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Hello my name is Graham Royston, I work in the entertaiment industry for a large cinema chain. I love taking photo's/video and creating things. 

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Entries by Graham Royston (156)

Sunday
Oct232011

100 Days, 100 Films Challenge 

Two weeks ago Lotti came up with this bright idea. She calls me up and say "I've got it, we (notice the 'we' before I even know what going on), we are going to do 100 film in 100 days". Now the inspiration for this little challenge is from our good friend Suzy. Recently she has become a prolific blogger I highly recommend you check it out here. One of the features of her blog is The Book Challenge where Suzy is attempting to read the BBC’s top 100 book list in 18 months, mental. 

So in a similar vain Lotti's plan is for us to watch IMDB's top 100 movies in 100 days. I suspect Lotti didn't think this through before committing to this, most of the films on there are more suited to me than her lol. We will be keeping track of where we are up to here on her blog where she will cross of each film as we see them. We started the challenge on 8th October so that means we have until 15th January 2012 to get them all done. Piece of cake right? Everyone loves to watch movie? Erm, so far we are 15 days in and only 6 movies are off the list, 3 of which we watched today, humm something tells me this isn't gonna be as simple as it sounds???

So that's the challenge, as I said earlier we are already into the challenge. We're both planning to do a little review was we tick another film off the list so bellow I've done just that to bring me up-to-date.

Batman: Dark Knight (2008)

What an awesome choice to kick off a marathon of a task! Man I have forgotten what an great film this is, no wonder it made the top 100. Heath Ledger just steels the show with his performance. Because I've already seen Dark Knight a few times I found it easier to appreciate the nuances Heath puts into his character there's a word on the tip of my tongue to describe it but it's alluding me right now it's not genius or inspired but it's along them lines. I do have one grip about the film and i'm sad to say it's with the main character himself Batman! You know what i'm going to say but if I don't mention it I'll seem like a closed minded fan boy. It's his 'Batman' voice, that really bad attempt at disguising his voice by making it sound like he's doing a lame Jack Ass stunt. I found it really hard to take him seriously, that voice is very distracting. Let's all pray that he drops it for The Dark Knight Rises

Giving this bad boy 5/5  

The Matrix (1999)

Believe it or not The Matrix was release in 1999, that about 12 years ago and I still think it hold up as a kick ass stylish movie. I found it as, if not more, entertaining as the 1st time I watched it. (*spoiler alert*) The final scene where Neo finally realises he's the one and kick Smith's ass still has me as giddy as a little school boy. There's been a common theme I've been finding whilst doing this challenge, most of the films on the list i've already seen before but this time around I'm noticing details and subtle moments that I've never noticed. The Matrix being no exception I spotted loads of little nuggets of hidden clues which had me even more enthrawled than before. 

5/5 for this one too, very entertaining, great action scenes and an awesome concept.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Made In 1959 staring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon the film is set in America during prohibition. The plot is 2 band members witness and Mob boss killing an informant. On the run from Mob Boss 'Spatz' (what a name) they cook up a plan to hide by dressing up as two ladies and join an all women's band who happended to be booked on the next train out of dodge. It's basically White Chicks means Nuns on the Run. 

It's fair to say that hitting the play button on this little antique I wasn't exactly reaching for my popcorn in excited anticipation of the upcoming performance. Having said that I was holding out hope, having seen some of his other films, that Tony Curtis would make this a somewhat entertaining experience. He didn't disappoint. I found the film amusing to watch, very funny in places but a little drawn out in others.

Overall not a waste of time glad i've seen it but doubt i'll revisit 3/5

Wall-E (2008)

Now who doesn't love this movie? if you answered no then your dead inside, just sayin'. I've only watched this once before but it's defiantly up there as my favourite Pixar film. It has the whole package, great story, visually looks stunning, funny and loveable characters all the goodness Pixar are know for. If you haven't seen it you need it in your life.

Easy 5/5 for me

 

Back to the Future (1985)

Don't think I've seen this bad boy since I was in my early twenties (just a few years ago) Watching it was like being a kid again, good times. Think I enjoyed watching Lotti's reaction more than watching the film it's self. We had a good time watching, made me remember the time back in the day I wanted a Delorean time machine so much I made one out of Lego, hehe. 

Everyone's seen this so no in depth review needed i'm sure you'll agree. Needless to say I enjoyed watching this as always enormously entertaining. 

