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Craziness
Monday, June 30, 2008
Last week was crazy - every day something happened - something major and something to put the spanner in the 'ol works.This weekend was also very eventful (not to mention me suffering from a horrendous bout of hay fever).
Did I blog or pod cast about it - no. I was too busy surviving!
Hopefully this week will sort itself out. At least during his birthday on Wednesday, Richard and I get to escape to Paris for the day ;0)
I could ramble on and one but I choose not to - I do however have to ask what is up with the sick bastards in the world these days?
I'll sign out for now with a photo I took whilst waiting for my train this evening. I love London when it's sunny...
Labels: London, My World, News, Richard, UK, Weather, Work
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Waddling 'round London
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Well this photo is proof that even when I am at my busiest we can still manage some time to have fun at work!We have just finished a two day intensive workshop and I was charged with the task of finding an activity (you may remember I had us all ice sculpting last year). Anyway as I knew a number of the team were coming from South Africa, Asia and Argentina etc i thought it'd be nice to have a tour of London. Of course I booked something out of the ordinary.
We went on the Duck Tour which takes place on an old amphibious WWII vehicle which does the standard tour around the roads before heading into the Thames!
I wasn't sure what to expect but as you can tell from the photographs it was a fantastic experience and everyone had a great time.
Sadly Paddy and I didn't win the quiz but we came close - I think the other teams were cheating anyway. I know my boss was getting the answers from her husband via her mobile - she still came second though (although Paddy and my marking might have something to do with that ;0) ).
If you want a fun way to see London I couldn't recommend the Duck Tour highly enough (although do it on a nice sunny day to get the best benefit from the land and the river!)
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Sex AND the City
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Richard and I spent yesterday in London as we had booked to see the Sex and the City Movie.We had a wander around the capital before heading to our favourite branch of Paul for a cake and a coffee. On our walk we made our way to the South Bank via the Millennium Bridge and the Tate Modern - I finally managed to capture some images from the exterior of the gallery following the current Street Art exhibition. We have watched these pieces of work take shape from the office and it's been intriguing.
Another recent addition to London is the Electroscope which enables you to stand in front of it and see people in live in New York who are looking back at London. A novel twist on the web cam me thinks (especially at a tenner a pop!). I love the Jules Verne style of the Electroscope though. As you can see it was certainly drawing a crowd.Of course the main event of the day was Sex and the City. For the majority of the female viewers at the Odeon in Leicester Square it certainly was turned into an event. The cinema was completely sold out and I'd say 90% of the women were all dressed up in their best frocks and come along with their girlfriends. I don't think I have ever known such an atmosphere for a film - there was applause when the film started, gasps during the film and a huge round of applause at the end.
To say it was an emotional viewing would be an understatement - then to be fair it was an audience that consisted of girlfriends and gay couples!That aside the film was brilliant, funnier and wittier than I had ever imagined. The writing was spot on and there were enough plot twists to keep you guessing. It truly was a great film and it didn't feel like an extended episode of the show. There were some truly laugh out loud moments which had us in stitches.
I had heard rumours that a sequel is being discussed as this film has been so successful (it's already outsold the likes of the new Indy movie). Personally I think the SatC movie rounded all of the stories off perfectly and I wouldn't want to see the story continued for the sake of another movie.
New York didn't appear to play such a big part in the movie as it had in the TV shows but it was still great to be able to spot all the locations throughout the film.
Of course the fashion was stunning and you can see where every effort was made to make the film as up to date and as relevant as possible (right down to magazines which featured headlines about the housing problems and Hillary Clinton's campaign).
This truly is a relevant film set in this time period and the studio have to be given credit for achieving such timely content.
Now I would love to talk about the ups and downs of the movie but I feel that most of my audience will be going to see the film so I won't spoil it - I shall just say it's well worth it. Even if you're not a fan of the show it's probably the best romcom ever brought to the big screen.
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Going Ape Sh*t!
Monday, April 21, 2008
What a crazy day!Our factory in Liverpool and the Head Office where I work in the City of London was today targeted by Greenpeace protesters.
They were dressed as orangutans and managed to scale to the first floor balcony of 100 VE (formerly Unilever House), jumping around like apes, playing jungle noises and basically being a nuisance!
