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Kings in my deck...

Thursday, September 30, 2004

Well that's it - my current role in the public sector has come to an end.

The drive in seemed rather odd, knowing that I would be heading in a different direction from now on. I will miss the team and I will miss the varied projects but as I know it is time to move on. It's unfortunate but these things happen in life.

I need to progress, to learn and to broaden my horizons. The new post will give me these opportunities.

I now have a little over a week on annual leave before I start my new post.

In light of mum's operation I am heading southbound tomorrow for a couple days leaving my baby behind. I hate it when we do not see one another for any length of time and it'll be made worse knowing we're apart next weekend also!

[iTunes: "Willing And Able" : Prince]

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To the world...

Wednesday, September 29, 2004

The Mighty Boosh is finally released on CD in November and it'll definitely be on my Christmas list!

Rumour has it that the recent BBC Three TV series will be broadcast on BBC Two soon and there is hope that it will then make it to DVD.

I'll be all Booshed out by Christmas!

Danni
Anyone got a copy of the new Danni Minogue single? I'd love to be able to hear it in full...

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California

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

Ok as you know I've been away. I caught up with the "new" series of The OC on E4 last night.

What the hell happend in the episode I missed? Someone please tell me!

[iTunes: "California" : Phantom Planet]

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Our House

Our house seems to be an odd place to be at present.

We have only just got back from our holiday so to me it still feels a little weird. Weird that there is no balcony and no sunset. No perpetual heat and sea views!

Weirder still that the cats are driving us batty! With me taking on my new role soon we deduced to change the feeding routine so that the cats knew what to expect when I changed my hours. Sounds simple enough but Brandy and Jerry are trying every tactic possible to grab our attention, to direct us to the kitchen and to feed them! Who'd have thought something so cute could be so demanding?

There have been some further developments with my attack too. I have been asked to attend court next year to give evidence against my attacker.

I am a little daunted by this but I know I have nothing to fear. I am in the right, I am the victim. Hopefully it'll all be over quickly and I can totally forget that horrible day ever took place.

And away they go...

A survey of 1000 25-40 year olds in the UK has put Tom and Jerry at number one in a list of favourite cartoon shows.

I cannot say I honestly agree. What about Wacky Races? Penelope Pitstop? Hong Kong Phooey? Batfink? Duckula? Touché Turtle? (Need I go on?)

Funk, funk...

In Spain we purchased a dance compilation called El Dance04. Most of it is high octaine Euro stuff but it's a cool enough album. It comes with an extra DVD and contained on this is the video for "Funk Phenomena" by Armand Van Helden. I didn't know what this was until I saw the video; the tune had been bugging me for a while. Now I know what it is I feel like sharing it with you.

[iTunes: "Black Cat" : Janet Jackson]

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The label says...

Monday, September 27, 2004

The label says Butch but I think this is more Bitch... (Cute Brazilian model though ;) )

tony bLIAR
Whilst at the airport I noticed "The Accidental American: Tony Blair and the Presidency" in the book shop. Not I am not sure if I want to spend my money on such a volume but it does look interesting. The jacket illustration is quite amusing too!

[iTunes: "Kids in America" : Kim Wilde]

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Unfinished Sympathy

Sunday, September 26, 2004

We have just returned from a well earned holiday in the Spanish Costa's. Richard and I spent the week in a lovely apartment on the Torrox Costa, just outside of El Morche. We were situated right next to the beach and spent each evening with nothing but the sound of the waves lapping the shore and the view of the moon slowly rising.

Whilst there we visited Puerto Banus which is a rather up market harbour town. A lovely place to browse but quite expensive!

A Competa Cat

Sunday we drove to Competa to meet with a friend of Richard's father who is an British ex pat and 88 years old. Mary looks very well though and has a lovely apartment in the centre of town. The views from Competa are stunning although I must admit I am not too keen on the mountain roads! Whilst in Competa we took a walk around the winding streets and encountered all the ups and downs of mountain life. We were also followed by a number of feral cats, begging for food.

