Back to the Blog!

Here I am! Spurned on by another blogger, I have returned to the fold - for more updates and I fear, a bit more rambling than before, but hey, I'm a bit older now so am therefore entitled to express my own opinion in a way that amuses me and is vicariously published in an anonymous way (apart from those who actually know me).

I like blogging, I have decided, and I also like Twitter. I do not, however, like Facebook. Those who know me, know this already. It feeds into my overtly paranoid conspiratorial privacy minded existence, meaning that I am unwilling to connect to others or expose my existence to the outside world. Imagine that, a human being, unwilling to expose their own existence to others. But there it is. I think the digital age does give us a choice however, up until the point where we surrender that choice. We already do that, whenever we access digital services, sign up to anything, or even do a Google search. We like to think we are in control of it, and in a sense, we are, however none of us ever read those Terms and Conditions before we click 'accept', which means companies can sell our information to others for market research purposes, moreover for the social marketing and research that goes on. Do you know your Experian Mosaic class? "Experian's Mosaic UK combines over 400 separate data sources and divides the UK adult population into 61 different types and eleven groups covering the full spectrum of British and Northern Ireland society. In addition to the 2001 Census, data sources for Mosaic UK include the ‘edited’ electoral roll, Experian's lifestyle information, house price data, council tax returns, consumer credit behaviour and ONS local area statistics."

For that reason, I'm out.

Sooo.. onto more exciting and relevant things. I am back in the festival ways! Having had my soul and spirit crushed in the name of emotional compliance for a couple of years, I am back with the heavyweight jams having gone to Glastonbury this year!!! It was excellent - and I really like it for the fact that you can Choose Your Own Festival. You can do what you want and that doesn't always involve the music. I will definitely return, when funds and company allow, to experience Avalon Fields and the acoustic tent, which I unfortunately missed. Highlights were the amazing Florence and the Machine, Pet Shop Boys, Editors and The Orb. Fantastic.

We like.

Also, checkout The Suburbs, the new Arcade Fire album (I still bloody love them) and Neko Case, thanks to my friend Dave. She is excellent.

I am noticing a flame-haired songstress trend here..!

Much more is happening here on Planet Canary, of which may well be divulged as we go on. What is interesting is reading my own blog back to 2006, cringing at times, but a some time worthwhile record of life thus far. Stay tuned.

Is there anybody out there...

Well. A good year on from the last post, and it has been a good year - in the sense of finding myself again and seeing what was what, finding someone who actually cares and loves, and someone who I care and love for, and who has finally given me a voice, to be myself. In many ways, its been a year of unbelievable events, both good and bad. Some of this at some times is undescribable, and at some times so apparent its obvious in everything I do. I think I'm on the verge of something - who I want to be now, is who I've always wanted to be. It might well just be all coming together... :-)

Untitled

Quote 'Today has been a hard day. I almost write this to myself as I hope in however long, I can look back and see how a moment now can prove me wrong. I really hope so.'

Apparently not. Not for the lack of trying, mind.

Ketchup Soon.

Hey

I had a lovely weekend seeing my niece before her birthday, she truly is great and we (dawn and I) had a great time at Sarah and Matt's. It was brilliant to see Bekky and im so glad she liked her presents, we had fun (I am an elf was brilliant) and bekky and I played schools which was good. Theres alot that went on that day, more so me showing the person i love to my family, and letting them see who I really want to be with. We had a great time for more reasons that can be put in words.

Today has been a hard day. I almost write this to myself as I hope in however long, I can look back and see how a moment now can prove me wrong. I really hope so.

Ketchup..

Well you just have to blink and its already February, which seems a long time since my last post. Guess Ive been living in the real world! And jolly nice it is too. Spurned on by Boogaloo and Stattmatt (Welcome to the Darkside by the way..!) Ive had a revamp and the next installment of my life online takes place here. 

October seems so far away to be honest, I actually had such a brilliant time in Berlin Im not sure Ive thanked Dave, my honest true friend and guide - enough for the time out there, it really was great. I really love travel, a bit too much, and feel in a way I havent really had the chance to do that enough in my life. Ive always loved chucking the bike in the back of the car and just driving, see where I end up, but there are people who have done that on a global scale and I have to say I am quite envious of that opportunity - its a way of letting go and trying to find yourself at the same time. People's lives are different though so I dont begrudge it - it would be nice to able to draw on that. though. I have to say I am looking forward so much to two holidays this year with my beautiful girlfriend and her daughter - it will be so much fun and great to get away from the daily life - and to spend time with the people I love - thats so important. 

