Tuesday 31 May 2011

Technology: The Oncoming Lion

Hmmm …

You know, it look’s like it’s official, then …

Apple have made the big announcement.

Well …

They’ve done the press release about the big announcement!

Ahem … !

The famously closed-mouth Cupertino company has issued a press release, today, to 4 that this years World Wide Developers Conference — their annual do, in California — they will “… unveil its next generation software”.

I’ve got to admit, I’m curious.

Saying that … ?
  • I’m skint, and really couldn’t afford it.
  • I don’t think Bruce, my ageing Mac Mini, could take the pace.
  • I’m still non-too-sure about the idea of full-screen applications.
But on the other hand … ?

Some of the potential new features look really rather funky:
  • Mission Control looks like an improved version of Exposé, which is usually hard to beat.
  • FileVault looks like it may have been written to include some of Disk Utility’s features, if the line in the Lion blurb, correctly, that it “… provides the ability to wipe all the data from your Mac instantaneously.”
  • And lastly, it looks like Lion can also be set up as a server.
Hmmm …

I’ve got to be honest, I wouldn’t mind a look at it.

Once I’ve won the lottery.

I also couldn’t help but notice that Apple are also going to be announcing their new iCloud service, as well …

That should be interesting, finding out what THAT’s about …

The Daily Teaser: 31-5-11

Well …

It’s official … !

I got through Day 1 of not smoking, ok … !

I think …

But, by heck, last night was tricky.

Well …

End of the day, and all that.

But I do know I managed to go for a nice healthy walk.

Which helped.

But did get me thinking about when I light up.

Amazes me how we’re creatures of habit.

Lets get moving on, shall we?

Yes, lets …

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi — bless ’er — putting her answers: and, along with suggesting I stick to the gum, rather than the floorboards, she also managed to bag 6 out of 6.

Lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video

Q1) 31st May, 1279, saw Rameses 2nd — AKA Rameses the Great — become Pharaoh of Egypt: which dynasty did he belong to … ?

Q2) 31st May, 1902, saw the signing of Treaty of Vereeniging: which war did this end … ?

Q3) According to the World Health Organisation, today is World what day … ?

Q4) 31st May, 1678, saw the beginnings of the Godiva processions through which English city … ?

Q5) More to the point, the name ‘Godiva’ means what, in modern English … ?

Q6) And finally … 31st May, 1957, saw who convicted of Contempt of Congress … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 30th May, 1431, saw the death of Saint Joan of Arc: which British band recorded two songs about her on the same album?
A1) Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark.

Q2) More to the point, what was the name of the album … ?

Q3) 30th May, 1962, saw the birth of comic book writer and artist, Kevin Eastman: which heroes did he help create … ?
A3) The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Q4) 30th May, 2011, is Memorial Day, in the US: what was it originally called … ?
A4) Decoration Day.

Q5) 30th May, 1922, saw the dedication of which US memorial … ?
A5) The Lincoln Memorial.

Q6) And finally … 30th May, 1859, saw what ring for the first time … ?
A6) Big Ben: the bell in the clock-tower of the Palace Of Westminster.
Enjoy those, everyone. I’ll leave you with a couple of tunes … !





Monday 30 May 2011

Stopping Smoking.

Hmmm …

Can I be honest, here, folks … ?

Can I … ?

I wrote — in this morning’s Teaser — that today’s the day I’m officially giving up smoking.

So far … ?

So good.

But while I know that gum and patch are helping, I’m ALSO very aware that I’m still wanting a cigarette.

Aren’t I just … ?

I can see why the various bits of literature I’ve been given recommends going for a stroll.

Which is what I’m going to do, after I’ve posted this.

But can I ask you a favour … ?

Can I … ?

If you’ve got any ideas for how to cope — or how you coped, if you’ve packed the habit — I’d like to hear it!

Leave me a comment … !




The Daily Teaser: 30-5-11

Ooooh …

That’s weird …

That really is.

Today’s my official Stop day.

In other words, it’s the official date that I don’t have a cigarette.

Hmmm …

And it’s decidedly strange.

I mean, for STARTERS, getting the patch out of the packet … ?

Was frustrating enough to make me want a fag, I know that … !

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Before I have to start explaining that one. And before I start getting a case of the fidgets …

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: along with wishing me well on the packing up front, she also managed to bag 6 out of 6.

Lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, license and video

Q1) 30th May, 1431, saw the death of Saint Joan of Arc: which British band recorded two songs about her on the same album?

Q2) More to the point, what was the name of the album … ?

Q3) 30th May, 1962, saw the birth of comic book writer and artist, Kevin Eastman: which heroes did he help create … ?

Q4) 30th May, 2011, is Memorial Day, in the US: what was it originally called … ?

Q5) 30th May, 1922, saw the dedication of which US memorial … ?

Q6) And finally … 30th May, 1859, saw what ring for the first time … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 29th May, 1968, saw which football team win the European Cup … ?
A1) Manchester United.

Q2) More to the point, who did they beat … ?
Q2) S. L. Benfica.

Q3) Talking of the European Cup … 29th May, 1985 saw 39 Juventus fans die at the European Cup final … at which Brussels stadium … ?
A3) Heysel.

Q4) 29th May, 1848, saw were become the 30th state of the USA?
A4) Wisconsin.

Q5) 29th May, 1919, saw Einstein’s theory of General Relativity confirmed by observations of what: a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse, or a transition of Venus?
A5) A solar eclipse.

Q6) And finally … 29th May, 1982, saw the Pope make a historic visit to Canterbury Cathedral: which Pope … ?
A6) Pope John Paul 2nd.
Enjoy those, everyone. Now, if you’ll excuse me … ? I’m going to start chewing on the floorboards …

Sunday 29 May 2011

Smoking …

You know …

I’ve got to admit I’m slightly nervous, I really am …

You see, I’ve got to admit, my Doctor — the family one, bless him, rather the one played by Matt Smith et al — has been telling me for years to pack up smoking …

That’s part of the job, after all.

But it’s not a decision I’ve looked at, easily.

I don’t think it’s a decision any smoker does.

But just recently … ?

I’ll be frank, with the loss of the job at CeX, my finances have taken a bit of a hit.

So …

I made an appointment with my local GP’s nurse.

To see about giving up smoking …

Very efficient nurse, I’ve got to admit …

Who didn’t mind my rather sad ‘smoking nurse’ gag …

««•»»

But … ?

But at any rate, I’ve now got a packet of the strongest nicoyine gum and a separate one of the nicotine patches.

And a stop date set for tomorrow.

Wish me luck …

The Daily Teaser: 29-5-11

Hmmm …

Now, I don’t know if you saw it, last night, but episode 6 of this series of Dr WhoThe Almost People — was one I was rather impressed by.

I’ll say no more than that.

But I’d urge you to go read the relevant post on the other blog I contribute to.

Ooh …

I’m just hoping that my US regular Dr Who readers — Debbi and Sean — don’t read it until next week.

To quote River Song … ?

Spoilers … !

Lets move on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi — waving frantically the Eastern shores of Maryland — putting in her answers: and bagging 5 out of 5.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s Teaser, shall we … ? Here it is, along with the How To, License and video

Q1) 29th May, 1968, saw which football team win the European Cup … ?

Q2) More to the point, who did they beat … ?

Q3) Talking of the European Cup … 29th May, 1985 saw 39 Juventus fans die at the European Cup final … at which Brussels stadium … ?

Q4) 29th May, 1848, saw were become the 30th state of the USA?

Q5) 29th May, 1919, saw Einstein’s theory of General Relativity confirmed by observations of what: a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse, or a transition of Venus?

Q6) And finally … 29th May, 1982, saw the Pope make a historic visit to Canterbury Cathedral: which Pope … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 28th May, saw the publication of the article, The Forgotten Prisoners: this is seen as the founding date of which human rights group … ?
A1) Amnesty International.

Q2) 28th May, 1987 saw 19-year-old Mathias Rust land a plane … where … ?
Q2) Red Square, Moscow.

Q3) 28th May, 1944, saw the birth of actress, Patricia Quinn: which character did she famously play in The Rocky Horror Picture Show … ?
A3) Magenta.

Q4) Name either of the two countries that joined the UN on 28th May, 1993.
A4) Monaco and Eritrea.

Q5) And finally … 28th May, 1974 saw Brian Faulkner step down from his office: as head of the power-sharing body, where … ?
A5) Northern Ireland.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later …

Saturday 28 May 2011

Code-cracking machine returned to life: Tunny’s BACK … !




