THe WoRLd ACcORdInG tO WeLSHie

Youre never gonna believe it...

2009-11-17T01:46:00.003Z

The Chargrilled Video... is back!

Welsh Chris steals, disects, puts back together in an unrecognisable format the anthem that is Fradiohead's (fraidiohead's?? Yeah its a f**kin typo, and I'm keeping it in, got a problem with that... Good!) Karma Police...

It was a publicity competition thing to see how much publicity could be drummed up for the Chargrilled Tshirt company by enlisting the creative talents of its adoring fans...

We* Won! We managed to get 1100 hits plus in a week for the video, sold a meagre 13 tshirts through our special tracking URL... and created a Facebook group called I love Chargilled Tshirts, which had 400 members... Value for the 500 Squid prize money Adam??? Ah well. you win some you lose some. On the bright side, i did well out of it!

*We equals me and Steve HiggyPopUK Higgins, the legendary web-celeb and YouTube guru, who edited the music video for me...

Anyway, enuff chatting shite: Here it is... The one you've been waiting for!!!

2009-11-17T01:44:00.001Z

Yeah we did that Half Marathon... It was ages ago now. Thanks for all the sponsors and that. Loved it. 1hr 52mins for me. Exstatic! John did even better: 1hr 34min or sumink. Crazy!

Running...

2009-09-28T18:00:00.002+01:00

Sponsor me innit!

http://www.justgiving.com/chrisandjohncardiffhalf/

Jango.com

2008-11-05T21:49:00.004Z

Hey all. Check out Jango.com to build your own interactive internet radio stations. It's wicked! I'm trying to embed one in the side-bar on the blog, but there seems to be some bugs with the html or something technical. Will get it sorted soon though I'm sure, what with all my technical expertise.

http://www.jango.com/?source=jukebox_link

Job well done

2008-11-03T14:55:00.005Z

The car park outside my office: "RESERVERD"!

The car park outside my office: "RESERVERD"!

Ranting about stuff - Ross Vs. Ronaldo

2008-11-03T14:23:00.005Z

Here's a response I posted to a arctile on money site Fool.co.uk
Kinda got a bit off topic, which was "Rip-Off Britain" and ways to fix it. As you'd imagine the thread turned into a bit a of a whinge fest, but it kept me entertained for a while.
Here's an extract from my rant:

"Jonathon Ross isn't paid £18m at all, he's on just below £6m a year. This is still obscene - more than (most of) the top premiership footballers.

Football fans however pay their money and take a choice. We buy our shirts and season tickets in exchange for a service, we want the best players in to get the job done for our teams. They have spent their whole lives honing their skills, and ensuring that they are in the peak of physical condition, so they can get the results we crave. Jonathon Ross on the other hand, fluffy, pleasant and entertaining as he undoubtedly is, has no specific skills, apart from his chameleon-like ability to gush, grovel and kiss-up to celebrity A-listers and D-listers alike, week after week."

For the original article, follow the link below:

Four Cures For Rip-off Britain

Venting

2008-10-31T16:17:00.003Z

This is what I'd do if I wasn't so lazy. Though its wierd that if were even more lazy, I'd be more likely to do it. http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/venting.png

Struggling Musician Finds Golden Ticket?

2008-10-19T15:54:00.002+01:00

Struggling Musician Finds Golden Ticket?

This is an aticle that got posted on Bristol Indy Media (an independant 'news' website) when I entered the Chargrilled t-shirts competition. I'm still trying to get Steve (Higgypopuk) Higgins to send me the music video so I can get it back up on YouTube. As soon as I do, I'll get it posted again here on Welshie's World.

Banksy: Pet Shop, New York

2008-10-18T08:29:00.002+01:00

British graffiti artist Banksy has opened his first official exhibition in New York.

The Commuter Train Diaries #2

2008-10-17T08:45:00.009+01:00

The guy sat opposite me on the train, reading his book, has just finished his sandwich. Its elaborate packaging now lies discarded on the table in front of him. From where I sit, I can just make out the words printed on it:

" Simplicity. Honesty. Innovation. "

I'm thinking its just a sandwich.

