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No sleep 'til sunrise?

Sunday, October 31, 2004

Well the clocks have been altered and we have moved out of British Summer time - now we have a couple weeks with light mornings, but give it until the end of November and we'll all be leaving for work in the dark and coming home in the dark. After all these years and all the safety debates - why do we have to keep switching from summer to winter time?

And did I get any extra sleep? No! I think I was worried that I may have forgotten to change a clock somewhere in the house!

It's also Halloween - who cares? Another over hyped day that has been hijacked by card shops and manufacturers of tack. I never went trick or treating. I didn't pester my parents for costume's and parties. This country is adopting enough bad habits from the American's as it is - can we please knock this one on the head?

The shops seem to be confused too - you go into some and you have Halloween on one aisle and Christmas on the other. Crazy.

All this when Richard and I spend a lovely autumnal day at Waddesdon Manor. I hope you like the new moody shot!

[iTunes: "Fall Asleep" : ATB]

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Poor puss

Saturday, October 30, 2004

I knew it! I just knew that cat's suffered the same highs and lows as humans.

Brandy and Jerry do seem to have off days and they do have periods where they don't talk to one another. And they have days where they will have nothing to do with us. Honest! If you don't believe me ask Richard.

I guess this study proves all of that!

[iTunes: "Black Cat" : Janet Jackson]

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Bitty?

Friday, October 29, 2004

Well another week has been and gone and it's been another set of challenges, new faces and things to deal with. I am enjoying the new job though and feel it's going well. I have even had some nice commutes! (Although I won't say that too loud for fear of jinxing it!).

I am rather annoyed with Apple for eventually getting around to creating a colour screen iPod. iPod Photo is long over due (and rather expensive), But I can see it will help them stay ahead of the game. The update for iTunes also came out this week which has a few nice features such as duplicate song search and task bar playing ability. I just wish the photo organisation tool would have been enabled for PC use if not for iPod use (it's not available if you do not connect/own an iPod Photo).

I was quite surprised to hear that the BBC have decided to dilute Little Britain before it's transfer to BBC One from BBC Three. If the Beeb are that worried about it then why bother to put in on BBC One?

Oh well it's Friday and we have (hopefully) a relaxing weekend ahead of us.

[iTunes: "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" : Abba]

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Surprised?

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Florida ballot papers go missing

And there's a surprise - NOT!

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And why should he?

Saturday, October 23, 2004

From the BBC: No Harry apology to photographer

Prince Harry will not apologise to a photographer after a scuffle outside a club, Prince Charles' spokesman said. He told BBC News: "It certainly seems to be the month for apologies, but no, I don't think it really requires that."

And why should he? The rest of the celebrity world gets away with it - Elton John, Madonna and every Premiership football star seem to make a living from it! Why should the rules be different for Royalty? It was this sort of hounding that killed Harry's mother so can anyone really blame him for having a lash out at the press after so much hounding?

You go Princey!

[iTunes: "One Of Those Days" : Duran Duran]

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Yakki Dah!

Programme 2 of French and Saunders series 6 and at last we get to see Dawn play Catherine Zeta Jones.

Dawn French as Catherine Zeta Jones

When Richard and I went to see them shoot this, Dawn did a number of different sketches, pretty much one after another and she was so professional. I think only one sketch had to be shot twice, the rest were all one take.

I think this parody is fab, Dawn has got the comic Welsh perfect and mocking CJZ is ideal as it seems no one in Wales or the rest of the UK actually likes her.

And we'd like to see more of Prickly Pear Farm please!

Personal Plea

Does anyone have a copy of the last episode of The Apprentice? We have been recording/watching the series and enjoying it but sadly our hard drive recorder didn't record the final :( Now it feels like we watched all those episode for nothing!

[iTunes: "For the Love of Money" : The O'Jays]

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Super!

Friday, October 22, 2004

Not many people many know who Brandon Routh

is but you know what? Who cares! I can see why he's been cast as the next Superman, he's the perfect ~~dish~~ choice.

[iTunes: "(Reach Up for the) Sunrise - Alex G Cosmic Mix" : Duran Duran]

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Blast off!

Thursday, October 21, 2004

I am pretty sure this entry will be huge! As you may be aware I started a new job recently and unfortunately I have spent the last couple of days at home due to illness. I am not happy to have gone off sick so soon into my new role but my GP told me to rest.

Duran Duran - Astronaut

Ok I take it all back! My copy of Astronaut arrived on Tuesday morning and I am suitably impressed. It sounds like the Duran's are definitely back on form! What an awesome album. It's so big, so full of sound and lively - excellent album boys!

