Maybe the London gig is on. But, maybe not...
The final interview seemed to go OK and I have been told to expect a decision on Tuesday.
Feels like my life is at a crossroads right now. Which way it goes depends on a 'phone call I will be (hopefully) receiving.
Watch this space...
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Birthday Boy
'Tis that time of year again - birthday, one year older and not a penny richer...
My 30s seems to be blurring into one, 31, 32, 33 just don't feel any different to one another.
The only thing that makes me feel "old" is the thought that if I was a footballer I would be getting ready for retirement. As it is, I don't feel any different to when I was mid-20s. If anything, I feel fitter and trimmer than I did then.
My 30s seems to be blurring into one, 31, 32, 33 just don't feel any different to one another.
The only thing that makes me feel "old" is the thought that if I was a footballer I would be getting ready for retirement. As it is, I don't feel any different to when I was mid-20s. If anything, I feel fitter and trimmer than I did then.
Friday, 17 April 2009
Home From Czech
We are safely back in the land of wind and rain after our 10 day break to Czech.
It was an enjoyable time, as always, and we enjoyed some very nice weather. We took a day trip to Prague which was fun - albeit packed out with Italians and English.
Most of the people in the capital seemed at ease in the warm temperatures, laughing, drinking and looking healthy. All except one bedraggled English couple we met, who were struggling to find Prague castle.
This in itself is quite a feat, as the castle is huge and situated in top of a hill - you really can't miss it. The poor guys were not only lost, but red, sweaty and looking terribly uncomfortable in the sun. I took pity on the poor souls and resisted the urge to send them somewhere in the wrong direction. I hope they found it and then had an enjoyable evening applying after-sun lotion to each other...
It was an enjoyable time, as always, and we enjoyed some very nice weather. We took a day trip to Prague which was fun - albeit packed out with Italians and English.
Most of the people in the capital seemed at ease in the warm temperatures, laughing, drinking and looking healthy. All except one bedraggled English couple we met, who were struggling to find Prague castle.
This in itself is quite a feat, as the castle is huge and situated in top of a hill - you really can't miss it. The poor guys were not only lost, but red, sweaty and looking terribly uncomfortable in the sun. I took pity on the poor souls and resisted the urge to send them somewhere in the wrong direction. I hope they found it and then had an enjoyable evening applying after-sun lotion to each other...
Sunday, 29 March 2009
London? Work in London???
Hmmmm. Claude has an interview on Friday for a job in London. Has he gone completely mad? Maybe...but it is a good opportunity and means we could live in an area we are really taken with.
It would mean another long commute, but at least on a train and not driving. Some of it would be on the Tube, which I find quite romantic to be honest. I might change my mind doing it twice a day, every day, but I just love the names of the stations. It seems so magical to hear the names and all the history associated with them: Swiss Cottage, Elephant and Castle, Baker Street, Waterloo, Oxford Circus and even the lines: Bakerloo, District, Jubilee, Piccadilly - there is wonder and adventure in these names.
It would mean another long commute, but at least on a train and not driving. Some of it would be on the Tube, which I find quite romantic to be honest. I might change my mind doing it twice a day, every day, but I just love the names of the stations. It seems so magical to hear the names and all the history associated with them: Swiss Cottage, Elephant and Castle, Baker Street, Waterloo, Oxford Circus and even the lines: Bakerloo, District, Jubilee, Piccadilly - there is wonder and adventure in these names.
Off to Czech
We are driving to Czech once again on Saturday. It still feels weird when I saw we are "driving" as it seems quite ludicrous.
But driving we are and, in all honesty, it has worked out well in the past.
I am looking forward to the trip - it will be a break and we are going to take a day trip to Prague, which is a wonderful city.
But driving we are and, in all honesty, it has worked out well in the past.
I am looking forward to the trip - it will be a break and we are going to take a day trip to Prague, which is a wonderful city.
Band Tales #2
So, the band had its first rehearsal yesterday.
It went very well considering it was the time we have played together. We worked through four songs, which were sounding pretty good.
Got a two week break now as we are off to Czech on Saturday. Then we will work on a few more songs and we will start to get some gigs booked.
Still need a name...
It went very well considering it was the time we have played together. We worked through four songs, which were sounding pretty good.
Got a two week break now as we are off to Czech on Saturday. Then we will work on a few more songs and we will start to get some gigs booked.
Still need a name...
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Band Tales #1
The band is rehearsing for the first time next Saturday.
