tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64303032011-04-21T18:33:21.083ZRandom Ramblings about anything and everythingDavePnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-15097071758750902762007-10-24T14:03:00.000Z2007-10-24T14:09:07.566Z

For anyone that follows this blog, and hasn't heard our news (and/or isn't on facebook, in SAGGA etc), there is going to be an addition to the Pinney family from March next year. That's right - I'm going to be a Dad.If you want to, you can keep track of 'Bubble' over on the Bubble-making Magic blog that we are contributing to as things progress. There's already plenty of posts from the last 20

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-32423039339368448212007-04-17T09:39:00.000Z2007-04-17T09:54:39.942Z

It's been a while, things have changed for me, and we've been away on the boat.Firstly, I'm looking for a job again, the one I had at the University was only ever a 1yr fixed term contract, and was never going to be extended beyond it original end date of 31 March. So, I'm again looking for suitable employment. Ideally I would like to work in the evaluation of Medical Technologies in/around

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-24149719441963522722007-03-23T15:51:00.000Z2007-03-23T15:52:24.622Z

How quickly can you find out what is unusual about this paragraph? It looks so ordinary that you would think that nothing was wrong with it at all and, in fact, nothing is. But it is unusual. Why? If you study it and think about it you may find out, but I am not going to assist you in any way. You must do it without coaching. No doubt, if you work at it for long, it will dawn on you. Who knows?

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-49297018329937901052007-03-13T14:40:00.000Z2007-03-14T13:24:24.678Z

(Apologies, this has been grabbed from another location - credit given in a while when I post the answer)Add the pence - two pounds, 25p, £1.47, 16p, fifty pence.(Clue, it's not 438)Answers in the comments pleaseAnswer:The official answer is 506 from ITV, and here's how to fudge it (credit BBC Magazine Monitor that also show some other answsers and explanations)first add everything. 200 + 25 +

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-44167895721096545442006-12-06T10:51:00.000Z2006-12-06T11:06:42.104Z

We went to Rich & Nicola's wedding at the weekend, near Bristol. These are friends of C from the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra (NSGSO), there were several other friends there that we've not seen for ages. HM (most of you know him) regressed a few years, to the level of practical joking that used to occur during the annual NSGSO courses, and much hilarity was created in not only

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1164643412278029022006-11-27T15:48:00.000Z2006-11-28T16:08:00.516Z

Some of you may remeber that I was SMIDSY'd (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) last December. I was 'got' again last week, this time I was on the scooter.Travelling along (at around 20mph) a city dual carriageway (30 limit IIRC), I was in the right-hand lane (moderately clear) passing a moving queue of cars in the left lane, and a woman pulled out, into the side of me withy minimal indication and

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1163502665131385582006-11-14T11:11:00.000Z2006-11-14T11:11:05.190Z

On my way in to work this morning (on the scooter) I pulled up at sometraffic lights, and there was a bloke driving a Range Rover chattingon his mobile phone. I signalled to him through the window to get offthe said phone. He ignored me, so I tapped on the window and told himto get of the phone. He wound down the window and had the nerve tocall me a wa***r! It's people like him that kill other

DavePnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1161613461784164212006-10-23T14:24:00.000Z2006-10-23T14:24:21.790Z

I've just consumed the first mince pie of the year. It's reminded mehow much I like them :-(Sainsbury's Taste the Difference ones no less!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1160476215976055792006-10-10T10:30:00.000Z2006-10-10T10:30:16.956Z

Today, I am mostly turning thirty. It's just like any other birthday,it just happens to have a zero on the end.No big parties, no special presents (so far I've got a hat, a book -complete with Jools Holland tickets as a book-mark and a couple ofCDs). Just a nice meal out with Charlotte and a drink with a fewfriends in the village this evening.I'll be Sailing at Rudyard this weekend, I'm sure I'll

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1158748257232971972006-09-20T10:30:00.000Z2006-09-20T10:30:57.300Z

I've just come back from the stationery store in the department emptyhanded as it's missing a vital piece of modern office technology - thehumble pencil.That's right - that little wooden stick with a length of graphite downthe middle has no presence whatsoever in the supplies cupboard, noteven an empty box where they should be!I've had to liberate one from one of the (absent) secretaries desks,

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1157374643919978152006-09-04T12:37:00.000Z2006-09-04T12:57:24.650Z

