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Nasty Boy

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Well it's 10:41 and the man from Dell has yet to arrive.

Just as well I have spent the morning concentrating on New York.

It's probably just as well as I wanted to test the battery in the video camera. It would appear there is no problem with the battery but I think the head is knackered as the shots are all coming out black - brilliant! Just what we need before we head off on our holiday.

Hopefully by now you have noticed the painting that adorns this post?

Well this is the shot that I put up on Flickr a couple weeks ago and happens to be the latest entry into my Pic-a-Day set. (Follow the jump and select size to see a closer view of it).

As mentioned yesterday this will be the last Pic-a-Day shot until I come back from NYC so I thought I'd upload something special.

I really like this painting and am proud of the fact that I have managed to obtain the screen print effect I was after whilst still keeping a decent amount of depth and detail in the painting. I wasn't too concerned about the colour scheme for the composition, my main concern was making the image as striking as possible.

Richard likes it and I hope you like it too.

For those of you who are interested, it is painted entirely in acrylics and is on stretched canvas.

Coming back to my comment about the video camera not working - it's a shame really as I was minding my own business this morning, packing my case when I happened to look across at the neighbours house. Inside was the blonde guy (who we shall refer to as Mr Audi), towelling himself off from a shower - he obviously isn't shy as he was in full view of the window with the lights on! (I wonder if he spotted me through our window?)

Right on that note I am going to leave it there. For those of you who have sent me a birthday card - thank you. I have not opened any of them yet (apart from one at work yesterday), as I intend on taking them with me to New York.

We return from NYC on the 7th and I am sure there will be more than enough to write, talk and capture during this time. You never know, I may manage to sneak a blog entry in whilst I am away.

Catch you next week!

Nasty - 2000 Remix from the album "Janet Alternative" by Janet Jackson

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Hurrah!

Monday, January 30, 2006

Well today was my last day at work for a week and all I can say is thank f*ck for that!

I managed to get a lot done today though, but I know that'll all be waiting for me on my return.

One of the offices (and I hasten to add not mine), were very sweet and got me a cake with candles and a card. I think this is the first birthday cake I have had since my 18th.

I was thinking about this today as the cake I got on my 18th was decorated like a vinyl record - does that show my age or does it mean I appreciate the classical things in life?

I arrived home to a carpet full of cards which is lovely. I am going to have fun opening them on the plane on Wednesday - I am not sure about getting up to be at Heathrow for 5:30 though!

Anyway all I have to do tomorrow is wait around for some brain dead IT geek to come around and fix my PC and then I can concentrate on packing for New York.

For those of you who follow my pic of the day I plan something special for tomorrow, a) cause it'll be the last upload for a while and b) it's the end of my first month. I am happy so far that the project has been a success ;0)

Could This Be Love from the album "Damita Jo" by Janet Jackson

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Chilled

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Today has started very chilled and I intend on keeping it that way!

As we are away next week I don't feel there is much to be doing around here - except the possibility of packing for our trip.

It is rather chilly out and we both attempted walks around town before giving into the allure of an open fire back at the house!

I have been keeping an eye on the weather in New York and although it isn't snowing as it did this time last year, it does appear to be cold. Tahen again the UK does currently seem to be colder!

I have decided to take my iBook with me, purely as it will enable me to empty my camera card each time we return to the hotel and I will be able to use it to charge my mobile and my Nano.

I guess it's just as well I am feeling relaxed this weekend as I was rather pissed off yesterday when I realised just how much data I lost on my Dell. I made a conscious effort to back up anything that wasn't already from my iBook to our network server yesterday. (Yes I am at home and yes we do have a server attached to our router - with wireless technology and the low cost of hardware these days it's mad not to).

Can anyone recommend a good image creation package (such as Photoshop), that I could download for free for my iBook? I love iPhoto but there are a few things I want to do with the images that are beyond the limits of iPhoto. My trial version of CS2 has expired so I am stuffed!

I guess the death of my Dell will make me move the design of Trunk Guy forward - basically I have to as I no longer have any of the original graphic files for the menus etc. It's a nuisance to have to do it but I'd rather start again than try to recreate what already exists - to me that would be a waste of time.

