Sent from my HTC
Cool Head
15 hours ago
Monday, 30 May 2011
a bit pokey
Sent from my HTC
view from a bus
So rainy and windows so fogged that it is quite difficult to gauge where we are on the route.
Sent from my HTC
<edited to replace photo which was oriented incorrectly, it would seem that app only goes for landscape>
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Saturday, 28 May 2011
samsung: just don't
Friday last, which coincided with my long awaited annual leave/chillaxing day, I telephoned i-cure, the television fixer, to check on the status of super-shiny.
After a good deal of time on hold I was met with: "our system is down, could you call back in a couple of hours?" |"They might have to order the part which could take a lot of time and they they'll have to test it" | "I don't know who you could contact to complain ... ummm ... maybe you could check the website?".
<sigh>
Fortunately working at SaltMinesLimted has made me infinitely more patient when dealing with customer service folk - and so I was nice and not at all stabby.
Anyways, after a week incommunicado, this morning I called i-cure to check on the status of super-shiny.
"Let me check ... is ready. Didn't we call you?"
Ermmmmm - no.
And so we trekked out the suburbs for collection (which interfered with my plans no end).
Now super-shiny is back in his rightful place on the stereogram.
We've had a number of Samsung products over the years and, on reflection, they've been less than satisfactory.
I think now after having gone through a warranty service, rather than writing an inexpensive item off as a bad loss and buying a new thing as has been our practice, I'm confident that I will seek out other brands in future, especially after my stellar experience with Amazon (so very good that I've purchased two more kindles).
Really, I would recommend that you stay away from Samsung altogether.
.
After a good deal of time on hold I was met with: "our system is down, could you call back in a couple of hours?" |"They might have to order the part which could take a lot of time and they they'll have to test it" | "I don't know who you could contact to complain ... ummm ... maybe you could check the website?".
<sigh>
Fortunately working at SaltMinesLimted has made me infinitely more patient when dealing with customer service folk - and so I was nice and not at all stabby.
Anyways, after a week incommunicado, this morning I called i-cure to check on the status of super-shiny.
"Let me check ... is ready. Didn't we call you?"
Ermmmmm - no.
And so we trekked out the suburbs for collection (which interfered with my plans no end).
Now super-shiny is back in his rightful place on the stereogram.
We've had a number of Samsung products over the years and, on reflection, they've been less than satisfactory.
I think now after having gone through a warranty service, rather than writing an inexpensive item off as a bad loss and buying a new thing as has been our practice, I'm confident that I will seek out other brands in future, especially after my stellar experience with Amazon (so very good that I've purchased two more kindles).
Really, I would recommend that you stay away from Samsung altogether.
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Friday, 27 May 2011
trouble at mill
There have been interesting recent developments at the SaltMinesLimited.
You may recall that around two months ago I was offered another role. You may also recall that I agonised very long and hard about it and after much advice, including that of an imaginary Internet Friend whom I admire greatly, decided I was going to accept.
Of course things are never that simple.
The CEO (henceforth: God) did not want me to take the role. For, as he explained, DishyBoss would be sad and TeamCareerDeath would fall apart (whatever you are thinking and WTFing, believe me, I thought that too).
CFO and my ex-boss from way, way back in Team Cool-Until-You-Are-In-It then concocted an elaborate scheme whereby I might be shared between the teams, gradually transitioning fully to Team NameToBeDecided.
And then nothing happened for a good while.
And so, miserably, I resigned myself to an infinite period of micro-management.
Then, finally, after I had abandoned all hope - late last week something did eventuate. The transition plan will be actioned!
As part of this whole refocussing, DishyBoss is being effectively demoted - ex-Team Cool(&etc) Boss will now manage him (rather than him having a direct line to God). This was all handled spectacularly badly as is the SaltMinesLimited way. He is verklempt. We all do feel very badly for him because he is a lovely man. Though in between feeling terribly badly I'm wondering why we are all cosseting a very grown-up man/person so.
CFO, who I'd previously thought of as very unhinged has been brilliant and actually treats me as an adult! I have started doing some work I'm delighted with. It is immensely refreshing - though I am sure it will become progressively more challenging.
.
You may recall that around two months ago I was offered another role. You may also recall that I agonised very long and hard about it and after much advice, including that of an imaginary Internet Friend whom I admire greatly, decided I was going to accept.
Of course things are never that simple.
