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"Why are you maggots..." LOL
Nice link, thanks Michael.
regards,
Paul Watson
South Africa
Colib and WebTwoZero.
K(arl) wrote:
oh, and BTW, CHRISTIAN ISN'T A PARADOX, HE IS A TASMANIAN!
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There are some interesting Half Life 2 related videos on this site[^]
I like Steam. Its introduction was what made me finally get a broadband connection. The ability to get games direct from the developer has always appealed to me. Sadly, Valve have taken longer then expected to start releasing new content via Steam. The two new HL2 add-ons look great and hopefully they'll address my disappointment[^] with the ending of Half-Life 2.
I really like game add-ons, software that builds on the original product and enhances it in new and fresh ways. So some episodic games would be great in my book.
I'm very much like that with my own software. I love taking a base-line product and adding new features and ideas. The hardest part is writing the original base product .The trick is to break it down into easily digestible chunks. (Another reason I'm a fan of building software from components rather than as monolithic applications). That way I constantly get that feeling of achievement that seeing a new feature working gives me.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Sad to hear the news that Michael Sheard[^] has died.
His role of Mr Bronson[^] in Grange Hill still remains one of the greatest TV characters of all time.
Not to forget his cameo in 'The Empire Strikes Back' as the unfortunate 'Admiral Ozzel'[^], whose death at the hands of 'Darth Vader' helped to establish the darker aspects of the Sith Lord's character.
He established himself as a 'fan boy' favourite at many 'Doctor Who' and 'Star Wars' conventions. He loved to attend these events and will probably be much missed... even though his ancedotes had been repeated so often that attendees could repeat them off by heart.
A sad loss.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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No matter how the Ashes series turns out, this Summer will be remembered for the way that 'Freddy' Flintoff put the Aussie bowlers to the sword.
It sure makes for entertaining TV. I just wish it was broadcast on the Internet then I could keep track of it whilst working. (Radio isn't the best way to enjoy cricket)
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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We'll I finally managed to get the WDevs site transferred to my server. Even though I had a a well tested plan, there were a few teething troubles. Still its up and running now. I'll give it a few days to bed in before I start with the changes.
The first job on the list is to remove the users whose email addresses bounced when we sent out the server change newsletter. Then perform a general tidy up of the files and folders.
I need to talk to Littlecat's web-developement partner to see if she'd be interested in give the site a fresher look... for no money hopefully, as I haven't got any money to spend on the site just yet.
The site could do with some new skins for the blogs too. I'm sure only having the standard WDevs one maybe putting off potential users.
I'm looking forward to working alongside the existing WDevs team to try and create a useful resource for Windows developers who want to blog and create open-source projects.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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What do you have in mind for "a fresher look"? I'd be happy to help you out for no charge, Michael.
regards,
Paul Watson
South Africa
Colib and WebTwoZero.
K(arl) wrote:
oh, and BTW, CHRISTIAN ISN'T A PARADOX, HE IS A TASMANIAN!
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Paul Watson wrote:
What do you have in mind for "a fresher look"? I'd be happy to help you out for no charge, Michael.
Thanks mate.
I'm not 100% sure what I mean by 'a fresher look'. There is something about the site that just doesn't feel/look right. I can't tell whether it is the colour scheme or the layout. That's why I wanted to talk to a web-design professional, somebody who could give me ideas. (I'm still a desktop developer at heart)
I'm still working on the 'story' for the WDevs site. My own personal preference is to play-up the blogging and open-source hosting, as I think those two things compliment each other. The FTP/Email side isn't currently high on my priorities. I've got a few ideas bouncing around but I need to seperate the short-term plans from the long-term plans.
BTW, your account on WDevs bounced the email because it was still using the Bluegrass email address.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Feeling a little down, I decided to get out and about for a couple of hours. Luckily I live a 10 minute walk from some of the most beautiful countryside on the planet.
