Friday, April 29, 2005
Language, Timothy
Having just popped over to the shop across the road from where I work (known as the Crap Shop™, the official name, in use to this day, credited to the esteemed Giles Witcomb), I heard some people standing round, speaking about McDonalds. On the one hand, I can't imagine talking about McDonalds for as long as they seemed to be. Maybe they'd watched Supersize Me which was on TV recently. On the other, I noticed that a flame-haired woman kept saying Mackdonalds really loudly, with the stress on the Mack. And then I realised that I'm a snob.
Mayday
This weekend I'm going to Oxford (my favourite place in Britain) for the May Day celebrations, to catch up with both of my younger brothers, and to attend Naomi's concert at the Sheldonian Theatre. I'll hopefully be catching some bands tonight, as well.
I can't wait to get to Oxford. Without wishing to be nostalgic, I really love the city and all of the good friends of mine who are still there, and a big part of me misses the place. I think it's where I'd like to end up, eventually, and would be a good place to bring up children.
I can't wait to get to Oxford. Without wishing to be nostalgic, I really love the city and all of the good friends of mine who are still there, and a big part of me misses the place. I think it's where I'd like to end up, eventually, and would be a good place to bring up children.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Lightning
BAM! Some crazy-ass lightning just went off with a huge thunderclap. All of my workmates jumped. I ran over to unplug my iBook from the mains, to be on the safeside. Don't want this little feller getting fried.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Product Placement 2: Sennheiser PX100 Headphones
One thing that's been giving me enjoyment over the last few days are my new headphones.
Hands up. I have a headphone problem. They tend to last me no longer than 3 months of daily usage (that's around 3 hours per day minimum), and usually end up wearing out at the jack, or exhibit stress on the wires which ends up with only one side of the stereo working.
Well, apart from sounding damn good - and I'm talking a world away from the free iPod earbuds that Apple gives you or the several other pairs I've had from Sony, Philips and so on - they also carry a 2 year guarantee. At current rate of headphone exhaustion I could potentially get through 8 of these babies without having to pay out any more money.
They're £30 at Richer Sounds (but shop around, you might be able to get them for less on Ebay), and they also fold up. The sound is very 'hi-fi' sounding, which makes me realise that the poor sound I've been living with isn't so much due to mp3/AAC compression, but the cheap headphones.
If you see me, have a listen to something through these phones, and you'll see what I mean - they are very good.
Hands up. I have a headphone problem. They tend to last me no longer than 3 months of daily usage (that's around 3 hours per day minimum), and usually end up wearing out at the jack, or exhibit stress on the wires which ends up with only one side of the stereo working.
Well, apart from sounding damn good - and I'm talking a world away from the free iPod earbuds that Apple gives you or the several other pairs I've had from Sony, Philips and so on - they also carry a 2 year guarantee. At current rate of headphone exhaustion I could potentially get through 8 of these babies without having to pay out any more money.
They're £30 at Richer Sounds (but shop around, you might be able to get them for less on Ebay), and they also fold up. The sound is very 'hi-fi' sounding, which makes me realise that the poor sound I've been living with isn't so much due to mp3/AAC compression, but the cheap headphones.
If you see me, have a listen to something through these phones, and you'll see what I mean - they are very good.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Software Piracy
Last week I found myself talking to someone who's the founder of a fairly significant software company about things that I've found interesting recently, particularly the troubling issue of software patenting.
A few minutes into the conversation it occurred to me that his company's innovations have added a fair bit to value and useability in a specific field, for a certain type of computer user (I don't want to be specific here, which is becoming obvious by this point), but that about half of the people I know who use the product are using a cracked, pirate copy.
Piracy/cracking is a funny issue: I'm against it on one level - if you're making a living from using a piece of software (or, in the case of students, gaining qualifications through work produced with that specific programme) you really can't justify stealing what is an integral tool in the process. It's like a blacksmith nicking someone else's anvil.
On the other hand, I'm ambivalent about low-level piracy performed by people who just want to try out a programme, or those who might make occasional use of something for non-commercial ends.
Cracked versus copied software muddies these waters. I can think of times when I've made use of software purchased quite legally by a friend or relative, and at least in that situation the company has made profit from one sale of the product, and I'm certainly not going to add to their costs by asking for telephone support; I may well also end up purchasing my own copy at a later date.
