It's as if I'm rebuilding my whole life. Recently I bought a new computer, loaded with Windows XP. I then downloaded a file that XP disliked, so that every time I opened a Windows folder (anything in the Start menu) XP crashed itself. Don't ask me why.
Result was that I've had to reload Windows XP - which (for some strange reason) means that everything else on my computer has to be destroyed and rebuilt.
At the last count I had 82 different log-ins that required a password - fortunately I maintain all those at my Yahoo email account - it works with my BTInternet account, and means that I never download emails to my computer - and with spam and viris protection it works well. (enough advertising)
At present I'm looking at screen with huge type, and can't make the sound system work, but I do have the wireless network working - just can't carry my desktop around the house with any ease or convenience.
Combine the rebuild with installation of a wireless network (which didn't work until I allowed a guy in southern India to operate my computer remotely - ain't it marvellous) and the news that my grandchildren plan to come to stay with me and I'm in panic mode.
Slowly making www.lockwoods.co.uk a place to visit - you can sign-in there, and if you are really good (or controversial) I'll allow you to upload articles etc to the site.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Sunday, July 23, 2006
An Idea
Have an idea - tell people about it - publish it on a blog, send out dozens of emails.
Nice people respond, 'Oh what a good idea, can I join in?'
Others want real information (from me?). How much will this be? If we can buy it as agricultural land it could be really cheap - if for housing - really expensive. How much land? As much as can be saved from the national housebuilders - those companies that have one set of plans (so that land-use can be maximised) that they use to build energy-greedy (but cheap to build) housing.
If this country had any sense it would insist that all new housing was both energy- efficient and able to create their own energy (by making the wife pedal a uni-cycle while doing the ironing and shouting at the kids).
It doesn't do that - it allows these builders to get away with what is (in effect) murder. By building such awful houses they create tomorrow's slums, increasing social stress, and increase the carbon load upon the world.
The world can take all this - no problem. It's people who will have the trouble.
To get back to the original bit about responses. Our beloved leaders have just ignored me. So, what's new?
Nice people respond, 'Oh what a good idea, can I join in?'
Others want real information (from me?). How much will this be? If we can buy it as agricultural land it could be really cheap - if for housing - really expensive. How much land? As much as can be saved from the national housebuilders - those companies that have one set of plans (so that land-use can be maximised) that they use to build energy-greedy (but cheap to build) housing.
If this country had any sense it would insist that all new housing was both energy- efficient and able to create their own energy (by making the wife pedal a uni-cycle while doing the ironing and shouting at the kids).
It doesn't do that - it allows these builders to get away with what is (in effect) murder. By building such awful houses they create tomorrow's slums, increasing social stress, and increase the carbon load upon the world.
The world can take all this - no problem. It's people who will have the trouble.
To get back to the original bit about responses. Our beloved leaders have just ignored me. So, what's new?
Friday, July 21, 2006
Let's Build
Trinity College, Cambridge own a great swathe of land between Felixstowe and Ipswich, close to the villages of Trimley St Mary and Trimley St Martin.
Our council have just announced planning permission to build 2,700 houses on this land.
I wrote to the Master of Trinity some while ago suggesting he sell me 10 acres of this land, to be used for a community project that would build a variety of sustainable houses, and a community.
The reply I received was pleasant, but suggested I contact the local council, the East of England Development Agency etc.
That's what I now plan to do.
Anyone care to join in?
Our council have just announced planning permission to build 2,700 houses on this land.
I wrote to the Master of Trinity some while ago suggesting he sell me 10 acres of this land, to be used for a community project that would build a variety of sustainable houses, and a community.
The reply I received was pleasant, but suggested I contact the local council, the East of England Development Agency etc.
That's what I now plan to do.
Anyone care to join in?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
CMS: The Learning Curve
I've found something new - and so I'm wasting inordinate amounts of time (can time be an amount?) trying to make it all work.
