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General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: Martin Baxendale on January 09, 2011, 12:54:25 AM

Title: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 09, 2011, 12:54:25 AM
Just a bit of fun, this thread, but I resolve to make more time to post flower pictures and generally contribute more to the forum this year than last, when work pressures (including spending too much time on Facebook, largely as research for a new cartoon book I'm just completing about Facebook) made contributing to the forum difficult. I also resolve to actually sort out the mess that is my garden this year, after years of neglecting it due, again, to work - pics of the amazing transformation to be posted in due course.

   
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 09, 2011, 04:47:00 PM
Anyone else want to put their gardening-related New Year resolutions here, so they can be held to account later?  ;)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: TheOnionMan on January 09, 2011, 05:12:09 PM
Just a bit of fun, this thread, but I resolve to make more time to post flower pictures and generally contribute more to the forum this year than last, when work pressures (including spending too much time on Facebook, largely as research for a new cartoon book I'm just completing about Facebook) made contributing to the forum difficult. I also resolve to actually sort out the mess that is my garden this year, after years of neglecting it due, again, to work - pics of the amazing transformation to be posted in due course.


Hi Martin, I'm curious about your "take" or assessment of Facebook.  As a IT technologist, Facebook (FB) evokes a strong love/hate response from me, mostly the latter (for a variety of reasons), but of course I'm intrigued by some of it's perverse magical wonders. I'd like to see what about FB inspires some humor. In light of FB, you might appreciate this recent link, some fascinating stuff here:

Trends for 2011 where technology and culture are heading, for better or worse ;). Tips: ignore the download link (it's an ad), stop the slideshow (it goes too fast to read) & use the left/right navigation buttons instead, and opt for the full screen button in the lower right (text is tiny otherwise).
http://www.slideshare.net/jwtintelligence/2f-100-things-to-watch-in-2011-6306251

I like the idea of Botanical 2011 New Year's Resolutions, here are some of mine, subject to revision or complete abandonment ;D ::)

1.  Grow as many Epimedium plants and seedlings as possible, and do a full assessment of all of them.
2.  Create an Epimedium web page (update my sorry, way-out-of-date website)
3.  Hybridize the beejeebers out of my Epimediums.
4.  Rip up sod on a large area of hillside that's too steep & difficult to mow, plant extensively with Epimedium and specialty groundcover plants.
5.  Actively initiate a hybridization program on woodland Iris.
6.  Reinvigorate a Sempervivum collection.
7.  Explore hardy Aizoaceae possibilities.
8.  Plant out tree seedlings that have spent too much time & grown too large in my so-called "nursery area".
9.  Get my act together propagating about 8-10 Allium hybrid selections, get them into the hands of chosen nurseries (great "trading potential").
10. Allium garden extension for new seedlings and additional seedling trials.
11. Photograph garden plants extensively.
12. Participate here on SRGC, also on NARGS & Alpine-L   :) :) :)

.... oh, and 13) run like wind ;D

Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: annew on January 09, 2011, 07:11:55 PM
I'm going to try NOT to clean the inside of the greenhouse with a pressure washer in January, unless I really feel like an icy cold dirty shower.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 09, 2011, 07:46:52 PM
If you achieve that lot Mark, you will have joined the small race of superhumans. 8)

I put a couple else where on NY's day I think but here they are again, and so far, I've kept both. A close thing with the second one though. I've resolved to look after my potted plants better and I've promised myself I won't buy any more Nutella (or similar products under different brand names.

I'm also determined, like Martin, to clean up the mess that is my garden. I started to weed this morning as soon as it was light enough, about 5.45am, did well until 8 than had a shower and breakfast. The day is dull so I hope to get more done later.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martinr on January 09, 2011, 08:22:42 PM
I'm another who must get the garden tidy and look after the plants in pots more diligently but most important of all.........................................I MUST NOT WASTE MORE HOURS PLAYING SPIDER SOLITAIRE ON THIS B****Y COMPUTER :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maggi Young on January 09, 2011, 08:58:47 PM
Martin, can I tempt you with these alternatives?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/gf3/circle-the-cat.html

http://members.shaw.ca/anabw/peugeot/peugeot.htm

http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/altitude/games/dz_game/dzgame.cfm
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: TheOnionMan on January 09, 2011, 09:19:59 PM
I circled the cat, I circled the cat, stupid cat ;D  Thanks Maggi, for pouring gasoline on the flames of addiction ;D
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: fermi de Sousa on January 10, 2011, 02:32:57 AM
I circled the cat, I circled the cat, stupid cat ;D  Thanks Maggi, for pouring gasoline on the flames of addiction ;D
Thanks for the tip, Mark - I won't be opening those links from Maggi! ;D
My resolution will be to sow all the seedex seed before we leave for the Alpines Conference in Nottingham!
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 10, 2011, 10:55:10 AM
Martin,

Ah, so it isn't just me who plays too much Spider Solitaire.  What a relief!  ::)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 10, 2011, 11:07:03 AM
Martin, can I tempt you with these alternatives?

