I got the 713am train this morning and was astonished at the number of chaps on the station platform dressed in suits, but also carrying rucksacks. I added the qualifier, “but”, there, because it is required. You don’t carry a rucksack and wear a sharp suit. It just doesn’t work. You carry a sports bag [...]
Is it wrong to be infuriated by the word ‘Crimbo’?
I was searching Amazon this evening for some Chanel Bleu aftershave eau de toilette. Or “EDT” as the listings seem to have adopted referring to it as. I was given some at Christmas and I’ve been using it regularly. Suddenly I have run out. I’m not sure if this is due to over use. I [...]
Part 2 of the Center Parcs Experience: Booking items ahead of time
Continuing the Center Parcs experience here on The Pursuit of Quality, it’s time to focus on the pre-arrival booking aspects. Everyone that I’ve spoken to about the destination has emphasised how much you need to book ahead. Indeed, some have suggested to me that you effectively “need to book everything” because it gets so busy. [...]
What is the best electric shaver to buy?
It’s been ages since I last had an electric shaver. I think I was in my early twenties. I bought a Phillips one and found it pretty good. Then, I can’t recall specifically what happened, but I stopped using it and swapped to shaving with a razor blade and doing wet shaves every morning. I [...]
Part 1 of the Center Parcs experience: Booking
Long term and patient readers will recall that I have been closely evaluating a Center Parcs break. I think it’s taken me a year to get comfortable with the concept. Center Parcs UK, according to the Wikipedia entry, is a network of four holiday villages offering a range of family friendly activities. And it’s the [...]
The Railway: Keeping Britain on Track
I’m commuting most days for at least 1.5 hours each way. Ridiculous, I know. But that’s the situation. Actually, it’s been working out rather nicely because it has given me an enforced opportunity to get work done ahead of time (on the way into the office) or afterwards. Often, though, I don’t feel like working. [...]
It’s a brave new world out there… Have you come across the book, Wool?
I was captivated by this Wall Street Journal post about the eBook marketplace. Here’s the quick summary: Hugh Howey’s postapocalyptic thriller “Wool” has sold more than half a million copies and generated more than 5,260 Amazon reviews. Mr. Howey has raked in more than a million dollars in royalties and sold the film rights to [...]
There’s a horse in your lasagne, sir
I had to smile to myself in wonder at the headlines this morning as The Telegraph splashed with the news that apparently Findus, makers of frozen ready meals, have discovered that their Beef Lasagne is actually 99% Horse Lasagne. (I got the “99%” from today’s issue of The Sun newspaper!) I was rather surprised to [...]
Using Collect+ to return my Amazon package was painless
I have to say I wasn’t feeling that good about being forced to use the Collect+ service to return my Amazon package. Although I expect nothing but greatness when it comes to Amazon, I did wonder how it could possibly match my standard (super-high) expectations of Amazon. I shouldn’t have worried, I really shouldn’t. Here’s [...]
The All New Range Rover: Redefining quality and luxury; I think I need one!
My first car was a Range Rover. For most of my early twenties I was too busy messing around with dotcoms in central London to bother with cars. I then borrowed my brother’s Ford Ka now and again when I needed to get around… until I got a very rude awakening. As CEO of a [...]
