BT SurfTime/Surf Together review -

"Now, the CONS.

• Surftime setup is very confusing. There are about 4-5 different packages all called Surftime. For instance, there's BT Surftime with BT Internet. Then there's just BT Surftime. THen there's BT Surftime Credit Card....
• Connection speeds have dramatically dropped - Before this stupid Surftime range was introduced I used to get 50kbps on my internal 56k modem. Ever since the change, I can't get above 36kbps... I had to go get an external modem to speed things up - and I still only get 45kbps!!
• Service is very bad.. I've made several enquiries to their help desk - only one reply, which still didnt answer my question.
• Connections are harder to achieve now.
• Connections, once obtained, are harder to maintain - keep on going dead.
• It is a stunning coincidence that the unmetered number is always faulty...not once has the daytime pay-as-you-go number failed.. the connection is significantly faster too.

To conclude- I would steer clear of this service, unless you have LOTS of patience."

Clearly, it ain't good. I hate BT, such good advertising, such crap service and reality. Think of the WAP data surfer adverts. Remember the tonnes of data the blue computer generated surfer, surfed through?

Out of WAP?

Now, they're overselling the amount of content that's available to ordinary punters with the new TV ads for broadband, with the dragon that needs to, "get back in the pipe!"

Great to have broadband if you're an experienced net-head, but scary and confusing to light users who are still agog :-O at the size of the web, let alone the other net (broadband) applications.

Europemedia.net: News - XBox Live to go online in March

"XBox Live, the online gaming service from Microsoft, will go live across Europe on March 14, 2003, following an open trial from the beginning of November.

The service will allow broadband-connected XBox owners to play against each other via the internet."

First, she asked, if it was indeed a poo poo. Clearly, it was.

Then she asked, how it happened. "Did he pull a face like this?" And strains her face.

Yes, indeed it is a poo poo she declared.

And was duly impressed and pleased. She congratulated Bradley by poking him in the side and twisting, "well done, Bradley." She said in admiration. Bradley was pleased and coy about it.

Bradley deflected back to the source of the excitement, the poo poo itself.

Then, something amazing happened. Bradley, while sitting on the toilet tightened his stomach, and wiggled off the mini seat. Poo Poo!" I looked puzzled. "Wee wee," points, "poo poo!"

Sure enough, he'd done a poo poo. We both looked, confirmed it was indeed, "poo poo." Just as Esme was climbing the stairs. Excitedly I said to come see. Bradley was standing by the toilet, arm outstretched, beckoning Esme, "poo poo!"

Of course we too become involved. Bradley was the first, but he soon was bored of being a model. All the attention's on the photographer, isn't it? So he disappeared for a few minutes to fetch a train.

Then, I was tempted to join.

Then her dollies. We had lots of pictures of her dollies, once we had them arranged correctly. And that she had them all. "Some of this dolly, this teddy, this baby."

Esme has become a photographer. First she took a picture of her dancing shoe. Then, "oo, my bag."

It all started quite innocently. Esme and Bradley were sitting in front of the teletubbies, eating their KFC. Bradley, taking his time, till it was quite cold.

Iran starts to see benefit of deal with the devil

"They want to see the back of Saddam Hussein"

 

"Iran's crossover to the American side against Iraq does not detract an iota from its sponsorship of the Hizballah's war against Israel or the Lebanese government's plan for plugging an important source of Israel's water supply with the Wazzani River diversion project. This gives Tehran a chance to pull off a double: If the Lebanese get away with this project under Iranian protection, while at the same time the Iranian-American military collaboration in Iraq is successful, Iran's standing in the Persian Gulf and Middle East will be much enhanced. At the same time Tehran will not be required to abandon its ingrained animosity to Israel." Reports Debka file.

BBC: US moderates eclipsed on Iraq

"President George W Bush could blame the UN for failing to act, then go it alone."

Turkish Police Seize Weapons-Grade Uranium

This was also reported by Debka: "28 September: The mysterious tip-off that led Turkish paramilitary police to the taxi cab, transporting 33 lbs of enriched uranium in a lead container hidden under a seat, came from the joint US-Russian undercover team that has for five weeks been tracking Iraqi operatives who were sent by the Iraqi ruler to hunt for the essential ingredient in the manufacture of nuclear weapons."

"Police in Istanbul seized more than 2.2 pounds of weapons-grade uranium last November that had been smuggled into Turkey from an east European nation."

"They did not take the information too seriously at first. But then came further reports that 15 Iraqi agents had split up into three groups, two covering Kazakhstan and the Ukraine and the third, Belarus."

"There is little doubt that the Turkish smugglers who had been promised $5 million for the uranium were on their way to the Syrian or Iraqi borders to hand it over to their Iraqi clients."

"Despite the US-Russian success in tracking down one shipment of enriched uranium sufficient for the fabrication of several small bombs, there is no knowing for certain if previous consignments have not got through to destination and were already being processed"

 

This has been going on for years. Of course he has some already, he just wants more.

