Packaging overkill

From the “wtf” files we have this special delivery into the team.  That’s right, a tiny little box in a much larger box with lots of packing.  Guys, can I introduce you to the concept of the “Jiffy Bag”?

Cataclysm timescales

Wrath dates (Wowwiki)

Beta opt-in : 03/July/2008
Beta opens : 17/July/2008
Code goes ‘gold’: 10/Oct/2008
Release: 13/Nov/2008

Where does that leave us with Cataclysm?  I reckon in pretty much the same place, the closed beta is over and the NDA has been lifted overnight and while there are no beta keys out yet it’s been announced that they’re selecting players.

I reckon we’re pretty much on the same timeline, with the beta getting into full swing in the next week or so and a release in November.  Guess I know what I’m getting SWMBO for her birthday again.

MPs whining again about expenses

Well things are in full swing and MPs are bitching about having to claim expenses and justify what they’re claiming for, like the rest of us.  I particularly love this one.

“Labour’s Nick Brown asked for examples of other jobs where people had to “spend their own money up front to carry out their job. What’s the comparator?” he asked.”

Ok, let’s see.

  • I travel to a customer site in the UK, I pay for the fuel and have to claim it back at the government set rate for my size of car.
  • I travel internationally, I have to cover everything out of my pocket except the flight (unless I’m pressured into taking the likes of EasyJet which can’t be booked through the central system in which case that goes on the card as well), I then have to claim it all back, with receipts and in the case of meals within the limit set for each type of meal.

This is not atypical, it’s normal within industry.

If someone in my company had tried to do what MPs did with their expenses and got caught they would be facing gross misconduct and a sacking, no chance to pay back and let it lie there, no chance to announce retirement and pick up the resettlement payment many MPs have taken.  Out, no notice period, and possible legal action.

So before whining and bitching about how this is unfair remember what brought it about.

The discussion I had with a party worker in the run up the election summed things up when I asked about the horseshit he claimed on expenses for his garden.  Apparently the system was ripe for abuse and everyone was doing it, he didn’t have a comeback when I pointed out that surely this meant it was a test of character for MPs and his candidate had therefore failed.

BBC report

Review: Vitax Pepper Dust

As with all reviews, this is a personal opinion from my experiences, your experience may / will vary. Unfortunately this isn’t a positive review, as the dust hasn’t managed to shift a particularly persistent moggie or two from a patch of my garden which they appear to think is their personal litter tray.

So nice idea, eco friendly and all that is good, but effectiveness 2/10 at best.

Romford Police : “You can’t take photos here”

What is it with the Police in the UK, particularly those in London.

Guys, the law is very clear, it is not a crime to take a photo in a public place of other people, using the terrorism act makes you look like plods who will rummage through the statute book until you find something which fits what you want to achieve.  We know that there are police who really don’t like the idea of being photographed, to be honest it feels like you’re fed up of being called out on behaviour which would get the general public arrested and locked up.

And the Met’s own advice on dealing with Photographers : http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm

[Edit: fixed broken link]

Glastonbury

Shepton Mallet (pop: ~10,000), approximately 2 miles as the crow flies from the Glastonbury festival site (closer than Glastonbury itself is). Approx pop: according to the news ~177,000, and 50,000 cars or so. Fortunately this year the bass beat didn’t make itself felt in the back garden.

Unfortunately those wonderful people leaving early on Monday did. Thank you all so much for the extra 30 minutes I spent in the car this morning, next time, please leave after rush hour.

Football

Right, England football fans.

  • We was not robbed
  • The hype in the media before & during was as stupid as ever
  • There will be a week of deconstruction and navel gazing.

As for the rest of us.

Thank feck it’s over for another four years.