tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1772255417485522842024-03-13T02:22:19.789+00:00The State Of The Nation UKStephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.comBlogger1000125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-13062233224047195042013-01-08T08:04:00.000+00:002013-01-08T08:04:29.645+00:001000 and out<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the 6th of June 2008, I started this blog. My aim in 2008 was to rant about how society had failed and things that annoy me in life, but it became far more than that. I had joined a small community within a larger blog community and have enjoyed posting <i>anything and everything</i> ever since.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are 1000 blog posts later and my enthusiasm has waned somewhat. Reader numbers plateaued a while ago and comments dried up. Much of this is my own fault as I have not been commenting on others blogs that I do read regularly which tends to draw other people in. But I also feel that the Blogger model, and therefore the way I blog, has come to an end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blogger has lost it's way, missing out on the interactivity that other services offer such as easier ways to reblog, linking with link-minded bloggers, sharing of ideas and providing feedback. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have therefore decided to mothball this blog with this 1000th post and start again elsewhere. So you can continue to read my ramblings if you wish, but the style and content may be different. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I may be back, but I don't see a reason to at the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="color: red;">The new blog can be found </span><a href="http://sfchapman.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: red;"><em>here</em></span></a><span style="color: red;">.</span></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So long and thanks for all the fish.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-61756265358471975182013-01-07T14:16:00.002+00:002013-01-07T14:16:44.894+00:00999<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call the emergency services, it's the 999th posting on this blog!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And looking at the stats from 1 to 999, it's no surprise that pictures of semi-naked guys sit at the top of the most viewed list: </span><a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/zac-efron-naked-still.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zac Efron</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/2011-dieux-du-stade-calendar.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rugby hunks</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, <u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/more-francisco-lachowski.html">Francisco Lachowski</a> </span></u>and a few others make up most of the top 20. A surprise entry at number 9 is my comment on a </span><a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/day-17-piece-of-art-mondrian.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mondrian painting</span></a>.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to date there have been 312,861 page views. Is that good? I really don't know and not sure I care. April 2010 had almost more page views than the rest of the year added together for some reason, though 2011 had the most page views by far. Again, I have no idea why.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I could choose a few favourite blog entries, but this</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 30 second movie always make me smile...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="272" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ni4eJJzaSgM" width="425"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And tomorrow there will be an announcement... watch this space.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-76019326441109623222013-01-06T13:40:00.000+00:002013-01-06T13:41:05.510+00:00No respect<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend a is Policeman and mentioned last night that, having been on shift over 6 hours, he walked into a Supermarket to buy a sandwich. He was stopped by a man who said, in a very serious and accusatory way, "I don't pay you to take breaks!" and stormed off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He says that this has happened a few times! Do people really think that a Police offices salary is paid solely from their taxes and that he should never take a break?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My friend has been very patient with these people and said nothing, but I think I would have had to say something. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am stunned that people show so little respect and are this rude anyway. I am sure that this person would rely on my friend if they were in need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">He has been abused in the past by people for no reason, even by people he was trying to help! I know I couldn't do his job.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are some complete idiots in the world.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-23177611009165054642013-01-05T16:42:00.001+00:002013-01-05T16:42:59.916+00:00Pupdate<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just to keep you informed, Zac is growing fast and today went for his first proper walk. It wasn't far and was surprisingly good on the lead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard work though at the moment! He is into everything and just when you think you've trained him not to pee on the carpet or attack the carpet, he shows you that he is the boss. He's also biting a lot and I hope he grows out of that soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We may have made him a bit dependant as he whines and yelps when shut in the kitchen in his bed and we are in another room. Though at night he is fine. It shows how confusing it can be to train a dog...</span><br />