The CEO (henceforth: God) did not want me to take the role. For, as he explained, DishyBoss would be sad and TeamCareerDeath would fall apart (whatever you are thinking and WTFing, believe me, I thought that too).
CFO and my ex-boss from way, way back in Team Cool-Until-You-Are-In-It then concocted an elaborate scheme whereby I might be shared between the teams, gradually transitioning fully to Team NameToBeDecided.
And then nothing happened for a good while.
And so, miserably, I resigned myself to an infinite period of micro-management.
Then, finally, after I had abandoned all hope - late last week something did eventuate. The transition plan will be actioned!
As part of this whole refocussing, DishyBoss is being effectively demoted - ex-Team Cool(&etc) Boss will now manage him (rather than him having a direct line to God). This was all handled spectacularly badly as is the SaltMinesLimited way. He is verklempt. We all do feel very badly for him because he is a lovely man. Though in between feeling terribly badly I'm wondering why we are all cosseting a very grown-up man/person so.
CFO, who I'd previously thought of as very unhinged has been brilliant and actually treats me as an adult! I have started doing some work I'm delighted with. It is immensely refreshing - though I am sure it will become progressively more challenging.
.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
refreshments
Both wanktastic and refreshing!
Sent from my HTC
sunday arvo
Half of Sydney also seemed to think so too - is crazy-crowded. So crowded we were forced to the lower levels of the noble stand.
Sent from my HTC
Saturday, 21 May 2011
hausy-mausy update
Today was super-productive!
Productive happening 1: Busted open the 3D Mouse Telephone (henceforth known as HW-2032) packaging:
Plugged HW-2032 in. Nothing.
Rebooted. Right button works! But otherwise: nothing!
Installed drivers via complicated process of J/F (only computer in the haus with a floppy drive) sharing his A:\ drive and copying contents across to my PC. Maus works! Unfortunately maus only works horizontally - there is no vertical movement.
Searched InformationSuperHighway for XP drivers. Discover that the maus-phone is still being manufactured! Unfortunately no XP drivers to be found.
Decided to disconnect from computer, plug HW-2032 into phone-line and call Joan. Success!
Sure, I was confined to the kitchen (where the phone line and splitter are located) and the tres-stylin' call-centresque head-set gave me a subsequent, persistent ear-ache, but I was using a maus-phone!
Unplug. Consider options.
Time was I would have searched and searched for drivers and then would have spent considerable time to discover how to bend the existing drivers to my will (and all manner of insanity - busting out a ye olde PC running an elderly OS). All that I might have a wacky mouse.
Now? Not so much.
I came. I tried. I photographed. I admitted defeat.
Will repackage and drop back in the St Vinnies bin.
Productive happening 2: rocked down to the local coffee purveyor for some compare/contrast photographic opportunities.
I feel ridiculously delighted with my discovery!
Quite marvellous coffee too. If you are in the neighbourhood you should totally do yourself a favour&etc.
Productive happening 3: Walking to our fave purveyor of meat and then up to GPR for veggies - we're endeavouring to support the locals and are trying to eschew the horrid Broadway (apologies to Harris Farm Markets, whom we adore without measure).
Productive happening 4: snuggling with Albert Campion via my beloved kindly. Go! Obtain one for your own self! You can thank me later.
All in all a quite delightful day.
.
Productive happening 1: Busted open the 3D Mouse Telephone (henceforth known as HW-2032) packaging:
Plugged HW-2032 in. Nothing.
Rebooted. Right button works! But otherwise: nothing!
Installed drivers via complicated process of J/F (only computer in the haus with a floppy drive) sharing his A:\ drive and copying contents across to my PC. Maus works! Unfortunately maus only works horizontally - there is no vertical movement.
Searched InformationSuperHighway for XP drivers. Discover that the maus-phone is still being manufactured! Unfortunately no XP drivers to be found.
Decided to disconnect from computer, plug HW-2032 into phone-line and call Joan. Success!
Sure, I was confined to the kitchen (where the phone line and splitter are located) and the tres-stylin' call-centresque head-set gave me a subsequent, persistent ear-ache, but I was using a maus-phone!
Unplug. Consider options.
Time was I would have searched and searched for drivers and then would have spent considerable time to discover how to bend the existing drivers to my will (and all manner of insanity - busting out a ye olde PC running an elderly OS). All that I might have a wacky mouse.
Now? Not so much.
I came. I tried. I photographed. I admitted defeat.
