sparkle motion

What a difference a month makes

2007-07-19T14:54:00.000+01:00

So, less than 14 days after Liz left, that fateful Saturday morning, we're back together. Thank goodness! It's now roughly a month since that took place, and she's abroad as part of her studies. It's a two week trip and we're on Thursday of week one, so still a while to go. It was her birthday recently too, whilst away. We're speaking sporadically on the phone, and she's texting me sporadically. I know it's cos if she texts me all the time she'll miss me more or something, and she wants to have a good time. And I'm not sat around miserable or anything, just wish she'd take a bit more time to message me. Before today I'd not even had a text before 1pm, and today so far, I'ev had just one, and it's 3pm. I know I'm whinging, but it's just strange because we have only just got back together, so it is hard for me to say, "it's ok, I know she loves me".

Things have been so much better since getting back together, compared to before the split. We're not living together again yet, but hopefully when we do, we can continue this new-found goodness (for want of a better word).

Not sure I'll become a regular blogger again. But it is a useful vent. We decided it was important to talk about things a lot more, not just with one and other, but with friends too.

Time

2007-06-14T09:05:00.000+01:00

So nearly 3 years since my last post, and that girl I met became my girlfriend and we've lived together for the last 20 months, after her final year at Uni. Then last Saturday (10 days ago or so) she left, and moved out her stuff on Sunday. We still speak, it's a little awkward, because we both have strong feelings (good feelings) for each other. I can see her heart saying one thing, but her head pulling her back.

Add to that, that I have no internet at home, and haven't since she left nearly and won't until next week sometime and it's all a bit poo right now.

happy

2004-09-17T01:22:00.000+01:00

very happy

I wonder..

2004-09-10T01:08:00.000+01:00

.. can I trust that no one any longer reads this, and as such be, once more, truthful.

I met a girl, a wonderful girl on Saturday night, and have a date with her this Saturdya afternoon. So excited, not since **** has such excitement been seen.

No posts for 5 months...

2004-09-09T01:16:00.000+01:00

but it's my birthday!!!!!!!!

2004-04-03T11:40:00.000+01:00

I GOT GLASTONBURY TICKETS

and so did at least some of my friends!! Yay!

Copied from the abovely link site:

"At eight o’clock tonight we sold all of our tickets to the general public

I have to say I’m very sorry that so much trouble has been caused by the serious delays within the phone lines and the website. Clearly the engineering specification was well short of what was needed – particularly the BT exchange in Nottingham which was cutting back our calls to the call centre by as much as 60% some of the time. We will make sure that this doesn’t happen again at all cost.

I am very sorry that this event, which has so much to offer, has - on this occasion - caused many of you so much sadness and disappointment. Your support in good times and bad times is much appreciated.

Thank you

Michael Eavis "

2004-03-14T00:55:00.000Z

Saw elephant, saw Stellastarr* who were fantasic. Snow Patrol is tomorrow, and Hayley's coming here on Tuesday for us to have a nice day out, and maybe night too. I'd like it if she could stay here, in the spare room or otherwise. It's a bit of a tough one her living on the Isle of Wight for alcohol fuelled activities - and I don't mean what I'm sure you're thinking. I was brought up well - thanks m&d.

2004-02-25T22:35:00.000Z

Looking to go see Elephant in the next few days. It's playing at Harbour Lights. Also bought tickets to see Stellastarr* in Portsmouth today. It seems that Snow Patrol have been moved from the Wedgewood Rooms to the Pyramid Centre which is a shame because I really like the WR as a venue, and wasn't hugely impressed with the PC, but I guess Snow Patrol seem to be getting very popular; they're sold out already.

Yesterday...

2004-02-25T22:14:00.000Z

... I went to the Isle of Wight for the day, with Hayley. She's going Skiing at the weekend for a week, so I'll not get a chance to see her again until she's got back which is bit of a shame, but still worth waiting for I hope :D

2004-02-21T14:39:00.000Z

Man U 1 - 1 Leeds!!

C'mon!!! lets hope Leicester and Wolves lose now. Leicester playing tomorrow at Spurs with Wolves being visited by Fulham this afternoon.

2004-02-17T23:30:00.000Z

I don't know why, really in all sincerity I don't, but I can't spot grinning inanely

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Diamond star thrills astronomers

2004-02-16T23:58:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Diamond star thrills astronomers

how cool is that?

2004-02-16T23:49:00.000Z

A not entirely unsucessfull weekend was had just now. If you're lucky enough to have access to my other blog, there's some (any) details

I should prob'ly write more here shouldn't I - generally I mean, not just about the w/e

Just as an aside

2004-02-08T23:17:00.000Z

I stole this from my new best friend:

create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

I've also been the District of Columbia which is a federal district, whatever that means.

and on a World scale I got some distance to go...

create your own visited country map
or write about it on the open travel guide

12 days...

2004-02-08T23:01:00.000Z

...until this blog is one year old!

2004-02-08T00:05:00.000Z

Darkness were excellent, shame about the support

2004-02-07T11:41:00.000Z

Going to see the Darkness tonight, with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Cooper Temple Clause on Tuesday. If you're lucky I'll put up photos from these two as well as The Black Keys and White Stripes from last month.

2004-01-18T00:28:00.000Z

Going Pompey tomorrow to see the Black Keys and then London on Tuesday to see The White Stripes. That's a 90 mile drive, which won't be the most fun thing last thing of an evening, 'specially when I've got work next day, maybe I'll work from home that morning or something. Zzzzzzzz - sleeepy

and as a final "emotional" blog...

2004-01-11T23:29:00.000Z

since coming back from America I've been feeling much much better, and happier. I'm sure the great, and wonderfully motivated country that I live in will soon bring me down, but for now I'm doing well. Nah, seriously I'm feeling much better than 12 months ago, or even 6 months ago.

Now sod off and find something better to do than read about someone else's life

"So it begins, the great battle of our time"

2004-01-11T23:27:00.000Z

I'm not sure if I'm going to continue with the blog. A year ago, it was a great help; it gave me an outlet for my feelings. It was private and read only by fellow bloggers of whom I knew little. Now, all my family read it, and I think even some friends. Also I no longer spend great periods of time writing in detail what I've done, or had for my tea that day. I'm not about to delete the account, I think accounts of things such as my recent trip to America show that it still has a use to provide. However I don't expect this to be frequently updated. On a similar note, my private blog, which ran in parallel for much of the last year is equally unchanged. I recently moved it, although the original seems to remain, just without reflecting all subsequent changes. This too will remain, for the few occasions when I feel I must record something I don't wish those I know personally to be aware of, for whatever reason. (if you'd like the new address, feel free to ask, and I'll feel free to refuse if necessary)

PS. 12 months on and I've finished the Fellowship of the Ring

New Years Eve

2003-12-31T10:00:00.000Z

going Bristol with Paul to meet up with Alex, who now works there. I don't think the place we're going to sounds the best, but we'll be having a good time none the less. Should be back home, by late Thurs or Fri.

