Snow, Beer and Presents: Christmas 2005

Gosh I have been busy! First off sorry to Becky and Zoe who I didn't get round to seeing even though I promised I would. I'll try to explain!

Friday and work was tedious. Got out early and caught the train to Westenhanger. Mum picked me up from the station, I dumped my stuff, washed and dressed and headed off to the Burlington Hotel for the water boards Christmas do. My date for the evening was the lovely Stacey Lady



Had fun, seeing a few of the old faces, and discovering that nothing has changed at my old job. I felt like I hadn't been away... there was...



Angela and Karen



Sarah - as you can see she was rather sober



James, Carolyn and Katy

One of my work colleagues confided to me her worries about her son who has come out to her. Which explains who Kate was talking about. He's only 16 bless, although he's appeared in Finding Neverland amoung other things. Bastard. ;o)Oh the circles I mix in. I was supposed to go stay with Henry and Sarah, but you can see the state she was in! I decided to go home instead. Snuck in the backdoor and slept on the sofa.

Was woken by Mum, had breakfast with the family...



Then went shopping with Mum and Beth for the last few presents. Wasn't too bad. Had one of those moments where I realised why I love my Mum so much. As we walked past a Big Issue seller we both stopped to buy one. The Big Issue seller screams "Ally". My mum and Jess (Big Issue!) hug and chat about the good old times when Jess was in one of Mums projects and they kiss goodbye. Not many people have a Mum who not only knows, but cares about, the homeless kids of Folkestone. She spent the rest of the weekend worrying about Jess.

Got back to Lympne, made Beth wrap the presents for me...



Then we picked up Jim from the station and drank ourselves slilly for the rest of the evening.

Slept on the most uncomfortable bed ever that night... it was on a 45 degree gradient... ewww...

Christmas morning! I got loads of pressies and was pleased with the response the ones I gave got. The rest of the family turned up for dinner...







And then the most exciting moment of the holidays arrived... the Doctor Who Christmas Special!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!

Boxing Day... it all started off normal enough. I was to go into town, meet Becky and then move on from there to Zoe's house warming. But first my phone died, and while I tried to get my sim to work in other peopels phones I went up the pub. 5 and half hours later my Uncle David, Jim and I were found rather worse for wear debating Britishness. Hmm... and that's why I never made it out. I was too pissed!

And then it started to snow. And snow. And snow.

This morning I woke to find a winter wonderland outside...





But no trains. :o( I thought we would be stranded in Lympne but after a couple of hours the folks got bored of us and drove us home...

And as we drove up the Old Kent Road I realised... London is home for me now. I felt so much better when we crossed through into Greenwich Borough... mmm...

And now the kids are here... joy!

Hope you all had a fab xmas!

Come Back To The West Coast

Guess who was in the Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco's top gay newspaper)??? Go on... well ok yes it was Corkey Mineola. But who else? Some guy from "England" (where the hell is that???"). Twas I!!! Although may I make it quite clear I live in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. England ceased to exist years ago... it has been England and Wales since like the 15th century...

Read it here

Merry Christmas! Don't forget to visit my current tenant in the Rent My Blog section.

Oh Go On. It Is Christmas

It's that time of year for over indulgence (not that I need much of an excuse for that, I admit... my stomach has been growing at a not inconsiderable rate for some time now...). Last Jim and I headed to Ye Olde Rose and Crown for a drink (saw Sally, I am sure she lives there), had dinner at that all you can eat Vietnamese restaurant, and went to the the Greenwich Picturehouse to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Now have seen some of it on dodgy "digital copy" but it seeing it at the cinema was awesome. Beautifully done. Can I marry King Peter please? Cheers.

 

It is an early pay day today (oh Jim that letter from the bank wasn't a nasty one, it was my bank statement! Phew!) but forgot/have lost my bank card. I am hoping it's lying on the chair where I threw my coat last night, as my work keys were lying there and they are kept in the same pocket.So have £6.00 to see me through the day. No excess for me then!

 

If ya wanna wish me an early Merry Christmas, please click on the current tenant of Rent My Blog over on the right. I want as many unique hits as possible for this one as that blog LINKS ME. And I love blogs that link me. Go see!!!!! And not only that but the owners other blog links me too... mwah!

 

Now it's nearly time for me to run home to Folkestone (Friday) so if I don't blog before then MERRY CHRISTMAS! You know me, I'm not one of those bloggers who pretends he won't blog over Christmas, I will. Thank you all so much for staying with me this year, for linking me, and for leaving comments. That you keep coming back makes me feel all warm and happy inside. Love ya Dear Constant Reader.

 

Civil Partnerships Are A SHAM!

I really don't wish to darken anyone's special day now that civil partnerships are legal. But those who are taking part in civil partnerships are selling themselves, and the rest of the LGBT community, short. They have given up the fight not just for true equality, but also for freedom for everyone (be they gay or straight) from the demands of the "righteous".

We have failed to meet two totally different goals of two quite different parts of our community. One was total equality, to have no difference between gay, straight, trangendered etc; to have full, equal marriage rights not similar to, but the same as, heterosexuals. That we have now not achieved and may not achieve for decades!

The other goal was more radical. It was to change the face of the world, and to free us all from a very self destructive socialisation we fell into around the time of the industrial revolution. This was the mixing up of romantic love and marriage, a mix that really doesn't fit. By selling out to this bizarre and strange mix of marriage (a formerly practical institution) and love (not practical, beautifully aloft) we have enslaved ourselves and abandoned our basic principles.

Somehow today a dream has died, and something wonderful has become dreary.

Le Weekend

It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it'd be. Friday Jim, his mum and I had drinks at the Novotel before a dinner at an all you can eat Vietnamese restaurant near King Williams Walk. Saturday the kids arrived and Jim's mum made an AMAZING scotch broth. Sunday I went to see King Kong with Jim and Ian. That movie was orgasmically good. Adventure, romance, King Kong and the most amazing fight scene between KK and THREE T-Rexs. Soooooooooooo awesome. Then had a pub quiz at the Richard 1st where we came second from last. We should never have gambled!

 

All in all, first class weekend.

Ok So I Said I Wouldn't Moan

But I lied. Everyone I've met or interacted with today has been TRUELY MISERABLE. Went to a pub called Wyvils for lunch and the waitress was the most sarcastic and rude person I've met this year. Glad we don't have a tipping culture,  as it saves the embarassment of leaving NOTHING!

 

And my mother in law is about to arrive. EEK!!!!!!!  

 

Thanks everyone for your messages of support and goodwill on my last post. Love you all too.

 

x

Big Dad

My maternal grandad died last night. He'd been ill in hospital a couple of weeks ago, but had been cleared to go home. He was only 68. I didn't know him very well, due to some family politics and the fact he lived miles away (north of the Thames!), but I spent one of the most memorable weeks of my life with him. 1998 was a very important year for me and the week I spent with Big Dad and Derek was a week I really discovered who I was, where I was going and where I could have a break from some of the emotions I was feeling back home.

 

Big Dad, you shall be sorely missed. Intelligent and just the right side of mad. Love ya.

 

x

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Doctor Who takes anti-war stance

Christmas Special Mmm.

David Tennant. Mmm.

Doctor Who. Mmm.

Cybermen. Nuff said.

The Whole Truth

Being gay is a lot like being very tall. People always say the same things to you. If they see me in the street it's always "You're tall, aren't you?" What compels them to talk to me, let alone say something so stupid has always fascinated me. Do they go up to aged people and say "You're old, aren't you?", I often wonder.

Well being gay there's a similar stock question from both straight people and gay people. "When did you realise you were gay?" Now I've always had a stock answer for this. "When I was 14", which flows off my tongue almost as easily as "I'm 6'8" ".

