Some Sound advance

Well It is a couple of days since Showbus, Just finish sorting through my pics, and half are good and some are blurred by the rain, I was going to bin them, but on reflection they show the atmosphere of the event. I am just about dried out.

this week I have been doing abit of Coach work, with a trip to Warwick so far, It has been sort of nice getting out on the open road, and the Scania performed faultlessly. The kids I picked up were equally excited about, the day out and the fact they were going on a double decker. It made me smile hearing them walking up to the school gate.

I had some nice chats with some drivers, one was from South Africa and the other was from Dublin. Now hear is something I have noticed is that there is a differance between coach drivers, As always I have my camera with me on trips out, as I firmly believe there is always a photo opportunity, so I was chatting away, and asking if it was ok to photograph them. The response I got was a positive one, more pride is taken in the job, compared to bus drivers, who do it because it is a job. This is a generalisation I know, and you do get exceptions in both cases.

A piece of advice for fellow coach drivers, have a chat with other drivers, share information, and make friends, especially if they have a coffee machine on board. but seriously, it is worth talking to people, they might have tips which are useful, and likewise you may have vital info, so there you go.

Going back to the Showbus event and all I can really say is that it is very positive to see well known companies bringing vehicles and even buying coaches to restore to show at such events, I know it is not everyones cup of tea, but I find it refreshing. in someways Showbus could do with being a 2 day event, but I can understand the time put in by all involved and surely organising this event must be a fulltime occupation in itself, fitted around fulltime jobs. Hopefully I will be there next year and hopefully the weather will hold, so I can get a picture of every entrant.

Showerbus. just finshed ringing myself out.

Today I went to Showbus held at Duxford, The day started off bad when I realised I had double booked the day, and crossed wires with Philippa,(sorry I will make it up to you), then I got a phone call from my friend Simon at a rather early hour saying he couldnt come as he was unwell(get well soon), so I set off to the depot to get the coach.



We got the coaches ready, and set off for Duxford, the weather at this point was pretty good and we made good progress, after a stop when got to The rally site. The weather at this point was dull, and had a chilly edge to it.. About half an hour was spent preparing the coaches ready for judging. This inolved polishing and fettling, but was worth it in the end more of which anon.



Then Calum was let loose with the camera, So I managed to clear one of the fields, and I was halfway eround the second bit, and after a quick chat with various people, I was getting more pictures then the heavens opened. It started off as drizzle, and worked in to that horrible rain that is light but satuates everything in its path.



I carried on for a bit before diving in the EFE tent for a look at new releases, but the tent was full and I got to see f*** all, due the number of people in the tent, so I carried on with the recording.



To cut along story short I got a majority of the exhibits, I left the Routemasters til last, as I felt I had already covered these at other events, plus working with the things for nearly 2 years they seem samey.



I met up with Stoney, and we preceeded to take more pictures then the rain became too much, so a sheltered place was found to lurk in.



We were joined by Matt Barker from Derby and Lynn Pestall and a court was in session, generally making light hearted observations and comparing CAMRA recomended pints of refreshing drinks. As time was ticking away by this point we thought it was best to return to our respective vehicles and dry out, I was taking on the drowned rat look by this stage.



So apart from getting wet, I enjoyed the day, but I do need to invest in some lemsip very soon. probably going to jump in the shower to warm my feet up. I will put the pictures on my fotopic site once sorted. At the mo, the priority is to get warm. anyway bye for now

Photography

Ok, picture it, I had a few minutes to spare, so I thought I would whip my camera out and take a couple shots of the passing buses as you do, when I was approached by some busy body saying that it was against the law to take pictures in a public, place and that I should ask permission from the driver and all of the passengers on board, a hard thing to do when the vehicle is moving at 20mph.
I was then informed that it was invasion of privacy, or some other made up law, thought up by the press, to cause mass hysteria, even though they photograph people themselves.

So i asked him to tell me the exact statute in the law, the said person could not answer my question, so I asked him to go away.

