Below are the 16 most recent journal entries recorded in dashdan2003's LiveJournal:

Sunday, August 12th, 2007
3:43 pm	15 weeks have gone by I rarely ever get to post here anymore which is unfortunate, but here is the latest update. My girlfriend moved in with me during July, and everything is going very well indeed (I am taking her to see Phantom of the Opera on 29th August). I have been invited to give a paper at a conference at the end of August, and I have been to a large number of BBQs over the summer. I won third prize for taste (out of 23 at work) in the baking competition held at work, with my Date and Apricot cake. I have seen a number of films including Hairspray: One of the best films of the year. Harry Potter 5: A bit of a disapointment (for me anyway) but I hear from friends) it is based on the weakest of the books. Transformers: Actually quite good in a fun/turn off your brain sort of way ( a bit relentless towards the end though). It was great to hear Optimus Prime again. The Simpson's: Homer at the beginning of this film makes a joke about not paying for stuff which you get for free at home, I felt the same way about this movie. The movie is not bad but we have seen it all before in the series we watch on TV. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer-Quite fun and fortunately not overlong. I am being given more responsibility at work including being respobsilbe for resources in my team and developing business for the team. I better go now, hopefully will be back soon. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Sunday, April 29th, 2007
9:50 am	Busy Summer Hi Well I got back from America a couple of weeks ago. I visited Disneyland (wow), the haunted house is amazing, plus saw some early Walt Disney cartoons which are just so groundbreaking even by today's standards. I also visited Hollywood which I felt was a bit seedy in nature (my personal opinion) so I was dissapointed, and saw the muscial 'Wicked' (go see it in London now it is so worth it), as well as going to a wedding. All that and work too. Whic reminds me I have been asked to go for an official promotion at work (does not mean I will get it of course). I returned home from the US. and saw the final Episode of 'Life on Mars'. I think the episode works better as a end of second season episode rather than a final episode but I was happy with the ending (I do not think it would have worked if we had been shown a time machine) with Sam choosing to believe that he would feel the most alive and could do the most good in 1973. I think you can interpret as either he was mad or he was still in the coma in the end (but I do not think that is important). Dr Who: I adore Martha (I think she looks more attractive with her hair down but that is not important). However I think that the show has lost something with out the grounding of Rose and her family so I am looking forward to next week with the return of Martha's family. Dr Who remains lovely and enjoyable though. I picked up Ginny (my girlfriend) from the airport on 24th April, as she had been in the Phillipines for the 1st year anniversary of her mother's death. I had introduced Ginny to my work colleagues just before she had jetted off to the Phillipines, as we had all gone out to see HMS Pinafore at my local theatre (an excellent but with some 70's disco number incorporated into it), and they all like her which is excellent Ginny has even agreed to help one of my coleagues meet a few other women. I mentioned the film Stardust in my posting last time It is out on 20th October 2007 (although I guess that could change depending on US box-office take) but if it is out I tend to have big celebration with lots of freinds if anyone is interested. I will have done my exam for the OU this year by then and my Birthday will have just gone. if anyone is interested let me know. Well I better go now. Hopefully I will be back here soon. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Sunday, March 25th, 2007
12:32 pm	Life in General Well it has been a while since I last posted on Live Journal but that is simply becuase things have been going so well, and I have not had the time. Redemption 07 was excellent as I knew it would, and have managed to get myself involved in Redemption 09 (all good). I am really looking forward to the new Audio Blake's 7 when that comes out as having spoken with one of the writers, the producer and listened to the trailer it all sounds very good. I run my own panel as well, which despite the question being limited in scope was very successful (discussion included Cylon Psychology). I have met a lovely person who I am intending to marry within the next year (sorry if I go on about this a bit but I have to pinch myself occasionally as I cannot believe it is happening. My major concern over for this year so far has been losing Sky One etc. from Virgin Media's Digital Cable Television package. I am not too worried but it does mean I am missing Battlestar Galactica (sigh, guess I will buy the DVDs instead, but I will do that anyway so no problem). Life on Mars Not sure about te new series for two reasons: 1. Sam seems to be getting the better more often than not whilst in the firs series it was more 50:50. 