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Ho ho h-over!
Monday, December 27, 2004
Well that's it - done - another Christmas has sped past!
That sounds really negative, it shouldn't. It's just another reflection of how time really doesn't stand still any more.
Richard and I had a lovely Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was so nice to take things at our own pace and not have to rush about all over the place.
We didn't see the snow that other parts of the country had but it was certainly cold enough. After Christmas lunch we went out for a long walk and it was brisk enough. It has still been a white Christmas of sorts though as we have had heavy frosts that have not cleared.
It was nice to steer clear of politics this year, this always seems to ruin Christmas.
What did I get? Well that would be telling. I will say though that I am very happy with my gifts :)
It was nice to read that Prince had the most lucrative tour of 2004. At least we can be safe in the knowledge he entertained far more people than anyone else last year. His ticket prices were much more affordable than those of Madonna who sang in front of a much smaller audience -if you can call that singing! He may have raked in the most money but he gave the greatest amount of pleasure whilst doing it.
In this time of peace and joy you have to take stock of things and be grateful for what you have. Seeing the news reports of the Asia earthquake yesterday, one can hardly imagine how horrific it must be for the people caught up in this terrible tragedy.
I couldn't write a post with no hunk could I? It is the holiday season! This NYC guy goes by the name of Cheeky Boi and judging by that smile I think it's a pretty accurate name ;) Doesn't he look sweet :)
I guess now we need to plan for the New Year and to head off home. We still have no idea where we will be on New Years Eve but all I want is for us to be together. I just hope the politics don't rear their head whilst making this decision!
This will therefore be my last blog entry of 2004 and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for spending the time you do on my site, for the comments, the emails and the kind regards I receive. I would like to wish you all the very best for 2005.
See you in the New Year!
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Co Co Coco
Friday, December 24, 2004
I would seem that Christmas is a great time to have an obsession about a cult classic. Whether it's to watch old favourites on the box or purchasing another huge DVD box set!
I don't think I crave old programs or reminisce that much but it is fun to look back. I do however like to spot new cult classics and one of them has to be Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends... There is just something about the style and the writing in this cartoon that feels like it's more than just half an hour of kids entertainment. It's currently only on Cartoon Network UK at 4.30 pm so I have only managed to see about four episodes but I'd gladly watch them again and again. My favourite character? Well it just has to be Eduardo! Eduardo, 'es scared!
A childhood favourite of mine that seems to keep rearing its many heads at Christmas has to be The Muppets. Thanks to Amazon I did manage to see The Muppets Christmas Carol on DVD (great new rental service you see) and skip through the slow bits. It does seem that the networks have gone a little crazy though as all the films have been played this week (and I have successfully missed every single one!).
There has also been news that after 30 years the creator of Mr Benn has written a special new episode based on Gladiator. This will bring the total tally of shows up to 14 - but it's such a timeless classic. I hope they don't spoilt it... If anyone has Nick Jr and is happy to send me a tape with this show on I'd be grateful :)
You may recall I mentioned Ben came over for dinner the other night? I forgot to mention that he wanted to take a look at my new computer and Half Life 2. He was so scared by the prospect of what I was about to face he decided to leave me to it! Chicken! LOL (Sorry mate)
Well it's Christmas Eve, we have finished ALL our shopping, we braved the chaos of Tesco last night and were pleasantly surprised that it was nowhere near as busy as we had expected. Now all we have to do is eat our way through this food mountain and sleep it off in front of the coal fire ;)
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Bu-bu-bu-bom..!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
So the Met. Office have issued a severe weather warning for the weekend? I guess they are hinting that parts of the country will receive snow for Christmas - I won't believe it until I see it. Christmas always seems to be either mild and sunny or wet and damp - will we get snow... who knows? (Honestly; who really knows?).
Yesterdays journey was horrific thanks to the torrential rain and the high winds - typically this all died down once we were all in the office!
I think it is fair to state that I have switched off! I have tried hard today to summon enthusiasm (for anything) and I am unable to - I seem to have just gone into shut down! Richard and I have had fairly busy days and restless nights so I guess the lethargy may be attributed to this. I can't even blame my computer as I haven't had time to go near it since Monday.
Last night Ben came over for Christmas dinner and it was lovely to see him and catch up before he scoots up north for the holidays. I wonder if the whole world goes into this series of panic during the festive period or is it just Europe and the US?
The turkey dinner I cooked helped put me back into the Christmas spirit.
