Steve's Thoughts

Top Ten (Well, Eleven) Tracks of 2011

2012-01-06T17:14:00.000Z

Actually, the top tracks that I've listened to. Not necessarily from 2011, but within 2011.

All stats tracked via last.fm, which includes stats from my PC via Spotify and Amarok, and from my phone via Winamp and Spotify. I think I've tracked over 90% of what I listen to, so this is fairly accurate.

Coming in at number 9 are 3 tracks:

Cee Lo Green with (the clean version) "Forget You"

Brandi Carlile with "Caroline"

and an old favourite
Kula Shaker with "Hush"

Number 7 has 2 tracks:

Diane Birch with "Fools"

Toto Coelo with "Dracula's Tango" (possibly the greatest pop song ever!) (no apologies ;-) )

Coming in a No.6 is Portishead with "Roads"

Number 5 is Moby with "Extreme Ways (Bourne's Ultimatum)

No embedding allowed!

A three way tie at number 2:

Plain White T's with "Rhythm of Love"

Katy Perry with "Firework" (The top favourite of my daughter!)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs with "Zero"

and number 1 is...

Imelda May with "Mayhem"

Special mention should go to R.E.M. as their "Collapse into Now" album has notched up a track listening total of 133, and RJD2 for his "Deadringer" album amassing 74 track listenings like this one:

and finally, coming out of nowhere, the album "Rome" by Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi. This album quickly went to the top of my playlists, and still sounds fresh even after 125 track listenings (This is the one album where the numbers should be higher. I listen to this a lot on the underground, so not all listenings are recorded due to lack of connection. Total plays are probably well over 200!). Featuring vocals from Jack White and Norah Jones, I cannot recommend this enough. I will leave you with this, "Black" featuring Norah Jones

[HOWTO] Change your ASUS EEE pad Transformer dock keyboard layout to be UK even if you change from the default ASUS soft keyboard

2011-08-27T17:30:00.001+01:00

And that's a mouthful.

Basically, this is just for me in case I have to look it up again.

The default Asus rom on the Transformer sets the dock layout to US if you pick anything other than the Asus soft keyboard. Why the two are connected is beyond me, but that's what it does.

To fix,

root the tablet,

mount system is r/w,

copy the relevant qwerty kcm mapping (in my case qwerty_gb) from /system/usr/xt9/keychars to /system/usr/keychars

copy the relevant qwerty kl mapping (in my case qwerty_gb) from /system/usr/xt9/keylayout to /system/usr/keylayout

in each directory backup the asusec file and rename your qwerty file to asusec.

Reboot.

Job done.

That's the geekiest post I've written in a while!

If they gave points for willpower...

2011-07-08T20:54:00.001+01:00

Today has been tough Started well, the weight is down to 11 st 10.1 lb. The scales teased me with 11 st 9.x before settling on 10.1, but that's fine.

As the day went on, however, the cravings started. A want / need for that which I can't have. Things reached a peak when I had to go food shopping. I know I wasn't hungry, as I'd recently had lunch, but everywhere I turned there were things I wanted. Things I *needed*!

After the supermarket I needed to head into town to look at a chair my wife wanted me to see; and as I walked through I passed bakeries, newsagents, olde sweet shops, and a burger van. All of this as I passed people enjoying the wares from the various places. It was torchure!

When I came home I had a pint and a half of water and some chewing gum to get my mind off things.

All was fine until I had to prepare my daughter's tea. After her usual bits of veg and tomato she wanted toast. Toast with jam. The smell! The mouth watering! It took absolutely every last bit of willpower not to eat half a slice. Especially when she left half a slice at the end. I had to carry that quickly to the bin. Out of sight, out of mind!

If you got rewards for willpower, I'd be 10st something tomorrow!

As it is, I'll be off for a little jog in a mo, then I have a 5km run tomorrow morning at a running meetup I've never been to. Should be an interesting start to the weekend!

Quick update

2011-07-07T21:55:00.001+01:00

Oops, forgot to post today. Need to get back in the habit.

Weight down to 166.7 lb. So that's 11 st lots, but a little less than yesterday.

More tomorrow.

Another day, another weight drop

2011-07-06T11:48:00.001+01:00

11 St 12.4 lb this morning. Nice.

I went for another 3 mile run last night, but may have over done things as a result. My calf muscles are in agony, and walking is an extremely painful experience! I may settle for a 1.2 miler tonight. Or even a night off! Makes me feel I should take up swimming or cycling as an alternative, but where's the time?

Anyway, another day, another set of protein meals. Fat free yogurt for breakfast, and I think half a roast chicken for lunch. Fancy something warm for a change. It'll be gruel for tea (oat bran and fat free fromage frais). Joy.

Update on progress and a ripping of bad reporting

2011-07-05T13:58:00.002+01:00

So, first things first, today's weight: 12 st 0.4 lb. Down around 4 lb from yesterday. Good start. Should hit 11 st x tomorrow, and 10 st x the day after (I wish!)

I went for a "barefoot" run last night hoping to crack 2 miles, and managed 3.02 miles! Compared to the night before, where I attempted the same thing and gave up with major wheezing after around 1, this was great progress. Running "barefoot" (I'd stop with the quotes if I didn't think someone would deep-link here and get the wrong idea) is a completely different style focusing on landing on the ball of the foot with almost no impact on the heel. This puts extra strain on the calf muscles, and focuses you on staying "up" all the time (I tend to run on my ball anyway, so that wasn't really a change; but I "coast" on my heel which I can't do any more, so I have to run constantly). 3 miles is good, I was hoping to get there by the weekend, so managing it on Monday is great.

Diet is going well. Finished the last of the milk in the house yesterday, and changed the order so that we only have enough for my daughter now. Other than that I stuck easily enough to protein yesterday, and, apart from the oat bran with breakfast, am going protein only again today (and for the rest of the week). Keeping on top of the liquid intake too. 1.5 litres? Pffft 2, 2.5 easily!

I've been reviewing the salient points of the diet again, to refresh my memory. For those new here the diet I follow is the Dukan diet. The diet is low fat, low carb, and starts with a few days of pure protein (bar a table spoon of oat bran to keeps things moving); after the first few days you add in low starch veg every other day (or once in every three if you want greater weight loss). Throughout you drink water and exercise. The key difference between this and Atkins is the low fat aspect.

With all that in mind I was quite dismayed when I came across this article on the BBC website during lunch. Irrespective of my take on the diet, the article is rubbish. It is a long term diet, you are not meant to hit your goals in a week or 2, it is meant to change your eating habits and reduce your reliance on high carb meals, so to include 2 people who've only done the diet for 2 weeks is misleading. Now one of those people may continue on the diet, but another one stuck with it for 2 weeks, gave up, and then put the weight back on! Shock, horror! Someone tried something for 2 weeks, got bored, and saw no benefit! The other 2 participants have done the diet for reasonable time periods, and their experiences reflect mine; food's a bit boring, but other than that you lose weight, and feel fine. The side effects the other 2 list are only present in the first 3 or 4 days as your body transfers from burning to sugars to burning fats entering ketosis. If you only do the diet for 2 weeks these things might stay in your mind, but as they disappear by day 5 of a several month journey they are largely irrelevant.

The BBC then asks if there is too much salt or fat - high cholesterol. Has the researcher not researched the diet?! The diet specifically denies you salt and fat. The book goes as far as recommending you stay away from certain types of bottled water as they are a little high in sodium! As for fat, the whole diet is based on low carb, low fat food. You aren't allowed pork or lamb, carrots, potatoes, beetroot; no ham, no chicken wings, no chicken skin. No sauces, no mayonnaise. All this is in the first part of the book. Researchers, please research!

The poor woman from the British Nutrition Foundation has clearly been asked vague questions, or quoted out of context. However, her comments are fine (if irrelevant to the diet in question in some cases).

This sort of thing really annoys me as people read this sort of stuff, take it as fact, and then have pre-conceived ideas when they find out the diet I'm on. Surely it doesn't take that much more effort to get really representative people to question, and to ask questions that are relevant to the diet.

Ok, rant over. I know it's just a puff piece basically there because Dukan is in the news over a French libel case.

Right, another run this evening, another day on the diet, some more weight loss.

Blogging for I have found my voice!

2011-07-04T09:37:00.003+01:00

It's been a while! (Feb 24th fact fans), but I haven't had a lot to say. The diet thing was done, the daily minutiae is on twitter, and the longform post was becoming stale. Time, I figured, to take a break.

Now, things are happening. The diet is bust (This morning on the scales: 12 st 4.3 lb), I have a new interest, and I have been feeling the need to write.

So, where did it all go wrong? Back on March the 16th I weighed 11:3.1. OK, but still an increase from 10:13 in November. To be honest, a 4 lb creep over Xmas, New Year, my daughter's birthday, and my birthday isn't bad! However, the gradual increase from there isn't OK. Once the idea of eating what you like takes hold, the slow increase is easily waved aside. The thought that I'll be good tomorrow is an easy one. Tomorrow never comes!

Be the end of April I was at the top end of 11 st, and the end of June saw me tick over into 12 st, and now 12 st 4.3 lb. Well, enough is enough. My new clothes are getting tight, my new suit is getting *very* tight, I'm not happy with my shape, and something has to give. Seems that's the way it goes. Slow steady increases get ignored, but one day the tipping point is reached, something snaps, and good intentions become good reality.

So that's it. A week of protein awaits, sugar free yogurts will once again be eaten. The sugary snacks, and high carb dishes are gone. Banished. Never to return (yeah, right). Let a downward trending graph be my reward!

As for my new interest, I have started running "barefoot". OK, not really; I am using a barefoot style running shoe called the Vivobarefoot Evo II which has a 4mm sole, and no padding or support. It's great! Much more to follow in a dedicated post, but it's made me run properly again;I can feel what I'm doing, I'm aware of my body, I'm aware of my exercise level.

That's it for now (don't want to burn out on day 1!), I have some other things to write about over the next few weeks / months, but needed to start somewhere. For now, I'm back...

Nurse Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Wheezing and Love the Inhaler

2011-02-24T15:48:00.000Z

Almost 4 weeks ago my wife and I went to see Apassionata at the O2. Although it was a fantastic show, it also caused my to have a major asthma attack requiring inhaled salbutamol and oxygen. (In asthma terms, anything that straps a mask to your face and makes you inhale medicine and oxygen is bad!) Horses and me just don't mix!

In my defence I though a huge open space, and no close contact wouldn't really affect me. I was wrong! Lesson learned.

Since then I've struggled to exercise. I had no real issues in the gym; but as soon as I stepped outside I'd get about a mile and my lungs would shrink to the size of a six year old's (not really, but use allow the analogy), and I'd be forced to walk home or call my wife for a pick up.

I replaced my Ventolin 100 inhaler (a blue pump that stops the symptoms of asthma) as my previous one had expired in 2005! (I don't have many problems with asthma these days. Well, until recently!) However, stopping the symptoms wasn't enough.

A couple of weeks ago I went out on a beautiful, warm day; got about a mile or so, collapsed in a wheezing heap, and decided something needed to be done.

I visited my local asthma nurse last Tuesday and she prescribed me Cleni Modulite 200. This is a brown pump that contains a strong dose of steroid.

She prescribed me 2 doses twice a day. This is a lot.

I don't like taking medicine. I rarely take anything more powerful than a paracetamol and even then only rarely. The idea of taking a steroid (and a strong one at that) didn't appeal. However, it was in my best interests. So, from last Tuesday I've took 2 doses, morning and night.

I was going to wait until this weekend to go out for a run, but the weather was so good today, and things have been so bleak recently, that I decided to go for it.

6.2 miles later I have no breathing problems, and I was only 30 seconds off my pace over the distance. You could say I'm happy!

Fitness was a bit of an issue, I have niggling problem with my right shoulder from when I dislocated it years ago kayaking, and it aches when I exercise and I'm not fully fit. That hurt today; twice. I also doubt I could have comfortably run much further. However, for a first run in about 4 weeks (not including some gym sessions, but they always feel different anyway) that's not bad.

Weather permitting I'll be out again Sunday. The countdown to my first half marathon in May is back on!

CalorieLab's take on the Dukan diet

2011-01-19T09:46:00.001Z

Checking out my feeds this morning I came across a well written article on the Dukan diet by Marissa Brassfield on the CalorieLab website. I thought the article well written, but had a couple of points I thought I'd raise in the comments. I went to the website itself, moved to the bottom of the article, and left the following:

Hi Marissa,

An interesting read, and a good 'take' on the Dukan diet. I, personally, followed the diet for several months and lost 4 stone in weight; but that's me.
My weight loss does bring me to my point though; I don't think the diet was for you! The Dukan diet (as stated by Mr Dukan himself) is really aimed at obese people. My weight when I started the diet was 14 st 8 lb. I'm 5' 6.5''. I was obese! (Just!) The diet worked great for me. I'm now (today) 10 st 10, have a much better diet plan, a healthy exercise plan, and I've got rid of all the 'nasties' that add on the weight. I'm currently in the "consolidation" phase, and it's working well.

However, why do I think it wasn't for you? You mention that you are doing daily runs burning 500 to 700 calories. That equates to a distance of 7-10 kms. No obese (or even heavily overweight) person can do that sort of exercise daily. This is the sort of exercise I can manage now! With an extra 20+ kilos of weight on my body I could barely run 4km at a slow pace.
If I've got the wrong end of the stick, sorry. But I do believe in the diet, several of my friends have followed it successfully, and there is a community of people I follow on twitter that are having similar success (as long as they manage to stick to it!)

The point about boredom is well made though. I am lucky, I have the sort of mentality that can eat roast chicken (plain), and low fat yogurt daily for weeks on end, most people can't. This, more than anything, is the diet's failure. Of course, you can't really blame the diet for the boring taste of protein! However, anyone coming to this with a lot of weight to lose is going to be on the diet for some time, and the lack of interest should be a consideration for people up front.

Cheers,

Steve

Nothing contentious, no weblinks, no spam. I hit submit.

Sorry, but your comment has been flagged by the spam filter running on this blog: this might be an error, in which case all apologies. Your comment will be presented to the blog admin who will be able to restore it immediately.
You may want to contact the blog admin via e-mail to notify him

WTF!?

