tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83064822024-03-14T05:53:02.373+00:00Any which way but home...These are the stories of a Dutch engineer, exploring strange new countries, to seek out new life and civilisations, to boldly go where...well...many others probably have gone before...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-37959032333742310862009-08-17T12:37:00.002+01:002009-08-17T12:57:45.694+01:00Haynes motor museumWhen I had my b'day (magical age of 35... 50% of my expected lifespan gone!), my dad was visiting me in P'head. We decided to go to the Haynes Motor museum. I'd never been there, and he certainly hasn't seen it either. It's near the Air Fleet Arms Museum in Yeovilton (also a very impressive museum). I decided to play with my phone, running google maps as satnav whilst going there. Due to sunshine, the glare pretty much obscured my view of the display, so on the way up there, I had to pull over to double check the route. as it turned out we were still on route, so we continued. It took us about an hour to get there going via Street. On teh way back I had it calculate a route again, but this time it chose another route for some reason. It took us over one way dirt roads in the middle of nowhere!!! It took us quite a bit longer to get to the motorway, where there was another performance of the most popular activity "old-english queueing on the motorway". And like with every damn queue in thsi country, it was caused by nothing. That' sright, nothing at all. well, basically that means incompetency of drivers, who like hitting their brakes really hard, especially when it starts raining (seems like in the UK people get really scared to drive these days when they drive their ginormous 4x4 and a drizzle starts).<br />Anyway, the museum was quite interesting, though really quite limited when it comes to providing some explanations. It started off interesting with some of replicas of the very first combustion engine powered cars ever made, followed by "the red room", which was basically a hall with only red sports cars. Ferrari's lambo's, MG's, morgans, mazerati's, etc etc. They had a special exhibition for the mini.<br />All in all the collection was really very impressive indeed!<br />There was one downside I think. The museum was basically a couple of sheds filled with cars. There were some motorcycles, but there was no explanation of anything at all, except for the signs that identified the cars (including some history associated to them). there was no clear path that showed you how cars evolved, no explanations how a combustion engine works, or how gear boxes work. None of that at all, and to be honest, I think those are really quite essential for a decent museum.<br /><br />Of course I made some photos, so here are a couple:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksporry/3820802538/" title="_MG_7658 by ksporry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3820802538_08610f7ee5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="_MG_7658" /></a><br />1930's Cadillac powered by a V16 engine<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksporry/3820802302/" title="_MG_7667 by ksporry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/3820802302_929a5e76b6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="_MG_7667" /></a><br />Closeup of a Lincoln Zephyr<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksporry/3820802058/" title="_MG_7643 by ksporry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3820802058_53f8db350d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="_MG_7643" /></a><br />Closeup of morgan's bonnet (3-wheeled Morgan, can't remember the name of it...)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-73288426717650259322009-07-17T23:19:00.004+01:002009-07-17T23:53:57.052+01:00As life continues...Well, nothing bad, just doing one of my highly irregular updates.<br />Plenty stuff happening lately. Where do I begin?<br /><br />Been working on a second pond in my garden. Almost finished. Need to do some electrics but the weather turned from 35 degrees sunshine to 15 degrees rain, so bit stuffed.<br />Once done I'll post some piccies. It's not the only bit that's changing in my garden. Been planting some trees etc and well be dressing up the garden unit thing a bit more.<br /><br />Work's been busy, always busy. Still need to think hard about what the hell these guyus say when they talk to me. They speak english, but still I don't understand a word they say most of the time. Guess Airbsu made me too straight forward. Anyway, I'm changing projects monday. Gonna do some work on 787 (been working on Gulfstream for the passed year), of which everyone says I'll never get out of, but I made a deal with my manager that this would be just to fill the next week or two. I'm supposed to do some work on another project (of which I cannot get into details just yet), but that new project takes my fancy big time, especially as it may open up some doors for me...<br /><br />I'm also thinking about selling my Celica. Again? yes, no, yes, no, I know, yes, no... I mean, you know. I want something else as toy. The bird's been doing fine, but I was thinking going yankee style: hot rod! Well, though I could get a ford anglia or pop, I wa sthinking going more affordable: Beetle! Yes, there are beetle hot rods. Roof chops, lowerings, big bad rears, the lot. Seems quite popular. How about power? Well, replace the standard 1300 engine for a 2500 engine and we're in business! 200 whopping horsies under the hood, or in the case of a beetle, under the trunk! My welding skills are pretty non existend though so I might go convertible on that one.<br />For those who don't know hot rods, have a look at this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmD76yyTW1I/AAAAAAAAACU/59kCsgH0Bsg/s1600-h/Ford_32_hot_rod_hi_boy_by_StkZ613.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmD76yyTW1I/AAAAAAAAACU/59kCsgH0Bsg/s320/Ford_32_hot_rod_hi_boy_by_StkZ613.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359560544054631250" /></a><br /><br />and this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmD8DjSPxII/AAAAAAAAACc/uLntvnfCPcc/s1600-h/hrdp_0903_13_z%2B2008_hunnert_car_pileup%2Bhot_rod.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmD8DjSPxII/AAAAAAAAACc/uLntvnfCPcc/s320/hrdp_0903_13_z%2B2008_hunnert_car_pileup%2Bhot_rod.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359560694512469122" /></a><br /><br />Yep, quite radical.<br /><br />Dad's coming next week to give me gifts heheh. Mostly will be life stock from the good 'ol N of L (=NL=Netherlands=Holland for those brain farts out there that can barely read...)<br /><br />Well, Swine flu is supposed to have hit the 50k people in the UK. Guess I'll be safe though, because unlike my brother I'm not a pig. I've been accused of being a big fat cat though, and a silly rabbit. And even crazy dutchman! Since those don't fall under the term "human" or K-pork, I guess I should be safe. ANyway, with my blood consisting of Indonesian curry, alcohol, and other non-organic crap, I have no fear of infection.<br /><br />Read a book recently (actually I always read books). This one a friend from work lend me: Chicken run. An autobiography kind of book from a vietnam vet, chopper pilot. Good book, can recommend it. I was gonna make a point with this and I forgot<br />Oh, I remember! It contained a quote from some yank who's name I forgot. the quote was taken from Time magazine in '66 and in basic terms the guy said that America does not intend, nor plan to police the world now or in the future, ever. Well, guess that's one for the books...<br />Speaking of Vietnam, that's a place I'd love to visit some time. Like the Top gear guys: buy a 5 quid bike and drive from Ho Chi Minh city to Hanoi or Halong, but I'd do the 1000 mile trip actually by bike rather than by train like those whimps from top queer. <br />Speaking of hols, I'm going to Taiwan again, finally. Has been a while so am looking forward to that plenty much!<br /><br />Another thing related to that is camera stuff! I need a new lens. Want a short zoom range thingy. Got stupid and changed my 17-40 for a macro. Stu-pid! Now I don't have a wide angle. Asked some forums. One only gave responses "buy 24-105" which is a grand in GBP! So I went to another forum, and after explaining I do NOT want to hear "24-105" (In fact I specifically said I will NOT buy that lens, I have not got that money and do not want to even hear a hint towards that lens), guess what one brainfart said "forget anything else, you got a 5D so buy the 24-105". That idiot must be nuked. The fucker is such an illiterate moron, in fact I wonder why I still speak if him. he must die most horrid.<br />Some people actually answered my question though. They suggested 24-85 for that extra wide angle and to have a small light lens. Another option is the Tamron 28-75. Bit tight on the range, but optically superiour to that 24-85. Also heard about 28-105 which is similar to the 24-85, bt I heard optically its poor, so that must mean the 24-85 isn't brilliant either. Then I heard the 28-135 IS is also an option and should be better than the 24-85. Is it better than the 28-75 though?