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Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-72856818678692730902013-01-01T18:47:00.001+00:002013-01-01T18:50:22.560+00:00I am a bad Christian<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's start 2013 with a highly personal and possibly controversial posting. We shall see how this sits with some people...<br /><br />As I get older, my tolerance for religion and those that believe in God has faded rather quickly. I have long felt that, for someone to give their life to a fantasy based on ancient rumours just baffles me. And therefore, I know that my respect for those that follow religion has reach a low. However. I do recognise that this makes me a bad person and I should get over myself and be more understanding. I have taken it all a bit far.<br /><br />It makes me a bad person because I should appreciate their opinions, even if I think their views are ludicrous, misguided and unsound. I know a couple of people that have a faith and their religion doesn't and shouldn't influence me, but deep down it does at the moment. Their faith gives them strength which can be a good thing.<br /><br />Despite the inherent hatred and mistrust built into most religion's rules, there are some valid "good news aims for life". You can't argue with teachings saying that we should really try to be nice to each other (maybe Muslims and Jewish neighbours should remind themselves of that) and that sharing and caring will always be needed. So let's all follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as he seemed to be a nice guy and had some good things to say (and no, he didn't walk on water!).<br /><br />You see, for me religion is just fantasy and superstition based on centuries of misinformed guesswork and a need for an answer to the big questions. Despite no proof and personal opinions influencing religion over many generations, people believe in this fantasy. Surely there is no difference between believing in Fairies, Santa Claus and believing in a God that provides zero proof of existence. It's all blind faith.<br /> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should respect views other than my own; even the strange practice of praying must be overlooked (let's face it, praying has never ever ever made a difference and deep down, people know that). And </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">those that thank their God, with the belief that "he" has helped them win a sports game or to cook a meal are conveniently forgetting that if he <i>really</i> had those super powers, he would not have allowed a child to die from cancer.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm getting off the topic now... Although I don't believe, I really shouldn't see people that DO believe as fools. With zero proof, ANYTHING could be the truth and so I should respect their choices.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no problem with broad teachings of being good to your fellow man, so let's follow those rules even if we don't "believe".<br /> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I am now actively looking to be more broadminded and respectful. It will make me happier I am sure and allow me to overlook what I have seen as other peoples failings.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-69251783605955918332012-12-31T20:30:00.001+00:002012-12-31T20:30:47.405+00:00Happy New Year!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my reader, a Happy New Year to you. Here's a random Gary Larson cartoon as my gift to you - it always makes me laugh...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<br />Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-79377538020555766442012-12-27T18:31:00.003+00:002012-12-27T18:31:55.833+00:00Movies of 2012
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired by Ray's
<a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/dreams-of-life.html">posting</a>, here are my top 10 (plus 1) movies of the year. These are films I
watched this year, rather than those released in 2012:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dreams of a Life</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This documentary has stayed me with ever since I saw it. It is a gripping and very emotional film, which I highly recommend. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote a <a href="http://thestateofthenationuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/dreams-of-life.html">blog posting</a> on this film as I was so impressed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Skyfall</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great thriller and a wonderful Bond film.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Muppets</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A film where you smile all the way through, especially if you are of a certain age.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Descendants</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watched on a plane, but still obviously a top drama.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ted</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you like Family Guy, you'll like this. Crude, silly and very funny.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hugo</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I well acted and visually stunning movie. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Heartbreaker</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Funny French movie about an expert brought in to break up relationships.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Awakening</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A minor horror overlooked by everybody it seems. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bolt</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple, funny animation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had to be a top 11 in the end as I couldn't decide between these two:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Help</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A film that showed that parts of mid 20th century USA were rather racist places and many people didn't even realise it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Artist</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So much has been written about this already.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-10985559984998944642012-12-25T06:00:00.000+00:002012-12-25T06:00:06.494+00:00My favourite Christmas image<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.neatorama.com/images/2007-11/bizarro-magic-baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://static.neatorama.com/images/2007-11/bizarro-magic-baby.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-65934678813589867042012-12-24T08:30:00.001+00:002012-12-24T08:30:40.911+00:00Christmas eve<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A busy day ahead for us - visiting Pete's God Parents who we haven't seen for a while, a few last ingredients for home-made ice-cream and cheesecake, some last-minute shopping, wrapping, etc etc.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look what I found under the tree!...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-12865959649644362442012-12-23T11:01:00.003+00:002012-12-23T11:02:40.998+00:00December movie update<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Here are the films that Pete and I have received from Lovefilm.com and watched on TV and DVD over the past month in reverse order, with my ratings out of ten from my movie list on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://uk.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=2421020" style="color: #1b5b94; text-decoration: none;">IMDB</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072993/"><span style="color: #265b9f;">Flame</span></a><span style="color: #262626;"> (1975)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">6</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A
