MOJO awards 2005

I had the privilege oif attending the MOJO magazine music awards a couple of days ago, in West London. And they were the best awards I have ever been to. Really relaxed, friendly, great setting and very welcoming even to industry outsiders like me. Because it was so relaxed (no press inside the hall) everyone was quite happy to chat. Or be approached as I was doing to them. So I met Paul Weller (not a huge fan, but had heard of him), Slash from Guns'n'Roses (softly spoken), The Edge from U2 (was wearing a tea cosy on his head), Siouxie Sioux (lovely), Sinead o'Connor (see pic and really so sweet, and she gave the most wonderful hug), Sean Ryder and Bez from the Happy Mondays (odd), Suggs and Madness (very funny and the most normal blokes there) and others.

Unfortunately I only had my camera phone and didn't take many pics. Was hoping some pics would be online by now, but no sign yet. It has coloured my opinion of music stars because they are just normal people like you and me. and when they are taken away from the hassle of their jobs they are quite chatty, decent people for the most part.

And, yes, I know I am a HUGELY lucky git!

PS: Pep - Siouxie Sioux was really friendly and she looked gorgeous (she makes the fishnet/Goth look REALLY work), even more so considering her age.

Friday afternoon quiz

Let’s take a step back from the emotional rollercoaster of the past few weeks and take some time out for a little “know your Dom” quiz.

The answers to the following questions (multiple choice, because I hail from the GCSE era, just) cannot be found on the blog. It’s all about predicting what you think might be right, from what you know already.

The first person to answer all the questions correctly in the comments box below will receive a very attractive and expensive personalised prize.

1. What is Dom's favourite television programme?

a) Star Trek Enterprise
b) 24
c) Gordon Ramsay Kitchen Nightmares
d) Big Brother

2. Which of the following laydeeez has graced Dom’s bedroom wall?

a) Madonna
b) Cindy Crawford
c) Kylie
d) My mum

3. Which of the following has Dom never done?

a) flown a plane
b) bungee jumped off a bridge
c) worn sarongs in public
d) raced cars

4. At school was Dom…

a) trouble
b) a prefect
c) captain of the hockey team
d) all of the above

5. Dom’s favourite ambrosia is:

a) a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea
b) a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate
c) fish, chips and mushy peas, eaten outdoors
d) a jumbo pot of nutella and a spoon

6. if Dom was filthy rich, he would dress in:

a) Adidas
b) Prada
c) Moss Bros
d) Nothing

7. What is Dom’s favourite film of all time?

a) Empire Strikes Back
b) Black Hawk Down
c) Pride and Prejudice
d) 10 Things I hate About You

8. Dom's new favourite celebrity is?

a) Slash from Guns 'n' Roses
b) Sinead o'Connor
c) Siouxie Sioux
d) The Edge from U2

Digging in for afternoon

Went to the MOJO magazine awards last night and had the most fantastic time. Will post a bit later with pics. In the meantime am struggling with today so have shipped in supplies to get through afternoon.

500ml of fresh Orange and Mango fruit juice
Bottle of Purdeys silver
Banana
Diet Coke with lemon
Orangina
Pack of fig rolls biscuits
Pack of fresh baked 4 chocolate cookies

Insane German office question of the day....

I sometimes ask myself why I bother getting out of bed.....

(PHONE RINGS)

Dom: Hello
Editor in Munich: What is our policy on dogs in the office? I'm looking to employ a new magazine designer and she insists on bringing her dog to work.
D: Ummmm..... (am I about to have the piss taken out of me), I'll check.

(I CHECK)

D: What sort of dog? (female human, guide dog or pet?)
EiM: A Poodle
D: Not a Guide dog?
EiM: No
D: Then our policy is no animals in the office. They bite management.
EiM: Would it make a difference if it was a Guide dog?
D: Yes
EiM: Then we'll call it a Guide dog.
D: Quick question.
EiM: Yes?
D: This designer is 'officially' blind then?
EiM: Officially yes.
D: How is she going to design magazines if she's blind?
EiM: (QUIET)
D: Goodnight.

Absiolutely true and I've retyped it word for word.

-Michael Jackson trial

I'm not one to normally have huge opinions on world events, but a couple of questions sprang to mind at the end of this farce. What was the point of this trial, and exactly how guilty is he?!

I'm a firm believer in the rights of man and not guitly until proven and all that, but I can't help thinking there's no smoke without fire and he's always looked shifty to me. And even if he's not guitly of this then he's definitely been out of order in the past. He played the naivety card well, but not convincingly enough for me. I rest in the comfort that what goes around, comes around and he will get his comeupance in time. And as for the trial, as usual the only ones to get something out of it were the lawyers and the media. (And I say that as a member of the media industry). I hope the local economy made plenty of money because then some good will have come out of it.

And don't even get me started on the fans camping outside the courtroom or his house...... (life, get one...)

Star Wars

Went to see Star Wars episode 3 a couple of days ago. There have been so many reviews of this film on the Net that I thought I would add mine! I enjoyed it. The dialogue is the usual Lucas rubbish, but it does tie all of the prequels and sequels together well. And the effects are actually properly integrated this time and look REALLY cool. I understand this film has been out for weeks and stuff, but hey.

And on another point I reckon the new War of the Worlds film with Tom Cruise looks cool as well.

Been away....Now I'm back part 2

There are several bigger and quite interesting towns in the area, Avignon being the best in my opinion. It is a medium sized town, but one that has bigger significance than it's actual size probably. For a while, a few centuries back, it was where the Pope was based and there is a huge palace still dominating the town. It's now a museum and hugely impressive. To a degree it's been restored to try and simulate what it was like in the 15th century, but the thing that struck me most was how overwhelming the place is still. At the time it must have been like going to a different planet. And it struck me how much power and money the church had in those days. Far more than today. I always find it a bit strange going round old castles and the like because they feel very bare and cold nowadays. I try to imagine myself in the time they were built though, and they must have been warmer and more welcoming. There must have been lots of rugs, drapes, paintings and such around. Not just bare stone walls as we see today. The other thing that has made Avignon famous is it's bridge. In the UK kids are taught French by singing a song about dancing on the bridge. Not sure why this folk song exists, but it kind of sticks in the head.

