tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55404632011-12-15T02:48:46.941ZA gay thirty something man living in Northeast England. Interested in House Gymnastics, video games, DIY and design, gay politics, movies, technology, gardening, cult TV, shiny things, photography and trying to keep on top of the blog. Excellent analysis for me and maybe something you'll want to look at?JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comBlogger4171100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1157382935151324742006-09-04T16:11:00.000+01:002006-09-04T16:15:35.166+01:00

I am loving the Bush assassination fiasco. The Republican Party in Texas has said it is "shocking" and "disturbing" that a TV drama is to depict the assassination of US President Bush. Channel 4 will be screening the mock documentary on October 9th on More4. Some moron - John Beyer of UK TV pressure group MediaWatch - said the film was "irresponsible". He said it could even trigger a real

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1156440526519863132006-08-24T18:25:00.000+01:002006-08-25T13:04:29.856+01:00

As usual, the summer posts tail off…although it is no quieter at work than any other time. The summer lull hasn't appeared yet.The main event at work is the restructuring. I will find out which posts I am eligible to aplly for on 4th September, interviews on the 6th and then I am off on my holiday on the 8th. Not a lot of time to prepare, although my boss has given me the presentation title this

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1154970017384362072006-08-07T17:59:00.000+01:002006-08-07T18:00:17.400+01:00

I have had a crazy few days which is reflective of not posting or reading blogs lately. We have had the electrician in last week finishing some work on the house and spent the weekend, tidying, painting, sanding, cleaning, fixing floorboards etc. looks great but non-stop.I am also finding out about the new structures following my hospital merging with another. Looks like I am in a good position

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1153902123541697152006-07-26T09:15:00.000+01:002006-07-26T09:22:03.553+01:00

I have been really enjoying the glorious weather the last few weeks, although it is a pain being at work during the day. I have conceded to the weather by wearing chinos and polo shirts rather than the usual suit, shirt and tie combo – I must admit to feeling a bit casual, but I can live with that. My hospital is still going through the post merger restructuring so there is a little part of me

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1152033589616853782006-07-04T18:13:00.000+01:002006-07-04T18:19:49.753+01:00

I have been doing some spring-cleaning on the blog – really I should be updating the whole thing and linking to my website that has never got past its infancy, but the weather is way too good for that. Time to update a few links before enjoying the last of the sun.Anyway, it is goodbye to Honeytom, Welshcake and Jamie4U who have gone the way of others before them. Honeytom was a good read and I

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1151925345318700402006-07-03T12:14:00.000+01:002006-07-03T12:15:45.330+01:00

We have had a lovely weekend with my brother, his girlfriend and my 18 month niece staying. It has been glorious weather and we have been outside most of the time. On Saturday there was a pre-school summer fete, at the church hall round the corner, so we took my niece along where I ended up buying a toy Dyson vacuum cleaner for her (I know it is cyclonic or whatever rather than a vacuum but…) She

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1151657484408574512006-06-30T09:49:00.000+01:002006-06-30T09:51:24.416+01:00

Arghhhh! My reaction when the boiler decided to pack up mid shower. My early morning day dreams were shattered as the water went from warm to cold in two seconds. Refreshing if you are in a tropical paradise, but not at 7 am when you then need to boil the kettle for a shave.Luckily my brother is a Corgi qualified plumber/gas fitter/electrician so he is driving his family up tonight to fix the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1151063384448617732006-06-23T12:48:00.000+01:002006-06-23T12:49:44.460+01:00

I am hoping for some good karma today. Driving to work I slammed on the brakes to avoid a cute little bunny hopping across the road – I did check there was nothing behind me first, so maybe I only get half karma points?Obviously, there are plenty of people not too bothered about karma as I then saw 2 rabbits, a hedgehog and (I think) a crow, splattered along the road. The road is usually road

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1150834443181425752006-06-20T21:08:00.000+01:002006-06-20T21:14:03.263+01:00

I have been off line for a while – new web checking software at work and the home line has been down. Since I last posted there has been too much to post about, but..I had my 35th birthday – and it was fantastic. A really excellent day with my boyfriend and then a great evening with friends. I think it is the best birthday since I was 30. I haven’t had the I’m-nearly-forty blues and think that I

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1149077238062111982006-05-31T13:05:00.000+01:002006-05-31T13:07:18.073+01:00

I HAVE PASSED!!!I HAVE PASSED!!!I HAVE PASSED!!!I HAVE PASSED!!!I HAVE PASSED!!!I HAVE PASSED!!!Yes – I got a letter yesterday saying that I "had met the course requirements for completing the Masters of Science in Health Economics and Health Policy." Hardly the most exciting of endorsements – but who cares! I rang the University today and was told I got 65% for my dissertation against a pass

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1147334268244724432006-05-11T08:43:00.000+01:002006-05-11T08:57:48.290+01:00

I have posted before about how the UK seems to have come a long way (under Labour) in challenging discrimination for gay men and women and delivering some really positive changes e.g. civil partnerships, repeal section 28, an equal age of consent, housing succession rights, hate crime legislation, same sex immigration etc. This makes Ruth Kelly's voting record all the more abhorrent. Kelly is a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1147167872060604112006-05-09T10:32:00.000+01:002006-05-09T10:45:12.556+01:00

