The Gorse Fox notes that Argentina lose with grace.... ok, he lied. It was a brawl.

[File under: World Cup]

Comments

The Gorse Fox believes that Beloved Aunt is having trouble with leaving comments. GF would point out that when the comment is entered into the box, then it is important to scroll the window down and press the "Publish" button... otherwise GF doesn't get to see it!

[File under: Diary]

Germany -vs- Argentina

Classic quotes from the commentators, as the game progresses

"It is becoming increasing impossible to give any credibility to the Argentine play-acting".

"Their play-acting will only increase as the game goes on"

[File under: World Cup]

Racing home

The Gorse Fox drove back from Wocester during the afternoon. He was amused by the fact that the traffic was being held up by a large lorry... that turned out to teh Red Bull Racing team. Rather ironic, particularly as it was having trouble keeping up with a car and caravan, with a sticker on the back announcing "British Lawnmower Racing".

[File under: Whimsy]

Just Pondering

The Gorse Fox has heard of "Open House" sales, "Garage" Sales, "Car Boot" sales, and even "Yard" sales... he has just driven past a house offering a "Fishpond" sale. This is a first for the Gorse Fox, and was pondering what might be available:

• 3 goldfish, 1 living
• old tennis ball
• 3 kgs algae
• 2 frogs
• 750 kgs of slime
• 4 sq. metres of butyl liner
• 1 fibre-glass pond
• 1 empty beer can

[File under: Whimsy]

The Gorse Fox sat in a quaint Tudor Indian Restaurant in Tewkesbury. Next to him was family - father, mother & two daughters. GF would guess they were 15 and 11.

By the end of his meal he wanted to go and shake the children firmly by the throat and the parents warmly by the hand and explain to them that "Yes, teenage girls can be absolutely horrible. But, God willing, they will grow out of it".

Particular things that he witnessed last night:

• Disrespect
• Manipulation (mum -vs- dad)
• Lying (which is always so evident... but done with a certaintaint no one can detect it!)
• Truculence
• Rudeness
• Tantrums

[File under: Diary]

The sun drops down towards the distant Malvern Hills. All is quiet, except for the excited calls of birds hunting for insects. The golf course is deserted, and the faint smell of a barbecue wafts across a perfect summer evening. 

A busy day always seems to go quickly... but how can it be so late already?

Meetings tomorrow have been cancelled as Mother Superior is unwell. Too late to re-arrange things without incurring costs, so GF is staying put.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox walked in to breakfast at the hotel and bumped into Tony Robinson, helping himself from the buffet. They are evidently working on a Time Team investigation in the area, as GF noticed one of the Time Team Land Rovers parked in the car park.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox has another busy day in Worcester... but it's his (ageing) sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, sis... just in case GF doesn't get an opportunity to call.

[File under: Diary]

The very restful view from GF's hotel window, in Tewkesbury.

Peeking through the trees in the centre of the photo (bisected by a branch) is a glimpse of the river.

The Gorse Fox is staying in Tewkesbury for the first time in ages. Though a little overcast, he had forgotten what a splendid view he gets from the hotel. It may be a lot further from Worcester, but it's lovely countryside.

Splendid meal in a local bistro "Aubergine". Definitely worth a further visit. Gorse Fox had to endure a great deal of abuse** from his younger colleagues. There's no respect for age and experience amongst the young!!!

**He deserved every bit of it.

[File under: Tewkesbury]

The Gorse Fox was intrigued to realise that this afternoon's meeting took place on National Siesta day... not that the meeting was not riveting, but afternoon meetings always take a little "effort".

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox is frantically busy today, with wall to wall meeting in Worcester. Will try and catch up later.

[File under: Diary]

Great Quotes of Our Time, 3

Mick McCarthy, commenting on the Switzerland -vs- Ukraine match, yesterday:

"They play parasitic football. They just sit there and wait for a mistake"

Brilliant!

[File under: World Cup]

Cheats never prosper? Just try telling that to an Italian

Having now seen the Italian dive that conned the referee and secured a last minute penalty against Australia, the Gorse Fox refers you to this article from the Times Online, written back in April, Cheats never prosper? Just try telling that to an Italian

Gorse Fox would like to point out that this is an extract from Gianluca Vialli's book "The Italian Job"

“In Italy at youth level you learn to be clever and tactically savvy,” says Marcello Lippi. “You play on Saturday and spend the whole week preparing for that one game. We are obsessed with results. It’s not like that in other countries. Elsewhere, they worry about playing and improving.”

The end justifies the means.

English fair play and sportsmanship is more than just a cliché. In terms of ethical football culture there is no doubt that Italy has more to learn from England than vice-versa.

[File under: World Cup]

Another new BBC Blog

A new Blog on the Block... The Editors:

Welcome to The Editors, a site where we, editors from across BBC News, will share dilemmas and issues that surround our services.

Interesting... GF wonders if it will include dilemmas and issues regarding truth and bias?

[File under: BBC]

Auld Reekie

Mother Superior is in Edinburgh today. Gorse Fox thought he should check in, as it's his first day back, so he called her on her mobile.

