Friday, August 31, 2007
In the news
Interwebnet
Another bright spark with a novel idea to make his fortune on the internet - Hold My Record.
I would say I'd be curious to see how he does but I'll have forgotten all about this by next week....
I would say I'd be curious to see how he does but I'll have forgotten all about this by next week....
Labels: Internet
Interesting
Passing of a decade
Well my replacement graphics card finally arrived - after a little telephone prompting on my part ("Well if you don't stock that model anymore, maybe you could send me... oh I don't know... a similar model?") - so I'm back online properly at last. Good job really as work has started to get even more hectic.
Speaking of work, today was - and I hate to say this - my ten year anniversary. Where the hell does the time go? I can't complain I guess as it's a nice place to work, nice folks to work with and it's not like it stresses me out with a heavy workload most of the time.
I have to admit to feeling a little aggrieved however. A friend of mine went a year without a day off sick at his workplace and got a little certificate in recognition. I've not had one day off sick in ten years - not one single hour - and I'll get bugger all. Considering the average Brit takes about 8 sick days a year I've saved the uni 80 working days and several thousand pounds at least. Seems to me now that I may as well have had a few duvet days for all the difference it would have made. No wonder people take so many days off sick - no encouragement not to it seems.
I feel maybe a week or two of illness approaching shortly.....
Speaking of work, today was - and I hate to say this - my ten year anniversary. Where the hell does the time go? I can't complain I guess as it's a nice place to work, nice folks to work with and it's not like it stresses me out with a heavy workload most of the time.
I have to admit to feeling a little aggrieved however. A friend of mine went a year without a day off sick at his workplace and got a little certificate in recognition. I've not had one day off sick in ten years - not one single hour - and I'll get bugger all. Considering the average Brit takes about 8 sick days a year I've saved the uni 80 working days and several thousand pounds at least. Seems to me now that I may as well have had a few duvet days for all the difference it would have made. No wonder people take so many days off sick - no encouragement not to it seems.
I feel maybe a week or two of illness approaching shortly.....
Labels: Personal
Thursday, August 30, 2007
It worked in my head
Note to self - when having bright ideas about shirt and tie colour combinations and girlfriend thinks they won't go, listen to girlfriend. Girlfriend knows best.
Least I have some shoes now though.
Least I have some shoes now though.
Labels: Personal
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Science and Technology
The day of subjugation by our robot overlords fast approaches with the impending construction of their first city. Dooooom!
Labels: Robots, Science, Technology
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Interesting
Well said sir! It's mindless drivel and infuriatingly bad news reports on non-stories that make me pretty glad I don't have a telly most of the time.
Doppleganger has a few words to say too.
Doppleganger has a few words to say too.
Labels: Blogs, Interesting
Gadgets
In the News
Fair brings a tear to my eye - fiery todger. Doesn't say what she used to make it so flammable.....
Weird
These boots
This week could see a major event in my life. Something big. You see I have this wedding to go to this weekend and on Saturday (with much help and patience from the lovely Miss C) I bought a new suit. Unlike my last suit, this one actually fits (meaning my trousers don't fall down) so I look pretty good. I still need a shirt and tie but I think I can get those fairly easily. I also need shoes and so at some point this week I'm off shoe shopping.
That's the big event.
Oh I know it doesn't seem big but I haven't actually worn shoes in about 20 years. Trainers for the odd sporting activity - yes. Wellies when it's been a bit wet - yes. Various types of hiking or training boots for general everyday wear - yes. In fact for the last ten years I've had exactly the same pair of cat boots, simply replacing the old worn ones with a new identical pair each time.
So for me this is a big step ('scuse the pun) and maybe another indication of the subtle influence Miss C is having on me. First it was more colourful clothes. Now actual shoes. Next I'll go out and buy a wardrobe rather than hanging everything on my bedroom door/floor......?
Nah.
That's the big event.
Oh I know it doesn't seem big but I haven't actually worn shoes in about 20 years. Trainers for the odd sporting activity - yes. Wellies when it's been a bit wet - yes. Various types of hiking or training boots for general everyday wear - yes. In fact for the last ten years I've had exactly the same pair of cat boots, simply replacing the old worn ones with a new identical pair each time.