So happy new year everyone!

2003-12-20T18:53:00.000Z

Xmas shopping, the last weekend before the big day. What fun. Actually town wasn't too bad, it was just hard finding stuff to buy ppl. Out of 7 ppl I managed 2. So I'd better do more tomorrow. As well as watching Saints Vs Pompey on telly. Saw LOTR last night from 11pm 'til 2am. I think because it ends happily ever after, it's a bit of a let down. The final battle scenes are some of the best I've ever seen. Some of the 'emotionel' bits at the end seemed a bit cheesey tho'. But then I've not read the book. I'm 95% of the way through book one. It took me 10 months to get half way and then about a week to get to 95%. People in the cinema were talking and being annoying too. Seeing it again on Tuesday, can make a better and more awake decision about it then :)

AND I've moved my private site. There were addresses in the viewing lists that I didn't like. The old one appears to still be there, but it's not updating. The new one is just the old one with a different URL title. It contains new and old blogging. If you want the address, ask and you may recieve. May not too.

My New York Diary

2003-12-20T12:03:00.000Z

Saturday, December 13, 2003. 21.10
I’ve been through a roller coaster of emotions and feelings this past few days, and today’s been no exception. I had a leisurely start to the day, performing final packing of things, and making sure nothing was left in the apartment. I sat and enjoyed TV, kept myself up to date with the early kick-offs in the Premiership. Then around 11:30, I left the apartment for the last time and drove off to the airport, stopping just to return the keys and fill the car with gas. My main anxieties had stemmed from possible problems with the key events of the day; returning the car, getting the plane, getting a cab and finally checking into the hostel. As each one passed I was more and more at ease. The flight was quick and painless. The plane was miniature and 100% full. I shared my double seat with a nice young lady, although I never really managed to gather the nerve to have a conversation with her, we did exchange a couple of sentences. The worst part of the flight was the security at RDU, who were far more thorough than those at Heathrow. Once at La Guardia, I decided to just take a cab, and avoid the potential hassle of a shuttle or their Underground. The cab took me straight to the hostel and wasn’t too expensive. I had realy no idea what to expect from the hostel, but what I did find certainly wasn’t what I’d envisioned. To be frank it’s a dump. The lock needs, “teasing like a woman” to quote the ‘lady’ who I checked in with. The light also needs some jiggling to get to actually come on. There’s a sink, but no glass. The bath towel, I had to ask for, is what I’d call a hand towel, and the loo seat always falls down. Oh and ir’s yellow, and cold. There’s no heating in the rooms, just an incredibly hot radiator in the hallway. I’m not sure how well I’ll be sleeping what with other people’s noise either, although I’ve gotten used to sleeping with noise as the Alta Seasons apartments let in noise from all angles.

My first experience of the big apple has been good. I set out with the intention of finding a Bank Of America ATM, as I don’t get charged for using those, some food and maybe a drink. I’d already looked on the ‘net for the nearest ATM, but just my luck, it was not operating. I decided to just wander up and then down Broadway, as this is where I was, to see if I could find another, but I couldn’t. I wandered as far South as Times Square and took a plethora of photographs whilst there. Elsewhere I felt a little silly taking photographs. Starting at 83rd, I went as North as 93rd I think, then as far south as 50th. Broadway, oddly, breaks the pattern of going in a straight line and curls off through the rest of the straight streets. Times Square was amazing. Loads and loads of flshing bright lights and animated billboards. Suddenly it was really busy too. The police were on guard to let the traffic through the hoards of pedestrians. On my way back up from Times Square I stopped off at a Pizzeria, for what wasn’t the best pizza I’ve even had, it was more like giant cheese on toast, but it was filling. Then I went Starbucks before heading to a cinema to see Something’s Gotta Give. Unfortunately it was sold out, which was frustrating, because I could easily have purchased my ticket much earlier but never gave consideration to that fact it may sell out. So that brings me to now. I headed back around the corner and along 83rd Street West, to 106, Columbia Studios. Not quite how I’d term the place, but nether the less, it’s a bed, and a roof. The internet access looks like a PC which you’ve got to pay to use, so I thought I’d make use of the laptop and write up each day’s exciting adventure here, to be uploaded Thursday night, or Friday morning depending on how tired I am.

So far I’ve not yet felt lonely. Hopefully my days will be filled with enough adventure for me not to realize that I’m alone. Sure am looking forward to when I get to sleep in my own bed back in Southampton though. :)

Sunday, December 14, 2003. 9.35
Just a quick one. Forgot to mention that it was around -4C yesterday. This morning it’s snowing. I can’t see if it’s settling from here. Slept pretty badly. The plumbing in this place is not quiet, plus as I went to bed quite early I had to listen to everyone else getting back. The forecast was for rain this afternoon, heavy rain, so I’m hoping that that’s wrong. Although my original idea was maybe to do some museums today anyway, and head off to see Ellis Island and thinks further South tomorrow. We shall see.

Sunday, December 14, 2003. 19.35
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas”. As I should have known, the snow had settled and some. It was 3-4” deep and mad a wonderful spectacle of the city for photographing. I’m still not ventured far from the hostel, choosing today to visit the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This took up most of my day. I didn’t even bother with breakfast of lunch, save a Danish and some coffee in the Guggenheim’s café. The Guggenheim was very interesting, specializing in an exhibition of one of Pop Art’s founders. Sorry, can’t remember his name. This was a retrospective of his work, including many never seen before collages which he then used to create his final works. The Guggenheim was a walk across Central Park away, and given then snow, gave way to some wonderful views. At times the wind did make it a little unpleasant, but mostly I was just enjoying the snow. I received a txt from Evette at some ungodly hour, she’s obviously not got totally used to the time difference. I also messaged Kate to say hello, and we had a brief txt conversation, which was nice, because I do miss my friends. Evette’s always been on MSN, as have my family, but as Kate’s not got her self sorted out with a computer or the internet at home yet, she’s been contactable only by txt..

