BlackLOG

Big celebrations in the BlackLOG house as our infamous chrome feet finally arrived . Not only that but they have multiplied on their travels. We ordered and paid for 7 feet (which was what we were told we would need) and 14 appeared (which is probably what we actually need). They were also fitted for us which was nice because when Mrs B ordered the feet she was told that we would have to drill and fit them ourselves. (This did not worry Mrs B as she rightly figured that this would not affect her and any drilling would fall to me). The fitters came in, put them on the sofa (not just layed them on the top of the sofa mind, they actually fitted them properly underneath) and then left without a fuss - not even taking the offered drinks. I am now waiting for the company to try and bill us for the extra feet and fitting. Good luck with that - they can deal with the BlackLOG customer diservice line.....

There is nothing like extra chrome feet to give a Sofa a lift

Photography
I was asked by my friend Ash if I would take some photos at his 50th Birthday party. Not a problem as I was always going to bring the camera.....but suddenly it's a little bit more official which suddenly puts a bit of pressure on, even if that is only self applied. It's not as if it was a paying gig or anything. I started off a bit experimental, trying out different things, but it was not working that well. By the time I got the camera setting correct, they turned the bloody lights out........Aaarrrggghhhh! I then had to break out the flash - not my favourite form of photography. A bit more experimenting later and I came to the realisation that the Beast's 70-200mm lens was not working with the flash (I'm sure it probably does but I was running out of time). I then decided to switch to the 50mm lens which would have been a lot easier decision if I had not left it at home. A frantic car journey later (no speeding tickets or near death experiences - despite my best efforts) and I returned with the 50mm lens. I hope the end results were OK for Ash. You never know if people are saying the pictures are good just to be polite.... I would also like to apologise to the first group I took pictures of - they were very patient as I subjected them to a round of experimentation which went on far too long, I should have been embarrassed but I was having too much fun...

None of you are leaving until I get this shot I want

That's right it's going to be a long night.....

Spaghetti Bolognaise
The Italians are complaining that us Brits aren't making Spag Bog properly. For starters we should not use spaghetti but tagliatelle. Just who are they trying to kid? That would be Tag Bog. Sources close to no one in particular reported that Spaghetti Bolognaise is not even an Italian invention. I have not been able to corroborate this statement but that has not stopped me printing it.

CacTus club
The Cheap as chips Tuesdays got off and running with its first outing for the year. The price has got even better at only £2.95 for any film, which probably accounts for the impressive attendance of 7memebers. The choice of film was "Up in the air", which I can highly recommend. It had me in stitches, I hope it is supposed to be a comedy, as George Clooney travelled around the states firing people while collecting loyalty points (no not for ladies products , sorry Imo).

Yes Kirsty you get credit for the best

choice of Cactus film this year ....

Mala - you can get credit as well,

when you selected a decent film....

Avatar
I finally got to see Avatar, although I ended up going on my own because everyone (including Mrs B) was either busy or not interested. Not sure that the 3D added much to the event but the film was quite good if you like watching effectively a Western with extremely tall Blue Indians. Perhaps it was filmed in a cold climate.....

Baby you can drive my car....when you pass the test that is
After 30 years' of driving in the UK, our friend Mitch struggled to pass the Canadian driving test. At his third attempt he finally got the hang of:

Drinking 1 litre of coffee for every 10 miles driven

Sounding the car horn whenever stationary for more than 3 seconds

Keeping full beam on at all times day and night

Compulsory use of cell phone during every journey

Shaking his fist at every passing pedestrian and motorist

Wearing a baseball cap back to front at all times while the vehicle is in motion

He was marked down on his third attempt for not saying "Eah!" at the end of every sentence but this was only considered a minor offence and so was let off with a light tasering, before finally being granted his Canadian driver's Licence ."Well done Mitch, we are proud of you, Eah!"

If he wants an American Driving licence he will have to add the following skill :-