trunkguy.com

About Me Blog Podcast My Photos Richard Cats Art Friends Music 50 things Q & A Links Contact


Blog

Wot no comments?

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

I am surprised that I received no comments regarding my last blog entry. But to be fair it does seem that the majority of my visitors are from foreign climbs.

Anyway I am not going to vent anything today.

I'm just glad I have a short week (shorter than most at two days). Any longer in the office this week and I think I may explode!


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



North South Divide

Monday, May 30, 2005

Once again I am annoyed by the North South divide in this country.

It's always the northeners who are worst off, they never get any benefits and according to them the focus is always on the south.

Well I am disgusted to read that Richard Branson has given free rail travel to victims of the Longbridge plant. Now all those workers and their families get to travel to Devon for nothing.

I think this is wholly unfair.

Many South West industries and farms have gone out of business in recent years but I don't see any one running to their aid. Why should it be any different for the workers at Longbridge - what makes them so special?

I heard some Longbridge worker in a radio interview complaining that "everyone who bought Nissans, Vauxhalls and Volvos should be proud of their actions". Well I have a Vauxhall and I am proud to own it. I own it as it's thanks to a little something called freedom of choice. If Rover cannot keep up with changing market demands then it deserves to fail. It's called business.

The same can be said for Manchester United. It's a football team. Nothing more. Floating the team on the stock market makes it a business and the "fans" have to accept the consequences of this. They were all happy enough to reap the benefits when the money came in...

I wasn't going to rant about this but I am cheesed off with all this bickering in our country. For years I lived in the South West and was annoyed that concentration for "national events" always ended up in Manchester, Liverpool or Birmingham. The furthest south any of them got was London. But I understood why London had some much attention as it is our Capital. Devon and Cornwall never featured but you never heard anyone down there kick off like the northerners do.

Thanks tom ore northern rants the South West doesn't even get a fair amount of time on the BBC weather map! The emphasis has to be on the north and the midlands? Why? And why does the map not even label London? No matter how much people up North don't like it, IT IS OUR CAPITAL.

I would love to remind all the Mancunions that the Commonwealth games was funded for them. If we get the Olympics in 2012 (which judging by the current state of London I think we should), we (people in and around London) will have to foot the bill. Why? This is totally unfair.

If they don't like the south so much, why do they insist on traveling to the south and west? Maybe they should all stay in Blackpool.

I won't regret this post and I am sure I may get flamed as a result but hey, as a South Westerner I am entitled to my opinion as much as anyone else in this country. maybe it's time you all to us?


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Chelsea Update

Sunday, May 29, 2005

I spent a bit of time going through all the photograph's I took at Chelsea on Wednesday and have now updated the web site I created in the week. This now features 30 of my favourite photo's from the day. This includes a decent peppering of show gardens and plants. I hope you enjoy browsing through them.

Saturday was the last day of the Chelsea Flower Show and whenever I see the closing programme on the BBC I feel a little sad. It's only one week of the year that such a topic is so heavily covered and this, I feel, is a shame. Why can't we have more focus on such events? Surely it would be much more entertaining and beneficial to the viewers than fast food TV such as Big Bother?

Yesterday was a very pleasant day. As planned we met up with a couple of friends and headed off to St Albans famous Waffle House for lunch. Thankfully the weather stayed bright and sunny so we were able to eat al fresco. Lunch was a lot of fun and we rounded the day off walking through the Verulam before heading back to ours for coffee. It was so good to catch up with Jean and Liz (and to eventually meet their other halves). I do feel that the friends I do have I am very lucky to have. I know some great people.

Typically the news channels are full of items about the French voting on the European Referendum. To be honest, I don't care! I see pro's and con's for joining Europe but I think this approach to voting is disjointed. Surely to stop all the bickering and the guess work it would be better to have all EU members to vote at the same time?

I think the world is getting far too violent, especially when cute kittens are waging war against one another!


[iTunes: "Paris City Boy" : Pet Shop Boys]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Fazed out

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Ok I am part of a culture that has come through a lot of trauma, a turbulent history, a turbulent present and a (hopefully) brighter future.

