Monday, December 19, 2005
Game...
Fun fun fun fun. Substitute the target for annoying person of your choice (say, an architecture company's boss's wife) and play to lose.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
What I want for Christmas...
Inspired by fellow useless blogger Tim's present list....
- A magic way of chasing cables through walls without it being a total pain in the arse.
- A gloss paint fairy. For that matter, a mist coat fairy. And a sanding fairy. And a money tree.
- A wife who can find things which are in front of her nose.
- This bloody house renovation to be finished.
- Scottish people to realise that us English people are NOT PLOTTING AGAINST YOU!
- World Peace.
On another matter, Rachel and I have cut our ties with Rupert Murdoch and no longer subscribe to Sky. What a pleasure it was phoning customer support to tell them our decision. (suffice to say the operator was a xxxxxxg xxxxxr). We're on freeview now (twin tuner PVR naturally) and are not missing it at all - we get all the BBC channels which of course are all brilliant along with E4 and More4 and the cricket is on the radio anyway. We also sold the big TV to a pikey from Falkirk which means we really need a new LCD now.
- A magic way of chasing cables through walls without it being a total pain in the arse.
- A gloss paint fairy. For that matter, a mist coat fairy. And a sanding fairy. And a money tree.
- A wife who can find things which are in front of her nose.
- This bloody house renovation to be finished.
- Scottish people to realise that us English people are NOT PLOTTING AGAINST YOU!
- World Peace.
On another matter, Rachel and I have cut our ties with Rupert Murdoch and no longer subscribe to Sky. What a pleasure it was phoning customer support to tell them our decision. (suffice to say the operator was a xxxxxxg xxxxxr). We're on freeview now (twin tuner PVR naturally) and are not missing it at all - we get all the BBC channels which of course are all brilliant along with E4 and More4 and the cricket is on the radio anyway. We also sold the big TV to a pikey from Falkirk which means we really need a new LCD now.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Re: my previous post..
me: You must have loads of time on your hands...
her: (indignant) No I don't!
me: How come you have time to blog three times a day? (as done today!)
her: Oh all right then I do.
Yes yes, I realise I've blogged twice today, but I have squeezed it in to an extremely busy day working from home. Which by a freak of nature co-incided with day 2 of the second test.
her: (indignant) No I don't!
me: How come you have time to blog three times a day? (as done today!)
her: Oh all right then I do.
Yes yes, I realise I've blogged twice today, but I have squeezed it in to an extremely busy day working from home. Which by a freak of nature co-incided with day 2 of the second test.
The Prisoner...
Those of you who know me well know that my favourite TV programme of all time is 'The Prisoner'. It is genius. Whether planned or accident, it seems to exist on many levels - on one level a cool 60s spy caper, on another questioning the nature of individualism. Great stuff, get the DVDs!
Anyway, after years and years of rumours (at one point Mel Gibson had signed to play No. 6), this news just in from the most trusted source in the known universe : Sky One are going to do a new version. I'm sure it's going to be brilliant. I really am. Honestly. They're so good at telly.
For other Simons news, probably best to bookmark Rach's blog and go there instead of here - not only more frequently updated but much more entertaining according to my colleage Gerald. She seems to be able to manage her time at work much better than me.
However, I will report that our kitchen is now finished and fully operational. Despite the firm's owner and son being complete tossers, they did a superb job, and for those of you who've been here it's a complete transformation. The plasterers even took some initiative and fixed some holes we hadn't asked them to do! Will post some photos later.
Next up: painting painting and more painting in preparation for the upstairs carpet and downstairs oak flooring installation in the next few weeks. Bought our bed yesterday on a near whim on the way to the rugby yesterday (Scotland were terrible in a 3/4 empty Murrayfield). Pre-Christmas completion of everything bar Rach's play/craftroom is on!
Anyway, after years and years of rumours (at one point Mel Gibson had signed to play No. 6), this news just in from the most trusted source in the known universe : Sky One are going to do a new version. I'm sure it's going to be brilliant. I really am. Honestly. They're so good at telly.
For other Simons news, probably best to bookmark Rach's blog and go there instead of here - not only more frequently updated but much more entertaining according to my colleage Gerald. She seems to be able to manage her time at work much better than me.
However, I will report that our kitchen is now finished and fully operational. Despite the firm's owner and son being complete tossers, they did a superb job, and for those of you who've been here it's a complete transformation. The plasterers even took some initiative and fixed some holes we hadn't asked them to do! Will post some photos later.
Next up: painting painting and more painting in preparation for the upstairs carpet and downstairs oak flooring installation in the next few weeks. Bought our bed yesterday on a near whim on the way to the rugby yesterday (Scotland were terrible in a 3/4 empty Murrayfield). Pre-Christmas completion of everything bar Rach's play/craftroom is on!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Here's something new...
This rather bizarre internet sale took my mind off the problems with our rude pathetic mysoginist builders for a few minutes.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Washington!
Back, had a good time. Quite tired, no sleep on old rickety 747 home next to large smelly man with no sense of personal space, so probably won't make much sense. Saw some famous and very familiar buildings. Almost felt odd that there weren't any aliens attacking or something.
At the conference, one speaker had a powerpoint slide called: "how gaming is contributing to winning the war on terror". Says it all really.
More chat later, follow the photo to see more... the Smithsonian Air and Space museum was the real highlight.
At the conference, one speaker had a powerpoint slide called: "how gaming is contributing to winning the war on terror". Says it all really.
More chat later, follow the photo to see more... the Smithsonian Air and Space museum was the real highlight.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Off to the home of democracy...
Just about to leave. Very excited for lots of reasons. Ever since watching Ghostbusters in 1984 I've always wondered what a twinkie tastes like and now I might find out. Also going to see lots of buildings familiar from movies, visit the Smithsonian and do some shopping. Oh, and go to a very good conference where I will learn lots about 'serious games'. Will make sure I say "Internet" and not "Innernet".
Sorry the missus isn't coming :-(
Sorry the missus isn't coming :-(
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Renovation... kitchen in progress
... and it's gone, hurrah!
2 days of building work, and they seem to be cracking
on pretty damn quickly. We've really got a sense of how big our new open plan kitchen/diner is going to be. All very exciting.
