World of Vince http://www.worldofvince.com/ en-US Copyright 2008 Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:44:30 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Vince Kong, London Tourist I've lived in London for over ten years now and have seen most of the tourist attractions it has to offer, so as if introducing them to an old friend, I took Vince Kong along to meet the Queen. She wasn't in sadly. On a very sunny Saturday in July, accompanied by my sister Rachel, we headed to Big Ben to begin my adventure. Unlike some my other outings, I didn't travel as Vince Kong, so this meant that I had to get changed when I got there and I found best place for this was in the middle of a very large roundabout in the shadow of Big Ben. As I made the transformation into Vince Kong, I managed to catch a few puzzled looks from tourists in the right place at the right time (depending on how you look at it!). I felt like Superman getting ready in a telephone box! Vince Kong at the palace gates My first port of call was Horse Guards Parade, so I made my way down through hundreds of tourists, each eager to get a picture of their young posing with da'Kong. Getting to the Old Admiralty Building was a lot of fun, pushing my way through still more tourists, I waited patiently for my turn for a photo with one of the guards, but it seems I was standing in the wrong place, as he shouted very VERY loudly for me to "stand away from the arch!!". I nearly crapped myself! Vince Kong on Victoria Memorial After getting a quick photo, we hurried away from the shouty guard and headed on to St James Park. Wandering around the park, we were greeted by tourists and sun bathers, some wanting a photo, others wanting to know what the hell I was doing walking round in a gorilla suit in the height of summer. I had no answer. Finally, we arrived at Buckingham Palace, a glorious moment (especially given that it was about 100 degrees now!). I think a lot of the tourists thought that I was part of the Buckingham Palace experience, I even managed to get my very own queue of people waiting for a photo/ If only I'd brought some signed portraits, I may have made a few quid! I did attempt to get a photo with the policeman on duty, but he was (politely) having none of it, so I concluded my trip by climbing around on Victoria Memorial for a bit, then getting changed in a small corner away from public view. Well, I don't want to spoil the illusion do I!

Photo's from Vince Kong, London Tourist

And so the journey begins Checking out some of the local statues One for the ladies At a local tourist shop With a guard, shortly after he shouted at me Taking some time out on a deckchair It's getting hot, so time for a little sit down Doing a spot of sunbathing with some friends I reach my destination Posing for a photo with some tourist kids How dare she give me the rabbit ears! Your name's not down, you're not coming in Victoria memorial fun On top of the world, or the Victoria memorial Standing proud ]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/12/vince_kong_london_tourist.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/12/vince_kong_london_tourist.php Vince Goes Ape Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:44:30 +0000 Vince Kong group on Facebook Have you ever noticed how many groups on Facebook are dedicated to the most inane topics? I don't think a week goes by when I don't receive an invite for some group or other like "I've got two legs, have you?". Well, I thought I'd climb aboard that particular bandwagon and setup The Adventures of Vince Kong group! I hope to see you on there at some point!]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/09/vince_kong_group_on_facebook.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/09/vince_kong_group_on_facebook.php Vince Goes Ape Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:40:10 +0000 Vince Kong runs the British 10km I've always been a fan of people who run the marathon in fancy dress and hoped that one day it would be me, so when we decided to enter the British 10km run, I thought of nothing else but realising my dream and running as Vince Kong. It wasn't easy I can tell you. In the weeks prior to the race, Ben, Dan and Rob pounded the streets of their home towns, comparing times and projecting how long they'd take to finish the race. I opted instead to devise a tough training regime that would surely see me complete the race in a world record time for a gorilla. Sadly, a few too many nights out left my schedule in tatters and I ended up just doing a bit of cycling. Rather too quickly though, the race was upon us and the four of us made our way to Piccadilly Circus at a very unreasonable hour on Sunday morning. I needed to "become" Vince Kong and due to the lack of changing facilities in the centre of London, soon found myself standing in my boxers as perplexed tourist's wandered by. I'm not sure what was more confusing, a chap standing in his skiddies in the middle of the street or the inordinately hairy pile of clothing at my feet. Vince Kong and a spitfire Now changed, I decided to perform a few stretches, this was nothing really to do with the race, I just thought they'd make good photographs! Shortly after, we walked down to drop our bags and head to the start line, and after a bit of waiting we were finally off! For the first two and half kilometres, it wasn't too bad, I kept pace with Dan and Rob while Ben made his bid to win the race. Running with the suit on was quite unusual, perhaps if you try running with a sock over your mouth and blinking every second to simulate the head moving up and down, you'll get close to what it's like. And make sure the sock is a few days old to see what it's like after 7km. After two and half kilometres, I slowed and Dan and Rob continued. I spent the remainder of the race running then walking, running then walking. The crowd cheering kept me going and the shouts of "come on monkey-boy", and "keep it up gorilla!" were very welcome. Some great rousing music like God Save the Queen, Land of Hope and Glory, and Bohemian Like You by The Dandy Warhols also pushed me towards the finish line. Tarsus Monkey's at the finish line The biggest lift I got though was from Rob's mum and dad, a pure chance encounter and a quick photo opportunity and I was on my way armed with the knowledge that Rob wasn't far in front of me! I was lifted! I got my gorilla-head down and ran, pushing ever muscle in my legs to near breaking point, undertaking the slow and keeping pace with the quick, imagining the glory that would await me at the finish line! However, fifteen seconds later I was back in my run walk, run walk routine as Rob no doubt increased the gap and cemented his place in front of me. When the end was in sight, I was so relieved, I managed a mini-sprint over the line, threw my arms in the air and cheered, quickly followed by another cheer when I saw that I'd managed to get round in an hour and eleven minutes. Rob, Dan and Ben had also managed to complete the 10km in very good times. So with nothing left but to bask in our collective glory, we headed to the nearest pub for a last photo opportunity and a few beers. Sadly, being in gorilla hands for the past couple of hours made it difficult to grip, something that Dan quickly found out as I spilt my entire pint on him. Sorry Dan! Myself, Dan, Rob and Ben ran for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated! I might not be too late either, if you'd like to sponsor us then feel free to use our just giving page

