Happy Christmas Eve to one and all. I trust there will be no news today, right? I do hope so. I can't quite believe all this news keeps on happening. Here at Sidepodcast, we treasure the Christmas week as one where everyone else stops and we keep on going. It's not fair if they keep on going as well. Anyway, enough whining from me, here are some of the things we're talking about:

  • We got to catch up with Joe, and the podcast was released yesterday. Pat has actually done a really good job of plugging the podcast, so I won't attempt to add anything and simply point you in that direction instead.
  • So, you might have heard that Schumacher is attempting another comeback. Ollie has written about that over on BlogF1, at the same time confirming some future plans for his site as well. Yay for Ollie!
  • Finally, with just a few minutes to spare, Gavin posted his 2009 in Review - Fuel Use article. He has spent a really long time collecting and analysing the data for this post, and his hard work shows! There's a lot of information in there, and I think I might have to read it a couple of times, but it's definitely worth the effort. Head over there now.

That's all for now. As ever, we are keen to know your plans, particularly how you are gearing up for the holidays. I will see you in the comments (and this time I really will!)

631 responses

  • me24/12/2009 at 00:08

    yay for christmas eve.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 00:09

    yay for christmas eve.

    woop

  • paul24/12/2009 at 00:10

    yay for christmas eve.

    Stupid weather. Couldn't we just average the north and southern hemisphere temperatures?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 00:10

    Thanks for the plug, and Glædig Jul everyone (as it is Christmas in a lot of countries today!)

  • RG24/12/2009 at 00:11

    Thanks for the plug, and Glædig Jul everyone (as it is Christmas in a lot of countries today!)

    Well, not in Fiji for another 11 hours at least. I think.

  • James24/12/2009 at 00:12

    Being Christmas eve makes me excited, means there isn't long until the Doctor Who episode :D

  • paul24/12/2009 at 00:13

    Being Christmas eve makes me excited, means there isn't long until the Doctor Who episode :D

    Oh yeah! woohoo :-)

  • James24/12/2009 at 00:14

    Oh yeah! woohoo :-)

    I maybe more excited about that than Christmas this year.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:15

    Ah, hello Thursday.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 00:22

    Woooo Christmas eve! I'm home finally :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 00:23

    festive f1 minute:

    http://www.f1minute.com/category/daily/

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:26

    festive f1 minute:

    http://www.f1minute.com/category/daily/

    Heh, with bells on! Bit of a scramble to fit all that in too :-)

    In other news, the player on my site is still serving Dec 18th's Minute..

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 00:28

    Heh, with bells on! Bit of a scramble to fit all that in too :-)

    In other news, the player on my site is still serving Dec 18th's Minute..

    Have just done the feed, should update soon.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:30

    Have just done the feed, should update soon.

    Thanks.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 00:30

    I maybe more excited about that than Christmas this year.

    I certainly am :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 00:30

    In "this time last year" news: http://www.f1minute.com/2008/12/24/24-dec-08-karthikeyan-blasts-force-india-link-speculation/

    Karthikeyan was being a bit mouthy, and Ferrari were reconsidering their contract with Schumi. Interesting!

  • James24/12/2009 at 00:32

    Karthikeyan was being a bit mouthy, and Ferrari were reconsidering their contract with Schumi. Interesting!

    Ferrari must have known it was coming. I wonder how Massa has taken this.

  • RG24/12/2009 at 00:33

    Ferrari must have known it was coming. I wonder how Massa has taken this.

    I didn't know Narain was mouthy about Massa. Surprised.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:34

    Karthikeyan was being a bit mouthy, and Ferrari were reconsidering their contract with Schumi. Interesting!

    Blimey! Words like that end F1 careers.

  • James24/12/2009 at 00:35

    I didn't know Narain was mouthy about Massa. Surprised.

    Huh no. I was wondering how Massa has taken Schui going to Mercedes ;)

  • RG24/12/2009 at 00:35

    Huh no. I was wondering how Massa has taken Schui going to Mercedes ;)

    Failing to get the joke? ;)

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:36

    Huh no. I was wondering how Massa has taken Schui going to Mercedes ;)

    If he's a proper racer, which I think he is, he'll be rubbing his hands together with glee. A chance to beat his mentor on an equal level.

  • James24/12/2009 at 00:36

    Failing to get the joke? ;)

    Yep. I'm tired. :P

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 00:36

    Karthikeyan was being a bit mouthy, and Ferrari were reconsidering their contract with Schumi. Interesting!

    Blimey! Words like that end F1 careers.

    Bit stupid considering he is Indian and Vijay must want an Indian in there at some point?

    Doesn't matter now, he's a Kolles Audi Sportscar driver - hey, I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:39

    Bit stupid considering he is Indian and Vijay must want an Indian in there at some point?

    Vijay already distanced himself from both he and Chandhok though, I can't remember if that was earlier or later than this time last year..

    Doesn't matter now, he's a Kolles Audi Sportscar driver - hey, I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

    If he badmouthed Spyker too, I'm not sure how he got the Kolles deal...

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 00:41

    Good night everyone - will try and pop in tomorrow but may only be brief as it's Christmas for me. So have a good day and Merry Christmas if you are celebrating!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 00:41

    Good night everyone - will try and pop in tomorrow but may only be brief as it's Christmas for me. So have a good day and Merry Christmas if you are celebrating!

    MC Gavin. Ciao

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 00:42

    Good night everyone - will try and pop in tomorrow but may only be brief as it's Christmas for me. So have a good day and Merry Christmas if you are celebrating!

    Night!

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 00:44

    Good night everyone - will try and pop in tomorrow but may only be brief as it's Christmas for me. So have a good day and Merry Christmas if you are celebrating!

    Night!

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 01:57

    i has landed!

  • me24/12/2009 at 02:19

    i has landed!

    yay! welcome hug?

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 04:36

    Only three hours of work and 1.5 hours of travel before I can break out the Christmas eve custard.

    I couldn't wait for Xmas, I plugged in my PS3 with PlayTV on Sunday. We used 2GB of my 25GB download limit on that one day installing things and doing updates.

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 04:38

    PS. The Blu-Ray of Coraline is quite good. We will be watching the 3D version (four pairs of glasses included) tomorrow to remind me how cool my present to myself is

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 05:13

    I did not get a welcome hug. My dad was late to the airport so I was wandering around looking for someone who wasn't there :D

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 05:16

    I couldn't wait for Xmas, I plugged in my PS3 with PlayTV on Sunday. We used 2GB of my 25GB download limit on that one day installing things and doing updates.

    I heart my PlayTV

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 05:18

    Ooh. I forgot that I haven't opened Tekken or Beatles Rock Band (with microphones). Toys for me!

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 05:19

    Ooh. I forgot that I haven't opened Tekken or Beatles Rock Band (with microphones). Toys for me!

    ooh both good choices.

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 05:21

    I heart my PlayTV

    I now have too many ways to record tv in my house. I love the PlayTV too, it is Zoe friendly

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 05:22

    I did not get a welcome hug. My dad was late to the airport so I was wandering around looking for someone who wasn't there :D

    sending you virtual hugs. I know it's not the same...

  • F1Wolf24/12/2009 at 07:04

    by accident landed on F1 site in Lithuanian. I thought that names like Kovalaianen are difficult enough to spell and pronounce in original, but obviously in Lithuania they can do better :-) (not with Alguersuari though) :

    1. J. Buttonas 95

    2. S. Vettelis 84

    3. R. Barrichello 77

    4. M. Webberis 69,5

    5. L. Hamiltonas 49

    6. K. Raikkonenas 48

    7. N. Rosbergas 34,5

    8. J. Trulli 32,5

    9. F. Alonso 26

    10. T. Glockas 24

    11. F. Massa 22

    12. H. Kovalainenas 22

    13. N. Heidfeldas 19

    14. R. Kubica 17

    15. G. Fisichella 8

    16. S. Buemi 6

    17. A. Sutilas 5

    18. K. Kobayashi 3

    19. S. Bourdais 2

    20. K. Nakajima 0

    21. N. Piquet 0

    22. V. Liuzzi 0

    23. L. Badoeras 0

    24. R. Grosjeanas 0

    25. J. Alguersuari 0

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 07:31

    Virtual welcome hugs to Amy!

    Morning everyone :)

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 07:36

    Morning everyone :)

    Merry Xmas Eve Alex!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 07:37

    Merry Xmas Eve Alex!

    Thanks Jeremy!

    How many hours until it's Christmas for you?

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 07:38

    How many hours until it's Christmas for you?

    depends on whether I can make myself go to bed on time :-)

    5 hours and 22 minutes

  • Jeremy24/12/2009 at 07:41

    depends on whether I can make myself go to bed on time :-)

    does that make sense?

    If I stay awake, Xmas hits at midnight. If not, I'll be getting out of bed at 8pm London time. #gmt+11

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 07:53

    my brothers girlfriend got him for christmas the same thing that I did. Present fail.

  • Dank24/12/2009 at 09:37

    Happy pre-Jesus birthday people!

    Formalities out of the way, where's the annual Autos-, sorry, AUTOSPORT, quiz thingy this year?

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 09:45

    Morning

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 09:57

    More to add to the Karthikeyan discussion if you fancy a laugh - he wants to try NASCAR - I had no idea he was in the ARCA test last week with Danica:

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80668

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:00

    More to add to the Karthikeyan discussion if you fancy a laugh - he wants to try NASCAR - I had no idea he was in the ARCA test last week with Danica:

    http://www.aut...s/report.php/id/80668

    What is ARCA? Is it like mini NASCAR or something?

    Morning all, as well.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:04

    What is ARCA? Is it like mini NASCAR or something?

    Pretty much, yeah. Bit slower (but they still average 180mph at Daytona), shorter races, half the field are hopeless apparently. 2 or 3 levels below the main NASCAR.

    Morning all, as well.

    Hi!

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:09

    Pretty much, yeah. Bit slower (but they still average 180mph at Daytona), shorter races, half the field are hopeless apparently. 2 or 3 levels below the main NASCAR.

    Gotcha. Does Montoya do proper NASCAR?

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:10

    Gotcha. Does Montoya do proper NASCAR?

    Yeah. Scott Speed went from F1 to ARCA and is working his way up, no idea how far he's got since.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:12

    So who else is working, or 'working', today?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:14

    So who else is working, or 'working', today?

    Thankfully, I am done till January. Are you working today?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:18

    Morning,

    Just come back from church which was nice.

    I'm just looking at links to my blog post on fuel usage and it's crazy that people are linking to my graphs on forums - some in different languages!

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:18

    Thankfully, I am done till January. Are you working today?

    Ah good. I'm at work, but they usually send us home early on Christmas Eve but still pay us for the whole day, which is really good. The thing is, it could be at any time, last year it was midday but the year before was 4.30pm! It makes it fun I suppose..

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:19

    I'm just looking at links to my blog post on fuel usage and it's crazy that people are linking to my graphs on forums - some in different languages!

    The international language of graph :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:19

    Ah good. I'm at work, but they usually send us home early on Christmas Eve but still pay us for the whole day, which is really good. The thing is, it could be at any time, last year it was midday but the year before was 4.30pm! It makes it fun I suppose..

    Sweepstake! I take 2pm.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:20

    I'm just looking at links to my blog post on fuel usage and it's crazy that people are linking to my graphs on forums - some in different languages!

    The international language of graph :)

    Indeed!

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:21

    I'm in a farm office, despite my being in accounts they usually work right through. I've managed to get next Tues and Weds off though, and Mon is a bank holiday because Boxing Day is on the weekend.

    This means I only have to do New Years' Eve (stock take in the morning then come back to the office after, I guess).

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:21

    I'm just looking at links to my blog post on fuel usage and it's crazy that people are linking to my graphs on forums - some in different languages!

    Nice to see it taking off!

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:22

    Sweepstake! I take 2pm.

    :-D

    I'm going for 12.30. I'm being optimistic.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 10:34

    :-D

    I'm going for 12.30. I'm being optimistic.

    Mr C says 1:16pm.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:39

    My wife is watching Water Rats right now. Strange how popular it is here!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 10:47

    I am working from home today :(

  • me24/12/2009 at 10:47

    I am working from home today :(

    that's a good thing, no?

    or would you rather not be working?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 10:48

    I am working from home today :(

    And I'm actually on holiday today. Kind of the opposite of Pat!