The Commuter Train Diaries #1

2008-10-13T08:34:00.002+01:00

Having spent a great deal of time lately thinking, almost obsessing, about finding "the right job", and feeling a lot of uncertainty about what exactly I was looking for, I've begun to realise that enjoying my work day to day depends at least as much on the way in which I perceive it as on any external factors.

Whatever I do, there'll always be elements of it which are dull, and bits which are more easy to enjoy. I'll still have to get out of bed on cold dark mornings, when sometimes I don't want to. Ultimately, every day we live can be whatever we chose to make it.

Thinking about this kinda stuff on the train this morning, I felt inspired to write this poem.

Foo Fighters at Wembley, June 08

2008-06-12T14:15:00.001+01:00

Sofa King Police

2007-11-27T00:12:00.000Z

CHEKKIT! Me own music video! Big thanks to Steve for all his help. But guys, this is not just for fun... There's a competition at stake and there's money on the line. Its all about promoting Chargrilled..co.uk If we get them enuff exposure, theywill give us a Cash Prize Monies!!! PLEASE HELP. If you like the tune and/or you think it was funny and/or you think we should have a shot at winning the money, please copy and complete the following sentence and send it to: stopthepress@chargrilled.co.uk " I think Chris and Steve's entry "Sofa King Police" should win the Stop the Press competition because ... " And if you cant think of anything how about... A) ... it was great B) ... boobies make me smile C) ... I AM SOFA KING WEE TAR DID too! Thanks all. Hope you enjoyed the video.

Walking out of the tunnel at Old Trafford.

2007-09-02T10:38:00.000+01:00

Busy day at work...

2007-08-29T12:31:00.001+01:00

There's nothing quite like making blu-tac sculptures to help pass the time.

The Growfa (aka Crazy Secret Birthday Present)

2007-08-29T08:08:00.000+01:00

A Crazy Idea...

2007-08-14T20:05:00.000+01:00

Stoopid / Funny quotes from Stoopid / Funny sportspeople... You decide.

2007-08-07T12:20:00.001+01:00

"He has South American qualities because he comes from South America."
Jose Mourinho talking about new signing Claudio Pizarro
"Its like watching Man United v Chelsea on rollerskates on ice. Brilliant!"
Some commentary gold from Sid Waddell during the Van Gerwen-Baxter darts match.
Five Live commentator: "How will Tevez fit into the Manchester United team, Mark?"
Mark Lawrenson: "Up front with Rooney I'm guessing."
Mark Lawrenson at his usual sarcastic best after the Community Shield.
"Great refereeing from the, er, referee."
Chelsea TV commentator on the referee in the Brondby v Chelsea friendly.
"And then Carlos Tevez, football's equivalent of a murderer out on bail, scores the goal that kept West Ham up and put us down."
Neil Warnock, not bitter at all, writes in his book "Made in Sheffield"
"He is a good, good, good, great goalscorer."
Matthieu Flamini runs out of superlatives for Thierry Henry when asked how much the Gunners will miss him.
Courtesy of bbc.co.uk

How to fold T-shirts

2007-08-06T00:21:00.000+01:00

Changing Tracks

2007-07-25T09:38:00.000+01:00

This is the email I sent in to Jo Whiley at Radio 1 yesterday. For those of you who don't know, Changing Tracks is a feature on Jo's show where people send in stories about difficult times in their lives, and how a particular song helped them to find away to turn things around, or to look at their situation from another perspective...

