08.30.09

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-30

Posted in Twitter at 11.42 am by Caitlin

• Oh no! I've been to Peggy's Cove – it's a gorgeous place. RT @sparklestarr #Hurricane Bill hits Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia http://bit.ly/KyFW8 #
• Young, female, American volunteer colleague of @ourman to be in London Sep 15-16. Any footie loving women who'd take her to a game? #
• Blogger friend has just told me that a spammer is commenting with my name (Caitlin – Roaming Tales). Is there anything I can do about this? #
• This is so sad! RT @TwilightEarth Tribesman poisoning African lions http://tinyurl.com/llp6km #
• Interesting article on bicycle parking in American cities on Slate. http://www.slate.com/id/2225511/ #
• Reading about the future of URL shorteners on Slate. I didn't know that Tr.im had gone under. http://www.slate.com/id/2224860/ #
• Oh this is quite sad – a visualisation of Michael Jackson in the year 2000, drawn in 1985. (via @jendudley @ChadLicc). http://bit.ly/eWggQ #
• Reading @leighholmwood's piece – do reality TV shows owe a duty of care to contestants for their mental well being? http://bit.ly/yBdp4 #
• RT @BarackObama Spread the truth: Respond to the lie that health reform means "pulling the plug on grandma" http://bit.ly/1WWuu4 #hc09 #
• I'm trying to do some more food blogging, starting with these delectable pink beauties. http://bit.ly/Ej5Jo #
• Travel tip – Pack running shoes. Run or brisk walk = great way to explore a new city, rather than going A to B with map. #lp #traveltuesday #
• I've joined @penelopetrunk's http://www.brazencareerist.com, billed as LinkedIn for Generation Y. #
• The gardeners are here. They seem to be use a leaf-blower to blow leaf litter out of the flower bed. Isn't mulch good for the soil? #
• Hopeful signs for peace in the Middle East. http://bit.ly/3pKrR #
• Recently released CIA documents don't show what Cheney said they would. http://bit.ly/P4Fz9 #
• Magical video of wild swimming in fairy pools on Isle of Skye. I'd love to make travel videos like this! http://bit.ly/16MzsE #lp #tavel #
• Reading Frank Bruni's last column as food critic for the NY Times, in which he answers outstanding questions. http://bit.ly/svRHS #
• I'm spending too much time online in general esp blogging/social media. I need to pare down to the essentials so I can get other stuff done. #
• This link (via @freecloud) really hit home for me about overload of social media and how it affects the brain. http://bit.ly/16ko3N #
• I am determined that today shall not be wasted. If I have to, I'll unplug the internet at the wall to force me to concentrate on writing. #
• Reading @kimmance on the Huffington Post about Rome beyond the historic monuments. http://bit.ly/1Nw7J #travel #lp #
• RT LOL! @GeorgeHopkin Couldn't they get a few more series out of Big Brother if they filmed it all under water? With manatees as housemates. #
• From the Gooseberry Fool way-back files: Jelly fashion and orange flummerie (July 2007). http://bit.ly/3O57SK #
• Good Mexican food in London? Yes it's possible! From the Roaming Tales way-back machine (Feb 2008). http://bit.ly/jQGRx #lp #travel #food #
• Hubby bought book of food processor recipes to go with new gadget. Contains recipe for "vegetarian chopped liver". This seems unnecessary. #
• I mean are there really any vegetarians out there who miss chopped liver so much that they need a stand-in? I didn't think so! #
• Can anyone help out @amytropolis? She is looking to fill 100 goodie bags for an eco-showcase in NYC for Market Week. Plus the actual bags. #
• Stewed large pot of white peaches to freeze. Asked hubby how much sugar I added. His guess = 1/2 cup. Answer = none. Naturally super-sweet! #
• Top 10 things to do in Poland, according to Nat Geo's Intelligent Travel blog. http://bit.ly/41fkCH #travel #lp #
• Reading about how to get LESS done on Zen Habits. Being lazy and relaxing can be good for the soul! http://bit.ly/T1S98 #
• Looking out my window at two birds with bright blue tail feathers, taking turns splashing in the bird bath. So pretty! #
• Lovely lunch w/ @elliottng & @Uptake bloggers @ TownHall restaurant d/town SF. Biggest pot de creme I've ever seen! (In US now). #
• 28C (83F) in San Francisco today. Finally some proper summer weather! This is about my ideal temperature. 25-32C (77-89F) is perfect for me. #