gritty drama that features 70's glam rockers Slade! Surprisingly
serious film about the music industry in the late 60's.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1403177/"><span style="color: #265b9f;">Hesher</span></a><span style="color: #262626;"> (2010)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">2</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Awful.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1421376/">Going
South</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2009)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">6</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A
French road movie that was OK, but was lacking enough story to make you care about the characters.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615147/">Margin
Call</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2011)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">7</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A
good Wall Street drama about the effects of the bank crisis – close
to being an 8.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112945/">Élisa</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (1995)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">2</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad
story and characters you hated. Not good!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2039399/">The
Philadelphia Experiment</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2012)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">5</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silly
action movie, but OK to pass some time.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411118/">Anthony
Zimmer</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2005)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">6</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
couldn't understand why we recognised the story in the French film,
but found it's the original of the US film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1243957/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">The Tourist</a> (which was
more of a comedy that this film).</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1915581/">Magic
Mike</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2012)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">5</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite
lots of fit almost naked men, this was not a good film. The story
could have been more fleshed out (no pun intended).</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1307068/">Seeking
a Friend for the End of the World</a></span><span style="color: #262626;"> (2012)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">7</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprisingly
good comedy with the end of the world weeks away. Quite touching in
places.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1412386/"><span style="color: #265b9f;">The
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel</span></a><span style="color: #262626;"> (2011)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">6</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twee
and not the best story in my view, but OK if you want something that
doesn't require any thought.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;">
</span>
</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #265b9f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #265b9f;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1521242/">Tortoise
in Love</a> (</span><span style="color: #262626;">2012)
</span><span style="color: #265b9f;">7</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A
film with an amazing back story. This silly comedy was made on a tiny
budget and everyone in an English village took part; from building
sets and catering to acting, driving and promotion.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-4837398822100663112012-12-22T12:18:00.000+00:002012-12-22T16:13:46.323+00:00The final work of 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhdg1yM3i76CJkm3lVQimNbRdGGYO_PyBN06erGWSbBBJAzkS8Dwqm_O2y5mK2ohiPrPFtgsTIIBy-3QTB2sapO9pn31e7OpldUSEeHIhktHUJajS0DDMG1WQdB58L_idnSkXgkKsIsA/s640/blogger-image-2098277477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhdg1yM3i76CJkm3lVQimNbRdGGYO_PyBN06erGWSbBBJAzkS8Dwqm_O2y5mK2ohiPrPFtgsTIIBy-3QTB2sapO9pn31e7OpldUSEeHIhktHUJajS0DDMG1WQdB58L_idnSkXgkKsIsA/s320/blogger-image-2098277477.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been in Edinburgh for a few days with work and it's been pretty exhausting! Our boss decided that we had to work, rather than the usual end of year "fun". So lots of meetings, presentations and We also had a Christmas party.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got back last night and had to wash and change and go out straight away as Pete had booked a table at a restaurant. So I've had 3 nights of rich, fatty meals!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mum and dad have stayed and looked after Zac. My mum knows lots about dog training and managed to get him to "sit" and stop biting hands within a few hours. Not bad for a 10 week old pup'. His character is coming through and he has settled in well.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas is a-coming and we are prepared now and I have a couple of unusual presents for Pete. I hope he likes them!