Well the day is about to come, finally, after two years, I am finally at the point where I am going to have my wrist operation, can't believe it, but finally it is to happen. Tomorrow morning sometime after 8am and hopefully before 12pm, I will finally have the operation and I will have fixed a wrist that has been bothering me since it was fractured back in April 2003.
You have got to admire the NHS for the way they can drag something out. I was even asked a couple of months ago in a letter if I still needed the operation, like somehow it would magically heal itself. I think they were hoping I had dropped dead so that they didn't have to do the operation, and have another one on their list who waited longer than the 9 months you are meant to wait. Heck I waited 9 months just for the MRI scan of the wrist, let alone the operation.
Thankfully all I have to do is try and recover, and in a house where the very strong smell of paint is hanging around, as the dining room in my house is being done finally, later than I hoped for, but when someone isn't well, there isn't much you can do about it.
Just pray they use enough general anaesthetic to knock a rhino out, cause I always have in the past needed so much to get me out. I am hoping there won't be too much pain, if there is something tells me I won't be allowed any morphine, like I had with my operation for the cholesteatoma some years back when I was younger.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Reiki
Over the weekend, I started a Reiki course at my local college. Two weekends for the level one of Reiki. For those who don't know what Reiki is, this is the definition -
Reiki is a Japanese word to describe many healing methods. The course will cover Reiki history, how Reiki works, frequency healing with Rei and Ki energies, hand positions for self healing and healing others. Reiki and the law, biofeedback. The unique power of Reiki. Reiki as taught by Dr. Usui. Meaning of the word Reiki. The Reiki ideals. History of Reiki - Ancient and Modern. Releasing stress before Reiki. Hui Yin. Chakras. Grounding and protection. Kanji hand positions. Preparing onself, the room and your healee before Reiki.
This course I found to be very enjoyable, and I have already signed up for a level two course with the hope of doing a level 3 in the future when the college run it.
I have always been a bit of sceptic with anything that can't be proved, but as I have grown older, my views have changed and I am more open minded when it comes to situations and things like this. Through doing it ourselves and doing exercises, I found it to be working and actually happening, I can't say that I wasn't surprised, especially by the fact I was sweating a great deal and my hands getting very hot and turning so bright red, I look like a radish.
I have been practising since the lesson, with little success, but I know I have to keep trying as it will happen, it wasn't a one off I know it. It takes a lot of work, and isn't an easy thing to do, healings can take a while, and it requires patience, and time. Most healers it seems also gain some benefit when healing another person, so that is good. Though being a level one, means I would have limited success in healing, but I can try which is the main thing.
I was very lucky at the lesson, as I had a notetaker taking notes making it easier for me to concentrate on the speaker whom made the lesson very interesting and a good laugh which is the most important part of it.
I am looking forward to doing part two of the course, getting the book and my certificate as well. I am sure I can pass, I hope so anyway, given I have level two at the beginning of June.
A couple of sites for further reading
What is the History of Reiki?
Reiki: a Change for the Better
Reiki is a Japanese word to describe many healing methods. The course will cover Reiki history, how Reiki works, frequency healing with Rei and Ki energies, hand positions for self healing and healing others. Reiki and the law, biofeedback. The unique power of Reiki. Reiki as taught by Dr. Usui. Meaning of the word Reiki. The Reiki ideals. History of Reiki - Ancient and Modern. Releasing stress before Reiki. Hui Yin. Chakras. Grounding and protection. Kanji hand positions. Preparing onself, the room and your healee before Reiki.
This course I found to be very enjoyable, and I have already signed up for a level two course with the hope of doing a level 3 in the future when the college run it.
I have always been a bit of sceptic with anything that can't be proved, but as I have grown older, my views have changed and I am more open minded when it comes to situations and things like this. Through doing it ourselves and doing exercises, I found it to be working and actually happening, I can't say that I wasn't surprised, especially by the fact I was sweating a great deal and my hands getting very hot and turning so bright red, I look like a radish.
I have been practising since the lesson, with little success, but I know I have to keep trying as it will happen, it wasn't a one off I know it. It takes a lot of work, and isn't an easy thing to do, healings can take a while, and it requires patience, and time. Most healers it seems also gain some benefit when healing another person, so that is good. Though being a level one, means I would have limited success in healing, but I can try which is the main thing.
I was very lucky at the lesson, as I had a notetaker taking notes making it easier for me to concentrate on the speaker whom made the lesson very interesting and a good laugh which is the most important part of it.
I am looking forward to doing part two of the course, getting the book and my certificate as well. I am sure I can pass, I hope so anyway, given I have level two at the beginning of June.
A couple of sites for further reading
What is the History of Reiki?
Reiki: a Change for the Better
Threat to the London Eye
As reported in today's Evening Standard, there is a serious threat to the viability of the London Eye, and it is all down to a trumped up Lord Hollick. This man who is the chairman of the South Bank, and the rent for the land one of the supporting structs is on was due to be £210,000 a year, but now the South Bank board are demanding £2.5 million. They are also threatening eviction proceedings if not resolved by July. Bear in mind this is for a plot of land that is just big enough to hold a single supporting struct.
What makes this worse is that the chairman of the South Bank board is Lord Hollick whom has the ear of the government after being made a Lord by Neil Kinnock made him a life peer in 1991. This lord who is obviously totally unaware of just how much of an icon the Eye is to London. You can't imagine London without the Eye anymore, it is such a part of the landscape. What is so funny is that the whole South Bank area has gained enormously with the Eye being there, that is why there is such a massive expansion going on in terms of shops and restuarants, all because of the eye attracting people to the area, and the area has the spin off from it.
You can imagine this turning into a real problem, and if enough people get wind of this, which I am hoping that the article in the Evening Standard will make enough people realise what is going on, and that a supporter of Labour and with the ear of the government wants to penalise London and take away on the star attractions in this city. If this idiot is allowed to have the Eye dismantled because of being so greedy, wanting a ten-fold increase in rent, then this will seriously affect London at a time when it can ill afford to lose such a star attraction. People as dangerous and short sighted as this man, should be removed from public bodies
What makes this worse is that the chairman of the South Bank board is Lord Hollick whom has the ear of the government after being made a Lord by Neil Kinnock made him a life peer in 1991. This lord who is obviously totally unaware of just how much of an icon the Eye is to London. You can't imagine London without the Eye anymore, it is such a part of the landscape. What is so funny is that the whole South Bank area has gained enormously with the Eye being there, that is why there is such a massive expansion going on in terms of shops and restuarants, all because of the eye attracting people to the area, and the area has the spin off from it.
You can imagine this turning into a real problem, and if enough people get wind of this, which I am hoping that the article in the Evening Standard will make enough people realise what is going on, and that a supporter of Labour and with the ear of the government wants to penalise London and take away on the star attractions in this city. If this idiot is allowed to have the Eye dismantled because of being so greedy, wanting a ten-fold increase in rent, then this will seriously affect London at a time when it can ill afford to lose such a star attraction. People as dangerous and short sighted as this man, should be removed from public bodies
Bicycling
This probably seems a really odd thing to have as a blog entry, but I find the way people use the English language to be of interest. I first saw the word bicycling when I was in the US in San Francisco back in 2003 for a visit to a friend and it was on a board on their transit system and at the time I was astounded at the word being used, because to me it isn’t a valid word, and how much I tried to find a definition of it, I couldn’t. I do wish I had taken a picture of the board, because it caused a lot of laughs to me and others at the time. But it has come to the fore again for me when I read my weekend paper, the Observer
There was an article in it, that was about one of the MPs in parliament who had been promoted to Education Secretary for the Tories, and he listed one of the things he likes to do is bicycling. To me there is no such damn word and to use it makes no sense. I asked others I know, apparently it is said a lot on the continent, they say I am bicycling. To me the word they should be using is cycling. Unless the grammar changed without me knowing, which is more than possible, I thought it had to be cycling. You don’t hear it said that the riders in the tour de France are bicycling, they are cycling and are cyclists. I know that you are riding a bicycle, but when you are using it in the context of what you are doing, you say I am cycling or I am a cyclist, not I am bicycling or I am bicyclist.
If anyone, anyone at all knows the proper context of this, I would love to know, and if they know when it changed as well, because to my knowledge it has always been cycling and cyclist.
There was an article in it, that was about one of the MPs in parliament who had been promoted to Education Secretary for the Tories, and he listed one of the things he likes to do is bicycling. To me there is no such damn word and to use it makes no sense. I asked others I know, apparently it is said a lot on the continent, they say I am bicycling. To me the word they should be using is cycling. Unless the grammar changed without me knowing, which is more than possible, I thought it had to be cycling. You don’t hear it said that the riders in the tour de France are bicycling, they are cycling and are cyclists. I know that you are riding a bicycle, but when you are using it in the context of what you are doing, you say I am cycling or I am a cyclist, not I am bicycling or I am bicyclist.
If anyone, anyone at all knows the proper context of this, I would love to know, and if they know when it changed as well, because to my knowledge it has always been cycling and cyclist.
Queens Speech
Yesterday was the Queens speech, and this government is to introduce 45 bills, yes 45 bills, my god
Blair's reform and respect agenda
Queen's Speech at-a-glance
Queen's Speech: Others reaction
I have to say, these bills seem totally laughable, did he not listen to the electorate in the past weeks, when people said that ID cards were not of interest and all that money is a waste of time, I am hoping that enough Labour MPs will rebel over this, if not, then we really are walking into a police state. This government is making life less enjoyable, more restrictions, more bans with no basis in common sense. ID cards are the biggest waste of money going. If this list in total had been produced prior to the election, there is not a chance that Blair would have won, this is the time to say, oh my god, say goodbye to freedom. ID cards will not make our lives safer, and better, it will just mean the government holds more information on you that you don’t know about, they already have a great deal of information that we don’t have access to, and we will be forced to pay for the ID card, and the cost is estimated to be £100. Who on earth feels comfortable about being charged that for an ID card. If the government wants us to carry ID cards, they should pay for it, why should I pay for something I don’t believe in, don’t believe will stop the terrorists. One last point on the ID cards, all the so called terrorists out there, have to be rubbing their hands with glee, they have succeeded in making this government so scared that our freedoms are going to be curtailed. And this is after we survived the IRA in London for so long without having to have our freedoms curbed, but now we do. Such a bad move.
