Perl. This is rough'n'ready list of items I've picked up over time (and probably posted in the past).
There are lots of tutorials about for learning about common perl modules including sockets networking (e.g. tutorialspoint, tutorialized and linuxjournal), Graphics and Images (e.g. GD:Image:AnimatedGif, Imagemagick and Image::Grab), cgi programming, dbix.
There are general perl tutorials available at devdaily and wdvl.
You can also join in all kinds of perl conferences and local communities too. For example, here is london.pm.
Lots more resources can be found at perl.com, perl.org, use.perl.org and perlmonks.org.
Hopefully, as if and when I look up more Perl niceties. I'll put them up here!!!
Saturday 31 January 2009
Security Musings #1
Session Handling
Session management is far better than it used to be when session hijacking (example) and session fixation were common.
Problems can still be seen if the session management is handled in bespoke manner. A session id has been known to be configured with base64 encoding of parameters.
It is hard to get right manually and hence there are frameworks in place to stop the reinvention of the wheel.
But I have seen some websites that use the same preauth session id for its authenticated session. It is recommended that
Session ID regeneration should be used in Java and ASP.Net to prevent session fixation.
So on the face of it, it would be bad without. However, the session id is usually stored in the cookie, which in itself is a hard to fixate. The alternate way would to include the session ID as part of the URL (e.g. displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=B469usPwntry).
If that is blocked and throws away the session id set that should be sufficient. Furthermore, by hook or crook, additional cookies are set at preauth that change postauth. So your session fixator and session hijacker will need to know this additional information if there are checks for those cookies.
Clickjacking
Clickjacking is a new attack that uses code and transparent layers to trick users into visiting sites that are not exactly advertised in the browser. There is also some theory behind it.
Zero day initiative
Zero day (not to be confused with the finnish movie of the same name) is a computer threat that tries to exploit unknown, undisclosed or patchfree computer application vulnerabilities. Interestingly, you can get paid good money to find and post vulnerabilities with the zero day initiative. ZDNet have a blog called zero day as well. Whilst security researchers, eeye have a good tracker of new zero day attacks.
Web Application Scanners
Here is a very comprehensive evaluation of web vulnerability scanners. It compares Acunetix WVS, IBM Rational Appscan and HP Webinspect.
CESG Certified Products & Services
Here is a comprehensive directory of CCTM (CESG Claims Tested Mark) awards for products and services. Coincidently, here is a list of pen-testing companies according to google. At the time of writing, salaries for CESG-related jobs were rising modestly (unless you were in Checkpoint, which was taking a big knock).
Links
Session management is far better than it used to be when session hijacking (example) and session fixation were common.
Problems can still be seen if the session management is handled in bespoke manner. A session id has been known to be configured with base64 encoding of parameters.
It is hard to get right manually and hence there are frameworks in place to stop the reinvention of the wheel.
But I have seen some websites that use the same preauth session id for its authenticated session. It is recommended that
Session ID regeneration should be used in Java and ASP.Net to prevent session fixation.
So on the face of it, it would be bad without. However, the session id is usually stored in the cookie, which in itself is a hard to fixate. The alternate way would to include the session ID as part of the URL (e.g. displayHomePage.do;jsessionid=B469usPwntry).
If that is blocked and throws away the session id set that should be sufficient. Furthermore, by hook or crook, additional cookies are set at preauth that change postauth. So your session fixator and session hijacker will need to know this additional information if there are checks for those cookies.
Clickjacking
Clickjacking is a new attack that uses code and transparent layers to trick users into visiting sites that are not exactly advertised in the browser. There is also some theory behind it.
Zero day initiative
Zero day (not to be confused with the finnish movie of the same name) is a computer threat that tries to exploit unknown, undisclosed or patchfree computer application vulnerabilities. Interestingly, you can get paid good money to find and post vulnerabilities with the zero day initiative. ZDNet have a blog called zero day as well. Whilst security researchers, eeye have a good tracker of new zero day attacks.
Web Application Scanners
Here is a very comprehensive evaluation of web vulnerability scanners. It compares Acunetix WVS, IBM Rational Appscan and HP Webinspect.
CESG Certified Products & Services
Here is a comprehensive directory of CCTM (CESG Claims Tested Mark) awards for products and services. Coincidently, here is a list of pen-testing companies according to google. At the time of writing, salaries for CESG-related jobs were rising modestly (unless you were in Checkpoint, which was taking a big knock).
Links
Random Musings - Day #31
Friday 30 January 2009
WWW Wrestling Wrap-up #1
Move of the Month
"It's Ermintrude from the Magic Roundabout climbs to the top turnbuckle. It's time for the moo-sault. Goodbye Simon Cow! She hits it and the cover. Once again, Ermintrude makes mince beef of her opposition!"
Quote of the Month
A couple from the legendary "Hitman" Tony Hart...
"The pink and black art attack is back..."
"Your brush with greatness is over!"
Woo Smith -vs- Shagga Ranks
Making his network television debut, it's the second generation rapper from o carolina, it's Shagga Ranks. You may have hear of Shabba but this Jamaican says he's even cooler and that's just too cool. His opponent is definitely fresh, it's the man in black who loves to jiggy with it, it's Woo Smith!
So as they get ready, they argue as who came out with Summertime first. It looks like Woo has it as he hits first, going boom boom shake the room with all his 7 pounds and his pursuit of happyness. But Shagga returns with a boombastic move of his own. Woo back in there with a southpaw hit from down Miami way. Wait Shagga Ranks with a low blow and delivers the housecall for the 3-count. The referee looks suspiciously at Shagga as Woo is holding jiggy bits in pain. Jada won't be happy. Shagga tells the ref, "It wasn't me!"
Random Musings - Day #30
ISO Buster is a tool that show the contents from an ISO file before burning images to CD or DVD amongst other things.
Macbook wheel. Is the wheel for real? The video is well put together anyways.
This arguably the worse place to be caught with your pants down. I saw he had lots of admirers but maybe not as many as the wii fit girl.
Original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson makes a little bit of history by climbing up 96 places to reach top of the US charts with a song called "My Life Would Suck Without You".
Macbook wheel. Is the wheel for real? The video is well put together anyways.
This arguably the worse place to be caught with your pants down. I saw he had lots of admirers but maybe not as many as the wii fit girl.
Original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson makes a little bit of history by climbing up 96 places to reach top of the US charts with a song called "My Life Would Suck Without You".
Thursday 29 January 2009
Pwntry
I love this video of these urban guys hacking pwning a building...
Now you can pwn a lot of things if you know the hacks. This includes literally hacking away at a 9-volt battery and
forcing an elevator into express mode! Now that's pwntry in motion!
That reminds me of a time (last September) it appeared I accidently pwned an irc bot. It's funny! That too was pwntry!!! (Names have been changed to protect the innocent!)
Now you can pwn a lot of things if you know the hacks. This includes literally hacking away at a 9-volt battery and
forcing an elevator into express mode! Now that's pwntry in motion!
That reminds me of a time (last September) it appeared I accidently pwned an irc bot. It's funny! That too was pwntry!!! (Names have been changed to protect the innocent!)
(14:25:03) txxxxx: dipsy, 9 * 42
(14:25:04) dipsy: txxxxx: 378
(14:26:44) wooshy: dipsy, 1 / 0
(14:27:06) wooshy: dipsy, 1 * 1
(14:27:25) wooshy: uh oh
(14:27:26) txxxxx: you killed dipsy! you bastard!
(14:27:37) ***wooshy eep sorry
(14:27:39) kxxxxx: txxxxx++ # got there first
(14:27:57) abc: wooshy: You terrorist hacker1
(14:27:59) abc: !
(14:29:07) ***wooshy erks
(14:29:09) ***kxxxxx deports wooshy to gitmo
Random Musings - Day #29
Been looking for to go to the theatre and Avenue Q. Also been checking out sites that offers and discounts but so far been largely disappointed. Still you can have a look at London discounts theatre and myvouchercodes.
Red Dwarf appears to be making a come back as early as Easter 2009.
