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This where it all started in 2002, it runs backwards from December to January of that year. You will notice, that originally, the web blog, started life, as a few lines detailing updates to the site. It grew from March to May, to include, personal views and opinions. Then from June, it began to evolve into a discussion of my life, my feelings, my hopes and dreams.
Sunday 29th December 2002
With just several hours of 2002 left, I will be publishing my personal review of
2002, in the next few days. For the time being, there is a update to the photographs
page, to keep you happy until then. Time is flying by, and I'm soon going to be back
at the grindstone. Enjoy the holiday, whatever you may be getting up to. For me, its
just a well earned rest!
Wednesday 25th December 2002
Just wanted to wish all visitors to my site, a Merry Christmas.
By the way, has Pete Waterman committed suicide, now that the Boy band, sorry
Vocal Harmony Group, "One True Voice", didn't make it to the Christmas Number One
spot? How the world must be weeping at this loss(!)
Sunday 22nd December 2002
So the final weekend before Christmas has been and gone. What a busy time! I
completed all my shopping on Saturday and as expected, I was able to purchase
everything, I needed to get. No problems, at all, as mentioned in my notes from the
previous weekend.
And I await, to here what will be this year's Christmas No. 1. Apparently, the
rocky, "Sounds of the Underground" record by Girls Aloud was peaking high in the
midweek sales, but only time will tell. Of course, I would prefer the boys to win,
even if their sound and song are far from original. More photos, to be added, later
this week. No other site updates to report.
Saturday 14th December 2002
So, we edge ever closer. I actually completed the first stage of my preparation
for the festive season today. However, the busy day of shopping will not be for
another week. I enjoy, the rush and buzz of shopping for your Christmas presents,
late. Many have said to me, throughout the last few days, that there will be nothing
left. What are you people talking about? You seem to give the impression that I'm
going to some market and all the fresh produce will have been taken already, leaving
me with the stale goods! I have never had a problem obtaining anything for anyone, by
going Christmas shopping late. Plus, there is always the fantastic backup of the web,
should that scenario fall upon me.
Busy weekend, as you can imagine, but next weekend, will definitely be the killer.
Christmas shopping all day and then off to party in the evening.
So, as always the battle for the Christmas Number spot is in full swing. Of course
this year, there is the added rivalry between, One True Voice and Girls Aloud.
Personally, I prefer the Bee Gees cover, "Sacred Trust" from the boy band. For a trip
down memory lane for some great memories check out Christmas Number Ones (1952 -
2001) Be warned though, there will be some songs on there that leave a bad taste in
your mouth, especially 1993! One amazing fact, is that the Beatles and the Spice
Girls are the only two artists to have three consecutive Christmas number ones. I
think that is one record that will stand the test of time.
No site updates - sorry! Too busy at the moment. Will try to work on this, during
the week.
Sunday 8th December 2002
So the first week of December, rolls by and this runaway train continues on its
deadly course for Christmas. Are you prepared?
I make it no secret, that I am not a purchaser of music singles. Therefore, the UK
Top 40, does not reflect my personal musical tastes. However, I have purchased the
following singles:
Chesney Hawkes - Stay Away Baby Jane (released Monday 31st December 2001)
Andy Williams - Music To Watch Girls By (released December 1998)
Ace of Base - Life Is A Flower (released April 1998)
Quite a mixed collection indeed. I was considering the purchase of Liberty X -
"Holding On For You", this week, until I heard an amazing trance record on Radio 1,
early in the week. The piano, and soothing voice of the female vocalist struck a cord
with my soul. Therefore, I have now made a promise. I will buy, one single each year.
And it will be the last release of the year. Therefore, as you have already deduced,
the song I am referring to will be sold from Monday 30th December 2002. However, what
is the name of the song? For that my friends, you will have to wait.
With regards to site updates, there are the usual updates to the usual pages. The
photos, audio and links pages have had new material added. Plus, I have decided to
remove the classified results of England internationals. I feel these high important
statistics are better suited in the hands of a professional. I will screen some sites
and provide a link to a site which offers the best and most up to date statistics for
our national team. The most noticeable change to the website is the major change to
the menu. I have now added a link directly to my Top Ten page,
to give the page the necessary increased exposure.
Mirror Site - web.ukonline.co.uk/andrew.tegala/
This has been available for nearly six months and has provided the opportunity to
increase the audience span of my site. It was, however, updated infrequently and
sporadically. I have now made the decision to update it every month. This will mean,
that it remains 3 weeks before the main site here. Of course, the mirror, contains
all the material from the main site apart from the Berlin page, due to size
restrictions.
Sunday 1st December 2002
How the time has flow by? Its the final month of the year already! And what a
year it has been!? There are a few things I forgot to mention, in my update
yesterday. Mainly, what else I got up to this past week. On Tuesday, I went to see
Die Another Day at the Warner Village cinema in Reading. This was the first time, I
was going to watch James Bond on the big silver screen. I must admit that I was not
disappointed. However, I still believe Moore, is my favourite Bond. Although, Brosnan
does a very good job, he misses the elegant Englishman's comical touch. The Bond
series, isn't something that appeals to me as much as Star Wars and other big movie
franchises. However, I must admit that it still does, even after 20 years provide you
with all the entertainment that you have now come grown to expect.
Many of the pages on the website have been updated and edited. I will try and get
some more updating done, over the coming weeks. Take care. I hope you enjoy the
chocolate from your advent calendar, today.
Saturday 30th November 2002
I apologize for not updating my site over the last few weeks. I have been
extremely busy and cannot believe that November is almost over at that magical month
of December is just around the corner. As you will have been aware, I had my work
placement assignment to work over the weekend of November 16th and 17th. The
following weekend was of course, my 21st birthday so I didn't really have the
opportunity to add anything substantial to my site. The answer to the question, is 21
doesn't feel any more different from 20. Like a colleague noted my my birthday card,
"You can get a lorry driving license now!" My birthday came around so quickly and I
suppose when you look forward to your birthday, you have certain expectations.
However, my birthday was to be far from the ideals I had in my mind, a year before.
We shouldn't let such minor details affect our day, should we? Is your birthday, the
closest you come to being invincible? Even if only for 24 hours? Perhaps, but for the
other 364 days, we are but mere mortals.
