Great news, rotten cat

Just checked with the Dabs.com site. My new laptop is already on its way! Great news or what?

Not so great is the fact that my rotten cat, Leo, murdered a beautiful little baby robin this morning. It was just starting to get its adult colours. I know it's only natural, but I do wish he wouldn't do such vile, murderous things.

Hero of the Week #1

Welcome to my brand new meme, Hero of the Week. First things first, here are the rules:

1. Grab the image above, and save it to your own blog or web space.
2. Create a blog post nominating your hero of the week.
3. The Hero of the Week can be anyone, from someone you know, to someone you've heard/read about, who you think is worthy of hero status. As I'm all for loose interpretation, your hero can be a group of people, not just an individual. It can be a company, organization, etc. It can even be an animal who you feel has done something heroic.
4. Please include the above image, and a link to this blog, in your entry.
5. Come back here and leave me a comment to let me know you're participating.
6. Visit others!

Okay, with the rules out of the way, I'd like to nominate Dr. Malcolm Coulthard and Nurse Jean Crosier as my heroes of the week. Based at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, Dr. Coulthard and Nurse Crosier didn't just go the extra mile to save the life of a young patient - you could say they went the extra light year.

Their newborn patient, Millie Kelly, was born with a condition called gastroschisis. Her bowels had developed outside her body. She needed an emergency operation to correct the problem. Sadly, Millie went into kidney failure during surgery. Weighing just a smidgen over 6lb, there wasn't a dialysis machine available anywhere that was small enough for her. She was too tiny even for machines designed for children. Millie's mum, Rebecca, was told her baby would probably die.

However, Dr. Coulthard and Nurse Crosier weren't prepared to let this happen. What did they do? Well, they designed a tiny kidney dialysis machine, then put it together in their own time, outside the hospital. Little Millie was hooked up to the dialysis machine for a week, which gave her kidneys enough time to recover from the trauma of surgery. Millie is now a normal, happy, healthy two-year-old. Isn't that amazing? You can read more about the whole story here.

That's my Hero of the Week award nomination for this week? What's yours? I really hope you'll play along. I shall sulk if you don't :).

Poker Professor

Ever had the urge to learn poker? If so, visit Poker Professor. It's an online poker school especially for novices. Learn the Poker Professor Strategy to become a skilled and confident player, and start to profit from the game. As I understand it, you will get $150 free at Poker Professor, with which to launch your poker-playing career, no deposit required.

Siani seeks revenge!

I'm so annoyed at the moment. My email inbox is being swamped with virus messages, simply because one person I know refuses to install any security software on his PC. There's no point in asking to remove my email address from his address book, as the wretched virus already knows my address. Antivirus software needn't cost the earth, and along with personal firewall software, is often available free, or at a very low price.

Luckily, I have very good security on my PC, otherwise I'd probably be battling a virus by now. Both my firewall and antivirus have integrated spyware scanners, plus I have stand-alone antispyware software. I really cannot understand why this fool refuses to secure his PC. Not only is his machine compromised, but he runs the risk of potentially infecting the machines of all his contacts, and their contacts, plus his contacts' contacts, and so forth. Mind you, this same person's wife once installed parental control software on her laptop, to stop him using it to surf dodgy sites.

Unsecured computers are a real bugbear of mine. There really is no excuse for it. Luckily, all I have is a nuisance, rather than a virus, as my security keeps catching it. At last count, I've had 42 infected emails in the last 12 hours. Oh what joy! I think I might get my revenge on this person by signing him up for a pile of junk mail :).

Online casino - SP

If the abysmal weather is getting to you, perhaps you'd like to liven things up a bit by paying a visit to www.888.com's award-winning Casino-on-Net. If you don't like traditional casino games, you could try out the new “Extra Games” arena, which will be even better soon, with new games on the way, such as Turbo Hi-Lo, Potshot, and Poker Bet. The casino itself offers eight progressive jackpots, amongst them a massive Caribbean poker jackpot. The overall pot is worth over $2,000,000, so any one of the casino's games could win you a share of that pot. You can also play public and private games of Craps, Roulette, Baccarat and Blackjack.

