tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/ "Save each other from heartache for the time that you are together is short. For even if you are united by many years one day they will seem like minutes to you. Heartache! Save each other from togetherness. (Rammstein, "Herzeleid") MokoFeed2009-11-21T13:39:23+01:00tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-11-05:/2008/11/05/wot-no-tobski-4990249/tobstv2008-11-05T19:46:14+01:002008-11-05T19:46:14+01:00 <p class="MsoNormal"><span>The last 6 months or so have been totally hectic, what with our total house renovations, my taking on a new part-time job as a motorcycle instructor as well as working on de-cluttering our house, I&rsquo;ve had absolutely no time to sit and write. Hopefully, I should be back in the blogging saddle soon!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tobstv</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/11/05/wot-no-tobski-4990249/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-05-23:/2008/05/24/title-4214350/tobstv2008-05-24T00:14:35+02:002008-05-24T00:21:02+02:00 <p>I suppose Oprah Winfrey is big in America, what would I know? But watching this shocked the heck out of me: here's this American lady telling her audience she's going to discuss "her favourite things." The audience reaction is stunning.</p> <p>Now if only they were as enthusiastic about ending the war in Iraq! BTW, if you can't see the box, try clicking through <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1816288">here</a><br> bstv</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/05/24/title-4214350/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-05-21:/2008/05/21/i-vow-4205137/tobstv2008-05-21T22:32:30+02:002008-05-21T22:32:30+02:00 <p>Found this on <a href="http://www.katinkahesselink.net/tibet/bodhisatva.htm">Katinka Hesselink's site</a>, and it is really uncanny how I have felt this way all my life. Don't know what I'm on about? Have a read:</p> <p> <p>However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save them.<br> However inexhaustible the defilements are, I vow to extinguish them.<br> However immeasurable the dharmas are, I vow to master them.<br> However incomparable enlightenment is, I vow to attain it.</p> <p>All beings, without number, I vow to liberate<br> Endless blind passions I vow to uproot <br>Dharma gates beyond measure I vow to penetrate<br> The way of the Buddha I vow to attain</p> <p>Beings are numberless; I vow to awaken with them.<br> Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to end them.<br> Dharma gates are boundless; I vow to enter them.<br> Buddha's way is unsurpassable; I vow to become it. </p> <p>I take refuge in The Buddha The Dharma and The Sangha<br>I take refuge in The Guru The Yidam and the Dakini<br>I take refuge in The Bodhisattvas The Protectors and The Tantras<br>Homage to all of you</p> <p>As long as there is suffering<br>As long as there are sentient beings in the 6 realms<br>May I never attain Enlightenment<br>And never cross over into Nirvana </p> <p>The passions of delusion are inexhaustible.<br> I vow to extinguish them all at once. </p> <p>The number of beings is endless. I vow to help save them all.</p> <p>The Truth cannot be told. I vow to tell it.</p> <p>The Way which cannot be followed is unattainable. I vow to attain it.</p> <p>May I be a guard for those who are protectorless,<br> A guide for those who journey on the road; <br>For those who wish to go across the water, <br>May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.</p> <p>May I be an isle for those who yearn for landfall,<br>And a lamp for those who long for light; <br>For those who need a resting place, a bed, <br>For all who need a servant, may I be a slave.</p> <p>May I be the wishing jewel, the vase of plenty,<br>A word of power, and the supreme remedy. <br>May I be the trees of miracles,<br> And for every being, the abundant cow. </p> <p>Like the great earth and the other elements,<br>Enduring as the sky itself endures,<br> For the boundless multitude of living beings,<br>May I be the ground and vessel of their life.</p> <p>Thus, for every single thing that lives, <br>In number like the boundless reaches of the sky,<br>May I be their sustenance and nourishment <br>Until they pass beyond the bounds of suffering</p> Countless sentient beings, I vow to help to cross the ocean of existence.<br> Eternal Sufferings, I vow to end.<br> Innumerable spiritual methods, I vow to study and comprehend.