TCM Mark's Blog

Pixels on the move

2009-04-03T21:05:00.001+01:00

Norwich Pixels has got a couple of new advertisers.

go and check it out here

Some updates

2009-02-22T21:17:00.001Z

There have been a fee articles added recently, plus some more domain names for sale added.

Also, there are some updates in process for Norwich Pixels

I;ve only gone and (nearly) finished the updates!!!

2008-07-31T21:37:00.003+01:00

Yep!

Very nearly done. All the old template pages have been transfered over to the new style, so the only things I've got to sort now are a bit of tidying where stuff looks a bit untidy, add some new articles I've got lined up, remove the old template pages (they're still there!) and then produce a new XML sitemap. Easy.

Ok, I'd better come clean. A couple of pages are still on the templates. The Contact Us and Recommend Us pages - I did try to move them and had some difficulty so have left them for now. Afterall, I'm not really a web developer (I just like to dabble!!!)

Something new was added too! We now have a google search box on the homepage -yay!

It has been promised.............

2008-01-09T21:22:00.000Z

And finally some site updates have been happening!!! Subtle stuff, but really necessary.

At the moment the Total Client Marketing Website uses a version of php coding using templates, which makes some things a bit easier, but I've found its a major pain in the bum mainly because it means the each page cannot be optimised for search engines (can't use metatags for each page). It might just be how I set it up but basically I've dcided to abandon this approach and rewrite my php code using "includes."

So, rather than make wholesale pages, the changes are subtle. The biggest content change is the addition of some new free games. These can be checked out here.

Blog Readability

2007-11-30T15:52:00.000Z

Get a Cash Advance

Making changes?

2007-11-05T21:11:00.000Z

Am I? Gee, I wish!

I really need to do a revamp of the website layout and sort out some of the code but at the moment I'm so pooped after doing the day job (which creeps into evenings and weekends too...) that I don't have time to shave never mind code a website!!!

Things might be quieter nearer to Christmas, so hopefully I'll get time then and might even get chance to do the next newsletter too.

Discounts

2007-08-31T23:22:00.000+01:00

From 1st - 30th September there is £2 discount available for each order on my Merchnadise shop.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE STORE

This is the voucher code to obtain the discount: 6IUR8QV70H

Whats in the shop? T-shirt designs and other garments.

Newsletter out now!

2007-08-29T22:56:00.000+01:00

Yep, newsletter 2 is now available.

If you're not on the distribution list and would like a copy emailing then just use the contact form on the Total Client Marketing website and I'll send you the latest version.

Update -some new games!

2007-08-23T21:45:00.000+01:00

Okay, I need to do some proper updating of content on the site but felt a few more games needed adding. So, I've added a couple more today, and might add a few more soon.

The next update is likely to be a few more articles, though I'm really tempted to revamp the layout.

Decommissioning old TCM blog

2007-08-16T23:17:00.000+01:00

Yep, the time has come to get rid of the old TCM blog (not this one!)

So, if you want to have one last look before it goes in a few days time here's the link.

Newsletter on its way soon

2007-08-02T23:42:00.000+01:00

Just putting the finishing touches to Issue 2.

It might (though it might not!) be out tomorrow... Don't hold your breath.

Change of plans!

2007-07-31T20:37:00.000+01:00

Yep - I've posted this on all my blogs at the same time so that you know the position:-
I've decided going forward that the "TCM Mark's blog" should just be for stuff related to the Total Client Marketing website and my other websites, plus any related internet stuff.
"MaJaTo (MaJaTo scribes)" is still intended to be for my writing, though I've decided to make that by invite only. So, if you want to get access please get in touch.
"Original MaJaTo" is now going to be turned into my personal blog post - the place where I rant and rave, and go all gooey about my kids.
Finally, I'm going to be starting another blog too - titled "Neutral Me" - This is intended to be about my investigations into being Carbon Neutral, particularly about offsetting the effects of next years holiday to Florida, plus I'll be posting about
alternative fuels etc and general tips on going green.
So,that's it in general -4 blogs, and a bunch of websites to boot. Not sure how I'll fit in a job, looking after wife, 2 kids, house, rabbit, fish etc!

Can't even rely on The Times to tell you the truth

2007-07-29T08:54:00.001+01:00

I recently read this article on the TimesOnline.