"Hello you" said Mother Superior
"Hello" said the Gorse Fox, "How's Auld Reekie?"

There was a long pause. Gorse Fox decided he should explain the Auld Reekie is an affectionate name for Edinburgh !!!

[File under: Whimsy]

Rain

It's raining again in West Sussex.

That's the second time in the last four weeks.

Will it never stop?

[File under: Whimsy]

Just headlines

Gorse Fox was thinking about the version of the news that you get purely from headlines (i.e. not reading the story beneath):

Headline	Supposed Story
Israelis Mass on Gaza Border	Huge conversion of Israelis to Catholicism celebrated with Mass near Palestine
Sharias Prune Olive Branch	Islam turns to Gardener's World
Study Shows Parkinson's link to Pesticides	Michael quitting chat show to concentrate on his lawn.
Laser Treatment that removes fat in your lunch hour	First new item of cutlery for years. Godsend for all dieters... but does it work on the evening meal also?
Tornado seen over Dartmoor	Still can't scramble the Eurofighter, then?

[File under: Whimsy]

Crews deal with common gorse fire

The Gorse Fox would like to assure his readers that he is safe and well, and was not the victime of this incident: Crews deal with common gorse fire

Nor is he common !

World Cup Diving

The Gorse Fox has complained about the Argentina players... but now he has seen the diving Dutch he takes it all back.

[File under: World Cup]

Oh Shutup!

Like the English (or maybe because of their heritage) Canadians are essentially polite people. Politeness and manners are the oil that lubricates human interactions. It can however go too far.

At this moment GF's family are probably 5 hours into their return flight to Toronto. GF's recollection of flying with Air Canada is that by now the Flight Deck, and the Cabin Crew have probably just finished their introductions in English and French to the people on board. It seems that virtually every member of the crew greets you and to make sure you are kept awake as long as possible, they do so in both languages. Give it ten minutes and they'll start the preparations for landing.

GF once flew there and was only one of three passengers on the plane. We were each greeted personally, and we were all English... but they still insisted on giving us the full spiel in both languages!!!

Just say Hello, and give the safety info in English... the flight is from Heathrow, after all. (Use french for flights from Paris.)
[File under: Diary]

Dangers of technology

Gorse Fox was disturbed by this report "Dell Investigates Report of Laptop Explosion".

Momentarily, brain stops reading the article... and ponders, images flashing before his eyes. GF is sitting there, watching TV, laptop on lap, reading blogs... then whoosh! It explodes! It doesn't bare thinking about. At the very least Gorse Fox's eyebrows would be singed... but he suspects more worrying damage could be caused.

Apparently

Pictures of the flaming laptop were published this week on the tech site The Inquirer. The computer was on a table and no one was hurt.

Thank goodness... mental pictures tucked neatly away. Image of man running round conference centre with trousers on fire diminish.
Let's just hope this was a flash in the pan.

The Inquirer, which is published by VNU Business Publications, quoted an eyewitness who said the computer produced "several explosions for more than five minutes." The fire was put out with fire extinguishers.

Maybe future models should come with sprinkler systems? Or maybe that's why they're laptops.

[File under: Laptop Technology]

After a few days with the Gorse Fox's sister and her family, Beloved Aunt, Nutty Cousin and Squiffy Sarah should be queueing up at Heathrow just now for their flight home to Canada. It's been fun having them around, and they just blend in to the workings of the house... making them the perfect house-guests.

Next time we see them will probably be Urban-cub's wedding to Sir Lancinglot, in November.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox is watching the World Cup... Argentina-vs-Mexico. It is evident that Argentine players are more susceptible to gravity than other teams. It obviously surges in their presence, as the collapse to ground for no other apparent reason.

Having watched several "no contact" replays, even the commentator is mentioning it !

Well, GF guesses if they can make a national hero of a cheat who handles the ball into the net (and doesn't own up)... then such poor sportsmanship is endemic.

[File under: World Cup]

Planted, II

Planter complete, the Silver Vixen lined it with horticultural fabric, and it was filled with as much multi-purpose composest as we had... which was not enough.

225 ltrs of compost almost filled the deeper planter, but we had none left for the shallow one, in front.

A token shrub was stuck in (temporarily), much as a climber plants a flag at the top of a mountain. 

Planted

The Gorse Fox continues to create vast quantities of sawdust. The corner of the deck has already been remodelled and a two-level planter is beginning to take shape.

GF just had to check it was deep enough ! 

Danger, labour

Gorse Fox always knew it was stupid to vote for Labour. He expected (and got):

• Higher taxes
• Less freedom
• More interference
• Bigger government
• Fatuous politicians
• Meaningless targets
• Larger dependency culture
• Piecemeal destruction of rural life
• Poorer transport

What he wasn't expecting is that it is also dangerous. According to a report today, killings are up 35pc under Labour.

Where did I leave the kevlar underwear?

[File under: Labour]

The Gorse Fox and Silver Vixen are to attend a 60th Birsthday Party in a few weeks. This is to be a themed affair, and this worries GF. The theme - a celebrity or character from film. With this in mind GF & SV went to their local dress hire emporium to see what may suit.