<br /><br />Jump topic just a little. Wnat to share another pic with u lot:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmEAxwe4XQI/AAAAAAAAACk/U4a5yhs8qQw/s1600-h/B%26W-Bridge-street.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/SmEAxwe4XQI/AAAAAAAAACk/U4a5yhs8qQw/s320/B%26W-Bridge-street.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359565886375615746" /></a><br /><br />Its a pic of one of the most picc'ed places in Bath: Bridge street. I gues sthe name says it all...<br /><br />I'll leave it with that for now. Time to sleep of the ethanol I absorbed earlier.<br />Nite!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-76081238570062609362009-04-30T18:51:00.003+01:002009-04-30T19:36:05.817+01:00Black day on Dutch Queen's dayToday was a black day for Holland.<br />Normally the 30th of April is a day of joy and celebration as we celebrate the coming of age of our beloved Queen.<br />Today that joyful day came to a bitter end when a 38 year old man drove his car straight through the crowd and fencing in an attempt to ram the bus containing the Dutch Royal family was driving passed.<br />At the time I am writing this, the casualties comprise 4 dead and 21 wounded, of which 7 critical.<br /><br />According to news reports the man (native dutch) was supposed to have been fired by the security agency he worked for, something rather unlikely as there is currently a shortage of security personnel in Holland. The man also recently received a letter from his landlord, informing him he would be evicted if he did not pay his rent by the 1st of May. Such letters are usually headed "In name of the Queen".<br />According to the same news reports, the man was not known with the police so didn't have a criminal record. He was also not intoxicated (stoned, high, drunk), nor did he seem not-sane. So currently people believe the man was well aware what he was doing, and seemed to have done so deliberately.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dDqtW4pBpcs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dDqtW4pBpcs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Personally I am shocked and disgusted by this tragic event! My thoughts go out to the families affected by this horrible day.<br />In Holland the Royal family is considered a symbol for all that is good, decent, and honourable. They are a true model for society, and generally they are loved by all.<br />Having killed 4 people deliberately and severely injured many others, the man deserves the most severe penalty in Holland (which is life imprisonment). Furthermore, since this is considered an attack on the Royal house, I hope they find a hidden law remaining from the last world war, that states any person attacking the royal house must be shot, as this man deserves nothing less!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-78925496452556098622009-03-25T21:11:00.002+00:002009-03-25T21:44:35.243+00:00StuffIt has been quite a while since the last time I wrote something here.<br />My work is keeping me rather busy. Last week was my 1st anniversary with GE. Nothing special of course, but it did give me some things to reflect on.<br />One of those things is that I'm still not used to the way people communicate where I work now. It seems less straight forward, so regularly I need top have lengthy discussions, and even arguments before we find out that actually we are on the same page. Having been there for a year now, it seems that is still happening.<br /><br />On the good side, we actually got a bonus this year! That's quite something since I haven't had any form of bonus for 5 years, despite exemplary performance prior to GE. I decided to use it to o somewhere far away again ^_^.<br />Actually, I also was planning to buy a new lens. Unfortunately car issues prevented me from doing so. My Nissan had a rubbing brake, and the garage established that the piston almost fell out of the caliper! Having damaged the brake disc, this meant replacing discs and pads on the front as well, on top of the brake caliper that needed to be replaced, totaling a bill of 330 GBP (I decided to do an oil change as well while I was at it, but at over 40GBP I won't be doing that again!).<br />Then I decided to start using my Celica again. Having been too lazy in selling it (and thank god for that because with my luck with cars I need at least one if not more backup cars!!!). In any case, it had been standing still for 5 months or so, so had to jump start it. Then I wanted to do the brakes on that one, but decided to first check the coolant. And as expected the garage in Sneyd park that I used to use, had not replaced the coolant like I asked them at the time! The coolant was rust brown and muddy, so I spend a whole day flushing the whole engine, cooling system, and cabin heat system! Then, after spending 12 hours on the internet trying to find out if Halfords' advanced coolant (red) was compatible with Toyota's 4 life coolant (also red) I managed to restore the cooling system to normal operation. As a side note, the engine never over heated on me (touch wood). Then I followed with an oil change which turned out to be quite necessary!<br />The weekend after I decided to change the brakes myself. I got some parts from ebay to find that the front pads did not fit. I thought this was a fault of the seller. But not so. turns out the celica can have another set of pads (I;m talking non-GT4 Celicas here, which would otherwise make 3 different sets). So after a trip to halfords, I tried the new pads, and guess what: no fit! So what the hell is going on???<br />I did some research (again 12 hours minimum behind a crappy pc) and found the right brake pads. They're not celica's though... Turns out my Celica has twin pot calipers like an MR2, and MR2 pads would fit perfectly!<br />I've ordered new pads on ebay and am waiting for those to come in. Hopefully this weekend I can complete the work on my Celica. Then I get it in for an MOT check before the current one runs out. If it passes without too many issues (Im still expecting 100-200 GBP to get it road worthy, which hopefully I can do myself.).<br />If it does pass, I will start modding it slightly. Nothing too flashy. A standard Celica spoiler (they're small and subtle), and some light changes internally (again nothing flashy, just brightening things up). And maybe this summer I will have the dent in the back repaired! It does need a grill n front of the radiator. Originally it doesn't have anything there, but I think it is wise to put some aluminium mesh in front of it. It'll look good too!<br /><br /><br />hold on... I ran out of beer. be right back...<br /><br /><br /><br />Back...<br /><br />Last weekend I finally received new print paper. It took a long time to get, as I ordered it at the beginning of January, but last week it finally arrived. The paper is at 330gsm extremely thick, and at 30 meters rather long! Needless to say it does not fit the spindles on my printers. However, a stanley knife can easily cut off A3+ pieces. The paper is very bright and glossy and seems to partner very well with my Lyson Daylight Darkroom ink set. I printed out this picture of a bald head eagle (which I took in Holland last x-mas). And wow! simply stunning! the print I have in a warm tint, and is slightly darker than the pic you see here, but boy, am I blown away! You know, sometimes I'm even amazing myself!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/Scqld1Fnj-I/AAAAAAAAACM/LPpdHI2hlEE/s1600-h/bald-head-eagle.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/Scqld1Fnj-I/AAAAAAAAACM/LPpdHI2hlEE/s320/bald-head-eagle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317244241949724642" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully soon I can make some time to post more of my images of last winter...<br /><br />Something sad now. Today I received an email from one of my respected ex-colleagues Martin, from Airbus. he was so kind to inform me of something very sad. One of our mutual colleagues, Leigh, has passed away over the weekend. Apparently Leigh had a severe asthma attack from which he did not recover. Leigh has been a great colleague. Always eager to help, and a social friend. He also tried to help me get a position with Airbus China in Tianjin. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and I wish them lots of strength in these tough times. Rest easy my friend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-25441682692997682702008-11-09T21:54:00.002+00:002008-11-09T22:00:37.487+00:00Your details are on the internet...Dear all,<br /><br />It's unbelievable, after all those events where governmental departments and banks are loosing more and more private details, you would imagine they get it right for once, wouldn't you?<br />No...<br />No such luck.