I managed to get the limited edition from CD Wow and I urge you to get this if you can. The packaging alone is worth the price (although I got the double set online for less than in UK stores!). When I get around to watching the live Wembley DVD I will let you know what I think.

Astronaut has to be heard and seen to be believed - excellent work!

Update - I have to admit the more I listen to Astronaut the more I love it - I have listened to nothing else this week. At last a truly complete album - something I have not heard in ages!

[iTunes: "Nice" : Duran Duran]

??????

Cake of the week? So what? Delia is the next Martha? Don't make me laugh

So it's not just Blobby Williams, people will pay money for any old crap!

The Spanish manage to create a lot of fuss about balls
A bit of daily comic relief

[iTunes: "What Happens Tomorrow" : Duran Duran]

Hot arse action?

So the new series of Little Britain started on Tuesday and I did enjoy it - it's nice to see Walliams and Lucas have moved the show on, furthering the life of old characters and introducing lots of new ones. But why one earth have they decided to add studio laughter? The show doesn't need and in fact it detracts from some of the gags. Get rid of it Auntie please!

[iTunes: "Astronaut" : Duran Duran]

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Blobby Williams

Monday, October 18, 2004

It's amazing the depths people will go to to sell their "music".

I think selling your "Greatest Hits" on a memory card is pushing it a bit far, but giving it away is just ludicrous!

It seems that Robbie Williams really will do anything to sell his ~~shitty~~ awful brand of "pop"

[iTunes: "Gay House" : Blur vs Electric 6]

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O la la!

Sunday, October 17, 2004

Thanks to Pablo for posting the gorgeous French Rugby 2005 calendar early ;)

I have a feeling it'll be a great year!

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Spooky

So the BBC have actually taken an interesting direction within one of their series and produced a bit of a twist and a decent character change. Since it's conception Spooks has been immensely popular but you could tell by the end of the last series that Tom was starting to grate. His character was becoming staid and predictable.

Adam (Rupert Penry-Jones)

Thankfully after only the second episode of series three the writers have decided to write him out and replace him with a new maverick.

I actually don't feel sad to see Tom go as the new character Adam is much better. He seems to interact with the other characters better and you can tell that he will be given a wider playing field.

Of course it might help that Rupert Penry-Jones is a bit of a dish! LOL

I hadn't realised Rupert had been in so much before Spooks, looks like I'll betrawling through old DVD's to catch a glimpse!

We also managed to catch The Real Little Britain last night which illustarted the similarities between real life and the charcters in the fab

comedy show. I guess I knew Matt Lucas and David Walliams had to base there characters on real people but I was quite surprised to find out how real the characters were. It won't stop me enjoying Little Britain though and I am looking forward to the the start of the new series on BBC Three this week.

"But I want that one"

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West End Hell

Saturday, October 16, 2004

Do something intersting and meaningful with your music downloads... Spend some money at warchild music, enjoy the tracks and be safe in the knowledge you have given to a good cause at the same time.

[iTunes: "West End Girls - DJ Hell Mix" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Look into my eyes!

By the way... my money's on Matt (or possibly Kevin P!) ;)
(Although I can't actually get the program here, the web site keeps me up to date!)

[iTunes: "Model Goes Missing - Bootleg Mix" : Kraftwerk vs Everything But The Girl]

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Danny

I may be moaning about waiting for my copy of Astronaut but I have passed the chance to purchase "Danny the Dog".

I am a huge Massive Attack fan but was not that struck on "100th Window". The latest album is the complete soundtrack to the new film of the same name and although I am sat here listening to snippets online (courtesy of www.massiveattack.com), I really am in two minds...

Is there anyone out there who has this? Has heard it? Seen the film or have opinions of it? If so let me know what you think...

I have a feeling this will probably grow on me (well the snippets online will), oh I guess I will just have to wait and see.

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Steve Bell Strikes again!

The Guardian (C) Steve Bell

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Aborted take off

I am so bored with online shops now. After the change in release dates for Duran Duran's new album and the problems I have experienced with Amazon I now find that CD Wow are also causing me problems.

Why oh why do people put things online for sale and then instantly email you after ordering to say it's out of stock? Why not just put a message next to the item before purchase or remove it until they are in? It's not like these stores are not connected to some sort of database :(

Maybe I'll just have to take a trip to my nearest record store and pay over the odds for it. Then again maybe not, but why should I have to wait? GGGGGRRRRRRR

[iTunes: "(Reach Up for the) Sunrise" : Duran Duran]

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Another weekend

Well it's another weekend but this one is different, this one follows the end of my first week at Cranfield. How do I feel? Crap!

