Bob's Wonderful World

Why Do We Like the Things We Do?

2010-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

One of the questions I have been asking myself a while now is the one in the title of this post. I have specifically thought of it in one aspect which is music. Why do I like the music I Like? - WHY? I know what music I like, but wanted to know why and why I don't like the music I don't like.

I then thought that I could make it more broader and apply the same thoughts to everything that I like. Thinking about this poser, I came to a number of conclusions. (1) The environment that I live in Europe (England). (2) My parents in both what was passed through by heredity ie the person who I am (I also think that intelligence plays a part here too) and also the influences I gained from my parents (they passed on a number of things they liked such as music) and (3) Influences picked up from people I have associated over the years.

One type of music I don't like is World Music and in particular the music from the continent of Africa. If I had been born in Africa, would my tastes be different. I don't know obviously, but it could have been different.

Of course being an inward type person, I am not the type to be an all round person in sports and prefer to do things that are inside than outside. I have done things of an out-door nature and still would not discount doing anything of a similar nature in the future.

This post is not finished and will be changed at some point in the future, I just wanted to publish some of it to just state a point now.

The question is still W H Y ???????????

The Apprentice 2010 - Week 10.

2010-12-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

My oh my. How did Stuart manage to stay in. I reckon that Alan Sugar ha a soft spot for him because of the same way the both operated at a young age and that Alan sees so much in Stuart. Will Stuart survive the interviews next week. I doubt it, because it will be tough like previous years and his immature bull will not work on the Interviewers. Lets see

I reckon that the blond male and the blond female will get through to the final (sorry cannot remember there names right now - my memory gets worse).

2008-07-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, Bob here.

Well as promised earlier in the Blog, I have given up smoking once again. Hurrah, I hear you say.
Basically, I had no choice last week as I did not have any money, but when I did get the cash, was I tempted and the answer to that is Y E S.

I must admit, I do get the odd pang and it feels like I have lost a limb when I want a Ciggie, but I won't give in as I need to keep going for the sake of the financial situation I am in.

If I keep saving money, I may get the things I want. let's hope so.

Another Picture of my Brother (this one is with his family)

2007-07-08T15:17:00.001-07:00

I have decided to post this photograph of my brother and his family when they visited us last year. I love this picture for a number of reasons.

1) Ian is goofing around again, but he looks so funny and the glasses remind me of the old women clapping in-between the Monty Python sketches.

2) It is a good photograph of all who are in the picture because they are smiling and they are happy and

3) Just looking at it makes me smile, laugh and feel warm inside.

Who is This?

2007-07-08T06:59:00.002-07:00

Well as the title says, have a guess.

A) Wayne Coyne, the lead singer from the US band The Flaming Lips.
B) Jeremy Beadle in the eighties.
C) My brother, looking smart and wearing a stupid wig.

Thang Online Chars (click on pictures to enlarge)

2007-06-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the chars I am using in Thang at the moment. On one account I have three chars (all my mains) and on the other account I have one char (my mule). My main Kanhoa "Darshwin" is in a bit of disarray at the moment as I tend not to use him very much. My most important char is the first one I created and still the one I love the best "Palominbeaut". You will see that Palominbeaut is represented twice because the level 125 armour is not able to be increased in anyway yet as there are no refines. Hopefully Thang will do something about this soon as they also now have another company behind them from Thailand called Pinnacle.

The Apprentice 2007

2007-06-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

Well the UK version of this wonderful show came to a close last night and the winner was Simon who I thought would have long gone three or four weeks ago as at times he had been incredibly bad at some of the tasks (more about the picking of Simon later).

For those who don't live on this planet, don't have a TV or watch this show, The Apprentice is a reality based show were over twelve weeks the candidates have to compete tasks in two teams and at the end of each show one of the candidates gets fired. On the final week, one of the two remaining candidates gets hired and is given a chance to learn, grow and expand within Alan Sugar's empire.