After the Guggenheim, I moved onto the Metropolitan Museum of Art, further downtown, on the edge of the park. It was still snowing at this point. I had no idea what to expect from this museum, except that it had arms and weaponry, as Tjark’s friend who he stayed with last weekend was the assistant curator for such department. The museum was deceptively huge, and despite having a map I got lost on many occasions. I think I covered roughly 75-80% of the place. Towards the end I was getting tired and bored. I spend roughly 3 hours there, straight after 2 in the Guggenheim. I wasn’t going to succumb to their café as I wanted real food too. Not that I’d get it. There was some spectacular stuff in the museum and as always it seems in these places, some things that you must question their location. For example, there were many entire rooms from houses in France and Switzerland. Of the one I found and bothered to read the explanation, it had already been moved from it’s original location before being taken to the museum. There was also an Egyptian Temple, complete, moved all the way from Egypt. It transpired that this was one of a few which had to be moved because of the waters caused by the Aswan Damn. The Egyptian government had put out an international plea, which the U.S. had answered with $16 million and was rewarded with this temple. So perhaps it was not all the Western world robbing the old world. As for the rooms of Europe, it was all nothing special to me, who’s seen many a stately home and French châteaux. There were also many Greek antiquities, some over 3000 years old. That’s quite amazing, or at least seemed it to me. When I left the Metro, it was no longer snowing, but instead raining. And I was starving. I decided to go one block further East and up a few blocks to see if I could find anywhere to eat. I couldn’t so I decided to cross back to the West side. By chance I was back by the Guggenheim where I’d exited Central Park, so I knew my way back. Or so I thought. Somehow, I ended up back on the Eastern side of the park. So I had to cross it again, so to speak. And this time I got my legs soaked by a van driving through a puddle. Plus the continuing rainfall finally made it’s way through my shoes and soaked my feet. I decided enough was enough and headed for an Irish tap room I’d spied the night before. Guinness has never tasted so good. A couple of pints and I was ready to hit the streets again. Before I continue, let me also tell you of where I was when they announced they’d caught Saddam. Kate messaged me to say it must be strange to be in the U.S. when he was caught. This was the first I knew about it. In fact the first place I found to corroborate her story was the TV in the Irish bar. Funny how I hear news about America from back home. Oh and my mother informed me before that that Leeds had beaten Fulham 3-2 at Elland Road. So all in all a good day. On leaving the tap room I was in need of food, despite the chips and snacks they place on the bar for you. In desperation and getting tired of the cold I sought sanctuary in McDonald’s of all places. I would’ve taken BK but I’ve not seen a single one in the time I’ve been in NYC. It’s now 8pm, I’ll be heading over to the cinema to see Something’s Gotta Give for real this time. I already have my ticket. I bought orange juice in the shop so I won’t get thirsty in the night, as there’s no glass. I just hope it’s a little quieter this time. Or maybe I’ll just sleep through it anyway. There’s still plenty to do, but I think now I’m going to need to venture further. I’m toying with the idea of walking to the South of the Island tomorrow, but maybe that’s too far. Or it is only not too far if I walk straight there and spend no time visiting the attractions on the way. Still to see and Little Italy, Chinatown, Greenwich village, and lower and middle Manhattan, including Wall Street, the Flatiron building, the Chrysler Building and the IBM Building (it was listed on as an attraction!). Right now I need a wee, and I think I’ll drop by Starbuck again before going Cinema. Goodnight. Oh and no hint so far of feeling sorry for myself or lonely.

Monday, December 15, 2003. 19.13
Phwoof. Today’s been hard work. Good, not a bad. I’ve also had the No Doubt cover of It’s My Life going through my head all day, which I also had going through my head all night on Saturday night when I couldn’t sleep. Today was my chance to check out mid-Manhattan. I made it as far South as Macy’s. Tomorrow I think I’ll take the Subway South and go to the Statue of Liberty, then work my way up, hoping to end with an eveningin Greenwich Village, if it’s as good as it’s made out to be. Anyway, back today. I headed East towards Central Park, and headed South. Then I crossed the bottom of the park, passing the row of horse drawn carriages. That was not a pleasant experience for my nose, I can promise you. I was going towards 5th Avenue, to find the IBM Building. I’m not so sure that it’s an attraction that should be listed on some internet site for tourists, but for me, as an IBMer, yeah, it was something impressing to see. Not that the streets are narrow here, but they’re not really wide enough to get far enough away from these huge buildings in order to get a full-height photograph. I didn’t go into the IBM building, although I do wonder if I could use one of their ‘hot desk’s and find my way to some free internet access. After that I was in need of some breakfast and entered a little place in the middle of a load of big offices. It was very ironic that they should be playing a Sting album, and that the track playing was ‘Englishman in New York’. I then moved on and saw St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Rockefeller center, Radio City and many other iconic building that you’ll see in the photos. Incidentally, it was quite odd yesterday to see Something’s Gotta Give, as large portions of it were set in NYC. I guess for Americans seeing films set where they live must not be so odd, but for us Brits with very few large films, and those that are set in London (because hey we only have one city), films are just set somewhere else. I’m yet to find the ice-skating in Central Park, although there was some at the Rockefeller center. I’d not planned to do the Empire State Building today, but found myself in the vicinity and saw no reason not to use my time to visit such a great site. Little did I know it would take up the rest of day. Although in a way that was good, as it helps me plan my remaining two day a little better. There was a queue of around 1 hour just to buy tickets. This was my own fault as I’d neglected to take advantage of the fact you can buy your tickets in advance on the internet. But after the queue for the tickets was a further queue, to actually get into the lifts. This was another hour. Yawn. It wasn’t the best way to spend an afternoon, but I think in fairness it was worth it. After the long wait and two elevator journeys I eventually reached the 86th floor. Quickly ducking though the gift shop, you’re then outside in the wind. And my god, was it windy. For whatever reason, only the South and East sides of the building were open, but there were still some amazing views to be had. Hopefully my photographs will have captured this. Up there, there was a procession of people taking photos, taking photos for strangers, and in the air all you could here was people explaining to others how to use their cameras. I took advantage of the opportunity and had someone take one, well 3, of me. I blinked for the first two. It was windy remember. Then I went into the gift shop, bought a gift, and returned outside for a second go – I’d waited for 2 hours I was gonna enjoy this. After that I headed to the elevators and was quickly taken to the 80th floor, for the connecting elevator. Here we had to, you guessed it, queue again. Fortunately it wasn’t too long to wait and I was quickly on my way down. The lift got to around 67 when it slowed, then stuck on 66 for ages be for grinding to a halt. Huh? Those of us in the lift, very tightly packed in, were a Welch group, an Aussie group, myself and a few Americans. Slowly we realized that the lift hadn’t just stopped for a break, and that we were to do something. Jump starting the lift was suggested, but not taken up. We pressed the Emergency button and after a while a voice asked us what was the matter, before telling us to “hold on”. Like we were about to go somewhere? When he came back, they said they were going to try to open the door. Nothing happened. Then the number changed from 66 to 2, and the doors opened. We were indeed on 2. How? I have no idea. But I’m not going to complain. It was all a little bit of extra excitement. Much longer and it might not have been such fun. Upon leaving the EPB, I headed West to Macy’s, and then South past Madison Square Garden. At this point it was about 5pm and I was starting to tire. Walking around all day in temperatures around 1°c and blowing winds is very tiring. I rested in a Starbucks, again, and then set about walking the 50 blocks North back to here, my room. I walked up 8th Avenue, a bit of Broadway, but chose to check out Columbia Avenue for variety. I found a nice little restaurant, called the City Grill and had myself some Grilled Pork Chops. Very tasty they were too, and I’m ashamed to admit, just too much for me, as I had to leave some. That’ll teach me to fill up on vegetables at the expense of meat. I’m now relaxing and resting my feet, whilst writing this. I’m not sure what I’ll do now. I’m quite tired, but it’s only reached 19.42 which seems just a little early to retire, and if I’m going to sit and read LOTR I think I’d rather do it in a bar or café then in this dingy room. So out somewhere it must be I thinks.

