Month: March 2006

bookmark_borderGetting a grip

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Whisper it … I seem to be managing to keep quite a good work/play balance at the moment.

Day-job wise, we have an end of March deadline at work to hit and it’s gonna be tight (but do-able).

Side-job wise I’m throwing together a design for the POTW site, waiting to hear back from someone after handing over some final draft templates for another website (a local school)*, and I need to speak to someone else about an excellent, if somewhat large and scary, project that will take up a good couple of months of my time**. Not forgetting the responses to the recent Scottish Blogs/BritBlog announcement which Mark and I are currently chewing over and on which I’ll update you all on as soon as I can.

Louise is knee-deep in wedding invites, order of services, RSVP cards and other, more general, card-making activities. The IT side of which (see post below) is keeping me busy as well.

Despite all this I’ve managed to drag the elliptical trainer out of it’s hidey-hole the past two evenings (and will do the same tonight) and, more importantly, I’ve managed to stop getting distracted playing Football Manager 2006 (where my Liverpool team have just won the Premiership, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League in 2009 – Porcellis, Bojinov, Kompany, Adu and Messi are my star turns) until the wee small hours of the morning.

All of which means my sleeping patterns are a little more stable and I’m much more able to focus better on tasks at hand.

Alas, it does not mean that the SHOUTY man isn’t still annoying me, nor does it mean that I’m noticeably cheerier first thing in the morning. In fact I am considering having a sign made so I can post it on the wall next to my desk:

** DOES NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT CAFFEINE **

But maybe that’s both a little over the top and an indication on the next area of ‘life stuff’ I should be getting a handle on. I’m averaging about 6 cups of coffee a day at the moment and that can’t be good for you.

* bang on queue PopTray tells me I have a response waiting.
** must get headset for use with Skype, save me sounding like I’m sitting in a porcelain-clad box

bookmark_borderStop your complaining

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Visited our friend Susan yesterday. She’s been off work since late January and will be back under the knife in a week or so. She’s had a couple of operations in the past couple of years, and for a while she was getting better.

The specialists aren’t entirely sure how to fix her so the surgery will be exploratory with the understanding that if they see something they can fix they’ll do it, but if they can’t find anything then.. well that’s all they can do for her.

It’s hard to see such a bright and fun young woman suffering so much pain.

On the way home I started pondering my own life in comparison to others (yes, I know, a typical response). From my Uncle Dave who, despite suffering from Parkinsons, is always cheery and ready with a smile and a wry observation to my tequila-slamming, glitzy girly friend who refuses to let her ills beat her and suffers largely in silence, the people I know who complain the least are those suffering the most.

I was going to close this post with a statement to those who rant and bitch and moan about the trivial and unimportant. I include myself in that category. But I fear I’d end up tripping over platitudes and qualifications to any kind of statement I would make. Our ability to see things from our own unique perspective is what makes humankind so fascinating after all.

So I’ll dispense with the niceties and the “ohh I didn’t mean you particularly” worries, and just say it. Take from it what you will.

A lot of people who live in nice houses, have nice things, and most importantly have their health, may want to take a step back before their next moan or rant. I exclude no-one from that statement. Especially myself.

bookmark_borderPrinting woes

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My google-fu is failing me, next stop is Ask Mefi but I thought I’d give you lot the chance to impress…

We have a Lexmark Z55 printer, came with the PC and has served us well for our meagre printing needs. Until now, of course, as Louise needs it to print some inserts for some wedding invites she’s working on.

Thought: Why is it that things only fail when you REALLY need them to work?

Now, when trying to print (anything) the printer will happily turn itself on and spool the document into the print queue but after that it fails to do anything.

Just sits there, brooding, like we called it a bad name… which we have but only since it started playing silly buggers.

I’ve googled, changed a variety of settings – bi-directional this, spooling order that – I’ve updated drivers, uninstalled the printer, re-installed it with the original drivers from the original CD, checked the USB cable, checked the power cable, checked the paper tray and ink levels, and I’ve even stood on one leg with the wind blowing from the east whilst gently stroking the paper feed button… all to no avail.

We were going to be getting a new printer anyway, Louise is using it a lot more these days but money wise it’s not an option until the end of the month, by which time she needs to have the wedding invites finished!

I’m stumped. I’ve uninstalled everything I can think of, re-installed everything else I can come up with and still the exact same scenario plays out. Print, wait, nothing. I’m hoping it’s not the printer itself but it’s increasingly looking that way. Oy.

So it’s over to you lot. Any ideas? Suggestions? Please go easy on any sarcasm as we really REALLY need to get this working ASAP. HELP!

bookmark_border20 Tracks Meme

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Blame Armin, even if he has the cheek to ‘tag’ people despite avoiding most of the questions himself! Put a bit of effort in man!

