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Friday, March 31, 2006

Day off

Quick blog

Going home tomorrow

Things to do

Theatre this evening (Smaller with Dawn French and Alison Moyet at the Lyric)

Big Event stuff to arrange

Need to go the barbers (hairs getting in my eyes - not!)

Oh and Ste. has just acquired us tickets for the forthcoming Pet Shop Boys concert in Thetford Forest - yay!

At least this guy is honest that Dells have one good use (apart from crashing and costing you all your data):

Ciao til next week!

[Listening to: Venus Rise - Mozez - So Still (4:18)]

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*Trunk Cast 34

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Episode 34 My "Black Album"

I have been wanting to do this and say this for so long but I decided to put it off. Now I just want to get this off my chest.

This isn't my normal type of podcast - normal service will hopefully resume next week.

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (34)" : Trunk Guy]

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Headache

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

I have a screaming headache :( , therefore I think this just about sums up my current mood!

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When is...

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

When is a blog entry not a blog entry?

When it's an Odeo audio cast!

Click play for more... (be warned, it's a bit loud!)

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Nooooooooooooooo!

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Chris Hoy and the Scottish cycling team win gold

I just realised that the Commonwealth Games have finished.

Where am I going to go for all my Lycra clad joy now?

I musn't complain though - the home nation teams did very well. I am proud of all the athletes and sports men from England, Scotland and Wales and hope we can maintain this calibre of competitor through to 2012 for the London Olympics and beyond.

I guess I will just have to wait for the European Athletics Championships later in the year!

(Or I could just hop over to You Tube and see if any kind soul has uploaded any of the action ;0) )

[Listening to: It's Alright - Ricky Martin - Life (3:31)]

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Got pecs?

Sorry what was that you say - Ricky Martin is not gay?

I rest my case!

And while I am on the subject of gay pop stars... Will Young...

I saw this performance of Happiness on Strictly Come Dancing last year and thought it was excellent - I wonder how many people missed it - therefore I thought it only fair to share!

Then again this is nowhere near as odd as his new video - what's with the Blue Peter angle? (For international visitors, Blue Peter is a long running children's television programme).

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*Trunk Cast 33

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Episode 33 Cats, abandoned pets, lost loved ones, going home, invitations and being with stupid!

Ignore the introduction. I mention I am going to talk about spring but I got so carried away talking about rehousing abandoned pets I forgot!

This week I am relieved to have receieved our invitations, delayed our trip home and express an opinion of Pet Shop Boys first single from Fundamental "I'm with Stupid!"

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (33)" : Trunk Guy]

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Mixed week

Friday, March 24, 2006

It's been a very mixed week and yes I have been quiet.

I have not found any time to blog because I have been really tired.

Richard is unwell again which has meant we have both suffered from sleep less nights. I also had a bout of food poisoning yesterday which didn't help matters.

The main stay of my attention this week has been the Commonwealth Games and apart from ogling the male competitors (see below), I have actually really enjoyed the sports.

I was an athlete at school, my events being the 100 meters, the 4 x 100 meters and the hurdles. It's been interesting to see the competition unfold - and somewhat disappointing to see how badly the English track team have fallen from grace.

I imagine I'll have an early start tomorrow (it's Saturday), principally because I have to get to the post office early to post a parcel and then pick up a nice pen. Why? Well our invitations for the Big Event arrived today so I have the task of writing them out. Thankfully this is only as stressful as writing names on cards - all the rest has been taken care of.

We plan for friends and family to receive them at the beginning of next week so I want to get them in the post tomorrow.

We were planning on travelling home but as Rich is still unwell and I have been feeling a little under par we have decided it best to postpone the round trip for a week.

[Listening to: Love Prince - 3121]

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Reasons to love...

Reasons to love the Commonwealth Games, Tony Ally, Diving, Trunks etc:

PHOWAR!

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A word...

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Yes it's official I am bored! I have been banging on about this for so long now that I am starting to bore myself.

