Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.7.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # WatkissOnline - Stewart's Blog Various ramblings from an IT professional ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Posts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/posts/) - [New Raspberry Pi 5](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-raspberry-pi-5/) - The latest model of the Raspberry Pi computer is now available. Released during October 2023 it promises significantly increased performance on the previous models. To get the increased performance the Raspberry Pi does use more power and it is encouraged to now use an active cooling, which is available in the official case or with - [Halloween Scary Pi-Ano - Raspberry Pi and Makey Makey keyboard](https://watkissonline.co.uk/halloween-scary-pi-ano-raspberry-pi-and-makey-makey-keyboard/) - This Halloween I created an indoor halloween light effect using a Raspberry Pi and a PIR sensor. Unlike previous years my children weren't really involved in making this one, which is because my 9 year old daughter decided to create her own Raspberry Pi based Halloween Project. She has created a Raspberry Pi, Makey Makey - [From Breadboards to Cyber Security: Why Makers Should Look at IT Certifications](https://watkissonline.co.uk/from-breadboards-to-cyber-security-why-makers-should-look-at-it-certifications/) - Have you missed me? If things have been a bit quiet on the project bench lately, it’s for a good reason. Over the last few months, my free time has been entirely consumed by textbooks and practice exams as I prepared for my latest certification: the ISACA Advanced in AI Security Management (AAISM). As makers, - [Raspberry Pi Microscope with High Quality (HQ) camera](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-microscope-with-high-quality-hq-camera/) - One of the great things about the Raspberry Pi is it's versitility which allows it to be used in many different ways. The introduction of the high quality camera module has greatly increased the scope of what can be achieved in digital photography. This has been expanded further thanks to a professional quality lens now - [Python testing made fun - testing code using unittest](https://watkissonline.co.uk/python-testing-made-fun-testing-code-using-unittest/) - This video explains the benefits of using Python testing when programming. This is intended for makers who are coding software for physical computing, hobby software programmers and those looking to learn about software programming through school, college, university or adults looking to increase their skills. Without any automated testing bugs can be harder to find - [Christmas Lights 2025](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-lights-2025/) - This video shows our outdoor Christmas Lights for 2025. The lights are controlled by 3 Raspberry Pi computers and 1 Raspberry Pi Pico. They feature a Christmas woodland scene, a village scene around the garage door, a matrix image display and new for 2025 the twinkling snowflake Christmas tree star. For more details about the - [Running at Code Club at a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/running-at-code-club-at-a-pupil-referral-unit-pru/) - In the past I have run a Code Club in a mainstream first / primary school. This involved going into the school at the end of the normal school day and spending 45 minutes to an hour working on Scratch projects. This is something that I really enjoyed, watching children taking their first steps in - [Using AI to help with programming - Google Gemini - Vibe Coding](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-ai-to-help-with-programming-google-gemini-vibe-coding/) - This video covers the use of AI when programming open source software. It's based around Google Gemini, but is also relevant for other AI agents including Microsoft Co-pilot and Chat GPT. It shows examples of how I use AI to help get inspiration, to research programming features and generate code. It uses the example of - [Raspberry Pi with SSD through NVMe - What went well. What went wrong!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-with-ssd-through-nvme-what-went-well-what-went-wrong/) - Raspberry Pi have released their new NVMe HAT+ which allows you to connect a SSD through the PCIe connector on a Raspberry Pi. There are also third party boards that do the same. I decided to try with the Pimoroni NVMe Base compared with the Raspberry Pi M.2 HAT+. Unfortunately, it didn't go quite to - [YouTube official Lego Brick Play Button #YouTubeHighFive](https://watkissonline.co.uk/youtube-official-lego-brick-play-button-youtubehighfive/) - This year my PenguinTutor YouTube channel was awarded a #YouTubeHighFive. As part of this I received some free gifts including a sausage roll from Greggs, some YouTube High Five stickers and most excitingly this YouTube Lego Brick Play Button. Here's a quick shorts video showing it being assembled. Please considering subscribing to the PenguinTutor YouTube - [Repair of Christmas reindeer light](https://watkissonline.co.uk/repair-of-christmas-reindeer-light/) - This video shows an emergency repair to a Christmas light decoration for a reindeer light. When I plugged the light it it failed to light-up. After looking more closely I found a break in the wire where the incoming power supply comes into the leg. Note that it is low voltage at this point so - [Git - Version Control that's addictive](https://watkissonline.co.uk/git-version-control-thats-addictive/) - Git is a version control system. A way of keeping regular backups of files which is particularly useful for creating computer source code. I've used other version control systems before (CVS and Subversion) and other tools that provide an element of version control (eg. Dropbox), but so far I've only really used them when I - [The power of open source - Creating a GUI with Python and guizero](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-power-of-open-source-creating-a-gui-with-python-and-guizero/) - This isn't going to be a guide about how to program a GUI (graphical user interfaces) using guizero (hopefully I'll add some instruction on that in future), but it does explain which I chose guizero, some of the concepts I used and a bit of an insight into this open source software library. This article - [Come from Away - STFD](https://watkissonline.co.uk/come-from-away-stfd/) - My favourite musical at the moment is Come From Away. An uplifting show based around the tragic events of 9/11. Centred on Gander Airport in Newfoundland Canada where thousands of passengers were stranded as the US air space was closed. It's a story about the kindness from the locals who took the passengers in and - [World Book Day - Raspberry Pi and Pimoroni InkyPHat Badge](https://watkissonline.co.uk/world-book-day-raspberry-pi-and-pimoroni-inkyphat-badge/) - Update Since creating this project there are some new ePaper style ID badges based around microcontrollers rather than the Raspberry Pi. Please see the following for alternatives to the original Raspberry Pi based ID badge: Badger 2040 - Hackable ID badge based around Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller RP2040 Today is World Book Day. For the - [About PDFs - create your own / copyright protection](https://watkissonline.co.uk/about-pdfs-create-your-own-copyright-protection/) - This is some info that I wrote some time ago on PDF files (Portable Document Format). PDF (Portable Document Format), is a popular format for distributing files. It can be read using Adobe's Free Acrobat Reader as well as a number of alternative viewers. The reasons for it's popularity is that files can be read - [PDF Files](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pdf-files/) - Several years ago I had a guide on my website about how to create PDF files for free. Fortunately that guide is not really needed anymore as it is now possible to convert office type documents to PDF using OpenOffice.org. However recently I've been asked to take a group of PDF documents and merge them - [Firefox 3.5 is here - Faster, Safer, More Fun web browsing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-3-5-is-here-faster-safer-more-fun-web-browsing/) - Firefox 3.5 is here. There is a lot of buzz on the Internet about Firefox today for the official launch of version 3.5. Firefox is a web browser that runs on various operating systems (including Windows, Mac and Linux) and is available completely Free. I've been running the pre-release versions for a while now and - [Wifi on the Raspberry Pi Pico with the Pimoroni Pico Wireless backpack](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wifi-on-the-raspberry-pi-pico-with-the-pimoroni-pico-wireless-backpack/) - The one feature that is missing on the Raspberry Pi Pico is networking. Whilst there are some projects that don't need to connect to a network it vastly increases the usefulness of the Pico. NEW - The Raspberry Pi Pico W now includes wireless networking on board Find out more about getting started with the - [IT Security: Another DOS attack attempt](https://watkissonline.co.uk/another-dos-attack-attempt/) - Once again I have seen another failed DOS attack against the firstaidquiz.com website. This occured at approximately 2pm today. The attempt took the form of a large number of logins at the same time. This was from someone using various names including "Nick", "Bob Marley" and "Some randome[sic] crack head". I believe these to be - [IT Security: Denial of Service Attack / Incident](https://watkissonline.co.uk/denial-of-service/) - I have had a couple of Denial of Service issues over the last week against this website and www.firstaidquiz.com. The first I believe was with malicious intent, and was unsuccessful. After the earlier attempt Cyber Vandals during June I added some Denial of Service detection code to the quiz engine which appears to have successfully - [Linux World Expo 2005](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-world-expo-2005/) - Linux World Expo 2005 as a conference delegate on Thursday. The trade stand area was smaller then I expected having attended the InfoSecurity show in the past, but it was still worth a trip to London for the event. The show itself was free, which included a few free seminars, but to attend most of - [Upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04 - DisplayLink - Firefox with SNAP - performance issues?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-to-ubuntu-22-04-displaylink-firefox-with-snap-performance-issues/) - This video provides an introduction to Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish. It has some information about the upgrade process, some fixes that I needed to apply (including Re-installing Display Link drivers) and some of the new features. I have switched back to X.org instead of Wayland so that I can continue to use Simple Screen Recorder - [Protect your password from hackers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/protect-your-password-from-hackers/) - The password is often the key component keeping a system secure. Users are often told that you need to follow certain rules when creating their passwords which may include using capital letters, numerical digits and sometimes special characters. Rules normally also set a minimum number of characters, which may be as low as 6 (not - [Windows XP - Closed source software that puts nuclear plants at risk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-xp-closed-source-software-that-puts-nuclear-plants-at-risk/) - Whilst we are used to hearing about computer viruses and I am aware of many people's Windows computers that have been rendered practically useless due to adware / spyware installed from clicking on random (until the computer was wiped and the operating system reinstalled). It is one thing to have the inconvenience of having to - [A 10 year adventure with Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/a-10-year-adventure-with-raspberry-pi/) - The Raspberry Pi is now 10 years old. It has had a significant impact on my life, defining my hobbies, my study and opening up new volunteering opportunities. I've created the video below showing a quick look at the Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pirate Chest Raspberry Pi case PA Consulting Raspberry Pi Competition Raspberry - [Pixel Server - updated for new Raspberry Pi OS default username removal](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pixel-server-updated-for-new-raspberry-pi-os-default-username-removal/) - As the Raspberry Pi OS no longer uses the default pi username I've had to make some changes to some of my software so that it still works correctly. This video goes through the changes I have made to my Raspberry Pi Pixel Server software so that it works without the default username of pi. - [Penguin Fortress - guide to the Raspberry Pi OS username change](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguin-fortress-guide-to-the-raspberry-pi-os-username-change/) - I've created a new YouTube channel called Penguin Fortress. This is created as an spin-off of my Penguin Tutor channel which will concentrate on IT security / cyber security. The first video is on the recent Raspberry Pi OS change which means that Raspberry Pi OS no longer requires the default pi username. The reason - [Upper Arley Circular Walk - Worcestershire Severn Valley](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upper-arley-circular-walk-severn-valley/) - This route is based around the Upper Arley Circular Walk. This is a Worcestershire way marked route which takes in amazing views of Trimpley Reservoir and spectacular Victoria Bridge which carries the Severn Valley Steam Railway over the River Severn. There are some issues with the way-marked route. I was unable to walk along a - [Review of the Pokit pro - smart phone multimeter, oscilloscope and data logger.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-pokit-pro-smart-phone-multimeter-oscilloscope-and-data-logger/) - The pokit pro is a nall-in-one multimeter, oscilloscope and data logger. It is a probe which connects to a mobile phone using bluetooth. So no need for bulky screens or to carry a laptop around with you. This was a Kickstarter from 2019. Originally due to be delivered in 2020 these are a little under - [Stewart Watkiss (PenguinTutor) in The MagPi Magazine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stewart-watkiss-penguintutor-in-the-magpi-magazine/) - The January 2022 edition of the MagPi Magazine has an article on me and some of my projects. If you missed the printed version then you can still download the magazine free of charge from the MagPi website (113) - [Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit - new official release of the RPi OS with Netflix and Disney+](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-os-64-bit-new-official-release-of-the-rpi-os-with-netflix-and-disney/) - The Raspberry Pi OS (formally Raspbian) has traditionally been 32-bit. The 64-bit version has been in beta for a year now, but has become and official release. In this video I take a look at Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit official release and how it compares with the 32-bit version. The 64 bit version of the - [Designing an Outdoor Enclosure for an Arduino RP2040](https://watkissonline.co.uk/designing-an-outdoor-enclosure-for-an-arduino-rp2040/) - In this video I explain how I have designed a weatherproof outdoor enclosure for an Arduino RP2040 PCB that I have designed. The PCB provides a wireless Pixel Strip controller to control addressable WS2812B RGB LEDs (NeoPixels). It uses the Arduino Nano RP2040 connect, which is an Arduino board based around the Raspberry Pi RP2040, - [Raspberry Pi or Arduino NeoPixels (Smart RGB LEDs with ws281x)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-or-arduino-neopixels-smart-rgb-leds-with-ws281x-including-raspberry-pi-2/) - I've recently been having fun with some NeoPixels on the Raspberry Pi. NeoPixel is the name that Adafruit uses to refer to "Smart RGB LEDs with WS2811 / WS2812 integrated controllers". I'm sure you'll agree that NeoPixel has a better ring to it and as that's the name of the Python library that I'm using. - [Radio Control for the Raspberry Pi Pico - using I-Bus](https://watkissonline.co.uk/radio-control-for-the-raspberry-pi-pico-using-i-bus/) - The Raspberry Pi Pico does not come with any kind of wireless build-in, but that doesn't mean you can't control it without wires. You can easily add a Radio Control controller such as ones used to control RC model Airplanes. In an earlier video I explained about how you could interface with a receiver using - [From 2D maps to 3D models with FreeCAD](https://watkissonline.co.uk/from-2d-maps-to-3d-models-with-freecad/) - In the video below I show how you can take a 2D map and create a 3D model using FreeCAD. This is a manual process in mapping the contour lines from an OS map into FreeCAD. The model can then be printed using a 3D printer, or viewed online as a static image or through - [Pip - Raspberry Pi based Games Console / Development Device - Preview](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pip-raspberry-pi-based-games-console-development-device-preview/) - This is an initial review of the PIP. The PIP is a Raspberry Pi handheld games console from a successful Kickstarter. The pip has been a long time coming - arriving approximately 3 years later than planned, but they have finally reached the point where they are sending out preview models for backers that have - [Halloween - Raspberry Pi and Arduino Trick or Treat Trolley](https://watkissonline.co.uk/halloween-raspberry-pi-and-arduino-trick-or-treat-trolley/) - This year I did a trick or treat with a difference. I supported the local Scout group going around door to door, but instead of asking for sweets we asked for donations for the local support group / food bank. As you can imagine the tins of food and non-perishable items weighted quite a bit - [New Raspberry Pi Zero 2 - The maker's choice of Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-raspberry-pi-zero-2-the-makers-choice-of-raspberry-pi/) - The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is an updated version of the Raspberry Pi Zero. It uses the same form factor and has the same connectors in the same position, but what it does have a huge performance increase. It is only a tiny bit more expensive than the Pi Zero it replaces. In the - [Electronics and Raspberry Pi Halloween Projects](https://watkissonline.co.uk/electronics-and-raspberry-pi-halloween-projects/) - These are some of the Halloween Projects I've created. Haunted House A scary haunted house, using a Raspberry Pi, home automation, electronics and scary music. Raspberry Pi Haunted House Halloween Trick or Treat Trolley Pimp up a Halloween Trick or Treat Trolley with this project based around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, an Arduino - [Oh no! Something has gone wrong. Ubuntu upgrade 21.04 to 21.10 fails - here's how to fix it.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/oh-no-something-has-gone-wrong-ubuntu-upgrade-21-04-to-21-10-fails-heres-how-to-fix-it/) - I recently upgraded my laptop from Ubuntu 21.04 to Ubuntu 21.10. Unfortunately it failed with the message: Oh no! Something has gone wrong. A problem has occured and the system can't recover. Please log out and try again. This sounded like it would leave the system unusable, but by switching to a terminal and booting - [Raspberry Pi Disco Lights - Pi Birthday 2016 and 2017](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-disco-lights-pi-birthday-2016/) - Click the image above for the slides for the Disco Light talk at the Pi Birthday 2016. Worksheet for Raspberry Pi NeoPixel practical session 2017 Below is a worksheet giving hands-on with connecting up NeoPixels to a Raspberry Pi using a breadboard. This uses breadboard NeoPixels. These do need a little soldering initially, but once - [Supporting England Raspberry Pi Matrix Display for Euro 2020 Final](https://watkissonline.co.uk/supporting-england-raspberry-pi-matrix-display-for-euro-2021-final/) - This is a YouTube #shorts video showing my animated display supporting England Football team in the Euro 2021 final. This is controlled using a Raspberry Pi, which displays the animated video on a RGB LED Matrix displayed outside my house. More details of the display are available from my Raspberry Pi RGB LED Matrix Display - [How to Create Animations for Free and Introducing PGZAnimation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/__trashed/) - This post has three aims based around my latest YouTube video on creating 3D animations. The first is to shows some FREE options for creating 2D animations on Linux, Windows and other operating system. Second is to ask the viewers if they have any other alternatives that I've missed (preferably ones with easy to use - [Upgrade of laptop to Ubuntu 21.04 - Including how to use DisplayLink for USB-C and Wayland vs X.org](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-of-laptop-to-ubuntu-21-04-including-how-to-use-displaylink-for-usb-c-and-wayland-vs-x-org/) - I was holding off on upgrading my laptop to Linux Ubuntu 21.04 due to the bug that could leave computers unbootable. Since then I've been had the "Do you want to upgrade" message so presumably that's been fixed. I went through the upgrade process and upgraded my laptop to Ubuntu 21.04. I did come across - [RC Remote Control for a Raspberry Pi Pico](https://watkissonline.co.uk/rc-remote-control-for-a-raspberry-pi-pico/) - One of the things missing from the Raspberry Pi Pico is the lack of network connectivity. There are other models that do provide that such as the Arduino version of the Raspberry Pi Pico - The Arduino Nano RP2040, but there are alternative ways to communicate. In this case I had an RC remote control - [RPi Ubuntu 21.04 - 64-bit Linux for Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/rpi-ubuntu-21-04-64-bit-linux-for-raspberry-pi/) - There is a new version of Ubuntu which is now at version 21.04. The version number consists of the year and month it was released so this is from April 2021. For this version (and the previous version 6 months ago) the Ubuntu releases now include a version of the 64-bit desktop version for the - [Day out at Bekonscot Model Village](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-bekonscot-model-village/) - Bekonscot is in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. It is the oldest model village in the world being first created in 1929. It has however changed a lot since then having had periods where it was modernized, but then reverting back to being primarily based around 1930s England. It features one of the largest Gauge 1 outdoor - [Earlswood Lakes Circular Walk in Worcestershire / West Midlands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/earlswood-lakes-circular-walk-in-worcestershire-west-midlands/) - Earlswood Lakes are man-made reservoirs in Worcestershire which were made to supply water to the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal. The North of the lakes is bordering on West Midlands. This is a nice gentle walk across flat terrain. Most of the paths are well maintained, but some places may get a little muddy at times. I have - [Barnt Green to Lickey Hills Circular Walk in Worcestershire / Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/barnt-green-to-lickey-hills-circular-walk-in-worcestershire-birmingham/) - This is a way marked route by Worcestershire County Council. Starting at Barnt Green (approx. postcode B45 8NW). It takes in some of the local countryside, skirting around the reservoirs to the top of Lickey Hills and back down to Barnt Green. Alternative starting point is Lickey Hills Visitor Centre car park (check closing time - [Barnt Green Waterways Circular Walk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/barnt-green-waterways-circular-walk/) - This is a way marked route by Worcestershire County Council. Starting at Barnt Green (approx. postcode B45 8NW). It takes in some of the local countryside, walk towards Alvechurch, along a canal and past Upper Bittell Reservoir. For public transport the Barnt Green railway station is nearby. Distance: 5 miles Click the map for a - [Alvechurch and Rowney Green Walk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/alvechurch-and-rowney-green-walk/) - This is route around Alvechurch and Rowney green. It uses a combination of bridleways and public footpaths. Distance: 4 miles (a little more if you start in Alvechurch village centre) Click the map for a larger version The route is also available through the Ordnance Survey Online OS Maps and as a GPX file for - [Tank Game for Pygame Zero and the Raspberry Pi Pico Display Pack](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tank-game-for-pygame-zero-and-the-raspberry-pi-pico-display-pack/) - This is an introduction to a tank game I created. It's an artillary style pass and play game. It is created as a demonstration of creating vector graphics in Pygame Zero and of porting / creating a game on the Raspberry Pi Pico with the Pimoroni Display Pack. Pygame Zero Game The initial version was - [Raspberry Pi club - Programming the GPIO - Traffic Light LEDs](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-club-programming-the-gpio-traffic-light-leds/) - One of the things I've been doing as a STEM Ambassador is to help support a Raspberry Pi club at a local high school. At first the club was led by the sixth form students, with the teachers and myself helping out as required. This was working well at first, but with many of the - [Hanbury Circular Walk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hanbury-circular-walk/) - This is a way marked route by Worcestershire County Council. Starting at Gateway Park near Droitwich Spa Marina (approx. postcode WR9 7DU). it goes along the Worcestershire and Birmingham Canal, and then across fields passing Hanbury Hall (National Trust). Distance: 7 miles (including walk around the outside of Hanbury Church). Click the map for a - [Redditch Dinosaur Walk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/redditch-dinosaur-walk/) - This is a walk starting at Morton Stanley Park walking around local roads in the Redditch area. If you map your route using a GPS then it will be trace the image of a dinosaur. Distance: 6.2 miles Click map for larger version The route is also available through the Ordnance Survey Online OS Maps - [Raspberry Pi Pico on YouTube #Shorts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-pico-on-youtube-shorts/) - I've now created my first YouTube #Shorts. It's a quick demonstration of the Raspberry Pi Pico switching a large load through a darlington Transistor. I've also created a standard video on the Raspberry Pi Pico and how to get started using MicroPython here: This video is based around the Transistor switch and darlington driver video - [Morton Stanley Park to Elcock’s Brook and Ham Green, Walk in Redditch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/morton-stanley-park-to-elcocks-brook-and-ham-green-walk-in-redditch/) - A walk through local paths including parts of the Monarch’s way. This walk has some challenges in terms of difficult stiles and can get very muddy. In some places I had to take an alternative route due to flooding of the path. Distance: 5.2 miles Terrain: Footpaths. Includes difficult terrain, stiles and may be very - [Raspberry Pi Pico - A microcontroller from Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-pico-a-microcontroller-from-raspberry-pi/) - There's a new microcontroller available but this one is from an unexpected manufacturer - Raspberry Pi! Raspberry Pi well known for their single board computers has now branched out into a micro-controller. This has been done in partnership with other micro-controller supplies such as Arduino, who are expected to release a board based around the - [Webheath to Banks's Green Walk, Redditch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/webheath-to-bankss-green-walk-redditch/) - This is a walk starting at St. Philip's Church in Webheath Redditch. It goes to Bank's green by using a combination of the Monarch's Way and country lanes. Approx 60% of this is on roads. The route is based on one that I have followed as part of the Scout's Shirehike. Distance: 3.8 miles Click - [Batchley and Enfield Woodland Walk, Redditch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/batchley-and-enfield-woodland-walk-redditch/) - This is walk around the Batchley and Enfield areas of Redditch. It goes through 3 different wood areas, the Memorial Garden and 2 local parks. It also includes the site of the former Enfield factory and the railway. Distance: 4.5 miles Terrain: Woodland and tarmac paths. Includes some stairs (alternate route available). Click map for - [Creating 2D Animations using Blender 2.8 and Blender 2.9](https://watkissonline.co.uk/creating-2d-animations-using-blender-2-8-and-blender-2-9/) - Blender is well known as a 3D modelling tool, but it is also good for creating 2D animations. It includes the ability to create timeline based animations using Keyframes with automatic tweening and fine control over all the objects. If you don't know what that means then hopefully this video for beginners will provide a - [SnowPi RGB Christmas Game for Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/snowpi-rgb-christmas-game-for-raspberry-pi/) - My Christmas maker project this year is a game based around the SnowPi RGB. This is a PCB with addressable RGB LEDs (also known as NeoPixels). The game is created in Python pygame zero. In the game you have to press an appropriate key (or button on the joypad) at the right time. It's a - [Raspberry Pi Christmas Project - Christmas House and Neopixel Snowman](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-christmas-project-christmas-house-and-neopixel-snowman/) - New Christmas House Project web page Since this post was written I've now created a new version of the Christmas House circuit based around a printed circuit board. For full details then see: Raspberry Pi Christmas House Electronics Project. Original post from 2018 This year I've been creating a 3D model of a building for - [Batch resizing images on Linux or Windows - ImageMagick convert command](https://watkissonline.co.uk/batch-resizing-images-on-linux-or-windows-imagemagick-convert-command/) - With the resolution of today's digital cameras it is often necessary to resize the files to make them smaller. You may want to reduce the file size before publishing them on the web, or sending in an email. When you have one or two images then it's not a problem. Just load the file into - [Raspberry Pi controlled Christmas Lighting including NeoPixels and RGB Matrix LED display](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-controlled-christmas-lighting-including-neopixels-and-rgb-matrix-led-display/) - This video explains about the Christmas lighting display I have at my house and how it's controlled using 3 Raspberry Pi computers. Two of these are automated, but one does require manual intervention to turn it on and off. There are outdoor Christmas lights including Christmas Tree lights and light-up animals using LED lighting. These - [micro:bit v2 - New version of the educational coding tool](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microbit-v2-new-version-of-the-educational-coding-tool/) - The micro:bit version 2 is now available. This is a significant upgrade on the original micro:bit with a better processor, more memory, a speaker, microphone, touch sensitive area and more. What is a micro:bit The Micro:bit (or sometimes referred to as microbit) is a small electronic programming tool designed to teach coding to secondary school - [New book - Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi (second edition)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-book-learn-electronics-with-raspberry-pi-second-edition/) - My new book is now available. Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi (2nd Edition). This is an update on my first book which is now over 4 years old. My first book sold well and was even translated into Chinese. This new edition is a significant rewrite, bringing it up-to-date, but also improving the educational style, - [Remembrance Day 2020](https://watkissonline.co.uk/remembrance-day-2020/) - Each year, I normally attend a service at the local war memorial to remember members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This has usually been in uniform as a member of the Scouts or in the past as a member of St. John Ambulance. Due to the Covid-19 situation - [Raspberry Pi Halloween Animated Light Display - RGB Matrix LED display with pumpkin and PIR sensor](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-halloween-animated-light-display-rgb-matrix-led-display-with-pumpkin-and-pir-sensor/) - My Raspberry Pi Halloween project for this year is based around the Raspberry Pi RGB matrix display project. I have put the RGB Matrix outside of my house and wanted to display a Halloween animation on the display. I also wanted to include a PIR sensor which changed the display when someone approached the display. - [Setting up a web server on a Raspberry Pi 4 using Ubuntu 20.10 (Beta) 64-bit Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/setting-up-a-web-server-on-a-raspberry-pi-4-using-ubuntu-20-10-beta-64-bit-linux/) - Ubuntu 20.10 is now available as a BETA release. This includes a Raspberry Pi server edition. In this video I will boot up from a newly created image using the image from Ubuntu 20.10 Beta Server images site. I then show how it can be setup as a basic web server with a simple test - [Raspberry Pi official Ubuntu 20.10 Desktop Image - running a 64-bit desktop linux on the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-official-ubuntu-20-10-desktop-image-running-a-64-bit-desktop-linux-on-the-raspberry-pi/) - With the release of Ubuntu 20.10 the Raspberry Pi now gets an official desktop version of the popular Linux desktop. In the video below I go through the install and initial experience running Ubuntu desktop on the Raspberry Pi. Getting started with Ubuntu desktop on the Raspberry Pi Before you rush out to install there - [Arduino Vs Raspberry Pi - Microcontroller Vs Computer for maker projects](https://watkissonline.co.uk/arduino-vs-raspberry-pi-microcontroller-vs-computer-for-maker-projects/) - In this video I look at some of the features of the Arduino and the Raspberry Pi to see which is the best fit for your project. Whilst it starts with the answer "it depends", it gives scenarios where each is better and for those where either is a good fit I'll give my own - [Power Up 4.0 - Smartphone controlled remote control paper airplane](https://watkissonline.co.uk/power-up-4-0-smartphone-controlled-remote-control-paper-airplane/) - This is a review of the PowerUP 4.0. This is a successful Kickstarter campaign which completed in 2020. I've received my bundle of airplane related goodies and had a few builds and test flights. The video below goes through an unboxing, the first builds, test flights and important information on flying the plane such as - [Kdenlive - editing videos using a professional free open source non-linear video editor](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kdenlive-editing-videos-using-a-professional-free-open-source-non-linear-video-editor/) - Kdenlive is a free open source non-linear video editor. I used to regularly use Kdenlive for editing my videos, but I switched to a commercial mid-price video editor a couple of years ago. This is because I found Kdenlive to have a number of bugs and was difficult to get the effects that I wanted. - [Free Computer Software for Windows](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-computer-software/) - I have recently reinstalled one of my computers as the operating system had become corrupt. Perform the reinstall has highlighted the number of extra applications that I have installed. Most of these are free. The following are all for Windows XP (Linux thankfully comes with most of these or equivelants already installed). Most of these - [A trip to the zoo - after coronavirus Covid-19 lockdown](https://watkissonline.co.uk/a-trip-to-the-zoo-after-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown/) - In the UK the coronavirus / covid-19 lockdown is starting to ease. Most recently Zoos have been amongst the list of attractions that are now allowed to reopen. This is our first visit to a zoo since lockdown and our first experience of a post lockdown day-out, other than visiting a local park / woodland. - [Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB of RAM - Power user trial](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-4-with-8gb-of-ram-power-user-trial/) - The Raspberry Pi is now available with 8GB of RAM. The cost is higher, costing almost twice as much as the 2GB version, although only about £25 more than the 4GB version. The question is what can you do with 8GB of RAM and do you really need that much? I've already written about this - [Why I Scout! - Shirejammin' at home challenge](https://watkissonline.co.uk/why-i-scout-shirejammin-at-home-challenge/) - On top of my job, family and computing interests I'm also an assistant Cub Scout leader and a member of the District Executive Committee (Charity Trustee of the Scout District). During the current Coronovirus / Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to meet face-to-face but scouting is still happening through virtual conference sessions I am running - [New Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB RAM - Use as a desktop PC](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-raspberry-pi-4-with-8gb-ram-use-as-a-desktop-pc/) - The Raspberry Pi is now available with 8GB of RAM. The cost is higher, costing almost twice as much as the 2GB version, although only about £25 more than the 4GB version. The question is what can you do with 8GB of RAM and do you really need that much? The fact that you can - [Could coding clubs be bad for the IT industry?