We soon managed to fall into a routine of laying in, breakfast, strolls along the beach, visiting some coastal spot, return for lunch, a couple hours on the beach, siesta and then out for dinner. Why can't every day be like that?

Nerja

Richard and I visited Nerja on Thursday and had a browse through all the little shops, strolled along the coast and stopped for a coffee. We did look out for some old friends who used to run a business there but were unable to find the property - it would seem they are sadly in business no longer.

We did manage a fair bit of shopping too - so much in fact we had to buy an extra bag to get all our new clothes home!

The holiday provided us with the perfect opportunity to try out our new Canon EOS 300D. We took a lot of photograph's whilst away and a selection of them have been placed in my Photo Diary. There are also shots from the holiday peppered amongst my gallery and I have updated photo's of Richard with some shots from the villa and Puerto Banus.

The weather (how British!), was lovely with the coolest day being 28 and the warmest being 36 degrees! Coming back to the UK is a bit of a shock (it's currently around 14 degrees here). At least we both have healthy tans to prove we have been away ;)

I must admit I didn't completely relax at the beginning of the holiday as my mum had been admitted to hospital just before I flew out. There was a long standing heart issue and it seemed no one was aware what course of action was required. Typically (and rather predictably) whilst I was away my mum got to see a Consultant Cardiologist who took charge. On Thursday my mum received an Angioplasty and is now back home and resting.

Because of my mum's predicament I left my phone on and kept it with me. Can you imagine how annoyed I was to received several calls from my career agent harassing me for references? I thought I had everything sorted when I went away and made sure everyone would be aware of my break. Turns out this was not the case and instead of sitting on the beach relaxing on Thursday I ended up making calls to the UK (or sending texts) to try and resolve the matter! I was so annoyed and may yet send the agency a bill for all the calls I ended up making!

Oh well the number of days I have left to work at my current employer is decreasing rapildy and I cannot wait to get started in my new post. I am not counting the days away honest although I am counting down the 21600 minutes! ;)

[iTunes: "Unfinished Sympathy - Original" : Massive Attack]

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One Skin, two skin, three skin...

Some of my friends may recall my delight when I found a clip to the 70's children's programme Rainbow...

Sadly since I originally distributed the URL a couple months back the ISP couldn't cope with the bandwidth and shut it down.

Guess what? It's back! This is the best example of double entendre and English wit ever - it has to be seen to be believed!

[iTunes: "Rainbow Children" : Prince]

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It's Music, on the Radio

Saturday, September 18, 2004

Couple hours before my flight, still time to blog!

It looks like I will have to make sure I have some cash left on my return... (or I could order it before I go!)

Anyway, Pet Shop Boys are re-releasing the concert film "Performance", for the first time on DVD on the 27th September. The concert has been remastered for digital sound. It's the one "film" I do not own so am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy :)

Good old Neil and Chris ;)

[iTunes: "Hit Music" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Tickets, Money, Passport!!!

Friday, September 17, 2004

Well it's finally here; after all the waiting and the aggro we are off on our holidays tomorrow. And you know what? I cannot wait!

I received my induction pack for my new job today and said goodbye to someone in my current office too. Now it's hitting home that I won't be working there much longer.

At least the holiday will hopefully give me some chance to wind down and switch off for a while.

I may end up going home before I start my new job though as my mum was admitted to hospital yesterday. I was not sure about taking the holiday but my mum and dad insist that I should go. Mum has yet to see her consultant (day two) and until she does there is no guarantee of what is to happen. Some say a bypass and some say keyhole surgery.

Oh I love the National Health Service - it's so damn efficient! NOT!

Whilst we are away please give some thought to Brandy and Jerry who will be enjoying the house without us - they have their own carers whilst we are away so no doubt they will ignore us on our return!

Adiós!

[iTunes: "This Is the World We Live In (Radio Edit)" : Alcazar]

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Mini Bush

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Something every American should own before voting: "A Mini Bush!"

"It's clearly a budget - it's got a lot of numbers in it." - Classic!

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Sick bastards!

Wednesday, September 15, 2004

Film on cat killers draws protest
Cat lovers were outraged by the artists' actions.
"Animal-rights activists have held a protest in Canada at the premiere of a documentary about three artists who videoed themselves killing a cat."