Photo's from Vince Kong runs the British 10km

Stretching the eary morning away Vince Kong attempts to push a building over Vince Kong dancersizing! Tarsus Monkeys prepare to depart A good luck hug from the wife Vince Kong and a very big spoon Who's this clown? Said the chap on the right Vince Kong and a spitfire! Vince Kong meets Random Kong The gang did well! A very well deserved pint Basking in the glory!]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/07/vince_kong_runs.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/07/vince_kong_runs.php Vince Goes Ape Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:13:09 +0000 Elvis Kong on a pub crawl For a long time now, I've been planning on becoming Elvis Kong and visiting the great Lou Jordan, Elvis-impersonator to the stars!! Sadly, I turned up but Elvis hadn't just left the building, the sod hadn't even turned up!. I was a little nervous, I'd built this up in my head and had it down that this was going to be my best Vince Kong outing ever, so to try and settle my nerves, I grabbed a Carlsberg and turned on the Spurs v Sevilla game. About twenty minutes and three lagers later, I started to worry that drinking is only going to make me want to go to the toilet, and going to the toilet in a gorilla suit and an Elvis costume, in a busy pub, is going to be quite a challenge. I mulled this over with the fourth beer and decided that this one would be my last, thankfully it really was my last, I'd only bought four. Elvis Kong, beer in hand The pub where Elvis was playing was probably about a kilometre away and I'd decided to walk the whole way. Leaving the flat was brilliant and seconds later I was posing with the bouncer of the local spit-and-sawdust pub, I thought what a good start and looked forward to many other similar shenanigans on the way. However no-one seems to have told me that the whole of Twickenham had decided to be somewhere else at that precise time because I think I only saw about four other people the whole journey and reached the pub setting a new Vince Kong land speed record. As I started to get closer to the entrance, I had another pang of nerves, but swallowed them down, got my head up and walked right in and up to the bar. I asked the barman if Lou was playing that night, I couldn't believe it when he said Lou had cancelled! It reminded me of the time we were kids and I went to a fancy dress party dressed as the incredible hulk. I was covered head-to-toe in green paint, it had taken us hours to prepare, when we arrived we were told we were a week early. Gutted! I left the pub and was starting to walk home when I thought, I've made all this effort, it'd be a shame to waste it, so I decide to pub-crawl my way back. The journey takes in about four pubs so that'll be perfect! Elvis Kong handles a bouncer The most notable encounter was with the bouncer's of Filthy McNasty's (I kid you not, we have a pub called that!). I tried to get in but they blocked my way and asked me to remove my head, I obliged and they said I could go in (I think I may have cracked a joke, something like "you've seen my real face and you're still letting me in?!" - probably not my finest moment). I put my head back on and went to go in again, but for the second time, they blocked my way, "can we check your bag?" was the excuse this time. So I handed it over and watched as the bouncer struggled to open my bag, Velcro + Bouncer = Entertained for hours, but I finally got in and watched a fairly average band play some very ordinary songs, I had a really mild time! The Three Kings was pretty funny but only because they gave me my beer with a straw that's over a foot long! I've still got it, I hope to incorporate it into the suit. The Grand Union still insisted on giving me my change on a silver plate when it's plain to see that I can hardly pick up my beer with my big gorilla paws. After the final pub, there was only one place to go and that was to see my friends at the Golden Grill, who I first met after the pub quiz. They pointed out my picture which hangs proudly behind the counter, and after a quick photo, I went home a very happy Vince Elvis Kong.