I just love this show as it shows how people relate to each other, how they adopt various ideas and at times can be quite amusing and also quite sad. I tend to think of it as being a more intellectual version of Big Brother, but it has a more serious outcome. Some people have commented that during this series it has been more about TV reality than the twelve week interview process it claims to be, but I disagree as there has to be the entertainment element to keep people interested. How many people would watch it if it was just about business which would be so boring yawn.

The people I loved the most were Tre, Kristina, Naomi, Simon and Kristina and the villains were Katie and Rory. Tre for me was so funny without having to really try but needed to watch his temper, Rory was this snob who didn't seem to have any idea about people, how to work them and keep them motivated in any way and Katie went on the show for her own agenda which didn't seem to cross paths with what the show was about. Katie also didn't like anybody but herself and also was high on the snob ladder too.

I'm glad that Simon won and that he has been given an opportunity to spread his wings. He seems a nice person, quite personable and I am sure that he will do well and in the process gain a lot of useful business knowledge which will in turn make him a better business person. I feel somehow though that maybe there is some hidden agenda why Alan Sugar picked Simon especially as both Simon's Father and Grandfather have also both been involved in business and that they are both quite, quite rich too. Maybe Mr Sugar just had a soft spot for Simon, saw his potential and that he could fit in with the plan in mind. The only person who will know the reasons why he was chosen will obviously be Mr Sugar.

The question now is what am I going to watch in place now the Wednesday 9.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. slot on Beeb One is empty. I just hope that another series of the American version was made and that will fill the gap well. I like the American version after seeing one series of it, but find that it seems to be one big advert for Donald Trump and his organization and also due to the advertising requirements on US TV, the show only lasts each episode for about 35 to 40 minutes which I find is not long enough.

Sky Television/Cable Television

2006-07-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

People talk about Sky TV like it's sort sort of God or that's its the best thing ever going. Sure, it can be fun at times, but I find that it contains a lot of absolute rubbish.

Based on the basic package which does not include the film channels or the sports channels you have a lot of repeats from the BBC, terrible tv movies from America and a load of amateurish tosh. Sometimes there is a good film showing or a good series which ends up on domestic tv anyway.

The worst thing that i've found is when I put on a program that looks interesting, the adverts are showing. I then switch over to something else that looks interesting and the adverts are showing there too. Most of the time it seems that what you get is wall-to-wall adverts. Thats why BBC TV rules

House-sitting, Boredom and Drinking

2006-07-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

This week I am house-sitting for a mate and at the same time I am looking after the two cats. I don't mind doing the house-sitting, but it's so very quiet here and to put it bluntly I am so bored, bored, bored. There is plenty to do like watching Sky TV, watching DVD's or listening to CD's. Trouble is, I cannot be bothered to do hardly any of that as it's just not the same as being in your own house, is it. I just say thank god he has got a computer, but I still don't feel comfortable.

Because the pub I used to go drinking in is around the corner from where I am staying, I decided to pay a visit (first time in just over a year due to L.O.F. (Lack of Funds) plus being bothered about having to travel such a distance).

I had a good night and some people were pleasantly suprised to see me. I paid dearly though. When I got back it took me ten minutes to get in and when I did I promptly fell asleep on the settee. When I awoke I felt sick and took myself off to the bathroom. I ended up asleep in the bed fully clothed and awoke about 11.30 a.m. with a stinker of a headache. Why do I put myself through so much agony?

What a Strange Summer This is!

2006-06-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well summer is here, or is it. Looking out the window right now it looks downcast and when I went outside about half an hour ago it was quite cold. Maybe July will be when the heat comes on form.

The Football World Cup is on right now and England have got through to the last eight. Made a right pig's ear they did. For thirty minutes, I was up and down the edge of my seat shouting for another goal and egging them to keep possession. I don't know about professional, Gerrard and Lampard certainly weren't.

My brother and his family visited the Uk over the last ten days. I got to see him on three occasions and had a wonderful time in doing so as I also got to see my Niece. Shame they live four thousand miles away as it puts a stop to a quick visit. They have flown back today and I hope that they have a safe and comfortable journey.

Next year good weather, no visit and no world cup. A normal summer then.