As a Venture Scout, our group used to go to the Chatsworth Country Fair and be rubbish collectors for the weekend* (older sections) or sell programmes (younger sections and parents) as the main fund-raising activity for the year. Although some may find it hard to believe, although it was hard work, it was great fun - like being on the bog-squad at a large camp! It was good to see that they're

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1156364981800677192006-08-23T20:28:00.000Z2006-08-23T20:36:04.646Z

Our photos from Sweden & Norway are now flickr-ing away - see the link in the side bar. They are there, promise - the Flickr bar is programmed to show 3 of my pics at random!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1156322830763509962006-08-23T08:40:00.000Z2006-08-23T08:50:12.393Z

Sorry for the plug, but there's a benefit for both of us...My ISP is merging with MadAsAFish.com and they have set up a referrers scheme. If you use the link at the bottom of the side-bar to sign up, you will get some money credited to you (£10) , as will I. If you don't want to use that button, but do sign-up with them, please use referrer code 441055.The benefits: Up to 8Mb broadband, 5Gb usage

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1155131575025244942006-08-09T12:52:00.000Z2006-08-10T15:07:49.396Z

I am now half way through my second day back at work after a fantastic trip to Scandinavia.Having treied to leave Sheffield twice to go on holiday, we eventually succeeded on the third attempt - 1st time we forgot coats, second time, we were 20 mins up the road, filling up the car and I had forgotten my wallet, but C had hers, we went back and got mine!We left the UK on the DFDS ferry from

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1153312422591883742006-07-19T12:28:00.000Z2006-07-19T12:33:52.296Z

Yay! It's the last day at work before we go on holiday!For those that don't know, we're off to Sweden and Norway for just over two weeks, leaving tomorrow (Thursday 20th) from Newcastle. We're spending the weekend in Gothenburg with family friends, then on Monday, we're travelling up to SAGGA camp and staying there for a week, then for the last week (nearly) we'll travel round southern Norway

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1152175602057323982006-07-06T08:31:00.000Z2006-07-06T08:46:42.080Z

I've been "appointed" as the Quatermaster for our scout group and I'm currently restoring a pile of things that burn liquid fueld, including Tilley lamps (and similar) and pressure-stoves.I've got one of the Tilleys working well, but the other one is proving quite difficult. I've cleaned out the burner head, replaced all the seals and washers I can find. The vaporiser has it's pricker up the

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1150468478307809902006-06-16T14:33:00.000Z2006-06-16T14:34:38.320Z

For those readers in the Yorkshire region (specifically in/around Leeds), you may be interested to know that the band I play in (Barnsley Co-Operative Concert Band) are playing in East End Park, Leeds from about 2:00 or 2:30 on Sunday Afternoon this weekend.Feel free to come along and listen to us play a selection of light music and music from the stage and screen.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1150108458848864462006-06-12T10:34:00.000Z2006-06-12T10:34:18.910Z

To follow-up my previous post, while I'm indifferent about the actualgame of football, it's all the hype in the media that I absolutleloathe! If they reported the facts of a match once it was over, thatwould be OK, but reporting on all the build-up hype, the various'what-if' scenarios, predications of various things and following aselect bunch of 'fans' as they travel round Germany/Europe in

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1149597437778420792006-06-06T12:29:00.000Z2006-06-06T12:37:17.790Z

Can someone please hurry up and design a time-machine that can take me into the future? I would like to fast-forward to Monday 10th July 2006.Hopefully by then, an England team of over-paid ponces will have returned home weeks ago without a trophy, messers Rooney, Beckham, Crouch et al will have "broken" more metatarsels and all the talk of bloomin' football will have finished!I wonder what odds

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1149163980671476122006-06-01T12:10:00.000Z2006-06-01T12:13:00.690Z

It's official, (in my eyes anyway!) Summer has now arrived.We ate dinner sat out on the balcony last night, and very nice it was too, until the wind got up and blew across my back. :-( Pudding was had inside.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1146743347103173262006-05-04T11:47:00.000Z2006-05-04T11:49:07.116Z

Thw WRVS shop in the hospital is stocking Cadbury's Diary Milk with Creme Egg filling (think caramel, but replace goo with creme egg filling)- Yum yum!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1145889577103837012006-04-24T14:39:00.000Z2006-04-26T08:45:37.186Z

Where's my previous post gone? The one headed "Interesting Article"?Addendum: All now seems to have appeared!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1145882213116633732006-04-24T12:36:00.000Z2006-04-26T08:44:55.560Z

I'm currently reading an article talking about utilising computer simulation in biological and medical engineering and science and it has the following sentence in it:"We are in danger, once again, of producing world-leading science but leaving it to our competitors to harvest the technological and economic advantages."Have a guess as which area/country wrote it. Answer is in the comments section.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1145530178475279272006-04-20T10:45:00.000Z2006-04-20T10:49:38.486Z

Why is it that I can never come up with simple ideas along with the ability and determination to see them through, like One Red Paperclip and MillionDollarHomePage?