Photo's from Elvis Kong on a pub crawl

Outside The Geroge, Twickenham Elvis Kong and the first pub Elvis Kong and a stormtrooper Outside Filthy McNasty's, Twickenham Inside Filthy McNasty's Elvis Kong and the Three Kings, Twickenham Elvis Kong and the Grand Union, Twickenham The marvellous golden grill]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/04/elvis_kong_on_a.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/04/elvis_kong_on_a.php Vince Goes Ape Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:39:10 +0000 Vince Kong at the football It's been a fair while since Nottingham Forest were the toast of Europe, nowadays we're desperately trying to get out of the third tier of English football. So I thought I'd introduce Vince Kong to the beautiful game, sadly beautiful it was not! Millwall are a South East London side better know for their fighting skills off the pitch rather than the football on it, so I did feel a little nervous turning up in my gorilla suit, and I could sense Lucy wasn't too happy about it either. I left with the words "don't get beaten up" ringing in my ears and caught a train to Waterloo. The journey was quite fun, a bunch of ten year olds on the train were amused by my costume so I asked them to take my picture, they seemed to go into a huddle and I heard "he wants us to take his photo!" from within, then one of them was thrust forward and took my photo (thank you!). At Millwall's New Den stadium It got a bit boring after that, so I decided to walk through the train, that was also a bit dull, so I went a sat in first class and scared the crap out of some chap having a little sleep, not on purpose of course! He found it funny though and tried to get me to scare his mate who was still asleep, I couldn't do it. From Waterloo I took a couple more trains before arriving at my destination. I asked a young chav to take my photo but he refused (he was clearly Millwall fan), so I just carried on walking to the stadium. Getting through the turnstiles was very amusing, the lady taking my ticket let out a little scream before rolling about laughing, then she dashed out of her booth clutching her mobile phone and desperate to take a picture. This little pantomime went on for about five minutes before see finally took my ticket and let me in. Next up was a good frisking by a guard, well, more like a cursory pat down (it was pretty hot and I reckon he could smell me before I stepped up). A random angry chap From there, it was nothing but disaster! I was approached by a steward who asked me to remove my head (I resisted cracking a few jokes). He told me in no uncertain terms that if I put my gorilla head back on, I would be ejected from the ground. I then took my seat and watched what can only be described by a "pile of old crap", and we lost one nil. Rather than heading back to Twickenham after the game, I was due to visit the in-laws in Biggleswade, which is about fifty miles away. So after a few more trains, I arrived at Kings Cross. Again, I was told to remove my head, "for security purposes" apparently! I did take it off, but put it back on when I got round the corner and caught my train to Biggleswade. And so, after over six hours and seven trains as Vince Kong, I arrived at a small village in Bedfordshire, I don't think I need to tell you how badly I smelt, I was dripping with sweat and desperate for a beer. I should look on the bright side of the day though, if Forest had won, superstition would have dictated that I wear the suit for the rest of the season. Actually, that might have been fun!

