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Below are my web blog updates from 2004, which saw the blog grow extensively in popularity. Hosting moved from freebie to paid for premium, plus in May the option to post personal comments for each individual posting were added.
Friday 31st December 2004
A strange way to end the year. Be called out on business,
across to Bedford for but nevertheless a necessary
meeting. As I headed home the sun was setting across
the hills of Dunstable to the east. The M1 southbound
was busy but moving steadily as my mind began to drift.
My mind reflected on the year about to pass and the
year ahead. Several months of difficulty but lacking
the powerful pain, I had felt so strongly in the past.
Yet, we showed our perseverance and overcame the struggles,
to find ourselves on the right course and very much
happy. Let me consider my happiness in greater detail.
No, I am not truly happy but more relived that once
more, all the pieces of the jigsaw have fallen into
place, and not a minute too soon. For someone bless
with little luck, I sometimes find myself amazed by
the smallest act of divine
intervention. Those who know me well, would consider
me to be a mild control freak. A fact I could not
argue with, yet the more I think about things the
more I feel stronger powers
are at work here, than those of my own mortal doing.
If things happen for a reason, then maybe just maybe
2005 will be the year which sees me taking bigger
strides on the journey of success.
Just a simple case of believing. Believing in myself.
As has become customary, I would like to wish all visitors to my website a
prosperous 2005!
Thursday 30th December 2004
Three months and four days had passed since our last
installment. Expectations were high, more so by the
extended marketing exposure given this time around.
Rather than billboards on the tube, there had been
lavish television spots on the build up to the big
day. The posters bore a striking resemblance to the
final two from the Matrix
trilogy. However, before I get to the action, let
me start at the beginning. As soon as I saw the trailer
for the movie, I contacted Nav and asked if he wanted
to go and see the picture. He had been the one, to
introduce Hero
to me back in mid September 2003. Who was to know
that almost exactly twelve months later, we would
go and enjoy the experience on wide screen, having
seen the first half on flaking VCD. The release date
was awkward to say the least. Boxing
Day. For a few weeks, it seemed that we would
be unable to catch the epic story at the cinema. Nav
was going to be in Manchester with relatives and would
not be coming down towards London for some time. As
chance would have it, Nav would be dropping his sister
down in Ealing yesterday and would be able to catch
the movie in the afternoon. As well made plans usually
do, things changed. Instead we decided to catch the
early evening performance, giving plenty of time to
allow from the journey from Lincolnshire.
I left Wycombe just before 4pm, to make sure I did
not get stuck in traffic on the A40. As usual, the
roads were relatively clear and I made great time
heading towards Ealing. I arrived just after 4.30pm,
giving Nav a call on his mobile. It was off, sending
me directly to his generic T-Mobile
answer phone. This was a surprise, because he never
has his phone off, unless unwittingly he has let the
battery drain away. I waited for a short while, a
few minutes more and then began to panic. Not a mad
panic, but a mild panic, considering the options open
to me if my friend did not materialise. Going to the
cinema on your own is an experience I would not like
to repeat, so therefore my plan was to wait until
5pm and then head over to the multiplex for a refund.
Then head home and catch the big game
in full. (Rather than catching only three quarters,
as would be the case). Just as I was giving up, I
looked out of my window and saw some bright headlights
heading towards. The car, I recognised, as it pulled
up directly in front of me. I smiled, my phone bleeped.
Delivery report received. Nav had finally switched
on his phone. We were present and correct and headed
over to Vue
in Acton. It was busy, but I found a parking space
quite quickly and headed into the foyer. There was
a large queue, one automatic ticket dispenser out
of action. My attempts to obtain our tickets from
the working machine did not work. No other option
but the queue. This was a bad evening for the staff,
the LCD information screen was out of action, so the
details of film availability had to be given verbally
(by leaving the safety of the booth). A man in charge
fixed the second ticket dispenser, jumping out of
the queue (a mistake) to once again attempt to have
my cinema tickets printed. Did not work. So, we had
to get back into queue to get our tickets. The clock
was ticking, the film started in 5.45 and we had a
few minutes to go.
Well after that episode or rather fuss over the tickets, I was actually looking forward to sitting down and watching the movie. With chocolate mint ice cream in one, hand and regular coke (with ice) in the other, I headed into the audiodoritium. Busy, but by no means full, we found some seats to the middle of the upper tear on the right. To compare The House of Flying Daggers with any other film I have seen, would be criminal. However, using Hero as a base has to be expected. My real criticism is with the storyline, although it did contained the customary twists and turns, even romance, it lacked the layered approached which made the previous film such a great success. The actors were average but it needed more star quality to get the passion across, as the story is based more on love than rivalry or a feuding battle. The direction is amazing, with some integral fight scenes and clever special effects. The plot is much more easier to follow although I think the ending becomes obvious far too quickly and then the pace slows down to compensate for the lack of action in these scenes. Shame because this could have been developed further. This got me thinking, why do people go and watch these films? The storyline come secondary to the action sequences. Therefore more time and money is spent on these parts of the movie rather than any other, which is understandable. You want to get as many people through the door as possible. I would therefore only recommend this picture to those who enjoy the genre. Otherwise you will leave disappointed.
I have been nominated as the best blog friend by Andrew Guilder. If you can recall this is the guy, I happened to sit next to on the National Express coach from Birmingham to Leicester exactly seven months yesterday. So feel free and vote. My blog of the poorest quality in comparison to the other five nominations. Make sure that comes into consideration when you place your vote.
Tuesday 28th December 2004
Why is it that during the festive period, we lose all sense of date and time. Does Christmas do something to the body clock that is shrouded in mystery? Perhaps even the great Dickens noticed this lapse in human attention at this time of year.
My long term love affair with remixes continues. Several months ago, I was
sitting in my car waiting to give a relative a lift,
listening to Kiss
100. It was a Sunday night and Mark Goodyear was
presenting the Smash
Hits Hit
List. It was at this moment, I heard for the first
time the Hi-Base remix of the Britney Spears ballad,
'Everytime'. Rarely does a remix improve the original
to a level that it becomes more radio friendly. Deconstructing the strong, the lyrics are far from definitive and the melody has greater power to the affect it carries the song. If
you look at the artist
and avoid the rest of the baggage
that comes with the brand.
She does poses a nice pair of lungs and produce the
perfect vocal. The dream voice for a DJ to remix.
My favourite song by the former pop princess is 'Born
To Make You Happy'. Maybe because she was on the rise,
but also the fact that my life was coming together
and for once I could look around and smile contently.
Shame to see such a great talent wasted on the three
taboos, s, d, and very little of the rock and roll.
As we find ourselves staring at the end of year, I believe it is time for me to be noting down great thoughts and reflections for 2004. Did the year live up to expectation or not? This is very difficult for me to say because I find myself having made so much little progress that I had hoped for. Maybe the fact that I have started my second job and am at the starting line again. Yes, overall the circumstances are for the better but the lack of time in the position means I have little to judge against and little substance to reflect upon. In time, experience I shall be able to give a greater insight. Many things happened this year in terms of my website. I moved host and actually started paying for hosting for the first time. Purchased a second domain name, hosting my second exclusively 'work' blog, firstly on Blogger and in recent weeks on my own personal hosting.