The software the guy's company makes employs no physical protection methods, and, having once pressed a help desk person about their copy protection codes, I realised that their system for giving out codes is pretty rudimentary. Normally I'd be against software employing a USB dongle, but not in this case. Having to use up a USB port on a laptop where you might only have 2 ports total is a pain in the arse if you're using something that needs extra external hardware, like Logic Audio, but I don't think it would be so much of an issue in this case.
I'm sure it's all stuff the company has thought of, but it is strange talking to somebody who you've just met, who you know has been stolen-from, and feeling that you would like to tell him, but deciding it would only be irritating. So I held my tongue instead.
A few minutes into the conversation it occurred to me that his company's innovations have added a fair bit to value and useability in a specific field, for a certain type of computer user (I don't want to be specific here, which is becoming obvious by this point), but that about half of the people I know who use the product are using a cracked, pirate copy.
Piracy/cracking is a funny issue: I'm against it on one level - if you're making a living from using a piece of software (or, in the case of students, gaining qualifications through work produced with that specific programme) you really can't justify stealing what is an integral tool in the process. It's like a blacksmith nicking someone else's anvil.
On the other hand, I'm ambivalent about low-level piracy performed by people who just want to try out a programme, or those who might make occasional use of something for non-commercial ends.
Cracked versus copied software muddies these waters. I can think of times when I've made use of software purchased quite legally by a friend or relative, and at least in that situation the company has made profit from one sale of the product, and I'm certainly not going to add to their costs by asking for telephone support; I may well also end up purchasing my own copy at a later date.
The software the guy's company makes employs no physical protection methods, and, having once pressed a help desk person about their copy protection codes, I realised that their system for giving out codes is pretty rudimentary. Normally I'd be against software employing a USB dongle, but not in this case. Having to use up a USB port on a laptop where you might only have 2 ports total is a pain in the arse if you're using something that needs extra external hardware, like Logic Audio, but I don't think it would be so much of an issue in this case.
I'm sure it's all stuff the company has thought of, but it is strange talking to somebody who you've just met, who you know has been stolen-from, and feeling that you would like to tell him, but deciding it would only be irritating. So I held my tongue instead.
Friday, April 22, 2005
No vote
Damn, I've just found out that I'm not on the electoral register. I called up Tower Hamlets to find out why we haven't been sent a polling card and they suggested that I should check with the last place I was registered. I called Oxford City Council only to find out that they wipe all students off the register, annually. Well, that's it then. I suppose. Too late to register for this election, and I don't exist where I last existed. I know I should have looked into it earlier, but I am frustrated that Tower Hamlets borough council don't share info between departments. You would have thought that paying council tax and all the details they get from you when you do that actually counted for something. Not currently (although they are considering it).
The deadline to register was also 6 weeks ago incidentally, i.e. before they called the General Election. That doesn't seem entirely fair, to me, either.
The deadline to register was also 6 weeks ago incidentally, i.e. before they called the General Election. That doesn't seem entirely fair, to me, either.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Triple Drat
There's something strange, in the neighbourhood...
My phone has started acting up this morning, so I may not be able to make outgoing calls, if the problem persists. Therefore, if you're expecting me to call you and you're wondering why I'm not calling you, it's probably because I can't. So please ring me, and it looks like it should work for answering, at the least.
My phone has started acting up this morning, so I may not be able to make outgoing calls, if the problem persists. Therefore, if you're expecting me to call you and you're wondering why I'm not calling you, it's probably because I can't. So please ring me, and it looks like it should work for answering, at the least.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Product Placement
Unlike the people at FHM, Maxim etc., when I use my blog to tell my readership something is good, it's not because I'm being paid to do it.
So, in light of my love for all humanity, I thought I'd pass on the observation that the Botanics range of products from Boots are very very good. Speaking as someone who doesn't believe in the concept of male grooming, I must say that the mens' face wash and the shaving foam (that I discovered more recently) are really good if you have sensitive or spot-prone skin. Seriously. Stay with me here, try the stuff out and then you can tell me if I'm wrong.
