Radio Silence

Icon

Radio City is as iconic in Liverpool as the Liver Birds, (I hate to say it) the Superlambanana or (dare I say it) The Beatles. That iconic status was guaranteed when it took over the old revolving "Tower Restaurant". 450 feet high, it can be seen for miles around and is part of Liverpool's world famous skyline.

I grew up listening to 'City'. The alternative was BBC's Radio Merseyside. My dad listens to Merseyside. That's for old people!

Morning radio

Getting ready for school and then in later years, for work, the Breakfast Show would always be on. I listened to Johnny Kennedy, Tony Snell (I still remember listening to the spilt milk saga c1996), Kev Seed and Simon Ross. I'm sure there were others in between.

I was getting bored near the end of Rossie's reign and there was another local radio station available - Juice FM. I started switching between the two and would stop at the one playing the best music.

After Rossie left the Breakfast Show, the radio was permanently tuned to Juice. Rossie was replaced by a presenter who moved from a later time slot. I didn't like him during 'The Big Drive Home' and he is far too annoying to listen to first thing in the morning.   

"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in"

There was one programme I'd always listen to and that was the weekend football with live commentary.

Listening to John Aldridge was like listening to the most passionate fan down at the local. He is an ex-Liverpool player and clearly still hasn't lost his love for the club. He doesn't hold back during his commentary. If a player isn't playing well, he doesn't make excuses, he tells you as he sees it.

Aldo in his Liverpool playing days.

Bauer Media, the owners of Radio City, have announced this week there will be no more live commentary (click here for the local report). I don't know why they have made this decision, they've been quoted as saying it's "part of a restructuring at the station". Their LinkedIn profile states "We’re obsessed about our brands and relentless about going the extra mile to delight our audiences and customers alike". This decision goes against their own ethos. I think this is a massive gamble and a bigger mistake.

There is more to this programme than the commentary. There is the talk show and phone in before and after the match, where fans can have live debates with the experts. This will all be missed.

The only station that will be broadcasting live commentary now is Radio Merseyside. As I've previously stated, this is for old people...but there is no alternative.  I just hope I stay awake long enough to listen to a full 90 minutes.

My old dad has got the last laugh now!

So, after 40 years, it's time to part way with Radio City 96.7 as Bauer have cancelled my weekend visitation schedule.

Thanks Bauer.

When lollipops suck back

I’m a bit cautious when it comes to OS updates on my Android devices and this includes new versions not just bug fixes. I've read too many articles saying devices are freezing, apps crash or won’t load or even the end user is left with a brick.

I was obviously feeling optimistic in November 2014. As soon as I was notified that Android 5.0 (‘Lollipop’) was available for my Nexus 7 2012 I jumped right on it. I had no issues with Android 4 (‘KitKat’) but probably just fancied a change and to get a look at the new features (not that I noticed much difference).

It became immediately clear why it was called ‘Lollipop’, it sucked (excuse my Americanism).

The device ground to a halt and was almost unusable. The screen took about 20 seconds to wake up after pressing the unlock/power button. It would take three seconds to recognise each digit of the PIN number and apps would crash frequently. Daily reboots were required but this only seemed to work for a very short period (and even the reboot took at least five minutes!).

These ‘glitches’ must have been apparent as just a few weeks later, an update was available. I carried out the install thinking my Nexus would be as good as new. Nope, it made no difference whatsoever. I persevered with it, using it for just one or two apps, definitely not for internet browsing. If I wanted to look something up, it would have been quicker and less frustrating to go to my local library...but I just used my phone instead!

A few weeks ago, another update became available. I’m now on v5.1.1.  Did that make a difference? Er, no.

I decided last weekend to bite the bullet and do the dreaded ‘Factory data reset’ - What’s the worst that could happen?

So far, things are going well. All my apps are installed and working. Response time is instant. It feels like it’s fresh out of the box. Fingers crossed it will stay this way.

This does raise a few questions…

1. Has anybody managed to go from v4 to v5 without any issues?
2. Has anybody else had to do the ‘Factory data reset’?
3. Is this a conspiracy to purposely make old devices defunct in order to force sales of the latest devices up?
4. Why do Android give their versions childish names like Jellybean, KitKat and Lollipop?
5. Does anybody know what Android M will stand for (I hope they call it Marathon, never will get used to ‘Snickers’)?

I just hope when Android M does come out, it will work first time. Just to be on the safe side, I will give it at least a month.