The pace of life in rural southern France is wonderful. In the mornings I would go to the local bakery and buy some fresh croissants and a baguette. For some reason the bread in France tastes very different to the same products in the UK. There follows a leisurely breakfast of meats, cheeses, spreads and fresh juice, washed down with coffee. All the while the sun is out, people are pottering around and taking the time to chat to each other, and life just feels like it's winding merrily along. No stress, no rush. People look healthier and happy. Much more so than in London for example. I know things usually appear rosier when you're on holiday, but it did make me think a lot about how good life would be in Provence instead of London. To the extent that I started to look in estate agents windows at properties for sale (how much they were, that sort of thing). The situation was heightened by the fact I was reading a book called Driving Over Lemons, by Chris Stewart, which is a bout a family who bought a farm in Spain and moved there to start a new life. It's a true story and very down to earth, and just relates their experiences good and bad. It's very funny and quite inspiring.

Having been away from France for a few years now I'd forgotten how much I loved speaking French I wasn't sure how easy it would be to slip back into it, but from the first moment it felt incredibly natural. And I realised how much I loved it. For me it is a gentler and more expressive language, despite not being my first tongue. I'd also forgotten how good the smell of the countryside in southern France is. The hot earth, pine trees, flowers, scrubland and grasses (collectively know as the maquis) has a sweet, almost sickly smell. But it's the right side of bad. It's very hard to describe unless you've smelt it, but the best way I can is that it smells 'hot' I guess part of the appeal to me is that it brings back memories of childhood holidays in that part of the world, but it's also quite a lazy smell and induces relaxation.

The bridge at Avignon.

Been away....now I'm back part 1

Hi everyone. Apologise for the HUGE absence, and thanks for the comments on the pics. I tried not to post too many, despite taking hundreds during the week.

But anyway, back to the present reality. I'll be popping by you all to see what's the gossip. Apologies once more for not being about this week much. I don't know if you've ever found this, but you go away. Have a fantastic holiday. Come back to find two nightmares. Big Brother is back on, and work has so piled up that I can't even see my desk anymore. Not good. So spent the last few days trying to burn, correct, pacify or disregard all of the shit that wasn't done in my absence.

However the holiday was great. Went to the Haute-Provence region in Southern France. Sort of in the region of Cannes for non-Europeans. About an hour from Avignon for those who have been to the area. I've been through it before, but never stopped enough to have a look around. And the area is fantastic. I can't recommend it enough. I was staying on the high plateau area (about 1000m/3000ft) above sea level so it was relatively cool (about 25-30 celcius), and very pleasant. Also meant you got a tan quicker! Down by the coast it gets pretty stifling even this time of year.

The area feels really like old rural France. There is plenty of rolling unspoilt countryside, with little farms dotted about. Many are deserted and just crying for someone to come in and do some renovation. They're not so expensive either and the concept is severely tempting I have to say. Even to the extent of investigating the subject with some estate agents locally! There are also many small fortified villages around, all perched on the tops of hills. They all still operate as normal villages and many are not touristy at all. When you walk around them it feels like time has not moved from the Middle Ages.

Where I stayed is the Lavender growing region so there are these slightly bizarre lined fields everywhere. At the moment they're green, but in July they go purple and smell incredible. As long as you like Lavender. In the background the whole time was Mont Ventoux. This 2000m/6000ft mountain with it's lunar-like peak. And a weather station on the top! It's an epic drive to the top and huge fun if you like switchback roads and death-defying drops. And the views from the top really take your breath away. See the pics below.

Le Mont Ventoux from the house I was staying in. More pics later.

Lavender is one of the main exports from the region and this is a Lavender field. In the background is an old abandoned cabanon (sort of house thing). Still very sturdy and just waiting for someone to come along and restore them.

I made a new friend. Little Pooh. So wanted to bring her back, but she was too young. I think I finally got the 'cat thing'.

Another village perched on a hill. This one was much smaller. With the flowers in the foreground I thought this was kind of cool.The colours of the flowers at this time of year are incredible.

There were Poppies everywhere.

One of the typical villages in the Haute Provence. Many are old fortified villages with big walls and on the top of hills. and many have been there for many centuries. This was one of the bigger ones called Rousillon.

I thought the colours of this were cool. Especially reflecting off the lake in the foreground. I have done no retouching to this photo.

An area called Colorado in Haute Provence. Beautiful colours, especially in early evening when I was there. A mixture of sand, chalk and other stuff.

More red rocks in Colorado. with a slightly phallic, but famous one....

The bridge in Avignon. me giving it large on it. 'Sur le pont d'Avignon, on y dance,....'

The Salle des Papes in Avignon. An incredible building which was home to the Pope for many years. Now a very impressive museum.

Me at the top of le Mont Ventoux. An amazing drive, incredible view and freakishly lunar like landscape.

A 28km climb and one of the old classic stages of the Tour de France. It doesn't get used anymore, but it is still a tough challenge. Thought this shot of the cyclists contemplating the climb they have just completed.

Le Mont Ventoux. 1912m/6000ft.

The last sunset in Provence, with the Mont Ventoux in the backgroud. Taken from the house. So quiet, so envelopping. I will miss it....

One of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen. Taken over the Bodensee in south Austria on Saturday. I have done nothing to this photo and this is exactly the atmosphere while I watched it.

Holiday time

And about bloody time too!! Am off to Provence in the South of France early tomorrow morning. It's a 12-hour drive from Munich so I want to try and get as far down as I can before the heat of the day really kicks in. And dinner is being served at 8pm where I'm staying so that's an incentive to get my arse in gear!

Provence is a region inland from Cannes or St Tropez and is still quite remote. Should be great for relaxing, taking photos, chilling in the sun and not thinking about publishing.

So have a great few days people and I will be thinking of you. Back in 10 days.

Dom has left the building....

Tagged by Darth

When you're having a ahitty day, you surf around a bit and find a friend to cheer you. Thanks Darth...

Total volume of music files on my computer?
on this mac...18.92Gb

The last CD I bought was:
Bill Hicks - Relentless (to complete the collection)

Song playing right now:
Foo Fighters - Best of You (thanks to darth playing it on Saturday)


Five songs I listen to a lot or that mean a lot to me(in no particular order):
These are what I'm listening to at the moment
Breathe - Blue - beautiful song with lots of meaning
Evil Scotsman - Billy Connolly - makes me laugh hugely
Best of you - Foo Fighters - newly discovered and rocks
Just Lose It - Eminem - also makes me laugh
La Onde - Ludovico Einaudi - the best composer in the world and his piece de resistance


Which 5 people are you passing this baton to, and why?
Yossarian - because he has an interesting Ipod collection
Terri - because she likes what I like
C - because I have no idea what you like
Cedia - because it's about time I tagged her
Val - becasue I'd like to hear from her

Online/offline moans

Have had a blend of a week really. Once again my least favourite subject of the month - publishing/work - is rearing it's head and keeping me way too busy. I want to hang out with friends, do a lot of work on my blog, set up a photo blog, catch up with TV, go to the gym. What I'm actually doing is going through piles of invoices, trying to deal with striking paper mill workers in Finland (don't ask!), avoiding a boss who doesn't seem to have enough to do at the moment and is consequently finding lots of things for me to do.

