I don't suppose any of you have got one of my David Sanborn CDs have you? It's an album called "Close Up". I have the box, but there's no disc in it. I can't begin to tell you how INCREDIBLY ANNOYING this is...

Now this has really thrown me into turmoil. You can now have Apple's rather excellent iTunes software on your PC and sync it with a PC compatible iPod. The only reason I wasn't going to buy an iPod was because the PC software for it was rubbish, but now they've brought out iTunes for PC I can't use that excuse any more.

The bad thing is that I've already encoded about 15 gigabytes of my CD collection as Windows Media files, which won't play on an iPod. So do I bite the bullet, re-encode all my music as MP3s using iTunes and buy a very sleek and sexy iPod, or go with what I've got already and buy a cheaper (but infinitely less sexy) Zen NX? Oh the choices!

The very shiny new Creative Nomad Zen NX has finally been released in the UK - and about time too. It's been around for months in the USA. Creative are reckoning on a £250 retail price, but I've already found it for £216 including VAT and delivery on www.ebuyer.co.uk. If I leave it another couple of weeks, I reckon I might get it for under £200.

So then, who'll be the new Doctor Who? Apparently the smart money's on Alan Davies. He'd be quite good I reckon.

Sorry to keep harping on about this Derren Brown thing, but it has got me really intrigued. I like the way that he's being very pragmatic about it all: "Seeing this press question of whether it was real or not real, I could not have hoped for a better response. As a performer you want to create a piece of really riveting television and an event that people will talk about." Well, I reckon if that was what he wanted, then it's worked. And he's now more famous and more wealthy than ever. What a clever chap.

So it was all an illusion apparently. But so what? It was still damn clever, and great television.

Derren Brown is one serious nutcase. Not exactly the most relaxing television programme I've ever watched, but strangely compelling... Mrs Lacey watched it from behind a cushion.

So then, my gadget wish-list is becoming increasingly overcrowded. Why do electronics companies insist on making my life so expensive and complicated? And as well as being expensive, I have to invest a disproportionate amount of time and thought into my gadget purchases. Which should I buy first? Should I save up for the most expensive thing for a couple of months, or should I just by a couple of the cheaper things right now? Do I really need any of these things? I'm telling you, there's much to consider. You can't just go off and buy stuff without the necessary amount of research and planning. Invariably, purchasing gadgets first requires buying the appropriate geeky magazine to read up on your chosen item to avoid a costly mistake. You have to buy a decent brand, from a reputable dealer, and at the same time get a good price. There's so much to think about. In fact, just thinking about thinking about it makes me tired. I need a lie down...

Now that was a fantastic evening's entertainment - five solid hours of Fame Academy! And the British public actually voted for the right person for once. Excellent. The whole thing was great - fabulous singing, high tension, comedy, Cat looked gorgeous and Claudia's outfit had a mind of its own (which was nice). And the moral to TV producers everywhere is to think twice before asking someone with ADHD their opinion on live national television! Excellent. But now what am I supposed to do on a Saturday evening?

I think it's fair to say that I'm a geek. I like being a geek. I embrace my geekdom. But not even I am sad enough to buy this. And if any of you are, then whatever you do, don't admit to it.

I'm having a day off today. I can't explain why, but it feels like I'm doing something really naughty by not being at work. How odd. Ah well, I'll get over it.

So then, anyone want to buy some stolen goods? Lightsabre, nearly new, one previous owner...

I can understand why Royal Mail have just been fined £7.5 million - it's because they're bloody useless. I have a parcel (with a gadget in it) that was supposed to be delivered to me yesterday, but wasn't. When I rang and enquired this morning as to its whereabouts, they said that they didn't really know. They did have the parcel, it should have been delivered, it wasn't, and now they're not sure where it is. Silly buggers. I think I'm jinxed when it comes to deliveries - it doesn't matter what it is (fridge freezers, sofas, cameras, wireless routers, USB cards), they never turn up when they're supposed to. Is it me?!

