What's Doing

It’s my last day of gainful employment (for the forseeable future), its 3pm and I have finished all my work, tidied my desk and almost written my farewell email.

Which must mean it’s time to go to the pub.

Eleanor Sarah Jane Palmer was born at around 12.00pm on the 26th of February, 2004.

I know this because the phone went at 1:30am, 2am and 6:20am today. Which was nice.

In case you didn’t know, this is my last week of gainful employment. At least for the time being. From next monday I shall be a gentlemen of leisure. Or a full time father, whichever you prefer. It’s rather refreshing.

Maybe I need a little bit of back story here;

When number one son was born SWMBO and I struck a pact. I had until the end of January to match or surpass her salary. Failing that I would give up work and look after the boy. Surprisingly I failed. So these are my last few days of daily commuting.

I’m actually looking forward to it. After all who wouldn’t pass up the opportunity of spending more time with their children. I’m not making too many plans for the next few months, other than improving my nappy changing skills and becoming intimately acquainted with the local park. I may also attend the odd "Ladies Luncheon".

As I’m now a member of Surrey County Cricket club I may also be spending the odd afternoon session at the Oval. Lets face it, it would be rude not to, and it is important that the boy learns the value of a good forward defensive stroke.

All this is by way of saying that there may be more domestic discussion around these parts. Don’t be surprised if I start writing about the relative merits of different brands of nappies. Then again, maybe I will carry on as normal and carry on talking rubbish about music and lager.

And it will just pop out! The Todd clan would like to send their love and best wishes to the Palmers of old Mosman town. Mrs P is due to drop their first born any minute now, and after three weeks of love and attention from SWMBO and the boy I’m sure it will be blessed relief.

The photo? No that isn’t Mr P, that is Richard (not an MP, and anyway it’s spelt differently) Allen checking on the development of Palmer Junior. Apparently in Australia the way to tell if a baby is due is to measure the circumference of Mum’s belly. Funny lot these colonials.

P.S. Only kidding dear, I’m sure she couldn’t have made it this far without you.

P.P.S. Yes, they got back safe and sound at 7:00 this morning.

P.P.P.S. Which meant that I had to get up at first sparrow fart to drive to Heathrow to pick them up. On a Sunday. After watching the England game in the pub. Good grief.

I may just have to leave the country. I’m watching Fraiser on the until now rather excellent Paramount Comedy Channel. When they announce that next month they are going to start showing Ally McBollocks.

Nooooooooo, save me now.

The next advert, luckily, was for some Tears For Fears compilation, so I turned off the television, fired up the stereo and put the Seeds of Love on. Apologies to the neighbours for my singing, but it is a fine album.

Even though the bloke who came up with the idea has gone, the BBC is plowing ahead with plans to make its programmes available online.

The latest announcement includes the news that they are going to offer a super EPG, much like TiVO or Sky+. This has the added benefit that the other people in my house will be able to watch BBC shows, not just me.

The whole BBC opening its archives thing is good for so many reasons, but I’m just happy that I can look forward to listening to the Candyman when we are back in Sydney.

Repeat after me; plain text good, html in email bad.

Instructions for turning html email off are here. Send plain text and the world (and I) will be eternally grateful.

Courtesy of LinkMachineGo here is a list of 100 albums you should remove from your record collection.. Classic stuff, I’m only surprised that Oasis didn’t make it into the top ten.

Pay particular attention to entry forty five. But they are wrong about number fifty eight.

If I was a suspicuous man after reading this I’d say that it looks like Mr Cranky had turned his hand to music criticism.

Going back to an old theme, this is the sort of stuff that Q used to pull off with wit and humour. Somehow I don’t think they would even try it these days. Ho hum.

So, my secret is out. I haven’t just been drinking lager and eating curry whilst the family have been away.

I’ve also released some software. Look away if you don’t know the difference between a relational database and a Morris Minor.

As a wise man once said, "It is a small thing, but it is mine own."

Now here is a gadget even SWMBO would like; Roomba, the robotic floor vacuum. Small, smart and packed full of electronic goodness, it is even available here in the UK for a bargain £199.

It sure beats the good old Dyson. Or at least it will do until they bring out the eagerly awaited Dyson DC06. Its strange that it isn’t mentioned on their web site though. Oh, hang on, $6000 Aussie dollars? Back to the Roomba then.

Its funny isn’t it, that as my period of domestic servitude nears I start talking about gadgets that will make my life easier. Now where did I see that reference to automated baby sitting fridges?