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/could-coding-clubs-be-bad-for-the-it-industry/) - Firstly as someone that runs a Code Club and a STEM ambassador I admit that I am a little biased, although I've hopefully provided some good reasoning to back up my comments. It seams to me that no matter what you do to try and improve something, there is always someone that puts together some - [Creating practical science lessons for home schooling during Covid-19 lockdown](https://watkissonline.co.uk/creating-practical-science-lessons-for-home-schooling-during-covid-19-lockdown/) - As a STEM ambassador, I've done quite a lot of practical science lessons with my children and primary age school children. There are lots of science books that you can get full of experiments that you can do at home. When they reach secondary school it's a little more difficult without having a science lab - [Star Wars Day - Raspberry Pi RGB Matrix Display](https://watkissonline.co.uk/star-wars-day-raspberry-pi-rgb-matrix-display/) - Today is the 4th May, which means Star Wars day. So I've added a new scrolling image showing a series of images from each of the 9 films in the three trilogies playing on my Raspberry Pi controlled RGB LED Matrix Display. It's 4946 x 32 pixels long. Shown on my 64 x 32 Matrix - [Thank you messages - LED Matrix Display - Coronovirus / Covid-19](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thank-you-messages-led-matrix-display-coronovirus-covid-19/) - I'm writing this post during lockdown in 2020 during the Novel Coronovirus / Covid-19 pandemic. Before the virus took hold in the UK I'd already started work on Raspberry Pi Outdoor Display (RGB LED Matrix) and Handrail Lighting (NeoPixels) Project. The idea was an extension of a light display I was planning to add to - [@Home activities for children during Covid-19 Coronovirus lockdown](https://watkissonline.co.uk/home-activities-for-children-during-covid-19-coronovirus-lockdown/) - As a parent I understand how important it is to keep children entertained. This is now even harder with the country in lockdown over a sunny Easter holiday. Here are some links to useful activities. Scouts - The Great Indoors Scouts is normally considered an outdoor organisation. In fact during leader training Scout leaders are - [Linux printer cupsd broke plasma on Kubuntu 19.10 - no start menu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-printer-cupsd-broke-plasma-on-kubuntu-19-10-no-start-menu/) - I've just had a problem with Kubuntu where the start menu didn't appear. So it was not possible to launch applications, or pretty much do anything. For anyone that has a similar problem this is how I fixed it. First identify the problem. To be able to do some diagnosis you need a shell. To - [Videos and Tutorials on Game Programming with Pygame Zero](https://watkissonline.co.uk/videos-and-tutorials-on-game-programming-with-pygame-zero/) - I've recently published a book Beginning Game Programming with Pygame Zero. To accompany the book I've created some videos showing some of the games that you can create and some of the techniques that have been covered in the book. I've also created some other videos and tutorials that are not directly related to the - [New Book - Beginning Game Programming with Pygame Zero](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-book-beginning-game-programming-with-pygame-zero/) - This is my second professionally published book, published by Apress. Beginning Game Programming with Pygame Zero. The is a fun way to learn computer programming by creating computer games. This is designed as a book to give you all the skills you need to start programming your own games, from designing the game, creating the - [NexDock 2 - Laptop style screen and keyboard for Raspberry Pi or mobile phones](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nexdock-2-laptop-style-screen-and-keyboard-for-raspberry-pi-or-mobile-phones/) - A few years ago I backed a Kickstarter project for the original NexDock for use with the Raspberry Pi. Last year they created an updated version called the NexDock 2. A new improved version. You can see my NexDock 2 unboxing and review video here, or read on for more information. What is a NexDock? - [Video: Christmas at Thomas Land on YouTube](https://watkissonline.co.uk/video-christmas-at-thomas-land-on-youtube/) - I've put another video on YouTube. This is my second attempt, my first is video of Farmer Palmers Childrens farm in Poole, Dorset. This video is based on a Christmas visit to Thomas Land. I have however included a couple of short clips from an earlier visit in May as I didn't get all the - [Using a gamepad or joystick on a Raspberry Pi with Pygame Zero QJoyPad](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-a-gamepad-or-joystick-on-a-raspberry-pi-with-pygame-zero-qjoypad/) - Pygame Zero is an easy way to get started in game programming. It used Python Pygame, but makes getting started easier by reducing the amount of code required. I've previously created a tutorial getting started with Pygame Zero programming. One feature that is missing from Pygame Zero is support for joysticks or gamepads. It is - [Summer of Cov - Visit Coventry](https://watkissonline.co.uk/summer-of-cov/) - Travelling around Coventry and you can't miss the Summer of Cov flags and adverts around the place. Combined with the Britain in Bloom flower displays Coventry is really looking bright this year. These are part of a series of activities and events running throughout the summer, providing activities for locals and visitors to the area. - [Thunderbird Email Client - Changing the Password](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thunderbird-email-client-changing-the-password/) - I've been using the Mozilla Thunderbird Email Client for some time now. I find it to be fast, easy to use, safe and secure and with integrated SPAM filters. A great improvement on Outlook Express, which is what most people use just because it's there. I use it across a few different machines to access - [Coventry Transport Museum - Still being refurbished](https://watkissonline.co.uk/149/) - Living in Coventry I've visited the Coventry Transport Museum a few times. My last visit was only last year, but with the posters promising that the refurbishment would be complete in the "New Year", I went again this weekend. Unfortunately despite waiting until a month and a half into the new year the museum is - [Tourism: Cotswold Motoring Museum](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-cotswold-motoring-museum/) - The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection is located in Bourton-on-the-Water. This attractive village is very popular with Senior Citizens and regular coach trips bring in visitors from around the country and from nearby Wales. The village is picturesque with buildings built in yellow Cotswold stone, and a river running through the middle of the - [We Need an End to Silent Calling](https://watkissonline.co.uk/we-need-and-end-to-silent-calling/) - The number of techniques that sales people use to try and gain a sale are getting more devious and more inconvenient to the user. I've experienced door-to-door sales people that have tried to use deceptive techniques to get me to change utility supplier by trying to make it appear that I was already their customer - [Installing Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) with Nvidia Graphics Card - blank screen during install / Live CD](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-ubuntu-606-dapper-drake-with-nvidia-graphics-card-blank-screen-during-install-live-cd/) - This post describes the process I went through to get Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) to run on my desktop computer with Nvidia graphics card. Before running this when I tried using the Ubuntu Desktop (Live CD) I was stuck at a blank screen. - [Loginfo - Apache Log Analysis Software](https://watkissonline.co.uk/loginfo-apache-log-analysis-software/) - As as webmaster it's interesting to know what people are actually coming to your site for. I've tried a couple of web log analysis programs in the past, but these have either been too complex to setup (e.g. first put your log files into a DB an then pull the analysis from there), or lacking - [Loginfo - Apache Log Analysis Software - New Version](https://watkissonline.co.uk/loginfo-apache-log-analysis-software-new-version/) - I've released a new version of LogInfo. The software provides simple log analysis of apache access and error log files. The software uses perl and php to extract just the information that is useful for webmasters such as which pages of their site are popular and where visitors are coming from. This should help the - [FirstAidQuiz.com - Latest Update](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firstaidquizcom-latest-update/) - I've added two new Crosswords to www.firstaidquiz.com. I have also added a new wordsearch. I've also updated the home page for www.watkissonline.co.uk so that it shows the latest blog entry. - [Trip to London with a Baby - Part 2 - St. John's Gate Museum and Priory tours, London Tourist Attraction](https://watkissonline.co.uk/trip-to-london-with-a-baby-part-2-st-johns-gate-museum-and-priory-tours-london-tourist-attraction/) - This is a continuation of: Trip to London with a Baby - Part 1 - Hotel at Wembley Park and travelling around London on the Underground. In part 1 I have put details of the accommodation and travelling in and around London. In this part I will mention one of the places we visited in - [Trip to London with a Baby - Part 3 - In London with Babies and Children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/trip-to-london-with-a-baby-part-3-london-in-london-with-babies-and-children/) - This is a continuation of: Trip to London with a Baby - Part 1 - Hotel at Wembley Park and travelling around London on the Underground, and Trip to London with a Baby - Part 2 - St. John's Gate Museum and Priory tours, London Tourist Attraction. In part 1 I have put details of - [Holiday with a Baby, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Nottingham UK](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-with-a-baby-center-parcs-sherwood-forest-nottingham-uk/) - I have now added another Blog Page, with details of our holiday with a baby at Centre Parcs, Sherwood Forest Nottingham. This is the second holiday with our baby daughter that I've created a blog with. She's getting a bit older now which means she's a little easier to take away (compared to our first - [OpenOffice.org Free Office Software - Version 2](https://watkissonline.co.uk/openofficeorg-free-office-software-for-free-version-2/) - The free office suite OpenOffice.org has now reached version 2. This release standardises on the new opendocument format and adds even better support for reading and writing Microsofts proprietary document formats. The office suite is fully functional including: Wordprocessor: Writer Spreadsheet: Calc Equation Editor: Math Presentations: Impress Vector Drawing Program: Draw Database: Base Some of - [Review: PalmOne Handheld PDA](https://watkissonline.co.uk/palmone-handhelds/) - I've just seen the latest PalmOne model known as the LiveDrive. It is pushing the boundaries as far as PDAs are concerned including a 4GB disk drive, it can act as a mobile media player as well as being a PDA, and still have enough space to save your important files that you can sync - [Press announcement of the M42 cars using the hard shoulder](https://watkissonline.co.uk/press-announcement-of-the-m42-cars-using-the-hard-shoulder/) - Readers of my blog may know that the hard shoulder on the M42 has been in use for normal traffic during busy periods for a week now. See: M42 Motorway, Active Traffic Management (ATM) - Driving on the Hard Shoulder. The press are now announcing that today is the launch of the new scheme. The - [St. John Ambulance Variety Show 27th and 28th October 2006](https://watkissonline.co.uk/st-john-ambulance-variety-show-27th-and-28th-october-2006/) - As I've mentioned on my web site I've been involved in St. John Ambulance Theatre Shows in the past, particularly in Theatre Computer Animation using Macromedia Flash. This years show will not have any stage projection, but I am creating a Autocue program, which will be assisting with some of the lyrics. The program will - [National Boat Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC 2006](https://watkissonline.co.uk/national-boat-caravan-and-outdoor-show-at-the-nec-2006/) - I attended the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC on Saturday. I have visited the show on a few different occasions. The thing I like about the show is that there is a wide variety of different exhibits. Rather than just going to a show on boating, or on caravans the show - [Model Railway - designing a G-Scale building for an outdoor model railway in the garden - part 1](https://watkissonline.co.uk/model-railway-designing-a-g-scale-building-for-an-outdoor-model-railway-in-the-garden-part-1/) - This is my first attempt at creating a proper scale model for 3D printing. In this case I am creating a weigh building in G-Scale. This has been a huge learning curve. I've since learned from some of the issues in the first model and so part 2 will improve on the techniques shown. The - [Zip World velocity - the worlds fastest zip wire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/zip-world-velocity-the-worlds-fastest-zip-wire/) - Zip World velocity is the worlds fastest zip wire and the longest in the northern hemisphere, and it's in Wales. The zip line goes across a former slate quarry in Snowdonia. I visited on the same day as going White Water Rafting. When we arrived we were weighed and height measured before we were kitted - [Whitewater rafting at National Whitewater Centre Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/whitewater-rafting-at-national-whitewater-centre-wales/) - I have done a lot of kayaking in the past, but until recently I'd never tried whitewater rafting. We went to the National Whitewater Centre in Wales. The centre is Canolfan Tryweryn on the Upper Tryweryn river near Bala in Wales. After getting changed into a wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet we had a short - [Camping at Morcambe - Morcambe Seaside Festival](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-morcambe-morcambe-seaside-festival/) - It's been almost a year since we had our camping trip during the Morecambe Seaside Festival, but here's a quick run through of what we did for anyone looking to do something similar this year. We like to try and plan at least one family camping trip a year, we decided upon Morecambe as it's - [Day out at English Heritage, Wroxeter Roman City](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-english-heritage-wroxeter-roman-city/) - We visited Wroxeter Roman City to coincide with the Roman theme that my daughter had at school. Wroxeter used to be one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, but was since left to decay and then abandoned. The wall in the picture above is one of the most significant parts remaining, but there are - [Christmas holiday at Center Parcs - Sherwood Forest near Nottingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-holiday-at-center-parcs-sherwood-forest-near-nottingham/) - We went on holiday to Center Parcs, Sherwood Forest during the last week before Christmas 2012. We have visited Center Parcs several times before, when our children have been babies or toddlers, but had not been for a few years and our children are now both school children. This holiday was also longer than our - [Crafts with Kids: Large Christmas snow scene](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-kids-large-christmas-snow-scene/) - Here's an idea for a Christmas craft to do with a child. Simple to make and looks great. The materials should be available from any local craft store. In my case most of the items came from HobbyCraft. The paper was bought on a roll, looking a bit like wallpaper. These cost over £4 each - [Pro-Am (The Professional Amateur)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pro-am-the-professional-amateur/) - Pro-Am (The Professional Amateur) I am a volunteer within St. John Ambulance. Whilst we have a number of members that work in the health care profession, most of our members do not. To be a first aider does however require holding and renewing a first aid qualification. Many of the members also go much further - [Update - Foreign Holiday with a Baby, Paris and Disneyland Paris, France](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-foreign-holiday-with-a-baby-paris-and-disneyland-paris/) - Since my earlier posts about holidaying with two month old baby I have now updated part three of the review. The final section is still to follow, but I will post the details as soon as it is complete. The holiday to Paris, France was a bit more of a challenge than usual as we - [Tourism: Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection (Revisited)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-cotswold-motoring-museum-and-toy-collection-revisited/) - In July I visited the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection at Bourton-on-the-Water. I wrote a blog entry: Blog Entry Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection Last weekend I had another opportunity to visit the museum and this time had some children with me. This included my daughter (who just slept through the whole visit), - [Installing Linux is getting harder but it's not Linux at fault](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-linux-is-getting-harder-but-its-not-linux-at-fault/) - I've recently bought myself a new computer. It's a high spec laptop, a Dell Inspiron 5580 (Inspiron 5000 series), with Intel i7 processor, SSD and 1TB hard disk, and a Nvidia graphics card. The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows but I really intend to use it running Linux. I don't want to remove Windows completely - [Kids education day at PyconUK 2014](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kids-education-day-at-pyconuk-2014-2/) - PyCon UK is the UK conference for the Python programming language, held annually at Coventry. PyconUK is attended by many professional developers, but has recently added an education day to the line up. Last year was the first day that kids were specifically invited through the PyCon UK Raspberry Jam. For 2014 this evolved into - [HDMI Pi - 9 inch screen for the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hdmi-pi-9-inch-screen-for-the-raspberry-pi/) - The HDMI Pi screen for the Raspberry Pi has now been made and is shipping to the kickstart supporters. It's been a long wait, although much of that is due to changes and improvements in the design and we've been kept informed about the progress. So was it worth it ? ... Yes! The final - [Code Club on the Raspberry Pi - Teaching programming to 8 and 9 year olds.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/code-club-on-the-raspberry-pi-teaching-programming-to-8-and-9-year-olds/) - Yesterday I started a Code Club at a local primary school. Code club is an after school club run by volunteers to teach programming skills to primary school children. It is aimed at 9 to 11 year old children, but as my local primary school only goes up to year four I am running it - [Remote controls for XBMC (Kodi) on Linux / Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/remote-controls-for-xbmc-on-linux-raspberry-pi-raspbmc/) - I have tried three different remote controls on my Linux XBMC and Raspberry Pi RaspBMC / OpenElec media centres. All of these worked well, but each have their own pros and cons. These are all three generic remote controls and are available from different suppliers with different names. These may be listed from other suppliers - [Raspberry Pirate - home made case for the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pirate-home-made-case-for-the-raspberry-pi/) - The Raspberry Pi is an inexpensive lightweight computer designed for teaching programming to school children. At the moment it is available as a bare-bones processor board, but there are plans for a cased version in future. In the meantime there are some 3rd parties that have created or are in the process of creating cases. - [Harry Potter Ebooks now available on Pottermore - DRM Free download available](https://watkissonline.co.uk/harry-potter-ebooks-now-available-on-pottermore-drm-free-download-available/) - After a long wait the Harry Potter books are now available as ebooks. I wrote in an earlier blog post that these were expected to be available as DRM free ebooks in October 2011, but it is now 6 months later and quite a long time since many other books became available as ebooks. The - [Review MiniPC with Ubuntu pre-installed - DinoPC Nanosaur 330](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-minipc-with-ubuntu-pre-installed-dinopc-nanosaur-330/) - About the mini PC computer This is a review of a Mini PC which I got some time ago. I've had it a few months now so it's had a good run through for this review. The same model is still available to buy, although I'm guessing comes with a newer version of Ubuntu. The - [Choosing a bridge digital camera](https://watkissonline.co.uk/choosing-a-bridge-digital-camera/) - Looking to buy a bridge digital camera? Here are a few features that you may want to look for. A bridge digital camera is a popular choice for anyone that wants to achieve better results than a point and click camera, but doesn't want the size and complexity of a D-SLR camera. I bought one - [Windows script programming - lack of functionality in batch files - Perl portable](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-script-programming-lack-of-functionality-in-batch-files-perl-portable/) - At work I use Microsoft Visio which I do like, but the file format is very temperamental. Recently we've had a few documents that have been unusable due to a corrupt .vsd file. Fortunately we had backups allowing us to recover from an older version (although difficult to reinstall), but this could have resulted in - [Preparing an external disk drive for use with Linux - Ubuntu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/preparing-an-external-disk-drive-for-use-with-linux-ubuntu/) - Here is a quick rundown of the steps required to prepare an external disk drive with Ubuntu. This has been tested with Gutsy Gibbon version 7.10, but should work for most versions. These are the steps required to use and External Disk drive, tested with an 3.5" IDE disk drive in a portable case. You - [First aid awareness for children - a guide for parents](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-awareness-for-children-a-guide-for-parents/) - During first aid awareness week, I thought it may be useful to consider how parents could approach making their children more aware of first aid in the home. In this post I'm assuming a child to parent relationship, but this could equally apply for a guardian, other family members or for friends of the family. - [New improved Photo Gallery on Firstaidquiz.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-improved-photo-gallery-on-firstaidquiz-com/) - I've created a new improved photo gallery which is now in use on the Emergency Services and First Aid photo gallery on First Aid Quiz.com. The new photo gallery is Ajax based. Assuming you have JavaScript enabled this means that you'll be able to view photos without having the full page refreshed and can view - [First Aid Quiz Web Site is now on a hosted server](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-web-site-is-now-on-a-hosted-server/) - Almost a month ago we had a power failure in Coventry and the First Aid Quiz web site was down for about an hour. I made the decision then that I was going to move the First Aid Quiz web site from my home broadband connected server to a hosted server in London. See related - [Meningitis](https://watkissonline.co.uk/meningitis/) - The headline story in the Birmingham Evening Post yesterday is about a two year old boy that died of meningitis after being misdiagnosed by both a doctor and an ambulance crew. It appears in this case that the problem was that some of the symptoms the boy showed were similar to those of chickenpox. Full - [jEdit - adding syntax highlighting for Processing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/jedit-adding-syntax-highlighting-for-processing/) - I've recently been learning the Processing programming language. This is a programming language created for artists which is also the basis for the programming language used to program the Arduino. Processing includes an IDE called the Processing Development Environment (PDE), but the editor is quite basic. The IDE has an option to use an external - [Ad blockers - Friend or Foe?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ad-blockers-friend-or-foe/) - Adverts are used throughout the web to make money for the site owners, offset some of the costs of none-commercial sites. Whether this is good or bad can depend upon whether you own the website, or are a visitor. I include adverts on some of my webpages, so obviously I am not against them as - [Paris caravan holiday 2012 - part 3: Disneyland Paris](https://watkissonline.co.uk/paris-caravan-holiday-2012-part-3-disneyland-paris/) - This is the final part of my holiday review. The first part provided details of travelling to France by ferry and the Eurocamp International camp site and the second travelling around Paris on the RER and metro. In this I provide details of two days that we spent at Disneyland Paris. We have visited Disneyland - [London with toddlers and children - part 1: Cars, Train, Tube and Bus](https://watkissonline.co.uk/london-with-toddlers-and-children-part-1-cars-train-tube-and-bus/) - This is the first part of the review of our weekend to London with the kids. This part covers getting into and around London using the car, train, underground tube and bus services in London. Pushchair Our eldest daughter was fine walking about (although was tired by the end of the day), but our youngest - [Campsite review - Ruda, Croyde Bay Devon - Parkdean holidays](https://watkissonline.co.uk/campsite-review-ruda-croyde-bay-devon-parkdean-holidays/) - This is a review of the Ruda holiday village in Croyde Bay (near Ilfracombe) in Devon. This is a Parkdean holiday park, with static caravans an area for touring caravans (across the road) and a camp site. The camp site part is one of the biggest / busiest I've seen, which may be because surfing - [Free Ebooks for ebook readers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-ebooks/) - These sites all provide free Ebooks that you can download to view on a Ebook reader or on your PC. Some of these sites offer both free and pay-for ebooks so check before you download. You will also need to check that the book is in the correct format. The Kindle supports Mobi, pdf, html - [The Developer Highway Code Free when you purchase a selected Microsoft title](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-developer-highway-code-free-when-you-purchase-a-selected-microsoft-title/) - I suspect the book is only available in the UK as it is titled based on a UK Government Publication "The Highway Code" which gives drivers details of the legal aspects of driving in the UK. I suspect there is a similar book available in the US and other countries, but I don't know what - [Home automation light bulbs from Sengled](https://watkissonline.co.uk/home-automation-light-bulbs-from-sengled/) - I have created some DIY home automation in the past. This was based around using remote control of mains electrical sockets (Home automation - controlling Energenie power sockets using a Raspberry Pi) but I also used a home automation light on one of my home lights. Since then the number of commercial home automation devices - [The World of Beatrix Potter - Tourist attraction for young visitors to the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-world-of-beatrix-potter-tourist-attraction-for-young-visitors-to-the-lake-district/) - Whilst holidaying at the Lake District (Haven Lakeside caravan park), we visited The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at Bowness-on-Windermere. We had actually visited the attraction before mainly out of curiosity, but this time we had our young daughter with us. The exhibition consists of a walk-through tour of the characters in the books by - [Adobe / Macromedia Flash based autocue program (actionscript)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adobe-macromedia-flash-based-autocue-program-actionscript/) - Some time ago I created a very basic autocue program by manually adding text into a flash document. I had improved this by creating a Flash based autocue program that could load the lyrics from a separate text file. Since then I've now stopped development of the flash based autocue instead working on a autocue - [Amazon Dash Button Home Automation with Raspberry Pi, Sengled home automation lights and pi-power Energenie Power Sockets](https://watkissonline.co.uk/amazon-dash-button-home-automation-with-raspberry-pi-sengled-home-automation-lights-and-pi-power-energenie-power-sockets/) - I have recently been upgrading some of my home automation. I already use Energenie Pi-Mote to control some electrical power sockets, I've now replaced some of my light switches with Sengled home automation light bulbs. Initially I've been using my Pi-power software running on a Raspberry Touch Screen and some timed actions to automatically turn - [Review of Meccano Meccanoid G15KS educational personal robot](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-meccano-meccanoid-g15ks-educational-personal-robot/) - Introduction This is a review of the Meccanoid G15K personal robot from Meccano. It's a programmable robot that's about 4 feet tall (about the same size as a 6 year old child). The recommended minimum age is 10 which I believe is the age for making it; I'm hoping to use it to teach programming - [Unglue.it books - a new way of reading](https://watkissonline.co.uk/unglue-it-books-a-new-way-of-reading/) - I've written before about my dislike of DRM, especially on ebooks (The problem with DRM on ebooks). Another thing that is great is when you can get a book for free, but with the option to reward the author by giving a donation. This is what I've done with a series of books called The - [QI wireless charger - Universal charger includes the Google Nexus 4](https://watkissonline.co.uk/qi-wireless-charger-universal-charger-includes-the-google-nexus-4/) - I bought a Google Nexus 4 mobile phone. It is a high specification phone at a very good price, especially when purchased in full without a contract, compared with the long term costs of the in-contract price. The most frustrating thing about the Nexus was actually getting hold of one as due to low stock - [Practical Arduino - Cool Projects for Open Source Hardware](https://watkissonline.co.uk/practical-arduino-cool-projects-for-open-source-hardware/) - Practical Arduino is not a book for complete beginners, but it still starts off quite gently. It does assume that you already have an Arduino and have figured out how to create a sketch and push it to the Arduino. This is not a huge step as most of the info is on the Arduino - [Wii Dance Hotest Party Hits 2 (compare with Dancing Stage for the PS-One and Wii Fit).](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wii-dance-hotest-party-hits-2-compare-with-dancing-stage-for-the-ps-one-and-wii-fit/) - I've been on a diet for some time now. At first I took Alli weight-loss pills, but stopped taking the Alli pills a little over 2 weeks ago as my BMI is now below the minimum to get more Alli tablets. I'm still trying to continue with the same diet and increasing my exercise further - [Book review: HTML, XHTML & CSS Sixth Edition, by Elzabeth Castro](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-html-xhtml-css-sixth-edition-by-elzabeth-castro/) - HTML, XHTML and CSS are the technologies behind the web. You can create websites without knowing anything about these, but an understanding of the basic rules is helpful even if using a WYSIWYG editor or website builder. If you want to get the most out of your website or are involved in delivering dynamic content - [Linux pitfall of soft links ln - Rhythm Box - Music Player on Ubuntu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-pitfall-of-soft-links-ln-rhythm-box-music-player-on-ubuntu/) - I came across a strange issue on one of my Ubuntu computers. I had added some more MP3 files to my music folder and so I refreshed them by performing an import of that directory in Rhythm Box. The import command will only add new files that are not already added. To my surprise I - [Solution for a Toddler, able to escape out of childseat by getting arms out of seat belt.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/solution-for-a-toddler-able-to-escape-out-of-childseat-by-getting-arms-out-of-seat-belt/) - Our two year old daughter has gone through a phase of being able to get out of the childseat seat belt. Perform any search on the web and it appears that this is a common problem. Basically the child works out that if they can pull their hands through the seat belt they are then - [First Aid Manual 10th edition](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-manual-10th-edition/) - The First Aid Manual is the official guide from the UK leading first aid organisations: St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid and the British Red Cross and is widely considered as the definitive guide to first aid in the UK. The 10th edition released in 2014, which replaces the 9th edition which was first - [Theme Hospital game for Linux - CorsixTH](https://watkissonline.co.uk/theme-hospital-game-for-linux-corsixth/) - It's not often I write about running games on Linux, although that is likely to change. It's even less that I'd recommend a game where you need to buy the Windows version to play it on Linux. In this case it's an open source version of a classic which works on Linux, but you need - [Review of the Vango Woburn 400 - 4 person tent](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-vango-woburn-400-4-person-tent/) - Camping with children can be challenging, especially when there is only one adult to put the tent up (in my case due to my wife's work patterns and summer holiday cover). I quickly decided that I would not be able to put up our family tent (Easy camp Go Taranto 600) on my own. Last - [Technical reviewer - Learn Raspberry Pi with Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/technical-reviewer-learn-raspberry-pi-with-linux/) - I've reviewed a number of Linux books through my website, but this was a review of a completely different kind. During the latter half of last year I've been spending some of my spare time as the Technical Reviewer for a book on the Raspberry Pi. One thing I'd like to do in the future - [Raspberry Pi Christmas bundle - running Rasbian Linux and Raspbmc](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-christmas-bundle-running-rasbian-linux-and-raspbmc/) - I was intending this blog post to be rather different, it was intended to show how easy you could put together your own Raspberry Pi bundle, but it didn't go quite as smoothly as planned. Fortunately it all turned out in the end, and I only had to replace one item, but it was a - [Camping at Gullivers Land Caravan and Camping Club site - Milton Keynes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-gullivers-land-caravan-and-camping-club-site-milton-keynes/) - This trip to Gulliver's Land camping site is the first where I've taken my children camping without my wife or other family member. It was just me and the two kids aged 7 and 4. The reason that my wife wasn't able to make it was that this was during the school holidays and we - [Day out at Gulliver's Splash Zone](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-gullivers-splash-zone/) - We visited Gulliver's Splash Zone whilst Camping at Gulliver's Land Campsite in Milton Keynes. We had travelled down to the camp site during the day and so after putting them tent up we just had a couple of hours of the afternoon left before evening. Splash Zone is a children's indoor water play area. It's - [Review of the Google Nexus 7 tablet from Asus](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-google-nexus-7-tablet-from-asus/) - This is a review of the Google Nexus 7 tablet. The first tablet running the latest Android 4.1 'Jelly Bean' operating system. The tablet is branded by Google (who develop the Android operating system), but is manufactured by Asus. I already have two computers made by Asus, the first an Asus Eee Pad Transformer Tablet - [The true cost of the Raspberry Pi - essential accessories for new users](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-true-cost-of-the-raspberry-pi-essential-accessories-for-new-users/) - This post provides guidance for anyone with a new Raspberry Pi that is looking for the required accessories, but also tries to dispel some of the myths that have been in the technology press and technology blogs. There have been reports in the technology press about how much extra cost there is to owning the - [Book review - In the Shadow of Suribachi by Joyce Faulkner](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-in-the-shadow-of-suribachi-by-joyce-faulkner/) - I was provided this ebook directly from the author Joyce Faulkner. I had previously attempted to read an earlier book of hers Book Review - Username by Joyce Faulkner (available DRM Free). Unfortunately it was not a book that I was able to finish as I found the book emotionally quite disturbing. Anyway I left - [Toys for Toddlers - Colour Doodle, Great for car journeys](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toys-for-toddlers-colour-doodle-great-for-car-journeys/) - Keeping young children entertained on long car journeys is a challenge. I should know, driving my toddler daughter for a 30 to 60 minute drive between home and nursery each day. Our daughter loves drawing, but giving her crayons in the car generally means that they end up all over the car. So seeing a - [DVD Review: The Passion of the Christ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-passion-of-the-christ/) - There are not many blockbusters that you first hear about in Church, but it was during a service at our local church that I first heard about this film (Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ) when it was released in the cinema. It's been some time since it was on at the cinema and - [Book Review: ExamCram 2, LPIC I Exam 101 & 102](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-examcram-2-lpic-i-exam-101-102/) - This book appears to have become the standard guide for those revising for the LPIC 101 and LPIC 102 exams. It is an expensive book, but does include the information for two complete exams, and can be bought for much less than it's recommended price (e.g. amazon). ... - [Midland Air Museum at Baginton Airport Coventry](https://watkissonline.co.uk/midland-air-museum-at-bagington-coventry/) - The Midland Air Museum is at the site of the Baginton Airport in Coventry. It's a small air museum, but has quite a lot of planes in such a small space. The museum is mainly outdoors with one large building and two smaller buildings. One of these normally houses a former Royal Navy harrier jet, - [Book reviews for DRM free fiction and non-fiction books](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-reviews-for-drm-free-fiction-and-non-fiction-books/) - The problem with DRM Free ebooks is finding the good books, as there are some not so good books around. This also applies to DRM locked ebooks - eg. Amazon.co.uk (especially their free / low-cost self published books), although with DRM books you can turn to the mainstream press for reviews of the latest bestsellers. It does mean that some really good books that don't get a mainstream publisher may not get the publicity they deserve. These are just some of the books I've read, but they all have one thing in common. They are all available without DRM, so you can read on any ebook reader and on any PC / Tablet / Netbook regardless of the operating system or reader software available. - [Day out at SeaLife Centre Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-sealife-centre-birmingham/) - I have visited the Sealife Centre in Birmingham before, but it was several years ago and there have been quite a few changes since I last visited. We visited during a wet weekend looking for a day out that was out of the rain. Parking at the National Indoor Arena (NIA) car park Parking at - [Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park in Devon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/combe-martin-wildlife-and-dinosaur-park-in-devon/) - During the Children's evening entertainment at John Fowler's holiday park in Ilfracombe there was a visit from the Devon Wildlife and Dinosaur Park. They brought some animals along for the children to meet. As it was only a short drive from the holiday park we spent a day visiting the park. Before we went I'd - [First Aid Manual - 9th Edition Revised - with new resuscitation protocols](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-manual-9th-edition-revised-with-new-resuscitation-protocols/) - There is a new edition of the First Aid Manual released during 2011. This is still titled as the 9th Edition, but is marked as revised and includes the latest updates to the resuscitation guidelines which were released in 2010. The First Aid Manual is the official guide from the UK leading first aid organisations: - [Fisher-Price Thomas the Tank Engine TrackMaster (Motor Road and Rail) and Tomy Tomica World](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fisher-price-thomas-the-tank-engine-trackmaster-motor-road-and-rail-and-tomy-tomica-world/) - Young children may have already enjoyed playing with the wooden train sets, but as they grow they come to expect a little more than a wooden block with wheels. The Thomas and Friends Trackmaster and/or Tomica trainsets bridge the gap between the wooden my first train sets and the full grown Hornby electronic train sets. - [Book review: Pudsey Annual - BBC Children in Need](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-pudsey-annual-bbc-children-in-need/) - If you have young children then they will love this Pudsey Bear Annual from BBC Children in Need. The annual includes games, puzzles, recipes, crafts, activities and stories. There are plenty of activities varying in difficulty from pre-school to young school aged children. The annual is themed with Pudsey Bear and Blush throughout and includes - [Remembrance Day - explaining it to a young child](https://watkissonline.co.uk/remembrance-day-explaining-it-to-a-young-child/) - How do you explain Remembrance Day to a 5 year old child? That is the question that I've had to face as a parent. I believe Remembrance day is an important event in the annual calendar and have for many years joined a local Remembrance Sunday parade as a member of St John Ambulance. My - [Firework Safety - Attending public events or private parties](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firework-safety-attending-public-events-or-private-parties/) - Guy Fawkes night is almost here so here are a few tips to keeping children safe when visiting a display or organising your own home firework display. - [The End of the Line - The problem of overfishing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-end-of-the-line-the-problem-of-overfishing/) - The End of the Line is a documentary like no other. It is a documentary that could help change the world for the better, I sincerely hope so as the future does not sound very promising if something is not done. I first heard about this from a tweet by Stephen Fry when it was - [Lancaster Castle - Tours around the courts and part of the castle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lancaster-castle-tours-around-the-courts-and-part-of-the-castle/) - Many people walk up to Lancaster Castle - see that it's a working prison and turn away. I did so several years ago when I first visited Lancaster. If however you walk around to the left of the castle there is a visitors entrance within the adjoining Shire Hall with regular (approx every half hour) - [Day out on the Severn Valley Railway](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-on-the-severn-valley-railway/) - In the past I have taken a baby on a day out on a steam train at both the Severn Valley and Howarth and Keithley and Worth Valley Railways. Although we had a good day out in the past it was hard work having to accommodate the needs of a baby such as feeding, changing - [Virus vs. Hoax (Fancheck on Facebook)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/virus-vs-hoax-fancheck-on-facebook/) - Every now and again there is some new post via Facebook / Twitter / Email about the latest deadly virus which is threatening to attack your PC. Whilst some of these relate to real viruses, the vast majority are hoaxes. These are often started as a childish prank to see how far they can get - [Happy New Year - 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/happy-new-year-2007/) - I'd just like to wish all our visitors a Happy New Year from: WatkissOnline.co.uk - Stewart's Web Site FirstAidQuiz.com - The Fun and Games First Aid Web Site PenguinTutor.com - The Linux and LPI Certification Web Site - [Teletubbies TV, DVD and Game Reviews](https://watkissonline.co.uk/teletubbies-tv-dvd-and-game-reviews/) - There was some controversy when Teletubbies was first broadcast on the BBC. One of the concerns was from the baby sounds that the teletubbies make, saying Eh-Oh, instead of hello etc. Being the parent of a 1 year old baby I can now see that the teletubbies really do benefit young children. Our daughter is - [Free Software, Open Source and Software Patents - why is it so important!