Click the logo below for more information. Have fun!

Camelback Displays

Are you thinking about taking part in a trade show in the near future? Perhaps you're concerned about how you can effectively display your goods or promotional literature? Check out Camelback Displays, and their affordable trade show exhibits. Fully portable, and available in a vast range of designs, colors and sizes, Camelback Displays offers numerous extras, such as customized table covers. You can opt to have your company's logo printed on your table cover, some customized artwork, or perhaps you would prefer to display a message. Or how about a table top display? The choice is yours.

Camelback Displays offered their friendly, reliable and quick service to more than 4,000 clients last year. Clients included Fortune 500 companies, individuals, churches, small businesses and educational establishments. With such a huge variety of options available, you're certain to find something that suits your needs. On top of all this, Camelback always has something from their range available at sale prices. So whether your budget is large or small, find your ideal display today.

Anyone here like poker? (SP)

I'm utterly useless at poker - I guess it takes a lot of patience and quick thinking. It's just as well I don't play - I'd lose every time. But how about you? If you enjoy a game and the chance to win money, check out www.pacificpoker.com.

888.com's recently upgraded software is an industry leader, and you could win a welcome bonus of up to $400. You may also be interested in Pacific Poker's tournaments. There's a $20,000 prize guaranteed every day of the week, except Sunday, when the guaranteed prize leaps up to $80,000. Click below if you fancy taking part.

Meet My Victory Hair!

Got a few minutes to spare? Fancy some fun? How about playing Extreme Style by VO5's fun online game, the Ultimate Flirting Championship? Better still, why not grab the free widget and post it to your own blog or social networking profile? You will provide your visitors with a lot of entertainment.

The object of the game is to achieve Victory Hair. What the heck's that, I hear you ask. Well, Victory Hair happens when a guy and girl with super-cool, styled hair meet each other, and Cupid fires a few arrows at them. Cupid's arrows mess up their hair, leading to what is known as Victory Hair.

So, how would you go about achieving Victory Hair? I'd opt for a nice dinner at an intimate, candlelit bistro, with fine wine and good conversation, followed by a midnight walk along the beach. Play the game and you, too, can have Victory Hair. As the game is played in real-time, with other participants, I had to wait in line a short while, until my game began. But it's worth the wait! (Note: game requires Flash plug-in). You just enter your user name and date of birth, then the game loads quickly and smoothly. The whole object is to have fun - but without shooting or killing anyone! What could be more fun than a little bit of virtual flirting? Give the game a try and let me know how you get on - I'd love to hear your experiences.

Carpal Tunnel Relief

Most regular readers of this blog are aware that I suffer from arthritis. One of the knock-on effects of this arthritis, is carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of my symptoms include aching, tingling, pins and needles, swelling, numbness, a burning sensation, or pain in my hand and fingers. Only fingers served by the median nerve are affected by the condition, namely the thumb, the index and middle fingers, and to a lesser extent, the ring finger. Pain can also radiate upwards along my forearm. It's just my left hand that's affected, with pain mainly spreading from my thumb, into my wrist, and a little way up my forearm.

Most of the time, the pain killers I take for my arthritis controls the pain. But there are days when powerful medication either upsets my stomach, makes me drowsy and/or nauseous, or gives me a painfully dry mouth. On days like this, I have to lay off the medication and find an alternative means of carpal tunnel relief. I've tried wearing wrist splints, rubbing in anti-inflammatory gels and applying ice packs, but the splints and ice lead to greater discomfort, and the gels seem to stop working after a while. Heat-generating ointments help the pain, but they're greasy, and have a persistent odor, which is hard to wash off. Have you ever tasted a heat ointment-flavored sandwich? I have, and it's not nice.

I'm thinking of trying out the Imak Smart Glove. It relieves the pain of both carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, so it would be ideal for me. It can also be used by non-sufferers, to prevent development of carpal tunnel syndrome. It would be ideal for anyone whose work involves a lot of repetitive hand movement and/or hand stress. One thing that appeals to me about this product is the fact that it is ergonomically designed to ensure a wearer maintains the correct wrist position whilst working or resting. It is fully reversible, to fit the right or left hand, and also boosts circulation. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or other similar conditions affecting your hands, check out the Imak Smart Glove, for drug-free pain relief.

