This shouldn't be funny - but it just is ! You don't see this in the wild !
20 December 2006
19 December 2006
Duplicate content - a clear definition from Google
It was good to see a nice clear definition of what is duplicate content, well according to Google.
This is so easy to accidentally to do. The article is quite pragmatic - the way I like this kind of information.
This is so easy to accidentally to do. The article is quite pragmatic - the way I like this kind of information.
Fact or fiction
In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
Coca-Cola was originally green.
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from
history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
Some Q & A
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed
firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep
tight."
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S.Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
Coca-Cola was originally green.
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer.
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from
history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs -Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
Some Q & A
Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
A. One thousand
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes.
When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed
firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep
tight."
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
17 December 2006
I bet you can read it....
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2006 when...
1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even
have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list. AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even
have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list. AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
12 December 2006
Do you look at websites in adverts?
With Christmas approaching there are more and more adverts for alcohol and socialising. All of the tv and press ads have this drinkaware.co.uk website.
I finally thought I would take a look as I had the laptop on while watching the footie. Once I was at the site, I was quite impressed with the design, but it doesn't do anything.
As it is quite a dry site (excuse the pun), maybe I am cycnical - maybe this site is here just to ease the conscience of the manufacturers of designer alcopops.
I finally thought I would take a look as I had the laptop on while watching the footie. Once I was at the site, I was quite impressed with the design, but it doesn't do anything.
As it is quite a dry site (excuse the pun), maybe I am cycnical - maybe this site is here just to ease the conscience of the manufacturers of designer alcopops.
07 December 2006
Oh - it shouldn't be funny!
Jim and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, Jim suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to he bottom of the pool and stayed there.
Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom pulled Jim out and brought him to his room. When the hospital director became aware of Edna's heroic act, she immediately ordered that Edna be discharged from the hospital because she now considered Edna to be mentally stable
She went to Edna and said, "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that you're being discharged because you responded so rationally to a crisis. By jumping in the pool to save the life of another patient, you displayed sound mindedness.
The bad news is that Jim, the patient you saved, hung himself in his bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead."
Edna replied, "He didn't hang himself. I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?"
Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom pulled Jim out and brought him to his room. When the hospital director became aware of Edna's heroic act, she immediately ordered that Edna be discharged from the hospital because she now considered Edna to be mentally stable
She went to Edna and said, "I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that you're being discharged because you responded so rationally to a crisis. By jumping in the pool to save the life of another patient, you displayed sound mindedness.
The bad news is that Jim, the patient you saved, hung himself in his bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead."
Edna replied, "He didn't hang himself. I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?"
A hurricane in Essex !
A major hurricane (Hurricane Shazza) and earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale hit Essex in the early hours of Friday with its epicentre in Basildon . Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly, muttering "Faaackinell".
The hurricane decimated the area causing approximately £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from Majorca and the Costa Del Sol were damaged beyond repair.
Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals were woken well before their giros arrived. Essex FM reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Basildon . One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said, "It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes came running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Victoria-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was skinning up and
watching Trisha the next morning."
Apparently looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal. The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of Sunny Delight to the area to help the stricken locals. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
-----------------
This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster. Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include:
Fila or Burberry baseball caps
Kappa tracksuit tops (his and hers)
Shell suits (female)
White sport socks
Rockport boots
Any other items usually sold in Primark.
Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.
Required foodstuffs include:
Microwave meals, Tins of baked beans, Ice cream, Cans of Colt 45 or Special Brew.
22p buys a biro for filling in the compensation forms.
£2 buys chips, crisps and blue fizzy drinks for a family of 9.
£5 buys B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.
**Breaking news**
-----------------
Rescue workers found a girl in the rubble smothered in raspberry alco-pop. 'Where are you bleeding from?' they asked," ROMFORD" said the girl, "woss that gotta do wiv you?
The hurricane decimated the area causing approximately £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from Majorca and the Costa Del Sol were damaged beyond repair.
Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals were woken well before their giros arrived. Essex FM reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Basildon . One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said, "It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes came running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Victoria-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was skinning up and
watching Trisha the next morning."
Apparently looting, muggings and car crime were unaffected and carried on as normal. The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of Sunny Delight to the area to help the stricken locals. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
-----------------
This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster. Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include:
Fila or Burberry baseball caps
Kappa tracksuit tops (his and hers)
Shell suits (female)
White sport socks
Rockport boots
Any other items usually sold in Primark.
Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.
Required foodstuffs include:
Microwave meals, Tins of baked beans, Ice cream, Cans of Colt 45 or Special Brew.
22p buys a biro for filling in the compensation forms.
£2 buys chips, crisps and blue fizzy drinks for a family of 9.
£5 buys B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.
**Breaking news**
-----------------
Rescue workers found a girl in the rubble smothered in raspberry alco-pop. 'Where are you bleeding from?' they asked," ROMFORD" said the girl, "woss that gotta do wiv you?
06 December 2006
Christmas
I think I really have turned into a grumpy old man. I am seeing Christmas stuff in the shops, and I know its December but it really annoys me. Not only that I am turning into Scruge, but the stuff is so tachy and of poor quality.
There is this big hype about having to see family, to eat to excess and eat and drink products you dont actually like.
Who actually likes Turkey?
If you do, why dont you eat it all year?
That will do for now. I am getting frustrated just thinking about this!
There is this big hype about having to see family, to eat to excess and eat and drink products you dont actually like.
Who actually likes Turkey?
If you do, why dont you eat it all year?
That will do for now. I am getting frustrated just thinking about this!
04 December 2006
30 November 2006
Jazz - George Melly
Last week we went to a Jazz event. Very grown up I hear you say - well it was a good cause !It was a charity event organised by 'St Mary's chest and allergy department', (hospital in Paddington, London, UK).
As this is a department many jazz and other musicians may need in later life due to the historical work environment they have been in.
So, the line up was quite impressive when I researched who they were. I am someone who appreciates the music but doesnt really follow the scene or understand who the artists were.
The line up was Scot Savage, the 'Lung buster' band, Willie Garnett and George Melly (pictured here - not taken on the night!).
It was a good night and with the raffle, I believe a serious amount of funds were raised. It was well organised and the performers performed.
A good night was had by all.
25 November 2006
24 November 2006
You know you lived through the 90's if you remember these ... !
1) 10p Mr Frosty Ice Pops on long summer days!