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1143199640563788602006-03-24T11:21:00.000Z2006-03-24T11:27:20.576Z

At last - I've managed to get a job in the area I did my MSc in, in fact it's in the very department where I did it.After over 18 months of applying for numerous posts, being either knocked back, or totally ignored by some, I finally get one! It's an academic research post with a 1yr contract, but by the very nature of the position, I will be able to enormously widen my contacts, not only through

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1142953920580370392006-03-21T15:09:00.000Z2006-03-21T15:12:00.580Z

Can anyone offer an insight as to why my sidebar has decided to become lost at the bottom of the main page?I've tried re-setting the template and that didn't work, I chose a new template and that hasn't worked. I don't know what else to try!Other than that, I've not fiddled - I promise!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1141984527164025412006-03-10T09:55:00.000Z2006-03-23T08:48:35.256Z

Warmth has now returned to our house. The boiler conked out on Tuesday, the gas man came ot look at it at 7:30am Weds morning (as planned and on-time) and diagnosed the fault as a broken fan. He couldn't get the part until yesterday morning, came to fit it at 2:00 yesterday afternoon. He was there waiting for me as I got home from work at 1:45, and fitted it in about 3/4 hour.He came as a

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1141662019039145272006-03-06T16:20:00.000Z2006-03-22T09:17:51.860Z

It was Dad's wedding last Friday, and I was the Best Man. I/we managed to get through the service without too much drama (but with lots of tears from daughters of both sides!) Ann dropped Dad's ring just before she gave it to him during the service, but since the church was carpetted, it didn't roll off down a grate!Got away from church and to the reception, breakfast was served, and my speech

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1140186142751192252006-02-17T14:07:00.000Z2006-02-17T14:22:56.706Z

We've now received two invitations for weddings in May, on different weekends thankfully and they are going to be two completely different beasts!The paperwork that arrived with one of them states "The bride & groom respectfully request that ladies attending the church service wear a hat, or similar headwear" and one of them states the rules are "No Faff, No Poncing, Have Fun".One of them, will

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1138617186642558802006-01-30T10:33:00.000Z2006-01-30T11:10:26.303Z

In the office there appears to be several rival tea-clubs. I've just been caught 'stealing' a drop of milk for my mid-morning cuppa from another clubs milk supplies as ours had run out. I wasn't given the chance to apologise and explain, or even counter-accuse as I know for a fact that they nick our occasionally when they've run out. The woman was so rude in what she said, and the way she said it

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1138186872212204832006-01-25T11:01:00.000Z2006-01-25T11:01:12.240Z

I wonder what state my bike will be in when I get back to it tonight?

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1137758805173516432006-01-20T12:06:00.000Z2006-01-20T12:06:45.213Z

I got back to my bike yesterday evening to discover that some littlescrote had let all the air out of both my tyres, bent the mud-guardout of shape, and spat on the saddle! I don't (didn't) carry a pump(or a puncture kit) with me, so couldn't ride home. As it happens,Charlotte had parked the car there, so I could get a lift home withher.Since I went out to a band rehersal last night, I've not had

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1137673595076600912006-01-19T12:26:00.000Z2006-01-19T12:26:35.126Z

I'm back on my bike again today - my ribs seem to have recoveredenough now to withstand the pot-holed roads we have round here!As I'd not done it for a while, I seemed to arrive at work more tiredthan I have done in a while.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1137078688292001732006-01-12T15:11:00.000Z2006-03-22T09:17:25.373Z

I really hate my jobParticularly on days that go so slowly I think my watch, the clock onthe wall and the one on the computer have all stopped!Couple this with the fact that it's not the area of my expertise, andit's a recipie for disaster!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1135261411687822512005-12-22T14:13:00.000Z2005-12-22T14:23:31.700Z

Yesterday, after more than two years of cycling 2 miles each way to the tram for work each and every day, almost whatever the weather, I've been SMIDSY'd (that's Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You). I'm OK, a bit of an achey shoulder, and some bumps and scrapes on my hands, but apart from that I'm fine. I didn't hit my head on anything, so I didn't get any sense knocked out of (or in to) me.Someone (

