Neil J's Blog

Testing!

2010-12-21T00:08:00.001Z

Just testing windows live writer!!

Twitter

2009-03-05T17:56:00.001Z

Got into Twitter! Dunno why but i think im getting addicted! Why do i want to knwo that Jonathan Ross has just had a boiled egg? I dunno!!!

3D animation!

2008-03-17T12:11:00.000Z

Haven't blogged in a while - been so busy!

We've been doing a bit about animation at uni - thought I'd show mine off!

Creative Nightmare!

2007-12-20T12:37:00.000Z

I have had a nightmare upgrading to Windows Vista !

It wasn't Vista's fault but the PC sound companies, Creative.

I had the product, 'Audigy ZS Notebook' . I bought it so I could listen to my 5.1 speakers on my laptop (normal laptops don't support this).

Anyway when I upgraded to Vista the sound card wasn't supported. I spent hours trying to resolve this - hours!

I was amazed to find, when i looked on internet forums, so many other people had had the same problem. I was advised to download the Vista compatibility driver from Creatives website. Once I did this, my speakers worked! Perfectly!

However the next time i booted up back to the same old problem - no sound!

I unplugged the sound card and reinserted it. However the sound came out normal but with this dreadful crackle! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

I resinstalled the driver and the sound was fine but the same happened when i restarted my computer.

After many more hours I had just had enough! I was appalled at Creative's lack of support. I was so angry that I ebayed the sound card and the speakers and got some Logitech Z2300's. They are brilliant and play in 2.1 but it feels like 5.1.

Sorry it's not a real solution but there just doesn't seem to be one?

I'd be greatful if anyone does have a solution?

Floo

2007-10-21T12:02:00.000Z

Got the flu. Feel awful. This aint makin it better.

Beware of Ebay and PayPal!

2007-08-21T10:44:00.000Z

I have just had a terrible experience with ebay / PayPal. I bought some computer software from ebay at a great price (to good to be true). The listing assured me it was 100% software. I even emailed ebay for guidance on whether to buy it. They said the seller was fine.

The software that arrived was a fake copy. I immediately contacted PayPal (i had paid with them because I assumed I was protected). I filled their item dispute form in. However they closed the dispute without even telling me!

Apparently as long as the seller sent the software you aren't coverered in their policy! Ive had to bin the software and have lost money.

What a joke! I thought I was protected!

Anyone had any bad experiences on ebay / PayPal? Comment!

Rare Harry Potter book!

2007-08-02T23:16:00.000Z

Just had a nice suprise - found that I have a rare first edition of the 1st Harry Potter book! It has a young wizard on the back cover and is written by 'Joanne Rowling' not J K Rowling! Cool hey! I think I'll sell it on ebay when I'm older!

WARNING HARRY POTTER 7 SPOILER BELOW >>>

I have just finished the last Harry Potter book - it was brilliant but I was a little disappointed. I think that JK Rowling should have killed a main character off - not Harry but maybe Ron or Hermione. I sound really morbid but I just think she glossed over the ending! What do you think?

Finished my first website design!

2007-07-23T22:28:00.000Z

Just finished my first web design!

It was for an educational psychologist, Sean MacBlain.

Have a look! http://www.seanmacblain.com/

This song is causing this awful weather! Stop buying it and there will be sunshine!

2007-07-19T00:52:00.000Z

This song has been number one for an unbelievable 10 weeks now! I didn't even think it was that good a song? It's ok but nothing great - eat - eat - eh - eh !

I think people are buying it cos of the weather - depressing them even more! It must be causing the weather!