Will repackage and drop back in the St Vinnies bin.
Productive happening 2: rocked down to the local coffee purveyor for some compare/contrast photographic opportunities.
I feel ridiculously delighted with my discovery!
Quite marvellous coffee too. If you are in the neighbourhood you should totally do yourself a favour&etc.
Productive happening 3: Walking to our fave purveyor of meat and then up to GPR for veggies - we're endeavouring to support the locals and are trying to eschew the horrid Broadway (apologies to Harris Farm Markets, whom we adore without measure).
Productive happening 4: snuggling with Albert Campion via my beloved kindly. Go! Obtain one for your own self! You can thank me later.
All in all a quite delightful day.
.
franken-maus
I recently made a huge effort to rid myself all manner of unnecessary/obsolete computer equipment (I know! I couldn't believe it either - yay! me!)
But I just could not resist the lure of the oddest computer peripheral I have ever seen when I found this at St Vinnies yesterday.
Yes, a mint-in-box (bargain at $6) 3D mouse telephone!
Yes, I said, "wut?" too.
Let me share some of its features:
I know when I've been sitting at my computer, I've long wished (as I am sure have you) that I had a had a way to take/make telephone calls at the same time as I've been using my mouse. Sure, I could use the cordless phone or my mobile, but where would be the futuristic, high-tech fun in that?
I plan to bust it out of the box later today.
.
But I just could not resist the lure of the oddest computer peripheral I have ever seen when I found this at St Vinnies yesterday.
Yes, a mint-in-box (bargain at $6) 3D mouse telephone!
Yes, I said, "wut?" too.
Let me share some of its features:
This product is a combination of a mouse and a telephone that will enable you to use the mouse and the telephone and the same time. The 3D roller will ease your reading by screen-scrolling
- The screenscrolling function of the roller will ease your operation
- A soft click on the flat button will enable you to enjoy the operation
- The streamline shape and the flexible cover make it more attractive
- You can make or receive calls when you are using the mouse.
I know when I've been sitting at my computer, I've long wished (as I am sure have you) that I had a had a way to take/make telephone calls at the same time as I've been using my mouse. Sure, I could use the cordless phone or my mobile, but where would be the futuristic, high-tech fun in that?
I plan to bust it out of the box later today.
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Friday, 20 May 2011
$200 pushbikes in the park
It started with Ireland's fabulous ear-wormy Eurovision entry and progressed to Duran Duran, Haircut 100, Hall and Oates and finally Australian Crawl (who I adored during my formative years).
It was then that I discovered that the video for Beautiful People was filmed roughly 200 metres from our haus!
At Bellevue, which after a long, long, long hiatus feat. mucho decreptitude has finally been reinvented as our fave breakfast spot!
(via Bessie in early 2010)
Must go back and get precise snap (interesting that they've added more supports.
Truly a testament to my m4d detective sk1llz! (The haus is not the only clue, the giant cementy-towers at White Bay in the back-ground at about 40 seconds in totally give it away).
I feel I should really update the wikipedia article to reflect this vital info.
.
It was then that I discovered that the video for Beautiful People was filmed roughly 200 metres from our haus!
At Bellevue, which after a long, long, long hiatus feat. mucho decreptitude has finally been reinvented as our fave breakfast spot!
(via Bessie in early 2010)
Must go back and get precise snap (interesting that they've added more supports.
Truly a testament to my m4d detective sk1llz! (The haus is not the only clue, the giant cementy-towers at White Bay in the back-ground at about 40 seconds in totally give it away).
I feel I should really update the wikipedia article to reflect this vital info.
.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
what about my ....... corsican?
I'm sure you will all1 be relieved to hear that although super-shiny television is dead, a mere $50 investment has ensured we are able to access essential television.
Yay for the Gadget Geek USB TV Tuner2 from Dick Smith which has enabled Eurovision!3 4
Viz:
Paradise Oscar!
We were forced to trek out to Granville (and what an endless trek it was - highlighted by utterly horrendous traffic) on Saturday morning to drop super-shiny off at the Samsung service centre. It will be at least a week until he is repaired and then we will repeat aforesaid trek to collect him.
On the way home from Granville we braved the always utterly horrendous Inner West traffic and stopped by the Essential Ingredient and, amongst other things, picked ourselves up The! Most! Awesome! Oven! Gloves! Ever!
Leather!
Holy Goodness! So superior to anything I've used before! Do yourself a favour &etc!