HELLO McFLY... easy 4/5. Right i'm off to play with the time circuit replica app for the iphone I found whilst searching for an image for this post :)... peace out

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

What a classic, Harrison Ford showing how to be a true man. If you not seen this jem of a classic adventure then you've been missing out. Crazy Nazi German's trying to beat Indy to the Ark of the Covenant by solving ancient clues and battling spiders and snakes. Lara Croft learnt everything she knows from these 'educational' movies.

It's Harrison Ford, It's Indiana, its 5/5

 

 Well that bring me just about where we are, don't forget check out the list over on Laura's blog if your interested in the challenge or wanna see where we are up to. We are both planning to write review on what we see to check her review over there to. Mine will be on this blog under the tag 100films/100days.

Wish us luck 

G

Sunday
Oct232011

Sunday catchup

I love having Sundays off. My Sundays do tend to have chilled out/relaxed vibe and today has been no exceptions despite involving a trip to the gym. I know I've been A.W.O.L on this blog but work is taking up all my time so here's an update on what been occurring whilst I have a rare minute.

IOS 5.0

1st off was the ISO5.0 release, I know I promised a full review of it but like I said i'm struggling to find free time. However I will say I'm very pleased with the new offering. I think it has to be the most substantial update since the release of the app store. Favourite feature has to be the new notification centre, no more interruptions, and the reminders app essential for forgetful me. I, like a few people, had issues upgrading but that's what you get for doing it literally minutes after the update was released. After fighting iTunes for 2 days I got up and running, 1st world problem hey?

Gym it up

In other big news, not so big if you follow me on twitter,  I've joined a gym with her in doors. It's actually a leisure centre but the facilities are modern. It's good to be back, yes I was a gym member once before. I'm really getting into it. I did a goal setting session earlier this week, something i've never done before, it good having a goal to work towards with guidance from someone who actually (i hope) knows what they are talking about. 1st session was yesterday it was hard going at parts but at least it felt like I was making a difference.

New addition

This week we had a new addition to the family. After my goal setting session as mentioned earlier I decided to take a quick swim after the appointment to cool down, on the way home I called Lotti to see if she wanted anything from my planned detor to Sainsburrys. When she answered the phone she told me that my brother was here, then in an awkward tone said I should come home 1st before I go to the shop. I knew right then what I would find when I got home. This guy...

 My brother ain't silly he just turned up on the door step with him said said "well I can take him back if you want?" as if that was ever gonna be an option. 

Here a few more photo's for all you cat lovers

 Here he is watching Castle with me, turns out he like his TV

He also has the making of my new wingman in COD

As you can see he like his tech, especially the Macbook, here a photo of him as I write this very post

Ok that's enough kitten tomfoolery although his name is up for debate. We want it to be geeky but not sad. Favourites are Google, Jobs (after Steve), Shelden & O'Malley. Cast your vote in the comments or offer a sugestion for something else. 

Right gonna cut off here, got another post to write i've been putting, there a teaser for you lol. Before I go here a little song i've listening loads too, see if you like it.

Peace out

G

Friday
Oct142011

Music thats been coming in my earlobs 

In all the excitement of the IOS realse i've not had time to do much blogging but I thought i'd share some muics thats been grabbing my attension this week... 

Snow Patrol - This Isn't Everything You Are

Following on from the amazing Called out in the Dark This is the video for there nex single to be release. I've only listened twice and I'm hooked! Based on these 2 tracks allone I will be buying the new ablum Fallen Empires when it realises 12th Novemeber. 

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts Official Video

I know this is been out a while, just for reference I called this one when I 1st heard it a while back. Still can't get it out my head great track. 

Charlene Soraia - 'Wherever You Will Go'

Reconise this song? It's The Calling man! You might has heard this on already on the TV, it's beeing used in an ad for Twinings Tea. Scott Mills (BBC Radio 1) played the full version earlier in the week, I think its pritty good. What do you think? Rather we stick to the original version?  

Got any hot tips for good bands you've been listening too? Hit my up in the comments box.

I'm hoping to do a full ISO post but think it's gonna be quiet time consuming. Watch this space

Love to your mum  

G

 

Wednesday
Oct122011

Avengers Trailer 

O my F*cking god! Check out the news Avengers trailer trailer. WARNING: Your gonna need a tissue! This is amesomeness on a whole news level!  Get it on full screen, turn it up to full HD and crank the volume as far as you can! 

