It came to me in a dream...
I've finally fixed the media streaming for the 12 minute bootleg that Osymyso mixed so it can now stream using HTTP i.e. through company firewalls. It's funny how you learn more from tinkering around than reading a book. And the expression 'sleep on it' was never more true than in this case. The solution actually came to me in a dream. Weird.
overyourhead - some irreverent musings by a gay London guy - crawling though technology, love and life... so you don't have to.
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Can you do this in your head (I had to)?...
My boss came to ask my advice today. They are trying to put together a package to retain certain staff (not me I might add) and he wanted my feedback. So he asked me this hypothetical: Which would you rather have: EITHER a 3% salary increase per year plus a 12% salary bonus OR a 7% salary increase per year? How long would it be before both offers amounted to the same cumulative total?
I guessed most people would take the first option - a 12% annual bonus would be too tempting an offer to turn down. It took a spreadsheet to prove me wrong. The answer all depends how long an employee was going to to stay with the company (compound interest and all that). Can you guess how long someone would have to stay in the company before the second option was the better one? I was surprised.
My boss came to ask my advice today. They are trying to put together a package to retain certain staff (not me I might add) and he wanted my feedback. So he asked me this hypothetical: Which would you rather have: EITHER a 3% salary increase per year plus a 12% salary bonus OR a 7% salary increase per year? How long would it be before both offers amounted to the same cumulative total?
I guessed most people would take the first option - a 12% annual bonus would be too tempting an offer to turn down. It took a spreadsheet to prove me wrong. The answer all depends how long an employee was going to to stay with the company (compound interest and all that). Can you guess how long someone would have to stay in the company before the second option was the better one? I was surprised.
Golden Jubilee...
Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for nearly 50 years. She ascended the throne when her Dad, King George VI popped his clogs on 6th February 1952 but wasn't crowned until 2nd June 1952. The slight delay was to get the Coronation party planned. This year will be no different. There are BIG PLANS for this year's Golden Jubilee.
As well as doing a whistlestop tour of the Commonwealth and buzzing up and down the country we can expect:-
• The lighting of at least 455 beacons – over four times as many as during the Silver Jubilee.
• 70 towns and cities taking part in Music Live Street Festivals organized by the BBC.
• Over 100 other confirmed public events in the searchable calendar on the Golden Jubilee Office website.
• A Toolkit containing practical advice is available to help people plan their local celebrations.
Now I've had a look at this toolkit. It's a hoot. In the 'decoration' section there are wonderful instructions as to how to make your own bunting and how to put it up. It even tells you how far to bang the poles into the ground with "your sledgehammer". Like we all have one of those lying around. Priceless.
It's yet to been seen whether the 'common folk' will embrace the occasion as they did on her 25th anniversary back in 1977. In fact the Silver Jubilee was such a big thing it even inspired a full-blown anti-Jubilee backlash spearheaded by the Sex Pistols. I remember going to a local street party back then. They were all the rage. A few punks turned up and spat at some of the children. Ah, memories.
One thing that may help us get into the party spirit is that we have all being given an extra day off to celebrate for Golden Jubilee. The usual second May Bank Holiday had been moved back a week to Monday 3rd June and an extra Bank Holiday on Tuesday 4th June added. So we'll have four days to 'part-Tay' : 1st - 4th June 2002. The tube will run all night on the Monday evening (in case you're wondering you can find out why it doesn't usually run a 24 hours service here). There's going to be a massive firework display planned for the late evening on the Monday and then a State Procession the following day.
Despite being vaguely republican at heart I think it'll be fun.
Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for nearly 50 years. She ascended the throne when her Dad, King George VI popped his clogs on 6th February 1952 but wasn't crowned until 2nd June 1952. The slight delay was to get the Coronation party planned. This year will be no different. There are BIG PLANS for this year's Golden Jubilee.
As well as doing a whistlestop tour of the Commonwealth and buzzing up and down the country we can expect:-
• The lighting of at least 455 beacons – over four times as many as during the Silver Jubilee.
• 70 towns and cities taking part in Music Live Street Festivals organized by the BBC.
• Over 100 other confirmed public events in the searchable calendar on the Golden Jubilee Office website.
• A Toolkit containing practical advice is available to help people plan their local celebrations.
