.

SamRayner.com

2008-01-09T21:49:00.001Z

Long time no speak.

Just wanted to plug my friend Sam Rayner's new website. His old website has been linked from here since it launched, and version 2 is now up, as of New Year's Day 2008.

I have to commend him for his great design, excellent content, great research into mark up, coding techniques and general techy stuff that has stopped me from ever producing something I can be proud of on the internet. He deserves the credit he is getting, and I know that he will truly appreciate the vast traffic I send his way by giving him a little leg up. Enjoy browsing his site, and gold star if he stalks you through Mint at the time.

I also might as well say that I'm posting this from my new iMac which I got avec Leopard around a month and a half ago. It is gorgeous, I love it, and I'm one happy man. It also slightly proves a theory I mentioned in a long ago post entitled "Well Hello" that everything I mention that I want on this blog magically wings it way to me. Whilst I said I wanted a Nikon D40x and actually got a D80, and I wanted a MacBook (Pro) but instead got an iMac, I have to be grateful to the man upstairs for providing me with such brilliant things that I hope I can honour him with.

Tomorrow I sit my Government and Politics Unit 1 module. Should be fun.

I write this through MarsEdit, via Gruber, which seems to be pretty damn nice. Might make me actually post more. No promises.

All the best until we speak again

New Directions

2007-03-25T11:31:00.000+01:00

With the upcoming launch of wakingupsober.com, I want to start posting more about my thoughts on design and technology. So here goes what will hopefully be interesting reads and promote me to immediate internet stardom.

I was just sitting eating tea, and somehow the conversation got round to hi-fi's. My sister proclaimed that even though she's had her hi-fi unit for over 3 years now, she's only just worked out how to get onto the radio with it. Admittedly she's only 10, but still, it got me to thinking about how rarely we actually do use technology to its full capabilities.

The more I started to think about it, the more it dawned on me how really simplicity is often the best idea when it comes to providing a service to Joe Public. Now I'm not trying to suggest that the general public are incapable of using technology to its full capacity, but think about it, continuing to use my hi-fi analogy, even though I would call myself relatively tech-savvy, I still don't change or explore the settings on it. I could, if I wanted to, try and sit down and come up with different modes for different types of music, but don't, because I know that if I press "Tuner", the radio'll play, and if I press "CD", and put a CD in, I can listen to my music. What's the point in doing much else with it?

I sort of came up with a catchphrase; "we tend to use technology only for what we know it can do, not for what it could potentially do". Which I guess is where creative's come into it. People who are constantly exploring and challenging hardware and software are the most likely to use technology in more creative ways, in ways that people don't think to use the technology they have available to them. These people are coming up with creative solutions, using technology, to come up with really amazing final products.

So what am I suggesting? That we should be creating simple products for the general public and then more advanced products for people who deem themselves to be able to use the technology to it's max. No. Put simply, no. I'd argue strongly against a two-tiered format for technology, but instead I'd strive for people to be given the opportunity to create amazing things with their ordinary day to day items. Without giving them the opportunity, how can they even begin to experiment and potentially come up with something incredible? So I'm wanting something in the middle.

The iPod.
One example I can think where simplicity really shines through is the iPod. Apple's hugely popular iPod is of course, due to its sheer sexiness, but also down to its complete simplicity. I believe design is about the experience of something; a well designed website is an experience for the user for example, and the iPod has nailed it. It's so simple to use that people who often struggle to use computers manage to get along just fine. And why? Because the iPod focuses on doing a few certain things really well, and when you come to think of it, what more do you need? You'd just find that these extra features that you'd paid for are never used, so what's the point in them being there?

More to follow...

Well Hello

2007-03-14T18:43:00.000Z

Well... it's been a while eh! Here's a brief update.

School is hell. GCSEs are hell. Ok... maybe I'm over-exaggerating a little here. School is not hell, though is not amazing, and GCSEs are not hell as they havn't started yet. Revision for them however, is starting now, so that ain't nice. Generally life is decent, so I can't complain.

Website work is full steam(ish). Nearly got a home page full CSS and xHTML mockup done. Currently for the design, I need a photograph that's key to the whole feel of the site. As of yet, I have a temporary picture but it really isn't a high enough quality after being cropped, then stretched, to fit the size I want it to be. For it, I'm going to need a new camera...

...which nicely brings me onto my next points. I'm hopefully getting a new Digital SLR camera! At the time of typing this, I hope to get it for my birthday. One of the main reasons I'm writing this is because it occured to me that for every major techy item I've wanted over the past year or so, I've mentioned on here... and then I've got them! For example... I mentioned I wanted a tablet... bingo! I mentioned I wanted the "D900 from Samsung" in my last post.. and hey presto, it's right infront of me now! So call me supersticious, but I'm gunna do it again.

Ok, ok ... I hear you. You wants to know the dslr I'm looking at! Well, here it is. The Nikon D40X. Looks a beauty.. and to be released at the end of this month/beginning of April. I'm hoping the end of this month, so I can get it for my birthday. I've agreed a sort of financial agreement with my parents about it... so fingers crossed.

Secondly... I need a new computer. This ol' Dell ain't been too bad, it's served me ok, but well.. as all Windows systems seem to do.. it ain't working as well as it should/could. After finding out that Megan is going to Handsworth, as well as recent ...discussions... about use of the PC, it's become apparent that we're going to need a computer for my work, and a computer she can use. So of course, I'm hoping to buy a Mac! I'm thinking at the moment that it will be a MacBook Pro, but I want to wait first until June.

Why? June brings with it the arrival of Leopard, and there's no point buying a MacBook and then having to go and upgrade it a few months later. Plus there's the fact that who knows what Apple could be releasing. I heard a rumour that there could even be a black iMac, that's got the best everything. Swwweeeeetttttt! That would put me in a serious dilema!

Anyway, that's pretty much me drooling over tech stuff.

I'd better get back to work.

Recap

2006-11-21T23:08:00.000Z

Well, just a quickie. I'm doing Biology coursework at the mo (or apparently not)

Christmas is coming up. Wahey

I need a new phone. E900 or D900 from Samsung at the moment, or so I'm thinking.

PurePwnage Season 1 has finished. A brilliant final episode, its liek totly gna pwn u n00bs wn sesn 2 comes out

This is what I'm talking about

I suck

2006-10-05T21:43:00.000+01:00

Why is it that when you fully appreciate someone, their love is gone?

Quick update

2006-09-08T23:28:00.000+01:00

Hey. Havn't been on here in ages, so I thought a quick update was in order, to let you know how things are going. I'm typing this on my first baby-sitting job too, and everyone apart from Rosie is asleep, so it's the perfect time.

Ok, well, summer was pretty good. Keswick rocked, was really good, and the second week in the Lakes wasn't bad. Then, Soul Survivor. Man, I could write a whole post on this, and I really should keep some sort of diary, except there's really no time at it. However over-used the word awesome is, it really is the only thing that can be used to describe SS. God was really there, and even though the group was very different in terms of age, I still loved it. Some memories that will never be forgotton are in my head!

Then, France. Overall was pretty good - went very quickly, which was good and bad. The travelling was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but havn't the 2 night stops meant that it dragged the journey out a lot. I've got some nice-ish pictures, which I'll post later.

Oh, gotta go

Last before the summer

2006-07-19T20:04:00.000+01:00

Yo yo yo! How's it doing dawg! Havn't been on here for a while so I'll update you guys on me.

