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Jealousy

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Trunk Cast 93 has just been published...

Labels: 365, Pet Shop Boys, Trunk Cast

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Sun, Sex, Sin, Death and Destruction

Monday, May 28, 2007

I didn't think the Thetford PSB show could be bettered but I was wrong.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe put on an electric night of electronic music!

The Hammersmith Apollo was jumping all night - from the opening bars of God Willing/We're the Pet Shop Boys to the finale of So Hard/Go West.

This was an amazing gig and an excellent evening.

I think it'll take Steve and I some time to come back down to earth...

Between us we managed quite a collection of photos - a bit blurry due to all the dancing but we were close enough to the front to give you the idea...

Read Steve's perspective here...

Labels: Pet Shop Boys

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Sleepy but Wild Animals

Sunday, May 27, 2007

We visited Whipsnade Zoo yesterday with Richard's sister and family. I have not been to a zoo in years but not much changes - all the animals huddle together out of view! Just as well I went prepared with a large zoom lens :0)

It was nice to see the children's reactions to the animals though.

Tonight will feature a different set of animals as Steve and I are off to see the Pet Shop Boys, oh we're so Flamboyant! ;0)

Labels: 365, Pet Shop Boys, Photography, UK

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Turfalgar Square

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Until Sunday Trafalgar Square is covered in grass creating a temporary park in the middle of London. Of all the schemes dreamt up for Trafalgar Square, this has to be one of my favourites.

It looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, bit of a shame really as it's been a hell of a week! As well as my usually duties I have also been setting up a major team event at the beginning of June. It's virgin territory for me but it's fun nonetheless. Whilst searching for venues I have been to places in London I never knew existed (and as I am planning it I have made sure it's in Central London). We're off to a fab new location on the river - I get to meet with the team there tomorrow to finalise details.

Richard's sister and family are paying a visit for the Bank Holiday weekend. It should be interesting, Richard still has the scar from last years visit (quite literally!).

Sunday I am off to Hammersmith Apollo with Steve to see the Pet Shop Boys in concert. Even though we saw them at Thetford last August and I have been listening to Cubism on my iPod; I am still really excited.

It'll be a crowded house though as Steve is also crashing at ours! Still it'll be fun.

Right I had better start learning those lyrics (like I need to!). " M I N I M A ..."

Labels: 365, Friends, London, Music, Pet Shop Boys, Photography, Pic-a-Day, UK, Weather

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What a weekend!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

This weekend in Cheshire with Andy and Rob was lovely.

We had such a lovely relaxing time, I am really glad we paid them a visit.

From the moment we arrived they made us feel very welcome and we all took ther weekend as it came, relaxing and laid back.

There were no grand plans for the weekend but we did end up at Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park. Rob even let us play with his Raclette Set ;0)

Watch my video of the main astronomic radio telescope moving to line up with the Earth's Axis (this is the third largest telescope in the world).

A bevvy of photo's are on Flickr (in three separate sets... Cheshire, Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park).

It's been a while since I have uploaded anything, find out all about the last two weeks in Trunk Cast 92.

Labels: Friends, holiday, Photography, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast, UK, Weather, You Tube

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Luv2H8

Thursday, May 17, 2007

OK so we're off for the weekend. Before we go I want to share this fab playlist set up I have created for my iTunes/iPod. Basically it lets me listen to my favourite and least played tracks of the same artist:

1) Create a new Smart Playlist with Artist as (i.e. Prince) + My Rating "is greater than" *** - call it +Prince

2) Create another new Smart Playlist with Artist as "Prince" + Play Count is 0 - call it -Prince

I usually set both of these two select checked items only, random with live updating, limited to 25 items.

3) Create another Smart Playlist with Playlist = +Prince + Playlist = -Prince.

This time check all the boxes (live updating etc), but select 50 items. In the Match box above change the option to "Any".