<br> The buddha's unsurpassable supreme dharma, I vow to realize. </p> <p>Katinka refers to this as the Bodhisattva vow, which essentially is a vow made by a person of great compassion. It is a vow to serve mankind regardless of how difficult things may become for the person who makes this vow. In essence, it is the voluntary relinquishment of all personal gain, until humanity itself has found true happiness.</p> <p>You can also find out more about these divine beings <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva">here</a> and <a href="http://youareheng.blogspot.com/2007/05/who-is-dizang.html">here</a>.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/05/21/i-vow-4205137/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-05-16:/2008/05/16/animals-4179872/tobstv2008-05-16T01:30:44+02:002008-05-16T01:30:44+02:00 <p>Sometimes, you can go through weeks without reality making a dint on you. I mean, here I am, working, travelling, trying to help out where I can, and all the time...</p> <p>Wandering, worrying....</p> <p>Am I going to be able to afford my mortgage once my fixed-rate term expires in 3 years time? What about the kids' uni fees? And the house renovations we so desperately need?</p> <p>How can I support Mrs Tobbot with her seemingly never-ending 'round of CIMA exams? </p> <p>With all the Poles now leaving the country in droves, and the government in their wisdom deciding to cut education for those least able to pay for it, will I have a teaching job next year?</p> <p>And will Vines of Guildford finally repair my bike once and for all?</p> <p>Then it all comes together, all at once.</p> <p>Natural disasters in Asia which beggar belief. Child abuse and incarceration for no apparent reason, by so-called "reasonable adults." Conniving and capricious politicians, who decide on one policy one month, only to do complete u-turns, s-bends and heaven knows what else the next, without exercising any sound judgement when it comes to deciding anything.</p> <p><a href="http://www.leithjb.net/blog/2008/05/14/bahais-arrested-in-iran-grave-news/">People being arrested in Iran for no other reason then to believe in a God, and a Book different from the status quo.</a></p> <p>And then I read a blogger's poignant question, which asks a searing question, <a href="http://www.violentacres.com/archives/361/how-to-be-a-human">"How are we any different from animals?"</a></p> <p>I can see the world for what it is, I can see the big picture, and I feel powerless to make any changes, without risking my own butt in the process. Something I am reluctant to do, because it may jolt me out of my comfort zone. </p> <p>And that is the bare, naked truth: we cannot stand by idly and see the world taken over by those who seek to exploit its resources, its flora and fauna, and ultimately, its human life, for their own gain.</p> <p>We have to be brave in seeking to change our lives, to challenge wrong-doing wherever it takes place, whether in the workplace, the politician's office...</p> <p>And our homes and neighbourhoods.</p> <p>Else the bell will toll...for me.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/05/16/animals-4179872/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-05-12:/2008/05/12/bbqs-sans-mama-4162607/tobstv2008-05-12T09:10:20+02:002008-05-12T09:10:20+02:00 <p>Well, I had to make a Devil's Choice this weekend: spend some time with my beloved blog friends at a blogmeet, or make some headway getting to know Teen-Tobbot's boyfriend's family?</p> <p>Yep, Teeny has now reached that age where her daddy is no longer numero uno, where she would rather spend time in someone else's embrace...*sigh*</p> <p>I would like to think that a real man would choose to do exactly what I have done: warned Teeny-Boyfriend to keep it in his pants until Teeny's GCSEs are done, bribe him with copious amounts of Rock music from my PC, and the final coup d'etat; meet, greet and make friends with his parents. </p> <p>Well, 6 months later, and we can say I've finally managed to complete my To Do list.</p> <p>So, Saturday was spent in Teeny-Boyfriend's back-garden, celebrating his 16th, drinking in the sunshine and making conversation with his parents and their friends.</p> <p>A quick dash home to see Dr Who, and prepare for yet another BBQ!</p> <p>This was for the <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2007/09/22/my_religion_s_tons_better_than_yours%7E3024235">biker friend I helped out in October last year</a>. Since that terrible day for him, we've met on several occasions, he's brought over a Christmas Hamper (no, seriously) and finally, I invited the whole family over for the first barbeque of the year in our household.</p> <p>Unfortunately, our camera's busted, so no pictures of the char-grilled prawns, marinated chicken fillets, hot 'n' spicy carrot & garlic salad and Thai sticky rice....you'll just have to imagine 8 groaning bellies!