Checked out the footy results in a newsagent’s that had the English Sunday papers. Was pleased to see Southampton got the better of Liverpool and Bolton defeated Roman’s Army. Tomorrow they’ll hopefully have the Monday papers showing the Leeds game and latest Premiership table. I know the Leeds website said we could leave the bottom three if we beat Fulham, as we did, but I don’t know if that relied upon other result going our way. I‘ll have to wait and see. Our next game is against, falling upon hard times, Man City on Monday night, another TV game, and my reason for going home a couple of days later. Hey my folks haven’t got Sky Sports, and I doubt my friends’ll be back for then. I know Andy’s gonna be back at somepoint during my time in K’boro, plus I dare say Pete’ll be about but home is hardly the greatest place for socializing unfortunately.

Tuesday, December 16, 2003. 19.31.
Basically I had two days worth of events planned and two days left in which to do them. The order was dependant upon the weather, and today was a lovely sunny day. I spend the greater part of last night in a pub around the corner reading LOTR and watching, as much as I can, the football. As a result of this I slept very soundly for a great part of the night, but then equally was in no rush to get up this morning. This meant that I didn’t leave the hostel until about 10.30. I set out for the subway, but wasn’t really sure where I was going once there. I asked a employee, but as it usual for me, forgot to listen to her reply carefully enough. I got of at 9th street. You’d think that 1st street would be just that, but it’s not. Manhattan continues on a good distance after that. Also I got as far as 18thm before realizing I was walking North. Ooops. So I turned around and after about an hour I reached Battery Park. That’s the park at the South of the island, where the ferry goes to Ellis and Liberty Islands. There was a short wait for the tickets, and a longer one for security and then the ferry itself. Compared to yesterday that wasn’t too bad, it was just that I then had to queue to get back on it to go from Liberty to Ellis Island and then Ellis to Manhattan. All in all I didn’t get back onto Manhattan until something like 4pm. As we approached Liberty Island we got some great view of the Statue, but if I’m honest I wasn’t exactly taken away with it. It was impressive, in some ways, but nothing special. There were some impressive views of Lower Manhattan to behold. People were snapping left right and center. I got a shot taken of me, but somehow I never manage to smile and my hair’s always a mess for these photos. On the Island itself, you still get some good views of the Statue. I think it’s this lack if size that gives the disappointment. From TV it just seems so much bigger. Again, I found a willing camera operator to snap at me. I think I managed to smile for that one too. After a couple of laps of the island, it was time for the ferry onto Ellis Island. Ellis Island, I learnt, was where the immigration office of the United States stood for the early part of the last century. Everyone coming in on boats looking for some of the ‘new’ world would pass through there. In some way that was more impressive. Entering the huge Registration Hall, where millions had passed through, you could somehow imagine it teaming with immigrants all desperately trying to hang on to their luggage and loved ones. There were many, too many, little exhibitions detailing the process these poor people had to endure before being given entry to the U.S.A. At this point it was around 3 and I’d not eaten a thing all day, the museum was losing its appeal and I decided to head off to the ferry point and get back to Manhattan.

Back on the mainland, as it were, I’d spent far more time than I’d meant at the Statue of Liberty, but then had less to really do in Lower Manhattan than I’d realized. Wall Street was something of a nothing. It was a really dark street, in the shadow of all the skyscrapers. I did at least see the NY Stock Exchange and the place where Washington had signed the constitution. From Wall Street you can see on Broadway, Holy Trinity Church. It’s spire, towering above nothing. Churches had spires to make them impressive, closer to God or something like that I always thought, but when the church is surrounded by enormous skyscrapers, that’s all somehow lost. From Wall Street it was on to my final visiting place; the site of the World Trade Center. The twin towers destroyed in such impressive circumstances over two years ago. The Subway station at the WTC is actually operative again now. You can see it, in the middle of the hole that still remains. There is a huge, metal fence surrounding the site, on this are explanations of the tower and its destruction. There is a list of the dead, and the history of the site. It was a eerie place. An odd quiet filled the air. Some of the surrounding buildings still showed the damage they had suffered even two years on. It is somehow wrong that the scene of such evil doing, of such death and destruction should have become an attraction. Are w there to pay our respects, to tall our friends we’d been there or is it to satisfy some macabre curiosity. Perhaps it is a mixture of all three. There is the cross, the two steel girders that were found to have formed a Christian cross on display. Back in the Battery Park, there was the globe that had once stood between the towers; it’s battered, structure, resting alongside an eternal flame. In some ways it was all moving and in others you had to question how in over two years the site was still so unfinished. If I were to have my way the whole site would be left as parkland as a tribute to those who died, and those that have and will die in the war on terrorism that that day spawned. In days to come children would ask, “why’s there as huge park, here in the middle of all these enourmous skyscrapers?” and they would be told. Put another building here, and that day will be forgotten and no lessons will have been learnt. 9/11 as it is known, was not just a lesson against complacency in security, and as America is showing, whilst not admitting to it, it is about being seen to have a fair foreign policy. After this, and a quick bite in BK, I got lost. Ended up going West not North, then South not North. Eventually I got back North.

I was going to do it. To walk from the South of the island all they way up to 83rd St. And I did. I’m not sure, but I think that’s around 10 miles. On the way I saw some cool stuff. I saw 5th Avenue at night, having seen it by daylight yesterday. The Rockefeller Center had people skating now and not just an ice polishing machine. I also realized that by switching my camera onto manual mode and setting the ISO to 400 and not auto, that nighttime pictures of lights would be in focus and much easier to take. It’s only taken me almost 6 months of owning the camera to figure this out, but at least I know for now.

Once I was up level with Central Perk I was determined to find the Wolman Rink, the ice rink I believe that is seen in films such as Serendipity. Having found that everyone I ask is a tourist and not aware of the location of this attraction, and my map being no help, I set out into the darkness that is the park at night. Luckily, it was there right in front of me after a couple of minutes walk! Unfortunately, there was no viewing area and the cost of skating was a little on the steep side once all the necessary hire was included. Plus I’ve not skated for years and my legs were dead. I took a couple of photos and continued on my way. Next time though, and I promise there will be one; when I can return with someone and do all things that aren’t so great to do when you’re alone.

Now I’m not sure what to do. I’ve been writing this for ¾ of an hour, in my underwear :) I’m pretty tired, but think it’s way too early to go to bed. If I’m to read LOTR again, then like yesterday I think I’d like to go somewhere to read it, but I’m not so sure I want to be drinking again. Starbucks? I guess I’ve not been today. I’ll have to be on de-caff, I do wanna sleep at some point.