Photo's from the Vince Kong at the football

Station cafe at Twickenham The train to Waterloo At Millwall's New Den stadium Still in the stadium Not quite sure what this fell wanted At Kings Cross station Destination Biggleswade Biggleswade or bust]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/04/vince_kong_at_t_1.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2007/04/vince_kong_at_t_1.php Vince Goes Ape Sat, 14 Apr 2007 19:14:52 +0000 Vince Kong commutes to work I have a relatively easy journey to work each day, so why the hell would I get up an hour earlier in order to embark on a journey that's twice as long? Any excuse to become Vince Kong once again! When I first thought of commuting into work dressed as Vince Kong I thought it was a good idea, but it'd never happen. That all changed when Will agreed to be my co-commuter and cameraman, I am eternally grateful. Thanks very much Will!

The journey to work

At some point in the morning, I managed to get myself showered and cycle across to Will's place, I don't know how, it just happened really. When I got there, I slipped into the Vince Kong outfit and off we set! Arriving at the metro building I had to get a travel card first, so we made a quick stop in the newsagent before heading across to the bus stop. It was quite a low-key start, the people at the bus stop didn't seem to be that bothered that there was a rather short gorilla standing right behind them. Except one chap who seemed to have a permanent grin throughout the whole bus journey! From the bus we boarded the train from Hampton Wick to Clapham Junction (the birth place of my gorilla suit funnily enough!). I'd say that I was easing into my role as Commuter Fool but sadly this isn't quite true, I was certainly enjoying it but when a school kid asked why I was dressed as a gorilla, the only response I could offer was a mumbled unintelligible mess. Yeah, I know, you'd think this is the sort of question I'd have rehearsed and prepared a killer witty response to. Afraid not. We arrived at Clapham Junction and boarded another platform to Kensington Olympia, by the time we arrived there, I reckon I'd seen about a hundred thousand and fifty four people, and out of all of them, about twenty three registered a response. It may be a London thing or a "it's too early, get out my face" thing but I was surprised at the lack of interest. Well, except the guy that shouted "hoi, monkey boy" at me in order to get me to turn around so he could take a picture, that was good. The best moment for me came while walking from the train station to the Metro Building in Hammersmith where I work. Just walking down the street we ran into a nun, she was very jolly and seemed to be enjoying the gorilla, before saying the strangest thing, "I wasn't expecting you today?!", I waved and laughed of course, and carried on walking, but what the hell did she mean by "today"? Does she have a gang of gorillas turning up tomorrow and I'm the rogue one that got the date wrong?

The journey home

I walked with Paul and Sean back down to Kensington Olympia, it was a complete contrast to the mornings journey, I noticed a fair few grins and gave out a few waves, we even walked with a mother and her two children for a short while. She claimed I was mad but I don't believe she has the paperwork to back that up. Rush hour in Vince Kong world From Kensington Olympia back to Clapham Junction, and then onto Hampton Wick was very busy but I got a fair few smiles and people seemed to enjoy it much more, I was very happy on the inside but on the outside I was boiling up! Every time I tried to satisfy an itch, I'd get monkey fur or sweat in my eyes (rules dictate that I cannot take my gorilla head off until the task is complete), but I made it home successfully and the first thing I did was to take a shower. I stank! Tomorrow's commute is going to be so dull by comparison!

Photo's from the Vince Kong commute

Waiting for a bus Waiting for a train Train arriving On the train Office arrival Metro Building Hammersmith Missed train On train going home (1) On train going home (2) Getting off the train Crowded platform]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/09/vince_kong_comm.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/09/vince_kong_comm.php Vince Goes Ape Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:34:04 +0000 Vince Kong gets married I know what you're thinking, surely a guy that very much enjoys dressing up as a gorilla (and a falcon), just needs to get out there and get a girlfriend. Well, I just married her! Yes, former Vince Kong photographer and full time "love of my life" has traded it all in to become Lucy Kong. As you can see from the photo's, Lucy has no problem been seen out and about with a chap in a gorilla suit. Your love lifts me higher! Ok, that might not be entirely true, when we were planning the big day I did mention the possibility of using the gorilla suit but that was met with a stony stare and a disbelieving "you are joking aren't you?". I changed tack a little and tried to get her to agree for a little honeymoon Vince Kong action, still she did not budge. After some persistence though, I managed to get my new bride to don her bridal gown for a Vince Kong re-enactment of our wedding day, it was the happiest day of my life! The real wedding wasn't too bad either!

