Home Make-Over

The finished product

I think you will all agree that it looks completely different and much better, it as been three months of work and Terry has been superb!

 Before: Mainly weeds instead of grass, burnt yellow, old shed.

After: Lush green grass, nice shiny new shed





Thanks to my Dad as well for his expert fence building, even though I did manage to throw a lump hammer at his foot.

The front of our house seemed to be a collection point for rubbish from school kids, and the weeds here would have made triffids shy away.

But now - it looks superb with our new shiny fence

Laying the Turf

Just before the monsoon season hit, our turf was delivered.  Terry (Clare's Dad) who had taken the garden as his personal project was happy to mulch the soil and lay the turf to finish the garden project finally.

I was getting little updates from Clare as the day progressed and came home from work to find the garden complete.

Thank you Terry for all your hard work with this, it is really appreciated

In with the new, next door with the old

 Whilst we were partying with Uncle Rob and Elaine at their wedding our shed was being delivered and built. With the new shed up and sorted, and my Dad putting up shelves it was time to clear out the old shed, transfer the locks and shift the old one over the fence next door to our new neighbours.  With the help of Keiran, we pushed the old shed into position and our garden seemed to grow in size and we also realised that our sunflowers had grown....albeit, sideways

Now just a little mulching and churning and the new turf will be ready to go down.

Foundations for a new shed (and a nice pathway)

Thanks again to Terry for deciding that the final day of the hottest 16 consecutive day since 1996 that he should lay the foundations to our new shed and continue the paving.

An awesome job that would have taken me months to do was done in a single afternoon

Our new shed is due on the 9th August, so we can relax till then

 Again, Thanks to Terry!
(Now go home and relax!)






How did you spend the hottest day of the year?

Firstly it started with the bedroom, adding more storage and making it more tranquil
Then the bathroom had a make over, again to add more storage, get rid of the "Grasshopper" green colour and put new flooring down.

As little jobs go, these did take a little time and with the help of our Dad's, they seemed quite easy

We are very happy with the results.

So then on to the monster task.

Our garden, initially laid by Vesta Homes, has been bereft of grass for some time, generally consisting of weed, clover and other strange growths.  So the decision was made to dig up and re-turf.

After planning mid-week, and Summer eventually here, digging commenced.

Two things I did not cater for were the 13th and 14th of July being the hottest days of the year, and our next-door neighbours having their housewarming party (in the garden) with BBQ and beer.

So with an audience of drunk neighbours all giving me support, and blistering heat I ploughed on.

The only way I can describe the day is 6 hours of step aerobics.  Step on to the spade and dig, step onto the spade and dig, step onto the spade and dig......

Eventually, the first day was done.  Physically knackered and caked in dirt.  It was time for a shower and out on the town for Bill's Stag Do

With a huge pile of turf and another day of digging and shifting ahead, I was well in need of a deserved pint or two

Day two commenced with the same motivation. however the tiredness from only getting in at 2am and the day before's aches and pains still there, the motivation did not last.

Luckily, Clare's Dad had come to lend a hand, few words of wisdom and a extra spade.  Digging commenced and clearing all the turf seemed a little easier with two attacking it and eventually the garden was clear.  Again, aches and pains started to kick in and day two was complete. (Thanks Terry!)

Clipboard Warriors and Chuggers

Clipboard Warriors and Charity Muggers seem to be popping up more than Pound Shops at the moment in our town squares and city centres.  I sometimes nip into my local town centre for a quick walk during my dinner hour and seem to be pounced upon three or four times in this short period of precious break time to see if I have a “Few minutes for a chat”

As they slowly approach with their optimistic smiles, I always try to find either an alternative route or shop to dive into (usually a pound shop!) but then realise their flank tactics have worked and I have been forced towards another Clipboard Warrior armed with the dreaded question, “Have you got a few minutes spare today sir?”

Now I am generally not a rude person and I love a chat, but when I am out and about, I am usually (as any warm blooded male) going to a specific location for a specific item with the money ready so I can get back home as soon as possible.  The interference that I assume will not take “just a few minutes” completely disrupts the planned purchase.

I usually say, “Too Busy!” whilst continuing to walk, grab my phone and avoid eye contact or, based on my Vegas experience of the “clickers”, just blanking them completely.

I know that the Charity Muggers (Chuggers) are generally paid by an agency and do not work for the actual charity they are collecting for.  They are interested in the initial collection of information as they will be pressured from their managers to hit results  I also appreciate that people are struggling to find jobs at the moment and at least these guys are working instead of sponging off the system.