Anyway, didn't want to waste my effort completely, so thought I'd post it here instead

Steve's Top Ten of 2010

2011-01-07T19:27:00.001Z

Having had a quick look at my last.fm stats, discarded all the tracks I use for running, and the ones played multiple times for other various reasons (parties etc), I am left with the following top 10 of 2010 (although the tracks may not be from 2010, that's when *I* discovered them!)

Eliza Doolittle – Pack Up
Starting the list off at No. 10, a catchy tune from one of the number of slightly quirky female singers that have appeared this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzY0-I4Gq5w

Brandi Carlisle - Dying Day
Coming in at No. 9 is a track I found on the Phill and Phil Spotify list they do through Playdio. An excellent source for music you may not have heard of.

Amy MacDonald - This Pretty Face
No. 8 is a staple of the Radio 2 playlist. I enjoyed her first alum, and this was a good first track from her second.

I Am Kloot – Northern Skies
No. 7 probably came from Radio 2 too (in fact, most of this probably did! So, unless I say otherwise, just assume that's the case). It's a great track, and a band that's on my to-follow-up list.

Cee Lo Green – Forget You
No. 6 is the "clean" version. The other one has seen some play, but I don't think it scans correctly. Very catchy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc0mxOXbWIU

Kirsty Almeida – Spider
Half way, and No. 5 sees a song that saw a lot of play in the early to middle of the year, but not so much recently. Another artist on the to-follow-up list.

K'naan – Wavin' Flag - Coca-Cola® Celebration Mix
Just outside the top 3, and No. 4 sees a song from the World Cup. A favourite of my wife.

Harper Simon – Wishes And Stars
Paul Simon's son swings in to the No. 3 position. Wasn't that impressed with the rest of the album, but the lead single saw a lot of play.

Diane Birch – Valentino
The No. 2 Spot goes to one of my favourite songs ever. It's so well crafted, bouncy, and fun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFdEk9oRcS4

James Blunt – Stay the Night
And, finally, No. 1 goes to Mr. Blunt. Not his best track ever, but a decent opener for the new album

Honoury mention:
Toto Coelo – Dracula's Tango
I discovered this track as part of a Hallowe'en special on Dracula, and immediately loved it. I have no idea why; it's so cheasy, terrible, and 80's; but I love it. Makes me smile (and remember some of the terrible dance moves) every time I hear it.

My 6 monthly health appraisal, and why the weight loss phase of the diet is now officially finished

2010-11-25T15:19:00.001Z

...or how I was defined as a lean, mean, weight-losing machine!

So I had my 6 month health appraisal at the gym today. 6 Months ago I was borderline obese, unfit, unhealthy, and fairly sedentary.

Today, I'm a bit better! I haven't got the results from last time, but here are some highlights from today:

Blood pressure: 135 / 68
BMI (Which is a waste of time, see below): 24.5
Waist to Hip ratio: 0.86 (0.90 or below is the expected norm for a male)
Aerobic Fitness Predictive VO2: 50ml/kg/min (Good apparently)
Total Body fat: 10.2% (Average for a male my age is 13 - 19%) I'm classed as "Very Lean" (downside, I'll get physically cold easier)
Fat Weight: 7.1Kgs (Average 10-14Kgs)
Lean Weight: 62.3Kgs (Average 61-65Kgs) (i.e. perfect :-) )
Total Weight: 69.4Kgs (Average 72-77Kgs)
Water: 67.1% (Average 55-65%) (I'm well hydrated) (Stop worrying honey :-) )
Total Body Water: 46.6L (Average 38-45L)

So there it is, I'm slightly under weight for the average (although I'm not "underweight"), with an excellent ratio of fat/lean/water.

All this shows, once again, how useless BMI is as an indicator. If I was to get my BMI to 21 (The centre of "Normal") I'd be massively underweight with almost no body fat, and probably de-hydrated!

The diet officially ended last Friday. I haven't put on, or lost any weight since then (I haven't tried), but today has shown me that it really is over. My body is now where it wants to be, any further loss would start to impact my physical being in ways that would be detrimental.

It's now all about watching what I eat, not letting things get out of control, and keeping on top of my general fitness. I'll update this blog from time to time to let you know how I'm doing, and of course you can follow me on Twitter to get an idea of what I'm up to.

The Dukan diet has, so far, been great for me. The results are fantastic, I'm a new man!

The #dukan diet and me

2010-11-19T20:27:00.000Z

For the last 152 days I have been dieting. Those of you who follow this blog will have seen my slow progress from 14 stone 8.25 pounds down to, today, 10 stone 13 pounds. By the numbers that is a weight loss of 51.25 pounds, or 3 stone 9.25 pounds, or 23.3 kilograms. It has also taken me from a BMI (for what the measure is worth) of 31.99 (obese) to 23.96 (normal).

However, all that's statistical. How has the diet been? Well, easy actually. Simple rules, no need to survive on ryvita and lettuce leaves, and never having to feel hungry have all helped. I've read a number of reports around health, diets, and nutrition whilst I've been doing this diet, and I know that it doesn't fit the pattern of a healthy diet. I know that it is meat (protein) heavy, and that the nutrients from fruit and veg are vital to our health; but, over a short time period, with a specific goal in mind, it has worked wonders for me.

Another statistical break, I have dropped from a 38 inch waist to a 32, and from a 44 inch chest to a 36 / 38 (depending on the jacket). All my clothes are now either medium (slim fit) or small. This factor alone has boosted my self-confidence, and my self-esteem no end. I have, to a large extent, stopped snoring (have to check with the wife as to whether I can have the all-clear yet on that), I don't get out of breath putting my socks on(!), and I have much more energy than I had before the start of the diet.

On the energy front, a lot of commentators on the diet (who haven't done it themselves) expect you to be lethargic, slow, and generally struggling. I have found exactly the opposite. After the initial "attack phase" of the diet (which lasted a week) was over, and I re-added veg into my diet, I started exercising. Just small amounts at the gym, a run, a row, a few sit-ups. Never once did I feel that I was unable to keep to my exercise regime; and after the exercise was over I was quite happy to eat protein and drink water. I never felt a "carb slump". As the diet progressed, and the weight fell away, I have upped my exercise. I am now running between 18 and 26 miles a week, with distances of 6 to 10 miles at a time, and a pace of 7.5 mi/h.

Having done some reading on the subject, the commentators assumptions couldn't be more wrong. They assume that we primarily survive on fruit and veg, when the historical record shows us that meat and fish was the primary food of a stone-age individual, and it was this protein that gave them the energy to run down prey over long distances. Protein may not give you that instant energy hit that you get from carbs (and fat), but the energy it does give you last a lot longer, and goes a lot further.

A few questions have raised themselves during this diet, for example; How can I eat 900 calories a day and still have loads of energy, even if I burn 700+ of them during a run? Obviously this isn't sustainable, but there have been days where I have consistently eaten ~800-900 calories a day for a week, and gone for 2 or 3 6 mile runs burning 700+ calories, and yet haven't suffered any fatigue or desire to eat more. Another one; I know, from hiking trips, that a litre of water weighs a kilo (or 2.2 pounds), so how can I weigh myself, relieve myself, and weigh myself again and see no difference in weight. Whilst I'm not measuring my output, I am assuming it around half a litre which should equate to 1.1 pounds or half a kilo.

Enough on that, although one thing that is obviously apparent is that the diet has made me much more aware of what I'm putting into my body. It is phenomenal the things that have added sugar to them (and the quantities of sugar in things to start with). It's no wonder we are a nation of increasing size, the stuff we eat doesn't really lend itself to a healthy lifestyle. The only way you can go healthy is to make stuff from scratch yourself.

On that front, some tips for the serious carb cutter, Encona hot pepper sauce is all good! Jamie Oliver's brand of cooking sauces have the lowest amount of added sugar (with the Tomato and Chilli sauce having 0 added sugar (there is still some sugar from the tomato obviously)). Waitrose half a rotisserie chicken can give you a hot meal for lunch when the incessant yoghurt, boiled egg and cold chicken gets too much for you.

So, it's worked for me, I would recommend it, and given the chance to do it all over again I wouldn't do anything different. Here's to the final 10 pounds, and the milestone of crossing 4 stone!

Monday 15th November - Day 148 (Week 22)

2010-11-15T11:07:00.001Z

On the scales this morning*: 10 stone 13 pounds. Delta from last week: 2 and three quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 51 and a quarter pounds.

*not strictly accurate. We're staying at the in-laws, and the scales are not the usual ones. I did a run yesterday, and at the end of it I weighed 10 st 13 lb; however, since then I've eaten (Dukan friendly) bolognaise, a pot roast (with multiple Dukan unfriendly potatoes), and a (decidedly Dukan unfriendly) apple crumble! The chances of my weight being the same as after a run are 0, but the numbers are what the numbers are.

All that aside; the week has gone well, focus is returning, and it was very nice to see 10 stone on the scales again.

We're off to Brighton for the night tonight, and I will, no doubt, have a "nice" breakfast tomorrow, but the focus remains. (honest!)

Monday 8th November - Day 141 (Week 21)

2010-11-08T09:30:00.001Z

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 1 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 0 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 48 and a half pounds.

It's almost over I think. There'll be one final push, but I'm struggling to move any more weight. 5 of the last 7 days have seen me at 11 st 1.75 lb, and straight eating or exercise keep me there.

Taking stock, I'm a 32 inch waist, a 36 inch chest. This is where I wanted to be. A little more weight loss would be nice (10 st 8 lb would be great) but it's only a safety blanket. 11 st 7 lb is where my trousers feel a little tight, and I haven't been there for weeks.

Pushing on regardless, but no longer worrying too much.

Monday 1st November - Day 134 (Week 20)

2010-11-01T08:20:00.001Z

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 1 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: minus 1 and a half pounds. Total weight loss to date: 48 and a half pounds.

Depressing!

Hallowe'en did me no favours!

I take heart from the fact that before the festivities yesterday I weighed 10 st 12.25 lbs.

Tiger than that, cakes, sausages, chips, bread buns, cider, etc. They're all BAD!

Hoping I'm strong enough to clean up and reverse the damage this week.

One other point, the weight gain this week happened despite running 4 times, amassing a distance of 25 miles, and running 6 and a bit miles Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Monday 25th October - Day 127 (Week 19)

2010-10-25T09:47:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 0 and a quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 3 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 50 pounds.

Yes, I've hit the big 5 0! 50 lbs lighter than when I started this diet 127 days ago. It's made a huge difference, I feel better, look better, have more energy, and can even put my docks on without running out of breath!

Only 10.25 lbs to go.

I'm actually a little disappointed, last night I'd hit 10 st 13.75 after my run, and really wanted to hold onto that number for today, but replacing lost fluid pushed my weight up by 2 lbs before bed, and I guess I just didn't breathe heavily enough!

It's been a variable week on the old diet, I've run a marathon distance this week, with an 8.5 mile finale last night, but I've also eaten variable amounts of transgression fodder! There's been a chicken burger (and some chips) at Legoland, a smoked paprika chicken breast (and some chips) at a family meal out, and a Thai meal (with rice). Even a home-made, Dukan friendly curry had the addition of 2 small Naan breads!

Overall I feel positive about things, weight is continuing to head in the right direction. I should hit 10 st x tomorrow (or the next day at the latest), the remaining weight will fall into single digits at the same time. Whilst it would have been nice to lose 4 lbs this week, 3.25 ain't bad. Especially at this stage of the diet where weight loss is always going to slow down as there is less fat to lose. I'm worried about the amount of exercise. Last night was one step too far really; I set off too late, ran too far, and was too cold by the time I'd finished. I felt really quite dreadful before I went to bed. As the clocks go back this weekend, it's definitely time to draw the runs in, and if I can't start early enough, then they can't be done at all. Guess I'll have to hit the gym more (urgh)

Right then, no more obvious transgressions in the near future (I'm immune to Hallowe'en, honest), time to get that final large number. 10 st x, here I come!

Monday 18th October - Day 120 (Week 18)

2010-10-18T10:36:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 3 and a half pounds. Delta from last week: minus three quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 46 and three quarter pounds.

Oh dear! I've gone backwards! There is a good explanation, and a silver lining however. On Friday morning I weighed 11 st 0.75 lb, a weight loss of 2 lb for the week from Monday. I'd gone strict on the diet, done a little exercise, and was nicely back on track. Then I went to Aberdeen for the weekend with some old friends. That's where it all went wrong!

I had a sandwich on the way up, a (Dukan friendly) chilli on Friday night with 2/3 of a bottle of wine. Saturday saw bread for lunch and a curry(!) for tea with 3 pints of cider. Sunday gave me a grilled breakfast of sausage and bacon, a fried egg, and some more bread. I had (Dukan friendly) home-made bolognaise for tea.

I also had fun, enjoyed the food and drink, and don't regret any of it.

Back to the strictness today.

I'll be taking my daughter to her first ever eye test later, so I'm working from home today. This means I can get out for a lunchtime run (yay!), and control exactly what I'm eating / stay away from dangerous temptation as I go back onto a primarily protein diet and fight off those carb cravings!

I know, from previous experience, that a lot of the weight is water retention, and the run will sort that out. The goal for the week is to get back on track, and see a big 1 0 in that Stone column on the old spreadsheet.

Now, will it be a chicken drumstick for lunch or a hard boiled egg??

Monday 11th October - Day 113 (Week 17)

2010-10-11T09:32:00.000+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 2 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 2 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 47 and a half pounds.

A week of yo-yo-ing weight! I started last Monday on 11 5, did a run, and dropped to 11 2.5. Great! Then, over the week I rose back to 11 5.25 on Friday, did another run then, and a huge run yesterday, and now I'm on 11 2.75.

I tweeted, on Tuesday, that I'd entered the 1 stone to go phase. Obviously, by Wednesday, that was incorrect. Today, I can say that again, and this time I think it will stick! Wednesday morning just saw too much dehydration; it wasn't sustainable. I knew that a 2.5 lb loss in one day wasn't going to stick, but I was hopeful that I'd hold on to some of it and continue the weight loss during the week. Didn't really happen.