• Sad to be missing Jan Morris talk at Book Passage store in Corte Madera tonight. #bptravel #
• RT @frombecca #rememberwhen people cooked from scratch, swapped recipes, and food was nurturing. Join me SLOW FRESH REGIONAL. #
• Are you creative and green? Tell us how you reuse, recycle and reinvent and be in the running for a $500 gift card. http://bit.ly/2Opsi7 #
• RT @steveklein Cycling on Martha's Vineyard – is a treat. Mostly flat and all beautiful. http://bit.ly/2BN2zB #travel #lp (via@agahran) #
• Happy for my Aussie friends that Topshop is coming to Australia. via @shinykim @GraziaMagAus http://bit.ly/1eUe39 #
• I made pastry in my new food processor. It's chilling in the fridge until tomorrow when I will turn it into peach and cardamom pie. Yum! #
• The recipe said to wrap the pastry in plastic. Fat molecules bind to plastic so I used waxed paper instead. I hope that works. #food #
• Gimmick? Westin Aruba to reward couples who conceive at their resort with $300 credit. (via @SimpleTourism) http://bit.ly/12ODNO #travel #
• Listening to "Pregnant Women are Smug". So funny and true! http://bit.ly/Ni57a (via @miafreedman). I hope I won't be like this! #
• Facebook to change privacy rules because of complaints by Canada's privacy commissioner. Yay for Canada! http://bit.ly/VjjSU #
• Which city has the most Michelin stars? The answer may surprise you: http://ow.ly/lSYG (via @wanderlust13 @culinarynomad @Sean1974) #
• Ooh controversial! RT @joebertl: Twitter’s Golden Ratio (That No One Likes To Talk About) http://bit.ly/yjPjh (via @traverants) #
• From my blog – cutting down old-growth forest happens in the First World too. (Photo Friday entry) http://bit.ly/HzCD7 #
• Great pictures from @elliottng of our @Uptake lunch yesterday. http://bit.ly/q2y94 #
• Lunch yesterday featured the biggest pot de creme I've ever seen. Here's a pic – it's a soup bowl not a ramekin! http://bit.ly/5UALG #
• My #followfriday recommendations – one travel and one food – are up on Roaming Tales. http://bit.ly/sS51K #
• We are slowly getting the house furnished. Our latest purchase arrived yesterday and has already transformed our life! http://bit.ly/3pB8tR #
• Travelling to Italy? Learn from @gypsynester's mistakes! Everything from power cords to breakfast. http://gypsynester.com/gnit.htm #travel #
• RT @tripology PLEASE VOTE for the #Travel panel for #SxSW http://bit.ly/3BTbUV It only takes a minute. #
• Pie recipe seems to be telling me to put pie dish on a 'rimmed baking sheet'. What is that and why do I do it? @lulugrimes @blogwelldone #
• http://www.365characters.net (@liatach's cool character-driven art project) has now moved to WordPress. The 'about' page is useful background. #
• Heard knocking at my window, looked over and there was a red squirrel looking in at me, nose quivering and paw uplifited. So cute! #
• I don't take press trips but I'd make an exception if @RichardBranson wanted to invite me to launch into space with Virgin Galactic. #travel #
• I'm pretty sure I could place that article in a good home, regardless of anti-press trip policies at US newspapers! #travel #
• Good tips! I should back up more. RT @gadling How to protect and preserve your digital #travel photos – ultimate guide http://bit.ly/15XjCN #
• Recipe says "bake until crust is golden brown, peaches are tender and juices are bubbling thickly at edges, about 45 minutes". No bubbling. #
• Crust is brown (especially where I sprinkled the sugar on top) but there is no bubbling yet. I'll give it another few minutes. #
• Pie out of oven – small bubbles at the side, probably as much as I'm going to get. It's gonna be GREAT! Thanks @TakahashiXIII @cruisincal #
• I would love it if someone would like to nominate Roaming Tales to be featured on Regator (has to be via email). http://bit.ly/BgXhd #
• RT @alaindebotton "Much more interesting to observe how an airline meal is prepared than to eat it" (via @Mikeachim) #travel #lp #
• Interesting idea. I wonder how it will go. Matador is launching an online travel writing course. http://bit.ly/CKVZV #
• Pondering next year's #bptravel. I'd love to go but it seems foolish to book it before I know if I'm staying in the US. http://bit.ly/4rgASF #
• Lovely summer day in San Francisco. Cycling in Golden Gate Park, Ponyo at the movies, then back home for peach pie and Skype call to family. #
• RT @TravelSavvyKayt My post on stopping to smell the flowers is up on NWF's Green Hour: http://bit.ly/1abpF8 #

