tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18701082463680341152011-11-28T00:06:50.485ZHi there, I'm Billyo. This is my blogBillyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-75852769464325157662009-06-02T19:21:00.001Z2009-06-02T19:21:04.803Z

I started this blog – and it was arguably at it's shouty worst/best* – to moan to anyone who'd listen about my train commute to work. However, like many similar shouty blogs moaning about public transport, I soon moved through anger and retribution stage into the shoulder-shrugging total and utter apathy stage. I barely mustered a sigh when the conductor announces the reason for our latest

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-82096712315012108362008-03-02T18:10:00.006Z2008-03-02T20:39:34.010Z

My wife and I decided to get away this weekend. A change is as good a break, someone might have said once. We thought we'd go somewhere easy to reach - just a single train ride from Bath - so we chose Weymouth.In hindsight, I can't believe I was stupid enough to use FGW for a weekend break. The journey down on Saturday morning went smoothly enough. In fact it was almost entertaining; if

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-7368780827456865182008-02-28T20:28:00.006Z2008-02-28T21:10:55.355Z

Did you know about E-day?Today, was E-day. Actually, Energy Day, a day to save Energy.The theory was that for just one day, everyone in the UK should all make a concerted effort to turn off our computers when we left work, turn our televisions off stand-by, you know the stuff. By just making a few thoughtful changes to our habits that did not even affect our lifestyle the project expected to

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-74948056539025653372008-02-27T21:21:00.003Z2008-02-27T22:14:29.101Z

I went to book some train tickets for this weekend on the trainline.com. There are a series of hidden costs; First you have to uncheck the boxes for optional travel insurance from Columbus at the riduculous cost of £1 per journey. This cost is ridiculous because you have to be delayed by four hours before you can claim anything, and you'll be covered by your household/travel insurance for most

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-28213031968018540722008-02-25T10:35:00.006Z2008-02-25T22:38:55.850Z

Wow - just goes to show you shouldn't tempt fate.After telling you all on Friday that, despite being occasionally busy, things have been, generally tolerable on the trains recently, this morning things went well and truely belly up, and I experienced one of the longest delays of my 20 months or so of commuting. An hour and a half delay. Yep, a whole 250% increase on the usual journey time.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-47499061642898088472008-02-24T21:17:00.003Z2008-02-24T21:34:34.324Z

Did a bit more on the story. Don't get too hooked, don't know how much more of this I can churn out. I'm already struggling, a bit. I have a lot more respect for novelists already.“So when did you last see Will?” Mike asked.“Oh don’t you start, you’re as bad as the police. Don’t you think I feel bad enough already?” Jeff replied.“I know, I’m sorry, I’m just trying to get a few things straight

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-5218564629645458772008-02-22T20:28:00.003Z2008-02-22T21:31:13.802Z

It's been a while since I've had a moan about FGW, this is due concurrent bouts of commuter and blogging apathy. To be fair to them, there does seem to have been some improvements recently too. Which is no bad thing. But after a crappy journey home this evening I thought I'd have a little whinge.Every Friday is the same, the 5.30 train to Portsmouth is jammed to the rafters. I normally try

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-41863578821173955362008-02-21T22:04:00.004Z2008-02-21T22:21:11.385Z

A couple of blogging friends of mine, Eisor and Coldbrain are the creative types. They both do creative writing. Generally, I am not a creative type. I am a scientist, I ask questions, and like finite answers to questions. The concept of being creative is generally alien to me. Anyway, having been slightly cyber-bullied, being the kind of person that likes to expand horizons, and having

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-45789803993474934062008-02-20T19:36:00.003Z2008-02-20T22:00:32.867Z

I went to see a seminar at Bath University today, I left Cardiff early especially. It was given by Prof David Colquhoun, he's a walking stereotype and a bit of a personal hero of mine. He is a very well respected scientist and has particular interest in receptor pharmacology and ion channel mechanisms, which is also what I work on. But for the purposes of this blog and your sanity I promise to

