Matthew J Richards - Freelance Web Developer North Wales

I recieved a letter from the bank (HSBC Plc) today informing me that I will be refunded £2,250 in bank charges. Which was nice.

If I were you, I'd get onto your bank.

Teaser site online!

So, with big things going off at the moment for the North Wales Drum n Bass scene we thought we better get moving with a web site.

Being completly snowed under with work at the moment I only had time to knock up a single page teaser site. You can check out the fruits of my labour here over at the spanking new and aptly titled switchdnb.co.uk web site

And finally, just incase you still haven't heard... Switch, the premier drum and bass event in north wales is proud to present the infamous DJ Fabio (Radio 1) @ Hendre Hall on the 17th March 2007:

An eclectic selection of Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, Breaks, Dub and Funk, defo the best dance event North Wales has seen for the last few years, it's going to be a blinder, I'll see you there!

A year already! How time flies. That's right, 364 days ago, on the 31st of December 2006 I quit smoking tobacco.

"Hooray to health, Boo to the multi-million pound tobacco industry!"

So a year on, my lungs are somewhat healthier but as we rapidly approach the new year I'm left with a bit of a conundrum. What do I quit this year?

Being a competitive lad, the type who enjoys testing himself from time to time, and as I am, as I write this, literally oozing with good intention, I present to you my top 5 list of good intentions / resolutions for 2007...

1. Be more Productive

So in at number one we have the age old cop out "Be more Productive". Yeh yeh... heard it all before, so how am I actually going to be more productive?

What better a way than to start than with a list:

• Make better use of collaborative web applications such as; Base Camp, Backpack and Google Calendar.
• Plan better, learn some good planning techniques. Prototyping?
• Stay positive, keep focused.
• Be more organised

2. Contribute more.

Blog blog blog! That's right, I've got a shiny new web log and you're going to get an ear (eye?) full wheather you like it or not!

Seriously though, I need to contribute more. I mean I'm quite happy to take, take, take but now it's time to give a little something back. Over the years, web logs just like this have been a priceless asset in my web development toolbox, teaching me a significant quantity of my skills, time to pass on some of that knowledge methinks.

And it doesn't stop there, I can contribute (and raise exposure) through many mediums:

• Digg
• LastFM
• del.icio.us

3. Learn Learn Learn

That's right, I want to learn as much as possible in every aspect of my life, from web standards, development and design to music production, sports and other life skills.

4. Earn Earn Earn

Earn some serious £££'s. My financial situation is my biggest problem, rinsed those credit cards a bit too hard and now it's time to pay. I want to earn as much money as possible to clear those debts and lift the associated stress.

5. Go on Holiday!

The light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thinking Thailand, or some other South East Asian country for a good month or so soaking up the scenery, sun and socialising. Better get my ass into gear. ;)

That's right, I've just rolled out my shiny new web log. Have a Passion Flower