2) Gordon the Gopher!
3) You could do or tried to do the Prodigy step. 'You're no good 4 me ....'
4) You owned or longed for an Adidas three stripe tracksuit
5) You owned a compilation tape with TOP TUNES such as " Mr Vain " "What is love " and " Rhythm is a dancer " and 'How Bizarre, How Bizarre"
6) Girls thought Blue Mascara was cool!
7) Girls actually fancied Garry Barlow more than Robbie Williams
8) The Racoons! (nuff said)
9) You owned a pair of Nike Air Max, and wore them to death
10) Mr Motivator (What ever happened to him?)
11) Running on the spot dancing! (WAYHEY THE RUNNING MAN... )
12) You wore leggings/cycling shorts with long t-shirts
13) You owned a Bennetton, NafNaf, sweater shop jumper or waistcoat(or bag)
14) Girls owned scrunchies in an array of colours and tacky Headbands with their names written on in thick glitter
15) You bought Smash Hits for the song lyrics and the immense Amount of stickers that you would stick everywhere!
16) You had a pen pal
17) You could only watch the Simpson's on sky
18) On a Saturday evening you watched Catchphrase, Gladiators, Generation Game, Noels House Party and then Casualty
19) You taped the Pepsi Chartshow on radio one and tired in vain to pause the tape before the annoying guy talked and ruined the whole thing.
20) Cans of Coke were 25p
21) 10p Space Raiders Crisps
22) A grey Fruit of the Loom jumper was a must have
23) Sharkie & George were the crimebusters of the sea
24) Puffa jackets
25) You used the line " it's a free country " every day
26) The Sky Sports Blimp!
27) Impulse body spray for girls
28) Hooch Alcoholic Lemonade (where's it gone?!)
29) 'Don't forget your toothbrush', 'TFI' and Big Breakfast with Chris Evans
30) You had at least one troll
31) You know the dance to Macarena and Saturday Night. You also Tried to scat like Scatman John! Bi bat ba ba da bo...
32) You watched Baywatch and longed for the day that Eddie & Sharni got together!
33) You watched Byker Grove 'ha ha ha whatcha laughin at!' (the Theme song ending), and saw PJ get shot in the eye with a paintball!
34) PJ and Duncan not Ant and Dec! Dodgy Pop Not Dodgy Presenting!
35) Shellsuits & bumbags!
36) You longed to live in Beverley Hills 90210
37) Home and Away was a prime time ITV programme watched by millions
38) You owned a Spice Girls album
39) Fruit salads and black jacks!
40) Strike it lucky on a sunday night with Michael Barrymore when He was straight & married
41) Chain letters
42) You had fake ID
43) You remember Todd Landers in Neighbours
44) You religiously watched Saved by the Bell on a Saturday morning!
45) You more than likely lost/nearly lost a wobbly tooth on a wham bar!!
46) CK one (probably the fake one from the market)
47) Going Live, then Live and Kicking was the place to be on a Saturday Morning - you know you remember the number 0181 811 8181
48) You knew every word to the theme tune from Fresh Prince of Bel Air
49) You collected Premier League Stickers and did swops at playtime
50) Girls wore crappy lipstick such as - coffee shimmer, heather Shimmer and birthday suit!
51) You wore kickers and wallaby's with the tags hanging from them
52) You thought saying - " I know you are, but what am I " to every cuss that that came your way!
53) " love got the world in motion " with the John Barnes Rap
54) when you used to run away from some thing and shout ' leg
iiiiiitt'
2) Gordon the Gopher!
3) You could do or tried to do the Prodigy step. 'You're no good 4 me ....'
4) You owned or longed for an Adidas three stripe tracksuit
5) You owned a compilation tape with TOP TUNES such as " Mr Vain " "What is love " and " Rhythm is a dancer " and 'How Bizarre, How Bizarre"
6) Girls thought Blue Mascara was cool!
7) Girls actually fancied Garry Barlow more than Robbie Williams
8) The Racoons! (nuff said)
9) You owned a pair of Nike Air Max, and wore them to death
10) Mr Motivator (What ever happened to him?)
11) Running on the spot dancing! (WAYHEY THE RUNNING MAN... )
12) You wore leggings/cycling shorts with long t-shirts
13) You owned a Bennetton, NafNaf, sweater shop jumper or waistcoat(or bag)
14) Girls owned scrunchies in an array of colours and tacky Headbands with their names written on in thick glitter
15) You bought Smash Hits for the song lyrics and the immense Amount of stickers that you would stick everywhere!
16) You had a pen pal
17) You could only watch the Simpson's on sky
18) On a Saturday evening you watched Catchphrase, Gladiators, Generation Game, Noels House Party and then Casualty
19) You taped the Pepsi Chartshow on radio one and tired in vain to pause the tape before the annoying guy talked and ruined the whole thing.
20) Cans of Coke were 25p
21) 10p Space Raiders Crisps
22) A grey Fruit of the Loom jumper was a must have
23) Sharkie & George were the crimebusters of the sea
24) Puffa jackets
25) You used the line " it's a free country " every day
26) The Sky Sports Blimp!
27) Impulse body spray for girls
28) Hooch Alcoholic Lemonade (where's it gone?!)
29) 'Don't forget your toothbrush', 'TFI' and Big Breakfast with Chris Evans
30) You had at least one troll
31) You know the dance to Macarena and Saturday Night. You also Tried to scat like Scatman John! Bi bat ba ba da bo...
32) You watched Baywatch and longed for the day that Eddie & Sharni got together!
33) You watched Byker Grove 'ha ha ha whatcha laughin at!' (the Theme song ending), and saw PJ get shot in the eye with a paintball!
34) PJ and Duncan not Ant and Dec! Dodgy Pop Not Dodgy Presenting!
35) Shellsuits & bumbags!
36) You longed to live in Beverley Hills 90210
37) Home and Away was a prime time ITV programme watched by millions
38) You owned a Spice Girls album
39) Fruit salads and black jacks!
40) Strike it lucky on a sunday night with Michael Barrymore when He was straight & married
41) Chain letters
42) You had fake ID
43) You remember Todd Landers in Neighbours
44) You religiously watched Saved by the Bell on a Saturday morning!
45) You more than likely lost/nearly lost a wobbly tooth on a wham bar!!