Today is over (regarding work at least) and another Christmas "function" has gone by in the office - today we all met for a chat, mince pies, mulled wine and carols. It was a really nice festive end to the year ;)
You may notice there is a lack of NYC Hunks recently, well that is because I thought I'd be extra generous (it is Christmas after all) and create a whole gallery devoted to hunks from NYC. I hope you like them and as it states if you want to be included or know of anyone who should be included then drop me a line ;)
Goluboy makes a point of highlighting cute bloggers and boy has he a good list - I wonder why I am not included though? :(
Now this may sound kinda crazy but gay men do like sports (and not just to ogle guys in their shorts honest!). Don't believe me? Then take a look here... http://www.outsports.com/
Thanks to Oh La La Paris for pointing out the work of Robert John Guttke and bringing this amazingly hunky fireman to my attention ;)
Happy Christmas!
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He's above you!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Why all the madness? Of course; it's the shortest day (or the winter solstice) - I wondered why it took so long for the mist to clear this morning. It must be that that made all those drivers act like lunatics on the motorway during my drive in.
Well we are hurtling towards Christmas and thankfully I have nothing more to do than entertain one or two people. I am not going out tonight as planned due to events beyond my control but that's fine. I will still manage to catch up with friends and exchange gifts and niceties before Friday.
Richard and I had planned a nice relaxing day out on Christmas Eve but the location we picked is unfortunately closing the day before so our plans have been scuppered :( Never mind, it will give us chance to relax and curl up in bed.
I think the silly season affects everyone and everything, even Brandy and Jerry seem to be extra demanding at present - maybe they think they will get a whole turkey to themselves for Christmas Lunch (well they can think again!)
You may be happy to know that I have managed to get my buggy moving and found a way out of the alien ant infested hell. As usual the solution was far easier than I expected but I am through it now. I have however saved the game and decided to approach it later - mainly because I just entered a hut and something threw a dead body at me! Why oh why do I play these games!?
I treated myself to the "art" book Raising the Bar which looks at the design and concept of the game - it doesn't contain any spoilers just lots of interesting facts. It may sound nerdy but it isn't really - honest. If you are a big HL2 fan you should try to get hold of a copy before they sell out (it's a limited edition).
I have been reading around regarding Half Life 2 and a number of people are boasting how they walked through it - well bully for you!. I am enjoying this game and for once I actually want to finish it. I usually get bored with some games, not caring if I finish it or not. The story still has to develop but I am sure it'll all become clear soon (as mud). I haven't felt this way about a game since Doom or Quake.
Roll on Thursday afternoon when I can come home and switch off. At least until we drive home next week...
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Blobby!
Drugs made me fat, says Williams - no you're just a talentless, overweight waster!
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Bedknobs and Broomsticks?!?
Sunday, December 19, 2004
This weekend has been fairly quiet so far - I think the events of last week have caught up with both of us.
I was mad enough to venture into town to do some shopping - the madness didn't last long though as I was tired of having to scrum down to either look at something or simply to queue to buy it! What is it about Christmas that brings out the worst in people?
I wonder if there will be any stock left for the January sales!
Whilst in town I bought myself a copy of Sims 2 as I was intrigued by all the hype - boy was I disappointed! I don't think I have that much time in my life to devote to such a terrible game! It has been instantly added to my market place at Amazon for sale. Do you know of anyone who would like a copy for Christmas? Stop press! I sold the game within an hour!!!
 I did redeem my gaming bravado yesterday though as I hammered my way through another couple levels of Half Life 2. For anyone who plays I have managed to get into the Buggy and am hurtling along the coast although I seem to be hitting a snag getting up the rock path! Still I will persevere! (Yes Graham I know you are past this but I don't have the time to spend on it that you do!).
Todays hunk comes from NYC and is Underwearboy with a name like that he could be related to Trunk Guy - LOL. What do you think - do we look alike?
Oh well must press on, have friends for dinner today and a house to tidy... (again!)
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Gobble gobble!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Well I had another Christmas party today and another large helping of turkey!
This time it was the other office Christmas party with my new team - or rather extended team. The bonus with this one was that it was on site and totally free ;)
I was going to post some photo's but didn't actually take that many! I will however let you take a look at Stu and I swaying to the tacky 70's Christmas music the DJ was inflicting on us!
It was a nice afternoon but it followed a crap morning (with me using pigeon French to try to communicate to someone in Paris) and then (surprise surprise) delays getting home. I didn't get anywhere near the M1 before I came across problems (I had to turn around and start again due to a blocked road!)... And as for the bloody M1... LOL
Oh well it's the weekend, the last before Jeesie Creesie's (note the spelling Graham!) birthday and I am sure everyone will be running around like the proverbial headless Christmas turkey! I just hope we don't get too caught up in the bedlam!