It's easy to think that this jatropha stuff if the solution to all our problems, but the problem the media very rarely tells you all the facts. But, I would've expected better from the Times than this.

Yes, jatropha might be a suitable bio-fuel, but biofuels are not the answer. There will never be wnough grown to fulfill the world's fuel problems, and the numbers grown already are reducing food crops. So, in the Countries who grow biofuels there will be an increased demand for imported crops which in turn increases transportation based pollution (i.e. planes & ships) which more than wipes out any benefit from a few hatchbacks tootling around town spouting bio-fumes.

That's without mentioning the fact that a significant proportion of the world's population are starving/underfed and reduced crop growth will have a detrimental effect on them too.

So, well done "The Times"- you've jumped on the media bandwagon backing a misinformed campaign which is blinding people into believing biofuels are the answer but they're just the devil in disguise.

Phew!

2007-07-27T23:50:00.000+01:00

Oh yes, he scores it!
I changed a few words removing reference to the "W" word and the offending ad has gone.
Whoah, my family friendly rating was threatened for a brief while!

Little concerned!!!

2007-07-27T23:42:00.000+01:00

Just added a groovy adsense thing under my title banner, and have noticed one of the links to a site with "my wife pics"! Hey, I shall be asking her questions in the morning!!!!
Although I've not looked at the site, I can guarantee it's nowt to do with my missus. Someone else's perhaps! I'd better look at adsense and see about filtering that out, otherwise if she saw it then she might be concerned too!
Just in case, I think I'll load the labels to blogs with words to come up with alternative ads.

Yay!

2007-07-27T23:22:00.000+01:00

Still grinning. Have been for the last 7+ hours since I got a phone call offering me a new job!
I did a little dance, kissed 'er indoors and my son, then made plans to get access to booze pretty quick!!!!!
Only kidding. Over the course of this time I've only had three pints and now at home where I've got no beer in the cupboards so I'll have to either
a) drink wine
b) imbibe some spirits
c) go to bed
I think I'll choose "c"

By the way, did anyone see the new Total Client Marketing logo? I like it as I think it's quite simplistic yet stands out too. I always appreciate feedback on my websites so if you've got any comments by all means stick them on here or use the form on the TCM website.
Also, I've started adding a new link page on too, so by all means check that out.

Back to the Future clips

2007-07-24T22:26:00.000+01:00

For fans of Back to the Future and Michael J Fox I've added some cool video clips to the site.
Try the Bloopers page and the You Cool page.

New rule in my house

2007-07-23T21:16:00.000+01:00

I've had enough. From now on I'm leaving the toilet seat up, and I'll go as far as telling my wife that she must put it up after use too.
Am I being a male chauvenist pig? Nope! Just happen to be parent of a 3 year old who is learning to do stand up peeing, and if the seat is down he doesn't put it up before he goes, resulting in a wet seat that needs cleaning,a wet floor that needs mopping and a wet rug that needs washing!

TV questions

2007-07-23T18:47:00.001+01:00

No unlike Homer Simpson, I consider TV to be one of my best friends. However, now that it is prompting my son to ask my difficult questions I'm not so sure. For example, today Nina and the Neurons discovered why we have lips. Unfortunately I wasn't in the room at the time so couldn't provide the answer when I was subsequently asked "why do we have lips?" by my son.
Smartly I asked the question back, but he ignored me (as usual- I only get responses if sweets or toys are part of the equation). The annoying thing is, I now I want to know the answer to this question!

Beached whale

2007-07-22T16:54:00.000+01:00

Well that was afun trip to the beach. Out of the 1000+ stones my son threw in the general direction of the sea he only hit me once on the head, though he did come close a dozen other times (I moved just in time.) I think we need to work on his aim!
I guess it was my fault because I was playing Ducks and Drakes (to the uninitiated, that's skimming stones) and he was probably trying to imitate me. Well at first he was, then he was just trying to make the biggest splash. Guess who got wet? (clue: it wasn't him!)