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-38714201183997316632008-02-19T21:36:00.004Z2008-02-19T21:58:27.994Z

What do you think of the new style? I've had a little bit of a Spring Clean to go with my new, renewed enthusiasm for putting thoughts to HTML. I'm going for the stripped down, minimalist look.I've also ditched the Stress Relief part of the title. It was generating quite a bit of traffic from Google (which was probably the reason for the original juvenile euphemism!), but I want to avoid being

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-70461471011179131442008-02-19T19:32:00.003Z2008-02-19T21:14:09.853Z

I have no idea what day Private Eye actually goes to press. I suspect, given that the next issue is due to hit the news-stands on Friday that it will hit the rollers tomorrow or Thursday. So hopefully plenty of time for much derision of the hilarious testimony of Mohamed Al Fayed at the inquest of Princess Diana to make it to the pages of the satirical magazine.Firstly, let's be clear, I do

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-84296402348394431082008-02-18T20:21:00.002Z2008-02-18T20:26:54.542Z

Well I made a piss-poor attempt at NaBloPoMo. If you were waiting with baited breath for my uninteresting ramblings then I can only apologise.I’m gonna have another crack at writing more often on here. My life has settled down into something resembling normality following the hectic-ness of organising a wedding (more about that in a moment) followed by Christmas and a well-deserved break on

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-89117491765430246602007-12-12T17:02:00.000Z2007-12-12T17:04:01.070Z

I've not got time to explain.Go here.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-88712630381149841102007-10-31T15:11:00.000Z2007-10-31T15:28:58.385Z

So I’m off on my stag weekend tomorrow, so despite my good intentions to post often during NaBloPoMo I doubt I’ll feel the urge to post over the weekend. NaBloPoMo would be so much better as three syllables don’t you think? The Na is so irrelevant given the global nature of the web. Shall I start a campaign to drop the Na? Na, can’t be arsed. Anyway, I digress, I’m massively looking

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-90960015430622381392007-10-30T08:54:00.000Z2007-10-30T09:25:45.200Z

Well, it’s been quite a little while since I last posted on here or on Yellow Fever. If you were perturbed then I can only apologize, but I suspect you’ve not noticed I’d gone. I’m back though – inspired by the upcoming National Blog Posting Month or NaBloPoMo as it is otherwise known. Pointed out to me by Mr Coldbrain, it provides an excuse for everyone to post more shite on the web that

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-73284827779434599932007-09-04T09:00:00.000Z2007-09-04T09:08:36.792Z

It finally arrived. Despite the fact that I sent my McDemo application form off before my good friend over at I Hate First Great Western, Mark Thomas and his friends have done the business and will protest, on my behalf outside the Department for Transport. (Click see see letter more clearly)A part of me feels bad. The train services recently have been almost adequate, save the frequent

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-25604917478995961742007-08-13T12:33:00.000Z2007-08-13T14:21:04.047Z

Hello, how are you?Glad to hear it. Yes, yes, I know, it's been a while, I've been on a conference, then on holiday for a bit and then had a busy week last week.Anyway, where shall we begin? I know, lets start here. I bought this morning's Times not for the Sudoku but for the front page headline: "RAIL FIRM'S LEGAL THREAT TO SILENCE PASSENGER WATCHDOG". Sounds interesting, I thought. Can you

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-68668319415572427762007-07-18T12:31:00.000Z2007-07-18T16:40:51.613Z

As you'll no doubt already be aware, I have a problem with First Great Western. They are not capable of running the service they are supposed to provide. We are halfway through this week and my delays already total more than an hour.My problem is not generally with FGW front-line staff (though occasionally it is), my gripe is mostly with the appalling management who havn't a clue how to

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-87235547306263038942007-07-06T09:48:00.001Z2007-07-06T09:56:53.976Z

On my way home from work yesterday two yoofs got on the train at Bristol and sat on the two seats opposite me on the table. They were carrying skateboards, and I guess their age must have been around 15 or so. The following conversation took place between them. I worry about the future of our country.Yoof 1: Yeah, I always have a drink when I go out. Make the night more fun innit.Yoof 2: But