Virgin Media problems?

Have any of you folks in the Swansea area had trouble with your Virgin Media broadband connection lately? Despite having 4 MB broadband, my connection has been crawling along. I've also been unable to access many websites. Pages either failed to load fully, or I got 'page not found' type error messages.

Guess what? I've fixed it. Yay! If you're a former NTL customer, and your broadband's acting up, go into your browser's tools, and enter the following proxy server address:

webcache.virginmedia.com

Set the port number to 8080, and you should be fine. But remember - this only works for ex-NTL and ex-Blue Yonder customers.

Open Cisco Certification

A few years ago, I enrolled on an IT course at a local college. Sadly, I was unable to complete the course, as it was about the time my health problems kicked in. The course had two parts. The first part of the course, if passed, would lead to Cisco certification, and if the second part was also passed, the student would gain an MSc on top of their Cisco qualification. I truly regretted not being able to complete that course. But despite not completing it, the Cisco CCNA part of the course taught me so much about switching and routing. Although I initially found the basics of networking hard to grasp, especially the assignment of IP addresses, Cisco's training website covered the essentials in nice, easy to assimilate units, complete with diagrams. Without that basic training, I would have been utterly unable to set up a network. As it is, I've set up a few home networks, wired and wireless, as well as setting up a small office network for a friend.

The Cisco Learning Network is an essential resource for anyone studying towards, or considering enrolling on, a Cisco course. Cisco certification is recognized worldwide, and Cisco qualifications are highly valued in the IT industry. The website also has an excellent Careers section. Whether you're already studying for Cisco certification, or are perhaps considering taking this route, the inspirational Careers section is definitely worth checking out. It details how it is possible for Cisco certification to completely - and positively - change your career path. The site tells of how a Ugandan cleaning lady switched careers and became an IT administrator after gaining her Cisco qualification. After reading this, I'm seriously considering re-enrolling with Cisco. Several local colleges offer CCNA courses, on a part time basis, which would be perfect for me, given my health problems.

The few months I spent on a Cisco course a few years ago, expanded my IT skills considerably. At the time, I was somewhat nervous around computers. But the new skills I gained from the Cisco course gave me considerable confidence. Not only do I know how to set up a network, but I also know how to secure it. Although I don't currently work in IT, when my health improves, I fully intend moving into that field. I believe Cisco certification will advance my career prospects enormously. At the moment, I'm the unofficial IT support officer for family and friends, thanks to knowledge gained via Cisco. I know that when I gain Cisco certification, I will have no problems gaining employment. The IT industry is growing day by day, and much of it is powered not only by Cisco hardware, but by Cisco-certified engineers and technicians. Cisco certification is a must-have in this ever-expanding, highly competitive industry. I know I gained enormously from just a few months of Cisco training. If you're considering a career in IT, click the link above, and check out the options available to you. I'm sure you won't regret it.

Blogger problems?

Is anyone else experiencing intermittent problems with Blogger? Over the last few days, Blogger has either been very slow, or unreachable. Maybe it's just this stupid, ancient computer of mine. It's very frustrating, because nearly every time I come here to post something - computer says no! Grr.

The curse of Google Reader

I started using Google Reader 2 or 3 months ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time. The only trouble is, I now tend to read blog feeds, rather than the feeds themselves. As a result, I'm not commenting half as much on other people's blogs, as I used to. Although I like the convenience of Google Reader, I've just realised that I'm losing touch with a lot of people. By reading the feed, and not commenting, people don't realise I'm still visiting them. Well, I jolly well am! I really must make greater effort to visit the actual blog posts, and leave comments. I read so many blogs and news feeds, I'd be lost without my feed reader, but it clearly also has its down side. I'm going to try to be a better blog visitor in future.

Fancy a free forum?