I admire everything that has happened in the past for gay rights and the need to make gay people "fit in" with society and not to be victimised or excluded.

But why the hell do we need our own TV channel? Isn't this just singling ourselves out? Doesn't this give some sort of signal that we should be separate from the mainstream?

What a crap idea! I am sure it'll be on a level par with "That Gay Show" that the BBC produced a couple years ago.

What's even worse is that it's going to be broadcast on the Sky Chav Network. I am sure all the benefit grabbing single parents in their pre paid council houses will love having gay television thrust into their homes!
[iTunes: "Flamboyant - Scissor Sisters Silhouettes and Shadows Mix" : Pet Shop Boys]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Browning Nicely

Friday, May 27, 2005

Well it's Friday which is definitely a plus and it's a bank holiday again so that's an even bigger plus. I only have to make my journey up the M1 twice next week as I will be in Covent Garden two days which is an enormous plus!

I just hope the weather holds out. Today has been an absolute scorcher. I sit here in a pair of rugby shorts, barely able to type as the sweat falls from my brow (honest it does). And no I cannot give you any photographic evidence!

Even the nice weather cannot help the BBC Weather Centre though. People reckon the new map system is southern bias! Oh please, fuck off! Why is it the only portion of this country that even seems to complain is Northerners? What is your problem? Can I just remind you all that you all head south for holidays and work so it cannot be that bad can it?

As the weather is so nice I have been out in the garden since I got back from work.

It's gorgeous out and my post Chelsea state of mind has got me back into my green fingered mind set.

The window boxes at the front of the house have suffered this year as I have not been watering them so I have replaced them with a selection of alpines - hopefully these will fare better out there.

I am also very pleased that the Iris my parents gave me a couple years ago has bared flowers again. And this time there are about five heads on one stem which is some feat. I love irises and this one is very special to me.

Oh yes, Big Bother starts again tonight - well that'll mean more nights with the TV off then! Pile of pap.

BTW Luke, top effort last night mate - go man go!

[iTunes: "Les Fleur" : 4Hero]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Drivelpool

I am sorry but what is all the fuss with these Liverpool Football fans?

So 22 grown men (and I bet there weren't 11 Liverpudlians), managed to kick a bit of cow hide around a field and aim it at a net. Big deal!

Doesn't it really warrant the parade through Liverpool or top billing in the national news?

I will never understand this countries sad obsession with football.

Get a life!


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Chelsea Flower Show 2005

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Today was the day I made my annual pilgrimage to SW3 to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

As ever I had a very enjoyable day, soaking up the atmosphere, taking in the wonderful sites and learning for all the horticultural expertise.

A small selection of photograph's from my day are here.


I plan to upload "special" shots to Xposure and have already placed a couple there to be getting on with...

The weather held off and the crowds were much better than previous years. The RHS's decision to add an additional day (without increasing attendance figures) obviously worked.

Although the grounds of the Royal Hospital were busy by the time I left, at least you didn't have to wade through lines and lines of people to see anything.

I always come back with some bits and pieces and this year I finally managed to bring back some plants! (Well seeds anyway). I even managed to find a little gift for Brandy and Jerry ;)

I helped with a RHS questionnaire before I left and was asked to sum up my show experience in once word, I chose "Interesting". Annoyingly I also wanted to say vibrant, educational, fun, enlightening, tiring and eventful...

I did seem to end up bumping into camera crews from the BBC, I just hope I don't end up on TV as a result!


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Me - NOW!

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Brandy and Jerry have returned from the vets and they are pretty much back to normal. Well except for Brandy who is still a bit dazed by her booster.

At least she isn't as robotic as this poor creature ;) I am sorry but this is just plain creepy.

We're going to be typically English today, brave the crappy weather and get out and about.

I think we both spend far too much time at desks and need to get out moving about. I think we're seizing up!

