Noticed this upgrade prompt when viewing the TODAY, CREATE. blog through Google Reader. I don’t think it could be any more to-the-point 
Category Archives: Random
Best Flash Upgrade Prompt Ever?
Server Migration Woes
My apologies for the site downtime over the last few days. It’s been a very frustrating experience.
The trouble began when I decided to move this site from its current host (web.com) to a MediaTemple (dv) account I use to host some of my other sites. The idea was to improve site performance. Once the static files, blog and forum were copied over and the DNS was flipped, the MT server crashed. The server continued to crash over the next few days.
Despite repeated tech support calls, no one has been able to tell me why the server is crashing or how I can fix it, so I’ve been forced to revert back to my original host for the time being. Unfortunately some forum posts have been lost in the database shuffle. If your post has disappeared, please re-post it. Again I apologize for the inconvenience.
Augmented Reality Video for Bogdan Raczynski
This is an oldie but goodie. Ben Dawkins‘ 2004 video for ‘RPMDAP’ by Bogdan Raczynski downloads break-dancing pixel guys into a typical crappy UK student flat. Also succeeds in making batch files sound cool. How long before someone does something like this in papervision?
Starbucks versus Nespresso Taste Test
I recently got a Nespresso C100T capsule based espresso machine. I decided to compare the shots it makes with a shot from Starbucks. Here’s the results of my very non-scientific taste test:
| Nespresso | Starbucks | |
| Flavour | Intense flavour, smooth. | Very bitter, almost burnt. |
| Crema | Good | None |
| Price | $0.52 | $1.55 |
As you can see Nespresso makes a great espresso, including a nice crema. The beauty of Nespresso over traditional espresso machines is that there is almost zero maintenance. So if you like espresso based drinks this is a must buy.
Nespresso is popular in Europe, but it seems to be fairly unknown in the US. I was introduced to Nespresso by my brother who lives in Belgium and swears by it. When I found a Nespresso machine in an Italian home I was staying in, I figured if it’s good enough for the Italians it’s good enough for me.
The big disadvantage for this system is that you can only buy your capsules from Nespresso (unless you do what this guy does). Fortunately you can order online and the capsules are shipped to you in a couple of days.
[ Note this post is not sponsored by Nespresso, but if they want to send me some free capsules I won't complain ]
Custom Portraits by Paul Turner
I just built a website for my dad, Paul Turner. He’s a very talented portrait painter (among other things) who is starting to sell custom portraits on the web. I sent him a digital photo of my son, Caspar, and 2 weeks later I received a very nice pop-art style portrait printed on fibreboard and ready to hang. It always get compliments from guests. So support an independent artist and get yourself a portrait!
Another talented artist in my family is Abby Stiglets, who has some of her strange and beautiful paintings on display here.