I am also about to go on holiday and, in preparation, am being given double the workload before I leave. Just to make sure I'm nice and worn out before I go! Normally they wait until I come back and then give me lots to do to kake sure my happy feelings from hving been away are erased instantly, and I'm turned back into my regular bitter and twisted self!! Lol.

Also new Star Wars film is out tomorrow and the whole world will see it before me. If anyone does see it can you let me know if it is as good as I'm hoping?!

The garden was looking so sunny and all of the flowers have decided to start blooming. so I thought I'd throw together a quick compilation of the plants.

Enjoying the great weather in May.

Radio Darth and Douglas Adams

It's 0605 on Sunday morning. It's a beautiful sunrise outside, I'm wallowing in smugness at having completed all of my jobs for the week-end yesterday (cut grass, bought new clothes, cleaned all of house properly) and am listening to Radio Darth. There's a link to Darth's site in the buttons on the left. In an effort to shamelessly plug his show I say 'GO and listen'. I don't get the chance to tune in so often, but it's always cool when I do. and this morning was somehow a perfect way to start the day. So thanks dude and I can't wait for the next show I can get to. It won't be for 3 weeks unfortunately due to other commitments, but ....

I'm also hugely excited about going to see the film Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy, which I may very well get to see this week. And in homage I thought I'd jot down a couple of quotes and facts from the author of the book, Douglas Adams, who appears to be finally getting the recognition we all know he deserves for a fantastic book.

- On the Internet: 'It saves you a great deal of time which you waste by wandering about looking at loads of useless stuff.'
- Despite prolific output, he has cited an epic journey made to Madagascar to find a rare type of nocturnal lemur as 'the thing I am most proud of'.
- He wrote a computer game called Bureaucracy, based on a two year struggle to convince Barclays Bank t recognise his change of address.
- He was cremated along with his favourite towel in 2001.

And the best quote I have read of his:

'I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be...'

Friday 13th

I couldn't figure out why I was having a shit day until someone reminded me that it is Friday 13th! I wasn't superstitious, but maybe I will be now.

Ammusing place names

I'v been in Germany again for the past few days adding to my already overloaded pile of work. 2005 is turning out to be a strange year, with way too much seriousness going about. I made a wish for new Year to have a chilled year. so far I've been well ill and had too much work. So, so much for that wish then!

Then again there are small pockets of dark humour to be found ....

In my travels recently I've come across a few ammusing place names, and it occured to me to maybe list some. I don't know if this post will go anywhere, but here's hoping! some are cute, others require a retty juvenile sense of humour. Has anyone else got any good ones for the list?

1. Nemphnett Thrubwell, England (is as pretty as it sounds)
2. Monkton Nooney, England (small)
3. Wank, Germany (unexpectedly stimulating and pretty)
4. Knudshoved, Germany (didn't dare go in)
5. Condom, France (bit too well known now)

A load of rusting anchors. The colours are extraordinary.

Accurate (ish) recreation of the death of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, our greatest sea commander in history. This is the spot on HMS Victory, his flagship, where he fell.

The main mast on HMS Victory. I think the spiders web of rigging makes a very cool picture.

Old and new (and fraying in the middle!). HMS Warrior in the foreground - one of our historic warships, and the Spinnaker Tower in the background which was being built for the Millenium and is just about completed .

A week-end away

Monday morning again, I can't believe it. They seem to sneak up so fast! Spent the week-end in Portsmouth with some new friends, and had a couple of great days. It's a wonderful city and one I'd never visited as far as I can remember. Full of history (mainly naval), but with a lot else to offer as well. If I say I was surprised it sounds harsh. But there was a lot more to the place than I'd imagined. I'll post some great pics later.

Went there to spend a couple of days with an old friend who is going back to live in Sweden shortly. It was great to see her, although there was so much socalising it wasn't always easy to hang out and chat. It was also a chance to hang out with my new best friend Terri, who I've been working on a blog with recently. She's a friend of Ulri's and we sort of got chatting online through her. It's very strange to be talking to someone online for a while and then to meet them in the flesh. 2D and 3D are very different. Neither better than the other, but just different. Good though. I did a post a while ago about can online friendships be the same as real world ones, and this kind of bridges the gap. Terri and I have talked a fair amount in the preceding weeks, but it was cool to hang out and be pretty comfortable with each other as well. A friend for life.

Copied from Jerzee

When you have a heap of work to do, these sort of questionnaires are perfect...