We could of course, just go as ourselves... and be mistaken for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but that didn't seem to be entering the spirit of the event. GF tried on some US Navy Whites, maybe Tom Cruise?... but they were too tight (he is quite small, after all). Being SO much younger than our hosts we have to be conscious of the age gap... maybe Bogart & Bacall? Eventually we did decide on something more fitting to age of hosts.

All will be revealed in a couple of weeks.
[File under: Diary]

Underwater volcano found by Italy

Underwater volcano found by Italy
That's where I left it !

Apparently, this volcano, 25 miles off the coast of Sicily, is pretty big.

The volcano's base covers an area larger than Rome, and it's higher than Paris' Eiffel Tower with one peak only seven metres below the sea's surface.

Tell us what you really think...

Gorse Fox was amused by this week's rant from Littlejohn in the Mail. This week he focusses on parking enforcement, and the vast sums gathered by the decriminalised parking regime.

"Most of it goes on wages. Town Hall traffic departments are stuffed with scruffy cycling enthusiasts, sexual inadequates, otherwise unemployable polytechnic graduates and certifiable tree-hugging 'environmentalists'. Their policies are dictated by misanthropic megalomaniacs such as Red Ken and madwomen who believe everything they read in the Guardian"

Do you sense he is less than happy.

[File under: Parking]

Note to Self

Gorse Fox pens this note to self:

Learn to read the time without your glasses. Then you won't get up at 6:30 instead of 7:30 when on vacation.

[File under: Whimsy]

Catching the rays

The deck might be out of the sun by seven in the evening... but the bottom corner of the garden will keep it for another couple of hours. 

All Hands, Evidence

Photographic evidence that the deck is about finished.

By seven in the evening it is out of the sun, but it does manage to catch it for a good eleven or twelve hours at this time of year.

As explained earlier... the planters are next on the agenda. 

All Hands

The Gorse Fox has spent the day finishing off the risers for the deck. Job done. Deck finished. He is now concentrating on some planters that the Silver Vixen has requested.

[File under: DIY]

Id

Some things pass the Gorse Fox by. He has just realise that the UK Passport Service has been vested as a government "Identity & Passport Agency".

[File under: Id Cards]

Nights will be drawing in, then?

[File under: Whimsy]

The Gorse Fox is watching Nederlands-vs-Argentina. Seeing the Argentine players, it is evident there is a sniper in the crowd, firing self-healing rounds.

[File under: World Cup]

(Dia)Tribes

Gorse Fox has been analyzing some of the thoughts and subjects that have been exercising the blogosphere over the past few days... jihad, Scots heroes beating up kids & the disabled for wearing England shirts, letters to Canada's Prime Minister and so forth.

What has become absolutely clear is that multiculturalism is no more than politically correct tribalism. It does not foster good relations or understanding. It builds walls of misunderstanding and distrust and will lead to conflict - particularly among the ignorant and the easily led.

Multiculturalism is discredited.

2,000 years of English history have taught us that integration and respect are the way forward. Everyone should be welcome, but should become integrated in the language, the way of life, and the values of their new homeland (wherever that may be). The trendy liberals of the past 30 years should hang their heads in shame as yet another of their ridiculous concepts has sacrificed a generation on their bonfire of vanities.

[File under: Multiculturalism]

Tax

Gordon Brown The Robber Baron has now managed to raise the tax burden on every household, by 45% since The New Labour Party of Sleaze and Depravity came to power. According to the Centre for Policy Studies, this means an average increase of £6,000 per household.

Oh yes, and they predict it will increase by another £2000 - £2500 by 2010.

The Treasury said the research was economically illiterate garbage - na-na-ni-na-na.

[File under: Tax]

£8.49

According to a report today, one in ten pensioners have to live on £8.49 per day afetr paying their utility bills. Soaring household bills (fuel & council tax) are eating into the pension...

But don't worry. Tony Blair's & Gordon Brown's pension are protected and not subject to an earnings cap. Oh yes, and Gordon Brown is still raiding private pension schemes at a rate of about £7Bn per annum.

Remind the Gorse Fox why we voted for these people... Oh yes, that's right, he didn't.

[File under: Pensions]

The Gorse Fox is watching the football.

There's Englands only other striker, Theo Walcott. He's got a provisional driving license.

That's what you need, incisive commentary... absolutely relevant to the proceedings

[File under: World Cup]

The Robber Baron

The Gorse Fox sees that the Robber Baron "Brown faces pension 'raid' demand". According to BBC Online:

Chancellor Gordon Brown has been ordered to reveal the secret forecasts he was given about the impact of his pensions "grab" in 1997.

Oh yes...

Critics have claimed that Mr Brown wiped billions of pounds off the value of pension funds when he scrapped the tax credit measure.

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, he has condemned thousands of careful people to an old age in relative poverty as so many pension funds have been closed.
Apparently

...the Treasury turned down the [original] request, saying officials' advice to ministers was exempt from freedom of information laws.

But the FOI Commissioner

says the Treasury's concerns are outweighed by the need for transparency in the decision making process.

Reading on, it is clear why the Treasury is concerned:

If the papers are published, the public will be able to compare the Treasury's private forecasts with what it said publicly.

