This is effectively the 2nd time i’ll have “left the building” so to speak having initially left in Dec 2008 only to re-appear in a different (and much much better) form in Apr 2009.  The funny thing is that theres a chance that may happen again…though if it does it wont be for a few months yet.

I cant complain though.  This contract was only supposed to be for 3-4 months and it’s lasted for 15 instead, i’ve been well rewarded for the work i’ve done, and for the most part i’ve enjoyed it too.

All that means is that I get to enjoy being a man of leisure once again for a bit and have some time off, maybe go on a holiday, get some of those things done that i’ve been putting off, etc…  All in all i’m quite looking forward to it

I think it’s fair to say that the typical audience for this show wouldn’t normally encompass the games playing demographic so it’s not a surprise that the “games are bad” arguement gets cheers and applause while the counter arguement (in this case that games are rated just like movies and it’s parents that should stop the more graphic and violent ones from getting to them) is greeted with pantomime boos.  With that in mind it’s not difficult to see where this debate was gonna go…..

Those that know me will have little doubt on where I stand on this issue so i’ll leave it to you to make up your own mind by watching it yourself…though i will say that the high/low (you decide)-lights of the interview for me are

• The study of 130k kids worldwide quoted by Julie Peasgood, a woman who has provided voice over work for computer games in 2000 though this is not mentioned
• And, the topical use of the James Bulger murder case from 17 years ago as a prop to attempt to prove a point

via Pimp That Snack – The Monster Mac.

Vegetarians and health freaks look away now, because Burger King has launched a stomach-churning Windows 7-themed Whopper.

The software-sponsored sandwich is filled with not one, not two, but an unbelievable seven meat patties. The burger went on sale in Burger King outlets in Japan today to mark the major OS upgrade.

Our Japanese isn’t great, but the poster – which comes direct from BK’s Japanese website – appears to suggest that the Windows 7 Whopper will be on sale in the country until 28 October.

via Burger King cooks up Windows 7 Whopper • Register Hardware.

Chunky Chelsea Whoppers – As if bringing back the classic Chelsea Whopper wasn`t enough, we`ve gone that little bit further, and brought you Chunky Chelsea Whoppers! These are chunks, not bars, so for those of you that like your sweets in bitesize chunks, these are just right!

Chelsea Whoppers were in danger of becoming extinct – but no more!

via aquarterof.co.uk.

Getting the urge to play around with some stuff again so i’ve no doubt you’ll see me post for a few weeks again before disappearing again…unless i actually find something that grabs and keeps a hold of my attention

Anyhoo….some quick thoughts while i think of something more interesting to write about -

• 31st birthday is just round the corner (old git alert!)
• Getting back in to playing some american football again….hopefully it’ll continue as i’ve quite enjoyed it.  Trying to find someone semi decent to play at squash/badminton too…..anyone free on Tuesday (or maybe Thursday) nights for a game?
• Work is cool at the moment and looks like continuing for a while yet
• Currently debating whether or not to delete my facebook account (am fed up with having to block new applications every day….i dont care if you just killed some mobster on mafia wars or got a new shed for your farm!  And no I’m not interested in trying to beat your score in identifying 80′s bands, makes of car, kids tv programs or types of beer.  What started out as a useful tool to keep in touch with friends has turned into a non-stop spam fest by all these different apps trying to get me to sign up too.
• And finally…..i’m considering buying a mac..

Hmmmmmm

Australian writer Harry Nicolaides has been sentenced to three years in a Thai jail for insulting the monarchy.

Nicolaides wrote a novel four years ago, which contained a brief passage referring to an unnamed crown prince. It sold just seven copies.

via BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Writer jailed for Thai ‘insult’.

Bono, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Jay-Z.

The names, a who’s who of the rich, famous and successful in the world of music and film, are just some of the stars who are descending on Washington DC this week.

They’re all here in town to celebrate the inauguration of a politician who has become a celebrity in his own right.

Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday is bringing with it a sense of glitz and glamour usually associated with Los Angeles and New York.

via BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Stars bring glitz to Washington

I present to you numerous photos from Florida before i get lynched for not making them available

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This year I have -

• Spent 4 weeks working in South Africa – Lots of work but overall was a fun time and got to see a little bit of Cape Town and the surrounding area (though nowhere near as much as I would have liked).  Met and worked with some good people and even managed to look like a local by the end of it when I was stopped and asked for directions (until the guy heard the scottish accent and then he just laughed at having asked a tourist for directions and walked away)
• Got offered a new job role which would have meant more responsibility but also a bit of a step away from technical stuff (not completely but enough to make me think about it!).  After due consideration I accepted only to be told a few weeks later that it wasnt happening after all.  Suffice to say work generally went downhill rapidly….more on that below.
• After not having a proper (non working/non american football) holiday for around 7 years I had a relaxing and awesome week in Menorca and will be spending New Year in Florida for another weeks holiday.  By the end of 2008 i’ll have visited 3 different continents in the space of 12 months…who’da thunk it!
• Steve and Jill got married (i was there and it was awesome!), Tosh and Alannah got married (I wasnt there (pesky work)…but it was still awesome!)
• I turned 30 and officially started my slow decline into senility (some may say it had already started).
• I bought an xbox 360 in January and a Wii a few months ago to complete the console trio.  I also purchased a variety of games for each none of which i’ve actually found the time or energy to actually play to any great degree   Still it looks like i’ll have time in the new year wont I! (again see below!)
• I bought not one, but 2 new computers within 1 week of each other as my desktop packed in just after i’d spent silly money on a new shiney laptop…so i bought a shiney new desktop too…for silly money
• I quit my job (last day working was Dec 23rd but officially i’m employed till Dec 31st) after there were some issues over the holidays i had booked for new year, and am very happy about it.  The holiday issue was just the last issue in a long line of them….maybe it was just time for me to finally move on.  Ask me again in 3 weeks time when i’m fed up of watching Jeremy Kyle every morning whether i’m still happy about it
• I saved a ton of money which was supposed to be for a house but will now be used to support me while i find a new job

So onwards to 2009….have a good one everybody!