And there before me was a door standing open in heaven....

The Master of Indecision....

2008-04-30T20:35:21Z

This month has turned out to be one of mixed emotions. From happiness and excitement in one moment to another of anger and frustration.

The new house has been ok at times, but on occasions I can feel confined to a certain space with no possible means of escape for a certain period. It also seems that there is still a lot I need to do, but just don't have enough time to do everything that needs to be accomplished. There is also a bit of an uneasy vibe at work at the moment, because of the early Easter this year it meant that I had to spend two weeks inside the office, doing an archiving task. It was going alright until the two colleagues who were helping me were assigned to something else, and after finishing the remainder of what needed to be done I felt that enough was enough and at present, am being less co-operative than usual. This may have had a knock-on effect on my spirituality, but thankfully here I have taken a normal, laid-back approach and that at least continues to go on just fine.

Thankfully, there has been just as many ups as downs to help restore the balance. As well as the flash mobs that took place at the beginning of this month, the spring TV schedules have helped to bring in the returns of Doctor Who, Have I Got News For You, and the second series of Heroes which should hopefully bring in some further character development. In the weekend just gone, I undertook my first ever expedition with the tubewalkers, walking from Crossharbour to Mudchute via the Thames (where there was the unusual sighting of a small beach) and then on the following day I had a meal with the family over at Essex, at the venue where my sister's wedding recpetion will be held next year. Quite a pleasant and secluded venue, I have to say.

The last couple of days have also brought some amusing writings - first up, after a little while away and a job reshuffle, Steve Ainger was back in Metro's letters column yesterday:

"So, Esther Rantzen says people are ruder than they were ten years ago. As people are much more likely to be rude to Esther Rantzen than they are to anyone else, I think we can take this with a pinch of salt."

And also worth mentioning is this picture I saw at West Ealing this morning, in reference to demand for the new Grand Theft Auto 4 game (which, I'm pleased to say, I won't be buying).

After all of that, it is time to bring this month's events to an end. May, in the first few days at least, could be promising, taking into account that it can set out my future if things turn out a certain way....

An interesting collection of flash videos....

2008-04-13T11:19:55Z

As most of you are aware, I have been quite busy on the flash mob scene and this footage collective shows what happened on those days (those filmed by myself marked with a *).

First of all, the Flash Pillow Fight at Leicester Square. Unfortunately, my own footage here didn't upload successfully, but if you want a good detailed accounnt of what happened on the day, then this video is definitely ideal - you can even see me make a cameo appearance at around 7:02 where I had begun to join in the mass brawl myself!

Now here's where the fun really begins....

*01.04.08 @ 17:00 - World Freeze Day at Paddington Station*
This is the whole five minutes of the freeze from my point of view. Although I was moving around a fair bit (mainly to catch as many people as possible who were holding their position!), it soon becomes clear which people at the station were keeping still and who had the bemused looks on their faces. Being there for those few minutes was almost as if it were a real human life-like version of Madam Tussauds, and this video provides an alternative view of the goings-on, featuring an interview with some of the freeze participants, and my own cameo at 1:18 where filming paths seemed to cross!

*11.04.08 @ 18:00 - Rickmob at Liverpool Street Station*
Here, the station was crowded with people for just a few minutes, so that they could pay homage to a Rick Astley classic. Perhaps not as good as the other two (I do apologise for swearing at the end of my video), but then again it was the first time something like this was ever done, and can only get better with practice. I also filmed myself making my way from end of the station to the other after the Rickrolling had ceased (*video clip here*) so that you could get an idea of who was singing that day, and my other recommendation is this video which neatly blends other footage from the day's events with a great reworking of the song in question!

Hope that keeps you amused for a little while. There could well be other flash mob events in the future, but for now I must turn my head round to other matters that need attention....

Something Like A Revelation....

2008-04-06T14:47:09Z

Well, I'm pleased to announce that the broadband's been activated at the new place, which means that I'm fully online again. Although I really need to cut down on my internet usage since I have a million and one other things that need to be completed....

A recap of the past week's events, then. On Monday I went to my old quarters for the last time so that I could return the keys to my landlord, who was sorry to see me go. I explained to him fully why I decided to move on, and gave advice on when the irregularities were happening should he ever want to check on them for himself. Tuesday was another Flash Mob, this time it was at Paddington station where a World Freeze was occurring (nothing like the freeze that descended upon us this morning however), where people had to stay in the same position for five minutes without moving a muscle. Although I didn't actually take part, I took video footage with my camera phone and will get round to uploading it later on in the week. I also stopped off for mass at Westminster Cathedral and then onto Tottenham Court Road to buy some new equipment for my PC.

The rest of the week has been spent either working or sorting out other items for the new place. I'm now pretty confident that I've bought everything I need now, so the free time that is available in this month will be getting things organised and adapting to my new lifestyle.

One other thing that needs to brought up before I finish this entry, and that's the new series of Doctor Who, which commenced last night. Having read episode previews in the Radio Times and watched the opening "Partners In Crime", it looks set to be an interesting series with an array of guest stars set to feature. Catherine Tate reprising her role as former runaway bride Donna Noble could work well, who has made it clear she doesn't want a love story with the Doctor, and being older and considerably more mature should give this year's run more of an edge compared to previous series. Although it was worth noting that Bille Piper made a non-speaking cameo return as Rose Tyler, before mysteriously disappearing into nowhere. Add the forthcoming return of other previous assistant Martha Jones into the mix and it could well explain why I've got very high hopes for these series, not forgetting to mention of course the Steven Moffatt-written double bill....

Here is where I stop for now, and this month looks set to provide a few treats as well as whatever progress reports are worth taking note of....

Revelation Marches On....

2008-03-30T13:31:24Z

I'm looking back at what has been a very busy month indeed. I'm resorting to internet cafes until the internet connection has been sorted out at the new place, and the change of location has been a key factor in the month's events.

The move itself has gone incredibly well which admittedly, was something I didn't expect. What was originally intended to be a quick fix action plan to get out of the noise from the restaurant beneath my original surroundings could well have turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I've gained a very friendly housemate, and the new landlady is a really great person to know as well. Being that I now live in a house, I'm also taking responsibility for some things that I have never really undertaken before, such as doing my own washing, and now I'm starting to take an interest in garden maintenance too (whether this is something that's rubbed off from Mother and her partner remains to be seen). There's still a few more things that need to be tweaked, like any other new location one moves to, but I feel so confident and able to do whatever needs to be done that it's as if nothing would dare oppose my plans to progress right now.