Football means more than life. Has anyone told you after your football team has lost that it's only a game? Which only serves to irritate you more. Well here's proof it's more than just a game. An Ipswich fan who was in a coma for 12 months came out of it when he heard a personal message from Ipswich's manager Jim Magilton.
Talking football. Here's what Ryan Giggs does with his money.
Here's a way to properly install Windows Media Player 11
File-sharing. Regardless of whether it is good or bad, you can share files at certain sites like Filesend and 4shared. An example of its use can be found at this blog
Online dating. There's a few good sites available but most of them you have to shell cash for. They include mysinglefriend.com and match.com. loopylove used to be free. However, plentyoffish is still free. A lot of celebrities are apparently using that as avenue to get a date particularly as they are busy working it and if you can into the elitist asmallworld, you must be well connected!
Classifieds. Good for anything. Craiglist and Gumtree appear to the lead the way on the front. For example, have a look at events available in Toronto and London
Red Dwarf appears to be making a come back as early as Easter 2009.
Football means more than life. Has anyone told you after your football team has lost that it's only a game? Which only serves to irritate you more. Well here's proof it's more than just a game. An Ipswich fan who was in a coma for 12 months came out of it when he heard a personal message from Ipswich's manager Jim Magilton.
Talking football. Here's what Ryan Giggs does with his money.
Here's a way to properly install Windows Media Player 11
File-sharing. Regardless of whether it is good or bad, you can share files at certain sites like Filesend and 4shared. An example of its use can be found at this blog
Online dating. There's a few good sites available but most of them you have to shell cash for. They include mysinglefriend.com and match.com. loopylove used to be free. However, plentyoffish is still free. A lot of celebrities are apparently using that as avenue to get a date particularly as they are busy working it and if you can into the elitist asmallworld, you must be well connected!
Classifieds. Good for anything. Craiglist and Gumtree appear to the lead the way on the front. For example, have a look at events available in Toronto and London
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #28
After regailing shutdown messages on Unix boxes at university and discussing Calvin Harris. The thought crossed my mind. I am sure I remember seeing something computery about Calvin and Hobbes. It turns out, it possibly because one of the earliest ever websites (back in 1995) was the digital calvin and hobbes site. One of Calvin's quotes is also considered a famous computer quote
Java vs Flash. Well Java look to be taking be on Adobe in terms of dynamic content over the web. Recently, they have been promoting JavaFX. This not to be confused with the go-between solution of JFlash.
Hacker Meetup? I'll be keeping a close eye on these boys from songkick. They are hoping to have meetups every month. Interesting to also the UK govenment have set up a security response team, similar to our friends in the states.
Staying in is the new going out. There looks to be a positive side to the credit crunch for certain companies. Sky are creating a 1000 jobs and my sources tell me that Coca-Cola are creating jobs in London. So business is good. Why? Well more people are staying in as it is perceived to be more expensive to go out. Hence people are buying more drinks and watching tv/entertainment. That said Sky recently increased their broadband 5 pounds across the range (including the 'free' broadband + tv package).
Talking of going out, the Notting Hill Carnival is under threat of being cancelled for 2009. Interesting this forum suggests it should be banned. :( Come on people, it's part of the sub-culture in London! I suspect there are political undertones as the council / government are trying to cutback on expenditure. Hence why they are making these difficult demands to ensure that they do not have to fund the event. That's what it all boils down to.
I'll sign off with this eerie video that Amy Winehouse recorded with Pete Doherty
"I'm not dumb. I just have a command of throughly useless information."
Java vs Flash. Well Java look to be taking be on Adobe in terms of dynamic content over the web. Recently, they have been promoting JavaFX. This not to be confused with the go-between solution of JFlash.
Hacker Meetup? I'll be keeping a close eye on these boys from songkick. They are hoping to have meetups every month. Interesting to also the UK govenment have set up a security response team, similar to our friends in the states.
Staying in is the new going out. There looks to be a positive side to the credit crunch for certain companies. Sky are creating a 1000 jobs and my sources tell me that Coca-Cola are creating jobs in London. So business is good. Why? Well more people are staying in as it is perceived to be more expensive to go out. Hence people are buying more drinks and watching tv/entertainment. That said Sky recently increased their broadband 5 pounds across the range (including the 'free' broadband + tv package).
Talking of going out, the Notting Hill Carnival is under threat of being cancelled for 2009. Interesting this forum suggests it should be banned. :( Come on people, it's part of the sub-culture in London! I suspect there are political undertones as the council / government are trying to cutback on expenditure. Hence why they are making these difficult demands to ensure that they do not have to fund the event. That's what it all boils down to.
I'll sign off with this eerie video that Amy Winehouse recorded with Pete Doherty
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #27
Charlton win!
Dance Music. Here is the year end dance chart for 2008 in the states and a list of dance #1's in the UK in 2008
Lookalikes. For those who do know me, I'll only say this once... I do not look like thewinekone. This has to be the most cringe-turning video I have seen. I've only ever watch 20 seconds of it.
Breakdance. Check out this video of b boy junior. Stunning stuff! He is putting in an appearance at throwdown in London on Feb 12. Also have a look at this toddler breakdancing. Cute or cruel? you decide for yourself!
And finally, Charlton won!!! They beat local rivals Crystal Palace 1-0! Highlight of the year!
Dance Music. Here is the year end dance chart for 2008 in the states and a list of dance #1's in the UK in 2008
Lookalikes. For those who do know me, I'll only say this once... I do not look like thewinekone. This has to be the most cringe-turning video I have seen. I've only ever watch 20 seconds of it.
Breakdance. Check out this video of b boy junior. Stunning stuff! He is putting in an appearance at throwdown in London on Feb 12. Also have a look at this toddler breakdancing. Cute or cruel? you decide for yourself!
And finally, Charlton won!!! They beat local rivals Crystal Palace 1-0! Highlight of the year!
Monday 26 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #26
Kung hei fat choy to you!
A friend of mine mentioned to me about Caribbean salsa dancing and only now worked out they were talking about Salsa Mundo Latino.
Figured out a song that's been bothering me a while as I didn't know what it was... Yves Larock's "Rise up"!
Why are thin people not fat?. It looks like to do with genetics, eating behaviour and even a fat virus?
Mickey Rourke, star of the Oscar nominated The Wrestler has now been booked to appear at Wrestlemania. Interestingly enough, Mickey Rourke has been a professional boxer in his time, so is he isn't totally out of his element.
A friend of mine mentioned to me about Caribbean salsa dancing and only now worked out they were talking about Salsa Mundo Latino.
Figured out a song that's been bothering me a while as I didn't know what it was... Yves Larock's "Rise up"!
Why are thin people not fat?. It looks like to do with genetics, eating behaviour and even a fat virus?
Mickey Rourke, star of the Oscar nominated The Wrestler has now been booked to appear at Wrestlemania. Interestingly enough, Mickey Rourke has been a professional boxer in his time, so is he isn't totally out of his element.
Sunday 25 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #25
Chinese New Year is nearly upon us. That will be tomorrow the new year will see in the year of the ox. Some countries observe the day as a holiday. There is a calendar guide available which determines when subsequent new years take place. Not it is rarely on the same date every year. This used to be good UK guide. In London, most of the events will take place on the following weekend, as mentioned by the London Chinatown Chinese Association.
Independence Days. Every country has got one. Whether they have holidays for them is another thing. Here's is list from about.com.
Global/National Days. Well there are some weird and wonderful holidays in the calendar particularly from America including brownielocks and holidays.net. Even the UK have weird holidays
Back in 1998, People magazine had an online poll of the "50 most beautiful people". Except the online community had other ideas. Someone kept emails and news of the goings-on. There was an online campaign to Hank the angry dwarf off the Howard Stern show to #1 on the list. This started when someone entered Hank as a write-in candidate and really took off when websites such as this one. The end result was Hank came out on top. Not only that top 10 had a weird feel about as both Ric Flair (#2) and John Linnell from They might be giants (#9) appear after a big push from their respective online fanbase. Here's MTV review of it.
