Times are hard (so the papers are telling us) and so it is time to look at ways of stretching our resources a little bit farther.
Effective cooking is one way we can do that. What do I mean by effective? Not wasting ingredients, and being careful about where we shop.
For example, today being Sunday we have just had our family Sunday dinner. Roast chicken, Yorkshire pudding, braised carrots, cabbage and creamed potatoes (yum yum!). It being Sunday we all had larger than usual portions, so we are effectively catering for four adults (rather than two adults and two children).
The first place to make some savings is when buying the ingredients. To keep the price down I bought a large chicken from a budget supermarket, which came to £3.49. This is compared with a medium chicken from one of the larger "name brand" supermarkets for £4.49.
The chicken provided us with enough meat for two meals. The potatoes I bought locally for around £1.50 for a 4kg bag. My wife bought a "stew pack" from our local grocers for £1, which contained half-a-dozen large carrots, three onions, half a large cabbage and a decent sized turnip (so again, more than enough for another meal or two).
So the total cost for our Sunday dinner is around £6. But remember, that doesn't give us just the one meal. Half the meat on the chicken was used for the meal (and we were serving up LARGE portions here). The other half is going to be used in a Sweet-and-Sour sauce for our main meal tomorrow.
But wait, there is more. We've still got vegetables left to use, and the chicken carcass. As I type this the carcass is simmering away nicely to make chicken stock, this is going to be used tomorrow in a cabbage and cheese soup (using the remainder of the cabbage from today).
As for the rest of the vegetables, they'll end up being used in a vegetable stew (or we might use it to go with some stewing steak). The potatoes will be used throughout the week as parts of various meals too.
So our £6 outlay is going to give us the best part of four meals.
Thinking of Sunday lunch, another good budget stretching ingredient you can use is Pork Shank (ask your butcher for this one). This is the shoulder bone, shoulder meat and a good portion of skin (which is just the thing for making a good amount of pork crackling). A shoulder from our local butcher costs around £1.75 and easily provides enough roast pork for the four of us. The only thing to remember with a shoulder is to slow cook it for a couple of hours on a medium to low heat to get the meat nice and tender (three to four hours should do it).
Remember, just because you want to save some money, doesn't mean you can't eat well.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
You don't know Jack. . . .
Famous shyster John "Jack" Thompson is to be disbarred within the next 30 days - but not for ten years as was originally recommended, but permanently.
The conclusion to the recommendation by Judge Tunis goes as follows:
The Florida Bar has recommended disbarment for a period of ten (10) years. This Court respectfully declines to follow the Bar’s recommendation... This case involves factual findings of cumulative misconduct, a repeated pattern of behavior relentlessly forced upon numerous unconnected individuals, a total lack of remorse or even slight acknowledgement of inappropriate conduct...
. . .
The court has approved the recommendation, and so the clock is now ticking before everyone's favourite lawyer becomes an ex-lawyer (at least in Florida).
The Court approves the corrected referee's report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed.
Is Jack going to take this lying down? Not likely. He is attempting to appeal the decision and, of course, is letting everyone know his own peculiar slant on the events, as evidenced in his latest press release:
I'm going to make something clear. If it comes to the idea of restricting the sale of violent games to children then hey, I'm in favour of that. Age ratings for games and parental involvement (at least in the UK) achieves just that. Same for restricting access to "certain materials" on the Internet. As a parent, it is my responsibility to protect my children from that. My responsibility, not Jack Thompson's.
As an adult gamer I have the right to play the games that I want to, and as a parent I also have the right to prevent my children from playing those games, if I deem them inappropriate. I don't need some legal muchkin to tell me right from wrong. I'm capable of deciding that for myself thank you very much.
As someone in his mid thirties who has been a gamer for most of his life, I can honestly say that I've never murdered anyone, gone on any killing sprees, stolen any cars or any of the other things that Jack claims that games are training us for. And yes, I have played Grand Theft Auto.
Accepting responsibility for ones own actions is something that we all should be able to do, but if you think Mr Thompson is going to do that, then you don't know Jack.
references
http://kotaku.com/5023418/thompson-judge-recommends-permanent-disbarment
http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/09/we-have-judge039s-report-recommending-permanent-disbarment-jack-thompson
http://kotaku.com/5054772/jack-thompson-disbarred
http://kotaku.com/5054801/thompson-responds-to-disbarment
The conclusion to the recommendation by Judge Tunis goes as follows:
The Florida Bar has recommended disbarment for a period of ten (10) years. This Court respectfully declines to follow the Bar’s recommendation... This case involves factual findings of cumulative misconduct, a repeated pattern of behavior relentlessly forced upon numerous unconnected individuals, a total lack of remorse or even slight acknowledgement of inappropriate conduct...
