All over the news today is the fact that David Cameron during a radio interview was talking about Twitter and was quoted as saying "Too many twits and your a Tw*t". Is it just me but that is hardly an offensive word. I've always been taught that it means to be an idiot. Now in multi-cultural Britain where we are forced to accept the differences of others, why is it always what's good for the Goose is not good for the Gander?
Even if he had said stronger words, its nothing compared to far stronger language on our televisions, in school playgrounds and workplaces around the country. But the press have to dramatise it all and make as much out of it as possible.
Sky news quoted, is he trying to win votes with stunt's like Jonathan Ross? In truth, has the Ross Scandal really affected his career? Do the public still like him? I think so. Get over it, move on and lets hope they give us this big public debate before the election. I would love to see a televised head to head between Brown & Cameron. Maybe we would all get to see what they are really like? Surely it cant be that bad. We already know their dishonest from the expense saga. If only I could stand! An alternative to the current options. Meanwhile, I am not offended and hope the public are not greatly either. Its a word and words rarely hurt. Actions on the other hand do - like the non promised referendum on the European Constitution. That is an action I hope the people of Britain can never forgive Gordon Brown for.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
GSK Trainers Reunion 2009
With it now a year since the roll out of Siebel at GSK all of the trainer friends we have made over the years arranged a reunion dinner in Soho last Tuesday evening.
We arranged to meet at a Lebanese restaurant on Greek Street where we had our meal last summer.
Fabulous to see the whole gang and a huge thank you to Marie for organising the night. I'm only sorry that I had to leave at midnight. I had my first session with my personal trainer the following morning at 07:00AM and needed to get home and get some beauty sleep. But 10:00PM is not bad for a school night.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tom Daley wins Gold!
Tom Daley has won the Gold Medal in the Rome Diving World Championships. His only 15 years old and his beaten the Worlds best. Go Tom! Congratulations.
Jason Rosam's 30th Birthday
Saturday night was Jason's 30th Birthday bash. The invitation had come some weeks ago in the post in addition to the Facebook invitation. It was set on Saturday evening at a place called the Battersea Barge on the River Thames in Nine Elms Lane.
Dusan & Emily had also been invited so we met up at Bar Code in Vauxhall for a glass of wine before making the short walk down to nine elms and boarded the Barge. A small, permanently mored boat on the river with several floor and a disco.
Jason looked as bubbly as ever and it was fabulous to see him once again. I can't be precise as to when we did last see him, it must have been a couple of years ago. Crazy when we all live in the same city, but then, that is London for you. There is always so much going on you rarely have time to see half the people you know and care about.
Also on the boat was my friend Neil Sexton & Jasper & Enrique whom again I have not seen in forever. It turned into a bit of a reunion party.
We went upstairs to get some air on deck when Emily noticed Dusan's co host on radio London, Vanessa Feltz. I asked her if she would mind awfully if Emily had her picture taken with her and she was really sweet. As soon as I find the camera cable I shall upload the pictures.
Meanwhile, the working week has been draging. I feel quite exhausted but I think thats down to the face that I have been training every single day. When your standing up in front of delegates every day it does begin to wear you out.
I have also started to train with my personal trainer. She insisted I do sets of 20 on all my weight work outs. Naturally 24 hours later my muscles are so stiff I can hardly lift them high enough to put on a tee shirt. Hopefully the stiffness will pass today before the weekend. My faveourite time of the week and coming up, the Civil Partnership of Stuart & Iaonnis. Who would have thought 5 years ago that by the end of the decade we would all be happily married? I guess it makes us all "Lucky Bitches".
Friday, July 17, 2009
Priscilla - Queen of the Desert
Mikey managed to get a bunch of tickets to see Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, the new hot show in London's West End. So we all met before work and went to Pizza express near the British Museum prior to the theatre. Thankfully we had pre orders as the place was heaving even by 1800. Who said that there is a recession on? I guess it goes to proove that their current offer of 2 for the price of 1 is really working. Take heed other restaurantaurs. I swear we have eaten at Pizza Express more this year than ever before and that is surely due to the vouchers they email me nearly every week.
We were at the theatre by 1915 and couldnt believe our seats. Right in the middle of the 6th Row. The actors were just feet in front of us.
Priscilla follows the story of the film. 3 drag artists from Sydney make a journey on a coach from Sydney to Alice Springs, through the Outback on the bus, preparing for a drag show at a Casino in Alice. It tells of their adventures in the form of a musical and the people they meet on their travels.
