Wednesday, July 7
Dartmoor Perambulation - Careful Preperation & Kit List (sort of)
Not quite the best planned trip I've ever considered.
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Wednesday, June 24
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Sunday, May 10
Walk route planning - online mapping
Here's a tip that may help with route planning.
This time next week I'll be wildcamped somewhere high on a Lake District fell side. With a few spots already in mind I've been looking at other ideas to put together a longer trip.
Naturally the OS Map & reference books were first source. Followed by more detailed work on-line where the amount of specific & highly detailed photographic images is proving very useful.
During this process I've occasionally turned to Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of the ground, especially searching for certain map features that really aren't too well marked. GE has been good, but can be slow.
I've also experimented with Multimap which is rapidly winning my what-a-good-idea award.
I can switch from a road map, to an OS map view, to aerial. Zooming in, and then flipping to and fro between the OS and aerial view. All at very fine detail, and virtually instantly, whereas Google Maps can be slow. And most importantly without losing my current map location.
A real time saver when building up that route, especially when searching for out of the way places. Labels: Blogger tip, walks
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Thursday, May 29
Community is not all smiles, all the time
I've not idea where I found this; But as a parent who once used to read the series to my younger kids, the naughtiness of the approach made me smile.
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-) Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
Friday, May 2
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've a few interesting ideas which sketch out over a rough route for the first couple of days.
Then beyond that - well nothing really concrete.
I intend to work my way into those to areas not previously visited, heading North until it feels time to turn around and head back Southwards.
Rucksack packing - not yet started.
The gear minutiae check is far from done.
Or even started to be honest.
Around the house there are small piles of 'must get that ready' kit slowly accumulating.
About the only thing properly semi-prepared are my boots (thoroughly cleaned of last Winter's New Forest mud prior to reproofing)
Oh, and electronic gear.
Fresh batteries packed away. Rechargeable items plugged into the nearest socket to ensure a full charge before setting out.
It used to be that the preparation work was part of the Fun. But nowadays its more a case of throwing a few things in a bag the night before I hotfoot it for the train.
Part of that is probably down to the way I now have my kit stored - all together in the spare room. Even better - safely stored in a large chest of drawers or on some (ex-garage) storage racking.
I've even managed to store two down sleeping bags unpacked, as per manufacturer recommendation.
Until the final packing I'll litter the house with large yellow Post-Its flapping in strange, but strategic-to-me locations. Reminding me of last minute items to sort & things yet to do.
But in the end anything forgotten, or even lost, can be sorted out on the trip down to Devon. Or when I get there.
That's if I don't decide to Do Without.
I guess my approach these days is 'Don't sweat the small stuff. Things tend to sort themselves out one way. Or another'
So for those of you anticipating a detailed kit list - its over there somewhere. Behind the pile of mounting gear collected together to sort out tomorrow.
So feel free to have a look for it if you want
;-)
Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
RSS Feeder - problem solved
The only way I can keep regularly keep up with updates from the Blog sites that I visit each day is via an ingenious piece of software known as an RSS Feeder.
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Sunday, May 10
Walk route planning - online mapping
Here's a tip that may help with route planning.
This time next week I'll be wildcamped somewhere high on a Lake District fell side. With a few spots already in mind I've been looking at other ideas to put together a longer trip.
Naturally the OS Map & reference books were first source. Followed by more detailed work on-line where the amount of specific & highly detailed photographic images is proving very useful.
During this process I've occasionally turned to Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of the ground, especially searching for certain map features that really aren't too well marked. GE has been good, but can be slow.
I've also experimented with Multimap which is rapidly winning my what-a-good-idea award.
I can switch from a road map, to an OS map view, to aerial. Zooming in, and then flipping to and fro between the OS and aerial view. All at very fine detail, and virtually instantly, whereas Google Maps can be slow. And most importantly without losing my current map location.
A real time saver when building up that route, especially when searching for out of the way places. Labels: Blogger tip, walks
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Thursday, May 29
Community is not all smiles, all the time
I've not idea where I found this; But as a parent who once used to read the series to my younger kids, the naughtiness of the approach made me smile.
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-) Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
Friday, May 2
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
This runs around all the sites on my list checking for updates and pulling any content back to a single view point for my attention.
Until recently I've been using RSS Aggregator, a nice & simple FREE package; And one I've recommended in the past.
However the main drawback to RSS feeds is there is no way of knowing when a site's update may have been missed because the package fetching the feed has failed.
A few weeks ago I spotted that Darren's feed stopped working. Most uncharacteristic. In fact virtually unknown festooned as he is with almost every mobile telecommunication gadget known to man. And always plenty to say as well (lol)
I checked my RSS package for the correct feed details; Even tried a few alternatives. All to no avail.
