demm42's WebPage - About me

I work full time as a software developer/coordinator working in Visual Basic. I am now using VB .Net. VB6 to VB.Net is a steep learning curve, but now I'm really getting into it. I'm by no means an expert, but I am starting to get ideas of how to do things. I'm not going to give any details about where I work, but I thank god I'm not working on boring accounts software (or with boring accountants).

How long I can remain a computer programmer is now debatable though. I'm at the age where employers and agencies don't believe I'm a worthwhile investment.

Anyway, as you can see, I'm now also maintaining three websites in my spare time. A lot of work, but worth it (I had 1300 visitors to this website one day last year).

UK Map showing Mold

I live in Mold, a quiet market town in North East Wales, in the UK. (Except on Market Day).

I originally came from Stockport, Cheshire, and still regard this as my home town. Stockport's claim to fame is the railway viaduct, that spans the valley, and is the 2nd largest brick structure in Europe.

However, having got used to the quieter life in Mold, going back to hustle and bustle of Stockport doesn't appeal to me.

I'm nearly forty (the big four-zero). However, I feel like I'm a lot older most of the time, although I still have the energy for some things (say no more). However, my body's not the temple it used to be. I seem to have let it go a little, but I'm sure someday I'll get the figure back that I used to have. (Who am I kidding?).

My star sign is Virgo. The goddess of love. Never had any complaints (Ahem).

Apparently I'm Modest (Yes), Shy (Yes), Meticulas (Yes), Reliable (Yes), Practical (Yes), Intelligent (Yes), Analytical (Yes).

My TV viewing is quite varied. Firstly, I like Sci-Fi. Star Trek, in it's numerous incarnations, has to be my favourite programme, the Next Generation being the best. Babylon 5 was another one that drew me in. I love how the stories develop in these programmes.

I'm currently working my way through Star trek Voyager on DVD. Well I got to have a break from computers sometime.

I also remember Doctor Who and Space 1999 from my younger days. You watch them today, and think, why? Never got into Blake's 7 though. Battlestar Galactica, Buck Roger's, V. V was brilliant. How could they spoil it with such a corny ending though. Who agrees with me? Yes, I've watched them all. Well I've grown out of that now (not).

Have you been watching the new Doctor Who? Christopher Eccleston really fitted into the role (in fact I think he's the best ever Doctor Who), although David Tennant is still fairly good.

As far as sci-fi films go, I still think Arnie has made the best ones (Terminator, The Running Man, etc...). However, any sci-fi film tends to grab my interested. Contact with Jodie Foster. (There's something about Jodie Foster isn't there?). Tron. Anyone remember Tron? Look's dated now though. I'm sure some more will come to mind.

What else do I watch. Anyone remember Attachments on BBC2? As you've probably already guessed, programs related to computers/technology also appeal to me.

Of the soaps, I only watch Coronation Street. However, it is losing it's traditional appeal by trying to become EastEnders.

I like a good laugh. Comedies such as Blackadder, Bottom, Men Behaving Badly, One Foot in the Grave and stand up comedians such as Ben Elton, Billy Connolly and Jasper Carrott make me laugh. My wife recently bought me a video of Peter Kay live on stage. Really funny. Recommended viewing.

One thing I can't stand is reality TV shows. Aaaaaaaaargh!! Another is Pop Idol, Fame Academy, I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of here. Luckily, all TV's come with an off button. That's why I hate people who complain about what's on TV. Switch it off if you don't like it.

Some people complain there's too much sex on TV. Where? Other's complain there's too much violence. Use the off button. You've got me on my soapbox here. This should be on my soapbox page.

My music tastes are varied, but I regard the 70's as the best era for music. My favourite group/artist is ELO/Jeff Lynne. From their early experimental stuff in the early 70's through to the Electric Light Orchestra becoming the Electric Light Trio in the mid 80's, well basically I like it all. My favourite tune was in fact only a minor hit, Secret Messages, from the album of the same name. However, other hit's such as the Diary of Horis Wimp, Wild West Hero, etc.. are also towards the top of my list. Jeff also did an album called Armchair Theatre. Although it never really charted, I believe it has some of his best work on.

Jeff Lynne went on to work with George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, and of course the Travelling Wilbury's. All his music appeals to me. My biggest regret is never being able to see ELO live, due to me being too young at the time. Was the atmosphere at the Wembley concert as good as it looks on video?
( ).

I also like Queen/Freddie Mercury (who will forget Freddie in the video for 'I want to break free'), the Beatles, the Kinks, Jean Michel-Jarre, Pink Floyd, Imagenation, Earth Wind and Fire. Basically any music from the 70's (disco or rock), the 80's or the early 90's. Only the occasional tune/group from the mid/late 90's now gets my attention. Kylie for instance (She'd get anyone's attention, and not for her music. Sorry). The Devine Comedy have also done some songs I like.

The Scissor Sisters also got my attention recently. Laura, Mary, both songs I like.

I'm actually going to expand this music section onto a separate webpage, so check back in the future.

Saturday 17 June 2006 - BBC1 - 7pm. Doctor Who - Love and Monsters (Series 2 Episode 10). This episode is about a young man who makes a video diary about the Doctor and his life tracking the Doctor down. Anyway, he really likes Jeff Lynne & ELO. Peter Kay stars as the alien who absorbs people and wants to absorb the Doctor.

Well what more can I say? What a combination? Three ingredients for a perfect TV program. ELO, sci-fi (Doctor Who) and Peter Kay. This episode must have been made with me in mind (not the strongest Doctor Who episode, but an enjoyable treat for myself).

Food wise, I'm probably like everyone else. I love chocolate, sweet things

, cakes

, cheese, KFC (Mold is lacking one of these if anyone is listening, although Mold does have some fantastic take-aways), warm muffins covered in butter, sweet and sour chicken, pizza, etc.. Basically, if it's edible, and it's not cucumber or beetroot, I'll eat it. I do try and eat in moderation though, and I also try to exercise by walking wherever possible.

As far as cartoon strips go, Garfield and Dilbert have to be the best. Garfield's outlook on life is like mine, and I'm sure every office in the world is like Dilbert's.

Well, you should have got to know me by now, so if you fancy a chat by e-mail, you know what to do. Yes, find someone else who sounds a bit more interesting, and e-mail them. But seriously, I anything I've said appeals to you, if you like 70's or 80's music, if you're a sci-fi buff, or even just if your just lonely and haven't got anything better to do, e-mail me. Let me know your out there.

demm42's E-mail : (demm42 will not spam you!!)

All e-mail addresses on this page are hidden from spam spiders using a little Javascript. If you have Javascript disabled, my e-mail address is m-a-i-l-at-d-e-m-m-4-2-.-p-l-u-s-.-c-o-m (Without the dashes and replacing the at with @.)

Some of the clip-art on this page was found on http://www.clipart-graphics.net. Thanks to them!