Whats happening in the world of music? Well in my own, not a lot, though I have grand production and completion visions in my head, the practical side is far from perfection and I should find the time and inclination to draft and produce the various half songs I have lurking in my head and Logic 8. Otherwise its a waste, right?

In the real world, exciting things are happening. I was lucky enough to win tickets to see Richard Hawley at the Apple Store in London, and genius it was too. He is legend and I am really into his music. Years ago a friend leant me 'Late Night Final' and at the time I couldnt have thought of anything more duller. Now, now I know how wrong I was. The man is a genius and I have got three of his albums now, he really is worth checking out. 

New (and connected to Richard by way of production / co performance) is A Girl Called Eddy, from who I have downloaded Tears All Over Town, and will be purchasing more. The tip came from the Stuart Maconie and Mark Radcliffe show on Radio 2 some time ago, but recently spotting the Hawley connection my interest was increased.

also, check out Stephen Fretwell, his new one is reall good and Magpie, the album before, is a complete classic. Non pretentious, non commercial, honest singer songrwriting, is halfway there, but doesnt do it justice. 

And I still love Arcade Fire.

-----

My personal life remains personal but to be able to share it with someone so wonderful, beautiful and amazing, is no less than a God send. Honestly. 

Well I guess you cant top that so at this point I shall bow out with a doff of my cap and a cheery goodbye. Toodlepip!

Berlin!

Well Ive been back a couple of weeks now but Ive had a great break in the wonderful city of Berlin, if you havent been, go! Go Now!

The main reason to go was to see Crowded House on their world tour, but it extended into a mini break with my mate Dave who has been a few times before and knows his way round (always handy). By pure chance, Rufus Wainwright happened to be playing on the day we arrived, so as he is current weapon of choice in terms of listening for both Dave and I, it had to be done really! 

A late night Wednesday for me turned into an early Thursday and a drive up to Stansted, so not the greatest start as I was a bit overtired as was Dave by coincidence, but travelling to Germany was no problem save a train strike but we managed to get into the City centre without too many problems. We arrived at the hotel mid morning (can i recommend the Hotel Bleibtreu, Bleibtreu Strasse, Berlin) and went out for lunch at a very nice restaurant, (you may find that a continuing theme). A short walk followed by catching up on a bit of sleep went down a  treat, before heading out to the Rufus Wainwright concert.

Rufus 

Which was, Quite Possibly, The Best Gig Ive Ever Been To. Aside from Pink Floyd, who are legends, this concert was absolutely stunning. The man has such a voice, such a presence and being quite the showman too was an amazing combination. Showman doesnt really do it justice, because he is quite clearly being himself and sits well equally with the ostentatious moments as well as heart rendering performances with just him and the piano. I have never heard such mastery and range of voice as his, and the piano performance was outstanding. The band were great, I really cant speak highly enough of the whole evening which was based in the Volksbuhne (Peoples Theatre), an East German faded grandeur building and a very intimate setting.  Highlights were The Art Teacher, Tulsa, Leaving For Paris, 14th Street, actually too many to mention. even if youre not a fan, I urge to to go and see him to experience vocal and musical excellence. Go now. 

The City

Is fantastic. We walked back late at night from one side of the city to the other. What an amazing place, the people are the friendliest Ive come across on my travels, and the architecture and structure of the City is superb. Much of it is in rebuild, after the war, there are still many buildings that carry the scars or the place being flattened in the forties. I did have a strange vision in my head of Eastern Bloc concrete, depressed building types, and to an extent, you do get the feeling of State conformty and uniform architecture, but I find it fascinating, almost a romantic notion about it (im sure there are many that would disagree, with good cause) but the difference between East and West wasnt all that jarring, you can walk accross the place without much notice of crossing some line or other. Heres the TV tower which I thought was amzaing, and dominates the skyline (didnt get a chance to go up it im afraid, but next time):

The whole place is completely non threatening and walking around at the dead of night is no problem at all I found. 

The next day was spent on foot exploring the place, and I could post numerous photos that would not do justice to the City. We went to Ka De We, an amazing department store, one floor dedicated to delicatessans and food for example, where I bought some fine pipe tobacco called Sans Souci, (bit of a Rufus connection but its the name of a park in Potsdam that we visited on the Sunday - incredible place)

We ate very well at the The Opera House and in a near euphoric state of well eaten-ness and a stein of beer or two nearly bought tickets for a performance there that evening. Luckily we came to our senses, because neither Dave or I like ballet or would have a clue what its all about, plus its not the kind of thing you go to with your mate. Sorry 'Giselle', maybe next time. Or not.

