Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey

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Everything is everything and we travelled to Camden Town to watch Phoenix perform at the Roundhouse. From modest Victorian beginnings – as a steam engine repair shed – to legendary cultural venue, the Roundhouse has an enviable heritage few are able to match. Having collaborated with Daft Punk and Air, Phoenix have gained critical acclaim for their fabulous live shows. Their fourth and finest album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, I recommend highly and rate as one of the best released in 2009. This event was always going to be on the agenda and I travelled to the venue with my partner in high spirits.

We're inseparable at the moment and our devotion to the music scene is clearly evident, even though there's a curfew involved that just adds to the enthusiasm and entertainment. Outside the venue we had to meet someone who's phone we had happened across at the Coronet. She was thankful and hoped that good things would happen to us both! I misplaced my driving license over the duration, good times! The venue is impressive, I expected the Roundhouse to be smaller but it's very spacious in the main arena. Disappointed that Two Door Cinema Club weren't the support act but we were entertained by Hudson Mohawke instead. Phoenix eventually took to the stage, silhouetted against a white curtain and opening with Lisztomania the capacity crowd that had been subdued displayed their approval. The band proceeded to perform several tracks from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Love Like A Sunset was emphatic and a stripped down version of Everything is Everything was enjoyable. The highlight was the encore 1901 as Thomas Mars, vocalist for Phoenix, entered the crowd where we were positioned. We held his hand and followed him into the centre stage area, where it went off as the crowd reacted to his presence. Another amazing night with the fairest of them all!!

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So Good We Had To Do It Again

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We travelled to London's Koko in Camden for the Tesco Entertainment Album Chart Show previously to watch performances from JLS, Mika and the Courteeners. On that occasion we made friends and featured on the three televised shows that were shown on T4. Yesterday we returned to the venue for the next installment of the show. Performing were Kate Nash, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls, we arrived in 'high spirits' and after a brief interlude and being labelled the 'boost-guy' we made our way to the front. There we found the friends we made previously and the night continued where the last encounter finished.

The host for the evening was Nick Grimshaw, most of the crowd interaction was from a sound engineer who was clearly impressed with our enthusiasm. Kate Nash played a decent set although my partner had hoped that she would play other songs from her previous album. Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed next and played new material, after the set we made our way to the bar area and created an elaborate dance/fight scene which I think confused many revellers in close proximity. Scouting For Girls finished the proceeding and apart from an aggressive group that wanted to pretend we were invisible the night was another success. Outside we entertained Greg Churchouse from Scouting For Girls and our friend met Kate Nash briefly as she exited the venue. We then made our departure like a scene from Free Willy, mandatory McDonald's at Charing Cross and then the final train straight on until morning...


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No, It's Cardboard!

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According to online sources the 30th birthday in today’s world is often around the time when people start thinking of calming down. I'm sure that the majority of my friends have other ideas. Personally it's not the age that concerns me but the responsibility! There are several milestones in April but yesterday represented a celebration of my friend. He's a good friend, and been involved in my life for many years. He could potentially be best man, when I eventually get married but he needs to avoid eating cardboard. No!! Anyway, the celebration was for his 30th birthday and a family funtion room had been hired to host the occasion. I was obviously the focus for banter here! I'm used to the comments now though to be fair.. The night was great fun, it was good to see so many of my friends and also along with the jokes some touching things were said about my new relationship. This though is just a build up for the Easter Weekend which looks to reach new standards..
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I'll Know My Name As It's Called Again

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I had a chance encounter with Nick Grimshaw at the Urban Outfitters in Oxford Street yesterday. I was there for an interview and decided to browse stores afterwards and he appeared on the scene. I had a similar situation with Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys last year, I passed him in Shoreditch and I refer to this as there must be a standard protocol with celebrities. If any unwanted attention is received use your mobile phone as cover! I wonder how many times daily they have to implement this procedure. These people look like they recognise me so I'm reaching for my handset to defuse any confrontation. Admittedly on both occasions the hairstyle of choice has been based on the before mentioned celebrities appearance so probably a factor. I have friends that have quite an appetite for Nick Grimshaw's and wanted to capture the moment but he had other ideas.

