Hello 
I'm Siobhan Curran/Kisa Naumova, and this is my weblog. I tend to write about stuff like crossdressing, Macs, code, cats, wine and Second Life, but in general it's just an ongoing conversation about all sorts of stuff. If you'd like to know a little bit more about what this all is, I recommend starting on this page which has a little bit of info on who I am, and what I'm trying to do — or you could dive into my five years worth of archives if you like.
Otherwise, feel free to close this box and explore...
To Be Discussed
Various things have happened here recently to put me in a more positive frame of mind when it comes to flat-hunting. There's a sense in my head that in a couple of weeks time, I'll actually be able to walk into a flat and — if I like it — say "Yup, I'll take it".
Of course, the eternal question of what to do with the little monsters kittens is still ringing in my ears, but I was quite encouraged this morning to see that a lot of the properties up for rent in Leeds have the words "pets to be discussed" underneath them — meaning (presumably) that it's not completely out of the question for Biscuit and Tish to legitimately come and start a new life with me.
(A lot also say "smokers to be discussed". The three of us seem to be social outcasts 
)
There was one, this morning, that just caught my eye — a two bedroom above-shop kinda thing, not too dissimilar to some of the large houses on Regent Street here in Lancaster. Victorian stone, in a nice area, just about affordable ... I'm rather tempted to book an appointment to see it next week.
"Pets & smokers to be discussed", the website says, of course. The "smokers" I can understand, but the "Pets" bit seems rather ironic...
...considering that it's above an RSPCA shop
TV and radio shop — guess what it might say
"TVs and Trannies to be discussed" ?
(ho ho)
In a very uncharacteristic display of 'productivity', I just made an appointment to see it 
What's slightly bothering me though, is I don't really know how all of this works, seeing that it's almost fifteen years (ouch) since I last went flat-hunting. Do I have to make a decision there and then? Do I have to stump up the deposit and rent the minute I say "yes" if I do?
Finding a flat ....
The renter may say things like we have had a few round looking and other such tricks. This is just a ploy for you to say yes there.
You don't have to say yes straight away. Also the renter is also judging you for suitability to rent to.
Take a note book and make notes (Write both good and Bad points and any promises that renter makes). Also ask if you can take pictures. As once you leave you forget quite quickly what the place is like.
Don't forget to negotiate on rent and extras (if any). Make sure you understand all bills that you will have to pay (Council Tax and some utility bills may be included)
Even if you find something you like always look at others just to confirm it and to make sure you will be happy.
Kerry Helen
Thanks
...above an RSPCA shop
They probably don't own the shop, just lease it; so pets could still be an issue.
(Do I get this months "stating the bleedin' obvious" award? 
)
Flat hunting is easy... well easy-ish.
Since you are a renting pariah (pets and cigarettes do not a happy landlord make, usually) I'm pretty sure you'll find your choices limited, but by and large I find I go with my gut.
My head might say "No, not enough space for X" which is always a good sign I won't move in, but each time I've done it I've taken the first place where my guts say yes (and my head doesn't say NO first), and been happy.
My next move is likely to be a nightmare — I need the wallspace for bookshelves for 2,500+ books and the space for that number to increase. I might be aiming at a four bedroom flat to have a bedroom, a spare, an office and another room, just so I can have the extra walls. This flat only has room for 4 more bookcases, so it's good for a year or so still... If I buy my dream new mac, and the three monitor solution comes into play, the office is going to need a bigger desk too!
the three monitor solution comes into play
Ah, you hankering after that too? 
One thing I forgot to mention about the flat-hunting BTW, is that I've roped a colleague into coming along with me. She's got a lot more experience of it than me, so I'm hoping she'll keep my judgement in check.
To steal what she never could own
The landlord will be judging you (for creditability), certainly, so best not to take the SLR? Lecturer+Shiny Camera will mean that while you won't get turned down on apperance, you might not be able to haggle too far on price.
don't say 'yes' on the spot, but make "interested noises", come back & pay the deposit in cash if you really like it.
I live above a (was pet, now computer) shop, and it's nice. but if it's on a main road think about how much sleep you'll get if the locals hang around / throw stuff at the windows in summer. especially if you're used to a really quiet street.
YMMV as I'm in the chavtastic midlands.
Sarah P
I'm thinking seriously about 3 monitors yes, although I've not yet tried 2!
Big one for SL (well most of the time) and two smaller ones (19" smaller, how times have changed!) for PS, etc. If I'm really focussing on just PS or whatever, then that can move centre stage.
I'm thinking Oct-core 3GHz with two of the 512MB cards, maybe the ATI X1900 although the NVIDIA card, yum!, one just to drive the main monitor (so SL ought to run like wildfire) and one for the other two monitors...
Until I get a slice of that big JISC pie you're talking about it will remain a dream mind!
Suspise
Over Cast
I think the glorious sunshine has left Lancaster for the time being
Obituary: Tony Wilson
Couldn't get this guy out of my head all day. Did he, or did he not present a show called "Flying Start"?
Your posting was the first I knew of his departure.
Odd guy, Tony Wilson. Despite the fact that much of the time I thought he was a bit of a pretentious twat; I kind of liked him and thought his heart was in the right place. Shame he's died so young 
@Selena: I seem to recall him being connected with "Flying Start".
Out of all the tributes I've seen to him, none seems to of mentioned the fact that he presented "Remote Control" giving Frank Sidebottom, Caroline Aherne, John Thomson and Phil Cornwell some very early apperances.
Now if only they can get Phil Cornwell dressed as Jack Nickleson and sing "Hit the Road Jack" at the end of the funeral...
Sebastian
Remote Control was the first place I saw Anthony H Wilson. It wasn't until much later that I discovered his connection with Manchester and Factory and the Hacienda.
"Pets & smokers to be discussed"
Have you looked for one above a TV and radio shop — guess what it might say ". . . . . . . . to be discussed"
You have to find one thats nice for the cats — beware the RSPCA, the cats might get the wrong idea — or even be taken in!