ooSooM How I Use It and Why
23/12/09 14:14
During the development of ooSooM Version 2 I have been using ooSooM to organise my documents and files as well as manage and document its own development. Now that ooSooM 2 is stable and has been released I have bit the bullet, blown the dust off my Credit Card and upgraded my Dropbox account to 50Gb of storage. My strategy for my information, files and documents , basically my whole ‘digital life’, going forward is to simplify everything, whilst also increasing reliability and redundancy.
To achieve this I have started off by using ooSooM to store my Todo Tasks and Projects as well as store all my reference information. In addition to this, using the Attachment features of ooSooM version 2 I have also stored all my important images, documents, excel files, mp3 files and movies within ooSooM.
I then moved all my R10Office databases to my Dropbox folder. My customers, prospects, suppliers and all associated history are now all together in my Dropbox folder. I have upgraded my account for increased storage and activated the ‘Pack-Rat’ option, which effectively gives me unlimited document rollback.
The reason for choosing Dropbox is that Dropbox gives me a remote, synchronised backup of my information, folders and files. This allows me to use one of several computers (or my iPhone) to access my information, knowing that it will be synchronised and always available.
Dropbox works by uploading a copy of your designated Dropbox folder to the Dropbox server. This is done automatically and in the background. I have no connection with Dropbox other than as a satisfied customer and long time user of their free service.
The screenshots below give you an idea of the kind of information I am storing within ooSooM. Information that is now all safely (and automatically) backed up and synchronised for me without any effort on my part
ooSooM is available free of charge from Arten Science.
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To achieve this I have started off by using ooSooM to store my Todo Tasks and Projects as well as store all my reference information. In addition to this, using the Attachment features of ooSooM version 2 I have also stored all my important images, documents, excel files, mp3 files and movies within ooSooM.
I then moved all my R10Office databases to my Dropbox folder. My customers, prospects, suppliers and all associated history are now all together in my Dropbox folder. I have upgraded my account for increased storage and activated the ‘Pack-Rat’ option, which effectively gives me unlimited document rollback.
The reason for choosing Dropbox is that Dropbox gives me a remote, synchronised backup of my information, folders and files. This allows me to use one of several computers (or my iPhone) to access my information, knowing that it will be synchronised and always available.
Dropbox works by uploading a copy of your designated Dropbox folder to the Dropbox server. This is done automatically and in the background. I have no connection with Dropbox other than as a satisfied customer and long time user of their free service.
The screenshots below give you an idea of the kind of information I am storing within ooSooM. Information that is now all safely (and automatically) backed up and synchronised for me without any effort on my part
ooSooM is available free of charge from Arten Science.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
New Release ooSooM Version 2
22/12/09 14:48
Arten Science have just released Version 2.0.0 of ooSooM. I’m proud of this release and of keeping it free. See this post for more details:
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/files/oos200.html
Oh, and Happy Holidays to everyone.
It’s perhaps a bit much to expect ‘peace on earth’ but that won’t stop me wishing for it.
Cheers - Steve
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http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/files/oos200.html
Oh, and Happy Holidays to everyone.
It’s perhaps a bit much to expect ‘peace on earth’ but that won’t stop me wishing for it.
Cheers - Steve
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NanooSooM - New ooSooM Utility for Mac
18/12/09 11:21
You can now download NanooSooM. NanooSooM is a free utility that is designed to work with your ooSooM database. NanooSooM gives you a quick way of taking notes using the Global keypress: Shift + Option + Enter
NanooSooM can be downloaded for free here:
http://www.artenscience.com/autoupdate/latestversions/nanoosoom.zip
Consider it an early Christmas Present from Arten Science
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NanooSooM can be downloaded for free here:
http://www.artenscience.com/autoupdate/latestversions/nanoosoom.zip
Consider it an early Christmas Present from Arten Science
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Links Glorious Links
17/12/09 23:15
Links Create Direct Traffic
Clicking a link from a trusted source is one of the most popular ways for people to find a new website. If a user is on a website they trust, they are likely to follow links that it recommends - or at the least, users will follow links that make the destination site appear to provide some useful information.
Links Build User Trust in You
If users see a link to you on a popular or respected site, their level of trust in what you say or what you offer is likely to be higher. MySpace generates more traffic to eBay and Amazon than MSN search does - because navigating through MySpace is about trusting what 'friends' recommend. Blogs create this same link-trust factor. Blog readers have a certain 'trust' in the author.
Links Build Search Engine Trust in Your Site
There is no doubt that link score is one of the most important factors the major search engines consider when determining where websites are ranked. The reasoning is simple: if you have many links pointing to your site from other sites, your content must contain quality, important information. A link is like a vote. Although links from important 'authority' sites carry more 'vote weight', ultimately, total 'link/vote score' is one of the heaviest algorithmic factors considered in rankings.
Links Are Free Advertising
Unless you've paid for your link - it is free advertising for you.
Links Are Trackable and Provide Market Intelligence
There are a few methods of determining who links to you, and this information can be very valuable in providing market intelligence such as;
competitor strengths/weaknesses (find out who links to them, request a link)
consumer/user opinion (what are people saying about you/competitors on blogs/forums)
potential suppliers (industry insiders who liked/linked to your site)
source of testimonials
reveals potential PR hazards (negative posts/links)
Links Reveal Strategic Partnerships
Upon reviewing your traffic logs or doing a simple link check on any of the major search engines (as mentioned above) you may encounter some sites that link to you that can reveal sources of mutual benefit, such as;
- marketing partnerships (develop reciprocal ad campaign)
- service or product suppliers
- potential employees
- potential contractors
- or for support/education/help
Links Are Assets - They Add Value to Your Property
Your website is your internet property, and it has value. What gives your website saleable value (typically) is the amount of traffic the site can generate. Links are one of the most important factors in generating substantial website traffic, search engine rankings, trust, publicity, market intelligence and more. A substantial link network offers significant value to the overall package when determining a website's value.
Note: Robbed from Lots of Online Sources
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Bald Head and Wooden Leg Joke
16/12/09 16:00
Some Humour ...
A man with a bald head and a wooden leg is invited to a Xmas fancy dress party. He doesn't know what to wear to hide his head and his wooden leg, so he writes to a fancy dress company to explain his problem.
A few days later he receives a parcel with a note:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a Pirate's outfit. The spotted handkerchief will cover your bald head and with your wooden leg you will be just right as a Pirate.
The man is offended that the outfit emphasizes his disability, so he writes a letter of complaint. A week passes and he receives another parcel and note:
Dear Sir,
Sorry about the previous parcel. Please find enclosed a monk's habit. The long robe will cover your wooden leg and with your bald head you will really look the part.
The man is really incandescent with rage now, because the company has gone from emphasizing his wooden leg to drawing attention to his bald head. So he writes a really strong letter of complaint. A few days later he gets a very small parcel from the company with the accompanying letter:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a tin of Golden Syrup.
We suggest you pour the tin of Golden Syrup over your bald head, stick your wooden leg up your arse and go as a toffee apple.
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A man with a bald head and a wooden leg is invited to a Xmas fancy dress party. He doesn't know what to wear to hide his head and his wooden leg, so he writes to a fancy dress company to explain his problem.
A few days later he receives a parcel with a note:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a Pirate's outfit. The spotted handkerchief will cover your bald head and with your wooden leg you will be just right as a Pirate.
The man is offended that the outfit emphasizes his disability, so he writes a letter of complaint. A week passes and he receives another parcel and note:
Dear Sir,
Sorry about the previous parcel. Please find enclosed a monk's habit. The long robe will cover your wooden leg and with your bald head you will really look the part.
The man is really incandescent with rage now, because the company has gone from emphasizing his wooden leg to drawing attention to his bald head. So he writes a really strong letter of complaint. A few days later he gets a very small parcel from the company with the accompanying letter:
Dear Sir,
Please find enclosed a tin of Golden Syrup.
We suggest you pour the tin of Golden Syrup over your bald head, stick your wooden leg up your arse and go as a toffee apple.
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New UI for ooSooM - Feedback Needed
11/12/09 17:54
Looking for feedback on the proposed UI changes for the next release of ooSooM.
Lets hear your responses here:
http://getsatisfaction.com/artenscience/topics/oosoom_proposed_user_interface_update_input_needed
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Lets hear your responses here:
http://getsatisfaction.com/artenscience/topics/oosoom_proposed_user_interface_update_input_needed
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Oracle Temporary Tables
11/12/09 09:40
Temporary Tables can be extremely useful when manipulating large amounts of data within Oracle, for storing totals or aggregate values. To setup a temporary table:
create global temporary table temp_table
(description VARCHAR2(30), count NUMBER)
on commit delete rows
or
create global temporary table temp_table
(description VARCHAR2(30), count NUMBER)
on commit preserve rows
Temporary tables are visible only to the session that inserted data into it. The data will be deleted at the end of the transaction (on commit delete rows) or when the session is terminated (on commit preserve rows). While they exist and are populated they can be used in the same way as any standard Oracle table.
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create global temporary table temp_table
(description VARCHAR2(30), count NUMBER)
on commit delete rows
or
create global temporary table temp_table
(description VARCHAR2(30), count NUMBER)
on commit preserve rows
Temporary tables are visible only to the session that inserted data into it. The data will be deleted at the end of the transaction (on commit delete rows) or when the session is terminated (on commit preserve rows). While they exist and are populated they can be used in the same way as any standard Oracle table.
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If
10/12/09 15:51
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Rudyard Kipling, 1865-1936
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Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master,
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Rudyard Kipling, 1865-1936
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Christmas Sci-Fi Reading - Asimov
06/12/09 14:59
I had an urge today. Not that kind of urge, but the urge to re-read some of the classic science fiction Issac Asimov novels that I enjoyed so much many years ago. The Robots, the Foundation, the Galactic Empire ... some of the best examples of sci-fi writing ever.
Here’s a link to the books in chronological order:
http://www.amazon.com/Isaac-Asimov-in-Chronological-Order/lm/OFP39Y8TYLSC
Looking forward to getting stuck in
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Here’s a link to the books in chronological order:
http://www.amazon.com/Isaac-Asimov-in-Chronological-Order/lm/OFP39Y8TYLSC
Looking forward to getting stuck in
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Oracle Net Services
05/12/09 13:59
Oracle Net Services is the Communications and Network Component for Oracle Databases. It forms the glue that bonds the Oracle network together, it handles all the negotiations between the Client and Server or between multiple Oracle servers.
The Five Categories of networking solutions that Oracle Net Services address are:
Connectivity
Manageability
Scalability
Security
Accessibility
Connecting the Client to the Server
The main files used for configuring Net Services are:
Listener.Ora - Configure the Listeners
Tnsnames.Ora - Configure Remote Access and Name Resolution
SQLNet.Ora - Configure Network Connection Profiles
Host Naming
(No Client Configuration Required)
The user will supply their user id, password and the name of the host they wish to connect to. The requirements for Host Naming are as follows:
TCP/IP Only
External Resolution Service Required, i.e.: HOSTS / DNS
The Listener must have it’s GLOBAL_DBNAME parameter set to the Machine Name
No Advanced Features are available.
Oracle attempts to use Host Naming only after it fails to connect using Local Naming. This behavior can be overridden in the Sqlnet.Ora file, by altering the NAMES.DIRECTORY_PATH parameter. Below is an example of connecting using Host Naming:
>SQLPLUS steve/letmein@myoracleserver
Easy Connect Naming
(No Client Configuration Required)
Connect to Oracle without using a configuration file by using a connection string in this format:
CONNECT username/password@Hostname
There is an optional port number and service name that can be added to the end of this string. As with Host Naming this is TCP/IP only and advanced features are not available. By default this is the method configured when Oracle Net is installed. Below is an example of connecting using Easy Connect Naming:
>SQL>CONNECT steve/letmein@myoracleserver:1522/testservice.com
Easy Connect naming was introduced with Oracle 10g. This resolution method is automatically configured when Oracle Net is installed.
Local Naming
(Requires Client Configuration)
The configuration exists in the TNSNAMES.ORA file on the client machine in the location pointed to by the environment variable TNS_ADMIN. This is traditionally the most used method of connecting to an Oracle database.
External Naming
(No Client Configuration Required)
This is where you use a non Oracle facility to manage and resolve the Oracle Service Names. NIS (Network Information Services) is one such external name resolution service. This is then accessed by the client to resolve service names.
Oracle Internet Directory
(No Client Configuration Required)
If you are dealing with complex networks with many Oracle servers then OID is the method you should use. All Net Service Names and Connect Descriptors are configured in one central location. OID is a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) compliant server.
Oracle Connection Manager - A middleware solution for:
Multiplexing
Network Access
Cross Protocol Connectivity
Oracle Advanced Security:
Encryption / Checksums
Authentication
Single Sign On
Kerberos (Sharing of a Single Secret Key)
Configuration Files:
Profile: sqlnet.ora
Service Naming: tnsnames.ora
Listeners: listener.ora
Listeners
There can be multiple listeners, but only one LISTENER.ORA
Multiple listeners are used for failover and load balancing purposes.
The default listener name is LISTENER.
Listeners can be configured by Oracle Net Manager.
When the listener is on the same server as the instance the connection is called a DIRECT HANDOFF or BEQUEATH CONNECTION.
Listeners must have unique names and listen on different ports.
Listener Trace Levels:
Off
User
Support
Admin
To refresh the changes made to LISTENER.ORA the listeners must be reloaded:
>LSNRCTL RELOAD
You can use the keywords SHOW and SET at the LSNRCTL command line.
Transparent Application Failover:
List 2 x Hosts
FAILOVER=ON
(Both in TNSNAMES.ORA)
Load Balancing:
LOAD_BALANCE=ON
(TNSNAMES.ORA)
Common Time-out errors when connecting to the host:
ORA-12535
ORA-12547
(Try setting INBOUND_CONNECT_TIMEOUT to a higher value)
FAILOVER:
Try each address in order until one succeeds
FAILOVER LOAD BALANCING:
Try each address randomly until one succeeds
LOAD BALANCING:
Try one address, selected at random
SOURCE ROUTING:
Use each address in order until the destination is reached
My Two New Favourite Business Books
04/12/09 09:59
As an Independent Software Developer I have to wear many hats. I can't be expert in everything but that won't stop me trying It's important to keep learning, to achieve that it is necessary to be, amongst other things, an avid reader.