As for tomorrow, well my other day that was planned is to go to the Natural History museum, which is about 6 or 7 blocks South across from the Park, and to go to the Museum of New York which is about 6 or 7 blocks North on the other side of the park; that and buy every one souvenirs of the city. I’ve had to give up the idea of buying people Xmas pressies here, due to baggage limitations. Sorry folks. This is going to lead to some very last minute shopping in Southampton on Friday morning, and then again over the weekend. No rest for the wicked, eh?

Wednesday, December 17, 2003. 16:56
A little earlier than usual today, but then it’s my last day and I’m gonna be up at some ungodly hour. It turns out I’d picked the right day to visit the Statue of Liberty. Today the weather was dark and miserable. Lucky then that I’d picked out today for museums. First up, was the American Museum of Natural History. This place was huge, and I got the impression that a lot of it was really old too. I must’ve walked around for ages. Coupled with the fact that I’d skipped breakfast again, this led to me tiring and getting bored again. That said by the time I’d left, at about 2.30, I must’ve been there close to four hours. Some of it was genuinely interesting and I enjoyed, but too much was just a bit old and uninteractive. And it cost $12. It’s not London is it? Any way, so I was starving and needed to buy trinkets. I went down to 5th Avenue and found a side street with a Subway. Fed and watered I only had crap to buy left on my list. It was getting dark, and my little legs were starting to complain further after a week of walking. I quickly found a small selection of crappy little “I Love NY” bits and bobs and took off for the hostel. And here I am. I’ve taken no photos, save one of my mobile so I can remember how it looks when roaming abroad. I’ve written next to nothing, but that’s because it feels like that’s what I’ve done! This all sounds rather down, but really it’s not. It’s tired. It’s me happy that this is it. I don’t feel I’ve done everything NY has to offer, but then I don’t care. I’ve done enough to justify my coming here. Anything more would have just tired me further, any less and it would’ve been a waste of time and money getting and staying here. I’ve enjoyed myself, I think that’s important. I’ve enjoyed the American Experience, but I’m very glad that, all being well, 24 hours from now I’ll be home, on English soil and hopefully in my house or at least on the way. Fingers crossed the car starts when I get to it. From now until bed, I’m not sure what to do. I should get to bed for 8, but can’t see me sleeping that early. 10pm seems the most realistic and that’s just under 5 hours away. I may do the Starbucks reading thing again, like last night. Or I could play computer games, or a bit of both. We’ll see. Either way. Goodbye America, it’s been good and I’ll certainly comeback and hello England, can I come home? :)

Did I mention that Kate’s got me tix to see the White Stripes at Alexandra Palace in London in January!!! Yay! And I saw a school bus full of rabbis yesterday! That was odd.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003. 17.41
Yay, lucky me, cab’s booked, but for an 8.30am flight, the recommended pick up time is… 4.30am!! So I’m gonna be getting up super early tomorrow. I was hoping to be getting up at 5 for a a 5.30 pickup. Still better safe than sorry. The only other thing, which I’ve as yet neglected to mention is that my flight status last week, when I printed it out was ‘on hold’. According to the help this meant, not yet purchases, but held for the cutomer, but had to be purchased by the specifed date else it would cancel. However mine says perchase by: . I.e. a great gap. I’m hoping that this is just amex, my travel agent being slow and that in fact all is fine. I had intended to ask someone when I was in RDU airport, but the opportunity never really arose. Now I’ll just have to see. Eek. Still if worse comes to worst I stay in a hotel at JFK until a free flight is available and make AMEX pay for it.

BBC NEWS | Health | Latvian man survives deadly binge

2003-12-20T11:56:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | Health | Latvian man survives deadly binge

2003-12-18T23:36:00.000Z

Blah! Hello. Back in England and have been for about 3 hours. Well on land, been in the airspace longer. I kept a day by day, offline blog that I'll chuck up on here maybe tonight or tomorrow. It aldepends on my ability to get to sleep of if i end up staying up all night.

Anyway, just saying hello! had fun in NYC btw :)

Feel a lot better

2003-12-13T02:24:00.000Z

Was a little sad as I left the office here for the last time, but as I was packing up, it all seemed to drift away. The just now we went out to Starbucks, it was the only place we could find, for a last chat; we being the fellow redbook residents. So now I'm back in my apartment for the last night. 90% packed, all ready for tomorrow afternoon's flight to NYC. My hostel has internet access, so even if it's just a computer that I can use, I won't be able to check anything but my hotmail, I should be able to update here too. Or maybe I'll have such a great time I'll have no time :-) Being in a hostel I could make friends there maybe!

2003-12-11T23:46:00.000Z

I'm feeling a little nervous crossed with sorrow. There's only one day of the book left, that's the sorrow part. Then Saturday I'm flying off to NYC to spend about 5 days before flying back to blighty on Thursday, and that's the nervous part. It's more of a anxiety, than nervousness, but it's pretty much the same thing. Once I'm there I'll be ok, it's just a lot of thinks that need to go okay for it all to be fine, and being in a foreign country there's less of a safety net to catch me when it all goes wrong. And I'll miss the people I've been spending the past 5 weeks with. TTFN

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Leeds begin takeover talks

2003-12-10T15:48:00.000Z

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Leeds begin takeover talks: " chief executive Trevor Birch earlier said he was confident a buyer "

2003-12-10T15:39:00.000Z

I want a cornish pasty, only the nearest place that sells such things would probably be Mexico, where they sell Pastis

A Nation Salutes

2003-12-08T13:40:00.000Z

Don't Let The Bells End...

2003-12-08T00:41:00.000Z

I must say that the new 'xmas' single from The Darkness isn't really much good, which is a disappointment. I'll not be rushing out to push it to no. 1, although the Pop Idol's murdering of John and Yoko's classic, was favourite for the Xmas no. 1 last time I heard.

2003-12-07T22:42:00.000Z

Lucky Leeds have drawn a home tie against Cup holders Arsenal in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Am watching part of a 48 hour marathon of Family Ties which is a stupid 80's TV sitcom. It's quite amusing in a dumb kind of way. They're currently visiting London, hehee.

Oh and Saints beat Charlton 3-2 with a late winner, after Charlton came back from 2-0 to equal the game.

2003-12-06T22:55:00.000Z

Went to Lake Jordan today. It was so quiet, people just don't go out when it's cold around here. Still I had a lovely time, went for a 3 mile walk around the forests. See photos here. There's also some more of Alta Seasons where I've been staying. I've not actually bothered to take a look around here in daylight before.

2003-12-06T18:04:00.000Z

Not my photo, but this is downtown Durham, NC

2003-12-06T17:56:00.000Z

seems i never put up the pics from Electric Soft Parade. Here they are. I'll try be a bit more prompt next time :)

2003-12-06T17:44:00.000Z

Here are photographs from Wednesday's trip to the Hockey and Thursday's trip to a "local" pub. Local in that it's 6 miles away. Unforunately the local team, Carolina Hurricanes lost the game. It was 1-1 at full time, but as the Americans don't like a tie, they get a point each, but carry on for 10 minutes until they get a winner. And that was the opposition in this case. They were robbed, as they'd had much of the better play in the game, but such is the way sport goes. The crowd was very quiet for most of the game, only getting roused after the 'Canes equalised to make it 1-1 almost immediately after conceeding, but the atmosphere was nothing compared to even the tamest of Premiership fixtures.

