Following closely on a 7.00am news bulletin, on Radio 2, which mentioned the scandal of some BBC programmes (eg 'Coupling') using product placement, Sarah Kennedy, in her review of the papers, gave a plug to a proprietary brand of nasal spray, going so far as to state the products full name and retail price. It was claimed that this product can prevent a cold, if used at the first sign of a sniffle.
Methinks an advertisement feature, from a newspaper, has been presented as a news item. So, no product placement there!
Perhaps straight advertisements are now permissible on the beeb whilst product placement is a no-no.
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Strange Phenomena
Tiredness is such a strange phenomenon, the more hours I spend in it's presence the less inclined am I to claim any understanding of it's modus operandi! Yesterday my withdrawal from the duvet-realm was a quite protracted affair, owing more I trust to genuine fatigue rather than lethargy (don't ask me to explain that word, I'm far too lazy to seek a definition).
Despite an overwhelming sense of tiredness prevailing, my brief brisk walk proved much easier than it has done for some time. My beloved and I have a mutual sense of currently being in a struggle with the common cold; this struggle of itself promotes weariness so by later evening we both felt quite shattered. In fact, I was too tired to apply my emollient cream before retiring but, I did manage to keep my eyelids propped open whilst I cleaned my teeth.
So, the story so far; I got into bed feeling "tired out" and, guess what ... I found it well nigh impossible to get to sleep fo several hours. Whatever my posture, it seemed to be the wrong one for attracting Morpheus. Night-sweats also played their part in my restlessness. My body should soon be tiring of its stupid game whereby, I suddenly become overheated and perspire profusely and so, remove myself from the covering of the lightest (lowest tog rated) duvet for a few blissful minutes before the cold shivers commence!
Surely, if I'm really tired the body should wean itself away from these ritual games and, allow me to sleep. Tiredness truly is a strange phenomenon.
Despite an overwhelming sense of tiredness prevailing, my brief brisk walk proved much easier than it has done for some time. My beloved and I have a mutual sense of currently being in a struggle with the common cold; this struggle of itself promotes weariness so by later evening we both felt quite shattered. In fact, I was too tired to apply my emollient cream before retiring but, I did manage to keep my eyelids propped open whilst I cleaned my teeth.
So, the story so far; I got into bed feeling "tired out" and, guess what ... I found it well nigh impossible to get to sleep fo several hours. Whatever my posture, it seemed to be the wrong one for attracting Morpheus. Night-sweats also played their part in my restlessness. My body should soon be tiring of its stupid game whereby, I suddenly become overheated and perspire profusely and so, remove myself from the covering of the lightest (lowest tog rated) duvet for a few blissful minutes before the cold shivers commence!
Surely, if I'm really tired the body should wean itself away from these ritual games and, allow me to sleep. Tiredness truly is a strange phenomenon.
Monday, September 19, 2005
A Sad Farewell
Today, the realization suddenly dawned on me that I have had to bid a sad farewell to three of my favourite journalists. So, it's farewell to Bob Herbert, Paul Krugman and Maureen Dowd all of the New York Times. The reason is the introduction of Times Select, a subscription only service which happens to include the Op-Ed contributions of these three journalists. Although on a low income, and living in the UK not the USA, I would be quite happy to pay a subscription to read these three journalists words but, unfortunately I would also be paying for services which are not of the least interest.
A 14 days free trial is currently on offer for this service but, that would only be postponing the inevitable
The contributions of this trio made me feel that there was perhaps something good to come out of America, whereas the policies of George Dubya have always contradicted this gut instinct. So, I bid a fond farewell.
A 14 days free trial is currently on offer for this service but, that would only be postponing the inevitable
The contributions of this trio made me feel that there was perhaps something good to come out of America, whereas the policies of George Dubya have always contradicted this gut instinct. So, I bid a fond farewell.
Anti-Virus Personal Edition Premium
Just a little gripe, so unlike me, about the above anti-virus and it's interaction with Windows Security Centre. Both my better half and myself, (on Helen's laptop and my PC respectively) have been receiving warnings, from the Security Centre, that AntiVirus PE Premium is "switched off" whilst Anti-Vir itself states that it is active. Who are we to believe?
