I've had a very good week, but still where my blog's future direction lies is still a complete mystery to me. I put that down to having the mind of Blondel, a wandering minstrel who set out to rescue Richard the Lionheart back in the 13th century. I accept that, like Blondel, such magnificent rescue plans take a bit of effort, and along the way getting from Point A to Point B might be a somewhat laborious journey. I've no doubt I shall arrive upon a satisfying decision, time after all is the mother of all laziness.
However, back to the week. There's no doubt my mind is becoming crystallised and that I'm slowly drifting firmly towards the Apple pie. Depending on your point of view, Apple is either the be and end all of all things technically, or it's the devil incarnate. I take a somewhat more middling view, strange I should have a part of the brain which has a middle way: sadly that sounds more like a political conversion to mainstream political garbage, which I find utterly weary and have better things to do with my time. But I can't deny I've been seduced by the Apple, and Eve has done her Jobs.
Having used computers since the stone age, I'm still technically an idiot who has problems finding the off/on button, or should that be switch. The fact that my present laptop is an all singing and dancing monster running Vista in German leaves me immensely frustrated on a daily basis, and does no more than make me desirous of becoming a slave to eating Apple pie at the earliest opportunity. And for those 'clever' individuals out there who say that I should learn German, that great American author Mark Twain explains the improbability of success better than I can.
Of course, Microsoft has managed to do itself in. This morning I tried to do some work using the 2010 beta version of Office, only for it to crash pretentiously, throwing a huge wobbly, declaring itself to be done and dusted, refusing point blank to allow me to play with it. What a stupid program, what a ridiculous way to treat an idiot who freely agreed to road test the blighter. I think of all those hours spent finding my way around a bloody new program, able to send smiley faces in favourable response to the bits I enjoyed playing with: what a complete waste of time and effort. For Microsoft to then throw a huge bucket of salt over my wounds, by demanding I stump up a ludicrous amount of money, for the completed version, just beggars belief. I now know how a lab rat feels when someone creeps up behind it and maliciously jabs a bloody big needle into its butt.
Yes, Eve has seduced me and eventually Jobs will see me sink my teeth into a worthy and delicious Mac. At least I can be reassured that Mark Twain will no longer have to turn over in his grave, overcome by his hysterical laughter at the sight of me pulling my hair out, caused by the hopelessness of my attempts to steer between two languages. Yes Microsoft, in future you can go and whistle up your own tight fitting trousers, where the moths never get to see the light of day, and if you keep suffering from constipation, caused by a body bloated by excessive profits, go and get a manual: just make sure it's not in Beta!
An individual stroll through life, often taking an amusing view, or sometimes a little more serious one, depending on the mood.
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I'm GIMPing this week!
Having now almost recovered from a cronky back, it only complains bitterly when I do the food shopping, which is as good an excuse to follow a diet as I can come up, I'm back to exercising the body dubious. If nothing else I'll be the body beautiful by the time it's too late. Although I will say, being an Englishman, it's quite a novelty prancing around in the birthday suit, I never knew there was so much freedom to be had! in terms of political ideology I still haven't worked out yet whether I'm swinging to the left, the right or happier being in the centre; Oh well!
Enough of this drivel, he says dribbling down his chin. I'm still in a state of suspended animation as to where I should be taking this blog. As it's been some time, for which I'm getting as tired as you with me rabbiting on about nothing in particular; unless something's got my back up, or put it out as the case may be. I'm still toying with ideas, but no further forward in coming to a decision. I'll admit I'm being indecisive, not much helped by contemplating whether taking a long run off a short bridge will help my lack of manhood.
But I do feel a change in direction is required. Happily for me my creative urges are beginning to thrust to the fore and I've just discovered that GIMP can do far more than my undeveloped brain can cope with. GIMP is an advanced image manipulation program that can do the normal editing things we all do when playing around with digital photos we've put on our computer hard drives. But yesterday I discovered I can do the same kind of things I do as a matter of course when editing with Final Cut Express and laying images, still or moving, on top of each other. Best of all GIMP is free, yes I've linked to the website again, just in case you missed it the first time; nice to know you're not paying too much attention to a raving old git.
