somewhere, and to be fair, it provides much more entertainment than watching telly.

Boxing Day - Went to the pub, after a lovely "leftovers" lunch. Four pints of lovely Guinness. My mum's two local pubs are always good for a few laughs. The first one we went to, was full of rural hunting types, who had returned, it would appear from rolling about in cowmuck. It stank!! The second pub was full of old folks eating traditional pub grub.

The second pub we visited, has, for as long as I can remember, been run by a chap who looks a bit porcine. The first joke, was that my brother-in-law was wearing his Porky Pig shirt that I bought for him. The second gag, was when he went to the bar and got short shrift indeed from said porcine proprietor. The third gag, was to take a photo (which I will post later - when I can move) of my brother-in-law, sitting under Piggsy's menu board, where you can order up such delights as the "Porky Platter".

My how we laughed.

Hope the festive season has washed around you all quite nicely, and you feel as basted as a free range turkey!

Pifting??

Apparently, and I am loathed to share this little gem with you, but here goes anyways....

The art of sniffing a recently vacated seat, be it traditional or bicycle, is known as pifting. Thanks to Greig for this little nugget. My brother-in-law laughed himself silly at this revelation tonight.

Ok, so it's proper Christmas day. No bugger is reading my blog, and absolutely nobody is writing a blog... So just to be a bit different, as is my wont, here you go...

Woke up, made (not) bacon and egg sandwiches, and had a cup of coffee.

Went up to my mum's to spend the day with the family.

Had a right nice day with lots of great presents and lovely food. The only downfall was that I didn't buy enough Guinness.... I should have surely seen this one coming.

I actually took the time to tell Michelle of a few items that I really wanted for Christmas this year, and she diligently had passed on the information to the relevant family members. I had completely forgotten what I'd asked for, so it was a great surprise from the word "go", that everything I opened was fantastic, and a surprise.

Amongst my forgotten highlights were:

Age of empires III - Total collectors edition from my sister's family.
SSX on tour and Need for speed most wanted for the gamecube from my mum and Fred.
Samurai Jack seasons 1 & 2 DVD from Miche

I am over the effing moon.

Fred excelled in the Christmas luncheon stakes again, and we had a lovely (not) chicken roast dinner with all the trimmings.

We even managed to play a game to conclusion without argument, not once but twice... A family album moment indeed.

Well, I'm back home now, and the festive buzz is subsiding. I will go back to my mum's tomorrow to collect all the loot, and the gaming can begin in earnest.

Merry effing Christmas one and all.

I could have been someone.....

It's Christmas eve... The presents are delivered, I've spent time with both sides of the family (Michelle's side this afternoon, and my side this evening) and I've finally made it home.

Well so could anyone....

I took some random shopping photos today, and will endeavour over the festive period to upload them into my infamous catalogue.

You took my dreams from me.....

I've eaten porkless pork pie, parsnip soup, carrot and chilli soup, and lots and lots of nuts... It REALLY is Christmas.

When I first found you...

I've managed a fair bit og blogshares trading today, and am happy to report that Mr. Spice's meddling with my shares has finally turned to naught, and I am flying high once again. Roll on tomorrow morning when I am due some more stock transactions.

I kept them with me babe....

I drank sublimely beautiful pints of Guinness in my local with Len today. Guinness is good, but it's better when shared with a pal you ain't seen in a while.

I put them with my own....

I am now relaxing, looking forward to one of Miche's trademark spliffs, and I am tucking into some cherry brandy... Yummy... It's like drinking liquid marzipan.

Can't make it all alone....

I've put my back out. Perhaps it was something I did whilst out driving today, I don't know... Typical, if I don't have flu or bronchitis for Christmas, then how about I can't walk as a trade off??

I've built my dreams around you.

Wishing all my blog friends a very merry Christmas. Have a drink for me. May all your days be merry and bright, and god please let me wake up feeling alright!!

Bludgeoned into Christmas.

Despite my attempts to cancel Christmas this year, I have to hold up my arms in despair, and admit defeat.

I haven't overspent on Christmas presents. It's the giving that's important, right?

For the first time that I can remember, I have supplied a list of Christmas "wants", and as a result, I am fairly optimistic that I shan't receive a single ornament!! This is very important to me. Inanimate objects that collect dust hold no interest for me.

We appear, or at least Michelle appears to have, completed all our Christmas preparations. All that's left for me to do is to sit back and enjoy the festivities. It would be awfully rude of me not to.