1.First name: Dominic
2. Were you named after anyone? Don't think so
3. Do you wish on stars? Yes, and some come true...
4. When did you last cry? When I shut my finger in a door the other week.
5. Do you like your handwriting? Yes
6. What is your favorite lunch meat? Bit partial to rare lamb
7.What is your birth date? 14/03/1975
8.What is your most embarrassing CD? I have the Whigfield album. And Vengaboys album. And all of the Shampoo albums. I'll stop now....
9.If you where another person would YOU be friends with you? Yes, I'm very likeable (lol)
10. Do you have a journal? Online only at the moment
11. Do you use sarcasm alot? can't you tell.
12. What are your nicknames? Dom, Nic, Helo
13.Would you ever bungee jump? No. Don't do heights or spiders!
14.Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Of course. Doesn't everyone?
15. Do you think that you are strong? yes
16.What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Dark chocolate
17.Red or Pink? Red
18.What is your least favorite thing about yourself? Ears
19.What do you miss most? Being with the one I love
20.What color pants and shoes are you wearing right now? White pants, white shoes. I'm having a Persil day.
21.What are you listening to right now? Virgin Radio - oys are back in town, Thin LIzzy
22.Last thing you ate? Wensleydale cheese, rocket and chutney sandwich.
23. If you where a crayone what color would you be? Marine blue
24. What is the weather like right now? overcast with breaking sun.
25.Last person you talked to on the phone? A supplier who produces bags for me (to organise a lunch!)
26.The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes and smile.
27. Do you like the person that sent this to you? Like the person I copied it from.
28.Favorite drink? Gin, Diet Coke, squeeze of Lime, Ice, in a long glass.
29.Favorite sport? Anything that goes fast and makes noise
30. hair color? Apparently I'm blonde
31. Eye color? Blue
32.Do you wear contacts? Yes
33.Favorite food? Home made bangers and mash at the moment.
34.Last movie you watched? Bourne Identity
35.Favorite day of the year? June 24
36.Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings
37.Summer or winter? Summer
38.Hugs or kisses? Kisses
39.What is your favorite dessert? Ice cream, chocolate, cake, sweets, cookies,....
40.Living arrangements? I live in a cute little house I bought last year.
41.What books are you reading? Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
42.What on your mouse pad? Don't have one. My mouse says 'Dom - touch and die' though.
43.What did you watch last night on t.v.? Formula One GP
44.Favorite smells? Fresh cut grass, sea breeze, certain perfumes
45.Favorite sounds? Rain falling on tin roof, sea
46.Rolling Stones or Beattles? Beatles
47.Whats the furthest youve been from home? Australia
48.Do you have a special talent? I can wiggle my nose like in Bewitched. Am working on being able to wiggle my ears, but no success yet. If anyone knows how...

British government election

They happened today. Actually got quite excited as I walked down to the polling station to cast my vote. The same councillor got in as the representative of my area which is cool. He seems to have done a good job for the last few years by all account. But otherwise it's same old, same old....

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Impressions of East Germany

I've had a couple of days to mull over my first experience of East Germany and here is the reality compared to the imagination.

1. The countryside is lush and stunning, with only a few places spoilt by big factories and ugly buildings.

2. The atmosphere is a lot more upbeat than I magined. People actually smile at you sometimes which was a shock. There also seemed to be a lot of young trendy Eastern Europeans in the centre at the week-end. So I guess the nouveau riche from The former Communist countries are maybe heading West.

3. Dresden itself is beautiful, if a bit of a building site at the moment. There is a big drive to make it like it was before the war and they probably still have a few years of work to go. It will be very Baroque once it's completed.

4. The food was normal German food. No watery soup or grim vegetables.

All in all it was a great trip and very interesting. It was a pretty full-on few days and I needed to come away and absorb the experience. Next time I'm back there I can concentrate more on visiting some art galleries (apparently they're fantastic) and looking around the suburbs a bit more. The place feels like it has a huge amount of history and lots to discover.

Thanks to Pep/Misguided

Your #1 Match: INFJ

The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

Your #2 Match: INTJ

The Scientist You have a head for ideas - and you are good at improving systems. Logical and strategic, you prefer for everything in your life to be organized. You tend to be a bit skeptical. You're both critical of yourself and of others. Independent and stubborn, you tend to only befriend those who are a lot like you. You would make an excellent scientist, engineer, or programmer.

Your #3 Match: ENFJ

The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.

Your #4 Match: ENTJ

The Executive You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant.

Your #5 Match: INFP

The Idealist You are creative with a great imagination, living in your own inner world. Open minded and accepting, you strive for harmony in your important relationships. It takes a long time for people to get to know you. You are hesitant to let people get close. But once you care for someone, you do everything you can to help them grow and develop. You would make an excellent writer, psychologist, or artist.

What's Your Personality Type?

Another pic of the mountains in Sachsiger Schweiz...

Me in front of a monument in central Dresden. They're painting a lot of the buildings with gold leaf to make it look like it did before the war.

The Frauenkirche in central Dresden. This is maybe the most famous landmark in the city, and is currently being renovated and cleaned. This shot also gives you an idea of the sort of general buildings in town.

This is in the art museum in central Dresden. A very serene corner.

City centre Dresden. A lot of the town has been rebuilt since Germany was re-unified. the whole place has a very Baroque feel to it.

The valley in the background is the Elbe River, one of Germany's biggest.

Another part of the Sachsiger schweiz mountains. A huge mountain range of unusual rock formations. The forest was amazing colours already - imagine what it's like in Autumn!

The Sachsiger Schweiz mountains, outside Dresden

My first proper visit to East Germany

This afternoon I will be going properly to East Germany for the first time. I went through it on the train in 1995 on the way to Prague, but only glimpsed a little. I'd had a busy time in Berlin before and was popped. And East Germany had no particular significance to me then. But I thought it might be interesting to post some of my preconceptions about the place before I went, and the compare those preconceptions to the reality when I am back in a few days.

1. I picture lots of big slab sided grey tower blocks with fading paint and rusty balconies.

2. Lots of big grand statues and monuments.

3. Lots of old people about.

4. A slightly depressed vibe in the air.

5. Lots of wide open countryside with tended fields.

Most of these seem to be related to the look of the place I know. But I genuinely can't construct an idea in my head about how people will be, what the food will be like, etc... Part of me is thinking it'll be like Communist Russia, but I know that things have westernised since Germany re-unified.

I'll post again on Monday with pics and impressions. It'll be like Dom's Holiday Guide!!

Borrowed from Misguided

Misguided - the source of current creative things has come up with another list. Although it might have come from someone else before.... (plagerism is the highest form of flattery!)

01. Take the book that is closest to you, open it in page 18, what does line 4 says?
Miss May can't wait that long for... (from FHM)
02. Extend your left arm all you can. What’s the first thing you can touch?
My colleague Bettina (but would rather not)
03. What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Latest round of British Superbike Championship
04. Without looking, try to guess what time it is.
14.53
05. Now look at the clock, what time is it?
14.37 (am hoping work day will be over sooner)
06. Besides your computer, what can you hear?
Some German radio station. Kind of drowns out everything including any thoughts.
07. When was the last time you walked on the street?
An hour ago.
08. Before coming to this page, what site were you visiting?
Misguided Fool's blog
09. What are you wearing?
Blue T-shirt, denim jeans, bike boots
10. Did you dream last night?
Yes, and it was nice.
11. When was the last time you laughed?
This morning on the phone to a friend.
12. What’s on the walls on the room where you are?
Calendars, lots of accountancy records and a picture of a baby monkey tucked up in bed.
13. Have you seen something weird lately?
See 12.
14. What do you think of this test?
Is a fascinating study of introspection.
15. What was the last movie you saw?
The Italian Job (new version)
16. If you became a multi-millionaire tonight, what would you buy first?
A house in Barcelona
17. Tell me something I don’t know about you. Be sincere:
I am a qualified Aromatherapist and Reflexologist
18. If you could change something in the world, that wasn’t politics related, what would it be?
I would make all of the complicated things not complicated anymore
19. Do you like to dance?
Yes, slowly and intimately
20. George Bush:
Simpleton with dangerous amounts of power.
21.a. Imagine your first kid its a girl. What would you name her?
Keeleigh or Manon
21.b. Imagine your first kid its a boy. What would you name him?
No idea.
22. Have you ever thought of migrating to another country?
Yes
23. What language would you like to learn how to speak fluently?
Spanish
24. Name the top 3 TV shows you like the most right now:
Star Trek Enterprise
24
American Chopper
25. Say something profound:
It's better to live with the consequences than with regret. (sounds better in French)

The garden ....