I've no idea how GIMP fares against programs such as Photoshop (Adobe) and Aperture (Apple), I've not used either, but they cost a bucketful of bucks although reading lots of homework, yes I'm also a boring old git who's gone geeky, GIMP is on a par or better than either of them. I really don't know which is the best, but as GIMP IS FREE and it does me, that's about as good a recommendation as it gets! Sadly the two photos I manipulated yesterday involved friends so are not for public consumption, but I'll continue to play and see what I can do.
If anyone reading this, I live in eternal hope being born an optimist, would like me to combine 2 photos together e.g. you in front of a building, scenery, landscape etc, or combine two elements together, please send them to 'englishsupport.de@googlemail.com': there will be no charge it's practice for me. Please send only JPEG images, along with a short description of what you're looking for in terms of a finished photo.
However, to gain access to this potentially excellent offer you will have to subscribe to this blog, and follow me; carrot and stick might work. And if you haven't spent a few moments watching my first short film, why not? I've had some excellent feedback about it from those who've watched it, Thank you and you know who you are! Don't forget to leave your comments!
Enough of this drivel, he says dribbling down his chin. I'm still in a state of suspended animation as to where I should be taking this blog. As it's been some time, for which I'm getting as tired as you with me rabbiting on about nothing in particular; unless something's got my back up, or put it out as the case may be. I'm still toying with ideas, but no further forward in coming to a decision. I'll admit I'm being indecisive, not much helped by contemplating whether taking a long run off a short bridge will help my lack of manhood.
But I do feel a change in direction is required. Happily for me my creative urges are beginning to thrust to the fore and I've just discovered that GIMP can do far more than my undeveloped brain can cope with. GIMP is an advanced image manipulation program that can do the normal editing things we all do when playing around with digital photos we've put on our computer hard drives. But yesterday I discovered I can do the same kind of things I do as a matter of course when editing with Final Cut Express and laying images, still or moving, on top of each other. Best of all GIMP is free, yes I've linked to the website again, just in case you missed it the first time; nice to know you're not paying too much attention to a raving old git.
I've no idea how GIMP fares against programs such as Photoshop (Adobe) and Aperture (Apple), I've not used either, but they cost a bucketful of bucks although reading lots of homework, yes I'm also a boring old git who's gone geeky, GIMP is on a par or better than either of them. I really don't know which is the best, but as GIMP IS FREE and it does me, that's about as good a recommendation as it gets! Sadly the two photos I manipulated yesterday involved friends so are not for public consumption, but I'll continue to play and see what I can do.
If anyone reading this, I live in eternal hope being born an optimist, would like me to combine 2 photos together e.g. you in front of a building, scenery, landscape etc, or combine two elements together, please send them to 'englishsupport.de@googlemail.com': there will be no charge it's practice for me. Please send only JPEG images, along with a short description of what you're looking for in terms of a finished photo.
However, to gain access to this potentially excellent offer you will have to subscribe to this blog, and follow me; carrot and stick might work. And if you haven't spent a few moments watching my first short film, why not? I've had some excellent feedback about it from those who've watched it, Thank you and you know who you are! Don't forget to leave your comments!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Where to find my novels, in case you couldn't find them!
Dear readers of this wondrous blog, for an author of a 1st time novel it's a gruelling matter doing things like marketing; especially when you know absolutely nothing about such strange practices. This is even more ridiculous when the novel is out there floating around in cyberspace without a bookshelf to call home. Having spent many a long hour, day, month and endless years slaving over this little tome, it's finally down to you, my public to play your part in making the 'BIG DREAM' come true!
To help matters along, and in celebration of publishing my second novel, 'Danny's Navel Adventure' below there's a list of sites where you can either buy, or get a free sample' YES A FREE SAMPLE, of 'Nick and Jenny'!
Now, before anyone asks 'Nick and Jenny' can be bought for less than a cup of coffee, so there's no excuse for not actively supporting the arts! If nothing else I've learned is that for a dream to come true you need support. One way is to spend a few bucks, pass on the news to friends etc and make it happen much quicker than otherwise might be the case.
