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Beautiful Night

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Last night's Prince concert at the 02 was amazing. He really is on form, jumping, dancing, spinning and gyrating around the stage like he has always done.

The concert was very good and the short dude (to quote Dean) was on stage for around 2 and a half hours.

The set was very tight and this incarnation of the band are very good. Of course the inclusion of Maceo Parker means lots of Sly and James Brown tracks being kicked out to the masses.

Dean and I were both quite interested to see Vanessa's reaction as she was so excited. When Prince came up through the floor of the stage she was speechless. Ness also managed a tear or two during Purple Rain. I am not criticising though as I had tears rolling down my face during Sometimes it Snows in April.

Prince managed three encores during the main concert and he certainly mixed up his repertoire. The opener was Let's Go Crazy which really got the audience in the mood. Other songs (that I remember) were Guitar, Controversy, Raspberry Beret, Pass the Peas, Play that Funky Music, Lolita, Kiss, Musicology, If I was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, Shhh, Sexy Dancer/Le Freak, I Feel 4 You, Cream, Pink Cashmere, Black Sweat, Take Me with You, I Would Die for You (although that may have been the after show party), Little Red Corvette and Nothing Compares 2 U.

I think that was it!

I just want to say a quick note about the venue as I am really impressed with the way they have changed the venue since it was the Millennium Dome. It's like a small village inside with the stadium at it's center. it was clean, Light, spacious, everyone got a good view and the acoustics were very good.

I wouldn't want to pay for the £250 front seats though cause I fear being sat at the front by the top of the symbol would mean you wouldn't see very much (Prince seem to spend the majority of the concert on the point).

It was a bit of a crush getting out too - I don't think it helped that out of the 20,000 people, 2,000 of us were making our way to the night club for the after show party.

Now what can I say about the party? I enjoyed it. It was fun. The DJ had a cool knack of mixing Prince tracks in with more contemporary ( and not so contemporary) stuff, I am just ashamed by the behaviour of some of the crowd.

a) I cannot believe just how drunk some people were and b) I cannot believe how rude people were.

We were all told the after show party was a strict no camera affair and people didn't listen, much to their own undoing.

Nikka Costa (who also opened the main concert) came on stage around 1.30 (we had gotten into the club round midnight) and she opened with a very strong set. During Like a Feather, Prince joined her on stage. The song was really tight but sadly our attention was drawn to the bouncer hauling people out of the club for taking photos.

At this point Ness and I did throw glances as we noticed Prince didn't seem to happy. Sure enough we were right as he didn't come back on stage. The band joined Nikka for a rousing rendition of Every body's Got Their Something but after this people started to heckle her.

Nikka really did seem to be struggling to keep the crowds attention and I found it very embarrassing to her this wonderful woman sing whilst a small percentage were chanting "We want Prince".

Nikka Costa left the stage around 2.30 and we noticed the stage wasn't being prepared but it looked like It was being dismantled. It was at this point we'd decided we'd had a great night, enjoyed the concert and had a good ol' dance at the after show party and called it a day. I eventually got home just before 4am!

Reading 3121 this morning it appears that we were right to leave when we did as Prince didn't come back on stage. I am not worried though as we had an excellent time and a free Nikka Costa closed concert to boot (and she had the worlds hottest guitar players backing her up at one point ;o) ).

All in all a fantastic show and my poor aching back and feet are proof of how much dancing we did last night.

Roll on Tuesday when we get to do it all over again!

Labels: 365, Friends, Music, Prince

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No Cast this week

Thursday, July 26, 2007

I have been thinking about when I can get a show recorded this week and I am afraid there is no opportunity for me to do so.

It's been another unbearable week and I really do not have the time or the energy.

I am sure when I do record my next show there will be plenty to say.

For now I am focusing on making it through this week and heading towards the weekend. At least Richard has invited some friends over to help him belatedly celebrate his birthday.

I have by some small miracle managed to keep up my 365 days set in Flickr although this weeks photos are a little sporadic in style - I think they reflect my mood perfectly though!

Oh if any of you are on Facebook, keep an eye out for me and Brandy too as she now has her own Catbook page ;o)

Labels: 365, Cats, Trunk Cast, Work

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Chelsea Rodgers was a Model...

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Calling Planet Earth, it's 8 am on a Sunday, I have just got up, grabbed the first clothes to hand, got dressed and headed off to the newsagent.

Why?

Prince's new album was given away today in the Daily ~~Fascist~~ Mail. I know I will get a free copy with my concert ticket in a couple of weeks but who could resist such an offer? The entire album for the cost of the newspaper (£1.40)!

First listen it sounds like Prince is back on form and I am really looking forward to the concerts in a couple of weeks ;o)

The stand out track has to be Chelsea Rodgers. You can tell there has been a re-introduction of Wendy and Lisa as parts of the album sound familiar (Purple Rain familiar).