But it's not true. I was four when I realised I was gay. I didn't know what being gay meant. I didn't know about sex. I hadn't a clue about much at all. But I knew I wanted to see Dolph Lungdren naked. Obviously I don't tell them that as it'd weird them out (children never think about sex, it's the law) Why mention it? Because it gives me a chance to post a picture of the sexiest man of the eighties...



Did you think I was gonna be all deep and meaningful???? This close to Christmas? You must be kidding!

OK. I've Had Enough

12 hours of BBC News can send you mad. If the news presenter remarks on how amazing it is that the fire is still going on in Hemel Hempstead I'm going to carve the fire triangle into his forehead. HELLO! Fuel + heat + oxygen = FIRE!

He is making my head hurt.

Bright Lights, Dark Clouds

So last night was ok. We all went up on the London Eye for a 30 minute champagne "flight", before we took a Humvee limo into town (I lost my limo virginity to a big'un). Had a few drinks at the Akbar and dinner in the Red Fort. Then went to some other Soho place. Had sooooo much champagne. Spent an hour waiting for a taxi at Charing Cross, and got home at 4am. I'm a dirty stop out!1

There's a dark cloud over London today thanks to this incident. Gill and the kids live just opposite the blast area in Hemel Hempstead, they are fine although their patio door has been blown off. Can't believe the cloud from the fire is over us here many, many miles away. That has got to be some fire!

Pictures of last night and the dark cloud will follow when Jim finds the camera lead.

Revelations

Yesterday was secret santa day at work! I got two presents, which is worrying. George was one of my secret santas and he got a me a singing dog, which woofs "I Wish You A Merry Christmas". It is sooooooo cute. He's only been working with me for two weeks but he has me sussed. The other gift is a Worst Scenario calendar which is great, but who got it for me???? It's a mystery.

I went out last night with some people from work for Merediths birthday/Lindsays leaving drinks. Went to the Lavendar, and had a good time. Moved on to "The Phoenix" near Sloane Square and had an ok time.

Got Civ IV today!!! It didn't work, but Jim has fixed it being the most excellent man that he is.

Off out for the works Christmas do tonight. Pictures to follow.

Did you know Santa Claus is not Father Christmas???

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Have you all down you Christmas shopping yet? If so, spare a thought for this Microsoft executive. He doesn't even get an xbox for Christmas. How harsh (I'm filled with sympathy!)! Good to see Christmas shopping is hell for everyone.

Ok I have to buy for Mum, Nan, and Tony. Will do this on Saturday then my Christmas shopping is over. Praise the Lord!

Brent Corrigan has a blog!! :o) Now isn't that news to warm your heart! Santa obviously read my letter...

There's A New Animal On The Block... And It Looks CUTE!

A brand spanking new mammal is found in Borneo. Now being interested in cryptozoology this fills my heart with glee. If land mammals this large are still being found then imagine what lies beneath the ocean. Ooo... fingers crossed for a megalodon ;o)

Robbie Williams is not gay and I don't want to hear any suggestion that he is. Cos we don't want him!

There is one story I'm a little peeved about but as I'm not allowed to moan we'll play a guessing game... it was on this page at 21:37. First person to guess the story and the reason I'm peeved wins a prize...

And on a lighter note... David Boreanaz IS GORGEOUS.

The 19 Days Of Christmas

I received a reader complaint yesterday. Jim moaned at me for moaning too much about... everything. Although I would say this is the whole point of a blog, an outlet for my moaning, I will admit it has been worse of late. So... I promise that right up till Christmas Day you'll hear no bad news, no grumpiness and a whole lot of cheer.

Ooo... so I've nearly finished Christmas shopping just gotta get stuff for Tony (erm??), Nan (something nice from Greenwich Market) and Mum (God darn her my default Christmas present for her has turned into her birthday present and I'll get something nice from the market too). Feel quite chuffed. Depending on the money might get something extra for Jim. ;o)

I have to say my bolognese came off quite well yesterday. I learnt some lessons (less water) but overall I think it was quite yummy. Self congratulatory pat on the back required...

Hey did you know it's nearly Christmas, and do you know what I love? I love to get gifts from my readers. It makes me feel so wanted, loved, cherished, happy and gives me a desire to post more half naked men. So hey look here's My Amazon Wish List just in case there's any body out there who loves me!

I was going to post pictures of kittens in santa hats, but thought PETA might kill me so instead I present Santa taking a nap...

London and Relative Dimension In Space

London is it's own kind of TARDIS, just in reverse. It is smaller than you think. Jim set me a challenge yesterday just before he disappeared to Hemel Hempstead.. I must cook a bolognese sauce from scratch (he's just bought the Silver Spoon italian cookery book). And so today I headed to Tesco in the centre of Lewisham in search of ingredients. Which is 10 minutes walk from the centre of Greenwich where I live. Sometimes I forget it's so close. It's the same with Canary Wharf. It's 11 minutes on the DLR. You can see it from our street. But somehow my brain tells me it's TOO FAR. In Folkestone I'd walk half an hour just to catch a train. I'd walk 40 minutes just to get a magazine. I could actually walk to where I work in less than an hour. (it takes half an hour on a hideously crowded train, I might just consider it!)

I've been in this city for 6 months and still haven't explored it properly. My first NY Resolution is to discover London. I owe it to the city I've spent my life dreaming I'd live in.

AH! Two gay blokes on telly talking about civil partnerships... "At the end of the day it's equality and that's what we've been after". IT IS NOT EQUALITY! God, sometimes I wish I was born in Canada like most of my family... at least gay people didn't settle for second best there. Hmm. It's time to start writing letters. And give Nick Raynsford, my Labour MP, a kick up the bum.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Pretty soon we will know the name of the new leader of the Tories. Hmm... the country isn't exactly shaking with excitement now is it? Personally I hope David Cameron gets it as I'd like to see his take on the drug problem. I'm taking bets on just how hypocritical it'll be... quite, very, amazingly or awesomely...

I went to Canary Wharf today to try to find Civilisation 4. I came running back. Xmas shoppers annoy me more than any other type of people. In this internet age there is no excuse for walking around soooooooo slowly, and paying everyone else no heed at all. If you're a slow shopper, please do it from the comfort of your own home. Cheers.

I still have a cold. :o( But at least it's nearly Christmas!

My Hero

Chatterbox MP blocks the vigilante bill. Thank the Lord! Reasonable force is all you need to stop people on your property. This means you can defend yourself and your property from an attacker. It also means you can't shoot a fleeing teenager in the back when he has ceased to pose a threat. Simple.

I am not against victims rights. I think if someone attacks you and you kill them in the course of defending yourself, you shouldn't be prosecuted (although I'd hope you'd feel some remorse at taking another's life). But if you chase and attack someone fleeing from you, even if they have your TV under their arm, then you are no better than the criminal and should deserve no protection. No piece of property is more important than ANYONE's life. Yes even a bastard thief. Recovering property is the task of the police. It's what I pay my taxes for.

Hell Is Other People

Jean-Paul Sartre showed his genius in just those four words. I admit I'd hate to be alone somewhere without any human contact. But some of the people who I encounter when I leave the safe confines of home are truely terrifying. The gormless ones, the loudmouthed ones, the rude ones, and the real life challenged people ("Yes these are escalators. You must start to walk by the time you reach the bottom. Oh darn, failed again, maybe tomorrow huh?").

I'm not saying I'm perfect. But I at least don't walk round a train station pretending I'm the only person in the world and thinking my luggage somehow has the right to be throw in five different directions all at once just to frustrate those attempting to get past me.