It's a content management system (CMS), which uses a database to run web sites. Most old sites (like mine) are static pages. I make 'em, put them on the Web, you look at 'em. They don't change. With CMS I can split the page up into many small pieces, and then decide which piece will be displayed where, adding new items whenever I like, and others can add material as well - oh yes, I plan to involve you too!
It's very early days. I only got the stuff to work yesterday, at www.lockwoods.co.uk
You'll notice that many pages still talk about Joomla! see www.joomla.org This is Open Source software, and is to be highly recommended. Instead of one company offering you a product, in order to make a profit, open source is a collaborative effort, with many thousands of people: programmers, developers and users all making contributions, which they all share.
A similar system is Open Office, see http://www.openoffice.org/ which is an office suite to rival that bloke who made a lot of cash out of IBM all those years ago - what was his name? William Dawes? Can't remember.
Sorry to get technical - but I'm having great fun swimming through the treacle of instructions that rarely make much sense.
It's a content management system (CMS), which uses a database to run web sites. Most old sites (like mine) are static pages. I make 'em, put them on the Web, you look at 'em. They don't change. With CMS I can split the page up into many small pieces, and then decide which piece will be displayed where, adding new items whenever I like, and others can add material as well - oh yes, I plan to involve you too!
It's very early days. I only got the stuff to work yesterday, at www.lockwoods.co.uk
You'll notice that many pages still talk about Joomla! see www.joomla.org This is Open Source software, and is to be highly recommended. Instead of one company offering you a product, in order to make a profit, open source is a collaborative effort, with many thousands of people: programmers, developers and users all making contributions, which they all share.
A similar system is Open Office, see http://www.openoffice.org/ which is an office suite to rival that bloke who made a lot of cash out of IBM all those years ago - what was his name? William Dawes? Can't remember.
Sorry to get technical - but I'm having great fun swimming through the treacle of instructions that rarely make much sense.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Shame
A shame that's the responsibility of a whole country.
No, I'm not talking about Israel, whose citizens should all be ashamed that when they attack foreign lands, killing innocents.
This shame is about England (I'm not sure what happens in the other, smaller, territories). England allows charities to run hospices for children. They don't really fund these places, relying instead upon National Lottery funds, which are little more than another tax upon the populace.
The East of England has three hospices for children. This year the National Lottery decided to withdraw funding. The hospices had wanted to expand, as there is an increasing demand. That's not possible.
Today I had a stall at the annual fete of EACH Lovely, well-meaning, people, many of whom had been directly touched by the death of a much-loved child. Not enough people attended. They will continue to struggle for money.
It's a national disgraces that a country cannot ease the passing of its own children, those kids whose life has been snatched away before they really understand what life is all about.
I told these people to stop collecting pennies by organising fetes and similar events. They should challenge their energies towards a concerted attack upon our politicians. They should picket their houses, ensure their demands are thrust down everyone's throats.
After all, who can deprive a dying child of anything they need? These little scraps will not be here for very long. The cost to the nation of lavishing love upon their shattered bodies and minds will be no more that a few of the missiles we were content to rain down upon Iraq just a few years ago.
Shame on you all.
Think of those dying children - and then go attack a politician - any politician
No, I'm not talking about Israel, whose citizens should all be ashamed that when they attack foreign lands, killing innocents.
This shame is about England (I'm not sure what happens in the other, smaller, territories). England allows charities to run hospices for children. They don't really fund these places, relying instead upon National Lottery funds, which are little more than another tax upon the populace.
The East of England has three hospices for children. This year the National Lottery decided to withdraw funding. The hospices had wanted to expand, as there is an increasing demand. That's not possible.
Today I had a stall at the annual fete of EACH Lovely, well-meaning, people, many of whom had been directly touched by the death of a much-loved child. Not enough people attended. They will continue to struggle for money.
It's a national disgraces that a country cannot ease the passing of its own children, those kids whose life has been snatched away before they really understand what life is all about.
