Monday, 30 November 2015
Bloggers Blog Party - October 2015
A new selection of pictures for October 2015's Secret Life of Bloggers Blog Party post:
Sunday 4th October: This was the afternoon when I made a quick trip to Hucknall and back. This is one of the bays at the Victoria Centre bus station.
Friday 9th October: A morning filled with shining clouds occurred on this day.
Also on this day, the class learnt about plagiarism, although most people in the class were already familiar with the concept and that engaging in it is a bad idea.
Sunday 11 October: This is a rear-facing seat on a Calverton Connection bus. I'm not a fan of rear-facing seats and only sit in them if there are no other seats available on a bus.
Tuesday 13th October: The London skyline, taken during the class trip to the capital. The London Eye is on the left, 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin) is in the distant middle and the Shard is on the centre-right.
Thursday 15th October: Something I photographed and posted here before: The Rushcliffe Civic Centre, taken in the late evening.
Saturday 17th October: This is a street in the town of Kimberley, which is near to the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border. Within minutes of my taking this photograph, the clouds darkened the landscape for the rest of the afternoon.
Monday 19th October: Chocolate foods from the college canteen! A couple of my classmates asked if I had purchased enough chocolate treats.
Friday 23rd October: I don't usually photograph garbage but I made an exception in this case because it looked like Michigan, which is, to be fair, an insult to Michigan given that the state is not garbage.
Thursday 29th October: Mum cooked an "early birthday dinner" for me during the half-term break, given that she and my brother would not be with me on my actual birthday.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Party and reunion
What was intended as both a re-union of students from my first college course and a gathering for my English teacher this afternoon morphed into a celebration of my birthday. My classmates and teachers had gifts, cards and even a homemade cake for me, none of which I expected but all of which I deeply appreciated, nevertheless. I enjoyed a lovely time with my classmates, former and present, and everyone else enjoyed the occasion, too. I could not have asked for a better party.
This was the meal I ordered: An "All-American Burger", which consisted of cheese, pulled pork and a burger patty between a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Delicious!
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Deep science knowledge
Last night, I was linked to the following video:
In the video, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show three-year-old Brielle showcases her knowledge of the periodic table, as well as what she knows about US Presidents and foreign countries. Her recollection, understanding and way of explaining is impressive for someone of her age.
Future scientist? I certainly hope so.
In the video, on The Ellen DeGeneres Show three-year-old Brielle showcases her knowledge of the periodic table, as well as what she knows about US Presidents and foreign countries. Her recollection, understanding and way of explaining is impressive for someone of her age.
Future scientist? I certainly hope so.
Friday, 27 November 2015
"Better Together" - Jack Johnson (x3)
Back in the summer, I stumbled upon the "Jondai remix" of Jack Johnson's "Better Together":
I love this song. As bizarre as it sounds, I associate the "Jondai remix" with my bus trip to Mansfield back in September; that journey was the first time I recall listening to the track through my earbuds and now when I listen to it I think of that adventure.
I like two other versions of "Better Together":
This is the "Hawaiian Version". It's the shortest of three I've linked to here and, as indicated by the name, it has a light Hawaiian feel to it. Finally...
...in this link is the original. I thought this version would be the sort of music my grandfather would enjoy; when he listened to it, he indeed liked it and thanked me for recommending it to him. He thought it was gentle and relaxing.
As for Jack Johnson himself, while "Better Together" is the only song of his that I recall hearing, from what I have read much of his music is acoustic and soft rock. "Better Together" comes from his third album, In Between Dreams. Johnson has been active in the music industry since at least 1999.
I love this song. As bizarre as it sounds, I associate the "Jondai remix" with my bus trip to Mansfield back in September; that journey was the first time I recall listening to the track through my earbuds and now when I listen to it I think of that adventure.
I like two other versions of "Better Together":
This is the "Hawaiian Version". It's the shortest of three I've linked to here and, as indicated by the name, it has a light Hawaiian feel to it. Finally...
...in this link is the original. I thought this version would be the sort of music my grandfather would enjoy; when he listened to it, he indeed liked it and thanked me for recommending it to him. He thought it was gentle and relaxing.