Besides the house move, the early Easter this year has played its part in helping to improve my spiritual wellbeing. Of course, there's also going to be the odd trial or two that will try to knock me back, but in this instance, if you feel that you are able to rebound fighting, then nothing can really stop you. Work has also been fairly local, and again the early Easter has meant that I've also been able to take a vast amount of time off - it's a combination of both these things that has helped me too feel even more relaxed.

The last two weekends have also been very entertaining and productive. Last week, not only being Easter Weekend, also saw me witness another flash pillow fight that took place in Leicester Square. The massive crowd that particiapted in the fight ensured that it lasted as long as one hour and twenty minutes. I originally went to film some video footage, and this will be uploaded when internet connection is set up at the new place. Unwittingly though, I didn't spot poggs and severe_delays amongst the melee, both of them also have their own individual accounts of the day's events, though there's one thing we all agree on and that it was a great time indeed.

And last night I went to a school reunion that was organised by one of the ex-pupils I was more familiar with from my time at secondary school. Okay, a lot of people at the reunion were three or four years above me, but thankfully there were two faces I recognised from my year, and it was superb to catch up with them again and hear what they've been up to in the ten years since I last saw them. Whilst I openly admit that secondary school hasn't exactly been the most enjoyable time of my life, it's great to know that conflicts between people can be pacified over a length of time, as was demonstrated by others at this reunion.

All in all, it's been a top month and has almost matched the highs of March last year. But this time around, I'm feeling increasingly more confident with each passing day, I just want to keep going in everything that I do, and no-one right now would even think about trying to stop me....

Revelation before the Cut-Off....

2008-03-16T17:40:11Z

This will be my last entry before the move up the road. As of tomorrow, I'll be informing the ISP that I'll be changing address, as well as cancelling any direct debits that are no longer required. There is also the task of sorting out a van to transport the TV and this computer later on this week.

In the space between my last LJ entry and this one, I have mostly been winding down my use of the internet and boxing things up so that they can be transported to the new place. And that, as you might have guessed has pretty much been it, apart from the fact that all my work this week has been local which has been of immense help.

All that remains to say is to wish you all a Happy Easter for next weekend and see you again when I've adapted to my new surroundings....

More Family Revelations....

2008-03-09T15:50:59Z

A couple of years ago, I made this entry on the subjects of moving and marriage. Those two subjects just happen to be the subject for today's entry, though I will start with the latter to get things off.

After 6 years as a couple, my sister and her partner have finally made arrangements to get married next year. They've booked a church and function room in Wickford, Essex (which probably isn't too far from perhaps one reader of this LJ), and when I met them yesterday, they showed me all their lists and arrangements of what they've planned so far. Nothing distasteful as yet, thankfully. One of the parts where I've been asked to participate in, is to be an usher at the sevice, which I've agreed to, though it may result in myself dressing up even more smart than ever. Still, the church they've picked looks very fascinating, and if I get a chance, I'll probably have a look around to investigate it further nearer the time (be it in usher dress code or not).

And then's the matter relating to myself. Later on this month, I'll be moving location, though it's not a drastic change like it has been the last couple of times. The new place is only ten minutes up the road from where I am now, though of course, I do have such reasons for going ahead with this move.

For almost two years, since I began to start living independantly, I have been living above a shop, whose premises has been generally used as a restaurant. Last year some new owners came in, and revamped the place - unfortunately one of the things they've since brought in is the introduction of live entertainment. Although it only happens on certain nights, the music that is played as a result of this "entertainment" is so loud that on one occasion I could hear it half a mile away when I was walking back to my lodgings from the tube station. Worse still, said "entertainment" goes on until very late at night, which is more frustrating when I have to get up at 5am the next morning to commence an early shift at work.

However, I found this new place last week, and met up with the new landlady the next day to have a look at this alternative houseshare. Although the room I'll be using is smaller, it's on a more pleasant road - and it's a proper house as well! I decided to take up these new surroundings, and on Wednesday I met up with the landlady again to sign contracts and pay the deposit. As I've already said, this new house looks really promising with nearly everything I could wish for in a residence, and it's within walking distance from around three different tube stations in Harrow as well. I'll post more on this when I've settled in the new place and got my computer back up and running over there.

For now though, I have to concentrate on getting everything in my current location ready for the move, and this could take most of next week, though there'll certainly be at least one more entry on here before the move goes ahead....

Two Nights Giggage....

2008-03-02T19:54:30Z

As mentioned before in my last entry, the last two nights have been spent going to gigs (one band featured in both of them).

Friday it was the Shepherd's Bush Empire, where it was the third in a series of farewell gigs from
The Mission, with support coming from both Dragons and Balaam and the Angel. Dragons opened the show in fine form (arrived just in time to see them!), and Balaam were pretty good as well. Of course, the night was going to belong to The Mission, who in a series of themed nights, played all the tracks from one particular album each night. The night I went to focused on the album "Children" - admittedly I wasn't familiar with many of the songs played, but it was still good to have the chance to seen them live. They did play a few I recognised though, classics such as "Beyond The Pale", "Like A Child Again" and a stunning set closer in "Tower of Strength". The highlight of the night came when someone jumped from the crowd to perform a stage invasion, but as he was being pulled away by security, lead singer Wayne Hussey intervened to stop them, and afterwards embraced the invader with a great show of affection, before allowing the guy to crowdsurf his way back into the pit! A good night, perhaps marred by the fact that "Wasteland" wasn't played, but oh well, you can't have everything.

Last night's gig at the Camden Underworld had nearly everything - riff-led indie, chilled laid back ambience and finished off with some fantastically gothic dark rock. The first act I saw that night were
The Fluids, a girl-fronted act who I wasn't really that bothered with at first, but as their set developed, the lead singer worked up the crowd and really got everyone going. Particular highlight was their cover version of Skunk Anansie's "Hedonism", making it sound just as anthemic as the original. Top act, and I even nabbed a discarded setlist left on the stage! The next act that night was Ulrich Schnauss, who is probably better known as a remixer, having worked his magic on tracks by bands such as Depeche Mode and Long-View, but last night he spent half an hour utilising his laptop and keyboard to create perhaps some of the most beautiful instrumental music I've ever heard, the sort of melodies that would be perfect in dreaming one's vivid landscape, an atmosphere where I can dance away in his presence and not give a care in the world to anyone else around me. There were even some guitar-driven melodies towards the end, and his entrancing themes were just wonderfully sublime, maybe one day I'll get to see him headline his own magnificently crafted set.