Sans Souci

Is an amazing park in Potsdam. Potsdam itself is nice, a little place with some contrasting architecture but its mainly pedestrianised which is nice. 

The park itself is incredible, and we spent the best part of the afternoon there though could have wandered round much more. Built for Frederick the Great with palaces, follies, lakes, tea houses, gardens and a windmill (!) covering the area its a really nice place. Theres only so much you can say, other than saying go there! Here are some pics.

Crowded House

Sorry, Im going on a bit here arent I! Anyway we went to see Crowded House in the evening who were great, I was really suprised by the venue which was in effect some kind of church hall sized place! Great! There must have been only about  3 to 4 hundred people only, we stood next to the sound and lighting guys which added an extra interest for me, plus I blagged the setlist from the lighting guy so I have a souvenir! Cherry Ghost were supporting and they were good, thats twice Ive seen them too, I like them.  CH were great themselves, very slick, did what they did very well, a bit of banter, and there was some good singing from the crowd going on, which Neil Finn started harmonising to, and said we were in fine voice! So technically Ive sung with Neil Finn. Or something like that. Definitely worth going to see and topped off a great weekend. Out of the two, and its not fair to compare though because they do different things, Rufus wins. 

Last Day

Felt a bit dodge all day which marred it slightly but had a nice lunch (or is it dinner?) and wander around before heading to the airport. A few delays on the way back and hitting England was a bit miserable mainly becuase of the way it is and everyone in it. Thats a bit sweeping, it was the usual end of a trip thing but also everyone seems that much ruder and things seem that much harder. Plus id left my interior light on in my car like a muppet (Kermit I think) so had the AA out to get me going again.. by the time got home at 2 am was definitely ready for sleep.. but all in all a fantastic trip with brilliant company, cracking gigs, so viva Berlin, I thoroughly recommend it!

Any more?

House things going well, am repairing my fire and getting the chimney swept next week so it will finally give me heat and a warm glow about the place! How much dancing there is during the sweeping process remains to be seen.. Step in time!

I have wonderful and exciting news..

..and those of you who know me know it anyway, but suffice to say she's really wonderful and I am very, very happy, and we both feel the same. Hooray!

And finally..

after this mammoth post (sorry) im telling myself to shut up so Ill head off here, in brief have been to a beer festival, am looking forward to seeing Carl Heather and Abbey next weekend, works ok, just work, and will soon be Christmas! Right, time to go...

Where is it going?

..the year that is, I blink and its the end of September already.. My God..

anyhoo just a quick update here, hello to all you viewers out there. Hi. 

I love to ride my bicylcle..

Except when its persisting down with rain and a a crosswind and youre on a charity ride on the Isle of Wight.. In fairness that only happened at the end of an epic 71 mile ride, 5 hours 50 minutes later, average 12.1 mph (sounds slow, probably is, you try it). It started off really well, the most part of the island is stunning, its just a shame the weather turned and the hills became more demanding and more frequent, but hey, its for chariddy so we dont mind. The best thing of the weekend was the hotel, a very nice studio apartment to share with my mate, loads of room, seperate bed and fold out sofa bed (before you ask), balcony facing out to sea, massive bathroom, fantastic restaurant, some of the best food ive ever eaten, fantastic staff. I can thoroughly recommend the Hamborough Hotel, Ventor.

Video killed the radio star..

More wedding filming been going on, had a great though tiring day and am still in the throws of editing it all down..! Still, will be worth it!

The futures bright, the futures..

the iPhone! Out 9th of November, me being an Apple / Technology nut (and a fool with money) I will no doubt be there to embalm in the retail experience and then pay a fortune for line rental, still, should be great, until I drop it (I am inherently clumsy with things Ive paid a fortune for).  Doh.

Thought I'd something more to say..

but turns out I havent. Looking forward to visiting family next weekend, and Berlin the weekend after. Cest bon! Wait, wrong country..

Adios..

Aha!

Well hello again.. I couldnt think of a title but as I'm listening to A-ha, and I havent posted for a little while (theres a suprise) I thought it seemed apt! If you havent bought the Analogue album by our fine Norwegian friends, then do it now! Yes, right now!

House

Well its got to be the main news hasnt it, I am FINALLY in my new house, and its amazing, Im so, so pleased, and feel so relaxed and at home here already. I moved in on the 9th (if you know me you should have had an Edward Hopper postcard telling you that!) and apart from getting a sofa bed for the spare room, Im sorted! I have to say an immense thank you (as always) to Rob, who helped me move, and who I couldnt do most things without it seems. Thank you!

