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Saturday, July 12, 2008

I cannot believe it's been so long since I have put a decent blog entry online. Things really have been very manic and now I feel like I can take a breather (although I am not sleeping properly (yet)).

This week saw the hosting of the Marketing Excellence Awards at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. I project managed the roll out of the web project which featured a number of mini TV shows which educated people about the awards. On the night I had a crew in place interviewing key members of the company before the ceremony, the dinner and then the winners. It was a very hectic and long night (nee day) but it was worth it.

I worked pretty much straight through Thursday and was at the studio early yesterday morning to monitor final edits before getting back to the office to have the film and communications out by 8 am.

Needless to say I am very happy that the whole event has been a huge success. People are happy with a number of things but for me it was especially great to hear nominees mention the TV shows and comment positively around all the work we have completed.

The photo was taken during the dinner and gives an impression of the interior of the Great Hall of the Royal Courts of Justice (the second highest court in the UK), the set up and the atmosphere ;0)

There is a photo of me which I took around 2.30am when I returned to my hotel for a brief sleep. I took it with my Nokia as my parents wanted to see me in my tuxedo... ~~I may upload it later ;0)~~

Update - OK as you can obvioulsy see I have now uploaded the hideous photo :( God I HATE this photo!

So that's a huge amount of work, time, blood, sweat and (nearly) tears but I am very very happy with where we are with the whole project.

Yesterday was also a big day as my iPhone 3G arrived at the house at 7 am. Richard took delivery for me. Sadly I cannot connect to O2 at present due to demand and the high volume of subscribers but at least I have it and I am very impressed. I am also in the process of updating my Touch with the 2.0 software as I think it is excellent. I am very impressed with Mobile Me too.

On a more site related note I have decided to discontinue Release. It's been fun and a nice experiment following the closure of my Trunk Casts but my past couple of weeks has made me realize that I have other things to concentrate my time on (the death of my Lacie external hard drive loosing all my files, 6 years worth of photos and videos this week doesn't help either). It was fun and thanks to everyone for there support but this officially is the end of my days as a pod caster.

Labels: Apple, Digital Media, iPhone 3G, iTunes, London, News, Release, Richard, Trunk Cast, Work

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Ping!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

If you have downloaded Release 6 you would have grasped at just how busy I am at present. This is why I wanted to write about a fab new service from ping.fm. What does it do? Well it enables you to update many web sites (social sites and blogs) from one location, all at the same time. I know I could just as easily not update all these sites but when running a blog or a pod cast, it's a good idea to promote what's going on.

Ping.fm allows me to enter blog entries and status updates (the kind of things you put into Twitter or Facebook) without having to open all the services to do them individually. I think this is a fantastic idea and am lucky enough to be part of the public beta.

If you seem to spend your time updating various online profiles then I suggest you check it out.

Again if you have downloaded Release 6 (see what I did there!), you will know I talked about the recently announced iPhone 3G.

I have been looking into all the press and all the online chat regarding the iPhone 3G and I still want one but even I can note a couple of failings:

No Flash - doesn't sound like a big problem and it probably isn't, just a surprise there isn't one as it appears to be standard nowadays
Stereo Bluetooth - Believe me as a commuter with bags and jackets to carry being free of headphone leads would be wonderful. Stereo Bluetooth has neither been confirmed or denied but it'd be great if it were included.
Video Recording - Now I stick by my comments in Release 6 that I really don't feel video recording is crucial so I don't see this as a flaw. What I do see however is a positive that certain developers such as Qik and Flixwagon have already achieved online video streaming from a standard iPhone.

I see lots more positives on top of these few minor negatives:

Extended Battery life - Best available for 3G use and great as a standard iPod and Phone.
Apps! - Never have I known there to be so much enthusiasm and support for applications on a mobile device. Sure you can add applications to other mobiles but they never seem to live up to their promises. The apps for iPhone look amazing and if the recently announced winners/runners up from the Apple Design Awards are anything to go by, we're in for a treat! To me this seals the iPhone 3G as a device which will not only increase productivity but will also enable me to have more fun - especially during periods when I am commuting or travelling...
GPS - Regardless of whether Tom Tom are allowed to install their software on an iPhone, the Google system that currently works has already helped me out of a few jams over wi-fi in the city (my sense of direction is shocking) - with the new GPS system and the extended wi-fi network - how can it loose?
Extended Wi-Fi Coverage - Not only do us UK benefit from the excellent 3G services here but we also get extended wi-fi coverage thanks to a deal 02 have done with BT which adds their OpenZone wifi areas to the already hefty list of wi-fi spots offered by The Cloud

Honestly I could go on and on about this top but I guess the litmus test will be when I have mine in my hand... How many days to go?

