Have you have been sat with a child or watched one and noticed that they are full of questions, full of wonder at the world around them, They ask questions that older people may find difficult to answer, and it is not out of spite that they do this, no it is out of curiosity, the need to find out about things.
A child goes to school to learn about things, such as basic English, Maths, Geography, basic woodwork skills, and many many more. That child is constantly seeking things to learn and taking things in. However At the end of the learning process alot of people stop questioning things, they just get on with life, go to work, get drunk at the weekend, watch the tv at night, and basically dumb it down. We are told how to live our lives, what to buy, what to eat and drink. We are even told that we need to go out and buy an even bigger plasma screen tv, most obey with out questions, providing they have funds. We are all told we are too fat, by the glossy magazines, and lad mags tell the boys that they need to be loud, and obsessed with sex, football, cars and lager.
Not alot of people question this, We dont say "hang on minute lets live life for our selfs", we dont question things that we dont agree with. No we follow things lemming like. So the next time we see an advert trying to sell us shit that we dont actually, just ask your self " Do I actually need or want this?" I am full of questions as are many others, but how many have the bollocks to ask these questions?
Right this has been a differant week, as the Leicestershire schools have been back, so I have been learning some new school routes, I am still enjoying things, and looking forward to where things will take me this week.
The clocks have now changed, so it will be darker evening, so it is now time for winter projects, I intend to have the website up and running in time for the new year, the reason for the delay is to iron out any problems, eventually this blog page, my fotopic page and several other things will be incorporated in to the main website, exciting times. Other projects will be the life story project, which is taking shape, covered my first 16 years so far, but I am looking up world events and popular tv programmes, so things can be put in to perspective. It still amazes me to look back at all the changes that have happened over the years.
My long term project will be the Leopard coach, which will progress, at the moment I am letting it dry out first, as it spent the last 9 years out in the open, it looks like the interior floor will be tackled first. so watch this space. My friend Simon is busy with his new project, which is a small railway layout, based on some run down sidings, in an urban setting. I am looking forward to seeing this progress too.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
28th October
So it is now dark by 6pm, the nights are setting, it is only a few days before Halloween, which means once this is over then the shops are ready to promote the dreaded C word. Stars and snowmen will dangle from the ceilings of the shops, and the music will take on a christmassy theme. Shops will start to stay open later, the adverts have already begun to promote it, with the buy this buy that, the count down is on, and I absolutely hate it. The consumerists have really taken over this event.
I suppose you have 10 weeks of build up, then you get to Christmas Day, and by 5pm, when it has got dark, you are watching the highly repeated christmas special of Only fools and horses, for the umpteenth time, and you think, what the bloody hell was all this about. You crack open another can of beer, because face it the pubs are shut, and there is nothing else to do and you settle down to Harry Hills you've been Framed christmas accidents and cockups special, with the video of a christmas tree falling on a toddler, and the cat electrocuting itself on the christmas lights.
This time of year can be quite cosy, but it means that the long summer days of open road motoring are over. At this time of year I dont really want to wander too far away, so I am more than happy to do local work. Well with the Leopard now being undercover means I can get on with a bit of work on the bus, although Most work will be carried out in the spring,when the weather brightens up. My other winter projects for this year, will be to sort some photos for copying, which I can sell on and make some money for the bus, I also want to get on with writing more of my life story, maybe research some members of the family. This blog is on going project, oh yes there is the website too, which will be up and running by the end of the year, I promise.
So I have a busy winter ahead of me. It is a case of watch this space.
I suppose you have 10 weeks of build up, then you get to Christmas Day, and by 5pm, when it has got dark, you are watching the highly repeated christmas special of Only fools and horses, for the umpteenth time, and you think, what the bloody hell was all this about. You crack open another can of beer, because face it the pubs are shut, and there is nothing else to do and you settle down to Harry Hills you've been Framed christmas accidents and cockups special, with the video of a christmas tree falling on a toddler, and the cat electrocuting itself on the christmas lights.
This time of year can be quite cosy, but it means that the long summer days of open road motoring are over. At this time of year I dont really want to wander too far away, so I am more than happy to do local work. Well with the Leopard now being undercover means I can get on with a bit of work on the bus, although Most work will be carried out in the spring,when the weather brightens up. My other winter projects for this year, will be to sort some photos for copying, which I can sell on and make some money for the bus, I also want to get on with writing more of my life story, maybe research some members of the family. This blog is on going project, oh yes there is the website too, which will be up and running by the end of the year, I promise.
So I have a busy winter ahead of me. It is a case of watch this space.
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
yes another blog, Got lots on my mind tonight
This is a continuation of my last blog, I have just been watching some youtube videos, one vid I came across was a protest held in 2009, by some people. It was about the police having powers to stop people and even arrest them for taking photographs, if they suspect them photographing buildings, vehicles, and policemen. And yes it is all in the name of the fight of terrorism, privacy, data protection, and what any other reason they can think up.
Ok, lets look at a scenario, someone who is going to launch a terror attack is not necessarily going to carry an SLR camera, they are going to use something like a camera phone, something which nearly everybody owns, I've had several over the years, but I dont really use it. I take photos because I enjoy the hobby, My camera accompanies me on most of my trips out, you have seen some of the results on here, and my photographic adventures site which I have run for the last couple of years. I am more than happy for people to see my work, and I know i am no David Bailey or Lord Lichfield, but that is not why I do it. I suppose I am getting fed up with lots of things that have happened over the last decade or so. But one thing is for sure I am not giving up.
So there we have it. I am going to leave my story about my experiences of 2010 for until the 2nd of November, It is the anniversary of something, that became very stressful for alot of people, broke up a good team of people by trying to pitch them against each other by a member of an agency that is paid for by the tax payer, No I am not going to say any more. I dont want a lible case on my hands. I am not scared to speak out either. Yes this year has been stressful and costly. I am pleased that I moved on in the end, and yes I am counting down the days until 2010 turns into 2011. I am now going to mention some very special people to me, who have been there through thick and thin, I appreciate everything they have done for me, it is unfair to name names, They all know who they are, all I can say is thank you for being there, through my moments of self doubt, the times I felt like giving up.
Happily I can say I am getting my fight back, one reason I am writing this, none of us can give up on things we feel passionate about, I dont even mind if after reading my blogs you come to the conclusion that you do not agree with me, it is your opinon, your right to independant thought. We have enough attempts at control by mass media, and companies trying to sell us shit we dont really want or need. I can remember one golden rule that drives people when doing deals and that is the greed factor, we can all be guilty of that. Anyway enough for tonight, stay tuned for my next blog, lets hope someone upsets me or a news story, fires me up to write something.
Ok, lets look at a scenario, someone who is going to launch a terror attack is not necessarily going to carry an SLR camera, they are going to use something like a camera phone, something which nearly everybody owns, I've had several over the years, but I dont really use it. I take photos because I enjoy the hobby, My camera accompanies me on most of my trips out, you have seen some of the results on here, and my photographic adventures site which I have run for the last couple of years. I am more than happy for people to see my work, and I know i am no David Bailey or Lord Lichfield, but that is not why I do it. I suppose I am getting fed up with lots of things that have happened over the last decade or so. But one thing is for sure I am not giving up.
So there we have it. I am going to leave my story about my experiences of 2010 for until the 2nd of November, It is the anniversary of something, that became very stressful for alot of people, broke up a good team of people by trying to pitch them against each other by a member of an agency that is paid for by the tax payer, No I am not going to say any more. I dont want a lible case on my hands. I am not scared to speak out either. Yes this year has been stressful and costly. I am pleased that I moved on in the end, and yes I am counting down the days until 2010 turns into 2011. I am now going to mention some very special people to me, who have been there through thick and thin, I appreciate everything they have done for me, it is unfair to name names, They all know who they are, all I can say is thank you for being there, through my moments of self doubt, the times I felt like giving up.
Happily I can say I am getting my fight back, one reason I am writing this, none of us can give up on things we feel passionate about, I dont even mind if after reading my blogs you come to the conclusion that you do not agree with me, it is your opinon, your right to independant thought. We have enough attempts at control by mass media, and companies trying to sell us shit we dont really want or need. I can remember one golden rule that drives people when doing deals and that is the greed factor, we can all be guilty of that. Anyway enough for tonight, stay tuned for my next blog, lets hope someone upsets me or a news story, fires me up to write something.
27th October 2010
I had an interesting conversation, today with some drivers, and the topic got on to an old operator, who had set up with the best intentions, then bought a coach, which didnt suit the business, and it bankrupted the business. This is a common mistake made by many operators, who do things with the best intentions.
I suppose I sit and listen to these sort of conversations, it fascinates me. I suppose the best way to start is by buying a couple of motors, get enough work for them, and gradually grow from there. Many tend to expand too quickly aswell, say start with a couple of motors and within 6 months they have grown to 5 coaches. Alot of operators tend to chase the same sort of work, such as a big contract with a university. Now I know is some ways the coach industry is contracting, but, there is work out there, its just a case of finding a niche. Yes Schools and contract work is going to be the bread and butter of of most operators, the only problem is when you get an operator, who pays cash in hand wages, does the job for ridiculously low prices, runs old bangers, which should not be on the road in the first place.
