This weekend started off in fine form, I got to work on Friday morning at about 10 past 9, and the shutters were down and lights all off. I had to walk round to the back entrance. I got there and everyone was gathered round chatting. No computers on, no lights. Everyone was in their casualwear cos it was Jeans for Genes day. It turned out, the power had gone off somehow and the backup generator had not kicked in. We had no network, no power to the building and no emergency lighting at all. So the boss decided to send some of us home, myself included. Result. I got home about 10.20am and decided to wash the car. Great!

Friday evening we went to the pub to celebrate Brian's getting into the army, and it was great fun, we had a laugh and went back to Troops after, although Brian was a little bit worse for wear.

Saturday, went out for Roj's conception for a few drinks, had a great laugh with Geoff, Dom, Eve, and Roj's two mates Ian and John.

Sunday went to see Halloween and it was a pretty good version, later had a chill round Angels and then off to Kelly's for a chinese and a game of Rochelle's Hats. I learned what "Merekating" was, thanks Kelly, and generally had a good time.

This weekend to come its KT's Birthday, so that should be fun.

Btw, I found my other copy of LA Confidential - at last, but now I have two. Lol. I'll keep one for spare I think hehe.

Well, I tend to post now only when I have something I'd like to note for future reference, but this time its just a post for the hell of it. What with a Myspace and a Facebook to maintain as well, I hardly get time for just an honest to goodness post.

I am seriously beginning to lose the plot at work. I've turned from being a second tier support and database analyst to a Project Manager in the space of months with no pay rise, extra responsibilities and loads more work it seems. The department is stretched tighter than a snare drum, with many people quitting after a stack of people being asked to leave because they didn't meet the necessary requirements to do their job. The management are holding tight onto their purse strings again, and have decided to not hold a corporate Christmas party because its "a multi-cultural organisation, and they do not wish to make non-Christian's uncomfortable," according to a forum rep. I say, fuck that! Its not about it being a Christian Festival, its about saying thank you to your employees for all their diligence and hard work for the year. I hope the money-grabbing bastards choke on their turkey, because you can bet your sweet ass the shareholders and executive board will be having a party of some kind. Wankers!!!

On a more pleasant note, I finished an article for the staff magazine last week and it was a movie review. So I've just been told that if I would like to, I can have a regular column in the magazine for movie reviews, which is sweet, and really what I love to do anyway. I won't be getting paid for it, but I can have the time to write an article at work, so it will be all good.

Tacheback is now over, and the moustache has now gone, but I might bring the beard back again as I quite liked it once I got past the itchyness. We had a fun night on Saturday, and went from the Gosta Green all the way up to the Flapper and then onto Flares despite being dressed like fools. A big thanks to all who supported us, and to those who took part. I'd like to say to those that dressed up you all looked really good.

In Wow, I levelled my Warrior to level 70 now and beginning the long process to upgrade his gear and earn the key to Kara. As he's a human, the rep grind will not be so bad I hope. Did my first Kara raid with my main last week, and actually did pretty well. Didn't get any epics for myself, but the bosses were fun, and the eerie distant church bell adds a lot of atmosphere to the place. My hunter friend Kal helped me organise traps and use my lesser used skills like stoneform to prevent Moroes Garotte.

Its fast approaching my 30th, and I need to sort out what to do, I had originally planned to do a beer bus, but as they hiked the price up an extra £2.50 per head, working out to be about £75 extra, I decided against it.

I was really enjoying the Golden Hour on Radio 1 in the mornings, when it returned for the run up to Radio 1's 40th Birthday, but alas its gone again. Damnit. I'm so sick of the same songs on the radio again, back to my trusty MP3 player methinks.

Quick joke to finish:

Q: "What smells of wee and goes in and out?"

A: "Your Gran doing the Hokey Cokey!"

Feel free to replace the word "Gran" with the name of someone you don't like very much, it works just as well.

Hope you had a good un mate! *balloons*

Haven't updated for a month now, so I'd better remedy that now.

Went to the glee club for Alex's Birthday on Friday and loved it. Richard Morton compered, and we had a rare treat in the form of Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolf III as the middle act. Very very funny. Al was impressed with his present which was a flying monkey that makes a noise in mid air. However the after the show disco was a bit lame really and ended after about half an hour. Boo hiss.