As for Jack Johnson himself, while "Better Together" is the only song of his that I recall hearing, from what I have read much of his music is acoustic and soft rock. "Better Together" comes from his third album, In Between Dreams. Johnson has been active in the music industry since at least 1999.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Thanksgiving 2015
I spent my Thanksgiving in the college library working and talking to classmates/friends, followed by talking to friends in the college canteen. Thanksgiving isn't celebrated here but I still follow it; I am thankful for my supportive friends, awesome college and fantastic family.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
The charity night lady
Back in February, my class held a charity night as a part of our Employability subject. I spent the day at my college itself, even though I didn't have to. On the way back home from college that evening to change before heading out to my event, I sat next to a lady on the bus whom I spoke to as we travelled down a narrow part of the route, which was made narrower when the bus had to squeeze between two cars. We spoke again when I was unsure at which stop I was to depart, as I had taken a slightly different route to the one I usually took at the time; she advised me where I'd be able to leave.
My contact with her for much of the year has been sparse but I've seen her much more since September, mainly because we frequently ride the 4:45 bus together thanks to the bus route changes. In the past couple of weeks, we have talked a little but this evening, we talked from where our route began to where I had to depart, which meant that we were talking for over half an hour. We then exchanged names at the end and mutually felt good for chatting.
I would like to think that I have made a new friend. People on the bus have occasionally spoken to me but she's one of a handful of people I've had a conversation with that's lasted the whole route and one of a smaller group with whom I've had in-depth discussions while travelling. There is a running joke between us about half the ceiling lights on the bus turning off for no reason down the same narrow route where the cars were.
My contact with her for much of the year has been sparse but I've seen her much more since September, mainly because we frequently ride the 4:45 bus together thanks to the bus route changes. In the past couple of weeks, we have talked a little but this evening, we talked from where our route began to where I had to depart, which meant that we were talking for over half an hour. We then exchanged names at the end and mutually felt good for chatting.
I would like to think that I have made a new friend. People on the bus have occasionally spoken to me but she's one of a handful of people I've had a conversation with that's lasted the whole route and one of a smaller group with whom I've had in-depth discussions while travelling. There is a running joke between us about half the ceiling lights on the bus turning off for no reason down the same narrow route where the cars were.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
"It's My Party" - Lesley Gore
This song or rather, the line "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to", recently crossed my mind:
"It's My Party" by Lesley Gore was released in 1963 and is from Gore's debut album, I'll Cry If I Want To. Numerous artists have performed the song but Gore's is the most known of them all. I'm not familiar with much of her work outside "It's My Party", even though I have known of Gore since at least 2007.
Gore died this year in February at the age of 68. She released her final studio album, Ever Since, in 2005.
"It's My Party" by Lesley Gore was released in 1963 and is from Gore's debut album, I'll Cry If I Want To. Numerous artists have performed the song but Gore's is the most known of them all. I'm not familiar with much of her work outside "It's My Party", even though I have known of Gore since at least 2007.
Gore died this year in February at the age of 68. She released her final studio album, Ever Since, in 2005.
Monday, 23 November 2015
Rick Astley in the Old Market Square
Rick Astley was in the Old Market Square this evening:
Well, actually, he really wasn't but a holiday remix of his most famous hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up", was playing. It was almost a Rickroll in progress!
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Farewell, Ruddington Connection
Back in September, I visited Ruddington, a village to the southwest of Nottingham. The bus route I used to travel there was the Ruddington Connection; unfortunately, that bus route came to its end today.
Trentbarton cites the expansion of tramlines for the loss of passengers on board the Ruddington Connection. It's a shame, as the "Ruddy" line was a pretty route on which to travel.
Farewell, Ruddington Connection.
Farewell, Ruddington Connection.
Saturday, 21 November 2015
Liveland History: 21st November 2012
Three years ago, I wrote a post called "Politics and friendship":
The inspiration behind the post came from when I read the comments of someone who was enraged that President Barack Obama had been re-elected. Rather than follow in the footsteps of Kid Rock with his good sportsmanship, this person chose to lash out at everyone, most specifically, friends who disagreed with them. I think the post from three years ago holds true now, especially given how politics seems to divide people more than ever.
