Is there a Doctor in the house...

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I have been making notes all week about stuff to chat about, the GP race, milk deliveries, Glastonbury, PSP video chat, Play.com, etc but it's been an unsettled time in my private life the last few days, it does not seem right to post anything fun so instead I will leave you on this long weekend while I reflect, with this quote I seen on Astolaths Blog, by Dr Seuss:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

TODAY'S LINKS :: My Football Club :: Battle between a pride of lions, a herd of buffalo, and 2 crocodiles at a watering hole! :: Japanese Human Art - Why Is My Girlfriend Mad? :: Join the smallest county in the world! :: This is what happens when your father is a graphic designer...

REMEMBER KID'S :: "I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one!"

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Kicking off the festival season...

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So much to post here but I will keep this brief today! Camping was FAB! Friday night the weather was awful, gale force winds and rain (not that it bothered me) but it picked up on Saturday and Sunday. Beer, food, relaxation and the great outdoors. You get the idea! I will post some pics, Dimples even painted my face like Spiderman (think she has a Spidey fantasy *shhhhhh*).

At the same time Radio 1's Big Weekend was going on, I listened to as much as I could on the radio and by camping it sort of felt inclusive. It is Europe's biggest free ticketed event and boy did they put on a show, at least you can see where your license fee is going. All the performances are online, highlights are on DTV Red Button, there are DJ blogs, etc. I watched most of it on Sunday night, there was something for everyone. For me stand out turns where, Bloc Party, Stereophonics and Beth Dito jumping in to the crowd, how did she climb that barrier... FANTASTIC! The following are the lyrics to Stereophonics 'Just Lookin' reminded me how fantastic a group they are, click here to check it out:

there's things i want
there's things i think i want
there's things i've had
there's things i wanna have
do i want the dreams
the ones we're forced to see
do i want the perfect wife
the word perfect ain't quite right
shopping every day
take it back the next break
they say the more you fly the more you
risk your life
i'm just looking i'm not buying
i'm just looking keeps me smiling
a house i seen another coulda' been
you drenched my head and said what i said
you said that life is what you make of it
yet most of us just fake
i'm just looking, i'm not buying
i'm just looking, keeps me smiling

Finally for today I will just mention John's birthday, it's not for a few days but you know how sporadic my posting can be! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE!

TODAY'S LINKS :: Rihanna Desltop Wallpaper :: GTA IV trailer :: Funny Pics :: PC Benchmarking

REMEMBER KID'S :: "I have the body of a god. Buddha!"

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Something Arrived For My Room...

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So The Go! Team CD arrived from something From My Room .com. It was a little battered but went on to iTunes fine and I have been listening to it all week. Cheers John!

TODAY'S LINKS :: Brill Double Wires Game :: Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It... :: Five Major Misconceptions about Evolution :: Top 5 Ways to Build a Wonderful Life :: You Could Write a Book

REMEMBER KID'S :: "IRS: Be Audit You Can Be"

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I Think I've Cracked It All...

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OK it's Tuesday, I am very tired (been setting up new mobile applications late in to the night but more on that later) and the week is dragging. I am off camping this weekend with lots of friends, can't wait as it's going to be good fun, it's raining the whole weekend and I need a change of scenery! Getting all my stuff out tonight and cleaning it with Dimples, got to water proof my tent and everything!

My TV arrived in one piece on Friday, I can't say enough about the company that supplied it, apart from the fantastic price, one day delivery to N.I., the guy I dealt with actually called me up on Friday evening to make sure everything was OK. So please check out XOMY for any of you electrical equipment. I honestly can't big them up enough! The TV it's self is just brill, I can't get over how BLACK the blacks are on it, it's a lovely piece of kit!

Finally today 'the phone', hmmmm. Nokia have finally done it, it's amazing and all that I hoped (not even going to mention Google Maps teamed with GPS). Admittedly the battery only lasts a day (have a second one on order, plus case, etc) and it has crashed a couple of times. Put that aside (it will be dealt with in further firmware updates I'm sure) and it really is a PC in your pocket!