They are protesting about our use of Palm Oil in our products and they fact that it is destroying the Apes natural habitat. Of course Greenpeace want to be partly impartial and have said Unilever itself is not just to blame.
The company issued a statement today informing the markets that we head a coalition whose role it is, to find alternative solutions for the use of Palm Oil. It's a mammoth task as lots of products that we all make and consume contain Palm Oil.
I only took the photo below from the railway bridge on my way home (you can see the anti-Dove protest hoardings on the road junction). There are plenty of other photos online as the events have been well covered by the media. Follow this link to find out what the BBC are reporting.
The orangutans were still there when I left and admit they won't go until we stop using Palm Oil - I think they may be there a long time!
Labels: London, My World, UK, Work
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To the Tower!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I was rather ashamed when my eight year old god daughter visited the Tower of London. I have lived in London longer and still hadn't visited.
After a few false starts Richard and I spent the day having a look around the Royal Palace.
I wasn't 100% sure what to expect but I was blown away with the contents of the Tower. I can finally say I have seen the Crown Jewels now too!
Of all the photographs I took today (including Baskys' latest work below), my favourite has to be the photo above of the Beefeater going off to work.
This is a must visit for anyone who comes to the Capital. With our recent acquisition of Royal Palace membership we'll have a few more of the Royal Palaces on our list of days trips this year.
Labels: London
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Finally good news
Friday, April 04, 2008
It's been a very odd and sometimes horrible week. Especially in work, first with the company news and then with the shock news that my 45 year old boos who was our Project Head died suddenly on Wednesday. Find out more in Trunk Cast 130
Today was a brighter day starting with our planned office trip to the Bridewell Theatre for the lunchtime performance of Shakespeares "Tempest". It was another great performance from the production company there. I think got confirmation that my ore ordered copy of Mario Kart Wii is good to go ;) I cannot wait to get my hands on it. See you on the race tracks online.
Labels: London, My World, News, Trunk Cast, Wii
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Perks of the Job
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Thankfully Richard reminded me that the Red Arrows accompanied by the Eurofighters would be flying down the Thames today to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force.The bridges in the city were packed with spectators - thanks to our wonderful new building we got a birds eye view.
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8 Years Old Already!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
On Friday I enjoyed a lovely evening with friends. Sarah and Steve paid a visit to London as they had brought my god daughter, Laura, up to see the Tutankhamen Exhibition in the 02. It is a birthday treat for Laura and her sister Rachel as Laura is 8 this weekend.We met up at the Tower of London before heading off for a nice meal and a catch up.
As you can see they all look very relaxed and happy (although you don't see Steve in these pics and that's not to say he doesn't look relaxed either!).
Trunk Cast 129 is also live - have a listen to find out more.
Labels: Friends, London, Photography, Trunk Cast, UK
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What a day!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
What a day! I cannot believe the chaos caused this morning by First Crapital Disconnect!There was signal failure at Cricklewood which led to all the fast services being cancelled or disrupted. I get the slow serviced anyway as it guarantees me a seat. Of course by the time we were a couple of stations in some loud mouth took it on himself to stop other passengers getting on due to the train being crowded. Fair enough, gallant I guess but there was room for one or two extra people. What happened next defies logic... A passenger trying to get on the train does so only to be pushed off by the passenger om the train. He gets pulled off by the passenger outside a a fight breaks out on the platform - what a performance! I cannot believe people act like this in this day and age.
It just proves that high ticket prices to put people off using trains at peak times does not work - especially when there are such network problems. The irony is two stops later most of the "fat train" crowd got off to join the underground (including Mr Angry).
I was enough to get into the office only marginally later than normal. Richard wasn't so fortunate. When he got to the station he was turned away as the station was closed due to over crowding. This is a favourite trick in central London but something we were yet to witness this far out. He got into the office just before mid day.
What a joke!
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Blustry Day
Saturday, March 01, 2008
It's been a very blustery couple of days - we lost the bin last night (thankfully it was only as far as the end of the garden). I don't quite understand the weather at the moment, one minute it's really dry and mild the next it's freezing cold or raining heavily. It's very unseasonal for February (especially it's now March!).I published Trunk Cast 125 this morning and it's a particularly long show - I decided to include a full run down of my thoughts of the new Janet album Discipline. Be sure to have a listen as I have included the odd sneaky sound bite too.
