One of my main interests outside of work is ham radio. I hold the callsign G4ILO, which allows me to operate a transmitter and contact other licensed enthusiasts on the air. While setting up a new antenna I injured my back, and am currently confined to bed. Being bored , and unable to access my radio gear, I stumbled across HamSphere, a VOIP simulation of the amateur radio shortwave bands. Read more...
Yesterday was a fine day (which for this part of the world means there were actual sightings of the sun and only occasional fine drizzle) so Olga and I went for a walk in Ennerdale. It's one of the valleys on the western edge of the English Lake District near where we live, and a favorite of mine because cars are not allowed up to the head of the valley so it is quite unspoiled and free of the stink of exhaust fumes. Read more...
I'm typing this while listening to a Bach flute concerto, courtesy of Otto's Baroque internet radio station and a Revo Pico WiFi receiver. I've suddenly become a fan of Internet radio. With over 10,000 stations to listen to from all around the world including more than 300 classical music stations, all at digital quality, the airwaves have nothing to match it. And this Revo receiver will play MP3s direct from a PC (or in my case a network attached storage device) as well. Read more...
For over twelve years and nearly 150 issues I have been PC Advisor magazine's computer agony uncle. I wrote the popular Helpline (later renamed Helproom) column in which I answered readers' questions about the trouble they were having with their computers. But I have just written my final column. Issue 154 (May 2008) will be the last one written by me. It feels like the end of an era. Time for a little reflection, perhaps. Read more...
A couple of weeks ago we noticed a red squirrel passing through the garden, so we decided to put food out to encourage it to stay. I was researching on the internet about squirrels and came across this amazing video of a gray squirrel negotiating an obstacle course to get to its food. Enjoy!
