New Year, New You, New I-pod.

So it's a New year and time for those resolutions, plans and promises we are all going to break in the next few weeks.

As I approach 30 years of age at the end of this year I thought some important resolutions were required this year, but can't really think of any that I can actually have an influence on.

1. Get Rich, well for me that's going to require a Lottery win or a very generous and as yet unknown relative or happy customer at work!
2. Start a family, however much I'd like this with current financial climates, house prices, public sector pay freezes and rising living cost we can barely afford to bring a new pair of shoes into the house let alone support a new life.
3. Improve my position at work, well I can start on this but with 2 exams in the way of my next step up and £55 worth of reading material required it's not exactly going to help point 1 or 2 in anyway is it!

With these in mind I have decided that New Years resolutions are all well and good but they are exactly that resolutions, they are not written in contracts, set in stone or often achievable. It took Scrooge being visited by 3 ghosts and being scared shittless to become a normal kind person.
Meaning for Mr average like you and I, who aren't likely to get a visit from haunting white faces, Goofy as Jacob Marley or a sickeningly cute Tiny Tim Frog, sticking to them is going to be tough.

                                                © 1992 - Walt Disney Studios. All rights reserved

I'm not saying give up on your dreams but just live life to the full as you have it and , if possible, and without extended hardship or ridiculous cost, improve things, for the better.

Secondly having received several DVDs for Christmas I could hardly fail to notice the rise and rise of Apple and Ipod. Every DVD I received had a special digital copy, for loading onto your computer, MP3 or smart phone. They of course cant say Ipod and Iphone but that's exactly what they mean.

Anyone who is anyone probably got some kind of I-phone, I-pod touch, I-pad or some kind of I device (not glasses or a monocle I don't mean that) for Christmas, meaning of course that I-didn't. I'm not bitter about this, I already own a 1st Gen Nano (look at me all cool tech speak and stuff) yet it seems Apple are the kings of the entertainment world and my issues is How?

Technology clearly wins out over customer service and product quality.

Yeah their stuff is advanced and Apps and I-tunes appear to keep people functioning now but the Genius bar? Who's idea was that, clearly Ironically named because when you are in their shop, you want some help with something or have an issues/fault with one of their product, and you have to book an appointment to speak to an expert, with the appointment on a Wednesday lunchtime in 3 weeks?

That doesn't seem like Genius customer service to me. I don't expect to walk into Marks and Spencer's to discuss a refund and be told that I need to come back in 5 hours by someone in a generic blue t-shirt with a M&S logo on it who clearly doesn't know there arse from there elbow. And I would expect if the product was faulty and I'd only had it a little while for them to be able to come to some arrangement.

"Oh it's faulty, yeah its not our fault, we can repair it for £1,000,000 or you can buy a new one with 2% discount?
And also Sir, in 2 months once we return your broken product which has been slightly fixed, we'll bring out a New I-Phone-touch-Pad-pod-housecleaning-robot-foot-massager which will make your fixed product completely out of date"
Would you like me to book you a slot with one of our experts?

Finally, as it is a New Year and we have the Olympics, My 30th, an improving economy (coughs "bollocks") and according to the Mayans the end of the world to look forward to I'll wish you a Happy and Hopeful New Year.

Mouse, Door and Beer

Geek Chic

After finding myself at a loose end one afternoon, I decided to watch some Big Bang Theory which got me thinking about 'the geek'.

After a few episodes I started to wonder whether the show has done wonders for the world of geek-dom or just perpetuated the ever present notion that geeks are not cool. O.k so we've all watched Beauty and the Geek right, right? Blokes out there, you have right? (wonders if he's be duped by the wife again). Most of us have also heard of  Heat's 'weird crush' Professor Brian Cox now, with his youthful looks and ex-pop star status. So is the world of'the geek' becoming an easier place?

I was never a full blown 'geek' at school but studying and passing exams at a city school where cigarettes, stealing magnesium from science class and being 'hard' were status symbols, I wasn't without ridicule either. But as I got older and entered the real world outside school I noticed I was more accepted and just 'normal'.

But what of the 'super geeks' of this world, the Sheldon Coopers and the Leonard Hofstadter's, is life easier for them now their image has been given the mainstream T.V treatment? Comic-con seems to be becoming ever more popular and the Marvel and DC heroes are ending up gracing the big screen ever more readily.

Science seems to be taking a forefront along with technology as we forge into the Smartphone era and TV seems to be documentary, after series, after examination of the world, from every possible perspective.

So a question for you, are the T.V shows helping to carve a new place in the world for the 'geek' or just indicating to the bullies of the world who to beat up in the future?

Incidentally I'd love to have a mind like Sheldons', and a girlfriend like Penny but I'm not so sure girls like Penny would want me, though my gorgeous wife knows I'm a bit of a sado and she's still here!

Mouse Door and Beer

T.V has much to answer for, it's given me food for thought this week after watching new episodes of Big Bang theory and Perfect Couples. Both addresses the issues of monogamy and commitment.