The problem is alot of councils are cash strapped, so rather than look for a quality operator, who are reliable, and provide a good service. Nope the cowboys say they will do it alot cheaper, provide poor service with poor vehicles and the council wonders why they get so many complaints.
If you remember a few weeks ago, I touched on the differance between coach drivers and bus drivers. Well talk to an old coach driver about coaches he/she drove over the years, and they will happily tell you all about those vehicles. Even get misty eyed, as if those vehicles were their own. Yes alot of coach drivers do take pride in those coaches they drive, and why not if you are going to spend alot of time with that vehicle.
I suppose I sit and listen to these sort of conversations, it fascinates me. I suppose the best way to start is by buying a couple of motors, get enough work for them, and gradually grow from there. Many tend to expand too quickly aswell, say start with a couple of motors and within 6 months they have grown to 5 coaches. Alot of operators tend to chase the same sort of work, such as a big contract with a university. Now I know is some ways the coach industry is contracting, but, there is work out there, its just a case of finding a niche. Yes Schools and contract work is going to be the bread and butter of of most operators, the only problem is when you get an operator, who pays cash in hand wages, does the job for ridiculously low prices, runs old bangers, which should not be on the road in the first place.
The problem is alot of councils are cash strapped, so rather than look for a quality operator, who are reliable, and provide a good service. Nope the cowboys say they will do it alot cheaper, provide poor service with poor vehicles and the council wonders why they get so many complaints.
If you remember a few weeks ago, I touched on the differance between coach drivers and bus drivers. Well talk to an old coach driver about coaches he/she drove over the years, and they will happily tell you all about those vehicles. Even get misty eyed, as if those vehicles were their own. Yes alot of coach drivers do take pride in those coaches they drive, and why not if you are going to spend alot of time with that vehicle.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
A Question?????
For tonights post I am going to keep it short and sweet, it is not one of my antisystem rants that call the government a bunch of useless tossers, thats for another time,.
SO here goes, how many of us can say we are truely happy? lets look at it this way, you can have a nice car, several thousand pound in the bank, live in a big house, have all the latest gadgets and so on and so on. Does all this make you happy? As a race we all want more, that latest gadget, the newest shiny car and so on.
Ok look at the small child who is content with the box to play in, the cat playing with a bit of fluff it has found on the carpet. They seem content. I know people who look down their nose at me, I work as a coach driver, drive an old car, I dont have a lot of money, well not the thousands stashed away, but I have my friends I have my health. I really enjoy my job, what more do I want?
I think humans are jealous lot, they are a greedy lot too, always wanting more, and yes I am guilty of this. So I drive either my old car, or my coach I look at the miserable driver of the Merc or the BMW and I actually say I am richer than you.
So go on when you stop reading this, sit down and ask your self that question, before getting back to watching the telly, or filling in the lottery form.
So go on ask yourself, Iam I truely happy?
the answer is within you.
SO here goes, how many of us can say we are truely happy? lets look at it this way, you can have a nice car, several thousand pound in the bank, live in a big house, have all the latest gadgets and so on and so on. Does all this make you happy? As a race we all want more, that latest gadget, the newest shiny car and so on.
Ok look at the small child who is content with the box to play in, the cat playing with a bit of fluff it has found on the carpet. They seem content. I know people who look down their nose at me, I work as a coach driver, drive an old car, I dont have a lot of money, well not the thousands stashed away, but I have my friends I have my health. I really enjoy my job, what more do I want?
I think humans are jealous lot, they are a greedy lot too, always wanting more, and yes I am guilty of this. So I drive either my old car, or my coach I look at the miserable driver of the Merc or the BMW and I actually say I am richer than you.
So go on when you stop reading this, sit down and ask your self that question, before getting back to watching the telly, or filling in the lottery form.
So go on ask yourself, Iam I truely happy?
the answer is within you.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Reflections and the loneliness of a coach driver
I spend lots of time behind the wheel, It makes you think when you drive many miles on a motorway, it beats counting the white lines, and the things you see whilst out on the road, the responsiblity of the safe carriage of the passengers. The hours can be sometimes long and you dont get much of a home life, you dont see your friends often. But I wouldnt change it for the world. Where else do you get to travel and get paid for it. My only gripe is the low wages in comparison to other industries, but most enjoyable jobs are low pay. Just think if the wages in the coach industry were better then it would be the best job in the world.
Those who read my outburst of yesterday maybe wondering what was goin through my head, but I am going to make one thing clear, I am not making any apologies, my opinions, if you dissagree then good, that is your right to. I suppose, I am getting fed up of a lot of things in life, like the large number of shows like X factor, that come dancing thingy, soap opera's. Some comedy shows, I just feel they are forcing alot of us to dumb it down. After all what happened in life before this shit, that is broadcast on a Saturday night. No wonder I dont mind working saturdays, or choose to go to the pub. What happened to the art of conversation? it was lost many years ago.
Last week I briefly wrote about my generation, as we all move towards our mid 30's, not young but not grumpy old people yet, just the 30 somethings, maybe best name is the starwars generation. I was watching a programme tonight about Alan Sillitoe, and his highly popular, book, Saturday night, sunday morning. The programme showed scenes of the demolition of old Radford, I must admit I was born at the backend of the regeneration of parts of Nottingham, such as St Anns, Radford, the Meadows, Basford, etc. I missed the sights of the squalied living accomodation that was swept away, for then modern living accomodation. I can just remember the Balloon Wood flats before they were demolished. I might actually read the book one day, as it provides a snap shot of working class life, where people worked hard all week, and the highlight of the week was to go out on the saturday night, to get drunk and shagged.
One of my many projects I have on the go is my life story, now some people say I am not famous enough, bollocks, we all have a story to tell. Most people dont have the guts to write down their experiences, the things they have seen in life. I also have a long term project which is the story of failed love, what happens when you have it all, then for some reason you drift apart, until the day when both people move on and find new love, even though the flame is still burning inside. Again semi autobiographical, I do find this one very difficult to write, so it is shelved at the moment, besides, I have a website to set up, a bus to restore and many many other things I want to do, before I do become a winging old bastard, whose highlight of the day is going to the cafe or the day centre, perrish the thought.
Anyway on the that bombshell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those who read my outburst of yesterday maybe wondering what was goin through my head, but I am going to make one thing clear, I am not making any apologies, my opinions, if you dissagree then good, that is your right to. I suppose, I am getting fed up of a lot of things in life, like the large number of shows like X factor, that come dancing thingy, soap opera's. Some comedy shows, I just feel they are forcing alot of us to dumb it down. After all what happened in life before this shit, that is broadcast on a Saturday night. No wonder I dont mind working saturdays, or choose to go to the pub. What happened to the art of conversation? it was lost many years ago.
Last week I briefly wrote about my generation, as we all move towards our mid 30's, not young but not grumpy old people yet, just the 30 somethings, maybe best name is the starwars generation. I was watching a programme tonight about Alan Sillitoe, and his highly popular, book, Saturday night, sunday morning. The programme showed scenes of the demolition of old Radford, I must admit I was born at the backend of the regeneration of parts of Nottingham, such as St Anns, Radford, the Meadows, Basford, etc. I missed the sights of the squalied living accomodation that was swept away, for then modern living accomodation. I can just remember the Balloon Wood flats before they were demolished. I might actually read the book one day, as it provides a snap shot of working class life, where people worked hard all week, and the highlight of the week was to go out on the saturday night, to get drunk and shagged.
One of my many projects I have on the go is my life story, now some people say I am not famous enough, bollocks, we all have a story to tell. Most people dont have the guts to write down their experiences, the things they have seen in life. I also have a long term project which is the story of failed love, what happens when you have it all, then for some reason you drift apart, until the day when both people move on and find new love, even though the flame is still burning inside. Again semi autobiographical, I do find this one very difficult to write, so it is shelved at the moment, besides, I have a website to set up, a bus to restore and many many other things I want to do, before I do become a winging old bastard, whose highlight of the day is going to the cafe or the day centre, perrish the thought.
Anyway on the that bombshell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, 24 October 2010
2012 the NWO, plus anything else I want to rant about
Going through some website, watching the media, even some songs have 2012 on their minds, along with The global conspiracy theories involving freemasons and the illunminati. The real reason for the attacks by Bin Laden et al, So here are my thoughts on the subject.
As a society we are under constant surveillance, be it to watch out for terror activity, keep crime off the streets, control the masses, Sometimes it does not matter which way we all turn there will be a camera watching us. So the people having a crafty fag outside, eating a sandwich, or the young couple showing a public display of affection, you are all being watched. Who watches the watcher? I know I work hard and pay my taxes for a man in a control room to watch what we are all up to. We when my car was broken in to some time ago, where was you then?, probably gone for a piss or to make a cuppa.
I touched on Traffic Wardens being given a new title as Civil Enforcement Officers, Now this really does sound like something out of George Orwells 1984 novel. The word "Enforce" has totalitarian overtones.
