A record of my own undoing............

At last warmth.....................

revo101 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:50:02 GMT

I have spent the last seven days without heating and hot water (save boiling kettles and pans). The plumber came tonight with more parts and fixed the boiler at the forth attempt. A HOT bath and warm rooms are such a joy!

Lying under the palm on holiday

revo101 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:17:21 GMT

It was two weeks ago now;but I can still feel the warmth on that beautiful island of Gran Canaria.

Today's Thought

revo101 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:33:01 GMT

Times of trouble can be useful. They can show you who you really are, what kind of character you have developed. Troubled times help you grow stronger. Don't complain about your problems. The trouble you face today is training you to be strong in future difficulties. Remember, you are NOT alone unless you choose to be. "If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength." -Proverbs 24:10

The Rules

revo101 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:45:31 GMT

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or sad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back. Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.

It's question time.....

revo101 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:46:38 GMT

...everyone else has these question thingies, so I thought I'd have one......... Have you ever done something strange to try to get it to work? What's the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? Ever been in a car wreck? Were you popular in high school? Have you ever been on a blind date? Are looks important? Do you have any friends that you\'ve known for 10 years or more? By what age would you like to be married (or divorced if you are married)? Does the number of people a person\'s slept with affect your view of them? Have you ever made a BIG mistake? Are you a good tipper? What\'s the most you have spent for a haircut? Have you ever had a crush on a teacher/co-worker? Have you ever peed in public? What song do you want played at your funeral? What would your last meal be before getting executed? Beatles or Stones? Beer, wine or hard liquor? Do you have any phobias? What are your plans for the future? Do you walk around the house naked? If you were an animal what would you be? Hair color you like on someone you're dating? If you ahd to loose a sense, which one? Do you have any special talents? What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? Do you like horror or comedy? Are you missing anyone? Where do you want to live when you are old? Who is the person you can count on the most? If you could date any celebrity past or present, who would it be? What did you dream last night? What is your favorite sport to watch? Are you named after anyone? What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Non alcoholic drink? Have you ever been in love? Do you sing in the shower? Have you ever been arrested? Would you ever get plastic surgery? Have you ever caught a fish?

The jobs I have to do.......

revo101 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:31:27 GMT

I came home today after 4 days away to find THAT place blocked. My youngest son had tried and failed to unblock it. So I had the task of getting the job done! Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Formula for perfect cheese sandwich

revo101 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:50:46 GMT

Scientists have discovered a mathematical formula for creating the perfect cheese sandwich, it has been claimed. Sensory analysts at Bristol University have devised an equation into which diners enter factors like the volume of mayonnaise or pickle to calculate the ideal cheese thickness to go with the relish. The formula, which includes nine algebraic variables, has been used to create an online calculator at www.cheddarometer.com. It is: W = [1 + ((bd)/6.5)) - s + ((m-2c)/2) + ((v+p)/7t)] (100 + l/100) W equals the thickness of Cheddar in millimetres, b the thickness of bread, d the dough flavour modifier, s the thickness of margarine or butter, m the thickness of mayonnaise, c the creaminess modifier, v the thickness of tomato, p the depth of pickle, t the tanginess modify and l the thickness of the lettuce layer. Source:http://tech.uk.msn.com/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8662775

Going to Leeds....

revo101 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:39:36 GMT

..for a business meeting in Leeds this evening. Then I will be meeting up with my eldest son, having a meal/drink and staying with him. May try to fit some shopping in (in the Victorian quarter), or go to the Henry Moore Institute (http://www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk/).

Girl with a Leica, 1934. - Alexander Rodchenko (1891-1956),

revo101 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:09:06 GMT

A selection of work by one of the most influential Russian photographic artists of the last century, goes on show at the Haywood Gallery in London on 7 February 2007.