Ooops, could this imply the public is not getting the truth, the whole truth, or anything like the truth?

[File under: Pensions]

Flax

A final stroll for our guests brought us to a field of flax. The light blue flowers shimmered in the breeze, and the huge field looked like a lake.

Leaving the flax behind, we headed back to the beach and walked to where the original village had been (before being washed away).

It was over too quickly, and before we had time to draw breath, the Gorse Fox was watching the train pull away... and the visit was over. 

Broomsticks were parked out of sight before this group photo. 

Fierce Cowards

The Times Online tells us of a recent battle in Afghanistan where
Taleban use children as shields to fight British.

Snivelling cowards, beyond contempt.

The Telegraph reports on the West Lothian Question today.

Growing anger in England over the power that Scottish MPs wield at Westminster could destroy the 1998 devolution settlement, a powerful Commons committee said yesterday.

Well there's a thing! The Commons may, after all, have an inkling of what the electorate feel!

A YouGov poll for The Daily Telegraph in 2004 found that 67 per cent of people believed Scottish MPs should not be able to vote on matters affecting only England and Wales.

Only 67%? Were the rest out claiming benefits?

Resentment at the powers the Scots exercise over English affairs is compounded, many MPs say, by claims that English taxpayers subsidise people in Scotland because the country is thinly populated, making services more expensive to run.

No HOLD ON ! What do you mean CLAIMS that the English taxpayer subsidises Scotland. This isn't a CLAIM it's an outright fact.

Gorse Fox, as he has expressed before, believes in fair play. He loves Scotland. He loves the Scots. But fair is fair, he doesn't want to pay for their kids' University Fees or the care of their elderly people whilst our governement insists we pay for our own

[File under: WLQ]

A promising start to the day, though the forecast for this evening and tomorrow is not good. Our little cluster of Maple Leaves will be leaving us today to head up to London for a few days, and then will meet up with Gorse Fox's sister and her family before finally returning to the West.

Ok, just concentrate, be polite, and remain on your best behaviour for a few more days.

[File under: Diary]

The skyline of the Pavillion is superb 

The Minarets, chimneys, and towers of the Pavillion. 

Far Pavillions

Back in the centre of Brighton we strolled through the grounds of the Pavillion 

Boasting?

If you were, would you advertise it? 

El Patio

Lunch was at El Patio at Brighton Marina... and as we left, the weather had brightened, so it seemed like a good excuse for a group photo. 

Gorse Fox couldn't be sure, but thought he heard his Nutty Cousin mutter something about her brother as we passed this sand sculpture. 

ODPM or RPA

Gorse Fox couldn't help but think of the ODPM and the RPA as he reviewed this photo.

Government IT Projects

This reminds the Gorse Fox of Government IT projects... lots of people with tons to say. Few with any more value than the sand that made up this model. 

Sarah was missing her dad. Then we came across this model... and she felt a lot better. 

Security

It was good to see that the artists took security seriously, and provided their own legion of security guards. 

Inside the marquee, we were astounded by the scale and detail of the edifices that had been constructed from such a simple, yet volatile commodity - sand.

This image represents all roads leading to Rome. Rome being the theme of this year's exhibit.

Blowing in the Wind

It was a bit breezy, still overcast, and cool when the Gorse Fox got to Brighton. Cousteau-cub joined the party and we made for the eastern end of Madeira Drive.

Here lay 10,000 tons of imported sand from Holland that had been carefully sculpted into incredible shapes forthe World's Biggest Sand Sculpture Festival.

Here, Beloved Aunt poses with Nutty Cousin and Cousteau-cub in front of what he assumes to be Neptune. 

A bit overcast here on the Coast this morning. Gorse Fox will probably take his extended family to Brighton for the day. (It's nice to have a week off).

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox has just heard a story from Beloved aunt.

She was at school in Loughborough during WWII... and hated it. So she ran away with a friend. This was well planned, as she had taken a bottle of marmite, and a handkerchief on which was growing watercress and mustard. All went well until she got to the gates, which were locked.

So ended the great escape.

[File under: Diary]

Wormcasts

Young Sarah checks that wormcasts are not in fact worms. Gorse Fox is not convinced that she was ever really sure that the sand sculpture left by the burrowing worms and razor shells was totally benign. 

Kigston Gorse

Looking up at Kingston Gorse from the low water line. 

Broomsticks left behind, the girls headed for the beach. 

Ecclesiastical Equality

Gorse Fox noticed female altar servers at the cathedral this morning. What a good idea. Someone to do the dishes !!!

[File under: Whimsy]

Can government run IT projects?

BBC Online asks: Can government run IT projects?

The Gorse Fox answers: No

Jet-lag cuaght up with Beloved Aunt early in the evening, but the girls from the ice-shelf soldiered on until sated by Chinese food.

[File under: Diary]

Despite intense pressure, the Gorse Fox decided this photo needed a wider audience. 

The Silver Vixen and Beloved Aunt having lunch... 

The Gorse Fox is heading to that great hub of international travel, Heathrow. He is excited to be meeting Beloved Aunt and his cousin and her daughter.