It's becoming clear that very strict adherence to the rules is necessary, and continued exercise. Since our holiday in France the rules have slipped a little. I'm fitting into my clothes; I'm feeling better about myself; fitter, more able to do things. The pressure has come off. and there have been slippages. Home-made cupcakes *had* to be tried. A Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes with a Sunday dinner. Transgressions have been numerous. And, whilst the weight loss has continued, it's slowed; and there has been a worry, on my part, about a slip to the old ways. It's not far to go from a cupcake to a Mars bar, then a coke doesn't seem to bad, then I'm four stone heavier again!

So, a renewed effort has taken hold. I've bought some jeans over the weekend that have a 32 inch waist. I don't *quite* fit them at the moment, I *will* soon!

I lost 1.02 kilos this week. That was a sustainable amount. I have 6.25 kilos to go. 6 or 7 weeks. A short time pain for a long term gain.

Monday 04th October - Day 106 (Week 16)

2010-10-04T11:25:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 5 pounds. Delta from last week: 1 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 45 and a quarter pounds.

Another quick one. Weight loss has slowed down. This is in part down to me getting bored! All my clothes fit, except my trousers which I'm getting too small for (!) The end is in sight, my BMI is in the "normal" range, the drive is fading. I'll carry on, but whether the final 1 st 2 lb will all come off I don't know. The goal was always to get around 10 st 3 to 10 st 8. I think I'll get to the range, maybe not the bottom of it.

Corrected some copy and paste errors with the post this morning. Somehow I missed week 5 in my posts and skipped straight to week 6, so this is week 16 for the second time. The total weight loss is also correct as per the spreadsheet (

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Apofalv9lLRjdEhMQ1EtT242Q1RGX2tfOGI1aDZ5NkE&hl=en&authkey=CKH4rpkG)

This week sees a renewed effort around my exercise. I hoped to go out for a run yesterday, but circumstances got in the way. I'm off out today, then hope to get another on later in the week, then a new route and new distance on Sunday. The only decent weight loss I get these days is after a run, so any hope of hitting my goal is dependent on some running.

Read a nice article the other day (that I haven't followed up on) saying that for males under 5 ft 8 (I'm 5 ft 7) with a weight under 160 pounds (mine is 159) has less than 2% body fat. Nice if it's true! I certainly don't seem to have a lot of excess bits anymore.

Right then, 16 lbs to go. Hopefully it won't take 16 weeks!

Monday 27th September - Day 98 (Week 16)

2010-09-27T13:55:00.002+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 6 pounds. Delta from last week: 1 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 43 and three quarter pounds.

Quick one this week, just to say that the weight loss should have been better, but my daughter was up most of Saturday night being ill, my wife and I were knackered, and carb free food just won't do it when you are so tired you're shivering! A full loaf of bread and some chicken soup later, the week's efforts were shot back a few steps!

Hoping to get out for a run later today to offset things a bit!

Monday 20th September -Day 91 (Week 15)

2010-09-20T08:28:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 7 pounds. Delta from last time: 1 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 42 and three quarter pounds.

Obviously I missed a week. This time last week we were in France, and I was on my way to 11 st 11.75 lb! We returned on Wednesday, and I've stuck to mainly protein and water since. The excess has gone, and the trend is still in the right direction.

I can now say that I've lost over 3 stone. I actually hit that milestone before we went on holiday, but it was quickly reversed by a diet of French bread, wine, and sweet treats. Now I'm back on the wagon, and looking towards a 10 at the start of my weight. Another 2 or 3 weeks should do it.

Now, onwards. I think I'll have chicken for lunch. For a change.

Monday 6th September - Day 77 (Week 13)

2010-09-06T10:28:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 8 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 3 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 41 and half pounds.

Another interesting week weight loss wise. As my daily chart shows my weight was fairly static through to Saturday morning, and then dropped on Sunday and today. This seems to be the pattern at the minute. A couple of big drops a week, and very little movement the rest of the time. I haven't been able to correlate the drops with any cause, although the large drops from Sunday to Monday are probably down to exercise as I run 6.3 miles on a Sunday evening.

However, the point worth noting here is that I've been on the Dukan diet for 77 days, I've lost (almost) 3 stone, I've had no ill effects, the weight loss has been consistent and maintained; and, generally, the whole things has been very easy.

I have 19.75 lbs to lose to hit my target weight of 10 st 3 lb, and at a rate of 3 lb a week I should manage that in 7 weeks. However, my chart and experience shows peaks and troughs so it'll probably take a little longer. 7 weeks would take me to the 25th of October, and the goal was to hit my target weight by the 19th November. Plenty of give in the plan then! Which is just as well....

We're off on a short holiday next week which means foreign food, relaxed attitude, and many temptations. I intend to be well behaved but not too strict about food. There's no point doing these things if you don't have fun once in a while!

The break does mean that next week's post may be delayed or cancelled, internet connection and accurate scales depending.

Monday 30th August - Day 70 (Week 12)

2010-08-30T07:57:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 11 stone 11 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 3 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 38 and half pounds.

The week started quietly enough, but weight loss accelerated at the end. A week of easy food; a pattern of protein, chicken and veg soups, and bolognaise has established itself. When I'm at work it's half a roast chicken for lunch; at home, a late bowl of oat bran and fat free yogurt suffices. Muller light yogurts are a good snack, 7-up free keeps me from becoming sick of drinking plain water. When we go out for the day, hard boiled eggs and chicken drumsticks are vital to keeping the cravings away. And the overall secret to self-control? Sugar free chewing gum. I always have a pack handy; and if my mind turns to bad thoughts, I pop in a piece.

I went out running yesterday for the second Sunday in a row. I ran the 6.4 ish miles in 59 mins and 26 seconds, breaking the hour mark. Felt good, but I *really* ached last night. Thankfully I don't feel too bad this morning, a little stiff, but not too bad.

It's a bank holiday today, but we're up early. My daughter was hungry!

Plans for today include sorting out the cover on the water tank, and partaking of the sale at Robert Dyas. Mummy and daughter will be off to a local indoor play centre. Much climbing and sliding will be had!

Monday 23rd August -Day 63 (Week 11)

2010-08-23T08:37:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 12 stone 0 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 1 and three quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 35 and half pounds.

A quieter week, I think my body was stabilizing after last week 6 and some pound loss. Still, 1.75 lb ain't bad.

Couple of slippages this week, nothing major though. It's had no effect on weight loss. For most of the week I was static from last Monday.

Tired today. Went for a long run yesterday, and then couldn't sleep last night. Too much rain. It's going to be a long week.

Today probably includes a team meal at work. We have new starters. I'll try and keep it Dukan friendly. Normal service resumes after that.

Monday 16th August -Day 56 (Week 10)

2010-08-16T08:31:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 12 stone 2 and a half pounds. Delta from last week: 6 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 33 and three quarter pounds.

Wow! A good week. Certainly makes up for the three weekends of transgressions.

Of the seven days I've done pure protein on 5 of them and protein and veg on 2. I'll be back on 2 pp and 1 pv in rotation this week.

Many milestones this week. 2 stone lost, over half way, waist size about 35.

All good.

I expect to be back to losing about 3 pounds a week, but that should easily put me into the 11 something stone mark.

In other news, our loft is now complete. Insulated loft boards throughout, and the garage emptied back into the space. I'll take the surplus boards back tonight, get some foil wrapped insulation for the awkward bits, and call it done.

A decent wash down of the garage this weekend.

Right, 2nd day of pp today. I think I might have chicken, mushroom and pepper tomorrow.

Monday 9th August - Day 49 (Week 9)

2010-08-09T12:32:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 12 stone 8 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 1 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 27 and a half pounds.

This also means I have lost 12.5 Kg, and have a BMI of 27.68.

It also means I still have to lose 33.75 pounds (or 15.34 Kg)!

Those that follow me on Twitter will already know that I got to 12 st 7.75 on Friday which pushed me over the 2 stone lost mark. However, a planned weekend of excess (the last of 3) has put me back up by a pound this morning.

I always knew that the 3 weekends we've just had would mark a mid-way break as it were. And this last weekend was the biggest. My wife's birthday. We had pizza and cake on Friday, a take-away curry in the evening, A meal out at Jamie's Italian on Saturday night, a hotel breakfast, and home made paella on the Sunday. All bad stuff (well, good stuff, but not from a diet perspective!)

The surprising thing was just how bad I felt! The high fat and high carb content of the pizza and curry especially had me feeling physically sore.

Back onto the diet with properly now though. A realistic forecast sees me reaching my target weight around the 19th of November.

Time for a hard boiled egg snack and some more fat free yogurts!

Monday 2nd August - Day 42 (Week 8)

2010-08-02T08:31:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 12 stone 10 pounds. Delta from last week: 3 and a quarter pounds. Total weight loss to date: 25 and a quarter pounds.

Another good week. After the transgressions of last weekend I had a few days of pure protein, and quickly lost the small amount of weight I had gained. By Friday I had dropped to 12 st 10.5 lb.

Friday saw us travel to Drayton Manor theme park, but we packed our own food, and I avoided ice cream temptation!

From there we travelled to my parents. For the evening we had, again, packed our own food (not because my Mum can't cook, just because it made sense on this occasion). Saturday saw a BBQ. Major transgressions!

Sausage in a bun, burger in a bun, dessert. However, it was one meal. By the evening I was back on the straight and narrow.

Sunday was well behaved, and today I've found that I've lost half a pound over the weekend! Win!

My belts are now on the third notch. I still haven't replaced my work trousers, but we did manage to get me some jeans this weekend, so casual is sorted. Replacing clothes is a tricky balance at this point. I've lost weight, my middle is smaller, my existing trousers don't fit. However, I know that in a couple of months everything I buy now won't fit either. I have to pick the minimum to sort out the necessities. Speaking of which, work trousers are becoming pretty damn necessary!

Monday 26th July - Day 35 (Week 7)

2010-07-26T08:30:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 12 stone 13 and a quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 2 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 22 pounds.

This week was a good week. I hit 12 st 11.25 lb before the weekend, then had some friends over and age a huge amount of non allowed foods. Chips, pizza, full breakfast, chocolate pudding. Damage: 2 pounds.

I'm happy that a few days on pure protein can undo that damage and get me back on my way.

However, even if things stayed as they were, I'm supposed to lose 2 to 3 pounds a week, and I did.

It's almost time to buy some new trousers!

Monday 19th July - Day 28 (Week 6)

2010-07-19T08:30:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 stone 1 and a quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 2 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 20 pounds.

The diet continues well. I actually hit 13st 0.25lb this week, but that was probably slight dehydration. I'm happy with this mornings weight. Seems right. And after last weeks 4 pound drop, 2 pounds seems much more reasonable.

I'm hoping to hit 12 stone something soon, on my way to the 2 stone mark at 12 8.25.

Meals have been good this week. Lots of soups and healthy options. I have had enough of prawns though. A lunchtime and protein day staple, I have eaten too many. Thankfully, chicken is still "appealing".

The one issue this week was yesterday. We went to a christening (which was a lovely day) with a meal afterwards. The meal was decidedly anti-dukan. Butter on everything, high salt content, added sugar. It was, however, just one meal. So far the damage seems limited.

So, to this week. Protein day today, along with a trip to the gym. We have friends coming this weekend, and I've already decided that the rules are loosened. Saturday is a protein and veg day so that shouldn't add too many challenges, but I will be having the odd glass of wine. See what a bit of alcohol does to the scales next weekend...

Monday 12th July - Day 21 (Week 4)

2010-07-12T08:24:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 st 3 and a quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 4 and a half pounds. Total weight loss to date: 18 pounds.

The diet continues without halt nor hindrance. The protein days are beginning to drag. There are only so many prawns and cooked chicken breasts you can eat. The veg days, on the other hand, are looked forward to and enjoyed.

A new dish has been added to our cooking repertoire; onion and chicken stock cooked until soft, a bed of tomato and pepper, mild Chilli, black pepper, and garlic to season. Chicken breast dived and placed on top. Simmer for an hour. After 30 mins, add some sliced mushroom. Very nice.

There'll be a follow up post on the problems of the diet as experienced by my wife. Basically, the diet doesn't work for everyone.

However, it's working for me. Things continue, and hopefully I'll see 12 stone something soon.

A response to "The Dukan Diet(And how it could kill you)"

2010-07-05T14:48:00.002+01:00

Over the weekend an article appeared in my twitter stream titled "The Dukan Diet(And how it could kill you)". I read it with a sense of growing despair over the mis-informed rubbish being spouted. The author of the piece had done no research outside of another blog (an individuals blog, like mine, not one advocating the diet, nor trying to sell something), and had concluded that the diet was incredibly unhealthy and that going vegan would solve all the problems the dieter was trying to resolve.

My wife also read the blog post, and responded on twitter with:

@Dukanette Um, eating tuna salad (lettuce, spinach, cucumber, toms, raw peppers); unable to reconcile my meal w @sakakikala 's descriptionless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhonelauranixon
lauranixon

@Dukanette But when hubby launched into Attack phase for 5 days & I knew no better I admit to initially having same concerns as @sakakikalaless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhonelauranixon
lauranixon

@Dukanette Now hubby eats far more veges on Dukan diet than he did b4 (whereas I struggled 5 days w'out being big veg-lover) @sakakikalaless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhonelauranixon
lauranixon

A few hours later the response came back:

@lauranixon Okay, I never spoke to you, and I DID do some research on the dukan diet and in fact, its VERY similar to the Atkins diet...less than a minute ago via webGrace McCarter
sakakikala

@lauranixon which Pretty much any doctor will NOT recommend anymore because of the health risks. I never asked you to read my blog,less than a minute ago via webGrace McCarter
sakakikala

@lauranixon But I MUST ask, how many veggies did he used to eat? Because everything I've read says it SLOWLY introduces veggies. D:less than a minute ago via webGrace McCarter
sakakikala

So, let's take some of these points, and the original blog, and see what we can make of them.