Many thanks

A big thanks to all of the following people who did such a great job at our actual wedding, The fantastic venue at Tewin Bury Farm Lovely flowers by Marilyn Taylor Great photography by Louise Bennett The string quartet Anything Goes, including a great rendition of Sweet Child of Mine by Guns n' Roses Silver Slipper for an amazing cake Final Touches for making Lucy look beautiful (surely the easiest job they'll ever have done!) And JJ Jaxon our DJ and part-time magician. And thanks to all our family and friends who attended, we're so glad that you could make it and hope you had a great time.

Photo's from the Vince Kong wedding

The happy couple Confetti all over the place! More confetti! The end of the day You can find the real photo's for the wedding on Photobox.]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/08/vince_kong_gets_1.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/08/vince_kong_gets_1.php Vince Goes Ape Tue, 08 Aug 2006 20:21:44 +0000 Flash the Falcon - Mascot Sevens With the dance off and my "meet and greet" now complete, I had about twenty minutes to watch the game itself before heading back to the changing room for the main event, as far as I was concerned, the mascot rugby 7's! When I reached the dressing room, the atmosphere was much more lively than before. There seemed to be a genuine anticipation around the place this time. I started to climb into the falcon suit and after a few minutes, I noticed that we had an extra mascot, although it wasn't until we were ready to go out that he put all his costume on and I could see what he as. I kid you not, he must have been at least fifteen foot tall! And a wooden spoon! Trying to get him out of the changing room was excellent, I can only liken it to three chaps trying to get a small wardrobe up three flights of stairs, lot's of "To me", "To you" and "You swing your end round and I'll walk forward" kind of talk. Mascot bundle!! A short while later, fourteen mascots, a fifteen foot wooden spoon and a genuine premiership referee made their way to the Northwest corner of the stadium, ready for the biggest game of the season. We arrived a little early and waited patiently for our big entrance. After about five minutes, I heard one of the mascots say that he was quiet hot, "I might take my head off for a bit" he said, this caused one of the mascots to say, in probably the most serious tone of voice I'd heard all day, "NO! Never reveal yourself!" Classic!! When the halftime whistle blew, we came running out to the centre circle. Me and my team mates had a little pre-game huddle before the game kicked off. I can't say I got anywhere near the ball during the game, although I did put in a few tackles. In the first tackle though, the strap holding my head on broke and I lost a contact lense. Unperturbed, I went after the eight foot wasp who was scampering down the right wing with the ball. I so nearly held on to him but lost my head, literally! I was scrabbling around trying to pick it up when the flaming ref kicked it away. By the time I had got my head up, the opposition had scored. Defeat but we're all still happy! With the score at 1-1, they managed to break away and score the decisive try, this seemed to be the cue for the mascot bundle, I managed to jump on but was laughing too much and fell off. On the video footage, you can see the eight foot wasp run the whole length of the pitch, as fast as his wasp legs will carry him, to jump on top of the bundle! With the game over, we made our way to the mouth of the tunnel to be presented with a big wooden spoon by Jason Leonard and the fifteen foot spoon mascot. After lots of handshakes and back slaps, I made my way back to the changing rooms as slowly as I could, savouring ever moment in the costume in case it was my last. Maybe it's not my last though, perhaps I could walk around a shopping centre dressed as a big Guinness pint? Or travel the underground as a tube of Smarties? I'm open to offers people!