If you intend to read a lot of non-fiction books it is important that the quality and tone of the writing is easily digestible and that the experience is as pleasurable as possible.
Of the books I have recently read (mainly Marketing or Programming related) there are two that stand out and will be afforded pride of place in my collection.
These books are:
Title: The Startup Success Guide
Author: Bob Walsh
Title: Inbound Marketing
Authors: Brian Halligan & Dharmesh Shah
I could waffle on for ages about how good these books are, how much I learned from them and how indispensable they are to anyone who wants to grow their tech business in the next few years, but I won’t. Just buy them both. Today.
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It's important to keep learning, to achieve that it is necessary to be, amongst other things, an avid reader. If you intend to read a lot of non-fiction books it is important that the quality and tone of the writing is easily digestible and that the experience is as pleasurable as possible.
Of the books I have recently read (mainly Marketing or Programming related) there are two that stand out and will be afforded pride of place in my collection.
These books are:
Title: The Startup Success Guide
Author: Bob Walsh
Title: Inbound Marketing
Authors: Brian Halligan & Dharmesh Shah
I could waffle on for ages about how good these books are, how much I learned from them and how indispensable they are to anyone who wants to grow their tech business in the next few years, but I won’t. Just buy them both. Today.
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New Mac CRM and Productivity Software
02/12/09 11:28
Today Arten Science announced it’s R10Office CRM and Productivity Suite designed specifically for Individuals, Clubs, Groups and Small Businesses. The R10Office Suite will let you Store, View, Interact and Communicate with your Contacts, Customers, Prospects, Network and Suppliers more easily and efficiently than ever before.
The R10Office CRM and Productivity Suite consists of four applications that cover Contacts, Todo/Task Management and Digital Filing, Bulk/Batch Email Marketing and Award Winning Encryption. Each of the four R10Office applications are available separately but really come into their own when used as a suite. The suite consists of:
ContaX CRM: Build Relationships. Reap the Rewards. Effective CRM.
ooSooM: The Todo Manager You've Been Waiting For.
R10BatchMail: Bulk Email. Done Right.
R10Cipher: Security For Everyone.
System Features:
* Supplied as Universal Binaries for Mac OSX including Snow Leopard
* Windows Version works on XP, Vista, 2003 and 7
* Easy to use, Modern, Clean Interface
* Requires No Installation
* No Modifications made to your computer outside of the R10Office folder
* To 'uninstall' - Just delete the R10Office folder
* Requires no additional Runtime installation
* Can be run from a USB drive
* Online Help System
* Support Forum
* Sync the Databases with iDisk, DropBox or Similar
Benefits:
* More Effective Sales Calls
* Increased Sales through Repeat Business from Past Customers
* Improved Ability to Provide a Higher Level of Customer Service
* Greater Customer Satisfaction because you Understand their Unique Needs
* Enhanced Communication
* View your Contact History
* See your Contacts by Geographical Spread
* Visual Relationship Views
* Graphs and Charts show your Contact Database Visually
* Accurate Contact Records
* Keep your Contacts up to date with targeted eMail
* Send Encrypted Email, for example Staff Reviews
* Transfer and Store Encrypted Documents, for example Financial Information
* Use for Backup, Zip your files then Encrypt the Zip with R10Cipher
* Secure Peer to Peer, End to End Encryption
* Store information and files safely on your Laptop
* Store Patients Records and Health Data
* Archive Research Documents
Testimonials:
"R10BatchMail is brilliant - easy to use, intuitive and very useful - you can make targeted email campaigns with ease in whatever html editor you find easiest - it's a MUST for all web designers who want to add extra marketing thrust to their portfolio of products. I can't wait to see how the product develops in the future." - Mitch Stone IDM Design
"Our custom ArtenSUITE module is fantastic for our company needs - Arten Science not only create our software, they maintain our data - always available and reliable. I could not recommend them more highly." - Chris Fanthom Managing Director, TMS Limited
"R10Cipher is a fantastic cross platform tool which has given us the peace of mind that our patient sensitive research data can be transmitted electronically in a secure manner on site or with collaborators around the world. The ability to encrypt and attach files to emails or simply encrypt the email text between Apple Macs and Windows PCs without the need for complicated software installations means that our users are happy to use this great bit of software. The developer's proactive approach to their software development requesting and rapidly incorporating users feedback has turned a good encryption tool into and excellent one." - Paul McGrath, Computer Manager, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre
Minimum Requirements:
* Mac OS X Version 10.4 or higher
* Windows XP / Vista / Window 7
* Universal Binary for PowerPC and Intel
* G4 Processor, 1GHz or faster
* 140 MB Hard Drive space
Pricing and Availability:
R10Office is available now at the introductory price of £79GBP ($135USD) for a Single User license. Corporation Site Licenses and Educational licenses are available, contact us for further details. A 30 Day Trial version of ContaX, with no functionality restrictions can be downloaded. Any data entered during the trial period can be carried forward into the full version if purchased.
R10Office
30 Day Trial
Purchase R10Office
Movie
Screenshot
Steven Cholerton
Arten Science
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Common Sense from Lou Carbone
02/12/09 09:59
There is a section near the end of Bob Walsh's latest book, The Web Startup Success Guide, where he interviews several well known, and less well known individuals.
The most interesting interview in my opinion came from a person I had not heard of previously: Lou Carbone from Experience Engineering.
Bob's introduction did not give me any idea as to just how much I would enjoy reading this interview.
It's difficult to explain what it was about Lou that I liked, but his comments resonated with me. He was talking about the customer experience and how important it is to the success of a company.
His opinions matched mine and made me realise that I need to get those values across to my customers, I need to make their experience the best it can be. I am a decent person with a deep routed sense of justice and a desire to be the best I can be, and a desire to provide the best service I can. I need to prove this to my customers through every interaction they have with me or Arten Science.
Lou has given me a lot to think about and a lot of work to do.
It sounds just like common sense, and it is. Sometimes though we all need a reminder, a prompt. Common sense isn't so common any more and people like Lou are needed sometimes to remind us of things that deep down we already know.
Written with JustWrite and ooSooM. Free Utilities from Arten Science.
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The most interesting interview in my opinion came from a person I had not heard of previously: Lou Carbone from Experience Engineering.
Bob's introduction did not give me any idea as to just how much I would enjoy reading this interview.
It's difficult to explain what it was about Lou that I liked, but his comments resonated with me. He was talking about the customer experience and how important it is to the success of a company.
His opinions matched mine and made me realise that I need to get those values across to my customers, I need to make their experience the best it can be. I am a decent person with a deep routed sense of justice and a desire to be the best I can be, and a desire to provide the best service I can. I need to prove this to my customers through every interaction they have with me or Arten Science.
Lou has given me a lot to think about and a lot of work to do.
It sounds just like common sense, and it is. Sometimes though we all need a reminder, a prompt. Common sense isn't so common any more and people like Lou are needed sometimes to remind us of things that deep down we already know.
Written with JustWrite and ooSooM. Free Utilities from Arten Science.
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Oracle REPLACE Function
30/11/09 18:34
I had to do some work for a customer this afternoon which involved replacing a web address located within a SQL string in an Oracle database, with a different web address.
Maybe it’s the drugs (prescription !) but my first thought was to knock together a piece of code to loop through the tables and appropriate columns and perform the substitution.
Of course, that’s ridiculous, SQL already has a REPLACE function which works perfectly in this scenario.
REPLACE(fullstring,old text, new text)
Sorted
The picture below shows the statement in action running in Orac my SQL Tool for Macintosh OSX.
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Maybe it’s the drugs (prescription !) but my first thought was to knock together a piece of code to loop through the tables and appropriate columns and perform the substitution.
Of course, that’s ridiculous, SQL already has a REPLACE function which works perfectly in this scenario.
REPLACE(fullstring,old text, new text)
Sorted
The picture below shows the statement in action running in Orac my SQL Tool for Macintosh OSX.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Good News and Bad News
26/11/09 22:14
Today I attended the Royal Derby Hospital for the triple thrill of X-Ray, Consultant and OT Splint. I was waiting in anticipation for the appointment with the Consultant as today I was to find out if I could start putting any weight on my leg.
The appointment went well, the injury is healing ok and I can now start to put partial weight on my leg, I can even do a small amount of driving once I can bend my leg a bit further.
The bad news is that my brace has to stay on until at least my next appointment in January, and I may well need another operation in the new year to straighten the leg as it has healed slightly crooked.
I’ve abandoned my wheelchair and crutches and am now limping around the house with only my new (rather stylish ) silver finish carbon fibre walking stick which my wife bought me for Christmas. My progress is extremely slow at the moment but it can only improve
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The appointment went well, the injury is healing ok and I can now start to put partial weight on my leg, I can even do a small amount of driving once I can bend my leg a bit further.
The bad news is that my brace has to stay on until at least my next appointment in January, and I may well need another operation in the new year to straighten the leg as it has healed slightly crooked.
I’ve abandoned my wheelchair and crutches and am now limping around the house with only my new (rather stylish
) silver finish carbon fibre walking stick which my wife bought me for Christmas. My progress is extremely slow at the moment but it can only improve RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Computer Books For Sale
20/11/09 17:55
I sorted these out just before I had my accident at the end of September and they have been stuck on a table ever since.
You can see the book list here: http://www.artenscience.com/assorted/techbooks4sale.htm
They all have to go so make me an offer.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
You can see the book list here: http://www.artenscience.com/assorted/techbooks4sale.htm
They all have to go so make me an offer.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Another Motorcycling Accident
20/11/09 09:56
My daughters boyfriend came round last night, bandaged up like The Mummy.
After a days Motocross riding at Mallory Park he had fallen off and broken his collar bone.
This has reinforced my wife’s belief that motorcycles are the devils own invention. If it was up to her she’d take a hammer to them
Hopefully I’ve had my fair share of bike related accidents and operations. Surely lightning can’t strike in the same place again ? If my knee heals well enough to ride a bike again then I will do, life is too short to spent time avoiding excitement because of potential danger. That’s not living, that’s existence.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
After a days Motocross riding at Mallory Park he had fallen off and broken his collar bone.
This has reinforced my wife’s belief that motorcycles are the devils own invention. If it was up to her she’d take a hammer to them
Hopefully I’ve had my fair share of bike related accidents and operations. Surely lightning can’t strike in the same place again ? If my knee heals well enough to ride a bike again then I will do, life is too short to spent time avoiding excitement because of potential danger. That’s not living, that’s existence.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Advertising Everywhere, Why Not ?
20/11/09 09:33
If it stops still for long enough it’s going to get an Arten Science logo stuck on it
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Stunning Yamaha R1
17/11/09 17:41
This is a beautiful, stunning Yamaha R1 Superbike.
Why ? Why Not ?
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Why ? Why Not ?
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
New Freeware from Arten Science
12/11/09 21:01
New freeware from Arten Science: JustWrite.
Read the screenshot. That’s all it does. Really
Both the Mac OSX and Windows versions can be downloaded from here.
I needed this utility and I needed a break from coding R10Office and the associated decisions regarding installation, trial versions etc. etc. JustWrite was the result of this couple of hours rest from R10Office. I hope other people find it useful.
ContaX CRM with Added Security
11/11/09 17:36
R10Office November Promotion
09/11/09 20:01
R10Office November Promotion:
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/files/r10offnovp.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/files/r10offnovp.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
ContaX CRM Released
05/11/09 10:21
Finally, Contax CRM has been released. Approximately a month later than originally envisaged, but better late than never.
ContaX CRM is a Contact Relationship Management solution for the Individual, Small Business or Club. ContaX will let you Store, View, Interact and Communicate with your Contacts, Customers, Prospects and Suppliers more Easily and Efficiently than ever before. ContaX is Cross Platform meaning that it runs on Windows (including Windows 7) as well as Macintosh OSX (including Snow Leopard). Your database can be stored wherever you like including hosted / syncronised services such as iDisk and DropBox.
ContaX is part of R10Office which means seamless integration with ...
R10Cipher for Encrypted Text and Email
R10BatchMail for Batch Email Sending
ooSooM for Task Management and Digital Vault Items
The screenshots below are from the Apple Mac and Windows 7 versions respectively:
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
ContaX CRM is a Contact Relationship Management solution for the Individual, Small Business or Club. ContaX will let you Store, View, Interact and Communicate with your Contacts, Customers, Prospects and Suppliers more Easily and Efficiently than ever before. ContaX is Cross Platform meaning that it runs on Windows (including Windows 7) as well as Macintosh OSX (including Snow Leopard). Your database can be stored wherever you like including hosted / syncronised services such as iDisk and DropBox.
ContaX is part of R10Office which means seamless integration with ...
R10Cipher for Encrypted Text and Email
R10BatchMail for Batch Email Sending
ooSooM for Task Management and Digital Vault Items
The screenshots below are from the Apple Mac and Windows 7 versions respectively:
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Lets Find Madeleine
03/11/09 16:28
An Update ...
03/11/09 13:57
The last week or so has been very busy. On a personal front I was at the Physio last Wednesday and then on the following day I was at the Royal Derby Hospital all morning. I visited three different departments which meant my leg brace had to be taken off and put back on three times ... I was left feeling rather ... sore ...
I did however speak to my consultant who told me exactly what is likely to happen in the future as regards my injury. He was impressed with my progress going as far as to say that he had not seen anyone with this type of injury start recovering so quickly - but he didn’t pull any punches regarding my future use of this leg. The best I can expect is to suffer from Arthritis in the knee, followed by a knee replacement operation in five years.
The problem is that the break to my Tibia Plateau consisted of approximately six large pieces of bone and over one hundred smaller pieces ... This has obviously been repaired as well as possible but there is a good possibility the repair will not take my weight and allow me to walk. I should know in four weeks time when I will try and apply some weight to the joint.