(I should note, however, that the post referred to mere difference of opinion - I certainly wasn't suggesting that people shouldn't unfriend obvious hateful bigots.)
The inspiration behind the post came from when I read the comments of someone who was enraged that President Barack Obama had been re-elected. Rather than follow in the footsteps of Kid Rock with his good sportsmanship, this person chose to lash out at everyone, most specifically, friends who disagreed with them. I think the post from three years ago holds true now, especially given how politics seems to divide people more than ever.
(I should note, however, that the post referred to mere difference of opinion - I certainly wasn't suggesting that people shouldn't unfriend obvious hateful bigots.)
Friday, 20 November 2015
On-and-off at the weekend
My East of England relatives are here for the weekend, although they were will be here on-and-off because they will be visiting some of their other relatives. I, meanwhile, will be completing a History assignment that I need to hand in by Monday morning. I have quite a bit of work to do but I will have it done on time.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Rep meeting
I mentioned awhile ago that I am the Class Rep for my college course this year. Well, the other day I attended my first rep meeting of the course. I think the meeting went well - there were at least ten other reps there, one of whom was somebody I've observed often around the college, and I plenty to contribute to the forum, which consisted of points raised by my class and a well-put of how to describe the role of Class Rep when the organiser asked what we understood about the position. I enjoyed the meeting and I thought I handled myself well there. I look forward to the next rep forum.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Lara Croft Way
This road name in Derby exists:
Here is the history behind the name:
When I saw Lara Croft Way appear on the map on my phone I had to investigate. I think it's great that a public vote to name a new road was respected and the name the public chose was something non-traditional yet fitting.
When I saw Lara Croft Way appear on the map on my phone I had to investigate. I think it's great that a public vote to name a new road was respected and the name the public chose was something non-traditional yet fitting.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Red Arrow route review
So, just prior to last month's half-term break I encountered the unveiling of Trentbarton's improved Red Arrow bus fleet. I noted in my post from then that I had yet to travel on a Red Arrow; well, I have since rectified that problem.
The first thing I noticed when I boarded one of the new Red Arrows was the presence of a "new car" smell. Prior to stepping on board I had never experienced such a smell on a bus before; while I'm not particularly enamoured with the scent of a new vehicle, I nonetheless found it impressive on a bus. Secondly, I noticed air-conditioning. On the other bus routes I'm used to having the windows open for cool air, including on the routes that are significantly longer than Red Arrow.
As for the seats, I found them to be comfortable. They were firm but gave just the right amount of give for a comfy ride. In addition, they were equipped with belts, which I think is excellent, as I think seat belts on buses is a great idea, especially since buses frequently come to sudden halts or sharp turns. However, despite the notification advising passengers to wear the seat belts, I appeared to be the only one who heeded the advice.
With regards to the journey itself, it was a stable ride with no obvious bumps. The Red Arrows are a fast route between Nottingham and Derby, so the Queen's Medical Centre is the final stop within Nottingham; after that, the remainder of the route is non-stop to Derby's bus station. The journey took a little over half an hour, although that time can vary depending on traffic.
Overall, I found Red Arrow to be a worthy route and I was beyond satisfied with my ride. For anyone seeking a fast and comfortable bus journey between Nottingham and Derby, Red Arrow is my recommendation and choice.
As for the seats, I found them to be comfortable. They were firm but gave just the right amount of give for a comfy ride. In addition, they were equipped with belts, which I think is excellent, as I think seat belts on buses is a great idea, especially since buses frequently come to sudden halts or sharp turns. However, despite the notification advising passengers to wear the seat belts, I appeared to be the only one who heeded the advice.
With regards to the journey itself, it was a stable ride with no obvious bumps. The Red Arrows are a fast route between Nottingham and Derby, so the Queen's Medical Centre is the final stop within Nottingham; after that, the remainder of the route is non-stop to Derby's bus station. The journey took a little over half an hour, although that time can vary depending on traffic.
Monday, 16 November 2015
The upcoming review
Do you remember the Red Arrow buses from last month? Well, I have since ridden the route and tomorrow I shall be writing a review on the Red Arrows. I'm looking forward to writing it - I was going to write it tonight but I had some other tasks to finish first.
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