Road Safety

This TV advert is one of my favourites on TV at the moment, most of them I can't stand, so its nice when one of this quality comes along. Its a road saftey promo aimed at kids, shot entirely on a mobile phone. I'm putting this here for all of my foreign and ex patriot readers who won't get to see it.

First week in London

Well, that was my first week staying in London and working for my new employer, Precise. I have to say, although its been a little tiring - mentally probably more than physically, I have enjoyed myself and things look good. Its probably too early to comment on the work, since I've been training all week, but so far the people are very nice and I think I will fit in very well.

Domestic arrangements have been great, Oboe and David have looked after me very well, and have been more than accommodating. Space is limited for me, but its meant that I've stripped down what I need to essentials (including the Dr. Who series 1 boxset of course!) and that's no bad thing. David took us out to a local Italian on Wednesday, which was a very kind to a guy with no pennies to rub together!

Borehamwod itself is appealing to me, the journey into the centre of London is pain free and relatively quick and there are plenty of restaurants and amenities within spitting distance. London itself is always a double edged sword, you have that sort of convenience, huge choice and variety of everything, coupled with the downside of noise, bustle and pollution. Its a town of extremes. Where I work is no exception, the premises are in a Georgian court, an old mint, which is accessed via a large portico entrance in the classical style! Outside of the office, both Tower Bridge and The Tower of London are visible and further into the city, modern glass architecture sits comfortably next to stone facades. As I said, a town of extremes.

Happy Birthday Marchpane

Almost a year ago, I started this blog.

A lot has happened since then. At the beginning of this year I posted a blog where I said that in 2006 I wanted things to change. 2005 had been a bad year on so many fronts, and action was required to ensure that 2006 and beyond did not repeat those problems.

I feel now, 9 months later that progress has been made and things are beginning to fall into place. I started 2006 very depressed and unsure of my future, but in many ways I wasn't sure how to tackle my worries, until I realised that I was ill, depressed in fact and that it needed to be tackled before anything else could be addressed. I went for counseling and was put on a course of medication. This not only helped me feel better in the short term, but it gave me a handle on where I was and where I needed to be. It was a superb way to get objectivity, and be able to externalise how I felt and even understand myself and the way I respond better.

Our house is now on the market ready for a move back to London and I start a new job next week. It will be difficult initially, circumstances are not ideal. For the first few weeks I will be staying with friends and family during the working week and returning home at weekends. But it is a step in the right direction and hopefully, in the not too distant future we will both be living in London and starting afresh.

Times are definitely changing, see you back here in another 12 months.....

PINK CHAMPAGNE - VENUS HUM

Venus Hum

Now and again, usually once a year, I discover a band or musician who revitalises my interest in music. Bear in mind I probably by the best part of 20 albums a year, this means that most of what I buy is good, but never blows me away. From time to time there is an album which is exceptional, and sets me off on a new route of discovery. Its even nicer if its outside of my default idiom of electronica or ambient. I recently received a friend-request on MySpace from a band called Venus Hum and I seriously suggest you check them out. They are a threesome of 2 blokes and a female vocalist. They have a strong pop sensibility in so much as the tracks have strong, haunting, catchy hooks and lines, Annette's vocals are haunting and the beats and electronics are excellent. Best band I've discovered in a while.

See the video for Pink Champagne above....

Top of Mindy's Xmas list this year

They've dumped Ken, and replaced him with a dog that poops....