I’ve looked at all the options and possibilities and have contingency plans in place, it’s going to take more than a smashed Tibia to put me in a wheelchair If there is one thing that I learned from my time as a soldier in the British Army it’s that our capabilities are far beyond our expectations and so much can be achieved through sheer belief and determination. Following a Mountain Bike accident a few years ago I have had and recovered from four operations on my spine. I’ll get through this latest inconvenience in the same way.
Every cloud has a silver lining and in this case the silver lining is the fact that I have stopped smoking. My last cigarette was October 2nd, around 2pm as I lay in pain, barely able to move and watching a yellow Air Ambulance helicopter landing a hundred yards away. It’s surprising how easy it is to quit smoking when you are confined to bed in hospital for a fortnight
On the business front things have also been busy. Due to my being confined to a chair at the moment I have had to turn down two lucrative contracts, a Software Development contract and a Security Audit. I have however accepted one software development contract as it came via an old friend who understands the current situation and is willing to act as liaison between myself and the customer. I’ll be starting that contract next week. The last week or so has been spent releasing ooSooM and completing ContaX, which will be released later this week.
ooSooM has been incredibly successful, receiving several five star reviews and having over 1000 registered users already. Of course it helps that ooSooM is released as Freeware !
I’ve had great support from family, friends and customers. Deserving of particular praise is my wife, Judith. While I spend the day sat in a chair like Henry VIII being waited on hand and foot, Judy is responsible for making sure I have food, drink, tablets, toothbrush, cleaning stuff etc. etc. When this is over and I am back on my feet I am going to treat her somehow, show her how much her support and love means to me.
Incidentally, when I mention Henry VIII, I mean I’m more like this one:
than this one: 
Incidentally, please have a look at this page. I have set this up to gather donations for the Derbyshire Leicestershire Rutland Air Ambulance. Please consider donating.
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Pages/donate.html
Anyway, that’s enough for now. Time for me to go and get some work done. ContaX won’t release itself
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
I did however speak to my consultant who told me exactly what is likely to happen in the future as regards my injury. He was impressed with my progress going as far as to say that he had not seen anyone with this type of injury start recovering so quickly - but he didn’t pull any punches regarding my future use of this leg. The best I can expect is to suffer from Arthritis in the knee, followed by a knee replacement operation in five years.
The problem is that the break to my Tibia Plateau consisted of approximately six large pieces of bone and over one hundred smaller pieces ... This has obviously been repaired as well as possible but there is a good possibility the repair will not take my weight and allow me to walk. I should know in four weeks time when I will try and apply some weight to the joint.
I’ve looked at all the options and possibilities and have contingency plans in place, it’s going to take more than a smashed Tibia to put me in a wheelchair
If there is one thing that I learned from my time as a soldier in the British Army it’s that our capabilities are far beyond our expectations and so much can be achieved through sheer belief and determination. Following a Mountain Bike accident a few years ago I have had and recovered from four operations on my spine. I’ll get through this latest inconvenience in the same way.Every cloud has a silver lining and in this case the silver lining is the fact that I have stopped smoking. My last cigarette was October 2nd, around 2pm as I lay in pain, barely able to move and watching a yellow Air Ambulance helicopter landing a hundred yards away. It’s surprising how easy it is to quit smoking when you are confined to bed in hospital for a fortnight
On the business front things have also been busy. Due to my being confined to a chair at the moment I have had to turn down two lucrative contracts, a Software Development contract and a Security Audit. I have however accepted one software development contract as it came via an old friend who understands the current situation and is willing to act as liaison between myself and the customer. I’ll be starting that contract next week. The last week or so has been spent releasing ooSooM and completing ContaX, which will be released later this week.
ooSooM has been incredibly successful, receiving several five star reviews and having over 1000 registered users already. Of course it helps that ooSooM is released as Freeware !
I’ve had great support from family, friends and customers. Deserving of particular praise is my wife, Judith. While I spend the day sat in a chair like Henry VIII being waited on hand and foot, Judy is responsible for making sure I have food, drink, tablets, toothbrush, cleaning stuff etc. etc. When this is over and I am back on my feet I am going to treat her somehow, show her how much her support and love means to me.
Incidentally, when I mention Henry VIII, I mean I’m more like this one:
than this one: Incidentally, please have a look at this page. I have set this up to gather donations for the Derbyshire Leicestershire Rutland Air Ambulance. Please consider donating.
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Pages/donate.html
Anyway, that’s enough for now. Time for me to go and get some work done. ContaX won’t release itself
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Technology Excellence Certificate
30/10/09 13:24
R10Cipher. Email, File and Text Encryption Software.
Finalist in the Technology Excellence Awards, Information Technology Product of the Year 2009
R10Cipher can be downloaded from here:
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/r10cipher/Home.html
Not for the Squeamish !!
25/10/09 12:46
Below are pictures of the injuries to my leg following my recent motorcycle accident.
The scars left and right of the knee are where the plates and screws where inserted and all the rebuilding work was carried out. The staples came out last week and recovery is going very well, you can still see some of the swelling and bruising, however.
It looks likely that I will walk with a stick when I can finally walk again, so if I’ve got to have a stick I’m going to get a nice one Any recommendations ? Something modern and stylish, maybe carbon fibre ? It has to be a proper, strong stick first and foremost though - not a fashion accessory.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
The scars left and right of the knee are where the plates and screws where inserted and all the rebuilding work was carried out. The staples came out last week and recovery is going very well, you can still see some of the swelling and bruising, however.
It looks likely that I will walk with a stick when I can finally walk again, so if I’ve got to have a stick I’m going to get a nice one
Any recommendations ? Something modern and stylish, maybe carbon fibre ? It has to be a proper, strong stick first and foremost though - not a fashion accessory.RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
BMW K1300R
25/10/09 11:02
This is fantastic. Looks different, goes like stink. What more do you need in a bike ?
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
New Product Release: ooSooM
22/10/09 13:55
Today I released my latest product: ooSooM.
ooSooM is a Todo Management and Secure Digital Filing System for Macintosh OSX and Microsoft Windows.
The idea behind ooSooM is simple. To get on with the job in hand you need to get thoughts of what needs doing and what needs remembering out of your head and safely and securely logged, in a way that means you can find them later when needed. Bits of paper are so yesterday
ooSooM does not attempt to force a predetermined 'methodology' on you, rather it's very free format and open allowing you to use it however you like, but with enough structure to ensure that once logged, information can retrieved easily and readily.
ooSooM is Windows 7 and OSX Snow Leopard compatible.
ooSooM is supplied FREE OF CHARGE for PERSONAL USE.
One of the unique features of ooSooM is that if you have an R10Cipher license then Todo or Vault items within ooSooM can be Encrypted / Decrypted on an individual basis. This allows you to use ooSooM to store confidential information such as Passwords, Serial Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, Bank Details Etc.
Another unique feature of ooSooM is that it integrates directly with ContaX, our CRM package. This means that Todo items and Vault items can be linked to particular Customers, Suppliers or Contacts. This link can be seen both from within ooSooM and within ContaX.
You can see some pictures of ooSooM below, and you can view the Getting Started Guide here.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
ooSooM is a Todo Management and Secure Digital Filing System for Macintosh OSX and Microsoft Windows.
The idea behind ooSooM is simple. To get on with the job in hand you need to get thoughts of what needs doing and what needs remembering out of your head and safely and securely logged, in a way that means you can find them later when needed. Bits of paper are so yesterday
ooSooM does not attempt to force a predetermined 'methodology' on you, rather it's very free format and open allowing you to use it however you like, but with enough structure to ensure that once logged, information can retrieved easily and readily.
ooSooM is Windows 7 and OSX Snow Leopard compatible.
ooSooM is supplied FREE OF CHARGE for PERSONAL USE.
One of the unique features of ooSooM is that if you have an R10Cipher license then Todo or Vault items within ooSooM can be Encrypted / Decrypted on an individual basis. This allows you to use ooSooM to store confidential information such as Passwords, Serial Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, Bank Details Etc.
Another unique feature of ooSooM is that it integrates directly with ContaX, our CRM package. This means that Todo items and Vault items can be linked to particular Customers, Suppliers or Contacts. This link can be seen both from within ooSooM and within ContaX.
You can see some pictures of ooSooM below, and you can view the Getting Started Guide here.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster
21/10/09 22:46
Fantastic! The 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster looks the business. It’s great to see a British company doing so well, especially at the moment. Triumph are increasing market share against the Japanese and looking to do really well when the economy finally turns. The reason for their success is because of brave and innovative products such as this.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Post Hospital Progress
16/10/09 10:28
I’ve been out of the hospital for a couple of days now and have to admit that I am finding it much tougher than expected.
For starters, my left leg cannot accept any weight whatsoever and can only move 20 degrees, limited by the full length leg brace. This means that I cannot go anywhere without my two crutches. Even with these crutches there are many things I cannot do without the help of a willing third party, in most cases my long suffering wife, who so far has been brilliant.
The nature of the break is such that even the slightest movement causes pain in and around the knee joint, the large metal plates that have been inserted each side of my knee make the whole area slightly bulkier and more swollen that normal and to be honest the pain is constant which mentally is a challenge.
My day at the moment basically consists of the following:
I wake up around 0800 and my wife brings me a cup of tea, a couple of slices of toast and my medication. Following a bed bath, partially by me with my back and legs done by my wife, I get up and come down stairs stopping via the toilet on the way. Coming down the stairs is easy, basically consisting of hopping down each stair using one crutch and the stairs banister rail.
I spent the rest of the day in my chair in the lounge, which has been hired to make it possible for me to get out of the chair without help if necessary. I have small table to the left and right of my chair that contain my essentials, telephone, coffee, Lucozade etc. I then have a ‘TV Table’ which fits over my lap which contains my trusty 15’’ MacBook Pro.
I then work using my computer for the next 6 to 8 hours stopping for a few minutes for lunch. Yesterday I managed to release an update to R10Cipher, answer several dozen emails and sort out most of the after effects of two weeks virtually incommunicado in hospital.
Bed time is where the fun begins - trying to get up the stairs is ... interesting ... the first night it took over 2 hours, last night around 20 minutes so it’s getting easier !
So for the next 3 months my life will follow the above pattern most days, interspersed with the occasional visit to the hospital or physiotherapist.
As I will not be able to meet with my networking groups or new customers for many months, my custom software development business will tail off, that is to be expected. What I have to look at is increasing the marketing and sales of my commercial software products to fill that inevitable gap in my revenue stream.
I don’t expect the next few months to be easy either personally or from a business perspective. Problems however are just challenges I haven’t solved yet.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
For starters, my left leg cannot accept any weight whatsoever and can only move 20 degrees, limited by the full length leg brace. This means that I cannot go anywhere without my two crutches. Even with these crutches there are many things I cannot do without the help of a willing third party, in most cases my long suffering wife, who so far has been brilliant.
The nature of the break is such that even the slightest movement causes pain in and around the knee joint, the large metal plates that have been inserted each side of my knee make the whole area slightly bulkier and more swollen that normal and to be honest the pain is constant which mentally is a challenge.
My day at the moment basically consists of the following:
I wake up around 0800 and my wife brings me a cup of tea, a couple of slices of toast and my medication. Following a bed bath, partially by me with my back and legs done by my wife, I get up and come down stairs stopping via the toilet on the way. Coming down the stairs is easy, basically consisting of hopping down each stair using one crutch and the stairs banister rail.
I spent the rest of the day in my chair in the lounge, which has been hired to make it possible for me to get out of the chair without help if necessary. I have small table to the left and right of my chair that contain my essentials, telephone, coffee, Lucozade etc. I then have a ‘TV Table’ which fits over my lap which contains my trusty 15’’ MacBook Pro.
I then work using my computer for the next 6 to 8 hours stopping for a few minutes for lunch. Yesterday I managed to release an update to R10Cipher, answer several dozen emails and sort out most of the after effects of two weeks virtually incommunicado in hospital.
Bed time is where the fun begins - trying to get up the stairs is ... interesting ... the first night it took over 2 hours, last night around 20 minutes so it’s getting easier !
So for the next 3 months my life will follow the above pattern most days, interspersed with the occasional visit to the hospital or physiotherapist.
As I will not be able to meet with my networking groups or new customers for many months, my custom software development business will tail off, that is to be expected. What I have to look at is increasing the marketing and sales of my commercial software products to fill that inevitable gap in my revenue stream.
I don’t expect the next few months to be easy either personally or from a business perspective. Problems however are just challenges I haven’t solved yet.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Out of Hospital
14/10/09 14:35
Escaped from the hospital today so normal service will be resuming from tomorrow.
I apologise if you have experienced any delays in replys to email or anything else over the last fortnight.
Although the I’m not going to be driving or riding this side of Christmas, I am still working on existing projects both custom and commercial.
Thanks to everyone for their cards and best wishes.
-Steve
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
I apologise if you have experienced any delays in replys to email or anything else over the last fortnight.
Although the I’m not going to be driving or riding this side of Christmas, I am still working on existing projects both custom and commercial.
Thanks to everyone for their cards and best wishes.
-Steve
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
I've done a 'Cracking' Job This Time ...
08/10/09 09:19
I’m into theatre this afternoon for my operation, my surgeon has just been and had a chat with me.
Apparently the CT Scan showed the damage to be worse than already expected, these injuries are rated on a scale of 1 to 6, 6 being the worse. Mine is a 6 ...
The operation is on the left Tibia and will involve reconstructing the whole joint. There will be two plates inserted, one down each side of my knee joint. They may also need some bone from my hip to use in the reconstruction. The bone graft can be as painful as the main operation I was told ...
The leg will never be the same again. I can have no weight on it at all for 6 weeks and it will be at least 3 months before I start to get reasonable use from it. I’m not sure yet how I’m going to cope with work, we’ll have to wait and see
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Apparently the CT Scan showed the damage to be worse than already expected, these injuries are rated on a scale of 1 to 6, 6 being the worse. Mine is a 6 ...
The operation is on the left Tibia and will involve reconstructing the whole joint. There will be two plates inserted, one down each side of my knee joint. They may also need some bone from my hip to use in the reconstruction. The bone graft can be as painful as the main operation I was told ...