The second season of Lost started well with the discovery of the bunker and more of the other passengers being found, but I am not finding it as gripping as season 1. We are on episode 10 of season 2 now (the wonders of eBay and DVD burners) and I am finding the introduction of the new characters a bit annoying. I want to know more about Locke, Jack, Sun, Jin, Hurley etc, and we are seeing more

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1146578728053392092006-05-02T14:58:00.000+01:002006-05-02T15:05:28.123+01:00

I finally sent my dissertation off last week! In the end I was really pleased with it and thought it was pretty good. If you are interested in “How does economic evaluation influence the commissioning of local health services”! Let me know and I’ll send you a copy. I cannot imagine there will be a rush to read this but hopefully it will make the grade for me to pass my MSc. I should hear in the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1144319208737251272006-04-06T10:42:00.000+01:002006-04-06T11:26:48.810+01:00

Blogging has been off the agenda since we got back from the family holiday. We had a great time and it was lovely to spend time with my family, especially as my niece had just started walking. We spent many hours trailing her around the apartment while she opened drawers and cupboards, casting their contents aside. Towers were knocked down as soon as they were built and the boiler room held a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1142599651049161082006-03-17T12:46:00.000Z2006-03-17T12:47:31.063Z

Away for a few days with my family to celebrate my father's 60th Birthday. Back soon. Jay x

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1141821114604256472006-03-08T11:56:00.000Z2006-03-08T12:31:54.660Z

What silly boy Ashley Cole is. (Although pretty fit!)After hearing that the News of the World's TV adverts promoting 'shocking revelations' about gay premiership footballers I have to admit flicking through the paper at the newsagent. The shocking allegations were that there are some footballers are gay (Never! – what a shocker), and that the gay footballers have sex with other men (What is the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1141313710767017672006-03-02T15:26:00.000Z2006-03-02T15:35:10.813Z

I have been having strange dreams the last few nights. On Tuesday night I dreamt that I was potholing under the hospital where I work with some (non-work) friends. We eventually came a cross some chasms that required us to trapeze across to the other side, which I found very scary. This led to a small underground kitchen with a serving hatch. The hatch was being assaulted by robins and owls,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1141120107091815572006-02-28T09:38:00.000Z2006-02-28T09:48:46.050Z

Last Friday we went bowling to celebrate a friend's birthday. I have not been bowling for a long time and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I was a little hyper, getting involved in both teams, offering the odd tip to those who thought it was a rubbish game, and taking over the scoring. I was probably 5th out of 10 people, but had a fantastic time. A few strikes and half strikes as well as plenty

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1140514011974370922006-02-21T08:57:00.000Z2006-02-21T09:26:52.030Z

Every morning when I drive to work I find myself tutting or shaking my head at somebody's driving behaviour. I know I am not a perfect driver – I do drive too fast when I want to get home from work and I am inpatient when I just want to get somewhere. I tend to view driving as a means to an end – getting form A to B – rather than a pleasurable experience in itself.Here are my top bugbears:1)

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1139930172500788122006-02-14T15:09:00.000Z2006-02-14T15:16:12.516Z

I decided to make a valentine card for my boyfriend this year. Partly because I am a skinflint at heart and part with my hard earned cash for some shiny cardboard, but mainly because valentine's Day is still a predominantly heterosexist event, with very few cards aimed at gay men. The only ones I could find tended to involve 'artistic' black and white photographs or rainbow teddy bears

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1139756826544919132006-02-12T15:07:00.000Z2006-02-12T15:07:06.590Z

I have spent a good part of the weekend working on my dissertation, which still seems like a never-ending task. I managed to get the participant information completed and finalise the list of questions for my interviews, which is a good couple of tasks ticked of the list. I am meeting with the head of planning this week to confirm who I will interview and then I can get the interviews booked in.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1139312741963987112006-02-07T11:41:00.000Z2006-02-07T11:45:41.990Z

Sometimes a programme comes a long that you have just have to watch. Last night after our now compulsory fix of Life on Mars and Prison Break a trailer came on for A Macintyre Investigation - Nazi Hate Rock. This was a horrifying investigation into the minds of people behind the white power movement, and how the music of racist bands is funding global racism (including the BNP). The tactics of

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1139234527314398092006-02-06T14:01:00.000Z2006-02-06T14:02:08.090Z

I came to work today to be greeted by an awful smell. One of the secretaries said that the estates department have been over and concluded it is not the drains and it is most likely a dead rat that has been nicely decomposing next to the hot water pipes over the last few days. The smell is truly horrendous and I think I am going to have to take work home this afternoon, I cannot be expected to

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1138640273702047412006-01-30T16:37:00.000Z2006-01-30T17:09:25.420Z

Check out Dantallion for a great post about the difference between Anti-Americanism and not supporting the current administration. It is a gentle reminder that every time Bush causes me to jump up and down, swear loudly and shake my head in despair I should remember the 49% of the country did not vote for the deluded dumbo.Dantallion is writing from a Canadian perspective and, rightly, notes that

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1138286412174038242006-01-26T14:40:00.000Z2006-01-26T14:40:12.186Z