I'm off to change my pants, enjoy ;0)

G

P.s. Let me know what you think bellow weather your a marval fan or not

Monday
Oct102011

What to watch this Friday? 

Thinking of starting a new feature for Monday in which we take a look at the films coming out next week. What do you think? Lets see if it catched on? Struggling on a name, any suggestions? 

Next weeks release are looking good Real Steal and The Three Musketeers (2D/3D) are the stand out ones for me with advanced previews of Paranormal Activity 3 a week on Thursday. Footloose is also out along with the cheesy titled Dolphin Tale. 

Take a look at the trailers bellow. Any ones catch your eye? 

Real Steel

Do I have to say anymore on this one? Looks awesome!

The Three Musketeers

Been waiting a wee while for these 3 lads to show up. Hope they were worth the wait.

Footloose

Just not feeling it. Wasn't really a fan of the last one, only watched of because Kevin Bacon was in it. 

Dolphin Tale

Willy move over your about to be replaced by a Dolphin with erm no tail. Does Morgan Freeman bring some credit to this ultra cheese story?

Paranormal Activity 3 

Very excited it's hear. In-case you didn't pick it up this is another preqal to show what did happened to the two girls when they were  little. Spooky. 

 

Well that's it for a 1st pass at this new segment. Leave any suggestions in the comments bellow and let me know of you see any of these. 

Peace out 

G

Monday
Oct102011

T'internet Round up - Freddy is back, Super Gran to the rescue and pig Ignorant Brits

Word up boy's & girls, here's a collection of thing from around the internet that have caught my attention this week

The search for Freddy Mercury is over people!

Marc Martel is Freddy Mercury. Speaking as a massive Queen fan I loved this, went straight to itunes and put on the greatest hits :)

Super Gran stops robbery

This isn't the 1st time I've seen or even shared this video but it's one I had forgotten about until I watched it on Rude Tube. This is both funny awesome on so many levels. The way she come running down the street to sort them out is legendary. Also notice how there are at least x2 male shop assistants crapping their pants inside who offer no help when super gran comes to the rescue. Then we have classic bumble as the scum bags try to get away on hair dryers with wheel and fails miserably tipping the bike onto the deck. Like I said the lady is awesome on so many levels. 

Danny Macaskill - Industrial Revolutions

These types of video are exactly why I love the tinternet so much! Here's a guy how takes his skill to a whole new level whilst making it look effortless! Where else would I see this stuff!? Also from a photography/videography point of view I love how this was shot. The relaxed and down to earth tone of the video given from the DSLR and the location of the shoot, along with smooth angels and playful soundtrack, simply brilliant. If you enjoy this I tend to Google lots of free running videos too, Maybe i'll share some of my fav's next week. Ops just realised I already posted this video. Oh well I like it that much I'll leave it. 

Coach Trip Fight

Think I'm late to the part on this one but I was so applaud when I saw this video on the new Jonathan Ross show (love it btw) I had to post the video to show the world just how ugly ignorance can be. 

Ads - T-Mobile Parking Ticket

TV ads are great, they are mini pecices of art that I think are very often over looked. Some of them I really do enjoy in their own right regardless of what they are selling. Here's one of my fav video currently running on UK TV for T-Mobile. So funny.

Ads- Yeo Valley (X-factor editition)

Was about to tie a bow on this post and call it a wrap then this little gem caught my eye during the X-factor ad break (Before you ask no I wasn't watching). 

Enjoy 

Sunday
Oct092011

What a week

Wow, what a week it's been. So much happening and no time to blog. Work has had me tied up all this week which delayed me making a very important post. I think Lotti is gonna forget what I look like soon. So time being precious i'll try to keep it short but there were few things I saw to talk about in between one of the longest weeks of work ever. 

Swimming 

Me n Lotti made our 1st visit to the gym we joined last week. We just used the pool. It's a public pool which might turn out to be a pain in the ass. People who go aren't really serious swimmers or even aware of other people in the bloody pool! It isn't hard is it? I stick to my lane and you stick to yours. Nope, for some reason they feel they have the right to swim in my lane even though i've been there for the last 20 mins grrr. Think i'll stick to swimming when everyone else is at work or school. Rant over. Having said all that so far i'm very happy with the facilities so far, should be using the actual gym area next week after my induction. Having a gym membership again has given me motivation to get a bit fitter.  