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1132664574270593232005-11-22T12:59:00.000Z2005-11-22T13:02:54.280Z

Since we've had a few fantastic days recently with frost, sunshine, bright weather etc, I've been playing with my camera again, and you should be able see to some of the better pictures on my Flickr listing o'er on the right there --->

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1131964036499908122005-11-14T10:27:00.000Z2005-11-14T10:37:14.253Z

What a hectic weekend! The majority of it was taken up with gigs with the band (Barnsley Co-operative Concert Band, playing alongside a very talented organist and a multi-instrumentalist at the Penistone Paramount Theatre), plus the rememberance service with Scouts/Explorers on Sunday morning.Friday evening: Very long gig-7:30 curatin, we started at about 8.15 after the organist and the

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1131022405244277852005-11-03T12:42:00.000Z2005-11-03T12:53:25.263Z

Further to my previous post, I've had confirmation that at least 1 of the three copies of the letter has been delivered, so I can tell the world!I've not been enjoying Explorers recently (this post is just an example of my thoughts). I've requested some additional help on a few occasions to different people, but none has been forthcoming. I feel that the district has been concentrating more on

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1130845769895503892005-11-01T11:49:00.000Z2005-11-01T12:47:26.286Z

I've posted a letter to my DESC, AESL and GSL of my feeder group. I don't really want to say any more until tomorrow so they get chance to read it before I tell the whole world (well, those that read this anyway!)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1130401296267907942005-10-27T08:21:00.000Z2005-11-01T12:47:56.926Z

We've heard about this for a few years through Church, and contribute a shoe-box to the appeal through that route.There's a conversation in the office at the moment about it, and admittedly, I haven't heard it all, but I get the feeling that there is someone in the college against it, on Equal Opportunities grounds of all things! It's not like ANY of the preparation is being done in works time,

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1129896582367763732005-10-21T12:08:00.000Z2005-10-21T12:09:42.366Z

Hopefully I now have a nice new shiny preview thing for my photos over to the left somewhere.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1129732743501850392005-10-19T14:36:00.000Z2005-10-19T14:39:03.523Z

Got a digital camera for my birthday, and we've been away on the boat for a few days over last weekend, so I've created myself a Flickr account/album thingy. I've not got around to altering my blog template, but for the time being, you can use this link to look at some of the pics.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1128611893125243552005-10-06T15:18:00.000Z2005-11-01T12:49:12.556Z

The Sheffield College created around 35,000 qualifications in the last academic year, ranging from pre-entry level (very basic, e.g. the first qualification for English for Speakers of Other Languages - ESOL), through to foundation degrees. All are equally important, but it doesn't half create a mammoth filing job! Our office has around 60metres of shelves for filing the paperwork - there is at

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1128601297118840892005-10-06T12:21:00.000Z2005-10-06T12:21:37.150Z

No - before you jump to comclusions, we're not having one!Why do people insist on bringing their obviously unhappy baby into the(open-plan) office? I can just about switch off to the incessantback-ground chatter, but a crying - ney, screaming baby is one of themost distracting things I've heard here!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1127835284066476082005-09-27T15:30:00.000Z2005-09-27T15:34:44.073Z

Enthusiam for explorers tonight!Still don't have a programme typed up

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1127828425202572632005-09-27T13:40:00.000Z2005-09-27T14:12:25.926Z

Currently at work, still temping, still no 'proper' job. Although I'm busy and have lots to do however, (and for the benefit of anyone official, I'm getting on with it), it's monotonous and I'm bored!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1126720852237451412005-09-14T17:53:00.000Z2005-09-14T18:00:52.243Z

We're now getting around to thinking about our summer holidays for next year and Swedish SAGGA camp features high up the list. If anyone is also thinking about it (or does so soon) and would like to share a cabin on DFDS Newcastle-Gothenburg route, to help reduce costs, then get in touch.We're likely (although nothing's finalised yet!) to be going out to Gothenburg just before camp, spending a

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1125576204383592592005-09-01T11:44:00.000Z2005-09-01T12:03:24.390Z

We'll be playing our Saxophones in church as part of a Sax Trio on Sunday for the second time in a couple of months!One of the pieces we're playing and the choir is singing, is in 5/4 time, and is fairly modern and has quite a jazzy feel to it (Think Dave Brubeck's Take Five and you get an idea). This is quite an achievement for a church that is currently fairly traditional in its views and

