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!!