The past fortnight has, as all weeks do, had its ups and downs. The low points are
insignificant, lets just hope those whom make decisions that affect us, live to
regret their decisions and forever think, "What If?" Decency is perhaps a word
omitted from their vocabulary. Time will only tell. The highlights have been
profoundly substantial. My birthday and my placement tutor's, visit to my workplace.
Further details to be available on my Placement Website.
It was on Tuesday 26th, that I had an experience, that would affect me for the
rest of the working week. I was in a discussion with a colleague at work, Teresa,
based at the Stevenage office. While requesting her songs for a Christmas album, she
mentioned, The Pogues - "Fairytale of New York". The next person I mentioned during
the conversation was the late Kirsty MacColl and her magnificent song, "A New
England". Teresa was quick to point out that it was a song written by Billy Bragg,
and recalled some of the lines from the track. From that point on, the chorus would
not leave my head and I had to hear it again. I had seen the video on VH1, on Sunday
6th October and it was perhaps only the second or third time I had heard the song.
The following day, I obtained the song lyrics and mailed them to Teresa's PC. She
replied and explained how the song brought back memories, of driving home and the
song being in the charts. Indeed, it reached Number 7, in the UK charts back in
1985.
On Thursday 28th, I was driving home from work, just driving out of Aylesbury and
into Great Kimble. I usually listen to Late Drive with Dave Pearce on BBC Radio 1.
However, I was taking the time to scan around the other local and region radio
stations. For some unknown reason to me, I tuned into Mix FM on 96.2. A song was
coming to an end, and I was just about to switch to another station, when suddenly an
over familiar song intro, filled my car. Then those words sung by such a distinctive
voice, "I was 21 years when I wrote this song....."
What is all the importance of all this? I am not too sure myself, but it is
strange how things in your day-to-day life can also be touched my the outside world.
The radio playing a song that had been on my mind for the past three days...
I don't want to change the world... I'm not looking for New
England....
Sunday 10th November 2002
Just a quick update to the site. I've taken off the old hit counter, which was
provided by Fast Counter. Although, efficient in its use, I've come to dislike the
quality of service I receive, now that Microsoft have taken over the service. I can
no longer receive the full site statistics, I require. I have therefore transferred
this over to Brave Net. A much better service, which enables me to track the last
five visitors to the site and is a genuine reflection of the number of visitors to my
site. It does not take into account, my visits to the site and also does not update,
on page refreshes.
Had quite a good weekend, just like last weekend, I've been able to get quite a
substantial amount of my workload done.
Saturday 9th November 2002
Another week disappears as a distant memory. It has been a good week, with none of
the ups and downs, I've faced in the past. Less of a roller coaster, but more of a
bus ride to the weekend. I knew my destination, it was just a matter of when, my
'stop' would arrive. Another great week, achieved everything I hoped to achieve, and
everything I expected to happen did. No real surprises.
Yet again, a song can summarize to a beautiful melody how I feel. Driving home on
Wednesday evening, on a dark night, with the rain coming down, making driving
conditions extremely poor. As always, I'm listening to BBC Radio 1, and find a song
new to my ears, fills the airwaves of my car. The band sound, so familiar and song,
takes my breath away. As the song played, my thoughts drifted away from the road and
heavy traffic ahead. Friends, family, both far away and those close at home. How
friendships come and go and its only those precious few that stay. Contemplating
this, the track brought a warmth to my heart as I drove deeper into the winter
night.
Updating the site with a few more photographs and other little additions over the
place. Continue to have a high visitor rating over the week. Over 1220 visitors now
and increasing steadily. An important announcement is on my Audio page.
Take care. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the week ahead.
Oh, yeah, nearly forgot, the name of the song, "Holding On For You", by Liberty X.
Saturday 2nd November 2002
Its the time again. I know its a new month, because all the previous updates to
the site and placed on the Updates page and I begin a new month, very much with a
blank sheet of paper.
Its been a very good week. Actually, a GREAT week, in comparison to many before. I
was, slowing learning that, "life is okay!". Work has been good and I'm enjoying my
role, more everyday. Looking forward to the coming few weeks and being able to face
the challenges placed before me.
I've been promising this update for ages. I know there have been many people out
there, waiting for this update. Well, you can enjoy it all now. My photos page, has
had a massive update. So, jump over there now to see the latest photographic
additions.
Saturday 26th October 2002
I must apologise for not updating the site during the week. A roller coaster of a
week, I might add. Not really in the type of mood to describe my week. I must say
that its been quite a tough week, one of the most toughest, since 'that week' in
August. I don't really want to go into details. Lets just say, that there are still
challenges that I face, on many levels. I'm down, but not out for the count. A
battle, which I thought I would never have to fight, caught me by surprise and I'll
do whatever I can, to make sure that the war is not lost. I know my goals, and it
doesn't matter what obstacles are placed in my path... I'll find a way through...
Two months and it will be Boxing Day. How time is flying by, the weeks just seem
to go by so quickly. Yet, I feel trapped in the working week, and find that weekends
just come and go with the blink of an eye. I suppose, we've got onto that train now,
the next main stop is Christmas, with not many exciting stops before hand. ;o(
A highlight of my working day, is on my drive home, I am listening to Chris Moyles
show on BBC Radio 1. At 5.30pm, Comedy Dave, plays his tedious link track. From mid
August, they've been linking together various tracks and its highly entertaining. I
know what your thinking, if this is a highlight, what are the lowlights of my day?
Check out links page for a list of these, 'tedious links'!
Anyways, I have just got some new photographs developed this weekend. I'll be
updating them to the photos page, later in the week. A major update for my audio
page. I'll try and update some more later in the week. Any suggestions, for links,
messages or photographs are greatly received, so just drop me an e-mail. I'll see
what I can do. I really need some help/advice on my Top Ten of anything. If you have
any ideas, again please send me an e-mail, I'll put your own personal top ten on my
page!
Take care for now. Hope you have a great week and try and get in touch.
Sunday 20th October 2002
Not feeling 100% today. Been feeling quite poorly, got a cold coming on, since I
woke up this morning. So I'm afraid, not much of an update to the site at all. To
make up for this, I'll try and do an update during the week. Wednesday, being the
most likely evening.
Well I hope you have a great week! Especially, if you are lucky enough to be on
'half-term'. Take care of yourselves and get in touch!