Now I've had a look at this toolkit. It's a hoot. In the 'decoration' section there are wonderful instructions as to how to make your own bunting and how to put it up. It even tells you how far to bang the poles into the ground with "your sledgehammer". Like we all have one of those lying around. Priceless.
It's yet to been seen whether the 'common folk' will embrace the occasion as they did on her 25th anniversary back in 1977. In fact the Silver Jubilee was such a big thing it even inspired a full-blown anti-Jubilee backlash spearheaded by the Sex Pistols. I remember going to a local street party back then. They were all the rage. A few punks turned up and spat at some of the children. Ah, memories.
One thing that may help us get into the party spirit is that we have all being given an extra day off to celebrate for Golden Jubilee. The usual second May Bank Holiday had been moved back a week to Monday 3rd June and an extra Bank Holiday on Tuesday 4th June added. So we'll have four days to 'part-Tay' : 1st - 4th June 2002. The tube will run all night on the Monday evening (in case you're wondering you can find out why it doesn't usually run a 24 hours service here). There's going to be a massive firework display planned for the late evening on the Monday and then a State Procession the following day.
Despite being vaguely republican at heart I think it'll be fun.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Out of this world...
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Blur. But I didn't realise that their popularity spread to Mars. Blur are to record a special tune to be included in Beagle 2, a British craft that will land on Mars in 2003. "The tune has overtones of the Dr Who theme music and tracks taken from Blur's 13 album, including No Distance Left to Run."
What next? A Steps tune for Saturn? New Order for Neptune?
I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Blur. But I didn't realise that their popularity spread to Mars. Blur are to record a special tune to be included in Beagle 2, a British craft that will land on Mars in 2003. "The tune has overtones of the Dr Who theme music and tracks taken from Blur's 13 album, including No Distance Left to Run."
What next? A Steps tune for Saturn? New Order for Neptune?
Throwing the baby out with the bath water...
Not only that but putting a dead one on a 95°F boil wash is going a bit far. Baby soup, anyone?
Not only that but putting a dead one on a 95°F boil wash is going a bit far. Baby soup, anyone?
Pop Quiz...
Last night's Retro Bar teaser pop quiz was wonderful. David, Ian, Sarah, Marky, Dave, Marcus, Nikki et al were all in attendance. The quiz was simple - name the artists. Prompted on from the CD compilation that David and I gave to Wendy and Leslie they decided to use one of the tracks, a 7 minute Stars On 45/Jive Bunny style mix created by Osymyso (real name Mark) in the quiz. As Osymyso had DJed at the Retro Bar before Wendy got in touch to make sure he was happy that she used the track in the quiz. Not only was he happy for it to be used but he offered his new 12 minute version instead. This 12 minute version contains 101 different intro to famous tracks all multilayered and intermingled into one fabulous extravaganza.
Osymyso is hoping to release the track as a single so I'll not be making it available for download. However you can listen to the full 12 minute version here if you want to know what we had to face in the quiz last night (if you use a firewall you will need to open the ports for MMS). If you like what you hear then watch this space for news of where and when the track is available. The 7 minute version is available for download however which you can do here.
Wendy repeatedly pointed out David and I as the people responsible for the track being used in the quiz in case of any complaints! They played the track four times all the way through. Each time we picked up more of the one's we missed the previous time. I was a little nervous that if we won then people might accuse us of cheating. Afterall we had heard the 7 minute version before so we had a bit of head start on the other teams. We needn’t have worried though. Despite getting a very respectable 88 out of 101 we were pipped by a team getting 89. Wendy had guaranteed the money would go (£61 of it). I'd suggested that even if we had won we should have given the money to charity. For second place we were offered free tickets to Popstars which we gratefully accepted to add to our growing collection.
Last night's Retro Bar teaser pop quiz was wonderful. David, Ian, Sarah, Marky, Dave, Marcus, Nikki et al were all in attendance. The quiz was simple - name the artists. Prompted on from the CD compilation that David and I gave to Wendy and Leslie they decided to use one of the tracks, a 7 minute Stars On 45/Jive Bunny style mix created by Osymyso (real name Mark) in the quiz. As Osymyso had DJed at the Retro Bar before Wendy got in touch to make sure he was happy that she used the track in the quiz. Not only was he happy for it to be used but he offered his new 12 minute version instead. This 12 minute version contains 101 different intro to famous tracks all multilayered and intermingled into one fabulous extravaganza.