If you are hitting the roads to go home to your families and friends, best of luck to you!
NYC Stud? This is SMBD75. God I LOVE NEW YORK! LOL I think he looks typically American and as he describes himself as "half Irish" I guess he must be ;) I am running out of NYC hunks - do you know of any I can include (there must be thousands!)
An old friend of mine contacted me today to wish me well for the Christmas period and suggested the idea of a new gallery based on college/university studs. Considering my new role I think this is an excellent idea - do any of you have any ideas where I can find photo's of such guys for inclusion?
Have a good weekend everyone ;)
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Party Up!
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Well I guess I could write an absolute heap of stuff as I have not entered anything for a couple days but to be honest I am too tired!
I went to a Christmas Party on Wednesday night which was with some of the team I used to work with. I had a lovely time but it did seem to be a very long night. Especially as I got in at 2 am and was up at 6 am to go to work (sober I might add). It was lovely to see all my old friends and to catch up although I cannot help thinking that I must have moved on fairly rapidly. It's only been three months and already I feel like I come on leaps and bounds (no offence!). It's odd looking back but it does help me move forward.
(Photographic evidence number one, two and three)
Work has been an absolute dog today, if it's possible to screw up it's happened and it seems to have happened to everyone. I think the general mood in the office has been "Bear with Sore Head!" At least it's our "other" Christmas party tomorrow so that should alleviate some of the tension.
Thanks to Di I now have some photo's from last Fridays party which I will include here, here, here and here!
I had a chat with someone last night about the festive spirit and to be honest it feels like it has got up and left. We have been bombarded with so much marketing this year I am now bored of Christmas. I just hope this lethargy lifts before next Saturday!
I haven't counted how many days I have left to work but I know I (and Richard) am looking forward to the rest.
Today's NYC Meat is "FratJockBoy" and boy is he tasty! Very dark and very handsome; I am sure you will agree ;) If anyone can get into his web site please let me know as I cannot open it :( I don't know what I am doing wrong but it doesn't want to give me the goods :(
Stu alerted my attention to the new trailer for Batman Begins. Now I try not to be a stereotypical gay but I do love Batman! It's the only superhero comic I ever followed as a kid, although I never followed it religiously. (I am talking one comic book every quarter!). Anyway I am also a fan of Tim Burton and the first two films were tremendous (One being made extra special by the kicking Prince soundtrack). The others were dire. Batman Begins looks promising and would hint at being a great action packed film and I cannot wait to see it on the big screen - roll on Summer 2005!
Oh yes before I forget - thank the Lord that Blunkett has resigned good fucking riddance!
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Chilly Willy
Monday, December 13, 2004
Well what can I say but cor blimey guvn'nor its a bit brassic innit!
What is up with this weather? It's been mild for ages and now once again we are thrown into the midst of winter! It's enough to make you curl up on the sofa and not come want to out until May! I guess it's my own fault though as I did say to Richard yesterday that it wasn't really cold enough for December.
I take it back!
To warm us up I thought a photograph of another NYC hunk was in order. This is BRIBOYNYC and I doubt he'd survive very long dressed like that here! Although I mustn't grumble as I checked the average temperature for NYC in February and it's around 4 degrees. I guess I'd better get used to this weather and think about packing some thermals!
It was quite a busy day today with the odd chaotic upset to start things off - I think it being a Monday and the thirteenth didn't help! I was glad when 5 o'clock came so I could bid Adios to the office for the evening!
I cannot complain though, in little over a week we'll all have an extended holiday. Which is nice :¬)
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No surprise!
So The Producers stormed the Evening Standard Awards to win Best Musical after only a two month run.
I am not surprised - are you?
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Rinky dink dink
Sunday, December 12, 2004
It would seem that the Christmas must have for towns and cities is the installation of an outside ice rink. Some are fake ice and some are real.
I think the originators of such an attraction were probably the likes of Central Park in NYC and Somerset House in London. Now you can ice skate in places as diverse as Plymouth, Milton Keynes etc.
The best rink has to go to those savvy Parisians. Not only did they decide to install a rink at the Eiffel Tower, they went one further and installed it on the Eiffel Tower! If you turn up to skate you can expect to be 57 meters off the ground. This gives you a great, new aerial view of Paris whilst trying to make sure you don't fall over and make yourself look like a fool in front of all the fashionable Parisians!
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DANGER! Office Party in progress...