Saturday 19th October 2002
Another week flies by. I have not really been checking the number of hits to the
website until recently. We have smashed the 1000 hit barrier and continue to get
around 15 to 20 hits a week, which isn't too bad. The jump from around 800 hits to
where we are now, has been extremely quick. It has taken two years to get to that
figure, then within the space of 2 months we get 200 hits. Amazing.
My week was quite hectic, but I had a training day on Wednesday, which broke the
week nicely. I am enjoying myself and I was glad to get quite a few projects
completed and signed off. For further details, please visit my Placement Website,
check the links section.
What do you think of the new Madonna track, "Die Another Day"? When I first heard
it a few weeks ago, I wasn't convinced that this was both Madonna and James Bond
material. However, with increased radio play and having seen about 30 seconds of the
end of video, its grown on me. I've grown to actually like it. I am looking forward
to seeing the new James Bond film. Until about a few years ago, my James Bond, ended
with Timothy Dalton in a License To Kill. I haven't, to date seen Golden Eye. From
the looks of the trailers it should be a roller-coaster of ride to see Mr. Bond back
in action. Especially, as they have finally got rid of those BMWs and got a fine
British automobile back in movie, the Aston Martin Vanquish, the ultimate super car.
With regards to site updates, I have updated the audio and links pages and also
updated the England page. Talking about England, what a feeble performance on
Wednesday against Macedonia. We really didn't look like World Cup quarter-finalists
at all. We were lucky to get away with a draw, we should have played much better
quality football against a disorganized side. Smith let his temper get the better of
him and go and take out a player, who wasn't even on the pitch. Stupid, reckless and
totally unnecessary. I hope that Sven, can sort this mess about before our next game
in February, and crucially for our next competitive match in March.
I'll try and give a better update tomorrow. Not really in the reflective mode this
afternoon. Take care for now. I hope to hear from you all very soon. :o)
Sunday 13th October 2002
How are you all? I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. I got back from Wrexham
at around 3pm this afternoon. I had a great time. It was lovely to see Dave again,
spend the weekend with him and reminisce about old times. The drive up on Friday
night was quite a trek. I left Wycombe, at 7pm and got into Wrexham at 10.30pm, so I
made good time, with the 170 mile journey. Driving at night is a different game
compared to driving in the day. It was raining quite heavily when I joined the M6
from the M42 and it continued to get worse as I headed onto the M54 for the final
part of the journey. The final stretch takes you on the A5 which is mainly dual
carriageway. I was not 100% confident that I was heading in the right direction
because there are no signs for Wrexham, until you are about 20 miles away.
England, as always, left it late to beat Slovakia on Saturday evening. It was
great to see Owen get on the score sheet. The first half was a diabolical
performance, no matter how bad the pitch was, we can't expect an England to play so
badly. With our world class midfield, we seemed lost at sea, and the Slovakian team
played as a unit almost around us. Luckily, in the second half, we played how we
should for the whole match, with hunger, with that bite, with that roar of the Three
Lions. Looking forward to Wednesday's qualifier against Macedonia. Hopefully Erickson
with play an attacking formation, with the firepower we need upfront.
I enjoyed my weekend away, it gave me the time and space that I have longed for,
in several weeks. It was great to be away from all the hassles at home and spend time
with a friend whom I've know for most of my life. He hasn't changed, he's still the
same Dave I knew at Primary school. That is something that we should always remember.
Nobody ever changes, no matter how distant they grow (or go!) from you. Essentially,
they remain exactly the same person they have always been. Their environment and
circumstances will change, that is inevitable, but this has a small bearing on them
as a person. Of course, people adjust from the challenges placed in front of them,
remember that you will always be you. Nobody, nothing and no one can ever, or will
ever change that. I suppose that is the lesson, that I have learnt from the weekend.
That change isn't such a big issue as people continue to make out. Change occurs
around us, but never within.
I took several photographs, which I will soon develop and then scan so they can be
uploaded to my photos page. I'll try and get something together! I am just sorting
out through some albums (both past and present) and I'll try and get them scanned
this week too! There should be some new pages appearing soon, once I get the HTML
code looked at.
Well I wish you all the best for the coming week. I'll try and do a more website
orientated news bulletin later in the week (most likely Wednesday!) As always, please
please keep e-mailing me. I love to hear from you and reply to every e-mail I
receive. :)
What words of wisdom to leave you with on this Sunday evening? There is a song
that got a considerable amount of airplay in the week and always was played in
Liquid, the club I went to on Saturday night. A classic song, with a very romantic
verse:
"Now nothing can change what YOU mean to Me...
There's a lot that I could say
Just hold Me now...
Cause our LOVE with LIGHT the WAY...."
May you too find love...and let it light the way... Take care for now.
Thursday 10th October 2002
Well I know this is unusual. For me to be updating the site during the weekday. I
am going to Wrexham this weekend to see one of my long term best friend's, Dave. He
moved to Wales, in 1995 and I haven't seen him in nearly 3 years. Therefore, I
thought I would give a quick update and apologise for not (as usual!) spending
anytime this weekend updating the site. I will do, next weekend, and I can guarantee
there will be some surprises! There will be more photographs, and a few additional
pages, that I have been working on behind the scenes. Plus, a host of new sites,
particular home pages of new friends that I will be added.
My week has flown by, (has the last two months!) work has been hectic, but I am
always on top of tasks. The drive to work continues to be a strain, as I have to take
the longer, more time consuming motorway route. I always hit traffic, but the radio
keeps me company. I have another long journey ahead of me tomorrow. Around 180 miles
there, so I should be in Wrexham by about 10pm tomorrow night, if I leave Wycombe by
7pm.
KaZaa have finally made a breakthrough with their Peer-to-Peer software sharing
program. In version two, we can finally down MP3s of proven quality. I now have the
major task of back tracking through my mp3 collection and upgrading all the 128kbit
files to 160 (or better!) files. Finally, I now have the power, I did in 1999, with
Napster. Back then, I was still using a lame 56kbps connection. Now, I'm in
control....
Personally I have been feeling great, absolutely great. From hearing the students
of Fame Academy's rehashing of the classic tune, Everybody Wants To Rule The World. I
obtained an extended version and have been playing it constantly in the car. Why
would I want to rule the world, when I feel that I have so much more of the world to
enjoy? Your guess is always as good as mine! There is a line towards the end of the
song, which rings so true... particularly at this moment in time:
"All for FREEDOM and for PLEASURE... Nothing ever lasts
FOREVER...."