I have read that Vodafone have designed a couple of back to basic mobile phones which are being championed by Richard and Judy. Well lets face it, you cannot get more basic than that couple of Chav loving ITV rejected pensioners.

I was amused by Banksys' latest piece of 'art'. Who'd have thought the British Museum would be such a target.

Oh and to go against everything I have said about Doctor Who, I actually enjoyed last nights episode... All I have to do now is remember the second episode!
[iTunes: "Whoopsie Daisy" : Terri Walker]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Free @ Last!

Saturday, May 21, 2005

After days of sticking their heads out the window to catch a sniff of the birds in the garden Brandy and Jerry finally get to go outside. Sadly for them, it's not to chase the birds but out the door in a big blue box on the way to the vets for their boosters :(

I hate the fact they have to go and I hate the trauma which affects us all but it's a necessary evil.

I shall be trying to avoid all the crap on the box today as the UK in one way or another will be in some form of frenzy. First up is the FA Cup Final (snore) and then Eurovision (double snore). Can't you all just get a life!?

It'd be lovely to go out for the day and take in some sights but as ever the weather is pretty dismal.

I really wanted things to pick up as I have not had a good week. So many things are happening at work and at home that I am finding it hard to focus on any specific tasks. Or if I am I have a constant stream of things to disturb me.

At least I have a short week this week as I am going to Chelsea Flower Show on Wednesday. It'll be a busy and tiring day but I enjoy it.

As it's the weekend I thought it only right that we should see more of Paul ;)

I am sat here listening to the new Back To Mine compilation which this time has been picked by the Pet Shop Boys. I must admit I agree with Steve's review of it at Amazon. It's a fairly eclectic mix but I prefer Neil's disc to Chris's. But that hasn't come as any major surprise! (I still hate the cover art work though)


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Renewable Energy

Friday, May 20, 2005

Following all the discussions about the use of wind farms and new nuclear power stations I think this is an excellent idea...

At least I could contribute to the scheme on my drive to and from the office and hopefully benefit from it too ;)


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Summer Hit

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

This has to be a massive summer hit or there is simply no justice in the world!

(Thanks Arjan)

[iTunes: "In My Arms" : Mylo]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Super!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

I have just got back from the developers and was a feeling a little flat as the envelope surrounding my first Lomographic shots was labelled "Under Exposed".

True, I didn't get the whole 36 shots but this is my first attempt with my SuperSampler and the instructions did warn me to use the camera in full sun (it's no surprise that the indoor shots are the ones that failed).

The shots I have I love, they are quirky, fun and shot an element of action and flow in my photographs that I could never have predicted. One of my favourites is of Jerry, skulking by the kitchen door.


I think I will need some practice but half the fun of Lomography is the element of surprise.

What you have to realize is that most of these photo's were taken whilst throwing the camera of holding it away from me. There is no view finder or screen to help with the process.


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Change

Monday, May 16, 2005

Well it took about six hours but I finally got home. I often wonder why the highway agencies decide to complete major roadwork's right at the start of the busy season!?. I am sure they do it just to annoy people.

Anyway the trip home was good in some respects as it seemed long overdue and I got to catch up with absolutely loads of people.

I spent a great deal of time with my parents and also with my friends, who have just moved. It was lovely to catch up and chat.

I can't help but feel though that some change is not always so good. Why do things have to change so much?

Its probably more apparent to me because I see things change at home through a time lapse, I am not sure whether this is a good thing or not.

With my mother being so ill, my dad being so worried and my aunt confined to a bed it makes you wonder what will happen next.

My granddad always said you should "live for today" and I am inclined to follow his advice.

(Although I don't think there is much wrong in planning ahead either, I simply think you should remain alert.)

At least I have the rest of the day to chill out, relax and hopefully catch up on some sleep.

On a much lighter note I am trying to decide if I want to create a video blog... What would it be about? What would I say? Would you listen? Hmmm the dilemma...

I guess this may be as good a starting place as any!

Let me know what you think... ;)
[iTunes: "It Don't Have To Change" from the album "Get Lifted" by John Legend]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Go West

Friday, May 13, 2005

Am off home for the weekend...