. . .
Additionally, the Court is taking into consideration a review of the Respondent’s conduct not only as proven by the evidence, but by what this Court has witnessed of the Respondent’s behavior throughout the eighteen (18) months of litigation. The undersigned finds no evidence whatsoever to indicate that the Respondent is amenable to rehabilitation, or even remotely appreciates the basis upon which a need or purpose for such rehabilitation is warranted...
Over a very extended period of time involving a number of totally unrelated cases and individuals, the Respondent has demonstrated a pattern of conduct to strike out harshly, extensively, repeatedly and willfully to simply try to bring as much difficulty, distraction and anguish to those he considers in opposition to his causes. He does not proceed within the guidelines of appropriate professional behavior, but rather uses other means available to intimidate, harass, or bring public disrepute to those whom he perceives oppose him.
Read the full recommendation hereThe court has approved the recommendation, and so the clock is now ticking before everyone's favourite lawyer becomes an ex-lawyer (at least in Florida).
The Court approves the corrected referee's report and John Bruce Thompson is permanently disbarred, effective thirty days from the date of this order so that respondent can close out his practice and protect the interests of existing clients. If respondent notifies the Court in writing that he is no longer practicing and does not need the thirty days to protect existing clients, this Court will enter an order making the permanent disbarment effective immediately. Respondent shall accept no new business from the date this order is filed.
Is Jack going to take this lying down? Not likely. He is attempting to appeal the decision and, of course, is letting everyone know his own peculiar slant on the events, as evidenced in his latest press release:
Miami attorney Jack Thompson, nationally and internationally known by virtue of his effective and successful opposition over the last 20 years to the broadcast, marketing, and sale of adult-rated entertainment to children, has just been informed by the Florida Supreme Court that he has been disbarred from the practice of law today.
This disbarment is in retaliation, among other things, for Thompson’s Tyndale House book Out of Harm’s Way, published in 2005, which blew the whistle on the Florida Supreme Court’s earlier efforts in the 1990’s to literally pathologize his faith-based and successful activism against the American entertainment industry. The Florida Bar’s insurance carrier was forced to pay Thompson money damages for that earlier assault upon his First Amendment rights, which is the only known payment of damages by any state bar to any lawyer for improper disciplinary efforts. It appears that the State of Florida will be paying Thompson more damages this time around for its illegal, now repeated, use of “discipline” to punish a Christian lawyer for his activism in the public square.
The timing of this disbarment transparently reveals its motivation: This past Friday Thompson filed a federal civil rights action against The Bar, the Supreme Court, and all seven of its Justices. This rush to disbarment is in retribution for the filing of that federal suit. With enemies this foolish, Thompson needs only the loyal friends he has.
Thompson looks forward to successfully litigating his federal claims, now before US District Court Judge Marcia Cooke in the Southern District of Florida.
Thompson always wanted to own a Bar. Now, armed with multiple US Supreme Court rulings that no state bar can do what it has done to Thompson, he is set to own that Bar.
A wise man once said: "When you reach the bottom of your hole, you stop digging." Jack isn't a wise man and looks to be going out in his usual style - kicking, screaming and blaming various conspiracies for his current situation.I'm going to make something clear. If it comes to the idea of restricting the sale of violent games to children then hey, I'm in favour of that. Age ratings for games and parental involvement (at least in the UK) achieves just that. Same for restricting access to "certain materials" on the Internet. As a parent, it is my responsibility to protect my children from that. My responsibility, not Jack Thompson's.
As an adult gamer I have the right to play the games that I want to, and as a parent I also have the right to prevent my children from playing those games, if I deem them inappropriate. I don't need some legal muchkin to tell me right from wrong. I'm capable of deciding that for myself thank you very much.
As someone in his mid thirties who has been a gamer for most of his life, I can honestly say that I've never murdered anyone, gone on any killing sprees, stolen any cars or any of the other things that Jack claims that games are training us for. And yes, I have played Grand Theft Auto.
Accepting responsibility for ones own actions is something that we all should be able to do, but if you think Mr Thompson is going to do that, then you don't know Jack.
references
http://kotaku.com/5023418/thompson-judge-recommends-permanent-disbarment
http://www.gamepolitics.com/2008/07/09/we-have-judge039s-report-recommending-permanent-disbarment-jack-thompson
http://kotaku.com/5054772/jack-thompson-disbarred
http://kotaku.com/5054801/thompson-responds-to-disbarment
Thursday, 25 September 2008
First Aid at Work
Things have been a bit quiet this week on the blogging front. This has been due to my attending a four day "First aid at Work" course, and between that (and practising bandaging the kids) I've been more than a bit busy.