And I'm the one who gets funny looks from the strange people who jam themselves on to a crowded train while I stay on the platform because there's a perfectly empty one following in the next two minutes. That's called understanding basic math. This train is filled with people who have reached their embarcation points within twenty minutes before departure. The next will be filled with people who reach their embarcation points within two minutes before departure. Hence the second train should have 10 times less people on it. Ok so we have to take into account most people will be aiming for certain timed trains so it's probably more like only 10% less, but it's nice to have room to breath anyway... Considering how empty the second train is I must be slightly more intelligent than most of those on the first train... Which worries me as it's a very crowded train... ;o)

Brain dump over... Lochgoilhead photo of the day ahead.

My Blog. My Rules.

God. I've realised that I have become obsessed with hits, comments and blog rankings. This is not what this blog is for. I do this for me and no one else. I don't have ads (I may be a slut but I'm no whore!) so I shouldn't worry about how many people read this. I have you Dear Constant Reader and that's more than enough.

Now...I can't wait to see Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Brokeback Mountain, King Kong and, of course, Narnia! All of them look awesome (especially King Kong, featuring a 9 minute scene of King Kong versus... 3 T-Rexs!!! It's enough to make a dino addict do unmentionable things...).



George Michael plans to marry his partner. Well that's amazing... I didn't realise gay marriage was legal, let's go read the Civil Partnership legislation again *turns through pages studiously* oh wait.... it's NOT! BBC News get you fucking facts right. Sorry to swear, you know I don't like to, but it's SICKENING that the Governments spin machine has fooled even most of us moxes. Civil Partnerships are just one plank in this governments efforts to segregate and seperate each part of our Kingdom into small inward looking "communities" of consumers. Hey let's pander to Sinn Fein and the DUP. Fuck true equality in Northern Ireland. Hey let's give each community a new name!! British-Indians, British-Pakistanis, British-Kiwis. Brilliant. Oh let's just get rid of British altogether! Let's give the queers a piece of the pie but make sure the fundamentalists know it's not the same as marriage. But hey imagine how much money the "gay marriage" business will squeeze out of those desperate fools....

I am British. Each and every other subject of her Brittanic Majesty is my equal. Gay, straight, bisexual, black, white, disabled or stupid.... we are one people, with many facets. Multiculturalism and a tolerance of segregation is killing this country. It's time someone did something about it.

Please release me, let me go...

Dear Constant Reader,

 

Sorry I have been so lax in blogging of late. I have just been busy! I am not forgetting about you. In fact Jim has gone and given me a better link to this site for you to use, http://www.jaekay.co.uk/blog . That's right people. I am moving into the 21st Century!!! Next thing you know I'll be hosting my own blog... watch this space.

 

Hmm... hmm... I fancy another break. I just don't get away enough do I? I've only been to Lochgoilhead, Manchester, Prague, Warsaw, San Francisco and Lochgoilhead again this year. I mean really is 5 breaks a year even remotely enough???? ;o) So may well be off to Paris in a couple of weeks time. We'll see. We'll see. 

 

RANT: DVDs. Jim pointed this out to me last night, but aren't DVDs getting so annoying? You can't skip anything these days... adverts, warnings, company logos.... and the menus take ages to get to the selection point as some designer shows off just how clever he is.... I hate it! Please let's have a return to DVDs which get straight to the point and let you enjoy the movie rather than letting them become as annoying as VHS.  

 

Love you all.

 

Jae

 

 

 

Lochgoilhead - November 2005

Drymsinie House



Loch Goil - ain't it pretty?



Jae and Karen share a secret



This was just before we made our escape from the band.



Jason and the Args in action, just before claiming 2nd place in the curling tournament! Woo!

All I Want For Christmas....

A Busy Jae Is An Unhappy Jae

Busy, busy, busy!!!

 

Anyway the interview on Wednesday was actually fairly interesting. It was for a study by the University of Exeter on "Money management in gay and lesbian relationships". I expressed my distaste with civil partnerships (marriage or nothing!), and had to think about parts of my relationship with Jim that I haven't really expressed or dealt with before. Also reminded me... must sort out a pension! So resolution, I must have a pension plan by the end of February.

 

Yesterday at work was unpleasant shall we say and I'm glad that's over. Went out to Revolutions in Soho after to work with some work people to meet the new Accounts manager (again). Was cool but my fave part of the evening was walking back to Charing Cross. It's funny how attached I am to dates and places. I love Charing Cross Road. When I wander down it by myself I feel at home. Charing Cross station is the hub, the place that features in most adventures in my life so far. Some people have comfort blankets. I have a comfort street.

Jae - The Lab Rat

It's been a long time since I've been part of a study (last time I was helping Natalie). Well I am sitting in the bedroom, banished here by a lady named Maree from the University of Exeter while she interviews Jim. I'm next. More on this tomorrow.

Why do so many people confide their secrets in me? Today I held a mate in my arms while they cried their little heart out to me. What is it about me that makes people trust me? I know so many secrets it hurts. Secret abortions. Secret affairs. Secrets too awful to even anonymously mention. I wish I could make things better for these people. But I can't. I can only be there. A powerless Jae is an unhappy Jae. But if you ever need to talk; I'll be here.

Jason got to train a new guy today. Oh the power!

I love the Jesus versus Bush ad!! :o)

Harry Potter - Goblet Of Fire

Hmm... as a none Pottermaniac I feel I can view these films with a certain distance. This was pretty bad. The acting was terrible. The editing was too awful for mere words. It was too short for the story and too long for my bum's liking. It felt under developed and poorly realised. But I'm liking Ron and his brothers. I'm a secret ginger lover... :o)

But that's nothing compared to Philip Olivier...

Normal Service Will Resume Later Today.

I'm back! Miss me? I have the most awful cold, so please imagine coughing, sneezing and sniffling throughout posts until further notice.

 

Let's see what's happening in the news... another shooting north of London... Gary Glitter in trouble again... winter flu jabs run low... deja vu anyone?? God... I've stopped reading newspapers simply because I can usually guess what the stories will be and what each particular commentator will say about the headlines. YAWN!

 

 

Is This The Real Life, Is This Just Fantasy

Pretty shitty day so far... miserable people on the way to work put me in a homicidal mood, don't feel well and had to hang around outside work as people didn't turn up when they said they would. I am sure I said I'd never do an early again for this very reason... you live and learn I spose.

 

But doesn't sound like I've had as bad a day as poor Jim... lost luggage (totally lost luggage) and delayed flights and stuff... :( 

Still don't believe me? You will.

My Complete Series of Eerie Indiana arrived today (the postman waking the downstairs people.. oops!)!!! Yay!!

When I was younger this was one of my fave shows, I had such a huge crush on Marshall (Omri Katz) when I was younger (yes I was younger than him then so no it wasn't some paedophilic fantasy!) Love this show...

Ok... so no one spotted what was wrong with the photo a couple of posts back?? I am disgusted... it was so obvious. He's wearing a blazer AND jeans!!!! SOOOOOOOOO wrong.

Jim gets home tomorrow... I can't wait to see him.

Got my haircut today... hmm... soooo much easier doing it after work... I was the only person there.

WHERE ARE THE DAYS GOING?

How can it be ten in the evening already? I'm telling ya people... the world's gone mad.

So.. we've all heard enough about me.. what's going on in your life at the mo? Shout out to Paul for getting yesterdays question right!!!

Waiting For Jim

Spot the error in this picture...



Guess what Jim is bringing me back from America? Winner gets a mention in the next post.

Get A Grip On Yourself

It's funny how I used to get really obsessed with particular songs (normally god awful ones) for weeks at a time. Get a Grip by Semisonic was one I'd spend hours surfing the music channels to find. How quickly my obsessions get forgotten.