Luckily after super-shiny broke, I was able to repair to my computer to continue the Hart to Hart goodness. And verily, thanks to Jonathan and Jennifer, the Mom blanket was finally completed:
Now all wrapped and waiting for posting with a couple of snaps and some L'Occitane hand creme.
1 Well, all of you except for rickybollinger, who is more concerned with the length of my penis and performance of same.
2 Totally does what it says on the box. Highly Recommended! A++, as they say on teh eBay.
3 Anyone else seeing that pulsating heart as a giant, scary epiglottis?
4 Despite my best efforts, I unfortunately found out the winner before the broadcast (screw you, smh).
.
Yay for the Gadget Geek USB TV Tuner2 from Dick Smith which has enabled Eurovision!3 4
Viz:
Paradise Oscar!
We were forced to trek out to Granville (and what an endless trek it was - highlighted by utterly horrendous traffic) on Saturday morning to drop super-shiny off at the Samsung service centre. It will be at least a week until he is repaired and then we will repeat aforesaid trek to collect him.
On the way home from Granville we braved the always utterly horrendous Inner West traffic and stopped by the Essential Ingredient and, amongst other things, picked ourselves up The! Most! Awesome! Oven! Gloves! Ever!
Leather!
Holy Goodness! So superior to anything I've used before! Do yourself a favour &etc!
Luckily after super-shiny broke, I was able to repair to my computer to continue the Hart to Hart goodness. And verily, thanks to Jonathan and Jennifer, the Mom blanket was finally completed:
Now all wrapped and waiting for posting with a couple of snaps and some L'Occitane hand creme.
1 Well, all of you except for rickybollinger, who is more concerned with the length of my penis and performance of same.
2 Totally does what it says on the box. Highly Recommended! A++, as they say on teh eBay.
3 Anyone else seeing that pulsating heart as a giant, scary epiglottis?
4 Despite my best efforts, I unfortunately found out the winner before the broadcast (screw you, smh).
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Tuesday, 10 May 2011
first world problems
Feeling rather poorly, I took a sick day yesterday, which conveniently happened to coincide with the blind repair. This was good, because that Australian flag was becoming exponentially less amusing with each passing day.
After the repair and the completion of some chores, I snuggled down on the couch to continue the Mom blanket - accompanied by the kitschtastic Hart to Hart s2.
And then, in the middle of a gripping scene in episode 3, our shiny-television went pop and was no more.
Now we have to ferry it to Granville for repair - which is quite a distance away.
Annoying.
<edited to add> This means no Angry Boys, no Masterchef and no Eurovision!
The Humanity!
Especially annoying when we so rarely watch television - if it had happened at any other time of the year, we'd barely notice.
.
After the repair and the completion of some chores, I snuggled down on the couch to continue the Mom blanket - accompanied by the kitschtastic Hart to Hart s2.
And then, in the middle of a gripping scene in episode 3, our shiny-television went pop and was no more.
Now we have to ferry it to Granville for repair - which is quite a distance away.
Annoying.
<edited to add> This means no Angry Boys, no Masterchef and no Eurovision!
The Humanity!
Especially annoying when we so rarely watch television - if it had happened at any other time of the year, we'd barely notice.
.
Sunday, 8 May 2011
scythe
Don called Mom yesterday. She's keep(ing) on keeping on as best she can. Latest is that, in addition to the super-strong chemo, she's now having radiation to her brain.
All this horrible illness really does make you consider how you'd react in the same circumstances. Honestly, I'm not sure that I could keep raging against.
In my internetly meanderings in the past week, I've come across two items which have also made me confront my mortality and which made me (and will make you) cry buckets and buckets.
Despite that warning I highly recommend you click through:
Don and Iris
Last Post
Tissues (and reflection) all round.
.
All this horrible illness really does make you consider how you'd react in the same circumstances. Honestly, I'm not sure that I could keep raging against.
In my internetly meanderings in the past week, I've come across two items which have also made me confront my mortality and which made me (and will make you) cry buckets and buckets.
Despite that warning I highly recommend you click through:
Don and Iris
Last Post
Tissues (and reflection) all round.
.
linen
After the very, very nice luncheon1 and promenade about the shops with Joan, I repaired homeward in dire need of a rest. Truly, she is the fastest walker on the planet, I almost have to run to keep up - exhausting!
