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Just discovered the brilliant online chess tool here: http://en.lichess.org/

We have just had a new baby and it’s being weighed quite regularly to check that it is growing properly. I’m an engineer and was wondering how accurate the scales that the midwives were using. We are based in Oxford and the scales that the midwives were using is the Seca 834 baby scale which … Read more

I’ve just made a fresh install of backuppc on Ubuntu 14.04. However, when I visited the web interface then the browser just shows a bin file like this: Having a bin file server from Apache (or any other web server) generally means there is a fault with the webserver and the script isn’t being parsed … Read more

I just read this awesome comparison of PostgreSQL vs MS SQL.

I just read the packaging from some face wipes that I’m using while traveling. Apparently they contain vitamin b5 and e. Given that you can’t absorb nutrients from a face wipe and it just shows how made up the marketing of these products really is. Bring on the advertising standard agency.

The Oxford to Heathrow Airline Bus doesn’t go to Heathrow Terminal 4.  You get dropped off at Terminal 5 and then need to make your own way to Terminal 4. I found it super confusion and therefore thought I would write some directions to Terminal 4 are to: 1) Go to Level 0 2) Go … Read more

I’ve been working on a commercial project where we would have liked to use Ghostscript. To use ghostscript in a commercial settings (i.e. to distribute it alongside binary code) you need to have a license.   At the time of writing (September 2014) – the costs for this are rather prohibitive: There is a minimum $8000 … Read more

It’s a classic mistake. You buy an ipod, import all your music into itunes, sync it onto the ipod… then at some point loose the computer. Suddenly, your ipod has all of your music on it and you can’t get it off. Don’t panic… there is hope but it does cost you $35. Yes, there … Read more

I looked at buying a black Seat Ibiza with number plate GN10KJZ. I did a HPI check and it came up clear. However, while looking through the car manual, I found a memo from ASM Autos which are salvage and breakers yard. I then looked under at the engine compartment and found that substantial repair … Read more

I’ve decided to stop using Ubuntu as my primary home computer and make the switch to OSX. I’ve purchased a new Macbook Pro and for the first time ever not immediately installed Ubuntu. I love Ubuntu (and this blog is 99% all about Ubuntu); so why have I decided to make this change? Why go … Read more