Here is a cute video of the Monkey playing the guitar! And here's the original flat eric in action. Here's one of the Levis Ad. Even Justin Timberlake wants Flat Eric back in this mash-up. Talking of Justin Timberlake, finally the full skit is back!
Lady Gaga is #1 for a third week in the UK Charts holding off Kid Cudi and the Crooners for a second week, whilst Tinchy Stryder with "Take me back" is at #3.
Legendary boxing and greyhound racing commentator Reg Gutteridge died yesterday.
Tiswas. A then-unknown Chinese star appeared on Tiswas.
Best moment on Tiswas was Sir Trevor McDonald surprised Lenny Henry as he was impersonating him as Trevor McDoughnut.
Independence Days. Every country has got one. Whether they have holidays for them is another thing. Here's is list from about.com.
Global/National Days. Well there are some weird and wonderful holidays in the calendar particularly from America including brownielocks and holidays.net. Even the UK have weird holidays
Back in 1998, People magazine had an online poll of the "50 most beautiful people". Except the online community had other ideas. Someone kept emails and news of the goings-on. There was an online campaign to Hank the angry dwarf off the Howard Stern show to #1 on the list. This started when someone entered Hank as a write-in candidate and really took off when websites such as this one. The end result was Hank came out on top. Not only that top 10 had a weird feel about as both Ric Flair (#2) and John Linnell from They might be giants (#9) appear after a big push from their respective online fanbase. Here's MTV review of it.
Here is a cute video of the Monkey playing the guitar! And here's the original flat eric in action. Here's one of the Levis Ad. Even Justin Timberlake wants Flat Eric back in this mash-up. Talking of Justin Timberlake, finally the full skit is back!
Lady Gaga is #1 for a third week in the UK Charts holding off Kid Cudi and the Crooners for a second week, whilst Tinchy Stryder with "Take me back" is at #3.
Legendary boxing and greyhound racing commentator Reg Gutteridge died yesterday.
Tiswas. A then-unknown Chinese star appeared on Tiswas.
Best moment on Tiswas was Sir Trevor McDonald surprised Lenny Henry as he was impersonating him as Trevor McDoughnut.
Saturday 24 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #24
Continuity Error. I just spotted a continuity error with the third episode of Hustle. Ash hustles new boy Sean by allowing him to mark the cards in a game of 'find the queen'. When Ash cons him for the big money, he changes the cards. However, in the earlier scenes, the cards had a blue back, whereas the cards in the last scene they were red. Sean put down his money (hence the bet was on) after Ash had laid out red cards face down. Surely Sean was not that dumb!
There are so many fun continuity errors to be found. You can probably find a website of continuity errors dedicated to one show or movie. nitpickers maybe a start but I would just google "continuity errors" and go from there.
Poker. Now I know you can play poker on most of the popular social networks, these days but some of the mainstay sites (or at least the one I have heard of/played at) include partypoker and pokerstars. Another one, I've seen plastered the internet is pkr.com. There are places where you can play (aside from casinos) in the UK and in Canada too. But judging by both sites, popularity seems to be waining particular in London where there used to be 30-40 places to play, now there is only 7. Could be the credit crunch or more pubs going out of business.
As it is the 24th, a 24 update this is probably a spoiler for those who has not seen first episodes of season 7. But Tony Almeida came back from dead and turned evil for 3 years. Though the last few months, he turned and went under cover when he spotted a conspiracy. The producers have been very clever here imho because they have left the way for Tony to turn evil at the end. That twist would seem unlikely as Jack said, "if I have any doubts, I will turn you in" which would imply he has that eventuality in mind. Plus most people wouldn't like that plot-line.
You can also watch France 24 if you can't get enough. :P
Did you know today is National Compliments Day and Belly Laugh Day?
There are so many fun continuity errors to be found. You can probably find a website of continuity errors dedicated to one show or movie. nitpickers maybe a start but I would just google "continuity errors" and go from there.
Poker. Now I know you can play poker on most of the popular social networks, these days but some of the mainstay sites (or at least the one I have heard of/played at) include partypoker and pokerstars. Another one, I've seen plastered the internet is pkr.com. There are places where you can play (aside from casinos) in the UK and in Canada too. But judging by both sites, popularity seems to be waining particular in London where there used to be 30-40 places to play, now there is only 7. Could be the credit crunch or more pubs going out of business.
As it is the 24th, a 24 update this is probably a spoiler for those who has not seen first episodes of season 7. But Tony Almeida came back from dead and turned evil for 3 years. Though the last few months, he turned and went under cover when he spotted a conspiracy. The producers have been very clever here imho because they have left the way for Tony to turn evil at the end. That twist would seem unlikely as Jack said, "if I have any doubts, I will turn you in" which would imply he has that eventuality in mind. Plus most people wouldn't like that plot-line.
You can also watch France 24 if you can't get enough. :P
Did you know today is National Compliments Day and Belly Laugh Day?
Friday 23 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #23
Remix Tip: Sabrina Johnston - Peace (in the valley) 2009
Yes, she is back. Sabrina had a hit with that song late 1991 and now it's back.
Internet Radio. There is a lot of it about as seen in this radiofeeds site. I actually do dj myself on underground radio 5000 under the name, shy. Catch me on Thursdays, 9-11pm. I have good friends also at Love to funk who play live every Tuesday and also at Zodiac Sounds. If like me, you like dance music and 90s, check out Montreal's inbeatradio.
Dance schools. Now could you learn your moves from the Interweb. But you can quite easily go to a dance school.
A good start is to look in a directory like Dance Schools and dance schools online for the UK and London Dance. A couple of those to check out in London include Funk Physics, Jivenation, Basement Dance Studio and Pineapple. Whilst in Kent, there is Dance Junction and Hayley Lou's School of dance.
I've always wondered about the "Goodman Dance Centre" and whether it actually belongs to Len Goodman of Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the stars fame.
Well if you didn't know before it's official UK is in a recession.
Yes, she is back. Sabrina had a hit with that song late 1991 and now it's back.
Internet Radio. There is a lot of it about as seen in this radiofeeds site. I actually do dj myself on underground radio 5000 under the name, shy. Catch me on Thursdays, 9-11pm. I have good friends also at Love to funk who play live every Tuesday and also at Zodiac Sounds. If like me, you like dance music and 90s, check out Montreal's inbeatradio.
Dance schools. Now could you learn your moves from the Interweb. But you can quite easily go to a dance school.
A good start is to look in a directory like Dance Schools and dance schools online for the UK and London Dance. A couple of those to check out in London include Funk Physics, Jivenation, Basement Dance Studio and Pineapple. Whilst in Kent, there is Dance Junction and Hayley Lou's School of dance.
I've always wondered about the "Goodman Dance Centre" and whether it actually belongs to Len Goodman of Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the stars fame.
Well if you didn't know before it's official UK is in a recession.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #22
The people are friendly in Liverpool, at least at the place I was working at. I was told about the interesting fact that the young ladies like to go out on the weekend mornings in their pyjamas. Presumably not changing from the previous night's activities. In fact, this actually started in Ireland/Northern Ireland
I've always wondered what happened to Gordon Burns, especially with the reemergence of Britain's toughest game show, The Krypton Factor. Well, I was slightly surprised to find him presenting the regional news on BBC 's North West Tonight. Good for him! Anyways he presented the following article...
I have always had a few reservations about the US Immigration but it looks like the Canadian authorities have gone one better. They threw out a Brit for being disabled back to Manchester. Arguably, the British man was there illegally at some point. But if you read the bottom of that article, it states: "The Immigration Act frankly prohibits people with disabilities from immigrating to Canada," said Laurie Beachell of Disabled People's International. "The effect would mean people like Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicist, brilliant man, could never become Canadian."
Lovely...
Microsoft cuts 5000 jobs! It's doom and gloom as the credit crunch/recession/whatever you want to call it appears pwning everything!
Sport is also being effected. Troubled insurers AIG are not renewing their sponsorship for the Manchester United team shirt. A few other premiership sides have suffered as well notably West Ham, Newcastle and West Brom still have no shirt sponsor!