Another things I am unhappy about in this bill, is more power to the Welsh Assembly. Whilst I agree that they should have more power to govern themselves, what upset and angers me is that London isn’t to be given more power to control its own situation and why is it that England doesn’t have the power to act independently. We English are losing out a great deal in this situation, having regional government has some sense. If you are going to offer it to the Scots, Welsh, Northern Irish, why shouldn’t the English get their own as well, why should we be excluded. The thing that makes this situation all that much worse is that, English MPs have no say over a lot of things in Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish and Welsh MPs have a say over the English affairs. If you look at this Labour government in the last parliament they had a lot of Scottish and Welsh MPs and were able to railroad a lot of laws through that affect the English but not them, like the students having to pay, mmm, funny how the Scots have a different rule, but the English will suffer.
The Incapacity Benefit changes is another one, I am really concerned about, the idea that those on IB are slackers, is such a joke. The government is to blame for the high numbers, there are some who are on it, who are on it to avoid being on the unemployment figures, but the majority who are on it, are on it, because they can’t work, be it from physical, mental and emotional problems. If they want to speed those on IB to be off it, then speed up the NHS, so many on it are waiting for operations or treatment from the NHS and until they get it they can’t work, so to penalise someone for a failure in the system is unfair. The DRC has even said they are concerned with the reform - Warning over benefit reform
And if your own DRC is concerned, then that has to say it all, what are you missing?
Respect, never going to happen to you Mr.Blair, you will never get my respect, you don’t deserve it, you are turning my homeland into a place of fear, and instead of people being open, we are slowly but surely turning into the old communist state like USSR, where people report each other for minor things, and actually try and get ahead by being underhanded, instead of assisting each other. I can see more people leaving again. Respect has to be earned not forced through with laws. With proper education, proper chances for all members of society and fair treatment for all, that will lead to respect. Until we have a system that is fair, offers equal chances for all, it will not be a place where anything of use can grow and become reality. Too much is being done to exclude those who don’t fit the so called image of perfect people.
The housing benefit bill, is a scary bill especially for those living in London, it is already impossible to get the whole thing paid for now, so if you live in a one bed flat in London, you can be sure if you are on benefits that you won’t get it paid for, which is wrong. How is it the fault of the person that the prices are what they are, if it costs £650 for a one bed flat in London and you only give the person £550, because it is deemed that is what you are only going to give, then you make a poor person even poorer, force them into more debt, more problems, more likely to have a life that is not acceptable. We are really going in the wrong direction, rent controls would be better, and that way, we could assure that people were being charged reasonable levels, but if you life in an area where the rents are high and you can’t move, due to disability, etc, you are forced into a spiral of more and more debt. This also goes for the Welfare Reform Bill.
This is what was quoted by the government
Under the Welfare Reform Bill, which was announced in the Queen's Speech, changes will be made to simplify the system for reducing or removing Job Seeker's Allowance from a recipient who leaves a job without just cause, or who refuses to take part in return-to-work schemes.
The incapacity benefits system would also be altered to encourage those who can work to return through a rehabilitation scheme, but also to improve the financial position of those who cannot by increasing sickness benefits.
Mr Hain told BBC Radio Wales that Labour's plans to reform the welfare system would see people "encouraged to go into work but not frog-marched into work".
"They don't have to be heavy industry jobs of the traditional kind if you actually have a physical disability," he said.
"We ought to raise our sights here and, in that way, we can also deal with one of the crippling problems of the Welsh economy, which is the relatively low GDP (gross domestic product) per head that is largely accounted for by the high level of economic activity compared with other parts of Britain."
Mr Hain added: "It's important to dispel the culture of pessimism here. Ill-health should not be a bar to employment."
Can anyone else see where this is going? The comment I love most is that if you have a physical disability you don’t have to do heavy industry. Shall I inform you minister what the DWP people tried to get me to do - work with phones, doing work which involved a great deal of calling and support work on the phones, and I am profoundly deaf.
Can anyone else see the problem?
Mental health bill as well scares me, the bill has been rounded on by health professionals and they are worried, and if those who are close to the situation are worried then you have to say, there is something very wrong. Take a look at what is happening in this bill and you will see, if you were ever to suffer a mental problem as many do outside of their own control, you will be struggling from there on because of the changes
The draft Mental Health Bill
This whole attitude towards those who aren’t well, suffering mental problems is akin to saying that it is best to lock them up and throw away the key.
This whole speech I felt was a waste of time, I can imagine the Queen wishing she could say the truth, that her government is a royal waste of time and I want to execute the leader for making my country a shit hole.
Blair's reform and respect agenda
Queen's Speech at-a-glance
Queen's Speech: Others reaction
I have to say, these bills seem totally laughable, did he not listen to the electorate in the past weeks, when people said that ID cards were not of interest and all that money is a waste of time, I am hoping that enough Labour MPs will rebel over this, if not, then we really are walking into a police state. This government is making life less enjoyable, more restrictions, more bans with no basis in common sense. ID cards are the biggest waste of money going. If this list in total had been produced prior to the election, there is not a chance that Blair would have won, this is the time to say, oh my god, say goodbye to freedom. ID cards will not make our lives safer, and better, it will just mean the government holds more information on you that you don’t know about, they already have a great deal of information that we don’t have access to, and we will be forced to pay for the ID card, and the cost is estimated to be £100. Who on earth feels comfortable about being charged that for an ID card. If the government wants us to carry ID cards, they should pay for it, why should I pay for something I don’t believe in, don’t believe will stop the terrorists. One last point on the ID cards, all the so called terrorists out there, have to be rubbing their hands with glee, they have succeeded in making this government so scared that our freedoms are going to be curtailed. And this is after we survived the IRA in London for so long without having to have our freedoms curbed, but now we do. Such a bad move.
Another things I am unhappy about in this bill, is more power to the Welsh Assembly. Whilst I agree that they should have more power to govern themselves, what upset and angers me is that London isn’t to be given more power to control its own situation and why is it that England doesn’t have the power to act independently. We English are losing out a great deal in this situation, having regional government has some sense. If you are going to offer it to the Scots, Welsh, Northern Irish, why shouldn’t the English get their own as well, why should we be excluded. The thing that makes this situation all that much worse is that, English MPs have no say over a lot of things in Scotland and Wales, but the Scottish and Welsh MPs have a say over the English affairs. If you look at this Labour government in the last parliament they had a lot of Scottish and Welsh MPs and were able to railroad a lot of laws through that affect the English but not them, like the students having to pay, mmm, funny how the Scots have a different rule, but the English will suffer.
The Incapacity Benefit changes is another one, I am really concerned about, the idea that those on IB are slackers, is such a joke. The government is to blame for the high numbers, there are some who are on it, who are on it to avoid being on the unemployment figures, but the majority who are on it, are on it, because they can’t work, be it from physical, mental and emotional problems. If they want to speed those on IB to be off it, then speed up the NHS, so many on it are waiting for operations or treatment from the NHS and until they get it they can’t work, so to penalise someone for a failure in the system is unfair. The DRC has even said they are concerned with the reform - Warning over benefit reform
And if your own DRC is concerned, then that has to say it all, what are you missing?
Respect, never going to happen to you Mr.Blair, you will never get my respect, you don’t deserve it, you are turning my homeland into a place of fear, and instead of people being open, we are slowly but surely turning into the old communist state like USSR, where people report each other for minor things, and actually try and get ahead by being underhanded, instead of assisting each other. I can see more people leaving again. Respect has to be earned not forced through with laws. With proper education, proper chances for all members of society and fair treatment for all, that will lead to respect. Until we have a system that is fair, offers equal chances for all, it will not be a place where anything of use can grow and become reality. Too much is being done to exclude those who don’t fit the so called image of perfect people.
The housing benefit bill, is a scary bill especially for those living in London, it is already impossible to get the whole thing paid for now, so if you live in a one bed flat in London, you can be sure if you are on benefits that you won’t get it paid for, which is wrong. How is it the fault of the person that the prices are what they are, if it costs £650 for a one bed flat in London and you only give the person £550, because it is deemed that is what you are only going to give, then you make a poor person even poorer, force them into more debt, more problems, more likely to have a life that is not acceptable. We are really going in the wrong direction, rent controls would be better, and that way, we could assure that people were being charged reasonable levels, but if you life in an area where the rents are high and you can’t move, due to disability, etc, you are forced into a spiral of more and more debt. This also goes for the Welfare Reform Bill.
This is what was quoted by the government
Under the Welfare Reform Bill, which was announced in the Queen's Speech, changes will be made to simplify the system for reducing or removing Job Seeker's Allowance from a recipient who leaves a job without just cause, or who refuses to take part in return-to-work schemes.
The incapacity benefits system would also be altered to encourage those who can work to return through a rehabilitation scheme, but also to improve the financial position of those who cannot by increasing sickness benefits.
Mr Hain told BBC Radio Wales that Labour's plans to reform the welfare system would see people "encouraged to go into work but not frog-marched into work".
"They don't have to be heavy industry jobs of the traditional kind if you actually have a physical disability," he said.
"We ought to raise our sights here and, in that way, we can also deal with one of the crippling problems of the Welsh economy, which is the relatively low GDP (gross domestic product) per head that is largely accounted for by the high level of economic activity compared with other parts of Britain."
Mr Hain added: "It's important to dispel the culture of pessimism here. Ill-health should not be a bar to employment."
Can anyone else see where this is going? The comment I love most is that if you have a physical disability you don’t have to do heavy industry. Shall I inform you minister what the DWP people tried to get me to do - work with phones, doing work which involved a great deal of calling and support work on the phones, and I am profoundly deaf.
Can anyone else see the problem?