Its really nice here, lovely 'q' street, in a little village, and i feel really at home. I barely watch the telly (£28, eBay) cos Im often sitting in the kitchen listening to the fantastic DAB radio Rob got me as a moving in present, just reading the paper, chilling out etc, or on my very nice Ilva sofa, listening to music. I have garden furniture arriving Friday! Just in time for summer?

Anyway Im really pleased, its a new way of living I suppose, and it feels like I have started again after 9 years of renting, the last year and half of which was forced sharing, which wasnt ideal at all. 6 months ago I was leading a completely different life, its incredible how fast things change.

For now I am trying to sort myself out but at least I feel very content within these walls. One thing I have to do is stop spending too much money i dont have, which is hard for me..!

Miscellaneous Activities

Well I have been busy really, since April Ive been doing Ceroc on and off (more off than on recently). its quite good fun. Last week I went to a wedding, well, I was filming it so I was kind of there by default, but it was a great day. Ive also been trying to train for the BHF Cycle the Wight ride in September. Note trying..

Well its just a quick update really, i thought Id write more but turns out I havent..

Musically, can I recommend...



Arcade Fire (Of Course! Buy them now!)



Richard Hawley, fantastic new album 'Lady's Bridge'



and The Good The Bad and The Queen, brilliant.

Im sure there are others, I forget. Oh well. To the ale..!

Catch up soon..

May, June, July..

Time goes by doesnt it? Well where are we now? I went away in April for a week, needed some time to myself (which wasnt enough I suppose) but had a good time, over my brithday. I went to Devizes for a bit (no reason, thats just where I ended up in the car, Id never been there before) and did some cycling round Wiltshire, very nice indeed. Meet some nice people where I was staying, and when I spoke to mum turns out I stayed in the same hotel she stayed at on her honeymoon on the way to Wales. Now thats a bit spooky. After that I went to my best mate Robs to celebrate my brithday and had a good night and next day chilling out. After that I went down to Arundel, and a bit of a mammoth bike ride tour round to worthing and back. Excellent! It was a good break, and also managed to get a new silver cross and chain as my birthday present from mum and Sarah (thanks) to replace the one I lost.

And so back to work, and with the other house falling through I managed to find a new one Im really pleased with and hopefully should be moving in soon. Its going to be really tight as I havent been good on the credit card doh (not that Im reacting to recent events or anything!) but I cant tell you how much Im looking forward to my own place. Just closing the door behind me, having some quiet time, sitting in the garden with my pipe, a book and a pint, that sort of thing! And being able to do some music too. I just need time to think on my own and im not sure thats going to be entirely healthy but youve got to get up to get down. No wait, thats dancing. You know what I mean.

Anyhoo.. where have I been recently?

Went to Hyde Park Calling, saw the awesome Crowded House and the amazing peter Gabriel, caught up with my friend Jenny (Italy) and had a general good time all round.



I also had a great time at Latitude festival!! A few minor grumbles but i wont go into them here. The Good The Bad and The Queen were amazing, so spot on sonically and performance wise, no nonsense, its a fantastic album which does take a bit of getting used to but the were the highlight, only marginally in front of the Arcade Fire, which might just be my New Favourite Band, they were awesome. Also good were CSS, Cherry Ghost, the Hitchcock film 'The Lodger' which was accompanied by a new score from a live orchestra, the Puppini Sisters, which were great (and the red head is gorgeous), Roger McGough (brilliant), painted sheep, (not an act, actual painted sheep) Air Traffic, the band with Robin Ince Book Club whos name I forget (two gavins and a something? Very good). And the Dj in the cabaret tent played out one night with dance versions of tracks from Bugsy Malone! Took me back to my youth!

So now Im back and still in festival mode, but cant wait for the house to happen. Going to stop rambling now, more soon from my head to your computer.

The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Blogger..

Well more time has passed since the last post, which was basically a filler (arent they all?). I see Carl (Norfolk Red) hasnt posted since last November so I'm a little ahead on him.. come on Carl, keep up!

Am no longer buying the house as the chimney needed far more structural work than previously thought, so I have to start again on that! My car got keyed, thanks very much whoever did that, and the insurance firm (will remain nameless but makes Elephant noises and tramps about like an Elephant looking like an Elephant) have been a bit rubbish! Thought you would actually be able to do things online with an online company but oh no.. and theyre post service has been atrocious! And the less said about my personal life the better frankly.

So, happy days..

Really like the new Rufus Wainwright song, Going To A Town, which will be on sale soon I hope, the iTunes store only has on sale in the States. Y'all.