So for me this is a big step ('scuse the pun) and maybe another indication of the subtle influence Miss C is having on me. First it was more colourful clothes. Now actual shoes. Next I'll go out and buy a wardrobe rather than hanging everything on my bedroom door/floor......?
Nah.
Labels: Personal
Friday, August 24, 2007
Maybe I shoud get a diary?
Gah, I forgot my mums birthday for the third year in a row! Well, at least I remembered in time to give her a quick call so I managed to get away with it. Unlike my little bro who apparently turned up by mistake the day before her birthday with a large bunch of flowers....
Labels: Personal
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Environmental
As the argument rages on here at the University as to whether peoples desk bins should be removed to increase recycling (although I think it's a little pointless as the decision is unlikely to be changed at this late stage of implementation), a similar argument has started about national waste disposal. Not that this is a new argument, simply one kicked off by the latest survey suggesting 2/3 of people are in favour of 'pay as you throw' schemes.
Not as many people seem in favour on the BBC boards but then I'm not surprised? People hate change especially if they think it'll cost more or involve extra effort. Question is, should this even be a debate? Or should the government act now to make a fundamental change in the way things work rather than pussyfooting about with small incremental changes over the next 20 years?
People wil call it 'draconian' but similar schemes have had a huge impact in other countries such as Switzerland. Unpopular - maybe. Effective - yes.
Not as many people seem in favour on the BBC boards but then I'm not surprised? People hate change especially if they think it'll cost more or involve extra effort. Question is, should this even be a debate? Or should the government act now to make a fundamental change in the way things work rather than pussyfooting about with small incremental changes over the next 20 years?
People wil call it 'draconian' but similar schemes have had a huge impact in other countries such as Switzerland. Unpopular - maybe. Effective - yes.
Labels: Environmental
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Weird
Stupid
Reckon he'll get to keep the money? I'm guessing it's unlikely, especially as the daft pillock has decided to represent himself in court - that's either stupidity or greed.
And I just can't help but say it..... MOOBS. My eyes!!
And I just can't help but say it..... MOOBS. My eyes!!
In the news
Man holds up bookmakers with Rampant Rabbit. Seriously, even a banana would have been more realistic judging by the picture and the way he's holding it.
Labels: News
Dangerous desserts
Lack of computer at home and busy period at work has resulted in the light bloggage folks - sorry. Hopefully my graphics card will be back soon (was supposed to be posted on Friday so I have no idea why it's not here yet)....
Not that I probably would have done much blogging over the weekend, it was rather a heavy one. Good but heavy. I spent a large part of it feeling fairly rough but then I suppose I knew that was coming as soon as I ordered the flaming sambuca pancake on Friday night.
Not that I probably would have done much blogging over the weekend, it was rather a heavy one. Good but heavy. I spent a large part of it feeling fairly rough but then I suppose I knew that was coming as soon as I ordered the flaming sambuca pancake on Friday night.
Labels: Personal
Friday, August 17, 2007
Environmental
Thursday, August 16, 2007
In the news
Kidnapped farmer released after looking for online love.
Does he seriously think people will believe that he was "blinded by love" rather than just thinking he is a gullible bloke who was after a big pile of gold and a shag with someone 30 years younger than him...?
Does he seriously think people will believe that he was "blinded by love" rather than just thinking he is a gullible bloke who was after a big pile of gold and a shag with someone 30 years younger than him...?
Labels: News
Science
Wooo - Chocolate Toothpaste Better than Fluoride.
I'm just off to brush my teeth with a KitKat....
I'm just off to brush my teeth with a KitKat....
Labels: Science
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Interesting
Weird
What could be more relaxing than taking a dip in a hot spring whilst little fish gnaw the dead skin from your body.....?
Labels: Weird
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
iPlayer vs Joost
As I mentioned the other week I applied for a Beta invite to the new BBC iPlayer (such an imaginative name isn't it). Well low and behold I got one in under a week.
After setting up a virtual PC - which wasn't as confusing and actually took less time than downloading, installing, registering and updating the iPlayer software itself - I set about downloading my first program. A comedy called Grownups. Well, at least it said it was a comedy although a more useful description would have been 'bandwidth wasting bag of shite'.