I've just managed to slice the tip of my index finger off with a big kitchen knife. Well done. Good effort. Fortunately, with a few well placed steristrips, I've managed to stick it back together but it kind of looks a bit grim. And typing without your index finger is tricky to say the least. I'm a dumbass.

Oi! Who said you could look at my website?

I'm pleased to say that my Fame Academy final prediction has gone awry - Peter got expelled last night. Despite the fact that Carolynne was a much better singer, I really thought that Peter's quirkiness would see him through to the final. Alastair and Alex were forgone conclusions obviously. I'm glad that Peter's gone - he's been getting on my wick for the last twelve weeks! Did someone say one trick pony? And before you ask, I'm sure I do have more interesting things in my life to talk about than Fame Academy, but I can't seem to think of them at the moment.

I need some new web links. I've just gone through my entire favourites list and I'm completely bored by everything in it. Three billion websites out there, and I can't find anything interesting to read...

Ooh, the excitement! I can barely contain myself! Look! Over there! On the right! Yes, that's right, as though one webcam wasn't enough, there's now another one! God I'm a geek. There is a good reason for this extravangance though - my old webcam, whilst fine for sending still images to this website, wasn't up to the task of instant video messaging, so I bought a new one. Which means that I can have one main cam - the top one, which will be on most of the time - and a secondary "mobilecam" attached to the wirelessly-networked laptop which can send images from around the house. Oh, what fun! Oh come on people... show a bit of enthusiasm. :o)

We've finally managed to sell Katey's old car - it's taken ages. Every time I go through the very stressful experience of trying to sell a car privately, I tell myself it'll be the last, but it never is! It's just the most hassle-ridden thing ever. Buying cars is so easy, but selling them is a right pain in the arse. Katey has now told me that we're never getting another new car, we're just going to stick with the ones we've got until they fall apart. Right now, that seems like a very sensible plan...

Bye then James. Things are still following my "Alistair/Alex/Peter final" prediction.

Just been to see the new "remake" of The Italian Job. I was actually pleasantly surprised - I think they realised that they were never going to be able to replicate the original, so they've just taken the general concept (invent ridiculously complicated heist plan, steal gold bullion, escape in Mini Coopers) and made a really very good film out of it. The slightly wierd thing is that it's not set in Italy. Eh?

So then, does anyone know how much it costs to hire domestic help? You know, someone to tidy the house, do the hoovering, wash clothes, do the ironing, cook meals, that kind of thing? I realise that it might be expensive, but sat here right now, it just about seems worth it...

Bored, bored, bored. More bored than the most bored person in boring land.

Ooh, the excitement! I've just ordered myself a new shiny gadget. Not that I actually need any more shiny gadgets, but that's beside the point. I think I must be trying to get back in touch with my geek side after my computing abstinence of the past few days.

Another one bites the dust! Paris leaves the Academy. We're one step nearer to Alex winning. My bets are on an "Alistair/Peter/Alex" final. You mark my words.

I've been chastised once again for my lack of updates. I guess you don't really realise how many people read your blog until you stop updating it, and then they all come out of the woodwork complaining that you haven't written anything new recently! It's weird, but I haven't actually switched my computer on for about four days - which is completely unprecedented. Maybe I'm ill. I shall endeavour to improve.

Well it took long enough, but they've finally kicked out the talentless lump that is Barry from the Fame Academy! How did he manage to stay in there this long? Did no-one else notice that HE COULDN'T SING?! Anyway, he's on his way home now which means that I for one don't have to listen to him murdering any more songs on live television. So, who's going to win? If there's any justice at all, it'll be Alex. She's awesome, and is so obviously head and shoulders above all the others. If you don't agree with me, you're wrong. Or tone deaf. Or both.

I've been chastised for not adding anything to this page for a week now, so I apologise. I do have an excuse (or several excuses) - honest! I was busy for the first couple of days of the week, then I was at a conference for three days (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), and then Blogger went down so I couldn't add anything even though I wanted to. I know, I'm a slacker. I apologise. It won't happen again. At least not until the next time it happens. :o)

Thanks to this sad bastard who clearly has no friends and will never get laid, I and all my colleagues have spent the last four days at work doing bugger all. Apart from stuffing the aforementioned envelopes of course. And, more importantly, it has caused a delay in us getting paid as well. Look on the bright side - If he does go to prison, at least he'll get some sex.