We're having a quiet weekend following our trip home last weekend. I am off to Greece Monday after next so I had the time to pop into town to look for a few bits to take with me - not sure I achieved anything though having only come back with some socks and a shirt! I must be getting too picky. That or the latest fashions are just hideous. You either look like an Emo, a goth or some middle aged sad surfing type - where are all the nice clothes?
One thing that won't go out of fashion is the Apple Mac and since the announced upgrade to the Mac Book range this week I am tempted to upgrade my iBook as soon as I can (although not for a Mac Book Air as it's simply impractical as my only machine). Of course my enthusiasm will be fired up if Liz and Colin turn up this weekend - they called for some Apple related advice this morning as they are purchasing a Mac Book - I don't think I will be able to resist if I see a new one in the flesh!
I took a number of shots this week but didn't get a chance to upload them until now - this I have done and they are included in the Capture collection on Flickr (displayed below):
It's been a very busy week really. In fact there have been a number of things that I didn't even think to blog about which I could have - most notably was the horrendous situation at Blackfriars Station on Thursday evening. Passengers were not allowed down the external part of the platform as someone had jumped off the railway bridge onto one of the old bridge columns and was planning to jump - when I was there there was a team of police negotiators trying to stop him from jumping. The poor guy was still there when Richard came home and sadly I don't know the outcome.
Richard also set up a new HP Media Server and a Squeezebox - now all our music is in one place, is playable for any iTunes computer, brows-able on the web and playable from any of our internet radios/stereos etc ;0) Don't you just love technology when it works? (Just don't mention Tiscali gggrrr!)
Labels: Cats, Devon, Friends, Gallery, Janet, London, Music, Photography, Plymouth, Richard, Shopping, Trunk Cast, UK
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Back to it
Thursday, January 31, 2008
It's been nearly a week of feeling absolutely rotten and finally I am back out in amongst humanity.I have had a bought of Bronchitis which is not too dissimilar to the awful episode I suffered last October.
I am still on a heavy course of anti biotics which is a bit if a nuisance as I have a weekend of celebrations coming up. I cannot complain though as they are making me feel much better.
Tomorrow is my 34th birthday. I cannot believe it has come around so quickly.
We are helping two close friend celebrate this weekend also. After nine years together they are getting married.
As you can tell it is going to be a very eventful weekend.
The weather has been particularly awful today. The majority of the UK was (and still is) battered by gale force winds and heavy rain. I took this shot late this afternoon from the roof at work - it's the only very brief pause in the weather.
Labels: Birthday, Gallery, London, Photography, Weather, Winter
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Happy Christmas
Saturday, December 22, 2007
It finally feels like Christmas.Thanks to a very generous gift from our boss, the whole team (50 of us) were taken to the Royal Albert Hall to see the Christmas Concert. I cannot think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit.
As you will see from this photo we had excellent seats - right at the stage, next to the choir and the orchestra.
It's been far too long since I joined in on a proper old fashioned Christmas sing song and the majority of the show included audience participation.
I am not sure if Milly and I look like we were ready to sing but as you can see we certainly look happy.
The set included lots of traditional favourites as well as contemporary classics.
I cannot think of a better way to spend my last working afternoon of the year than in such wonderful surroundings with such good company.
So my presents are purchased, wrapped and under the tree. The kitchen is stocked for the big day and there is enough coal in the cellar to heat the living room for a year (well maybe not that much).
Sadly Aleysha Dixon won Strictly Come Dancing, I have no faith in the British public now. It looks like the cult of celebrity has won out. Matt Di Angelo was by far the best dancer, giving the most effort and technically the best routines. Bad luck Matt - we voted for you in this house!
Be sure to check out Trunk Cast 116 as it is a run down of the year and there is a special Christmas message from me to you all.
We're spending Christmas together before heading home on Boxing day for the mad run around Plymouth to see everyone. Hopefully this year we'll managed to see more friends!
All that remains is for Richard and I to wish you all a Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year. See you all in 2008!