Then the next night it was the monthly trip to the pub for the redbook people. This was a funny little sports bar in Cary, one of the three cities making up the Triangle (that's as in RTP, Research Triangle Park, for those not in the know). It was quite a laugh, ony 2 buck a beer, and they had pool, darts and fussball, or table-top football to the rest of us :)

The random building thrown in at the end is the Mexican we went to for lunch yesterday. It was like nothing I'd ever seen, it was upstairs in a building that looked like it had been shut down. And for all it's claims I actually prefered the Fahitas I've had in Taco Bell to the one there - sorry. It was called Cosmic Cantina though which is quite amusing.

http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/hockey/

2003-12-06T16:59:00.000Z

2003-12-06T16:54:00.000Z

ok, Chelsea are gonna stay top, as Arsenal have let in a late late goal to Leicester.

2003-12-06T16:53:00.000Z

it'a ll over 1-1 and we're upto 19th, dropping Chelsea back into 2nd. Hurray!

2003-12-06T16:52:00.000Z

90 minutes....

2003-12-06T16:35:00.000Z

a point is a point, and a very valuable one at that, esp. against Chelsae. And Bolton have lost their lead to fall 2-1 behind. C'mon Leeds u can hold on to it

2003-12-06T16:28:00.000Z

grrrrrrr, 1-1. Shitty defence

More sports blogging

2003-12-06T15:53:00.000Z

A welcome suprise to wake up to... Leeds are 1 up against top o' the table Chelsea. And it must be approaching HT.

In the eye of the beholder?

2003-12-05T22:13:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | World | In the eye of the beholder?

BBC NEWS | World | Americas

2003-12-05T21:39:00.000Z

Breastfeeding driver stuns police: "She said she did not stop because she was talking on the phone to her husband and taking notes on the steering wheel."

Ay, ay, aye!

Wah

2003-12-05T21:26:00.000Z

today is the day Muse play in Bournemouth. Grrrr. Booked those tix in July. Damned Redbook.

Hello,

2003-12-03T01:28:00.000Z

slightly delayed due to little other than laziness, an not with adequate descriptions, because I couldn't actually find any decent software capable of generating web galleries that allowed me to enter a descriptoon for each image, except one, but all the images were just black.

What;s to say it's Washington; there's big buildings, monuments, etc, etc.

Going to see a Hockey game tomorrow, the ice kind, that should be cool and so long as cameras are allowed they'll be photos too :)

Heehee, almost forgot the URL again, here it is... http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/washington/

2003-12-02T21:53:00.000Z

2-0 and it's certainly all over as the Saints march on into the final eight.

2003-12-02T21:52:00.000Z

Last minute of added time and it's a red card to Pomey as Beattie earns a penalty for Saints, will he score his second?

Saints take the lead...

2003-12-02T20:35:00.000Z

.... and who else other than James Beattie

2003-12-02T20:31:00.000Z

It's actually the lowest crowd of the year at Saint Mary's. I guess everyone's staying away, fearing violence. Shame.

2003-12-02T20:12:00.000Z

Currently listening to Saints vs Pompey in the Carling Cup, oh and working too

2003-12-02T19:55:00.000Z

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Sheikh reveals 'Leeds hurt'

Things could be on the up

2003-12-02T19:37:00.000Z

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Sheikh admits Leeds interest

Dodgy middle eastern investment, can't argue with that, in fact we'll take it

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Cambodian pays for petrol with boy

2003-12-01T13:41:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Cambodian pays for petrol with boy

It's a mad mad world

2003-11-26T23:02:00.000Z

Glastonbury 2004 gets the go-ahead - NME.COM

Oh Yes!

BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Israel seizes Osama, Saddam dolls

2003-11-26T22:51:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Israel seizes Osama, Saddam dolls: "Customs Authority said the dolls were confiscated under a law banning incitement"

BBC SPORT | Football | Champions League

2003-11-25T22:58:00.000Z

Arsenal thump Inter

Where the hell did that come from?

more pics

2003-11-25T16:13:00.000Z

http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/eastcoast/

here are the photos from this weekend. It was lovely weather, and we stayed in a grotty little hotel on one of the outer banks. if you look at a map of the East coast of NC you'll see these odd islands, like the normal coast but with sea either side of them, the inner sea being called a Sound. There were huge 5 mile of so long bridges over these sounds, and other large rivers. You can see these in the pics. I went with Tjark (the guy in the photos, who's German, and Kristi, the girl, who's American). The beach is in Kill Devil, the gardens you see are from Fort Raleigh, near the site of the Lost Colony, which is near Manteo, on the mainland, i think, maybe it's another island. Oh and the early pictures of a lake, and the panorama at the end, were just some random lake at a rest area.

2003-11-25T05:08:00.000Z

why do i choose today, when i have to be at work for 8am, to stay up past midnight?!!?

Shopping

2003-11-25T02:47:00.000Z

Went to the Cary Towne Center, which is actually a mall tonight. Found some good shops too. Bought t-shirt, shirt and jeans. Also found a 'goth' shop with some retro computer games t-shirts. They had some freaky gear too.

This weekend was great, had a lovely time in the lovely weather. Took around 100 pictures, will be getting them online tonight or tomorrow. I've got to go through all my mp3s and change the tags to be correct for my iPod, so it depends on how long that takes me, or how long until I get bored of it.

We are the Champions.... of the World

2003-11-22T12:53:00.000Z

Wah :,(

2003-11-21T22:09:00.000Z

today's the day ~~the teddy bears~~, i mean today's the day the Cooper Temple Clause play Portsmouth and some other bugger is using my ticket - wah

yay for my new

2003-11-21T00:46:00.000Z

40Gb iPod. I shall be selling my Net MD player, as it's capacity is just too low for my needs. I have just realised however than my iPod now has greater capacity than my own PC and laptop added together. I guess I'll just have to use my work machine as the main thing to transfer files for now, although I do intend replacing that in the very near future also. This USB 2.0 us damn fast thou', it's copied 600 songs in no time. Shame I can't listen to it whilst it's copying, but I guess tiny little harddrives can only do so much. I was gonna get it from Amazon, but figured I couldn't be bothered waiting, plus there's the hassle of actually having someone sign for the parcel etc etc, and my impatience. I was only going to get the 30Gb, version but that's not available from the apple shop where I bought it, and I figured 40Gb is more than enough this way I shouldn't run out for ages. The machines capabilities are awesome. I can buy a compact flash reader for it and then use it to copy images from my camera to it's hard drive. When I plug it into the PC, as well as working through iTunes, it also appears as a removable drive in My Computer. It's just fab! :-)

2003-11-19T05:10:00.000Z

I hate to admit it, but I could sit and watch US sitcoms all night, oh shit I am doing. Must go bed...