Mental health bill as well scares me, the bill has been rounded on by health professionals and they are worried, and if those who are close to the situation are worried then you have to say, there is something very wrong. Take a look at what is happening in this bill and you will see, if you were ever to suffer a mental problem as many do outside of their own control, you will be struggling from there on because of the changes
The draft Mental Health Bill
This whole attitude towards those who aren’t well, suffering mental problems is akin to saying that it is best to lock them up and throw away the key.
This whole speech I felt was a waste of time, I can imagine the Queen wishing she could say the truth, that her government is a royal waste of time and I want to execute the leader for making my country a shit hole.
Eurovision Song Contest
This Saturday, the contest is on, and I for one am actually looking forward to it, not because I think there will be great songs or that Britain will even win, it is more to listen to Terry Wogan give his comments on those participants. Yes he slams it and see the total political game that it is, and thus makes fun of it, with comments along the lines, well lets see who the Swedes will vote for, and what a surprise it is Finland, Norway, etc.
We don't take it seriously like they do on the continent, and how does Israel get in, which part of Europe are they in? I look forward to having a laugh at it
So go for it Terry, give it your best on Saturday, we shall wait and see how the political voting goes again, maybe we will end up with nul points again, like in 2003.
We don't take it seriously like they do on the continent, and how does Israel get in, which part of Europe are they in? I look forward to having a laugh at it
So go for it Terry, give it your best on Saturday, we shall wait and see how the political voting goes again, maybe we will end up with nul points again, like in 2003.
ASBOs
ASBOs
It was with interest that I found a webpage that shows the absurdity of these ASBOs,
Extreme Cases of ASBOs
There was a court ruling yesterday that an ASBO wouldn’t be served on a grandmother who protests at Menwith Hill instead she is to be tagged
It makes me wonder what did happen to free speech and free will. ASBOs are such a blunt instrument and they really don’t make any difference, in fact I am beginning to get the belief that giving someone an ASBO, especially young people, is seen as a sign that they have achieved something, because they had to be served with an ASBO. The concern here that ASBOs are being handed out left, right and centre and over things that are so minor, if you saw the first link, someone is threatened for making a joke about the Pope’s death, that is nuts.
The sooner it is realised that ASBOs are such a blunt tool being used for the wrong reasons the better. In extreme cases where there are people terrorising a neighbourhood, fine, I can see the logic, but it has already been proved that whilst in the short term an ASBO will make a difference in those cases, in the longer term, it doesn’t help matters, because those who had the ASBO served on them, aren’t forced to change, and not given assistance in helping them curb their behaviour. So where does it make sense?
It was with interest that I found a webpage that shows the absurdity of these ASBOs,
Extreme Cases of ASBOs
There was a court ruling yesterday that an ASBO wouldn’t be served on a grandmother who protests at Menwith Hill instead she is to be tagged
It makes me wonder what did happen to free speech and free will. ASBOs are such a blunt instrument and they really don’t make any difference, in fact I am beginning to get the belief that giving someone an ASBO, especially young people, is seen as a sign that they have achieved something, because they had to be served with an ASBO. The concern here that ASBOs are being handed out left, right and centre and over things that are so minor, if you saw the first link, someone is threatened for making a joke about the Pope’s death, that is nuts.
The sooner it is realised that ASBOs are such a blunt tool being used for the wrong reasons the better. In extreme cases where there are people terrorising a neighbourhood, fine, I can see the logic, but it has already been proved that whilst in the short term an ASBO will make a difference in those cases, in the longer term, it doesn’t help matters, because those who had the ASBO served on them, aren’t forced to change, and not given assistance in helping them curb their behaviour. So where does it make sense?
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
EU Working time directive
This issue is a real bugbear for me. I am tired personally of hearing people like Sir Digby Jones go on about how if someone wants to do an extra five or six hours a week they should be allowed. He really has missed the point of the 48 hour max working week. In the UK most contracts people sign specify 40 hour week, and if people wanted to do the extra five or six hours, it would still be under the 48 hour max that the EU wants. What Jones and others like him are missing is the fact that many many people are coerced into signing an opt-out so that their employer can have them work as standard 50/60 even 70 hour weeks, which is so unacceptable. It isn’t a matter of choice, people are forced to sign an opt-out.
Euro-MPs back tighter work hours
EU debates working-hours limits
The reality is this and the links above show it, we as a country overwork our people, we do more hours than anyone in the EU and our productivity is lower, why? Simply because doing more than a certain number of hours in a day screws up your efficiency, it screws up your focus, your health, and we wonder why we are considered the sick man of Europe, because too many companies work their workers to the bone and then bleat when they are off sick through ill health, stress and other overworked related illnesses. The other factor never taken into account, is the damage caused to families, the overload on the NHS trying to keep these people going each and every day, stopping them from having breakdowns. This long hours culture we have in the UK is wrong, and the sooner we toe the line with the rest of Europe the better. Many studies have proved that working long hours saps your strength, it saps the creativity and is also a health and safety issue. If someone has been working for long hours, they can get sloppy, careless and cause injuries to themselves and those around them. For too long we have an attitude of the workers as they are nothing but a piece of meat, well the sooner it changes, the better and all this guff about losing competitiveness, is that, just guff, imagine how much more productivity and fewer sick days would do for the companies bottom line. What they are afraid of seeing is the fact that they either ask too much of their staff, or the fact that the job can be done in less time by healthy, vibrant workers.
Euro-MPs back tighter work hours
EU debates working-hours limits
The reality is this and the links above show it, we as a country overwork our people, we do more hours than anyone in the EU and our productivity is lower, why? Simply because doing more than a certain number of hours in a day screws up your efficiency, it screws up your focus, your health, and we wonder why we are considered the sick man of Europe, because too many companies work their workers to the bone and then bleat when they are off sick through ill health, stress and other overworked related illnesses. The other factor never taken into account, is the damage caused to families, the overload on the NHS trying to keep these people going each and every day, stopping them from having breakdowns. This long hours culture we have in the UK is wrong, and the sooner we toe the line with the rest of Europe the better. Many studies have proved that working long hours saps your strength, it saps the creativity and is also a health and safety issue. If someone has been working for long hours, they can get sloppy, careless and cause injuries to themselves and those around them. For too long we have an attitude of the workers as they are nothing but a piece of meat, well the sooner it changes, the better and all this guff about losing competitiveness, is that, just guff, imagine how much more productivity and fewer sick days would do for the companies bottom line. What they are afraid of seeing is the fact that they either ask too much of their staff, or the fact that the job can be done in less time by healthy, vibrant workers.
iPods can make you go deaf
This is the headline in the London Evening Standard today. Well I have to say when I first read it, I laughed, because simply it seems so funny and ludicrous to suggest such a thing. The more I read of it, the more I understood, what they were saying was that iPods, personal stereos, etc can make you deaf because people have them so loud when they are listening to them, specifically those who listen to them on trains and the tube.
Well if the headline was more accurate, it would have been that people have to turn up their iPods, personal stereos, etc so loud to actually hear them on the train and the tube. That is the issue. The research investigated the damage caused by the players rather than the more important issue which is, the sheer noise damage caused by the tube and the train. So instead of making the underground and the train operators come within the law and not damage people’s ears because of the level of the noise, they focus on the part that has little or no part in it. I am betting if they did research into those who travel the tube and the train each and every day for about a minimum of an hour, they would find that these people are damaging their ears, and why, because the noise generated on the tube and trains is far above what is acceptable.
It is lovely that they can manage to turn the focus on companies like Apple, Sony, Phillips, Aiwa, etc, instead of the companies that are actually causing this problem in the first place.
Well if the headline was more accurate, it would have been that people have to turn up their iPods, personal stereos, etc so loud to actually hear them on the train and the tube. That is the issue. The research investigated the damage caused by the players rather than the more important issue which is, the sheer noise damage caused by the tube and the train. So instead of making the underground and the train operators come within the law and not damage people’s ears because of the level of the noise, they focus on the part that has little or no part in it. I am betting if they did research into those who travel the tube and the train each and every day for about a minimum of an hour, they would find that these people are damaging their ears, and why, because the noise generated on the tube and trains is far above what is acceptable.
It is lovely that they can manage to turn the focus on companies like Apple, Sony, Phillips, Aiwa, etc, instead of the companies that are actually causing this problem in the first place.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Success
Well, it was going to happen and it has, I have a new job. I did it, I knew I would, and from June I will be working and developing software all over again.
I am happy to be back in there, getting my mind going and my hands working, well overdue and it is finally a pleasure to be having work, and now my mind turns to making the best of the chance and enjoying it for all it is worth.
I feel like popping open a bottle of champagne to celebrate........
I am happy to be back in there, getting my mind going and my hands working, well overdue and it is finally a pleasure to be having work, and now my mind turns to making the best of the chance and enjoying it for all it is worth.
I feel like popping open a bottle of champagne to celebrate........
VE Day Celebrations
Yesterday night I went along to the VE Day celebrations in central london. It was not too bad, didn't recognise most of the people who were singing or playing, call me out of touch, but the only ones I knew were Will Young and Cliff Richard, the others I didn't have a clue. Z knew them more than I did and I think that says it all really, that my age is showing. They had Christopher Eccleston doing a reading which was quite good, he had the same look as he does on Doctor Who, except he had a goatee which looked a little strange on him, and yes his ears do stick out a lot.....
It would have been a great night, but my god it was cold, it rained as well, thankfully not for the whole time, but after standing there for about 3 hours, me and Z had to call it a night, we were both very cold and I was freezing, despite walking around and trying to keep warm, it was too cold. Shame the weather spoilt it really. There was enough done to remember those who actions made it possible 60 years ago, and it certainly made me think of my two grandfathers who aren't here anymore and fought in WW2, one with the British under Monty, and another in the USAF based in the UK fighting the Germans.
There was apparently about 15,000 of us packed into Trafalgar Square, here is a webcam, so you can see them still putting away the stuff from last night
Trafalgar Square
It would have been a great night, but my god it was cold, it rained as well, thankfully not for the whole time, but after standing there for about 3 hours, me and Z had to call it a night, we were both very cold and I was freezing, despite walking around and trying to keep warm, it was too cold. Shame the weather spoilt it really. There was enough done to remember those who actions made it possible 60 years ago, and it certainly made me think of my two grandfathers who aren't here anymore and fought in WW2, one with the British under Monty, and another in the USAF based in the UK fighting the Germans.
