Steve and I went and had a studio photography session today, just for fun and to get out of it some nice pictures of each other.
We did it with a very nice guy called Grant, who was very professional, definitely put us at ease and we had a really fun time.
Give us a little bit and there'll be some nice photos as well...!
During the course of our photography session today, it transpired that we've been living just around the corner (literally) from a rather famous gay brothel, packed to the gunwales of pretty and not so pretty boyz.
A rather strange frozen water feature outside the Marriott in Kensington:
Clicky for bigger...
A couple more pictures here.
I currently have a great dirth of things to talk about, so I figured I'd pick on students and in particular student finance.
Having been a student at university for four years and run up a huge debt I have a lot of sympathy for the current batch, no really, I do! I still have friends who are impoverished or even about to let themselves in for impovereshment, so please don't have a moan at me for that.
The problem is this - there isn't enough money to fund Universities and the increased number of students the government wants to push through them. There is a simple solution to this: DON'T SEND 100% OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO UNIVERSITY.
This isn't because I'm being snobbish, but because it makes sense:
- Not all young people need to go to University, it just doesn't suit all people, nor does the style of rigid academic learning.
- A levels are being devalued, they are getting easier - you now need a degree just to get "good" job.
- Going to University doesn't actually guarantee you a better job, it's useful if you want a career in academia but not much else.
Make GCSEs and A levels actually worth something, make alternative vocational education available to those for whom University style education is/does not suit and encourage those who truly are bright to do whatever they want irrespective of their background.
End rant.
We're back all safe and sound from Poland. Although it snowed a bit, it was starting to thaw so it was mainly covered in a grey slush. If you're thinking of paying a visit, I'd wait until summer if I were you.
It was nice to see the family again in their lovely new house, the dog is looking pretty spritely for a 13 year old and I managed to break their computer (it was already on its last legs so technically not my fault) but reconstruct a new one.
Krakóˇ ˇas nice, the salt mine tour did go on for hours, although the tour guide was as mad as a box of otters which provided some entertainment. But then, he does come from the same group of people that carved out a massive underground cathedral from salt, so it's not entirely surprising.
Oh, I think I promised you pictures of us looking cold. Best I can do:
Alex | Steve
We're off to the rather picturest and pleasant town of Krakow next week.
Expect plenty of pictures of us looking very cold, the Pope's old church and the insides of a salt mine.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the clubbing to death of a Catholic who went around marrying people (wierdo), let us take a moment out from being bitter and twisted.
February the 14th is also our (Steve and I) anniversary - 5 years ago today our eyes met across a cup of coffee - awwww. For those that follow such things, you should all be sending us presents of wood or silverware; depending on whether you're following the traditional or modern versions.
The wood thing is somewhat ironic given Steve's current employment, so as long as it's not formica (don't ask - there's a history of stalkers involving it) then send it along. Having said that, we could do with some more knives and forks...
...always locate your glasses before removing contact lenses to avoid fruitless hours of searching.
That is all.
There's an article on the BBC today about how impoverished young people can't afford to buy condoms and so have resorted to using cling film and even crisp packets as a last resort.
I feel salt & vinegar crisp packets should now come with a warning printed on them although I would have thought the combination of the chafing and the vinegar would make for an unpleasant time. Gives a whole new meaning to "ribbed for extra pleasure". Eugh.
As part of my civic duty, they should be reminded that condoms are available gratis from GPs and sexual health clinics, but then I guess as the article points out if they can't even afford a bus fare, that's probably out of the question. Perhaps if they spent less money on crack then it wouldn't be such a problem. Ah well, the youff of today, tomorrow's dole scum...
Had a fantastic evening out last night with Steve & R (Belle de Jour-esque naming I'm afraid!) - but I spent most of it on all fours and behaving like a puppy! As well as having a collar to which was attached a lead for each of my wonderful trainers, I was drinking beer out of a dog bowl, chasing toys, playing with other puppies... things puppies do really!
I'm sure this doesn't help in portraying me as any less of a pervert, but then I don't think anyone who really knows me thinks otherwise.
A pretty good night all in all - do pay a visit won't you... *wags*
Really, can't they think of anything better to design, like a razor that is actually able to cut through the titanium alloy like stubble that grows on my face?