Powerful words which need to be given time they deserve. It is with these words, I
leave you my friends...enjoy your weekend and make sure you too believe... believe in
the future! Believe in what the future may bring... :o) Take care.
Saturday 5th October
October already, time really is flying by uncontrollably. I must say, my week has
flown by quite quickly and it hasn't been too bad compared to other weeks. Achieved a
substantial amount of tasks successfully which was rewarding.
The BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, now hosted by Scott Mills (for the this week and
next) has cheered me up on drive to work. I have had to take the motorway route,
which means I always hit traffic. He continues to play the right mix of music, so
that my CD player doesn't get much of a look in, in the morning. Bootie Call has
always brings a smile to my face, and warms my heart with hope. However, on Tuesday,
when a guy asked a girl out on a date, she turned him down as she was seeing someone
else. The first rejection since I have been listening over the last few months.
However, the rest of week, we had successful matched up couples.
Fame Academy started on BBC One last night. Should prove to be a very interested
show. The prize is something completely unbelievable. The life of a 'star' for a
year. I did, enjoy the students' version of the Tears For Fears classic - "Everybody
Wants To Rule The World", even if they did put their own dirty mark on it. Lets see
how their lives unfold on screen and which one will show the relentless ambitious
dedication to win the £1 million record contract and dream prize.
Sad news this week, was the breakup of Hear'Say. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of
the group, for sure. I did however, really enjoy their hit, from last autumn,
"Everybody", pure pop at its best. I'm just looking forward to the release of their
greatest hits album.
Some of the views I have had during my journey to and from work has been
breathtaking. On my usual drive, I cut across the rolling countryside and see across
the three counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Herefordshire. Particularly a
few weeks ago, with a bright blue sky and the sun coming across the horizon. It was
truly amazing. I was thinking, that for some reason, the man upstairs, wanted me to
see these breathtaking views and experience the wonder of a sunrise and sunset across
the beautiful countryside.
I have been able to hold on to my emotions far more over the past few weeks. I
have not been bottling them up, but rather not letting them take control. I have not
let them to decide the path I wish to follow. I've been very much concentrating on
the things in my life that matter, the things that mean something to me. I have found
that no matter, how much that 'particular' issue bothers me, I can't let it takeover.
I've been much more calmer, control, collective and calculated. Hopefully, over the
next week, I'll continue to grow in strength and be able to bring this chapter in my
life to a close...well perhaps "close" is too strong a word. Bring it to a successful
conclusion, but to an extent leave it open ended.
Website - not many updates, apart from the audio page. MP3 database updated fully.
Working behind the scenes to bring the rest of the pages up to date. Some more
photographs will be added very soon. ;)
Saturday 29th September 2002
The month quickly draws to an end. Amazing, time is passing by so quickly. The
days passed into the weeks and then the months. Not much to report with regards to
the website. I have been busy sorting out photographs that I would like to upload,
this is taking much longer than expected. I know that I have neglected my England
page and therefore, I will be working on bringing that up to standard over the coming
week. This will be my only update this week, and I may be too busy next weekend to
have a chance to look at the site. I'm off to Wrexham from Friday 11th October until
Sunday 13th October, so I will not be able to give any update that weekend. I will
however, try and find time during the course of the week to add my usual comments. Of
course, please get in touch via e-mail or the various message clients I use, to let
me know what you think of the site.
The week at work, was hectic. I was extremely busy with many things going on, and
my work programme continuing to increase. I have completed several tasks, but I have
been many more to undertake. On a personal level, I have been very strong, or
attempted to be very strong this week. I think, to a certain extend I achieved this,
but by Friday the energy I had, was being drained by the demands of my work and the
pressures of the predicament I face. I have the support of many people, and they give
me HOPE. Hope that I'm not being naïve by following my heart, by going with my
instinct. This coming week should be a test for my instincts. I know that if I can
think of nothing but the goal I'm trying to achieve, and do everything, with this in
the forefront my mind, I will do nothing but win. As usual, only time will tell.
Perhaps with time I can too find answers. Answers to questions which will shape the
next handful of days. I know that many believe I'm being foolish, chasing a lost
pipedream. But I think, if I don't give this the time, money it deserves, I will look
back at my life thinking what could possibly have been. Hopefully, I will not be
reminiscing but enjoying the fruits of my labour. Achieve, I will........!
Looking forward to next week, Scott Mills is back on the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast
Show, sitting in for Sara Cox. I am especially looking forward to Bootie Call. Take
care for now. I hope you have a fantastic week, and you too achieve.
Saturday 21st September 2002
The week has flown by unexpectedly. I thought that it would take forever to get
through. Perhaps because deep down inside, I knew that this would be an important
week for me. Not professionally, but on a personal level. Yes, an important week for
my personal development. Having worked hard on through the weekend, I came to Monday,
expecting a good, professional week. I worked hard, solved problems and to the best
of my ability dealt with problems successfully. Then, when I came home, my life was
brought crumbling down once again. I was going to be strong, I was not going to let
events many miles away faze me. With the support of my friends, I was able to get
through the night, and the rest of the week. How did I bring myself around? I
remembered something very important, that we all must never forget. Something that
should stay with us, when times get hard, when we are pushed to our physical and
emotional limits. I remembered this...
"Keep the FAITH and let LOVE lead the WAY"
There are many times in your life, when a song is released, which is able to
express, exactly how you feel at that moment in time. This is not necessarily during
the 'bad' times, but also times of great joy and happiness. Well it has happened,
recently. I was listening to the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Sara Cox, on Friday
13th September. I was about 12 miles from work, and they played a new song. As soon
as I heard it I new, an instant reaction. This songs is exactly what I have been (am)
going through at this moment in my life. The song is by the boy band Blue. The name
of the song is One Love. Great song, with lyrics that touch me...deep inside:
"I don't want to give up, I don't want to give in... Your My
Everything"
Another reason to smile... Prepare for a major update to the site. I am scanning
loads of photographs, and in the process of editing / selecting the best to put on my
photographs page. Expect this to take place tomorrow afternoon. So, I will give a
bigger (more detailed update tomorrow) Perhaps even some good news... Enjoy your
weekend, whatever you get up to.