A few pics from my jaunt are here[^]
The quality isn't very good as my digital camera is only a cheap one and the sunshine was a little too bright. Still, hopefully it will give you an idea of how beautiful it is around here once you get out of the town.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Interesting story, thanks.
Although
Of course, Pixar made the movie, the movie made millions and Disney watched itself dethroned as the king of animation by a company that Steve Jobs started in a Richmond garage.
is complete rubbish as Pixar was a division of Lucasfilm that Lucas sold to Steve Jobs. I think the author was getting confused between Apple and Pixar. Apple started in a garage. Pixar started as part of ILM.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Thanks for that. I thought it sounded an awful lot like either Apple and Microsoft or various bands.
regards,
Paul Watson
South Africa
Colib and WebTwoZero.
K(arl) wrote:
oh, and BTW, CHRISTIAN ISN'T A PARADOX, HE IS A TASMANIAN!
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Paul Watson wrote:
Thanks for that. I thought it sounded an awful lot like either Apple and Microsoft or various bands.
It's probably Steve Jobs 'offical version'. He was always very good at reinventing his history.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Once again, the third Test in the Ashes series has proven why cricket is the number one international sport.
Wonderful game with great performances from the top two teams in the world.
The England supporter in me is obviously gutted as this was our best chance to take a lead in the series. (If only it hadn't rained on Saturday)
Still well played to both sides. Can't wait for the fourth test.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Indeed, been following it with my dad on the radio. We were shouting for England of course. Ah well, good game all the same.
regards,
Paul Watson
South Africa
Colib and WebTwoZero.
K(arl) wrote:
oh, and BTW, CHRISTIAN ISN'T A PARADOX, HE IS A TASMANIAN!
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Just a quick note to apologise if some of my recent posts, emails or IM's have come across a little snarky. Just seen another project go down in flames after working away from home for a couple of weeks.
Oh well, my luck has to change for the better sooner or later. Or maybe I'm just on a different wavelength to the rest of the world, it certainly feels like I'm out of synch with the universe right now.
Maybe its time for a career change.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Sorry to hear that, Michael. Hope things start to go on the up and up.
regards,
Paul Watson
South Africa
Colib and WebTwoZero.
K(arl) wrote:
oh, and BTW, CHRISTIAN ISN'T A PARADOX, HE IS A TASMANIAN!
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Paul Watson wrote:
Sorry to hear that, Michael. Hope things start to go on the up and up.
Thanks mate.
I've used up a lot of luck in the last ten years. I think the universe is just balancing the score. My confidence has taken quiet a few knocks over the last 18 months. It does get harder to get back up everytime I get knocked down. Deep down I'm still a fighter. I just need something to reawaken the fire.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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Channel 9[^] has posted a very interesting video[^] about the technology used at Overlake Hospital[^]. It's a little more talking heads than showing the tech, but it is well worth a watch.
Back in the late 80's - early 90's, I used to write software for the running of 'old folks homes'. Back then the technology wasn't really ready to help make the nurses and care assistants life easier. And we got a lot of resentment from them when we did phone and on-site tech support. Maybe I should investigate that market again.
I currently provide software for a medical call-centre and some of the insights from the Channel 9 video are things that I've come across. Fixed field data-entry forms can be restrictive and so my apps tend to have to have a lot of "Further Information" fields. This is great for the people entering data onto the system but makes writing analysis reports in Crystal Reports a real pain.
Everytime I see a tablet PC in use, I wish I had one. I think they'd make my "analyst" life easier. At the moment, I have to either write meeting notes on paper or haul my laptop about and sometimes both. Having a tablet PC would allow me to write-up the notes directly into an electronic form, record the meeting in audio form and have the tablet handle the transcription. One day, I'll hopefully have the funds to afford to buy one.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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The first screenshot of the new look hotmail has been posted on the hotmail blog.
See it here[^]
The image is a little small but it looks good so far. I think maybe gmail is finally going to get some real competition again.
Michael
CP Blog [^] Development Blog [^]
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