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1125302355750349692005-08-29T09:56:00.000Z2005-08-29T07:59:36.860Z

I'm not talking specifically about England winning the match at Trent Bridge, I'm referring to me being allowed, implicitly, to watch the cricket yesterday!It was implicit by the fact that C was sitting watching it as well. It must have been exciting for her to voluntarily sit and watch it!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1125081476020303402005-08-26T18:35:00.000Z2005-08-26T18:37:56.026Z

I'm intrigued, I've just been having a look at the site stats, and I seem to be getting regular visitors from Chile. If you want to identify yourself, please feel free, using the comments function. Otherwise, I shall continue to be intrigued!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1125080530417349722005-08-26T18:20:00.000Z2005-08-26T18:28:32.796Z

Wander over to Lazy Daisy's Hideaway to see her (and/or C's) thoughts on anything, everything, and not very much at all...

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1124372521443483652005-08-18T13:34:00.000Z2005-08-18T13:42:01.450Z

Today's 6:00am start at work, along with the outstanding balance from SAGGA camp and Friends of Webster Weekend in Bath on the sleep credit scale, I'm struggling to stay awake at the moment!Can't complain though since the night-glow at the baloon fiesta was a great show and it was great to meet up with friends from both SAGGA and FoW after such a long time.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1122414095780884272005-07-26T21:40:00.000Z2005-07-26T21:43:20.643Z

Some bits are quite right!!You are funky, outdoorsy, and down to earth.While you may not be a total hippie...You're definitely one of the most free spirited people around.You are very impulsive - every day is a new adventure.However, you do put some thought behind all your actions.Still, you do tend to shock and offend people from time to time!The World's Shortest Personality Test

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1122413507462807952005-07-26T21:31:00.000Z2005-07-26T21:31:47.500Z

I have just spen the last 2 hours (finishing at 10:00) crawling aroundon my hands-and-knees round the back of the washing machine, trying tofix a leak, assess the damage and mop up. Water wasn't seeping fromthe machine itself, but from the tap on the wall. Replacing the washerdidn't cure it first off, and I thought I'd have to change the wholetap thing, but a call to my Dad and he suggested

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1121947184073758982005-07-21T11:59:00.000Z2005-07-21T11:59:44.093Z

I've just not had anything much to say recently!Working in the Exams office, life became quite hectic during May &June, however, it's slowed off a bit now, so I have a bit of time tothink!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1116969755296063932005-05-24T21:17:00.000Z2005-05-24T21:22:35.300Z

What else do I need to put about our water heater?It took a bit of coaxing to get the convection currents flowing the right way, but once set in motion, it continued. After around an hour the cold had gone from the water, and steam was beginning to rise from the tank. I might bring it to SAGGA camp in the summer, but it depends if we've got space.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1116926226849106332005-05-24T09:17:00.000Z2005-05-24T09:17:06.893Z

Tonight's the night we get to test the contraption we constructed acouple of weeks ago (if it stops raining here!)I'll post a success score tomorrow.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1116231109024286692005-05-16T08:11:00.000Z2005-05-16T21:40:28.276Z

Have just bought a new computer from "The Computer Shop" near Meadowhall - It's part of the Tiny empire, and Tiny PCs scored reasonably highly in a magazine review I read of cheaper PCs. I got it home and after a lot of piddling about (and getting an IT friend of mine to help) discovered that the modem had been locked to their Supanet ISP and refused to dial any other phone number at all. After a

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115813370371592202005-05-11T12:09:00.000Z2005-05-18T12:04:56.870Z

This is a basic diagram of it, the fire is represented by the big arrow at the bottom with a copper tube attached to the underneath of the grill, this is connected to a header tank by a length of flexible pipe. The tank is arranged so that you have to pour water in the funnel so that you get water out of the tube near the top.Camp Water Heater

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115813125055388632005-05-11T12:01:00.000Z2005-05-11T12:05:25.060Z

Last nights explorer mtg went quite well. I had planned for the building process to take 2 weeks, however they got it all done in one, so I'll have to find something to do with them next week, we should be testing it in two weeks time.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115652703325607882005-05-09T15:31:00.000Z2005-05-09T15:31:43.430Z

