Am I still alive?
Posted on | July 14, 2012 | No Comments
I haven’t posted in a while and just wanted to let you all know that I’m alive..
You can still follow me on Twitter under pglewis
Or if you really know me well you can add me as a friend on Facebook under pglewis
Oh, and if you love photos and some visual treats, then you can follow me on Instagram as Mumblesace (yea, pglewis was taken, Boo)
Failing all that, why not just check out my about.me profile for all my social links and a nice bio about myself.. Gotta love those people at about.me.. If you haven’t signed up to it yet then get cracking, you can get a free pack of MOO.COM Business Cards as well with your about.me profile picture and info on. Talk about killing two birds with one stone..
Lots to update on so let’s get things moving again..
Pglewis….
Tags: about.me > Facebook > instagram > johnny five's alive > pglewis > social accounts > twitter
Insanity Workout Plan
Posted on | October 15, 2011 | No Comments
Ever wondered what the Insanity Workout Plan looks like? Did you read my last Insanity article and think hey, I want to do that? Here it is. Do you think you could do it?
Click to enlarge…
An Explanation and Some Reflections – From Netflix CEO
Posted on | September 19, 2011 | No Comments
You might or might not have been following the story on Netflix, the huge success story from the US for renting DVD’s and streaming movies/TV shows direct to you TV through such platforms as the Wii, Xbox360 or PS3 (oh, and of course mobiles and tablets).
In the UK it’s hard to actually sign up for their services as they’re not here (yet) but it’s not impossible and that is of course another post for another time. Suffice to say, I think the streaming service is very good.
So, for all of the UK folk following this story, and having not posted in a while, I thought I’d copy and paste an interesting and personal (well, kind of) email from Reed Hastings, Co-Founder and CEO of Netflix, explaining a few of his decision that have caused a lot of controversy of late in their treatment of customers, the change in services offered, payment models and a few more things…
Here’s the complete, unaltered email. Do you agree that a message from a CEO is a good (marketing) thing?
——————————————
Dear Paul,
I messed up. I owe you an explanation.
It is clear from the feedback over the past two months that many members felt we lacked respect and humility in the way we announced the separation of DVD and streaming and the price changes. That was certainly not our intent, and I offer my sincere apology. Let me explain what we are doing.
For the past five years, my greatest fear at Netflix has been that we wouldn’t make the leap from success in DVDs to success in streaming. Most companies that are great at something – like AOL dialup or Borders bookstores – do not become great at new things people want (streaming for us). So we moved quickly into streaming, but I should have personally given you a full explanation of why we are splitting the services and thereby increasing prices. It wouldn’t have changed the price increase, but it would have been the right thing to do.
So here is what we are doing and why.
Many members love our DVD service, as I do, because nearly every movie ever made is published on DVD. DVD is a great option for those who want the huge and comprehensive selection of movies.
I also love our streaming service because it is integrated into my TV, and I can watch anytime I want. The benefits of our streaming service are really quite different from the benefits of DVD by mail. We need to focus on rapid improvement as streaming technology and the market evolves, without maintaining compatibility with our DVD by mail service.
So we realized that streaming and DVD by mail are really becoming two different businesses, with very different cost structures, that need to be marketed differently, and we need to let each grow and operate independently.
It’s hard to write this after over 10 years of mailing DVDs with pride, but we think it is necessary: In a few weeks, we will rename our DVD by mail service to “Qwikster”. We chose the name Qwikster because it refers to quick delivery. We will keep the name “Netflix” for streaming.
Qwikster will be the same website and DVD service that everyone is used to. It is just a new name, and DVD members will go to qwikster.com to access their DVD queues and choose movies. One improvement we will make at launch is to add a video games upgrade option, similar to our upgrade option for Blu-ray, for those who want to rent Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 games. Members have been asking for video games for many years, but now that DVD by mail has its own team, we are finally getting it done. Other improvements will follow. A negative of the renaming and separation is that the Qwikster.com and Netflix.com websites will not be integrated.
There are no pricing changes (we’re done with that!). If you subscribe to both services you will have two entries on your credit card statement, one for Qwikster and one for Netflix. The total will be the same as your current charges. We will let you know in a few weeks when the Qwikster.com website is up and ready.
For me the Netflix red envelope has always been a source of joy. The new envelope is still that lovely red, but now it will have a Qwikster logo. I know that logo will grow on me over time, but still, it is hard. I imagine it will be similar for many of you.
I want to acknowledge and thank you for sticking with us, and to apologize again to those members, both current and former, who felt we treated them thoughtlessly.
Both the Qwikster and Netflix teams will work hard to regain your trust. We know it will not be overnight. Actions speak louder than words. But words help people to understand actions.