Also feeling the pinch is horse racing as Essex course, Great Leighs closed last week and see the last remark as Ricky Hatton and his camp seek to fight in the UK rather than the states due to the declining pound.
Back to football and it looks like the TV rights are going to go down the music industry route as the premiership look to stop the Internet pirates from streaming their football games. There are a number of sites that do this already, so no surprise the Premiership are screaming as the big pockets are getting picked. boo-hoo-mr-magoo!
I've always wondered what happened to Gordon Burns, especially with the reemergence of Britain's toughest game show, The Krypton Factor. Well, I was slightly surprised to find him presenting the regional news on BBC 's North West Tonight. Good for him! Anyways he presented the following article...
I have always had a few reservations about the US Immigration but it looks like the Canadian authorities have gone one better. They threw out a Brit for being disabled back to Manchester. Arguably, the British man was there illegally at some point. But if you read the bottom of that article, it states: "The Immigration Act frankly prohibits people with disabilities from immigrating to Canada," said Laurie Beachell of Disabled People's International. "The effect would mean people like Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicist, brilliant man, could never become Canadian."
Lovely...
Microsoft cuts 5000 jobs! It's doom and gloom as the credit crunch/recession/whatever you want to call it appears pwning everything!
Sport is also being effected. Troubled insurers AIG are not renewing their sponsorship for the Manchester United team shirt. A few other premiership sides have suffered as well notably West Ham, Newcastle and West Brom still have no shirt sponsor!
Also feeling the pinch is horse racing as Essex course, Great Leighs closed last week and see the last remark as Ricky Hatton and his camp seek to fight in the UK rather than the states due to the declining pound.
Back to football and it looks like the TV rights are going to go down the music industry route as the premiership look to stop the Internet pirates from streaming their football games. There are a number of sites that do this already, so no surprise the Premiership are screaming as the big pockets are getting picked. boo-hoo-mr-magoo!
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #21
I'm in Liverpool, great! I'm sitting on the docks of the bay. The docks are surprisingly lovely. It is amazing how being the European Capital of Culture for 2008 changes a city. In case you are wondering, 2009 belongs to Vilnius.
Some might say I lack charisma, so like me, why don't you check out charisma masterclass.
Bah actually, my saying is "Form is temporal, class is forever"
Must check out and find out about people who love to shorten their surname to a letter and see if there is connection between that and their personality. e.g. Lisa B, Emma B, Eric B, Stevie B, Stevie G, Mel B/G, Mel C, Ya Kid K, Baby D, Dimples D, Derek B...
Some might say I lack charisma, so like me, why don't you check out charisma masterclass.
Bah actually, my saying is "Form is temporal, class is forever"
Must check out and find out about people who love to shorten their surname to a letter and see if there is connection between that and their personality. e.g. Lisa B, Emma B, Eric B, Stevie B, Stevie G, Mel B/G, Mel C, Ya Kid K, Baby D, Dimples D, Derek B...
Tuesday 20 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #20
Barack Obama is today sworn in as the 44th president of USA.
Anyways, it is argued that the character David Palmer on 24 paved the way for Barack Obama. In fact, he was voted the top TV president.
There's a video about the History of the Internet about.
I'm off to Liverpool now on work assignment.
Anyways, it is argued that the character David Palmer on 24 paved the way for Barack Obama. In fact, he was voted the top TV president.
There's a video about the History of the Internet about.
I'm off to Liverpool now on work assignment.
Monday 19 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #19
Martial arts is not solely from Asia. Pankration is a Greek martial arts that originates from ancient Olympics. It is argued that Asia and their martial arts are based on Pankration. Either way, it's a good way to keep fit.
Talking of fitness, pilates is a Greek-named but actually German physical fitness system, which maybe good for creation abs. Here's a video example. Here's another way to get a six pack allegedly. Plus there's a video for crunches as well.
Running. There's a few good guides to running. The main one is probably Runners World. That's an international site but if you like me want a more localised site, i.e. you are looking for local races to run, visit the UK version of Runners World. There's also a good site for race events and results in Canada.
Been having a quick look at a game that a friend suggested, Quick-fire pool.
Talking of fitness, pilates is a Greek-named but actually German physical fitness system, which maybe good for creation abs. Here's a video example. Here's another way to get a six pack allegedly. Plus there's a video for crunches as well.
Running. There's a few good guides to running. The main one is probably Runners World. That's an international site but if you like me want a more localised site, i.e. you are looking for local races to run, visit the UK version of Runners World. There's also a good site for race events and results in Canada.
Been having a quick look at a game that a friend suggested, Quick-fire pool.
Sunday 18 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #18
The best way to get Peterborough from the south is the M11 not the M1. Old town Towcester is in Northamptonshire.
The legendary artist/uk tv presenter Tony Hart, 83 died today. Famous for his gallery and Morph.
I'm so easily amused, there is a television advert for comparethemarket.com with a well-dressed meerkat who is pleading don't get confused with comparethemeerkat.com!
Carnival time almost upon us. It's unfortunate they occur at the same time but there is the carnival in Rio and Trinidad.
There is always something happening before the carnival but in Rio, the actual carnival gets into high gear on the Saturday (Feb 21) and winds down on 'fat' Tuesday (Feb 24).
Another guide comes from the girl from ipanema. Whilst in Trinidad, the carnival itself is on the Monday and Tuesday. There are a number of fetes including Insomnia on the Saturday before. Although 2009 will unfortunately be the last one. A nice blog about mas is supplied by saucy. Other good sites include Trinisoca and Toronto-Lime. Yes, Toronto! Toronto does have a decent West Indian community. Anyway that site has events (in Toronto), songs and charts. Talking of events, here's a list of fetes in Trinidad.
It looks like I'm on Setanta Sports has turned into Special 1 TV.
Lady GaGa is once again #1 in the UK for a second week. Kid Cudi is at #2 with "Day'n'Nite". James Morrison/Nelly Furtado at #3 with "Broken Strings".
The legendary artist/uk tv presenter Tony Hart, 83 died today. Famous for his gallery and Morph.
I'm so easily amused, there is a television advert for comparethemarket.com with a well-dressed meerkat who is pleading don't get confused with comparethemeerkat.com!
Carnival time almost upon us. It's unfortunate they occur at the same time but there is the carnival in Rio and Trinidad.
There is always something happening before the carnival but in Rio, the actual carnival gets into high gear on the Saturday (Feb 21) and winds down on 'fat' Tuesday (Feb 24).
Another guide comes from the girl from ipanema. Whilst in Trinidad, the carnival itself is on the Monday and Tuesday. There are a number of fetes including Insomnia on the Saturday before. Although 2009 will unfortunately be the last one. A nice blog about mas is supplied by saucy. Other good sites include Trinisoca and Toronto-Lime. Yes, Toronto! Toronto does have a decent West Indian community. Anyway that site has events (in Toronto), songs and charts. Talking of events, here's a list of fetes in Trinidad.
It looks like I'm on Setanta Sports has turned into Special 1 TV.
Lady GaGa is once again #1 in the UK for a second week. Kid Cudi is at #2 with "Day'n'Nite". James Morrison/Nelly Furtado at #3 with "Broken Strings".
Saturday 17 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #17
24. Last Monday in the UK was resumption of 24. I am currently trying to catch up on the first two episodes. In the states, they are 2 episodes ahead of the UK. There's a nice fan site that I like, it's Almeida is God but be warned it does have spoilers.
Unix Security. I have been looking at Unix security today. A good start and guide would be at Unix tools, deter and albion.com. Here's the wikipedia page on the subject.
Cat tails. I probably posted about this ages ago but different cat tail actions reveal different cat moods.
80s. Back in the 80s, there were lots of fads (including fads itself). Don't forget the song Calvin Harris had "Acceptable in the 80s". This article talks about brick-like mobile phones, yuppies, frilly shirts, men's make-up, dynasty shoulder pads, poodle perms, mullets and wispa! Talking of the 80s, well in particular 1989. I saw a classic video track, Roxette with "The look". 20 years ago today, Bobby Brown was #1 in the United States with "My Prerogative".