In fact my obsessions are most often for rubbish things nobody else likes... Star Trek:Voyager. Maximum Overdrive. Every cheap horror movie/creature feature this side of 1980. Case in point this week I've watched Crocodile, Spiders 2, Arachnophobia (Ok so that's not a bad film, it's got John Goodman in it, who is brilliant!) and Shark (AH! that one was almost as bad as Shark Attack). If I can bring myself to face it I've still got Crocodile 2:Death Roll to watch. I think pouring acid into my eyes might be more pleasurable. Maybe a bit of Jeepers Creepers is in order to save me; it is after all part horror movie/part gay movie/all good. Love it. Justin Long, mmmm...



Anyway... also while I was in San Francisco I saw an ad for a movie called the Hole (No not THAT crap movie we all try to forget about) and wanted it mainly because it was "from the director of the Fluffer". I love the Fluffer, and thought hey cool a humourous take on the Ring where people watch a movie and turn gay 7 days later... Well I got my hands on it finally and found it's actually a soft core porn movie (the great thing about gay softcore movies is there just like hard core movies, just without the boring bits!). Sure that's great but am still in desperate need of some actual serious entertainment. If I have to watch yet another crappy actor I may become homicidal...

My fave star from the Hole... Derec Lang.



Went to John's house warming party in North Acton last night which was cool.

Oh bugger it... Maximum Overdrive needs a repeat viewing... If you've never heard Yeardley Smith off the Simpsons doing "proper" acting you are missing out... she makes this movie... and the AC/DC soundtrack rocks!!!

Halloween Producer Murdered

Very sad news. As you may or may not know, I LOVE horror movies. And Mr Akkad was a massive influence on my fave franchise... Halloween. He stayed loyal to that franchise even in it's lowest hours and shall be greatly missed.

Jae Falls Down and Other Stories

Hmm... been busy. Yesterday I headed to Acton with Sam and Meredith. Joined by Sam's Aussie room mate Sky for a curry at Wetherspoons, before we caught a bus for Shepherds Bush and some drinks at the Walkabout with another Sam (male this time) and a Polly. Was fun, left early though, slightly worse for wear from too many snakebites. As I headed down the escalators at Bank tube station I did something silly. I fell backwards and landed on my back on the escalators, cutting my hand and hurting my back. But mainly hurt my pride as had to spend 10 minutes waiting on the platform with people who'd seen me fall. Embarrassing!!!

Today, no work! Well kinda, we had a team building exercise in the Fleming Mayfair hotel near Green Park. Pretty nice, and the six of us did get some constructive things done. Food was awesome. Had a few drinks afterwards in a couple of pubs in Shepherds Market.

Got home and found two of the three black tetras were dead due to some temperature problems. Sorry Jim!!

"Godzilla" Croc Found

Godzilla. How cool!

Coming Out and In and Out and In And Out

Hmm... Natalie had a good point about the perpetual closetedness of homosexuality. New person at work at the moment and I managed to catch Kim outing me to her (not that I minded, that's all cool with me) just today. Which kinda proves Natalie's point.

I used to be pretty forward in coming out. At Three Valleys I came out almost immediately, mainly because me and Stacey (whom informed me today it's 38 days till here birthday, year in and year out the Stacey birthday countdown is as reliable as the tolling of Big Ben) were sharing mags (AXM, what was I thinking?) and Elina picked it up and forced my not very reluctant hand. But when I started at the new place I didn't bother, and for a while I didn't really correct people's assumption I was straight. That wasn't because I was ashamed, but because I couldn't be arsed.

Anyone else feel like this? It's mind numbingly tedious having to put up with people's assumption that I'm straight (no sarky comments Mr Jim please...) and really why should I constantly be forced to out myself? Next time I'm in that situation I will not come out. Just for fun of course... how long can I convince people I'm straight? Hmm...

What Could Have Been

Watching ITV's "My Husbands Secret Life". It's kind of made me ponder what might have been if I'd made different decisions in my life.

As a side note I'm always amazed by documentaries about gay people, it's just funny to look on gay men through the eyes of an outsider, as if we're strange and different. Bless the straight peoples innocence, little do they realise we are just the bloody same as them. And these gay men in the documentaries... these are not real gay men, least none I've ever met... they are so dumb! One guy just said "There just weren't any gay men in such and such town". Oh hun, how NAIVE! Actually I think gay men's naivety deserves another post!

I thank the Gods that I got over the "it's just a phase" thoughts when I was 14, even if my parents decided to ignore my coming out for a few more years. I just can't bear to imagine the heartache of not going out with men, the hassle of dating girls (EEK!), the dullness of life pretending to be somebody I wasn't.

The last years of school was soooo strange for me, as I continued to pretend to be straight while after school I'd be in a gay bar, or doing something far worse (better!) with a trick or two. It would have been a nightmare to continue that for any longer than I did... so I have to say I have nothing but compassion for the closeted men. I pray for the day NO ONE feels the need to hide their sexuality.

I'm guessing that'll happen around about 20 000 AD... roll on ... ;o)

Corkey's back at Bad Weeds. Praise Jesus!



With Jim away (miss ya hun, love you!), I'm feeling very lonely... so comment god damn it!!!! ;op

Jae: The Idiotic Consumer

AH! I have become the customer I hate. Somehow I've managed to forget to amend the postcode on my delivery address for an Amazon order so it's incorrect. AH! AH! I'll see if I receive it and if I don't I'll sheepishly contact them and tell them I am VERY stupid, apologise for my mistake and try and sort it out.

BASH MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL FOR BEING SO DUMB! And I only notice it after it's despatched despite checking the order every day for the last three days. DUMB DUMB DUMB.

 

In better news bought the New Statesman today (why? I hate that magazine... I just keep giving it one more chance) and it came with a free Green & Black Maya Gold chocolate bar. Truely divine.... mmmm...

 

 

We'll always have Paris?

Riots continue across France. What is this all about? Heresay and rumour seem to me to be the main causes, just like the recent riots in Birmingham. Don't listen to the mobs cries of "fighting racism". Last I checked cars and schools weren't racist. Burn Le Pen, then I'll believe you're fighting racism.

I heard one member of the mob on Channel 4 news say something along the lines of "It's time for them to stop treating us like dirt". Well young man maybe it's time you stopped flipping acting like dirt. There's a massive difference between basic unprincipled street violence and true protest. Let's just ask ourselves; what would Rosa Parks say?

Give me a peaceful protest against racism, a strike, even a march and I'll be there. But these outbreaks of young men on the rampage should not be tolerated. They dirty the fight against prejudice and should be treated as you'd treat a common criminal.

Home Alone

Hmm... time to arm myself with tins of paint, hot irons and exploding toilets?

That's right. Jim left today, heading for a two week stay in St Louis, Missouri (first class on BA no less). I miss him already. So I'm all alone, which means I'm thinking way too much, getting far too horny and eating junk. It's only been 9 hours.

No plans till next weekend either. Sad AND lonely. Joy.

Click on my Rent My Blog person. This week it's all about cigars.... ooo...

Gunpowder, Treason, and Totty

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
gunpowder, treason and plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'twas his intent
to blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow:
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, make the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
Hip hip hoorah!
A penny loaf to feed the Pope.
A farthing o' cheese to choke him.
A pint of beer to rinse it down.
A faggot of sticks to burn him.
Burn him in a tub of tar.
Burn him like a blazing star.
Burn his body from his head.
Then we'll say ol' Pope is dead.
Hip hip hoorah!
Hip hip hoorah!

Politically correct? Nah... but fun. Not too far from my own personal beliefs about the holier than thou Christian leadership... (JokE!)

Mum's got the flu so won't be visiting today. Bad in some ways but oh so good in others... :o) But hope she gets better soon. This means I'll probably be visiting Folkestone next Sunday.