What this photo doesn't show is that they've built half of the units ready to be placed. I am very happy not to have had to do this bit.
2 days of building work, and they seem to be cracking
on pretty damn quickly. We've really got a sense of how big our new open plan kitchen/diner is going to be. All very exciting.
What this photo doesn't show is that they've built half of the units ready to be placed. I am very happy not to have had to do this bit.
Renovation... kitchen
One of Derek's greatest bits of work: the fake dresser in the dining room, built to accommodate the fridge and microwave in the kitchen.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Rebrand!
Have been meaning to get comments working for ages. Will someone test them?
The builders start on Monday on the kitchen and other bits and say they'll be done in 2 weeks. It's all moving really quite fast... and is getting a bit scary. Oh well - looks like pre-Christmas visits are on if anyone is interested!
Work is also quite busy - we've been around schools all over the UK testing our first prototype site. Just in from a daytrip to Newcastle ("Geoff, Geoff, Spuggy's stuck in the lift!!"), was in Wales earlier this week in a town I think was called Llllddddyyyfffcawllll. Next week I'm off again on the BBC Leadership training programme for 2 days, then to Washington the week after where I'm definitely not going to buy a new ipod.
Hold on, I'm going to miss half the building work... oops. I was also away when the living room ceiling fell in. Good job we've got such a good project manager holding things together.
The builders start on Monday on the kitchen and other bits and say they'll be done in 2 weeks. It's all moving really quite fast... and is getting a bit scary. Oh well - looks like pre-Christmas visits are on if anyone is interested!
Work is also quite busy - we've been around schools all over the UK testing our first prototype site. Just in from a daytrip to Newcastle ("Geoff, Geoff, Spuggy's stuck in the lift!!"), was in Wales earlier this week in a town I think was called Llllddddyyyfffcawllll. Next week I'm off again on the BBC Leadership training programme for 2 days, then to Washington the week after where I'm definitely not going to buy a new ipod.
Hold on, I'm going to miss half the building work... oops. I was also away when the living room ceiling fell in. Good job we've got such a good project manager holding things together.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Busy day at the office...
This is worth the 9mb download - a newly cut trailer for 'The Shining'. Very odd.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Spare bedroom - after!
We're moving into this room for a few weeks, while we get cracking with our bedroom, which will first involve the removal of some of last owner Derek's particularly superb DIY innovations - including a built-in wardrobe with 45-degree mirrored doors, and a very strange contraption made using kitchen worktop. Oh yes.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
New things...
Rachel now has a blog, which is really good and funny. Have a gander.
The renovations are moving very quickly, but are naturally causing a bit of a financial meltdown... spent £500 on wardrobes today, and figured extra spend wouldn't matter too much in the scheme of things, so I bought this for the study:
It's marvellous - CD, DAB, Amp all in one, plugged into my existing hi-fi speakers. Sounds brilliant, and perfect for the space. I notice you can plug an ipod dock into it as well... but it isn't compatible with my 3-year old ipod. And I'm definitely not going to buy one of these new ones which are either extremely small or play videos, even if they are 30% cheaper when I go to the states in 2 weeks. I'm really not, honest. If mine were to wear out however...
While I remember, something amazing happened. Ikea delivered our kitchen... early... and everything came, down to the last hinge... this feels wrong to me. This means we might be on track for our pre-Christmas renovation completion deadline. Sarah Beeny has nothing on us... what's more it seems like it's not just us who are perplexed with her hair this series.
Enough rambling and time for bed. Busy day tomorrow knocking a wall down!
The renovations are moving very quickly, but are naturally causing a bit of a financial meltdown... spent £500 on wardrobes today, and figured extra spend wouldn't matter too much in the scheme of things, so I bought this for the study:
It's marvellous - CD, DAB, Amp all in one, plugged into my existing hi-fi speakers. Sounds brilliant, and perfect for the space. I notice you can plug an ipod dock into it as well... but it isn't compatible with my 3-year old ipod. And I'm definitely not going to buy one of these new ones which are either extremely small or play videos, even if they are 30% cheaper when I go to the states in 2 weeks. I'm really not, honest. If mine were to wear out however...
While I remember, something amazing happened. Ikea delivered our kitchen... early... and everything came, down to the last hinge... this feels wrong to me. This means we might be on track for our pre-Christmas renovation completion deadline. Sarah Beeny has nothing on us... what's more it seems like it's not just us who are perplexed with her hair this series.
Enough rambling and time for bed. Busy day tomorrow knocking a wall down!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
renovation - new bathroom!
Much better!
We're moving along very quickly now... bathroom done and really superb now the many leaks left by our dodgy plumber have been fixed.
The study and spare bedroom are done other than carpeting. We're going to move into the spare room this weekend to start work on the main bedroom, ripping out the nasty wardrobe.
Kitchen arrives tomorrow, hopefully the builders will start within the next 2 weeks...
We're moving along very quickly now... bathroom done and really superb now the many leaks left by our dodgy plumber have been fixed.
The study and spare bedroom are done other than carpeting. We're going to move into the spare room this weekend to start work on the main bedroom, ripping out the nasty wardrobe.
Kitchen arrives tomorrow, hopefully the builders will start within the next 2 weeks...
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
for a change... ipods!
Apparently there's going to be a new ipod again tomorrow. After all, it's been AGES since they announced the nano. The rumours are that it's going to play videos and have an 80 GB hard disk. WOO.
Was having a surf while watching the magnificent Sarah Beeny, and came across this site - find the perfect ipod for you. All of them, I say, although my shuffle is only really doing memory stick duty unless batteries run out on grandpapod.
The Sony PSP which my lovely wife bought me is an absolutely fabulous machine, especially as I have a completely valid professional reason for having one - at work we're formatted and encoded all our short films for various mobile devices...
Was having a surf while watching the magnificent Sarah Beeny, and came across this site - find the perfect ipod for you. All of them, I say, although my shuffle is only really doing memory stick duty unless batteries run out on grandpapod.
The Sony PSP which my lovely wife bought me is an absolutely fabulous machine, especially as I have a completely valid professional reason for having one - at work we're formatted and encoded all our short films for various mobile devices...
Sunday, October 09, 2005
And more...
funny film
Jane is staying, very nice to see her.