*reminisces about the days of great comedy on the BBC like Only Fools and Horses...*
Anyway, a quick roundup and comparison to the other P2P TV like software I've been using - Joost.
Getting Started. Joost wins this one. As well as the beta username/password you have to register on the BBC site itself. On launching the player it showed I met the software requirements but then wouldn't run - you have to download Media Player 11 and IE7 to get past that.
Ease of use. A draw. Neither are perfect but the basics are simple enough. Joost has more 'widgets' and looks nicer as well as having everything in one place but not sure that makes it any easier to use.
Content. This one goes to the BBC. Even though it is currently limited to a seven day catch up service there are a fair few programs with new ones added each day. As mentioned previously I can't vouch for the quality of some of the programs.... Joost meanwhile has been stuck with the same content for months. I know it's only in beta but I watched everything I wanted in a week and can't find much reason to even launch it nowadays other than to check if anything new is there yet.
Video quality. Joost has much better quality video IMHO.
Other considerations. Joost has adverts. You get used to them and I can't say I was really bothered but they are there and seem to just interrupt whenever they want rather than at opportune moments.
The iPlayer is limited to the 7 day catch up service which means if you wait longer than seven days you are out of luck. Programs can ony be stored for a limited time as well - 30 day if you haven't watched them yet and seven when you have.
Joost streams. Give it a few minutes to get a nice buffer and then settle down to watch. With iPlayer on the other hand you have to wait until it's finished before you can view so you may as well go make dinner and queue up several programs (it only downloads one at a time however).
Conclussion. If it wasn't for the total lack of content I'd go with Joost but at the moment it simply isn't worth looking at. On the other hand, nothing to stop you having both anyway!
Of course the big plus for me is that I don't need a TV licence. And believe me I checked each EULA I agreed to and it wasn't mentioned (plus archived content isn't covered anyway). They plan on adding live streaming so I'm not sure where I'll stand then but that's for the future.
Now if I only actually had a computer at home that was working.... :/
After setting up a virtual PC - which wasn't as confusing and actually took less time than downloading, installing, registering and updating the iPlayer software itself - I set about downloading my first program. A comedy called Grownups. Well, at least it said it was a comedy although a more useful description would have been 'bandwidth wasting bag of shite'.
*reminisces about the days of great comedy on the BBC like Only Fools and Horses...*
Anyway, a quick roundup and comparison to the other P2P TV like software I've been using - Joost.
Getting Started. Joost wins this one. As well as the beta username/password you have to register on the BBC site itself. On launching the player it showed I met the software requirements but then wouldn't run - you have to download Media Player 11 and IE7 to get past that.
Ease of use. A draw. Neither are perfect but the basics are simple enough. Joost has more 'widgets' and looks nicer as well as having everything in one place but not sure that makes it any easier to use.
Content. This one goes to the BBC. Even though it is currently limited to a seven day catch up service there are a fair few programs with new ones added each day. As mentioned previously I can't vouch for the quality of some of the programs.... Joost meanwhile has been stuck with the same content for months. I know it's only in beta but I watched everything I wanted in a week and can't find much reason to even launch it nowadays other than to check if anything new is there yet.
Video quality. Joost has much better quality video IMHO.
Other considerations. Joost has adverts. You get used to them and I can't say I was really bothered but they are there and seem to just interrupt whenever they want rather than at opportune moments.
The iPlayer is limited to the 7 day catch up service which means if you wait longer than seven days you are out of luck. Programs can ony be stored for a limited time as well - 30 day if you haven't watched them yet and seven when you have.
Joost streams. Give it a few minutes to get a nice buffer and then settle down to watch. With iPlayer on the other hand you have to wait until it's finished before you can view so you may as well go make dinner and queue up several programs (it only downloads one at a time however).
Conclussion. If it wasn't for the total lack of content I'd go with Joost but at the moment it simply isn't worth looking at. On the other hand, nothing to stop you having both anyway!
Of course the big plus for me is that I don't need a TV licence. And believe me I checked each EULA I agreed to and it wasn't mentioned (plus archived content isn't covered anyway). They plan on adding live streaming so I'm not sure where I'll stand then but that's for the future.