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Contrary to the TUC's guidance on health and safety at office parties I have great news to report that none of us were maimed last night!
I had a really great evening, it was lots of fun and entertaining finding out what my co workers are like away from their desks :0)
I was a bit ashamed that one of our team was such a light weight with his drink but I am sure it's just a passing phase - bless!
I'd love to be able to upload photo's from the party but annoyingly I left the camera in the back of my car! Thankfully there was another camera so watch this space ;)
It was remarked last night that I write and awful lot of smilies - do I? ;¬? LOL
I had a shock yesterday to read that James Brown has prostate cancer. I do believe he can fight it though - the guy has had a hell of a life, I am sure he will bounce back... It's a bit humbling to read that even the Godfather of Soul isn't immune to such things.
Tonight is the final of Strictly Come Dancing, my only hope is that Jill Halfpenny doesn't win - she didn't take criticism last week and I think if she had been a bad dancer her true colours would have shone through and she'd have been voted out weeks ago... Come on Julian!
I downloaded the free UK track from iTunes this week (as I do every week) and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. "Blue" by Plej is a fabulous track in a similar style to Zero 7 or Air. I don't think I even blinked as I was immediately in the online shop and purchased the album "Electronic Music from the Swedish Left Coast" - the album isn't as strong as "Destiny" or "Talkie Walkie" but it is definitely worth a listen. Highly recommended.
As an additional element to the recent barrage of Eye Candy in my blog I thought I'd add a new twist and include real guys from certain places. As Richard and I are off to New York in the new year I thought it was rather apt to feature guys from the Big Apple. I'd just to to make it clear that I am not after these guys nor am I looking to meet any of them - I am just including them here for fun!
The lovely specimen featured today calls himself BEEFYMSL230 - I think he lives up to his name - don't you?
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Oompah Loompahs'
The trailer is out for Tim Burtons' remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory :)
I cannot wait to get my golden ticket!
Of course until Summer 2005 I will feed my need for surreal childish humour at Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends ;)
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Trash x 1000
Friday, December 10, 2004
I have calmed down this morning but am still very annoyed by the plans for the M1.
Anyway maybe I should spam the government with a box full of Spam Shirts? :)
Works Christmas party tonight which should be fun - it's a shame work has to get in the way though! I bet today will drag...
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Excuse my French...
Thursday, December 09, 2004
What the fuck is the government playing at? I heard on the radio coming home that they have decided to change one lane of the M1 between Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire as a lane where cars with only more than one occupants can drive!
Why?!?!
This is the busiest stretch of the M1 and is already overly congested - removing a lane will make matters worse.
Perhaps the government needs to stop sucking up the Transport and General Workers Union and get all the fucking freight off the road. Maybe Mr Blair needs to pull his finger out of his ass and get the railway working properly.
I have just started a great job and the commute is bearable - removing a lane and squashing all the traffic together is going to make my journey longer, more tiring and more stressful. My employer may need to find a new employee as a result (as will, no doubt, lots of others in this area)
Does the government want angrier, sleepy drivers on their roads because that is what's going to happen.
If I could car share I would but nobody at my office lives close and even if they did they don't work the same hours as me. The trains don't run efficiently and cost three times more than it does for me to drive so why would I even consider alternative means of transport (nor can I get direct to my office as it is in the middle of nowhere).
I am becoming more and more sure that Tony Blair sits in his fucking ivory tower completely oblivious to the needs and the problems of this country. We can't all have the luxury of a huge motorcade to get us through traffic can we!
So that it, it looks like me and lots of other drivers will have to suffer longer on the roads, spending less time with our families and becoming more of a danger to ourselves and everyone else just to satisfy a trial by another fucking useless government guano!
Thanks a fucking bunch!
(Normal service will resume tomorrow when I have calmed down!)
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Catching some Zzzzzzz's
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
It would seem that the further into a week I get the more tired I am.
This week has been a little odd too - I am sure I am conscious through the day but I seem to be doing odd things, I do however seem to be very productive this week.
It may be that the work pace is picking up or it may be that my usual distraction isn't there. Isn't it amazing how your day can be dictated by one person? Not that I let this happen - it just helps when you have more approachable people to guide you.
Anyway...
This Friday is the works Christmas party for my new office. I cannot believe it is so soon (well it isn't really but the point I am trying to make is that Christmas has come around really quickly). It's always interesting to see how your co workers act outside of the office and as I will be sober I am really looking forward to this party!
Seeing as all the cards have been posted, the presents wrapped and most of my plans are in tact I guess I should just kick back and enjoy the festive season.