Jay-Z:Ahuh Ahuh (Yea Rihanna) Ahuh Ahuh (Good girl gone bad)Ahuh Ahuh (Take three... Action)Ahuh AhuhNo clouds in my stormsLet it rain I hydroplane into fame (Eh eh)Come'n down with the Dow JonesWhen the clouds come we goneWe Rocafella (Eh eh)She fly higher than weatherAnd she rocks it betterYou know meAn anticipation for precipitationstacks chips for the rainy day (Eh eh)Jay, rain man is back with lil Ms. SunshineRihanna where you at?[VERSE 1] You had my heartand we'll never be world apart Maybe in magazines but you'll still be my star Baby cause in the DarkYou can see shiny Cars And that's when you need me there With you I'll always share Because [CHORUS] When the sun shines We’ll shine together Told you I'll be here forever Said I'll always be your friend Took an oath I'mma stick it out 'till the endNow that it's raining more than ever Know that we still have each other You can stand under my Umbrella You can stand under my Umbrella (Ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh) [VERSE 2] These fancy things, will never come in betweenYou're part of my entity Here for InfinityWhen the war has took it's partWhen the world has dealt it's cardsIf the hand is hard[Umbrella lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]Together we'll mend your heartBecause ...[CHORUS] When the sun shines We'll shine together Told you I'll be here forever Said I'll always be your friend Took an oath I'mma stick it out 'till the end Now that it's raining more than ever Know that we still have each other You can stand under my Umbrella You can stand under my Umbrella (Ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh) [BRIDGE] You can run into my Arms It's okay don't be alarmed (Come into Me) (There's no distance in between our love) So Gonna let the rain pour I'll be all you need and more Because ...[CHORUS] When the sun shines We'll shine Together Told you I'll be here foreverSaid I'll always be your friend Took an oath I'mma stick it out 'till the end Now that it's raining more than ever Know that we still have each other You can stand under my Umbrella You can stand under my Umbrella (Ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh) Under my umbrella (ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh) It's raining (raining) Ooo baby it's raining baby come into me Come into me It's raining (raining) Ooo baby it's rainingYou can always come into meCome into me......

Website In A Week

2007-07-01T14:17:00.000Z

I have decided to do web design:

Check out my site!

http://www.websiteinaweek.co.uk/

Professional and affordable web design.

An incredible site!

2007-06-29T00:48:00.000Z

My dad just found this amazing website! It is called: http://www.worldartcompetition.com/ and it is well worth a visit.

It's an online art competition and you can submit your art for the world to view! It only costs £4 entry and if your art makes the gallery, it's displayed for 1 year online!

If you love art you'll love it, if you don't love art you'll love it!

The prizes are good and some of the entry is donated to Art 4 Charity.

Visit this site!

The Hoosiers - Worried About Ray

2007-06-26T08:15:00.000Z

Really like the new, catchy song from The Hoosiers. Apparently Ray is their imaginary friend?

Doesn't make any sense, but still love it!

I never listen to the lyrics in songs and it probably shows - what does this mean?? :

The truth be told, the truth be told I'm worried about the future holds, the future holds
I'm starting to worry about Ray
The truth be told, the truth be told I'm worried about the future holds, the future holds
I'm seriously worried about Ray
They say the future's out to get you You know that I won't let you fall
They say the future's out to get you You know that I won't let you fall
The truth be told, the truth be told I'm treading on my tippy toes, my tippy toes
I'm starting to worry about Ray
The truth be told, the truth be told I'm treading on my tippy toes, my tippy toes
I'm painfully so worried about Ray
They say the future's out to get you You know that I won't let you fall
They say the future's out to get you You know that I won't let you fall No!
They say the future's out to get you You know that I won't let you fall
They say the future's out to get youYou know that I won't let you fall
The future's out to get you, the future's out to get you, oh
The future's out to get you, the future's out to get you, oh The truth be told, the truth be told
I'm worried what the future holds, the future holds
I'm so tired of being worried about Ray

(lyrics)

I never had an invisible / imaginary friend! Did any of you?

Saturday night TV - very unfair

2007-05-26T20:06:00.000Z

I have been so annoyed by the TV on Saturday nights over the last few weeks. On BBC there is Joseph and on ITV - Grease. If you don't like musicals then there is absolutely nothing to watch! When the two main channels are exactly the same thing it just seems really unfair.

I wouldn't mind if just one channel showed a musical show, but two???

What do you think?

(Thanks Jennifer for the continued support of Neil J's blog).

TP almost over relieved but sad!