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-72914335952026840542012-12-17T16:54:00.001+00:002012-12-17T19:18:24.985+00:00Top photos<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of my favourite photos from the website <a href="http://twistedsifter.com/">Twisted Sifter</a>'s top 100 'photo of the day' from 2012:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicago</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two faced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edinburgh</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Electric</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olympics</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aurora Australis from space</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hanover airport</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8060857295_6c064c7189_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8060857295_6c064c7189_c.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/trippy-profile-pic-portrait-head-on-and-from-side-angle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/trippy-profile-pic-portrait-head-on-and-from-side-angle.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4055/4294505646_ce15657819_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4055/4294505646_ce15657819_b.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/lightning-long-exposure1.jpg?w=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/lightning-long-exposure1.jpg?w=800" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/full-moon-olympic-rings-london-bridge-2012.jpg?w=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/full-moon-olympic-rings-london-bridge-2012.jpg?w=800" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/aurora-australis-soutern-lights-from-spacc-iss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/aurora-australis-soutern-lights-from-spacc-iss.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/multiple-exposure-airplane-take-off-hannover-airport-ho-yeol-ryu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/multiple-exposure-airplane-take-off-hannover-airport-ho-yeol-ryu.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-54082600543689640542012-12-14T13:29:00.000+00:002012-12-14T13:29:50.354+00:00Wet t-shirt competition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Olympian and dancer Louise Smith in a nice wet t-shirt. Could be a new Saturday night TV programme.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6yL9Y-0595it7HpB0xjsJmsk8d8YGugy70tHN7enxm2kHlIGkcI5XVtBrhTfPP5hFbZLwCDuG20XBIAFmvbnBFXVKHVBBZQ6_SvhyIwaEE2WOnMBNJm_ftrZgh3pZF5Q1EG2JkjHT4Q/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6yL9Y-0595it7HpB0xjsJmsk8d8YGugy70tHN7enxm2kHlIGkcI5XVtBrhTfPP5hFbZLwCDuG20XBIAFmvbnBFXVKHVBBZQ6_SvhyIwaEE2WOnMBNJm_ftrZgh3pZF5Q1EG2JkjHT4Q/s400/ls.jpg" width="277" /></span></a></div>
Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-73306155937588698662012-12-11T11:29:00.001+00:002012-12-11T11:29:32.798+00:00Emotions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ZfdTWphz-M1nvrjjBiHy6Zh0TdvyQqSu22iBZP_Rjccx6KjxfPW5qSlHdue0pEwLfi6k27espJzACJH1VMeI1DKdxbXD3J6U6qq6vQA60_PoBTDAX7rKrd6Zwi6b_C40HMZwcLKM9w/s1600/18027_10151382711535649_816635291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06ZfdTWphz-M1nvrjjBiHy6Zh0TdvyQqSu22iBZP_Rjccx6KjxfPW5qSlHdue0pEwLfi6k27espJzACJH1VMeI1DKdxbXD3J6U6qq6vQA60_PoBTDAX7rKrd6Zwi6b_C40HMZwcLKM9w/s320/18027_10151382711535649_816635291_n.jpg" width="219" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, I know I will become one of those people that go on about their dog! I will try not to. But...<br /> <br />I am astounded at the energy of Zac, despite him being a tiny puppy. He also has teeth that easily break the skin. I hope he doesn't get a taste for blood.<br /> <br />We are currently trying to get him used to being alone, as he will need to be spend time on his own for hours on end when we are both out working. And, until he is toilet trained at least, he is spending the nights in his bed in the kitchen. He cries and howls through the night which is very upsetting but it's the only sensible way forward. On the second morning I went downstairs to see to him and he was in his bed whimpering to himself. It was possibly one of the saddest and most upsetting things I have ever seen! How silly is that?! I actually had tears in my eyes as he woke and went crazy with happiness on seeing me. I really don't know what came over me but it makes me emotional just thinking about it!<br /><br />I have lived with dogs before, but this is all new for me - real responsibility and routine!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I simply don't want to see him upset, stressed, lonely or unhappy and will have to get used to being tough sometimes I suppose.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To end on... remember, dogs have owners, cats have servants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-25171924290098219402012-12-09T20:35:00.001+00:002012-12-09T20:36:43.332+00:00Relaxing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hLZgvX0hdYT0Ot433mfv2lbyOnlH7wsBC2-ptHwW4Ienr0VgkUxz386IKsU72H65JGV4W7Ig2RkXJ3kVZNLVgTaiTAWJrXXkdqPjBuVGjQzstuUwGsSF-dFaNWUXvU8j72kjS3mW8d4/s640/blogger-image-1388944778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hLZgvX0hdYT0Ot433mfv2lbyOnlH7wsBC2-ptHwW4Ienr0VgkUxz386IKsU72H65JGV4W7Ig2RkXJ3kVZNLVgTaiTAWJrXXkdqPjBuVGjQzstuUwGsSF-dFaNWUXvU8j72kjS3mW8d4/s400/blogger-image-1388944778.jpg" width="400" /></a>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-46306984689249018972012-12-08T15:52:00.002+00:002012-12-08T15:52:43.216+00:00Our little guy arrives<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We picked up our Puppy today. Zac is presently asleep on my lap. He seems pretty laid back and the journey home was fine. I don't expect a straightforward night of course; this is the first day away from his mother and 7 brothers and sisters.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypxpwmUoWwgRMenugIXQIHxiDvzwvrIhCUi7AYM_gT-dEmBariLwmXcipyUZBY6c8AcmeQdUctNMI94n6vbBocf0GmtY5ffgj9gd7RwcYGZvwb3lCDZ6ipxJ5Gvh1lpEb3NhB1VtkvPQ/s1600/Photo+on+2012-12-08+at+13.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypxpwmUoWwgRMenugIXQIHxiDvzwvrIhCUi7AYM_gT-dEmBariLwmXcipyUZBY6c8AcmeQdUctNMI94n6vbBocf0GmtY5ffgj9gd7RwcYGZvwb3lCDZ6ipxJ5Gvh1lpEb3NhB1VtkvPQ/s400/Photo+on+2012-12-08+at+13.05.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way home, Pete sent a text to Radio 2...</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lhmUXq3A6Vk" width="425"></iframe>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-70367760449394026712012-12-07T09:03:00.000+00:002012-12-07T09:03:32.053+00:00Calendar #2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next 2013 calendar to highlight has to be big bulging Tom Daley...</span><br />
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Plus a bonus pic...