And so, against my better judgement, I am cajoled into the whole string of shenanigans and medium jinx.

Oh blimey, it's Christmas, it's Christmas time again,
It goes all around this great big world, on the twenty-fifth of Decem.....ber.

I finished work now until the New Year. I have, as yet received no contract extension. This may have more to do with my haranguing the boss than I'd care to imagine.

This has truly been a long week.

So, it's mince pies, and Christmas cake, and minty Oreos (thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Spice), all the way.

Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer, had a very, very, shiny nose.
He works for Father Christmas, who's very fat and wears red clothes.

I can't believe I went to the supermarket last night and forgot all about my random shopping feature!!

Here's a lovely cheery thought for you all.....

When the original scene in Bambi was done, where Bambi's mum gets shot, the original intention was to show the whole shooting and have Bambi discover his mum in a pool of blood. The reason this wasn't shown, wasn't because of the instant trauma this could bring to any sensitive types that care to view (like insensitive types would watch Bambi or something??) but was in fact a move to not alienate the hunting fraternity, as a political move.

Venison, anyone? NRA membership for Christmas??

But now I am jaded......

You're out of luck
I'm rolling down the stairs
Too tired to blog.

I am slowly trying to enter into the spirit of christmas, although I still refuse to capitalise the "c".

I've been out shopping, and wrapping gifts, and buying booze. It's a start.

I've had my tea, and in all honesty, I am off to bed.

See you all tomorrow.

Love it or leave it.....

....I'll get beat up if I criticise it!!

Take a dash of christmas, add a pinch of fox. Stir together, and douse liberally with free Guinness. Pour into a great big christmas party, and invite the top boss!!

I'm not sure I have a job anymore!! Oh, well, it was nice while it lasted.

Seriously, I don't think I am gonna get fired or anything, but I wish I could keep my big effing mouth shut sometimes. I asked the big cheese a question, and he was impressed, he even said as much. In a state of drunken bravado, I moved on to the next topic, and began my usual trick of saying far too much, unnecessarily. I believe the conversation ended with me ordering him to kick one of my work colleagues up the arse!! I think it will be my turn next!!

I've had a rough ride over the last few days. Too much unrest at home. Too much Guinness, not that this is really a problem. Too many cocktails. Too many christmas parties. I am NOT a good drunk.

Hopefully, all this is behind me now... Oh, wait.... It isn't even christmas yet.

Come dance with me on the eve of the winter solstice. How magical, how utterly pagan.

In 1652 parliament tried to outlaw christmas in England.

Mistletoe was, for centuries, forbidden in the world of christianity. The victorians revived the acceptance of mistletoe, which was obviously a sacred pagan plant.

Holly was placed around homes during winter months as a pagan ritual to provide shelter for forest fairies. It is nothing to do with baby jesus, the berries aren't representative of his blood, in fact they were originally representative of sacred menstrual blood from the druids' goddess.

I could go on indefinitely about the hijacking of pagan rituals and celebrations. I won't, and I DO realise that this may well offend. It isn't my intention to offend, as much as to provide an eye opener. Take a good look at your christmas cards, you'll find a range of images on them that have absolutely no real christian foundation.

So, come dance with me. Let us think about the true meaning of winter celebration. Let's gather holly and mistletoe. Invite the fairies in, and cast out malevolence.

Christmas is (in my humble opinion) merely a celebration, invented to convert pagans to christianity. I'm not buying it!

Humbug!

Ping!!!!!!

As if by magic the shopkeeper appeared!

No time to give you all the gory details, these will come soon.

For now you must be content with:

A new section is revitalised - Random Shopping - And look, over there on the right hand side (underneath the polls), there's a convenient permalink to this ever evolving section.

A new polling booth.

Updated my "This season I will be mostly..." section. It's way down there on the right under the "fave blogs".

Updated the "Previous Polls" to show the results of all my polls so far.

Hello to everyone... I am still alive.... Just. Stay tuned for more tales of how I got my job back and possibly lost it again!!

Cool thing for today:

All my readers!! XXX

Random Shopping.

Ok, this isn't so much an update, as a catalogue. I am revitalising (as promised) the art of random shopping.

The phenomena that is "random shopping"

It's not a revolutionary new form of artistic expressionism, unlike the concept of reverse shoplifting, known as "shop dropping" whereby prankster artists buy supermarket products, replace the labels with their own artwork and sneak them back onto the shelves. One shop dropper said the idea was to subvert commercial space for artistic use. I heartily condone this kind of action. Thanks to Mr. Rajah for bringing this to my attention.