I just got back from Belgium - it rocked! We made loads of money and the whole tour was great. I will never forget the people on it, and how great they all are. I've taken loads of pictures to help me remember everything, although the stories I will never forget. It really does seem so sad when things like this end, because ultimately you get so close to certain people, that to then have to leave them behind doesn't seem right. We got really close (all 43ish of us), and had a great time. Legends were made, and no one shall be forgotten.

So yeah, summer! It's coming, it's bloomin' hot too! First week Keswick, second Ambleside. Then Soul Survivor, and then France for 2 weeks. It's going to be good, and I really can't wait to catch up with Keswick mates. Soul Survivor is also going to be a lot more intimate this year - none of the older group are going, and there's only 3 guys!

My exams went pretty well, and my report was good. Just got to work hard now.

Work on my website has stopped - exams stopped it, and after the exams I've had nothing except work to do. The teachers seem to have forgotten that after the exams it's meant to be just a dos - we've been set tons of coursework, and it's no fun believe me. Virtually every subject has given me something of some sort . We also havn't had the revised timetable, something that everyone loves. Ah well, at least I remember the good old days before Parker became Head - I do believe he's taking down the school. Bring on Hedley! So yeah, back to web design. I shall briefly outline my ideas and projects.

1st: derailed.com becomes free on 4th September 06. I hope to buy the URL. This shall be where my personal portfolio shall be. I hope to do this in Flash, although maybe with just a plain text version, with full CSS to follow.

2nd: derailed-exp.com - this is already available, but I am not buying it yet. It will be a place where I experiment with design. I plan to do this again in Flash, but with a proper xHTML and CSS compliant version. This will not necessarily have main content, but will be very very experimental, as suggested by the exp in the URL name.

3rd: designsundays.com - whilst I'm not totally sure about something like this, I'd quite like to do a collaborative website with someone - I had someone like Sam Rayner in mind, but I don't know. I don't know what It'd be, just something experimental, although currently a concept is needed to make it anything worthwhile.

4th: wakingupsober.com - available as ever, this will be the home of my blog. The blog WILL be xHTML and CSS compliant, and will have proper pages.

So yeah, as you can see, I need major hosting and major money. DAMN! Ah well. Trouble is, I'm going into GCSE year. I'm going to have to become very organised if I'm ever to do anything from the above. This blog can stay as it is, but my personal portfolio has to come first. Problem is I keep coming up with concepts, but then not sticking to them. I really want it to be creative and good, but I'm struggling to do something that's really ... arty..and...cool. However, derailed-exp should come along afterwards. I've just got to get round to doing it, and it won't be this summer. Whilst I love going away, it really leaves no time to make websites.

So yeah, that's a post about my summer holidays, generally about me, and my web projects. If it ever gets done, I'll be surprised. I may post after Keswick, but don't count on it. I will however take many pictures, so it'll be remembered.

Ok, bye!

2006-06-14T19:43:00.000+01:00

Well, did say that I wouldn't, but in my break from revision I've come on to update my blog. It's really only to say one or two changes to the site, and that's about it.

I've changed to a proper copyright symbol in the footer now, makes me feel a little better, and I've also added the Javascript for Google Analytics, so now I can see how few people visit my site. Quite disheartening, although...you may notice on the side there is a link to r3new, the online digital portfolio for none other than Mr Samuel Rayner. It's XHTML valid, although not CSS valid because the W3C curentl doesn't recognise opacity settings, and is accesible too. Good job! (that makes me sound cheesy and American...Is that a bad thing?) Yup, it's a cool site, however.....not as cool as mine will be!

Yeah, things are going ok in my new website design. It's going to be a Flash site, but I'm looking deeply into how to make it accessible - and yes, it can be done! - I even started a topic on .net which can be found here, and it prompted an interesting, if not heated debate. Well, basically, because of my advances in Flash and my big break from blogging, this site is looking a little shoddy. The pages are messed up, backgrounds change, links dissappear, and copyright symbols change. However, trust me - I'm still going to use this site, and after my own proper website is finished, I will take time to make this the best it can be. Hopefully by buying it it's own URL, and creating the pages properly. That way, I can practice my CSS and HTML. I've looked into hosting, and at the moment the main contenders are GoDaddy and 1and1, although I've just thought of Fasthosts. Must remember to look into them. GoDaddy seem to be slightly more expensive, and offer better sizes etc, but 1and1 are cheaper, and although I've heard a few bad things about their Customer Service, I've also heard that they're pretty damn reliable. I did look into 2Advanced hosting, but it's very expensive. Done by the guys at 2Advanced...my website may be similar to that...a little!

Well, that's about all. I've gone all techy! Oh yeah, DWM sent me 50 copies of my fliers, which I finished. Picture to follow...!

Back to revision then....after tomorrow the worst is over...tomorrow...Biology, History and Chemistry...killer!

31 days later

2006-06-11T11:31:00.000+01:00

And so, my 40th Blogger post comes a whole month after the last one. I don't know what's happened - my blog has fallen apart. Design on it has gone no where really - the home page has changed, but I forgot to change all the others, so currently it looks rubbish. Anyway, I'm sitting at home in the middle of 2 weeks of exams, on Sunday morning, doing revision instead of going to church. I havn't been to church in the morning for ages, and I havn't played drums there for even longer. I am looking forward to when the exams end - hopefully begin really finishing off my website.

Yes, that's right, my Macromedia Flash website, which works. Yup, I finally figured out my Actionscript problems and ta daaa, I've got a working Flash website. Currently no hosting or domain, but hey, I'm getting there. Trouble with this version is that it's not as creative as I'd like it to be, so whilst I have a working version, it will become outdated very soon.

The creation of my site has been brought on by my breakthrough with Actionscript, inspiration from the FWA and the decompiler that I've started using which came with an issue of .net. Don't worry, my blog is linked from the site, and I'm planning on still using this site.

Anyway, so much has happened in the last month, and I'm sitting here with a fan blowing cool air on me trying to remember the more significant parts, but I can't. I need a new phone, and I'm looking to buy this. It looks to be pretty damn good, although will probably be very expensive.

I really am struggling to think of what else has happened, and now as a result I probably will forget some of the good things that have happened in the past month. I played football with the usual crowd last night.

Here's one - I went to Swansea for a few days in the half term holidays, and the picture is one out of tons that I took - I finally have a 1GB memory stick. I really like it. Oh yeah, I may well have by the start of the next school year my own computer! I was offered in Swansea Mary and Rons old computer - running on 98, very big, pretty fast but not what I want. Dad said I can do stuff with our old computer, so I'm planning on upgrading it. Waheed said that he managed to do all of his for around £170 by going to computer fairs, so that's my plan.

Anyway, I'll try and get better about posting - just like Karen Cheng I've had a break for a few weeks, except hers was 3 weeks and mine was a month. I have to say though, I've had many chances to blog but havn't. The next week I've got my hard exams which I'm not looking foward to, but I have to do them. I won't blog for this week, but after then I'm looking to get a website up, and start freelance work.

Ok, that is all. Goodbye, and speak next week. And just found a certain site....(SR)

Weeks go by

2006-05-11T20:47:00.000+01:00

Hello there old friend. Havn't posted since Monday, so this will be a bit of an update on what's been going on.

Monday night was all ok, and Tuesday wasn't bad. I didn't have to see the oral assisstant! and the biology test wasn't too bad, although I don't think I've done very well. My sax lesson went ok too. Can't really remember much other than that.