I spent far too much of the time this week-end in the garden trying to sort the bloody thing out. Having totally ignored it since I moved in (December) everything has grown a bit. Well, actually everything has grown a lot! And I've been putting off 'sorting' it for as long as possible, but finally it caught up with me.

So all the weeding was done, patio and drive were sprayed with weed killer, and the pace was generally swept up. And then came the lawn. The grass seems to be lots of different types (is this normal?) and most of the types don't seem to like being cut! I strimmed (is that a word?) the whole thing twice which killed me. And then mowed it the next day. Which made very sure I was dead. And it looks better, but not great. I'm resigned to the fact that I will probably have to mow it again this week!

Don't get me wrong - I love gardens. I have a deep interest in grass and am fond of flowers. I am so looking forward to sitting on the patio in the evenings, with a nice gin and coke in my hand, watching the sun go down. I'm also not afraid of hard work, but somehow gardening hasn't clicked with me. I guess when the grass is brought under control a 10 minute mow might be acceptable. But I am seriously considering a gardener!

Or, my friend Yossarian has created an amazing Japanese garden at his house, and this also appeals. I have a deep interest in the Taoists principles and this would be a place of calm, meditation and reflection. Creating that sort of area would be incredibly intense, but would also require total commitment and focus. Which is so therapeutic sometimes. And the result might be even better than sitting on the patio with a cocktail in my hand...

What country are you?

Thanks to Misguided for finding this. What country are you?

You're Fiji!

As calm, relaxed, and removed from life as they come, you're just so
chilled out, it hurts people to see you. Everyone aspires to be where you are, but most of them just can't put their stress away. Little do they know that even you sometimes have inner turmoil and struggles! For the most part, though, it's sun and fun for you, and that's the way you like it. It's just sort of hard to get things done with all that partying.

St Georges Day

Every country has a national day. and April 23rd is the English one - St Georges Day. Named after a knight in shining armour who killed a dragon a few years ago. Not sure what the connection is to England other than we didn't have a national saint at the time, and the English do love an underdog who triumphs!

Here, in honour of this fact, I'm wearing the colours of the English Rugby team. No dragons or knights in sight, but an Enslih red rose is the symbol. And it's the only vaguely nationalistic clothing I own.

A new friends blog

I've been working on a blog with a friend for the last few days. It's linked above or as 'Terri' on my links buttons. It's just starting up, but has potential. Maybe you could pop by and leave a pin on her guestmap. She's a fantastic artist as well and I'm trying to persuade her to put some of her work on her blog...

When I open my eyes ...

I came across the blog that is linked above and found it an intriguing idea. What do you see when you first open your eyes? I guess for most people it'll be the bedroom, but what exactly in the bedroom? Or do you have a great view from the window? For some reason i seem to always focus on this light first. Never figured out why. Or if there is even any mystical significance like 'I am looking to light' or anything like that. What is your first conscious sight in the morning?

London Marathon 2005

This week-end was the 25th London marathon. The above picture was my friend Aaron and I at the end of the 2003 edition. Our first marathon. and run in very similar conditions that year to this time round. This post is dedicated to everyone who ran in 2005. You are all heroes and just lining up at the start gives you entry to a very elite group. And whether you just take part or finish no-one will ever be able to take the achievement away from you. And it means you have nothing to prove to anyone again. Ever. There's one of those No Fear adverts which says 'Either you ran today, or you didn't'. Everyone who lines up on the start line can think of that, say it and be proud.

And I would say to anyone who has never done anything like this, give it a shot. It doesn't matter if you run or not (I don't really), something like this is amazing to be part of, and is something you will carry with you for the rest of your lives. As you can see from Aaron and my faces in the pic. We are both dog tired, but so proud. I can even forgive myself the 'good' idea to bleach my hait and stick some face paint on!

I love you all

You guys are why I love being part of this world community. I am away for a while and come back. I leave a rather weak and apologetic post. and yet I come back to discover some really nice messages from you all. It so restores my faith in humanity and I want to say thanks for that.

Apologies for absence

I just want to tell you all that i haven't forgotten about any of you and I do check in on you when I get the chance. Things are ridiculously busy at the moment and I just haven't had the chance to jump on the computer and get myself properly organised. I have been involved in a couple of things which are taking hours. Work is going Ok, but starting to get tired of all the shit. And it's eating into my precious blogging time! And if being shit seems to make everything happen 10 times slower and require 10 times more effort from me to get it done. Added to which my boss has come back from being abroad for a while and is hovering round the office like a Gnat. Not causing any major damage, but just being extremely irritating. Want to swat him, but he's bigger than me.

Even things like my photography have been neglected recently. Although now Spring is making a concerted effort to appear I hopefully be finding some of those magical flower photos that I want to practice. Am eyeing up a particularly nice set of Daffodils on the Common near my house.

This is probably not the most inspired post ever, but I am conscious that I haven't been on enough recently. Was just sitting here and thinking. 'What to write about?' There are a few things going on which may come out in time, but can't really talk about them at the moment. So I find myself just saying hello. And saying that you are all out of sight (temporarily), but definitely not out of mind.

Weight of opinion is Blair is a liar

I discovered today that if you type 'liar'into Google one of the top hits is the Tony Blair autobiography.

Which is ammusing.

Election watch

It was announced today that we will be having a general election on May 5 in the UK. where we get to elect a new government for the next 5 years. I'm not going to have a particular rant about politics or voting. At least not yet. Save to say that I do feel privileged to have the vote because I know much of the world does not have it. I also believe that I have the right not to vote if I choose. But if I choose not to vote then I have not right to complain about politicians or what they do because I have chosen not to participate in their election.