Music..

I have ten tracks now which I am happy with and now just need to finish writing and recording them. Progress has been slow to non existent, but I'm really excited about the prospect of starting getting them down properly. Have to just overcome the impatience and sometimes boredom that comes of not being able to do it fast enough or good enough but once I get into it I really love the intricacy of getting it just so.

Books..

Am still reading 'Cash' by Johnny Cash, its really good.

DVD..

Am working wmy way through The Mighty Boosh again, its brilliant!

Cheese..

Brie is my Cheese of Choice for today

Beer..

Try Wild Hare by Bath Ales. Fantastic.

Travel..

Oh yeah, Ive been away! I'll tell you about it sometime. Whoever you are.

Ciao..

Well you may be wondering after that last cliffhanger whats been happening! Or not.. Well I have still bought a house and am going through the ardous process of actually sorting it out. Visited it again today after the survey to look at the chimney stack in the loft which does need rebracing, but i think Ill wear that given ive already got three grand off the asking price. Spent a bit of time there, Im really looking forward to moving in. Its a small house but you have to start somewhere and I found out someone i used to work with lives just up the road. Always helps!

Ill have to get some work done there but to be honest its an older house and im quite looking forward to getting my hands dirty with it. i just want it all to happen now, though I am the impatient type..

This month has been incredibly busy still the overtime should come in handy.

Its my birthday soon! Hooray! I have no plans but I think Ill take myself off somewhere.

Rule No.1: NEVER work on your birthday

Rule No.2: ALWAYS buy yourself something nice (I think this year it will be my LCD telly for my new house)

I have a feeling I might be on a plane Italy bound or just getting in the car and heading off in my usual style just to be doing something!

Can i recommend the following music:

Mathematics by Cherry Ghost

Stop Me by Mark Ronson (cover of Smiths Song)

The new one by Travis (theyve bored me in the past but I like the cut of their jib on their latest)

I bought the Good the Bad and the Queen album, its different, not sure about it yet. still I listened to it all the way through in the car so thats saying something.

Im going to Hyde Park Calling! Hooray! Going to book a hotel also, cant be arsed with driving back after a days concert! it will be nice to stay up there!

Anyhoo rambling a bit now so see ya..

Ive bought a house! My God!

A kick up the.. no wait..done that

Some months ago I said I'd start again on this, now its halfway through February! Well thats a bloody thing. Ive just had a thought this is actually like just typing to yourself, and as I already know what's been happening with my life, I dont feel so bad cause I am already up to date.

Really, this last year has been amazing, and I think I achieved what I set out to do when I turned thirty, in that I really wanted to do more things and experience more. Florence is an obvious highlight, and Ive seen more gigs than I can shake a stick at. Actually they frown on shaking sticks at gigs these days, unless theyre glowsticks, and thats a bit 90's anyway. Good name for a band there, The Glowsticks. Anyhow..

Im learning Italian! Well I have lapsed a bit, like im in rehab, so, io non parlo Italiana. I shall have to get back off the wagon! Think Ive got my metaphors mixed up here. Plus Ive probably lost pace with Carl who is learning at the same time as me. Ciao amico, come stai?

I'm buying a house! Well planning to. Some mad bank is going to lend me money (The Theme from Godfather is the hold music) and Im viewing loads of houses, some of them ok but only one that stood out. Shame the 'vendors' (why dont they say seller) were acceppting other offers and whoever got the survey booked first won the house. This isnt eBay, so bye bye.

So at the moment I'm house sharing which isnt ideal but Im out doing loads of viewings. One'll turn up!

Right now I'm very excited about:

My neice's 6th birthday!
My goddaughters 5th birthday!
Norwich beating Chelski in the FA Cup today (this will later appear on the 'words I am going to eat' list)
Going to Norwich to see my friends in March
Buying a house (sort of)
erm thats about it for now

Currently I am listening to:

Athlete
Snow Patrol
James Morrison
Seth Lakeman
Neil Young
Suede
Crowded House

I am annoyed about:

Losing my traser H3 watch
Losing my silver cross which was my 21st birthday present from my mum

For my birthday I am hoping to get:

A watch
A silver cross

I need to stop making lists. And in fact stop typing. Bye!

Kick Up The Backside!

Well my mate Carl has reminded me that I havent 'blogged' for ages, so here is a short post to say that I will be posting shortly! I know you avid readers (all three of you) cant wait..