Yesterday (Wednesday), was quite busy. School was all ok, and then in the evening my sister had to go to an awards ceremony at Sutton Library as she won a poem competition. It was a nice evening, with some good poems read by proffessional poets, although some of the older childrens poems were very morbid.

Anyway, we're having the boiler moved for the conservatory, so the plumbers have been here. I had to move all my desk stuff onto the floor which was annoying, but the plus side was that some of the old machinery they've thrown out makes for interesting photographs. I took quite a lot before we went to the poetry evening, and then on the way back took some nice pictures around behind the chippy, whilst Dad and Megan got the chips. I took pictures of Meg reading her poem too. I'm pleased with them, although I'm not going to post any yet, as I'm running out of pictures I'm happy with to post. I'm worried I'll have to resort to either - posting images already posted, not posting images at all, or posting images I don't think are brilliant - so I'm trying to take lot's more photographs to keep my stock up.

As for site design, have done no work on skins as I've had work to do and revision for an oncoming R.E. GCSE, which is rather worrying. I've got to go do some revision now. I'm definately changing the paperclips, and practiced today with a paint splattered theme which looked ok, needs some touching up.

Been looking around at blogs, Karen Cheng's hit 7 years of blogging, and I think that's great. As for bloggers such as Jane Langfield and Stephen Downes I just find that sort of blogging boring. It's only relevant to a certain few, and although it's these people that develop blogging, I have to admit finding personal blogs far more beautiful - just as Karen says, finding beautiful moments in ordinary life is what makes blogging special for me.

Just watched a little bit of a documentary on Putin. Ah well. Finishing off drama, with a failing internet connection. Here's a composition I'm proud of that I did for d.t., oh, and DWM hasn't given me the logos yet...and all of a sudden, as I sit here listening to Follow the Cops back Home by Placebo, I have a longing to be lost, in the city, in London or Birmingham, going round in circles, in the cold, cold night.

It'll be added when Blogger starts working

Quick un'

2006-05-08T18:13:00.000+01:00

Hi. I hope to edit this later but I have worship group so may not. I havn't posted in a while, but nothing much has happened. Been a pretty average weekend. Same old stuff. I've been doing some d.t. designing - a bit like that in the Computer Arts Mag tutorial. Anyway, just done my spanish oral so I've got to go

Hi from later on. Worship group was good, although Lois wasn't their because Grace has chicken pox. I'm drumming.

I've got a biology test and spanish oral tomorrow so I've got to go revise. I've changed my avatar on .net, and I've decided, I'm going to change the site design. Maybe keep this skin ready, but I really don't like the paperclips in the background. It's going to be changed for something more interesting - maybe ink splatters? I'll see.

Night all.

Same old, same old

2006-05-04T21:21:00.000+01:00

Hi. Got to be quick because I'm not supposed to be on - dedication or what! My day was ok, I didn't have to go to Spanish Oral, yay! It was generally good.

I have updated the site further! Now see paperclips around in the background, copyright at the bottom of all pages, and a new site info page, telling you what I've done and where I'm going. I like it, although Sam liked the screenshot from yesterday, and actually prefers the design. Can't wait until I work out the skins...I've just looked at it now, and for some reason, whenever I glance at it, the paperclips look like flowers....I'm not totally sure on this design.

The picture's of the floor on a tube - came out a little blurry because the train was jerky, but it's alright. I'm worried I'm running out of new and good images to post. Help!

Night

Change and hard work

2006-05-03T21:47:00.000+01:00

Hi. I'm writing this knowing I shouldn't, but still writing it because quite a lot has happened today.

School wise, I didn't have to do my I.T. presentation - typical. Anyway, it's done now. My lessons were all ok, although Mr Hedley had to go out to talk to the police about some issue in our double lesson. I have signed myself up for two I.T. courses happening at a local college which I will go on with Mr Tamber and another member of staff, although they both happen on the Music Festival day and the Festival of Cultures - i'm not sure if I want to miss them or not, as I had wanted to play in a band for the music festival. I'll have to see.

Outside of school, it was Carlton's last day today :( Such a shame. I wonder who'll replace him? I also reached 200 posts today, not much, but quite a few :P

As far as the site is concerned, there's a new scrolling background - simple and clean, not the original tablet drawn, Karen Cheng inspired version which can be seen here. I'm going to add some paper clips in the background, like in the banner, but physics coursework meant I havn't done it yet.

I've missed Grand Designs to do this stupid coursework, but I feel I'm doing it well. I've also got a big spanish oral test tomorrow with Ms Leah. I havn't started revising yet. Great.

CJs got a blog....here. I'll be reading.

Can't spare any more time, looking forward to the changes though - it's all exciting!

Night

All warm inside

2006-05-02T21:25:00.000+01:00

Hi there. I'm writing this quickly as I have a biggish I.T. presentation to give tomorrow. Naturally I think i've done more than I need to, but hey, I enjoy it! I'm doing it on the Data Protection Act 1998 - it's quite interesting, but not nearly as interesting as some of the other topics. I'm doing it with Tom H, although to be honest, he hasn't done much - not because he doesn't want to - I havn't really let him! Ah well.

My new edition of .net arrived today - what a corker! It's the 150th issue, and they've really pulled out all the stops! It's packed with cool stuff, and it's been redesigned slightly - no How they built it section (which made me sad) and a different type of CD case. It's excellent though, and it's Carlton's last mag which makes everyone sad - he's going to play poker, the lazy man! It prompted the week's compo though...Included with the mag was a CSS2 chart - it's excellent. Well done .net!

I've finished the Momentum flier, and I'm really pleased with it. I sent it off to DWM, and I got this reply back.

"My, my David, I am very impressed. There might be a future for you in the graphic design business!!!"

Chuffed to bits :D

I downloaded IE 7 today, or the beta of it. It's pretty naff, nothing compared to Opera. I still don't understand why Firefox is so highly rated - yes you can customise it but Opera has everything you need!

Better get back to work (why does that sound so familiar?) Here's a picture of the leaflet. Enjoy

4 Day Update

2006-05-01T18:19:00.001+01:00

Hi. Havn't updated since the beginning of my 4 day weekend, so as it's coming to it's end, i'll fill you in with how it's been.

Friday, I did a bit of work , not tons but a reasonable amount. Saturday, I went to Mr Tutors, and then went into town for what was planned to be a short trip, which turned into a 6 hour trip. We ate in Eat. I spent the whole afternoon in Waterstones reading an excellent book - "How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul", which I have bought. It's by Adrian Shaughnessy and it contains some really excellent advice. Get your copy here.

Sunday, went to church, played drums with Andy leading. It was good, although I thought a bit shakey, but good none the less. Went to I.D. in the evening, it was good, we're talking about the ideas of a picnic in the park, and going to see the Da Vinci Code when it comes out. Then, afterwards, I went straight on to Waheed's. We watched some Dad's Army, Just Visiting, played a fighting game (Castle Wolversteinn or something) and ate pizza :D. We played Star Wars in the morning (today) and then went to the cinema to see She's the Man. It's a good film, about a girl who wants to play "soccer" and so disguises herself as a guy, and attends a school and gets in the team...until it all comes out etc. It was funny at times, and good overall, just perhaps a bit predictable.