Sunday 22nd September 2002
Photos page has been updated as promised. There are a few new photographs added,
expect more in the coming few weeks. I have scanned several new images, but need to
select, edit and then compress the best ones for the website. As you can appreciate
this is a task that can take some hours to accomplish.
With regards to other matters, not much else has been updated on the site. I have
been busy working on my family website and other pages which I haven't had time to
update recently.
The weekend, looking back hasn't gone too badly. I have been given the support of
people, close to me and that has helped me perhaps get through the last few days. Now
everything that can be done, has been done. To an extent, destiny takes over, I have
to face the difficult process of waiting. It is strange, because you feel so
helpless, knowing that there is nothing else that you can do. The power has been
taken out of my hands, and placed into the hands of those whom have the strength to
change my/our/their world.
I feel somewhat isolated. Knowing that there is 100 miles between us, it is not
just a matter of measurable distance. There is much more than that, it is to an
extend, two different worlds now. I live in my world, going day to day, trying not
think of the other world but it is hard and no matter what I do, no matter what I
say, our worlds continue to collide, if only in my thoughts, rather than anyone
else's. I sign off this weeks update in much a mixed mood... feeling optimistic that
everything, given time will work itself out... but knowing all to well, that this
weekend may have pushed me further away from my goal. Only time will tell...
Saturday 14th September 2002
I must first apologize, for the long delay in not updating my website. There have
been times when I haven't updated the site, for perhaps a weekend, due to my schedule
being so hectic. Three weeks, is extremely poor. I am sorry, but this mainly due to
other commitments in my life having to take priority. I will, I guarantee to update
my site every week.
Well September started off with some optimism. Things have been going well, but as
usual, things have fallen through. I find myself at a crossroad in my life. I can
continue to pursue, a course of action, which will result in nothing, no matter how
much effort I invest. The other path, I could follow, takes me to new places, new
people, and new circumstances. As hard as this has been, you will have to believe me
when I say, that I have decided to draw a line underneath the events of the last
four or five weeks. This is not completely slamming the door shut and bolting it. I
have decided that the best course of action, is to go with the flow. Let people
make their own decisions, regardless of what I feel. To stop placing my agenda onto people and
let things run their course. Should I ever find myself wanted again, I will consider
carefully, whether or not it would be wise to return.
Other things in my life have been going very well. My placement is going well, I
start my 12th week tomorrow, so I have nearly been there 3 months. The time has flown
by. I have been attending the gym regularly and I am been gaining weight and
strength, slowly. I feel much more healthier than I did in January this year. Arsenal
have made a so so start to the season. It feels great to hear them regarded, as the
"Champions", during televised games. I feel they have so much to live up to that they
may not bring us all the success we feel they can. But some of the games, I have seen
this season so far, have been highly exciting. Plus, the England friendly with
Portugal was quite exciting, with so many new faces and new reputations to create. I
am really looking forward to the Euro 2004, qualifying campaign. I hope Erickson,
will be far more adventurous when we play some of the weaker teams in our group,
especially when at home.
With regards, to the site, I have not had the opportunity to update it recently. I
will be trying to get some updates, done during the course of the week, as I am not
that busy. Please let me know if there is anything you feel this site is missing, or
if there is something that you would like to add. I look forward to hearing from you.
Saturday 31st August 2002
So, August comes to an end. I have to say, that this is not be the best month of
my year so far. Although the year has gone extremely well. Events at the beginning of
the month are to overshadow the rest of the year. I am not letting this phase me
though. There is so much going on, so much exciting things working out in my life.
For once in my life, I am making big plans and schemes for the future. I am just
going to glow with the flow, sit back and see what happens. Hopefully everything will
work out. All that matters is that I get what I want. Only time will tell....
As always, thank you for your kind support during this, difficult time. Its at
these times in your life you realize who your friends really are. Music has helped. I
have been listening to some extremely uplifting songs, that have made me feel better.
I mean, its amazing how some 3 minutes of audio can take you from the gutter to the
blue sky. Tomorrow is going to be tough, but I will get through it and by the
conclusion of the day, the result I have been longing for will prove everyone wrong
and me right.
Looking back to what I was doing this time last year (is amazing!) It was
properly, the most happiest time of life. I was in Leicester, looking forward to
England playing Germany in Munich on the Saturday evening (technically tomorrow - 1st
September). The world was entirely oblivious to what was going to happen, in some 10
days time. I wish, I could go back, and warn people about it, and even put a small
bet on England beating Germany 5-1, and being laughed at by the bookmakers.
And then I come out of my daydream and wake up to my current circumstances. Oh
well, what a difference a year makes? Not much updated on the site. I'm going to
concentrate on that once, this whole episode in my life has blown over.
Saturday 24th August 2002
So, the month slowly draws to a gradual close. At least we have a long bank
holiday weekend to enjoy before September, and the heavy burden that month brings
comes along. Don't expect any further updates than today on the site, although
depending on what happens on Monday.
Finally, got my ADSL broadband connection live on Monday. I have downloaded over
100 songs in the last week. My mp3 collection has grown from 1432 tracks, to an
amazing 1550. An increase of 118 songs, in 5 days! I have also completed downloading
4 current albums, in record time. It just proves the difference a broadband
connection can make, plus the benefit that I don't clog up the phone line every time
I go online. All further details about my audio collection are on my audio page.
Not many other updates to the website. I really want to hear from you people, and
find out how you firstly found out about my website, and what you would like on these
pages. What you currently like, and what you think could be taken off.
Friday 16th August 2002
What a week! Personally, I am glad that it is over, but Monday morning will be
staring us in the face before we blink. But I should not be putting a dampener on
things! Its Friday! Its the weekend! ;o) So overall, the week flew by. There was
various reasons for this. I was extremely busy, I had music to keep me going. Plus
also I posted some messages on forums to get advice and guidance. Although, I had
hated the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. It has suddenly reinvented itself with Scott Mills
at the helm. I have enjoyed his humour, choice of music and general chit chat. A
great feature, has been the Bootie Call, which has had me smiling on my way to work!
But Sara Cox, is back on Tuesday, so I only have one more show to enjoy on Monday.
