Electronic Ink

I like reading.
I do a lot of it. Whether it's full novels or manuals or online news I'm usually adding some form of knowledge or entertainment to the old grey matter. A while ago I bought myself a Sony Reader. Up to now I haven't used it because I wanted to finish the book I was reading. Having done that it's now time to venture into unknown territory.
I have heard good reports about most of the electronic readers but I'm going into this with an open mind. I hope it's a good experience for me. I'll let you know in due course.
Time for a new book.

Happy New Creative Year

So it's 2011 already.
I have made a resolution for the new year. Only one and it's quite easy to keep. Write more.
I've started well with my new Moleskine diary but the main reason I need to write more is that my head is full of ideas. I seem to need to get stuff onto paper or record stuff just so that I can create a bit of empty space in my head for even more ideas. There are songs, poems and stories stuffed in my head so it's time to work. I'm aware that creative spurts never last so I need to get all this stuff down even if I don't use it for a while.
As you can see above, the coffee machine has been brought out of retirement. Caffeine and I are good working partners.
Full speed ahead.

Charity Appeal

This years appeal is for the 'Save My Alarm Clock' charity.
Every hour of every day, somewhere in the world an alarm clock is suffering abuse. While being dutiful and faithful servants they find themselves in the most appalling circumstances. Daily they are subjected to verbal and physical abuse. They are yelled at, sworn at, smacked, thumped and thrown across bedrooms.
This abuse must stop!
By supporting SMAC you can make a real difference. You can save alarm clocks from all corners of the planet.
Give what you can and we will spend the donations on specially designed alarm clock ear defenders and body armour.
Please be generous.
Thank you.

Doctor Me

I woke up this morning with a cold.
It's not very nice but rather than whine about it I'm going to try and enjoy it. Here's how.
Firstly I like the smell of my Vicks inhaler. Secondly I don't mind taking pain killers because I do it all the time for my migraines. Thirdly I get to go to bed very early and that means I can read a few chapters of Archangel by Robert Harris and that's a bonus. Fourthly I get to self medicate with the bottle of Grant's Scotch that I picked up from Asda tonight care of some free shopping vouchers, win win.
So there you have it. Far from complaining I am rather going to enjoy this cold.
Chin chin.

Weather Report

I suppose my blog year wouldn't be complete without some kind of adverse weather report.
I only write these posts because I spend a lot of time using the road system. This means that I get to see the best and worst bits and experience them too sometimes. On the whole this year is no better or worse than any other year in the Midlands. There are picture postcard vistas in the fields and villages and slushy roads and impatient drivers risking all for a few seconds thoughtlessness in the cities.
I'm not here to give advice or berate. That can be done much better by other people. I'm here to write a blog post that says nothing has changed. I'll be back next year to do the same. In the meantime I'll laugh at anyone who dares say we've never had it so bad.
And they will.