46) CK one (probably the fake one from the market)
47) Going Live, then Live and Kicking was the place to be on a Saturday Morning - you know you remember the number 0181 811 8181
48) You knew every word to the theme tune from Fresh Prince of Bel Air
49) You collected Premier League Stickers and did swops at playtime
50) Girls wore crappy lipstick such as - coffee shimmer, heather Shimmer and birthday suit!
51) You wore kickers and wallaby's with the tags hanging from them
52) You thought saying - " I know you are, but what am I " to every cuss that that came your way!
53) " love got the world in motion " with the John Barnes Rap
54) when you used to run away from some thing and shout ' leg
iiiiiitt'
22 November 2006
Cycle lane road markings - Do you know what this one is??
Todays grip with the world is.....Car drivers & other vehicles who sit in the bicycle's reserved section at the front of a junction!.
On the communte in on the bike today, fighting the normal annoyances such as the British winter, fumes, danger of being squished by vehicles and side swipped by mums on the school run were many cars in the "green sanctuary" at a junction.
I borrowed this picture from a government website who were documented the areas for each type of vehicle.
While I was there, I thought I better check to see what the definition of this area was!.
It was quite clear. Bicycles only.
So, no Cars, Lorries, Motorbikes, Scooter, Pedestrians crossing and definately no pizza delivery bike riders. (they are their own category!).
Anyway back to my Rant. So after having to squeeze past a series of cars parked in this area. I had a car nudge by back wheel and try to hurry me through the red light while sitting in the 'Green Sanctuary'. I considered this area as an area for bikes to give them a head start - and not a space for cars to intimidate cyclists.
Looking forward to the cycle home tonight!
21 November 2006
The new Bond film is brilliant
At the weekend we went to see the new Bond film - "Casino Royale".In short I think it was brilliant.
It was refreshing to see a film that broke away for the tradition which is hard in a long series of films.
I think it worked equally as well as the first ever and the latest bond film.
It was very good to be character led, rather than the formula, this is the car scene, this is the gadget scene, this is the bond girl scene and this it the compulsary car plug scene.
Casino Royale builds the Bond character for the audience. It was a physological profile of 007, and how is became the way that we all know him.
It was darker in terms of cinematography, but more realistic at the same time.
In the cinema we saw it, the general feedback was all positive.
A brave move from the producers of Bond - well done and lets hope they continue with this new theme.
From a satisfied viewer.
20 November 2006
This is the prettiest 'We are temp closed' message I have ever seen
Normally when a site is temporarily unavailable its some kind of techie message.
This is the one Bloglines used today. A little annoying though when American companies who do maintainance during the night - our day! But hey - at least they have an amusing 'sorry' message.
This is the one Bloglines used today. A little annoying though when American companies who do maintainance during the night - our day! But hey - at least they have an amusing 'sorry' message.
16 November 2006
Rainbow - the tv programme was dodgy
Remember the Childrens TV programme - Rainbow.
Well see this video clip. Tell me it is not dodgy !
Well see this video clip. Tell me it is not dodgy !
13 November 2006
Lord Mayors Parade, London
On Saturday the 11th November we ended up witnessing the Lord Mayors Parade in London.
It was a huge procession of floats representing the City of London and guests. Here are just a few photographs.
DeLorean from the Back to the future
One of the many marching bands
Some more old cars
It was a huge procession of floats representing the City of London and guests. Here are just a few photographs.
DeLorean from the Back to the future
One of the many marching bands
Some more old carsWhat's new on Gmail?
I love Gmail and I hate it at the same time! Why am I confused?
I have been using Gmail from almost day one. I was lucky enough as a long term adwords advertiser to get an account when I didnt even know google was going to start a mail service. I have long since stopped using Yahoo and Hotmail on a daily basis.
Gmail is great, the conversation management. The labels. Contact Management. The formatting. The spell check. My Alerts. All the settings. How it shows pictures inline.
Then there is GoogleTalk, in the browser and as a stand alone programme. And how they work together with Gmail.
Then they launch a few nice things this week
I also love the way that I also manage, well this blog, calendar, docs, my groups, my webmaster tools, analytics, my social stuff (co-op), my personalised hp, my adwords accounts and making me some money. See my adverts :-) on the right hand side. It goes on and on. Oh and not to forget my Reader (have ditched bloglines). Its not related - but google earth and their maps are brilliant.
This is a little scary. They do everything. What is left to develop? And where are the competiton?
As a digi marketeer I love and hate Google.
From my work point of view we are dependant on Google for Natural Search traffic. As a consumer they are very very good. But I do worry about the lack of competition.
We do well out of Google in traffic and adwords. But we are ever so dependant on just one company. What happens when they change the way they do business? Well it happens occassionally and we ALL have to jump to change the way we do things.
So I am confused - love them and hate them.
I pay more attention to a load of techies in America than I do politicians ! Is this right.
Not sure I mind - while I have such great toys to play with :-)
I have been using Gmail from almost day one. I was lucky enough as a long term adwords advertiser to get an account when I didnt even know google was going to start a mail service. I have long since stopped using Yahoo and Hotmail on a daily basis.
Gmail is great, the conversation management. The labels. Contact Management. The formatting. The spell check. My Alerts. All the settings. How it shows pictures inline.
Then there is GoogleTalk, in the browser and as a stand alone programme. And how they work together with Gmail.
Then they launch a few nice things this week
- Reply on top of the message
- New message notifications appear even if you are editing!
- Forward all feature for your mail - all of the conversation
- Chat even when your friends are offline
- Gmail on your mobile phone
I also love the way that I also manage, well this blog, calendar, docs, my groups, my webmaster tools, analytics, my social stuff (co-op), my personalised hp, my adwords accounts and making me some money. See my adverts :-) on the right hand side. It goes on and on. Oh and not to forget my Reader (have ditched bloglines). Its not related - but google earth and their maps are brilliant.
This is a little scary. They do everything. What is left to develop? And where are the competiton?
As a digi marketeer I love and hate Google.
From my work point of view we are dependant on Google for Natural Search traffic. As a consumer they are very very good. But I do worry about the lack of competition.
We do well out of Google in traffic and adwords. But we are ever so dependant on just one company. What happens when they change the way they do business? Well it happens occassionally and we ALL have to jump to change the way we do things.
So I am confused - love them and hate them.
I pay more attention to a load of techies in America than I do politicians ! Is this right.