Several hours passed and I received the news that I hadn't been successful for the position that I had applied. I was disappointed as I felt that the interview went very well and it was a position that I knew I would enjoy because it was social media focused. I also found out that I wouldn't be entertaining my children this weekend.

London beckoned but it wasn't songs about money, instead Elephant & Castle was the destination for a nautical themed adventure. The Coronet Theatre hosted Together Season One - Week 3, featuring Reverend and The Makers, The Maccabees, Golden Silvers, Mumford And Sons, The Invisible, Beans on Toast, Daisy Dares You, King Charles, Queens of Noize, Josh Weller, Gaggle, BABE SHADOW, Merok Records, Nick Grimshaw and Smash DJs.

The organisation wasn't exactly the greatest but we were eventually on the train, vodka, energy and drinking games for the journey. This involved multiple choice questions about topics from the magazines discarded around our seating area. David Haye became a popular topic and our friend made the journey with questions about the boxer, I now feel that I know more about David Haye than many of his close friends and family members! We arrived at the venue early and having made our intentions clear on the dance floor, the stage was set for a memorable night.

Ahoy Radio 1's elusive Nick Grimshaw, he may have avoided any attempt at an introduction earlier but wasn't going to happen again. Although after this latest effort I'm expecting a restraining order in the post as I almost pulled him down the stairs.

There were inflatable Finding Nemo's and Seagulls in the venue, I made these a primary objective and the tilllate.com cameraman was clearly impressed with our enthusiasm. There was quite a crowd at this point and we divided our time between the two main rooms. Gaggle and Nick Grimshaw's DJ set were definitely eventful!! Will Young enjoyed himself too much, it became severely distorted for everyone though; fuelled by alcohol, face paint and Barn dancing. Although Nick Grimshaw disappeared from the showpiece, his group remained and Henry Holland reciprocated our advances. With our expanded party of revellers, I was later informed that Orlando from the Maccabees had joined in with our antics. At this point and with the evening almost reaching conclusion I attempted to gatecrash the area occupied by Mumford & Sons. I succeeded and although I wanted to request Galway Girl (P.S I Love You) I became too intrigued by a remote projector and participated in projecting this onto everyones clothing! I didn't get the request fulfilled but I managed to dance with my partner until our feet hurt. Another amazing night and still had change for the bus journey home...

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Two For Joy?

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I felt positive today, I had two interviews and both have requested that I return tomorrow for a full day's work experience. I should be confident but they were too easy and both interviews appeared similar in structure. Another reason that I have doubt is because there were so many people being interviewed that it was like a production line. The first place I was in a room with another person also being asked questions and about previous experience and background! Although I have doubts I'm going to commit to the work experience tomorrow as I could gain valuable knowledge that could prove vital in my quest for work. Plus I may actually like the role and be accepted, I shall update with the outcome...

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The Monkey's Out Of The Bottle Now

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The monkey's out of the bottle now!

That's one of my favourite quotes from the movie Pineapple Express, just like a confused Dale Denton I'm also questioning the priniciple of a few matters. I don't know why many feel that certain elements need to be constantly justified but the shoes fit and we're wearing them sugar.

I have many questions about matters that should be considered important but I choose to take a backseat. Not because this is an approach I like but because in some instances it's better to adopt that method. Building relationships with peers doesn't work when you have an immovable object, especially when the object encounters another immovable object. Anyway enough with the encrypted terminology, today I went to the park with my partner. Mainly for the humour and to also sit under the trees and predict what will take place in the summer. What's your plans for the next few months?

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London Beckoned Songs About Money

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I travelled into Central London today, the objective to take the job search mobile. I expected this to provide significantly more opportunities but instead I spent the majority of time applying for roles through the iPhone. The battery life on the handset isn't the greatest and I soon reached the 20% remaining milestone. Can that even be referred to as a milestone?!

I visited a few agencies but wasn't overly confident anything would materialise from the conversations. I covered a decent distance and obtained a detailed list of recruitment agencies in the area which was useful. I'm probably going to commit to applying for roles via the Internet for the foreseeable future as I receive more feedback and agencies appear to favour this method!! I retired for the afternoon after strolling down the Southbank consumed by thoughts of summer and the desire to secure another role quickly...

