The date is set

I've just recieved confirmation of the date for my first interview and testing session for the position I applied for some weeks ago. So the 5th of May is the big day. The one thing that confuses me is the dress code... and it's a bit of a pet peeve of mine really... which is smart casual. In my mind dress code is either smart, or casual, but rarely both. So do I wear a tie? Are beige Instinct trousers (which are quite smart) too casual? Do I wear suit pants and a shirt? Is a tie mandatory with a shirt? Or do I just go in what I would work in should I get the position... which is a complete suit? If someone can give me a definite definition of the smart casual dress code then I would be greatly appreciatative.

Otherwise not much to report really. The flats broadband network is now completely wireless (except for the bits that go to the router and to Chris' machine), which is rather cool as it means I can sit here on my bed and blog arb shit. Work is still a bit pants really... but a 6 day work week, including weekends and bank/public holidays will make you feel like that. Today some nice lady from Barclays bank (who I've been trying to contact for the last week and a half) called in to let me know what time the DJ arrived for her event and what she wanted in her buffet (catering for 60 people). Ummm... yeah... what DJ? What buffet? All that I have in my diary is her name and number... this does not amount to a definite function booking! Anyways, somehow I seem to have managed to completely wing planning an event with food and DJ in half a day. All that remains is to find out if she agrees to my arrangements and prices. If she doesn't, well, tough luck, best go find a hotel that will plan something in a couple of hours. You just can't leave this shit till the last minute!

No other news really, just hold them thumbs for me on the 5th of May.

Work it

I'm currently working on implementing the same Winamp plugin, which I use to ftp my recently played songs to the site, onto Natalie's half of the page. All the code is in place already, and all that remains is to install the plugin on Nat's copy of Winamp, and then tweak all the settings so that the lists goes to the correct folder.

I've unfortunately also just hit my first hitch. The script two sources are indicated in my index file, after which the respective Blogger templates for each half of the site implement the script generated song lists... and finally I use css to position and style the whole lot. My problem is that implementing the same script twice on the same index page, even though the specified folders are different, results in the second "script src" command overriding the initial one, and therefore the two generated song lists displayed on the site end up being the same. Ie. Whatever the second scripts generated list is. I'm sure I had the same problem when I implemented the two Haloscan comment scripts on my index page... but I can't remember what I did to sort it out... and I have a funny feeling that it sorted itself out. Somehow.

Any advice would be appreciated. I'll be sitting here for a while still trying to figure this out.

Arg. And now Blogger is giving me grief.

Digital Sewer

I am incredibly proud to be featured in the sewers photo of the month. Well actually it's me and the author of the pink-side together. Doesn't happen often so grab them while you can I reckon.

Just been to watch 'The Butterfly Effect'. It was great, Ashton was [far] better than I thought he would be, but the ending could have been better... personal choice.

Black + White = Grey

For the last couple of weeks I've been in the mood for chilled, relaxed, beats 'n loops, kind of music. I have no idea why this is... it's probably some kind of a reflection of my mood, although I don't think that's been much different really. Anyways, after a bit of searching I've managed to sate my appetite by discovering DJ Danger Mouse.

He created an entire album of mash-ups by ripping the vocal tracks from Jay-Z's 'Black Album' and merging them with samples and beats taken from the Beatles 'White Album'. The resulting concoction is rather cleverly entitled 'Grey Album', and I think it's brilliant. But you probably know that from the new script I've implemented, which ftp's a list of the songs that I'm currently listening too on Winamp straight to my site. I've never been the biggest rap fan, and I've especially never held Jay-Z in very high regard. However, his lyrics combined with the brilliance of the Beatles' music has lead to a whole new take on the hip hop scene for me.

It's sheer abuse I tell you

I think I'm going to take a break from drinking for a while now. The last week or so has involved a fair amount of consumption, and right now I'm missing that feeling of waking up without a hangover. Last night there was a £300 free drinks tab behind the bar (between about 6 of us) complements of a particular supplier at work. That was flattened babout midnight... and the resulting hang is not fun. The sun is out, shining in all it's glory through my apartments windows... and right into my blood-shot squinty eyes. It's not a pleasant experience I can assure you. Today I wish it was cold and dark.

To top it off I have to head to work in... ahhh... 6 minutes and I'm already looking ahead to 6pm, when I can come home and sleep for 2 days.

Will write later.

Saint Georges

I spent most of last night in the pub with friends and colleagues, just talking arb crap and having [more than] a few pints. The night served a dual purpose: it was my bosses going away party ; and on top of that it was Saint Georges day (rumour has it he slayed a dragon... but aside from that he's also the patron saint of England).