Osymyso is hoping to release the track as a single so I'll not be making it available for download. However you can listen to the full 12 minute version here if you want to know what we had to face in the quiz last night (if you use a firewall you will need to open the ports for MMS). If you like what you hear then watch this space for news of where and when the track is available. The 7 minute version is available for download however which you can do here.
Wendy repeatedly pointed out David and I as the people responsible for the track being used in the quiz in case of any complaints! They played the track four times all the way through. Each time we picked up more of the one's we missed the previous time. I was a little nervous that if we won then people might accuse us of cheating. Afterall we had heard the 7 minute version before so we had a bit of head start on the other teams. We needn’t have worried though. Despite getting a very respectable 88 out of 101 we were pipped by a team getting 89. Wendy had guaranteed the money would go (£61 of it). I'd suggested that even if we had won we should have given the money to charity. For second place we were offered free tickets to Popstars which we gratefully accepted to add to our growing collection.
Tuesday, January 29, 2002
Jamie Theakston...
I'm at a loss for words. How could you do it? I'm gutted. Ithought hoped you were gay!
I'm at a loss for words. How could you do it? I'm gutted. I
Pop Idol...
The three surviving Pop Idol hopefuls are reported to have each recorded a version of the same single. The debut release by the winner will be a double A-side featuring two ballads. Gareth Gates, Will Young and Darius Danesh have already recorded their own vocals. The last two finalists will both sing the secret tracks for the Pop Idol final on February 9. Simon Fuller, the man behind the Spice Girls, has helped to choose the songs. "The single will be a double A-side with two songs - both ballads. We think these are two of the best songs we have ever worked on." One of the songs has been written by Cathy Dennis, who wrote Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head. The winner's version of the single is likely to be released on Simon Cowell's BMG label on February 25.
The three surviving Pop Idol hopefuls are reported to have each recorded a version of the same single. The debut release by the winner will be a double A-side featuring two ballads. Gareth Gates, Will Young and Darius Danesh have already recorded their own vocals. The last two finalists will both sing the secret tracks for the Pop Idol final on February 9. Simon Fuller, the man behind the Spice Girls, has helped to choose the songs. "The single will be a double A-side with two songs - both ballads. We think these are two of the best songs we have ever worked on." One of the songs has been written by Cathy Dennis, who wrote Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head. The winner's version of the single is likely to be released on Simon Cowell's BMG label on February 25.
Buzzcocks...
It was amazing how the three hour meander that we witnessed being filmed last week could be condensed into the pithy half hour show that was screened last night. It made it seem quite funny. Which was not my exact recollection of the night itself. But I guess that's the wonders of editing. And dubbing. Ben was good. But he's made for better things I feel.
It was amazing how the three hour meander that we witnessed being filmed last week could be condensed into the pithy half hour show that was screened last night. It made it seem quite funny. Which was not my exact recollection of the night itself. But I guess that's the wonders of editing. And dubbing. Ben was good. But he's made for better things I feel.
Bafta nominations...
Moulin Rouge has got twelve and so has The Lord Of The Rings. Let's hope there's some room for Shrek too.
Moulin Rouge has got twelve and so has The Lord Of The Rings. Let's hope there's some room for Shrek too.
Monday, January 28, 2002
Well, she is my favourite...
You love being the centre of attention. You're a life and soul of the party kind of person. But if you're having a bad time, you'll make sure everyone knows about that too. You have an unswerving devotion to your family. And you know that if you're in trouble, they'll be there for you, whatever it takes.
Which Eastenders character are you? Should be a good one tonight too: Frank's "funeral".
You love being the centre of attention. You're a life and soul of the party kind of person. But if you're having a bad time, you'll make sure everyone knows about that too. You have an unswerving devotion to your family. And you know that if you're in trouble, they'll be there for you, whatever it takes.
Which Eastenders character are you? Should be a good one tonight too: Frank's "funeral".
Nintendo Gamecube...
Nintendo has announced that the GameCube will launch in Europe on May 3. I am too excited for words. Has anyone got one already? Is it brilliant? Is it? Is it?
Nintendo has announced that the GameCube will launch in Europe on May 3. I am too excited for words. Has anyone got one already? Is it brilliant? Is it? Is it?
Sunday, January 27, 2002
Blogger Pro...
Yippee! I've signed up to Blogger Pro. For a measly $35 pa (discounted at the moment from $50) I get lots of extra features that will make life easier for me (OK, OK, I admit it. It's the spellchecker that swung it for me). Sign up now!
