15 ways to run a terrible website

If you're old enough to remember the horrendous content displayed on Geocities websites back in the 1990's you can call yourself a seasoned internet veteran. You can find some hilarious examples around the web, but suffice to say, the dawning age of the internet was one of experimenting with what worked - and what didn't.

Websites have come a long way since then, and for the most part are more polished and professional, especially business-related sites. However, there remain some stubborn pet peeves among users, which plague some sites and drive away customers (or potential ones).

With that in mind, here are 15 tongue-in-cheek tips on how to run a terrible website.

There are some websites (example: 1 & 2) that I'd love to use more, but they are full of intrusive ads & horrendous popups. Often the page load time is so bad: I give up & go somewhere else! If you have a website, please keep it clean & simple.

www.techrepublic.com

Like Lego? How about a 1:1 Bugatti Chiron, it's drivable too!

When we say with LEGO Technic you can BUILD FOR REAL, we really mean it!

Here’s our amazing 1:1 version of the iconic Bugatti Chiron. Not only does it look like the real thing, it also drives as well – and to prove it we took it for a spin on the same German track where Bugatti do their testing…  

#BuildforReal See more at our website here. 

Wait: how on earth did they build that?!? See here - truly incredible!

Don't have a team of engineers, 13,000 hours, & over a million pieces of Lego? 

Then alternatively, try this for size: LEGO 42083 Technic Bugatti Chiron.

www.youtube.com

Download the "Bible in One Year" app: a fantastic Bible study resource - for free!

With over 1 million users worldwide, Bible in One Year is the leading daily bible reading app. Nicky Gumbel, vicar of HTB church in London and pioneer of Alpha, provides amazing audio and written commentary to walk you through each day’s Bible readings.

Each day you will receive a Psalm or Proverbs reading, and New Testament reading, and an Old Testament reading. Updated daily, Nicky Gumbel then provides insightful commentary on each Bible passage, intended to be read or listened to alongside the Bible to provide fresh understanding of the texts.

Bible in One Year uses the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible, as well as drawing on other Bible translations such as The Message (MSG) to provide insights to each reading. 

www.bibleinoneyear.org

StillMarillion - a fantastic early Marillion tribute act - Playing Farnham Maltings 13th Oct!

StillMarillion pay tribute to the classic Eighties ‘Fish era’ of Marillion. Formed in 2008 from a love of the band's early material, the band is comprised of four talented and experienced musicians who accurately recreate the complex, intricate sounds of early Marillion. Together with a vocalist with an authentic Scottish accent who sings the songs with intense passion and emotion, it's a formidable combination.

The band performs a broad selection of tracks from the first four Marillion albums, from the big hit singles such as 'Kayleigh', 'Lavender', 'Incommunicado' and 'Sugar Mice', all the way through to classic album tracks such as 'Script For A Jester's Tear', 'Fugazi' and other forgotten gems.

Performing the length and breadth of the UK, StillMarillion have garnered a loyal crowd, with some travelling across Europe to see the band. The band have, on occasion, shared the stage with Marillion's own Steve Rothery and Mark Kelly.

SATURDAY 13th OCTOBER - STILLMARILLION (FISH-ERA MARILLION TRIBUTE) @ FARNHAM MALTINGS - £17 seated / £15 standing

StillMarillion were the first of many bands I (Julian Lewry) have co-promoted with White Mountain Promotions since 2014 and am pleased to be doing so again although I will sadly miss this show in Farnham as I will be busy in Farncombe with Sounds of Simon that evening! StillMarillion are the definitive tribute to Fish-era Marillion and set out to capture the atmosphere of those Eighties gigs performing the early Marillion material which is seldom performed by Marillion or Fish these days. 

www.farnhammaltings.ticketsolve.com

Windows 10 major “Redstone 5” update due this October

Windows 10 is one of Microsoft’s finest operating systems to date, although it’s not without its problems (I’m looking at you, Windows Update). Each new Windows 10 update brings Microsoft’s OS a small step closer to perfection, which is why you should pay attention to the catchily titled Windows 10 October 2018 Update announced at IFA 2018.

Not much is currently known about the update, although Microsoft has promised more details in the weeks leading to the update. Features expected in the October 2018 update include a “dark mode” colouration for file explorer, the ability to sync your clipboard between different devices using the cloud, and various tweaks to Notepad, Microsoft’s Xbox app, and the ever-maligned Microsoft Edge.

The update will be initially available to those signed up for the Windows Insider program, as a way of testing its features, in early October. The update will roll out to other users shortly after. More information is likely to be shown at Microsoft’s yearly Ignite event between 24 and 28 September, in Florida.

www.alphr.com

Crescent Honda Southampton are hosting Southampton Bike Night: Thursday 6th September

Thursday 6th September, Crescent Honda Southampton are hosting Southampton Bike Night for 1 Night only!! 

Join us as Southampton Bike Night hits the road from 5pm for the first sponsor exclusive night of the season!!

Exclusively as SBN take to the road, we'll be offering 20% discount across our entire range of clothing. Brands such as RST, AGV and Furygan to name a few.

We'll also be running a raffle with our top prizes including a signed pair of WorldSBK rider Alex Lowes' boots, WorldSBK merchandise, Oxford accessories, WD-40 products and much more!

For one night only on all Muc-Off and WD-40 products!

Our Honda trained technicians will also be on hand all night to answer technical questions you may have.

Keeping you fuelled on night with our special bike burger bar on site all night!

One night only, Thursday 6th September, 5 - 8.30pm; 

Crescent Honda hosts SBN. See you there!

www.southamptonbikenight.co.uk

Scientists make a prototype touch phablet that rolls and scrolls

Research scientists at Queen’s University’s Human Media Lab have built (YouTube Video HERE) a prototype touchscreen device that’s neither smartphone nor tablet but kind of both — and more besides. The device, which they’ve christened the MagicScroll, is inspired by ancient (papyrus/paper/parchment) scrolls so it takes a rolled-up, cylindrical form factor - enabled by a flexible 7.5inch touchscreen housed in the casing.

This novel form factor, which they made using 3D printing, means the device can be used like an erstwhile Rolodex (remember those?!) for flipping through on-screen contacts quickly by turning a physical rotary wheel built into the edge of the device. (They’ve actually added one on each end.)

Then, when more information or a deeper dive is required, the user is able to pop the screen out of the casing to expand the visible display real estate. The flexible screen on the prototype has a resolution of 2K. So more mid-tier mobile phone of yore than crisp iPhone Retina display at this nascent stage.

www.techcrunch.com