House is in chaos, office shelves are up on the first attempt.
Jane is staying, very nice to see her.
House is in chaos, office shelves are up on the first attempt.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
I know, I know...
Where do the months go?
Here's something funny from our friends across the pond. I am happy to say I'll be making my maiden voyage over there at the end of the month.
We've moved house by the way. It's chaos, but fun fun. Rach being an architect is good for project managing the refit of bathroom / kitchen / walls / floors / ceilings. Plumbers who don't make watertight seals are not so good.
Here's something funny from our friends across the pond. I am happy to say I'll be making my maiden voyage over there at the end of the month.
We've moved house by the way. It's chaos, but fun fun. Rach being an architect is good for project managing the refit of bathroom / kitchen / walls / floors / ceilings. Plumbers who don't make watertight seals are not so good.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Chindogu...
A Chindogu cannot be for real use.
A Chindogu must exist.
Inherent in every Chindogu is the spirit of anarchy.
Chindogu are tools for everyday life.
Chindogu are not for sale.
Humor must not be the sole reason for creating Chindogu.
Chindogu are not propaganda.
Chindogu are never taboo.
Chindogu cannot be patented.
Chindogu are without prejudice.
Learn more
A Chindogu must exist.
Inherent in every Chindogu is the spirit of anarchy.
Chindogu are tools for everyday life.
Chindogu are not for sale.
Humor must not be the sole reason for creating Chindogu.
Chindogu are not propaganda.
Chindogu are never taboo.
Chindogu cannot be patented.
Chindogu are without prejudice.
Learn more
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Saturday, July 09, 2005
London 7/7...
After the Olympic happiness, back down to earth again. It's been a good week of following trouble, being in Edinburgh Monday - Wednesday (how many police? all of them I think), then in London on Thursday.
I arrived at White City at 9.30, had a cup of coffee then started wondering why everyone was crowded round the plasmas all over the building. Then found out... horrible stuff. However, we Brits are good at times like this - a real sense of family and community prevailed as people rallied around, kept positive, got on with life and then helped each other out getting home.
"Mission accomplished"? Yes, well done on that Mr Bush...
I arrived at White City at 9.30, had a cup of coffee then started wondering why everyone was crowded round the plasmas all over the building. Then found out... horrible stuff. However, we Brits are good at times like this - a real sense of family and community prevailed as people rallied around, kept positive, got on with life and then helped each other out getting home.
"Mission accomplished"? Yes, well done on that Mr Bush...
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
London 2012...
How very exciting!
So we've got rubbish food have we M. Chirac? I wonder what Tony Blair will say to him at G8? "Ha ha, gutted mate!" would possibly be my reaction despite my best international diplomat tendancies.
Oh dear, I can be a typical brit sometimes. Really what I'm feeling is that this is fantastic - if the games are as good as the bid it could be a seriously spectacular games, with all the associated benefits and feel-good factor.
Now then David Beckham, how about putting your money where your mouth is and get behind a Great Britain football team made up of players not selected for the Euro 2012 footy finals?
So we've got rubbish food have we M. Chirac? I wonder what Tony Blair will say to him at G8? "Ha ha, gutted mate!" would possibly be my reaction despite my best international diplomat tendancies.
Oh dear, I can be a typical brit sometimes. Really what I'm feeling is that this is fantastic - if the games are as good as the bid it could be a seriously spectacular games, with all the associated benefits and feel-good factor.
Now then David Beckham, how about putting your money where your mouth is and get behind a Great Britain football team made up of players not selected for the Euro 2012 footy finals?
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
NASA, comets and russian astrological trauma...
Useless at updating, I know, yes, yes, stop nagging, OK, OK. Not really much inclination at the moment to be honest, and I'm writing another internal blog for work so motivation isn't at 100%. Anyway, you're not really interested in my opinions about cricket (keep it up lads) or rugby (Sir Clive, you buffoon!). Nor do you want to hear me harping on and on about Apple (shuffle is fun but hasn't replaced its older brother, podcasting now integrated into itunes, very nice). Music (Pink Floyd!) and film reviews (Batman!)...? All very boring (and, yes, geeky, ms GH).
But then, along comes a little piece of news like this which I want to share with you all. Isn't it good that the world is part populated by complete nutters trying their utmost to earn a buck or two wherever they can?
When I first heard about Project Deep Impact (genius name), I got the feeling that it was an experiment bourne less from essential scientific need, more from an outcome of an evening out, many many beers, and the throwaway statement "lads, I've got a great idea..." (see scalextrix 'circle of fire'). Lo and behold, them there folks went ahead, and hot dawg yeehaw didn't they go and hit that there lil' ol' comet! Well done team!
But then, along comes a little piece of news like this which I want to share with you all. Isn't it good that the world is part populated by complete nutters trying their utmost to earn a buck or two wherever they can?
When I first heard about Project Deep Impact (genius name), I got the feeling that it was an experiment bourne less from essential scientific need, more from an outcome of an evening out, many many beers, and the throwaway statement "lads, I've got a great idea..." (see scalextrix 'circle of fire'). Lo and behold, them there folks went ahead, and hot dawg yeehaw didn't they go and hit that there lil' ol' comet! Well done team!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Monday, June 06, 2005
The happy couple...
Now I've finally got around to sorting out an alternative (and hopefully permanent) photo hosting solution, the uploading can commence in earnest! In the meantime, here's a little pic of me and my wife.
Watch this space for more...
Watch this space for more...
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Back... and Star Wars...
Hi folks. We're back, all is well, and the Maldives were absolutely superb!
Lots of news, photos, gossip and other rubbish will be forthcoming as life hopefully settles down over the next few months. The last thing to get out of the way is buying a house in Linlithgow and moving, a process well underway now we've accepted an offer on Mulehouse Road. It's a wee bit sad as it was a great house full of good memories, but it's good to have a few less tenants hanging over our heads, and we can now buy our new home to nest down in.
Now, onto the important stuff, my tuppence about the new Star Wars following comments from Chris, Tim and Christian.
I enjoyed it, really a lot and more or less agree with what the others wrote. It was certainly by a margin the best of the prequels while remaining very much one of the prequels - whether it's the romance of being a kid when the the original films came out, or genuine quality, these new ones never quite feel the same.