Suffice to say, my own invention, is quite different. Whilst browsing the supermarkets during my regular "Friday big-shop", I notice that several items have been placed in strange context within the otherwise orderly shelves. As an example, let's say I find a huge joint of beef nestled amongst the brussel sprouts. Someone has obviously picked something up, and then realised that they don't want the item and has ditched it at the point of realisation.

Now the interesting thing about this is that some items get misappropriated at completely unsuitable stations. I like to find frozen items amongst bottles of wine, or a bag of onions hanging on a CD rack… it's a personal fascination. It's not just the item that intrigues me, or its context, but the thought process that must have gone through someone's head in order to perpetrate said act.

I am bound to create a photo album of such items – I always have my mobile phone with me, so I am going to start cataloguing said events, and in the spirit of forteana, perhaps we can by the ridiculous nature of these actions predict the apocalypse?

I should create some sort of score for each item, and could enlist the help of an equally fascinated colleague to do this.

Scores could be for:
Proximity to item's original location.
Damage potential from surrounding products.
Damage potential from surrounding environment.
Points would be deducted of course for prolonging a product's life-cycle – example: a bag of apples is casually discarded in the refrigerated section.

My mouth is already watering at the concept of cooking up an adequate formula to score said items. I wonder if Object Matrix could help me out here??

Ok... So you don't think this is very interesting, I can tell... just wait until you see my photo album – or wait until you next visit a supermarket to buy something and there amongst the loaves of bread you find a jar of marmite... You will know instinctively that the Fox speaks the truth. Random shopping is alive and well in your local supermarket. Feel free to contribute to this phenomena by dropping everything and anything into the shelves as you go.


1. Cucumber amongst the crackers.


2. Gingerbread on ham.


3. Lightbulbs in gravy.


4. Marmite and Jaffa cakes.


5. Tuna crunch on the corner.


6. Classic baked potatoes on bedding.


7. Playstation 2 and frozen goods??

Bitter sweet symphony...

Doctor, doctor.... I keep thinking I am London bridge!!

What's come over you man?

Two cars a lorry and a bus!!

Life is apparently a rich tapestry of ever changing moods, colours, patterns, and flavours. My tapestry, unfortunately has turned into an effing great big black blanket, and it's made of that really horrible itchy wool stuff, that slowly erodes your skin.

What happened?

I don't actually know.

How do I go about changing it?

Answers on a postcard please!!

I haven't got the appetite to even construct a decent blog around the current state of my head. It's a shame, a right royal shame I tells ya!! I am hoping the wind picks up, and blows these black clouds far away from me.

Perhaps this is where I take your valuable career advice, turn into a dolphin and swim off into the North Sea, never to be seen again! It sure would be an easy option.

Trawling through the mountains of rubbish on the internet today, I stumbled upon a site that had managed to publish the entire Spike Milligan book - Badjelly the Witch. It's a childhood favourite of mine, and is a lovely insight into the workings of the great Spike's mind. For this reason, my.....

Cool thing for today:

Is, Badjelly the Witch. Go read, enjoy, and worship at the shrine of Spike. I always appreciate it when people take the time and trouble to contravene copyright laws in order to provide such a good service as this.

Stop that train....

..... I wanna get off.

What on earth is the world coming to when the music industry starts to crack down on people who put song lyrics or guitar tabs on their web pages?

Case in question... Scotty - Draw your brakes... If you can find the lyrics to this fantastic tune anywhere online, then you're doing a better job than I. By all means, if you find it, come back and tell me where!! Challenge on!!

It's been a fairly s l o w day today. Believe me when I say, this is definitely the calm before the storm. I'm booked solid from six this evening until next Tuesday!!

I'm gonna take the opportunity to respond to a few comments and such....

Jay: Your karma jet lag is a fantastic work of art!! Totally made me smile. Thanks mister!! As for a giant ornithological feast on a bean bag.... You're more than welcome to come and partake!!

Spice: See you tomorrow!!

Jen: Thanks for some lovely advice, yes I realise that I completely missed the point, it wasn't actually about me buying anything per se, it was more about me lavishing my attentions on another young lady. In my head it was simply a little act of kindness to a co-worker, and in truth, I guess I wouldn't have done the same for a male co-worker. I promise bean bag pics will come soon... I haven't posted pics for ages.