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08.23.09

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-23

Posted in Twitter at 11.42 am by Caitlin

• Great post from @travelwriting on #bptravel conference: http://bit.ly/2bSMc5 #
• I am, as Tim Cahill would say, "blissed out" from the #bptravel conference but determined to follow up on stuff tomorrow. Tired now. #
• I have a bunch of new followers – lots of travel folk. Welcome! I don't auto-follow but have added a bunch. Please say hi so we can connect. #
• Thanks to @etherius "Shiny Happy People" is now stuck in my head. And now yours. Tee hee, I am evil. #
• Alison Wright was on the photography faculty at #bptravel. I am admiring the beautiful images on her website. http://www.alisonwright.com/ #
• It's frustrating that US Govt is introducing tax on soft drink (soda/pop) rather than ending the subsidies that produce excess corn syrup. #
• RT @annikahipple Green Globe, which certifies sustainable tourism businesses, is partnering w/ ISLANDS Magazine. http://tinyurl.com/qgwtyr #
• FAO travel writers and bloggers – have I linked to you this week? http://bit.ly/DoJf2 #
• I need hotel recommendations for New York City for my parents-in-law who will visit us, then go to NYC, in September/October. #
• For NYC hotel, they'd like to walk places. They don't mind if it's tiny but they want their own bathroom. 2-3 star but not backpacker. #
• Great – what about Australia? RT @fooderati Cadbury NZ bows to pressure to switch back to cocoa butter from palm oil. http://bit.ly/43dPYg #
• I've been at a conference so I've just caught up with #followfriday today. See: http://bit.ly/sS51K #
• Coverage of the US health care reforms in the UK press: http://bit.ly/jHMlQ Such a shame that the orchestrated protests are working. #
• US has problem of low passport ownership. Australia has reverse problem – everyone holidays overseas & affects economy. http://bit.ly/Y4p2O #
• I came across a site called Newscred when Googling myself. Interesting idea but odd to read about myself in this way. http://bit.ly/WLVhC #
• RT @badbanana At least that child will know he wasn't adopted. Not widely, at least. (re @scobleizer junior's initials: RSS) #
• Odd night in a hostel can help save money on long trip by using kitchen & laundry. Most have private rooms as well as dorms. #traveltuesday #
• I am using #traveltuesday to share travel tips and doing #followfriday on my blog to recommend people to follow http://bit.ly/mLkyR #
• I wish summer in San Francisco were more canicular and less gorillas in the mist. It's mid August and it's COLD! @definethis #
• RT @AfarMedia Check out Afar's founder interviewed by Fox Business on our new YouTube channel. http://bit.ly/Ooogm #
• Reading @BarackObama's op-ed piece in the New York Times about health are. I urge you to read it too. http://bit.ly/y4ANG #
• RT @ecosalon If you've noticed a sudden uptick in anti-organic food news stories, here's why. http://bit.ly/3auBvQ #
• Anyone care to comment on my United Airlines follow-up post from this morning? http://bit.ly/1BEb8A #
• I'm trying to rewrite my CV for the US market. Step 1: Call it a resume, not a CV. Step 2: Condense 3 pages down to 1. It's not easy. #
• Question for US folks: I have condensed my 3-page resume to 1.5 pages. Is that still too long? #
• Fantastic article about the truth behind Fiji Water on Mother Jones. http://bit.ly/10SYvG #
• Does anyone know of a good cooking class or course in Istanbul for @figandcherry? #
• I am determined not to waste the day… but so far I have spent last 1.5 hours checking in with email and social media. So seductive. #
• Good piece from @mrdavidwhitley on how travel PR can effectively use Twitter (and how not to). http://bit.ly/4CTgd #
• RT @guykawasaki There are no experts in social media – only people who try stuff; talk about trying stuff; & assholes (via @thewordisberry) #
• Glad Cadbury has switched back to cocoa butter (rather than palm oil) in Australia as well as NZ. http://bit.ly/Eq52d @frombecca @tomatom #
