Went to the launch party this evening.

The beer selection really is exceptional and I hope to god they can keep it in the same condition as it was tonight past the first few weeks. We work in the Electric Works opposite and the immediate area is so desperate for a proper beer house / after work stop-off that this is a godsend.

The setting is very traditional and it’s certainly got loads of character - reminded me of some of those impressive Victorian city centre boozers in Liverpool. On the downside I found the seating arrangement pretty uncomfortable and didn’t get the impression I’d want to hang around too long chatting.

The big downer though is that they were playing god awful music and in a big high room with terrible acoustics it’s just a waste of time. Mind you it was a party and maybe they’ll not bother with music normally. I hope not cause it’s got real potential otherwise.

I don’t know if they are planning to do food. They had some on tonight but it was just party food (very good mind you). I really hope they can knock out some good grub as well as the beer. The area is completely crying out for a decent Friday afternoon lunch spot and I’m sick to death of M&S salads.

Put your article here

Over the years I’ve had loads of ideas for projects and it’s no big deal that I haven’t acted on any of them yet. When people do such a good job without me, I really don’t mind. The reality is whatever I do build I’ll be wanting all the building blocks I thought of.

As much for copying later on for my own model, but also because the underlying project is something I think works so well and every company should do, I’m highlighting Uservoice.

Good work chaps. Another thing I don’t have to worry about when the time comes and I need ya.

Ian

While researching Picante de cuy (Guinea Pig with spices), which I’m determined to cook and eat sometime, I came across a recipe for Braised Cat. Unfortunately, this breaks one of my rules about eating meat, as I know what I feed my cat on, but it’s all useful information in a recession. 

Tasty cats can be cheezeburgers?. From http://catrecipes.com/recipes/index.html

So, the story quickly:

- I order Oreilly’s Subversion book from Amazon. I have just started working for WANdisco who sell a Multisite and replication solution for Subversion. 

- I didn’t ask initially, but when I do my boss is happy to pay for it on expenses, so I just need a VAT invoice.

- I go to Amazon website to print one to PDF so I can claim it (no paper here nosiree)

- “You can’t print an invoice from the Amazon website, but if you contact us we’ll send you one”.

Honestly… It’s true.

I mean. I just don’t get this. They are going to post me an invoice, at their expense, so I can scan it in?

WTF.

Someone just pointed out this page about me. It’s odd that I don’t ever remember doing this, although it’s certainly my somewhat over egged writing style. 

How very bizzarre.

585v7

Unbranded on the left, the o2 branded on the right.

I get a lot of Spam. Most of it I never see. The other day I was reading a story about the disreputable recruitment agency Huxley Associates, and today, out of the Blue, I got this:

Jones, Craig

www.huxley.com

Hi Ian,

This CV speaks for itself !!!!!!!!!1

Kind regards,

Craig Jones
IT Division
Huxley Associates
0161 233 5700
c.jones@huxley.com
http://www.huxley.com

Now, I have a real problem with this sort of unsolicited and crappy mail when it’s sent from real companies based in Manchester. I’m not the only one either.

All I can say is that if I’m ever hiring or looking and these guys are involved, they’ve got no chance of getting past the front door. Huxley Associates are spammers, and that makes them scum. Nuff said.

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to talk to customers who are also real people (and we have some really great customers). A message I got today left me with a nice feeling about the world. I will just share the last response: Continue Reading »