Thursday, May 17, 2007

Downtime and Headaches

First the new site is running, then it isn't.
On and off, never knowing when or if its staying.

The technical help say it's just a glitch, seems my site is putting a bit more strain on the sytem than expected. They are moving my site to a diferent server that can do the job better.

I hope so, I've had no online orders for the last two days. Midweek is always quiet, but not dead.

Just to keep an eye on the site I am using WebSitePulse who are monitoring my website at a very resonable rate, Zero, Nada, Nothing.

the first month is Free and there is No Limits to how you use the site in that time. Websitepulse like to proove they can do a great job before they take payment. And they have a very scaleable solution to monitoring your website Uptime, Downtime, Usability etc

Customer service is great so far, I got a reply to a question in 5 minutes from Polly, friendly, helpful and if they continue to impress me, I can see me signing up after my first free month.


GlowGadgets.co.uk
Is currently running fine, orders are not coming through though.
The checkout seems OK to me, but maybe I have missed somthing.

If you have a minute, please take a look and let me know if its anything I have missed, thanks.


Back to work, I have lots of new products to add to the site, so I'd better crack on.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

GlowGadgets Mk3 Coming This Week

You must realise I am nervous. I am a nervous kind a guy.
Its all the Caffine I consume makes me run around talking non stop and worrying if I am getting it right.

So far, everything about GlowGadgets has all been done by me. Now, its the professionals time. The website is built, it's populated with products, the testing is over, the SSL Certificate is in place, the Payment gateway is secured and running.

But I have one final thing to do...

Destroy my hard work from the last 6 years and start a new.

Uproot my Domain and place it on a new DNS.
I hope that Apache Re Write is as good as they say.

Hopefully then I will be able to get a little of my life back, spend more time with my family, knowing I can run my site easily and more profficiently than before. This is the claim from the company that has had me biting my nails the last few months.

It's looking good, it seems to work just fine, bye bye website as we know it.

Lets see what happens eh?

"He who dares Rodney, he who dares..."

Thursday, April 26, 2007

My mac and I

It has taken 25 years, but I figured that it was time I got a another mac.

My first mac was an Apple mac II, I had it during my first proper job and though it was amazing. But, I really didn't do much but work stuff and when I finally got my own computer, it was a PC. I couldn't afford a mac.

So since my first PC in 1998 (remember I have been traveling the World for 12 years previous) I never thought much about mac, apart from "what a pain in the ass it must be, not having all these great Windows programs"

ahem...

Then mac got intel inside, that made me sit up and take more notice. I nearly got an iMac with all the bells and whistles last year, but I chickened out and got another PC. I felt like a coward, but rationalized that i was doing the right thing.

After all, I new my way round a PC and I didn't want to start learning all the weird mac stuff.

What a Chicken shit!

Unti Now, I did it. Last week in fact, and I am using it now. Typing this using Ecto.

I see now why iPods are so popular (I still don't have one, and don't want one. But that is only because I have never tried one). If people shared they're mac around like the do with the iPod, you know, instead of "Here, listen to this" it would be "Here, try this program" we would have a lot more mac users. And I can see why people who have a mac are the way they are...

The box arrived, I was excited and hoped that I would be able to make it work. I sat the box down and didn't open it for 5 hours, I was scared that it wouldn't be right after all. Like a mail order bride. The description sounds perfect, but they were only emphasising the positives and ignore the negatives. That sweet, intelligent and loving women ends up being some worn out, dodgy scrubber.

So the box stayed on the floor, I got on with work, but like a Ventrioquist dummy, I could hear the mac's muffled shouts "Let ne out, let ne out, let ne out"

The box didn't feel very heavy, for a laptop to be inside. There it sat, on my lap. I took a deep breath and with my knife, carefully cut through the tape and opened the box.

I was filled with a kind of reverence, I new this was a special moment and thought about taking a photo of it (but that would have spoilt it. Setting up the tripod, finding batteries for the camera, etc) for prosperity.

Greeted by grey foam, I though "mmm that stuff would be great for sound proofing" I put that to one side, in case I could find another 400 squares of the stuff.

There was more protective white stuff, I took my time. I didn't want to rush. I was enjoying the Smell too much.

You know like when you were a kid and used to get the big shopping Catalogues, they would smell new and freshly printed. Even now when I see a beautiful woman in sexy lingerie, I can smell catalogue. Is it just me?

I wanted to hold on to this moment, when I new I had somthing special, and was not yet dissapointed.

Out she came, my new lady friend. She has be female, she is beautiful. She may not be totally pure (I rescued her, she came "Refurbished") but she is to me. OK, there is some slight wear, but you would have to be a real picky twit to worry about the ever so slight marks on her gleaming white body.

She feels soft, yet firm. Smooth and cool. I new I could warm her up, heck I would get her Hot. Just not too hot I hoped. My last laptop used to get so hot it would iron my jeans.

