Author: Gordon

Long time blogger, Father of Jack, geek of many things, random photographer and writer of nonsense. Doing my best to find a balance.

bookmark_borderMy Day

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Louise is out shopping with her friend (left at 10 back around 5ish probably), and then out tonight as well. So, essentially, I’ve got an entire day to myself. Bliss.

Now, I’m not suggesting that I don’t enjoy my wife’s company, but it is good to get a day to myself every now and again. A chance to chill doing what I want, watching what I want, listening to what I want to listen to, eating when I want, what I want.

This evening will involve a nice rich Ruby Cabernet and a couple of movies, not sure which ones yet, but I’ve still not watched The Pianist, and will probably throw on something easy to watch after that…

Now this afternoon I should be gardening. I’ve tried twice so far, and each time I’ve gotten as far as getting the lawnmower out and a light drizzle has started. I’ll switch to weeding after lunch.

My, what an exciting life!

Tomorrow though, well, tomorrow there are two choices.

1. Go somewhere. Maybe a random drive, maybe a specific location but mainly spend the day with my darling wife. Ideas so far: revisit ViewPark Gardens – if it’s nice, visit the iMax – if it’s raining.

2. Stop talking about it and actually start the process of finding a new car – I’ve been pontificating about this long enough, although I still need to get an idea of the numbers involved. Thing is, what to buy? We currently have a W reg Renault Megane, I don’t like the ‘fat ass’ new model (but if the deal is good enough I’d consider it). I DO like the new Laguna but we are trying to save money so have talked about something smaller – Fiesta, Clio.. MGT? It’s either that or something in the New Astra, Peugeot 307, Mazda3, Ford Focus kinda range. I won’t pay the money for a VW or a Honda (overpriced in my opinion), and have toyed with a Mini (Cooper?) but you don’t get much car for your money. Tricky one, and knowing us, if the deal sounds right we’ll base our decision on that, rather than the model of car.

Being the geek I am, I’ve already got a spreadsheet with model, list price, insurance bracket, and ownership cost per mile (Parkers is a great resource!) and I’ll go armed with that if we do end up visiting some dealers.

Any advice or opinions are welcomed – I DO know that if we visit a garage this weekend it will be with a view to going back at the end of the month with the hope of driving a better deal. What say you?

bookmark_borderMe want

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Advanced warning: You can all club together over the coming year so I can get one of these when it comes out:

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bookmark_borderGrowing on me

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OK, having used the new Blogger in anger for the best part of the week, rather than my reliance on the BlogThis bookmarklet, it is definitely growing on me.

I like the fact that if you muck up the HTML in a post it warns you.
I like the fact that any draft posts can be seen in the main posts list. so I don’t forget about them.
I like the fact I can easily add a BLOCKQUOTE to a post.
I like the fact that they sorted out the ‘Add a Link’ button.

(They still need to get the comment system sorted out, HaloScan is looking very good when you stack it next to Blogger’s offering)

Yes, it’s growing on me. Is it growing on you?

And of course there is all the hoo–haa over Moveable Type’s new “Developer Edition” and it’s pricing structure. I’m not going to comment on it as I don’t use it so I’m not best placed to criticise, but you have to presume the people at Blogger are watching it unfold (and hit the fan) with some interest. I’d be interested in finding out if it WAS a coincidence, or whether the Blogger announcement has forced Six Apart’s hand…?

I am convinced this is the kind of move Blogger will make at some point, however they have the advantage in it being a hosted service so the Blogger “Developer Edition” will more than likely be structured round the previous Blogger Pro offering. More goodies if you pay. It’s a simple enough equation for newer Bloggers to get to grips with as well, requires only a small marketing push to sell, and little effort on the part of the user.

Only time will tell.

(BTW – I’m still a tad hacked off that all these new templates are available, some of us have sweated blood getting the hang of this CSS layout stuff and all those newbies get all that for free… grrrr)

bookmark_borderGive a gift

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This one comes via Lynn. The idea is simple: someone’s daughter is getting married and she thought it would be nice to compile a list of recipes, donated by “us bloggers”.

I think it’s a lovely idea (my sentimental side is in over-drive at the moment), so I urge you all to visit Susan’s site and sign up!

I’ve called dibs on the chocolate dessert!

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bookmark_borderBut is it Scottish?

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CL:AIRE aka “Contaminated Land: Applications In Real Environments” has just been submitted to the Scottish Blogs webring.

That’ll be a reject then.

I think this is my first instance of ‘form based spam’. Ick. I feel all dirty. I’m off for a shower.