Shrove Tuesday

revo101 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:36:37 GMT

Preparation time less than 30 mins Cooking time less than 10 mins Ingredients For the pancake mixture: 110g/4oz plain flour, sifted pinch of salt 2 eggs 200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water 50g/2oz butter To serve: caster sugar lemon juice lemon wedges Method Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl with a sieve held high above the bowl so the flour gets a airing. Now make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Then begin whisking the eggs - any sort of whisk or even a fork will do - incorporating any bits of flour from around the edge of the bowl as you do so. Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and water mixture, still whisking (don't worry about any lumps as they will eventually disappear as you whisk). When all the liquid has been added, use a rubber spatula to scrape any elusive bits of flour from around the edge into the centre, then whisk once more until the batter is smooth, with the consistency of thin cream. Now melt the 50g/2oz of butter in a pan. Spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a bowl anduse it to lubricate the pan, using a wodge of kitchen paper to smear it round before you make each pancake. Now get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and, to start with, do a test pancake to see if you're using the correct amount of batter. I find 2 tbsp is about right for an 18cm/7in pan. It's also helpful if you spoon the batter into a ladle so it can be poured into the hot pan in one go. As soon as the batter hits the hot pan, tip it around from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. It should take only half a minute or so to cook; you can lift the edge with a palette knife to see if it's tinged gold as it should be. Flip the pancake over with a pan slice or palette knife - the other side will need a few seconds only - then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate. Stack the pancakes as you make them between sheets of greaseproof paper on a plate fitted over simmering water, to keep them warm while you make the rest. To serve, spinkle each pancake with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar, fold in half, then in half again to form triangles, or else simply roll them up. Serve sprinkled with a little more sugar and lemon juice and extra sections of lemon.

Walk - 04.01.08 - Tegg's Nose

revo101 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:41:07 GMT

Went for a good walk at Tegg's Nose; part of the Country park on the Gritstone trail near Macclesfield. Part of The White Peak Area The Peak District National Park Cheshire England - Length: 7.5km (4.75ml) | Ascent: 270m (886ft) | Time: 2.50hrs | Grade: 3 Some pics of various views in my gallery. There was a VERY strong wing on the top which made it almost impossible to walk, but satisfying at the end.

10 things we did not know last week (as of 01.02.08)

revo101 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 22:23:36 GMT

Snippets from the week's news, sliced, diced and processed for your convenience. 1. Fear of needles is known as belonephobia. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7219597.stm 2. Double-income families are not a modern invention - in prehistoric times, they were the norm. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7209353.stm 3. Cumbria is the safest county in England and Wales. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7219583.stm 4. The D-Day landings were practised on the island of Eigg. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7220610.stm 5. Irish singer Joe Dolan sold his hip for charity in an online auction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7221895.stm 6. Some 2.9 million rooms have been lost in British homes over the past five years as owners opt for open-plan designs. 7. Almost 4% of Scotland's phone boxes didn't host a single call in 2007. 8. The age at which we are most vulnerable to depression is 44, while a 70-year-old who is physically fit is, on average, as happy and mentally healthy as a 20-year-old. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7213387.stm 9. Chameleons change colour to stand out and attract mates, rather than hide. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7215005.stm 10. Harry S Truman, former US president, has no middle name - his advisers insisted he insert an initial between his first and last names if he was to have any credibility with US voters. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7222151.stm Sources, where not linked: 6 - Mirror, 29 Jan.

Lego is 50

revo101 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:32:03 GMT

It's the humble Lego brick's 50th birthday. http://cache.lego.com/1033/default.htm The making of Lego bricks:- http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/11/1129_makingof_lego/index_01.htm Wiki:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego

Walk by the River Trent (25.01.08)

revo101 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:59:35 GMT

I went for a walk to a local spot on the River Trent called Beeston Weir; where the River connects with the Nottingham Canal. The river was in high flow over the weir after the recent heavy rains, and the banks and riverside trees were cluttered with storm debris. All the vegetation is dormant, although some were showing signs of early growth, following one of the mildest Januarys on record (many days have been in double figures C). The day was cold, bright and a strog wind cut through my tree layers of outdoor clothing. Some more photos are in my gallery.