Not sure I mind - while I have such great toys to play with :-)
09 November 2006
A break up letter !
Dear Audrey:
I know the counselor said we shouldn't contact each other during our"cooling off" period, but I couldn't wait anymore. The day you left, Iswore I'd never talk to you again. But that was just the wounded little boyin metalking. Still, I never wanted to be the first one to make contact.
In my fantasies, it was always you who would come crawling back to me. Iguess my pride needed that. But now I see that my pride's cost me a lot ofthings. I'm tired of pretending I don't miss you. I don't care aboutlooking bad anymore. I don't care who makes the first move as long as one of us does.
Maybe it's time we let our hearts speak as loudly as our hurt. And this iswhat my heart says... "There's no one like you, Audrey."
I look for you in the eyes and breasts of every woman I see, but they'renot you. They're not even close. Two weeks ago, I met this girl atFlamingoesand brought her home with me. I don't say this to hurt you, but just toillustrate the depth of my desperation. She was young, maybe 19, with oneof those perfect bodies that only youth and maybe a childhood spent ice skating can give you. I mean, just a perfect body. Jugs you wouldn't believe and an ass like a tortoise shell. Every man's dream, right?
But as I sat on the couch being blown by this stunner, I thought, look at the stuff we've made important in our lives. It's all so superficial. What does a perfect body mean? Does it make her better in bed? Well, in thiscase, yes. But you see what I'm getting at. Does it make her a better person? Does she have a better heart than my moderately attractive Audrey? I doubt it. And I'd never really thought of that before.
I Don't know, maybe I'm just growing up a little. Later, after I'd tossedher about a half a pint of throat yogurt, I found myself thinking, "Why doI feel so drained and empty?" It wasn't just her flawless technique or herslutty, shameless hunger, but something else. Some niggling feeling ofloss. Why did it feel so incomplete? And then it hit me. It didn't feel the same because you weren't there, Audrey, to watch. Do you know what I mean?
Nothing feels the same without you. Jesus, Audrey, I'm just going crazy without you. And everything I do just reminds me of you.
Do you remember Carol, that single mum we met at Pontins last year? Well, she dropped by last week with a pan of lasagne. She said she figured Iwasn't eating right without a woman around. I didn't know what she meant till later, but that's not the real story.
Anyway, we had a few glasses ofwine and the next thing you know we're banging away in our old bedroom. Andthis tart's a total monster in the sack. She's giving me everything, youknow like a real woman does when she's not hung up about her weight or her career and whether the kids can hear us.
And all of a sudden she spots that tilting mirror on your grandmother's old vanity. So she puts it on the floor and we straddle it, right, so we can watch ourselves. And it's totally hot, but it makes me sad too. 'Cause Ican't help thinking, "Why didn't Audrey ever put the mirror on the floor?We've had this old vanity for what, 14 years, and we never used it as a sexaid."
Saturday, your sister drops by with my copy of the restraining order. Imean, Vicky's just a kid and all, but she's got a pretty good head on hershoulders and she's been a real friend to me during this painful time.she's given me lots of good counsel about you and about women in general. She's pulling for us to get back together, Audrey, She really is.
So we're drinking in a hot bath and talking about happier times. Here's this teenage girl with the same DNA as you and all I can do is think of how much she looked like you when you were 18. And that just about makes me cry. And then it turns out Vicky's really into the whole anal thing and that gets meto thinking about how many times I pressured you about trying it and howthat probably fueled some of the bitterness between us.
But do you see how even then, when I'm thrusting inside your baby sister'scinnamon ring, all I can do is think of you? It's true, Audrey. In your heart you know it.
Don't you think we could start over? Just wipe out all the grievances andstart fresh? I think we can. If you feel the same please please please letme know, otherwise, can you let me know where the Sky remote control is?
John
I know the counselor said we shouldn't contact each other during our"cooling off" period, but I couldn't wait anymore. The day you left, Iswore I'd never talk to you again. But that was just the wounded little boyin metalking. Still, I never wanted to be the first one to make contact.
In my fantasies, it was always you who would come crawling back to me. Iguess my pride needed that. But now I see that my pride's cost me a lot ofthings. I'm tired of pretending I don't miss you. I don't care aboutlooking bad anymore. I don't care who makes the first move as long as one of us does.
Maybe it's time we let our hearts speak as loudly as our hurt. And this iswhat my heart says... "There's no one like you, Audrey."
I look for you in the eyes and breasts of every woman I see, but they'renot you. They're not even close. Two weeks ago, I met this girl atFlamingoesand brought her home with me. I don't say this to hurt you, but just toillustrate the depth of my desperation. She was young, maybe 19, with oneof those perfect bodies that only youth and maybe a childhood spent ice skating can give you. I mean, just a perfect body. Jugs you wouldn't believe and an ass like a tortoise shell. Every man's dream, right?
But as I sat on the couch being blown by this stunner, I thought, look at the stuff we've made important in our lives. It's all so superficial. What does a perfect body mean? Does it make her better in bed? Well, in thiscase, yes. But you see what I'm getting at. Does it make her a better person? Does she have a better heart than my moderately attractive Audrey? I doubt it. And I'd never really thought of that before.
I Don't know, maybe I'm just growing up a little. Later, after I'd tossedher about a half a pint of throat yogurt, I found myself thinking, "Why doI feel so drained and empty?" It wasn't just her flawless technique or herslutty, shameless hunger, but something else. Some niggling feeling ofloss. Why did it feel so incomplete? And then it hit me. It didn't feel the same because you weren't there, Audrey, to watch. Do you know what I mean?
Nothing feels the same without you. Jesus, Audrey, I'm just going crazy without you. And everything I do just reminds me of you.
Do you remember Carol, that single mum we met at Pontins last year? Well, she dropped by last week with a pan of lasagne. She said she figured Iwasn't eating right without a woman around. I didn't know what she meant till later, but that's not the real story.
Anyway, we had a few glasses ofwine and the next thing you know we're banging away in our old bedroom. Andthis tart's a total monster in the sack. She's giving me everything, youknow like a real woman does when she's not hung up about her weight or her career and whether the kids can hear us.
And all of a sudden she spots that tilting mirror on your grandmother's old vanity. So she puts it on the floor and we straddle it, right, so we can watch ourselves. And it's totally hot, but it makes me sad too. 'Cause Ican't help thinking, "Why didn't Audrey ever put the mirror on the floor?We've had this old vanity for what, 14 years, and we never used it as a sexaid."
