http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/The day's comments and some of my published poetry. Additionally, interesting stuff I find online.en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/eb/3f766557be13813544345ef1233d6c_160x200.jpg <p>There was a new computer free in the library this morning. It looked good - flat screen widescreen monitor and an ergonomic keyboard...but I wasn't tempted because it had Windows Vista installed and I've come across so many critical reports of this operating system that I stayed well away. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/i-wasn-t-tempted-7352286/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/i-wasn-t-tempted-7352286/Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:23:38 +0100 <p>I had an enjoyable day walking yesterday; despite the weather being rather disappointing. We set off from Robin Hood's Bay and walked the five miles to Whitby taking a rather circuitous inland route, stopping for fish and chips in the resort and then returning along the clifftops, a short section of the Cleveland Way - which was a bit slippery underfoot in places. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/robin-hood-s-bay-to-whitby-and-back-7335519/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/robin-hood-s-bay-to-whitby-and-back-7335519/Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:13:40 +0100 <p>I bought a newspaper this morning, mainly for the weekly TV guide. I'm going hiking on the moors again tomorrow and so won't be able to get the Sunday Times as I usually do.</p> <p>With today being a Saturday the pools fixtures are included and I've noticed that only 45 matches are now listed, including four games from the Spanish Primera Liga.</p> <p>How things change; the last time I looked there were 55 or 57 fixtures; and all of them from only the English and Scottish leagues. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/football-pools-7325272/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/football-pools-7325272/Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:20:13 +0100 <p>I've just spent the last hour or so pursuing this obsession. Here are the search terms I typed into Google.</p> <p>possible proto-Germanic contact with the Phoenician language<br> posited 'Atlantic' language group<br> non-Indo-European substratum of Germanic languages<br> is Albanian distantly related to the Celtic languages?<br> lexicostatistical comparison of Indo-European languages</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/my-obsession-with-language-7307048/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/my-obsession-with-language-7307048/Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:53:55 +0100 <p>I arrived at the top of the stairs at the central library a few minutes ago and noticed that the public toilets are closed and there's a sign explaining why - drug addicts have been using the facilities. </p> <p>I stopped for a few seconds to read the notice pinned to the door and one of the female members of staff walked past me; so I said to no-one in particular [but loud enough so that she could hear me] "I've got an idea...why not keep the toliets open and shoot the drug addicts."</p> <p>She stopped dead in her stride, but didn't turn around to face me.</p> <p>Message understood...loud and clear! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/my-suggestion-7305671/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/my-suggestion-7305671/Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:38:07 +0100 <p>Subjects my friends and myself have been talking about on Facebook:</p> <p>Nasal haemorrhoids - do they exist?<br> The view from the summit of Phoenix Park, Thurnscoe<br> Getting confused between Leicestershire and Lincolnshire [not me though.] </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/online-chattering-7294336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/online-chattering-7294336/Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:20:47 +0100 <p>Grinding my teeth.<br> Walking on the balls of my feet.<br> Plucking my eyelashes.<br> Finding it difficult to stand still without having to constantly shift my balance. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/some-physical-manifestations-of-my-asperger-s-syndrome-7269744/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/some-physical-manifestations-of-my-asperger-s-syndrome-7269744/Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:07:08 +0100 <p>Why are the images on the screens of mobile phones quite often deliberately blurred in pop videos and adverts? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/here-s-something-i-ve-just-noticed-again-7269728/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/29/here-s-something-i-ve-just-noticed-again-7269728/Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:03:20 +0100 <p>I was in the Frenchgate shopping centre in town this afternoon when I was reminded why I don't like escalators.</p> <p>I was travelling down one of them and noticed that there was a group of about half a dozen giggling teenaged girls standing only a couple of feet away from the bottom of the escalator totally unaware that they were blocking the way.</p> <p>I was concerned about a pile up as I reached the bottom, but fortunately someone in front of me had the common sense to politely tell them to move. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/an-accident-waiting-to-happen-7229927/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/an-accident-waiting-to-happen-7229927/Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:25 +0200 <p>A county culinary delicacy that I've never heard of before: it seems to be fruit cake infused with tea - I might have bought soe this morning if it wasn't so expensive. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/yorkshire-brack-7229889/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/yorkshire-brack-7229889/Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:51:21 +0200 <p>I've been looking for a list online and couldn't find one; so I've decided to devise my own:</p> <p>Poverty of income/wealth<br> Poverty of ambition<br> Poverty of experience<br> Poverty of opportunity<br> Poverty of understanding<br> Geographical poverty<br> Social poverty</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/different-types-of-poverty-7224468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/22/different-types-of-poverty-7224468/Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:41:17 +0200 <p> I've been in Sheffield today for the follow-up consultation after my Asperger's syndrome diagnosis.</p> <p>I noticed a couple of unusual sights; a pedestrian [pelican] crossing which seeed to work in only one direction (i.e. there wasn't a button to press at my side of the road...there was one at the other side though), and a man with the back of his coat stuffed into his underpants. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/sheffield-7216952/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/sheffield-7216952/Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:56:30 +0200 <p>Recently I was reading a book about the origins of English surnames. Many surnames are actually geographical names, some of which are based on Old English Christian names, and I was reminded that most Anglo-Saxon male names ended with the letter 'a' - unlike modern usage where the letter at the end of a name usually sigfnifies that it's female. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/names-gender-7191661/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/names-gender-7191661/Sun, 18 Oct 2009 07:09:14 +0200 <p>...but I just phoned the council to complain about the bins not being emptied yesterday or this morning, and five minutes later the bin lorry arrived. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/15/i-know-it-s-only-a-coincidence-7174397/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/15/i-know-it-s-only-a-coincidence-7174397/Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:17:23 +0200 <p>My current one is Hickleton Church.</p> <p>Previous ones that I can remember:</p> <p>Horse Head Moor, Wharfedale<br> Conisbrough Castle<br> Brodsworth Country Park<br> Cusworth Park<br> Barnburgh Crags<br> Brodsworth Hall<br> Derwent Edge<br> Hooton Roberts<br> Old Denaby</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/desktop-photos-7158539/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/desktop-photos-7158539/Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:20:01 +0200 <p>So, U.S. president Obama has been awarded the accolade just for being black...and not being George W. Bush.</p> <p>I would imagine he's not too happy about this decision because it demeans him as a person, it demeans his office, his country, the whole Nobel prize concept and organisation and all his supporters around the world.</p> <p>Maybe he should have declined the award. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/the-nobel-peace-prize-7135482/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/the-nobel-peace-prize-7135482/Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:46:41 +0200 <p>Why do the doors on some taxis open in the opposite direction?</p> <p>Why are so many dogs in Doncaster wearing cravats? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/08/two-questions-7123075/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/08/two-questions-7123075/Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:08:04 +0200 <p>Yesterday I signed on at the jobcentre and received a phonecall from my Jobmates co-ordinator.</p> <p>Today, I've got an appointment with my Jobmates key worker.</p> <p>On Thursday I'm seeing an advisor at the Disability Information Advice Line service and on Friday it's my Jobmates counsellor.</p> <p>A fairly typical week at the moment as I'm struggling to move forward after my Asperger's syndrome diagnosis. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/06/my-appointments-this-week-7108904/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/06/my-appointments-this-week-7108904/Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:50:27 +0200 <p>According to the TV news this morning, today is the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of postcodes in Britain.</p> <p>The only time I lost my temper with someone was over the subject of a postcode. I was on a training placement at Wakefield Opera House, based in the marketing department and was working on a mailing list and came upon a Buxton address (which has a Stockport postcode [SK]). The boss in the office was convinced that Buxton has a Stoke-on-Trent [ST] postcode.</p> <p>I knew I was correct; she was convinced that she was...after the initial argument we hardly said a word for the rest of the placement. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/wakefield-opera-house-7088738/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/wakefield-opera-house-7088738/Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:24:33 +0200 <p>Well, I've just done it and there weren't any problems - it only took a few minutes and I haven't lost any channels; unlike some unfortunate people who have been on radio phone-in programmes all day.</p> <p>I don't understand why the re-tuning is necessary - some money making scam no doubt. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/freeview-re-tune-7070000/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/freeview-re-tune-7070000/Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:58:50 +0200 <p>They must be genuine because they appear on the official DWP website.</p> <p>These are my favourites:</p> <p>BFC - Built for Clerical<br> BS - Harsh Breath Sounds Harsh<br> CWL - Capable Within Limits<br> DDE - Departmental Disruption Executive<br> DNW - Do not Weed<br> ESO - Eyesight Screening Officer<br> G - Guilty<br> GSW - Gunshot Wound<br> HSW - Heart Sounds Normal<br> KJ - Kneejerk Reflexes<br> NL - Nipple Line<br> SLR - Straight Leg Raise<br> UTP - Unshielded Twisted Pair</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/26/official-abbreviations-used-by-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-7044562/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/26/official-abbreviations-used-by-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-7044562/Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:59:12 +0200 <p>I've been walking all day on Thorne Moors and went all the way across to the Lincolnshire boundary to the point where the Peatland Way long distance footpath enters Yorkshire from Lincolnshire - there's a sign there which reads:</p> <p>Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council</p> <p>Thorne Moors</p> <p>Danger: Snakes live here, do not touch them.</p> <p>That's useful...so, what important information do visitors to your town need to know</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/welcome-to-yorkshire-7039461/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/welcome-to-yorkshire-7039461/Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:40:32 +0200 <p>My meeting with the Disability Employment Advisor didn't go well. I explained to her that I've recently been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and my diagnostic report states that I need a lot of extra support in finding employment. All she could suggest was that I see my doctor and get a sick note...when I asked her how this would help me get a job she just said that it would give me a break for a few weeks. </p> <p>The stupid cow just doesn't get it; I don't need a break for a few weeks...I'm not sick...I'm DISABLED - the diagnostic report explains in detail in what areas I qualify: ICD -10 Classification of Mental and Behaviour Disorders, World Health Organisation - F84.5 and DSM-IV 299.80.