Once again we have had to suffer another weekend of cold and grey weather (although to be fair it is only 8:36 on Sunday morning, but to be honest I doubt the weather will cheer up). Richard and I were planning on spending the day out and about but a) the weather is just not up to much b) as a result, Rich is starting to feel unwell again and c) Rich discovered a crack in the windscreen of our car. We cannot get this fixed until tomorrow so I will have to take a steady drive to work before the guy comes around 1 to replace the glass..

I have spent a fair amount of time painting this weekend (listen to pod cast 32 for more information), but the painting is one of those compositions that I can never truly decide my honest feelings of. (Did that make sense?) Basically I will add a new set of layers to the image, will be happy with it, classify it as finished and then add more to it. I am actually quite happy where it is now but Richard reckons it needs more white in it - I can sort of see his point but I am afraid of messing it up... The photo on the left illustrates some of the stages so far (the most recent stage being the shot on the right).

I did spend some time updating the Art section yesterday as I had realised that I had missed out the portrait I painted of Richard! If you have not seen this in my Flickr set, take a look.

Musically I have been entertained by one thing for the past fortnight and that has been 3121. There really isn't any new music that can rival it. Then again it's not a complete album. Looking at my iTunes playlist there are definitely tracks I am skipping, something I would never have done with a Prince album years ago.

I would consider getting out and about with some/one of my friends but to be honest it seems like I have been ostracized. I am not sure what I have done of late but a few of my friends have dropped off the map and I am not sure why. That didn't sound too fair - my other friends are already busy so I know I cannot make demands on everyone's time as and when I please. It would just be nice for someone to contact me to arrange something rather than me doing the chasing all the time.

Are gay men really unable to form proper friendships? If so - where on earth do you find them?

You will notice I didn't wish anyone a Happy St Patricks Day and that is with good reason. I am not Irish! That may not sound like such a revelation - so why then do people the world over (who are not Irish) put in so much effort for this day? St Davids day and St Georges Day isn't celebrated with such gusto so why is St Patricks Day? I did note there was a St Paddys Parade in London last weekend - lets hope a similar event is put together to celebrate the actual patron saint of England, St George!

A friend of mine called last night to let me know that Pet Shop Boys are holding a number of concerts this year - of course we are aiming to get tickets. Although I am a little worried about the calibre of the tour if the new single I'm With Stupid is anything to go by. It's a good pop song but that doesn't make it a good Pet Shop Boys song.

Oh well, I guess I will just have to veg in front of the box and ~~ogle~~ cheer on the male competitors!

The Word from the album "3121" by Prince

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*Trunk Cast 32

Friday, March 17, 2006

Episode 32 Climates, Spring Collections, Hot Men and Planet Earth

It's been a very tiring week but thankfully I have managed to pull another one out of the bag!

I may also know why. There is a suggestion or two to lift your spirits!

I hope it helps...

For further podcast information (show notes etc), please visit the Podcast page ;)

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (32)" : Trunk Guy]

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(Common)Wealth of Totty!

For all of you in the know we are now very much into this years Commonwealth Games. A celebration of sporting talent across the Commonwealth.

I especially like the Commonwealth games for two reasons:

The USA and Russia are not part of the Commonwealth, therefore everyone else gets a fairer chance at the events
It's a great opportunity to see all those fit young men in the pool, on the track etc in a non Olympic year ;)

Currently England head the leader board - but I am not sure how long this will continue. We were very lucky last night though as we go gold, silver and bronze in the pursuit cycling event.

England did loose out on the Rugby 7's to New Zealand though.

Still musn't complain, especially when the All Blacks team contains such prime beef!

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Jeez Louise!

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

What a damn long, drawn out, boring tiring kind of week!

Will the weekend ever arrive?

And will spring? It's still really really cold and it's starting to get on my wick!

Does anyone have any words of inspiration? Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

At least I have the prospect of new albums from Prince, Janet and PSB as well as rumoured tours from Prince and PSB to look forward to...

[Listening to: I'm with Stupid Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental (3:56)]

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Freakin' cold!