There was apparently about 15,000 of us packed into Trafalgar Square, here is a webcam, so you can see them still putting away the stuff from last night
Trafalgar Square
Sunday, May 08, 2005
HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy - Movie Review
Saw this movie last night and all the reviews I read didn't come close. If you liked the book, you will like this, if you enjoyed watching the TV Series back in the 80s, then you will like this as well. It is a very well made movie, plenty of laughs in it, and it is very much a quintessential English movie, but a good one though, not a stupid art movie.
The actors chosen were the right actors, you can only imagine Martin Freeman being Arthur Dent, having Bill Nighy is the right move, using Stephen Fry as the guide is spot on and Alan Rickman is perfect as the robot, there are also other voices done by very English comedians including Bill Bailey as the whale. There is also a cameo appearance by the actor who played Arthur Dent in the TV series as well, won’t say where, but those who remember the TV Series will know it.
I have to say a real congratulations for the makers of this movie, they chose the right people for each role, and they got it so right, I hear they didn’t quite stick to the book 100%, but were very close to it, still a well made movie and out of 10, I give it 10, I can’t fault the movie at all, you sit there and you really do enjoy the movie, especially if you enjoyed the book or the TV series. A must go see movie.
Now onto the issue of the cinema, my, firstly why do people think that they are exempt from having to turn off their mobile phones, is their life so so so important that they can’t switch it off for 90 plus minutes, come on, surely it isn’t that hard. Secondly, the food at the cinema, I gave up a long time ago eating the food there, I might get a drink, usually a bottle of water or something, but my god, the size of the food. I saw people carrying around buckets, and I am not kidding, an actual bucket of popcorn, a plastic bucket with a sealable lid for popcorn. My I missed that one, do people really feel the need and want to eat that much popcorn at a movie. It is quite funny seeing some people at the cinema, because some will have the bucket of popcorn, the XXXL size of coke or whatever soda drink it is, and then ice cream and hotdog, it is like they have gone out for a meal, that is how much food they are carrying. And we wonder why we are getting fatter as a nation. I know the small size these days is bigger than the XL was just 5/10 years ago, but come on people surely you don’t expect to eat all of that, and it might just be me, but boy that food stinks to high heaven, not a nice smell to experience when watching a movie.
I am looking forward though to some of the new movies upcoming – Star Wars, War of the Worlds. I think they look great and can’t wait to watch them
The actors chosen were the right actors, you can only imagine Martin Freeman being Arthur Dent, having Bill Nighy is the right move, using Stephen Fry as the guide is spot on and Alan Rickman is perfect as the robot, there are also other voices done by very English comedians including Bill Bailey as the whale. There is also a cameo appearance by the actor who played Arthur Dent in the TV series as well, won’t say where, but those who remember the TV Series will know it.
I have to say a real congratulations for the makers of this movie, they chose the right people for each role, and they got it so right, I hear they didn’t quite stick to the book 100%, but were very close to it, still a well made movie and out of 10, I give it 10, I can’t fault the movie at all, you sit there and you really do enjoy the movie, especially if you enjoyed the book or the TV series. A must go see movie.
Now onto the issue of the cinema, my, firstly why do people think that they are exempt from having to turn off their mobile phones, is their life so so so important that they can’t switch it off for 90 plus minutes, come on, surely it isn’t that hard. Secondly, the food at the cinema, I gave up a long time ago eating the food there, I might get a drink, usually a bottle of water or something, but my god, the size of the food. I saw people carrying around buckets, and I am not kidding, an actual bucket of popcorn, a plastic bucket with a sealable lid for popcorn. My I missed that one, do people really feel the need and want to eat that much popcorn at a movie. It is quite funny seeing some people at the cinema, because some will have the bucket of popcorn, the XXXL size of coke or whatever soda drink it is, and then ice cream and hotdog, it is like they have gone out for a meal, that is how much food they are carrying. And we wonder why we are getting fatter as a nation. I know the small size these days is bigger than the XL was just 5/10 years ago, but come on people surely you don’t expect to eat all of that, and it might just be me, but boy that food stinks to high heaven, not a nice smell to experience when watching a movie.
I am looking forward though to some of the new movies upcoming – Star Wars, War of the Worlds. I think they look great and can’t wait to watch them
Friday, May 06, 2005
What a day!!
Well I awoke this morning to find that we were still to be governed by Labour, well New Labour or as some call them the red conservatives..... My hope that things might changed weren't met, oh well, another 5 years of this useless bunch of f**kwits.. And a note here to Labour supporters, it isn't 4 more years, in this country they can run between 4 to 5 years, it isn't like the US.
Another point on this election, how can this government be in power when only 36% of people voted for them, and how on earth did they end up with a majority of over 60, when they barely got just over a third of the vote, something is very wrong. To my knowledge that is a majority by the popular sense, okay, the Tories got about 33%, and yet so far behind and the LibDems, got about 23%, and got 62 seats. I think this election clearly shows that there is a big call for changes to the election, and that for the next one, that something is more representative of the vote. No government has ever had such a small amount of the popular vote. Sadly for me, the local MP kept his seat, even though he didn't deserve it, far from it.
For those who might ever want to keep an eye on what their MP is doing and saying, check this site
They work for you
My MP is Tony McNulty and he did nothing, so in the pocket of the government, a real Blairite
Anyway, that was enough to make me feel sick, seeing these losers having another 4 years, 8 years of waste and incompetence and given another 4 years, oh my god. And whilst on the point of Blair supposedly saying he would focus on the home issues, rubbish is all I can say. You haven't done so in the 8 years you have been in office, why would I believe you would do so now. You have made it clear you want to be remembered, and you focus on the international scene to get fame, well maybe you will be remembered as Thatcher was, as someone who we were glad to see the back of, and despised a lot, oh hang on, we already do see you that way. You want a legacy for your sakes, not for those who you govern over.
Enough politics, I had an interview today, and I am hoping that I got it, I think I did okay, not amazingly, but okay. I got on okay with the boss, and I can but hope that I get it, the company seem to be a good company and doing things I wish to do, so fingers crossed.....
What is it with chuggers, I walk out of the interview and in the space of 500ft or so, I am approached by 4 of them, I swear with me wearing a suit they see pound signs, I am unemployed, not rich, no money, I just have very well made suits, that I was lucky enough to be given in the past, and despite me looking loaded I am not, so please please leave me alone when I walk down the street.
This weekend is the Spanish GP, and sadly Jenson Button won't be driving due to the ban. To my mind there is a lot of politics going on and something seems odd about it all. There are rumours that an ex-employee shopped the team, but that seems odd, because to my understanding the FIA has to have complete knowledge of the car and all its parts, so they can deem it legal when it runs, so they must have known about the extra tank. What it does show that there is still too many grey areas within the regulations and they need to be tightened up considerably. It also means that unless a major miracle comes around, JB is off to Williams next year, as there is no way he will be able to have 70% of the championship leader by the end of July, beginning of August. Now will Williams want him, that is different, from a British perspective, I hope that they take JB, put him in one of their cars, and then have Davidson in one of the BARs, because he more than deserves a drive.
Had to clear out my dining room, as I have builders in the next two weeks, to fix the room, after the damp course was put in last year, and now the job has to be finished. I have someone in on Monday doing bits, and then the following week they are going to decorate. I can already the mess that is going to be created, does anyone know of clean builders, cause I haven't met any yet....
Whilst all that is going on, I have an operation for my wrist, if it isn't cancelled at the last minute, and if it is I will be less than pleased. Two plus years from the beginning of this process, and since August 2004 I have been waiting for the operation, I don't call that meeting targets, very far from reaching them.
This weekend is going to be a killer, I have an OU assignment to finish and I am so far behind, and I have to send it by Wednesday to get it in on time, I can see a hard weekend, and I am going to the VE Day concert in Trafalgar Square, as Z got tickets for it, there is going to be Will Young, Cliff Richard, and many others who I don't even know, as well as Doctor Who doing a reading apparently. Will write about it when it happens.
A long week over and I so need a break........
Another point on this election, how can this government be in power when only 36% of people voted for them, and how on earth did they end up with a majority of over 60, when they barely got just over a third of the vote, something is very wrong. To my knowledge that is a majority by the popular sense, okay, the Tories got about 33%, and yet so far behind and the LibDems, got about 23%, and got 62 seats. I think this election clearly shows that there is a big call for changes to the election, and that for the next one, that something is more representative of the vote. No government has ever had such a small amount of the popular vote. Sadly for me, the local MP kept his seat, even though he didn't deserve it, far from it.
For those who might ever want to keep an eye on what their MP is doing and saying, check this site
They work for you
My MP is Tony McNulty and he did nothing, so in the pocket of the government, a real Blairite
Anyway, that was enough to make me feel sick, seeing these losers having another 4 years, 8 years of waste and incompetence and given another 4 years, oh my god. And whilst on the point of Blair supposedly saying he would focus on the home issues, rubbish is all I can say. You haven't done so in the 8 years you have been in office, why would I believe you would do so now. You have made it clear you want to be remembered, and you focus on the international scene to get fame, well maybe you will be remembered as Thatcher was, as someone who we were glad to see the back of, and despised a lot, oh hang on, we already do see you that way. You want a legacy for your sakes, not for those who you govern over.
Enough politics, I had an interview today, and I am hoping that I got it, I think I did okay, not amazingly, but okay. I got on okay with the boss, and I can but hope that I get it, the company seem to be a good company and doing things I wish to do, so fingers crossed.....
What is it with chuggers, I walk out of the interview and in the space of 500ft or so, I am approached by 4 of them, I swear with me wearing a suit they see pound signs, I am unemployed, not rich, no money, I just have very well made suits, that I was lucky enough to be given in the past, and despite me looking loaded I am not, so please please leave me alone when I walk down the street.
