1607.09 TOUR WEEK 1

Well there's been one name that stands out for this first week of the Tour de France - Mark Cavendish. He's had a great week winning 3 stages, getting to wear the maillot jaune (yellow jersey) for the first time and ending in the Green. His wins have put him ahead of Bernard Hinault (The Badger) and second only to the great Eddy Merckx for individual stage victories. 

Cav in Yellow

Froome and Quintana are sitting in 6th and 7th places respectively and are in perfect position to go head to head in the following weeks. Contador is nursing some injuries following multiple crashes early on. Nibali is not having a great tour and is possibly still not recovered from his success at the Giro but I still wouldn't write him off just yet.

1607.07 BASIC CHILD SAFETY ONLINE

I was prompted to write this post after seeing a friend's child cropping up all over social media and in my opinion started putting themselves in potential danger.

I've always been strict about my children's use of the internet. This lead to quite a bit of friction with my eldest back in the difficult period (which we won't go into now). My rules, hopefully, have kept my kids as safe as can be whilst letting them access to the internet. I supervise as much as I can, online devices must remain downstairs at all times and a parent must have access to all online accounts. Now I know this isn't foolproof but it's also about teaching responsible use of online services. It a frightening world out there and young people are exposed to it too soon these days.

It concerns me when I see other parents not giving a damn about what their kids do online. They hand over a smartphone and don't give a second thought to what they're doing or who they may be chatting to (or worse?).

There's loads of advice online for kids and parents and I think it's a good idea to sit down with a child and discuss it. I have with both my kids. For more info check out CEOP.

In my work I've visited schools and spoken to children about internet safely and hopefully my words have made an impression to some of those kids. At the end of the day it's not up to me, every parent needs to take responsibility for their child's activity online. 

1607.04 POST HATE

Since the Brexit vote over a week ago there has been a nationwide increase in hate crime against immigrants and those perceived to be. It is being blamed on how certain groups ran the 'leave' campaign however I think that certain people are just using this as an excuse to exercise their prejudices. It's sad that in the 21st century these xenophobic attitudes prevail in our country.

With all this comes the rise in the humble safety pin. You may have noticed certain people wearing these on their clothes. No, it's not punk rock making a comeback but a statement, a sign of solidarity with those who share this island with us. To show that the person wearing the pin is a 'safe' person to sit with on public transport or stand with in a shop or pub.

Safety pin on my fleece

I am wearing my pin on my clothes and my uniform at work to show my support. I am disappointed with some of my fellow countrymen(and women) and stand together with decent hardworking people who have decided to make Great Britain their home.

1607.03 SEVENTEEN YEARS

Today is Morticia and my wedding anniversary but because it was Saturday yesterday we planned to go out and celebrate last night. I did have to dash out and buy a card at the last minute. I booked a table at our favourite Chinese restaurant to be followed by drinks in town. It's not a special number but we do feel that every year is special to us.

Our Wedding Day

We started our evening as planned at our favourite restaurant. We were treated really well by the owner (who is a friend of ours), the meal was wonderful as always and washed down with a bottle of prosseco.

We had a wonderful evening

Afterwards we ventured into town where one of the local pubs were having a rock music festival ("Slamfest").

Slamfest

Now, where alcohol's concerned I'm a bit of a lightweight. So unfortunately last night took its toil on me despite only drinking a small amount,  and this morning I woke up feeling worse for wear which put paid to a planned cycle ride with my club.

This afternoon we enjoyed a family meal and tonight we plan just a quiet night in front of the TV.

1607.01 ALMOST LE TOUR

After all the doom and gloom of the last week I'm glad that it's finally July which means Le Tour de France, 3 weeks of the best road cycling set against some of the most beautiful scenery. This year promises to be a threeway battle between Chris Froome, Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana. Following some very grand departs in Yorkshire (which I was there for) and various other locations, this year is a more domestic affair starting in Mont-Saint-Michel and finishing at Utah Beach Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.

The next three weeks promises to be exciting, anything can happen and invariably does.

1606.28 REMEMBER MSN

From time to time I get asked to fix / work out / play with technology for my friends and family. This week I was asked to give the 'kiss of life' to an aging laptop that belongs to a friend's mother. I got the old machine to boot up and noticed it still had old MSN Messenger on it. That got me reminiscing...

I've had computers since I was 13 years old but didn't connect to the internet until the early 2000s. Some of the first things I did when I got online was; start a blog, learn how to build a simple webpage, use MSN.

The wondrous world of text chatting to your mates (SMS texting was about but at 10p a message was restricted) and if you were lucky viewing them on a dark fuzzy image  if they had a webcam. This was the world of 56K dial up where you couldn't use your landline at the same time as being online. Also our PC was in the dining room so being online, whilst being digitally social was anti-social because you were away from the rest of the family.

