Archive for the ‘Daft as a brush’ Category
Does exactly what it says on the tin; just the posts that relate to the above...
Artist Who Painted Facebook’s Office Murals Is Worth $200 Million
If company had asked you to paint their new offices with a bunch of murals and offered to pay you a few thousand dollars or the equivalent in company shares, you would probably have gone for the cash, right? Well that’s what I thought until I found out that the company behind this was Facebook!
San Jose-based graffiti artist David Choe, was asked this very question back in 2005 by the then-President of Facebook Sean Parker. Choe painted graffiti murals for Facebook’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California and opted for payment in shares which is now worth $200 Million after the social networking giant went public on Wednesday.
Humm… maybe we could draw Mark Zuckerberg something and ask for a few shares perhaps!
Merry Christmas! WIN some festive fizz!
When Santa hit the streets of Harrogate last Christmas to collect charity donations, he took 3 ‘stooges’ with him to help conceal his true identity. But which one is the real Santa?
Win champagne!
To enter and be in with a chance of winning a magnum of champagne, just visit the Mixd Facebook page and add your comment to the picture. Your comment should include who you think the real Santa is in the picture and your reasoning as to why. The winner will be drawn at random from all qualifying entries made on or before the 31st December 2011
Merry Christmas folks!
What’s the Internet done for Christmas?
Christmas Eve 2008
There I was, traipsing around a bland town centre, with arms full of bags blowing in the wind, a light shower to add to my woes and a bag of roasted chestnuts that resembled charcoal… all whilst a Peruvian pan pipe band played ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’… repeatedly.
Mid-December 2011
Christmas gift and food shopping all done. Purchased online. From the warmth and comfort of my own home. With a large glass of port. (It’s not necessarily all plain sailing; you must be prepared to take the odd trip to your local, friendly sorting office to exchange your ‘Sorry we missed you’ cards for parcels.)
Okay then. So other than taking the strain out of the Christmas shopping…
What has the Internet done for Christmas?
Surely the biggest thing must be how it has broken down barriers of geographical location, so people can communicate and see loved ones easily wherever they are on the planet?
No. Sadly not. It’s ‘The Christmas Madness Bandwagon’. Digital Christmas tat is another way of putting it. But we love it…
Track Santa’s movements (not those ones) on Christmas Eve!
For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) claim to have tracked Santa’s flights. How the heck would you do that you may ask. Well, to quote from the NORAD Tracks Santa website:
“NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa – radar, satellites, Santa cams and fighter jets.”
Of course.
Now you can join the fun at the NORAD site and see Santa’s movements live at any time on Christmas Eve! As well as fascinating information about NORAD and Santa himself, seasonal digital features include ‘The Countdown Village’ for kids festive games, the official NORAD Tracks Santa App (featuring the game ‘Elf Toss’) and the ability to follow Santa on Google Earth!
Personalised Santa video message!
As you may well have seen all over Facebook and Twitter, PNP is a hot Christmas topic this year. PNP (Portable North Pole) brings Santa to you or your loved ones via the medium of personalised video message. The blurb on the Portable North Pole site boasts:
“With just a few clicks, you help Santa gather the necessary information and he prepares a unique, tailor-made video that would delight even Scrooge himself.”
Since 2008, PNP claims to have helped Santa deliver over 20 million personalised video messages worldwide. Some stat. However, the site isn’t mobile friendly (uses Flash) so don’t try it on your iPhone. There is of course an App available though!
One more thing… I was slightly concerned about the privacy of my data. But if you say ‘Bah Humbug’ to that, get on it and enjoy!
UK Snow Map
If you’re a Twitter addict, there’s always the UK Snow Map that is powered by tweets. You can use Twitter to have the snow conditions where you are plotted on a map of the UK in real-time. To find out more, get on over to the UK Snow Map website.
Phil in Lycra
I know many of you will be disappointed having read Phil’s post about commuting, not to see him in Lycra… so here you go!
Your commute just got interesting
Happy 1st November everyone! Whilst driving to work this morning I was thinking how lucky I am to have the commute that I have to Harrogate. I am sure that I am not alone to say that I have had my fair share of long, dull and tedious commutes. Perhaps the longest of which was the 5-hour drive that I did to Scotland every weekend when I worked as a white water raft guide! I have to say I am glad that working in Harrogate means I no longer have to compete with the masses travelling into Leeds each morning – something I spent many years doing in previous employment. I’m hard placed to beat the commute I have from the market town of Otley (on the outskirts of Leeds) across the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and over to Harrogate where Mixd is based… it’s a great little ride on the bike too!
Wait, you bike to work?
Yes, whilst the drive across the edge of the Dales can be positively up-lifting, it does get better on the days when I can leave my car at home and cycle to work. I thought I would give you a little insight into what my commute is like on the days I bike to work, so here goes…
Lights on
It’s that time of year again… so like many enthusiast cyclists out there I have invested heavily in lights so powerful they put Blackpool illuminations to shame! I reckoned I could do the distance in about 45 minutes each way. So the choice was either a road bike which I reasoned would be fast but meant I’d need to wear the Lycra outfit back and forth and since they don’t have mudguards I’d be getting a wet bum if it rained. Or I could go for something more ‘cool’… use my mountain bike, cut the corner off and go through the woods at Norwood Edge. The choice was made! Potential for a wet arse and how I’d look in Lycra meant there was no contest. Mountain bike it was then.