I got out at about 1am (it's all about who you know) and headed home, only to find out that the last 170 bus has been through my stop already, 5 minutes early. That was pretty irritating to day the least.

However, today the sun is out, I'm feeling good, and I'd like to go out and lounge in a park somewhere. Unfortunately I have to be at work later, and that's enough to ruin the whole idea. I might go walk on Wimbledon common though. At least it's close.

It feels damn good to be wearing board shorts again!

Temporary Promotion

Well it seems that, even though I'm currently in the middle of a drive for a new job, I might soon be getting a temporary promotion in my current one... if you want to look at it like that. My bosses (a couple) handed in their resignation a couple of weeks ago, and are moving to Florida. Nice for them I guess. On the flip side, that means that the hotel I work for no longer has a direct manager... and I'm next in line. This kind of situation is usually resolved by head office sending in a specialist 'relief' manager who would then run the hotel until a suitable manager could be found to take over on a permanent basis.

However... there's always a 'but' isn't there... head office, in their infinite wisdom, did away with all their relief managers a few months ago in order to institute a new training scheme, which was supposed to be able to fulfil the same functions. Now the funny thing about this is, somewhere between finding new homes for the old relief managers, and instituting this new training scheme, someone... somewhere... forgot to actually hire the people who would participate in the new program.

So, in a situation like this, where both the top managers resign at the same time, the company is a bit #U@K3D really. Who should run the hotel? Hmmmm... I wonder. It would seem that, as I am next in line as far as management goes, I is where the buck stops. From the debate and rumour flying all around me at the moment it would seem that I am to be approached about taking on full management of the hotel until someone else can come claim resposibility for it.

I'm ok with that. I can do the job without too many hassles. It does mean taking on extra responsibilty for things that I don't usually deal with on a day-to-day basis, and that brings with it certain risks, but nothing to too serious. It does, however, also mean that I'm in a pretty good position to renegotiate my salary for the duration that I'll be running the hotel. Das is good, ja?

It also means that I get to change all the things about the place that bug me. This is the best bit about having pretty much complete control over your work environment - "No. I don't like it done that way. Do it this way."

Anyways, we'll see how all of that pans out in the next week. I'm kind of excited, slightly daunted... and slightly miffed at the whole idea that I'm going to have to work 85 hour weeks again in all probability. This is the kind of shit that comes with the territory I guess.

And completely aside:

e-penis: a term used to discribe a mix of three factors in the fileshare community. It is a mix of your share, your bandwidth and the hardware on which your share is located. The higher the numbers the larger your e-penis.

"I Have 600GB on my Alienware and am connected to a T3. My e-penis is huge!"
"I share 2GB on my 10 year old HP and am still on dialup. Any one got a tweezers for my e-penis?"

That was complements of skeddy[dot]net.

Alun Armstrong

The man himself spends a fair bit of time in my establishment. But this is just a post for 'interests sake'. Celebrity doesn't really impress me much, but I do find it quite interesting to talk to him. Such a nice guy, and completely unassuming.

The only pain in the arse is everyone else calling me aside to ask if "that's the guy from that ITV program?"

Shall I stay or shall I go

Well today is proving to be a prolific day for blogging.

A good Brit mate of mine is currently working for an events company, which specializes in the singles market. They organize and run events for single professionals, allowing them to meet other available people of the opposite sex. The principle is this: put 20-something single people in the same bar/restaurant, introduce them to each other, and then sit back an see if they pair up. Pretty simple.

The reason I mention all this is that he's just called to invite me to an 'event' being hosted at Jewel in Piccadilly Circus. He knows that I'm not really in the market for a relationship at the moment, but he needs to bolster the number of males that he's inviting, and I think I may just go. It should be a good night out, and for a measly £16 charge (which includes a drink) I could end up making some new friends... which is never a bad thing. Plus Jewel sounds like it could be quite a swanky venue.

He's also asked if I know anyone else that might be interested. So... are any of you interested? Obviously I'd have to know you personally for you to come. So if I do, and you're interested, then drop me a mail.