Good - sound, special effects, music, lighsabres (particularly the two final fights), flashes of humour, Palpatine, Yoda (the one thing he really did pull off), Wookies, and making good on the promise of a dark film - he didn't try to force a happy ending at all.
Bad - Acting, particularly the dialogue between Anakin and Padme again being utterly cringeworthy - thank god Rachel and I don't talk to each other like that. Somehow, despite the costume, Vader looked wrong - bring back David Prowse for the special 3D re-release edition in 2,3 and 4 years time. The less said of the "Nooo...!" scene the better. Some things tied up a little too neatly, but I suppose it had to be that way... (geek boy here did skip through ep.4 this evening to see how things merge, and it seems to work pretty well).
Rach woke up as the credits rolled asking what she'd missed.
Hopefully the start of a good Summer of movies - looking forward to Sin City, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman, Fantasic 4, and we might go and see the League of Gentlemen tomorrow, after being woken by new clock radio, dried off with new towels, sussed out how to make the perfect Latte in our rather fabulous new Krups machine, cut bread with new knives, had a picnic, wiped our feet and cleaned our shoes, autofilled an ipod shuffle, etc etc etc. Time now to switch off the desk lamp and go to bed.
We're feeling exceptionally good, lucky and grateful for what has been a truly charmed 3 weeks - thanks so much to everyone for making it all go so well :-)
Lots of news, photos, gossip and other rubbish will be forthcoming as life hopefully settles down over the next few months. The last thing to get out of the way is buying a house in Linlithgow and moving, a process well underway now we've accepted an offer on Mulehouse Road. It's a wee bit sad as it was a great house full of good memories, but it's good to have a few less tenants hanging over our heads, and we can now buy our new home to nest down in.
Now, onto the important stuff, my tuppence about the new Star Wars following comments from Chris, Tim and Christian.
I enjoyed it, really a lot and more or less agree with what the others wrote. It was certainly by a margin the best of the prequels while remaining very much one of the prequels - whether it's the romance of being a kid when the the original films came out, or genuine quality, these new ones never quite feel the same.
Good - sound, special effects, music, lighsabres (particularly the two final fights), flashes of humour, Palpatine, Yoda (the one thing he really did pull off), Wookies, and making good on the promise of a dark film - he didn't try to force a happy ending at all.
Bad - Acting, particularly the dialogue between Anakin and Padme again being utterly cringeworthy - thank god Rachel and I don't talk to each other like that. Somehow, despite the costume, Vader looked wrong - bring back David Prowse for the special 3D re-release edition in 2,3 and 4 years time. The less said of the "Nooo...!" scene the better. Some things tied up a little too neatly, but I suppose it had to be that way... (geek boy here did skip through ep.4 this evening to see how things merge, and it seems to work pretty well).
Rach woke up as the credits rolled asking what she'd missed.
Hopefully the start of a good Summer of movies - looking forward to Sin City, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman, Fantasic 4, and we might go and see the League of Gentlemen tomorrow, after being woken by new clock radio, dried off with new towels, sussed out how to make the perfect Latte in our rather fabulous new Krups machine, cut bread with new knives, had a picnic, wiped our feet and cleaned our shoes, autofilled an ipod shuffle, etc etc etc. Time now to switch off the desk lamp and go to bed.
We're feeling exceptionally good, lucky and grateful for what has been a truly charmed 3 weeks - thanks so much to everyone for making it all go so well :-)
Friday, May 06, 2005
Dog Judo
Hello, life is preventing me from engaging with this blog at the moment, despite all best intentions. With a 1.5 hour commute, the only thing I'm doing on the computer at home at the moment is putting movies on the PDA to make the journey seem a bit shorter! (24, Freaks and Geeks, American Office, American Apprentice, Family Guy, Arrested Development are on rotation at the mo).
In the absence of anything more interesting than a list of my favourite TV programmes of the moment, take a gander at the genius which is DOGJUDO!
Probably see you on the other side...
In the absence of anything more interesting than a list of my favourite TV programmes of the moment, take a gander at the genius which is DOGJUDO!
Probably see you on the other side...
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Monday, April 11, 2005
long time no post...
Hello, long time no post. Holiday (brilliant), new job (good, tiring) and stag (apparently excellent) getting in the way. But I couldn't resist posting this, which may or may not be a spoof. You decide.
Photos and more ramblings to come soon.
Photos and more ramblings to come soon.
Monday, March 21, 2005
bad apple...
Hmmm, I was really quite consumed by anti-Apple rage last week. Reading back the posts I bored myself, so I'm very sorry about that. Sometimes these little things can irritate me immensely, which is weird as I'm feeling quite chilled about putting Mulehouse Road on the market today, including dealing with the continuing unresolved issue of the leak from the neighbours' place which caused some cosmetic damage in the kitchen. I'm sure once the solicitors start holding things up for the sale my bile will rise again.
Back on topic, Apple did reply (slightly generic, but fine) and according to the now functioning tracking, it seems like the computer is in Edinburgh, so hopefully it will be with me either today or tomorrow. There's also been the promise of a goodwill gesture... shuffle? justifictation: had to give memory stick back last week...
In the meantime, just two days left at work now, including a leaving do in an authentic Bradford curry house tomorrow. Then before Norway I need to practise golf to avoid more defeats at the hands of the ever hospitable Mr T Pearce who has improved dramatically!
Back on topic, Apple did reply (slightly generic, but fine) and according to the now functioning tracking, it seems like the computer is in Edinburgh, so hopefully it will be with me either today or tomorrow. There's also been the promise of a goodwill gesture... shuffle? justifictation: had to give memory stick back last week...
In the meantime, just two days left at work now, including a leaving do in an authentic Bradford curry house tomorrow. Then before Norway I need to practise golf to avoid more defeats at the hands of the ever hospitable Mr T Pearce who has improved dramatically!
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Bad Apple - continued...
More shenanigans with Apple today - their supervisor did the best he good given the poor systems they seem to have in place, and with them being Irish and it being Paddy's day, I wasn't really disposed to be too nasty. They have promised me some recompense, and I have in turn given them until Tuesday to deliver the imac before cancelling. I've also sent an email of complaint, which I've pasted below (removing names - God knows whether this is legal).