Labels: Christmas, Devon, London, Plymouth, Richard, UK
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St Pancras to Paris
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Labels: holiday, London, Paris, Trunk Cast
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Ah Paris
Thursday, December 13, 2007
We had a lovely day in Paris. We managed to check lunch off our list by 1 in our favourite venue, le cafe de commerce.The Eurostar really does make the journey easy and effortless. The new terminal at St Pancras is wonderful. To go there simply to shop would be a waste.
Keep an eye out for a special Parisian edition of Trunk Cast this weekend.
Trunk Cast 115 - the Parisian video podcast is now online.
Labels: holiday, Hunks, London, Paris
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A Wet Christmas Saturday
Sunday, December 09, 2007
We went into the West End yesterday as as we had booked to go and see the Golden Compass. Unfortunately for us the weather was abysmal and we got soaked through just getting to the station.
That didn't stop us having a nice day out in town though.We started with lunch at Paul in Covent Garden (this is swiftly becoming a new tradition) and I must say it all felt very French. In fact it put me in the mood for our jaunt to Paris this Wednesday. I will certainly go to a Paul in Paris just to have another Moka!
After lunch we braved the weather and had a look around the shops, taking in the sights and watching all the hordes of Americans (as it seemed all the tourists were American yesterday), Christmas shopping.
We did stop by Somerset House to take a look at the Ice Rink, a now famous London Christmas tradition. Sadly though the rink was being cleaned and he weather was atrocious when we stopped by - I still got some nice shots of the lovely tree though.After our walk around we made it to the Odeon in Leicester Square for The Golden Compass and I have to say I throughly enjoyed the film. The story is really engaging and as Richard says it is quite true to Northern Lights, the book from which it originates. There's so much going on in the story that you get really engaged. All the characters are very interesting and the supporting cast is amazing - I was surprised to see Christopher Lee pop up on screen.
I really hope New Line Cinema do make the other two films as it will be really interesting and exciting to see how they manage to progress the story. Please don't get too struck on other films such as Potter or Narnia, The Golden Compass really is a breed apart from them.
After the film we stopped by Hamburger Union in Leicester Square for a bite to eat before heading home.
All together a very nice day out (but I won't mention the gaggle of spoilt teenage girls causing a fuss on the train last night).
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Busy on both sides
Friday, November 02, 2007
This week has been busy both at work and socially which has been rather nice (well the social bit at least).Thankfully this is due to continue through the weekend to. It's Guy Fawkes Day on Monday which means that the weekend will be busy with firework displays. For once we are going to a local display tomorrow. We don't normally as we stay home to look after B. We are going tomorrow though and we will do everything to make sure she is not scared by all the commotion.
Sunday has us visiting friends in Cambridge which will be lovely as we have not seen Steve and Robin in ages.
Here's to a wonderful, relaxing and fun weekend.
Labels: Friends, London, UK, Work
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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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Paddles, Stones, Knives, Guns and Wands
Monday, August 27, 2007
This weekend has been very nice - having the extra today off today is an obvious bonus.Thanks to the weather making a dramatic shift we have been able to make the most of the three days off.
Richard and I had a quiet day on Saturday which is probably just as well as it helped us shift our colds.
On Sunday we visited the Docklands in London, specifically to go to the Docklands Museum. It's owned and run by the Museum of London and we have always said we'd go and finally we managed to! I found the exhibition very interesting as it gives a very graphic portrait of the history of London and the Docks, dating as far back as the Romans to present day.We made the most of the dock side location and had a spot of lunch in one of the many restaurants offering alfresco dining.
Canary Wharf is not very far from the 02 where we ended up yesterday as we booked to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was odd to be back at the 02 so soon after Fridays Prince concert (even odder that the stadium was decked out for the Rolling Stones).I thought I saw quite a few O(+> t-shirts at the Prince gigs but I was surprised by how many "tongue and mouth" t-shirts I saw the Stones fans wearing. I am not sure what to make of the crowd either - there was a small amount of younger fans but the rest of them appeared to be as old and as geriatric as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards!
The film was good fun though and even though I am not a Harry Potter an I found it entertaining. I do feel however that J K Rowling creates characters just for the sake of it. The headmistress appears to have more attention paid to her than anyone else and yet she is expelled quite rapidly without much intervention from any main characters. And what of the main characters? Do not of them get to progress at any level? It really does appear that they all are a part of the story just to back up Whining Potter!