1. A track from your early childhood
Save All Your Kisses For Me by Brotherhood of Man. They wore dungarees. I wore dungarees, although mine were a homage to Oor Wullie. And yes, I knew the dance. Rumour has it I still knew it years later when it came on at a ‘disco’… lies I tell you!

2. A track that you associate with your first love
Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns ‘N’ Roses. Because it’s either that or something by Roxette… ick. I’ve mentioned this before.

3. A track that reminds you of a holiday trip
Telegraph Road by Dire Straits. First camping trip to France when I was 15, recently discovered Dire Straits back catalogue (this wasn’t long after Brothers in Arms). Probably the first time I heard (or actually listened to) a song that told a story. Ohh and I’ve mentioned this before too.

4. A track that you like but wouldn’t want to be associated with in public
None. Not even Save All Your Kisses For Me. Honest.

5. A track that accompanied you when you were lovesick
And So It Goes by Billy Joel. Still makes me blub like a baby.

6. A track that you have probably listened to most often
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Well, come on!!

7. A track that is your favourite instrumental
Classical is instrumental, right? Probably Gymnopedie No 1 by Satie.

8. A track that represents one of your favourite bands
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Well, come on!! (this is easy this!)

9. A track which represents yourself best
Times Like These by the Foo Fighters. “I am a little divided.”

10. A track that reminds you of a special occasion (which one?)
You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker. The occasion, my wedding day.

11. A track that you can relax to
Teardrop by Massive Attack.

12. A track that stands for a really good time in your life
Loch Lomond by Runrig. Probably tainted by nostalgia but it was the best of times with friends all gathered on the banks of the very Loch we were all singing about, fireworks blazing over head and tears of happiness streaming down my face. Lorraine Kelly quite enjoyed herself too.

13. A track that is currently your favourite
From the Ritz to the Rubble by the Arctic Monkeys. A wonderful example of storytelling. And yes, I know I’m supposed to be too old to like them but their strength lies in their resonance (he said, not quite sure of what he means but very sure of what he’s trying to convey).

14. A track that you’d dedicate to your best friend
There Comes A Time by Martin Stephenson. For my mate Ian.

15. A track that you think nobody but you likes
Plug It In by Basement Jaxx (featuring one of the blokes from N’Sync). Best track on the album by far.

16. A track that you like especially for its lyrics
Ooberman by Shorley Wall. As previously mentioned.

17. A track that you like that’s neither English nor German
Amor Verdadero by Afro-Cuban All Stars. Languid and very very Latin. If this doesn’t get yer hips moving you need a replacement or two!

18. A track that lets you release tension best
Calm like a bomb by Rage Against the Machine. IGNITE IGNITE IGNITE, shouted over some rasping huge power chords, nicely distorted. Rage indeed.

19. A track that you want to be played on your funeral
Hmm not something I’d really thought about.. dunno for sure, but definitely something upbeat to finish with. Barber’s Adagio for Strings would be nice too… bit sad though.

20. A track that you’d nominate for the “best of all times” category
Hotel California by The Eagles. ‘Cos it’s a great track.

Again, no tagging. Baton, grab, etc etc.

bookmark_borderDesert Island Time Limit

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Pick eight significant songs to take to your desert island, but you only have two days to come up with them, said Rob.

1. Angel by Massive Attack
The pounding bassline grabs you by throat whilst Horace Andy’s gentle falsetto sings of the unrequited love of a dark menace. My desert island will have a very loud sound system and immersing myself in this growling, heaving, throbbing track will provide both aggressive relief and calming breaths. It’s the paradox that this track offers that makes it a compulsive, repeat, listen for me.

2. The Other Side by David Gray
This one is all about the lyrics. Soft piano chords introduce a sad song, minor keys mirror the hope of a lost man, a man about to start a personal journey through which he remains unsure of his position “sick of hearing my own lies”.

3. A Day in the Life by The Beatles
The best track on one of the best albums (Sgt. Pepper) this track has everything that The Beatles were good at, the opening melancholy, the cheery reciting of a man making his way to work, and that huge building crescendo. The final multi-layered chord providing the tumultous close (barring the repeated nonsense that was recorded beyond the end of the LP, meaning those with auto-return arms on their record players would never hear it… it looped over and over if you let it).

4. Loveshack by the B52’s
The sun is setting on my desert island, me and the crabs have had a little too much home-made rum, so what better track to bung on, turn up and “get dowwwnnnn” to. The perfect hybrid of sunny, silly pop and good old fashioned rock. If YOU see a faded sign by the side of the road, keep on going. This loveshack is mine, baby!

5. Scottish Rain by The Silencers
A glorious love song that gently sweeps over you, this remains my favourite track of theirs, never failing to evoke memories and images from years gone. Even now, writing this silly little meme, a lump is forming in my throat. And whatever better way, as I lie baking under the harsh sun, to remember my homeland in all it’s hues and colours.

6. Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
Determined to choose a track by my favourite ever band, it is somewhat troublesome given the depth of their catalogue. So I decided to plump for what they were best at, gloriously over the top pomp rock. From the opening harmonies to the slow build from guitar through the bass, the subtle handclaps and the rolling intro of the drums, this is a corker. Best still, as I’m all alone on the island I get to pick up a stick, spin, whirl, stomp my feet and “be Freddie” for 4 minutes and 16 seconds.

7. Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead
Still sends shivers up my spine. Thom Yorke’s soaring vocal, strummed guitar and the way this track builds made me realise that rock’n’roll wasn’t all about noise and pop music wasn’t always cheery. Still a favourite album, always a favourite track.

8. Blackbird by The Beatles
Such a simple song. So beautiful. I could listen to it all day.

Now, I’m supposed to “tag” two people with this… but I can’t be arsed. Sorry. Meme overkill.

Let me know if you pick up the baton.

bookmark_borderDiscussing Design

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Sometimes I start writing a post with no idea where it will head. What follows is a bit of a meandering waffle…

Recently I asked for some suggestions for content (which I duly ignored, sorry about that). The still-blogless Donalda suggested:

Every so often you do a “here is what my site looked like in the past and here’s what it looks like now” thing, but with the last few changes you haven’t. I quite like those as I like to see where the design idea is headed. A discussion of DESIGN of blogs might mean a few folk not making the evil, evil mistakes that lots of neophytes do – not discussed in your talk, but very helpful, the usual suspects of links, and just a few ideas on what your next change will be.

The alternative was to post a photo of some kittens smothered in Nutella… or something… I forget why.

Why re-design?
I’ve been, rightly, accused of re-designing this site too often and thereby breaking my “brand”. Thing is, as this is very much a hobby, I don’t really care about that kind of thing. This site has gone through several iterations, starting pre-blog with a title of “Something” and a popup window featuring frames and tables for layout, to the current “blog” style which I’ve yet to make into a WordPress template, despite several requests1. In-between times I’ve ditched a ‘name’ and used the URL, and then gone back to a name, not to mention the fact that the site URL itself has changed from www.snowgoon.co.uk to www.gordonmclean.co.uk (or .com if you really want).

The reason I have a website at all stems from the need to experiment when I was learning HTML (the very first iteration of my website was purely a set of links with a lot of clever Javascript, lost in the murks of time that one) and it wasn’t until I started writing and publishing online that any idea of site construction really entered my head. This is why I still enjoy the process of designing and building a website, and still enjoy finding inspiration from many sources.

And yes, this is kind of at odds with the reasons why I joined 9rules, but who said I had to be consistent? Ohh I did… damn.

Where next for this site?
I like the current design. It meets MY needs, and hopefully isn’t too hard to use for you guys and gals either. The overflow section (on the left) is working OK but still needs some tweaking, and the main posts are looking fine. The Flickr integration and top navigation needs a little more refining but I do feel quite settled at the moment.

That usually means that in a couple of months I’ll be bored again. But which direction will I take next?

Well I’ll be steering clear of big bright colours and large sans-serif fonts (far too Web 2.0… whatever that is…), but I think I’ll be making more use of sections and graphics in the future. Mainly because my proficiency with PhotoShop is leaping forward (thanks to some other projects I’m working on) and because it’s the one area my sites have always lacked. In saying that, I have still to find a real balance between nice graphic embellishments and my desire to retain a minimal design. I may drop the number of colours in the future, and have one main highlight colour with the rest of the site relying on blacks, whites and hues of grey.

I may also experiment with a new layout, primarily offering a semi-fluid width for the main column (the one you are ‘in’ at the moment). Ideally the main column will be resizable but be limited to a maximum width… still figuring out how to do that one mind you. I will NOT be changing to a “content on the left” layout, I don’t think. Primarily because I think having the ‘other bits’ of your site hemmed in by the main content gives them some focus, whereas on content-left sites I rarely move my eyes to the right of the content and miss out on a lot of stuff that way (might just be me though).

All in all this site WILL change in the future, not anytime this month mind you but hey, who knows what the future will bring.

Site critique time then.

If this was YOUR site, what would YOU change?
Any examples of sites you like the look of are welcomed. Some examples that I keep returning to are:

  • Minor 9th – single colour highlight, clean, crisp design.
  • Daring Fireball – proves that dark backgrounds CAN work.
  • Warpspire – nice use of space, and nice approach for a ‘one post’ on page site.
  • …. you tell me!

Finally a mention for the Hemingway theme which you can find on the last site on the above list. I really like this approach, but find it at odds with my desire to have content easily available (not behind a click). Still unsure whether it’ll be an influence for any upcoming redesign but it does have some excellent ideas.

1 I may get around to it at some point, but I’ve still to get my head into the whole WordPress ‘template’ thing.