Now if I only actually had a computer at home that was working.... :/
News
Awww, such a shame - a real loss to the theatre.
*Snicker*
Not that I don't feel sorry for the actors who've been jerked around with this but I'd imagine they might have seen it coming...
*Snicker*
Not that I don't feel sorry for the actors who've been jerked around with this but I'd imagine they might have seen it coming...
Labels: News
Movies
Movies
Monday, August 13, 2007
Games
Technology
Spooky
Behold the power of parental knowledge! My broadband connection broke yesterday making that the third thing. Luckily a phone call fixed it within 15 minutes. Now roll on the good times!
Labels: Personal
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Count with me
My mother always said bad things come in three's so by my reckoning I have one to go.
As mentioned yesterday, I've got computer problems. I've had graphics issues for a couple of months now but they were minor and I didn't give them much thought. Then I spotted what I thought was a stuck pixel two weeks back. My attempts to fix it didn't work and I spotted a second. I was worried my monitor was going wrong but when I found a third, then fourth and finally a dozen, I suspected otherwise.
A little searching of the internet turned up this page. Same graphics card, same problems. So come Monday I have to send it back to the online retailer I bought it from - leaving me without a computer for a week or two. Unless I steal the laptop from work....
Yesterday I also get a phone call from my agency telling me my landlord wants to up my rent by £50 a month. I've been expecting an increase given the recent spate of interest rate rises but that was a little more than I was comfortable with. My guess is we'll settle on a twenty five quid rise which I can cope with (and frankly it's less hassle than having to move and the administration charges that entails) but it's still £300 a year extra. That new job and pay rise I'm due would come in very handy about now.....
As mentioned yesterday, I've got computer problems. I've had graphics issues for a couple of months now but they were minor and I didn't give them much thought. Then I spotted what I thought was a stuck pixel two weeks back. My attempts to fix it didn't work and I spotted a second. I was worried my monitor was going wrong but when I found a third, then fourth and finally a dozen, I suspected otherwise.
A little searching of the internet turned up this page. Same graphics card, same problems. So come Monday I have to send it back to the online retailer I bought it from - leaving me without a computer for a week or two. Unless I steal the laptop from work....
Yesterday I also get a phone call from my agency telling me my landlord wants to up my rent by £50 a month. I've been expecting an increase given the recent spate of interest rate rises but that was a little more than I was comfortable with. My guess is we'll settle on a twenty five quid rise which I can cope with (and frankly it's less hassle than having to move and the administration charges that entails) but it's still £300 a year extra. That new job and pay rise I'm due would come in very handy about now.....
Labels: Personal
Friday, August 10, 2007
Is that a magic fairy wand you're carrying...?
My first post today was going to be a moan about my computer. But I've just realized that it's Amecon weekend and the whole university is going to be full of cosplayers and I can't moan when there are all sort of weird and wonderfull people wandering about!!
Bring on the big rugby players dressed as Sailor Moon.
Bring on the big rugby players dressed as Sailor Moon.
Labels: Personal
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Weird
A contribution from a reader (I think) - Man smuggles monkey onto plane under his hat.
Labels: Weird
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Weird
Film
I finally went to watch Transformers yesterday afternoon. Before I talk about the film however, a slight moan.
It was due to start at 3:30pm at my local Odeon. I arived a few minutes late and then had to queue for a few minutes. Fine I thought, there are at least 10 minutes of adverts followed by 10 minutes of trailers so I've not missed anything. I get in and find the film has started! I'm there for 90 minutes and even adding the ten minutes for being late and ten minutes for the credits I didn't watch at the end, the figures don't add up for a film with a running time of 143 minutes. Gits!
Anyway, onto the film itself and I have to say I was dissapointed. My main gripes (contains spoilers).
An annoying boy and an undeeded teenage love interest. Why do these things always have to have a love story part to them?!
Choppy camera work. Maybe it was just me but I often had a hard time figuring out what the hell was going on in the action scenes as everything was jumping around so much. Probably done to make the CGI less noticable but still annoying....
Ummm, where were the laser cannons?
Too much annoying little spindley spy robot thing - was that Frenzy or something?
Optimus had his arse kicked by Megatron? But he's Optimus!!
You can't kill Jazz, it's just not on.