As I am now well and truly on a soapbox, I would be very interested hear about any other experiences, good or bad, people have had with the apple store, deliveries and customer servive. Please Email me - badapple@nicktryg.co.uk (update - now active). I will post them to this site, and will do my best to make Apple aware - Europe and US if possible. Hell, maybe I'll even bend Steve Jobs's ear...
----------------------
Dear xxxxxx,
xxxxxx xxxxxx gave me your email address to allow me to register a complaint in writing regarding order ref W76599474.
At the moment I am on the verge of cancelling a £1200 order for an G5 imac and a USB midi keyboard.
After ordering the items over the phone on the 8th, I received the attached email last Thursday 10th, confirming shipment and estimating delivery in 3-4 days. I took 2 days leave to receive the order. As I was not going to be available after this time at the delivery address, I phoned yesterday to check the status, and to advise of a change of address so as not to waste the courier’s time coming to an empty flat.
Instead of any resolution, I was faced with no guarantees of delivery date (the online tracking had no useful information) and there being no proper mechanism to change the delivery address. Furthermore, on phoning TNT with the tracking number supplied during the first phone call, they had no record of the delivery whatsoever.
After asking to speak to a supervisor, xxxxxx phoned me back. He was:
- Still unable to guarantee a delivery date, due to a backlog in the Holland depot.
- Unable to guarantee 100% that the change of address would carry through.
- Just about able to restore enough confidence for me not to cancel the order, via the promise of recompense in some shape or form – although I have to wait until after delivery for this to come through, which does hold me over a barrel somewhat.
From the information xxxxxx gave me, it seems that my mistake was ordering both items together. The ‘merging’ process means the Mac goes from Cork to Luxembourg with one courier (KUEHNE & NAGEL) to merge with the keyboard, then waits for the 3-day despatch backlog to be cleared at your warehouse before it can be re-shipped to me by another courier (TNT). In this process you are not able to change the shipping address. This seems strange when you consider that Amazon manage to merge items from warehouses all over the UK – and if they can’t, they just ship them separately. This is frustrating as it would have made no difference to me to order the items separately, as both items were free delivery!
For the record, in one of the phone calls – I was incorrectly and rather tersely told that I hadn’t accounted for the weekend in my delivery date – which I had. Generally, not enough responsibility was taken by Apple – I had to chase this order, I had to call the courier myself, and if I do want a refund I have to wait a number of days for the item to be logged back in (this last issue is completely unacceptable – you should be able to refund me immediately and deal with your own stock yourselves).
As an individual I know I don’t command the same spending power as a business, but nonetheless I feel I am a pretty good Apple customer:
- Having used macs of various shapes and sizes since 1994, I have recommended macs to all the PC-based companies for whom I have worked, resulting in sales of 9600s / G3s / all generations of imac, including a G5 in February for my current company.
- I have bought two macs for myself – a blue and white G3 in 1999 and an ibook G3 in 2003. For the record, this ibook itself has caused problems, as I’ve had to send it back twice under the Logic Board Repair Extension Programme (the second time it came back with a non-functioning airport – apparently a common design flaw with the ariel in the screen hinge).
- I bought a 2nd Gen ipod for myself in 2003, and an ipod mini for my partner this Christmas. I was considering adding a 1GB ipod shuffle to this current order – I’m glad I didn’t.
Furthermore, I have evangelised about Macs, OSX and ipods to all my friends and colleagues, resulting in at least 4 sales of ipods, an isight, two G4 ibooks and had recently convinced my most ardent windows-loving techie friend to buy a mac mini to write music on – after this week he is having second thoughts.
Basically – I really like Apple, and I am saddened that I’ve been let down by poor communication and a delivery mechanism which doesn’t function adequately for a product manufacturer such as yourselves. If Apple want to increase their market share, and compete with the HPs and Dells of this world (who will build and deliver a PC within 48 hours), and to improve the reputation of customer service, I would hope these issues of delivery, tracking and communication will be addressed.
I don’t want to cancel the order, as I’d much rather the money went directly to Apple rather than through a third party dealer – as I’m sure you would. However, my good will is rapidly running out, and as I’ve told xxxxxx, if the imac doesn’t arrive on Tuesday 22nd at the new shipment address (xxxxxxxxxxxx), I will be cancelling the order, and will not be buying from or recommending the Apple Store again.
I look forward to your swift response on this matter.
As I am now well and truly on a soapbox, I would be very interested hear about any other experiences, good or bad, people have had with the apple store, deliveries and customer servive. Please Email me - badapple@nicktryg.co.uk (update - now active). I will post them to this site, and will do my best to make Apple aware - Europe and US if possible. Hell, maybe I'll even bend Steve Jobs's ear...
----------------------
Dear xxxxxx,
xxxxxx xxxxxx gave me your email address to allow me to register a complaint in writing regarding order ref W76599474.
At the moment I am on the verge of cancelling a £1200 order for an G5 imac and a USB midi keyboard.
After ordering the items over the phone on the 8th, I received the attached email last Thursday 10th, confirming shipment and estimating delivery in 3-4 days. I took 2 days leave to receive the order. As I was not going to be available after this time at the delivery address, I phoned yesterday to check the status, and to advise of a change of address so as not to waste the courier’s time coming to an empty flat.
Instead of any resolution, I was faced with no guarantees of delivery date (the online tracking had no useful information) and there being no proper mechanism to change the delivery address. Furthermore, on phoning TNT with the tracking number supplied during the first phone call, they had no record of the delivery whatsoever.
After asking to speak to a supervisor, xxxxxx phoned me back. He was:
- Still unable to guarantee a delivery date, due to a backlog in the Holland depot.
- Unable to guarantee 100% that the change of address would carry through.
- Just about able to restore enough confidence for me not to cancel the order, via the promise of recompense in some shape or form – although I have to wait until after delivery for this to come through, which does hold me over a barrel somewhat.
From the information xxxxxx gave me, it seems that my mistake was ordering both items together. The ‘merging’ process means the Mac goes from Cork to Luxembourg with one courier (KUEHNE & NAGEL) to merge with the keyboard, then waits for the 3-day despatch backlog to be cleared at your warehouse before it can be re-shipped to me by another courier (TNT). In this process you are not able to change the shipping address. This seems strange when you consider that Amazon manage to merge items from warehouses all over the UK – and if they can’t, they just ship them separately. This is frustrating as it would have made no difference to me to order the items separately, as both items were free delivery!