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 10:49

    And I'm actually on holiday today. Kind of the opposite of Pat!

    working on your holiday day?? #blamefourstar?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:49

    I am working from home today :(

    that's a good thing, no?

    or would you rather not be working?

    For me it isn't - I get so bored!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:49

    And I'm actually on holiday today. Kind of the opposite of Pat!

    working on your holiday day?? #blamefourstar?

    He's working too apparently!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 10:50

    He's working too apparently!

    Yeah. Not his fault at all.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:50

    He's working too apparently!

    Yeah. Not his fault at all.

    So he's not the Grinch then?

  • me24/12/2009 at 10:51

    Yeah. Not his fault at all.

    #blameschumacher?

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:52

    Yeah. Not his fault at all.

    #blameschumacher?

    Let's start that going again!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 10:52

    #blameschumacher?

    Why not!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:53

    I linked to a James Allen article in my blog post and the site is down. Did I break his website again?

  • me24/12/2009 at 10:53

    I linked to a James Allen article in my blog post and the site is down. Did I break his website again?

    vandal.

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:54

    I linked to a James Allen article in my blog post and the site is down. Did I break his website again?

    vandal.

    Clearly. I have adopted the mentality of a Viking and pillaged his website for a scant resource!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 10:57

    The actual answer is that we have accounting close of year end in December. And somebody discovered an invoice that hadn't been dealt with :( Boo...

    Apparently you can't just accrue these things!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 10:59

    The actual answer is that we have accounting close of year end in December. And somebody discovered an invoice that hadn't been dealt with :( Boo...

    Apparently you can't just accrue these things!

    Oooh that's a bit of a problem :(

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:11

    The actual answer is that we have accounting close of year end in December. And somebody discovered an invoice that hadn't been dealt with :( Boo...

    boo for having a financial year end match the calendar year end!

    Apparently you can't just accrue these things!

    depends how important the invoice is :-)

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:13

    just learning of an artic lorry that arrived at 4am this morning, special early one for xmas eve, but took a wrong turn and went down a narrow lane...

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 11:15

    depends how important the invoice is :-)

    £478,000

    I understand why... Hence why I'm here.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 11:16

    morning

    I understand why... Hence why I'm here.

    that is quite alot ;)

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:22

    I understand why... Hence why I'm here.

    That is a fairly important one :-)

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:22

    morning

    Morning.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 11:26

    That is a fairly important one :-)

    My balance balances... Phew! I am now done!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 11:28

    #MFC rumour...

    Apple have rented their favourite announcement venue for something in January... Lots of people saying it's the tablet: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Midmarket/Apple-Tablet-Finally-Arriving-in-January-515405/

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:28

    My balance balances... Phew! I am now done!

    Always good :-)

    I've overheard a conversation, I htink I know when I'm going..

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 11:29

    Always good :-)

    I've overheard a conversation, I htink I know when I'm going..

    ooooh. oooooh. when?

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:30

    ooooh. oooooh. when?

    You haven't entered the sweepstake yet

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 11:31

    #MFC rumour...

    Apple have rented their favourite announcement venue for something in January... Lots of people saying it's the tablet: http://www.ewe...ng-in-January-515405/

    That bloody tablet again!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 11:31

    You haven't entered the sweepstake yet

    ok, i'm going fooor. 2.05pm

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:34

    ok, i'm going fooor. 2.05pm

    If the time I've been told is right, Mr C will win

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 11:34

    If the time I've been told is right, Mr C will win

    gah. i was going to go for 1.17. boo

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 11:34

    ok, i'm going fooor. 2.05pm

    If the time I've been told is right, Mr C will win

    1:30pm ;)

  • RG24/12/2009 at 11:46

    Morning all.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 11:49

    Morning all.

    morning

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 12:00

    Karthikeyan was being a bit mouthy, and Ferrari were reconsidering their contract with Schumi. Interesting!

    Blimey! Words like that end F1 careers. {Comment #19}

    In which case Narain was perfectly safe because his F1 career had effectively ended the previous year when he didn't get a contract extension with Williams despite his sponsor and one of Williams' main sponsors being the same company.

    Amusingly enough he's in the news today due to a proposed move to NASCAR while Schumacher's in the news due to the ripple effect from yesterday...

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 12:02

    Bit stupid considering he is Indian and Vijay must want an Indian in there at some point? {Comment #24}

    Due to politics which I do not understand (something to do with rival Indian companies, possibly translating into clashing sponsors) and Vijay waiting for Karun Chandhok (who he considers a friend), Vijay wouldn't have employed Narain anyway - or such is the impression I get.

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 12:05

    Vijay already distanced himself from both he and Chandhok though, I can't remember if that was earlier or later than this time last year. {Comment #25}

    Later. Vijay said it on January 10 when he unveiled his driver lineup and explained why it featured no Indians. To clarify, he said Chandhok wasn't ready. Given his lack of progress in GP2, I'd say Karun still isn't ready...

    Luckily Colin Kolles has a thick skin.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 12:06

    That bloody tablet again!

    :D

    Afternoon all

    Merry Christmas Amy and all our Kiwi Sidepodders

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 12:10

    Afternoon all

    afternoon

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 12:14

    1:30pm ;)

    the buzz is 1pm. we usually get called downstairs 15-20 mins beforehand for a chat and a small drink..

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 12:17

    ah I love the auto-post feature on blogs :-)

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 12:20

    the buzz is 1pm. we usually get called downstairs 15-20 mins beforehand for a chat and a small drink..

    Our morning shift went home at 10:30, which is a half-day for them

    We started at 10 and shouldn't be here much after 2 hopefully

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 12:27

    Good to see Norad are tracking Santa again this year

    www.noradsanta.org

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 12:29

    and still the news keeps coming, sportscar stuff on autosport now..

  • RG24/12/2009 at 12:30

    Good to see Norad are tracking Santa again this year

    www.noradsanta.org

    Lovin the Kuril Islands.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 12:33

    Good to see Norad are tracking Santa again this year

    www.noradsanta.org

    Ooooh, yay. We live commented it last year. I forgot!

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 12:39

    Merry Christmas from 'Making Up The Numbers' ;)

    http://f1numbers.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/merry-christmas-everyone/

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 12:46

    Ooooh, yay. We live commented it last year. I forgot!

    you live... never mind.

    apparently also available on twitter and facebook now:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8428718.stm

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 12:55

    Ooooh, yay. We live commented it last year. I forgot!

    you live... never mind.

    apparently also available on twitter and facebook now:

    http://news.bb...echnology/8428718.stm

    One day there will be live commenting of live commenting!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 12:56

    Hey everyone :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 12:57

    Merry Christmas eve! Everyone having fun?

    Its mincepie time!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 12:57

    One day there will be live commenting of live commenting!

    Oooh, unexpected comment there by Gavin while he's looking at NORAD. Didn't see that one coming at all.

  • RG24/12/2009 at 12:57

    Hellllllo, lou and Nick

  • lou24/12/2009 at 12:59

    Hellllllo, lou and Nick

    :) how is everyone today? anyone doing anything special?

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 12:59

    Hellllllo, lou and Nick

    Nice greeting by RG there

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 13:00

    :) how is everyone today? anyone doing anything special?

    I had a beer on the beach this afternoon ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:01

    I had a beer on the beach this afternoon ;)

    wow that sounds fun. :)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 13:01

    http://twitter.com/noradsanta

    !!!!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:02

    :) how is everyone today? anyone doing anything special?

    I made my own dinner. Which is quite special.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 13:02

    I made my own dinner. Which is quite special.

    What was it?

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:02

    I made my own dinner. Which is quite special.

    oo! what did you make?

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:04

    oo! what did you make?

    Sausage and Onion Pie.

    I won't lie, there also was a visit to Marks and Spencers this morning, and it may have only been something for the microwave for 8 minutes. But thats not the point.

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 13:04

    wow that sounds fun. :)

    It was a beautifull afternoon, chistmas eve dinner with some friends, and then epic drinking at the pub later

    The pubs put polystyrine ball on the fall so it looks like snow :D

  • Gavin Brown (RubberGoat)24/12/2009 at 13:07

    All right guys, off for Christmas dinner, singing carols around the tree and a visit from Santa. Enjoy your evenings!

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 13:10

    All right guys, off for Christmas dinner, singing carols around the tree and a visit from Santa. Enjoy your evenings!

    Have fun!

    If you see santa, let him know i have moved!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:10

    All right guys, off for Christmas dinner, singing carols around the tree and a visit from Santa. Enjoy your evenings!

    See ya Gavin. Have a good Christmas.

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 13:11

    just had a small glass of mulled wine - hometime! Mr C wins

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:11

    I won't lie, there also was a visit to Marks and Spencers this morning, and it may have only been something for the microwave for 8 minutes. But thats not the point.

    :D i'd love to say it sounds yummy but i'm not a fan of sausage. i'm a fan of M & S though :)

  • Pat W24/12/2009 at 13:11

    All right guys, off for Christmas dinner, singing carols around the tree and a visit from Santa. Enjoy your evenings!

    Have a good one!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:11

    All right guys, off for Christmas dinner, singing carols around the tree and a visit from Santa. Enjoy your evenings!

    sounds lovely! Merry Christmas Gavin, have a lovely evening/ afternoon!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:13

    :D i'd love to say it sounds yummy but i'm not a fan of sausage. i'm a fan of M & S though :)

    There's a food store about a four minute walk away, nice and handy. Nearest Tesco is five minutes away, nearest airport is five minute car drive away. Great place to live.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:19

    There's a food store about a four minute walk away, nice and handy. Nearest Tesco is five minutes away, nearest airport is five minute car drive away. Great place to live.

    wow!.. if i walk for 5 minutes i just get roads and more countryside. we have a village close to us that doesn't have much in it though.. nearest food places are like 5-10min drives But then again it is waitrose so it's worth the (Short) drive :)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 13:22

    spc is changing my whole internet experience.. every time i read a blog/post of any kind i want to rate it :) i just tried to rate yesterdays f1 big picture and was shocked when i couldn't find the little stars :(

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:26

    wow!.. if i walk for 5 minutes i just get roads and more countryside. we have a village close to us that doesn't have much in it though.. nearest food places are like 5-10min drives But then again it is waitrose so it's worth the (Short) drive :)

    I live in an awesome place, Falcons stadium not too far away. Annoyingly, there isn't a Greggs within a 5 minute walk.

  • RG24/12/2009 at 13:38

    Donington has failed to get a buyer

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/8429932.stm

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 13:48

    hi to all! having a nice Christmas eve?

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 13:55

    hi to all! having a nice Christmas eve?

    Yes! Got a really awesome Kimi Ferrari shirt from my lovely lady. :D Will open family Christmas gifts in a few hours - Christmas dinner will be soon! :D

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 13:57

    Yes! Got a really awesome Kimi Ferrari shirt from my lovely lady. :D Will open family Christmas gifts in a few hours - Christmas dinner will be soon! :D

    oh, really nice of her :D

    enjoy the dinner and have a merry christmas!

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 13:57

    oh, really nice of her :D

    enjoy the dinner and have a merry christmas!

    You too Guille. :)

  • Santa/Saint Nic/Father o' Christmas24/12/2009 at 13:59

    Happy Christmas!

    Have a great day, hope you all like the things I got you!

    Love

    Mr C(hristmas)

  • Scott Woodwiss24/12/2009 at 14:04

    Afternoon all. Just a quick F1 related thought - now that MS is no longer with Ferrari, does anyone think his helmet design will change? Personally, I think a bright red helmet in a silver and grey car will make him stick out like a sore thumb. I wouldn't mind seeing his old colours return. I reckon the white, blue top and German flag down the side would look pretty good on a modern day helmet.

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 14:04

    Have a great day, hope you all like the things I got you!

    I'm still wanting! when are you supposed to come down here? ;-)

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 14:08

    Afternoon all. Just a quick F1 related thought - now that MS is no longer with Ferrari, does anyone think his helmet design will change? Personally, I think a bright red helmet in a silver and grey car will make him stick out like a sore thumb. I wouldn't mind seeing his old colours return. I reckon the white, blue top and German flag down the side would look pretty good on a modern day helmet.