The leg will never be the same again. I can have no weight on it at all for 6 weeks and it will be at least 3 months before I start to get reasonable use from it. I’m not sure yet how I’m going to cope with work, we’ll have to wait and see
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Rescued by the Air Ambulance !
06/10/09 20:03
I’m writing this from my hospital bed. I’ve been here since Saturday afternoon and it’s looking like I will be here until at least next Saturday.
It all started innocently enough when I, my daughter Jess and her boyfriend Dan packed up Jess’s Motocross bike into the back of my truck and headed off to the track where we are teaching her to ride.
She was doing really well and had been riding around for a couple of hours and was tired. I decided I’d have a quick go on her bike before we went home. At a speed of less than 10 Mph I leaned the bike to the left and let the clutch out to accelerate in the direction I wanted to go. I felt a pain in my left knee as if I had been shot, the bike reared up and dragged me for a couple of yards before crashing to the ground.
I think I may have caught my knee on a large rock in the ground as I banked to the left, I’ll probably never know, but I did know that I couldn’t straighten my left leg or move it in any direction.
After waiting a few minutes to see if I my leg would miraculously heal, and realising it wouldn’t, I told Dan to call the ambulance. The response was incredible, within minutes an Ambulance had arrived and realising that my location was inaccessible via 4 wheel transport the Air Ambulance arrived a minute later.
They cut my jeans and trainers off and thought my knee was dislocated, unfortunately it wasn’t that simple though. In the end they bundled me into a cradle and into the chopper which arrived at the Derby Royal Hospital a few minutes later.
It turns out after two X-Rays and a CT Scan that my leg is badly shattered and needs surgery. The surgery won’t happen until Thursday so my leg is currently in plaster to hold all the bits in roughly the right place until the operation.
It looks like I’ll be doing no driving or riding for the next couple of months
So, is there a lesson to be learned from this experience ? I don’t think so, it’s a genuine ‘sh1t happens’ situation. If I had been on my bike I wouldn’t have caught my knee on the ground, and if I did it wouldn’t have mattered as I would have been wearing my body armour. It’s a set of circumstances that came together and resulted in a bad situation. You cannot, and should not attempt to plan for every conceivable situation. Life is dangerous, but that’s no excuse for refusing to live it to the full.
Big shout out to the Air Ambulance and the staff at Derby Royal. Cheers - You are all great
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
It all started innocently enough when I, my daughter Jess and her boyfriend Dan packed up Jess’s Motocross bike into the back of my truck and headed off to the track where we are teaching her to ride.
She was doing really well and had been riding around for a couple of hours and was tired. I decided I’d have a quick go on her bike before we went home. At a speed of less than 10 Mph I leaned the bike to the left and let the clutch out to accelerate in the direction I wanted to go. I felt a pain in my left knee as if I had been shot, the bike reared up and dragged me for a couple of yards before crashing to the ground.
I think I may have caught my knee on a large rock in the ground as I banked to the left, I’ll probably never know, but I did know that I couldn’t straighten my left leg or move it in any direction.
After waiting a few minutes to see if I my leg would miraculously heal, and realising it wouldn’t, I told Dan to call the ambulance. The response was incredible, within minutes an Ambulance had arrived and realising that my location was inaccessible via 4 wheel transport the Air Ambulance arrived a minute later.
They cut my jeans and trainers off and thought my knee was dislocated, unfortunately it wasn’t that simple though. In the end they bundled me into a cradle and into the chopper which arrived at the Derby Royal Hospital a few minutes later.
It turns out after two X-Rays and a CT Scan that my leg is badly shattered and needs surgery. The surgery won’t happen until Thursday so my leg is currently in plaster to hold all the bits in roughly the right place until the operation.
It looks like I’ll be doing no driving or riding for the next couple of months
So, is there a lesson to be learned from this experience ? I don’t think so, it’s a genuine ‘sh1t happens’ situation. If I had been on my bike I wouldn’t have caught my knee on the ground, and if I did it wouldn’t have mattered as I would have been wearing my body armour. It’s a set of circumstances that came together and resulted in a bad situation. You cannot, and should not attempt to plan for every conceivable situation. Life is dangerous, but that’s no excuse for refusing to live it to the full.
Big shout out to the Air Ambulance and the staff at Derby Royal. Cheers - You are all great
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Why R10Cipher ?
03/10/09 10:24
I've just posted a series of ten articles over on my Arten Science blog, titled Why R10Cipher ?
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/Blog.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/Blog.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Social Acceptance
30/09/09 11:14
This is a Guest Post by my Daughter, Jessica.
Has anybody noticed how superficial and judgemental the youth of today is?
Being a teenager myself I am surrounded by it every day of the week. Why do people feel the need to follow the crowd, and judge those who dare to differ?
Just the other day one of my own friends called me 'a pathetic excuse for a girl' because I like motorbikes and cars. Yes, I may like motorbikes, but I also like dresses, make-up and pink! Same as any other teenage girl.
And why do teenagers think that all adults should be hated - especially teachers? I happen to find a lot of my teachers very interesting people. I find myself preferring to spend my time with adults rather than with people my own age.
What about all this size zero business. This I really cant understand. Two words - ROAST DINNER!!!
And my last point - SMILE! Its not difficult. If I pass somebody in the street my own age and smile at them they look at me like I'm a crazy person! Whats wrong with spreading a little happiness?
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Has anybody noticed how superficial and judgemental the youth of today is?
Being a teenager myself I am surrounded by it every day of the week. Why do people feel the need to follow the crowd, and judge those who dare to differ?
Just the other day one of my own friends called me 'a pathetic excuse for a girl' because I like motorbikes and cars. Yes, I may like motorbikes, but I also like dresses, make-up and pink! Same as any other teenage girl.
And why do teenagers think that all adults should be hated - especially teachers? I happen to find a lot of my teachers very interesting people. I find myself preferring to spend my time with adults rather than with people my own age.
What about all this size zero business. This I really cant understand. Two words - ROAST DINNER!!!
And my last point - SMILE! Its not difficult. If I pass somebody in the street my own age and smile at them they look at me like I'm a crazy person! Whats wrong with spreading a little happiness?
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Daughters 2nd Motorbike Lesson
28/09/09 11:49
We finally found a motorcross bike for my daughter. It's a 2002 Honda CR 80 'Big Wheel'. After a good clean it looks very well, never been raced and in great condition.
Saturday was spent with her getting used to riding round the field. The first thing she did was flip it completely, I thought that would have destroyed her confidence but by the end of the session she was riding it around the field, admittedly only in first gear at the moment. I'm proud of how she got back on and got on with it, Here's a picture:
The bike itself is a 2 stroke motorcross bike. Despite being only 80cc It goes like stink ... capable of pulling the front wheel up in third gear under hard accelearation and thats with me on it. A cracking little bike.
We had been out that morning to finish off shopping for her motorcycle kit. She now has boots and body armour so everything she needs is sorted, it's just practice and more practice now
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Saturday was spent with her getting used to riding round the field. The first thing she did was flip it completely, I thought that would have destroyed her confidence but by the end of the session she was riding it around the field, admittedly only in first gear at the moment. I'm proud of how she got back on and got on with it, Here's a picture:
The bike itself is a 2 stroke motorcross bike. Despite being only 80cc It goes like stink ... capable of pulling the front wheel up in third gear under hard accelearation and thats with me on it. A cracking little bike.
We had been out that morning to finish off shopping for her motorcycle kit. She now has boots and body armour so everything she needs is sorted, it's just practice and more practice now
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New R10Cipher Testimonials
23/09/09 22:30
Yesterday I received two new testimonials for R10Cipher, my Cross Platform Email and File Security Software.
I have a thing for encryption programs and most sadly seem to be snake oil and try and hype on the fear factor. I was impressed that you have chosen not to go the way of the “Military Level Encryption” or “Not Even the CIA Can Break” road and simply give examples of what your product can do.
Which is why after a quick play with your product, reading all the documentation and the ever important look on google for any negative things, I have purchased a couple of licences and may get more before the end of the Zot.
Good work. - Kevin
I saw your app on MACZOT promo today and downloaded the trial. I liked what I saw and replaced another encryption app that I was using. Good job. - Joe
It really gives me a buzz when people care enough about my work to write and tell me. Cheers guys
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I have a thing for encryption programs and most sadly seem to be snake oil and try and hype on the fear factor. I was impressed that you have chosen not to go the way of the “Military Level Encryption” or “Not Even the CIA Can Break” road and simply give examples of what your product can do.
Which is why after a quick play with your product, reading all the documentation and the ever important look on google for any negative things, I have purchased a couple of licences and may get more before the end of the Zot.
Good work. - Kevin
I saw your app on MACZOT promo today and downloaded the trial. I liked what I saw and replaced another encryption app that I was using. Good job. - Joe
It really gives me a buzz when people care enough about my work to write and tell me. Cheers guys
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Daughters 1st Motorbike Lesson
22/09/09 17:39
I've just got back from taking my daughter for her first lesson on how to ride a motorcycle. It actually well quite well. She can now get on the bike, start it and move forward slightly in first gear without stalling it - most of the time. She's taken her first fall as well so that's that fear out of the way ! She was riding my off-road bike which made it more difficult as it was slightly too tall and quite powerful for a first timer.
I've yet to get her any body armour so she wore mine and she also needs some boots, I think I'll take her over DK Motorcycles on Saturday and let her get both those items. Then all we need is a bike for her ... I've seen plenty but the decent ones have all been over budget, we'll keep looking however.
It took me a while to persuade her mother that we should let her get into motocross, but I think it's important that you give your kids the opportunity to experience as much as possible. It's not the safest sport in the world but then real life isn't always safe, I'd rather her be riding a bike off-road rather than doing what a lot of teenagers get upto today, that's for sure.
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I've yet to get her any body armour so she wore mine and she also needs some boots, I think I'll take her over DK Motorcycles on Saturday and let her get both those items. Then all we need is a bike for her ... I've seen plenty but the decent ones have all been over budget, we'll keep looking however.
It took me a while to persuade her mother that we should let her get into motocross, but I think it's important that you give your kids the opportunity to experience as much as possible. It's not the safest sport in the world but then real life isn't always safe, I'd rather her be riding a bike off-road rather than doing what a lot of teenagers get upto today, that's for sure.
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R10Cipher: InfoSec Product of the Year, Finalist
21/09/09 14:06
Finalist in the category Information Security Product of the Year
R10Cipher
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R10Cipher
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My Daughter Is the Stig
17/09/09 17:25
My daughter in her new motocross clothes. She's like a pink version of The Stig
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UK IT Industry Awards - Finalists
14/09/09 10:39
This link shows all the finalists for this years IT Industry Awards.
Did I mention R10Cipher is in the running for Security Product of the Year award ? Did I ?
http://www.artenscience.com/images/ukitawards3.jpg
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Did I mention R10Cipher is in the running for Security Product of the Year award ? Did I ?
http://www.artenscience.com/images/ukitawards3.jpg
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Riding with the Mayor
13/09/09 22:19
Today was the Mayor of Derby's Charity Motorbike and Scooter Ride.
I met up with some friends in our local Trail Riders Fellowship chapter and together we rode down to the start and finish point at Markeaton Park, Derby. Here we met up with dozens of others riding everything from Harley Davidsons through KTM RC8's down to 50cc Scooters.
We stood and talked with the Mayor, Sean Marshall, and convinced him to join us for a ride out on the green lanes sometime, which he agreed to do. A major chance for us as a group to demonstrate that we are not all hooligans who ride wherever they want without regard for the law or peoples safety.
You can see the Mayor (the one with the big gold necklace ) talking with members of our group in the picture below:
The charity ride itself went well and money was raised for some good local causes.
Below are some additional pictures from the day:
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I met up with some friends in our local Trail Riders Fellowship chapter and together we rode down to the start and finish point at Markeaton Park, Derby. Here we met up with dozens of others riding everything from Harley Davidsons through KTM RC8's down to 50cc Scooters.
We stood and talked with the Mayor, Sean Marshall, and convinced him to join us for a ride out on the green lanes sometime, which he agreed to do. A major chance for us as a group to demonstrate that we are not all hooligans who ride wherever they want without regard for the law or peoples safety.
You can see the Mayor (the one with the big gold necklace
) talking with members of our group in the picture below:The charity ride itself went well and money was raised for some good local causes.
Below are some additional pictures from the day:
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These Are The Days ...
10/09/09 14:18
If you like bikes and like a good book and even better like books about bikes, then you have to read this:
These are the Days that must Happen to You, by Dan Walsh.
In addition to the criteria already mentioned, you must have a sense of humour
Fantastic book, written in his own unique style chronicling the adventures of a guy on the run from himself. You don't have to like his opinions on politics, booze or drugs but you do have to respect his right to those opinions and admire his forthright manner and storytelling capability.
Great read.
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These are the Days that must Happen to You, by Dan Walsh.
In addition to the criteria already mentioned, you must have a sense of humour
Fantastic book, written in his own unique style chronicling the adventures of a guy on the run from himself. You don't have to like his opinions on politics, booze or drugs but you do have to respect his right to those opinions and admire his forthright manner and storytelling capability.
Great read.
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R10Cipher, InfoSec Product of the Year: Finalist
08/09/09 07:43
Crash !
01/09/09 09:34
I put my Trail bike on the back of the truck, hitched up the caravan and headed to the Peak District for the weekend.
On Saturday I set off with a map to explore some of the local minor roads and green lanes on the bike. The roads were fantastic and I was having a great time until I got a bit carried away and was faced with 12’’ deep ruts on a downhill stretch and I was carrying a bit too much speed ...
I didn’t bounce, or roll, I just hit the ground hard, as did the bike. Damage was minimal and I considered myself lucky. The bike has a broken mirror and hand-guard and I had a cracked rib and a loose tooth. That put paid to anymore fun and I took the quickest way back to the campsite to nurse my wounds.
Next time less speed, more concentration and I’ll be wearing my body armour !
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On Saturday I set off with a map to explore some of the local minor roads and green lanes on the bike. The roads were fantastic and I was having a great time until I got a bit carried away and was faced with 12’’ deep ruts on a downhill stretch and I was carrying a bit too much speed ...