So far I have found hacks and work arounds (O2 really try to screw you by removing things like VoIP) for everything I want. Now it looks good, has all the info I need on the first screen, I have free calls with VoIP through a new company called TruPhone. It was fiddly to set up because of O2 messing with the N95 but it works really well, so that means free mobile calls to other TruPhone users or very cheap calls to anyone else and what's more, free calls to 1.6 billion landlines until June 30th 2007. So you can contact me on +447624003186, well that's only if I am near an access point or hotspot, lol. Check my status at the bottom of this post! I assume it will mean that you can also call me on this number cheaply too from a land line! Sign up and let me know your TruPhone number!

What else have I done, lets see, Oh new e mail address for my phone is E-Mail graham.moblie@gad123.co.uk so you can reach me there if I am out and about! The last BIG thing I started last night was accessing my PC from the phone, well not just accessing but watching my movies stored there, browsing pics, documents and the best thing... Using my TV Tuner to watch TV, yip that's right, I can now watch my TV over the net on my phone! I need to configure some ports to finalise it (security has to be an issue when setting this type of thing up) but I am almost there. The software will allow me to watch anywhere in the world, on a laptop, games console, PSP even (OK maybe not the PSP but soon I hope). All you need is an internet connection and some sort of streaming player! it took ages to find but the software I used was ORB and very streamlined it is too! Check it out and you too can embrace technology like me, I just love it. I nearly did one last night after finding out that I can do everything I hoped with the N95 and probably better than I imagined! Can I not make money out of setting up crap like this for people....

I will follow this all up with pics as soon as I can. Have a good day folks and remember technology is your friend, the way forward and makes the world a smaller place every day! *cough* Yes I know about the environmental impact and the footprint I create, it's happening whether you like it or not, a natural evolution step, mother earth playing the balancing act and no matter what you or I do we can't halt it but that's a whole other post!

P.S. - After reading that through before posting I just realised how much of a nerd I am, I mean I have only had the phone bloody 4 days!!?

TODAY'S LINKS :: New T-Shirt Hell Shirts :: TruPhone Blog :: XOMY :: ORB :: Real player Links for streaming live radio to the N95 :: Real Time World Satellite Sun Map :: Douch Bag Def Pic

REMEMBER KID'S :: "God is my co-pilot, but the Devil is my bombardier"

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What a couple of days...

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Been ill, again. Dimples would say it's because I drink too much and stuff my face but in reality I was just sicky bad, no wheel! After getting over that On Thursday night my TV went pop! Kaput!! It's only a year and a half old so am planning on contacting the manufacture to see if there is anything they can do for me and if they can I will be giving it to the rents. Anyway I just bought this TV at a fantastic price, nearly 50% off:

Samsung PS42Q7HD 42-inch HD plasma panel has a 13-bit processing capacity that can display an amazing 549 Billion colours, while its high brightness ensures clarity and the 10,000:1 contrast ratio adds every last detail. Also with TruSurround XT, HDMI Connection, Samsung Digital Natural Image engine, FilterBright Technology and Smooth Motion Driver. Apparently there seems to be a sound problem so makes a little buzzing noise but we shall see how that pans out, it's really feature rich as you can see and has the all important PC connection for me!

- HD ready (480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i supported) (Sky HD Approved + Xbox HD Ready
- 42" Screen Size
- HD ready
- 1024 x 768 Resolution
- Contrast Ratio 10000:1
- 2 x 10w Nicam Stereo
- SRS TruSurround XT
- IDTV Freeview digital tuner
- Mega TXT 1000 Pages
- PIP
- 2x Scart
- HDMI (+ DVI Audio L/R) 480/ip, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i
- PC D-Sub
- Remote Control
- Foot Stand

I also upgraded to the Nokia N95 (negotiated a great deal yet again), an all-in-one multimedia computer with a pioneering 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile networks, making it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email while on the move. It even has a bloody barcode scanner, lol! I have read some dodgy reviews but apparently the new firmware update has sorted a lot out and the one I am getting is a second generation, with the update installed. I am not a fan of Nokia (been on Sony's for many years now) and expect problems with this phone but it's the dogs bollocks and I had to have it!

