...well that's hardly surprising when we're encouraged by the BIG corporate giants to spend, spend, spend on what mostly amounts to rubbish. But the real twist of the knife is that 'they' have the neck to turn round and offer consolation to those who have been seduced and hurt as a result of all the bullshit... at a cost of course!!!

Do yourselves a favour next time and leave your TV switched off and stay in doors; enjoy the holiday with your family and friends without feeling bad about buying loads of crap that will just get binned in a few month's time.

...and here I am working like a slave - I haven't really had a chance to do anything other than sit at my desk writing endless streams of code to those who want it!!

It's been an interesting and varied time during the past few months, especially since I signed up for the River Nile Bike Ride; I'm told I'm doing well with my fund-raising and sponsorship but I can tell you, it doesn't feel like it sometimes and it's extremely hard work trying to make people care enough to do something. One thing I know is that when it's all over, I'll have acheived something really worthwhile and hopefully made a difference to people's perception.

So to each and everyone, I wish you peace on earth xx