Richard and I watched the news on the train back yesterday and were not that shocked to hear that someone had been stabbed at the Notting Hill Carnival. Stabbings have became as almost an annual event as he carnival itself. What with the recent culture of knife and gun crime on the streets of the UK I really am worried about the future of this great country. I don't know how things have got to bad not how it can be fixed - all I do know is that government is too soft and the police appear powerless as a result.
I grow tired of the way news and stories are carried on the media. An 11 year old white boy was shot dead (in the back of the neck) in Liverpool earlier this week. It was s hocking story but a couple of days later his tragic tail has slipped to the bottom of the bulletins. When Damilola Taylor, an 8 year old black boy was stabbed to death a couple of years ago in London, his story was top billing for weeks. What allows the news organisations to pitch one story as more important than the other and why aren't they using the news generated from the death of Damilola to make people realise the this poor 11 year old should not have died in this gruesome attack as something should have been done about gang culture years ago!
I really don't know what this country is heading towards...
On a more personal note you may realise that I have decided to end my run of 365 photographs. I enjoy the whole online social thing but to be honest it all takes up too much time. I therefore have decided not to continue with 365 days. I did manage to complete 160 days!To be perfectly honest I have other things to do with my time, this also a reason why I am growing tired of other social sites such as Facebook - who has the time to spend hours updating useless elements of a web page - and to be honest, who really has the time to read it all? I look at some profiles and wonder if some people actually have much going on in their lives at all as all them appear to do is update My Space and Facebook profiles!
Of course this doesn't mean I will disappear offline nor does it mean I'll stop uploading photos; but only when I have something to share and want to share it!
Labels: London, my, News, Photography, TV, UK, Weather
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Big Surprises
Friday, June 29, 2007
For those of you who haven't yet listened to Trunk Cast 95, you may have missed our big news.Monday 2nd July is Richard's 40th birthday and I wanted to do something special to mark the occasion. Richard has long since mentioned that he would like to go to Madrid as it's a part of Spain that he has never visited but would love to.
At breakfast on Wednesday I presented Richard with a selection of guidebooks for Madrid as we are spending this weekend in the Spanish capital. :0D
I decided to let Richard know about his birthday treat early so that he had plenty of time to prepare - judging by his reaction and his plans for our holiday I think this was the correct decision.
So we have literally just gotten over our trip to Paris and here we are on our way to Spain ;0)
The added bonus for us is that it is Madrid Pride this weekend and we both looking forward to seeing how the Spaniards celebrate. I have no doubt it'll be a hundred times happier, more colourful and fun than London Pride which also takes place this weekend (be under no illusion that this is a good thing to attend if visiting London. London Pride is awful, depressing and expensive).
On a more somber note I had a feeling when Gordon Brown was sworn in as the new Prime Minister on Wednesday that there may be some unrest. I don't know why I felt this but it seems to be a global pattern these days. Sure enough this morning the BBC announced breaking news that a "potentially viable explosive device" had been found in the heart of London.
Loosely translated a suspect vehicle was found in the theatre district which contained a bomb in transit or potentially for use in that location.
This morning central London has been cordoned off and once again we have memories of July 7th.
I just hope and pray that this is a one off and that we don't have to go back to watching our every move (believe me commuting in the capital can make you paranoid enough as it is).
OK I am not going to dwell on this I have a holiday to enjoy and other things to worry about (listen to my pod cast to find out more)...
Here comes the sun...
Hasta Luego
Labels: holiday, London, Politics, Richard, UK
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Another Round?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
As you can see from this photo we left London rather late last night - this followed our day in town with Carol and Dave.
They had had a cultural day looking around sights such as Tower Bridge and the Cabinet War Rooms, Richard went to the gym and I went shopping. By 4 o'clock we had all met at Piccadilly where we went to Richoux for afternoon tea.
This was a very refined and civilized way to start our day and an excellent opportunity to catch up with Carol and Dave.
When we left Richoux we decided to go walk about and gave them a tour of London.
We certainly gained a lot of ground on our tour and managed to take in the West End, Soho (where we happened to bump into Lee and Elvis!) and then found our way into our first pub.
From there we made out way down to the river, we tried out the new Disappearing Rooms installation on the South Bank (see above) before heading along the Thames to another pub for more bevvies and some food.