Take the rough with the smooth
Setting off from Otley in the dark is always a tough call. Especially when it’s wet and windy and you know you’ve got 45 minutes of pain to follow! Out of Otley and over the river before the right towards Farnley. Bang! It’s hits you… the first climb that leads gently up towards Lindley Wood reservoir. On with the iPod and dare I say the new ColdPlay album. Feels wrong to say I like it but it helped me tackle the mighty Norwood Edge climb before cutting off and going cross country. This is the biggest and worst climb of the ride and despite the tough gradient when you get going, it’s really not all that bad. When I got over the top you’d be forgiven for thinking it was an entirely different country; there was barely a cloud in the blue sky and the sun was just starting to come up. It’s for moments like this that I do it! Down the hill to Beckwithshaw and down into Harrogate. There done. 42 minutes and 38 seconds. Argh, it’s a hard life being a web designer!
So what is the ideal commute and how long is acceptable?
So what is your commute like? Just curious to see how long it takes folks to commute to work? How long before its ‘too long’ and wastes too much of your day, where do you draw the line? Does the method of transport influence your decision? Currently my commute is 30 minutes in the car or 45 minutes by bike!
Mountain bike madness…
I just wanted to say a huge thanks for all the support and the money raised from the 100 mile South Downs Way ‘bike ride’ that I took part in last Saturday for the British Heart Foundation. It is the 3rd year I’ve taken part in this event so in fairness I knew what I had let myself in for. The 100 mile off-road cycle route runs from Winchester to Eastbourne covering the entire length of the South Downs Way with a staggering 3,550 metres of climbing! It’s a tough route and a great test of endurance but also a thoroughly enjoyable event for a great cause.
100 miles in just over 10 hours!
I’m pleased to say I completed all 100 miles in a total time of 10 hours and 20 something minutes; a full hour quicker than my time from last year and I crossed the finish line in fourth spot! However, I was staggered to hear the fastest recorded time on the day was 7 hours 15 minutes by some elite rider… clearly I’ve got room for improvement!
It’s for charidee, mate…
I am also very pleased to report that I have raised quite a bit of money for the British Heart Foundation along the way. If you’ve not yet shown your support you still can at: http://www.justgiving.com/phil-shackleton.
Cycling rules
Looking back on the past 6 months of training I have learnt quite a few things about cycling. A few points in particular from a set of rather random cycling rules taken from Velominati’s – The Rules:
- Rule 12: The minimum number of bikes one should own is three. The correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.
- Rule 24: Speeds and distances shall always be referred to and calculated in kilometers. This includes while discussing cycling in the workplace with your non-cycling coworkers, serving to further mystify our sport in the web of their Neanderthalic cognitive capabilities. As the confused expression spreads across their unibrowed faces, casually mention your shaved legs. All of cycling’s monuments are measured in the metric system and as such the English system is forbidden.
- Rule 25: The bikes on top of your car should be worth more than the car. Or at least be relatively more expensive.
- Rule 56: When wearing a cycling kit and enjoying a pre or post ride coffee, it is only appropriate to drink espresso or macchiato. If the word soy/skim latte is heard to be used by a member wearing cycling apparel, then that person must be ceremonially beaten with CO2 canisters or mini pumps by others within the community.
Prince Charles visits Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate
HRH Prince Charles turned up in Harrogate yesterday with Camilla in tow to visit the Great Yorkshire Show.
We believe the couple arrived around lunchtime, landing on the stray in their private chopper. The welcome party included many local dignitaries including the Mayor of Harrogate, the Chief Executive of Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire Police Chief Grahame Maxwell. No members of the Mixd team were invited to join the party.
The Royal couple looked around the Great Yorkshire Show for over two hours and had a slap up lunch in the Pavilion before hopping back in the chopper and departing for whatever Royals do of an evening.
One onlooker is believed to have said:
“It was nice to see the Prince having a good look around, but he seemed a bit perturbed when the judges tried to place the rosette for first price in the horse category on Camilla.”
If The Wurzels did social media…
Showering with the Wurzels
I often have strange thoughts when in the shower. This morning was no exception. I found myself singing The Wurzels’ classic hit ‘Combine Harvester (brand new key)’. I sing a lot in the shower, but have no idea why the Wurzels entered my tired morning mind. Anyhow, this got me thinking that the catchy chorus hook to the song was a stereotypical Facebook status update. Then I started to apply the chorus to many social media platforms… please don’t ask how my mind works, especially in the morning. The results:
‘I’ve got a brand new combine harvester and I’ll give you the key.’
‘I want a brand new combine harvester. Please can you help me?’
Foursquare
‘I’m at this brand new combine harvester showroom to collect the key’
‘I’m good at driving brand new combine harvesters, you can trust me.’
Quora
‘Why am I obsessed with brand new combine harvesters? Please explain to me.’
Flickr
‘Look at my pics of brand new combine harvesters. Good, I hope you agree?’