Tri-City Herald: opinions

2003-11-19T01:59:00.000Z

Tri-City Herald: opinions

Now this is THE biggest load of propaganda ever. Not exactly a balanced article. If "Red Ken" is so friendless then how was he 'elected' mayor?

2003-11-18T00:18:00.000Z

More pics this time of yesterday's trip to the Smokey Mountains National Park.

Drove a total of 690 miles yesterday (did I say thank god for cruise control). Pretty mad really. Not sure I'd do it again, but it wasn't so bad and after all you only live once. Got a little lost on the way there which didn't help; added around 50 miles to the total. The town of Cherokee, which is inside the Cherokee Indian Reservation was a most odd place. Extremely tacky. Just a bingo hall, casino and lots o' gift shops. The national park was nice. Lots of mountains and clouds, with flowing mountain rivers and streams. It was a little funny being so far away from the safety and comfort of 'home' all alone. But after a while I got over it. Gatlinburg, on the other side of the national park was much more tacky than Cherokee, but somehow not so bad because it's not meant to be anything different.

can't be bothered writing much more. just look at the photos

Blair defends George Bush visit

2003-11-17T18:42:00.000Z

Blair defends George Bush visit
£5m cost to the British tax payer, and I should pay to protect an inbred Texan pig ****er because?

Burns diagnosed with brain tumour

2003-11-17T16:39:00.000Z

Burns diagnosed with brain tumour

A real shame. Let's hope the doctors are correct and he makes 100% recover and is back behind the wheel of a WRC car before too long.

2003-11-15T23:47:00.000Z

http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/plane/
http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/about/
http://www.angelfire.com/indie/moonpie/raleigh/

2003-11-15T03:05:00.000Z

Returned safely home from Movie Theatre. Only got lost once, and only because both the outermost lanes of the Interstate were exit only and I realised this too late, but I still managed to get myself back on track with enough time to get to the cinema before the film started. Unfortunately most of the food places at the 'mall' were then about to close once I'd got out of the cinema. Not to worry, I'll either make something myself, or order out. Streets of Southpoint is a most surreal place. It's not a mall, as such, more a city centre built out in the country. I'll be returning there tomorrow to do some shopping before I head off to down town Raleigh.

I like cable. I've less channels than Sky but the channels seem better. I'm watching Bugs Life on Disney. I have Disney at home I suppose, maybe it would have good films on too. Who knows? Need food anyway.

Matrix 3, wasn't as bad as people say, but I do think it wasn't as good as the others. That said the final fight scene was once of the greatest ever filmed.

End of the week one

2003-11-14T23:19:00.000Z

It's Friday and I'm sat on the couch in my apartment here in Morrisville, NC. It's the end of week one, and it seems no one's up for doing much. Tjark, the German is going away and everyone else seems happy doing next to nothing, but at least this way, I can do thing at my own pace. I think, from speaking to some of the others, that there could be some organised trips away, maybe to the East coast of NC. This week we've been out everynight. Tuesday, I've already covered. Wednesday we went out for a few beers in a pub. That's what it was called :) That was nice and their draught of the month was a nice porter. That was just David, Robert and I. David's since returned home, today in fact. Last night we went to the Holiday Inn of all places where they had kareoke. It was very very loud, and that's not the based way for people to managed conversation. No one went up to sing from out party, maybe if we'd been there a bit longer we would have done. We were home by around 9 ish.

So tonight I'm going to see the Matrix 3. all by myself. Tomorrow I'm gonna shop, maybe get that iPod, and check out the museums etc in down town Raleigh. Sunday I'll rise early and drive across the state to the Great Smoky Mountians National Park. I might try to organise a trip to a hockey game in the week. I believe that the local team are playing on Tuesday. Anyway, better dash.

BBC NEWS | England | West Yorkshire | England striker Smith arrested

2003-11-13T22:04:00.000Z

England striker Smith arrested

I suppose if this was no where near a football pitch you'd get arrested too - oh wait, no you wouldn't

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Leeds United | Leeds 'set to go under'

2003-11-12T22:03:00.000Z

Leeds 'set to go under'

It doesn't make for good reading, but really you can't argue. On the other hand, were Leeds to enter administration, surely someone would step in and buy up the club at a knock down price. Take away the dept and there's still a viable business there. After all, no Leeds fans are about to switch their allegiances are they?

Legal Alien

2003-11-12T03:22:00.000Z

So yesterday I touched down in America. Raleigh-Durham to be more precise. Now I'm sat in my apartment watching adverts which are broken intermittently to show bits of Terminator 2. I'm also listening to Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show from this evening over the internet. This cable internet is FASSSSSSST and 1/2.

I had to drive from the Airport here, and then to work today. I'm find it alright now, but yesterday it was interesting. Everything is so different. Haven't been shopping yet, apparently there's a Lowe's Food nearby so I'll be heading over there tomorrow for some food and drink. Haven't even got breakfast food, just a few things that were here in the so-called welcome pack. I had biscuits for breakfast today.

Work looks like it could be hard, but I think people are gonna party hard too. After all most of us have no home life to go back to, so long as we're here. I still haven't ventured into Raleigh yet, but when I get out of work it's dark so that might have to wait until the weekend. I'm going to goto Washington over the Thanksgiving Weekend, as we got 4 days off :)

Oooh, looks like Lowe's is open 'til midnight. Hmmmm, can I be arsed going shopping now. No in a word. Worth knowing still.

Anyway. I'm having a good time. I'm still a little on UK time, so I'm getting tired early, but to be fair, I got 4 and a half hours sleep on Sunday night and then was awake for 21 hours straight, so it could just be that.

BRMC in Bristol were good - there'll be no pictures because the bouncers took my camera off me and made me delete my pictures and I had to collect my camera back at the end of the show. Apparently I was told this as I entered. F**king wasn't! Wasn't happy about this either.

Note: times will still be in UK time zone, because otherwise it switches all time into the US time zone, even those made in the past.

Tonight we went to Sooper Salad which was average. It was a bit like school dinners. For about $7 I got as much salad as I wanted and infinite refills of pop. It wasn't my choice, hopefully we can go somewhere better tomorrow. We're still to all get to know one another, but it will come as we work more together. There's me, a German guy, an American women who's not from Raleigh so she's living at the same place as the rest of us, a Slovenian, a Chinese women, with whom I share my office, an Aussie guy who's here for the next week alone and a couple of Indian guys from here in Raleigh, so they don't live in the same place as I. All but, the Chinese girl went out tonight, as she'd already made plans, and David the Aussie guy had a conference call with China so wasn't there either.

Everything is SO spread out. On the way to where we ate we passed so many different food outlets it's mad, and loads of gas stations.

When I get my photos on a decent website I'll show some on here, but not yet. I've got to be at work for 8.30am tomorrow for a course on how to use the publishing software we're to use, and as I have no breakfast I guess I'll go in b4 then and get some food too.

