New Website Online

To paraphrase... "One small step for web gurus, one giant leap for me!"

I have just completed a successful transfer of my domain - amsri.co.uk - to 34SP.com.

Not only that, I have re-built Evans-Amsri as a Content Management System (CMS) using Joomla, then finally (after several attempts - to resolve various errors) imported the site and MySql database to the new host. Phew! I hope building and hosting the next site is a little easier.

Checkout my new CMS family site - www.amsri.co.uk

Thai Keyboard

I say Thai keyboard but, read multilingual keyboard. I was googling for "Thai Keyboard" when I came across Frontype. I know WinXP, Vista, Linux and probably Macs too have a screen keyboard built in but, this takes things a step further. Not just a multilingual keyboard but, a touch-typing tutor to boot! Within 5 minutes of me downloading the trial version, I bought the full version. I love it's simplicity. The trial version lasts for 7 days. Give it a try.

Boats

I'm just thinking...

I miss my old Hinemoa 'Sebastian'. I miss messing about on the water. Should I build or should I buy? The cheapest Hinemoa of worth is around £2,000. To build a Hinemoa is around £5,000. With second-hand boats, there is all the extras that come with them. Though with building a Hinemoa, the cost of the plans is £210 or £278 with the Tiki rig plans. The cost of the build can be spread over the time it takes to raise the finance. Though the build time is around 500 hours, this can be spread over several years, depending on the speed of financing. Should I wait another few years to go sailing? Should I take pleasure from the building? Where should I build?

I have been following Neil is his build project - 'Gleda' at www.gleda.org. We are of a similar age. I have the added responsibilty of a young family. Time and money is very precious now and to find either for myself is quite difficult. Perhaps, I can get my boys interested in building? Though, there is the concern of exposing them to the dangers of epoxy resin. Still much to think about...

Joomla

I've almost finished work on version 3 of my family website. The current version is a static website (where the content rarely changes). The new site is really only a mirror image of the existing website. The difference being the back-end. Version 3 is built and powered by Joomla. It has been an interesting learning excercise. All I need now, is to decide on a hosting company and version 3 will go live.

Joomla is a content manangement system (CMS). What is a CMS? Well blogger.com is a CMS. You simply login and add/amend/delete content and adjust the layout. I intend to use the knowledge to build other future websites as part of an ongoing project.

TT 2009

Well that's the TT over for another year.

It has been a good year for the bikers. A lot quieter than previous years and I've heard crumbles from many businesses that takings are down.

For the first time this year a new class was introduced for zero emission bikes. Very strange watching these bikes race. No sound except for the whine of their electic motors.

Back to normal life now until the end of August when the Manx Grand Prix takes place and the island is overrun with bikes again for 2 weeks.

Health

I'm just getting over a cold. It's been awhile since my last (unusual for me).

Today has not been a good day for me as I have been suffering for most of the afternoon with IBS. This appears to be triggered with alcohol consumption. I had a few pints on Friday.

Over the last few years my IBS always seems to follow the rare occasion when I have a drink. I am starting to wonder if I have developed an allergy to alcohol... C'est la vie!

Groudle Glen

Waterwheel
Originally uploaded by Evans-Amsri

I took the boys for a walk along Groudle Glan in Onchan, Isle of Man. The Bluebells were in bloom and the sun was shining (for most of the time!) We played Poo Sticks on one of the bridges, then William slipped into the water and filled his pants and welly boots with water. I had to drive back to Ramsey to dry him off and get him changed before returning to Douglas to collect Jeep from work.

Renewal of Wedding Vows

Happy Couple
Originally uploaded by Evans-Amsri

My sister Anne (Penny) and Robert renewed their wedding vows on 25/04/09, after 20 years of marriage.

I was happy to travel from the Isle of Man to Aberdare in Wales on Saturday to join with Penny and Robert in a triple celebration - Robert's birthday, retirement and of course their Wedding vow renewal. A great time was had by all, with pleanty of good food, drink, dancing and company. Unfortunately, Jeep was unable to travel with me. She stayed at home and looked after the children.

I travelled back on Sunday with Penny and Robert's friend and Pastor - David - along with David's wife Jean. I was dropped off in Liverpool and I cought the evening ferry back to Douglas. A quick drive over the mountain and I was back home by 10:30pm.

Songkran 2009

Phra Aod Titayaro (Right) & Phra Si Varapo (Left)
Originally uploaded by Evans-Amsri

This weekend two monks from Wat Santiwongsaram in Birmingham came to the Isle of Man for the Songkram celebration.

Whilst Noi, Jeep and others were preparing for the festivities, I took the monks on a tour of the Island. The highlight I think was the Laxey Wheel (Lady Isabella). We all climbed to the top. Neither PJ or William were worried about the height. It was quite dizzy looking down from the top. We even put on hard hats and went a short way down a mine, including the monks.

After refreshments at our home we arrived back at Noi's house later than expected. The monks immediately retired for their evening meditation.

Susan Boyle

I watched this video 3 times! Susan Boyle sings I Dreamed a Dream

Unbelievable pitch. What a vocal range.

This show should be renamed Britain's Got (Hidden) Talent!

PJ & William in the Snow

PJ & William in the Snow
Originally uploaded by Evans-Amsri

After all the recent snow in the UK we couldn't wait any longer for snow in Ramsey. As of today - 7th February 2009 - we still haven't had any snow in Ramsey! So today I took the boys up to the mountain. There was sufficient snow at this height for the boys to play in the snow. We didn't stay long as the temperature was below zero.