PeteGraham’s blog

Ok, this is a shameless punt, it's a blog entry detailing a new phone that I've had the fortune / misfortune to play with tonight.

I've had dinner tonight with a CEO of a very well known company in the mobile and wireless industry.  Not only did he bring his lovely wife, and 2 of his charming kids with him (no, they really are lovely kids and his wife is fantastic!) but he also brought a device which had been delivered to him this very morning.

GSM networks know it as the Motorola Milestone, other networks have it down as the Moto Droid.  Either way, it's a new phone on the market with a full slide out keyboard and MASSIVE capacitive touchscreen.  The resolution seemed fantastic, and the device was as quick as hell.

It's based on a Texas Instruments OMAP processor which until tonight I didn't rate too highly.  I like the look of the Qualcomm Snapdragon considering it's graphics links.  However this was a rapid device, a pleasure to use and a solid 'in the hand' feel.  It's no brick, thinner than my Xperia X1, but it's still a weighty beast which I like.

For those of you who are tied to Apple and their iPhart, it's not my bag but I can see the appeal.  The Droid is set to be a great phone in the market for those who aren't prepared to swallow Jobs' load and get an ipharce.  It's a great device.  App store on Android is brilliant and this particular handset integrates perfectly as you would expect.  I also had the pleasure of using Google Skymaps which in itself is a wonder to behold. 

The fortune / misfortune comment?  Fortune : Pre release device, and well worth considering.  Misfortune : I want one.

It's happened.  I never thought it would but it's happened.  Pizza Hut has been surpassed.

I've recently been pointed toward a new Italian takeaway - it would be unfair to tar them with the pizzeria brush as they do so much more - and oh my word, their food is amazing.

I like pizzas which have a thin-ish base.  The ones from here are like a pancake.  Barely enough to support the weight of the generous toppings they provide.  I also like goats cheese as a topping on pizza, and yet again this place ticks that specific box.

If you go in and order, your food is ready in minutes even when there are people queueing out the door - and believe me this is a regular occurrance.  They have several lines, and sometimes they just can't answer them because they're that busy.  None of that matters though, when you collect your order and the smell hits you.  Wow.

For my VOX neighbours that are not of this country, I apologise - it's unfair of me to tantalise your taste imagination with no hope of sampling those wares without a hell of a drive.  For my VOX neighbours who aren't anywhere near Manchester, I also apologise - the journey may not be as far but I can almost guarantee the pizza would be cold by the time you got it home.

Anyone reading this who is near Manchester/Leigh I suggest you try this place.

Apologies for the poor quality, I was unable to zoom in on the image as it wasn't taken properly - spur of the moment on my phone.

I couldn't believe this when I saw it.  Not only is this GMP's (Greater Manchester Police) finest sitting in their vehicle on the car park of Krispy Kreme - a well known doughnut franchise - but the vehicle itself is a 4 wheel drive offroader, which was sparkling clean and has probably only ever seen a gravel driveway, much the same as every other tosser over here with a fat ugly 4wd land/range rover used only for the school run to protect little Tarquin. 

The carpark itself is basically next door to Manchester Trafford Asda, opposite the Trafford Centre.  It's appoximately 9am and already it's coffee and doughnut time.  I wondered where my hard earned tax was going...

Manchester's finest

Hi all,

I know it's been a while but things are a bit difficult workwise currently which is no fun.

Today sees me and my work colleague sharing a Ford Fiesta for a trip down to Romford (Barking and Havering NHS trust for those interested) where we have been tasked with much computer fun which loosely translates to being thrown headfirst into a completely unmanaged and disorganised task, with our hands tied behind us with red tape.

If you look on my post about Google Latitude (something about my current location) you'll see my progress through the morning rush hour traffic. Super!

I'll be stopping on the M6 toll road for a coffee and to swap into the driving seat for the remainder of the journey.

I've truly missed all my vox neighbours and I hope to be back Voxing soon properly. Keep well :)

Yeah, I know, another post about babies.  Woo.

But seriously, he rocks!  Check him out ;)

DSC00526

I'm relatively happy in life, but I am not happy with me.  I feel I am somewhat larger than I want to be so with that in mind, next month I will be living on soup.  It's going to be hard work, but that's where willpower and effort come in.

Why am I writing about this?

Because Pizza Hut are trying to kill me.  Firstly they make the best pizza in the UK.  Period.  Secondly they have just added a new range of really thin pizzas.  My favourite.  Thirdly, they have just redone their product range and now the additional toppings choices has vastly increased.

Damn you Pizza Hut.  Damn you to hell.