Talk to any religious person, or anyone who believes in the Illuminati/NWO, they will say big things are going to happen in 2012, why does it have to happen in this particular year. It will only happen if society lets it. That is how all regimes come to power, because people let it happen, through complacency. Adolf Hitler only really rose to power because the economy of Germany was in ruins, the rule of the Kaiser was in tatters, they wanted someone who was going to lead them and make the nation great again, Hitler sold them his dream and they lapped it up. It is differant in Britain, because there is a centre point which allows them to gain power. Thats why The BNP would never get in, they would have to move that far to the centre to make them electable that their ideals would lose there meaning.
Some people are greedy, and it amuses me that in the 1980s, the Americans and British to a degrees funded a Guerilla Militia lead by a man called Osama Bin Laden, to fight Communist Russia in Afganistan, because it suited them, the fight was against communism. Like wise we helped Iraq during the 1980's by providing them with weapons. Iraq invaded Kuwait, which had a large amount of oil fields so Bush and Thatcher had to intervene, By coincidence the Bush family seem to have shares in lots of oil companies, hmmmmmmm.
So Bin Laden turns on the Americans once the russian threat was over, which lead to the attack on the world trade centre,( there have been claims that this was an inside job, but the jury is still out as far as i'm concerned), and the pentagon. These were true attrocities, lots of lives lost all in the name of a distorted idealology. The knock on effect was the invasion of Iraq, by Bush junior, and guess what, he and half of his cronies were shareholders in lots of oil companies. Both conflicts have cost lots of lives, with war crimes on both sides, some have been exposed on a whistle blower site.
Again things have happen because we have let them happen, been duped into it by a war monger. As far as I am concerned the four biggest causes of conflict in the world are Religion, Money, politics and power. well all four have been involved so far. I do have alot of wealth, I am not religious, I detest politicians, and as an individual I have little power, but do you know what I am free with my ideas and thoughts, I like people disagreeing with me, and arguing their point, after all this is what many individuals have been sent to theirs deaths to fight for, I dont want that jeopardising, I pay my taxes, I work hard, so if I want to call the government a bunch of wankers then I am within my rights to do so.
Rant over, time to get back to X factor, and other programmes we watch because there is nothing better to do. I prefer to meet my friends and go to the pub. One last thing though, I do feel the people who go on some sites to spread the message of conspiracy theories are only helping to spread the hysteria, so David Icke, Alex Jones et al, you may be helping those you want to expose indirectly. We should all live life and stop worrying about the after life, When I die and find out heaven may not exist then I will have been happy that I lived my life for me, not neccessarily doing the right things but the experiance will be there. Talk soon
As a society we are under constant surveillance, be it to watch out for terror activity, keep crime off the streets, control the masses, Sometimes it does not matter which way we all turn there will be a camera watching us. So the people having a crafty fag outside, eating a sandwich, or the young couple showing a public display of affection, you are all being watched. Who watches the watcher? I know I work hard and pay my taxes for a man in a control room to watch what we are all up to. We when my car was broken in to some time ago, where was you then?, probably gone for a piss or to make a cuppa.
I touched on Traffic Wardens being given a new title as Civil Enforcement Officers, Now this really does sound like something out of George Orwells 1984 novel. The word "Enforce" has totalitarian overtones.
Talk to any religious person, or anyone who believes in the Illuminati/NWO, they will say big things are going to happen in 2012, why does it have to happen in this particular year. It will only happen if society lets it. That is how all regimes come to power, because people let it happen, through complacency. Adolf Hitler only really rose to power because the economy of Germany was in ruins, the rule of the Kaiser was in tatters, they wanted someone who was going to lead them and make the nation great again, Hitler sold them his dream and they lapped it up. It is differant in Britain, because there is a centre point which allows them to gain power. Thats why The BNP would never get in, they would have to move that far to the centre to make them electable that their ideals would lose there meaning.
Some people are greedy, and it amuses me that in the 1980s, the Americans and British to a degrees funded a Guerilla Militia lead by a man called Osama Bin Laden, to fight Communist Russia in Afganistan, because it suited them, the fight was against communism. Like wise we helped Iraq during the 1980's by providing them with weapons. Iraq invaded Kuwait, which had a large amount of oil fields so Bush and Thatcher had to intervene, By coincidence the Bush family seem to have shares in lots of oil companies, hmmmmmmm.
So Bin Laden turns on the Americans once the russian threat was over, which lead to the attack on the world trade centre,( there have been claims that this was an inside job, but the jury is still out as far as i'm concerned), and the pentagon. These were true attrocities, lots of lives lost all in the name of a distorted idealology. The knock on effect was the invasion of Iraq, by Bush junior, and guess what, he and half of his cronies were shareholders in lots of oil companies. Both conflicts have cost lots of lives, with war crimes on both sides, some have been exposed on a whistle blower site.
Again things have happen because we have let them happen, been duped into it by a war monger. As far as I am concerned the four biggest causes of conflict in the world are Religion, Money, politics and power. well all four have been involved so far. I do have alot of wealth, I am not religious, I detest politicians, and as an individual I have little power, but do you know what I am free with my ideas and thoughts, I like people disagreeing with me, and arguing their point, after all this is what many individuals have been sent to theirs deaths to fight for, I dont want that jeopardising, I pay my taxes, I work hard, so if I want to call the government a bunch of wankers then I am within my rights to do so.
Rant over, time to get back to X factor, and other programmes we watch because there is nothing better to do. I prefer to meet my friends and go to the pub. One last thing though, I do feel the people who go on some sites to spread the message of conspiracy theories are only helping to spread the hysteria, so David Icke, Alex Jones et al, you may be helping those you want to expose indirectly. We should all live life and stop worrying about the after life, When I die and find out heaven may not exist then I will have been happy that I lived my life for me, not neccessarily doing the right things but the experiance will be there. Talk soon
Saturday, 23 October 2010
More travels for me, a bit more mileage on the clock
Well today, I have been to Bicester Village, which is basically a posh open air shopping arcade full of posh sound designer boutiques sell over priced goods for the Porsche Cayenne driving OK YA brigade. Well to buy half the goods you have to re-mortgage the house, anyway, I thought bollocks to this and caught the bus in to Oxford.
Well took lots of pictures which will appear on my fotopic site indue cause, As I write this I am sat watching Micheal Mcintyre and thinking what a twat. Well he is ok in small doses, but I think the Ego is way up there in the clouds, narrowly missing a spy plane and the mir space station. Still people like him and the masses count. I suppose as I keep saying I am not a Lemming.
Walking round the Shopping village today reminded me of the Zombie movie which is set in a shopping centre. Well all the people wandering round aimlessly from one shop to the next could well have been zombies. Slaves to consumerism, dont get me started. To get some food involved queuing up for ages in Pret a Manger or Starbucks to pay a fiver for a sandwich and a cup of coffee,(well I had a coach drivers voucher so didnt have to pay), and in the process I had people pushing in front, I stood there thinking what is the rush, when is the rapture happening, why is there a panic. Anyway the Scania behaved again, which is good.
So I have busy day tomorrow lets see what that brings. anyway talk soon.
Well took lots of pictures which will appear on my fotopic site indue cause, As I write this I am sat watching Micheal Mcintyre and thinking what a twat. Well he is ok in small doses, but I think the Ego is way up there in the clouds, narrowly missing a spy plane and the mir space station. Still people like him and the masses count. I suppose as I keep saying I am not a Lemming.
Walking round the Shopping village today reminded me of the Zombie movie which is set in a shopping centre. Well all the people wandering round aimlessly from one shop to the next could well have been zombies. Slaves to consumerism, dont get me started. To get some food involved queuing up for ages in Pret a Manger or Starbucks to pay a fiver for a sandwich and a cup of coffee,(well I had a coach drivers voucher so didnt have to pay), and in the process I had people pushing in front, I stood there thinking what is the rush, when is the rapture happening, why is there a panic. Anyway the Scania behaved again, which is good.
So I have busy day tomorrow lets see what that brings. anyway talk soon.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
21st and 22nd October 2010
Well She moved today, and very hope in her new home, the move went very smooth. Who am I on about? you may wonder. I'm on about the Leopard. The interior has been swept out, and the seats treated with Febreeze, Carribean Paradise, so it smells like coconut. It now lives in a shed with 8 other buses, with another Barton classic parked in front. Thanks to Simon, Phil, Dougie and Ian for their help.
So bus matters to one side, what else has happened in my rather strange little world I hear you ask? Well not alot really, The schools have been off in Leicestershire so no school runs, although I did a Nottinghamshire school that crosses the border in to Leicestershire, and I found it a pleasant change. Next week I am learning some more runs, so all good. I'm off to Bicester tomorrow in the Scania, so what I am thinking is once parked up, I will catch a bus in to Oxford and do a bit of photography. Not sure what I'm doing sunday, but might have a day off buses.