I am really hoping both of these will arrive on Friday but failing that it will be Monday. What an expensive day, my poor savings! Anyway, have a great weekend folks and don't forget the Spanish Formula 1 race!

TODAY'S LINKS :: Nokia :: Official N95 Site :: Full N95 Details :: N95 GPS Maps :: Great Symbian Site

REMEMBER KID'S :: "Out of my mind - back in five minutes"

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Fuming at Ban...

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Northern Ireland has stubbed out smoking for good with a ban in cafes, bars and restaurants as well as workplaces coming into force today. That means it's illegal to smoke in these places, I mean it's bloody ILLEGAL. I have already had a visit at work this morning from the Environmental Health who gave me a ticking off for not having the correct signage up and when enquiring where I smoked (outside) reminded me that I can't, because there are no ashtrays in the street in which to put the butt, so in theory I could be prosecuted for littering. How dumb is that?! If only other laws where policed this effectively the country would be a better place.

Apparently research suggests 95 per cent of people support the legislation which is already in effect in Scotland and Wales and will be introduced across England in two months. Again this is rubbish, as every smoker I have talked to is pissed about it! Now don't get me wrong, I would not want to smoke where people eat, in the work place around other non-smokers, hospitals, etc but surely places like public houses should have a choice as to implementing this law or maybe a room could be provided for partaking in inhalation of tobacco products that is inside the building. What is this all for anyway, best guesstimate puts one death every fortnight due to second-hand smoke, that's 24 a year, more people probably get killed cleaning the bath. It's just my opinion and it counts for nothing as this ban is here to stay. On the plus side it will save me a fortune not hitting the club at the weekend!

Read the reactions here or anywhere, they are suspiciously one sided... Right, I am done with this now, move along and enjoy your Monday.

TODAY'S LINKS :: Smoking With Style :: James Barber Tobacconists :: Resume - George W. Bush :: Amazing Advertisements

REMEMBER KID'S :: "Reality is a crutch for people who can't handle drugs!"

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BBC in Something for Nothing...

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I found this amazing site, Something From My Room. I don't remember how but I think it is a fantastic idea that I have not seen before. Anyway this guy, John, will send some random person on the internet something from his room...for free. It's brill!

Yesterday he offered something that I would love so, here is my begging E Mail:

Hey John, It Northern Ireland here. How fantastic, The Go! Team rock. I got a rubbish rip (really bassy) of this and have always meant to get a copy but you know how these things go, put off and put off... I am so surprised that they have not done better (charts wise), it's rare that you hear their stuff anywhere! It's the type of thing that you need first thing on a Monday morning, on the way to work, to lift you spirits for the week ahead. Sadly my copy does not really cut it! The only reason I can think that you send it to me is that I would actually really appreciate it, well maybe I would use the case to roll on or as a coaster but it's all about the music for me dude! Yeah, yeah, yeah yeahhh! Graham. P.S. Loving the idea for this blog *thinks about my blog and rubs chin*

Again I have been asked; The BBC iPlayer TV Test is currently only open to BBC staff but, as someone who has helped us test our services before, we would welcome your participation in the test. It offers a range of TV programmes for download to a PC. The number of programmes available for download will increase over the course of the test as will the functionality available. I will tell you all how it works out, it's the future... Mahahah!

Right, have a good one folks and be safe, I am off to smoke for my country in any pub I find, while I still can!

FRIDAY'S FUN LINKS* :: Billy Marks bounces a ping pong ball - Amazing Video :: The Stiff Kitten Club :: Funny Quotations and Sayings :: I Heart Beer

REMEMBER KID'S :: "How do I set a laser printer to stun?"

*Not necessarily true or in anyway amusing

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This has to end, the crash is coming...