    The all-red is gone, surely? The reason he had to switch from his traditional colors was because they were so similar to Rubens'. But I think Nico's colors are different enough for Schumi to switch back to his old colors.

  • Scott Woodwiss24/12/2009 at 14:10

    The all-red is gone, surely? The reason he had to switch from his traditional colors was because they were so similar to Rubens'. But I think Nico's colors are different enough for Schumi to switch back to his old colors.

    Either that or he might decide to just change the colour of his existing design from red to silver or charcoal grey or black maybe.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 14:11

    Either that or he might decide to just change the colour of his existing design from red to silver or charcoal grey or black maybe.

    Mmm. That wouldn't be bad, either. But I like his traditional colors more - changing to silver is so like what they do at McLaren...

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 14:21

    Hellooooooo

    I'm so excited about Christmas now!! It's all snowy and I'm done my shopping. Going to go round my parents' house and sit all cozy by the fire wrapping things up :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 14:24

    spc is changing my whole internet experience.. every time i read a blog/post of any kind i want to rate it :) i just tried to rate yesterdays f1 big picture and was shocked when i couldn't find the little stars :(

    I am sure that is somewhere in the grand scheme of things. You know what he's like.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 14:25

    I'm so excited about Christmas now!! It's all snowy and I'm done my shopping. Going to go round my parents' house and sit all cozy by the fire wrapping things up :)

    I have a tin of Roses. It must be Christmas.

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 14:25

    I'm so excited about Christmas now!! It's all snowy and I'm done my shopping. Going to go round my parents' house and sit all cozy by the fire wrapping things up :)

    I could use some snow now... Big Christmas dinners are not supposed to be eaten in summer ;-)

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 14:26

    I have a tin of Roses. It must be Christmas.

    :D

  • lou24/12/2009 at 14:34

    I am sure that is somewhere in the grand scheme of things. You know what he's like.

    yay :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 15:11

    Even the pandas are a bit festive. http://smarterthanyouraverage.com/2009/12/24/baby-panda-thursday-42/

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 15:12

    Santa has reached China already!

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 15:16

    Santa has reached China already!

    Merry Christmas all!!

    Santa has come and gone here in Oz. And this year he answered my letters and brought me a 91x grand prix winner, back to shake things up a little in 2010.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:17

    Merry Christmas all!!

    Santa has come and gone here in Oz. And this year he answered my letters and brought me a 91x grand prix winner, back to shake things up a little in 2010.

    I was actually wishing he'd make him stay away... Sigh. Oh well. The next best thing he can give me is for said man to win an 8th championship. ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 15:19

    Even the pandas are a bit festive. http://smarter...by-panda-thursday-42/

    awww! :)

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 15:20

    I was actually wishing he'd make him stay away... Sigh. Oh well. The next best thing he can give me is for said man to win an 8th championship. ;)

    Well knowing what we do about the man, and his almost crippling fear of losing, you would have to imagine he wouldn't return for 3 years at least, unless he was confident of delivering many more wins at least.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:21

    Well knowing what we do about the man, and his almost crippling fear of losing, you would have to imagine he wouldn't return for 3 years at least, unless he was confident of delivering many more wins at least.

    But there is such a thing as misplaced optimism as well... And if they are getting Vettel for 2011, I don't see him staying beyond 2010.

  • James24/12/2009 at 15:22

    Even the pandas are a bit festive. http://smarter...by-panda-thursday-42/

    Yay! and a new layout as well (i assume its new ;))

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 15:23

    Yay! and a new layout as well (i assume its new ;))

    Relatively new, yup :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 15:23

    i could get used to my feed reader being empty.

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 15:26

    But there is such a thing as misplaced optimism as well... And if they are getting Vettel for 2011, I don't see him staying beyond 2010.

    you could be right, but I am sure it will be exciting seeing him back and alongside all the others, it's a pity Kimi isn't there because the field is fairly open next year...there could be a few different possibilities for wdc

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 15:48

    My wedding ring is at a shop getting fixed. Feeling REALLY self conscious without it. Very weird feeling having it gone after having worn it for over 10 years.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 15:49

    But there is such a thing as misplaced optimism as well... And if they are getting Vettel for 2011, I don't see him staying beyond 2010.

    It has been reported that he has signed for a three year 20 million pound contract in some places and in others it is a one-year contract - I wish the media could make up its mind!

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:50

    It has been reported that he has signed for a three year 20 million pound contract in some places and in others it is a one-year contract - I wish the media could make up its mind!

    From what I understand, it's both - a one-year deal with a mutually-agreeable option for another two.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:51

    My wedding ring is at a shop getting fixed. Feeling REALLY self conscious without it. Very weird feeling having it gone after having worn it for over 10 years.

    That's a good thing. ;)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 15:52

    From what I understand, it's both - a one-year deal with a mutually-agreeable option for another two.

    oh a get out clause so they may still be aiming for Vettel as Stuart thinks.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:54

    oh a get out clause so they may still be aiming for Vettel as Stuart thinks.

    Yup, exactly.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:56

    oh a get out clause so they may still be aiming for Vettel as Stuart thinks.

    Makes me wanna do a fearless forecast for 2011!

    Mercedes: Vettel-Rosberg

    Ferrari: Alonso-Kubica

    McLaren: Hamilton-Button

    RBR: Raikkonen-Webber

    Renault: Massa-Buemi

    Hehehe. I wonder how many of those will end up correct.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 15:56

    My wedding ring is at a shop getting fixed. Feeling REALLY self conscious without it. Very weird feeling having it gone after having worn it for over 10 years.

    :( oh dear. At least you still know where it is though.

  • RG24/12/2009 at 15:56

    Makes me wanna do a fearless forecast for 2011!

    Don't worry, I've already predicted Glock for Ferrari in 2012.

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 15:57

    Hehehe. I wonder how many of those will end up correct.

    Oops. Make that Raikkonen-Buemi at RBR, Massa-Webber at Renault.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 15:58

    Yup, exactly.

    Sensible to have the get out clause with Vettel in the picture. Still not sure about the wisdom of getting back into the team. Even more interesting was Ross sowing the seeds back at Abu Dhabi and how Michael had to help out his old friend out of loyalty.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:02

    At home, with good coffee and a snack

    10 days off starts here! :D

  • James24/12/2009 at 16:02

    Relatively new, yup :)

    Very nice. how are you christine, haven't seen you around much? :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 16:03

    Very nice. how are you christine, haven't seen you around much? :)

    I have been so ridiculously busy but the holidays have begun and I am not going to be parted from my laptop for about ten days. Heaven.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 16:05

    10 days off starts here! :D

    Yaaaaay :D

    I have 2 more days off then I'm working right through new year. I'm looking forward to being rich in January :)

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 16:05

    I have 2 more days off then I'm working right through new year. I'm looking forward to being rich in January :)

    What's in January?

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:05

    I have 2 more days off then I'm working right through new year. I'm looking forward to being rich in January :)

    When do you start your new role, or are you already there?

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:06

    What's in January?

    Pay day?

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 16:06

    When do you start your new role, or are you already there?

    I have a proper job to start in March. I'm just faffing around doing much what i was doing before at the moment albeit for marginally more pennies.

  • James24/12/2009 at 16:06

    I have been so ridiculously busy but the holidays have begun and I am not going to be parted from my laptop for about ten days. Heaven.

    Woo and there is doctor who to look forward to! :)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 16:08

    Pay day?

    Score.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 16:08

    Woo and there is doctor who to look forward to! :)

    Abso-freakin-lutely! Can't wait.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:09

    At this time of reflection for the past 12 months, can I say a huge THANKS to Christine and Mr C for all their hard work and superb content

    And for allowing us to digress as much as we do here ;)

  • James24/12/2009 at 16:09

    Abso-freakin-lutely! Can't wait.

    :D

    have you seen these? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WIReq6B434 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-q9wzrXW3o

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 16:10

    And for allowing us to digress as much as we do here ;)

    :D

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:10

    Hehehe. I wonder how many of those will end up correct.

    Rumour has it that Pedalo is already signed for Sauber for next year - so I am not sure about your Renault prediction.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:10

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

    Happy Christmas Journeyer!

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 16:10

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

    Merry Christmas Journeyer :D

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 16:10
  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 16:11

    Rumour has it that Pedalo is already signed for Sauber for next year - so I am not sure about your Renault prediction.

    ...What does that have to do with my Renault predo, though?

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:11

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

    MC Journeyer :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:12

    MC Journeyer :)

    in da house?

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:12

    happy xmas j.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 16:12

    in da house?

    :D

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:12

    Rumour has it that Pedalo is already signed for Sauber for next year - so I am not sure about your Renault prediction.

    Oh he hasn't has he?

    #nightmarelineup

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:12

    Rumour has it that Pedalo is already signed for Sauber for next year - so I am not sure about your Renault prediction.

    as a tester?

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:12

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

    Merry Xmas Journeyer.

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 16:12

    It's officially the 25th here. Merry Christmas, folks. :) Time for the Christmas dinner.

    merry christmas!

  • Journeyer24/12/2009 at 16:13

    in da house?

    :D

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:13

    in da house?

    When I want to be lazy, don't make fun from it :D

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:14

    When I want to be lazy, don't make fun from it :D

    :)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:15

    as a tester?

    Only that a contract seemed to be suggested. Not sure I believe it and then the source was dubious. But if Pedalo goes as a driver it will probably mean Nick and Robert at Renault - actually a good driver line-up considering their dismal performance in 2009.

  • Adie24/12/2009 at 16:16

    Afternoon all, a quick visit before christmas starts in full.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:18

    as a tester?

    "Blick reported that Pedro de la Rosa is perhaps most likely to be Kobayashi's teammate in 2010." Reported via Speed TV.

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 16:18

    Afternoon all, a quick visit before christmas starts in full.

    high adie

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 16:19

    high adie

    *hi*

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 16:19

    Afternoon all, a quick visit before christmas starts in full.

    Afternoon.

  • Adie24/12/2009 at 16:19

    Christmas has crept up very quickly this year

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:19

    "Blick reported that Pedro de la Rosa is perhaps most likely to be Kobayashi's teammate in 2010." Reported via Speed TV.

    Gah :(

    Least it isn't Nakajima.

    Hey Adie.

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:21

    "Blick reported that Pedro de la Rosa is perhaps most likely to be Kobayashi's teammate in 2010." Reported via Speed TV.

    fair enough. odd choice.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:22

    Least it isn't Nakajima.

    But possibly more frightening is

    Bertrand Baguette has told a Belgian daily that his chances of securing a role with Sauber in 2010 stand at "96 per cent"

  • lou24/12/2009 at 16:23

    i'm being asked to put up the rest of the christmas decorations... better late than never i suppose?

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:24

    fair enough. odd choice.

    Better development skills?

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:24

    Bertrand Baguette has told a Belgian daily that his chances of securing a role with Sauber in 2010 stand at "96 per cent"

    Heard that, not to concerned since Ross Brawn since he was 99% sure that Jenson Button would stay.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:26

    Heard that, not to concerned since Ross Brawn since he was 99% sure that Jenson Button would stay.

    Yet he had contact Michael way before this to discuss driving for the team - with due respect Ross are contradictory.

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:27

    Yet he had contact Michael way before this to discuss driving for the team - with due respect Ross are contradictory.

    Shh, Nick's going to Sauber and that be that.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:28

    Shh, Nick's going to Sauber and that be that.

    It is now his first choice - I heard him say it!

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:34

    Better development skills?

    maybe. but sauber are established. the need a points scorer to cover kobs, and pedro hasn't scored any for ages.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:35

    maybe. but sauber are established. the need a points scorer to cover kobs, and pedro hasn't scored any for ages.