2007-05-17T18:36:00.000Z

My teaching practice is almost over now. I feel relieved because of the work load but really quite sad because I will miss it loads. I feel like I know the children and teachers really well! It's activity week next week so no planning! YES!

I had my profiling meeting today and got a good report which I am chuffed about. I am looking foward to the summer and have a few projects lined up... internet entrepeneur i hope so??!!!

Cavemen and cavegirls!

2007-05-05T23:43:00.000Z

It's Jenny's birthday this weekend - and the fancy dress theme is cavemen and cavegirls! I got my outfit yesterday and it is really embarrasing! I am looking forward to it though.

My dad won his election yesterday! He got 196 votes - well done! He's now a councillor! So proud of him.

Going home in about 3 weeks which will be nice, although it is good fun being back in a student house.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

2007-04-28T16:11:00.000Z

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN BUSY!

Hannahs birthday is today - 3 days ago actually (its her party today)!

We went out for a chinese meal on thursday (was good fun!) and today we are doing the Topsham 10! This is a smallish village that has 10 pubs and you drink in each one - should be a laugh!

The next week we have Jenny's birthday, then 2 weeks later its mine!

Really looking 4wd to it!

Teaching practice on Monday, and am really looking 4wd to it. I am teaching a group maths (addition) and literacy (explanation). I have been doing in my literacy group, a leaflet for a humane mousetrap - I hope to send the childrens leaflets to the company because they don't explain how it works! Hopefully they will do something about it! I told the kids and they were really excited about it and it gave them a purpose to write - they even asked to take their leaflets home!

Next week I'm doing a whole lesson of PE! I'm nervous but I really want to do it because it will be a confidence booster. I also have the Richard (the class teacher) who is really brilliant with the children, there so he can step in at any time!

I just want to get stuck in to teaching because it is such a great feeling to see children learning because of you. I find when I'm not teaching you lose the 'want' to be a teacher. But as soon as I am back in the classroom, I love it!

BECCA the blog bully!

2007-04-26T18:36:00.000Z

I was bullied yesterday. By Becca the blog bully!

I have wrote a poem to express how I feel:

She called me a geek,
She made me feel weak,
She said I must be bored,
She made me feel ignored.

Becca, please stop,
I feel like a flop,
Stop being such a frog,
Why don't you, get a blog?

ONLY JOKING BECKS!

Back on teaching practice!

2007-04-23T18:44:00.000Z

I'm back on teaching practice! Having a really good time. I am in a class of great kids and a very supportive network of teachers.

I am setting up an ICT club and I really hope to set up a kids blog of some sort! Getting the children really interested in writing would be great. I feel the blog would help them with typing, creative writing and also expressing feelings and thoughts.

Rumours Of Big Brother Contestants!

2007-04-21T17:49:00.000Z

Big Brother is back on in May with Davina McCall, but no Dermot O'Leary or Russell Brand. I always am hooked by this program - I don't know why? I just am!

There have been loads of rumours about the contestants. The auditions have been online this year and so the range of people who are going on will be much bigger. The rumours come mainly from insiders of the show and people who have attended auditions.

Contestants:

An 76 year old man who acts like a 20 year old! He apparently loves Madonna and goes clubbing twice a week.

A hermit. She is a woman who lives in complete isolation in the UK (can't imagine how she got involved?!).

An escort.

A very posh woman who is poor.

A man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

I think if these get in it will be a great BB! They need different people!

Technophobia

2007-04-21T14:51:00.000Z

Just doing an ICT assignment on Technophobia. What an interesting topic - people actually do fear computers! There are many reasons for these fears:

People fear their jobs will be lost to computers : this is happening constantly i.e. in the manufacturing industry and now TESCO self-service (the end of check-out girls). Maybe in the future, teachers will be replaced by e-learning.

People fear if they press something wrongly, they will break the computer.

People fear a big brother state - the government/police can see where you've last used your credit card, the websites you've visited etc.

People fear hackers and viruses - credit cards numbers being stolen, identity fraud.

Is technophobia a valid fear? I certainly think so!