I've been growing my facial hair for the Tacheback Everyman Campaign in order to raise funds for Testicular Cancer research. I'll get a link up to the donation site when I find one that works. A group of us are doing this and we plan to go out on the town as 70's cops at the end of the growth period so that promises to be a lot of fun.

Went to Warwick Castle not so long ago and saw the jousting which was just excellent. All the riders were fairly young as well and they mastered jousting pretty well. We saw the birds of prey in the falconry show as well and I even got to test my bow arm doing a bit of archery.

This weekend promises to be great weatherwise so if people want to meet up that would be cool. We usually go to a pub on Sunday evening when there is a bank holiday cos there's no work in the morning.

And in wow news I've been levelling a warrior to level 60 which has been fun.

Right hometime now, seeya later.

List seven songs you are into right now, no matter what the genre, how much old they are, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now.
Post these instructions in your LiveJournal along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to:

1) Angry Mob - Kaiser Chiefs

The latest release from the leeds based fivesome is as catchy as ever. Currently bothering radio airplay, and just brings a smile to my face. Its got ups and downs and changes all over the place, but it has a haunting finish that repeats to fade. I briefly saw the video as well, and it looked like they had fun making it.

2) Do You Remember the First Time - Pulp

I'm not a big pulp fan, but this song is great for two reasons, a catchy riff in the chorus, and the fact that the verses build up from almost a whisper to a crescendo before the chorus. The lyrics are pretty funny too. I've not liked anything Pulp have done since as much as this. I heard this on Colin Murray's show not so long ago and its stuck in my head.

3) Heresy - Nine Inch Nails

You can actually stick this one next to Skunk Anansie's Selling Jesus for one of the most rocking anti religion songs ever. The thumping baseline and screaming keyboards and vocals on this one are class as well. This one had to grow on me, and I think thats why I now like it so much.

4) Colossal - Wolfmother

There had to be a Wolfmother track in this list as I listen to them all the time. I think I love this one the most for three reasons. The stomping guitar all the way to the breakdown at the end which becomes more like speed metal, the wonderfully kitsch lyrics: "If I had love left to give you, would you still throw it all away" and "she must be mother nature's child cos she's running to the call of the wild", and finally the cool that the track resonates from the beginning to the end.

5) Put Em High - Stonebridge featuring Therese

There are not many mainstream dance songs that capture any feeling for me, but for some reason this one does. Its one my possible ringtones on my phone and I have the single. Its a love song, with a funky beat like any other, but the vocalist sings beautifully even with that european twang she has. The video is cool, they live in flats in the same block, she's in the flat above, and he's going to play a gig, and she's getting ready to go out with her girlfriends. I don't know, I just like it, its a bit of a chill out track really, it relaxes me.

6) The Chain - Fleetwood Mac

Heard this in Manchester recently, and again its one I put on when I got back just to hear it again. Its a song simple in its message, sounding a little bit blues/country to begin with with an emphasised chorus. "If you don't love me now, you'll never love me again, I can still hear you saying, you will never break the chain." About the bitterness that follows when love breaks down. That aside, it really begins to rock at the end and this builds up to what you might remember as the Formula One theme tune. Dum du-dur derr du-dur dur du-dur dum. The bass starts, and then the guitar kicks in squealing in a high pitch.

7) Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi

I really struggled with the last one, not cos I didn't have one to put, but more like I had so many more to add. This is my guilty pleasure track. Its clever lyrics and overt cheesiness is sometimes just what the doctor ordered - see what I did there. Its overstated as all Bon Jovi classics are - music for strippers basically. The end is elongated further by Jon's desire to carry on 'once more with feeling', and due to Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back, it conjures up an image of Shannon Elizabeth walking into a Mooby's restaurant with the cliche wind machine effect and slow motion as Jay's imagination goes into overdrive.

Okay I want to tag: scarlets_walk_x, kellyxkelly, philoko, tamitam, mund, boo11 and missymodee

What a great gig on Friday! Ozzy was the perfect showman, from Bark at the Moon at the beginning to Crazy Train at the end it was a great gig, and he never seemed to tire during his performance, often jumping up and down and throwing buckets of water on the crowd at the front. Nice to see Mike Boradin behind the drum kit, the ex-Faith No More drummer.