TV

We are now officially into the winter season which is usual perceived as bad news to most people especially us in the UK as it's when the weather turn decidedly miserable. The good news is that TV get's good :). New seasons start to run. I've been watching two of my favourites Castle and Merlin please to say both are off to a good start. I caught the last episode of Dr Who in the week. It was ok, don't think it lived upto the build up it had through the season. It just created more questions. Best episode of the season was the week before last with James Corden. Still loving the show though, bring on next season. 

Gaming

The Battlefield 3 beta has begin for XBL gold member so i've had a few rounds on that. Looks promising, keep a look out on the blog i'll do a mini review erm.. at some point. 

Weather

It was officially crazy weather this week. This time last weekend the weather was the hottest we've seen all year. I even cracked out the shorts, something i'm not really know for, whilst we walked down to Blackpool to watch the final fireworks show of the year. Not a bad show btw but Australia really did show us all how it's done. From a heat wave within a day or two we were hit with some intense storms. I was caught in one on Thursday night. I was driving down the M65, this sky was literally pitch black then all of a sudden I was blinded a massive flash of white light which covered the entire sky. I was sure lightening had struck close to me. The strange thing was no thunder. The light was so harsh in the darkness it took my eye a second or to to re-adjust. Then a band of hailstone came down so hard that I could see past the car bonnet.. weird but very cool ;0).

Strange Happenings

Had the strangest thing happen to me this week. I was clearing out a storeroom at work and came across a stack of photo's. One set was photo's of a night out with the staff of the place I work years ago. I instantly reconised the location in the 1st photo it was Utopia, the 1st Nightclub I worked at. As I flicked through there was a photo of the bar I used to run and would you Adam and eve it? There was a photo of me behind the bar working! mental, I must have been arround 19/20 when that photo was taken. It brought back some good memories. 

Music

New albums i've bee n checking out are the latest from Ed Shernan & James Morrison both are very solid albums. They're both great chillin albums you should check em out. I've also been listening to David Guetta's album. It's a fun album to listen to in the car, especial with the windows down and the volume up. The tracks which are collaborations are by far the best. Check out Nothing Really Matters with Will.I.am, not what I expected but loved it. When you get to disc 2 stuff it gets a little too hardcore for me. 

Iphone 4S

Defiantly the highlight of my week. Apple announced there latest iphone. I'm not gonna talk about it here i'm putting together a 2nd post to put together my thoughts on what we saw. Check out this post where I talk about my excitement for Apple events. 

Sad News

Can't really submit this post to without mentioning the death of Steve Jobs after battling cancer for years. I've said all that I need to say on this post. But none the less we lost a great man this week. 

Ok, time to sign off, i'm thinking I need to blog more in the week so I don't have to write such long post at the end of the week. I'll see if time permits, watch this space. 

Have a good week

G

Saturday
Oct082011

Peace out Steve...

Once I a while a great man comes around and changes things in such a profound way without you even realising it. Early Thursday morning I woke up earlier than normal and as I opened my eyes my phones screen lit up with a notification, the words simply read 'Steve Jobs has passed away'. A little selfishly my 1st thought was I hate it when i'm right :o(.

The inevitable

The writing had been on the wall that this day might come sooner than anyone wouldn't wish for, the biggest clue was when Steve stepped down as the CEO of Apple just a few weeks ago. My thoughts at the time were sad. Sad that the inspiration for all my favourite tech would no longer be at the helm of the company that produces them. But more than that, I was sad for Steve himself because I think anyone who knew anything about the type of man he was knew that he would only step back when he absolutely had to. Putting the clues together didn't take a genius. I remember thinking it must be hard when your life has been building a company from which you can create not only amazing products but products that change the world in countless ways and now you have to simply step back he clearly lived and breathed Apple to the point where Steve and Apple were one in the same. Against my better judgement i'm going to be more honest than I probably should at the risk as sounding like a sad act to some people. When I read those words I went straight to the laptop to check if this claim was legitimate, I didn't want this to be true but it was. As I looked through the various posts reporting this tragic news on just about every news sources and blog I realised they were not ony reporting but they all were morning the loss. It was then I realised it hit me harder than I would have ever expected. I was truly upset about the passing of a man who I didn't even meet? Never before have I ever really felt the passing of a public figure. 