Making a website!

2007-04-13T18:50:00.000Z

I've decided to make a website! Don't really know what I'm doing... but i'll give it a go anyway!

No wonder teachers are ill - planning takes SO long!

2007-04-09T19:37:00.000Z

I have just finished planning 2 weeks of literacy lessons. It took me 3 whole days! The paperwork is horrendous!

As a student teacher I have to, for everyday, fill this lesson plan:

LESSON PLAN

Subject/Area of Learning:
Date:
Duration:
Age/No. of Children:

Learning Objectives (which include links with children’s previous learning and progress):

Subject specific language:

National Curriculum Reference:

Opportunities for ICT:

Opportunities for Speaking and Listening:

Opportunities for EAL (English as an additional language):

Introduction (considering key questions/ explanations/ demonstrations) (include times) (include differentiation):

Development (considering grouping, role of the teacher):

Plenary (indicating how key ideas will be drawn together):

Resources (including adult helpers):

Risk Assessment:

Homework:

Assessment (must be linked to learning objectives and should specify what is to be assessed and how):

Evaluation (including the outcomes of assessment):

Next Steps (key points for further lesson planning):

Although teachers don't have to plan in this much detail - it is still horrendous for them!

A good quote comes from Adrian Cross (1998),

"and then the parents turn around and tell me it's my fault . You've got no friends, the government's on your back. For what we're being paid, it's not worth the hassle."

The NUT say that,

"Drug addiction, eating disorders and obsessive behaviours are common among teachers. "

Not suprising really?

Iran should face some serious sanctions

2007-04-06T17:19:00.000Z

I have just seen on the news, the sailors who were kidnapped by Iran. Iran should face serious sanctions for what they have done. THEY BROKE INTERNATIONAL LAW AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.

The sailors did not go into Iranian waters but were kidpnapped.

They were paraded on TV: forced to lie about what had happened and apologize for something they didn't do.

They were put under horrendous psychological pressure through their ordeal.

Quotes have come from the sailors, now safely back in the UK (courtesy of the BBC).

"Let me be absolutely clear, from the outset it was very apparent that fighting back was simply not an option".
"Had we chosen to do so then many of us would not be standing here today. Of that I have no doubts". Captain Chris Air

"If we admitted we had strayed, we would be on a plane back to the UK soon. If we didn't we faced up to seven years in prison". Lt. Carman

"We had a blindfold and plastic cuffs, hands behind our backs, heads against the wall. Basically there were weapons cocking. Someone, I'm not sure who, someone said, I quote 'lads, lads I think we're going to get executed'." Royal Marine Joe Tindell

This is an absolute scandal; an international crisis. The UN seem powerless to do anything. They did not condemn the kidnapping and I very much doubt Iran will face any sanctions for what they have done.

Weathers lovely, blogging outside!

2007-04-05T14:22:00.000Z

The weather in Britain is brilliant! It's so warm and it is only just April?! I've taken my laptop outside to blog.

My garden:

It's got me thinking.... wireless internet... how on earth can AOL send information, pictures, video and sounds to a laptop through the air? Amazing!

My dog Mac!

2007-04-01T16:45:00.000Z

I've been away at uni, for what seems like a lifetime! I'm back for Easter at the moment.

It's amazing how much you miss some things that you thought you wouldn't:

cooked meals!

a full fridge

a personal washing lady a.k.a. mum

I also missed my dog! He's a border collie called Mac.

Dell don't want your money!

2007-04-01T13:16:00.000Z

I have to say, Dell have the worst customer service I have ever experienced! I tried purchasing a computer from them, but they just wouldn't let me! Strange that a company doesn't seem to want your money?

I began surfing around for laptops; Dell did seem to have the best deals. So I placed my order (I loved the fact you could build the laptop to your own specification). I put my home address in correctly and then it asked for my delivery address. I put in my university address. I paid, recieved an email saying my order was in progress and that the computer would arrive in about 2 weeks.