Everyone did go crazy right at the end as Ozzy kept churning the hits out, and it was nice to hear War Pigs and Paranoid as well.

I got up early and Shaun and I headed into town to pick up Steve and then we stopped off at a cafe for breakfast before heading to Dom's for RP. It was a highly entertaining yarn of corruption within the city of Galadawn, which culminated in seiging a veritable fortress underneath a pub, but we made it through in the end. Beers all round. Can't wait for the next one.

On the evening, went out to Scruffies, and then to the Newt which was a good night overall. Despite a lack of communication to begin with.

Sunday was nice and relaxed, went to O'Neil's for a bit of pub grub and then on to the Cinema to see Die Hard 4.0 - a very good film with lots of action in it, some nice baddies too and a credible story.

The evening was just relaxing, played a bit of
WoW watched an episode of Life on Mars and Peep Show, and managed to get revered with Honor Hold and the Greaves of Desolation for my Hunter - yay!

Last night we won the quiz at the Flapper, though it was a little bit closer than the last time, as "Team Sperm Whale" had close competition from "The Firkin A Team". Who'da thought there were two Harrison Ford films beginning with RH.

But first prize was a choice between two tickets to see Ozzy at the NIA tonight or a gallon of beer. Bearing in mind you have a week to claim the pints and it was the end of the night, Napoleon is on the wagon for a month, Shaun doesn't drink and Kelly is pregnant, we opted for the tickets.

Thanks to everyone for letting Angel and I have the tickets, I really appreciate it, and its just what Angel needs, and the perfect compliment to a great week I've had. Drinks on me for next time!

I'll let you know how we got on next week.

This used to a be a regular thing, where don_cione would post his top 5 of the week or whatever, or songs that meant something to him. Well I feel inspired this week to post 5 of my own.

( Lyrics Here )

Seeya later for the Quiz @ The Flapper if you can brave the weather.

I got the Job!!

Yay!!!


Weekend=Celebration

He's what uncyclopedia have to say on the matter.

Types of Ninjas

WARNING: This may cause you to laugh out loud - not work safe if your place of work doesn't allow random giggles.

This Thursday come to the Flapper for Scotty's Pub Quiz.

A few of us went a couple of Thursdays ago and it was brilliant.

This is the start of a lads weekend away to Manchester for some of us as well, so come on down and help us start it in style. Would be great to see you.

Caught the coverage of the Who at Glasto last night too, and it was great. They haven't lost any of their magic.

I feel the need to celebrate being paid this month cos I think I've really earned it lol.

So anyone out on Saturday Night for beer and a knees up?

Also getting people together for Sunday Afternoon/Evening at the Flapper, so come along and we'll have a good time like we always do. ;o)

Spread the love.

Steve

Inspired a bit by Colin Murray's 11pm feature on his radio show.

Rules are simple, name 15 songs and artists that follow a certain theme and explain the reasoning in some cases.

The theme for this week is: "Songs with Question Marks in the Title"

All answers are screened and then revealed in a few days time.

Well I'm in a silly mood this morning and I haven't even had a drink, I think it might be delerium but I think the jury is still out on that one.

frodo_baker is back tomorrow evening for one night only and out for drinks if the general ensemble can get motivated. If the weather holds would be a perfect pre-weekend pick me up I think.

I have to laugh at my job situation as another 5 people I work with are in the same position. In fact Paul made me laugh when I checked his outlook calendar. Next Tuesday 19th: Interview for Job I Already Do. Far funnier however was his entry for the aptitude tests on Thursday 14th: Balance Balls on Nose etc. Hehe gallows humour for the 21st Century, gotta love it. The fact that the Apprentice final is on tonight just makes me laugh thinking its gonna be like that at the interview.

Got a shedload of films off Play.com as they are £5 each, including Inside Man, which is a great take on the heist movie, Shrek 1 and 2, which reminds me of you ellwaffles and richardgreen when we watched them at yours on the massive screen. Thanks Ellie for reminding me of that joke about the deaf people in the pub. Highly offensive but highly amusing.

Watched the last episode of Lost last night, no spoilers but why didn't Charlie shut the door the other side?

Had a session of WoW last night where I remained in character of a derranged warrior who talked to, and on behalf of his pet. "Speedy says there is an 80.7% chance that you'll sh*t yourself when you die" - my particular favourite. hehe.