So before we go any further, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO'S ALREADY HELPING TO MAKE MY DREAM COME TRUE - IT'S REALLY APPRECIATED.
However, check out this site for a FREE ebook management system for keeping your ebook library organised and all your ebooks in one place. Calibre
Stores Where My Book Can be Bought
Smashwords
'Nick and Jenny' here
'Danny's Navel Adventure' here
At the moment only 'Nick and Jenny' can be bought at the following sites, click on the link to take you there.
Apple
USA
Germany
UK
France
Barnes and Noble - USA
Sony Bookstore - Worldwide
My new comedy 'Danny's Navel Adventure' will be available in the above stores in the future once it's been accepted for inclusion in the Smashwords Premium Catalogue.
THANKS and HAPPY READING!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The wonderful wisdom of youth!
I know I haven't written anything lately, and writing this I wonder if I'll get to the end to finish it; or if I do, how much time it's taken to write a few paragraphs. Of course, Mad T has been sort of busy this past week or so, job hunting, but time has largely been involved with the joys of technology. This is one area I willing confess to being a complete idiot, and my admiration for the mass of young individuals out there knows no bounds in their individual search for technological glory and immortality.
Of course it would be very self-defeating in my own creative quest to completely ignore the undoubted 'wisdom' of young aficionados of the MacWorld, they, after all they clearly love their passion and dedication for their love of Macs and software. And as I've sat through endless Youtube videos, increasing my own particular knowledge, I can't help but admire their enthusiasm and devil may care attitude. Yes, I've learnt much and will continue to do so, and the most I've learnt is that their determination to be 'heard' is wonderfully refreshing, no matter the doubts about their teaching style, their occasional impatience and their, sometimes, expectation you're on the same planet as they are.
But the one thing that is wonderfully engaging is their refusal to stick to the norm, to take you through a particular subject sticking to the manual. Watching them is akin to watching the 'rebel' finding the quickest solution to a problem posed, and totally ignoring the 'wisdom of their elders'. This is no doubt fuelled by their desire to 'get on with it', having little fear of the consequences, and in the end showing that experience isn't the only crutch we should lean on.
As I'm a 'newbie' to the world of the Mac and its software, my starting point is Apple's tutorials on this or that, but they don't answer every question. In many ways they are curtailed by their inability to do any more than give the essential basics, which tends to restrict the amount of knowledge they can pass on. And if you watch an Apple tutorial they stick to the point, slavishly follow the manual and leave you only a little more wiser than when you started. No, I'm not being critical of Apple, they do what they do well, supported by a vast knowledge base but I can't help wonder if they couldn't do somethings better.
So, as I'm now embarked on a very steep learning curve the one thing I appreciate more than anything is the shortcut to an answer. Those shortcuts, the very lifeblood of all learning, will get me there much quicker to where I want to be. And if there is one moral to this blog, it's that we should pay far more attention to the minds and wisdom of the young; it's one thing showing grandma how to suck eggs, it's another showing grandma how to do it with more enthusiasm and passion.
Of course it would be very self-defeating in my own creative quest to completely ignore the undoubted 'wisdom' of young aficionados of the MacWorld, they, after all they clearly love their passion and dedication for their love of Macs and software. And as I've sat through endless Youtube videos, increasing my own particular knowledge, I can't help but admire their enthusiasm and devil may care attitude. Yes, I've learnt much and will continue to do so, and the most I've learnt is that their determination to be 'heard' is wonderfully refreshing, no matter the doubts about their teaching style, their occasional impatience and their, sometimes, expectation you're on the same planet as they are.
But the one thing that is wonderfully engaging is their refusal to stick to the norm, to take you through a particular subject sticking to the manual. Watching them is akin to watching the 'rebel' finding the quickest solution to a problem posed, and totally ignoring the 'wisdom of their elders'. This is no doubt fuelled by their desire to 'get on with it', having little fear of the consequences, and in the end showing that experience isn't the only crutch we should lean on.