Are we humans, men in particular, built for Monogamy. It's an age old question that many people have tried to answer and I suspect many people have an opinion on. I for one have experienced both worlds, the single and the monogamous life for reasonable periods of time and end up sitting pretty in the green grass of a committed long term relationship, and it's where I'm happy to be.

The single life can be a riot, several nights out as and when you choose, different men or women for different nights, being able to go and do as you please, no ties to partners Birthday, family/Christmas gatherings, and if you happen to be very attractive, the world appears to be your oyster.

But on the flip side, you do spend alot of time alone you never get a chance to get to know someone properly to see if they might be "the one" and you spend a lot of time learning to "love yourself", if you know what I mean.

Those who enjoy the single life are likely to see the alternative as a burden but monogomous relationships allow you to truley know a person, you can laugh and a joke about the silliest things, that become in jokes between you over time and can brighten even the darkest days of a relationship.

 There are no more awkward first kisses, no more having to pay for all there drinks to keep them sweet, though that is replaced by paying for everything else. You're not lonley, can enjoy there company and there is the perk of regular sex, or regular headaches, depending on how she's feeling. I'm not saying everything is rosie, it never will be, but the small fights and niggles between you are outweighed by the fun and special times you share together. You even begin to tolerate their family after a while ;-)

Secondly, after watching the last episode of Frozen Planet the other week, I was told something amazing and stupid. Apparently that wasn't being shown in America because they don't believe in the global warming effects.

This is totally crazy, American submarine research finds out the ice is shrinking, America will be able to use quicker export routes etc because the ice is shrinking, the US has an extremely educated and sensible president in Obama and yet they refuse to show a program that reveals the truth?

Surely even the most ardent “I'm alright jack, screw the rest of you” Americans, and the bible belt Christian communities must see that this is the case.

Oddly the search for oil under the Arctic ice can only continue if the polar regions shrink further, and we all know the country with the greatest thirst for oil? Hint (in a whisper) “they probably started a pointless war over it?”

Thirdly, as it's nearly Christmas and I'm unlikely to blog again before then, I'll wish you all a Merry Christmas, and remember the true meaning of Christmas, VENGEANCE (The Grinch clip 1:26 in) , no, um, spending time with the ones you love and the birth of Christ, oh and loads of pressents!

Mouse door and beer.

Deck the Halls with Books and Wallys

I'm currently re-reading Lord of the Rings and am really enjoying it, which made me watch the films and extended editions again, loving the insight. This got me thinking about books that have or should be made into films.

LOTR, Hobbit (coming 2012), Harry Potter series, Twilight, and various DC and Marvel comics to name but a few that have been given the Hollywood treatment with varying degrees of success.

With the cult followings that LOTR and Twilight have developed it must be tempting for authors to sell the rights to their stories for the big or small screen, or even turn their hand at writing their own screenplay versions. But what books, yet to be made do we think would make great films or series?

 Having read House of leaves by Mark Z Danielewski I think this would make a fantastic film. It's a very difficult read with 3 interlacing stories relying on the suspension of beliefs in the laws of physics and reality, and complex page layouts to immerse the reader in the confusion and pull experienced by the main character of the story, but it would interpret brilliantly, and I think be much easier to grasp as a film.

Visionary scenes of stairs plummeting to great black depths, tunnel visions of light and darkness and deep emotional ties to the characters sparked images in my mind that could be great given the right director, and these kind of images might actually look good if cinema is going to persist with 3D.

Anyone got some other book to film ideas? N.b I'm not sure the Bible, in full wide screen 3D would necessarily work.

Secondly this week, the total wally that is Jeremy Clarkson and his claptrap about being a 'working man' and not supporting the Public sector pension strikes. What makes him think driving super cars on a ridiculous TV star wage makes him a working man?

Celebrities have the power to use there status for good promoting charities and causes like the great Jimmy Savile, or to help support world wide issues like Stephen Fry does for World AIDS day and many others via his Twitter and T.V appearances.

But instead many celebrities end up causing outrage by putting their foot in it with outrageous and ludicrous statements that they then have to offer public apologise for, particularly when the issues they comment on is in the forefront of the news and public eye, like the Pensions issue.

I feel Mr Clarkson is in no position to comment as he is probably in a much better position than very many others, and probably makes as much if not more money than the Politicians making these difficult decisions.

He and, I feel, many of the politicians don't live in the real world or know the problems of those truly affected by the cuts and tax changes they are making. I am lucky as my job is safe, but I still feel the pinch of rising food prices and will, if the plans of this government go ahead, feel the pension and public sector pay freeze bite my income tightly, with no sign of releasing it's frugal jaws anytime soon.

Clarkson should stick to what he does best, nothing!

And Finally, as the festive season arrives I thought I'd have a word on decorations, it is all well and good putting them up early, anytime in December is fine, but don't go mental. Shops start with the music and sparkles in mid October, and houses like the one below begin glowing in estates by late November.