Programmes I Dislike and Like on TV

2006-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well since a certain show has come back again for the seventh year running, I've decided to give a list of what I like and dislike about TV.

Dislike
--------------------------------------------------

1. Big Brother (UK version)
2. Soaps (Coronation Street, Eastenders etc )
3. Poor and cheap reality shows
4. Cheap advertisements
5. Breakfast TV shows
6. Films that have been shown a lot
7. Sport that breaks up TV schedules
8. Cheap phone-in quizzes
9. Britain's Most Boring (I mean Haunted)
10. US house shows
11. Any US reality shows that features
over the top and obnoxious presenters
12. Donald Trump's wig (Looks like Dougal out
of the Magic Roundabout sitting on his head).
Okay this last dislike is not a show and I'm sure
Mr Trump is a terribly nice guy, but every time I
see him, I just wanna laugh lol.

Like
--------------------------------------------------

1. Heartbeat
2. Most good detective or police series
3. Seinfeld
4. Six Feet Under
5. Decent films being network premiered
6. Monk (US TV series)
7. Science fiction series
8. The Apprentice (UK version)
9. UK house shows

There may be more, but I cannot think of any at the moment.

I have put Big Brother at the top of the dislike pile as it has become stale and boring and has really no interest to anybody who possess an ounce of intellect. It basically is just an excuse to make a really cheap show that is utterly drivel whilst at the same time making money from people using their telephones. I say bin it and give us something with a LOT more quality.

Here Are a Couple of Pictures Taken When I Was Younger and Had a More Sound Mind.

2006-04-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

I am the person with the specs on (age at the time 22 years young).

New Character in Thang

2006-04-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a screenshot of my New character in Thang. I have stopped using PalomineBeaut as I found my attack and defense were not strong enough. This character is more than up to the task.

Star Trek

2006-02-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

Enterprise is on tv today on Channel 4. It is the penultimate episode of the fourth series and in fact the penultimate episode of the entire series as it seems that there are to be no more. I find this quite sad in one respect, but in another way I think it is the right thing to do.

I have never been a hardcore Trekkie but have been watching the various Star Trek series on and off since 1969 and now feel that it is time to pull the plug. In a way it is disheartening for some fans, but to be brutually honest, this last series has not really been that good, just average.

R.I.P. Star Trek and people enjoy the re-runs and videos. You know in your hearts it is the right thing to do as carrying on with it is looking to the past and the series always talked about looking to the future.

Now when can I report on the penultimate episode of Coronation Street.

Thang Online

2006-02-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the reason I have not published anything on this Blog for a while (four months to be precise). I have been playing this online multi-player game known as Thang Online. It is a free game which is played over the internet and you become interactive with other people in the world who are online on the same server at the same time as you.

The basic premise of the game is that of a Hack 'n' Slash type game whereby you kill monsters and receive item drops and/or money. When you level up, you also purchase higher level clothing and weapons which can be made stronger by refining them from +0 to +9, but there is no requirement to go up to +9 as some clothing/weapons will only require refining up to +4 or +5.

There are 202 levels in the game and I am currently at level 87. My name is PalominBeaut and I am a member of the Rian Race. I am the leader of the guild known as Yellow Safron.

Levelling up can be rather slow, but that is not what the the game is fully about. Interacting by partying with others and also talking to them whilst fighting or in relax mode is just as important (fighting on your own is permitted). It is also important that a lot of your time is spent being in shop mode so your items can be purchased and you make pots of money for the items you want.

I enjoy this game on many levels and find it quite interesting talking to the other players. I have talked to Brazilian, Argentinian, Mexican, Rumanian, Spanish, English, Australian, Malaysian, Polish, American, Canadian and Indo players and probably others from other countries which have not been mentioned. There is a wide range of ages playing, most being in their teens or twenties/thirties.

One of the most important aspects of the game is that respect to other players should be given at all times. This means no cheating (hacking, scamming), no swearing, no ksing (killsteal) no racialism etc etc.

