Life in the middle

London living essentials.

Not doing stuff.

I know this isn't how you're supposed to do it, but - I quite like making plans and not following them through. Generally on small fairly insignificant things. So work gets done, and bills get paid. But I didn't buy that bike oil I planned and needed to get yesterday.

It's not a skill, clearly. But I think it is an important thing to know about myself. For instance the bike oil yesterday; this wasn't the only thing that didn't get done. I also didn't but the new shorts, or 'outdoor' trousers, both of which I need, and planned to get yesterday. What's more - I didn't even look for them. I did though buy a new shirt, again something I'd planned to get. But once I'd got the shirt I took some pleasure in deciding that was enough, cancelling the rest of my shopping trip, and heading home. It's a bizarre form of quit while you're ahead, or behind, or something, and a bit strange.

As I said - the bills get paid, the work gets done, but I do have a bike that still needs oiling.

Harry C on the radio (so to speak)

Harry C has been posting again (here). This time he's writing about radio, and it's his best so far.

So if you fancy a quiet think about the radio, and some gentle discussion, then pop on over (I'll see you there).

Tools of the trade.

1. A moleskine notebook.

2. Some random papers.

3. A cup of tea.

4. A lamp.

5. Some champagne.

6. A pen.

7. Some more papers.

8. A power-drill.

Once you gathered all these items together, sit around and think about whatever it is you've been asked to think about. Try and formulate some answers (writing them down helps). Then present them in a way that makes them clear to whoever has asked for them. Then go home. Repeat as required.

Follow this method and you can't go far wrong.

"A man grows most tired while standing still."

This old thing?

What? What's the big deal? It's just me in my black E Class Mercedes. There really isn't any need to make a fuss, go on about it, and point at it.

It's just a car. Something to get me from A to B. Sure it's comfortable, fast, and well made, but you know there are more important things in life. Like the environment, and stuff. So let's just stop going on about it shall we. So what if it handles like a dream, moves like shit off a shovel, and makes me look more handsome just by sitting in it. It really, honestly, definitely, isn't that important. Okay.

Let's move on, and say no more about it.

(It was mine for the weekend, charged at the cost of a small luxury holiday. It goes back to 'Budget Car Rentals' in the morning - life will never be the same.)

Birthday.

Not only do I forget everyone elses birthdays, but I also forgot my own blogging birthday. Life in the middle was 1 year old on the 13th April.

The question is: is the world a better place for having life in the middle in it, and why, or why not (depending on your answer)? If we all agree it is, I may contact Kofi Annan.

So long.

So Russell has gone cool on blogging. Dan is also wavering. Marcus has gone postal (hence no link). And that's all a bit sad. I like their blogs, and I like them. It feels a bit like when you move out of a shared house, and you feel like you're never going to see those people again. Like nothing will ever be the same.

On the plus side my Dad has just started his own blog. It's early days - he's only one post in so far, but it should be entertaining, you can find him here.

Goodbye (for now) Russell, Dan, and Marcus. Hello Dad.

Sundays are for.

Sitting in the garden and chilling with the old man on his birthday, while he samples some phat beats.

Watching Margot (my niece) show off her blue hat.

And for standing sternly with my sister.

Why my mac is better than my pc.

1. It looks better, a lot better.

2. It sounds better, a lot better. When you turn the volume switch up or down it makes a lovely squelching sound - it's so pleasing to the ear that I can't stop doing it.

3. I haven't once had to get out the manual, or go to the help section - it's just obvious how it works - it's just how things should work, simple as that.

4. It charms me whenever it can. For instance, when you drag something from the dock, an application say, onto the desktop, it blows up. Brilliant, I love that - blowing stuff up.

5. Even the cables are nice. The power cable is a magnet. So should you accidentally catch it (with a foot) you won't accidentally pull the laptop off onto floor (something I have never done with work property, ever. Is that clear.)

I'm sure there is some other stuff that makes it better, technical stuff, but so far I'm all over the squelchy sounds, the cable, and blowing up application icons.

So that's what why I love my mac in a way I could never love my pc. What about everyone else, why do you love your mac?