</p> <p>Such a beautiful weekend: bring on the week!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/bbqs-sans-mama-4162607/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-05-12:/2008/05/12/apologies-4161897/tobstv2008-05-12T01:12:41+02:002008-05-12T01:12:41+02:00 <p>So many of you commented on my sore neck, and when I went in to reply, BCUK deleted the post! <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-cry2.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>So thank you for showing you all cared, it's much better now...</p> <p>But right now I'm listening to some Red Hot Chili Peppers and wondering...</p> <p>Should I?</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/05/12/apologies-4161897/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-29:/2008/04/29/tobbot-family-features-in-popular-magazi-4108656/tobstv2008-04-29T08:31:15+02:002008-04-29T08:31:15+02:00 <p></p> <p> <p><a href="http://www.magmypic.com"><img src="http://b1.magmypic.com/uploads/b/01/b0143c3ca42ff83bc222ef2598b1ebda_POPULAR_med.jpg" alt=""></a></p> <br> <p>Create <a href="http://www.magmypic.com">Fake Magazine Covers</a> with your own picture at <a href="http://www.magmypic.com">MagMyPic.com</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.gigyamailbutton.com/wildfire/gigyamailbutton.ashx?url=aHR*cDovL3d3dy5naWd5YS5jb2*vd2lsZGZpcmUvd2Zwb3AuYXNweD9tb2R1bGU9ZW1haWwmdXJsPWh*dHAlM*ElMkYlMkZ3d3clMkVtYWdteXBpYyUyRWNvbSUyRmdldGNvZGU="><img src="http://cdn.gigya.com/wildfire/i/includeShareButton.gif" border="0" alt="" width="60" height="20"></a><img src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bT*xJmx*PTEyMDk*NTQwOTkyODEmcHQ9MTIwOTQ1NDExNTI1MCZwPTU*NzgxJmQ9cGFydG5lcitkYXRhJm49Jmc9MQ==.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="0" height="0"></p> <p>Well, we did!</p> Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/29/tobbot-family-features-in-popular-magazi-4108656/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-25:/2008/04/25/how-do-they-know-4094336/tobstv2008-04-25T17:59:31+02:002008-04-25T17:59:31+02:00 <p>My penis size?</p> <p>And why do they email me about it all the time?</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/25/how-do-they-know-4094336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-20:/2008/04/20/wagamama-meal-deal-4069219/tobstv2008-04-20T13:15:52+02:002008-04-20T13:15:52+02:00 <p>Handbag are offering a 2 4 1 meal deal at Wagamama's so if you a) like noodles and b) like a bargain, <a href="http://www.handbag.com/competitions-&-offers/wagamama-2for1/v1">head on over!</a></p> <p>P.S. I cut and pasted the vouchers onto Paint and then printed out the vouchers only, saved a bundle on ink cartridges. If you want Tobbo's version, leave me a message with an email addy and I'll mail them to you.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/wagamama-meal-deal-4069219/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-20:/2008/04/20/baamp-j-s-freecone-day-4068910/tobstv2008-04-20T11:40:21+02:002008-04-20T11:40:21+02:00 <p><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/bj_2_90.jpg" alt=""></p> <p>Just visit them for <a href="http://www.benjerry.co.uk/onlinescoopshop/locator.php?scoop=4">your nearest venue</a> and have a scoop on the 29th of April! Yum!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/baamp-j-s-freecone-day-4068910/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-20:/2008/04/20/10-reasons-not-to-go-to-ikea-ever-4067954/tobstv2008-04-20T01:58:35+02:002008-04-20T02:35:47+02:00 <p>While looking through our inbox, Mrs Tobbot found an advert for IKEA's 21st birthday; yep, the Swedes have been selling us designer tat for 21 years!</p> <p><br> <img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/ikea.jpg" alt=""></p> <p> </p> <p>Anyhoo, they are selling everything with a 21 percent discount today,  and we had had an eye on an Ektorp sofabed to replace the sorry thing we have in our living room; with a potential saving of over 180 pounds who could resist?</p> <p>So, having endured a 22 hour travelthon, we decided to wake up the next morning at first light and make our way to IKEA on the North Circular. Three (THREE!) hours later we were the proud owners of a spanking new sofa (subject to delivery). Oh, and a new Tobbot post <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So, here are my ten reasons <strong>NOT TO EVER VISIT IKEA</strong>:</p> <p>1. Over a thousand people are in the place at any one time, thus ensuring that you don't so much as browse but shuffle through their shop-displays,</p> <p>2. Their charming manner of labelling everything in Swedish (what the hell's a 'Beddinge' when it's at home anyway?) confuses the heck out of me!