Keane

This is Keane! They were amzing last Friday at a one off gig at The Astoria, London. They were really good, and played a great set from the old and new albums. I'll definitely try and see them live again. Got the new album from iTunes too, though I'd rather have the CD I was seduced by the video and digital booklet malarky. it sounds great so far.

Keane-o !

Warning: It's a long post!

I've been away from here, quite literally, as I've been to Florence for a few days! I cant begin to describe how amazing it was and what a great time I had. My friends and my sister have both been there before and recommended it to me as somewhere to go, so off I went! I dont mind travelling on my own but the whole thing was made all the much better for meeting Liz and Jenny on the plane over, and spending some time with them throughout the trip.

Florence itself is really, really stunning, its is in fact almost so overwhelming you cant take it all in. If you stopped to stare at it all you'd stop forever, every view is a picture, and pictures dont do it justice. It was busy, loads of Americans (that's a whole other thread but i'll only get annoyed so best to ignore it and move on, though it did provide some amusing moments) and street sellers, but in fairness they dont really hassle you.

The Ponte Vecchio:


I thought I'd take the first day easy but in fact I spent the whole day out, walking to the other side of the Ponte Vecchio, up to the Boboli Gardens (amazing), through a gallery and back into town in the evening for a late meal then onto a bar till about 3am with the above mentioned company. It was a great start, and the next day Liz & I visited the Duomo. I'm running out of words that you havent heard before to describe everything. The fresco in the dome was a real eye opener, the experience bettered by the view from the top of the dome once you get outside. There you have a 360 degree panorama of, well, everything. I'm glad I didnt queue for the rest of the cathedral (there are seperate entrances and charges) as the dome was really the bit I wanted to see. However the whole building is the only place I've seen, having walked around a corner to be confronted by it, that was such an amazing sight that I spontaneously swore.

I walked in the evening over to the Piazzale Michelangelo which offers stunning views over the City. I ate there, then walked back via a bar for a few drinks and some unwinding, where I could sit and continue reading 'Pink Floyd - A Personal History' by Nick Mason. Its very good.

View from Piazzale Michelangelo:

I stayed out till about 1am and there was an amazing storm, really quite ferocious, but I sat in the arch on the steps of the Duomo cathedral watching it all go by, the heavy rain and thunder, and sudden fork lightning. Aided no doubt by the 5 beers and 4 glasses of port, together with listening to 'Echoes' (from Meddle, by PF) on the iPod, it was all actually a bit intense, especially being in such a religious place it was like seeing the power of God but the protection of God all at the same time, as I sat in the Arch completely dry and feeling very safe and relaxed.

Well alcohol usually seems like a good idea at the time until the next day (Tuesday) where I felt rubbish till the best part of the afternoon.I stayed local and started to feel that I hadnt done or seen enough as i knew I was going back to London the next day. It rained a little, but not much, and I visited the Vecchio Palace (home of the Medici family) which was ok, but I'm not a great one for spending ages looking at rooms or paintings I have to say. I did the necessary postcard writing and gift obtaining, and walked the rest of the city for a good while. Now that implies I really just wandered around and that was about it, but in actual fact I did do alot that day, and everywhere you walk you are assaulted by some part of Rennaisance history or amazing buildings and scenery. Statues of Dante, Neptune, a copy of David, numerous churches, piazza's and general history were all incorporated in my wander about. So it wasnt just a trip into town, as they say!

Felling much better in the afternoon and having made plans for going out later I went back over the Ponte Vecchio, via somewhere to eat, and up again to the Piazza Michealangelo, this time with new camera batteries. I got there to watch sunset over Florence on my last night there, and took some pictures which have come out quite well. Coming back into the City for about half ten there are a couple of guitar players that seem to perform on the Ponte Vecchio each night. It's abit of a tourist trap there I suppose but they were quite good, and for €2 played 'Wish You Were Here' continuing on the Floyd theme. I met up with the girls after that and we went out to Bar Slowly again. This is apparently the best bar in town and though not as busy then as when we went a couple of nights before, it was a good night and we had a wander about after. I got back to my hotel about half three, to be up at 7 to pack and get out to go to the Ufizzi.



The last day, Wednesday, was like a bonus. Before, I was concious that I was going back that day and that it all had to come to an end etc (ever the optimist) but it was amazing, a real free day and the most relaxed I've been for a long long time. I met with Liz to go to the Ufizzi gallery and we really went round in our own time. I'm really grateful to her for coming to the Duomo and the Ufizzi and being a bit of a guide, I dont know a great deal about art and history whereas she does, which helps! So instead of walking around and missing things, I had a much better idea about what was going on and why. So I'm now more interested in finding out about the paintings we saw and the stories behind them. We also were talking alot or sitting down waiting for the crowds to go and I dont think I looked at the watch once. The gallery has a nice terrace cafe overlooking the city, well worth a sit down and a coffee. Having met Jenny for something to eat and chatting for a bit, it was a nice end to the day and after saying goodbye, I had to make a move to head back to London.