Has anyone created a water heater that uses the camp fire in such away the you can still use the fire for cooking?I've seen one that's a converted beer barrel that sits over the fireon a frame and one that sits over the end of a fire, but not one thatworks on the same principle as a domestic hot water boiler - i.e. aheat exchanger over the fire (attached underneath the grate that thepans go on)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115382311098678782005-05-06T12:22:00.000Z2005-05-06T12:25:11.103Z

Election stuff is virtually over now! I know it'll take a week or so before all the parties form their cabinets, and hence gobble up news time, but atleast we'll be spared too much of the promises they're garunteed to break!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209453835970842005-05-04T13:30:00.000Z2005-05-04T12:24:27.416Z

Some photos from our week on the boat:(Hope that worked...)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209306343654762005-05-04T12:21:00.000Z2005-05-04T12:21:46.386Z

Water over gates 

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209254327074772005-05-04T12:20:00.002Z2005-05-04T12:20:54.370Z

Daisy 

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209236704326292005-05-04T12:20:00.001Z2005-05-04T12:20:36.766Z

Charlotte & Daisy 

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209212231329322005-05-04T12:20:00.000Z2005-05-04T12:20:12.266Z

Boat from Stern 

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115209067089887492005-05-04T12:17:00.000Z2005-05-04T12:17:47.130Z

Afloat 

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1115208255095954982005-05-04T12:01:00.000Z2005-05-04T12:04:15.100Z

At last all the political bickering is nearly over! May there be a different colour pinned to the mast at the end of tomorrow! (I'm not telling you which one I'd prefer - primarily as I've not made my mind up, and www.whoshouldyouvotefor.com hasn't helped!)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1112788096223756492005-04-06T11:43:00.000Z2005-04-06T11:48:26.153Z

Only the rest of this week, and another full week before we're off on holiday again. This time, we're going on the boat with some friends from church for a week.The weekend we get back is the annual bore-fest that is district St George's day service. My Explorers are expected to usher for this event, so it bangs the door firmly shut on the idea of us going and doing our own thing with the renewal

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1110805357616375992005-03-14T12:57:00.000Z2005-03-14T13:02:37.616Z

Just got back from a week on holiday in the North York Moors National Park. It was a nice week away, staying at Clitherbecks Farm, Danby, which is about 10-15 miles West from Whitby. Plenty of walking done, and IIRC 13 geocaches found over the course of the week. There was still some snow left at the end of the week, particularly on the path up to Captain Cook's monument.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1108743346501983592005-02-18T16:14:00.000Z2005-02-18T16:15:46.503Z

Over the last few days I've sent several blogs by e-mail, and it appears that none of them have arrived! Where've they gone??

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1108118093192130992005-02-11T10:16:00.000Z2005-02-11T10:34:53.193Z

(Well, Cars actually!)There are some cars that definitely shouldn't be poppy red - A Jaguar is one of them! Poppy red doesn't look too bad on small cars, but large one, and sporty ones (except Ferraris) it looks awful!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1106648524025792182005-01-25T10:22:00.000Z2005-01-25T10:22:04.026Z

My current contract is due to end this week :-( however, I've just heard that I've got a position next week (and for up to 6 months) in the exams office, for £7.00/hr that's a £1.20/hr (>20%) pay rise!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1106233061169914262005-01-20T14:57:00.000Z2005-01-20T14:57:41.170Z

A few days ago, someone bought a filter coffee machine in to the office.The PAT tester came yesterday to test it, and this morning we had ourfirst coffee from it.It makes good coffee, but very strong...

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1106058073235789292005-01-18T14:21:00.000Z2005-01-18T14:21:13.236Z

Maybe I should have invited my Mum to my MSc graduation last Friday?

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1106003412644800002005-01-17T23:10:00.000Z2005-01-18T12:42:07.556Z

I am 95% British, just like HRH Prince Charles Though you'll never be king you certainly know where your castle is. Take the Brit Quiz at darrenlondon.tripod.com/britquiz1.htm Quiz written by Daz (I hope that works through e-mail blogging!!)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1105691888242649422005-01-14T08:38:00.000Z2005-01-18T12:42:46.513Z

Spoke to Derby Hospital Medical Physics Dept again this morning and the job I was after has now been re-advertised, but I don't actually need to make another application as he can pick the information out from my previous application. The closing date is 9th Feb, and interviews, apparently will be around 3 week after this, so fingers crossed I'll get called for one then.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1105537041602578732005-01-12T13:29:00.000Z2005-01-12T13:37:21.603Z