Life

I've been trying to put my finger on why and the answer is lots of reasons. Without even realising it Steve has been one of the most influential people in my life in subtle and not so subtle ways. The man's life is an inspirational story he created the Apple computer in his garage, from there he re-invented the computer by creating the 1st small computer thus creating the PC for the home. Of course you now know almost no home is without. Famously Steve enticed, the then head of Pepsi Cola, John Scully with the most quoted phase of Steve's life "Do you want to carry on making sugared water or do you want to come with me and change the world?" Steve's tenacious approach and unyielding needed to follow his vision saw him ousted out of his own company! At this point some of us might call it a day there but Steve didn't stop. He went on to found his own computer company NeXt, creating a machine on which the program we now know as the world Wide Web was written on. Steve was brought back into a now struggling Apple, but not before making Pixar the leader in film animation. Back where he belonged he not only re-invented how we listen to music through the invention of the ipod but the music industry as a whole through iTunes. It would take a little time to catch on but downloading music was the way forward. Not done there Steve then showed the world something that will again effect the lives of everyone whether you buy it or not... The iphone. Look around at the phone market today, then market leaders Nokia, Blackberry and Motorola are not the names on peoples lips as they skip to the phone shop. Any new popular phone follows the same model laid out by the iphone, high contrast touch screen, good quality camera on the back, VGA camera on the front, capable of surfing the web in all its glory and a very intuitive UI. Surely Steve can rest easy now? Nope, changing the computing world once is not enough, Steve brought to the world his final legacy the ipad. People didn't get it at 1st, they thought it was just a gimmick, then they got there hands on it. Now, whether they realise it or not, this way of computing is the future, large desktop PC's will become, to use Steve's analogy, the trucks of the computing world doing the heavy work of industry like rendering movies or graphic design. Smaller devices like the ipad will be used by the majority, no keyboard or mouse just one screen and a finger easy peasy.

Legacy

Steve has clearly been preparing for a time when he would no longer be around. Over the past couple of years he's been molding the senior management team into something that will continue to deliver what he started. They've been tested on the stage as well to see if they bring the magic that Steve does in his product announcements, an essential part to the Apple marketing strategy. Ramping up his efforts he hired the dean of Yale School of Management Joel Podolny to oversee his internal project Apple university. This will ensure all new Apple employee's understand the culture and value Steve used to create his company and live his life. Steve took to the stage one last time earlier this year at WWDC to announce IOS 5.0, that same day he showed the world his last gift to Apple computer it's self, the new Apple campus affectionately know as the spaceship. This will be a place that will define Steve's vision and inspire all that see and work within it's curved glass walls to design and build something magnificent. Even though we know Steve has done everything he can to leave us and his company in the best possible hands to make his visions live on, I can't help thinking that in future products to come, that little extra bit of attention to detail that has made Steve a part of each of his products, will be missing. It's often something we can't put our finger on but what sets any other product apart from an Apple product. I truly hope I'm wrong, there's both something sad and impressive in that thought.

Influencer

Steve has influenced me not only in my personal life with his various cool tech and gadgets but in my professional life too. He's a testament to the idea that it's not about going to university and towing the line and fitting in, it's about having faith in yourself and your vision no matter how crazy it may seem to people. The video above of Steve giving a speech at Stanford University puts across far more poetically and simply that life is about doing what you love. A philosophy I believe in whole heartedly though i'm sad to say not one I follow perhaps as much as I should. And lets not forget there's much to learn in how to run a business regardless of what that business may be. For example thanks to his shrewd marketing, carefully planned out product releases and an ability to have people on the edge for their seats for a product announcement Steve can/could create wild speculation, mass hype and desperation without realising a single detail before an Apple event day. I've asked the question once and i'll ask it again, name another phone release that has people camping outside of stores for weeks and queues for miles on launch day just for a phone? Genius in every sense of the word.  

Thank you

I'm frustrated writing this blog post because I know no matter what words I write they wont do justice to Steve's accomplishments but before I sign off I just want to say to Steve if you can see me typing into my macbook with a heavy heart..

The world before you came and the world you left are completely two different things. It's perhaps the finest honor that the way I like most people learned of your passing was using a device you created. You left us with a new way of living and left me and countless other inspired to go out into the world and do what you love. The world really is a better place having had you in it. Hopefully I can be half the man you were. The people you have influenced and the things they do are all your 'one more thing.'