Those who recall my adventures from Saturday 25th September will be pleased to announced the next installment is scheduled for tomorrow morning (or possibly early afternoon). The venue and companion remain unchanged and the only noted difference is the title of feature. Hopefully I will be able to review events tomorrow evening, comparing my personal record with that of my friend on his online journal. I am hoping to go over to Central London later in the week and also over to Birmingham early next week, possibly Monday. Want to get everything in order before work starts over again. A trip to the Midlands would give an opportunity to test out my Pure DAB Personal digital radio on the road for the first time. Will keep you posted, all events are subject to change at short notice.
Saturday 25th December 2004
Tradition, the foundation for this time of year.
Sown into the very fabric of this country, our way
of life, our way of doing things, dare I be political
to utter the word, 'culture'. If there are two groups
of people that roam this earth, one set embrace tradition,
convention, the establishment. While the rest reject
it, to take their own path. I could never be anything
but a creature of habit, routine and ultimate dependence.
I have my reasons but then I am sure there are quire
valid reasons for you dreading your path. Each to
their own.
Yet, I find myself still longer to aspire to greater tradition than the reasonable
standard that I have already set. One such aspect
would be a seasonal visit to the cinema. Sure, I venture
to the multiplex at the wrong time of year. With the
summer heat striking down upon us, I am quite keen
to catch the summer's biggest blockbuster, rather
than anything else. Last year, there was one film
that I had to see. In my eagerness to I asked a close
friend if they wanted to go with me. Their response
was that it was not worth the visit to the cinema.
Disheartened, I allowed the opinion of another to
overpower my strong will, knowing also, that there
was not much time left to catch a screening locally
or even more closer to the actual setting.
My only excuse is that there is never the time to
fit in a trip to the cinema, even with the FilmWorks
a stepping stone away. Too many other things going
on and movies are much lower down the list of priorities.
Particularly when there are so many things to organize
and errands to run.
This year, in mid November I discovered that Sky
Movies would be making the digital premiere of
that very movie on Christmas Day. Joy filled my heart,
hoping that this would be an opportunity for the entire
family to sit down, in the evening and spend a few
enjoyable hours with sugary entertainment. Did it
happen? Well I am happen to report it did, actually.
(Yes a very poor pun, but in the circumstances and
considering the date, I hope you will be kind enough
to forgive me.) Firstly, let me state that I can fully
understand why people do not like this movie. Several
months ago, Clive Bull had this discussion on his
late night talk show on LBC
and the negative feeling regarding the Curtis production
was clearly evident. However, let me give my personal
response. At this time of year, we seem to cocoon
ourselves into our own little lives, surrounded by
our family, friends and loved ones. We seem to forget
how this can be the most difficult time of year for
many others. The film tries to get this message across,
and also establish the fact that not all love stories
have a happy ending. Although, anything shot under
the banner of the festive season has some poetic licence.
Yes, this film does showcase the brilliance of London
at this time of year and does this extremely well,
proving that Britain can match some of the more traditional
Christmas locations, such as New York, or exotic as
Sydney. Sometimes we go to the cinema to be frightened,
just like we jump onto a roller coaster to be pushed
to the edges of our physical boundaries. I believe
deep down inside all of us, there is a beating heart
that wants to be warmed. This evening, my heart was
gracefully warmed by the eight intertwined storylines
of this movie. There is little need for substance,
particularly when the image portrayed tells us so
much about the human soul. Can feel
good cinema get any better? Not really, but do
you know the reason why? Christmas is the most magical
time of year and sometimes, just sometimes dreams
can come true.
Friday 24th December 2004
Just a quick message before the festivities get into
full swing. I collected my cousins from Luton, this
afternoon and am looking forward to the big day tomorrow.
There is very little to write apart from wish all
my visitors to my blog, both old and new, a very Merry
Christmas.
Tuesday 21st December 2004
Sitting down into my friend's Mazada 6, I smiled with glee at the creature comforts, leather seats, satellite navigation and Bose in car audio system. I noticed a CD case, in the door storage panel, to my left and picked it up. The front of the case came off in my hand, coming to my attention that is had been broken previously. It was then that I finally turned the case around to see the cover. Pleasantly surprised to discover that this was not any old run of the mill. Although our friendship spans over ten years now, we rarely discuss music. To find the greatest and most popular album in his car was surprise to say the least. The previous evening had been spent perfecting a Christmas album for the ride and if you know me well, the shopping trip is a time I really get into the festive mood. Yet, I was holding a piece of musical history. This was the original 1982 release and although looked somewhat dated, hid well its twenty two year history. Maybe I would drop it into the CD player for a quick listen on the way home. Holding back my excitement in being able to hear the original masterpiece, I headed to Milton Keynes in near silence, with my mind drifted as much as the winding roads of Oxfordshire and North Buckinghamshire, on this bright winter evening. We stopped for fuel, seizing the opportunity, I inserted the disc but decided against listening to it there and then, quickly switching back to the seasonal bootleg I had created. Believe me, the crooner, Andy Williams grows on you, even with Christmas songs.
To those of you, whom have just rushed in that final coursework assignment before the Christmas holidays, you will spare thought for our lonely student. Searching my memory banks, I find it hard to discover a more ruthless example of the strange love/hate relationship between the student and their lecturer. Thank God those days are behind me. I am sure our University academic, will not find it difficult to produce a scenario which betters this one.
Last year I went Christmas shopping on a Sunday in
Oxford. This was a example of my poor judgment, berating
myself that such an lapse shall never occur again.
The original plan had been, like the rest of the of
the population
to leave it as late as possible. This had meant, Wednesday
22nd December (always tomorrow) was the original designated
shopping day. Then, when news came that I would not
been joining the dole
queue but had secured a job.
Plans, as they often do, had to be changed.
Sunday was chosen, because it was the only available
date, knowing there would be a few awkward purchases,
it would be best to have some company, particular
as he had several final purchases to make himself.
Where as I, hadn't even started. This is the only
time, I actually spend a day shopping in the real
world and actually attempt to make a 'day of it'.
The rest of the time, I shop online, from the comfort
of my own bedroom. Even things such as clothes can
be purchased online these days, why bother with the
hustle and bustle of the high street? Since my final
few years at school, I have had a strong anti-city
feeling, towards shopping districts. This may have
been bedded in my less than normal social nature in
my early to mid teenage years. To stop short of a
full history lesson, I avoided as much as possible
town or city centres on a Saturday purely because
of the hell they used to impose on me. This rule still
exists, even if slightly cloaked form. Yes, ever December,
like clockwork, this barrier disappears and I am once
more able to enter society and shop like the next
man. Although, of course I do not shop like anyone
else. I know what I want (already) make some quick
initial judgments, perhaps even slight changes on
brand or final product and make that purchase. I do
not have time to fussy around, like some other members
of the human species. This does save some time, when
you do all your planning and homework before you venture
out. Even someone as well organised as me still finds
it difficult to find gifts for some of the more, now
how to do I put this, more 'elusive' members of my
small family (small by Asian standards) No wonder
it has become the sixth
most stressful life event. Whatever, "life event"
means is anyone guess. I survived and got 85% of my
shopping done that day, just a few small problems
that firstly need some more thought and a quick purchase.
