tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50895592011-12-16T17:30:35.105ZThe thoughts of chairman Phil Random ramblings from someone who ought to know better.<br>
I'm not going to say I'm right (well I am) but I will say what I like. If you disagree or even if you don't <a href="mailto:phil@pagenumberone.co.uk">get in touch</a>.<br>
I may be wasting my time on this but feel free to waste some of yours reading this stuff.<br>
<b>Thanks
</b>
Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.comBlogger2951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-55590409698678194432009-10-24T13:27:00.002Z2009-10-24T13:43:00.648ZSwatting Nick Griffin.All the fuss over Thursdays appearance by Nick Griffin on Question Time is a bit sad. Lots of very earnest people screamed and shouted outside the BBC. They fought with Police and were seen being dragged out of TV Centre.What did they hope to achieve ? Simple - an increase in votes for the BNP.Nick Griffin always like to present himself and his party as victims of "the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-41150941736305762102009-09-22T12:27:00.002Z2009-09-22T12:40:00.271ZWhat do you want, Blood ?If you visit the national blood service website, you'll see that stocks are low. They always are.But if you actually want to give blood then you better be prepared for a challenge. As someone with over 40 donations to his name I've always been amazed quite how difficult this is.At present I'm working in Birmingham. Not a problem you'd thinks as there is a permanent centrePhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-32899362862667653072009-09-10T19:55:00.001Z2009-09-10T19:56:51.094ZBus trainingFor the last few weeks I've joined that happy band known as "commuters". The experience has made me consider that a new qualification needs to be introduced. Welcome to the world of the "Using the Bus" qualification. Subjects include:Knowing where you are going, or at least having a vague idea.Occupying only a single seat when the bus gets busy.Sitting next to people and why it's a Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-18536906833399076182009-08-31T19:07:00.003Z2009-08-31T19:30:41.476ZHow Facebook will change the world.Social networking: a good idea or just something to play with when you are bored at work ?For most people I suspect it's the later. They log in for much the same reason they look at the BBC news website or any number of Blogs, the content might have changed from the last time they looked and sometimes that is all you need. Facebook has the advantage that it's a Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-42633556779398515892009-08-19T19:27:00.002Z2009-08-19T19:39:02.628ZSick play ?Apparently, the NHS needs to cut staff sickness. It's higher than that in most private sector companies according to a group of consultants.In other words, people who work with ill people, some of whom have contagious diseases, are ill more often then people who sit in an office. Or, people who have to do manual work, requiring precision and often the cleaning up of bodily fluids don'tPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-22960721488579962632009-07-17T15:14:00.003Z2009-07-17T15:25:30.527ZNo longer consulting the OracleTeletext is to die ! Noooooo.OK, so I'm a Ceefax person really but I still think this is really sad news. I refuse to have a digital telly because you can't get viewdata and prefer this to the joys of BBC 3. Teh interweb is a marvelous thing but sometimes blocky text and low-res graphics are all you need to do the job.The best news is via Ceefax. The stories are in Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-40155485271825845162009-07-06T07:10:00.002Z2009-07-06T07:28:02.925ZWhere do Quango's come from ? David Cameron, Gordon Brown and every other media tart in Government is promising "a bonfire of the quangos".There are many of these organisations - I've worked with some of them in the past. They are full of people who once upon a time would have been civil servants, but because politicians like to fob off responsibility find themselves working for "independent" Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-31531850411307030092009-06-29T07:09:00.002Z2009-06-29T07:21:45.487ZBeat it ?The BBC has an advert that runs during it's news programmes. In it we are shown reporters working around the world. There's loads of sexy technology and people in bullet proof jackets typing on laptops. The thrust of the piece is that the Beeb has reporters around the world so they are on the spot when a big story breaks. It's one in the eye for ITN who rely on teh interweb and pray for Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-88248077137727756632009-06-23T08:41:00.003Z2009-06-23T08:59:44.723ZSarkozy is rightWhen he says that the burka has no place in France anyway. Hooray for a politician who has the guts to stand up to those in religious authority intent of oppressing women. Wouldn't it be great if UK MP's had the same level of bravery.When I see a woman wearing head to ground (longer than toe, these clothes drag along the ground slightly so there is no chance of a glimpse of ankle)Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-30333786137331549872009-05-01T17:42:00.002Z2009-05-01T17:47:41.091ZAshamed ?Charles Clarke is ashamed to be a Labour MP because of the current chaos within the party apparently. Not because of the parties destruction of public services ?or attempts to sell of the Post Office ?or the cosying up to bankers who have destroyed our economy ?or PFI which means we will be paying for hospitals and other public buildings previously paid for by the state, for many years Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-21255194722075116782009-04-27T12:48:00.005Z2009-04-28T07:33:37.088ZSwine FluThe world, or at least the tabloid press and the and the ingrates contributing to the BBC HYS section, worried about swine flu, I thought I had better put things down in black and white for the assistance of the stupid. Here are the actions required:Shooting down of all aircraft to stop the spread of infection.Nuclear strikes on all airports to kill any infection that's already been Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-49141613706138847722009-04-22T13:31:00.002Z2009-04-22T14:01:10.464ZDownloading musicTom Reynolds blog reported on the Pirate