I didn’t bounce, or roll, I just hit the ground hard, as did the bike. Damage was minimal and I considered myself lucky. The bike has a broken mirror and hand-guard and I had a cracked rib and a loose tooth. That put paid to anymore fun and I took the quickest way back to the campsite to nurse my wounds.
Next time less speed, more concentration and I’ll be wearing my body armour !
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BNI Phoenix Chapter Launch Day
23/08/09 11:32
The Phoenix Chapter of the BNI has it’s launch day on Thursday 10th September at 07:00. The cost is £10 and this covers your breakfast buffet.
If you would like a chance to attend and meet and network with dozens of other businesses then send me an email and I’ll give you the details. The location is just off J26 of the M1, UK.
steve@artenscience.co.uk
The great thing about the BNI is that each chapter only has one company in each category, therefore if you do, for example, Catering Events, then all referrals for Catering Events will go to you. The key is to get in early.
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If you would like a chance to attend and meet and network with dozens of other businesses then send me an email and I’ll give you the details. The location is just off J26 of the M1, UK.
steve@artenscience.co.uk
The great thing about the BNI is that each chapter only has one company in each category, therefore if you do, for example, Catering Events, then all referrals for Catering Events will go to you. The key is to get in early.
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KLX250, Sunny Day and a Deserted Quarry
23/08/09 11:22
I had some serious fun yesterday at a deserted quarry somewhere in the Peak District. The KLX loved terrain like this and except for a few buttock clenching moments, so did I
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A Great Weekend
22/08/09 23:06
Last weekend I went and watched some off-road biking events that were being held in the Peak District, Derbyshire. On the Saturday I went to watch my daughters boyfriend doing some Motorcross training, pics below:
The following day we watched an Enduro race. What a great way to spend a weekend
The picture below is totally unrelated but I think it’s a great picture, if you love bikes and travel then it’s extremely motivational as well
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The following day we watched an Enduro race. What a great way to spend a weekend
The picture below is totally unrelated but I think it’s a great picture, if you love bikes and travel then it’s extremely motivational as well
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Arten Science: The Movie
12/08/09 15:27
Recommended: The George at Youlgreave
10/08/09 08:21
We took a drive out into the country for lunch yesterday, a lovely little village in the Derbyshire Peak District, Youlgreave. We’ve been to The George a few times and it never disappoints, quality local home cooked food. Fantastic. At just over £20 for lunch and two drinks it’s not cheap, but not expensive either - just good value.
One thing that annoyed me is it seems yesterday was open day for all the local criminals as the entire Derbyshire Police Force seemed to be out on the roads or hiding in bushes with speed cameras. Maybe there isn’t any real crime committed on a Sunday in Derbyshire ?
Anyway, here’s some pictures of Youlgreave.
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One thing that annoyed me is it seems yesterday was open day for all the local criminals as the entire Derbyshire Police Force seemed to be out on the roads or hiding in bushes with speed cameras. Maybe there isn’t any real crime committed on a Sunday in Derbyshire ?
Anyway, here’s some pictures of Youlgreave.
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Heaven is an Active Humbucker
09/08/09 11:52
A few years ago my wife bought me a Gibson Flying V for Christmas. It was the faded ‘Special’ and while it played superbly I was never enamored with the the faded styling or the standard pickups. I have always lusted after a White model but they seem to be quite rare. As a 14 year old boy my father made me one which I used for several gigs. Embarrassing 1983 picture below.
So last year I took the V over to a professional guitar repairer in Stoke and had him paint it White and install a pair of Active EMG Humbuckers - an 81 and an 85. This guitar is now the perfect model for me. Plays like a dream, looks and sounds superb. I just need more time to play it
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So last year I took the V over to a professional guitar repairer in Stoke and had him paint it White and install a pair of Active EMG Humbuckers - an 81 and an 85. This guitar is now the perfect model for me. Plays like a dream, looks and sounds superb. I just need more time to play it
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An Hour In The Lanes ...
08/08/09 17:25
Determined not to let events from earlier in the day spoil the rest of the day, I got on the Triumph and rode some of the single track B roads north of Belper. Had a great time and got a few photos from the top of Alport Heights.
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R10Cipher Customer Testimonials
08/08/09 10:20
R10Cipher, my Cross Platform File and Text Encryption Solution, recently received some great testimonials:
R10Cipher is simple, easy to use and powerful. It is the best encryption program for the Mac we have found. - Paul, OnTravel.Com
R10Cipher has been an excellent product for ensuring the safe and secure transmission of files in a cross platform environment. As an independent Strategy Consultant using Apple Mac, but with a client base using mostly PC platforms, I need to find a way to easily send sensitive market and financial data to clients with no hassle for my clients. R10Cipher does the job simply, easily, and with no problems at all, and causes no difficulties with clients firewalls. Enough said!... great product. - Peter M. Scott
For NetFoos I am lucky enough to travel around the USA and parts of Europe to bring live streaming foosball tournaments to the foosball community. For the live streaming there is a lot of information needed to keep the server running and secure. Now, while on the road with R10Cipher, receiving this information from the home office is much easier as we can simply encrypt and email it while feeling confident that our data remains private. Although we are constantly finding new uses for the software, this one capability has made R10Cipher a great investment for us. - Mark Winker, NetFoos.com
If you need to make company or private info available on a need to know basis, them R10Cipher is the tool for you. There are other encryption packages but I haven't found an easier to use cross platform software than this one. - Paulo Pires
My Sony USB Microvault is so much easier than lugging my laptop through airport security, yet again. The nightmare of the lost or stolen USB stick is only too real, with the Staff Salary Reviews and the Acquisition Financials modeled in embarrassing detail. I use R10Cipher for Mac as a simple and reliable way of exchanging financial models and private placement memorandums across platforms as well as for secure storage on my USB sticks and portable hard drives. Simple, reliable and easy to use. - Karl Mattingly, Partner, slowCapital
R10Cipher is a fantastic cross platform tool which has given us the peace of mind that our patient sensitive research data can be transmitted electronically in a secure manner on site or with collaborators around the world. The ability to encrypt and attach files to emails or simply encrypt the email text between Apple Macs and Windows PCs without the need for complicated software installations means that our users are happy to use this great bit of software. The developer’s proactive approach to their software development requesting and rapidly incorporating users feedback has turned a good encryption tool into and excellent one. - Paul McGrath, Computer Manager, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre
Disaster Strikes, Epic Adventure Aborted
08/08/09 09:36
So there I am:
Helmet - Check, Goggles - Check, Big Chunky MX Boots - Check, Bumbag with map - Check.
All ready and prepared for a hardcore epic off-road adventure in the wilderness miles from civilisation and home to all kinds of dangers.
*Reality Check: Actually 50 miles or so of gentle green laning in the Derbyshire Peak District
Fearing for my life and wondering what fate had in store for me, but brave enough to continue anyway, I adjusted my googles and mounted my trusty steed.
Helmet - Check, Goggles - Check, Big Chunky MX Boots - Check, Bumbag with map - Check.
All ready and prepared for a hardcore epic off-road adventure in the wilderness miles from civilisation and home to all kinds of dangers.
*Reality Check: Actually 50 miles or so of gentle green laning in the Derbyshire Peak District
Fearing for my life and wondering what fate had in store for me, but brave enough to continue anyway, I adjusted my googles and mounted my trusty steed.
Which is when the rear suspension collapsed down to the stop.
Being only 5 days old and with 62 miles on the clock the Kawasaki RAC people came out to have a look (thumbs up - 20 minutes!) and declared it would need to go into the dealer for a new shock under warranty. That destroys todays plans
It’s been said that I carry a few extra pounds, but surely not enough to destroy the rear shock of a trail bike just by sitting on it ! I just hope they get it sorted soon.
Updates to follow ...
Welcome to Police State GB
07/08/09 19:58
I joined the Trail Riders Fellowship yesterday. I’m looking forward to joining them on the green lanes of this great and beautiful country, well away from over-enthusiastic and misguided Police hell bent on fining me for daring to have a number plate slightly smaller than the official billboard size dictated by law.
[Soapbox Mode Initiated]
I’ve nothing against the law at all, it’s when it’s used against rather than for the people that I get annoyed and angry.
The recent case in North Wales when a Police car on an emergency call out to rescue a father and daughter from drowning after falling in a waterfall, decides to stop and spend 15 minutes writing up a ticket for a biker with a number plate 80mm too small. Another Police car was despatched to the waterfall incident but got there too late. The father and daughter died. The statement from the Police ? ‘We are capable of handling more than one critical case at once’. Message for North Wales Police - There was only one critical case here and you failed to handle it after your officers got over-enthusiastic about an easy bust.
What about the 19 Year old who now has a criminal record after he dropped some imperial mints from his pocket whilst riding his bike ?
Or the fact that ASBO rules are being used against motorcyclists doing nothing wrong but filtering in a safe and lawful manner ? Says the officer ‘Your actions could have annoyed other road users this makes you anti-social ...’
Who watches the watchers ? In this country - no-one.
[Soapbox Mode Terminated]
So, yeh - I’ll be attending the local meet next week and hopefully meeting some like-minded riders who are up for some good dirty fun.
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Getting Down and Dirty
07/08/09 09:49
Here’s a couple of pictures of my new toy getting down and dirty
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Yet Another Internet Scam, Tax Refunds !
04/08/09 21:50
I received this email earlier today:
It’s a scam. The Tax Office don’t offer refunds - or is that just me ? Anyway, the enclosed attachment opens a webpage that asks you for your details so that the tax refund can be credited to your account. This is a new one on me, and I suspect for many people.
Don’t fall for it !! Despite it looking reasonably official, if you enter your account details into the enclosed webpage you will be very disappointed when money is debited rather than credited ...
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It’s a scam. The Tax Office don’t offer refunds - or is that just me ? Anyway, the enclosed attachment opens a webpage that asks you for your details so that the tax refund can be credited to your account. This is a new one on me, and I suspect for many people.
Don’t fall for it !! Despite it looking reasonably official, if you enter your account details into the enclosed webpage you will be very disappointed when money is debited rather than credited ...
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New Product Released - R10Cipher Version 3
03/08/09 16:18
My company has today released R10Cipher Version 3. The latest version of our Cross Platform, End to End, File and Text Encryption Solution.
Here’s the Website: http://www.r10cipher.com
Here’s the Press Release: http://prmac.com/release-id-6823.htm
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Note to Self
03/08/09 14:58
Note to self:
Puddles may be *much* deeper than they appear when riding off-road.
PS: Denim is not waterproof.
PPS: Motorcycles cannot swim.
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Puddles may be *much* deeper than they appear when riding off-road.
PS: Denim is not waterproof.
PPS: Motorcycles cannot swim.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
New Bike for Fitness
02/08/09 13:05
When the Wii Fit first weighs you and the little onscreen virtual ‘you’ goes from stick thin to a shape similar to a football, it’s further confirmation that something needs to be done about weight and fitness. I have a treadmill in my office. It’s useful for storing things on. My trainer at the gym can’t remember who I am. My year old mountain bike has barely seen the pavement let alone a mountain. A different strategy is called for.
Exercise is boring for me, so exercise has to be fun, therefore tomorrow a Kawasaki KLX250 trail bike is being delivered.
If anyone tells you offroad riding is easy and not a workout, they are lying. It can be very hard work and a useful way to stay fit and shed a few pounds, and of course it’s *great* fun. If I can avoid breaking any limbs I’m sure it will do me good The wife knows it’s coming and my scars have nearly healed, so all is well with the world.
'Pimpin' the Arten Mobile
22/07/09 20:28
My new truck has been feelin the love just lately, I’ve installed a reversing camera, wired in my Sat-nav and installed a CB Radio. Just waiting for a couple of aerial bits to arrive tomorrow from Jim at 4x4cb.com.
On the list for future installation are some bigger alloy wheels, side steps rather than the side bars and a bull-bar for the front. They’ll have to wait a while though as time and funds are both finite
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On the list for future installation are some bigger alloy wheels, side steps rather than the side bars and a bull-bar for the front. They’ll have to wait a while though as time and funds are both finite
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Book Review: Softwar
20/07/09 13:44
I’ve just finished reading Softwar: An Intimate Portrait of Larry Ellison and Oracle. This is a very well written and incredibly interesting insight into the company and the man who made it what it is today.
Far more interesting than Bill Gates, Larry Ellison is the brains behind the worlds 2nd largest software company. Anybody who flies a Russian Fighter Jet in their spare time is definitely worth reading about
Despite the fact that this book was written in conjunction with Larry it never feels that Larry has altered the text to suit himself, in fact there is footnote on many pages direct from Ellison in which he expands upon, and sometimes disagrees with the writer on a given point.
I found this book fascinating - if you know of Oracle and or Larry Ellison and you are interested in how decisions, and fortunes, are made by one of the worlds top technology firms - read this book.
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Far more interesting than Bill Gates, Larry Ellison is the brains behind the worlds 2nd largest software company. Anybody who flies a Russian Fighter Jet in their spare time is definitely worth reading about
Despite the fact that this book was written in conjunction with Larry it never feels that Larry has altered the text to suit himself, in fact there is footnote on many pages direct from Ellison in which he expands upon, and sometimes disagrees with the writer on a given point.
I found this book fascinating - if you know of Oracle and or Larry Ellison and you are interested in how decisions, and fortunes, are made by one of the worlds top technology firms - read this book.
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Happy Users = Happy Developers
09/07/09 21:58
I just received this via email:
‘Hi Steve - Thanks for getting back to me so quickly with the license. I found your product here http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/macvcr.html I downloaded it tonight tried it and loved it so bought the license straight away’
That somebody thinks highly of my creation is one thing, that they will part with real money for it is another, and the fact that they will take the time to email me and tell me their feelings is exceptional. Makes it all worth while Cheers David, enjoy your software.
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‘Hi Steve - Thanks for getting back to me so quickly with the license. I found your product here http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/macvcr.html I downloaded it tonight tried it and loved it so bought the license straight away
’That somebody thinks highly of my creation is one thing, that they will part with real money for it is another, and the fact that they will take the time to email me and tell me their feelings is exceptional. Makes it all worth while
Cheers David, enjoy your software.RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Joined a New Chapter of the BNI
25/06/09 10:02
I joined a new chapter of the BNI today, the Phoenix Group. I was introduced as a guest by a friend and associate of mine Rory from Pyranet.