Now try to be good whilst I am gone!

Yumm!

A little eye candy to keep your interest!

See you on the other side...

(P.S. I hear that outinthe members are not happy with changes to the site - Well that's no fucking surprise is it! Bunch of whinging sad Mary's! Some things never change!)
[iTunes: "Go West (1992 twelve-inch mix)" : Pet Shop Boys]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Like a mad man

Thursday, May 12, 2005

I freely admit I love gadgets, I love new technology and shiny digital things. I have an iPod, an iBook and an iPAQ. Sat Nav gets me to where I am going. iPhoto organizes my digital life and I seem to be in constant pursuit of a Tiger.

So why then have I just spent the last twenty minutes running around the garden with a rubber camera in my hand taking random photos?

Because my SuperSampler arrived from Lomography today and I am strangely taken in by it's simplicity.

I find it quite disturbing that I can randomly run around the place with the SuperSampler and not know what I am taking photo's of (no viewfinder you see). I am also quite exhilarated that it's rubber coated and practically completely plastic so dropping it isn't a problem. The user guide even encourages you to throw it!

I have yet to see the photo's developed but I am hoping they will be interesting.

I love digital photography and I am very pleased with the shots I have captured on my Olympus and our EOS but this brings a whole new, guerilla edge to taking snaps.

Waiting for shots to come back from the processors will probably annoy the hell out of me but I am sure I can be patient enough...

Am I sounding more upbeat today? Definitely. Why? It's nearly the weekend and I have a new toy - obvious really!


Listening to:Booty La La (Booty Edit) from the album "Groove Armada Presents..." by Bugz in the Attic


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



:(

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

I don't know what to write this week, in fact I have avoided writing anything as I don't think there is much to say! (But whenever I type those words, the blog flows freely (see below))...

I am in a funny mood this week, I fully admit that. What annoys me about being is a funny mood is this need of other people to try to force me to be "Happy Me". I can only ever seem to get through to people when I have a smile on my face or a smart comment/joke lined up. Why can't I be taken seriously? If I am quiet, is that such a bad thing?

It doesn't help that I am felling a little under the weather; there is enough going on at home (not locally), and work to keep me occupied but I think I have reached saturation point.

That's why I have spent three days with ear ache, a temperature and sore throat. Then again it may have something to do with my pig ignorant colleague who has spent the past three days coughing and sneezing all over the place without so much as an excuse me (preferring to wipe his nose on his shirt sleeve and not covering his mouth!). Some people!

At least I get to go home, home this weekend. It'll enable me to catch up with my parents. It won't be a long trip but as ever there is a lot to pack in. I think it'll be a pretty emotional trip to as I have to assess how things are with my mum.

On other matters I have been rather annoyed of the negative press that Firefox has received lately. As you may be aware there is a reported security problem. OK fine, they are trying to fix it. Let them sort it out. Mozilla admit there is a problem, so get off their backs!

At least they are not coming out with corporate bullshit and trying to force consumers to (eventually) buy an OS upgrade because of "new security features"! Maybe certain corporations should be more aware of its heavy loss of market share and refocussing their attention?

I am feeling more and more confident about Tiger and am very happy with the upgrade. I was sceptical at first but now it's purring under the hood of my iBook all the new features are very welcome. As predicted there are hundreds of widgets available and I have found a couple that are really handy.

I don't think I'll be bothering to to upgrade to schlong Horn when it gets released (anyone got an advance on 2036?), instead I will just ditch my PC.

I have been waiting expectantly for the UPS man to deliver my new SuperSampler and still; (like an inpatient child), I wait. Tracking says it left the coast of Europe this morning, so why is it taking so long? We have an airport at work - do these delivery people not check! Why must it come via the road!? ;)

My current bad mood was also made worse by the professional incompetence at Orange. Two months ago they fucked up my bill and gave me "Orange World" access free as a sweetener (not that I ever wanted it or used it). Turns out the cheeky bastards have been charging me for continual service!