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-software-open-source-and-software-patents-why-is-it-so-important/) - I keep going on about Open Source Software and the risk that software patents poses. This is why I think these are so important. Free and open source software is an important part of many things we take for granted. What is free and open source software Free and open source software is software created - [Book review: First Aid Manual 9th Edition](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-first-aid-manual-9th-edition/) - Note that this review is based on an old version of the first aid manual. Click here to read about the latest first aid manual. Another year a new edition of the First Aid Manual - or so it feels. In fact the last edition was 3 years ago. This is shorter time than some - [Buying a netbook - Asus Eee PC with Linux vs. Windows XP](https://watkissonline.co.uk/buying-a-netbook-asus-eee-pc-with-linux-vs-windows-xp/) - I've recently bought a new netbook. A netbook is a extra small lightweight laptop computer, with screens between 7" and 12". They have low spec processor so are not usually a replacement for traditional computers (although that depends upon what you want out of them), but with good network connectivity and extremely portable. Choice of - [MP3 Downloads - Is this the end of DRM on Music?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mp3-downloads-is-this-the-end-of-drm-on-music/) - Many stores are now selling MP3 music. Does this mean the end of DRM for music? Since other places have started selling MP3 music I have now heard that iTunes are now also offering DRM free music. So the answer is already evident, DRM on music appears to be dead. What is DRM? DRM, or - [Book Review: The Christmas Book - Traditional, Environmentally Friendly Christmas with a touch of irony](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-christmas-book-traditional-environmentally-friendly-christmas-with-a-touch-of-irony/) - The full title of the book is: The Christmas book - Discover a simpler, greener Christmas. Hand-crafted gifts and cards, Natural decorations, Traditional Recipes. Editor-in-chief Sheherazade Goldsmith. The Christmas Book is about creating a more traditional, less commercialized, more handmade and eco-friendly Christmas. It includes Christmas Decorations, greeting cards, gifts and cooking. With items suitable - [Ethernet over powerline - In home wireless connectivity - Devolo Linux support](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ethernet-over-powerline-in-home-wireless-connectivity-devolo-linux-support/) - In my house I have cable broadband which is terminated in my living room. As I have my own server with firewall and server I wanted to connect my network into my server before it was connected to my wireless network. As my computer is in a study at the other side of the house - [Latest Harry Potter Book - Harry Potter 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Now available to pre-order.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/latest-harry-potter-book-harry-potter-7-harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-now-available-to-pre-order/) - I've been following all the Harry Potter books and films, but it's the books that I get most excited about. It's not only that they come before the film, but also that they capture your imagination more and with the help of your imagination hold greater suspense. The date still hasn't been announced for the - [Baby Sign Language - Makaton and British Sign Language](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-sign-language-makaton-and-british-sign-language/) - I've been promising to post about Baby Sign Language for some time and I've finally got around to it. We first started teaching our daughter baby sign language when suggested by a friend because she seamed very aware of everything around her. We specifically wanted to teach the British variant of Baby Sign language, which - [Toy Review: SmartVille Safe & Sound Fire Station from vtech](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toy-review-smartville-safe-sound-fire-station-from-vtech/) - This is a review of the SmartVille 3-2-1 Rescue Fire Station from vtech. The toy is designed for children aged 12months and above. It consists of a plastic fire station, fire engine and dog, cat and bird characters. The Fire station includes light and sound buttons, including a pad which responds differently when each of - [Toy Review: V.smile Baby - Computer Console for Babies and Young Children from vtech](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toy-review-vsmile-baby-computer-console-for-babies-and-young-children-from-vtech/) - This is a review of the V.Smile Baby TV Console from vtech. Also known as "V.Smile Baby Infant Development System". This is like a playstation designed for babies, designed to educate and entertain children from 9 to 36 months. This is an initial review of the product as this has just been given to our - [Will RFID chips on DVDs reduce Piracy or Privacy?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/will-rfid-chips-on-dvds-reduce-piracy-or-privacy/) - According to a news report from the VNU Technology New Web Site, plans are in place to embed chips able to track commercial DVDs that are purchased. See the news story: DVD chips 'to kill illegal copying' Reading between the lines raises a concern about what this is really trying to achieve. Will the chips - [Linux Beginners - ASDL (Tiscali) and EasyUbuntu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-beginners-asdl-tiscali-and-easyubuntu/) - In an earlier blog I mentioned that I had given a copy of Ubuntu Linux to a complete Linux Beginner. The benefits are two fold, it promotes the use of Linux (showing how it can be used by complete beginners), and provides them with a free and legal alternative to Windows. There are also numerous - [First Aid Quiz Web Site Updated to coincide with the launch of the new First Aid Manual](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-web-site-updated-to-coincide-with-the-launch-of-the-new-first-aid-manual/) - The First Aid Quiz, Fun and Games Web Site has been updated to coincide with the launch of the new First Aid Manual. The First Aid Manual, by St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid and Red Cross The First Aid Manual is the authoritative guide to First Aid in the UK, produced as a combined effort between the volunteer organisations: St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew's First Aid and The Red Cross. - [Day at the Seaside, Prestatyn and Rhyl, North Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-at-the-seaside-prestatyn-and-rhyl-north-wales/) - I had booked today off from work and we took our baby daughter (Amelia) for a day at the seaside. She is now 11 months old, and although we have taken her to the seaside before this is the first time she's been able to play in the sand and paddle on the beach. As - [Happy Anniversary - Blog is now One Year Old](https://watkissonline.co.uk/blog-is-now-one-year-old/) - It's a year ago since I first started this blog, so I thought I'd take a quick look at some of the events/posts over the last year. When I started the blog we were just about to put on a theatre show with St. John Ambulance "Stage and Screen 2005". One year on the show - [Final Update - Foreign Holiday with a Baby, Paris and Disneyland Paris, France](https://watkissonline.co.uk/final-update-foreign-holiday-with-a-baby-paris-and-disneyland-paris-france/) - Since my earlier posts about holidaying with two month old baby I have now finally finished part 4. This part describes the baby friendlyness (or not), of Disneyland Park, Paris. The holiday to Paris, France was a bit more of a challenge than usual as we took along our 8 - 9 week old baby - [Travelling on holiday with a Baby (Part 4) Disneyland Paris](https://watkissonline.co.uk/travelling-on-holiday-with-a-baby-part-4-disneyland-paris/) - We took our baby daughter to Disneyland Paris during September 2005. Whilst the park is intended for children it surprised me how non-baby friendly it was. We drove to Disneyland from the Keycamp camping and caravan site. They do run a coach service from the site, but out of season this was at an inconvenient - [M42 Motorway, Active Traffic Management and Speed Cameras](https://watkissonline.co.uk/m42-motorway-active-traffic-management-and-speed-cameras/) - A mandatory 40MPH sign greeted me as I joined the M42 motorway on my daily commute to work this morning. It's part of an £100M advanced scheme to improve the flow of traffic on a congested stretch of motorway, with the possibility of it being rolled out to other areas if successful. This is the - [Travelling on holiday with a Baby (Part 3) - Travelling around Paris](https://watkissonline.co.uk/travelling-on-holiday-with-a-baby-part-3-travelling-around-paris/) - To get into paris we decided to drive to a train station Mitry-le-Neuf, from where we took the RER into paris. The station should have been about an hour and half drive, but it was a bit longer as the GPS became confused by a new section of road, and the detour took us quite - [Travelling on holiday with a Baby (Part 1) Before the Holiday](https://watkissonline.co.uk/travelling-on-holiday-with-a-baby-part-1-before-the-holiday/) - The trip was arranged as a birthday present for my mother-in-law. We had originally decided to go on the trip before finding out that we were to become parents, but fortunately hadn't booked anything. We would have been travelling during the month before our baby daughter was born if we had booked it. Whilst we - [DVD Review: Arnhem A Bridge Too Far](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-arnhem-a-bridge-too-far/) - The DVD contains 2 features. The first is a documentary about 1hr 30mins long, and the second is a short newsreel. I saw this after visiting the British Airborne museum in Oosterbeek and having seen the film 'A Bridge Too Far'. The documentary uses real footage and accounts of eye witnesses but is mainly narrated - [DVD Review: Battlestar Gallactica (The Mini Series)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-battlestar-gallactica-the-mini-series/) - This is the first of the modern Battlestar Gallactica. I was confused by it's name when I first watched this, for all intents and purposes this is a 3 hour long film which is a remake of the first two episodes from the original series. See below for details of the original series. The original - [DVD Review: Battlestar Gallactica (original series)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-battlestar-gallactica-original-series/) - This is the Classic Battlestar Galactica. At the time I was a big fan, but it's showing it's age, both in terms of special effects, and the storylines. It is still well worth watching. The one thing that spoils it for me is Boxey and the Daggit. The part is well casted at first (if - [DVD Review: Battlestar Gallactica (Season 1)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-battlestar-gallactica-season-1/) - Again this is the "New Battlestar Gallactica" rather than the original 1970's version. The first season follows on from the "mini series" [see below] released a year earlier, and was shown on Sky during 2004. This really follows the same theme as the mini series, introducing new story lines and interesting twists on the journey - [Windows XP, the Blue Screen of Death and Activation Hell](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-xp-the-blue-screen-of-death-and-activation-hell/) - My home computer running Windows XP has been getting less and less stable recently. Generally it's been fairly stable (for Windows), requiring a reboot about once a week to keep it working. However in the last couple of weeks it really went badly down hill, categorised by windows explorer crashing, and the computer rebooting itself. - [Book Review: Acid Row (Minette Walters)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-acid-row-minette-walters/) - This book has become one of my favourites since I first read it a couple of years ago. Since then I've read most of Minette Walters' books and she now ranks as one of my favourite authors. I have just finished reading the book a second time and it is still as captivating as the - [Kitchen Utensil or Deadly Weapon?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kitchen-utensil-or-deadly-weapon/) - An article in the British Medical Journel suggests that pointed kitchen knives should be banned to reduce the number of deaths as a result of stabbings. Full Article, or see the BBC News Report. Where will this end, will they ban glass bottles, and frying pans because of the risk of misuse? As far as - [The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy/) - I finally got around to seeing the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy yesterday. I've been so busy with other things that I hadn't been able to see it until now. The local Odeon has already reduced the number of showings to one a day, but fortunately there is also a Showcase Cinema nearby that still - [DVD Review: The Crusades Knights of Christ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-crusades-knights-of-christ/) - This DVD provides a general overview of the English (and in some extent French) involvment in the Crusades. It's very much a traditional documentary, not neccessarily a bad thing, but doesn't engage the viewer as much as some recent documentarys do. It is fairly short which means it doesn't get boring, but also means it - [Punishing Drivers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/punishing-drivers/) - I've been reading the BBC's report on the Government plans to charge Pay-as-you-go for drivers. the report is on the BBC News Website. Under the proposal road tax would be replaced by a charge based upon distance travelled, which would vary based upon how busy the road is and the time of day. The solution - [DVD Review: The Two Ronnies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-two-ronnies/) - Recently I've been revisiting some of the great comedy acts from the past. The Two Ronnies must stand around as one of the best. Some of the sketches really have you in fits of laughter. The combination of two of the greatest comedians Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett and their unmistakable brand of humour. Whilst - [Thackray Museum - Medical Museum Leeds](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thackray-museum-medical-museum-leeds/) - I recently visited the Thackray Museum with other members from Rugby St. John Ambulance. It is a medical museum on the site of St. James Hospital (Jimmy's) in Leeds. The museum charts the history of medicine from the late 19th century to the present day. Whilst there are some "glass case" exhibits most of the - [DVD Review: The Making of The Human Body](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-making-of-the-human-body/) - Despite my dissapointment at The Human Body series (see review below) I decided to rent the accompanying "The Making of" DVD to learn more about the techniques used to map parts of the body. I'm really glad that I did because this DVD was well worth watching. It's about 50 minutes long and not only - [Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Information, using Flash on the Stage](https://watkissonline.co.uk/macromedia-flash-mx-2004-information-using-flash-on-the-stage/) - In April I promised I'd write some information on how I created visual effects used in a stage production for St. John Ambulance. I've now finally completed it. It includes information on the hardware side, projecting through multiple projectors, getting a steep angle on the projector, and cable lengths as well as covering the software - [Book Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince/) - A bit of a break from the Web Site / Web Design posts I've added recently. I've finished reading Harry Potter, 4 days after it was released. I'm sure that is slow compared with a lot of people that spent the whole of Saturday reading the book, but for a book that's over 600 pages - [DVD Review: Willow](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-willow/) - This is a film I saw many years ago and when I saw it was available on DVD thought it was time to revisit it. The film was originally released in 1988. This is a fantasy film, starring Warwick Davis [Harry Potter, Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy], as Willow, one of the "little people", who - [Making Emergency Calls on the Underground is not possible - 112 vs 999](https://watkissonline.co.uk/making-emergency-calls-on-the-underground-is-not-possible-112-vs-999/) - A warning about some misinformation being sent in spam emails after the London attacks: *** The following information is incorrect *** "If you travel to work on the tube please note the following information: if your mobile phone has no signal (so even if you were in a tunnel) if you dial 112 it diverts - [Book Review: Past Mortem (Ben Elton)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-past-mortem-ben-elton/) - I have read a number of Ben Elton's recent novels including: Popcorn and Dead Famous which have been my favourites so far. I really liked Elton's earlier work particularly some of his comedy written for TV, but these recent novels whilst good or even very good, are not great. His curent book (now in paperback) - [Computer Hardware Review: Targus Wireless Presenter](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hardware-review-targus-wireless-presenter/) - This presenter has fairly basic functionality but it covers the essentials and means that it's very straight forward to use. It's easy to navigate through a presentation using the forward and back buttons, and includes a keypad to move the cursor around. The keypad is a bit fiddly compared to a mouse or trackball, but - [Macromedia Flash Standalone Player for Linux Version 6](https://watkissonline.co.uk/macromedia-flash-standalone-player-for-linux-version-6/) - I've been involved with projecting flash as part of a theatre production. At the time I ran Macromedia Flash MX 2004 on a windows computer, however would like to have been able to run it under Linux, especially as I had to install windows on one of my computers that was normally linux only. See - [Book Review: Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect and Communicate with Your Baby (Tracy Hogg)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-secrets-of-the-baby-whisperer-how-to-calm-connect-and-communicate-with-your-baby-tracy-hogg/) - Before the birth of my baby I was recommended this book by another new father. I will dispense with the formality of referring to the author by her surname, as it just doesn't feel right. After reading the book I now feel as though I know her as a friend rather than just the author - [iFirstAid - First Aid Anytime, Anywhere](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ifirstaid-first-aid-anytime-anywhere/) - St. John Ambulance have introduced a new initiative "iFirstAid". This uses the popularity of portable iPod/MP3 players to provide a new way to access first aid guidelines. The First Aid Tips consist of 17 mini MP3/AAC/Real files that can be downloaded from the Internet. This allows them to be installed on any type of portable - [Book Review: The Zen of CSS Design: Visual Enlightenment for the Web](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-zen-of-css-design-visual-enlightenment-for-the-web/) - CSS or Cascading Style Sheets to give them their full name allow us to seperate the text of the webpage from the visual style. This has a number of advantages including: making the content easier to manage; the ability to change the look of a website without having to update every single page; and allowing - [Web Design - Browser Restrictions, Restrict Customers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/web-design-browser-restrictions-restrict-customers/) - It's been a long time since I've bought groceries online. Now we have a baby I thought I'd give it another go to save having to go out through the rainy weather. We do most of our shopping at: Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. Morrisons don't do online shopping so that gave the choice of Asda - [Film Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/film-review-harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire/) - The latest Harry Potter film The Goblet of Fire was released last week. This is the fourth film to be released. Whilst my favourite book is still The Prisoner of Azkaban, this film has instantly become my favourite. There appears to be a logical progression in the films that each one appears to be targeted - [Careful with Magazine Subscriptions using Future Publishing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/careful-with-magazine-subscriptions-using-future-publishing/) - I've been reading the .Net magazine recently and encouraged by a special subscription offer I took out a subscription with the magazine. I received confirmation of the order and started to get my new magazine, but did not receive my free gift. After 2 issues I thought something may have been up and emailed Future - [DVD Review: Runaway Jury](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-runaway-jury/) - It's been a while between it's release and me actually getting to watch this film. Whilst the trailers did look good, they were not enough to make me want to sit down and watch this over other films. Having now seen this I think it's a great film, one of the best I've seen in - [Low Cost Function Rooms in Coventry: Triumph Standard Recreation Club](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lost-cost-function-rooms-in-coventry-triumph-standard-recreation-club/) - If you're looking for a low cost function room, then the Standard Triumph Social club may be suitable. We used it last weekend to celebrate the christening of our daughter. The cost of booking the room was £50. One of the big advantages that kept the cost low is that they allowed us to provide - [Holiday](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday/) - I've been on Holiday at Center Parcs for the last week, so there have not been any posts. I will start blogging again soon, with pictures of my Christmas Decorations as well as more on Disneyland Paris, and my latest holiday at Center Parcs. See how this holiday checks out with respect to it's baby - [DVD and CD Review: My First Christmas Album](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-and-cd-review-my-first-christmas-album/) - When I first saw "My First Christmas Album" in a CD case I thought it was very expensive for a Childrens Music CD. On closer inspection the last line says cd + dvd, which explains why it is a bit more expensive. The DVD and CD compliment each other, with the CD available to play - [Linux Professional Institute Certification LPI 101 exam](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-professional-institute-certification-lpi-101-exam/) - As already mentioned in an earlier blog entry I attended Linux World Expo 2005 (London) in October last year. Whilst there I took the first of the Linux Professional Institute exams LPI 101. They had temporarily lost my exam paper, which is why it has taken me so long to get the result back. The - [Jessops School of Photography - Making a Start in Photography course](https://watkissonline.co.uk/jessops-school-of-photography-making-a-start-in-photography/) - I attended the Making a Start in Photography course at Jessops School of Photography over the weekend. I've had my D-SLR camera (Nikon D50) for a few months and wanted to learn how to make better use of it. The course was held at the Jessops Camera World Store in Leicester (UK). This is not - [Installing Macromedia Flash Player on Ubuntu Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-macromedia-flash-player-on-ubuntu-linux/) - Back in September last year I wrote a blog entry on Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Information, using Flash on the Stage. The reason that I wanted the full flash player (rather than the Mozilla Firefox browser plug-in), is that I wanted to run some flash animations for a theatre show. Since then I've replaced Mandrake - [Photography - Nikon D50 Camera Accessories ML-L3 Remote Control and HB-33 Lens Hood](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nikon-d50-camera-accessories-ml-l3-remote-control-and-hb-33-lens-hood/) - The one thing about having an SLR camera (either digital or not), is that you then have the desire for lots of accessories to get the best of of it. There are some things that come under the category of essentials and some that are just nice to have, but many of these can greatly - [Norton Internet Security - Issues with Firewall Protection - problems with showing pictures and wordpress etc.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/norton-security-issues-with-firewall-protection-problems-with-showing-pictures-and-wordpress-etc/) - I've been having a few problems with a couple of my own Internet sites when accessing them from my desktop PC. The sites were working fine on my laptop, so I thought the problem was with the setup of the Firefox browser on my desktop PC. It turns out the problems are actually due to - [Photography - Flashgun for Nikon D50 - Nikon Speedlight SB-600](https://watkissonline.co.uk/flashgun-for-nikon-d50-nikon-speedflash-sb-600/) - Another new feature I've bought for my Nikon D50 Digital SLR Camera is a flash gun. One of the reasons that I wanted a flash gun is because of my involvement in the theatre show for Warwickshire St. John Ambulance. The problem with photographing on stage is that first the stage tends to be quite - [24 Studio Catalogue ... Please hold the line ... please hold the line ... please hold the line ...](https://watkissonline.co.uk/please-hold-the-line-please-hold-the-line-please-hold-the-line/) - I'm sure that I'm not the only one that gets fed up of being stuck in a telephone queue, but recently we've had one that really is taking it to the extreme. During December we ordered some items from 24 "Studio" Catalogue. This is a mail order company stlling mainly household items. Unlike some of - [Spyware and Sport - (Internet Parasite wins Sporting Medal)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/spyware-and-sport-internet-parasite-wins-sporting-medal/) - It seams that Dale Begg-Smith and I have a couple of things in common. We are both involved with spyware and we have both gained awards in sport. On the Spyware front, I have spent a lot of time removing spyware from my own and friend's computers. Whereas Dale Begg-Smith has become rich as president - [Linux Professional Institute Certifed Junior Systems Administrator (LPIC 102 Exam)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-professional-institute-certifed-junior-systems-administrator-lpic-102-exam/) - Last year at the Linux World Expo 2005 I took and passed the first of the Linux Professional Institute Certification exams LPIC 101. Today I took the second of the Junior Level Administration exams, LPIC 102. I passed the exam scoring 680 points (required pass score 500). This now qualifies me at Linux Professional Certified - [Book Review: Updated: Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect and Communicate with Your Baby (Tracy Hogg)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-updated-secrets-of-the-baby-whisperer-how-to-calm-connect-and-communicate-with-your-baby-tracy-hogg/) - Book Review: Title: Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect and Communicate with Your Baby Authors: Tracy Hogg Publisher: Vermilion Date: January 2001 ISBN: 0091857023 I have already written a review of this book, but I wanted to include a bit of an update. Here is the original review of the book "Secrets - [New First Aid Guidelines - First Aid Quiz](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-first-aid-guidelines-first-aid-quiz/) - The new first aid guidelines from the UK Resuscitation Council have been around for a while now. These include some significant changes to the first aid protocols, including a change in the rate and ratio of the CPR protocols. I have not yet implemented these on my First Aid Quiz website, for a number of - [Warning - If you are thinking of buying a Chicco baby product read this first](https://watkissonline.co.uk/warning-if-you-are-thinking-of-buying-a-chicco-baby-product-read-this-first/) - A word of warning for anyone looking at buying a Chicco product, make sure you get an instruction manual and do not lose it. We bought a Chicco car seat some time ago, and have only just got around to fitting it in the car (waiting for our baby to be big enough). We could - [M42 Motorway Speed Cameras and Registration Plate Cameras Driving near Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/m42-motorway-speed-cameras-and-registration-plate-cameras-driving-near-birmingham/) - I wrote a blog entry on the day that they turned on the new Advanced Traffic Management (ATM) system on the M42. M42 Advanced Traffic Management, Variable Speed Limit and Speed Cameras I also said that I'd post some updates, so this is the first. I'll also post another one when they've started using the - [AnyDVD Software Multi-Region DVD Player for Windows](https://watkissonline.co.uk/anydvd-software-multi-region-dvd-player-for-windows/) - Most people are familiar with DVD Region Encoding and are aware of Multi-Region DVD players, but you can now do the same for your PC. Having different DVD regions is used by the film industry to inflate the prices of DVDs in different countries. This means that if you buy a DVD in America (where - [DVD Review: The Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe (based on the book by C.S. Lewis)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-chronicles-of-narnia-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-based-on-the-book-by-cs-lewis/) - I am writing this review over the Easter weekend. It wasn't really planned this way, but this particular story The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, from the Chronicles of Narnia is considered to contain a number of analogies to Christian beliefs. If you are not a christian or not religous then there is nothing - [Book Review (Fiction) : Bad Memory by Daune Franklet (Cyber Crime Novel)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-fiction-bad-memory-by-daune-franklet-cyber-crime-novel/) - Book Review: Bad Memory Authors: Duane Franklet Publisher: Orion Date: 22nd May 1997 ISBN: 0575063424 Bad memory is a novel based around a IT security incident at computer company. When the firm is blackmailed the company needs to decide whether to pay the blackmail, to contact the police, or to call in a private security - [DVD Review: Prime Suspect 4 The Lost Child (Helen Mirren)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-prime-suspect-4-the-lost-child-helen-mirren/) - I first watched the Prime Suspect series as a teenager when it was on the TV. Recently I've been renting the series and it's every bit as good as I remember, and then some. The stories are written by Lynda La Plante, and features exceptional acting by Helen Mirren. I have watched the first 4 - [Cash Advance Fee on MBNA Mastercard for Charity Lottery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wwwplaymondaycom-cash-advance-fee-on-mbna-mastercard/) - I have received my MBNA Mastercard statement since first playing a charity lottery. As well as the payment to playmonday.com of £10 (the minimum transfer is £5, but I put enough on for a few games), I also have a Cash Withdrawal fee of £3. There was no mention of this fee when I signed - [Book Review: Eats, Shoots & Leaves; The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-eats-shoots-leaves-the-zero-tolerance-approach-to-punctuation-by-lynne-truss/) - Book Review: Title: Eats, Shoots & Leaves; The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation Author: Lynne Truss Publisher: Profile Books Date: 2003 ISBN: 1-86197-612-7 Book of the Year 2004 Eats, Shoots & Leaves is a book about punctuation. Before you stop reading, this is not like the grammer text books you were forced to read at - [Linux Bluetooth Networking Tutorial (Ubuntu)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-bluetooth-networking-tutorial-ubuntu/) - Linux Bluetooth Networking Tutorial (Ubuntu) This is an article I wrote some time ago for the PenguinTutor tutorial pages. As I am updating the tutorials and this is now too dated to be of use in the main tutorial (What’s a Palm PDA I hear you ask) but was something I thought was worth saving - [Improve Your Search Engine Ranking with Google Sitemaps and PHPBB](https://watkissonline.co.uk/improve-your-search-engine-ranking-with-google-sitemaps-and-phpbb/) - If you want lots of visitors to your site then you need to get a good ranking in the search engines, and the one search engine that outranks the rest is google. Looking at the awstats from watkissonline.co.uk and the awstats on firstaidquiz.com between 10% and 20% of all visitors come from search engines, and of those up to 10 times as many referrals come from Google as the next highest. So getting a good ranking in google will have a significant increase in the number of new visitors. - [Coventry: Cov'06 - Be part of it](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-cov06-be-part-of-it/) - Last year I posted a blog about the Summer of Cov 2005 - Visiting Coventry. Well this years new publicity campaign has now started called Cov'06, with the slogan "Be part of it". Some of the events coming up are: Bands in Parks Godiva Festival Carribean Carnival Festival of Motoring Jazz Festival he famous Coventry - [Coventry City Farm Fun Day](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-city-farm-fun-day/) - Unfortunately due to financial difficulties the Coventry City Farm has now closed down. See more children farms on Days Out Diary website. After my post yesterday on Cov'06 Be a part of it today, I followed my own advice and went along to one of the events listed in the guide. The event was the - [Book Review: Red Hat Fedora and Enterprise Linux 4 Bible](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-red-hat-fedora-and-enterprise-linux-4-bible/) - Book Review: Title: Red Hat Fedora and Enterprise Linux 4 Bible Author: Christopher Negus Publisher: Wiley Date: 2005 ISBN: 0-7645-9576-8 I bought this book to help with my revision for the LPIC exams. In particular I wanted them to help with the LPIC 201 and LPIC 202 exams, which do not have the same range - [Tourism - Stratford Upon Avon and Butterfly Farm](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-stratford-upon-avon-and-butterfly-farm/) - As we live fairly close to Stratford-Upon-Avon we visit the town quite often. Normally for shopping, Stratford is particularly good for buying gifts, not the best place for general town shopping, but if you're buying presents it's ideal. I've also been involved in a couple of shows that have been held at the Civic Hall. - [MBNA Mastercard Credit Card - Charges for Charity Lottery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mbna-mastercard-credit-card-charges-for-lottery/) - A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I had been charged a cash advance fee when I used my MBNA Mastercard for playing a charity Lottery. The fee was a significant some, being £3 on top of a £10 payment to playmonday. I promised an update so here it is. When I contacted Play - [Update Charity Lottery Credit Card Fee - MBNA Mastercard, Egg, Royal Bank of Scotland charge, but not Barclaycard](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-playmonday-credit-card-fee-mbna-mastercard-egg-royal-bank-of-scotland-charge-but-not-barclaycard/) - Apparently I'm not alone in discovering that some credit cards companies will charge a fee for some charity lotteries. A BBC radio 4 programme called Money Box (which I hadn't heard) also discovered this. They have done a bit more research and here are details of which cards do charge: "MBNA charges the most. That's - [Computer Hardware Review: Canon PIXMA iP4200 printer, including Windows and Linux Drivers, and includes CD/DVD print capability](https://watkissonline.co.uk/computer-hardware-review-canon-pixma-ip4200-printer-including-windows-and-linux-drivers-and-includes-cddvd-print-capability/) - I have recently bought a new Canon PIXMA iP4200 bubble-jet (ink-jet) printer. The printer includes dual paper input (a cartridge and top paper loader), photograph quality printing, supports borderless printing (for photographs without edges) and includes the ability to print directly onto CDs and DVDs (requires suitable disks). Best of all it includes drivers for linux (although in practice this may vary) ... - [Book / DVD Film Review: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-dvd-film-review-oliver-twist-by-charles-dickens/) - Book Review: Title: Oliver Twist Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Date: Original Edition around 1839, Penguin Books 1994 ISBN: 014062046X This is the first time I've actually read any books by Charles Dickens. I read Oliver Twist, because I am familiar with the Musical productions, having a copy of the 1968 TV Musical - [Perl/Tk: Creating an Autocue for use in the Theatre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/perltk-creating-an-autocue-for-use-in-the-theatre/) - I have already provided some computer animation and autocue for a couple of theatre productions, which was done using Macromedia Flash. Macromedia Flash MX based Autocue and Menu. I had developed the Flash based autocue further so that rather than creating the animation individually for each song, I could load the lyrics in from a - [Tourism: Howarth and Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, with a baby](https://watkissonline.co.uk/trousim-howarth-and-keighley-and-worth-valley-railway-with-a-baby/) - It's been a while since I went to Howarth and onto the steam train on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, but I've just got around to writing a post about it. So when we visited our baby was still quite young, and very much dependent on warm food for lunch. We started the visit - [New Linux Install - Fedora FC5](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-linux-install-fedora-fc5/) - I've just installed Fedora on my home desktop machine. The Fedora version I used is called Fedora Core 5 (often referred to as FC5), and is the community distribution from RedHat. I do try different distributions, and try and have at least two different distributions on my machines, using a Debian based distribution on one - [Updating Wikipedia - Linux Professional Institute (LPI)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/updating-wikipedia-linux-professional-institute-lpi/) - I have made my first major edit of the Wikipedia community created encycleopedia. The site is a wiki, which means that anyone can contribute to it. - [New Beta Version of Mozilla Firefox 2 Web Browser](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-beta-version-of-mozilla-firefox-2-web-browser/) - The latest beta version for Mozilla Firefox web browser has been released. This is version 2, beta 1. As this is beta it should not be used on mission critical systems, but it appears to be stable. It's perhaps a little slower than the last version, but that is expected as there may still be - [LPIC level 2 exam 201 online practice test at PenguinTutor.