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What a gay day :)

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Not a great deal to say today really, it's been quite a manic day. I will save the rest for the podcast (I am working on it, it will be ready by the end of the week).

I would like to say thanks though to the guys at Gay Life UK for the Gold Award. I am honoured ;)

It would seem that the Trunk Guy Flickr Photography Group is starting to take off. Why not join in, take a browse, add some comments or upload your favourite photos? I look froward to seeing you online.

[iTunes: "I Will Survive" : Gloria Gaynor]

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Heaven to Betsy!

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Well after all the hard work, the aggravation and the politics, the web site I have been developing for work has finally gone live.

I seem to be getting a little too used to site launches now as I end up working on them so long, I tire of them long before the rest of the world gets to see them. There was the usual level of anticipation and excitement, I seemed to be kept occupied with legacy issues.

That said I am happy with the way this site has turned out, I am sure it will evolve into something bigger and better but given the scope and the time frame I think this has been a successful project.

Saying that, anything has to be better than the god awful site it replaced!

[iTunes: "Emale" : Prince]

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Decedance

Sunday, August 28, 2005

I am trying to decide whether it is decadent, lazy or just plain sad that I have mowed and strimmed the garden and am now spending my afternoon in the garden online with my iBook? Is it? I don't think so.

I had no other plans, Richard is at the gym and I think the garden has provided me with enough of a workout. It has to be better than being inside?

Who'd have thought this would have been at all possible a couple years ago?

I am also continuing my mammoth browse through Flickr and am excited by the prospect of more interaction through the newly set up Trunk Guy Photo Group. Why not join in the fun?

Model Goes Missing - Bootleg Mix from the album "MashMix" by Kraftwerk vs Everything But The Girl

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Tony the Tiger Newsagent!

I have been invited to join in the latest craze on Flickr which is an interactive conception of guerilla art.

Or in laymans terms, I have been given a photo of Tony the Newsagent which I have to add to one of my photos. This was my entry. Follow the jump for others.

Update : Follow the link as I couldn't resist creating a couple others ;)

When you have finished looking at Tony the Newsagent, why not join my Flickr photo group. I am sure you must all have some great photos you are willing to share? What am I expecting? Well I hope its somewhere to bring my visitors together, to upload photos and to share comments on Trunk Guy type subjects. Hey it's only for a bit of fun. Why not join?

[iTunes: "Oakland Stroke" : Tony Toni Toné]

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*Trunk Cast 3

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Episode 3 of my podcast is now online.

As ever you have two options, listen to the podcast (MP3) or add the URL (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TrunkGuyPodcast) to your podcast browser (yes it's iTunes friendly) and listen to me on the go...

In episode 3 I fill you in on bits I have missed from the blog this week plus and insight into some conversations and thoughts I have of the Media/New Coverage and peoples reactions to it. There is also a bit of good personal news. A little about where I live and the obligatory Lionel Vinyl mashes ;)

I wish I knew about this before I had podcasted, I would have a fair few things to say. I am amazed at the actions of this guy! I wouldn't ever imagine anyone would do something so disgusting in public - but here's the proof! What on earth was he thinking - and what did the poor people in the underground car think?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy.com Episode 3" : Trunk Guy]

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What a grey day

It's grey, it's cloudy, it must be a bank holiday weekend!

I am not that bovvered though as we have planned to potter this weekend. We were in Dorset last week so it's not like we haven't done anything for a while.

There is a subtle link here honest - I missed the last of this series of The Catherine Tate Show and amazingly it's one thing that isn't repeated :( Does anyone have it on DVD?

It has been a busy week, not helped that I have had to cope with last minute amendments to the new school web site on my own. Not helped that the organisation and politics have caused departments to rush through content. And then there are areas that don't seem bothered at all! I'll be glad when Tuesday come and the site launches. For the time being check out the awful current site - hopefully you'll appreciate the change on Tuesday (as will our business)!