I intend to go down to Uxbridge in the next few days
to complete the haul. Thursday, can't come too soon.
On the way back to my friend's house, we did listen to that most complete of
albums, but I had no time for the early tracks. Criminal
of me, I agree, but there is some method in my madness.
The song that needed to be heard was to summarize
how I felt this Sunday afternoon, with Christmas drawing
ever so closer. The facts should speak for themselves.
Sometimes a song is bigger than the moment, rarely
is the artist great than the song and rarely even
still does the album mean more to the world than (regrettably)
than the artist. Sometimes, pure lyrics do little
to capture the moment.
Thursday 16th December 2004
It all came together as I was driven around into
the car park of my new office. My new working day
home. To say this was a different environment was
an understatement. I had gone, from (in my humble
opinion) the greatest
city in the world to this countryside
retreat. Well, that is not so much a clue as an
indication of where in the world I find myself and
what the future brings. Sometimes, the greatest postings
happen my accident and all the pieces of the jigsaw
fall into place, quite happily without the need to
be constantly wanting to write the perfect post. As
musings from last clearly show. A man trying to force
words of wisdom on a reluctant crowd.
A breath of fresh air. That is all I can say to describe
my first day at work. Firstly, I left the house half
an hour before I was due at the office. Unthinkable,
when a just five weeks previously, the journey would
have started an hour and half earlier, just to be
sure to make it to the office on time. As I pulled
out my drive, I glanced at the clock, 08:27. WOW!
Although there was some traffic built up on the A404,
there was little to fret. I still made good time and
was early (as one should always be). On your first
day, there tends to be certain home truths that come
home to roost. Things will be dramatically artificial
from another standard day. Having now experience 3
'first' days, the first two years ago and two, five
months apart this year. There is so much to take in,
people to greet and make comfort your seat. Of course,
people are nice, they don't want to let their guard
down and want to make you feel comfortable. They are
waiting for you to settle before they show themselves
out, which is understandable. Although I have noted
well, people being themselves and not putting on this
show, this facade for the new boy My last firm had
an extremely streamlined induction procedure, running
a tight ship and an extremely tighter schedule. Global
firms have experience and more importantly than that,
a "way" of doing things. The SMEs of this world, just
have big aspirations but not the wallet to match.
Yet, I find myself in a mixture of the two, or more
half
way house. Early days indeed but first impressions
build towards bigger and better things in the world
and therefore I need to quickly summarize my thoughts
and feelings. Not having a shadow
meant the day dragged and I did not pick up as much
as I could have but then again, there was so much
to take it, I think it will take me at least three
to four months to master the product. (The previous
version that is!) Just run me through the benefits
of bespoke
software again?
The major factor, rather than just the X Factor is the time of year I find myself starting work. Not just that its the most wonderful time of year. Joining when I do, I find my Mum finishing work tomorrow and my sister early next week. In the opposition direction, I find myself ending the stupid slump of the past few weeks and becoming dragged into the overwhelming world. Sure, the next few days are going to difficult and at times a struggle. I am prepared, (as well as I can be) for what can only be the start of a new challenge. Yet, I know deep down inside that the real battle begins in January, with the slate somewhat wiped clean and the future, not hanging in the balance, I never live my life in that way. I intend to, in the best possible fashion, prove once again, all the critics wrong.
Much of what has been written here, should have gone
on my 'other'
blog but this was a moment for personal reflection
and not just technical know how. The ideal will be
to have personal views and opinions on this site and
any usual bits of information on the other. Let me
know when I fail to do this.
As I got out of my German
ride, some words echoed out into the cool winter air
from the above average engineered radio, tuned to
the Irish
wonder. The waiting was over, my first day at work,
was about to begin.
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
It’s hard, but it’s harder to ignore it.
If they were right, I’d agree, but it’s them you know not me.
Now there’s a way and I know that I have to go away.
Wednesday 15th December 2004
I have been using credit cards for the past five years
and am bemused by the new scheme of Chip
and Pin. Sure, the signature as a measure of authority
has been ineffective for decades but entering a pin
appears to have several flaws of its own.
As an organised individual, I am usually on the ball
with any new initiatives that are dished upon us.
I have to admit I have just been lazy. However, I
was told this afternoon, at Next
that from two weeks time, I will have to know my PIN
and that signatures will no longer be accepted. I
now need to develop a strategy for my PIN. I could
be naive and create a universal number for all my
cards, which would save me time but be a security
nightmare should I lose my cards and my PIN become
common knowledge. A more dogmatic and sensible approach
would be to have two or three PINs to use across three
or more cards. I am working on it, just need to work
out how I can re-request my PIN from all these issuers.
Almost a year in the making, I finally caught the
video for a track, I had been hunting down for several
months in 2003. Television broadcast from the subcontinent
takes precedent. Although we have switched in the
last ten months from being a household tuned to B4U
to the station Rupert
in 1993. Star is broadcast from India
but has a global reach. Just after 5pm, my Mum asked
my Dad to change the channel. When he chose 801 on
the Sky Remote instead of 804, I was pleasantly surprised.
This quickly turned to joy when I heard the family
beats of Kangna by Dr. Zeus. I had waited some time
to see the video in full, sure I had seen the Zeus
medley several times but that was cheap to say the
least. To be honest, I was disappointed, I had expected
more. The song has got now, almost a cult following
that it will go down as a classic, yet the video,
lacked effectiveness. No, perhaps it was not original,
unique, as the lyrics of the song make out. Describing
the unique relationship between yourself and the girl
on the dance floor with the sparkling bracelet.
I never rehash previous postings. I find that to
be meaningless and add little to the longetivity of
my blog, as a historical document. All day I have
been thinking long and hard of how to express how
I feel on this day. Late into this evening, I still
had little to write. Referring to my entry from Sunday
20th June before
I started my last job. There are times when you are
give the poetic licence to be arrogant and perhaps
even selfish and that is one of the finest examples
here. May have become a victim of my own success in
that respect, with words, imagery and stature that
cannot be fallen. Doesn't stop me drying. So, rather than summary my feelings
in a song, I am going to do something different. Recommend
a blog. This will only click with a selective few
in my audience. Memories of University, the rush to
get that first assignment completed on time and course
the all nighter to no avail. Take a step back to those
wholly corridors of academia.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Monday 13th December 2004
It was billed as Judgment Day and it did not disappoint.
A result for Rupert and the boys
if nobody else. Let us focus for a few minutes on
the trails. Pinning Mr. Wenger and Mr. Mourinho against
each other as time travelling killing machines. My
Dad hates all theses trails, across the digital broadcaster
and not just for the big sports clashes. He would
prefer his subscription money to be spent on purely
programming and for the monthly installment be better
value for money. For me, however, the trails, spots,
are what makes watching Sky
so special. Sky
Movies did lead the way until a few years ago,
until the movie package was restructured for a purely
numbered approach, which of course does not work.