Well the problems are still occuring in France, well they know how to have a riot, and the country is just getting to grips with the cuts, some people have dubbed it Thatcher Mk2, one thing is for sure, I dont think things will improve, but that what you get, when the governments since WW2 are living beyond their means. For the record I dont support any political party and I hold them all with the same level of contempt, as they are all good at buggering things up
One interesting bit of news I picked up on radio 4, was that Califonia is having a voted on the legal cultivation of marijuana, now this is interesting, and got me thinking it was legalised then lots of problems would be solved. I dont smoke at all, so I would not affect me, but it does seem peacefully yet illegal, Alcohol, is perfectly legal, but has negative affects when used to excess. Alot of the night time violence is usually alcohol related so draw your own conclusions. anyway nuff said. See you all soon.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Wednesday August the 20th
Captains log, Start date....... Sorry been watching a bit too much Startrek recently. Well the motion picture, which is about the same age as me, As is Halloween and Alien. Well I have decided to go and watch Saw 3D, the idea of images of chainsaws and powertools coming at you rather amuses me. It also amuses me that shops are really taking to the Halloween marketing. Cadburys have joined in by reworking the Creme egg, by having the middle snot green, and calling them screme eggs.
Anyway, I have a short day at work tomorrow, followed by a visit to see Philippa. Friday will involve the Leopard moving inside to dry out, before work commences in ernest. The prospect of working outside on the vehicle, lost its appeal sometime ago, and this coincided with the fact work became very busy, to the point that on my days off, I just wanted to chill out and meet my mates, I also didnt want to see a bus on days off. A few issues have come to light, such as it leaks like a cullinder, but show me a Plaxton Elite that doesnt.
Off to the other, great University city this week, as I will be going to Oxford, well Bicester, but I think I will be catching the bus in to Oxford, My companion,(ie the camera), will be going with me. Its been a while since I last paid a visit. Well there are some buses and liveries on my shopping list. namely Thames travel.
Well the weather today has been chilly, and has matched the feeling of the mini budget, I'm sure George Osbourne has been busy sharpening his axe. Well I suppose it will all be out in the wash tomorrow. As long as they dont interfere with my job. We will see. so there we have it, another day over. Bye for now.
Anyway, I have a short day at work tomorrow, followed by a visit to see Philippa. Friday will involve the Leopard moving inside to dry out, before work commences in ernest. The prospect of working outside on the vehicle, lost its appeal sometime ago, and this coincided with the fact work became very busy, to the point that on my days off, I just wanted to chill out and meet my mates, I also didnt want to see a bus on days off. A few issues have come to light, such as it leaks like a cullinder, but show me a Plaxton Elite that doesnt.
Off to the other, great University city this week, as I will be going to Oxford, well Bicester, but I think I will be catching the bus in to Oxford, My companion,(ie the camera), will be going with me. Its been a while since I last paid a visit. Well there are some buses and liveries on my shopping list. namely Thames travel.
Well the weather today has been chilly, and has matched the feeling of the mini budget, I'm sure George Osbourne has been busy sharpening his axe. Well I suppose it will all be out in the wash tomorrow. As long as they dont interfere with my job. We will see. so there we have it, another day over. Bye for now.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Today, as in 19th October 2010
It has been an interesting day today, I did a bit to the Leopard in preparation for its move inside. the inside was cleared off and the fitting and seat cushions were put into the container. I've had a few days off work, due to The Grammer school having half term and the Leicestershire schools being off school. I got news today that the bus war between, Wellglade is going to get tasty, its a case of watch this space.
Well it is D-day for lots of government departments and council workers, as the axe is likely to swing, meaning more out of work. It looks like lots of things are catching up with the Nation. We cant blame the previous administration for the problems. No we blame all administrations going back to world war 2. Although in the late 1940's alot of the industries were Nationalised, and probably done for the right reasons. However industries such as the railways, or in particular the infrastructure suffered underinvestment for many years. This resulted in some terrible rail disasters, such as Hemel Hempstead, and Ladbrooke Grove. As a result Network rail had to ugrade lots of miles track.
On a last note I got news today that my former employer had been to court and received a large fine. As is expected I received lots of messages on facebook, plus several telephone calls. I think it is time to move on. It might be time to write my blog I have been going to do for a while. I am letting the dust settle first. I want to find out more info first. So hopefully ends a bad year. with any luck positive things will happen. It is hard to think it is nearly a year since I was driving the school swim run on the fateful day that Bellamys was swooped, it has been a rollercoaster since.
Well it is D-day for lots of government departments and council workers, as the axe is likely to swing, meaning more out of work. It looks like lots of things are catching up with the Nation. We cant blame the previous administration for the problems. No we blame all administrations going back to world war 2. Although in the late 1940's alot of the industries were Nationalised, and probably done for the right reasons. However industries such as the railways, or in particular the infrastructure suffered underinvestment for many years. This resulted in some terrible rail disasters, such as Hemel Hempstead, and Ladbrooke Grove. As a result Network rail had to ugrade lots of miles track.
On a last note I got news today that my former employer had been to court and received a large fine. As is expected I received lots of messages on facebook, plus several telephone calls. I think it is time to move on. It might be time to write my blog I have been going to do for a while. I am letting the dust settle first. I want to find out more info first. So hopefully ends a bad year. with any luck positive things will happen. It is hard to think it is nearly a year since I was driving the school swim run on the fateful day that Bellamys was swooped, it has been a rollercoaster since.
The thoughts of a Generation.
Ok, lets consider a particular generation of people, born in the late 1970's. We are not necessarily the Starwars generation, but it did have a huge influence on our lives.
So what have we seen in that time? Lets look at me, just for a second, I was born in September 1977, in the aftermath of Elvis Pressley's death, infact his very last song was at number, the best selling cars of the time were the Ford Cortina. Technology wise a computer, filled a room and had lots of tape reels to record the information. Ipods the internet and Facebook were not even thought of. Infact the Internet probably did exist, but it was for military computers to communicate.
So what did we see over the years, well the down fall of a government, and a new one coming in. Thatcher came to power during this time, and Britain was getting over action by the unions, The winter of discontent. The country was in a mess, not necessarily caused by the previous government, but they were on the receiving end of a lot of the unrest.
During these early days, Computer games have come a long way, from 2 sticks playing tennis, to the Hitech games of today.
Music has really developed during this period, and our generation has seen many differant genres, from the Disco of the late 70's through to new wave and cheese from the 1980's, which came out of Stock Aitken and Waterman factory of music.
We started off with 3 tv channels in the late 1970's, now we have literally hundreads to choose from. I can remember Channel 4's start up, with the introduction to the world of the Tube and Brookside. Feel free to comment, our generation was born in the 1970's, went to school in the 1980's and entered the real world in the 1990's. Many of our generation have had children who are well in to their schooling, We are not exactly young, but we are not old. we are the 30 somethings, Maybe we are the Britpop generation, the children of Thatcher. We are the ones who will pay for the babyboomers to play. Who knows.
All I can say on the matter is The changes I have seen in my lifetime so far have been amazing. To witness the collaspe of commuinsm, the reunification of Germany, the Liberation of east Europe from Soviet rule. The end of the cold war, which had the threat of mutually assured destruction. This has been a time for joy and a time for tears, as we have had the 1990's wars in the Balkans where atrocities were committed. Just hope future generations will learn the lessons.
We have seen atrocities committed in our own country, where several individuals blew them selfs up all in the name of a distorted idealology, which started off by the destruction of the world trade centre in New York.
in this period the world has shrunk, with Globalisation of commerce. so lets see what will happen in the next 30plus years, and just think we will all be nearing retirement, then we can moan and cause havoc. Heres to the future.
So what have we seen in that time? Lets look at me, just for a second, I was born in September 1977, in the aftermath of Elvis Pressley's death, infact his very last song was at number, the best selling cars of the time were the Ford Cortina. Technology wise a computer, filled a room and had lots of tape reels to record the information. Ipods the internet and Facebook were not even thought of. Infact the Internet probably did exist, but it was for military computers to communicate.
So what did we see over the years, well the down fall of a government, and a new one coming in. Thatcher came to power during this time, and Britain was getting over action by the unions, The winter of discontent. The country was in a mess, not necessarily caused by the previous government, but they were on the receiving end of a lot of the unrest.
During these early days, Computer games have come a long way, from 2 sticks playing tennis, to the Hitech games of today.
Music has really developed during this period, and our generation has seen many differant genres, from the Disco of the late 70's through to new wave and cheese from the 1980's, which came out of Stock Aitken and Waterman factory of music.
We started off with 3 tv channels in the late 1970's, now we have literally hundreads to choose from. I can remember Channel 4's start up, with the introduction to the world of the Tube and Brookside. Feel free to comment, our generation was born in the 1970's, went to school in the 1980's and entered the real world in the 1990's. Many of our generation have had children who are well in to their schooling, We are not exactly young, but we are not old. we are the 30 somethings, Maybe we are the Britpop generation, the children of Thatcher. We are the ones who will pay for the babyboomers to play. Who knows.
All I can say on the matter is The changes I have seen in my lifetime so far have been amazing. To witness the collaspe of commuinsm, the reunification of Germany, the Liberation of east Europe from Soviet rule. The end of the cold war, which had the threat of mutually assured destruction. This has been a time for joy and a time for tears, as we have had the 1990's wars in the Balkans where atrocities were committed. Just hope future generations will learn the lessons.