If you have not seen Heath and Jake talking about Brokeback Mountain on Oprah, jump over to Malcontent for the vid.

Oh good there is an odd noise seeping through from next door - it would appear our lesbian neighbours are now part of a lesbian wind section! ;o)

My Needs from the album "All Time Love - Single" by Will Young

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Patronising as Dell

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Well my Dell PC is definitely screwed and thanks to Dell, so is all my data.

I knew what the problem was but they insisted that I ran their configuration tool so that I could confirm this. A tool that would wipe all my data.

(Richard and I tried to back up data from one PC to another but our drives were not compatible).

Annoyingly the tool only added a clean version of XP with the same problem - the same corrupt disc I already knew about and had reported.

I now have to wait in on Tuesday for an engineer to call to replace it.

What really annoyed me was the need for the call assistant to put me through to a manager to "explain the situation!".

All he did was tell me everything I already knew and then decided to bang on about the virtues of backing up data regularly!

I was going to scream at him as 80% of my data is backed up - it's just the important day to day stuff that I have been working on that I lost.

I knew there was no point doing this as his script would probably not yield an answer.

I have been thinking about ditching my PC for some time and Dells customer service does not help the case for the PC.

Thankfully I still have my trusty iBook and a network full of backed up music and photos to keep me going!

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*Trunk Cast 26

Friday, January 27, 2006

Episode 26 Death of my PC causes me grief!

It's been a very long week with good days (Richard and I celebrated our anniversary), and bad days (my Windows PC decided to pack up yesterday)

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[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (26)" : Trunk Guy]

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ILMB xxxxx

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

[iTunes: "My Baby" : Janet Jackson]

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S h o p p i n g

I adore the paintings of Beryl Cook and this shot of the January calendar picture is just perfect.

Beryl Cook is a local artist as she too comes from Plymouth. I think she is a great observer and I am always thrilled to see places at home feature in her work. This painting is of two ladies shopping in a department store called Co-op (now called Derrys').

Why is it relevant? Well I have been thinking long and hard about NYC next Wednesday and as it's now under a week before we are there I am getting excited.

I did happen to see a Kayne West video last night which was shot in Maceys, this too got me in the NY spirit ;0)

I had another crap journey to work this morning (unfortunately I saw a saloon car under the front wheels of a truck, thankfully it looked like everyone got out alive). As a result of all this extra time on the road and I guess the build up to my holiday, I am starting to feel really drained.

I know I just have to stick it out a couple days for the weekend then, (hopefully), Monday and Tuesday next week will come and go in a blur.

I don't think I can truly express how happy I am to be heading back to New York next week.

This might give you a slight indication:

:D)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ;0)

I see I didn't get shortlisted for this years bloggies (again) :( Oh well, maybe next year! :( Seriously though I would like to congratulate all the nominees and urge you to jump over there and vote, I have!

[iTunes: "Shopping" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Road to nowhere

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

I am sorry if this image is a little depressing, it isn't meant to be but this is all I have as inspiration when I work :(

Hopefully when I go away I will be spoilt for choice for entrants into the Pic-a-Day set!

It was below freezing today and I was determined to go out for a walk (I had my scarf, hat, winter coat and gloves) and I managed to cover an enormous area in my hour. I think I have gotten so used to the area that I can do it real quick.

I was listening to my Nano too which might explain my speed as music does tend to get me motivated.

(Spookily I had my iPods (Richards old one in the car and my Nano), on shuffle today and both selected a lot of music related to NYC!).

It's a shame I cannot feel the same about work.

I had another drive from hell this morning thanks to three separate incidents on the M1. I did manage to avoid the motorway but I got caught up in the snarl up on the local roads. I left the house at 7:10 (possibly later driving as I had to scrape the car), I eventually got to the office at 8:36! It's a 35 mile journey!!!

At least another day is ticked off on my New York countdown and I can concentrate further on my holiday now that I am home.

(Don't forget to head over to Frappr and add yourself to my map!)

[iTunes: "I Get Along" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Monday Monday

Monday, January 23, 2006

I don't think there is a great deal to report today to be honest.

Monday morning was not very positive and to be honest I have had better starts to the week.