While checking their arrival time he has found a nice website that shows the not just arrival time, but also the curent position and progress of the flight. Gorse Fox refers you to Flytecomm. (There may be other such providers...) 

Advertising and Decay

The Gorse Fox notices that The Lancet has rapped World Cup bosses and England's(*) FA over sponsorship from companies such as Budweiser and McDonald's. Their reasoning is that this encourages poor diet or, at least, fails to promote healthy living. Gorse Fox's immediate reaction is that this is utter hypocrisy.

The Lancet complains about the influence that sponsorship (and therefore advertising) has on the impressionable, but does not complain about the diet of

• disrespect
• violence,
• bad language,
• immorality,
• viciousness,
• theft, and
• misery

that makes up the normal daily intake from TV(**), from Film, and from computer games.
Why do we continue to get these pathetic liberal do-gooders focussing on the trivia, instead of dealing with items that evidently affect a vast portion of society. And please, don't bother saying there is no proof of a link between TV/Film/Computer Games and reality - if there is no link, why do large companies spend billions on advertising. Of course there's a link.

What isn't clear to Gorse Fox, is a) why we allow this continued decay in standards, and b) how we would stop it an redress the balance.

(*) Are we still allowed to say England in public?
(**) and that's just Eastenders

[File under: TV, Computer games, Sponsorship]

The world Cup Final - perhaps

The Gorse Fox received an email from someone in "The Agency". It is worth a wider airing.

It's the final of the world cup - England v Brazil. In the Brazilian dressing room all is not well. 'It's not worth it. It's only England'
'I know' says Ronaldinho. 'Look - I tell you what - you lot go to the pub and I'll play them on my own.'
So off they go to the local. After about 10 minutes they start feeling guilty so ask the bartender to switch on Das Teletext to see the score. They are relieved to see England 0 - Brazil 1 (Ronaldinho 8 mins). So they carry on with their drinking.

After an hour and a half they realise the game is over so check the score England 1 (Beckham 88 mins) - Brazil 1 (Ronaldinho 8 mins).

Shocked, they run to the stadium where they see Ronaldinho, still in his kit in the dressing room, head in his hands and inconsolable.

'Sorry lads, I let you down'.

'Don't be daft' say his mates 'A one all draw against England in the final - all on your own - you've not shamed yourself!'

'No' says Ronaldinho 'I let you down ...........I was sent off after 12 minutes'

With acknowledments to the original author (whoever that may be... probably a Scot).

[File under: World Cup]

Sipping Vodka

The Gorse Fox has received an email from Urban-cub. It reminds him of times long ago, but that's a different story.

A new priest at his first mass was so nervous he could hardly speak. After mass he asked the monsignor how he had done. The monsignor replied, "When I amworried about getting nervous On the pulpit, I put a glass of vodka next to the water glass. If I start to get nervous, I take a sip."


So next Sunday he took the monsignor's advice. At the beginning of the sermon, he got nervous and took a drink. He proceeded to talk up a storm.

Upon his return to his office after the mass, he found the following note on the door:

1. Sip the vodka, don't gulp.
2. There are 10 commandments, not 12.
3. There are 12 disciples, not 10.
4. Jesus was consecrated, not constipated.
5. Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass.
6. We do not refer to Jesus Christ as the late J.C.
7. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not referred to as Daddy, Junior and the spooky.
8. David slew Goliath, he did not kick the sh*t out of him.
9. When David was hit by a rock and was knocked off his donkey, don't say he was stoned off his ass.
10. We do! not ref er to the cross as the "Big T."
11. When Jesus broke the bread at the last supper he said,"take this and eat it for it is my body." He did not say " Eat me"
12. The Virgin Mary is not called Mary with the Cherry.
13. The recommended grace before a meal is not:Rub-A-Dub-Dub thanks for the grub, Yeah God.
14. Next Sunday there will be a taffy pulling contest at St. Peter's, not a peter pulling contest at St. Taffy's.

It may be an oldie.... but it still brings a smile to the Gorse Fox's face

[File under: Whimsy]

HQ

The Gorse Fox has had to visit Starfleet HQ. This involved a quick dash across the South Coast. Well... quick might be an exageration. GF made a judgement call and decided to cut through Bognor to get to Chichester. Bad mistake. It must have added 10 minutes to a 40 minute journey.

[File under: Diary]

Team Building

The Gorse Fox has found that his team has been bonding (not like the RPA). As part of this bonding, they have been considereing the tracks that would be found on Boston's iPod to match his sunny disposition:

1. Bring Me Sunshine
2. Heaven Knows I'm miserable Now
3. I Can't Get No Satisfaction
4. anything by Leonard Cohen
5. Why Does it Always Rain on Me?
6. Oh No it's Raining Again
7. Here Comes the Rain Again
8. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
9. Smile (Come Up and See Me Some Time)
10. Sweet Dreams are made of This
11. Don't Get So Down on Yourself
12. Stony Road
13. The Road to Hell
14. Paint it Black

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox has just heard that one acquaintance in The Agency went to a GPS seminar... and got lost. C'est la vie.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox will miss today's football as he will be driving back from Worcester and then heading off to a Council meeting. He is relying on Sky+ to record the event so that he can watch it (assuming reports are good) at his leisure.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox has spent a day in back-to-back meetings. Nothing of great interest to report.