With regards, to the website, you may have noticed that the recent photographs
added to the Photos page have failed to load. I looked into this during the week but
could only deduce that I had reached my web space limit. I will compress the files
down and try and upload them now. Hopefully, the will be visible from today onwards.
I haven't really added much else, a few extra links. But perhaps over the weekend, I
may find some inspiration from somewhere and get working on it.
The Premiership starts tomorrow, and I am looking forward to it! Arsenal playing
Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon, plus Aston Villa versus Liverpool, the lunchtime
game. Fantastic! It is a shame that the ITV programme has to be on at 10.30pm. I just
hope it can be better quality than last season. I remember watching the first
programme, how quickly the time passes. One year rolls into the next.
The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, passed away 25 years ago today. It is
amazing how that I would be born four years later, but this one man, would have
achieved a godlike status, even before his death.
This will not be my only update over the weekend, I will try to get on again by
Sunday. Enjoy your weekend, but save yourself for the Bank Holiday weekend that is
just around the corner.
Saturday 17th August 2002
I have spent today, going over my website with tooth comb. Every single page has
been checked, twice, to ensure it meets the high standard I expect of my web pages.
The images, throughout the site have never been optimized. This meant that has they
were in their original format, and size, they took ages to download. Even on the
average 56kbps connection, this can cause a major time delay. Therefore, I have
reduced all the images on this site from 8mb, to just over 1.5mb. You will notice
that the images on my photograph page download extremely faster now. Apart from that,
there have not been any significant changes to the site. Updates to the mirror site,
will take place, later in the week.
Looking forward to the starting of the season, in a few hours time. Should be
great. Fantastic!
Will try and make another update, tomorrow but still working on that. Please
e-mail me with your comments and suggestions. I reply to every e-mail I receive and
love hearing from you all.
Sunday 11th August 2002
It has been quite a roller coaster of a week. On all levels, professionally and
personally. My emotions have been taken to the limits of human resistance. To
describe, my feelings, let me tell you some of the songs I have had blasting in my
car:
5ive - Closer To Me
Backstreet Boys - Drowning / I Want It That Way
Craig David - Walking Away
Enrique Iglesias - Escape / Hero
Ewan McGregor - Come What May / Your Song (from Moulin Rouge OST)
Westlife - My Love / If I Let You Go
There are times, in your life when you face an uphill struggle, a struggle to find
yourself, and to find the inside person that you really want to be. Having thought
everything was fine, perfect in fact. Your world comes crashing down, with news that
you are not heading in the same direction as someone close to you. Well, friends, I
face this predicament head-on, but not without knowing what can be lost and what can
be gained within the next 20 days. I am well aware of the knife edge that my life
hangs on at the moment. For we all need to find strength at times when we are
isolated, exposed and weak. Well, I will find this strength, get through the next 3
weeks and take it from there. I have work to keep me busy, plus there is so much to
look forward to in the coming months. Your kind words of support throughout this
time, would be greatly appreciated.
All I know is that, this coming week, is going to be GREAT! I will be a WINNER!
Its amazing, how by putting something in writing, can make you feel so much better
about yourself and the situation you face. Well the winning has started already,
Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0, at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff to add the Community
Shield to their full trophy cabinet. Great goal for debutant Giberto Da Silva!
My friends are back from Ibiza on Thursday, so it will be great to hook up with
them and find out how that went. Plus, they will be able to help me get through my
current predicament.
With regards to the site updates, they have taken a back seat recently, due to the
above matters rising. I have created a new counter for the mirror site, so I can
monitor traffic to that site. I am going to spend an hour or so going around the
pages of the site and making sure they are acceptable. Major updates, to photographs
page, new images added. Some new entries in my Top Ten Of Everything and a few new
links added. Otherwise, next week I have a much less busy schedule so I can
concentrate on this site, on Saturday morning, before that start of the Premiership
season at 3pm. I'm really excited! It should be another close title race.
Saturday 3rd August 2002
This is quite a milestone in the history of this website. We have this month,
reached its 2nd birthday. Over the past two years, all our visitors have seen major
changes to the site, as it transformed to a site with a few pages, to a full blown
website covering various aspects of my life. Looking back, I can also chart how the
website reflects my own personal development. I had left college and was enjoying my
summer. A summer which was important. It would be my last at home. In September I
would off to University. My MP3 collection was growing gradually, my website although
it looked good, it lacked the creative elements which I knew I was capable of.
Instead, I just kept the site the same for last two years, not dedicating the time to
it that I do now. It wasn't until this year, that the radical change in layout,
colour and style has led me to appreciate the importance of having a well maintenance
web site. Well I have been busy working on how I can improve the site with various
tweaks and updates to a range of the pages. The mirror site will now come into its
own. The site will be distinguished as a site in its own right, and not just a clone
copy of this site. Some of the pages will not be replicated over, this is due to
space restrictions. Unfortunately, still not got my Broadband connection up and
running as yet. I would tell you when you I am hoping to get on-line with ADSL, but I
don't want to put anyone's hopes up, if I am let down again (as it has now become
expected!). Been busy, creating backups of all my critical files. I am thinking of
doing a fresh reinstall of everything. My system has got clogged up with loads of
junks in the last few months. I think its time to do some upgrading! ;)
Hope you all have been enjoying the summer, whether staying within our shores or
venturing far beyond! Take care and thank you for your support over the past two
years, may there be many many more.
Sunday 28th July 2002
Another week glides by, but one which is quite remember on a number of levels. The
weather throughout was very good, culminating in a extremely sunny and hot weekend. I
have enjoyed the weekend, especially with the great weather. Work, was hectic and
demanding, as per usual. It ended however, on a rather relaxing note. I was taken to
Newmarket Race Meeting on Friday 26th. This was an experience, being my first time at
a race course. The evening racing was great, and then there was Jools Holland,
entertaining, to end the evening. I was hoping, to be on the FreeServe broadband
service by Tuesday evening. However, due to a fault in the line, it has not gone live
yet. Hopefully, by Tuesday, I should be on the service. My list of MP3s pending
download, is just getting bigger and bigger. I haven't really updated the site yet.
Nothing major, just a few bits and pieces on a few pages. I am saving myself, until
the broadband service comes along. I have been e-mailing quite a few people over the
weekend, trying to get back in touch with friends, from both my home town, plus also
those scattered across the country currently on their industry placements. Not had
much of response yet, but think I should give them some time to reply.