Fox's winky

2007-07-21T21:04:00.000+01:00

Whilst watching telly in bed last night I laughed so loud I work my wife up!
And why? I was watching "The Friday Night Project" on Channel 4 and (without going into laborious details) a Fox's winky was mentioned, to which Kate Richie (Sally from Home & Away) asked "Wha't a Fox's winky?"
Now, maybe its a British thing but I knid of figured everyone over the age of 3 would know what a "winky" was!
But language is a funny old thing isn't it? "Fanny" has somewhat different meanings in the UK and America, whereas perhaps "winky" has no meaning at all in Australia. If anyone reading can validate this please do!
Oh heck, I'm not going to these dodgy words in the labels just in case I disappoint anyone looking for the afore mentioned body parts!

Back to the Future

2007-07-18T15:12:00.001+01:00

I'm working on a new website at the moment, dedicated to the Back to the Future trilogy.

The website isBack To The Future -We're OutaTime!. It's still got a few pages to complete but feel free to have a good nosey around!

I'll post an update on here when it's complete. Maybe when I've finished it I'll finally get around to completing Cringleford Shop!

Giant Homer - genius!

2007-07-17T10:01:00.000+01:00

Just seen that a giant Homer Simpson has been painted in a field adjacent to the Cerne Abbas fertility giant. Neat!

Here's the link to the BBC article

Pedal power

2007-07-16T21:23:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we walked down to the local supermarket and my son went on his Thomas the Tank Engine bike. Just before we got there a pedal fell off.
This evening twhilst cycling to the same supermarket the pedal fell off my bike. Now I'm not one to start conspiracy theories, but that can't be coincidence. Perhaps the fuel industry want me to take the car to the shops. What do you think?

Not only, but also...

2007-07-14T16:11:00.000+01:00

Well it sounds like the lunatics have finally completely taken over the asylum. Well, financial institution. I hear that the new boss of (Yarriba) Aviva is considering dropping the Norwich Union name and rebranding with Aviva.
There's been a growing crowd of clueless persons running rampage in middle management in this organisation for several years, and I've had my doubts about senior management for some time, but even the mere mention that Andy Moss (the MD) is considering axing the Norwich Union name smacks of Commercial Suicide.
Norwich Union has been a household name for over 200 years and for the millions of policyholders in the UK that means something. If nothing else -it means it still has something British. Replace that with the Spanish sounding name that could easily be just another soap-powder packet off the insurance shelf and Customers will probably leave in droves.
As a shareholder I hope someone makes Andy see sense. They should never have changed the name to Speedy Gonzalez in the first place (onderlay onderlay, yarriba Aviva!)

Realisation

2007-07-12T10:33:00.001+01:00

I've just been reading the "Watching Windmills" blog (see my favourite blogs) and an entry on there has moved me to write something here.
My son is 3 and half years old now, and boy does he know how to get around you. From an early ages he's been able to get away with things just by pulling an adorable face (whether it's a "sad puppy" sorry face, a wobbly bottom lip or a cheeky grin) or saying sorry, or throwing his arms around you and saying "oh, I love you Daddy" (though most of the time he says Daddymummymadad, which covers all bases with his Dad, Mum, Grandma and Grandad!)
I think over time some of these things become second nature and kids use them because they know they're a proven technique for getting out of trouble. Many a time I've plonked him on the naughty step with my serious Dad face on, only to gaze upon his sad countenance and my facade cracks and suddenly he'll be grinning from ear to ear and I can't go through with telling him off because all of a sudden I can't help smiling and laughing too.
But as time goes on it gets a bit easier to say "oh, no Mister, just because you say 'I wuv you' doesn't mean you're getting away with painting all over the windows."
But kids have a way of getting to you - a way of making a grown man want to cry, which by the way has not happened yet thankyou very much - E.T. the Extra Terrestrial still holds the record for getting me closest to tears!!!
Where was I? Oh year, the knack of getting to your soul, tucking something special under your heart strings. It's those little things that you don't expect. Like when you wake up in the morning and they're standing next to your bed and through bleary eyes you see them grinning and they say "I love you Daddy and Mummy. Your my best friends" and then they give you the biggest hugs and you know that they're saying it because they feel like saying it - not because they want to manipulate you to get a new toy or soften you up before you see the destruction they've caused.
They last three and a half years have brought thousands of special moments, and I'm sure there will be many thousands more to come.

