It boils down to two kinds of film fans.

Those preferring to be entertained by way of ‘Pew Pew! – BOOM!!’, whilst the others prefer not to be spoon fed tripe – but rather enjoy an absorbing tale – being left to fill in the blanks with, you know, their imagination and stuff.

Just back from seeing the little blighter wriggling around on the screen at ultra-sound appointment.

Hits you like a sledgehammer. Reality check!

All present and correct, feeling blessed.

Am likely to attempt a ”can I have a quiet word” moment with the ex when I next collect my son, which won’t be for another week yet, but i’ll provide feedback.

I’ve seen the skin of a friend’s shins unknowingly bubble into giant blisters against the light of a camp fire whilst he was under the influence of K.

It’s certainly affective as a pain killer.

Me likey. It all adds up to a frame i’ll certainly have to consider later this year.

That Stanton looks intriguing also..

thanks shermer, wise words.

I’m erring towards telling her first for those reasons – I can’t help assuming the worst, but my assumptions are generally founded in experience. It’s mainly the case that I’d prefer it to be a personal moment between me and my son – and there isn’t really an easy situation I can arrange where I can take his mum to one side and tell her (we meet at an arranged place each weekend for pick-up / drop-off) without him being present. Especially if she doesn’t react well initially.

Thanks Brick..

B.A.Nana – he’s spoken openly in the past about wanting a brother or sister (pref. brother). I know him well enough to expect he’ll be happy about the news, and I always go out of my way to ensure he feels at home when he stays with us – he has his own room and I constantly reinforce his inclusion.

He’s my first born and will always be made to feel completely loved by both his parents/families. I trust that he won’t become jealous, but i’ll cross that bridge if and when. I think/hope the age gap of nearly 9 years will probably help rather than hinder his relationship with his new sibling. He’s a very well rounded kid, bright as a button.

I should add that part of the reason I’ve been anxious is that its been assumed all round that this issue wouldn’t ever arise – my partner was told that she couldn’t have children many years ago and is now 41 – so we are still getting used to the news ourselves. In the only conversation I’ve had in the past with my ex about my current partner, she was told as much. I’ll be needing to purvey the sheer surprise, as I imagine she will assume I was lying during that previous conversation.

I think you’ve missed my point andybanks, but I appreciate yours.

Thanks guys.

And yes, a mixed bag of responses more or less going down the exact chains of thought I was having.

I’m flitting between ‘he’s my son and my relationship is with him so ill tell him first’ and, ‘its respectful to tell her first’

I strongly suspect she would not show me the same respect, I also suspect that she may decide to pi$$ on my reveal by telling my son first before I have the opportunity to enjoy the moment. Hence considering telling him myself, first. But i’m also willing to rise above.

Gah.

I constantly struggle with this subject when driving along the A283 near Shoreham in particular, only to be held up by one or several cyclists during rush hour. Its roughly a 4 mile stretch, with virtually no safe passing points as the traffic is so heavy in both directions during this time and the actual single carriageways aren’t particularly wide. Despite this many cyclists insist on battling the headwinds and trudging along, meaning a frequent queue of traffic directly behind them, sometimes stretching back for a mile itself!

And all the while, there is a dedicated cycle path following the river, not 50m to the side of them on the road. Yes its darker on the path, yes there might be leaves or a rabid rabbit on the path – maybe they’d even have to ride a bit slower to safely traverse this stretch – but surely thats the safer, and more considerate option all round?

I’ll always try to defend cyclists but we make it very difficult for ourselves at times.

And yeah, photos.

I begin to weep when I think about the air-cooled opportunities I passed up years ago. Like the fresh Aussie import 67 split screen, completely and utterly rust free for £4k..

FML

I love squarebacks and notchbacks. If you have the time/space/money then just do it. So much soul in those old hunks of metal.

I thought they (FI)were possibly a Scottish band when I first heard them :)

Yup.

Its something to do with the ever-present synth notes, and the sound of Adam’s guitar is so very lush – plus the way they draw out the breaks for ages. They turn good 3:30 songs into 6 to 7 min epics.

Sometimes they remind me of how great comedians can start a good joke, then go off on a complete tangent, only to come back to the original punchline minutes later, and have you in stitches because you’d forgotten how funny the start of the story was. It’s a musical equivalent of that. Or something.

I’m rambling.

Cheers_drive – thats the spirit! Yes, the Springsteen flavour is there but they are so much more than that. You have to get into their flow and once you do, you’re hooked.

Honestly, turn the lighting low, and soundsystem up – have a nice couple of large whisky’s or brandy’s, and maybe a special cigarette or two and give that concert I linked a good go. I’ve transcended to it.

I have no idea what you are talking about DD, but it sounds fun.

Thanks, ill check them out.

Yes, the Letterman performance was great, it was the Later with Jools one which solidly caught my attention – one of the best I’ve ever seen on the show

Just checked the Greenman line-up – looks superb! I’d be there if it wasn’t for MrsSlim being due to drop MiniSlim that week :)

Be sure to check out Beak at Greenman if you haven’t heard much of them, saw them in Berlin last year supporting Arcade Fire and they had a great sound (Portishead member side project).