2. Not sure about these people calling sam from Hyde (but I have my oiwn theories on who they might be-think very first episode-Season 1). I am thoroughly enjoying it though, just not as good as the first. Primeval Hmm-Enjoyable but lacking an understanding of real science, how geeks/nerds actually behave, and then there is Hannah Spearitt. Still the end was intriguing and I look forward to how they work tha one out at the begginning of next season. Films Here are few recommendations on films i think everyone should watch this year 300 (Ancient Persia against ancient Greek's fairly cool, do not see this if History is your thing though) Sunshine (British Sci-Fi in 2001 mode) Spiderman 3 (it's spiderman) Stardust (adaption of Neil Gaiman Novel) I am just about to head out to a Maths conference for a week which I have been organising at Bath University. I have discovered EBAY and managed to sell my first item. I better go now, but I will make it a mission in life to post more regularly in the future. (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, June 4th, 2006
10:19 pm	Reviews Dr Who- Should a 30+ year old man still find Dr Who scary? I was certainly surprised at how chilling Dr Who was on Saturday (particularly the part where Rose suggests the Dr and her could live together in a house, and the other part where the Dr suggests he watches EastEnders)-Scary stuff. Battlestar Galactica (spoilers) - I have really enjoyed this season of BG thats just gone, but the sudden leap forward at the end of the season seemed a bit forced, I am a little worried the writers may not know where they are going with the story or the characters hence the radical changes. X-Men: The Last Stand-I saw this the other week, I have to say I was slightly dissapointed, as they tried to cram too much into one film. If you are a fan of the X-Men films aand have seen the first two you might like to go and see this one, else I suggest you rent the first two on DVD (they are much better). Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang-I saw this musical whilst I was in Manchester, and it was excellent, yes it was aimed at Children but I really enjoyed the evening, particularly the scenes with the Fox Terriers on Stage and how they made the Car Fly (I can work out the different methods how they could make the Car Fly but I could not see the wires whilst the car was flying on stage). Well I better go now. (Comment on this)
Sunday, April 23rd, 2006
1:34 pm	I am back Wow I have finally moved into my new place and I am now back online (with broadband), though he installers did not turn up until after three days when we had originally agreed they would install my phone, digital TV and broadband (grumble-very annoying). I am still waiting on getting a new three piece suite delivered and then I need wo worry about getting a dining oom table. Well I think a lot has happened since I was last online (it all becoming a abit of a blur I am afraid). ZZ9: Last week I went upto London to meet some of the other ZZ9s, though it took a little while to find them in the Pub, it was a great evening. Dr Who:I have watched both episodes of the new series of Dr Who and enjoyed them both but I felt both were a bit top heavy (too much stuff going on at anyone time), the second episode as the better (I always say Dr Who does historicals and present day stories far better than far-future stories). I also felt that the first pisode was a little too silly and did not really give David Tennant enough meat to work with. I am really interested in Torchwood, and the direction that may take. Dating: Well I am still enjoying myself in the dating game, got turned down have met someone else now, but strangely it is all rather fun. I will post this now as I have to get on but I hope to post another either later today or early next week. (Comment on this)
Sunday, March 26th, 2006
12:17 pm	7 Brides for 7 Brothers Went to see the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers yesterday eveningwith my parents and brothers, we all enjoyed it throughly particularly my mum (who we were treating for Mothers day). I also spent about 4-5hrs yesterday shopping for my new flat. The only main thing I am missing now is a 3-iece suite but that I hope to get on order next week. Next weekend is the big decorating and moving into my new flat so it should be fun but it will mean that I will be going quiet for a while as I set my new internet connection (which as you can understand is fairly low on the priority list). (Comment on this)
Sunday, March 19th, 2006