    Neither have the team

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:36

    Neither have the team

    Well, in 2005 we scored a few... Shorter than Pedro at least.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:37

    Neither have the team

    I like Peter Sauber though

    I hope they return to the podium soon

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 16:37

    maybe. but sauber are established. the need a points scorer to cover kobs, and pedro hasn't scored any for ages.

    couldn't agree more...surely there are better options out there still.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:38

    maybe. but sauber are established. the need a points scorer to cover kobs, and pedro hasn't scored any for ages.

    um - I think Nick is actually better at development that Pedalo - Frank Williams always praised Nick on this aspect! Nick fairly dominated Mark when team mates (three podiums to one and a pole position despite missing 5 races)

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:38

    um - I think Nick is actually better at development that Pedalo - Frank Williams always praised Nick on this aspect! Nick fairly dominated Mark when team mates (three podiums to one and a pole position despite missing 5 races)

    Mark's DNF's contributed to that too, I suspect

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 16:39

    um - I think Nick is actually better at development that Pedalo - Frank Williams always praised Nick on this aspect! Nick fairly dominated Mark when team mates (three podiums to one and a pole position despite missing 5 races)

    Nick dominated Mark? You must be joking, surely.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 16:41

    Good christmas eve, urm, evening to all :D

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:42

    Mark's DNF's contributed to that too, I suspect

    Nick was better driver - no matter what way you look at it - the only podium epic

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXXAPKPFP1w.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:43

    Nick dominated Mark? You must be joking, surely.

    Competed five less races had two seconds and a third compared to one third of Mark and more points scored over those races plus a pole - can it be more convincing?

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 16:44

    Good christmas eve, urm, evening to all :D

    evening lukeh.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 16:44

    Competed five less races had two seconds and a third compared to one third of Mark and more points scored over those races plus a pole - can it be more convincing?

    I'd vote yes. It could be more convincing....

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:44

    Good christmas eve, urm, evening to all :D

    Hello Lukeh

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:44

    I'd vote yes. It could be more convincing....

    Same here

  • RG24/12/2009 at 16:45

    Good christmas eve, urm, evening to all :D

    Hellllllo lukeh

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 16:45

    Nick was better driver - no matter what way you look at it - the only podium epic

    nick is a better driver in a world where we look only at the stats at the end of a season, and don't actually watch the races.

  • Adie24/12/2009 at 16:45

    Ok guys, I'm off for a while.

    Merry Christmas!!!...have a great time.

    Adie

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:45

    Merry Christmas!!!...have a great time.

    oof, new theme?

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:46

    oof, new theme?

    *ooh, not oof.

  • Adie24/12/2009 at 16:47

    oof, new theme?

    On the site? A bit...changed it a couple of months ago!!

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 16:49

    nick is a better driver in a world where we look only at the stats at the end of a season, and don't actually watch the races.

    I think scoring 75% of the teams podiums in a season despite missing a third of it is a fairly significant margin. Mark is not as an good overtaker either - Nick has overtaken Alonso for position on many occasions and that also counts - he did two double overtakes at Silverstone in 2008 having run on the same tyres as the other guys (which include both Kimi and Fernando.

  • guille230624/12/2009 at 16:53

    well, I need to leave the computer to other members of the family... :-(

    I wish you a merry Christmas to all! :D

    And for those still thirsty for some form of motorsport, I'll leave you a little present from last year Dakar...

    bye!

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:54

    Nick has overtaken Alonso for position on many occasions and that also counts - he did two double overtakes at Silverstone in 2008 having run on the same tyres as the other guys (which include both Kimi and Fernando.

    Few and far between these days, I fail to realise he's on the track most races. Maybe he just needs better equipment

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 16:54

    bye!

    See ya Guille.

    Have a great one

  • Lorenzo24/12/2009 at 16:55

    I think scoring 75% of the teams podiums in a season despite missing a third of it is a fairly significant margin. Mark is not as an good overtaker either - Nick has overtaken Alonso for position on many occasions and that also counts - he did two double overtakes at Silverstone in 2008 having run on the same tyres as the other guys (which include both Kimi and Fernando.

    there is no point quoting the same statistic in a different form, to make an invalid point. Let's agree to disagree, but I am fairly sure you would be hard pressed to find many people who would agree with you (outside of the Heidfeld fan club), that NH dominated MW at Williams.

  • me24/12/2009 at 16:59

    On the site? A bit...changed it a couple of months ago!!

    ahh, i'm observant! i have commented since. as you were ;)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 17:03

    When did top gear decide they liked formula one?? I haven't really watched it in ages but when I last did, they were rather derisory. In fact I remember them even doing a big mocking feature a couple of years ago...

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:04

    Few and far between these days, I fail to realise he's on the track most races. Maybe he just needs better equipment

    Some of it is marketing, some of it is that Nick is a fairly low key character. His qualifying is generally not the best - but like this year he generally had more fuel than Robert - if your correct for fuel (some do not like this as it is an estimate) they matched each other on qualifying times. Last year he had two fastest laps (Robert scored none) - sure it is not a particularly important statistic but it is evidence of some pace. Finally Nick has a similarly driving style to Jenson - very smooth but it does fail convince commentators.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:06

    When did top gear decide they liked formula one?? I haven't really watched it in ages but when I last did, they were rather derisory. In fact I remember them even doing a big mocking feature a couple of years ago...

    When Button started winning regularly and Brits took notice

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:07

    there is no point quoting the same statistic in a different form, to make an invalid point. Let's agree to disagree, but I am fairly sure you would be hard pressed to find many people who would agree with you (outside of the Heidfeld fan club), that NH dominated MW at Williams.

    I remember hearing Frank Williams discussing Nick and how good he was compared to Mark, especially on the development side. Nick got the seat after a shoot-out with Jungle boy.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 17:07

    When Button started winning regularly and Brits took notice

    Nothing to do with the BBC getting the rights then? They didn't care about Lewis....

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:07

    Nothing to do with the BBC getting the rights then? They didn't care about Lewis....

    Could be that too, yes ;)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:08

    Nothing to do with the BBC getting the rights then? They didn't care about Lewis....

    I have noticed a lot more reference to F1 in Top Gear this season.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 17:10

    Sorry I was just watching Clarkson on the tv spouting about how much he loved formula one and had since he was a kid. He didn't respect anyone as much as f1 drivers. I really remember the short one mocking them and making a prat of himself driving an f1 car. There was a lot of mocking....

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 17:11

    Evening everyone... Having a good Christmas eve?

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:13

    Evening everyone... Having a good Christmas eve?

    Hello Mr Giggles

    Am now, work is done & dusted for a little while

    Yourself & Kat?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 17:14

    Am now, work is done & dusted for a little while

    Yourself & Kat?

    All done... Phew!

    Having a lovely day thanks!

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:14

    Evening everyone... Having a good Christmas eve?

    So far, yes. All the presents were wrapped last night. Still at the office, though, but it's really quiet and I won't be here for much longer.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:16

    All done... Phew!

    All that Kazoo work must've tired your office out!

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:17

    there is no point quoting the same statistic in a different form, to make an invalid point. Let's agree to disagree, but I am fairly sure you would be hard pressed to find many people who would agree with you (outside of the Heidfeld fan club), that NH dominated MW at Williams.

    but getting poles and podiums helps in promoting the sponsors. I agree Mark at the end of the season had more points - it is like Kimi had more points than Felipe this season but Felipe was significantly ahead on points at the time of his accident and missed 8 races so his final position is not representative of the season as a whole.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 17:20

    i can't get tim minchin's 'white wine in the sun' christmas song out of my head. it's so lovely! :)

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:20

    i can't get tim minchin's 'white wine in the sun' christmas song out of my head. it's so lovely! :)

    tim.minchin.rocks.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 17:21

    but getting poles and podiums helps in promoting the sponsors. I agree Mark at the end of the season had more points - it is like Kimi had more points than Felipe this season but Felipe was significantly ahead on points at the time of his accident and missed 8 races so his final position is not representative of the season as a whole.

    No you've got it wrong.... His position is representative of the season as a whole. It takes the whole season into account. It maybe doesn't fairly represent his talent.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 17:22

    tim.minchin.rocks.

    he really does :)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:27

    No you've got it wrong.... His position is representative of the season as a whole. It takes the whole season into account. It maybe doesn't fairly represent his talent.

    When analysing you attempt to take out external variables - otherwise you are not comparing like with like. Comparing Felipe with Kimi while team mates Felipe on average has score more points than Kimi and won more races per starts. Sure most people will still think Kimi to be better but the actually statistic present a different picture. I think Felipe has actually scored more points per race than even Lewis!

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:30

    Statistics just track measurable data

    Kimi & Lewis are the better drivers compared to Massa

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:35

    I find it odd that both lou and I are drinking in our twitter avatar photos.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:42

    Statistics just track measurable data

    Kimi & Lewis are the better drivers compared to Massa

    To be honest you need to define what you mean by better? If it is a hunch or an opinion it lacks objectivity. I can make a statement which says given similar equipment Felipe will return more points and more wins than Kimi - and you cannot objectively disprove it.

    Very difficult to compare Lewis with Felipe due to different equipment. You have to find other ways of making comparisons - relative to their team mates Lewis has more advantage - but that could simply be that Kovy is not very good relative to the team mate Felipe had. I do not happen to actually believe that he(Kovy) is so bad (but I have no evidence) so it will be interesting to see how Kovy compares with Jarno.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 17:42

    I find it odd that both lou and I are drinking in our twitter avatar photos.

    it's only lemonade... i like lemonade :)

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:45

    it's only lemonade... i like lemonade :)

    really? It does look like a wine glass... :)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 17:46

    To be honest you need to define what you mean by better? If it is a hunch or an opinion it lacks objectivity. I can make a statement which says given similar equipment Felipe will return more points and more wins than Kimi - and you cannot objectively disprove it.

    I think to say that your viewpoint has been based on objectivity would be a stretch. It's your opinion that one driver is better than another and that's fine... You can use the same stats to argue both sides of an argument.

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:46

    Looks like USF1 just uploaded some stuff to their youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/USF1Team

    I see pieces that could easily be construed as being pieces to a car! (although they probably have a LONG way to go)

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:50

    I see pieces that could easily be construed as being pieces to a car! (although they probably have a LONG way to go)

    I suppose it's a start

    Hey, I know - what about some drivers!

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:51

    Hey, I know - what about some drivers!

    We'll just get the Mythbusters to set them up for remote control.

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 17:51

    We'll just get the Mythbusters to set them up for remote control.

    :D

  • RG24/12/2009 at 17:51

    We'll just get the Mythbusters to set them up for remote control.

    And then blow it up when it hasn't worked?

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 17:52

    And then blow it up when it hasn't worked?

    They'll have a "schumacher proximity fuse"

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 17:56

    I think to say that your viewpoint has been based on objectivity would be a stretch. It's your opinion that one driver is better than another and that's fine... You can use the same stats to argue both sides of an argument.

    Objectivity by definition means measurable, where the subjectivity lies is the choice of parameters (do you use race wins, podiums, fastest laps, grid position etc).

    Nobody can statistically determine which is the current best driver, but by establishing valid comparisons you can say one driver is better than another and then review the assumptions.

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 18:04

    I've come to 2 decisions.

    first one: I'm going to go get some lunch

    second one: I'm going to be positive about USF1. If only so I can be all HA-HA! to all the doubters out there if they get cars on the grid :)

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 18:06

    Santa's in Burma

    He better be careful when visiting dissident party leaders. He might get locked up ;)

    http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:06

    Evening all

    Just read Joe's blog and I see Renault's new team principal has twice run Franck in the junior formulae.

    http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/renault-f1s-new-team-principal/

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 18:07

    Evening all

    Hi Steven

    Interesting info...

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 18:08

    Merry Christmas STEEEEEVEN

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:08

    Looks like USF1 just uploaded some stuff to their youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/USF1Team

    I am stunned by that video. I can't believe they have no clean room discipline at all. They have an autoclave in an area with milling machines and they have people wandering around in outdoor clothes and most of them are just spectating. There also doesn't seem to be anywhere to lay-up the carbon fibre in the first place. I am very confused.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:09

    I want to know how Gillett manged to lose £20 million digging a hole and knocking down a bridge.

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 18:10

    I've come to 2 decisions.

    first one: I'm going to go get some lunch

    second one: I'm going to be positive about USF1. If only so I can be all HA-HA! to all the doubters out there if they get cars on the grid :)

    Someone threw away my leftover pizza that was in fridge and the the cafe downstairs is closed.

    Already not looking good for my decisions. But I'm gonna be stubborn and stick to 'em!

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 18:12

    I want to know how Gillett manged to lose £20 million digging a hole and knocking down a bridge.

    If the track's not usuable then it's lost a lot of value until it is again

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 18:12

    I am very confused.

