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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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Turfalgar Square

Thursday, May 24, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What a weekend!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

This weekend in Cheshire with Andy and Rob was lovely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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S.N.D.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

My it's been a slow news day!

Hamster Shredder

I hope this gets manufactured - I know I'll buy one!

An excellent idea (if you overlook the fact that modern ink is poisonous to hamsters!)

~~Don't forget to let me know if you would like me to upload this video to You Tube!~~

OK I cave! You can view the extra-special You Tube edition video which accompanies Trunk Cast 87 on You Tube.

Labels: Photography, Pic-a-Day

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Brisith Sausage Time

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Right here's the deal. I knew it was the start of BST this weekend. I informed my foreign work mates of this.

Richard and I even discussed it yesterday.

So why did I forget to set the clocks last night?

When the clocks change (especially when they go forward, loosing us an hour), I like to change the clocks before we go to bed. Unfortunately we forgot and our leisurely lay in followed by fresh croissants at 9.20 was spoilt when we realised it was actually 10.30.

Don't get me wrong, we didn't plan anything today but it does feel like the day is running away with us.

I have therefore decided to upload another 365days photo to Flickr which proves how sleepy I am! No doubt I'll get my wrist slapped by the petty moderators in the group for posting two pics in one day but do I care?

Labels: Photography, Pic-a-Day, UK

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Me x 4

You may recall a cloned photo I uploaded of Richard sometime ago, well I eventually got around to doing my version and have added it to my 365days set today :)