BBC One showed one of my favourite films last night, The Thomas Crown Affair. I adore the original but the remake is just as clever, classy and moving. I was a tad tired but I made sure I was alert enough to see the fantastic end sequence when Thomas Crown puts the Monet back ;)

I wish there was a way of tracking music listened to on my iPod when not connected to the PC.

I know that iTunes can record play details but I have been looking at my profile on Last Fm and I am certain this would change drastically if it included music I listened to whilst commuting.

I thought I would brighten the start to my weekend by checking for tagged photos' on Flickr. There is a nice collection of pecs and muscle guys on there ;)

I was a huge fan of Transformers as a kid and know that they still appeal. I am excited to see all the pre-production information online re the Speilberg film - should be hot!

Apparently it's Manchester Pride this weekend. I am pleased to read that the army will be in attendance but to be honest Pride events bore me, therefore this must be an excellent reason not to visit the region this weekend! (Not that I actually had any plans to!)

[iTunes: "Jacques Your Body" : Les Rythmes Digitales]

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Gothic Handmaiden!

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Imagine my surprise when I arrived home tonight to find a whole host of post, all for my neighbours. I took great delight in personally hand delivering the mail keeping a certain piece of mail on the top. Our neighbours rent DVDs online and they obviously didn't put any thought into their account details. Why is this relevant? The DVD was addressed to Gothic Handmaiden. Now we always thought they were a little odd but I think this is the confirmation we need ;)

Sadly not me or any of the firemen on campus :(

Sadly not me or any of the firemen on campus :(

*Update - Scarily I did a search for Gothic Handmaiden and the same DVD company has a review from her! It's far too simple to trace people online isn't it? Shame they have such bad taste in films!)

I had my compulsory fire training on Tuesday. This meant a morning spent at the fire station connected to the airport at work watching videos and trying to remember the training I have had in the past. At least this time I got to ride in an engine across the airport to the burning ground. It was quite interesting as we each got to use various extinguishers on different types of fire. I don't think I was quite as enthused or jolly about the whole escapade as some... At least it was a morning away from my desk. It's just a shame that we don't employ hunky firemen :(

In case you are interested, there are some candid shots online from our recent trip to Dorset. (No I am not in any of them as I was taking the photos)

Oh yes, Lost, I wish they were! After four or five episodes I am afraid to say my early enthusiasm has died. I don't care if any of them ever make it off that island (nee Hawaii) - 24 episodes? 21 Characters? Does that mean a flash back per episode with some scary jungle creature, and random searches for food and the "transmission signal" stuck in for good measure? Please, this started with so much promise. When is DH2 on?

[iTunes: "Doctor Pressure (Dirty Radio Edit)" : Mylo]

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... for love...

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

As if rendering Gene Kelly into the next millennium wasn't enough, Mint Royale have done it again with a fab video to accompany "Singing in the Rain".

BTW this bomb has already dropped on iTunes ;)

This brings recycling to a whole new dimension!

Thanks Arjan!

[iTunes: "Singin' In The Rain (Short Radio Edit)" : Mint Royale]

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Delightful Dorset

Monday, August 22, 2005

We have just returned from a lovely restful weekend away. We visited the south of England and stayed with family in Dorset. I am sure the photo I took will offer some hint as to where we were!

The drive to Dorset was rather boring and arduous thanks to the torrential rain and heavy traffic around London. Thankfully it all cleared and apart from today we have had lovely weather.

Saturday was spent at Corfe, wandering around the village and investigating the castle. There were also some interesting sites in the form of locals on bikes pedalling around Dorset in fancy dress for charity. A couple of the guys clothing was a little riqsue, this helped pass the time in the traffic jam they caused ;)

Yesterday we went to Studland beach which, like Corfe; is maintained by the National Trust. Studland is quite well known as it has a naturist section. I can categorically say that we saw no naturists and kept ourselves clothed for the duration of the day (so as not to break with my online identity I did spend the day in a pair of Diesel Trunks!). All joking aside the coast is lovely and the beach is really nice. I can understand why it was so busy.