And so on to the headline act of the night, I said that I had seen them perform the night before, and who were they.... none other than DRAGONS!!!! I've said it before, they're set to become my band for 2008, and last night's performance demonstrated why that title could already be well and truly claimed. From the moment lead singer Anthony Tombling Jr walked on stage and uttered the words "We're Dragons!" the next 45 minutes or so were spent headbanging at the front of the stage to their powerfully menacing songs. Ever since I got round to purchasing their album "Here Are The Roses" last week, it's hardly left my CD player ever since, and anthemic greats such as the album's title track and "Trust" were complimented by new stormers such as "The Law" which really bodes well for the studio-recorded version when it gets done. Got a setlist again too, and it was as follows:

01 Condition
02 Treasure
03 The Law
04 Hold Me In Your Arms
05 Trust
06 Lonely Tonight
07 Epiphany
08 Rememberance
09 Always The Night
10 Here Are The Roses
11 Where Is The Love

What also made it a great night was that not only did a buy a Dragons T-shirt and remix EP for the first time, but I also got to meet and shake hands with the band's two core members, Anthony and drummer David Francolini! Generally helped when Anthony announced at the end of the set "Come and say hello to us", but for me that was a chance to say how I really like their music and live performance. Anthony said that he really liked playing on the big stage at Shepherd's Bush the previous night, and David was perhaps the main influence into how I really got into Dragons, being only the second person ever to leave a personal comment on my Myspace page!

David is also known for having previously played in a band called Dark Star, and for another minor Knightmare reference, you may want to go to the band's Myspace page (admittedly linked twice in this entry!) and listen to "Here Are The Roses", before answering the question: "Does the opening few seconds sound similar to the Series 6 to 8 Knightmare theme?"

Enough for now, I've think I've gone on far enough, though one thing's for certain, Dragons could well be breathing more fire into this LJ come later on in the year....

A Leap Into The Unknown....

2008-02-29T14:15:04Z

Now today only happens once every 4 years. It's February 29th, also known as "Leap Day".

It's been a long wait for this LJ to personally experience such a day, as it was started in 2005, having just missed the previous one in 2004. And have I got an exciting and all-guns blazing entry to commemorate this special day? Er, no.

I was hoping to write something a bit more witty and interesting, but alas, it has become one of those increasingly regular times where once again words have escaped me. Nothing really to say except that I've got two consecutive nights worth of gigs to look foward to (Now, THAT wil be something to write up about in the aftermath).

Oh well, enjoy the rest of today while you can everyone, see you once again when normalities have been restored in March....

Prime Burp....

2008-02-24T13:02:39Z

One of the best TV shows I've seen in a long while finished it's current run last night, a program that has occasionally been discussed between myself and aristophains within the comments section of this LJ....

Primeval is the show in question, and has been part of ITV1's family schedule over the last few Saturdays. This has been one show that has got better with each programme. Unlike it's BBC contemporaries in Doctor Who and Robin Hood, it hasn't suffered from second series syndrome by bigging up it's main characters, and by keeping everything down to earth whilst ensuring that the action has remained consistent, has in my opinion made it very worthwhile watching. The actors were all on top form and very easy-going to understand, more notably Ben Miller's senior official, who has a slick wit and very dry humour. One one occasion he delivered the memorable line: "So to summarise, we're looking for a deadly skin-shedding aquatic predator with a neat line in Charlotte Church impressions." Miller also has to be the most active actor outside the show, having starred in a few ITV1 programmes recently as well his own BBC series with Alexander Armstrong last year.

But to conclude, the whole of Primeval was excellent viewing, be it the creatures (usual prehistoric terrors or the even more sinister future monsters brought in by the villains - the anomalies that form a core part of the program were a key instrument for time travel) or the action sequences that generally followed. The final scenes of last night's show really ensured that the series finished on a high, and not just because they were set in a cemetery! What's even better, a third series is underway for next year, something definitely worth looking out for and ensuring that Primeval is not one of the ITV shows heading for extinction.

Also worth mentioning is Harry Hill's TV Burp (which has preceded Primeval). A programme that has formed a staple TV viewing diet for a few people who regularly read this LJ. I myself enjoy the programme, and Harry Hill's alternative perspectives are very good, although I wish he'd try to do something a bit different from all those soaps/dramas/reality documentaries. However if there's one thing that's compulsive viewing here, it's the fight scenes that precede the ad break, last night with the rat against the mine clearing machine being especially noteworthy.

Primeval may have finished for now, but there's still a few more weeks of TV Burp, although there's not much else I watch on TV at the moment. Maybe the introduction of the spring TV schedules could introduce an exciting and intuitive program that can offer something delightfully different....

Metro Beckham and Bunter Banter....

2008-02-19T18:45:59Z

At last, an entry for my first Metro letters of the year (again, partly delayed due to an ongoing busy hiatus).

The first entry of they year (published exactly a fortnight ago) focused on David Beckham's exclusion from England's first international match under new manager Fabio Capello. I don't really like to talk about football in this LJ, so I'll try and keep this to a minimum. The published letter went as follows:

"David Beckham needn't worry about being dropped from tomorrow's match against Switzerland. He should just relax at home and watch the match on his television - ideal practice ahead of Euro 2008."

Ah yes, Euro 2008 - where England (or any other British football team for that matter) will not be featuring in this year's tournament. Interestingly, at a family meet-up last weekend, there was a discussion on who'd people would support instead. Most people have opted for Spain, although I'm inclined to back the Germans for whatever reason....

Moving on to today's published letter, it followed up a celebratory article on a long existant comic character. "Big-Boned" Billy Bunter celebrated 100 years on Friday just gone, and on the day itself Metro contemplated what might have happened if he had actually become thin. Of course, every comic character (be it Dennis The Menace or Desperate Dan) has a certain characteristic about them which will always remain and if someone were to change that, it would almost certainly create a huge outcry of protest. Hence my decision to write in to Metro explaining why Billy Bunter should remain the way he is, and my letter went something a bit like this:

"Billy Bunter may have turned 100 but it would be absolute madness if he were to slim down. I mean, whatever would be next - The Billy Bunter Book Of Dieting followed by The Billy Bunter Body Workout DVD?"

A case for the defence of keeping Billy Bunter as he is now, and a sly dig at the fitness programmes made by minor celebrities into the bargain! Of course, the boy Bunter is known for loving his food, and the subject of food neatly ties in with yesterday's Metro letter from Steve Ainger, who I'm glad to say is still at large. Here then, is his spotlight on the over excessive use of garnish in a certain foodstuff:

"Why do so many pre-packed sandwiches, especially 'gourmat' ones - have such an abundance of leaves in them? I don't mind a slice of lettuce but why half a rainforest?"

Any answers to the above question, feel free to post them here. Or to anything else that may have caught your eye in this entry. For now though it seems, be it Aukett or Ainger, there's still going to be more Metro musings from this Gene/Olympians board duo for a long time to come....

Whirlwind of Last Weekend....