Now, I'm trying to do my I.T. presentation, and design the Momentum leaflet for Dave. Yup, it's going to be called momentum. I quite like it, and the design should be finished soon. All I need now are the band logo's and we're done.

Better get back to working

Love le Widgets

2006-04-27T22:12:00.000+01:00

Bonjour.

We had the swimming gala today, which we won, by a much more comfortable margin than last year - it was a 1 point difference last year, this year the difference was 30 points! Come on Temperley! I went as a reserve, and managed to get out of swimming, which was good because I havn't trained for ages. They say that if we win the house cricket, we'll be uncatchable...

I had a good drumming session earlier, and I've downloaded the Yahoo Widget Engine. It's a really good idea to come up with it, and I really like it. There seem to be lot's of good widgets, however, there arn't nearly as many interesting ones compared to the Apple selection. Ah well. My only reservation is that the widgets come up automatically on your desktop, which means they get in the way of whatever you have as your background.

I got recommended the site think vitamin by Sam at school and it's cool. Got lots of important people on it like the inventor of RoR. I got onto Danger Graphics through it which has some really rich photoshop imagery.

I havn't done any more work on the leaflet for Dave West-Mullen, although he said he would phone me and hasn't. I'll do some work over my 4 day weekend!

I designed a little widget for Tash...see below :D

Night

2006-04-25T21:42:00.000+01:00

Hi. Been an ok day, well - it's actually been a very good day. I've had virtually no work to do which has been nice. A lot of our class are away at Ogwen Cottage for a P.E. trip - it's all the people that took P.E. thinking it would be a doss and have no sports that they're good at. It means our lessons are really good. I didn't have to do spanish oral today which was good, although it means that I may well go next week - which is questions on the whole section!

I've set up and been working on my friends website - Confederate Updates and I've designed it all (using the template from Blogger). I've created a new header on one of the pages, but I've got a few issues with it, which will be sorted tomorrow. I have no homework tomorrow, so yay!

I havn't gotten any further looking for the code like on Fish n Chips, and I havn't started designing any of the skins yet either. Hmmm. Perhaps the stylesheet is the first thing i'll do. Ah well.

Seeya around

Back to school

2006-04-24T23:03:00.000+01:00

Hi. Can't speak for long. Got spanish oral to learn and english notes to make. It's been the first day back at school after Easter, and it hasn't been a bad day. I'm already bogged down with work which I know I should have done, but havn't. As I'm typing this now I've just realised I've got an Art still life to do. Great! I also have english notes to make and spanish oral to learn. Therefore this can't be long. Nothing interesting happened today anyway, went to worship group, it was ok, although Lois passed on a comment from someone who said that I was a really good drummer - it doesn't sound as good typing it now but it was really good then. Made me go all warm inside... :D

I know the picture is blurred, but it didn't look it on the camera screen, therefore I didn't take another one. I hate it!

Night

Design from an average day

2006-04-22T20:17:00.000+01:00

Now I know I've done quite a lot to my blog since I first got it. It started off as a regular Minima template by Douglas Brown, provided by Blogger. Over the past (now nearly) two months, I've edited this to make it my own blog and, to be honest, I'm pleased with what I've done. I have never been taught about CSS and coding, but I've managed it myself, with perhaps one or two little internet tutorials helping along the way. Since I first started, I've created and put in my own banner, removed the Blogger button, removed the recent posts section, made a favicon, removed the Blogger Navbar, added more pages to my site - the contact me, about me and photo's page - edited the colour of my post titles, and generally I think, made the whole site better and I'm well chuffed with myself....but (and yes there's a but!) I still want to make it better. I don't know whether that's the designer in me, but I browse the web most days, and would regard myself as a compitent web user, and I go on all sorts of sites, blogs, design studios etc, and see inspiring designs that I'd LOVE to have on here.

I love so many different styles out there. I really like the grunge style, but I also really like a clean, simple and minimal style. I love vibrant colours, really bright, and I also like really calm, soothing designs. I love photography and good pictures, and I love the countryside and the city. The thing is, how do I show all that in one blog!? I saw the Fish n Chips site and it's got some code that randomly selects one out of around 4 skins they've designed. Now I really like that idea, it's cool. I could design a few sites that when someone logged on would randomly change, and each time they came back or refreshed, they'd see a new design. Not only would it be really cool, but it'd allow me to have all my different designs!

So far I'm thinking along these idea's for the skins:

- A minimal one like the current design. Simple, clean, fresh and with some sketch designs using my tablet.

- An underground, urban one, featuring pictures of the London underground I have, and maps of the underground. Could be either light or dark colours, I'm not sure yet. I saw this template, using the underground theme, and I liked some of the ideas.

- A grunge one. Something dark, dirty, maybe with a paper background which the text appears on - almost emo but not.

- A vibrant, colourful, interesting and abstract design, with really cool vector graphics

Now, that's all well and good but there are some problems - A) I have no idea how I'd design all of them, as I can't use Dreamweaver at all, and my CSS isn't good enough to make my own. B) I don't know the coding to randomly select a skin, and can't find on the Fish n Chips site how it does it.

A solution I've just thought of is that I could have thumbnails or bigger of samples of grunge/vibrant/minimal/urban etc and let the viewer choose which they want. Then, if they're inquisitive, they'll go back, and click on each one, and I'll get more page clicks! That could work, although a holding page for a blog doesn't quite sound right. The problem with having four options could be that I'd have to enter my blog entry four times into each section, although I'm sure there's a way you could just change the CSS but not the content. That's something to look up.

Wow, so much typed from such an average day! I guess it's just something I've been thinking about, and needed to write down so I could review it. I read through my last few entries today... I thought it made nice reading :)

Havn't done much today, as the title suggests. I've tried to work...the internet is just so distracting!

I've come back after tea to finish this, I had honey glazed chicken which was quite nice, a little too sweet for me. Also watched the end of Colateral Damage on C4 which looked good. Watched some of Match of the Day too and I've watched a few Joga Bonito videos. Amazing. What football should really be.

Anyway, seeya

London week

2006-04-21T15:43:00.000+01:00

I do believe it has been a week since I last posted you with an update on my life! I don't think I can ever remember what I did a week ago, which is both sad and a shame, as something exciting must have gone on in the last few days! At least, I hope so...

I'll start with what I can remember. Which isn't much. Sunday - I played sax with Abby, I think it went well. Then, in the evening, I went round to Coz's house, watched a film of which I've forgotten the name and had popcorn (which I semi-burnt - you can't forget that ... 3 foot flame!) It was a good evening. I remember trying to write my blog but not being allowed, getting banned from the computer etc, but it's all a bit hazy. Anyway, that explains my lack of postage.

Then it was time for the trip to London! Now bear in mind, my sister and I believed that we were going to London for the day, but my parents had infact booked us into a "Quality Hotel" (that's the name of the hotel chain) for two nights! How great! Now I could definately do all the sightseeing things and museums I wanted to go to!

We got up early on the Tuesday, travelled down to St Albans, caught the train in, and used the tube to get to various places. We went on the London Eye which was really good - however, it's impossible to take good pictures on it because it's just grey - London is grey! We then went to Trafalgar Sqaure, ate in Garfunkels, looked around and came home. We had a swim in the hotel pool which was fun.

