This is more a record for myself of what I’m up to. You’re better off looking elsewhere for entertainment today

Busy times.

I’ve spent most of today in the CILASS office trying to finish off the website I’ve been working on (very part time) for the past 6 weeks or so. It’s pretty exciting as it’s more-or-less complete, and doesn’t look that bad, even if I do say so myself. Just a few issues with Microsoft Internet Explorer choosing to read the CSS in a different way to any other web-browser on the planet. If I had my way I’d just have a notice on it saying “Sorry, please install a proper browser such as Firefox or Safari before viewing this site”.

I feel a bit bad that it’s taken me so long to create the site – this is partly because I’m self-taught and not a professional, but then I think of what it would have cost to have it done professionally, and I feel better, especially as what is being produced does actually look at least sort of professional (I hope).

Later this week I’ll be helping give a presentation at a university workshop in Bradford on Web 2.0 – I’ve never been to Bradford before – is it worth taking my camera? Later in the month I’ll also be coordinating the development of a new Wiki that’s been set up to accompany the forthcoming Learning Through Enquiry Alliance (LTEA) Conference 2008, and as a member of a gang of CILASS Student Ambassadors I’ll be helping to keep the delegates happy with a smiley face and the answers to all of their questions, apparently. 🙂

I’m enjoying being busy with all of these projects, although a part of me does crave a holiday.

Good news re. our publishing business – we’ve made it through to the Grand Final of the Business Creation Competition (with £5000 prize) – presentations are on the 12th of July. Fingers crossed. Oh, and I got word today that I have an interview with a large English Language School company on Thursday morning, 8am. Best get an early night Wednesday!

I’m exercising daily now, really enjoying going out jogging and exploring the streets of Sheffield. Following a tip-off from an Arts Tower inmate, later this week I’ll be going to meet Berty Bassett of of Liquorice Allsorts fame, at his home at the Cadbury Trebor Bassett factory. Fancy living here this long and not knowing that the city was the source of such an important staple food!

I’m trying desperately hard tonight to not check my Twitter account, RSS feeds or any Apple-related site tonight. Steve Jobs gave his keynote at WWDC about 2 hours ago – I’m just waiting for the video to go live and don’t want any spoilers. The Apple Store is down, what’s the bets we’ll be seeing a £100 3G iPhone announced? I know I could find out if I just checked any of the Mac sites, but I want the whole keynote experience. It’s an exercise in self-discipline, and it’s killing me!

Anyway, best get on. Oh, I know what I was going to mention – I’ve been following the Mars Phoenix via Twitter. Nasa really are doing a fantastic job of sharing the excitement, with 140 character updates coming in written by the Mars Lander itself, and photos sent back from Mars being posted straight on their website unadulterated. I’ve never been that excited about space exploration before, but this is fab!

Oh, as are the BBC’s live webcams on SpringWatch. Check out the cutey little birdies streaming live video from their nest! Thanks to Nicola for the link!