The other day I read about a great sounding smoothie so I wrote the ingredients down and went looking for them when I was in Waitrose doing my weekly grocery shop.
I managed to find one lousy tin of peaches - just one out the four required, they either didn't have them in stock or didn't supply them at all. So much for my well-to-do healthy smoothie... fucks sake.
That always bloody happens to me and it's not just Waitrose but any supermarket, I never get them all and am forced to compromise by getting something close to what's required resulting in a smoothie/meal that tastes like shit.
...and while I'm at it I'm thoroughly fed-up of reading about or seeing on TV all those celebrity chefs or food-writers banging on about some poncy dish that requires ingredients that you have to go to some Armenian grocery store located in the back'o beyond to get... and then dictating to us that 'TV dinners are bad for you...' etc etc
I happen to like TV dinners and I do plenty of walking to burn off the calories... I'm happy with my diet and having quick dinners suits my working lifestyle.
To all the celebrity chefs/food writers: Go fuck yourselves.
Saturday, 26 November 2016
Friday, 25 November 2016
Thursday, 24 November 2016
Time Flies...
Where the HECK has this year gone?! It only seems like yesterday that I was waking-up from a Crabbies Ginger Beer-induced hangover on January 1st (and no, I wasn't at kick-ass New Year's Eve do, I was on my own at home, gaming, scoffing a Tesco Chinese meal for two and getting drunk off several bottles of, well, all kinds really but I felt the Crabbies the next day!)
So let's recap this year... firstly;
My Life
For me personally my medical condition flared up giving me the worst six months of my life (although it's settled down again now in preparation for flaring up when I least want it to... as is it's wont as the most annoying medical condition known to mankind).
I finally gave up Sky TV in the pursuit of other avenues of entertainment (thanks to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube, Twitch and gaming in general) but BOY did Sky try to keep me on! Despite my rants about excessive ad-breaks, no decent English Rugby coverage and me refusing to personally subsidise their obsession with throwing money at the Premiere League footy (which has gotten shit by several orders of magnitude over the last decade). Even after cancelling I got missed calls everyday until I blocked their number, now I await the reams of offers of half-price membership via snail mail.
I gave up my gym membership after 15 years, doing so has probably condemned my body to a big bout of weight gains but I've made my decision and am trying really hard to get an outdoor regimen going, especially as I'm off skiing in 2017 for the first time in 10 years.
Sport
Our national sport when through it's usual highs and lows - UK had a good showing at the Olympics with the best medal haul in modern times. England Rugby: Six Nations Slam, whitewashed the Aussies in their backyard, England Footy: Shit ('nuff said), Cricket: I don't really care tbh (I don't like it), they played some games, probably lost. Wasps, (I am a season ticket holder) finished 3rd, Allez Allez Allez!
Gaming Wins
Pokemon Go launched this year, took a BIG bite out of my time and still continues to do so, in fact, I have to say that it is the single biggest positive thing I can take out of this year and would like to take the opportunity to thank Nintendo and Niantic (and I suppose Google too) for creating such an engaging, enjoyable and, quite possibly the healthiest game around. I say 'healthiest' because no other game gets you out and about walking so much! I'm well on my way to doing 1000 KM's in-game and, even though I already do a lot of mileage walking due to commuting, Pokemon Go has added to that significantly and I'm soo much fitter! Plus it's part of the reason why I decided to cancel my gym membership simply because I've been out catching Pokemon during the times I would be at the gym! I've been to places I wouldn't normally go, I've gotten semi-lost in a marsh and almost run-over a couple of times... all in the pursuit of catching them all!!
Gaming Fails
No Man's Sky launched to a big fanfare and after only a couple of days failed big time... in my part I mostly tried to stay positive about the game and posted about it in this blog but now, even I have to agree that the gameplay is not what it was advertised... I'll still play it occasionally though.