Well, now THAT’S a thing … !

I’ve got to admit, I’ve long taken an interest in history, I really have.

And the history of computing — while I’ve no particular academic qualifications to show for it — is something that’s fascinated me for almost as long.

Now, I’ll be frank …

I’m British …

So, given computer history’s so fascinating, you’ll probably not be surprised that me, and some friends visited Bletchley Park, in 2009, home of both the National Computer Museum

And Britain’s World War 2 code cracking centre.

»»•««

Which is why that link at the top of the page grabbed me when I open my RSS reader.

The fact that the reconstruction of the Tunny machine — that Sue, Andy and I saw, on that visit — is now finished … !

And I’ve got to admit … I’m curious enough to want another visit …

The Daily Teaser: 28-5-11

Hmmm …

Well, there’s a thing …

Looks like Yesterday are showing Killing Hitler, again.

Just so you know … ?

Killing Hitler is a docu-drama about Operation Foxley, the Special Operations Executive’s planned assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler.

Fascinating stuff …

The problem … ?

Is that Operation Foxley was cancelled, just as everything had been put in place.

Because … ?

It was felt that — as Hitler was such a poor strategist — leaving him in place would be a fair better idea.

Shooting him would not have had as severe effect on the German War effort …

»»•««

Lets move on, shall we … ?

Yesterday’s Teaser was relatively quiet: I think the Memorial weekend in the USA has Debbi a touch busy, as has her recent interview*.

But lets see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we … ? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video

Q1) 28th May, saw the publication of the article, The Forgotten Prisoners: this is seen as the founding date of which human rights group … ?

Q2) 28th May, 1987 saw 19-year-old Mathias Rust land a plane … where … ?

Q3) 28th May, 1944, saw the birth of actress, Patricia Quinn: which character did she famously play in The Rocky Horror Picture Show … ?

Q4) Name either of the two countries that joined the UN on 28th May, 1993.

Q5) And finally … 28th May, 1974 saw Brian Faulkner step down from his office: as head of the power-sharing body, where … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 27th May, 1957, saw the birth of Susan Ballion: how is she better known … ?
A1) Soiuxsie Sioux.

Q2) 27th May, 1994, saw who fly back to his native Russia … ?
Q2) Alexander Solzhenitsyn: or Алекса́ндр Иса́евич Солжени́цын, in Russian. Just don’t ask me to pronounce it …

Q3) 27th May, 1980, saw the inquest into the death of Blair Peach rule his death to have been ‘Misadventure’: which organisation had he been protesting against, when he died … ?
A3) The National Front.

Q4) 27th May, 1996, saw President Yeltsin of Russia negotiate a temporary ceasefire with whom … ?
A4) Chechen rebels.

Q5) And finally … 27th May, 1995, saw who paralysed after a horse-riding accident … ?
A5) Christopher Reeve.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later … !







* Oh, Debbi, about the recent post where you mentioned waving at the UK … ? *WAVES Frantically*. (Bless, I don’t think it’d work, coming from Kaiju, Serendipity, Meredith, Adrence and Mr S. I mean … Adrence, bless ’im, is in Sarawak, for starters … !)

Friday 27 May 2011

MAC Defender: A Follow On

Hmmm …

Do you remember me, a few days ago, telling you about Mac Defender, the scare-ware aimed at OS X … ?

Now, I know that — almost within hours — was that steps were available on practically every Mac site going.

With one noticeable exception …

That of Apple, itself …

»»•««

Odd …

Not from what I’ve picked up, over the years.

After all, the Cupertino-based company is famed for being very closed mouthed, until it’s damn good and ready to speak its piece.

And about this subject … ?

It has: you can read Apple’s official solution, here.

»»•««

Actually, while we’re at … ?

I’ve got to admit to doing a bit of touch of asking around.

Strangely enough … !

You see, while I’m not a fan of Windows — I know a lot of people who are, but not all of us have managed to get Mac — I ALSO know a few people with iPods.

And iPhones.

Both of which hook up to a PC or Mac, through iTunes.

Obviously.

So the one thing I felt I should do is try and find out where the Preferences are, in the Windows version.

Curiosity, for the most part.

For the most part … !

But I’m also very aware that … well … Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

If Apple had made the Windows version of Safari pull off the same routine of opening apparently safe files, as soon as they were download … ?