</p> <p>3. The layout: a great way for IKEA to ensure that you see everything they sell. It also disorientates the unwary, leading to Grumpy Husband Syndrome. This is when after wandering through aisles of similar-looking tat, your male-half starts to grouse at every turn. What started off as an agreeable interchange of stimulating ideas about your new bedroom degenerate into, "just tell me what you want and I'll buy it!" This is easily remedied by sitting Grumpy Husband in a corner with a mug of tea and a copy of the Sun.</p> <p>4. Funny how that simple yet charming idea can cost so much.</p> <p>5. And the stuff you really like is the most expensive in the range.</p> <p>6. Only once you've queued to order it, queued yet again to pay for it, and finally, queued at the external depot to pick it up, the man at the counter tells you they're out of stock, and he'll arrange a refund.</p> <p>7. Once you have finally taken it home, the flat-packed table is missing a leg and three screws. Taking it back, they offer a refund. Only problem is, you've opened the pack. Which attracts a 30% service charge.</p> <p>8. Once assembled, the furniture can never be disassembled again, as it will never fit quite as tightly.</p> <p>9. The North Circular. On a Saturday. With a pounding headache. And it's hot.</p> <p>10 The fact is that of all the crappy furniture stores in the country, you know in your heart of hearts that IKEA do produce good stuff, and it's reasonably priced. It's just that the whole process is so soul-destroying...</p> <p>...and you know you'll go back again. Soon.</p> <p>Kill me now.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/20/10-reasons-not-to-go-to-ikea-ever-4067954/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-19:/2008/04/19/back-in-the-uk-4066461/tobstv2008-04-19T17:12:44+02:002008-04-19T17:12:44+02:00 <p>Well, after two weeks of friends and fun, the Tobbot Clan are back in Ashford. Having easyflown all the way to Warsaw, spending the day sight-seeing in the Old Town, and taking the overnight sleeper to Belarus, we decided that one gruelling trip of endurance wasn't enough, but that the entire exercise would have to be repeated again!</p> <p>Only this time, we decided to add to our challenge by including 7 wee infants on our easyflight back. Luckily none of them were mine, though you should have seen our faces as their parents wheeled them one by one into the waiting lounge at Edita airport. I also decided to drink plenty of strong black coffee while on the train, thus ensuring complete insomnia and minor hallucinations.</p> <p>I successfully managed to confuse my friend who was supposed to come and pick us up from Luton by not telling him whether I meant midday or midnight! Come the hour, he couldn't make it so instead of a 45 minute journey back home by car we had to travel by coach to Central London, and then take a tube and another bus to get home, adding another 3 hours (and 50 pounds in travel costs) to our 22-hour travelthon.</p> <p>At least there was Chinese takeaway to make up for our strife. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>So, lessons learnt:</p> <p>1. Use those earplugs I brought! (No, I don't know why I decided not to)</p> <p>2. Give a couple of days for emails to get to your obliging mate, and mention the time clearly!</p> <p>3. Keep an emergency takeaway menu somewhere handy; saves me having to trek there to place the order.</p> <p>4. Avoid travelling altogether by burning my passport.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/19/back-in-the-uk-4066461/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-04-06:/2008/04/06/belarus-1991-present-4002172/tobstv2008-04-06T10:41:49+02:002008-04-06T10:45:28+02:00 <p>The Tobbot clan are presently sitting and typing in an internet cafe in Minsk, Belarus, of all places. Por que?</p> <p>Well, what started as an innocent plane journey from Heathrow to Bangkok, via Moscow, 17 years ago, has now become a bi-annual pilgrimage to Mrs Tobbot's birth place, the city of Minsk, Belarus, part of the now-defunct USSR.</p> <p><br><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=minsk,+belarus&ie=UTF8&ll=59.445075,31.904297&spn=22.774198,59.238281&z=4&source=embed">View Larger Map</a></small></p> <p>Back then, I was tall, slim and in Mrs Tobbot's word, "very,very hot and exotic." She was 15 (!) blonde, and I was smitten from the moment I laid my eyes on her. She still is fantastically gorgeous, and knows how to press my 'on' buttons everytime.