Technology Wins
Virtual Reality - a technology that's been pottering about in the background of the tech world for decades finally exploded to the forefront this year. Previously, it's been the exclusive plaything of Silicon Valley, insanely rich pharmeceutical research companies and Hollywood but now thanks to HTC, Sony and Oculus it's affordable for us plebs to have a go... and Microsoft aren't far behind with their Augmented Reality tech too. It's about time the tech industry got us something interesting... rather than pushing unappealing pap such as 3D in cinemas and TVs... and glasses that do nothing except invade people's privacy for the sake of pushing ads.
Technology Fails
Apple brought out the latest MacBook Pro, with an LED emoji strip instead of function keys (I say that because that's all it'll become, despite what Adobe say with Photoshop support). Four expansion ports that require at least a hundred pounds' worth of adapters for all your currently owned peripherals (including iPhones FFS) and an Intel processor that's one generation back from the current line, well played Apple.
Entertainment
Several high-profile music/movie/TV celebs died (RIP Terry Wogan, Alan Rickman, David Bowie et al). Actually, in this case life isn't fair - we lost some good people but GAINED some Kardashians, how can that be fair!? Kim got robbed and it was no surprise considering she kept flashing it all over Social Media, served her right really and now she's gone dark. Kanye West has been sectioned - again, not surprising really, anyone connected to that family needs to be institutionalised. I know, I know... I don't need to read about them but I look at Google News every day and they're all over the fucking feeds! It would be a good year if they all just faded into the background, live quiet lives with all their money and we never heard from them again, I'd consider this a good year of that started to happen.
Politics
We had Brexit (and we'll never hear the end of it either), we've got a new Prime Minister - Teresa May... who, I have to say, I've been impressed with so far, I think she's doing her best in a very difficult climate. We gained a new Opposition Leader in Jeremy Corbyn who I simply can't find it in myself to dislike! I doubt I'd vote for him but he really doesn't offend me, I think he's good for British politics in that he keeps the majority in Parliament on their toes.
America chose a former reality-show former-failed Billionaire for POTUS, and I think our Brexit somewhat influenced them to do that, I guess they're just as fed-up with the political elite taking the piss as much as we are.
In conclusion it has been a very interesting year with the Brexit and Donald Trump being elected as the two 'stand-out' events, certainly they will make for a strange 2017!
As for me, well, I think I'll end 2016 with a more gaming, a Tesco Indian meal for two and a crate of Carling, enough to knock me into a senseless state to not be able to hear the fireworks at midnight.
So let's recap this year... firstly;
My Life
For me personally my medical condition flared up giving me the worst six months of my life (although it's settled down again now in preparation for flaring up when I least want it to... as is it's wont as the most annoying medical condition known to mankind).
I finally gave up Sky TV in the pursuit of other avenues of entertainment (thanks to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube, Twitch and gaming in general) but BOY did Sky try to keep me on! Despite my rants about excessive ad-breaks, no decent English Rugby coverage and me refusing to personally subsidise their obsession with throwing money at the Premiere League footy (which has gotten shit by several orders of magnitude over the last decade). Even after cancelling I got missed calls everyday until I blocked their number, now I await the reams of offers of half-price membership via snail mail.
I gave up my gym membership after 15 years, doing so has probably condemned my body to a big bout of weight gains but I've made my decision and am trying really hard to get an outdoor regimen going, especially as I'm off skiing in 2017 for the first time in 10 years.
Sport
Our national sport when through it's usual highs and lows - UK had a good showing at the Olympics with the best medal haul in modern times. England Rugby: Six Nations Slam, whitewashed the Aussies in their backyard, England Footy: Shit ('nuff said), Cricket: I don't really care tbh (I don't like it), they played some games, probably lost. Wasps, (I am a season ticket holder) finished 3rd, Allez Allez Allez!