The course has involved pretty much what you'd expect, so as well as the bandaging, learning how to put someone into the recovery position, how to check for and deal with shock, poisons, breaks, burns, cuts and all sorts of other fun things, I've also spent a good deal of time learning CPR (or Frenching a rubber doll, as my Sister described it).
Today was the final refresher before my evaluation by the Red Cross to see if I have learned enough to be a qualified First Aider. Nervous doesn't even begin to describe it. As one of the other candidates put it, it is as bad as going to the dentist, or taking your driving test.
The tests were in three parts, first I had to perform CPR on the famous "Annie", after this I had to deal with a patient with severe blood loss from a cut hand (including treating him for shock), and lastly with an already unconscious patient to check for breathing and put her into the recovery position.
As the CPR one was first I wasn't as good on that as I would have liked, but after that the other parts went really well and yes, I passed with flying colours. Or with a small "First Aider" badge to be more exact. The final certificate etc are in the post to my company and hopefully should be there in the next couple of weeks.
The course has involved pretty much what you'd expect, so as well as the bandaging, learning how to put someone into the recovery position, how to check for and deal with shock, poisons, breaks, burns, cuts and all sorts of other fun things, I've also spent a good deal of time learning CPR (or Frenching a rubber doll, as my Sister described it).
Today was the final refresher before my evaluation by the Red Cross to see if I have learned enough to be a qualified First Aider. Nervous doesn't even begin to describe it. As one of the other candidates put it, it is as bad as going to the dentist, or taking your driving test.
The tests were in three parts, first I had to perform CPR on the famous "Annie", after this I had to deal with a patient with severe blood loss from a cut hand (including treating him for shock), and lastly with an already unconscious patient to check for breathing and put her into the recovery position.
As the CPR one was first I wasn't as good on that as I would have liked, but after that the other parts went really well and yes, I passed with flying colours. Or with a small "First Aider" badge to be more exact. The final certificate etc are in the post to my company and hopefully should be there in the next couple of weeks.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Back on the Code Face - Chaos Caverns Redux
Chaos Caverns has been worked on (and off) since 2006. It was written because, quite simply, I wanted to write a good old-fashioned platformer in the style of Manic Miner.
And so it came to pass.
Some people liked it, some people didn't. It kind of depends on whether you played the games that it is based around. Classic games like Manic Miner, Blagger, Technician Ted and Chuckie Egg didn't skimp on the difficulty, and Chaos Caverns takes the same line. All of the levels can be beaten with practice, but getting through all the levels in one go is a real challenge.
Well, eventually I stopped development on Chaos Caverns as, to be honest, coding it wasn't fun anymore and I wanted to move on to other things. Around sixteen levels were completed for it, some based around the originals, some entirely new.
I'd always planned on having around 26 levels, many of them based on some of the other platform games of the time, but fell short of that goal. I've re-started development and have knocked out a set of "Chuckie Egg" themed levels (see the above screenshot).
My plan is to add new levels, drop some of the old ones and make some updates to the game code. I don't know how far I'll get, but it is nice to get back to coding something purely for the enjoyment of it.
I've no firm plans on any release dates yet, I'll have to see how things progress.
And so it came to pass.
Some people liked it, some people didn't. It kind of depends on whether you played the games that it is based around. Classic games like Manic Miner, Blagger, Technician Ted and Chuckie Egg didn't skimp on the difficulty, and Chaos Caverns takes the same line. All of the levels can be beaten with practice, but getting through all the levels in one go is a real challenge.
Well, eventually I stopped development on Chaos Caverns as, to be honest, coding it wasn't fun anymore and I wanted to move on to other things. Around sixteen levels were completed for it, some based around the originals, some entirely new.
I'd always planned on having around 26 levels, many of them based on some of the other platform games of the time, but fell short of that goal. I've re-started development and have knocked out a set of "Chuckie Egg" themed levels (see the above screenshot).
My plan is to add new levels, drop some of the old ones and make some updates to the game code. I don't know how far I'll get, but it is nice to get back to coding something purely for the enjoyment of it.
