It's Christmas time,
Again.
It's time to be nice
To the people that you can't stand
All year.
I'm growing tired
Of all this Christmas cheer!
© Blink-182
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Kerrang!
The guitar lessons are really good, I've learnt loads in only a couple of weeks.
Trouble is...
I broke my first string yesterday.
And overwound the replacement today.
So I have to buy some more strings tomorrow!
Trouble is...
I broke my first string yesterday.
And overwound the replacement today.
So I have to buy some more strings tomorrow!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Guitar!
Recently I've felt that my guitar playing has stalled. Time to get me some lessons!
So I have started guitar lessons with a chap named Paul. I'll let you know how I get on!
So I have started guitar lessons with a chap named Paul. I'll let you know how I get on!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Bloody Nanny State!
Come on, sign this petition and tell Blair where he can stick his Road Pricing and Big Brother spy toys!
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/traveltax/
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/traveltax/
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Waste of an Enzo
Monday, November 13, 2006
My Chemical Romance - Awesome!
Saw My Chemical Romance at the Brixton Academy on Sunday. They were bloody fantastic!
That has to be the best concert I have ever been to.
That has to be the best concert I have ever been to.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
End of an era
Michael Schumacher finished his last F1 race for Ferrari and his racing career. The greatest F1 driver of his era, Schumy was unable to beat the spanish flea although he did his best, from 10th on the grid and 70 seconds behind after a puncture to finish 4th was a great achievement!
A great race for Massa at home.
I'm looking forward to having the second best F1 racer - Kimi - at Ferrari. I can't wait!
A great race for Massa at home.
I'm looking forward to having the second best F1 racer - Kimi - at Ferrari. I can't wait!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Printer strangeness
I've just spent a while trying to get a network printer set up on my iBook. I used to print to the HP printer on my iMac but recently (I didn't notice when exactly) the printer disappeared from the available printer menu. Normally you can just add a printer by clicking "add printer" from the printer preferences and pick the one you want from the list. Now for some reason the printer just doesn't show up on the list. I can print to it on the iMac and even from my Windoze PC using Bonjour!
So... I found a way using IP printing and providing the local address of the iMac, allowing the iBook to use the default printer queue, which is alright as there is only one printer on it anyway with Generic Postscript as the printer driver.
Well, the above workaround works fine but why? Or, rather why does the standard HP set up not work anymore? I hate it when I can't find a reason so I will investigate further. Rest assured dear reader that I will post an update when I have more news!
So... I found a way using IP printing and providing the local address of the iMac, allowing the iBook to use the default printer queue, which is alright as there is only one printer on it anyway with Generic Postscript as the printer driver.
Well, the above workaround works fine but why? Or, rather why does the standard HP set up not work anymore? I hate it when I can't find a reason so I will investigate further. Rest assured dear reader that I will post an update when I have more news!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Schumacher concedes title!
Schumacher can only win the championship in Brazil if Alonso fails to get a single point, i.e. finishes worse than 8th.
“We are a great team. Our guys are the best and I have a great affection for everyone at Ferrari and am always more than satisfied in the way we work. Incidents like today’s can happen and they are part of racing. You win together but you also lose together. Today we did our best, I was leading the race and then my engine broke. That’s the simplest way to sum it up. That is Formula One. We can be proud of what we have achieved since Canada, we were twenty five points behind and no one could have thought we would be back in the fight for the championship but we did it. Now we are nine points behind in the Constructors’ classification and we will do all we can to win this title in Brazil. As for the Drivers, it is lost. I don’t want to head off for a race hoping that my rival has to retire. That is not the way in which I want to win the title.” [Michael Schumacher]
I am in mourning....
“We are a great team. Our guys are the best and I have a great affection for everyone at Ferrari and am always more than satisfied in the way we work. Incidents like today’s can happen and they are part of racing. You win together but you also lose together. Today we did our best, I was leading the race and then my engine broke. That’s the simplest way to sum it up. That is Formula One. We can be proud of what we have achieved since Canada, we were twenty five points behind and no one could have thought we would be back in the fight for the championship but we did it. Now we are nine points behind in the Constructors’ classification and we will do all we can to win this title in Brazil. As for the Drivers, it is lost. I don’t want to head off for a race hoping that my rival has to retire. That is not the way in which I want to win the title.” [Michael Schumacher]
I am in mourning....
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Lovely Apple stuff!