So, I may be somewhat different to my usual, genial self on here in the coming weeks.  It's because I am being tortured mentally.  I must only eat soup, no beer, no wine, no spirits (yes, Snowy & GOF, even whiskey!) and my intake of energy drinks will be nil.  I don't eat sweets so that's ok.  Oh yeah, and the bike is going to be getting a hammering, shitty english weather or not.

I received a lovely email today from a girl, apparently english isn't her first language but I won't hold that against her.

I feel so special because it seems I'm the only person in the world she wants to.  Thankfully my age isn't a factor, nor are my looks, because I will treat her like a lady.

Email as follows:

Hello dear,
Your Age, race and marital status are not factors in who I write to you. i am 24 years old young girl. I need someone who will treat me like a lady.You sound as a man of my dream in your profile today on and it sounds good about you thats why I contacted you for relationships. I have my preferences, and I do not think it is necessary for love to be segrigated by Age. Every woman all have a man of her dream. Sorry my profile is not enough here but will tell you more details about me and my photos if you find time to write me via email (mercyannharry_24@yahoo.com) Cares to know you.
Yours sweet heart
miss mercy

please make sure you write direct to my mail box ok.

mercyannharry_24@yahoo.com

I'm so happy!  I think I will first gather all my credit cards and bank cards together and note down the numbers with pin codes - you know, for our future together?  Then maybe I will give her my name, address, age, mother's maiden name and so on, so she can do some research on me rather than applying for credit in my name which obviously is something she would never do.

Maybe if I just bundle up a  few thousand dollars for her as a pre-nuptial gift!

What do you guys think would be the best course of action?  Should I carry this on?

By the time I've written and posted this, closed the curtains and got into bed, it'll be 7am. I've had a long day. Was awake at 11am, got up, spent time with my girl and my son and eventually came to work. At it all night until finally, almost 20 hours later I can get into bed and get some shuteye.

Goodnight everyone.

Hi All,

I promised photos but with work and everything I just haven't had the chance.

Now, those of you that know a little about me know that my image is usually never recorded on any sort of camera device.  I hate photos of myself.  It's a personal thing but I just do.

The first picture is a photo of me and Mrs PeteGraham-to-be:

It's restricted to neighbourhood only as Mrs PeteGraham-to-be doesn't like photos of herself either.

Now, the wedding itself.  Paul (groom) and I have been watching the weather for the last month and even up to the day it promised rain.  I should've known better as the MET know fuck all about weather in this country (see our BBQ sizzler summer heatwave extraordinaire - oh you can't, it got rained out) and instead - thankfully - it was a lovely day with only a few summery clouds in the sky:

DSC00458

  I had to organise a few people and get introduced to Kelly, the toastmaster for the venue which was spectacular by the way!  She was lovely and helped all of us through some testing moments.  Nothing serious mind you!

I checked on the layout of the chairs and stuff, and everything looked wonderful:

DSC00456

The gentleman in shot is Paul (groomsman, not groom, hereinafter known as Woody) - he is Debbie (bride)'s brother, and plays in a band whom I happen to think are fantastic.  For information on said band, please check out their website

Some quick photos were taken before the ceremony itself.  The photographer (weirdly enough) did my first wedding.  I hope this wasn't a bad omen for Debbie and Paul!!

Paul and his daughter

Debbie arrived down the red carpet and through the alcove of trees, looking absolutely stunning - Paul was obviously waiting at the gazebo for her imminent arrival, looking calm and collected bless him.

The ceremony kicked off, and the usual nerves when "If any person here present knows any reason..." was read out.  No problems, but I was primed and ready to take out anyone who dared stand up!

DSC00472

The ceremony itself contained a reading by Paul's daughter (from a previous marriage) who is absolutely adorable.  She read her sheet perfectly, no mistakes, and less nerves that me!!  It brought many a tear to the eyes of even the most manliest of men.

Alfie - his son from a previous marriage - was the ringbearer.  Paul wanted them both involved as they adore Debbie.

With the ceremony complete, and the announcement of "you are now pronounced husband and wife", Debbie and Paul kissed for the first time as Mr and Mrs R.

Then came the signing of the register:

DSC00486

Along with a set of photos from the official wedding photographer (I just caught her in the image above!)

DSC00490

A happy day indeed - everyone seemed to enjoy it:

DSC00488

Off round the front now to the main grounds where the photographer took thousands of photos.  Here's my attempt at fancy schmancy b&w mixed with highlighted colour.  Took me 10 seconds, as I am sure you can tell!!

Bwpaul

2 comments

From here we moved into the main dining area for the meal, but that was preceeded by the speech.  A very very touching one from the father of the bride.  He's a lovely man, really.  A few tears were shed, especially by him!  We were all choked by the end of it.
Next came Paul's speech.  It was very very sweet, and he sorted the gifts out for all involved. 
Finally, the toastmaster handed the stage over to me.  Oh shit....