On an annual basis I donate money to The Christie charity by means of some task involving sponsorship.  The Christie did a lot for me and my family when I was young and I feel I will always owe them.  So, I am not averse to giving to charity, but giving over my bank account details in the middle of the street to a random stranger collecting for a bizarre charity is not a thing I want to do on a regular basis

In relation to my other nemesis, the Clipboard Warrior, what do these guys actually do? Has anyone ever stopped to chat to them?  Does it only take a couple of minutes? What are they actually going to achieve in that time?  These are questions I do not know the answer to as I have never stopped to find out

Now as some of you may now, I like to challenge myself to do things and don’t mind a little embarrassment.

So with this in mind, I am going to set a few parameters to ensure a valid challenge and have a little chat to see if I agree with what they are actually doing or stand with my initial opinion that they achieve nothing apart from ruining lunch breaks or hindering pre-planned shopping trips

1)      The next Clipboard Warrior to stop me in the street and ask “Have you got a few minutes” will get that precious time from me

2)      I will not approach a clipboard warrior for test purposes, I must be selected by them

3)      I will ask them if I spare my few moments with them, do they mind appearing on my blog as research into Clipboard Warriors, which may involve video and photo’s

4)      If they accept my terms then we will continue.

5)      Any amount of sarcasm will be used if necessary

The final result of our encounter will be reviewed in terms of what I had intended to achieve before being stopped, if the encounter was worthwhile and what the result of my time spent with the warrior actually achieved, and the results posted here

If anyone else feels that they could help me carry out this study and provide results on their experiences with Clipboard Warriors in different areas.  

Hopefully this study will provide the answers to so many questions

Do Clipboard Warriors in different towns achieve different results?

Do they actually achieve something or just waste our precious time?

Is any amount of sarcasm unnecessary?

Only time will tell

An Unbiased Review

Whilst watching the top 250 films as recommended by IMDB, I soon came to realise the fan base that some actors/directors seem to generate.

 

Alfred Hitchcock dominates the directorial front with 8 of his films ranking in the top 200.  I have watched all of these now and although very formulaic they are entertaining films, has Hitchcock fandom skewed the results and pushed these higher in the rankings than justly deserved?

Chaplin is my biggest gripe.  After trawling through 6 terrible films of the late actor/director I can only deduce that the people voting are the fans of Chaplin who will not give a score less than 9 out of 10.  This has a direct impact on the top 250 ranks as they are only receiving positive votes as no-one else can be bothered watching them but the hard core fans.  Some people may say that Chaplin moved the slapstick comedy era of films forward and into the limelight.  However Chaplin’s “The Kid", his first major film, was released in 1921, eight years later he released "City Lights" which is one of the highest ranked Chaplin films in the IMDB 250 list. Earlier that year “Horse Feathers” was released by the Marx Brothers.  So one could also argue that the success of the slapstick that the Marx Brothers brought to the Silver Screen further launched the career of Charlie who refused to enter the talkie era for another 20 years!

With other examples of fan based voting within the top 250 list such as Billy Wilder, Akira Kurosawa, Hayao Miyazaki and Sergio Leone I wondered whether it is actually possible to have an opinion on a film to review it objectively without a “Fan Boy” bias

I think that my brother had a massive influence on me as a youngster as he always liked to watch films and discuss and I was always keen to follow in his ways.  Fond memories like the first time we watched Predator and I had nightmares for months, but would not tell my mum why as this may stop Film Club.  Watching Aliens outside the front room window of my Uncle’s house, with Gill, trying to workout what was happening without dialog, or even going to the cinema with George during the school holidays to watch Disney classics.  Years later, I remember sharing my love for films with my cousin James, making him watch Predator one afternoon at Nanna’s.  Unfortunately, he did not respect the film club code and his nightmares caused his mum to have serious words with me about my film choices.

It was with my brother and cousin Gill that I first experienced “Star Wars”, a tale of good vs evil, the oppressed rallying against the evil empire.  Star Wars captured my imagination and the merchandise released with this fueled this passion further. (Even if I did sell all our figures at a car boot sale years later).   

To this day it remains one of the highest grossing films.  Without the internet to create public knowledge and anticipation, without IMDB or YouTube to launch trailer upon trailer and have people discuss opinions, this film grew and grew to the phenomenon that it is today.  As much as you try to avoid it, Star Wars is a film which continues to grow and the fan base increases year upon year with children of fans becoming fans.

This passion has remained with me from the first viewing and every subsequent view, but my love for films has also increased.  Great new directors and actors have paved the way for new genres and fantastic worlds.  I watch films because I enjoy watching films.  I have watched some terrible films but enjoyed watching them nevertheless. 