Photo's from the sevens

Kick-off in the mascot sevens Look at Flash fly! I lost my head halfway through the game Mascot bundle! Flash is top of the pile Game over Time for a post-game picture A very happy falcon leaves the pitch]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/flash_the_falco_4.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/flash_the_falco_4.php Furry Animals Sat, 17 Jun 2006 11:52:37 +0000 Strictly need to know I'm out of the office but I don't think you need to know where I really am do you?! Hello there!! How are you today? Are you well? I heard about your little escapade on the tube last week and I have to say that I was very impressed! I never knew you could even get that many penguins in London, let alone do what you did with them! Great work! So, I’m not here, can you guess? I’d tell you where I am but it’s on a strictly need to know basis, and you don’t need to know I’m afraid. Between the two of us though, let’s just pretend I’m somewhere very snowy, fighting polar bears, and beering it up with the ice maidens! I’ll bring you back iceberg if you want - and I’m not talking about a blumming lettuce! Hope all is great! Laters, Vince.]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/strictly_need_t.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/strictly_need_t.php Out-of-Office Messages Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:09:38 +0000 Flash the Falcon - The Dance Off After a week of high anticipation, the big day arrived! Today was the day I would become Flash the Falcon, mascot to the Newcastle Falcons! I arranged to meet Jon at Twickenham train station to pick up the various passes and instructions for the day, given the occasion I felt there was no better way to do this than to be dressed as a gorilla. It's only a short walk but in that time I managed to get harassed by a mobile phone salesman, waved at by a bunch of old ladies on a bus (when you're hot, you're hot!!) and scare the crap out of some poor kid who just didn't see me coming. Fantastic! Mascot's dancing off! Passes in hand (and now out of the gorilla suit), Lucy and I made our way down to the ground so I could have a quick pint of Guinness before heading to the changing room to transform into a Falcon. At this point, the only photo I'd seen of Flash was on the Newcastle Falcon's website, and my excitement was beginning to be tinged with a degree of nervousness. The day was split into two parts, the dance off before the match and the mascot rugby 7's at half time, in between we were given the opportunity to walk around the Guinness Village and meet the crowd. The changing room was a quiet affair when I walked in and no one had started getting changed for the dance off yet. After a few minutes though, the door burst open and in walked a eight-foot wasp, this is possibly the most surreal thing I've seen for a good while and I couldn't help a little chuckle. After a short briefing, and the oddest roll call you've ever heard, "Sharky - yep", "Sarrie the camel - present", "Flash the Falcon - Here sir!", we suited up and headed out for the main stage. Hello, i'm Flash the Falcon The dance-off was split into 4 heats, with the winner of each going into the final. I was up against Sarrie the Camel and Leeds Tyke and as I was dancing away, I thought I was doing great! The winner was decided by the loudest cheer from the crowd and I thought I was in with a fair chance, in the end I came second but to be fair, I've seen the DVD and I wasn't as great as I thought. Exaggerated movements, that's what I should have told myself, I look like someone's dad at a wedding! On the plus side of things, I got the female vote, I can only imagine that those old ladies from the bus somehow saw through my disguise! Once the dance-off was over, I spent the next hour walking around the Guinness Village, shaking hands, posing for photos and getting kicked and punched by a fair few cheeky little rascals, but I was loving every minute so didn't mind at all! When the time finally came for me to get changed, Lucy and I made our way back to the changing room, but "not too quickly!" as I was at pains to point out. I thought I'd be the last mascot back, in fact, in the changing room one chap asked me what took me so long, I told him I was enjoying it too much and didn't want it to end! But would you believe it, about a minute later, in walked the eight foot wasp!! Oh if only that happened every day! To Follow: The mascot rugby 7's game

Photo's from the dance-off

Introducing Flash the Falcon Mascot's dance off! A job well done furry animals Please to meet you, i'm Flash Flash meets the premiership trophy Entertaining the children]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/flash_the_falco_3.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/06/flash_the_falco_3.php Furry Animals Mon, 05 Jun 2006 20:43:49 +0000 Flash the Falcon - 2 days to go Carling if I didn't follow it up with a kebab on the way home. On the plus side, I got my very tasty kebab from the Golden Grill and would you believe it but there's a photo of me on the wall, dressed as a gorilla with the kebab chaps. I didn't reveal my secret identity, I shall keep that under wraps for the time being!]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco_2.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco_2.php Furry Animals Fri, 26 May 2006 12:52:22 +0000 Flash the Falcon - 3 days to go It's day 2 of my training programme, only 3 days until I become Flash the Falcon! I had intentions of stepping up my efforts today, it didn't quite work out that way.