I remember finishing a late shift and arriving home at 1am only to jump on the PC and chat away with everyone I'd just seen at work. These sessions could go on for hours with multiple conversations and group chatting.

Far cry from now with WhatsApp and the like in your hand on your mobile practically wherever you go. Always on internet and never being online. Is this a good or a bad thing though?

1606.25 SIGH OF RELIEF

Following a ready bad day for our future yesterday I'd like to share some really good news we had this week. Some time ago I learned that planning permission had been sought to erect a number of flats on the land behind our house. I wrote about it here.

This week I learned that the planning has been REFUSED! I can't express the relief I feel at this news. It looks like the council agreed with mine and my neighbours concerns. They used similar wording to what I'd put in my objection like 'over development' etc.

Notice of refusal published on the local authority website

So now the land stays empty until the owner can come up with more acceptable plans. While they do I'll continue to enjoy the lovely view over the Don Valley.

1606.24 DAY OF RECKONING

Yesterday the United Kingdom voted in a referendum whether or not to leave or remain in the European Union.

I watched the polls close last night at 10pm then listened to opinions and predictions until the first few results were called. I'd spend the day touring a number of polling stations (as part of my job) and it was clear that the turnout was unprecedentedly high. As I went to bed there had already been a couple of shock results in favour of Leave.

I set my alarm for 6:50am to catch the result only to find that the result was already in and that the United Kingdom had voted to leave the European Union.

In the two hours that followed the UK economy lost $350 BILLION. That’s equivalent to 40 years of EU contributions. Nigel Farage then came out and said it was a 'mistake' for Leave to claim there'd be £350M a week for NHS. Scotland (SNP) then said they may start looking for independence again and Northern Ireland may considering reunification.

Then Prime Minister David Cameron came out to say he intended to step down following his support of the Remain cause.

I voted remain. I have always thought that the EU needed reform but I would have liked my country to be part of that process. I didn't like the focus of the Leave campaign on immigration and the hate some of their supporters expressed. I believe this vote was a reaction to austerity by the working classes against the elite and was sometimes twisted by the so called 'experts'.

I'm guessing that Boris Johnson positioned himself in the Leave camp so that if this eventuality played out he'd be favourite to be the next Conservative Party leader and thus Prime Minister. The idiots of this country love Boris, he's comedy gold and seen as a harmless buffoon but be warned - he's the UK equivalent of Donald Trump.

As it stands now I feel numb. I fear for the future for my children. I can only hope that whoever ends up in charge manages to keeps the country together and to negotiate trade links with the world. 

1606.22 ID4 - DOUBLE BILL

I've never been into the movie review business and I'm not about to start. If you're looking for an in depth look into the new Independence Day movie you're in the wrong place. I'll be doing my usual Movie Review in Seven Words at the end of this post.

I've not been to the cinema in an age which is a bad show on my part for two reasons; (1) I love movies, they are my music, (2) I have an Unlimited Card which I haven't been utilising (basically I've been throwing money away). Today I intend to break that cycle, when I heard that there was a double bill featuring the classic 1996 film Independence Day together with the new sequel, Independence Day - Resurgence, I jumped at the chance to reboot my cinema going ways.

I went with my best mate Mr C who picked me up (he has a company car). We weren't able to park in the complex (Valley Centertainment) car park as the neighbouring Sheffield Arena had Lionel Richie playing and complex security never stop arena patrons from parking (thus avoiding arena parking charges). We parked in my work car park which is only a short walk away (about 15 minutes). 

The original movie was shown in an extended version and really benefited from the big screen (I have the DVD but it's not the same). The credits rolled at about 23:30 which gave us 30 minutes to use the facilities and grab a second overpriced drink.

First movie ends

The new movie was in 3D and the most noticeable thing was the quality of resolution compared to the old one. The presentation finished just after 2am, we then had the walk over to pick up the car. By the time I got into bed it was 2:40, my alarm was set for 6:10am - I knew the next day was going to be difficult. 

The Captain's Movie Review

in Seven Words... 

GREAT SCI-FI ACTION, ORIGINAL STILL LOADS BETTER. 

1606.21 CRAVING ADVENTURES

Yesterday I had cause to visit a camping shop. My daughter is off to her Cadets camp this weekend so we had to get some supplies.

Rags at Cadets

I found myself in the tents section even though I had no need to be there (we were looking at sleeping bags and mats etc). I haven't been camping since I was a teenager since Morticia wouldn't ever entertain the activity. I found myself yearning for an adventure. Loading my bike up and venturing out on the open road and pitching up at a site for an evening before venturing on.