<br />Recently someone somehow managed to get hold of passport details of just about everyone on the planet! Yeah, everyone. Didn't believe it myself, until I checked it out personally.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scrolllock.nl/passport"> This</a> website provides details of just about everyone on the planet.<br />Try if your details are on the website too. I found mine!<br />I have already notified the owner of the website and informed him this is a breach of my privacy, and if he doesn't remove my details within 24hrs, he will have to defend himself in court.<br />I'm truly furious!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-13456744799642337862008-10-25T11:44:00.001+01:002008-10-25T11:58:59.246+01:00HackedRecently I found my number 1 favourite website <a href="http://www.sushicam.com"> Sushicam </a> got hacked.<br />I've been following Sushicam for many many years and always enjoyed the posts. This last hack wiped out over 2 years worth of posts. Some of it can still be salvaged, but like most things that get destroyed, it will never be like it was. Jeff is going through the hard process of rescuing the lost data. At least he still has all the photos he took (obviously they are not stored only on the website).<br />I never understood such behaviour. WHat use is it to hack into someone's website and totally destroying it? I don't get it... If it was to gain money or wealth, at least it is understandable (though I would still find it unacceptable), but just breaking things that are not yours, purely because you can, that just doesn't make any sense at all! It's pure vandalism, and there is nothing for anyone to gain from it.<br />It's a real shame that people have grabbed the internet to continue their pathetic criminal activities. Unfortunately several countries in the EU (and maybe outside the EU as well), now want to invest in internet connections in Africa as well. They think that internet is a primary need! Don't they realise that a large portion of internet crime originates from that very continent? ow more stupid can you get? What happened to food and water? what happened to schooling and education? Don't they need that more? Why spend my money on something that is a luxury? Why spend money so that even more criminals can hack into websites to destroy them, or steal from you???<br /><br />No mr prime minister, you can NOT have my tax money to invest in internet in a continent where it will support criminal activities.<br />Considering that I have been victim of fraud on average twice per year for the last 3-4 years, I think a better investment would be to take that money and invest it in police, and health care in our own country.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-59962143168576156922008-10-20T13:45:00.003+01:002008-10-22T12:43:27.143+01:00Rude behaviour<p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Recently I read an article in the electronic news paper from Radio Nieuws Wereldomroep, a Dutch news service meant for those abroad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">The article was talking about shame for fellow Dutch people abroad. The person who wrote the article was talking about how she saw dozens of Dutch families returning from their holiday in France, visiting a restaurant where they cut queues, leave their children running around screaming and demolishing the place without correcting them on their behaviour, and how those people produce more decibels wherever they are, without any consideration for other people in their vicinity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">It's an interesting article, because I can kind of relate to the story. However, the story seems to limit itself to behaviour of Dutch people abroad, specifically tourists. And quite frankly, it seems that all foreigners abroad behave rudely on holiday. We all have seen the shows on the English tourists, but the Dutch and Germans are just as bad when it comes to holidays.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">In the story the writer seems to indicate that expats generally adapt themselves to their environment. Although I am an expat myself, and have been living in the UK for over 8 years to date, I am not so sure if I consider myself "adapted". The Brits still can get on my nerves from time to time, and I still swear quite badly on occasion. But when I return home to visit my friends and family, I find how rude Dutch people can actually be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">I admit that I surely have adopted some "proper old-English decency" over the years, but most of the differences between how I behave now compared to when I first came to England, I'd like to write down to "growing up".</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">As such, I would have to say that from my personal point of view, the Dutch in Holland have regressed in their decency. Where, from my point of view, the Dutch used to be just direct and blunt, they now appear rude, intolerant and disrespectful! People no longer walk to each other to ask a question, instead the question has to be shouted from the rooftops! Why is this necessary? Is it really necessary for the rest of the world to know what person A wants to ask person B? My parents raised me to walk up to the person and ask, in an acceptable level of decibels person B my questions. If people are now just too lazy to walk up to the other, why not just pick up your flashy mobile phone and call your counterpart at the other side of the room to ask your question? That way at least I will not be bothered!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Another point is interruptions. Whenever I am having a conversation with someone, it being on the phone or in person, I expect people not to interrupt me or the other person. What's more, is that I expect that the other person does not interrupt his/her conversation to have a discussion with someone else! My brother can be quite bad with this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Similarly I do not appreciate it when I am in the middle of a story, and the other person interrupts me and starts telling his/her own story. This has happened at work as well, and I am pretty hard on those who do so. Again, this is something I was taught by my parents and I will definitely teach my kids the same!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Another thing I do not appreciate is starting off any response with a very loud mouth when the person feels indignant about what I say or do. As if the number of produced decibels is a measure of success in winning the argument! To give you an example: once I was at home, MY home, standing over the toilet, emptying my bladder, when my brother barged into the bathroom shouting on the top of his lungs "You are disgusting! You should sit down when you pee!!!". We are talking 105 dB here! So I tell him very strictly that he should not act so indignant, and moreover, it is my F-ing house and I do what I want in my own home!!! Now what did he do wrong here? He should have come to me afterwards and suggest that sitting down on the toilet would be a better way of peeing for those and those reasons. Then I would say, fair enough, I will consider that. Now his argument is out of the window because he did not respect the fact it was my own home, and of course, he used decibels to win the argument rather than logical reasoning. Remember David and Goliath? Same thing…</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">However, I notice it everywhere now. People prefer to communicate in decibels and try to dominate a conversation. People shout, swear and horn in when driving. A few years ago, people even had the rudeness not to let anyone step out of the train, and rushed inside to get a seat! Well, think again idiots! If the passengers leaving don't get a chance to get out, you don't get to have a seat!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">By all means, I'm not claiming to be a saint. Far from it! I still have my own quirks and still can spit out some rude language, mostly in traffic. And readers of my blog will undoubtedly know I can react rather indignant, if not outraged with particular situations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">But I think that when the Dutch population can actually learn some decent behaviour from ME, I think it is time to get worried…</span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Something totally different now:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">An interesting discovery has been made recently in the Indian ocean. It appears that an Arabic shipwreck has been found on the bottom of the sea, containing the most valuable marine "treasure" ever. In fact, the quotation marks can be removed because the treasure actually contains many thousands of gold and silver coins, priceless Chinese ceramics and jade artefacts, etc etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7675866.stm"> This</a> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">article form the BBC gives some more insights in the discovery. As you can see form the pics, the finds are rather astonishing. They also prove that there was trade between the Chinese Tang dynasty, and the middle east way before people originally thought.