Will Knott

Almost this time last year I made public a few resolutions for 2008, so I suppose its only right that I take a look back at them and see how I did.

1) Be master of my own domain…
I don’t mean tidy the house (but now that you mention it, the bathroom mirror does need to be put in the bathroom). I mean it’s time that WillKnott.net and WillKnott.ie actually got used as something more than a redirect. Part of this is to do with changes that seem to be afoot. The “cork” in “cork-host” may need to change.
All advice gratefully accepted.

Done. WillKnott.net is actually a re-direct to WillKnott.ie

My reasons back then were partially vanity, partly to get better search results (my old blog was not very flattering for those thinking of hiring me. A blog title with “idiot” in it only makes sense when in full time employment). This is one that’s done and dusted and won’t be going back to for a while. Also this year it looks like I’m not going to be Cork based for a while. Oh, and the bathroom mirror is now in the right place; the bedroom, a different mirror ended up in the bathroom

2) On your bike…
Personally, I need to get out more. I’ve used every excuse not to cycle this year. 2008 will see a saddle put under strain. Regularly. That and go back to Capoeira again. Things sort of stopped over December.

Ah, no. As much as I would like to say that the world and fate conspired against me, it simply didn’t happen more due to my finding other things to do. It will be on my list for this year, but I’ve a new job to look forward to (well a month contract so far). This may mean cycling to work, but not for the first week until I see if its possible. That and the fact that my bike is still in Cork.

3) Learn (or relearn) a language…
I’ve always been more a OnLamppp man than an AJAX man. So I’m going to refresh and perfect my Perl, python and PHP. I do intend to get Ruby (and maybe rails) in my head. Sort of useful with a domain eh? Somehow I just know that Java will need something more formal than a commitment by me. Any pointer to classes or tutorials would be appreciated.

Done. Some of the .Net framework and Java entered my skull, and my certificate collection. This year, well I know I’ll be working on a Javascript project this year, but more on that in later posts.

4) Take time to smell the roses…
Or actually plant them. Simply put, my garden is a mess. Actually that not true. I was careful. My garden is black. Black weed-proof plastic. I need to do some things. Lay a patio. Do “something” with a terrace. I genuinely don’t know what should happen out there. I do know I need the hardscaping finished. Help?

Dismal failure. A few plants, er, planted but the patio is simply slabs placed on the ground rather than put down properly. I may completely admit failure and hire someone to do it when my finances improve. On the other hand, I’m not exactly using the garden enough to miss it.

5) Give voice…
This is neither a resolution nor a commitment. But my attendance at PodCamp Ireland and the forthcoming Creative Camp gave me an idea… which I’ll post later.

I’ll admit that this was simply an idea that didn’t form completely. However I will point out that there is a hole in the Irish blogisphere for a political podcast (if anyone is interested).

And so there we have it. 50%, maybe 60% given that this spring had quite a bit of cycling, but commuting to school sort of messed up my cycling plans. Not that good, could do so much better. Only regret the lack of planting, will just might continue.

And as for 2009… we’ll see.

take care,

Will Knott

Wondering if its the last time I have one that’s mine.

And wondering if that is a good or bad thing.

take care,
Will Knott

Pat Phelan of MaxRoam is still playing Santa. Or is it a New Year’s blowout? He is offering a Nokia N79 and a 37 inch LCD HDTV. All you have to do is drop over and leave a comment and wait for the courier.

Maybe not wait. There are no rules or regulations or any thing like that, but they will be given away on the evening of the first of January.

Just remember if you got a phone for Christmas send your old one to The Jack & Jill Foundation

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• The Nokia N79: Full of toys for the mainstream

All joking aside, most of the construction work here involves a shopping centre in some way.

And in all the building there is a tree.

A tree which I honestly think, you can only see from the surrounding buildings, but not the street.

So its hidden away for only the construction workers to enjoy.

take care,
Will Knott

Just in time for a recession, a major new shopping centre has been opened in Cork City (there are others). This one is built on an old religious building (I don’t know the details, any commenters care to help?)which has its own graveyard. The idea of a shopping centre having its own graveyard is just beyond creepy, but never mind.