I know others who have been on such expeditions. Can I make this happen? I think I'd like to share the experience with a willing participant.

1606.20 BABY SEA MONKEYS

Since I last reported by Sea Monkeys have been busy. The other morning I checked the little aquarium to find loads of tiny little sea monkeys swimming amongst the 6 adults. Not sure how that's going to pan out but there is potential for a few new friends for my aquatic pets.

Then yesterday I observed 2 of the adults swimming together, on checking a few sea monkey websites (there are a few) my suspicions were confirmed. My sea monkeys are mating, apparently they can be coupled together for days!! 

My #SeaMonkeys are having sex! I'm gonna need another tank! #amazingliveseamonkeys #aquarium

A photo posted by CaptainKirt™ (@captainkirt) on Jun 19, 2016 at 1:50pm PDT

So there is a chance that there could be even more babies after this latest litter grows up.

1606.19 IT'S FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day in my opinion is a very important day. It celebrates male role models that are sometimes sadly lacking in some children's lives. I'm a firm believer that dad's are an important part of a person's life. Good dad's need to be celebrated and that is what today is all about.

Sadly I've not been on great terms with my dad for some years so today, for me, is just a 'one way street'. I'm not going to linger on the matter - let's just get on with the day.

I am lucky to be the father to 2 beautiful daughters. Anyone who's read my blog for a while will probably know that my eldest doesn't live with us anymore and is not in touch. This is solely her choice and we wait with a metaphorical open door. My youngest is poles apart, she is the light in my darkness and my hope for the future. She is a mature and caring young lady who makes me proud to be her father.

My morning starts with breakfast in bed. Rags insists even if I have to wait an eternity for it! My cards and gifts come next.

My little girl knows me too well. 

We had a little trip out later to Hathersage, had a walk around the church yard (quick visit to Little John's grave) before visiting the Scotsmans Pack Inn. Later, and closer to home, we enjoyed a carvery dinner. 

There are a couple of other pics over on my Instagram. 

I only wish my eldest daughter had elected to be part of today. Sadly, so far, I haven't heard from here. 

1606.17 DEATH OF AN MP

It was really sad news yesterday to hear about the vicious murder of MP Jo Cox. It's still early in the investigation but the thought of being killed because you hold public office is frightening. She was the first sitting MP to be murdered since the 1990. A man is in custody, described as a loner with 'mental health issues'.

This is a crime fueled by hate, there seems to be a lot of that around lately.

“While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us”.

Jo Cox’s first speech as an MP 

BBC News story here.

1606.16 EBOOKS AND PAPERBACKS

I enjoy reading, however I struggle to get time to read. By the time I stop at the end of the day I tend to start dropping off to sleep. I read when I can which usually means grabbing an odd few minutes here and there, especially the meal break at work. To this end it's not really convenient for me to carry a physical book around with me. I am thankful for the chance to be able to carry a book around with me wherever I go. Smartphones mean I have all the books I ever need in my hand.

I have 2 apps on my phone for books, the Kindle app and I have an app that allows me to borrow and read books from my local library (Overdrive).

The Kindle Bookshelf

Some people I find get really snooty about ebooks stating the look, feel and even smell of 'real books' as the reason to snub them. Surely the point of reading is the words on the page? The story? I think the act of reading is the most important and the medium is only secondary. I usually find many of those people that cite this argument are sometimes the ones that rarely read. But let's look at the advantages;

• You can read wherever you are, you always have a book with you.
• You can buy/try a new book anywhere.
• All the popular reading apps sync between devices.

Yes there is certain books, especially if you are a collector or there is a specific book you just need to 'have' to physically keep. I get that. But reading is reading and I use the format that suits me the best.

1606.13 FLAT CAP

My hair (at least the stuff on my head) said goodbye a long time ago. The stuff that's left I shave off. That's all good, I have no problem with it but what about the elements outdoors? The cold, the heat, the wind and the sun. Some time ago I decided I needed a 'do it all' bit of headwear that would protect against it all.

Baseball caps are not me. I'd look like a dick in a baseball cap. Fedoras or similar? No. Beanie hats are only good for the cold. What about the Norse helmet I wear in my cartoon alterego? Sadly I don't thing that would be socially acceptable even though I bet I'd rock the look. Then I tried the flat cap. When I first tried one on they weren't as fashionable as they have become recently so I was a little apprehensive. What do you know, it was perfect. Cool in the summer, shielding my delicate bonce from the sun and warm in the winter, protection from harsh cold weather.

Since that time I have amassed quite a collection. The latest was added this week. Morticia bought it for me from Camden whilst she was away last week.

My newest flat cap