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What's Up With You, Hermione?

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I travelled to my partners yesterday as there was a private party taking place. I arrived around midnight and there was distinct competition for music, we're both influenced by the Indie scene as it's not about repetitive generic music, it's not about repetitive generic music.. We already have quite a 'soundtrack' associated to our relationship, several of these tracks from gigs that we have attended and artists that we have followed! We made sure to dictate the order of play! The night was good, the bathroom scene was epic but what would Hermione Granger say about the finale? Today is Mothering Sunday, my son wrote a touching message in his card for his mother, it made me have sad face! We started the morning with a visit to the café which could have been better organised but we managed to reach the destination without incident. The morning contained plenty of action, I'm sure I heard mention that a boat was heard but sounds made up. Good times!

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..Falling With Style

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I promised the children several weeks ago that we would experience the thrill of ice skating together for the first time. Tonight presented the ideal opportunity and after we met my partner and left a personal message from them to her sister we headed to the Ice Bowl in Gillingham. Friday at the Ice Bowl is the Junior Disco, basically skating to music which is played through the sound system.

Although I felt that my son would become disinterested, he gave ice skating a good effort and as the evening progressed he became more confident. My daughter was strong from the offset, especially as she skated in the opposite direction to everyone else!! She reminded me of the character Helena Bonham Carter plays in Fight Club navigating through the traffic. Not that I can be critical as I borrowed from Buzz Lightyear "..falling with style!" My partner had obvious experience, backwards skating, travelling at speed and although I attempted to compete, I just went into the barriers!!! Afterwards we liaised with her sister and the night progressed from there into fancy dress and party games...

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Where We're Going We Don't Need Wheels

Cover of The College Dropout

I resigned from work yesterday, I felt that my time at the company had finally met it's conclusion. It was a difficult decision but one that has been on my shoulders for a while. My friend took the same route last year after he became disorientated and advised many times that I should consider the same approach.

Today was that fateful day and I have an empty feeling inside but also relief that I have taken the first steps. I admit that at times I felt disappointed by the direction and that for the last 18 months I haven't really made any significant progression. There were limited opportunities and not enough to feel that I should commit any more time. I want to move into marketing and digital media, distance from a primary role of telephone support and have the opportunity to travel. I'm just hoping that I don't live to regret walking away without another role but I feel this will provide the chance to commit to finding the right position. Thank you Barclays for the last five years, I enjoyed working there and appreciated the support of the people that became my family. I'm sure that we will stay in touch!

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There Are No Prizes For Second Place

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I have seen many motivational posters online, interpreting personal milestones, ambition and the strong desire for advancement. Although many won't admit the driving force for success, everyone wants to finish, I always want to achieve first place. A chance to be admired, and gain the rewards that follow. Definitely! I achieved this today like consuming the recommended intake of at least five portions of fruit or vegetables. Soon destiny will provide milk and it will be glorious! There are no prizes for second place...

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We're All Monkeys, What's On Your Mind?

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I'm sure that most people have encountered an array of experiences online, especially considering that many of us maintain an online presence. Facebook hosts over 400 million active users, that's more than I can count and for the majority - everyone they know uses the social network.

Considering the amount of hours that people spend interacting with peers on Facebook, the impact our online actions have affect those offline. I have written about relationships recently but Facebook applies a layer across our many social connections. It has become the default social network and integral to how people conduct themselves.

Rather than making phone calls to see how everyone is doing, it can be a lot easier to check one's Facebook status, read their Wall, and see what other friends of theirs are saying. And when we do meet face to face, we can reference what we've seen on Facebook, instead of starting with an empty slate.(louisgray.com)

Not everyone shares the same views on what should be the social norms, how we should behave and how much information we should share online. The requirement to constantly update our friends, family and fans with our latest actions. It's a process that has become too automated and we're spending more time online than ever. Are we eventually going to reach the point where we are slaves of both technology and our own base appetites, and lose what makes us human. Just like how humans are portrayed in WALL•E, the 2008 computer-animated science-fiction allegorical romance film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. Quite the mouthful, blame Wikipedia! I'm not an early adopter, trend setter and I don't even have the biggest hair but I think technology has definitely taken away humanity's need to put effort into relationships. We're all monkeys, what's on your mind?