Katt: You couldn't have been much farther from the truth with your observation. I appreciate your input though, it really made me laugh. Thanks for stopping by. It's always great to entice someone new into the fox's lair, and even more exciting when they comment!!

Kristiine: Although we won't necessarily be both unemployed this new year's eve, I shall certainly raise my glass to you, in the hope that it will bring all your hopes and dreams to fruition. Who knows, maybe this could be my first ever upside down new year's eve??

Everyone: Glad you all had a bit of fun playing vector park... Wasn't it strange? I really appreciate all your comments, and continued support in my quest for the perfect blog!

Right, much as I would like to sit around here blogging and generally putting the world to rights, I have a lot to do before Martin turns up tonight for some Gamecube and fixing of his computer.. There truly is no rest for the wicked.

Bonsoir bloggers!!

Cool thing for today:

Ok, who made Spice's blogshare price go through the roof...?

Bite my....

.... Shiny metal ass!!

This is the first part of my retro blog. I am set to resurrect a couple of previous ideas. You will also learn how following the fox's laws can land you in a whole heap of trouble.

Random acts of kindness....

Ok, I have this theory, and I've blogged it before, in my previous incarnation as a juvenile fox of msn spaces notoriety. The theory isn't so much mine, as probably that of Buddhism, whereby, if you do good things, then you will surely reap the rewards. Practicing random acts of kindness are one of my favourite nose-thumbs to society.

Kindness doesn't have to be a big gesture. Sometimes, in a supermarket, my height enables me to pick items off the top shelves (and we're not talking porn mags here, before anyone makes the implication) for poor old ladies that can't reach. Sometimes, if I see someone drop litter, I will pick it up and put it in a bin. Sometimes I just hold a door open for someone to go through before me. It doesn't take much.

Today, I carried out a couple of acts of kindness.

1) Emma, a girl I work with, spent her hard earned money on christmas decoration for our office, and spent time and effort putting various tinselly artifacts and objects around the place. She was a bit upset that she didn't have a tree for her desk.

1a) On the way home tonight, the traffic was absolute mayhem (my seven mile journey took over an hour) and I thought, as I was passing a garden centre (places notorious for their christmas decorations) that I would stop off, and buy a little tree and a few baubles to cheer Emma up. Job done... Karma in the bank... She'll be happy as Larry tomorrow.

2) Emma, a fellow(ess) blogger, completely and wholly unrelated to the Emma that I work with, was looking for a particular piece of software. I have the piece of software (which is very expensive, and I will not name for legal reasons) and was given it. I have arranged for Emma to come over at the weekend, and collect said software, and I will take her to my local pub for a meal and a few drinks. It's not much, but it surely counts as a random act of kindness?? Karma points racking up.

Ok, so I am flushed with my sense of kindness and humanity.... Until Michelle walked through the door.

Straight away she saw the little christmas tree in the bag and asked what it was.... I explained the story, and apparently my explanation has been seen as some sort of threat. She insists that I would not have bought the same items for her even if she had asked for them, which of course she never has, and of course we all know Michelle can have anything she wants, whenever she wants. She is now sulking!! I haven't even mentioned about the other Emma coming over on Saturday, I think now might not be quite the right time.... Hahahaha.

So, random acts of kindness don't necessarily mean you will have an easy ride!! Be warned.

I am still livid at the premise, in Michelle's mind, that I would refuse to buy her something.... It defies all logic, reason, and belief.... That's women for you I guess.

Cool thing for today:

Mebbe I need to read up a bit. Not that I have done anything wrong, you understand!!

Do, do, do......

... Come on and do the conga!!

Choo, choo, choo,

Make a train across the floor.

Breaking job news.....

I have been loathed to elaborate on my recent job news until today. But, now I am happy and confident, that I can tell you all.....

I have moved back to my old office (near to home) with my old team, and am back at my old desk.... I have actually ended up exactly where I was three weeks ago, and have transferred onto my old project.

I'm chuffed to little mint balls!!

Renewed motivation, vigour, vitality, and youth are all following suit, and will be joining me by the end of the week.

My boss is such a good chap. I really needed this break, and he has obliged, and delivered.

The escape plan is complete!!

I am also, doubly heartened, by some of the VERY positive feedback I have been receiving lately. A lot of people comment on the blog, and as everyone knows, this is lovely to read, especially when your day's post has struck a chord. Personally, people have been very grateful of efforts that I have made recently, and this too is immensely appreciated.