12:05 pm	Dates and Flat Completion Saw 'V for Vendetta' yesterday not as bad as I feared. There were about three things I did not like including V being a bit too theatrical at the beggining, the Benny Hill homage half way through, and the look of the film was wrong (it should have more washed out colours). Given that they could have mucked things up completely, the film had more positive points than negative points. I should pick up my keys for my flat on Monday (20/3/06), so it is all very exciting with me starting to pick out furnitue etc. I went out on very successful date last night, I am hoping to meet up with the woman in question again very soon. As we head towards the end of the FY at work I am finishing off reports, making sure that all work is finished and trying to sort out a decent work program for next FY (so it is all happening at once for the moment). I will be seeing the film 'In my Fathers Den' and going to see 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' at the theatre next week so I wll comment on those but as I may be moving into my new flat it maybe a while before I add anything to Live Journal (but I hope too in between times). (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, March 13th, 2006
8:59 pm	Its been a while Well I have been busy over the last few weeks. We are currently in the silly season at work where we sprint to the finish to deliver our customer requirements. In my spare time I have joined ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha, which is the UK Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy Fan Club, it looks fun and is a bargain to join. I have also managed to get a Mathematics Club/Interest group going at work with more pople than you might expect joining up wihin the first 24 hours. I went Speed dating again, once againit was great fun and I enjoyed talking with all the ladies. I have also recently exchanged contracts on my flat (completion is due for the 20th of March). Everything seems to be moving forward nicely (including me organising some Mathematics conferences and writing some new papers). I am hoping to see V for Vendetta this week at the cinema so I will let you know what that was like next time I log on. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, February 17th, 2006
7:38 pm	Speed Dating & the Smoking Ban Well its been a while since I logged on. Strangely not that much has happened in the last couple of weeks. I went Speed Dating, which was a great laugh, though many of the women were a more mature than I and a number of them wanted me to meet there younger sisters, it was just a good time and hope to go again soon. I am little bit dissapointed in the new (second) series of Battlestar Galactica (currently running on Sky One). I cannot quite put my finger on what's wrong with it I really enjoyed the first series they did, but this second season seems a bit overwrought at times. Finally smoking is going to be banned in enclosed public venues yippee though to be honest coming from a family where one member smokes 20 a day I am not sure what the benefit will be too me. For all of you smokers out there if you are upset that you will not be able to smoke in enclosed places anymore I believe there is one notable exception 'The House of Commons Bar'hmm (least said etc.). Note I know a number of smokers in my life and they are all good people I just dislike the smell of smoke. I had better go now, see you soon. (Comment on this)
Sunday, February 5th, 2006
2:25 pm	A 2 week break Hi I have been so busy the last couple of weeks that I have not been able to get online. Unfortunately this is going to hve to be a quick pit stop as well, as I have a lot of work to do (I have been asked to get involved in helping to organise two upcoming conferences, plus there are still a couple of mathematics books that I need to finish reviewing). I saw 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' on the cinema for the first time a week ago (it is one of my favorite British comedies, that and the Lady Killers but I have never seen it on the Big Screen). I have also started my new Open University course on 'Analysing Data' the stuff I am doing at the moment is very basic (and hence I am going through it quickly) but I suspect it will get quite complicated very quickly 9its is great to use MINITAB again though). Within a couple of weeks I hope to be going to my first speed dating event I think it could be quite fun). Well I will be off now. I hope to have something more interesting to say about my house buying by next week. Dan (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Sunday, January 15th, 2006
3:12 pm	Housing, Work and Films Hi Things continue to move along smoothly in terms of my flat buying, my lawyers now have all the paperwork and are hopefully hard at work in terms of getting everything sorted. My bank has also set up a new account for me. I have taken on a number of new challenges at work and I continue to work in promoting Mathematics. I went on a second date with the young lady I took out just before Christmas, which although it was raining all day it was nice to see her again, and I hope that we will be able to meet up again soon. I saw Brokeback Mountain yesterday, I was a little dissapointed, I foun the dialogue to be in audible at times and the movie seemed to be overlong in making its point about love. This week I am not doing too much, just trying to get some work finished but I am hoping to visit some freinds next weekend, so there may not be a journal entry for a couple of weeks (apologise for that). (2 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, January 7th, 2006
