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...and stretch!

Sunday, April 30, 2006

"Life is just too much some times. I love this new bed spread so much it'll take me days to explore all of it!" - Brandy

[Listening to: Sun Science (Original Radio Edit) - Crazy P B - Sun Science - EP (3:27)]

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AbsolutGuyz

For some time now I have been meaning to look at Absolut Kravitz.

I did wonder how Absolut Vodka would manage to mix their brand with Lenny Kravitz music and I was very surprised by the results.

What you get is a thoroughly interactive web site that uses all the best of the latest web technologies combined with the ability to find out about developments through a pod cast as well as downloading all of the ten tracks (Lenny's original plus nine remixes), free of charge.

My particular favourites (apart from the original), are: Nikko Patrelakis (from Greece) and Latinsizer from Mexico.

This is a truly excellent concept and one I would like to see more of.

Of course if you don't have broadband don't bother!

It's such a shame this wasn't nominated for a Webby - especially as I have just spent 40 minutes voting for my favourites - I feel some of the categories are lacking decent nominees.

[Listening to: Absolut Kravitz Remixed by Latinsizer - Latinsizer - www.absoluttracks.com (6:20)]

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Wrong wrong wrong!

Saturday, April 29, 2006

I am sorry but this is just wrong!

I get the idea of mashing and I get remixes but this album goes a step too far.

It manages to successfully screw up some of the best Prince records ever!

(And the title takes a lot to be desired too!).

I have to go and play the original now - otherwise I will just end up feeling dirty... eeeuurrgghh!

This on the other hand, made me chuckle:

[Listening to: Purple Rain - Prince - NPG TV: Channel 4 (1996 - 1997) (3:35)]

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Driving me mad!

Friday, April 28, 2006

Well after two days of investigation, waiting and stress the garage have finally found the cause for the thumping on the car. Thankfully it wasn't as serious as we had originally imagined but it has cost me two days! That said, it was serious enough!

I'll never understand mechanics and to be honest I don't think I will ever want to! I'll save that kind of thing for the men in overalls.

(Listen to Trunk Cast 38 to find out what I am going on about).

So it's a bank holiday weekend (again!). I am sure whatever we plan will be dictated by the bank holiday commuters and the weather - it would be nice to get into town and chill though...

A bonus of having this bank holiday is that it shaves another day off my working days at Cranfield.

If the weather isn't too hot we have a number of jobs to do about the house and a couple DVDs to watch. Thanks to Play.com our Brokeback Mountain DVD arrived early (it was released on Monday but we received it on Saturday). The Producers has also arrived from our Amazon rental list so I am sure this will guarantee the pair of us will spend the weekend singing Keep It Gay!.

Wherever you are and what ever you plan to do - have a great weekend.

Keep It Gay from the album "The Producers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" by Mel Brooks

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*Trunk Cast 38

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Episode 38 Newer, cleaner, crisper me?

New job, new horizons and moving on...

Does a new microphone and a better set up make a clearer, franker Trunk Guy?
The troubles with cars, the trouble with gay men and eBay!

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 (38)" : Trunk Guy]

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Funny ha ha

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Today has been a funny day - it started off well but it seemed to go downhill rather quickly.

I just don't have any enthusiasm for my current position now and simply want to move on.

I know I have things to arrange for the Big Event as well as moving to my new job and I just have itchy feet.

I should be grateful for this transition as I am sure in the coming months things will be rather hectic.

I know I really won't miss the drive - the road works especially wound me up today, simply because it is such a challenge keeping the car at such a low speed constantly whilst watching and avoiding all the other drivers. At least at speed everyone keeps their distance (mostly everyone), and you can think ahead...

At least before I start in June I will get to catch up with my folks, and for once, here in our home.

Oh by the way, my W900i is still up for auction if you think you might like to place a bid ;)

My initial foray into EBay hasn't been very smooth as I have run into problems with a buyer and I managed to accidently refuse a purchase offer yesterday! I still don't see what all the hype is regarding this web site.

Whilst I am on the subject of web sites - what's with the latest internet Exploiter patch? Why on earth do 90% of Flash files now display a "click to activate" message when the file is already loaded? One of the tech guys at work tried to put it down to security but I think this is bollocks. If Microsnot have such problems with Flash, why are they making this excellent web technology cumbersome?

I am glad I use Firefox or Safari to do the majority of my browsing. Could this mean Microsnot is planning to try and take over the Flash market? God help us if they did...

We're the Pet Shop Boys from the album "Miracles" by Pet Shop Boys

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(It's) Alright

Monday, April 24, 2006

Today has been a very positive day.