Second day - we went to the Cabinet War Rooms, and they're really good. I'd recommend them to anyone interested in history and World War 2. There's loads of stuff there which is really good and interesting. In the afternoon, we walked down to Buckingham Palace, saw the guards change, and got in the way of television camera's, who were there recording stuff for the Queens birthday. Apparently, she'd invited a load of people for lunch, and they were recording it. Ok... In the evening we ate at Jimmy's, a greek restaurant in Soho. We walked past dozens of sex shops and clubs to get there, and when we did the place was pretty dirty. However, the food was good, so it wasn't all bad. My sister didn't like what she'd ordered and refused to eat it, so when we left we caught the tube (something I love doing - it's just so easy!) to Leciester Square, got her a McDonalds. We then had a Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and made our way home.

Our last day was as good as a last day can be. We went to the Science Museum, and although I am no fan of science - at school at least - it was good. We saw an exhibition on Pixar Animation - amazing. The quality of the drawings there is incredible. Go on the Pixar site to see some previews of the new film, Cars. Looks to be amazing. Then, we looked for somewhere to eat. We were outside the Oxford Circus tube station, and a worker came up to us, and asked us if we needed any help with our journey, as dad was looking at his guide book. He said no, and I said to him that "we're just looking for a place to eat". He told us about this GREAT cafe just around the corner called The Lido - he said all the "lads"(underground workers to you and me), that it was really nice and extremely cheap. So we tried it out, and he was right! It's great! The quality of food is superb and it was really nice. It's been there 61 years! I'm not surprised, but they must make a good profit. It was great. Then, me and mum walked up and down Oxford Street, I bought a few clothes, and then we all went back to The Lido for tea! I had a really nice lasagne.

It was time to go home. We left, travelled back on the train and drove home. It was a good time, and I do really love London. It's just sooooo big, the underground is soooo cool, and it's just got so much going on. You could live there for a million years and not see everything*.

Today's been mums birthday. I've got her a novel and a photo frame. Hope she likes it. We've got a curry as well - my sister and I were going to cook a meal...it all went wrong. Ah well...curry!

Here are some of my favourite shots from London - I'm not particularly pleased, a lot of them are blurred, and I don't think I was particularly creative. Ah well. You'll see more when I post them as my daily picture.

Because I want Pierrot the Clown

2006-04-14T23:19:00.000+01:00

Bonjour.

Today's been alright, nothing amazing. Did a little work, not really much revision to my shame. Went round to Fish's and borrowed around 24 CDs! I've got loads of them on the computer so far, and I'm loving listening to Placebo at the moment. It was rather weird - I left the inside cover out for the Placebo "Meds" CD, and my dad saw it, and later he said to me "hey Dave, you know that Placebo CD, rather kinky!". I semi-laughed/cringed. Love him really. I especially like off the album Infra-red, Because I Want You and Pierrot the Clown. Excellent.

Nothing else to say. Night

Just another day

2006-04-13T22:26:00.000+01:00

Hi. Feeling ok, slightly down and worn at times today, but generally ok.

Compared to the huge post yesterday, this is going to be nothing. Today, I have tidied my room, done a revision session (only one I know, I must get better) and been on the computer. I've tried to experiment in Flash, and to an extent it's worked- I need to find the code to give the user multiple choices on the home page. It's been fun though. I've also cut out my logo for the gig leaflets, and given him an outen and inner glow - it's dark red and looks really cool. Should all be coming together soon.

Had chicken 'n' chips for tea. Was quite nice. Ok

Night

Good times

2006-04-12T22:05:00.000+01:00

Well hello there. Havn't updated this for a while, and I can tell this is going to be a long post. Prepare yourselfs.

On Monday, I did nothing much - my working holiday just started. My parents took seriously a letter from my headmaster which said that most boys will have got a revision timetable sorted, and will have been revising for some time. Rubbish! The thing is, they believed it, and as a result this holiday is going to revolve around revision...and maybe one or two "enjoyable" activities. Anyway...Monday. I was due to meet Corinne and her friends, but my parents were idiots. They made me do work, and then as a result, left me with no choice to text Coz and say sorry, there's no point in me coming into town now because I'd have to come home soon. I was rather angry... Worship group was ok, but I had to play my sax....I'll let you make your own conclusions.

Tuesday - better than Monday anyway. I'm struggling now to remember what we did. You're in luck...I've just remembered. We started off the morning by visiting the dentist. My teeth were fine (yay!), and being the trendy dentist that he is, his dentist is amazingly cool. Very modern. He had these amazing canvases by theCanvasLounge, this one being a special favourite of mine - but they're all amazingly cool. Anyway - you can get your own ones printed by them - my photos are going to be hung in the dining room!

Then, we went onto Mitchels Art Centre - it's an old converted farm which I personally find very boring, overrated and expensive - but we had some cake and a drink there and my mother made a paticular note at the standards of food like she always does. There was a little studio there for acanvas, and the guy there was really nice. He knew his stuff (or so it seemed), and he did some photoshop editing which was quite impressive. The trouble is, being a future web designer, when I went on the websites for acanvas and thecanvaslounge, I compared them...and basically...thecanvaslounge won...by a considerable amount. It had a good use of Flash, was nicely set out, and fairly easy to use (even though one of the sidebar content boxes messed up in Opera). acanvas had a looping Flash intro, which had pretty poor quality images, which for an image reproduction/editing/printing company isn't exactly brilliant. Also, the use of grammar was a bit bad. Also, before moving on, I did visit this place in Sutton whilst we were trying to find thecanvaslounge - and it was cool - it was all graffiti orientated, with stuff done using aerosols. It was cool, just not what we need.

So, later on Tuesday, I did some work, messed around, generally felt reasonably happy.

Wednesday...today...has been an excellent day! Got up, did some R.E. revision, and then went to my Multimedia Magic course at Aston University (I havn't posted a link because I think soon enough it will be taken off their site). It was done by Dr Jo Smedley..she seemed really nice. However, the course was really for BEGINNERS. By that I mean...draw a cirle, then remove the stroke, then create a keyframe. It was good, just too simple. I understand Flash is an expensive program, and that not many people would be expected to have it (if any), but this was meant to be a gifted and talented trip. It was just too basic, and went really quickly. She had a slideshow, but after we'd done her little tasks, we basically had free run to mess around in Flash - she did say create an advert, but it was very loose. She also showed us this website all about colour - it's a brilliant demonstation of Flash and really useful. The course did however make me feel a bit chuffed that I was above the "beginner" stage.

Anyway, just before I left for the course, my mum spotted an Amazon box shoved under the back of her car! Yes! It had come! My beautiful tablet had arrived! It was however, extremely worrying. My sister said she saw a man when she was watching Tv, who came, wrote a note and just shoved the package under the car without knocking. Now that's bad - he didn't even knock, and just left it there. Admittedly it couldn't really be seen from the pavement, but still. It's £200 worth of beauty! Anyway, I got home from my course all exited to open it up and use it! It's BRILLIANT! I love it! It's really big, has a free mouse and stylus holder which is a bonus, and it just is COOL! To boot, my headset came as well, and the sound quality is brilliant, and it's really secure and comfortable, much better than my last headset which is now sitting ontop of the printer, looking dejected.

Sue Bant's come over this evening, we had a nice meal, and watched Grand Designs together. It was cool.

Wow this is long, and if you've bothered reading this far I award a medal for persistance. Hope you've enjoyed it! Been listening to DCFC a lot...it's brilliant!Oh, and here's a picture of some fruit I drew with the tablet :)

Death cab for a Party

2006-04-09T21:22:00.000+01:00

Hi there.