Brief visit to the Apple Store yesterday. Got my hands on the new 24" iMac - fantastic display.
Also examined the new iPod Nano, it looks as if Apple have put my iPod mini in the washing machine and it has shrunk! Out goes the shiny plastic and back comes anodised aluminium and curved edges. Trouble is now she's seen it my daughter wants one for Christmas!
Also examined the new iPod Nano, it looks as if Apple have put my iPod mini in the washing machine and it has shrunk! Out goes the shiny plastic and back comes anodised aluminium and curved edges. Trouble is now she's seen it my daughter wants one for Christmas!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Broadband upgrade
Today NTL upgraded my 1Meg BB to 2Meg, FOC. Great news, especially the corresponding increase in upstream speed which was extremely paltry.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Forza Schumi!
Another great win for Schumacher! Now there's a serious chance of Schumi beating Alonso to the championship. Hope he gets championship number 8, that will be a tough act to follow. I'm also looking forward to the Kimster joining Ferrari, a worthy successor to Michael, Ferrari has all the makings of a great team again next year!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Apple battery recall
I registered my iBook with the battery exchange programme on 28 August but I wasn't expecting anything for a while, Apple said delivery in 4-6 weeks, after all. My new battery arrived by UPS today, so well done Apple!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Who is the mole in the London Circus?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Aaaaargh!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Hi Ho, Hi Ho...
It's off to work I go...
Last day of my holiday today, went to the Apple Store and then to RAF Hendon to avoid thinking about going back to work. Nothing on the news about the office being burnt down or being abducted by aliens (if a building can be abducted) so I guess I'll just have to go in tomorrow......
Last day of my holiday today, went to the Apple Store and then to RAF Hendon to avoid thinking about going back to work. Nothing on the news about the office being burnt down or being abducted by aliens (if a building can be abducted) so I guess I'll just have to go in tomorrow......
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Another first for Ferrari!
This time the "first" was Massa. A great first F1 win for Felipe Massa, proving he's not just a 2nd driver to Schumi. Nail-biting stuff behind him but Schumi was unable to pass the Spanish dude - disappointed! Still Ferrari are catching Renault...
4 to go!
4 to go!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wish I was here
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/320/villa1.0.jpg)
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/320/villa2.0.jpg)
We have been recovering from our sojourn in Spain. With temperatures in the 30's and views like this (our villa in Calpe), we were less than happy to return to the rain and cold of this typical English summer!
My pessimism regarding the heightened airport security proved unfounded, our flights out and back were fine.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
I was looking forward to this
I should be pleased, Friday was my last day at work for a couple of weeks and last Thursday I was looking forward to my holiday. Now, with the nanny state on full panic alert, flying is just going to be a bigger pain that usual.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
About time!
Jenson Button's first GP win!
Well done Jense on a thoroughly deserved win. Hope there are many more to come!
Well done Jense on a thoroughly deserved win. Hope there are many more to come!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Goodbye, Tizzy
Sunday, July 30, 2006
A room with a view
Three in a row!
Excellent result for Ferrari at Hockenheim - third win in a row for Schumi and the gap to Alonso shrinks....
It's a real possibility that Schumi can win the championship now, e.g. if he wins all the remaining races it won't matter where Alonso finishes although even a Ferrari nut knows that's a pretty tall order. It'll be interesting to see whether Renault can come back at Hungary next week.
It's a real possibility that Schumi can win the championship now, e.g. if he wins all the remaining races it won't matter where Alonso finishes although even a Ferrari nut knows that's a pretty tall order. It'll be interesting to see whether Renault can come back at Hungary next week.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
How times change...
"Computers in the future may have only 1000 vacuum tubes and perhaps only weigh one and a half tons."
Popular Mechanics, 1949.
"I think there is a world market for about five computers."
Thomas J. Watson (Chairman of the Board of IBM), 1943
"640K ought to be enough for anybody." Bill Gates, 1981
"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
Ken Olson (President of Digital Equipment Corporation), 1977.
Popular Mechanics, 1949.
"I think there is a world market for about five computers."
Thomas J. Watson (Chairman of the Board of IBM), 1943
"640K ought to be enough for anybody." Bill Gates, 1981
"There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."
Ken Olson (President of Digital Equipment Corporation), 1977.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Another 10 points for Schumi
A great result for Schumacher, Ferrari and Massa.
Watched Lucky Numer Slevin last night. What a brilliant film!