Gaming Wins
Pokemon Go launched this year, took a BIG bite out of my time and still continues to do so, in fact, I have to say that it is the single biggest positive thing I can take out of this year and would like to take the opportunity to thank Nintendo and Niantic (and I suppose Google too) for creating such an engaging, enjoyable and, quite possibly the healthiest game around. I say 'healthiest' because no other game gets you out and about walking so much! I'm well on my way to doing 1000 KM's in-game and, even though I already do a lot of mileage walking due to commuting, Pokemon Go has added to that significantly and I'm soo much fitter! Plus it's part of the reason why I decided to cancel my gym membership simply because I've been out catching Pokemon during the times I would be at the gym! I've been to places I wouldn't normally go, I've gotten semi-lost in a marsh and almost run-over a couple of times... all in the pursuit of catching them all!!
Gaming Fails
No Man's Sky launched to a big fanfare and after only a couple of days failed big time... in my part I mostly tried to stay positive about the game and posted about it in this blog but now, even I have to agree that the gameplay is not what it was advertised... I'll still play it occasionally though.
Technology Wins
Virtual Reality - a technology that's been pottering about in the background of the tech world for decades finally exploded to the forefront this year. Previously, it's been the exclusive plaything of Silicon Valley, insanely rich pharmeceutical research companies and Hollywood but now thanks to HTC, Sony and Oculus it's affordable for us plebs to have a go... and Microsoft aren't far behind with their Augmented Reality tech too. It's about time the tech industry got us something interesting... rather than pushing unappealing pap such as 3D in cinemas and TVs... and glasses that do nothing except invade people's privacy for the sake of pushing ads.
Technology Fails
Apple brought out the latest MacBook Pro, with an LED emoji strip instead of function keys (I say that because that's all it'll become, despite what Adobe say with Photoshop support). Four expansion ports that require at least a hundred pounds' worth of adapters for all your currently owned peripherals (including iPhones FFS) and an Intel processor that's one generation back from the current line, well played Apple.
Entertainment
Several high-profile music/movie/TV celebs died (RIP Terry Wogan, Alan Rickman, David Bowie et al). Actually, in this case life isn't fair - we lost some good people but GAINED some Kardashians, how can that be fair!? Kim got robbed and it was no surprise considering she kept flashing it all over Social Media, served her right really and now she's gone dark. Kanye West has been sectioned - again, not surprising really, anyone connected to that family needs to be institutionalised. I know, I know... I don't need to read about them but I look at Google News every day and they're all over the fucking feeds! It would be a good year if they all just faded into the background, live quiet lives with all their money and we never heard from them again, I'd consider this a good year of that started to happen.
Politics
We had Brexit (and we'll never hear the end of it either), we've got a new Prime Minister - Teresa May... who, I have to say, I've been impressed with so far, I think she's doing her best in a very difficult climate. We gained a new Opposition Leader in Jeremy Corbyn who I simply can't find it in myself to dislike! I doubt I'd vote for him but he really doesn't offend me, I think he's good for British politics in that he keeps the majority in Parliament on their toes.
America chose a former reality-show former-failed Billionaire for POTUS, and I think our Brexit somewhat influenced them to do that, I guess they're just as fed-up with the political elite taking the piss as much as we are.
In conclusion it has been a very interesting year with the Brexit and Donald Trump being elected as the two 'stand-out' events, certainly they will make for a strange 2017!
As for me, well, I think I'll end 2016 with a more gaming, a Tesco Indian meal for two and a crate of Carling, enough to knock me into a senseless state to not be able to hear the fireworks at midnight.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
A Nice Cup'o Tea!
In my never-ending quest to master 3D modelling in Photoshop CC, I present to you...
Tea! mmm... :)
Tea! mmm... :)
 |
| I'll continue to add to this with other crockery... |
Friday, 18 November 2016
Photoshop CC 3D #101
Here's my first attempt at making a cake in Photoshop CC... the lighting is bit too dramatic for my liking but it's damned difficult to control it in Photoshop. The default infinite light source, when enabled and at 100% intensity kept bleaching out the tablecloth despite the fact that it's shine/reflection texture settings were set at 0%
Something for the Adobe bods to work on methinks, because I know for a fact that I would get better results if I'd done it in Strata 3D.