Sunday, March 12, 2006

What is going on with the damn climate?

We've had a couple days off, so all we have planned has been sorted. Richard has gone to the gym and I was trying to decide what to do as it looks like another grey day.

I just popped out to the shops for the Sunday papers and it's bloody freezing.

I was thinking of taking a walk around the park but sod that!

I'll just have to sit at home getting fat, filling my face full of scones.

Seriously though, I am rather concerned about the climate and the fact that spring seems to arrive later and later... I planted a variety of spring bulbs back in September and the Daffodils and the Crocuses are trying their hardest to burst into life but it's so cold they are stuck in this odd suspended state.

I really hope the cold weather and the forecast winds do not destroy them. The garden is desperately in need of some colour and so am I!

Isn't it amazing what we're capable of when we're bored?

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Prompt Action

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Well it would seem that our local Registration Office are very keen to help with our Civil Ceremony.

Richard and I gave notice of our intent yesterday and we were aware that we'd have to wait a fortnight for this process to be complete (to give anyone chance to object).

It turned out that we are the first in our local area to be included into the new national database so the Assistant Registrar was nervous but excited (a little too excited). Sadly it seems that the government has purchased a system on the cheap and it's clear they have not liaised with the users as it took far too long.

In fact when it came to me watching what was being entered (for clarification), I ended up helping the Registrar!

Never mind though - she did a good job and within an hour we were all set.

Richard and I were quite surprised this morning to receive the paper work from the Registration District where we are holding our big day. Either the computer system is incredibly slick or the Registrar was so excited she called them as soon as we left!

Why can't all government departments be so enthusiastic?

Anyway the upshot is we now know that our venue is confirmed (we have paid the deposit), the date and time are set and the Registrar is all arranged.

That's so much off the list and that also means a great weight off our shoulders as the really crucial stuff is done.

I also submitted my design for the invitations to the printers yesterday. I am looking forward to seeing them in print.

A selection of rejected invitations have been uploaded to my Flickr account - when I am happy all my guests have received their invitations I will upload the finished result (I don't want to spoil the surprise).

There is (of course) going to be a web site to accompany our big event but as I have produced directions to individuals addresses, I won't be publishing the address (expect of course if you receive an invitation!).

[Listening to: Touch the Sky - Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco - Late Registration (3:56)]

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*Trunk Cast 31

Friday, March 10, 2006

Episode 31 Relaunching Trunk Guy, Giving Notice and 3121

Trunk Guy (trunkguy.com), has undergone a successful relaunch and I am very happy with all the positive comments and feedback.

Find out how Richard and I got on "giving notice" as well as our evolving plans for the Big Event.

I also give a run down on my views on the new album from Prince, 3121.

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

For further podcast information please visit the Podcast page ;)

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (31)" : Trunk Guy]

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Busy busy busy

Yesterday was quite a busy day and today may end up being much the same.

I spent the majority of yesterday in London and a large portion of time when I returned home, designing the invitations for the big event. I have a few compositions, Richard and I need to agree on which to go for, then I have to get the text written and get them off to the printers! Who said this Civil Partnership malarkey was easy? ;)

(The photo to the right is one of the ideas we came up with and although I really like the take of Gilbert and George (and I have tried to put in lots of refernce), it's a bit too busy).

We are both at home today too as we are due to meet with the Registrar to Register our intent. This meeting really will get the ball rolling...

I am sure I will have a lot more to say later when I record the next pod cast - and that will no doubt include a full review of 3121 (which yes Ernest I caved and decided to listen to)...

"It's going down ya'll... Like the wall of Berlin"

If you like cute puppies, check out Rocky's World, my colleague has just adopted a Westie and he's adorable (the puppy not my colleague!).

[Listening to: Lolita - Prince - 3121 (4:06)]

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Ori-what?

I must admit I don't understand what all the fuss is about the Ultra thingy PC either (aka the badly labeled "Origami")...

