Monday, July 23, 2007

Browser Useage

During a dull moment today I've been looking through the Google analytics breakdown for the Stephenson JCR website that I manage. Of 16,217 unique visits since July last year 70% use IE and 23.5% use Firefox. The website is used almost entirely by students, possibly explaining the unusually high percentage of Firefox usage.

Personally I'm a big Firefox user and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. If I ever have to fix your computer I will, by default, install Firefox and make it your main browser and do my best to hide any evidence of IE. So far I have had no complaints or anyone ever go back to IE so clearly it is easy to use.

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Die Hard - The Music Video


This video is brilliant. The song was clearly created by a big fan. I love that they note that the last one wasn't at Christmas. Were it not for it being in New York that would be almost unforgivable.

Here is the updated version including a verse for the 4th film.

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Friday, July 20, 2007

Harry Potter - The Loss Leader

According to Wings On Some Wheels, ASDA is selling Harry Potter for less than cost. I was actually discussing this with someone (though I'm not sure who) last week and I said it wouldn't surprise me if ASDA buy the books from someone like Tesco(or someone who has a large supply) and then sell them at a loss just to piss off the publisher.

The tactic is nothing new, for many years supermarkets have sold basic products such as beans and milk at a loss just to get people in the stores. The loss leader tactic has left them with many enemies as they have crushed smaller retailers using the tactic.

Personally I support the tactic because it means cheaper stuff. In the long run it will mean smaller retailers will provide something different to compete, which I also see as a good thing.

I don't know how much this will directly bother Bloomsbury. They will make more money from ASDAs loss. Perhaps there will be some indirect losses from the competing retailers who will be frustrated they are selling less and the publisher isn't doing all they can, but I don't think that will be a big loss.


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Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Open Letter to Subway



Thanks to http://flyryan.livejournal.com/.


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The Floods in Hull

Floods in Beverley, East Yorkshire News of the disaster was swiftly carried abroad by the town's 35,000 racing pigeons, as victims were seen wandering around aimlessly muttering "fookinhell" and "chuffinnorah".

The flood decimated the town, causing £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from the Balearic Isles and the Spanish Costa's were damaged beyond repair. Three areas of historical burnt out cars were disturbed.
Many locals were woken well before their Giro arrived. Radio Humberside reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered, still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Hull.

One resident, 15 year old mother of 3, Sharon Braithwaite said: "It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Madonna came running into my bedroom crying. The twins, Tyler-Morgan and Megan-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was watching Kilroy the next morning". Locals were determined not to be bowed, as looting, muggings and car crime carried on as normal. So far, whilst the British Red Cross has managed to ship 4000 crates of Sunny Delight to the area to relieve the suffering of stricken locals, rescue workers searching through the rubble have found large quantities of personal belongings including, benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos, and bone china from Pound-stretcher.

Can You Help? Please respond generously to our appeal for food and clothing for the victims of this disaster.

Clothing is needed most of all, especially:
  • Fila or Burberry baseball caps
  • Kappa tracksuit tops (his or hers)
  • Shell suits (female)
  • White sports socks
  • Rockfort boots
  • Any other product sold in Primark

Culturally sensitive food parcels are harder to put together, but your efforts will make a difference.
Microwave meals, tinned baked beans, ice-cream and cans of Colt 45 or Special Brew are ideal. Please do not give anything that requires peeling. Remember: · 22p buys a biro for filling in compensation claims · £2 buys chips, crisps and a blue fizzy drink for a family of 9 · £5 will pay for a packet of B&H and a lighter to calm a child's nerves.

Urgently required: Tinned whippet food. Bones for Jack Russells

Please do not send tents for shelter. The sight of such posh housing will cause residents to believe they have been forcibly relocated to Beverley .

- Thanks to Tom for that one.


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Thursday, July 05, 2007

Funny Quote

From a tutorial on the Consumerist blog:

Disclaimer: These instructions are for
intermediate to advanced computer users and we will not provide any
support nor be liable for anyone who turns their computer into a
scorched pile of rancid silicon.


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Wednesday, July 04, 2007

My New Vista



Nope nothing to do with the new Windows operating system. This is the view from my new bedroom. Not all that exciting, but nicer than some. Plenty of trees, which I like.

The reason for this new view is my new job. I am the Assistant School Administrator for the Open University summer residential school in Durham. Basically, I help run the place, along with several other people in similar positions. So far the job has been great. Working alongside some great people, all from Durham/Newcastle Uni (except my boss who works for the OU but is equally cool) which helps things immensely. On my first night went out for some drinks (and eventually some dancing) and got quite drunk which was a lot of fun.

It's a bit strange being in a Durham college. I'm used to being a Stocktonite and this is a real eye opener. Not surprisingly life here is far better (even outside term time), which is disappointing in the long run.

Anyway, more posts to come from me with hopefully some nice pictures of Durham.




My bedroom (van mildert college)


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