We have seen atrocities committed in our own country, where several individuals blew them selfs up all in the name of a distorted idealology, which started off by the destruction of the world trade centre in New York.
in this period the world has shrunk, with Globalisation of commerce. so lets see what will happen in the next 30plus years, and just think we will all be nearing retirement, then we can moan and cause havoc. Heres to the future.
Monday, 18 October 2010
The Nottingham Bus War
Pictured here are the three buses involved, There is Trent-Barton who run the green buses, the Optare Solo is in the Premiere Travel fleet, who is competing along the corridor with the Red 2 service, and Finally The red Dennis Dart, belongs to Wellglade subsiduary Midland General, and runs under the Bargain bus branding, run at 50p a ride. The cheapest this corridor has been in atleast 20 years I think.
So the story is Trent Barton had served the route for many years providing a quality service.
Enter Premiere travel who was established in 2002 as a Small contract operator. in 2007 they entered the local service market under the localbus branding, gaining lots of shopper routes previously served by Wellglade company Notts and Derby. Within a year they were competing with Wellglade on the Nottingham -Bingham corridor.
In October 2010, they launched the Cotgrave route again competing with Wellglade, and are due to launch the Red 4 in November 2010, again competing with Wellglade on the Nottingham Sandiacre corridor. So there you have it. Things are hotting up and getting very tasty indeed, dont know who the real winners of the war will be, but there will be some casualties.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
My relaxing sunday a day to be Sloth like
Do you know what I did today? bugger all, I had a relaxing day, which started off by listening to radio 4, well my mum likes listening to the Archers omnibus on sunday morning, Broadcasting House preceeded that, but morning worship was on first thing in the morning.
One bit of news is that our chancellor, George Osbourne, who in my mind is a typical young tory, and a former public school boy who has never experienced real life, announced that he was clamping down on benefit cheats, those who have read my facebook status today will know my exact opinion. I know for a fact all those thieving bastards who have all the bling, turn up in flash motors and give the attitude will get left alone, whilst the poor person who has just lost their job or the single mother trying to look after her children, will be targeted. I remember back to my brief time out of work, I actually hated it. The whole process made me feel low and useless, all i wanted was to find a job, anything to get me off the dole. I eventually ended up on New deal. To get out of the system I saved hard, signed off and went to France for a month. I managed to gain employment shortly after my return to this country. The more this government gets in to the term, the more i wish someone would do a guy Fawkes. The people who need sorting out will continue to play the system. The real problem that needs sorting are the fat cat bankers, but as the majority of them are Osbournes mates they will be left alone.
I have been out in the car today, but to be honest I have had a bus free day, well we need to sometimes. As much as I enjoy the job, and hobbies. Tomorrow I am going to get up to date with the impending bus war between the wellglade group and Premiere Travel. More news to follow. So there you have it. Catch you later.
One bit of news is that our chancellor, George Osbourne, who in my mind is a typical young tory, and a former public school boy who has never experienced real life, announced that he was clamping down on benefit cheats, those who have read my facebook status today will know my exact opinion. I know for a fact all those thieving bastards who have all the bling, turn up in flash motors and give the attitude will get left alone, whilst the poor person who has just lost their job or the single mother trying to look after her children, will be targeted. I remember back to my brief time out of work, I actually hated it. The whole process made me feel low and useless, all i wanted was to find a job, anything to get me off the dole. I eventually ended up on New deal. To get out of the system I saved hard, signed off and went to France for a month. I managed to gain employment shortly after my return to this country. The more this government gets in to the term, the more i wish someone would do a guy Fawkes. The people who need sorting out will continue to play the system. The real problem that needs sorting are the fat cat bankers, but as the majority of them are Osbournes mates they will be left alone.
I have been out in the car today, but to be honest I have had a bus free day, well we need to sometimes. As much as I enjoy the job, and hobbies. Tomorrow I am going to get up to date with the impending bus war between the wellglade group and Premiere Travel. More news to follow. So there you have it. Catch you later.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
My day trip to Cambridge plus other things that have come to my attention
Hello again, I have just got back from my day trip to cambridge the coach behaved impeccably, the passengers were nice, it was a group of Chinese students from Loughborough University. Anyway after droping them off I parked the coach up and got on the service bus in to the city centre. I have done many journeys into the town but never got chance to have a walk round the town. I find as a coach driver it is a useful thing to do. You learn about the place.
My camera as always accompanied me, on my journey to record the local bus scene plus any other pictures that come to mind. Well you have heard my opinion of people who try to stop you taking pictures, well since that day the camera comes out even more, my way of sticking 2 fingers up to the thought police.
It made me laugh, watching the traffic warden walking round booking cars, obviously getting pleasure from nicking people for parking there pride and joy in the wrong place. Now have you noticed that traffic Wardens are now called Civil Enforcement Officers, what a totaliterian terminology. You might as well stick a red band with a swastikka round their arm and have them goose stepping down the street. What are things coming too. I remember that scene from Threads,(the 1984 docudrama about a nuclear attack on Sheffield), with a traffic warden holding a machine gun and fending off looters. Yes we watched this at school as part of our studies.
It had been 10 years since I last photographed a bus in Cambridge. Lots of water has passed under the bridge in that time. I got up to date with the scene and thats about it.
Well it is riots and strikes in France, and I heard that the students have got involved so the government are screwed. sounds like Britain in the 1970's when the workers went on stike at the stupidest of things, such as the toilet paper not being soft enough, the teabags not made by typhoo and so on. The government have announced their latest round of cuts, that affect the military. Education is being spared cuts, but everything else is being fleeced by the hoorah henries. Most Governments over the last 60 odd years have been shit, if we are all honest. They have all wanked up the economy in some way. mind you they did have the war debt round their necks. So their you have it, my day in Cambridge. Talk soon.
My camera as always accompanied me, on my journey to record the local bus scene plus any other pictures that come to mind. Well you have heard my opinion of people who try to stop you taking pictures, well since that day the camera comes out even more, my way of sticking 2 fingers up to the thought police.
It made me laugh, watching the traffic warden walking round booking cars, obviously getting pleasure from nicking people for parking there pride and joy in the wrong place. Now have you noticed that traffic Wardens are now called Civil Enforcement Officers, what a totaliterian terminology. You might as well stick a red band with a swastikka round their arm and have them goose stepping down the street. What are things coming too. I remember that scene from Threads,(the 1984 docudrama about a nuclear attack on Sheffield), with a traffic warden holding a machine gun and fending off looters. Yes we watched this at school as part of our studies.
It had been 10 years since I last photographed a bus in Cambridge. Lots of water has passed under the bridge in that time. I got up to date with the scene and thats about it.
Well it is riots and strikes in France, and I heard that the students have got involved so the government are screwed. sounds like Britain in the 1970's when the workers went on stike at the stupidest of things, such as the toilet paper not being soft enough, the teabags not made by typhoo and so on. The government have announced their latest round of cuts, that affect the military. Education is being spared cuts, but everything else is being fleeced by the hoorah henries. Most Governments over the last 60 odd years have been shit, if we are all honest. They have all wanked up the economy in some way. mind you they did have the war debt round their necks. So their you have it, my day in Cambridge. Talk soon.
Friday, 15 October 2010
The day I achieved a goal in life.
I'm going to go down memory lane for tonights posting, I am going to tell you about the passing of my PCV licence and the adventures that followed. It seems a very long time ago, but in reality only 7 years ago.
Those that know me will vouch that I am always had an interest, well passion, sod it lets push the boat out and call it an obscession, with buses and coaches, going back to the days when I was a small kid, running round the school playground pretending to be Bartons bus. My interest in these days was an awareness of different types of buses. This developed from an earlier interest in motor vehicles in general. anyway I digress.
This interest stayed with all through my school days, in to my college days and eventually helped me start my career. It led me to buying shares in several classic buses, but that is another story for another time, after the therapy, no only joking.
Anyway, I had switched employers to commence driver training and on my first proper days training I was taken out in a single deck service bus. I took to it like duck to water, going through the semi automatic gearbox. We were swopping buses over, as Bellamy's operated out of 2 depots, some buses were parked up in Bestwood. The coach we took back was VJI which was a gearbox coach. They wanted to see if I was good enough to put straight to class 1 licence. After a few fluffed gear changes I got used to the coach and the gearbox.
It was decided to put me through for stickbox licence. After a few weeks I was put through for test, after passing my theory test and the then new Hazard perception exam. So adrenaline was flowing on this first day. However I failed the test. Infact I was to have 5 goes at the test.
My penultimate test was comical, I had a gentleman called Ian Wright, who was strict but fair. I went forward to doing the reversing exercise, and disaster stuck I clipped a cone. I let out a load of expletives as I had been building myself up and was getting very frustrated. I had spent the night worrying about the test which is not a good thing to do. Ian Wright came to the front of the coach and said"judging by the language coming from the cab area, you know you have already failed, we can do two things either park up, or we will go for a drive under test conditions and I will tell you where you are going wrong". He was well aware that I wanted the licence so much, and I suspect he secretly wanted me to pass. We did the test and had a chat about my failings, which really was down to nerves, rather than incompetance.