Yippee! I've signed up to Blogger Pro. For a measly $35 pa (discounted at the moment from $50) I get lots of extra features that will make life easier for me (OK, OK, I admit it. It's the spellchecker that swung it for me). Sign up now!
What nonsense...
I always suspected David was prone to moments of gibberish. Now I have the proof. Oh, and it seems Ian is talking nonsense too. Eeeks! It's spreading! I've gone loopy as well. Do you suspect madness in others? Have your fear confirmed here.
[Thanks to Mo]
I always suspected David was prone to moments of gibberish. Now I have the proof. Oh, and it seems Ian is talking nonsense too. Eeeks! It's spreading! I've gone loopy as well. Do you suspect madness in others? Have your fear confirmed here.
[Thanks to Mo]
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Friday, January 25, 2002
Misheard lyrics (animated)...
Thanks to Dave for pointing me in the direction of B3TA. It's a great site and well worth a visit. They have some great links. Special mention goes to their list of top ten web games. However their best list is their top eight run down of misheard lyrics put to animations. Be sure to check them all out:-
8. Destiny's Child, "Independent Woman"
7. Bronski Beat, "Hit That Perfect Beat"
6. Madonna, "Erotic"
5. The Beatles, "Ticket to Ride"
4. Elvis, "Blue Suede Shoes"
3. Simply Red, "Holding Back the Years"
2. Toni Basil, "Mickey"
1. Simply Red, "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)"
Thanks to Dave for pointing me in the direction of B3TA. It's a great site and well worth a visit. They have some great links. Special mention goes to their list of top ten web games. However their best list is their top eight run down of misheard lyrics put to animations. Be sure to check them all out:-
8. Destiny's Child, "Independent Woman"
7. Bronski Beat, "Hit That Perfect Beat"
6. Madonna, "Erotic"
5. The Beatles, "Ticket to Ride"
4. Elvis, "Blue Suede Shoes"
3. Simply Red, "Holding Back the Years"
2. Toni Basil, "Mickey"
1. Simply Red, "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)"
The Second Annual Weblog Awards...
Go and vote for my friend Sparky so he wins a Bloggie at the Weblog Awards 2002. Why? Well, read hear why he deserves it.
Go and vote for my friend Sparky so he wins a Bloggie at the Weblog Awards 2002. Why? Well, read hear why he deserves it.
Gay Abandon...
I read that the Tories are set to abandon their anti-gay stance. "Apart from the British National Party, I don't think there is a party that is excitable about people's personal sexuality" - says former Tory vice chairman Steven Norris.
Well Steven, I do want a party that is excitable about people's personal sexuality. I want a party that actually does something to redress inequality between gay and straight relationships in the eyes of the law. So three cheers to the Lib Dems today (see below).
Civil partnerships...
Friday sees the second reading in the House of Lords of a bill that would give gay and unmarried heterosexual couples many of the same legal rights as married people.
The bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Lester, would see the establishment of "civil partnerships", provides for the registration of the partnership and sets out the ensuing legal consequences.
Backed by gay rights group Stonewall, the bill also contains a provision for terminating such partnerships.
Currently the rights enjoyed by married couples, such as the automatic right of inheritance in the event of a spouse dying in testate or the right of succession to certain tenancies and to pension funds, are denied to non-married couples.
- from BBC online
I read that the Tories are set to abandon their anti-gay stance. "Apart from the British National Party, I don't think there is a party that is excitable about people's personal sexuality" - says former Tory vice chairman Steven Norris.
Well Steven, I do want a party that is excitable about people's personal sexuality. I want a party that actually does something to redress inequality between gay and straight relationships in the eyes of the law. So three cheers to the Lib Dems today (see below).
Civil partnerships...
Friday sees the second reading in the House of Lords of a bill that would give gay and unmarried heterosexual couples many of the same legal rights as married people.
The bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Lester, would see the establishment of "civil partnerships", provides for the registration of the partnership and sets out the ensuing legal consequences.
Backed by gay rights group Stonewall, the bill also contains a provision for terminating such partnerships.
Currently the rights enjoyed by married couples, such as the automatic right of inheritance in the event of a spouse dying in testate or the right of succession to certain tenancies and to pension funds, are denied to non-married couples.
- from BBC online
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