Unix Security. I have been looking at Unix security today. A good start and guide would be at Unix tools, deter and albion.com. Here's the wikipedia page on the subject.
Cat tails. I probably posted about this ages ago but different cat tail actions reveal different cat moods.
80s. Back in the 80s, there were lots of fads (including fads itself). Don't forget the song Calvin Harris had "Acceptable in the 80s". This article talks about brick-like mobile phones, yuppies, frilly shirts, men's make-up, dynasty shoulder pads, poodle perms, mullets and wispa! Talking of the 80s, well in particular 1989. I saw a classic video track, Roxette with "The look". 20 years ago today, Bobby Brown was #1 in the United States with "My Prerogative".
Friday 16 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #16
Lemon! Lemon is a fruit but it's no ordinary fruit. U2 made a song called Lemon (accompanied by a strange video). That was 1993. This is 2009 and now the makers of weebl and bob who did the anchor spreadable cow ads at one time, have entered the lemon game.
Best things in life are free. Yes you can play tennis for free! Well in the UK, you can.
Coulsdon is where I have been today on work assignment. Coulsdon is on the Surrey borders of London, slap bang on a major A-road (A23). It is a small town and arguably it's a bit of a sleepy town (aside from the A23). There doesn't appear to be a lot to do there. Mind you there it is steeped in history. There's a running club and even a chess club.
Coulsdon also have a rotary club and I've always wondered what exactly is a rotary club. I've always assumed it had something to do with boats and rowing simply because the word sounds like that and I've been to a rotary club before, which features rowing and boating. But in fact, a rotary club is an organisation that bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Well I checked out the DLR extension to Woolwich and wow you really can go places from Woolwich. In a mere 5 minutes, you are at London City airport. A journey that used to take at least 45 minutes before this development. It takes 20-30 to get into Docklands. I went to Canada Water and that took me half hour even accounting for changes from the DLR to the jubilee line. I can actually see Woolwich developing fast when the credit crunch is over, before the London Olympics.
90s Useless Fact of the day: Swedish solo artist Meja had a hit with "All about the money" in 1998. However, she started her music career as a vocalist for Swedish dance outfit, Legacy of Sound who had a US dance hit with "Happy". Her website is at www.meja.net.
Best things in life are free. Yes you can play tennis for free! Well in the UK, you can.
Coulsdon is where I have been today on work assignment. Coulsdon is on the Surrey borders of London, slap bang on a major A-road (A23). It is a small town and arguably it's a bit of a sleepy town (aside from the A23). There doesn't appear to be a lot to do there. Mind you there it is steeped in history. There's a running club and even a chess club.
Coulsdon also have a rotary club and I've always wondered what exactly is a rotary club. I've always assumed it had something to do with boats and rowing simply because the word sounds like that and I've been to a rotary club before, which features rowing and boating. But in fact, a rotary club is an organisation that bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Well I checked out the DLR extension to Woolwich and wow you really can go places from Woolwich. In a mere 5 minutes, you are at London City airport. A journey that used to take at least 45 minutes before this development. It takes 20-30 to get into Docklands. I went to Canada Water and that took me half hour even accounting for changes from the DLR to the jubilee line. I can actually see Woolwich developing fast when the credit crunch is over, before the London Olympics.
90s Useless Fact of the day: Swedish solo artist Meja had a hit with "All about the money" in 1998. However, she started her music career as a vocalist for Swedish dance outfit, Legacy of Sound who had a US dance hit with "Happy". Her website is at www.meja.net.
Thursday 15 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #15
So the government has given the big go-ahead to build a third runway at London Heathrow airport. Obviously there are green concerns with more air traffic and hence more pollution. That said, it will create a few jobs as well in response to the recent economic downturn. But can the BAA really afford it? It is a bit unclear on how this is going to be funded and what the cost is for the project. I am a bit concerned if BAA should happen to get in trouble will the government bail them out too?
The whole thing with Prince Charles calling a friend "Sooty" to me is beyond a joke. The media have gone too political correct for my liking. Mind you, this was only days after Prince Harry called a Pakistani member of his platoon, Paki. That was far enough, Harry getting in trouble for that. But for Charles and Sooty? Well Kolin Dhillon, whom Charles calls Sooty is a good friend and more importantly Sooty can definitely be used in a affectionate way. I mean how have everyone forgotten Sooty bear.
The funniest headline is a photo of Prince Charles saying "Hello Sooty" with Dhillon responding "Get lost big ears". (Big ears being another children's character and friend of Noddy.
ADSL. In the UK, the main adsl guide site is thinkbroadband, which includes a test for the speed of your adsl connection . Thinkbroadband used to be known adslguide.org.uk. For more guides of a worldwide flavour, have a look at DSL ISP Guide and Thelist broadband.
Astoria. Well looks like it's goodbye to the London Astoria as it finally succumbs to the crossrail project.
The whole thing with Prince Charles calling a friend "Sooty" to me is beyond a joke. The media have gone too political correct for my liking. Mind you, this was only days after Prince Harry called a Pakistani member of his platoon, Paki. That was far enough, Harry getting in trouble for that. But for Charles and Sooty? Well Kolin Dhillon, whom Charles calls Sooty is a good friend and more importantly Sooty can definitely be used in a affectionate way. I mean how have everyone forgotten Sooty bear.
The funniest headline is a photo of Prince Charles saying "Hello Sooty" with Dhillon responding "Get lost big ears". (Big ears being another children's character and friend of Noddy.
ADSL. In the UK, the main adsl guide site is thinkbroadband, which includes a test for the speed of your adsl connection . Thinkbroadband used to be known adslguide.org.uk. For more guides of a worldwide flavour, have a look at DSL ISP Guide and Thelist broadband.
Astoria. Well looks like it's goodbye to the London Astoria as it finally succumbs to the crossrail project.
Random Musings - Day #13 & #14
I was off in Taunton in Somerset on work assignment and was pretty much away from the computer. Well at least I wasn't able update the blog. Stayed in a travelodge which is in the middle of nowhere, 2 miles from the town centre. Next time, suggested hotels to stay in town (and apparently they are not many of them) include the Corner House hotel, the hugely luxurious Castle hotel and Lowden's House. That reminds me, a useful guide for looking up UK hotels that I use is Smoothhound
It didn't dawn upon me that we could have gone to Taunton racecourse, the following day (15th). And also passed the Somerset county cricket club a few times. Where the likes of Sir Ian Botham and Sir Viv Richards played their county cricket.
It didn't dawn upon me that we could have gone to Taunton racecourse, the following day (15th). And also passed the Somerset county cricket club a few times. Where the likes of Sir Ian Botham and Sir Viv Richards played their county cricket.
Monday 12 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #12
House. Just to illustrate how low prices go have a look at homefinderextra.com, which actually points to buffalo.com. You should see how much houses are going for... $5000. What the catch? Pitfalls maybe found in this forum. Back in the UK, property auctions (if you can find them) may well be the way forward.
Beach. In the UK, there are good beaches about, you just need to know where to look. One nice stretch of beach worth visiting because it looks so isolated is on Knoll Beach, Studland and another nearby in Swanage. Both these places are in the county of Dorset.
Covers. Want to know who has covered your favourite song? It's at coversproject.
Mediocrity. It's like boring is the new cool. But check out these trump cards!
Finally, not sure how this is done but everything's gone all Benny Hill here!
Beach. In the UK, there are good beaches about, you just need to know where to look. One nice stretch of beach worth visiting because it looks so isolated is on Knoll Beach, Studland and another nearby in Swanage. Both these places are in the county of Dorset.
Covers. Want to know who has covered your favourite song? It's at coversproject.
Mediocrity. It's like boring is the new cool. But check out these trump cards!
Finally, not sure how this is done but everything's gone all Benny Hill here!