He has just come back from dinner at the local Mexican Restaurant, with Graham Norton's look-a-like. It's always enjoyable chatting with him as we have worked together at Auntie's, and and we can talk geek all evening without worrying about it.

[File under: Diary]

Rumpy Pumpy Agency

The Gorse Fox was talking to colleagues regarding the reported shenanigans at the Rumpy Pumpy Agency in Newcastle. The people here at "The Agency" were most surprised by the reports... they're comments:
"I didn't think they had the imagination in the RPA",
"That's the most activity that they've ever had out of Newcastle", and best of all
"There must have been some Health & Safety violations involved".

[File under: RPA]

Singing in the Rain Pain

The Gorse Fox settled into his hotel room. He had enjoyed a nice meal with Thelonious at his favoured Chinese restaurant. Brazil were playing Croatia... but in the background all he could hear was a guest in a nearby room singing in the shower.

Now there are various approaches to singing in the shower. there's a subtle humming to your self, there's whistling, there's quiet enunciation... and there is this chap. This chap, evidently thinks he is Pavarotti singing in an stadium. Not just any Pavarotti... a Pavarotti with a cat sharpening its claws on his more tender regions.

SHUTUP !!!

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox was woken by heavy rain tapping out a paradiddle on the roof as a thunderstorm rattled the tiles along the South Coast. By the time he rose, the rain had subsided to a gentle light sprinkle, and once on the road towards Worcester, it had cleared within about 10 miles.

[File under: Diary]

Rebate

The Gorse Fox has spent much of the day orbiting in the adminisphere... expenses needed to be recovered! He also called his local tax man... it appears ther is an allowance he could have been claiming that he had missed. He needs to look into it, but it appears that he may have the pleasure of extracting a sum of money from the Robber Baron. This is really quite exciting.

[File under: Diary]

Gorse Fox has just taken his hay fever spray... and that made him wonder. Surely if you spray steroids up your nose it will make your nose run faster?

[File under: Whimsy]

SE Patio

The recently refurbished blue seat takes pride of place on the new south-east patio finished by Mellors and his brother, yesterday.

The advantage of this spot is that it keeps the summer sun until the last possible moments of the evening. 

BBQ, 1

The cubs and Sir Lancinglot took charge of the evening meal. This meant pressing the ageing BBQ into service... after a good clean. 

Half finished

The hay fever proved too much for the Gorse Fox. Every time he leaned forward his eayes filled up and his nose poured. This is not a pretty sight, and does not contribute to good carpentry.

As a result two length of the "riser" on the bottom step were fitted, but the other three will have to wait. 

The Gorse Fox hears that Hampshire also wish to withdraw their support from the South East Regional Assembly. They agree it is un-democratic.

[File under: Diary]

Sawdust-vs-Hay Fever

Gorse Fox had every intention of finishing the step for the deck. He had not reckoned with hay fever. Nor the way in which the hay fever was exacerbated by the sawdust he was creating.

Gorse Fox posted last month about hay fever
but on suggesting a natural remedy to the Silver Vixen, she decided that she had rubbish to be taken to the dump.
[File under: Diary]

Licenses

Tim Worstal writes about Another Government IT Contract. Gorse Fox has a degree of experience in these matters. What amazes the Gorse Fox is the number of licensing systems that are being developed. At one stage, recently, Starfleet was asked to develop five separate licensing systems for "The Department"... each was subtley different, but each essentially the same. GF pointed this out, but each was requested by a separate sub-department, and none would admit the generic nature of their request and share a solution. Fortunately, a new acting CIO, Magnum PI, joined "The Department", and GF got his way.
Some observations:

• All licensing systems are essentially the same
• Most are requested by departments intent on spending their budget before year end
• Nobody looks to see if an existing licensing system can be re-used (after all, its tax payer's money and there's plenty of it)
• All are requested against unrealistic deadlines
• GF has just been asked to develop another one
• Every license is another freedom that has been taken away

[File under: Government IT]

No Shame

The Gorse Fox wonders if the Argentines have any sense of shame whatsoever. They remind him of Arsenal the Forces of Darkness. They play some fabulous football, but have no hesitation when it comes to diving and feigning injury or contact when there is none.

Do these cheats not realise that with instant slo-mo replays we can actually see the evidence of their cheating. For the Gorse Fox they epitomise everything that is wrong with top level football.

[File under: World Cup]

Telling it like it is

The marvellous Betty Boothroyd thinks:

Tony Blair's government has become arrogant and does not take fighting sleaze seriously enough

According to the BBC Online. Let us remember that Baroness Boothroyd was a former Labour MP so is not in a party-war here.

She backed standards watchdog Sir Alistair Graham for saying Mr Blair saw standards as a "minor issue".

She told BBC News 24's Straight Talk programme: "It was absolutely right for a man in that position to speak out as he has done and I hope that 10 Downing Street have taken note of that."

Some hope, Betty. She goes on to remind us that

The prime minister came to power promising to be "whiter than white".