I managed to nick myself shaving this morning, I spent 90 minutes on the motorway trying to get past an accident and I passed a poor fawn that had been run down on the local roads :(

As every day passes I loathe my journey more and more.

Richard wasn't feeling too bright today either and has decided to work from home today. I don't think our holiday can come soon enough.

There is some good news today as the lovely people at Incandlescence mailed me today requesting permission to use one of my photographs (see thumbnail). I am very flattered and dead chuffed to receive such a request. My plea to you dear Trunk Guy reader is, if you happen to see a Sweet Pea candle on sale in stores in the coming months in the USA, please buy me one and send it to me in the UK? Pretty please ;0) (Apparently this company won't be distributing to the UK just yet :( )

How cool is that? ;0D

[iTunes: "Back Stabbers" : The O'Jays]

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Waffling on

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Today was really nice as I met up with Vanessa, Andrea and Yvonne. Three friends whom I have not seen for a couple of months (thanks to texts and e-mails it actually doesn't feel that long).

We met here in St Albans and I suggested we visit the Waffle House.

I am glad we did as we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal, even though we sat outside in January. The marquee and the gas heaters did a great job of keeping us warm although Vanessa and I were not to keen on the dripping from the condensation on the roof!

Lunch was followed by a leisurely stroll through the park, through town and back for coffee.

I am sure Andrea isn't going to forgive me for uploading this photo of her but I think it is a great likeness as it captures her bright mood and bubbly nature.

It's been so long since I have felt so relaxed around my friends, I thoroughly enjoyed toady.

I am going to sign this off now and spend the evening with my baby.

[iTunes: "Elevated Mood" : Duplex]

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On dry land

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Ah the boys of 2 Men in a Boat, (Ben and James) are back on dry land.

Congratulations to them on arriving first in their class and raising so much for Children in Need.

Even with Robinson Crusoe beards they are just damn sexy ;0)

[iTunes: "Mini Mix" : Rex the Dog!]

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*Gushing!

Friday, January 20, 2006

You are going to have to forgive me for this post but I am going to gush uncontrollably!

My copy of iLife 06 arrived this week and I couldn't be happier with it.

I had some reservations before purchasing it as my iBook is not quite up to the standards of the new Macs. (That said it is a G4 and is only a year old.)

I am happy to report that my set up makes no difference whatsoever.

The new program(s) run faster and more effectively than iLife 05.

iPhoto is much improved, loading quicker and smoother, allowing access to more photos, better cataloguing and full screen editing.

I love all the new templates in iMovie HD and iDVD as well as the great new printed features from iPhoto.

I also have to gush about Garage Band which used to run terribly with the old version - this new version is much smoother and the added pod cast section is a breeze to use.

Look out for the next Trunk Cast as I intend on solely using Garage Band.

Once again Apple proves that it can produce high class, smooth software that is easy to use and outputs terrific results.

I have yet to find a Windows program that does that!

Episode 25 Bigger, better, brighter and bolder than ever! (Honest!)

As mentioned above the next ppodcast has been produced with iLife '06.

There is a new structure, a new approach. Some spanking new software, my thoughts about Brokeback Mountain and some great music coupled with my usual amount of rambling and mayhem! (Oh and Jerry is still weeing in the bath!)

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For further podcast information please visit the Podcast page ;)

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (25)" : Trunk Guy]

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Yawn!

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Jerry:

"Pic-a-Day pics are just like buses. You wait for ages then two come along at once!

Yawn!!"

(I have an excuse, I have been unwell! Normal service will be resumed tomorrow.

I promise!)

Why not login to Frappr and stick a pin in the Trunk Guy Map!

My copy of iLife 06 has arrived therefore I hope to make the next podcast (or possibly one after that), better than ever! ;0)

I probably shouldn't admit this (what with me being a Brit), but I really hope Brokeback Mountain does very well at this years BAFTAs - just look at the number of nominations! I am being coy as British film the Constant Gardener got more nominations.

[iTunes: "Sleeping Beauty" : Funkstörung & Lou Rhodes]

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A Blinder

Monday, January 16, 2006

OK so why have I uploaded a Paracetomal bottle to my Pic-a-Day?

Simply because I feel like crap! I didn't get much sleep Saturday nor Sunday night and have this blinding headache behind my right eye/temple.