Labels: Apple, Facebook, iPhone 3G, Web

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(RED) 3G iPhone

Saturday, June 07, 2008

If this is true - I WANT ONE (like I didn't anyway)!

Courtesy of Crunch Gear

Labels: Apple

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Touched Up!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

I decided to update the Trunkguy Touch/iPhone home screen icon today.

I felt the old one was a little cumbersome as it was a bit difficult to read the text.

As I have updated the show graphic for Trunk Cast (has anyone noticed?), I thought I'd use this new element.

Save TrunkGuy.com to your iPhone/Touch home screen to see the new icon in full affect ;0)

Labels: Apple, Trunk Cast, Web

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Happy Easter!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Even though it's been forecast I still cannot believe the appalling weather we have been experiencing during the Easter break. Yesterday was a day of contrasts, heavy snow fall, torrential hail and blue sky, all fitted into the weather cycle like it was perfectly natural. Today we wake up to this... it's still snowing and as the wind has died down it is starting to settle. This isn't as much snow as received by the north of the country but it's enough, It's March! Next week the clocks change to British Summer Time - what's going on?

The break has been relaxing for now. We took Good Friday as a day to relax, this meant I did some clearing out in the house and Richard did some baking.

Yesterday Liz and Colin came to ours for afternoon tea and we had a very civilized time. It was lovely to spend the day with them. We got to hear all about their honeymoon in St Petersburg and I also got to help them set up a few things on their brand new Mac Book.

Putting their new Mac Book next to my iBook does prove how the technology has moved on (although I feel my older iBook is actually lighter (even though it's bigger)). That said the screen and the speed of the new Mac Book was fantastic. You can test these things in store but until you use them for real things, I don't think you can truly get a feel for them.

I like the Mac Book but to be honest for me the screen is a bit too small. I have the 14" iBook and I like the screen size, I think the new widescreen models look a bit narrow when down to 13". I still am keeping with my decision to upgrade to a 15" Mac Book pro.

The wallpaper I created on Friday was picked up by the owner of Sabet.tv, it's a social network for artists so I took the invitation to join. I am really pleased nat the feed back I have received already regarding my work.
Anyway it's been a restful holiday so far. We both felt last night that it was Sunday. Therefore I guess this means we now start another weekend ;0)

Labels: Apple, Friends, Photography, Weather, Winter

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Too busy to think of a title?

Saturday, March 08, 2008

It's been an interesting day. We popped down to Brent Cross today as I wanted to get some things for my conference trip to Greece on Monday.

I got myself some shirts and the odd pair of trews. I must confess to man handling a Mac Book Air but to be honest I prefer the Pro. I did get some new trainers too but that was during another shopping trip in St Albans. Our big purchase today was our new 32" LCD TV. Richard has been pestering me for one since Christmas and to be honest we got such a good set at an excellent price, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

Think we'll have a quiet day tomorrow. I am staring down the eyes of a chaotic week... I need to pack etc (and we all know how long it takes a gay man to do that!). Not sure I am going to get a Trunk Cast together either, it's yet another things on the list. I'll see what I can do ...

At least I can spend some time at the airport watching BBC iPlayer on my iPod Touch. Thanks to the fab beta and unrestricted access through the Cloud network I can watch whatevers on iPlayer whenever I want. Don't you just love technology (just avoid mentioning the SDK launch delay to me!).

Update: I have uploaded Trunk Cast 126, just a brief update but a show nonetheless.

Labels: Apple, Shopping, Trunk Cast, Work

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P!nk?

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

All hail the new iPod nano and yes it's pink!

Now let's count and see how many flighty queens will be mincing through Soho (or Boho) with one of these before the weeks out!

Labels: Apple

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Non Day

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Today has been a non day and not just because of the torrential rain.

I managed to pull my neck during work yesterday and have been in agony. My baby was kind enough to get me some heat wraps though - this has made the pain slightly more bearable.

I feel guilty for feeling so ill but with the weather as bad as it is, it's not like we would have done anything today anyway.

I have managed to record a Trunk Cast and this episode is a continuation of the last one - it feels nice to be able to follow up on items! Why not have a listen?