(It is worth noting that the blog has been updated since it's original post to say:

No, I did NOT go outside the person’s blog to research this, but based on what they were saying, I’m FREAKING CONCERNED. Is that such a bad thing? I am not mocking the person whom originally blogged about this, merely stating my concerns with their diet!
ALSO it sounds a LOT like the Atkins diet, which my own father was on. And not to mention MANY doctors are saying that the Atkins diet is TERRIBLE for your health in the long run! In fact, here’s a link to WebMD’s article on both the Atkins Diet, the Dukan Diet, AND Veganism in case you want to compare. Also, here’s a PDF on veganism from the American Dietetic Association
That’s not to say no matter what will you be healthy if you follow a vegan diet, you have to follow a BALANCED vegan diet. Skinny Bitch is a book I do NOT recommend checking out to help you go vegan! Here’s a link by webMD as to why(My dad, doesn’t trust ANYTHING from The Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine but DOES trust WebMD as to overall it’s pretty darned unbiased, and while PCRM has a ton of GREAT stuff pertaining to veganism, web MD is a great general source for info)
So, judging by what I read on that person’s blog, they gave a fairly decent description of the diet, and it appears I did a pretty decent analysis of it from what I read. So go ahead and mock me if you will. At least I won’t have muscle loss, constipation, bad breath, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and/or kidney problems!

This update contradicts one of the responses to my wife, but we won't nitpick. Clearly the author has done 0 proper research before posting an article on something she has no knowledge.

And so to the points:

The Dukan diet is similar to the Atkins diet.

The Atkins diet allows you (in fact it practically insists) large amounts of fat. I've seen people on the Atkins diet, and the strive to eat as much bacon and fatty lamb as they can cram down is enough to put you off the diet for life. It also avoids carbs and veg for a long period of the diet depriving you of basic fibre and nutrients whilst filling your body with protein AND FAT.

The Dukan diet has an INITIAL attack period of between 2 and 7 days (NO LONGER) where you eat nothing but protein. It should be stressed at this point, that this is not just meat. Yes, there are no vegetables allowed during this period, but it only a maximum of one week. Also, this protein must be lean. There is very little cholesterol. After this period you can eat as much veg as you like from a list that excludes potatoes, restricts carrots, but allows pretty much everything else. And you can eat this veg every other day. The rest of the time you are eating protein. Not meat. Protein. This includes low fat fromage frais, low fat yogurt, eggs, tofu and processed soya.

After this "Cruise" phase where you lose your weight the diet re-introduces occasional starchy meals, cheese, bread, grains etc. It does this slowly, and in moderation, giving you the basis of a balanced diet with no chance of immediate weight "bounce".

The final phase "stabilisation" allows you free range on food bar a day of protein per week. However, after a prolonged period on this diet the hope is that you will have established a good eating pattern and won't need to fall back on fatty, carb filled treats.

The other factor that differentiates the Dukan diet from the Atkins diet is Oat Bran. Throughout EVERY stage you are prescribed increasing amounts of Oat Bran every day. This starts out at a tablespoon and a half, and climbs to 3 tablespoons at the end of the diet (for the rest of your life). This oat bran provides essential fibre and nutrients to keep things "moving". As someone who has been on this diet for over 2 weeks now I can confirm that things in that area are not a problem.

The Dukan diet makes you tired

On the contrary, a diet of carbs and sugar makes you tired. Since starting the Dukan diet I have never felt better. I need less sleep, I feel more energised, and I haven't had a problem going to the gym 3 times a week.

The Dukan diet causes muscle loss

Actually, as muscles (and skin) are made up of protein, the diet has no effect on muscle loss. In fact skin tone and muscle growth are enhanced by the diet. Other parts of the body may not be catered for during that first week, but muscles are not one of those areas.

The Dukan diet causes bad breath

Fair enough, on day 3 I did have some bad breath. The ketonic cells being broken down in my gut have that effect. It lasted a morning. I do chew gum but that is for the flavour and the need to keep my jaws busy. Bad breath is not a problem, and in all cases can be countered by upping your water consumption.

Green tea is not allowed

Actually green tea is allowed after the first week. Lemon (also mentioned) as allowed throughout as a food additive, but not to drink as it contains too much sugar.

There are many other things I could pick out of the post, but to do so would descend into nit picking!

The final point the author sent to my life was to ask how much veg I ate previously. The answer would be not much. They were always supplementary, never the main dish. I would never eat them without plenty of sauce and a good chunk of meat on the front of the fork. Since starting this diet I have eaten meat free salad; soup with multiple spoon fulls of just veg; mushroom, tomato and onion (cooked with chicken, but eaten both with and without the meat). In the past, once the meat was gone, the meal was over. Now, the plates are cleaned, the meat content has gone down, it's all good!

As for the author's preferred diet of choice, veganism, can there be a diet more against our very nature, and our own bodies' desires? Human's are omnivores, they eat meat, veg, and fruit. For a long period of our evolution, the meat was the primary part of our diet supplemented with in season gatherings. Even as we enter the last 2000 years we have relied on whatever can be grown to supplement hunted (or farmed) meat. It is only as we enter the latter stages of the 20th century that vegetarianism then veganism come to be possible, never mind choosable, as diets. Mass produced fruit and veg imported over large distances, cultivated using chemicals and artificial means are required for a such a diet to exist. Artificial minerals and vitamins in pill form are required to supplement the lack of nutrition you aren't getting from eating meat (even worse in the case of vegans where you aren't even getting omega from fish, nor any calcium from dairy). Before pushing your vegan agenda on others, stop to consider how long you would survive without your supplements, living only on local produce in season.

Veganism (plus supplements) works for the author, and that's fine; the Dukan diet is currently working for me. In 15 days I have lost 14.5 pounds. The weight loss is now controlled and gradual, and my diet is healthy and (reasonably) balanced.

Monday 5th July - Day 15 (Week 3)

2010-07-05T11:00:00.000+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 stones 7 and three quarter pounds. Delta from last week: 2.5 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 14.5 pounds. Last week was a week of small moves and static pauses. On the first day of veg and protein I put on 2.25 pounds, and then promptly lost it the following day! You can track the rest here.

The diet itself is going well enough. The addition of veg days certainly helps add some variation. I made myself a chicken, tomato and mushroom dish which was very tasty, and have had two lots of home made chicken soup with lots of cabbage, carrot and pepper.

The problem day this week was Wednesday; we were visited at work by a couple of sales people for a product we were interested in, and after the demo they took us out for lunch. I ordered a chicken and mushroom dish with a side salad, and I asked them to leave the sauce off. They didn't! I scraped as much of it off as possible, and got away with it, but it certainly highlights the problems of eating out on this diet.

I have now hit my first goal (self imposed) of 13 st 8, so my next goal is to see a 12! Today is a protein day, so chicken for lunch again (just for a change!)

A question for bio-physicists

2010-06-30T08:07:00.001+01:00

As water weighs about 1kg per litre, how much does my weight increase if I drink 3 litres a day?

If I expel about 750ml, how much does my weight go down?

If, over the last 3 days, I've drunk 9 litres of water and expelled 3; why has my weight dropped by over a kilo?

Is simple perspiration the answer? Seems like a lot of sweat!

Cheers.

Monday 28th June - Day 8 (Week 2): Cruise phase begins

2010-06-28T07:56:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 stone 10 and a quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: -0.5 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 12 pounds.
I'm not sure I got yesterday's weight right. On reflection I think I was a little low in my recollection. However, the record is what it is. If I was right then the weight gain is due to being out, eating pre-roasted chicken (which probably had added sugar), and the phenomenal amount of water I drank in the heat yesterday.

However, 12 pounds in a week is perfectly fine by me, and plenty to go with heading into the cruise phase.

For those that don't know the Dukan diet, the philosophy is based around protein, and for the initial attack phase consists of nothing else (apart from the obligatory oat bran that is now with me for ever). This phase lasts up to a week, and the transitions to cruise.

In the cruise phase I carry on eating the same protein rich diet, but 50% of the time I can supplement that diet with selected vegetables. The veg should be raw if possible, excludes potatoes, and is easy on carrots and beetroot.

What this does is open the menu up some, and allow for a bit of variation.

I stick with this until all the weight I want to lose is gone. I expect this to take 4 to 5 months. Weight loss is slower in cruise, with an expectation of around 3 pounds a week initially, decreasing to 2 pounds a week as you get lighter.

With the re-introduction of veg, I will be restarting my sessions at the gym too. This should help with fat loss, and obviously help with muscle definition and overall well-being.

As I said last week, update like this would get pretty boring if I kept them frequently, so the next report will be next Monday.

Sunday 27th June - Day 7

2010-06-27T10:25:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 Stone 9 and three quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 3 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 11 and a half pounds.

Short one today as we're busy getting ready to go out. Today the diet faces it's toughest test, 2 meals away from control! I take heart from the yesterday, I was asked to hold and look after a cupcake for an extended period of time yesterday and I didn't want to eat it!

Also, I haven't had a drink of coke for over 2 weeks now. Water really is an acceptable substitute!

Saturday 26th June - Day 6

2010-06-26T08:42:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 13 stone 13 and three quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 1 and a half pounds. Total weight loss to date: 8 and a half pounds.

I've broken 14 stone. Also, at some point I've gone from obese to just overweight. Next stop, perfect weight!

Friday 25th June - Day 5

2010-06-25T09:23:00.000+01:00

On the scales this morning: 14 Stone 1 and a quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 0 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 7 pounds.

I've stagnated! No idea why. I shall stick to it and plow on regardless. I suppose all the waste water in my system has been flushed and fat loss didn't do much yesterday.

Without being too graphic about it, there was no waste removal yesterday so that may have had an effect. Onwards, ever onwards. Oat bran, egg, and cold chicken await...

Thursday 24th June - Day 4

2010-06-24T10:10:00.000+01:00

On the scales this morning: 14 Stones 1 and a quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 1.5 pounds. Total weight loss to date: 7 pounds.

That's half a stone! In 3 days! Woo, and indeed, Hoo!

For some reason my first goal is 13 stone 8. I have no idea why, it's just in my head. Be there soon.

Yesterday wasn't too bad. I had fish sticks and chicken for lunch instead of prawns. Big mistake! Fish sticks are evil. They will not be consumed again.

I had the journey from hell home last night. Absolutely crammed train. You couldn't have got another person on. And it was hot. Especially when the train stopped. Which it did. A lot. However, at the end of it I didn't crave anything other than a cold drink. Water sufficed.

What I did want was something hot to eat. I hadn't had a hot meal since Sunday as I'd pre-cooked all my food, so I popped into the supermarket on the way home and got some ultra lean burgers. They were very nice (as ultra lean burgers go), and certainly helped on the hot food front.

I've decided that once the "attack phase" is over (this weekend) I'll cut these reports down to a once a week recap. Looking at my blog hits I can see that interest is waning, so I'll limit the annoyance.

Working from home today (tube issues), so the food situation should be simple. In fact I think I'll go and get that hideous oat bran out the way early...

Wednesday 23rd June - Day 3

2010-06-23T08:02:00.001+01:00

On the scales this morning: 14 stone 2 and three quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 2 and a half pounds. Total weight loss to date: 5 and a half pounds.

Another fine day, and I managed to make oat bran edible by adding it to creme fraiche and no fat vanilla yogurt. Edible, not nice!

It was hot yesterday, and by the time I got home I was craving a nice cold drink. Water really didn't cut it! Sugar free chewing gum helped a bit, but it was still there.

My daughter didn't go up to bed very well, so her bedtime treat (a couple of sweets before teeth cleaning) was cancelled. My wife brought some up anyway (soft touch :-) ), but I stood firm and said no. So my wife passed me 2 gummy bears to take back downstairs. That was hard. By the time I left them in the kitchen and walked out, I was shaking. I want gummy!

Onwards to today. As this moves on I hope the weight loss offsets the boredom of samey foods and water. No problems yet, but I'm on this for about 4 months!

Tuesday 22nd June - Day 2

2010-06-22T09:52:00.000+01:00

This morning, on the scales: 14 stone 5 and a quarter pounds. Delta from yesterday: 3 pounds. Total change to date: 3 pounds.

Yesterday was fairly easy; I had a hard boiled egg and some cooked chicken that I took to work along with some prawns I bought from the supermarket. In the evening I had oat bran with fromage frais, some more prawns; and later, a fat free yogurt (which tasted horrible! Why did I buy 8 of the things!?)

The one shock was how thirsty I was. The diet requires 1.5 to 2 litres a day, I had about 3.5 and was still a little thirsty.

Today may be tough. Unrelated to the diet I was awake for 2 hours in the night (aren't daughters great!), so my need for caffeinated beverages is quite high. Water is an acceptable substitute right? Thankfully I haven't had any fizzy drinks or sugar filled chocolate bars for over a week and a half, so the cravings should be controllable.

Apparently the first three days are the hardest. So I'll be two thirds of the way through that by the end of today.

Monday 21st June - Day 1: The Diet Begins!

2010-06-21T08:03:00.001+01:00

Hi, I'm Steve, and I'm fat. However, rather than sit around in a self help group complaining about my need for chocolate, my "big bones", and the only flesh creating virus ever discovered; I'm going on a diet.

The diet I'm following is the Dukan diet. We can talk about the validity of the diet, and any possible health concerns later.

The diet is in four phases, based around protein. The first phase is the attack phase, and lasts 5 to 7 days. During this phase I can eat no carbohydrates, and no fat. Only protein. So today I'm eating hard boiled eggs, chicken, and prawns. This will be the pattern for the next week or so.

After this phase comes the cruise phase which adds 28 vegetables, and lasts until I've lost all the weight I want to lose.

Next is a consolidation phase adding more foods, and lasting 5 days for every pound lost.

Finally, are some basic rules for the rest of my life (!) including "protein Thursday"

So, how fat am I? Well, the scales said 14 stone 8 and a quarter this morning. Where do I want to be? Somewhere around 10 stone 6!

Expect regular reports!

Social media, real time trending, and it's effect on today's world

2009-10-16T20:47:00.002+01:00

This has been an interesting week for the world of social media in the UK (and the rest of the world). Two high profile events have been moved by the overwhelming volume of vocal protest on Twitter, Facebook, and traditional blogs.

It doesn't really matter what these events were this week. Next week there will be others. However, a quick look at them will serve as a good starting point.