A bit like that Barbarian Ranger from the Baldur's Gate series, Minsc. Here is a picture of Minsc 'worshiping' his companion 'Boo', the minature giant space hamster, from whom he recieves orders.



Right I've taken up far too much of your time, now shoo, begone.

Had a lovely weekend. A quiet night in on Friday. A bit of Wow and then watched BB, Ugly Betty finale (my concession to see what Angel wants to see - but actually I quite enjoy it too), and then the Friday Night project with Chris Moyles, where he actually came over not too badly.

Saturday, went shopping with Angel early so we could avoid the Saturday City Centre madness. This was low stress high spend, but got a cool 70s shirt (we need a 70s Life on Mars night out, we'll have to organise it.) Went out on Saturday night to the flapper and had a good time there, discussing Manchester, Star Wars Night and many other topics. There were not many out but we tried one of Cian's burgers and didn't succumb to food poisoning - so nice one dude. Ended up in the Newt via Malediction which was a bit too EBM again. The Newt was again brilliant. I didn't drink very much and danced like a mad fool. Kudos to Jon for dropping Pendulum - Slam in his set, and brave but well received choice. Before we knew it, it was time to go home. It was nice to see you all.

Sunday was especially quiet, a lazy day by all accounts. Watched Two for the Money which was entertaining but nothing great. Then I customised one of Angel's T shirts for her and we watched old eps of Never Mind the Buzzcocks on Youtube, including the one with Donny Tourette and the one where Preston walks out.

Back to work now, I have an exam for my job this Thursday and my Job Interview is next Wednesday. I need to revise hehe.

Apparently this weekend is going to be beautiful. Who's up for a late afternoon/evening at the Flapper on Saturday Night? I'm thinking 6 til late.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll formulate a plan. ;o)

nap1st is drumming up support for a Star Wars night, and depending on the success of the night, more nights will follow with different themes. The emphasis is on dressing up and nostalgia with music from the period. Also if you can help out by spreading the word please do.

Manchester is set to go now, three weeks tomorrow, just need to give my car a clean as its rather dusty inside due to recent work being done on it.

I have to prepare for an interview for my job again despite pleading the case that I shouldn't have to apply for a job I'm already doing, I was told that the emphasis has shifted in some areas. Whatever...

So yeah, if you wanna go out Saturday drop me a comment or a text.

Hope you're all doing well.

This is a little project I've been working on within my guild in WoW (The Asylum). Its just a bit of creative writing. They are meant to be bite-sized serial chunks for guild members to enjoy when they visit the site, but I'm quite proud of it as well. While I don't expect non-wow players to 'get it' I hope you'll enjoy it anyway for the thrills, spills and funny stuff.

He is the first five 'chapters' of the first story "At a Dead End". I think another one of the guild members is working on drawing it up as a cartoon strip, so I'm looking forward to that. Anyway enjoy:

( Tales from the Asylum: At a Dead End Chapters 1-5 )

Good weekend if a bit of a quiet one, but found some hilarious clips of Mock the Week on youtube. Here's the best of series 4 for your delictation.

The Best of Mock the Week part one
Parts 2 and 3 are also available from the links on the right of the page on the link above.

Went to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3, and I quite enjoyed it. Had a lot of things wrong with it, but the character interaction was spot on. Nice to have Captain Barbossa as a good guy this time despite his sparring with Jack over the Black Pearl. Though it was lacking some of the finer set pieces from the first two films there was a good battle at the end. Keith Richards cameo was very good as well. Would have liked for Jack Davenport to have a bigger role considering his importance to the plot in the second one, but you can't have everything.

Would liked to have gone out for a drink but plans fell by the wayside of apathy. Must try harder next time. ;o) Enjoyed getting up early on Sunday though, and with the Sun out it was a really nice day.

The London Olympics 2012 logo has been unveiled. Lets just say thank goodness geometry and marketting are not sports or else we'd suck at them too.
*wince*

After being tempted with Download I have to give it a miss this time but I hope the weather is nice for everyone else. Rock on!

A little game for you if you're bored. Take two bands that are similar and swap one of the words in each band around.

Example:

Bullet for a Friend - Funeral for my Valentine
or
Queens of Leon - Kings of the Stone Age

Try it out and see what you get.