It is very English Chocolate Box around Dorset but it is a nice part of the country. It comes a close second to Devon.

It was lovely to catch up with Richards sister, brother-in-law and the family and all their friends. In total I think there were about thirty of us! It's just a shame that we have to go back to work tomorrow :(

I hope to post some more photos on Xposure this week, remember to check them out.

Oh yes I have been tagged! (Typically it was when I wasn't around to realise!)

List ten songs that you are currently digging ... it doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words, or even if they're no good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artists, and the ten songs in your blog. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to.

Ok, here's my list:

1) Seven Days in Sunny June - Jamiroquai
2) Seven Days In Sunny June (Steve Mac Classic Mix) - Jamiroquai - yes I like it THAT much!
3) Air vs Missy Elliott - Kelly Wash The Cars (see podcast 1)
4) Gorillaz - Dare
5) Signs - Snoop Doggy Dog feat. Justin
6) JCB Song - Nizlopi
7) You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go - Madeleine Peyroux
8) Ooh La La (Single Version) - Goldfrapp
9) Only This Moment (Radio Edit ) - Röyksopp
10) All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie

I'm tagging these wonderful bods:

Knotty Boy -- Jim Crawford -- Oh La La Paris -- A Guy Site -- Arjan

I just read that Dr Moog has died - the world would be a very different place (musically) without his wonderful instrument - for starters Röyksopp would loose their unique sound! I guess we should prepare for a Moog renaissance!

Oh btw, I couldn't resist posting this:

[iTunes: "Seven Days In Sunny June" : Jamiroquai]

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*Trunk Cast 2

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Episode 2 of my podcast is now online.

As ever you have two options, listen to the podcast (MP3) or add the URL (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TrunkGuyPodcast) to your podcast browser (yes it's iTunes friendly) and listen to me on the go...

This episode does see me rant on about a few things but I hope you enjoy it...

We're off for a weekend away so I'll see you on the other side.

(To help keep you occupied in my absence, why not check out these cute cat videos. (I am a little disturbed by the jumpers they are wearing though!))

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy.com Episode 2" : Trunk Guy]

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News coverage in the UK

Following the stories about the Metropolitan police and the case of Jean Charles de Menezes shooting I am tired of the way it is being portrayed in this country. The UK news channels (principally Sky and ITV) seem far to happy to broadcast anything they like and sadly for us (with the British thirst for gossip), the majority of the public are falling foul of these false reports.

Has everyone forgotten that this Brazilian was here under false pretences? He used a fake visa to gain entry to the country and was therefore working here allegedly.

He ran from the police because he was breaking the law.

Regardless of what the police actions were, let us not forget that he was a criminal.

Of all the news channels broadcasting at the time of the 21st events, the BBC were the only ones holding back. If we are now in the midst of sorting out speculation and half truths, maybe the investigators (and the media) should look at certain news broadcasters and the tabloids?

I am not saying that what the police did was right nor am I saying I am entirely happy with the shot to stop policy but why are we so hung up on it here? It's being going on around the world for decades. It was reported that de Menezes came from a country that already had these policies so he should at least have been better prepared for this kind of action.

The police are always the primary scape goats in this country, especially in the eyes of Murdoch controlled media - can we let them get on with their job and their investigation before generating any further speculation/terror?

The police were acting under exceptional circumstances. Terrorists are called that because they exists to instill terror - this wave of media frenzy over the police has proved that they have succeeded.

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Robo Kitty

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Hopefully my two cats will never even get close to a truck to enable them to suffer the same fate as Robo Kitty but I am kind of amused by this video. At least it shows a determination to help prolong the life of a family pet. I just wonder how Elvis uses the litter tray?

