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Busy

Sorry about the lack of posts, I’ve been rather busy. And sick. In fact, I’ve had this same cold for two and a half weeks and it’s outstaying it’s welcome rather spectacularly. The kids have been sick as well. Then my folks arrived on Monday so last week was lost to cleaning and preparing. Did I also mention that I’ve been sick?

Regardless, it doesn’t matter. Because today I found out that the Pub Landlord has a blog. Most excellent.

Update: It gets even better, he’s also got a podcast. Subscribed.

ID Card Commiserations

My commiserations to those living in the mother country. Last night the commons voted for the introduction of compulsory ID cards. There goes your budget surplus and any semblance of civil rights. Hey ho.

More Dental News

Following on from our last toothy news update, last weekend I managed to catch the boy smiling. So I whipped out the camera and got this shot of the tooth in question. Of course it’s already out of date as the second one made an entrance yesterday. You’ve got to be on your toes in the fast moving world of dentistry.

In Dental News Today

Over the weekend the youngest member of the team cut his first tooth. NTHE (as he shall henceforth be known about these parts) is now proudly sporting his first incisor and the second one should be appearing any day now.

Luckily for SWMBO we weaned him off the boob several weeks ago so there shouldn’t be any biting pain. Apart from when he tries to chew my finger off, which seems to be the funniest thing he’s ever seen or done.

This picture was taken at the weekend, possible even just as the tooth was emerging into the world, but luckily the drugs had kicked in and all was well with the world at that point.

Stacker Slacker

After a mere three and a bit years I’ve finally updated the stacker page. No thanks are necessary, I merely do it to improve your web surfing experience and at the prompting of the cheapskate tennis coach.

By the way Chris, your site looks rubbish in Camino.

The Consolations of Philosophy

A gentle introduction to philosophy for those of us without a background in the subject, The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton muses on some of life’s seemingly intractable problems and garners advice from some of history’s most eminent and interesting philosophers. From Socrates to Nietzche via Epicurus and Montaigne Alain de Botton shows us that our lot isn’t as bad as we thought it was, and even if it is some very smart people can show you that you aren’t suffering alone.

Part history, part gentle introduction to philosophy and part discussion of life’s foibles, the book is as relevant today as when the various sources were written. It’s also incredibly well planned and written. and as such is a thoroughly good read. Even if the mere thought of philosophy turns you off there’s still some great advice here on being unpopular, unloved or just plain curmudgeonly. Guess which part I liked the best?

Wizards At Work

Please ignore the man behind the curtain. SWMBO is out again. Rather than wolfing down a curry this time I’m taking the opportunity to upgrade the software that runs this diary. If things look a bit funny my apologies, but normal service will hopefully be resumed very soon.

On the Consumption of Chicken Balti

We have an arrangement, SWMBO and I. Because she’s not a big fan of food with flavour, and especially not anything containing coriander, I’m only allowed to cook and eat curries when she isn’t at home.

Now that she’s a lady of leisure that isn’t often, but it’s Emma’s birthday today (happy birthday old bean) and so the ladies have gone out for a couple of glasses of falling down water and a slap up Thai. Which meant that after I’d put the kids to bed I got to consume a chicken balti and a couple of garlic naan washed down by a couple of cold beverages.

The only problem with this cunning plan was the weather. It’s been rather sticky and humid hereabouts for the last couple of days. As I was sitting down to eat my dinner (at about 9:30pm) I checked in with the local information on The Weather Channel only to discover that the temperature was twenty six degrees celsius and the humidity at ninety percent. I need a lie down in a darkened room with a damp Radio Times.

Give me Liberty

Because I don’t live in Britain any more. Sadly those of you that do will be liable for a fine of up to two and a half thousand pounds if you don’t have an ID card. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

Happy New Year

A rather belated happy new year to you and yours. NTHE and SWMBO are pleased to be in 2006 and hope that it will be a cracking year.

On an unrelated note, Emma asked SWMBO and I what our highlights of 2005 were. She was rather stuck for an answer and couldn’t come up with anything immediately. I said that I thought that having a son was quite a highlight of the year. To which the reply was " oh yeah, we did that didn’t we."