I told these people to stop collecting pennies by organising fetes and similar events. They should challenge their energies towards a concerted attack upon our politicians. They should picket their houses, ensure their demands are thrust down everyone's throats.
After all, who can deprive a dying child of anything they need? These little scraps will not be here for very long. The cost to the nation of lavishing love upon their shattered bodies and minds will be no more that a few of the missiles we were content to rain down upon Iraq just a few years ago.
Shame on you all.
Think of those dying children - and then go attack a politician - any politician
Friday, July 14, 2006
Mirrored Souls
There's been talk.
Even a suggestion that I'm making it all up!
It is, however, true. There are two Trevor Lockwood's. One who writes this Blog, another who lives in Barcelona, and often leaves comments on the Blog.
There's synchronicity, in that I also lived in Catalonia (often described as God's Own Country), before writing this Blog, which I now do from the decaying resort town of Felixstowe, in Suffolk, in the east of England (God's Other Country).
Both places have their attractions, and house swaps could well be in order - I'll get the allotment in proper shape first, and the house, and everything else before suggesting to the other TL that we should swop places. Perhaps we could also swop roles. He could fend off all my debtors, while I chatted up all his Catalan lovelies.
It's an idea that becomes increasingly attractive the more I muse upon it. When I last looked there were 26 Trevor Lockwood's shown on the Voter's Registers in England and Wales. Perhaps we should agglomerate, pool resources, shedding our collective debts and responsibilities. There are plenty of games we can play. responsibilities
Even a suggestion that I'm making it all up!
It is, however, true. There are two Trevor Lockwood's. One who writes this Blog, another who lives in Barcelona, and often leaves comments on the Blog.
There's synchronicity, in that I also lived in Catalonia (often described as God's Own Country), before writing this Blog, which I now do from the decaying resort town of Felixstowe, in Suffolk, in the east of England (God's Other Country).
Both places have their attractions, and house swaps could well be in order - I'll get the allotment in proper shape first, and the house, and everything else before suggesting to the other TL that we should swop places. Perhaps we could also swop roles. He could fend off all my debtors, while I chatted up all his Catalan lovelies.
It's an idea that becomes increasingly attractive the more I muse upon it. When I last looked there were 26 Trevor Lockwood's shown on the Voter's Registers in England and Wales. Perhaps we should agglomerate, pool resources, shedding our collective debts and responsibilities. There are plenty of games we can play. responsibilities
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The Learning Curve
Let's hope there is a life hereafter because a lifetime spent learning lessons will be such a waste if it all ends here. The real lessons learnt seem to be those that come from mistakes, those that produce that feeling of cringing embarrassment when recalled.
We should all make mistakes, and appreciate how much we learn as a result. Working within a disciplined service for much of my life has meant that I've taken a long time to learn. For too long I did as I was told, and later refused to do anything I was told. The pendulum swung too far away from the old ways. Perhaps now age is mellowing my acerbity.
Arrogant people, those who are convinced they know best, are to be avoided. Suicide bombers especially. As they push the button that blows them to eternity they do so believing that Allah will accept them as heroes, that they will live the perfect life for evermore.
It's a silly attitude to adopt, and very dangerous, particularly if you happen to be close to one of these misguided fools when they explode.
The wife of the first British suicide bomber (he killed himself at Mike's Bar in Israel) made a telling statement. She'd received a letter from her husband that told her he was leaving her, but that, later, they would meet in another life, and live together in perfect harmony. "He's got to be joking," she said, "if he thinks he can tell me he's leaving me and the children and then expect me to want to live with him in heaven."
He'd not really thought it out.
We should all make mistakes, and appreciate how much we learn as a result. Working within a disciplined service for much of my life has meant that I've taken a long time to learn. For too long I did as I was told, and later refused to do anything I was told. The pendulum swung too far away from the old ways. Perhaps now age is mellowing my acerbity.
Arrogant people, those who are convinced they know best, are to be avoided. Suicide bombers especially. As they push the button that blows them to eternity they do so believing that Allah will accept them as heroes, that they will live the perfect life for evermore.