For the record, in one of the phone calls – I was incorrectly and rather tersely told that I hadn’t accounted for the weekend in my delivery date – which I had. Generally, not enough responsibility was taken by Apple – I had to chase this order, I had to call the courier myself, and if I do want a refund I have to wait a number of days for the item to be logged back in (this last issue is completely unacceptable – you should be able to refund me immediately and deal with your own stock yourselves).
As an individual I know I don’t command the same spending power as a business, but nonetheless I feel I am a pretty good Apple customer:
- Having used macs of various shapes and sizes since 1994, I have recommended macs to all the PC-based companies for whom I have worked, resulting in sales of 9600s / G3s / all generations of imac, including a G5 in February for my current company.
- I have bought two macs for myself – a blue and white G3 in 1999 and an ibook G3 in 2003. For the record, this ibook itself has caused problems, as I’ve had to send it back twice under the Logic Board Repair Extension Programme (the second time it came back with a non-functioning airport – apparently a common design flaw with the ariel in the screen hinge).
- I bought a 2nd Gen ipod for myself in 2003, and an ipod mini for my partner this Christmas. I was considering adding a 1GB ipod shuffle to this current order – I’m glad I didn’t.
Furthermore, I have evangelised about Macs, OSX and ipods to all my friends and colleagues, resulting in at least 4 sales of ipods, an isight, two G4 ibooks and had recently convinced my most ardent windows-loving techie friend to buy a mac mini to write music on – after this week he is having second thoughts.
Basically – I really like Apple, and I am saddened that I’ve been let down by poor communication and a delivery mechanism which doesn’t function adequately for a product manufacturer such as yourselves. If Apple want to increase their market share, and compete with the HPs and Dells of this world (who will build and deliver a PC within 48 hours), and to improve the reputation of customer service, I would hope these issues of delivery, tracking and communication will be addressed.
I don’t want to cancel the order, as I’d much rather the money went directly to Apple rather than through a third party dealer – as I’m sure you would. However, my good will is rapidly running out, and as I’ve told xxxxxx, if the imac doesn’t arrive on Tuesday 22nd at the new shipment address (xxxxxxxxxxxx), I will be cancelling the order, and will not be buying from or recommending the Apple Store again.
I look forward to your swift response on this matter.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Fallow period...
Hi all, sorry about the break in posts, a symptom of mid-notice period brain hibernation. I finish on Tuesday 22nd, have a few days off before the week-long Norway cruise, and will be starting work again on the 4th April. It's really good to have a bit of time to vegetate before getting stuck back in.
Rach found this remarkable and brilliant NASA satellite composite planet earth, well worth the large download (via torrent as well). Of course it's PC only by the looks of things, but hey, such is life. Leads me very nicely onto my rant.
I've had to give all work technology back (including tablet, bah!), which means we're minus a desktop computer. So I ordered an imac G5, direct from Apple, along with a cheap USB midi keyboard. Surprise surprise, their famous delivery issues have struck again.
They emailed last week to say delivery would be yesterday or today. It didn't come. After numerous phonecalls to their customer service operators, a supervisor, and the courier company, it turns out it is lost - it was shipped from Cork to Luxemborg by one company, and was supposed to be shipped to me by another. The first company claims to have handed over, the second have no knowledge. Marvellous. Apparently the complication is the midi keyboard - had I just ordered the mac it would have been fine, but it being 2 items makes all the difference. God only knows how Amazon manage.
Anyway, as I'm only going to be at home for one more day before the trip, I thought I'd change the delivery address so it goes to Rach's work. Simple? no no no, their system doesn't allow for that - they're going to try and make a few phonecalls to warehouses and delivery firms (I'm imagining post-it note on box will be the process), but they won't guarantee it will work, nor will they guarantee a delivery date.
I know that if/when it arrives it is still going to be a brilliant computer, but my advice to anyone buying a mac would be to get it from a dealer who has it in stock rather than from Apple directly. You would think that they would be delighted to cut out the middle man, but today's experience coupled with Stig and Phil's debacles last year, not to mention the widespread negative press I've read on the web today, shows that it isn't worth the hassle.
Wilco's new album is fantastic.
Rach found this remarkable and brilliant NASA satellite composite planet earth, well worth the large download (via torrent as well). Of course it's PC only by the looks of things, but hey, such is life. Leads me very nicely onto my rant.
I've had to give all work technology back (including tablet, bah!), which means we're minus a desktop computer. So I ordered an imac G5, direct from Apple, along with a cheap USB midi keyboard. Surprise surprise, their famous delivery issues have struck again.
They emailed last week to say delivery would be yesterday or today. It didn't come. After numerous phonecalls to their customer service operators, a supervisor, and the courier company, it turns out it is lost - it was shipped from Cork to Luxemborg by one company, and was supposed to be shipped to me by another. The first company claims to have handed over, the second have no knowledge. Marvellous. Apparently the complication is the midi keyboard - had I just ordered the mac it would have been fine, but it being 2 items makes all the difference. God only knows how Amazon manage.
Anyway, as I'm only going to be at home for one more day before the trip, I thought I'd change the delivery address so it goes to Rach's work. Simple? no no no, their system doesn't allow for that - they're going to try and make a few phonecalls to warehouses and delivery firms (I'm imagining post-it note on box will be the process), but they won't guarantee it will work, nor will they guarantee a delivery date.
I know that if/when it arrives it is still going to be a brilliant computer, but my advice to anyone buying a mac would be to get it from a dealer who has it in stock rather than from Apple directly. You would think that they would be delighted to cut out the middle man, but today's experience coupled with Stig and Phil's debacles last year, not to mention the widespread negative press I've read on the web today, shows that it isn't worth the hassle.
Wilco's new album is fantastic.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Monday, March 07, 2005
I've resigned again... not bad, three times in one year. Hopefully my new job will be a little more long-lasting.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Elvis Costello and the Imposters...
...live at the Usher Hall last night. 3 hours of quality songs and entertainment, a great Valentine treat from Rach.