The BBC reports that Michael jackson has been seen shopping in Bahrain wearing traditional women's attire."He was out with his three children when he was seen wearing the veil, abaya and gloves typically worn by conservative Bahraini women. The children's faces were shrouded by dark scarves. " and "In November Jackson was caught up in controversy when he entered a ladies toilet in the United Arab

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1138285196225070662006-01-26T14:15:00.000Z2006-01-26T14:21:47.493Z

Borrowed from Naked Boy ChroniclesHere are the rules:1) Grab the nearest book2) Open the book to page 1233) Find the fifth sentence4) Post the text of the next 3 sentences (#5,6,7) on your blog (or in these comments too), along with these instructions.5) Don't search out a "cool" or "intellectual" book from your bookshelf! Just grab what is closest. No cheating!The slowness eliminates momentum,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1137950444484929742006-01-22T17:20:00.000Z2006-01-22T21:03:28.720Z

Poor bugger! Mark Oaten, Lib Dem MP, has resigned from his post as home affairs spokesman after the News of the World claimed he had an alleged affair with a rent boy. Oaten has apologised to his family and appealed for privacy after apologising for "errors of judgement in personal behaviour." Not great news for the Lib Dems after Charles Kennedy recently resigned following discussion of his

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1137518175321969162006-01-17T17:01:00.000Z2006-01-17T18:34:53.886Z

I am sure I will not be the first to cheer the Golden Globe awards for Brokeback mountain – while I might as well turn this blog into a tribute to, given the number of posts!It picked up four prizes, including the overall prize for best dramatic film and the best director for Ang Lee. It is interesting that in the BBC's coverage they have changed their description of the movie from a 'Cowboy

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1137437084514615252006-01-16T18:39:00.000Z2006-01-16T18:44:44.530Z

My Christmas binging has been replaced with a strict 1500 calorie a day diet. Thee first week has gone well and I am already back down to my pre-Christmas weight of 11 stone 12 pounds. I am hoping to get back down to 11 stone buy the end of March, but realise that I will also need to start the dreaded exercise regime.My boyfriend has great will power and manages to exercise almost everyday,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1137077211209966212006-01-12T14:46:00.000Z2006-01-12T14:46:51.220Z

I am at home on study leave today to allow me to do some work on my MSc dissertation, but I am really struggling. I have the structure mapped out and have got some good reading materials for the literature review, but I am really lacking the impetus to get something down on paper. The dissertation is only 10,000 words, but at the moment this feels like an overwhelmingly mammoth task. If anyone

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1136972491545892932006-01-11T09:37:00.000Z2006-01-17T18:36:14.536Z

I should really catching up with an overflowing mailbox and post tray, but feel compelled to post again about Brokeback Mountain. I have found myself haunted (in a good way) by the film, bordering on obsession.After reading the book too, I find my thoughts drifting to the film and the story it tells at all times of the day, and especially at night when I am trying to sleep. I am also struggling

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1136753485284743482006-01-08T20:45:00.000Z2006-01-09T16:31:01.013Z

A rare treat for me today. We went to the cinema to see a film rather than wait for it to be out on DVD. Brokeback Mountain was great. As you would expect with an Annie Proulx story, it takes a while to establish the characters and the setting, but it was well worth the wait. Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger play the parts really well and their relationship through 60s and 70s America is

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1136039943142477612005-12-31T13:54:00.000Z2005-12-31T14:39:03.690Z

We have had a great Christmas seeing friends and family, relaxing and eating and drinking too much. We stayed with my boyfriend’s patents for Christmas day and had a great time. It was a real family day with my boyfriend’s sister staying and Granddad joining us for the meal. My boyfriend loves fancy wrappings and it was a shame to open everything.We got some great presents. I, practical as ever,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1135096226926394722005-12-20T09:30:00.000Z2005-12-20T16:30:26.990Z

5 days to go!!! I have a few last minute things to buy and need to get some gifts for my senior team at work and then I am all done. This has been a relatively stress free run up to Christmas mainly because my perfect boyfriend loves shopping and planning. He has done most of the preliminary scouting so all I need to do is check out a shortlist of approved gifts for friends and family and make

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1134636423947235262005-12-15T08:45:00.000Z2005-12-15T08:47:37.296Z

Please be Friday. Please be Friday. Please be Friday. *screws up eyes and wishes very hard*Had a lovely evening last night with some friends coming for dinner and staying over with their little baby. Enjoyable evening and as the super-efficient boyfriend had done most of the cooking and cleaning I just had to look handsome and entertain with my sparkling wit.However, drinking and late night

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1134137327521281142005-12-09T13:52:00.000Z2005-12-09T14:08:47.573Z

I know I am not the first person to blog about evolution versus creationism (the doctrine that claims human origins are recent and divine), but I find it impossible to believe the recent findings of a CBS poll. The poll found that 51 per cent of Americans rejected the theory of evolution, believing instead that God created humans in their present form. Yes – 51% of the dumbos reject the theory of

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1133874493929868782005-12-06T12:46:00.000Z2005-12-06T13:08:13.993Z

So, Civil Partnerships are here and 1,200 couples have already registered their intention to sign the register. Even Elton has got in on the act. The BBC reports that Brighton and Hove will be conducting 198 ceremonies before the end of the year. Overall, the city has taken 510 bookings for the coming months, thought to be the highest in the country. Other cities which have seen strong interest