Save it as Luv2Hate Prince and there you go; a brand new Playlist which allows you to listen to favourite and least played tracks. Of course as you go you can rate your tracks and as they are played their play count goes up. This means whenever you sync your iPod following listening to any of the tracks, you have a new list (but not so new that you miss your favourites)...

Tip: To keep it all in order, save these Playlists in a separate folder.

What do you think? I quite like it. So much so I bought the company (!)

Right I just want to part with the following:

Shadows on the sun
Another night's begun
It's always dark in Luna Park

Wind across the moon
Electric storms and soon a flying spark
in Luna Park

And when we're getting higher we're happy
Somebody's eating fire we're happy
The big wheel in the sky will make you scream
Come on, join a line
The ghost train leaves on time
It's always dark in Luna Park

On the shooting range the plastic prizes never change
So make your mark on Luna Park

Thunder. I wonder?
A storm will come one day to blow us all away like dust on the moon
In Luna Park it can't be dark too soon

Luna Park - Pet Shop Boys "Fundamental" 2006

Labels: 365, Apple, Music, Pet Shop Boys, Prince

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I/U Noticed

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I noticed that there have been very few comments lately :(

U may have noticed that there hasn't been any blog entries or pod casts this week - being back at work has zapped away all my time... I don't know if I am going to record a Trunk Cast this week either as we're away this weekend!

I am just about managing to produce 365 pics though!

Hang in there...

Labels: 365, Trunk Cast, Work

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Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Yes I did vote for this - is that so very wrong?

Labels: Music, You Tube

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Bit Breezy 'innit?

Sunday, May 13, 2007

We spent yesterday in Essex at Dan and Matt's invitation. We were going to down to watch Dan have his first flying lesson but sadly the weather was aginst him. There were some heavy showers at the start of the day but (as you can see from the photo's), the main problem was the high winds.

Still we had a good day out. We went into Southend with Matt's friend Lee for lunch and a wander around before heading back to Matt's home for a birthday party for Dan.

Matt's parents were very hospitable and welcoming. It was a fun day and now I can say I have been to Southend and Canvey Island.

Labels: 365, Friends

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Only 31.21

Saturday, May 12, 2007

I have my tickets...

Do you have yours?

Labels: Music, Prince

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I'm a Speedy Boarder! (not)

Friday, May 11, 2007

First evening, looking very relaxed already (64)

Written on holiday as my daily journal

What is it about airports and holidays that really brings out the worst in people?

At the airport we all queued in a patient and english manner for our turn to board the plane but this calm was punctuated by an arrogant so and so who thought his speedy boarding ticket allowed him to jump the queue in front of everyone else (including other speedy boarders).

I find it bizarre that Sleazy Jet can charge upwards of £3.50 per person per flight just to put 20 people in a queue ahead of other passengers. Especially when these people treat it as Sleazy's equivalent First Class.

Let's face it, everyone has to queue and you all get as much chance as the next person at a seat (and it's not as if anyone will have to stand). And yet there is still this chaos.

This even spilled over to the plane where the two Spanish gents in question (both speedy boarders, both wanting to get on first)), had an altercation. It's not worth it!

Monday We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the apartment before heading out for dinner in the evening. The weather is crisp, warm and sunny - the exact opposite of what we left behind (yes after all this time the nice weather has finally decided to move on from the South East of England).

We soon fell into our Spanish holiday routine and found ourselves in our favourtie restaurant in the evening.

Usually our evenings are punctuated with the odd German vocal but oddly this week there appears to be more Brits here than Germans.

We wouldn't have minded except for the family from hell who decided to sit behind us. With four adults and equal number of children you would expect there to be order but as seems to be the case at home, parents seem completely unable to control their children.

So our peace was broken by hearing this horrible Essex shrill from the mother asking the waiter for E-g-g AND C-h-i-p-s for each of her darling children.

We found this rather amusing, especially as here father and the waiter were trying to explain what the Spanish was (and any English equivalent).

