General - Not much to say really

Jaidand I are travelling back from Eastleigh in Hampshire after a nice Trekker demo in the sun.  Clare is coming down this evening and I think we’re going out for something nice to eat later.

I have listened to the new Dixie Chicks album and it really is a cracker.  Chad Smith puts in a good performance on the drums and the songs are top notch.

Donna and Dave are coming over this weekend for the annual gg fest in Epsom, more on that later though when we have solid plans for the day.  I’d love to do a bit of audio from the event actually.

So a quick update this time but I have to change trains soon.

One in six Brit workers drunk at work | The Register

One in six UK workers have partaken of alcohol during working hours, a shock YouGov survey of 1,500 full time employees commissioned by Royal & SunAlliance has revealed.

Or rather, one sixth of the Brit workforce has been "under the influence of alcohol at work in the last six months", while two million wobbly employees have pulled a hangover-induced sickie during the same period.

This "crisis" is, according to Royal & SunAlliance's Alcohol in the Workplace, set to escalate into a full-blown business disaster next month as staff abandon their desks and rush to the nearest boozer before sinking the obligatory twelve pints as England go down 3-1 to Trinidad and Tobago.

Indeed, an estimated 2.9m workers - representing one tenth of the working population - will bunk off early to watch the footie. Of these, 1.4m will soak up a skinful in the pub before returning to work.

Technology - HumanWare and Code Factory Annouce Distrubution Agreement for Mobile Speak Pocket and magnifier

"We're delighted to be able to offer this exciting product to customers", says Jonathan
Mosen, who will be Product Marketing Manager for Mobile Speak Pocket at HumanWare.
"HumanWare aims to offer a variety of quality blindness products to meet the needs
of our customers, ranging from products that provide a completely blindness-specific
experience through to solutions that empower people to make the most of off-the-shelf
technology. With Mobile Speak Pocket and Mobile magnifier, we have the best product
in the industry to meet the needs of those who wish to purchase off-the-shelf PDAs
and run Pocket PC applications such as Pocket Word, Pocket Outlook, Pocket Excel,
Pocket messenger, the Audible Player, Pocket Skype and more. We'll be bundling Mobile
Speak Pocket with a range of hardware, including some exciting new Braille technology
to be announced shortly."

Beer - Cains Creamy Stout

The 4.1 ABV stout – brewed with the finest dried hops and water pumped from the brewery’s own natural source - is being launched exclusively in Cains’ own pubs before being offered for wider distribution.

Despite launching into a section of the beer market dominated by major brand names, joint managing director Sudarghara Dusanj believes the new stout is filling a taste-niche.

He explained: “We are offering something different, a full flavour brewed by traditional methods. It may look like the other stouts on the market but it is
elegant and smooth – a black velvet texture with a beautiful creamy, rich, chocolate taste

“It’s all about the flavour. The big name stouts currently on sale are either quite bitter or sweet – we are aiming somewhere between.

Beer - Youngs Conclusion of review brewing merger with Charles Wells Ltd

This is rather unfortunate and makes me quite sad. The workers in Wandsworth had a pride in what they did and there passion for a local family owned brewer was more than evident on my visits. What on earth will happen to the animals?


“Young’s Chairman John Young said:
“This move will help to safeguard the future of Young’s and greatly strengthen cask beer’s overall position in the market. Charles Wells is a similar firm to Young’s
in so many ways. I have known Oliver Wells, President and former Chairman of Charles Wells, for many, many years as part of a long-standing personal relationship between our two families. As we prepare to say goodbye to Britain’s oldest brewery, founded in the reign of Elizabeth I and run by my family since 1831, we must avoid shedding tears and instead consider the advantages that our move will have.
It will ensure that we remain a vertically integrated brewery, as will Charles Wells,
producing our own beers for our own pubs – something we at Young’s have long assured our shareholders that we would do. The new company will have a modern brewery, with its own supply of natural mineral water. All our ales and stouts – on draught, in bottles and in cans – will be transferred and we shall benefit from access to Charles Wells’ brands….”