Yet another 10 things we didn't know last week (as of 26th Jan 08)

revo101 — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:35:17 GMT

Snippets from the week's news, sliced, diced and processed for your convenience. 1. Swedes have a word for a man who visits prostitutes - torsk. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7199960.stm 2. Using a mobile before bedtime can delay you getting to sleep. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7199659.stm 3. A bear helped carry ammunition for Polish troops during World War II. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7208505.stm 4. Moleskin clothes used to be made of moles' skins. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7208244.stm 5. Wealthy people are more likely to drink than those in low-income homes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7201874.stm 6. Ships emit twice as much CO2 as planes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7201887.stm 7. "Plain vanilla" is a term for basic financial instruments such as shares. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7207628.stm 8. Only offal-free versions of haggis are available in the United States. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7198751.stm 9. Super-fast broadband fibres are laid in the sewers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7202396.stm 10. "Fischer chess" is a game in which the pieces are placed on the board in random order. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7196463.stm

Inept? - Pair jailed for bread theft

revo101 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:59:59 GMT

Two Australians have been jailed for a failed heist which left one of them with a bag of bread rolls and the other with a bullet in the backside. Benjamin Jorgensen, 38, and Donna Hayes, 36, were sentenced to seven and eight years respectively for the robbery in a Melbourne restaurant. During the robbery, Jorgensen grabbed what he thought was a bag of money - only to find it contained bread rolls. He also accidentally fired his gun, hitting Hayes in the buttock. Judge Roland Williams described the two, who had expected to steal takings worth about A$30,000 ($26,000, £13,000), as a "pair of fools". Hayes was hospitalised for a month as a result of her injuries. The two pleaded guilty to armed robbery at the County Court in Victoria. Source: BBC

'Wee Sleekit, couring, timorous beastie'

revo101 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:20:12 GMT

With Rabbie Burns Night upon us on Friday, I was interested to see this snippet from the Times Newspaper here in the UK. Call to lift haggis ban The Scottish Executive is calling on the US to lift its ban on the import of haggis. The 249th anniversary of Robert Burns’s birth is celebrated on Friday, but Americans are unable to eat Scottish haggis because of a 19-year ban linked to the BSE scare. The Food Standards’ Agency has said that haggis poses no risks. So much for the "friendly" relationship with have with the US Gov'. PS I went out and bought my Haggis today!

10 things we didn't know last week (as of 18th January)

revo101 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:18:13 GMT

Snippets from the week's news, sliced, diced and processed for your convenience. 1. The Scottish crossbill is the only bird unique to the UK. 2. Barack Obama attended a stag party in Wokingham. 3. Nicolas Sarkozy never had dinner at home in eight years, according to his ex-wife Cecilia. 4. Christopher Columbus introduced syphilis to Europe. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7183540.stm 5. Carrots used to be purple. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7188969.stm 6. Both men and women find long legs in the opposite sex attractive, but not too long. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7192597.stm 7. Rodents used to weigh a tonne and have skulls half a metre long. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7189341.stm 8. MPs can claim up to £250 a month without producing receipts. 9. There is no such thing as pure black. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7190107.stm 10. Brazil has more people of African descent than any country outside of Africa. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7195679.stm Sources: 1 - Times, 15 January; 2 - Sunday Mirror, 13 January; 3 - Independent on Sunday, 13 January; 8 - Daily Telegraph, 17, January;

Stormy weather raises flood fears

revo101 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:20:34 GMT

Flood warnings are already in place after heavy rain over the weekend. Families and householders hit by last summer's flooding are bracing themselves for more severe weather. Heavy rain began lashing western England overnight and a repeat of July 2007's devastation is feared. Defences are being built in many areas, and severe gales are forecast for much of west and south-east England. Flash floods and travel chaos have been predicted across areas of England and Wales during rush hour, with up to 25mm (1in) of rain falling in some places.

A Drinks recipe.....Rhubarb vodka

revo101 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:56:29 GMT

Makes 1 litre/1¾ pints No cooking required, but you do have to wait for 3 months for it to be ready to drink. So just in time for my birthday in March! Ingredients 1 litre/1¾ pints vodka 2 rhubarb sticks ½ lemon, zest only 3 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 3 tbsp sugar Method 1. Crush rhubarb with a mortar and pestle and place in a kilner jar (A Kilner jar is a rubber-sealed, screw-topped jar used for the storage of food) with sugar and leave to macerate for two days. 2. Add the cloves, cinnamon and zest and cover with vodka. 3. Leave the jar in a cool dark place for 3 weeks, but shake daily. 4. Filter through muslin, re-bottle and leave for 3 months before drinking.