One hour and six minutes! I'm feeling very pleased with myself.

After four years, I just about feel ready to let go. Only now can I realistically think about cutting the apron strings. It's an emotional step but, I think I'm prepared. I'm going to throw away all the empty hi-fi boxes in the shed. Seriously though, I've managed to make a load more space by throwing away lots of old tat and I can now store the mountain bikes and assorted paraphenalia by hanging them on big hooks from the rafters. Very low tech, but a good solution. Anyway, I'm off on my Cancer Research "Cycle For Life" tomorrow morning. Only fifteen miles, so it's a bit of a jolly jaunt really. I'm aiming for under 90 minutes - I'll let you know how I get on!

The water's back on - thankfully! You don't realise how much you take it for granted until you haven't got any...

I've been stuffing leaflets into envelopes all day. ALL DAY. Four years at university to stuff feckin' envelopes. And the Yorkshire Water are relining the water main in our street, so we're without water until 8pm tomorrow, meaning they've had to deliver fifteen litres of bottled water to us. However, my day brightened considerably this evening on three counts - firstly, I've joined the gym (which I've wanted to do for ages but never got round to it), secondly our neighbours cooked dinner for us, and thirdly I've got the wireless network running complete with encryption. Hurrah. I'm going to go and have a big cup of tea to celebrate and then go to bed. I think I'll have to get up early and go and have a swim before work in the morning just so I can have a shower!

Do I have to go to work again today? I mean, come on! I went in yesterday! What more do you want? Blood?!

Now don't get me wrong - I love technology, but sometimes it's just SUCH A PAIN IN THE ARSE! I've been fighting with the stupid bloody wireless network for the best part of the evening trying to make it work correctly, and finally I think I've cracked it. The annoying thing is that it was working perfectly all day, and then it just decided to stop. Computers have minds of their own. They're just biding their time until the moment is ready to strike, and then that'll be it. We're all doomed. Anyway, I'm writing this on the laptop from a remote wireless location, so if you can read this, it must be working in some form or another I suppose. I think I shall leave my battle with 128-bit WEP encryption until tomorrow. I've had quite enough of computers for one day.

I know it's not even the end of August yet, but I'm putting in an early request for my Christmas list. I quite simply have to own these DVDs.

The wireless laptop card didn't arrive on Friday, so I now have to wait to have it delivered to work on Tuesday - how rubbish is that? So I feel it's my duty to slag off the company I purchased from, just so you don't buy anything from them. They're called IT Chest (www.itchest.co.uk) and they're in Reading and they're unbelievably inefficient. Bastards. Should have just stuck to the tried and tested amazon.co.uk like normal. So there you go - public service announcement over. Anyway, the network's up and running nicely (despite the lack of wireless!) and I've been having great fun streaming music around the house. I've decided that I'm going to buy a huge additional hard drive for my PC and store all my albums on it! Then I can purchase myself one of these and hook it up to the hi-fi and TV in the lounge. Ooh, I do like gadgets...

Well, I've had the wireless router delivered, and its all set up and functioning nicely, but I'm still waiting for the laptop wireless card to arrive! Fingers crossed...

Just as an aside, I've put a few of our holiday photos in the gallery section. Click the "Gallery" button, and then follow the "Cornwall - August 2003" link...

And incidentally, it's our fourth wedding anniversary today. Good eh?

Finally back home! At last! Don't get me wrong, I've had a fantastic time, but I was beginning to feel like I'd never get home. Anyway, just trying to get all the stuff packed away and the house back to some semblance of order, and then attempting to get a couple of days of relaxation in before going back to work next Tuesday. The wireless networking kit is arriving tomorrow, so I shall have to perform some "creative restructuring" of the study today. That'll be nice...

