http://www.markbeal.co.uk MLUE - By Mark Beal en-us http://www.markbeal.co.uk/rss/mark.jpg http://www.markbeal.co.uk 60 79 http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ A rather belated Happy Christmas to those that may drop by. I had a lovely Christmas day at my Aunt and Uncles. Great nosh up and good company was the order of the day. Laying low this Boxing Day, doing a bit of work on my Dad's computer and watching telly mostly.I'm looking forward to starting a new role in the New Year as a permanent member of staff at Epicentre as a Technical Tester. It will make a big difference to my life to have the security of a permanent job and regular income; I've worked hard to achieve this in the past year. Here's a simple little poem by Edward Thomas that I've loved the past twenty years or so: Tall Nettles Tall nettles cover up, as they have done These many springs, the rusty harrow, the plough Long worn out, and the roller made of stone: Only the elm butt tops the nettles now. This corner of the farmyard I like most: As well as any bloom upon a flower I like the dust on the nettles, never lost Except to prove the sweetness of a shower. http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ Well, it's been nearly a week now and the CAPTCHA has stopped all the comment spam I have been getting (it had been up to 50 a day and I get emails each time a comment has been posted). So I am a really happy bunny and I am chuffed that I got the code working and integrated into the site.Funny weather here at the moment, it doesn't know whether to rain or shine be cold or mild, in some ways I wish it would just get on with it and be Winter! At least I would know which coat to wear! http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ I've hopefully solved the problem of comment spam on the site by adding CAPTCHA checking to the comments facility on the site. Seems to be working thus far although sometimes the images from Captchas.net sometimes take a while to load. I was really chuffed to find this site providing me as it does with a free way to stop comment spam.Here is the now sadly demised band of a friend at work plying their wares : (He's the one with the big red hair) http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ What can I say? I just find this song and video incredibly moving. http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ Took Spike to the vets yesterday for his innoculations. Suffice to say he did not enjoy the experience and scratched me and the vet half to death. Nonetheless he is now "jabbed" and goes back for the second lot in three weeks and a week after that he can go outside. That will be good for the little chap as he needs the exercise...and I need the sleep.Went swimming in the sea at Seaford yesterday, best swim yet, noone around and perfect conditions, I am a very lucky chap. I am hoping to go tonight as the weather looks sets fair. Cool USB missiles, would be great fun in the office methinks. http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ Welcome a new addition to my household (now currently standing at two).SpikeSpike arrived on Saturday and has settled in well, seems to be very happy, eating and sleeping well and playing a lot. He's keeping me awake at night by jumping on me and biting my feet but that's OK. http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ Great stuff from William Shatner. Looks like those were the days before he had to wear a girdle. http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ http://www.markbeal.co.uk/ Click on him to drag him around.