On a more serious note; if you are a UK Lost viewer and you want to keep the plot secret, avoid Jaymaster ;) I have chatted with Jay on and off for some time now but I feel after his latest blog entry Adopts an Edna Mole type voice Darlink - no spoilers!

If you have watched the video tour of our new kitchen you may have noticed the chic houseplant on the windowsill . This was a little something I bought to help oxygenate the kitchen and to give the place some life. (Apart from the cats clambering all over it that is). I have discovered the Root and the Orb and am trying to decide which would best fit the new look. Of course whichever plant fits into the vase needs to be cat friendly as Brandy and Jerry do like to nibble the house plants!

I did dabble with the idea of producing another podcast but to be honest I think I should pace myself. I have already recorded Episode 2 but will probably not upload it until the weekend. I was thinking of podcasting last night whilst I was watching Mars Attacks. This is not a very hot idea though as I am not entirely sure you are ready for my post Burton comic mayhem! (It's kind of like listening to Eddie Izzard on acid!).

I have created a page to archive my podcasts and will use it to feature any additional links etc that I may mention. I may also use it to allow brief access to music files (all will become clear in the next podcast).

I was thinking it may be an idea to open one of the future casts to you... Do you have any questions you'd like me to ask? Is there any burning question you have ever wanted to ask? Well now is your chance....

[iTunes: "Seven Days In Sunny June (Steve Mac Classic Mix)" : Jamiroquai]

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Finger Lickin'

Monday, August 15, 2005

The kitchen is all finished - fancy a guided tour?

[iTunes: "Does He Eat Crisps?" : Eddie Izzard]

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*Trunk Cast

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Well it had to happen didn't it! Trunk Guy.com now has it's very own podcast ;)

You have two options, listen to the podcast (MP3) or add the URL (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TrunkGuyPodcast) to your podcast browser (yes it's iTunes friendly) and listen to me on the go...

What's included? Well you'll have to download the cast to find out ;)

All I will say is that Episode 1 of the Trunkguy.com Podcast contains content about kitchens, death, roundabouts and chanting! :P

I hope to produce a regular podcast, I look forward to hearing what you think.

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy.com Episode 1" : Trunk Guy]

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Sleep Tight

Friday, August 12, 2005

My mum just called, it has not been a good week.

Our family cat of eighteen years passed away today. The vet discovered he was full of cancer.

Good bye Tigger, we won't ever forget you.

[iTunes: "What's the Good In Goodbye" : Natalie Imbruglia]

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Martikas Trunkguys' Kitchen

I have the day off and I am sat here awaiting the return of our joiner so that he may finish off the kitchen.

It only took him the afternoon to rip apart our old galley kitchen and set about building the new cupboard carcasses, I just hope he turns up and finishes on time. (Strike that, before I had chance to finish this entry he turned up!)

As you can see not much in the way of culinary delights can be prepared in the kitchen at present - to be frank, there isn't even room for us to prepare the cats food let alone our own!

I am sure there will be some after shots posted but those will have to wait until we have decorated (taking old cupboards off the walls can reveal a multitude of sins - not our sins though, those of the previous owner).

What I hate about these kind of days at home, is that I am unable to leave the house, use the kitchen (obviously), bathroom or even roam into the garden. The whole ground floor of the house currently looks like it's been obliterated by some freak tornado! I guess it will all be worth it in the end though.

I have spent a little bit of time jazzing up the movie on the front page but to be honest I am not sure how long it will stay like this... -- Update: The movie didn't stay online very long, in fact it lasted a total of four hours and I decided to change it!

Even with a new kitchen, I doubt we'd ever try and put our new cabinets under the same amount of strain as Ethan does! ;)

At least this day off extends my weekend. It is also the start of four, four day weeks (we are away for a long weekend next week and then it's a bank holiday ;) ).

I went back to the physiotherapist this week and saw a different specialist. Kate was much more through than the guy I had last week and I reckon she must have thumbs like Garth as she could apply so much pressure. It was painful at the time but as the days move on the pain wears off. I am going back next week for a further pummeling but I hope that'll be the end of this run of treatment.