The photo of the bottle is pretty representative of how I am seeing things on that side.

Therefore this is a quick post so I can come away from a monitor (I am sure being at work today has not helped) and rest my eyes.

Before I go I have to say thanks for all the great comments regarding my Brokeback Mountain post ;0)

If there are any Brokeback Mountain, Cat Lovers out there I think you should follow the jump!

[iTunes: "Throb" : Janet Jackson]

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THE Brokeback Post

Sunday, January 15, 2006

We just returned from the cinema as we have been to see Brokeback Mountain.

I can happily say we both enjoyed the movie.

I must say that I am surprised how emotional I felt during the film, my only hope is that straight members of the audience were equally as moved.

Ang Lee has put together an emotional, thought provoking and evocative piece in Brokeback Mountain and I applaud him for doing so.

Both lead roles were excellently played by Heath and Jake and the supporting cast were just as strong.

It's a shame then that some of the audience still got up and walked out mid way through the film.

My hope is that Brokeback Mountain will help to curtail such future prejudices.

[iTunes: "Broken" : P.M. Dawn]

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Dull Morning

As you can see it's not a particularly bright start to Sunday here in St Albans :(

I hope the weather picks up soon otherwise January will look like a very depressing month in Pic-a-Day.

Still I cannot be down this morning. We are off out for lunch with Dan and Rowin today and then we plan to go and see Brokeback Mountain.

Unusually there has been a number of films released at this time of year that I have wanted to see. So far I have seen none of them! Brokeback was an obvious first choice and I am looking forward to it.

After convincing and persuading myself (by asking numerous people and resources online), I have decided to dip into my pennies (!) and purchase iLife 06. I love iLife on my iBook and am more than impressed with the enhancements in the latest version. I am hoping this will help to make my pod casts bigger and better. I currently record my Trunk Casts on my PC and then transfer across to my iBook to add all the whizzy stuff - I am sure that the new edition of Garageband will help eliminate the PC from the equation all together.

[iTunes: "Mountains" : Prince]

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Dull little tasks

Saturday, January 14, 2006

I know there are rumours that Apple is in trouble over this ad but I don't care - I think it's fab ;0)

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Pod Casts, Links and things

I have decided to take a look at the links section on Trunk Guy as it has been a while since I have actually used or updated them.

As an addition I have placed a page on Podcasts which link to sites of casts that I either listen/subscribe to or have featured in one of my Trunk Casts.

I was listening to the Telegraph podcast from the 13th and am rather annoyed that all the information is not chaptered. What's the point in having an in-depth podcast with lots of regular sections, developed by a bit multi national newsgroup if they cannot publish a podcast properly?

To be honest I only wanted to find out about the progress of 2 Men in a Boat but I gave up trying to find it. I think I might fire a comment off to the Telegraph.

I haven't got around to taking any shots yet today as I am not that motivated this morning. I spent my lunch break walking around campus and I think I must have caught a chill as I have a slight temperature. I was also planning on getting my hair cut but I cannot be bothered!

I did find a selection of photo's that I had yet to upload from Christmas. These photos were taken with Richards XDA mobile phone and feature us looking very cold whilst at the top of Sheepstor on Dartmoor.

If you have listened to yesterdays pod cast (and please do ;0) ), I am happy to report that filling the bath with water seemed to have worked. (I am not explaining that, you'll have to download the podcast to find out what I am on about!)

I have dug out a CD containing photographs from our 2003 trip to Sitges for the carnival weekend. This also included an excursion to Barcelona (which I adore). I have created a new Flickr set for these shots. ;0)

I wanted to give a great big thank you to Casparian for the lovely review of my Pod Casts in the iTunes directory - I do not know your email address so I hope you read this, thank so much, I am flattered.

[iTunes: "Escapade (Shep's Good Time Mix)" : Janet Jackson]

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*Trunk Cast 24

Friday, January 13, 2006

Episode 24 Janet rambling and number 3's in the bath!

It has been a mixed week but I think this is a very positive podcast. Although there is lots of Janet rambling and talk of wee in the bath!!!

Please use this link (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TrunkGuyPodcast) to subscribe to my podcast and download the latest edition through your news reader.

or

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (24)" : Trunk Guy]

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Morning!