The first of these was the seemingly crazy move by the solicitors Carter-Ruck to put a gagging order on the Guardian newspaper. The news, for me, was broken by the Guy Falkes' blog of parliamentary plots, rumours and conspiracy in this entry. Not only does the post list the question that's being suppressed, it links directly to the report that they are trying to suppress held on the wikileaks site.

Have these people not heard of the Steisand effect?

By morning the twitter stream was swamped with the outrage of this event. The documents on wikileaks were being freely linked to, many online blogs were writing about the injustice and the removal of the freedom of speech. The company behind this, Trafigura, became the highest trending topic on Twitter, and could be tracked around the globe on trendsmap. By mid-afternoon, before there was even an appeal hearing on the event, Carter-Ruck had backed down, the injunction was lifted, and the story was front page news.

----

Today Jan Moir made a mistake. Apart from writing for the Daily Mail that is.

She wrote an article headlined "Why there was nothing 'natural' about Stephen Gately's death." (since renamed as you'll see if you click on the link. The problems with the article are satirised here, here and here, and dealt with brilliantly by the fantastic Charlton Brooker here.

More is covered in those links than I need to go into here. However, all of that information, plus links to the Press Complaints Commission (and to a dedicated site they had to setup because of overwhelming volume!) came from Twitter.

----

In the last month I've learnt about excellent TV programs, environmental movements, campaigns against the abuse of science, the list goes on, all because of Twitter. Being plugged into this new social network allows an immediacy of information, and a vocal condemnation of injustices far quicker than at any other time in history.

However, is it all good. Taking the example of today; Jan Moir's article was clearly crap of the worst order, and highlighting that, complaining about it, and, hopefully, getting her reprimanded for writing it (and an editor somewhere for publishing it) is right. At some point today, all the advertising around the article was pulled. M&S and BT who were there initially are no longer there. That's going to hit the Daily Mail where it counts. However, at the same time, people were attacking Jan Moir herself. Name calling and personality attacks as bad as anything she had written. Her home address was also, allegedly, published, but wasn't actively re-tweeted. This is wrong! It was jested, partly seriously, that Twitter's icon should be replaced with a pitchfork illuminated by torchlight.

Where is all this taking us?

It was famously quoted that "A lie can run around the world before the truth can get it's boots on." Today the truth has some pretty fast boots!

Tweets that are incorrect, or downright malicious, can get posted and forwarded in just the same way as the good ones, but they are just as quickly stopped, refuted, and removed by the same mechanism. Twitter is at least as fast, and sometimes faster, than the "wire" that newspapers get their stories from. The problem with this is that, as with the wire, the stories are part formed, speculation, rumour, lacking in detail and fact. Yes, all that comes later, but in the early stages, the wrong information can be more dangerous than no information. Are we getting to the point where our own network could be used to instill fear and panic? Could it be used against us for disinformation? At the moment the network cleans itself. More sources appear, the story is ratified, details emerge. But, what if the story was too big, co-ordinated, the real sources may not get the truth out before there is lasting damage. Could the very networks that empower us, also lead to our destruction?

OK, that's probably going a little far! At present, the network is not all encompassing enough. Most people today will have passed the day in blissful ignorance to the Jan Moir story as they do to most events. They'll read a version of events tomorrow in their morning paper, or hear a cut down TV version on the evening news, but they're not aware of the events as the unfold. The network is fantastic, but inertia pulling on the old form of information is too strong foremost people at the moment. Give it 5 or 10 years, a lot more smartphones, and a slightly younger mindset coming of age and there may be something to talk about. Until then, a few of us can stay ahead of the pack, and make sure that the small (or large) injustices in the world don't go unnoticed.

The haunting of Footstool cottage, Fulbrook

2009-09-23T17:53:00.001+01:00

A family trip was planned; a long weekend in the Cotswolds. Research was done, a cottage picked. They decided to stay in a pretty little cottage down Meadow lane in Fulbrook near Burford. As the time approached clothes and food were collected together and packed. Bedding and toys were left to the last minute. Come departure day, the car was packed and they were off.

Travelling took a little over an hour, however there was a long stop for lunch. At around 14:30 they arrived without incident. Five minutes of hunting up and down the lane revealed the cottage, the name hidden under climbing roses. A further search and the key was found; under a stone, not the plantpot as described. They let themselves in.

The cottage was lovely. A nice living space, light bedrooms, a clean range cooker. The bathroom looked like it had seen some wear, but it was clean and tidy. Unpacking started in earnest. Cases headed upstairs. The daughter would take the back bedroom, and the travel cot was setup to ensure there would be no delay later. They would take the front room, and, presently, the clothes were unpacked, the food transferred to fridge and freezer, and the toys were all over the lounge floor. Having settled in they now had to head out.

The husband's parents were staying in a caravan 30 minutes up the road, and they had phoned to say that they were having trouble putting the awning up. Grandad (as we'll call him) had hurt his back and couldn't bend, so Nanny had called the husband for help. Putting up the awning was easy enough, but the husband still couldn't see the point of caravanning.

The two families caught up. The daughter had a good time on the site swings. Plans for the coming days were made. With late afternoon approaching, it was time to head back.

The daughter had had a long day, and started to drift off to sleep in the car on the way home. On arrival they all went into the cottage and started the evening routine. PJs, teeth clean, cuddles, and bed. The daughter snuggled straight in and looked like she would fall fast asleep. There wasn't a peep out of her for the rest of the evening.

A lack of oil to cook with sent the husband scouting for fish and chips. None in Burford, but some helpful teens pointed him to the next town. Fish and chips retrieved from 20 yards outside RAF Brize Norton, the husband returned home. The fish and chips weren't very good. And lacked ketchup. A small amount of TV was watched, then the couple went to bed.

At 01:30 they were woken to the sound of laughter. The daughter was in her cot periodically laughing, giggling, and otherwise having a good time. The husband dragged himself out of bed and went to see what the fuss was. The daughter was lying on her back, holding teddy, laughing. He reminded her that it was sleepy time, tucked her in, made sure she was settled, and went back to bed.

Patchy sleep for the next hour or so was broken with more laughing. Eventually the daughter was fetched and brought into the front room. The idea of sleep was offered and rejected. The next hour was spent struggling to calm the daughter, drifting off, violent movement, restless playing, more calming.

Eventually the husband went to the back room to make more room in the bed, and the wife fetched some food. The husband drifted in and out of sleep whilst the wife fed and calmed the daughter. By 06:30 they were all asleep, and the next few hours passed uneventfully.

Friday was a tired affair. The family went to Burford before heading to the grandparents for lunch and a trip to Broadway for shopping and ice creams. The daughter was tired but active. The husband and wife were tired. On the way home the daughter didn't succumb to sleep until the last mile, and was woken at the cottage. Some shopping was needed, so, after the routine and the daughter was settled, the husband set off to the nearby co-op.

Whilst shopping (not an easy task when the shopping list is fairly random and the shop layout is unfamiliar) the husband got a text to say that the giggling was back. It had been tired, almost unwilling giggling at first; almost like she was being kept awake against her will. However, it had soon become fully awake laughing. When he got home, all was quiet, but the wife had been up to settle the daughter and had a chat. Apparently the daughter had a friend, and they were friendly. And funny. The wife was spooked, the husband sceptical. They decided to sleep in the back room. So, after tea and TV, that's what they did. The night was uncomfortable, but uneventful for the most part. The daughter did awaken early in the morning, and after some placating, was brought into bed and the wife sent to the front room. The husband and the daughter spent the rest of the night in the bed. The daughter periodically kicking him in the back whilst she slept.

The next day was a write off. Everyone was too tired, and a trip to the Cotswold wildlife park was met with tantrums, sullenness, and even a rejection of ice cream! After a dejected trip on the little train, and a lack of enthusiasm to even wave to the camels for Daddy (who was left at the station with the pushchair and bags), they went home.

A request was made. Daddy went into the back bedroom and carefully explained that the family was suffering from lack of sleep. He went on to ask if the child could be left alone tonight so they could all catch up.

The night went well. For the child at least. Mummy and Daddy don't sleep well in strange beds, and Daddy ended the night in the back room. He was woken by his daughter standing in the cot wishing him a "Good morning Daddy"

Tired as everyone still was they had a better day. A trip to a National trust property with Nanny and Grandad was followed by some packing and another quiet night.

On Monday morning they all went home. Calling in on the grand parents on the way to celebrate Grandad's birthday. In the end they were all glad to be home.

Before bed on that Monday, Mummy made some enquiries. The "friend" in the room was a boy. Bigger than the daughter, but not old like Nanny or Mummy / Daddy. He was friendly, had come shopping with us one day (!) Hadn't come home with us. And would be missed.

"He" was never discussed again.

For my bro (and anyone else who has an android phone)

2009-09-04T12:07:00.001+01:00

So, my bro has finally got himself and Android phone (the Samsung Galaxy no less). So I thought I'd list out the Android apps I use the most.

I know I've done something similar before, but that was to list everything on the phone, and whilst that list has changed since the post this is more a list of useful stuff. The rest he can find out by experimentation like the rest of us.

Primary app to get is ChompSMS which, when combined with SMS Popup gives a far superior experience to SMS messages (remember to disable the phone apps notifications)

Once you have that sorted, Newsrob is free, and by far the best RSS reader. Full offline support, background syncing of feeds (automatically, not manual like most of them) and it syncs with google reader, so changes there are reflected on the phone and vice-versa.

Notification wise I like Battery Status and WeatherBug. Strangely they do exactly what you think they'll do!

Social media wise, twidroid (or Twidroid pro) for twitter and Bloo for facebook

Media has to be tunewiki (enable last.fm and twitter support) and the official last.fm app is great for streaming music.

If you're in London then the iTubeStatus app is still the easiest to use, but I also have London City installed for the map and the journey planner

HulloMail is a must have for visual voicemail and to allow you to keep voicemails in your mail as mp3s.

AK Notepad is still the best app I've found for jotting down notes. Import and export from/to text files allows transfer of notes easily.

Night Clock is great when you're away, but it does make the screen a little brighter than I'd like.

Video Player is a small, must have app for simply playing vids (supports the same format is iphone videos, just without the DRM)

And that's it really. Those are the apps that get used regularly. Shazam, Pkt Auctions for eBay, etc all have their uses, but not regularly. Games you're on your own, you know what you like.

I will pass on this site: http://www.cyrket.com/ It makes browsing the market much easier.

I also follow the feed from http://www.androidtapp.com/ which has brought up a few interesting apps in the past.

Questions / comments? You know where to put them!

Ticking on by

2009-09-03T09:21:00.001+01:00

Still here. More or less.

Running more at the mo. 5 times a week. Not huge distances, but something is better than nothing. I hit exactly 14st on the scales the other night. I'm hopeful to crack that first milestone off this week and get into the 13s. Long way to go yet, but the changes I've made don't seem to be taking any toll. I'll just keep up the exercise and keep watching what I eat, and see what happens.

Thinking about it the other night (jogging gives plenty of opportunity for that), I realised that my running playlist hasn't changed since that first half marathon in Chester. My running tunes are older than my daughter, my marriage, even my relationship! They were put together before I got my first contract job in Newcastle. I've used the same tunes in Chester, Newcastle, Wimbledon, and Wokingham. All that work I did years ago measuring bpm, checking tone and subject matter all seems to have paid off. If I get the iPod and the phone together I'll post the list.

Cleared out the garage at the weekend. For the first time since we moved in you can move around freely, and actually find what you're looking for! Next stop the shed. One day, maybe, the loft. That just leaves a couple of cupboards that need a sort.

Out at the cinema last night to see "Inglorious barsterds". It was a good, fun movie with the trademark Tarentinoisms (music, slow shots of detail, etc). However, I'm not convinced it's historically accurate!

Currently watching "True Blood" series 2, and looking forward to catching up on "Californication" series 2 before season 3 comes out next month. Also anticipating "Dexter" season 4, also out soon.

Enjoying listening to the soundtrack from "True Blood". For some reason the US and UK versions are different, but combining the two on random seems to work. This morning, however, I'm listening to Chickenfoot; the 'supergroup' with Joe Satriani on guitar. A couple of really good tracks, but mainly just some hard rock filler. I never saw the appeal of Van Halen (the band) and with Sammy Hagar doing the vocals (and lyrics) a lot of this falls into the sort of music. Mediocre Van Halen with Joe Satriani on guitar. Maybe I'm just getting old.

Right, work arrives, time to go.

On Twitter

2009-08-24T09:50:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, I tweet. I don't tweet a lot, but I certainly tweet more than I post here. I also use it more than my immediate group of friends.

I have 104 followers. People who hang on my every word (except they don't.) And I follow between 110 and 120 people at any one time. That, for me, is manageable. I read pretty much every tweet on my stream; I may not read them as they happen, but I do read them. It doesn't take too long either.

A while ago I started an experiment to follow more people to see what the limits were. Turns out that when you do that something exponential happens. More and more people follow you, and the cycle continues. Forever growing. Well, not forever. I've seen these types of account, and they hit a limit around 3500. There are 3500 idiots you all follow each other. And most of them are self-declared SEO experts. What this means is that every post has some pointless triviality and a link to their eBook.

The upshot of the experiment was that I found that above 150 people I couldn't follow the stream anymore. My phone client refreshes every 3 minutes, my web every 2. On both with 110 people I can often go 20 minutes without a single tweet. At 150 I was getting around 3 a refresh. Too much data (and far too much noise).

Some people may be able to follow more, but I came up with 2 rules off the back of that:
1. Anyone following more than 300 people has got filters and won't read anything you post.
2. I'll only follow those who interest me. If you follow me, fine. Don't expect it in return unless you have something worthwhile to add to my stream.

A final backup rule. Anyone following more than 300 people must have something very worthwhile to add as they're probably a twat. (Thanks Dave, we won't forget)

Right, enough twittering, it's time to get back to tweeting.

Alive and kicking. (Hot and sweaty edition)

2009-08-19T09:24:00.001+01:00

Here I am in a slow moving tube, slowly heating up, listening to "Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac.

Why isn't music as good as this today? A whole album of class. No filler, no vocal effects, no silly electronic gimmicks. Just classic rock.