That's in no way a reflection of my new job I just feel like crap! It seems with my new office comes a new set of bugs to build resistance too as I have a very sore throat and am feeling a little under the weather. I think there is the usual Autumnal bug going around though as lots of people seem to be suffering, including my baby.

We decided to cancel our plans for the weekend so that we both got a chance to recuperate. I am sure with the weather report predicting such a bad, cold snap and our medical condition we'll spend the weekend with a roaring coal fire in front of the box!

Can't be bad can it?

Just read an article on Channel 4 news about the world according to blogs. I wonder when any of my favourites will be reported!

[iTunes: "Another Weekend" : Five Star]

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It's about time!

Wednesday, October 13, 2004

I know I know it's about blogging time!

I started my new job on Monday and this week has been very busy as a result.

I am now working longer hours so have not been in the mood to sit in front of my PC when I get home (doing it at work is enough) - that and the drive are leaving me tired. Any new start is like this so I know it's just an initial phase.

Anyway... it's going well! I am really glad I made the move and the new position can only help my career and present better opportunities.

The team are very nice, although smaller than my last place, but it's a nice unit to work in and the organisation is huge. The staff are a good mix of people, all with good senses of humour which is nice as we work in a compact office.

I have switched a 20 minute drive for one that take at least 45 minutes but I used to commute longer than this - I am sure I will get used to it. Not sure this will endear me to the M1 though, it's never been one of my favourite motorways!

Anyway the University is a very busy place with an awful lot of courses, staff and students. It seems very dynamic and very busy. Three days in and I have had a number of induction meetings and already met with people resolving web issues that have arisen.

It feels like it won't take long for me to be "part of the furniture". By the end of the month I won't be the new boy, which will be nice.

I am not sure what else to write to be honest - when I have more time I will be blogging for Britain!

[iTunes: "Hope (Radio Edit)" : Fat Freddy's Drop]

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Here we go!

Sunday, October 10, 2004

Right well this is it - one more sleep...

I start my new job in the morning and I am really looking forward to it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling nervous, apprehensive or scared but I am also feeling excited, interested and hopeful for my future.

Wish me luck!

[iTunes: "A New Beginning" : Seismic FM]

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Wired for sound

Come of it you guys, President Bush was not wired during the television debate. The pack that is under his jacket is the controls from the puppeteer!

Oh and let's not forget that Beanie Sigel has been sent to jail - who? What? Eh? Oh come of it! I am so tired of hearing stories about nobody rappers or "artists" who end up in jail. Does half the civilised world know who these people are? I don't, therefore I don't care. Please report on something useful for a change!

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CREAM

Saturday, October 09, 2004

Well as if Brandy really needs to pile on any more weight!

I just finished a really nice crumpet and madame decided that the warm butter on my plate was her's for the taking, the cheek of it!

Talk about the cat that got the cream!

[iTunes: "Cream" : Prince]

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All alone with my fears

Friday, October 08, 2004

I am not sure how this weekend is going to pan out.

I am reaching the end of my "between job" period and am kind of grateful. I am starting to go a little stir crazy now.

My baby is heading home tomorrow morning which leaves me here, alone with no car. I think I have done practically everything I could of this week so I am all out of ideas for the weekend.

Thankfully Vanessa will help alleviate some of my boredom by coming over from lunch on Saturday but as for the rest of the weekend, who knows!

[iTunes: "I Get Lonely - Live on The Rosie O'Donnell Show" : Janet Jackson]

A sad day
The BBC is reporting that news has come from Iraq of the fate of British Hostage Ken Bigley. Sadly the news is not good, it is alleged that Reuters have seen a tape which shows Mr Bigley's murder.

This is a sad, dark day for all involved and all you can do is feel sorry for the family and friends Mr Bigley leaves behind. They have fought so hard for his release but to no avail.

I hope this gives Tony BLiar cause to think about his ~~lack of~~ actions and that of his government.

Now will be the time for the world to take stock and look at the British people. We are resilient, we are strong and we will not tolerate such behaviour. With or without the backing of our government I am sure someething will happen... Just take a look at our history and prove me wrong.

"Inaction is a Weapon of Mass Destruction" - Faithless

[iTunes: "Mass Destruction - Single Version" : Faithless]

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Waffley Versatile!

Thursday, October 07, 2004

Grill 'em, bake 'em, fry 'em, eat 'em, iPod, waffely versatile! I find this amazing - not that I am going to try it out on mine!

