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Another new bike!

I'm buying another new bike, but this time it's not for me. It's a christmas present for my wife.
I've always loved the classic simplicity of the Pashley range and if there is any bike that would get my wife cycling to work this would be the one.
It's not the cheapest bike on the market at £450 but you pay for what you get.
One of the only suppliers in Northern Ireland is Quinns cycles in Kilkeel and as I was doing a juggling job there on Saturday I went in to pay a deposit. Luckily he keps them in stock so i'll be able to pick it up before Christmas.
I'm going to have to clear some space in the garage, I might even put some hooks up to cut down on scratches.

Bike Love

Now I love bikes but I wouldn't take it this far.
Scottish man Robert Stewart (age 51) was arrested by police for having sex with his bike!

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: "They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

"They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

"The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex."

I know its a bit strange, but was it really any one elses business if he was doing it in the privacy of his own room?

Wooden Bike

Been a while since I had apost with a bike on - thought this one was worth putting up though.

Outdoor Swimming

After reading a supplement in the Guardian last weekend about swimming in the great outdoors, I have made full use of my time off this week and have swam twice in the sea so far this week with another swim planned for this Friday!
My first swim was in Ballycastle inbetween shows at the Lamas (spelling?) fair. It does feel a bit cold when you get in but you'd be amazed how quickly your body adjusts, and then you just have the joy of swimming in an unending stretch of water. I'd bought a snorkeling set a while back and this was my first chance to use it - it does take a bit of getting the hang of just breathing through your mouth, and there wasn't much to see besides sand but it was fun anyway.

Then yesterday we went to Newcastle, having bought a body board on the way, and I swam in the sea with the kids. It took a bit longer to get my shoulders under because I had to deal with the stoney beach aswell, but eventually I was snorkelling along pulling my son behind on the board.
After a well earned ice cream - we had a choice between the arcade and the open air pool at "Tropicana Land" (Believe me - it's not as glamarous as it sounds) and the kids opted for the slides and heated outdoor pool. The water felt too warm after swimming in the sea - but certainly more kid friendly. I think next year we may invest in wet suits - for the kids anyway.

Apparently I'm a Socialist.

I took this test on line to find out my true political persuasion and guess what. I'm a socialist.

You are a Social Liberal (66% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (6% permissive) You are best described as a: Socialist (6e/66s) Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid Free Online Dating Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

Must See TV

There is a programme on Channel 4 tonight which I would say is essential viewing for anyone with a sceptical mind.

8pm Mon 13th Aug - "The Enemies of Reason"

Basically it is Richard Dawkins's take on psuedo science and superstition. I'm sure it will show up on you tube as well some time in the next 24 hours for anyone that can't get channel 4.