With a fantastic musical score which differs somewhat from the film version, it had everyone clapping along, dancing and at the end a good 10 minute standing ovation by litterally everyone in the theatre.
Being so close we were covered in confetti, had a fantastic view and were able to obsorb every element of the show. I so loved the music I had to buy the original cast recording.
In one scene when Bernadette has fallen asleep outside the bus on her cake, Jason Donovan bursts into "Someone left their cake out in the rain". It was both funny and a trememndous colour musical number. Somehow I can't help but think of Richard when I hear Someone left their cake out in the rain. His always singing that to me telling me, he'll never have that recipee again.
Talking of Richard - Dusan reminded me last night they have still never met. Time for a trip to Bristol me feels.
A deffinite 10 out of 10 for Priscilla. Possibly the best muscial I have seen in London in 10 years. We all agreed we will definitely go and see it again soon.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, staring Jason Donovan, plays at the Palace Theatre, London.
www.priscillathemusical.com
We were at the theatre by 1915 and couldnt believe our seats. Right in the middle of the 6th Row. The actors were just feet in front of us.
Priscilla follows the story of the film. 3 drag artists from Sydney make a journey on a coach from Sydney to Alice Springs, through the Outback on the bus, preparing for a drag show at a Casino in Alice. It tells of their adventures in the form of a musical and the people they meet on their travels.
With a fantastic musical score which differs somewhat from the film version, it had everyone clapping along, dancing and at the end a good 10 minute standing ovation by litterally everyone in the theatre.
Being so close we were covered in confetti, had a fantastic view and were able to obsorb every element of the show. I so loved the music I had to buy the original cast recording.
In one scene when Bernadette has fallen asleep outside the bus on her cake, Jason Donovan bursts into "Someone left their cake out in the rain". It was both funny and a trememndous colour musical number. Somehow I can't help but think of Richard when I hear Someone left their cake out in the rain. His always singing that to me telling me, he'll never have that recipee again.
Talking of Richard - Dusan reminded me last night they have still never met. Time for a trip to Bristol me feels.
A deffinite 10 out of 10 for Priscilla. Possibly the best muscial I have seen in London in 10 years. We all agreed we will definitely go and see it again soon.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, staring Jason Donovan, plays at the Palace Theatre, London.
www.priscillathemusical.com
Monday, July 13, 2009
Drink up in a Brewery
Nobody could ever say that Ian couldn't organise a drink up in a Brewery as his proved it, twice now.
Saturday we made which is now apparantly an annual pilgrimage to the Hoggs Head Brewery in Surrey.
The entire team and a few others from the IT department joint us all by making our way to Ian's house in Godalming for 10AM. Yes I know, 10AM. Being a bit early for me Adam kindly offered to drive and picked me up at 8:30.
After arriving at Chateux Campbell, the mases had planned a 10 mile hike over 3 hours, walking from the house to the Brewery. They kept asking me why I wasn't doing the walk? Personally I find the weekends are best saved for relaxing. I spend long enough at the gym in the week. Plus I am no longer in the Boy Scouts so don't see the necessity to go on such long walks. Instead I stayed at the house with Miche who is 24 weeks pregnant and Ian whom recently had a hip operation.
We took a walk into Godalming and through the town to the Waitrose to purchase some wine before making the drive to the Brewery. Arriving almost late for the 2:30 tour start time. Oops.
Our guide Mervyn, issued us all with a half pint glass and poured glasses each as he began with the history of the Brewery and talked us through how Ale is made starting with the ingredients and taking us through the brewery from begining to end. Samply different Ales on the way, H.B.B, T.E.A, Summer and another. I can't remember. But add that to the Cider I had before we left they house and I was well and truly merry.
Once the tour was over we made our way back to Ian's, all a bit fluffy, (except for Miche who was driving). For the rest of the evening we all enjoyed Ian's home made cooking and a fabulous meal for the 9 of us, prior to chilling out and for a weekend a fairly early night. I was tucked up in bed by 1130, quite ready for sleep. Ironically everyone was in the same boat. Yawning and tired. Was it the walk or the alcohol? I guess a combination of both. But we did have an enjoyable time and many thanks to Claire & Ian for their hospitality.
Saturday we made which is now apparantly an annual pilgrimage to the Hoggs Head Brewery in Surrey.