Respectfully yours,
-Reed Hastings, Co-Founder and CEO, Netflix
p.s. I have a slightly longer explanation along with a video posted on our blog, where you can also post comments.
Tags: netflix > netflix CEO > netflix customer announcement > Netflix Founder > netflix story > Netflix streaming > Reed Hastings
Get Mobile cleaning up in your area with Love clean streets app
Posted on | July 16, 2011 | 1 Comment
Finally, it seems, mobile phone technology has caught on with Councils all over the UK with the launch of Love Clean Streets, a website and smarphone app that is helping clean up your area with the touch of a “mobile” button.
This latest brainwave comes in the form of an application, or app, for mobile smartphones across Windows, Iphone and Android operating systems allowing users to take photographs of unsightly rubbish, fly-tipping, graffiti or general problems like pot holes in your neighborhood area..
Once you’ve taken the photo using the app, it’s sent to the relevant council and handed over to the Customer First department for community teams to deal with.
Unlike previous (or is that current!!) forms of communication with the council, in order to help you keep track of your complaint and understand what is actually happening with it, your picture will appear on the Love Clean Streets website where residents will be able to track other reported issues including how long they take to be resolved.
For someone living and working in London, I was pleased to discover that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has also joined in on the scheme launching a the Love Clean London application.
The Love Clean London site is part of the LoveCleanStreets network, launched In partnership with Mayor of London, LoveLewisham, Keep Britain Tidy, Veolia Environment, Microsoft UK, Pitney Bowes Business Insight and Capital Ambition, so some big names here that are helping support this great initiative..
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “Eyesores such as litter, graffiti and fly-tipping are a real blight on our environment. It also costs boroughs millions to clear up the mess of a small number of irresponsible individuals.
“Love Clean London gives people an easy way to report a discarded mattress or an outbreak of graffiti, helping their boroughs to direct finite resources where they are most needed.
He adds, “In tough financial times, this smart use of technology can deliver genuine savings whilst encouraging people to take an active pride in their local environment. I am urging more boroughs to get behind it and more Londoners to spruce up the capital in the run up to 2012 and beyond.”
I couldn’t agree more and I’m hoping that more Londoners will start to take pride in their areas and start using apps like this.
I’ve downloaded the app and look forward to testing it out soon so here’s to a cleaner London, it can only ever be a good thing..
Love Clean London Android Application
Love Clean Street Android Application
Love Clean Streets on Windows Phone
Tags: clean streets smartphone app > council clean up app > council clean up mobile app > love clean london > Love clean London app > love clean london mobile app > love clean streets > love clean streets mobile app
Motorola Atrix Helpful Settings
Posted on | June 9, 2011 | 1 Comment
I’ve finally upgraded from my Google Nexus One after what seems like years of seeing smartphones pass me by that I’ve just not been interested in at all. So what’s phone I’ve upgraded to – The Motorola Atrix…
As per any move to a new phone I’ve been searching the web to figure out certain settings for the Atrix and thought I’d start to compile them here for anyone else who figures that it’s a great phone.. You can also post your own thoughts, tips and guides as well if you like?
So here goes –
* Is it possible to have a different notification for your email?
Yes it is.. The Atrix seems like it doesn’t have many setting for personalising your sound profiles but some of these settings are actually within application menues (and not just in the main settings menu of the phone)
So, to have different sounds for text and mail.
- Open your mail.
- Tap the Menu button
- Tap more
- Tap Settings
- Scroll down to Notification setting and set the tone you want.
* What are the Atrix keyboard shortcuts?
So you’re using you Atrix to it’s fullest.. Whether plugged into the TV of the laptop shell, there are a number of great keyboard shortcuts you can use to save time.
Browser keyboard shortcuts:
- Menu + Spacebar – Show Homepage
- Menu + D – Downloads
- Menu + E – Select Text
- Menu + F – Find
- Menu + H – Show History
- Menu + S – Share page
- Menu + P – Open Settings
- Menu + G – Display Page Info
* Can I personalise the Atrix menu buttons to launch specific applications?
Yes and you can end up saving a lot fo time here and space instead of dropping shortcuts or apps onto homescreens.
Go to Settings >> Applications >> Double Tap Home Launch
Then chose what you want to work as double tap.
As another little tip, if you hold down the search function menu button it leads to a short cut to voice commands or another application (in my case, QR Droid).
I’ll be adding more and more as I either search for them myself or come across them so make sure to either come back or add a comment with your favorite Motorola Artix shortcuts or tips..
If you’re on O2 as well and are looking for Motorola APN settings for 3G and MMS as well then the Google Nexus One settings I posted also work on the Motorola Atrix so check them out.