2008-02-09T15:08:46Z

Well, now for an update regarding the events of last weekend. Why I am posting this an entire week late? You'll find out if you keep reading....

On (last) Saturday, I met up with pvcdiva/tubewhore and a host of other companions as we ventured round the southern end of the tube's Northern Line. We all assembled at Tooting Bec for 2pm and gathered together for a group shot before heading towards the main attraction for the day, a sewing machine museum located just down the road from the station. Now one usually wouldn't associate me with sewing machines, but I personally saw it as one of these nostalgia trips into the past, and I personally enjoyed it. The outside of the museum isn't exactly that distinctive, but go inside and it's something completely different. Here and here are some of the exhibits that you can expect to see once inside, and here is the museum's founder and owner Ray Rushton demonstrating to us one of the other delights of the museum that shows that the museum doesn't just house sewing machines! It was just great to have a look at everything on display (the oldest sewing machine I saw was exactly 150 years old) whilst sipping some complimentary wine in the process, as well as watching the museum's previous TV publicity on Collector's Lot and regional news programme London Tonight. For more information on the musuem itself, click here, and whilst I'm at it I might as well mention the
International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society.

After visiting the museum, we all stopped for some tea, and then eventually going on to visit all the Northern line stations south of Tooting Bec. First up was Tooting Broadway, where after stopping outside we headed back and were slightly taken aback by the "Destination Unknown" on the platform's indicator. Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon eventually followed, and then it was the very southern end of Morden, where I actually quite fascinated with the location, having never been there before! A couple of sightings especially took my eye, noticably looking at Morden's Tube Depot from the view of a bridge, and there was also this very amusing sighting featured two London Buses conveniently parked close to each other! I'll definitely have to investigate Morden further come later in the year. We then headed to Clapham South, and then it was on to Victoria where everyone soon departed one after the other (I left what remained of the group at Green Park, next stop up). It was a great day, and no doubt there'll be more tube-related stories later on in the year.

There's more pics from last Saturday on tubewhore's journal should anyone want to see more. Special hello's also to belle_fille1982, poggs and all the other people on that day who I met for the first time.

On to Sunday now, and after a slight mishap where I got my dates mixed up (I had completely ignored the fact that the Project 2030 meeting originally scheduled for last Sunday had been moved to tomorrow!) I returned back to my place for some more tea, and then to Holborn for Sunday evening mass and a gig in Camden! The gig was both excellent and interesting. It was originally scheduled to take place at the Electric Ballroom (I'd only been in there for any record fairs they might have done), but for whatever reason, the gig was moved to Dingwalls, a more familiar venue to myself having seen iLiKETRAiNS there the previous day. I had originally come to see the first band of the evening, Dragons (an early contender for my Band of the Year), who even though this was my first live sighting of them, performed just as superbly as I'd expected to, I remained at the very front for the enitre gig, right in front of the stage! The next act, Faderhead was more techno-orientated with some fusions of rock, but his clever-written lyrics and amusing stage antics had me hooked nonetheless, and was definitely great to watch for the 40 minutes he was on for! Then it was the headline act for the evening, German pioneers of electro and industrial music Die Krupps. Having been around for 25 years, their show tinight was more a showcase of their greatest hits. Enjoyed every minute of their act, absolutely fantastic, and although having only been familiar with the tracks on their Myspace for about a week, many of their songs were truly anthemic and again, will definitely be getting into them more often in the near future. It truly was another great night, here are some pics of Dragons' peformance (the area had become quite congested by the time the other two acts came on):

Microphone stand at the beginning of the performance
Lead singer Anthony Tombling Jr and drummer David Francolini
A combination of guitar and synthesisers
Anthony by bass player and other guitarist
And another one of Anthony in full action

Also sighted, was this laptop with amusing sticker!

The only problem? After Die Krupps had finished their set, I checked my watch to discover that it had only just gone past midnight! So engrossed was I in the whole night's music that I had completely lost track of all time. At least after making a sudden departure, I got as far as Edgware by bus before eventually having to cab it the rest of the way. Now then, going back to the very beginning of this entry, here is why I've taken so long to update this LJ with the relevant content:

Monday: After getting up so late, it was nearly time to head straight to work in Hounslow!
Tuesday: Another distant commute to work, this time to Sunbury Cross.
Wednesday: And yet another late lie in!*
Thursday: Became too engrossed in recovery to get anything done.
Friday: Wallowing in my own stupidity over the previous four days.

*There was an LJ entry on this day (as you might have already noticed), but it was only a meme!

Thankfully, today I have got myself back together and waded my way through all the pics, putting the best ones up for all of you to see. I am taking it very easy today, and getting whatever needs to be done (like this) complete, and tomorrow is the actual day of the Project 2030 meeting.

And it is then, to finally conclude for now, as life goes on, the activity is continually switched on....

Jimology

2008-02-06T22:59:51Z

A meme taken from pookatimes:

MOUTHOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Mayonnaise.

Q. What is your favourite fast food restaurant?
A. KFC. Except I couldn't have any today as it's Ash Wednesday.

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. I had a lovely meal at Pizza Express just before Christmas.

Q. On average how much of a tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Usually 10% (as is usually the norm at most restaurants).

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. My five portions of fruit and veg each day.

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Jalapenos and green chillies (yeah, I know....)

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butter/margarine/low fat spread

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. This: http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/7128/towersew7.jpg

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 1.

Q. What kind of cell phone do you have?
A. Sony Ericsson. Where I listen to radio/mp3s and also surf the web.

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right.

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Only blood, as far as I know.

Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. A gentleman's wheelchair whilst working at Hounslow today.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Through the power of sedatives/anaesthetics.

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Yes, if only to try and prove it wrong.

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. "He who must not be named."

Q. What colour looks good on you?
A. If it's dark it works.

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Many a long time ago.

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
A. Not in a "999 ambulance" sort if thing, if you know what I mean....

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Only when I've forgot something and would have been in severe trouble otherwise.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for £100?
A. Probably not.

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for £200,000?
A. If was to be used for scientific and/or medical purposes, then maybe.

Q. Would you never blog again for £50,000?
A. That would be like, taking a huge part of my internet life away, so no!

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for £250,000?
A. Yes, then watch as the magazine declares itself bankrupt the following week.

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for £1,000?
A. You bet I would!

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for £1,000,000?
A. Remember that thou shall not kill....

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. My keys and my wallet.

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Carpet, can't stand hardwood to be honest.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand up and be proud!

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A. House/flat mates, yes. Roommates might be a completely different matter, however....

Q: How many pairs of flipflops do you own?
A: None - can't even remember the last time I wore flipflops.

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. Whenever they poke their noses in to see what I'm doing at work.

Q: Who is number 2 on your top 8
A. 6?