It was quite a thing to leave Florence in the end, especially having had such an unexpected 'extra' day at the end. Some time away makes you rethink alot of things (and I dont think Ive thought like that for a long time), and Ive also got a bit of a better appreciation of things like art, and a brighter view on life - I hope I can keep hold of that to spur me on a bit when work is hard or I feel in a rut. Honestly I go away, and suddenly the whole worlds changed! A great place is also harder to leave when you've had great company, and there are more memories about Florence than this post can give justice to, and considering you're probably bored already I think it's the right moment to stop!

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My car looks perfect thanks to my best mate Rob spending hours cleaning, polishing and waxing it whilst I was away (unbenounced to me), plus practically bringing the wheels back to brand new. Cheers man!

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I'm going to see Keane tonight! Woohoo!

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World Cup starts today, going to a barbeque tomorrow to watch England's first match, should be good!

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Stop typing I'm running on!

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...

Well its been a while and there must be something thats happened (other than work).. Meanwhile, heres some pictures..



and

Busy times!

Blimey. If I havent got something to worry or moan about Im not happy, but I have to say the past couple of weeks have been jam packed with events I have hardly had time to catch up with myself or realise where I am! Ive had an awesome ride in a helicopter which considering this time last year I had never ever flown before, Ive done quite well having gone to Italy in the summer in one of those plane thingys. The helicopter journey was absolutely out of this world and the more I look back on it was one of the highlights if my time on planet earth, amazing.

Nearly 30..

11 days to go for me. My friend Carl had his on the 27th so we're all getting older!

Depeche Mode..

On the second I went with my mate Rob to see the MIGHTY DEPECHE MODE!!! at Wembley Arena. It was absolutely awesome, I cannot overstate that enough. Im watching the One Night In Paris DVD as a reminder of seeing them live, what a fantastic gig. They did plenty of older stuff, which was suprising in a way but very well received. Highlights from me were Walking In My Shoes (which must be my all time favourite DM song), from Songs of Faith and Devotion - a note about that album, its a must for any spiritual journey - and Home, from Ultra, they were really, really good. The set and show (directed by Anton Corbijn) was really excellent. Got a T shirt, and Programme. Im wearing it now (the T-shirt, not the program)

I saw Pink Floyd live, which was my first ever gig, which is hard to beat. Favourite band? Right now, DM, all the way.

Back to work..

Im starting to think I have it easy, the second three day week. Its hard work, but Im starting to realise the work life balance is as much about me putting effort into the life side of it as I do work. Of course if I had my way no one would have to work to live, but considering thats probably a vaguely Communist sentiment, I cant see that happengin in this day and age.

Old friends..

This week Ive seen two old friends, one I havent seen for a while and one I havent seen for three years! It was good to see both.

Well Ive typed a fair bit, might have to write some music later. Im itching to get on the synth I feel there is so much more I can do but its about being in the right frame of mind. Im also trying to prolong the time before tomorrow comes and I have to go back to work. Dammit.

But so far so good today. Thats enough typing for now, you can tell when Ive had a drink.

25 Days Later

Well its been a while (about 25 days..) and its one of those moments where I think I havent got much to write about, so I probably havent.

Work has been very busy so thats where most of my time has gone, it seems. Went to see The Canaries play Sheffield Utd, which we won 2-1. I was treated with some freinds to the Top of The Terrace experience, which included a three course meal ( really nice) and indoor seating for the match, and it was a great experience. You are a bit deprived of the sound from outside but it being really cold that day too, I wasnt too bothered about being indoors! Great day, thanks to Tony and Carl.

London Zoo was great, had a fantastic day with my Niece Bekky who seemed to enjoy it too! It was really good there, I felt a bit sad for caged animals though at times. Ive not been to a proper zoo like that before. The giraffes were awesome. Here's one.



I've bought the new Dave Gilmour album which seems pretty good. Ive also downloaded Gnarls Barkley - Crazy, and Embrace - Nature's Law. These are choons wot I like.

Im also going to see Derren Brown in April!

My mate Carl's 30th do is soon, should be a good night out.

Bye for now..

This week..

Highlights of this week so far, included:

A video iPod (cool).

A message from an old friend.