I also find it odd that the CeBIT buzz is over a device whose battery life is only 2.5 hours! Do you not remember the fuss about the old 8 hour battery life of the iPod - why is it PC innovations always have to take us back a step?

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Thanks BGB

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

I just wanted to write to say thanks to the guys over at Best Gay Blogs for the exposure! I am flattered and honoured to have been interview with regards to the new site design and the over all re launch of Trunk Guy.

I am not sure if Trunk Guy is famous - what do you reckon - am I?

Is Trunk Guy much bigger than I expected/imagined?

Anyway, thanks to BGB for the article and thanks to you all for your continued support and comments.

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Oscar who?

Monday, March 06, 2006

So the Oscar for Best Picture went to crash. Does it really matter that Brokeback didn't walk away with this prize? It did win three awards and I think they were all justified. If it wasn't for the original story and the directors vision there would have been no film anyway.

The Oscars seemed like a fair event this year and I am sure all over the world the various networks are working the awards in their favour (BBC Breakfast certainly made the British awards out to be a white wash!).

Cracking Cheese Gromit!

Registration

Well a date and time have been set for Richard and I for us to visit our local Registrar so that we can register our intent. Once this period has been finalised we can then move the notification to the area office where we are staging our big day and get things motoring.

It's been interesting to have an e-mail chat with Jim (from Come into my world) to discuss our big days, and to gush like a couple of school girls about our outfits (we haven't honestly but wouldn't that be kind of fun?).

Now where's that list:

Flowers... check
Rings... check
Candles... check
Grooms... check
Bridesmaids dress for Brandy (not possible, there isn't one big enough!)... not checked! ;0)

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Bizzaroworld

Sunday, March 05, 2006

It's Sunday and even after a week this Bizzaroworld effect that has been held over everything hasn't really abated!

I am not sure how to categorize this blog entry or where to begin so you may have to bare with me!

Richard

Richard is still unwell and is spending 90% of his time resting. After much persuasion to get him to see a doctor through last week he eventually caved in on Friday evening. The system here in the UK is that you have to phone a help line then you get several calls before you actually see anyone medical. All the help was very good but after an hour of conversation we were asked to pay a visit to our local hospital so that they could examine Richard. After a fairly fairly brief examination it manifested that Rich has Tonsillitis - the doctor is concerned that he has had such a long incubation period but at least now the drugs should help to counter act the affects.

Big Event

Even though he was unwell and after we had discussed Richard not viewing a specific venue, he decided to get out of bed just to take a look. Possibly not the wisest of moves but at least both of us got to cast a critical eye on the Manor.

I need to back up a couple of days...

Andrea at work had recommended a Manor house not too far from where we live as she had attended a ceremony there last year and rated it highly. Initially I thought it was too expensive but on further investigation it seemed to be exactly what we were after.

After a chat with the team at Pendley Manor, I arranged to pay them a visit on Tuesday evening. I was very happy with the level of service and attention I received (you'd think this would be standard practice in venues but believe me it differs greatly), the fact they listened to our requirements and the pleasant nature of everyone at the Manor.

I loved the place and thought it was the ideal location for our ceremony, the proceeding champagne and canopaes and then our evening party.

Rich had a look around yesterday and agreed that Pendley Manor was the perfect spot for our Civil Partnership. The extra bonus being that they had the date we had penciled in with the registrar, so now we can move forward with our plans.

So yesterday we signed on the dotted line and moved closer to our October ceremony date. Now I have to think about designing calendar notes and invitations, and then the balloons, and table settings etc...

Rich and I took a number of photographs at Pendley Manor, mainly for our reference but I put them on Flickr so anyone could have a browse around. I hope you like it as much as we do.

Sitges

You may recall that we went to Spain last weekend.

We had a lovely break but sadly with weekend breaks it was all over too quickly.

Saturday was sunny and dry, the evening was spent out with friends, enjoying a nice meal and then circumnavigating a number of Sitges infamous night clubs.