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lpic-level-2-exam-201-online-practice-test-at-penguintutorcom/) - Earlier this week I successfully passed the LPIC 201 exam. Whilst I was revising I created a number of questions based on the 201 objectives to add to the already popular LPI 101 and LPI 102 practice Exams at Penguin Tutor. When I took the exam I noticed that one questions was almost identical and - [Adding a Search Engine to the Mozilla Firefox Searchbar (MozSearch Plugin)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-a-search-engine-to-the-mozilla-firefox-searchbar-mozsearch-plugin/) - This will take you step by step through creating a custom entry on the Firefox Searchbar. A popular reason for doing this is if you have an Intranet with a search engine. As it allows you to then search your intranet as simply as it would using Google, or another Internet search engine. One of - [Should Cycle Helmets be Mandatory?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/should-cycle-helmets-be-mandatory/) - A comment I've seen recently is that Helmets should become a legal requirements for cycles just like it currently is for Motorised bikes in the UK. This would be using the polystyrene type of cycle helmets rather than the full protection offered by motorcycle full face crash helmets. In fact one of the questions asked - [Review: Panasonic SD Audio Player - AAC, WMA and MP3 (SV-SD300 / SV-SD350V), with SD-Jukebox Version 5](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-panasonic-sd-audio-player-aac-wma-and-mp3-sv-sd300-sv-sd350v-with-sd-jukebox-version-5/) - This is a review of the Panasonic SD Audio Player SV-SD300. The title mentions the SV-SD350V, which is a similar product, but includes a radio and the ability to record voice memos. I have included it here as it uses the same software, and I believe the review will apply to that model the same. - [NHS trust crazy minimum waiting list rule - Hospital Fined for Cutting Waiting List](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nhs-gone-mad-hospital-fined-for-cutting-waiting-list/) - This is perhaps the worst NHS story that I've ever heard. A hospital that is not being paid for the treatment given to patients because the patients had not been on a waiting list for the minimum 4 months. It appears we don't just have maximum waiting times, but minimum waiting times as well. BBC - [Book Review: Apache Server 2.0 The Complete Reference](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-apache-server-20-the-complete-reference/) - Book Review: Title: Apache Server 2.0 The Complete Reference Author: Ryan Bloom Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Osbourne Date: 2002 ISBN: 0-07-222344-8 This is described as a complete resource for installing, configuring, adminstering and securing the Apache 2.0 server. It is written by Ryan Bloom who has been actively involved in creating the apache 2 server. The book starts - [Linux Books, Software and Hardware Reviews](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-books-software-and-hardware-reviews/) - I have updated the PenguinTutor Linux web site with some book reviews, software reviews and hardware reviews. These are all reviews that have already appeared in my personal blog pages, but are now included in the Linux web site. I will be adding more product reviews in the future. - [Converting music and sound from Tape or Record to CD or MP3 (Linux audio solution)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/converting-music-and-sound-from-tape-or-record-to-cd-or-mp3-linux-audio-solution/) - I a few years ago to capture some audio input onto a computer. I tried using Windows and I was hoping to use freely available software. I was not able to find any that was able to do what wanted. This time I had a more pressing requirement to capture from a tape to a - [Canon PIXMA IP4200 printer now working with Linux drivers on Ubuntu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/canon-pixma-ip4200-printer-now-working-with-linux-drivers-on-ubuntu/) - I have already covered using the Cannon ip4200 printer using Fedora / Suse Linux in my Hardware review of Canon IP4200 printer (with Linux drivers). When I left it I did not have the printer working with Linux, but I have now got it working without having to resort to the commercial printer drivers. This - [Hawk Cycles Coventry, Baby/Child Seat and Servicing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hawk-cycles-coventry-babychild-seat-and-servicing/) - Now our baby is one year old we've decided to take her cycling with us, and hopefully give us all a bit more fresh air and exercise. My bike has been sat in the shed since before she was born. We looked at both cycle buggies and baby seat and decided to by a baby - [Book Review: Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-deian-gnulinux-31-bible/) - Book Review: Title: Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible Authors: Benjamin Mako Hill, David B. Harris and Jaldhar Vyas Publisher: Wiley Date: 2005 ISBN: 0-7645-7644-5 I bought this book at the same time as I also bought the Red Hat Fedora and Enterprise Linux 4 Bible. Although these books are both Linux "Bibles", and published by the - [Microsoft SMS Sender - Send Text Messages from your Windows PC using your mobile phone](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microsoft-sms-sender-send-text-messages-from-your-windows-pc-using-your-mobile-phone/) - Although most of the software I post is of Linux or Open Source software I do sometimes find some closed source software useful. This one is a free download from Microsoft, you need to go through Windows Genuine Advantage Certification first. The Microsoft SMS Sender is a very basic program which allows you to send - [M42 Motorway, Active Traffic Management (ATM) - Driving on the Hard Shoulder](https://watkissonline.co.uk/m42-motorway-active-traffic-management-atm-driving-on-the-hard-shoulder/) - As from this week the Active Traffic Management implementation on the M42 has gone into full operation, including the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane during periods of congestion. I have already mentioned details of the active traffic management in my earlier post: M42 Motorway, Active Traffic Management and Speed Cameras, so - [Humour: Medical Terminology](https://watkissonline.co.uk/humour-medical-terminology/) - This has been around a while, but I still think it's quite funny. Posting here for anyone that may have not yet come across it - e.g. hiding in a cave ;-). Explanation of Medical Terminology: Artery.........................The study of paintings More ... - [HSE gives Basic Advice on First Aid at Work](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hse-gives-basic-advice-on-first-aid-at-work/) - The HSE has published a new leaflet providing some basic advice on First Aid at Work guidelines. The leaflet includes the priorities for dealing with an emergency First Aid situation. The main part is on CPR, with a very brief look at bleeding, fractures, burns and eye injuries. This is in no way a replacement - [Advanced Traffic Management on the M42 - Drivers Putting Lives at Risk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/advanced-traffic-management-on-the-m42-drivers-putting-lives-at-risk/) - It is my opinion that lives are being put at risk since driving on the hard shoulder has been allowed. Details of the scheme which allows driving on the hard shoulder is available at:M42 Motorway, Active Traffic Management (ATM) - Driving on the Hard Shoulder. I've been a supporter of the scheme, which has greatly - [Tourism: Farmer Palmer's Poole, Dorset (For Children aged 8 and under)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-farmer-palmers-poole-dorset-for-children-aged-8-and-under/) - Farmer Palmer's Farm Park is a Childrens Farm near Poole in Dorset. It is winner of National Farm Attraction of the Year Award 2006 and it's easy to see why. The park is designed for children aged 8 years and younger. Although older children are welcome the park is not really designed for older children. - [Kubuntu - Ubuntu Linux the KDE way](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kubuntu-ubuntu-linux-the-kde-way/) - I've now installed Kubuntu on my desktop machine, replacing my previous install of Unbuntu Linux 6.06. The reason for changing is just curiosity, and an opportunity to play with something just a little different, but still retaining the features of Ubuntu that I've grown to love. The main thing being the Debian Package Management tools, - [Sun and Linux - Friends or Foe](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sun-and-linux-friends-or-foe/) - I've received an email recently, that really makes me wonder what attitude Sun really has towards Linux, as it was very negative about Linux. The email was sent by Stacey Meston, the Account Marketing Executive for Sun. Sun have certainly given a lot to Open Source in the past. We wouldn't have OpenOffice.org if Sun - [Book Review: The First Aid Manual, including the Emergency First Aid Manual](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-first-aid-manual-including-the-emergency-first-aid-manual/) - This is a review of the latest version of the First Aid Manual published in 2006. This is a revised and updated version from the 8th edition of the manual which was published in 2002. This may cause a little confusion in that the latest version does not have an edition number, other than a small reference in the inside cover, to the previous 8th edition. This is NOT a 9th edition. I believe this is quite an honest move by the publishers, which I'll come to later in the review. - [How not to make a web site accessible](https://watkissonline.co.uk/how-not-to-make-a-web-site-accessible/) - There are some web sites on the Internet that are badly designed and inaccessible, but every now and again you come across one that really stands out amongst the bad sites. The site I've come across this time is for the Tropical World at Roundhay park. The site appears to have gone for some high-tech - [New Linux Professional Institue (LPI 202) Practice Exam](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-linux-professional-institue-lpi-202-practice-exam/) - I've created a new practice exam on the PenguinTutor LPI practice exams web site. The practice questions cover the 202 objectives towards level 2 certification. These are mainly network service based questions covering topics such as Apache web server, Sendmail, NIS, Network Security (including IPtables) etc. I've not yet taken the exam myself (that's tomorrow), - [wQuiz Perl Web Quiz Engine - New Software Section on PenguinTutor.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wquiz-perl-web-quiz-engine-new-software-section-on-penguintutorcom/) - I've created a new section on PenguinTutor.com for some software projects I'm involved in. The first is wQuiz, the Perl based Web Quiz Engine. The latest official release will be on the PenguinTutor web site, and the latest CVS is available from: Google Code Pages - wQuiz Project Page. In the future I also hope - [Book Review: The First Casualty by Ben Elton](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-first-casualty-by-ben-elton/) - This is one of Ben Elton's serious books. I have read a number of Elton's books and prefer his comedy to the serious writings. In that respect this book is as expected not one of his best. This is still an enjoyable read, but it doesn't make it into the good book category. The real - [20 Things about Nursing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/20-things-about-nursing/) - I've been forwarded an email about the site of Joan Searson. An English nurse, who was living in Australia and has since passed away. This is what she had to say on nursing. 20 Things I have Learned From Nursing by Joan Searson 1: When you are 92, you shouldn't have to beg for the - [Short distance broadcast to be legal in the UK - e.g. Tunecast](https://watkissonline.co.uk/short-distance-broadcast-to-be-legal-in-the-uk-eg-tunecast/) - So far in the UK it has been illegal to use devices which broadcast radio signals to an entertainment FM radio receiver. This means that using devices to broadcast from an iPod, or a mobile phone to your in-car entertainment radio was illegal, although these are available and in use. With a change of heart - [Review DVD Players - Toshiba Voyager and Philips](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-dvd-players-toshiba-voyager-and-philips/) - I have now gone through two DVD players and I am now on my third. This is the first DVD player I've been happy with. The first was a Toshiba DVD Player. It was bought several years ago so there is little point in giving the actual product number. At the time DVD players will - [Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird Addons / Extensions / Plugins](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mozilla-firefox-and-thunderbird-addons-extensions-plugins/) - I've recently swapped one of my computers so I've been through re-installing the addons / extensions / plugins to Mozilla Firefox web browser and Mozilla Thunderbird Email Client. Here is a list of the ones I've installed, which you may like to take a look at. This is not a comprehensive list, as there are - [Linux Format Magazine - Reply to In Defence of the Firefox Web Browser](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-format-magazine-reply-to-in-defence-of-the-firefox-web-browser/) - In response to the November edition of Linux Format Magazine (LXF 86) I wrote an email defending the latest Firefox browser and in particular the large change in version number to 2.0. Full details of my email are in my earlier post - In defence of the Firefox Web Browser. My email has been published - [Email to Linux Format on the Mono C# Tutorials](https://watkissonline.co.uk/email-to-linux-format-on-the-mono-c-tutorials/) - Here is my latest email to Linux Format magazine. I've already had a number of letters published including: LinuxFormat Mailserver - Disc Reference Linux Format Magazine - Reply to In Defence of the Firefox Web Browser I also had some others published before I started blogging. ******* Paul My favourite part of the Linux Format - [Update to Toy Review: V.smile Baby - TV Games Console for Toddlers from vtech](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-to-toy-review-vsmile-baby-tv-games-console-for-toddlers-from-vtech/) - This is an update to the review of the V.Smile Baby Infant Development System (TV Computer Games Console). All the comments that I made in the earlier review still stand, but we've changed TV recently due to problems with our existing TV and come across a small issue. We now have a LCD flat TV - [TV and DVDs for Babies and Toddlers - CBeebies from the BBC](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tv-and-dvds-for-babies-and-toddlers-cbeebies-from-the-bbc/) - Assuming that it is not overused I believe the Television can help babies and children to develop, and give parents a bit of a break. The second being just as important as it can help reduce stress creating a better environment for everyone. Here's a brief run down of some of the TV channels and - [Coventry Transport Museum - Visiting with a toddler](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-transport-museum-visiting-with-a-toddler/) - I have visited the Coventry Transport Museum again, this time with my 18 month old daughter. The museum is baby friendly in a number of ways, including proper baby changing facilities and good lift access to the floors. I have identified a few minor issues that if changed could make it better for young children. - [Simultaneous page downloads with Firefox - useful for Wordpress users - network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server](https://watkissonline.co.uk/simultaneous-page-downloads-with-firefox-useful-for-wordpress-users-networkhttpmax-persistent-connections-per-server/) - In the Firefox web browser it's possible to just open multiple tabs and access multiple pages simultaneously. if you are trying to access more than 2 pages from the same site simultaneously then those after the first two requests will hang waiting for the other requests to complete. Most people will never see this as - [Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Release date 21 July 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-release-date-21-july-2007/) - Since my last post giving the title of the latest Harry Potter book: Latest Harry Potter Book - Harry Potter 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Now available to pre-order the release date has now been set. The hardback version of the book will be available on the 21 July 2007. By - [Linux Format Mailserver: Mono enthusiast](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-format-mailserver-mono-enthusiast/) - I posted an entry in December about an email I'd submitted to the Linux Format Magazine. See: Email to Linux Format on the Mono C# Tutorials. The email has been published in this months magazine LXF90 March 2007. My email has been published almost complete (just a couple of sentences removed), and complete with an - [Review: CBeebies Music CD and DVD](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-cbeebies-music-cd-and-dvd/) - This is a review of the My CBeebies Album, CD and DVD. This is the one with the yellow case. There is a similar music CD with 2 CDs instead of the second disc being a DVD. The CD only version is a bit older, so doesn't include some of the newer songs, but shares - [Salesman's Lie : Grill-It : National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show](https://watkissonline.co.uk/salesmans-lie-grill-it-national-boat-caravan-and-outdoor-show/) - I went along to the National Boat Caravan and Leisure Show at the NEC at the weekend. In general the show was an improvement on previous years, and it appeared that even more had been crammed into the 5 Halls than usual. One thing that was memorable from the show, for all the wrong reasons, - [Electricity Cost of Running a PC 24x7](https://watkissonline.co.uk/electricity-cost-of-running-a-pc-24x7/) - I have a PC at home, which is permanently switched on. I've wondered just how much the PC costs to run, and I recently got the opportunity to find out. I've borroweed a Electricity Plug-In Power and Energy Monitor, which I've been evaluating. The monitor provides voltage, current and consumed power readings. The monitor plugs - [Refund from Dell at last - Purchase of HP Pavilion dv6285eu laptop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/refund-from-dell-at-last-purchase-of-hp-pavilion-dv6285eu-laptop/) - I've finally got my refund from Dell for the Inspiron 6400 laptop which never arrived - See full story on Dell laptop that went missing (Inspiron 6400). I've now purchased a HP Paviliion dv6285eu. Part of the Pavilion 64000 series the laptop is based on an AMD 64 x2 processor, with Nvidia 7200 graphics, and comes installed with Windows Vista Home Premium. I'm also looking at installing Linux on it ... - [Recycle Ink Catridges - Send a Cow](https://watkissonline.co.uk/recycle-ink-catridges-send-a-cow/) - I recently bought some more ink for my printer (Canon Pixma IP4200 Inkjet Printer). I purchased the printer through the Amazon.co.uk market place from helpdeskit. - [First Aid Manual - 9th Edition is in the initial stages](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-manual-9th-edition-is-in-the-initial-stages/) - Although the latest update to the First Aid Manual was only released last year, they are already thinking about the next one. See news on the current version, and how the first aid quiz website was also updated. As a St John Ambulance trainer I've been invited to give feedback on the current First Aid - [First Aid - Dealing with the aftermath](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-dealing-with-the-aftermath/) - When taking a formal first aid course there are a few things that you need to know about dealing with the aftermath after providing first aid. These are the steps that are needed to deal with any post treatment items. Recently I attended a FAW requal course to keep my First Aid at Work certificate - [Changing the Battery on a Palm Tungsten T3](https://watkissonline.co.uk/changing-the-battery-on-a-palm-tungsten-t3/) - I have a Palm Tungsten T3 PDA which I bought in 2003. Three and a half years later and the battery is now showing its age. Most batteries start to deteriorate after a year, so it has had quite a good innings. Other than the battery the PDA is in great condition, and I've been - [Google Pack now includes Star Office available as a free download](https://watkissonline.co.uk/google-pack-now-includes-star-office-available-as-a-free-download/) - I've previously mentioned I'm a big fan of the OpenOffice.org Office Suite. It is open source and provides all the main features of an office suite absolutely free. Potentially saving hundreds of pounds compared with the equivalent alternative from Microsoft. OpenOffice.org however started out as a commercial office suite known as Star office. When SUN - [Toys for Children and Babies - Teletubby Bath Island](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toys-for-children-and-babies-teletubby-bath-island/) - With Christmas coming up here this is the first of a few toy reviews for babies and young children. There are some toys that we have bought that our daughter has taken to immediately, and others that have just turned out to be expensive toys that hardly get played with. Ultimately it comes down to - [V.Smile Baby - TV Games Console for Young Children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/vsmile-baby-tv-games-console-for-young-children/) - The first Toy Review: V.smile Baby - Computer Console for Babies and Young Children from vtech, was mainly a technical description as we'd only recently bought it. The second provides some information if the connector doesn't work on your TV - Update to Toy Review: V.smile Baby - TV Games Console for Toddlers from vtech. - [Turn a wet bank holiday into a fun science day](https://watkissonline.co.uk/turn-a-wet-bank-holiday-into-a-fun-science-day/) - We had a very wet public holiday today. Whilst there are some indoor days out we could have gone to we instead decided to have a science day at home. The two main things we did today were to make a cola can cable car and an erupting volcano. The cable car comes in a - [Sony accuses almost all owners of MP3 players of being pirates](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sony-accuses-almost-all-owners-of-mp3-players-of-being-pirates/) - According to a recent announcement from Sony - almost all Media / MP3 players users are pirates. In fact it doesn't stop there but implies that anyone that uses iTunes or other computer software to manage their songs are also pirates. In fact this even includes buyers of Sony Walkman Video MP3 players. Perhaps Sony - [Electronics with Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/electronics-with-linux/) - The current version of Linux Format has an article on programming a hardware controller to interface to electronic circuitry. This is based using the Arduino available from pcb europe. I've written an email to Linux Format all about it. I've particularly enjoyed the 10 Great DIY Projects and Hardware hacking articles. I hope you are - [Recent activities - Linux Ubuntu 7.10, Virgin Media cabling, Ethernet over Powerline, Windows Vista Notworking (or do I mean networking?)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/recent-activities-linux-ubuntu-710-virgin-media-cabling-ethernet-over-powerline-windows-vista-notworking-or-do-i-mean-networking/) - I've not been blogging much recently. Mainly because my life is so busy. It's been about a month since we moved house, but we are still unpacking. This is partly because we have been redecorating and buying and assembling lots of new furniture (long live Ikea!). So here is a quick rundown of what I've - [Book Review: Career Warfare by David F. D'alessandro (CEO John Hancock)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-career-warfare-by-david-f-dalessandro-ceo-john-hancock/) - Book Review: Title: Career Warfare Authors: David F. D'alessandro (CEO John Hancock) with Michele Owens Publisher: McGraw Hill Date: 2004 ISBN: 0071462147 Career Warfare is a guide to making your way to the top in your career. It's by David F. D'Alessandro CEO of John Hancock. The book uses numerous examples of thinks that will - [HP laptop dv6200 doesn't support Windows XP](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hp-laptop-dv6200-doesnt-support-windows-xp/) - I bought my HP Pavilion dv6285eu Notebook PC during April 2007. This was shortly after manufacturers had started to release laptops running Windows Vista. Having run Windows Vista for a few months I have not been very impressed. Reasons why Windows Vista is worse than Windows XP. As a result of this I decided to - [SimCity 4 Deluxe - How to make it work with Windows Vista](https://watkissonline.co.uk/simcity-4-deluxe-how-to-make-it-work-with-windows-vista/) - On the subject of compatibility problems in Windows Vista I have now got SimCity 4 Deluxe edition working. Simcity 4 deluxe is the latest version of SimCity, but was released several years ago, before Vista was on the scene. The deluxe part of Simcity is that is includes the Rush Hour expansion pack, which was - [Potty Training - Portable Potty (Potette) when out and about](https://watkissonline.co.uk/potty-training-portable-potty-potette-when-out-and-about/) - Our daughter has now reached the age for potty / toilet training. She had shown an interest in using the potty some time, which I think is at least partly due to watching other children use the potty at nursery. We waited until the New Year as this gave a good point to start the - [PenguinTutor.com - DOS due to attempt to break in to website - Read the fineprint when signing up for a hosting deal](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguintutorcom-dos-due-to-attempt-to-break-in-to-website-read-the-fineprint-when-signing-up-for-a-hosting-deal/) - The PenguinTutor.com website was taken offline for a short time between the 23 and 24 January. Apologies to any inconvenience caused. This was caused by the monthly permitted bandwidth being consumed during one day by an attempted cracker (most people would refer to them as a hacker, although that is not the real meaning of - [Virgin Media - Complaints department, not very helpful](https://watkissonline.co.uk/virgin-media-complaints-department-not-very-helpful/) - Last month I posted about the problems I've been having with Virgin Media, who wouldn't accept a payment, because my account wasn't due any money but then sent threatening letters / passed my details to a debt collection agency. To understand the issues you need to read: Virgin Media - Not taking payment then contacting - [Book Review: Career Warfare by David F. D'Alessandro (CEO of John Hancock)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-career-warfare-by-david-f-dalessandro-ceo-of-john-hancock/) - Book Review: Title: Career Warfar 10 Rules for building your successful brand on the business battlefield Authors: David F. D'Alessandro with Michele Owens Publisher: McGraw-Hill Date: 2004 ISBN: 0-07-146214-7 This is one of those books that gives a set of guidelines which will improve your chances of improving your career. It doesn't promise success, much - [New Baby boy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-baby-boy/) - My wife gave birth to a baby boy this morning at 5:25am. He weighed 6lb and 11oz. Both mother and baby are doing fine. - [Printing onto CD with Canon Pixma IP4200 and Ubuntu linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/printing-onto-cd-with-canon-pixma-ip4200-and-ubuntu-linux/) - Back in November I posted to the Ubuntu Forums, that although normal printing from linux worked fine to my Canon PIXMA IP4200, I was unable to print directly onto printable CDs. At the time I thought this may be a problem with communication between the OS and the printer. Unusually I didn't get a reply - [Hardware review: Advent wireless keyboard and mouse](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hardware-review-advent-wireless-keyboard-and-mouse/) - This is a review of two different wireless keyboard & mouse / touchpad devices. I looked at these after an older cheap wireless keyboard I had stopped working. The keyboard and mouse was used on a Linux computer in the living room, so that the computer can be operated from the sofa. Unfortunately the old - [Techni-ice revisited - the modern solution to keeping things cold](https://watkissonline.co.uk/techni-ice-revisited-the-modern-solution-to-keeping-things-cold/) - This is a follow-up to my earlier review of Techni-Ice: Great for keeping baby bottles cold. We bought the techni-ice when I saw it on sale at National Boat Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC in 2005. We didn't start using it until our first baby was born, but found it ideal for keeping - [Windows Vista - Damaged Hardware (VGA Splitter)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-vista-damaged-hardware-vga-splitter/) - I have been involved in the use of computers in theatre shows. In the past I have projected video onto the stage, but this year I just controlled an autocue system, which I wrote myself. You can see a bit more about previous shows and the technology used: Flash on the theatre stage: Projecting Sight - [Review: Life on Mars - TV Series, book "The Rules of Modern Policing" and Soundtrack](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-life-on-mars-tv-series-book-the-rules-of-modern-policing-and-soundtrack/) - DVD - Life on Mars TV Series Life on Mars is one of the best TV series to come out of the BBC. It is based around the life of Sam Tyler a modern police officer who is involved in a car accident and wakes up in 1973. "Am I mad, in a coma, or - [HP Support Centre - Lost laptop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hp-support-centre-lost-laptop/) - In December I had to send my HP Laptop for repair: HP Warranty Support for Pavilion Entertainment Laptop dv6285eu. My laptop was fixed promptly and then returned to me but that was not the case for someone else. Shortly after receiving my laptop back I had another delivered to me. I accepted the delivery, but - [Linux Format Awards (my vote for Devolo hardware support)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-format-awards-my-vote-for-devolo-hardware-support/) - It's that time of year again for the Linux Format Reader Awards. Awards that are based on reader voting. I've cast my vote with the usual array of big name applications - with a little bit of bias towards the Wine project and Codeweavers. By running the Windows applications where Linux hasn't quite caught up - [Book Review: Networking Complete](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-networking-complete/) - Title: Networking Complete ISBN: 0-7821-4143-9 Author: Multiple Authors (Sybex) I bought this book as I wanted to refresh my networking knowledge. At the time I was aware that this book was not the most recent book, but the general networking principles haven't changed too much. The book also states on the cover "Completely Updated for - [Book Review: Don't tell mum I work on the rigs - She thinks I'm a piano player in a whorehouse](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-dont-tell-mum-i-work-on-the-rigs-she-thinks-im-a-piano-player-in-a-whorehouse/) - Book Review: Title: Don't tell mum I work on the rigs - She thinks I'm a piano player in a whorehouse Author: Paul Carter Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing Date: 2006 ISBN: 1-85788-376-4 978-1-85788-376-3 This bestselling book is a biography of British born, Australian rig worker Paul Carter. Carter travels the world working on rigs in - [Making a website more dynamic using Javascript](https://watkissonline.co.uk/making-a-website-more-dynamic-using-javascript/) - I have used Javascript quite a bit in the past, but not so much recently. My first programming in Javascript was shortly after the first release 1.0 during 1996 when I was able to develop an early interactive quiz (since replaced by the server side program used on first aid quiz website). The quiz first - [Baby's first big bath - swivel bath seat](https://watkissonline.co.uk/babys-first-big-bath-swivel-bath-seat/) - I gave my son his last bath in the baby bath recently. The reason it was his last is that at the end there was less water in the bath than was all over me, the floor and even the walls of the bath room. He's now 7 months so is able to sit up - [Book Review: The Code Book: The Secret History of Codes and Code-breaking by Simon Singh](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-code-book-the-secret-history-of-codes-and-code-breaking-by-simon-singh/) - I have had the opportunity of hearing Simon Singh talk at Batchley Park when I worked in IT security. I received a free signed copy of the first version of the book, which is the version I'm reviewing. He was a very enthusiastic presenter and his enthusiasm also shows through in the book. The Code - [What not to buy - Vacuum cleaner - Russell Hobbs Hepa Cyclonic 1800](https://watkissonline.co.uk/what-not-to-buy-vacuum-cleaner-russell-hobbs-hepa-cyclonic-1800/) - I wouldn't normally review something as boring as a vacuum cleaner, but I just thought I'd put out a word of warning to stop anyone else wasting money on this particular item. I recently purchased a Russell Hobbs Hepa Cyclonic 1800 vacuum cleaner. We were in need of a new vacuum and this one was - [Quicktime playing camcorder files - Error opening video files - mp4 h.264 - Error -50: an unknown error](https://watkissonline.co.uk/quicktime-playing-camcorder-files-error-opening-video-files-mp4-h264-error-50-an-unknown-error/) - Santa has bought me a nice new camcorder. It's a Samsung VP-HMX10 HD Flash (SDHC) camcorder. The camcorder is fine, but I'm still working on a few problems with my video editing software Adobe Premiere Elements 3 (which I have purchased before, not the software supplied with the camcorder). There are problems with the supplied - [Shopping in Solihull. Why is it such hard working taking a baby and a child to town on your own?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/shopping-in-solihull-why-is-it-such-hard-working-taking-a-baby-and-a-child-to-town-on-your-own/) - Last weekend I went shopping in Solihull with Oliver, our 1 year old baby and Amelia our 3 year old daughter. I enjoyed the day, but it was hard work. I am used to having the children on my own as my wife works every other weekend so it is something I'm used to although - [Hardware review: Mini laptop / netbook - Asus Eee PC 1000H with Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hardware-review-mini-laptop-netbook-asus-eee-pc-1000h-with-linux/) - About netbooks / mini-laptops I have recently bought an Asus Eee PC 1000H. 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Our daughter enjoys making the picture and it also helps teach the different seasons. This time we made a Spring picture with rabbits and butterflies. Although butterflies are usually associated with summer there are a number - [Can't eat money](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cant-eat-money/) - There is an ancient Native American Indian Cree proverb which goes something like: Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will you realise that you can't eat money It's actually probably one of the most misquoted proverb ever, although the generally - [DVD Review: The boy in the striped pyjamas](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas/) - It's been over a year since I wrote a DVD review on my blog, mainly because I wanted to concentrate on the 3 main topics. This is one film that really had an impact on me and so I wanted to post a review. The film The boy in the striped pyjamas is about two - [Testing my new Tent - Easy camp, Taranto 600](https://watkissonline.co.uk/testing-my-new-tent-easy-camp-taranto-600/) - I bought a new tent earlier in the year and we're looking at putting it to use soon. This will be the first time we've been camping since we've had kids - so looking forward to it with a little bit of apprehension. It's an Easy camp Go Taranto 600, 7 birth tent. At least - [Book Reviews: Head First Java, Java The Complete Reference and Swing A Beginners Guide](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-reviews-head-first-java-java-the-complete-reference-and-swing-a-beginners-guide/) - Finally I think I understand this Java, OO-Programming, GUI based thing. Well enough to make a decent stab at some programming anyway, and that's more than I've been able to manage in the past. My first programming was in C which I was taught at university. This was back in the days when GUIs were - [Dusting off my dancing shoes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dusting-off-my-dancing-shoes/) - I've now been on my diet and fitness weight loss plan for 8 weeks now. I lost a further 4lbs this week. I've already lost a lot of weight and I'm getting fitting as well. Exercise seams to be addictive and I'm finding myself wanting to do more and more. One of the things I've - [How to avoid the Alli oops (is it just a scare story?)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/how-to-avoid-the-alli-oops-is-it-just-a-scare-story/) - I lost 3lbs on the Alli diet this week. The Alli Oops is used to describe some of the potentially unpleasant side-effects from taking the Alli weight-loss diet pills. The alli oops is a very real possibility, but in the last 3 months I've been taking the pills I have not really experienced the potential - [Hoax / Myth: Cough CPR or How to survive a heart attack when alone](https://watkissonline.co.uk/myth-cough-cpr-or-how-to-survive-a-heart-attack-when-alone/) - Cough CPR - NOT a valid first aid technique. There is an email doing the rounds again that I first saw some time ago. This time there is a powerpoint presentation with some comic pictures, but the information is just as bad as the text emails. - [CD Review: Child friendly Greased Lightning - Kidz Grease](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cd-review-child-friendly-greased-lightning-kidz-grease/) - I've been looking for a while for a child friendly version of Greased Lightning. I've certainly heard the original version used at other children's discos before, but it includes the words s**t and t*t, which are not words I'd like my 4 year daughter singing along to, just yet. I also have a disco set-up - [Embedded Linux - Are you already a Linux user?