</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-5933494780227239802008-09-12T22:03:00.005+01:002008-09-12T22:41:18.889+01:00CreativeAs you will all see now, I have updated my website slightly It's far from perfect, but it will do for now.<br />At some point I hope I can have the header image rotate through other images. That would be cool.<br />Content and layout stayed pretty much the same. Until I find some really flashy gadgets to have 3D animations for cycling through links etc, i think this will be just fine.<br /><br />More creative news: I am in the process of making a photo book of some of my images. Sounds difficult? Well, actually it's not.<br />There are many online providers that allow you to download a software package for generating your personal photo book.<br />Some providers are better than others. At the moment I am working on a book using <a href="http://www.blurb.com/"> Blurb </a>. The package is actually very extensive, and I suspect quality is good from what I saw online. Price isn't bad at all, but varies depending on what you want.<br />However, I will use Blurb purely for proof printing. Because I found another provider called <a href="http://www.asukabook.com/"> Asuka </a>. These guys are real pro's! They allow you to work in either sRGB or Adobe RGB. They work very simple, as they give you a basic template for Photoshop, and that's it. Creativity is up to you. This also has a drawback, e.g. when you don't HAVE creativity... In this case, Blurb is a better option because the amount of templates is quite staggering. There is some flexibility for creativity in Blurb if you want to use your own templates, but it involves tricking the software package. Very simple and low risk, but maybe not the neatest solution...<br />Once I finished my Blurb book to satisfaction, I will create one using Asuka. Now Asuka is actually for professionals. They expect you to work as a professional photographer and ask for proof. Well, i don't have any, but I managed to convince them I am, so they allowed me to register (yep, only "pro's" can register successful with these guys). However, I have to say, from their services so far, I am well impressed! After successful registration, I got discount vouchers for my first books. Now, you should know that you will be needing these vouchers as their prices are rather steep, and I mean, inflation stimulating steep! After 50% discount, a 40 page book will still cost as much as 45-50 GBP depending on the finishing. Now the finishing is amazing. Pages can be laminated or varnished. Although the laminated pages look impressive, they also feel a bit tacky. It's like the laminate provides protection in case your book is sexually arousing if you know what I mean...<br /><br />Anyway, it will be a slow process at the moment, and I will keep you posted on progress...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-47132022755302451002008-08-18T12:49:00.000+01:002008-08-18T12:50:06.230+01:00Old friends reunitedThis post is a little late, but better late than never I say (just don't say that when it involves your mrs…).<br />Last July I decided to celebrate my birthday in Holland for a change. I wrote to just about every person I knew in NL, inviting them to join us. XY knew a decent place, Strand aan de Maas (SadM). It's a temporary beach resort of some sort. Quite nice actually. The weather gods were in my favour that weekend, and the rain managed to stay away until I left for england again. I also wanted to invite my brother and his gf, but they were doing a 1-month hike through scotland.<br />It turned out that all of R'dam was celebrating my b'day (some 500.000+ people), because the city was packed with festivities and music. There were even trucks driving around in a parade, with too volumpuous and too scarcely dressed women (and men…). Turned out that summer carnaval was on at the same time I had my b'day. <br />The first one that arrived, was Ferry. Ferry and I go way back, from when I was 13 years old (21 holymoly years ago!!!). We hadn't seen each other ever since I left for England. So that was about 8 years now. Ferry got married in the mean time. Since his wife had left for a weekend in some sort of spa, he decided to misbehave, and what better than to attend my b'day, eh?<br />Next was Marcel. Mars is a good friend from Haarlem. A very loyal guy. He's visited me in the UK twice now, but he hasn't seen my house yet. He better hurry, because soon I will be selling my house! (yes Mars, that's a hint!)<br />Next was Rohin. Rohin is an Indian guy, whom Ferry and I shared classes with. He hadn't changed a bit! It was a long time since we last met. Probably the last time was when we finished school, so that must have been about 14 years or so now! <br />After that, Lucas showed up. Luc and I know each other from Airbus. We started at the same time. Luc went back last year, and now bought a house in Haarlem. He know has to face the same misery I have for the past 2 years…<br />Finally, Mireille shows up. Ferry and I shared classes with her too, that was back in the HAVO, so last time I saw her was, what? 18 years ago??? She's become somewhat of a biker mouse now.<br />The last one to show up was Donny. He was late because he had a prior engagement that evening. Taz had to work, so she didn't come along. Donny and I last saw each other in May, so not too long ago.<br />Some people had their misunderstandings over the past year or so, but those were worked out and attributed to miscommunications, so friends are and remain friends!<br /><br />We decided to have a meal at SadM as well. This wasn't as easy as cake as it turned out. We couldn't have food at the beach part of the terrace, so we went inside and sat down at some tables, only to be told that they didn't serve food inside either. So we went outside again. Turns out they only serve food in the covered part of the terrace. So we sat down and realised they gave us only 2 menus for 8 people. So we robbed 6 tables from their menus and had a good look. When we got to ordering, we were informed that with every order we had to pay immediately. Well, that pretty much deprived them from their chance of a tip…<br />The food came quickly though, and it was good! It was nice to eat a typical dutch pub meal: chicken satay with chips! Hehehe…<br />After having dined, we sat out on the beach again, and enjoyed a few more drinks.<br /><br />Then we got the idea to go to a bar/dancing, a rather push place near de Meent. Ofcourse like typical fascist Holland, the girls all got in without any problems, regardless of what they were, or were not, wearing… But when I got to get in, I was grabbed roughly, and then nearly beat up and thrown into the canals for not wearing "appropriate clothing". Well, that really pissed me off, and after providing the bouncers with some rather exotic terms, I nearly decided to just go home. Luckily my friends persuaded to not let this ruin my evening. We decided to go to Plan-C in De Oude Haven instead. Always good. Weather was still good, so after playing a dog with a too small bladder finding a nice tree called (help me out guys, I forgot the name of that place we didn't get in. I'd liove to advertise for them!) off we went, only 5 minutes walk more. <br />Nearing Plan-C, their employees were handing out free drink vouchers. So we sat down on the terrace and ordered our free drinks, only to hear the waiter say that the vouchers are only for inside (which ofcourse demands an entrance fee). Since this was not written anywhere on the vouchers, nor were we informed verbally, I was rather assertive and informed the water kindly though no-noncense style that legally he had to provide us with our free drinks. Unfortunately his manager said we could get our free drinks, and drink them outside, but we still had to collect them inside (still: entrance fee). SO no good. We decided to just pay for our free drinks.<br />As you can see: nothing is ever for free…<br />Anyway, we wholeheartedly enjoyed our drinks.<br />Ferry even made me laugh that all the beer squirted out of my nose and ears! I haven't laughed that well in decades! I guess it was all the stress and tensions of recent months/years releasing themselves. I laughed so hard I cried! Oh joy! At least I am glad that this is how I release my stress (unlike others who use a brick and a window, or plant steel bars in heads…)<br /><br />All in all it was a brilliant time, and we promised not to wait this long until next time we meet.