Todd. Our little baby, we look after him ";->"

Some nice ones in the kitchen.
More zoo pix from the weekend before.
As Bradley says, "elum! Oooo!"

I couldn't believe how old she looked in this outfit. She really, really liked this nurses costume, and the doctor's trolley.

I took a few shots then Bradley shrugged, as if to say, what do you want me to do - nevermind, I'll ignore you.

Pity we couldn't take many pictures, the room was too dark, and there's no flash on the camera. Here the two are waving to the camera. Esme started and, of course, Bradley copied Esme.

Esme's birthday started at 7:30am. They both came into our room. I was still half asleep, but Amanda rushed down stairs to get the camera so that she could capture Esme's face as she walked into the room. She'd spent ages planning this moment: presents, wrapping presents, balloons, laying out balloons and presents.

U.S. Consults Industry Over Iraq Offensive

"The Bush administration has been consulting major U.S. defense firms over the feasibility of a military campaign to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

U.S. officials said President George Bush has decided to eliminate the Saddam regime in an attack that could comprise five divisions, or 200,000 soldiers. But he has not concluded either a date or specific war plan."

BBC: Washington's next diplomatic steps on Iraq

"He hinted in his speech that he still sought regime change in Iraq, referring to UN-supervised elections at some stage.

Other governments, though, are choosing to concentrate on the issue in hand.

British foreign secretary Jack Straw told the BBC that the focus now was on the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's regime."

 

They'd better pull their finger out and get in there - fast. No more pissing about.

scotsman.com: Saddam’s allies begin to desert

"Jordan, the Arab kingdom seen as one of the most influential opponents of the war, has confirmed that it would not stand in the way of the US if it does decide to attack Iraq.

Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, has also made clear that he may also come round if the US does not object to his repressing rebels in Georgia, and guarantees the £6 billion his country is owed by Iraq."

Four deals in one day, could have got more points out of it though. Next time, eh?

Such a nice change to the office in general, having such an attractive young woman about. And she's good.

But just over the way is what seems like a nice area. Except that the first day there stones were thrown from a roof. One hit me on the head - a little bump on my scalp. Not so bad as I listen to others' stories.

He's a cute, laid back kid. He was eating his lollipop, dawdling, as usual behind. As we walked up the steep rise near the elephants, Esme was way out in front, as usual, I turned to see a couple on the bridge smiling at him. I went back and picked him up like an armchair, carrying him in front. The man said, "my girlfriend wants to kiss your baby." I poked him to her and she did, pulled back to see Bradley's expression - confusion and warmth. "I think he thought it was OK." We laughed, Bradley kept an eye on the woman.

I asked her for a picture in front of the giraffes, but she said, "no Day by the pretend one, and because I continued to get the giraffes in frame and call her over, she almost lost it, but we both recovered well, and only a quick near tear was spilt. It was because she couldn't get the words out to explain to me properly.

Anyway, we managed to get things more clear, and took these pix, then went outside only for me to realize that there was a pretend giraffe. We had our photos took last time we were there. Must get them developed ";->"

She loves having her photo took. Soon, she'll have her own camera. Maybe for Christmas.

Esme told me there was a pretend giraffe outside, but I just carried on over her, ignoring her. She wanted to save the remaining pictures I had left for these poses.

Ah! The pretend giraffe. Sometimes, I kick myself. She's a clever little chick is our Esme. She wants to be able to do much more and I wish I could do much more for her.

There was a bit of a queue to get on the elephant on the way home. Near the end of a busy day at the zoo. I was knackered by now. These two had the fun of the double pushchair. Bradley hid in there a few times. At the orang-utangs and the chips, curiously. He wasn't much into monkeys.

Syria Times: first Tlass confers with British team

"Deputy Commander in Chief of the Army and Armed Forces, Deputy Prime Minister and

Deputy Commander in Chief of the Army and Armed Forces, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister First Lt. General Mustafa Tlass on Monday received Deputy Chief of Staff of the British Army, Marshal of the British air force David Hurbert and the accompanying delegation.

Talks dealt with the situation in the Arab and international arenas, the latest developments in occupied Palestine, and the Palestinian peopleÕs suffering as a result of the Israeli racial policy.

Talks also dealt with SyriaÕs effective role in the region, and her firm stance on the UN resolutions and the current international causes.

The two sides also discussed ways of developing relations between the armed forces of Syria and Britian "

 

This from a newspaper site who's views are certainly against the forthcoming war and against the US and Blair. I wonder what went on in these meetings. I'm guessing the UK went for airspace rights. In Syria of all places.

Graham. A chef and such a nice man. A gentleman and prince.

Plugging a telephone line into the Sky digi box

"If you connect the phone by an extension only when you type the PIN in to watch a PPV event the order is not actually sent to Sky at that point. All that happens is the digibox checks the phone is connected (dial or busy tone) then allows you to watch the event and stores that you have watched it. At periodic dates the box calls Sky and tells them what PPV events you have watched.