Q: Last Friend you talked to?
A. My work colleagues this evening.

Q: Last person who called you?
A. Someone regarding other work....

Q: Last person you hugged?
A. Dearest mother, at the end of last week's events.

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A. My split personailty seems to have gone AWOL.

Q: Mood?
A. See elsewhere in this blog entry.

Q: Listening to?
A. See music (again, in this blog entry).

Q: Watching?
A. The seconds go by as another day comes to an end.

Q: Worrying about?
A. The unexpected.

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A. Limbo

Q: What do you want to do right now?
A: Finish this meme so that I can go to bed.

Q. What's the last movie you saw?
A. Something that was on the TV over the festive season, but I can't remember what.

Q. Do you smile often?
A. I smile as often as I frown.

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. I'd like to think so. Don't you?

Laid to Rest....

2008-01-29T10:43:29Z

After almost a couple of weeks, my grandad's funeral took place yesterday, before he was then buried and at peace.

The funeral itself took place near his residency in Clacton, which meant that I had spent the previous night at Mother's. She had prepared a wonderful dinner for me, her partner and of course myself, comprising of some delicious braised beef with horseradish sauce, and a fine selection of vegetables to boot. The rest of the evening was a fairly relaxed scenario, watching various TV programmes before I retired for the night to my old room, didn't feel that strange sleeping there after such a long time, but oh well....

Yesterday morning, we were all up early to get ready and be on our way (I had no idea it would take as long as an hour to get from Romford to Clacton, even going against the rush hour traffic!). Arriving to see Nan at 10 o'clock, it gave Mother plenty of time to help her sort out anything that needed doing. and during the next hour all the other family members eventually arrived. We all then headed off in an abundance of cars to the cemetery's chapel, where a short mermorial service was held to celebrate Grandad's life. It was then a short walk to the other side of the cemetery to visit what would now be Grandad's final resting place, and the cold grey sky was perhaps appropriate for the chilled grief we were all experiencing. After Grandad's coffin had been lowered into his grave, Dad (who had come especially for the funeral) and I each picked up a lump of sand and dropped it on top of his coffin. It was then time for the final farewell, with a sign of the cross of acknowledgement, I said whatever needed to be said, and headed off with the rest of the family to make a departure.

The family had pre-booked a pub's function room for a buffet service afterwards, and the next few hours were spent eating and drinking, and remembering all of Grandad's good times. A few of us then headed back with Nan back to her place for some tea and liquor, before it was finally time to head back home. Mother and her partner dropped me back off to her place to collect whatever stuff I had left overnight, and after more tea and another sandwich, the time had come for me to head into Romford station and make my own way back. It was tiring, but at the same time fast and efficient, and I finally got back to mine at 10pm last night.

My thoughts when writing this entry have helped me to remember not only what happened in the last couple of days (or even weeks!), but hopefully, it can also serve as my own tribute to Grandad's life. In the excessive ramblings of October 2005, there was a particular entry I'd done featuring a quote Grandad had made, so it's only fair that I should link to it here.

It has been quite a shadowy start to the year, both before and after the events of last fortnight, and I hope that as we go into February I can pick up all the positive pieces and make a fresh start to life. If there's one thing I feel that has become within me recently, I have continued to grow stronger and more confident as an independant-willed person, and I hope that can continue for a long while to come.

There has been one personal review of LJ that some may not like, but the less I say about it, the better. I can not this entry pass however, without saying a big thank you to everyone who left messages of condolence and support in the previous entry, it has meant a great amount to me personally and helped to get over the worst of what has happened. Let us hope, that whatever happens in the upcoming months, we can be there for each other once again.

"When you live in the hearts of those you love
Remember then, you never die."

Grandad R.I.P II

2008-01-15T19:25:01Z

I didn't exactly had this in mind for the second LJ entry this year, but one always has to face the unexpected....

Grandad (from my mum's side of the family) passed away in his sleep this morning. I was at work when my mum broke the news, needless to say my mood hasn't been that great for the rest of the day's events.

If there's any positives to be looked upon, it's that he departed from this world not knowing that he was ready to be taken upwards into the heavenly sky, and also that he was at least able to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary last year.

The final time I personally saw him was at the Christmas meal at my mum's only a few weeks ago. At a time when he was in such positive spirits, how unaware was I that it was to be what only I can describe as our last supper with him.

It now means that both of my grandfathers are now no longer here in physical presence (grandad from father's side of the family passed away four years ago), although thankfully both grans are still okay and well at this current moment.

May animus of meus avus quod animus of totus fidelis mortuus , per misericordia of Deus , intemporaliter sileo in poeace. Amen.

BRACE YOURSELF FOR 2008....

2008-01-01T21:55:13Z

And so it is that we find ourselves at the beginning of another chapter in the 2000s. Happy New Year everyone, may the forthcoming months within it bring good will to all of you.

In all honesty, I reckon that I expected far too many great things in 2007, and whilst there were some major changes, the personal impact was somewhat quite minimal. Not one to repeat such grand ambitions, I have decided to play down 2008 and just take it as it comes, that way at least that way I am ready to take on whatever may come across in the neverending path that is walked upon.

Dark as the evening is right now, this isn't the most rampant of entries to start the year off, so to all that have read this far, my sincerest of gratitude to you, may our individual journeys cross another once more in this new phase of life that has been brought towards us later on....

A low key review of 2007....

2007-12-31T11:50:00Z

I was going to examine the past year in usual detail, but I have a lot on at the moment and I'm not exactly feeling 100% so here is an alternative look at 2007's stand out events:

2007
The year I finally upgraded to broadband,
The year that resulted in NINE letters published in Metro,
The year I witnessed a pillow fight in Trafalgar Square,
The year I rediscovered alcohol,
The year Tony Blair was replaced by Gordon Brown,
The year personal websites were overtaken by Myspace and Facebook,
The year of many a voyage to Rotherhithe,
The year I travelled on a near 70 year old tube train,
The year I appreciated five portions of fruit and veg a day,
The year I braced myself for the Hellgate in Thorpe Park,
The year I met the brains behind Fighting Fantasy,
The year that no entries were made in August,
The year my Livejournal changed,
The year.... I CHANGED?