12:08 pm	A new place plus my first week back at work Well it's been a rush this week. It looks like I will soon have my own apartment, my offer on the place has been provisionally excepted my mortgage has been provisionally excepted and my lawyers are getting to work on the paperwork. I went back to work this week I have about 7 things to do before the end of March (which maybe when I move into my flat), so it is all a bit hectic at the moment. I am currently having a lazy weekend just catching up with a few things though I maybe going out tomorrow. (Comment on this)
Saturday, December 31st, 2005
2:15 pm	Hi There Its New Year's Eve, I am currently waiting for tonights big family meal. This week I went to see King Kong again (with my cousin) it does get better over time but the first hour is still too slow. I also attended a Choral Symphony at the Barbican in London on Beethoven's fifth Piano Concerto and his Ninth Symphony. This was the first time I had attended such a meeting and I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and hope to go again in the future. I also helped my brother pick out a new computer after his previous computer died on him, and it is begginning to look like I may have a bought myself a flat. I hope all is well with everyone. All Thanks Dan. (Comment on this)
Saturday, December 24th, 2005
3:15 pm	Christmas just around the corner Hi Well I hope everyone has done their Christmas Shopping. I have had a nice week. I am continuing to look for a flat and I have now set up an appointment with my Mortgage Advisor. I took a very attractive (though she dislikes compliments so I hope she is not reading this) young lady out on Tuesday of this week, we had a nice time and I found her fascinating to talk too. I am going out for a meal both on Christmas day and Boxing Day. I will probably have beef on Christmas Day and Pork on Boxing Day, but I do find it funny that I always try to avoid Turkey at Chritmas meals in restaurants (Turkey will be served on new Year's day at home). Given my comments about the film King Kong in my last post, you may be surprised that I have already seen it one more time and I am going again next Tuesday, the reason for this is many of my freinds/family like to goto the occasional film with me, and so sometimes I end up going 2-3 times to see a film (I think I once went 7 times to see a film). The film was better on a second viewing but I still feel it was too slow in places. Anyway, I will log back in next week and let everyone know what the current situation is regarding my search for a flat and some interesting information on a choral symphony that I hope to attend. (Comment on this)
Sunday, December 18th, 2005
9:14 am	King Kong & Narnia I have now seen 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe'(Narnia) and 'King Kong'. Narnia This is a good film, well structured though over-long, unashamedly aimed a a youger audience (no bad thing), but neve quite gets as exciting as it should (the battle at the end seems a bit tame in my opinion). The film has some very good acting, and does not muck up some of the scenes fom the book which could have come over as very silly (such as Father Christmas turning up). Well worth goingto see if you enjoyed the books. King Kong This film was a little dissapointing, particularly if you (as many I expect will do) compare it to Peter Jackson's previous three films. The first hour is rather slow (and has too many visual close-ups of Jack Black) and overlong (I almost fell asleep), the second hour on Skull Island is fun (and rather squirmy) in places, but most of the scenes add little to the characters or overall plot, the final hour or so is fun as well but by this time everything is on auto pilot. The acting is universally good but most of the important characters in the story are not fleshed out enough and too much screen time is given too peripheral charaters who are not important to the plot. Do not get me wroong I enjoyed the movie but I felt that it was significantly flawed. Other news I have just spent a week going to Christmas parties at work (I have been to about 4-5) so I am starting to feel the Christmas bulge already. I will post again soon. (Comment on this)
Thursday, December 15th, 2005
10:14 pm	Hello-1st Posting This is my first attempt at putting a posting on Live Journal. My intention is to use this to put down what I have done during the week and shares some of my thoughts. I have spent the last week attending 3 Christmas meals at work (I have been invited to another tomorrow but I am probably not attending, as I need to get some work done). This is a short message just to get things started but when I next visit I will gve my opinion on 'King Kong' and 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' See you soon. (1 Comment |Comment on this)