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1133271805289457642005-11-29T13:24:00.000Z2005-11-29T13:48:38.786Z

Another example of the stupidity of the Catholic Church has been revealed with the issuing of a statement on homosexuals and the priesthood, affirming that those with gay "tendencies" should not be ordained. Although the document also bans supporters of "gay culture" from entering the priesthood it says that men who have "overcome" their homosexuality for at least three years would be accepted as

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1133270595593040472005-11-29T09:30:00.000Z2005-11-29T13:23:15.646Z

I was really pleased to be having my brother, his partner and their baby staying over the weekend. My niece is crawling now and needs to be watched constantly as she is off and away as soon as you turn your back. Nothing is safe, although I was more worried about her pulling something on top of her or finding lots of dangerous things hidden under sofas etc. We had just had an old marble fireplace

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1132921404075795152005-11-25T12:23:00.000Z2005-11-25T12:23:24.100Z

I haven’t had time for posting much lately. I have been off work with some kind of virus for a couple of days and back to Birmingham for my MSc. I met with my supervisor and actually have a clearer picture of how my dissertation could proceed. I will be exploring how well managers in the NHS understand the terminology of health economics, and whether this kind of information is considered in

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1132004282421233312005-11-14T21:36:00.000Z2005-11-14T21:38:02.440Z

Sadly, we will be attending the funeral of a friend’s mother tomorrow. It is one of those occasions were the usual platitudes just don’t cut it. I have no idea how to express my sympathy for him and his family. I cannot begin to imagine how I would feel in his position. It must equally as strange for people who are grieving as they are now in the position of trying to deal with all these

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1131736249638955152005-11-11T18:01:00.000Z2005-11-11T19:10:49.706Z

On Wednesday the House of Commons defeated the Government’s amendment to detain individuals for 90 days without trial. I have been shocked at the vehement support by the cabinet for extending the detention period for terror suspects to 90 days. I have been so angry about the arrogance of the Government in trying to push this through that I have written to my MP, Jim Cousins. He voted against the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1131300674262369262005-11-06T18:11:00.000Z2005-11-06T18:24:27.803Z

It was a sad day yesterday as we bid farewell to Tivo. He has been a loyal friend for a few years now but he simply cannot compete with the new boys in town. Yes, he can pinpoint just the kind of programmes he thinks we like, introducing us to The Mighty Boosh, Come Dine With Me, The Thick of It and endless World War 2 documentaries.To be honest, there is nothing wrong with Tivo. The control has

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1130869040194120722005-11-01T18:17:00.000Z2005-11-01T19:07:05.890Z

Time for another picture in the recurring series of Prince Harry. Someone sent me this and I have lost their email – so thanks whoever it was! Another great short of Harry at a polo match. He is obviously pleased with his somewhat aloof team mate. Not as obviously horny as the last one, but very cute.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1130496225990400972005-10-28T11:04:00.000+01:002005-10-28T11:43:46.066+01:00

George Takei, who played Sulu in Star Trek has come out in the current issue of Frontiers. He is starring in a new play and told journalists that “The world has changed from when I was a young teen feeling ashamed for being gay. The issue of gay marriage is now a political issue. That would have been unthinkable when I was young.” He has lived with his partner, Brad Altman, for 18 years.This is

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1130263652988295382005-10-26T09:00:00.000+01:002005-10-26T10:29:50.893+01:00

We have been back from Venezuela for over four weeks now and I have definitely got the post holiday blues. It is dark, rainy and grey. We have work outstanding on the house and I have a 10,000-word dissertation to finish by January, which I have hardly started.Doom and gloom aside we had a great holiday. I haven’t had a lot of time for posting since I got back and well post a few photos over the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1129292577133066792005-10-14T13:16:00.000+01:002005-10-14T13:22:57.140+01:00

Another example of the US having antiquated and discriminatory laws in this story from NY Daily News, about a judicial decision that John Langan cannot sue St. Vincent's Medical Centre for allegedly causing the death of his partner, Neal Spicehandler. The panel's majority said it could not uphold the ruling because the couple's civil union from Vermont is not a marital relationship, making Langan

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1128675315157542252005-10-07T09:29:00.000+01:002005-10-07T16:14:02.316+01:00

As if I needed any further proof that exercise was bad for you my partner had a rather alarming incident yesterday while out running.He takes a pretty standard route around the block and then over fields and back again. Yesterday he had only been out for about 10 minutes when the door went and I heard "I'm OK, but I need your help now." As he had started his run he had been attacked by a swarm of

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1126623039984213552005-09-13T15:50:00.000+01:002005-09-13T15:50:39.996+01:00

Been crazy busy getting ready for holiday. Off to Venezuela tomorrow!Everything done at work – checkBags packed – checkPassport, tickets, money – checkBalls shaved – checkKeys left with friend – checkExcited and ready to go – check!!See you in a couple of weeks Jay x

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1126004187285773072005-09-06T11:55:00.000+01:002005-09-06T11:56:27.293+01:00

What are the things that you always forget to take on holiday? We head off to Venezuela in 7 days time and we are trying to get our bags packed. Washing and ironing done, books selected and vaccinations complete – but what are the extra things that you always forget?My mother says I should take pegs, rubber bands and a sewing kit. What else do you think I need to take?