<br />I am glad I still have such loyal friends, and I feel truly blessed by being their friend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-90164284129974100132008-07-15T22:14:00.000+01:002008-07-15T22:15:29.061+01:00G8 VomitYesterday started the G8 summit in Japan, where the world leaders come together with their private business jets, driving limousines through the centre of Hokkaido during rush hours, to discuss global warming, fuel prices and reduction of the carbon footprint, where they kick-start the meeting over a 6 course lunch. They will also discuss the world food crisis, food wastage and hunger in Africa over an 18 course dinner.<br /><br />By the way, for those who didn't know, Bush's private jet is Airfarce 1, which is a full sized 747-100 (no, not the more efficient -400 version), but Gordon surpasses him by flying a fully restored Vulcan nuclear interceptor!<br /><br />In the mean time, governments worry about obesity under house pets. So better stop feeding your goldfish so much food!<br /><br />In the mean time, the Dutch government raises taxes and increases financial pressure on the population under the motivation of relieving the lower incomes. Also, they decided to abandon support for single women with children under the age of 5, in an attempt to get those single mothers to go back to school or get a job. Maybe they think that as a result those single mothers will abandon their babies at donor institutes, so these medical facilities don't need to clone embryos for spare parts for people that get lung cancer from smoking, or loose a liver due to excessive drinking.<br /><br />It all makes sense...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-86904480261282410822008-04-17T21:50:00.002+01:002008-04-17T22:09:26.534+01:00DisgraceWe have all seen the news, and the stories on the olympic torch.<br />I'd like to just say I totally disagree with these actions!!! It's disgraceful and tasteless!<br />Although I am interested in China and it's culture, I do disagree with their politics from time to time. So too with the Tibet and Taiwan issues.<br />However, this link:<br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7347821.stm<br />shows us how bad things have become.<br />The article tells how a DISABLED WOMAN carrying the torch for the paralympics, got beat up by a pro-Tibet protester!!!<br />It is one thing to protest against China's actions in Tibet, but the attack on the most important sporting event in the world is just outrageous! <br />People actually try to steal the olympic torch from decent honest athletes! In this particular article a disabled woman was hit by one of those disgusting creatures. How can you talk about oppression, when you yourself attack a disabled woman!<br />Be ashamed! Be very, very ashamed!<br /><br />Let everyone know that I cannot support any pro-tibetan protesters any longer until they have PROPERLY apologized and atoned for their despicable behavior!<br />Also, I think the guy who hit the woman in this article, should be hang on the highest tree, split into fours, beheaded and burned in a pile of poo!<br /><br />Let the olympics be held, let it be a joyous occasion, and let us all come together as good and fair sportsmen. This is what the olympics is about: uniting people form all corners of the world, with all kinds of religions and cultures. This one event binds us all together. Lets not destroy this last bit of common good we have left in this world...<br /><br /><br />As if this is not enough, British police is clearly not up to speed with the law.<br />In the UK it is the law that the police is not allowed to take any action in ANY shape or form against people filming or photographing in public. Increasing numbers of amateur photographers and professionals alike are being threatened, searched, and even robbed of their equipment by police, because of "suspicious behaviour" (read: making a photograph with an SLR type camera). Although their suspicion is understandable with the current threats of terrorists and pedophiles, there is still something called "the law" and the police is supposed to UPHOLD the law,not BREAK it.<br /><br />More in this article:<br /><br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7351252.stmAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-8420095272650383332008-03-21T18:48:00.002+00:002008-03-21T19:04:16.905+00:00A new beginningLast week was my first week at GE.<br />I started off by arriving too early! I arrived at 8, normal starting time,or so I thought... Turns out all starters normally begin at 10! This was actually in the letter, so I felt a little silly...<br />The lady from HR who picked me up was dutch, like me. Though she has been in England a little longer than I have I suspect. She had a little difficulties speaking dutch, just like I have. Nothing major, but enough for us to switch to english when it came to going through the official stuff...<br />Later my, I believe resource manager, picked me up. Friendly chap. He also interviewed me at the time. He introduced me to the team I am working with now. The first person I met was James. James and I know eachother from a long time ago when I was still working on extension retraction for the A380. So it was nice to see a familiar face. Later on I spotted Nick, who also used to work for Airbus (IMA team).<br />All my new teammembers are all very nice and helpful. A real social bunch of chaps! I feel quite welcome with these guys! They are all very relaxet, social and they apply rules quite flexible, which I appreciate!<br /><br />Ofcourse the first day there were some issues with getting a PC, and email, but next morning I was able to email again! Having said that, they use the latest version of outlook, and I have not yet been able to get my old address book imported. I may have to start emailing myself contact cards from home... Manually is not an option, because as always with Microscum, the printout of my address book, only shows the alias of the person, rather than the actual email address, so all my Airbus addresses are useless!!!<br /><br />The week was also a bit rocky, because my "reliable" toyota, is in the garage. 2 weeks now!!!! They can't find the parts easily because it is an import... So that car is out the door once it is done...<br />Anyway, as a result I was forced to borrow Chris' Cinquecento, and drive Berit to and from work every day. Bless them!!!<br /><br />I'm alreay looking for something better. I hope I can afford something in the 2500 GBP class. I was considering quite a range of different cars; Mercedes A-class, Nissan Almera, Peugeot 406, maybe Passat again, Audi A3, VW Bora. But no more japs! (other than the Nissan perhaps). These cars are all quite different from what I previously was looking for (a sports car), but then again, now I am commuting quite a bit, so sensibility asks for a 1.0 l diesel... hehehe. Ok, no speed or acceleration, but will do 100000000000000000000000000000 miles to the gallon!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-72993282698861190152008-03-14T19:32:00.002+00:002008-03-14T20:16:46.037+00:00Elvis has left the building!D-day has arrived.<br />Today was my last day working for Airbus.<br />The past week was very hectic. I was working my ass off to sort out the last bits of work, and prepare data for hand over.<br />Then on tuesday afternoon, I was told I had to go to Toulouse to do some testing with the supplier.<br />So I was struggling sorting out my trip. Actually it was quite a horrible day when I went over. As always I had to get up before 5 to get the flight to TLS, then I was waiting for the supplier to arrive. He didn't listen to my instructions and was at the wrong gate after getting lost. It took quite a while and lots of misunderstandings before we found each other. Anyway, we could finally do some testing. We tested on 2 aircraft, but the schedule was soo busy, that we hardly had time for lunch, and didn't even have dinner! Both "meals" comprised a sandwich from the wall, stuffed down our throats in 5 minutes time.<br />All in all it took until midnight to perform all the testing we needed to do.<br />Luckily I was able to fly back on the Corvette. The corvette is a small business plane with about 8 seats. It flies from TLS to Bristol in the morning. Since I wanted to be back in Filton in the morning because of the shit load of work I still had to do, I was very happy I managed to get a spot on the Corvette. It turns out that usually it is only for executives, and Airbus UK people usually don't get to fly it.<br /><br />Today was hectic as well. I had soo much to finish off and hand over, and all these people kept walking bye to say hi and goodbye etc (well, they had to have an excuse to get some cakes that I brought in, heheh...).<br />Of course there was the traditional goodbye speech, card, etc.<br />Its funny, it's like it hasn't sunk into me yet. I'm looking forward to starting my new job, But I am also sad to leave Airbus.<br />It's been my home for 7,5 years, and I will miss all my colleagues a lot:<br />The crazy talks with Mark G, always reminding me of "german helmets". <br />The adventures Andy and I have had in Belgium and in Toulouse: Going to obscure dodgy clubs in Brussels, chasing phantom turtlers in hotels, observing Messier's finest climbing onto landing gears in rather arousing positions...