Saturday 27th July 2002
Busy at the moment with various things going on and guests here! Just to let you
know that the mirror site, has not been updated for several weeks. I hopefully, will
be updated this sites, and replicating this information onto the mirror site tomorrow
evening.
Saturday 20th July 2002
Another week passes us by and the weekend we so come to love, follows the same
routine. As much as we would like to be stuck in that magical world in between
Saturday morning and Sunday evening, Monday morning glares its ugly head way way too
quickly. Broadband has been delayed until Tuesday. Its a pain, because I was looking
forward to using the high speed connection this weekend. Never mind, give me time to
get a long list of MP3s I want to download together. As with regards to updates to
the site, a few pages have had slight updates, nothing major yet. Perhaps next
week....
Sunday 14th July 2002
Weather wise, it has been a truly excellent weekend. The sun has shone throughout
and the temperature has been hitting the 30ºc. Today, I didn't do that much. Updated
the audio and England pages, and a few more links. Why is it that weekends during the
summer go so quickly, but those miserably wet weekends in the autumn, seem to last
forever?
Saturday 13th July 2002
I have been quite busy today, cleaned our cars and also worked on my placement
website. Then my cousins came over, and spent the afternoon watching the Nat West
Triangular Series Final on Sky Sports. India, made an impressive comeback from the
brink of defeat. England, as always let go their grip on the game, having completed a
record breaking 325 for 5. It was nail biting action, going to the wire. India
winning by 2 runs. I am looking forward to watching Sports Relief (later this evening
on BBC1) Highlights to look forward to include, Celebrity Boxing, the return of
Superstars and the Battle Of Albert Square.
Friday 12th July 2002
Exciting news, I am getting broadband within 9 days time. Meaning, I will have 24
access to the internet at extreme high speeds. Of course, as I am at work most of the
day, I can only make use of it effectively at weekends. But it will mean that I can
download mp3s in less than 60 seconds, entire albums in less than 20 minutes. All I
need to do now, is fine a reliable and well subscribe free Peer-to-Peer network. I
will be able to update to my website, twice a day. Updates to photograph page and
links.
Thursday 11th July 2002
Busy busy busy. Not had time to do anything. Work, work, work, then home, eat,
sleep... and the cycle starts over again. The weekend...I need you... please... only
1 day to go...
Saturday 6th July 2002
Its a new month, so its time for a new section. All previous news items and
updates can be found on the updates page (link below). It has been a busy few days
for me. I have started my job, and not had much time for myself recently. I leave
home, at 7.30am and do not get back until at least 7pm in the evening. By the time I
have eaten, and watched some television, it is time to go to sleep. I have been
really tired, trying to get used to this new routine. So therefore, I have not had
time to update my website for the past week. Hopefully, I will update it every
weekend from now on. Updates to audio page and links.
Sunday 30th June 2002
Brazil, are champions of the world, for the 5th time. In the end, a team who just
about qualified end up lifting the trophy. I have to say, I have find the tournament
highly entertaining. Some magical moments, the US beating Portugal, the Koreans big
following and of course the Irish spirit. As for my site, it seems to be taking a
back seat for a while. Expect an update, in the middle of the week some time. Take
care for now.
Friday 28th June 2002
It has been nearly a week, and I have not been able to add much to the site. I
have been extremely, busy trying to sort out things, for the job I start next week.
Nothing really to report. Trying to add to my MP3 collection, but using the family
land line means, I only get a chance to use it for a few hours. Due to hosting
problems, the mirror site, will be incomplete. I think, the Berlin page will be
missing. Trying to find out, why there is a quota problem. Expect an update, next
week. Wow! The month of football has past! Just cricket and tennis to keep us
entertained until August! Take care, and as always thanks for your visit to this
site.
Sunday 23rd June 2002
Life has become rather dull now that England are no longer in the World Cup. I
mean, watching the matches, doesn't have the same feeling as it did a week ago. Never
mind, means I can spend more time working on my website. Links have been updated. A
mirror site is now available. To go there click here. Although a transfer has taken
place, it will take a few days for the full site to be uploaded to the mirror server.
Please e-mail me with your thoughts on the site, and if there is anything that I
should add. I appreciate your comments, good or bad.
Friday 21st June 2002
It was not to be! Oh, how we can dream of what could have happened. When Owen
scored, the country was united for some twenty minutes, in celebration. England were
leading 1-0 against Brazil. But, the gods above were not looking to aid our boys and
we lost. Enough said. I am sure the media, will continue the post-tournament analysis
of the England team's failures. I am just looking forward to the next big
international tournament, Euro 2004, to be hosted by Portugal. The USA played with
much confidence, and were unlucky to lose to Germany 1-0. The score line does not
reflect the hard work the Americans put in, to try and level the deficit. News on the
site, well I am thinking of creating a mirror of this site on another server. This
will allow more users to access the site and provide a backup, should this server be
unavailable or down. I am working on the transfer, hopefully the site will be up by
next weekend. Some updates, to audio and top ten pages.
Thursday 20th June 2002
So, it is the big day tomorrow. Well not so much day, rather morning. The whole
nation will be up and glued to their television screens from 6.30am. What a prospect,
the best defense of the tournament, pitted against the best attack. Should be highly
entertaining to watch. Personally, I think England will win, perhaps 1-0, with a goal
late in the second half. Who knows... but please spare us from anything but
penalties. From now on, only updates for the last month, will appear on this page,
other updates can be found by clicking on the link below. This is to stop this page
becoming to full of text.
Sunday 16th June 2002
Another great weekend! England beat Denmark, 3-0! Booking their place in the
quarter-finals! I also, drive home on Sunday morning, just in time to see Senegal
score the decisive golden goal against Sweden to book their place in the last eight!
However, later this afternoon, the Republic of Ireland, miss out, on the cruel
penalty shootout to Spain. You should be proud of yourself guys, you painted a part
of Japan and Korea, emerald green! Never to be forgotten. Still busy behind the
scenes, updating the site. Hope to bring a progress report very soon.