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1125646769944610062005-09-02T08:24:00.000+01:002005-09-02T08:39:30.716+01:00

"We have had to let the sickest patients die as we have had no more drugs""People were raped in there. People were killed in there. We had multiple riots""They have M-16s and are locked and loaded. These troops know how to shoot and kill and I expect they will.""Corpses were said to be rotting in the streets or floating through the floodwaters.""People are dying, they're dying. Babies are dying,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1125478420229272852005-08-31T09:23:00.000+01:002005-08-31T09:53:40.290+01:00

I think that my boyfriend and I are good neighbours. We are polite to others on the street, keep our property neat and tidy, repaint outside masonry and woodwork, always bring the bin in after collection, rarely play loud music late at night and keep an eye out for unusual activity (OK, OK, I am an inveterate curtain twitcher!).I did worry before we moved in that we may get some hassle as a gay

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1124804559202049872005-08-23T14:42:00.000+01:002005-08-23T14:42:39.356+01:00

It is true that the net is an amazing place – want to see photos of small monkeys? – then go here. Want to get a design for a lego CD holder - go here. Need to know the dates of the nearest brick themed events near you? - don't worry - here you go. Best of all - pissed of by Bush? Want to piss on him? - knock youself out with these. Old story I know, but couldn't resist posting them.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1124713015196611552005-08-22T12:48:00.000+01:002005-08-22T21:05:51.660+01:00

Just found out at the weekend that I will be a godfather to my niece – as you can see, she was coyly pleased to hear the news.Of course the big dilemma (bigger than what I should wear), is what to buy as a christening gift? I don't want to buy a peter rabbit mug or a sterling silver first tooth box from Argos, so what is left? Favourite choice so far is the man in the moon teething ring from

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1124438199324356332005-08-19T08:40:00.000+01:002005-08-19T09:00:06.466+01:00

It is very sad to hear that Mo Mowlam has died, especially as she was only 55. It is not clear whether her death is related to her previous brain tumour. She went into hospital at the end of July before being moved to a hospice.She was one member of the Labour party who it was hard not to admire and respect, regardless of your political persuasion. She took brave and decisive action during her

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1124187785424320092005-08-16T11:06:00.000+01:002005-08-18T08:48:38.270+01:00

It may seem a little insensitive to post about Lost so soon after the tragic crash in Greece, but I am totally addicted. The back stories for the characters add something to the wider crash story that unites the main characters. (Pity the poor extras who may get the occasional line, but you know they will only be in the spotlight before their tragic demise!)I thought Jack was cute at first, but

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1123833844901552702005-08-12T08:53:00.000+01:002005-08-15T16:09:06.963+01:00

I haven't really had the time or the inclination to post over the last week. This is mainly as we spent most of last weekend at my partner's parents and the hospital, following his father having a heart attack. He is at home now and well after having an angiogram identifying a narrowed artery and then an angioplasty to insert a stent. It was a real shock for everyone and it does make you stop and

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116786403066620472005-08-04T07:26:00.000+01:002005-08-03T20:36:05.436+01:00

Great article on Sit and Spin, a straight guy's guide to gay sex. Worth checking out, just for the cute little graphics.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1123098626885914882005-08-03T20:50:00.000+01:002005-08-03T20:50:26.886+01:00

I didn’t think that I would post about Big Brother, but I couldn’t not comment on Kinga’s squat onto a wine bottle before lying on the grass after announcing “She was off to masturbate with a bottle.” I was actually shocked, Craig’s incessant fawning over Anthony has been cringe worthy enough, but this reached new heights of depravity. I am not surprised so m any people have complained – I am not

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1123069822631828072005-08-03T12:35:00.000+01:002005-08-03T12:50:22.640+01:00

My boyfriend has just bought the Sony NW-HD5 MP3 player with a 20GB memory – looks pretty sleek and will hold more tracks than you could possibly want. I have also been toying with buying one – mainly for plane journeys and the beach – have to be honest that I doubt I will get much more use. I certainly won't be listening to it as I walk down the street with my friends, which is what I see loads

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1123007034434751302005-08-02T19:17:00.000+01:002005-08-03T20:40:24.813+01:00

Regular readers will ,know that I have a massive fetish for the 2 princes. Couldn't resist posting this picture of Prince Harry. Looks like an old photo, but pretty hot!Previously, Harry Polo grope and Will in speedos

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1122632123492159752005-07-29T10:55:00.000+01:002005-07-29T11:15:23.500+01:00

Just read that Jude Kelly has been appointed the first artistic director of London's South Bank Centre. She will be responsible for programmes at the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery. A few years ago me and my boyfriend (my boyfriend and I?) went to see the Wizard of Oz stage show at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds (yes I suppose that is a bit if a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1122385885353791162005-07-28T16:51:00.000+01:002005-07-28T17:05:32.873+01:00

Great post the other day by Brent about the differences between websites and blogs by gay democrats and gay republicans. He is right that the republican view: that being liberal is a bad thing, is just plain crazy. What is the opposite of being liberal? My thesaurus suggests: narrow-minded, small-minded, prejudiced, bigoted, blinkered, insular, intolerant, biased and fanatical. Are these

