google docs forms. fail Tweet

I've just completed a questionnaire built with Google Docs Forms to only receive the customary error: Something bad happened. Don't worry, though. The Spreadsheets Team has been notified and we'll get right on it. This is the second time I answer a survey made with this tool, resulting in this error, which is why I called it customary above. And both times my first thought, right before the error showing up, had been: Cool stuff, why should I bother paying Survey Monkey next time? No errors and no wasting anyone's time, that's why. What's even more ironic is that I was filling in a survey from Wikipedia about their mobile app, specifically potential improvements. Turns out current mobile Wikipedia works better than current web-based Google Docs Forms, mobile or not.

st. james's park in december Tweet

It was a windy, freezing day at the start of December, and we were roaming St. James's Park with my family, trying endlessly to warm up by walking around determinedly, as if with more purpose than feeding the cheeky starving squirrels. We were swearing to no longer get out of the house without my love's pocket flask brimming with brandy, and convincing ourselves that the public loo was bearable. And then I froze some more, trying to stop my hands from shaking in catching the right pigeon in flight, the right water bokeh, the precise picture I had in my mind. Though not the first time, it was a painful, consuming attempt to frame what I envisioned rather than what presented itself to the passing-by snapper, and my diligence in moving one step further from point-and-shoot moments paid handsomely. I was amazed that one couldn't tell how terrible the weather was, that one could believably place this scene on a perfect summer evening, and I was going to freeze in order to show others.

st. james's park, originally uploaded by gorgeouxness.

This is the 200th image in my better photos Flickr stream, now rising to 215 instances. Rock on!

nokia announces acquiring dopplr. without going weee Tweet

First, there were rumors on blogs, then an article on TechCrunch, and then a second, more solid TC article four days ago. It sounded to me like the news leaked. It also sounded like a Finnish company bought another Finnish company. After all, co-founder and current CEO Marko Ahtisaari had been Director of Design Strategy for Nokia. So, when no confirmation followed from either company, I figured the deal was still under negotiation, needing further/ higher approvals, or, even simpler, got stuck in Nokia's slow press release machine which was not, even if speedy, going to send it out on Friday, anyway.

No surprise then, this Monday morning: Dopplr confirmed the deal on their blog, and I was amused to note that Marko's brief post does not link to Nokia, or Nokia's announcement on the matter. Also, not making public a deal value would suggest, once again, that negotiations are still underway for parts of it, at least. Twittered minutes later by Matt Biddulph, Nokia's press release calls Dopplr a privately-held mobile service provider for international travelers. It omits the words Flickr and Twitter (competition issues? Marko used them), and especially iPhone, while stating the acquisition does not change the current Dopplr service.

As everyone is passing congratulations around and Dopplr's London office pops a champagne, I can't help noticing that neither announcement expresses excitement, while knowing that each company has done so in previous occasions. Is it a matter of Nokia not making a big buzz around potentially strengthening their iPhone-like, social media devices offer? Or is it about not touching on why a hyped start-up already made an exit? Looking at Nokia's X6 and X3, I think about their previous segmentation of gadgets into music, imaging, etc., now obsolete, but even more, I think about a prototype I saw in one of their Espoo labs some 7-8 years ago: a fascinating paper sheet thin device with a few side buttons embracing a large screen—R&D is a wonderful thing, but time and tide wait for no company.

My current phone is a Nokia and I wish I knew, before choosing it as part of a binding 18-months contract that the company had lost its edge in good design, particularly intuitive navigation. The initial handset couldn't do voice and was replaced within days of delivery. The substitute is bugged, freezing now and then, and generally feeling slow, confusing, and limiting—if only for its terrible web browsing experience, little evolved from that of earlier enabled devices, and being stuck on the clogged 3G network of O2. On the other hand, I've enjoyed using Dopplr for years now, and bought their early ideas around serendipity (coincidences), thinking that newer additions like venues visited by friends have a great potential, when combined with geo-location, in delivering real-time serendipity.