I've no firm plans on any release dates yet, I'll have to see how things progress.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
"And another thing. . ." - The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy book 6
"Anything that happens, happens. Anthing that, in happening, causes something else to happen, causes something else to happen. Anything that, in happening, causes itself to happen again, happens again. It doesn't necessarily do it in chronological order, though." - Douglas Adams
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy trilogy (in five parts) ended on a bit of a downer. If you haven't already read the books so far, and are planning to, then be warned, here be spoilers!
The last book "Mostly Harmless" pretty much guaranteed that there wouldn't be another book. Killing off all the major characters tends to do that. Bleak is one way of describing it. Gutting is another.
Douglas Adams did, however, regret ending the books that way, and was planning on one final book to give things a happy ending. Sadly he died before this was completed. The remains of what might have ended up as either a Dirk Gently book but was being adapted into the final Hitchhikers novel, was released as The Salmon of Doubt - and there the series ended.
Or so we thought.
I've often wondered what would happen if someone else tried to pick up the pieces and finish things off. Terry Pratchett would have been my choice to try this, or maybe Robert Rankin. I've even written some H2G2 fan fiction (not released anywhere, nor is it going to be).
It looks like I've not been the only one thinking about this. Eoin Colfer - the author behind the Artimus Fowl series - has been invited to write the final book in the series.
Eoin is going to be writing as himself, rather than ghost-writing as Douglas Adams (for want of a better phrase). I've got to admit that I've never read any of Eoin's novels, so it's difficult to say how I feel about this. I wonder if he is going to try and mimic the famous Douglas writing style, or if he is going to be writing a novel in his own style using the same characters.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy trilogy (in five parts) ended on a bit of a downer. If you haven't already read the books so far, and are planning to, then be warned, here be spoilers!
The last book "Mostly Harmless" pretty much guaranteed that there wouldn't be another book. Killing off all the major characters tends to do that. Bleak is one way of describing it. Gutting is another.
Douglas Adams did, however, regret ending the books that way, and was planning on one final book to give things a happy ending. Sadly he died before this was completed. The remains of what might have ended up as either a Dirk Gently book but was being adapted into the final Hitchhikers novel, was released as The Salmon of Doubt - and there the series ended.
Or so we thought.
I've often wondered what would happen if someone else tried to pick up the pieces and finish things off. Terry Pratchett would have been my choice to try this, or maybe Robert Rankin. I've even written some H2G2 fan fiction (not released anywhere, nor is it going to be).
It looks like I've not been the only one thinking about this. Eoin Colfer - the author behind the Artimus Fowl series - has been invited to write the final book in the series.
Eoin is going to be writing as himself, rather than ghost-writing as Douglas Adams (for want of a better phrase). I've got to admit that I've never read any of Eoin's novels, so it's difficult to say how I feel about this. I wonder if he is going to try and mimic the famous Douglas writing style, or if he is going to be writing a novel in his own style using the same characters.
Monday, 15 September 2008
George Formby - Cleaning Windows
I just don't know what to say. Really I don't.
Stevie Riks is, well, indescribable.
Head on over to his Youtube channel for more than 300 (!) different videos, including his impressions of The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, The Monkees, Leo Sayer, George Formby, David Bowie and loads more.
Just be warned, you could be there some time!
Stevie Riks is, well, indescribable.
Head on over to his Youtube channel for more than 300 (!) different videos, including his impressions of The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, The Monkees, Leo Sayer, George Formby, David Bowie and loads more.
Just be warned, you could be there some time!
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Saturday, 13 September 2008
Squid in American Sauce
A couple of months ago I'd bought a tin of Ocean Sea "Squid stuffed with tentacles in American Sauce" whilst in our local Lidl. I quite like squid. I especially like the look on other peoples faces when I order it in a restaurant.
My children also like squid, and if I'm trying to eat battered squid rings it tends to be a fight as to who gets them.
Squid stuffed with tentacles is another matter entirely. Now I've had barbecued squid with tentacles once before, and quite enjoyed it, in fact the tentacles are the tastiest part of the squid (you'll probably have to trust me on this), but the kids for some reason didn't fancy trying any.
The big problem with the tinned squid is this: what the hell do I do with it now that I've bought it? The tin itself doesn't give any clues on how to cook it. Do I eat it out of the tin? Should I reheat it? Should I drop it in the bin and run screaming from the kitchen? What do I do?
Google wasn't a lot of help this time round, in fact other than finding other people with the same question about what to do with it, there wasn't an awful lot of answers.