<br />The conversations I had with Mark B over a cup of coffee,<br />The chats with Martin H about cars and DIY (He mentored me in my first year at Airbus)<br />And all the others of course.<br /><br />I will miss that place, and all its people. I wish them all the best, and I hope we will meet again!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-56521505888037061422008-02-12T22:31:00.000+00:002008-02-12T22:51:09.073+00:00Go-Large please...Last week I decided I wanted a professional Large Format printer. Having looked at Ebay, the cheap contender would be the Epson Pro 4000. Any other options would be too nw and therefore unaffordable. An advantage (yes, I call it an advantage, because I can clean it and others cannot, so I can drop the price and get a bargain!), is that some amateurs don't use the printer often enough, with the resukt that the print hads get clogged. Heads won't get clogged as quickly when you constantly use this particular printer, but if it sits still for a while, the heads get blogged up pretty good. The printer is basically the bigger brother of the Epson 2100. However, it is comparing a dingy with a mammoth tanker! <br />Anyway, i found one on the internet, with all its flaws described. Seeing that others were going for over 400, an dthis just started at 1 GBP, but had the blogged heads in the description, I decided to put in an offer and the guy accepted.<br />Problem; The guy lives in London. Well, only 2 hours drive from Bristol, right? Wrng! The guy lives just north of Canary Warf, so an extra hour through the city!<br />Still doable. However, the guy works hard and therefore late. So in teh end I ended up there around 23:00! I had to borrow a friend's satnav (don't bother going to london without unless you know the way at heart!). I called my friend to tell her I would be back very late (or early) so I would drop the satnav off in the morning. In the end I was back home at 3 am in the morning. My friend panicked as she needed the satnav for her relocation to Ipswich. I promised to have it back in time, so after a few hours sleep I get up, and go to her house... She wasn't there... So I call her, and she says she is waking up. So I ask her where the hell her car is, and she says taht she is with her boyfriend. Apparently she stayed the night there. Interestingly, she didn't have a boyfriend!!! Well, now she does apparently... I was a little pissed off because she made me come over and it seemed all for nothing. The whole thing (lack of sleep) left me with a splitting headache. As it turned out, she came back at 8 and she left at around 8.30, so not totally wasted...<br /><br />Back to the printer... I was looking for cleaning fluid to clean the heads; isopropyl alcohol... Used for cleaning electronics amongst others. This stuff is very strong but also very neutral. It seems to be chemically neutral, meaning it won't affect paint too much, and certainly not electronics. Ideal for cleaning printer heads. Apparently you are supposed to be able to get it at any chemist... Except that you can't! Chemists just don't seem to have the stuff at all! Screwed!! until I found a flask of lens cleaner. I was thinking lens cleaner-printer cleaner-lens cleaner- printer cleaner... Lenses have coatings... coatings are sensitive... so any lens cleaners have to be neutral as hell... So should do the trick... After that murmering of the mind I spotted the back; "caution: contains isopropyl alcohol!"... Well... need I say more...? So I went to Jessops and bought all their lens cleaning fluid (2 flasks... so not that much...)<br /><br />Anyways, I'll be cleaning my printer soon and afterwards I will try some 17" high panoramas!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-65546254626920687292008-01-08T18:00:00.000+00:002008-01-08T20:00:23.279+00:00Illni and viriWhat does that mean? Well, illni is plural for illness, and same for viri (coming from virus).<br />It seems tobe a world wide epidemic. Maybe another terrorist attack from Al-Qaeda; Give people the flu or teh common cold! Maybe they will cough themselves to death!!!<br />Starnge though. They tried anthrax withhout success... Well, i guess common cold does work, but doubt many people will die because of it...<br />Anyway. I too have been struck by teh common cold. I don't think I mentioned it in my previous post, but a few days before x-mas, I managed to get knocked of my socket by the common cold. Took until after new years eve to recover (I'm still coughing). So, I couldn't go home, was ill, and had no friends in a 500 mile radius to help me out!!!<br />Well, THAT year is now over. New year, new chances.<br />Its funny though that this time everyone is hit so hard by the common cold and flu. Just about every colleague and friend had it or is in the process of having it. It's also interesting that it going abroad as well!<br />At least I can say I spend the whole x-mas holiday horizontal, hot and sweaty! Unfortunately not in the right way...!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-88020101568569459242007-12-31T17:27:00.000+00:002007-12-31T17:53:41.960+00:00End of the beginning or the beginning of the end?2007 has only got a few hours of life left in it. Some of my friends reflected on their year, and some of them seemed to have had a very good year. I wish I could say the same. Unfortunately 2007 has not exactly been my favorite year. It had its moments, but not many.<br /><br />Good things:<br />* A380 into service! Definite positive milestone. It has been a challenging project, and I am glad I was able to do my share to this behemoth of a project. No doubt many will remember the occasion for a long time to come.<br />* New car. Sounds strange but it has been the most reliable car I have had here in england. Ofcourse it is japanese. Its fast, its furious, and strangely, it's also the oldest of all cars I have had so far! hahaha!!! I guess they just don't make cars like they used to, heheh.<br />* Re-acquainted myself with some friends long lost, back in Holland.<br />* My dad's retirement. The man deserves it!<br /><br />Bad things:<br />* Lost some friends. Always sad.<br />* The prospect of having to sell my house.<br />* Constant DIY<br />* On the last week of 2007 I managed to get the first cold I had in a decade! And with a vengeance!!!!<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">* ... >>censored for legal reasons<<<br />* ... >>censored for legal reasons<<<br />* ... >>censored for legal reasons<<<br />* ... >>censored for legal reasons<<<br />* ... >>censored for legal reasons<<</span><br /><br />Most, if not all the bad things are all stress related. Stress that affects me personally (so not "high work loads" or "challenging deadlines". Those don't cause me stress, they just make me work harder...)<br />Well, in a few hours time the record will be wiped clean, and at least half, if not all of the bad things of 2007 will be solved in 2008. I have no doubts about that!<br />2007 may have been a very bad year for Tigers (I'm not the only tiger who had a bad 2007), but 2008 has got a very promising view! And I think all Tigers can expect a very prosperous 2008.<br /><br />In any case, 2007 is now done and dusted. After midnight I will sleep soundly with the thought that 2008 has begun, and new chances await me!<br /><br />Finally, I'd like to wish all my friends and family, and colleagues all the best for the new year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-34813539255608711952007-12-28T17:51:00.000+00:002008-01-10T18:30:24.005+00:00Black 'n white mayhemAnother update...<br />Seems like my updates always come in groups rather than one every week or every two weeks or so.<br />This time I have included some B&W pics. 2 are of my idiot brother, the rest is pretty much travel related.<br />Since I make my photos in RAW, it gives me more control over the conversion process. Sometimes I do set the camera to B&W, but if you only take RAW, this is pretty much useless, as the RAW image will take literally the RAW data from the camera, uncompressed and unprocessed. This means that when you upload the image to your PC, all the settings you used, will have been discarded. A little annoying, which is why I prefer to make JPEGs with the RAW. Especially since I prefer a minimum amount of post processing, this method gives me the option of choosing an unprocessed JPEG or a RAW that I then process in Photoshop.<br />Anyway, enjoy these new entries...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127560334/" title="steffen.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2127560334_ed9a0b232c.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="steffen.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2126784237/" title="steffen portrait.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2126784237_89a8d570da.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="steffen portrait.