Give me Sky Movie Max and Premiere any day. The masters
in the editing sweet had worked over time for the
Sunday afternoon London derby though. Using the theme
music from the fantastic sequel
with images of the all star cast for this epic encounter.
There is always the possibility that the final spectacle
can never live up to expectations. Just look at the
battle of the buffet.
(Proves that the match was so important that the off
the field antics take precedent over the football).
For once, the perfect atmosphere was created, placing
me on the edge of my sofa, and the hair standing on
the back of my neck, as they teams came out on that
cold winter afternoon. The scene was set and within
minutes, the key battle would commence. Personally
I am glad the broadcasters still show such enthusiasm
for what can only be regarded as extravagant marketing.
Then again this is coming from a guy, who has always
watched the intro sequences for all the games I love
and actually live for them.
The game itself was played at lightning pace, and my nerves were settled early by Henry. Overall, I agree that this was a game we should have won. Of course draw is better than defeat but to be leading twice and then surrender your lead in such foolish ways is unthinkable. Arsenal were the masters of defending set-pieces. We just seem to be lacking concentration at the back and teams will exploit this unless we improve.
What I tend to do, as the end of the year draws near
is to look back at my entries from a year ago. It
was not exactly all songs in the street but the capture
of Saddam was a big turning point in the struggle
for Iraq. A year on there is still much work to
be done, and with elections around the corner, will
true democracy empower the people? This is not for
me to discuss such worldly life changing issues on
this blog of shameless self promotion. More suited
to the likes of Xercs
and Healing
Iraq. Leave it in your very capable hands, guys.
Purchased my Christmas Cards, on Sunday at Clinton
Cards as has now become an annual tradition. I
have stopped making long exhaustive lists on Excel
and tend to work from memory now. Each year for some
reason the number of cards I both send and receive
has been diminishing. Even I am not sending out such
examples of egoist
eccentricity With all the new technology and ways
of communicating, it is surprising that the traditional
Christmas card has lasted this long. Perhaps that
is an naive statement, as there will always be people
who want to send 'seasons greetings' on paper rather
than electronically. I agree with sending the odd
Christmas e-card, but anything via SMS represents
shortsightedness on behalf of the sender at least.
With or without royal
approval.
Talking of progress. Why are we so slow to taking up new technology here in the UK? At least there are hints of upcoming HD TV broadcasting. Japan leads the digital revolution and it is amazing to discover they have had high definition television has early as 1991. There is demand for a service which promises images that are six times sharper than current broadcasting levels. The truth is out there and being blogged. Then on the horizon is the next battleground. Just when you have finally completed replacing your VHS collection onto DVD and disposed of the ancient VCR. (How 1980s does VCR sound today?)
The rest of this week is just going to be a build to Thursday. I should make more use of my new blog and write something.
Friday 10th December 2004
Almost exactly six months ago, I had my second interview
with the City Law firm, whom I started working for
eleven days later. In a twist of fate, (or should
that be luck?) I find myself in a very similar predicament
once again. Following a successful second interview
yesterday afternoon, I waited patiently for the phone
to ring. I needed some good news. Time was running
out, I knew I could not spend any more time 'drifting'
at home. The break had done me some good but my batteries
were fully recharged and I was becoming restless.
When the phone rang, the smile on my face said it
all. Yet, there was more a sense of relief than just
pure elation. Looking for a job in January, would
have been an uphill struggle with my chances diminishing,
opportunities closing and the wealth of competition
increasing. To be frank, I would not have got a look
in. An interview would have been hard to come by.
This is the time the job market gets ugly. Not the
ideal time to be looking for a job. Though I have
consistently follow this argument, that there is never
a good time to be looking for a job (unless you already
have one, that is!).
Looking back to my blog entries from early June this
year, I looked for inspiration. What did I find? A
beautiful vision of life before the realism of working
in London came to light. I surprise even myself at
the quality, clarity and definition to my entries,
which at times, take even my breath away. Perhaps
that is being too arrogant and self-centred. Is that
what having an online journal does to you? You keep
looking at the centre, rather than the world around
you. Begging to differ, I take the text as it is meant
to be, a reflection of my life, feelings and mood
combined with the songs being listened to at a moment
in time. Yesterday afternoon, as I drove back from
my interview, the sun was setting across the Berkshire
countryside, I had a longing to record the moment
in my blog. This feeling has been missing of late,
and I have never felt such a strong compelling to
write. I hope this 'feeling' whatever it is, continues.
Unfortunately on this occasion, there can not be the
under cover surveillance will not be possible. If
I was to say, I am making a change in business environment
that would be an understatement. All I will say for
now, I may be far away from the capital but I am never
the less as far away from Royalty.
I have to point out one of the uncanny 'similarities' with June. That Sunday,
England played France in their opening Euro 2004 fixture.
This Sunday sees London rivals, Arsenal take on Chelsea
at Highbury. Arse
Blog has the latest. Yeah, I can hear you cry,
"big deal" but remember the result on that evening
in Lisbon
was very difficult to call. So what makes this classic
encounter so different? Time will tell. Doesn't
help with Rupert's friends hype it up as Judgment
Day. I will enjoy how Jose will deal with defeat
when he seems so confident of victory.
He has to remember it just a game.
Every once in a while, something happens in my life,
which turns everything around. To you, on the outside
this will seem like a strange way excuse to waffle
on about some insignificant highlight. Trust me and
stick with me on this one. All will be revealed. I
was in India in May 2001, with my family for three
weeks. The hotel we stayed in Argra was heavily advertising
for a local retail shop, situation down the main shopping
district, a stones throw away from the hotel. Yes,
the growing middle classes have an aspiration for
designer clothes, even in India.
If the truth be known, we never got to meet the legendary
green crocodile and at the time, it was not something
I would noticeably miss. Over three years later, I
watching television one idle evening. The adverts
are playing and I'm playing little attention. then
a beautiful young voice fills my living room and my
eyes switch in an instant onto the screen. Sure I
had seen the adverts for their perfume
but this was something else. Money had been spent
on this commercial and to great affect. They were
not so much promoting a product, as the brand. Natasha
Thomas, the sweet seventeen year old Dane takes the
vocal role, supported by the French tennis superstar,
Arnaud Clément. While some may argue
that celebrity endorsements do nothing for product
exposure, I disagree. You have to see the success
Mr. B. is having across the pond, where he is a relative
unknown and these fancy razor
blades are flying off the shelves.
A quick search around the web, I have only been able
to find the following, fansite dedicated to Natasha.
There is of course the official offering from the
suits, sorry I mean record label, Sony, if you prefer
something more fancy, polished and refined.
It is difficult to describe how I feel at this moment
in time. On a cold, winter evening, hearing this song
has warmed my heart. You really need to see the television
commercial to understand how I feel. Yes, maybe I
am fickle for letting a thirty second spot put my
head in such a spin but this is nothing to do with
the product, the beautiful location or the beautiful
people. It is all about the song. My initial reaction
on the first viewing, was, "what an amazing song!".
My response hasn't changed, only grown. Others will
say it is Over Now. But for me, I think this is very
much just the beginning.