Exercise

I started this morning by getting up at 6am for an early morning run, when my alarm went off, I quickly changed this to a mammoth session of lying down...in my bed...asleep. I managed to keep this up for an impressive 75 minutes! When I got home from work, I thought another bike ride would be in order, or at least a short run, I don't know what actually happened but somehow I managed to bypass all this, head to Marks and Spencers and spend the next half hour eating chicken and playing Xbox. Vince Kong lifting some weights I did manage a few weights though, does that count?

Diet

Today I gave up drinking tea. Normally, our tea round at work gets through about eight cups of tea each from nine to five, I had none today and drank lots of water instead. I feel knackered!, but Lucy has told me this is normal as the caffeine leaves my system. Food wise, if we ignore the chicken incident, I've eaten very healthily today! I've also started to take some vitamin supplements to make sure I'm extra healthy for Saturday. Vince Kong trying out some ballet

The Routine

I've had some great advice from people and have tried a few moves. Richard forwarded me The Puppet Theory and a very strange dance moves video clip. I've tried them both and I'm afraid I need a bit more work but I think I'm beginning to get better at the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air move!

Will Power

It was very tough this evening, every time I head to the fridge, I can see those two lagers sitting there, calling me, but so far they are still there. As are all the ice lollies in the freezer. Tomorrow is going to be a tough day, Jane (who won the best email competition) is leaving and it's her farewell drinks. I shall try to keep the beering to a minimum. You can see live coverage of the Guinness Premiership Final 2006 on Sky Sports on Saturday 27th May.

Wednesday's Photos

Vince Kong pumps some iron Vince Kong lifting weights Vince Kong trying out some ballet]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco_1.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco_1.php Furry Animals Wed, 24 May 2006 22:19:26 +0000 Flash the Falcon - 4 days to go Jon Duckworth is a legend! Jon, my best man, has got me the position of Flash the Falcon, the Newcastle Falcons mascot, at the inaugural Guinness Premiership Final 2006 at Twickenham. Duties include the Furry Mascot Dance-off before the game and the Furry Mascot rugby 7's at halftime. I'm hoping that my adventures as Vince Kong will adequately prepare me for the role but I don't want to let Newcastle Falcons down, so I've put myself through a rigorous physical and mental training program to get ready and in shape for the big day. The programme was introduced tonight, with a full day planned tomorrow! Vince Kong tries the David Brent dance

Exercise

To get those leg muscles back in shape, I've just been on a 6km bike ride. I followed this up with 10 press up's and 20 sit-up's, not a great deal but it's just day one. I've also run around the flat like an idiot for a few minutes, but I normally do that so not sure it counts.

Diet

I've adjusted my diet for the big event, gone are the pies and the lager, replaced tonight with homemade turkey burgers, wholemeal pasta and a large glass of water. There's no sauce with pasta, just in case I stack up on calories and e-numbers, instead I've just added a few herbs and a bit of seasoning. Vince Kong gets some tips from a footballing great

The Routine

I've been practicing for the dance-off, so far I've tried the David Brent dance from The Office, John Travolta's trademark dance from Staying Alive and Lucy's taught me a dance made famous by Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I'm not great at the moment but am hoping that my natural rhythm and a bit of practice will see me through. Later on tonight I'll go through Lucy's DVD collection and learn some moves from Flashdance, Footloose and Fame.

Will Power

There's two cans of lager in the fridge and eighteen ice lollies in the freezer, I intend for them to stay there until Saturday night at least! The lager is proving tough, I can hear them calling me... You can see live coverage of the Guinness Premiership Final 2006 on Sky Sports on Saturday 27th May.