Karma.

It's all effing karma. I try to do good things... I don't always succeed. I try to be a good person, but there are so many external influences that affect my emotions and behaviour, that it's sometimes hard to shut them out.

Today, I am invincible.

I have lots of comments, and requests that have been posted over the last few days, and will try to catch up with them all tomorrow. For today, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the fox's golden moment.

Cool thing for today:

If anyone can work out what's going on here, I would like to hear from them.

Giant beanbag!!

I have spent all weekend wrestling with Michelle's christmas present.

I bought her a giant (faux) leather beanbag. It was too big to hide anywhere, and so she got her present early. I wasn't quite prepared for the size of it.

The new beanbag is billed as a two seater beanbag sofa.... But in fact, it is actually the same size as my existing three seater proper sofa.

The lounge is now full. You can't even walk round the beanbag, you just sort of have to crawl across it to get in and out of the room.

I think I might have slipped up!!

Fair enough, the beanbag came in handy today for some two player Gamecube action. Riv came round and we managed a few games of Japanese football, and some good old fashioned Sonic the Hedgehog. The beanbag provides back and neck support and makes for excellent gameplay. Just not sure I can stomach the concept of rolling round on the floor to get out of the room.

Michelle's baking my christmas cake today, and I've been making drop scones (or scotch pancakes if you prefer).

The birds are happy in the garden, they're really tucking into their ornithological feast. The sun's been shining. My cold (I mean flu) has just about gone, and all is right in the world of the fox. If only I could get my sleep pattern back in check. I think I managed three hours in bed and probably another four hours on the sofa. Shocking!!

What a strange week it's been... Can't remember the last time I had nearly a whole week off sick. Still, although all days have merged into one, good old Antiques Roadshow has dragged me back down to earth with the realisation that it is definitely Sunday. Hope y'all had a good weekend.

Cool thing for today:

What's your mood... Something for everyone!!

Don't you just hate it...

... When you can't get to the laptop to make your daily post because SOMEONE is too busy playing on Pogo!!

I make no apologies for my enforced absence.

I am feeling a bit better today, my lungs and nose have started to work again, and although my nose is red raw and falling apart through years of systematic abuse, I am inclined to think it may actually remain in one piece for the foreseeable future. I am filling my nose with a nice mix of Happinose ointment, and savlon to try to stop the rot!!

Enough about my scabby septum already.

I posted a little piece of poetry in the comments of Jen's blog in response to a George Bush "subliminal" poem. How surprised I was to find someone copying and posting it as part of their blog... It made me laugh. The way things perpetuate through blogs is a constant source of amusement to me. Take your average questionnaire (fox growls at the miserable thought) and see how quickly they spread.

It's a proper shame I have nothing real or interesting to write about. News, current affairs, topical debate and other worthy things are all done through blogs. Countries that would punish bloggers by death, still manage to have their renegade "anonymous" bloggers. We can learn about first hand life under dictators, with far more realism than a "journalist" could ever hope to achieve in their three or four day stay.

Blogs are good. They range from mindless drivel (like mine) through to Baghdad Burning, or the excellent and revealing Police blogs that Spice found. I find it hard to imagine, just what it would be like, to be in danger of speaking my tiny mind. Some people risk a LOT for their blog.

I thank the stars that my thoughts and words are not quite as limited as some people.

I personally thank you, one and all, for taking the time to write, and the time to read. Blogging is one of THE most important things that have happened in my life time. I'm happy to be a part of it.

Cool thing for today:

See what people risk. Download the bloggers and cyber-dissident's handbook for free. It's a proper eye opener.

Sniff sniff....

My eyes and nose just won't stop streaming!!

With regards to my job, watch this space... Hot news coming soon.

Had ANOTHER day off work. I've done absolutely nothing today. It's an expensive hobby being off work.

I raided the SKY+ box, and waded through a mass of recorded TV that I had either forgotten about, or hadn't had time to watch.

I watched Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai. Although the film had a few shortcomings, on the whole it's actually quite good. I wasn't expecting much from it to be honest, but overall I'd have to say it's a good watch.

Also, managed to catch up on the Little Britain episodes and the River Cottage stuff. God, I love my SKY+ and I love the series link! One touch recording for a whole series, how wonderful.

Finished my Pogo badges in record time this week. What else is there to do all day? I'm either sat at the laptop, or lounging on the settee. If I didn't feel so bad, it'd be great.