Of course the darling children got their food and ate it with gusto - not! It was too hot, it was too runny, it was anything but edible! And what did the adults in the party do about it? Nothing? They let them sit there, complain, whinge and kick up a fuss. Richard and I commented to one another that when we were that age we ate it when it was served or went without...

Tuesday Today was much more relaxed affair, we got to do what we enjoy on these holidays; lay in till late, have a relaxing (and filling) breakfast on the balcony, shop, lunch, a couple hours on the beach, a shag or two, siesta and then out for dinner :) (Not necessarily in that order).

The beach was quite quiet yesterday but this didn't matter as it meant Rich and I could snooze as much as we wanted in the sun - I think it must have been around 30 yesterday so it was hot enough to bronze out lilly white skin. I think I have managed to catch some sun but I don't like to go too mad... (Until the bevy of German prunes wandering around).

Mickey came with us to the beach too - he had his usually holiday snap taken as well as the swarm of ladybirds that appeared to be occupying the beach.

We both bought some new clothes, something I try to do on every trip - if I don't I end up having to look like all the other clones at home. My only concern is fitting it all into an already packed suitcase!

Lasts nights meal was at a different restaurant as our favourite closes on Tuesday but at least there wasn't enough room for the family from hell to accompany us!

Wednesday Tonight we plan to have the cameras at the ready - for two nights we have been passed by two particularly hot young Spanish guys jogging. Clothed on Monday and topless last night. Believe me, they are well worth the odd digital snap! Hopefully we will see them again tonight!

Surprisingly we didn't spend any time on the beach today, instead we decided to use our time walking along the headland, taking in the sights. This was a great opportunity to use the new camcorder although I am conscious that carrying a video camera really does make you look like a tourist.

Still it was worth the walk especially as there were a couple of Spanish hotties larking about on the rocks (see Trunk Cast 91).

All in all though it was a very calm and relaxing day which culminated in our usual siesta and trip to the beach front restaurant for dinner. Of course we have to fit some sangria into at least one trip so tonight was the night. I don't know if it's the recipe, the restaurant or the location but you cannot beat sangria made by the Spanish in Spain.

Unfortunately the two hot Spanish joggers were not spotted on the prom - only one of them jogging solo. I did capture him on my Olympus (he's in the video for Trunk Cast 91), nor was he topless I am afraid but you'll still get the general idea!

It's been a hot break (in more ways than one), and the weather seems to be getting hotter. It was a balmy 28 yesterday and the report for Thursday is hotter still.

Thursday I can see why birds migrate and take the routes they do - we have had a lot of swifts flying overhead since we have been here and they really do have a fantastic life. They may spend it all on the wing but they do tend to be in the right place at the right time... In a couple of weeks they'll be flying over our house in England - isn't it amazing how they navigate?

So it's Thursday and we need to think about getting the apartment tided up for when we leave. It's nice having access to such a place but that's the difference from a hotel - you have to make you own bed and tidy your own mess! (Not that we are at all messy!).

We had a text from Liz this morning explaining that Brandy has become very needy since we have been away. I think this is true testament to how much she is missing Jerry. I am sure we'll be in no end of trouble when we return tonight!

I had some great news from home today as Ness and Liz have worked Liz crazy to acquire tickets for Prince's forthcoming concerts in London. Thanks to their tanacity, Vanessa and I will be attending two nights in August :)

So I am going to make the most of the warm weather, the birds chirping and the sea view... When you read this we will be home. The photo's should be uploaded to Flickr and Trunk Cast (Video) 91 will be available for download.

Enjoy viewing them, at least as much as we have had taking them.

Labels: 365, Cats, Friends, holiday, Pic-a-Day, Prince, Weather

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Holiday Eve

Sunday, May 06, 2007

It's the day before our holiday so today is the day to dig out everything to pack... and of course my last day to blog before I go.

Do I have much to talk ab out since my last entry? Not really but I have found some cool things online I'd like to share before I go.