I hasten to add that this problem, with Windows Security Centre, never arose whilst we were using the same companies "free" Classic Edition.
An attempt to sign up/ log-in for the AV forum was somewhat thwarted by the predilection for using German instructions on the English Language page of the forum.
********************************
My laptop is now protected by ntl Netguard which does the same as Premium and more and, is supplied gratis for up to three machines for users of NTL's cable broadband service. Unfortunately, this wasn't an option at the time we subscribed to AV Premium, having been quite satisfied with the more limited free edition!
I hasten to add that this problem, with Windows Security Centre, never arose whilst we were using the same companies "free" Classic Edition.
An attempt to sign up/ log-in for the AV forum was somewhat thwarted by the predilection for using German instructions on the English Language page of the forum.
********************************
My laptop is now protected by ntl Netguard which does the same as Premium and more and, is supplied gratis for up to three machines for users of NTL's cable broadband service. Unfortunately, this wasn't an option at the time we subscribed to AV Premium, having been quite satisfied with the more limited free edition!
And Good Morning To You Too!
My late emergence into day was greeted with a communique from the Inland Revenue/ National Insurance Contributions Dept. They wished to inform me that for the Tax Year 2003 -2004 I had 34 NI contributions outstanding!
At least I was able to inform them that during those 34 weeks I was in an employment where, "My earnings were at or above ‘Lower Earnings Limit’ but below the ‘Earnings Threshold’ and, should therefore be treated as having paid Class 1 contributions."
When one has worked part-time in low paid employment, this is a familiar situation but, for all the supposed integration of Tax and National Insurance Departments and, their extortionately expensive computerised systems, such factors seem to elude them. This situation has, in the past, led to telephonic arguments with (un)civil servants failing to understand their own protocols. This time I felt it safer to reply by mail with the appropriate documentation.
Having dealt promptly with the matter, it will hopefully prevent any subsequent rises in my blood pressure!
At least I was able to inform them that during those 34 weeks I was in an employment where, "My earnings were at or above ‘Lower Earnings Limit’ but below the ‘Earnings Threshold’ and, should therefore be treated as having paid Class 1 contributions."
When one has worked part-time in low paid employment, this is a familiar situation but, for all the supposed integration of Tax and National Insurance Departments and, their extortionately expensive computerised systems, such factors seem to elude them. This situation has, in the past, led to telephonic arguments with (un)civil servants failing to understand their own protocols. This time I felt it safer to reply by mail with the appropriate documentation.
Having dealt promptly with the matter, it will hopefully prevent any subsequent rises in my blood pressure!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Fizz and Froth
Whilst awaiting the return of ma belle amoureuse, from her preaching appointment, I'm looking forward to the (sometimes biting) satire of "Bremner, Bird and Fortune" (Channel 4) ... just as I write these words my beloved has returned! So, I can expect a few eardrum splitting bursts of laughter as I view the aforementioned show. Strange how one's laughter gland is enabled even when the topic is serious!
After the 3B's, we both fancy a bit of froth so, "Legally Blonde" (Five) should fit the bill. I'm just going to chill a bottle of 'Pignoletto Frizzante" to serve as an aid to our (hopefully) pleasurable relaxation.
After the 3B's, we both fancy a bit of froth so, "Legally Blonde" (Five) should fit the bill. I'm just going to chill a bottle of 'Pignoletto Frizzante" to serve as an aid to our (hopefully) pleasurable relaxation.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Saturday Routines
Had a bit of a lie-in this morning, before venturing into town at the the start of an otherwise quiet day. The usual Saturday routine was followed with a lunch drawn from the freezer drawer, popped in the oven and then consumed early in the afternoon.
Enjoyed the usual Jazz programmes on Radio 3 (4.00 - 6.30p.m) which, latterly provided accompaniment to my preparations for Sunday lunch. Finished my kitchen chores just in time to catch the "X-Factor" (ITV) ... as usual, some real personalities with varying degrees of talent were far outnumbered by talentless wannabes. Highly entertaining! The "X-tra Factor" (ITV2), whilst covering some of the same auditions, has also proved quite addictive.
After that, we watched the first of a new series of drama-documentaries based on Murder Mysteries (BBC1). Helen and myself enjoyed a couple of glasses of 'Warburn Estate Show Reserve Shiraz, 2002', a wonderfully brambly concoction from New South Wales.