You seen Future Island live? Sam Herring is a hella front-man.

Sweet.

I have a ticket for All Points East this summer. They are on between Future Islands and The National.

A line-up that we simply couldnt refuse.

My mind was blown in January, needed to renew existing passport – uploaded a new photo and paid fee all online, sent old passport first class on a monday – received new passport back on the following friday. 4 days.

I can only conclude that January is best time for passport transactions, and that the interwebs is well good.

Yes, good advice. Thanks everyone.

Indeed, they have started to feel better already today – to the point where im finding myself habitually reaching for them for screen work.

Not perfect yet, but feeling less weird.

<span style=”color: #444444; font-size: 12px;”>C’est la vie.</span>

We must be the old folk :)

So the new forum is a lot like making love to a beautiful woman?

Sweet, thanks for taking the time to send update.

Dresses to the left. Ha. Who’dve thunk it?

I feared this may be the case.

Looks like i’ll be stocking up on  a bunch of ‘limited edition US’ versions of albums that i’ll rarely play then..

I love this.

My admiration goes to the young chap. Thank heavens he didn’t leave his eyes open at the critical moment.

I went from floor standers to better quality book shelf speakers (B&W CM1) and a compact sub – and I haven’t looked back.
Worth considering if minimal intrusion is a preferred option?

Also, I run all my media via a hi-fi amp in a 2.1 set-up. Again, it sounds great, and I prefer this system to running music through an AV amp (of which I am sure there are good options, I just personally want to ensure my music takes preference).

Youtube/spotify/HDR/optical/analogue/Google/Echo/PS4 etc all run through my one amp and I wouldn’t have it any other way now.

Marantz PM6006 – best bang for buck I’ve come across.
Plus there is now a ‘UK edition’, which has me very interested..

Nice shout Bez, i’ll give them a go some time.

Also a decent bike shop in Cranleigh if spares/repairs are required – and several in Shoreham if anyone finds they need one.

stop at Stan’s Bike Shack for great coffee and snacks.

Don’t be in a hurry when you get there :)
Very laid back and a bit spendy (but nice).

A hybrid/gravel bike is perfect for this ride – there are a couple of sections near a few disused railway bridges where it can be fun to mess around on the slopes to break the monotony of the long flat paths.

A great ride for those looking to add push their boundaries slightly on quiet car-free trails. I particularly enjoy riding ‘through’ the old disused railway stations.
For the IPA fans – a must-stop is the Dark Star brewery at Partridge Green (some great cycling merchandise available there) – plus theres a lovely Ale shop/bar in Shoreham.

https://www.darkstarbrewing.co.uk/

Home

OP – if you try the route again then its well worth checking out Lancing College (if you didn’t already) – only 5mins ride from the path at Shoreham and lots of good chances to grab some gothic inspired photo’s.

Nice write up.

Regrets? I have a few..

Saving up for the chainstay

Sad to hear. Wasn’t a big fan but they certainly had their moment.

Good shout CZ, but I think i came across them on my subsequent search.
Alas, the tache is not impressive enough in this case.

Ha!
I was under the influence. Perhaps Wolf Alice are they, but in the stone cold sober light I’m not currently able to hit the same sweet spot with them.

Also, the moustache was real.

Yeah, i’ve tended to stick with 12/10/8 as I was under the impression they were generally good numbers for growth gains.

Have been wondering about going lower in weight and raising the numbers significantly may help more? say, 25/20/15. etc.
Of course with a view to increasing the weight but retaining the reps as strength increases.

I also tend to feel the burn at about rep 8.

Should I avoid resistance training and get back on the free weight.
Im currently heavy enough to struggle with high-reps of press-ups, have never really had the upper body strength to knock out 50 in a row.

Why don’t priests/rabbis/imams etc just start every sentence with ‘allegedly’ ?

Solves all disputes.

I’m no pigeon. People think my chest is big already, but its mainly moob. I’m looking for real masculine muscle gain.
I want to be able to flex them to an appropriate tune.

In the complete absence of any proof, what actually makes your god more real than other religions gods?

Don’t forget leg day

I need the chest improvement to help balance my Pillars of Ham. My legs make long-term body-builders swoon as I walk on by.

I’m more interested in understanding the duration/frequency required in order to make solid gains?
I currently feel like I could continue with my existing programme and never really progress past ‘a bit firmer than before’ stage.
Whats actually required to go ‘OOSH!’ ?

At what age is a child free to decide for them-self?

I used to take myself to the barber once a month

If a man approaches my face with a razor it triggers my NAM flashbacks.

I made the mistake of shaving mine off last year

The only time MrsSLim has seen me cleanshaven was when I cut the lot off for an interview.
She opened the door and her face dropped – then she told me I looked like a fat baby on chemo.