Back from Cornwall now - but still not home. We've taken a detour via my parents' house, because my wayward Australian brother is stopping by on the way home from an international hot air balloon festival. Yes, you're right, it does all sound complicated. Even I don't understand what's going on, so I won't attempt to explain it. Anyway, I'll be here in the beautiful (?!) home counties until Tuesday evening, and then - hopefully - normal Low Fidelity service will be resumed!

Can you believe there are still parts of the UK where you can't get any mobile phone signal? How very last century. Anyway, we're on a day out today, and we actually have some signal, so I'm typing this sat in the car park at The Lost Gardens of Heligan - which, incidentally, is ace. So just to update you, we're having a great time, the weather's lovely and the surf has been good. We may never come home...

I don't think it would be overstepping the mark to say that it's really very hot here in Cornwall. Mind you, from what I've been reading in the newspapers, it's equally hot, if not hotter, everywhere else as well. Good show. If you haven't already done so, I recommend phoning in sick, and sitting in the back garden sipping a very long gin and tonic with loads of ice. It seems like the only sensible thing to do given the circumstances...

Well, this is a bit different... I'm posting this from a tent in Cornwall, via my palm pilot and mobile phone! I realised over the weekend that I hadn't explained that I was going on holiday for a fortnight, and I didn't want any of you thinking that I was neglecting you. I'll try and post to Low Fidelity again whilst I'm away, but if I don't manage to, then normal service will be resumed once I've returned. And, in case you're wondering, I'm having a lovely time!

Just found this whilst doing a Google search for some work-related documents. It probably won't mean very much to the majority of you, but the rest of you will find it unspeakably hilarious.

It's a day for new toys. I've got my new camera, and Katey's got her new car. Which she is currently out driving, and has been doing so for the last hour and a half. Hope she hasn't run off and left me for some other man...

Ooh, new CDs! Just had them delivered to work. They are (in no particular order): By The Way - Red Hot Chili Peppers; Time Again - David Sanborn; 4766 Seconds - Teenage Fanclub; Vertigo - Groove Armada; So Much For The City - The Thrills. Some splendid holiday listening there.

Just returned from the annual "Put the tent up to check that it's still working properly and nothing's missing" ritual in Bill's back garden. And you'll be pleased to hear that the tent is in fabulous working order, we still remember how to assemble it and we've managed to put it back into its bag correctly. Jolly good. In truth, I wasn't particularly enthused about going on holiday, but now we've put the tent up I've remembered how much fun camping is and I'm really looking forward to it now. Still not entirely sure where we're going to go, but I suspect it'll be somewhere in Cornwall. We'll just pack everything in the car and drive. And we're due to take possession of the Puma on Wednesday. Cool.

Splendid. Had a really great day yesterday doing absolutely nothing apart from lounging around, and a spot of shopping. We went to Leeds for a mooch round the shops, and I got to try out the digital camera I have had my eye on for a while in Jessops. After deciding it was definitely the camera I wanted, I came home and ordered it on the web for £50 cheaper. Result. I don't have the keep using the awful one I borrowed from work all the time now! I decided on this particular model. Should be good. I'll post some test photos up once it's been delivered, which *should* be on Wednesday.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel... either that, or it's some bastard with a torch bringing me more work. No, seriously, I'm having a day off tomorrow, and I'm very much looking forward to having a really nice long weekend with (hopefully) nothing to do. Hurrah!

Bored bored bored bored bored...

Ever had one of those days when you just have a complete sense-of-humour failure? Well I had one today. I've been a right miserable git. And the strange thing is, I don't even know why. How come some days everything just seems really gloomy? I hope I snap out of it - it's been incredibly boring being angry all day. Maybe I need more sleep. Or a holiday. Or something.

Right then, head on over to the gallery section and click the "Party!" link...

And I took lots of party photos with my digital camera too, so they should be in the gallery section before the day's out.

Well, the party was a success - plenty of people, good weather and free-flowing alcohol until 3am. Splendid. The hangover, however, is not splendid. Ah well, you take the rough with the smooth I suppose. Time to drink yet another cup of tea I think...

Party tonight! The problem with having a party is all the preparation... we've been tidying, dusting and hoovering since ten o'clock this morning. Ah well, it'll be worth it I suppose. I'll keep you posted...