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/embedded-linux-are-you-already-a-linux-user/) - There are now more and more people discovering Linux as a real alternative to running Windows on our desktop computers. This may be because Linux is Free as in money (you have to buy Windows), it maybe that they've bought a netbook with Linux installed, it may be because of the frustrations of working with - [TestDisk - Free unformat / SD card recovery tools for Linux, Windows and Mac](https://watkissonline.co.uk/testdisk-free-unformat-sd-card-recovery-tools-for-linux-windows-and-mac/) - Ever had that sinking feeling when you format your SD card with all your precious holiday photos before suddenly realising that you hadn't actually copied them anywhere? In this case it turned out I did have a copy after all, it just happened to be on a different computer. I thought it was a good - [Radio Redditch vs TomTom MP3 broadcast](https://watkissonline.co.uk/radio-redditch-vs-tomtom-mp3-broadcast/) - Redditch has a new radio station called Radio Redditch. It broadcasts on 87.9Mhz FM (VHF). I am a fan of local radio stations and I think Redditch is in an ideal situation for a local radio station. There are a number of radio stations that can be received in Redditch, but before Radio Redditch none - [HSE Health and Safety Guides - now available online](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hse-health-and-safety-guides-now-available-online/) - Recently I've been doing some research on Event Health and Safety. In the past that meant having to buy hard-copy documents from the HSE for the likes of "The Event Safety Guide" (Purple Guide) and The Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide). 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It assumes that you already understand the basics of programming and the PHP language, if not then Learning PHP 5 from O'Reilly would - [Children in Need 2009 - Official and unofficial music DVD and CD](https://watkissonline.co.uk/children-in-need-2009-official-and-unofficial-music-dvd-and-cd/) - This year's Children in Need charity fund-raising included a music DVD and CD featuring a large cast of children TV characters. The brain behind the idea is comedian Peter Kay who is the voice behind Big Chris from Roary the Racing Car. It's an all star cast like a children equivalent of Band Aid, The - [Book review: AJAX programming](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-ajax-programming/) - I've recently started doing some AJAX programming including the PenguinGallery used for my photo galleries. Ajax isn't actually a programming language, but is a name given to the technologies used to provide smooth interactive websites. It is actually the combination of Javascript embedded within the webpage and code on the server (often PHP) and the - [Book Review: Health & Safety at Work - An essential guide for managers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-health-safety-at-work-an-essential-guide-for-managers/) - First 3 chapters cover the legal requirements of health and safety from the Health and Safety at Work act to reporting under RIDDOR. These consist of short introductory paragraphs with collection of extracts and bullet point information. There are some positive parts to this approach as it cuts down on the waffle and has just - [Abbey Stadium Redditch - new designs for 2011 / 2012 potential completion date](https://watkissonline.co.uk/abbey-stadium-redditch-new-designs-for-2011-2012-potential-completion-date/) - The new designs and proposal for Abbey Stadium sports centre and swimming pool are now available. This has been a long time coming, but according to the proposed schedule this may now be complete in 2011 / 2012. I haven't used any of the existing Abbey Stadium facilities, but I am a regular user of - [iPod Nano 5th generation - problems with Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ipod-nano-5th-generation-problems-with-linux/) - I got a nice new ipod Nano for Christmas. Before asking "Santa" I had already researched what support was available in Linux for the iPod and was satisfied I would be able to sync with Rhythmbox on Ubuntu Linux (Ubunutu Netbook Remix), which is my current default music player. Unfortunately it turns out my research - [Book Review: Health and Safety Pocket Book](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-health-and-safety-pocket-book/) - Although the description for this book suggests it would be useful for a wide range of people, it is going to be of more use to health and safety professionals rather than lay people with health and safety responsibilities. The book consists primarily of bullet points summarising the legislation with little or no further explanation. - [Software Review: Mozilla Firefox Web Browser 3.6](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-mozilla-firefox-web-browser-3-6/) - The latest version of Firefox is now available to download. Firefox 3.6 is the latest release following on just over 6 months after the successful release of Firefox version 3.5. - [Baby sign-language updated](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-sign-language-updated/) - I've already written about my experience with baby sign-language, but that was when my first child was just under two. We've now got a second child who is almost two who has taken very differently to baby sign-language. So this now gives a contrast between how different children sometimes take to baby sign-language more than - [Book Review: Advanced PHP 5 - Visual Quickproject Guide](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-advanced-php-5-visual-quickstart-guide/) - This is the second "advanced" PHP book that I've reviewed. The first was Wicked Cool PHP Scripts. This is the advanced series relating to the Visual QuickStart Guides. Advanced PHP 5 covers a number of different topics designed to take the proficient PHP programmer a bit further. This provides a good founding into some additional - [Review of High School Musical photo cube](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-high-school-musical-photo-cube/) - This is a fairly short review of the High School Musical photo cube. The reason for the review being quite short is that there is nothing good that I can think to write about it. This is a photo viewer in the shape of a cube, with High School musical pictures on 3 sides, controls - [Book Review: Getting Started with Arduino](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-getting-started-with-arduino/) - The Arduino is an open source electronics platform that has gained a huge following amongst hobby electronic enthusiasts. This book is by Massimo Bani who is co-founder of Arduino platform. The book is aimed at the complete beginner to both electronics as well as the Arduino assuming no former electronics or programming experience. The book - [Processing programming language - on Ubuntu Netbook Remix Karmic](https://watkissonline.co.uk/processing-programming-language-on-ubuntu-netbook-remix-karmic/) - I have recently been having a go with the Processing programming language. You can see my first attempt in the Interactive Diode circuit demonstration - Processing / Java applet on PenguinTutor.com. I really do like the language. It was ideally suited to the applet that I have created and I hope to add a few - [Book review: Processing A Programming Handbook for Visual Designers and Artists](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-processing-a-programming-handbook-for-visual-designers-and-artists/) - This is a book review of a book for artists. The review is being written by someone that is not much of an artist. You need to keep this in mind when reading this review. I am an engineer and experienced programming, perhaps the complete opposite of the target audience of this group. Although Processing - [World Book Day 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/world-book-day-2010/) - Today is World Book Day. Many schools and nurseries throughout the UK are celebrating with book related events to promote reading amongst children. It's not just schools that should do something special for World Book Day, but it's something all parents can involve their children with. As a parent I believe that reading with my - [Books for Dummies - do I qualify?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/books-for-dummies-do-i-qualify/) - I read a lot of technical books and magazines. My personal library consists of over 110 technical books and continues to grow (I have written book reviews of a small number of these technical books). My books vary from those aimed at the complete beginner to advanced programming books with various levels in between, but - [Quote of the day - from The Horse and His Boy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/quote-of-the-day-from-the-horse-and-his-boy/) - "Aravis also had many quarrels (and, I'm afraid, even fights) with Cor, but they always made it up again: so that years later, when they were grown up, they were so used to quarrelling and making it up again that they got married so as to go on doing it more conveniently." The Chronicles of - [Danger of - Pay day loans / cash advance loans](https://watkissonline.co.uk/danger-of-pay-day-loans-cash-advance-loans/) - I heard a radio advert for cash advance loans the other day. I thought I'd misheard the APR but no Typical 2278% APR!. These should not be allowed. These are likely to increase debt and cause an even greater downward spiral of debt. There should be laws against that exploitation of those that are clearly - [Dell laptop Inspiron 15R N5010 - first impression](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dell-laptop-inspiron-15r-n5010-first-impression/) - After my previous laptop (HP DV6200 ) ended up as a giant paperweight I've now bought a new Dell Laptop. I wasn't sure about buying a dell after my previous bad experience with the Dell delivery and helpdesk, but this laptop was the best I could find for the budget available. Fortunately it arrived quickly - [MP3 downloads from Ubuntu One - Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mp3-downloads-from-ubuntu-one-linux/) - It's been a while since I last bought music online, but I wanted a new Album for my daughter so that she can practice a song for a pantomime she's dancing in. I thought I'd give the Ubuntu One music store a try. - [Dell helpdesk - McAfee anti-virus 18months free and missing service tag](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dell-helpdesk-mcafee-anti-virus-18months-free-and-missing-service-tag/) - I've had a couple of minor issues with my new Dell Inspiron Laptop. These have been resolved now, but I must say that I was a bit uncertain about how well the help desk would handle my request after my previous bad experience with the Dell helpdesk. The issues: missing anti-virus software license and invalid - [Wireless networking - Wifi slow or broken - try changing channel](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wireless-networking-wifi-slow-or-broken-try-changing-channel/) - In the good old days of wireless networking the world was a wonderful place. You bought a wireless router plugged it into your broadband and it just worked. There was an issue of not enabling security, but that just made it easier for others to borrow your network (good or bad depends upon your personal - [The End Of The Line - shopping for sustainable fish](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-end-of-the-line-shopping-for-sustainable-fish/) - After watching the film documentary - The End of the Line I've now read the book as well. The End of the Line examines the damage that commercialised fishing has done and is still doing to the worlds oceans putting profits ahead of the sustainability of the fish. This has endangered many species of fish, - [Book review: IC 555 Projects](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-ic-555-projects/) - In the fast changing world of hobby electronics there are not many books that have been around for over 30 years that have been reprinted almost every year with only some relatively small changes during the first few years. In fact this is probably the only book that is. Whilst that is a testament to - [Toy review: Junior Scrabble Disney Edition](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toy-review-junior-scrabble-disney-edition/) - Junior Scrabble is a family game suitable for children from 5 years old. There are two different games depending upon the age of children. The simplest has the words fully spelled out and the aim is to cover each of the letters with the corresponding tile, the harder game has a picture for each word - [Belkin N Wireless Router F5D8236UK4 802.11n cable router and 4 port switch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/belkin-n-wireless-router-f5d8236uk4-802-11n-cable-router-and-4-port-switch/) - I've been having some problems with my wireless Wi-Fi network connection at home for the last couple of months. Most of the time the network works fine, but occasionally the network slows down to the point where it becomes unusable. This happens mainly in the evening and I believe is due to interference from a - [Book review: Electronics made simple](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-electronics-made-simple/) - From the title "Electronics Made Simple" I expected this book to include a lot of circuit diagrams showing basic electronic circuits; this book is however very thin on the practical real circuits. The circuits that are included are in block form, or there to illustrate what a circuit would look like rather than how to - [Book review: The River Cottage Fish Book](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-the-river-cottage-fish-book/) - The River Cottage Fish Book is not just a cookery book. It's also a useful guide to anglers planning to eat their catch and to those concerned about the sustainability of the fish we eat. It is the sustainability of the fish that makes this book stand out from all the others. UK consumers are - [Buying and cooking fresh and frozen sustainable fish](https://watkissonline.co.uk/buying-and-cooking-fresh-and-frozen-sustainable-fish/) - I've already written a post about how easy it is to buy sustainable tinned fish from a supermarket, but what about fresh and frozen fish. Until recently there seamed to be little choice at the supermarket except for frozen pollock (alternative haddock) or frozen coley (alternative to cod), but with help to the publicity from - [Fireman Sam - Live on Stage - Pontypandy Rocks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fireman-sam-live-on-stage-pontypandy-rocks/) - We had already bought our children a copy of the Fireman Sam Live on Stage DVD and the kids really enjoyed it. So when we saw that Fireman Sam was coming to the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham we jumped at the chance to buy tickets. It's perhaps a good job we did as the tickets - [Epson Multifunction printer - Epson Stylus Photo PX720WD on Ubuntu Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/epson-multifunction-printer-epson-stylus-photo-px720wd-on-ubuntu-linux/) - I recently purchased a new Epson Wireless Multi-function printer to replace my ageing Canon IP4200 printer. One of my primary criteria for the printer was that it needed to work with Linux, as we rarely use Windows at home. The 3 major manufacturers Canon, Epson and HP all provide some kind of Linux driver for - [Book review - Sams Teach Yourself HTML5 in 10 minutes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-sams-teach-yourself-html5-in-10-minutes/) - Sams Teach Yourself HTML 5 in 10 minutes provides brief introduction to the new features of HTML 5. The book is aimed at someone with a good knowledge of HTML and covers just the new features, with some basic examples of each feature. For a book that is supposed to be intended for those familiar - [Digital Rights Management (DRM) - Music, Films and now eBooks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/digital-rights-management-drm-music-films-and-now-books/) - Digital Rights Management (DRM) is where a user is restricted in what they can with with a certain media through technology. This means that if you have a certain file then you are restricted in where you can view / use that file. Supporters argue that these steps are needed to prevent copying, but on - [Review of the Amazon Kindle eBook reader](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-amazon-kindle-ebook-reader/) - For those that haven't heard of it yet the Kindle is an ebook reader. The Kindle can hold thousands of books in a device the size of an extra thin DVD case. It's also lighter than many paperback books. It can also last for several weeks between charges so can be used whilst travelling. The - [Children's reward chart (star chart) - encouragement for children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/childrens-reward-chart-star-chart-encouragement-for-children/) - Sometimes children may need a little encouragement to do something on a regular basis. They can be used to encourage kids to keep their bedroom tidy, as a reward for working hard at school, or even as a reward for healthy eating (eg. NHS Change 4 Life programme). We have used them in the past - [Book review: Arduino Cookbook](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-arduino-cookbook/) - The Arduino is a popular open hardware device that has gained a lot of support amongst hobby electronics. I've already reviewed some electronic books, including two Arduino books for beginners. The Cookbook series from O'Reilly is better known for software programming books, and despite being named after hardware this book is more about the programming - [Upgrade of website followed by 403 errors on Apache RewriteRule](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-of-website-followed-by-403-errors-on-apache-rewriterule/) - My Watkissonline.co.uk website is powered by Wordpress on a Linux hosted server. It's been on the server for some time and as a result was still running an old version of PHP and Mysql. Wordpress has now increased it's minimum requirement and therefore I needed an upgrade. I asked my provider Compila.com for an upgraded - [Duracell vs original Samsung Camcorder Battery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/duracell-vs-original-samsung-camcorder-battery/) - Most camcorders and digital cameras use some kind of proprietary battery. One of the reasons for this is that these are high capacity batteries that are needed to provide the power needed to run modern equipment with large LCD displays and lots of processing power. The result is that these batteries can be very expensive - [Removing the Google url part from search results](https://watkissonline.co.uk/removing-the-google-url-part-from-search-results/) - When I'm writing my blog I often add links to relevant websites. A quick Google and click on the link and I can easily copy the site into my blog. If however the links are direct to PDF files then it's usually just a case of right clicking and choosing "Copy Link Location" (I'm a - [K'Nex Corkscrew Coaster](https://watkissonline.co.uk/knex-corkscrew-coaster/) - My daughter is only six, but she loves roller coasters. We have season tickets to Drayton Manor Park (home of the Ben 10 roller coaster) and she recently went on Falcon the vertical roller coaster at Duinrell in Holland. Rides that would scare much older children. So when we were browsing around some toys and - [Book review - Cooking for Geeks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-cooking-for-geeks/) - I've read quite a few O'Reilly "Cookbooks" and written a review of one before (Arduino Cookbook), but this is the first O'Reilly book I've seen that is actually about food! This is cooking with a difference. From the title you can probably guess who the intended audience is; which I guess means admitting that I - [Toy Review - Fisherprice Thomas the Tank Engine Take-N-Play / Take Along Thomas & Friends](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toy-review-fisherprice-thomas-the-tank-engine-take-n-play-take-along-thomas-friends/) - This is a review of the Fisher Price Thomas Take-N-Play children toys based on Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. It is a push-along train set with plastic track and diecast metal trains. The "sets" are normally sold in the form of a plastic building with a simple loop track and an engine. The building - [Weekend in London and visiting the London Christmas Market / Winter Wonderland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/weekend-in-london-and-visiting-the-london-christmas-market-winter-wonderland/) - Our daughter was doing a school project on Florence Nightingale and so we wanted to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum at St Thomas' Hospital. As it was approaching Christmas we decided to have a weekend in London to visit the museum and see some of the Christmas markets in London. - [Review of Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 - Android Tablet](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-asus-eee-pad-transformer-tf101-android-tablet/) - This is a first impression of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 running Android. This is just a first impression at this stage as I have not yet had time to fully investigate the capability of the Android tablet. This is a review of the 16GB Eee Pad version. There is a new Eee Transformer - [Wooden Train Set - suitable for toddlers or minimum age 3+ ?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/toy-review-wooden-train-set/) - Wooden train sets have been a popular toy with children for many years and doesn't seam to be losing popularity. Many parents will have experienced that time when trying to get on with their shopping whilst your toddler wants to play with the wooden train set on display in a toy shop. The main advantage - [Review of Devolo dLAN 200 - Ethernet over power](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-devolo-dlan-200-ethernet-over-power/) - I have already written a review of an earlier model of the Devolo Ethernet over power adapters. These devices provide an ethernet network connection by passing the signal over the mains electricity cables within the house. These are useful for devices that don't have built-in wireless support (eg. blu-ray players, Internet enabled TVs and games - [Extended review of Asus Transformer Eee Pad](https://watkissonline.co.uk/extended-review-of-asus-transformer-eee-pad/) - I have already written a initial review of the Asus Eee pad transformer TF101. The first review was written when I had just received it. I've now had time to put it through it's paces and find it's good and bad points. Android tablet Android is a Linux based operating system specifically designed for use - [Android 4 - Ice Cream Sandwich for Asus EeePad Transformer TF101 - ICS](https://watkissonline.co.uk/android-4-ice-cream-sandwich-for-asus-eeepad-transformer-tf101-ics/) - I have already written a review of the Asus EeePad Tranformer tablets with Android which can installed with Android 3.2. It's been a little frustrating waiting for the upgrade to the latest Android operating system 4.0 - known as Ice Cream Sandwich. It's taken a little over two months to get the update, which isn't - [Book review: Screw Buisness as Usual by Richard Branson](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-screw-buisness-as-usual-by-richard-branson/) - I've always admired Sir Richard Branson, both as an Entreprenour and for some of the challenges he has undertaken. I've already got his Autobiography Losing My Virginity. Despite this I never knew associated him as a philanthropist or as a environmentalist, which it seams is exactly what he is. In his latest book "Screw Business - [Book review - Make: Electronics: Learning Through Discovery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-make-electronics-learning-through-discovery/) - Make: Electronics is a practical guide to hobby electronics. It's very much a hands-on guide encouraging learning by experimentation. Some of the experiments involve deliberate damage to components. Whilst I understand that this can be a good way to learn I think there are other ways of teaching which don't encourage deliberately overloading components. My - [Raspberry Pi Wireless - Belkin 802.11g usb adapter Ralink RT2750W](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-wireless-belkin-802-11g-usb-adapter-ralink-rt2750w/) - These are the steps involved in getting a Belkin USB network adapter to work on the Raspberry Pi. I have deliberately done this all on the command line rather than using a GUI application. As this will show some of what is going on behind the scenes. This is the configuration for a single wireless - [Book review: We bought a zoo - Benjamin Mee](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-review-we-bought-a-zoo-benjamin-mee/) - I saw the film "We bought a Zoo" before I read the book. As soon as I'd watched the film I ordered the book (well later that evening as I actually saw it as an in-flight movie) and I knew straight away that I wanted to read the true story rather than the Hollywood version. - [HDMI to VGA for the Raspberry Pi - getting one that works](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hdmi-to-vga-for-the-raspberry-pi-getting-one-that-works/) - Connecting the Raspberry Pi to an analogue vga monitor The Raspberry Pi uses a HDMI output for its video. Ideally this should be connected to a monitor or TV with HDMI input or DVI input (the DVI monitor connection is electrically compatible with HDMI so it just needs the appropriate cable to change the connector - [Help Your Kids with Science - Book](https://watkissonline.co.uk/help-your-kids-with-science-book/) - I have always had an interest for science which I try to pass on to my own children. I will often take my children to science museums for a day out and often talk to my children about how things work whilst out and about. For instance my 5 year old son already has a - [Dartmoor Zoological Park - Real home of We Bought a Zoo](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dartmoor-zoological-park-real-home-of-we-bought-a-zoo/) - I first heard about Dartmoor Zoological Park through the film “We Bought a Zoo”. Whilst the Hollywood version of the film was very different from the true story (although still very good), it was the Book: We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee that made me want to visit Dartmoor Zoo. I visited the zoo as a normal paying customer, but I must confess that because of the book I had become a fan of the zoo long before I actually visited it. - [Setting up the Raspberry Pi as a host wireless hotspot](https://watkissonline.co.uk/setting-up-the-raspberry-pi-as-a-host-wireless-hotspot/) - This guide is how to turn a Raspberry Pi into a host Wireless WiFi hotspot. First what does that mean? This will not turn your Pi into a wireless router (although you'd be half-way there), but instead provides a way to connect and control a Raspberry Pi using a dedicated wireless network. The reason I - [The first thing you should do with your new Windows 8 laptop from Christmas](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-first-thing-you-should-do-with-your-new-windows-8-laptop-from-christmas/) - You've unwrapped your shiny new Windows 8 PC or laptop you received for Christmas, but before you start using it there is something you should do first. Don't worry if you've started using it, but do this as soon as possible, before you have a problem. As a Linux advocate you may think I'm going - [What's the youngest age to teach Scratch programming?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/whats-the-youngest-age-to-teach-scratch-programming/) - Recently I taught programming Scratch to some primary school teachers. One of the questions I was asked was about the youngest age that you could teach Scratch to. It's a difficult question and as with all teaching it depends upon the ability of the child. I gave the answer that "Scratch is designed for children - [Book - Mastering the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/book-mastering-the-raspberry-pi/) - This is the second book that I've been the technical book reviewer for, the first being Learn Raspberry Pi with Linux. When I was contacted by Apress to ask if I'd do the review then I didn't hesitate to say yes as from the description this sounded like just the sort of book I would - [Safely controlling mains electricity using the Raspberry Pi and Energenie Pi-mote](https://watkissonline.co.uk/safely-controlling-mains-electricity-using-the-raspberry-pi-and-energenie-pi-mote/) - It's useful to be able to turn mains electricity on using a computer program. Whilst it's not hard to create an electronic circuit that can switch mains voltages, if not done correctly it can be dangerous. This is where the remote control sockets can be used to create a physical barrier between the low voltage - [Energenie infrared socket and Raspberry Pi infrared](https://watkissonline.co.uk/energenie-infrared-socket-and-raspberry-pi-infrared/) - I have already posted about the Energenie wireless remote control sockets. I've now had chance to look through one of their other products - which is an infrared remote control socket. This is a power saving socket allowing a TV and associated equipment to be fully powered off from the mains socket using the normal - [Computers and robots - Digital Maker Badge with Beaver Scouts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/computers-and-robots-digital-maker-badge-with-beaver-scouts/) - The Scouts have introduced some new staged activity badges which provide different levels of achievement. One of the new ones they've added is the Digital Maker which is all about using making games, programs and robots. The highest stage goes as far as making their own robot using off-the-shelf components, but I was working with - [Review of "The Who's" Tommy, on stage and screen](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-whos-tommy-on-stage-and-screen/) - I went to see the Musical (Rock Opera) Tommy on stage at the Belgrade in Coventry last month. The show was great, great songs, combined with good stage direction worked really well. Since then I looked out the original film rock opera to see how it compares. Here's a review: "As Musicals go I find - [Welcome](https://watkissonline.co.uk/welcome/) - I've just downloaded and installed WordPress so here's the start of my new Blog. The reason for starting this is that there is so much I want to put on the Website that doesn't fit into my current site, and to keep adding new categories would just overload the website. I hope in future to - [Disco Lights controlled by a Micro:Bit running Micro Python](https://watkissonline.co.uk/disco-lights-controlled-by-a-microbit-running-micro-python/) - I've been playing around with a BBC Micro:Bit for the last few days. You can see my first adventures in programming MicroPython on the Micro:Bit using a Raspberry Pi 2. One of the first things that you normally do when learning electronics is to light up an LED. It gives an immediate output and adds - [Simple RFID using Python3 on a Raspberry Pi 2 - RC522 SPI RFID module](https://watkissonline.co.uk/simple-rfid-using-python3-on-a-raspberry-pi-2-rc522-spi-rfid-module/) - RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) provide the ability for devices to talk to each other by touching them together. This could be between two smart devices or between a smart device to a simple tag embedded into a card or sticker. In my case my requirements were quite basic as I - [Raspberry Pi Motion Triggered Halloween Pumpkin Jack-O'-Lantern](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-motion-triggered-halloween-pumpkin-jack-o-lantern/) - My 8 year old son has now completed another Raspberry Pi project. This project is a Halloween Pumpkin, or jack-o'-lantern, which is triggered whenever someone comes near. It uses a PIR motion sensor to detect someone entering the room and then lights up a sequence of NeoPixels. In this case these are static green and - [Getting started with 3D printing using Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/getting-started-with-3d-printing-using-linux/) - I have now got a 3D printer. I haven't done much with it yet and it's a steep learning curve but I'm looking forward to getting into 3D printing. Choosing a 3D printer The first decision was which 3D printer to buy. There are a lot of different choices starting from little over £100 and - [Networking challenge quiz for school IT and computing fair](https://watkissonline.co.uk/networking-challenge-quiz-for-school-it-and-computing-fair/) - In the UK, Year 9 (age 13 to 14) is an important stage which can influence the student's future career. It is during this year that the students first decide on what subjects to pursue, and in particular whether they will continue to study computer science. I recently attended a computing and IT careers fair - [Camping trip to Bala Lake in Snowdonia Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-trip-to-bala-lake-in-snowdonia-wales/) - This year our main holiday was at Easter. We still wanted to do something during the summer but having spent a lot on the previous holiday it needed to be something less expensive. One option was for a camping trip. Our son loved the idea, but not so much our daughter. It's not that she - [Fixing 3D printer first layer problems - sticking to the bed](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fixing-3d-printer-first-layer-problems-sticking-to-the-bed/) - I have had a 3D printer for about two and half years now and I'm still learning. One of the biggest problems I have had is problems with getting the first layer to stick to the print bed. This is a common problem, but not one that I've been able to find a simple solution. - [Chocolate and Vanilla biscuits](https://watkissonline.co.uk/chocolate-and-vanilla-biscuits/) - 350g plain flour 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or a few drops vanilla essence 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda 100g butter / hard margarine 175g soft light brown sugar 1 medium egg 4 tablespoons golden syrup Pre-heat oven to 190°C / Gas mark 5 Sift flour and cocoa (if required) Add bicarbonate of soda Cut - [Email Protocols - POP3 vs IMAP and SMTP](https://watkissonline.co.uk/email-protocols-pop3-vs-imap-and-smtp/) - In an earlier post, about using Thunderbird to filter spam emails, I mentioned that IMAP has many advantages over POP3. I then skirted over the subject and never really explained either protocols. Here is a quick overview of how both work and why you may choose one over the other. I'll also explain a little about SMTP and what that means. - [Ubuntu Netbook Remix - Easy to use Linux Operating System for netbooks (9.10)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-netbook-remix-easy-to-use-linux-operating-system-for-netbooks-9-10/) - I've now upgraded my EeePC netbook to the latest version of Ubuntu Linux. Previously I was using Eeebuntu which has a very modern look with a bit of a Mac feel to it. The version I had installed was essentially a standard desktop operating system (which is also the approach that is used by Microsoft - [Raspberry Pi Birthday Party - Birmingham 2019](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-birthday-party-birmingham-2019/) - I was again involved with the Raspberry Pi Birthday Celebrations in Birmingham. This years event was held at the STEMHouse in Birmingham. A makerspace / startup space designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to create a product. There was a strong influence of 3D printing and games programming at the event, including my own - [G-Scale building for garden model railway - part 3 - Adding a roof and other features](https://watkissonline.co.uk/g-scale-building-for-garden-model-railway-part-3-adding-a-roof-and-other-features/) - In this final part of the design for a 3D printed model railway building I've added additional features such as the door, windows and roof as well as adding a smoke generator. These were all designed in TinkerCAD. These are designed in TinkerCAD and then exported for 3D printing. The smoke generator is fitted into - [G-Scale building for garden model railway - part 2 - TinkerCAD code blocks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/g-scale-building-for-garden-model-railway-part-2-tinkercad-code-blocks/) - This is an update on my first outdoor model railway building created using a 3D printer. In the first version of the model railway building I created the building in several different parts, in this version I have decided on just 3. The main part is the body of the building, then the roof and - [3D printed Aquarium - Gift idea for Megaquarium Computer Game](https://watkissonline.co.uk/3d-printed-aquarium-gift-idea-for-megaquarium-computer-game/) - Megaquarium is a computer game where you get a design your own aquarium tourist attraction. It's like Roller Coaster Tycoon, based around a Sea Life Centre. My son wants it as a Christmas present, which is great except in the days of digital downloads a bunch of binary digits doesn't quite feel the same as - [TinkerCAD 3D Snowman for 3D printing G-Scale model railway](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tinkercad-3d-snowman-for-3d-printing-g-scale-model-railway/) - This is a model that I've made using TinkerCAD. A snowman designed for 3D printing on a home 3D printer. It's been created to approximate G-Scale (1:22.5) for outdoor model railways. It's also hollow so that you can insert an LED inside and have it light-up (assuming it's printed with a light coloured PLA) so - [The rules for building a model railway](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-rules-for-building-a-model-railway/) - There are many different misconceptions about creating model railways and the people that are involved. I'd therefore like to start by dispelling some of these myths and explaining what I think that model railways is about. The 3 Golden Rules of Model Railways Many people have come up with different rules for model railways, here's - [JLL Piano - Raspberry Pi Music Clip player](https://watkissonline.co.uk/jll-piano-raspberry-pi-music-clip-player/) - This project is called the JLL piano. This is a school project that my daughter created for her music homework. She needed to create a project that related to Jerry Lee Lewis and she created a mini piano that plays a short clip for a different song depending upon the key that is pressed. It - [Programming games with Pygame Zero](https://watkissonline.co.uk/programming-games-with-pygame-zero/) - Recently I've been programming some games using Pygame Zero. Pygame Zero is combination of libraries and other code that interfaces with Pygame to make it easier to program graphical games (or other applications). I've created two games so far one of which is designed for the Picade, Raspberry Pi based mini Arcade Machine and the - [Updated Linux and Raspberry Pi Tutorials](https://watkissonline.co.uk/updated-linux-and-raspberry-pi-tutorials/) - One of the things about creating a web site is having to keep it up-to-date as changes happen. In the case of my PenguinTutor web site that is the changes in Linux and the Raspberry Pi over the last few years. In particular a new release of Raspbian was created last year (based on Debian - [Raspberry Pi 6th Birthday - Birmingham Raspberry Jam 2018](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-6th-birthday-birmingham-raspberry-jam-2018/) - Today is the weekend of the Raspberry Pi 6th Birthday. In the past the birthday has been celebrated with a large Raspberry Jam in Cambridge (organized by Mike Horne and Tim Richardson). I have been to the earlier birthday celebrations, supporting workshops run by others, giving presentations and running workshops. For 2018 the birthday celebrations - [ESA European Astro Pi Project - Mission Zero - Code that ran on the International Space Station](https://watkissonline.co.uk/esa-european-astro-pi-project-mission-zero-code-that-ran-on-the-international-space-station/) - The ESA European Astro Pi Project - "Mission Zero", involved school children creating code that actually ran on the International Space Station (ISS). My son joined with a friend (both aged 9 at the time it was submitted) to create a Python program that ran on the International Space station during February 2018. Here's his - [OMSCS Studying online - MSc in Computer Science with Georgia Tech](https://watkissonline.co.uk/omscs-studying-online-msc-in-computer-science-with-georgia-tech/) - I've recently completed an online Master degree with Georgia Tech. This has been a huge commitment in terms of time, but I've learned a lot. "University Master Degree - same as on-campus but it's online" As an online course the cost is only a fraction of on-campus classes, and in my case my employer covered - [Upgraded Networking Challenge for Computing fair](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgraded-networking-challenge-for-computing-fair/) - I have written previously about a school computing fair that I helped support. I went along again this year as a way to promote STEM and in particular computing. As I work for a telecommunications company then I wanted to promote computer networking as a career option. I didn't want to just talk about computer - [National Waterways Museum in Gloucester Docks - Visiting with baby and child](https://watkissonline.co.uk/national-waterways-museum-in-gloucester-docks-visiting-with-baby-and-child/) - I took my three year old daughter and baby son to the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester. This is one of three museums operated by the Waterways Trust under the name of National Waterways Museum. The three museums are at: Ellesmere Port, Gloucester Docks and Stoke Bruerne. The first problem was finding somewhere to park. - [Review of MeArmPi robot arm for Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-mearmpi-robot-arm-for-raspberry-pi/) - I backed the MeArm Pi kickstarter project earlier this year, and just received the finished product. It's a, laser cut, plastic robot arm which has a built-in Raspberry Pi. It is created by Mime Industries who have previously created a similar robot arm without the build-in controller / Raspberry Pi. It can be controlled using - [Birmingham Christmas Market, Ice Rink and Big Wheel](https://watkissonline.co.uk/birmingham-christmas-market-ice-rink-and-big-wheel/) - There have been some changes to Christmas in Birmingham this year. Watch the video to see more details: - [Microwave Mug Cake and Cookie Recipes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microwave-mug-cake-and-cookie-recipes/) - I wanted to run some kind of cooking / baking activity with the Cub Scouts, however we meet at a community centre which does not have a kitchen. I therefore turned to some Microwave recipes. I tried a few different recipes and in the end decided on two cakes and one biscuit recipe. These are - [Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi - on Humble Bundle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/learn-electronics-with-raspberry-pi-on-humble-bundle/) - My book "Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi" is included in the Lego Mindstorms and Robotics book bundle on Humble Bundle. Through this you can get over $500 worth of ebooks for a fraction of their normal price, with a portion of the money going towards the charity AbleGamers Foundation. As with all the Humble Bundles - [Fire and Rescue Service Challenge Day 2017](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fire-and-rescue-service-challenge-day-2017/) - I went to see the Rescue Challenge at Webbs of Wychbold, near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. This is an event where various Fire Services from around the UK compete in simulated rescue situations. The most dramatic of which is the two vehicle extraction where one car is positioned on top of another. I recorded one of - [Raspberry Pi with Google AIY - voice recognition](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-with-google-aiy-voice-recognition/) - Google and MagPi (the official Raspberry Pi magazine) have released a project in the magazine using the Google API engine. This is known as AIY and was released with issue 57 of the magazine. The finished project is a cardboard box with a button switch on top. It includes a audio card and a microphone, - [Adding a home disk to virtualbox virtual machine - Ubuntu VM](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-a-home-disk-to-virtualbox-virtual-machine-ubuntu-vm/) - Introduction Recently I ran out of space when using a Virtualbox virtual machine. Normally I use a dynamic disk that allows resizing (typically setting it to be much larger than I expect to use), but in this case I am using a virtual disk provided for me. It's based on VMDK and Virtualbox does not - [Software review - Mandriva Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-mandriva-linux/) - Back in the 1990's I used to use Mandrake Linux as my preferred distribution. Back in the day it had great hardware support and looked good.Mandrake merged with Lycoris and Connectiva to form Mandriva Linux. Mandriva went through a stage where the distribution was not as stable as it should have been and about that - [Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway Santa Special Steam Train](https://watkissonline.co.uk/gloucestershire-and-warwickshire-railway-santa-special-steam-train/) - This Christmas we visited the Gloucestershare and Warwickshire Railway for the Santa Special steam train. The train was from Cheltenham Racecourse railway station. The train was fully booked, but there were enough tables for everyone to find a comfortable seat. We started with a train journey to the "North Pole" station. The carriage was decorated - [Birmingham Christmas Market 2016](https://watkissonline.co.uk/birmingham-christmas-market-2016/) - Video and photos from our visit to the Birmingham Christmas Market in 2016. - [Element 14 BOO! Pi Costume Contest](https://watkissonline.co.uk/element-14-boo-pi-costume-contest/) - Around Halloween 2016 Element 14 ran a Costume Competition for wearable tech projects. Boo! Pi Costume Contest I was already working on a Wizard of Oz costume so I submitted my project to the competition. You can find out more about the Raspberry Pi - PiZero NeoPixel bow tie here. My costume was one of - [Wizard of Oz Costume - Wearable electronics with Raspberry Pi, Pi Zero](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wizard-of-oz-costume-wearable-electronics-with-raspberry-pi-pi-zero/) - I decided to create a Wizard of Oz costume for Halloween this year. As you probably know The Wizard of Oz wasn't really a wizard at all. He used a mechanical machine to convince the citizens of Oz about his magical abilities. What you may not know is that he was more than just a - [Restore dual boot with Ubuntu when Windows 10 update overrides the UEFI settings](https://watkissonline.co.uk/restore-dual-boot-with-ubuntu-when-windows-10-update-overrides-the-uefi-settings/) - As a Linux user it's now very rare that I run Windows on my home computer, but when I do it's usually because of something important. At the moment it's because I'm taking some exams on my MSc course and the remote proctoring software only supports Windows and Mac. It's therefore rather important that my - [PyconUK 2016 - Sending secret messages with a micro:bit](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pyconuk-2016-sending-secret-messages-with-a-microbit/) - Another year and another Pycon UK. For 2016 the UK's community Python Conference was held in Cardiff, Wales. It's also the fourth year that they've included a special Children's day on the Saturday. This included a day of kids coding on Raspberry Pi computers (Pi-Top CEED) and this year each child received a micro:bit to - [Pi-Top Raspberry Pi laptop computer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pi-top-raspberry-pi-laptop-computer/) - During my visit to the Raspberry Pi factory arranged by RS I also entered into a competition to win a Pi-Top computer. After a close run vote, I won. So I now have a Pi-Top Raspberry Pi laptop. The Pi-Top is a similar size to a regular laptop, but involves some assembly and uses a - [Visit to Sony Raspberry Pi Factory Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/visit-to-sony-raspberry-pi-factory-wales/) - I've recently been to visit the Sony UK factory where the Raspberry Pi is made. This was made possible thanks to RS Components and a competition to win a tour around the site. The site known as the Sony UK Technology Centre is based in Pencoed Wales. At the site they manufacture high-end video cameras - [Raspberry Pi - Heart beat - 8x8 LED display with I2C BackPack from AdaFruit](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-love-heart-for-british-heart-foundation-wear-it-beat-it/) - This is based on the AdaFruit 8x8 Bicolor LED display with I2C BackPack. It's connected to a Raspberry Pi 2, although it's only very simple and could be connected to any model Raspberry Pi. After soldering the parts together (checking that the display is the right way round - with the writing near the round - [Programming the BBC Micro:Bit using a Raspberry Pi 2](https://watkissonline.co.uk/programming-the-bbc-microbit-using-a-raspberry-pi-2/) - The BBC Micro:Bit will be going out to school children in the UK during 2016. In the meantime I have been given a sneak peek as part of the microbit world tour. The aim is to put the micro:bit into the hands of some Python programmers that can find out what is possible and create - [Communicating between Raspberry Pi and Micro:Bit using pyserial](https://watkissonline.co.uk/communicating-between-raspberry-pi-and-microbit-using-pyserial/) - One of the things I've been doing with the micro:bit is to have it relay messages to a connected host computer. This is fairly easy within python on a Linux computer (such as the Raspberry Pi) thanks to the pyserial module which supports sending and receiving serial communication over a serial USB device. It's even - [Controlling a Raspberry Pi robot using the micro:bit accelerometer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/controlling-a-raspberry-pi-robot-using-the-microbit-accelerometer/) - The BBC micro:bit includes an accelerometer which allows you to track the movement of the micro:bit. This means that it can be used to as a controller similar to how the Wii remote control tracks it's movement through the air. For this project I used the micro:bit as a wired device to control my existing - [The Raspberry Pi $5 PiZero - the cost is only half the story](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-raspberry-pi-5-pizero-the-cost-is-only-half-the-story/) - The Raspberry Pi foundation has made a new Raspberry Pi computer called the PiZero. It's a smaller version of the version 1 Raspberry Pi that's been stripped back to the bare essentials with price that's an amazing $5 (currently £4 in the UK including VAT). Not only that but they are so inexpensive they've been - [When it's time to re-install Ubuntu / Kubuntu Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/when-its-time-to-re-install-ubuntu-kubuntu-linux/) - One of the benefits of a Debian based Linux operating system is how easy it is to upgrade. In the case of Ubuntu and the KDE version Kubuntu then there is a new release every 6 months providing. This provides a way to get the latest versions of all the software with minimal fuss. For - [Next generation innovators at Malvern Festival of Innovation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/next-generation-innovators-at-malvern-festival-of-innovation/) - I recently spent a day at the Malvern Festival of Innovation - introducing pupils to physical computing and computer programming. The event was in co-operation with STEMNet (who arrange the background checks and provide support) and The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) (who provided all the materials and equipment on the day). The event - [Erratic mouse behaviour on Dell laptop with soft touchpad - Adjusting the trackpad in Ubuntu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/erratic-mouse-behaviour-on-dell-laptop-with-soft-touchpad-adjusting-the-trackpad-in-ubuntu/) - I recently bought a Dell Inspiron 17 laptop, to primarily run Linux. This is a 17" laptop with touchscreen and a Touchpad. The touchpad is a single rectangular area which appears to integrate the two "mouse" buttons with a line marked on top of the touchpad. This is sometimes called a clickpad as the entire - [Fixing erratic Clickpad / Touchpad behaviour on Dell Inspiron 7000 series with Kubuntu / Ubuntu 15.10](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fixing-erratic-clickpad-touchpad-behaviour-on-dell-inspiron-7000-series-with-kubuntu-ubuntu-15-10/) - I have a Dell laptop - Dell Inspiron 17 model 7737 When I first bought it I installed Ubuntu 13.10, which worked well with a little tweaking of the clickpad settings. More details about installing Ubuntu Linux on the Dell model 7000 series are available here. Since then I've moved to Kubuntu (based on Ubuntu - [Redditch Fire Station Bonfire and Firework Display 2015](https://watkissonline.co.uk/redditch-fire-station-bonfire-and-firework-display-2015/) - Another great Bonfire Night and Firework Display at Redditch Fire Station. Although it was originally expected that 2014 would have been the last display the Fire Service have now confirmed that they do plan to continue with the regular tradition for 2016 and beyond. There is a reasonable admission fee (£4 adults, £2 children in - [Low fat food - good for a diet](https://watkissonline.co.uk/low-fat-food-good-for-a-diet/) - Here are a few of my favourite foods that I ate when on a low fat diet. Breakfast Breakfast cereals Most breakfast cereals are low in fat and calories. Avoid cereals with added sugar - these can have a lot of calories Take care with muesli - Muesli can be good if eaten in small - [High altitude ballooning with the Raspberry Pi and Lego figures](https://watkissonline.co.uk/high-altitude-ballooning-with-the-raspberry-pi-and-lego-figures/) - We visited the education day on PyconUK again this year (read about last years PyconUK Kids education day). It's a great day for children to get excited about programming and this year electronics as well. Another new feature of this years education track is that the Raspberry Pi education Skycademy team launched high altitude balloons - [Robot Arm control software for the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/robot-arm-control-software-for-the-raspberry-pi/) - Frustrated by the lack of Linux support for an education Robot Arm I bought - I've written my own. Other community members had already worked out the code to allow you to program the robot arm yourself in Python, but I wanted something that young children could easily see and interact with. I have therefore - [Neopixel GUI for the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/neopixel-gui-for-the-raspberry-pi/) - I've started work on a graphical application to control Neopixels using the Raspberry Pi. This is one of my first projects using Python and Tkinter. It's primarily designed for a disco DJ environment where a DJ may want to change the LED sequence based on the music being played. It uses nice big buttons (ideal - [Raspberry Pi St George's day with Unicorn Hat](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-st-georges-day-with-unicorn-hat/) - I've recently bought a Pimoroni Unicorn Hat for my daughter to use on her Raspberry Pi. It's a add-on for the Raspberry Pi which provides 64 LEDs each of which can be individually set to any colour. As it's St George's day I've created a St George's cross. The photo is shown through a diffuser - [Day out cycling on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire railway near Tardebigge](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-cycling-on-the-staffordshire-and-worcestershire-railway-near-tardebigge/) - Photos from the canal at TardebiggePosted by Days Out Diary on Monday, 6 April 2015 - [HDMI Pi - Raspberry Pi screen - upgrade to Raspberry Pi 2 / B+](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hdmi-pi-raspberry-pi-screen-upgrade-to-raspberry-pi-2-b/) - I bought a HDMI Pi, Raspberry Pi screen through the kickstarter project. When the Kickstarter was run then there were only the model A and model B Raspberry Pi computers and the screen was designed for the model B. Although the B+ was released before the screens actually shipped for logistics reasons (and to reduce - [Day out at the Big Bang Fair at the NEC - including #Error404](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-big-bang-fair-at-the-nec-including-error404/) - The Big Bang fair is a free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) event aimed at children aged from 7 to 19. It's an annual event and I first attended the Big Bang Science Fair last year - Big Bang Fair 2014. I took my 8 year old daughter (now 9 year old) along and - [Raspberry Pi robot Android app](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-robot-android-app/) - I created a web front end for my Raspberry Pi based robot, which works well on a desktop PC, but not quite the way I wanted on a mobile phone. My idea was to have graphical buttons for the different directions and holding down the button will make it move in that direction and releasing - [Raspberry Pi 2 - New 1GB quad-core $35 computer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-2-new-1gb-quad-core-35-computer/) - The Raspberry Pi is a $35 computer designed to provide a platform for children to learn computer programming. The Raspberry Pi was launched in 2012 and became and immediate success, with the only problem being how to satisfy demand when initial orders exceeded everyone's wildest dreams. Initially many were bought by adult makers rather than - [Changing from RaspBMC to OSMC - static IP address and remote connection](https://watkissonline.co.uk/changing-from-raspbmc-to-osmc-static-ip-address-and-remote-connection/) - I've been running XBMC using RaspBMC on a Raspberry Pi for some time. I've digitised my music and videos and this allows me to watch them on various TVs around the home accessing from a central server PC. Recently the XBMC project has now renamed itself as Kodi to reflect that it has changed from - [Installing a MyPiFi LCD onto a Raspberry Pi in a Pimoroni Pibow case](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-a-mypifi-lcd-onto-a-raspberry-pi-in-a-pimoroni-pibow-case/) - Having already done some work with LCD displays on the Arduino I had been looking for a project to use one with the Raspberry Pi. Wiring this up was a bit messy until the MyPiFi LCD display board came along. The problem I then had was that I couldn't fit the MyPiFi LCD onto the - [Father Christmas at Creaky Cauldron, Magic Alley, Stratford-Upon-Avon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/father-christmas-at-creaky-cauldron-magic-alley-stratford-upon-avon/) - Meeting Father Christmas at Creaky Cauldron, Magic Alley, Stratford-Upon-Avon - [One bricked phone and lots of reboots - I finally have Android Lollipop on my Nexus 4](https://watkissonline.co.uk/one-bricked-phone-and-lots-of-reboots-i-finally-have-android-lollipop-on-my-nexus-4/) - I have been a fan of Android since I had my first mobile phone. Since Gingerbread I've managed to have every new version (although still running an older version on some of my devices) and it just keeps getting better. So I was very excited when I heard that the latest version Lollipop was available - [Bletchley Park and The National Museum of Computing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/bletchley-park-and-the-national-museum-of-computing/) - During the second world war Bletchley Park was home to the Government Code and Cypher School and played a critical role deciphering encrypted messages. I first visited a several years ago before it was opened to the public, it seamed a shame then that such an important part of British history wasn't more accessible. Since - [Running Scratch program - auto full screen (presentation mode) with Raspberry Pi GPIO ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/running-scratch-program-auto-full-screen-presentation-mode-with-raspberry-pi-gpio/) - One of the things I've been doing recently is a school project with my children using the Raspberry Pi. My daughter has written the program in Scratch, but I needed to find a way to get it to autoplay. This should have been fairly straight forward using an appropriate autostart file and Scratch presentation mode, - [Going Sober for October - What is it really about?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/going-sober-for-october-what-is-it-really-about/) - Last time I wrote about my Going Sober for October challenge it was pretty much about what I was doing, but this time it's more about why I'm doing this and the charity that I'm raising money for. I'd certainly heard about Macmillan Cancer Support charity and particularly about the Macmillan nurses, but I've not - [English Heritage - Brodsworth at War](https://watkissonline.co.uk/english-heritage-brodsworth-at-war/) - I had already visited Brodsworth Hall and gardens taking my children for a day out on a standard day. This was our second visit which was on one of the Brodsworth at War special event days. I took my family along as a member of the English Heritage members panel. The day that we visited - [Go Sober for October - raising money for Macmillan cancer support](https://watkissonline.co.uk/go-sober-for-october-raising-money-for-macmillan-cancer-support/) - The most important part of the Go Sober campaign is to raise funds for Macmillan cancer support. A quick look at my campaign page and I've not raised quite as much as I'd hoped so far. I do however have some offline donations which won't be counted until they get paid in at the end - [Malvern Festival of Innovation school's day](https://watkissonline.co.uk/malvern-festival-of-innovation-schools-day/) - It's not often that you see a Raspberry Pi workshop, a team from (soon to be???) the worlds fastest car and some llamas in the same room, but that's what you'd find at this years school's day at the Malvern Festival of Innovation. I was there as a STEM Ambassador helping out on the Raspberry - [Adding thumbnail images to MP3 tags for Citroen C4 Picasso USB MP3 player](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-thumbnail-images-to-mp3-tags-for-citroen-c4-picasso-usb-mp3-player/) - I have recently got a new car with a full graphical entertainment system. It's a new Citroen C4 Grand Picasso with a built in Touch Drive system which includes a USB MP3 player. The system includes a 7" touch screen which can display MP3 thumbnails. My CD collection is already digitized and includes JPEG cover - [SPAM pretending to come from watkissonline.co.uk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/spam-pretending-to-come-from-watkissonline-co-uk/) - I have received reports that a spammer is sending emails requesting payment for an invoice from watkissonline. I can assure you that these are SPAM emails that are not from watkissonline, but appear to be originating from a server in Africa. If you receive an invoice email please delete it. I have added SPF authentication - [Conkers - indoor and outdoor attraction](https://watkissonline.co.uk/conkers-indoor-and-outdoor-attraction/) - Conkers is an attraction in the National Forest. It has outdoor play areas and activities and an indoor activity centre with an environment themed learning zone and play area. The outdoor area covers a large area, with a modern light railway to get between two areas of the site. As well as play areas there - [New .UK domain name - daysoutdiary.uk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-uk-domain-name-daysoutdiary-uk/) - UK websites are now being found using the new .uk domain. This means that as well as the sites ending .co.uk and .org.uk etc. there will now be sites ending directly with .uk I have registered my first website which is daysoutdiary.uk. This is in addition to the original site address at daysoutdiary.co.uk. I think - [Humble Bundle - DRM free games for Linux and Android and eBooks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/humble-bundle-drm-free-games-for-linux-and-android-and-ebooks/) - I have bought many games and Ebooks through Humble Bundle. I don't blog about them very often as the bundles are usually available for about a week and by the time I get around to writing the blog then that time is nearly over. I wanted to blog about this bundle though because it includes - [What's my IP address?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/whats-my-ip-address/) - Sometimes you need to know your IP address. Sometimes it needs to be the real IP address that you appear as on the Internet and not just the fake one that your local router uses. An example is when I blocked access from visitors whilst upgrading my blog. - [Using the Zilog PIR sensor with the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-the-zilog-pir-sensor-with-the-raspberry-pi/) - For my latest Raspberry Pi project I wanted to be able to detect when a person was in the room. I happened to have a Zilog PIR sensor from SK Pang that I'd bought, but not used. This provides details to get the PIR sensor working with the Raspberry Pi. The data sheet for the - [Design and build a Raspberry Pi robot - draft document](https://watkissonline.co.uk/design-and-build-a-raspberry-pi-robot-draft-document/) - When I first showed my Raspberry Pi based "Ruby Robot" at the Raspberry Jam at Pycon UK, I promised a guide would be forthcoming. I've now finished the first draft of my guide to creating the robot. The guide does more than just take the reader through the steps to create a robot. It also - [Young scientists - The Mentos fountain challenge](https://watkissonline.co.uk/young-scientists-the-mentos-fountain-challenge/) - This is Science and Engineering week - a celebration of science and engineering. When we visited the Big Bang Fair at the NEC we watched the Kaboom! Show and on the way out we were given a leaflet about the Mentos Fountain Challenge. This looked like an ideal experiment to try with my children. The - [Day out at Beamish open air museum](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-beamish-open-air-museum/) - I visited the Beamish open air museum with my son during the February half-term holiday, there were also special World War 2 events during the week. It was a sunny day which made a nice change, but as a result it was very popular at the museum. After we parked up we had to join - [Day out at the Big Bang Science Fair](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-big-bang-science-fair/) - The Big Bang Science Fair is an annual event to promote the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and maths) to children. It's a way of encouraging young people to study STEM and consider a STEM related career in future. This years show was held at the NEC in Birmingham with smaller local events called "Big - [How to make your own Raspberry Pies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/how-to-make-your-own-raspberry-pies/) - This is a Raspberry Pie recipe I created based on a Raspberry Curd bought from an an English Heritage gift shop. You can get the raspberry curd from most English Heritage gift shops (or from a local farm shop), or you can use raspberry jam available from any supermarket (seedless would probably be better). Ingredients - [Scratch programming - Road safety ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/scratch-programming-road-safety/) - I've been looking to create a program with my eight year old daughter since running a Code Club at the end of last year. We've done some little bits in Scratch, but without a specific project I found my daughter became distracted. I also try and incorporate activities at home related to school projects they - [Locomotion - National Railway Museum at Shildon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/locomotion-national-railway-museum-at-shildon/) - We have visited the National Railway Museum in York several times, but this is the first time I've visited the sister museum in Shildon. Since my previous review of the National Railway Museum in York my son has taken a real liking to trains and railways. He's become a big fan of one engine in - [Installing Ubuntu on a Dell Inspiron 17 laptop (7737) dual boot with Windows 8 / 8.1](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-ubuntu-on-a-dell-inspiron-17-laptop-7737-dual-boot-with-windows-8-8-1/) - This is a guide to install Ubuntu on a Windows 8 based laptop. Specifically this is how it can be installed on a new 17" Dell laptop. This is installed on the Inspiron 17 - 7737, which is a touchscreen laptop in the Dell Multimedia and Entertainment range. The laptop has an Intel i5 based - [Day out at National Railway Museum in York](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-national-railway-museum-in-york/) - The National Railway Museum is in York, next to the York train station. Admission to the museum is free, but there are additional costs for car parking (£9), for the simulator, rides on the miniature railway and for entrance into certain special events running from time to time. There were no special events running on - [RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch - using the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/rspb-big-garden-birdwatch-using-the-raspberry-pi/) - Each year the RSPB hold a Big Garden Birdwatch to monitor the birds visiting gardens. Volunteers spend an hour watching their garden and record the birds that they see during the hour. I signed up for this years bird count (25 to 26 January 2014) before realising that it clashed with a busy weekend driving - [Review of the Raspberry Pi Fuze - Raspberry Pi based computer with Fuze basic](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-raspberry-pi-fuze-raspberry-pi-based-computer-with-fuze-basic/) - As an adult I often try and imagine myself in my children's shoes to try and think about how appropriate something would be for their age group. Usually I can get a reasonable idea of how well they will pick something up, but this review is one where my daughter has helped me to see what it is like to learn programming through a child's eyes. This is a review of the Fuze Raspberry Pi based computer. - [Christmas craft with kids - Electronic project with the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-craft-with-kids-electronic-project-with-the-raspberry-pi/) - In the past few years we've created a family craft project at Christmas. This has normally been a large Christmas picture. This year we have created a craft project using electronics and programming on the Raspberry Pi. - [Raspberry Pi - configure wireless using the command line - useful on Model A with only one USB port](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-configure-wireless-using-the-command-line-useful-on-model-a-with-only-one-usb-port/) - The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, low power computer ideal for learning computing and electronics projects. It is available in a model B which is the most popular version with 512Mb ram, two USB ports and built in Ethernet, or as a model A which is a "lite" version with only 256Mb ram, one - [PiFace digital road test review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/piface-digital-road-test-review/) - The PiFace is a digital input output board that fits on the top of the Raspberry Pi computer. The board provides an element of protection for the Raspberry Pi. Connections are made to external devices through screw terminals mounted on the board. This is easier than connecting wires to the GPIO ports on the Raspberry Pi. - [Running Code Club - end of term 1](https://watkissonline.co.uk/running-code-club-end-of-term-1/) - I've just finished a term of Code Club, teaching programming to primary school children aged 8 to 9. This is my experience of running the club. About Code Club Code club is a programming club aimed at primary school children designed to be run in a school or youth organisation. It's run by volunteers, who - [Holiday at John Fowler - Ilfracombe Holiday Park in North Devon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-john-fowler-ilfracombe-holiday-park-in-north-devon/) - We stayed at the John Fowler Ilfracombe Holiday park at the beginning of the school holidays in Easter 2011. There are three parks at Ilfracombe, but they are almost directly adjacent to each other and share the same facilities (including reception I believe). The sites are known as Ilfracombe Holiday Park, Golden Coast Holiday Park - [Day out at Flambards Theme Park, Museum and Science Centre in Cornwall](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-flambards-theme-park-museum-and-science-centre-in-cornwall/) - We visited Flambards Theme park earlier this year whilst on holiday at St Ives Cornwall. As well as being a usual theme park with funfair rides Flambards is educational with a large exhibition, museum and a hands-on science centre. Funfair rides There are a good selection of rides for children. There are some rides suitable - [Haunted House Halloween Party](https://watkissonline.co.uk/7110/) - For the last few years we've been having a Halloween party for our kids to bring some friends around. We have the usual party games, but this year wanted to do some things a bit different. The first thing was that along with my children we decided to make Halloween a bit more fun for - [Sale of Flour and Eggs to under 18s](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sale-of-flour-and-eggs-to-under-18s/) - West Mercia police are on a big crack down at the moment. I came across this poster at our local shop. Preventing the sale of flour and eggs to under-age children! Hopefully this will put an end to any unsolicited pastries and cakes that the children may decide to make over the next few weeks! - [Day out at Pendennis Castle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-pendennis-castle/) - We visited Pendennis Castle whilst staying at John Fowler's in St Ives. It was a wet day and whilst castles don't normally come on the top of the list for rainy days it looked as though Pendennis castle had a reasonable amount of buildings that could keep us dry. This turned out to be correct - [Day out at the Eden Project](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-eden-project/) - We visited the Eden Project on a very wet day during the summer holiday. It seamed like lots of other people had the same idea as it was really busy. The car park is a good distance from the main area with a shuttle bus to the entrance. There was quite a long wait for - [Holiday at John Fowler Holiday Park, St Ives Cornwall](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-john-fowler-holiday-park-st-ives-cornwall/) - We have stayed at a different John Fowler site previously (John Fowler holiday at Ilfracombe) and found it to have good kids entertainment and was good value for money. We therefore booked at the John Fowler holiday park in St Ives to extend our Butlins holiday into a second week. Fortunately we were able to - [Halloween day out at West Midlands Safari Park - Spooky Spectacular](https://watkissonline.co.uk/halloween-day-out-at-west-midlands-safari-park-spooky-spectacular/) - We have visited West Midlands Safari Park twice this year. The first was during the summer bank holiday which was predictably very busy, but a good day out. When you visit the Safari Park you get a return ticket to visit on another occasion during that year. We used our return ticket during the Spooky - [Holiday at Butlins Minehead 2013](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-butlins-minehead-2013/) - We stayed at Butlins Minehead during the school summer holidays 2013. We booked Gold accommodation. The buildings used for the gold accommodation is getting quite old now, but is frequently refurbished and was very good condition inside. Some of the gold accommodation has been further upgraded adding a balcony etc., but the gold accommodation is - [Coventry Raspberry Jam at PyCon UK 2013](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-raspberry-jam-at-pycon-uk-2013/) - I've been hoping to attend a Raspberry Jam for a while, but this is the first I've been able to attend. The Coventry Raspberry Jam was held as part of PyCon UK. The Jam was held in a separate part of the Technology Centre campus, but the link up with the Python conference meant that - [Day out at Warner Bros Studios London - Harry Potter Land](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-warner-bros-studios-london-harry-potter-land/) - The Harry Potter films were all made in the UK, most of which was filmed in the Warner Bros studios just outside of London. After they completed the last film they've now converted two of the studios into a tourist attraction. Advance booking is mandatory for all visitors to the studios with a timed slot. - [Holiday at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest during spring bank holiday week](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-center-parcs-sherwood-forest-during-spring-bank-holiday-week/) - We've had several holidays at Center Parcs over the past few years, but they have been mostly at Christmas time when the weather isn't particularly good. This year we decided to go to Center Parcs Sherwood forest during spring bank holiday. Whilst generally better than Christmas time it is not normally associated with particularly hot - [Day out at National Trust, Baddesley Clinton](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-national-trust-baddesley-clinton/) - We visited Baddesley Clinton during the National Trust open day. I left it up to my children to choose out of a few different properties and they were the ones that decided on Baddesley Clinton. One of the reasons for them choosing Baddesley Clinton was because of the house trail listed on the website, unfortunately - [Visiting Westminster, The houses of parliament with kids](https://watkissonline.co.uk/visiting-westminster-the-houses-of-parliament-with-kids/) - I have seen the houses of parliament from the outside many times, but never really thought about visiting inside as a day out. During our last family trip to London we were actually looking to visit inside the Jewel Tower which is an English Heritage property. As we went down the steps to the Jewel - [Blocking online pornography - is that enough to protect families?