TomRed's blog & stuff

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Once again, I have a reason to post about what is pretty much the mascot of this site. You know, Walter Breuning.

He reached 114 today, the fifth man to indisputably do so. As that is a milestone in itself, I don’t think I should dedicate a post to the birthday alone, for the sake of not being overkill. However, a few days ago he answered some questions on video from those who asked through the site of his retirement home:

I asked three questions, one of them was sent (at least I believe it’s mine), at 4:23. From that, I’ve disputably contacted someone from the nineteenth century (and crossed the corresponding task off my 100 things list). I think that’s something worth bragging about, even though most don’t see how there’s even a point in mentioning.

Happy birthday, Walter. Please don’t let it be your last.

That eighty-something German head of state and Christian religion is in town. No, not the Queen, the Pope!

I was invited to both visit him and protest against him. I did neither. Why?
• I didn’t visit him because, despite going to a Catholic school and liking the authoritarian side of the Church, I’m not religious. I’m not saying that you should be religious to see him, I just wasn’t bothered myself. There will be more popes in my time. However, shame on those that will be as religious as Jesus for his four day visit, then going back to liberal values like not killing adulterous and the lot.
• I didn’t protest against him because, despite having plans already, I absolutely hate the concept of protesting and protesters (see ‘liking the authoritarian side of the Church’.

There is one important matter that I must drag out of this. Humour. I propose that we all unite in making as much fun out of this as possible, regardless of belief. As I say, ‘we can only get along if we’re a little racist to each other’. Food for thought.

Oh, and I actually laughed when I heard this.

I just don’t even know anymore…

Well, thomas-reddington.com is now 2. It’s able to make very simple sentences and is on its way to be toilet trained. Keeping with tradition (of one year), let’s keep the same awards (with a small change).

thomas-reddington.com award for keenness:
Peter Steedman
Pretty much straight after the release of last year’s anniversary post, Peter tracked down my 100th post as I certainly couldn’t be bothered to find it. Here’s his requested and deserved reward.

thomas-reddington.com award for saving my arse:
freeexampapers.com
Turns out I can award my awards to websites as well. FreeExamPapers has saved my arse by playing a key role in my A-level stuff section, and hence a key role of this website. Kudos.

thomas-reddington.com award for best friend’s blog:
Thomas Heslin
GameInfoDaily is a blog that’s actually good. Ignoring that infamous hiatus, he posts every day. And those posts are rich with content, and breathe the effort invested.

thomas-reddington.com award for comments:
Thomas Heslin
Commenting is not really common on this blog, and we all know why. Mr Heslin can add this award to the bag for his constructive words he’s supplemented to a few posts.

thomas-reddington.com award for annoyance:
Shamir
Shamir was the guy from these comments. To be fair, he wasn’t annoying, and in fact was pretty reasonable. I’m just a lazy person, and lengthy, numerous replies forming a quasi-debate isn’t my cup of tea.

Now, let’s give a big cheer for the internal awards…

thomas-reddington.com award for best weekly video:
Weekly video #100
I’m a cliché person, accept it.

thomas-reddington.com award for best development:
A-level stuff
This is the fancy new award, replacing site technology. Jesus Christ, I seem to mention it in every post…

thomas-reddington.com award for best completion on the 100 things list:
Get an A at AS-level
It doesn’t matter whatever the hell this is, as it happened to be the only thing I completed this year.

thomas-reddington.com award for best post:
Get a life…
I liked this one, an overly explained idea of mine with blue graphs.

Like last year, I might offer the award for keenness in exchange for a task. Let the 2011 one go to the one who makes the best suggestion for best development. “Deleting your site” will not count.

First week of upper sixth = neglected blog.

Education and entertainment don’t enjoy crossing paths, but when they do…

Political satire, you know the drill…

I have school tomorrow. I don’t know for how long, what I’m doing, and if I’m at school on Friday. However, September has started, so summer is pretty much dead (though I didn’t see any signs of life in terms of weather).

Let’s review that list from the post I made for the summer when I left:
1. Decide on a course for university (at least get somewhere, please).
I’m very disappointed at this one, it was almost fundamental. I did get more informed, but I’m still unsure. I just better decide pretty soon.
2. Have an idea of where to study.
This depends on what I want to do, but I am likely to apply to Cambridge (applying alone doesn’t deserve praise).
3. Have a few driving lessons.
Yes! Something completed! I did five, I’m gradually improving.
4. Either start learning an instrument or at least progress on the piano/keyboard.
Psh.
5. Substantially increase my iTunes library.
Yeah, I posted about it here.
6. Learn how to cook something other than toast.
Haha, get out of here.
7. Learn C++ (programming).
Nope, but I’m learning C. C is related but is (as far as I know) easier to learn for noobs.
8. Learn some Japanese or give up any English-Japanese bilingual dreams.
A bit, I can read the kana (though that isn’t much of an achievement) and a program I co-wrote today is actually a nouns test. The grammar book I bought from Amazon arrived today.
9. Make comics to prepare for September (then realise that they’re terrible and burn them).
I’ve got c. 20 drafts, I’ll probably make A4s and scan them if I actually post them. Burning is still a probability.
10. Complete at least three things off the 100 things list.
I did 1, I got an A at AS.
11. Read some books.
I finished SuperFreakonomics, and I’m reading a couple of other books at the moment, but I haven’t finished them.
12. Read some revision guides (i.e. get ahead).
I’m read a little, and did a chapter and a bit off FP1 (further maths).
13. Draw more.
I drew myself.
14. Become more knowledgeable in general.
I’m probably a bit more knowledgeable, but nothing to brag about.

So I did some stuff. Not too bad, I’m just annoyed that I still haven’t decided on what to study at university.