Saturday, your sister drops by with my copy of the restraining order. Imean, Vicky's just a kid and all, but she's got a pretty good head on hershoulders and she's been a real friend to me during this painful time.she's given me lots of good counsel about you and about women in general. She's pulling for us to get back together, Audrey, She really is.
So we're drinking in a hot bath and talking about happier times. Here's this teenage girl with the same DNA as you and all I can do is think of how much she looked like you when you were 18. And that just about makes me cry. And then it turns out Vicky's really into the whole anal thing and that gets meto thinking about how many times I pressured you about trying it and howthat probably fueled some of the bitterness between us.
But do you see how even then, when I'm thrusting inside your baby sister'scinnamon ring, all I can do is think of you? It's true, Audrey. In your heart you know it.
Don't you think we could start over? Just wipe out all the grievances andstart fresh? I think we can. If you feel the same please please please letme know, otherwise, can you let me know where the Sky remote control is?
John
Todays joke
A traffic warden approached a man parking his car.
"You can't park there, that's a disabled bay"
He said "But I am disabled"
The warden replied "Really, what with?"
"Fucking Tourettes you cunt," replied the man.
"Now piss off."
"You can't park there, that's a disabled bay"
He said "But I am disabled"
The warden replied "Really, what with?"
"Fucking Tourettes you cunt," replied the man.
"Now piss off."
07 November 2006
Causes of duplicate content
I was trying to list out all the causes of duplicate content - well accidential duplication.
Here is the list to date
As I resolve more here - I will add to this list - send me more if you have them !
Here is the list to date
- Inconsistent URLs and links, especially search results
- Similar products or bundles of products with similar description
- this can be on your sites of resellers
- Print friendly pages inc. white papers, pdf downloads.
- DNS errors ie. no http:// to http://www etc or https !
- Content management systems who use session cookies in urls
As I resolve more here - I will add to this list - send me more if you have them !
Fireworks - Brockwell Park, South London
On Friday night (3rd Nov) we wandered down to Brockwell Park, London, SE24 to see the Lambeth fireworks.The display was good but short and then ended up with the locals toasting Guy Fawlkes in the local tavern.
Thsi is the only photo that came out ! If you have any more - send them to me and I will post them.
02 November 2006
Winter is now here
According to one Londoner - winter is officially here.
Yesterday was near unbearable to commute by bike. Overnight it was just above freezing in London and out in the country side is was as low as minus 4 degrees. After the long mild autumn we have been experiencing this has been a bit of shock and you can see that people have been digging out last years winter clothing !
I suppose this is just in time. It wouldnt be the same going to see the fireworks tomorrow night if it were warm.
Have you noticed that the adverts for Christmas presents has started?
Yesterday was near unbearable to commute by bike. Overnight it was just above freezing in London and out in the country side is was as low as minus 4 degrees. After the long mild autumn we have been experiencing this has been a bit of shock and you can see that people have been digging out last years winter clothing !
I suppose this is just in time. It wouldnt be the same going to see the fireworks tomorrow night if it were warm.
Have you noticed that the adverts for Christmas presents has started?
31 October 2006
The Cabbie and the Nun
A cabbie picks up a Nun. She gets into the cab, and notices that the VERY handsome cab driver won't stop staring at her. She asks him why he is staring.
He replies: "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you."
She answers, "My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."
"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."
She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: ..1, you have to be single and 2, you must be Catholic."
The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and I'm Catholic!"
"OK" the nun says. "Pull into the next alley."
The nun fulfils his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush. But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying. "My dear child," says the nun, "why are you crying?"
"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish."
The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."
He replies: "I have a question to ask you but I don't want to offend you."
She answers, "My son, you cannot offend me. When you're as old as I am and have been a nun as long as I have, you get a chance to see and hear just about everything. I'm sure that there's nothing you could say or ask that I would find offensive."
"Well, I've always had a fantasy to have a nun kiss me."
She responds, "Well, let's see what we can do about that: ..1, you have to be single and 2, you must be Catholic."
The cab driver is very excited and says, "Yes, I'm single and I'm Catholic!"
"OK" the nun says. "Pull into the next alley."
The nun fulfils his fantasy with a kiss that would make a hooker blush. But when they get back on the road, the cab driver starts crying. "My dear child," says the nun, "why are you crying?"
"Forgive me but I've sinned. I lied and I must confess, I'm married and I'm Jewish."
The nun says, "That's OK. My name is Kevin and I'm going to a Halloween party."
30 October 2006
The US elections and the web
Found an interesting article on SEOmoz about how online is becoming significant in the forthcoming elections !
What is SEO? I hear you ask Greg.
I have a mate called Greg, who doesn't understand what I do during working hours!
Then I realised I don't really know either. But that's not the point - so, I thought I would try to define what SEO is.
First of all it is an accronym for 'Search Engine Optimisation'. SEO, is a subset of website marketing, focuses on optimising all of the aspects that affects rankings in the major search engines.
Optimisation involves researching the right terms to target (keywords), designing/modifying the sites architecture, on and off page content, linking, promotion programmes for the sites to be search-engine friendly etc etc. (Not an exhaustive list - but you get the idea)
It also includes coding standards, web usability, feature development, legal requirements, ensuring the website does what it needs to do !
Then based on reporting and evaluation make all necessary changes.
This is the simple definition - does it make sense??
Then I realised I don't really know either. But that's not the point - so, I thought I would try to define what SEO is.
First of all it is an accronym for 'Search Engine Optimisation'. SEO, is a subset of website marketing, focuses on optimising all of the aspects that affects rankings in the major search engines.
Optimisation involves researching the right terms to target (keywords), designing/modifying the sites architecture, on and off page content, linking, promotion programmes for the sites to be search-engine friendly etc etc. (Not an exhaustive list - but you get the idea)
It also includes coding standards, web usability, feature development, legal requirements, ensuring the website does what it needs to do !
Then based on reporting and evaluation make all necessary changes.
This is the simple definition - does it make sense??
Money for old rope
How to make money for nothing.
