martinlittle.com:thinkThin

Not so long ago I remember having to save up for items like this. A DVD player for 30 quid is cheaper than many of the discs to be played on it! Thanks to standards like SCART, the output quality should be as good as the next player, at a fraction of the cost.

When Boots introduced Kodak self-print machines to their stores, I suggested they were missing a trick by not allowing people to create postcards to send home with the recent snap as the image on the front. I went as far as contacting Boots.

Today when I was in Boots, printing off some photos to brighten up my desk (deskart? quickphotos? there must be a catchy title for that), I spotted these. Not quite what I had in mind, but pretty cool all the same. You print your photo, and then stick it inside the plastic pouch, seal it, write on it and send it. My test postcard worked perfectly.

Now it's time to get in touch with Boots and see what my cut is for identifying a space in the market. ;-)

Previously I've enjoyed some of Maciej's Idle Words. His latest two posts make great reading. The first is about enjoying some crazy Russian fish paste that looks like pouring concrete; the second is about not missing Montreal, but for some reason it's not there on his site. I'll keep an eye out for you.

The cloud colours were beautiful too. This is looking towards the Forth bridges from the walkway. A highly recommended visit. Just jump on a 24 or 41 Lothian bus and you'll be there in 30 minutes from the city centre.

Looking back towards the mainland from the walkway. The view was incredible, and it genuinely felt great to be out in the fresh air, hearing birds sing. The roar of aeroplanes overheard only slightly dulled the enjoyment!

As luck had it, the timing of our visit to Cramond Island was perfect. The tide was almost at the low point, so we could walk across to Cramond Island.

I've just given Neil a hand to post the first pictures of his daughter Daisy online. Here's the album for your enjoyment!

I just had a long weekend, for no definite reason, just to have some fun. :-) Friday was watching Alfie at the cinema (on couch, with beers, naturally ;-). The film was OK and kept my attention, but I do mostly agree with the Sunady Times review. Having Alfie as a female character would have been a bold move.

Saturday I ran at Cumbernauld in a hard-going 4k relay. The ground was soaking, so heavy underfoot. My 'new' spikes, which have seen two races -- less than 36 minutes of action -- are now well and truly worn in. Running through ankle deep mud will get you every time. We were out of the prizes again this week, but it was good to be out getting some exercise.

In the evening I was off to whistlestop tour of cool Edinburgh locations for birthday celebrations (not mine). We kicked off with dinner at Sygn, which I really like. Food was good, well presented and interesting, which is more than can be said for many restaurants on a busy Saturday night. Then we hit Oloroso and finally Opal Lounge for late night vodka & Red Bull(s!).

Despite a 5am finish, I managed to be out the house by 1pm on Sunday, headed for work, and then for a (very) late night dinner at Bar Napoli. An amusing, and filling, end to the day.

Yesterday, after a long lie, I jumped on a bus out to Crammond for a pint at the Crammond Inn and a walk over to the island. The pint was OK -- it a Samuel Smith's pub, so everything was kind of like in a foreign language! The island was cool, though, as was the walk across, which is via a walkway only available at low tide. Some pictures to follow.

After a biiig food-based visit to Marks & Spencer, I met Carrick, the cobbler guy, and Dave at The Hallion for a few good beers in cool surroundings. Today is work, proving that all good things must come to an end!

Today I did my first ever authorisation by PIN. Not entirely sold on how this is much more secure than signature, though.

Wetting the head of the baby with Neil & the boys. More quality cigars!

Two pieces of good news, both from yesterday. Firstly, John (of Polly, Robbie & Max fame) passed his taxi driving test. He now has two further half-day courses to complete before getting into a taxi, but the first big hurdle is cleared. Well done!

Secondly, Neil and Ker had their first child last night at 11.58 BST. Daisy Isabella weighed 9lbs 10oz when she appeared. Mother and daughter are doing well, and dad is "smitten". Huge congratulations to them!

Slowly, I'm getting back to some running. Here's maps from training runs on 16th September, 7th October and 14th October, as well as last weekend's cross country in Kelso.

[Via StuartB] I thought I'd be pretty good at this music nerd quiz, but sadly I only got 38.88889% - Major Music Nerd. Given that I know all the word's to R.E.M.'s End Of The World As We Know It, I feel cheated! Scores, people?

OK, I know my site is temporarily turning into 'the weekend-update-site', but things will get back to a more regular update, I really hope. Apologies would be forthcoming, but take it from me that whilst not blogging, I'm doing a whole lot of living!