So, going back to my original question, does fan bias voting have an impact on your perception?

Does the original Star Wars Trilogy belong in the IMDB top 250 films? 
Yes, based on the impact they have had within cinematic history.

Are A New Hope, Empire and Jedi a collection of films that can fuel minds with excitement and passion creating a massive fan base? 
Yes.
 

Are they greatest films ever?
No.

My scores on IMDB for the three films are 7/10, 8/10 and 6/10 respectively.  I reviewed these based on what I consider a 10/10 film and how they relate to this.  I did not just simply put them as 10 out of 10 because I am a “Fan Boy”, like, I believe, most of the reviewers on IMDB have done.

Check before you advertise!

Ok, so it is not linked to my bucket list, but these just make me laugh

My brother has a obsession with a misplaced apostrophe, on many occasions he has been found laughing in shop windows at bad grammar.  Now I know this is sad and he is going through his midlife crisis, but as I have stated he is a big influence in my life and I now have started noticing advertising faux pas.

As and when I find them I will post them here for entertainment purposes only, and if anyone out there reads this and finds one of these, please email me or tweet me a picture and I will post and credit you with the finding.

At this potential school for my niece the physical education student
'never say's "I Cant"'

Bro - High School Visits

I think I should have a section dedicated to Bolton New Faux Pas

You would think with the sensitivity of the story that there would be certain checks to do before publishing

Wouldn't OCD make you check things before you advertise?
Pondo's Facebook

The Telegraph reported the following
statement on the 31/07/2013
"Best be careful about jumping to conclusions
 were Suarez is concerned"
Link to web page
Come on Telegraph, we expect better!
Lee Roberts - Work PC

Pasty Cafe at Chapelfield Shopping Centre
Food Hall,  Norwich
Inundated with hungry coal workers at lunchtimes...obviously
Craig and Ella, Norwich

BBC Three's Swansea based show "The Call Centre"
Twe is obviously very upset that the BBC cannot spell
"Manager" and refer to him as a Manger!
BBC - this is terrible!
Clare - at home

@twe_callcentre Twe? are you actually a Shift Manger? or a Manager?
@PondoBaba I think the term 'mentally challenged' suits me best mate

Thieves just aren't trying anymore
Advertising that they will steal your TV, cookers
and all scrap metal
Beewell, Walsall

It looks like the owner of Skoops thought,
"there must be an apostrophe somewhere"
Pondo - Bolton

Either this is a clever new marketing scheme from Mr Branson,
or someone is going to get a real treat this father's day
(Ian Havelock - Work PC)

Julie was clearly chuffed with her innuendo
and then it all went wrong....
Pondo - Walkden



From the same stall as the Holy Reeves
Broadlands - Norwich
Bro

Craig spotted this one in our local Indian Restaurant.
Told you he was obsessed with the apostrophe
(Shylet - Atherton)
Bro

This van was parked outside Ma's house
Again, Craig's obsession with the apostrophe
I love the fact that this has been approved by the company
AND the Sign Writer
Bro
The website (http://www.cranberryfayre.com) is riddled with
apostrophe nightmares
(Pondo)

The Classic "Holy Reeves"  Christmas sign
Norwich Ring Road
(Bro and Ella)

Unless there are more than 2 dads and their  2 lads that own
this shop, then what else do the lads and dads own?
Bro and Ella (Atherton High Street)

4 errors in one sign, impressive
Made in Britain - Stratford-Upon-Avon
(Bro and Ella)

Nicely typed, straight to the point, laminated...but general
Housekeeping insists on your Cutley being placed in the sink
(Beewell - Place of work)

In our local Indian Restaurant Apparently Massala is the
nationsFaviroute dish

Make sure you remeber about weekend
Meadowview Surgery website
(Little family victory on this one)

Not only is the spelling of "Where" incorrect,
 but  it also pure Leigth! "It were £19.99, then
it were £3.99 but nah it's £2.99"
(Leigh High Street)

Just a quality shagy rug
Poundstretcher, Atherton

Working in travel, Clare often sees the word "Accommodation"
on a regular basis.  It is amazing how many brochures and
websites seem to have trouble with this word
(Clare - Internet)

From "50 Shades of Grey".  How else do you take off socks?
Andy Parsons - Lowry 03/05/2013
@MrAndyParsons

Chinese buffet in Swinton
Interesting Choice of flavours
Pondo - Swinton

All Day Every Day (except weekends)

so just Every Weekday then?

Butcher's, Chef's and of course we cannot forget

the "Sasages"

Beewell - Walsall