My fifth atempt came. I had been ordered to not think about buses, I had gone to the pub, with my dad and brother. I was also given some Kalms which I took before I went to bed, I actually had a good nights sleep that night. Anyway the next morning dawned. We arrived at Watnall test station, the test commenced and you've guessed it I passed. when we got back to Watnall the examiner told me I was successful and I felt like the kid who wanted the trainset and also got the scalextric. We got back, Robert drove the coach back. Once back at the yard, I was allocated my bus for the afternoon, and I was driving a load of kids from the American adventure to Bramcote Hills school. To say it was nerve racking is an understatment. It dawned to me when I looked up in the mirror and saw lots of faces looking back, well that how it seemed. Luckily Robert was with me. Saw I passed the test in the morning and did my first job in the afternoon, what a day.
It was the following day I did my first journey alone, which happened to be a school run, and the the very last journey of the school year, talk about deepend learning, By the end of the week i was doing my first long distance job, a journey from Sheffield to the Global gathering event at Long Marsden. A week later I was Going to Knebworth for the famous concert with Robbie Williams. Since those days I have travelled many miles and travelled all over the country. There are many repeatable tales and many unrepeatable ones too. So there you go the story of a special day in my life. More from your non conformist friend very soon
Those that know me will vouch that I am always had an interest, well passion, sod it lets push the boat out and call it an obscession, with buses and coaches, going back to the days when I was a small kid, running round the school playground pretending to be Bartons bus. My interest in these days was an awareness of different types of buses. This developed from an earlier interest in motor vehicles in general. anyway I digress.
This interest stayed with all through my school days, in to my college days and eventually helped me start my career. It led me to buying shares in several classic buses, but that is another story for another time, after the therapy, no only joking.
Anyway, I had switched employers to commence driver training and on my first proper days training I was taken out in a single deck service bus. I took to it like duck to water, going through the semi automatic gearbox. We were swopping buses over, as Bellamy's operated out of 2 depots, some buses were parked up in Bestwood. The coach we took back was VJI which was a gearbox coach. They wanted to see if I was good enough to put straight to class 1 licence. After a few fluffed gear changes I got used to the coach and the gearbox.
It was decided to put me through for stickbox licence. After a few weeks I was put through for test, after passing my theory test and the then new Hazard perception exam. So adrenaline was flowing on this first day. However I failed the test. Infact I was to have 5 goes at the test.
My penultimate test was comical, I had a gentleman called Ian Wright, who was strict but fair. I went forward to doing the reversing exercise, and disaster stuck I clipped a cone. I let out a load of expletives as I had been building myself up and was getting very frustrated. I had spent the night worrying about the test which is not a good thing to do. Ian Wright came to the front of the coach and said"judging by the language coming from the cab area, you know you have already failed, we can do two things either park up, or we will go for a drive under test conditions and I will tell you where you are going wrong". He was well aware that I wanted the licence so much, and I suspect he secretly wanted me to pass. We did the test and had a chat about my failings, which really was down to nerves, rather than incompetance.
My fifth atempt came. I had been ordered to not think about buses, I had gone to the pub, with my dad and brother. I was also given some Kalms which I took before I went to bed, I actually had a good nights sleep that night. Anyway the next morning dawned. We arrived at Watnall test station, the test commenced and you've guessed it I passed. when we got back to Watnall the examiner told me I was successful and I felt like the kid who wanted the trainset and also got the scalextric. We got back, Robert drove the coach back. Once back at the yard, I was allocated my bus for the afternoon, and I was driving a load of kids from the American adventure to Bramcote Hills school. To say it was nerve racking is an understatment. It dawned to me when I looked up in the mirror and saw lots of faces looking back, well that how it seemed. Luckily Robert was with me. Saw I passed the test in the morning and did my first job in the afternoon, what a day.
It was the following day I did my first journey alone, which happened to be a school run, and the the very last journey of the school year, talk about deepend learning, By the end of the week i was doing my first long distance job, a journey from Sheffield to the Global gathering event at Long Marsden. A week later I was Going to Knebworth for the famous concert with Robbie Williams. Since those days I have travelled many miles and travelled all over the country. There are many repeatable tales and many unrepeatable ones too. So there you go the story of a special day in my life. More from your non conformist friend very soon
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Thursday 14th October 2010
Well I awoke this morning to the last mining leaving his home of two months, the rescue mission was a success, and all are safe and well. I cant imagine what it must be like to be stuck in a hole half a mile underground. Today at work i have been out in the bus again this time on local runs, I'm rather looking forward to going to Cambridge on Saturday.
It looks like there are big things happening at the Great Central Railway and from a commercial point of view things are looking up. Exciting times indeed. So maybe the intercity link will be possible, with the Tram serving the Ruddington end. I like to take an interest in such developments.
Nothing else really to report, except that I have found out that Chatsworth are holding a photography competition, so I might enter a few pictures. I've been wanting to try my hand at wildlife photography, but like with railway photography I never quite get round to it. As I have said events have overtook me this year. Well the weather is definately turning cold, just hope we dont get the snow of early january/feb, as it was a bastard to drive in.
So it time to look at projects and yes I am convinced I am a real life Reggie Perrin. but I suppose we all feel that at times. Maybe its why I bought a bus several years ago, writing the book, Maybe it is the reason I have started to write this blog. I dont know?. Life is for living and I dont intend to be one of lifes lemmings. I am me and You,(the reader), are you. As I have said we are all unique, individual, spiritual, why suppress all ourselves. There is so much we can all do, so why let society dumb ourselves down.
It looks like there are big things happening at the Great Central Railway and from a commercial point of view things are looking up. Exciting times indeed. So maybe the intercity link will be possible, with the Tram serving the Ruddington end. I like to take an interest in such developments.
Nothing else really to report, except that I have found out that Chatsworth are holding a photography competition, so I might enter a few pictures. I've been wanting to try my hand at wildlife photography, but like with railway photography I never quite get round to it. As I have said events have overtook me this year. Well the weather is definately turning cold, just hope we dont get the snow of early january/feb, as it was a bastard to drive in.
So it time to look at projects and yes I am convinced I am a real life Reggie Perrin. but I suppose we all feel that at times. Maybe its why I bought a bus several years ago, writing the book, Maybe it is the reason I have started to write this blog. I dont know?. Life is for living and I dont intend to be one of lifes lemmings. I am me and You,(the reader), are you. As I have said we are all unique, individual, spiritual, why suppress all ourselves. There is so much we can all do, so why let society dumb ourselves down.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
My Adventures continue
Hello again, today 13th of October 2010 has been an eventful one. Across the world in Chilie, the rescue of the miners commenced in ernest. by the time I was up, which was 5am, 3 miners had been rescued, by the time I finished work, 16 had been rescued. It was joyous and moving to see the men reunited with loved ones friends and on lookers, I'm sure the men must have at one point wondered if they were ever to see the outside world again. happily the outcome will be a positive one. I'm sure these men will look at life differantly, the answer to which is enjoy everyday, and make the most of the time we are on this planet. Thats what I intend to do.
I drove a trip to Chatsworth House and the weather was absolutely gorgious. I took the camera as always and got some pictures in the gardens. well pictures taken during Autumn take on all those bold colours, in fact I will show you what I took today. My passengers were going to see the sculptures for their art project. I thought well rather than sit and twiddle my thumbs, I would have a look too.
Hope you like the pics. Forthcoming trips are to Cambridge, which is a place I have been to many times, but never found a convenient place to park so I could take in the sights, I always ended up in some layby, or on an industrial estate. I quite fancy a walk round so I think I need to ring the tourist information office. for the rest of the weekend It will be a chill out weekend, well I need to switch off sometimes.
In leicester very soon it will be Diwali and again I would like to go and experience this celebration. If we all kept an open mind then the world would be alot better place to live. We are all unique and divine and can acheive everything we want to if we allow ourselve to put our mind to it. I know I keep preaching it, but I believe in it. anyone see you soon.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Fleetline 50 and a new rant.
Hello once again, hope you like the pictures they were taken at Fleetline 50 which was held at Wythall Transport Museum. I have used my more artistic shots for the purpose of this blog. The other more standard shots are on the sister site, Calumbus's photographic adventures, which is on fotopic.
It turned out to be a good day out, with a good turn out, and a chance to catch up with old friends and make new friends.
One thing that did blemish the day was that friend of mine was verbally abused by so called enthusiasts because his filming happened to ruin their shot. Come on guys there is no room for this sort of thing, It is a hobby and your very actions are likely to put people off, or thats maybe what they want, so they can have a field of buses all to themselves. All I will say is there are others on this planet, grow up and get a life.
I have just been watching an interesting selection of videos, put on You tube by Charlie Veitch from the Love Police. I came across them while loading up my own videos from Fleetline 50. Dont worry, there are no drunken scenes of me doing silly things, I will save that for another occasion.
