Toms View of the World

Hysterically funny all round - a “romantic comedy” with the emphasis on “comedy” not “romance” - there was only one moment where the gut reaction was “please pass me a bucket”

The finale is just superb!

Apparently NTL has agreed terms for a purchase of Telewest Communications.

What started out as a disparate group of Cable providers for each region has now become a national monopoly over the technolgy - but with less reach than BT.

(I really hope they come up with a better name for the combined company than “NeleWest”)

http://networks.silicon.com/broadband/0,39024661,39152962,00.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4304008.stm

Here’s how to read those IT Developer Job adverts in the press:

“Competitive salary rate”
We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.

“Duties will vary”
Anyone in the office can boss you around.

“Join our dynamic company”
We have no time to train you.

“Casual working environment”
We don’t pay enough to expect that you will dress up.

“Must be deadline oriented”
You will be 6 months behind on your first day.

“Some overtime required”
Some time each night, some time each weekend.

“Must have an eye for detail”
We have no quality control.

“Seeking wide experience”
You will need to replace three people who just left.

“Good communication skills”
Management communicates poorly, so you have to figure out what they want and do it.

“Problem solving skills needed”
You are walking into a company in continual chaos.

“Requires team leadership skills”
You will have the responsibilities of a manager without the privileges.

I’ve recently finished reading “Lucky Man: A Memoir” - the self-authored memoirs of Michael J. Fox, who documents his rise to fame and his ongoing battle with Parkinsons Disease.

It’s a fascinating read, as it’s about more than just Parkinsons or his movie career, he touches on every aspect of his life, his mistakes, his joys, his sorrows.

A superb read - and a very open and honest display of his humanity and the challenges he’s faced in both his professional and personal life.