</p> <p>So here we are, celebrating her father's 70th. I spent the whole day yesterday cooking a storm in the family kitchen, and I'm just about over the travel-lag. We arrived on Thursday, and have already ordered a new pair of glasses for myself, booked appointments to see the dentist, been and visited my old place of work, and had blinis for breakfast at an old friends' apartment. All this, and it's only Sunday!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/04/06/belarus-1991-present-4002172/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-29:/2008/03/29/free-thornton-s-egg-3961559/tobstv2008-03-29T11:01:27+01:002008-03-29T11:01:27+01:00 <p>I'd be interested to see if this works. I've been sent a voucher for a free egg from Thornton's valid until 1st April; why don't you print it out, fill it in and see if you can get one too?</p> <p>Let me know if it works out! (I think you need to print out the largest size.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv</p> <p><a href="javascript:window.open(" title="free_thorntons_egg"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/990/2437990_0db5246bc8_s.jpeg" alt="free_thorntons_egg" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/%5C%22javascript:window.open%28%5C%27http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_popup_large.php?item_ID=2437990%5C%27,%5C%27largeimage%5C%27,%5C%27width=100,height=100,resizable=yes,status=no,toolbar=no,menubar=no,location=no,scrollbars=yes%5C%27%29.focus%28%29;%5C%22" title="\"free_thorntons_egg\""><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/admin/%5C%22http://data3.blog.de/media/990/2437990_0db5246bc8_s.jpeg%5C%22" alt="\"free_thorntons_egg\"" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/free-thornton-s-egg-3961559/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-29:/2008/03/29/seal-clubbing-3961417/tobstv2008-03-29T10:29:54+01:002008-03-29T10:29:54+01:00 <p>Not quite an evening with the famous popster, rather, what is taking place in Canada as we speak. <p>Despite global opposition, Canada's sealers are gearing up to slaughter the first of 275,000 seals. The HSUS, journalists, and photographer Nigel Barker capture the final peaceful images of baby seals before the slaughter begins. <a href="http://www.hsus.org/marine_mammals/marine_mammals_news/seal_hunt_quota_032408.html">A horrific article, I urge you to read and respond</a>; there may not be anything we can do to save over a quater of a million seals this year, but we can put pressure on Menomama to go and do something about this!</p> <p> </p> <img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/lolseal.jpg" alt=""><br> Tobbot, aka Tobstv <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/seal-clubbing-3961417/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-29:/2008/03/29/safe-eating-3959921/tobstv2008-03-29T01:14:31+01:002008-03-29T01:14:31+01:00 <img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/safe_eating1.jpg" alt=""> Artwork courtesy of:http://wickedpowered.com___##9##______##3##______##4##___ </p> <p>True.<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p><br> <br> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/29/safe-eating-3959921/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/28/economy-3954170/tobstv2008-03-28T00:58:02+01:002008-03-28T00:58:02+01:00 <img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/soto_5b.jpg" alt=""></p> <p><br> 'nuff said!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/28/economy-3954170/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-26:/2008/03/26/a-w-o-l-3945777/tobstv2008-03-26T21:28:46+01:002008-03-26T21:28:46+01:00 <p>To my loyal fan(s) I can only apologise for being away for sooo long, but I have been busy battling my biggest enemy; that hideous monster: Procrastination!</p> <p><br> <img src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/300-movie-400a0309.jpg" alt=""> <br>In true Geeky Tobbot fashion, I decided this was going to be my March resolution, and went straight to the interweb to find out the best ways of Getting Things Done (GTD). After spending many hours surfing, I came up with a partial solution to demolishing my paperwork mountain, a method of tackling the 101 projects I have going, and a way of developing the million and one plans and ideas I hastily scribbled onto the backs of envelopes.</p> <p>What have I actually been doing? Not a bloody lot.</p> <p>It's been funducational though.</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/26/a-w-o-l-3945777/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-14:/2008/03/14/friday-five-3878632/tobstv2008-03-14T23:57:36+01:002008-03-14T23:57:36+01:00 <blockquote><p> The iPhone goes on sale in Ireland today so with that in mind we have some gadgety questions for you.