The gentle, unstringent nature of these products comes from them being based upon plant extracts; this leads me on to thinking about the number of adverts you see these days for products containing aloe vera (washing powders, shampoos, toilet tissues!). It's a wonder that there are enough aloe plants to meet the demand, assuming there's not a synthetic process for replicating the extract. Anyway, aloe vera is pretty cool stuff - when I went on a choir tour to the Caribbean in 2001, breaking open a leaf and putting the extract of that plant on my skin was pretty much the only relief I could get from sun burn and mosquito stings. You've got to love nature.
So, in light of my love for all humanity, I thought I'd pass on the observation that the Botanics range of products from Boots are very very good. Speaking as someone who doesn't believe in the concept of male grooming, I must say that the mens' face wash and the shaving foam (that I discovered more recently) are really good if you have sensitive or spot-prone skin. Seriously. Stay with me here, try the stuff out and then you can tell me if I'm wrong.
The gentle, unstringent nature of these products comes from them being based upon plant extracts; this leads me on to thinking about the number of adverts you see these days for products containing aloe vera (washing powders, shampoos, toilet tissues!). It's a wonder that there are enough aloe plants to meet the demand, assuming there's not a synthetic process for replicating the extract. Anyway, aloe vera is pretty cool stuff - when I went on a choir tour to the Caribbean in 2001, breaking open a leaf and putting the extract of that plant on my skin was pretty much the only relief I could get from sun burn and mosquito stings. You've got to love nature.
Ainsley Harriot
Well, Monday, here you are again. I had a pretty great weekend, ranging between visiting Naomi at her parents' house on Friday and Saturday, to going to see a post-hardcore gig last night in Camden (Bullet Union, since you ask).
One thing that has complicated today somewhat was my decision to enter the kitchen for both of my meals yesterday. My very first attempt at a casserole, for lunch, was pretty respectable. The stir-fry I did for dinner (for Luigi and Ian) would also have been fine, were it not for the addition of a handful of bird eye chilis. Those little 'bad boys' have left me with a distinctly delicate feeling today. In future I'll be treating those little sods with the respect they deserve.
One thing that has complicated today somewhat was my decision to enter the kitchen for both of my meals yesterday. My very first attempt at a casserole, for lunch, was pretty respectable. The stir-fry I did for dinner (for Luigi and Ian) would also have been fine, were it not for the addition of a handful of bird eye chilis. Those little 'bad boys' have left me with a distinctly delicate feeling today. In future I'll be treating those little sods with the respect they deserve.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The joys of electronic mail
Today I have been received communications from Peter Wong of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd, Dr Graham Douglas, the personal accountant to the late head of state of Nigeria (Sani Abacha, apparently), Victor Osadolor of African Continental Bank PLC, Jiga Idris of Contract Approve Panel, Nigeria, Dr Don Amos of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Finance, and Dr Mariam Abacha, the wife of Sanni [sic] Abacha.
They all seem to have such wonderful schemes to offer me, but I was thinking that maybe I could act as some kind of intermediary to help them work to pool their investments together into a syndicate for the National Lottery or something.
They all seem to have such wonderful schemes to offer me, but I was thinking that maybe I could act as some kind of intermediary to help them work to pool their investments together into a syndicate for the National Lottery or something.
Monday, April 11, 2005
A 'right' to anonymity
One becomes accustomed to people hiding behind the anonymity of the internet from time to time (God knows, I can think of one time I did it to insult someone, drunkenly); this is why message boards on serious topics aren't always a good idea - but it's coming to something when people think they can pick up a phone and make serious claims about someone's professional integrity without being willing to disclose who they are.
That's the situation I experienced about half an hour ago, where a woman was making spurious claims of impropriety about a someone who's just recently left my place of work, and someone who I have a great deal of respect for. The conversation ended with me saying "and where is it you're calling from" to which the woman replied "I didn't say, and I don't have to" before hanging up. I must say it made my blood boil because if you're going to try and upset the applecart, rightly or not, you should at least have the courage to equal your conviction.
That's the situation I experienced about half an hour ago, where a woman was making spurious claims of impropriety about a someone who's just recently left my place of work, and someone who I have a great deal of respect for. The conversation ended with me saying "and where is it you're calling from" to which the woman replied "I didn't say, and I don't have to" before hanging up. I must say it made my blood boil because if you're going to try and upset the applecart, rightly or not, you should at least have the courage to equal your conviction.