You're walkin' the wire
Looking for love in between
But you don't have desire
Do you know what I mean?
What kind of love have you got?
You should be home, but you're not
I don't want to believe that it's over now
Tuesday 7th December 2004
Went to see the Incredibles
on Sunday evening, with my sisters. This must have
been the first time we had gone to the cinema as siblings
since Benji
the Hunted. That was over seventeen years ago,
the UCI Wycombe
Six has become the FilmWorks.
How times have changed. Managing expectations. That
is what must be difficult in not just the movie business
but the entertainment industry in general. I am a
big fan of computer animation, Toy
Story started it all. Then, went I went to see
the sequel
at the Warner
Village in Reading, it took everything to another
level. The intro scene was the best I had ever seen,
matching, in places, even my dear hero Bond
in his big release that same year. The concept behind
Monsters
Inc. two years later was inventive but at times
more directed at the young ones. Last year my friend,
Daz had presented me with a DVD copy of Finding
Nemo last year, just before I headed home for
the holidays. I attempted to kick start a viewing
of the animated underwater adventure three times,
each ending in disaster. My youngest sister was not
interested and I failed to light the imagination of
the rest of the family. Admitting bitter defeat, the
DVD disappeared behind the other DVD that materialized
on Christmas Day. Thankfully, the Disney
Channel are screening the British Television Premiere
on Sunday 19th December. Perhaps I was expecting too
much and was therefore left disappointment, yet I
do not want to give the wrong impression. The film
is great, hilarious in places and to a certain extent
original. However, the plot does have a minor flaw
and does cast a shadow over the whole experience.
Still go and see it and enjoy the movie for what it
is. Entertainment for the children, in the first respect.
Also, Disney
where are the out takes we have become so accustomed
to?
As I write this entry, Arsenal are beating Rosenborg, 4-1 at Highbury, securing themselves a place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Who said anything about a crisis? Bring on the Blues!
Friday 3rd December 2004
In between my two interviews today, I was at home
to grab some lunch. While scrolling around the music
channels on Sky
I came across VH1.
It had very much gone over my head, it was the final
day of the sacred Immortals Week. I had flicked through
the channel throughout the course of the week and
very little had been on worthy of watching. Of all
the certainties at college, there was one argument
which everyone knew Teg would fight to the bitter
end. While most of my peer group detested, the King
of Pop, you would be surprised to how many listened
to the one album
which reflects him most effectively as an artist.
That was then and today is a different story. Michael
has made several appearances on my site already, even
in the past year. Here he is again. Smooth Criminal,
which one of my dearest friends recalled as their
favourite MJ number. Watching the video again, and
hearing the beat of the music, I smiled as my mind
flashed back to a different time in my life. Maybe
I can't be sent back to 1985, but 1988 would be a
very close second destination.
I was surprised to see an e-mail from Paul, in my
Inbox. He rarely contacts me these days, with work
and other projects on the go, so he is not at fault.
I had e-mailed him on Wednesday following a quick
read of an article from the Next
Generation on Guardian
News Blog. Almost exactly a year ago, Paul had
given myself and Nav access to his treasure trove
of digital material on a secure hard disk. Among the
cartoons, mp3s singles, albums and software was a
gem. Providing us with a special preview and running
commentary on this particular video clip, I was surprised
to discover, William Shatner giving a smoky rendition
of Elton John's "Rocket Man" before a live studio
audience. This gem has not remained as elusive as
my ex-house mate had hoped. Now available to view
on the web by anyone who wishes to see such a act
of pop vandalism. Paul's response to my e-mail, was
anything but. Rather than discuss the dizzy heights
and success of Bill's pop career, he posed me a question.
Have you heard Michael Jackson's new single? Of course
I had not. I needed no invitation. I was away. I searched
the web, various fan forums and other avenues, I had
some of the answers but not them all. The single,
"We've Had Enough" is the final track on the recently
released, Ultimate
Box set. This 4 disc audio collection includes
rare studio demos and tracks that never made it to
the final album cut, plus an previously unreleased
DVD from the 1992 Dangerous Tour. Yet, armed with
all this information, I still had not heard the track,
so I headed over to the Sony
site and listened to a thirty second snippet. It started
to make sense, the fans had not been wrong (they rarely are). This was a return of something special. We wait for the resurrection. May that day be upon us soon.
Wednesday 1st December 2004
In an ideal world, I would have started writing a
blog/journal/online diary much earlier in life. Thinking
about it consciously the best moment would have been
the summer of 1999. So much was going on in my life.
I had just finished my first year at college, had
made a whole new group of friends. I had been working
for nearly a year and with this came a sense of some
financial freedom. Yet, at the time, I had a rather
pathetic excuse for a web site, which did little to
reflect my personality or uniqueness as an individual.
Suppose I had lost the appetite for computers and
the Internet. If you really want to know more, you
can a quick trip down memory lane via the Info
page. Site history is
there somewhere. Therefore in a way to redeem my failing
to start blogging, in my late teens, I am constantly
in the search for blogs by those of this age group.
In February this year, I joined the online community
for users of the Blogger
service. At the time, I had not used the blogspot
account I had created since July 2003, but always
felt that in time I would find a use for it. The Blogger
Forum, is the place to learn more about the potential
of blogging, receive hints from the veterans, advice
on templates and guidance on content. However, I saw
the opportunity to showcase my blog to a new audience
and get some feedback on what I should adjust. One
of the initial criticisms was the main font for entries
being too small, with many readers having difficult
reading, particularly some of the longer entries.
This was soon changed with a noticeable change in
the appearance of my site. Overall I had positive
feedback and was impressed with the friendly and almost
family nature of members of the group. Returning to
get some advice on templates, I was pointed in the
direction of various website to download or gain inspiration
from templates. One ideal afternoon, I was searching
the forums, looking at blogs when I came across this
rather interesting link.
Soon added the author to my MSN contact list and enjoyed
a quick conversation with him over the weekend. A
college student studying his A-Levels, is recording,
in my opinion a transitional period of his life. If
only that had been me, five years ago. Even if I had started a journal of some description as I started University, I would find myself in a much better position that I am now, I digress. Keeping an
eye on the progress on this journal and will seriously
consider adding Dave to my blog roll.
I am always on the look out for new blogs, whatever
their form, shape, subject matter or polictical stance.
Currently the eight blogs listed in my 'blog roll'
are visited on a daily basis with almost religious
conviction. Plenty of space for some more. So please get in touch yith your recommendations.
So a chance for the youngsters to prove themselves at the Theatre of Dreams tonight. Looking forward to the game this evening, there tends to be an air of less expectation on the youth, as they are still learning their trade. We know what the senior squad members are capable of, but with the juniors, it is time to showcase their talent, make a name for themselves and edge themselves into the starting eleven.
Sunday 28th November 2004
This must be a problem that faces many other of my fellow bloggers. What to include in this entry. What is so interesting that it can capture the imagination of my small readership? To be frank, my life is very dull, bland and at times characterless. Yet, I still somehow achieve to write about the things that are important to me, record and reflect. Contemplating is the most important thing. It is the only way I am able to come to terms with my predicament, and then move on with the tools that best equip me for the road ahead. Well, here I am. The clock has run out and little progress has been made. Sure, I may have the few potential nuggets of good fortune, this coming week but in the main I am not that further down the road, from where I was in late May.