I'm sat here at my desk eating an egg sandwich and it's hotter than a great big hot thing in here, even with the windows open and two fans on full power. I have to say that I'd much prefer to be outdoors in the sunshine with a nice cold beer. The thing that makes it worse is that I can see loads of people sat on the veranda of the pub over the road from my office window. That's just depressing.

It's hot. Damn hot. Hotter than a snake's belly in a wagon rut.

Incidentally, I've mended my terrible unstable computer. It was a highly technical and time-consuming operation, and should really only have been attempted by skilled professionals. Do you know what I did? I took the side panel off the case. The machine was running way too hot, so opening the case has basically cooled it right down. I haven't had a spot of bother with it since. Splendid. Looks like I won't be needing to spend a couple of grand on Apple Macs now. I wonder what I can buy instead? How about one of these? I quite fancy going wireless...

We're really on a roll now - look! Over there! Another new section! There's not much in there yet, but I'm open to suggestions...

Now clearly I'm just getting carried away, but I've put up a new set of photos in the "gallery" section if you fancy a look. They're not very exciting - just pictures of us doing up the lounge I'm afraid...

Anyone got any recommendations for some good music? I haven't bought a new CD in ages...

New section alert! The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the "gallery" button lurking over there on the left. Go on, click it.

So after that outburst, perhaps I should clarify - Mrs Lacey went for an interview yesterday, and got the job. So she's a clever posh senior management type person now. Good eh? Definitely better than being unemployed, watching Trisha and eating jelly straight from the packet. So what better to go with her smart new job than a smart new car? Puma here we come!

MRS LACEY GOT A JOB!!! HURRAH!

Okay, so this article is heavily loaded with geek-speak, but ever since Die Another Day was released last year, I've been trying to convince people that James Bond's disappearing Aston Martin wasn't such a ridiculous idea. And now, it would appear that a lot of people agree with me.

I went to test-drive a Ford Puma this afternoon, and very good fun it was too. Now the important question is - do I get rid of my sensible, practical but distinctly middle-aged Ford Focus and replace it with an exciting, fast but very impractical 2-seater sports coupe? Answers on a postcard (or via email) to the usual address...

Yesterday's tidying session proved quite successful really - I took a whole car load of junk to the tip. Now comes the slightly more scary task of clearing out the study cupboard. If you've ever seen that episode of "Friends" (I think it's called "The One With The Secret Closet") you'll understand the enormity of what I'm about to do. I'm scared to even open the door.

I may live to regret this, but I'm attempting to "streamline" the contents of the study. This is no small task. It may take some time...

Okay, you've probably seen this a thousand times already, but if you head over to Google, type "weapons of mass destruction" into the search box and then click the "I'm feeling lucky" button, you get a quite entertaining result. Thanks for the link Wicksy!

And I'm not really sure what to make of this story either...

Just been reading this article over at www.theonion.com. Now I realise that it's been written in jest, but I can't help wondering if there just may be a grain of truth hidden away in there? No-one likes a smart-arse.

I've just downloaded the beta 2.0 version of the Google Toolbar, which comes with built in Blogger support, which means that I can add to the Low Fidelity weblog even more easily now. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean that I'll type anything remotely interesting...

It's only 12.30 and I've already lost the will to live.

Just sat here, drinking a cup of tea, and contemplating the enormity of going to work today. I'm feeling a bit knackered, I've got a busy day ahead of me, and it's pouring with rain - not a combination that fills you full of enthusiasm. It's days like today that really make me wish I could work from home every now and again. I'm sure I'd be far more productive if I could sit at this computer rather than the one 25 miles away. I could put some music on, make a pot of coffee and just get on with it. But it's not going to happen, so I'd better stop procrastinating and just get on with it. I'll keep you posted...

Just been sent this link by the lovely Miss Woods. It's just fantastic! As far as I can tell, it really is a genuine Guardian Unlimited web page - I can't actually believe that it's still there on the site! Check it out before anyone notices and removes it!