Tags: Atrix > Atrix 4g > Atrix o2 APN settings > motorla atrix 3g and MMS settings > Motorla Atrix helpful settings > motorola Atrix > Motorola Atrix settings
The Coolest thing in the world ever
Posted on | June 7, 2011 | 1 Comment
Ok, so the subject line might mislead some of you but in my humble opinion this new MOO widget is pretty damn cool..
The MOO Anagrammer
With a single click you can create a range of different anagrams of your name, and then print five of your alternate names on to Business Cards from MOO.
Grab some simple HTML and embed this widget on your blog, or share your favourite anagrams with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!
Tags: Anagram > MOO > MOO Anagrammer > MOO API > MOO Business Cards > Work Stuff
Insanity Workout and my Lazy Motivation
Posted on | June 5, 2011 | No Comments
I’ve been working for MOO.COM, based in East London, for over the last year now and THE ONLY drawback to someone who lives in West London is the hour door to door journey on the London Underground that ends up taking two hours out of my day that I could really use for many many other things..
Now, before MOO I cycled to work (Betfair.com) around 5 Miles (there and back) every day. I played badminton at lunch time, went swimming or used the gym that was conveniently situated over the road. I’ve missed that.. It keeps your mind sharp and healthy (as well as everything else).
That was until I found out about Insanity, the 60 day Total Body Conditioning program with Shaun T.. (That I can not recommend enough)
So what’s with this Insanity workout then?? I’d been looking at how to keep fit for ages whilst at MOO.COM. If I went to a gym I figured I’d either have to get up very early in the morning or get back home even later.. Add journey times and costs to get to the gym and it started to suck away my already limited motivation to get back into the health side of things..
That’s when I discovered this amazing thing. Lazy Motivation… Don’t get me wrong. I don’t suffer from lack of motivation, but I think most of you out there understand me when I say after a long day at work, long travel schedule etc, the last thing you want to do is take even more time (and money) out of your day to do something like workout.
I’m into week 5 of the 9 week Insanity body conditioning course and it’s changed me for the good.. It’s motivational (VERY motivational), structured, versatile, hard etc and I can get home and workout straight away as it’s over 13 DVD’s. The great thing is, as soon as I’m done with my workout I’m home, not needing to battle through full changing rooms, find my locker, change and make my way home on the tube all hot and bothered. So this is what I’ve termed as lazy Motivation and as Shaun T says “I Love It”..
With a little brain power anythings possible and if you just havent figured out your own solution yet maybe you need to find your own Lazy Motivation..
As for the Insanity Workout.. Here’s a taster of what I’ve been doing every day for the last 5 weeks and let me just say, it really does work if you commit yourself to it.
—————————————————————————
Your personal trainer Shaun T will push you past your limits with 10 discs packed with cardio and plyometric drills with intervals of strength, power, resistance, and core training. No equipment or weights are needed, and you don’t have to be in extreme shape to do it. As long as you’re ready to dig deep, Shaun will help you get insane results in just 60 days.
Here’s what you get:
10 Insane Workouts (there are three bonus DVD’s you can get as well to continue with after the course ends)
- Dig Deeper & Fit Test. To start, Shaun will put your body to the test and see what you’re made of. (30 min.)
- Plyometric Cardio Circuit. Burn fat with intervals of intense lower-body plyo and sweat-inducing cardio. (42 min.)
- Cardio Power & Resistance. Build lean muscle and upper-body definition with strength-training and power moves. (40 min.)
- Cardio Recovery. Shaun goes easier on you once a week so you’re ready for the next round. (33 min.)
- Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs. Skip the intervals—this nonstop cardio workout is all extreme. (55 min.)
- Core Cardio & Balance. Take a break after month 1 and gear up for month 2 with this workout. (37 min.)
- Max Interval Circuit & Fit Test. The interval circuit that’s more intense than anything you’ve ever done before. (86 min.)
- Max Interval Plyo. Push your legs ’til they beg for mercy with power and plyo, all at your MAX. (55 min.)
- Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs. Get pushed to your limit with this extreme cardio workout. (65 min.)
- Max Recovery. Give it a rest and build strength for another round with intense moves and stretches. (47 min.)
Plus, get these 4 free gifts:
- Elite Nutrition Plan. A food plan specifically designed to fuel your body for these intense workouts.
- Fitness Guide. It’s short and to the point, with just the information you need. We want you working out—not reading.
- INSANITY® Calendar. Lets you track your progress through Month 1 and Month 2, set workout goals, and stay motivated the whole time. Plus, the Fit Test Tracker tracks your results as you transform your body.
- FREE Online Support Tools. Stay inspired with round-the-clock access to fitness experts and peer support.