The chapter meets just off J26 of the M1 at 0645 every Thursday. The people are great, as is the breakfast
Quote from the BNI Homepage:
BNI is a 24 year old business and professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 5,291 active chapters, and 111,733 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world.
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all the other members carry copies of your card with them. When they meet someone new that could use your products or services they hand out your card and personally recommend your services.
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The chapter meets just off J26 of the M1 at 0645 every Thursday. The people are great, as is the breakfast
Quote from the BNI Homepage:
BNI is a 24 year old business and professional organisation that allows only one person from each trade or profession to join a chapter. With over 5,291 active chapters, and 111,733 members, it is the most successful business referral organisation in the world.
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you because all the other members carry copies of your card with them. When they meet someone new that could use your products or services they hand out your card and personally recommend your services.
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New Car so Range Rover For Sale !
20/06/09 17:59
My new vehicle arrived yesterday
Therefore my Range Rover is up for sale, specification and photo below:
RANGE ROVER 2003 3.0TD6 HSE Auto 5 DOORS
Very Good Condition
67000 Miles
1 Years MOT
3 Months Tax
Main Dealer Full Service History
Metallic Green / Grey
Full Grey Leather
22'' Alloy Wheels
Heated Seats
Air Conditioning
Trip Computer
Remote Central Locking
Electric Memory Seats
Side Steps
Park Distance Control, Front and Rear
6 CD Changer
Privacy Glass
Cruise Control
Removable Towbar
Electric Steering Wheel Positioning
Service Indicator
Electric Door Mirrors
Immobiliser / Alarm
Headlight Wash/Wipe
For more information: stevecholerton@mac.com
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Therefore my Range Rover is up for sale, specification and photo below:
RANGE ROVER 2003 3.0TD6 HSE Auto 5 DOORS
Very Good Condition
67000 Miles
1 Years MOT
3 Months Tax
Main Dealer Full Service History
Metallic Green / Grey
Full Grey Leather
22'' Alloy Wheels
Heated Seats
Air Conditioning
Trip Computer
Remote Central Locking
Electric Memory Seats
Side Steps
Park Distance Control, Front and Rear
6 CD Changer
Privacy Glass
Cruise Control
Removable Towbar
Electric Steering Wheel Positioning
Service Indicator
Electric Door Mirrors
Immobiliser / Alarm
Headlight Wash/Wipe
For more information: stevecholerton@mac.com
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Beautiful Custom Bedding for your Yacht
18/06/09 19:59
I’ve been meaning to talk about these guys for a while now. As a disclaimer I have to point out that they are a customer of mine. With their permission I’ll talk about the solution I created for them in a future posting.
Tailored Marine Supplies create custom bedding for your boat or yacht. I don’t actually have a yacht personally but I’d love to have some of their bedding in my caravan - they may even give me a discount
TMS was setup by successful local businessmen and boating enthusiasts, Ian and Chris who I have known since 1996. They operate out of custom premises in Malaga, Spain. The idea for the company came when Ian was disappointed with the quality and choice of the bedding supplied with his Jeanneau. After attempting and failing to find an alternative third party supplier that could create what he required, Ian decided he had found a gap in the market worth pursuing.
TMS is now enjoying rapid growth and success, especially since opening the doors to the general public rather than relying totally on the Brokers.
I wish them all the success, they have a great plan, a great work ethic and will undoubtedly become very successful.
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Tailored Marine Supplies create custom bedding for your boat or yacht. I don’t actually have a yacht personally but I’d love to have some of their bedding in my caravan - they may even give me a discount
TMS was setup by successful local businessmen and boating enthusiasts, Ian and Chris who I have known since 1996. They operate out of custom premises in Malaga, Spain. The idea for the company came when Ian was disappointed with the quality and choice of the bedding supplied with his Jeanneau. After attempting and failing to find an alternative third party supplier that could create what he required, Ian decided he had found a gap in the market worth pursuing.
TMS is now enjoying rapid growth and success, especially since opening the doors to the general public rather than relying totally on the Brokers.
I wish them all the success, they have a great plan, a great work ethic and will undoubtedly become very successful.
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Recent Recommendations
18/06/09 19:37
Recent Recommendations. Good companies deserve praise just as much as bad companies deserve their negative press. Recently I have been impressed with these companies, all of which are local to me.
Name: Blue Spire
Category: Financial Services
Comments: Nigel Toplis, Senior Partner is on top of his game and delivers honest and informed financial advice. Thanks to him also for creating the Eastwood Group.
Name: Pyranet Limited
Category: IT Services
Comments: An impressive operation ran by young and talented business people with a real feel for customer service and efficiency.
Name: Holy Mackerel Software
Category: Software House
Comments: Some great products, headed by David Cox, an intelligent, motivated individual.
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Name: Blue Spire
Category: Financial Services
Comments: Nigel Toplis, Senior Partner is on top of his game and delivers honest and informed financial advice. Thanks to him also for creating the Eastwood Group.
Name: Pyranet Limited
Category: IT Services
Comments: An impressive operation ran by young and talented business people with a real feel for customer service and efficiency.
Name: Holy Mackerel Software
Category: Software House
Comments: Some great products, headed by David Cox, an intelligent, motivated individual.
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Who's Parked in the Disabled Bay ?
18/06/09 19:14
This is a Guest Post by my Aunty Ann, a disabled lady with more guts, dignity and determination than I’ll ever have. She’s an inspiration.
Have any of you able bodied people out there ever parked in a Disabled Parking Bay ,you know, just while you nipped to the ATM or just popped into the shop for a packet of cigarettes ?
Well, I'm a disabled lady with Multiple Sclerosis and I need that space so that my husband (bless him) can get me out of the car and into my wheelchair using a 'person hoist'. I'm trussed up like a chicken, but it has to be. Seeing someone in the next parking bay getting adeptly out of their car is really annoying.
A case in point, at the Garden Centre recently a lady went trotting across the car park with her friends, her husband shouted "Hey, you've forgotten this" and the lady trotted merrily back to the car to retrieve the walking stick she obviously didn't need. I often wish that someone from the Disability Fraud Office (if there is such a place) would sit in the supermarket car park on a cold, wet and windy day and watch how many Blue Badge holders jump out of their cars and run into the supermarket !
Still, I'll moan about them another day, the Carer will be arriving any minute to empty my leg bag, and hoist me into bed.
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Have any of you able bodied people out there ever parked in a Disabled Parking Bay ,you know, just while you nipped to the ATM or just popped into the shop for a packet of cigarettes ?
Well, I'm a disabled lady with Multiple Sclerosis and I need that space so that my husband (bless him) can get me out of the car and into my wheelchair using a 'person hoist'. I'm trussed up like a chicken, but it has to be. Seeing someone in the next parking bay getting adeptly out of their car is really annoying.
A case in point, at the Garden Centre recently a lady went trotting across the car park with her friends, her husband shouted "Hey, you've forgotten this" and the lady trotted merrily back to the car to retrieve the walking stick she obviously didn't need. I often wish that someone from the Disability Fraud Office (if there is such a place) would sit in the supermarket car park on a cold, wet and windy day and watch how many Blue Badge holders jump out of their cars and run into the supermarket !
Still, I'll moan about them another day, the Carer will be arriving any minute to empty my leg bag, and hoist me into bed.
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Pricing: Economics of a Small Software Company
18/06/09 17:23
‘It’s a funny old game’. Someone famous once said that. I think they were talking about running a software company. My company has two facets, on the one hand I sell commercial applications that I have developed and they are priced between £10 and £100. This price is nothing to do with the effort that went into creating them, they are this inexpensive because I expect to sell dozens or hundreds of them. On the other hand I do custom software development for a specific customer which generally costs them thousands of pounds.
For example let’s say it takes a month to develop a small application, that’s 180 working hours. Assume someone like myself can earn £100K+ per year, including benefits, working in a corporate. That equates to £47 per hour. Let’s assume for the sake of argument that I wish to maintain and exceed that level of income, not an entirely unlikely suggestion. To develop that application has cost me a month in which I could have earned £8500. If I sell that application at £50 I need to sell 170 copies just to break even. Hopefully I’ll exceed that and make a profit, sometimes I won’t. It’s a good job I am not in it for the money
On a slightly different track, I may spend 1 month developing a custom application specifically for a customer, therefore their price is going to similar to the £8500 mentioned earlier. Most customers understand and accept this. Where it gets interesting is what happens if I then use technology / skills / source code developed during that custom development and create a commercial product. For £50. Assume of course that the code / technology is not in any way tied to trade secrets or proprietary information from the original customer. So now potentially my customer has paid for a good chunk of my development fees and other companies (who buy it at £50) receive the benefit of this.
Is this a problem for my customer ? Maybe, maybe not. After all, they had the advantage of having something they wanted created for them to do exactly what they required. They have the onsite support and the ability to have the software further customised as time goes on and their business changes. They become a partner.
Of course, every customer believes that what they are asking for will be easily turned into a commercial product and sold. The reality however is different. There is a lot more to creating and selling a commercial product than thinking of a price and putting up a webpage ! Where a customer has this assumption I have in the past, and will continue in the future to offer them a return on their investment, if and when it becomes a commercial product. For the customer this gives them the best of both worlds - their software is developed and they pay accordingly and if that product is then sold commercially they are entitled to a royalty.
So what is the point of this article ? Well, nothing really. I just wanted to shed some light on how it works behind the scenes within a small custom software development company. I may do further posts discussing other aspects of running an ISV (Independent Software Company), if anyone is interested ?
My Company Website: Arten Science
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For example let’s say it takes a month to develop a small application, that’s 180 working hours. Assume someone like myself can earn £100K+ per year, including benefits, working in a corporate. That equates to £47 per hour. Let’s assume for the sake of argument that I wish to maintain and exceed that level of income, not an entirely unlikely suggestion. To develop that application has cost me a month in which I could have earned £8500. If I sell that application at £50 I need to sell 170 copies just to break even. Hopefully I’ll exceed that and make a profit, sometimes I won’t. It’s a good job I am not in it for the money
On a slightly different track, I may spend 1 month developing a custom application specifically for a customer, therefore their price is going to similar to the £8500 mentioned earlier. Most customers understand and accept this. Where it gets interesting is what happens if I then use technology / skills / source code developed during that custom development and create a commercial product. For £50. Assume of course that the code / technology is not in any way tied to trade secrets or proprietary information from the original customer. So now potentially my customer has paid for a good chunk of my development fees and other companies (who buy it at £50) receive the benefit of this.
Is this a problem for my customer ? Maybe, maybe not. After all, they had the advantage of having something they wanted created for them to do exactly what they required. They have the onsite support and the ability to have the software further customised as time goes on and their business changes. They become a partner.
Of course, every customer believes that what they are asking for will be easily turned into a commercial product and sold. The reality however is different. There is a lot more to creating and selling a commercial product than thinking of a price and putting up a webpage ! Where a customer has this assumption I have in the past, and will continue in the future to offer them a return on their investment, if and when it becomes a commercial product. For the customer this gives them the best of both worlds - their software is developed and they pay accordingly and if that product is then sold commercially they are entitled to a royalty.
So what is the point of this article ? Well, nothing really. I just wanted to shed some light on how it works behind the scenes within a small custom software development company. I may do further posts discussing other aspects of running an ISV (Independent Software Company), if anyone is interested ?
My Company Website: Arten Science
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Day 1 of the HU Spring Meeting
18/06/09 17:05
I went and registered at the Horizons Unlimited meeting today, had a wander around and took some photos.
Owned by the HU organisers, this bike has been around the world several times !
This is an obscenely fast sports bike. Well, it was.
Rambos Bike
A couple of nice BMW’s
The sheepskin is very comfy. Apparently.
More sheepskin seat covers ...
An old Beemer
You don’t need a BMW
One of the campsites
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Owned by the HU organisers, this bike has been around the world several times !
This is an obscenely fast sports bike. Well, it was.
Rambos Bike
A couple of nice BMW’s
The sheepskin is very comfy. Apparently.
More sheepskin seat covers ...
An old Beemer
You don’t need a BMW
One of the campsites
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Insurance / BT Complaints Etc.
17/06/09 15:20
The Horizons Unlimited UK Spring Meeting starts tomorrow and I’ve got a ticket. I won’t be able to attend the whole four days but as the meeting is around 1 mile from my home office I can come and go as I please. I am *really* looking forward to it. It would have been cool to camp overnight and socialise with others of a like mind, over a few beers, but living so close I could walk home in 15 minutes if I decide to have a drink so camping is not on the agenda.
That’s not to say I won’t turn up on my Scrambler complete with travel bags - I don’t want to be considered a lightweight, I have to make the effort to at least look the part
Horizons Unlimited is the online meeting place for people who are / have or want to travel the world via motorcycle. Time and finances permitting I intend to do the same at some point so it will be handy to meet the experts and attend some of the sessions.
My new car (although according to the insurers and for tax purposes - a van!) is being delivered Friday so I’ll have to wait in for that. Which brings me onto another point - Insurance. Obviously I want the new vehicle covered, and also my existing vehicle for a couple of weeks until I sell it. Surely this is a straight-forward requirement ? Nope - I have had to take out a completely new policy for the Ranger and keep my existing policy for my existing vehicle, which I can then cancel when sold and I’ll be entitled to zero refund on the remaining months. Not very impressed to say the least
While I’m in the mood for complaining, I tried to pay my British Telecom phone bill today. As we have just switched to another provider this was the final bill from them, which apparently means you cannot pay it over the phone using your debit card. You have to send a cheque or go to a Post Office. Well, the government has shut all the Post Offices and who uses their cheque book nowadays ? After an hour of searching I found my cheque book and managed to remember how to write using a pen (!) for long enough to address the envelope. Why make it so difficult to get paid ? Oh, and that ‘Free Evenings and Weekends’ deal we all signed up for - it’s not free when you cancel your BT account. Grrr
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That’s not to say I won’t turn up on my Scrambler complete with travel bags - I don’t want to be considered a lightweight, I have to make the effort to at least look the part
Horizons Unlimited is the online meeting place for people who are / have or want to travel the world via motorcycle. Time and finances permitting I intend to do the same at some point so it will be handy to meet the experts and attend some of the sessions.