There's some interesting stirring in the blogshares market... I suspect Spice has finally claimed his blog, and Brunhilda is ditching his shares faster than anyone can buy them. They've gone through the roof. I made a killing.

Cool thing for today:

Interesting concept... It's like watching Capricorn One all over again!!

Watch out for that Cliff....

Another day on the sick. Boredom taking its toll.

The thought of a day at home sounds great in principle, but when you're not feeling too cracky, then it's more like a day of incarceration, albeit self imposed.

My mum called in on me today. She can't bear the prospect of driving past my house, and seeing my car outside. She drove past yesterday, and noticed it was there, and no doubt wanted to call, but I have laid down the law before. I DO NOT expect a phone call or visit to ask why my car is parked outside my house when I should be at work. It was nice to see her, and coupled with the meter reader, was the only human interaction I've had today.

Didn't really do much today. Took a whole heap of cough cold and cure all medicines.

Watched the classic Jamaican film The Harder They Come, starring the great man Jimmy Cliff. I've read a lot about this film in the past. A lot of people don't like it, a lot of people don't get it, and no doubt a whole heap of folks would never want to watch it even if they got chance.

I stuck in the DVD and relaxed on the sofa.

Now, I've seen Easy Rider, and I've seen City of God, and both are fantastic movies. The Harder They Come, was like an amalgamation of the two films with an absolutely sublime soundtrack of sweet sweet music. Think 1970's Jamaica, and you're nearly there. Think of all the songs UB40 have covered and take the original versions and you've got it.

I loved it... Moving, tense, rough and ready, and ultimately shattering conclusion.

If you like a bit of reggae, and don't mind having to read subtitles, 'cos the patwa is too strong for the likes of a fox from Huddersfield, then check out this movie. Jimmy Cliff rocks!!

Well, that's about all the excitement I can handle for one day. I need to try and get my core body temperature, and my body clock back into some form of semblance.

Cool thing for today:

Bone up on your patwa for the watching of movies!!

Coughs and sneezes....

... Spread diseases, catch them in your handkerchiefses.

I've got man-flu.... Sinuses jammed chock full, head full of winter goo. Lungs collapsing, nose refusing to function. The ladies amongst us would call this a cold. I call it avian flu.

Took a sick day from work... I hate doing that, but the perpetuation of one mans flu in an air conditioned environment is always my primary thought. I stayed home.

Tucked myself in, on the settee, and watched films...

Started with the Ealing classic - The Lavender Hill Mob - What a great British movie it is. I remember seeing it as a kid, and the bit where they run down the spiral stairs of the Eiffel Tower, still gives me giddy fits.

Then I watched a couple of episodes of Eerie Indiana, another favourite from my misspent youth. I watched the first two episodes, and must say, unlike most other nostalgic viewing, it really was as good as I remember it.

Closely followed by Rambo - First Blood. I really DO like this movie, it classic Stallone, where his speech is so unintelligible, that the dialogue is hard to follow. Plot unnecessary, action vital, and brutal. I fell asleep for part of it.

I played a bit of Gamecube, but found it hard to muster any concentration or enthusiasm.

Why do cigs taste so awful when you are ill?

Now I am watching Open Water, I've never seen it before, and can only describe it as Jaws meets Blair Witch... Very spooky and psychologically challenging.

Beechams powders have my name written on them, and I am off to bed.... No doubt to dream about bloody sharks and jellyfish!!

Cool thing for today:

You never know when this might come in handy!!

Rant, spit, snarl, growl.

I started my monthly accounting preparations this afternoon, having left work early to ensure I would be able to complete the task.

This is not a procedure I enjoy, and ever since my internet business banking went all broken on me, it's not financially rewarding either. The incentive to do this work used to be the prospect of paying myself at least SOME amount of money. These days, because I am a 94% procrastinator, the form for renewal of internet banking services lies buried under some other papers, somewhere else.

I used a little incentive, to spur me on through the process of scanning, filing, addressing, posting, emailing, and bagging up all manner of rubbish. The incentive I had in mind, was the prospect of some Gamecube fishing.......

I had a major breakthrough in the old fishing world yesterday, and I am keen to exploit my new-found skill. I shan't bore you with the details, but let's just say, on a level where I may previously have accrued 35Lbs of fish, I am now reaching a grand total of 60Lbs+ of piscatorial product.

... So, incentive in mind, I cracked on, and sorted a few little "bonus" bits of personal administrative chores.