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</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-29205199570594234882012-12-05T06:49:00.002+00:002012-12-05T06:49:58.774+00:00Calendar #1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those Stade Francais rugby gods have, since 2001, published a sexy calendar each year. Here are some of the 2013 images directed at women and rugby loving gay guys...</span><br />
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Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-18101774132839959272012-12-03T18:30:00.000+00:002012-12-03T18:30:02.467+00:00Yes please<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As seen on Saturday in Cambridge...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMut-Hv04IyHi4z2FTRokuj89rwjf93lDGkgiuVVPTHsFk8zXAP2zhIrYky1L3NM_FKTxttAk2Y04Z_G-C-ziXWWmP1fgalHY_UK8s8AN7ctAAp4QZaJRx3tmfC7ilmXxD4kL7TJKvHrk/s640/blogger-image--1512895287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMut-Hv04IyHi4z2FTRokuj89rwjf93lDGkgiuVVPTHsFk8zXAP2zhIrYky1L3NM_FKTxttAk2Y04Z_G-C-ziXWWmP1fgalHY_UK8s8AN7ctAAp4QZaJRx3tmfC7ilmXxD4kL7TJKvHrk/s400/blogger-image--1512895287.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-45380083057572899632012-12-02T13:05:00.001+00:002012-12-02T13:05:37.064+00:00What did I learn this week? #4<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The M25 can't cope with the current level of traffic and any problems cause huge tailbacks. It's not going to get any better. I wasted at least 3 hours on the M25 this week moving at a crawl or just sitting in traffic. The authorities need to do better - widening isn't the only solution.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel sorry for David Beckham. To have a wife who is so successful who looks angry and bored all of the time, must do his head in. Now that his USA adventure has ended (which I think was a poor move anyway), I also hope that he doesn't come back to the UK as the press would go overboard, it's bad enough at the moment.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is such a thing as a free lunch...well sort of. I bought a 6 month subscription to a magazine and it came with the free gift of a running backpack. The subscription was a reduced £16.99 and when the bag came, I put it on Ebay and sold it for £22. A magazine in the post and a small profit. This could be a new thing for me... hunting out the subscriptions with quality free gifts!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have some friends coming over so I made Scones* and while making, I realised that I last made fruit Scones when I was at school! Pete usually makes the cakes in our house, so it was a rarity for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* For the record, I say Scones which rhymes with stones, whereas Pete says Scones with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rhymes with cons.</span></span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-79109820184099278442012-12-01T09:32:00.001+00:002012-12-19T10:59:18.494+00:00The home straight<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where did the year go?! It's December already and I can't quite believe it. This month will be a busy one with a new member of our family arriving, work, some pre-Christmas stuff, Edinburgh, Christmas itself, work and too much food and drink.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a tough few weeks at work. I have my last one-to-one with my manager this week and I will have to work hard not come across as negative. So I will smile and put a positive spin on things. It's a balancing trick.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday, I will have been with my current employer 5 years. That's 5 years of whinging and moaning by me and definitely not enough progress. And I can't see that changing for a while. In a recession, a move from a sort-of-satisfactory job that pays a good wage to something else is a massive risk. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Off to Cambridge today to take in the Christmas atmosphere and have a couple of Saturday afternoon drinks. Have a fine day you'all.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-6817934844243321942012-11-28T21:05:00.003+00:002012-11-28T21:05:54.593+00:00Magic<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've just finished watching Magic Mike on DVD. It's not a good film! But it does feature the lovely yummy hunky Alex Pettyfer.</span><br />
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Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-22822111141269434222012-11-26T21:06:00.000+00:002012-11-26T21:06:07.550+00:00And he called himself a Christian<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my brothers posted the image below on his Facebook timeline today and it reminded me of the only negative gay moment I have experienced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a very good business relationship with a Salvation Army member in the late 90's. We got on really well and we kept in touch after I changed jobs. When I was going through my 'active coming out' stage, I told him I was gay in an email. We had emailed a lot and I felt I needed to be honest. He didn't reply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent another couple of emails and he eventually replied saying he was really busy. I chased him again and he replied saying he wouldn't be in touch again for "various reasons". We all know why and it's because the <a href="http://americablog.com/2012/11/vouchers-to-download-and-give-to-the-salvation-army-anti-gay-bigots.html">Salvation Army takes a hard line on homosexuality</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But let's face it, anyone with a brain cell can <em>read</em> into sections of the Bible to suit their own message and the whole gay topic is extremely blurred in the text. In fact, one religious person said to me that, "if being gay was so bad, why does the Bible only mention it in passing (and not clearly) and Jesus didn't even have an opinion on it?!