Yet More Gay Marriage
I've remarked before how amazed I am by the fact that the issue of gay marriage seems to have come to the fore in so many places around the world in such a short preiod of time. I still don't understand how countries with such disparate cultures and perspectives can all be reaching the point where it becomes an issue in the space of the same year (though obviously global media coverage helps create some of the impetus itself). But now throwing their hat into the ring comes Spain, announcing that they expect gay marriage to be a reality there as soon as next year. Of course I'm *shocked* that the Catholic Church isn't happy. They're usually such positive supporters of a tolerant and equitable society.
Have Passport, Can Travel
I can't remember if I mentioned it, but according to the original plan, I was going to be in San Francisco for work all last week. That had to be changed for various reasons and I'm now going the week commencing Monday 11th of next month. However, because of that, I end up travelling within three months of the expiry of my old passport, which means I can't use the US Visa Waiver scheme. So it's time to get a new passport.
*However* - I'm going to Barcelona this coming weekend, so I couldn't send it off to get a new one in case it didn't get back to me in time. And so I threw myself on the tender mercies of the Passport Office's Fast Track application process. I had a 7.45am appointment to submit the application and then theoretically it would be available for collection four hours after that was accepted. I was taking a chance that they'd agree with me about my appearance being sufficiently unchanged that I didn't need to have my photos counter-signed, and there was a nasty moment where it looked like the person taking my application was going to kick off about it, but she didn't.
And astonishingly, I have to report that when i went back to try and collect it about four and a half hours later, there it was. After some of my recent experiences with one process or another (the Amazon saga continues), I'm utterly stunned that the one I was expecting the least of is the one that delivered exactly according to promise.
What is the world coming to?
Battlefront
The other thing that we did over the weekend (though truthfully, one of us did it a *lot* more than the other), is play Star Wars: Battlefront, which was released on Friday. I keep suprising myself lately by being more into things I'd usually have no time for than I ever expect (I call it The David Effect), and this is a prime example. It uses various conflict scenes from the films (Hoth, Endor, etc) as well as some that didn't actually see combat (Tatooine for instance), and gives you the opportunity to choose which side of the battle you are, and what kind of soldier from that side.
And then you blast hell out of everything that's not on your side.
It's *incredibly* satisfying.
And you can play it over X-Box Live against or alongside other people online.
We wasted more than a little time on that, I'm slightly ashamed to say..
Woar!
In a desperate attempt to get out and do something with yesterday, we went to the cinema (I know - radical), and I'm very pleased that we did. Hero, Zhang Yimou's 'new' film (actually two years old) is utterly amazing. A story of pre-unification China, the clever and complex story is impressive enough, but the visuals are simply stunning. Battles taking place in a leaf-filled clearing, on a lake, in a rain-soaked chess hall, all of them astonishing to watch, but some of the closer-up moments are every bit as intense.
David noted that for something like that, art-house is better than multiplex, because clearly there were people there who didn't 'get' the conventions and the style. Still, worth seeing wherever you can. Massively recommended.
Rugger Buggered
Meant to mention - the atmosphere in The Cork last night was slightly marred by the very loud table of five blokes who were behaving in best stereotype rugger bugger manner - lots of faux aggression, lots of drinking and shouting, and a general willingness to whip their dicks out at a moment's notice and feign shagging each other. All in an entirely heterosexual manner of course.
Most peculiar. I've never entirely got what that kind of behaviour is all about. Several of my stepdad's brothers were in a rugby team and would take any opportunity to get naked with each other, and likewise some of the very, very straight men in my sporty hall of residence at university.
Bonkers.
They’re Back….
....And this time, they're married.
Dave and Octavia got back from their honeymoon yesterday, so the Cork and Bottle beckoned for a glass or three and a catch-up. The trip appears to have had its ups and downs, which Dave will no doubt expand upon in due course.
Now, what about some wedding photos then?
It’s Official
Parcelforce have now definitively confirmed that they have absolutely no idea where the package is. I have to get on to Amazon for a replacement and they (Amazon) will have to claim for the original from Parcelforce. It's unreal how their supposedly sophisticated system can fall apart so badly.
So let's see what happens regarding the replacement.
More Grrrr
Back to the subject of my missing Amazon order:
I just spoke to the Parcelforce 'Helpline', who told me that they have no idea where my package is, they'll have to put a trace on it and with luck I'll hear back within 48 hours. "Okay?" "Well no, not really - it's hardly okay that a package I've paid for that was sent out through your 1 day service seems to have vanished without a trace. I thought your entire system was supposed to promise complete trackability of the packages that go into it?" "Well I'm just a call centre, so I can't go looking for it for you."
Time for a sternly-worded letter of complaint I think.
*Apparently….*
.... and don't tell anyone I told you so; Pro-hunting protesters are going to topple the government.
It must be true, because Brian Ferry's ex-wife said so, and she's very angry, and so are thousands of others.
I'm fascinated to know what she's planning on replacing it with.
Wedding Photos?
So did anybody at Dave and Octavia's wedding actually have memory cards in their cameras, I wonder? I've never seen so many flashes going off at a cake-cutting, but none of the people there seem to have put any of them online. I obviously was a bit preoccupied, so I didn't bother with taking my camera along, but I know other people did. Anyone? Bueller?
And speaking of the groom, we had a postcard from him at work this morning sent last Wednesday noting that he hadn't touched a computer since Sunday - a new personal best. Given what I'm hoping is a serious lack of computers in the hotel in Mauritius, I think that personal best may now be well and truly unbeatable.