I took a break from the endless crochet for a brief sewing interlude:
Linen bag for my shoes. I estimate I've had this tiny bit of fabric (which cost less than $0.50 - a remnant from Reverse Garbage) in the stash for 9-ish years. The buttons I made from fimo when I was 15-16 (what hoarding issues?). The drawstring is from the handles of a paper shopping bag.
I've been compelled to store all of my new flat shoes in fabric bags (mostly Aesop bags which I had on hand). I am unsure why, but it does make me really very happy and makes them easy to transport. I'm now planning to purchase some dried lavender and make wee de-stinkifying sachets for them.
And on the subject of linen, I've been long dissatisfied with our tea-towels, so decided that linen was worth experimenting with. I acquired some rather gorgeous (and not inexpensive) retro/vintage specimens via eBay and they do indeed live up to the hype.
There is something very satisfying about using an item (which has been kept pristine as part of a collection for years and years and years) for its intended purpose
I had another small remnant of equally elderly white linen from Reverse Garbage which I'd intended to craft into a shoe bag or two, but realised I could probably get two slender tea-towels from the length.
Behold and admire my superior tiny hems (makes the scorched fingies totally worthwhile). Am thinking of either embroidering or silk-screening to finish.
I have now binned those inferior tea-towels.
Viva Flax!
1highly recommended.
.
I took a break from the endless crochet for a brief sewing interlude:
Linen bag for my shoes. I estimate I've had this tiny bit of fabric (which cost less than $0.50 - a remnant from Reverse Garbage) in the stash for 9-ish years. The buttons I made from fimo when I was 15-16 (what hoarding issues?). The drawstring is from the handles of a paper shopping bag.
I've been compelled to store all of my new flat shoes in fabric bags (mostly Aesop bags which I had on hand). I am unsure why, but it does make me really very happy and makes them easy to transport. I'm now planning to purchase some dried lavender and make wee de-stinkifying sachets for them.
And on the subject of linen, I've been long dissatisfied with our tea-towels, so decided that linen was worth experimenting with. I acquired some rather gorgeous (and not inexpensive) retro/vintage specimens via eBay and they do indeed live up to the hype.
There is something very satisfying about using an item (which has been kept pristine as part of a collection for years and years and years) for its intended purpose
I had another small remnant of equally elderly white linen from Reverse Garbage which I'd intended to craft into a shoe bag or two, but realised I could probably get two slender tea-towels from the length.
Behold and admire my superior tiny hems (makes the scorched fingies totally worthwhile). Am thinking of either embroidering or silk-screening to finish.
I have now binned those inferior tea-towels.
Viva Flax!
1highly recommended.
.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
gastronomique
Saltbush lamb rack, heirloom tomatoes & pink fir apple potatoes for dinner.
Smoked ocean trout for snacking.
Sent from my HTC
lovely saturday afternoon
Walked to everleigh markets, bought some produce and back via at our fave local pub for a quick lunch & beverage.
Test post via email from gorgeous new phone (which I am still working out)
Sent from my HTC
Sunday, 1 May 2011
crochet like the wind
The blanket is coming along quite well.
No matter what stage it is at, it will be posted next Monday.
Fortunately this blanket is very soft and snuggly - unlike the previous crocheted acrylic blankie which is all scratchy and horrid.
I can totally recommend Panda Magnum Soft 8ply as a yarn all of your (super-inexpensive) terribly-horribly-ill-mother-in-law blanketing needs.
And yes, as you can see in the background, the tablecloth is still in situ at window. The irony of the Australian flag at the window is wearing very thin indeed. I'm sure you will be shocked to learn that despite two emails, the Property Manager From Hell has still not contacted us regarding repair. It really is no surprise that people get themselves into ridiculous debt to no longer have to deal with the ghastliness of renting.
.
No matter what stage it is at, it will be posted next Monday.
Fortunately this blanket is very soft and snuggly - unlike the previous crocheted acrylic blankie which is all scratchy and horrid.
I can totally recommend Panda Magnum Soft 8ply as a yarn all of your (super-inexpensive) terribly-horribly-ill-mother-in-law blanketing needs.
And yes, as you can see in the background, the tablecloth is still in situ at window. The irony of the Australian flag at the window is wearing very thin indeed. I'm sure you will be shocked to learn that despite two emails, the Property Manager From Hell has still not contacted us regarding repair. It really is no surprise that people get themselves into ridiculous debt to no longer have to deal with the ghastliness of renting.
.
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