Today is Guy Fawkes (that's pronounced "forks" for anyone outside the UK) Night and hopefully I can persuade Jim to come to a display with me... mmm... fireworks, hot dogs, glow sticks and er... fireworks. Yay! Wanna know more?

And just for Otis...

Jim Gives Jae A Crazy Idea

 So over a roast pheasant dinner and a bottle of Pinot Grigio at Inside (our fave Greenwich restaurant) last night, Jim suggested I apply to join the police. I'm a little tired of customer service and feel it's time I start looking for something that interests me, as well as pays the bills (and the police force does that... in fact it's a lot more money than I'm on now!). Every career advisor I ever saw said "Join the police" and my Nan would probably collapse with excitement if I got to the passing out ceremony... So what does my Dear Constant Reader think?

 

Obviously I'd have to get fit first... but any reason why I shouldn't?

The Coke Addict

My Samhain resolution was to give up caffeine. I've gone two days now without any and don't I know it. Had an awful headache all day yesterday, it was most unpleasant. Had the same thing last year, but know that without all that caffiene in my system, I'll feel really good in about a day or so. It's going to be really hard, but I'm sure this time I'll be able to keep my caffeine habit in check.

 

Next... lose some weight. I'm turning into a whale... time to stop eating so many snacks, especially chocolate covered ones.

 

Just heard Kate Bush's King of the Mountain (I know, I'm so last week!). Really good. I love Kate Bush (it's an obsession a former Uncle [what was his name? James?] passed to me when I was younger. Yes I know my family relationships are most confused!). And I've finally realised they are not playing ABBA on the radio... it's Madonna! Note to self: keep up to date with latest music instead of relying on Gayborhood Radio's Music with Marshall on a Tuesday for all your music needs...

 

Anyone else getting a little too excited by the upcoming Narnia movie? I'll be less random tomorrow, once I'm over the cold turkey!

 

Nothing Much To Say

How the hell are you Dear Constant Reader?

More shamelessly pointless pics of cuties...

I Hope You Have A Peaceful Samhain

This isn't the Samhain post I was going to write, but the real one was way too scary (for me anyway!) to dwell on so I posted it early!

Go visit my current "Rent My Blog" tenant and scroll down the left side of his blog to see an amusing Halloweenish cartoon. Brilliant!

I hope you all take the time this evening, as Samhain begins, to reflect. Reflect on any regrets you may have; tonight is the time to put them to rest. And reflect that this world still holds many mysteries for which we have no explanation or at least a solution!... here are a few "true" life mysteries for your consideration...

The Nameless Thing Of Berkeley Square

The U-28 Abomination

The Oak Island Money Pit - Always loved this story...

The Mothman In Sandling, Kent??? And other weird Kentish creatures - that's no more than a mile from Lympne, my old home!

The Blue Bell Hill Hauntings When I was little, Blue Bell Hill was always the setting for the infamous hitch hiker urban legend. In fact it was normally the setting for anything spooky as it was only down the road from us!

And finally... another local one this... all the Ghosts of Pluckley

Happy Halloween Dear Constant Reader...

Blessed Be

Halloween Interlude

That's the kind of Halloween gear I would like to encourage every cute guy of legal age to wear!

A Not So Happy Halloween! Jae Tells His Scary Story

EEK! Was going to save this up for Monday, but I got curious. I went searching the net and found this and this... that's other people having the same experience with the Shadow Man... and have scared myself so silly that I just wanna get it out the way now... :o(

The Dark Man of Sharnall Lane

I was only 4 or 5 years old, living in my Nan's house in Snodland with her, my Mum, Auntie Melly and probably my Uncle Graham. The night it happened everyone had gone out, and Melly was babysitting me with her boyfriend, Mick. Now number 9 Sharnall Lane sat opposite a graveyard, and on 2 sides of it was a spooky (for my over imaginative imagination anyway!) disused road leading to a large house that had been abandoned... it was partially obscured by trees and my young mind always pictured it as some old colonial style house with a porch etc (in Snodland? Yeah... right). And to knock it off the rumour was (is!) that the street was built over an old plague pit. So I'll admit... I was always in the state of mind to expect the unexpected...

That night she put me to bed, leaving the door open on to the hallway... the stairs ran at right angles to the hallway down the side of my room. It wasn't more than five minutes later, as I stared lazily out the door into a hallway lit only with the light from downstairs, that he strood into view as if he'd walked down the hall from my Nan's room, not up the stairs. He nearly filled the doorway. He was black... and I don't mean he had a gorgeous chocolate skin hue. He was pitch black, beyond his out line there was nothing discernible... no facial features or clothes... except that is for his bright red eyes. Now like any young child seeing that I SCREAMED!!!! Melly came crashing up the stairs and he strode of out of view down the hall. I told her what I'd seen and she seemed worried. She rushed out and called for Mick and together they checked the other rooms. She came back and calmed me down... a fifteen year old herself but she knew how to sooth me... and they both wandered downstairs relieved. It was just a childs nightmare...

And as they got comfy on the sofa again... he strode back again... now this time I know I was awake... this was no dream... and he stared at me, and it wasn't a disinterested stare, it was a hateful look that still chills me to this day. I know this sounds silly but this time I was too scared to scream. It was the barks of my nan's toy poodle Lucy that scared him away this time. She came charging up the stairs and down the hallway after him. I called for Melly and she came and I told her what happened... Lucy was now sitting in the hallway growling (this wasn't unusual... she was a mean tempered little creature who would growl all day long just for fun). She told me not to be silly... it had been Mick all along, trying to scare me...

I was so relieved, not quite believing her but wanting to believe her.... and I fell asleep quickly after that.. the door was closed this time...

He never came back any other night, but it was a long, long time before I started sleeping with the door even slightly ajar... if I'm alone at anytime I often make sure all the doors in a house are closed before I can settle... sad but all too true...

A year or so before Melly died I was talking with her about something and the subject of that night came up... I laughingly joked to her about how silly it had been for me to think Mick was a demon! She then said something that made me feel rather sick...

"Jay" (for that is how I was known back in the day!) "it wasn't Mick, I just wanted you to go to sleep so said it was. You and Lucy really freaked me and him out!!!"

Whether you believe it was a demon or just my overactive imagination I've actually spoken to a couple of people who've seen the same apparation, but in their own homes... maybe you should sleep with that door closed tonight huh?

Greenwich

Sam and Meredith came to visit and after wandering the market we headed for the Maritime Museum and the Observatory...



Ships ahoy!!!! Sam and Meredith somewhat inland...



The little people know... that when little people fight...



Honestly you can't take Americans anywhere!




I love Greenwich!



Legs astride the meridian!

What's Gaying On?

After listening to Marshall on Gayborhood Radio cry because some bastards broke into his car, quite probably because he had a Gayborhood Radio sticker in his window, I thought it was time to check out what's happening in Gay World.

Our new vows have been released ready for Decembers onslaught of awfully over the top homo "weddings" (gals it ain't a wedding until we are totally equal with the breeders) proving once and for all; gay people are just as dull as straight people. Hurrah! And hey look Northern Ireland, famous for it's hospitality ("we don't like the blacks, the whites, the gays, the Catholics, the Protestants, the British, the Irish... and we really don't like the police"), takes the modern world in it's stride. "You can't get married here" YAY! Look I'm agreeing with a Sinn Fein councillor. The world has gone mad...

Sulu comes out. Maybe now those slash stories can stop focussing on Kirk and Spock! Yay for George!

In not so shocking news most actors in Czech gay porn are straight. Well that's fairly obvious... why do you think we like them so? Straight men like to watch women having sex with each other. We like to watch straight men having sex with each other.

Least theres no executions to report today huh?

OH THE INNUENDO!!!!!!!!

