Hey All,

Its taken me a couple of days to finally sit down and write this, what with my new job, and meeting people, my Wednesday trip story is yet to be told.

I haven't mentioned this to many people, but on Wednesday, I took a trip to Huntingdon, a short drive away from Cambridge, to meet the folks behind Just Flight and see what they had in store for simmers over the next few months.

I was invited over after an email to the team about their VFR scenery, and how I believed (at the time basing my ideas on screenshots) that their product would only sell to uninformed simmers – those who had not spent that much time checking the two out. I could tell you about that in more detail, but it's an entirely different story, and one I now have a very different perspective on.

Anyway, after several email's back and forth between me and Scott Phillips, we finally set on a date. And my mother and I set of to search for the offices of Just Flight.

Taking the wrong turning resulted in us getting very lost. Although we realised our mistake later, it added a 30 minute delay whilst we hunted. Eventually we gave in, and I dialled in Scott's mobile number, to ask him for directions. Almost as if by magic, we pulled up right outside a building labelled 'The Producers' made up of a large office block combined with a warehouse. Exactly the place we were looking for.

Panoramic view of the Producers warehouse/offices. To the left are the office windows, where Just Flight reside

It wasn't long before I had signed in and was meeting the team. I was expecting the exact opposite of what I was met with. I expected several sweat laden men working in a tiny room hunched over super powered PC's. I was very wrong. Only a few super power laptops sat on the desks (although they were very swish). The office was huge, and although Just Flight were not in the majority of it (being separated form the main floor by a fence-style wall) they still had plenty of space.

And they were far from dripping wet. They were a bunch of fine looking chaps who I quickly realised were some of the nicest people you could wish to meet. (Cheques in the post please).

Four of the crew, Paul Hyslop, Scott Phillips, Simon Martin and Richard Slater I had already met at the IFC, but the rest were only names that I recognised from the credits in manuals.

Anyway after introductions I was given a tour of the building, most of which took place downstairs in the warehouse. Massive rooms filled with hundreds of boxes. Although not all of these were Just Flight products. The Producers (the part of Mastertronic that looks after fulfilment and shipping) also ship out many PS2 and 'Sold Out' (those budget ones you see in Game, in the 3 for £10 deals) software. Guitar Hero boxes were all over the pace, and Richard told me that it was even busier when the packages first arrived.

Two photos from downstairs in the warehouse. Most of the boxes in these images contain the PS2 game 'Guitar Hero'.

Returning back upstairs, the fun really started. I was first shown a program that up until I got the chance to try it out, I wasn't too excited about; 'Rescue Pilot – Mission Pack'. Using the FSX missions to their advantage, Just Flight are programming their own set of rescue-style missions. I was already enjoying the default missions post SP1, but this package sets you up with the opportunity to fly a number of themed missions.

In short, they are incredible fun. I flew 2 missions, getting the opportunity to try out the walk to the aircraft feature, and some of the scenery included in the package, including hospitals which I was told will line up with the VFR Real scenery when finished.

Rescue Pilot is now at the top of my wish list, hitting the perfect balance between realism (fur us hard-core simmers) and Gaming for those who are more relaxed. I'm sure it will develop a number of followers, and not just in the UK where this version is set, but also over in the USA, as this version is set to be tweaked and relocated to the other side of the pond. With other versions such as Rescue Patrol Las Vegas in the pipeline this looks like becoming a real 'must have' set of titles for simmers and casual gamers alike.

Next up was the package that really prompted my visit - VFR Real Scenery.  Originally my opinions of this product were not in any way positive. I was very critical, and disappointed with Just Flight's offering in comparison to the rival product. However, having had the opportunity to check out the VFR scenery when I was there, I was impressed to say the least. Although the package is still very green, once you reach about 3000 feet the scenery seems to bring the countryside to life. I hope that in the near future I will be able to spend some more time trying this version out.

I also got the opportunity to check out a product that I know a lot of people are waiting for – the 757 Professional. Although only an FS2004 version was being shown, I was very impressed. This one is certainly worth the wait and a big improvement over what PSS have offered previously.

Some of the new products in development form Just Flight. Clockwise from top left; Rescue Pilot - Mission Pack, Flying Club R44, Flying Club Archer III,  757 Professional

Before spending more time with Rescue Pilot, I was given a quick insight into some forthcoming ground based stuff with Railway products. I don't use train Sims half as much as I use railway sims, but what I saw was leaps ahead of the current TS offerings, cabs in particular finally matching what we see in FS.

