Shandy's Blog

Where Andrew Sutton, aka Shandy rants and rambles on as the fancy takes him

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My name is Andrew Sutton, aka Shandy.

I am currently living and working in the UK within the garment industry as an IT specialist. This blog contains mainly IT related issues.

I was a Microsoft VB MVP for a couple of years (Apr 2004-Mar 2006) and was a vbCityLeader between April 2003 and June 2007.

If you are looking for my Sri Lanka or Morocco experiences check out Shandy's Sri Lanka Blog or Shandy's Morocco Blog.

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VB.Classic

Well yesterday the first parcel of my order using up my MVP voucher at the Microsoft ECommerce stored arrived. It was like being a kid at Christmas time again!

Microsoft Custom 3D USB Drive

I got the 32Meg 1.1 version last year with my MVP store voucher but the 128Meg 2.0 is much sleeker. It also has a keyring attached. I've not got to make the decision as to what data I shall save onto the drive to use up the extra space!

Microsoft Tech Kit

This consists of

  • USB powered torch on a semi-rigid lead that you can bend into a set shape but which will then hold its shape.
  • Retractable RJ45 network cable.
  • 4 Port USB hub.
  • Set of ear phones
all packaged up in a nice black zippable case.

The 4 port hub is going to be usful at work as I have 3 USB devices I can plug in (mouse, mobile phone link & USB drive) and only two USB ports on my laptop. The retractable RJ45v network cable is well useful. I got one last year using my MVP voucher but I used it so much the retractability stopped working eventually! I got a USB light with my MVP voucher last year too but the one last year was one that was with a non-rigid cable and came with a clip. I used to clip it onto my laptop screen when being driven home in the dark so I could see the keyboard and what I was typing! This new one could serve the same purpose or be used to cast some light into the darker recesses of a computer case!

Software Project Survival Guide

I've already had a quick flick through this book and it looks exactly the type of thing I have been looking for. It seems Steve has obviously had the same frustrations as me with lack of tools, basic understanding of project management, not only by me but by all those around me! I'm hoping his book will give me a shortcut to taking the right decisions and pointing out to me the critical issues I need to address. Finding out by trial and error is proving both time consuming and stressful!

Velocity Pens

These are pretty useful as when you unscrew the lip the pen is on a spring and expands out to the size of a normal pen, although when the lid is screwed on they are only 2/3 the size of normal pens. For some reason I really took to the one I got with my MVP voucher last year. Sometimes I just get a pen that feels really nice writing with it and these pens fall into that category.

Age Of Mythology : The Titans

Although I was a huge fan of AOE I'm not a big fan of AOM. However, my wife does like it so I got this for her.

GrandPaws Brown Plush Bear

He's really cute. I got my wife the Microsoft Beanie last year. This bear must be 4 times the size of the Beaine. I think Helen will love him when she sees him after getting back from the UK.

So lots of toys to play around with on my week off!

posted on Saturday, April 09, 2005 9:55 AM