Television produced some fine programs in the form of Heroes, Jekyll, Primeval, Armstrong and Miller's BBC series (or as I like to call it, KILL THEM!), then there was the standout episode of Blink in this year's series of Doctor Who. The big screen produced some classics in the form of Hot Fuzz, Black Sheep and Apocalypto, amongst some others. Let us of course, not forget the music that also made part of my year, and here are the personal best:

Band of the year: Bolt Action Five
Single of the year: Dave Gahan - Kingdom
Album of the year: Battles - Mirrored

2007 in particular, will especially be remembered for Knightmare. In the year when it celebrated 20 years since it's first ever episode, it had many high points for myself, At the beginning of the year, there was the launch of both the Myspace page and LJ community, then winning the "Enter Stranger" T-shirt on Knightmare.com's forum competition, all those Knightmare groups on Facebook, coming across the "Tree Friend Tree Foe" tribute and finally getting the programme mentioned on a radio station last month. All in all, I was pleased with all the outcomes and I'm sure that some of these will continue into next year, as well as any other KM-related opportunities that may be presented.

As regards to the change part in the last line of my verse, there has been a lot of innovations happening in the past year, that has resulted in myself seeing things in a different light, again which will almost certainly go over into next year. There is still somethings to be undug here, and you'll find out soon enough.

I'm off to celebrate New Year at my sister's, enjoy tonight's celebrations everyone and I'll see you again as the beams of daylight fade away from the first day of the New Year....

Meme of the Year....

2007-12-29T09:47:31Z

And here begins the look back through the year that was 2007. This questionnaire has already been filled out by some people I know on LJ, so here comes my own responses to the matters that lie within....

1) Where did you begin 2007?
Where I am right now.

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Need I really say?

3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
No, but thanks to the rise of one increasingly popular website I have had the memories of a lot of school-related people thrust upon me in the last few months.

4) How did you earn your money?
Through the same job I've been doing these past 4 years.

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Only when I worked at the Central Middlesex Hospital at Park Royal earlier this autumn.

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Only when asked what I was doing whilst at work (me that is, not them).

7) Where did you go on holiday?
A weekend in Bath, and another weekend spent with the Knightmare collective. That alas, was about it.

8) What did you purchase that was over £500?
A personality transplant.

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
My uncle tied the knot in April this year.

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Only if I read/seen about them in the news.

11) Have you run into anybody you left high school with?
That's already been explained within Question 3.

12) Did you move anywhere?
Still at the same place that I was at the beginning.

13) What sporting events did you go to?
Can someone explain the word "sport" to me. Please.

14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
A bit more like it. Editors, Bolt Action Five, Tim Vine, iLiKETRAiNS and a few others.

15) Are you registered to vote?
For long enough.

16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
The people who so desperately want the programme to be scrapped.

17) Where do you live now?
Again, a question that has already been explained.

18) Describe your birthday.
Working at Yeading in the early morning. Then going for a curry and revelating about what happened on that day.

19) What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2007?
Keeping this LJ active, somehow.

20) What has been your favourite moment?
Destroying any mental blocks that may have occured, and there's been some of them.

21) What's something you learned about yourself?
You'll find out at the beginning of next year.

22) Any new additions to your family?
Unless you count my mum's new partner, then no.

23) What was your best month?
I'd say March. More right than wrong happened back then.

24) What music will you remember 2007 by??
Bolt Action Five's tribute to Knightmare, Dave Gahan's second solo album, those memorable Editors gigs at the Roundhouse and Electric Proms, all of the acts I have found via Myspace... and some more.

25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
My conscience.

26) Made new friends?
Indeed I did, and also returned to friends of old.

27) Best new friend?
Too many to mention.

28) Favourite Night out?
Any that didn't involve excessive drinking.

29) Any regrets?
I could go on and on.... but then again I'm human, these things happen.

30) Worst month?
There hasn't been one excessively painful unlike the last two years, though the events in the middle of last month could have run them close.

Revelation at Christmas....

2007-12-27T19:39:24Z

And so I return once again, from another pleasant Christmas that has left me with some unusual visions.

This year, it was a visit to Mother's, and a return voyage into the far east of Romford. Departing Christmas Eve, the journey there was made ever slightly difficult by the fact that Liverpool Street station had been closed off. So travelling by Underground to Stratford, I got to the train platform, and saw these works taking place on the opposite platform. Eventually getting to Romford, I waited for the bus to appear and then finally got to Mother, where her new partner was also there. The evening was spent enjoying a fish and chip supper as well as the first "Pirates of the Carribean" movie that was being shown on TV; a comfortable way to start things off.

Then came Christmas Day itself. As Mother went to collect grandparents, I headed for Mass, which is where the first main part of the Christmas Revelation commences. As it was raining that day, I initially felt a tinge of fear strike me, but I proceeded walking to the church and the rain didn't feel so bad at all - I walked across as a solitary lone figure underneath a dank sky hovering above a deathly silent plain, and then I got to the church and found somewhere to reside. The service was one to be adored, it's words were uttered in a strong but meaningful voice and it reminded me of why this great day is celebrated.

Upon my return afterwards, I was eventually met once again Mother, her partner and grandparents, and the unwrapping of presents commenced, followed by a satisfying feast of a dinner that had been bestowed upon us. As the rays of daylight faded to make way for the imminent darkness, I was at the right place at the right time to catch this picture of the sunset sky, before watching many a film that was on offer, and eventually undergoing the Voyage of the Damned with Doctor Who. A satisfying episode, though perhaps I may have preferred either of the earlier two Christmas specials. Nonetheless, that didn't stop the programme for getting its allegedly biggest audience for over twenty years, and that is indeed something to be proud of. And then the time had come to indulge in some festive gaming, before the late hours of the night tweaked and we all retired to some slumber for the night.

Yesterday was quite busy. Although thankfully avoiding the allure of the beginning sales, my sister and her partner came over, and were soon followed by their relatives. Ten of us there were, and as well as more present unwrapping (here's an amusing gift from sister to mother) the basis for the day was more focused on gaming rather than television, as well as more feasting on edible delights. It was an exciting though long day, and eventually we all departed, myself included.

Here the second main part of the Christmas Revelation commences. After departing in the early evening, I was dropped off to Romford by mother's partner, and as the darker but unusually tranquil atmosphere took hold, I boarded an 86 bus for the full length of its journey. The further it went along, the more it built up with passengers, but along the way I had gone to places that hadn't been navigated for quite some time, and admired many a landmark that was still there. Upon departing at Stratford into its vast station forecourt, there were some other works that had caught my eye, notably next to the Docklands Light Railway platform. In reflection of other maintenance that were occcuring elsewhere, the decision had been taken to go on the Central Line all the way to West Ruislip. The hour long journey felt so fast, and at times it was interesting to see the constant interchanging of passengers as they made their own paths to wherever they needed to go. When the sights of West Ruislip finally came into view, the next course of action it seemed was to walk to the Piccadilly branch of Ruislip, where I was immediately greeted by a train upon my entrance to the station. And so it was that I boarded, and fiound myself back at my own quarters at 10pm that evening. A long journey maybe, but like what had happened over the last few days, it offered so much for my own personal thought.