He's hard to pidgeonhole. His records cover rock, pop, punk and ballads, and include collaborations with Burt Bacharach, the Brodsky Quartet, Michael Tilson Thomas and the LSO. He's recently been commissioned by Denmark's state opera to write an opera based on the life of Hans Christian Anderson.
I'd just class him as great writer, singer, performer and songwriter, playing with a great band, especially Steve Nieve on keyboard / theremin / hooter.
Highlights were hard to spot, but my personal favourite 'What's so funny about peace, love and understanding' inspired many veterans of the 70s to get up and dance like old people at weddings who should know better. The lady next to me air-drummed throughout, attempting all fills and hi-hat details. Sadly she had no rhythm whatsoever.
His homepage is here.
For any Elvis virgins, I'd recommend the following albums:
The very best of... £9.99 from Amazon, 2 CDs, bargain.
New Album, The Delivery Man, from Amazon (£10.99) and straight to ipod from itunes (7.99).
1992 album Brutal Youth, one of the soundtrack albums to my first year in Sheffield. Amazon.
Fopp have also got a few albums in for a fiver.
He's hard to pidgeonhole. His records cover rock, pop, punk and ballads, and include collaborations with Burt Bacharach, the Brodsky Quartet, Michael Tilson Thomas and the LSO. He's recently been commissioned by Denmark's state opera to write an opera based on the life of Hans Christian Anderson.
I'd just class him as great writer, singer, performer and songwriter, playing with a great band, especially Steve Nieve on keyboard / theremin / hooter.
Highlights were hard to spot, but my personal favourite 'What's so funny about peace, love and understanding' inspired many veterans of the 70s to get up and dance like old people at weddings who should know better. The lady next to me air-drummed throughout, attempting all fills and hi-hat details. Sadly she had no rhythm whatsoever.
His homepage is here.
For any Elvis virgins, I'd recommend the following albums:
The very best of... £9.99 from Amazon, 2 CDs, bargain.
New Album, The Delivery Man, from Amazon (£10.99) and straight to ipod from itunes (7.99).
1992 album Brutal Youth, one of the soundtrack albums to my first year in Sheffield. Amazon.
Fopp have also got a few albums in for a fiver.
Monday, February 14, 2005
A dark sporting weekend...
It's like the good old days!
How did we lose that game against the French? It is easy to say that Jonny might not have missed the 6 kicks, but to go from total first half dominance to repeatedly giving away kick-able penalties to a very much in-form Yachvili was just daft. So we're now in the same half of the table as Italy and Scotland, both of whom might just feel they're in with a shout. As for Ireland away in 2 weeks, we've simply got no hope unless we can find a kicker and some savvy.
Updated - Jonny will definitely miss the Ireland game.
In terms of world rugby, I suppose it's good that less results are foregone conclusions - although England's early 2000's dominance was great, there were far too few matches where the result could have gone either way. But I just wish we could play better...
Cricket - England's test match success continues to be mirrored by our one-day failures.
SWFC's unbeaten 10-match run ended at home against Bradford on Saturday.
How did we lose that game against the French? It is easy to say that Jonny might not have missed the 6 kicks, but to go from total first half dominance to repeatedly giving away kick-able penalties to a very much in-form Yachvili was just daft. So we're now in the same half of the table as Italy and Scotland, both of whom might just feel they're in with a shout. As for Ireland away in 2 weeks, we've simply got no hope unless we can find a kicker and some savvy.
Updated - Jonny will definitely miss the Ireland game.
In terms of world rugby, I suppose it's good that less results are foregone conclusions - although England's early 2000's dominance was great, there were far too few matches where the result could have gone either way. But I just wish we could play better...
Cricket - England's test match success continues to be mirrored by our one-day failures.
SWFC's unbeaten 10-match run ended at home against Bradford on Saturday.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Friday, February 04, 2005
Bond 21: Casino Royale...
It's official. The next James Bond film will have a Fleming title, the first since 'The Living Daylights'. Martin Campbell, director of Goldeneye, is back in the chair.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Monday, January 31, 2005
In world news today...
Man, Slovakia, trapped in his car by an avalanche, drinks 60 bottles of beer and urinates his way to freedom.
Hen, China, produces 'spoon-shaped' egg. No purile comments please.
Nick, Edinburgh, starts using firefox browser instead of crappy old internet explorer. Discovers his current projects require further testing. Also discovers that RSS feeds are very cool. If anyone knows of a good RSS reader can they email me?
Hen, China, produces 'spoon-shaped' egg. No purile comments please.
Nick, Edinburgh, starts using firefox browser instead of crappy old internet explorer. Discovers his current projects require further testing. Also discovers that RSS feeds are very cool. If anyone knows of a good RSS reader can they email me?
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Cricket - England win!
Yet another test series won, away against South Africa for the first time in 40 years - well played the boys, particularly Strauss with the bat, Flintoff with the ball and Giles with both (that's what a good education does for you).
England weren't as convincing as they were last year, and I don't think the Aussies will be too worried leading up to the Ashes. However, no team will write off an England win until the 4th day is over.
Roll on the one-day matches, one of which my brother william will be attending in Cape Town. Not jealous at all.
England weren't as convincing as they were last year, and I don't think the Aussies will be too worried leading up to the Ashes. However, no team will write off an England win until the 4th day is over.
Roll on the one-day matches, one of which my brother william will be attending in Cape Town. Not jealous at all.
How to switch to a mac...
Something for those of you who have just bought an ibook or are about to buy a mac mini, from the tao of mac
Monday, January 24, 2005
Friday, January 21, 2005
Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World...
Sheffield Wednesday vs Port Vale, live from Hillsborough, 7.45 pm tonight.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Engadget's ipod shuffle review...
...Here. I know I already have an ipod, I know I don't need this whatsoever (despite my arguments about also using it as a memory key), yes I know I know I know, blah blah blah.
itunes on random...
Just had one of those random play moments... the very second Green Day sing "here comes the rain again" (song 'When September Ends' from very good new album 'American Idiot'), Edinburgh turns dark and the heavens well and truly open in near hurricane force winds.
Desperately trying justify an ipod shuffle.
Desperately trying justify an ipod shuffle.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
New Apple stuff...