I couldn't wait any longer, I had to press my finger on her button, I could hear her moan as she started to waken. Right from the box, she came with power. I was pleased, no, I was exstatic, when she looked at me. Begging me to play with her, she would light up in places I didn't know excisted.

She let me know when I put my fingers in the right place, showing me talents I wasn't aware of. The things she could do, I wanted to stay with her all night, I didn't want to got to bed, I could play with her in my room.

The attention to detail is what made me go wow. Everything from the Power supply having an extention, to the Track pad two finger scroll trick, the Sleep button that works and the battery having its own power indicator. Little things that all add up, I couldn't stop playng with her, but I had to, she was spent.

It had taken me 4 hours and 30 minutes to leave her gasping. It was time to give her what she need the most, so I got it out and had to figure out where to stick it, the power cable has an end that is magnetic and she found the place herself.

First the light on the plug was green then glowed orange to show that my beautiful mac is charging. So I let her rest, I would play with her again the next day.

It didn't take long, but I am seriously in love with this georgeous piece of tech. We know why it has taken so long for me to get one, but now really seems to be the right time.

PC's drive me insane, everything I hated about mine, doesn't seem to happen on my mac. This is what I needed, to be able to compute and have fun at the same time. I don't play games on either machine I mean work. I am enjoying working on my mac.

Not all of my programs are loaded on the mac, I think I am going to keep her light and fast. Use her for fun stuff, the PC can do the business stuff, the letters, receipts, invoices, email all that.
The mac can do my images, video, audio, blogging, email, surfing etc...

I was really stressed the last few weeks, I needed to chill out. I bought the mac because I was desperate. I am so glad I did.
My creative side is free once more. mac has changed my life, now I just have to break the news to my PC.

Just one thing, do I really need a .mac account?

Monday, March 05, 2007

Too much paperwork


Too much paperwork
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
When will it end, where is this paperless office I was promised 20 years ago?

I have stock to take and books to keep, its nearly the end of our financial year and am I ready for the next one?

The phone is off the hook, so forget calling me this week. The website is merrily taking orders though, to be fullfilled next week.

I'm so glad I use recycled paper or I would feel so guilty.

Now I want an electric car too, something like the GM EV1, only that hasn't been crushed into oblivion by evil doers.

You see, I watched the movie this week "Who Killed The Electric Car" and I'm gutted that such a great car would be destroyed because of greed.

See the film, it does for the Petrochemical Industry and Car Manufacturers what "Super Size Me" did for Burgers.

Did I mention I need a break...

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Cheese on toast gang


Cheese on toast gang
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
Just showing the kids I can put them on the internet before they have finished their round of toast.

The embarrased looking teenager in the middle is Mitch (my helper over Christmas who managed to keep me from going insane)

Ellie wants to say hello to all here mates.



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Where's Rosie?


Where's Rosie?
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
We thought finding a new carpet for our house would be difficult, but then our little girl Rosie just vanished.

Where could she be? She is so good at hiding.

At least we found a nice carpet.



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Thursday, January 18, 2007

Nearly there!


Nearly there!
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
Its Thursday and I am three quarters through sorting out the backlog of orders. Thanks everyone for your patience, should be finished Friday.



Going away can be a real pain...



Do I look tired?



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Thursday, January 11, 2007

Robosapian's pet Panda


Robosapian's pet Panda
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
This little dude is a seriously demented Panda. It senses movement, touch, speech etc and tells weird hippy stories about being in space and flying up and down. He says he likes it when you play with him...



Just what every kid needs, a psycotically deluded pet to keep them quiet.



Great fun and a real laugh, can't wait to se the finished product!



Its those wacky folks at Wow Wee that are to blame, bless em, they're all quite potty you know!



They also brought us the singing Elvis head, who is nothing more than the chimpanzee head in disguise with a sound track.



They did have a remote control flying dragonfly that looks amazing.



I will add some movies of them in action when I return.



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Plen the desktop hobby robot


Plen the desktop hobby robot
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
Plen, the small but most intelligent robot, prefers your desktop as a den.



With the motion building software exclusively for plen, you can create your original motion and the possibilities are endless because some plen can already enjoy roller skating and riding the skateboard.



Controlled by Bluetooth by using your mobile phone or pc.



You can program your own movements or use the preprogrammed motions.



Cost? Around £2000, bargain!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The coach to the sands


The coach to the sands
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
We are all on the way to see that latest technology, be prepared for some weird stuff.



Ps hi Jim

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Breakfast with Envy


Breakfast with Envy
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
You know the saying "you get what you pay for"?



Its true when it comes to the breakfast buffet at the new resturant "Envy" at the Rennassance.



I've just had the best omlette in years, along with bacon, sausage and the usual suspects that come with such a meal.



Jane is enjoying her second bowl of fruit. We got a doggy bag full of muffins, bagels, Danish and fruit so we are set for the day and should have enough left over to feed the poor.