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Thursday already, my how this week has dragged! Roll on the weekend. Anyway, back to business. I just found out that a COUNCIL FLAT across the road from where I work, with small windows, outside stairs, right beside a busy carriage way that 35,000 cars used daily, in really run down condition, the type of place that a low wage first time buyer would be looking at has gone up for sale. Now the housing market in N.I. has went completely mad climbing 40% last year according to some estimates and leading Europe but imagine my complete astonishment to find out the price of this place is offers over £186,000. I know it's mad, utterly insane in fact and I think you will find that it rivals any property valuation in the UK (excluding the capitals) or maybe the world. Now maybe it does not sound THAT bad but let me break it down for you:

£20,000 - Deposit
£166,000 - Mortgage

Therefore with a 5 times salary mortgage (the highest possible) your wage would need to be £33,200. That's the wage of a top level manager in Northern Ireland and more than £10,000 above the average wage, considering it is the bottom run of the ladder property, how can anyone afford this? Not even taking in to account factors such as, what if interest rates keep climbing, water rates have still to be introduced, raising oil prices, higher cost of living in N.I. because of geographical position, etc! Repossession is just begging on that one!

This has to end, mark my words, the crash is coming...

TODAY'S LINKS :: Lots of BitTorrent Sites :: N95 The Phone I want but not at this price! :: N95 GPS Maps :: GAD123 PSP Site :: I Forgot 420

REMEMBER KID'S :: "If catapults are outlawed, only outlaws will have catapults."

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Sleep Deprived While Tiscali Limps On...

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I am a bit pissed off today, not least that it's been like 2 weeks or more since I have managed to get to sleep before 2am and longer since I have had a nights sleep without waking 5 times! It just is not enough to function on properly at 9am in the morning! So just don't wind me up, OK!!

MySpace is still messing me around with the phishing accusations, so I can't post bulletins, which I know a lot of people actually read, unlike having a blog but there you go. Think it might be the fact that in any one day I am accessing it with 3 different operating system (Win98, XP and Vista) and 2 separate connections *sigh*

I got a NETGEAR DG834G really cheap, I know it is yesterdays technology and not the best piece of kit but Tiscali where not playing ball with my modem, I wanted wireless and it was just easier that way. Unfortunately my speeds have been awful in the last week and I know it's not at my end, I have also been complying with the terms under the fair use policy. Nearly half the time it's under dial up speed! They have asked me for speed test results in the morning, 6pm and late at night before they will look at the problem. See if they come back with some crap about drivers, firewall, Vista or router I am not going to be happy, I know all these things are installed correctly and compatible with Vista! I KNOW A LOT ABOUT COMPUTERS, OK!!

So the week ahead is fairly normal, seeing Dimples tonight, Wednesday is Kayeso's home game hopefully, Thursday is cleaning, Friday meeting, drinking, poker online, NEW Heroes, South Park and getting trashed!

Saturday is a big one, the last weekend before the Smoking Ban takes effect, so going out dancing as it's maybe going to be the last time I can go to these local places, it's the end of an era! Thank god my local pub has a little outside area, unfortunately I don't think it's managed that well and will not be made use of effectively but there you go, at least I can still frequent there and it must have one of the biggest smoking client an tell!

Anyway I am rambling, have a good day folks!

The body of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin is to lie in state in Moscow ahead of a funeral on Wednesday - RIP

TODAY'S LINKS :: 50 Things She Wishes You Knew :: Slugger O'Toole is a news and research Blog in Northern Ireland :: Never swallow gum.. this is why! :: Six Funny Life Lessons :: After a while... :: Device Uses Solar Energy to Convert Carbon Dioxide into Fuel

REMEMBER KID'S :: "The more you complain the longer God makes you live."

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Top 10 Ways to Know You're a PC Snob and I Was phished.....

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This is taken from Gamespy and it's all true, I preach this stuff every day:

"The PC Gamer Snob, every gamer knows one, you may even be one yourself. They consider the PC to be the end-all be-all of gaming and will scoff at the idea of dirtying their hands on any sort of upstart console. Here's a handy guide to see if you or one of your friends fits into this especially snooty class of gamer.


