Here's a sneak peek of GT500's new theme that I have been working on. It still has it's little quirks that needs working on. It is about 80% done and still in beta. I wouldn't have needed to test it online had not my Apache turned it's back on me.

Please report all quirky behaviour through this form. Bouquets are welcome too.

This blog is still named The Templator and it is not my intention to steal GT500's identity. I hope the eventual owner will oblige till the final version is ready in about a week's time.

Update 19/07/2007
I am now down to the bells and whistles. I have had to make a few changes to the framework. The theme was not consistent over all screen sizes so I've had to make a few adjustments. The current modification is 100% transparent (not psuedo-transparent as earlier) and fluid. Frustratingly, the transparent background and the darker image somehow rendered the texts unreadable. After several attempts at trying different background techniques, the only option left for me was to lighten the clock.
The theme now boasts a different 'quotes area' (that floats to the right) and a bolder 'first letter'. I've also adjusted the font sizes to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Update 20/07/2007
Did not do much today, except adjust the 'first-letter' and a few minor tweaks. The dates are lighter against a darker background. The quotes get the "quotes" and the links are more subtle than compared to the default and jarring royal blue. The comments section too is a little different. I am too tired to do anymore. Need some sleep. It's the 21st here actually and it's 'me birthday'.

Update 23/07/2007
Some colour adjustments and backgrounds to the sidebar.

Update 24/07/2007
We are perhaps nearing the home stretch.

If you are like me - a heavy sleeper, Alarm 2.0 (for Windows) comes about as an object of redemption. It is freeware and can be set up to play MP3 music, so you can be jolted from your slumber by some Heavy Metal.

Long ago, during my early years of technical studies, I had created a similar program using VB. It was amateurish but it could play a custom wave file and did its job handsomely. Alarm 2.0 is much better ofcourse.
Linux has a much more elaborate KAlarm that can remind you about your every task. My copy of Kubuntu came with KAlarm as standard fitment. How thoughful of them! There is also a more hands-on (read geeky) approach to reduce your $1000 machine to a snooze button. I however won't be losing sleep over it. Atleast, not for the moment.

This query was posed in a forum I regularly visit. Too elementary an issue to merit a blog entry, you may think. However, most of us perform this simple task improperly. We usually follow a circular motion as comes naturally to us, while cleaning circular objects. This is not the ideal way to clean/wipe CDs. A more appropriate way would be to use a hub-out motion or centre-out motion to wipe CDs. The logic behind it is in the way data is arranged on CDs. Floppies (and hard-disks) store similar data in radial sections known as sectors. Unlike floppies and HDs, CDs store data linearly on tracks. Data is further partitioned into frames. Should one happen to scratch the CD in a circular wipe, entire frames could be struck off. A radial (hub-out) wipe on the other hand would knock off only a few bytes spanning several tracks (or frames). A few bytes lost is much easier to recover than entire frames. So, please remember to wipe/clean your CDs in a hub-out motion, using the cleanest and softest material possible.

A more appropriate way would be to use a hub-out motion or centre-out motion to wipe CDs.

There are several CD cleaning solutions available in the market today. I have not used any, I must admit. The cheapest and best cleaning agent for me is, some lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild detergent (baby's shampoo for example). It is very effective in removing grease and dust that accumulates on CDs over time. Occasionally, I've even been able to re-use CDs that I've long since regarded as unusable. Just make sure that your CD is absolutely dry before you pop it in. There is no shampoo available to undo a short-circuit in your CD drive.

I have also heard of off-the-shelf remedies that promise to 'remove scratches' off CDs. Logic tells me that these claims are not to be taken too seriously. Scratches to your CDs can easily be avoided. Playing copies of your CDs rather than the originals help keep CDs in good condition. I usually keep a stack of blank CDs for the purpose. And whenever those 'CD scratching' friends come along to borrow one of my favourite game CDs, I burn them a copy and let them have it - for keeps. That way, I keep my friends and my CD too. Alternatively, you can save an image to your hard-disk and play it directly from there using Microsoft's Virtual CD Control Panel i.e. assuming you are on Win XP.

How do you remove your CDs from its case? This is another simple act that most do it wrong. Most of us simply hold the CD by its edge and proceed to 'plonk' it out of its jewel-case. A better method would be to press the centre of the case with your thumb and gently lift one edge with your other fingers. You will be amazed at how easily the CD comes off. Much better than the 'plonk'.

I know this post lacks visual references to consolidate on what I am saying, but I hope my online buddy, GT500 posts a video-tutorial on this (on his blog), since he's into videos lately.

Postscript: Do not immerse the CD in water. Wipe it with a moistened cloth instead. It is best to leave the reflector (coating) side untouched.

Just to let people who keep bumping into this blog know, that I am stll alive. And kicking.
I have been busy preparing for an exam I have to take in June. Hopefully, this will let me land a better job. Yes, I want to work too, you know!
My tiny contribution to the SPB project is still afloat. You haven't seen the last of me. I have plans to create more themes in future. I am working on different colour schemes for the current theme - Fabric. Expect 'Fabric Blue', 'Fabric Green', etc. in the not so distant future. I also have plans to create a 'Preview' system for my blog, so that users can load a theme from a list and see it work, first-hand here, and then decide on a favourite. Something like CSS Zen Garden.
Thanks to all who have appreciated my work. Keep those letters coming.
Cheers!

Darjeeling to New Delhi by air. New Delhi to Mussoorie by bus. And then back again in similar fashion. A day's rest, then on the road again.
Darjeeling to Calcutta (Kolkata) on an ill-maintained bus. 14 hours of sleepless, bumpy ride.
Now at Kolkata. Hot and horribly humid. Tonight, I'll be back on the road again. This time towards home. Won't be travelling for a long time. That's for sure.