Something for the Adobe bods to work on methinks, because I know for a fact that I would get better results if I'd done it in Strata 3D.
 |
| Yep... the cake is a lie! |
Abstract Art #18
Finally, another abstract artwork done!
This one is called 'RGB Swirls' ... if you stare at it long enough the meaning of life flashes before your eyes.
This one is called 'RGB Swirls' ... if you stare at it long enough the meaning of life flashes before your eyes.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Friday, 4 November 2016
The Subway Deception
I stopped by Subway this evening after doing one of my long Pokemon-hunting walks...
I ordered two foot long subs and asked them to be put in separate bags so the guy serving me would think that I was ordering for two people.
I don't know which was sadder - the fact that I was out Pokemon hunting on a Friday night or the Subway deception!
I ordered two foot long subs and asked them to be put in separate bags so the guy serving me would think that I was ordering for two people.
I don't know which was sadder - the fact that I was out Pokemon hunting on a Friday night or the Subway deception!
French Bulldog Madness
I've been moaning a lot on my blog recently, but I guess it comes with the territory as I approach old age where it's a requirement to moan all the time
Anyways... here's a design I did recently, couldn't help myself after one of my work colleagues showed me his collection of pictures of his dog...
Anyways... here's a design I did recently, couldn't help myself after one of my work colleagues showed me his collection of pictures of his dog...
 |
| He's called 'Bruce' ... and he's adorable! |
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
FA and FIFA reach a compromise over players' poppy wearing
Article here
I'm merely echoing what a lot of people have been saying in that why should a corrupt organisation like FIFA have the qualification to dictate to us that our players' wearing of poppies on their shirts is a 'political statement'.
What a load of bollocks... if anything it's MADE political by FIFA stating that! Bunch of tossers, and our FA are just as bad by asking them in the first place! But then they are bunch of spineless idiots at the best of times. Right now they're wishing this 'problem' would just 'go away' like most things that are thrown their way.
The FA should have just ignored FIFA, had the players wear poppies then when FIFA fined them, don't pay it to FIFA, instead give it to Help for Heroes or the British Legion.
And if FIFA banned us from the World Cup over it? So what? We've got nothing to lose as we're shit when we get to any finals, no-one will miss us and, frankly, no-one really wants to watch a World Cup hosted by Russia anyway.
I'm merely echoing what a lot of people have been saying in that why should a corrupt organisation like FIFA have the qualification to dictate to us that our players' wearing of poppies on their shirts is a 'political statement'.
What a load of bollocks... if anything it's MADE political by FIFA stating that! Bunch of tossers, and our FA are just as bad by asking them in the first place! But then they are bunch of spineless idiots at the best of times. Right now they're wishing this 'problem' would just 'go away' like most things that are thrown their way.
The FA should have just ignored FIFA, had the players wear poppies then when FIFA fined them, don't pay it to FIFA, instead give it to Help for Heroes or the British Legion.
And if FIFA banned us from the World Cup over it? So what? We've got nothing to lose as we're shit when we get to any finals, no-one will miss us and, frankly, no-one really wants to watch a World Cup hosted by Russia anyway.
Bye Bye Sky
I've finally gone and done it... I've shown Sky TV a clean pair of heels and cancelled all the TV subscription ...and boy was it painful process!
I must have been on the phone for three-quarters-of-an-hour having to justify to an operator why I don't want it anymore, rough transcript below:
This is after about 10 minutes of me telling them that I'm fed-up with all the ad-breaks and that I'm not really watching Sky TV anymore because I'm Netflix and chillin' a lot...
Me: Yes, I want to cancel it all
Operator: Are you sure?
Me: Yes
Operator: Are you ABSOLUTELY sure?