This weekend is the Spanish GP, and sadly Jenson Button won't be driving due to the ban. To my mind there is a lot of politics going on and something seems odd about it all. There are rumours that an ex-employee shopped the team, but that seems odd, because to my understanding the FIA has to have complete knowledge of the car and all its parts, so they can deem it legal when it runs, so they must have known about the extra tank. What it does show that there is still too many grey areas within the regulations and they need to be tightened up considerably. It also means that unless a major miracle comes around, JB is off to Williams next year, as there is no way he will be able to have 70% of the championship leader by the end of July, beginning of August. Now will Williams want him, that is different, from a British perspective, I hope that they take JB, put him in one of their cars, and then have Davidson in one of the BARs, because he more than deserves a drive.
Had to clear out my dining room, as I have builders in the next two weeks, to fix the room, after the damp course was put in last year, and now the job has to be finished. I have someone in on Monday doing bits, and then the following week they are going to decorate. I can already the mess that is going to be created, does anyone know of clean builders, cause I haven't met any yet....
Whilst all that is going on, I have an operation for my wrist, if it isn't cancelled at the last minute, and if it is I will be less than pleased. Two plus years from the beginning of this process, and since August 2004 I have been waiting for the operation, I don't call that meeting targets, very far from reaching them.
This weekend is going to be a killer, I have an OU assignment to finish and I am so far behind, and I have to send it by Wednesday to get it in on time, I can see a hard weekend, and I am going to the VE Day concert in Trafalgar Square, as Z got tickets for it, there is going to be Will Young, Cliff Richard, and many others who I don't even know, as well as Doctor Who doing a reading apparently. Will write about it when it happens.
A long week over and I so need a break........
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Election Day
Well it has finally arrived, election day. And I am jumping up and down with joy, yeah right.....
It has been one dull election campaign, it has been negative, a waste of time, and without doubt an election campaign that didn't include the voters.
I saw a headline last night from the Evening Standard - "Blair boom going bust". If this is the case, something I have been predicting for a while, then it looks like Labour will have to sort out its own mess.
As for my voting intentions, well it isn't easy, you have the Conservatives in the blue corner, you have the Conservatives in the red corner, and no that isn't a mistype, that is reality, both right wing sets of policies, both advocating privatisation, both not looking after the average person. The only other alternative is the Lib Dems, and I am not entirely sure about them either.
I guess it will be a case of voting against this government and hoping that its majority is reduced enough to make it accountable this time. As much as I don't like it, this government isn't going to lose this election, not possible, too many things stacked in its favour, all I can hope for is a stronger Lib Dems and Conservative parties to make the government think twice about its more stupid policies like ID cards
Oh well, I will put my vote in later when I go out, and can only hope it counts a little.
It has been one dull election campaign, it has been negative, a waste of time, and without doubt an election campaign that didn't include the voters.
I saw a headline last night from the Evening Standard - "Blair boom going bust". If this is the case, something I have been predicting for a while, then it looks like Labour will have to sort out its own mess.
As for my voting intentions, well it isn't easy, you have the Conservatives in the blue corner, you have the Conservatives in the red corner, and no that isn't a mistype, that is reality, both right wing sets of policies, both advocating privatisation, both not looking after the average person. The only other alternative is the Lib Dems, and I am not entirely sure about them either.
I guess it will be a case of voting against this government and hoping that its majority is reduced enough to make it accountable this time. As much as I don't like it, this government isn't going to lose this election, not possible, too many things stacked in its favour, all I can hope for is a stronger Lib Dems and Conservative parties to make the government think twice about its more stupid policies like ID cards
Oh well, I will put my vote in later when I go out, and can only hope it counts a little.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Latest News
It has been a while since I wrote on here. So here is some news.
Interviews
In the space of four days, I had three interviews, which went with varying levels of success. One interview happened just after I was fitted with new hearing aids and boy I was struggling to hear. Well I got feedback today, they didn’t feel I was confident, and that wasn’t quite a fit, well that to me is odd, especially given that in the first interview I had with them, they said the opposite, that I was charming, confident, had a great personality, exactly what they were looking for. Now either it was down to me not hearing very well, which could be the case, it could be the fact that my gold ear moulds stood out, and they couldn’t handle the fact I am profoundly deaf, who knows, just odd how it all the sudden changed. I also had an interview with an investment bank, well that didn’t go well, I had to sit a technical which is fine, but I am not a mathematician and there was a whole section on maths and formulas, typical really. So I lost out a lot there, and then they gave me a practical, but limited time, along with designing and developing something with which I didn’t have a lot of experience meant no chance to shine. Given I haven’t heard back, I can safely say, oh well. I did have another one though, and that went better. There were six people up for it, and apparently now I am the only one left that they want, and I am the favourite too, not sure how that works. I was told there were two of us, but now it seems there is one, just me. I have to have another interview next week, and if all goes well, I could be working. I hope so, it would be a nice way to finish a week.
Samaritans
Well it seems that I have done well enough to be asked back to undergo the training, not sure of the date yet, that will be sent later. But I was surprised to have it happen, especially as I was so struggling to hear them, but I must have done something right. As a friend of mine commented, I am a non-judgemental person and that is exactly what they seek from people, so it seems I am good for them. For me this will be good for me, to help others, and hopefully those who ring or get in touch, will feel that having communicated with me, they feel better for it, and that they will be happy that it was me they spoke to. To complete this though I had to call the Criminal Records Bureau and get a form from them and they will then do a check on me, I feel so lucky I have never gotten the wrong side of the law now, better make sure I keep it that way as well…..
Weight Gain
I am not trying to do an Eric Cartman and gain weight, but somehow I have in the space of just 4 weeks put on over half a stone of weight, in other words, about 4/5 kg, or in other money about 8/9 lbs of weight. Obviously seeing the scales tip towards 13st, was a bloody shock. I had to ask the gym, because that worries me, well they found it funny of course. What I didn’t know was this, adding muscle, apparently you only add about 1lb of muscle a month, a 1lb, so that means I have added 8 lbs of fat, yet my body fat % is actually lower than the last reading by 0.2%, so what does it mean. Well other than the fact I feel like my pants aren’t fitting quite as well, I have no idea. I can’t do the swimming at the moment, which is annoying, and I also seem to be changing my body shape as well, I am filling it out, so they reckon at the gym, I say, but round my gut only, though they reckon I look broader across the shoulders, mmm, I dispute this, maybe I should ask Z to check. Admittedly I haven’t been on my diet for the past two weeks, maybe the workouts took out more than I thought. I am just praying that before I have my operation in May, that I have a proper gym MOT and they say that it has gone down again. Being that heavy isn’t possible for me, but it is happening, and if I weigh 13 stone, it will be a horror story, I have never been that heavy in my life.
Lastly, I will be glad when I hear properly again, I finally got myself another appointment with the Audiologist and given that I lost a role because of not hearing I am going to be impressing on them to get it right. Thankfully the operation for my fractured wrist is soon, and I can hopefully get full movement back, though unlikely, I just hope they can fix the blackouts as well. Be nice to have it all tied up sooner, rather than later.
I am off to enjoy our Bank Holiday, one of the few we get, not enough of them, but I will be working hard on my OU, hopefully spending time with Z, working for the interview next week and maybe I will get some relaxation in there somewhere, lol..
Interviews
In the space of four days, I had three interviews, which went with varying levels of success. One interview happened just after I was fitted with new hearing aids and boy I was struggling to hear. Well I got feedback today, they didn’t feel I was confident, and that wasn’t quite a fit, well that to me is odd, especially given that in the first interview I had with them, they said the opposite, that I was charming, confident, had a great personality, exactly what they were looking for. Now either it was down to me not hearing very well, which could be the case, it could be the fact that my gold ear moulds stood out, and they couldn’t handle the fact I am profoundly deaf, who knows, just odd how it all the sudden changed. I also had an interview with an investment bank, well that didn’t go well, I had to sit a technical which is fine, but I am not a mathematician and there was a whole section on maths and formulas, typical really. So I lost out a lot there, and then they gave me a practical, but limited time, along with designing and developing something with which I didn’t have a lot of experience meant no chance to shine. Given I haven’t heard back, I can safely say, oh well. I did have another one though, and that went better. There were six people up for it, and apparently now I am the only one left that they want, and I am the favourite too, not sure how that works. I was told there were two of us, but now it seems there is one, just me. I have to have another interview next week, and if all goes well, I could be working. I hope so, it would be a nice way to finish a week.
Samaritans
Well it seems that I have done well enough to be asked back to undergo the training, not sure of the date yet, that will be sent later. But I was surprised to have it happen, especially as I was so struggling to hear them, but I must have done something right. As a friend of mine commented, I am a non-judgemental person and that is exactly what they seek from people, so it seems I am good for them. For me this will be good for me, to help others, and hopefully those who ring or get in touch, will feel that having communicated with me, they feel better for it, and that they will be happy that it was me they spoke to. To complete this though I had to call the Criminal Records Bureau and get a form from them and they will then do a check on me, I feel so lucky I have never gotten the wrong side of the law now, better make sure I keep it that way as well…..
Weight Gain
I am not trying to do an Eric Cartman and gain weight, but somehow I have in the space of just 4 weeks put on over half a stone of weight, in other words, about 4/5 kg, or in other money about 8/9 lbs of weight. Obviously seeing the scales tip towards 13st, was a bloody shock. I had to ask the gym, because that worries me, well they found it funny of course. What I didn’t know was this, adding muscle, apparently you only add about 1lb of muscle a month, a 1lb, so that means I have added 8 lbs of fat, yet my body fat % is actually lower than the last reading by 0.2%, so what does it mean. Well other than the fact I feel like my pants aren’t fitting quite as well, I have no idea. I can’t do the swimming at the moment, which is annoying, and I also seem to be changing my body shape as well, I am filling it out, so they reckon at the gym, I say, but round my gut only, though they reckon I look broader across the shoulders, mmm, I dispute this, maybe I should ask Z to check. Admittedly I haven’t been on my diet for the past two weeks, maybe the workouts took out more than I thought. I am just praying that before I have my operation in May, that I have a proper gym MOT and they say that it has gone down again. Being that heavy isn’t possible for me, but it is happening, and if I weigh 13 stone, it will be a horror story, I have never been that heavy in my life.