10. HD is So Last Gen

1080i, 720p, 1080p, pffft, whatever. 1920x1200 is where it's at. That's 1200p if you want to put it in HDTV terms. You like to point out that PC gamers have been gaming in "high definition" well before consoles could even display games in "enhanced definition," better known as 480p. Heck, 1280x1024 already beats out 720p, and standard definition 480i games? Even stuff from the days of DOS topped that.

9. Mouse & Keyboard for the Win

You believe that only chumps play first-person shooters with a gamepad. In your eyes nothing matches the precision of the good old keyboard and mouse combo. No other control scheme comes close and you fully believe that with your keyboard and mouse setup you can easily best any console gamer in any first-person shooter. Including GoldenEye. Not that you'd play that.

8. Now You're Really Playing with Power

You constantly remind people how weak consoles are. Your PC has at least 2GB of RAM, far more than any piddling console and you'd pick an Alienware system over a PlayStation 3 any day. Why settle for a 60GB harddrive when you can get 600GB? Also, you believe Crysis looks better than any next-gen console game on the horizon. (You may have a point.)

7. Will Wright = Game God

"Will Wright is a bigger genius than Shigeru Miyamoto." There is nothing you love more than the expression console gamers get on their faces when you utter these words and slander the creator of their beloved Mario. You think Spore is far more promising than Super Mario Galaxy, and while you're at it you add that Peter Molyneux has more talent in his left pinky than Hideo Kojima and Shinji Mikami combined.

6. Kids' Play

Platformers are for kids. You wonder why in the world a person would want to play a game where all you do is jump from platform to platform and collect coins or rings or other such nonsense. You'd much rather be leveling up in World of Warcraft or moving up the ranks in Battlefield 2142. That's totally different!

5. Blame it on the Console Gamers

Console gamers are responsible for the decline of some of the PCs best franchises. For example, the original Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six titles were fantastic and realistic, but now they've been compromised as the games cater more to console gamers and tone down the realism. To you, this is an absolute travesty. A vein on your forehead bulges.

4. You Think That's Realistic?

GTR2 is far more realistic than Gran Turismo could ever hope to be, and if you really want to get into the nitty gritty, Gran Prix Legends is the racing game to play. Everything else is "too arcadey." Not only that, but all flying games on consoles are rubbish. The Ace Combat series is a pathetic representation of modern air combat and all the Star Wars console games don't a candle compared to Tie Fighter and X-Wing. Also, thanks to Microsoft Flight Simulator X you're fairly confident you could land a Boeing 737 in real life. How many console games can teach you that skillset?

3. GamerTags are Overrated

Who needs Xbox Live when you've got the Internet? You've been gaming online since Quakeworld. Not only that, but it's also completely free. You look at console owners who have to pay for online gaming services and think about all the extra custom mousepads you can afford.

2. The Invincible PC

PCs are forever. You refuse to ever buy a console and wonder why anyone would. Consoles are fixed technology whereas PCs continue to advance. PC tech gets better year by year. You just can't top a system that's constantly evolving.

1. Nyah, Nyah, Console Tools

You've read this entire column and agree with every point, own every game mentioned, and can't wait to forward it on to your console-loving friends who just don't know any better. Congratulations: You're a PC snob!"

In other news my MySpace account has been phished! Apparently anyway, they suspended my account amid suspicious behaviour! I have reset my password several times and everything seems OK. I am always really careful, enter the address from my favourites and use a fingerprint reader to store addresses and passwords but there you go.

Lastly the pound is killing the dollar, so get all those stateside purchases ASAP!

TODAY'S LINKS :: It Turns Out I Am Not A Typical Man :: New T-Shirt Hell Shirts :: Futurama Anime :: nintendo8.com - classic Nintendo 8-bit games online! :: USELESS FACTS

REMEMBER KID'S :: "It's lonely at the top, but you eat better!"

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