    It's a ruse ;)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 18:19

    I am stunned by that video. I can't believe they have no clean room discipline at all. They have an autoclave in an area with milling machines and they have people wandering around in outdoor clothes and most of them are just spectating. There also doesn't seem to be anywhere to lay-up the carbon fibre in the first place. I am very confused.

    Lookshardly better than John Britten's backyard which produced the winning Britten motorcycles some years back. There is no ways that USF1 will have anything like the radicalness of Britten's designs to augment a production facility like that.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:20

    If the track's not usuable then it's lost a lot of value until it is again

    But he only had the lease which has now reverted to the Wheatcrofts. I have no idea how much he raised but he managed to spend all of it plus £20 million doing very little.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:22

    Lookshardly better than John Britten's backyard which produced the winning Britten motorcycles some years back. There is no ways that USF1 will have anything like the radicalness of Britten's designs to augment a production facility like that.

    I always assumed they were going to do the basics rather than try to do a Britten.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 18:25

    I always assumed they were going to do the basics rather than try to do a Britten.

    John Britten was just so radical in his design that I can think that the only other racing designer to compare was Jim Hall.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:27

    It looks like Branson is not the only airline boss who likes to wear female clothes. Maybe if his team beat Notus Fernades won't be so embarrassed weraing a stewardess's outfit. Tweeted by grandprixdiary.

    http://grandprixdiary.com/2009-grand-prix-drivers/a-christmas-treat-from-lotus

  • lou24/12/2009 at 18:30

    is lukeh around?

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 18:32

    is lukeh around?

    Haven't seen him. He hasn't commented for a couple of hours

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 18:33

    is lukeh around?

    He said hello a little while ago

    *checks filter*

    Yup, 16:41

  • lou24/12/2009 at 18:33

    Haven't seen him. He hasn't commented for a couple of hours

    okay i have no signal so can't text him.. wanted to ask him something about his phone. will tweet him instead :)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 18:34

    It looks like Branson is not the only airline boss who likes to wear female clothes. Maybe if his team beat Notus Fernades won't be so embarrassed weraing a stewardess's outfit. Tweeted by grandprixdiary.

    Weird!!!!!!

  • Kathi24/12/2009 at 19:00

    Merry Chrismas everyone!!

    My parents gave me part of the Spa trip for Chrismas #happyKathi

  • Bassano24/12/2009 at 19:00

    My parents gave me part of the Spa trip for Chrismas #happyKathi

    Woo hoo! Nice

    Merry Christmas

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:00

    Merry Chrismas everyone!!

    Kathi!! hello! :) how are you?

    My parents gave me part of the Spa trip for Chrismas #happyKathi

    awesome! :D

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 19:01

    Hi Kathi.

    You've landed

  • Kathi24/12/2009 at 19:02

    Kathi!! hello! :) how are you?

    I ate too much. And there will be more fun tomorrow and the day after tomorrow too. Being German is hard work ;) but otherwise I am great.

    What have I missed (besides the obvious)?

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 19:05

    Merry Chrismas everyone!!

    Happy Xmas Kathi!

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 19:07

    What have I missed (besides the obvious)?

    I can think only some videos on YouTube showing something on USf1 - not hugely convincing.

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 19:08

    I'm on vacation starting.... NOW! And won't be back until Jan. 4th. Hope everyone has a great holiday and may the F1 news be light. Later all!

  • jpancoast24/12/2009 at 19:08

    I can think only some videos on YouTube showing something on USf1 - not hugely convincing.

    Bah, USF1 will rule them all! ;)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 19:11

    Bah, USF1 will rule them all! ;)

    Just define them! I think Bernie was very wrong to so publically question whether they will be on the grid, but then he said Schumi will be World Champion next year!

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:14

    Merry Chrismas everyone!!

    hey ya :)

    My parents gave me part of the Spa trip for Chrismas #happyKathi

    oooh.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:14

    What have I missed (besides the obvious)?

    you missed the sidepodparty :(

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 19:15

    is lukeh around?

    I'm about now, have been seeing to a friend. Wassup?

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:16

    Just read Joe's blog and I see Renault's new team principal has twice run Franck in the junior formulae.

    http://joesawa...s-new-team-principal/

    if franck beat schumacher, i might insist she marry him.

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:17

    if franck beat schumacher, i might insist she marry him.

    ...at williams hq.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 19:17

    if franck beat schumacher, i might insist she marry him.

    At Williams?

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:17

    At Williams?

    ;)

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 19:17

    ...at williams hq.

    I hear they have a simulator

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:19

    I'm about now, have been seeing to a friend. Wassup?

    i tweeted you about it no worries. Dad was looking at 2 phones in the orange catalogue and one looked liked yours which wouldn't suit him at all... just wanted to make sure i was advising him to get the best phone for him.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 19:20

    if franck beat schumacher, i might insist she marry him.

    This is the second time in a week that Mr C has suggested divorcing Christine. I think he is trying to say something.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 19:20

    This is the second time in a week that Mr C has suggested divorcing Christine. I think he is trying to say something.

    I am getting that hint.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 19:21

    i tweeted you about it no worries. Dad was looking at 2 phones in the orange catalogue and one looked liked yours which wouldn't suit him at all... just wanted to make sure i was advising him to get the best phone for him.

    Ah. Although you've already advised, further word to help - my phone is rrrrrrrrubbish. :P

    Although it texts and phones and accesses twitter/sidepodcast. Thats enough for me! Just has the reliability of a chocolate teapot.

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 19:22

    Just saw Dank's tweet about the car on ice. Why would anyone jump out of a car that was going to crash at 3mph? And why do it when it is going backwards? Stupid people. I think it is a set up.

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:22

    Just saw Dank's tweet about the car on ice. Why would anyone jump out of a car that was going to crash at 3mph? And why do it when it is going backwards? Stupid people. I think it is a set up.

    to risky to setup, no? looks like they try to stop it with their feet.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 19:23

    I am getting that hint.

    Do you think Mr C has a crush on Claire Williams?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 19:25

    Do you think Mr C has a crush on Claire Williams?

    I know that he does!

  • Steven Roy24/12/2009 at 19:25

    to risky to setup, no? looks like they try to stop it with their feet.

    It seems odd that they both bailed at the same time and that the camera was tracking them. I have seen lots of videos of cars crashing on ice and never seen anyone get out.

    The only reason the car was sliding in the first place is that his foot was jammed on the brake and all the wheels were locked.

  • me24/12/2009 at 19:26

    The only reason the car was sliding in the first place is that his foot was jammed on the brake and all the wheels were locked.

    ahh, could very well be then. seems odd that the person was filming at all i guess.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:28

    I swear Christine is super human.. I post a blog and within a few moments she has commented on it.

    <3's Christine :)

  • Kathi24/12/2009 at 19:30

    you missed the sidepodparty :(

    yes :(

  • Kathi24/12/2009 at 19:30

    You've landed

    I have

  • RG24/12/2009 at 19:35

    Santa appears to now be wearing rather stylish sunglasses, grown a bit of a stubble and generally looking awesome.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 19:36

    I swear Christine is super human.. I post a blog and within a few moments she has commented on it.

    You should blog more :)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 19:39

    They found a very good photo here when reporting on Schumacher getting the Mercedes drive over Heidfeld.

    http://www.motorsport-magazin.com/formel1/news-90348-heidfelds-zukunft-ungewiss-schumachers-opfer.html

    Translated the article says Nick has not much chance of a drive next year - they basically rule out a seat at either Renault or Sauber, Renault in particular seem to need a pay driver and Sauber is not in a much better situation.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:39

    You should blog more :)

    :) it's harder to blog during term time cause it feels like if you've got extra time you aren't working hard enough. However during the holidays its a little easier. i have a few more things i'd like to blog about before the end of the holidays :)

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 19:43

    They found a very good photo here when reporting on Schumacher getting the Mercedes drive over Heidfeld.

    Nice to see you, to see you nice!

  • James24/12/2009 at 19:57

    You should blog more :)

    Everyone should. :)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 19:58

    it's worrying i can't find my camera... i've found the case but i've no idea where the camera is... *gulp* this is not a good feeling...

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 20:03

    Just read an article about Kamui Kobayashi where he says he is not an aggressive driver but a gentle driver and prefers to use strategy to get results.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:04

    :) it's harder to blog during term time cause it feels like if you've got extra time you aren't working hard enough. However during the holidays its a little easier. i have a few more things i'd like to blog about before the end of the holidays :)

    Woohoo! Look forward to reading them!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 20:04

    Just read an article about Kamui Kobayashi where he says he is not an aggressive driver but a gentle driver and prefers to use strategy to get results.

    He better be.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:06

    panic over i found my camera. thank goodness

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:07

    panic over i found my camera. thank goodness

    thank god!!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:07

    thank god!!

    i was nearly in tears... it's the first time i've 'lost' my camera and it's going to be the last.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 20:08

    He better be.

    It was not quite how I saw him - and definitely not your typical Japanese driver. Although it does not look very hopeful I think were Nick to go to Sauber it would help Kamui a lot. Kamui certainly made the strategy work well at Abu Dhabi

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:08

    panic over i found my camera. thank goodness

    Phew!!

    i was nearly in tears... it's the first time i've 'lost' my camera and it's going to be the last.

    Oh no :( thank god you found it then

  • me24/12/2009 at 20:09

    Just read an article about Kamui Kobayashi where he says he is not an aggressive driver but a gentle driver and prefers to use strategy to get results.

    yes. if his strategy is "moving around in the breaking zone", i suppose that's true.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:11

    Can I make an early new year's resolution? Next year I promise to buy gifts based on how easy I reckon they will be to wrap....

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 20:12

    yes. if his strategy is "moving around in the breaking zone", i suppose that's true.

    That was his first race - he looked much more in control during Abu Dhabi - certainly that is what I remembered.

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:16

    merry christmas all :D

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:17

    merry christmas all :D

    Merry Christmas Amy :)

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 20:18

    Daimler workers are very UNHAPPY about the Schumacher second coming - especially the 7 million or 20 million pound contract (depending on who you read). Their spokesperson Uwe Werner said that the workers simply do not understand why they are on shorted work shifts and the team is spending millions on Michael Schumacher. I guess they did not understand that it all relates to the Petronas sponsorship - which is fairly massive and more than covers Schumi's package.

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:18

    Merry Christmas Amy :)

    mr lukeh, how does one say merry christmas in welsh? I know you commented it the other day :D

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:18

    mr lukeh, how does one say merry christmas in welsh? I know you commented it the other day :D

    Nadolig Llawen :)

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:21

    Nadolig Llawen :)

    hooray! That will go nicely with the welsh flag I gave my mum. We are trying to decide whether we should put up her new welsh one or my new finnish one :D

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:21

    merry christmas all :D

    happy christmas :)

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:23

    happy christmas :)

    I am having a lovely morning here in the future, I got both the things I wanted and then some. My brother gave me 49 chocolate fish!

  • me24/12/2009 at 20:25

    I am having a lovely morning here in the future, I got both the things I wanted and then some. My brother gave me 49 chocolate fish!

    mmmm marshmallow.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:25

    I am having a lovely morning here in the future, I got both the things I wanted and then some. My brother gave me 49 chocolate fish!

    hehe :) i love that you live in the future :D

    what did you get? (sorry if you've mentioned what you were hoping for previously)

    49??? that's... alot.. they do sound yummy though.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:26

    I am having a lovely morning here in the future, I got both the things I wanted and then some. My brother gave me 49 chocolate fish!

    49 chocolate fish, Auf ihrem Weg zum Horizont...

    *dances*

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:27

    hehe :) i love that you live in the future :D

    what did you get? (sorry if you've mentioned what you were hoping for previously)

    49??? that's... alot.. they do sound yummy though.

    the two things I wanted were my finnish flag and my roger federer cap. Along with those and the chocolate fish I also got another block of chocolate and a lovely cookbook and some cash. It's an awful lot of fish, its a whole box!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:28

    the two things I wanted were my finnish flag and my roger federer cap. Along with those and the chocolate fish I also got another block of chocolate and a lovely cookbook and some cash. It's an awful lot of fish, its a whole box!

    awesome!! :)

    can you bring some of those fish with you when you come to england? they sound yummy :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:28

    the two things I wanted were my finnish flag and my roger federer cap. Along with those and the chocolate fish I also got another block of chocolate and a lovely cookbook and some cash. It's an awful lot of fish, its a whole box!