The entire team and a few others from the IT department joint us all by making our way to Ian's house in Godalming for 10AM. Yes I know, 10AM. Being a bit early for me Adam kindly offered to drive and picked me up at 8:30.
After arriving at Chateux Campbell, the mases had planned a 10 mile hike over 3 hours, walking from the house to the Brewery. They kept asking me why I wasn't doing the walk? Personally I find the weekends are best saved for relaxing. I spend long enough at the gym in the week. Plus I am no longer in the Boy Scouts so don't see the necessity to go on such long walks. Instead I stayed at the house with Miche who is 24 weeks pregnant and Ian whom recently had a hip operation.
We took a walk into Godalming and through the town to the Waitrose to purchase some wine before making the drive to the Brewery. Arriving almost late for the 2:30 tour start time. Oops.
Our guide Mervyn, issued us all with a half pint glass and poured glasses each as he began with the history of the Brewery and talked us through how Ale is made starting with the ingredients and taking us through the brewery from begining to end. Samply different Ales on the way, H.B.B, T.E.A, Summer and another. I can't remember. But add that to the Cider I had before we left they house and I was well and truly merry.
Once the tour was over we made our way back to Ian's, all a bit fluffy, (except for Miche who was driving). For the rest of the evening we all enjoyed Ian's home made cooking and a fabulous meal for the 9 of us, prior to chilling out and for a weekend a fairly early night. I was tucked up in bed by 1130, quite ready for sleep. Ironically everyone was in the same boat. Yawning and tired. Was it the walk or the alcohol? I guess a combination of both. But we did have an enjoyable time and many thanks to Claire & Ian for their hospitality.
Lunch in Mayfair
Usually about once a week we would go as a team, somewhere to lunch. Before the move to Mayfair would have been somewhere local in Marylebone.
Friday Ray asked if we would all like to go for a Pie. Not really being much of a pie man I went along imagining that they would be going to a cafe style place or Perhaps EAT. Instead we walked along to a mews not far off Berkely Square to a little Pub called the Guinea I believe.
We ate inside in a little restaurant out the back that had crisp white tableclothes but not a window in sight. It reminded me much of dining on P&O's Canberra years ago when all of the Port holes were reserved for cabins and were not a luxury afforded to public area's such as restaurants.
That said this restaurant was a real gem. The service was spot on and the menu, albeit not cheap, was impressive. Enter in through the main restaurant and the counter looks similar to that of a good butchers. Steaks all labeled as to their cut and a grill sizzling away with pub orders.
It being only noon on a Friday orderin a steak would have been a bit decadent whichever way you look at it and while the boys all took a famous award winning pie, I opted for the Haddock with whole grain mash. It did feel a little formal having lunch in such a fine Mayfair establishment but a good way to wind down the week before making the short walk back to the office.
On the way stopping at the Bentley & Rolls Royce showroom and checking out the price of the little sporty convertible in the window. Yours if you have a spare 1.4 Million Euros. Can you imagine what the insurance would be?
Friday Ray asked if we would all like to go for a Pie. Not really being much of a pie man I went along imagining that they would be going to a cafe style place or Perhaps EAT. Instead we walked along to a mews not far off Berkely Square to a little Pub called the Guinea I believe.
We ate inside in a little restaurant out the back that had crisp white tableclothes but not a window in sight. It reminded me much of dining on P&O's Canberra years ago when all of the Port holes were reserved for cabins and were not a luxury afforded to public area's such as restaurants.
That said this restaurant was a real gem. The service was spot on and the menu, albeit not cheap, was impressive. Enter in through the main restaurant and the counter looks similar to that of a good butchers. Steaks all labeled as to their cut and a grill sizzling away with pub orders.
It being only noon on a Friday orderin a steak would have been a bit decadent whichever way you look at it and while the boys all took a famous award winning pie, I opted for the Haddock with whole grain mash. It did feel a little formal having lunch in such a fine Mayfair establishment but a good way to wind down the week before making the short walk back to the office.
On the way stopping at the Bentley & Rolls Royce showroom and checking out the price of the little sporty convertible in the window. Yours if you have a spare 1.4 Million Euros. Can you imagine what the insurance would be?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Highrise fire in Camberwell
Sometimes you have to wonder, what on earth are the Health and Safety people doing? There are petty laws everywhere that stop you from doing every day tasks. For example, we wanted this little shelf unit moved at home. Its only about half a meter long and is easily carried by one person. However you are not allowed. Health and Safety they announce. It could fall and injur you.