Lyrics

The Streets - It's Too Late

She said meet me at the gates at eight
Leave now, don't be late
She said one day she'd walk away
'Cos I was always late
Thought things were okay
Didn't care though anyway
Say "Sorry babe, I had to meet a mate," tempting fate

We first met through a shared view
She loved me and I did too

It's now 7:50
Getting ready, better be nifty
Do my hair quickly
Step out, it's cloudy
Mate bells me to borrow money
I got two Henrys and a dealer to pay
Call upon geezers to rid these green trees and my reeking jeans
I've got a "You think I care?" air out, glaring geezers stare
I'm here and I'm there
Couldn't see past the end of my beer
What was getting there
All the silence after the cheers

I didn't know that it was over
Till it was too late (too late)
But if I ever needed you, would you be there?

She said meet me at the gates, don't be late
But pretty soon the day came for change
And I was glad she never walked away
So I'm choosing what to wear
Doin' my hair with an hour to spare
When my life went pear
She'd been there with a fixed stare

Big wheel climb to the top
Geezers stares bounced off
Standin' at the top of this huge mountain
Smilin' and shoutin'
Spring flowers sproutin'
Not one inch of doubt in my mind as I reach the gates
Came round the corner at a rate
Risked her love but I was gonna set things straight
Never again am I gonna be late
never again am I gonna be late
never again am I gonna be late

I didn't know that it was over
Till it was too late (too late)
But if I ever needed you, would you be there?

I said meet me at the gates
Leave now, don't be late
I waited for a while
Listening to a voice mail
Mind set sail
Then the facts turned me pale
Wind rain and hail
My fears unveiled for my fair female
She'd walked away, too little too late

I stepped up the pace
Walk past the gates
Rain runs over my face
Spirit falls from grace
I purchase a hazy escape at the alchohol place in the chase
I sat down, got a fat frown
Weepin' and drownin' my senses
For this love game's expensive
I walk in a trance
I got a wounded soldier stance
And the everyday geezer stares, throwin' me off balance
Now nothing holds significance
And nothing holds relevance
'Cos the only ting I can see is her elegance

I didn't know that it was over
Till it was too late (too late)
But if I ever needed you, would you be there?

I didn't know that it was over
Till it was too late (too late)
But if I ever needed you, would you be there?

This is the exact music to fit my mood right now. Chilled out. Relaxing. Nice harmonies. Not the usual US aggro rap/hip hop.

Bigger is better, or so they tell me

These are the boxes that my new laptop arrived in the other day. I had some brief moments of worry, thinking that they may have sent me a massive desktop machine instead of the notebook I'd ordered. And as for the box of 'accessories'... well now... my idea of surge protection is an unpgraded bettery charger. The suppliers idea of surge protection is a 4 way plug adapter. What the hell?

I also found out that no matter how funkily customisable the touch pad may be, it's still a complete arse to use. My old notebook (Sony Vaio PCG - C1VE) used a pressure 'nipple' in the middle of the keyboard, which I thought was a far better pointing device. Still, it's nothing a quick trip to the shop couldn't sort out. I now use a optical mouse when I'm at home.

And the machine itself. I've put this puppy through all the tests I can think of and it hasn't let me down once. My only complaint is that my old machine had marginally better battery life. But then again... I think the new XP2600+ processor probably chews some more juice than the old 600Mhz Pentium 3 that was in the Vaio.

Snort a line if you like, but I won't

I caught up with some friends at a pub after work last night night. I met some strange new people, and it was building up to become a really great night ... right up until they decided to call in and get a gram of Charlie delivered. It was right about then that both myself and Black Frank decided it was time to head home. It's just not my scene I guess.

What's worse is that one particular friend admits to having had a small coke 'problem' a couple of months ago, which he left his previous job over, and in spite of that decided to join the others. I don't know. I'm definitely not pro drugs... not even weed (I know you're all going to argue with me now)... and for me this was just another reinforcement of that belief. Why, when someone knows that they've had a problem, is it that difficult to just say 'no'. I really don't get that. I had my arm twisted a fair deal sitting at that table last night, and maybe it's ignorance that makes it easy, but I really don't struggle to just refuse the offer(s) and head on home.

Yes, I know you all think I'm a hypocrite because I'm partial to a few pints. Whatever. I've heard all the arguments, and the fact is that in my personal experience I've seen drugs, including weed, wreck the ambitions of some people quite close to me. I've yet to see alcohol do it... although I won't dispute that it does. Hence the reason I will always choose to stare fondly into my pint, while others snort baby powder, chew tablets, and smoke herbs.

But anyway.

The scary thing was getting home to one of my flatmates asking me when I started locking my door at night! It was a while ago... but from now on there's going to be a deadbolt on it too!

Ha. I jest. Laters.