I do have a problem with many of the politicians though. The desire for power should automatically preclude you from ever getting it. Unfortunately a system hasn't been established that stops the buggers from getting into power and messing things up. Also I feel that if i would not want to have a drink with them then they are not deserving of my vote/support.

So in the spirit of how I feel about the next four weeks of bollocks and lying to get into power (otherwise known as the election campaign) I will be monitoring the amount of junk mail I get through the letterbox. Ie. which party is so desperate to get into power that they are prepared to chew up the planet producing leaflets and other landfill. I will keep track of it via a vote caster, where each party gets one vote for each piece of junk I get through the door. As a reference I will also monitor the number of pizza "restaurant" leaflets I also get. For some reason we seem to have more of these places in my area than you find in Rome!

I'm not sure what I'll do with the results, but it might be interesting. Equally it might not. But we'll see ...

No posting

I don't know if anyone else has been finding this, but I've been unable to post for the last few days. I try, but it just seems to hang for ages and nothing happens. I won't criticise Blogger because it is a useful tool, but please ...

What a week it's been. The Pope has died which is a shame. I'm not religious, but I think he did some good, and seemed a cool enough guy. Wonder who will follow him? Maybe it's time for the first black Pope since 496 AD?

And our potential future king, Charles, is marrying a horse on Saturday. Which everyone else seems to have aview on except me. I think she's a bit rough, but have no opinion on if they should marry or not. At least they're too old to breed.

Hope you're all well. Apologies for my absence. I'll show you what I've been up to if Blogger let's me post some pics.

I'm back in the driving seat

My ebay purchase arrived this afternoon and as you can see is working a treat. 'Wheelgate' is over!

End of Star Trek/start of Battlestar Galactica

I read yesterday that Star Trek Enterprise has been cancelled, and we're about to enter a period not seen since the orignal series ended its run just a few weeks before Apollo 11 landed on the moon: a time without a Star Trek film or TV project on the horizon. From the reaction I've seen thus far, the consensus view seems to be that this is merely a pause in the trek, and that before too long, we'll be talking about the newest take on Roddenberry's universe, be it television, feature, animation or sock puppet. I tend to agree, insofar as I know first hand that Viacom considers "the Franchise" to be one of their crown jewels and I've personally heard them refer to the "next fifty years of Star Trek" as a corporate priority.

So Star Trek isn't dead and it isn't dying. It has, however, entered into an interregnum, a pause in the treadmill of overlapping productions that have become the norm for the series that was once considered "too cerebral for television."

Certainly there is sadness in this news. There has been a Star Trek production either in prep or being filmed on Stages 8 & 9 on the Paramount lot since 1977, when Star Trek: Phase Two began initial construction for a second series featuring all the original characters but Spock (these sets were then revamped for Star Trek: The Motion Picture). An entire infrastructure has been built around the productions, staffed by people whose involvement in the Franchise goes back over two decades. The dedication, passion, and talent of these artisans and craftsmen cannot be overstated. The unsung heroes of Trek, the people who sweat every detail, who take the time to think through continuity and try to make the vast universe consistent, people like Mike and Denise Okuda, Dave Rossi, Michael Westmore, Herman Zimmerman, Bob Blackman, and many others, are about to leave and take with them an enormous body of knowledge and talent that cannot be and will not be replicated again. That is cause for both tears and eulogies as the close of Enterprise signals the true end of an era.

However, there is another side of this story, one that perhaps is somewhat more hopeful and positive: Star Trek has now been returned to the care of its community of fans.

I say returned because there was a time when the fans were the exclusive owners and operators of what would later become the Franchise. From 1969 until 1979, a genuine grassroots movement of fans gathered together in conventions, published newsletters (in the primordial ooze of the pre-internet era, no less), wrote scads of fan fiction, created their own props and uniforms, and dreamed the dream of what it was to live aboard the good ship Enterprise.

Star Trek now returns to the care of its fans and its fans can decide for themselves what kind of experience they want to have during this next interregnum. They can consume the seemingly endless licensed products available to them from the Franchise, everything from barware to shower curtains, and read only the mainstream, officially licensed and sanctioned books, or they can go their own way. Some of the most daring and creatively challenging Star Trek material has been created not by Paramount, but by amateurs, who simply had an idea for an interesting twist on the Trek universe. Think Kirk and Spock were secret lovers? Wonder about the social and cultural history of the planet Vulcan? Believe the Mirror Universe is more fascinating than our own? All these topics and many others were, and are, tackled by fans in their own fiction, their own stories, their own dreams.

Step back from the merchandising. Rediscover the joy and wonder of the universe Roddenberry created. Talk to people who share your common interest and who understand the difference between phaser mark I and mark II (duh!). You don't need another series to enjoy Star Trek. You need only your own imagination and the desire to boldly go where no man has gone before.

On another positive note the new version of Battlestar Galctica has been commisioned for a second series. This version is based on the premise of the original, but doesn't just re-film it. The story arcs are more down to earth and plausible, and the characters are more believable. If you're into Sci-fi I can really recommend it. Series 1 has recently finished in the UK and is running in the US at the moment. The series also fills a significant gap in the science fiction genre that has been open since the end of Babylon 5. The ladder goes Star Trek/Star Wars/xxx. That is to say nice and cuddly fantasy/more real fiction, but aimed suqarely at kids/more real and gritty. I think there is a place for all three on TV, and they give something for everyone to everyone.

I hope that Battlestar Galactica will be given the opportunity to complete it's story arc, much like Babylon 5 was a decade ago. I hope that it will run for a few series, and the survivors of the Cylon attack will find the lost 13th colony (Earth). The original series only ran for 1 series/24 episodes interestingly. Although it is very well known so people think it was on for longer. The new version is filmed in a different way to most sci-fi (crash zooms, losing focus as the camera follows characters, dirty and battered people and ships) and is refreshing for it.

Fingers crossed ...

My first smoothie

My first smoothie. I've decided to enter the world of smoothies and this is my first effort. I've bought a recipe book (for guidance only of course!). And this is the first product. a 'Pango Mango'.

2 Mangoes
2 Peaches
1/2 tablespoon of Vanilla essence
5 tablespoons of natural yoghurt
8 tablespoons of Orange juice.

The Vanilla makes a huge difference and makes it quite sweet. But this drink is very good for energy and skin (apparently). Although with the skin thing I'm not sure if I should be rubbing it on myself? And it tastes bloody good and doesn't half fill me up.