I did, however spot some hints, so if you are brave enough to have these in the cupboard and want to know what to do with it then read on:
Cooking Squid in American Sauce
Ingredients
1 tin of Squid in American Sauce
1 medium potato
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
Peel and cube the potato (1/2 cm cubes is probably about right), then fry in the oil over a medium heat until starting to brown (around ten minutes). Stir constantly as otherwise the potatoes will stick to the bottom of the pan.
Turn down to a lower heat, add the sauce from the tinned squid and cook for another five minutes, stirring regularly.
Finally, add the squid and cook for another five to ten minutes until the squid is tender.
Serve, and enjoy!
I really should have photographed this (I'll have to do that next time), so you'll just have to trust me when I say that it really doesn't look that appetising, even to someone who actually enjoys eating squid. As my eight-year-old daughter said as she examined the pan, "That looks like yuck!"
The important thing is the taste, and boy, does this ever taste good! The potatoes melt in the mouth, the American Sauce turns out to be a spicy chilli, onion and tomato sauce, and works to flavour the squid really nicely. The squid was nicely soft with a pretty meaty consistency.
More surprising was the opinion of the kids, my daughter and five-year-old son both dug in and after trying the potatoes, both of them moved on to the squid and the tentacles. Seeing as they came back a couple of times for more squid (my son nearly ate as much as I did) I'll certainly have to look at getting this again.
You get around half a dozen small squid to the tin, and this works surprisingly well as a snack meal. Just don't look too closely at it before you eat it.
footnote
I've just had another search and have found an alternative recipe. Don't say I don't spoil you. . .
My children also like squid, and if I'm trying to eat battered squid rings it tends to be a fight as to who gets them.
Squid stuffed with tentacles is another matter entirely. Now I've had barbecued squid with tentacles once before, and quite enjoyed it, in fact the tentacles are the tastiest part of the squid (you'll probably have to trust me on this), but the kids for some reason didn't fancy trying any.
The big problem with the tinned squid is this: what the hell do I do with it now that I've bought it? The tin itself doesn't give any clues on how to cook it. Do I eat it out of the tin? Should I reheat it? Should I drop it in the bin and run screaming from the kitchen? What do I do?
Google wasn't a lot of help this time round, in fact other than finding other people with the same question about what to do with it, there wasn't an awful lot of answers.
I did, however spot some hints, so if you are brave enough to have these in the cupboard and want to know what to do with it then read on:
* * * * * *
Cooking Squid in American Sauce
Ingredients
1 tin of Squid in American Sauce
1 medium potato
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
Peel and cube the potato (1/2 cm cubes is probably about right), then fry in the oil over a medium heat until starting to brown (around ten minutes). Stir constantly as otherwise the potatoes will stick to the bottom of the pan.
Turn down to a lower heat, add the sauce from the tinned squid and cook for another five minutes, stirring regularly.
Finally, add the squid and cook for another five to ten minutes until the squid is tender.
Serve, and enjoy!
* * * * * *
I really should have photographed this (I'll have to do that next time), so you'll just have to trust me when I say that it really doesn't look that appetising, even to someone who actually enjoys eating squid. As my eight-year-old daughter said as she examined the pan, "That looks like yuck!"
The important thing is the taste, and boy, does this ever taste good! The potatoes melt in the mouth, the American Sauce turns out to be a spicy chilli, onion and tomato sauce, and works to flavour the squid really nicely. The squid was nicely soft with a pretty meaty consistency.
More surprising was the opinion of the kids, my daughter and five-year-old son both dug in and after trying the potatoes, both of them moved on to the squid and the tentacles. Seeing as they came back a couple of times for more squid (my son nearly ate as much as I did) I'll certainly have to look at getting this again.
You get around half a dozen small squid to the tin, and this works surprisingly well as a snack meal. Just don't look too closely at it before you eat it.
footnote
I've just had another search and have found an alternative recipe. Don't say I don't spoil you. . .
Friday, 12 September 2008
Seth McFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy
If you are looking for some more laughs between seasons of Family Guy then look no further than www.sethcomedy.com - the new internet comedy series from the man himself, Seth McFarlane.
Starting this week Seth is putting online new comedy shorts (much in the same style as the famous Family Guy cutaways).
With new comedy shorts every week this should be well worth watching. I know I'll be tuning in!
Starting this week Seth is putting online new comedy shorts (much in the same style as the famous Family Guy cutaways).
With new comedy shorts every week this should be well worth watching. I know I'll be tuning in!
Thursday, 11 September 2008
On the road again - Part 3
Here we are with the regular cycling update. I've managed to stick with my regime of cycling to and from work each day, and have found that the journey is getting easier all the time. My weight is down from 13.5 stone (around 85kg) to a much more svelte 12 stone (76kg).