Have you ever wanted to set up your own phpBB forum? Perhaps you've thought about it, but don't want to pay for web hosting, or go through the hassle of installing forum software on your web server. Well, I've got good news for you. You can now have Free Forum Hosting over at Forumity.com.



They host everything for you, so there's nothing to install. You retain control of your forum's management, and you can even register your own domain for your forum, instead of using the sub-domain supplied. You also get unlimited bandwidth. So, if you want a free forum, check out Forumity.com.

I hate cleaning!

I hate cleaning with a vengeance. Heck, I hate cleaning with anything! It seems such a horrible waste of a day. I mean, why spend time cleaning that could be spent lounging around on the beach instead? Oh yeah, that's right. No cleaning equals a dirty home and nasty pongs. Not good.

My biggest objection to cleaning is the fact that most of the mess isn't mine, but caused by my two naughty cats. Leo throws his food around everywhere, especially his biscuits. He likes to evict the green, vegetable-flavoured ones from his bowl. Liberty feels obliged to tunnel towards Australia every time she uses her litter, leaving mounds of it all over the floor. Of course, they sometimes help with the cleaning, too, by licking up anything tasty that gets spilled on the kitchen floor.

This morning was no different. I got up to the usual hideous mess. I used to have one of those little handheld vacuum cleaner things, which made light work of the cleaning up. Sadly, I made the mistake of buying a cheap brand. It conked out. So, I now have to do it the good old-fashioned way, with a pan and brush. Ugh! Too much like hard work. But not for much longer. I have my eye on a lovely, sparkly new Dirt Devil. I can't decide between the Accucharge Stick Vac or the Accucharge Hand Vac. What do you reckon?



Whichever one I get, not only will it save me a lot of time and energy, but it will also lower my carbon footprint, as the Dirt Devil Accucharge cleaners are the first handheld ones to earn Energy Star approval. They use 70% less energy than standard handheld cleaners, and I'm sure I'll be expending at least 70% less personal energy using one of them, instead of the pan and brush. Now, if only cats could be trained to use a Dirt Devil...

Computer Says 'No'.

So, I downloaded the brand new Firefox 3, as part of Firefox's attempt to set a new world record for the most software downloads in a day. I love Firefox, and think Internet Explorer stinks in comparison. But horror of all horrors, dear Godzilla, my prehistoric and cranky monster of a desktop computer, HATES the new Firefox 3. Utterly hates it. Ever since I installed it, Godzilla has thrown tantrum after tantrum, like a toddler on a mission to ruin a family day out.

I need to see if I can reinstall Firefox 2. I'm having to use Internet Exploder, as I once accidentally called it. I cannot tell you how much I jolly well hate Internet Explorer. Almost as much as I hate Godzilla. I don't know what I hate Godzilla most for at the moment - its refusal to behave when I use Firefox, or the frequent appearances of the dread BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). The BSOD, as we all know, is the graphic equivalent of 'computer says no'. Roll on the day I buy my new laptop.

BTW, all you non-Brits, who don't know where I get 'computer says no' from, enjoy this clip from the hit TV comedy, Little Britain. It will explain all :).

Working from home

My ideal job would be one where I could work from home. But I've often searched for work from home business opportunities, only to be disappointed by what's on offer. All too often, I've come across business opportunities that simply sound too good to be true. This is because they usually are. You know the type of thing I mean. They often make ridiculous claims about how much you can earn, or ask you to lay out large sums of money. Worse still, they expect you to do unethical things like sending out junk mail or spam, or selling diet foods that don't work. And don't get me started on those envelope-stuffing jobs!

Finding the ideal work-from-home opportunity can be an absolute minefield. I know, because I've been looking for such an opportunity for a long time, and have found very little that appeals. As I was hunting around the web recently, I was pleasantly surprised to come across a business opportunity with a healthy, ethical ethos, where no grandiose claims were made. Anyone fancy earning some extra cash by selling the EcoQuest air cleaner? Goodness knows, in this day and age, there must be plenty of demand for air purifying products, with the amount of pollution floating around. Sadly, I'm not in a position to take this opportunity, due to my health problems. But who knows? Maybe I'll find something soon. Please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for me!