Sunday 11 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #11
London. Here's a few interesting things there. A place that I've been to for a laugh is School Disco, which usually on a Sautrday and plays 80s and 90s music where surprise surprise you have to dress as a schoolkid. A place that I would like to visit is Swaparama Razzamatazz. A rather novel concept of swapping an item of clothing why a klaxon sounds. But before you go there with your crappiest clothes, I believe you initally take some clothes from the club wardrobe. Another place, I'd like to visit is the very tacky Venue in New Cross. I have heard mixed reviews about the place. They usually have some form of tribute act playing there, but for a one-off I am sure it would be a laugh. Another venue, I'd love to go is the Jazz Cafe in London (not to be confused with the one in Reading). They usually have good acts there, usually acts from days from way back when.
Turning away from clubs, there are a number of bowling alleys in London but none may be as classy as allstarlanes. If you like ice skating, now is the right time for it, this gives a good guide but there is only one indoor ice rink, Queen's ice, which oddly enough doubles as a bowling alley too.
Well you know what? I haven't even done any notes about computers, so far. Let's put that right. Now DNS resolves your hostnames into IP addresses. Now sometimes, it may be useful to IP addresses of some DNS services, just in case you lose contact with your chosen DNS. I used to use DNS stuff as a tool for finding information. But that's pretty restrictive so have a look at network tools (67.222.132.196),
perhaps 4dnstools (8.7.26.2), mydnstools (212.241.216.156) and ipchecking. The similarly named ipchicken tells you your own IP address!
Back to music. America's Lady Gaga is the new number 1 in the UK charts with 'Just dance'. James Morrison & Nelly Furtado are #2 with Broken Strings and last week #1 Alexandra Burke's Hallelujah. Lady Gaga happens to also be the current #1 in the states.
You can get a fairly comprehensive but not always accurate history of chart songs at everyhit. I've not seen a USA equivalent as yet. Though you can find a list of US #1's and US Dance #1'son wikipedia.
Also been seeing some weird adverts for Churchill Insurance guest starring Rolf Harris and Roy Walker.
Turning away from clubs, there are a number of bowling alleys in London but none may be as classy as allstarlanes. If you like ice skating, now is the right time for it, this gives a good guide but there is only one indoor ice rink, Queen's ice, which oddly enough doubles as a bowling alley too.
Well you know what? I haven't even done any notes about computers, so far. Let's put that right. Now DNS resolves your hostnames into IP addresses. Now sometimes, it may be useful to IP addresses of some DNS services, just in case you lose contact with your chosen DNS. I used to use DNS stuff as a tool for finding information. But that's pretty restrictive so have a look at network tools (67.222.132.196),
perhaps 4dnstools (8.7.26.2), mydnstools (212.241.216.156) and ipchecking. The similarly named ipchicken tells you your own IP address!
Back to music. America's Lady Gaga is the new number 1 in the UK charts with 'Just dance'. James Morrison & Nelly Furtado are #2 with Broken Strings and last week #1 Alexandra Burke's Hallelujah. Lady Gaga happens to also be the current #1 in the states.
You can get a fairly comprehensive but not always accurate history of chart songs at everyhit. I've not seen a USA equivalent as yet. Though you can find a list of US #1's and US Dance #1'son wikipedia.
Also been seeing some weird adverts for Churchill Insurance guest starring Rolf Harris and Roy Walker.
Saturday 10 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #10
In the world of football, we love it when football managers go over the top. Yesterday saw Rafa Benitez (Liverpool manager) lay into Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), alledging that he never get penalised over remarks over referees and moans too much about fixture schedule. Rafa had compiled very nice dossier too and seem calm against the master of mind games Ferguson. Here's the press conference. This is not the first (nor probably the last) that Fergie's games have caused a rant, e.g. Kevin Keegan when he was manager of Newcastle.
On really sad news, today marked the end of the popular short programme, I'm on Setanta Sports which features the special one Jose Mourinho. You can catch a lot of videos from the official and unofficial youtube channels.
Whilst flicking through my mail, I saw on yahoo an article about 12 healthy foods that people should eat. Now, I can't find it. I really wish yahoo made easy to find stuff that they feature (and yes I did look on their so-called featured article page). However, I just about remember what the food items were: berries, carrots, beans, oats, bran, oranges, bananas, tomatoes, walnuts, spinach, olive oil, pumpkin seeds. The last one I am not sure about.
Dubai. I've been told by people who have been to visit it. Others that haven't visit will probably know about how respect/strict the UAE, with that infamous sex on the beach incident. My biggest concern though is the story that you can be put away in jail for 4 years even if you found 0.003g of an illegal substance, which quite easy picked up if you stepped on something. Also not some prescription and normal drugs here, may not be so legal over there. It's ok to have a tough stance on drugs but this is quite insane!
If you can brave that, they are some interesting things to do in Dubai. February looks a good month to go, particularly if you love sport. There is the Dubai Tennis Tournament and the horse racing. There's also some camel racing if you can find it!
Dance Music. Just thought you should know Canada probably have an arguably better service for dance music than the UK. They have bpmtv. Whereas the UK have MTV Dance and Kiss
Dance Forums. I going to get involve with in a couple of dance forums and start chatting away about dance music when it really was dance music, back in the 90s.
According to the searches, I have seen lots of references to anthems. There isn't that much choice there. Trugroovez would appear to offer more genres and categories. bangingtunes looks too hardcore for my liking, but if you like that then that's for you. UK Music is another popular site but I don't think there is that much activity on their dance forum. There is a dance forum dedicated to the London scene as well. Finally, for all you eurodance fans, there is puroeuro.
A directory dance music forums can be found here
On really sad news, today marked the end of the popular short programme, I'm on Setanta Sports which features the special one Jose Mourinho. You can catch a lot of videos from the official and unofficial youtube channels.
Whilst flicking through my mail, I saw on yahoo an article about 12 healthy foods that people should eat. Now, I can't find it. I really wish yahoo made easy to find stuff that they feature (and yes I did look on their so-called featured article page). However, I just about remember what the food items were: berries, carrots, beans, oats, bran, oranges, bananas, tomatoes, walnuts, spinach, olive oil, pumpkin seeds. The last one I am not sure about.
Dubai. I've been told by people who have been to visit it. Others that haven't visit will probably know about how respect/strict the UAE, with that infamous sex on the beach incident. My biggest concern though is the story that you can be put away in jail for 4 years even if you found 0.003g of an illegal substance, which quite easy picked up if you stepped on something. Also not some prescription and normal drugs here, may not be so legal over there. It's ok to have a tough stance on drugs but this is quite insane!
If you can brave that, they are some interesting things to do in Dubai. February looks a good month to go, particularly if you love sport. There is the Dubai Tennis Tournament and the horse racing. There's also some camel racing if you can find it!
Dance Music. Just thought you should know Canada probably have an arguably better service for dance music than the UK. They have bpmtv. Whereas the UK have MTV Dance and Kiss
Dance Forums. I going to get involve with in a couple of dance forums and start chatting away about dance music when it really was dance music, back in the 90s.
According to the searches, I have seen lots of references to anthems. There isn't that much choice there. Trugroovez would appear to offer more genres and categories. bangingtunes looks too hardcore for my liking, but if you like that then that's for you. UK Music is another popular site but I don't think there is that much activity on their dance forum. There is a dance forum dedicated to the London scene as well. Finally, for all you eurodance fans, there is puroeuro.
A directory dance music forums can be found here
Friday 9 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #9
Still a fair bit sick and trying every thing I can to rid of this cold. (Maybe too much!) I almost felt I was drowning in my own phlegm whilst sleeping. Not good! Anyhow I remember a technique of slapping chests, which kind of worked today to a degree... Which led to the question...
This often relates to our primate friend, the gorilla. It is also associated with men. Tarzan springs to mind. I am sure tribes in third world countries use this technique of beating and slapping of chests. In fact, did you know Samoa actually means "slap" in its own language and hardly surprising that there is a Samoan slap dance.
So why do animals/people do this? Is it because they are happy and in a celebration mood? Is it because they keeping themselves healthy? Is it because they get ready for battle?