Watched Lucky Numer Slevin last night. What a brilliant film!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
World Cup Tickets
A man had two great seats for the World Cup final. As he sits down, another man comes along and asks if anyone is sitting in the seat next to him. "No", he says, "the seat is empty".
"That's incredible!" said the second man, "who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the World Cup final, the biggest sporting event in the year, and not use it?"
The first man says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife was supposed to come with me, but she passed away. This is the first World Cup Final we haven't been together since we got married".
The second man says, "I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible... I guess you couldn't find someone else, a friend or relative or even a neighbour to take the seat?"
The man shakes his head... "No. They're all at the funeral".
"That's incredible!" said the second man, "who in their right mind would have a seat like this for the World Cup final, the biggest sporting event in the year, and not use it?"
The first man says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife was supposed to come with me, but she passed away. This is the first World Cup Final we haven't been together since we got married".
The second man says, "I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible... I guess you couldn't find someone else, a friend or relative or even a neighbour to take the seat?"
The man shakes his head... "No. They're all at the funeral".
Monday, July 10, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A Riddle
You are driving in a car at a constant speed.
On your left side is a sheer drop and on your right side is a fire engine travelling at the same speed as you.
In front of you is a galloping pig, which is the same size as your car, and you cannot overtake it.
Behind you is a helicopter flying at ground level.
Both the giant pig and the helicopter are also travelling at the same speed as you.
What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?
Get off the children's Merry-Go-Round, you're p*ssed.
On your left side is a sheer drop and on your right side is a fire engine travelling at the same speed as you.
In front of you is a galloping pig, which is the same size as your car, and you cannot overtake it.
Behind you is a helicopter flying at ground level.
Both the giant pig and the helicopter are also travelling at the same speed as you.
What must you do to safely get out of this highly dangerous situation?
Get off the children's Merry-Go-Round, you're p*ssed.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Ferraris at the Brickyard
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Genius
Went to the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store today. My iMac's CR key has been sticking so I decided to ask the experts. The genius knew his stuff and has resolved the problem. Good job, Apple Store.
Later... The Canadian GP was "normal"... brake problems and dirty off line - bad luck Jacques! At least ITV showed the whole thing despite the world football thing which seems to pervade our very existence! There is still time to close that gap, Michael!
Later... The Canadian GP was "normal"... brake problems and dirty off line - bad luck Jacques! At least ITV showed the whole thing despite the world football thing which seems to pervade our very existence! There is still time to close that gap, Michael!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
100th post
I found out how to create a favicon - those nano-size icons which display in the browser address bar next to the url on some web sites. I've done one for my site, I really wanted a flesh colour but I'm stuck with the basic 16 colours.
Happy Birthday Maddie!
It was my younger daughter's 13th birthday today - Happy Birthday Maddie!!!
( and I'm still clearing up after your party yesterday!)
( and I'm still clearing up after your party yesterday!)
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The 6 P's
Having vowed that this blog wouldn't mention work, here I am making an exception to the rule.
Today I was asked to attend a meeting at about an hour's notice, unfortunately no-one had considered inviting me when the meeting was set up some days earlier. The subject of the meeting? "Resource Planning". I kid not.
Today I was asked to attend a meeting at about an hour's notice, unfortunately no-one had considered inviting me when the meeting was set up some days earlier. The subject of the meeting? "Resource Planning". I kid not.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Avoiding the football...
Apparently there is some big football competition just started which I will have to avoid for a couple of months. Even the British Grand Prix was moved from its usual July slot to this weekend so it doesn't clash.
I reckon this was a stroke of luck because the weather has been brilliant all weekend - in fact it was too hot - the F1 teams were not expecting Silverstone to be so hot, track temp was 49 Deg. C. My view, GP itself was a bit dull. Schumi could only manage 2nd to Alonso, so lots of room for improvement, Ferrari.
Amusing web site of the day - see this Official Formula 1 web site page. What is 1th, 2th & 3th? A cathe of auto generated code, I thuthpect!
I reckon this was a stroke of luck because the weather has been brilliant all weekend - in fact it was too hot - the F1 teams were not expecting Silverstone to be so hot, track temp was 49 Deg. C. My view, GP itself was a bit dull. Schumi could only manage 2nd to Alonso, so lots of room for improvement, Ferrari.
Amusing web site of the day - see this Official Formula 1 web site page. What is 1th, 2th & 3th? A cathe of auto generated code, I thuthpect!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Silverstone - 9 days to go
I'm looking forward to the British GP at Silverstone.