My new car (although according to the insurers and for tax purposes - a van!) is being delivered Friday so I’ll have to wait in for that. Which brings me onto another point - Insurance. Obviously I want the new vehicle covered, and also my existing vehicle for a couple of weeks until I sell it. Surely this is a straight-forward requirement ? Nope - I have had to take out a completely new policy for the Ranger and keep my existing policy for my existing vehicle, which I can then cancel when sold and I’ll be entitled to zero refund on the remaining months. Not very impressed to say the least
While I’m in the mood for complaining, I tried to pay my British Telecom phone bill today. As we have just switched to another provider this was the final bill from them, which apparently means you cannot pay it over the phone using your debit card. You have to send a cheque or go to a Post Office. Well, the government has shut all the Post Offices and who uses their cheque book nowadays ? After an hour of searching I found my cheque book and managed to remember how to write using a pen (!) for long enough to address the envelope. Why make it so difficult to get paid ? Oh, and that ‘Free Evenings and Weekends’ deal we all signed up for - it’s not free when you cancel your BT account. Grrr
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Bye Bye Honda - Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
11/06/09 09:52
A very nice bloke came round last night and gave me a pile of cash for my Honda VFR800.
This means that there is now plenty of room in the garage as there is only the one motorbike, which makes my wife a very happy woman. She can now get to the Freezer and the Tumble Drier easily without navigating through a maze of handlebars and mirrors.
However - man cannot easily cope with only the one motorcycle and plans are already afoot to add another addition
As soon as my Tennis Elbow condition is sorted I intend to get an Offroad / Enduro bike and head for the green lanes at the weekends, I may even take up Enduro racing. Offroad biking as a sport is excellent exercise and very good for building the skills needed to stay alive on the road. It also happens to be really good fun
I don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that I’m going to run through mud and over rocks and almost certainly fall off regularly, so I am looking at something like this, probably second hand.
If anybody has any theories on how to get rid of Tennis Elbow - please let me know. I’ve had it for months and have done the exercises recommended by the Physiotherapist, I’ve had Acupuncture and last night at the Gym my trainer recommended a Chiropractor - so that’s next on my list.
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This means that there is now plenty of room in the garage as there is only the one motorbike, which makes my wife a very happy woman. She can now get to the Freezer and the Tumble Drier easily without navigating through a maze of handlebars and mirrors.
However - man cannot easily cope with only the one motorcycle and plans are already afoot to add another addition
As soon as my Tennis Elbow condition is sorted I intend to get an Offroad / Enduro bike and head for the green lanes at the weekends, I may even take up Enduro racing. Offroad biking as a sport is excellent exercise and very good for building the skills needed to stay alive on the road. It also happens to be really good fun
I don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that I’m going to run through mud and over rocks and almost certainly fall off regularly, so I am looking at something like this, probably second hand.
If anybody has any theories on how to get rid of Tennis Elbow - please let me know. I’ve had it for months and have done the exercises recommended by the Physiotherapist, I’ve had Acupuncture and last night at the Gym my trainer recommended a Chiropractor - so that’s next on my list.
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What Is It With Some People !!
03/06/09 21:36
Last year a developer named Alex Restpero released a Custom Editfield Control for REALbasic. An excellent piece of programming and a very sophisticated and useful control. He received feedback such as ‘Excellent work, just excellent!!! And they said it couldnt be done!’ and ‘Very well done Alex!’. Rightly so - it is an excellent tool.
Fast forward to late last month when I released my REALbasic Starter Kit with a Syntax highlighter module built in. A fellow developer with who I have had no previous contact decided to review the product on a public site, give it a 1 star rating and include the following comments (among others):
‘There is a strong suspicion in the REALbasic community that he is just repacking code that others have given away for free. This suspicion stems in part from the fact that his other product REALbasic Syntax Highlighter Module seems to be a repackaged version of Alex Resrepo's SyntaxHighlightEditField which is free ‘
As a professional developer who makes his living writing software and always behaves in an ethical manner - I had to respond to this.
Firstly I asked Alex Restpero, the author of the software I was supposed to have copied, to look at my code and make a statement as to whether or not I had in fact stolen his code. Alex, very kindly provided this reply to this midguided and insecure individual with the following comment:
‘Markus, I just reviewed the syntax highlighting code, and I can tell you it's definitely not based on mine. Steve's code is keyword-based, while mine is regex-rule based.’
So my point is proven - I did not ‘repackage’ anybody’s code it was written from scratch by me and is sold perfectly legitimately as part of my REALbasic Starter Kit. The problem for me is that this individual’s nasty and ill informed words are still there to continuously annoy me ...
I have emailed the individual twice, with no response, I have called him out in the REALBasic Mailing List, with no response - all I would like is for him to get the review removed and apologise for his ‘misunderstanding’. We can then have a virtual hug and get on with our lives.
If I ever hear from this individual I will update this post, but I don’t hold out much hope, maybe he will prove me wrong, I hope so.
Fast forward to late last month when I released my REALbasic Starter Kit with a Syntax highlighter module built in. A fellow developer with who I have had no previous contact decided to review the product on a public site, give it a 1 star rating and include the following comments (among others):
‘There is a strong suspicion in the REALbasic community that he is just repacking code that others have given away for free. This suspicion stems in part from the fact that his other product REALbasic Syntax Highlighter Module seems to be a repackaged version of Alex Resrepo's SyntaxHighlightEditField which is free ‘
As a professional developer who makes his living writing software and always behaves in an ethical manner - I had to respond to this.
Firstly I asked Alex Restpero, the author of the software I was supposed to have copied, to look at my code and make a statement as to whether or not I had in fact stolen his code. Alex, very kindly provided this reply to this midguided and insecure individual with the following comment:
‘Markus, I just reviewed the syntax highlighting code, and I can tell you it's definitely not based on mine. Steve's code is keyword-based, while mine is regex-rule based.’
So my point is proven - I did not ‘repackage’ anybody’s code it was written from scratch by me and is sold perfectly legitimately as part of my REALbasic Starter Kit. The problem for me is that this individual’s nasty and ill informed words are still there to continuously annoy me ...
I have emailed the individual twice, with no response, I have called him out in the REALBasic Mailing List, with no response - all I would like is for him to get the review removed and apologise for his ‘misunderstanding’. We can then have a virtual hug and get on with our lives.
If I ever hear from this individual I will update this post, but I don’t hold out much hope, maybe he will prove me wrong, I hope so.
New eBooks - Security and Oracle
17/05/09 11:51
A couple of eBooks I have written are available for purchase from here:
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Pages/ebooks.html
Securing the Network - A Guide for the Non Technical
Oracle OCA Exam Cram
I’ll be talking more about these on the Arten Science Blog: http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/Blog.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Pages/ebooks.html
Securing the Network - A Guide for the Non Technical
Oracle OCA Exam Cram
I’ll be talking more about these on the Arten Science Blog: http://www.artenscience.co.uk/artenscience/Blog/Blog.html
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
REALbasic Built in Database Tutorial Part 2
17/05/09 10:35
Creating a Database
To create a database and tables from within REALbasic you may as well forget about the rubbish and buggy SQLite ‘browser’ that is built into REALbasic and instead use code. If writing a commercial application you need to use code anyway as presumably you want the database to be created on the users machine either as part of a startup method or following a specific ‘Create Database’ instruction from the user.
Lets assume you are creating a Contacts Manager program. Your user can create a new Contacts database by selecting ‘New Database’ and they are presented with a window similar to the one shown below:
The code behind the Select button looks like this:
Dim f as FolderItem
f=SelectFolder
If f<> Nil Then
edtDBPath.Text = f.URLPath
End If
edtDBPath.Text = edtDBPath.Text + "ContactsDB"
pbProceed.Enabled = True
pbProceed.Default = True
The code behind the Proceed button, which is now enabled (pbProceed.Enabled = True) , looks like this:
dim booResult as Boolean = mSQLite.fCreateDBIfNotExist(edtDBPath.Text)
if booResult = True then
dim booInsert as Boolean = mSQLite.fCreateDefaultRecords
if booInsert = True then
dim booConnect as Boolean = mSQLite.fConnectDB
wMain.SETpDirtyWindow(True)
end if
end if
Self.Close
A couple of explanations are in order here I think. mSQLite is a Module which contains all the code that interacts directly with the database. wMain.SETpDirtyWindow is a method on my main application window, wMain, this method sets the Property pDirtyWindow on wMain to True. In the Activate event for the window wMain the Property is checked and if True the window reloads its data. This is necessary because you have just created or selected a new database.
So the code above attempts to create the selected database if it does not exist. If this is successful (booResult = True) it then attempts to populate this database with default data. If this is successfull (booInsert = True) then a connection is made to the database.
Next we’ll look at the code for the three functions in the mSQLite module that do the actual work.
mSQLite.fCreateDBIfNotExist
This method is passed the pathname to the database you have just created / selected (edtDBPath.Text). The code looks like this:
Protected Function fCreateDBIfNotExists(strFileName as String) As Boolean
Dim f as FolderItem
f = GetFolderItem(strFileName,2)
if f.exists Then
Return True
Else
'Create Database
dim folTarget as FolderItem
dim booResult as Boolean
db = New REALSQLDatabase
folTarget = GetFolderItem(strFileName,2)
db.DatabaseFile = folTarget
booResult = db.CreateDatabaseFile
'Contacts Table
dim strCreateContactsTable as String = "CREATE TABLE contacts (con_pk INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_company_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_title VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_first_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_last_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_phone_number VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_email VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_free_text VARCHAR(1000),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_addr1 VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_addr2 VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_town VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_county VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_postcode VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_country VARCHAR(50))"
dim strCreateContactsIndex1 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_pk ON contacts (con_pk)"
dim strCreateContactsIndex2 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_company_name ON contacts (con_company_name)"
dim strCreateContactsIndex3 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_last_name ON contacts (con_last_name)"
'Country Table
dim strCreateCountryTable as String = "CREATE TABLE countries (cry_pk INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,"
strCreateCountryTable = strCreateCountryTable + "cry_code VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,"
strCreateCountryTable = strCreateCountryTable + "cry_name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL)"
dim strCreateCountryIndex1 as String = "CREATE INDEX cry_pk ON countries (cry_pk)"
dim strCreateCountryIndex2 as String = "CREATE INDEX cry_code ON countries (cry_code)"
if booResult = True then
'Create Schemas
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsTable)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex1)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex2)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex3)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryTable)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryIndex1)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryIndex2)
db.Commit
db.Close
Return True
else
‘ Error Message Shown Here
Return False
end if
End if
End Function
The code above attempts to open the database file at the location you selected via your SQLite window earlier. If the file exists already then True is returned and nothing further is executed within this method. If however the file does not exist a new REALSQLDatabase is created.
The SQL code necessary to create the required tables is created by building up a string for each table and index we require. Here we are creating a Contacts Table and a Country table (to use for showing the Countries in a PopupMenu when the address is being entered). In this tutorial I’m not going to attempt to teach SQL, there are many sources for SQL introductory texts, Google is your friend
Once we have created the SQL strings necessary to create our tables and views we peform an Execute against ‘db’ (our new database) passing the SQL strings as a parameter.
The db.Commit is not actually required as the above will automatically commit as we are making changes to the database structure. All being well we return the value True and the next mSQLite function is called.
This post has gone on too long so I’ll cover creating the default database records and connecting to the database in the next post.
Any feedback, good, bad, indifferent and also any suggestions for what you would like to see covered - leave a comment or drop me an email to stevecholerton@mac.com
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
To create a database and tables from within REALbasic you may as well forget about the rubbish and buggy SQLite ‘browser’ that is built into REALbasic and instead use code. If writing a commercial application you need to use code anyway as presumably you want the database to be created on the users machine either as part of a startup method or following a specific ‘Create Database’ instruction from the user.
Lets assume you are creating a Contacts Manager program. Your user can create a new Contacts database by selecting ‘New Database’ and they are presented with a window similar to the one shown below:
The code behind the Select button looks like this:
Dim f as FolderItem
f=SelectFolder
If f<> Nil Then
edtDBPath.Text = f.URLPath
End If
edtDBPath.Text = edtDBPath.Text + "ContactsDB"
pbProceed.Enabled = True
pbProceed.Default = True
The code behind the Proceed button, which is now enabled (pbProceed.Enabled = True) , looks like this:
dim booResult as Boolean = mSQLite.fCreateDBIfNotExist(edtDBPath.Text)
if booResult = True then
dim booInsert as Boolean = mSQLite.fCreateDefaultRecords
if booInsert = True then
dim booConnect as Boolean = mSQLite.fConnectDB
wMain.SETpDirtyWindow(True)
end if
end if
Self.Close
A couple of explanations are in order here I think. mSQLite is a Module which contains all the code that interacts directly with the database. wMain.SETpDirtyWindow is a method on my main application window, wMain, this method sets the Property pDirtyWindow on wMain to True. In the Activate event for the window wMain the Property is checked and if True the window reloads its data. This is necessary because you have just created or selected a new database.
So the code above attempts to create the selected database if it does not exist. If this is successful (booResult = True) it then attempts to populate this database with default data. If this is successfull (booInsert = True) then a connection is made to the database.