The videos showed these guys trying to do an interview in a public place, first of all they got
hassle from the security firm, then come along some CPO's. Then the City of London Police. Followed by some higher up who says that the property is owned by some global corporation. Yet all along they were being filmed by CCTV. So it is a case of one rule for us, and if you happen to be the government or a global corporation, then you can film what you like and who you like, all in the name of anti terrorism and security. Thing is I dont personally feel safer knowing that I am being observed on CCTV, nor does that poor old biddy. Big brother watches you, well yes he does.
From what I heard 17 people got arrested on saturday, and the community of Leicester had a peace vigil on the sunday afterwards. We all need to be tolerant to everyone, as this is a small over crowded planet we live on. In my opinion the biggest racists are among the various communities. Sikhs hate muslims, Blacks hate Asians etc etc. I have white friends who have been racially abused whilst doing their jobs, and when they complained they were told " No action can be taken as we dont want to be seen to be upsetting them",. What utter bollocks. To me the law applies to everyone, as it is an equal society. Rant over. Lets respect one another.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
My weekend
Hello again, well I have got back after a hectic weekend, which has involved a bus rally, lots of thoughts, a bingo run, plus lots of other things.
Well where do I begin? well saturday involved a lay in which to me is until half 7. I've always been an early riser. why spend a day off in bed, although I was working later in the day. As we all know events were unfolding in Leicester, parts of which were like a ghost town, I suppose the song Ghost town by the Specials would be a most appropriate song for the day. I did hear a couple of bus drivers were attacked in Leicester, which was not so good. As I went out on the Bingo run to pick the old girls up, I noticed a huge police presence at loughborough railway station. The EDL have the mentality of rentamob and the football hooligan factories, which seem to have be the origins. It also seems that the group is not predominantly white, as a Sikh member was interviewed. A few punch ups broke out and some smoke bombs were let off. The people who really suffer are the ordinary citizens of Leicester, no matter what their background is.
The Sunday involved a trip to the Fleetline fifty event, I think I will do a proper write up once the pictures are edited, I've loaded them from the camera and now they need editing and loading on my fotopic site, So they should be on in the next day or two. As I write this at around 10 PM on the Sunday night I am going to go to bed soon. But I am wondering were my weekend has gone?
Heres one to ponder, how often to do we allow ourselves to just stop and think what do I actually want out of life. To most of us life goes something like this, work, chil, sleep, work,chill,sleep,work,chill,sleep,work,chill,sleep, then comes friday, pretend to work, as you have your mind on chilling it large sleeping. Then the weekend comes, shopping, going out and buying those goods that we dont really need, but have to have as we will all feel left out, before going down the local pub, to watch the match, while some will stay in to watch programmes such as X factor, come dancing, lottery jetset. then vegging out on the sunday, thinking bloody hell I have to go back to work tomorrow, maybe watching the grand prix, followed by antiques roadshow, plus what ever else we happen to see on the telly. Does this sound familiar???
Well, what I have described the actions of human lemmings, we all need to work to live, and we all need to unwind and sleep and so on. We all buy the same goods, which we dont actually need, because it makes us feel good about ourselves, We all buy products and follow fashions because we want to fit in that world portrayed in those glossy mags, Such as Cosmopolitan or Esquire, we all read the same crap, in the newspapers, which are owned by global capitalists who seem hell bend on telling us what they want us all to know. How many of us allow ourselves time to sit down and say hang on a minute, as we chase our tails, in this 24hour media controlled world.
We are all individuals, with our own thoughts, personallities, values. beliefs. We can all achieve everything and anything in life if we put our minds. However very few people allow themselves to put their minds to it, because we are chasing our tails. think about that one. I'm going to bed to ponder that one, see you all soon
Well where do I begin? well saturday involved a lay in which to me is until half 7. I've always been an early riser. why spend a day off in bed, although I was working later in the day. As we all know events were unfolding in Leicester, parts of which were like a ghost town, I suppose the song Ghost town by the Specials would be a most appropriate song for the day. I did hear a couple of bus drivers were attacked in Leicester, which was not so good. As I went out on the Bingo run to pick the old girls up, I noticed a huge police presence at loughborough railway station. The EDL have the mentality of rentamob and the football hooligan factories, which seem to have be the origins. It also seems that the group is not predominantly white, as a Sikh member was interviewed. A few punch ups broke out and some smoke bombs were let off. The people who really suffer are the ordinary citizens of Leicester, no matter what their background is.
The Sunday involved a trip to the Fleetline fifty event, I think I will do a proper write up once the pictures are edited, I've loaded them from the camera and now they need editing and loading on my fotopic site, So they should be on in the next day or two. As I write this at around 10 PM on the Sunday night I am going to go to bed soon. But I am wondering were my weekend has gone?
Heres one to ponder, how often to do we allow ourselves to just stop and think what do I actually want out of life. To most of us life goes something like this, work, chil, sleep, work,chill,sleep,work,chill,sleep,work,chill,sleep, then comes friday, pretend to work, as you have your mind on chilling it large sleeping. Then the weekend comes, shopping, going out and buying those goods that we dont really need, but have to have as we will all feel left out, before going down the local pub, to watch the match, while some will stay in to watch programmes such as X factor, come dancing, lottery jetset. then vegging out on the sunday, thinking bloody hell I have to go back to work tomorrow, maybe watching the grand prix, followed by antiques roadshow, plus what ever else we happen to see on the telly. Does this sound familiar???
Well, what I have described the actions of human lemmings, we all need to work to live, and we all need to unwind and sleep and so on. We all buy the same goods, which we dont actually need, because it makes us feel good about ourselves, We all buy products and follow fashions because we want to fit in that world portrayed in those glossy mags, Such as Cosmopolitan or Esquire, we all read the same crap, in the newspapers, which are owned by global capitalists who seem hell bend on telling us what they want us all to know. How many of us allow ourselves time to sit down and say hang on a minute, as we chase our tails, in this 24hour media controlled world.
We are all individuals, with our own thoughts, personallities, values. beliefs. We can all achieve everything and anything in life if we put our minds. However very few people allow themselves to put their minds to it, because we are chasing our tails. think about that one. I'm going to bed to ponder that one, see you all soon
Saturday, 9 October 2010
The week in retrospect
It has been an interesting week, which began with the death of Norman Wisdom, its funny that I went to bed and happened to check Facebook on my phone and there were lots of comments about him, and well like lots of other instituations, like Thora Hird, the Queen Mother and Rod Hull, You think they will be there forever, but when they die, it comes as a real shock. I suppose there were a couple of television programmes that had the same effect were Grange Hill and top of the pops. I grew up with both of these programs, although it was many years since I followed Grange Hill, as it was for kids and the only adults who tune in on a regular basis would be paedophiles, I did think it was the end of an era when it was axed. Now lets look at top of the pops, now when I was at school, it was the highlight of the week. It was broadcast on thursday nights so would be the talking point of friday. When they moved its slot to fridays the viewing figures halved as the viewers would be out at the pub, or gone clubbing.
I was driving through leicester on my school run this week and overheard the kids talking about the EDL march and and the counter protest by the Unite against Facism. All very well and good, but the real people who suffer from this will be the residents, no matter what their background is. Friday morning at 7am was surreal, as you could feel the tension in the air as you drove through the city, quite alot of businesses were staying closed and boarding up the windows. False rumours were also circulating to spread fear and paranoia amongst the residents. Well we shall see what happens today and no doubt the media will report it.
I havent been to Nottingham to have a look at the buswar between Premiere and Wellglade, but when I get a spare day I will have a look.
So thats where I am, got a bus rally to go to tomorrow then back to work monday, but I must admit I am rather looking forward to the rally tomorrow.
One last rant before I go, During the last week I have noticed the increasing number of adverts for a certain event that happens on the 25th of December. So the build up for christmas gets earlier and earlier, with adverts saying buy this gift and buy that gift, spend spend spend!!!!!. It takes away the true meaning of christmas. So commercialism rules the day. A few years ago someone gave me the best christmas gift, and it didnt cost anything, well 10p which the cost of a text. They got back in touch after we lost touch. To me that is what Christmas is all about, not who gets the biggest gift.
I was driving through leicester on my school run this week and overheard the kids talking about the EDL march and and the counter protest by the Unite against Facism. All very well and good, but the real people who suffer from this will be the residents, no matter what their background is. Friday morning at 7am was surreal, as you could feel the tension in the air as you drove through the city, quite alot of businesses were staying closed and boarding up the windows. False rumours were also circulating to spread fear and paranoia amongst the residents. Well we shall see what happens today and no doubt the media will report it.
I havent been to Nottingham to have a look at the buswar between Premiere and Wellglade, but when I get a spare day I will have a look.
So thats where I am, got a bus rally to go to tomorrow then back to work monday, but I must admit I am rather looking forward to the rally tomorrow.
One last rant before I go, During the last week I have noticed the increasing number of adverts for a certain event that happens on the 25th of December. So the build up for christmas gets earlier and earlier, with adverts saying buy this gift and buy that gift, spend spend spend!!!!!. It takes away the true meaning of christmas. So commercialism rules the day. A few years ago someone gave me the best christmas gift, and it didnt cost anything, well 10p which the cost of a text. They got back in touch after we lost touch. To me that is what Christmas is all about, not who gets the biggest gift.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
The War begins
I've had lots of things on my mind today, Mind you It has made me busy working on my bus, I set to and cleaned it top to bottom, and just before I set off on my school stood back and admire the work, then I did the schools and then back to square one.