According to allexperts, it is used as a defensive measure to say where do you think you are going, I'm a big boy round here, leave us alone! There are some useful gorilla facts and myths about too.
But there are health benefits from slapping the old chest. The actual medical definition is amusingly called Chest Percussion. The deliberate vibrations loosens up mucous secretions in the chest, hence helping your breathing, which is very useful for any respiratory issue, say for example a cold...
Well I am looking for flights out in February still. Yeah I know it's turning out to be a last minute thing. These days, it seems to me that there is only one real database that all travel agencies use because they appear roughly to have the same interface. Anyways, sites I use in the UK include Opodo, expedia, travelocity, statrvel and lastminute.com. Thomas Cook are still good in that they have shops available to drop into. Cheapflights gives a guide to prices from different travel agencies whilst scaruffi gives a directory of travel agencies.
Why do animals beat their chest?
This often relates to our primate friend, the gorilla. It is also associated with men. Tarzan springs to mind. I am sure tribes in third world countries use this technique of beating and slapping of chests. In fact, did you know Samoa actually means "slap" in its own language and hardly surprising that there is a Samoan slap dance.
So why do animals/people do this? Is it because they are happy and in a celebration mood? Is it because they keeping themselves healthy? Is it because they get ready for battle?
According to allexperts, it is used as a defensive measure to say where do you think you are going, I'm a big boy round here, leave us alone! There are some useful gorilla facts and myths about too.
But there are health benefits from slapping the old chest. The actual medical definition is amusingly called Chest Percussion. The deliberate vibrations loosens up mucous secretions in the chest, hence helping your breathing, which is very useful for any respiratory issue, say for example a cold...
Well I am looking for flights out in February still. Yeah I know it's turning out to be a last minute thing. These days, it seems to me that there is only one real database that all travel agencies use because they appear roughly to have the same interface. Anyways, sites I use in the UK include Opodo, expedia, travelocity, statrvel and lastminute.com. Thomas Cook are still good in that they have shops available to drop into. Cheapflights gives a guide to prices from different travel agencies whilst scaruffi gives a directory of travel agencies.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #8
Still cold-ridden. I need rest. I recently been looking up videos of the old UK sports show World of Sport presented by the legendary Dickie Davies. So popular he was that he was impersonated by many a comedian including Benny Hill as seen in this video. There was even a song that referenced him called "Dickie Davies Eyes". One of my favourite moments from the show was when Eric Morecambe dropped in on a Christmas Eve edition.
Here's something funny, check the football league tables in April 1990 and see where Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers were.
I saw an absolute funny mash-up of Saw vs Wallace and Gromit.
Tonight was also the first episode of Hustle, the slick-made show about a team of grifters led by underrated Adrian Lester. It was good as always but the twists were a bit predictable as the team was reformed...
Breakdancing. I admit it when I was a schoolkid, I used to do some breakdancing and only then I learned from what I saw. So I have checking out some videos. Some of best moves are seen here and here.
A couple of good tutorials that give you some of the basics like the six-step, sweep, cc, baby freeze, backspin, turtle, swipes, windmill, etc. A good tutorial comes from bboysteez's channel.
Here's something funny, check the football league tables in April 1990 and see where Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers were.
I saw an absolute funny mash-up of Saw vs Wallace and Gromit.
Tonight was also the first episode of Hustle, the slick-made show about a team of grifters led by underrated Adrian Lester. It was good as always but the twists were a bit predictable as the team was reformed...
Breakdancing. I admit it when I was a schoolkid, I used to do some breakdancing and only then I learned from what I saw. So I have checking out some videos. Some of best moves are seen here and here.
A couple of good tutorials that give you some of the basics like the six-step, sweep, cc, baby freeze, backspin, turtle, swipes, windmill, etc. A good tutorial comes from bboysteez's channel.
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #7
The DLR have kept the opening of Woolwich Arsenal DLR station underwraps. But I've been reliably informed by a friend and this transport blog that it will commence running on January 10th with the official opening a couple days later. This section should be another way getting about from the southeast into London and presumably is in place as an alternative means to the area where most of London 2012 Olympics will be held.
Now I am totally down with the flu but I am fighting it with Vicks, my special ginger drink, multivitamins, fisherman's friend and lots of water. Keeping hydrated is probably the key to it all. Anyways spotted this nice little recipe, which actually sounds tasty.
Moonwalking. There's some good tutorials on how to do it properly. One from videojug is here. Another good video tutorial is from
glowsticking.com. There's even one from Borat... well not quite but I LIKE!
Another friend says he is going to do some running in the not to distant future and asked what do I recommend. Decathlon and Sweatshop are probably your best bets. (Have a look at my running blog for more details...
I hate Manchester United. On paper, it wasn't humanly possible to lose to a team, that's only won 3 times in 11 with a couple of those against crap teams in cup competitions. But somehow they pulled off a 1-0 defeat to Derby in the Carling Cup. Not pleased at all. That's Man U, off my list of potential Premiership teams (as a second club) to support... It was too good to be true. I should have realised that Nigel Clough, Derby's new boss was around and they would be up for the game, whereas Fergie, the master tactician that he is realise, it's a game of two halves (there is a second leg to come at Old Trafford) and 8-1 on Derby winning. Yeah let them win. It's a fix. I swear the game was a fix! I hate Manchester United!!
Monkeh (a.k.a. the Digital/PG Tips Monkey). A little flashback to those adverts from the ill-fated itv digital. Have a look at Ryan Giggs in a pinny.
Now I am totally down with the flu but I am fighting it with Vicks, my special ginger drink, multivitamins, fisherman's friend and lots of water. Keeping hydrated is probably the key to it all. Anyways spotted this nice little recipe, which actually sounds tasty.
Moonwalking. There's some good tutorials on how to do it properly. One from videojug is here. Another good video tutorial is from
glowsticking.com. There's even one from Borat... well not quite but I LIKE!
Another friend says he is going to do some running in the not to distant future and asked what do I recommend. Decathlon and Sweatshop are probably your best bets. (Have a look at my running blog for more details...
I hate Manchester United. On paper, it wasn't humanly possible to lose to a team, that's only won 3 times in 11 with a couple of those against crap teams in cup competitions. But somehow they pulled off a 1-0 defeat to Derby in the Carling Cup. Not pleased at all. That's Man U, off my list of potential Premiership teams (as a second club) to support... It was too good to be true. I should have realised that Nigel Clough, Derby's new boss was around and they would be up for the game, whereas Fergie, the master tactician that he is realise, it's a game of two halves (there is a second leg to come at Old Trafford) and 8-1 on Derby winning. Yeah let them win. It's a fix. I swear the game was a fix! I hate Manchester United!!
Monkeh (a.k.a. the Digital/PG Tips Monkey). A little flashback to those adverts from the ill-fated itv digital. Have a look at Ryan Giggs in a pinny.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #6
It's freezing in the UK! Everything is frozen, just look at the fountains in Trafalgar Square. THe big freeze is certainly not helping with the colds and flus that are kicking about. I swear everyone I know has had it at least once. I originally had after my awful journey to Dublin last month, where I got completely frozen and possibly caught hypothermia. But since then I've had a couple sore throats and felt really really flat over Christmas but thankfully not a full blown cold/flu. I may be strong enough or just plain lucky. So I swear there is a cold/flu epidemic and this article from around Christmas supports my view. Coincidentally, there is an newscientist article from 2007 that strongly suggests the cold does indeed spread the flu.
There are apparently loads of free sites to download episodes of your favourite tv shows. I should have a look at some point...
Also had a listen to (and I'll give a namecheck to) lovetofunk radio!
There are apparently loads of free sites to download episodes of your favourite tv shows. I should have a look at some point...
Also had a listen to (and I'll give a namecheck to) lovetofunk radio!
Monday 5 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #5
Well contrary to popular, this is first time in the day, I've had an opportunity to get to a computer so nerr... Avenue Q is closing at the end of March and I've yet to see that. It is essentially an adult version of Sesame Street!
A good friend of mine told me about this heartwarming story about a gnome that mysteriously disappeared from an old lady's garden for seven months an then reappeared with a photo albums of his alleged travels.