The penny dropped whilst I was at work today and now I am aware that I am leaving in a short space of time. I leave my current employer on the 19th May which isn't that far away. I know now that I can concentrate on preparing myself for my new role and all the challenges it will bring. (Yes this is someone from my current office (in the office) - can you see why I think it's time to move on?).

I've also been feeling rather buoyant as I had my iPod set to shuffle on my entire Pet Shop Boys collection. I have had a very lively selection of music during my commute and it's helped me to revisit old favorites. One such track that stuck out on the drive home was Alright from Introspective. Such a stand out track and a classic sound for the period.

I arrived home to a parcel which I ordered on Ebay. I ordered an iMic for use with a new headset so that the clarity of my pod casts would improve. I have tried it out and am happy with the results (although I have to be careful not to touch the microphone on the headset!).

Another great feature of the iMic is the ability to plug my record player into my iBook and record AAC's of my vinyl. I tried it last night and apart from a slight problem with a long track (I think I was running too many processes and it causes a gap in the recording), it worked perfectly. Now I have one of my favourite Janet remixes in crystal clear quality.

Other good news inlcuded another Congratulation card and Acceptance note from more friends in the South West, whom I called last night to thank. I think that is a positive response from 98% of our guests :) I am sure the Big Event will certainly be a day to remember.

It's Alright from the album "Introspective" by Pet Shop Boys

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Satsuma?

Sunday, April 23, 2006

As planned we went into London yesterday for the London Air Show at Earl's Court. Neither of us really knew what to expect from a static air show and we soon got the answer!

To whole show only took about 90 minutes (including lunch) to navigate... If you are some nerdy plane buff who wants to buy radios, headsets and flight simulators, this is the place for you.

Sadly, not for us!

I couldn't quite work out why you'd want to purchase a two seater plane that came with it's own parachute - see photo on the right!

Any way after departing Earl's Court we made our way along the District Line to Sloane Square and spent a couple hours browsing the shops along the King's Road. There wasn't a clear objective to this excursion but we did manage to visit a number of jewellers to try on wedding rings.

After trying several shapes, precious metals and styles we decided to get some nibbles and head off to Hyde Park.

The Muscle Mary at the front of the bus got our interest, a) cause of the muscles and b) cause of his appalling fashion sense! ;)

It seemed like we were not the only ones capitalizing on the wonderful weather as Hyde Park was really busy. Richard and I found ourselves a nice spot on the grass and enjoyed our impromptu picnic.

We did go back into the maddening crowd for a brief moment as we visited the Apple store on Regent Street. Richard also took me to Mappin and Webb to look at other rings. I tried on flat front platinum ring which had a rolled gold insert. It was a heavy ring but absolutely stunning and spookily it fitted me perfectly. We didn't opt to buy it yesterday though (even though Richard did try some persuasion), this was because I wanted to think about the purchase without rushing into it. I will be wearing the ring for the rest of my life so it has to be right...

We then made out way into Soho and met up with some of Richard's friends. We enjoyed a couple of drinks in the Duke of Marlborough before heading into Satsuma for dinner. I am not very familiar with Japanese food but I must admit the meal I had was very nice - I even tried some of the others dishes (which is quite rare for me).

The five of us sat outside a cafe drinking coffee and watching the Soho elite glide around the village before heading home. It never ceases to amaze me how tired Soho looks - and how ill most of the queens look - I really wonder if any of them notice what a state they are?

That aside we had a lovely day and arrive home late last night to be greeted by two angry, hungry cats!

As the weather has turned today, it looks like we'll be taking it easy.

Touch the Sky from the album "Late Registration" by Kanye West & Lupe Fiasco

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Go on girl...

Saturday, April 22, 2006

...Miss Janet

After all the controversy, the stories about her weight and of course Nipple Gate, it would seem that Janet is back on track.

I cannot wait for the new album to drop...

With the release of 3121, the imminent drop of Fundamental and now this, it truly is an excellent year ;0)

[Listening to: Go On Miss Janet - Throb - Janet Jackson - janet. (4:40)]

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*Trunk Cast 37

Friday, April 21, 2006

Episode 37 Making a Spectacle of Myself!

An interesting mix in this episode: bug chasing, new techonology, making a spectacle of myself, London Air Show, GarageBand and your thanks are the highlights...

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 (37)" : Trunk Guy]

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80 Today...

Many Happy Returns Your Majesty ;0)

I wonder who gets to open all of her majesty's cards and presents?

On a slightly more obscure note: I cannot believe the LA Fire Deprtment (LAFD) use Blogger and Flickr to inform their residents of their call outs!