It's a silly attitude to adopt, and very dangerous, particularly if you happen to be close to one of these misguided fools when they explode.
The wife of the first British suicide bomber (he killed himself at Mike's Bar in Israel) made a telling statement. She'd received a letter from her husband that told her he was leaving her, but that, later, they would meet in another life, and live together in perfect harmony. "He's got to be joking," she said, "if he thinks he can tell me he's leaving me and the children and then expect me to want to live with him in heaven."
He'd not really thought it out.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Anger
There's at least one reader of this blog that is angered by my writing. Hopefully it is always the same person, but perhaps not. In answer to the latest retort all I can say is that statistically, our beloved Councillor appears in the local press more frequently than any other councillor. My case rests, along with the old dogma about the exception proving the rule. Even I don't always get it right.
They are likely to get even angrier because I've decided to open my own web site as well, so www.lockwoods.co.uk (do note the 's') will grow over the coming months. Not sure why I need to do this - probably because I have an over-inflated ego, although I've not done much for myself - ever, so perhaps the time has come.
Summer's heat is making everything grow, and I'm having to eat even more to keep up with the produce coming from the allotment.
They are likely to get even angrier because I've decided to open my own web site as well, so www.lockwoods.co.uk (do note the 's') will grow over the coming months. Not sure why I need to do this - probably because I have an over-inflated ego, although I've not done much for myself - ever, so perhaps the time has come.
Summer's heat is making everything grow, and I'm having to eat even more to keep up with the produce coming from the allotment.
Monday, July 10, 2006
The Lost Sock
A community comes together when its members are involved together in a project. Over the last few months that's happened with 'The Lost Sock', a film produced by Felixstowe TV. This all started with an off-the-cuff remark made by Chris Gosling, the powerhouse behind Felixstowe TV, to the members of Felixstowe Scribblers, our local writers group.
Very quickly they came up with the outline of a script, and several people involved in local amateur dramatics were asked to appear. Filming began, producing 10-15 minute shorts that were displayed on the Felixstowe TV site.
The scripts were developed as the project moved along, and local companies started to get involved. Local shops provided locations, a car-hire firm provided vehicles and Felixstowe Port security even provided the 'heavies' to act as extras. All sorts of people became immersed in the project.
As each programme was screened at Felixstowe Tv interest grew, audience figures rose and it was decided to create a full-length movie.
Yesterday it was screened before a large audience at the 900-seat Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe. A full-length feature, lasting one hour 26 minutes. All this is a considerable achievement showing what can be done when people come together.
Some of the actors, all amateurs, were equal to anyone on commercial TV. There were mistakes, perhaps the dialogue was a bit confused at times, the sound quality could be improved, the camera angles chosen with more care. But it was still good entertainment and for a first attempt showed considerable potential.
The nameless local councillor as just one of many local people, organisattions and companies involved.
Looking forward to the next contribution from Felixstowe Films.
Very quickly they came up with the outline of a script, and several people involved in local amateur dramatics were asked to appear. Filming began, producing 10-15 minute shorts that were displayed on the Felixstowe TV site.
The scripts were developed as the project moved along, and local companies started to get involved. Local shops provided locations, a car-hire firm provided vehicles and Felixstowe Port security even provided the 'heavies' to act as extras. All sorts of people became immersed in the project.
As each programme was screened at Felixstowe Tv interest grew, audience figures rose and it was decided to create a full-length movie.
Yesterday it was screened before a large audience at the 900-seat Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe. A full-length feature, lasting one hour 26 minutes. All this is a considerable achievement showing what can be done when people come together.
Some of the actors, all amateurs, were equal to anyone on commercial TV. There were mistakes, perhaps the dialogue was a bit confused at times, the sound quality could be improved, the camera angles chosen with more care. But it was still good entertainment and for a first attempt showed considerable potential.
The nameless local councillor as just one of many local people, organisattions and companies involved.
Looking forward to the next contribution from Felixstowe Films.