Then, gosh-darn-it (in case any minors may be reading this - I could use stronger), it's only bloody soap night.... Coronation Street, Eastenders, Coronation Street, and the not-so-grand-final of I'm a celebrity, get me out of here!!

Fishing's scuppered and I am spitting mad!!

Another thing that pissed me off today, which may seem trivial, is as follows - apologies for the boring subject matter in advance.

I have an extractor fan in the bathroom. It's on its last legs. It has been on its last legs for a while. For about a week, it has refused to shut off after the customary five minute (or so) delay, and has been on constantly.

I've looked at it once or twice, and realised I just need to take one of the live wires out of it and insulate the wire, so it doesn't work, until my Unc comes back down and fits me a new one.

I decided to tackle it today, so turned off the power to the entire house. Computers, video, cooker, every electrical item needs resetting.

Scrabbling round in the dark, I managed to find a candle, screwdriver, insulating tape, and a lighter. Why didn't I get this all organised BEFORE I turned off the power?? Anyways, armed with the necessary I approached the bathroom.

I am always very nervous around electric!!

I spent about 10 minutes buggering about, looking for which wire to disconnect, and relighting the worst candle in the world. I reached up to take hold of the wire, and lo and behold if it didn't just unplug on its own adapter!!

I didn't even need to switch the power off.... I could've done it days ago and reduced my carbon footprint immediately.

I am such an idiot!

Cool thing for today:

I am now chasing a £500 coffee machine.... I must be bored!! Apologies for the ultra-cheesy muzak!!

Soccer Sunday.

Today was the Huddersfield Town VS Worcester FA cup game.

Went shopping this morning for more bird feeders and more bird food. Them birds is proper hungry at this time of year. Stocked them up with a total banquet. Gotta love those goldfinches man!!

Came home and watched the soccer with Riv. It was a typical televised Huddersfield game, notable by its crazy referee, yellow cards galore, lots of panicky kicking of a football, and a result that could just as easily have gone either way. I love it when Huddersfield win, I just struggle watching the games because it's always so damn tense.

The result: Huddersfield, down to ten men won 1-0

Foir a Worcester fan's view of the match, go here!!

We have drawn Chelsea in the next round of the cup, and fully expect to lose, but for the club to earn a whole heap of wonga!! What a great draw for the club.

Other than that, I haven't really done much. I took a bath, played a bit of Pogo (helping Michelle finish her weekly challenges) and managed to fit in a bit of Gamecube fishing fun.

I was wishing I had gone to the Academy last night, but am feeling like I can actually face work tomorrow, for the first time in a good few days. The flipside of NOT going out last night, I guess, is that I am able to sit back and cruise through this week, waiting for my contract to end. Small consolation, but I am not getting any younger!!

Glad that Emma and Chris enjoyed the night out though!!

Right, it's Sunday night, and I am steering myself toward an early night, early start, early finish.

I have a mountain of paperwork to tackle this week.... Must focus and stay motivated.

Good night all.

Cool thing for today:

Kerching, it's the third round draw.... Go Huddersfield!!

Shazzle frazzle razzle....

That was my Mutley impersonation, in case you couldn't tell. I was gonna just call this entry "frazzled" but I thought Mutley was better.

Just so we can all be sure... Welcome to my questionnaire-free zone!!

The theme is really about the current state of my head... It's a little bit fried, from a strenuous week of stress, and politicking at work.

Generally, I see work, I do work, I move data and people about.

Lately it's all been about trying to find a suitable outcome. I've been torn between trying to imagine a way to make the product succeed, or imagining a way to get out of it without ruining whatever reputation I may have etched there in the last three years. Whichever way you look at it, it's been teetering on the edge of professional suicide for far too long.

I'm pleased with the way things have worked out, but believe me, it took a lot of soul searching and determination to reach an end game.

As a result, there is loads of stuff I could be doing now, but all I want to do is sit down, and relax. My brain just refuses to function.

Spice: Sorry I didn't get back to you about the long island iced teas... I will be in touch soon though...

Emma: Very nice to meet you, hope you had a wonderful night out. In case anyone wondered, Emma called round and picked up some tickets I had bought, but was too frazzled to use. I could've been at Manchester Academy now watching 808 State... Even the thought of that was too much for my tiny fragile mind.

I am still playing Blogshares a bit... It's very confusing, and I would love to hear from anyone out there who also plays it. I would especially like to hear from the person who bought ALL the shares in my blog!!!