I am going to be busy running through songs to make sure I am up to scratch.
No other ideas for names yet...but that will come later
I am going to be busy running through songs to make sure I am up to scratch.
No other ideas for names yet...but that will come later
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Band Born?
Been admiring and playing the amazing new Gibson Les Paul lately. She is a beauty!
It has inspired me to start getting a band in place. I was in a band at uni and we got reasonably good - but never really good. I have also been in a couple of covers bands with mixed results.
I reckon this is the chance to put something together that could be really good. I am taking lead vocals (which I haven't done before) and guitar, bass player sorted and I am meeting a potential drummer on Monday. Keep it simple, three members, some covers, some original songs and we will see.
Then comes the really hard part. Choosing a name. Always a very, very difficult task. I have already considered some, but front runner at the moment is Velvet Revolution. This could change.
It has inspired me to start getting a band in place. I was in a band at uni and we got reasonably good - but never really good. I have also been in a couple of covers bands with mixed results.
I reckon this is the chance to put something together that could be really good. I am taking lead vocals (which I haven't done before) and guitar, bass player sorted and I am meeting a potential drummer on Monday. Keep it simple, three members, some covers, some original songs and we will see.
Then comes the really hard part. Choosing a name. Always a very, very difficult task. I have already considered some, but front runner at the moment is Velvet Revolution. This could change.
Friday, 27 February 2009
End of a Crazy Week
Glad to see the back of this week. Work has been busy and the M1 even busier.
Also, had to say goodbye to my parent's dog, who had reached the grand old age of 16, but had come to the end. Rest in peace, old fella.
Hopefully, the weekend will be a relaxing one. Can't remember the last time that happened!
Also, had to say goodbye to my parent's dog, who had reached the grand old age of 16, but had come to the end. Rest in peace, old fella.
Hopefully, the weekend will be a relaxing one. Can't remember the last time that happened!
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Friday, 20 February 2009
The Story of the Guitar
Sad Claude has mixed feelings about tomorrow.
I have decided to splash out on the guitar I have always dreamed of. I found a very nice one (online) at a shop on the south coast, so am making the long trip there tomorrow.
The guitar is a 1959 Custom Shop Reissue Gibson Les Paul. These are not cheap. To part fund it I am trading in my old Gibson Les Paul Standard - a wine red version from 1996. I bought this from a shop in Luton in January, 1997 and it has been used on recordings and many gigs I have played.
So, while I am very excited about getting the guitar I have always aspired to, I am sad to say goodbye to my old axe.
I have decided to splash out on the guitar I have always dreamed of. I found a very nice one (online) at a shop on the south coast, so am making the long trip there tomorrow.
The guitar is a 1959 Custom Shop Reissue Gibson Les Paul. These are not cheap. To part fund it I am trading in my old Gibson Les Paul Standard - a wine red version from 1996. I bought this from a shop in Luton in January, 1997 and it has been used on recordings and many gigs I have played.
So, while I am very excited about getting the guitar I have always aspired to, I am sad to say goodbye to my old axe.
Monday, 2 February 2009
Snow? In England?
Yes, 'tis true dear readers. Heavy snowfall hit England today and Claude was not spared travel disruption.
We do seem to struggle in this country, with major traffic jams and panic when even just a few flakes land. However, today was genuinely quite bad and my journey to work was slow and tricky at times.
Before lunch time it was getting worse, so with encouragement from colleagues I decided to set off for home and work from there. The journey back was OK and it was nice to be able to spend some time building a snowman and throwing snow balls at the mutt.
Tomorrow looks to be even worse - so I may well be stranded at home once more. Please, no need for sympathy.
We do seem to struggle in this country, with major traffic jams and panic when even just a few flakes land. However, today was genuinely quite bad and my journey to work was slow and tricky at times.
Before lunch time it was getting worse, so with encouragement from colleagues I decided to set off for home and work from there. The journey back was OK and it was nice to be able to spend some time building a snowman and throwing snow balls at the mutt.
Tomorrow looks to be even worse - so I may well be stranded at home once more. Please, no need for sympathy.
Monday, 26 January 2009
That's Special, Duke
Claude and good lady took in an evening's entertainment at Sheffield's Leadmill club last Saturday night.
The gig was the amazingly-haired Duke Special, who delivered an excellent show. He creates an amazing sound, especially taking into account that his "band" was just himself on vocals and piano accompanied by a rather insane drummer.