• Interesting! RT @markstencel A kilogram just isn't what it used to be. http://is.gd/2plSB #
• Brilliant! Now let's try some other anthems. RT @vealmince In Australia, young people are not happy http://bit.ly/119sF9 #
• European workers just as productive as US counterparts, despite (or because of?) longer vacation. http://bit.ly/12Cocu #
• The slide show that accompanies the BusinessWeek story on vacation vs economic competitiveness is pretty cool too. http://bit.ly/49f8Ws #
• Still time to sponsor me for Dry July (I gave up alcohol in July to fundraise for charity). I need $74 to hit my goal. http://bit.ly/4kizMV #
• As a teddy bear, dog training is a challenge. Even a tiny dog could take ME for a walk, which would literally be a drag! @KatieBichon #
• Aagh, I hate account confusion in TweetDeck. Sorry for my (now deleted) nonsensical last tweet. #
• Associated has prevailed in London's free newspaper wars – 3 years on, Murdoch's News Int is axing the London Paper. http://bit.ly/zhOsM #
• Good blog post from @sdbrook on who wins from demise of LondonPaper. Great line on future of rival London Lite. http://bit.ly/15DAI5 #
• "Bike-riding mum denied at drive-through turns to Twitter" [USA Today] (via @christinelu)– http://bit.ly/L2vxT #
• Ad targeting FAIL: Home page of of Australian news site news.com.au carries ad for Obama funding for mothers to return to school. #
• By me on BusinessWeek: How past mistakes with alcohol could cost you a US visa. Policy is keeping families apart. http://bit.ly/1y2vxQ #
• I think I've figured out what to do this weekend. Is anyone else in San Francisco going to this street food festival? http://bit.ly/uqrG2 #
• I have updated my #followfriday recommendations on my blog: http://bit.ly/sS51K #
• EcoSalon brings you 8 weird ways to go green! http://bit.ly/cpwqP Not having a fridge is pretty weird too: http://bit.ly/iQunB #
• FAO San Francisco foodies: Hubby's parents are visiting in Sept-Oct. I need a restaurant recommendation for father-in-law's 70th birthday. #
• I'm aware of French Laundry, Chez Panisse etc but I'm preferably looking for something nice that's in SF city rather than wider Bay Area. #
• Britain is one of the most crowded countries on earth but you wouldn't know it in the hills of Scotland. http://bit.ly/18k6Xh #lp #travel #
• Award-winning eco-tourism project in west African nation of Gabon is in jeopardy. http://bit.ly/QliGL #lp #travel #
• Pure genius – ballet flats sold from a vending machine at a nightclub (will also fit in your handbag). Via @kag2u. http://bit.ly/T7W5u #
• RT @kimmance I sometimes wonder if people realize how semi-public their incoming Google search strings are. Also – some people are creepy. #
• Great interview with a hijab-wearing flight attendant on @worldhum. http://bit.ly/3kOezM #travel #lp @jimbenning #
• I always enjoy taking part in @definethis' word of the day contests and today I'm not just a spear-carrier – I won! Thanks, Heather. #
• When does peach season end in California? I hope they'll be cheap and plentiful at farmers' market tomorrow. I'm planning to do some baking. #
• Interesting discussion on my BusinessWeek story on visa denials based on alleged alcohol abuse. Feel free to join in! http://bit.ly/1y2vxQ #
• RT @jenniferesque I have learned a valuable lesson about arguing with people who have never used Twitter about Twitter. Don't. #
• You know you're in the US when the online form doesn't ask for your title (Mr/Ms etc) but it DOES ask for your 'suffix' (Jr, III, Esq etc). #
• Whenever I comment on a Blogger/Blogspot blog using name/URL, the site eats my comment. Anyone else have the same problem? Infuriating! #
• By me on EcoSalon >>> #Cadbuy's U-turn on palm oil in chocolate. A victory for people power! http://bit.ly/ygvIL #
• Stocked up on peaches, figs, baby eggplant, mushrooms & chard at Alameny Farmers' Market – cheaper & less frou-frou than SF Ferry Building. #
• Roaming Tales is a food and travel blog (separate RSS feeds available) but I've been neglecting the food content lately. I'll rectify this! #