Lastly, I will be glad when I hear properly again, I finally got myself another appointment with the Audiologist and given that I lost a role because of not hearing I am going to be impressing on them to get it right. Thankfully the operation for my fractured wrist is soon, and I can hopefully get full movement back, though unlikely, I just hope they can fix the blackouts as well. Be nice to have it all tied up sooner, rather than later.
I am off to enjoy our Bank Holiday, one of the few we get, not enough of them, but I will be working hard on my OU, hopefully spending time with Z, working for the interview next week and maybe I will get some relaxation in there somewhere, lol..
Airbus A380
Back on Wednesday this mammoth of a plane had it first take off and landing, and I as a European as so proud of the achievement. We as Europeans have created a plane that will be the king of the skies for years to come. I know there has been a lot of battles about it, and will it or won’t it succeed, I think it will do so. It has been said to be quieter than expected, it weighs 560 tonnes, that is massive, but it got up into the sky and what a feat of engineering, we should be proud as Europeans for this, show off our skills and expertise.
Because I want to provide pictures and videos of the A380, here are a bunch of links for it
Airbus A380 flys
Airbus A380 flight pictures
Details of the Airbus A380
Some videos - Videos of the A380 flight
There has certainly been mixed reaction to it
Others thoughts
I personally feel that a lot of carping from the Americans over the funding is typical, given that Boeing has had a lot of funding in the past, and don’t like the idea that we are doing the same as them and when we do what we consider fair to us, they don’t like it. Roll on more of the A380, lets hope they can find a better name for it, a very European name, I did see a suggestion in a paper, calling it Mercury, from the past, maybe, any ideas of good names, maybe we should send to Airbus themselves.
Because I want to provide pictures and videos of the A380, here are a bunch of links for it
Airbus A380 flys
Airbus A380 flight pictures
Details of the Airbus A380
Some videos - Videos of the A380 flight
There has certainly been mixed reaction to it
Others thoughts
I personally feel that a lot of carping from the Americans over the funding is typical, given that Boeing has had a lot of funding in the past, and don’t like the idea that we are doing the same as them and when we do what we consider fair to us, they don’t like it. Roll on more of the A380, lets hope they can find a better name for it, a very European name, I did see a suggestion in a paper, calling it Mercury, from the past, maybe, any ideas of good names, maybe we should send to Airbus themselves.
Super Size Me - Movie Review
Yes, I know this movie came out a while ago. But last night it was shown on Channel 4, and I knew it would be a good movie, and it was. Watching it though, you really did feel for the guy, all the weight he put on, that fact the food made him throw up. Seeing all the side bits on it, about healthy eating, exercise, etc and how America isn't doing this stuff as it should do. It kind of was in the vein that Jamie Oliver had with the food for schools in this country.
Both showed just how bad, the junk food, and the effects of it, and the problems caused by it. Yes you shouldn't be eating it for every meal, and it should only be on a special occasion, but my the amount of weight he put on in the movie in just 30 days, was astounding. It was horrible, especially with the amount of time it took him to recover back to what he was.
If you haven't seen this movie, you must see it, it is a must see movie, and a movie that hopefully has shaken the US up a bit to realise that they need to do something, but it ultimately comes down to personal responsibility and good habits where possible
Both showed just how bad, the junk food, and the effects of it, and the problems caused by it. Yes you shouldn't be eating it for every meal, and it should only be on a special occasion, but my the amount of weight he put on in the movie in just 30 days, was astounding. It was horrible, especially with the amount of time it took him to recover back to what he was.
If you haven't seen this movie, you must see it, it is a must see movie, and a movie that hopefully has shaken the US up a bit to realise that they need to do something, but it ultimately comes down to personal responsibility and good habits where possible
The Amityville Horror - Movie Review
I saw this on Wednesday after a long day, looking for a horror movie to give me a fright. I went along with Z to a cinema at Marble Arch, the Odeon there.
I have to say, the movie was okay, nothing special though, I had expected a lot more, I thought I would be frightened more, and I certainly don't recall being on the edge of my seat, even Z didn't feel on the edge of her seat.
If you are expecting a real horror story, then the storyline is okay, but you are highly unlikely to be scared by it, it doesn't do enough to have you on the edge of your seat.
Shame really, was hoping for more. Maybe nothing is shocking enough or has enough suspense these days.
I have to say, the movie was okay, nothing special though, I had expected a lot more, I thought I would be frightened more, and I certainly don't recall being on the edge of my seat, even Z didn't feel on the edge of her seat.
If you are expecting a real horror story, then the storyline is okay, but you are highly unlikely to be scared by it, it doesn't do enough to have you on the edge of your seat.
Shame really, was hoping for more. Maybe nothing is shocking enough or has enough suspense these days.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Eels - Blinking Lights And Other Revelations
I have been listening to this new album from the Eels. I am a fan of the Eels and the past few albums have been a little hit and miss, I do find them to be quite good. This particular album has been said to be as good as Beautiful Freak, the first album. I am not so sure from my own viewpoint. It does have some good tracks, and it is a double cd album. I still personally have to say that Beautiful Freak is the best of the lot, but this album is good, a lot of different sounds and a lot of different messages, negative, positive and enjoyable.
I would say that if you like the Eels, this is worth getting, and will be an enjoyable listen
I would say that if you like the Eels, this is worth getting, and will be an enjoyable listen
Audiologists – A lesson they need to learn
I have in my position had to deal with these people regularly, and I have to say my feeling towards them is getting worse and worse as time goes on.
I have been profoundly deaf since I was born and thus been wearing hearing aids for 99% of that time, I was wearing an aid at the first opportunity I could. This makes me quite the expert in knowing what sounds right, comfortable for me, and what doesn’t.
In my years I have had to suffer numerous Audiologists who think they know it all, and that they know better than I do when something sounds right or wrong. So when I tell them that the sound isn’t loud enough, or the sound is echoing, or the sound isn’t clear, lacks clarity, I expect them to listen because I am the one wearing the damn bloody aids. Do they, not a bloody chance, they obviously think I am stupid, that I am not willing to make an effort.
Lets change the scenario a little, imagine you go to an optician and get glasses to see, if you were to tell the optician that you couldn’t see clearly with the glasses, or that they seem to lack focus, something would be done, very quickly and with a great deal of attention to what you say. Audiologists, well I don’t know, maybe they have a different agenda, and that someone like me, who wants to be able to hear, rather than just take what is given, means they actually have to do their job. I am very picky with my hearing, and I expect to be able to hear, it has always been a comment that I drive them nuts, because I expect to have it all, well, in my mind, isn’t that what a hearing aid is meant to do, make it possible for me to hear, not make it so that I can’t hear what is going on, kind of defeats the purpose of them.
I refer to this, because last Thursday I was given new aids, and at the time I made it clear I felt I wasn’t hearing all I should, that they lacked clarity, and seemed just wrong. The response I get back was typical, you will get used to it, you are a power junkie, you always want more, well no actually, I just want to be able to hear when I am talking to people, I don’t expect it to cut-out on me, and I do expect that my life is worth sufficiently enough that you do your job so that I can communicate with the rest of the world. Well, lo and behold, in an interview on Friday, I struggled to hear the interviewer, and that was in a room with just me and them, no background crap to deal with, on Saturday I suffered again in a selection process for the Samaritans, and I also have two interviews this week, though I still don’t know the details for one on Wednesday, which is a little concerning and I have asked. But the point I am making is that as a deaf person trying to find a job, I need to be on top of my game and not missing anything and no amount of expecting them to be understanding or giving, is going to help me get the role, they will dismiss me, as has happened in the past before. It isn’t right, but that is life, so the less reasons I can give them the better, not hearing what they say, is a big reason for them to think I am either arrogant or stupid, and it isn’t a good idea to be that way in an interview. I can’t really say, oh do you mind talking louder to me, because my hearing aids are screwed up, no.
So, I am sure this won’t be seen by Audiologists, but on the off chance, here are some pointers to you.
1) Listen to the patient, they know what they are hearing, dismissing them as being picky, power junkies and whatever other terminology you want to use, doesn’t make you a good Audiologist, it makes you arrogant and dismissive
2) On your training course, you are taught to listen to the patient, and whilst you know the technology, or are supposed to, listen to the patient, they are the ones wearing the damn things, not you. You will never have to wear them, most likely so listen
3) Imagine yourself in the shoes of the patient, being told them aren’t making the effort, or are being problematic, just because you think you are right. When it comes to ears you aren’t, the person wearing the aids is the one whose life is turned upside down, not yours
4) Lastly, turning around to patients and saying you will not adjust them, is plain wrong and that they have to persevere with the awful settings you have given them, not right.
On a slightly related issue with regards to hearing aids, Audiologists, etc. Can someone please tell the RNID to stop experimenting with the deaf? The RNID have control over which digital aids each hospital has, and thus each hospital is different, and instead of catering to the needs of the deaf person, you try and squeeze them into categories for the aids which don’t fit all. I am such a case, telling me that you only have four options of digital aid, none of which I can hear with, is no option at all. The government should never have handed you the reins for this, the audiologists should be allowed to find the best aid for the person. It works in Denmark and many other European countries, so why not here?
And the last issue on entry. I have an issue with the Deaf Wannabes, yep, there are such people out there whom actually want to be Deaf, ACTUALLY WANT TO BE DEAF!!!
Wow, I am not someone with has prejudices, usually, but please go back into your little hole and leave the world alone. If you were doing this and not affecting others, I wouldn’t mind, but your actions are affecting others. By faking hearing tests, pushing for aids, you are taking resources away from those who need it. In this country there is a two year wait for digital aids, yes, two damn years, many people can be dead before they get their aids, and you are making that much worse, much worse. The time spent doing your tests, fitting you for aids, which you don’t need, just to fill your sickness. You need to see a psych, not an audiologist, you need help. To purposely make yourself deaf, you have no idea the life of a deaf person, not a smart move ever. If you want to be deaf, then do so, but don’t ask for hearing aids, tests, moulds, etc, which are meant for those who really need them, not some faker, who thinks it would be a good idea to fake. It is sick, and there is no other way to describe it.