Numberjacks

2007-07-08T21:35:00.000+01:00

At first they seemed like a blessing - a TV programme that helps little kiddies with their number recognition and some very basic calculation. But when kids become obsessed with things that's when it becomes a curse!
My son, like all kids his age (probably) believe that if he asks for a TV show to be put on I can do so even if it's not scheduled to appear. Unfortunately I don't have one of those PVR's or whatever they're called, or Skyplus, and Virgin Media's On Demand is rubbish. So, I have to rely on a rapidly expanding collection of kiddies programmes on DVD to meet the demand.
The problem is he knows how to switch the DVD player on, put the DVD in and switch the telly on. The only thing he hasn't figured yet is how to change to the DVD input channel. Even so, the pesky Numberjacks is becoming a pain because it's all he wants to watch. He even takes it with him in the car on the off-chance we'll be going somewhere he can watch it!

Increase your Website Traffic for free!

2007-07-08T15:24:00.000+01:00

I'm always cautious of anyone who says that can get you lots of traffic for a small fee, nevermind anyone who says that there is a way to do it for free.

So I looked at this one for a long time before concluding it seems very valid with no catches or adverse impacts. Click here and have a read - The catch phrase reads "Send me One Million FREE Guaranteed Visitors." Quite a boast -you'll never know if you don't try.

Ratings

2007-07-07T22:57:00.000+01:00

Hmmm. I was hoping for an "R"!!! It did pick up the word "gun" was used twice but obviously missed the "f-word" in the WestBrom to WestIraq media!

Total Client Marketing - updates

2007-07-07T22:09:00.000+01:00

I've just added a cool social networking bookmark tool to the site, and will be adding it to each page soon, so if there's anything you want to share with the world from this site you can do so ever so super quickly! Don't forget we also have the Recommend Us link which allow you to sends a personalised email to your recipient.

I coulda been a contender

2007-07-06T21:35:00.000+01:00

Standing on the edge of a white-lined track clutching my camcorder against the baffling winds I strained to hear what was said. I'd just watched my son put in a valiant though somewhat indirect (he crossed over 5 lanes) attempt to win his race and was on may way to congratulate him. Well, he finished half way down the pecking order despite running half the race on a longer tangent than the rest.
Then my brain processed the dreaded words. Mums. Dads. Race......Sod.
My first thought was "I haven't got my inhaler" closely followed by "it's less than 50 metres, I'll be fine." And I was. In fact, had the race been judged on the last two-thirds I would've won. Slow start. Didn't want to jump the gun (okay, no gun - Can't. Children. Plus starter pistols need a licence apparently.) So I ended up about 6th out of about 12-15 Dads. Respectable. I will be in practice for next year and will pay more attention to the nice lady when she says "go!"

Indian Thriller video

2007-07-06T08:41:00.000+01:00

I found this on a friend's facebook wall and just had to add it to my blog. I'm not a fan of Jacko, but this makes you appreciate the original!

Tokyo Dancing Stormtrooper!

2007-07-04T10:25:00.000+01:00

Whoah! Made the right decision!

2007-07-03T14:25:00.000+01:00

I was asked if I wanted to go to a local bBird sanctuary this afternoon - at the time it was glorious sunshine and I was a bit tempted because the fresh air would do me good.

As I type the skies are crackling with thunder and lightening, and rain is pelting the earth like a no-ones business. I think I made the right decision!

Cripes - another blog coming soon...

2007-07-01T20:25:00.000+01:00

When I started this blog, it was primarily intended to publicise changes at the Total Client Marketing website, or any of my other projects.

As exciting as this would be (who can resist free e-books or great articles on marketing or website development?!!) I found myself slipping in other things I liked too, such as musical tastes and of course stuff about my beloved Baggies too (and other general football chitchat).

Now I've got something else I want to blog, but have decided it will need a seperate blog. so what am I going to blog? Aw, that woud be telling!!! Okay, I'll let you know the subject a bit nearer the time - It will probably be a few weeks away so be patient, thanks!

Total Client Marketing - big tidy up

2007-07-01T20:00:00.001+01:00

Hey ho - the day had to come sooner or later when I'd get on with sorting some loose ends on the Total Client Marketing website, and that day was yesterday.

So, I've added some more content to the "My Office" page - -so anyone setting up their websites should find this a useful resource. Okay, there are still a few blanks that need filling in but we're getting there!