Good morning ;0)

Welcome back Freddie!

[iTunes: "Touch Me" : Cathy Dennis]

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Reflecting

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Today is a day for reflection, it was a year ago that our friend lost her six year old son to flu. To this day I still don't know what to say to Sharon about this. How on earth does anyone ever come to terms with something like this?

I am starting to feel the 12th January is not a positive day anyway as mum told me at lunch that her test results had not come back and that she requires further cardiac tests.

Come to think of it, on the drive in this morning there was car in a field on it's roof as it skid on a patch of ice.

I must try and remain positive. Two things may help:

1) A couple days ago I treated myself to a box for all my painting supplies, it came today and I am really happy with it. It's possibly a little large but that gives me an incentive to fill it up ;0)

2) We have just booked a weekend in Sitges as it's carnival time again. We didn't go last year (thankfully as the weather was awful) but we decided that we might fancy a break at the end of February. So that's two holidays in February ;0)

Are you going to be there?

I've come to the conclusion that some people in life should be labeled. Why is it every clutch of people has one idiot who cannot resist making smart comments? Comments that they think make them look big and clever when in fact it does the opposite? I propose from this day forth we should be able to rubber stamp their foreheads with the label twat!.

There really is only one thing you can say about the above video - bless!

[iTunes: "Heart" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Come fly with me!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Oh how I wish I could just take off in this plane and escape - instead of having to circumnavigate campus to find something to do at lunch time :(

(Yes it's another twist on the Pic-a-Day!)

At least there is a new version of iTunes that I can waste an hour installing! Seriously though, what is the point of the Mini Store? It may be a new feature but it was also the first feature that was immediately turned off! I need no further incentive to spend my money, thank you very much Mr Jobs!

I adore the new iMacs and the MacBook Pros but I am not going to upgrade to iLife6. I see no use at present as iLife5 does everything I could possibly want it to do.

I do like the idea of the iPod Radio though - shame they decided to slap on a £35 price tag! And it's a real shame that it's not DAB :(

Would someone please do me a favour and log into iTunes and write a nice review for my podcast? Please ;0)

[iTunes: "Crones" : Oranger]

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Sun Always Shines on TV

Thankfully E4 helped to inject some sunshine into the living room last night, showering us with a warm glow, fantastic scenery and a bevvy of beautiful people. Yes season 3 of The OC started here last night. It's a bit later than the American broadcast but at least we get to catch up on the residents of Orange County.

Only The OC could manage to tie up so many loose ends from the end of the last season in one episode. I forget how fast paced the show is.

I don't want to look online at the site as the spoilers will give things away, I do however want to know how many episodes there are - do you know?

The sun was definitely welcome as this morning it is very dark and very wet. The drive to work was tortuous this morning. And to know I will be spending the day staring out of the dark tinted windows makes it even more depressing.

I am in a bit of a quandary today as I have no idea what I can tackle photos of for Pic-a-Day! I don't feel very inspired and I don't want to upload numerous shots of where I work as it'll depress you all. I know it's a big chunk of my day but I think I should leave this place offline for your own safety! I am sure I will get some inspiration later...

The good news is that the portrait is coming along well ;0)

[iTunes: "Sun Always Shines on TV" : A-ha]

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Cracked

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Well it happened, I very nearly cracked on the way home.

I was making my way down the slip road onto the M1 and I felt the urge not to. I just wanted to be home.

Why, because I hate that fucking journey. I hate my commute, I hate the location of my work and I hate the fact that I have to put up with shit travel conditions and a majority of drivers who burn around the motorways like ass holes.

I don't know what it is about this commute that gets to me so much - I spent two years travelling much further on busier roads and that didn't phase me. I guess it must be the destination that is the issue.

As you can see from todays Pic-a-Day there is nothing endearing about where I work. Nothing to inspire. Nothing to evoke passion. Nothing to stir the senses. It's a boring, bland, ex RAF base which needs a bloody good lick of paint (or better yet flattening!).

Further to my earlier posting I will reinstate the Blog Roll later on, but please do let me know if it causes you any delays getting to my blog?

At least my painting is coming along...

[iTunes: "Only the Wind" : Pet Shop Boys]

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What a wonderful day!