Mac mini - £339 / £399
ipod shuffle - £69 / £99
Plus new ilife and iwork office application. Good time to go mac.
ipod shuffle - £69 / £99
Plus new ilife and iwork office application. Good time to go mac.
PSP and DS to launch in Europe in March...
More info. Save up those pennies.
Both available on import from GBAX. PSP reviewed on the same site - he quite likes it.
Both available on import from GBAX. PSP reviewed on the same site - he quite likes it.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Chris clones himself...
Crazy guy... presumably multiplying the volume of cat hair and drool stopped chris from doing the same to Jimmy.
Apple iHome...
Is this a low cost Apple media centre? Word is that these images are faked (aside from centre spelt correctly, some prople really have too much time), but there are strong rumours that amongst this week's product announcements will be a sub-$500 headless imac - an ibook - spec G4 shipped without monitor.
Also mooted are flash memory ipods and other cool wallet-tempting stuff for me to evangelise about.
Also mooted are flash memory ipods and other cool wallet-tempting stuff for me to evangelise about.
Jonny, NOT AGAIN!
Wilkinson injured yesterday, out for at least the first two six nations matches. Grrr.
detox over, coffee fantastic...
The long 5 days has come to an end. Believe it or not, yesterday I was feeling great - full of energy, healthy, hydrated, and in a good mood. We've both lost a good few pounds as well. Food yesterday included half a melon for breakfast (cheap gag at rach's expense included), sunflower bread, a smoothie (kiwi, banana, pinapple & 'sharon fruit'), grilled fish and veg for tea, with a load of fruit. Eating more healthily is going to be a doddle after this.
Today, after a glorious breakfast of cereal and tea, we're going for a walk along the beach while our lamb stew cooks for 8 hours in the new slow cooker.
Today, after a glorious breakfast of cereal and tea, we're going for a walk along the beach while our lamb stew cooks for 8 hours in the new slow cooker.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Detox, well into day 4 now...
Into the final straight now. Tea last night was absolutely delicious - butternut squash soup. I don't really feel any better for doing this, to be honest, but at least I'm feeling virtuous about my food intake. Still aching a bit in my joints, but I don't know whether that's the caffeine or the 2 consecutive days going swimming. Chris (who is now photoblogging) has given up caffeine permenantly, something there is no danger of me doing. Had a very pleasant meeting with officer Jim last night, who was horrified that I was sticking to juice.
Feb 14th - Elvis Costello at the Usher Hall, hurrah!
Feb 14th - Elvis Costello at the Usher Hall, hurrah!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Detox, day 2 complete...
We're coming up to the halfway point, and the moments wondering why I'm putting myself through this continue... I keep craving coffee (no caffeine allowed), a bowl of cereal (no dairy allowed) and of course, beer, chocolate, anything from crombie's ... This morning I have very little energy, feeling quite miserable staring into a cup of herbal tea!
But it's a short push through to Saturday, happy in the knowledge that this is like a full oil change in the car, running more efficiently afterwards and in the knowledge that our 2005 healthy living plan will seem really easy after this week.
Yesterday's tea, cooked by Rach (after a very tiring swim), was a delicious chicken and fresh veg stir fry, cooked with organic soy sauce, ginger, garlic with brown rice cooked in organic stock. Tonight we're planning a butternut soup, with possibly a visit from officer Strugnall and future missus, in Edinburgh scouting for castle wedding venues.
But it's a short push through to Saturday, happy in the knowledge that this is like a full oil change in the car, running more efficiently afterwards and in the knowledge that our 2005 healthy living plan will seem really easy after this week.
Yesterday's tea, cooked by Rach (after a very tiring swim), was a delicious chicken and fresh veg stir fry, cooked with organic soy sauce, ginger, garlic with brown rice cooked in organic stock. Tonight we're planning a butternut soup, with possibly a visit from officer Strugnall and future missus, in Edinburgh scouting for castle wedding venues.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Detox, day 1 complete...
Dinner yesterday - delicious: soup made from apple, parsnip, carrot, leek, onion and lentils, with curry and herbs. Served with seedy wholemeal bread. Finished off with lots of fruit and more water in front of the new series of Shameless.
This morning: melon, green tea, water. Seriously missing tea or coffee - my legs and fingers are aching and I'm berift of energy. A bit like the England cricket team, who are following up their unbeaten 2004 by getting comprehensively mullered by South Africa in Cape Town.
This morning: melon, green tea, water. Seriously missing tea or coffee - my legs and fingers are aching and I'm berift of energy. A bit like the England cricket team, who are following up their unbeaten 2004 by getting comprehensively mullered by South Africa in Cape Town.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
New Year 2004-5
Happy New Year everyone.
New Year was spent with Tim, Karen, Phil, JaneR, JaneE and Glenn. We really missed Chris though. Actual New Year was spent at the street party which was great fun. We had a few rounds of golf, watched the marvellous Sound of Music (which Glenn in particular enjoyed), and chilled out a lot.
Tim has kindly posted some photos to his site.
Rach and I have started a 5-day detox today, which will be closely followed by a proper diet in order to get in shape for May.
Today's food so far:
Half a melon / apple / satsuma
2 wholemeal seeded bread rolls
some leftover couscous with roasted veg
2 pints water
2 cups of herbal tea
I'm missing tea and coffee badly, maybe having withdrawl symptoms. It's also the first day back at work, so today could be better in all honesty!
New Year was spent with Tim, Karen, Phil, JaneR, JaneE and Glenn. We really missed Chris though. Actual New Year was spent at the street party which was great fun. We had a few rounds of golf, watched the marvellous Sound of Music (which Glenn in particular enjoyed), and chilled out a lot.
Tim has kindly posted some photos to his site.
Rach and I have started a 5-day detox today, which will be closely followed by a proper diet in order to get in shape for May.
Today's food so far:
Half a melon / apple / satsuma
2 wholemeal seeded bread rolls
some leftover couscous with roasted veg
2 pints water
2 cups of herbal tea
I'm missing tea and coffee badly, maybe having withdrawl symptoms. It's also the first day back at work, so today could be better in all honesty!
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About Me
- Nick
- husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, musician, cat person, chicken-keeper, gamer, geek.