Another minor milestone.......

revo101 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:49:11 GMT

....3300

10 things we didn't know last week (as of 11.01..08)

revo101 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:02:34 GMT

Snippets from the week's news, sliced, diced and processed for your convenience. 1. Circumcision does not reduce sexual satisfaction. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7174929.stm 2. The UK has only one polar bear, at Edinburgh Zoo. Its name is Mercedes. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7175652.stm 3. Window cleaners who work on very tall buildings are trained to lie flat if their platform comes loose - a tactic which appears to have saved the life of Alcides Moreno, who tumbled some 500ft (150m) to the ground in New York. 4. At school, Sir Edmund Hillary was in a gym group for those lacking co-ordination. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3740536.stm 5. Siblings who are separated when adopted may be naturally attracted to each other in later life. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7182817.stm 6. Etiquette dictates that at dinner parties, a man should always talk to the woman on his left during the first course, and right during the main course. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7180661.stm 7. One in three British adults is on a permanent diet. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7176836.stm 8. Octopi need mental stimulation. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7179368.stm 9. Liverpool is not Europe's only capital of culture this year. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7178551.stm 10. Half of men aged 16-24 haven't read a single book in the past 12 months. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7178598.stm

Trouble counting?

revo101 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:08:16 GMT

Under the Zoo Licensing Act, all zoos across Great Britain are required to make an accurate count of all their animals. Imagine some of the problems species could cause and how do you know if you have counted that one? Blackfooted (African) Penguins all have identification tags. In the event of these coming loose and falling off, the penguins are also fitted with microchips which can be scanned

Six artists square up in new battle of Trafalgar

revo101 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:50:08 GMT

It could become the most desirable picnic spot in London - sitting, perhaps in the sunshine, on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square looking out on the throng of tourists. Or it could be a burnt-out car from Iraq, a scale model of HMS Victory, sky-reflecting mirrors or a 100ft tall illuminated peace sign. Or meerkats. Yesterday the six artists shortlisted to have their work in one of the most enviable public spaces in the country unveiled their ideas at the National Gallery for the first time. After standing empty for 150 years, the public has come to expect something to be on the plinth after the success of Marc Quinn and his statue of Alison Lapper pregnant, and Thomas Schütte, whose fibreglass model for a hotel is currently the subject of tourists' cameras. The winner will be announced in the spring by a panel chaired by Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery, which also includes the broadcaster Jon Snow and artist Grayson Perry. The panel will also hear comments from a vox-pop kiosk at the National Gallery exhibition of the proposals as well as an online comment forum at fourthplinth.co.uk. Pictures of the contenders proposals are in my gallery - check them out

Moved from "Currently Playing" (9th Jan 08)

revo101 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:35:07 GMT

This is album of 2007 for me! Raising Sand ~ Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Audio CD (29 Oct 2007) Number of Discs: 1 Label: Decca ASIN: B000V017TC 1. Rich Woman (Dorothy LaBostrie-McKinley Millet) 2. Killing the Blues (Rowland Salley) 3. Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us (Sam Phillips) 4. Polly Come Home (Gene Clark) 5. Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On) (Phil and Don Everly) 6. Through the Morning, Through the Night (Gene Clark) 7. Please Read The Letter (Robert Plant-Michael Lee-Jimmy Page-Charlie Jones) 8. Trampled Rose (Tom Waits-Kathleen Brennan) 9. Fortune Teller (Naomi Neville) 10. Stick With Me Baby (Mel Tillis) 11. Nothin' (Townes Van Zandt) 12. Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson (Milt Campbell) 13. Your Long Journey (A.D. Watson and Rosa Lee Watson) American bluegrass star Alison Krauss and Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant team up for one of contemporary music's most unlikely partnerships, and in doing so create a memorable and diverse collection of lovingly crafted songs. Recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville and produced by T-Bone Burnett. The album features a stellar supporting cast of musicians and includes interpretations of classic covers as well as lesser-known gems by songwriters such as Gene Clark and Tom Waits. It’s difficult to find a weak spot on the whole album.