I have been profoundly deaf since I was born and thus been wearing hearing aids for 99% of that time, I was wearing an aid at the first opportunity I could. This makes me quite the expert in knowing what sounds right, comfortable for me, and what doesn’t.
In my years I have had to suffer numerous Audiologists who think they know it all, and that they know better than I do when something sounds right or wrong. So when I tell them that the sound isn’t loud enough, or the sound is echoing, or the sound isn’t clear, lacks clarity, I expect them to listen because I am the one wearing the damn bloody aids. Do they, not a bloody chance, they obviously think I am stupid, that I am not willing to make an effort.
Lets change the scenario a little, imagine you go to an optician and get glasses to see, if you were to tell the optician that you couldn’t see clearly with the glasses, or that they seem to lack focus, something would be done, very quickly and with a great deal of attention to what you say. Audiologists, well I don’t know, maybe they have a different agenda, and that someone like me, who wants to be able to hear, rather than just take what is given, means they actually have to do their job. I am very picky with my hearing, and I expect to be able to hear, it has always been a comment that I drive them nuts, because I expect to have it all, well, in my mind, isn’t that what a hearing aid is meant to do, make it possible for me to hear, not make it so that I can’t hear what is going on, kind of defeats the purpose of them.
I refer to this, because last Thursday I was given new aids, and at the time I made it clear I felt I wasn’t hearing all I should, that they lacked clarity, and seemed just wrong. The response I get back was typical, you will get used to it, you are a power junkie, you always want more, well no actually, I just want to be able to hear when I am talking to people, I don’t expect it to cut-out on me, and I do expect that my life is worth sufficiently enough that you do your job so that I can communicate with the rest of the world. Well, lo and behold, in an interview on Friday, I struggled to hear the interviewer, and that was in a room with just me and them, no background crap to deal with, on Saturday I suffered again in a selection process for the Samaritans, and I also have two interviews this week, though I still don’t know the details for one on Wednesday, which is a little concerning and I have asked. But the point I am making is that as a deaf person trying to find a job, I need to be on top of my game and not missing anything and no amount of expecting them to be understanding or giving, is going to help me get the role, they will dismiss me, as has happened in the past before. It isn’t right, but that is life, so the less reasons I can give them the better, not hearing what they say, is a big reason for them to think I am either arrogant or stupid, and it isn’t a good idea to be that way in an interview. I can’t really say, oh do you mind talking louder to me, because my hearing aids are screwed up, no.
So, I am sure this won’t be seen by Audiologists, but on the off chance, here are some pointers to you.
1) Listen to the patient, they know what they are hearing, dismissing them as being picky, power junkies and whatever other terminology you want to use, doesn’t make you a good Audiologist, it makes you arrogant and dismissive
2) On your training course, you are taught to listen to the patient, and whilst you know the technology, or are supposed to, listen to the patient, they are the ones wearing the damn things, not you. You will never have to wear them, most likely so listen
3) Imagine yourself in the shoes of the patient, being told them aren’t making the effort, or are being problematic, just because you think you are right. When it comes to ears you aren’t, the person wearing the aids is the one whose life is turned upside down, not yours
4) Lastly, turning around to patients and saying you will not adjust them, is plain wrong and that they have to persevere with the awful settings you have given them, not right.
On a slightly related issue with regards to hearing aids, Audiologists, etc. Can someone please tell the RNID to stop experimenting with the deaf? The RNID have control over which digital aids each hospital has, and thus each hospital is different, and instead of catering to the needs of the deaf person, you try and squeeze them into categories for the aids which don’t fit all. I am such a case, telling me that you only have four options of digital aid, none of which I can hear with, is no option at all. The government should never have handed you the reins for this, the audiologists should be allowed to find the best aid for the person. It works in Denmark and many other European countries, so why not here?
And the last issue on entry. I have an issue with the Deaf Wannabes, yep, there are such people out there whom actually want to be Deaf, ACTUALLY WANT TO BE DEAF!!!
Wow, I am not someone with has prejudices, usually, but please go back into your little hole and leave the world alone. If you were doing this and not affecting others, I wouldn’t mind, but your actions are affecting others. By faking hearing tests, pushing for aids, you are taking resources away from those who need it. In this country there is a two year wait for digital aids, yes, two damn years, many people can be dead before they get their aids, and you are making that much worse, much worse. The time spent doing your tests, fitting you for aids, which you don’t need, just to fill your sickness. You need to see a psych, not an audiologist, you need help. To purposely make yourself deaf, you have no idea the life of a deaf person, not a smart move ever. If you want to be deaf, then do so, but don’t ask for hearing aids, tests, moulds, etc, which are meant for those who really need them, not some faker, who thinks it would be a good idea to fake. It is sick, and there is no other way to describe it.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
The Samaritans - Selection process
Yesterday I went to a selection meeting for the Samaritans. I have been through a lot in my own life, and thought it was about time I tried to see if I could help others who are having hard times.
It was quite an eye opener for me, and seeing how people view things, certainly some were more different than others, and I have always prided myself on being open minded, not easily shocked and very understanding of people. I still hold that view, nothing from yesterday changed that, if anything it made me think even more just how much I can take on board, and to be even more mindful of it.
I did struggle though to hear and these new bloody aids are doing me no good at all. I struggled on Friday in the interview I had, and yesterday as well. I am not a happy bunny or PnB over this.
I am hoping that it won't affect their decision as to whether to take me on or not. It would be nice to volunteer my time each week, helping them out, and hopefully helping those who call via the phone, or email, or even visit the branch.
I will be a little sad if I don't get asked to come for the training, but I know I would be in good company, as they do pass well qualified people by. It is known that they do say no to therapist, psychologists and plenty of others you would expect to be right. It is all down to removing the thought to give advice, and just listen, and let the person work it all out for themselves and just help shine the light and nothing more really.
If anyone ever needs them - Samaritans - They take emails as well, so no need to call if you feel uncomfortable calling.
It was quite an eye opener for me, and seeing how people view things, certainly some were more different than others, and I have always prided myself on being open minded, not easily shocked and very understanding of people. I still hold that view, nothing from yesterday changed that, if anything it made me think even more just how much I can take on board, and to be even more mindful of it.
I did struggle though to hear and these new bloody aids are doing me no good at all. I struggled on Friday in the interview I had, and yesterday as well. I am not a happy bunny or PnB over this.
I am hoping that it won't affect their decision as to whether to take me on or not. It would be nice to volunteer my time each week, helping them out, and hopefully helping those who call via the phone, or email, or even visit the branch.
I will be a little sad if I don't get asked to come for the training, but I know I would be in good company, as they do pass well qualified people by. It is known that they do say no to therapist, psychologists and plenty of others you would expect to be right. It is all down to removing the thought to give advice, and just listen, and let the person work it all out for themselves and just help shine the light and nothing more really.
If anyone ever needs them - Samaritans - They take emails as well, so no need to call if you feel uncomfortable calling.
Election 2005 - Voting
I have been as regular readers will know, been putting my two pence worth in regards to the election. Well it seems I have attracted the attention of others with my comments, and that is great, it is nice to have that.
I have managed to attract a site that lists bloggers for Labour, and they went for my tax entry, well I can clearly imagine they weren't impressed by the fact I shone light on their parties stealth taxes and the lies we have been fed.
If you are interested, have a read - Bloggers4Labour, not going to show favourtism, they are entitled to their view.
What I have found which I really did find interesting was the following sites.
Not Apathetic - A really great site, and people explaining why they won't vote, a must read, a site that I really wish that the parties would read and maybe they would actually understand the situation as we the people see it
Election-based satirical humour - Quite funny I like it
Who Should You Vote For - A site that assists in helping you find which party matches most closely to what believe in, it felt I was going for the Lib Dems
You should vote: Liberal Democrat
I have managed to attract a site that lists bloggers for Labour, and they went for my tax entry, well I can clearly imagine they weren't impressed by the fact I shone light on their parties stealth taxes and the lies we have been fed.
If you are interested, have a read - Bloggers4Labour, not going to show favourtism, they are entitled to their view.
What I have found which I really did find interesting was the following sites.
Not Apathetic - A really great site, and people explaining why they won't vote, a must read, a site that I really wish that the parties would read and maybe they would actually understand the situation as we the people see it
Election-based satirical humour - Quite funny I like it
Who Should You Vote For - A site that assists in helping you find which party matches most closely to what believe in, it felt I was going for the Lib Dems
Who should I vote for?
Your expected outcome:
Liberal DemocratYour actual outcome:
Labour -20  | |
| Conservative -52 | |
 Liberal Democrat 74 | |
| UK Independence Party -3 | |
| Green 47 |
You should vote: Liberal Democrat
The LibDems take a strong stand against tax cuts and a strong one in favour of public services: they would make long-term residential care for the elderly free across the UK, and scrap university tuition fees. They are in favour of a ban on smoking in public places, but would relax laws on cannabis. They propose to change vehicle taxation to be based on usage rather than ownership.
Take the test at Who Should You Vote For
So there you have it, it feels that I will be voting Lib Dems, still not sure yet.....
San Marino Grand Prix - Result
For those who haven't seen the race, stop because I am printing the result.
1 F Alonso (Renault)
2 M Schumacher (Ferrari)
3 J Button (BAR)
4 A Wurz (McLaren)
5 T Sato (BAR)
6 J Villeneuve (Sauber)
7 J Trulli (Toyota)
8 R Schumacher (Toyota)
I have to say, the best race of the year so far. A cracking race, which really came alive about the first round of pitstops, suddenly it all came to. Hats off to MS, he drove a great race, and nearly managed it, and as Martin Brundle said on the commentary, Ominous, it really is. For MS to be about 2 secs faster is scary. The Red Baron is back.....
It was a shame to see Kimi suffer his problem, I do think it would have been an epic battle if he had been around as well, given he was infront of Alonso and pushing hard, such a shame. One can only hope that for the next race in Spain, he gets lucky.