Sunday however was very grey and a day hampered by showers. Unfortunately the main parade was cancelled due to high winds (the Sitges authorities were obviously being cautious as last years parade was flooded, with a 1/4 million spectators you can not be too careful).

This didn't spoil our day though as Richard and I spent it wandering around the town, stopping for the odd bite to eat before wandering along the beach and having the odd siesta.

Monday was a very short day, but sunny and dry. Again went spent time just chilling out. We left the hotel had breakfast, took a stroll along the esplanade before hooking up with friends for brunch before heading back to the airport.

The more astute of you will already know that this weeks video podcast includes some snippets from Sitges, if you have not seen it; check out episode 30 (or use iTunes).

Rebirth

And this all leads me into the new site! For weeks I have been planning the redesign and during all this time I have managed the odd change here or there. I had planned to blitz everything in one evening this week but that never happened so I ended up tweaking outstanding bits and pieces when I could grab five minutes.

Thankfully the result is exactly what I wanted and the comments from you have been brilliant.

I am so pleased I decided to make this change to Trunk Guy, looking at it I think it was long over due. And to be honest the circles were starting to get on my nerves!

Web

Has anyone else noticed any freaky behaviour online? Throughout yesterday there seemed to be major problems across American sites, especially those using Google services. In fact Google, Blogger, Blogger sites and GMail went offline for most of the day!

[Listening to: So Sick - Ne-Yo - In My Own Words (3:27)]

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*Trunk Cast 30

Friday, March 03, 2006

Episode 30 Another video - different location, better lighting!

Busy, busy week that has left me little or no time to podcast. This video gives you a sneaky look into out Spanish weekend as well as a precursor to the newly designed site (trunkguy.com).

Subscribe via iTunes to benefit from the hidden extras.

Whilst you have iTunes open, why not stop by and leave me a review?

For further podcast information please visit the Podcast page ;)

[iTunes: "Trunk Guy (30)" : Trunk Guy]

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It's (a)live!

Oh my word! After weeks of work, agonizing, procrastinating and worrying the rebirth of Trunk Guy has taken place!

I really hope you don't find this departure to be too much from the original but I really did think it was time to move on.

I love this new design and am sure it achieves everything I set out for it.

If you spot the odd rouge element from the previous version please let me know! I would also love to hear your opinion on the new design.

[Listening to: UK Medley w/ Wendy, Lisa, & Sheila E. - Prince - The Brit Awards (12:13)]

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Bye bye that guy!

Get ready to say goodbye to this version of Trunk Guy. The new look site is very close to completion and I hope to have the new fresh look up and running over the weekend.

For those of you who feel they may mourn this incranation of Trunk Guy, I have saved a screen grab over at Flickr!

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Adios!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

OK I still don't have a great deal of time to write anything but at least I have managed to get the Sitges photographs online!

It's quite amazing to think this was at the beginning of the week, especially as we both look so relaxed and Happy.

Richard is still very poorly and is spending all the time in bed trying to sleep off what ever has invaded his immune system.

I hope he picks up very soon as I hate to see my baby looking so pale and unwell.

I am giving him as much TLC as I can and Brandy and Jerry are providing extra warmth!

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Ola!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

It's been rather quiet since my last blog entry and that has mainly been due to our holiday.

We had a lovely time in Sitges (Spain), but sadly didn't get to see the carnival this year as it was postponed due to high winds.

That didn't put a damper on the holiday though as it was still fun to catch up with our friends and to chill out, stroll along the prom, taking in the views and enjoying the food and drink.

I have not had any time to sit at the PC at home as Richard came back from Sitges very poorly so I have been making sure I am looking after my baby. I plan to get the photos online as soon as I can.

I did view a manor yesterday with a hope that it may be the location of our big event. I am happy to report that I really like it. Richard and I are taking a drive over there on Saturday for another view, probably then we'll know for sure.

Hopefully by the weekend Richard will be better, I will have finished the redesign of Trunk Guy and got some photo's online! If not - I am sure you are a patient bunch and can wait just a while longer! ;0)

Adios!

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