I hope that Dopplr comes stronger out of the deal, and that Nokia recovers some of its lost glory.

a good day for a picnic Tweet

Warm, though not continuously sunny, lacking wind, and simply perfect for two harassed souls much needing to chill. We grabbed a couple of dishes and a couple of drinks and sat on the grass in our remote peaceful spot, watching squirrels, magpies, and crows quarrel and rush about in search of food. Above all, we rested our eyes on fall foliage, finally enjoying the season that crept in quietly a couple weeks back.

fall signs 1, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

fall signs 2, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

fall signs 3, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

fall signs 4, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

's wonderful Tweet

The resident clematis found it in its heart to bloom one more time before sleeping over the winter. I wish there was a way to show you even clearer how contorted this flower is, appearing straight from the leaves somehow, instead of its normal elegant stem. However it happened, it's simply brilliant, though no proof of alleged green fingers on my side.

chez gorgeoux: the best bruschetta yet... Tweet

...was gulped down in Regent's Park last Sunday, during one of decadent picnics. Made of the most amazing tomatoes from the Farmer's Market in Marylebone, it reminded me with every bite of the seller's warning: they're a bit too sweet. Yes, by all means, too sweet tomatoes should be eradicated! What's up with that, Mother Nature gone awry? The bread came from the same place, and Chris toasted it to perfection. For garlic, I made do with whatever was around, as the Normandy seller is yet to show up outside La Fromagerie with his fine produce. And you know how I know this was awesome? A wasp kept coming for it and scaring the hell out of us—what if we ate the damn insect?!

I also go to the famers' market Tweet

I used to wake up on a Sunday to find a note from my love explaining in few words and clear drawings that he was off to the market and I was, well, sleeping. Both good things. Now I generally wake up at him popping into the bedroom with the finds, and only afterward get to the note. Except for the odd Sunday, once a couple of months perhaps, when I want to go along and go through the trouble of waking up... slightly earlier than lunchtime. It was one of them Sundays today, and here are a few things I spotted, a few of which also came home in our heavy rich bags.

sunflowers, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

pumpkins, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

red plums, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

sugary sweet tomatoes, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

hazelnut cobs, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

a box of plums, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

if one could choose their dreams, what would they be? Tweet

I was embracing a rather large and very friendly bird. It was warm and quiet and smelling inviting, like a young chicken. The most amazing thing happened then: a bird no larger than a butterfly, and just as fluttering as one, landed on my arm, then hopped next to the large bird and took cover under its right wing. I felt bliss holding the two of them together, and showing him my treasure without moving much.

I was in an open plan room, watching the chief thief give his pack an encouraging speech. Then he proceeded to chopping off small bits of their bodies, as chosen by their owners: half a toe here, half an earlobe there. No one seemed sedated, no one cried. The silence was only spiced by his butcher knife cracking their bones open. Then I was in the street, at a crossroads, in the sun. Watching them again, bandaged delicately, drinking their minds over a very becoming picnic blanket. They were young, beautiful, and well dressed. Nothing like I had imagined thieves. And I was reporting on their rituals.

I was standing on a barge moving slowly, as they do, through the most spectacular landscape, at dusk. As always, slightly pained on how to hold my camera steady enough while smoking, and slightly troubled by some mosquitoes while not having the time to put on insect repellent because the light was fading and I had to snap all those wonders. My family was on board, and we were heading towards the hill house of some aunt or uncle. On which side of the family? Where they on board, as well? I was too focused on the views to recall. The water was covered in tall thin stems of huge light pink and light green flowers that seemed fluorescent in the sunset rays. On both sides the forest was all in bloom with buoying fragrances and heavy inflorescence of all manner of color. I kept pointing and shooting hungry for proofs of heaven.

And each time I woke up with a vibrant image that faded only a little to this day.

spotted, and tried: solera d tapa, 42 sydney street, brighton Tweet

We noticed Solera d Tapa in passing, on our second attempt to locate a Mexican restaurant that would provide someone's sweet tooth with churros. No luck in finding churros, or dinner at Nia (not serving before six, and not striving to get our custom), and no interest in checking out an Italian place, a pub, or a veg restaurant. What to do, what to do? I know, said the churros aficionado, how about that place with Spanish ham in the window? Minutes later we were offered a table inside OR on the patio. Simple like many Spanish places would have it, it hosted three tables with more breathing space than its indoors venue, which became over-crowded during dinner hours.

patio, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

The patio had a view to the kitchen, which brought about much amusement later, watching the proceedings. It also made us salivate at the sight of many capers in one place, only seen in Stromboli.

a lot of capers, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

With the sherry came this tasty bite on the house. It looked like we were gonna be there for a while.

cheese bite, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

As dry as it comes, the fino sherry proved more pleasing to my palate than usual. Good thing, too, as I wasn't going to switch drinks easily, and I had an appetite to match that bottle. The bread arrived with two tasty, simple dips: yummy olive oil and garlic mayo.

garlic mayo, olive oil, fino sherry, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