All the hope for Button to overcome Alonso came to nothing, but still a good drive, which shows BAR are getting back there, and well done to Wurz, a good measured drive, more than showing he should be racing again, maybe if JPM is still not fit for the next race, they will give Wurz another chance, cause he showed a good race.
What the heck happened to the Williams, I have no idea, but that was awful, just awful, you expect better out of a Williams.
Roll on Spain, this is starting to get interesting.
1 F Alonso (Renault)
2 M Schumacher (Ferrari)
3 J Button (BAR)
4 A Wurz (McLaren)
5 T Sato (BAR)
6 J Villeneuve (Sauber)
7 J Trulli (Toyota)
8 R Schumacher (Toyota)
I have to say, the best race of the year so far. A cracking race, which really came alive about the first round of pitstops, suddenly it all came to. Hats off to MS, he drove a great race, and nearly managed it, and as Martin Brundle said on the commentary, Ominous, it really is. For MS to be about 2 secs faster is scary. The Red Baron is back.....
It was a shame to see Kimi suffer his problem, I do think it would have been an epic battle if he had been around as well, given he was infront of Alonso and pushing hard, such a shame. One can only hope that for the next race in Spain, he gets lucky.
All the hope for Button to overcome Alonso came to nothing, but still a good drive, which shows BAR are getting back there, and well done to Wurz, a good measured drive, more than showing he should be racing again, maybe if JPM is still not fit for the next race, they will give Wurz another chance, cause he showed a good race.
What the heck happened to the Williams, I have no idea, but that was awful, just awful, you expect better out of a Williams.
Roll on Spain, this is starting to get interesting.
NFL Draft 2005
This weekend has been the NFL Draft, for those not interested in American Football, this weekend hasn't been of interest, but for those who follow the game, this is an important time of the year, a chance for your team to restock the players with new young blood, which you hope will have an impact as soon as can be possible.
Well for the first time in recent history, my team has actually done what seems to be a good job of drafting. Day one certainly turned up a few good players, which if they pan out right, which is always a crap shoot anyway, but if they reach potential, then it looks like we have gained a few good players that will have quite an impact.
Being in the UK, we don't get to know much about the college prospects, and can only go by what we read and the analysis that is given. For once Dallas has been ranked as a winner and that is very good by usual standards. In the past few years, we have sucked a great deal, hopefully these new picks will prove to be good.
My only concern is that we didn't focus on the WR position, I feel we needed to do so, especially with a draft that seemed to be quite deep at that position as well.
Well for the first time in recent history, my team has actually done what seems to be a good job of drafting. Day one certainly turned up a few good players, which if they pan out right, which is always a crap shoot anyway, but if they reach potential, then it looks like we have gained a few good players that will have quite an impact.
Being in the UK, we don't get to know much about the college prospects, and can only go by what we read and the analysis that is given. For once Dallas has been ranked as a winner and that is very good by usual standards. In the past few years, we have sucked a great deal, hopefully these new picks will prove to be good.
My only concern is that we didn't focus on the WR position, I feel we needed to do so, especially with a draft that seemed to be quite deep at that position as well.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Bling Bling
Well a strange title maybe, but once you read this, you will totally understand.
A few weeks back, well two months now, I wrote I was to get gold ear moulds, well today I got them. I really did think the audiologist was joking, but nope. I have gold plated ear moulds, and four of them. Now, I am not an oddity, I don’t have four ears, I have two like the rest of you, but I have two for each ear, different types to try and find the right ones for me. At the moment I am currently trying to use the basic design models, if I find them not the best use, then I use the more advanced design. It all depends how my ears react to them.
I have to say right now, it is odd wearing gold plated ear moulds for the new hearing aids I have, and I have two new aids, one for each ear, another new idea for me, wearing two aids.
The gold plated moulds are a little odd, I have been given them, because my ears seem to be causing problems, and as I understand it, having gold plated means that they shouldn’t overheat so much, due to gold not causing so much sweat in my ear, which has been suffering a lot of ear infections and with my ears susceptible to infections at the moment, it is felt a change of moulds will help. Fingers crossed I need to be able to hear.
I should point out that these moulds as I have been told cost in excess of £100, I was given different values, ranging from £120 to £180, which is true, who knows, but if it stops me having ear infections, it is more than worth it. So as I say in the title, bling bling. I look odd with this gold in my ear, and I am sure it is going to be noticed every time I walk down the street. I am just hoping they won’t get noticed in the interviews I have upcoming, that is my main fear, given how some people react to those wearing hearing aids, as if the person wearing the aids are incompetent, stupid and of no use.
What has also happened today as I point out above, I have now been fitted with two aids, so this is a new experience for me. I have tried in the past to have two aids, but the two previous attempts left my head spinning like the girl in the Exorcist. Now as these are digital I supposedly stand a better chance of it working, not that sure, but I have to try as it seems my hearing has gotten worse and if I don’t, I could be in more trouble than it is possible to describe.
So after about 10/11 hours of trying this experiment, I have to say, my head aches a lot, I am trying to figure out where sounds are coming from, trying to comprehend sounds I haven’t heard before, it all seems very alien to me. My mind is working overtime trying to process the sounds and I have and this sounds odd, felt the sounds switching in my head, and apparently that is normal, for someone going from one to two. Totally freaked me out, still getting double sounds at the moment, hopefully that will subside as time goes on. This is a long running experiment and one that will hopefully mean I won’t have to strain so much to hear people and things. The phone is a difficult one at the moment, there is a little bit of feedback on it, but I am hoping it is just adjustment time more than anything.
My main worry for me, is what happens if one breaks down and I am back to one, getting spares on the NHS is notoriously problematic and always an issue, and not something where I can say to a boss, “oh, by the way can I be off today and every day until I get a replacement”, not a good image. So I am hoping that my past doesn’t come back to haunt, where I seem to get a bad run on the quality of the aids. In the past year, I have to replace my aids I think something like 10/15 times, some not even lasting more than a couple of days, not exactly a joy I can tell you, sitting for hours, pushing them for replacements, and then being told we are out of stock, oh great, what am I supposed to do in the meantime. Clever that isn’t.
It will be interesting to see what people who know me say when they see the gold moulds and I have to wonder how Z will react when she gets back from her trip to see me wearing gold moulds. She didn’t seem convinced that I was getting gold moulds, just like I wasn’t, but this could be an interested meeting.
I swear that if anyone tries to grab them, they will be going for a hard fall. These things are precious and there is no way I am going to allow myself to be mugged for them, not they can use them, but you know how some people are. Boy they would get a fistful of me, defending my precious moulds, lol…..
So it a strange look and I just hope no-one gets blinded by the reflection of the sun on them…..
A few weeks back, well two months now, I wrote I was to get gold ear moulds, well today I got them. I really did think the audiologist was joking, but nope. I have gold plated ear moulds, and four of them. Now, I am not an oddity, I don’t have four ears, I have two like the rest of you, but I have two for each ear, different types to try and find the right ones for me. At the moment I am currently trying to use the basic design models, if I find them not the best use, then I use the more advanced design. It all depends how my ears react to them.
I have to say right now, it is odd wearing gold plated ear moulds for the new hearing aids I have, and I have two new aids, one for each ear, another new idea for me, wearing two aids.
The gold plated moulds are a little odd, I have been given them, because my ears seem to be causing problems, and as I understand it, having gold plated means that they shouldn’t overheat so much, due to gold not causing so much sweat in my ear, which has been suffering a lot of ear infections and with my ears susceptible to infections at the moment, it is felt a change of moulds will help. Fingers crossed I need to be able to hear.
I should point out that these moulds as I have been told cost in excess of £100, I was given different values, ranging from £120 to £180, which is true, who knows, but if it stops me having ear infections, it is more than worth it. So as I say in the title, bling bling. I look odd with this gold in my ear, and I am sure it is going to be noticed every time I walk down the street. I am just hoping they won’t get noticed in the interviews I have upcoming, that is my main fear, given how some people react to those wearing hearing aids, as if the person wearing the aids are incompetent, stupid and of no use.
What has also happened today as I point out above, I have now been fitted with two aids, so this is a new experience for me. I have tried in the past to have two aids, but the two previous attempts left my head spinning like the girl in the Exorcist. Now as these are digital I supposedly stand a better chance of it working, not that sure, but I have to try as it seems my hearing has gotten worse and if I don’t, I could be in more trouble than it is possible to describe.
So after about 10/11 hours of trying this experiment, I have to say, my head aches a lot, I am trying to figure out where sounds are coming from, trying to comprehend sounds I haven’t heard before, it all seems very alien to me. My mind is working overtime trying to process the sounds and I have and this sounds odd, felt the sounds switching in my head, and apparently that is normal, for someone going from one to two. Totally freaked me out, still getting double sounds at the moment, hopefully that will subside as time goes on. This is a long running experiment and one that will hopefully mean I won’t have to strain so much to hear people and things. The phone is a difficult one at the moment, there is a little bit of feedback on it, but I am hoping it is just adjustment time more than anything.
My main worry for me, is what happens if one breaks down and I am back to one, getting spares on the NHS is notoriously problematic and always an issue, and not something where I can say to a boss, “oh, by the way can I be off today and every day until I get a replacement”, not a good image. So I am hoping that my past doesn’t come back to haunt, where I seem to get a bad run on the quality of the aids. In the past year, I have to replace my aids I think something like 10/15 times, some not even lasting more than a couple of days, not exactly a joy I can tell you, sitting for hours, pushing them for replacements, and then being told we are out of stock, oh great, what am I supposed to do in the meantime. Clever that isn’t.
It will be interesting to see what people who know me say when they see the gold moulds and I have to wonder how Z will react when she gets back from her trip to see me wearing gold moulds. She didn’t seem convinced that I was getting gold moulds, just like I wasn’t, but this could be an interested meeting.
I swear that if anyone tries to grab them, they will be going for a hard fall. These things are precious and there is no way I am going to allow myself to be mugged for them, not they can use them, but you know how some people are. Boy they would get a fistful of me, defending my precious moulds, lol…..
So it a strange look and I just hope no-one gets blinded by the reflection of the sun on them…..
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