Domains for sale update

2007-06-30T10:39:00.000+01:00

Some amendments have been made to the domains for sale page, including a new domain added to the list of domains for sale:- StarExplorer

Kicking good stuff - Scores it!!!!

2007-06-28T19:57:00.000+01:00

Create your game | Share | Play more

Retro moment 3! :Claytown Troupe

2007-06-26T23:30:00.000+01:00

We're on a roll, though unfortunately the only video I unearthed wasn't quite what I was after, but I managed to find a link to their "MySpace" website.

I recommend playing Hey Lord - it's class!

Also, I found out that Claytown Troupe reformed in the last few years so I will now be keeping an ear out for more info on this quality band!

Retro moment 2: The Seers

2007-06-26T23:08:00.000+01:00

Oh flip! Joyed by my previous find I've done some more digging and found a couple of videos by The Seers - one of the few bands I really wanted to see but never got the chance.

I couldn;t decide which video to show, so opted for 2 - Play them loud!

Here's the official MySpace website.

Retro moment: Kingmaker

2007-06-26T22:52:00.000+01:00

found this on Youtube - I was a big Kingmaker fan (before they made it big, of course!) so was chuffed to find this old clip.

Free E-books!

2007-06-26T12:07:00.000+01:00

For info, all e-books on my website TotalClientMarketing are now free! There's currently 20+ E-books on there are the moment and I'll be adding some more soon.

Also, the next edition of the newsletter will be out in a couple of weeks so if you're not already on the distribution list please signup using the form on the website.

Morons

2007-06-25T11:00:00.000+01:00

Low-life vile detestable brainless zombie scum. The first words that spring to mind when trying to describe these "people" who continue to hold BBC journalist Alan Johnston captive. The latest video with an apparent bomb-vest strapped to him is absolutely deplorable.

I hope his release can be expedited, and more importantly I hope the world can rid itself of these relgious extremists and fascists.

An attempt to get new words in the dictionary

2007-06-22T21:10:00.000+01:00

Ow. I've been doing seriously smart thinking for so long, my cloggynog (a very smart but overworked brain) is hurting! And the reason? That wazzonker (wazzacky plonker)in accounts wanting his report by 5pm on Friday! Anyway, I flipping scores it (done it, result!) and I'm out the door at four.

So, to recap. The new words were, "cloggynog" and "wazzonker". You may recall the phrase "scores it" from a previous blog.

Feel free to slip these into conversations and your own blogs - consider it a gift from me to the whole wide web.

Ban door to door salesmen

2007-06-22T13:36:00.000+01:00

It's about time the Government banned people from harasssing home-owners on their own doorsteps (or in my case, occasionally my kitchen door too which for some reason the idiots seem to think is at the front of my house but is quite clearly at the side!) - There's no reason for them to knock on people's doors - if we want something we'll contact them.

I'm not likely to suddenly decide to get a conservatory quote just because some spotty student wants me to. In fact when these people ring on my door touting for business they go on my black list. So Anglian Windows, 2 visits in a fortnight puts you pretty low on the list of companies I may employ. Listen, I'm also just as unlikely to be a Jehovah convert because a nice little old lady calls proferring a rainbows coloured leaflet and wondering if I've found Jesus.

At the same time all companies who may have a valid reason to knock on your door (e.g. gas & electric meter readers)should outline in contracts with their customers exactly what day/time they will be calling.

This could significantly improve home security (epsecially for old people), reduce pollution and paper waste, and for these companies to act on their evident inefficiencies and become more productive with greater economies.

Yawn; Too tired to post

2007-06-21T18:55:00.000+01:00

Hmmm. I want to post something but I'm too tired so I'm off to bed.

West Brom to West Iraq - absolutely bostin!!!

2007-06-19T22:31:00.000+01:00

Found this on YouTube - it's brill! Yep, imho the maker totally scores it.

They even managed to sneak in a pop in at the dingles!

Talent? Maybe....

2007-06-18T22:25:00.000+01:00

I found this bit of footage from America's Got Talent very absorbing. How the heck did someone think this up?!!!