This is mine:
In late October 2004 my dad was diagnosed with Cancer, he was 58, and had spent many years in the latter part of his life caring for my Mum, who had MS. My dad and me were very close, he had always treated me as a adult, and had allowed me enough room to make my own decisions and mistakes. For this, amongst many other things, I will always be grateful.
At the time I was 22 and in my first year at Uni in Bristol, and having taken me such a long time to get there, I was determined not to be de-railed.
The next few weeks were a roller coaster - I attended some lectures, and I travelled to and from Swansea twice or three times a week to be with my dad and my brother and sister, the prognosis was changing daily, until after about a fortnight, we were told that our dad would not be coming back home.
On December 5th 2004, my dad passed away. I remember the feeling of stillness, and the relief that I didn't have to watch dad suffer any longer. He was free.
During the time that dad was sick, and in the month after, I spent a lot of time with my Bro and Sis, we instinctively seemed to know how to help each other- when to hug, when to talk, and when to leave each other alone.
Christmas came and went, and come the end of January, I was back at uni and ready to hit the ground running with my studies... Or so I thought.
The enormity of the hole in our lives that our dad had left was becoming apparent to me, and the distance away from my syblings was hard to take. I despaired, and for a time I believed that the intensity of the hurt I felt would never fade.
I had some councilling arranged thru my Uni, which helped me to express my emotions without getting heaping them all on Sarah. My rock though she was, I was often bottling things up as I feared she would buckle under the strain if I allowed her to witness the full extent of my greif.
One afternoon in March, I stormed out of a lecture-room, frustrated and angry, and hurting, missing my brother and sister. I got in the car and started driving heading for home, our family home in Swansea. I was going to put myself first today, and not worry about what I was 'supposed' to be doing. And as I was crossing the bridge into Wales, the sun was low- shining in my eyes, the sky was hazy. I drove slowly... I began to fell calm and relaxed, safe. And as I drifted, this song played on my car stereo.
I finally knew that I was going to be ok. Gradually the pain would fade. I would always miss my dad, but that was ok. I realised that I just needed time.

My changing track is: DAMIEN RICE – Older Chests
(Click the video bar on the right hand side of this page to hear the track) >>>
Note, the first clip is the track Older Chests, and below are some other clips of Damien Rice on YouTube.

Abseil for Charity!

2007-07-13T09:24:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately, the video of the event was too large for the YouTube and Blogger upload limits; if I can figure out how to re-size it (Help Techies!) then I will post it in due course. In the meantime, here's some photos.

2007-07-11T12:41:00.000+01:00

Operation: 'Crazy Secret Birthday Present' is underway...
...Shhhh! Its a secret. All will be revealed in due course!

2007-07-09T10:04:00.000+01:00

Coming Soon...

Video footage and photos from Sunday's Abseiling Event

Oh Yes- I did it!

I didn't wimp out, and I managed not to fall to my death, which of course, was a bonus! Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far, as you can see on the Charity Window below, I am getting ever closer to the target, and the impending revelation of the Uber-Embarrassing Pink Hair photo, featuring the lovely scarf and gloves set I recieved from my Aunt at christmas time, as well as the most camp pose ever struck... Uh... I've changed my mind. I don't wanna release the photo! I'll never live it down.

And also thanks to Sarah, Kathryn, Andy, Mike and Michelle for turning up to watch, Mike in particular for managing to film my decent in its entirity (including the very funny part where I tried to go down the cliff head-first!!!) and all the chaps from the Royal Marines who were so pivotal in my survival.

Hot Food Fridays.

2007-07-06T09:58:00.001+01:00

The highlight of the week at BAE.

ITS FRIIIIDAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! Wooooooo Baby!

2007-07-06T08:23:00.000+01:00

Today is the last day of my first week back at work after the Glastonbury Holiday. I'm listening to Dave Groll from the Foo Fighters on Radio 1 - ONLINE!!! I'm gonna do some work in a bit but I'll be skiving for a few more minutes yet. It's a brilliant interview - Absolutely Hilarious! Check it out on Listen Again at www.bbc.co.uk/radio1
This weekend I'll be mostly taking it easy, I might meet up with Ben for a Jam, or I might go up to Swansea to meet up with Hoodlum and Evz and play some choons, or I may not go anywhere or do anything. Either way is cool. As is my way, my plans are fluid to the last!
The other thing I'm gonna do in the next few days is start working on Sarah's birthday present. I've managed to get her blessing (ish) to not buy her a present this year but to make one which I have described as 'slightly random, kinda cool, and something that she has probably never seen before'. All will be revealed in due course.