So by connecting it to a phone extension temporarily you can watch PPV, but wonât know about it. After you have watched a certain amount (c£30-50 on average) the box will refuse to allow you to view any more PPV until it has called Sky to report what you have watched."

 

And little fingers like to play the games at 50p per minute!!! Eek!

Sky One Extra to launch as subs prices rise

"Sky One Extra to launch as subs prices rise Sky is to launch a new general entertainment TV channel from January next year - and hike up the cost of subscriptions at the same time. The station, likely to be called Sky One Extra, is to be included in the basic Sky Digital package, and looks likely to coincide with a £1-a-month price rise for subscribers. The subscription price hike will boost Sky's coffers by around £75m per year."

Digital Spy Forums - Lib 1.2 version 2

" Liberate 1.2 version 2

Roll out will begin 16th September and go on for three weeks.

Letters will be sent to customers mid-September apologising for any technical problems caused by the recent upgrade and explaining that we are planning further improvements between 16/9/02 & 4/10/02.

Main differences are size, colour and reminder settings."

Telewest 'not planning more job cuts'

"About a third of Telewest's top 60 managers have been offered redundancy terms"

Sky One on Ess+ or Ess?

"The Telewest website also now shows it available in Essential Plus and above, which is different to what they had up last week."

 

Well, it seemed a good idea, but as it says later in the thread, what would be left in essential Plus if Sky One moved down? Not a lot. So no need for that pack.

1,000 jobs under threat at Telewest

"Executives expect the jobs to be shed gradually over the next 12-15 months"

 

The story's everywhere.

Telewest Makes More Cuts

"A source familiar with the company said another 1,000 jobs could go by the end of next year, reducing the work force to about 8,000.

Asked about this, managing director Charles Burdick said: "There are no specific cuts planned. (But) through attrition, working smarter, focusing on costs ... we will have a smaller workforce next year.""

Asia leads the way in broadband growth

"Over 26 million homes and businesses around the world now have high-speed DSL Internet connections, but Britain doesn't even make the top 20 countries.

 

There are thought to be around 850,000 broadband end-users in Britain, and according to latest figures up to 20,000 new customers are signing up each week."

 

Still BT's fault. They could have brought in broadband much earlier. But they decided to cream the dial up market while they could. Putting the UK plc below the quest for profits. Please dontt think of BT being British Telecom. They are the Big Thief!

BBC: Why Arabs fear Iraq attack

"Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf monarchies are nervous about the threat posed by Saddam; they might be more nervous about the idea of Iraq as a beacon for Arab democracy. "

 

The same fear the British had in 1799 and the French revolution, and everywhere else with the Russian revolution. The House of Saud are fearful that they may be killed. They know that their reign is oppressive and they are making no effort to move to a more democratic government, which the British were doing, slowly for sure at the time of the French and Russian revolutions. If the Saudis would only listen to the winds of change, they too would be less fearful.

Scuts can be good and bad. Here, this whole block is scheduled for demolition. Half the flats are empty. To me, if the area was just cleaned up a little it would be a good place to live. Certainly the few people I've met who live there are fine, cheery people. Though admittedly, under 30, well under 30.

The big board. every day we add our scores. Everyday, everybody in the checks to see who's where in the race to be beast rep.

Top left Sharna. Moody? Thoughtful? Nah! Just acting coy while I took a picture.

Dangerous geeza! Nonchalent Nick breathes fire.

Bottom left The big board and Cathi, ducking out of a photo opportunity - again. Meanwhile, guess what? Bobbie chuckles about micro digital cameras.

Iraq’s ‘drones of death’

"UP TO A DOZEN of the unmanned airplanes were spotted inside the hangar, each fitted with spray nozzles and wing-mounted tanks that could carry up to 80 gallons of liquid anthrax. If flown at low altitudes under the right conditions, a single drone could unleash a toxic cloud engulfing several city blocks, a top British defense official concluded. He dubbed them "

Natural attrition

Telewest has denied a newspaper report that it is to slash a further 1,000 jobs amid further restructuring at the hard-up cableco.

This is a girl, single mother, who wasn't even on my list. "Do you want me to do you anyway?" Says I. "Oo! Hasn't he a way with words," says her friend.

Clayton and the mouthwatering Cathi.

Sharna or Chick to her mates, surely.

Clayton and DJ or Dave Jones in the background.

Andy Woodcock

My boss. Such a lovely man.

Of course, a better one came out a few weeks ago.

He sits quietly in the back. I know I should have the car seat, but it's in the other car, and it's only a short trip to the big park, that's where we've been for the past two Saturdays. "One more." Says Bradley, over and over.

He loves playing with the keys, "door, keys; door, keys."

Aunty Alison came over too. She wasn't happy about me taking a photo.