As I'm a 'newbie' to the world of the Mac and its software, my starting point is Apple's tutorials on this or that, but they don't answer every question. In many ways they are curtailed by their inability to do any more than give the essential basics, which tends to restrict the amount of knowledge they can pass on. And if you watch an Apple tutorial they stick to the point, slavishly follow the manual and leave you only a little more wiser than when you started. No, I'm not being critical of Apple, they do what they do well, supported by a vast knowledge base but I can't help wonder if they couldn't do somethings better.
So, as I'm now embarked on a very steep learning curve the one thing I appreciate more than anything is the shortcut to an answer. Those shortcuts, the very lifeblood of all learning, will get me there much quicker to where I want to be. And if there is one moral to this blog, it's that we should pay far more attention to the minds and wisdom of the young; it's one thing showing grandma how to suck eggs, it's another showing grandma how to do it with more enthusiasm and passion.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The American shopping experience!
Having now almost virtually got over the jet lag, which has to be both welcomed and a goddamn relief, I can begin my thoughts on the USA. Please try to remember that this is an entirely personal view, and where I should happen to mention something positive about the US this is not to be taken as a sign of advanced dementia, or its quickening onset.
I pride myself on being utterly open minded about any country I visit, therefore it naturally follows that the moment I board the plane all previous prejudices, bias and stupid thinking is put away. Of course, once a previously held perception is proven to be the case, I become overwhelmed with a pompous delight in being proved to be right, which ultimately means I spend a lot of the time in self denial, sucking my thumb and generally refusing to remove my head from where the sun never shines. Upon that particular note I'll continue, and in doing so I won't give a city by city account, but rather work along the lines of what I found good or bad.
First confession has to be that I'd never had any desire to visit the USA, it wasn't a place of much interest, which declined in my estimation when the UK began following the continually failing policies of an American system, socially, politically and economically. These particular views reinforced by my own particular political leanings, which are somewhat left of centre in European terms, and most certainly way to the left in American terms. I make no apologies for this, mostly due to my being a complete dinosaur when it comes to what I consider fair, just and acceptable. But enough of the politics.
As I wrote in my blog, two entries ago, I was greeted at Boston Logan airport by a rather sympathetic immigration officer, which was my first surprise. Whether the following view is right or wrong, the perception is that every American officer of the law is suspicious of everyone entering the country, who isn't American. So the first myth was debunked, certainly every officer carries a gun, most wear a grim countenance and most you wouldn't want to get in an argument with, but my passage through was relatively easy and I was met with nothing but courtesy and a pleasant demeanour. For the most part, during my stay, I was met with the same kind of attitude and those with nothing to gain, in a financial sense of the word, were friendly and interested in what you had to say personally. However, that word 'buck' did on one particular occasion did leave a bad taste in my mouth, but more of that later.
To my very English sensibilities, something that's ingrained and hard to get rid of, the passing of pleasantries, when meeting someone, is often taken at face value and can serve to overcome that first encounter, often uncomfortable and due to a natural reserve, slightly apprehensive. Yet you meet the American shop assistant, or checkout worker, and each and everyone asks how are you. At the beginning I thought they were being nice, but I was quickly informed that this was normal and none were expecting any kind of answer, and would rather not have an answer. This led to the impression that Americans are by and large a race of superficial characters, with absolutely no time and inclination towards anything remotely conversational. I, being me, did no more than challenge this ridiculous attitude and replied, which was often greeted with much surprise and a complete sense of absolute loss of how to respond; particularly so in the middle age female sales assistant, when I replied to her 'how are you?' with 'all the better for seeing you my dear!' On another occasion, whilst searching for a particular kind of jumper, I was immediately approached by this salesman, who clearly was under the impression that I was both a lost child and complete idiot. This particular kind of 'customer service' rankles deeply with me and one I find very objectionable. I replied to his earnest superficiality with a determined, but quietly stated, and I thought resounding 'no' when he asked if he could be of help; I've always been of the opinion that I'm perfectly capable of asking for help should I need it, but clearly there are some idiots born to be salesmen, and have no idea what the word 'no' means. He reluctantly backed off, but a few moments later he then continued to follow me around the store, acting as though I was something akin to a trophy animal to stalk, hunt down, and finally shoot me dead. Upon hearing his 'if I can be of any help' the second time, I lost my temper and very forcibly told him that 'should the CUSTOMER need his help I'd ask for it.' I think he got the message as he sloped off with his tail between his legs. But the stalking continued, as I left the store, I heard footsteps behind me, eventually with him asking a very impertinent 'excuse me' as he walked past me. Sadly, such behaviour simply confirmed that the salesman is the worst kind of animal possible, and the American salesman the worst of the species.