'Ahead of William's visit, Charlton manager Alan Curbishley - the second longest serving manager in the Premier League - had warned the prince would be put through his paces.

Mr Curbishley said: "Being landed in south London with a group of people that he perhaps doesn't know too much about, we will try to let him enjoy himself.

"If we can get a pair of boots that fit him we will see what he's got."

 

He added: "He looks like someone who likes to stick the ball in the back of the net."'

 

Footballers and their managers... the stuff their come out with is just classic...

Check This Out

Jae Kay... your source for Prince William news...

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4385112.stm

 

The picture is just classic...

 

I Admit It Sometimes I'm A Sad Bastard

So just some BBC News stories of interest (to me)

Chimps are horrid or so claims this unscientific study of just 29 chimps... 29 chimps doth not a good study make. I hate seeing this sloppiness in the media. Fine it indicates a possible underlying trend in captive chimpanzees that's worthy of further study (although not in my opinion). But I hate it when it's reported in a way without any analysis of how this study is not very representative.

But beavers are nice (down boys, not that kind of beaver... you disgust me!). Yay for reintroduction of species... if only because I love the idea of more species diversification, especially large mammals (mmm... boars)...

Antarctic turmoil. Now I don't know if we should feel bad that these species will die or not... change is good for evolution and are we responsible or not. Ok I think we are causing some global warming (I'm not one of those crazy people who doesn't believe in global warming and thinks we all can keep on doing what we do without any consequences). But part of the warming could also be that we are living through the end of an ice age. Yes guys and gals... the Earth has always been historically warmer than it has been for the last few thousand years...

A Sight For Sore Eyes

*queue M People music, which I'm listening to right now by virtue of being on hold... joy*

 

I am so unhappy with my work life at the moment. VERY UNHAPPY. I know this is read by some people at work so I won't go into details but... :o(

 

Plans for the future: apply to join the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (charity work in a field that interests me... perfect), November is officially Save Jae's Money month which shall involve me trying not to spend money (HA!) and requesting hand outs from you Dear Constant Reader. Ok probably not that but I will try to save my money! Erm.. and whatever happens between now and next time I do a "and coming soon" update.

Miss Jae Kay

Oh yes. It's finally happened. Staying in hotels when you are gay is often an interesting experience. You get the whispered "You both know it's a double bed don't you?" and the occasional raised eyebrow. But never have I been called Miss Kay before.

Jim's just got the confirmation for our Lochgoilhead trip and it's for Mr Niven and Miss Kay... JOY! They may just get a little shock...

PHWOAH!



Thanks Tottyland for the shirtless pics of Tom Welling!

I Am That Weirdo On The Train!

I was listening to Twinkleboi's podcast today on the way here to work... and he and his friend Fiona were out for a walk talking stupid. And they made me laugh, they are both completely loony and before I knew it one muffled laugh had become a whole string of loud guffaws. I was given the strangest looks by the people on the train... the "Oh My GOD it's a weirdo" look that British commuters are so good at. In the end I had to stop listening, I'd got the giggles.
 

I am soooo ashamed after all I've said about commuter ettiquette. I need a good spanking (administered by Tom Welling please!)

 

 

And She Just Said No

Rosa Parks is dead. May she rest in peace, she shall never be forgotten. She showed us that standing up (or sitting down) for what you believe in, even in the face of oppression and convention, isn't always futile. Nuff said.

The National Archives begin to release public information films. Pretty funny, and rather interesting.

Work is driving me up the wall... can't I become a man of leisure, who's only decisions are "What colour trunks should the pool boy wear?" And if you don't know the answer to that by now Dear Constant Reader then start paying attention! ;op

Please visit the current tenant of my Rent My Blog section on the right, he won't be there much longer and you'll miss out on some laughs if you don't check him out now!

Another One Of Those Days

I'm thinking, given that I'm really not being a proper Wiccan at mo, that I'll post a little in the lead up to Samhain about what it means to me to be Wiccan, and how I could be a little better at it. Ok a lot better!

Today has been awful. Our three strongest players, as it were, were away leaving us newer people to try our best to pick up the slack. Doing my work plus some others really stressed me out. Felt so good to get out till I got to Waterloo East. "Please note that the 18:38 to Dartford will be comprised of 4 coaches not 8". One sentence that spelt 15 minutes of living hell... I hate trains, and managed to fall (quite dramatically) on to some poor unsuspecting lady when the train moved... :o( I am soooo sorry innocent lady.

Got home, and while washing up listened to Bad Weeds SF... and that cheered me up! I won the "Guess the weight of the pumpkin" contest... woo... can't wait to find out what I've won...

Challenge Jae

Jim has set me a challenge. In an effort to Jae-ify (my new word) the flat, he wants me to buy a piece of art (pictures please!) to have in place by mid November when he will be back from the States.

So Dear Constant Reader... can you suggest any good art retailers here in London that I can browse around? Said art must be child friendly...

Jae's Couch Potato Film Review

Hmm... I should be at Kentish Town station right now, but I can't be arsed.

Hooligans a.k.a Green Street. A movie about the "Firms" of football supporters. Jim liked this movie a lot. I have to say, although it wasn't bad and Charlie Hunnam makes for pretty good eye candy, it was just another movie set in Britain glorifying macho thug culture. YAWN! Do 90% of the movies set in Britain have to have the same boring plot?

The Brothers Grimm. Not too bad, shame the plot kind of starts to get going but then gives up 3 quarters of the way through and we're left with an average ending. Does remind me just how scared I used to get reading some fairytales!

THe Fog (2005). Some reviews I've read of this say "It's so bad, it's good". Now as a seasoned aficionado of crap horror movies I have to say... it's not. It is just awful. It's not even close to being Friday the 13th Part 3. NOT EVEN CLOSE. The plot (and considering we all know the plot already this is a pretty amazing achievement) doesn't really go anywhere. It is a nothing sort of movie. If you have to go to this then you may well be saved by one thing and that is a certain hunky actor is in it... Tom Welling...

Jae Loves The Interweb

Joined the latest must have geek tool craze today... I downloaded Flock. It's not that bad, only did it to see if this blog worked ok on it. Check it out.

Have you visited Atom films yet? I love that site, some brilliant films to download from there!!

Also get some classics from the Archive. Bets now being taken on how long before Google takes that over?

Jim and I have spent the day being very lazy... got some pirate DVDs after lunch at the Cutty Sark and have vegged out with them... reviews tomorrow... bet you can't wait huh? :o)

Prince Harry

You so would, wouldn't you?

PoetX.... your wish is my command

Jae The Fairy Godmother of Half Naked Men Doth Grant A Readers Wish To See His Royal Highness Prince William In A Little Less Clothing...




If that's not enough to keep you royalist then there's no hope for ya!

Prince William... in an army uniform.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4363568.stm

 

PHWOAH! That is all I can say about that news story...

Jae Takes A Step Back

*Click on the rent my blog link... you'll make me very happy*

Remember when you first discovered the internet? Do you remember the years before Google (BG)? I'd forgotten... but thought I'd go look up some old friends to see how they are doing.

I was at school the first time I went on the web and the first page I ever saw was shown to me by Pete (you popped my internet cherry!). That site is one of the strangest on the web. Reverse Speech is an interesting if slightly weird site about reversing peoples speech to reveal hidden messages (urban myth? NEVER!).

Another golden oldie still going strong is Total Obscurity. HILARIOUS! I actually feel bad I'd forgtten about it. It's that good!

Then there was the first blog I ever found, Mister Alan. I found it after I had been blogging for ages. Strange but true. I started blogging after reading about it in the Guardian and didn't even get into reading others blogs for about 6 months. Through commenting there I discovered Karen who became a firm favourite.