For those that are interested, the presents this year comprised of: gift vouchers, two mugs, a set of logic cards, toiletries and a Blockbusters board game (now THAT definitely brings back memories).

And so to conclude that the last few days were definitely memorable enough as they imposed a change in my way of thinking, and guided me in my everlong quest to think the true path of what revelation is. There is going to be more to come as these next few days draw out....

And so Christmas Comes....

2007-12-24T10:03:49Z

Hope everyone reading this enjoys the festivities over the next few days.

As usual at this time of year, I provide a link to some sort of Christmas-related video that I found amusing:
And here is this year's offering!

But that's not all, here's another video (this time on YouTube) that although isn't Christmas related, has to be one of the best videos I've ever seen, and I just felt that now would be the perfect time to share it:
Watch with amusement, particularly if you like fantasy-related movies!

I'm off to my Mum's for tomorrow (as opposed to last year when I went to my Dad's), and all that remains to say is none other than Merry Christmas, and see you again in a few days time when I'll begin to have a thorough recollection of the past year....

In the mood for Christmas?

2007-12-22T15:50:34Z

1 - Go to Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random Wikipedia article title that you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to The Quotations Page random quotations:
http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to Flickr and click on "explore the last seven days"
http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use photoshop or similar to mix it all up. Post it.

Quite cool, huh? Thanks morti!

A brief Metro encounter....

2007-12-18T09:26:42Z

This is starting to look more like it, a frequently updated Livejournal once again, this time with the aid of a letter that got published in the Metro today. I looked upon an omission that was left out when on Friday, the newspaper focused on the worst adverts to grace us during the year (click here to read the online version of the article). Numerous adverts were mentioned, with this happenening to be the Top 10 list (I've included video links where I could find them):

01 Anne Widdecombe - Giovanni Rana Pasta
02 Kerry Katona - Iceland
03 Alan Sugar - National Savings and Investments
04 Westlife - Post Office
05 Suggs - Birds Eye Fish Fingers
06 Trinny and Susannah - Littlewoods
07 Lewis Hamilton - Abbey
08 Nicole Kidman - Nintendo DS
09 Gordon Ramsay - Gordon's Gin
10 The Spice Girls - Tesco

But as you can see, there was one other advert not mentioned there, which has managed to rear its ugly head in the past week, and in my opinion should definitely challenge those others for a place in the top spots. Without any further hesitation, here is today's published letter, which draws attention to that particular advert:

"The article highlighting the worst adverts of 2007 was most certainly an interesting read. But seeing as the year hasn't officially ended, surely it's not too late to include that literally 'pants' Armani promotion as recently modelled by David Beckham?"

Yes, old Goldenballs himself possibly trying to demonstrate why he's so called in an excruciatingly vulgar poster that made for uncomfortable viewing last week. As Metro has correctly pointed out, just because a celebrity is well-known doen't stop them sinking to some humiliatingly low depths in order to bolster their wealth ever so slightly.

And as it happens, here is a scan of today's published letter also including that Becks Picture - there was some additional amusement as it also cleverly ties in with the "In Brief" at the top! Also worth mentioning that both Beckhams have featured somewhat in this entry seeing as Victoria stars in the Spice Girls advert.

As well as the "worst adverts" article in Friday's Metro, it was also pleasing to read Steve Ainger's letter that got published on that day, and as I'm on the subject of Metro, it's only fair that I should mention his clever dig at the US president:

"George W Bush says he'd never have become president if he'd continued drinking. What's the address of the White House? I have a case of gin he can have as a Christmas present."

I actually wonder if it happens to consist of Gordon's gin, which would result in yet another amusing connection to the list featured above! Nonetheless, it wraps up the Metro entry for December in satisfying fashion, and of course, there's still other LJ entries to come before the year draws to a close....

A ride to Food and Fantasy....

2007-12-17T10:24:45Z

After what has been a mediocre month so far, it at long last picked up this weekend.

Saturday was by far the better, as it was a non-stop day full of excitement. It began in the early afternoon when I got to meet two of my childhood legends. After almost 13 years since I started to get into their books, I finally got to meet Fighting Fantasy authors Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, who were signing copies of their 25th anniversary copy of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the first ever gamebook they ever released. It took place at Forbidden Planet in Shaftesbury Avenue, and getting there an hour early for the signing I spent the time purchasing three copies of the book (one for myself, one for someone else who requested a copy but couldn't make it, and another spare for anyone else who wants it), then going over to the signing area to rearrange the currently re-issued series into some numerical order. Admittedly if I arrived with ten minutes to spare before the signing I still would have ended up first in the queue to get my books signed (as it happened, I was first anyway) and when Steve and Ian did turn up, they were both quite pleased and surprised to see how many had turned up for the signing. As I got all three purchased copies signed, I was also able to have a quick ckat with them, they really are excellent guys - both meeting them and shaking their hands afterwards was an absolute pleasure. Here are a few photos I took as a result, the first two were taken on my camera phone (quality not too great) and the latter two were taken with my normal digital camera (quality a lot better):

Presentation stand before the authors arrived
Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks after I rearranged them into order
Ian and Steve signing my copies of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain
My own personalised signed copy accompanied by the front cover of one of the other books

Afterwards, I went back to my place to drop the books off and then headed back out, this time to Rotherhithe again for what may well be my last exploits on the East London Line before it's closure at the end of this week. The main purpose was to take some photos of the Rotherhithe Tunnel and it's surrounding locations in the early hours of the darkness (i.e. 4pm), I was impressed with the ones I did take, and they are as follows:

View of Rotherhithe station platform looking towards Canada Water
Looking upwards from Rotherhithe station platform
Looking upwards from Wapping station platform as the night closes in
View of Wapping Station platfrom looking towards the Rothehithe tunnel itself
Back at Rotherhithe station looking up at the pipework

The next three I was really impressed with:
Looking up at Rotherhithe station from eastern staircase
Looking up at same part of station from opposite staircase
Brunel Memorial plaque in far better quality than last time

As I left the station, I also took a couple of pictures of Rotherhithe in the dark:
Interestingly lit back alley
Interestingly lit building

More than satisfied with the last of my Rotherhithe adventures for a while, I then headed onto the last part of the day; a Christmas Meal with the Project 2030 group at a restaurant near Trafalgar Square. There were eight of us and for under £20, you got a very good four-course meal containing an intro, starter, main course and dessert. It was definitely a great way to finish what was an excellent day, and wrapped up most things in 2007 in excellent style.