So as a result, I am NOT giving up transport photography, which is a harmless pastime I have done for the last 16 years, half my life,. It goes to prove in the the blogg I wrote a couple of nights ago, that a lot of harm has been done in the last few years and that things have not changed fo the better.

So the history books in the future will be lacking in pictures, if the hysteria spreading mass media, that happen to be controlled by global meglomaniacs have their way. Anyway I'm going to Duxford soon to take some pictures, while I am still allowed to.

Showbus the prologue

Well this is my first visit to this event in about 8 years. the last being 2002, where unfortunately I never got to see the photographs, as some bastard broke in to the house and stole a quantity of items, including my camera,. The camera was old and could be easily replaced, but the film contained within, was irreplacable. I just hope the person who took it overdosed, or got a bad batch of drugs,. Why people do it I will never know.

I am using the event to formally launch the enthusiast side of Calumbus, which I intend to grow and develop in my spare time, to take several forms. Lets just say I have several ideas and a website is under development. Once it is up and running, I intend to bring my photographic adventures, This very page, the Official Calumbus blog page(which will be purely for Calumbus), My friend Simon is putiing his transport managerie page under the banner,. So watch this space.

I am preparing to go to Showbus, where I intend to take as many pictures as humanly possible, so the pics should be on it the next week or so. I will be going on one of my employers coaches.

Going off the subject of buses, I am hoping to meet some of my friends and have a drink or 3, but that is to come.

The reason I havent attended Showbus for so long, is that I have been involved in driving the University of Nottingham Weekone buses, more of that at a later date.

I think I may be going through a new stage in life, as I am questioning many things, I have discovered through the internet, the likes of The love police, David Icke Alex Jones and several other people. I dont take what these people say as gospel but I am prepared to listen and keep an open mind. We need to in these times, I think. I have been questioning things for several years now, well when you have anti establishment leanings you do dont you? The Love police videos are eye opening. My giant within is being awakened, hence why Calumbus is being set up.

So I have one more shift to work before Showbus, cant wait. I will keep you posted

September my month so far.

Well I'm going to change the subject slightly, from my previous two posting, dont worry, lots more of that to come though, as I sound off about life, and the silly little things that dictate us.

anyway for some less subversive, so here goes.

Well to start with I have been at my new employer for a month new, exact a month to the day, as I write these words. We how has it been?, Well I am enjoying it, I am still adjusting to life at the new place, where the approach is relaxed and friendly, I have my own shift and motor, which I use for all work, although I get to drive other vehicles too.

I cant believe it is nearly a month since my good friend Dom got married to Clare, It was such a good day enjoyed by all, and I hope my antics werent to embarassing, unlike a a wedding I attended several years ago, where, well to cut a long story short I ended up with a cleaning bill for alot of money. But I wish Dom and Clare all the best for the future.

I have been with a friend to a church service, but I must confess I am making my mind up, hence the piece about religion. Now what ever your beliefs are, the main thing is you find the right belief for you, and making your mind up for you. As I said before this planet is shared by all of us. I am not going to tell you my beliefs dont worry, and knowing my luck the water will fizz in the holy recepticle when I dip my finger in it, no seriously I am tolerant, just wish other people would be too.

There are some people who I have not seen enough of in the last few weeks, namely Simon Faye and Philippa, You guys mean alot to me. The same can be said for all of my friends, and yes I have not formally celebrated my birthday yet, so a piss up is looming me thinks.

Before I go, I will be going to Showbus at Duxford, part of the imperial war museum. It should be a good show if the rain holds off, and it will be first visit for eight years, as it always clashed with University Weekone. I am going with my new employer and Simon is coming along.

So that is me signing off for now, the more subversive moany stuff will return soon anyway bye for now.

This PC world, Not the computer shop.

Right Something I have had on my mind for a couple of days, is the stupidity surrounding racism, political correctness, which to me is a load of bollocks. It has changed the essence of daily life, again for the worse. I am going to give 2 examples.