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08.16.09

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-16

Posted in Twitter at 11.42 am by Caitlin

• Thanks for retweets and comments on #best job blog entry. Great discussion, tho one commenter seems to think it's Pom-bashing by an Aussie! #
• I have a guest post today on Nicaragua on @travelojos' blog: http://bit.ly/2DW0ig Check it out, leave a comment! #
• Win a $50 Gap card at @LunaticAtLarge's Camels & Chocolate. http://camelsandchocolate.com/?p=2334 #
• Fantastic video of Laura Ling speaking of her and Euna Lee's experience and gratitude at their release. Tear jerker! http://bit.ly/3dNKPF #
• Facebook has bought FriendFeed. I hope they don't mess with it! http://bit.ly/AIEYG #
• Love this picture of a peacock character from @liatach. http://bit.ly/15yiGS #
• I'm looking forward to the Book Passage Travel Writing & Photography Conference this week! Some great people teaching and attending. #
• RT @steamykitchen Food Bloggers and Freebies…excellent article by @diannej http://bit.ly/Ge9nb #
• Feeling blue so ordered choc cake at cafe to cheer myself up. Halfway through eating it, I realised it had green mould spots on the base. #
• Enjoying @annychih's blog http://www.annychih.com as island caretaker finalist travels around Queensland (mostly in Brisbane for work right now). #
• RT @sleemol @foodiegirlie: Jamie Oliver as we've nev seen him… http://bit.ly/FKkMf #
• .@annychih Can I lure you south of the border (just a little south)? This is one of my fave places in Australia: http://bit.ly/e9b3M #
• Usually StumbleUpon visitors look at the one page and then disappear but lately more of them have been taking a look around the site. Nice. #
• The story behind my interview with Youssou N'Dour: http://bit.ly/9p2kv. The actual interview: http://bit.ly/XKaHM. (2 separate posts). #
• Smiling at the nice review I got at Do You Digg It today: http://bit.ly/OFhKB #
• Obama: "Let's disagree over things that are real, not wild misrepresentations unlike anything that's been proposed" via @nomadicmatt #
• As the health care debate rumbles on in the US, I want to express my gratitude for public health care in UK and Australia. #welovethenhs #
• Fascinating article on how Wikipedia has changed and how this is slowing growth by @bobbiejohnson. http://bit.ly/4CZ6G2 #
• Bored with the Mad Men icon (and I'm still using it on Facebook) so I'm going back to the Amnesty International icon for now. @heatherwilson #
• The butterfly is to support Amnesty's campaign for justice for 'comfort women' in World War 2. http://bit.ly/11UCXI (fyi @heatherwilson) #
• My digital camera is broken and the food blogging is suffering as a result, though I've been enjoying using my film SLR around town. #
• Not going to #bp Book Passage Travel Writing & Photography Conference this week but wish you were? I'll be tweeting from @niltiac_bp #
• I am not a fan of people flooding their Twitter feed with conference content, which is why I've created dedicated @niltiac_bp account. #bp #
• #welovethenhs is at top of trending topics (fyi @rachelclarke). National health care is a national treasure! Nice to see some Brit pride. #
• RT @stephenfry Know this, USA. Even the most right wing British politician wouldn't think of dismantling our health service. #welovethenhs #
• RT @dcagle Liked this cartoon about the noise that's being spewed about the health care debate http://tinyurl.com/lvmyvj #welovethenhs #
• Back from DMV (driving licence). What a soul-destroying experience. Can't believe there's only one for whole of San Francisco. Took 3 hours. #
• Also can't believe everything (knowledge test etc) is done with pen & paper. It was computerised when I first took my NSW test 17 years ago. #
• RT @swandives Soooo cute – Australia's tiniest horse, Koda – http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/13/2654228.htm #
• Fascinating article on the architects of the Bush-era torture regime. Link via @bengoldacre. http://bit.ly/16CQ5p #
• .@AlyssaH87 Are you kidding me? Wouldn't it be better if your family didn't have to pay as much either? #welovethenhs #
• .@AlyssaH87 Do you believe in public education? Wouldn't it be great if private health insurance was optional, like private school? #
• .@AlyssaH87 Be alert to who is criticizing the health care reforms and why. The insurance companies stand to lose a lot & are fighting hard. #
• Wow, this is a pretty amazing way to visualise air traffic. http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/sustainable/images/at/ #travel #
• RT @queensland WANTED – Island Caretaker Helpers! New positions available. http://cli.gs/yWPU6 #
• Went to bed late so not feeling rested this morning. A pity since I am starting 4 full-on days of #bp conference going! (follow @niltiac_bp) #
• Off to #bp Book Passage Travel Writing & Photography Conference. Found a ride! Please follow me at @niltiac_bp if it's of interest. #
• Just a reminder to travel writing folks that I'm tweeting from Book Passage at @niltiac_bp. #bp #
• Now for day 2 of the Book Passage Travel & Photography Conference. Conference tweets at @niltiac_bp. Hashtag is #bptravel. #
• As I'm at the conference today, I'm not sure if I'll have time to update my #followfriday page on http://www.roamingtales.com. #
• Phil Cousineau's talk last night was good but more inspirational than informational – therefore I didn't feel like tweeting it. #bptravel #
• Now I'm at the session on 'advanced strategies for freelancers' – panel with 3 travel writers, moderated by Georgia Hesse. #bptravel #
• Sorry, account confusion on TweetDeck … #bptravel tweets are continuing at @niltiac_bp. #
• Just got home at 1am from conference drinks and karaoke. Our new couch has arrived so I don't have to sit on the floor any more – hurray! #
• It's the last day of the conference . It's been a blast – meeting great people in travel writing & learning a lot about craft. #bptravel #

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08.11.09

Family visit to Inveraray in Scotland and hill walking with Jenny

Posted in Environment, Family & Friends, Travel at 3.38 am by Caitlin

In the month before I left the UK for San Francisco, I went up to Scotland for work followed by some pleasure travel through the Highlands. I spent a few days visiting my uncle Jeff and aunt Judith and my cousin Jenny came down from Glasgow.

Jeff and Judith are now living in a mobile home next to their cottage up the glen (valley) from Inveraray, while they get building works done on the cottage. The work was three-quarters complete when I was there and it’s going to be very nice, with a lovely big kitchen and more bedrooms, but still keeping the charm of the old cottage.

Jenny (left) and I went for a hill walk directly behind the cottage on the first full day I was there. We didn’t go to the mountain peak a bit to our left, but went to the highest point in a straight line behind the cottage. We saw a family of red deer (sadly, I didn’t have my zoom lens with me so the photograph fails to do it justice), which was very exciting. It was pretty steep going and a lot of it was really scrambling or climbing rather than hiking but it was lots of fun. We called Judith when we reached the top so she could see our silhouettes waving from the ridge line. At the top the ground was flat and boggy – the treacherous peat bog sucked Jenny down to her knees at one point! It was pretty though, scattered with fluffy white bog cotton flowers and patches of red moss and 100 metres or so in from the ridge line, there’s a beautiful little freshwater tarn (lake).