The one downside to the game I found when I started was that information on the official site was scarce and that to find most things out rooting through the forum was necessary. Noobs (new players) can ask other players for help if they require it. The Thang Online site now gives a more fuller explanation on how the game works and there are also various fan pages as well.

If you want to play they game or require further information, put Thang Online in your search engine and away you go. Enjoy the game.

Recommended specifications to play this game are shown on the official site.

Inconsiderate Car Drivers

2005-12-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

I don't actually drive myself, but I do know some of the rules relating to driving a road vehicle, I just wish some of the drivers did. They probably do, but cannot be bothered. I am mainly talking about the use of signals and the right of way between drivers and pedestrians.

When a car is turning the corner and I am attempting to cross the same road they may be turning onto, it would be most helpful that the driver used their signals. I cannot second guess if they don't and they have a choice of turning the corner or going straight across. I don't know unless they let me know. Secondly, I wish drivers would not wave me along when they have the right of way as I was almost knocked over a few weeks ago by another driver coming up on the inside lane of the road.

Drivers, please remember these points as it may save a life or two. It works both ways as pedestrians have to be considerate to car drivers and that is what I always strive to do.

All Appears to be Peaceful and Quiet Now

2005-10-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Somebody down our street has constantly been letting of fireworks most of last night and also during today. It stopped about an hour ago at about 22.00 hours. Once again, I will be glad when the nights surrounding Bonfire Night are over (the actual celebration day is 5th November). For all you people not of English origin, this day is commemorated to celebrate the anniversary of stopping Guy Fawkes and his men committing the act of blowing up the Houses of Parliament.

The shops start selling these fireworks about six weeks before Bonfire Night and I and many other people feel it is far too early. A week beforehand should be sufficient. The question is, are these fireworks that are set off too early purchased from the shops or are they of a dubious nature i.e. illegal imports. We may never know.

The thing that worries me is why the need to constantly annoy the neighbours with noise pollution from these things. That is another thing we may never know.

Smoking

2005-10-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

I am a smoker and yes I know that it is bad for me. Bad for my health and also bad on the old wallet.

I have smoked since I was fifteen which makes me a smoker for twenty eight years (not quite, as I gave up for eighteen months over nine years ago).

I have no problem with other people smoking and when I gave up I did not pester anybody as I felt I did not have the right to tell smokers what to do. Some ex smokers are the worst for preaching on the subject of giving up. Mind you, I have known non smokers really go to town on the subject and they will never understand because they do not known how difficult it is to give up the weed.

I myself actually think that smoking is a disgusting habit, especially in this day and age as there are now so few smokers. Smoking makes your clothes smell, your breath smell and it is a very unsociable habit. I sometimes feel as though I am an outcast, but this is only because of the way I feel in my mind when smoking within a public area.

When I gave up smoking, it was great. I had more money to spend on tangible goods and even had money left in the bank at the end of the month. I was able to smell nice smells but people didn't tell me that you could also smell horrible smells just as well.

It was hard at first, but I used my willpower and was able to succeed until I reached a point were I was able to cope with the cravings. The reason I started again was because I had not been in a pub for a while, but when I did venture back into the pub, I started smoking large cigars which in turn led to small cigars and you can probably guess the rest.

I want to give up again, but am finding it hard the second time around. It did help the first time when I had people I could gauge myself against, this time I don't. I also especially need to give up to encourage a relative of mine to quit as well due to their health issues.

I am writing this as I hope somehow it will give me a well needed kick up the backside and help me quite.

Wish me luck.

ps. Thanks to the person who posted a comment on my previous post about Cigarette smoking.

Cigarette Smoking

2005-10-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

I intend at some point to give my viewpoints on smoking. I smoke myself so do not think
that I am having a go at other smokers, but feel that I would like to have my say on the subject. I might write about it tomorrow, the day after or later on in the week, who knows!

Stay tuned to this blog for further details.

Strange Dreams

2005-10-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

It is very rare that I remember any of my dreams as I tend to be a heavy sleeper, but today I slept for a while longer and had one of the strangest dreams that I have ever had.