I have to therefore wonder how in the year 2009 people can die in a 13 storey building in one of the worlds greatest cities? We all know that fire fighters ladders can only reach so high (11 storeys) so surely there should be additional features in place to help protect people.
The fire ripped through the flats last week killing over 5 people who were trapped in their appartment. Woman and Children who were told by the firefighters to go back and wait in their home as they choked to death. Why? Because the building built in the 1950's had only a single exit staircase. This was where the fire was trapping them all inside the building.
In 1912 the Titanic sank with terrible loss of life. This lead to immediate changes in Maritime law which meant there must be more than enough lifeboats to carry each person in the event of a sinking. They passed this law nearly 100 years ago. You go on a cruise ship today and you are required by Maritime law to attend an evacuation praction / muster drill prior to sailing. Yet in this modern day there is no law demanding that all public buildings have an emergency exit? We have stupid laws that prohibit the sale of bent fruit and vegtables (thankfully been overturned this month), but no laws to protect the lives of innocent people who were put into this building by the local council. I think that's shamefull. A bus driver can not leave his cabin in the event of an inncident to protect him, but they didnt think to build an emergency exit. Do we never learn from the lessons? What of the fires in buildings past? I guess in the end much of it comes down to money but you do have to wonder what on earth were the people in charge of the building thinking? Their job is to look after the best rights and protection of the people as their number on priority?
They say there will be a public enquiry, which will no doubt end in their being investments and changes to these old buildings but one can't help but think after this loss of tragic life that this is too little too late. God bless them.
I have to therefore wonder how in the year 2009 people can die in a 13 storey building in one of the worlds greatest cities? We all know that fire fighters ladders can only reach so high (11 storeys) so surely there should be additional features in place to help protect people.
The fire ripped through the flats last week killing over 5 people who were trapped in their appartment. Woman and Children who were told by the firefighters to go back and wait in their home as they choked to death. Why? Because the building built in the 1950's had only a single exit staircase. This was where the fire was trapping them all inside the building.
In 1912 the Titanic sank with terrible loss of life. This lead to immediate changes in Maritime law which meant there must be more than enough lifeboats to carry each person in the event of a sinking. They passed this law nearly 100 years ago. You go on a cruise ship today and you are required by Maritime law to attend an evacuation praction / muster drill prior to sailing. Yet in this modern day there is no law demanding that all public buildings have an emergency exit? We have stupid laws that prohibit the sale of bent fruit and vegtables (thankfully been overturned this month), but no laws to protect the lives of innocent people who were put into this building by the local council. I think that's shamefull. A bus driver can not leave his cabin in the event of an inncident to protect him, but they didnt think to build an emergency exit. Do we never learn from the lessons? What of the fires in buildings past? I guess in the end much of it comes down to money but you do have to wonder what on earth were the people in charge of the building thinking? Their job is to look after the best rights and protection of the people as their number on priority?
They say there will be a public enquiry, which will no doubt end in their being investments and changes to these old buildings but one can't help but think after this loss of tragic life that this is too little too late. God bless them.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Take That - The Circus Live @ Wembley
Today was many things. July 4th is our wedding anniversary, it was Pride London and of course our American Cousins are celebrating their Independance Day. But Emily had bought me a ticket to go with her and her friends to see Take That at Wembley. Seeing as Emily and I went to see the boys previously at Wembley Arena years ago and then in 2006 we went to the reunion tour. That too was due to have been at Wembley but the new stadium was so behind that it was moved to the only venue big enough to hold the same amount of people. Milton Keynes Bowl. You couldnt even begin to compare the two.
Wembley was packed to capacity with over 86,000 fans. Emily and the girls had arrived before the gates open and had us a reserved fabulous spot between the stage and the second stage they had around the middle of the standing area which on a sporting day would be the pitch.
A red Marquee stood on the stage and after the warm up act which was Lady Gaga, various compares and clowns were walking amongst us.
A circus show was litterally being created around us. The compere and some men dressed like weebles moved a train to the rear stage and hundred of heliums ballons were bought out en-mass as circus acts performed around. As the ballons rose and were released the boys appeared for their opening number.