Its there's one thing I can't abide its a bit of software that doesn't do what it says on the tin. As RSS Aggregator doesn't appear to issue updates I exported all my feed info to a file (approaching 100 sites- blimey!) and moved it into Google Reader.
GR is something I've used infrequently; But as a web based offering it meant I can now check it from any pc. Which given I use any of four different pcs these days can be seen as a Good Thing.
Then I noticed over the weekend GR had ignored one of my own site's post update. I waited a day or so, even posted another piece, but still the article was ignored.
Not good. The clang resounded as another package hit the bottom of the virtual dustbin.
At least RSS Aggregator told me there was a problem. GR just ignored the thing! which could lead to a lot of missed items and no real way to know it was happening.
So tonight I've just loaded Great News RSS Feeder. Simple to install & set up, and so far fast and seemingly accurate.
Time will tell.
But it reminded me that there is so much good software available these days to choose from. Much of it free and regularly updated. More importantly - such fare seems to be safe from the disk space & memory bloat that the commercial Big Names packages have got caught up with.
Its a message that I had reinforced whilst looking for teeny tiny packages to run on my Asus EEE PC.
There's plenty of ideas in this article which looks specifically at small package ideas, but gives some excellent examples of items that have established their credentials the hard way. By working well, and sticking with what they are intended to do.
Personally all of my pcs are loaded with these:
WINDOWS 'TEMP' FILES/REGISTRY CLEANUP (etc): CCleaner
DISK DEFRAGMENTER: DEFRAGGLER
PICTURE BROWSER/ALBUM: FASTSTONE
PDF READER: FOXIT
MP3 ID EDITOR: - NameItYourWay
DVD CUTTING: DVD FLICK
FOXIT in particular is a great relief after the ever expanding, and ever slowing, world of the Adobe PDF Reader.
Don't be afraid to try some alternatives to the usual Big Names. Many of the less well known items load quicker, run faster, and don't try to force you into adding functionality that you really don't want. Or need.
Oh - and they're free.
Labels: Blogger tip, Gear
Walk route planning - online mapping
Here's a tip that may help with route planning.
This time next week I'll be wildcamped somewhere high on a Lake District fell side. With a few spots already in mind I've been looking at other ideas to put together a longer trip.
Naturally the OS Map & reference books were first source. Followed by more detailed work on-line where the amount of specific & highly detailed photographic images is proving very useful.
During this process I've occasionally turned to Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of the ground, especially searching for certain map features that really aren't too well marked. GE has been good, but can be slow.
I've also experimented with Multimap which is rapidly winning my what-a-good-idea award.
I can switch from a road map, to an OS map view, to aerial. Zooming in, and then flipping to and fro between the OS and aerial view. All at very fine detail, and virtually instantly, whereas Google Maps can be slow. And most importantly without losing my current map location.
A real time saver when building up that route, especially when searching for out of the way places. Labels: Blogger tip, walks
Thursday, September 25
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Thursday, May 29
Community is not all smiles, all the time
I've not idea where I found this; But as a parent who once used to read the series to my younger kids, the naughtiness of the approach made me smile.
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-) Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
Friday, May 2
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
This time next week I'll be wildcamped somewhere high on a Lake District fell side. With a few spots already in mind I've been looking at other ideas to put together a longer trip.
Naturally the OS Map & reference books were first source. Followed by more detailed work on-line where the amount of specific & highly detailed photographic images is proving very useful.
During this process I've occasionally turned to Google Earth to get a bird's eye view of the ground, especially searching for certain map features that really aren't too well marked. GE has been good, but can be slow.
I've also experimented with Multimap which is rapidly winning my what-a-good-idea award.
I can switch from a road map, to an OS map view, to aerial. Zooming in, and then flipping to and fro between the OS and aerial view. All at very fine detail, and virtually instantly, whereas Google Maps can be slow. And most importantly without losing my current map location.
A real time saver when building up that route, especially when searching for out of the way places.
Labels: Blogger tip, walks
Finding your way or Are We Nearly There Yet?
A few words on Navigation, something always worth improving, whatever the experience level.
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Thursday, May 29
Community is not all smiles, all the time
I've not idea where I found this; But as a parent who once used to read the series to my younger kids, the naughtiness of the approach made me smile.
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-) Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
Friday, May 2
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
Natural Navigator, besides teaching navigation, also keeps a blog of his observations, often challenging our views of how to way find: "Tristan is the only person in the world working full time in natural navigation, both instructing and researching".
However for a nuts n' bolts explanation of how to use a map and compass, pop over to this cunningly title website Navigation With Map and Compass (what's that all about then? lol)
Another entry for the FAQ I think.
Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
Community is not all smiles, all the time
I've not idea where I found this; But as a parent who once used to read the series to my younger kids, the naughtiness of the approach made me smile.
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-) Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
Friday, May 2
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
A necessary relief. For things have not been happy in parts of the bloggosphere this week. Without going into details a couple of examples have come my way of 'fallings out'.
By the very nature of the web its far too easy to misconstrue what you may read on-line; Or worse the intent of those behind them; When all you have to go on is just words.
I vaguely recall some stats explaining the different facets that go into communication between people. A quick ferret with Google indicates body language is up around 55% whilst the actual words used account for 7%. Small wonder then that misunderstanding and disagreements arise so readily.
Spend much time on the net and you will undoubtedly fall into this trap somewhere along the way, hence the widespread use of emoticons to get across some of the real intent behind the words.
(And once again comes that weird situation where I find my last post on the perils of on-line communication was almost one year ago to the day. Oeer!)
In person theses sort of things would be quickly sorted out, and opinions made/changed about the individuals concerned. But on the net they can sometimes create a feeling out of all proportion to the original 'slight'. And be incredibly upsetting despite the logical mind insisting it should be otherwise.
My older article hopefully provides some thoughts on being realistic about protecting your personal identity. But one further observation if I may.
Treat the net like life, and talk to sort out differences. But at the end of it all accept opinions differ. sometimes irrevocably. But if you have already built up a good relationship of trust and friendship, sometimes just letting the thing drop will often be the easiest way forward.
Just like in real life.
But on here, and unlike real-life, on-line communication can be terminated just by switching off the computer, and walking away. With any further contact ignored forever.
A bit like walking together in a large group. Sometimes you may get stuck with Major Bore. Sometimes with Mr Lonely. Possibly Miss Bossy gets involved. But the journey is over all too quickly, and each life goes their seperate way. Next time you might try to ensure those three walk off together; Or perhaps you choose to travel alone in future.
But whatever your own personal approach, try to Go With The Flow. To accept the good things this medium provides; Whilst managing the less good with that level of maturity and control we all have as part of our character.
Unless you're a sociopath. But probably not a good idea to go down that path just now I think.
We don't want Mr. Wicker Man to take over control. Now do we?
;-)
Labels: Blogger tip, Mental Health
A death in the family -The Mole Must Die
Please - no need to get tearful on my account.
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.Labels: Blogger tip
Wednesday, April 30
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
I've been chasing this little pest as he undermined my garden over the last three months. I stopped counting after the 30th mole hill was stamped down. Each one leaving the debris of a dead muddy patch on the lawn (well - more like scrub grass now) and a lovely spread of small irregular stones on the surface. Which means mowing the grass over the coming months is more an exercise in how to deal with flying shrapnel at leg height.
The persistent little swine avoided all the usual hints to leave, and having been here before I knew the only way out of this. A Mole Trap.
It sounds brutal, I know. But if you do ever get the misfortune to be visited by Mr Moley forget all the other tips and old wives tales. They don't work. Swallow deep and get a trap - its the only certain way of sorting it out.
Final my persistence won out.
JH 1: Mole 0 (after much extra time)
As to its legacy. I fully anticipate spending the next six months sitting in garden chairs only to have a certain sinking feeling as yet another underground tunnel caves in unexpectedly. Even better when I'm using a step ladder - nothing like being five feet off the ground when that happens. Oh the thrill of it all!
This summer I will be largely giving up on the garden; More a case of waiting until the lawn settles down 3 or 4 inches lower than it was previously.
And for those who believe moles are becoming scarce. Don't believe it, certainly not in this area.
Surely they can go somewhere else for their moley holidays?
Don't think I've enough pelt for a pair of moleskin trousers though.
Labels: Blogger tip
BLOGGER - Deleting spam comments individually
I feel obliged to pass this tip on considering the current splurge of spammers once more trying to leave their dreary dross littered amongst blog comments at the moment.
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
GroovyLabels: blog media, Blogger tip
Grateful thanks for to Phreerunner of 'Postcard from Timperley' for the information. Before this if I had a 'naughty' comment to remove I used to delete the post (losing the 'good' comments) and then reposting.
So here's the way to remove individual comments without the hassle:
1. Sign into your Blogger a/c
2. Go to 'posts'
3. On the screen that lists your posts, click on the underlined 'comments' that includes the one to be deleted
4. Click on 'post a comment' (even though you don't intend to)
5. This will bring up all the comments, with little waste bins underneath them
6. Click on the relevant waste bin and then 'delete for ever'
Groovy
Labels: blog media, Blogger tip
All site material © John Hee - ask before you snatch