A good day, despite an ongoing struggle with fatigue!
Enjoyed the usual Jazz programmes on Radio 3 (4.00 - 6.30p.m) which, latterly provided accompaniment to my preparations for Sunday lunch. Finished my kitchen chores just in time to catch the "X-Factor" (ITV) ... as usual, some real personalities with varying degrees of talent were far outnumbered by talentless wannabes. Highly entertaining! The "X-tra Factor" (ITV2), whilst covering some of the same auditions, has also proved quite addictive.
After that, we watched the first of a new series of drama-documentaries based on Murder Mysteries (BBC1). Helen and myself enjoyed a couple of glasses of 'Warburn Estate Show Reserve Shiraz, 2002', a wonderfully brambly concoction from New South Wales.
A good day, despite an ongoing struggle with fatigue!
Friday, September 16, 2005
BALING OUT
After the persistent rain of recent days, it seemed like time to bale out some of the excess water from the garden pond. The sun was shining brightly, as I retrieved the baling bucket from the top shed, welcoming me into the fresh air’s company.
Baled out 100 litres, approximately half the amount that needed transferring to alternative containers but, in the process noticed the gathering black clouds. It was almost as if the heavens were saying, “You displace, we’ll replace”; I don’t really think the heavens understood the logic of my actions!
A couple of hours later, the heavenly meteorologist hasn’t quite determined his course of action. A few raindrops have fallen but, the darkest clouds have been replaced by an opaque milky sunscreen. Occasionally, the sun still manages to burn it’s way through the cloud filter.
At this point, I think of checking the barometer but then, the words of MacNeice spring to mind:
“The glass is falling hour by hour, the glass will fall for ever,
But if you break the bloody glass you won’t hold up the weather.”
[Louis MacNeice – ‘Bagpipe Music’ 1937]
Baled out 100 litres, approximately half the amount that needed transferring to alternative containers but, in the process noticed the gathering black clouds. It was almost as if the heavens were saying, “You displace, we’ll replace”; I don’t really think the heavens understood the logic of my actions!
A couple of hours later, the heavenly meteorologist hasn’t quite determined his course of action. A few raindrops have fallen but, the darkest clouds have been replaced by an opaque milky sunscreen. Occasionally, the sun still manages to burn it’s way through the cloud filter.
At this point, I think of checking the barometer but then, the words of MacNeice spring to mind:
“The glass is falling hour by hour, the glass will fall for ever,
But if you break the bloody glass you won’t hold up the weather.”
[Louis MacNeice – ‘Bagpipe Music’ 1937]
Thursday, September 15, 2005
A Sense of Achievement
Today's achievement. I actually managed to get out to a social function this evening, where I remained for over an hour; I can hardly remember when it was I last managed this degree of emotional stamina.
The occasion was a Private View, at Harrogate's Mercer Art Gallery, of 'Songlines: Contemporary Aboriginal Art' and, 'Re-Invisible World: New Work by Christopher P. Wood. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the latter work gelled with the Aboriginal Art. Although there is something quintessentially English about Wood's work, a new feature of tracks through, and a sense of Spirits in the landscape, reflected an antipodean influence. Very much a sense of place.
It was also a good opportunity to renew contact with some old acquaintances and friends.
The occasion was a Private View, at Harrogate's Mercer Art Gallery, of 'Songlines: Contemporary Aboriginal Art' and, 'Re-Invisible World: New Work by Christopher P. Wood. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the latter work gelled with the Aboriginal Art. Although there is something quintessentially English about Wood's work, a new feature of tracks through, and a sense of Spirits in the landscape, reflected an antipodean influence. Very much a sense of place.
It was also a good opportunity to renew contact with some old acquaintances and friends.
Shock, horror ... immorality in the arms trade
Britain's biggest arms firm, BAE Systems, has been identified on US banking records as secretly paying more than £1m to General Augusto Pinochet, the former Chilean dictator.
What a surprise to find that the military-industrial complex supports Fascists! I seem to remember Lady Thatcher was a keen supporter of the aforementioned General.
What a surprise to find that the military-industrial complex supports Fascists! I seem to remember Lady Thatcher was a keen supporter of the aforementioned General.
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