I would write about my mums experience at the hands of the NHS this week but I really cannot be bothered to type it all out. Suffice to say it was not pleasant and considering my mum was undergoing coronary care, the service was just abysmal. The only conclusion from a very long day of misery is more tests.

The UK finally got it's first run of Lost this week and I must admit I did enjoy the pilot(s). I have not seen all three episodes broadcast this week but am sure I will catch up on the reruns this weekend. Already there is temptation to find out what happens etc but I know that I won't do this. This I feel would ruin the whole point of the storyline. I think the principal of the show is cool and I like the plot and the evolving characters but one thing that really annoys me is the sound track. It's too loud, too over dramatic and it just goes on too long. I can see why they would want dramatic music to emphasize key moments in the plot, but come off it - violins are only ever powerful if used in moderation!

[iTunes: "Martikas Kitchen" : Martika]

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Groove on

Monday, August 08, 2005

Music has always moved me and I can guarantee that even though I have a huge music collection even I must confess that the things that stir my soul are pretty similar.

It would appear that an acoustic set comprising of piano, strings and a good soulful voice are what get to me. Why do I mention this? Well I find myself in front of the TV watching TMF and there is a session of 'Booty Beats' on the air. Most of it is bog standard hip hop and R&B licks but smack in the middle of it they drop John Legend's Ordinary People.

I always am moved by this track but the video is something else - adding the strings past the middle eight is just sheer genius. I usually well up listening to this song, it's so moving and his voice is so powerful, but add the string section and it's all I can do to contain myself.

This had me thinking about other songs that move me in such a way and the list was easy to compile:

Janet - Truth
Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring
Prince - Sometimes it Snows in April
Natalie Imbruglia - Smoke
Prince - Old Friends 4 Sale
Duran Duran - Ordinary World
Janet - Lonely

I really could at least fill a top ten.

I wonder what moves other people to listen to music, and in particular what stands out?

[iTunes: "Ordinary People" : John Legend]

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Really Hectic Sunday?

Sunday, August 07, 2005

To our surprise the weather was behaving when we awoke and thankfully we were both up and out before 9 so we got to make the most of the day.

In fact we started the day with a full English Breakfast, needless to say we have not felt the need to eat that much since.

Flicking through our mental Roladexes' we decided to take a trip to Wisely, the headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the base for the national horticultural collection. As a RHS member it's rather shocking to admit I have not been before, so today was used to address the balance.

I don't think Richard or I actually knew what to expect from the day out but I can safely say we had a lovely time. The grounds are extensive at 240 acres and comprise of lots of different gardens, landscapes, flora and fauna. Of course this is interspersed with eateries and retail opportunities!

Unfortunately it was childrens' weekend so there was far too many children and families in attendance to be healthy (just imagine all those juvenile cold bugs floating about the place!). But at least you could twat the kids about the head with your bag if they got in your way (only joking - honest!).

All in all it was a lovely weekend. A weekend I feel we will have to savour as next weekend we will be knee deep in chaos thanks to the arrival of our new kitchen.

[iTunes: "Secret Garden" : Madonna]

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Yawwwwwwwn!

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Well by some minor miracle (or to be more accurate two alarm clocks) we managed to get out at the crack this morning and head off to Waddesdon for the Wildlife.

It was a sunny, dry morning and the air was perfect and crisp.

The tour comprised of pretty much the same elements as last year but as with nature things are rather unpredictable. UNfortunately we didn't get to see much more than the odd hare or to hear some woodpeckers but never mind!

The full English Breakfast was definitely more than welcome.

What was remarkable about today is the amount of time we spent out without realizing it - apart from a trip to Tesco on the way back the rest of our time was spent at the manor. We were both surprised that we didn't make it back here until 1.

