tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81106530849339660362024-03-23T17:54:35.843+00:00roundacowMilton Keynes has more to offer than just roundabouts and concrete cows. I live here and I like it. And this blog takes a sideways look at things happening in, around and toward MK.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-53413986456787153852007-04-10T10:34:00.000+01:002007-04-10T10:50:31.936+01:00Balancing the environmentAfter, as far as I remember [things got a little hazy at some points], not having any glorious flypasts last year, Bletchley Park have announced that this year there should be no fewer than six. I do like these, being a bit of a geek means that four world war two aeroplanes flying directly above and around my house is an intersting event.<br /><br />This, of course, does beg the question of the carbon footprint these ancient 'birds of prey' will be laying as they fly (is there a mixed metaphor in there?). But, not to worry becasue in a fit of yin yang balance, I have found out about Urban Eden. Another group of peeps who quite like Milton keynes and think it should have more of a positive environmental impact on the planet.<br /><br />If you'd like to know more about these two diverse stories, then follow the links...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebestof.co.uk/milton%20keynes/news/36252">Here come the planes</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.urbaneden.org/">Urban Eden</a>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-28518646953918274602007-03-09T10:57:00.000+00:002007-03-09T11:02:57.452+00:00MK Citizen makes me laughNo this isn't a complaint about local news reporting, this is actually a compliment, a post of praise, heaped upon a news story from this week's paper - no I'm not looking for a job there.<br /><br />If you follow the link below you'll be able to read a funny report about MK TV, Milton Keynes very own TV station. The reporter made me smile as I read the satirical article... at one point I thought I was reading the local news equivalent of Harry hill's TV Burp. It is a funny reprt so if you'd like to know more about MK's answer to Sky read on <a href="http://www.miltonkeynestoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=415&ArticleID=2106028">here</a>.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-73037107986034288032007-03-04T18:32:00.001+00:002007-03-04T18:32:26.748+00:00Send in the clowns<p>Whatever happened to 'entertainers' turning up at your house for birthday celebrations? I for one don't like clowns, there is something distinctly sinister about someone who is trying to make you laugh while they themsleves have to paint a smile on their own face.</p> <p>However, it seems far more beneficial to have such a 'sad' entertainer to make your birthday go with a swing than the two birthday celebrations in the following link.<br/> </p> <a href="http://www.thebestof.co.uk/milton%20keynes/news/33145">Two men dead after Birthday celebrations in Milton Keynes - Milton Keynes - Latest Local News</a> <br/> <br/> <p/><!-- technorati tags begin --><p style="font-size:10px;text-align:right;">technorati tags:<a href="http://technorati.com/tag/birhtday" rel="tag">birhtday</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/murder" rel="tag">murder</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/clowns" rel="tag">clowns</a></p><!-- technorati tags end --><p style="text-align: right; font-size: 8px">Blogged with <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" title="Flock" target="_new">Flock</a></p>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-91015717965163181842007-02-08T10:10:00.000+00:002007-02-02T11:10:40.605+00:00Snow DayNo need to go to school today as no one will be there. I think all the schools in MK are shut because we have some snow, actually quite a bit.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-11752240613323935242007-02-01T11:11:00.000+00:002007-02-01T11:16:42.471+00:00An answer to my questionI'd like to thank the MK News for answering the question as to what exactly a 'large' casino is. In their report about MK being awarded 'large' casino status they explain that basically it means the casino can offer jackpots of up to £4,000.<br /><br />You can read all about it <a href="http://www.mk-news.co.uk/mknews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=45918">here</a>.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-9056223113874941172007-01-31T09:21:00.000+00:002007-01-31T10:37:14.686+00:00What are the chances of that happenin, eh?Well the sun has come out today and I feel much happier. Other people who are happier in Milton Keynes today are gamblers, with the news that MK is to be one of the places in the UK allowed to have a 'large' casino.<br /><br />On the news report on Ceefax and the weblink below there isn't much information on what exactly a 'large' casino is. What I have worked out is that there are three levels.<br /><ol><li>Super Casino - opening in Manchester</li><li>Large casinos - several of which will be around the country, including MK</li><li>Small casinos - again several around the country</li></ol>The old adage, size isn't important but what you do with it is, doesn't help me out in my quest for definition, as presumably one will 'gamble'. I suppose there is the element of how much you can gamble. Therefore what it means is that you can lose 'large' amounts at a large casino, small amounts at a small one and in Manchester you can lose a super amount.