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2126784003/" title="roof to panorama.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/2126784003_e5ccf05249.jpg" width="199" height="500" alt="roof to panorama.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127559110/" title="plants in waterBW.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2127559110_f01b1f8c0c.jpg" width="500" height="155" alt="plants in waterBW.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2126783391/" title="martyr shrine 003.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/2126783391_6d2e676147.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="martyr shrine 003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127558670/" title="martyr shrine 002.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2127558670_1ab493b661.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="martyr shrine 002.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127558308/" title="martyr shrine 001.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2127558308_a360458981.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="martyr shrine 001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127557932/" title="headlight.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/2127557932_e87def1344.jpg" width="334" height="500" alt="headlight.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127557598/" title="dobber.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2127557598_860217fcdb.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="dobber.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2126781765/" title="Rolls Royce.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/2126781765_ec64a530da.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Rolls Royce.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-82249131804019221292007-12-26T12:29:00.000+00:002007-12-26T12:43:13.663+00:00progress...Well, actually it was earlier this month that I made the progress.<br />I worked hard on my house and downstairs is finally getting close to being finished!<br />Below are some pics of what it now looks like... What an improvement compaired to what it was before!!! There is actually harmony in there!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127294453/" title="home1.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2043/2127294453_eaa7f703d0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="home1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2128072326/" title="home2.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/2128072326_11f3519186.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="home2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127294745/" title="home3.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/2127294745_faf481aa32.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="home3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/2127294991/" title="home4.jpg by sporry1974, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/2127294991_6cf24d0b31.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="home4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I have to say, I made some small additions since these photos were taken. I added 2 cupboards in the dining room. I still need to do some doors for the cupboards, and I also need to do teh skirting boards, but that shouldn't take more than a few days.<br /><br />However, it will have to wait because I managed to get my first cold in 7 years!!! Boy, I forgot how much I hated having a cold...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-25066886534541000332007-10-23T20:21:00.000+01:002007-10-23T20:59:05.784+01:00High speed chaseTonight I was caught in a high speed chase, and I lived to tell the tale!!!<br /><br />I was driving home on the M5 after having done some last minute shopping after work, when suddenly I was taken over by an old Ford Escort. For a fraction of a second I was thinking :boy, he's anxious to get home", when a second later there were 6 police cars in high pursuit chasing this guy! Then 30 seconds another 3 or 4 police cars followed. Interesting was the mix of cars the police used. It wasn't just the blue/yellow marked cars, but also quite a few civilian cars with sirens and lights.<br />From their pursuit pattern you could see they were preparing for a standard box-block. And that is also how they caught him. As it happens they caught him next to the exit I usually use to get off the motor way.<br />I don't understand these guys (speeders). I know they have something going on otherwise they wouldn't run from the police, but seriously, you don't enter th emotor way! It's a free ticket go to jail! Entering the motor way will make it so easy for the police to grab you. They can call in a helicopter to track the offender, and they can easily block off the motor way. Th epolice usually tries to captur ethe speeder very safely. What they do is, they try to get one car behind the offender, one car in front and one car (or two, depending where on which lane the guy is). They drive really close so the guy has no exit, and then they slow to a stop. Works like a charm. Getting someone in front is the difficult part though...<br /><br /><br />Something completely different (though in some twisted way remotely related to idiots, like most subjects, heheh), I read an article about women in Holland. Apparently women in Holland are not very ambitious, but they are very satisfied about their life, unlike other European countries. On average women in Holland give a 7.8 (out of 10) to their life, but on average only 37% thinks a career is important. The survey was done by 2 women's magazines. One is for house wifes, the other for feminists. And ofcourse the numbers vary between the two magazins. The chief editor of the feminist magazin said in an interview that she considers such women "brain farts"! She was actually slacking off her own readers!!!!! How dumb is that??<br />Interesting is that teh dutch government seems to have its mind set on equalising th eposition of the woman compared to the man in business life and career wise. Strange that they didn't realise that only 37% of the women actually cares about such plans. So Feminist editors don't care about their own readers, and the government doesn't know what their people want (which is actually pretty much standard for any modern government...)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-34002511550924231742007-10-02T21:09:00.000+01:002007-10-02T21:13:43.932+01:00Space, the final frontier....A mate of mine pointed me to these photos. Needles to say (for those who know me) they are not mine, so all credits go to the original photographer (That's NASA I guess...). However, I found them rather beautifull, and thought I should share them with the world...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1472493615/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1347/1472493615_ae40460b23.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="NASApix11.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1473345434/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/1473345434_42a89c0a05.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="NASApix10.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1472492875/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/1472492875_75d9ee27d9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="NASApix08.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1472492487/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1315/1472492487_4e5eb64594.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="NASApix06.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1473344104/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1168/1473344104_bffc1833cc.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="NASApix05.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54827637@N00/1473343634/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1204/1473343634_1eea1b67e2.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt="NASApix04.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-53278799568264358672007-09-21T17:01:00.000+01:002007-09-21T17:16:46.297+01:00Belgium for sale on eBay<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/RvPsEgX_jVI/AAAAAAAAAAM/872zH1EYKuI/s1600-h/1398986380_d53cd68561.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JALZW9FCv8Q/RvPsEgX_jVI/AAAAAAAAAAM/872zH1EYKuI/s320/1398986380_d53cd68561.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112689564149845330" /></a><br /><br />On auction site Ebay Belgium has been for sale for a while. Ex journalist Gerrit Six is responsible for the joke. He offered his country for sale, with the notification that the item concerned a kingdom in 3 parts. In addition tthe sellerr stated that Belgium could also be bought as a whole, but that this was not recommended, and that the product was accompanied with a state debt of 300 billion dollars!