View More Funny Videos

Some congratulations

2007-06-18T19:46:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Paul Potts, winner of Britains' Got Talent. Well deserved, though I think alot of people (me included) would've liked to see category winners - one adult and one child. I'm pretty sure little Connie would've come second overall so this way she would've been able to perform at the Royal Variety Performance too.

Other congratulations go those named on the recent honours list. I'd like to single out Salman Rushdie - having read some of his work including The Satanic Verses I can say this honour is richly deserved for his contributions to literature, and beyond that his work has also been enlightening too.

Technorati Profile

Paris Hilton video - brilliant!!

2007-06-15T12:06:00.000+01:00

View More Funny Videos

I don't believe it!

2007-06-15T11:35:00.000+01:00

When reading the title to this entry please do so in a Victor Meldrew fashion. Thanks!

It's been raining pretty hard all day, yet I still managed to get into Norwich city centre and back without getting very wet. It was just a pure fluke that whilst walking to and from the bus stops and whilst walking around the City the rain happened to stop just for me. And there was plenty of drenched people wandering around so I think this an occasion for standing up, doing a pelvic thrust and shouting "SCORES IT!"

Okay, it's Friday too so that's another good reason to celebrate.

Fixtures announced

2007-06-14T10:37:00.000+01:00

It's not even 3 weeks since the injustice of the championship playoff final and the fixtures for next season have been announced already. And for the 6th time in seven seasons Albion will be away from home for the first match.

Comments

2007-06-13T16:42:00.001+01:00

I have now made the comments feature available on this blog.

Frank Black

2007-06-13T16:33:00.000+01:00

I've just added some Frank Black video's onto this blog. I have to say, I'm really pleased I switched to blogger as it's so easy to neat little features on to this blog.

SCORES IT! - explained

2007-06-13T14:23:00.000+01:00

SCORES IT! is my new saying. It's kind of like "back of the net" or "result" and was first uttered whilst watching "Britain's got talent" following a decent turn by a bunch of "beatbox artists" (for want of a better description)

Okay, I'd had a few sherberts by this point and was bit excitable. I must point out tat I hate reality TV shows, however, I have found this particular show worthwhile viewing.

So, SCORES IT! Spread it's use. Result.

Quote of the Day

2007-06-13T14:19:00.000+01:00

This one's kept me smiling for a while, ever since my three year old son said it this morning. The quote (well question) was, "Daddy, do you like big boobies?" Ah, the innocence of youth. SCORES IT!

Tartan Canaries

2007-06-12T11:56:00.000+01:00

It won't be long now. Norwich City Manager, Peter Grant, has decided to buy another Scottish player as he moves towards his vision of an entire tartan clan of 11. Not sure how many Jocks he has now, but nearly every single player he's bought in since being in charge (about 8 months now) has been a Scot.

In fact, Norwich probably have more Scots in their squad than any team in the Scottish Premiership!!!! In addition to the players he has brought in and the latest player approach (Gavin Rae) he's been linked with about a half dozen more (including confirmed bids for a Dundee defender and a Celtic keeper [whom he had on loan at Norwich last season])

It would be novel if he manages to achieve his tartan vision, though I'm not sure a bright yellow and green tartan kit would be too pleasing on the eye!

Ash to ashes?

2007-06-11T19:38:00.000+01:00

I was surprised to read that Ash announced yesterday that their new album will be their last. So read into that what you will, but I'm guessing that means they are splitting up.

I read this news onSoundFires.

Monty!

2007-06-11T12:18:00.000+01:00

Had to post this quote as it made me "LMAO"

Just been reading the live text feed on the BBC website's coverage of the cricket when I read this line following Panesar's dismissal of Sammy. "He's swamped by whooping team-mates before he can canter off with arms flapping like a distressed pigeon."
Very pictorial!

Hmmm, not pretty

2007-06-09T19:07:00.000+01:00

Okay, the blog title image was a bit of a quick hash-up. I'll try to do something a bit less confused soon.

For info, a new page has been added to Total Client Marketing with some great Domain names for sale. Click here if you're interested.

Another incarnation!

2007-06-09T18:48:00.000+01:00

So, my blog has a new home!

After a re-jig of my webiste empire I decided it was time to move the blog to create more space for website content.

But this blog can still be accessed from Total Client Marketing and will continue to post a mixture of website updates, personal insights, observations on the world and occasional rants (normally about football).