<br /><br />There does seem to be a shift in tax income with the current government - and from comments by the other parties, they won't be reversing these trends too soon. They are getting rid of the income from smoking by making it almost impossible to smoke anywhere and taking as much money from 'bad' environmental transport and replacing it with income from taxed gambling.<br /><br />This is probably a good move as the reduction in smoking and pollution will put less stress on the health service. People who become addicted to gambling tend to either get killed by Jonny 'The Crombie' Mitchel, for non-payment of the loan, or commit suicide. Either way this doesn't require the same amount of resources to care for them.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6312707.stm">Super and large casinos</a>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-52172027162379786082007-01-29T09:45:00.000+00:002007-01-29T09:57:52.961+00:00The gray decends againAfter a brief cold snap - briefer than the career of Jade Goody - the murky gray has returned to Milton Keynes. It is neither cold not warm, neither bright nor gloomy, simply gray and dull. This certainly has an effect on the ability of this <strike>blogger</strike> (hey I unwittingly called myself a blogger, best change that before I get ideas above my station) guy to be particularly active. He also has to deal with the fact that the MK DONS after going seven games undefeated have stumbled slightly - this weekend saw them lose 5-0, oops.<br /><br />I have added, and will continue to add more bits and pieces to the site, in addition to the witty blogging. First up, is an MK newsfeed to keep you up to date with what is going on - it is time to mashup Milton Keynes (web tech term, not a cooking term).Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-58478070935859775862007-01-24T14:33:00.000+00:002007-01-24T14:37:14.736+00:00Just to let you knowI now have a more 'this is me' type blog going on at <a href="http://dazzer67.blogspot.com">dazzer67</a> . Roundacow will continue with its witty repertoire concerning all things Milton Keynes. However, if you want the personal juicy gossip that is similar to the stuff found in Heat magazine only it concerns me, then you'll have to go to <a href="http://dazzer67.blogspot.com">dazzer67</a>.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-89542102833916249672007-01-24T11:25:00.000+00:002007-01-24T11:28:21.901+00:00Icing arrives a day lateBut better late than never.<br /><br />A thin layer of icing was applied to Milton Keynes to celebrate its 40th... bless<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-bFBkQ_WZ-nuu0qnh1CsrpPPw_7r5m-3tKp3hHO04E-E_viGhIHEh73MP2ceQJmZfphGJwXa3BwSqlPuPRFPXb6e0kHzj7xXxtelJ-uv9Xc9iFCCQMtLlGWj2wOLxCaPT_tS7xKjxlv1/s1600-h/p1001235.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-bFBkQ_WZ-nuu0qnh1CsrpPPw_7r5m-3tKp3hHO04E-E_viGhIHEh73MP2ceQJmZfphGJwXa3BwSqlPuPRFPXb6e0kHzj7xXxtelJ-uv9Xc9iFCCQMtLlGWj2wOLxCaPT_tS7xKjxlv1/s320/p1001235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023557136233603298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This was the view from my back window</span><br /></div>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-23979452410222487922007-01-23T08:47:00.000+00:002007-01-23T08:53:04.069+00:00Happy Birthday to usYes, it is time to celebrate, crack open the champagne and ice the cake. Milton Keynes is now 40 years old. Well that's not quite true. Milton Keynes is over a thousand years old as it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, however, Milton Keynes as a 'new city' is 40.<br /><br />They say life begins at 40 and for Milton Keynes, about to put on some middle-age spread in the form of 70,000 plus new homes, things are certainly exciting - trust me :-)<br /><br />For more info about this momentous celebration you can read the BBC's <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/6289393.stm">article.</a>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-47441124475550202262007-01-18T12:29:00.000+00:002007-01-18T12:53:23.363+00:00Milton Keynes life branded 'lonely' and 'confining' by Mr John (BSE) GummerAnything popular will be used by politicians to make themselves appear 'in touch', whether it be 'webcameron' or 'celebrity BB Galloway'.<br /><br />Milton Keynes is the famous whipping boy when it comes to towns/cities in the UK, possibly only surpassed by Slough and Staines. So, Mr John Gummer, the politician who famously got his young daughter to eat a beef burger at the height of the BSE scare is joining in by slagging off life in Milton Keynes. Basically he says that the place is so spacious we don't have any social mix, this coming form a Conservative who during the 80s was a part of a government who did more to destroy local communities than <a href="www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/harris_sir_arthur_bomber.shtml">Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris</a>.