University - DONE!

I've just presented my last bit of coursework for my MSc. As of now the taught part of my course (the last 2 years) and all my exams are done - only the dissertation is left. WOOHOO!!!

HTC Touch Diamond 2

I couldn't hold out any longer - I just bought a Touch Diamond 2. I've been watching the phone up to release date and thinking: "I don't need one, it's not that different". But then came the reviews of the release units - and my mind was changed.

Admittedly it is not night-and-day different to the Touch Diamond 1 but there are significant changes such as tighter touchflow integration and the promise of free WinMo6.5 updates later in the year - meaning I get to use the new MS Marketplace. Should be here on Tue...

Aberdeen

This weekend I have been working in Aberdeen on a system upgrade. All has gone well, so far, and the upgrade has been fairly straightforward. I even managed to catch the Grand Prix in the office :)

Sailing Shoes

I did a little shopping at lunchtime today and found myself some shoes suitable for sailing in later in the year. They have non-slip/mark soles and even a washable insole. Look comfortable and should be good for windsurfing in too...

Second Flash

I got home from another weekend at work last night and whilst waiting for K to get back from yoga, had a play with my new 2-flash setup. Took some interesting shots (link in title) but liked this one the most. The second flash is behind the guitar - lighting up the amp.

Nottingham

I was walking back to the hotel from the office in Nottingham today in the glorious sunshine and decided to take this pic. You wouldn't tell you were in the middle of a large city surrounded by industrial parks and offices!

Bike to Shop

My bike went into the shop today for its first of three safety checks - Part of Marin's 'Platinum Care' which comes with this sort of bike. Other than gear alignment I don't think it needs anything else...

Update: needed new rear gear cable.

Steam Train

Working in my home office when I heard a whistle outside the window - I grabbed my camera off the desk and managed this shot as a steam train went past :)

Update: turns out this was the train used on Top Gear, Series 13, episode 1. Must have been returning from the trip :)

Canon 580EX II - SURPRISE!

I was surprised yesterday when A came round with a gift - a Canon 580EX II!!! A gift for the upcoming photo shoot at his sister's wedding.

So, within an hour (whilst at the pub) I had read the manual and around midnight I attacked the cats with a pap-style flash attack (pics linked in title).

It is amazing HOW much better it is that the 430 EX - THANKS A!

Canon 580EX II Review

Roadster Foglight Foils

I fitted some foils to K's roadster yesterday. They get rid of the massive silver fog/indicator backs that stood out so strangely on the front of an otherwise all-black car. I think they look great :)

SlimPlug

My Sony P netbook has a tiny tiny bag to go with it - looks rather too much like a man-bag actually :( Anyway, the only annoying thing is the HUGE UK mains plug that comes with it. Well, I found the answer - a foldable one from Slimplug - costs about £10.

Input Director

If, like me, you have more computers than makes sense you will have come across the annoyance of having to change keyboard/mouse every time you want to use a different machine. If you don't want a KVM then Input Director might be the answer. I can now control all 3 machines (6 screens) with my main mouse/keyboard - awesome! Best bit - it is free for non commercial use!

Nottingham

I've been in Nottingham since Friday with a system upgrade at one of the local papers. It's gone quite well but I can't wait to get home. I'm waiting on a DB transfer at the moment... The pic is of the 'wheel' in the city centre.

New Mouse for Netbook

I've just ordered a new mouse for my netbook - white of course to match. It's bluetooth and made by MS so should be good quality.

Important features (for me) include a back button and an on/off switch.

Update: it's pretty good and comes with its own pouch too!