Defeat. How do you deal with it? Some people deal
with it better than others for sure. Greater men are
moulded by suffering humiliating defeat but then still
having the gallantry to pick themselves up and have
great audacity to go into the next battle, with no
fear. This, test of character is not for everyone,
which is why I am a strong believer in the saying
that heroes are born, they made. Arsenal suffered
their second defeat this afternoon, at the hands of
Liverpool.
Quite innocently I have avoided discussion on the
subject of my football team. The talk of a drop
in form, lost points and key personnel missing,
tends to lower the tone and as much of a shock defeat
is to the system, it is never an excuse. My tendancy
during these dark times for any Gooner fan is to read
and reflect the view of our faithful blogger, over
at Arse
Blog. Visiting his site, on auto pilot every morning.
His words on November
23rd, solemnly written with words that ring so
true. Like a general about to lead his band of merry
men into battle, he concedes that the past few weeks
have been tough and that booing a team which has become
to a certain extend the victim of its own success
is not the answer. This is the time be counted, no
matter how you support the team and what you do. To
be hearing this from a fellow fan, was indeed soothing,
to know that someone else feels the way I do, does
make the issue less imposing. But from an unbiased
perspective, I know we are missing one player in particular.
One of those unsung
heroes. We miss him and it is more and more noticeable
as each game goes by.
Watching the game against Liverpool this afternoon,
the first half was a non-event, as far as Arsenal
were concerned. We were outplayed in every part of
the pitch and the Reds controlled the midfield. Very
disappointing to watch, particularly knowing the flowing
inter passing game we are capable of. I have been
supporting Arsenal most of my life, and for the past
seven years (via Rupert on Sky)
and that has to be the worse performance I have seen
from the Gunners. In years past, under Wenger, a poor
performance, would not be under the microscope, as
we were able to churn out results or score the odd
late goal. I cannot identify exactly what the course
of our on field problems are, but the courses are
clearly evident for all to see and the opposition
to exploit. If it just confidence wavering, then these
faults can easily be put right. I suppose with a keeper
that does spawn some nervousness, it does little to
lift the confidence of the players at the back.
My Dad would say, that it is only football. We all know it is much more important than just that.
The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.
- Robert G. Ingersoll
Wednesday 24th November 2004
Finally, after months of idle talk and creative web designer's block. Sixty
four days to be exact. In that time, I must have started
at least twenty six individual designs, only to go
back to the drawing board after spending a day working
on each. Looks, like I am not alone.
[andrewtegala
dot net] is alive. Along with it my first work
related blog
hosted by those beautiful people at Blogger.
This is by no means the final masterpiece. Eventually,
the blog will be incorporated into the site, which
will make for a seamless site integration. The future
is bright!
While I have headed in one direction. JT of Diary of a Fast Food Life fame has gone in the other. On the suggestion of fellow bloggers, he has ditched his 'work' blog in favour of a personal blog, Notes About Life. Making sense of the madness. Or rather I bid you to try and make sense of his madness.
There are many blogs, which I visit on a much more
irregular basis. Highlighted as being, always
fresh, always chewy. Coming across as advertisement
for a mixture of chewing gum and a local Subway.
Originally finding the site, when searching for details
on the then new MG
TF sports car. Although the author does cover
a variety of subjects I enjoy, dance music, funny
videos (of the e-mail around the office mould) but
also technical hints and tips. Something
that would right up MightyMouse's
street. Anything that saves time appeals to me, so
I was extremely pleased to see this time
saving article. Highly motivated, I planned to
make my own XP installation CD patched with the Service
Pack 2. Looking at the Information
Week
article it appears quite complicated at first
glance. However, when I got down to creating the disc
on Monday afternoon, I was surprised at the simplicity
and lack of expertise needed to create this time saver.
Within an hour, I had a working CD, with Service Pack
2 installed. Finally, I can throw away my four year
old original XP disc. Let me also explain that this
is a great achievement for me. The scale of my projects
may not up to the scale of our dear friend, MightyMouse.net.
While he over
clocks his PC by the Nth degree, I am quite happy
to create the odd, "special" CD. Oh, how different
lives we lead.
I love radio. No, I am not talking purely about commercial
radio or for music radio in particular. I just love
the idea of radio and wish I had been part of its
more humble beginnings.
Not sure exactly when, but I suddenly became hooked
on talk radio, in the mid 1990s. It was not later
in the decade, when I really began to realise the
potential of this medium. But radio is now evolving.
The future is Digital.
The BBC
are leading the way.
For my birthday, yesterday (yes, you missed it!) my
sisters got me a Pure
Digital Pocket DAB 1000 device.
The difference in quality from old fashioned FM frequency
is amazing. I can only get a selection of stations
in my room, but potentially, on the move I will be
able to get at least 60! Wow! The best feature is
the intelligent ability of the radio to store my favourite
stations. This information is complied on the amount
of time I spend listening to each one. I just can't
wait for digital radio in the car.
There won't be a need for CDs or MP3s. Not if you
can just connect up a hard drive to the device and
hit record.
Since the end of August, I have had a unique black
box sitting, proud of place in my living room. Having
taken over from a Phillips DVD player it has big shoes
to fill. It is only now with the latest release of
the XBox
Media Centre software. With the assistance of
Hussein on MSN
I loaded on the new software on Monday night. For
once in my short life, it actually loaded on first
time. No problems. Although, I still need to edit
the XML configuration file. (I will get around to
it!) The new software is a major leap forward. In
three short months, they have packed in more features
and settings that you could ever wish for. Yet, they
still are working on the software. Just think, how
much progress they will have made in another three
months time. One of the most outstanding features,
is the ability to view movie trailers, directly from
the main menu. Yep, no need to access menu, after
menu. Click the link and you are directly at the fruit.
As mentioned previously, I am a lousy gamer. Hussein
had mentioned to me, soon after the mission do upgrade
my console, that I would have the option to play games
against users across the globe. I had heard of this
major selling feature of the XBox, but was my friend
referring to XBox
Live?
No, to my relief he was not. He was talking about
another option. Kai
would allow me to play system link games (meant for
LAN gaming, across 8 wired XBox consoles) on the net!
I did not realise the huge potential of this. I had
downloaded the small console needed to enable my XBox
to 'see' the other users online and be fooled into
thinking they were on my LAN. But never got around
to playing it. Until now. Egged on my friend, I again
downloaded the program onto my PC and added him as
a contact. The one game I had been given with the
console, was the adrenalin pumping, Project Gotham
Racing II (now an XBox classic)
Maybe it was time, I stopped, playing
with myself! Surprised by the ease in which you
can join and leave games. Plus the community is well
established, with very friendly and helpful people
on the end of the wire. You can chat during the game
in the Arena chat rooms. After a few races, I was
addicted. As hard it has been to keep my controller
away from my hand, I have succumbed to the odd challenger
most afternoons this week. Including the occasional
few races against 'sein! :D Comprehensively beaten
on all accounts. All I need now, are some more games!