We went to see Blood Brothers when it toured to Bristol a few years ago, while we were still in Bath. It's now coming to the Sheffield Lyceum theatre at the end of the month. If you've not seen it before, the stoyr is basically this: single, poor woman gives bith to twins, loses her job, sells one, a few years pass, by a twist of fate, the kids meet and become friends etc etc... she sings "Tell

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1105449021343135882005-01-11T13:00:00.000Z2005-01-11T13:10:21.343Z

Last night we booked a break in the North York Moors during March. Some of you may say we're barking going to that area at that time of year, but it's got an open fire and a pub in the village so it'll be OK! Daisy pro'lly will be barking as she's coming too to stay with us in the farm house near Danby (Clitherbecks is the name of the farm)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1105364463559152592005-01-10T13:04:00.000Z2005-01-10T13:41:03.560Z

It seems that most other blogs that I follow have given a short summary of their writers Christmas and new year exploits - I'm feeling left out, so here goes! Both me and Charlotte were working right up to Christmas Eve, but we didn't have far to go, as we only went down to my Dad's house (about 45 mins drive) for the night. It was quite nice to see him (and his lady) for the night that was

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1103548488552065042004-12-20T13:07:00.000Z2004-12-20T13:14:48.553Z

Well, there would have been more, if I hadn't have gone out for Christmas lunch with the office... Thursday afternoon was quite a useful trip to the Derby Royal Infirmary, Radiotherapy Physics depertment. There is a lower-grade position available, but the section head doesn't know if he has to formally advertise it, and accept new applicaitons, or whether he can appoint from the 'left-overs'

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1103277840221423212004-12-17T10:04:00.000Z2004-12-20T12:52:13.490Z

I thought I's share some topical anagrams with you (from an e-mail I received from What The Papers Say: David Blunkett - Bland Duvet Kit President Jacques Chirac - Chap rejects Iraqi dunces Saddam Hussein - Human's sad side Steven Gerrard - Grave Stern Red Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe - Perspire spiffily cheek torturer Iain Duncan Smith - I Sin and ain't much Sky Box Office - Bye! Sick of

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1103017150019354852004-12-14T09:39:00.000Z2004-12-14T10:04:05.296Z

I applied for a job at Derby Hospital back in September, heard nothing for about a month, until I called them and was told they'd be short-listing soon. When I again heard nothing, I assumed I had been unsuccessful. It now turns out that this was partially true. Charlotte got a random phone call yesterday afternoon at home from a bloke in Derby, so she phoned me, and I (obviously) called him

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1102510931747725242004-12-08T13:54:00.000Z2004-12-08T13:02:11.746Z

Warning - Rant approaching! Why, in an office that produces SO MUCH paper, is there no recycling facilities (see previous post about the state of the environments!)Why, after paying £3840 for my master last year, am I pulling paper out of lever arch files and binning it in between drinking copious quantities of tea?AND - why is everyone getting all 'festive' already - Christmas is still over two

DavePnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1101993145138895352004-12-02T13:07:00.000Z2004-12-02T13:12:25.136Z

Well, as Mad pointed out yesterday, AAARRGGHH December has arrived again, and that means Christmas is coming. Yester was spent with C wandering around Meadowhell trying to be inspired about what to get people. I think we've now got something for the vast majority of people. I do however need to go back and buy something for Charlotte as I didn't get chance (or even ask for a chance!) to get

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1101302279888254512004-11-24T13:17:00.000Z2004-11-25T13:05:39.606Z

I've just spent the last three hours almost exclusively stood, paying homage to the god that is the office copier! Add this to the hours I've been there for the last few days as well, and the 8 reams of paper I've fed in to it, and I'm still not finished! Wouldn't life be much better if we weren't inspected! The bit of the College I'm currently work for is about Work Based Learning and

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1100523602419270472004-11-15T13:53:00.000Z2004-11-15T13:00:02.420Z

The weekend was spent mostly being educated. That's being taught how to be an Explorer Leader (at long last!). It involved an early start on Saturday (arrive @Hesley Wood for 8.30am) followed by being talked at all morning. another couple of modules in the afternoon - one of which involved building towers with wooden blocks! and another unit after dinner on Sat evening. We eventually got to the

DavePnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1100098383198259152004-11-10T14:53:00.000Z2004-11-15T13:01:18.560Z

I have mostly been rolling up "Certificates"* for the NVQ achievers for their presentation evening tomorrow night and tying them up with a bit of ribbon (Don't tell Charlotte, or she'll have me tying ribbon round the Christmas presents!) * They're not really certificates, just something knocked up in 5 mins and copied onto headed note-paper!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1100091422890744662004-11-10T13:53:00.000Z2004-11-10T12:57:02.890Z

Following a comment about our visit to the Corrs at Sheffield Arena, I looked up the review on the guardian website about their Wembley concert, and what they said applied just as much to Sheffield. To reiterate, it was stormin'!