(The image is taken from Android.com )

Things I expect from the Tory government

Now that the tories are in power for another five years, I have made a list of what I expect to happen. It is not based on any facts or research, just my general gut feeling.

Nationally -
1. The NHS will be chipped away at, fragmented and sold off to private companies, until there is nothing left.

2. There will be more cuts to the police service and the rising crime rates will rise further.

3. There will be a referendum on whether or not we remain part of the EU. I think the majority will want us to leave.

4. Scotland will vote again on independence. With the success of the SNP in the General Election, I suspect they will win this time.

5. Benefits such as Child Tax Credits and disability benefits will be cut. This will result in more people relying on food banks or even an increase in homelessness.

6. London Mayor, Boris Johnson, will become Prime Minister within two or three years. The UK will become a laughing stock if this happens and nobody will take us seriously.

Locally -
1. Local authorities will receive less cash so they will be looking to make cutbacks where they can.

2. Libraries will close despite being saved not too long ago (where the money came from then, has not been made clear).

3. Sure Start Children's Centres will close. Like the libraries, these were saved but not sure how.

4. Bin collections will go from weekly to fortnightly. This will obviously see an increase in fly tipping.

5. Fire stations will close, putting lives in danger.

I'm sure this list will grow as time goes on but for now, all I can do is wish you luck because, unless you're rich or live in the south, you will need it.

Working away is not a 'jolly'

There is misconception that working away from home, especially if it involves an overnight stay, is a ‘jolly’.

For those who don’t know, a ‘jolly’ is getting away from your normal place of work, staying in a hotel and having meals & drinks paid for on company expenses. Oh, and a little bit of work thrown in.

This misconception is usually held by people who have never had to work away. The truth is, they can be very long days and lonely evenings, especially if you’re travelling alone.

I want nothing more at the end of a working day to go home and relax but this isn't possible when working away.

The real truth is you can travel for hours on what seems like endless motorways. This is very monotonous and sometimes you can be hundreds of miles from home. As you are representing the Company, you are never off the clock and have to remain professional at all times. Yes, you may be getting your drinks paid for but this doesn't mean you can drink the bar dry. Yes, you may get your meal paid for but who wants to sit in a restaurant by themselves.

For me, it’s usually an early night back in the hotel room, quick phone call home and bed with very little sleep. 

I’d challenge the next person who says I’m going on a ‘jolly’ to find a reason to work away and we’ll see how jolly they are then.

(The picture is not an accurate depiction of me - I never wear a vest and sometimes drink wine!)

Perception and reinvention

I've recently been made aware that the way people see me isn't necessarily how I see myself .  I'm sure this is true of most people.
But do they see the real me or is it just their perception?
Either way, I have to make a few changes.

I read an article last week that said don't make a new years resolution as these are rarely kept to and are only short term fixes anyway.
Instead try reinvention. Reinvent yourself.
A link to the full article is below.
This doesn't mean change who you are, just change the way you behave and handle different situations.

Get feedback from people. Get them to be honest. Get them to point out your flaws.
Once you have that feedback, act upon it or it will be a fruitless exercise.

I don't intend on dipping my toe in the water to make a few ripples and hope somebody notices.
I intend to jump in feet first and make a big splash so people WILL notice.

By the end of 2015 I want people to see me the way I see myself.

2015 will be my year of reinvention.

This year, think reinventions, not resolutions

A Job Like No Other

It has been a sad week for members of the Police Service, not just here in the UK, but around the world.
A siege in Sydney left three people dead and a policeman injured. In Liverpool, three off duty policemen were attacked whilst on a Christmas night out and one sadly died of his injuries. It has been reported they were recognised as being policemen and so targeted. In New York, two police officers were assassinated whilst sitting in their patrol car. A number of police officers were stabbed and seriously injured in the 'safety' of their police station, in Tours, France.

Reports of police officers being injured or killed are bad any time of the year but, like any bad news stories, they always seems worse during the Christmas period when traditionally it's about festivities, families being together and we're meant to 'spread goodwill to all men'.

I was in Merseyside Police Special Constabulary 25 years ago and most of my colleagues joined up to be regular police officers and I know some are still in the job.
At that time, I was in an office job earning good money for what I did and didn't really think about making a career out of it. I was happy being a "hobby bobby".
Fast forward 25 years and I'm still working in an office and earning more money than police constables. The only risks I take are walking to work (and the hope I'm not hit by a bus) or the odd mild electric shock.
The police face life threatening dangers every time they go to work or, as in the case of PC Neil Doyle, being recognised on a night out enjoying himself with his mates.
No amount of training can guard you of a random attack by a gang of thugs.