Friday, July 07, 2006
More info on The Lost Sock Saga
It's suggested that we all look at Episode 4 of the Lost Sock, which appeared on 18 February 2006. It records 'the seconds of infamy' (my informant's words not mine) of the lady councillor.
Look at the episode, or better still see the whole film at the Spa Pavilion on Sunday 9th July at 2pm. Click on the title of this Blog to get to Felixstowe TV.
The whole cast will be there, and rumours will circulate. This will be a time to enjoy the film and to ferret around, to play detective, to find out what really happened.
Hope to see you there.
Look at the episode, or better still see the whole film at the Spa Pavilion on Sunday 9th July at 2pm. Click on the title of this Blog to get to Felixstowe TV.
The whole cast will be there, and rumours will circulate. This will be a time to enjoy the film and to ferret around, to play detective, to find out what really happened.
Hope to see you there.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
It's a Wonderful Life
The sun is shining, although thunderstorms are promised (the allotment will be pleased).
My computers are playing up, rogue software loaded in error has upset Mr Gates and his team, and everything keeps crashing.
It makes me realise there is a world outside this darkened room. So today I enjoyed coffee and chocolate cake in the garden with friends, later washed down with a glass of English cider. Good conversation, warmth and food, what's missing? Hardly anything at all.
I'm amused by the comments this Blog attracts. Yesterday's was a local rhubarb about a councillor who was alleged to have spoken out of turn. One response says they are not going to reply to my farcical comments. Well, honey child, you just did.
Tonight will see me bent over my djembe drum. Perhaps that respondent would do well to go to a drumming class, where they can beat the hell out of their frustrations and enjoy themselves at the same time.
Life is short, sweetie pie. Don't attack - just learn to smile. It is fun.
Must make some raspberry ice-cream before drumming starts.
My computers are playing up, rogue software loaded in error has upset Mr Gates and his team, and everything keeps crashing.
It makes me realise there is a world outside this darkened room. So today I enjoyed coffee and chocolate cake in the garden with friends, later washed down with a glass of English cider. Good conversation, warmth and food, what's missing? Hardly anything at all.
I'm amused by the comments this Blog attracts. Yesterday's was a local rhubarb about a councillor who was alleged to have spoken out of turn. One response says they are not going to reply to my farcical comments. Well, honey child, you just did.
Tonight will see me bent over my djembe drum. Perhaps that respondent would do well to go to a drumming class, where they can beat the hell out of their frustrations and enjoy themselves at the same time.
Life is short, sweetie pie. Don't attack - just learn to smile. It is fun.
Must make some raspberry ice-cream before drumming starts.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Local Gossip
Now, I'm not one to gossip!
But!
Our TV station has made a film, using a plot written by our local Felixstowe Scribblers writing group and local actors. Called The Lost Sock it will be shown at the local theatre next week. (click on the title of this piece to be taken to the site)
It was to be shown at the local cinema, but a councillor (she must remain nameless) who appears in the film commented upon the poor state of repair of the flea pit (it is dreadful).
The Irish owner of the place took exception to her remarks, and at the last minute withdrew his invitation to have the film screened at his cinema.
Panic set in.
Then our Chris, the Felixstowe TV man, managed to save the day, and there will now be a (free) screening at the Spa Pavilion on 9 July.
Our beloved councillor will no doubt be there, and will (no doubt) have her picture in the local newspapers the next day.
No reports are yet coming in about the feelings of the Irishman.
The film, which can be seen online, is said to be good in parts.
Whatever it's like it is a wonderful achievement, that shows what a small group of determined people can achieve.
If only our local council could be made to make use of their enthusiasm. Never mind, look out for her photo in the paper.
But!
Our TV station has made a film, using a plot written by our local Felixstowe Scribblers writing group and local actors. Called The Lost Sock it will be shown at the local theatre next week. (click on the title of this piece to be taken to the site)
It was to be shown at the local cinema, but a councillor (she must remain nameless) who appears in the film commented upon the poor state of repair of the flea pit (it is dreadful).