3 weeks on... nothing! I decided to ring them (I gave them a week extra for the benefit of the doubt). I got to one of their terrible Indian call centres. Now, I have nothing against people who have English as an additional language, but when there are communication problems occuring - that's when it causes problems. Click here for an article about Indian call centres.

When you can't understand someone in person its bad enough. But over the phone!!! I asked why my computer hadn't arrived. I ended up getting very stressed, when Sunjal repeatedly told me,

'Your order was cancelled by the finance department.'

I asked why, but got the same answer again. I ended up asking to speak to the manager, where I got the most dreaded words,

'I have to put you on hold sir.'

Another 5 minutes with 'Morning' by Greig playing in my right ear, I got through to the manager: another Indian woman, but with clear English. I explained the problem and she informed me that my order was cancelled by the finance department. Why I asked? After a few minutes of garble, I found out that it was because my delivery address had to be the same as the home address. Why do they let you put in another address?

Dell failed to inform me that my order had be cancelled too - no emails, phone calls etc.

I put in another order with the manager and she said she would get another sent out right away. Believe it or not, the same thing happened - my card had been black marked because of the delivery address problem!

I had to ring up again when it had not arrived (again they didn't inform me of the cancellation).

The stress was unbelieveable - I had assignments to be done!

My dad then used his card to order the laptop, again with the manager. AGAIN IT GOT CANCELLED!!

I had, had enough - so much stress:

being on hold for hours (they charge a premium rate)

trying to be put through to the manager (can't I help you sir)

trying to be put through to the finance department (explaining the situation to load of different workers)

communication problems ('I don't know what you mean sir')

months without a laptop

they even made me go to my bank to get a new bank card!

I wouldn't go back to Dell, even if they were doing £1 laptops. Now I hear they're doing Linux, I can't imagine what problems will arise for people who go with Dell with this operating system.

Spoonerisms - they're great!

2007-03-30T23:55:00.000Z

Just discovered the spoonerism! They are words or phrases in which letters or syllables have been swapped.

e.g.s from http://www.fun-with-words.com/spoonerisms.html :

Tease my ears (Ease my tears)
A lack of pies (A pack of lies)
It's roaring with pain (It's pouring with rain)
Wave the sails (Save the whales)

I made some up too!

Trail snacks (snail tracks)
Punky muzzle (monkey puzzle)
What heather? (how weather)
Band hag (hand bag)

They can get you in hot water too ! (a bit rude):

He's not a pheasant plucker
She showed me her tool kits
He's a smart fella
Sir, you are certainly a shining wit

Can you think of any? Add a comment with yours if you can!

How prevalent is racism in the UK?

2007-03-29T20:52:00.000Z

Just been talking about racism. How much of it, is there in the UK?

I think there is a racial divide in our society. This has been heightened by faith schools and community segregation.

In my opinion there are 3 types of racist persons:

People who are racist because they hate people who are unlike themselves.

People who are racist because they have had a bad experience of people from another culture.

Those who are being racist without knowing - they don't realise what they're saying is offensive i.e. Jade Goody when she said, "Shilpa poppadum".

All are totally wrong. I think more education in schools, and in the media is needed, to teach people about other cultures and tolerance. I mean, can you tell me what a Buddhist believes? Or a Sikh? Or the name of a God in Hinduism?

I found a great poem about racism;

A black man talks to a white man: When I was born I was black, When I grew up I was black, When I'm sick I'm black, When I go in the sun I'm black, When I'm cold, I', black, When I'm scared, I'm black,When I'm sick, I'm black,When I die I'll still be black.
But you: When you're born you're pink, When you grow up you're white, When you're sick, you're green, When you go in the sun you turn red, When you're cold you turn blue, When you're scared, you're yellow, When you're bruised, you're purple, and when you die you turn grey. And you have the nerve to call me colored.

Can celebrities who sell sex feel good about themselves?

2007-03-26T21:57:00.000Z

Just finished reading the Sun newspaper and have seen Paris Hilton and Britney Spears appear scantily clad on more than one pages. I can't see how celebrities can porn their bodies like this and feel happy?