"Chelsea Rodgers was a model..."

Oh and this is my Simpsons Avatar (well, everyone else is doing it!)

(This doesn't mean I am going to see the movie though!)

Unlike Transformers as Richard and I are off to see the preview screening at the Empire, Leicester Square next weekend :o)

Labels: 365, Music, Prince

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Unnesseccary Security?

Saturday, July 14, 2007

I am all for secure transactions and keeping my data safe but I think this is a step too far.

This morning I received my NatWest card reader which generates a code for use when completing transactions online.

I theory this is great but in practice it's a complicated step. I also make purchases from work - I guess this now means I will have to take this dam gizmo to the office every day!

Labels: 365

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WaTcHoUt!*

Friday, July 13, 2007

It's been a more than unusual week at work as we moved into our new premises this week. I say new as we have moved back into our old building but it has been completely refurbished. So much so the old name has been removed and it's been renamed to 100 VE.

You won't be able to miss it on the bank of the Thames it's an imposing 1920's Art Deco building but now the interior is a swish technical heaven!

I took some snaps when we first went to view it and today whilst enjoying my lunch on the roof over looking London. I think we have a better view than the tourists who go up in the eye (and we get paid to be there!)

Vanessa has been a complete star today and has managed to come up trumps for the Prince concert we are attending on the 4th August. Not only are we going to see the MPLS genius at the 02, we have also managed to secure tickets to the After show Party! I have been fortunate enough to attend some of these in the past and it feels odd to be acquiring tickets before the event but I know it's going to be worth it.

I think it will be a very late night on the 4th (giving me just about enough time to recover to do it all over again on the 7th ;o) )

* this was meant to sound like Prince's opening scream from Gett off

Labels: 365, Music, Photography, Prince, Work

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Aacabado!

Friday, July 06, 2007

At last I have managed to upload all of the photo's from Madrid.

New collections include random snapshots, the photo's taken on Richard's birthday and Madrid's Barajas Airport.

I will write and pod cast about the trip when I have more time...

This is another taster - click here to view the complete collection!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Palacio Real de Madrid

The next installment of Madrid photo's are here...

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Plaza Mayor

Thursday, July 05, 2007

OK part two of our series of photographs from Madrid.

This set includes lots of photos from Plaza Mayor (there is also another set of snaps from my camera phone here).

There are more to come..!

Labels: 365, holiday, Photography

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Maybe...

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Maybe the course wasn't so bad after all...

I think the great thing about this week has been the other attendees and our excellent tutor. It was kind of awkward to have all those nationalities in one room at first (English, Swiss, Russian, German, French and Belgium), but we soon all relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed one anothers' company.

I would like to think I have made some great new friends this week and learnt a great deal in the process.

Roll on our next get together in September!

Labels: 365, Foundation, Friends, Photography, Work

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Nice Package

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Last nights recording of French and Saunders at the BBC was hilarious.

As ever Dawn and Jennifer were even funnier off script than on it.

We were treated to a bevvy of clips from old shows and lots of new material. This is because the show in production is a 20 year celebration of work.

It's great to see that after that much time their comedy still remains fresh, funny and relevant.

This is even more relevant as the Head of Comedy for the BBC, John Plowman, presented Dawn with a Rockie Award which she had won from the Canadian Comedy Awards for The Vicar of Dibley.

As you can see from the photo, the BBC are definitely capitalizing on the success of Dr Who and have placed a Tardis outside the audience entrance, I couldn't resist getting my photo snapped inside it.

Unfortunately Richard was unable to make it due to work commitments but the mirth was shared with Dan and Matt.

We've quite a busy weekend ahead of us as Carol and Dave are in London this weekend as Dave is taking part in the Commemorative Falklands March tomorrow.

I doubt I may blog for a while as next week I am away on a course for work (boo). Straight after we are off to Paris for the Air show (yay!) - so at least you can expect lots of photos very soon!

After a short sabbatical Trunk Guy.com Trunk Casts returns to your ears in the form of show 94 ;o)

This show really builds on my blog entries and photos from the past couple of weeks with the odd twist. There is an appearance from a special guest too ;0)

Labels: 365, Friends, Humour, News, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast

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Weeeiiii!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Well it certainly has been a busy weekend!

It started with Richard and I travelling down to Southend to meet with Dan and Matt. As you may recall we went down a couple weeks ago as Dan was due to take a flying lesson - a gift from Matt.

The weather originally was terrible but thankfully this weekend was much better.

We had a lovely morning and Dan (albeit with two planes) managed to get off the ground.

As you can see from the photo's he was as pleased as punch!

Afterwards we all headed into Southend for celebratory fish and chips and a stroll along the prom.