Me: Yes
Operator: Because you'll end-up paying more if you want to come back again
Me: Fine, just cancel it all
Operator: Are you REALLY sure? You sound unsure?
Me: [for fucks sake] yes, I'm sure, I've deliberated over this decision for the past two months and I have made my decision to cancel it all
Operator: If you've taken that long then maybe you ARE unsure and that you'd like to think more about it?
Me: [sigh] No I've made my decision
Operator: REALLY sure? Because we can just take off some of the packages [blah blah blah... etc]
Me: [after listening patiently] No I just want to cancel it all
Operator: You won't be able to watch any content that you have store on your HD box and you won't be able to record or rewind anything, are you sure?
Me: Yes, absolutely sure
Operator: Remember that you can't come back as a new customer and benefit from any 'new customer' deals
Me: I'm aware of that
Operator: You mentioned that you like Blue Bloods, which is a Sky Atlantic exclusive, perhaps we can downgrade your add-ons so you can watch that?
Me: No thanks, I do love that show but I think I can live without it
Operator: Do you like box sets?
Me: I've got loads and no, I don't watch them via Sky
Operator: OK, how about we keep your standard Sky TV package?
Me: [steam slowly rising from the top of my head] no thanks I just want to cancel it all
Operator: Okay, we if you REALLY want to cancel [adding a tone to make me feel guilty] we'll process that for you, I just need to go through some statements to read out to you
Me: [sigh] okay
15 minutes after that conversation I peeled my mobile phone away from my ear and was able to get on with my life!
It really is like pulling teeth, I tell you that I'm actually put off getting Sky again simply to avoid the pain if I had to cancel it again!
Note to Sky: just fucking make it easier for us to cancel! We're the customers, we know what we want not you!
I must have been on the phone for three-quarters-of-an-hour having to justify to an operator why I don't want it anymore, rough transcript below:
This is after about 10 minutes of me telling them that I'm fed-up with all the ad-breaks and that I'm not really watching Sky TV anymore because I'm Netflix and chillin' a lot...
Me: Yes, I want to cancel it all
Operator: Are you sure?
Me: Yes
Operator: Are you ABSOLUTELY sure?
Me: Yes
Operator: Because you'll end-up paying more if you want to come back again
Me: Fine, just cancel it all
Operator: Are you REALLY sure? You sound unsure?
Me: [for fucks sake] yes, I'm sure, I've deliberated over this decision for the past two months and I have made my decision to cancel it all
Operator: If you've taken that long then maybe you ARE unsure and that you'd like to think more about it?
Me: [sigh] No I've made my decision
Operator: REALLY sure? Because we can just take off some of the packages [blah blah blah... etc]
Me: [after listening patiently] No I just want to cancel it all
Operator: You won't be able to watch any content that you have store on your HD box and you won't be able to record or rewind anything, are you sure?
Me: Yes, absolutely sure
Operator: Remember that you can't come back as a new customer and benefit from any 'new customer' deals
Me: I'm aware of that
Operator: You mentioned that you like Blue Bloods, which is a Sky Atlantic exclusive, perhaps we can downgrade your add-ons so you can watch that?
Me: No thanks, I do love that show but I think I can live without it
Operator: Do you like box sets?
Me: I've got loads and no, I don't watch them via Sky
Operator: OK, how about we keep your standard Sky TV package?
Me: [steam slowly rising from the top of my head] no thanks I just want to cancel it all
Operator: Okay, we if you REALLY want to cancel [adding a tone to make me feel guilty] we'll process that for you, I just need to go through some statements to read out to you
Me: [sigh] okay
15 minutes after that conversation I peeled my mobile phone away from my ear and was able to get on with my life!
It really is like pulling teeth, I tell you that I'm actually put off getting Sky again simply to avoid the pain if I had to cancel it again!
Note to Sky: just fucking make it easier for us to cancel! We're the customers, we know what we want not you!
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