That had me thinking … !

My solution … ?

Was, frankly, to ask a question on the Apple Safari Forums.

You can read the answer I got, here, but to summarise … ?

Simply all you need to do is is press ‘ctrl’ and the ‘,’.

And in the resultant Preferences, go into the General Tab …

And then tick the ‘Always Prompt Before Downloading’ button.

Hope that lot helps … !


The Daily Teaser: 27-5-11

Hmmm …

That’s …

Just strange …

Really … !

I’ll be honest, I’ve got the BBC’s News channel on at the moment.

And for some weird reason … ?

The keep running a little article about the fact that one sport that’s gsining popularity in the UK, for the past few years … ?

Is Mexican wrestling: Lucha Libre, as it’s known.

And from the look of the clip … ?

I’m vaguely reminded of the afternoon British professional wrestling, that ITV showed, during the 80s.

Especially Kendo Nagasaki …

Hmmm …

I think I’ll leave that right there …

Unless Kevin D — Movie Night gang member, and noted Grapple fan — want’s to put in a thought … !

»»»•«««

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi, bless her, putting in her answers: along with bagging 4 out of 5, she also managed to get me on my toes, by double checking an answer.

Lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we … ?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, Licence and video

Q1) 27th May, 1957, saw the birth of Susan Ballion: how is she better known … ?

Q2) 27th May, 1994, saw who fly back to his native Russia … ?

Q3) 27th May, 1980, saw the inquest into the death of Blair Peach rule his death to have been ‘Misadventure’: which organisation had he been protesting against, when he died … ?

Q4) 27th May, 1996, saw President Yeltsin of Russia negotiate a temporary ceasefire with whom … ?

Q5) And finally … 27th May, 1995, saw who paralysed after a horse-riding accident … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 26th May, 1966, saw British Guiana become independent: what’s British Guiana now called … ?
A1) Guyana.

Q2) 26th May, 1998, saw the US Supreme Court rule that Ellis Island is where … ?
Q2) New Jersey.

Q3) 26th May, 1879, saw Britain and Russia sign the Treaty of Gandamak: this treaty established which country … ?
A3) Afghanistan.

Q4) 26th May, 17AD, saw Germanicus arrive in Rome, after defeating several German tribes: which Emperor's father was he … ?
A4) Caligula.

Q5) And finally … 26th May, 1896, saw who become the last Tsar of all the Russias … ?
A5) Nicholas 2nd.
And here — covered by the same Creative Commons License as everything else — is the Friday Question Set for struggling Pub Quiz masters …
Online 105.
ROUND ONE. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) Dermatology is the study of human … what?
A1) Skin.

Q2) Alistair Cooke became famous for broadcasting his Letter from …where?
Q2) America

Q3) Disney’s version of Pinocchio was released in which decade of the 20th Century?
A3) The 1940’s

Q4) Northern Soul was the début album from which 90’s band?
A4) M People

Q5) Which American sport was Abner Doubleday credited with inventing?
A5) Baseball.

Q6) During the 60s, which member of the Kennedy family was involved with the Chappaquidick incident?
A6) Edward ‘Teddy’ Kennedy

Q7) What name is shared by Charlie Chaplin, and Princess Diana?
A7) Spencer.

Q8) In Hollywood, which Jean was called The Blonde Bombshell?
A8) Jean Harlow.

Q9) What describes Rubik’s Cube: two dimensional, three dimensional or four dimensional?
A9) Three dimensional.

Q10) What stewed item goes into a compote?
A10) Stewed Fruit.



ROUND TWO. TV DINNERS.

Q11) Which Coronation Street character was murdered by his daughter, in 2005?
A11) Tommy Harris.

Q12) Which EastEnders character got a marriage proposal, from Benny Bloom?
A12) Ethel Skinner. (Accept just Ethel.)

Q13) Which Neighbours character was killed in a fire, at Lassiters?
A13) Gus Cleary.

Q14) Two newsreader’s famously sat on a protesting lesbian, during the 6 O’Clock news, in 1988. Name one of them. (Two points for both)
A14) Nicholas Witchell, and Sue Lawley.

Q15) In addition to the Blue Peter team, which royal took part in the 1971 Blue Peter Safari?
A15) Princess Anne.

