Maildroid, the alternative email client on Android

Been chopping and changing the email client that I've been using on my Dell Streak. I've always found the stock email application a tad spartan and lacking user intuition. Of the alternatives, I've been through the whole vestibule. Starting off with K9 Mail, and the pgp version. Both of which had their moments.

However since stumbling upon Maildroid, I've not looked back. Its very clean, fresh looking, and importantly for me, its uncluttered. It has advanced features and the bog standardones that you would expect.

Anyway enough waffling from me, here's a like to the application on the market http://market.android.com/details?id=com.maildroid

Enjoy!

The moment when it kicked off

Watching Utd is a hazardous, especially if your in possession of a dodgy ticker.  About a couple of weeks ago, I meet up with a couple of friends to watch Utd play West Ham. The difference being we had tickets in the Sir Trevor Brooking stand.

This of course meant that our allegiance to Utd had to be kept silent. To be frank, that was an easy thing to do when you're surrounded by a couple of thousand tattooed skin head beer bellied West Ham fans, who if there looks didn't frighten you, their limited vocabulary certainly would have.

The atmosphere was great, unlike Fulham it was very edgy and there was a sense of real immunity between the two sets of fans. Mainly though, it was the West Ham fans doing the goading. The other noticable difference was that not a single West Ham fan was seated. It felt like a through back to the days of standing on the terraces.

The game kicked off and it looked promising for Utd. Passing the ball efficiently and with purpose. Then from a long punt down, West Ham were on the attack. Carlton Cole bearing down towards Van der Sar. The ball bounced once and then as Cole tried to lift the ball over Evra, it struck his hand. Penalty!

Mark Noble scored from the penalty with ease. As Utd fans we thought theres nothing to worry about its just gone 10 minutes, plenty of time for Utd to recover. Well in no more than another 10 minutes, Utd concede another penalty. Unlike the first, this one definitely looked a harsh decision. Vidic had come over to Carlton Cole, Cole seemed to trip over Vidic's foot. It didn't matter the referee had already given the penalty. Up stood Noble, and again he despatched the dot with ease, giving West Ham a two goal advantage.

The fans around us were delirious with joy, chanting "You're not going to win anything". Boy it was hard to stomach that. But in keeping with our under cover status, we joined in with the chanting. I don't think I've ever felt so dirty at a football match.

Before half time, Utd continued their patient, efficient passing. It paid off with two attempts at goal. Though Green was equal to them. Surprisingly I felt calm, I remember thinking if we kept at two nil, Utd were still in it.

Well the second half started and what that led to was a four goal blitz...

Kick Ass

Yet another comic book/ graphic novel adaptation. BUT before you switch off, this is an amazing story. Rather than taking itself seriously, this story has a healthy dose of knowing its source material is all about fun.

Most hero stories centre on the lead gaining power through some means or another. Usually as a result of an accident thats either self inflicted or as a consequence of a face-off between the hero's nemesis.

Apart from being different in terms of the origin of the hero, and without giving too much away - the arch villan. The film has a mean streak when it comes to having a sense of humor. You'll find yourself gasping when you hear some of words being spouted.

Its not surprising that the overall response from critics and pundits alike has been positive. Yes there are one or two moments where its morally dubious with the ongoings in the film. And perhaps a cliche or two make it a tad obvious. My main criticism would be that its gory and gruesome. An odd thing to highlight i guess in today's liberal market. But nonetheless i did wince.

Overall its a blast, well worth watching and making your own minds up on. Apart from the story, you'll enjoy the standout performances. I'd say its a...

Toy Story 3

A couple of days ago, i came across an article on the BBC's website. It was on what were the top ten films that made men cry. Normally i take such lists with a pinch of salt. I always used to think that the purpose of lists like this, were to cover a slow day at the office. You could always rely on a top ten list to be a suitable filler whether for a slot on the tv or column space on websites or print.

So why did this list not get my eyebrows raised cynically? Well, for once the list itself is interesting. Rather than be some excuse for wheeling out Z-listers or non-engaging pap, it struck a chord with me.