</p> <p>1. What gadget could you not be without?</p> <p>My trusty blender.<br></p> <p>2. What gadget do you not own but wish you did?</p> <p>A really cool 'Aga' blender.<br></p> <p>3. What would be your ideal secret agent gadget?</p> <p>An invisible blender! "Sorry darling, I can't make those breadcrumbs you wanted, the blender's here somewhere but I can't find it!<br></p> <p>4. Which gadget would you like to have invented?</p> <p>A self-cleaning blender.<br></p> <p>5. The next big thing will be...?</p> <p>An iblender shuffle: plays music as you blend...hmm...nice...<br> </p></blockquote> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/14/friday-five-3878632/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-13:/2008/03/13/my-beautiful-tag-cloud-3873575/tobstv2008-03-13T21:58:20+01:002008-03-14T00:19:58+01:00 <p> <br> <a href="http://technorati.com/blogs/http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/?sub=tr_tagcloud_t_ns" class="tr_tagcloud_t_js">View blog top tags</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/13/my-beautiful-tag-cloud-3873575/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-13:/2008/03/13/to-the-two-dominikas-in-my-evening-class-3870788/tobstv2008-03-13T11:41:59+01:002008-03-13T11:41:59+01:00 <p></p> <p><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/03/11/funny-pictures-good-twin-bad-twin/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/03/funny-pictures-good-and-evil-kittens.jpg" alt="Humorous Pictures"></a><br>Enter the ICHC <a href="http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/02/19/online-poker-cats-contest-ichc">online Poker Cats Contest!</a></p> <p>Hah Hah!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/13/to-the-two-dominikas-in-my-evening-class-3870788/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-12:/2008/03/12/making-it-sticky-on-blogger-3866455/tobstv2008-03-12T20:55:22+01:002008-03-12T20:55:22+01:00 <p>Well, I was asked by wendlane, and I've gone and found out how to add a 'sticky post' to blogger. Basically, you can't. You can, however, add a Page Element as text, which is essentially the same thing.<br><br><br> <blockquote> <span><u><strong>Adding a "Add a Page Element" widget to the main column</p> <p></strong></u>Sign into Dashboard, and in the relvant blog, click LAYOUT, then click EDIT HTML. In the Template Editor, look for this block of codes:<br><div id='main-wrap'><br><b:section class='main' id='main' showaddelement='no'><br><b:widget id='HTML10' locked='false' title='' type='HTML'/><br><b:widget id='Blog1' locked='false' title='Blog Posts' type='Blog'/><br></b:section><br></div></p> <p>Look particularly for showaddelement='no' and change it to showaddelement='yes', then save the template. Click "Page Elements" to get to the LAYOUT and observe that an additional "Add a Page Element" have been added to the top of "BLOG POSTS".</p> <p>To add Adsense, generate the Adsense script from your Adsense account (in my example above, I have chosen the "Large rectangle" format) to the top of every page of the main colum, click the extra "Add a Page Element, then in the pop-up, select HTML/Javascript, click "Add to blog", then paste the Adsense script into the box and click "Save changes".</p> <p>To make a "sticky post", after clicking "Add a Page Element", select TEXT instead and click "Add to blog. Then type in your text into the box. To avoid the text running into the sidebar, you will have to use the return key when you come to the edge of the box.<br></span></blockquote> <span>I found 'mainwrap' somewhere towards the bottom of the html text, an easy tip is to copy the whole lot and paste it in Word, you can then use the 'find' option under 'Edit' to find the text. (I used it to find 'showaddelement' as 'mainwrap' can be called something different in some template versions.)</p> <p>As with all things techie, once you've done it once it's dead easy to do again, give it a go wendlane!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv <br>                </span><span><br></span> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/12/making-it-sticky-on-blogger-3866455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-11:/2008/03/12/cheer-up-murphy-3859395/tobstv2008-03-12T00:50:39+01:002008-03-12T00:50:39+01:00 <p>My friend murphymole is going through some difficult times at the mo' so here's a lolcat to cheer her up...</p> <p><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/03/11/funny-pictures-not-a-clownz-kar11/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/03/funny-pictures-kittens-pet-taxi.jpg" alt="Humorous Pictures"></a><br>Enter the ICHC <a href="http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/02/19/online-poker-cats-contest-ichc">online Poker Cats Contest!