All in all we had a wonderfully chilled out day, the weather behaved itself but I cannot say we did! It really was refreshing to see Carol and Dave again and we're looking froward to seeing them again in the not too distant future.
Thankfully it's much sunnier today so Dave will have good weather when he takes part in the Falklands parade this afternoon.
I am sure when they visit in a August there will be quite a fierce Wii tournament (especially as I bought Richard Wii Play yesterday!).
Oh well, I guess I had better pack for this course tomorrow :(
Labels: Friends, London, Weather, Wii
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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.
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Green Men, Queershires and Buzzards
Sunday, June 03, 2007
I am starting to feel much better, thankfully my cold appears to be on it's way out now... I still have a headache, a slight sore throat and am a bit bunged up but believe me I am much better than I was last week.We had a quiet day yesterday, choosing to take it easy at home.
Richard tried his hardest to get me to agree to go to the Suffolk coast today but I am sure he realises that I wasn't in the mood to go as I still wasn't feeling 100%. Plus it's a 2 and a half hour drive when the traffic is in your favour.
So we went to a local Pub which was first introduced to us by Ben where we had a lovely Sunday lunch.
The weather until now has been lovely and sunny. It was great to sit in the large pub conservatory and look out over the Hertfordshire/Bedforshire countryside.
Afterwards we headed into Knebworth and then into Welwyn Garden City for a browse around and an afternoon tea. I honestly don;t think I have been back there since I left my job in the NHS several years ago. It's not changed very much and considering how quiet it is I am glad I don't work there any more.
The City of London may be chaos and noisy but at least there is always something to see and do!
So I am feeling brighter and heading for a very busy week. We have a team event in central London this week but as I planned it, we will be staying in one of the newest hotels by the Thames ;0)
I just hope the weather stays nice - it looks like we're in for some thunder but at least it might clear the air.
On another note I cannot begin to say how pleased I am that the southwest has finally had it's first gay pride event and it was held in my home city of Plymouth.It would be even lovelier to see how well the locals reacted but as the bigoted, pensioner, BNP loving populous will prove (of course I mean everyone apart from my family and friends who are not controlled by the local rag); the local press didn't even choose to mention it. I found out through the BBC and this makes me worry whether things will actually ever get any better.
I know there is a scene there and as I hate parochial scenes I never ventured onto it (they are usually incredibly camp and OTT because the locals feel they need to be seen and to be different from everyone else), but I fear that although this is a great step, it will take some time to be recognised and taken into the arms of the wider community.
For now I fear there will be similar scenes as those seen in Moscow last weekend. I hope for all the queers in the South West, that things get better soon.
Still at least they are trying - bless...
Imagine my shock and surprise when I was happily minding my own business, hanging out the washing; enjoying the sound of the birds singing in the bushes at the end of our garden when I saw something swoop from the neighbours roof into the hedges.Without so much chance as to think about what was going on (and will little resistance from the birds), a buzzard flew straight out of the undergrowth towards me with a chick in it's claws.
No amount of Bill Oddie or Springwatch could have prepared me for such a close encounter.
I know it's only natural etc but I do feel very sorry for our resident birds. I originally hoped it hadn't taken our Robin chicks but any swoop like this is sad. Still everything has to survive some how.
I just know in future to be extra vigilant when something swoops overhead!
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OMG PSB again!
Friday, June 01, 2007
Guess who has won himself a ticket to the re-opening concert at the BBC Radio theatre on Monday night?And guess which famous pop duo will be performing?
Yes (well the title gave it away)...
I have secured myself a ticket to see PSB at the BBC on Monday night. I am a little dissappointed that there is onyl one ticket - I would have liked to have taken Richard or Steve.
After some initial concerns and nerves about going on my own I realise I'd be mad not too - looks like there will be even more PSB chat to come!
Let me know if you are going too - maybe we could meet up!
Labels: London, Pet Shop Boys, 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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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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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!
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How Tartly That Gentleman Looks!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Well it's been a week of contrasts. A week of travelling and emotions.Thankfully Friday seemed to bring things back to normality - but with a cultural interlude at lunch...