Tuesday's Photos

Vince Kong gets in shape for the big day Vince Kong tries the David Brent dance Vince Kong or John Travolta, tough to tell eh! Vince Kong gets some tips from a footballing great]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/05/flash_the_falco.php Furry Animals Tue, 23 May 2006 19:20:47 +0000 Vince Kong at the pub quiz Each week we look forward to heading to the local pub quiz with our neighbours. It's been a long while since my last gorilla outing, so this week I decided to bring along a special guest, none other than Vince Kong himself! We meet up with everyone in the hallway outside all our front doors. For a change, I feel a little out of place, I put this down to me being the only one dressed as a gorilla. We make our way outside and off down towards the pub. I'm getting quite used to the little sniggers and looks of disbelieve now, so when we stopped at the cash point, I had no problems waiting patiently and waving to the odd car or person on a bus. Normally, little sniggers are about as far as it goes, but when we got into the pub (The Cabbage Patch in Twickenham), I'm sure I heard an impressive belly laugh from the far side of the bar. The staff were very accommodating and did not impose the no-pets rule mentioned on the door, although I did have to promise not to pee on the floor or sleep on the furniture. Vince Kong with our spoils from the evening The pub quiz takes place in a room at the back of the pub, and I'd been trying to rehearse a grand entrance to it all week, in the end I just kind of sneaked in and sat down. At this point I realised why I'd never been to a pub in my gorilla suit, it's impossible to drink your drink! I tried inserting a straw through one of the nostrils and drink through there, no luck. I tried putting a straw underneath the neck of the costume, no luck again. In the end I had to take the head off just to have a drink. Luckily no-one else had turned up dressed as a gorilla, so we were able to adopt the name "Gorilla Warfare" for our team, and what a team it proved to be! We ended up in third place after being narrowly beaten by "Stinky Joe's Socks" and the "Four Professional Cheeses". For our reward, we got four glorious beer vouchers! Vince Kong gets a kebab The games didn't stop there though, back in the bar we managed a couple of games of Jenga and Trivial Pursuit, I was sweating buckets by this stage, even though I hadn't had my gorilla-head on for the entire duration of the quiz. After a night in pub, especially if you're wearing a gorilla costume, there's only one place to go, and that's the local kebab shop (the Golden Grill in this case). The staff in the Golden Grill were great, there were happy to pose for a picture with a gorilla and even let me behind the counter to cook a few chips. Who actually ate those chips though I will never know! That could be a unique selling point for the Golden Grill, "Our chips are made by gorillas". I'd buy a few portions! (Big thanks to Lucy C (the love of my life!), Gareth, Carolyn, Tom, Lucy K, Steve and Judy!)

Photo's from the pub quiz

Ready for action, time to enter the pub arena How the hell am I supposed to drink this? Vince Kong with the lads Vince Kong get's the beers in Vince Kong puzzles over the answer to question 4 Vince Kong in despair at the difficult questions Vince Kong with our spoils from the evening Vince Kong works the room With these big sausage fingers, I may not succeed at Jenga Shall I go for the large doner or the shish kabab? Vince Kong cooks some chips in the kebab shop Vince Kong meets the staff of the Golden Grill]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/04/vince_kong_at_t.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/04/vince_kong_at_t.php Vince Goes Ape Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:29:34 +0000 Cup of tea challenge This time when I headed off, I thought I would set a challenge for everyone on my out of office to see who could come up with the best email. We had a winner as well! Hello there! Nice! Very nice!! I am of course referring to your great email. Not that I’ve read it, how could I, I’m not here! But I will read it. The moment I get back it’ll be the first email I open, unless someone has sent a better one than yours that is, in which case I’ll open theirs first! In fact, perhaps that could be a great competition, who can send me the best email! The winner will get a cup of tea or coffee – you choose! Mind you, I could enter myself and win the free cup of tea, but can you really see me on my day off, writing silly emails to myself in order to win something that I’ll have to make anyway? Hummm, maybe it’s best not to answer that. So until Thursday, tally ho! Vince.

And the best email was

I did get a few entries but there was a clear winner, Jane Akazi who sent this wonderful email. Thanks Jane!! Jane's winning email!]]> http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/04/cup_of_tea_chal.php http://www.worldofvince.com/archives/2006/04/cup_of_tea_chal.php Out-of-Office Messages Wed, 12 Apr 2006 08:36:03 +0000