Ferrari are back on form at the Barcelona tests with Massa clocking the fastest time. Schumacher will be driving tomorrow.
Ferrari are back on form at the Barcelona tests with Massa clocking the fastest time. Schumacher will be driving tomorrow.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Damage limitation
As I expected Alonso won the Monaco GP without any difficulty. Schumi drove a fantastic race to finish 5th, after starting from the pit lane. By the end of the first few laps he'd made up 5 places and at the end he posted the fastest lap. I reckon this all goes to show that Schumi had no need of underhanded tricks to get pole - his performance said it all!
Bad luck again for Kimi but well done DC - Red Bull's first podium!
Bad luck again for Kimi but well done DC - Red Bull's first podium!
Schumi loses pole!
Monaco stewards decided, on very flimsy evidence, that Schumacher was guilty and have deleted all his times. So he starts at the back with Massa. If that isn't showing favouritism in a negative way (aka Ferrari bashing) I don't know what is! That miserable little Spaniard will start from pole and probably win the GP unless he does something stupid. So yet another boring race in prospect and the championship pushed more in Alonso and Renault's (yeah, right course it really is a Renault!) favour.
If this doesn't make Schumacher quit F1 then nothing will. Or maybe that's what this is all about......
If this doesn't make Schumacher quit F1 then nothing will. Or maybe that's what this is all about......
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Monaco
A controversial pole for Schumacher, everyone who isn't a Ferrari supporter thinks he deliberately missed the last corner to stop Alonso grabbing pole. I hope he didn't because it would devalue his pole and of course, if the stewards decide he did then his race will be over for this year. Trouble is, whether he did or not, most people will still think he did!
Anyway, let's hope for a great race. Incidentally - a milestone for McLaren, this is their 40th Monaco. Bruce McLaren drove his car at Monaco for the first time in 1966!
Anyway, let's hope for a great race. Incidentally - a milestone for McLaren, this is their 40th Monaco. Bruce McLaren drove his car at Monaco for the first time in 1966!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Buncefield Explosion - 3rd progress report
The official Buncefield Investigation has published its 3rd progress report. The report includes the latest information about how the explosion was caused. Worth a read. www.buncefieldinvestigation.gov.uk While you are there, check out the amazing aerial photographs.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Bye Bye, BT
Well my NTL broadband is up and running (has been since Friday). One small fly in the ointment - the router I bought a couple of weeks back was an ADSL one. However....., good old PC World (I never thought I'd say that!) were happy to exchange it for a non-modem router. It's better all round because I can connect it to either a cable modem or a DSL one should I ever need to in the future. For the technically minded it's a Netgear WGT624.
On an unconnected note, Schumi could only manage 2nd today and that damn Alonso is getting away again! Argh!
On an unconnected note, Schumi could only manage 2nd today and that damn Alonso is getting away again! Argh!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
You couldn't plan this!!
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/320/rivals.jpg)
The NTL guys arrived to install my new phone line and broadband today and guess what? There's a BT engineer outside as well! A coincidence, you say? Seems not. Late afternoon I got a call from BT saying that my DSL "might" be fixed today. So after the BT vans departed I tried my DSL and, Lo! It worketh! No digging up the roads though, I am almost disappointed.
So there we have it. BT just fixed my month-long fault just in time for me to tell them where they can stick their service! I haven't had a change of heart - still moving to NTL, since it's cheaper and the broadband is quicker than BT can manage.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
I don't believe it!
Rang BT yesterday, who were once again unable to tell me anything. Rang them again this morning, they still couldn't tell me anything but promised to ring back. Well, they didn't so after about 4 hours I rang them. They have now decided that the 64m of cable which needs replacing will mean digging up the road, requiring local Council approvals, etc. I can see no end in sight - it could easily take a couple of weeks and I am not prepared to wait!
So I've been on the phone to NTL, should be broadbanded up before the end of the week.
So I've been on the phone to NTL, should be broadbanded up before the end of the week.
Monday, May 08, 2006
BT don't work in the rain
On Saturday BT started to look at the line but decided that they needed to replace a main cable. Unfortunately it started to rain so they stopped work. How do BT get anything done if they wait for a fine day? This is England and it has been known to rain a fair bit.
It rained today as well so I'm still waiting.......
It rained today as well so I'm still waiting.......