I am so sad

I just downloaded 'Scatmans' World' by Scatman John. I regard this as a classic track worthy of comparison to such eternals as Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby', and 'No Limit' by 2 Unlimited. No, but seriously, I have such great memories of chilling with my main man Jay back in SA, circa early nineties, to that song. Along with 'Do the Bartman' by Bart Simpson. Damn, they were good years.

Let me know what cheesy music you listened to in your formative years. Oh come on, it can't be worse than Scatman John or 2 Unlimited. Can it?

Besides those brief flashes of nostalgia I really don't have much to say. I'm suffering from what Natalie refered to as a 'left hand only larangytic stroke,' or something like that. Essentially the gland on the left hand side of my throat appears to be infected, which means that right now the left hand side of my throat, jaw, ear and temple has an annoying dull pain... exacerbated greatly by the act of swallowing... and breathing.

But I need to sleep. So I'm off now. Loving Snow Patrol right now!

So it's a been a good week

My laptop arrived this week, which is great. The last few months have been the first in about 6 years that I haven't had a personal computer to use. It's been a lesson to say the least, only made more bearable by Chris' charity in giving me his password along with unhindered access to his machine. But still, it's so good to be able to check all those 'remember password' boxes again.

I've also upped my contact with the pink-side, although bad phone lines are enough to make me want to scream. E-mail is great, but a bit limiting really. However, the new notebook means that Instant Messenger chats are available again, and I've decided to make a concerted effort to invest in more international phone cards. I don't think I'll make it though the year otherwise.

But the cherry right now is that I've recieved my first call back for the new job. Technically that means 33% of the goal has been achieved. Now all I need to do is ensure that I don't flunk out in this first meeting, or bosh the psychometric test that it will involve. Then all that remains is to impress in my final interview. Walk in the park really. Hold thumbs.

Last night was pretty good too. Bit of pub crawl really, but I was celebrating the good news so I had an excuse. We started at the Brewers Inn in Wandsworth, with a pint over a meal. Then headed to the pub next door, the Royal Oak, to catch the end of happy hour, which involved another three pints of Carlesberg Export (lovely beer that!). After that I dashed home for a clothes change before heading out to Putney. From there we just started at the top of the hill and worked our way down, stopping at the Slug and Lettuce and the Whistle and Flute, before coming to a standstill at Bar M. The only mishap of the evening was me throwing up on the bar, which was inexcusable really... but I'll try anyway. You see, it wasn't actually because I'd consumed too much by that stage. Is 8 pints too much? Instead Alex insisted on buying two Aftershock shooters for me, which was a mistake from the get-go. After the school-days Aftershock parties I used to throw with Andre it's one of those drinks I just can't do anymore. We were personal friends with someone that worked for the company that was importing the stuff into South Africa when it was still a new product and were paying R40 (about £3.50) for a bottle. So Aftershock parties involved LOADS of Aftershock (and only Aftershock) that was consumed in large glasses... in much the same fashion as you would drink a Coke. The obvious conclusion to that is much chundering action in my teens thanks to the red drink that's hot and cold, and these days the mere smell of cinanmon and menthol together is enough to induce a mock charge. However, as much as I know all this, and I know that I can't drink the stuff, I've also got this university and club hockey drinking mentality which states that if it's in front of you and someone has paid for it then you must drink it. Not to would be rude, don't you think? So anyways, I looked at the two glasses, thought about it, and then chucked one down my throat. Hello flashback central! I remember thinking, "Well that went better than I thought it would," before I threw the second down my throat. Big mistake that. The second glass was far more like I remember Aftershock to be, and induced what I refer to as the 'bounce effect'. That's the one where the drink goes down your throat without a problem, but on reaching the stomach induces a brief, involuntary peristaltic reversal. Just enough to eject the contents of the offending drink. Which is exactly what happened last night... right on the bar. Thank God no one besides one friend noticed... it was an easy escape.

But still. All I can think about right now is that I'm through to the next stage in the job process. Go me.

Wireless

This is just a quick post of interest. My new notebook arrived today (yay!) and I've spent most of my time since it arrived configuring all the bits on it, downloading the apps I need, and generally just mucking around with it.

It comes equipped with a wireless network card, which is all fine and dandy except that I don't yet have a wireless network up and running. I decided to give it a go anyways... so imagine my suprise when a wireless network popped up on the screen (called BEAUMONT). Mwahahahaha... time to hijack the neighbors network!

Chewing nails

So it's 4pm. No laptop. It's supposed to be delivered today!

If you take into account the fact that most people finish work at 5pm, I think it's safe to assume that I'm into the last hour of the delivery window-period. This is not good. I have been flat-bound the entire day in anticipation! You know, just waiting on the ring of the doorbell.