:D Feed me! For the time being at least, feed yourself on some sweet sugar coated icebergs.
Sunday 21th November 2004
The fog was thick, on this late Sunday night, as
I headed out onto the M40. The road ahead was a certain
as my own future. I suppose ultimately I was lacking
inspiration. Lacking the enthusiasm for life, which
I had shown and felt so warmly five months ago. Times
had changed. Events throughout my life had knocked
some sense into me, while events off the pitch, were
also playing on my mind. Before I confuse any more
readers and deepen the riddle. Let us gain some normality
to proceedings. Have you ever felt lost? Wondering
where your next big break is coming from? Of course,
I am sure you have. But for now, it appears that the
wait continues. For anyone who has been waiting for
their big break, I know exactly how you feel. This
may not be last chance saloon for me, but I do feel,
I deserve one more chance. I can wait, for now.
And we made a lot of sacrifice
Undid a lot of ties
Fought a lot of fights
To get where we are now
Just don't ask me how
Thursday 18th November 2004
As I have already noted here, on previous occasions,
blogging has now become an important part of my life.
Something that I shall never stop doing. I cannot
predict a situation when I would ever need to. Regardless
of what others may say, this blog will continue to
grown and blossom. For some people, catching the blogging
bug is easy enough. Losing it can be much more difficult,
however I come to the conclusion that there are some
bloggers, merely trying on the concept for size and
finding it is very much not one size fits all phenomenon.
So, yes, I have to report, that yet another blog bites
the dust.
This after only been added to my personal blog roll,
three weeks ago. What a shame! JT was really on to
something with his work based blog on the fast food
chain, Burger
King.
Did you watch the World Premiere of Band
Aid 20? It would have been quite difficult to
miss, BBC
One, BBC
Two, CBBC,
ITV1,
Channel
4, Five
and Sky
One, were all showing the video broadcast simultaneously
at 5:50pm (GMT). Although one of my idols, Madonna
introduced the remake, and the video is overall a
polished poignant production, something is missing.
Whenever you attempt to remake anything, be it movie,
game or song. You run the risk of losing the magic
of the original or trying to too hard to emulate the
original. In this case the artists fall foul of attempting
to drag a charity song from the 1980s into the 21st
century. Not an easy task. Yet, it starts so well,
and when you look at the lineup and lyrics on paper
it looks like solid gold. Even the start, with Chris
Martin, Dido and Robbie Williams opening the track.
That is the only redeeming feature, believe me, it
is down hill from there on in.
England game. Against Spain. Starring Looney
Rooney and chants
of the monkey.
What a shame.
Tuesday 16th November 2004
I am surprised to discover that there are some people
who can blog first time. By this I mean they can open
up Microsoft
Notepad (or any third party
alternative) or login to Blogger
write their piece. Upload. Done. These are the raw
blogs, directly from the heart. Providing the purest
of emotion. Then there are the rest of us. Those of
us, who have to check, double and triple check. Then
re-read and get a friend or family member to read
(not always appropriate). Then running a full spell
check (not always the best thing to do) only to discover
several links are wrong and a variety of sentences
do not make sense. On a personal note, I tend to avoid
blogging on certain occasions. Writing nothing more
than the date in my editor, only to find myself lost
for words on how to describe the events of the past
few days. It must all boil down to one fact. Some
of us have it. Some of us obviously do not. For those
that have, blogging must be a completely different
experience. They see their blog as an extension of
their life, and not the reason for their semi-celebrity
existence.
Did you watch five
on Sunday night? If you did, you were lucky enough
to see T3:
Rise Of The Machines premiere on terrestrial television.
If anyone out there can explain to me how a film,
only released last summer, can been shown on the small
screen so soon, I would be utmost grateful. What happened to the standard four year wait?
Have you heard it? I was listening to Steve Wright
In
The Afternoon while carrying out the laborious
of reinstalling Windows XP on the family computer.
(Yes, I finally got around to this task, after months
of discussion and nervousness!) I came back into my
room, to check for a driver on the net. Then Steve
pronounced the arrival of the record. I stopped to
listen. My hope slowly turned into anger. I would
not go as far as Pop
Justice that the song will mean more children
will die, because less teenagers will purchase the
track. (That is something that has come to be standard
in the irrelevant world of this music blog). My personal
view is they tried too hard to match the potency of
the original twenty year old track. The fact the project
was so rushed and less polished clearly shows in the
end product. I would even go to on a limb and say
that the second version released in 1989 is better
than this one. When I listen to the original, it has
a mellow feel that is missed from other Christmas
songs. The other seasonal numbers warm the heart and
bring back fond memories of your childhood on that
special day. The only way to put everything back into
perspective, you would put the record breaking single
onto your stereo, pondering how lucky you are to be
where you are. The Dizzie Rascal rap in the middle
of the track, is completely unnecessary and a joke.
When has there ever been rapping on a Christmas single? It appears that I am not the only one whom festers such negative feedback.
Then again, having said all that. What would I know? My favourite Christmas song is "I Love Christmas" by the Fast Food Rockers.
Saturday 13th November 2004
When an period in your life comes to an end, there
is an empty feeling. Being a creature of habit, a
strict routine is very important to me. I long for
structure in my life. Without trying to make myself
sound like unexciting, I am trying to get across my
emotions. It is difficult, because I was never going
to be here for a long time. Maybe I just got lucky,
and then as the months went by it slowly started to
run out. Maybe this is not exactly the right moment
in time to reflect on the recent events. I must look
to the future and moving on. After all it is never
a sad day, when you leave for reasons that will in
time become acceptable. Looking back, I turned down
a reasonable position, by predicting the date of a
future interview (the second, not the first!) and
took up this contract. Wise? Time shall tell. Just
briefly glimpsing back at the past four months, I
looked to the cool blue winter sky so clear through
my bedroom window. I smile. Smile for where I've been
and where I'm going. The future is bright, even if
outside it is cold and bleak.
The world around me changes, people come and go. Yet, I still stay the same. Is this how it is going to be? I realise there is little I can change. I am a nobody, wanting to be somebody. (With little success to date). There is plenty of time and a long road ahead. Let us just gather our thoughts before we take the next few steps. What exactly has been happening over the past ten days? A great source for the latest news in the only acceptable form, a blog.
What have I been up to for the past week? I have
finally patched my personal PC with Service
Pack 2. So only the family PC left now. However
this is only a temporary measure. Both machines are
to be wiped, and a fresh install of XP loaded on.
All standard software to be installed. Then with the
wonder software from Symantec
an image to be created using Norton
Ghost. This will eventually been burnt onto DVD
so I can easily rollback all systems to their original
clutter free state. The only problem now is, having
two digital audio collections, on both computers.
I really need to purchase a new hard drive. But then,
I actually need a whole new machine. Then again, as
much some of the offers by Dell
are mouthwatering. Nothing, nothing can beat giving
birth to your own monster.
Before any of jobs can be started, I need to think
of some imaginative names for my computers and network.
I will of course, let you know when I find something
that is suitable. This is not the only tasks on my
list, my latest project
still needs to be jump started. Plenty to keep me
off the streets for the next few weeks. Only a few
weeks mind!