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Still no ADSL
Was scheduled to be fixed yesterday - no joy. BT kindly informed me (but only when I rang them, nach.) that they were too busy and my fault will now be fixed by 6 May for sure.
I tell you, it better be, otherwise I will be throwing my toys out the pram!
I tell you, it better be, otherwise I will be throwing my toys out the pram!
Sunday, April 30, 2006
BT Customer Care. NOT!
Seems the fault on my line will not be fixed until at least 3rd May. Apparently they have so many faults in my area that they are unable to get an engineer on to it the next day. IMHO it's crap. On Friday I spent about 2 hours on the phone to BT, trying to speak to a human (press 2 for this automated service, press 3 to get cut off; that sort of thing!) and I got precisely nowhere! Meanwhile I contunue to use dial-up but it's not what I'm paying BT loadsa dosh each month for. The most frustrating thing is the difficulty one has getting through to the correct person at BT. Handy Hint - choose the option for 'I want to leave BT', you get to speak to a human PDQ then!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
ADSL again
This evening my ADSL is down. Again. Keeps restarting and dropping again after a few seconds.
Spoke to BT (again). This time they have found a fault with the phone line between us and the exchange. Since I can use voice I hope this means that the line is damaged in some way which makes it unable to sustain a high enough SNR to keep the DSL up. Or something. We shall see whether an engineer fixes it tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I have resorted to good ol' dial-up! (In case you were wondering how I could blog this!)
Spoke to BT (again). This time they have found a fault with the phone line between us and the exchange. Since I can use voice I hope this means that the line is damaged in some way which makes it unable to sustain a high enough SNR to keep the DSL up. Or something. We shall see whether an engineer fixes it tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I have resorted to good ol' dial-up! (In case you were wondering how I could blog this!)
Testing
Went to the F1 test at Silverstone today. A great day, even though Ferrari wasn't there. I took loads of photos and I'll post a few once I've sorted them out.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Well done Ferrari!
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/320/schublur.jpg)
Schumi won a great race at Imola for Ferrari. It was a bit close at one stage but he kept Alonso behind him for long enough and Alonso settled for 2nd. You still got too many points, my Spanish friend!
So a great weekend for Schumi, that's his 85th F1 win and 66th F1 pole, beating Senna's total pole score. Next stop Nurburgring on 7th May!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The postman delivers twice
The router promised by BT arrived today. Well actually they sent two for some reason. The only reason I can think of would be that I could daisy chain them, since they are not wireless. The new Netgear router seems to be performing well so for now the BT kit is staying in the box!
2 days to Imola
Just 2 days to the San Marino Grand Prix. The circuit Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is in the heart of Ferrari country - it's a stone's throw from both Modena and Maranello.
It's your home race Ferrari - the tifosi expects!
It's your home race Ferrari - the tifosi expects!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Thanks, BT
BT lady rang this morning, only thing was it was mid morning in India and it woke me up! Not impressed. Anyhow, she told me she had tested the DSL line this morning (not the previous day as promised) and pronounced it to be fault-free. Am I surprised? No. Am I happy? Well no, not really.
Friday, April 14, 2006
ADSL Woes
Been having terrible trouble with my ADSL line. Over the last couple of days its kept dropping, getting disconnects sometimes after a few minutes or sometimes after an hour. Numerous phone calls to BT, they said my line was OK and it must be the microfilters. Tried 4 filters, no change. BT said it must be the router and will send me a new one but not until next week!
So being the impatient type I bought a new Netgear DG834G - actually not that expensive - but the line still dropped. So, back on to BT, spoke to Tech Support in India and they promised to test the line and ring me back after about 30 minutes. Well that was 9 hours ago and no-one has rung back yet! Having said that (and I'm tempting fate here) the line has been up ever since, so maybe they did something.
I've been looking at several support sites and I've come to the conclusion that the problem is to do with the Signal to Noise Ratio, apparently if the SNR margin is too low the modem won't keep the DSL connection. At the moment my downstream SNR Margin is 27db - it's a pity I didn't know what it was when the line was dropping but when the line is down you can't tell.
So I'm monitoring the connection. Apart from chasing BT, I also have some tricks to try, for instance to boost the SNR I can "rewire" my phone socket to disconnect the ringer wire. I'll post any news here. Meanwhile, if you are interested visit
www.adslguide.org it's a good starting point.