So I just called the delivery people to find out when it's arriving. The answer: "Oh yeah, it's arriving today... ... ...and if not today then tomorrow."

Sometimes I just feel like screaming.

Also no call yet from the company I applied to, but then again they probably have about 900 applications to get through and today is the first day of processing.

*sigh*

No inspiration, ok

That about explains everything right now. I'm patiently waiting for my new laptop to arrive... which is killing me... while also waiting for a reply from my last job application.... which is really killing me. It's like, I know that the closing date for the applications is still a day away but I can't help feeling like I should have been contacted by now. My application must have reached them two and a bit weeks ago. Why couldn't they process it immediately? Grrrrr. There's just something about waiting that really grates on my nut.

So what's getting me through this right now? This picture, which sums up everything from 2 years ago and until the end of this year (after which it won't just be pictures I have to look at). The fact that my new notebook is arriving, sometime... I hope... this week. Kinder Bueno. Bailey's flavoured Haagen-Dazs (think the best ice-cream you've ever eaten, but with Cape Velvet flavouring). Cadburys' Creme Eggs. Snickers. Olives stuffed with Pimiento's (which I'm currently quaffing out the jar with a spoon, chasing the Haagen-Dazs I just finished. Don't ask.) And the fact that with two degrees, an early application, and a strong desire, I really should make it to the interview stage for this position quite easily.

Ok. Looking back there may be just a bit too much chocolate on that list, but that is my life at the moment. Chocolate is my substitute for sex. It's not quite as good really, but I can get it before going to work, and if I don't think I'm going to finish in time I can take it with me on the bus.

Who would have guessed?

Last night I went out with Brandon, another Saffer from work. We met up at the Porcupine in Leicester Square before heading out to the Sports Cafe to meet up with some of his friends. But that's all an aside really.

He'd previously mentioned that he had a pretty famous aunt and uncle, but he'd always declined to mention who. I reckoned this was because his definition of famous and mine were probably very different things and he knew I'd just look blank when he dropped their names.

Ummm... wrong!

It turns out that his uncle is Robert John "Mutt Lange (more), music producer and writer for, among others, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Brian Adams, Backstreet Boys (ish!), and Britney Spears. That, if you didn't know (and you probably didn't), makes Brandon's aunt Shania Twain!

Who the hell would have guessed!

Do you know where you are?

Guns 'n Roses - Appetite for Destruction. It's just such a classic album. And definitely worthy of playing at full volume... just to see if you can get a reaction from the neighbors.

Notebook

It's ordered. Should arrive sometime next week, along with surge protection, carry case, and a rescue disk... although like I kept pointing out to the dude on the phone, I've been working on these damn things for years now. If it breaks, Ian will fix it. No rescue disk required. But it came with the package so what the hell.

Anyways. I'm out somewhere in Leicester Square this evening. Could be good... except I hardly know anyone I'm going with. Next week is even better: I'm out bar and club hopping with Mark, including Zoo Bar and perhaps even Kensington Roof Gardens... who knows.

Header

New header is up complements of Nat's pink-side design skillz.

I'm probably going to order the new laptop tonight when I get back from work. I think option one was the best bet, and am going to stick by it.

Anyways, gotta run. Need to do the shopping as I've just discovered cornflakes without sugar are just icky.

Which PC?

I have made my decision... I think. I am buying a notebook. Right now I feel this is the right choice. After it arrives there will be investment in a router and a wireless access point, and then there will be wireless broadband for all... including my neighbours, who will probably end up freeloading off me. One thing is for sure though, when Half Life 2 arrives I KNOW I am going to regret this.

Anyways. The next choice is which notebook to buy. I'll probably buy through Tiny.com as they have, by far and away, the best prices. I'm just in the process of checking that they have a 'no quibbles' money back guarantee. Just in case I'm not happy with the product.

These are the options:

Option 1: AMD chipset, gig of RAM, 64 meg Radeon

Option 2: AMD chipset, half-gig of RAM, 32 meg integrated graphics, DVD-rewriter

Option 3: Centrino chipset, half-gig of ram, 64 meg integrated graphics

I'm tending toward Option 1 for the extra RAM and the Radeon graphics card. I'm not really sure how much I would use a DVD rewriter so giving up all the extra grunt for one doesn't gel to well with me. Is the centrino chipset really worth sacrificing the RAM (again) and giving up the Radeon card for what is possibly a no-brander?

Let me know your thoughts on these. I'm looking for guidance.