YouTube
‘Watch vid of brand new combine harvester. It is great, you’ll see.’
Any more you can think of?
You’re hired…
Over the last few months the Mixd team has steadily been growing and as a result we have been encouraging web designers and web developers of the future to get in touch. Those of you that regularly read the Mixd blog will know that we work closely with York College and the University of Leeds on their graphic design and digital media courses. We get to meet a whole range of students, all eager to land their first job. Of course finding your first job involves one big hurdle that we must all overcome – the interview! And I think we can all remember that interview where you fell flat on your face with the first question or some other embarrassing moment!
First, a little bit of interview advice
So all this talk of interviews got me thinking about what lessons I have learnt and I think the biggest single piece of advice I can offer is do your homework!
It really should not need to be said but so many times I have interviewed people with little or no knowledge of the company or the kind of work we do. With the web being what it is these days, there really is no excuse for not knowing every little detail about the company. Twitter and Facebook are wonderful tools that can be used to gain insight and knowledge before going for that dream job. Check out the company Twitter feed and find out the names of key members of staff. Then find them on Twitter! Engage them and build up a relationship prior to going for your interview. If nothing else, you will get to know the company and are more likely to know whether or not they are right for you. You will also build up a list of topics to talk about if you are stuck for something to say!
My strangest job interview
So back on the subject of worst / strangest job interviews, I thought I’d tell you a little story about an interview that I had some time ago and the lessons I learnt. I was applying for a job as a white water raft guide and had been shortlisted and asked to attend an interview at a hotel close to London. I arrived early (always a good start) and was directed to a particular suite in the hotel. Expecting a one-on-one interview with the owner of the company, I was somewhat surprised to find a room full of other raft guides, all eager to land their dream job guiding on rivers in the Alps. My interview was at 11am, so I had time to chat with a few of them and it quickly became apparent that we had all be asked to attend an interview at the same time, 11am. At this point I did think the situation was a little strange as there was no one to be seen from the company.
11am came and went and we were all left waiting. No one knew what was going on. I tried calling the number I had been given but got no answer – the hotel didn’t know either and as time went on the ‘interview’ got stranger and stranger. First a buffet lunch was served followed by the opening of the hotel bar “It’s all paid for, have what you like” I was told by the barman. It was at this point that the room divided – those that took advantage of the free bar and had a ‘few’ drinks and those that felt it wasn’t appropriate to drink whilst waiting to be interviewed. Not one to look a gift-horse in the mouth, I found myself with a small group of others stood at the bar chatting and getting stuck in to the free hospitality. After an hour or so the barman ushered the small group of drinkers round into a smaller round adjacent to where we had been. As we walked into the room our faces dropped – the owner of the company was stood there with one or two other members of staff. He simply smiled, opened his arms and said “congratulations”!
At the time, I didn’t quite know what had just happened but I later realised that the owner had planned the entire day and was sat watching us all from the adjacent room. Those that were outgoing and sociable (and enjoyed a drink) were exactly the kind of people they wanted in their company.
Have you had a strange or particular bad interview experience?
p.s. I was also once asked at a job interview “If you were a mythological creature, what would you be and why?”
p.p.s. Bob once attended an interview where the only task was dished out by a miserable looking bloke “Get this raw egg in this glass milk bottle without cracking the shell. I’ll be back in an hour.”
Alternatives to the Royal wedding (29 April 2011)
Are you one of the people desperately looking for an alternative to the Royal wedding on Friday?
Well, we’ve had a good search around the font of all knowledge that is the internet and are pleased to bring you a Mixd [sic] assortment of alternative things to do.
Alternative things to do on Friday 29 April 2011
(to escape the Royal wedding)
Our favourite!
Kate Middleton may have kissed a few frogs to find her Prince, but if you’re in the USA, jump on board any one of a number of events to mark the 3rd annual ‘Save the Frogs Day’!
England
- Funeral procession and living wake to mark the demise of vital public sector services (Manchester)
- The Croft, hosts ‘An Alternative Indoor Royal Wedding Street Party’ featuring live acts including ‘Cesspit Rebels’! (Bristol)
- Outdoor Cinema at The Red Lion presents ‘The Italian Job’ (Hunningham)
- Queer Resistance presents ‘Royal Zombie Celebration & Flash Mob’ (Soho)
Ireland
- Bray Jazz Festival (Co Wicklow)
- Lunchtime Arias at The Gaiety Theatre (Dublin)
Scotland
- The Scottish Baby and Toddler Show (Glasgow)
- Republic presents ‘Not the Royal Wedding’ party (Edinburgh)
Wales
- The Welsh National Scooter Rally (Builth Wells)
- The Socialist Party presents ‘A Socialist Party republican alternative BBQ to the royal wedding’ (Swansea)
Elsewhere
- The Cyber Bingo Network’s online bingo hall known as Bingo Zest, will close down. So get in quick! (Online)
- A full day’s viewing of ‘The Only Way is Essex’ starting at 8.10am. I kid you not. (ITV2)
Whatever you’re doing. Have fun and enjoy it!
Do let us know if there are any events that you feel should be in this list!