Oooo.. and back to school again... who remembers the Death Clock? Why was everyone so interested in it? Not an IT lesson went by without it...

Don't Panic

Last night, while I was half watching Matthew Kelly in Cold Blood (he was scary!!!!) and half updating my code on my blog to the Rent My Blog function from Blogexplosion (see on the right... please click the thumbnail picture, that way I won't make you buy me a Christmas present [offer not valid to people I have met in the real world!]), I managed to delete my blog code. :o( So lots of links are missing. Don't worry the link to your page will be back up tonight, as you can I see I did some last night but it was late and I have been so tired the last few weeks. 

 

The train to work today was... interesting.It arrived a minute early and I got on. It was crowded but not so bad as to be unbearable. We stopped at Deptford and began to speed up for London Bridge. Then we stopped. For half an hour. Then we moved... and then stopped just outside the station. For another ten minutes. A few feet away from me some bloke threw up in a plastic bag, causing commotion as certain passengers fled the scene. Then we started and stopped and started and stopped. By the time we made it to Waterloo East I was ready to scream... my back hurt as train carriages aren't tall enough for me (one of the many problems of living here on Midget World), it smelt of sick and some child had decided to sit down and lean against my leg. GRRRRRRR.... Stressful.

 

Looking ahead... I shall redesign this blog by 15th November 2005. I want spangles and sparkles and a proper sized title graphic. I am looking into doing the occassional podcast.

 

In the real world probably gonna try to have a quiet weekend, although Sam America wants me to go to The Church on Sunday (a very dodgy Aussie bar). After that... who knows! Jim's going away to America for a little while in a couple of weeks... who wants to keep me company by coming with me to pubs, bars and stuff? Elliot and John will you be in London???

 

 

Jae Says... Leave Cruising Alone

Hmph. Well Kev left a comment about it and Jim pointed out an article in the Evening Standard about it (by Peter Tatchell no less) so it must be a pressing topic... cruising is back on the agenda. I thought people were finally over their obsession with the fact gay men have sex, but the recent murder of 24-year-old bar manager Jody Dobrowski has brought the subject up. That's not to say he was cruising, but that's the suggestion some are making.

Cruising. Cruising has been part of gay life for a long time. Before the bars, before Stonewall, before Boy George and before AIDS there was cruising. Now just because something has a long history doesn't make it right. But it certainly means we should treat it with a little respect when considering it's merits and pitfalls.

Even where cruising occurs in public (hey there platform number 10 at the Gare Du Nord!) most straight people don't even know it's happening. So it's not like it's affecting anyone else. As long as no one gets their cock out where others might see it (THE SHOCK! THAT MAN HAS A PENIS!) then I can't see why cruising is even an issue. As a liberal (dear Americans to me liberal means libertarian not far left!) I firmly believe that grown ups should be allowed to do as they please. Sure it might upset those worry warts who sit at home and care about what other people are getting up to without them, but then again I'd support anything that upsets them.

So before I launch into a tirade against intefering bastards can someone come up with a convincing argument (please note convincing means it doesn't mention religion and is not "I just don't like it" extended over a paragraph or five [BANNING SOMETHING BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE IT IS SOMETHING I DON'T LIKE AND SHOULD BE BANNED*]) against cruising. Why should two people you don't know NOT meet up for random sex (and let's say it's safe sex... if they have unsafe sex I can see a certain argument regarding public health being allowed)?

*except people who wear blazers and jeans together, they should all be banned...

Jae Is Not Cut Out For Customer Service

Now when I say that I don't mean I can't do it, I mean I am sick and tired of it. Dealing with ungrateful, and in some cases undeserving people and their rather insignificant problems isn't my idea of fun.

 

I want to do something which is 1) very, very gay 2) involves the web and 3) involves minimal work for lots of money. Any gay porn companies need a marketing manager? Anyone want to pay me to write this blog? Or at least buy me a present (oh go on, no ones bought me a present from here in ages!)? 

 

Somebody save me from this 9 - 5 existence!!!

Jae's Guide To Using A Train

Before leaving for the station ensure you have your money/tickets with you. It may be helpful to know where you are going, why not check National Rail to find out.

Once at the station head towards the ticket machines, or the booths. If you have a ticket/Oyster card head to the platform. When the queue is large it can be helpful to pay by cash rather than selfishly using a card to pay and holding everyone up. As you move away don't block others when staring stupidly at the screen showing which platform to go to. Move to the side.

When heading towards a platform... KNOW YOUR SPEED. If you are slow, or just stupid, walk close to the side (signs will tell you which side to stick to, but as a rule keep to the left) that way more speedy people can get past you. Is that your mobile phone ringing? Learn the skill of answering and walking... it's far better than stopping and blocking the way of everyone else. Did you know it's possible to talk and walk? Weird. Bear this in mind if transferring between trains as well.

Trains have doors. These can be opened usually by pressing a button (some do have handles). These buttons are generally round, and surrounded by flashing lights when operable. Apply pressure using a digit (these are located on your hand). VOILA! The door will open. Isn't that better than standing there like a lemon blocking the way of the guy behind you?

Allow people off the train first. Strangely walking into people moving in the other direction will impede your progress. Allowing them to pass will mean everyone gets on the train quicker. If a seat is free take it, if not move to the centre or the ends of the carriage as far as you can go. I know it's tempting to stand near the door, however for some reason no one has yet developed the ability to walk through you.

If the train is particularly busy, and you are getting to know your fellow passengers rather too well, keep your quips to yourself. I'm sure "It's like a tin of sardines in here" was funny in your head, but it's not going to cheer anyone else. Reading a newspaper in this situation is also not advisable, unless you do wish to be punched in the face.

Don't stare and when talking with someone else try to avoid involving the whole carriage in your conversation... talk at a normal level, your ears still work on a train.

When leaving the train do so quickly and don't stop as soon as your feet touch the platform, often other people will wish to get off the train behind you. Why not move away from the train before you ponder your new surroundings.

Have your tickets ready... barriers are so much easier to get past with a ticket ready, it's really dumb to wait till you are at the barriers before finding that ticket.

Leave the station... you have reached your destination.

What's Gaying On?

So let's have a look... and start with something good!

An article from the Houston Chronicle. It's always reassuring to see that there ar still some people in the world ready to say that codifying anti-gay laws is equivalent to racial discrimination and religious discrimination. Americans need to understand that they stand on the brink of something... they can either continue down the path they are heading on which will most certainly lead to further militarism and discord, or they can reaffirm their belief in liberty and let their gay and lesbian fellow citizens be free (even if you don't like the idea of homosexuality).

Hatred tends to lead to things like homophobic violence. Sadly it appears to have happened yet again. And if any of you read that and think "Well he was on Clapham Common" please leave this blog immediately. It's weird, but you never hear of gangs of gay men attacking and killing straight men, despite a lot of us finding the idea of straight sex DISGUSTING. Strange that, huh?

We need to keep pushing... just a little more and we shall finally make it... We are lucky that we have some people behind us, see here. Equality isn't that far away!!

Homecoming Queen

Headed to Westenhanger yesterday with Jim to see the family. They have a new cat called Tinkerbell who is way too soppy. I liberated my CD collection from the room formerly known as my room (now David's room, yes Uncle David, he who was married not two months ago has sought asylum at Folks Wood Way).

Went to Kalala for dinner with Mum, Tony, Beth and George, David and his three daughters Rachel, Margaret and Alice plus Rachel's boyfriend Tian, and Zoe, Ray and John. After dinner headed to Chambers with the latter three and Jim and met up with Laura for drinks and chat. Cool!



Jae's brief return to Folkestone gets 14 people to a dinner. Never knew I was popular!



John, Zoe and Ray, thanks for coming to see me guys!



The service was very fast, amazing Tony and Mum.