So being the impatient type I bought a new Netgear DG834G - actually not that expensive - but the line still dropped. So, back on to BT, spoke to Tech Support in India and they promised to test the line and ring me back after about 30 minutes. Well that was 9 hours ago and no-one has rung back yet! Having said that (and I'm tempting fate here) the line has been up ever since, so maybe they did something.
I've been looking at several support sites and I've come to the conclusion that the problem is to do with the Signal to Noise Ratio, apparently if the SNR margin is too low the modem won't keep the DSL connection. At the moment my downstream SNR Margin is 27db - it's a pity I didn't know what it was when the line was dropping but when the line is down you can't tell.
So I'm monitoring the connection. Apart from chasing BT, I also have some tricks to try, for instance to boost the SNR I can "rewire" my phone socket to disconnect the ringer wire. I'll post any news here. Meanwhile, if you are interested visit
www.adslguide.org it's a good starting point.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Guitar Hero!
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/320/metalhead_800x600.0.jpg)
I got Guitar Hero today - we've been playing it all day. Awesome, Dude!
If you have no idea what I am on about click here .
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Gone commercial!
The iWorld web site has instigated an affiliates programme - if I have a link to their site on mine they will pay me in vouchers. I've published the links, so let's see if they deliver! (iWorld specialise in accessories for iPods).
I've also published some additional information on my technical page about networking Mac printers so that they can be used by Windows PCs on the same network. See my web site for these.
I've also published some additional information on my technical page about networking Mac printers so that they can be used by Windows PCs on the same network. See my web site for these.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Printing from Windows XP to Mac
Well, the Windows printing problem is resolved. Using a combination of the iFelix articles and numerous visits to the Apple discussions forum I have now got my HP printer hosted on my Mac which I can print to from the XP machine.
There are several ways to do this, the most elegant is to use Apple's Bonjour for Windows software. Once installed on the Windows PC it's a simple matter of running the Windows Bonjour Printing wizard. The other way is slightly more complex and involves using the Windows Add Printer wizard. Important bit! When you get to the point where you select the printer driver, do not select the one for your printer! Instead, select the Generic Postscript driver. This will work!
I'll put the links to the ifelix pages on my website technical page.
There are several ways to do this, the most elegant is to use Apple's Bonjour for Windows software. Once installed on the Windows PC it's a simple matter of running the Windows Bonjour Printing wizard. The other way is slightly more complex and involves using the Windows Add Printer wizard. Important bit! When you get to the point where you select the printer driver, do not select the one for your printer! Instead, select the Generic Postscript driver. This will work!
I'll put the links to the ifelix pages on my website technical page.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Networking Macs and Windows
Spent an interesting couple of hours trying to network my Mac and Windows XP PC.
It's always been easy to share a drive on XP and access it from my Mac. I have also been able to share a Windows printer with the Mac using 3rd party printer drivers. The challenge has been to (a) access a folder on my Mac from the WinXP machine and also (b) to print from XP to a printer connected to my Mac.
I managed to set up Windows sharing on the Mac and log on to it from Windows - however while this is relatively secure it is a pain as I have to connect as a specific user and I can only see their folders.
Printing is a different matter - I set up print sharing on the Mac and tried to connect two different ways - from the XP machine using the IP address and then using Bonjour. Neither work at the moment - interestingly I can send a print job to the Mac printer but it never prints - even though the job shows as complete in the printer queue on the Mac.
Hmm...
It's always been easy to share a drive on XP and access it from my Mac. I have also been able to share a Windows printer with the Mac using 3rd party printer drivers. The challenge has been to (a) access a folder on my Mac from the WinXP machine and also (b) to print from XP to a printer connected to my Mac.
I managed to set up Windows sharing on the Mac and log on to it from Windows - however while this is relatively secure it is a pain as I have to connect as a specific user and I can only see their folders.
Printing is a different matter - I set up print sharing on the Mac and tried to connect two different ways - from the XP machine using the IP address and then using Bonjour. Neither work at the moment - interestingly I can send a print job to the Mac printer but it never prints - even though the job shows as complete in the printer queue on the Mac.
Hmm...
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Hello iMac
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Church Bulletins
Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
- The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight:"Searching for Jesus."
- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
- Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
- Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 pm. Please use the back door.
- Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Apple Store
Today I visited the Apple Store at Brent Cross, London. I had a great time playing with all the latest Apple gear, although the store is nowhere as big as the Regent's Street store, e.g. nowhere to sit and log on with my iBook.