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-34426508615565723902007-06-25T07:31:00.000Z2007-06-25T10:03:51.361Z

It’s Monday morning, It’s teeming down outside. Rain of biblical proportions. The train pulls in (late, of course) to Bristol Temple Meads. These things combined, make for a pretty miserable morning. But what’s this at the station? Life is about to get a whole lot worse.Standing on the platform are hippies. They’re the early risers from Glastonbury. Actually, to call them hippies is unfair.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-39360877022544829552007-06-20T09:03:00.000Z2007-06-20T15:11:43.533Z

Apparently there was a monumental thunder storm in the Bristol area last night around 6pm. Which is strange because 12 miles away in Bath there was not. The weather this week has been strange, hasn't it?This storm caused (so the Chinese whispers at the station would have me believe) flooding and signal problems in the Severn Tunnel."The 06:56 to Swansea will terminating at Bristol Temple Meads.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-58203813687755085222007-06-18T08:10:00.001Z2007-06-18T10:44:29.057Z

If you’re into discovering new music*, as I am, there is a certain joy to being the first person to discover a new artist.Obviously you can’t have been the first person to have heard of them, the artists parents and friends for example, will almost certainly have heard of them before you. But, you know, that feeling when you discover an artist completely by yourself. No-one recommended them to

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-87504833938307948062007-06-15T08:30:00.001Z2007-06-15T08:40:33.218Z

Today a record was achieved that I believe will never be broken.Did I run 100 m in 6.5 sec? No.Did I eat 36 boiled eggs for breakfast? No, but I'd like to try someday.No, I was put into a foul mood in the fastest time possible after leaving the house. Just 3 seconds.I closed the door, turned around, and my bus went past a full 10 minutes before it was due to.I shouted and waved my arms from my

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-88031144210653446282007-06-14T10:26:00.000Z2007-06-14T10:48:46.560Z

I am gob-smacked. Truly gob-smacked.I have spoken before, of how by travelling into London you get a better deal that if you commute around the South West. But I didn't realise quite how much a better deal you get. Having read some comments about season ticket prices on I Hate FGW's blog, I have investigated the price of tickets from Bath to London and from Bath to Cathays. Here's what I

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-69031648766339321592007-06-13T23:03:00.000Z2007-06-14T09:47:33.462Z

Tommorrow the football fixtures for next season are released. This is one of the more notable dates in every football fan’s Calendar. To start, every fan takes a look at their opening matches and starts to plan their summer. They also always have a look at the fixtures over the festive period, the weekend closest to their birthday, and what kind’ve run-in your team has at the end of the season

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-11993805855559720592007-06-12T20:00:00.000Z2007-06-13T07:37:01.191Z

Thanks to Mr Coldbrain for bringing to my attention The All Day Breakfast Show. In case you are not familiar with Mr Coldbrain I shall explain that The All Day Breakfast Show is the new podcast from that deity of broadcasting Danny Baker.If you’re not a fan of Mr Baker’s sense of humour then I wouldn’t bother checking it out. His broadcasting style has not changed much since his radio 5 days

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-88928487168567368652007-06-04T14:35:00.001Z2007-06-04T15:01:29.466Z

I'm no expert in branding or marketing. That's why I earn piss-all working for a public body.However, despite not being an expert, I reckon this is embarrassing, child-like and really rather shit. However much it cost, it was that much too much.New London 2012 Logo.What's it meant to be? What was wrong with the rainbow stripes in the same shape as the Thames? I thought that was quite

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-25676783513634810662007-06-01T10:34:00.000Z2007-06-01T10:50:05.300Z

Apologies, that this is a little out of date now, I started writing this post on Tuesday and have since had a bit of a mad week. But after just reading Mr coldbrain's mishaps over the bank holiday, I thought I'd finish it off and post it anyway.Where was I... Oh yes.... Bank Holidays - they're not all they're cracked up to be.... In one respect, like most people, I find the prospect of a