1) Magnetosphere. I do tend to think that the Visualiser function in iTunes is underused and forgotten. Unlike the Windows Media Player version which is shoved in your face whenever you play anything. The iTunes visualiser has a number of neat tricks up it's sleeve and I just discovered Magnetosphere which is a rather fab plugin. Check out the link to see a grab from the animation. It's worth a download.

2) Facebook I know there are hundreds of social web sites and groups out there and it's hard to keep up. This is probably why I am only just discovering Facebook. There is a large following in my company so I decided to join up and take a look. I have since created a Trunk Guy Group which you are all welcome to join. Why join Facebook? Well it's neat, tidy, you can navigate and read things with ease and you are not bombarded with garish background images, forced to listen to crap camp or rock music and video. Or in other words this is everything My Space isn't - which in my book is a good thing!

3) BrandyCam We received our new video camera yesterday, a Hard Disc Drive Sony Handy Cam. So what was there to test it on? Brandy of course! It's a great model and the touchscreen makes it very intuitive and easy to use... Check out my upload to You Tube (with commentary from Brandy).

4) Trunk Cast 90 went live yesterday - enjoy!

That's it for now - Adios! I'll see you on the flip side of our holiday. (Yes I could blog whilst abroad but it'll cost a fortune, therefore it can wait til we get back).

Labels: 365, Cats, Digital Media, holiday, Music, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast, You Tube

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A Message for Speeds!

Roll on the 27th May!

Labels: Pet Shop Boys, You Tube

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Fags in Football

Saturday, May 05, 2007

It's long been said that professional football is one of the last professions where it is not OK to be openly gay. Judging by the reactions of the Chelsea players when asked the simple question of who they thought was the best looking footballer at Chelsea, I am not surprised...

Although the boys seem a little shy and awkward to be answering such a question, they majority of them do have good taste. Carlo Cuddicini is quite a dish ;)

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Sent Packing

Friday, May 04, 2007

I may not have started packing yet but at least I have acquired my holiday read!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Out on the lash!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

It's certainly been a busy week. At least for once it's not all been taken up with work though!

To start with their was the Tony Bennett Concert on Monday. Last night I attended a leaving party for Gordon. A colleague of mine who is leaving my company after working there for 13 years. He's jacking everything in to travel around the world and I really admire his guts.

He's a nice chap and he has an oddball sense of humour which I am going to miss amongst our team.

There was a nice group of us in attendance last night and we started the evening by making the most of the warm weather by enjoying the local beer garden on the Thames. We made out way along the South Bank to Wagamama where we had a fun evening scoffing and joking around.

I could have done without getting back so late though.

With all these late nights and early morning this week I will need a holiday. Oh hang on a minute, we're away next week! ;¬D

Note for those of you waiting for this weeks Trunk Cast, I am afraid there may be a further wait as I am too busy enjoying myself!

Anyway I mus come offline and vote - someone has to get Phony Bliar out of power!

Labels: London, Politics, Richard, Trunk Cast, Work

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The Good Life

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Ah the good life, listening to an old geezer crone!

Seriously though, Richard and I were privileged to see the legend that is Tony Bennett at the Royal Albert Hall last night.

Boy what a concert!

I am amazed that a man of 80 has so much stamina. He was on stage for a 90 minutes set with no breaks and he covered a great deal of songs from his repertoire.

What was truly amazing was when he got the sound guys to switch off all the mics and sang a rendition of Fly Me to the Moon only with the aid of a guitar on backing. This 80 year old filled the Royal Albert Hall with sound, his vocals were clear, crisp and bang on the mark. I have never witnessed anyone sing so well with such volume and make it all seem so effortless.

I can see why so many people raved about the Brat Pack when they were in the hey day.

Tony Bennett truly is a musical legend and I feel very honoured to have witnessed this real gent and to have me in his company for one evening.

(Read Richard's account of the concert here).

Labels: 365, London, Music, Richard, UK

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