In many ways, such behaviour does an enormous disservice to the vast majority of sales people, who are simply trying to do their job. For those particular individuals, who in the main were courteous and helpful when asked, even if it eventually grated on my ears to hear the same scripted 'song', were simply trying to earn a living. As a complete outsider, although the same practices exist in any part of the developed world, much could be done to improve customer services, and the start would be to let the 'customer be king'. The question companies such as Sears, Macy's, J C Penney, should be asking is how to improve customer relations, not how to increase sales. As a child, stores sold goods because the goods sold themselves, but the sales assistant rarely pushed. Back then the 'customer was king', sadly that no longer applies, and both the sales assistant and individual is often left with an experience leaving a very bitter taste in the mouth.
This is but a brief account of the American shopping experience, and one that was more favourable was Internet shopping, a new concept to me. Here the Americans have got it right, delivery takes place within the specified time, if dissatisfied with the goods sent they can be immediately returned and no questions are asked, returns are paid for by the company. Personally, the ability to choose without pressure was a delight, although the vast array of stores made life difficult when it came to the matter of trust. The matter of trust often depends on recommendations, and it was noticeable that many Internet stores often included poor reviews in addition to good ones, and final judgment could be based on an informed decision. I have to thank my friend Stefan here for his recommendations, and what could have been a painful experience for me, a more enjoyable one.
Finally, despite my perceptions to the contrary I failed miserably to find items of clothing and shoes that I wanted, despite the vast array of shopping outlets there are. I couldn't find a soft camera bag for my camcorder, I couldn't find a pair of Chelsea boots, and I couldn't find a fisherman's jumper. And if Apple wishes to 'conquer' the world, breaking the dominance of windows and the pc market, my suggestion would be to vastly improve its product information, way before it decides to launch the latest technological wonder, the iPad. Most companies would be in a far better position if they spent more time on getting the basics right, keeping the customer happy, rather than trying to be something where 'style will always matter over substance!'
I pride myself on being utterly open minded about any country I visit, therefore it naturally follows that the moment I board the plane all previous prejudices, bias and stupid thinking is put away. Of course, once a previously held perception is proven to be the case, I become overwhelmed with a pompous delight in being proved to be right, which ultimately means I spend a lot of the time in self denial, sucking my thumb and generally refusing to remove my head from where the sun never shines. Upon that particular note I'll continue, and in doing so I won't give a city by city account, but rather work along the lines of what I found good or bad.
First confession has to be that I'd never had any desire to visit the USA, it wasn't a place of much interest, which declined in my estimation when the UK began following the continually failing policies of an American system, socially, politically and economically. These particular views reinforced by my own particular political leanings, which are somewhat left of centre in European terms, and most certainly way to the left in American terms. I make no apologies for this, mostly due to my being a complete dinosaur when it comes to what I consider fair, just and acceptable. But enough of the politics.
As I wrote in my blog, two entries ago, I was greeted at Boston Logan airport by a rather sympathetic immigration officer, which was my first surprise. Whether the following view is right or wrong, the perception is that every American officer of the law is suspicious of everyone entering the country, who isn't American. So the first myth was debunked, certainly every officer carries a gun, most wear a grim countenance and most you wouldn't want to get in an argument with, but my passage through was relatively easy and I was met with nothing but courtesy and a pleasant demeanour. For the most part, during my stay, I was met with the same kind of attitude and those with nothing to gain, in a financial sense of the word, were friendly and interested in what you had to say personally. However, that word 'buck' did on one particular occasion did leave a bad taste in my mouth, but more of that later.