I am all up for making a couple of quid for doing nothing. Well I have adsense on a personal rant site ! But to copy someone else's lame idea is terrible. I know this happens all the time in every walk of life, but hey.... There is a new site where advertisers can buy a slice of the action in return of exposure online. I wonder how this is going to happen. I might set one up my self - something like ...... makemylameideawork.com. Its so obvious it may actuallywork - email me if you would pay !
The original one to my knowledge was a novelty, it got press attention and was first (at least first famous).
I am all up for making a couple of quid for doing nothing. Well I have adsense on a personal rant site ! But to copy someone else's lame idea is terrible. I know this happens all the time in every walk of life, but hey.... There is a new site where advertisers can buy a slice of the action in return of exposure online. I wonder how this is going to happen. I might set one up my self - something like ...... makemylameideawork.com. Its so obvious it may actuallywork - email me if you would pay !
The original one to my knowledge was a novelty, it got press attention and was first (at least first famous).
27 October 2006
"THE SQUIRREL AND THE GRASSHOPPER"
Rest of the World Version:
The squirrel works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building and improving his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the squirrel is warm and well fed. The shivering grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
THE END
THE UK VERSION
The squirrel works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the squirrel is warm and well fed. A social worker finds the shivering grasshopper, calls a press conference and demands to know why the squirrel should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others less fortunate, like the grasshopper, are cold and starving. The BBC shows up to provide live coverage of the shivering grasshopper; which cuts to a video of the squirrel in his comfortable warm home with a table laden with food.
The British press inform people that they should be ashamed that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so while others have plenty. The Labour Party, Greenpeace, Animal Rights and The Grasshopper Council of GB demonstrates in front of the squirrel's house. The BBC, interrupting a cultural festival special from Notting Hill with breaking news, broadcasts a multi cultural choir singing "We Shall Overcome".
Ken Livingstone rants in an interview with Trevor McDonald that the squirrel got rich off the backs of grasshoppers, and calls for an immediate tax hike on the squirrel to make him pay his "fair share" and increases the charge for squirrels to enter inner London.
In response to pressure from the media, the Government drafts the Economic Equity and Grasshopper Anti Discrimination Act, retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The squirrel's taxes are reassessed. He is taken to court and fined for failing to hire grasshoppers as builders for the work he was doing on his home and an additional fine for contempt when he told the court the grasshopper did not want to work.
The grasshopper is provided with a council house, financial aid to furnish it and an account with a local taxi firm to ensure he can be socially mobile. The squirrel's food is seized and re distributed to the more needy members of society, in this case the grasshopper. Without enough money to buy more food, to pay the fine and his newly imposed retroactive taxes, the squirrel has to downsize and start building a new home. The local authority takes over his old home and utilises it as a temporary home for asylum seeking cats who had hijacked a plane to get to Britain as they had to share their country of origin with mice.
On arrival they tried to blow up the airport because of Britain's apparent love of dogs. The cats had been arrested for the international offence of hijacking and attempted bombing but were immediately released because the police fed them pilchards instead of salmon whilst in custody. Initial moves to then return them to their own country were abandoned because it was feared they would face death by the mice.
The cats devise and start a scam to obtain money from people's credit cards. A Panorama special shows the grasshopper finishing up the last of the squirrel's food, though spring is still months away, while the council house he is in crumbles around him because he hasn't bothered to maintain the house. He is shown to be taking drugs. Inadequate government funding is blamed for the grasshopper's drug ‘illness'.
The cats seek recompense in the British courts for their treatment since arrival in UK.
The grasshopper gets arrested for stabbing an old dog during a burglary to get money for his drugs habit. He is imprisoned but released immediately because he has been in custody for a few weeks. He is placed in the care of the probation service to monitor and supervise him. Within a few weeks he has killed a guinea pig in a botched robbery. A commission of enquiry, that will eventually cost £10,000,000 and state the obvious, is set up.
Additional money is put into funding a drug rehabilitation scheme for grasshoppers and legal aid for lawyers representing asylum seekers is increased. The asylum seeking cats are praised by the government for enriching Britain's multicultural diversity and dogs are criticised by the government for failing to befriend the cats.
The grasshopper dies of a drug overdose. The usual sections of the press blame it on the obvious failure of government to address the root causes of despair arising from social inequity and his traumatic experience of prison. The cats are paid a million pounds each because their rights were infringed when the government failed to inform them there were mice in the United Kingdom.
The squirrel, the dogs and the victims of the hijacking, the
bombing, the burglaries and robberies have to pay an additional percentage on their credit cards to cover losses, their taxes are increased to pay for law and order and they are told that they will have to work beyond 65 because of a shortfall in government funds.
How real is this...?
The squirrel works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building and improving his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away. Come winter, the squirrel is warm and well fed. The shivering grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
THE END
THE UK VERSION
The squirrel works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the squirrel is warm and well fed. A social worker finds the shivering grasshopper, calls a press conference and demands to know why the squirrel should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others less fortunate, like the grasshopper, are cold and starving. The BBC shows up to provide live coverage of the shivering grasshopper; which cuts to a video of the squirrel in his comfortable warm home with a table laden with food.
The British press inform people that they should be ashamed that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so while others have plenty. The Labour Party, Greenpeace, Animal Rights and The Grasshopper Council of GB demonstrates in front of the squirrel's house. The BBC, interrupting a cultural festival special from Notting Hill with breaking news, broadcasts a multi cultural choir singing "We Shall Overcome".
Ken Livingstone rants in an interview with Trevor McDonald that the squirrel got rich off the backs of grasshoppers, and calls for an immediate tax hike on the squirrel to make him pay his "fair share" and increases the charge for squirrels to enter inner London.
In response to pressure from the media, the Government drafts the Economic Equity and Grasshopper Anti Discrimination Act, retroactive to the beginning of the summer. The squirrel's taxes are reassessed. He is taken to court and fined for failing to hire grasshoppers as builders for the work he was doing on his home and an additional fine for contempt when he told the court the grasshopper did not want to work.
The grasshopper is provided with a council house, financial aid to furnish it and an account with a local taxi firm to ensure he can be socially mobile. The squirrel's food is seized and re distributed to the more needy members of society, in this case the grasshopper. Without enough money to buy more food, to pay the fine and his newly imposed retroactive taxes, the squirrel has to downsize and start building a new home. The local authority takes over his old home and utilises it as a temporary home for asylum seeking cats who had hijacked a plane to get to Britain as they had to share their country of origin with mice.