</p> <p>I pointed it out to her where it states in bold print and underlined that I need a lot of extra support in finding work and I asked her what is available, but she didn't seem to know, so I made some suggestions...the jobcentre paying my wages for a year so that it won't cost an employer anything to set me on, paying me a social wage or underwriting my benefits so that I can take temporary and casual work, sending me for some sort of skills and employability assessment, taking advantage of disability employment law...but she dismissed everything - she just didn't want to know.</p> <p>After a bit of persuasion on my part she finally made arrangements for me to claim Disabilty Living Allowance, which is what is recommended on my diagnostic report; of course this is making an assumption that support is actually going to be available once my permanent change of status is acknowledged.</p> <p>I'm very frustrated...something has get to change...but I don't really know what to do next. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/i-m-livid-7009701/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/i-m-livid-7009701/Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:03:09 +0200 <p>Tomorrow I've got an appointment with the Disability Employment Advisor at the jobcentre. I'll inform her about my recent Asperger's syndrome diagnosis and present her with a copy of my diagnostic report, whilst pointing out that it makes specific recommendations about receiving a lot of additional help and support in finding work...and several extensive medical tests and assessments which need doing.</p> <p>In total these measures to attempt to insert me in to the workforce will cost several tens of thousands of Pounds, and someone with authority and access to a budget is going to have to make some difficult decisions as to whether or not this investment in my future is viable.</p> <p>Ideally I would like to work together with the jobcentre and the NHS and hopefully participate in job trials, job subsidies and a guaranteed interview scheme, however if this strategy isn't deemed to be viable then the status quo isn't acceptable to me...my diagnostic report ststes that I should really be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance; so reluctantly I'll have to accept a few extra pounds a week in benefit [and a bus pass], declare victory, and walk away from the battlefield. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/tomorrow-6999943/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/tomorrow-6999943/Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:21:34 +0200 <p>The weather's been pretty decent for the last week and I'm feeling a bit frustrated because I haven't been able to get out for a walk; I've had appointments to see people. It's good that I've been busy and am able to make some initial progress in pursuing opportunities that might arise because of my Asperger's diagnosis - I just wish the appointments had fallen more conveniently for me so that I'd have a day free to spend in the countryside.</p> <p>It seems it might be a while until I'll be hiking on the moors again; the lad who organises the trips is going away for a fortnight. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/the-past-week-6965819/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/the-past-week-6965819/Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:32:43 +0200 <p>I'm struggling a bit at the moment in knowing how to best take advantage of my Asperger's syndrome diagnosis. There are several issues that I need to resolve; getting various medical tests and assessments organised, possibly claiming Disability Living Allowance, opting either for opportunities offered by the jobcentre or the JobPlus programme run by Autism Plus...or whatever else comes along. I'm not good with personal choice or dealing with people and prefer to undertake tasks sequentially and so the whole process is going to be difficult for me, yet whatevrer I decide I'm sure the outcome will be better than what I've got now; a bit more money, some sort of job, training or voluntary work and a limited social life. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/10/pulling-it-all-together-6934771/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/10/pulling-it-all-together-6934771/Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:31:05 +0200 <p>I only managed the first 13 miles of the White Rose Way walk; it was dsrk and after my bedtime and I was tired and stumbling, tripping and slipping; and ended up pulling a couple of muscles and so couldn't continue. The event has probably raised over £1000 for a cancer charity though. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/06/i-failed-6907449/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/06/i-failed-6907449/Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:05:58 +0200 <p>I'm all psyched up and ready for tomorrow evening when we do our charity walk - the White Rose Way on the North York Moors.</p> <p>All I need to do is place the items I need in my knapsack which I'll be carrying on the walk and the items [mainly drinks] that will be left in the vehicle. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/04/all-ready-6890654/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/04/all-ready-6890654/Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:31 +0200 <p>The seventieth anniversary of the start of the war is all over the media this morning.</p> <p>All this commemorating and celebrating is quite alien to me because my family were all coal miners; a reserved industry along with the railways, trawlermen, shipbuilding, power generation, steel production and probably others.</p> <p>Many people misunderstand the term 'reserved industry', thinking it was an option for consciencious objectors...when in truth it meant that these industries were vital to the war effort and the survival of the country and no-one was allowed to leave their jobs and join the armed forces. </p> <p>As far as I'm aware there are no momuments to thje people working i8n these industries who lost their lives. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/03/world-war-ii-6880529/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/09/03/world-war-ii-6880529/Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:02:47 +0200 <p>I've just been to the shops and am starting the process of stocking up on supplies for Saturday's charity walk.</p> <p>Items I've bought today:<br> New batteries for my torch.<br> A new belt.<br> 3 litres of Lucozade Orange energy drink<br> 4 Twix bars. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/stocking-up-6859801/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://doncasterhaikupoet.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/stocking-up-6859801/Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:05:31 +0200