    Do we have a picture of the Finnish flag?

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:29

    Wooo merry christmas Amy.

    (I'm very tempted to humbug all you crazy future people taunting me with Christmas joy though.... :P)

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:29

    Do we have a picture of the Finnish flag?

    I shall take some pictures once we run it up the flag pole :D

    I am currently trying to find the point on the video from giggles house when he introduced everyone so I can show my mum all you crazy folk.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:31

    I shall take some pictures once we run it up the flag pole :D

    I am currently trying to find the point on the video from giggles house when he introduced everyone so I can show my mum all you crazy folk.

    Ah yes. Hi Amy's Mum!

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:34

    Ah yes. Hi Amy's Mum!

    she says hi

    and here is a picture of a flag. I would go and change it to the finnish one but I can't remember how to put a flag on a flag pole, I haven't done it for about 10 years.

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/dsc07336-jpg

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 20:34

    My dog got impatient and opened her Xmas present of three tennis balls and has managed to put one under the fridge and bounce another on top of a rather high cupboard.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:35

    for all those david tennant fans, he's on QI this evening :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:36

    for all those david tennant fans, he's on QI this evening :)

    He is taking over this Christmas.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:36

    for all those david tennant fans, he's on QI this evening :)

    Is he just doing the rounds or something before he *sobs* leaves dr who?

    Still, any david tennant is good by me :P

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:36

    she says hi

    and here is a picture of a flag. I would go and change it to the finnish one but I can't remember how to put a flag on a flag pole, I haven't done it for about 10 years.

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07336-jpg

    If you take that one down, you can see how it was put up! That tends to be my logic at any rate.... :P

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:38

    Santa has reached Kenya now.

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:39

    If you take that one down, you can see how it was put up! That tends to be my logic at any rate.... :P

    that is good logic. my other reason not to is I am quite comfy in my chair and going outside involves getting up. Booo. Here I am in my hat, stealing a pose from Mr C :D

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/dsc07339-jpg

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:40

    that is good logic. my other reason not to is I am quite comfy in my chair and going outside involves getting up. Booo. Here I am in my hat, stealing a pose from Mr C :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07339-jpg

    Excellent hat!

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:40

    that is good logic. my other reason not to is I am quite comfy in my chair and going outside involves getting up. Booo. Here I am in my hat, stealing a pose from Mr C :D

    This is why a lot of my stuff is broken and yours isn't!

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:41

    Excellent hat!

    now we just have to cross our fingers he actually gets to the final so I get to wear it when I am there. But he always gets to the final because he is awesome.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 20:43

    Haaaaaaappy Christmas!! I'm in such a good mood :D yaayyy

    How is everyone today?

  • RG24/12/2009 at 20:44

    Haaaaaaappy Christmas!! I'm in such a good mood :D yaayyy

    Ho, ho, ho.

    MC Amy.

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:45

    in my last photos for now, here is a box of fish

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/dsc07340-jpg

    and here is inside the box. There are 7 layers!

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/dsc07341-jpg

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:46

    in my last photos for now, here is a box of fish

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07340-jpg

    and here is inside the box. There are 7 layers!

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07341-jpg

    Om nom nom nom

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:46

    He is taking over this Christmas.

    :D hehe i can cope with a david tennant christmas :)

  • RG24/12/2009 at 20:47

    :D hehe i can cope with a david tennant christmas :)

    Is it renamed Davidmas now?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 20:48

    in my last photos for now, here is a box of fish

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07340-jpg

    and here is inside the box. There are 7 layers!

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07341-jpg

    Is he trying to make his present last until next Christmas?

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:48

    Is he just doing the rounds or something before he *sobs* leaves dr who?

    hehe probably.However i think it means the recording i watched of QI is on next week (fingers cross) :)

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:48

    Is he trying to make his present last until next Christmas?

    I think that was the plan, he went to some amazing bulk shop and bought huge amounts of food. My dad got 3kg of wine gums.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:48

    hehe probably.However i think it means the recording i watched of QI is on next week (fingers cross) :)

    Oooooooooh. Will have to hear out for screaming then. :P

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:49

    Haaaaaaappy Christmas!! I'm in such a good mood :D yaayyy

    hello, i was telling a friend about you the other day... she was talking about wanting to make gingerbread houses and i thought it wrong not to mention your skills.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:50

    in my last photos for now, here is a box of fish

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07340-jpg

    and here is inside the box. There are 7 layers!

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07341-jpg

    that's crazy! but also yummy

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 20:50

    hello, i was telling a friend about you the other day... she was talking about wanting to make gingerbread houses and i thought it wrong not to mention your skills.

    :D awesome. we're not sure what to make this year. but it will be amazing :D

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:51

    Oooooooooh. Will have to hear out for screaming then. :P

    hush! i didn't scream when i saw QI.. i may be a fan of Mr Fry and Mr Davies but i'm not that much of a fan ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:51

    :D awesome. we're not sure what to make this year. but it will be amazing :D

    what about the london eye #alwaysambitious ;)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 20:53

    what about the london eye #alwaysambitious ;)

    it's on the list ;)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:55

    what about the london eye #alwaysambitious ;)

    I really wanted to go on the London Eye when I was down.... It looks super fun :(

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:56

    I really wanted to go on the London Eye when I was down.... It looks super fun :(

    London Eye is awesome. It blew my mind!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 20:56

    I really wanted to go on the London Eye when I was down.... It looks super fun :(

    it'll be there for ages, you's got plenty of time

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:57

    :D awesome. we're not sure what to make this year. but it will be amazing :D

    I'll say it again until you make it

    La Sagrada De la familia!!

    :P

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:57

    I really wanted to go on the London Eye when I was down.... It looks super fun :(

    it's awesome. I've been on it twice and both times i loved it. It's also amazing to take photos of as an entire AS photography sketchbook i completed proves :)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 20:58

    La Sagrada De la familia!!

    heeeeehehehe. we did consider it, but we cant get the shape exactly right. we're really piccy

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 20:58

    London Eye is awesome. It blew my mind!

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:58

    It's also amazing to take photos of as an entire AS photography sketchbook i completed proves :)

    and by amazing i mean endless scope to take pics of... not.. that the photos were amazing.. many really weren't..

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 20:59

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

    booo nick #dumped

  • lou24/12/2009 at 20:59

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

    awwwww :(

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 20:59

    I want to know how Gillett manged to lose £20 million digging a hole and knocking down a bridge. {Comment #290}

    Simple: the hole is in the wrong place, at the wrong time and handled the wrong way...

    ...and Simon managed to lose a lot of goodwill.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 20:59

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

    Well that's just rrrrrrubbish

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:00

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

    booo nick #dumped

    Amy, since you've been to Singapore, did you go on the Singapore flyer?

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 21:01

    Amy, since you've been to Singapore, did you go on the Singapore flyer?

    I did not, during F1 week because its pretty much inside the circuit they put the prices up about 200 percent.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:01

    booo nick #dumped

    ouch

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:01

    I did not, during F1 week because its pretty much inside the circuit they put the prices up about 200 percent.

    :( awww #badtimes

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 21:01

    This is the second time in a week that Mr C has suggested divorcing Christine. I think he is trying to say something.

    I am getting that hint. {Comment #324}

    The hint I get is that Mr C might benefit from some marital etiquette classes, if any exist in your area...

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 21:01

    ouch

    many things are forgiveable in a relationship, but not that! ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:03

    many things are forgiveable in a relationship, but not that! ;)

    bet you're pleased you surprised me with london eye tickets lukeh? :P

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:03

    booo nick #dumped

    Cool. I'll tell him it was your idea. On Christmas day and everything... Now that's class....

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:04

    bet you're pleased you surprised me with london eye tickets lukeh? :P

    #browniepoints

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 21:04

    Cool. I'll tell him it was your idea. On Christmas day and everything... Now that's class....

    thats OK, he is in an Islamic country. #nochristmasfornick

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 21:05

    bet you're pleased you surprised me with london eye tickets lukeh? :P

    I'm just glad I found the flippin' tickets machine

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:05

    thats OK, he is in an Islamic country. #nochristmasfornick

    Yeah, he's a bit delusional. He seems to think it's Christmas now #lies

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 21:06

    Yeah, he's a bit delusional. He seems to think it's Christmas now #lies

    no hes right about that. You would know that too if you were in this country as planned :P

  • me24/12/2009 at 21:07

    no hes right about that. You would know that too if you were in this country as planned :P

    ouch!

  • Alianora La Canta24/12/2009 at 21:13

    Just read an article about Kamui Kobayashi where he says he is not an aggressive driver but a gentle driver and prefers to use strategy to get results. {Comment #342}

    He's not a gentle driver? Glad I'm not watching many drivers the writer considers aggressive then - there's a definite edge to Kamui's style that looks Hamilton-esque, both in terms of advantages and disadvantages...

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:15

    no hes right about that. You would know that too if you were in this country as planned :P

    Oh dear. I wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of you :P

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 21:17

    ouch!

    I feel I am being mean this morning! oh no! Christmas love to all. Maybe even some hugs.

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:17

    I feel I am being mean this morning! oh no! Christmas love to all. Maybe even some hugs.

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    i heart

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:18

    I feel I am being mean this morning! oh no! Christmas love to all. Maybe even some hugs

    #sorrynick?

    I'm loving the flag though :D

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:18

    I feel I am being mean this morning! oh no! Christmas love to all. Maybe even some hugs.

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    does this mean your parents have a flag pole?

  • me24/12/2009 at 21:19

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    love it!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:19

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    awesome! :D

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 21:20

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    Excellent!!

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 21:21

    Look what I did :D

    http://drop.io...st/asset/dsc07342-jpg

    Quite possibly the only time it will ever be on a flag pole, I certainly don't have one at home :D

    That is fantastic

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 21:30

    Evening all. Anyone else watching the wonderful Victoria Wood?

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:34

    Evening all. Anyone else watching the wonderful Victoria Wood?

    sadly not, i'm editing photos :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 21:35

    Evening all. Anyone else watching the wonderful Victoria Wood?

    I watched something about her on the iPlayer this morning.

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:45

    thats OK, he is in an Islamic country. #nochristmasfornick

    Christmas for Nick!

    Merry Christmas to all!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:46

    Merry Christmas to all!

    Merry Christmas Nick!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:46

    Merry Christmas to all!

    Happy Christmas :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:46

    Nick wouldn't let me play on it :(

    WHAT!!!!!!

    I said i wanted to go on it in daytime not night!

    Plus you were drunked!

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 21:47

    sadly not, i'm editing photos :)

    Catch it on iPlayer then :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:47

    booo nick #dumped

    !!!!

    What happened to the Christmas spirit eh?

  • me24/12/2009 at 21:47

    What happened to the Christmas spirit eh?

    heheh. awwww.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:47

    What happened to the Christmas spirit eh?

    You don't get Christmas, remember....

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:48

    I said i wanted to go on it in daytime not night!

    what's wrong with going on it at night? it's beautiful!! :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:48

    You don't get Christmas, remember....

    I so doo... so far I have eaten too much and drunk a lot whilst listening to Christmas songs...

    I just need a mountain of chocolate and i am there!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:49

    Catch it on iPlayer then :)

    will do :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:50

    what's wrong with going on it at night? it's beautiful!! :)

    I want to do it in the day if i do it, plus it was nearly time for the last train, and somone decided skipping was equaly as fun!

    #innocent!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:50

    I want to do it in the day if i do it, plus it was nearly time for the last train, and somone decided skipping was equaly as fun!

    It was so you wasnt it ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:51

    I want to do it in the day if i do it, plus it was nearly time for the last train, and somone decided skipping was equaly as fun!

    you should have gone on a sunset flight.. then you get the best of both worlds ;)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:52

    I said i wanted to go on it in daytime not night!

    You're just making this up now....

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:54

    you should have gone on a sunset flight.. then you get the best of both worlds ;)

    It was 11pm!

    I can do a lot of things, but I cant control the sun! :P

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:54

    It was so you wasnt it ;)

    I am a novice, she had to teach me!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 21:54

    I am a novice, she had to teach me!

    you couldnt skip!?!?