*********************************************** My speech below - skip down if you can't be arsed reading it! ****************************

[Hold hand up to clapping audience and down neat double JD]

Hello everyone, my name is Pete.  For those of you that I don’t already know, my full name is Pete WOULDYOULIKEADRINK, and I would appreciate it if I meet any of you later at the bar that you use my full name. I’ve been waiting for this day for a very long time.  Paul has finally admitted that I am the best man, but that’s a whole other story.

I’ve known Paul for a good long while; we met about 7 years ago when I started working in the same department.  From that day on, it’s been a regular episode of Eastenders... Without the southerners, of course.

I’d like to start by thanking all of the guests for coming, and I’d like to thank the employees of SL  for laying out such a fantastic venue, and to thank Debbie and Paul for inviting us all here to share their special day. It’s been an emotional day for everyone concerned and even the cake is in tiers.... It’s good to see all of your faces and to be honest some of you have scrubbed up pretty well!

Alright, I’ll get down to the speech rather than reading out all of these lines I nicked off the internet.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the guests for their donations towards Paul and Debbie’s honeymoon.  I reckon they’ll be able to get to Birmingham at least, now.  No, seriously, thank you all for your incredible generosity.  Paul and I will be splitting it equally but I’ve not told him that yet.

I would also like to thank these gorgeous bridesmaids.  If it weren’t for our Debbie, they would be the most beautiful girls here – please, everyone, raise a glass and join me in a toast to Lucy, Auntie Ange, Theresa and Sam.  Thank you, ladies; you’ve done an excellent job of looking great whilst keeping Debbie calm.

Paul has been more than just a workmate to me.  We have had lots of nights out together beering it up and generally having a laugh, though because Debs is sitting here, Paul actually never drank and all we ever talked about was work.  However, you may have noticed how thick my speech looks.  I can’t possibly read every one of these out but I knew this day would come and have blogged every detail of every night out we’ve had.  I’ve printed them out, laminated them and left a copy with the receptionist at the hotel entrance.  Feast your eyes before Paul gets his hands on them and burns them round the back!

 All joking aside, Paul has been a really good friend to me, as has Debbie.  I’ve known Debbie just as long as Paul has – we met on the same night out!  You are both wonderful friends, and I was honoured you chose me as best man.  I hope in time Paul you will return the favour for me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have put that book of embarrassing stories on reception after all...

I’ve been told that I am usually a man of few words, which I am sure you will all be pleased about, there’s only another 4 pages to go...

Anyway, moving on.  I think now would be a great time to wish Debbie the best of luck – you’ll need it living with Paul! – but really, I would like to wish both of you every happiness in your newly joined lives.  Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand (well, those of you that still can...), raise your glasses high and join me in a toast as I am proud to present to you the new Mr & Mrs R.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************

The speech went down well, especially as I'd kept it clean - there were kids present.

The meal itself was fantastic, and the staff laid on were brilliant.  Paul's dad and I even got in on the act - apparently the staff wait for a nod from Kelly to let them know when to clear the table.  Kelly let us do the nod!  It's amazing what amuses people at weddings, and little things amuse simple minds.  Needless to say, my simple mind was amused :)

Once the starters, mains and desserts + coffee were served up, we left to the bar and had more drinks while the main room was set up for the evening's entertainment.

The DJ kicked things off and the kids did the usual dancing on their knees across the floor.  Fantastic to watch, but I would hate to be the person fixing the clothes afterwards!!

Once the evening was in full swing, Woody and the rest of Automatic Heart kicked a cool set off.  Some originals, some covers, brilliant group.  My favourite cover is one of Michael Jackson (yes, I know I can't stand him but I love the way they do this).  Chris (drummer) starts off with a very basic drumbeat and puts the chorus of "You are not alone" to it in an incredibly high pitched voice.  Next thing you know, it stops and "Smooth Criminal" but the Alien Ant Farm cover version kicks in.  Rocking basslines, amazing lead guitar and superb vocals from Mike and Chris as always insane with the drums.

At the end of their set, Paul is invited up to sing his ballad to Debbie.  He chose Jet's "Are you gonna be my girl".  There may have been a couple of restarts because of Paul's vocal's coming in tooo early but that cannot be confirmed or denied ;)

DSC00511

All in all an amazing night.  I finished off joining Woody on vocals for a song which escapes me now but hey, I was bloody good at the time - alright? 

Paul and Debbie are away on their minimoon at the mo, they'll be going on honeymoon later this year.

I'm also available to speak at any public events - I write my own stuff you know!

Hi all

I want to thank everyone, belated or not, for your wishes and stuff. if it wasn't for you, I don't think the speech would've gone quite as well so thanks :)

Everything about today was perfect. I'm so happy for the bride and groom. Photies when I get home xx