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When OpenID lets you down
For years I've been happily using LiveJournal as an OpenID endpoint. That facility appears to have gone the way of the dodo, stranding me without access to such things as my StackExchange account. -
Django + MySQL using MacPorts on Mac OS X 10.7
Installing Django and MySQL on Mac OS X 10.7 from a fresh install.
( In point form, because I'm in a hurry. ) -
Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW
I've been using the Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW for a month or two, and here's my review for time-challenged people: it's excellent for photo walks and can accommodate a flash and/or a few tiny accessories. At a pinch, the Slingshot is a great bag for carrying a camera and accessories on trips by plane, train or bus. The downside? Carrying a tripod is ( Read more... ) -
Why Internet-connected DRM fails the customer
The short version: Diablo III is a prime example of why always-connected DRM will not work in the long run. It protects the supplier's interests while turning customers into enemies.
( Full text of this rant behind the cut. ) -
Countering Constants in Unit Tests
In Perl, some people will do funky stuff like this:
package FooBar;
use constant {
CONFIG_VALUE_A = 'foo',
CONFIG_VALUE_B = 'bar',
};
If I want to override those values (e.g.: while running your application on my system, or building a test suite) I have to use a construct like this:
*{FOOBAR::CONFIG_VALUE_A} = sub { 'my new foo' }; ( Read more... ) -
Kobo Touch, Sony Reader or iPad?
In which I contrast the Kobo Touch, Sony Reader and iPad 2 in terms of reading books.
Let me cut to the chase: If I was forced to choose only one of these devices, it would be the iPad. But for the purposes of exclusively reading books I would choose the black Kobo Touch.( No photos, sorry. I can't capture the bedazzling effect of the Sony Reader's shiny bezel. ) -
It's Monday 13th. Is your data secure?
Some points to consider when reviewing your backup strategy: http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/blogs/poremba/bulletproofing-your-data/?cs=49333Read more... ) -
Making O'Reilly ePubs usable on the Kobo Touch
Due to my weak and undisciplined nature I have succumbed to "more shinies syndrome" and now I have a Kobo Touch. I have a large collection of O'Reilly books in ePub format, which work just fine on the iPad, but crash the Kobo. So I set out to massage my O'Reilly books to the point that they are usable on the Kobo.
( Details of my book massaging behind the cut ) -
On Copyright and Monkeys
Before you get to my post, here is some background reading. They're short, so please go read them now:
- If a stranger grabs your camera and snaps a photo, who owns the copyright?
- Photos must be the product of human authorship to be copyrightable
- Shutter-happy monkey turns photographer