  • lou24/12/2009 at 21:54

    I can do a lot of things, but I cant control the sun! :P

    ahh fair enough :)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:55

    you couldnt skip!?!?

    not at racing speeds!

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 21:55

    I want to do it in the day if i do it, plus it was nearly time for the last train, and somone decided skipping was equaly as fun!

    I remember!! We had a game of guess how much it costs (which I won!!). Then you said it was just for tourists and that you refused to be a tourist. I was pretty pished though....

  • me24/12/2009 at 21:55

    I want to do it in the day if i do it

    you do know you're allowed to go more than once?

    you could go in the daytime, and the nighttime, in the snow, and when it's sunny.

    am sure they don't dna test ya

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 21:56

    you do know you're allowed to go more than once?

    It was about 40 quid for the 2 of us!

    They should really have let us on for free...

  • me24/12/2009 at 22:00

    It was about 40 quid for the 2 of us!

    ah-ha.

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 22:01

    I remember!! We had a game of guess how much it costs (which I won!!). Then you said it was just for tourists and that you refused to be a tourist. I was pretty pished though....

    Ok... how about a trip to the top of the worlds tallest building if its open by then as compensation?

  • Rich & Red24/12/2009 at 22:03

    Its Xmas here in Cape Town!

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/red-xmas-greetings-from-sa-jpg

  • me24/12/2009 at 22:04

    Its Xmas here in Cape Town!

    http://drop.io...greetings-from-sa-jpg

    happy xmas.

    (how come everyone gets it before us?)

  • Nick in Dubai24/12/2009 at 22:05

    (how come everyone gets it before us?)

    But you get it for longer when we are all done ;)

  • me24/12/2009 at 22:06

    But you get it for longer when we are all done ;)

    ahh true.

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 22:08

    Its Xmas here in Cape Town!

    Happy Christmas...

    Hang on aren't you on or near the 0 line (GMT and all that)?

    Mind you, so is a hefty chunk of France... and that is a whole other story that is not christmassy at all...

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 22:10

    Hang on aren't you on or near the 0 line (GMT and all that)?

    17 degrees east of Greenwich - so we are ahead by 2 hours!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:10

    17 degrees east of Greenwich - so we are ahead by 2 hours!

    Did you measure it?

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 22:16

    17 degrees east of Greenwich - so we are ahead by 2 hours!

    Oh,

    OK.

    Mulled wine?

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 22:21

    Did you measure it?

    Actually I was wrong it is exactly 18 degree 37 minutes and 30 seconds to be precise!

    Do you want any proof?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:23

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 22:23

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

    Merry Christmas everyone!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:24

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    :D

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:24

    hmmm yum! first mince pie this year :) om nom nom

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:24

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    :D

  • RG24/12/2009 at 22:24

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

    No live stream?

  • me24/12/2009 at 22:24

    I have just been performing minor surgery. Mr C can't be trusted to clean out his own ears.

    not my fault, cheap arsed cotton bugs.

    thank you mrs c, for ensuring i avoid casualty on xmas eve.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:24

    hmmm yum! first mince pie this year :) om nom nom

    i started in october :D

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 22:24

    hmmm yum! first mince pie this year :) om nom nom

    Mum made a load of her own when I got in from work. They were scrumptious! First ones of the year for me too :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:24

    hmmm yum! first mince pie this year :) om nom nom

    Oooh, plug: http://smarterthanyouraverage.com/2009/12/24/the-mince-pie-competition/

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:24

    i started in october :D

    #notchristmas

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:26

    thank you mrs c, for ensuring i avoid casualty on xmas eve.

    Praps no divorce just yet then.

  • me24/12/2009 at 22:26

    Praps no divorce just yet then.

    (hearts)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:26

    Oooh, plug: http://smarter...ince-pie-competition/

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N77luhmO8vY&feature=player_embedded

    :D

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:27

    Mum made a load of her own when I got in from work. They were scrumptious! First ones of the year for me too :)

    hehe mum has just got a load out of the oven. She cooks a few christmas eve and will then cook the rest tomorrow with other things like sausage rolls etc, and my aunt brings cheesy fan bites... yum christmas snack lunch while opening pressies is awesome! christmas 'dinner' comes at like 5 :) #goodtraditions

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:27
  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:27
  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:28

    Not pleasant.

    your mince pies look amazing!!!

  • RG24/12/2009 at 22:31

    I'm throwing my toys out of the pram due to this useless, rubbish, woeful, murderously bad computer. So goodnight. Bah hamburg.

    Humbug, darn that football.

    Nah, not really, have a great day. And do enjoy my christmas present to you all, Santa Glock : http://onetimoglock.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/merry-christmas-from-only-one-timo-glock/

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:31

    I'm throwing my toys out of the pram due to this useless, rubbish, woeful, murderously bad computer. So goodnight. Bah hamburg.

    Night RG.

    Merry Christmas!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:32

    Not pleasant.

    :) it's not the nicest thing ever.. but the results are yummy :)

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 22:32

    hmmm yum! first mince pie this year :) om nom nom

    yay...

    We haven't had any - and what I had in the cupboard turned out to be the last couple of jars of last years chutney not last years mincemeat...

    Made a lot of fruit cake though... and marron glace...

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:35

    More pluggage, F1 Minute: http://www.f1minute.com/2009/12/24/24-dec-09-formula-1-reacts-to-schumacher-comeback/

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 22:37

    Not pleasant.

    It seems your dad knows how to judge these sort of contests.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:37

    It seems your dad knows how to judge these sort of contests.

    Points for taking part.

  • Rich & Red24/12/2009 at 22:45

    I'm throwing my toys out of the pram due to this useless, rubbish, woeful, murderously bad computer. So goodnight. Bah hamburg.

    Merry Xmas RG

    My dog's p___ off because she waited to see Norad Santa but it missed Cape Town so she's taken herself off to bed!

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/santa-missed-cape-town-jpg

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 22:46

    GAVIN!!!

    SANTAS IN DENMARK!

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 22:46

    My dog's p___ off because she waited to see Norad Santa but it missed Cape Town so she's taken herself off to bed!

    :-(

    I had a thought though - there is no need to live comment Norad Santa on here... cos we could be our own 'its christmas' announcers for the globe (or as near as darn it!).

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:46

    I had a thought though - there is no need to live comment Norad Santa on here... cos we could be our own 'its christmas' announcers for the globe (or as near as darn it!).

    That's true, we're doing a pretty good job so far.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:55

    While i was out yesterday i popped into my aunt's house to see her new puppy... i'm not usually a dog kinda person, but he is kinda adorable

    photo 1

    photo 2

    i thought i should share the cuteness.. :)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 22:58

    i thought i should share the cuteness.. :)

    Aww, that first picture is brilliant.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 22:58

    Evening again everyone I got very distracted just after I arrived...

    Just about to record the final http://gigglesadvent.com for tomorrow :)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 22:59

    Aww, that first picture is brilliant.

    it's one of the only photos i managed to get where he wasn't a blur.. i swear he's faster than an f1 car!

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:01

    Just about to record the final http://gigglesadvent.com for tomorrow :)

    you'll not know what to do with yourself tomorrow :(

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:02

    you'll not know what to do with yourself tomorrow :(

    I'll probably open some presents as a consolation prize!

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 23:04

    Time for bed, I am knackered. if I don't popup in the comments tomorrow, have a really lovely day in whatever way you celebrate christmas :) most of all, enjoy yourselves and have fun!

    http://drop.io/sidepodcast/asset/sidepodcast-jpg

    merry christmas everybody :) goodnight!

  • Lukeh24/12/2009 at 23:04

    While i was out yesterday i popped into my aunt's house to see her new puppy... i'm not usually a dog kinda person, but he is kinda adorable

    photo 1

    photo 2

    Simply adorable!!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:05

    merry christmas everybody :) goodnight!

    night lukeh :) have a great day

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:05

    http://drop.io...asset/sidepodcast-jpg

    awwwww! :)

    merry christmas everybody :) goodnight!

    merry christmas! night :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:06
  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:06
  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:07

    merry christmas everybody :) goodnight!

    Merry Christmas :)

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:08

    So has everyone had a good day?

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:08

    So has everyone had a good day?

    yes. i should be in hospital, but christine is my saviour.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:09

    yes. i should be in hospital, but christine is my saviour.

    I think I'm going to need to read back the comments!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:09

    yes. i should be in hospital, but christine is my saviour.

    how did said cotton-bud-related-incident happen?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:11

    So has everyone had a good day?

    I am good. Trying my very first Snowball. Undecided.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:11

    how did said cotton-bud-related-incident happen?

    just fell off the little stick thing.

    stupid design.

  • paul24/12/2009 at 23:11

    Merry Christmas.

    Santa brought rain. Yay Santa.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 23:12

    it's one of the only photos i managed to get where he wasn't a blur.. i swear he's faster than an f1 car!

    My hound moves the whole time so very difficult to photograph - either totally asleep or totally demented!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:12

    just fell off the little stick thing.

    ah yeah, that is annoying. i was went to the doctors with a really bad ear ache, she looked in it and said "you've either got an infection or a cotton bud is stuck in there"

    helpful

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:12

    My hound moves the whole time so very difficult to photograph - either totally asleep or totally demented!

    Lurcher?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:13

    I am good. Trying my very first Snowball. Undecided.

    As in the drink presumably?

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:13

    ah yeah, that is annoying. i was went to the doctors with a really bad ear ache, she looked in it and said "you've either got an infection or a cotton bud is stuck in there"

    heheeheh!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:13

    how did said cotton-bud-related-incident happen?

    just fell off the little stick thing.

    stupid design.

    how did said cotton-bud-related-incident happen?

    just fell off the little stick thing.

    stupid design.

    I think it's a bit harsh to blame them when they say, "do not stick in your ears" on the pack

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:13

    As in the drink presumably?

    Yes. I have never been tempted to eat actual snow.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:13

    just fell off the little stick thing.

    You weren't putting it in your ear were you?? You shouldn't.... Not just because of potential accidents but it inflames the ear canal. If you're using it to remove wax, you're just aggravating the wax problem long-term....

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:13

    ah yeah, that is annoying. i was went to the doctors with a really bad ear ache, she looked in it and said "you've either got an infection or a cotton bud is stuck in there"

    alex has a story about that...

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:14

    As in the drink presumably?

    It's also a foodstuff involving marshmallow and coconut i think....?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:14

    Yes. I have never been tempted to eat actual snow.

    It could have been you trying to make your first snowball... for a fight?

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:14

    You weren't putting it in your ear were you?? You shouldn't.... Not just because of potential accidents but it inflames the ear canal. If you're using it to remove wax, you're just aggravating the wax problem long-term....

    ummm. what should you do then? i wear in-ear headphones a lot.

  • Rich24/12/2009 at 23:14

    Lurcher?

    She is actually a quarter Jackal - hence a curiosity that absolutely knows no bounds and totally fearless!

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:14

    I think it's a bit harsh to blame them when they say, "do not stick in your ears" on the pack

    who read's instructions?

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:14

    You weren't putting it in your ear were you?? You shouldn't.... Not just because of potential accidents but it inflames the ear canal. If you're using it to remove wax, you're just aggravating the wax problem long-term....

    ummm. what should you do then? i wear in-ear headphones a lot.

    and what about ear plugs?

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 23:14

    i am back. Yes, my parents do have a flag pole. Apparently its what you do when you live by the sea because all the neighbours have them too.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:15

    It could have been you trying to make your first snowball... for a fight?

    Could have been. Seems unlikely though. We don't go outside.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:15

    and what about ear plugs?

    yup, them too.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:15

    alex has a story about that...

    This one http://www.gamboling.co.uk/2009/07/visiting-doctor.html

    he he :)

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:15

    ummm. what should you do then? i wear in-ear headphones a lot.

    Leave them alone. It'll feel worse for a couple of weeks, then your ears should reach a natural equilibrium. The inflammation from the bud causes more wax to be secreted. If you stop using the buds, your ears need less wax and all is well....