Had quite a good day, got better in the evening. Church was ok, felt weird not to be playing, but it was good to watch Tim. Just reminded me how good he is. Then, in the afternoon, dropped Nanna off at the train station, came home and prepared for the party at ID. It was great! We had nice pizza and other things, and then played some cool games. Me and Carl also won the table football match between us, and Tim and Tom. It was a great evening.

Today, I found out about a gig church is doing, organised by Dave West-Mullen. He's got his son Ashleys band - Health and Safety Executives - and another local band - 7secondkill - and they're having a gig. He was going to design the leaflets, but as I expressed an interest, he's letting me do them! My second commission! I'm working on a grunge theme, black and heavy scenes as both are rock bands. He's going to print off around 400 of these. I'm coming up with a logo of sorts, and the only thing needed is to give the gig a name...hmm...Well, it's very exciting anyway, and I'll post the image up here when it's done.

Nothing left to say. I ordered the headset, and it was posted yesterday, so should be here by Tuesday/Wednesday hopefully, and the tablet may eventually arrive soon! Also downloaded Plans by Death Cab For Cutie today. Good so far.

Night

Trendy and Flash

2006-04-08T23:21:00.000+01:00

Hi.

I'm out of rant mode today, so you can all be pleased about that. Instead, I'm back in web design world, or should I say now, graphic and web design world. I went into town today with Nanna and parents and sister and bought this. It's nice, another one to join the set. I spent my whole time in the Apple shop and in Waterstones. Waterstones has a really good design section, and I've taken note of one or two other good books I'd like to get.

I have other good news. Nanna is paying for my share in the tablet, which means I have loads of money to spend now! I've ordered a headset from Play, and my tablet seems to be decided to come soonish. I really can't wait.

Today's also been spent buying food for tomorrows party at ID. Should be really good fun.

I'm writing this after just watching "Just married" on Channel4. It was a good film, suprisingly enough. The name refers to the fact that I'm brushing up on my non-existant Flash skills in readiness for a course on April 12th. I'll tell you more when I've done it. The picture shows an old Belton can near the Custard Factory.

Well, I'd better go

Seeya around

Too popular

2006-04-07T22:16:00.000+01:00

Hi. Schools broken up now, and it was all good. Went into town afterwards with Waheed and Max, Bob and Dave W tagged around a bit, then me and Waheed left, went to his house and played games. Fun.

That sounds really brief and short because that's what I want it to be, because I think I'm going to give a little rant. I don't mean to sound all grumpy about it, because I have had a good day - it's just this evening on the internet I've found out how annoying people of my age can be - especially the people who think they're going to make it big on the internet.

Take Dan Alani, someone who I vaguely know at the Gathering. He has a site, which is designed quite nicely, but is completely awful at advertising himself. A comment which really annoyed me on his site was "Great website Dan. Looks like you got yourself A nice little business here. I am looking to get into the same field, so maybe in the future we might be rivals!". That's just stupid. Another thing that annoys me is that the web design and graphic design links are just crossed out, and his photos, of which use an external site, are not even that good (in my opinion anyway). It really annoys me how people take photos of anything and everything. I'd like to think my photo's have a purpose, and actually look interesting.

I got to his site through the 2cools website, which sadly, doesn't live up to it's name. It's run by a guy at my school who has an ego bigger than 3 elephants. It just annoys me at how pathetic the forum is. (Sorry, this is really ranty and sad, but hey, I'm in the mood for it)

I got onto Greg Yates blog and found that all it is, is just a story. Boring really - nice guy, but boring blog.

Gah, this has been a complete rant, and I feel bad for doing so, but I guess writing it down makes me feel better. The thing is, I know I havn't got my own site, I havn't scripted it in PHP, I havn't got a phpbb forum, but the thing is...I think I know what looks GOOD. Half these people have NO sense of design, and it's all just boring, rubbish stuff that they think makes them look good. Oh well. Rant over.

Anyway, Nanna's here. Should be fun. Going into town...again...tomorrow.

Seeya

Reflective thoughts

2006-04-05T22:31:00.000+01:00

Wilkommen to a snapshot of my life.

That just sounded silly, but I guess this actually is for someone who doesn't know me at all, a snapshot into my life. This blog has now, after nearly a month of writing, taken up it's own CSS - I say "hi", talk about my day, what I've looked at on the internet, and then anything interesting that's happened - which usually isn't much. I guess that interesting things don't really happen to me in the same way that many recommended blogs on blogger do. Then again, what can I do? I don't think I can really make myself any more interesting than I already am (which isn't very). Perhaps I'll have to wait until I'm older, in which case I may not be doing this blog, or I could still be going strong. Maybe my plan to take over Apple will happen, and my blog will be an insight for all Apple lovers into what's really going on "on the inside".

As for my day, it's been alright. My spanish oral didn't happen - the days changed - and I managed to get my History done at lunch. The evenings been good. I went out and played football with the same crowd as last night (except Ian and Soc who had returned home. Bad show) and had a small match with two other guys - who reminded us of how bad we are. At least we try, and do actually pass the ball. Something they didn't understand. I've then watched Grand Designs on channel4. It was cool, made me want to do architecture again, then I remembered the 7 year course, and immediately went back to web design.

I'm going to again interest myself in web design as a career by looking at my Web Design Studios book, which I really like the look of. Very inspiring indeed.

Well, I have spanish oral preparation to finish, and a big chemistry test to revise for. Better get going then

Byebye

15 years to the day, hour, minute, second

2006-04-04T22:16:00.000+01:00

Well hello. I'm so dedicated to writing this I've taken time out from my amazingly busy birthday-day, to tell you how it's been. Well, it's been ok. The school day was ok, nothing interesting, but the action started after school. No, not concert band (even though we are starting Braveheart and I'm playing the solos with Solly). No, I'm talking about getting home to find no presents to open, nothing.

I was very sad, but things immediately got better. Mother told me "the lads" were playing football, so after watching Lizzie McGuire, I got a lift and spent 1-2 hours playing football with Sam, Fish, Dave, Ho, Soc,Meddings and Ian. It was great to see them all again doing what we do best (trying and failing to play football). I love them!

Then, I came home for the presents. Or rather, I came home, slobbed, and then had tea. Tea consisted of a curry from Juboraj! Mmm. It was nice. I then opened my presents. As you all want to know, I'll tell you. I got:

Web Design Studios, book
Tintin, Flight 714, book
Vic Firth 5A Drumsticks
Lots of deodorant and showergel
A Bench. jacket and t-shirt

I think that's it, my tablet is not yet dispatched...expected to come at the earliest by the 12th April. Ah well.

Well, it's been a goodish birthday. Thanks for all the cards also. All I'm doing now is my spanish translation, and I'm sooooo tired.

Night

Gaussian coursework

2006-04-03T21:19:00.000+01:00

Well hello. Can't speak for long. Had a good day, it went quickly and it generally has been good. Hockey was fun, as was going in the schools video conferencing room for art. The yaer 11s were doing their exam - me in a years time.

I can't speak for long because I have a huge amount of drama coursework and maths coursework to do for tomorrow. Stupid drama teacher setting all of our coursework in one go. She really doesn't know what she's doing - I hate to say it but I won't be sad to see her go. I also missed out on going to worship group because of the coursework :(

At least it's my birthday tomorrow! My mums also stolen the latest verion of .net because she wants to give it to me as a present. She's just trampy.