It was simple bread, with enough crust and taste to compliment but not cover the flavor of tapas.

bread, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Of course main dishes weren't available here before six either, but a tapas place is always happy to have customers and ready to throw something on the table, even if microwaved. Not a bad chorizo in sherry, considering. However, the Canela (London) version in red wine wins in my book.

chorizo in sherry, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

The lentils were awfully tasty, as confirmed by the regulars who ordered them later, even before sitting down :) I almost wish we asked for a bis number. All this tastiness called for more sherry, and, you would never ever guess... more tapas!

lentils, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Patatas bravas are a must for me, though many times as disappointing as chips, regardless of country. We probably ordered them before the oil got hot enough, because the first iteration was not fully cooked and went back to the kitchen quickly. A second try reached our table later, and, while edible, it still did not manage to excite us. Sure, the sauce was perfectly palatable, but the potatoes did not get crispier. We ate them alright, my thoughts running back to Jaica in Barcelona, though—a place so basic, yet with a few rather outstanding items on the menu.

patatas bravas, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

We gave in, soon after, and ordered Jamon Iberico. Tasty, again, as expected, but a bit dry for our taste, suggesting perhaps that it wasn't well sheltered from air by a serious cushion of fat, or not requested often. The mains weren't all savory, to our surprise, so we ended our tapas evening with dates rolled in bacon. Ayy, the pleasure of discovery! A caramel drizzle caressed them, and apart from the odd one that actually had a core, we loved discovering almonds in the middle. All in all, a lovely experience on the patio, with nice service, inexpensive treats and a final taste, on the house: liquid chocolate sorbet in a shot glass. Will stop by next time we're in Brighton :) And go straight for the BIG fino bottle ;)

dates & bacon, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

roaming brighton yet again Tweet

the tin drum light breakfast, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

We woke up decided to have brunch at Here, since the menu promised baked eggs with peppers, and we had a good time (and good food) there previously. They had stopped doing breakfast at 12, however, and were anything but sympathetic, with a full place to fill for lunch (was not going to happen, I guarantee). Considering that we couldn't have breakfast there on Friday either, as they only open at 10, I think we crossed it off our list. In theory, it's marvelously closed to New Steine Hotel. In practice, it's useless. So. A stroll down St. James Street later, we found ourselves eating a light English breakfast at The Tin Drum, sitting at a table in the sun, by the open window—which meant I could sit on the windowsill for a smoke at any point, and still reach my coffee on the nearby table. Everything tasty though the toast could have been tastier and the mushrooms—grilled, rather than dip fried in the oil used for chips. Coffee not bad, service sweet, and music selection brilliant.

silver, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Continuing down St. James Street, we had to stop at Silver to check out crazy furniture and glass that called for owning a house. Or a garden, at least. The owner greeted us: Are you photographing my table? I was. Both of them, actually. We also admired a Z shaped wooden chair inside, by his desk, and learned that it was a steel fortified copy of an Italian original he loves. On a wall nearby, mirrors framed in wood contorted as hearts reflected our fleeting visit.

charity shop finds, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

For some reason, St. James Street hosts some 4-5 charity shops, and I've visited a good number on our walk. Chris picked up a book, and I spotted two large bangles, a purple top, and matching sunglasses (left mine at home), all well under a tenner.

tiny brown flowers bush, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

We amused ourselves for a while in the Royal Pavilion Shop, full of cheaply produced and overly priced nonsense. Then we entered the gardens once more, and I paid my respects to a cute chubby bush of tinsy flowers.

funny cars, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

We guessed that someone was having a wedding inside the Royal Pavilion, and then, at the other end of the gardens, spotted a similar funny vehicle unloading visitors. We warmed up to whomever owns this little business, because it's not there for the riches, but it sure adds a lot of funky color to this quirky town.

food for chefs shop, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

We browsed the tins and jars of Food for Chefs with glee. Some items are just hilarious (bottled Mediterranean fish soup, anyone?) while others prove handy treasures—we bought the hazelnut oil and the red (pink?) peppercorns on the right hand side.

fragrance & colours, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Moving up towards the fun streets (Sydney & Co.) we spotted a pricey rainbow rug (899 pounds or so) in a sexy shop (Ligne Roset) and for once took away a yummy catalog. Then the customary graffiti on Kensington Street (I think), an owl cushion, and the Abanna fragrance oils I had received years ago from my love. Though he paid less, in London!