Red deer

The tarn

While I was at the cottage, I also found time to go chanterelle-hunting with Judith (slim pickings though as we were a few weeks early and it had been quite dry) and hang out with my uncle Jeff and talk about the meaning of life. We had my other uncle Steven and Jenny’s cousin (and my friend) Andrew come to dinner on the Saturday night and Jenny and I drove back to Glasgow with Andrew. I stayed at Andrew’s place that night, then it was back to London by train on Sunday, and into the US Embassy for my visa appointment the following day.

Sunset at the cottage

***

See more photos from the hike on Flickr.

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08.09.09

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-09

Posted in Twitter at 11.42 am by Caitlin

• Escaped the fog of San Francisco for a day hike in sunny Marin County. Ate an enormous vegie burrito from the Mission on the way home. #
• Thoughts on travel blog community – if you are mentioned here: http://bit.ly/tKVTs please pay it forward. (Comment, link, stumble, tweet…) #
• Lovely travel photo from @EverywhereTrip of Hobart, Tasmania http://su.pr/3Tgliu #
• The white sweet corn I bought half price (four for $1) from the SF farmers' market on the weekend is so sweet and tender I'm eating it raw. #
• What do you think of public breast feeding? Join in the debate on EcoSalon: http://bit.ly/Pp9M7 #
• Nice follow-up from TBEX sponsor BootsnAll – why travel bloggers should care. http://bit.ly/eI8D6 #
• Donations for @dryjuly are accepted until the end of the month. I need another $105 to reach my goal. http://bit.ly/XksMM #
• Great news – UK govt aiming to phase out short flights and replace with high-speed rail. http://bit.ly/3uyIn #
• What do @fushmush @dietgirl & @kathrynelliott have in common? 1. They are awesome chicks. 2. They have sponsored me for @dryjuly. #
• You can too! http://bit.ly/XksMM Please make sure my sacrifice (no booze for all of July) was worth it – all donations go to charity. #
• I've frittered away the day and I don't have much to show for it. I'm procrastinating on one project and I've ignored my novel since Friday. #
• Dear Followers, If you see me on here tomorrow, please feel free to nag me about whether I'm also doing the things I'm meant to be doing. #
• Great piece by Danna Walker on The Seven Laws of Journalism – This Semester http://is.gd/235WG (link via @JimMacMilllan) #
• Are any other bloggers familiar with this program? http://www.giftedwebwriters.com/ #
• Interesting post from @goldstar on Chris Anderson's work (the Long Tail and Free): http://bit.ly/190SMd #
• Aside from Rosetta Stone, can anyone recommend any Spanish language learning software? #
• Follow @savetheobserver to visibly support The Observer, British Sunday quality paper published since 1791 (GMG is considering closing it). #
• Twitter apparently back up but I'm still having trouble tweeting from Twitter.com. I can see updates and tweet from elsewhere. #
• I still can't update from web – very annoying. I lost my groups in TweetDeck so I have to read tweets on web and then reply on TweetDeck. #
• I'm going to play around on StumbleUpon for a little while. Please feel free to @ or DM me with URLs to posts you want me to take a look at. #
• RT @paulmckeon Read print version of newspaper from start to finish today and enjoyed it. Read stories I never would have clicked on. #
• I've updated my #followfriday recommendations: http://bit.ly/sS51K #
• Learned that #bookpassage is not on the BART. Can anyone give me a ride each day to/from SF City or a BART station across the bay please? #
• Just when I was starting to get blase about the incredible white nectarines and plentiful berries, fresh fig season is upon me! Woo hoo! #
• What does Harrison Ford have in common with Jesus? They were both carpenters at age 30. #
• RT @Suw UK Home Office too dumb to realise ID card tech is breakable; refuses demo of said breakage: http://bit.ly/3P6SnA #
• Hubby is making cinnamon pancakes (yum!) but moaning because we don't have a whisk in new house. Beating out lumps with wooden spoon. #
• If you are on Facebook and use the Networked Blogs app, please help me claim ownership of my blogs (Roaming Tales & Niltiac Files). #
• I'm working on a blog post on @bensouthall and @queensland. Anyone have anything to say? #
• Interesting article in NYT on Paulson and his interactions with Goldmans. http://bit.ly/16ROXP Not sure I trust Geithner either. #
• There's a cracker of a conversation going on in the comments section in my post about the island caretaker job: http://bit.ly/8xZeY #bestjob #
• Perfect happiness is watching hummingbirds feed from the flowers as you eat scrambled eggs in the garden with your beloved on a Sunday morn. #
• Learn how @nomadicmatt uses his travel blog to fund his travels so he can always be a digital nomad. http://su.pr/1mD6ox #

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08.06.09

Wildlife in San Francisco City

Posted in Environment, San Francisco at 5.37 pm by Caitlin

San Francisco is not especially warm in the summer and some days it is downright cold and foggy. While I am bemoaning the lack of opportunity to wear my favourite cotton sundresses, the local wildlife seems quite content.