Note as an update to the previous blog entry, I have managed to work how how to have multiple icons on one web site for use on Home Screen Widgets in iPhone and iPod Touch. Bookmark either Trunk Guy.com or the Trunk Cast page to see what I mean ;0)

Labels: Apple, Richard, Trunk Cast, Weather

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Touched up!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I upgraded my iPod Touch last night and I love all the new features. I don't care it cost me £12 as I really do think it was worth it ;0)

Great news - if you have a touch or an iPhone and are adding a widget link to your home screen, you don't have to worry about picking an image - thanks to fantastic information found online, I have created an automatic logo ;0) Try it!

Labels: Apple

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KeyNote08

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

So today's the day that Steve Jobs gives his 08 address to the faithful at MacExpo.

Isn't it interesting that the whole technology and media world waits to see what Apple has to say - principally because if it's a good or a bad idea, everyone else will start to try and copy it or integrate with it over the coming year.

As ever there is plenty of speculation ~~but I am happy to wait and see what is announced later today...~~

As you can see Apple have done it again - as predicted the ultra thin MacBook Air*. 80gb hard drive, full size keyboard, built in iSight camera, LCD display, 3lbs in weight and a large touchpad which operates like the iPod Touch! The whole think fits inside a (A4) envelope!

802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR!

No optical drive but the MBA*has the capability to read optical drives from any other available n the vicinity - therefore software updates are all done wirelessly. With the launch of iTunes Movie rental DVD/HD - this could spell the end of DVDs!

It's a 13" widescreen but only .76 x .16 inches thick!

Do I want one? Is Robbie Williams a screaming fag? YES!

Oh and is it extortion to charge Touch users £12 for the free iPhone update with all the extra functions - possibly. But that didnt' stop me buying it - especially as it gives my Email access no - and legitimately too!

Labels: Apple

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Where have I heard that before?

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Confused by the title? Listen the the Trunk Cast regularly? Listen to show 118 to find out what I am on about - seems like it's not just the pod casting fraternity who use GarageBand to create music!

I haven't blogged yet this week - mainly because I have managed to churn out two Trunk Casts in one week! Believe me this level of production won't keep up for long (not when work kicks in again).

;0)

Labels: Apple, Music, Trunk Cast

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An Open Letter to Apple (Dugg)

Saturday, November 03, 2007

This would be a great update to the Touch and the iPhone - stop by the site leave a comment and Digg the story too.

I have one request: please add podcasting support to the iTunes Wi-Fi Store, as you’ve done in the main iTunes Store. As you know, podcasts are a great way to extend the power and usefulness of an iPod, and a great way to upsell buyers to larger hard drives, particularly video podcasts.

read more | digg story

Labels: Apple, Digg

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The Release of Leopard

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Despite the realise of Leopard and all the broo-ha-ha in the technology community I am feeling a little left out. I love my iBook and it has given me much joy and use since I have had it - much more than any other PC I have ever had and yet it is unable to move boldly into the new level of OSX. All the technical aspects are there, including RAM, chip set etc but sadly my hard drive is full to bursting.

I run my iBook with around 6GB free which is adequate for my everyday use but sadly this is not enough (according to Apple's tech specs) to upgrade to Leopard. I have read that the upgrade needs 9Gb and in some places 3Gb - I wish I could confirm which it was as I would gladly upgrade if it didn't take up too much space.

Still I guess it is best to wait as I have been thinking about purchasing an iMac for some time - it would make sense too as it would enable me to a) ditch Windows for good b) upgrade to Leopard and to iLife 08 at the same time (at no extra cost) and c) have a fantastic desktop machine too. Of course I won't be getting rid of my trusty old iBook.

Oh well I guess all I can do for now is read the reviews and dream...

The fifth major update to Mac OS X, Leopard, contains such a mountain of features - more than 300 by Apple's count - that it's difficult to boil this $129 operating system release down to a few easy bullet points. Leopard is, at once, a major alteration to the Mac interface, a sweeping update to numerous included productivity programs, and more...

read more | digg story

Labels: Apple

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Joy...

Saturday, September 22, 2007

For those of you who couldn't make it to the 21 nights in London, for a further 21 nigths Prince has made an exclusive set available over at 3121.com.

I managed 3 of the 21 nights and I already miss him!

I'm offline for a bit now as we're about to head off on holiday - north east of England this time for a weeks chill out. Don't forget to watch my iPod Touch review! (subscribe to my Trunk Cast or download here).

See you on the rebound!

Labels: Apple, London, Music, Prince, Trunk Cast

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iAm really impressed!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Woo Hoo! I have my iPod Touch - it's not the one that I ordered from Apple but one that Richard spotted whilst in London today ;o)

My new baby is syncing as we speak - expect a full review soon!

----- Update -----

Well I have had a couple hours last night and this morning to try out my new 16gb iPod Touch and I an very impressed.

