Free hard disc partition resizing

Your hard disc can be divided into partitions. Most likely it only has
one partition with everything in it. But what if you want to create a
new partition, or resize the ones that you have? Partition Magic will
let you resize the partitions on your hard disc but it costs about
fifty quid.

"GParted" is a GNU/Linux based tool which can let you alter your hard
disc partitions. Just download the Live CD image and burn it onto a
CD. Then boot off it, and work with the menus.

Five stars

Real Food Daily - vegan café/restaurant

If this place was nearer I'd visit all the time. Everything is vegan, and nearly everything is organic - some things just can't be organic e.g. water.
The nori maki we had as a starter was perfectly made and tasted great. The tacos were outstanding and filling enough even for a greedy person like me. Service was quick and friendly.
They have two locations - santa monica and west hollywood. Details including an up-to-date menu on their website http://www.realfood.com/

Yosemite camping trip

We've been on a trip to Yosemite National Park organised by Incredible Adventures.


This was a three day camping trip (two nights under canvas) in and around Yosemite with it's amazing scenery. The waterfalls weren't exactly gushing in August (they are best seen in Spring when the snow melt volumes are highest) but all that granite sure looks pretty. Most of the vegetation is Pine trees, although Giant Sequoias grow naturally in this area west of the Sierra Nevada mountains and they are as spectacular as you would expect a 3000 year old tree to look.

The valley and surrounding areas are filled with exotic wildlife. We saw chipmunks, coyotes, bears, and other creatures. The bears didn't disturb our sleep at the camp-site, which was a relief, although a big dog in the dark was an acceptable substitute.

We had a blast from start to finish. Our guide Jerry was perfect - gently guiding us where we needed to be, answering our stream of questions, and sorting out the food and shelter situation. Often doing all three at the same time.

In fact, from start to finish the trip was brilliantly run. Everyone we spoke to was friendly and very helpful. It couldn't have been better. Well, headrests on the bus would have made sleeping at little easier. All that fresh air must have tired us out.

Spaulding Hotel on O'Farrell Street in San Francisco

Rooms seems okay and we got a good rate by booking in advance over the
Internet. The room isn't air-conditioned but it's pretty spacious with
windows that let in a breeze. Hey - the sink doesn't have a plug. Well
it's pretty cheap

Chilango's - mexican food in Santa Barbara

Dear reader, if you like mexican food and you find yourself in Santa Barbara - and especially if you're vegan - make your way to Chilango's at 503 State Street and enjoy a delicious Tofu or Tempeh burrito. Quick service, friendly staff, comfy seats. This place isn't lacking anything. It isn't expensive either.

Chilango's
503 State Street
Santa Barbara CA
+1 (805) 897 1161

"Not Fast Food, Fresh Food Faster!"



BTW, it does have people in it, just not anyone in the seats I took the photo of

Comfort Inn, Gaslamp, San Diego

room was pretty small and hot. noise from the aircon units in nearby
rooms was considerable. and not at all cheap at $205 per night incl
taxes. Was amusing when we asked at reception where the stairs were.
("The WHAT?")

Room has a fridge and a microwave though.

Howard Johnson International Airport Hotel (near LAX)

not a bad hotel. the bed was a bit worn in (u-shaped) and the fridge
wasn't on (working?) but the service was good and the adjoining
chinese restaurant had a pretty good breakfast buffet

three stars

Actually two stars - the shuttle bus is free but doesn't run when you need picking up (you need to ring them up to get them to come out) but goes without you when you want to get down to the airport. Pah!

Dragonfly Tea

Naturally Caffeine Free Rooibos Earl Grey



I like these teabags. If Brad Pitt came round I'd offer him a cup, and I bet he'd love it.

motorbike and GPS

If I had three hundred quid burning a hole in my pocket i'd get myself GPS for my lovely steel horse. The garmin zumo 550 is more than £300 and it appears to only run on batteries which is poor. The tomtom rider (v2?) is under three hundred and could charge itself off the tiny battery of my bike

GARMIN ZUMO 500

TOMTOM RIDER

I'm not sure what Paris Hilton would make of these, didn't she have some kind of BlueTooth-related mishap a while back? She probably travels in a limo anyway and wouldn't have any need for either device