My dream was quite long, but the bit I do remember is when somebody advised me to push a burning chair down the roof entrance of the pub next to my house. This is what I did and I could hear all the screams and the shouting down below. I awoke as this was quite a nightmare, but could not stop laughing as I kept re-enacting in my mind the part when the shouting and screaming occurred. I was laughing because this part of the dream was quite absurd.

I fell back to sleep again and just before I awoke, there were two people examining the lock on my front door. I sensed that one of them was the brother of a victim of the pub fire and that he wanted revenge. Obviously, I was quite frightened.

I know it was a strange dream and quite unusual for me to carry on a dream after waking up, but in my amateur psychology mode, I suspect somewhere along the line that I am relenting against all the day to day injustices that people commit within my city. I cannot defeat them in real life, but in my dreams it is a different manner.

Communication

2005-10-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny that we have more ways to communicate with people we know than ever before and yet we actually seem to communicate less. Why?

My personal opinion is that time is short and people seem to think that they have more to do in their lives. Also we have become more insular over the recent years and more and more people are pouring over their computers rather than actively meeting people in the flesh regardless of whether they are interesting or not.

It frightens me a little that within the next twenty years computers will become more adaptable to where you will not have to leave your home at all. Depending on your circumstances, you could work at home, take school lessons at home and even now you can order almost anything you want on the internet (including food) so you do not have to leave the comfort of your abode.

Mind you, going back to communication, some people don't communicate because they cannot be bothered. That is their choice.

Bobby's Bright Blue Baseball Boots

2005-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've decided to name my new blog with the above title. You may think i'm mad or what!
There's a perfectly logical reason for this - to pay tribute to my younger brother living many, many miles away from me .

When he was younger, my brother had a friend and they were both into playing synths. Our kid said that if they was to form a group they would go by the above moniker. Good original thinking by a clever and wise teenager. Well it amused and tickled me at the time and still does.

Music

2005-10-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am a massive fan of a number of types of music and am rather pleased that I am able to have running more than one blog. I will therefore have my blog centred on a number of prog rock groups up and running when I can be bothered. I have to think of a title for this new blog. I'll be back.

Invasion on My Property

2005-10-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

I was feeling very good today but this has not lasted as my back- yard gate was open which was locked from the inside. Upon going out I found that my shed door was open and a ladder was taken out. Nothing was taken as the contents of the shed is rubbish awaiting to be disposed of.

What has really annoyed me is that these people think that they have certain rights to enter another persons property. They do not, and this shows that they have no respect for anybody.
I wouldn't dream of entering another persons property without their permission probably because I was brought up to give respect.

I know I will be feeling better later on today as I do not bear any malice but just do not like the feeling of being walked over.

What's This, a Picture of Me?

2005-10-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

What Shall I Write About?

2005-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking what to write about and the thought crossed my mind that will I act the like the typical Aquarian that I am and soon get bored of this and move onto something that will be new and exciting. Well, for a short while anyway.

I feel quite calm at this moment in time. It probably helps that I am going out tonight - yippee!!!

The above sentence may make me appear to be miserable. I can assure you that I am not. I tend to have a very happy go lucky nature and get along with almost everybody I meet. I was going to say that I don't have any enemies, but to use the word enemies is a little strong. I do tend to think that there are some people in this world that are not of the same nature as myself and therefore our paths do not have to be intertwined and leave it at that.

I do have moments when I feel a little fed up. Who wouldn't if they were in the same unemployment situation as I am. The one thing is though, I am able to bounce back as I know that there a better moments around the corner. I would also like to point out that the little amount of family I have left and the few real friends that I have help enormously. You know who you are!

Cherrio.

First Posting

2005-10-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

Well, Hello. This is my first ever, ever blog and I thought that I would like to comment about what is happening in my world and what my thoughts and feeling are at the moment I wrote.

Please bear with my grammar as I am not always quite adept at putting my thoughts into words. I tend to be a little ham-fisted and find that when I read things back they can be quite stilted. Spelling is generally quite fine.

Anyway, I hope there is somebody out there that gets to read this and provide comments when required.