General - Jaid and some beers

Visiting rnc was splendid, many happy memories  flooded back and the place was very similar in feel to the way it was 10 years ago with students lounging around smoking and bickering.

after a rainy gps demonstration I headed off to the barrels pub owned by Wye valley brewery.  interestingly they had a seasonal beer on called Trekker’s ale it was rather nice and I can spot a potential marketing opportunity with this one!  I can honestly say that the pub hasn’t changed in 10 ears and no bad thing.

Trekker's Ale
4.2%                      alc.
Trekker's Ale is brewed to promote the enjoyment of the British countryside. This
pale chestnut coloured session beer has the winning combination of Pale, Crystal
and Wheat Malts combined with the delicate flavours of East Kent Goldings and Bramling Cross hops.

Back at Worcester I used the gps to walk from forgate street to the Royal Balti and met up with Dave.  My Buna was ok as was the starter, nothing special but edible, didn't set the taste buds afire.

We then adjourned next door to a treasure of a place, it is a free house called The Dragon Inn.  the many and varied ales from micro breweries sourced from all around the country are expertly looked after by the landlord Richard.  to say he is passionate about the quality and flavour of his beers would be an under statement.  we also got on to talking Malts and I pulled a bottle of 1975 Glenlivett from my bag which was uncorked placed on the bar and drams splashd out.  he returned the gesture by bringing a bottle of Highland Park 18 year old down and poring some for us.  it is a shame but I couldn't really’ appreciate its subtlety because of the smoky room.  Thats one of the nicest things about malts, they breed amiability and can spark off friendships and conversation when shared in good company.

I was amazed and delighted that the pub had an outside toilet, something I’ve not seen for years.
After a few hours of banter Dave and I headed back to his place, the grand tour completed I enjoyed the kip of  a happy man.

Jaid went to the vet today and her tail is healing nicely.  she does have another bandage on but this one is a little smaller so she is able to wag in the usual vigorous way people are familiar with.

A man from the taxi licensing department of Epsom council called me today.  They are going to tare a strip from a taxi driver who wouldn’t take mine and Steve’s dog a few weeks ago.  I don’t want the guy to lose his job, but a message must be sent out to everyone no matter about religious faiths ETC that Guide  Dogs have to be carried in cabs.  Even the Muslim counsel of Britain say that drivers should take them.

Thursday went very well with a busy show during the day, interest in gps was high which is always a good thing for us, I really think this technology has a smashing future and as the map data and hardware improves it can only get better.

After the show I used Trekker to find a pub called the Victory.  It has a micro brewery around the back called Spinning Dog.  I've actually seen there beers as far a field as Lancashire so they must be doing rather well.  the two beers I sampled were lovely.  An organic beer very fruity at 3,7 percent and a dark styled ale called Mutly's Dark which tastes to me a little like the old Banks Dark and that is splendid in any shape or form.

If only my taste pleasure of the flavours of beers I enjoy now was as developed when living in Hereford.  It and Worcester have some cracking brewers                and pubs that demonstrate the variety and depth of British brewing to its best.

We ar now on a train back to Worcester.

General - Puppy dogs tails

I must admit to being rather excited about the next few days.  Firstly I’ve not been to Hereford for years and intend making an expedition to one of the best pubs in the country owned by a small but rather good brewery.  I am also staying over at Dave’s new place which should be fascinating as we will have much to explore around Worcester.  Today is also at RNCB in Hereford and all GPS which I love.  Hopefully I’ll katch up with some old friends amongst the lecturers and staff of the place.

Moving on to a gloomy note, Jaid has injured herself on a car door.  I left the office on Monday and on arrival at Wellingborough station I first got the’ dog out of the car, then I did the same and shut the door.  Normally she moves away but this time I guess not.  The poor little dog now has a bandage on her tale.  Its coming off on Thursday /though.  She doesn’t appear too bothered by it, but finds it hard to wag.

Whisky - Arran 10 year old 46%

This whisky is taken from a new distillery on Arran As far as I am aware it was also the last  one to be built in Scotland in the 20th century.