I'm definitely getting old. Music released in the year I was born is "better" than today. Aye, and all this were fields once. Kids today don't know how good they've got it. I had to go to school, uphill both ways, after a full shift down the pit. Etc etc etc.

You may have noticed the lack of posts recently. Actually you probably haven't seen as there haven't been any real views on the blog for a long time. I have made well over 700 posts on twitter (see that side bar over there on the left), but that's not quite the same. Strangely 140 characters is easier to come up with than a blog post. There's so much going on at the minute, most of it bad, frustrating, or just plain exhausting that I don't want to write about it. Things have to come to a head soon though. The status quo cannot continue, and I'm mentally working through my options. Maybe, just maybe I'll get back to posting when all this is worked through. Those three draft posts may yet see light of day!

In the mean time, sporadic posts of waffle, and irregular twittering is the best you're going to get.

But as you're not reading anyway, who cares?!

A miracle

2009-07-23T07:17:00.001+01:00

First, a confession. I snore. I also twitch, writhe, moan, and fidget. Only while I sleep of course. This means that although my wife and I may start the night together, one of us invariably ends up in the back room. Last night, I volunteered.

At 1ish last night I made the journey from one room to the other; mobile phone, charger, and pillow in hand. I plugged the phone in, closed the curtains, and got comfortable. Then I sat up, set my phone alarm, and got comfortable again.

What I had failed to do was turn the charger on at the wall.

My phone has a battery life comparable to nothing. It's rubbish. It needs charging 3 times in a 24 hour period. Needless to say, sometime in the small hours the phone died.

I awoke with a start this morning. Groaned, and leaned over to check my phone for the time. It was blank. Still half asleep I looked up and saw the switch on the wall in the off position. Oops. I got up, and switched the phone on. Wondering exactly how late I was, I staggered into the study to look at the clock in there.

If my alarm had gone off it would have done so at 06:20. What time was it? 06:20!

For the first time in a long time I'm on time. On the only day where I didn't have an aid to waking. How? It's beyond me!

I really should write something

2009-06-30T08:23:00.001+01:00

but the heat, and the tiredness, and the general apathy is getting to me.

I should write about weddings, trips to the beach, BBQs and paddling pools, trips to Legoland. We've been busy!

I just can't find the words.

Life is fairly tough at the mo and the light is too far away to see. Just need to keep my head down and keep going.

One battle at a time.

I hope to be back soon.

Brief one

2009-06-22T08:57:00.001+01:00

Tired this morning (for a change) and can't find the muse.

Busy weekend, just can't do it justice yet. See what this evening's journey brings

Here we go again

2009-06-17T11:03:00.001+01:00

I got home at 22:00 last night. Slept, got up, and now I'm on my way to work again.

I can't say much more than that. Nothing else of interest has happened.

My hayfever is really hurting my eyes this morning. The nose is a little better behaved though.

Missed my connecting train last night by seconds. That was annoying. Could have been home at 21:30.

Working from home tomorrow. Looking forward to the "lie-in"!

That's it. That's all I got. Can't see the screen properly anyway thanks to blurred vision.

Winnesh Triangle - stupid o'clock

2009-06-16T06:37:00.001+01:00

Up a whole 30 mins later than yesterday, but still stupidly early. As it's Tuesday, and I've really stuck to my photo plan, I thought I'd post the joys of the day at 06:30!

Today hurts. Tomorrow will, no doubt, be worse. At least I'm working from home Thursday.

Sleep? Over-rated

2009-06-15T07:51:00.001+01:00

Up *early* this morning. 05:35 early. The start of a busy day, and a frantic week.

I daren't mention what we did at the weekend because, apparently, I make it sound like I do all the work. So, my *WIFE* spent all of yesterday in the garden stringing plants, and generally correcting the useless efforts of our gardener. (He's a good gardener, but stringing plants doesn't seem to be his forte!)

Whilst my wife was working, I, the husband, was swanning around swimming, cleaning bathrooms (twice, although not because the first attempt was no good), and changing the bed linen. Amongst other things.

Saturday, in contrast to the busyness of Sunday, was spent visiting a national trust garden, and meeting up with the in-laws. A beautiful, sunny day provided the backdrop to a nice walk.

Tonight brings with it the challenge of the last remaining plant to need work in the garden. A huge climbing rose that hasn't seen a lot of attention, and needs some guidance and some stringing love. At least the early start should see me away on time. The wife will eat early; I'll eat on the way home; little one will retire; then, the plant will be ours.

Suffering

2009-06-12T13:23:00.001+01:00

For those of a nervous disposition, move away now.

My nose is like a scabby, constantly dripping tap.

My eyes are swollen, red, and streaming.

My sinuses ache.

My skin is tight and sore.

My head feels like it's full of cotton wool.

Hayfever. I hate it.

It's not just all that above, it's that it's all together. Never ending. Arrgh.

It's the sudden, unannounced drip that appears on my shirt. It feels like a nose bleed. No warning. A cold usually gives some advance warning of impending dripping, but not this.

I am fully, and completely fed up. Concrete everything. Sod global warming, at least I won't feel like this. Take every plant, tree, blade of grass in the UK, and nuke it from space. It's the only way to be sure.

Failing that, amputation from the neck up.

1 wedding and a shopping trip

2009-06-09T08:59:00.001+01:00

Friday morning saw me (and 3 friends) rising at 5am to fly to Norway for a wedding.

It was originally supposed to have been 1 friend, Tristan, and myself; but Jon and Emma had run into train problems on Thursday evening, and the easiest option was for them to stay too.

We left Jon and Emma at Wokingham station as they were travelling to Gatwick, and Tristan and I continued on to Heathrow.

One Scandinavian airlines flight later (and a fast train to the city) we were in Oslo. This is where we hit a minor travel hiccup. Our directions told us to head for Lysebu; assuming that was a village or stop, we tried to work out where to go. (Also, the pertinant information that the T-bane is the underground, and not a train, tram, bus, or any other type of tranport would have helped too!) A long wait in the tourist information office, and we worked out the Lysebu was the hotel, not a stop, worked out which stop we needed, purchased a ticket, found the underground, and were on our way!

We arrived in plenty of time (when I plan, I plan properly (eh Jon?)) and helped out a little with preperations.

The wedding kicked off at 3 (Jon and Emma arrived at 14:58) with a string quartet. The bride, Becky, looked absolutely stunning as she walked down the aisle to join Rich (the groom). What followed was a different, but cute, ceremony.

The judge presiding (and the audience) remained seating whilst Becky walked down the aisle. Then, the string quartet continued playing, for a good minute, once she had reached the "altar". When the band finally wound up the song, Becky and Richard were the only ones left standing, looking slightly lost. The judge, still sitting, motioned then to sit. Which they did.

Judge then stood, turned to us, and said, "I give the word to Peter." Then he sat down. There were three speeches in all, and a musical piece, all introduced in the same way. Then we were onto the wedding itself.

A simple ceremony. Do you take this man? Do you take this woman? Well done. Now, put your rings on. Job done.

We all sat as the bride and groom left the room.

The rest of the day passed in a pleasant blur. Champagne, gin and tonic (bleurgh), a fantastic meal (saffron halibut, lamb, cheese and chocolates), then music, talking and dancing until late.

I went to bed after midnight. Exhausted.

Up at 9 for breakfast, good byes, and a journey home. The bride and groom are off to China, our friends were hanging around Norway for a little longer. Tristan and I made our way back to England.

-------

Sunday saw the swimming pool too full and turning people away. So we went shopping. Changed some towels, took back curtain samples, my wife got a top, I got a memory card.

-------

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday. This took longer to write than the journey gave me time for.

Another one bites the dust

2009-06-04T10:38:00.001+01:00

Tomorrow an old friend of mine gets married. Of the group of close school friends I keep in touch with only one remains unmarried.

This is the first time that I haven't met the bride before the wedding which feels a little strange. However, it's perfectly understandable. They met in Texas, and now live in the far North of Norway. Not exactly easy to pop out for a drink together!

The wedding is in Norway; specifically, Oslo. So tomorrow morning I fly out at 07:20 (I don't want to think about the time I have to get up!) from Heathrow, wedding in the afternoon, then back on Saturday, and home for bath time. I feel exhausted just thinking about it.

Because of the timings, and early mornings involved, my wife and daughter will be staying at home. This will feel very strange. It always does. It's only one night however, so not too bad.

I've known the groom since I was 11. We've been through highs and lows as part of a close group of friends, and we never lose that bond. We all meet up sporadically these days, but when we do, old patterns are quickly found, and it all feels natural. He's a great bloke who *needs* a good woman in his life, and it would appear that he's found one.

Good luck Rich, and remember, the one piece of advice that I got, and give: never go to bed angry.

Crammed

2009-06-03T08:57:00.001+01:00

It's a bit packed this morning. Hot and sweaty. And we haven't reached Waterloo yet!

So, better make this quick as I'm sure to run out of writing space.

Not much to say anyway. Went home, helped put my daughter to bed, spent an hour on the phone with a work colleague whilst participating ina DR test, cooked, ate, cleaned, watered the plants, went to bed.

Then didn't sleep well. Too hot. One disturbance from little one was quickly sorted. Up early(ish), dressed and off to work.

It's an exciting life.

Another gorgeous day taunts me as I travel in. Knowing that it'll break for the weekend doesn't help any either. Oh well, at least I have Friday off. Even if I do have an early morning flight to look forward to!

Ok, 30 seconds from Waterloo. We're going in. Wish us luck!

Are we nearly there yet?

2009-06-02T10:29:00.001+01:00

Where are we going?

What will we do when we get there?

Why does it seem to be taking so long to arrive?

What's the point?

I spend all my working days telling people how many servers we have, and how badly they are used. People then pick out the tiniest holes in the data to try and discredit it so that they don't have to do any work. What's it all for?

Hardly likely to change the world, am I? (Although one of the initiatives driven by me and my data is reduced power consumption, so that might help a bit)

I think the problem is I could do so much more. Proper resourcing, decent management cover, and we could really make a difference. Save millions, reduce power costs dramatically, make teams work smarter and better. It's the frustration of lost opportunity that's getting to me.

And what will I do about it. Moan here probably. Very little I can do about it. Keep on at the powers to change things. To listen to me. I can keep dreaming.

Whine over.

A new start?

2009-06-01T09:25:00.001+01:00

1st June. The start of the month with the middle of the year in it. (21st is the middle. It's not my fault we insist on putting an extra 10 days on the end of the year!)

So, what to blog about?

Trains are running well. (Bet you're glad to know that)

I'm tired, but no more than is customary for a Monday.

Weekend was fun. Shopping and jobs on Saturday. Swimming, jobs, bbq, jobs on Sunday.

We're trying to move my daughter from a cot (bed) to a (cot) bed. As a backup (for when she continues to get out of bed and come and see us) we have her travel cot setup too. To date, she has preferred the travel cot. The key point came the other night. Apparently, big girls sleep in beds, and my daughter is a little girl.

You cannot imagine how cute that was!

Yesterday I set the cot part back up on three sides. High back and bottom, tall side near the wall, but with the lowered side and fall protector still setup for easy access. A good compromise we thought. An easy transition stage. Nope.

When given the option, she chose the cot over the bed. Guess it's just too soon. We still have a couple of ideas, but I think the cot will be back up by the weekend.

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Got about a third of the garage sorted. A full car load to the tip and a huge box filled with chopped wood. I need one more large box to finish the wood off (and then we need to burn it!) The rest of the garage will follow as space is freed, and bags are sorted. Still leaves the shed needing a tidy out, but progress was defintely made.

I'm off, sans family, on Friday to Oslo for a friend's wedding. It's an early start with a return on Saturday, but I'm looking forward to it. A chance to catch up with old friends. Should be good.

Journey note: I'm beginning to melt.

Sorted all the holiday photos out last night. I'll get the best to picasa as soon as I can. I now have 10 hours of video to upload, edit, and print. Where do I find that time? I can't even get the simple paperwork filed from week to week! Oh well, one day.

Too hot now. Time to go. Hope for fresh air!

The view from my desk

2009-05-29T14:12:00.001+01:00

Now, bring on the cider and ice creams!

Where to go with this...?

2009-05-29T08:48:00.001+01:00

I really don't see the point in continually telling the world how tired I am; how rubbish London transport can be; how stressful the job is; or how many house jobs were done of an evening / weekend. However, as that has now removed a lot of my waking hours the question is, what should I write about?

Looking at my stats, there are 8 people who regularly (daily) visit the web site. There are also a number of people subscribed to the RSS feed (of course I have no idea if they read the feed). So, you lot, what do you want more of? Rants about current world stupidity? Photos? Commentary on little things? Hopes and dreams? Or should I just shut up? Go back to technical postings once in a blue moon?

Any idea? No preference?

The cutest girl in the world. Now in pig tails

2009-05-27T18:26:00.001+01:00

Ok, one of the 2 cutest. I'm married to the other one.

P.S. I'm back, but can't blog properly yet. Head not in the right space.

This is the end.

2009-05-15T08:17:00.001+01:00

Well, it is for a week and a day.

And boy do I need it. Late nights all week, early mornings twice (including today). A holiday is very much needed.

I'll be leaving the blackberry at home. I don't know about my phone. I think I'll have to leave that too. Too many reports of apps ignoring the data roaming preferences and costing people a fortune. No thanks!

So no communication for a week. A scary concept for me.

Must remeber the camera. We've had a period of forgetfulness when it comes to the camera lately, but I've charged it up, and it's ready to go. Just in time for me to walk into the sea with it in my pocket. Again. Again.

Strangely tired. I've actually had a reasonable amount of bed time the last couple of nights, but sleep (or at least deep sleep) is elusive at the moment. Combine that with an 06:20 alarm call, and tiredness isn't hard to explain.

Ok, enough. Be good whilst I'm out. See you back and refreshed on a week come Tuesday.

Morning

2009-05-13T19:30:00.001+01:00

I'm up early (or is that on time? On a damp and dreary morning. So here is the view from the far end of the platform, and an idea of what Berkshire looks like at 7am today.

Ready for a break?

2009-05-12T09:24:00.001+01:00

On holiday next week (and a couple of days of the following week), so no posts. I'm definitely ready for it. Stress at work is invading my dreams, and making me restless. It's time to stop, leave the blackberry (and the G1) at home, and get away from it all.