Would you pay to receive calls?

I've just read this article, which suggests we Brits, and other Europeans, may have to pay to receive calls on our mobiles (cell phones), thanks to measures currently being considered by the European Parliament. As the article appears in the Daily Mirror, I sincerely hope it's not true. But if it is, I'll be dumping my phone.

I receive more calls than I make, so my call charges would rocket. The thinking behind this proposed move, apparently, is that such a charge would make the cost of making calls cheaper. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't see why my bill for moderate usage should sky-rocket, just because some people choose to spend hours gassing away on their phones. Or because someone decides they have to speak to me there and then, rather than waiting a short while until I'm home, where they can call on my land line. If this brain-fart of the European Parliament is ever implemented, it will definitely be a case of bye-bye phone for me. I managed quite happily without one until ten years ago, so no doubt, I'll manage again.

Would you be happy to pay to receive calls?

'Difficult is Worth Doing'

Come on, 'fess up. How many of you see the commercial breaks during your favourite shows as an excuse to make a cuppa or run to the loo? Well, if you did that recently, you may have missed the most amazing TV advert ever. What was so amazing? Well, Channel 4 and car manufacturer, Honda, hooked up to bring viewers the first ever live UK TV advert, to promote the stylish new Honda Accord. Not only was it a live advert, but it was one which required a great deal of nerve, skill and imagination.

The ad itself showed a team of nineteen highly skilled (and mega-brave!) skydivers leaping out of a plane, and then performing some amazing manoeuvres. They formed the letters ‘H' ‘O' ‘N' ‘D' ‘A', in sequence, in less than three minutes. And they only had one chance to get it right.

Only Honda could come up with such a cool and innovative idea. They have a reputation for making exciting, original, eye-catching ads, which capture the very essence of the Honda brand. The ad makes it clear that the Honda Accord - and its driver - is cool, good-looking and very classy. The high quality of the ad tells viewers that the Honda Accord is a quality car, made by a name that can be trusted. The ad symbolises the precision, attention to detail and innovative design seen throughout the Honda Accord itself. Both their adverts and the sheer quality of their cars show clearly that Honda truly believe that Difficult is worth doing

Hey advertizers! Check out SocialSpark

I think I'm going to enjoy being a member of SocialSpark.com. It's a very friendly, informal place, where members are treated with a great deal of respect. SocialSpark has plenty of decent, well-known advertisers, too. However, as it's a young site, I should imagine they could do with signing up a large number of new advertisers. I'm very impressed with the fact that the folks at SocialSpark have asked members which advertisers they would like to have sponsoring their blogs.

I would like to have a number of familiar brands sponsoring my blog posts. Before I get to naming some of those brands, I'd like to outline why I'd enjoy this kind of sponsorship. I probably don't make as much money as I could from sponsored blog posts, because I feel uncomfortable reviewing products or brands I'm not too familiar with. How can I honestly review something I don't know? Also, I like my sponsored posts to have some value for my readers, not just for my PayPal account. So if I'm blogging about something my general readership can relate to, the post sits comfortably alongside the rest of my blog, instead of sticking out like the proverbial sore thumb.

So what advertisers would I like to be sponsored by? I would have to go for well-known, global brands, because my readership comes from all over the world. I would love to write sponsored posts for Pepsi - my favourite brand of soft drink. Pepsi Max is divine, especially the lemon and lime flavour. As a lifelong chocoholic, I would also love the chance to be sponsored by Cadbury's. Or Nestle's. Or just about any major chocolate manufacturer. It would be the next best thing to free chocolate!

I'm also quite a geeky, computer sort of person, and would love to review software and gadgets for some of my favourite brands. One of my favourite applications is Apple iTunes. I also adore Adobe software, especially Adobe PhotoShop. One of my pet subjects is Internet security - I'm always telling people off for not having enough. So I'd also love the chance to be sponsored by computer security firms such as Grisoft, Lavasoft, Comodo and Checkpoint. It would give me the chance to nag people to improve their security!

I hope I get the chance to be sponsored by some of these great advertisers soon. Wish me luck!