Blokes aren't necessarily the types that go round blubbering when it comes to movies. Sure if its to do with football or any sporting event of some magnitude, thanks to Paul Gascoigne its definitely cool for a man to cry. In fact its become so common place, that if a man (specifically a player/s) doesn't shed tears then they don't really care.

So, going back on to topic. I'd have to say that Toy Story 3 is a welcome addition to the BBC's list of films which can cause the floodgates to be released. For a film which is primarily aimed at parents and kids, it has some very mature themes.

How about despotism for starters? No? Well you've got the loss of loved ones, moving on and acceptance of unrequited love. Pretty heavy subject matter.

Pixar have certainly struck gold when it comes targetting the audience. In a nutshell head off and grab an opportunity to watch Toy Story 3. And if you're bloke be prepared to go through a number of tissue packs!

Too slow!

Right, about a year ago i got all giddy and started to go off on one on how the season was turning into the 'mother of all seasons'. Well it didn't quite turn out to be that. Certainly not for United any how.

Since then United have won and lost the title. And people have come and gone. We've had an environmental crisis, a change of government and Rupert Murdoch going postal on increasing revenues for News International.

And thats just been in the last six months.

With my new fangled toy - my Nokia N900 i'm hoping that i'll be more disciplined and frequent with the updates. So here's to yet another beginning. Fingers crossed its not a short-lived and abortive one!

The mother of all seasons

With 4 games left to go, Utd have the opportunity to do the 'double double'. In fact it would be the quadruple if you consider that the League cup and the world club championship are already on display at Utd's trophy cabinet.

As a seasoned Utd fan it is very much an enjoy each and every success for as long as it lasts. I'm old enough to still remember the barren years and the heartbreak of being ever so near to the 'holy grail' of winning the title for the first time in 25 years-only to see Leeds snatch it.

Having seen the bad times its almost unreal being a Utd fan, being spoilt with the success that seems guaranteed.

Though of course its not as easy as that. Over the seasons how many of them (leagues, cups etc) hindered on pivotal moments? Lord knows this season has had its fair share!

4 more games and history will be made. Its going to be a long 3 weeks! But I'm looking forward to the emotional rollercoaster regardless of what it may bring.

"Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it"
Albert Einstein

http://twitter.com/igloo2step
http://drunk3nmonk3y.blogspot.com

Caught, hand in cookie jar

It would be so easy to post an immediate reactionary article on the recent MPs claim for expenses 'scandal'.

Politicians aren't exactly the best loved members of society at the best of times. Lying in between tax auditors and the parking superintendents.

Looking beyond the hysteria, what's of concern is the system that's in place, which allows elected members to claim for all manner of expenses.

Quite rightly members are entitled to claim for day to day expenses as incurred as part and parcel of being an elected member. The line however is crossed when rather than claiming expenses, it appears that the 'honorable' members are milking the expense system as a personal cash cow to supplement their 'meager' salaries.

Unfortunately, none of the members as far as it can be determined have actually committed any crimes. All the expenses were submitted in line with the parliamentary guidelines.

Its particularly galling to see each and everyone of the parliamentarians admit to the claims, but for the love of god refuse to acknowledge any wrong doing. Technically they maybe correct, however an apology recognising the fact that what they claimed went against the 'spirit' of the system would have gone a long way to dampen the public's annoyance.

It'll be interesting to see what the fallout from this will be. More so on how the public view the serving members and what the ripple effects will be for the minority parties like the BNP.

"Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it"
Albert Einstein

http://twitter.com/igloo2step
http://drunk3nmonk3y.blogspot.com

The evil little moments that make me chuckle

The Germans have a word to describe that moment when we take pleasure from hearing, seeing, in short witnessing other people's misfortune.

However there is a fine line between 'schadenfruede' and downright masochism. Without going into a discussion on the definitions of what a masochist is, and quibling over the semantics, its suffice to say the person who is a masochist would go out of their way to cause misfortune for their pleasure.

So what brings this topic to the fore today? Well, to be frank I certainly enjoyed watching the frustrated look on the face of a commuter as they tried to cut in front of the queue.

In this instance my enjoyment of the other person's misfortune was entirely justified, I feel!
"Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it"
Albert Einstein

http://twitter.com/igloo2step
http://drunk3nmonk3y.blogspot.com