Anyone know any good recipes? My book has about 400, but it's always good to get thoughts from real people.

Dom is an insomniac

This is me at 0148 on 28/03/05. I can't sleep and thought I'd trawl the Web. Not sure why I'm thinking this because it's waking me up and not helping at all. But anyway. I ate quite a lot of chocolate before retiring to bed so maybe that hasn't helped either. But anyway. I'm also listening to a techno/dance concert from Germany which is excellent. But it is just making me want to dance and not sleep. And one of the singers sounds like Janet's cats. Which is mildly ammusing.

I've discovered that there are many "blogs" which are trying to sell something. Insurance and medical stuff seem to be the most popular. Which I can't help feeling is a bit wrong and missing the point of blogs. But then again I guess this is a free world and people can do whatever they want. And who am I to say something is right or wrong?

Luckily tomorrow is also a holiday in the UK so I don't have to get up early. Or is it today? I had decided to stay in London over Easter so that I could relax and recuperate. and now I'm up at 0148, quite relaxed, but making myself more tired. This sucks!

My first time ...

My first purchase ever on ebay. I feel I've been a bit left behind in this whole online auction thing. Even my parents have sold on ebay before me! Hopefully everything will work out and the thing will turn up ok. How have people got on with ebay?

Happy Easter

Easter. A time for relaxing, eating, going to church if that's your thing and pausing for breath before the summer really starts. It's a bit of an earlier pause this year with Easter being in March, but who's complaining! Have a great vacation everyone.

This is why we always lose ..

I was sent this by a girlfriend. It maybe explains a lot.


The husband yells, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads, "Here Lies My Wife - Cold As Ever.'
"Yeah?" she replies. "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that reads, "Here Lies My Husband--Stiff At Last.'"



Husband (a doctor) and his wife are having a fight at the breakfast table. Husband gets up in a rage and says, "And you are no good in bed either," and storms out of the house.

After some time he realizes he was nasty and decides to make amends and rings her up. She comes to the phone after many rings, and the irritated husband says, "What took you so long to answer the phone?"
She says, "I was in bed."
"In bed this early, doing what?"
"Getting a second opinion!"




A man has six children and is very proud of his achievement. He is
so proud of himself, that he starts calling his wife, "Mother of Six"
in spite of her objections.
One night, they go to a party. The man decides that it is Time to go home and wants to find out if his wife is ready to leave as well. He shouts at the top of his voice, "Shall we go home Mother of Six?"
His wife, irritated by her husband's lack of discretion shouts
right back, "Anytime you're ready, Father of Four."





A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly the man realized that the next day he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it.
The next morning the man woke up, only to
discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."
Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.



God may have created man before woman, but there is always a rough draft before the masterpiece.

Major crash 2

... Gearchange paddle broke off in my hand as I changed down! Needless to say I didn't win the race!!

Major crash

Was racing online and had a major mechanical failure ....

Spring has arrived!

What a fantastic day on Saturday! In London anyway. Why is it that the good weather makes people so much more chilled? And, despite appearances, I am very happy here. And it coincides with the Spring Equinox which is cool. Hopefully this is a good sign of thing to come for the rest of the year.

On another not the 3000th person has just visited the site since October last year. Which is amazing. So thank you everyone.

Haloscan

Have taken the plunge and installed Haloscan. and it seems to work a lot better. I love blogger, but recently it's been getting very hormonal and not been working very well. Has anyone else been finding this?

Unfortunately installing Haloscan has deleted all of the comments on my blog, but I guess there's always a price to pay for progress.

What the hell is up with the weather???

Don't even get me started on global warming and all that, but what has happened with the weather in the last couple of days? Last week it was snowing and now it's 20 Celsius in London. I'm in a T-shirt and sweating (mildly). And they're forecasting it's going to be even better this week-end! Which is great news don't get me wrong, but I'd planned a serious week-end of camping on my sofa watching motorsport around the world (Australia/USA/Malaysia). And this great weather is already making me feel guilty about (possibly) staying indoors for 2 days. I feel I should go and mow the lawn or something. How is it around the rest of the world?

We have lift off!

After some teething troubles I am now officially connected to the outside world from my home. Yipeeee! I'm listening to streaming German dance radio (is better than it might sound), uploading to my Ipod, surfing the net, updating picture library and scooting around your blogs. AT THE SAME TIME!

The worlds slowest internet connection ...

... is now officially at my parents house! Guess I've got too used to ADSL because life is too short for this. I'll pop by everyone toimorow when I'm back in London.

I'm 30 today

So as I approach the end of my life I find myself reflecting on where I am at the moment. I put my back out a couple of days ago (badly enough that I need help putting my socks on and taking shoes off!), so I'm walking around like an invalid. I had a party at my house on Saturday and didn't know some of the music people were playing. I've just been given a blender for my birthday (which will be useful and healthy, but it seems old). I'm sure my breasts are beginning to sag. And I'm thinking very seriously about which lawnmower to buy for the garden.

Which all sounds like I'm depressed, but I've probably laughed more in the last couple of days than I have for weeks. Although laughing hurts like hell because of my back. I've never been that bothered about my age, and |I wasn't about turning 30 until recently. All of my "friends" have been inducing such paranoia in me about it that I do find myself thinking about it now.

Hmmmmm...

My birthday party

My birthday party. Looking happy about having all of the sweets and chocolates pushed in front of me just as the picture was taken! Are they trying to say I'm fat or thin?!

To Val

Val, if you read this I can't seem to leave comments on your blog. Somehow everyone else is. Am feeling very rejected by the Internet. :(

Snow angel

My first snow angel of 2005. This one's for Ulrika!

Starnberger See outside Munich. Well frozen and well cold. The town reminds me of Monaco in a strange way. Very wealthy and not very busy.

Monday is good news day

We've just received a letter from the landlord of our office. Due to refurbishment they are closing all of the toilets in the building for 2 WEEKS! But they will set up some Portaloos in the garage at the back of the building for us instead. I work in a 5 storey office block! And the garage isn't very big so they're not going to be able to get more than 4 loos in there I reckon. So I plan to work from home for the next fortnight!!

I was out riding with janet yesterday (horses before you jump to any conclusions) and it was a stunning day. There is a photo earlier in my blog with the same scene, but when the first snows arrived. Now there is about 4 feet of snow!