Sometimes it's nice to be this organised!
Reading in the news about the BBC reshuffle I find myself rather disturbed. Why on earth is Mark Thompson moving staff and services up north? Does he not realise that London is the capital of the UK, not Manchester or Birmingham. I bet he's a closet northerner! Seriously though - most of the country south of London feel just as left out when it comes to events (I remember as a child hating the fact that most roadshows stopped at Southampton) - what about everyone else?
Don't get me wrong, I love the BBC, it's the best television service in the world but I think this move is a little misguided.
Oh well only time will tell...
Currently spending my spare time looking for interesting things to do in New York and watching DVDs on my Pocket PC :) Who needs a PVR anyway!?
BTW this is Bryn - he's currently Gay Belfasts' "Hunk of the Month". He's 26 and plays full back for Ulster and Dunganno - I wonder when he's playing next? ;)
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After 300 yards...
Monday, December 06, 2004
Seeing as I managed to completely miss my roundabout and drove the wrong way home I don't feel I am in the right state to blog - do you?
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Thunderbirds are crap
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Oh please, give me a break! How have the musical tastes of the UK populace reached such a pitiful low that they have voted Busted's awful "Thunderbirds" record, Record of the Year?
What is the world coming to!
Admittedly the majority of the popular chart toppers this year have been shit really bad, but honestly! Who did they screw to get that honour?
I just heard that the new Band Aid single has gone straight in at number one - I think this just strengthens my argument! No taste WHATSOEVER!!!!
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Festive er... bloodbath!
Saturday, December 04, 2004
It's that time of year isn't it - the silly festive season! . This has been marked with a flurry of activity this morning which involved wrapping the remainder of the presents (the ones I just bought, the last batch), writing and addressing all our Christmas Cards and putting up the decorations. I tend to think it may be a little early for such a thing but December falls oddly this year and I don't get the point in having decorations up to only see them for 12 days of the year. My excuse is that I need to teach Jerry not to climb the tree!
This afternoon has been spent in a completely different environment. After getting stuck on one area of Half Life 2 I have seemed to have progressed at quite a pace. I loved the whole level with the Hovercraft and must admit I though tit was never going to end. Now I am further and further into the game the atmosphere seems to be gripping me and I find myself ducking away from the monitor and my heart pounding in my chest as I turn every corner or open every door. This is definitely the best game I have ever played (and I think the fabulous graphics and the true surround sound help the atmosphere.)
On a laughable note I read that Microsnot have decided to enter the Blogging arena! I suppose we'd better sit back and watch it a) steal everyone's great ideas, b) gazump our favourite products c) buy them out and totally ruin them and d) sit back waiting for even further world domination from the worlds shitiest software house.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF MY BLOGGER GATES!
Oh and Apple is overcharging customers in the UK - well it doesn't take a supreme court to work that out does it! And what's going to be done about it? Probably nothing as usual!
Anyway to brigthen things up - why not have a heavenly choir boy on your mantle throughout 2005?
Oh and OH MY GOD! Isn't it so amazing that William Joseph is just so talented and also so damn cute! (Yes that did sound dead camp but I wanted to get your attention!) My god this guy can certainly tinkle the ivories - he is outstanding. One of my favourite instruments is the piano and he plays it so well. You must take a listen at what he's capable of...
Thanks to MrGregOC I think I may have to check out Avenue Q when we are in New York...
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Yes Miss Babb's...
Friday, December 03, 2004
I have just managed to get some seats for the new musical of Acorn Antiques. This stars all the original cast and is only running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for six weeks.
I am sure it'll be as hilarious as the sketches Victoria Wood wrote in the 80's.
I wonder what the intermission food will be? Coconut Macaroons?
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Bloody Blogger
Thursday, December 02, 2004
I couldn't post anything yesterday as Blogger had a defect so I am a day late pointing you to this fab advent calendar! Fans of Weebl and Bob will probably already know about it, but it's worth downloading for a laugh!
I was scouting around the content of my site this morning and realised that last years Christmas Card is still live! I guess I should really get on with designing this years!
I had a lovely evening yesterday as I had dinner with Speeds. We always say we'll meet again soon and we always seem to take sooooo long in doing so! Speeds and Robin are great guys and we really should make the effort to see more of them. I had a very pleasant evening generally "playing catch up" and nattering about nothing in particular. He is a good friend and great company, always one to raise a smile.
The dinner gave me an excuse to do some late shopping after work and I can safely say I have now purchased all the Christmas presents I planned to... Whether there will be any I have forgotten is another thing!
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