Hotel Costes Sept

Sept
Stephane Pompougnac has really pulled it out of the bag again. The latest instalment in the Hotel Costes series has been released. Sept Is another cool laid back album full of chilled grooves and amazing tunes.

Definitely one for a laid back afternoon, evening, whenever!

American Icons!
Well it would seem there is life in American TV after Friends! After all the stories about "what will we watch now...", there seems to be a wealth of great new programs from the States. I am not sure how many of these programs are actual hits there but they are worth a look. Recently we have gotten in The Apprentice thanks to BBC Two; I am not sure I want to see the UK version that's coming up but this US series is really good.

BBC Two have also started to show Arrested Development which has to be one of the funniest things the USA has ever produced. Could someone tell me what Jason Bateman used to be in? I am sure he was in some teen drama? Thankfully this is also being broadcast on BBC Four so we get "advanced screenings".

The end of the year finally sees new Simpsons coming onto Channel 4 and it's about time too! I don't want Sky in my house and refuse to subscribe just from Homer's mob!

The Launch of ABC1 on Freeview has been welcome, although putting it on 24 hours would help! Now I can finally get to watch "8 Simple Rules", "Sportsnight" and see old editions of "Ellen" and "Moonlighting".

I am not totally off British shows though. I know for a fact that Little Britain is due to start a new run soon on BBC Three, as is Two Pints..., French and Saunders, Ab Fab and The Two Ronnies... Oh it's going to be a glorious autumn in front of the box!

[iTunes: "Addicted" : Only Child]

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October Symphony

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

I cannot believe how quickly this year has passed. I have just returned from a walk in the park and could not help but notice how Autumn has crept up on us so quickly.

The leaves are on the ground, the wind is blowing, the birds are nesting and the foreign visitors are making plans for their escape to sunnier climes.

I am sure it was only just the beginning of summer!

War - what is it good for?
And so the conclusion is that there never was any WMD, there may have been capability to build some but they don't actually and never have existed. Is anyone really that surprised? (Apart from Tony Bliar and George Bush?)

Over done?
Well Yahoo did it first (I think) but now there's a blog devoted to it. What? Online gags and amusing junk that's what! Check out Screenhead for more.

If that doesn't float your boat you could always try G Prime

[iTunes: "My October Symphony" : Pet Shop Boys]

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What a Performance!

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Even though I am home I still haven't managed to find time to watch Performance! It eventually arrived at the weekend, no thanks to Amazon. (I am really loosing faith in Amazon, they seem to be charging more for postage and taking longer to dispatch items..) Anyway the DVD is superb although all I have managed so far is a very quick flick through it!

[iTunes: "Long Way From Home" : Fatboy Slim]

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Home again...

Monday, October 04, 2004

Well I have just returned from a rather long and boring five hour drive. As usual the journey home (and the return), took longer than it should. Not helped that the Highways Authority have decided to reduce parts of the A38 in Devon to one lane - why!!!!

Anyway my prime reason for going home was to see my parents and to find out how they were doing. Following mums operation she is looking very well, so well in fact you would not believe that she's had a heart operation. It's amazing how fast people can recover from such major surgery... getting mum to slow down will be a bit of a challenge though (although she's not doing too badly).

It was nice to see dad too and to find out how he's getting along.

I took their Christmas present home as I needed a full car to get all the peripherals in (this is why it has gone home so early). At last my dad has his own computer (well and mum) and they can now spend cold winter nights learning how to use it. After only one day my dad managed to beat solitaire. (I use Solitaire as a way to teach how to control a mouse). I guess it won't be long before they are online and sending me emails.

Right about now I could do with a really good rub down! My neck is so stiff from all that driving (and possibly the soft bed at home), I think a long hard soak is called for or Richard's manly grip ;) I don't have to stress though as I have this week to myself :)

Duran Duran - Astronaut

I just popped into town to get myself Duran Duran's new album Astronaut. I have been looking forward to it for ages but was disappointed to find it's not out yet. Having scoured the web I can deduce that the release date is delayed until Monday. Can I wait that long!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who attend my leaving party on Thursday evening. I have not had chance to write about it as I have been home. Anyway I had a fab time and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I am sure, judging by the comments and the photo's, that everyone else did too.

There is a collection of incriminating photograph's from the party (and some dodgy ones of me too! LOL). I cannot promise they will stay online but take a look while you can.

I hear there really is only one Queen of Pop - Elton John! Go Elton, go Elton!

[iTunes: "Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes and Shadows Mix" : Pet Shop Boys]

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