63 years ago was 1963. Somehow, that messes with my head 🤯

Kagi in the last six months

For those who follow along with my ramblings, you may recall my relationship with the Kagi search engine. On testing it, I loved the idea but was on the fence about paying for my search results. After the trial I returned to my more traditional DuckDuckGo experience. I quickly missed...

QR codes on the Web

Can we just agree that QR codes are only appropriate for printed material, or shown on large displays / TVs.  They are almost pointless on your Web page.  By far the vast majority of visitors to a Web page are using a mobile device. You know, that same device that...

Spontaneity is my middle name

It's no secret, I love being spontaneous -- doing something at a moments notice. Perhaps a random thing or a desire I have had for a while but I've decided now is the time. I appreciate it is not for everyone, but I have two friends who are absolute polar...

Wow, someone (thing) got sexy!

I've always been a fan of Scribbles. I'm big supporter of its elegance, and the work of Vincent (the dev). He's a good guy and we've chatted often. However, I have to be open and say I strayed away from the platform. Not intentionally, just organically.  Is that a defense...

Launching VerbaMea

When is a blog not a blog? When it’s a page! There are occasions when it’s great to get something written down online; something you can share with others, perhaps via email or social media. Blogs are great for that, but what about something random — a post/comment/opinion that has...

Linux, can you hear me? 🎤

For years I've dabbled with Linux... Like 10+ years. I love the idea of it, and the speed, but I always found little issues that annoyed me, so I'd revert to Windows.  In the olden days I struggled with video drivers and screen resolution, but the Linux boffins eventually fixed...

Komments, seven months on

Seven months ago I had an idea, which led to me creating a thing! I was using a blogging tool but there was no commenting feature on it.  I decided to write something myself, as a side-loaded app, to add to my blog.  It quickly became a bigger thing and...

UK energy pricing is broken

Most of us only see the cost of our energy via regular energy bills. The ever increasing cost can be painful. Despite all the investment in renewal energy, and the massive growth in wind farms all over the country, the cost is not reducing. Why? It's simple... The way the...

The internet -- missing in action

After almost a month with no internet connectivity, I've written about the experience. There's no denying it was tough. Read the full story here on my ForkingMad+ blog, AND you can also listen to a narration if you have six and a half minutes to listen to me reading to you.

Should I grow up?

It was my birthday this week.  I fell into 55 and wondered if I should grow up soon.  I decided that was over rated and I will continue being me.  It's bad enough having to adult, without having the added responsibility of being a serious grown-up. What did occur to...

Conversations with my mother

I decided I'd jot down some of the conversations I have with my mother.  They are often hysterical or bizarre. She's 80 year's old, and completely with it mentally and physically, but she has a different outlook on many things! Here's my first documented chat, for entertainment! Background:  Mum moved...

My default apps as I start 2025

I thought I'd share my default apps as I start 2025. Mostly as an aide-mémoire for me to see how I change during the year, but you may be interested too. I like reading other people's list. It sometimes prompts me to look at alternatives and even change my own...

Changing career in 2024

2024 was a significant year for me.  I took the massive step to redefine my career.   It's not easy, and in my view a brave decision.  I've been on the planet 54 years and for 32 of those my career of choice has been Technology.  I have loved every...

The Fediverse is awkward

The Fediverse, for those who are not familiar, is a collection of servers communicating with each other -- sharing data created by people like you.  It's generally considered a Social Network but it is wider.  For our purposes we will think of it as providing social interaction. It has a...

My contribution to the world in 2024

I don't like to look back on my year, or life, I'd rather look forward. However, I had this idea to blog about some of the contributions I feel I have made to the world this year.  So in the coming days I will be adding a few articles focusing...

Christmas Chill

Recently I redefined Christmas -- and it is much more relaxed. Now my partner and I treat it as a holiday time to spend with friends, having good food and laughs.  No pressure on gift buying. In years gone by we have done the traditional family thing, but as the...

Are we taking bets yet on when the Trump-Musk degenerates will buy TikTok USA? 

Human Pin cushion

At the ripe young age of 54, I have managed to avoid ever having blood taken for tests, and skipped the need for a doctor for the last 24 years.  I'm generally a healthy lump of human skin, and count myself as fortunate.  However, recently I've had discomfort in my...

It's been a while

After writing fifty blogs posts in 50 days, I took some time off.  It just so happened that I was going abroad around the time my challenge ended, so I ditched the creative juices and relaxed away from the keyboard during September. Hands up who missed me?  Oh, no one. ...

Listening In?

I am not one who subscribes to conspiracy theories at all. However, a recent run in with Facebook has made me wonder. My partner and I were sitting in the local cafe bar a few afternoons ago. As we chatted, I randomly mentioned that a local venue was hosting a...

It ends at Fifty

Recently I set myself a small challenge, and for those who follow along, you will know it was the FiftyIn50 blogging challenge.  I used a set of 50 blogging prompts created by Lou. I blogged one prompt every day for 50 days. The last day was yesterday.  I thought I'd...

A News event from my childhood

Write about a news event from when you were still in school and how it made you feel. I’m not sure I was very aware of news events when I was younger, and at school.  I was too busy being a child! When I read the blogging prompt, the first...

Life rules?

Do I have a set of rules or guidelines for life? Not that I'm conscious of.  I don't have a rule book, or list. However as you grow as a person, it is clear that you define your internal standards to deliver your personality.  I live my life on the...

Celebrity Status

I have, over the years, met a number of celebrities in a variety of circumstances. It would be vulgar of me to name drop. I prefer to think that THEY have met ME. I never get star struck and show them the same respect as anyone I meet; they are...

My Writing Process

After seeing Robert’s post on the process of blogging, it sparked me into action.  I’ve been thinking about explaining my own process but figured no one would be interested.  Perhaps I was wrong?! I have a very simple method. It usually starts with an idea, or sometimes a blogging prompt. ...

International Roaming

Do you consider yourself to be an international person? I would say yes --  I have a home in Scotland and one in Spain, and I try to split my time between both. I was born in Scotland, but have had a dream for a long time to live abroad. ...

Everyone is Beautiful

What is your all-time favourite story to tell from all the jobs you've held? Not my career, but this one has stuck with me for many years.  I used to help friends at farmers' markets.  I recall one day I was selling cheese at my stall.  And older lady was...

Youthful bliss

Today's prompt: What do you remember being a big deal to adults during your childhood or teenaged years? I've been thinking how to interpret this one and I have decided I am being asked what issues were adults dealing with when I was a child? I was probably oblivious to...

Observational Travel

Picture the scene.... Yesterday I am sitting on the train, as part of my day of travel.  I have three hours of confinement in the carriage.  A man and woman get on, move swiftly along the aisle and deposit themselves at a table.  I always avoid tables – while practical,...