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/blocking-online-pornography-is-that-enough-to-protect-families/) - The Government has decided to force ISPs to block pornography by default for UK households. BBC story: Online pornography to be blocked by default, PM to announce. Households will be able to opt-in to be able to access pornography, although some further content may be restricted and search terms blocked. Online pornography is one of - [Heritage motor museum - follow-up visit](https://watkissonline.co.uk/heritage-motor-museum-follow-up-visit/) - I've already posted details about our visit to the Heritage Motor Museum Gaydon from last year. At the time I expected to go back again that same year, but never got around to it. It was by my children's request that we visited again during the Easter holiday this year. We still didn't get to - [Raspberry Pi camera module part 2](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-camera-module-part-2/) - When the Raspberry Pi camera board was first released it sold out within a day or so. Farnell have now got the second batch and are back in stock. Raspberry Pi camera board from Farnell. I've previously posted some photos of our Bee Box Raspberry Pi project taken with the Raspberry Pi camera module. Since - [Raspberry Pi camera module](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-camera-module/) - The Raspberry Pi computer includes a connector designed for a camera module to connect to. The camera is now available, although due to popular demand there is limited availability at the moment. I was up early on the day the camera went on sale to ensure that I was able to get hold of one. - [Days out diary - updates coming soon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/days-out-diary-updates-coming-soon/) - It has been a while since I've been able to post new articles onto the Days Out Diary website. The reason for this is that the server hosting the site has been upgraded. During the upgrade it appears that SELinux security features have been enabled which prevents my site from connecting to a different database - [PenguinTutor website update - new menu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguintutor-website-update-new-menu/) - I recently upgraded the blog import function on my website. This imports the blog posts from Wordpress and updates the news section of the PenguinTutor site. I've now redesigned to the menu for the PenguinTutor website. This is to make the website more relevant and easy to find the appropriate content. The following have been - [Battery powered computer - Raspberry Pi using AA or D size batteries](https://watkissonline.co.uk/battery-powered-computer-raspberry-pi-using-aa-or-d-size-batteries/) - A feature of the Raspberry Pi is that it uses very little power for a computer. Admittedly it takes a lot more power than a micro-controller (such as an Arduino), but it's still low enough to consider running it from batteries. I first did some testing with using a battery powered Raspberry Pi to help - [Runner up in the PA Consulting Raspberry Pi competition](https://watkissonline.co.uk/runner-up-in-the-pa-consulting-raspberry-pi-competition/) - During last year I entered into the PA Consulting Raspberry Pi competition. The aim to "Make the world a better place" using the Raspberry Pi computer. My entry was the Kidsafe family Internet filter proxy. I reached the final which was held last week. I had a great day meeting the staff at PA Consulting - [Happy 1st birthday to the Raspberry Pi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/6813/) - Congratulations to the Raspberry Pi foundation as the Pi is now? 1 Year old today! The $25 (or $32 for the model B) computer that has been a run-away success. I'm celebrating by ordering my 5th one exactly a year after my first. Hopefully delivery should be a lot quicker this time - ETA 1 - [First steps in teaching programming to a 7 year old](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-steps-in-teaching-programming-to-a-7-year-old/) - Yesterday I had my first proper attempt at teaching my 7 year old daughter programming. This is done using the Raspberry Pi with Scratch and the Official Raspberry Pi Programming Manual produced by Computing at Schools. Biggest problem we found was that due to the bedroom TV being wall mounted it was at the wrong - [Day out at ThinkTank Science Museum, Millenium Point in Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-thinktank-science-museum-millenium-point-in-birmingham/) - We visited the ThinkTank Science Museum in Birmingham towards the end of 2012. A great day out, so much so I had to practically drag the kids away when it was time to go home! We live near a train line into Birmingham so took the train to Birmingham. I've never been to Millennium Point - [Christmas message 2012](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2012/) - As always I'm looking forward to Christmas. Hoping that Santa will leave a new camera in my stocking, but more importantly looking forward to having some time with my loving family. In keeping with the spirit of giving I also use it as a time to think of others that are not so fortunate, and - [Day out at Brodsworth Hall & Gardens](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-brodsworth-hall-gardens/) - We visited Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire as a member of English Heritage. We had joined English Heritage earlier in the year when visiting Dover Castle. Brodsworth Hall is a country house furnished as it was during Victorian times. It also includes extensive Victorian gardens. The is an outdoor children's playground which has a boating - [Camping at Golden Sands Haven, Mablethorpe near Skegness](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-golden-sands-haven-mablethorpe-near-skegness/) - Golden Sands at Haven is at Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire, close to Skegness. We have visited the site before staying in a caravan when our first child was still a baby (earlier review Haven Golden Sand with a baby). This is the first time we have been camping there and we had a short 2 night - [Holiday at Butlins Bognor Regis](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-butlins-bognor-regis/) - For this years main summer holiday we went to Butlins in Bognor Regis. We have been on holiday to Butlins before, but this was our first time staying in one of the Butlins hotels. We went during the summer holidays. The holiday was fairly expensive, especially when you consider it was only 4 nights long - [Should children under 13 be allowed to use Facebook?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/should-children-under-13-be-allowed-to-use-facebook/) - A million children under 12 use Facebook each day! Are you surprised? I'm not. - [Camping at Kiln Park Haven at Tenby, Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-kiln-park-haven-at-tenby-wales/) - After my first camping trip alone with the kids at Gullivers campsite near Milton Keynes our next camping trip was to Kiln Park, Haven site at Tenby in South Wales. Tenby is near the most south west part of Wales and so was quite a drive for a short trip (3 nights), but it's a - [Day out at Folly Farm, near Tenby Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-folly-farm-near-tenby-wales/) - We visited Folly Farm during our camping trip to Haven Kiln Park, near Tenby Wales. From it's name you'd think it was "just another"* children's farm, but it's much more than this. In fact they call it an Adventure Park and Zoo Theme Park. * [Not that there is anything wrong with children's farms, which - [Day out at Gulliver Farm and Dinosaur Park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-gulliver-farm-and-dinosaur-park/) - We visited the Gulliver Farm and Dinosaur Park whilst camping at Gulliver's campsite near Milton Keynes. We had already visited the Gulliver's Land Theme Park the day before and this was our last day. We wanted to drive back at a reasonable time so was just going to the dinosaur and farm park until early - [Day out at Gullivers land](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-gullivers-land/) - We visited Gullivers Land as part of a camping trip staying at the Gullivers Land Campsite near Milton Keynes. We also visited the Gullivers Splash Zone the day before and the Gullivers Dinosaur and Farm Park the following day. Gullivers Land is a childrens theme park, designed for children aged between 2 and 13. We - [Rename files in Linux using the command line](https://watkissonline.co.uk/rename-file-extensions-in-linux/) - Here are some short scripts that can be used to rename files in Linux. These are examples that can be modified as required. Change file extensions Rename all files in a directory that end with .php5 to end with .php for x in *.php5; do n=${x/.php5/.php}; mv $x $n; done Add a prefix to a - [Day out at Warwick Castle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-warwick-castle/) - This is the second time I've visited Warwick Castle, but the first time since becoming a parent. I used to live in Warwick and I would have probably visited more often but for the ticket price being so expensive compared with most other castles. Unlike many other castles that are managed by English Heritage, Warwick - [Day out at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-stokesay-castle-in-shropshire/) - We visited Stokesay Castle after joining English Heritage, so we had free entrance. The price is quite reasonable for non-members and under 5's go free. Stokesay Castle is a good, well preserved, Medieval Manor House / Castle. The visitor centre is a modern building set back a little way from the actual castle which is - [Paris caravan holiday 2012 – part 2: Train RER and sightseeing in Paris](https://watkissonline.co.uk/paris-caravan-holiday-2012-part-2-train-rer-and-sightseeing-in-paris/) - This is part two of the review of our holiday to Paris. In holiday part 1 (ferry to France and Eurocamp Paris) I have already provided details of getting to the site and about the Eurocamp Paris International campsite. One of the main advantages of this particular site is it's proximity to Maisons Laffitte RER - [Paris caravan holiday 2012 - part 1: Travel by ferry and Eurocamp International](https://watkissonline.co.uk/paris-caravan-holiday-2012-part-1-travel-by-ferry-and-eurocamp-international/) - This is the first part of the review of our family holiday to Paris during spring 2012. Why Eurocamp Paris International Caravan holiday? Having visited Disneyland Paris with our children on several occasions. Most recently having a Christmas holiday at the Disneyland Paris Cheyenne Hotel, but the last time I took my daughter into Paris - [Penguintutor LPI practice exams - Now updated to new 2012 objectives](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguintutor-lpi-practice-exams-now-updated-to-new-2012-objectives/) - The Linux Professional Institute Certification Program (LPIC) has undergone a major revision to the objectives for 2012. The exams for LPI Certification Level 1 are now using the new objectives for exams that started from the beginning of this week. The LPI Certification Level 2 exams will start on the new objectives from next month - [Day out at Dover Castle and hotel at Folkestone](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-dover-castle-and-hotel-at-folkestone/) - We visited Dover on our way to a holiday in France. We were booked on an early morning ferry and so stayed at Holiday-inn Express in Folkestone. We first had a day out at Dover. We arrived during the afternoon and spent a few hours visiting Dover Castle. Dover Castle is an English Heritage site. - [Using O2 Pay As You Go broadband dongle under Ubuntu Netbook Remix](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-o2-pay-as-you-go-broadband-dongle-under-ubuntu-netbook-remix/) - Introduction This is a step-by-step guide to getting an O2 Pay As You Go mobile broadband dongle working under Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Install should be as simple as plugging in the device and selecting the provider. Unfortunately the configuration settings for O2 appear to have changed and so it now needs a few changes to - [Raspberry Pi - A new era in computer programming for school kids?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-a-new-era-in-computer-programming-for-school-kids/) - It seams like everyone is trying to get hold of a Raspberry Pi, but what exactly is it and what is all the fuss about? - [Raspberry Pi - fallout from the launch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-fallout-from-the-launch/) - Ever since I first heard about the Raspberry Pi I've wanted one. I saw the advance announcement and woke up early on the day of the launch in an attempt to get one of the first batch. I was unsuccessful, but after waiting so long a few more weeks is not really going to be - [Raspberry Pi - Linux computer for education for less than £30](https://watkissonline.co.uk/raspberry-pi-linux-computer-for-education-for-less-than-30/) - What is the Raspberry Pi? The Raspberry Pi is a small computer. It's about the same length and width as a credit card and costs only $32. It has been designed as a educational computer for school children to learn to program, but is also hugely popular due to it's small size and amazing low - [Configuring Linux / Raspberry Pi with a static IP address](https://watkissonline.co.uk/configuring-linux-raspberry-pi-with-a-static-ip-address/) - To use Linux as a server or to access it remotely requires a static IP address. This is assuming a computer on a home network with a router that connects to the Internet over a broadband connection. The following is based on the Raspberry Pi running Debian Linux, but will be similar for other distributions. - [Kubuntu 12.04 - Getting KDE to work with ATI Mobility Radeon HD graphics card](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kubuntu-12-04-getting-kde-to-work-with-ati-mobility-radeon-hd-graphics-card/) - Well it's taken me a few days, but I think I've finally got Kubuntu 12.04 64-bit installed on my laptop with the graphics drivers working correctly. Why Kubuntu? I have been a fan of Ubuntu since it first came out, until they forced Unity on us. I've tried to get on with Unity having tried - [Easter Craft Picture 2012](https://watkissonline.co.uk/easter-craft-picture-2012/) - This years giant Easter picture is above. For various reasons we left it until Easter Sunday to finish the Spring picture this year, but that gave an opportunity to include crafts from a Day Out we had during the Easter holiday. The Daffodils on this picture were created as part of the heritage crafts at - [Day out at Heritage Motor Centre - Museum in Gaydon Warwickshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-heritage-motor-centre-museum-in-gaydon-warwickshire/) - We visited the Heritage Motor Centre at the request of my daughter after she visited on a school trip. She'd clearly enjoyed her visit as she kept talking about it. When we got to the museum she insisted on being our personal tour guide. I had visited the museum before, but it had been several - [wQuiz PHP - web quiz for Linux LAMP servers - now in alpha 0.4.0](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wquiz-php-web-quiz-for-linux-lamp-servers-now-in-alpha-0-4-0/) - I've now released an alpha version of the new PHP version of wQuiz - an open source web quiz program. This is still in alpha so it is not yet suitable for running on a production system, but is ready for general testing. It has taken about a year and over 8,000 lines of code - [Eurocamp holiday in Holland (part 1) - Wassenaar and Duinrell amuseument park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/eurocamp-holiday-in-holland-part-1-wassenaar-and-duinrell-amuseument-park/) - Choosing Eurocamp This holiday is the first time we have gone on holiday with Eurocamp. We have previously been on similar caravan holidays in Europe with Keycamp holiday in Paris and Keycamp holiday at Wassenaar / Duinrell in Holland. We looked at a holiday with both Keycamp and Eurocamp, but wanted to visit two different - [Day out during half-term at the Black Country Living Museum](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-during-half-term-at-the-black-country-living-museum/) - I have already described an earlier visit to the Black Country Museum during 2010. This time I took my daughter during the February half-term holiday. The black country museum is an outdoor / indoor museum showing a sample of buildings from the Black Country. There are a few different time periods within the site including - [Humble Bundle - Games for Linux Windows Mac OS X and Android - you name the price and help charity](https://watkissonline.co.uk/humble-bundle-games-for-linux-windows-mac-os-x-and-android-you-name-the-price-and-help-charity/) - The Humble Bundle is a new way to buy games. Firstly this is a bundle of games all work on Linux, Windows, Mac OS X and (for the first time) Android phones and tablets. Secondly there is no DRM or restrictions preventing you from getting on any playing the game. Thirdly you get to name - [Fairsharemusic.com Download MP3 Music and support charity](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fairsharemusic-com-download-mp3-music-and-support-charity/) - I first came across fairsharemusic.com some time ago, but dismissed it at the time as the downloads were all DRM Locked. DRM locks you into a specific player and can prevent you from using digital files that you purchase (why DRM in music, video and ebooks is bad for everyone). DRM has all but disappeared - [Getting wireless to work on Xubuntu / Ubuntu linux with broadcom based firmware](https://watkissonline.co.uk/getting-wireless-to-work-on-xubuntu-ubuntu-linux-with-broadcom-based-firmware/) - In the past I have had problems with getting wireless working on Linux laptops. I thought this had been fixed with more recent distributions, but in some rare circumstances there can be problems. In this case I have an old laptop that I have set-up for my son to use. It's ancient compared with current - [Simple electronic circuit for kids - low light sensor](https://watkissonline.co.uk/simple-electronic-circuit-for-kids-low-light-sensor/) - My 6 year old daughter is learning about electricity at school, so I thought it was a great opportunity to show her some electronics whilst she was interested. We decided to create a low light sensor, as the circuit is quite simple, but it is still something that looks quite good when she shows it - [Christmas message 2011](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2011/) - Ever since I first started my blog back in 2005 I have created a Christmas message and made a donation to a worthwhile cause. A reminder that whilst it's great to receive at Christmas it's also a time to give; not just to give to those from whom you expect a present in return, but - [Christmas Message 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2009/) - It's now become a tradition for me to publish a Christmas blog post each year. As well as using this as an opportunity to look back on the past year I've also given one last Christmas present in the form of a donation to a charity that I've chosen each Christmas. This year I've given - [Crafts - Christmas Picture (Christmas Tree and Snowman)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-christmas-picture-christmas-tree-and-snowman/) - This years Christmas craft picture is a large Christmas Tree and Snowman. This giant craft picture is the first we've made since I mounted a dedicated craft board to the wall. The board is a piece of MDF that I got had the local B&Q to cut to size. The board is much better than - [Christmas Santa Special - Midlands Railway at Butterley / Swanwick](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-santa-special-midlands-railway-at-butterley-swanwick/) - We had visited Midlands Railway Centre at Butterley once before. This wasn't our first choice for the Santa special, but that was due to the distance from home rather than having anything against the railway as we had certainly had a good day out previously. We booked on the earliest train of the day which - [Crafts with kids - 3D snowflake Christmas decoration](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-kids-3d-snowflake-christmas-decoration/) - Make your own 3D snowflake using only plain paper, sellotape and staples. This is inspired by the Wiki How guide to making a 3D snowflake. My first attempt didn't work out too well as the cuts were not uniform between the different points of the snow flake. So I created a template to make it - [Recipe Mince Pies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/recipe-mince-pies/) - Here is a recipe for easy home-made mince pies. It's a slight variation on the traditional pies recipe with a sweeter pastry. This recipe is great for cooking with kids. You can make your own mincemeat, but it's easier using a standard jar of good quality mincemeat. Makes 12 mince pies Ingredients Pastry 225g plain - [Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Theme Park, Melton Mowbray, Leicstershire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/magical-winter-wonderland-at-twinlakes-theme-park-melton-mowbray-leicstershire/) - The Magical Winter Wonderland at Twinlakes Theme Park provides all the usual Theme Park attractions with an visit from Santa and some added Christmas special features. This is the second time we have visited Twinlakes. Our previous visit was during spring (previous visit to Twinlakes Theme Park) which we enjoyed. Whilst some of the theme - [Worcester Victorian Market and Christmas Fayre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/worcester-victorian-market-and-christmas-fayre/) - This is the first time we have visited the Worcester Victorian Market and Christmas Fayre, but it won't be our last. We didn't have much time to spend at the Christmas Victorian Fayre. Unlike some of the other markets the Victorian Fayre at Worcester is held on only one weekend of the year; normally the - [Coventry City Farm - Needs financial support](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-city-farm-needs-financial-support/) - Unfortunately due to financial difficulties the Coventry City Farm has now closed down. See more children farms on Days Out Diary website. I have previously visited the Coventry City Farm Fun Day 2006, and I have now visited the farm on a normal day. We visited on Sunday, spending about an hour there with my - [Day out with a toddler - Almond Valley Children's Farm, Museum and Railway, Near Edinburgh Scotland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-almond-valley-childrens-farm-museum-and-railway-near-edinburgh-scotland/) - We visited Almond Valley Children's Farm, Museum and Railway during our holiday at Craig Tara, Haven Caravan site, in Ayr Scotland. This was quite a long drive away from the site we stayed at. It was worthwhile, but there were alternative locations within a shorter distance (we visited another farm which was much closer to - [Stratford-Upon-Avon Christmas market and light switch-on](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stratford-upon-avon-christmas-market-and-light-switch-on/) - The Christmas market at Stratford-Upon-Avon is on each Thursday in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is on one of the main streets in Stratford Town Centre and is a traditional English Christmas Market. We have visited several times over the past few years. This year We visited the Christmas market on the first - [Christmas markets and Christmas craft fairs - UK 2011](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-markets-and-christmas-craft-fairs-uk-2011/) - Christmas is coming, which means it's time to start planning trips to Christmas Markets looking for those unique Christmas presents and taking in the odd beer and hot dog, or roasted chestnuts. This is a list of dates for Christmas 2011. Later dates will be available from Days Out Diary - Christmas events. Frankfurt Christmas - [Florence Nightingale Museum - St Thomas' Hospital in London](https://watkissonline.co.uk/florence-nightingale-museum-st-thomas-hospital-in-london/) - My daughter is doing a school project on Florence Nightingale so we decided to visit the Florence Nightingale Museum in London. The museum is on the site of St Thomas' Hospital where she founded a nurse training school. We had visited the museum before, but that was several years ago before we had children. We - [Christmas market at London's Southbank](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-market-at-londons-southbank/) - The Christmas market at London's Southbank goes from the London Eye to just before the national Theatre. The market is a short walk from Waterloo Station (railway / underground) or across the bridge from Westminster underground station. It is a mix of different styles although prominently traditional English and German stalls. There is a traditional - [Christmas in London - Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-in-london-hyde-parks-winter-wonderland/) - We didn't actually plan to go to the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. We were in London and after a brief visit to see the front of Buckingham Palace and the playground in St James' Park we walked to Hyde Park Corner in search of some food and a tube station. We then saw the - [Children have had a letter from Santa (from the NSPCC)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/children-have-had-a-letter-from-santa-from-the-nspcc/) - Yesterday our two children received a letter direct from Santa himself. Each received a personalised letter addressed to them by name with a individual funny story about his Christmas preparations and party in Lapland. The letters showed as picture of a present labelled with our child's name and age and included a mention of our - [Christmas Markets - Birmingham, West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-markets-2010-birmingham-west-midlands-worcestershire-and-warwickshire/) - It's that time of year again. The year has flown by and Christmas shopping is in full swing. This year I'm hoping to take in a couple of markets around Europe, but my first first visit to a European market was to the Frankfurt Market in Birmingham. We went on a Saturday (Family Day) and - [Christmas Fairs and Markets - Redditch, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-fairs-and-markets-2009-redditch-worcestershire-warwickshire-and-birmingham/) - It's that time again - when the afternoons are dark, the Christmas Lights are on and you can't move through the crowds at the Christmas Markets and Fairs. The Christmas fairs and markets are a great place to find that unique present or home made gift, or just a good excuse to have a Bratwurst - [Coventry, Warwickshire and Birmingham Christmas Lights and Market](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-warwickshire-and-birmingham-christmas-lights-and-market-2006/) - Here's a quick run down of some of the events for Christmas in and around Coventry, Warwickshire and West Midlands. This is not comprehensive, just a few that I've been able to find out about. This is based on dates for 2006 - see: Days Out Diary Christmas page for an updated list of dates - [Christmas Markets - Birmingham Frankfurt (German) Market and Royal Leamington Spa Christmas Market](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-markets-birmingham-frankfurt-german-market-and-royal-leamington-spa-christmas-market/) - Here is an update to my earlier blog on Christmas Markets. We have now been to visit the Frankfurt (German) market in Birmingham City Centre and the Street Christmas Market at Royal Leamington Spa. The first was on Saturday, when we went to the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham. We went into Birmingham City Centre - [Christmas Markets and Fairs](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-markets-and-fairs/) - We are ahead of the game for Christmas this year having already purchased almost all the presents we need for Christmas. The one thing we do still need to visit is a Christmas Fair, and we will probably visit at least two. They provide a great opportunity to buy some unique gifts and can be - [Magna - Earth, Fire, Water, Air - Science Museum in Sheffield Steel Factory](https://watkissonline.co.uk/magna-earth-fire-water-air-science-museum-in-sheffield-steel-factory/) - Whilst Magna has many of the features of a typical science musuem, the Magna Science Adventure Centre is in some ways quite unique. The main difference is that it based in a former Sheffield Steel Works and attempts to recreate some of the sights and sounds as if it were still a working factory. The - [Recipe - Yorkshire Parkin (Cake for Bonfire Night made with Black Treacle)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/recipe-yorkshire-parkin-cake-for-bonfire-night-made-with-black-treacle/) - Parkin is a traditional Yorkshire cake that is often eaten around Bonfire Night. With the help of my six year old daughter I've made some for this year and it is delicious. Here's the recipe for anyone that would like to make your own. - [Day out visiting Hadrian's Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-visiting-hadrians-wall-and-birdoswald-roman-fort/) - Whilst on a camping trip to Keswick we took the opportunity to visit Hadrian's Wall and the Birdoswald Roman Fort. The trip was a request of my daughter after one of her school reading books referred to Hadrian's Wall. It's such a significant feature of British history, but I've never actually visited it before. One - [Day Out on Ullswater Steamers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-on-ullswater-steamers/) - We visited the Ullswater Steamers whilst on a camping holiday in the Lake District. We went to the steamers after spending part of the day at Hadrian's Wall and Birdoswald Roman Fort so only spent a short time at the steamers and so took one of the shorter trip options. Ullswater is the second largest - [Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ravenglass-and-eskdale-railway-in-the-lake-district/) - We started our journey on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway from Dalegarth Station near Boot. The first challenge is in getting to the station which is towards the west of the Lake District. Coming from Keswick the route is quite reasonable, but if you are travelling to or from the central Lake District the most - [Boats on Derwent water with Keswick Launch Company - Rowing Boats, Self-Drive or Scenic boat ride](https://watkissonline.co.uk/boats-on-derwent-water-with-keswick-launch-company-rowing-boats-self-drive-or-scenic-boat-ride/) - During our camping trip to Keswick in the Lake District we went to the Keswick Launch to have a boat ride on Derwent Water. We didn't really know what we were going to do when we arrived so we parked in the car park and went to the side of the lake to see what - [Camping at Derwent Water, Keswick - the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-derwent-water-keswick-the-lake-district/) - We stayed at the Caravan and Camping Club site at Keswick. The site is located at the edge of Derwent Water in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. The site has direct access to the lake and as you can see from the photo below it has a great view. After check-in we were - [Paying for open source software - Crossover / WINE](https://watkissonline.co.uk/paying-for-open-source-software-crossover-wine/) - I'm a big fan of Free and Open Source Software. Obviously getting something that you may otherwise pay up to £100 for, for free is one of the reasons, but it's also about the philosophy in having the ability to look at how it works and to improve it for yourself and others. It helps - [Lunt Roman Fort at Baginton near Coventry](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lunt-roman-fort-at-baginton-near-coventry/) - We visited the Lunt Roman Fort on the same day as visiting the Midland Air Museum at Baginton Airport. Quote a contrast, but they are very close to each other and are both good places to visit for just a couple of hours or so. There is a small charge for visiting the fort which - [Learning everyday first aid online with the Red Cross](https://watkissonline.co.uk/learning-everyday-first-aid-online-with-the-red-cross/) - The Red Cross have created a new web based introduction to first aid. It's called everyday first aid and as you can probably guess is designed for teaching some first aid that may be needed as part of your normal daily life, ranging from dealing with a sprain to performing compressions on someone that is - [Avoncroft Museum of historical buildings in Bromsgrove Worcestershire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/avoncroft-museum-of-historical-buildings-in-bromsgrove-worcestershire/) - Avoncroft museum is an understated museum in Worcestershire. I had seen the tourist signs for the museum whilst driving past and we visited over the summer bank holiday weekend. The Avoncroft Museum is about 19 acres in size with over 27 different buildings and structures. There is a large range of different buildings from timber - [New advisory 20mph speed limit at Redditch schools](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-advisory-20mph-speed-limit-at-redditch-schools/) - As children in Redditch go back to school this week there is now a new road safety initiative outside many of the schools. New flashing 20 mph advisory speed limit signs have now been installed near the school. The sign (see image right) has a child crossing warning sign, flashing lights and the wording "Max - [Update on Beoley pedestrian crossing - road safety review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-on-beoley-pedestrian-crossing-road-safety-review/) - After some recent incidents on Beoley crossing I sent a letter to Worcestershire county council asking them to review the pedestrian crossing. Soon after I sent the letter I received a letter from the county council saying that they were going to investigate it. I have also seen a box appear on one of the - [Day out at Legoland Windsor](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-legoland-windsor/) - This is the second time I've visited Legoland Windsor, but the first was many years ago. This time it was with a nursery trip with our 3 year old son's nursery school. We also took our 6 year old daughter. We travelled by coach and ate a picnic lunch with others from nursery, but otherwise - [Eurocamp holiday in Holland (part 2) – Beekse Bergen Safari Park camp site at Hilvarenbeek](https://watkissonline.co.uk/eurocamp-holiday-in-holland-part-2-–-beekse-bergen-safari-park-camp-site-at-hilvarenbeek/) - Introduction to Beekse Bergen part of our Holland holiday This is the second part of the review of our family holiday with Eurocamp to Holland (Netherlands). During the first part of the holiday we stayed at the Duinrell amusement park near the seaside at Wassenaar. For the second part of the holiday we travelled to - [Taking a toddler and baby to Holland - Duinrell Wassennar](https://watkissonline.co.uk/taking-a-toddler-and-baby-to-holland-duinrell-wassennar/) - I've already published an account of our holiday in the Netherlands through a child's eyes (Tatty Bear's Holland Holiday). This is my account of the holiday from a parents view. This was a 9 night (+1 in a hotel), staying in a Keycamp caravan and travelling in our own car. We have stayed in a - [Day out at Clacton-on-Sea in Essex](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-clacton-on-sea-in-essex/) - We went to Clacton on Sea for a day out on our way to Harwich to catch our ferry for our holiday in Holland. Parking at Clacton-on-Sea This is our first time to Clacton-on-Sea. It was a beautiful sunny day at the weekend so expected it to be fairly busy, but we didn't know until - [Harwich Premier Inn Hotel and the Mayflower - Stenaline Ferry to Holland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/harwich-premier-inn-hotel-and-the-mayflower-stenaline-ferry-to-holland/) - We stayed at the Premier Inn Hotel the night before taking the Stenaline Ferry from Harwich to Hook-of-Holland. Previous visit We had already stayed at the same hotel before during our Holiday to Holland with Center Parcs and our previous Holland holiday with Keycamp. The reason that we stayed here is that it's a low - [Tourism: Weymouth SeaLife Centre, Dorset](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-weymouth-sea-life-centre-dorset/) - The Weymouth Sea Life Centre is a short distance from Weymouth Sea Front at Lodmoor Country Park. I have visited other sea life centres before, including the one in Birmingham, but this one is completely different. The site is much bigger than the other centres and consists of a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits. - [Weekend camping at Drayton Manor](https://watkissonline.co.uk/weekend-camping-at-drayton-manor/) - After having a good weekend camping at Drayton Manor last year we visited again this year with my brother and his family. Arrival at the Drayton Manor Park campsite and pitching the tent in the rain We arrived at Drayton Manor on Friday evening, booked in with security and then proceeded to pitch our tent - [Linux - changing the case of a filename using the rename command](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-changing-the-case-of-a-filename-using-the-rename-command/) - Although knowledge of the command line is not required to use Linux sometimes it can come in very helpful. renaming files is one area where it is often quicker and easier to batch rename a number of files using a command line program or short script. - [Day out at the Midland Railway Centre in Derbyshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-midland-railway-centre-in-derbyshire/) - We went to the Midland Railway Butterley during a special event weekend with a car rally, narrow gauge railway, garden railway and modellers event. We hadn't planned to visit on a special weekend, but looking at the timetable there are lots of events during the year so the chances of landing on one is pretty - [Open source electronics - project update Arduino computer controlled Disco-light controller](https://watkissonline.co.uk/open-source-electronics-project-update-arduino-computer-controlled-disco-light-controller/) - It's been some time since I've provided an update on my open source electronics project. It is started to come together as a usable system, although there is still some way to go before it's finished. The project is an 8-way computer controlled Disco Light system, based around the Arduino controller and 12v PAR 16 - [Charity fundraising - employees vs. volunteers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/charity-fundraising-employees-vs-volunteers/) - I've been looking to post on my blog about charities and volunteers for some time, but never got around to finding an interesting angle. Much of this is based on a draft that I started back in 2007, but never got around to posting. The reason I'm posting now is in relation to a story - [First Aid Quiz - practice test now updated based on Revised 9th Edition first aid manual](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-practice-test-now-updated-based-on-revised-9th-edition-first-aid-manual/) - The questions on the First Aid Quiz have now been updated based on the Revised 9th Edition First Aid Manual (published in 2011). This brings in the new resuscitation protocols based on the guidelines published by the UK Resuscitation Council during 2010. I've also taken the opportunity to update a few of the existing questions - [Android and iPhone apps for NHS Direct](https://watkissonline.co.uk/android-and-iphone-apps-for-nhs-direct/) - There is now a free NHS Direct application for Android and iPhone smartphones and Andriod Tablets / iPads. The app is available to download from the Android MarketPlace or Apple itunes I think this is a great idea, although the application doesn't appear to be as good as it could be. I've installed it to - [Weston-Super-Mare - Grand Pier and seaside resort](https://watkissonline.co.uk/weston-super-mare-grand-pier-and-seaside-resort/) - I have been to Weston-super-mare many times in the past. Weston is a seaside resort centred around the pier, so when the pier was engulfed by a major fire during 2008 I did wonder what the future would hold. Fortunately unlike some of the derelict piers around the country the pier at Weston-super-mare has been - [Ilfracombe Aquarium, Harbour and Beach](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ilfracombe-aquarium/) - We spent a day in Ilfracombe whilst on holiday at the John Flower Ilfracombe holiday park. The day was a wet one so we didn't get to spend much time on the beach, but we did get to visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium. A first look from the outside and it didn't look like the aquarium - [Thomas Land including Christmas at Thomasland 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thomas-land-including-christmas-at-thomasland-2009/) - We visited Thomas land again this Christmas. The show was not as good as 2008, but once again we had a great time. I have now been on several days-out at Thomas land as both our children are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and love the park. I've already reviewed Thomas land from the - [The Big Sheep - Visitor attractions in Devon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-big-sheep-visitor-attractions-in-devon/) - The Big Sheep is a visitor attraction in Devon based around a sheep farm. I deliberately say visitor attraction as this is not like any of the children's farms that I've been to. That's not meant to say that this is either a bad thing or that other farm based attractions are not as good - [Make your own Easter Chicken](https://watkissonline.co.uk/make-your-own-easter-chicken/) - Create your own Easter Chicken using the following templates. These are easy for children to make, although an adult may need to help with cutting the shapes out first. There are two files. One is a Open Document Graphics file which can be edited using either LibreOffice or OpenOffice.org both of which are available for - [Day out at Wookey Hole cave attraction in Somerset](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-wookey-hole-cave-attraction-in-somerset/) - I'd heard about Wookey Hole from others that have visited, but this was our first visit. We used it as a way to break up our journey to our holiday at Ilfracombe Holiday Park (John Fowler) in Devon. We had a great time, but you may want to check what's on depending upon what day - [In defence of the Firefox Web Browser](https://watkissonline.co.uk/in-defence-of-the-firefox-web-browser/) - In the current Linux Format Magazine (LXF86) there are some comments and a review of