http://muttscomics.com/art/dailyarchive.asp?month=07&date=04&year=2009

So, Julie and I are flying down to Derby with BMIBaby (the low cost arm of British Midland).  And we go to check in online - and are told we can choose to pay an extra £4 to choose our seats, or take what we're given.

No problem, we think, we'll take what we're given - we don't care if we're at the front or the back.

But no - they assign one of us seats at the front of the aircraft and one at the back.

But we can still choose to pay - and looking at the system, we can choose two seats that are handily right next to each other.

So, despite there being pairs of seats, and despite us checking in online on a single form, they allocate the pair of us different seats, just so they can charge us an extra £4?

Oh - and to cap it all, there's no way to leave feedback online, or to email them.  The only way to talk to them is via a phone number that costs 65p/minute (i.e. $1/minute).

Fuck them.  I'm never flying with them again.  There's a certain amount of dickery I'm just not prepared to put up with.

Current Mood: angry

(via theferrett)

http://xkcd.com/611/

http://www.dorktower.com/2009/07/17/dork-tower-friday-july-17-2009-twit-across-the-waters/

http://www.dorktower.com/?p=3931

DORK ADDENDA: Yes, I realize Matt’s Tweet is longer than 140 characters. Let’s just suspend disbelief and say he doesn’t actually Tweet the ellipses that drives the timing between panels 3 and 4, shall we.

http://www.dieselsweeties.com/archive/2328

http://www.dieselsweeties.com/blog/

So! It's San Diego Comicon next week, which is quite insane as always. Remember when I was debating taking the train? All aboard tomorrow!

I have no idea what to expect, but I'm bringing lots of technology and a few ways to get online. Hoping to draw a bunch of comics and read a few books. Really hoping to get those comics done so I don't miss any days.

Rather than spam my site, Twitter or Facebooks I'll be posting to a brand-spanking-new Tumblr account on joebidenfanclub.com.

If you have never been on the train and want to know what it's like from a geek/iPhone/caffeine addict perspective, please ask questions! You better believe I'll be wearing my Joe Biden Fan Club shirt on the trip.

PS: Speaking of comics, I think next week is going to be CAT WEEK. It works on TV for sharks.

Comments and questions?

http://www.dieselsweeties.com/archive/2327

Sometimes you just have to go with the obvious musical reference title.

http://feeds.penny-arcade.com/~r/pa-mainsite/~3/X6sUDjEATK8/

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2009/7/17/more-things-change/

I have bailed on gym and a birthday party. I am so hard core.

http://muttscomics.com/art/dailyarchive.asp?month=07&date=03&year=2009

http://muttscomics.com/art/dailyarchive.asp?month=07&date=02&year=2009

http://www.goats.com/archive/090717.html

http://www.cartoonlabs.com/comics/index.php?date=2009-07-16&show=sinfest

Sinfest
Tatsuya Ishida

http://www.cartoonlabs.com/comics/index.php?date=2009-07-17&show=sinfest

Sinfest
Tatsuya Ishida

Because I'm a muppet I've just booked tickets to take my son to the above event in the bookfestival. Neither of us happen to be in the country that day so it aint gonna work out too well.

Does anyone want to buy them, they were 8 quid for a child and adult ticket? The event is for 8-12 year olds I think. If interested please email latrodectus_bite@hotmail.com as I don't actually use lj anymore.

Hi, me again. This time I'm wondering if I am expected to turn up to a planning hearing at the scottish govt as I sent in a written objection originally. My downstairs neighbour opened a backpaker's hostel without absolutely no planning permission about 2 years ago and has continued to trade despite being refused planning permission by the council. At the time of the original planning permission application I and other neighbours sbmitted lengthy objections.

I've just received a letter telling me that his appeal to the scottish executive is happening shortly and that my written submissions will be considered as evidence and asking me if I want to show up and give evidence in person.

I'd imagine the appeal is a fairly arcane process and that written objections are fine, however am worried in case I am expected to turn up. There's a strong chance that he will lie to the executive and tell them the noise and litter/nuisance problems have gone away, which is not true, but then, the executive are not stupid.

I would imagine that no-one is expecting anyone to show up, but thought I would ask here. Bear in mind that showing up is likely to stress me out really badly for days on end, I don't want to go unless it's necessary. Anyone know what the actual process is?

• It's called sfdkshfsk ... Stand back!
  If you want people to recognise that a substance is dangerous - give it a complicated, hard-to-pronounce name. That's the implication of a new study that suggests we use a simple rule-of-thumb when judging risk. If something is easy to process and digest - for example, by virtue of being easy to pronounce - we tend to assume that it's familiar and safe.
  (tags: language psychology marketing)
• Refridgerator Kids
  The results of a study into how kids react when put in refrigerators.
  (tags: psychology children research)
• Computer company specifically looking to employ autistic staff
  Specialisterne was started by a Danish man whose own son has autism.
  
  Thorkil Sonne now employs more than 40 people with autism.
  
  He is finalising plans to set up a branch in Glasgow in the coming months.
  
  He hopes to hire 50 workers in the first three years of operating in Scotland.
  (tags: autism business computing employment psychology work)
• Attorney's Million Dollar Dare Comes Back to Haunt Him
  Bets a million dollars that nobody can do what his client is alleged to have done. Someone proves him wrong - and he's refusing to pay up. To the courts!
  (tags: law funny EpicFail)

Yet again I am exhausted. I have a sore throat and at the moment it is only my hips that hurt. This is fracking tedious. I bailed last night early, felt tired and not terribly social, went to bed early and got up late, still tired.
If I call the doctor will be telling the receptionist that I have no desire to discuss my reasons for visiting the doctor with her.
I understand Swine flu is going to happen but it is not happening to me at the moment. I need to get better encase I do get it.
Aunt B was moved out of ICU recently and is slowing coming back into the world of conciousness. I am in two minds how I feel about this and I am not going to talk about it here. Needless to say, it is stressful and distressing to all the Steeles involved. For those people in CT, please look after the two Ls and Frog.

I am not going out tonight, sorry to the people with birthdays tonight, I can't manage it.
Tomorrow is Leeds castle, a trip I have planning for ages. I am taking the camera. I have been a bit lack with the photography recently. (I have two spaces in the car if you want a jaunt to Kent.)

Current Mood: blah