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1122480548308629152005-07-27T17:02:00.000+01:002005-07-27T17:11:01.266+01:00

My boyfriend was wondering what the new Dr Who look will be like after David Tennant's outfit was described as "the type of man Kate Moss might date, with a just-got-out-of-bed, dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards, only-thing-I-could-find look. David Tennant says of his new look: "I think we've come up with something distinctive that's both timeless and modern, with a bit of geek chic and of

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1122368320310492152005-07-26T09:34:00.000+01:002005-07-26T09:58:40.320+01:00

We have finally booked our holiday! 2 weeks on the island of Margarita, off the north coast of Venezuela. We go in the middle of September and I cannot wait. I hadn't realised how much I needed a holiday until last week when I was off work with swollen glands, sore throat, fever and self-pity. After sleeping for 3 days I thought a break might be in order.The hotel looks great with 8 pools,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1121942051700434712005-07-21T11:34:00.000+01:002005-07-21T11:35:24.866+01:00

There is absolutely no way I couldn't post about this story. The ashes of Star Trek actor James Doohan, (who played engineer Scotty ), are to be sent into space at his request. He died of pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease at his home in Washington on Wednesday. His agent said Doohan and his wife Wende had discussed sending his ashes into space, following those of Star Trek creator Gene

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1121779236452261712005-07-19T14:20:00.000+01:002005-07-19T14:56:21.203+01:00

Here is a link to the front page of yesterday’s Newcastle Chronicle – me and my boyfriend are at the back of this photo. We are going to order some hard copies as lovely gifts for our parents! My mother was actually a little shocked when I told we had done this - even going as far as to say that we "were very saucy", whereas my boyfreind's parents didn't bat an eyelid.We are the in the two red

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1121610667865350162005-07-17T14:57:00.000+01:002005-07-18T17:33:40.643+01:00

Today was the usual mundane activity.Get up at 2.30 amTrim pubesShowerGo to public placeStrip and pose naked for mass art installationYes, today was the Spencer Tunick naked photography project at the Newcastle Gateshead quayside. My boyfriend decided top join the experience, so we got up at 2.30 this morning and headed down to the quayside to be part of a huge ‘nekkid’ experience. There were

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1121361960907052942005-07-14T18:26:00.000+01:002005-07-14T18:31:53.080+01:00

Today I was meant to be visiting delightful Harrogate for a legal seminar. I allowed a couple of hours, which is pretty standard, but ended up being an hour and a half late due to the diversions for the bloody Great Yorkshire Show. I ended up going through Knaresborough, getting lost and spending another half hour in gridlocked traffic. I finally got there, parked the car and decided to get a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1121247545791211822005-07-13T10:38:00.000+01:002005-07-13T10:39:05.800+01:00

It was my boyfriend’s birthday yesterday. We decided not to take the day off – although I think he was ‘working from home’ most of the afternoon, which seems to involve sunbathing and light housework. No doubt, today will be similarly spent, while I rush around ensuring threat the NHS keeps running!Anyway, I arrived home to find he was out. I took the opportunity to pile all his presents up in an

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1120811031719331572005-07-08T09:04:00.000+01:002005-07-08T09:23:52.760+01:00

There isn't a great deal that I can say that hasn't already been eloquently said by others (Trunkguy and Terreus) Ken Livingstone's statement on events captures some of the disbelief, horror and determination to overcome adversity that will be evident across the country today, and in future weeks. Coming on the back of the successful Olympic bid, Live8 and the hope of a better world future with

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1120667378332222812005-07-06T17:02:00.000+01:002005-07-06T17:29:38.386+01:00

Hooray for London! Now that isn't something you will hear me saying every day. London is usually the loud, smoky city where irritating southerners live. Today, however, it is the centre of the sporting spotlight with the news that London will host the Olympics in 2012. I am really pleased with this outcome. I love visiting my friends in Paris, but the French (well the Parisians really) are far

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1120503894131897592005-07-04T20:04:00.000+01:002005-07-04T20:04:57.133+01:00

Another weekend has gone in the blink of an eye and it is time for the working week again. I was on-call on Friday night. For the first time I didn’t get any calls. Nevertheless, we stayed in and I wasn’t allowed a Friday night drink in case I needed to go out. Calls are usually about finding a bed for a patient, patients gone AWOL etc. Usually, easy to sort out, but a pain if the call is at 3 am

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1120080463396337312005-06-29T22:27:00.000+01:002005-06-29T22:27:43.433+01:00

June is always a mad month. As well as my birthday, it is father’s day and three close friends have their birthdays over two days. Now we are almost into July, which is my gorgeous boyfriend’s birthday. I have got a few things already for him, (don’t go looking if you are reading this honey!), but really wanted to get this. It is a prop wine bottle from Moulin Rouge and I thought it was pretty

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1119551816854485362005-06-23T19:36:00.000+01:002005-06-23T19:40:11.643+01:00

Willie has been posting about his garden recently and I did promise some photos from the garden. We had spent a couple of days tidying and rejuvenating the plants in preparation. The Barbecue was a present to ourselves. It costs a fortune to fill with charcoal and smokes all over you but it looks great!This is the one of the poppies that have grown this year. Last year there were plenty of leaves