That's all I can think about this morning. Changes and demands at work are too overpowering to think about at the minute, so my mind is skitting away to happier thoughts.

It's a hard life

2009-05-11T09:48:00.001+01:00

So, another Monday begins. And for my daughter it'll be something of a comedown. She's had the weekend of her little life!

It all started Friday. Her usual friends unavailable, she went to Monkey Mates. An indoor playground with lots of scafolding wrapped in foam and bright colours, big toys swinging around, climbing nets, and, of course, slides. She had a great time. And my wife got a work out!

Nothing out of the ordinary there though. She's been to Monkey Mates before.

On Saturday however, a new experience. We drove for an hour, down to near Portsmouth, to a place called Paultons Park. It's essentially Alton Tours for the under 9s with most of the rides for the under 4s. She *loved* it! It's a one off fee to get in (and children under a metre are free), then all the rides are height restricted with 85% being for those over 90cms. My daughter is 92cms. She's free, but able to go on pretty much everything. Win.

We spent the day on ride after ride. Rollercoasters, pirate ships, things the go round, up, down, huge slides (no, bigger than that), and every other fun way of moving your body. My daughter was into everything. Even taking her hands off at daring moments and waving them in the air. Usually giggling like something demented. Best of all, there were hardly an queues. Toddlers and queuing don't go well together, so that was a real bonus. We generally had to wait one turn before our go.

She even had her first ice cream (just like Daddy's) and managd to eat it cleaner than most 6 year olds I've seen with ice creams. She, of course, loved it too. (Most of the other food she ate during the day was brought with us, and healthy!)

She fell asleep on the way home, and went straight to be when we got back.

We followed that up with a whole day in the garden with Mum and Dad. This may not sound huge to you, but to her it is. Usually when we're at home, one of us (or both) is busy doing jobs. Yesterday, the time was for her. I did a BBQ which she enjoyed (lots of shrimp), and we spent time in her ball pit, playing football, and just being near her while she played with sand, or bounced on the trampoline.

Another fun day, and another early night.

Now she's back to normality. Poor girl. She'll just have to put up with play dates, trips out to parks, and more playing in the garden. Tough life.

Can't be bothered

2009-05-08T08:37:00.001+01:00

I'm no fun at parties. Apparently.

Too hot chocolate

2009-05-07T10:20:00.000+01:00

Of a morning I like to pop to the coffee booth at Reading and get myself a nice hot chocolate from the lovely people at AMT. Today it didn't work like that.

They don't take cards, and I have 24p in my wallet. A transaction was not going to happen.

So, I thought, if the train I get on has a new style buffet car I'll get one there. They take cards.

The train arrives.

It has a new style buffet car.

I order a hot chocolate.

It comes HOT. In a paper cup. Not weighing very much which I thought was odd.

By the time I got to Paddington, 25 minutes later, the drink was still too hot to drink, and the little bit I sipped tasted like hot water with essence of chocolate.

My mouth and tounge are now burnt. I haven't had a drink. I'm not happy. This is no way to begin a Thursday.

I will not be buying a hot chocolate from First Great Western ever again.

I need a holiday

2009-05-06T09:21:00.001+01:00

This thing can write itself these days. Pick from:

I'm tired
Commute is rubbish
Didn't do much of interest last night / weekend

That about sums it up. I'm tired through. I need a break. The one we have coming up in 12 days will do for a start.

Maybe I should start calling and e-mailing Americans at 7am our time and expecting an answer. See how they like it.

Really, given a whole 6ish hours of overlap in our working days, why do they wait until 23:50 to send an e-mail for information?

Also, meetings are usually scheduled a few days in advance. People know about them. So why wait until the evening before your meeting to ask me for the data to support your agenda? I'm not in the meeting, I didn't know it existed, I'm not getting anything from it. So why should me and my team bust a gut to get you data when you could have given us a few days warning and had it completed without disrupting our entire schedule.

Ok, rant over. I need a break.

Restless in Reading, Lozenges in London

2009-05-01T09:19:00.001+01:00

Didn't sleep well last night. Sore throat and swollen glands do not make good bedfellows.

I was up at 3 for some throat spray. Sometime around 4 I was shivering violently under a thick duvet. 5 to 6 I was sweating and delerious. 6:30 onwards, exhausted dozing / unconsciousness. 7:30, up, showered and off to work.

I'm coming to the conclusion that I might be an idiot.

I'm warm, and rather damp. It really hurts to swallow. I have a splitting headache. I feel full (bloated might be a better description) even though I haven't eaten anything.

Yes, probably an idiot.

The duvet was calling, and I ignored it. Deciding, instead, to put myself through a stressful day at work. Why? I don't know. I have things to do, yes, but they could probably have waited. (Ok, not really. Things need to be done by the end of the week, and here we are, at the end of the week)

I'll shut up now. Leave you so I can wallow in my pain and sorrow. At least it's a three day weekend. Woo. Rest.

Apologies for the absence

2009-04-30T17:51:00.001+01:00

I have a sore throat. It kept me awake in the night. I'm tired. Blogging to resume when these problems go away.

Check out the Home Project

2009-04-28T22:40:00.000+01:00

On June 5th (World Environment Day), a new film by Luc Besson and Yann-Arthus Betrand will be released everywhere in the world, on every format (Movie Theatre, DVD, Internet).

Through stunning displays of aerial camerawork, the film will give people from all corners of the world a glimpse of our planet like never before and visually demonstrate the urgency for preservation efforts. In addition to its Internet premiere, "Home" will be shown in movie theaters and outdoors on big screens at key locations around the globe. It will also air on TV stations around the world. Using this unique distribution model, one with a massive online and offline effort, the film creators are able to reach the widest audience possible. So whether you'd prefer to head to the theaters, watch it under the stars, or just stay put on the couch — the way you view "Home" is up to you.

And starting today, YouTube channels in English, French, Spanish and German will feature behind-the-scenes looks from the making of the film, as well as interviews, and extras. To add even more dimension, Google Maps is featuring specially created layers that shed more light on some of the material covered in the movie. You can also use Maps to find a theater location near you.

To get a preview of what you can expect on June 5, check out some of the spectacular footage in the Home YouTube channel, like the video below of the Arctic world and its wild terrain that's essential to preserve. Or this one of Los Angeles exclusively seen from the sky, giving us a new perspective of the cityscape at night. And please respond and react to the film via video responses, comments, and ratings and share links via email with your friends.

from: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/coming-soon-to-youtube-bessons-and.html

So, check out the youtube page, put the date in your google calendar, and add yourself and your pledge to the map

Tab Closing

2009-04-28T21:44:00.001+01:00

I have a bunch of links and docs open in various tabs and lists that I'm slowly working through. Here are some of the cooler ones.

First, Bohemian Rhapsody played on old computer equipment:

This is the first time I've embedded a video, so I hope it works!

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Next, It was a Dark and Silly Night:

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New Moby song with video by David Lynch:

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When they start talking about the credit crunch and start throwing about those huge numbers, remember that

A million seconds is 11 days
A billion seconds is 32 years.
A trillion seconds is 32,000 years.

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Online London maps: Londonist’s directory of Cartographical London

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The eyeballing game: You any good at spotting right angles?

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Apparently, the galactic centre tastes like raspberries and smells of rum .

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Mazes:

Clickmazes (a great timewasting resource)
Logic mazes
Adrian Fisher’s World Maze Database
History of mazes and labyrinths
The Labyrinth Society

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Worldometers - real time world statistics

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Free, streaming music. Right in the web Browser

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Pre-order Who Killed Amanda Palmer; because you should.

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No idea why, but: http://www.mtvcherrygirl.com/play/

Nearly didn't make it again

2009-04-28T10:01:00.001+01:00

I've finally caught up on 527 news feeds, but haven't left much time to blog.

Not that there is much to blog about.

Last night, for example, I got home, saw my daughter for a bit, retired to the studay, worked until 20:20, had something to eat, and went to bed. Hardly the most stimulating experiences on which to blog.

My daughter woke a few times in the night. On one of those she appeared to be having a tantrum. Whilst still dreaming. Even in her dreams, things don't always go her way!

The weekend was busy but uneventful. Lots of jobs, some shopping, some sleep.

Swimming on Sundays is going well. Little one knows to kick her legs and splash her arms. It's not very effective yet, but the theory is there. She's picked it up by herself too. I'm not daft enough to try and teach a 2 year old front crawl!

Busy afternoon again today. Meetings until 17:30. This should be the last time this week though. I'm starting to put my foot down. Anyone who schedules a late meeting without checking with me first will get a request to move it, or a decline. The only caveat is when it's in my best interest to be there. Today's late meeting was checked with me first, so no complaints. (Only grumbles about the hour)

Journey's taking longer than it should. We're approaching London Bridge, and I only started this post at Westminster. It's warming up too.

Just got a seat though. Woo.

Not really coming up with much else to write. Time to think about work.

Oops

2009-04-27T10:13:00.001+01:00

Forgot to write a post this morning. A new phone app finally let me catch up on my RSS feeds underground, so I got a bit distracted.

Normal service to resume tomorrow.

Oh, and one more thing

2009-04-24T09:51:00.001+01:00

Jade Goody - the Musical? Wrong, just wrong.

That is all.

Hot and bothered on the first great western

2009-04-24T09:19:00.001+01:00

Early (in the journey) post today. Still above ground, slowly, approaching Paddington. It's warm. Warmest morning yet. Perhaps that hot chocolate wasn't the best move!

Worked late last night. Very late. Wife went out to the cinema, and I was still working when she got back. No relaxing movie for me.

Today I have no meetings until 15:00, then they don't stop until 18:00 (back to back, and in different buildings!), so I won't get home until 20:00. Good job it's the weekend.

Nothing "planned" for this weekend, in that we know what we might be doing, but not until we're actually doing it. As long as there's some sleep involved then we'll be fine.

Tired of running for transport

2009-04-23T09:50:00.001+01:00

I'm sick of it. I seem to spend my life, these days, running for trains. It's not that I'm useless. I allow plenty of time for my journeys; but events seem to conspire against me.

Take this morning; I'm up a bit late, and I'm going for a rush hour train. I leave an extra 6 minutes early for my journey. 2 miles in we hit a roundabout. 3 roads converge. We all want to go for the second exit. The ones coming from the right could go down our road, or across us for their second exit. The car 2 ahead of me waited. And waited.

"Oh dear", he must have thought, "here comes another car. He's indicating; he's turning; oh, I could have gone. Oh dear, here comes another car."

Over and over this happened. He waited until there were no cars anywhere in sight (if there was a car 20 metres from the roundabout, moving slowly as you would approaching a junction, he waited).

Prat.

I made the train. Just. I had to run.

It happens almost on a daily basis now. Something will delay me in an unexpected way, and at some point I'll have to run for a train.

Anyway, enough of that. Tired. For a change.

Wife's out at the cinema tonight (again ;) ), so I might get to watch a movie or something. Relax.

I could have sworn it was Friday today. I've done enough this week for it to be Friday. My head aches like it's Friday. The fact that it's Thursday seems a cruel joke.

Hell of a day ahead (for a change), more meetings (although one has already been cancelled), more work. As always, if we can get to the end of the week, and hit all our deliveries, next week looks (at this point) easier.

Hope. It keeps us going.

Long day, short post

2009-04-22T09:54:00.001+01:00

Got home at 10 last night, vegged, slept. Up late this morning. Rubbish day ahead.

I now need to write lots of work e-mails before I get to work. Apologies for the rubbish post.

Early II

2009-04-21T07:51:00.001+01:00

So it's 7:30, and I'm on the tube. Usually I'd be getting out of bed around now. Late. But true.

I don't think the photo on the previous post worked. I'll fix it later.

For now it's travel and meetings in my future.

My morning hot chocolate was too hot this morning. It was undrinkable until we actually pulled into Paddington. Too hot to drink nearly 30 minutes after it was made. Good job I didn't drop it, that would have hurt!

Inflated a paddling pool for my daughter last night. Took ages. Almost an hour with an electric pump in the back garden. Our neighbours must love us!

So, drinks with work this evening. Not sure I'll be much company by then, but we'll see how it goes.

Tired. No, honestly. Is it time to go home yet?

Oh well. Ever onward.

Early

2009-04-21T06:32:00.001+01:00

I have an 8am meeting today (and drinks after work at the other end of the day!) So I'm on the train at 06:32 here's what that time looks like.

Ticket day

2009-04-20T09:22:00.001+01:00

Today is the day I renew my yearly tickets for travel. Flipping heck is it expensive!

Travel in London alone costs over £1000
Travel to London is nearly £3500!
Car parking is £130 every 6 months.

That's a lot! No, really, that's a huge amount of cash that it costs me just so I can go to work!

Ok, work give me the amount in a pre-tax loan, so I don't pay income tax or NI on it, but that doesn't really offset how much it costs me to come to work.

More family trips into London needed; allow me to capitalise on the expenditure.

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Anyway, enough monitary shocks. Busy weekend. I cleaned and tidied. Pretty much all weekend. Carpet cleaning friday night. House top to bottom on Saturday. Finish up, garage, and garden on Sunday.

It was fun though. The house looks a lot better. Small bits of paperwork all over the place have been consolidated and sorted. All the shredding of receipts has been done. The kitchen benches have had all the hard water stains removed. Hopefully it should allow us to keep it ticking over for a while.

I did manage, on Friday night, to watch a movie. The latest Rambo one. Not bad. Very short though. Only about 78 minutes. Plenty of room for more plot expansion. The whole thing, obviously, is just a vehicle to get to the end fight, but it's an enjoyable enough romp.

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I tweaked my twitter account last week. I went from following 300 people to 91. Suddenly I can cope with the data input again.

Trimming was easy enough. Anyone who constantly retweets stuff, or twits links on how to monetise twitter (for only $200 outlay!), or, basically, spams, was out. Add to that the people who never said anything and we were down.

I'm playing around again with numbers. I'm up in the 130s again which I think is a little too high. It's that signal to noise ratio. The key bit is the morning sweep. I get up and there are a large number of tweets waiting. If I can scan them, pick out a few links, and basically, process them, then that's fine. This morning I got half way and gave up. Too much noise. I have to remove the american bias. They tweet too much whilst I'm asleep!