A good friend of mine told me about this heartwarming story about a gnome that mysteriously disappeared from an old lady's garden for seven months an then reappeared with a photo albums of his alleged travels.
Sunday 4 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #4
Yesterday was arguably the best day of football in England. It was round 3 of the FA Cup, where little teams like Blyth Spartans and Barrow take on bigger clubs like Middlesborough and Blackburn. Also Southend holding Chelski at Stamford Bridge! There will be at least two non-league sides in the 4th round with Torquay and Kettering making it.
Round 4 will be great with Liverpool drawing Everton and Kettering taking on premiership Fulham.
Manchester United look like they are 4th round bound as the are leading 3-0 against Southampton. I am listening to the commentary. I love Ian Holloway's colour commentary on the radio. He was eulogising over United's Berbatov. "He has been carressing the ball all afternoon. Any girl would love him so much!" He says a lot of weird and wonderful stuff. There are some notable quotables about.
He should write a book or be a panelist on one of those quiz shows like 8 out of 10 cats or mock the week.
Just to add, I was told that it was possible to get live streams of football games for free from my dad. After doing some research, there apparently is a way at the moment, through freepremiership.com which leasds to myp2p.eu.
I've had a haircut to basically tidy up my hair. Essentially I've not had it touched for 8 months, so it is everywhere and a little itchy at the back. I think I have my own style. I got a friend to cut it. This turned out to be a good idea. Every time I go to the barbers, I ask for a short, back and sides they cut the top off anyways, which is not what I want. I don't believe there is a name for my hairstyle. But see my hair is long on top and drops down, I could style my hair in a number of ways.
A children's classic albeit very creepy was also brought to my attention in the form of Noseybonk. It's simply some guy with a mask that has a long pointy nose and sets riddles for himself for the viewer to work out. He's the very saw-like trailer.
Round 4 will be great with Liverpool drawing Everton and Kettering taking on premiership Fulham.
Manchester United look like they are 4th round bound as the are leading 3-0 against Southampton. I am listening to the commentary. I love Ian Holloway's colour commentary on the radio. He was eulogising over United's Berbatov. "He has been carressing the ball all afternoon. Any girl would love him so much!" He says a lot of weird and wonderful stuff. There are some notable quotables about.
He should write a book or be a panelist on one of those quiz shows like 8 out of 10 cats or mock the week.
Just to add, I was told that it was possible to get live streams of football games for free from my dad. After doing some research, there apparently is a way at the moment, through freepremiership.com which leasds to myp2p.eu.
I've had a haircut to basically tidy up my hair. Essentially I've not had it touched for 8 months, so it is everywhere and a little itchy at the back. I think I have my own style. I got a friend to cut it. This turned out to be a good idea. Every time I go to the barbers, I ask for a short, back and sides they cut the top off anyways, which is not what I want. I don't believe there is a name for my hairstyle. But see my hair is long on top and drops down, I could style my hair in a number of ways.
A children's classic albeit very creepy was also brought to my attention in the form of Noseybonk. It's simply some guy with a mask that has a long pointy nose and sets riddles for himself for the viewer to work out. He's the very saw-like trailer.
Saturday 3 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #3
Just looking at videos this morning. Always like to reminisce the old school sounds from the late 80s/early 90s by watching some old videoclips from the "chart show". A few songs I haven't heard in a long time are:
1. Dimples D - Sucker DJ (1990)
2. Shakespeare's Sister - You're history (1989)
3. Michael Jackson - Jam (1992)
4. Climie Fisher - Rise to the occasion (hip hop version) (1989)
There's some interesting dance moves in the first 3 songs, so check that out...
1. Dimples D - Sucker DJ (1990)
2. Shakespeare's Sister - You're history (1989)
3. Michael Jackson - Jam (1992)
4. Climie Fisher - Rise to the occasion (hip hop version) (1989)
There's some interesting dance moves in the first 3 songs, so check that out...
Friday 2 January 2009
Random Musings - Day #2
I have no idea why I looked at model sites. That's real models and not the model aeroplanes that my geeky friends enjoy. Maybe I wanted a laugh and see if I have got what it takes. It's like comparing yourself against the talent out there. Anyways if you are interested or know lots of beautiful people as I do (me excluded of course)
check out Net Model and Purestorm!
Slightly worried about my sis as she is in Sri Lanka and with recent issues between the government and rebels, it's come to a head with government taking over the Tamil Tiger rebel's HQ.
check out Net Model and Purestorm!
Slightly worried about my sis as she is in Sri Lanka and with recent issues between the government and rebels, it's come to a head with government taking over the Tamil Tiger rebel's HQ.
Thursday 1 January 2009
Top 10s of 2008
90s Songs Remixed 2008 - Top 10
1. Cardigans - Erase/Rewind
2. Source ft Candi Staton - You got the love
3. Guru Josh - Infinity
4. Playahitty - Summer is magic
5. Corona - Rhythm of the night
6. Edwyn Collins - Girl like you
7. Culture Beat - Mr Vain
8. Utah Saints - Something good
9. Cece Peniston - Finally
10. Gusto - Disco's Revenge
Top 10 of 2008
1. Deep Zone - DJ Take me away
2. Dizzee Rascal - Dance wiv me
3. September - Cry for you
4. Wiley - Wearing my rolex
5. Patrice Roberts - Wukking up
6. Citroen C4 Ad - Stayin' alive
7. Madonna - 4 minutes
8. Ne-Yo - Closer
9. Faye-ann Lyons - Get on
10. Beyonce - If I was a boy
1. Cardigans - Erase/Rewind
2. Source ft Candi Staton - You got the love
3. Guru Josh - Infinity
4. Playahitty - Summer is magic
5. Corona - Rhythm of the night
6. Edwyn Collins - Girl like you
7. Culture Beat - Mr Vain
8. Utah Saints - Something good
9. Cece Peniston - Finally
10. Gusto - Disco's Revenge
Top 10 of 2008
1. Deep Zone - DJ Take me away
2. Dizzee Rascal - Dance wiv me
3. September - Cry for you
4. Wiley - Wearing my rolex
5. Patrice Roberts - Wukking up
6. Citroen C4 Ad - Stayin' alive
7. Madonna - 4 minutes
8. Ne-Yo - Closer
9. Faye-ann Lyons - Get on
10. Beyonce - If I was a boy
Random Musings - Day #1
I'm going to try and post something every day. Even if it's random mindless crap.
Anyhow if you want to learn to dance have a look at the youtube videos from
BigMilan. I was impressed how he broke it down for the running man and the Melbourne shuffle. Funky. Some new dance moves added to my arsenal!
A really funny video i stumbled onto was Justin Timberlake on Saturday Night Live as one of Beyonce's dancers in the parody of the video for "Single Ladies" and there's even a response from Beyonce about it who remarked how does JT keep his legs so smooth...
I was very dubious of the train companies who stated over Christmas period that they would offer a Saturday service on their trains during the week. However, there was no reduction at all in prices, so we are paying weekday/peak fares for a Saturday service... hmm, that sounds like a rip. Then I was told about a Croydon MP complaining not having an extra day or two for Christmas Day (no service) and Boxing Day (limited service) included on his 7-day travelcard.
Anyhow if you want to learn to dance have a look at the youtube videos from
BigMilan. I was impressed how he broke it down for the running man and the Melbourne shuffle. Funky. Some new dance moves added to my arsenal!
A really funny video i stumbled onto was Justin Timberlake on Saturday Night Live as one of Beyonce's dancers in the parody of the video for "Single Ladies" and there's even a response from Beyonce about it who remarked how does JT keep his legs so smooth...
I was very dubious of the train companies who stated over Christmas period that they would offer a Saturday service on their trains during the week. However, there was no reduction at all in prices, so we are paying weekday/peak fares for a Saturday service... hmm, that sounds like a rip. Then I was told about a Croydon MP complaining not having an extra day or two for Christmas Day (no service) and Boxing Day (limited service) included on his 7-day travelcard.
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