Author Archives: garymoore

Flamin’ Groovies

Before a few months ago, I’d never heard of the Flamin’ Groovies, even though they’ve been around since I was four years old before I was born.

They’ve often been described as the best band you’ve never heard of. I saw them last night for the first, and probably last, time, but had been listening to their stuff in the weeks leading up to the gig. They’re definitely worth checking out.

They were actually minus their front man, due to his being hospitalised following a head injury, so I didn’t see them at their best. However, opening with Shake Some Action, they set the scene for a great night. And it was.

Nabaztag

I have a couple of redundant Nabaztag-tags, the second version of An early Internet of Things device, from the mid-2000s.

They look something like this.

The manufacturer went bust several years ago, resulting in the internet-reliant rabbits’ silence. There were a few attempts to resurrect the devices across the world; there’s an existing one which uses a Raspberry Pi as a replacement internet server. It works pretty well and I used it for a year or so. Until the Raspberry Pi I was using at the time exploded (a faulty power supply, which also killed the TV).

I’ve intended trying this again, but haven’t had the time to set it up (it’s a bit of a faff).

However, there’s a new crowdfunding project which removes the need for a separate Raspberry Pi. Instead, the original motherboard is replaced, with the addition of a Raspberry Pi Zero. Both new boards are contained within the body of the rabbit.

The ‘rabbit’ on the right, below, has the new board.

I know that technology has advanced a lot in the last dozen years, but they’re still cool, albeit outdated, devices. So, I couldn’t resist.

One way

It seems that we’ve lost contact with God.

This has happened because the beginning of life was a long time ago and our sins are now coming between us and God.

Although we’ve been trying to build many kinds of bridges to re-establish contact with God, this hasn’t worked. I’m not exactly sure why we’ve been unable to bridge our sins, but it appears that we simply need to affirm our trust in Jesus Christ.

Should we fail to do this, we will be without Christ and will go to Hell. However, affirming our trust in, and obedience to, Jesus, will enable our entry into Heaven.

All Points East

We were really impressed with All Points East festival yesterday. I’d some reservations about a city, non-camping festival, but the day was well organised, with a nice atmosphere.

Notable moments included:

Jarvis Cocker’s cunts are still running the World.

The Raconteurs, who were just amazing.

Interpol, one of my main reasons for the trip into London.

And, while we’d drifted towards the back, to catch-up with some people, the Strokes sounded great.

I’ll definitely watch out for next year’s line-up.

White paint

While half watching something on Netflix, I noticed an issue of historical accuracy. In a Western documentary -drama, Ulysses S. Grant’s office was very white. As in white gloss paint.

There’s a problem in that, while the year was stated as 1866, (bright) white paint wasn’t invented until the 20th Century; specifically 1921.

If someone’s going to do something, they should do it properly.

Work

While I had some really good jobs as a Civil Servant, I don’t regret leaving this place.

Also, despite enjoying my last role, I don’t miss my nearly twelve hour days spent here.

Or being the last person to leave the office.

Gas

I haven’t felt very well the past couple of days. I mislaid an inhaler the other day, so I had to resort to an almost dead device.

Which didn’t work very well, leaving me struggling a little.

But, in my local, I was able to acquire a new inhaler. OK, so it’s of the stubby variety, but it worked straight away.

And, for the first time in a couple of days, I can breath normally again.

Relaxed now.

Subway

So the Subway franchise has released a vegan patty. That’s obviously a good thing from my perspective. But, perhaps more important is the associated advertising campaign.

To see advertising for a vegan product on the sides of buses and posters at bus stops is a pretty huge step, unimaginable just a couple of years ago.

No doubt, this move has been influenced by the success of the Greggs’ vegan sausage roll and Subway will be hoping to see the increased turnover experienced by that company.

Still, whatever the motives, it’s a good thing for vegans.

And they’re quite nice too.