Richard had the crazy idea to go to Lakeside on the way back where we managed to get our hands on a Wii (with extra controller, Sonic, Red Steel, Wii Sports and a GT).

Needless to say the majority of last night was spent with Richard and I swinging our arms around like we were demented.

I can certainly tell why the Wii has been such a big hit though. It's so much fun to play and to be honest I think you easily curb the amount of time playing as the games are so physical. I am sure I have wii tennis elbow already.

I do think wii sports is the best and I especially love the amount of aggression I can shed with the boxing ;0) Richard is a natural bowler although we did nearly loose our lamp shade on a couple of occasions!

Keep a look out for our Mii's as they are out in the wii-lderness!

Of course Saturday night also saw the BBC's broadcast of the Pet Shop Boys concert I attended on Monday... For this week only you can download it.

(p.s. you can blame Dan for the lack of pod cast this week as I have been editing the video of his flying lesson..) ;0)

Labels: 365, Friends, Pet Shop Boys, Photography, Pic-a-Day, Shopping, Wii, You Tube

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Recovered!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Well I have just about recovered from the work conference. It did seem to be very intense and I think actually organising the event as well as attending just adds to the pressure.

I am really pleased that everyone enjoyed the team activity I had arranged. We were shown how to sculpt with ice and were given the challenge to pair up and come up with a wine cooler.

Lawrence and I took the challenge of keeping the exterior of the design minimal whilst focusing on the inside of the block - placing the bottle in the opposite way to normal whilst making a feature of the shards etc inside.

I think we achieved what we had set out to do and as everyone else seemed to knock the hell out of their blocks, we were certainly the only ones to follow this route.

That's not to say the rest of the team didn't do well, there were some great designs.

I am not sure I would arranged an activity which gave Lawrence control of power tools though. If you follow this link you will see the other photo where he is brandishing a saw - scary!

I look at this photo and I still hate my hair - I look bloody awful. I am certainly going to change my barbers as that's two terrible hair cuts in two visits.

The decor in the hotel and the total lack of hair did allow me to take a cool 365days photos yesterday which I titled "Red Letter Day".

Can you see me in the shot? I think it's very subtle but I like it.

BTW whoever thinks that the new Maroon 5 album sounds like Prince - or picks up on his influences needs their head read. It's fucking awful!

Labels: 365, London, Photography, Prince, Work

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One of the Crowd!

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

The Pet Shop Boys web site features a photo they took before the closed concert on Monday evening at the BBC. It's not a great picture but the circle points out where I am in the crowd.

Labels: 365, London, Pet Shop Boys

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Do I Have To?

Well today has been bloody manic and I feel my away days won't be very restful.

I find it odd the I have a marketing role and I appear to be doing anything but that.

I am so tired I cannot wait for the weekend to arrive. I think it'll seem to take forever to arrive though.

There was a small highlight in my day (which I almost forgot!). A number of us went to the Bridewell Theatre again for lunch time theatre and enjoyed a very jocular version of Twelfth Night.

I honestly don't know how the production company put on such great plays and turn them around in 45 minutes but they do. It was a very welcome break from work.

I doubt I will have any time to podcast this week which is annoying. Increasingly I appear to be loosing track of what I would like to do with my time.

As I have a course coming up I don't think pod casts will be happening any time soon. Maybe things will pick up when Richard and I go to Paris at the end of the month.

Oh well, I am going to sign off as I need to pack, I need to unwind and I want to catch the final Ugly Betty.

Labels: 365, London, Trunk Cast, Work

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Going downhill

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Well today started well enough. Sun was shining, Richard treated me to a bacon bagel, my morning smoothie woke me up and I was still elated following last nights gig.

I decided to get my hair cut and the day went down hill from there. To start with my request was simple enough: grade 1 sides with a trim. Sadly the barber was more interested in telling me about his move to London rather than paying attention. I now have a very short hair cut and I hate it.

I returned back to the office to an unpleasant scene and within 5 minutes wondered what I was doing there.

A 'chat' here and a 'meeting' there soon left me royaly fucked off. My whole day had been turned on it's head within a matter of minutes. Now I am heading home wondering why I got out of bed this morning.

The prospect of two days away with the team doesn't make me too happy. At least the weekend will arrive sooner.

Labels: 365, London, Work

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Kings Cross (eyed)

Monday, June 04, 2007

What an excellent night. The Pet Shop Boys at the BBC were superb.

I was lucky enough to be right up the front where the view was amazing.

The newly refurbished BBC radio theatre is an Art Deco jewel.

Once again Neil and Chris were on form and everything seemed much clearer than Hammersmith.

Additional numbers include Being Boring (which once again nearly made me weep) and Kings Cross which I don't think I have ever heard them perform live.

If you have access to BBC Radio 2 online, listen out for Saturdays broadcast of the concert at 9pm.