bonsai shop, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

On Sydney Street, I think, there's the cutest bonsai shop yet, Bonsai KO, with old trees and interesting species, like ginkgo biloba and the English ivy experiment you can see on the right hand side (not for sale). Encouraging for my secret garden and my bonsai obsession.

man stuff, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

I roamed a bit on my own, while he ordered two beers and enjoyed his book in The White Rabbit. I spotted a leather bag he might like, but it wasn't that smooth, it was that expensive, and the shop smelled strongly of sheepskin, so it wasn't a match.

pink & red, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

I saved some girly finds for the final photo. Didn't buy any, but sure loved collecting them on camera.Tacky, vintage, Momiji and retro seem like a good end to our roaming to me. In the next episode, tapas and sherry galore :)

dconstruct 2009 in selected detail Tweet

I've been blogging dConstruct live on the MetaBroadcast blog, that is, as lively as the wifi network traffic allowed for. I'm amazed that so many years after the first events with wifi, there's still little effort to get it right. ANYWAY. The morning started well, continued badly, and luckily the afternoon perked up. It really had NOTHING to do with having two beers over lunch. The speakers were that much better. So, here we go, bottoms up! Enjoy :)

Adam Greenfield - Elements of a Networked Urbanism

Michael Migurski & Ben Cerveny - Let’s See What We Can See (Everybody Online and Looking Good)

Brian Fling - What’s Next? How mobile is changing design

Nathan Shedroff & Chris Noessel - Make It So: Learning From Sci-Fi Interfaces

Robin Hunicke - Loving Your Player with Juicy Feedback

August de los Reyes - Experience and the Emotion Commotion

Russell Davies - Dematerialising a Web of Data. (Or What We’ve Learned From Printing The Internet Out)

Brighton Dome, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

and the rest of the day Tweet

rainbow, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Just before stepping out, a stunning rainbow arch across the street. Location, location, location! Rather than marveling at the mythical pot of gold (presumably, of value directly proportional to the size of the rainbow), I can't believe that the arch is wider than my lens... THAT is what I've become!

sunset, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Around the corner, a striking sunset. Good things come in twos? Also, wind. Not so good. Dear me, I HAD a haircut... Thank God I didn't have a hat! Though the furry one from Brighton would have been perfect.

Brighton Pier, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

A look at the pier with its flags high in the wind. And tears flooding my eyes. A sucker for arcades! And losing money! The truth? My eyes can't take these relentless gusts. Why, they're big! Both of them.

seagull over lamppost, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

A closer look at the Brighton Pier, somewhat more successful in seeing at what I point the camera, and not shaking in the muscular wind. At the same time, eyeing an escape with the tearful corners of my cornea. Crying seems the theme du jour. That hat would have helped my eyes ZILCH. But I would have looked glamorous while crying.

stopped for a pint, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

A quick stop at the sea front chippie to get some chish'n'fips, and then a roam on less windy streets to find a welcoming doorstep. It happened to be across this pub, so we washed down the cod with a pint of influencing drink. His, a cider, was there thanks to a cider & cheese festival. However, inviting us to join the live music crowd upstairs fell upon closing eyelids. Obviously, we missed the dConstruct pre-party, in order to catch up with weeks of poor sleep and strengthen ourselves for the real thing: the AFTER party. Yeah, we're getting old. Just like you. Ain't I a dolly?

P.S. I have a host of posts to throw about retroactively, whenever that happens. Too busy shooting the sea in the moonlight with the wrong camera (can't set exposure over ten seconds). Can you blame me?

on our way to dconstruct Tweet

fall signs, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

London weather was a bit undecided today, like a woman crying then laughing then crying after hearing I love you the first time in twenty years. That left us rather confused about Brighton weather to be during our extended dConstruct stay. Generally, sunny London makes for rainy Brighton, and viceversa, say locals. By the time we reached Croydon (or was it Clapham?) we lost all hope about roaming Brighton tonight.

Purley, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

And sunny it stayed, though odd with this construction that Feng Shui would call a fire building.

Brighton, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

At this point my companion offered to check the weather forecast for Brighton. I told him I can see perfectly well what's in store for us. The same old woman waiting to hear I love you.

waiting for sun, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

At least we have a true sea view at the old friend from years back, New Steine Hotel. No sun yet.

useless cuteness, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

No, pause that thought. There's hope. That I love you must have arrived in the right place.

a spot of sun, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Oh, look at that! A similar photo, though more hazy, might be blamed for my Panasonic camera :)

kitchen, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Time to go out before that lady starts crying again. A spot of sun, and a spot of dinner, thank you!