I suppose it means they don't have to pay for web hosting..!

(How did I find this? It was marked as a blog of note on Blogger!)

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At last!

Thursday, April 20, 2006

At last I have an amended release date from my current employer so I can move to my new job sooner.

I leave my current employer on the 19th May and start at my new employer on the 1st June (my parents are visiting during the interim period so at least I get a break in between).

Finally I can work towards a more definite defined goal and Richard and I can now start to plan the rest of our year - things like holidays etc...

I will be sad to leave but I am really looking forward to moving on...

I can't wait for Fundamental to drop... The video to I'm with Stupid, features David Walliams and Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame. The video is a spoof of the high tech videos the Pet Shop Boys were kicking out to accompany Very and is very amusing.

I just love the whole concept and branding for the new album (as ever)... Looks like another great release.

[Listening to: I'm With Stupid - Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental (3:17)]

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Look Mum...

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Look Mum... new specs!

No thanks to Brandy and/or Jerry!

(Or possibly many thanks to Brandy and/or Jerry!)

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*Trunk Cast 36 - FINALLY!!!!!

Monday, April 17, 2006

Episode 36 The Devil Pod Cast!

Aaaggghhh how difficult should it be to produce a new show? This show has been an absolute trial - I hope I have managed to make some sense after three previous attempts!

Find out why I have ditched my new mobile phone and why Brandy and Jerry have cost me £300!

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 (36)" : Trunk Guy]

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Easter Treats

Easter weekend has been quite civilized. We have managed to do some of the things we had planned whilst managing to take time to chill out.

Good Friday really was our chill out day, Richard and I bummed around the house just relaxing really.

Saturday was out planned house blitz and boy have we gone the whole nine yards! We were both up at the crack and continued sorting the house until mid afternoon. Our house wasn't filthy, we just needed to give the place a decent spring clean. This was also an opportunity to get rid of loads of crap that has hoarded up (paper work etc).

Yesterday we spent out and about. Sadly the weather in Cambridgeshire wasn't as nice as it was here before we left but that didn't stop us. We started our days excursion at Anglesey Abbey. I was not too keen on the Abbey the last time we visited (about two years ago) and those feelings still remain. There is something about the house that just doesn't gel... It's a lovely house with fabulous gardens but it just doesn't feel very welcoming to me.

After a spot of lunch in the picnic area (yes we were prepared), we decided to take a drive to Wimpole Hall.

It was quite a journey as we ended up travelling through a torrential down pour. This obviously caught out one unlucky driver as his car, trailer and car which was being transported were rolled into the siding. Not doubt he was driving to fast for the conditions and lost control. Thankfully he was climbing out of the car when we passed...

It was still raining when we reached Wimpole but that was a great excuse to duck into the restaurant for a spot of afternoon tea ;)

~~Today (Easter Monday), I am off to my local Apple Store to get a Genius to look at my iBook and Richard is off to the gym...~~

Strike that! I didn't get to the Apple Store, I had to cancel... When I went to fetch my spectacles, there was a chip in the right frame. Brandy or Jerry must have knocked them off the mantle last night. Therefore I didn't get to drive (as I need my glasses) and have been stung the best part of £300 for new spectacles :(

At least I have managed to get a podcast online, even if Garage Band is misbehaving!

I cannot believe this four day weekend is nearly at an end.

Oh well, roll on May Day.

[Listening to: I'm With Stupid - Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental (3:17)]

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No Trunk Cast 36 :(

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Unfortunately I am unable to produce Pod Cast 36 this week. This is due to an error with my copy of Garageband.

I have managed to record 95% of the show three times but alas the final stage always ends up with my loosing all my work.

Until I get this problem rectified I won't be producing another show :(

(I hope to get to the Apple store tomorrow to sort out the problem).

I hope you are all enjoying the Easter break?

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Writers block!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

I think I must be suffering from writers block... or bloggers block!

I started to record a video blog at lunch yesterday and the intention was to do it every day this week - thing is I went out for lunch today so didn't get any further with it!

Bang goes that idea...

The weather here is miserable, Prince was right; Sometimes it does Snow in April! And I thought spring had arrived - what's going on?

At least it's a short week this week - Richard and I plan to blitz the house this weekend - well it beats sitting in traffic!

I thought I'd use this blog entry to plea for some inspiration!

Why not Skype me a message, or use the Odeo to record me a message (You can call me via the States using your phone, dial +1 415-856-0205)? Failing that, why not add yourself to my Frappr map?

Go on you know you want to! I promise to use any sound clips in the next pod cast and to drop you a hello - honest!