What made the experience even more "special" was that on several occasions he took to playing a piano positioned right in the middle of the audience. Also, after he had finished performing he gladly spent time in the bar with his fans chatting, signing autographs and having his photo taken.
He is an exceptional artist and a top guy.
The gig was the amazingly-haired Duke Special, who delivered an excellent show. He creates an amazing sound, especially taking into account that his "band" was just himself on vocals and piano accompanied by a rather insane drummer.
What made the experience even more "special" was that on several occasions he took to playing a piano positioned right in the middle of the audience. Also, after he had finished performing he gladly spent time in the bar with his fans chatting, signing autographs and having his photo taken.
He is an exceptional artist and a top guy.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Back To Work
First day back at work for Claude today. After the initial shock of remembering just how hideous the M1 is in the morning, I spent most of the day wading through 114 emails. All-in-all it was OK and just good to get that first day over and done with.
So, Xmas is over for another year. This one was pretty uneventful, but it was very good to catch up with friends. A very good friend of mine going back to when I was at school was visiting from Japan and it was nice to meet him and his wife.
So, Xmas is over for another year. This one was pretty uneventful, but it was very good to catch up with friends. A very good friend of mine going back to when I was at school was visiting from Japan and it was nice to meet him and his wife.
Saturday, 20 December 2008
And The Winner Is...
Announcing the Sad Claude Awards for 2008:
Best Film
In Bruges
Best Album
Only By The Night (Kings of Leon)
Best Gig
Crowded House - Sherwood Forest Pines
Best TV Show
God on Trial - BBC
Best Film
In Bruges
Best Album
Only By The Night (Kings of Leon)
Best Gig
Crowded House - Sherwood Forest Pines
Best TV Show
God on Trial - BBC
Friday, 12 December 2008
Kings of Comedy
I was musing today on which are the greatest TV comedy shows of all-time. I am positive not everyone will agree with my selection, but in no particular order, here are some of my favourites:
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Gun Nuts
Texans. How we love 'em.
This quote is taken from a Texas gun store's website (the incorrect spellings and poor English are left in):
"Now that America has voted in the most Liberal Gun Hating president in the history of the USA, be prepared for the worse possible nightmares to happen. With the possibility of Obama hooking up with the UN in the world quest to wipe out the sale of small arms and setting the old Clinton assualt ban back in place. Guns such as your semi-automatic 22 : Model 60 Marlin, Ruger 10/22 or even your Remington 1100 would be added to the ban list. Dont set idley by. Join the NRA, GOA or some other group that has lobbying power to preserve your 2nd Ammendment rights."
And these people form the most powerful nation on earth. Luckily, most Americans are not like this at all, and hopefully neither is the new President. Please, Mr Obama, don't set idley by...
This quote is taken from a Texas gun store's website (the incorrect spellings and poor English are left in):
"Now that America has voted in the most Liberal Gun Hating president in the history of the USA, be prepared for the worse possible nightmares to happen. With the possibility of Obama hooking up with the UN in the world quest to wipe out the sale of small arms and setting the old Clinton assualt ban back in place. Guns such as your semi-automatic 22 : Model 60 Marlin, Ruger 10/22 or even your Remington 1100 would be added to the ban list. Dont set idley by. Join the NRA, GOA or some other group that has lobbying power to preserve your 2nd Ammendment rights."
And these people form the most powerful nation on earth. Luckily, most Americans are not like this at all, and hopefully neither is the new President. Please, Mr Obama, don't set idley by...
Christmas Is Coming
It is that time of year again. Ho ho ho. Time for a pre-season ditty
A week away from Xmas hols
And work is such a slog.
I'm getting quite impatient
For my chocolate yuletide log
I will try to make the best of it
No meetings please - I'm bored
Just one more final thing to say
Happy Christmas all, from Claude
A week away from Xmas hols
And work is such a slog.
I'm getting quite impatient
For my chocolate yuletide log
I will try to make the best of it
No meetings please - I'm bored
Just one more final thing to say
Happy Christmas all, from Claude
Monday, 8 December 2008
Friday, 5 December 2008
Oh Boy, George
So, it seems that George O'Dowd is going to jail for tying a male escort to his bed. O'Dowd is, of course, better known as Boy George.
He may be quite overweight now, an escort-abuser and former drug addict, but I like to remember him in his 80s technicolour peak.
Say what you will, Karma Chameleon is still a classic.
He may be quite overweight now, an escort-abuser and former drug addict, but I like to remember him in his 80s technicolour peak.
Say what you will, Karma Chameleon is still a classic.
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