2003-11-08T17:19:00.000Z

I'm gonna hunt down these commentators and do something not very nice. Grrrrrrr

2003-11-08T17:16:00.000Z

I'm not even bothering to listen anymore, only just caught the croud cheering for that one. 3 minutes to go, chance for a seventh?

2003-11-08T17:15:00.000Z

there you go, 6 now

2003-11-08T17:09:00.000Z

Hey, it's 5-1 now, isn't that just dandy. Only thing that compares is listening to these stupid BBC Southampton commentators.

2003-11-08T16:52:00.000Z

Another long range volley, and we're 3-1 down to Pompey. I know that they beat Liverpool here, and have held Arsenal at Highbury in a match that they maybe should've won, BUT if we can't pick up points ahgainst the likes of Pompey we're f**ked.

2003-11-08T16:49:00.000Z

And now we're 2-1 down, bah

2003-11-08T15:49:00.000Z

Super super Alan Smith! Leeds 1 - Pompey 1

2003-11-08T15:47:00.000Z

Pompey 1 - Leeds 0 after 15 min :(

2003-11-08T15:30:00.000Z

Only half an hour late, things finally get underway.

Bad light at Fratton Park

2003-11-08T15:18:00.000Z

Portsmouth vs Leeds, is being delayed today due to problems with the flood lights.

Today's packing for America, as I'm in Bristol until late tomorrow and then off 1st thing on Monday.

2003-11-07T10:53:00.000Z

Take that!

2003-11-07T10:51:00.000Z

Games at work may be good for you

Finally an excuse

2003-11-03T11:30:00.000Z

Beer mat flipping 'perfected'

Some people really have too much time on their hands. On the other hand, doesn't this reduce the challenge?

Read it and weep

2003-11-03T00:20:00.000Z

		P	W	D	L	F	A	PTS
1	ARSENAL	11	8	3	0	23	9	27

2	CHELSEA	11	8	2	1	21	9	26

3	MANCHESTER UNITED	11	8	1	2	21	6	25

4	BIRMINGHAM CITY	10	5	4	1	9	5	19

5	MANCHESTER CITY	11	5	3	3	22	12	18

6	FULHAM	11	5	3	3	21	15	18

7	LIVERPOOL	11	5	2	4	17	12	17

8	NEWCASTLE UNITED	11	4	4	3	16	13	16

9	SOUTHAMPTON	11	4	4	3	10	7	16

10	CHARLTON ATHLETIC	10	4	3	3	14	13	15

11	PORTSMOUTH	11	3	3	5	11	15	12

12	TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR	11	3	3	5	10	14	12

13	ASTON VILLA	11	2	5	4	9	13	11

14	MIDDLESBROUGH	11	3	2	6	9	15	11

15	BOLTON WANDERERS	11	2	5	4	9	19	11

16	EVERTON	11	2	4	5	12	15	10

17	WOLVERHAMPTON	11	2	3	6	7	23	9

18	LEICESTER CITY	11	2	2	7	16	21	8

19	BLACKBURN ROVERS	11	2	2	7	15	21	8

20	LEEDS UNITED	11	2	2	7	10	25	8

Electric Soft Parade

2003-11-01T19:03:00.000Z

Thursday night was seeing the Electric Soft Parade in Portsmouth supported by an unnamed band and Clearlake. All 3 were very enjoyable and ESP put on a very very good show. Pics to follow. Tonight is Martin Grech in Southampton, Joiners. I dunno if I'll bother with the camera.

2003-10-25T14:33:00.000+01:00

Bah, 3-1, no fair

Sports blogging

2003-10-25T13:26:00.000+01:00

were 1-0 down, now 1-1. Leeds at the 'pool that is

Reality Check

2003-10-25T11:13:00.000+01:00

Flights are booked. Hire car booked. Accomodation booked. Things are starting to get very real. Only 16 days until I take off. It's starting to feel like I'm actually going. Eek! new phone came the other day too. I can sync it with my Lotus Notes calendar at work, so I'll always know if I've got meetings or anything. Yay! No wires either, all InfraRed.

England won the 1st test Vs Bangladesh. Leeds play Liverpool this afternoon.

2003-10-21T22:46:00.000+01:00

New phone's order has been passed to warehouse for dispatch, whatever that means.

2003-10-21T22:39:00.000+01:00

Still not gone to see Kill Bill, might go tomorrow. Evette's back at work tomorrow. It's been so quiet without her. Listening to Muse's new album, damn it I'm pissed at missing them. Only had my ticket for like 4 months, just to have to sell it on. Still I worked out that that per day, $60 a day, expenses work out at around £1200 quid, which is nice, esp. as that's just for food and entertainment.

Update

2003-10-20T22:14:00.000+01:00

The Kills will indeed be postponed until next year. Bonus!

There is light

2003-10-20T22:13:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately due to a throat infection The Darkness have had to postpone tomorrow night's gig at the Portsmouth Pyramid centre, which I was due to attend. This isn't quite so annoying as the poor people in Liverpool, who'd watched the support act and waited for a half hour only for the final act not to show. Supposedly it's been postponed, and not cancelled, I've just gotta hope I'll be in the country when it is finally played.

In other news: The Kills which I was due to see next week has been similarly postponed, for unknown reasons. I'm awaiting receipt of my corporate credit card, before booking flights and hire cars, etc for my impending trip stateside. Only 20 days and counting. Prob'ly only gonna spend a week in NYC after the residency and then return, depending on hire car availability, due to age and other.

Life is good, and on the whole enjoyable at the moment. Spending time with housemates, and people, mainly students (Evette and her housemates), fairly evenly. Work's pretty dull, but then I'll be out of there for almost two months soon!

All the gig cancellation and going to America has meant a potential 7 bands this autumn/winter is down to around 3 now; Electric Soft Parade next Thursday, Martin Grech next Saturday and BRMC the day before I leave for the States. Hopefully, however I can have The Kills and The Darkness to look forward to upon my return.

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Music | Eminem judge raps out dismissal

2003-10-19T12:29:00.000+01:00

Eminem judge raps out dismissal

Good to see the Judicial system has a sense of humour :)

2003-10-12T23:24:00.000+01:00

ISTJ - "Trustee". Decisiveness in practical affairs. Guardian of time- honored institutions. Dependable. 6% of the total population.

Take Free Myers-Briggs Personality Test

2003-10-12T22:58:00.000+01:00

Conscious self	Overall self

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test

Enneagram Test Results

Type 1	Perfectionism	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	50%
Type 2	Helpfulness	\|\|\|\|\|\|	30%
Type 3	Ambition	\|\|\|\|\|\|	22%
Type 4	Sensitivity	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	46%
Type 5	Detachment	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	58%
Type 6	Anxiety	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	54%
Type 7	Adventurousness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	42%
Type 8	Hostility	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	58%
Type 9	Calmness	\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|\|	46%

Your Conscious-Surface type is 8w9
Your Unconscious-Overall type is 7w6

Take Free Enneagram Personality Test