Q16) Which member of the Blue Peter team got knocked out by a flying marrow?
A16) John Noakes.

Q17) The character of May Hardman was the first death on which British soap, back in 1960?
A17) Coronation Street.

Q18) In which year of the 1980’s were sub-titles first available for the Queen’s Speech?
A18) 1981.

Q19) True or False. Anna Ford was the first British TV newsreader to lose an earring, on TV.
A19) False. It was actually Angela Rippon.

Q20) Who’s was the first televised Royal funeral?
A20) George 6th’s.



ROUND THREE. WORLD TOUR.

Q21) What country can you walk to, from Gibraltar?
A21) Spain

Q22) Urdu is an important language in two countries. Name either of them. (Two points for both.)
A22) India & Pakistan.

Q23) What is England’s most northerly county?
A23) Northumberland.

Q24) Beijing is the new name for which city?
A24) Peking.

Q25) What’s the queen’s London home?
A25) Buckingham Palace.

Q26) In which European country is the city of Salzburg?
A26) Austria

Q27) What colour is the sea that separates Egypt and Saudi Arabia?
A27) Red.

Q28) In which country is the resort of Rimini?
A28) Italy.

Q29) Madagascar is to the east of which continent?
A29) Africa.

Q30) Is California on the East or west coast of the USA?
A30) West.



ROUND FOUR. INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS.

Q31) What was invented by Lazlo and Georg Biro?
A31) Ballpoint pen.

Q32) Which fashion item is Oscar Levi Strauss responsible for?
A32) Jeans.

Q33) What nationality was motor vehicle pioneer Gottlieb Daimler?
A33) German.

Q34) What was developed by Andre and Edouard Michelin?
A34) Tyres.

Q35) What type of pen did Lewis Waterman invent?
A35) Fountain Pen.

Q36) Which vehicle was invented by Christopher Cockerell?
A36) Hovercraft.

Q37) Which engine was invented by Sir Frank Whittle?
A37) Jet.

Q38) What did John Logie Baird invent, first called “seeing by wireless”?
A38) Television.

Q39) Which communication system is Alexander Graham Bell famous for?
A39) Telephone.

Q40) Who invented a code made up of dots and dashes?
A40) Samuel Morse.



ROUND FIVE. SPORTING CHANCES.

Q41) In which Greek city were the first Modern Olympics held?
A41) Athens.

Q42) In which decade did Roger Bannister run his first sub-four minute mile?
A42) 1950s.

Q43) Which Czech-born tennis-player won her ninth Wimbledon title in 1990?
A43) Martina Navratilova.

Q44) Charismatic gymnast Olga Korbut represented which country, at the Olympics?
A44) The USSR. (Accept Soviet Union.)

Q45) The 1980 Olympics were boycotted by the USA. In which city were they held?
A45) Moscow.

Q46) Which English cricketer made his hundredth century, in a 1977 Test Match?
A46) Geoffrey Boycott.

Q47) What does the second F stand for, in the initials, FIFA?
A47) Football

Q48) Who captained England, in their 5 – 1 win over Germany, in 2001?
A48) David Beckham.

Q49) Mario Andretti found fame in which sport?
A49) Motor racing.

Q50) Clive Lloyd captained which international cricket side?
A50) The West Indies.



ROUND SIX. GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) In the film, Boys From Brazil, which real world villain was played by Gregory Peck?
A51) Dr Josef Mengele.

Q52) There were only two independent African nations, at the start of World War Two. Name either. (Two points for both.)
A52) Liberia or Ethiopia.

Q53) Marsala wine is made on which Mediterranean island?
A53) Sicily.

Q54) There’s a town called Odessa in Washington, and which other US state?
A54) Texas.

Q55) True or False. The World Spam Museum is in Austin, Texas.
A55) False. It’s actually in Austin, Minnesota!

Q56) Springfield, Illinois, was the birthplace of which assassinated US President?
A56) Abraham Lincoln.

Q57) Which grand event was first broadcast on the BBC, in 1960?
A57) The Grand National.

Q58) Briana Corrigan and Jacqui Abbot were the two female singers for which English band?
A58) The Beautiful South.

Q59) Which south American country borders Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia?
A59) Paraguay.

Q60) Before becoming a TV presenter, Anthea Turner worked for which motoring organisation?
A60) The AA.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later …

But leave you with this …