This is possibly why I have slept like a baby for three hours this afternoon, or it could be all the fresh air :)

As I work at a University I was intrigued to find that this site exists ;). Although I have to say that the calibre of guys is not that great (apart from Delicious Derek on the right!). I can guarantee that you won't find any students crunchy enough at my work place to feature on here though! :(

Do you know someone with a baby? Make sure they iPod their baby!

Oh by the way - Durex surely cannot be serious can they?!

Thanks to Arjan for the fab Deep Dish download ;)

[iTunes: "Say Hello" : Deep Dish]

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Are you ready boots?

Friday, August 05, 2005

It's the weekend - thank you thank you thank you!

What a bloody week this has been - it's been longer than normal and to be honest I have not been in the best frame of mind. It doesn't help that my back etc is still aggravating me, so, to quote Luke "I am very tetchy" ;)

I doubt I have been that bad - at least the majority of my "quips" have been directed at Luke and he and I know when we are joking. I am sure we know one another well enough to differentiate between banter and actual nasty comments. I doubt anyone in the office has any real idea what a complete bastard I can be!

I am not sure how Saturday morning will pan out as Richard and I have had real trouble getting out of bed this week. Tomorrow will be worse as we have booked to go on a Dawn Wildlife Walk at Waddesdon Manor. We did the walk last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I do however remember that by the time we got home we just spent the rest of the day sleeping! Oh well it can't be all bad can it? Spending the morning in the English countryside enjoying the company of our native wildlife to then spend time curled up with my baby :)

It has dawned on me that there was a number of films I "had to see" this year (in the cinema) and have not managed to see any of them! Oh well. It's just as well things end up on DVD so quickly now. Thanks to the wonder of Amazon DVD Rental! The same such service enable me to finally catch Liminey Snickets Serious of Unfortunate Events - what a fabulous film! I hate Jim Carrey but was absolutely drawn in by his character. This film is so dark it should have been produced by Tim Burton!

Why on earth did Jessica Simpson cover These Boots Are Made for Walking? And what does it have to do with The Dukes of Hazzard? Leave the film, the franchise and the wonderfully gay song alone! Oh and Jessica, hand over the piece of beef, he's ours! (We'd make sure he wouldn't be able to sing, I am sure the gay community could help keep him quiet ;) )

[iTunes: "These Boots Are Made For Walking" : Nancy Sinatra]

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Weekend Bender

Monday, August 01, 2005

It's kind of spooky to realise just how easy some people are to read. I work in a fairly small office and most of the time people are happy and open but there is always one isn't there? One miserable sod who couldn't even break into a smile if he farted. Needless to say no one asked him if he had a nice weekend as the look on his face just said "no I didn't get any!" LOL

I booked myself in to see the Physiotherapist at work today regarding my back/neck/shoulder pain and as I had feared my disc has moved. I hate having recurring injuries like this and I especially hate having them at 31. Before anyone makes any comments about my age I would like to stress I have had this problem since I was 21 so it's nothing to do with age (Luke). It's just annoys me that you end up having to seek help for something you can practically self diagnose.

The bonus was that the Physio. was male (heaven forbid I'd have some woman handling me!). The minus was that he was 5 foot nothing and had a convergent squint!

Still I shouldn't complain as he truly does have magic fingers and I feel much better this evening (although I fear another restless night will be all it will take to get me back to square one).

I reckon there should be some compulsory laws to dictate what sort of people do what sort of jobs. Swedish blonde hunks for Physiotherapists. Muscular hairy chested brutes as firemen. Trendy str8 acting gay men as designers (not wanting to pigeon hole myself you might have noticed!). Fat bearded northerners to empty the bins... I think that would address the balance ;)

I am only joking (honest!). Although you'd all better watch out when I become queen!

I have to make a quick note just to let you know that Luke borrowed my copy of How I Paid for College and I did worry that all the gay sex in it may upset him - thankfully he came out unscathed (now I am worried about him!). ;)

[iTunes: "We Are Family" : Sister Sledge]

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