Hmmm... three glasses of wine on a Wednesday night might not be such a hot idea. But to hell with it - it was nice wine, and I've had an arse-biter of a day, so I think I deserved it. As a very wise lady once said to me, "Life's too short to drink cheap wine". I agree wholeheartedly, although I may now have to go to bed. I'm sure I used to be able to drink more than this...

The worms have arrived. Now I need to find something to feed them...

You know that mountain bike that I mentioned earlier? The very nice expensive one that I have on loan from the bike shop? I lent it to my next door neighbour to try out on a quick ride "round the block", but when he got back he had managed to fall off and break his arm. Nice one. Six weeks in plaster. Ah well, at least the bike's okay. Dumbass.

I've just updated my DVD Profiler collection. All my new purchases are now listed, so if you're feeling nosey and want to see what I've got in my DVD collection, the head over to the Low Fidelity DVD profile page.

It's been a bit of a warm one today - and at midday I found myself cycling up a huge hill. Not something that you want to be doing in those kinds of temperatures, all things considered. However, I was cycling up the aforementioned big hill on an exceptionally nice mountain bike. The nice people at Boneshakers (the local bike shop) let me borrow it for the weekend to try it out. And it was ace. But so it should be seeing as it costs £2000. Looks like I won't be getting one of those then!

Hi there Wicksy...

Thursday?! How did that happen? Where did Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday go? They seem to have fused together into one big, busy blur. I need some time at home... and I've had to cancel my day off on Monday.

And another thing... my computer is just so unspeakably shite! It seems incapable of running for more than thirty minutes without crashing. And it's not like I'm trying to get it to do anything complicated. Surely it can manage to run two programs simultaneously?! I'm going to buy an iMac instead. And I think I'll purchase Airport Extreme to go with it. And an iBook for Mrs Lacey. Now, where did I put the credit card?

It's been one of the warmest, sunniest, nicest days of the year so far, and where have I been? At work. That's just wrong I tell you.

Aaaagh! Help me! I'm turning into a tree-hugging hippy! I can't believe I bought a wormery! Mrs Lacey has sooooooo much to answer for...

Just got back from quite a long day trekking round the Birmingham NEC at BBC Gardener's World Live. To be perfectly honest, I really didn't want to go, but once I was there I really enjoyed it. There were some great garden ideas - all we need now is to move house so that we've got a load more space. Our little garden is already full to bursting! We also bought ourselves a really ingenious invention - a wormery! Apparently we can turn all our organic household waste into garden compost by harnessing the power of the humble earthworm. The kit even comes with a kilo of worms to get you started...

If you've got a PDA and an AvantGo account, I've discovered that you can create yourself a Low Fidelity custom channel. It's quite easy really - just go to your AvantGo account page, go to "My Account", choose to create a custom channel, and then enter the URL as http://www.lowfidelity.co.uk/blog.htm. And there you have it - the Low Fidelity weblog on your handheld. Is there no end to this excitement?

The end of an era. Buffy has left the building. Seven seasons, 156 episodes. I guess I'll have to start watching all over again on DVD now...

I've just remembered that it's the final episode of Buffy tonight on Sky One! I've been deliberately avoiding all the Buffy fan sites so that I don't accidentally find out what happens. I hope it's good...

I've really had an exceptionally busy day today. Basically I left the house at 7.30 this morning to go London to give a presentation, which, if you don't know where I live, is over 200 miles away. At least the trains were behaving themselves, which makes a change. Anyway, despite the disproportionate amount of time I have spent travelling today, the meeting was a big success. It's such a good feeling for it to have all come to fruition after we've spent so long on getting it right - I think it's been about three months in total. Anyway, I'm absolutely cream-crackered... It's only 8pm, but I may have to go to bed!

I need me one of these. Then perhaps The Present Mrs Lacey won't keep getting cross about the six remotes we currently have cluttering up our allegedly "minimalist" lounge...

Actually heard Johnnie Walker make this announcement on my way home this evening. It was a genuinely touching moment. Obviously I've never met him, but it feels like he's a mate. I know thousands of people would agree with me. All the best Johnnie.