Grrr....

Gmail apparently pulled the plug on their old styles at some point this evening. I detest the new styles; fortunately opening in the "basic HTML" version still seems to work, and doesn't lose much functionality, so far as I can tell, if all you want to do is mail. It's also a good deal faster.

https://mail.google.com/mail/h/1wfihsrckwl9d/?zy=n&f=1

Later - looks like it is only some accounts affected, I just logged into another and it seems to be OK for now. But using the basic link above, then selecting to "always open in basic HTML" will get rid of the pesky new styles when they appear. After that you just log on normally, using Basic HTML is saved as your preference.

The things you lose are
Chat - neither want nor need
Spell checker - occasionally useful, which is why I use a browser (Opera) that has one built in. Are there any that don't these days?
Keyboard shortcuts - not sure which ones they mean, the usual copy, paste etc. still work.
Ability to manage filters - rarely use
Adding, editing, importing, or deleting contacts - rarely use
Custom 'From:' addresses - don't use
Rich formatting - don't use

Best Foot Forward

I've been wanting to buy a new pair of boots for a while, but had to leave it until I'd taken care of Xmas presents etc. and was sure I still had some money to spare. The type I prefer are industrial work boots with various forms of protection built in that makes them suitable for my job (lab technician) and for riding a motorbike, while looking reasonably nice; they're always cheapest on line, often by £15-£20.

So I finally got round to ordering them yesterday afternoon around 3 PM, expecting I'd see them some time next week. Instead of which they arrived about half an hour ago - although I hadn't paid for it the vendor sent them by Royal Mail next day delivery! Colour me impressed!

Between that, actually getting my shopping done this early, and the unseasonably warm weather (about 11c today) it's shaping up to be a nice Xmas.