And Now... Regional News

So it's looking like I may be able to move back into my flat next week. The floorboards have come up, the room is being disinfected and the new boards will be down by Sunday, so I am told. Although I harbour a desire to move out of the building completely (and indeed the town), at least I will get some stability back in the short term. And, of course, I will have the Internets returned too. At least this will alleviate the feelings of social isolation somewhat.

Apart from that, I have been moved and touched by the kindness of the Hungarian furs over the last 48 hours. I am going to Budapest in two weeks' time and on their forum, I asked whether anyone would be interested in meeting up with Wolfie and I. It's now looking like there will be a minimeet in the city on the Saturday I am there and they have given me many suggestions of things to do in Budapest during my stay. I am massively excited *bouncebouncebounce*

And Now... Regional News

So it's looking like I may be able to move back into my flat next week. The floorboards have come up, the room is being disinfected and the new boards will be down by Sunday, so I am told. Although I harbour a desire to move out of the building completely (and indeed the town), at least I will get some stability back in the short term. And, of course, I will have the Internets returned too. At least this will alleviate the feelings of social isolation somewhat.

Apart from that, I have been moved and touched by the kindness of the Hungarian furs over the last 48 hours. I am going to Budapest in two weeks' time and on their forum, I asked whether anyone would be interested in meeting up with Wolfie and I. It's now looking like there will be a minimeet in the city on the Saturday I am there and they have given me many suggestions of things to do in Budapest during my stay. I am massively excited *bouncebouncebounce*

Guy Fawkes' Night

Is anyone celebrating the Protestant foiling of a Catholic plot to blow up King James I some 404 years ago, or are people not bothering?

Nevermind the anachronism concerning the fact that the plot was discovered in the early hours of 5 November (thus on the evening of 4 November), nevermind the religious undertones that are inherent in the celebration and nevermind the fact that most of us aren't too fussed on the Royal Family these days, I do like pretty fireworks, fires and things that go bang. So I may do something. Or I may just go to the gym.

It's a shame that state opening of Parliament happens in November - had this plot been foiled in June, we could have all watched fireworks in the summer warmth, not during one of the rainiest, coldest months of the year. Ah well.

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And as an aside, since when has the word "British" come to signify "good"? Advertisers are now trying to embue us with a sense of patriotism regarding the quality of products by saying stuff like "100% British beef" etc. I can't remember the advert I heard on the radio earlier today but quite clearly the link was being made between being British and being good. I accept it's a good advertising technique but am I the only one who a) doesn't necessarily think that British produce is the best and b) doesn't care where things come from provided they are of the best quality? Johnny Rotten on that Country Life butter advert is so right in my view.

Guy Fawkes' Night

Is anyone celebrating the Protestant foiling of a Catholic plot to blow up King James I some 404 years ago, or are people not bothering?

Nevermind the anachronism concerning the fact that the plot was discovered in the early hours of 5 November (thus on the evening of 4 November), nevermind the religious undertones that are inherent in the celebration and nevermind the fact that most of us aren't too fussed on the Royal Family these days, I do like pretty fireworks, fires and things that go bang. So I may do something. Or I may just go to the gym.

It's a shame that state opening of Parliament happens in November - had this plot been foiled in June, we could have all watched fireworks in the summer warmth, not during one of the rainiest, coldest months of the year. Ah well.

-----

And as an aside, since when has the word "British" come to signify "good"? Advertisers are now trying to embue us with a sense of patriotism regarding the quality of products by saying stuff like "100% British beef" etc. I can't remember the advert I heard on the radio earlier today but quite clearly the link was being made between being British and being good. I accept it's a good advertising technique but am I the only one who a) doesn't necessarily think that British produce is the best and b) doesn't care where things come from provided they are of the best quality? Johnny Rotten on that Country Life butter advert is so right in my view.