As is becoming the norm with good quality whiskeys from many producers this is a mix of 70 percent bourbon and 30 percent sherry wood, none filtered ETC.

Nose:  Wine at first but this turns to rubber and old tea with sugar and something fruity, but hard fruits.

Pallet: rather middle of the road, spicy and something a little off putting.  Yet its fresh and drinkable, almost crisp with slight vanilla.

Finnish:  Long and a little bitter but once again fresh and tangy.  


Comment:  I have been told that the whisky produced after 1995 was better simply because they had chance to improve the spirit.  Still its nice and a good summer time undemanding malt.
Score:  76%

General - Planning for the Future

Alan came over to Epsom on Monday and after a quick chat he agreed to my moving over to Ipswich should Clare and I decide its the correct thing to do.  This won't happen for a few months yet as I wish to save up a little cash for the move and would enjoy another summer in Surrey, plus Clare wants to have her own place as she’s been sharing basically all her life.  I hope she doesn’t get to liking it too much or I’ll never move in!

Both Clare and her mum stayed over with me on Monday evening after they had been to the reformed Take That gig in London.

It really is beautiful outside and work TOOK ME to Norwich for Trekker demos all-Day ON Wednesday.  Yesterday evening Alan and I went for dinner with Mike and Jennifer MAY in marble arch London.  The name of the restaurant eludes me but in was rather good and both the service and food splendid.  Mike is an inspirational character brimming with good humour and an obvious zest for life.  Check out his gps travel  blog and company Sendero for more information.

The dog got a particularly late teatime because of a hold-up on the Epsom train coming back from London last night.  Apparently some people had kicked off on a train in Epsom station so they weren’t letting other units go in or out.

I have been catching up on Admin today and ordering some new PC keyboards.  My laptop one appears to have given up the ghost so work are going to get me a new machine as I have been using my personal one for work over the last year and a bit.  I will replace its keyboard with one of those indestructible silicone ones that you can even roll up if required so it will fit in a bag nicely.  I’ll get it fixed eventually but not at the moment.  I’ve also purchased a new one for my desktop as its starting to get a little rattled, picked up an inexpensive Logitech wireless set from Amazon.

I will be spending this weekend at clares for her birthday though I’ll go via Preston because of a technology show at Galloway’s Society for the blind taking place this Friday.  We will also be at the                   EyeTech 2006  show taking place on the 18th of May next week at RNCB Hereford.

General - Reflections on the Weekend

Sunday evening and time to reflect on a most agreeable weekend.
After finishing work in west London on Friday I consulted with my friends and went to a pub called the Hole in the Wall situated just next to Waterloo train station.  My beer for the night was Adnams best and rather good it was.  I did try a Broadside but it was lacklustre to say the least.

I got talking to some blokes by the bar while waiting for my companions and it turned out that one of them named Elis is in a band called the Misnomer.  He gave me a cd and pretty good they are too.    Check out the page for some music downloads and a link to the myspace tracks available.

When everyone arrived we set to talking and drinking but eventually required some food of the solid variety so adjourned to the big foody bar. It was at this point that we received not only the most poor service I’ve yet had in a pub, but also the keewee chef was particularly rude and dismissive of us.  Now I don’t usually complain about poor service, but this nasty bit of work was just horrible, yes I’m on about the chef.  Grumpy, morose ill mannered and mightily foul.  The thing is when you get shoddy service its normally from brits not antipodeans.

After our unremarkable meal we went back to the more homely small bar and enjoyed a pleasant evening.  Jaid met a new friend in the shape of Lottie a small Lab.  After many more Adnams I decided that heading homewards would be prudent rather than lingering in Stepney at Castle Page in order to save A some cash and B my liver.

It is hard to get around Waterloo station after 11 since they keep changing train platforms and even fewer staff than usual may be found in this huge labyrinth of a place.  I was lucky enough to get help from a young dance student from one of the London schools.  She told me about some of the bulimia and other eating disorders these girls put themselves through in order to get to the correct wait and it was really quite sickening.  I have never felt arms as thin in my entire life.  I pointed this out to her and was giggled at.