The Irish owner of the place took exception to her remarks, and at the last minute withdrew his invitation to have the film screened at his cinema.
Panic set in.
Then our Chris, the Felixstowe TV man, managed to save the day, and there will now be a (free) screening at the Spa Pavilion on 9 July.
Our beloved councillor will no doubt be there, and will (no doubt) have her picture in the local newspapers the next day.
No reports are yet coming in about the feelings of the Irishman.
The film, which can be seen online, is said to be good in parts.
Whatever it's like it is a wonderful achievement, that shows what a small group of determined people can achieve.
If only our local council could be made to make use of their enthusiasm. Never mind, look out for her photo in the paper.
Monday, July 03, 2006
That's All Over
We are out of the World Cup. I say we, I mean England's football team is now out of the competition.
That failure is representative of the present state of England. We are ruled by Scots, and the mainstream guru on BBC TV is an arrogant, self-opinionated Scot. He was crowing with delight as he started to blame everyone he could once it was clear we had failed.
That a country of over 30 million people had to choose a foreigner, an uncharismatic but testosterone-filled Swede, was ludicrous. Particularly when the job, when done by Englishmen, had been regarded as a part-time activity commanding a very small salary. Our Sven has picked up 5 million a year, for over five years, and achieved no more than our gallant English part-timers.
Before the contest our 'star' player was injured. There was much fuss about whether he would be fit enough to play. That he'd never scored a goal in a World Cup tournament was considered irrelevant.
This allegedly talented player demonstrates all that is wrong about football. He's an aggressive, short-tempered yob whose paid far more than his intelligence, let alone his talent, justifies.
We had an alternative, a young man who had never played in a first-class game of football, let alone a World Cup. That he was the next-best choice shows how reliant the English football leagues have become upon foreign players. These expensive yet talented young men come to England, take £100,000 a week or more, and then go back home (with our money). They take much more. They take a detailed knowledge of the way we play football.
Our captain, David Beckham, has now resigned. His days may be numbered in any case. A new team is taking over at Real Madrid, with 160 million Euros to spend. Beckham's presence at Real has not gained them any trophies, and that may be the last straw.
Empires come and go, and the demise of our football team is indicative of the state of the country.
Meanwhile two more British soldiers are killed in Afghanistan fighting a war that has nothing to do with us. I mourn that tragic waste of young life.
That failure is representative of the present state of England. We are ruled by Scots, and the mainstream guru on BBC TV is an arrogant, self-opinionated Scot. He was crowing with delight as he started to blame everyone he could once it was clear we had failed.
That a country of over 30 million people had to choose a foreigner, an uncharismatic but testosterone-filled Swede, was ludicrous. Particularly when the job, when done by Englishmen, had been regarded as a part-time activity commanding a very small salary. Our Sven has picked up 5 million a year, for over five years, and achieved no more than our gallant English part-timers.
Before the contest our 'star' player was injured. There was much fuss about whether he would be fit enough to play. That he'd never scored a goal in a World Cup tournament was considered irrelevant.
This allegedly talented player demonstrates all that is wrong about football. He's an aggressive, short-tempered yob whose paid far more than his intelligence, let alone his talent, justifies.
We had an alternative, a young man who had never played in a first-class game of football, let alone a World Cup. That he was the next-best choice shows how reliant the English football leagues have become upon foreign players. These expensive yet talented young men come to England, take £100,000 a week or more, and then go back home (with our money). They take much more. They take a detailed knowledge of the way we play football.
Our captain, David Beckham, has now resigned. His days may be numbered in any case. A new team is taking over at Real Madrid, with 160 million Euros to spend. Beckham's presence at Real has not gained them any trophies, and that may be the last straw.
Empires come and go, and the demise of our football team is indicative of the state of the country.
Meanwhile two more British soldiers are killed in Afghanistan fighting a war that has nothing to do with us. I mourn that tragic waste of young life.
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