Bay court case and one of the commenter's suggested that Utopian notion, that all music downloads should be free. To pay for this, the prices on MP3 players and other music devices would be raised to provide funds to replace that earned from record sales. This sounded a bit mad to me so I've done some maths. As an example, the last CD I Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-22429235849538744552009-04-09T17:21:00.002Z2009-04-09T17:46:43.715ZTell it like it is.12 people have been arrested for possible terrorism offences. In the information vacuum the BBC and other news outlets are desperately speculating to try and fill up the otherwise empty air. At the same time they are making the people arrested seem as important as possible and making scaring the viewer as much as they can.First up the people arrested are described as "members Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-76940961085045019682009-03-17T09:12:00.002Z2009-03-17T09:25:37.113ZMinimum alcohol price = Good Sadly it's too difficult for the public to understand and for that reason will fail.The chief medical officer has said there should be a minimum price per unit for alcohol. The BBC and all other news organisations have been busy rubbishing it for the last few days. Gordon Brown has popped up saying he doesn't think it is a good idea. He's wrong in my opinion, and Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-88813172442071070462009-02-05T19:55:00.006Z2009-02-05T20:37:02.333ZGreen lightOriginally uploaded by Phil_ParkerGetting out and aboutThe recent apocalyptic snowfall has me pondering on aspects of the life we lead. A couple of days ago someone on the radio invented the word "hypermobility" to describe the idea that we all feel we can go anywhere at any time we want - something seen as a right and not a privilege or luxury.Not being one for invented words this Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-29717990573825368632009-02-03T08:15:00.002Z2009-02-03T08:19:06.783ZIs your journey really necessary ?Wondering how to decide if you should struggle in to work when the weather is bad ? Simply look at your payslip. If you are badly paid such as:NursesAmbulance DriversThe man in the cab of the gritting lorrythen you have no choice but to go to work. Even if the trip kills you.On the other hand if you are well paid such as:Members of ParliamentSenior managersOn Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-17248112561449566402009-02-01T19:27:00.003Z2009-02-01T20:09:56.152ZFalling out with the GuardianI've read the Guardian for most of my life. Our acquaintance started in the 6th form when a single copy was supplied to the common room. Most of my compatriots ignored it but I liked to have a read. Later, when I worked for MAFF I read it when sitting on our reception. That was in the good old days when "Notes & Queries" was at the bottom of a page on a Wednesday. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-5418372874293047712009-01-27T08:07:00.002Z2009-01-27T08:18:35.987ZWhere have all the dickie birds gone ?Last weekend was the annual RSPB Garden Birdwatch. Every year millions of people spend an hour staring out into the garden counting the birds. It's a clever idea that generates easy and popular news storeis for the media, extra donations for the RSPB and finally useful data for those plotting the demise of UK species.I have some news for the bird scientists. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-80395145307417135312009-01-21T18:31:00.002Z2009-01-21T18:37:08.489ZFirst day in the officeThe BBC reports that "President Obama spent some time alone in the Oval Office" as though this is suprising. If it was me in there I'd chuck everyone out so I could just sit swinging around in the chair and looking at it all.Then I'd go through all the drawers to see what exciting stationery the previous incumbent had left me - he'll still be waiting for the order to arrivePhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-83843012275859042282009-01-07T08:13:00.002Z2009-01-07T08:37:23.610ZWales vs FranceIsrael and Hamas. This, for me, is like a sporting fixture between Wales and France. With the later I don't particularly like either participant and they (generally) don't like me much as far as I can tell when visiting. Therefore I would prefer an outcome where they both lose. At best a no score draw with all fans disappointed.Same thing in the Middle East. Neither side can claim Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-30121043223817821472008-12-19T10:01:00.002Z2008-12-19T10:05:03.006ZPic'n'MixOriginally uploaded by Phil_ParkerPic'n'Mix I am sad that Wollies is closing. Like the majority of people who feel this way it's no because I was a regular customer but they were a handy fallback when the first place you tried for something didn't have it. Of course the fact that they were rarely, if ever, the first choice explains the groups demise. That and the senior management are Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-64639776820906253082008-12-13T10:24:00.002Z2008-12-13T10:42:48.601ZStop SmokingI have cracked it. I know how to stop kids smoking. All that stuff about banning the display of cigarettes is a waste of time. They will become even more taboo and therefore more appealing to "da kidz".No, the solution is to ban cigarettes completely.Draconian ? No. You see I said we should ban cigarettes, not smoking. You are welcome to inhale all the burning leaves you want, as longPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-62762805250294365442008-12-05T11:06:00.003Z2008-12-05T11:13:26.901ZBusiness opportunityAccording to the BBC, the Honda F1 team is for sale, for a pound. This gives me an idea.If I buy the team then I get to go to the races. Now a ticket for the British Grand Prix is quite a lot of money. More than a quid anyway. For that you get to sit in a stand and watch the cars go by. While I'm sure that seeing a speck (F1 cars are tiny and you are long way away) going Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-48685326864473818882008-11-19T18:56:00.002Z2008-11-19T19:02:22.563ZSurreal News NightBest comment by a BNP member on the news tonight, "It's like we are living in an fascist state." because their membership details leaked onto the web.That's the point you idiot it's what you joined that party to try and bring about !!!!Good