Maybe a (predictable) photo of Rusty Joiner may help lift my current mood? I know for certain I'd love to lift that shirt a bit further! Just check out that cute derriére :)

Yes that did help...

[iTunes: "Feels Just Like It Should [With New Middle 8]" : Jamiroquai]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Do as it says...

Sunday, May 08, 2005

There is a great new site on the block called Click n Cum, with a name like that how could I resist? Take a look, you won't be disappointed.

I reckon this video is a fake but it's still kind of funny. I don't it proves white men can't dance, it just proves Americans can't dance!

I eventually watched "The Terminal" last night. I have been putting off watching the film as I hate Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta Jones. I am also unimpressed with Speilbergs latest batch of films but I was pleasantly surprised. The terminal is such a lovely observation, it's quite moving in places. If you've not seen it yet, get over to Amazon and rent a copy!

We have more than enough digital cameras in our house plus lots of computing kit to do whatever we want with our shots but still I look around the web. Lomography is a site that is currently catching my eye as they produce some cool, quirky cameras that produce various types of shots. In some respects this may be a step back from digital photography but in others I think it would be kind of cool to experiment with one of their cameras. I just don't know if I am patient enough to wait for the shots to be processed...

Do any of you own one of these cool cameras? If so leave me a comment below or email me to let me know what you think of them...

If I don't invest in a camera I may invest in the Sidekick Bag as I think it would be rather handy for my forthcoming day at the Chelsea Flower Show.
[iTunes: "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" : C+C Music Factory]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Jet Stream

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Well it's the weekend and I am so glad I decided to postpone my trip home as I had a wonderful (and much needed) lay in this morning!

The weather is not that great but I am sure Richard and I will make the most of our planned "relaxation" weekend :)

I have made a few changes to Trunk Guy which I hope you will like. There is a new image on the front page (it's pick of the draw to see it as there are several which load but you can only see one at a time) and I have also uploaded three great new personal photo's taken during the bank holiday last week.

I have added a new SOTM which I hope you find of interest. It may not be a surprise choice to some but it will be to others.

I have been watching Playing It Straight on Channel 4 and have spent the past couple of weeks wondering where I have seen Ben before. I now know the answer and wonder if Zoe will wake up and smell this homo!?

I also know the sexuality of all the finalists and wonder how well Zoes gaydar is going to work?

Ben was voted Mr Gay UK in 1998. This isn't a particularly great photo of Ben as Channel 4 never seem to give much away on their site(s) He's obvisouly been eating his crusts since 1998 as he now sports that patch of chest hair!

[iTunes: "Jetstream" : New Order]


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Sad Day

Friday, May 06, 2005

Well the results are in and the grinning menace has manage to hold his position at number 10.

It's a real shame that this is the case as the Lib Dems and the Conservatives made some very good gains last night.

I just hope that Mr Blah realizes that his politics are not welcome. This government has the lowest majority ever to gain office.

I am ashamed that the British people have voted him back in though, it's a chav government voted in by a chav majority.

I do wonder if Mr Bush slipped the government a bung to keep the grinning menace in office?


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Politics of Life

Thursday, May 05, 2005

In this day of polls, politics and electioneering I have been thinking about the relationships we forge and the impact they have on our lives.

Some relationships are thrust upon us and others are made. I used to favor one over the other but today my views tend to be a bit more horizontal.

Relationships with family can be strenuous, hard and emotional (to say the least), none more so than when a dear member of your family is ill.

(After all the emotion of my mum having a heart operation last year we know as a family, we have to be prepared for more "upsets" this year as mum is due to receive more treatment. This would be stressful enough except that there is another problem which means and additional visit for a biopsy. I am not stressing about this and I am sure my parents aren't either but I can tell this will have an impact on us all for a while.

This makes me wonder how my direct relationship with Richard is challenged. Any emotion I have on the matter will undoubtedly be passed to him and we both have to react, it's only natural too. I am happy and proud to know that our relationship is strong enough to get us through such times, some other people are not so lucky.)