To my very English sensibilities, something that's ingrained and hard to get rid of, the passing of pleasantries, when meeting someone, is often taken at face value and can serve to overcome that first encounter, often uncomfortable and due to a natural reserve, slightly apprehensive. Yet you meet the American shop assistant, or checkout worker, and each and everyone asks how are you. At the beginning I thought they were being nice, but I was quickly informed that this was normal and none were expecting any kind of answer, and would rather not have an answer. This led to the impression that Americans are by and large a race of superficial characters, with absolutely no time and inclination towards anything remotely conversational. I, being me, did no more than challenge this ridiculous attitude and replied, which was often greeted with much surprise and a complete sense of absolute loss of how to respond; particularly so in the middle age female sales assistant, when I replied to her 'how are you?' with 'all the better for seeing you my dear!' On another occasion, whilst searching for a particular kind of jumper, I was immediately approached by this salesman, who clearly was under the impression that I was both a lost child and complete idiot. This particular kind of 'customer service' rankles deeply with me and one I find very objectionable. I replied to his earnest superficiality with a determined, but quietly stated, and I thought resounding 'no' when he asked if he could be of help; I've always been of the opinion that I'm perfectly capable of asking for help should I need it, but clearly there are some idiots born to be salesmen, and have no idea what the word 'no' means. He reluctantly backed off, but a few moments later he then continued to follow me around the store, acting as though I was something akin to a trophy animal to stalk, hunt down, and finally shoot me dead. Upon hearing his 'if I can be of any help' the second time, I lost my temper and very forcibly told him that 'should the CUSTOMER need his help I'd ask for it.' I think he got the message as he sloped off with his tail between his legs. But the stalking continued, as I left the store, I heard footsteps behind me, eventually with him asking a very impertinent 'excuse me' as he walked past me. Sadly, such behaviour simply confirmed that the salesman is the worst kind of animal possible, and the American salesman the worst of the species.
In many ways, such behaviour does an enormous disservice to the vast majority of sales people, who are simply trying to do their job. For those particular individuals, who in the main were courteous and helpful when asked, even if it eventually grated on my ears to hear the same scripted 'song', were simply trying to earn a living. As a complete outsider, although the same practices exist in any part of the developed world, much could be done to improve customer services, and the start would be to let the 'customer be king'. The question companies such as Sears, Macy's, J C Penney, should be asking is how to improve customer relations, not how to increase sales. As a child, stores sold goods because the goods sold themselves, but the sales assistant rarely pushed. Back then the 'customer was king', sadly that no longer applies, and both the sales assistant and individual is often left with an experience leaving a very bitter taste in the mouth.
This is but a brief account of the American shopping experience, and one that was more favourable was Internet shopping, a new concept to me. Here the Americans have got it right, delivery takes place within the specified time, if dissatisfied with the goods sent they can be immediately returned and no questions are asked, returns are paid for by the company. Personally, the ability to choose without pressure was a delight, although the vast array of stores made life difficult when it came to the matter of trust. The matter of trust often depends on recommendations, and it was noticeable that many Internet stores often included poor reviews in addition to good ones, and final judgment could be based on an informed decision. I have to thank my friend Stefan here for his recommendations, and what could have been a painful experience for me, a more enjoyable one.
Finally, despite my perceptions to the contrary I failed miserably to find items of clothing and shoes that I wanted, despite the vast array of shopping outlets there are. I couldn't find a soft camera bag for my camcorder, I couldn't find a pair of Chelsea boots, and I couldn't find a fisherman's jumper. And if Apple wishes to 'conquer' the world, breaking the dominance of windows and the pc market, my suggestion would be to vastly improve its product information, way before it decides to launch the latest technological wonder, the iPad. Most companies would be in a far better position if they spent more time on getting the basics right, keeping the customer happy, rather than trying to be something where 'style will always matter over substance!'
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