Going on my own was a little daunting but I have to say hi to the couple from Blackpool and Lee who I have never met before but recognised 'Trunk Guy' from my voice from my pod casts!

Labels: 365, Pet Shop Boys

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Blading for Glory!

Sunday, April 29, 2007

After much planning and a lot of time passing I finally got to spend the day with Andrea, Yvonne and Ness in town.

We planned a day in the Kings Road which is exactly what we achieved.

After shopping our socks off in London's most chi chi borough we made our way to Harvey Nichols where we had an entertaining lunch. Entertaining because we all enjoyed bitching about the waifs and size 0's that seemed to occupy Harvey Nic's desperately trying to avoid eat anything whilst still trying to look cool.

A trip with Bond Street led us in the path of the band of roller-bladers you see captured here. Sadly for Vanessa we learnt that no Tiffany's open in London on a Sunday.

We did manage to get to see the new Abercrombie and Fitch store but apart from the half naked guy on the door it wasn't worth it. The store suffers the same problem as the main one in NYC, it's too dark, too crowded and you can't see what you're buying. At least now I know where all the úber queens are hanging out.

I certainly won't be buying anything from the store though - it seems everyone wants to wear Abercrombie and are prepared to pay the ridiculous prices. I think there are better clothes available for fairer prices (and I won't look like one of the desperate heard whilst wearing it).

It was a nice day though but now I need to go and soak my feet!

Labels: 365, London, UK

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Stretching for the Sun

Saturday, April 21, 2007

It's another lovely Saturday and I have spent some time in the garden taking photo's of our lovely flowers.

My favourite has to be the deep purple tulips I purchase at last years Chelsea Flower Show. They contrast wonderfully with the white bulbs.

Of course not wanting to be outdone, our other little flower is in fine bloom today!

Labels: 365, Cats, Photography

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S L O W

Thursday, April 19, 2007

I have been very slow in writing anything for the blog this week as I just have not had the time.

I did manage to produce another Trunk Cast and that will go some way to explain why.

With one thing and another it's simply been too much to want to spend too much time in front of the computer at home. I think I may even be right in saying my computer wasn't even switched on last night - I'd simply had enough of sitting in front of a computer.

There will probably be even less entries next week as I am away a number of days (again refer to Trunk Cast 88)

This Gay Life - Threadless, Best T-shirts Ever

I did mention the designs I submitted to Threadless last time I wrote anything here and sadly both designs were rejected over technicalities in the design (colours, size etc). I have now updated the designs and resubmitted. Follow the thumbnails to pop by and vote for them - of course, that is when they get approval!

Update - unfrotunately Office Politics has been declined again. I will submit a new version over the weekend!

Man with palm tree strapped to his back spotted in The City

I posted a rather bizarre photograph to my 365 set yesterday on Flickr. (You will need to open the full size image to get what I am on about).

Basically on my walk up to St Paul's yesterday there was a suited chap with briefcase who had a palm tree strapped to his back. I have no idea why, but I fear it was probably part of some tiresome marketing campaign.

There was a photo I captured last year of a yellow open top bus full of children and balloons - this ended up in a Marks and Spencer advert - so I wouldn't be surprised!

Isn't it amazing what you can see when you actually look? I wonder how many people walked past him and didn't notice?

I must say a quick thanks to the guys over at the Gay Boyfriends group of Flickr for choosing a photo of Richard and I as their icon :) We are flattered - thanks.

Labels: 365, Art, Digital Media, Pic-a-Day, Threadless, UK

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Oh we do like to be...

Saturday, April 14, 2007

...beside the seaside!

Lisa and her large portion of (ice) cream

Lisa invited us down to her neck of the woods today and it meant spending one of the warmest days of the year on the coast.

Needless to say we had a lovely day.

We met a couple of Lisa's friends; Barry and Jamie who were also very nice.

It was a bit of a drive but worth the time spent circumnavigating the M25 to be near the sea with a cool breeze and great company. We had a nice al fresco lunch followed by lots of ice cream on the beach (see photo eh Lisa!).

I hope this weather spell continues as I think we'll make the most of the garden tomorrow.

I hope we all manage to get together again soon.

Labels: 365, Friends, Richard, UK, Weather

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Messing about on the river

Sunday, April 01, 2007

We've had a lovely day today. The weather has been very kind to us.

We took a drive down to Henley where we had lunch and watched the world go by - or rather the occupants around the higher reaches of the River Thames.

Henley is lovely as it's not too manic and there's plenty to see and do whilst just ambling along.

The river usually runs low and slow but today the tide was very high and had quite a bit of drag. We think a river up stream must have burst it's banks.

Today's browse along the riverbank was made more pleasurable by the plentiful amount of fit young men in rowing gear ;) I guess the fast moving tides must have been ideal for their training sessions.

Labels: 365, Hunks, Photography, UK, Weather

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