Yeah it was a good action film but just didn't to it for me as a Transformers action film.
It was due to start at 3:30pm at my local Odeon. I arived a few minutes late and then had to queue for a few minutes. Fine I thought, there are at least 10 minutes of adverts followed by 10 minutes of trailers so I've not missed anything. I get in and find the film has started! I'm there for 90 minutes and even adding the ten minutes for being late and ten minutes for the credits I didn't watch at the end, the figures don't add up for a film with a running time of 143 minutes. Gits!
Anyway, onto the film itself and I have to say I was dissapointed. My main gripes (contains spoilers).
An annoying boy and an undeeded teenage love interest. Why do these things always have to have a love story part to them?!
Choppy camera work. Maybe it was just me but I often had a hard time figuring out what the hell was going on in the action scenes as everything was jumping around so much. Probably done to make the CGI less noticable but still annoying....
Ummm, where were the laser cannons?
Too much annoying little spindley spy robot thing - was that Frenzy or something?
Optimus had his arse kicked by Megatron? But he's Optimus!!
You can't kill Jazz, it's just not on.
Yeah it was a good action film but just didn't to it for me as a Transformers action film.
Update
It's come to my attention that people are confussed about what's happening with my job. I probably did make it a little more complicated than it should have been but people from work read this stuff you know - I have to be careful what I say. ;)
Anyway, the facts.
1. A new job - basically doing what I already do but for slightly less money - was due to be advertised.
2. I was invited for a chat about whether I'd be interested in the job
3. Mention was made of trying to make it a grade higher than my current job and whether it would be possible for me to just move into it without going through interviews and the like.
4. I expressed interest if that were the case and left with it 'being looked into'.
5. A week or so later I'm told I have accepted the new job and my old one is going to be readvertised
6. Several weeks later and I have heard nothing so still have no idea if I have a new job, when it starts or what grade it is/will be.
So, the basic answer is I have no clue what's happening....
Anyway, the facts.
1. A new job - basically doing what I already do but for slightly less money - was due to be advertised.
2. I was invited for a chat about whether I'd be interested in the job
3. Mention was made of trying to make it a grade higher than my current job and whether it would be possible for me to just move into it without going through interviews and the like.
4. I expressed interest if that were the case and left with it 'being looked into'.
5. A week or so later I'm told I have accepted the new job and my old one is going to be readvertised
6. Several weeks later and I have heard nothing so still have no idea if I have a new job, when it starts or what grade it is/will be.
So, the basic answer is I have no clue what's happening....
Labels: Personal
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Sigh
Is it wrong of me to stop listen during my weekly phone chat with my mum when I hear her start the conversation with "So you know my friend Pam - she has gout!"?
Labels: Personal
Monday, August 06, 2007
Weird
Environmental
It's quite unusual to see someone such as a person from the ministry of the environment talk about China's unsustainable and self destructive policies. Not a great surprise that they are heading that way however...
Labels: Environmental
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Weird
News
China regulates reincarnation. daft innit. And rather appalling really. Guess the British were as bad at times.
A little history for those interested.
A little history for those interested.
Labels: News
Interesting
And a little worrying given no one has been prosecuted for female genital mutilation in twenty years in the UK.
Labels: Interesting, News
Friday, August 03, 2007
Environmental
Well, it's an ambitious aim - zero carbon Britain. Still, if so much money wasn't wasted on other things, maybe it would be doable...?
On a different note, wonder if this'll get built?
On a different note, wonder if this'll get built?
Labels: Environmental
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Interesting
A list of lost words. Now to find me a couple of crackers and impress Miss C with my (apparent) intellect....
Meh, she'll never buy it.
Meh, she'll never buy it.
Labels: Interesting
Arty
Interesting
Ooooh, worlds hottest chili. I'd be tempted but then I'm reminded of a certain Simpsons episode.
I've still not been to see the movie actually - must go next week....
I've still not been to see the movie actually - must go next week....
Labels: Interesting
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Environmental
Anyone remember Good Idea, Bad Idea from the Animaniacs? Anyway, a good idea is to find clean, green and renewable energy sources for the future. A bad idea might just be using a 20KM high tamed tornado....?
Labels: Environmental
Gadgets
In the news