The first example is parents who take their little kiddy to the park, only to be told by an employee that they are not allowed to photograph their child playing on the swings, similar situations having happened in shopping malls with the insert a coin sort of rides, what utter crap. They are the childs parents, and the pictures are not offensive. The problem is getting worse, with examples of parents not being allowed to film their kids in the school play, at sports day. Stupid really, how are you expected to watch your children grow, and have memories of them.



Example number 2, is when a former work colleague of mine was on a rail replacement, upon arrival at the railway station, she was surrounded by taxi's, who accused her of nicking their trade and taking the food off their table. She was parked in the designated point allocated for coaches on railway business. She was then spat at and called white scum, by an asian taxi driver, turn the tables and the race card would be definately played. However when a complaint was made she was told that no action could be taken,(hang on that is blatant racial abuse so should have been treated thus),.



So what is this world coming to? who knows, but one thing for sure is it is all a load of crap.

We all read the headlines, usually published in newspapers spouting spite, the paper used to produce these said newspapers could be put to better use as toilet paper. They are usually read by the average Joe (or Josephine to keep the PC brigade happy),. They usually have sensational headlines going on about, paedophiles, immigrants taking benefits, the bloke stood next to you could be an al-qaeda terrorist, and will give you swine flu and so on. I dont buy said newspaers as they support global meglomaniacs hell bend on world domination and making as much money as possible.



The use of the word black is deemed racist, or "non PC" it is the name of a fucking colour for goodness sake. what next renaming towns with names like Mansfield to Personfield, to open it up to everyone.



We have to careful with children, and people who work with children now have to be police checked, which I do agree with, and people are scared to say anything to children incase it leads to accusations of harrassment.



This amuses me, go past a school, at dropping off time or going home time and you can not move for cars, You see daddy waiting for his kids in the mondeo or vectra, mummy picks up her little darlings in the punto, or polo, or even a BMW X3, god forbid,. now the stupid thing is these parents live with a quater mile from the school, so they are causing unnecessary wear and tear on the car, never mind the effect it has on the environment. The reason is they want to see their child to school safely, understandable. But how do those children learn about life, how to trust people, social interaction etc, when they are chauffered to school by mummy or daddy.

Paedophiles have always been around, the press has just sensationalised it, and quite a few people have been falsely accused by the press and mob rule took over, I think you can guess the rest.

The PC brigade have alot to answer for, yes they have highlighted lots of important issues, but have created more problems in the long run, because of them children are shut away in cotton wool, because the parents are afraid that, their little kiddie will come into contact with a "foreign asylum seeking paedophile terrorist with swine flu, who will take pictures and post them on the internet". In reality, these cases are rare. but, they are shut away and lack social skills for later life.

The opinions formed are mine and mine alone, I have got these opinions because I am increasingly getting fed up of all this PC and big brother approach bollocks, which is having a negative affect on society, and is fed by propaganda pushing press, owned by multinational millions who want to make more money out of us all. Have a ponder on this why dont you !!!!

September, time for students and the fall

Well I write this and it is late September, the leaves are starting to turn orange, and in just over a month the clocks change. In my Home city, the students are returning toUniversity, and the same thing is happening in cities across the countries.

Those who are new to University are undergoing the Fresher week, which is one big piss up, well good business for night clubs, pubs kebab shops Taxicabs and the local bus companies. Maybe not so good for local residents who happen to live next to student lets. So for the next few weeks the commerce is going to be swelled. The problem living in a university City, and my home town is gradually becoming one, is that when the students are not there, certain parts of the city take on a ghost town look which is not so good. But in general it is kerching for the city.

We have had a recent visit to England by the pope, which caused controversy amongst the press due to the scandals that have rocked the church. I know catholic people, and I know people of other faiths, whilst I dont subscribe to one particular religion, I do respect other peoples views.

What I do not agree with is when people use their faith as an excuse to attack other people, whos faith and ideas happen to differ. After all the root of all mainstream religions is love and peace to your fellow man. The so called muslim extremeist terrorists who have committed mass murder and crimes over the past decade are not true muslims in my opinion. It amuses me that the people who ignite the hatred and persuade gullable people to go and blow themselves up in the name of their faith, will not go out and do the deeds themselves, nope they sit in the background and hide.

