Saturday, 6 June 2009
Site launch
Yeah yeah, I know what you're thinking "but he just did a new site" well this time it isn't my own site I've renovated, instead I've just launched my first non personal web site for a couple of years with the launch of SarahJones.org.uk. I've had great fun doing the site and I would encourage everyone to have a look at it :)
Monday, 20 April 2009
Spotify
Having had a brief look at this back in February when it was launched I've now had a chance to really try out Spotify properly and I can say that's it absolutely outstanding!
The software is quick and simple to download and install and the Interface is near idiot proof, there are a few quirks to it (like not being able to see more than 5 of your previously searched items (and even then I may just have missed an option)) but on the whole it's very nice.
If you don't know what Spotify is then here's a brief introduction, it's an online music player that allows you to listen to streaming music for free (add supported) or if you really can't stand Iggy Pop trying to flog you car insurance every now and then you can pay £0.99 for a day or £9.99 per month. While they don't have every song their library is very extensive and should have most of the music you're after (so far the only big omission I've found has been Oasis).
The only major downside is that the service is only available in the UK. But this kind of service has been a very long time coming and I can only see it being a huge success, so if you haven't checked it out already, do so!
The software is quick and simple to download and install and the Interface is near idiot proof, there are a few quirks to it (like not being able to see more than 5 of your previously searched items (and even then I may just have missed an option)) but on the whole it's very nice.
If you don't know what Spotify is then here's a brief introduction, it's an online music player that allows you to listen to streaming music for free (add supported) or if you really can't stand Iggy Pop trying to flog you car insurance every now and then you can pay £0.99 for a day or £9.99 per month. While they don't have every song their library is very extensive and should have most of the music you're after (so far the only big omission I've found has been Oasis).
The only major downside is that the service is only available in the UK. But this kind of service has been a very long time coming and I can only see it being a huge success, so if you haven't checked it out already, do so!
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
New host for Deviant Dog
With my hosting contract with Streamline coming to an end and my general dissapointment with the service they've been providing me over the last 5-6 months I've moved the web site to Just Host.
The transfer (slightly protracted because of Streamline) was finalised yesterday and the site is now completely live on the Just Host servers. So far my opinion of them is good, the server the sites on seems fast and responcive and their customer service so far has been excelent.
The transfer (slightly protracted because of Streamline) was finalised yesterday and the site is now completely live on the Just Host servers. So far my opinion of them is good, the server the sites on seems fast and responcive and their customer service so far has been excelent.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
MadWorld
I bought the Wii game Mad World. I've been excited about this game since I saw the first trailers and I'm pleased to say that so far it's lived up to it's promise of delivering mayhem and carnage in an over the top gorefest :)
One of the most unique selling points of the game is the ability to use anything your character could conceivably pick up (and even some things he shouldn't be able to pick up, for example I managed to use a row of 8 interconnected plastic train station seats as a baseball bat to whack 4 or 5 on coming enemies into a train at one time) within the environment as a weapon in some way with the ability to stack certain objects to create relatively unique deaths. My best so far was to ram a bin over someones head, cram a street sign through the hole that rubbish is meant to go through (and through the enemies face in the process) I then span him round before releasing him sending him (and 3 of his mates) into a "Rose Bush".
So far I've only played through the first two levels and am really enjoying it. A definite recommendation to anyone who has a Wii and fancies shoving a street sign through someones head ;)
One of the most unique selling points of the game is the ability to use anything your character could conceivably pick up (and even some things he shouldn't be able to pick up, for example I managed to use a row of 8 interconnected plastic train station seats as a baseball bat to whack 4 or 5 on coming enemies into a train at one time) within the environment as a weapon in some way with the ability to stack certain objects to create relatively unique deaths. My best so far was to ram a bin over someones head, cram a street sign through the hole that rubbish is meant to go through (and through the enemies face in the process) I then span him round before releasing him sending him (and 3 of his mates) into a "Rose Bush".
So far I've only played through the first two levels and am really enjoying it. A definite recommendation to anyone who has a Wii and fancies shoving a street sign through someones head ;)
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
New photo Gallery here (finaly)
Well I finaly did it, I've build my own photo gallery for the site, it's mostly php with a small amount of javascript to make the pop up look stylish. You can access it either via the "Photos" link at the top of the page of by Clicking Here if you're viewing this from Blogger (or as an rss feed). I've only got 6 galleries on there just now, but I'm going to add more once I work out where I put the rest of my photos (plus I've a pile of undeveloped photos still up in Glasgow which I'm going to get developed in the next couple of weeks).
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Monday, 9 February 2009
The Violin!
One of my big goals for this year is to learn a completely new musical instrument. As most of you may know I've always held a desire to learn how to play the Saxophone. unfortunately the Sax has two major down sides, firstly it's very expensive to take up (£300+ for the Sax it self) and secondly living in a flat the neighbours wouldn't exactly thank me for blasting out noise from a Sax (even with a mute). So after looking at the instruments I don't know how to play the most interesting one available to me was a Violin.
It's not an instrument that I've ever considered before which is probably one of the reasons that I'm so excited about learning it. So, on Thursday night I decided to buy one. I decided to go for a cheep student Violin. My eventual choice was the Student 4/4 Violin by Gear4music, in Black. It was only £55 after postage and I got it today!
The case
Inside the case
Bow and Violin
The mandatory arty shot
I also bought a starters book (my first ever "Dummies" book) I had a quick try of it tonight but I had other commitments tonight so I haven't had a chance to read through the book or try to make something vaguely musical on it as yet. But I'll try and update here with my progress.
Also apologies for the slightly blurred photo's, you can blame that on the few bottles of Cider I've had tonight!
It's not an instrument that I've ever considered before which is probably one of the reasons that I'm so excited about learning it. So, on Thursday night I decided to buy one. I decided to go for a cheep student Violin. My eventual choice was the Student 4/4 Violin by Gear4music, in Black. It was only £55 after postage and I got it today!
The case
Inside the case
Bow and Violin
The mandatory arty shot
I also bought a starters book (my first ever "Dummies" book) I had a quick try of it tonight but I had other commitments tonight so I haven't had a chance to read through the book or try to make something vaguely musical on it as yet. But I'll try and update here with my progress.
Also apologies for the slightly blurred photo's, you can blame that on the few bottles of Cider I've had tonight!
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