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-24705599726162605722007-05-25T10:49:00.000Z2007-05-25T13:41:12.854Z

...messing about with Facebook. It is horribly addictive. I opened an account on it about a year ago, but it was boring because no-one else was on it. Now, everyone is on it, and I seem to want to check it for updates every 5 minutes. This can not be healthy.This week I have also got my Powerbook back. Woo Hoo! It took over four weeks, and in the end the whole motherboard was changed. But I

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-33922065245175580482007-05-17T08:25:00.000Z2007-05-17T19:49:40.931Z

as defined in the dictionary;noun.1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.2. a state having such a form of government.3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.4. political or social equality; democratic

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-30424656738689760782007-05-01T14:12:00.000Z2007-05-01T14:48:52.297Z

A and I are getting married later this year. It's not going to be a massively lavish do, but with all our friends there it's gonna be one pretty sweet party.Given there are more than 6 months to go, we are pretty organised too; we've booked the church, hall & caterers, A has found her dream dress under budget (best not to ask what the budget was though!) and I have nearly nailed down the bestest

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-58363608210862867192007-04-26T09:51:00.000Z2007-06-20T11:33:02.877Z

Last night, having had a pretty crap day in my still sweltering building, I decided to cheer myself up by nipping out of work a little early so that I could be back home in time to catch an early(ish) showing of Blades of Glory at the cinema. I didn't make it to the cinema.My train was delayed by and hour and half. The longest delay I have ever experienced on a FGW train (only breaking the

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-44888910033659007482007-04-19T20:14:00.000Z2007-04-20T14:11:30.424Z

These are things that have annoyed me today, (I've had a bad day):1. The climate control in my building. It’s shite, and controlled by morons.It’s been scorching hot outside all week, the sun is heating up all rooms with south facing windows and all the bloody air-con does is circulate hot air. We got a thermometer today and measured the temperature in the office at 28°C. A bloody humid 28°

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-43767118088777769032007-04-18T12:27:00.000Z2007-04-18T15:07:56.150Z

#1 in a very occasional series.Whilst doing a little reading and eating my sarnies, I came across this rather interesting view on why the Virginia Tech shootings happened, and how it can be stopped from happening again. Basically their view is this tragedy happened because Clinton's democratic administration allowed johnny-foreigners into America, and that the "liberal" authorities at Virginia

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-66309088551273919542007-04-18T07:28:00.000Z2007-04-18T08:02:13.943Z

Just thought I'd share with you something I saw, as I was getting off the train this morning.I followed out of the station, a man wearing a full-length Gothic-style leather jacket. He was also wearing tracksuit bottoms and trainers. Weird combo, right?But what really blew me away was, upon crossing the road I overtook him and saw that he was also wearing a black shirt and red tie.I'll just let

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-81713315859638011002007-04-16T21:26:00.000Z2007-04-16T22:07:43.905Z

Today I have received a letter from FGW regarding their lack of compensation for a 30 minute delay I suffered, and their total incompetence in dealing with it, I previously summed it up here.Firstly Sue Smith the team manager apologises;I have now had the opportunity to review your case and agree we did make mistakes for which I apologise.Well that’s something I suppose. Though there’s an

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-9685375616143994512007-04-16T07:31:00.001Z2007-04-16T11:14:40.288Z

Frank Sinatra was absolutely right when he sang this, in one of his less well known hits. However, I'm not so sure he was completely right when he continued;... but it's so much nicer to come home.Hmmm. I can kind've see where he was coming from. It was comforting to come back to our flat last night, it was brilliant to get a good night's sleep on our mattress again, rather than the unbearably

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-49519865402112844202007-04-05T10:53:00.000Z2007-04-05T12:31:44.200Z

I'm trying really hard to motivate myself to do some work today.Ok, you're right, I could start by not wasting my time writing this blog.But it's so difficult because it's a bank holiday this weekend, and I have the whole of next week off too! Woo Hoo! I'm like a small child - too excited to sit still.10 whole days off!My first holiday in ages. And the first time off without the feeling of