grief. Obviously there is at least one member who was so busy playing with himself at the thought of sending all those non-white people "Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-25303577943118096712008-11-15T18:30:00.002Z2008-11-15T18:50:34.101ZWho killed baby P ?I've never had a high opinion of Social Workers. While there are no doubt many good ones who work had and efficiently to look after us all, some of the most useless wastes of space I have ever encountered have been from the profession. However, unlike the mainstream media I do not believe they go around murdering children.The question has been asked repeatedly this week, "Who Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-72414045268800879702008-11-01T09:20:00.002Z2008-11-01T09:21:29.555ZBowling noteOriginally uploaded by Phil_ParkerWhen handed this bit of paper last time I made a lamentable attempt at ten pin bowling I was really tempted to go all Daily Mail over it. "Political Health and Safety Correctness Gone MAD", I wanted to cry.Then I looked around. In the next lane there was a group of girls, none of whom were older than 14. Of course they were unsupervised - dumped on Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-84934044568747304612008-10-27T09:33:00.004Z2008-10-27T10:29:35.152ZThe Beeching Report - Condensed.Since the anniversary of the infamous Beeching Report has arrived, along with several mentions on the tellybox, I feel I need to add to the sum of the worlds knowledge by condensing the whole history for the benefit of those with limited attention spans.Thomas the Tank engine: Hello. I am Thomas and will be representing the entire railway network. During the war I Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-26933953710855687662008-10-26T09:26:00.002Z2008-11-05T09:08:31.705ZAmerican Election ResultMy prediction: John McCain by a small margin.Reason: While people will be very reasonable when talking with a pollster, get in the voting booth and suddenly a whole lot more people will remember that one candidate is black and the other loves guns. In the UK, we do the same with taxes...Update: Wrong. And I've rarely been happier to be so. Bye bye scary Sarah !Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-57434168019874020582008-10-25T10:44:00.003Z2008-10-25T10:45:54.842ZClosed Post OfficeClosed Post OfficeOriginally uploaded by Phil_ParkerLast week I needed to post some parcels. Since I was going to Birmingham, I thought I'd just drop in to the Post Office in the cetnre of the city and do them there.But it's closed.Apparently the Post Office has reviewed its services and decided that the Office in the middle of the UK's second city isn't needed any more. We can Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-46665236049571098852008-10-23T17:10:00.003Z2008-10-23T17:14:56.820ZLab rats ?Could the decision by Swindon Council to stop funding speed cameras and they hope to see them removed from their roads, be seen as a bold experiment ? If the good people of Swindon start to turn into bonnet ornaments in ever greater numbers thanks to the decision to stop enforcing this law, then presumably safety campaigners will see it as a vindication of the status quo. And of course Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-59600120247628845232008-10-13T07:53:00.002Z2008-10-13T08:08:34.817ZTreason ?From the BBC: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is to raise £20bn, with chief executive Sir Fred Goodwin quitting the firmOnce upon a time, anyone who damaged the United Kingdom as fundamentally as the senior bankers have done would have been charged with treason. Instead, the Government is going to let them walk away with millions of our pounds.Of course there could be a punitive tax band Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-16780283594446114432008-08-27T18:01:00.003Z2008-08-27T18:34:53.943ZWhat is Miliband trying prove ?David Miliband, our foreign secretary, wants a war. He's making no bones about it. The denials are half hearted while the sabre-rattling is strong. He wants a conflict with Russia and he wants it now.I wonder if this is all part of his bid for the Labour leadership ? Miliband wants to distance himself from Gordon Brown and the only way he can think to do this is Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-26127883590298133342008-08-27T07:54:00.003Z2008-08-27T08:01:10.372ZGrottQuote: BBC1 supremo Jay Hunt professed her love of the original show [Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin] - aired between 1976 and 1979 - and declared that "one of her first acts in the job had been to look into reviving the series".Which would be better expressed as "one her first acts in the job was to admit that she and the UK creative industry had a complete absence of new ideas."Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-67118685041054533662008-08-21T16:09:00.002Z2008-08-21T16:15:11.794ZLeader of the GangAccording to Sky News Gary Glitter says, "I have an incomplete album that I want to finish. I have been thinking about the plan during my days in jail. I have sung rock n roll for 40 years. After jail I will rock'n'roll."I would really love to see the first date on his comeback tour. It will run like this:Thumping music and lights. The strains of the start of Glitters biggest Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-62941619859065120382008-08-18T07:20:00.002Z2008-08-18T07:36:31.413ZCheap shirts ?Tesco have been running a series of anoying adverts over the last few weeks advertising thier "Back to School" range. When I was a kid I used to hate the appareance at the start of the summer holidays of sales reminding you that you would be returning to school soon. He I was looking at the fat end of 6 weeks of freedom and the shops all wanted to hurry me back to the classroom. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-5411547885944783952008-08-12T07:38:00.002Z2008-08-12T07:55:55.022ZGeorgia's on our mindDick Cheney says that Russian force will not go unanswered. Does he really fancy taking on the might of the Soviet Union in a war ? Is this how this 67 year-old wants to finish his, and everyone elses life ? Doe he think George W really want to go out in the biggest bang possible ? Of course this is as complicated as you can get diplomatically. On one side it wasn't smart of Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-6312868557860383232008-08-06T11:22:00.002Z2008-08-06T11:32:11.828ZListed buildingsThe fuss about Birmingham's Library which may be replaced or listed, or something else is quite fun. The assumption by those who want to knock it down is that they are going to get a brand, spanking new building that will provide the city with another icon. How do they know that they won't get something as rubbish as The Public in nearby West Bromwich ?I may not be a fan of Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-70556142945500771362008-08-05T22:21:00.002Z2008-08-05T22:24:08.778ZYum ?I've just been cleaning out the SPAM caught by my ISP. According to one message I can claim a $250 McDonalds voucher.Who wants one of those ? I once had a £5 voucher which had to be spent in one go and took an hour to work out the best combination to get the most value. Give me more and I'll die of starvation while doing the numbers. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-3167651247449442232008-08-04T12:25:00.002Z2008-08-04T12:30:39.902ZFinancial meltdownThe BBC: Warning as HSBC Profits fall 28%Am I missing something here ? Over the last few days we've been told that several other banks profits are down. British Airways is also doomed for the same reason.When did making a profit become a disaster ? Surely if a business always makes a profit it is successful ? Or do we now have to have a minimum profit level ?This sounds like thePhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-73392208402731259452008-08-03T18:47:00.002Z2008-08-03T19:04:17.589ZA1 projectCongratulations to the team who have just completed a brand new main line steam locomotive. It just shows what ordinary people can do if they really want to achieve something. For 18 years many have wondered if the project would fail or worse, simply peeter out through lack of interest. This week however the locomotive have been rolled out. There is still work to do, a paint job for a Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-24537317963829559132008-08-02T12:32:00.004Z2008-08-02T13:32:51.739ZCruelty to animalsSome will call this sad, but very little upsets me more than pointless cruelty to animals. OK so I eat meat and you can argue that animals have to die for my dinner but I'll always try and support the most humaine standards of slaughter. Besides, at least there is a point to the suffering.No, the big problem I have is with stories like the ones that filled the news this week. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-90618302047395064002008-07-30T07:44:00.002Z2008-07-30T07:47:00.630ZPassport to plonkercoIf thousands of passports have been stolen, why tell anyone ?Wouldn't it make more sense to keep quiet and wait for them to turn up at the airport. You can then reasonably assume that anyone in possesion of one is dodgy and can be carted off for their 42 day holiday at HM's expense.Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-31983746309604793492008-06-08T18:07:00.002Z2008-06-08T18:12:47.680ZCult of Celebrity20% of Hilary Clinton's supporters have said that they won't vote for Barack Obama even though she has asked them to. Many have said that they plan to vote for John McCain instead.This indicates that they are less interested in politics or doing the right thing for the country and more in the cult of celebrity. Even if it means handing over power to a crazed right-winger if the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-63471218546313996072008-06-04T21:46:00.003Z2008-06-04T21:49:53.580ZIs the Queen ill ?Prince William is spending 8 weeks with the Royal Navy as part of a scheme to familiarise him with each of the armed forces. If my maths is any good this means he will have spend 6 months this year preparing to become Commander in Chief.Why the rush ?While I'm no expert on the workings of the House of Windsor, I think before he gets this job both his Dad and Granny have to kickPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-75460244328729846522008-05-31T15:58:00.002Z2008-05-31T15:59:39.487ZPeel webcamOriginally uploaded by Phil_ParkerPeel web cam. It's lovely. I have in the past spent several minutes a day looking at it to relax at work (well there wasn't much of a view from my desk) .The view over the harbour changed with the seasons. Boats came and went. Sometimes it rained, sometimes the sun was out.OK, so the camera was a bit wonky and the picture slightly fuzzy. It didn't makePhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-34302690576446410802008-05-28T06:55:00.002Z2008-05-28T07:22:19.456ZFuel prices - ranting to a solutionTruckers who are protesting about fuel prices might like to have a chat with miners who remember the 1980's. When they were fighting for their jobs (While I disagreed with the methods, they did have a point about the impending mine closures) I don't recall much support from the road industry who seemed happy to ship the stuff around. Now the haulage industry is Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-55418314165941062202008-05-06T18:16:00.001Z2008-05-06T18:18:09.259ZKeep your shirt onFat blokes. I know it is sunny but please keep your shirts ON. It's not pretty and we don't want to see your blubber no matter how proud you are of it.That's all.Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-31936815142022861982008-04-29T17:31:00.003Z2008-04-29T17:39:15.985ZFuelI keep being told on the news that the average gallon now costs over a fiver - it's been that way around here for months. Who's getting all the cheap petrol ?OK, so I run an aged VeeDub which does an embarrassing MPG but I'd like to track down some of this stuff. If I want to travel around in it this year then I wouldn't say no to a slight dip in price.Of course I still think the hauliers Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-13886390205014800562008-04-25T19:24:00.003Z2008-04-25T19:44:15.320ZThe return of Blake's 7Info hereLet me start by saying this is a Good Thing. OK, so it's (apparently) being done by Sky but if they don't screw it up too badly then this should be good.For those who didn't grow up in the 1970's, the plot in the early days was that Roj Blake was a "freedom fighter" living on Earth. This planet and others were controlled by the Federation. He is captured at an Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-7994734551916919732008-04-24T17:41:00.003Z2008-04-24T17:49:29.223ZTeachers - Get a proper jobMuch as I hate to join the side of the Daily Mail (boo, hiss), what the hell are teachers moaning about ?The average salary of a teacher in this country is over £30k. The average salary in the country is £22. For those who've been through the UK education system, that means teachers are better paint than most of the people working in this country. Even the starting Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-33213742979212428962008-04-22T07:19:00.002Z2008-04-22T07:22:27.443Z10p Tax bandHow come MPs are only just getting excited about the 10p tax band ? It was announced last year and the various TV pundits explaind at the time it would clobber the lowest paid.A year is a long time in politics so I suppose that it's too far ahead for most to plan. Either that or they were too stupid to realise what was happening. Neither option covers them in glory though.Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-79147826676840814912008-04-12T17:44:00.003Z2008-04-12T17:59:04.732ZI'm back !OK, so I haven't posted anything much to this blog for ohh at least a year. In the meantime I have been trying to be less ranty and spount so much rubbish, but now I need an outlet again since I've taken a career break and don't have the chance to argue with people who need to stay in the same room and tolerate me because they are getting paid.Before returning to the keyboard I have Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1139426961868762402006-02-08T19:22:00.000Z2006-02-08T19:29:21.880ZYou need a big picture of HamzaFunny how the tabloids and Tories are demanding to know why it took so long to jail Abul Hamza. It just shows how short of thought they all are.The reason it took so long is simple. The clue is in the description of the Finsbury Park Mosque as a "honeypot". Put simply, every Islamic nutter who was likely to commit a crime would, at some point, drop in to catch a Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1138824515817758622006-02-01T20:05:00.000Z2006-02-01T20:08:35.826ZBush reads my Blog !I think President Bush reads my blog. I've suggested before that if he wants to win the "War on Terror"(tm) he needs to scare the Middle East by cutting purchases of oil.And now he announces that the US is addicted to oil and promises to use technology to cut this dependance.Go for it Georgie !Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1138219769270523892006-01-25T20:06:00.000Z2006-01-25T20:09:29.270ZNew BlogI've been very lax about keeping up my blog. No suprise there but I have an excuse.I have a new Blog: Phil's WorkbenchIt chronicals my modelmaking activities. I'm trying to be less ranty and more positive this year. It doesn't mean I get wound up any less, this blog is still a useful and fun safety valve, but I want to direct my blgging activities in other directions.Go on, have a look !Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1138219531307676922006-01-25T19:25:00.000Z2006-01-25T20:05:31.346ZTake your blood and go.I've just tried to give blood. The letter came telling me to go to the centre today and so I went. I left work early, caught a bus into Leamington, grabbed a meal at a Wetherspoons and wandered down to the donations centre.When I got there, I found a queue. In fact when I tried to hand in my form I'm told the waiting time would be over an hour. Since they only have 75 Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1136491851997516462006-01-05T20:05:00.000Z2006-01-05T20:10:52.010ZWho is God kiddingStrange that just as he is starting Israel on a path toward some sort of peace, Ariel Sharon suffers a massive stroke and is near death.Yet while he was being "indirectly responsible" for the massacre of Palestinians earlier in his life, nothing happened.A punishment from God ?Seems strange to me. Of course you could arge that a massivly overweight old man is bound to suffer Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1135949994855849072005-12-30T13:39:00.000Z2005-12-30T13:39:54.860ZGlobal warmingGlobal Warming - Where it all went wrongPeople don't care much about global warming. They say they do to pollstersand idiots doing vox-pops for TV but in truth they think worrying about itis a job for someone else.Scientists would argue that the concept is too huge for the man in thestreet to understand properly. Combating global warming requires acollective effort. The individual doesn't see Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1135629949825763912005-12-26T20:39:00.000Z2005-12-26T20:45:49.836ZChristmas Technology woes1) My sister gets an MP3 player. A Creative Zen Micro in pink to be precice. I've got one of these (in blue since you ask) and it's great. But when I bought mine it was because a friend had just aquired one. His had two batteries. When I bought mine that offer had stopped and I just got one. I did get a charger but my sister didn't. She has to plug her player into the USBPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1135024982072330852005-12-19T20:43:00.000Z2005-12-19T20:43:02.100ZHOME SWEET HOME.flickr-photo { border: solid 1px #000000; }.flickr-frame { float: left; text-align: center; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } HOME SWEET HOME, originally uploaded by Phil_Parker. Time to add some photos. Here is a shot of Ashley, my camper at Evesham. OK, it's not a great picture as it was taken on my 'phone but it's not bad.Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1134843114610760112005-12-17T17:46:00.000Z2005-12-17T18:11:54.623ZThe JCB song and me.I'm fascinated by the fuss locally with "The JCB Song" by Nizlopi. For those who don't know, it's about a kid who gets bullied at school. He dreams his Dad is a martial arts expert who can protect him, or can take him in the bucket of his JCB.The thing is that I went to school just up the road from the one in the song. And like most of my contemporaries I was bullied by the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1134166953226312582005-12-09T22:20:00.000Z2005-12-09T22:22:33.226ZWelcome to Christmas8th December, walking through Reading. A superb busker whistling Christmas tunes very loudly - you could hear him 2-300 feet away.Then Slade blares out from the first shop I walk in."It's Christmas !!!"Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1133944389196444872005-12-07T08:33:00.000Z2005-12-09T22:20:46.546ZOut go the lightsWalking to the bus stop each morning happens at that special time of daywhen it's neither light nor dark. We are balanced on the cusp of day whiewatchint the night receeedIn practical terms this means I can be walking under a lamp post and thelight suddenly goes out. Most disconcerting. Is God trying to tell mesomething ?The weird thing is that not all the lights are affected. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1133377511167976852005-11-30T18:48:00.000Z2005-11-30T19:05:11.180ZWas the world better when it was smaller ?Once upon a time the idea of travelling to Wales was a challenge. You didn't really know what happened there. News would take days to arrive. Now we know what is happening on the other side of the planet almost as soon as it happens. Is this a good thing ? It's made travelling harder. Visiting Wales can be a day trip. When you get there, or indeed Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1132507306099492992005-11-20T17:20:00.000Z2005-11-20T17:21:46.110ZPhil's fantastic suit.There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong choice of clothing.I thought of this the other day when walking in light drizzle. My jacket kept me warm enough but I still got a wet face. What I need, is a spacesuit.This should be a fantastic outfit. It could keep me warm with little heaters. In the summer the heaters would reverse and keep me cool.Rain, snow, wind, Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1132089231650789232005-11-15T20:49:00.000Z2005-11-15T21:13:51.663ZComplicated hairTraveling by bus I get to study peoples hair with a long look at the back of their head. Most hair isn't that exciting but every so often someone sits in front with a style so complicated you wonder how it was created.I thought of this today when a lady sat in the front seat with platted hair. Not a couple of tradional "Heidi" plaits but dozens of them. All her hair was incrediblyPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1131909070902858222005-11-13T19:05:00.000Z2005-11-13T19:11:10.913ZFruit is not a puddingWe should eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day to remain healthy. That is good and not too difficult to understand.What is a struggle though is the suggestion that concept embodied in the suggestion to "have a piece of fruit for pudding.". Diet experts who think it will be warmly received proffer this stupid advice. How obvious, you want something sweet to finish your meal,Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1131658474072298182005-11-10T21:33:00.000Z2005-11-10T21:34:34.086ZWhy I wear a poppyIt’s the 11th day of the 11th month tomorrow. Remembrance day.I’m wearing a poppy and so are many other people. Normally though, when I give money to charity and am offered a sticker I refuse. I don’t wear any wristbands. Ribbons don’t adorn my clothes. But I always wear a poppy.Some people say that poppies glorify war. We should wear white poppies "for peace" but I don’t go forPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1131289459786351792005-11-06T14:49:00.000Z2005-11-06T15:04:19.800ZI hate Comic SansNuff said ?Once upon a time you had printed words and handwritten ones. The printed ones were neat and tidy. The others casual and bit scruffy. Then came computers and desk top publishing. Suddnely everyone had a thousand fonts to choose from. Which they did.Posters weren't complete unless they featured over seven different typefaces. It looked awful. Now we have the ability to Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1130877188094056542005-11-01T20:31:00.000Z2005-11-01T20:34:06.306ZWhite wallsMy visit to the gym tonight wasn’t very successful. Three minutes on the stepper and my legs hurt. Some half-hearted attempts on various machines followed but my heart wasn’t in it. Once I feel like this, it’s time to go home.Frustrated, I decided to go for a stroll. Nowhere in particular, just a wander listening to music. The fresh air helps calm and soothe. The gentle exercise and Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1130788245288603162005-10-31T19:46:00.000Z2005-10-31T19:50:45.300ZTrick or treat ?For 364 days of the year, parents tell thier little darlings, "Don't talk to strangers" but for one night it's, "Go and bang on people's door and demand money on threat of smashing thier cars up."I've always wondered how we always get through halloween without a child being abducted and murdered.What I want is a shop selling disgusting sweets. Curry filled chocolates, toffee Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1130352483122500132005-10-26T18:31:00.000Z2005-10-26T18:48:03.130ZBird Flu - The factsThere is a lot of confusion around about Bird Flu at the moment. As a former Ministry Of Agriculture employee (5 years as an Administrative Officer), I feel that it is my duty to lay the facts before you. 1) Bird flu is highly contageous. Simply reading the words "bird flu" are enough for you to catch the disease. Obviously drinking blood from a contaminated duck is a more Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1130095832261336842005-10-23T19:13:00.000Z2005-10-23T19:30:32.270ZBird Flu - The FactsOK, there has been a lot of panic about bird flu in the media. In my capacity as someone who worked for MAFF for five years as an Admin Officer, I feel it is my duty to give you the facts.1) Bird flu is contagious. You can catch it from kissing chickens, drinking duck blood, watching the television, reading newspapers. Even reading the words "bird flu" in a blog mean you will Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1130001335166682252005-10-22T17:04:00.000Z2005-10-22T17:15:35.176ZCracking Mug Gromit.I'm drinking tea from a Gromit shaped mug. It's quite nice - the nose changes colour a little and despite the funny shape it works suprisingly well as a drinks receptical.What I wonder is; how many of these have been bought and then salted away as a "collectable".I bet there are loads. Attics around the world will groan under the weight of mugs that are never going to see tea.Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1129571761027089542005-10-17T17:53:00.000Z2005-10-17T17:56:01.033ZWe're all going to die.I think I might have writen on this subject before but since we are having another panic:We're all dooooomed !Let's face it, if the bird flu doesn't get us, the terrorists will.And we wonder why people aren't paying into pensions...Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1129396927299745802005-10-15T17:18:00.000Z2005-10-15T17:22:07.303ZDavid Cameron smokes dopeWho cares what the pretenders to Maggies crown did in their sordid pasts. All politicians are hypocrites anyway so persecuting drug users while spending their time stoned isn't out of character.What we should do is ask each candidate if they have ever exceeded the speed limit. Assuming they all have, this shows a complete disregard for the rule of law and they should be Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1129320647064236492005-10-14T19:59:00.000Z2005-10-14T20:10:47.070ZLicence to spendI wonder how many of those complaining about the BBC's request to increase the licence fee subscribe to Sky ?Here's a couple of suggestions to help them cut back a bit though:Stop paying people over a hundred thousand pounds a year just because they can read an autocue. There are plenty of wannabees who would be quite happy to do the job for 20k. If you really must keep someone, Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1129152257222579492005-10-12T21:12:00.000Z2005-10-12T21:24:17.230ZI love eBayeBay is great isn't it ? A true Internet business allowing people around the world who have never met, to buy and sell each other junk.I have been a regular eBayer for 3 or 4 years. Like everyone who has been doing something for a long time, I hanker for "the good old days".Those were the days when people automatically left feedback. Why is it that so many people can't be bothered Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1128878365087494422005-10-09T17:10:00.000Z2005-10-09T17:19:25.093ZReview - Jurys Hotel, BristolThe Good:Location - right by the dockside. Within three minutes walk of the industrial museum, bars, IMAX cinema. I doubt there is a better situated hotel in the city.Breakfast - As much as you want, well cooked and loads of choice.The staff - Friendly and efficient without being too conspicuous. No-one bothered me at breakfast even though I took my time. Plates just Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1128457780285430082005-10-04T20:19:00.000Z2005-10-04T20:29:40.293ZFlash !Why don't people use indicators ? I'm fed up with waiting for a car to come around the roundabout, only to see them turn off the exit before the one I'm waiting at.The problem is especially bad near retail parks. Presumably everyone is basking in the afterglow of retail therapy and can't think straight. Or perhaps thay don't care about anyone else - "I'm all right, I know where I am going,Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1128271638855596632005-10-02T16:40:00.000Z2005-10-02T16:47:18.860ZDo all religions need martyrs ?I learned the explanation of the name "Bury St Edmunds". It really is as it sounds, the place where St Edmund is buried.Edmund was given a choice by the Viking invaders. Give up believing in Jesus or we will kill you. He chose the later and for this sacrifice became a saint.He chose to die for his faith.So, I think, what is the difference between dieing for your Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127756285982738672005-09-26T17:29:00.000Z2005-09-26T17:38:05.990ZSend her downIt's a bit rich for the pensioner jailed for not paying her council tax to demand that council tax is abolished.As an ex-social worker she will have benefited from the tax that everyone else had to pay. Her pension comes from the same source. It's not going to be a big shock to anyone if I suggest that Social Services are not (in my experience) the worlds most efficient department. Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127657878503800222005-09-25T14:09:00.000Z2005-09-25T14:17:58.510ZSPAM, SPAM, SPAM SPAM....One of the comments on this blog is:Hi,I thought you would like to know that you can make money from working at home. You can make $1000 a month from the start by following a simple plan. I will personally help you every step of the way. Go to thework from home site. Come and check it out if you get time :-)Adrian: Go to google or Yahoo News and search "What Is the Best Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127650461591228422005-09-25T12:10:00.000Z2005-09-25T12:14:21.596ZFrying pan or fire ?So I'm going to be working on the computer. I switch the radio on and hear the dreadful dirge that is "Imagine" by John Lennon.I turn over and what do I find - Quote Unquote.Does anyone really enjoy either of these ?Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127332829593282972005-09-21T19:54:00.000Z2005-09-21T20:00:29.600ZWhat do bears do in the woods again ?Kate Moss takes drugs ? Wow, who'd have guessed it ? I don't get any celebrity magazine, read a tabloid or have any interest in the subject. The only contact I have is via TV and Popbitch, which I get for the jokes.And I knew this was happening so how come no-one else did ? Am I psycic or something ? Perhaps I can get a job spotting crimes before the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127249017297219862005-09-20T20:35:00.000Z2005-09-20T20:43:37.303ZCheese huntingWe're off to the moon again !Hooray I say. What the world needs is a project that doesn't involved pointing guns at people. Something to aspire to. Something peaceful we can get excitied about.I know it is using old non-reusable technology but at least it is using something. There comes a point where you have to stop wanting the perfect solution and start using the best you can.Of Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1127060210031936462005-09-18T16:09:00.000Z2005-09-18T16:16:50.043ZSplit me upTrevor Phillips of the CRE thinks that Britain is going to develop it's own ghettos in the future.Perhaps he should look at his own role in this.It's difficult subject to talk about without going all "Daily Mail" but I'll try. Separation of different cultures, races and communities is driven by the need for power. If everyone is a single community then only a few have power. If you Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1126894033212788102005-09-16T18:04:00.000Z2005-09-16T18:07:13.216ZPull your digital out.Digital TV for all by 2012 !Hooray. Once we've all bought our 50 quid digiboxes, Gordon Brown can sell the analogue frequency for a huge wedge.Then Tony can afford to invade somewhere else. I wonder where that will be ?Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1126723790013118142005-09-14T18:37:00.000Z2005-09-14T18:49:50.023ZA big dripI love the way the fuel protesters think they have the government on the back foot. What we see is not the crowds of angry lorry drivers and farmers but a few fat blokes who obviously have nothing better to do. The message they have sent to Gordon Brown is, "It doesn't matter how much petrol costs, everyone will pay for it and we're too lazy to complain."Which is pretty much the messagePhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1126557058736901262005-09-12T20:23:00.000Z2005-09-12T20:30:58.743ZDishing out the squidgy stuffI've just given blood. Nothing special as I've done it before - 32 time but I'm not boasting.For some reason I feel good doing it. Perhaps it is the feeling of helping someone I'll never know. Maybe the fact that there is a little pain (needle prick) involved makes it more special as there is the feeling that I've had to suffer to do "my bit".Or it could just be the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1126461629443776202005-09-11T17:58:00.000Z2005-09-11T18:00:29.450ZPump up the volumePetrol is expensive. In some places it’s currently over a pound a litre.The media are currently rattling on about petrol protests similar to the ones experienced a few years ago. If you ring up the BBC and say "I’m going to blockade a refinery", you’ll get interviewed and treated as a great community leader.Hooray – a group of people no-one elected have decided how much tax Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1126205702983037272005-09-08T18:49:00.000Z2005-09-08T18:55:02.990ZYou've been voted offe-Voting has been abandoned for a while. Hooray.I've written about this before but feel the need to say it again - e-voting is a waste of time.It's one of those ideas that politicians think is a great idea. The trouble is thay think it's a good idea because it's new and exciting. A bit like your grandfather discovering these "new fangled" CD's. Becuase it is new and exciting Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1125764330355495732005-09-03T16:12:00.000Z2005-09-03T16:18:50.363ZPut it awayI was on a train today and something really anoyed me. The woman sitting in the next seat got up at the station we were both getting off at. And she left her newspaper (the Independant I think) all over the table. Why do people do that ? It's your paper. It's your responsibility. Take it away with you. Or at the very least, fold it up neatly for someone else to read. The rest of the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1125689842309952122005-09-02T19:27:00.000Z2005-09-02T19:37:22.316ZSickI've been poorly. Sorry about that. Food poisoning since you ask. A dodgy chocolate covered brazil nut I think. Cue two days lying around with stomach cramps and being sick.I hate being ill. Obviously I don't get enough practise. The world is devided into sick people and not sick people. Sick people are always ill. If there is something going around then they get it. You can subdivide sick Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1125209260295654602005-08-28T05:53:00.000Z2005-08-28T06:07:40.303Z80's nostalgiaWeren't the 80's great ?I started thinking this when I was bowling last night. On the screens showing music videos came Rio by Duran Duran - the one with Simon le Bon posing on the front of a big sailing boat.THAT was what music was about, great visuals. People in suits on boats. Pastel shades straight out of Miami Vice. A feeling that everyone was going to be rich, we all wanted toPhil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1124991694156067682005-08-25T17:36:00.000Z2005-08-25T17:41:34.163ZCan't rememberI've got some really good ideas for Blog entires. Really good ones that will make me write very funny stuff.But I can't remember them. I grope through the darker recesses of my mind and I can sort of see what I want to write but can't quite grasp it.But they will be great. Really funny and I really want to write them down. Perhaps a small notepad is called for. I could even use the Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1124739299792941012005-08-22T19:25:00.000Z2005-08-22T19:34:59.800ZCan you dig it ?The Daily Express (don't bother it's rubbish) reports that some loopy American says the British Police want to exhume Diana, Princess of Hearts, body for investigation. Apparently the "Expert" says that despite the embalming the body recived, he can tell if she was pregnant.I think this is an excellent idea* . She should be dug up and put in a tomb like Lennin. People could then Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1124388300595043202005-08-18T17:57:00.000Z2005-08-18T18:05:00.600ZAre you enthusiastic ?I love the idea of an award for enthusiasts. Pity all the people being nominated (and hence the winner 'cos otherwise the media won't be interested) are famous.Philosopher Dr Julian Baggini says "Most people don't understand why they want to devote most of their time to one thing. But that is a reflection on us now being a broader, shallower society, not a narrow and deep Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1124219781767458662005-08-16T19:09:00.000Z2005-08-16T19:16:21.773ZWhat I really, really want is a Library card.Posh Spice (OK, Victoria Beckham) claims never to have read a bookI don't believe her. Unless she never went to school (which I think you'll find it is a matter of public record that she did) she will have had to read something in the past. Every school makes you take english for some of the time and every school teaches you to read using a book.This Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089559.post-1124220154204463222005-08-13T19:16:00.000Z2005-08-16T19:23:05.030ZYou can't go backThe Campbell family want Donald Campbells boat Bluebird restored.It has spent 30 years at the bottom of a lake, as the last resting place of a brave man who "went for it". What they have is a sad wreck that arguably should have been left where it was as a tribute and a grave.They plan to have it restored to working condition and run it again, not to break records but as a "Phil Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15673614093646938053noreply@blogger.com0