I spotted a flyer advertising Shakespeare in a lunch break at the Bridewell Theatre so I went along today with two guys from the office. It was really nice to sit down, take some time out and to enjoy some real culture - especially in the middle of a busy working day.
Bridewell is a very small theatre in the City of London but is only 5 minutes from the office. The Lunchbox Theatre productions feature a number of Shakespearean productions and a 45 minute rendition of works is perfect.
The cast were very good and incredibly fluid. It's been a long time since I have been to see a Shakesperean production. I think it's been even longer since I have read any Shakespeare.
I am sure Patrick and I will go again - especially as Twelfth Night is coming up in a couple of weeks.
I often wonder about what other people do and the way their lives pan out - a bit like Sliding Doors. Richard and I had very different days - even hours today. In the time it took me to watch the production, Richard jetted off to Holland for a music festival.
This leaves me at home alone this weekend but I have plans for Sunday. Tomorrow I think I will chill out - maybe get some new plants for the garden and make the most of the forecasted nice weather.
Labels: London, Richard, UK, Weather, Work
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Culture and Booze
Sunday, February 18, 2007
We had a great day yesterday in London and ironically most of it was spent in the same area in which Richard and I work!As mentioned in this weeks Trunk Cast, Richard and I had booked tickets to see the Gilbert and George Exhibition at the Tate Modern.
This really is a major exhibition and a huge body of work (both in volume and stature). As mentioned previously we have seen a number of collections in the past but nothing on this scale.
I was amazed and delighted by the charcoal sculptures at the very beginning of this retrospective and very interested to see how Gilbert and Georges styles and stories progress through the years.They have been very prolific too as there was only one noticeable gap since 1972. They have managed a large body of work every year.
Of course people criticise them and make comments and jokes about such works as Piss, Spunk, Tears and Shit, but you really have to see these works in their respective collections as the context and the story of each set comes through.
We saw the Dirty Words and Pictures exhibition a couple years ago at the Serpentine Gallery. It was a good collection and a wonderful exhibit but seeing it at the TM with the two pieces that weren't part of the Serpentine exhibition actually ties the commentary together.In fact one of my favourite works was Alcoholic. I found it very dramatic and very moving. I also enjoyed Headache which seemed like a major departure for them as it consists of bright purples and crimson.
Of course I cannot find examples of either of these works on line - do you have copies?
Richard kindly bought me a few goodies from the exhibition; the Rubik Cube (which I will not use but have to have) - let's face it their art is perfect for such a medium. See photo above... Richard also bought me the catalogue and a signed exhibition poster which will be framed and hung as soon as I get it home (as we were spending more time in town I dropped that latter items off at my desk for safety and convenience!).
I was very moved by the new body of work such as Bombings and Terror which were inspired by the July 7th Bombings here in London. These works were very direct and very moody. Not like the penultimate collection which featured works such as Hooligan and Ginko pictures which includes Was Jesus a Heterosexual?.
I think I am a Gilbert and George purist and although I like the most recent works, the work generated around 2003 just seemed to be too digital and moved their focus away from their art (this was the first time Gilbert and George used digital photography techniques instead of their more traditional methods).
I have never seen the Tate Modern so busy either - I think the Carsten Hooler Unilever Exhibition may have something to do with it though as there were a lot of families milling about queueing to go down the Test Site slides!
Once we left the TM Richard and I made out way to St Paul's where we had a lovely late afternoon lunch. It was a nice meal and provided us with a chilled departure following the exhibition.
From here we made our way to the National Portrait Gallery where I finally got to see the Pet Shop Boys Portraits Exhibition. It was exactly what I expected it to be but interesting nonetheless. Of course it helped that when we arrived the video was playing Bruce Webers excellent video to Being Boring.
After the NPG we made our way into Soho where we met up with Lee and some friends. We had a drink or two in the Duke of Wellington before heading over to Bar Code for the spoils of Happy Hour. Thankfully Richard and I decided to quit while we were ahead (and still vertical) before heading up to Regents Street to do a bit of shopping.All in all a very packed day and a great day at that.
If you get the opportunity to see the Gilbert and George Exhibition I highly recommend it; even if you do not consider yourself a fan.
The exhibition has prompted me to create a new wallpaper...
Labels: Art, London, Richard, Trunk Cast, Wallpaper
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