We have a pair (maybe even a family?) of cute little red squirrels living out the back of our house. They have a couple of different hangouts but one of their favourites is this beautiful cedar tree* in the neighbour’s yard. I shot this picture above when I was eating my lunch on the back step a week or so ago (it was film so it took a while to get developed).

Our next door neighbours on the other side have a gorgeous flower garden, full of colourful chrysanthemums and dahlias and other blooms. We look out over this garden – and beyond to the city – from our kitchen and living room windows. This morning when I came back from a run, just as the automatic watering system turned off, a dozen tiny birds descended, feeding on the nectar of the flowers. I think they might have been hummingbirds. Gorgeous!

* Edited 1 October: I thought this was a Californian redwood but it’s actually a cedar tree of the same species found in Yosemite National Park, according to my neighbour.

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08.02.09

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-02

Posted in Twitter at 11.42 am by Caitlin

• Another solid novel writing session this morning. Feeling pleased with progress and enjoying creative process. Not sure where it's headed. #
• I borrowed new Wonder Woman graphic novel from library. Not my usual fare but I was intrigued that Jodi Picoult had written it. Enjoyed it. #
• Good that #cadbury is doing Fair Trade stuff, @Browners, but did you know about this? http://bit.ly/l6YmB #
• Please help me make my @dryjuly target of $AUS300. Only four more days to go! https://www.dryjuly.com/profiles/caitlinfitzsimmons #
• I'm planning to celebrate the end of @dryjuly with a nice glass of wine. If I reach the target, I'll make it champagne instead. #
• I am more than half way to my $AUS300 target, thanks mainly to a generous donation from my husband. http://bit.ly/XksMM #
• RT @miafreedman Just posted an inspirational guest post from a girl about her sister……enjoy http://bit.ly/YVd00 [A beautiful story] #
• I've installed some ad units on http://www.roamingtales.com and I'm happy with the way it's turned out. Some of the ads actually look interesting! #
• Is it possible to turn off the weight-loss ads though? It seems to be Adsense default whenever they can't find something specific to serve. #
• I now have separate RSS feeds for my travel and food content in case anyone is only interested in one or the other. http://www.roamingtales.com #
• I am inching closer to my @dryjuly fundraising goal – tally stands at $195 and goal is $300. I won't beat Tom Allen with that amount though. #
• If just one in 10 of my 1,547 followers sponsored me $1 I would exceed my goal! Thanks to @KathrynElliott and @dietgirl. http://bit.ly/XksMM #
• I agree that 'staycation' is a silly word but I'm more sick of people complaining about it than the word itself. #travel #
• Now that's interesting. I just got hooked up with Feedburner and it seems that most of my RSS subscribers are doing it through Friend Feed. #
• Had coffee with @artistatlarge earlier today (missed @nancydbrown, sadly). Now in local cafe, working on novel. Managed 500 words so far. #
• Lovely @penelopetrunk post on saying no to opportunities & a reunion with the farmer. Her writing gets better & better. http://bit.ly/ByKya #
• Fascinating article on creativity in Scientific American: http://bit.ly/4npVsm #
• What do you think of my new profile pic? I have been Mad Men-ized. (I don't actually smoke but they did back then). #
• If anyone else wants a Mad Men avatar, see here: http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/madmenyourself/ #
• .@RLVT The butterfly was for an Amnesty International campaign – you can get one for yourself if you like. http://www.amnesty.org.au/comfort #
• This study on creative thought could have implications for science fiction, fantasy and historical fiction writers. http://bit.ly/4npVsm #
• I do like yoga but I'm beginning to suspect that I might like pilates even better. #
• .@ourman You don't know Ted Talks? Oh my – I think you'll really like it. Mostly video, not audio. http://www.ted.com #
• I have just bought $5 tickets ($9 with fees) to see the San Francisco Giants through @goldstar. http://bit.ly/YZSfZ #
• I recommend avoiding the @epicurious review of Julie & Julia movie until after the movie – it contains spoilers. http://tinyurl.com/nzn4ju #
• When did libraries get so noisy? There's a kid squealing in next room reverberation of any footsteps or conversation, and loud machinery. #
• Domestic violence shelters in California expected cuts but not this. Arnie just axed ALL state funding. Terrible! http://bit.ly/2TXGn5 #
• .@paulwiggins I know, hey! Probably the same people who don't know what year Jane Austen danced the Mona Lisa. #
• Health care reform is being derailed by jackleg lobbyists and spin doctors spending billions to keep the status quo. Sad. @definethis #
• It's so easy to fritter away the hours on Twitter. Logging off to get stuff done, back later! #
• RT @evarley Time to vote for the @LDNTwestival charity for Sept! Read up on the charities & vote now: http://3.ly/Q9z (pls RT!) #
• I have cast my vote in favour of @YouthNet (where @tashjudd works). Who do you want Twestival charity pounds to go to? http://3.ly/Q9z #
• My new approach to #followfriday and today's recommendations: http://bit.ly/sS51K #
• An all-American experience awaits me – hubby and I are off to a ball game (baseball) tonight. I wonder if the hot dog is compulsory? #
• RT @elephantcloud It seems apt that fritter and Twitter should rhyme! #
• My morning was reasonably productive for both professional and blogging measures. Novel writing is next on the agenda – starting at 3.30pm. #
• Oh no! Skype under threat, according to this @charlesarthur article. http://bit.ly/1RkrbV I rely on Skype. #
• The cafe is playing Celine Dion's "I am a lady". I'm going to have to go home if they keep it up. #songsihate #
• Fight Twitter spammers: http://bit.ly/177bx2
  @problogger #
• Astound Cable (my broadband provider) truly lives up to its name. I have nothing but good to say about them – inspired to write a blog post. #
• I can't find cottage cheese in the shops here. Does it exist in the US and if so, does it have another name? (Lumpy white, low-fat cheese). #
• Slap-up meal at the Blue Plate in the Mission in San Francisco. Table in lovely lamplit garden. Used voucher from Green Zebra booklet. #
• Cool light monsters from @liatach. http://bit.ly/9jd9J #
• Enjoyed Basque country chardonnay with dinner tonight. Hooray that @dryjuly is over! Not too late to sponsor me though. http://bit.ly/XksMM #