Seeya

Signs and a funny day

2006-04-02T23:09:00.000+01:00

Hi. It's been an interesting day. Good, and interesting.

Church was good. My frequent scurrying across the stage gave some members of the congregation some amusement. Glad it was fun for them. ID was good, playing "Signs". What an awesome game! Basically, everyone in the circle chooses a sign, and then it's a bit like wink murder, the person in the middle has to work out who "has it". You have to attempt to "pass it" without them seeing/realising. You do this by first making your sign eg. pat your head, and then the sign of the person you are sending it to eg. rub your stommach. Mine was ofcourse...disco stu, or disco dave as it's now called :D. It was such fun..and everytime I was in the middle (I volunteered), I caught the person. It's actually rather easy. Look at people's eyes. They all have to watch the person "with it" at some point, and then it's plain sailing.

Anyway, that's enough of me telling you how clever I think I am. I got a present from Mrs Corinne, Becky and Rosie (in Mexico), some new earphones, and a voucher for a clothes shop. Yay!, although I'm not sure whether they're trying to tell me something with the voucher...

We are also having a party two weeks on Sunday (the 9th), with food and a film and games etc. Should be good. Also, the invitations for Izzy's party which I designed (can be found here) were all handed out. Fun fun, and I watched an amazing table football match between James and Abby, Tim and Carl. Such speed...which reminds me - James Cordle played a prank on one of his uni mates, saying their stuff had been destroyed in a fire...and she believed him, and was travelling down to the uni! Poor J...

Done loads of work today - I've got drama and maths coursework both in for Tuesday (my birthday..YAY!). Ah well. Can't all be good.

I think that's about all from my parents wedding anniversary - my sister wanted to wake up early and cook them breakfast..she borrowed my alarm clock, set it, but then was woken up by my dad. Turns out I hadn't put the clock back...she was an hour too late :D

Oh it's been a funny old day

Blue line garden, circus, square

2006-04-01T17:58:00.000+01:00

1st April. A new day for a whole new face (again) of wakingupsober. I'm rather pleased. In one day I've added the contact me page, a favicon, solved the problem of the banner and one or two other things I can't remember to tell you. I really like it too. I spent a while clicking on the next blog feature on the blogger bar - which reminds me to tell you I found the code to hide that - on the "competition", and well...there are some interesting and nice sites out there. Bottled-updreamz was one I found which I liked, and also factory of creations were two really nice ones, inspiring. Yet, for all my searching, I found countless blogs that were boring, nothing interetsing, and still with "Edit-me" links in the sidebar. I'd like to think that my own blog was really nice, cool and interesting, but I really don't know.

Today, I've done...jack all! Went to my tutors in the morning, and did a load of maths coursework, which I'm doing now as well as this. Listening to Feeder, and feeling in a different mood. The curtains are open and I can see the fairly quiet road, and it's all springy. Bring it on I say.

The picture is like an old friend, took it, and it was what started off a very special collection to me, and I really like it. Hope you do too. The Feeder guitar is so soft, it's gorgeous. "Growing old with you, it's what I want to do". Love 'em. Th e post title also refers to the London underground, Picadily Circus, Covent Garden, and Leciester Square. I have an urge to be there...which will be satisfied in the holidays.

Well, seems to be all for now. Enjoy.

A New Era

2006-03-31T23:23:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new face of wakingupsober. What a transformation...if I do say so myself! A whole new banner, not perfect, but getting there, a centred picture, a title on my post. All of it I think develops the site - I'm on my way to really making this my own blog.

Anyway...enough design talk...todays been very good. In assembley I got my music and rugby colours, and I got my history essay back - A*!

Went to Ignite this evening, it was all good.

Feeling rather chuffed with myself :). Just maths coursework now...

Seeya!

2006-03-30T22:56:00.000+01:00

Hi. Good day. Come up with my final piece idea for art...and had a Chemistry test...even though he took our books in..idiot. Also, Sam, the guy I talked about yesterday, lent me a book on design...how nice :)

Guess what! Guess who ordered the Wacom Intuos3 A5 Tablet last night? That's right! ME!
It's coming by around the 10th April hopefully, so a little after my birthday, but ah well. Still....the tablet! Wahey!

I don't really know what else to say...Karen exceeded her bandwidth. Shame I don't have that much success. Ah well

Just writing up loads of history notes now. Fun Fun. Oh, I also got a new 512 pen drive today. Cool.

Night all

2006-03-29T22:24:00.000+01:00

Hi. Good day. Good evening. I've spent time exploring the internet (as usual) and talking to a cool guy from my school...whom I've discovered is very cool...knows all about coding languages, and wants to be a web designer...even said we should work together.

I've also downloaded a load of photoshop brushes, which have enabled me to produce some various grunge style pictures. Here's a few as I leave you for tonight. Had chips for tea (again!) Also nearly convinced A5 tablet is best!

Enjoy...

2006-03-27T23:30:00.000+01:00

Hi. Decent day, nothing much to say. Music group was alright, I actually played my sax, and had the urge to play! Someone call the doctor....

I've also found on Amazon the tablet that I want..only a measly £200.

Nothing else to say so, night.

2006-03-26T21:28:00.000+01:00

...(sorry...continued from below...so much to write!) goal.

Well, this rounds up what's been a great weekend. All I have to do now is my art homework. Doh!

Seeya

2006-03-26T21:27:00.000+01:00

WOW! (no, not World of Warcraft :) ). What a great few days. Havn't posted since Thursday because my social life has been rather amazing, and just to make you jealous, I'm going to tell you all about it!

So, Friday, wanted to go into town to look for tablets, but it didn't work out, so I went to the Gathering instead, which was good.

Then, Saturday, what a great day. Started off by me going to my tutors which wasn't anything good, did my maths homework. Boring stuff. Then, went into town, shopped around for a mothers day present, and went to the awesome Apple shop and looked at the Intuos3 A5 tablet they had there - the guys were really nice, and what's best is that all my family tried it out, loved it, and my mum said that it would be better to get an A5 one - yippeee!

Then, the ultimate....FEEDER! It was great! It was at the NEC Arena, so a new venue for me, and it was cool. Goldie Lookin Chain were supporting - they were absolutely rubbish, but Feeder were great. Good songs, and although the set was a little short, still a great concert.

Then, today, church. Wow! The worship was amazing, the congregation really connected. It was fantastic, and my drumming I felt was really good. Then tonight, ID was boys and girls, and the guys had an amazing table football match, and I scored the winning

2006-03-23T23:32:00.000Z

Hi. Good day, although chemistry test sucked :(

Very brief tonight, as I'm doing this rather late. Went out this evening to my life group at Izzy's, and we're holding an event, sortof social evening, and I'm designing the leaflets! My first almost...commission! I've nearly done them, just going to print off some samples tomorrow.

I've also decided on a tablet - I'm going for a Graphire4, hopefully the biggest one I can afford!

I'm also going to see Feeder on Saturday evening - the concert got postponed from last December because Grant (lead singer) had vocal bleeding, but it's back on! It's going to be amazing! I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, I'm out now. Oh, and physics coursework was all ok :)

2006-03-22T23:04:00.000Z

Well hello. Just a brief entry tonight. Today's been ok, parents evening tonight. Went well, excellent comments in I.T. which was nice, plus other good comments. Generally good all round. My parents also apparently sucked up to my deputy and headmaster. As usual...