Although I won't dwell too much on the other Just Flight offerings, I did get the chance to see the R44, (featuring some superb animations), the Lockheed P-38, Archer III, and Eurofighter. To me it is looking like it is going to be one hell of a year for Just Flight – and I look forward to everything that they are due to put out.

Hopefully it will not be too long before I meet with these guys again, probably at one of the many shows.

My thanks go to everybody I met, The Producers, the Just Flight team, but most of all Scott Phillips for making the visit happen!

Unfortunaltly Alex Ford ('Scotty') wasnt around to be in this picture, but those who were, form left to right are; Scott Phillips, Simon Martin, Martin Wright, Me, Martyn Northall, Richard Slater, Paul 'H' Hyslop and Dermot Stapelton

Peace and Love,

Fred.

So there's no point lying about it, this will be biased. But not to the extreme that I'm going to obviously lie about it.

You possibly know this, but my absolute favourite band is Fountains of Wayne. You will know of them thanks to a song then got fairly popular entitled 'Stacey's Mom'. But before you start criticising, there are more to FoW then that little power pop number.

They have had 4 albums, 5 if you count their double CD of B'Sides and each one has been a wonderful tour around the realms of 3 minute rock/pop, encompassing every genre of music from Rock through to good old Country and Western.

It was in Ypres, on a history trip in 2004 that I first heard 'Mexican Wine'. One of my friends had bought the album after hearing Stacey's Mom, but played this song to me and I was in instant love. Within a few weeks I had their back catalogue, including their early Pinwheel Demos.

Anyway, I missed them when they came to the UK that year. Mainly because I discovered them a month after they flew back home.

I sat and waited. The, very soon after I discovered they were playing Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester and finally London. After realising I couldn't afford to go to all 4 (despite a flight form London to Dublin costing 99p all included) I booked for the Astoria gig.

So me and my mother trundled down to the Astoria at Tottenham Court Road on the 21st May after I left college. Got their fairly early so wandered down to Pizza Hut, and had a very nice meal.

I'm sure you're probably bored of reading this now, so I will get on with it.

Very nice meal.

On the way back up to stand in the queue of other 15-18 year old boys and girls with their parents I spotted a couple of tourists. These people were none other than Jody Porter and Adam Schlesinger, Guitar and Bass players in Fountains of Wayne respectively.

Before my mother could stop me I was over there. Realising I didn't have a camera, or paper, I realised that this opportunity was going to slip. But my mum did have a pen!

Adam, obviously knowing this game already, pointed out the fact that we had tickets, and so they could sign them.

After a few mandatory "see you inside's" I shakily (I was Star Struck) queued up. I saw Jody crossing the road again (although I was seemingly the only one) and at 7 sharp we went in.
I legged it right down the front. Dumping most of my stuff with my mother who was near the back. (She didn't want to be down the front)

The Dykettes came on first. They were pretty good, although no one could understand what they were saying.

"Ar Ye all lokin Farwrd t' Fontns f Weene?" At which there was no response. They are Scottish you see. No offence to the Scotts. They were a lot like Stellastarr in their style. I certainly enjoyed them.

But we were there to see Fountains of Wayne, and at the time advertised, the lights dropped, the cheep went up, and Adam, Chris, Jody and Brian took to the stage.

The instantly recognisable drumbeats of 'I've got a Flair' stated and my 3-and-a-bit years of waiting were over.

Following on with another of my favourites 'Denise' my hands were already bruised from the clapping.

 They were seemingly blasting through their set; all members (apart form Jody – as he always looks naturally stoned) looked as if they were enjoying themselves (although it's hard to tell). It was also really great to hear some Country and Western when Chris made one of his many guitar changes and the band played 'Fire in the Canyon'

There were certainly a few 'point the blame finger' moments when Chris forgot what part of the song he was in during Strapped for Cash, and Brian dropped a drumstick after trying to be smooth, throwing it in the air and catching it.

I was having an absolute blast. But it was going to get oh-so much better. Not only because they got the Disco Balls working for I-95.

In between song banter was at a high, and Adam made coupe of remarks, "Some folks think we're from New Jersey, as a matter of fact we're actually from Swindon". And the one that set my night alight "is there anybody out there with rhythm"

Before I knew it I was on stage, holding a plastic lemon filled with…something…that makes a noise when you shake. They were playing 'Hey Julie', and I was on stage, with them.