That graveyard has a tree in it. A very well lit tree.

A tree that looks a little like a gloved hand.

Or a starscape.

take care,
Will Knott

It’s that time of the year. DJ Earworm has released the  “United State of Pop” for 2008.

OK, he’s only done it twice, here is a link for the first time, but it does take some effort to mix together 25 different songs and make them sound good together. Then throw in a video.

Its a lot more mellow that last year. Are things calming down, or slowing down economically?

Una makes her predictions for 2009 based on 2008. Personally I know quite a few friends going down under for work.

Hey, I’m moving too.

Will Knott

p.s. The track list used to make the video/track is…

Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain – Low
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
Alicia Keys – No One
Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major – Lollipop
Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic – Apologize
Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown – No Air
Sara Bareilles – Love Song
Usher Featuring Young Jeezy – Love in This Club
Chris Brown – With You
Chris Brown – Forever
Ray J & Yung Berg – Sexy Can I
Rihanna – Take a Bow
Coldplay – Viva La Vida (The base song in all this)
Katy Perry – I Kissed a Girl
T.I. – Whatever You Like
Rihanna – Disturbia
Rihanna – Don’t Stop the Music
Natasha Bedingfield – Pocketful of Sunshine
Chris Brown Featuring T-Pain – Kiss Kiss
Ne-Yo – Closer
Colbie Caillat – Bubbly
Mariah Carey – Touch My Body
Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake – 4 Minutes
Pink – So What
Finger Eleven – Paralyzer

After his hard work. Love the hat.

Christmas is a time for remembering. The Lyons Rotary Club in Cork set up a remembrance tree on Patrick’s Street. For a small fee you get a ribbon to write your message to missed loved ones and then they decorate the tree.

There are a lot of sad messages up there. And a few of hope.

take care,
Will Knott

Sometimes I wish I wasn’t bright yellow. But not very often.

That first Christmas morning I stood brightly under the tree on my wheels. Shining not as brightly as the tree lights, but proudly and brightly. The sounds of food being turned in to a breakfast are made beyond the door. Things are calm.
Then there is a thump. Followed by more thumps as a child scrambles down the stairs and the noise gets louder as nearer. Then a small round child appears. I see a face spread in to a broad grin. Within seconds I am sat on as bare feet find pedals and start to cycle me around the room.

But only start. Stabilisers aren’t really made for rooms with furniture.

Annoyed the round one shuffles off after being cajoled in to the room with the food sounds. Then more thumping and a fully dressed child appears and pulls me towards the door. Fortunately saner hands help carry me to the safety of the outdoors and tarmac. Then what becomes a ritual begins. Using black marker, the child’s name is written on my crossbar. Ownership.

Soon a child and bicycle are speeding down the road. The child’s first taste of freedom.

Over the years, miles are travelled. I’ve been dumped outside shops, fields, ditches. I’ve had labels stuck to me, but always removed, ice cream dripped on me and caked in many different kinds of mud. Scratches, dents and repairs.

But a child’s bike, while built to handle the toughest of roads, has one flaw; the child grows.

I’ve been passed on to siblings, cousins and neighbours. I’ve travelled around Ireland to different families. And each new excited child has crossed out the former owners name and had their own written on my crossbar. My once bright yellow frames is now stripped with the names and memories of many.
I’ve crossed seas. A little girl came from Belarus and I returned with her. I’ve been passed on since then.
Many hands.
Many feet.
Many first flights for this bumblebee.
Many first tastes of freedom.

Parts:

1. Thriftcriminal
2. Rick O’Shea
3. Whoopsadaisy
4. Maxi Cane
5. Will Knott
6. Darren Byrne
7. Rapture Ponies
8. Chris P Pancake
9. Darragh Doyle
10. K8 The Gr8
11. Lottie
12. Grandad
13. Someone living
14. Jo

Update : I’ve added the actual story links now rather then just the blogs. Merry Christmas to all etc.

Christmas trees in Cork City

take care,

Will Knott