Pale Rider

I flew out of Ronaldsway this morning. The Flybe queue was huge as they were having issues with their check in system which had delayed flights to Manchester,so there were quite alot of people hanging around that area of the check in hall. Every other queue seemed to be moving normally. Thankfully I wasn't flying with Flybe, queue for my check in took about 5 minutes, and there wasn't a queue at security either when I passed through. The departure lounge was busy, but I've seen it worse at this time of year. Maybe I was just lucky at the particular time I arrived.

Working on an oil rig is an environment alien to most of us at the best of times. It makes it all the more unthinkable what the workers must have gone through that night. Still remember watching the news at the time totally horrified.

As an occasional visitor to the island, I have never found the pubs too terrible (usually visited Douglas). The Cornerhouse is good for live music, as was the Rovers although who knows what will happen there with all the changes. I know it gets a bad press but I always enjoyed Jaks. Decent pint (depending on what you drink of course), and usually a band playing. The Prospect was decent enough, although anytime I was there it appeared to be on the quiet side. Strand 58, when I first visited I thought was OK, but as a few years went by it seemed to get harder and harder to get served, usually because they had 2 staff on. There is also an Irish pub on the Strand which annoyingly I can't remember the name of . Brennans? Again I found that an okay place. Been in Outback, can't remember too much it was TT week and things are a bit hazy. Didn't like Colours, don't mind loud music but definitely don't like oven hot bottled beer. Miss The Venue had many a good night out there. Maybe I am just easy pleased! And of course this is just my opinion as a visitor. I realise if you live on the island your view of these pubs may differ greatly! I am back on the island TT week, any new suggestions of pubs would be appreciated.

2 films I have seen recently. The Wind That Shakes The Barley. Wasn't sure if I would be into it, about the history of Irelands struggles set in the 20's. I really enjoyed it, although in the nature of the thing it is quite graphic. The Terminal. Tom Hanks as the foreigner stranded in New York airport because his country underwent a coup while he was in the air, and when he landed in the USA his country didn't exist. Quite light hearted and funny.