Without even realising it Steve Jobs to me was a real living hero that I've sady lost before I could fully appreciate that fact.

Thanks for reading, hopefully whether your an Apple fan or not you can appreciate the man who will now become a legend. 

G

 

Monday
Oct032011

It's that time of year again...

Once a year I get very very excited! It's a special time of year were people of all walks of life come together to celebrate a joyous occasion. They will go to bed early the day before getting a good nights sleep in preparation of the big day ahead. All the excitement culminating in the receiving of something very special.

NO i'm not talking about Christmas, that's for kids! I'm talking about something much cooler, the launch day of the new iphone! Whilst there is no release date or even confirmation a new phone is about to be released, tech blogs are on fire regurgitating any wild rumour they hear on a daily basis. Unless you've been doing peace work in a war torn country or simply you have an actual life, you would have heard that invitations have been sent out for an Apple event being held on there own campus on Tuesday 4th October. This my friends can only mean one thing, it's time for them to announce the next iphone! BOOM :D 

 

The invitations simply read "Let's talk iphone". Brilliant, you've really got to admire the Apple marketing department as they really know how to create hype through saying very little. This however could mean so many things, not necessarly an brand new device but it could just be about ISO 5.0 update for example. Of course any Apple fan would bet their 1st born that a new phone is about to be released but will it be a semi upgrade release in the form of an iphone 4S or a more substantial iphone 5 launch? We are about to find out but my money is on the latter.  So as every tech blog in world worth it's .COM domain name is doing, I thought I would give you a little heads up about the various rumours floating around and add my 2cents in. Here we go... 

  • Faster - Not really stunning news but always welcome. The new phone will almost definitely contain the latest A5 processor currently running in the ipad 2. This ones a no brainer but hey ho there you go. 
  • Assistant - Now this one has me very excited if it becomes real. In a nutshell the new phone is expected to have some very sophisticated voice recognition software inside, very similar to the one found in android powered phones. This function is said to be deeply tied into core functions of the phone such as the GPS, web browser, email, phone and SMS programs. This will mean you can talk to your phone to carry a wide range of tasks such as compose and send an text message, dial a contact or conceivably book a hotel room all by using just your voice. The likelihood of this one is looking good as Apple bought the company pioneering this technology, Siri some time ago but no results have been seen from this acquisition, just yet. Since then there have also been rumors that Apple are trying to tie up a partnership deal with Nuance who are market leaders in this field. Slightly bad news on this excitiing new feature is that it will only be availible on the new hand set, so if you want your own personal atomus assisant you have to upgrade... shocker ;0)
  • New design - Tones of photo's from manufacturing companies have been posted on the interwebs depicting spare parts for the new handset which clearly show that the new iphone will be a different form factor. Most speculation is around the new iphone being thinner with a tapered back. Some evidence is suggesting the new handset will have a large 4.5' screen but the jury is still out on that one, whilst a bigger screen would be nice the extra power required and subsequent reduction in standby time might be a deal breaker.  I'm a fan of the current glass front and back design but I get why there is a call for this to be changed. There's only so many time you can pay to have the glass back replaced because you keep dropping your phone 3 feet. My favorite photo is the artist impression photo's from Mac Rumours if one of these came into being I would be a happy chappy. 
  • Better Camera - Another obvious one but one i'm very pleased to hear about.  I love using my iphone to snap photo especially on instagram. I don't think Apple themselves expected their iphone to become such a prolific contributor to the world of photography.  Quiet rightly the iphone camera is considered to be the best smart phone camera and better than some point-n-shoots. A higher resolution camera can only help with the adoption for photography enthusiast.

Some people make an event out of The Oscars or even the final of XFactor, for me my Oscar party is the Apple announcement.  I'll take over any device that has a screen in my home and fill them with live blogs from the event from different sources and any bootleg live stream's from a brave developer in the audience who has the stones to face his webcam at the stage. I know it's seriously sad but I love it.  Watching as the rumor mill goes into overdrive, as we lead up to the offical announment event is crazy. Every tech blog trys to out do each other with who can produce the most fantastical rediculous rumors. Then the tech pundits spend hours debating the merits of each rumour exploring a) the likelihood of said rumour coming true b) would it be a good thing if it happened. Of course after all the hype the announcment comes! The new iphone is unveiled faster, shinnnier and slimmer than it's predicesor. We must have it my precious, and as we follow the breaking news with baited breath we wait to hear not the price, the price doesn't matter, we just want to hear WHEN Mr Steve Jobs, When!? (moment of silence for his Jobsness stepping down as CEO).