It would be great to make the Easter pod cast an interactive one...

Go on punks, make my day! (Or week) (Actually I don't like using terms such as punk so I apologise if I have offended!) ;) LOL

[Listening to: Sometimes It Snows in April - Prince - One Nite Alone... Live! (2:41)]

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Delightful!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

We have been enjoying a quiet weekend which is probably just as well considering all the travelling we did last weekend.

Richard and I watched Mrs Henderson Presents and I am pleased to say I was surprisingly impressed by this production.

The cast were excellent, the story was good and the atmosphere of the whole production was brilliant. I love the whole feel of this film, it's definitely one for the collection.

I am not so sure about the full frontal nude shot of Bob Hoskins though!

We're off out today (if the weather stays nice). Popping out to see friends, Sunday lunch and then off for a walk to take in some air. Who says Richard is keeping me busy so that I don't purchase a PSP?! LOL

[Listening to: Girl In the Little Green Hat - Will Young - Mrs. Henderson Presents (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) (2:46)]

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*Trunk Cast 35

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Episode 35 Feeling "Lovesexy"

Following on from my personal musings last week I have decided that it is time to report back. Hopefully the fact that I am labelling this my "Lovesexy" will indicate my current mood.

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 (35)" : Trunk Guy]

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Powerbook Jacking!

Friday, April 07, 2006

Sorry but this has to be a joke!

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Get Ready to JUMP!

I cannot believe that Madonna is expecting people to pay £160 per ticket to see her latest tour!

Mind you I wouldn't be surprised by all the sad people who are willing to pay such a high ticket price.

I think people should boycott this tour otherwise it will set a president for other events.

£160 is a ludicrous amount to see some aging mother strut about the stage showing off her flaps ridiculously tight leotard in the name "entertainment"!

Come on people have some sense - tell her to go take a Jump!

[Listening to: Jump! - Madonna - Confessions of an Over Inflated Ego]

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Weekend etc.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Well it's been a very long two days since the weekend and there is quite a bit to write about - to be honest though I am shattered so I'll keep this brief!

First off anyone who wants to know what happened when we went home needn't worry. Things worked out and my concerns were sorted very quickly.

To be frank my parents were fucking excellent. My mum seemed more worried about finding a hairdresser on the big day rather than anything else.

I think all the original worry and stress has been replaced with time to reflect, take stock and then focus on the positives.

All in all it was quite a productive weekend, we got around to see as many family members as possible. Richard and I took time to discuss as many of the arrangements as we could during the journeys, we have a clearer idea of flowers, table arrangements etc. and the cake is now sorted!

It's also great to see how much of a reaction our big day is provoking and the fact that everyone is making plans to come up for the event, to tie it in with something else and basically to enjoy it for what it is - a celebration of our union.

Smaller

This is a little out of order but please bare with me! Friday was spent running around sourcing florists etc. I spent some time on the phone, popping into suppliers etc and have gotten further down the organised road towards our Big Event.

Friday night Richard and I met in town and went to see Smaller at the Lyric Theatre in Shaftsbury Avenue.

I really don't know what to write about this without giving the plot away. Suffice to say that the performances from all three actresses was phenomenal. Within two hours we had been taken on a roller coaster of emotions for high jubilation to tear of sorrow. This play is a bit black in places but to be honest it's perfectly pitched and excellently observed. I cannot praise the acting, the writing or the direction and higher to be honest - if you get the chance to see this when it leaves the West End to tour the country, I highly recommend it.

Of course our night in London also lead to celebrations...

Resignation

That's because I resigned from my current role yesterday. I won't say much about it here except that I have enjoyed my time at my current employer, the new role is a fantastic opportunity and I'd be mad not to move on.

It also means I get to commute back into central London rather than having to suffer the bloody motorways heading in and out of sodding Bedford every day! There are many pluses to the new role, some of which I am sure you will hear about in the coming weeks. I just hope I can get an exit day from my current mob as soon as I can... Watch this space!

Treat

As a treat (and I did promise), I have uploaded the completed invitation to my Flickr account. All of our guests have received their printed copies and I am very pleased with the final results. Let me know what you think...

[Listening to: La, La, La, He, He, Hee - Prince - The B-Sides (3:22)]

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Feel Free

Monday, April 03, 2006

Today I resigned from my job. ;)

For all the reasons that I can't tell, the road to heaven's like the road to hell. So rap your fingers around the world and treat it like you've found a hidden pearl.

Feel free, be young, be happy, live long.

Mozez Feel Free

[Listening to: Feel Free - Mozez - So Still (3:54)]

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