I think the whole thing has hit critical mass anyway. Oprah joined, live on TV, on friday, and Mr Demi Moore achieved over 1,000,000 followers in a high publicity battle with CNN. This, combined with all the press coverage here, the constant stories about twitter breaking news, or causing companies to change decisions, has reached the point where it's hitting mainstream. It would be interesting to look at the demographic now joining.

Interesting times. My interest in facebook is now practically 0. RSS feeds are beginning to back up. It's now this blog, and twitter that take up my online time. Just need to get that signal to noise ratio right. There's a metaphor for life if ever there was one!

Absent

2009-04-17T09:31:00.001+01:00

It's been a quiet blogging week. This is only the second time I've actually gone into the office. That's because I've been too busy working.

No interesting time off stories I'm afraid. Tuesday I came home, worked; Wednesday I stayed home, worked late; Thursday I stayed home, worked very late; and here we are today.

What a fun life. 6 hours of conference calls yesterday. And real work too.

My lovely wife and daughter are off to her Mums for the weekend, so I have an opportunity to clear a few jobs off; starting with cleaning the carpet.

As this is my blog, I know it wouldn't be complete without a travel whinge. The train I caught first this morning was delayed by 27 minutes (although, from my perspective, it was 3 minutes early), the second one ran very slow into London; and now, finally, the Jubilee is delayed due to signalling problems. Severe delays, and no sign of us moving any time soon. I love commuting.

Having just typed that, we're finally moving. For how long is anyones guess! See you at the other side!

Long weekend

2009-04-14T09:19:00.001+01:00

Another Monday dawns. This one was different though. It was a bank holiday. Following another one on Friday. A bit of a lie in, and a day off from work.

Most of this weekend I spent away. Near, or in, North Wales.

It was an old school friend's stag-do. The next in line of the few of us who keep close contact. There's only one more of us to go.

I travelled up the country on Friday; popping in to see my parents, have a bacon sarnie, and fix some PC problems. Then it was further up to stay with one of my mates who'd be joining us on the "do" and his lovely wife. We were joined by a further friend, and served a sumptious dinner prepared brilliantly by our hostess with only minimal "help" from us men!

The evening was spent with some wine, and some PC problems.

The following day we picked up the "stag" and headed to North Wales. After a bit of faffing for lunch / trousers, we hit a hill and went for a walk. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day. Beautiful sunshine, pleasant temperature. The hill was soon conquered and we retired to the hotel for a quick shower and change.

The evening saw us hitting the streets of Betws-y-coed! A place not known for its nightlife. We found ourself a table, and enjoyed a large, tasty meal, and a few drinks, before heading back to our hotel.

We served our stag a nice whisky, and a double sambuca. The bar staff then asked if they could pick the next drink. Of course we said yes. A pint of purple arrived.

Apparently called "chief" it was red bull, blackcurrant, blue WKD, and 3 shots of smirnoff blue. It had the right effect.

Despite threatening a stripper (phones with internet access are great for making threats appear real!), the night was over at this point. We retired.

Sunday morning saw breakfast for all but one of us! Once packed and checked out we made our way to coffee for the other one! Then home. I popped in, briefly, to see my parents, brother, and his girlfriend. Then it was back down the country to my wife and daughter.

Monday saw us working in the garden and catching up on some jobs. A pleasant enough end to a good weekend.

Now a four day week starts. Great. Roll on Friday night!

On my way. For now.

2009-04-09T10:03:00.001+01:00

Finally made it to the Jubillee. To be told that the Bakerloo is now running again. With only minor delays. Sometimes I hate commuting. When it works it's ignorable, when it goes wrong it's an utter pain in the ass.

Here's hoping the rest of the journey is without incident or delay.

Fire alert at Waterloo

2009-04-09T09:28:00.001+01:00

On the underground, I don't think there can be worse words for my journey than "Fire alert at Waterloo".

Bakerloo is suspended. Circle line is useless (next train is 13 minutes away). So it's district to Edgeware Road, Hammersmith and City to Baker Street, and then we'll see what the Jubillee is doing (hopeful at the minute, but it too passes through Waterloo (a very long way away from the Bakerloo though)).

More soon.

Slow, slow, stop. Slow, crawl, shudder.

2009-04-08T09:44:00.001+01:00

Yes, another train whinge! It was slow. Very slow. Signalling problems apparently. I was scheduled to be at work now. I'm only just getting on the jubilee line!

Other stuff. My run last night was a disaster. I set off too quick, and died going up the hill at the 1.2 mile mark. Tried walking it off, and then picking back up, but it was no good. Gave up and went home. I would go out again tonight, pick up the slack, but my wife is out, and I'm baby sitting. Probably just as well. I'm due out for a run tomorrow, and I still ache from Sunday and last night. I'll use the time to get my ipod loaded and charged. A bit of music might help take my mind off the aches, and the right tempos should help me slow down.

That's it really. Too much late night work on Monday combined with hayfever yesterday morning is what compelled me to work from home. Ended up working until 6 as it was. Why do people send major queries at home time? Can't they wait for the morning? Going to be a little late today too. Not too much though as I have to get back to baby sit.

Running around, all a twitter

2009-04-06T09:32:00.001+01:00

I ran 4.3 miles last night. I have my running routes tracked via google, and posted to "my maps" on google maps. At some point I'll share. 4.3 hurt. Well, actually 2.5 to 3 hurt, I ignored it after that because it was late, dark, and I was getting cold! In 5 weekends time I'm running a half marathon. Eek!

By my calculations, I need to run 5.5 next sunday followed by 7, 9.5, 11.5 and then the 13. During each week I run the distance I ran the Sunday before. So this week it's 2 2.5 mile loops. Next week it's the 4.3 I did this weekend. So the final week would be 11.5, 2 lots of 9.5, and a 13. I may wind down the final training run though.

I have a feeling that this will hurt!

The first time I did a half marathon I trained for the whole thing from scatch (no technique, no nothing) in 5 weeks. I was younger. And lighter.

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I now have nearly 200 people "following" me on Twitter. Every one of them hanging on my every word. Ok, maybe not. But that is rather a lot of people I don't know, who also follow a lot of other people they don't know, listening to an awful lot of drivel, re-hashed blog posts, and the same link to a slightly interesting article 10 times an hour. Of course, there is some good, original commentary, and the first link to that article is interesting; so, on balance, it's still worth doing.

Overall, a good weekend. Now we have a 4 day week, a 4 day weekend (with a stag do), and another 4 day week. Could be far worse. Now, let's get the first of those over and done with!

Friday dawns, the weekend is but a few hours away

2009-04-03T09:08:00.001+01:00

'Tis true.

Id just like to point out that the train line from Reading to Waterloo has bugger all signal. All morning I have battled with the technology, and at no point has it provided me a decent signal for longer than 5 minutes.

Rubbish.

Been through some fairly big places too.

Right, let's see if the phone can find enough signal to get this out.

Morning all

2009-04-02T09:28:00.001+01:00

Is it only Thursday? It should be later than that by now surely. At least I've got a seat on the tube today. From the start too; no strategic waiting in the right place for me.

Not a lot else ticking on. Went for a run last night; 2.51 miles according to the google My Tracks app on the phone. Feeling slightly stiff this morning, but no hobbling.

What else? No disruption from protesters yesterday. Although some people are expecting problems in Canary Wharf today. There's nothing official planned though, so we'll see.

That's it really. Got away on time yesterday, but I have another late afternoon meeting today, so probably be 30 mins late. This American focus on time is not great, have to see if it settles down.

G20 - There's been a mhurdurr

2009-04-01T09:45:00.001+01:00

G20, the postcode for Taggert. It's all an April Fool. Gordons final joke. Get all the world leaders together, depict it as the final chance, and then, just as we're all beginning to think we might make it, they come out, tell us we're stuffed, and leave us to rot.

From a grandstanding point of view, the G20 is fantastic. It's also a waste of time. We may have a global problem, but the solution is anything but. If the US and China agree a way forward, the rest of us will be fine. It's the G2+18!

Then we have the protests. I've worked in an investment bank for nearly three years, and the number of times I've seen a millionaire banker can be counted on one hand. The number of times I've been face to face with one can be counted on one finger. Strangely, all our senior figures are in the US this week.

I'm not expecting any problems as the protest aren't planned for Canary Wharf, but if I do run into issues, or get delayed by problems, do you think they'll care that most of the people they are inconveniencing are standard office workers. Ordinary people like me. No, they probably won't. It's more important to make your point, and go for the big picture rather than worry about the details.

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Running very late this morning, but I was working very late last night. And the night before. Hopefully things will settle down after this week. Two 4 days weeks, and a long weekend in the middle should make everyone a bit more mellow. I've got a stag do to look forward to, so that will help too.

Well, we're approaching London Bridge. Technically the only place I could get held up today. No sign of problems yet though. Work is a few minutes away, and the relative safety of my desk.

Is it only Tuesday?

2009-03-31T09:19:00.001+01:00

I was working until 20:30 last night off and on. (Connected from home) And I have a meeting (!) At 19:30 tonight. Busy doesn't even start.

We also had some casserole, watched some tele, and my wife started the ironing of the clothes my daughter will wear on holiday.

That's it really. Far too much work. Too many meetings, so I can't do the work. And tiredness.

Our daughter is back to waking in the night. I lost count of the amount of times I was up last night. Not good.

This is possibly the worst post I've written, but my heart just isn't in it today.

Life on a Monday morning

2009-03-30T09:56:00.001+01:00

Here we go again. Another week, another set of delays and cancellations.

However, enough whinging about trains. How was the weekend?

On Saturday we did Earth hour. Turning all the lights (and pretty much everything else bar the fridge) off for an hour whilst we had a candlelight dinner. In fact, the meal and company were so good we did over an hour and a half! Most of the electrical equipment remained off until Sunday too, so we definitely did our bit.

Sunday saw swimming and gardening. Not at the same time. Swimming was colder than usual, so a little on the quick side, but good. We spent a lot of time playing in the water, and less time playing on the steps and the slides. (Her choice by the way; I get no say in what we do.)

Gardening involved my wife having to untangle and string up a complicated series of plants whilst I cut out 3 beds for climbers. We also planted a few more bulbs. We're up to date on the garden again, but I'm sure there will be more to do.

So, another week, another set of challenges (first of which is get to work!) Definitely getting to the point where I need a break.

Oof

2009-03-27T08:28:00.001Z

I got home at 19:47 last night, and left at 06:47 this morning. TFIF!

Our internet and phone line disconnected yesterday. Haven't properly tested yet, but it seemed back on this morning. Needs investigating.

Important report to do for 10:30. Should manage it. Hopefully they'll like it.

Tired. Very tired.

Might meet my brother for lunch. If we can workout where and when.

Weekend. Need sleep. My daughter was up only once last night. At 05:50. She was up properly at 06:30 though. Poor wife.

Time to go to work. Not ready. Oof.

7am Friday 27th March 2009

2009-03-27T07:00:00.001Z

So this is what the morning looks like!

Eejit

2009-03-26T09:21:00.001Z

Why do people feel they have the right to push in at the top of an escalator in front of the people patiently waiting their turn?

The reason we're all waiting in the first place is because people funnel in, starting six wide to get to a space that allows two. Jockeying for position trying to save an extra three seconds, and in the process costing themselves several others.

Then finally, everyone gaurding their position, only about two and a half wide at this point, some git comes along, skirts the outside, and jumps in at the front! OI! Twit! What gives you the right? Are your meetings that much more urgent? Are you just far more important than us? Or are you just an utter git?

As a result of your actions, the flow behind you has been interrupted, we've all bunched up that little bit more, the back of the queue is that little bit more chaotic. And all so you could save ten seconds on your commute.

You're a prat. I thought you should know.

Earth Hour 20:30 Saturday 28th March 2009

2009-03-25T15:55:00.004Z

We shall be joining Earth Hour this Saturday with a nice candlelit meal for 2. Anyone else doing something similar?

Tired of Berkshire

2009-03-24T09:24:00.001Z

Up in the night more times than I can remeber last night. Each one a dazed stumble, a comforting word, a gentle stroke, and a stagger back to bed.

We got to bed early enough having watched the last two episode of Heroes we had recorded (another one recorded last night, so we have one to go to catch the rest of the world). Pottered around on our phones for a bit, catching up on news. Talked to each other. And then sleep. I thought we'd done well. Little one had other plans though.

Oh well, up and off for another day. Joy.

Another week, another signal failure

2009-03-23T10:21:00.000Z

One day I'll go through this blog and see just how much disruption I get to my journey. Gut feeling says close to 30%

Anyway, the weekend. This weekend we have mainly been in the garden. I washed the patio on Saturday and it looks so much better now. Got into a bit of trouble as the job wasn't really priority. Needed doing though, and the result is good. We also got some new plants, small ones, to replace the ones that didn't make it. Got those planted too.

My wife's parents were over at the weekend, arrived Saturday afternoon, and baby sat that evening to allow us the chance to go out and have a meal to celebrate our anniversary. We went to a Thai restaurant, and, whilst the food was fantastic, my wife had booked a table well in advance, and specifically asked to be seated downstairs. On arrival, they put us upstairs in a room with damp problems, and didn't even have a table ready for us.

I was cooking Sunday dinner, and in an effort to prepare it early, I attempted to take my daughter swimming on Saturday morning. This didn't go as planned. We usually go first thing in the morning, and today was no different. However, we got there to find lessons, and no swimming allowed. When we returned later there was a large inflatable in the main pool for 8 year olds and over. Of course, my daughter wanted to go on it. She was very good for the first part, but towards the end, the temptation was too much, and a bit of a tantrum followed. It was all forgotten by the time we were dressed though.

Finished the weekend with two episodes of heroes (we've nearly caught up with the TV finally) and some ironing. A tiring, but worthwhile weekend. Now to see what the week brings.

TFL vs. Steve

2009-03-20T09:17:00.001Z

The Jubilee has severe delays, and Bank is shut due to over-crowding. They don't want me to get to work.

Lots of changes, lots of movement, no time to blog.

Wish me luck!