One final plug for my next Charity stunt

The Abseil from Clifton Suspension Bridge is this Sunday at around noon if anybody wants to come and watch me risk life and limb and/or sponsor me.

Thanks v. much to those of you who have already. And on sunday night we're going to see Jane Taylor at the Thekla, if anyone wants to join us. More details on a previous post.

Have a great weekend all!

Photos from last year's Gower trip

2007-06-30T02:09:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder...

2007-06-30T01:46:00.001+01:00

That on Sunday July 8th I'll be throwing myself off Clifton Suspension Bridge if any one wants to come and watch. Its in aid of Cancer Research UK. (check out link to sponsor webpage for more details)

Also, presuming I survive the above ordeal, there's a really good acoustic band playing a gig at the Thekla Social Club on that evening. Tickets are 5 or 6 quid if anyone fancies it.

Jane Taylor (first saw this band at Ashton Court 3 years ago)
Jimmy Goodrich
Tickets

Sarah's new hat!

2007-06-29T18:19:00.001+01:00

Designed by Little Johnny, aged 8. Special features include, Air Con, binoculars, anti gravity function, built-in headset, and apple dispenser. RRP: £99.99

Photos from Late Night on Sunday - The After Party!!!

2007-06-28T08:58:00.000+01:00

Photos from Sunday at Glastonbury Festival

2007-06-28T06:55:00.001+01:00

Photos from Thursday at Glastonbury

2007-06-28T05:02:00.000+01:00

Packed and ready to go...

2007-06-28T04:45:00.001+01:00

My fine tuned and minimised Glastonbury camping gear. Alex's camper breaking down at the last minute meant us having to find a lift, John Farm came to our rescue, but now we had to fit four in a car we were limited on space. We got there in the end.

Photos from Saturday at Glastonbury Festival

2007-06-28T04:01:00.000+01:00

Photos from Friday at Glastonbury Festival

2007-06-28T03:34:00.000+01:00

Contacting me!

2007-06-28T03:22:00.000+01:00

I have a work email at BAE Systems (but that address will only exist until August when I finish there and go back to Uni for my final year.)

I have a google mail account which is now my primary email account: ccdickens@gmail.com

I also have a hotmail account which I am phasing out, but still check quite regularly: chrisdickens16@hotmail.com

My YouTube username is chrisdickens16, as it is for MySpace, though I use MySpace very little.

And then of course there's Facebook. If you're not on it, you gotta get on it- its the future!

Wedding Progress...

2007-06-28T03:15:00.000+01:00

We have booked the trip to Cyprus for our wedding, and have had the dates confirmed with the venue over there. The invitations will be going out shortly, but in the meantime, most of the details are now on our wedding web- page; where we are staying, dates and times, photos, message board. Have a look!

The address is: http://smcdonaldandcdickens.weddingpath.com/153948

Glastonbury Highlights on YouTube!

2007-06-28T03:09:00.000+01:00

Check 'em out.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chrisdickens16&search=

Sarah's Birthday - House Party!

2007-06-27T22:30:00.000+01:00

Saturday 28th July, Our Gaff!

Drinks, Music, BBQ or Buffet food, Lots of people, Sun!!! (we hope, or else the Conservatory will be crowded) General tom-foolery, and drunken shenanigans... Everyone welcome!

RSVP to sarahmcdonald80@hotmail.com

Insanity Prawn Boy

2007-06-27T19:58:00.001+01:00

The Now-Infamous Prawn Flag

This is the the flag I took to Glastonbury Festival.

Welcome to my new Blogger Page

2007-06-19T09:46:00.000+01:00

I started this page so that I have somewhere to put all the stuff that I want everyone to see. I expect I'll post stuff on here fairly regularly, about thoughts I have, music I'm into, events I'm going to, parties we're organising, wedding plan developments, and anything else that I'd like all my friends and family to know about. I'm also considering setting up a family blog, where Phelans and BPs and Rudd's alike can post stuff about what's going on in their lives too. Onwards and Upwards...