As always, my weekend was fully scheduled. On Friday night, I finally saw Kill Bill 2. Disclaimer: I'm about to spoil the film. Skip to the next section if you still plan to watch it. Having really enjoyed Kill Bill vol.1, I was looking forward to Kill Bill vol. 2. What a waste of time. In Kill Bill vol.2, here is what happens:

• the rest of the original gang get killed
• that kid she thought she'd lost after being shot (but everyone knew had survived), has indeed survived and has been living with Bill (no, seriously???). They re-unite.
• Bill gets killed, without much sword action
• credits roll

OK, you can come back now. On Saturday, I was up pretty sharp ... OK, that's a lie. I was meant to be up early, but actually woke super-late. Jetted out to meet fellow runners and go to the Scottish Athletics East District Cross Country Relay Championships in Kelso. Nice setting, but the rain wasn't necessary. No map yet as the site is down, but here's the results (PDF). My time was a pretty pedestrian 17.30 for 4km, and I ran for Ferranti as my own club had too many runners! My excuses: shiny new shoes (no longer at all shiny, and it was my first cross country run, never mind race, in, ahem, 12 years. Next weekend we're at Cumbernauld.

On Saturday evening, I caught Neil for a much needed chat and a few pints at my (extremely) local Canny Mans which, for a change, had a really great atmosphere. Then I had a shower and a lie-down before heading out to meet Jams and Rich, for a few beers in the Caley followed by Jack & Coke(s) with cigars.

On Sunday I discovered that my ears had both stopped working, which put a bit of a damper on things. The mighty Lukester was in town, and I managed a few drinks with him, but I just wasn't there, so baled and picked up some ear drops. Hours later, I had one working ear, but even now, my right ear is offline. Appointment with the quack is tomorrow morning...

This week has been heavy on the work, with some Godson looking after mixed in. I'm looking forward to the weekend already!

Cigars cos it's ... Saturday. Proper lighter is required, as demonstrated by Jams!

October 8th was the third birthday of my blog (here's the first ever entry, for posterity) and once again I forgot to mark the occasion on time. Three years... Crazy.

My weekend was fun, once again. On Friday I saw Wimbledon. It should have been Bride and Prejudice, but I had a small ticket-ordering problem. ;-) Film was OK (better than I feared ;-), and full couch action with beers to hand was in operation, which made the whole experience so much nicer.

On Saturday, I went out to The Stand for some comedy. Three great comedians, one poor. Good hit rate!

Yesterday I visited Robbie and Max, and took Max out to the park, before reading the papers. Ahhhh...

These were going to lie on my hard disk for ages if I didn't get them online sooner rather than later, so here we go. First up are pictures from Robbie's third birthday. Then there are pictures from our family weekend in Champagne. Enjoy!

After FAR too long, I've finally managed to get my pictures from my five and a half weeks in California online. Here's the whole set.

Flashmobs were a phase a year or more ago; I was there. Now the BBC is doing it's own crazy version of one, as an opera in a major London station. Sounds like quite a laugh for those in the area ... and not trying to travel by train!

Instead of running in Berlin, I had a very relaxing weekend, kicked off with some good food and jazz at Eight Queen Street. Saturday was Robbie and Max's birthday party (photos to come) and then a very enjoyable few beers with Polly and John at the cool new Sygn.

Sunday was spent reading the papers and finally watching Kill Bill Vol.1, which I really enjoyed.

On Monday, I had the day off. It was meant to be a gorgeous, sunny day, but it turned out to be a standard, overcast September day. My mind was set on flying my kite though, and somehow I ended up at Wind Things buying a new one (a Scimitar, I think) [check out their blog and a personal blog by Mark from Wind Things].

North Berwick seemed a likely spot for some kite flying and to escape Edinburgh, so one train journey later, I was on the beach ... wondering where all the wind had gone. After about 30 minutes of attempting to launch, a beer was needed! After a quick visit to the "hardcore" (apparently) Marks & Spencer store in Waverley station and a few beers in the Barony Bar, it was homeward bound. I am so all about three day weekends!

Two weekends ago I should have been in Berlin for the marathon, but ... I hurt my left thigh. :-( Even after some pretty hardcore physio, I just wasn't feeling up to the task, so I decided to take it easy, get my leg back up to strength and then select a run.

The options are huge: both Marathon Guide and AIMS have great lists of marathons. Now to select an interesting location with a flat course, and book some plane tickets.

Thanks to everyone for the nice wishes and support.

Allan and I enjoying some Champagne samples at the Mercier Champagne house.

My entire family is in Champagne for my mum's birthday. Weather is beautiful!