(At this point, the Gorse Fox can hear the strains of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" playing at the back of his mind... but then remember that he wasn't fooled then, nor at the two subsequent elections.

[File under: Sleaze]

Prescott to face up to £10,000 tax bill for London flat | the Daily Mail

Oh yes, looks like John prescott has been "forgetful".
The mail tells us Prescott to face up to £10,000 tax bill for London flat. Apparently

Britain's most senior taxman revealed he should have paid tax on a London flat which he rented at a subsidised rate for more than 30 years.

This taxman (to whom the Gorse Fox is warming, significantly) is one David Varney.

David Varney said Mr Prescott must abide by the same tax rules as the rest of the population - regardless of his position in Government.

Whoaa, there!!! What did he say? Gorse Fox will repeat that (just in case any othe politicians happen to drop by:

must abide by the same tax rules as the rest of the population - regardless of his position in Government.

Well it seems that Johnny P has been paying a peppercorn rent of couple of hundred pounds per moth for a property that should have demanded £1600... so that's the equivalent of a benefit-in-kind of about £1400pm.

John, will you please go now. You are a laughing stock, you are dishonest, you are a thug, you are morally bankrupt, and you are an embarrassment to our country. Please find a stone, and crawl back under it.[File under: John Prescott]

Mellors and his brother should be arriving any minute now to start work on the south-east patio. This is a project that the Gorse Fox started a couple of years back, and never quite got past the initial phases. Ground was dug and levelled, some semblance of infill started... and that's where he ran out of materials. Somehow he never got round to replenishing and finishing. Today that should be sorted!

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox was horrified to hear of people trapped for 6 hours om the M25 behind a lorry-fire. Apparently the Police were dropping water to them in the hot afternoon sun. In contrast the Gorse Fox had a quick run to his meeting, though the 2 hours outbound grew to 3 hourse to get home.

The meeting was strange. It started well, and a concensus was growing. Then Beyoncee arrived and she seemed to spend the afternoon pouring cold water on all the initiatives. Her role as Queen of the Trolls seemed to grow in significance. Then Jemima Crankie, Mother Superior and The Abbott counter-attacked and we ended with a good way forward.

[File under: Diary]

To complete his week of wandering the highways and byeways of Southern England, the Gorse Fox heads this fine day to Reading, via Basingstoke. Today's meeting should be interesting as we plan to try and find a way of neutering many of the Trolls that prevent Starfleet and "The Agency" from getting on with business!

South Downs Parkway

For the second evening running Gorse Fox has had trouble posting, so will again resort to an email post in the hope that it arrives.

Thursday was a long and intense meeting with "The Department" bracketed by nearly 7 hours in the car enjoying the pleasures of driving across the country and back.

The Americans have a wonderful concept of a "Parkway" (e.g. the Taconic Parkway in NY). This is a road that is restricted to non-commercial traffic. After this morning's drive, stck behind 2 Highways Maintenance Lorries, Gorse Fox has decided that the A272 should become the South Downs Parkway. As such it will be limited to:

• Private cars

There will be:

• No vans
• No Lorries
• No car that drives at less than 50 mph

This should knock 10-15 minutes off the journey

The Gorse Fox commends it to the house

It sounds like West Sussex are preparing to withdraw from the SE Regional Assembly. Leader of the council made a statement on this evening's local news. It would appear West Sussex is not the only council considering this in the region.

Apparently:
SEERA, the South East England Regional Authority, wants West Sussex to provide landfill for 2.6 million tonnes of the capital's waste between now and 2025.
At a county council meeting on Friday an emergency motion put forward by leader Henry Smith stated that it would increase by almost half the amount of waste the county has to get rid of and the proposal for it and other south east councils to take London waste was "clearly against the interests of the authorities, communities and residents".

This has been estimated as 40,000 additional lorry load per year... Now explain again why SEERA is good for the residents of the South-East. It is an unelected quango that nobody (except John Prescott) wants.

Down

Don't you just hate it when you want to post to your blog and can't? Gorse Fox just hopes this email gets through.

After a very successful workshop... frustrated slightly by the late delivery of a tablet PC, the Gorse Fox is back home for a few hours before heading up to Worcester again, tomorrow. Warwick was nice, but it's no match for home.

The Gorse Fox starts his last day at the Warwick Centre. Another sunny morning with the audio backdrop of the fountain, the moorhens and a distant motorway.

[File under: Diary]

Things that matter

As a football fan... the Gorse Fox was pleased to realise that a bunch of famous faces were at the Warwick Conference Centre...

The Gorse Fox was delighted to speak with Les Ferdinand, and get this photo of Sir Les and Paul Ince (The Guvnor) with two other guys whose names escape him at this moment.

Whereas Sir Les played for Spurs and is therefore one of the all time greats, Paul Ince peaked at Manchester United and never made it to the hallowed halls of White Hart Lane. 

The wide open spaces of Warwick University's campus.

Gorse Fox is greatly impressed by the site and faciities... 

Looking out of the window in the Conference Centre, the Gorse Fox looks across at this little pond, which is currently the home to a moorhen and her brood.

A fountain tinkles in the background and soothes the soul. It is well that it does, as we are under sustained troll attack. 