There are some sick bastards out there. If I were in Canada I'd be joining in the protest.

I have a suggestion for their next project; why not film the skinning of the "artists" - I think that's a fair penalty.

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Not sure...

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Not sure if there is anything major to write about to be honest. We enjoyed a quiet weekend and things seem to be ticking along nicely...

Work has got odd (yes more than before). It seems that the foghorns are back from their holiday as word spread quickly of my imminent departure. It's odd how no one seemed to know for a week and now everyone knows! It would seem I am not the only person leaving either...

I am a little apprehensive about the new post but I think that's natural. It's well within my capabilities, I guess I have settled into my current role too much. Some of the people are really nice and it's them whom I will miss when I go. I have to keep reminding myself that the work flow is terrible and the organisation will never be changed. (Unless there is a major miracle). I am definitely making the right decision.

There is talk of a leaving do but to be honest I'd rather not bother. The office is not located in the the most vibrant of places and the restaurants/pubs there do not suit my palate. I don't know what to do. Things is it's not far away, maybe I'll have to think about it during the holiday.

I seem to have a few things on my mind too. My mother is still being arsed around by the local hospital and it's starting to wear her down. In mums' current condition this is not good. Still I hope for all our sakes their is a decent, positive, resolution soon.

Little Britain

14th September and I have purchased my first Christmas gift! Well it did sort of happen. I managed to acquire a really nice gift for my parents this weekend which I have spent some time setting up for them. Just have to work out how to get it home now!

For those of you who are interested, I didn't get to go to the Battleship Potemkin (PSB) concert in Trafalgar Square on Sunday but I have a couple friends who went and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am now looking forward to the album release.

Richard and I were due to attend the recording of the new series of Little Britain at BBC TV Centre this evening. Sadly thanks to work commitments etc we have had to cancel :( I guess we'll just have to wait to see it on TV like everyone else.

I cannot wait to get on board that plane at the weekend and jet off. We are both looking forward to this break so much.

Cannonball Dumb!
Err, serves them right! - Cannonball Dumb
Grow up springs to mind! Jackasses! - Cannonball Run Europe

[iTunes: "Make Everything Change" : Wire Daisies]

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Sky Pink and oh so cute

Sunday, September 12, 2004

Stumbled across "Sky Pink and Snow" today whilst looking around the web at interactive cartoons.

This really is a well presented site, very cute and well executed. Take a look.

Download chart
So Natasha Bedingfield got this weeks top spot on the UK download chart. I think I have even less faith in this chart than I did in the sales chart!

[iTunes: "What's New Pussycat?" : Tom Jones]

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Trunk Guy 2 Damita Jo

Saturday, September 11, 2004

My baby bought me Janet's latest DVD today. From janet. to Damita Jo.

I have a lot of the video's already but they have been digitally remastered in surround sound and you can tell.

The videos' from "Damita Jo" are included although, bizarrely there is only a "live" version of "Just A Little While" and not the actual video. Not quite sure why. Annoyingly the video for "Someone to Call My Lover" has been released with the Def Def remix instead of the original, but I cannot complain as I already have it on the special edition DVD from All For You ;)

You can guarantee one way to cheer me up is to plonk me in front of a TV or stereo and crank up the janet! There is just something about that infectious smile, the dances and the unique sound.

Wonderful :0)))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks babes xxxxx (ILMB xxxxx)

[iTunes: "Could This Be Love" : Janet Jackson]

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Let's fly away

Dimitri from Paris - International Flight (Japanese Cover)

Well it seems like Dimitri from Paris has done it again. I have just bought "International Flight" - the stunning new album and am mesmerised. I cannot find this on Amazon.co.uk so it must be pretty hot off the press.

Once again Dimitri mixes Paris Chic, good tastes, hot licks and fabulous vocals. I am sure this will be doing the rounds on my iPod for some time. It'll be the perfect album to listen to whilst lounging on the beach in Spain next week ;)

If I was to take an International Flight I may want to make my way to Brazil! After seeing the hotties at Love Capoeira I am tempted to catch the next flight, (and the clothes are not bad either).