Oh, and if you know about Shaun T’s quotes then check out these great t-shirts
The Google Instant Alphabet of Search – Part 2
Posted on | April 14, 2011 | No Comments
Back in September something happened. Something big, something different and something that we now take for granted…
I’m talking about Google Instant Search and of course my amazing write up on the Google Instant Alphabet of Search.. The what’s what and who’s who of searches as I went through the alphabet from A to Z and the brands that were benefiting from Google Instant..
Well, 8 months later I’m back and running through the same A to Z search again to see what’s changed, who’s been planning their SEO campaign against Google Instant and who the losers are in the never ending game of “get me to top position on natural search please”
To make things easier and to save your poor fingers from having to click through to the old article I’m highlighting the new results in BOLD against the old ones that appear first of all. If they are the same, I simply type Same. Drum role please….
Google.co.uk – Instant Search from A to Z
A – Argos – Same
B – BBC – Same
C – Currys – Same
D – Debenhams – Daily Mail
E – eBay – Same
F – FaceBook – Same
G – maps.google.co.uk (Really???) – Google.co.uk (Makes a lot more sense)
H – Live.co.uk (Strange again) – Hotmail
I – ITV – Ikea
J – John Lewis – Same
K – KLM – Same
L – National-Lottery – Same
M – uk.msn.com – Same
N – Next – Same
O – o2 – Same
P – PayPal – Same
Q – QVCUK – QuidCo
R – Rightmove – Same
S – Sky – Same
T – Tesco – Same
U – YouTube (Yea, really) – Same (again, really?)
V – Virgin-Atlantic – Same
W – news.bbc.co.uk/weather – Wikipedia
X – xbox – Xe.com
Y – YouTube – Same
Z – Zara – Same
Google Instant Search and SEO implications
So, out of 26 letters in the alphabet, 7 brands have fallen from top spot for the first results showing up on Google Instant Search.
There are some expected changes in my mind such as W for Wikipedia and X for Xe.com but big changes for D with Debenhams losing out to the Daily Mail and also I, with ITV (working hard to drive eyeballs online and spending a lot of money on site changes and who in fact do not show up at all on the first page of search under the letter I) who have lost out to Ikea.
Wether or not you think that Google Instant has a Brand Bias or not is up to you and if you’re looking for some more food for thought then check out the Google Instant Search and it’s impact on SEO article over at SecretSwede.net
Tags: Brand Search > Google Brand Bias > Google Brand Search > Google Instant > google instant search > Google Instant Search and SEO > google search > Google SEO > Instant Search SEO
Work Ethics: Credit where Credit’s not due
Posted on | February 26, 2011 | No Comments
I’ve recently come across a few dubious articles online from people (not naming anyone) and it got me thinking about my work ethic.
As someone who’s been in management for a good few years, I find it increasingly important to not only continue to drive myself but just as important is to continue pushing my team and giving them the best chances possible to increase their knowledge base, move into new areas/channels and grab hold of the advantages that I myself feel I have been given through my career to date.
That’s why, when I do interviews for online articles, speak at events or even networking with or without a beer I’m concious to NEVER lie and take credit for something that I have not done myself and that I support and congratulate any of my team members who have helped achieve milestones along the way..
It’s a shame when when things like this happens and I hope more people have the same honest ethics that I myself like to stick to.
Tags: articles with no truth suck ass > Credit where Credit's not due > Work Ethics
Coke, The ’secret recipe’
Posted on | February 15, 2011 | No Comments
OK, so my first post in a while and I’m thinking about just doing some smaller thoughts and snapshot articles of things I’ve come across or am thinking about instead of the more well thought out and analytically backed up pieces that I have been doing (insert joke here)
So, speaking of stupid stuff, I came across this today on the Telegraph, that published an article about a company that claim to have found out the secret recipe for Coca Cola, otherwise know as COKE…
THE ONLY reason I wanted to post this was because I didnt want it to disappear (as if anything on the web can ever dissappear) and I thought it would be fun for everyone to try making their own (disclaimer, you might die if you try)
Anyway, here it is.. Good luck with your life choices here.. You’re on your own here in…
The ’secret recipe’ of Coca Cola, aka COKE
Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP
Citric acid 3 oz
Caffeine 1oz
Sugar 30 (it is unclear from the markings what quantity is required)
Water 2.5 gal
Lime juice 2 pints 1 qrt
Vanilla 1oz
Caramel 1.5oz or more to colour
7X flavour (use 2oz of flavour to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol 8oz
Orange oil 20 drops
Lemon oil 30 drops
Nutmeg oil 10 drops
Coriander 5 drops
Neroli 10 drops
Cinnamon 10 drops
If anyone knows the best places to get all of these ingredients as well then post a link and let people know..
Tags: coca cola > coke > coke recipe > online coke recipe > secret coke recipe