Incredible.

I think I managed to look a bit of a fool, apparently (according to the Fountainsofwayne.us forums) "singing Hey Julie with more passion than Chris." But who cares. It was an amazing experience.

The song finished and it was time for a quick departure to let them get on with it. After the gig I went to previous to this, Give It A Name 2007 I was expecting another crush at the front, and thus I would never be able to return to my spot at the front, but the crowd was giving everyone space to dance and I was back in front of Adam by the time the next song started. I was still in a state of semi-shock and so I have no idea what the song after it was. But I know I sung along.

'Stacey's Mom' was played, and I turned to check out what the crown was up to. I was certainly expecting this to be the biggest crowd pleaser, but although it was the biggest sing along next to 'Someone to Love' (which is better avoided when playing live), 'Denise', and the Fantastic 'Mexican Wine'. Which Chris introduced by pointing out that it was something he was really good at…Drinking (said with the scariest grin I have ever seen) and Adam closed by saying they played a Set with Gene Pitney, who finished all his songs with the title. Then doing that himself.

More comments came between songs; mainly about Manchester slagging London gig-goers off and Jody's Leg ("I don't know what you guys paid to get in here, but it's worth it just for that leg. It's his trademark, Chuck Berry has his duck-walk, Pete Townsend has the windmill, Jody Porter does 'the leg") followed by Chris trying Jody's leg, and failing miserably.

And then they played the song that had everyone bouncing around singing, and enjoying themselves. Radiation Vibe.

They disappeared off stage, and after a fir old bit of whooping form the crowd came back on to play some more. I believe it was that portion of the show that included "It Must Be Summer"

Finishing up on 'Sink to the Bottom' they yet again went, and then came back on to play their final few songs, by which point Chris had really lost his voice. But still powered through 'Bright Future in Sales' and 'Bought for a Song'

I was ecstatic. So happy to be there, and will certainly be going to see them again when they eventually come back over in 2010.

Because I was wearing a distinctive shirt (a Red Dale Earnhardt Jr Jersey) I received quite a number of comments whilst negotiating my way around the tube network, which was seeming having a considerably worse night than I was.

Oh, and lets not forget my Mother. She certainly enjoyed it too, and had an excellent place to stand, slightly raised so she could see above everyone. Laughing at the fact that I was over the barrier half way through the word "rhythm".

Okay, I went on a bit didn't I. There is so much more that I want to put in here, but I don't want to make anyone unconscious.

Nevertheless I would like to say thanks to some people that will never read this. The people that put on the show, including Fountains of Wayne themselves, The crowd in their huge number for adding life to the show, being incredibly friendly and not crushing anyone, or bottling me for that matter and the chaps and chapesses on the FountainsofWayne.us forum for helping me and my poor memory remember some of the info I have put in this blog. Finally you, for reading all of this.

Normal Blogging will be resumed as soon as possible…until next time,

Peace and Love

Fred.

PS: (As if this wasn't long enough). As of yet I have been unable to find photos from the event, but I will try to find some, and post them/link to them when I do

UPDATE:
Just a couple of photo links following a message form Brain Young, and some freindly MySpace people;
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=10414934&blogID=272018892&MyToken=b40496f6-8957-4c56-b5ad-30dfdfb56b60
http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w191/the_judist/FoWAstoria/

Okay, the blog header is a little more extreme that it's meant to sound, but I thought it was time for a general life update...

Last time I spoke to yall it was through a video, and another time like it will come, just wait until late February.

So what's been happening? Well, Jess and I have got closer and closer. We are spending so much time together and it feels like we have known each other for years. So much so that in February we are flying off to Paris together. It sounds like something that should only happen to those who have been together for 6 months minimum, but for us, our 3 month will be the week after we get back.

There are downsides to our trip away. The first is that we have to be a Luton at 4:30, and by that I mean 4:30 not 16:30. Well, that's if I want a window seat. Of course hopefully we will get a beautiful sunrise over the channel. We are also facing a tax introduced by the Gordon Brown Sound. He's being a tosser. We may face paying up to an extra £40 each. Its happening to everyone though, those who booked back in July last year, and got the flights for £20 return, may face that price going up in the same way.

My trip at the end of this month may also be affected. But only on the return flight. I'm off skiing. Very excited about it as the likely hood is that we will get a B767 type. And I now a have a good camera. Go figure.