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-32265188539254287762007-04-04T11:23:00.000Z2007-04-05T10:49:47.651Z

Our friend over at I Hate First Great Western, has the eponymous badges ready. You can get yours by e-mailing your details to IhateFGW@yahoo.co.uk .I'll probably start by wearing it all the time, but if FGW can run, I dunno, lets say, three consecutive days without delays to my journey, then I'll take it off 'till the next delay. Can't say fairer than that. Wont happen though.To the majority

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-57679021558312904622007-04-02T15:03:00.001Z2007-04-02T15:08:17.303Z

44,769 words, 219 Pages, including 25 figures. The thesis is done.It's even printed and bound.Three days early. This is most unlike me.Share my joy by giggling everytime Alan tries to get Dan's attention.Back of the Net!

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-80319910645296795932007-04-02T09:13:00.000Z2007-04-03T08:03:01.489Z

Given the almost daily torment of travelling with FGW, you might think I'd avoid them at all cost during my down time at the weekend.You're generally right, but if you want to get from Bath to London to visit your fiance's brother, who's back in the country for a few days, then you don't have a lot of choice.Due to planned weekend engineering works, the usual 1 hour 30 minute journey is now over

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-28753949848754836272007-03-30T07:27:00.000Z2007-03-30T09:57:14.017Z

On the daily grind to work, I reckon about 50% of commuters I see have something stuck in their ears. I'm no different. I've nearly always got the headphones of my radio/mp3 player/laptop in my ears.I've often thought that this is sad, that we all live in our own little bubble, and are not sharing our audio experience with anyone. Wouldn't life be more pleasant if we listened to the natural

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-47364218532481814572007-03-29T08:56:00.000Z2007-03-29T09:22:12.029Z

Received a letter yesterday from FGW saying that I wasn't due any compensation for a half hour delay on the 9th of MarchOur passenger's charter explains that the compensation you have requested is only available when you are delayed by more than 59 minutesThis however is not true, since on February 21st I received a letter from Alison Forster (FGW, Managing Director) which saidCompensation for ex

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-7118029342009926752007-03-28T12:22:00.000Z2007-03-28T21:00:19.529Z

Panic! Panic!With just 9 days before I have to submit my thesis, my pride and joy, my Powerbook, dies. Ahhhh! Panic! Panic!She did not suffer, she just went to sleep and wouldn't wake back up again, instead making a spine chilling beeping noise every time I tried to start her. Panic.Took the morning off work to take her to the Apple shop. Man in shop says, without looking at it, "it's a

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-87738151063507819492007-03-26T20:04:00.000Z2007-03-27T08:37:27.271Z

I was an hour late for work this morning. And no, it wasn't because I forgot to put my clocks forward.This morning someone decided to throw a brick at my train sometime on it's journey between London and Bath.At this point I'd like to point out that I in no way condone random acts of vandalism, but this was no random act. I feel it's unlikely that this attack was carried out for kicks by hooded

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-11097206104348043302007-03-25T11:55:00.001Z2007-03-25T17:02:07.375Z

Over a week since I last posted. This may be because I was busy at work.Since my last post I have noticed some things about the world, I shall share them with you.1. I am getting old and sensible. I suppose it happens to us all eventually. I switched to soft drinks in the early evening during last saturday's rugby marathon, as a result I had a very managable hangover last Sunday.2. It may be

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-35755060159916376882007-03-16T10:54:00.000Z2007-03-16T11:59:40.207Z

In case it's escaped your attention, today is Friday!!Woo Hoo! Advanced Warning: This is a cheerful post.This is my first weekend for 8 months with no thesis writing hanging over me. I can't wait.I've got little to do at work today, so I'll probably sneek off early. Hopefully the sunshine will last and I can go out have a pint in beer garden, thus replenishing my Vitamin D levels. This will

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-69785339419482275982007-03-15T14:42:00.000Z2007-03-16T09:46:34.522Z