 

http://www.homebasedesign.com/10-outdoor-christmas-lights-house-decorations-luxury-ideas/outdoor-christmas-lights-house-decorations-luxury-ideas/

For the sanity of everyone else go subtle, nice, and Early December like this Robin in our house

Mouse door and beer

P.s R.I.P Gary Speed

COD and Coke

O.k so 1st topic. The release of  COD Modern Warfare 3 last week, Fifa 12 mid September, and a bucket load of other games in the coming weeks means the latter part of the year is a cruel time for the Gaming Widow.

My wife, her work friends and my colleagues' partners all fall prey to this problem at the same time every year. Hundreds of thousands of women like them from all around the globe find that instead of a loving, caring and thoughful partner they end up almost living alone.
Isolated to back bedrooms and friends houses while there partners and husbands spend hour after hour day after day and in most cases night after very late night, trying to defeat the enemy or beat that 'bogey' team.

Personally, I'm not a massive COD fan, but I do know of those who take a couple of days, even a whole week of leave around the release to make sure they get some good game time. So I have some advise for couples at this saddening time.

Men remember that invariably you will pay a price for your 'neglect' of duty as a boyfriend/partner/husband and that Gaming hours + irratability-sleep = 2 x Girly films and extra effort + gift.

Women, fear not, after your man descovers he is still not Rooney, Rambo or the ultimate hero, he will return and in the mean time, there is less chance of him noticing a credit card purchase when he's tired!

Secondly I am loving Him and Her. Not sure how much this comedy is appreciated but I doth my cap to BBC 3 for commisioning a second series. I love the way this show makes me both laugh out loud, at the "oh my god we do that" kind of moments between Steve & Becky, and cover my face and wince at the akward, cringe worthy comments and actions when Steve puts his foot in it.

Episode 3 series 2 The Get-Together was just brilliant, some of the looks and comments Steve got from Becky's dad Nigel got me remembering the moment I met my wifes family for the first time. Deciding to ease me in gently I only met her Mum initially which went great, but then meeting her dad, a part time magistrate, was scary as shit. This was closely followed by meeting everyone else, meaning all 10 of them got to gawp at me, and I promptly handcuffed my wife (then girlfriend) then realised the key was 10 miles away!
Embarassing!

Any embarassing stories of 1st meetings would be a great read, and make me feel less alone in the stupid stakes.

And a final thought.

Christmas is officially on the way, how do I know this? Well it's not because of the hundreds of adverts for Argos, Toys-R-Us and John Lewis, the fact that M & S have jumped on the X Factor band wagon or the tacky and frankly lackluster lights popping up in every shop. No it's because I have seen the Coke HOLIDAYS ARE COMIN' advert, with their famous truck! When this hits the Tele you know it's Christmas, and extra special this year, it is touring!! Check out the link. I for one am off to see it (with my nephew and nieces in tow, just so I don't look so sad)

Mouse Door and Beer

1st Ever blog. Musings on a Mo

Hello. Thought I would start writing a blog to give me something to do in my free time, instead of wasting it sitting on the sofa and forgetting to do jobs I'm asked to do around the house. This is my first attempt at a blog so bear with me, I hope it will be a least semi-interesting!

Lets start with the fact that it's currently Movember !

For those who don't know this is basically growing stupid facial hair for the month of November to raise money for research into male cancers. I first did this 2 years ago and raised a fair bit so thought I would do it again this year, however I'm not sure I shall do it again.

Not because it isn't a good cause or that it doesn't raise money but because I have come to know it as NO-NO-NO-vember, No kisses, No snogs and No sex!

My wife thinks I look ridiculous and that I'm so spiky with a silly tash that even kissing is totally out of the question, and it seems she is not the only one. My colleagues wives have taken the view that husbands who look like fighter pilots, D'artagnan and Magnum PI are not sexy. Maybe Tashes are best left in old photos or on Tom Sellecks face? Views please.

Secondly, it has come to my attention, that one of colleagues looks distinctly like a Chickaboo , a cuddly 80's monkey like kids toys, with rosie cheeks and a little brown button nose. He's not too pleased to be called Chickaboo and  is distinctly less pleased when we point it out to people. This got me thinking, how many people out there have friends/colleagues or acquaintances who look like toys, action figures, cartoon characters or kids T.V characters?

There must be a couple of Burt and Ernie's out there somewhere, sitting in an office having a pseudo-gay relationship across the desk from one another, maybe the odd Raggy Doll look alike, sitting sad and forlorn in a local post office perhaps. I'm particularly interested to find a Cheetara, Thundercats lookalike, though my wife isn't so keen on me finding one ;-)

and finally:

As New York clears out its Occupy protesters from Zuccotti park, it got me paying a bit more attention to my local protesters. I noticed they have a poster which reads "WORKING FOR A FAIRER WORLD", but then I noticed, if you are camping out for over 2 months to protest against social inequalities and capitalism, you clearly ain't working!

So 1st blog done, and hopefully more to follow in a similar vein, let me know if you like it.

Mouse Door and Beer