Sunday 9th June 2002
What a weekend...! After England's historical victory over Argentina, Lennox Lewis
knocked out Tyson, in the 8th round of their much hyped bout. Our boys are doing us
proud! I also heard a great football song over the weekend. It is called, "Go
Eng-ger-Land", and is a reworking of the classic Jam track, "Going Underground". This
will be my last update for over a week. I have to pack all my things, in preparation
for my long drive home, a week today. So I have updated a few of the new pages (see
below) and hope to hear from you all soon. Good Luck for England!
Friday 7th June 2002
Our boys have done us proud. An amazing performance, from every player in an
England shirt. They were solid, looked lively in attack, and took all the of the
'argy-bargy' thrown at them by the cunning Argentinean players. I still, think
England will make it to the semis, that will be a great achievement!
Wednesday 5th June 2002
Its, been an exciting few days! The World Cup has really become alive. Amazing
that there has not been a single, goalless draw. I have added another new Top Ten
page, I was much impressed by the co-hosts. South Korea, especially, who put on a
dazzling display against Poland. Japan, who are rated as a much better team, played
some exciting football against Belgium. Its a shame they were denied their win.
Today, of course, everyone thought Portugal would destroy the weak United States. How
wrong could they be. They took the lead and were 3-0 up within the first half hour!
Amazing stuff, from the team, that finished ranked 32nd, in France 98. I am looking
forward to watching them again! Plus, the Republic of Ireland, secure that all
important point against the Germans. All step up for the next few group games....
Monday 3rd June 2002
I am relaxing over, this Jubilee Weekend. I am enjoying the scenes from London and
across the UK. Plus, getting up at the crack of dawn to watch the World Cup games.
But I have not neglected my site. Added a new audio page. Plus, updating the England
page, over the coming few weeks. I am also working on getting the results into a
neat, crisp table. Currently, as text the whole page is a mess. So stay tuned for
that, its a big job.
Friday 31st May 2002
Football fans across the globe, have been waiting patiently for months for this
day. The start of the 2002 World Cup, in South Korea and Japan. What an opening game!
France beaten by the most fortunate of goals ever! Senegal proved all the doubters
wrong. However, this was the first time in 12 years, that I have missed both the
opening ceremony and opening game of a World Cup. I was at work, busy earning some
money. However, with the beauty of modern technology (a WAP phone) I was able to get
the latest score at half time. Plus, we had customers coming in keeping us updated.
Guess what (?) I am working on Sunday morning too! (Doh!) So I am going to miss
England's opening game too! Never mind! As long I am at home for the crucial game
against the old enemy, Argentina.
Thursday 30th May 2002
Quite an uneventful day, must be saving all the excitement for tomorrow! :) I have
recently updated the links page. Continuing to tweak the site!
Wednesday 29th May 2002
The World Cup is only 2 days away. England's first game is only 4 days away! I am
getting very excited! I've had these feelings before, but this time there is a
different, more positive atmosphere surrounding this tournament. I can recall build
ups to previous international tournaments, Italia '90, Euro '96, France '98 and Euro
2000. All with the promise of great success for England. All of us being let down by
the harshest of circumstances. The England team, have a much more youthful look, a
more experienced coach and much more confidence. They play with a winning mentality,
shown against Germany, and Greece. I think a semi final exit would been seen as a
great success for England, but its the World Cup and nothing is predictable.
Monday 27th May 2002
Just finished my exams, so now I have some free time to update my site. Although,
I did like the new colour scheme. We fell out , it was rather dull anyways, I suppose
I just had a creative block! I wanted a much more brighter colour, something that
would bring live to my website. However, I did not want the background colour to take
presence over the content. I decided on this, I think it is just right. Let me know
what you think via e-mail.
Over the next few weeks, the site will be updated dramatically. I have now, the
time to add new content. This will be photographs, new pages and an extensive list of
live links. So please come back to the site.
Wednesday 8th May 2002
I have noticed that a number of the links, on the links page and also the England
page do not work. I will be sorting out this problem very soon. If you find any dead
links on this site (internal or external) please e-mail and let me know. Two months,
since my last update. That is extremely poor on my part. I promise to improve my
commitment to this site.
Friday 5th April 2002
On my back to Leicester in the morning. Not really had a chance to get much work
done on the site. Hoping that I can get a few pages done before the start of exams
next month. Before I came home, I planned to get so much of my coursework done.
However as usually, I was far to optimistic, covering only a few bases. Well,
hopefully once I am back at Uni, I will get some work done. No, hope about it, I have
a deadline next week, and the work must be done.
Sunday 10th March 2002
I have been promising a makeover for my site for months and I have finally got
around to doing it! (Hooray!) The site layout is quite the same, with a few pages
removed, other pages updated. The main change I have been made is to the visual
appeal of the site with new logos, images and colour scheme.
Saturday 23rd February 2002
I have been giving some thought to making my site W3C compliant. This would be a
heavy workload, as each page would need to be screened, to check that the HTML code,
meets the compliance of the world wide web consortium. The eventual achievement,
would be that the site would be visible in any browser and I would be able to badge
the site for its status. I was also thinking of putting a CSS on the site. These
ideas, will have to wait though, I have to many other projects on the go at the
moment, to concentrate on my website.
Wednesday 6th February 2002
The semester is going past very quickly. I am drowning in work at the moment, so I
do not have time to update the site at the moment. Hopefully, I will have a chance,
in the next few days, but I may not to be able as spend much time on it. I have work
taking up so much of my time.
Sunday 28th January 2002
Second semester starts tomorrow. I am actually, really looking forward to it. Some
of the modules I have chosen should be interesting and I hope to gain some good
marks. Plus, still trying to look for a placement for my 3rd year. Hopefully, some
good jobs will come up very soon and I will get an interview.
Wednesday 23rd January 2002
Exams are over, and the second semester starts on Monday. Working on fixing a few
bugs with the HTML code. Too busy to be able to dedicate any real time to the site.
Hopefully, I will be able to get something done over the weekend.
Tuesday 1st January 2002
Happy New Year to you all. How quickly the Christmas holidays pass by. I will be
back in Leicester on Friday. I wish I could spend more time with my family and
friends, but I have work to do and exams to take. I am sorry that I have not updated
the site for several weeks. I have been busy with coursework deadlines. The last week
of Uni, was extremely rushed, with Christmas gifts to organize, pack things for home
etc. I promise, as soon as my exams are up, I will dedicate a whole weekend to fixing
the site up. May 2002 bring you all much more success and happiness.
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