Many of the Linux powered Netbooks come with a simple “Easy Mode” front end – large, chunky icons, all categorised into tabbed menus for you to launch. However, their Windows XP equivalents usually boot to the standard desktop. A Windows version of these easy menus would therefore be useful.

I’ve come across 3 which, kind of, work.

EasyDeskXP

This I came across quite by accident – its SourceForge hosted site contains few details. And, I have to say, it’s still early days for this application.

It’s not easy to use, I couldn’t find any documentation and it has few configurations options. It also looks hideously ugly – particularly the carbon fibre “look” surround. Horrible.

Easy Mode XP

Next up, is a particular project aimed specifically at EEE PC users. The software is, therefore, branded accordingly but it’s not too bad. However, there are a few niggling issues here and there, including copious spelling mistakes.

The site is in German, but the link I’ve provided is via Google Translate.

FSL Launcher

Now, unlike the previous two applications, this hasn’t been designed for Netbooks, but any PC in general. It’s okay I guess – it’s not the prettiest thing, but not as ugly as EasyDeskXP. It also doesn’t take over the entire desktop, as these easy menus generally do (and whether you find that good or bad, is up to you). Personally, I’d prefer something more like the Linux versions – taking over the entire desktop experience, but allowing you to drop back to the Windows desktop when you want.

Having said all that, it’s the best one I’ve come across so far. Not that this is a huge collection – I was thinking  there’d be more choice.

Or rather not.

Some rather patriotic American has created a website, boycottscotland.com, to blame Scotland for the release of the Lockerbie bomber, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi. Now, I’ll admit to not being sure myself whether his release was for the best or not. However, as was said at the time, he showed no compassion for what he did, but by showing it ourselves, we are proving ourselves to be better than the terrorists.

Anyway, this website is quite, unintentionally, funny. Better though is the accompanying Twitter account. Let’s have a look at a few of the gems so far posted.

I boycott any country where I can’t speak there language.

This was in response to somebody creating a spoof Twitter account named “boycott wales”! However, he seems strangely serious in his response. Of course, being able to spell in your own language would be a good start – it’s “their” language.

Simon Cowell should leave American idol & get replaced by a REAL American idol, Mr. Asskicker himself Jack Bauer from 24.

Now, I’m not necessarily a Simon Cowell groupie, but I can see two things here. First of all, Simon has never put himself forward as an “American” idol, as he is very much British (although, I believe, lives in their country and contributes to their economy). Secondly, are they seriously suggesting that the alternative is a FICTIONAL character (I’m guessing a grip of reality is an issue here) and, specifically, because he “kicks ass”? No stereotyping of the angry, violent, gun-totting American then.

You have your freedom Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue

He is talking about the UK isn’t he? Or does he believe that only the USA has those colours in their flag?

Scots need to go back where they came from. We can have whiskey party here – you’re either with us or against us.

The huge irony of telling a particular country folk to return to where they came from, from a country that, with the exception of the Native American, is built upon those who came from other nations, is not lost on me.

Look at this flag, Scotland. it’s the AMERICAN FLAG. Case closed.

Their Twitter icon is the flag of the USA, which is the flag I’m assuming they’re referring to. However, the comment is pretty surreal. Why does pointing out a flag mean the end of any argument?

Their location on Twitter shows as “REAL America”. That’s in preference to that fake America that keeps being mentioned.

Now, I can understand that many people are unhappy with the decision that the Scottish minister has made. Quite why all this then becomes the fault of the whole of Scotland – and in some cases, the UK – I’m not quite sure. But at least, use some reasoned, well thought out, argument.

They follow Fox News on Twitter, which makes sense.

Thankfully, an alternative website has been created – boycottscotland.co.uk. That’s also funny, but intentionally so.

Just after Michael Jackson died, Uri Geller said the following…

Michael was in good shape because he was practising, he was training, he was rehearsing for the shows. Michael was careful with what he ate, he was just fine. Last time I heard of what he was doing, he was in great shape. And this is why I’m so absolutely shocked by this news.

Today, they’ve announced that Michael died because of a massive overdose of anaesthetic. Once again, Uri Geller is quick to comment.

This was expected. I’m absolutely not surprised. I’ve witnessed myself things and saw certain events with Michael that led me to believe that if this continues, he will destroy his life.

When I’ve seen Michael in the state that he was on a few occasions, I had to stay with him because I was concerned that certain individuals would come into his room and supply him with what he wanted.

Now, is it me, or does Uri Geller not seem to know. Now that the drugs problem has come out in the open, maybe he now feels he can talk about something that he didn’t want to at first. But, surely, as a friend and, if indeed he witnessed what he did, surely he’d have wanted to talk about this from the very beginning?

I guess there’s nothing like the flip-flopping views of a celebrity vying for their 5 minutes of spotlight.

Adobe are currently offering their excellent Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements with 25% off, when bought together. This offer ends on 11th September 2009¹.

If you’re lucky enough to be in education, then you can save up to 80% on Adobe Student Editions, plus free shipping. This is valid until September 30th 2009.

1. Cannot be combined with any other offers and only applies to full versions and not upgrades [↩]

I often have the need to display code within this blog – whether it’s JavaScript, PHP, XHTML or something else.

There are many plugins available that will display any such code in a nice manner – usually with syntax highlighting – but, as yet, I’ve been unable to find one that doesn’t fulfil my requirements. And personally, I don’t think my requirements are that much.

Showing the code in a fixed font, with a decent line wrapping facility and the ability to display spaces and/or tabs, I don’t think, is a big list of needs. That list doesn’t even include the ubiquitous syntax highlighting.

In the end I created a half-arsed version of my own. In fact, it’s not even a plugin – just simply some CSS for displaying the code in reasonable manner. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get around the line wrapping problem.

So, imagine my surprise to come across a plugin the other day that seemed to resolve all these problems. And it does Syntax Highlighting. I had some initial problems, which involved me having to move my aforementioned CSS, and then, with no further testing, I started busily converting my posts to the new system. Note, me specifically mentioning my lack of testing. Because, yes, after changing lots of pages and posts, I realised that it wouldn’t work with spaced or tabs, so all lines of code were aligned down the left hand side of the screen. Bah. And I can’t find a solution, so I’m in the process of putting it all back to how it was.

If ANYBODY knows a plugin that will do what I’m after, then please let me know!