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1118915236598676792005-06-16T10:47:00.000+01:002005-06-16T10:47:16.663+01:00

I mentioned the other day about registering for the whole ‘Get Naked’ experience with Tunick. I have been trying to imagine what it will be like being naked with hundreds of strangers. It is not like some big back room orgy, this will be men and women, young and old who are probably just as regular as me in their day-to-day lives. Apart from the obvious diet that I have started (no alcohol,

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1118682763535126532005-06-13T18:12:00.000+01:002005-06-13T18:12:43.590+01:00

I missed posting about my birthday. It was last Thursday and I have had the last 5 days off work doing absolutely nothing! It has been one of the most relaxing weeks in ages. Most of the time was spent in the garden, either reading in the sun, re-potting plants, painting or chillin’ out. Played video games, watched box-set of Alias, baked cakes, washed car, tidied up piles of papers and eaten

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1117799836717342422005-06-03T12:57:00.000+01:002005-06-03T13:00:29.476+01:00

An article about the rise of poker in the Guardian caught my eye (well it would with a title like that above!) The rise of poker: is particularly prominent online where PartyPoker has just been floated for nearly 10 million dollars. The Guardian comments on the success for the two founders: "Perhaps the most extraordinary part of the story is that Ms Parasol and Mr Dikshit, pronounced Dixit, were

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1117706905204131032005-06-02T11:08:00.000+01:002005-06-02T11:13:00.656+01:00

I have registered today to take part in a Spencer Tunick installation happening in Newcastle this July. Tunick is famous for his large scale nude installations that can involve up to several thousand nude figures arranged in public places. The blurb on the Baltic site says:“Tunick’s site-specific installations follow on the tradition of land art. Working directly in the landscape, the artist uses

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1117626425327833712005-06-01T12:47:00.000+01:002005-06-01T12:47:05.380+01:00

Sorry if this is old news - but just caught up with this news thanks to my boyfriend and Mikado for pointing me to the popbitch rumour that Rome's gay scene is buzzing with the rumour that Pope Benedict XVI has a secret priest lover. The money is on... his 55-year-old ex-secretary Josef Clemens. I would love this to be true - the hypocritical old fart! Already the Vatican, under the new

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1117622210866892892005-06-01T11:36:00.000+01:002005-06-01T11:36:50.923+01:00

We have had another busy bank holiday weekend – plenty of work, rest and play. Friday was a friend’s 40th birthday and as part of the celebrations (they carry on until next weekend) she had booked us to play bingo at the local Mecca. I have never been into a bingo hall, so it was quite an adventure. We arrived after the first sitting had started, so by the time we were all signed in and bought

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1117095386735361882005-05-26T09:16:00.000+01:002005-05-26T09:16:26.790+01:00

I was trying to define faggot, as in the British delicacy. I got as far as "Essentially big meat(y) balls made from pork liver and pork", when I thought I'd check the web - I was astounded to read the(old) news of the Doody family from Wolverhampton who were crowned ‘The Faggot Family’ in a national competition in 2003. They won the exciting privilgea of launching National Faggot Week.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116922317037224972005-05-24T09:11:00.000+01:002005-05-24T09:11:57.076+01:00

Welshcake reminded me that I haven't posted about stopping smoking yet. I stopped on the 6 May – I know the easy question is ‘What took you so long?’ Whatever – at least I have now. What was my motivation? It wasn’t really the benefits to my health, although I do feel better. It wasn’t the smell – although old jackets from smoking days stink. It wasn’t even the cost – although I could afford a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116836403616911702005-05-23T09:20:00.000+01:002005-05-23T09:20:03.670+01:00

I switched on the radio as usual this morning to hear ‘Just a minute.’ Normally, this would be great, but considering it was 7.30 am, (yes, overslept again), I was a bit confused as I was expecting the Today Programme . I wasn’t sure if it meant I had slept right through from Sunday night to Wednesday evening, or if this meant the country was at war and the BBC were off air while information was

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116513746778979532005-05-19T15:42:00.000+01:002005-05-19T15:42:26.840+01:00

Dantallion posted the other day about realising that domestic chores and a quiet home life can easily stop you being a social as you were in your twenties. (There was a lot more to his post, but you get the gist) I am sure that my boyfriend would say that I have fallen into the same trap. He is the one who has to bully cajole me into going out and having fun. Trying a new bar or a restaurant is

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116342806579969492005-05-17T16:13:00.000+01:002005-05-17T16:13:26.630+01:00

I didn’t know that it was International Day against Homophobia (IDAHO), and it took the Daily Mail to remind me! Their website reports that ‘Homophobia continues to be a "serious problem" across Europe’, noting that, it was only 15 years ago today that homosexuality was removed from an official World Health Organisation list of mental disorders.' Josep Borrell, the President of the European

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1116318965264118652005-05-17T09:36:00.000+01:002005-05-17T09:36:05.310+01:00

The news that Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer hit me a little this morning. It was the second item on the Radio 4 8 am bulletin, which was a surprise in itself. She is such a lovely little pocket Aussie. Hope she is Ok. The only silver lining (if there is one) is that this could do a lot to promote self-examinations and awareness for a whole generation of women.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1115885235371022912005-05-12T09:07:00.000+01:002005-05-12T16:37:47.743+01:00