Could it even be classed as a form of prostitution? www.dictionary.com gives the definition of prostitute as: one who sells one's abilities, talent, or name for an unworthy purpose.

What will these socialites do when they lose their good looks? Decide to go to university? I don't think so, somehow!

Gordon Brown's Budget - tax the poor to give to the rich?

2007-03-24T18:02:00.000Z

The Budget 2007 has been probagated as Gordon Brown's best, due to an impending Premiership, but in reality it gives a poor deal, to those who most need it the most.

There are many aspects which seem to hit the less well off:

The 10p starter rate has been abolished. For people earning £10,000, this means they will lose about £200 per annum. Before the Budget they had £5,000 tax free, then the next £2,500 at 10%, then 22% onwards from this. Now, they will be taxed 20% after £5,000. Anyone who earns between £10,000 - £17,000 loses out. This is exceedingly unfair.

Small businesses have taxes put up by 3%. Many can't afford this.

'Gas Guzzling' vehicles will have road tax increased by up to 300%! They are bad for the environment - but some people need them. What about farmers, who rely on 4x4's to do essential daily jobs? Or people living in rural areas, who are forced to travel over rough terrain? Will they get subsidised? - NO

And many aspects benefit the well off:

Corporation tax has been cut by 2%. I can't see why billion pound companies like ASDA get tax cuts, where my local bakery gets a tax increase?!

The level you pay inheritance tax on, rises from £285,000 to £350,000. This surely benefits greatly, people that are very well off, but again, has no benefits for the less well off?
The top-rate income tax threshold will rise to £43,000.

Gordon Brown has made decisions in this budget for solely political reasons; the main one being he is waiting to become the Prime Minister. I don't think this is right, as it is a huge responsibility and affects the country so drastically. I know I have been slightly biased - there are some good things for the less well off, such as child benefit and tax credits, but it does seem to mostly take from the less well-off and give to the rich.

BBC budget report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/business/2007/budget_2007/default.stm

Deal or No Deal trip!

2007-03-22T23:06:00.000Z

Me and some friends went to see Deal Or No Deal be filmed! We were in the audience for the game featuring, 'Pamela'. She was a really nice Scottish woman, who obviously needed the money. Everyone was gunning for her.

First box - £250,000! I couldn't believe it! Typical that I go to this game! She went on to win £10,000. The atmosphere was amazing; when you go, you realise that this is real money that they are playing with - and a lot of it! It makes it so tense, and you really get drawn in. No wonder it has been so popular.

Noel Edmonds is actually a really nice guy! He spoke to the audience like we were friends and really helped the contestants - he creates a lot of the atmosphere.

I really embarassed myself at the end! He came over to our group to ask an audience member to pick a box. My friend Caroline got asked, and I craned over, closer to her, so I could be on TV - not knowing it captured me already: ALL YOU SEE IS ME LEANING OVER AWKWARDLY!

Have you been on any TV shows?

Teaching Practice - excellent! Teaching division tomorrow.

2007-03-19T23:04:00.000Z

I had my first day of teaching practice today, it was great. I was made so welcome! I'm with a great bunch of children and a very supportive teacher. So much so, that I'm teaching division tomorrow!

I am teaching a group of middle ability children 'grouping'. i.e. If I have 21 children and cars only hold 4 children each, how many cars will I need to get to the school trip?

I'm going to do some activities on the interactive whiteboard, and then some practical activities such as measuring water out.

I'm really looking forward to it, but the paperwork is horrendous! File this, file that, review, observe, discuss, file some more!!!

Any ideas on grouping would be much appreciated? Anyone else on Teaching practice?

Catherine Tate (AKA Lauren Cooper) meets Tony Blair

2007-03-18T12:29:00.001Z

I found Tony Blair to be unbelievably funny on Comic Relief (Friday 16th). He did a comedy sketch with Catherine Tate who played her character, 'Lauren'.

Take a look above!

Usually, politicians, when doing things like this look like fools. However, I think he pulled it off and helped raise millions of pounds for Comic Relief. I can safely say that his performance alone made me (along with, I'm sure, many others) give extra to this great cause!