See we've not even got up to buying the dam thing yet and we're having a ball. Launch day is another big day. Fan's will go down super early. Some will have been queuing for almost a week just to have the prestigious award of being 1st in-line. Silly Americans don't they know Apple stores in Austrailia have been open sellig iphone for hours by now? The whole thing fasinates me. When do we ever see a line of perfectly inteligent, learned people queuing outside an O2 store in the pouring rain since 2am just for a phone!? and don't forget the bloody Morarola Razor was massivly popular. And i'd also like to make a bet now to all you iphone users out there especially the ones with an iphone 4 in your pocket, right now your thinking this is the greatest phone in the world with absolutely nothing wrong with it. But once that new phone is released the once faithful companion will now become a clunky piece of junk ;0)

So I know where I'd be tomorrow eveing where will you be? having tea, watching TV, problably doing something much more normal but if you are interested in following the event here's some places i'll be keeping an eye in for breaking news.

  • Twit.TV - Live commentry from the king of tech Leo Laporte from his personal little empire.
  • MacRumors - no 1 stop shop for all things apple related. Macroumors will be live blogging from the event
  • Engadget - Another live blog. If your a tech fan then you already know this site.
  • Twitter - Of course there's good old twitter the river of all realtime info. Just do a simple search to get in on the conversation and breaking news. You can guarantee a hashtag will be trending tomorrow.

So the fun kicks of at 6pm GMT tomorrow, no matter what tomorrow brings it's sure to be some good news and fingers cross we'll have IOS 5.0 availible to download by the end of the day. Before I get off just want to ask will you be buying the new phone? and if you are, are you in the comfortable position of being out of any contract or you going to be selling off anything you can get your grubby hands on to pay through the nose to get your hands on it?  

This is my Christmas 

God bless us everyone

Tuesday
Sep272011

Lazy Morning blogity 

Word up party people, it's Tuesday and it's my day off! I'm doing my best to relish this day off because The next 2 1/2 are stacking up to be very very busy at work which I'm looking forward to although Lotti probably is wondering what I look like. So it's the morning i'm in bed so what to do... BLOG

Readers of my blog will know I recently started a new position which i'm glad to say is going very well. In fact better than expected. I absolutely love my new role much more than I though I would when I 1st applied. The only problem is that this role is just a secondment position so i'm hoping circumstance chance so my role can be made permanent either where I am now or another venue. Watch this space.

Lets see what new? Me and my good buddy Rob took a trip to Manchester city centre to visit the Apple store and take a look around the city. We are not frequent flyers of Manchester so we thought it would be a bit of an adventure. Highlight of the day, apart from the Apple sore (goes without saying), was a Chinese all you can eat buffet in china town for tea, mmmm. Made the rookie mistake or eating McD's earlier though so didn't have as much room as I would have liked.

Train home was not fun! Has to miss 2 of them just coz is was so busy, we did chose 5pm, aka rush hour, as a time to return home. Not a good idea at all! Even after missing x2 trains we were still jammed into that train car like sardines with nothing to hold onto whilst the train stop and started so the ride home consisted or us inappropriately falling over commuting girls and business type people... awkward.

After recovering from the Manchester trip I was feeling energised to get some home DIY done so I set to work completing the next few stage of my porch project of the house. I finished sanding down the door then re-varnished it in a Church Oak stain, which I love by the way. Some one might need to come stop me before I use it on every piece of wood in the house. Also added a shelf and a hook for dog lead. Almost done with this bit of the house now, I'm getting great feed back from the few who've seen the porch as it is now. Just need to sort the cupboard and it's door an voila, cool, hip, modern entrance to a home done! 

O o in other DIY news another stage has been completed on onther part of the house I'm particularly excited about! Were have I real wood burning fire installed in our back room. I'm so giddy I could wet my pants. There was lot to do when we start this but the hard work is done, brinks removed and then reset to make the fire place, base set in concrete and yesterday the wall plaster. Just tiles to be set wall to be painted and fire to be fitted. It's gonna be a cosy winter at castle Royston. 

Right need to cut this post sort ment to meeting a friend right know ;0)

Peace out