<br />Six opened the auction with a bid of 1 euro, but very quickly itt turned out bidders considered belgium more valuable. After a bid of 10 million euros the administration of eBay decided that the jjoke had taken long enough and put an end to the auction.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-14680352353724404982007-09-01T08:54:00.000+01:002007-09-01T09:23:31.096+01:00Old car new carI sold my Passat...<br />I was a bit sad to get rid of it as I put blood, sweat and tears in that car. But on teh other hand, it was giving me problems on a regular basis.<br />I now decided to buy something that was classified as very reliable.<br />I have been looking around for:<br />Nissans: Primera, very reliable, very dull...<br />Mazda 323: interesting car, very reliable, nice shape, but most of them are horribly light green metallic! And most of them have fairly small engines (or too big...)<br />Honda Prelude: Old coupe, very sporty, not too powerfull though if you get a 2.0i, but the bigger engines are often used as boy racers.<br /><br />My first viewing was on thursday. I went to a small village south of Bath to look at a Honda Prelude. It had been taken off the road so no tax, but it had a full year MOT, and full service history.<br />Then I found out that the owner had bene driving it for less than 10 miles in 2 years time. Literally just to go to the garage to get it services, with the last service nearly a year ago. It had been standing outside, so it had a bit of rust. Actually, it was pretty stupid of the previous owner to not drive it. Now all the seals have dried and rotten away. A car needs to be used to stay lubricated. Standing still for 2 years has pretty much killed it.<br /><br />The second viewing I had was of another Prelude, near Portishead. It was a bit older, but in perfect condition! Paintwork perfect, interior a bit old and slightly worn, but the car is 12 years old! Mechanically it looked and sounded good. Service history log is complete, but it seemed like a copy. Price is very good though!<br />Chris wants to look it over first though.<br /><br />The third one I looked at was a mazda 323 2.0 V6. That was quite an interesting trip! I drove to Stroud, but on the motorway, when I wanted to take the exit to Stroud, the police just blocked it, and I saw a car being consumed in a sea of fire! I was about 50m away when I drove past it, but I could still feel the heat inside the car! There were a few younger guys (and girls) sitting nearby, one of them crying: obviously the driver upset about loosing the car. Strangely there didn't seemed to have been an accident. It was a Fort Ka, but there was no sign of another car being involved. Maybe the engine blew or something...<br />When I got to Stroud I couldn't find the place where I was supposed to meet the owner of the Mazda. He had to find me at some point!<br />The car was fair. Maintenance had been done by "a mate" and the guy had zero receipts. The car itself was in an ok state cosmetically. Outside was as to be expected for a 10 year old car used daily. The inside was absolutely perfect. However, technically there were quite a few issues. Airco had to be recharged, there was a rather large oil leak due to a head gasket not being replaced properly. The engine sounded rough, and the drive itself was no more than OK.<br /><br />I decided I wanted to go for the Prelude, and I already told the guy. But Chris wants to look it over first before a definite "yes". the guy might be a bit upset about that, though I hope not. He should be fine if I do buy it though. If Chris advices me not to buy, then the guy could get dangerous I fear...<br /><br />Lets wait and see...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-75289335373182364452007-08-27T12:18:00.000+01:002007-08-27T12:37:35.227+01:00Asta la Vista baby!Quite literally I can say! A few months ago I got a new PC with Windows Vista.<br />It occasionally crashed with a blue screen of death, but not too often. Just bugs as with all new products.<br />Until at some point I started getting the message "graphics driver stopped responding and recovered successfully". The message appeared more and more frequent, until I got to the point I had to start up my PC in safe mode, otherwise it wouldn't start. After some searching on the internet, it turns out this is a major problem that affects both NVIDIA users and ATI users alike! Not only that, it is a problem since the beginning of VIsta!! Some people claim it's a hardware problem, some it's a software issue. Some people said they fixed the problem by returning their graphics card, which was found to be faulty. New driver versions don't seem to solve the issue so far. Other people seemed to find a solution in removing on eof their 2 RAM chips. Yet others found solutions in UNDERclocking their hardware...<br />Recently my graphics card died I think, because I did a complete reinstall, with Vista, and the problem still occured. Then I installed XP, but it could no longer finish teh installation, and my PC kept restarting.<br />To ensure it wasn't my motherboard, I tried it on my old PC, and sure enough, it was dead!<br />So basically Vista killed a perfectly good graphics card!<br />What I think happens, is that Vista tries to drive graphics cards beyond their specifications, resulting in some sort of overload.<br />Some people will think that's bollucks, but lets face it: those same people use SOFTWARE to overclock their PC. The fact that some people need to UNDER clock their hardware to get a stable system, seem sto indicate that indeed Vista drives it beyond specs (underclock plus overdrive=normal operating levels roughly...)<br />So, I'm gonna sell my Vista disk. Interestingly Microsoft plans to stop support for XP soon as well (because of Vista). Well, I think they will see a massive migration of people switching from Microsoft, to Apple and Linux etc...<br /><br />Good luck Microsoft, lawsuits are forming and you are in for the ride of your life!<br /><br />As a follow up, I bought a new graphics card from Novatech. I bought a Sapphire 2600XT. The guys at Novatech suggested me to upgrade my PSU to something "branded" so they sold me a Jeantech PSU of 450Watt. Turns out the PSU is only 425 Watt, which is a massive 5 Watts more than my current PSU (420 Watts)! Not only that, I installed it, and after letting my PC run nominally for a while (no gaming, jut switched on...), it decided to overheat and turn off my PC. I doubl checked by reinstalling my own PSU, and it started just fine.<br />So I'll be returning that PSU to tehm tomorrow, and ask them for a generic "unbranded" 600Watt PSU for half the price of this "branded" PSU...<br /><br />This reminds me I need to return my LCD as well (aria.co.uk) because it is sometimes starting up with a foggy white screen. I need to turn it off and on again for it to display properly. So it goes back and I want a different one. Maybe I'll try to get a slightly bigger one for slightly more money...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-91853552747595912542007-07-31T22:24:00.000+01:002007-07-31T22:31:29.821+01:00It's worse...Yeah, very disappointing... Had my birthday thursday last week... Well, you could have fooled me!<br />In total there were about 5 people that actually congratulated me on that day, none of which are family!!!!!!!!<br />Some people had a fair excuse though: My brother was on holiday in Norway and didn't have reception with his phone, and Chris next door had to go to the hospital as his father was taken in (luckily nothing too serious).<br />Then again, maybe the others also have a good excuse: they don't care...!<br />Even my dad forgot!!! He called me the next day, and started talking liek it was a normal day. Of course I was grumpy like hell, and he noticed this. I didn't say anything though. Later in teh evening he called again, as he finally realised he forgot something!<br /><br />Well, I say bullocks to all! Guess there IS only me myself and I on this planet...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8306482.post-79122522545109129132007-07-21T22:06:00.000+01:002007-08-08T18:03:15.249+01:00planningSome good things: The electrician came by, and approved my handywork in the bath room. He was quite impressed he said.<br />Not so fortunate on the other hand, is that I have bene struck by a light flu. That's teh result of 10-12 hours a day's work, and then DIY when I get home. So unlike my plans, I was unable to do anything significant today, and most likely I won't be able to do anything tomorrow either. That sucks doggy dick!<br />I hope I can at least prepare the bathroom, so I can start plastering during the week. Then paint by the end of the week, and in the weekend start tiling. Having said that, I do need to order a bath first, and place it, together with the plumbing!<br />I'm not planning to tile underneith the bath tub!<br /><br /><br />Well, better get some sleep, so I can actually do something useful tomorrow... Maybe I can sell some more stuff on eBay.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472867237584599524noreply@blogger.com1