The good thing about this is that it puts me into the "healthy" zone for my height (around 6 foot). My love handles are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, and my stomach is not far off being flat.
Another good thing about this is that I've lost the weight without having to diet (not that I was overeating before).
The time taken to and from work is down to around six or seven minutes each way, so I've started coming home for lunch too. This also increases the daily distance to around four and a half miles a day, which is probably helping to burn a few more calories.
My fitness level has also continued to increase. It now only takes a few minutes to get my breath back after a brisk ride, I seem to be able to breath deeper when cycling hard too. As an asthmatic this isn't a bad thing either. I've also gained leg muscles.
So far this is certainly turning out to be a very positive experience. Being able to leave work and go home for an hour in the middle of the day really helps my positive attitude about it.
The good thing about this is that it puts me into the "healthy" zone for my height (around 6 foot). My love handles are rapidly becoming a thing of the past, and my stomach is not far off being flat.
Another good thing about this is that I've lost the weight without having to diet (not that I was overeating before).
The time taken to and from work is down to around six or seven minutes each way, so I've started coming home for lunch too. This also increases the daily distance to around four and a half miles a day, which is probably helping to burn a few more calories.
My fitness level has also continued to increase. It now only takes a few minutes to get my breath back after a brisk ride, I seem to be able to breath deeper when cycling hard too. As an asthmatic this isn't a bad thing either. I've also gained leg muscles.
So far this is certainly turning out to be a very positive experience. Being able to leave work and go home for an hour in the middle of the day really helps my positive attitude about it.
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Great North Run
A friend of mine is taking part in the Great North Run on October 5. He'll be raising money for Mind - The Mental Health Charity.
So, while you are here why not pop over to http://www.justgiving.com/dsh and sponsor him a couple of pounds (or dollars).
As I know you are all generous souls (and feel free to Digg / Buzz Up this post whilst you are on) I'm sure we can help towards his total, so come on guys, dig deep!
So, while you are here why not pop over to http://www.justgiving.com/dsh and sponsor him a couple of pounds (or dollars).
As I know you are all generous souls (and feel free to Digg / Buzz Up this post whilst you are on) I'm sure we can help towards his total, so come on guys, dig deep!
Monday, 8 September 2008
Alternatives to Adsense
 |
Lately I've been looking at alternatives to Google Adwords, because (and let's be blunt here) it tends not to work.
If your page impressions are in the thousands rather than the hundreds, or you are managing multiple blogs then it may be worth it, but for the rest of us. . .
So what are the alternatives? WidgetBucks is being lauded as a better paying alternative. The ads are more customisable than Google's (although I'm avoiding the "pop-under" ads), apparently they pay more, between $3 and $6 a click in fact, and you can earn money through referrals. The minimum payout is $50, and they'll pay direct into your PayPal account.
Another bonus is that unlike some other ad networks, this one is free to join - no credit card needed here.
Worth using? I'll let you know. In the meantime click the link above and give it a shot. I'd be interested to hear how things go.
Friday, 5 September 2008
Adding Yahoo Buzz to Blogger
You've probably noticed the natty "Buzz Up" button to the left of my posts. This is a vain attempt to encourage people to vote some of my stuff up on the new Yahoo Buzz service - which is sort of like Digg only newer and more funky.
If you'd like to add it to your Blogger template then follow these simple instructions:
1 - Edit the layout of your page
2 - Put a tick in the "Expand Widget Templates" checkbox
3 - Look for the following line in your template:
<p><data:post.body></p>
Replace it with this:
<p><table align='left'><tr><td><script type='text/javascript'>yahooBuzzArticleHeadline = "<data:post.title/>";</script><script badgetype='square' src='http://d.yimg.com/ds/badge2.js' type='text/javascript'><data:post.url/></script></td></tr></table><data:post.body/></p>
Preview your template, and if everything has worked correctly and you are happy with the look of the button then save it and feel the Buzz love!
This will fill in the title of your blog post as the title of the Buzz'd article too.
And if anyone feels like Buzzing Up this article just to prove that it all works It'd be appreciated!
If you'd like to add it to your Blogger template then follow these simple instructions:
1 - Edit the layout of your page
2 - Put a tick in the "Expand Widget Templates" checkbox
3 - Look for the following line in your template:
<p><data:post.body></p>
Replace it with this:
<p><table align='left'><tr><td><script type='text/javascript'>yahooBuzzArticleHeadline = "<data:post.title/>";</script><script badgetype='square' src='http://d.yimg.com/ds/badge2.js' type='text/javascript'><data:post.url/></script></td></tr></table><data:post.body/></p>
Preview your template, and if everything has worked correctly and you are happy with the look of the button then save it and feel the Buzz love!