According to this story on the BBC site we don't need to worry about our cars catching viruses from mobile phones. Well, I can sleep safely now, as that has kept me awake with unparalleled fears many a night! I just need some research to now confirm that I am safe from my kettle and toaster becoming infected.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1115798788991419442005-05-11T09:06:00.000+01:002005-05-12T16:56:24.626+01:00

Living where we do in Newcastle has several good points: We have good access to the city centre (15 minute walk) Close to the main transport links We are not surrounded by a transient student population Good schools close by (for when we come to sell), We are bordered by the town moor and parks We usually walk across the moor to get to our local pub - it is a 15 minute walk – this is the only

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1115625856042506232005-05-09T09:04:00.000+01:002005-05-09T09:04:16.246+01:00

A usual, following the General Election, there has been a reshuffle of the cabinet. Geoff Hoon leaves defence to become the Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons. I know what the Leader of the House does, but I had never heard of the Lord Privy Seal Apparently, this is one of the traditional sinecure offices in the British Cabinet. Originally, its holder was responsible for the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1115203347898599372005-05-04T11:42:00.000+01:002005-05-04T11:42:28.216+01:00

I finally feel as if my life is getting back to normal. Last week I handed in my last assignment for my MSc. Two years of weeks away in Birmingham and weekends researching journals have come to an end - well at least until my dissertation starts. I am pretty confident that I have passed all my assignments with high enough marks to proceed to the dissertation, with a few recent assignments scoring

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1114345604550115002005-04-24T13:26:00.000+01:002005-04-24T13:26:44.550+01:00

I posted the other day about my ongoing mobile phone theft/loss saga. My insurance claim was rejected, I appealed and they have accepted my appeal! So, I should get my new phone early this week. I am sure lots of people get their claim rejected and just accept it. Lesson for today - Perseverance Pays Off!!

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1114012061030726012005-04-20T16:47:00.000+01:002005-04-20T16:55:23.743+01:00

Another of those useless name generators - when I should be really clearing my mailbox of the 105 emails. Loved the graphic though, so posted anyway. According to Google, Shuichi Kimura is also a professor at Showa Women's University, vice president (car carrier services) for K-Line, ex-executive vice president of Nippon Steel Corporation and a the holder of a failed patent application for a

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1113909098160028972005-04-19T12:11:00.000+01:002005-04-19T12:11:38.160+01:00

I posted the other day about my mobile phone being stolen. I was in a local bar, which was crowded pre-match, (Newcastle vs. Sporting), the bar is only a stones throw from St James’ Park, so many people had popped in for a drink before heading to the ground. I realised after most people had left that my phone wasn’t in my jacket. I may have lost it on the walk down, but assumed someone had

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1113813497719567492005-04-18T09:38:00.000+01:002005-04-18T09:57:20.730+01:00

Thanks to Razorhead for pointing me towards this site. The site analyses your views on a range of issue: taxation, health, education etc and assesses how the main parties policies match these. I was surprised that the Green Party is most aligned with my views. Happily, the Tories and UKIP are not recommended choices for me. I am still a member of the Labour party and while not happy with

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1113551324032970582005-04-15T08:48:00.000+01:002005-04-15T08:48:44.033+01:00

Last night we went to see Nancy Sinatra at the Sage Gateshead. It was a great show, she played a mix of old hits including Boots, Bang Bang, You Only Live Twice and some tracks form her new album (part written by Morrissey, Jarvis Cocker and Bono). She looked like my mum after a couple of sherries had given her the courage to hit the karaoke machine. There was no diva behaviour, she came into the

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1113464401143221912005-04-14T08:40:00.000+01:002005-04-14T08:40:01.143+01:00

I was flicking through Attitude magazine the other day and thinking in my 33-years-old way, that young gay men have never had it so good. I don’t begrudge them this at all and I don’t think it is all rosy, especially if you live outside of a major city. However, things are better than when I was young and thinking that I might be gay. I was a bit of a late developer. I didn’t have my first gay

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1113298998700973012005-04-12T10:43:00.000+01:002005-04-12T12:40:45.920+01:00

I have always had a lot of time for Peter Tatchell. He has long been a lone voice advocating for human rights and has been prepared to stand up and be counted when the establishment prefers a quiet and diplomatic approach. I think there is room for both approaches, but he often seen as a member of the ‘Looney Left’ by the more right wing press.He has been particularly vocal about the human rights

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1112904498574189312005-04-07T21:08:00.000+01:002005-04-07T21:08:18.573+01:00

To the fucker who stole my mobile tonight - I have already cancelled both the SIM card and the handset. Here's hoping that karma rocks and you get your comeuppance.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540463.post-1112626322030373562005-04-05T11:50:00.000+01:002005-04-06T11:37:58.116+01:00

When we moved into our house, nearly two years ago, we didn’t really have an idea how we wanted to decorate it. We had limited money and time and we were just happy to be there. Over the last 12 months we have made some changes: new furniture, painting, lighting etc. It is slowly coming together and the kitchen is being fitted at the end of April. This will mean that downstairs is almost done.

JayMasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06539773837617627122noreply@blogger.com