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Go On Boy

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I participated in an intriguing conversation with friends yesterday evening, the topic being a program about people with tourettes! Although I sympathise with those with the condition, the situations that materialise can provide entertainment. I was basically out in Dartford to interact with the locals, recruiting friends for my birthday arrangements and listen to the latest stories! The following few weeks should be intense because there is so much planned that I'm considering the need to retire. After Dartford I travelled to my partners for a night of Thoughts & Crosses and alcohol consumption.

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Then You Should Say What You Mean...

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Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is a unique interpretation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. I have been full of anticipation for the movie since it was announced, does it live up to the hype and will audiences appreciate this darker version?

In the film, Alice is now nineteen years old and accidentally returns to Underland, a place she visited thirteen years previously. She is told that she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon controlled by the Red Queen that terrorizes Underland's inhabitants.

Burton had stated that he wanted to make it feel more like a story than a series of events and that he does not see this as a sequel to previous films. I'm surprised because neither statement I would associate with the movie because it certainly feels like a sequel and the Jabberwocky wasn't exactly a core character. Anyway, this is still a decent movie, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were impressive, the CGI was awesome but my partner and I both expected so much more.
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Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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The Facebook relationship status, how much can we read into it's significance? It's almost become a passive-aggressive way to define that you’re ready to become exclusive, to announce to your friends followers that you’re off the market! So does it make it more real if it appears on Facebook? I have had a relationship that’s gone in the opposite direction so I could be apprehensive but I feel comfortable to announce to my network that I have met someone that makes me really happy.

Love 2.0 is the definition of love told through the medium of Web 2.0 services. I believe that not enough is known about this to be able to present what the social norms should be but for many people, the manner in which they present themselves on Facebook has come to mirror how they see themselves in real life. Admittedly 'It's Complicated' only indicates that you should consider reflection instead of announcing that there's uncertainty involved.

The social network helps us connect and share with the people in our lives. Providing the functionality to distribute every aspect of our lives through Photos, Videos, Status Updates, Imported Items, Groups and Pages. I don't share the view that the relationship is not legitimate if it's not announced on Facebook, if you're comfortable and want to share your commitment then it serves a purpose. Beats the usage of a group text message to announce to your close friends that your expecting another child! I heard about this recently and there's an opportunity for Facebook here, although I truly hope it's not considered!!

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Location Based Camping

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I'm considering travelling the country to attend several festivals this year, in fact I'm going to them all, every last one of them needs attention. At festivals it would be an injustice not to participate in camping, I have envisioned that it's probably going to be difficult to locate every temporary living accommodation at each location.

Here's the proposition, the Google Maps navigation points, I need life-sized versions of those for assistance although I suspect that will be an attractive acquisition for the opportunist camper. I can imagine walking a distance, only for the conclusion to be another site or the toilets!

"I thought we were camping in the red area"

On the subject of location, Google has been awarded a patent on location-based advertising. Now anyone who wants to add GPS-based relevance to their mobile ads will likely have to go through Google. Hopefully that will be applied before the festivals, especially considering I will have on my possession a life-sized navigation point for convenience! Anyway, more on that in another post!
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I Know This Because...

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We have front row seats for this theatre of mass destruction. The demolitions committee of Project Mayhem wrapped the foundation columns of a dozen buildings with blasting gelatin...

Twitter recently outlined changes to its geo-tagging API, Tweets are tagged with specific GPS coordinates but support for only latitude and longitude coordinates was considered a bit rubbish. Now they have introduced context, turning them into locations and providing the ability to compete with location-based services such as Foursquare or Gowalla. Now if you want to inform more than your imaginary friend about your location on Twitter you can do so, now for the credit-card records...

our goal is to provide a few more options to API developers (and the users they are servicing) through this contextual information. people, we find, inherently want to talk about a "place". a place, for a lot of people, has a name and is not a latitude and longitude pair. (37.78215, -122.40060), for example, doesn't mean a lot to a lot of people -- but, "San Francisco, CA, USA" does. we're also trying to help users who aren't comfortable annotating their tweets with their exact coordinates, but, instead, are really happy to say what city, or even neighborhood, they are in. annotating your place with a name does that too.

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