The catholic church, is a very hierachy sturcture, and alot of bad practices and rot has set in over the last several hundred years. Dont forget, 4 hundred years ago people were put to death for disagreeing and questioning the faith. Maybe this piece I am writing would have been heracy,(dont know if I spelt that word correctly),. The bottom line is Jesus and all the other prophets from all the other religions questioned the then establishment, Jesus, trashed the temple, when the establishment was using it as a glorfied market place, going against the 10 commandments.

The elders shut him up by putting him to death. The church set up, did the same when they became the establishment, in the guise of the Catholic church. persecuation happened over the years, between protestants and catholics, depending who was in power.

The same happens outside the religious world, where the people who have the guts to speak out are branded as subversive. It is our given right to question things, and try to work things out and tolerate each other, after all we all share the same planet, breathe the same air, we all bleed, we all live and eventually we all die. Idealist talk I know, but I feel it needs saying.

So all I can say is, question everything, live life for you and not the consumerist media orientated establishment who think they own us. We are all unique and an asset to this world. Think about it

A time for reflection

Well I have recently had my birthday, and it has been a quiet affair this year, due to my new work shifts and the fact I worked at the weekend, well saturday.

It has been a very eventful year in lots of ways, It is still not time to speak out about the vosa case, as that is an on going thing. I am waiting for the case to be heard, then I will tell the world. The reason I am hanging on is due to the fact I am waiting for the outcome.

Other factors of the year were, family illness, and family illness for friends for some of my friends. So it has been a very worrying time for all of us. This time of year is shadowed by memories of an autrocity, which happened 9 years ago.

Back in 2001, I spent the weekend of my birthday up in Southport and Manchester, where me and a friend spent the weekend riding round on buses and class 101 DMU units, operating in the manchester area. These are now a memory too, as they came out of service in 2004, after nearly 50years service. Upon my return to work events were unfolding in New York. It was mid afternoon, when we heard that the world trade centre had been hit.

This brought 2 buildings down, killing 3000 people, from alsorts of backgrounds, all in the name of religion. From that moment onwards the world changed, for the worse too.

There is a strong prejudice against muslims, most of which were as horrified with the attacks as everyone else. It gave a war mongerer the excuse to invade 2 countries and brought other countries into the conflict in the name of war on terror. At least it gave the conspiracy theorists something new to talk about. New the laughable thing about the whole thing is that during the 1980's the Brits and Americans had armed the said terrorists to fight against the tiranical Iran and Communist Russia, when they invaded Afganistan.

So what has all this done?, well it has caused tensions, between muslims and other religions, We are under watch all the time, as more and more cctv have gone up, so if we fart then the authorities will know about it. All I can say is what goes around comes around. Civil rights are are at threat, all because there might be a terroist, and yes I do understand we cant be complacent. People have predicted a holy war or world war 3 starting very soon, and the reason it would break out is because people want it too. but as they say only time will tell.

So to round off my blog, we live in interesting times. But as the hitch hikers guide to the galaxy say on the cover,"DONT PANIC"

The return to School

Well in my new operating area, of North West Leicestershire, the schools have made a return. I had my first taste yesterday, when I was taken out on a run serving the wonderful little village of Wymmeswold.

The first proper day was today, I was sent out on a Grammer school run, did a bit in the yard, then out to do one school, have a break then return the Grammer school.

Well children coming out of school is like opening the top of a bottle of shaken pop. the release of pressure energy, the sense of freedom after being in a class room all day. Thankfully they didnt wreck the bus, but it is early days yet.

I often think how wonderful it would be to look at the world in the way children do, everything is either black or white, no grey. No oppression. wanting to rebel and be outragious, in a conformist way, I could never work that out either,. Mao encouraged people to rebel, but it back fired big time. hindsight is a wonderful thing. anyway stay tuned for my birthday message. I'm going to have a weekend to celebrate all weekends and enjoy my friends wedding. catch ya later