Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Economy


(photo credit Poolie)

Depressing as it seems we are all still in the midst of the US Congress stand-off. Purely as an outsider it seems that a number of US Politicians are playing politics with the global economy, but what do you expect from politicians - rarely are they our for anything other than themselves. It is fascinating to watch the arguments range across the political spectrum in the US, I think for once the UK politicians are taking a better line with things and making hard and difficult decisions quickly without too much need to "score points". We are all truly in this together and we all need to get along and assist each other. The whole basis for this crisis is the behaviour of Banks and other lenders lending to the sub-prime market. This, I understand stems from Clinton de-regulating some banking rules. It seems to me that the ire of the US taxpayer should be turned not only on the fat cats who made the money and ran but also the politicians and the regulators who didn't see any of this coming. It is tempting to say that money is the at the root of all evil - but greed and excess is not attractive at the best of times, not to mention face-saving and a whole lot of baloney. Let's just take the medicine and move on. After we UK taxpayers are also paying heavily for some Wall Street Fat Cats!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

iTouch Problems

(Photo Credit Chispita 666)


I got a iTouch last Christmas and was really delighted with it, that was until I started up-dating the software to the new releases! It started with the 2.0 update (which I had to pay for!) - it froze the iTouch, after more than an hour on the phone to Apple the problem was solved. It was then with some trepidation that I recently up-dated my iTunes to version 8 and then the iTouch to version 2.1. Again the software update to the iTouch froze and locked it! On the phone once again to Apple - but they could not help. They gave me a number to go to the store and get the iTouch replaced. They originally told me that I would need to make an appointment, but that the earliest was two days away and not convenient. After a lot of badgering from me (after all the problem only arose when I updated to the new software!), they said I should go to the store and they might change the iTouch , as the error I had was an acknowledged problem. I went to the store and they were extremely helpful (more so than the telephone support) and gave me a new machine. However as soon as I tried to sync that - more problems started, back on the phone to Apple, who after a lot of re-setting declared that the new iTouch would need to be replaced! I got the necessary reference from them, but persevered myself and have actually got it working, although maybe the next time I come to update the software I will have issues? Can't wait. i think I'll stick with this machine for the present.


My conclusion from this is that I suspect due to demand and economic factors Apple are getting a higher percentage of sub-standard hardware and this I can can be borne out by the comments I have seen elsewhere with regard to the iPhone. Despite the hassle and because of the really excellent service at the shop I am not too disgruntled - just angst ridden about the next up-date. On the positive side sue to the up-date I have at last managed to connect the iTouch to wireless networks and the software is an improvement, although for some reason some of the album art seems to have attached itself to the wrong albums, but is suspect that's called progress and will be fixed on the next up-date!

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Office GTD Set-Up Part 4 - Moleskine


I use this Moleskine Notebook as my general note taking device. I have tabbed it with the latest Post-It Index Tabs and printed the subject matter on labels and attached them to the tabs. I have been using these tabs for a couple of weeks and they are robust as you can see and stand up well to general wear and tear. I like the Moleskine format, it is robust and the paper quality is good - which is essential when you use a fountain pen. I carry this notebook around with me all the time and keep notes and general information in it. I don't keep reminders or "To-Do's" in it, it is essentially reference information. Mobile capture device is the DA pocket notetaker. I have one of the newer style larger softback Moleskine on my desk at work. I use it essentially as a "Day Book" in that I capture my voicemail messages, telephone numbers details of conversations or general notes and then process them either directly or into my Outlook Tasks. I then review all these notes on a weekly basis during my Weekly Review. My preference in all my Moleskine notebooks is for the grid format pages.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Office GTD Set-Up Part 3 - Tickler


When I first read "Getting Things Done" I found the concept of the Tickler File the hardest to get my head around. However after seeing the Great Man himself at a Roadmap Seminar I resolved to try to incorporate this idea. I made my own files with my trusty label maker and started to use it. It was nothing short of a revelation for me, both at home and work (I have a tickler at both locations). At work its great for filing papers that I know I will need to refer to again, at home I primarily use it to keep track of when I need to pay bills. I found some mesh boxes at my local Staples to keep the tickler set of files in and this works really well at both locations. Some months ago I treated myself to a DA tickler set of files and they are great - sturdy and robust. I have yet to up-grade my home set - but will do in time. I would encourage anyone maybe struggling with the tickler concept to give it a try - it has helped my cope and be more organised with my paperwork at work.


Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Office GTD Set-up Part 2- Folders

This is my Feldon folder stacker from DA. I keep files in this that I am currently working on or need to refer to on a regular basis. Although the picture doesn't show it, it is tiered and has seven sections. Each section takes two averagely filled files. As you can see I use the DA files and like any good GTD'r I have my label maker handy! I would recommend this product or something similar for files you need to keep at hand. I know there has been some comment that the DA products are expensive (all the more so for those of us in the UK who have to pay overseas shipping and customs) but I think they are worth it - well produced, stylish and they do the job. Good tools promote good work!

Monday, September 01, 2008

Office GTD Set-Up, Part 1


This shows my set-up at work. I use a Lenovo X60 Tablet PC which is on an adjustable easel and attached to a larger screen. I can then use the actual laptop to ink on whilst still giving me the flexibility of a larger screen for word processing and the like. I also have attached to my system an old HP palmtop machine that sync's with my Outlook mail, contacts and calendar. I have the Netcentrics GTD add-in for Outlook 2007 and that really works well for me. I try to keep my inbox with as little as possible in it and file off e-mails to other folders or make them into tasks with assigned categories through the add-in. I tend to take quick notes into a large Moleskine, but review them on a daily and weekly basis (via my weekly review) to make sure that they have got into my system. I like using MindManager for ideas generation and outlining problems. I also keep a master map which links to a lot of smaller maps which encompasses my whole life! - work, home, hobbies, projects, relationships, life etc., etc! I use the DA files (they are great) and I'll talk about my filing and Tickler system in the next post, as well as a few other DA goodies that I have bought.