Monday, January 09, 2006

What a wonderful day today has been, first off I arrive at work to find my keyboard on the floor and not working.

Then Richard texts me to say he's dropped his portable DAB and it's smashed beyond use.

Tonight I am nearly run off the road by some foreign lorry (for the purpose of my American readers I mean truck!). Luckily for me the car behind braked when I did as I had nowhere to turn.

And to cap it all I find out that Golden Wonder are going into administration - where will I get my supplies of crispy bacon flavour Wheat Crunchies now? :O(

What a bloody day!

I hope the remainder of the week is more positive. (At least I can await the delivery from a young man from Tesco in a while - but I doubt he'll be a looker, they seldom are!)

Why is it straight men have this fixation with football and rugby? How come they focus so much time to the recreation of watching other scantily clad men running around and yet not see the sexual connotations? And what's with all these saddos who are walking around with wet look gel in their hair - have these straight men just escaped from an alien spaceship which abducted them around 1982?

In fact I am going to finish this blog then go downstairs and start work on my latest painting. Can you guess what (or who) it is yet?

[iTunes: "The Truck Driver And His Mate" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Back again!

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Well after another two days of travel we are back from our brief trip to the south west.

Yesterday was Richards brother-in-laws (technically my brother-in-laws), surprise 40th birthday party.

I am glad to say that 99% of us managed to stay awake through the party - unlike young Harry who flaked out! To be fair he's only a nipper and he spent the whole evening running around. I think I'd have wanted to have a crafty snooze too!

The party was really good fun and it was a nice opportunity to catch up with everyone. It's a little odd saying that so soon after Christmas but this time it felt easier as everyone was in one place - both families able to relax, chat and chill out.

My parents also had a lovely evening, my mum even managed a couple pieces of birthday cake!

I have to say I was not too thrilled about all the travelling in such a short space of time, especially as the weather has been so bad. But at least we are back safely. I imagine this weekends frivolities will make the following week drag on.

Whilst at my parents I finally captured a photograph of Steamy that I am happy with. I have never been able to reproduce his colouring properly and finally this morning, I cracked it. For this reason, I have uploaded this shot as todays Pic-a-Day ;)

(I must say I am thrilled to see how successful my blog entry via my mobile came out ;0) )

[iTunes: "Birthday Boy" : Pet Shop Boys]

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A Secret Meeting

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Well the surprise party went off without a hitch and I am sure we all had a lovely time.

The drive home wasn't too bad and thankfully we left the snow and sleet behind. Typically we encountered torrential rain here. :(

I hope we have a stressless journey home tomorrow and am not too wiped out before returning to work on Monday.

(Keep an eye out for the party photos!)

ps I hope this is legible as I am writing it on my phone x

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*Trunk Cast 23

Friday, January 06, 2006

Episode 23 Pet Shops, Elephants and Sorry about Confessions!

Starting 2006 with an enthusiastic rant, some rambling, pet shops and the odd elephant!

Please use this link (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TrunkGuyPodcast) to subscribe to my podcast and download the latest edition through your news reader.

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For further podcast information please visit the Podcast page ;)

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (23)" : Trunk Guy]

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A Work in Progress

I thought this morning that I would try to blog first thing so that you caught me fresh and ready to go. Of course I should have typed this before I left the house as I am in the office and already I feel zapped of any interest!

I did manage to get today's Pic-a-Day photo uploaded really quickly. I knew the camera needed charging so captured something at home before I took the battery out! I am currently working on two canvases, one of Richard which I will show you all in due course and this one a Brandy and Jerry. I'd like to say I like this painting but I don't - I am finally happy with the cats but as you can see it's devoid of a background, why? Because every background I put in I don't like and end up painting it out! Anyone got any suggestions!

I have stopped listening go the radio during my drive, in favor of my iPod Nano but still get the traffic reports. It's about more than enough information that I can stand whilst being stuck in traffic. I guess I could start to listen to Podcasts but I must admit I find it difficult to concentrate on driving and actually listening to what's being said.

The breakfast news was full of stories of Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat Leader announcing he was a drunk and has kicked the habit. To be honest I am not entirely sure what to make of such an admission - could we ever trust a politician that is that honest?