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Astound Cable lives up to its name

Posted in Media & Internet, San Francisco at 2.58 am by Caitlin

It might be de rigeur to bitch about your internet provider but I want to take a moment to sing the praises of mine.

Getting internet connected was one of our first priorities when we moved into our new pad in San Francisco. Thanks to the wonders of Skype this also means we have a home phone. I asked around and it seemed that Comcast was the biggest provider but that many of its customers (or at least the vocal ones) were dissatisfied.

It was @aptinfrance on Twitter who tipped me off to the DSL Reports review site, which let me type in my zip code to see customer reviews for internet providers in my specific area.

I narrowed down the search and spoke to two different companies and eventually decided to go with the cable company Astound. They offer television and telephone as well but we just wanted broadband internet.

In Australia broadband internet costs the earth and comes with draconian download limits. In the UK, the price is not terrible but it’s normal to wait six to eight weeks for a connection, or to change providers, and ADSL is usually the only choice. By contrast, we have it pretty good in California, but I think Astound’s service has been above and beyond the usual.

The prices were competitive – it was a special offer and the price is guaranteed to remain the same for 12 months. We are paying $32 a month – $29 for the service and $3 for rental of the cable modem (we could buy our own if we wanted). This is the total cost as there’s no tax on internet here. It’s for the High Speed 10 plan, which is not their fastest but at 10Mbps download was faster than our previous ADSL connection in the UK.

Despite the price guarantee, we are not locked into a minimum contract so we can leave at any time. We expected to pay about $20 for the installation but we have not been charged for this on our first bill. I don’t know if we’ll end up being charged for it later, but as I’ve agreed to it, it’s fine either way.

I called on a Tuesday to get the prices and spoke to a woman called Megan. She sounded like she was local and was very helpful and pleasant. (this has been true of everyone I’ve dealt with at Astound). She talked me through the different plans. When I called back 10 minutes later to place my order, I spoke to the same person. She called me back 10 minutes later to set up an appointment for the installation. I opted for 2pm-5pm on Thursday – two days later.

I had a call the day before to confirm the appointment and then on the day, the engineer called half an hour early. When I said I was home, he asked if I would like him to come early since he was already in the area. I said yes.

It took him a little while to set things up as he needed to run a new connection from the street to the front of our house and then configure things with the modem in the house. He was probably there for 40 minutes all up, mostly outside. He remained entirely professional and courteous throughout and waited to check if the internet was working properly on my laptop before he left.

We had a customer service call a few days later just to check we were happy with everything so far. Of course we were.

After two weeks of smooth sailing, last night we got home to find our internet wasn’t working. We waited until this morning and it still wasn’t working. This evening we finally bit the bullet and called Astound. We placed the call at twenty minutes to six on a Saturday evening. They said they could have someone there by 8pm. The engineer showed up at 6.15pm!

It turned out that Comcast had been around the day before and disconnected us. (The engineer recognised the Astound cable with the Comcast terminator on the end). Presumably the previous tenants were with Comcast and they’d asked to be disconnected. The upstairs neighbours probably gave the technician access to the passageway while I was out. He didn’t think to check if it was actually a Comcast line or not and just disconnected it anyway.

The Astound guy got us back up and running within about 20 minutes. This meant it took under an hour for Astound to fix our internet, despite needing to send a technician to the property!

I don’t think I’ve ever written such a glowing review of ANY company before, let alone a utilities provider! Please note, I am just an anonymous customer and this review is unmotivated by anything other than complete satisfaction.

I am astounded!

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