Back in Epsom I found that a BBQ had taken place so endeavoured to tidy up the back lawn as it was still warm outside.    Saturday was a none event and rather lazy.  Andrew came around with a parasol for the table, and then the heavens opened.  Unable to sit outside I re-ripped some cds and generally loafed about.  I took a walk to Epsom Common Working Mens club a good mile away from home and had a Worthington’s listened to a rather good live band, then moved to the Coopers.  The landlady told me about a good restaurant in Ripley called the Toby Cottage which Clare and I should try some time.  Jaid and a boxer dog called Whinny had a small altercation in the pub which scared me a little.  No skin broken so alls fine.

Against my better judgement I decided to follow  Andrews advice and take a shortcut home.  This supposed time saver took us to the wrong side of Epsom and through the General Hospital.  The upshot of this was instead of a curry I had a machine double espresso.  We made up for this once back at mine with lamb chops and beans.  Andrew showed me a quick way to pop garlic cloves out of the skins by placing a pallet knife on top and gently thumping.  The skin just falls off an the clove pops out.  We put the garlic in a little oil after chopping it and then added the beans, Tabasco and Worcester sauce and they were sweet and fiery, yummy!  Its been a quiet one today  with nothing of interest happening.

General - Cat Fish in Ipswich

The Sunday lunch Clare and I ate at the Woolpack was a little unorthodox.  We both selected some rather tasty catfish served with mash and sautéed vegetables it was relatively pleasant and something different and the first time I’ve tried this particular ocean dweller.  The pints of Explorer went down well and strangely enough, the more of them I sampled the more complementary to the food they became.

Monday was a quiet one since it was a bank holiday and Clare and I were cogitating and thinking about our future which will probably involve a move for one of us sometime this year.  I know leaving Epsom will be hard if its me that makes the move because I have many friends but every so often you’ve got to make some difficult choices.  Plus I could never afford to buy property in the town as it’s very expensive, so a les commuter belt area would be nice.

Anyway, moving on to more interesting topics.  I was doing support work for most of Tuesday then went back to Epsom  and bumbled down to Bearwood for some training with GPS yesterday.  The training went well and I went home via Woking and Gilford thus cutting evening London rush out of the equation.

Andrew and I had a Pint in  the Jolly coopers a quaint old style pub with bread roles behind the bar with nice pickles and fillings that went down well with the Harvey’s and Brakespears ales.  It’s on the outskirts of Epsom and unspoiled.

The RNIB Solutions II show took up the majority of today  On the way home the trains were running slow because of the high temperatures outside, what excuses next I wonder?

Things should be back to normal if that even exists on the blog as I have sorted out the technical problems.

I have a demo in west London on Friday and then may be off around London with friends for a few gentle beers.

Steve's blog - Happy Trekking

My friend Steve now has a blog. Should be interesting to check out jottings on beer trips and his thoughts on drumming. His first post is about the Trekker!

General - Pushed the wrong key!!

Just a quick note.  I have managed to delete the archive html file for October but hope it is back now thanks to yahoo cached pages.  I have some tinkering to do before everything’s back to normal I’m afraid.

Whisky - Highland Park 12YO 40%

Highland Park is from the Orkney and rather good value for money.

Nose:  a sprinkling of sweet sherry. Delicate smoke and earthy tones mix with honey.  I had this by the seaside once, lovely.

Pallet:  chocolate though not as much as in the Scapa 12 year, smoke and a sweetness that makes the malt interesting toffee?  If you chew it enough the peat comes through

Finnish:  nice and long Especially if you chew it in the mouth for a bit.  The peat and  smoke stay but it is still rather sweet.

Comment:  Its easy  to forget just how good this malt is even from the distillery bottling.  It does take a long time to tease all the intricacy out of this whisky and I have had the pleasure of many bottles over the last few years.  Best shared with friends this one as people will generally like too much of it.  Back on form after a dip in 2004.

Clare’s note. To put my dribble in to perspective

Karramaks and werthers originals on the nose. with smoke and a little sherry but sweetness comes through.  Tastes of smoke, I like the smell better but its rather  Moreish.

Score:  86