Hurricane Ivan - Satellite Image

Ivan The Terrible
I have family located on the Caribbean island of St Lucia and although family relations are not that great, I do hope they have been spared the wrath of Hurricane Ivan.

I was unfortunate enough to be in St Lucia in 1995 when Hurricane Marilyn threatened to produce the same amount of damage and destruction. After two days of high winds and torrential winds, we reached near the center of the eye and she suddenly changed direction. Lucky for the residents of St Lucia but not so lucky for people on the neighbouring island of Martinique who bore the full brunt of the storm.

Battleships and West End Boys
I will be interested to see how the Pet Shop Boys perform in Trafalgar Square tomorrow. They have re written the soundtrack to the Russian Classic movie "Battleship Potemkin" and will be performing it live (and free), with the Dresden Sinfoniker.

I have no doubt that this will be another outstanding success for Neil and Chris.

[iTunes: "Wish Tonite" : Dimitri From Paris]

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Vote Cosmopolitan!

Friday, September 10, 2004

Looks like I have found the perfect USA political party ;¬)

I love Carrie's quotes:

Civil Rights: "Maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we've been given, and accessorize with the outfit we've got."

Animal Rights: "You can't be friends with a squirrel! A squirrel is just a rat in a cuter outfit."

Apparently my ideal Presidental candidate is: CARRIE

"Your taste is impeccable! With your style, you must be the belle of Manhattan, and the talk of the Hamptons. Carrie shares your fabulous fashion sense, and is obviously the candidate for you. If she's elected, you can rest assured that Carrie will fight for the issues that are important to you: fun, fashion, and the right to be fabulous! "
Carrie for President!

[iTunes: "Androgyny" : Garbage]

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All Things Just Keep Getting Better

Well that's it, after much consideration, consternation, searching, complaining, challenging and stress I have got myself a new job!

I leave the Public sector in a couple of weeks and am heading back to the private sector - I cannot wait!

The new role seems to be quite demanding, but very interesting and an excellent career move. I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead of me.

I will be sad to leave the people I work with but I won't be at all sad to see the back of the organisation and it's operations.

Once more into the breach!

[iTunes: "All Things - Original Version" : Widelife featuring Simone Denny]

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How you doin'?

Thursday, September 09, 2004

Well the USA gets to witness Joey this evening. I bet it takes ~~years~~ months to get here.

Although if it's awful we'll get it immediately!

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If I women were meant to wash up...

Richard recorded Jack Dee Live at the Apollo this weekend and I am so glad he did. It's something that I have not seen advertised but was grateful for Richard's deft use of the recorder!

Anyway Jack Dee was his usual funny cutting self but his guest produced the best laugh I have had in ages. Who was it? None other than Joan Rivers.

My god she was so funny, so cutting, so bitchy and so quick. I have always been a fan and have not seen her do stand up for years. Her material was superb. We were in tears.

"Gay men - it's easy for you to fake an orgasm.
Just spit onto his back, he'll never know!"

"If women were meant to wash up, my hands would be made of aluminium!"

[iTunes: "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, Pt. 1" : James Brown]

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Couldn't resist this!

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Sorry but this is just too good an opportunity to miss. I wonder what they were all really discussing? Mind you - who cares!

What a classic set up, once again the Internet strikes at the heart of the people!

I wonder if there is soemthing similar for the Labour Party? Then again the whole cabinet are a bunch of c**kless wonders; so no one would believe it!

Thanks to Boys' Brief's for bringing this to my attention!

Prince, where art thou?

I am sick of checking out the NPG Music Club so frequently, waiting for tour news! When will the Purple One ever come back to these shores???

Tiggerific!

I posted this Tigger

fabulous photo on my MoBlog last night and it seems to have brought in a huge response.

Tigger was asleep when I approached him but awoke and yawned at me as I took this shot.

I think it's excellent, very candid and funny. In fact I MMS'd to some friends of mine with the title "Wassup!". An old gag but very fitting of this image, don't you think?