As I was driving I hear alsorts of topics of conversations, but some kids were talking about the forthcoming EDL march in Leicester. Now this is a very touchy subject, as I dont agree with the ideals of the EDL, but I am against extremism, no mater who is concerned. All I know is I am keeping away from the City. We are all entitled to live on this planet, which is over populated, and alot of damage has been done in the last 200 years. This planet is a very balanced entity, and as a race we have tipped that balance, Alot of these rich fat cats are well in to their 50's or older. they have forgotten that there are more generations to come, and they have put their own greed before the needs of the future generations. Yes I do fear for the next custodians of the planet as they deal with the aftermath of pollution.
So there are to be counter protests and I have just read somewhere, that someone has even been threatened with the sack for discussing this issue, Children are very inquisitive, and are generally concerned with the issues brought up. It is the thought police on the go again, who knows. well ingnorance is bliss, but when there is the likelyhood of trouble, then people need to be made aware.
Other wars and Skirmishes going on are the likely hood of a bus war starting in Leicester, involving First, Arriva and Thurmaston bus. More information to follow.
The other bus war involves TrentBarton and Premiere, Premiere have started to compete on routes out to Cotgrave, and Bingham, and very soon moving in to serve Sandiacre Stapleford competing against one of trentBartons busy Rainbow routes. TrentBarton are hitting back by introducing some Dennis Darts, with Bargainbus branding. interesting times me thinks. I will post some pictures to my Fotopic site soon.
Right I will sign off for now, no doubt I will post something when it comes in to my mind. Take care
As I was driving I hear alsorts of topics of conversations, but some kids were talking about the forthcoming EDL march in Leicester. Now this is a very touchy subject, as I dont agree with the ideals of the EDL, but I am against extremism, no mater who is concerned. All I know is I am keeping away from the City. We are all entitled to live on this planet, which is over populated, and alot of damage has been done in the last 200 years. This planet is a very balanced entity, and as a race we have tipped that balance, Alot of these rich fat cats are well in to their 50's or older. they have forgotten that there are more generations to come, and they have put their own greed before the needs of the future generations. Yes I do fear for the next custodians of the planet as they deal with the aftermath of pollution.
So there are to be counter protests and I have just read somewhere, that someone has even been threatened with the sack for discussing this issue, Children are very inquisitive, and are generally concerned with the issues brought up. It is the thought police on the go again, who knows. well ingnorance is bliss, but when there is the likelyhood of trouble, then people need to be made aware.
Other wars and Skirmishes going on are the likely hood of a bus war starting in Leicester, involving First, Arriva and Thurmaston bus. More information to follow.
The other bus war involves TrentBarton and Premiere, Premiere have started to compete on routes out to Cotgrave, and Bingham, and very soon moving in to serve Sandiacre Stapleford competing against one of trentBartons busy Rainbow routes. TrentBarton are hitting back by introducing some Dennis Darts, with Bargainbus branding. interesting times me thinks. I will post some pictures to my Fotopic site soon.
Right I will sign off for now, no doubt I will post something when it comes in to my mind. Take care
Monday, 4 October 2010
My next show Fleetline 50
Well the new week has begun, and one day has been done, four more to go.
My mind is looking forward to my next outing which will be Fleetline 50 at Wythall, I think the closing months will be positive for me, but we will see.
Today saw me, busy working on my bus, trying to get it back up to scratch, might do the windows on the outside, or the dashboard. Stay tuned and lets see how this week goes on.
I'm intending to get on with some work with the Leopard, but events of the previous months have again overtook me, I made plans a few months ago, to sort several projects, but they have all been sidelined, The Book has been shelved, and I will get back on to it, in the depths of winter. The website project has ground to a halt, but easily rectified. and the poor Leopard, well I have only managed a couple days, but at least it is secure, it was secure in the previous place but the danger was working on it then being called to work.
Other things that have happened, being the Vosa investigation of my previous employer, which should be heard in court very soon, it leaves a bitter taste, but its happened.
But I have moved on to pastures new, and enjoying things, it will soon be time to think of my future. I'm at that stage in life though, so my steps to awakening that giant within continue.
My mind is looking forward to my next outing which will be Fleetline 50 at Wythall, I think the closing months will be positive for me, but we will see.
Today saw me, busy working on my bus, trying to get it back up to scratch, might do the windows on the outside, or the dashboard. Stay tuned and lets see how this week goes on.
I'm intending to get on with some work with the Leopard, but events of the previous months have again overtook me, I made plans a few months ago, to sort several projects, but they have all been sidelined, The Book has been shelved, and I will get back on to it, in the depths of winter. The website project has ground to a halt, but easily rectified. and the poor Leopard, well I have only managed a couple days, but at least it is secure, it was secure in the previous place but the danger was working on it then being called to work.
Other things that have happened, being the Vosa investigation of my previous employer, which should be heard in court very soon, it leaves a bitter taste, but its happened.
But I have moved on to pastures new, and enjoying things, it will soon be time to think of my future. I'm at that stage in life though, so my steps to awakening that giant within continue.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
More bollocks in the papers
Well as I said in my last blog, I was having a quiet weekend as I was off for the weekend. Well it has been a fullfilling one.
It started off, by a visit to the yard where my bus is kept, I paid a visit to the cafe where there was a copy of the daily mail, which had it usual scare mongering headlines, designed to have middle class people near retirement to worry unnecessarily. Well the said paper did support Nazi Germany during world war 2.
The head line was along the lines of the government introducing new meassures, making working place banter more immpossible. I thought here we go again.
Basically it said that if someone over heard a rascist joke which did not affect that person directly then they could still sue the person. I thought what a load of shit. It then went on to go in to laws affecting employees information where they can tell people their confidential information, and so on.
So more paranoia from the Daily Mail. If someone blew up the building where this paper is published then it would do us all a favour. Infact take out the other tabloid rags too then we can all get with our lives..
I was out the my camera again on saturday, amongst the football crowds and guess what, I didnt have any hassle, despite police presance.
To have a look at my results, please see my fotopic site. The bus industry looks like it will be getting interesting soon as a bus war is likely to start very soon, but that is a blog in itself.
right off to bed now so take care, and dont let the press, or anyone really tell you what is ok and what is not. just tell them to sod off, and live life for you.
It started off, by a visit to the yard where my bus is kept, I paid a visit to the cafe where there was a copy of the daily mail, which had it usual scare mongering headlines, designed to have middle class people near retirement to worry unnecessarily. Well the said paper did support Nazi Germany during world war 2.
The head line was along the lines of the government introducing new meassures, making working place banter more immpossible. I thought here we go again.
Basically it said that if someone over heard a rascist joke which did not affect that person directly then they could still sue the person. I thought what a load of shit. It then went on to go in to laws affecting employees information where they can tell people their confidential information, and so on.
So more paranoia from the Daily Mail. If someone blew up the building where this paper is published then it would do us all a favour. Infact take out the other tabloid rags too then we can all get with our lives..
I was out the my camera again on saturday, amongst the football crowds and guess what, I didnt have any hassle, despite police presance.
To have a look at my results, please see my fotopic site. The bus industry looks like it will be getting interesting soon as a bus war is likely to start very soon, but that is a blog in itself.
right off to bed now so take care, and dont let the press, or anyone really tell you what is ok and what is not. just tell them to sod off, and live life for you.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Having a quiet weekend me thinks
Well after the excitement of last weekend and the busy week I have had, I am going to have a quiet weekend, well there are no bus rallies as such, plus I just want to chill out, and spend time with friends and catch up. We all need to some times.
We all have times when we need to switch off and recharge, and my way of doing this is to meet up with friends or just go for a wonder with the camera. (thats when I dont have busy bodies telling me i can not take pictures, I say one thing to them and it starts with GO AND!!!),.
So I've had several trips to the Royal armouries in Leeds, plus a trip to Warwick Castle. I must admit that the kids made me smile, when they saw that the transport was to be a double decker. I think it made their day.
Someone once said to me "why dont you work for City Transport?" but it is not my scene, I like day trips. It gives me a challenge.
So I'm going to sign off and think of how I'm going to spend my time this weekend. No doubt you will hear about what I get up to.
We all have times when we need to switch off and recharge, and my way of doing this is to meet up with friends or just go for a wonder with the camera. (thats when I dont have busy bodies telling me i can not take pictures, I say one thing to them and it starts with GO AND!!!),.
So I've had several trips to the Royal armouries in Leeds, plus a trip to Warwick Castle. I must admit that the kids made me smile, when they saw that the transport was to be a double decker. I think it made their day.
Someone once said to me "why dont you work for City Transport?" but it is not my scene, I like day trips. It gives me a challenge.
So I'm going to sign off and think of how I'm going to spend my time this weekend. No doubt you will hear about what I get up to.
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