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So next time you see a Salvation Army building or hear a band playing upbeat Christian songs, remember that they may preach the word of God, but choose not to be open, forgiving, welcoming or loving. I may not like organised religion, but their attitiude really doesn't sound very Christian to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-67111729006876224182012-11-25T20:47:00.000+00:002012-11-25T20:47:07.389+00:00What did I learn this week? #3<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to Edinburgh in the week and found Luton airport in the morning was packed with Eastern Europeans - I felt like a complete outsider! On the Easyjet flight, they have just <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/sep/05/easyjet-allocated-seats-all-flights">introduced allocated seating</a> and it was a nightmare. With people sitting down, getting up to let someone in, sitting down, getting up again, struggling to find somewhere to store bags etc, it must have added 10 minutes to the boarding time.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am behind the times. At my cousins wedding reception, a group of people were dancing in <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20483087">Gangnam</a> style which meant little to me and still means little to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No job is secure. I lost a few colleagues this week and it's a sad and stressful time - I have been made redundant twice and it's not pleasant.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm no fan of UKIP, but that <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ukip-rotherham-council-poised-for-u-turn-1455647">Rotherham council decision</a> stinks. It's all about council officials playing with people's lives for no good reason. If someone who makes these decisions had concerns, then they should have done their homework before disrupting lives.</span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177225541748552284.post-22858700469141634142012-11-21T06:25:00.000+00:002012-11-21T06:25:17.863+00:009 Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edited from </span><a href="http://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/9-daily-habits-that-will-make-you-happier.html?goback=.gde_35975_member_182779351"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inc.Com</span></a>.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happiness is the only true measure of personal success. Making other people happy is the highest expression of success, but it's almost impossible to make others happy if you're not happy yourself. With that in mind, here are nine small changes that you can make to your daily routine that, if you're like most people, will immediately increase the amount of happiness in your life:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br />
<strong>1. Start each day with expectation.</strong><br />
Life usually lives up to (or down to) your expectations. Therefore, when you get up - think of a specific positive aim for the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2. Take time to plan and prioritise.</strong><br />
The most common source of stress is the perception that you've got too much work to do. Rather than obsess about it, pick one thing that, if you get it done today, will move you closer to your highest goal and purpose in life. Then do that first.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>3. Give a gift to everyone you meet.</strong><br />
Your gift can be your smile, a word of thanks or encouragement, a gesture of politeness, even a friendly nod.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>4. Deflect partisan conversations.</strong><br />
Arguments about politics and religion never have a "right" answer but they definitely get people all riled up over things they can't control. When such topics surface, bow out.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>5. Assume people have good intentions.</strong><br />
Since you can't read minds, you don't really know the "why" behind the "what" that people do. Imputing evil motives to other people's weird behaviors adds extra misery to life, while assuming good intentions leaves you open to reconciliation.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>6. Eat high quality food slowly.</strong><br />
At least once a day try to eat something really delicious, like a small chunk of fine cheese or chocolate. Focus on it; taste it; savor it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>7. Let go of your results.</strong><br />
The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that are outside your control. Once you've taken action, there's usually nothing more you can do. Focus on the job at hand rather than some weird fantasy of what might happen.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>8. Turn off "background" TV.</strong><br />
Many households leave their TVs on as "background noise" while they're doing other things. It's not required.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>9. End each day with gratitude.</strong><br />
Just before you go to bed, write down at least one wonderful thing that happened. It might be something as small as a making a child laugh or something as huge a deal at work. Whatever it is, be grateful for that day because it will never come again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Stephen Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05856125636247364096noreply@blogger.com0