</a></p> <p>Anna brandy...<br><img src="http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50214567/Dynasty_VSOP_Brandy.jpg" alt=""><br>With typewriter!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/12/cheer-up-murphy-3859395/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-11:/2008/03/12/copying-and-pasting-cool-stuff-on-yer-bl-3859361/tobstv2008-03-12T00:38:44+01:002008-03-12T00:38:44+01:00 <p>Murphymole is slightly jealous of my blog, <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/060lol.gif" border="0" alt=""> so I sat down and wrote her a short tutorial on nicking stuff to paste in yer blog: Enjoy it murphy, and let me know if you come a cropper!</p> <p><a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=insert_code2.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/insert_code2.jpg" border="0" alt="Tobstv, Internet Hacks"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=insert_code3.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/insert_code3.jpg" border="0" alt="Tobstv, Internet Hacks"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/12/copying-and-pasting-cool-stuff-on-yer-bl-3859361/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-11:/2008/03/11/get-yer-daily-dilbert-strip-here-3858966/tobstv2008-03-11T22:59:42+01:002008-03-12T20:44:44+01:00 <p>Oh joy and happiness; Dilbert has issured a searchable widget I'm trying out; hopefully it'll work! If you like Dilbert too, I've made this a 'sticky,' so it will always be on top of my blog.</p> <p>Tobbot and Dilbert: a match made in heaven.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/11/get-yer-daily-dilbert-strip-here-3858966/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-10:/2008/03/10/biking-frankfurters-and-salsa-oh-my-3851646/tobstv2008-03-10T20:59:45+01:002008-03-10T21:02:33+01:00 <p>Or rather, how to have the busiest weekend ever without trying...</p> <p>Saturday was spent going to Vines of Guildford to checkout the launch of the new F800 and F650 series, a new range of 'adventure touring' motorcycles, made famous by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boringman in 'Long Way 'Round.' Nice bikes, though I wasn't too sure about the chaindrive, which means regular maintenance...<img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/14sad.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>Also on offer were frankfurters and sauerkraut, now I'm actually allergic to anything pickled, but couldn't resist the tang of pickled cabbage so indulged...to my detriment!</p> <p>Teen tobbot also wanted to visit the Ace Cafe on the North Circular, so we popped over there for some hot chocolate and chips; a weird old combo but very satisfying all the same.</p> <p>Sunday however, was my chance to spend some time with my Best Beloved, dinner with Mrs Tobbot over at Wagamama's and the cherry on top: Salsa!</p> <p>This was a funky little Salsa club tucked away behind the George IV pub on Chiswick High Road; we were shown some basic moves by an instructor from <a href="http://www.salsamoves.co.uk/">Salsamoves</a> so everyone could join in, and then were treated to a live Salsa Band called <a href="http://www.salsapower.com/concerts/cosalatina_london2005eng.htm">Cosa Latina</a>. The atmosphere was very friendly, the music was cool and the band was hot, hot, hot! I of course did my usual Funky Chicken moves then retired to watch the pros at play: a real learning experience!</p> <p>I'm so grateful the week's here: least I will get some rest!</p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/10/biking-frankfurters-and-salsa-oh-my-3851646/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-08:/2008/03/08/religion-is-3836108/tobstv2008-03-08T12:44:16+01:002008-03-08T12:47:41+01:00 <p>...turning the other cheek while sharpening the dagger.</p> <p>...the ultimate bogeyman.</p> <p>...using love as an offensive weapon.</p> <p>...creating a list of rules which become easier as you age.</p> <p>...a form of crowd control.</p> <p>...the reason why we have the weekend.</p> <p>...why you touch yourself at night.</p> <p>...not the only truth out there, Mulder!</p> <p>over to you, people on the blogosphere...<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/08/religion-is-3836108/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-03-06:/2008/03/07/hi-there-people-3827958/tobstv2008-03-07T00:00:16+01:002008-03-07T00:00:16+01:00 <p><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2008/03/06/funny-pictures-hi-hug-me-hug-me/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2008/03/funny-pictures-bunny-wants-hug.jpg" alt="humorous pictures"></a><br>Enter the ICHC <a href="http://www.quicksprout.com/2008/02/19/online-poker-cats-contest-ichc">online Poker Cats Contest!