Home plans 'ignore lack of water'

The BBC Online gives us another example of John Prescott's "competance" in Home plans 'ignore lack of water'. It appears that:

A Lords committee said the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was among ministries which failed to consider water management early enough.

And

Lord Selborne added that his committee was given incorrect information by the government about what the increased water demand might be in areas of housing development such as the Thames Gateway.

then the sting:

Liberal Democrat Baroness Sharp said the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) had "driven" the sustainable communities programme and the criticism was one of "inadequate consultation between departments over their plans".

Oh well... another triumph for the one of his policies.

Lords a Leapin'

The Gorse Fox had an interesting debate regarding the checks and balances of political life, vis-a-vis the House of Lords, with Rob Roy.
Conclusiion? - no conclusion. That's the reality of modern political debate.

One interesteing point was that Rob Roy said that his own parliament was an utter disgrace.

[File under: Diary]

Ragged Staff

After a pretty drive through the South Downs and up across Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, the Gorse Fox found his way to Warwick Univesity for several days of workshops with "The Agency". He is esconced in one of the rather plush Conference Centres and having fun watching the reaction to the proposed changes that will occur over the next couple of years. As a vehicle to understanding we asking them to "role play" the new organisation as it will be 2008.

[File under: Diary]

Quickstep

A very satisfying day. The Gorse Fox has completed the main part of the deck. There are still things to do, but the area is now useable.

Next weekend the paln is to finish the steps, and then start on the planters that have been requested. 

Don't be daft

According to BBC online:

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has dismissed reporters' questions about his political future as "daft".

Err, Sorry? But please explain why questions over the future of the most incompetant Minister in the Cabinet are daft? It's a question that we all desperatly want the answer to... we want to know when we will stop paying for a bloated incompetant class warrior. In private industry he'd have been sacked 8 years ago. If the Labour party had stuck to their word(*) he'd have been sacked for his sleazy behaviour, or the bullying that has has gone on in his departments.

He said tabloid reporters were waiting outside Mr Prescott's hotel and he was driven 200 yards in a Jaguar to avoid them on the way to give his speech.

Green credentials are up to scratch then... We were told this week that Precott is the hardest working man in governemnt, working up to sixteen hour days. (But too idle to walk 200 yards). So evidently his incompetance takes real effort.

(*) GF is not sure what came over him. The concept of these politicians sticking to their word is just a fantasy for their dependant electorate.

[File under: John Prescott]

There's something about...

Brighton. The Gorse Fox went to collect Cousteau-cub (who's is feeling under the weather and suffering from asthma) so that she could spend a few days in the bosom of her family receiving a little tlc.

As the Gorse Fox headed back along Brighton Seafront a chap stepped into the road to check the traffic. Only in Brighton do you see such sartorial je ne said quois. Said chap was walking back from the beach dressed in black combat trousers a black denim jacket, shades... and a pink stetson!

Gorse Fox regrets that he was unable to photograph this vision of loveliness, as he was driving at the time.

[File under: Whimsy]

Taking Shape

The Gorse Fox has beavered away throughout the day, stopping to see the Football, and to collect Cousteau-cub from Brighton.

The deck now has a some shape and about one third of the projected surface. He should be able to finish that tomorrow without too much effort... then he can turn his attention to the steps. 

Sawdust, again

A stunning morning. Blue skies from edge to edge, bright sunshine, cheerful birdsong and the gentle lapping of the waves upon the beach. The Gorse Fox again finds himself thankful for this pleasant haven.

Now, with the remains of a Finnish forest still lying in the garden (it evidently wasn't self-assembly) the Gorse Fox senses sawdust in the air. He loves the smell of napalm sawdust in the morning.

[File under: Diary]

We have Wood

Arriving home, the Gorse Fox was greeted by the remains of a small Finnish forest which had been cut into 4.8m lengths and deposited on the driveway.

Afetr a refreshing glass of beer, and helped by the Silver Vixen (for some of the smaller bits) this vestigial forest was moved to the back garden ready for the weekend's excitement. 

Well yesterday evening was very pleasant, but given the nature of the discussion, Gorse Fox will remain tight-lipped regarding the politics of The Department.

A very busy day, and slow drive home to Sussex... not aided by the Gorse Fox's decision to try a short-cut. Actually, this shortcut turned out to be a wormhole. The Gorse Fox entered it, drove for a while and ended up where he'd started but at a different time... not a great success! Then he found his way into clusters of Sussex driver who should be vapourised for the sanity of anyone that actually has things to do in their life. One Punto driver, with a large dog wandering back and forth across the back seat, actually reached a dizzy 18mph at one point. After a three and half hour drive, this did not greatly amuse you correspondant. In fact he nearly parked up, and walked after her (at that speed, a gently stroll would have been adequate) to give her a slap.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox is having dinner tonight with Mother Superioir, Magnum PI, and The Abbot.... should be interesting.

[File under: Diary]

The Gorse Fox is back up in Worcester...
with a smile on his face.

So John Prescott has divested his claim to Dorneywood because it was getting in the way of his job. So, can the Gorse Fox imply from that that this is the reason for all his failures over the past 9 years?

[File under: Diary]