Life, the Internet and everything

I was having a long chat last night with she who must be obeyed about the Internet. The conversation started with her saying 'I wouldn't miss TV if I didn't have one'. Which set the panic bells ringing in my head because I would. And I wasn't sure if I this was a loaded question and I was about to be set up. So I mumbled a bit and let the conversation continue. I said I enjoy TV (especially now I have a satelite system installed and have about 400 channels), but life would not end if I didn't have it. Turns out she was leading to seeing if we were going to go and stay in the mountains in Switzerland again this year. In a house with no TV and utter peace and quiet. (We probably will and I have no problem being away from TV for a while).

The conversation then turned somehow to the Net. I love technology and I think it totally enhances my life. Especially the Internet. And I would miss it a lot if I didn't have it. And if I think back to when I was at university (less than 10 years ago) the Net was crap. You could do stuff on it, but not that much. And we've made some amazing progress in 8 years - I wonder where it'll be in another 8 years. I can't really imagine what will be controllable online and what will be linked up, but you read about all this new stuff being developped and it sounds amazing. Almost like a science fiction film, but it seems a lot more possible today than even a couple of years ago.

But I digress. The conversation started me thinking about why I use the Internet and what I think about it. And this is kind of related to you guys I guess. I see it first of all as a great place to find stuff out, look stuff up and buy stuff conveniently. I can do all this when I want and how I want which is so good when your life is quite busy. I also think it is a tool that brings the world together really well (like now). If it wasn't for the Net I would never have met any of you lot. And I think my life would be the poorer for it. Even though we only know a little bit about each other and people can be whoever they want online. But so what?! Even if you only show one aspect of yourself does it really matter. (And I'm not suggesting any of you are not who you say you are by the way). But then I started thinking about the value of human contact in this context. I imagine it's unlikely that we'll ever meet in person, but does that mean our relationships are any the poorer for it? I don't think so. If I was in a bar talking to people would I be getting more from that conversation than I do from the comments? I guess the conversation and relationship would build quicker, but I don't think it would be any less meaningful. Like when I was away last week and you all left messages asking where I was. It gave me such a huge lift on Monday morning and I'm so grateful to you all for it.

And I think the Internet also allows me to feel like there's a bigger world out there. I've been lucky enough to travel a bit in my life and I love seeing new places and coming into contact with new people and experiences. And the Net allows you to surf around and get more of a global perspective on life. This opportunity was not really available a few years ago, but now that I have experienced it, it would be tough to give it up. I would feel quite closeted I think.

I think a lot of people don't like technology and say that it harms their quality of life. And mobile phones are often quoted as the worst of all evils (they can be I reckon, but that's another point). But I think it's because those people who complain don't really use things like the Net to improve their quality of life. If you haven't got the time or inclination to use it then don't. It won't make your life worse by not going near it. But if you take some time to set it up to help you then it can make life a lot easier. Having said that you can experiences life Misguided Fool, which are not good.

All of which doesn't really change the current status quo in the Stancombe household. But I wonder where we'll be in a years time.

Darth posting

Darth put this on his blog (link above) and I hope I'm not too late to join in!

'so you have 5 minutes to pack and meet at the dock for the boat that will take us to the deserted island for a weekend...besides a bathing suit, here is what you need to decide to bring:


1) One music CD i want to wake up listening to....
Bill Hicks - Dangerous. Because I think it's good to wake up and laugh in the morning. It starts your day off on a positive note. And Bill Hicks is cool!

2) One book i want to spend the lazy afternoons reading...
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. A bit of philosophy and reminders of childhood, all neatly and logically assembled in one little book.

3) One movie DVD i want to watch as the sun goes down...
10 Things I hate About You. Despite the title it is a comedy and for some reason my favourite film. Despite me not being a girl and it not containing guns, cars, planes or much swearing. And following on from question 1 I think it's good to end your day smiling as well.

4) One MP3 song *not* on the above CD i want to play (and sing along t0) endlessly on repeat...
I think Gun's n Roses - Sweet Child of Mine. I'm in a rock mood this week.

5) One snack food i want to eat, whenever i want, with no one making fun of me about it or telling you how many calories are in it..
Nuts chocolate bars. A bit like Snickers but nicer. And not available in the Uk so I have to gorge myself on them whenever I travel to Europe.

SARS or bird `flu?

Well, apparently neither. I started to get a tight chest yesterday and was coughing a lot. I haven`t finished registering with a doctor yet (it takes a while in London) so I went to the local hospital. I knew I was supposed to fly to Munich on Thursday so I thought I`d check to see if I was fit enough to fly. Given my recent illnesses I`m taking no chances at the moment. So after a couple of hours of waiting in Accident & Emergency I got to see a doctor and ended up having an x-ray on my chest. Which turned out to be completely clear and he said my lungs "look healthy and strong". He did say that I don`t sound right and defintely should do some more checks, but my lungs are OK. Am completely confused and am now wondering if I`ve become a hypercondriac or something. I don`t think I have and I definitely don`t feel right, but wtf?

On a better note the home PC arrived yesterday and I should be online next week. I can`t wait to be able to spend proper time doing stuff online and not have to have irritating distractions like bosses hanging around.

Talking of which ...

Long overdue update

Finally I have a few moments to spare so I thought it was high time for an update. How have you all been? I'm going to pop by all your blogs today and see what adventures you're been having, but I hope you're all well.

I haven't been as you might have gathered. It seems that I might have caught the 'flu (the real one, not a cold) in early January and I've never completely got rid of it. So my immune system is completely shot at the moment and means I am catching everything that is going around. I'm still not rid of it yet, but I am trying to get some antibiotics to kill it once and for all. I had all sorts of thoughts last week when I was lying in bed - have I got some incurable disease? Why am I constantly ill? Am I dying? Hopefully there'll be warmer weather on the way soon which I hope will help as well. There's so much cold and damp in Europe at the moment that it's not helping.

But enough of that depressing stuff! Good news is that I completed on my flat sale last Friday. That means I've handed over the keys, got the money and am out of the place completely. It's taken over 6 months to get to this stage which is ridiculous, but at least it has happened. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can now start to look forward and sort some house things out. One of the first things I've done is get a computer for home which will make life a lot easier. I don't have to try and fit in things like blogging around work for example. I can also try and be a bit more creative with online stuff so watch this space!

More updates and stuff later.