Wednesday 3rd November 2004
Following on from some of my comments in my previous
post, last month
I was rather bemused to discover the following article
as a headline (is that the right phrase to use?) on
BBC
News website. Obviously that is taking an extreme
example but I do not want to see myself in that dire
predicament (which I personally see as a lose lose
situation). To be frank, would you really keep a semi-biographic
blog, with your own photos. It just does not make
sense. I know the blogging world has no rules or etiquette,
but there should be room for some common sense. Either
you decide to write an open personal blog about your
life. Or under alias write, critically if you feel
about your employee, neighbour or local MP. Looks
like the Queen of the Sky has truly lost
her crown. Yet still, I have an overwhelming desire,
a burning in my heart, and buzz in my mind to get
this blog off the ground and working. Working in the
sense, it becomes something important, if only to
record my career path.
Thanks for your comments, JT and Nazma. As always this blog lives on the comments of the readers and much of the direction is guided by these views. How else can I improve this site?
Sunday 31st October 2004
In the summer of 2003, when I was considering the
re launch of this site, the return was turning out
to be more of a retirement rather than anything else.
My own lazy attitude was the main culprit on this
occasion (and it appears that history repeating itself).
In July, I created a blogspot account, with the ever
so imaginatively titled, tegala.blogspot.com
but I could never get around the fact I would have
to come online every time to update the blog. Even
if I had pre-prepared my entry in notepad, there is
so much tweaking and checking that goes on behind
the scenes before the finished article entry goes
live. As you now are fully aware, I hate the restrictions
of having to conform to the standards put in place
by Blogger.
So I surfed the web, guided by both Google
and Guardian
Online, one of the only newspapers to see the
potential in web blogs from the beginning.
My mission or rather objective was to find a homegrown
blogging service which was much more user-friendly
and less intimidating. I did not have to search far,
I found 20
Six. At the time the membership was very small
and including only a small band of geeky blogs but
now it has grown to a family of weblogs covering thousands
of topics. I cannot explain why I did not make use
of the service but there may be an explanation later.
I only re-discovered this blog account last week,
as the lonely entry of 20
Six Tegala clearly demonstrates. If you had been
speaking to me a week ago, you would felt my joyous
mood at using this blog as my work
blog. Shame that I never used any of the ecstatic
feeling into action and yet again my new domains bears
some rather arrogant words from the Holy
Bible.
If anyone knows how I can kick start this project please get in touch. Knowing all too well the lack of response to my last two requests. I won't hold my breath.
Friday 29th October 2004
At times I find it it difficult to put into words,
the story of my life. Sometimes, I look at myself
and in the mirror I see, one of the least interesting
people in the universe. Giving great evidence for
the existence of the great 'nobody' is not hard. Yet
the person that stares back at me, with those piercing
dark eyes, longs for something. Longs for some recognition,
some fame. No, maybe fame is not the correct word.
He has a deep yearning to belong, but he misconstrues
this desire with wanting to be popular. That goes
a long way to explain the existence of this website
and this blog. Taking this to a higher level, I look
at my life and realise many home truths. My day begins
with me, walking from a quiet suburb of Buckinghamshire
into the hustle of one of the greatest (and in my
eyes, beautiful) cities in the world. Yet, as the
moon is high in the cloudy sky, his only friend, as
he returns home.
Rarely do I talk about myself in the third person, rarely do I even consider writing my blog in this narrative fashion. Yet, today is different. Today was supposed to be the point at which, a chapter in my life to end. Closure is important, no matter what anybody says. Human emotions does not drift from one scenario to another without some baggage but there is a need to shed as much as possible, in order to move on. To make the transition more stable.
Today was my last day at work. But for circumstances beyond my control, I am still here and there is a job that needs to be finished. It has come to a point, where that has become the priority and everything is just a secondary after thought. I know, once again with the finish line within sight, I would be able to take my foot off the pedal and relax. This could not be further from the truth. I think these final ten days are going to be the most challenging of my four months with the firm. I just have to keep reminding myself that the future is bright, if not as bright as I would have hoped. A voice in my head reminds me of some wise words delivered by a stranger, several years ago. "As one door closes, another one opens..." Funny how I keep shutting these doors on myself. I suppose I can be shown as many doors as possible but it is I, whom has to take the bold step through. Enough talk of my progression up the career ladder (or rather lack of progression).
Still not been able to find the time to work on my
latest project.
My plan is to incorporate some sort of work log which
will take the form of technical notes and observations
in my everyday working life. This will not be a form
of anonymous employee blog, such as Call
Centre Confidential: Next Stop Bombay or Diary of a Fast Food Life. I
have no desire to be sacked, but please feel free
to read more on this growing trend
in the blogosphere. After many years of coding my
own HTML for my blog, I was considering using one
from two of my currently redundant weblog accounts.
However, first a brief history lesson. Is this the
right moment. No, so maybe sometime over the weekend.
If I can spare some time.
Is it any wonder now the stars around me
Are not the brightest of them all
From standing proud to falling like a domino down
And out somehow
All that I remember now about being by your side
Is having just the most amazing time
But nothing lasts forever
We're just human after all
Sunday 24th October 2004
The only news this week was an unexpected e-mail
I received from a member of Bolly
Bob collective. With reference to my blog entry
from April where I
discuss my views on Indian cinema, my comments were,
'very much appreciated'. The main reason for the e-mail
was to inform me that I now was part of a growing
group of people, with links on to their site. Plus,
there was more news on what our favourite villain,
Bob
Christo had been up to since his retirement from
Bollywood in the early 1990s. Although if my memory
serves me correctly, he did have a cameo role on the
1997 smash Gupt.
It is great to see, that my personal influence, along
with those of many other blog writers, has convinced
the owner of the site to start up again and give the
site that much needed lick of paint. A very much welcomed
improvement. Keep up the great work guys! :)
There are many catchphrases that are bounded around.
Most of the time, they reflect the popular television
series or advert running at the time. Well there has
been one such catchphrase that has been doing the
rounds at work, over the past few weeks. My friends
know my long term fondness for Ali
G but I am also a big fan of Borat.
Genius. That is the only way I can describe this fictional
character from Kazakhstan.
I really hope that Mr. Cohen can come up with some
original characters to match Borat and Bruno. There
has been talk of killing of Ali, as the vehicle runs
of commercial viability, particularly after the second
series in the US.
To get you through the working week, you need to
switch over to Three
at 9.30pm on Tuesday evening. Some of you may already be tuned onto this
channel, watching Little Britain. I have to admit, I have never been a fan, and just cannot see the appeal. Although I was surprised to discover my Dad is a big fan. Well straight afterwards
is the comedy, My
Life In Film starring Kris Marshall (of My Family
and Murder City). The first episode aired, taking inspiration and paying homage to Top Gun. Each week the series plays around with a movie, putting a spin on the original motion picture, with Art very much playing the lead role. All I can say, is that give this comedy a chance and let us see where it takes us. This is only the beginning.
Crunch time. Come on you Reds! (I think we may be playing in our blue away kit actually!?)
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