Hey, you got to get your money's worth!.



So now we are ready for our second day at the ces.



Today we are going to visit Nokia to try the new N95 and we will be meeting up with our old friend "Asimo" at the Honda stand.



We may even checkout the animated, singing Elvis head. A lot like the Billy Bass singing fish, but really does look like the king of rock and roll and could be yours for only $350.



I'll post a photo when I find it.



No great surprises as yet, but I am looking. One thing I have noticed is that the quality of products has improved greatly. Even the tat is highly finished these days.



PVP's have got smaller and will allow the user to watch movies on a device as small as a box of matches. You got to have good eyes for those.



Digital photo frames are everywhere, some have Bluetooth, others have WiFi. Capable of sucking the images directly from your phone or PC respectivley.



Right, now for some french toast and another coffee and maybe one more muffin.



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Monday, January 08, 2007

Tavi Portable IPTV


Tavi Portable IPTV
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
Tavi allows you to watch movies, listen to music, read e-books and view digital photos - all on your own schedule. Just slip TAVI in to your pocket and you're equipped for a truly mobile experience; anytime, anywhere.



Features



3.5" tft lcd 320x240 pixels 16.7 million colours.

Video out display 48.p plus HDTV 720, 1080i

Divx, mpeg 1, 2, 4.



Audio mp3, ogh vorbis, ac3, aac



FM radio



And tons of other cool stuff. You can download and stream directly from the net or your pc.



I am getting one, more info soon.



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Cirque du Soleil "Love"


Cirque du Soleil "Love"
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
A Beatles fan I am, but really, who isn't?



The show LOVE at the Mirage was fantastic, well worth the weeks wages it cost me. You don't often get the chance to see a show so well devised, choreographed & performed. So sod the expence (groan).



The dancers, acrobats and gymnasts were awesome and more importantly the Beatles soundtrack sounded out of this world.



All the tunes have been remixed and digitised into full 7.1 surround sound through over 6100 speakers (3 in each seat!) plus the big ones around the purpose built theatre.



No "acts" as one would expect, but an amazing trip without chemical enhancement!



I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it, only to recommend it to any Beatles fan visiting Vegas.



A word of warning though, it is not the end of the world if you don't get a front seat like we did. Anywhere else will do, and for less than half the price. Though we were right next to the action, we did miss quite a bit (like watching a 100" plasma with your nose on the screen!



I'd like to congratulate eveyone involved with the show, you should be very proud.



My little girls would have loved it, ill just have to get the DVD when its release.



Verdict 10/10



PEACE MAN



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Sunday, January 07, 2007

Yummie


Yummie
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
That's all I'm saying...



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Yummie


Yummie
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
That's all I'm saying...



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Starving on the Strip.


Starving on the Strip.
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
By the time we caught a bus to the hotel, it was 3pm local time (11pm uk) and though tired, we are hungry.



The only place I wanted to be right then was the Cheesecake Factory, stuffing my face with a BBQ bacon cheeseburger (are last visit) ive waited a year for another one!



So here we are crossing the strip over to the Bellagio. that's Paris in the background.

How do we look?

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Saturday, January 06, 2007

Not bored, just boarding!


Not bored, just boarding!
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
Time to go. Don't we look well rested and happy? Check back in 11 hours and see how we look on arrival!

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Breakfast at Benny's


Breakfast at Benny's
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
It took us 2 hours to get to Gatwick from Bristol. We had checked in online last night, when we arrived we breezed through check in.



So we have time on our hands to eat.



Just had a fantastic "American" breakfast at Frankie & Benny's here at gatwick airport. The waitresses were full of smiles and most helpful. It was cheap too (in comparison to everywhere else round here.)



We'll be boarding soon, and as I have a very full belly, I might get some sleep (and ignore the inflight breakfast)



Got my copy of Stuff Mag to read on the plane (when I wake up after 10 minute sleep),

I get it to test myself. If I don't already know about 95% of the gadgets in there, I flaggelate myself!



Onward to Vegas.



Love you to the stars and back Molly & Rosie x x x x



(granddad will be reading this to them each night at bed time :o)



Thanks mum and dad!



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Friday, January 05, 2007

Time to go, I'm so excited!


Time to go, I'm so excited!
Originally uploaded by glowgadgets.
This is it, the night before our flight. I'm off to bed and I will drop a line from the airport.

This time tomorrow I'll be in Vegas.

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Friday, December 29, 2006

11 Days to CES and Counting...

I'm getting excited, it's that time again. When Geeks and Freeks unite.
To walk miles and miles looking for the newest gizmos and dopest gadgets.

You can tell by my blog, I am more a doer, than a writer about doing.
But I promise I will try harder this time.

I have my Blackberry Pearl by my side and I hope to bring you snippits on the show and what I find there, as it happens. Or, when I get round to it. If, I remember...

Let me see if I can get this to work, there should be a post to follow, from my phone.