Ignore the negative reviews. The screen is bright and sharp delivery a very crisp image.

The iTunes store works perfectly (in the UK). I would even say downloads are faster.

All the interface flourishes are very nice but of course they all serve a purpose.

More later...

Labels: Apple, Music

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Safari on PC!

Monday, June 11, 2007

At last the worlds best browser is now available on PCs - yes Apple have released Safari to the PC market.

Goodbye IE for good!

Labels: Apple

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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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Dashboard Widget (OSX)

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Do you use MAC OSX? Are you tired of subscribing to individual pod cast addresses?

Then why not download my OSX Dashboard widget. This funky little widget links you direct to my Trunk Casts ensuring you never miss a show again :)

(Please note Apple Mac OSX version 10.4.3 is required to run this widget. This is version 1.0. Please inform me by email of any problems that you may encounter. This widget is distributed as freeware but please make sure all references link back here to trunkguy.com. Please do not link directly to this file from other web sites.)

Labels: Apple

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Once upon...

Saturday, February 10, 2007

This is truly magical. Once again Air have produced a cracking record. I cannot wait for the album to drop (I have placed my pre-order on iTunes).

The web site is very well executed too. Check it out

Labels: Apple, Music

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Excellent advice

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Labels: Apple, Humour

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iTrunkGuy!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

After updating my Nokia N73 to resemble the much hailed iPhone I decided to make a few adjustments to other things!

I did make some changes to the look and feel of OSX with Shapeshifter but as I have found it is very difficult to update such a brilliant operating system.

Afterwards I spent some time altering my Dell XP machine and am very happy with the results. Thanks to FlyaKiteOSX I now have a Windows machine that now completely resembles OS X. Of course there are some differences and the obvious better performance etc of OS X couldn't be replicated with a simple mod, but now I am much happier to spend time in front of my PC as I don't have to use the freakish iconography that Microsnot insist on installing into every program.

I did also notice an update to the fantastic CoComment tool and have now installed the Firefox Extension. For those of you who don't know, CoComment keeps track of all comments you make on blogs etc and allows you to view them all in one place - this is a great idea for keeping up with conversation threads.

I'm also currently filling my iPod thanks to Griffins iFill. It's not that I don't have enough music already, it's simply a great way to fill my iPod with things I may not have heard before. This really is a simple tool which accesses the iTunes radio stations and saves the songs broadcast on ones you select. What's extra special is that the song and artist information is saved and the jingles are cut out :) Another stellar product from Griffin.

Right it's a lovely day, I'm not wasting it in front of the computer. I'm off to do some painting and some weeding. I have a hell of a week ahead of me, I start a damn course tomorrow so I am going to make sure I make the most of my day.

Labels: Apple

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WTF?!

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Some people just have too much time on their hands don't they!

And what about this!

And for those of you who can't wait to get your hands on an iPhone, why not download an iPhone theme for your current mobile!

Labels: Apple, You Tube

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And all that Jazz

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

And so the family grows...

This is Jazz, another of the original Transformers I had when I was a kid. Again considering he's 25 years old he is in excellent condition. Unlike Optimus he's complete too... I've managed to nab a great edition with all the parts, the extras and instructions. A very good find.

Of course Transformers cannot compare to the technology that we have these days and I am waiting patiently for the latest announcements from Steve Jobs at the MacWorld Expo.

Sure there will be changes to the iPod etc and of course there will be iTV. I just wonder what else they will come up with. There is plenty of speculation but I am not going to bother, I am just interested to see what is produced.

I think people get more excited about the announcement of things from Apple as their products, look good and they know how to market. The best thing is that there is seldom any wait. I know for sure the Apple Store is already offline - ready to come online with the new goods.

Update Of course after all the speculation and the waiting (and just after I get myself a Nokia N73); Steve Jobs announces the iPhone.

At first I didn't like the look of it but considering what it does, how it does it and the fact it does it by running OSX is very very tempting and simply amazing.

Another one in the eye for Gatesy and his band of nerdy followers.

Let's hope it's not going to be too costly!
Oh I have to say a Big Thank You to the people over at 3 - yes 3 the mobile phone network! They featured my Optimus Prime photos, posts and Trunk Cast in their X Series blog. Thanks for the exposure guys!

Strays of the World from the album "Crystal Ball" by Prince

Labels: Apple, Transformers, Trunk Cast

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Prince and Santa

Saturday, December 16, 2006

I can only imagine what Prince will put together for next years Superbowl Half Time show - rest assured though it'll be the best thing to ever happen to the Superbowl.