The show was entwined with amazing circus acrobats, tightrope walkers, trapeze artists and all the fun of the fair. It was practically one of the most colour and spectacular shows I have ever seen. Non stop action with songs from as far back as Take That and Party, Promises and It only Takes a Minute Girl through to The Circus. The penaultimate song, Relight my fire had so many performers on stage you didnt know where to look and as the special effects erupted into flames you could feel the heat flare up and virtually singe your eyebrows. A deffinite ten out of ten from me. Cant believe how fantastic it was and possibly the best show I have ever seen at Wembley. Well done boys and a huge thank you to Miss Mews for sorting out tickets. Whatevery you were celebrating today enjoy.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Heatwave!!!
The heat really has been on and its slowly getting warmer every day with clear blue skies all day long. Yesterday the Mercury reached 32 degrees in London. Of course, you can't really tell at work. We are of course air-conditioned and its really comfortable, but at home its a different kettle of fish.
We bought a new ceiling fan last month for the bedroom but as it really requires a professional fitting have yet to to get it installed. I need to get some light switches and plugs to change the fittings here first. Then will get an electrician in to do everything.
Usually, if it gets that hot and humid like it was last night, I will wheel the air-conditiner over to the bedroom window, where you have to hang the outlet hose out of the window. Only Dusan decided to reorganise the flat last week and ended up moving my computer desk into the exact spot where the air-conditioner sits. Now all of the furniture is in place I can't move it easily and so have been unable to cool the room. Bad timing eh?
Meanwhile, I have, despite the heat, been making it back to the gym every night. Its quite sticky 4 floors underground, but the new Sauna & Steam room opened monday and I am slowly, but surely, loosing weight. My belt is already at the last hole and am aiming to loose 10% of my body weight before the end of the year.
Today the heat is due to continue with a high of 33. London is always about 3 degrees hotter than the rest of the country. Something to do with being so built up and with all the extra pollution. You can imagine how hot and sweaty the tube is. It's bad enough on a normal day but you really do have to carry water with you. Twice this week I have been stuck on a train for over 20 minutes, not moving and simply mealting.
While London is the greatest city on Earth and un-mistakingly the worlds eyes are on London, especially with the Olympics coming. But its so backwards in some of its technologies. The last Tube line to be built was the Jubilee Line extension and that was over 10 years ago. They still run it on the old style signals which means they can only run a train every 3 minutes. Its such a shame we can't have a leader that believes in London and commits to it the funds that it needs to become not only World Class but Outstanding. Instead we ship all the money London generates off to other parts of the country and the clown at the top is continueing to borrow £30 Billion more every month to keep up with the spending spree he can't afford. Is it me or does anyone trust them at all?
Stay cool and enjoy the sunshine. Coming this weekend... Pride & Take That Concert. Watch this space!
We bought a new ceiling fan last month for the bedroom but as it really requires a professional fitting have yet to to get it installed. I need to get some light switches and plugs to change the fittings here first. Then will get an electrician in to do everything.
Usually, if it gets that hot and humid like it was last night, I will wheel the air-conditiner over to the bedroom window, where you have to hang the outlet hose out of the window. Only Dusan decided to reorganise the flat last week and ended up moving my computer desk into the exact spot where the air-conditioner sits. Now all of the furniture is in place I can't move it easily and so have been unable to cool the room. Bad timing eh?
Meanwhile, I have, despite the heat, been making it back to the gym every night. Its quite sticky 4 floors underground, but the new Sauna & Steam room opened monday and I am slowly, but surely, loosing weight. My belt is already at the last hole and am aiming to loose 10% of my body weight before the end of the year.
Today the heat is due to continue with a high of 33. London is always about 3 degrees hotter than the rest of the country. Something to do with being so built up and with all the extra pollution. You can imagine how hot and sweaty the tube is. It's bad enough on a normal day but you really do have to carry water with you. Twice this week I have been stuck on a train for over 20 minutes, not moving and simply mealting.
While London is the greatest city on Earth and un-mistakingly the worlds eyes are on London, especially with the Olympics coming. But its so backwards in some of its technologies. The last Tube line to be built was the Jubilee Line extension and that was over 10 years ago. They still run it on the old style signals which means they can only run a train every 3 minutes. Its such a shame we can't have a leader that believes in London and commits to it the funds that it needs to become not only World Class but Outstanding. Instead we ship all the money London generates off to other parts of the country and the clown at the top is continueing to borrow £30 Billion more every month to keep up with the spending spree he can't afford. Is it me or does anyone trust them at all?
Stay cool and enjoy the sunshine. Coming this weekend... Pride & Take That Concert. Watch this space!
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