Still, a welcome addition to the Apple infrastructure and somewhere within easy reach without traveling all the way to Londinium.
Oh, and I didn't come away empty handed....
More later...
Still, a welcome addition to the Apple infrastructure and somewhere within easy reach without traveling all the way to Londinium.
Oh, and I didn't come away empty handed....
More later...
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Isn't it nice when something just works?
Funny how you get used to something. At work I use Win2000 and it takes absolutely ages to start up and get to the point where I can actually do some work. Admittedly it's loading up "company stuff", like network clients and similar, nevertheless I usually have time (between switching it on and being able to do something with it) to brew a mug of real coffee.
By comparison, when I'm at home I get my iBook out of its bag, open the lid and it's good to go! 'Nuf said!
By comparison, when I'm at home I get my iBook out of its bag, open the lid and it's good to go! 'Nuf said!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Goodbye Windows Media Player
When I got my Mac, I found the only way I could play WMV files was to use Microsoft's WMP for Mac. Not any more! I have discovered flip2mac, which is a plug-in for Quicktime. I subsequently learnt that Microsoft are not supporting WMP for Mac anymore so I'm better off all round.
If you want to get flip2mac - here's the link: www.flip4mac.com. Oh, and the player plug-in is free!
Of course, once you have flip2mac installed you will probably want to uninstall Microsoft WMP - here's how.
Have fun!
If you want to get flip2mac - here's the link: www.flip4mac.com. Oh, and the player plug-in is free!
Of course, once you have flip2mac installed you will probably want to uninstall Microsoft WMP - here's how.
Have fun!
Monday, March 13, 2006
The excitement is deafening
Yes, after another chronologically challenged weekend it's back to work. Highlights: I went somewhere and did something.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Ferrari are back!
It was a close race, as it turned out Alonso just beat Michael to the line, because he got in front at the last stop. Of course Ferrari "lost" a lap's worth of fuel from qualifying and the extra lap which it would have given Michael might have made all the difference. Nevertheless it was a great result. Ferrari's performance showed that they are back at the front. Massa did a sound job as #2 and given the fumble with the wheel guns, 9th was a good result. And Raikkonen's recovery from last on the grid to 3rd was great.
Also, great start by rookie Nico Rosberg, fastest lap on his debut GP - not bad! I will be following his progress as well, I was a great fan of his dad Keke.
So... I reckon there are 4 or 5 competitive teams - Ferrari, Renault, McLaren, Honda and Williams - let's see how things stand after a couple more races!
Only 6 days until the next race!!
Also, great start by rookie Nico Rosberg, fastest lap on his debut GP - not bad! I will be following his progress as well, I was a great fan of his dad Keke.
So... I reckon there are 4 or 5 competitive teams - Ferrari, Renault, McLaren, Honda and Williams - let's see how things stand after a couple more races!
Only 6 days until the next race!!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Forza Ferrari !
A Ferrari front row! Really pleased to see the turn around in their performance from last season, let's hope they remain at the front. I'm expecting the battle to be between Ferrari, Honda and Renault - can't wait!
Interesting new qualifying format, it's an improvement on the rubbish system last year. However as before if you mess up, you end up at the back! Better luck next time, Kimi.
Interesting new qualifying format, it's an improvement on the rubbish system last year. However as before if you mess up, you end up at the back! Better luck next time, Kimi.
1 day to go!
At the end of 2nd practice in Bahrain, the Ferraris ended up 2nd and 4th fastest, Schumacher just being pipped to first by Anthony Davidson in the Honda. A promising start.
You may have noticed that I have changed the font used in these posts, I prefer a san-serif font. I've also got rid of the standard orange header colour as supplied in the blogger template and replaced it with "Wizzard Prang blue". I hope you like it. (Well, I don't actually care whether you do or not, but Hey! I have to say that in the interests of customer care).
You may have noticed that I have changed the font used in these posts, I prefer a san-serif font. I've also got rid of the standard orange header colour as supplied in the blogger template and replaced it with "Wizzard Prang blue". I hope you like it. (Well, I don't actually care whether you do or not, but Hey! I have to say that in the interests of customer care).
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Always look on the bright side of life
De do, de do, de do de do de do...
I haven't been posting recently because, well... nothing good to say.
I've been really disenchanted with work and been generally stressed out by various things. Still, trying to maintain a Positive Mental Attitude. If I get really pissed off I might tell you what has been happening although I'm not sure it's a subject for this blog. We'll see.