Maggi,

You're pure evil!!  I used to think you were lovely!  Little did I know your mean streak.  I've tried the darn cat (they say it's impossible to herd cats  ;D), I've crashed the darn car.... I probably should be thankful that the third one doesn't load for me.  :o :o :o
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martinr on January 10, 2011, 05:51:49 PM
Martin, can I tempt you with these alternatives?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/gf3/circle-the-cat.html

http://members.shaw.ca/anabw/peugeot/peugeot.htm

http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/altitude/games/dz_game/dzgame.cfm

I refuse to even look due to the inevitable lack of control and yet another wasted evening :P
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maren on January 10, 2011, 06:23:09 PM
No, No, No, well, just one little peek, no no!!! I love cats. ;)

My resolution is to spend more time on my allotments. It's just that I have to go and see my pleiones and play with my cypripediums, and talk to all my other orchids. The allotments are in the opposite direction. It's their fault, really. ;) ;) ;)

Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maggi Young on January 10, 2011, 06:30:51 PM
Quote
yet another wasted evening
Wasted EVENING?! Huh!! You should be so lucky.... I've been chasing that ruddy cat on and off for over TWO YEARS!
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Gunilla on January 10, 2011, 09:49:55 PM
Maggi, the poor cat must be really tired now, stop chasing it  ;D
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maggi Young on January 10, 2011, 10:13:18 PM
Gunilla, I don't think he's tired.... I think he likes it.... he keeps coming back...... ::)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 10, 2011, 10:16:22 PM
Gunilla,

So you did it then?  Stuffed if I can.  ::)

I'm going to resist keeping on trying it though.... I could be there for days. ;D
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 10, 2011, 11:37:40 PM
Gunilla, did you do a screen grab and photoshop it or something?
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 10, 2011, 11:40:48 PM
No you didn't. It is do-able. I almost did it - just one space left and the damn cat got through it! No more!!!!
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 10, 2011, 11:53:26 PM
Martin,

I've had a heap of "one space left" that the cat got through.  I am guessing it IS doable, but you have to get the right extra blocks already in place I think. ::)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 10, 2011, 11:57:44 PM
Yes, I was going to say it probably depends a lot on having a lucky initial set-up, as in many of these sorts of games.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 11, 2011, 12:33:23 AM
I just did it. :o :o :o :o :o  No idea how to actually capture the screen though. ::)  I have taken a photo of the computer screen, but I am not sure that will pass muster? ;)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: TheOnionMan on January 11, 2011, 03:10:12 AM
It's not hard to capture the cat once you get the gist of a couple strategies to use.
I resolve not to play this anymore.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Gunilla on January 11, 2011, 05:29:36 AM
It was not so hard to capture the cat but to make a screen dump and save it in the right format took me some time  ::). 
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: TheOnionMan on January 11, 2011, 05:40:12 AM
It was not so hard to capture the cat but to make a screen dump and save it in the right format took me some time  ::). 

I have no idea about Macs, but on PCs, hit the Print-Screen button on your keyboard to capture your computer screen into the "Windows clipboard", then in whatever image software you might use, select Edit > Paste, or use Ctrl-V to paste the image in.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 11, 2011, 09:23:16 AM
It was not so hard to capture the cat but to make a screen dump and save it in the right format took me some time  ::). 

I've sent you a PM Gunilla. 8)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maggi Young on January 11, 2011, 01:51:23 PM
Yes, I was going to say it probably depends a lot on having a lucky initial set-up, as in many of these sorts of games.
Yes, Martin, the "start" one is given has a bearing and there are some tricks to capture the cat...... I wonder what the stategies of players are..... for instance.... sometimes I am content to just corral (spelling) the cat, as shown in Gunilla's pic but at other times I feel the need to herd the cat right down to the last spot, as in McMark's pic!

It's tougher to get a screen grab of the second type, because once the cat is completely cornered the screen resets quite quickly.

It's amazing what we can find to amuse ourselves in the middle of the night or in no-gardening weather, isn't it?  :-[

Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: PDJ on January 11, 2011, 02:05:01 PM
They say Children spend far too much time playing on computers.  :) :) :)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Paul T on January 11, 2011, 10:52:28 PM
Yes, Daddy!  ;D ;)
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 12, 2011, 12:52:42 AM
Maggi, sometimes you "feel the need to herd the cat right down to the last spot"? I'm not sure just exactly what that tells us about you.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 12, 2011, 05:27:11 AM
Fortunately, many of us prefer dogs. ;D
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Ulla Hansson on January 12, 2011, 09:54:34 AM
No, I prefer cats. Nevertheless, it was a fun game. I have managed to confine the cat several times, but it is not easy.
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Maggi Young on January 12, 2011, 10:12:07 AM
Maggi, sometimes you "feel the need to herd the cat right down to the last spot"? I'm not sure just exactly what that tells us about you.
It tells you that I have been "cat herding" on the Forum for a long time, Martin!! ::) ;D
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 13, 2011, 06:02:53 PM
Hi Martin, I'm curious about your "take" or assessment of Facebook.

Mark, sorry not to have answered the above question sooner. Been busy putting the Facebook book to bed - due to be published end of this month. I've found Facebook to be like any other communication tool - it's all about how you use it. I know people who use it to keep up with, and share photos with, friends who live a long way away and with whom they'd otherwise have a lot of trouble keeping in touch. Others use it to promote their favourite causes, charitable, political, environmental, social etc, share interests, exchange info about upcoming events, arrange to meet socially etc. Then there are others who only seem to use it for the most banal of chit-chat, gossip and repetition of catch-words and suchlike gumph. I'm loath to condemn any means of communication, taking the view that any communication is always far better than none at all - especially for people who lead lonely lives and have trouble getting out or making friends. The book is cartoon-illustrated and pokes a bit of gentle fun at people who use Facebook a bit more than they should - which is probably a a lot of people. 
Title: Re: New Year's Resolutions
Post by: ashley on January 13, 2011, 09:14:42 PM
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”  GB Shaw
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