Next we’ll look at the code for the three functions in the mSQLite module that do the actual work.
mSQLite.fCreateDBIfNotExist
This method is passed the pathname to the database you have just created / selected (edtDBPath.Text). The code looks like this:
Protected Function fCreateDBIfNotExists(strFileName as String) As Boolean
Dim f as FolderItem
f = GetFolderItem(strFileName,2)
if f.exists Then
Return True
Else
'Create Database
dim folTarget as FolderItem
dim booResult as Boolean
db = New REALSQLDatabase
folTarget = GetFolderItem(strFileName,2)
db.DatabaseFile = folTarget
booResult = db.CreateDatabaseFile
'Contacts Table
dim strCreateContactsTable as String = "CREATE TABLE contacts (con_pk INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_company_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_title VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_first_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_last_name VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_phone_number VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_email VARCHAR(20),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_free_text VARCHAR(1000),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_addr1 VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_addr2 VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_town VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_county VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_postcode VARCHAR(50),"
strCreateContactsTable = strCreateContactsTable + "con_country VARCHAR(50))"
dim strCreateContactsIndex1 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_pk ON contacts (con_pk)"
dim strCreateContactsIndex2 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_company_name ON contacts (con_company_name)"
dim strCreateContactsIndex3 as String = "CREATE INDEX con_last_name ON contacts (con_last_name)"
'Country Table
dim strCreateCountryTable as String = "CREATE TABLE countries (cry_pk INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,"
strCreateCountryTable = strCreateCountryTable + "cry_code VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,"
strCreateCountryTable = strCreateCountryTable + "cry_name VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL)"
dim strCreateCountryIndex1 as String = "CREATE INDEX cry_pk ON countries (cry_pk)"
dim strCreateCountryIndex2 as String = "CREATE INDEX cry_code ON countries (cry_code)"
if booResult = True then
'Create Schemas
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsTable)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex1)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex2)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateContactsIndex3)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryTable)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryIndex1)
db.SQLExecute(strCreateCountryIndex2)
db.Commit
db.Close
Return True
else
‘ Error Message Shown Here
Return False
end if
End if
End Function
The code above attempts to open the database file at the location you selected via your SQLite window earlier. If the file exists already then True is returned and nothing further is executed within this method. If however the file does not exist a new REALSQLDatabase is created.
The SQL code necessary to create the required tables is created by building up a string for each table and index we require. Here we are creating a Contacts Table and a Country table (to use for showing the Countries in a PopupMenu when the address is being entered). In this tutorial I’m not going to attempt to teach SQL, there are many sources for SQL introductory texts, Google is your friend
Once we have created the SQL strings necessary to create our tables and views we peform an Execute against ‘db’ (our new database) passing the SQL strings as a parameter.
The db.Commit is not actually required as the above will automatically commit as we are making changes to the database structure. All being well we return the value True and the next mSQLite function is called.
This post has gone on too long so I’ll cover creating the default database records and connecting to the database in the next post.
Any feedback, good, bad, indifferent and also any suggestions for what you would like to see covered - leave a comment or drop me an email to stevecholerton@mac.com
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
REALbasic Built in Database Tutorial Part 1
16/05/09 08:28
Introduction
REALbasic comes with build in support for the REALsql database which is basically a single user version of SQLite. This is ideal for use as a local cache for preferences information, window settings etc. It is also useful for so much more.
In this, the first of a series of tutorial posts I will present ideas and code for utilising the database from within REALbasic. I don’t suggest this is the only way or the best way - but it works and works well.
When writing database applications I try and support multiple databases. To ensure that the code for each is optimised to that particular database I generally design this as follows:
First I setup a property that tells me which database I have chosen to work with. For the purposes of this tutorial we will setup this property against the Application and refer to it as App.pDatabase.
I also setup a pair of modules:
mDBWhich
mDBSQLite
When a database access is required, for example a ‘Save’ button is pressed on a Form, the simplified sequence of events looks like this:
Form
mDBWhich.SaveCustomer(parameters)
mDBWhich.SaveCustomer
Select Case App.pDatabase
Case ‘SQLite’
mDBSQlite.SaveCustomer(parameters)
Case’Oracle’
.
.
.
End Select
One advantage of this method is that your form knows nothing about your database so if and when you decide to add support for an additional database to your application it is necessary only to add additional switching to the mDBWhich module and create a new module for your new database. There is no need for your GUI to be altered.
We’ll see some real examples of this in action in later posts, but for know bear it in mind but don’t worry about it. All will become clear. In the next post I will show you how to create a database, populate it with tables and indexes and populate them with some default data. All ‘on the fly’ from REALbasic.
Any feedback, good, bad, indifferent and also any suggestions for what you would like to see covered - leave a comment or drop me an email to stevecholerton@mac.com
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
REALbasic comes with build in support for the REALsql database which is basically a single user version of SQLite. This is ideal for use as a local cache for preferences information, window settings etc. It is also useful for so much more.
In this, the first of a series of tutorial posts I will present ideas and code for utilising the database from within REALbasic. I don’t suggest this is the only way or the best way - but it works and works well.
When writing database applications I try and support multiple databases. To ensure that the code for each is optimised to that particular database I generally design this as follows:
First I setup a property that tells me which database I have chosen to work with. For the purposes of this tutorial we will setup this property against the Application and refer to it as App.pDatabase.
I also setup a pair of modules:
mDBWhich
mDBSQLite
When a database access is required, for example a ‘Save’ button is pressed on a Form, the simplified sequence of events looks like this:
Form
mDBWhich.SaveCustomer(parameters)
mDBWhich.SaveCustomer
Select Case App.pDatabase
Case ‘SQLite’
mDBSQlite.SaveCustomer(parameters)
Case’Oracle’
.
.
.
End Select
One advantage of this method is that your form knows nothing about your database so if and when you decide to add support for an additional database to your application it is necessary only to add additional switching to the mDBWhich module and create a new module for your new database. There is no need for your GUI to be altered.
We’ll see some real examples of this in action in later posts, but for know bear it in mind but don’t worry about it. All will become clear. In the next post I will show you how to create a database, populate it with tables and indexes and populate them with some default data. All ‘on the fly’ from REALbasic.
Any feedback, good, bad, indifferent and also any suggestions for what you would like to see covered - leave a comment or drop me an email to stevecholerton@mac.com
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Going Retro with the Triumph Scrambler
07/05/09 22:54
Took the train down to Wolverhampton today to pickup my new motorbike, a 2008 Triumph Scramber. Lovely condition, 1000 miles on the clock and with only 60 Bhp it’s guaranteed to slow me down
The Scrambler is based on the bike that Steve McQueen was often photographed with at the end of the 60’s. A Bonneville with ‘off road’ style tyres and a high level exhaust system was what passed for ‘motorcross’ in those days. The 2008 model is reminiscent of the models from the 60’s but with up to date fuel injection and reliability.
The Scrambler is based on the bike that Steve McQueen was often photographed with at the end of the 60’s. A Bonneville with ‘off road’ style tyres and a high level exhaust system was what passed for ‘motorcross’ in those days. The 2008 model is reminiscent of the models from the 60’s but with up to date fuel injection and reliability.
First impressions are good with a traditional upright riding position which encourages you to look around and enjoy the scenery, the seat wasn’t particularly comfortable after 30 miles or so and after riding my V4 for the last few months I had forgotten that twins vibrate - although not enough to be uncomfortable. The bike came with some of the extras fitted, the competition exhaust, the sump protector and the headlight protector and I think the addition of the optional tiny flyscreen will round it off nicely.
Up until November last year I had a Harley Davidson Night Rod Special and that came with guaranteed ‘pavement appeal’. Men, women and children of all ages would give the thumbs up, wave or approach you and talk to you about your bike.
This was sometimes fun and other times a pain in the ass if you were in a hurry. The Triumph - based on only one day - is going to be similar, only it appears it’s only the men of a certain ago who are interested !
Looking at the picture of the Harley above I’m starting to wonder why I got rid of it ... I still think it is one of the best looking production bikes ever - and with the Revolution engine it kicked some serious Japanese ass I definitely need more funds and a bigger garage.
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Download Sites - The Good / Bad and the Ugly
05/05/09 09:42
Generally when I release a new piece of software, for the Mac, I upload it to three download sites.
Apple
MacUpdate
Version Tracker
They all drive a fair bit of traffic and they are in my opinion essential to drive visitors to your site and therefore sales. Some download sites have their fair share of problems though ...
Anonymous Star Ratings
You’re competitors love this. It took me a while to click onto this but competitors love rating your software as 1 star with no explanation asked for or recorded
User Reviews and Non Anonymous Star Ratings
You’re competitors have to go to the trouble of registering a User ID but they find it’s worth the effort. In addition you are fair game for anybody with access to a computer ... This was recently recorded against one of my products which I have since had removed.
Review: ‘This product is not freeware !!!!’
Rating: 1 Star
So, someone has seen your product and decided that as it is not free that you deserve a 1 star rating. Because all software should be free - right ?
Maybe there should be a minimum age or IQ requirement for people leaving software ‘reviews’
Website Badges
Some site takes your product (without your permission) and upload it to their server. They automatically issue you a 5/5 or a ‘Recommended’ badge which you are encouraged to put on your website. Ridiculous - hopefully you are not that desperate !
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Apple
MacUpdate
Version Tracker
They all drive a fair bit of traffic and they are in my opinion essential to drive visitors to your site and therefore sales. Some download sites have their fair share of problems though ...
Anonymous Star Ratings
You’re competitors love this. It took me a while to click onto this but competitors love rating your software as 1 star with no explanation asked for or recorded
User Reviews and Non Anonymous Star Ratings
You’re competitors have to go to the trouble of registering a User ID but they find it’s worth the effort. In addition you are fair game for anybody with access to a computer ... This was recently recorded against one of my products which I have since had removed.
Review: ‘This product is not freeware !!!!’
Rating: 1 Star
So, someone has seen your product and decided that as it is not free that you deserve a 1 star rating. Because all software should be free - right ?
Maybe there should be a minimum age or IQ requirement for people leaving software ‘reviews’
Website Badges
Some site takes your product (without your permission) and upload it to their server. They automatically issue you a 5/5 or a ‘Recommended’ badge which you are encouraged to put on your website. Ridiculous - hopefully you are not that desperate !
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
Even Dreams have Limits
04/05/09 15:15
This is a Guest Post by David Cox of Holy Mackerel Software
I had been in search of a hosting site who will provide a platform for my Cloud-based applications. I needed SFTP, MySQL, unlimited storage and unlimited bandwidth, all at a reasonable cost. I could have provided my own server with these items, but have found the cable network unreliable in the past and the service lacks support (from me) when I go on holidays! There was always some limitation with hosting services even for those who said they're unlimited. I have now found a provider who seems truly unlimited, but that is another story.
The point is that we all have our limits even when we are offered an unlimited service. Given an unlimited choice of ice-cream, most of us would have a heart-attack after five. Offered a 'free' 5 kg steak if we can eat it beats us after just 1 kg. Given unlimited music downloads, we find we can never listen to more than a few days worth, it clogs our iPod screens causing us to gain RSI from scrolling and we delete the chaff down to a few thousand. We have limits on friends, cars, wives/husbands (hopefully one!), holidays, even money. Winning the lottery has destroyed families, friendships and lives. The more we can get of something, does not lead us to want even more. We all have our limits.
Working in IT and living in the UK I have a hard time with contentment. There is always something new daily that I must have. Sometimes I dream what would I really want if I could have everything I wanted. In the end I find the scope of my dreams is much smaller than I imagined. This helps me get my dreams under control and become content.
BTW my host www.siteground.com has removed their 5 Gb limit and gone unlimited. There is no way I can begin to fill their servers before the problem of managing all that data brings me crashing to reality.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
I had been in search of a hosting site who will provide a platform for my Cloud-based applications. I needed SFTP, MySQL, unlimited storage and unlimited bandwidth, all at a reasonable cost. I could have provided my own server with these items, but have found the cable network unreliable in the past and the service lacks support (from me) when I go on holidays! There was always some limitation with hosting services even for those who said they're unlimited. I have now found a provider who seems truly unlimited, but that is another story.
The point is that we all have our limits even when we are offered an unlimited service. Given an unlimited choice of ice-cream, most of us would have a heart-attack after five. Offered a 'free' 5 kg steak if we can eat it beats us after just 1 kg. Given unlimited music downloads, we find we can never listen to more than a few days worth, it clogs our iPod screens causing us to gain RSI from scrolling and we delete the chaff down to a few thousand. We have limits on friends, cars, wives/husbands (hopefully one!), holidays, even money. Winning the lottery has destroyed families, friendships and lives. The more we can get of something, does not lead us to want even more. We all have our limits.
Working in IT and living in the UK I have a hard time with contentment. There is always something new daily that I must have. Sometimes I dream what would I really want if I could have everything I wanted. In the end I find the scope of my dreams is much smaller than I imagined. This helps me get my dreams under control and become content.
BTW my host www.siteground.com has removed their 5 Gb limit and gone unlimited. There is no way I can begin to fill their servers before the problem of managing all that data brings me crashing to reality.
RSS Feed: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Lonelyhacker
First Post ...
29/04/09 15:18
So ...
Welcome.
This is going to be my home from now on for personal scribblings, rantings and anything else I feel like doing. This blog is not connected to my company in any way, in fact it is unlikely I will make any specific references to it unless it contributes something specific to the post.
I will however be covering the use of certain features of my products, tips and techniques etc. which may be of use to some of my customers - but this is not going to be a marketing tool for Arten Science.
This journal is for talking about things that interest me, making up stories, telling jokes, getting things off my chest and acting as an outlet for those times when I just feel like writing.
There are likely to be articles on themes as diverse as Motorcycles, Software, Software Development, Politics, Travel, Technology, Local Government, Archery, Television, Movies, Music, Guitar Playing and more. In addition I hope to have some guests publish posts as well.
But not just yet - because I’m away for a few days from tomorrow taking a well earned rest
Cheers - Steve Cholerton
Welcome.
This is going to be my home from now on for personal scribblings, rantings and anything else I feel like doing. This blog is not connected to my company in any way, in fact it is unlikely I will make any specific references to it unless it contributes something specific to the post.
I will however be covering the use of certain features of my products, tips and techniques etc. which may be of use to some of my customers - but this is not going to be a marketing tool for Arten Science.
This journal is for talking about things that interest me, making up stories, telling jokes, getting things off my chest and acting as an outlet for those times when I just feel like writing.
There are likely to be articles on themes as diverse as Motorcycles, Software, Software Development, Politics, Travel, Technology, Local Government, Archery, Television, Movies, Music, Guitar Playing and more. In addition I hope to have some guests publish posts as well.
But not just yet - because I’m away for a few days from tomorrow taking a well earned rest
Cheers - Steve Cholerton