...is just one of many blogs I've recently found written by angry commuters. It's the name that best sums up my feelings. Though i might have slipped in a stronger word or two.I've created a new separate link list of angry commuters. We need to share information, as, reading the various posts, people get given lots of different information. Our voice will become much louder if we co-ordinate

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-4593208531084761262007-03-14T09:44:00.000Z2007-03-14T14:04:51.336Z

I received a strange phone call yesterday. It’s one I’d imagine many of us will have, or at least, should be having over the next few years.I was called by someone from a company who said they were acting on behalf of Orange, and that due to my customer loyalty I was entitled to a 10% reduction in my line rental. Sounds good, no?There is a saying that you should never look a gift horse in the

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-3416207700183343242007-03-12T11:19:00.001Z2007-03-12T11:41:35.754Z

Sometimes in life, we don't get what we deserve. When defeat is undeserved, you feel like the whole world has conspired to rob you of what was rightfully yours.When you are on the other side of that equation, and life has dealt you the nuts on the river, it takes a big man to take a moment to think about how the other side must be feeling.The right thing to do, is apologise for your good fortune

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-31272011338504134462007-03-10T16:49:00.001Z2007-03-10T17:08:56.720Z

I've had some feedback from a few people regarding my blog and ways to improve it.Firstly, apparently I should have more links and things to click on. This makes sense. It is the internet after all. As the name suggests, everything should be interconnected. Like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. Except I'd imagine you can get to any other page on the tintinet with a lot less than six clicks.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-29205382071812919072007-03-08T15:58:00.000Z2007-03-09T12:05:05.361Z

I've always cared a bit too much about public transport. I think this has come about for a number of reasons.I don't drive, so it's the only way I can get around.I like to get around; my mates live all over the country and I work 60 miles from where I live.My father worked in the Rail Industry, and as young kids we used to go on holiday by train.There is no way we'll tackle climate-change in the

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-7560392571349957752007-03-07T08:40:00.000Z2007-03-07T12:22:05.677Z

Last night, the glowing box in the corner of our living room made a statement that made me gasp with Horror. During the new CSI on Channel 5, there was an advert for a compilation CD called "Mellow Magic". I've nothing in particular against this type of wishy-washy music. You'll not catch me dead listening to Westlife, Micheal Bolton or Simply Red, but each to their own.No the statement that

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-67550449192028430652007-03-05T14:31:00.000Z2007-03-06T09:35:42.643Z

If you stick with me on this blog you’ll soon realise that one of the things I hate more than anything else is stupidity.Stupid people exist. They are everywhere. And worse… they are allowed to breed – thus populating our planet with even more stupid people.Two incredibly stupid people made me late for work this morning and I am bloody furious about it. People make mistakes of course, they are

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-929922347085439022007-03-03T18:54:00.000Z2007-03-04T19:19:19.218Z

I feel like my eyes have been opened to a couple of home truths today. I’m not sure if either of these truths really are the truth, or if the truth has been skewed somewhat by my emotional involvement.Firstly, I had a panic attack today that my thesis is shit. I have been writing my thesis for 8 months now. The first two months, following leaving the lab, last summer, were highly productive.

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-61241141907269281332007-03-02T20:57:00.000Z2007-03-02T21:10:49.126Z

I’ve had quite a good day. Nothing has really got my goat today. Ok, so it started badly when I overslept and was late for work. But lets face it, that’s not really that bad, and I went into work feeling much more refreshed than I might otherwise have done.It also finished badly when I got soaked in the rain walking to the station from work. But I can’t really blame anyone for the bad

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1870108246368034115.post-53995923866864102692007-03-02T06:46:00.000Z2007-03-05T10:53:37.923Z

Hi, I'm billyo - have we met? I doubt it. The interweb is a large place.I've been posting on other people's blogs for a while now, and finally, having worked out what’s going on, have been feeling the urge to post some of my own thoughts on my own blog. So here it is.The general theme here will be me ranting about things which wind me up. I'll try to be witty; though as my fiancé keeps

Billyohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02156807131425886620noreply@blogger.com1