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:15
  • me24/12/2009 at 23:16

    Leave them alone. It'll feel worse for a couple of weeks, then your ears should reach a natural equilibrium. The inflammation from the bud causes more wax to be secreted. If you stop using the buds, your ears need less wax and all is well....

    why would anyone make or sell them then?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:16

    Leave them alone. It'll feel worse for a couple of weeks, then your ears should reach a natural equilibrium. The inflammation from the bud causes more wax to be secreted. If you stop using the buds, your ears need less wax and all is well....

    I have found this to be surprisingly true. I used to use buds all the time. And then after my incident I have stopped completely. And it's much better.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:17

    why would anyone make or sell them then?

    They are supposedly for babies.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:17

    They are supposedly for babies.

    oh.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:17

    I have found this to be surprisingly true. I used to use buds all the time. And then after my incident I have stopped completely. And it's much better.

    but do you wear headphones a lot?

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:17

    They are supposedly for babies.

    To do what?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:18

    but do you wear headphones a lot?

    I would say for about 8 hours a day.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:19

    I would say for about 8 hours a day.

    oh.

    doesn't it annoy you?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:19

    To do what?

    I don't know. I do know that the origional name for them was "baby gays"... (as in to make baby happy stop snickering at the back)

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_buds

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:19

    They are supposedly for babies.

    The ones for babies have a huge huge bulbous bit so you can't actually fit them in ears though....

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:19

    So has everyone had a good day?

    yes, :D this evening has been the best christmas present anyone could give me... time to go through all the photos that have been taken since 1/2 term :)

    which means... *ehm*.. i have a few new photos on my flickr! :)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/loujohnson/

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:19

    doesn't it annoy you?

    No honestly Alison is right. I stopped it was horrible for about a month and then it was much better.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:20

    I have found this to be surprisingly true. I used to use buds all the time. And then after my incident I have stopped completely. And it's much better.

    I didn't just make it up!! It's the truth. You should try it Mr C. It might take about 2/3 weeks of unpleasantness but then you'll be free from the bud.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:20

    Hoorah! Wireless printer only took 11 minutes to recognise that i was talking to it.

    grrr.

    This is what you get for using another printer for 3 months

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:20

    I didn't just make it up!! It's the truth. You should try it Mr C. It might take about 2/3 weeks of unpleasantness but then you'll be free from the bud.

    i may do that.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:21

    i may do that.

    me too. sounds like a plan

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:21

    I didn't just make it up!! It's the truth. You should try it Mr C. It might take about 2/3 weeks of unpleasantness but then you'll be free from the bud.

    And as Mr C is somebody who has often told people off for being reckless with their hearing he seems like an ideal person for this experiment.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:21

    i may do that.

    I would like not to have to perform minor surgery again.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:22

    I would like not to have to perform minor surgery again.

    This is another benefit of my programme. Maybe I should be a doctor after all.... :P

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:22

    And as Mr C is somebody who has often told people off for being reckless with their hearing he seems like an ideal person for this experiment.

    agreed. tis news to me that a) they fall off b) they're bad for ya.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:22

    I don't like this snowball thing.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:22

    I don't like this snowball thing.

    more for me?

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:24

    I don't like this snowball thing.

    Don't blame you... nasty eggy stuff mixed with indeterminate lemonade so that it curdles....

    :P

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:26

    Don't blame you... nasty eggy stuff mixed with indeterminate lemonade so that it curdles....

    eew that sounds horrible.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:26

    Hoorah! Wireless printer only took 11 minutes to recognise that i was talking to it.

    I lie, it's printing out my brothers stuff. grrr

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:26

    eew that sounds horrible.

    Yum yum yum.....

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:28

    eew that sounds horrible.

    It is... and I thought that long before I stopped contact with the ovoid items!

    Mulled wine is nice... but requires cooking (unless you buy the one from M&S that just needs heating, because you can zap it in the microwave if you have one)... alternatively you could try mulled cider... which is much nicer but really needs scrumpy to work...

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:33

    which means... *ehm*.. i have a few new photos on my flickr! :)

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/loujohnson/

    Really reaaly like this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/loujohnson/4211344473/

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:34

    eew that sounds horrible.

    you're wrong.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:34

    Really reaaly like this one http://www.fli...oujohnson/4211344473/

    thank you :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:34

    Really reaaly like this one http://www.fli...oujohnson/4211344473/

    and this one.

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:34

    and this one.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/loujohnson/4211347983/

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:35

    and this one.

    :D don't tell my mum i went outside and took photos though... i was meant to be revising..

    .. i call it revising for next year ;)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:37

    Welll...thats something you dont see every day...

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8430118.stm

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:38

    :D don't tell my mum i went outside and took photos though... i was meant to be revising..

    your mum is mental.

    who makes anyone revise on xmas eve?

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:39

    :D don't tell my mum i went outside and took photos though... i was meant to be revising..

    Those last two shots are saleable though - so preparation for real life??

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:39

    So the last Advent is now uploading... Thanks for everyone who encouraged me to start and keep going with it. A five joke special for Christmas day just for you lovely people...

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:39

    who makes anyone revise on xmas eve?

    not even my mum is that mean! i took it last week..like friday i think?..

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:40

    not even my mum is that mean! i took it last week..like friday i think?..

    ahhhhhh. hehe, sorry!

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:40

    Those last two shots are saleable though - so preparation for real life??

    exactly :) hehe and thank you for saying they are saleable :) makes me very happy.

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 23:40

    So the last Advent is now uploading... Thanks for everyone who encouraged me to start and keep going with it. A five joke special for Christmas day just for you lovely people...

    Proper advent calendars don't have a window for the 25th, so thanks for the bonus :)

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:41

    Proper advent calendars don't have a window for the 25th, so thanks for the bonus :)

    they don't?

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:41

    who makes anyone revise on xmas eve?

    This one!! It was a normal morning here!

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:42

    Proper advent calendars don't have a window for the 25th, so thanks for the bonus :)

    Mine does and I've had it since I was 2. I didn't know it wasn't proper though.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:42

    they don't?

    Not traditionally. Chocolate ones started doing it though. You can even buy them that go up to new year.... Traditional advent is up to the 24th though.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:42

    Mine does and I've had it since I was 2. I didn't know it wasn't proper though.

    note it wasn't a chocolate one.

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:43

    Proper advent calendars don't have a window for the 25th, so thanks for the bonus :)

    Um... DD2's has a 25th window. As does the Charlie and Lola one that sold out ages ago and made her very unhappy... They aren't chocolate ones so are definately 'normal'.

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:43

    ahhhhhh. hehe, sorry!

    :D hehehehe :)

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 23:43

    they don't?

    Advent ends on the 24th, so why have a door for the 25th?

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:43

    Advent ends on the 24th, so why have a door for the 25th?

    Mine has a picture of some people around a manger or some such ;)

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:44

    Advent ends on the 24th, so why have a door for the 25th?

    dunno. mine always have, and ours will do tomorrow.

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:44

    Um... DD2's has a 25th window. As does the Charlie and Lola one that sold out ages ago and made her very unhappy... They aren't chocolate ones so are definately 'normal'.

    It is normal now. The 25th doesn't constitute advent. It honestly never used to get a window. It is commonplace now though.

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:44

    dunno. mine always have, and ours will do tomorrow.

    Ours isn't proper either then :(

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:45

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_calendar#Modern_calendars

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:45

    exactly :) hehe and thank you for saying they are saleable :) makes me very happy.

    YW.

    Now - do you have 12 shots that could reflect a 'year'? I'm thinking Cafepress calenders and/or a birthday card range...

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:46

    Bah Humbug.

    Bring back the Blue Peter Advent Crown I say!

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:47

    Bring back the Blue Peter Advent Crown I say!

    Hehe you want us all to burn alive? :P

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:47

    Bring back the Blue Peter Advent Crown I say!

    it brings us all great joy as we watch our pastor burn himself whilst lighting each candle each week

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:48

    Now - do you have 12 shots that could reflect a 'year'? I'm thinking Cafepress calenders and/or a birthday card range...

    now that is a very good question... probably not knowing me.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:50

    http://en.wiki...ndar#Modern_calendars

    Proving it's very open to interpretation: The progression of the season may be marked with an Advent calendar, a practice introduced by German Lutherans. At least in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican calendars, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday between November 27 and December 3 inclusive.

    (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent)

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:51

    now that is a very good question... probably not knowing me.

    Get thee out and taking pictures then!

    Not right now, obviously. Its cold. And dark. And only 10 minutes to christmas day.....

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:51

    apparently.. santa is in london now....

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:51

    apparently.. santa is in london now....

    He's been at Harrods since November 7th....

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:51

    He's been at Harrods since November 7th....

    :D

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:52

    Anyway I wanted jokes on Christmas day. So I declare tomorrow open for jokes :)

    I leave you now. It is bedtime...

    With this final thought...

    Why did Alex go to bed?

    Because he wanted to be in bed when Santa comes...

    Night!

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:52

    apparently.. santa is in london now....

    he's cutting it a bit fine

  • Amy24/12/2009 at 23:52

    ooh cant wait for the last one. I cant believe its not christmas for you yet, I am about to sit down to lunch. I took a photo of the mint sauce for lukeh

  • Andy Taylor24/12/2009 at 23:52

    Proving it's very open to interpretation (snip)

    Well the way I think of it is this - you open the doors on the calendar on days 1-24 and then on the 25th you open your presents :D

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:52

    Advent in one sense is based on the Sundays preceding Christmas. If Christmas was a Sunday, it wouldn't be included in Advent though. The 25th never constitutes a part of Advent....

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:52

    I leave you now. It is bedtime...

    you cannot sleep now??

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:52

    Night!

    :) night Alex! :) Merry Christmas

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:53

    The First Narnia Film (new version) is on the iplayer. How strange

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:53

    he's cutting it a bit fine

    He doesn't come before midnight surely?? He comes sometime after I go to bed and before about 8am. Before midnight would be wrong!

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:53

    I have pre-published the daily to try and help with all the merry christmassing. http://sidepodcast.com/2009/12/24/daily-25th-december-2009/

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:53

    Night!

    G'night Mr G. Have a great day :)

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:53

    you cannot sleep now??

    Santa has to... Um... there is some arranging that needs doing... that Santa asked me to help him with...

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:53

    It was on this afternoon.

    And I had to suffer it (they've mucked around with the story. And with the war!!)

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:54

    Santa has to... Um... there is some arranging that needs doing... that Santa asked me to help him with...

    are you an elf?

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:54

    Santa has to... Um... there is some arranging that needs doing... that Santa asked me to help him with...

    are you an elf?

    LUKEH

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:54

    are you an elf?

    I did my training at an elf farm

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:54

    It was on this afternoon.

    i've never seen such a big film on the iplayer!

  • littlepurplegoth24/12/2009 at 23:55

    Santa has to... Um... there is some arranging that needs doing... that Santa asked me to help him with...

    Would you like a chat with DS1 about this... he's very clear about the possibility of actually living at the north pole....

  • me24/12/2009 at 23:55

    I did my training at an elf farm

    i refuse to wish you merry christmas early. so you'll have to wait until morning ;)

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:55

    are you an elf?

    I did my training at an elf farm

    :D :D

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:56

    I feel like going into a new daily would be breaking some sort of moral code

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:56

    i refuse to wish you merry christmas early. so you'll have to wait until morning ;)

    fair enough... no stocking for you.

  • Alex Andronov24/12/2009 at 23:57

    fair enough... no stocking for you.

    Anyway... honestly... I must go... ish... ;)

  • Christine24/12/2009 at 23:57

    I feel like going into a new daily would be breaking some sort of moral code

    It's just so it is there when the midnight hour is at hand. Instead of appearing at ten past and us having to move all the comments.

  • Jon Waldock24/12/2009 at 23:57

    It's just so it is there when the midnight hour is at hand. Instead of appearing at ten past and us having to move all the comments.

    ah ok :) clever idea

  • Alison24/12/2009 at 23:57

    I feel like going into a new daily would be breaking some sort of moral code

    Alex did it first!! He carries a demeanor of authority so it must be okay :P

  • lou24/12/2009 at 23:57

    fair enough... no stocking for you.

    :D hehehe giggles = michael mcintyre & and elf?... best.day.ever! :P

  • Alex Andronov25/12/2009 at 00:01

    Alex did it first!! He carries a demeanor of authority so it must be okay :P

    I like this...