Had the fun task of physics coursework this evening...the resistance of a wire really is thrilling...trust me.

Havn't done much internet/design wise. Browsed forums, nothing much.

I'd better get back to finishing my coursework. On another note, I had a curry this evening. Yay for the tastebuds, not so yay for down below ...

Night night

2006-03-21T22:36:00.000Z

Hi. I'm ok. Had a good day thank you. I got an A* in my english speach which has made me rather happy.

I spent normal time on the forum, and then, decided for some reason to download Opera. Wow! I've really taken to it - it's like Firefox but one step better, and I absolutely love the mouse controls, which are so convenient! So far, I've had no problems with compatability, apart from, yes, you guessed it - Blogger. Goes all nasty in Opera. Shame really.

I've completely moved into the whole Opera phase now, importing all my favourites and the like, but Firefox, don't worry - I shall still be using you for writing blogs, and I'll probably use you lots anyway.

I also have been lots on the istockphoto forums - especially the cage match section. It looks really good - inspiring and challenging design wise.

Havn't looked at tablets much this evening, briefly checked on Amazon. Nothing much.

Well, that's about today.

2006-03-20T22:51:00.000Z

Hello there. Todays been ok, I'm ok, everythings ok.

Worship group was good this evening, some really good songs. Lots of fun! Played hockey today instead of football in games which was good, and tonight I've written my Public Speaking speech on car parks. In my research I have found two of the most interesting websites on the net. Sennen Cove in West Cornwall has it's own website - highly informative. The forum is a big hit with locals I hear...

Another equally amazing site is the site for the British Parking Association. Informative, and with around 20,000 hits a day, this site truly is thriving. I'll tell you how I do in the public speaking at a later date...

I looked in more detail at the tablets - and even asked on the forum(.net...obviously) about good brands, and Wacom has come up trumps. I looked on the site again, it's either the volito or graphire now. It's just finding the best price. I'm going to look around town soon hopefully.

I can think of nothing more to say (except again the blogger image uploading is playing up - picture to follow asap).

Signing out.

2006-03-19T17:10:00.000Z

Hi. Sorry I havn't posted in two whole days - terrible to keep my fans waiting I know. I am sincerly sorry. Blame it on my parents - grounded on Friday and not allowed on the computer! It was terrible. Then yesterday, I was out all day and didn't have any time. So it is today that I finally update you on how I am. I am ok. Well...now that's over and done with..I can tell you some alarming news.

I read the other day on the amazing .net forum (Here's the link to the actual post) that there was a scam going on at Amazon (not by Amazon, obviously) but that people on there were selling fake 1GB memory sticks. This obviously alarmed me because although I havn't bought one as of yet, I was about to, and this is rather lucky. However - Costco has come to the rescue, as when my mother was browsing there yesterday saw one, and now I'll get one from there.

Friday was boring - nothing eventful, and Saturday was good. Saw the Pink Panther with some friends, then went back to his house, had fun then came home. Church was good this morning, and my playing was average/good. I've spent this afternoon taking pictures for the site banner I'm designing - you'll see all too soon. I've got various idea's...and the great thing is I'm thinking about how the tablet will help - I really can't wait! I must get back onto Wacom and chose one - so that I can look around for good prices. Fun fun!

The photograph is of some woodblocks I saw whilst on holiday. Enjoy. Ok...it isn't letting me, but I'll get it up as soon as possible. Ah ha. Got it up now. Also, I've deleted various unnecessary content from the sidebars - now it only contains the essentials. I'd really better get back to doing my art....

2006-03-16T18:47:00.000Z

Hello. Generally I am ok - looking forward to the weekend and a break from school. Hopefully going to see the Pink Panther film and go round to a friends for a sleepover - should be good fun, the only problem being that I have to leave at 9 - places to be, people to see etc.

Today was ok - school was normal, and my drama teacher is back from the dead! She's been off for ages - so I started singing..."guess who's back, from the dead, medway's back" etc, to the tune of that Eminem song of which I don't know the name. Think I did average in my Chemistry test. I don't really care about it though!

Moving onto more interesting topics, I've been looking through the code for this blog, trying to understand it - I'm failing generally, but there are some areas that I'm understanding which is good. I tried opening it up in Dreamweaver, but it didn't help - I'll wait till the arrival of the tablet before doing too much, but in the meanwhile read through the code.

I've also spent quite a lot of time going through and choosing the "best of the best" out of my pictures I've taken. Quite pleased with the results - it's something I've been meaning to do for a while, and it means I can get rid of the stupid Coldplay screensaver, which for some reason I downloaded. I've also gone through some images taking sections of them and editing them - nothing much, just changing the levels and exposure slightly.

I spend too much time on the computer, and I realised that I need to do more practicle work. Ah well. It can wait. Probably edit later on, or create a new post like I did last night. Which reminds me to tell you (my avid readers, awaiting my next post with madness) that I've come to the conclusion that I should post a mid way through the evening, so I have more interesting things to talk about than just school. I rushed home yesterday to tell you all my...exciting...news.

Wow this blog is long - I think the longest I've ever done so far. Enjoy.

2006-03-15T20:39:00.000Z

Well, in the last post I said I would edit it as the evening went on, but i've found i've too much to say - making editing time consuming and pointless. I'm not sure if blogs are just meant to be one post a day, but I think this is turning more into a diary/journal (which reminds me that I have a live journal account). Ah well.

As far as the Wacom tablet is concerned, I've been browsing around - I checked Amazon, not too bad price wise - and I've been pleasantly surprised by how good a tablet I can get for a reasonably modest price. Hopefully for my birthday i'll get a really nice one.

I've also had a good evening - fish 'n' chips for tea and watched the football. Also, to boot, my mum suggested me getting a digital camera, and didn't seem phased when I talked about a digital SLR costing £400-500. She also gave the go ahead for the 1GB memory card and tablet - (she's joining the revolution (as well as msn!) ).

Note to self - design a banner, and work out how to put it into this page.

2006-03-15T17:35:00.000Z

Second day of blogging. Still not quite sure what this should be but hey, it's going to be fun. Maybe in a year from now....this could be popular.

I won't get my hopes up.

Read an article in .net mag last night all about blogging - interesting, and talking about making blogs out of the ordinary (something this currently isn't). Hopefully soonish, i'll make my own template....only thing holding me back is the technical know-how. Currently, I'm pants at CSS - i've got no idea where to begin.

As for creating a template...I think I'd like a more natural feel...this is fairly rigid at the moment, and there's not too much I can do to really make it my own. I looked last night at some Wacom tablets - as it's my birthday I was thinking it might be an ideal tool.

As for my day (although not over yet), it's been ok. School was usually varied...some lessons good, some lessons average - nothing bad today. I'll be spending a few hours on here tonight, and this post will probably edited if I find new things. I'm going to buy a 1GB memory card for my camera later, bargain off Amazon!

askar

2006-03-14T22:02:00.000Z

This is a picture I took one morning, when I woke up and found some snow on some old coal pieces from the barbecue. My first photograph of what will hopefully be a nice set.

2006-03-14T21:56:00.000Z

This is my first post - nothing amazing yet, and I doubt none of the posts will be amazing! I'm using this as a basic blog, just somewhere to write down my thoughts, my feelings and general interests. I hope to put a few of my pictures on here, and eventually create my own template - hopefully using a tablet I want for my birthday.