</a></p> <p>You have been told, and must obeh meh...<img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv<br> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/03/07/hi-there-people-3827958/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-02-29:/2008/02/29/confessions-of-a-jewish-princess-warning-3798436/tobstv2008-02-29T19:14:32+01:002008-02-29T19:14:32+01:00 <p>If this should ever happen to you girls, this is what you tell that special person exactly what is going on in your life.</p> <p>Be warned though, this is ever so slightly rude: if you are offended by foul language, go and play on someone else's blog! <img class="smiley" src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/tinymce/jss/plugins/blogdeemotions/smilies/smiley-wink2.gif" border="0" alt=""></p> <p>You have been warned...</p> <p> <br> </p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/02/29/confessions-of-a-jewish-princess-warning-3798436/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tobstv.blog.co.uk,2008-02-28:/2008/02/28/czech-statistics-read-em-aamp-weep-3790755/tobstv2008-02-28T01:17:17+01:002008-02-28T01:17:17+01:00 <p><strong><a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05130.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05130.jpg" border="0" alt="prague, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of silly trolls kissed and groped by Tobbot Clan: 3</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05106.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05106.jpg" border="0" alt="cesky krumlov, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of glorious meals eaten, at less than a fiver a head: 20</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=P8160016.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/P8160016.jpg" border="0" alt="lipno, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of times the Tobbots visited the ski slopes: 3</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=P8200153.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/P8200153.jpg" border="0" alt="lipno, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of times Tobbot fell over while on the ski slopes: Lost count after 622!</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=P8190122.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/P8190122.jpg" border="0" alt="czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of trout caught by other people: 3</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=P8190091.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/P8190091.jpg" border="0" alt="czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of trout caught by Tobbot clan: Nil<br>  <br> </strong><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/P8190097-1.jpg" alt=""><strong> </p> <p>No. of times fishing line was tangled or caught in bushes, trees and other people's clothing: 12</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05107.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05107.jpg" border="0" alt="czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of miles travelled: lots </p> <p><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05159-1.jpg" alt=""><br>  <br> No. of desserts eaten: 14</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05160.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05160.jpg" border="0" alt="prague, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>No. of times we wished we'd never have to leave: 8</p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05088.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05088.jpg" border="0" alt="cesky krumlov, czech republic 2008"></a><br> <br> <u>Total number of 'wow' moments: 437</u></p> <p> <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=DSC05139.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/DSC05139.jpg" border="0" alt="prague, czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>Total value of smiles: error,error, error, computer unable to process numbers greater than infinity!<br>  <a href="http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/?action=view&current=collage.jpg"><img src="http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/tobstv/collage.jpg" border="0" alt="czech republic 2008"></a> </p> <p>Wish you were there? </p> <p>Tobbot, aka Tobstv </strong></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tobstv.blog.co.uk/2008/02/28/czech-statistics-read-em-aamp-weep-3790755/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>