Pogo have been running a "personal challenge marathon" this week, meaning I have had the opportunity to complete five badges compared with the standard weekly allowance of three. It's been absolute torture, but I finally managed it.

Funny thing is, I am actually looking forward to work on Monday morning now... How strange!

Cool thing for today:

The literature page - They have a whole raft of books that you can read online. All the classics are there. I never found such a good freebie before!!

Sunshine on a rainy day.

Damn, it's been a wet, grey, dull day. But the sun is truly shining in my heart.

After a fraught few days at work, I feel I am now in a position to elaborate on what's been going on. It's been a little TOO sensitive to mention in the blog, but things have finally come to fruition.

Firstly, as you may or may not know, we had a major meeting on Tuesday, and it became patently apparent, that, although we are the team that will be doing all the work, they were wholly unprepared to hear us out.

We were being asked to do ridiculous amounts of work, which would mean doing probably eighteen hours a day for six or seven days a week for the next eighteen months, and believe me it would have been the most manic experience in the world.

We came away from the meeting, and our whole team of five decided we werer unprepared to unleash such a chaotic project on the business and formulated our plan, projecting what the errors with the current plan were, and the fact that we were not prepared to execute the project.

Management asked us to leave our suggestion with them and they would come back to us. We circumvented the project managers with our scheme and went to the top.

Today, the big cheese came back, and with a move straight out of Sun Tzu's Art Of War, began some sort of negotiation process, whereby, they left it with us, asking what we would require to execute the plan.

We retired to the canteen, to discuss the option of negotiation. By its very nature, entering into the process of negotiation, would of course mean that we could be bargained with, and of course we were being divided and conquered.

Eventually (two hours later) we decided we would make no demands, other than to say we were all leaving.

Ha ha, if we didn't kick Sun Tzu's ass right out of the ball park!!

I am now on my four weeks notice period.

They requested that we serve our notice in order that they might now draw upon our knowledge to formulate a new plan.

If only they hadn't ignored us in the first place, they could have saved a lot of grief. There comes a point in every day, when you realise, it doesn't matter how much they pay you, or what carrots they may offer, you do not HAVE to say ok!!

Result: We stuck together as a tight unit. Nobody backed down. Management for Dummies, and Sun Tzu could not beat us. Had we made any step towards negotiation, I am convinced we would have all lost. The battle may be lost, but the war is won!!

Officially I part company on the 30th December, but I have booked 23rd to the 30th as holiday!!

I have a sneaky suspicion that I already have another job!!

Dream your dreams, aim high, keep reaching.

Oh, one last thing.... I am totally disappointed that anyone felt there really was a shred of truth in yesterday's posting. Come on, this is the Fox you are talking about. Even after I displayed a disclaimer, some people really were fooled. Pinch and a punch only hurts your pride, but the pain is far greater than the physical, and you have to wait a whole month for a chance to regain the crown.

Welcome back Mr. And Mrs. Spice!!

Cool thing for today:

Would you have fallen foul?

Pinch and a punch.

If you know anything about me, you will know that I observe the ritual, of "pinch and a punch" for the first of the month to the point of obsession. It's a running battle with Michelle to make the first contact in the morning of the first of each month. Last month I gave her a black eye with a well placed punch. I knew she was angling for revenge.

Today, as I got ready for work, I knew I had to perpetuate my lucky streak. I didn't have the heart to climb the two flights of stairs to whack her one. I planned to wait until we were both at home later. I knew full well she would also be thinking along these lines.

During the day.... I received a test punching from Michelle, but this is just horseplay. The real thing comes in the shape of real pain.

During the day, I received an email punch from Emma.... I will not let this one slip by me.... One day Emma, when you least expect it......

I got home, played a bit of Gamecube, had a power snooze, and played a little Pogo.

I heard the door and prepared for first contact.

Fortunately for me, my mobile phone was downstairs, and it was ringing. Michelle, preoccupied, picked up the mobile phone, and brought it to me. Like a lamb to the slaughter.... Whack.

I was on the phone for about half an hour, and Michelle still hadn't come round. She did hit the floor quite hard, I must admit. Still, that's the luck of the draw.

I'd like to thank Stu, for his well timed phone call.

Cool thing for today:

Lord, I love this game.... Try it!!

Disclaimer: All incidents of violence in this blog are purely fictional. Michelle didn't actually hit the floor THAT hard when I decked her, it's just a little cut.