Aren't they cute???




Unlike George, my brother.

 
 

Laura! One of the original hardc0re 3!

Fame At Last!

As is becoming standard, I put my iPod on as I shut the front door behind me and headed off to work. I switched on Bad Weeds San Francisco and wandered towards the station. Guess who got a mention? Little old moi! I sent an email in and it was read out, and Corkey "dedicated" the show to me. So sweet! Listen to it the show rocks.

 

Since I started working for an internet based company I have been quite shocked by how few people understand the concept of internet search. They seem to think that by typing words into the search box on Google or Yahoo the exact website they are looking for will appear. Looking for a contact number for a company? Hell just type in that company's name, click the first link that comes up, don't read anything about the website you have gone to and just phone the first number you see. I must take at least 10 calls a day where someone thinks we are some other company simply because we are the top result for that company's name on Google. How can they think this when our name is in inch high letters on the top of the page???? How can people not understand a basic search? No one has ever taught me how to use Google, so why on Earth do these people need me to tell them that Google searchs, while marvellous, aren't perfect? Grr.... rant over.

 

I went out on a work night out last night to Mish Mash in Clapham. Not a bad bar, with a drinkable Mojito and a gorgeous Long Island Ice Tea. YUM! Had a good time, it's just a shame I always feel the need to leave early to catch the train... when I'm totally ok financially I shall stay late, cos then I can get a taxi without worrying about the cost. Till then I'll be the boring sod.

 

Wandered to Clapham Junction listening to my iPod. I must of walked down every road around the station, peering through locked gates onto platforms filled with passengers for about 10 minutes before I found the way in. That was the way brightly lit with lights, and huge signs with the BR symbol on them, that I had walked past when I first caught sight of the platforms. I'm a dullard sometimes.

 

I'll be in Folkestone this weekend, if you are about and haven't heard from me call/text 07709 149 325 so we can arrang meeting times/places/people. See ya Sunday night. Unless I see something interesting to write about tonight...

Things I Like

I want an iPod! Ok my iPod nano is awesome but now I'm into podcasts I wanna watch video podcasts... *sulks* Go on, last Halloween I got a normal iPod as a present... how about it Dear Constant Reader?? No??? *really sulks* And the BBC says...

Daily Hot Guys. A blog title that I think speaks for itself. Inside Stephen is nicely designed (reminds me I need to do some work on this site!!) and interesting.

Sparkletack I love this podcast, an brilliant insight into the history of the Bay Area.

Lindsay works with me.

A Shitty Day

Don't you hate shitty days? The kind of days when things happen that piss you off but there is nothing you could have done about them?

First off work was boring, and there was lots of it to do, and everyone seemed a little snappy today. Which was stressing me out. Then I caught the train home and stood next to a lovely (thankfully defaced) sticker from the National Front "Homosexuality Causes AIDS The Queer Disease".

Yes a little homophobia is always gonna put a smile on my face as I plot the painfully slow deaths of each member of the NF.

Then I got home, dropped my iPod off and decided to go get some money out before the bank decided I couldn't have anymore. Joy! The cash machine allowed me money! Wandered back home, and just as I got to the bottom of my street two boys stopped me and attempted to corner me, and then proceeded to try to rob me. Guys... please. I'm twice your height. Did you really think it was gonna succeed? What was going through your head? I'm not stupid! Kicked them away and proceeded home thinking "What a shitty day".

Yahoo - Jae Actually Likes Something You've Done

I'll admit it, I'm a Google boy. I know, it ain't cool to like Google anymore. But I do. I have nothing to hide, as it says in my byline, what is the point of being discreet? So Google me up baby!

On the other hand Yahoo lost it's charm for me years ago. It just got too... busy. The site was horrible and cluttered. So I stopped using it. Bt their latest beta site is great: Yahoo Podcasts. Businessweek has a good story on it. As I'm just starting to get into Podcasts so this is darn useful me. Come on Google, Podcasts are so in! Why not connect Google Talk up to Blogger for hours of podcasting fun! :o)

Hate Smoking, Not The Smoker

Let me get something off my chest. I hate smoking. I hate coming home from a night out smelling of smoke. I think that public smoking is a selfish and incredibly rude habit. Tell me something Dear Constant Reader, why do people think they have the right to smoke around me? Because Dear Reader... they do. I hate to say it but if obnoxious people have the right to stop me in the street just to say "God you are tall aren't you?" and if I have the right to get stupidly drunk and irritate others then why don't smokers have the right to be selfish and rude??

The idea of banning smoking is so illiberal it hurts. I loved the fact in San Francisco I could go out and come home still smelling fresh. But is that worth someone else losing part of their freedom? No it's not. This Government has done quite a few good things, especially for us moxes. But it has down far more bad things... plans for ID cards, ASBOs, a massive increase in police powers and caused a panic in the face of a terrorist threat from inside our country (despite the fact this country has a long history of fighting internal terrorism and hasn't had to panic before...). Banning smoking is just another sign of this behemoth of a Government taking our freedoms away "for our own good".

If people didn't like people smoking near them they should turn round and tell them that. If your friends smoke around you without taking your feelings into account dump them!! We don't need more legislation... we just need to be a bit more proactive.

Boyfunk - A Shameless Plug!

A good majority of my readers have come here looking for porn. Don't be shy, it's nothing to be ashamed of. If you like the Brent Corrigan look, why not head over to Boyfunk. Brilliant site with loads of lovely lads.

And that way you can stop sending me emails requesting porn pics! It's a win/win situation!

Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Just been to see Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit. It was typical Wallace and Gromit fare, not awesome but enjoyable in it's way. If you've seen any Wallace and Gromit before then you will not be shocked by the plot. But the kids loved it, so really good to keep the little horrors quiet for a while... Animation can't be faulted.

USA - Jae's Perspective

So I'm just back from my first trip to the United States, and have to say it's been interesting.

As a reader of newspapers and magazines like the Economist I knew that there was a lot of poverty in the US. But this still didn't prepare me for just how obvious it was in San Francisco. There wasn't even an attempt to hide how many homeless people there are, let alone deal with the problem. Coming from London, which has plenty of homeless people, I was still completely disgusted. But from reading the San Francisco Chronicle it looks like the Mayor is at least taking things seriously.

The Americans I met were more friendly, generous and polite than I had expected (and yes I had heard they were amazingly friendly). Sure as a British person it was very off putting to have cashiers smile at you, and to see people greet strangers on public transport. But it was quite warming nevertheless.

California is just as beautiful as I hoped. America in general impressed me. Other than the abject poverty I saw, the only other complaint I have is the severe lack of cute men. Maybe I was looking in the wrong places, but eye candy was seriously wanting.

And finally... I can't believe men really do wear cowboy hats without any sort of irony. SCARY! ;op

I Wanna Go

AH! I am so fat. My stomach has doubled in size while I've been in America. This is not an exaggeration. I blame far too many hotcakes. No wonder Americans have a reputation for being overweight. Their food is just too scrummy.

So from tomorrow I am going on a diet. Fruit, veg and lots of water. This time last year I lost loads of weight but have put it all on thanks to being in a relationship. Time to get back in control of my diet. NO MORE LUNCHTIMES DOWN THE CAFE/PUB.

I'm missing San Francisco. The weather here is RUBBISH!

Ok... time for a site update I think... when Jim wakes up (he's still on Pacific time) I shall grab the lovely new title design he's made for me and put it on the site (It's a homage to "Wish you were here" the best travel programme ever!) and I may even do a little redesign. Shocking or what... haven't had my own design in years. Also... I have been getting quite into podcasts so there will be a new links section for them... first up the funniest and most interesting podcast I've found so far... "Bad Weeds San Francisco" Check 'em out. Corkey is hilarious!