This will fill in the title of your blog post as the title of the Buzz'd article too.
And if anyone feels like Buzzing Up this article just to prove that it all works It'd be appreciated!
One Year of Half a Page of Scribbled Lines
Due to the hayfever incident (see the next post down) I completely missed the significance of yesterday - our first birthday!
Yes folks, on September 4, 2007 our first post crawled out of the primeval sludge that passes for my brain ready to pounce on any passing readers.
So happy birthday to me! Now where are my damn presents?
Yes folks, on September 4, 2007 our first post crawled out of the primeval sludge that passes for my brain ready to pounce on any passing readers.
So happy birthday to me! Now where are my damn presents?
Damned Hayfever
I spent most of yesterday (and the night before) suffering from the worst bout of hayfever this year. It took a while for the antihistamines to kick in, so I had 36 hours of sore eyes, runny nose, constant sneezing, and generally feeling rather iffy about things.
I certainly feel a whole lot better today, in fact I'd go as far as to say that I feel more like a human, and less like a mobile snot factory. My nose may never be the same again.
Things are moving slowly with SpankMonkeys!, which is where all by IT / Technical / Geeky articles are going to go from now on. It will take a while for it to get on the Google radar, so I'll be pimping some of the articles on here - just to try and get things going.
Of Chrome and Chromium
I certainly feel a whole lot better today, in fact I'd go as far as to say that I feel more like a human, and less like a mobile snot factory. My nose may never be the same again.
Things are moving slowly with SpankMonkeys!, which is where all by IT / Technical / Geeky articles are going to go from now on. It will take a while for it to get on the Google radar, so I'll be pimping some of the articles on here - just to try and get things going.
Of Chrome and Chromium
You may recall my annoyance at the lack of a Linux implementation of the Chrome browser - and the note on the source code page:
Note: There is no working Chromium-based browser on Linux. Although many Chromium submodules build under Linux and a few unit tests pass, all that runs is a command-line "all tests pass" executable.
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
This Week on SpankMonkeys!
Some pimpage of my "other" blog. . .
Google Chrome - First Impressions
Google, masters of the search engine, blogging, advertising and God only knows what else, now want the web browser market too.
Read full story here
Older stories. . .
For Sale - One Sun, Slightly Soiled
Latest on the rumour-mill is the possibility of Sun Micro being up for sale, with Microsoft being the potential buyer.
Read full story here
Pystar to Countersue Apple!
According to CNET Pystar, those wacky funsters who have been selling Mac clones (with genuine Apple software) are countersuing Apple!
Read full story here
iPhone Antics
Truth in advertising is a wonderful - if sometimes rare - thing. Apple have fallen foul of the UK's stringent advertising laws with their iPhone adverts.
Read full story here
Microsoft takes toughter measures against XP "Pirates"
They're at it again. The "Windows Genuine Advantage" (WGA) programme is being toughened up to make life less pleasant for users of pirated software. As well as a permanent watermark on screen, the desktop background will change to a plain black colour, and will revert to this once every hour if the wallpaper is changed. These changes are only being done against Windows XP Pro, because they are "focusing on the product edition that is most often stolen."
Read full story here
I Love IM - NOT!
I'm starting to develop a serious dislike for Instant Messenging. Don't get me wrong, it can be a useful tool to keep in touch with people, or at least it is if they use the same protocol as you.
Read full story here
Hans Reiser - Sentenced
Hans Thomas Reiser, former Linux file system guru, was sentenced to 15 years to Life yesterday (Oakland, California). Hans confessed to the murder of his wife (Nina) as part of a plea bargain which reduced his minimum sentence from 20 years.
Read full story here
KDE - The Long Shutdown
As the Alice Cooper song goes "It's the little things that drive you wild," and that is certainly true with KDE4.
Read full story here
Ubuntu on Macbook G4
I like Ubuntu - I'm not ashamed to say it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't perfect but it has a nice balance between speed and ease of use.
Read full story here
Google Chrome - First Impressions
Google, masters of the search engine, blogging, advertising and God only knows what else, now want the web browser market too.
Read full story here
Older stories. . .
For Sale - One Sun, Slightly Soiled
Latest on the rumour-mill is the possibility of Sun Micro being up for sale, with Microsoft being the potential buyer.
Read full story here
Pystar to Countersue Apple!