Yesterday was mainly recovering from the poast day's events, although I went to a carol service at Chiswick in the evening, was nice enough and thoroughly enjoyable, as well as being another reminder of Christmas, there was a wonderfully dark piece of poetry in the end looking at how the festive season eventually turns into the Easter, and as I walked back afterwards I contemplated on what this year has brought on. That of course, will be looked on in a nearby LJ entry, but in the meantime, I shall solely look back at what this last weekend has done for me by itself....

Darkest December....

2007-12-03T09:38:23Z

The final month of 2007 is now upon us. It's already been a busy one, and it looks set to continue that way for sure.

On Saturday I was working at Oxford Street for the road closures that were taking place there, since the area was being pedestrianised for people to do their Christmas shopping. Speaking of Christmas shopping, I virtually completed all of mine yesterday (apart from a couple of small bits, early I know but it helps when one has vouchers).

Besides ongoing work in general, I am off to visit my Dad next weekend as I won't see him during the Christmas period (another reason why I wanted to get it all done early) and then there's a Christmas meal with Project 2030/London 20s the weekend after.

And possibly another LJ entry all before the festivities really kick in.... and until next time, here's a couple of shots of my Doctor Who Advent Calendar for this year:

Front of Calendar with Cyberman picture
And there's a boardgame you can cut out and play with on the back as well!

November Numero Uno....

2007-11-25T20:33:24Z

As I didn't want a repeat of August where no LJ entries were made, I though I'd update it this month at least once with all the latest goings on. Apologies if it comes across as a load of psycho-babble.

Places I've worked at this month: Bounds Green, Ealing Broadway, Elephant and Castle, Greenford, Harefield, Kingsbury, Shepherd's Bush, Sudbury, and Teddington. Oh, and a night shift at Holborn, where somehow I managed to stay awake for the duration of the shift. Don't ask how.

With the exceptions of Holborn (drunkards during the night shift) and Elephant and Castle (don't get me started), the rest of the working month has been fine, in particluar Harefield, which is a peaceful, quiet village and the furthest north-western point I'll ever work at in my current role.

Outside of work, I haven't really done a lot, which could explain the lack of entries on here. Not even a Metro letter entry to back me up. The only activity has come in the past week, where I had a tour of London with malefact, pookatimes and the two Matts. The following day my sister's partner got christened (they do adult christenings!), and on Friday, I met pub landlord Al Murray signing copies of his book. A short but nonetheless enlightening conversation with him, followed by a shake of the hand and the well-wishing of a nice weekend. I recommend his book to everyone, it's called "The Pub Landlord's Book of British Common Sense" and truly is a fantastic read.

Yesterday, I went to my old stamping ground in North London to see how much has changed. Quite a lot in fact, my old house has been renovated quite spectacularly, North Middlesex Hospital is also in the process of modernisation works, and apartment blocks seem to appearing out of nowhere as a result of London's population boom.

I think that's it for now, apart from a hello to LJ newcomer murph2oo7. I'm not sure if the next entry's going to be more interesting, but I'll try my damn hardest to ensure this still gets updated....

"Letting Too Many People In"

2007-10-29T19:11:56Z

It was a theme that seemed to run throughout the weekend. It also doubled up as my year's meeting with the Knightmare RPG group, even if I had already encountered individual meet-ups with malefact, pookatimes, and bristolian_kam earlier on the year (the first two also taking part in this weekend's outing).

The location for the trip was to visit Thorpe Park as part of their Fright Night weekend, which in terms of location, was conveniently near to myself. Even more convenient was the hotel most of the others were staying in, being a Premier Travel Inn located in Sipson just by the M4, about an hour's journey away from me via the tube and then a 222 bus. So I decided to set off early in the morning to meet those staying in the hotel, and there was Mal, Pooka, kieran24_7, madmogsue, f0rester and his friend Dave, and there was also a gentleman known as Alan Boyd (who if you're well versed with Knightmare, needs no other introduction).

We eventually got to Thrope Park to meet up with myatt and another Matt who had also come along. Thorpe Park itself was okay but badly let down by defunct rides and excessively long queues. The rides I went on though were cool enough, and then finally there was the now-to be-remembered-for-eternity Hellgate, which despite another two hour long queue, was worth getting in for just to yell some WHAAAATTTTs as well as putting up a fight with any actor who had dared to scare off the group. And for someone describing me as "Morpheus" just before we actually went in. Otherwise unnecessarily long waiting times formed the first half of the "Letting Too Many People In" theme for the weekend - if I was to do the theme park again, I'll go on a weekday when everyone's at either work and/or school.

After bidding the two Matts farewell, the evening took an unusual twist. I hadn't originally intended to stay overnight with the others, but owing to the same situation at Rotherhithe 2003 where a spare bed was available, I decided to screw everything else and join them in the hotel for the remainder of the evening. There was a discussion that took place in the bar which climaxed in Alan speaking about his thoughts on Knightmare, past, present and future, and it was a discussion that went on until just beyond midnight before we all retired for bed.

We all got up and headed off early in the morning so that people could make their necessary connections home, so Forester and Dave dropped us off at Heathrow where we bode them farewell before the remaining six of us headed off for the Piccadilly line station (but not before Alan did his guiding thing on the travellator as if it was the Corridor of Blades). The journey to get to Victoria on time was very climatic, not helped by delays on the Motorway and part of the Disrict line being closed off. But with only a few seconds to spare, we got Alan, Kieran and Sue to their respective coaches, and as they departed, the group had then halved to a trio.

Mal, Pooka and I went for Victoria, which was overpacked with people due to the District Line closure, and the other half of "Letting Too Many People In" was formed, where far too many people were being let through the ticket barriers at one go, not helped either that there were ticket barriers which could have altered to let more people in, as well as only one escalator going down as opposed to two going up (this really should have been vice versa) - it just seemed that London Underground had no clue in how to best keep the crowds to a minimum.

But thankfully with some joint thinking from Mal and myself, we got to Liverpool Street via a detour to Stockwell and a short walk from Moorgate, where we headed to the ever popular Woodin's Shades for some lunch. Despite a short wait for a table, we were soon able to enjoy their good food as usual, and by the time we had finished and left, the tables had cleared to the normal tranquil state of the pub I was familiar with.

Then it was time to say farewell to the other two as they boarded their trains, first Pooka, and then finally Mal. But as I got to Liverpool Street station, my troubles were far from over as the Metropolitan Line was suspended due to a signal failure at Farringdon. However, I finally saw the sense to get on the Central line, and work my way round to the Jubilee and eventually Metropolitan Line, which got me back just in time to watch Sunday's repeat of Robin Hood.

All in all, a chaotic but otherwise cool weekend, where it was fantastic to meet some familiar faces once again. I might have been completely shattered at the end of it, but there never is any rest. Once the next social event takes place, the time has then come for everyone to BRACE YOURSELF for the obstacles that are certain to stand in their path once more....