Friday, April 08, 2005
The Body Politic (part 1)
I imagine that every UK blog under the sun is going to take on some sort of political characteristic over the next couple of months, but I think I might as well put my under-informed oar in a little, seeing as I do have strong opinions on some of the things that are being debated. Still, I do promise that I won't let the blog get totally dominated by matters political.
So, the general election has been called, after TB saying that he'd leave it for a couple of days out of respect for the mourning of Pope John Paul II.
Today, I followed a link from Jack's blog, and went to the Labour Party's website, where it appears you can now ask Mr Blair your questions in an electronic form. I thought to myself 'why not?', you have to practise what you preach, and participate in democracy as best you can, otherwise you're a hypocrite to complain about the status quo. My question to Mr Blair was on the mythos of Labour's supposedly-great economic record, and what exactly is being done to assist in the housing problem that exists for our credit-heavy generation who don't already have investments in property, because, as it stands, and unless you're callous enough to hope on some kind of windfall from an elderly relative, you are simply not in the game.
So, the general election has been called, after TB saying that he'd leave it for a couple of days out of respect for the mourning of Pope John Paul II.
Today, I followed a link from Jack's blog, and went to the Labour Party's website, where it appears you can now ask Mr Blair your questions in an electronic form. I thought to myself 'why not?', you have to practise what you preach, and participate in democracy as best you can, otherwise you're a hypocrite to complain about the status quo. My question to Mr Blair was on the mythos of Labour's supposedly-great economic record, and what exactly is being done to assist in the housing problem that exists for our credit-heavy generation who don't already have investments in property, because, as it stands, and unless you're callous enough to hope on some kind of windfall from an elderly relative, you are simply not in the game.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Being Poorly
Dear Oh Dear, I've not been too well over the last week or so, but there's lots to report on from before that, so on with the blog entry.
Last week we went into a little studio in Battersea (in fact, I don't even know if the studio has a name!) to record the first Action and Action EP with a qual engineer and nice all-round feller called Jonny, who also works as a sound engineer at the Barfly in Camden. It was a fantastic three days, and we managed to record five tracks in two days of recording, with each band member performing the absolute minimum number of takes. I have a first mix of it, and despite my tendency to over-analyse and self-criticise these things, I really am pretty happy with it after about a hundred listens, and I think it's an accurate depiction of the nature of the band (and surprisingly melodic!).
During the last day in the studio, I started to feel ill and then by Friday morning was feeling like death warmed up, with the flu. However, I had the prospect of it being my first day due back into work after taking two weeks' holiday, and I realised that if I would then immediately be on sick-leave, it would look suspect, even though it wasn't. As it happened I was fortunately sent home after an hour of coughing and blowing my nose.
Upon realising that I'd need to spend the next few days couped up in the flat, I decided to get something to keep myself occupied. Cue the Gamecube for £59 courtesy of HMV. Soul Calibur II, Enter the Matrix and Medal of Honor:Rising Sun. Oh yes, thank you. There are definitely upsides to being ill.
Last week we went into a little studio in Battersea (in fact, I don't even know if the studio has a name!) to record the first Action and Action EP with a qual engineer and nice all-round feller called Jonny, who also works as a sound engineer at the Barfly in Camden. It was a fantastic three days, and we managed to record five tracks in two days of recording, with each band member performing the absolute minimum number of takes. I have a first mix of it, and despite my tendency to over-analyse and self-criticise these things, I really am pretty happy with it after about a hundred listens, and I think it's an accurate depiction of the nature of the band (and surprisingly melodic!).
During the last day in the studio, I started to feel ill and then by Friday morning was feeling like death warmed up, with the flu. However, I had the prospect of it being my first day due back into work after taking two weeks' holiday, and I realised that if I would then immediately be on sick-leave, it would look suspect, even though it wasn't. As it happened I was fortunately sent home after an hour of coughing and blowing my nose.
Upon realising that I'd need to spend the next few days couped up in the flat, I decided to get something to keep myself occupied. Cue the Gamecube for £59 courtesy of HMV. Soul Calibur II, Enter the Matrix and Medal of Honor:Rising Sun. Oh yes, thank you. There are definitely upsides to being ill.
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