Beth Orton, at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Really, really good, intimate venue, honest, kooky performance, spurious encores, very nice company, the journey home (might be a song later).

Japanese food, at Mile End, new experience, and a very pleasant one at that. Must find out more! I feel culturally naive at times, note to self: must expand horizons.

Lack of sleep, and work, not much change there then.

To come: a visit to a friend in hospital, breakfast, the zoo. More thoughts that may or may not be relevant.

This is the news..

There is much happening chez Canary, and in a sense nothing is happening all at the same time. Im moving soon, if only I had time to move - Im surrounded by half packed boxes and the like, which I do not like. Im sure it will all get done by Monday when I actually go. Ive been here three years renting a life in this flat, which now Ive got to leave is a bit of a shame, theres plenty of room see.

Anyhow, things meander on. Work is busy and often hard. No one ever said it was going to be easy!

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Things that are new:

Going to see Beth Orton at the end of the month, looking forward to that. Downloaded her new album which I hope will grow more on me. Some of the songs are short and sweet.

City won 3-0 against Brighton. Worthy In.

Couresy of Lauren LeVerne (XFM) Ive been hearing Short Short Stories by David Eggars. They are quite different, poignant and blatant, yet unexpected all at once if that all makes sense. The Guardian have a page of his stories, some are good, some excellent, others Im not keen on, but its something new.

Here's one.

The Accident


You all get out of your cars. You are alone in yours, and there are three teenagers in theirs, an older Camaro in new condition. The accident was your fault, and you walk over to tell them this.
Walking over to their car, which you have ruined, it occurs to you that if the three teenagers are angry teenagers, this encounter could be very unpleasant. You pulled into an intersection, obstructing them, and their car hit yours. They have every right to be upset, or livid, or even violence-contemplating.

As you approach, you see that their driver's side door won't open. The driver pushes against it, and you are reminded of scenes where drivers are stuck in submerged cars. Soon they all exit through the passenger side door and walk around the Camaro, inspecting the damage. None of them is hurt, but the car is wrecked. "Just bought this today," the driver says. He is 18, blond, average in all ways. "Today?" you ask.
You are a bad person, you think. You also think: what a dorky car for a teenager to buy in 2005. "Yeah, today," he says, then sighs. You tell him that you are sorry. That you are so, so sorry. That it was your fault and that you will cover all costs.

You exchange insurance information, and you find yourself, minute by minute, ever more thankful that none of these teenagers has punched you, or even made a remark about your being drunk, which you are not, or being stupid, which you are, often. You become more friendly with all of them, and you realise that you are much more connected to them, particularly to the driver, than possible in perhaps any other way.

You have done him and his friends harm, in a way, and you jeopardised their health, and now you are so close you feel like you share a heart. He knows your name and you know his, and you almost killed him and, because you got so close to doing so but didn't, you want to fall on him, weeping, because you are so lonely, so lonely always, and all contact is contact, and all contact makes us so grateful we want to cry and dance and cry and cry.

In a moment of clarity, you finally understand why boxers, who want so badly to hurt each other, can rest their heads on the shoulders of their opponents, can lean against one another like tired lovers, so thankful for a moment of peace.

David Eggers in The Guardian

Martha Wainwright

You have to check out Martha Wainright. Ive downloaded her self titled album from iTunes and its really, really good. I only got to hear of her through a free CD on the cover of Esquire magazine, which had the track 'Factory' on it. Of course this being the age of the internet nothing is too far away from you, so I checked out her website and of course the Music Store.

Every track has the explicit marking which if you can get by doesnt really dent the enjoyment of the album, its hardly noticeable (apart from the track Bloody Mother F*****g A******e which you might want to forward if youve got children).

Anyhow, it really is a fantastic listen. Honest, raw lyrics which still require some thought, an intruiging voice, and a melodic and well recorded sound. Comparisons with Emmy Lou Harris arent without warrant.

It does require some staying power towards the end if only that 16 tracks is a fair amount to absorb all at once, but the first 5 or so are a great opening and draw you in to the rest of the recording invitingly.

I like the tone and style of it, its personal and observant. She is the brother of Rufus who appears on a later track and comes from the family of Loudon Wainwright III so she clearly has a particular talent within her family.

One word of warning the download from iTunes had some pops and clicks in it which they refunded me for and asked me to wait a fortnight before I redownloaded. Caveat Emptor until they get it fixed!

Anyway its here: iTunes

and here: Website

There is other news but thats for another day. Depending on how I feel.

mY fIrSt PoST

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, just as 2005 is finishing. Who knows what the New Year will bring! Maybe another 'blog' entry.