<br /><br />Anyhow, I'd just like to say here and now that Milton Keynes is not like Mr Gummer describes, it is much more 'communal' than the London suburbs where I used to live. There is nothing so lonely as being in a crowd - as any Conservative MP should know.<br /><br /><a href="http://qualityoflifechallenge.typepad.com/johns_blog/2006/11/repeating_milto.html#comment-27904392">Mr Gummer's post</a>Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-72541764267172732632007-01-13T16:55:00.000+00:002007-01-13T17:17:35.368+00:00Racism reported in Milton KeynesAs I sipped my weak tea and dunked my digestive I read the local newspaper - MK Citizen - and was shocked to read an article about badges on sale in Punkyfish that contained the swastika and word nazi, that I would advise you all to read <a href="http://www.miltonkeynestoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=415&ArticleID=1954750">here</a>.<br /><br />Yet again we have some interesting reporting from the city some love to hate. What interested me in the report was the implication that only mixed race and Polish people in the shop would be offended by the political emblems.<br /><br />The article isn't very balanced though, for instance they didn't ask the local BNP representative whether he (or she, you see apparently they can be female ballet dancers too) felt 'free speech' was being eroded by our current nanny state.<br /><br />As for the badges, it did lead me to do a little thinking. I was never upset or adverse to wearing a hammer and sickle badge in my younger days, and yet Stalin did as much for the friendly face of ethnic cleansing as Hitler did... and the cross I wear around my neck was the symbol that represented the wonderful missionary movement of the crusades in the middle ages, where racial stereotypes under girded the decision to send someone to meet their maker sooner rather than later.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-10819668228849130842007-01-04T22:18:00.000+00:002007-01-04T22:28:55.007+00:00Prediction for Milton Keynes 2007After the merriment and festivities it is time to get back into the swing of life in MK. I wonder what the year will hold for this wonderful place. I gaze into my crystal ball and with confidence can make the following predictions - Russel Grant prepare to be dazzled.<br /><br />1 <a href="http://roundacow.blogspot.com">Roundacow</a> will become the premier site for information regarding Milton Keynes<br />2 The MK Citizen will add another section destroying woodland the size of Kessingland each week<br />3 The MK Dons will be promoted causing Pete Winkleman a problem. He's always smiling and happy, so what will he do when something good actually happens?<br />4 Despite being a city that was created to grow and relieve the pressure of over-crowding in London, Milton Keynes' citizens will continue to complain about expansion plans<br />5 Although rail fares increase above inflation you'll still not be able to get a seat on a Silverlink train back from London after seeing the Cardiacs play<br /><br />you see if I'm rightDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-30985644500437240522006-12-31T14:22:00.000+00:002006-12-31T14:23:01.547+00:00Wishing you alla happy, prosperous and germ free new year<br />DarrenDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-9469703198789664392006-12-27T23:21:00.000+00:002006-12-27T23:22:52.835+00:00The Mighty BooshWhy?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=truEPLbTwCQ&mode=related&search=">link</a><br /><br />nuff saidDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-63578312997786334572006-12-27T20:33:00.000+00:002006-12-27T20:35:07.960+00:002006 to 2007Peace to you all*<br /><br />*even Iceland managers, chicken manure farmers and people who don't like Milton KeynesDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-71766721073665825442006-12-22T20:00:00.000+00:002006-12-22T20:01:47.157+00:00Au revoirwe'll miss you<br />but<br />we'll meet again<br /><br />you'll have no pain now<br />a little longer for us<br /><br />see you one dayDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-54495322633920673622006-12-21T11:46:00.000+00:002006-12-21T11:53:25.605+00:00FogboundHow I am saddened that some people have been stuck at the major airports around the country, unable to get away from the dank, dark and miserable weather that is currently blighting the UK. It is with a heavy heart that I hear the news that some people are having their winter getaway disrupted, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">meaning</span> that they have had to endure the grey, fog laden skies for several more hours than they really want to. It is such a shame that they will not have their bones thawed and their clothes dried as soon as they wished, slurping martinis and scotch as their planes soar through the atmosphere creating a carbon footprint the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sasquatch</span> would be proud of.<br /><br />Envy is a bad thing isn't it?Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-73851210496075015342006-12-18T08:51:00.000+00:002006-12-18T09:08:11.970+00:00I've been taggedI'd like to thank <a href="http://www.flippingheck.com">Katy</a> for tagging me - cheers, what joy ;-)<br /><br />Now, like everyone else who gets tagged I am also going to say that I don't normally do this sort of thing, and then continue to do it - such is life. Well the tag has requested that I tell you <em>Five things you didn't know about me</em>. As I don't know you that may be a bit hard as I don't know what you do know and what you don't :-) But here we go...<br /><br />1 I was born into an impoverished life in the East End of London; a true cockney. I spent the early formative part of my life here, eeking a living and trying to survive in the heart of gangland. I left this battlefield of Pauline Fowlers and Krays at the age of two months.<br /><br />2 I used to go clubbing regularly when I lived in London - when I could stay awake beyond 10pm - however, I very rarely paid for entry as I was always on the guest list.<br /><br />3 My 'teen' band once played in front of about 2,000 people at the London Hippodrome<br /><br />4 I passed the grade 5 exam on the clarinet<br /><br />5 I left school in the middle of my A-levels to seek fame and fortune in the music industry. Within ten years I was a mature student getting the degree eduction I should have got years before<br /><br />Well there you go. Five things about me.<br /><br />I won't tag anyone else, as most of the people I know have already been tagged and as I hate doing this sort of thing myself, I won't inflict it on anyone else. Unless of course you really want to :-)Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-44740422741913271812006-12-15T13:54:00.000+00:002006-12-15T14:16:00.620+00:00My year memeI have decided not to go back through my journal entries here, or elsewhere on the net, and create a 'year in review' post/meme*. Well actually that isn't exactly true. I did think of doing that and having a look back at all the fun and exciting things that I had got up to. However, when I started I noticed that my ife had been particularly bland this past year. I noticed that throughout this year I had settled into a routine that wasn't productive in many ways.<br /><br />Added to this is the recent news that a friend has weeks to live, it has made me think how precious life and what we have is, and how important it is that we cherish each moment we get.<br /><br />Therefore next year will take Steven Covey's first principle very seriously, 'Be proactive'.**<br /><br /><br />*sorry, just being net pretentious<br />**there are still 16 days of this year to go, and so the principle starts now if I am to cherish every momentDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-74100257090495876552006-12-12T08:55:00.000+00:002006-12-12T09:00:27.317+00:00Free calendar (not from me or Milton Keynes)Dave Walker is a very funny and good cartoonist. He is also very generous. As such he is currently providing the world, through his blog, a free calendar for you to download, print out and stick where you want to - preferably somewhere you can see it to use. So if you want something a little different to post your deadlines you should head over <a href="http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/12/09/free-2007-cartoon-calendars/">here</a> and download something wonderful.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-22639919428851936872006-12-11T13:19:00.000+00:002006-12-11T13:24:12.065+00:00New website for Milton KeynesHave noticed a few posters in shop windows promoting <a href="http://www.miltonkeynes.com/">this</a> website.<br /><br />Please believe me when I say there is more to Milton Keynes that this sort of corporate, pale and numbed, narcolepsy inducing, stock photo using, pile of bland.<br /><br />Please believe me, if you don't I may stop believing it myself.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-59848300359972652912006-12-06T08:48:00.001+00:002006-12-06T08:56:16.962+00:00Christmas mealIn Look Back in Anger, Jimmy Porter laments that his Sundays are repetative and boring, as he says, 'Why do I do this every Sunday?'<br /><br />In Milton Keynes, I also lament about the annual Christmas meal, 'Why do I do this every year?'<br /><br />Actually it wasn't that bad, as follows:<br /><br />Food = very nice<br />Company = friendly and chatty<br />Entertainment = very poor<br />Alcohol = enough<br /><br />So on those terms it would get a mark of 75% which I suppose is very reasonable.Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-57326550259252022012006-12-04T22:08:00.000+00:002006-12-04T22:09:23.403+00:00Credit where is dueIceland delivered all the shopping at the alloted time :-)Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8110653084933966036.post-70470134036856734292006-12-04T13:55:00.000+00:002006-12-04T13:58:46.241+00:00Cold northern chillWe await the delivery from Iceland. After ordering instore on Saturday, when the manager was very short (as in rude not as relative to Ronnie Corbet), and having to put one of the bags on the trolley ourselves, becasue it had been left on another checkout, I don't hold out much hope of a safe delivery.<br /><br />It may also have something to do with the way our address was written in a blue highlighter pen as was our home phone number in case of emergencies.<br /><br />I fear we may starveDarrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02071936307458353835noreply@blogger.com0