In September 2012, two female police officers working for Greater Manchester Police, Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone were lured to their deaths with a false report of a burglary. News reports stated they were shot 13 times and blown up by a grenade. Again, what amount of training can prepare you for that?

"Hill Street Blues" is still famous for its weekly quote "Let's be careful out there". These words have never seemed more important.

My thoughts go out to the officers' killed for doing their jobs and my thanks go out to all members of the Police Service for doing a dangerous job in dangerous times.

Center Parcs - Whinfell Forest

This was about our seventh visit to this particular 'center' and by far it was the most frustrating trip and cleanliness was lax.  It now seems very run down.

We stayed in a comfort plus lodge and paid the extra so we could choose the location. Having four kids we wanted to be within five minutes of the Village Centre. 
The lodge could have been a lot cleaner - soap or shampoo all over the tiles in the upstairs bathroom. Cobwebs everywhere (I know it's Halloween season but I don't think this was for effect). Used ear buds down the side of one of the upstairs beds.
The children put the cushions from the couches onto the floor to sit around the very small TV and we were shocked to see what was underneath. It's been a while since the couches have been hoovered. Upon leaving I checked under the couch to make sure we hadn't left anything and found a pair of swimming shorts left by previous occupants.

It seems pointless having two showers in a lodge if they can only be used one at a time due to the hot water being utilised by one. We've never had this issue before.
We had mice or rats living inside the walls which kept us awake for two nights with their constant scratching. We were given a device to plug in which emitted a high pitch noise to scare them away. This eventually worked. Guest Services were very apologetic and offered to move us but to the other side of the complex. This wasn't an option for us as this would have been a twenty minute walk to the Village Centre.

Activity Booking Points - OUT OF ORDER

Cash Machine - OUT OF ORDER

The Village Centre was the main cause of the frustration. The three Activity Booking machines were all out of order as was the cash machine. It was hit or miss whether the card readers would work in the Parc Market, usually it was a miss. Quite often large queues would form as the shopper and cashier struggled. We were forced to pay cash and then visit the Sports Centre (a 25 minute round trip!) to use the only working cash machine. 

Village Centre from across the lake

One of the People Driers in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise was out of order and there were panels missing from the sinks in the gents toilets.

Some of the games machines in the arcade were not working.

At least the bowling lanes were working

On our first day we decided to eat in the Sports Bar. The meals took a long time to come (apparently there is a 45 minute wait but nobody told us this until we enquired after 40) but were OK value except our youngest's meal which was an absolute rip off. One piece of toast and two table spoons of beans for £3.30 and one scoop of ice cream for £2.35.

Again the Activity Booking machine was out of order in the Sports Plaza as were a lot of the pool tables.

Mini Tennis in the Sports Plaza

One of the working pool tables

Some of the lodges are undergoing renovation work in the Seven Pines area. These were originally Comfort Lodges but are being redesigned as new Woodland Lodges (with an increase in price for next year). We were informed that there is to be redesign in Badger Wood too. The children's Adventure Playground has already been changed and looks much bigger and better. 

This may read like we are nit-picking but we paid close to £1000 for this holiday and don't think this time we got value for money. The pricing of Center Parcs for families is very unfair and unfortunately there is no equivalent holiday centre in the north of England. We had an enjoyable time as a family and we have booked to go back next year but if we have the same issues, it will be our last visit to Center Parcs.

What I forgot to mention in my TripAdvisor review was the wristbands. These are not only used to get you into your lodge and to secure the lockers in the 'Subtropical Swimming Paradise' but you can now also use them in certain shops in place of cash once they are registered at one of the pay points. We used ours at The Canopy Cafe (who takes cash into a swimming pool?) and Treats (didn't want to play 'Hit or Miss' with the card reader). Hopefully this will be extended to all shops, bars, cafes, etc as it is a very good idea and avoids the frustration of dodgy card readers.

The highlight of the holiday was the 'Subtropical Swimming Paradise' as always. Lots of flumes, rapids, outdoor pool and waves every half hour. Not to mention hot tubs, Cabanas (at a price of course) and a snack bar. Lots of hours were spent in here.

Not my photo ;-)

More information about this Parc can be found here (but don't take their word for it).