I haven't been posting recently because, well... nothing good to say.
I've been really disenchanted with work and been generally stressed out by various things. Still, trying to maintain a Positive Mental Attitude. If I get really pissed off I might tell you what has been happening although I'm not sure it's a subject for this blog. We'll see.
4 days to go!
Just 4 days until the first F1 race of 2006. I'm optimistic that Ferrari will be back on form with the 248 F1. They are one of the few teams to have tested in Bahrain so hopefully we will see them back at the front.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Winter Olympics
Haven't watched much of the winter olympics although I did watch the final part of the ice skating tonight.
They really work those girls hard - not only do they have to skate for 4 minutes but then they have to repeat the interesting bits in slow motion in case the viewers missed something!
They really work those girls hard - not only do they have to skate for 4 minutes but then they have to repeat the interesting bits in slow motion in case the viewers missed something!
Friday, February 17, 2006
22 days to go
until the first F1 race of 2006.
Bahrain, 10 - 12 March.
I know it's a Tilke circuit but I can hardly wait!
Bahrain, 10 - 12 March.
I know it's a Tilke circuit but I can hardly wait!
Friday, February 10, 2006
My first ENZO !
Monday, February 06, 2006
Space Patrol!
This is weird! For years I have been convinced that I watched a TV programme in my childhood (early 60's), it was about a spaceship called Galasphere 347, the crew had a strange creature called a Gabblerdictum Bird. Yeah, I know!
Anyway, no-one that I spoke to remembered it. Whenever I mentioned it to someone of a similar age to me, hoping they would remember seeing it I always got the same reaction - in fact most people thought I was making it up or was barking mad.
I'd done a few googles in the past with no sucess. For some strange reason I tried searching for it today, don't know why I tried again but I did. I must have tried slightly different spellings or something because google came back with loads of results! Fantastic! So I'm not mad after all. OK well maybe not.....
So.... I'm not alone, there are quite a few people out there who remember the programme - the BBC even do a DVD!
![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t7OUJ3rY5rOseeCCx-KbGaGv9MEP8bRDEgy80zGZoBfymA0WEuVfFIt7N9D7NXeT8vE_V1ry25f5XnPzAWRHyAdAE1OT0dZJN9IBdr1-nOoBBFqE8TMm2QfkxgEry7U4nJ=s0-d)
Here's a picture of the crew and the Gabblerdictum bird aboard Galasphere 347 - and here's the dedicated site: Space Patrol. Yobba Rays to stun!
Anyway, no-one that I spoke to remembered it. Whenever I mentioned it to someone of a similar age to me, hoping they would remember seeing it I always got the same reaction - in fact most people thought I was making it up or was barking mad.
I'd done a few googles in the past with no sucess. For some strange reason I tried searching for it today, don't know why I tried again but I did. I must have tried slightly different spellings or something because google came back with loads of results! Fantastic! So I'm not mad after all. OK well maybe not.....
So.... I'm not alone, there are quite a few people out there who remember the programme - the BBC even do a DVD!
Here's a picture of the crew and the Gabblerdictum bird aboard Galasphere 347 - and here's the dedicated site: Space Patrol. Yobba Rays to stun!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Ramblings
![](http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5350/1670/200/gdicon6.gif)
Of course I have no idea if anyone reads this junk, apologies to my readers (Ha Ha) for lack of posts recently. Honestly there are Good Reasons for gaps in chronology, e.g. nothing to say/too busy/too stressed.....
I've been reading Ben Myers' biography on Green Day (worth a read BTW) and have been attempting to learn Jesus of Suburbia, I'm sort of there, really, but I think I've done my arm in. Is there such a thing as guitarists elbow? Anyway, today I got some new picks and one has a skull & crossbones on it so hopefully that will make all the difference.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
I'm a Ferrari 360 Modena
No, I didn't cheat the quiz and the result is just what I would expect!
"You've got it all. Power, passion, precision, and style. You're sensuous, exotic, and temperamental. Sure, you're expensive and high-maintenance, but you're worth it."
Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
I feel old!
My eldest daughter has just turned 16 ! She had a party tonight with her mates. Great time had by all and no damage to the carpet!
Happy Birthday, Luci !
Happy Birthday, Luci !
Friday, January 06, 2006
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
We had a bit of a party last night with our friends - I think it all went rather well, judging by the number of empties! We finally got to bed around 4am.
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