Weird but great words! What are your favourite words?

2007-03-18T00:26:00.000Z

I've just been doing a lesson plan and came across a great-sounding word! I have been doing floating and sinking and needed a word to describe, 'a ??? of plasticine'. We came up with 'lump'! It's got a great 'l' sound that rolls off the tongue!

I decided to look for some other great/weird words that I liked the sound of:

Flapdoodle (nonsense, twaddle)

Hugger-mugger (disorderly, confused)

Pyknic (short and fat)

Tintinnabulation (a ringing or tinkling sound)

See if you can use one of these in a conversation to someone, without them realising! e.g. "John, because of that loud bang, I have tintinnabulation in my ears."

Have a look at some of these websites about words:

http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/index.htm

http://www.brownielocks.com/words.html

(Used with permission from www.brownielocks.com)

http://phrontistery.info/ihlstart.html

I would love to hear any words that you like? Don't spatchcock while entering a comment though!!!

Ooops, don't worry, only £7 billion out!

2007-03-16T00:49:00.000Z

£9.35 billion is the new estimated cost for London's 2012 Olympics. It's been less than 2 years and it has quadrupled in price. So if we take that every 2 years the cost increases by 4 times, the final cost will be....

£299.2 billion !

Ok, that's an exaggeration, but surely it will exceed the £9.35billion if they got it so wrong in the first place?

So, all this money - it's an awful lot when you break it down. 1 billion = one thousand million = one thousand x one million = 1, 000, 000, 000 (look at all those noughts!). When we hear these figures, we just accept them, and think, 'ummm, sounds about right'.

But are the games worth the lolly? As a speaker on BBC's Question Time pointed out, 'It's half the cost of Trident.'

We, as a nation, do get swept away in the euphoria of national pride, but we must be careful to keep our feet on the ground. I think the 2012 Olympics will be a joyous, amazing occasion and we should wholeheartedly support it. Lets just question things a little more - I would be livid if my builder told me, my house extension had risen from £2400 to £9350!

Can We Not Have A Referendum On All Political Matters?

2007-03-15T01:02:00.000Z

I have been very interested by the heated debate that is the Trident renewal. I don't know enough about it to comment on it, but while thinking about it, I wondered what the people who are voting on it (MP's) , actually think about it? Have they all read enough and spoken to a variety of sources to make an informed decision about it? Have they found out what their local constituency thinks about it? I certainly can say that I have not had a say on the matter. In fact my local MP, Hugo Swire, is about as outreaching as a hermit?!

It gets quite in depth when you go into this issue of democracy; but it is peculiar that, a room of predominantly white men, vote on issues like these: a totally bias sample.

Could there not be a referendum on all major political matters? People with computers could vote, people without, could register their vote by post or at a post office? Then we really would have a more democratic country - and nobody could argue that a wrong, biased decision had been made.

The Art Of Blogging?

2007-03-14T00:02:00.000Z

I am new to this blogging malarkey! Blogging seemed to be a good way to raise questions and a way of venting thoughts, feelings and ideas. No one has answered my first blog though? Did i do it right? I thought it would be flooded with people interested in commenting etc!

How do you blog? Should it just be a way of writing down thoughts? Should it be questioning? Can they be informal?

Just looked up 'blog' on www.dictionary.com and it's come up with a few entries:

To write entries in, add material to, or maintain a weblog.
An online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page.

I don't really want to write a diary though! So I think I'll just put things on that have interested me during the week....

TV Rip Offs?

2007-03-13T13:42:00.000Z

I have been intrigued by the TV phone-in scandal. I always have been sceptical with these things - there always seems to be technical difficulties, wrong numbers etc. As a student, I was hooked on the ITV late night program, 'make your play'. There was a game called 'add the pence'. I couldn't for the life of me work out the answer and when the answer was revealed, i still couldn't!

Have a look in some of today's newspapers and it's there - it was a rip-off - i'm not stupid!

Link to times online: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/games_and_puzzles/article1499693.ece

What do you think? Do you know the answer?