According to CNET Pystar, those wacky funsters who have been selling Mac clones (with genuine Apple software) are countersuing Apple!
Read full story here
iPhone Antics
Truth in advertising is a wonderful - if sometimes rare - thing. Apple have fallen foul of the UK's stringent advertising laws with their iPhone adverts.
Read full story here
Microsoft takes toughter measures against XP "Pirates"
They're at it again. The "Windows Genuine Advantage" (WGA) programme is being toughened up to make life less pleasant for users of pirated software. As well as a permanent watermark on screen, the desktop background will change to a plain black colour, and will revert to this once every hour if the wallpaper is changed. These changes are only being done against Windows XP Pro, because they are "focusing on the product edition that is most often stolen."
Read full story here
I Love IM - NOT!
I'm starting to develop a serious dislike for Instant Messenging. Don't get me wrong, it can be a useful tool to keep in touch with people, or at least it is if they use the same protocol as you.
Read full story here
Hans Reiser - Sentenced
Hans Thomas Reiser, former Linux file system guru, was sentenced to 15 years to Life yesterday (Oakland, California). Hans confessed to the murder of his wife (Nina) as part of a plea bargain which reduced his minimum sentence from 20 years.
Read full story here
KDE - The Long Shutdown
As the Alice Cooper song goes "It's the little things that drive you wild," and that is certainly true with KDE4.
Read full story here
Ubuntu on Macbook G4
I like Ubuntu - I'm not ashamed to say it. Don't get me wrong, it isn't perfect but it has a nice balance between speed and ease of use.
Read full story here
Monday, 1 September 2008
Star Trek Phase II - Blood and Fire Teaser Trailer
Well, we are nearing the release of the next episode of Star Trek Phase II (the fan film series formerly known as New Voyages) and just to whet the appetite, the episode teaser (the bit before the start credits) has been released.
Boy, does this look good or what!
For a high quality version download of the video, head on over to the Phase II website.
Boy, does this look good or what!
For a high quality version download of the video, head on over to the Phase II website.
Classic Comedy: The Brittas Empire
"Since I have been manager, I am proud to say there have only been twenty-three deaths. And not one of them was a staff member."
Gordon Brittas (Chris Barrie) - one of the most memorable characters in sitcom history first appeared on our screens in 1991 as the new manager of Whitbury New Town Leisure Center. As far as Gordon is concerned this is the most important job he could do - safeguarding the physical and emotional well-being of all visitors to the center.
At least this would be the case if he wasn't so hugely incompetent. Initially Gordon was portrayed as pompous, arrogant and pretty dislikable. This was toned down for the later series in which Gordon was incompetent but well-meaning, and became a likeable - if infuriating - character who causes chaos wherever he goes.
The supporting characters were the perfect foils for Gordon: Helen - Gordon's long-suffering wife; Colin Weatherby - ex swimming instructor turned maintenance man; Carol, the highly emotional receptionist who keeps her children in drawers during work hours (it makes sense when you watch it); Laura - as efficient and competent as Gordon is useless; Gavin and Tim - gay lovers, only Gordon doesn't realise it; Linda, an extremely over-enthusiastic all-rounder; Julie - Gordon's secretary who really can't stand him.
The show lasted for seven series between 1991 and 1997 and is still regarded as some of Chris Barries finest work.
Brittas Opening
Clips Compilation
Gordon Brittas (Chris Barrie) - one of the most memorable characters in sitcom history first appeared on our screens in 1991 as the new manager of Whitbury New Town Leisure Center. As far as Gordon is concerned this is the most important job he could do - safeguarding the physical and emotional well-being of all visitors to the center.
At least this would be the case if he wasn't so hugely incompetent. Initially Gordon was portrayed as pompous, arrogant and pretty dislikable. This was toned down for the later series in which Gordon was incompetent but well-meaning, and became a likeable - if infuriating - character who causes chaos wherever he goes.
The supporting characters were the perfect foils for Gordon: Helen - Gordon's long-suffering wife; Colin Weatherby - ex swimming instructor turned maintenance man; Carol, the highly emotional receptionist who keeps her children in drawers during work hours (it makes sense when you watch it); Laura - as efficient and competent as Gordon is useless; Gavin and Tim - gay lovers, only Gordon doesn't realise it; Linda, an extremely over-enthusiastic all-rounder; Julie - Gordon's secretary who really can't stand him.
The show lasted for seven series between 1991 and 1997 and is still regarded as some of Chris Barries finest work.
Brittas Opening
Clips Compilation
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