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1099924873601605702004-11-08T14:41:00.000Z2004-11-10T12:58:23.930Z

Why am I stuck in a b£**&y temping job, and why does nobody want to employ me in a 'real' job with long term prospects, security, decent paid holiday, decent pension provisions, etc etc. The only thing decent about what I'm doing at the moment is that it gives me SOME money (not enough), it's in a warm office and they're decent people I'm currently working with. Only trouble is, is that I may not

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1099658340254746162004-11-05T13:11:00.000Z2004-11-05T12:39:00.256Z

Went to see the Corrs last night at the Sheffield Arena. The first warm-up act (Mark Joseph IIRC) was a lone man with a guitar, playing to about 1/4 capacity, but apparently normally has a band on his album. He was OK. The second support act was a band from Poland called Myslovitz. Neither me, nor Charlotte thought much of them, and couldn't spot how the fitted in with the Corrs' music! The Corrs

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1099327582630887702004-11-01T16:44:00.000Z2004-11-08T15:06:15.990Z

Bu&&er - That'll teach me not to press the publish button a second time when I thought it hadn't done anything the first time! (Update 08.11.04: I've been informed that I can delete the first copy of it, so it's now gone!)

DavePnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1099301749664441682004-11-01T09:28:00.001Z2004-11-01T09:35:49.663Z

I'm now embarking upon my second week here, and so-far-so-good :-) It's just a shame that it's not a relevant permanent job :-( The weekend was OK, Saturday afternoon was spent 'refreshing' my first aid knowledge so that I can be a proper Explorer leader, while Sunday afternoon was spent trecking around the woods near the Rivelin Dams trying to find some more geocaches. Unfortunately, we had to

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098707174916040722004-10-25T13:19:00.000Z2004-10-25T12:26:14.916Z

Well, Camp with my Explorers wasn't too bad, it rained for most of the day on Saturday, but was reasonably dry on SUnday, and we didn't have to hang the tents out to dry when we got back. The only tent that wasn't fully dry was mine, as it's got a integral ground-sheet and I didn't have time to leave it upside-down before I shoved it into the bag to come home :-( I've now moved jobs from Student

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098451882414770602004-10-22T13:28:00.000Z2004-10-22T13:33:18.136Z

I've been meaning to say for the last couple of days that both my CV (HTML format - PDF format available from the home page)and MSc Thesis (PDF format) are available from my personal website for those of you that are interested.

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098451665494241182004-10-22T13:23:00.000Z2004-10-22T13:27:45.493Z

That job didn't come off, but I've had a call from Office Angels to say that another part of the Sheffield College, in the city want me for a week next week, with possible extension week-by-week. It's an admin position, but with a pay increase of 30p/hr from what I'm on at the moment. (Change Tack) I'm off to camp with my Explorers this weekend, but by the look of the weather forecast this

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098372167997933082004-10-21T15:14:00.000Z2004-10-21T15:24:18.746Z

I'm just coming to the end of my penultimate day inputting student registration data. At the time of writing, I don't know what I'm going to do fro Monday. The main agency I've been with doesn't have anything at the moment, however, one of the others has said it may have something for me labouring/palleting/wrapping/order checking in a company, but he's not got back to me yet. I know he works

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098281178772852542004-10-20T15:01:00.000Z2004-10-20T14:06:18.773Z

(Apologies for the title to those of you who remember that column from Scouting mag) Last night we had a Chip-Shop survey in our programme for Explorers. Before-hand I dilligently typed out a mark sheet and printed several copies off to take with me (and I actually remembered to pick them up on my way out of the door!). However, I had assumed that the vast majority of chippys would be open on a

DavePnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6430303.post-1098194240180168842004-10-19T14:54:00.000Z2004-10-19T13:57:20.196Z

C has a review meeting at work tomorrow morning about her phased return to work after her absence. I'm not sure that she's ready to increase her hours yet. She's back at the docs on Thurs and I can't help feeling that these two event would have been better the other way around, but the appointments have been made now. We'll just have to see how it goes...

DavePnoreply@blogger.com0