[iTunes: "Wish I Didn't Miss You" : Angie Stone]

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Land ahoy!

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

This weekend was spent at home with family and friends.

Richard and I had decided to take a trip home before we went on our holidays. It was nice to do this but as ever the four to five hour drive was a bit of a killer!

This trip home gave me a chance to assess things, to find out how my parents are and to sort out a few bits and pieces. Richard got to spend time with his nephews and managed to service our new car, thanks to his dad's help.

I paid a visit to my god daughter and her family on Saturday. This was a really nice visit - except for all the packing boxes! I do hope Sarah and Steve manage to complete their house sale soon. Sarah was looking a little stressed!

I am so looking forward to our trip in a couple weeks - after all that has happened over the summer it'll be nice to escape and relax.

It would seem we are not the only ones off on our holidays when the kids go back to school either. Andy and Rob are currently touring the British Isles in their new caravan and Carol and Dave are currently walking the Great Wall of China!

Don't you just love it when the kids are back - peace!

My Audioscrobbler account was visited by someone interesting recently. Eastman is a Music Producer here in the UK and was checking out my account for a look at my musical tastes. It turns out that Drew has quite a creative bent and has placed some of his work online. It's definitely worth a listen.

[iTunes: "Feelin' Good - ClubRoyale Radio" : Miss Moon ]

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Under Pressure

Thursday, September 02, 2004

I guess it had to happen. With everything that has gone on recently it has pulled me down.

I didn't go into the office today as I have not been sleeping well of late. I hardly had any sleep last night and awoke with a sore throat, headache and temperature :( Great!

Therefore I have not spent much time at the PC today but have had a quick nose around the BBC etc.

Found out something interesting about Latoya Jackson. Apparently she sent her latest single out as a white label with the artist credit as "Toy". I think the track is called "Wanna Dance" and is apparently a bit of a club hit. Only challenge now is trying to find a copy! Do you have one?

It's been quiet depressing listening to the news while I have been home. To be honest I am growing tired of all these international situations. Iraq and Iran seems to have been going on forever. The Russian terrorist business seems to be getting out of hand. And the American's seem obsessed with either attending or disrupting the ReSMUGlican Convention in NYC!

And what's all this "Girly Men" sh*t that Arnie spouted the other day? How can he stand on a podium and spout about "his country" when he's not even American!

Boy this world is mixed up!

It would be nice to switch the news on and have it feature items of interest from home. Why is it international news always grabs the biggest headlines? I am sure local news is just as interesting (and probably more important).

I cannot wait to go on holiday and switch off for a week!

BBC Radio broadcast the UK's first ever "Download Chart" yesterday. How on earth did Westlife get number one? Must have been down to some clever marketing and pimping little girls on iTunes!

And I also read that Microsoft is trialling it's rival to iTunes! Who gives a sh*t! We all know it'll be full of bugs, always blocked and cost a fortune. Long live iTunes!

Stumbled (literally) across this rather bizarre web site earlier this week. It may have "popped up" on another blog, I am not sure. Anyway, I think there has been a break through in aiding lonely, lazy men! I wonder how many of these have been purchased?

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ReSMUGlicans

Wednesday, September 01, 2004

I made a personal vow not to get caught up in the American Elections and not to mention it online. This media circus has already gone too far, it doesn't need any more encouragement. Unfortunately I watched last nights news bulletin and I am outraged.

I had this feeling that certain Americans were self centred and blind to the world beyond their shores. Last nights quotes for EX Mayor Giuliani were scandalous. How dare he compare George Bush to Winston Churchill? Churchill is one of the most important men in history. A born leader. A fighter. Someone who was brought to power by the people for the people. Someone who's beliefs meant that this world is now shaped the way it is because of his beliefs, his courage and his honour.

I fail to see any comparison to Bush - a man who came to power after a miss vote, a man who can not string a coherent sentence together. A man who doesn't run his country but whom is controlled by his "house".

I am sick and tired of the way great historical and political figures are used in such a blasé form. I only hope Bush does not serve another term, that way we will be rid of him and hopefully his dead weights too.

I think this just about sums it up:
Florida 2004 Voting System

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