I'm getting very good at portrait photography, even if I say so myself. Feel free to check some photos out on my DeviantART, a link can be found on my main page. They are being wankers about my FS Screenshots, and so we shall have to see what comes of that.

New years and Xmas was good. New years I spent with Jess (who stayed over), and for Xmas I got 2 bottles of Jack Daniels, Shaun of the Dead on DVD a bottle of Sheepshaggers Gold ale and 2 big books on aviation (although the last 2 were given to me early, from Jess).

Was very happy to pick up some good stuff in the January sales as well. Just Flight / CaptainSim C-130 Hercules and Just Flight / Wilco / Feelthere 737 Pilot in Command arrived on my desktop a couple of weeks back. I also got my Paris flights in this sale.

I'm also now getting my name out there in terms of Journalism. Recently I got a major break receiving a job at AVSIM, the worlds biggest flight sim site. My first review is set to be published there in the next couple of days. I also posted my review of the IFC Europe. It was an excellent weekend, and please check out my article out:

http://www.mutleyshangar.com/features/mulletman/ifc2006.htm

Coming soon to that site will be my Just Flight / PSS 777 Professional review and UK2000 Gatwick Pro review.

My photos from RIAT in July are also now online and my photos of Belgium with BA are to follow.

http://forum.justflight.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21616

I'm off down to Heathrow this Monday for some Comms work, and some photography. Should be fun. Hoping to get some photos of those heavy's coming in to land.

Exams next Wednesday. Woo.

Well, that's that for now. There's bound to be something major I have forgotten. If anyone wants me to take some portrait photos for them (in particular their myspace) feel free to ask. And if you know a band that would like some photos, again, I'm happy to take shots. (See "Fat Alice" on myspace, who are using some of my photos)

Until February, Peace and Love

Fred.

PS: If you read the lot, thanks for committing part of your life to me, and go book an appointment at the doctor.

Hey all. Time for another blog, but no video attached this time, sorry.

And so, the subject. Brenda. For those that don't know her, she's a Yankee teacher at the college I go to. And nobody who is anybody even thinks of liking her.

Anyway, due to my recent attendance drop, for perfectly legitimate reasons (see photo of my foot) I was called in to meet her to discuss.

Good god was she bitchy. Doesn't matter, I was bitchy back.

She spent the entire time with her glasses perched on the end of her nose, and then looking through the lenses (i.e. at me down her nose). Now I don't know about anyone else but I find that incredibly rude. And there's her going on about my email, of which the first line reads as follows.

"Got your letter today (11/11) but haven't been able to respond until this evening due to assisting at a Brest Cancer research fundraising event."

Now she criticized that. I forget the stupid reason. Although I can understand her criticizing the last 2 lines, which maybe I should have diverted form my usual.

"Anyway, I look forward to your response.

Peace and Love"

She responded.

"Response is not everything I would have expected from a student who is taking exams in January.  As I teach all day on Tuesday and Thursdays...these days are not suitable.  You may come to see me on the Lunch hour Monday or Wednesday.  Please come to C21a. Let me which day in advance. "

Now if my email was bitchy I don't know what that is. SERIOUSLY! Worst of all I didn't read this until late Monday (after college). I bumped into her post lunch Monday, and she said that she had "told me to see her Monday lunch". Bollocks. Besides I don't sit here and check my mail every 2 mins.

Anyway, meeting today was interesting. I was as close as I could be to sitting there and saying "well nobody like you". Especially when she asked why my lowest attendance numbers fell on a Tuesday.

Anyway, ill stop ranting. Best of all, I'm under the impression that this blog is public, so, unlikely as it is, she might read it. Who knows?

Its worth mentioning that I will be doing the things she asked me to do. I might not like it, but she is the teacher. I'm also on report. Hopefully some interesting emails are gonna fly in the not to distant future.

But yes, today was fun.

Peace and Love,

Fred.

Okay, hello all!

Its been a while since i originally wanted to do this, to this point. However, i have managed to get up off my arse (or sit down on it) and set this thingup. Im still working my way around the horrible UI, so for now, things are a bit (understatement) rough around the edges.

The blog post title is in regards to this video. About a week back, the world best selling piece of software went into its 10th version, names 'X'. It marked the end of version 9, better known as Flight Simulator 2004; A Century of Flight.

No although FS2004/9 is certainly far form dead, it did mark the end of a fantastic 3 years. All i can say is, on with the future.

Link to vid on main page