On arrival they tried to blow up the airport because of Britain's apparent love of dogs. The cats had been arrested for the international offence of hijacking and attempted bombing but were immediately released because the police fed them pilchards instead of salmon whilst in custody. Initial moves to then return them to their own country were abandoned because it was feared they would face death by the mice.
The cats devise and start a scam to obtain money from people's credit cards. A Panorama special shows the grasshopper finishing up the last of the squirrel's food, though spring is still months away, while the council house he is in crumbles around him because he hasn't bothered to maintain the house. He is shown to be taking drugs. Inadequate government funding is blamed for the grasshopper's drug ‘illness'.
The cats seek recompense in the British courts for their treatment since arrival in UK.
The grasshopper gets arrested for stabbing an old dog during a burglary to get money for his drugs habit. He is imprisoned but released immediately because he has been in custody for a few weeks. He is placed in the care of the probation service to monitor and supervise him. Within a few weeks he has killed a guinea pig in a botched robbery. A commission of enquiry, that will eventually cost £10,000,000 and state the obvious, is set up.
Additional money is put into funding a drug rehabilitation scheme for grasshoppers and legal aid for lawyers representing asylum seekers is increased. The asylum seeking cats are praised by the government for enriching Britain's multicultural diversity and dogs are criticised by the government for failing to befriend the cats.
The grasshopper dies of a drug overdose. The usual sections of the press blame it on the obvious failure of government to address the root causes of despair arising from social inequity and his traumatic experience of prison. The cats are paid a million pounds each because their rights were infringed when the government failed to inform them there were mice in the United Kingdom.
The squirrel, the dogs and the victims of the hijacking, the
bombing, the burglaries and robberies have to pay an additional percentage on their credit cards to cover losses, their taxes are increased to pay for law and order and they are told that they will have to work beyond 65 because of a shortfall in government funds.
How real is this...?
26 October 2006
Flyers on Car windows
I was cycling home last night and I saw a whole street of cars with a flyer tucked under their wind screen wipers. I saw someone walk up to their car looking aggetated.
They thought they had received a parking ticket.
The tore off the flyer and threw it. They took them off quite a few cars before driving away in a mood!
So why do companies advertise their weirs with Yellow flyers on windscreens?
Did it have the right effect??
They thought they had received a parking ticket.
The tore off the flyer and threw it. They took them off quite a few cars before driving away in a mood!
So why do companies advertise their weirs with Yellow flyers on windscreens?
Did it have the right effect??
24 October 2006
What is RSS? and how can it be used
What is RSS. ? Well you may of seen this logo appear on websites.
It is defined as 'Really Simple Syndication'. It means sharing data.
What does that mean I still hear you ask and what does that mean to me?
Think of it as a distributable "What's New" on websites.
On a practical basis you can get your news headlines in your 'RSS Reader' like receiving email ! This is the only current practical use to the average internet users. Many companies share data using XML. RSS is effecitively just like XML, and is another form of that but kindof for news and consumer content.
A program known as a feed reader or aggregator can check a list of feeds on behalf of a user and display any updated articles that it finds.
There are two main ones that I use for work and for personal info. The first is Bloglines, this is web based and has been around for a while. This has the advantage of being able to save Blog searches. And the newboy is Google Reader.
I really like the BBC, (British Broadcasting Corporation) here in the UK for their explanation and they have been very good in setting up their services. They have adopted their content and it is good stuff. Take a look at their content.
Take a look at a RSS reader and have a play.
I get all my work news, news and sport direct to my 'news inbox' every day. It is addicitive and easier than trawling through your favourites to find new content.
Did this makes sense, any comments? A.
House stuff part 2 - electrics
The saga continues. This is so far a smooth purchase and yet it has taken ages.
We received our home buyer survery back and it had some worrying things. In short we commissioned a NICIC electical engineer to do a complete electrical survey. This was a wise thing to do. There doesnt seem to be any earthing of any kind and the outside lighting share a ring main with the cooker with a cable that would melt before the fuse would blow ! So, we would need to get this done as soon as possible.
The survey was used to negoitate a revised price. As the work has been made a condition of our mortgage. So, if you need a survey check out the official UK organisation for Sparkys !
Plus an official survey can be used as a price reducer !
We received our home buyer survery back and it had some worrying things. In short we commissioned a NICIC electical engineer to do a complete electrical survey. This was a wise thing to do. There doesnt seem to be any earthing of any kind and the outside lighting share a ring main with the cooker with a cable that would melt before the fuse would blow ! So, we would need to get this done as soon as possible.
The survey was used to negoitate a revised price. As the work has been made a condition of our mortgage. So, if you need a survey check out the official UK organisation for Sparkys !
Plus an official survey can be used as a price reducer !
20 October 2006
Google webmaster tool
Have you seen the latest stuff from Google. They have just launched a suite of tools to allow webmasters to see what Google thinks of their websites.
In the latest development you can now see the number of pages crawled, kilobytes downloaded and time spent downloading pages. You can even set your own crawl rate, selected your domain preferences and even encourage your pictures to be indexed more.
It can be quite scary to see how many errors your site makes. But it is definately a good tool to use batter your IT staff. It is really good for ensuring your robots.txt is working correctly and your server status' are functioning.
Housekeeping tool of the year me thinks !
Log into your google account, add your site to your profile, verify and be ready to be scared. For my current project it has opened up a can of worms about maintaining the basics while we do the more adventurous stuff.
Check it out.
In the latest development you can now see the number of pages crawled, kilobytes downloaded and time spent downloading pages. You can even set your own crawl rate, selected your domain preferences and even encourage your pictures to be indexed more.
It can be quite scary to see how many errors your site makes. But it is definately a good tool to use batter your IT staff. It is really good for ensuring your robots.txt is working correctly and your server status' are functioning.
Housekeeping tool of the year me thinks !
Log into your google account, add your site to your profile, verify and be ready to be scared. For my current project it has opened up a can of worms about maintaining the basics while we do the more adventurous stuff.
Check it out.
YouTube - the beginning of the end of America
This link can up in my Rss feed this morning. Well done MSNBC, they have actually done a real article. Check it out...
Blackberry users and email
I have many friends and colleagues who have Blackberrys.
I receive many very small emails. So a question to you all.
Why do Blackberry uses write emails smaller than text messages ??
Answers please!
I receive many very small emails. So a question to you all.