Then there are the relationships you can have with your friends. Years ago I'd think these to be the strongest and most reliable, after all they take the most work. But nowadays I am not so sure.

People change, people grow and situations alter moods and circumstances and all can have an impact on the way things work out. It's a shame this is the case but that's the way of the world I guess.

What I guess I am leading too is that I realize how much life and relationships is dictated by politics (to some degree) and how politics dictate relationships.

How do the politicians manage to convince us who to vote for? How do they test the weakness or concerns or a vast population whom they will never meet?

I have had conversations today discussing when or whether people are going to vote and am still surprised at the emotion such a thing can stir. Some are more than happy to offer an opinion, some like to go with the heard and others are not interested.

All I hope is that one day we all realize just how much all of this affects us and use whatever powers and opportunities we have to act on it.

I also hope that the results of today's polls help send an indication to this country and to the rest of the world. It will be a sad day if Mr Blah is still in office. I am surprised at how many American friends have asked for the outcome but considering how the last election went over there, I can see why there is such a level of unease.

Hopefully tomorrow will not be black Red Friday.


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



X Marks the Spot

Who Should You Vote For?I have been to the Polling Station and completed my democratic right. My X's have been marked and I am happy that I have made my contribution to the next 4 -5 years of British government.

I just hope that everyone else gets out and does the same thing.

Elections are pointless if you don't make the effort.


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Squealer

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Today has been an absolute pig - I know the bank holiday always seems to make things harder and weeks longer but today was ridiculous.

On the way to work I got caught in heavy traffic following a five car pile up, (making it into the office with 2 minutes to spare, might not sound much but I leave 90 minutes before I start!)...

When I get in the whole row of lights above my desk were not working, nor have estates come to fix them...

Then tonight there is a major accident further down the M1 which meant it was closed so I had to divert to get home!

I give up

When is the next long weekend? I need a decent break ;)

One highlight of the day was seeing the photo's of those New York City Boys in Barcelona and Sitges. I see the Spanish resorts look as inviting as ever.

Congratulations to the BBC for it's Webby success.


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail



Over already?

Monday, May 02, 2005

Richard and I sat on Park Lane Fountain, Hyde Park, London
We have had a lovely weekend. Andy and Rob visited from Manchester and we have had the best time. It is such a shame that (as usual) the bank holiday is over before it seems to have begun.

The weather has been brilliant and it has enabled us to stick to our plans and get out and about.

On Saturday we played tourist in London, visiting Embankment Gardens, Knightsbridge (dinner in Harvey Nichols) and into the West End. Our meal was absolutely lovely and very filling. It's a shame though that the service in HN was so bad. It didn't matter though as Richard was happy star spotting (Kat Deeley was on the next table).

During our walk up Regent Street I relented (yeah right) and purchased a copy of Tiger from the Apple store. I didn't install it until yesterday but am pleasantly surprised by the extra functionality. If this was not enough the speed increase in my iBook is more than worth the cost of the upgrade. It was nice that there were no upgrade glitches either and the promised 30 minute install was all it took (instead of the usual hours it takes Windows to sort itself out)

It was so hot that we decided to make our way through Hyde Park to the fountain on Park Lane for a rest and a cool down (the spray is very welcome on such a hot day). As you can see from the photo, Rob made the most of the break. (I am not going to make the photo any larger as I am sure Rob would not appreciate me doing so ;) ).

Andy and I having a rest on the fountain in Hyde ParkSunday was spent in Windsor as we had pre arranged to visit the castle. Richard and I visited last August and we very willing to go back as there really is so much to take in. A long morning in the castle was followed by a hearty al fresco lunch in Windsor by the Thames and then a walk to Eton College.

Today was the quietest of days as we stayed in St Albans and went for a wander around the Verulam and the city centre.

It would seem that the weekend theme was relax, eat, walk and drink which cannot be such a bad thing can it?

It was helped that Andy and Rob are such good friends and excellent company.


0 comments

Why not have your say? or leave me a voice mail




Powered 

by Blogger

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
site disclaimer