Then again, I can rely on Ruth Kelly to spout on about her education reforms today. Once again it'll be something else the Labour party manage to monumentally screw up! Have they not learnt hat Trust hospitals failed? So why on earth do they think that Trust Schools would be any different?

Oh well I guess that's another great British institution ruined by the Labourites.

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Elefuntastic!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Well what a day!

Not only is it damn, cold and we have had a flurry of snow, hail and sleet but Richard and I also received a Christmas present from Ben.

And I must say I think it is the only time I have ever received porn as a Christmas gift! Ben sent us the Dieux du Stade making of DVD and I must be honest and say that I have already gone through a box of tissues!

Although thinking about it I did receive a tasteful photo book of nude men for my 30th from Robin and Ste.. ;o)

Thanks, for what has to be the most original and yet bizarre gift ever! ;o)

On a (much) lighter note the next Pic-a-Day picture is online. I didn't feel dreadfully inspired today as it really was very cold, damp and grey but I did find an interesting subject. (Following the link will show you another shot I took today).

At the back of the campus where I work is a play ground which links all the student homes together and it was looking rather sorry for itself today. (As did most of the site to be honest). This little trunk bestowed fellow brought some brightness into my lunch break though (before heading straight back to the nearest coffee machine for a much needed Latte!).

*Please note I said student and not STUDent as there is no eye cnady to help my day go any quicker!

I am getting geared up for New York now as I spent some of the rest of my lunch working out how far away Buffalo and Niagara are from Manhattan. Thanks to Google Earth I could virtually fly there from the comfort of the office! As you know I am really looking forward to coming back to NYC but I am also very ineterested in our day trip to Niagara. I can't wait!

[iTunes: "Happiness Is an Option" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Gorged!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

I think this image of Jerry just about sums things up!

We have seen so much food over the festive period I am amazed how people still manage to gorge themselves.

Of course this doesn't apply to cats!

I was quite amazed how the Mine Disaster story was handled by the media today. Especially because of all the footage showing elated families (although I did find it somewhat cruel as one man was reported to have died). I couldn't quite believe the follow up news on the radio whilst driving in informing me that the report was wrong.

Does this mean that the news channels really do make things up?

Do they really just fill in the gaps in order to get stories out first?

I know the facts were 100% wrong and were reported from the company involved, what amazes me is that the news channels already had it billed, labelled, produced and directed as this kind of story. You could hear the collective annoyance when the story had to be managed and pitched another way.

I guess we really should take everything we hear in the news with a pinch of salt. ~~, especially when it comes from the US.~~

[iTunes: "dance on" : Prince]

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Pic-a-Day 2

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Typically just after I start my Pic-a-Day section, Flickr decides to bomb out on me!

Hopefully by the time you read this and click the link, the photo for the 3rd will be visible!

This just about sums up how shit my day has been to be honest. Don't worry I am still quite positive, I am just a bit wound up by the weather, the traffic, the local road situation, diversions and general fuck wits!

[iTunes: "Before" : Pet Shop Boys]

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Pic-a-Day

Monday, January 02, 2006

I have decided to document my year by aiming to take taking a photograph daily and uploading it to a specific photo set in Flickr. I hope to also include the captures here.

I thought it might be an interesting way to document 2006.

Todays photo is of Brandy and her new friend iDog! Richard gave me iDog as a Christmas present and it seems whenever he whines, Brandy has to come over and nuzzle him... Well I say nuzzle, she was actually biting his ear when I took this photo! I guess we all have different ways of showing our affection!

Yesterdays photo is the group shot of Robin, Ste, myself and Rich celebrating New Years.

As you may have noticed (because I have plastered it everywhere!), my podcast has finally been admitted to the iTunes Podcast Directory. This hopefully means a bigger audience for my podcast and Trunk Guy and hopefully this will lead onto other great things. I take this submission as a positive step forward for 2006. If you have not already subscribed to my Trunk Cast, you can now do so by clicking the logo on the right, this will open iTunes, find my podcast and enable you to subscribe. This will keep your iTunes up to date with the latest edition of the cast, whilst also enabling you to archive them in one place. ;o)

[iTunes: "Being Boring - Extended Mix" : Pet Shop Boys]

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