Why do Blackberry uses write emails smaller than text messages ??
Answers please!
18 October 2006
The original Google !
The other weekend I found this book in a charity shop ! It just shows that Google existed before those guys in Mountain View ! The book is from 1913 published by Oxford University Press.
17 October 2006
Orange broadband
What has happened to Orange aka Wanadoo aka Freeserve.
Last night I spent ages trying to get online. Losing my mind trying to remember how to check a wireless connection and it turns out that they are are down and how no idea when they are going to be back online.
Will I see a week off my bill?? I doubt it !!
Last night I spent ages trying to get online. Losing my mind trying to remember how to check a wireless connection and it turns out that they are are down and how no idea when they are going to be back online.
Will I see a week off my bill?? I doubt it !!
16 October 2006
Bushisms
Donald Rumsfeld is giving President Bush his daily briefing.
He concludes by saying:
"Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in a terrorist incident"
"OH NO!" the President exclaims. "That's terrible!"
His staff sit stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching as the president sits, head in hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks..........
"Exactly how many is a Brazillion??!"
He concludes by saying:
"Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed in a terrorist incident"
"OH NO!" the President exclaims. "That's terrible!"
His staff sit stunned at this display of emotion, nervously watching as the president sits, head in hands.
Finally, the President looks up and asks..........
"Exactly how many is a Brazillion??!"
Talk talk saga continues
Following up on the last post about Talk Talk and their shocking customer service with my Dad.
He informed them of his departure - this is the message they emailed him
___________________________________________________________________
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXX
___________________________________________________________________
To date - they have not replied
Avoid Talk Talk
He informed them of his departure - this is the message they emailed him
___________________________________________________________________
Dear XXXXXXX XXXXXX
Thank you for submitting your request for a MAC code for account number XXXXXXXXX. We have now generated a code for you which needs to be submitted to your new internet service provider before the code expires.
MAC Code : 12312312313
MAC Expiry Date : 10/11/2006
Once you have migrated to your new provider your Talktalk Broadband account will be disconnected and the appropriate charges added to your account. This charge will appear as 'Cessation Fee' on your final invoice. Please note that a cessation fee only applies if you are within the 12-month minimum contract period.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for the MAC code. I have spent many weeks and and a considerable amount of time and money trying to have my broadband connected without success. I have been ignored by Charles Dunstone and your technical dept.
As I have never been connected, why do I need a MAC Code?
I have now cancelled all dealings with Carphone Wharehouse as THEY HAVE BROKEN THEIR AGREEMENT. I DO NOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE ANY CESSATION FEE OR ANY OTHER COST EXCEPT CALL CHARGES UP TO THE 17th Oct for which I have already paid.
Any such charges will be rigorously disputed in Court and in the Public domain.
___________________________________________________________________
To date - they have not replied
Avoid Talk Talk
Woburn Abbey has funny cows
At the weekend we went for a walk in the grounds of Woburn Abbey.
We got slightly lost and had to ask for directions ! This was the only one around !
We got slightly lost and had to ask for directions ! This was the only one around !
15 October 2006
The Cock Hotel
I have been visiting friends this weekend and ended up in a small town in Buckinghamshire. The town is called Stoney Stratford. And on its high street there is a bar/hotel called
The famous Cock Hotel !
Great name
The famous Cock Hotel !
Great name
12 October 2006
why is buying a new house so slow
The process of buying a house - well according to me !
I am expecting
In summary
So, you are paying a lot of money. Stamp duty - how ridiculous is that?! Yet you cant get yourself too involved in the house otherwise rational thought goes out of the window. You have many people working for you - but you cant tell them to hurry up. Your financial and spirtual well being is in the hands of completely strangers in a call centre. Why do we do it??
- You get your house valued
- You start internet searches
- You refine your search as you cant afford the areas you want
- You contact estate agents and hand your intimate details over and over again to arrange viewings
- You make many trips and then eventually the agents start to show you houses that match your brief. (Why do they always show you properties just a bit more expensive than you can afford ! )
- You compromise on your ideals ! Garden, Space, Street, Facilities to meet your budget.
- You start using words like 'its got potential!'
- You do your sums, and work out if you can actually afford it!
- Get a mortagage extension, or a new mortgage - this is worth a rant on its own at some point.
- PUT an offer in - MILESTONE
- You wait nervously to see if it is accepted
- You contact the estate agent who valued your property at the highest price
- You put your own house on the market and WAIT !
- At this stage you instruct a solicitor
- You move forward with the mortgage
- You spend time on the phone with your solictor and keep writing cheques
- You get your home buyers survey back and it reads like a horror film
- While someone is doing this to you !
- You plan all the new things to buy and line up about 6 years worth of future work
- You tell all your friends that you are going to be moving while it is still no guaranteed
I am expecting
- To go through many iterations of paperwork with the solictor, laughing at funny covenaces from 1936 about common ground for the Duke of somewhere can graze their sheep.
- To have a target date set
- To exchange contracts
- To complete
- To move in
- To start to furnish the house
In summary
So, you are paying a lot of money. Stamp duty - how ridiculous is that?! Yet you cant get yourself too involved in the house otherwise rational thought goes out of the window. You have many people working for you - but you cant tell them to hurry up. Your financial and spirtual well being is in the hands of completely strangers in a call centre. Why do we do it??
Someone used this as a CV
Greg - a mate of mine just sent me this link. This Yank (because only americans are that stupid), sent in this video as a spontaneous job application. Take a look.
Take a look >>
Take a look >>
11 October 2006
As a Marketeer I use the web a lot
... and this means I come across a lot of websites and as this is my profession I look for cool idea, clever ways of satisfying customer needs and making a healthy profit.
But there are just some companies that seem brilliant on the outside. Slick marketing, call centres, information packs. One companies that really surprised me was TalkTalk.
My father, who has been online for ages on a dial up had finally decided to move to Broadband. It had come down in price and this was a thought out decision. The phone service was moved and broadband was ordered.
He is still not connected. It is over 5 weeks. He has paid their expensive tech support phone number help lines and even wrote a letter to their CEO.
After Poor and quite embarrassing service, he has since cancelled all contact with them
I think this is shocking. Surely a man in his 50's at home is their ideal audience. How a company can look great on the outside and fail so badly. From his experience - AVOID TALK TALK !
Anyone else had any experiences with them - good or bad?
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