Firefox. The articles aren't really critical of the browser, and in fact still put Firefox ahead of the competition. What they do criticise the version change to version 2, and suggest that Firefox should be doing more. I have therefore - [Firefox Web Browser version 1.5 has been released](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-web-browser-version-15-has-been-released/) - I've been using the Firefox web browser for quite some time now, and was pleased to see that version 1.5 has been released. This new release builds on the already great browser with an improved user interface, and improved performance. The one feature that is most visible is the ability to reorganise website tags. If - [Google Sitemaps, and wordpress blog tool](https://watkissonline.co.uk/google-sitemaps-and-wordpress/) - Google have a feature called sitemaps. The sitemap allow you to provide a list of all your webpages directly to google, which should mean that they are better at adding your website to the search engine. About Google Sitemaps The website includes details on how to create a sitemap using a python script generator. This - [Upgrading Mozilla Firefox on Mandriva Linux Limited Edition 2005](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrading-mozilla-firefox-on-mandriva-linux-special-edition-2005/) - I have recently installed Mandriva Linux Special Edition onto one of my laptops. This is the first Linux since Mandrake and Connectiva Linux merged. The browser installed by default (and my browser of choice) is Mozilla Firefox. One of the things I tried to do was to add the extensions that I use to the - [Website Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts - Added to First Aid Quiz website](https://watkissonline.co.uk/website-accessibility-keyboard-shortcuts/) - When we talk about making websites more accessible it's normally making them easier for people with sight impairments, but tha i's not the only barrier to accessing websites. Some people have difficulty using a mouse and use a keyboard (or other device) for navigating around the web. These people may be able to navigate your - [Cyber Vandals](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cyber-vandels/) - Having worked in computer security I have always expected some random attempts to "hack" into my websites. I expect the odd entry in my weblogs from someone randomly trying exploits. The fact that most of the exploit attempts are for Windows exploits and I run a Linux based server confirms to me that these are - [Openoffice.org / LibreOffice Draw template for Epson direct CD print (PX720WD)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/openoffice-org-libreoffice-draw-template-for-epson-direct-cd-print-px720wd/) - Since writing my review of the Epson Stylus Multifunction Photo printer PX720WD I've been using it more. I'm still very happy with the printer, but there's just one little thing that needs a bit of a fudge to work, which is CD printing. I've only tried this using OpenOffice.org 3 running on Ubuntu (at time - [New website - days out diary](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-website-days-out-diary/) - I've now launched a new website Days Out Diary featuring all my past (and future) posts on days out in the UK, holidays in UK and Europe and various other family related posts. At the time of launch there are over 250 entries, featuring days out in the UK; holidays in the UK, France and - [Cooking sustainable fish - Spicy Mackerel fillets](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cooking-sustainable-fish-spicy-mackerel-fillets/) - This is another recipe using sustainable mackerel fish fillets. For the reasons that eating sustainable fish is so important see The End of the Line – the problem of overfishing (also see Buying and cooking fresh and frozen sustainable fish from UK supermarkets). My previous recipe was for cooking with kids, but this one is - [Great British Traditional Recipe - Yorkshire Puddings and Toad in the Hole](https://watkissonline.co.uk/great-british-traditional-recipe-yorkshire-puddings-and-toad-in-the-hole/) - Originating from Yorkshire the traditional Yorkshire Pudding is something I enjoy. For anyone not from the Britain then you should be aware that despite it's name this is a savoury dish, and Toad in the Hole is a sausage and Yorkshire Pudding based dish, not "Eggy in the Basket", which is sometimes called Toad in - [John Fowlers Caravan Site - Widemouth Bay, Near Bude in Cornwall](https://watkissonline.co.uk/john-fowlers-caravan-site-widemouth-bay-near-bude-in-cornwall/) - This is a review of the John Fowler's Caravan site at Widemouth Bay, near Bude in Cornwall. The site is described as a big and lively site. It is quite a large site, with a static caravan area and a touring / camping area. We stayed in a Gold standard caravan which as you would - [Tourism: Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-mablethorpe-seal-sanctuary/) - The Seal Sanctuary at Mablethorpe is located at North End, on Quebec Road opposite the Mablethorpe Haven Golden Sands Caravan Park. There is a public car park next to the sanctuary. I'm not sure if they make a charge, as I walked over from our caravan. The admission price is quite reasonable at £4.50 for - [Coundon Wedge, Coventry - Park with access for pushchairs and limited disabled access](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coundon-wedge-coventry-park-with-access-for-pushchairs-and-limited-disabled-access/) - It is with a little embarrassment that I write this post, in that I never discovered Coundon Wedge long before. I have been living in Coventry for over 7 years, about 20 minutes walk from Coundon Wedge, but never really knew what it was. Now I have found it I want to keep going back. - [Cooking with kids - Mackerel Goujons (sustainable fish)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cooking-with-kids-mackerel-goujons-sustainable-fish/) - This is a nice easy fish recipe that you can involve young children with. It's also made with Mackerel which is considered one of the more sustainably caught fish. For the reasons that this is so important see The End of the Line - the problem of overfishing (also see Buying and cooking fresh and - [Day out at Twycross Zoo](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-twycross-zoo/) - It's been a long time since I visited Twycross Zoo (Twycross Zoo with a Baby, and Animal Conservation) and there have been lots of changes since. This time I visited with my two children (5 year old and 3 year old) and a nephew (1 year old). The first thing is that they have changed - [Cafe stop Church at St Luke's Redditch - Change your view about church services](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cafe-stop-church-at-st-lukes-redditch-change-your-view-about-church-services/) - St Luke's Church in Redditch is running a completely different service at the The Memorial Hall on Sunday mornings. It's run at the same time as the traditional communion (in the main church), but is about as different as you can get. This is the second official service (although there was a pilot service some - [Handmade clock at The Bridge Cafe Service in Redditch.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/handmade-clock-at-the-bridge-cafe-service-in-redditch/) - We made this clock at Church today. Not your usual worship activity, but then it's not a typical church service. This was made at the cafe service at The Bridge Ecumenical Church in Headless Cross, Redditch (formally known as St Luke's Church). I've already written about the church cafe service. The theme was about making - [Twycross Zoo with a Baby, and Animal Conservation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/twycross-zoo-with-a-baby-and-animal-conservation/) - We went to Twycross Zoo at the weekend. Twycross Zoo is within Warwickshire, but only just. It's very near the border with Staffordshire. I have been to the zoo a few times before, my latest was about a year ago, when we went with children, this time we took our baby daughter (7 months old). - [Review of the Android mobile phone operating system (HTC Wildfire)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-the-android-mobile-phone-operating-system-htc-wildfire/) - It's Free! It's not about the cost, it's about being free! Not another mobile phone review This isn't a review about a mobile phone handset - Google shows that there are already about 2 million of those for this model1, and it's not just a review about the Android operating system - there are about - [Apache mod_rewrite - Conditional ReWrites using RewriteCond](https://watkissonline.co.uk/apache-mod_rewrite-conditional-rewrites-using-rewritecond/) - The mod_rewrite Apache module can be used on a web server to dynamically change the web page returned to the end user. It has a number of potential uses including: creating user friendly urls to hide complex backend software pages; redirecting from old web pages when a site is redesigned; redirecting to a completely different - [Day out at the Musée du Louvre in Paris France](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-musee-du-louvre-in-paris-france/) - Like the rest of my day out reviews this is a review on how family friendly the site is, but unlike the others on this occasion I didn't take the kids. The reason was because I didn't have my children with me, but as I found out this was probably a good thing. Musée du - [Ubuntu Linux - slow wireless network speed - force adapter speed](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-linux-slow-wireless-network-speed-force-adapter-speed/) - In the past I have had very poor networking performance on my wireless network (Wireless LAN / WiFi) which appeared to have been caused by interference from other networks. I've since upgraded to a Belkin N Wireless Cable router which has certainly improved performance, but I notice that I'm still get some quite slow WiFi - [New version of First Aid and Emergency Services Photo Gallery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-version-of-first-aid-and-emergency-services-photo-gallery/) - The First Aid and Emergency Services photo gallery on First Aid Quiz.com has been upgraded to a new alpha version of the PenguinGallery web photo gallery software. This now means that the photos have more meaningful titles. It also means that it is easier to add new photo galleries and mean that new features can - [Are you LPI Certified? - PenguinTutor needs help with LPI-C 1 and 2 exam review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/are-you-lpi-certified-penguintutor-needs-help-with-lpi-c-1-and-2-exam-review/) - The LPI practice exams on PenguinTutor.com are periodically updated to keep the content fresh and relevant to those studying for the the lPIC exams. I do look for changes in the objectives and try and remove questions that are no longer relevant and add new questions to keep the quiz up-to-date. It has however been - [Lock computer when leaving it unattended ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lock-computer-when-leaving-it-unattended/) - An essential part of computer security is to always lock your computer whenever you leave it. It only takes a couple of minutes with your back turned for someone to access your personal information or change your Facebook status (frape). Logging out can be a bit of a pain, so luckily there is a quick - [Winter holiday at Disneyland Paris (Christmas Disney Hotel)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/winter-holiday-at-disneyland-paris-christmas-disney-hotel/) - We went to on holiday to Disneyland Paris in December 2010. The holiday was just before Christmas. Travelling the day after the schools broke up and returning two days before Christmas Eve. During this time there was exceptionally cold weather and a lot of snow fell in both the UK and France. Travelling to Disneyland - [Getting home after the volcanic ash cleared](https://watkissonline.co.uk/getting-home-after-the-volcanic-ash-cleared/) - This is the follow on from my earlier post Stranded half-way around the world due to disruption to UK flights from Iceland Volcano. I was in India on business when the volcano in Iceland left tens of thousands of people stranded all around the world. Fortunately my company backed me up on my quest to - [New Year 2011 - Website review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-year-2011-website-review/) - Happy New Year This year I thought I'd look back at some of my involvement in the Internet / websites and how these may change in the forthcoming year. My first website was back in 1994 when I created websites for Hull University LINKs and Hull University Canoe Club. This was very early in the - [Misc Review: First Aid Backpacks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/misc-review-first-aid-backpacks/) - Not something I would normally have considered adding to my blog, but someone has posted a question about the suitability of a First Aid Backpack on the St. John Ambulance mailing list I subscribe to. As the mailing list doesn't allow attachments I'm adding a review here and will post a link on the mailing - [DVD Review: The Short Life of Anne Frank](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dvd-review-the-short-life-of-anne-frank/) - Whlist in Amsterdam I bought a copy of a DVD called "The Short Life of Anne Frank", from the Anne Frank House Museum. This is a short documentary only 28 minutes long. Despite it's short length the documentary is well put together using spoken narration over the views of the house, clips of video and - [Firefox - Even Faster](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-even-faster/) - My browser of choice is Mozilla Firefox which I've been using for some time now. It's fast, easy to use, secure (well more secure than IE at least), supports tabbed browsing, popup blaocker, and much more. I really am impressed by how good the browser is. It even renders pages designed for the features that - [Stage & Screen 05](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stage-screen-05-2/) - I've been on holiday the last week, so here's a belated review of the show. Details of the computer graphics will need to wait until I get some more time, but in the meantime here's a brief summary of the show. The ninth Warwickshire St. John Ambulance show was held on the 15th and 16th - [The Show Must Go On](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-show-must-go-on/) - The Show Stage & Screen 05 was held this weekend and was a resounding success. The shows included animations, still images and video clips projected on each side of the stage. Despite my fears there was thankfully no Blue Screen of Death. There were a few minor issues in keeping in the correct sequence, especially - [Software Review: ViaMichelin Europe - GPS Software for Palm / Pocket PC](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-viamichelin-europe-gps-software-for-palm-pocket-pc/) - Before I review any software I like to make sure that I've used it for a while to make sure that I've discovered many of the features, and in this case seen the qualitity of the technical support on offer. I have been using Via Michelin on my Palm for over 4 months now which - [Software Review: ViaMichelin Europe - GPS Software for Palm / Pocket PC](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-viamichelin-gps-software-for-palm-pocket-pc/) - This is a review of ViaMichelin GPS Navigation Software for PDAs. It works on both Palm and Pocket pc platforms. - [Windows XP, the Blue Screen of Death and Activation Hell](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-xp-the-blue-screen-of-death-and-activation-hell-2/) - My home computer running Windows XP has been getting less and less stable recently. Generally it's been fairly stable (for Windows), requiring a reboot about once a week to keep it working. However in the last couple of weeks it really went badly down hill, categorised by windows explorer crashing, and the computer rebooting itself. - [Christmas message 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2010/) - Another year gone and it's Christmas Eve again. The children are another year older and growing up fast. Our youngest is looking forward to his first "big boy bike" and our oldest is looking forward to learning to ride on a new bike without stabilisers. Let's hope Santa can manage to get the bikes down - [Winter craft picture - House silhouette, snow, snowman and Christmas tree](https://watkissonline.co.uk/winter-craft-picture-house-silhouette-snow-snowman-and-christmas-tree/) - This Winter's craft picture is now complete. We change our picture each season so whilst it's nice to include Christmas elements in the picture this picture needs to last beyond the rest of the house Christmas decorations. This year we went for a house silhouette with snow, a Christmas tree and a snowman created with - [Chain-socials - harmless fun or annoying distraction](https://watkissonline.co.uk/chain-socials-harmless-fun-or-annoying-distraction/) - It seams that a week doesn't go by without someone asking me to change my profile picture or post something to my wall to supposedly help some good cause or else to avoid the curse of 20 years of bad luck. One currently doing the rounds is to change your profile picture to a cartoon - [Worried about a child? NSPCC Helpline](https://watkissonline.co.uk/worried-about-a-child-nspcc-helpline/) - Today two more child abusers having been given a prison sentence after abusing two young boys (BBC News: Margate couple jailed for abusing boys under four). What these children have gone through is appalling and the sentence given to the abusers ridiculously short; but thankfully these children have now been removed from danger. These children have now escaped this ordeal thanks to concerns from members of the public. Unfortunately today children are still being abused as members of the public don't know who to turn to, or whether it would be an overreaction against the normal stresses of family life. - [Day out at Cadbury World, Bournville Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-cadbury-world-bournville-birmingham/) - Ever since Charlie Bucket first found his golden ticket children have dreamed about visiting the chocolate factory. With Cadbury World in Bournville this is possible. Unfortunately there is no free lifetime supply of chocolate at the end, but there is the world's biggest Cadbury shop instead. Cadbury World is at the chocolate factory in the - [Mobile broadband on Ubuntu Linux - O2 ZTE MF100](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mobile-broadband-on-ubuntu-linux-o2-zte-mf100/) - I've already provided details on how to get O2 Mobile Broadband Pay As You go on Ubuntu Linux with Huawei E160. I have now got a new dongle created by the ZTE Corporation known as the ZTE MF100 HSDPA USB Stick. The process to get this new dongle working is just as easy as with - [Abbey pumping station museum, Leicester](https://watkissonline.co.uk/abbey-pumping-station-museum-leicester/) - What does a steam powered pumping station and a hi-tech space centre have in common? They are both at the site of the former sewage works in Leicester. Perhaps a rather unusual thing to have in common, but there's more as the Abbey Pumping Station which was responsible for pumping Leicester's sewage is now Leicester's - [Day Out at the National Space Centre in Leicestershire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-the-national-space-centre-in-leicestershire/) - The National Space Centre is near Leicester sign-posted from the M1. This is the second time that I've visited. The first was with a toddler, but this time I visited with two 5 to 6 year olds. We visited on a wet day during the autumn half-term holiday which was predictably very busy. There was - [Evesham Vale Light Railway - family day out](https://watkissonline.co.uk/evesham-vale-light-railway-family-day-out/) - Evesham Vale Light Railway is a small (15 inch gauge) railway in Evesham Country Park Worcestershire. The trains run most weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays, but if going to visit the railway then check the Evesham Vale Light Railway website before travelling. There are two stations. The main station is by the main - [Ubuntu 10.10 - Linux operating system review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-10-10-linux-operating-system-review/) - One of the reasons I've been using Ubuntu is that it is so easy to install and use. In the past Linux had a reputation for being difficult to use, but in the last few years that has been completely turned around so that Linux is in many ways easier to use than much of the competition. Ubuntu is completely free, usually obtained as a free download, although also available via post or on computer magazines (eg. Linux Format). - [Bug in msnbot (Microsoft / Bing web crawler) exceeding the bandwidth for my website](https://watkissonline.co.uk/bug-in-msnbot-microsoft-bing-web-crawler-exceeding-the-bandwidth-for-my-website/) - Unfortunately my website watkissonline.co.uk went offline for a few hours on Sunday due to a bandwidth exceeded issue. I've already created a post about the problem I've had with low cost hosting issues with bandwidth exceeded. Whilst I still think it's wrong to block a website in these circumstances I believe I've found the reason - [Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and Windermere Lake Cruise to Bowness](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lakeside-and-haverthwaite-railway-and-windermere-lake-cruise-to-bowness/) - We visited the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and Windermere cruises whilst on holiday at Heysham and the Lakedistrict. We have visited the Lakeside and Haverthwaite previously when our child was a toddler, but this was our first time on the Windermere Cruise to Bowness. Based on our previous visit to the cafe at Lakeside we - [Crafts with children - Autumn Hedgehog picture 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-children-autumn-hedgehog-picture-2010/) - This is our latest craft picture with the kids. This is a giant wall picture that is mounted on the wall in our hallway. The hedgehog was made on A3 sized coloured paper marked with a permanent marker. Coloured tissue paper was cut into small pieces and glued onto the paper. The hedgehog was then - [Ducky's Farm Park, Flookburgh near Grange-over-sands in Cumbria](https://watkissonline.co.uk/duckys-farm-park-flookburgh-near-grange-over-sands-in-cumbria/) - We visited Ducky's Farm Park during our family holiday at Heysham, near Morecambe, but it is actually much closer to the Haven Lakeside caravan park at Flookburgh / Grange-Over-Sands; in fact it's on the same road as the Haven site. Ducky's is more along the lines of a commercialised children's farm than the more traditional - [Greenlands Farm Village - Children's Farm and Pottery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/greenlands-farm-village-childrens-farm-and-pottery/) - Greenlands Farm village is in Lancashire near Junction 35 of the M6, just south of the Lake District. We visited during our holiday at Heysham near Morecambe. The village consists of a children's farm, and indoor soft play area, a pottery and selection of shops including a farm shop and wine shop. On Sundays there - [Dell - Cancelled my laptop order - but still no refund](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dell-cancelled-my-laptop-order-but-still-no-refund/) - Further to my post: Dell’s Helpless Desk - The Missing Laptop Computer I have now finally been able to cancel my order for a laptop, but it took a 30 minute long phone call to do it, and it is going to take several days more to get my money back. First I got passed - [Dell's Helpless Desk - The Missing Laptop Computer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dells-helpless-desk-the-missing-laptop-computer/) - I have purchased a new Dell laptop recently. Unfortunately although it was supposed to have arrived about almost a week ago, I have no idea when to expect it. I was contacted by Walsh Western, who are the courier firm used by Dell, and arranged for it to be delivered last Tuesday. I stayed at - [Roll-up Roll-up as the Great American Circus comes to Town](https://watkissonline.co.uk/roll-up-roll-up-as-the-great-american-circus-comes-to-town/) - I've not really been to many circuses before so didn't really know what to expect when Uncle Sam's Great American Circus came to Redditch. I've seen a couple of shows before at Blackpool Tower and Circus Circus hotel in Las Vegas, but if I have ever been to a circus in a big top tent - [Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Charity wristband to fund research into cot deaths](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-wristband-to-fund-research-into-cot-deaths/) - Continuing the baby theme I've recently bought a wristband to support the research into cot deaths. I'm expecting my first baby in a few weeks and like all parents hope that it's something I never have to face myself. Infant deaths have really hit the media in the last few years. Coincidentally the wristband arrived - [Holiday to the Netherlands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-to-the-netherlands/) - Last week we went on holiday to the Netherlands. It started with a drive to Harwich and a stop at a Welcome Break Service Station at "Birchanger Green", ironically it was here whilst still in the UK that we had the only language problem. How embarrassing that when in the Netherlands the Dutch all spoke - [Beware of low cost hosting - unlimited bandwidth ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/beware-of-low-cost-hosting-unlimited-bandwidth/) - This screenshot shows the cpanel bandwidth for my "Unmetered" account with Compila for firstaidquiz.com. The site was down again briefly last week due to exceeding the so called "unmetered bandwidth". Fortunately on this occasion I saw this soon after the site stopped working and was therefore able to get them to rectify the problem. Unfortunately - [Morecambe seaside resort in Lancashire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/morecambe-seaside-resort-in-lancashire/) - Morecambe is a seaside resort in Lancashire between Blackpool and the Lake District. We visited Morecambe recently during our family holiday at Heysham Ocean Edge caravan site. On the first day we visited, as we first entered Morecambe it looked like a seaside resort that has closed down. The Frontierland theme park is now a - [Ocean Edge Caravan Site at Heysham near Morecambe](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ocean-edge-caravan-site-at-heysham-near-morecambe/) - Originally we were planning a holiday in the Lake District, but we couldn't find a site with the facilities we wanted (mainly indoor pool) for the right price and with availability the week before the summer bank-holiday. We therefore settled on the Ocean Edge caravan site near Morecambe. This is about an hours drive into - [Camping at Drayton Manor Theme Park and Thomas Land](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-at-drayton-manor-theme-park-and-thomas-land/) - As my children are big fans of Thomas The Tank Engine we have visited Thomas Land at Drayton Manor on several occasions. There is so much to do within Thomas Land that we do not normally have much time to spend exploring the rest of Drayton Manor theme park. We'd been looking for an opportunity - [Day out at British Seaside - Scarborough North Yorkshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-british-seaside-scarborough-north-yorkshire/) - I have many childhood memories of visiting Scarborough on holiday so it was with a little nostalgia that we visited for a day this Summer. Scarborough is an example of a traditional British seaside town which has managed to move with the times whilst keeping much of it's original character and attractions from my youth. - [Travelling in Europe - renew your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/travelling-in-europe-renew-your-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/) - If travelling in Europe don't forget to check the date on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC replaced the old E111 forms and provides entitlement to reduced cost / free emergency medical treatment whilst temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. It is available for free to most - [Thomasland and Drayton Manor Park for toddlers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thomasland-and-drayton-manor-park-for-toddlers/) - I took my 2 year old son on another trip to see Thomas the Tank engine at Thomas Land, Drayton Manor Park during the opening weekend for the start of the theme park season. It's not been long since we last there as we went to the Christmas Magic at Thomasland during the Christmas holidays. - [London with toddlers and children – part 3: Shopping with kids](https://watkissonline.co.uk/london-with-toddlers-and-children-–-part-3-shopping-with-kids/) - Unless you live in London then my suggestion for shopping with kids in London would be don't bother. There is far more on offer in London without having to endure the crowds and stress of shopping in London. But then I'm a bloke and my wife and many others will probably disagree with me. So - [London with toddlers and children – part 2: Holiday Inn Express Hotel Family Room](https://watkissonline.co.uk/london-with-toddlers-and-children-–-part-2-holiday-inn-express-hotel-family-room/) - In the past we have usually stayed at hotels outside the central London area as it's cheaper, but during our most recent visits to London we stayed at Holiday Inn Express hotels. As you expect staying in central London is normally more expensive than the equivalent hotels further out, but is more convenient for visiting - [London with toddlers and children – part 4: Day out at London Zoo, Regent's Park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/london-with-toddlers-and-children-–-part-4-day-out-at-london-zoo-regents-park/) - The Zoo is the World's oldest scientific zoo, but perhaps more widely recognised as the Zoo used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. London Zoo is a in Regents Park accessible by bus or tube (with a walk). See the tips for travelling around London by public transport. The zoo is - [Trip to London with a Baby - Part 1 - Hotel at Wembley Park and travelling around London on the Underground](https://watkissonline.co.uk/trip-to-london-with-a-baby-part-1-hotel-at-wembley-park-and-travelling-around-london-on-the-underground/) - Some time ago we spent a couple of days in London with our baby daughter. I've finally got around to writing up about this trip. This may be of help if you are looking to travel to London with a baby or young child. Our daughter was about 7 months old at the time of - [DataCenter Dynamics - London November 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/datacenter-dynamics-london-november-2007/) - I attended the Datacenter Dynamics conference in London last week. As the name suggests this was about data centres, and in particular about the facilities such as power and cooling. There were some good presentations and the underlying themes of almost all the presentations was about Green computing. The important thing being that this is - [Holiday at Haven Lakeland caravan site near the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-at-haven-lakeland-caravan-site-near-the-lake-district/) - After the disappointment of the accommodation and site at Haven Craig Tara in Ayr in Scotland, we went on to a weeks holiday at the Haven Lakeland caravan site near Grange-over-sands in Cumbria. This couldn't have been a bigger contrast, we fell in love with the site as soon as we arrived. It started with - [Seaside fun - Castle, Dragon, Face and Turtles](https://watkissonline.co.uk/seaside-fun-castle-dragon-face-and-turtles/) - What does a castle, dragon, face and a turtle pianist have in common? Sand Sandcastle, Dragon sand sculpture, Sand-face and a Turtle playing a piano on the beach. Toddlers and sandcastles There is something about sand that kids love. I certainly used to enjoy playing in the sand when I was younger and my two - [Where not to stay in London - Travelodge Wembley](https://watkissonline.co.uk/where-not-to-stay-in-london-travelodge-wembley/) - I have a reason to be biased against this particular hotel as we had some money stolen whilst staying there. This has however had the opposite effect. The negative comments in this post are ones I'd already planned to write before we knew about the money being stolen, and I'm very happy with the response - [Trip to London with a Baby - Part 4 - The London Aquarium, Tourist Attraction](https://watkissonline.co.uk/trip-to-london-with-a-baby-part-4-the-london-aquarium-tourist-attraction/) - This is the final part of blog entries on our Trip to London with our 7 month old baby. The earlier parts are in: Trip to London with a Baby - Part 1 - Hotel at Wembley Park and travelling around London on the Underground; Trip to London with a Baby - Part 2 - - [Review - Butlins holiday at Minehead](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-butlins-holiday-at-minehead/) - We recently went on a family holiday to Butlins Minehead with our two children aged 2 and 6. We had a very active holiday and a great time. There was lots to do and the kids particularly enjoyed meeting the characters and the special character meal. This is our second visit to a Butlins site - [Evesham Fire Station Open Day 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/evesham-fire-station-open-day-2010/) - Having visited Evesham Fire Station open day in 2009 I took the kids along to the open day again during 2010. The event was similar to last year, but with a few changes. There was still good representation from the other emergency services including police, ambulance, air ambulance and a speed camera van. Instead of - [Facebook applications - who are you giving access to your facebook profile to?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/facebook-applications-who-are-you-giving-access-to-your-facebook-profile-to/) - There have been some rogue Facebook applications that are being used to gain access to information on individual's profiles. The latest one has now been blocked, but I'm sure there will be more to follow: Security concerns over latest rogue Facebook app. The controls put in by Facebook to protect against these are that a - [Underwater under-sea / aquarium picture - crafts with kids](https://watkissonline.co.uk/underwater-under-sea-aquarium-picture-crafts-with-kids/) - This is our latest craft picture that I've made with the kids. As you can see this is an undersea / aquarium picture. The starfish is something that our youngest child had already made at nursery the rest were printed off for the children to glitter up or colour as appropriate. The use of pre-printed - [A response to OSGUI video 6 disadvantages of Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/a-response-to-osgui-video-6-disadvantages-of-linux/) - I follow a number of technology websites, video and podcasts when I get the time. This video has hit me as a bit of a surprise as it's from someone that is normally pro-linux. Here's my response to the issues raised. First here's the video: My response 1/ Software community Trolls can be bad, but - [Day out at Marsden tunnel end - Standedge tunnel canal trip and museum ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-marsden-tunnel-end-standedge-tunnel-canal-trip-and-museum/) - The Standedge canal tunnel is the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain. It was opened in 1811, closed in 1944 and then was reopened in 2001 as a part of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal restoration. Marsden Tunnel end is at the Yorkshire side of the Standedge canal tunnel and has been developed into - [Website maintenance alternate page using .htaccess](https://watkissonline.co.uk/website-maintainance-alternate-page-using-htaccess/) - In an ideal world your website would be up 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You'd perform upgrades on an identical system and seamlessly cut over without any customers noticing, and that would be available at no extra cost. Back in the real world and you soon discover that the cost of having - [Review: Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine at Kirklees Light Railway](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-day-out-with-thomas-the-tank-engine-at-kirklees-light-railway/) - I've already written a review of taking children for a day out at Kirklees Light Railway, which had the regular engines from Kirklees Light Railway. Our second visit to the light railway was during a special day out with Thomas weekend, featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and some of his friends. The Kirklees Light Railway - [First Aid Awareness Week - 28 June to 2 July 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-awareness-week-28-june-to-2-july-2010/) - 28 June to 2 July 2010 is First Aid Awareness Week. The campaign is being run by Dorling Kindersley (publisher of the First Aid Manual) along with the UK's leading First Aid providers - St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid and the British Red Cross. It's a great opportunity to think about what first - [Upgrade of Wordpress blog to version 3.0](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-of-wordpress-blog-to-version-3-0/) - I have now upgraded Wordpress to version 3.0. Wordpress provides the website and blog on Watkissonline, as well as uploading posts to the First Aid Quiz and Penguin Tutor web site. See: Website powered by Wordpress. Version 3.0 provides numerous new features providing more CMS features, as well as multi-site blogging. I use my own - [Birmingham Accident and Emergency is now at the QE](https://watkissonline.co.uk/birmingham-accident-and-emergency-is-now-at-the-qe/) - The accident and emergency department for Birmingham has now transferred from Selly Oak hospital to the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) in Edgbaston. Download a printable reminder here - [Problem installing dual boot Windows Vista and Linux on a HP Pavilion dv6285eu laptop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/problem-installing-dual-boot-windows-vista-and-linux-on-a-hp-pavilion-dv6285eu-laptop/) - As mentioned I have recently purchased a HP Pavilion d6285eu laptop. I was originally planning to buy a Dell, but that is a different story: Cancelling a Dell Laptop due to failed delivery and poor customer support. I have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to install Linux onto the laptop to dual boot alongside Windows Vista - [Upgraded to Wordpress 2.5 - Security Updates are important](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgraded-to-wordpress-25-security-updates-are-important/) - Firstly a bit of a confession. Although I do go to the trouble of keeping all my OS packages up-to-date (which is actually very easy with Ubuntu), I've neglected keeping Wordpress up-to-date. I guess that the reason for this is that Ubuntu has done so well in making patching the OS so easy that it's - [Web Design - xhtml, CSS based, w3c compliant, DDA](https://watkissonline.co.uk/web-design-xhtml-css-based-w3c-compliant-dda/) - This week I have given the Warwickshire St. John Ambulance web site a major redesign. The reason for doing this was to make it easier for people to navigate around the site, and to make it fit in better with the national website. Whilst I was doing this I also took the opportunity to redesign - [Twinlakes Family Theme Park - with a toddler and young child](https://watkissonline.co.uk/twinlakes-family-theme-park-with-a-toddler-and-young-child/) - We visited Twinlakes Park during the May bank holiday. It was a sunny day day and as you would expect on a public holiday was pretty busy, although fortunately the queues were not too bad. Twinlakes is a family theme park located near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. We took a picnic with us rather than - [Day out at Umberslade Farm Park - Childrens farm - Warwickshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-at-umberslade-farm-park-childrens-farm-warwickshire/) - Umberslade Farm Park is located in Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire. A short distance from Solihull and Redditch. The farm was formally known as Umberslade Children's Farm, but was relaunched during May 2010. We went along on the relaunch weekend. There were a few additional features which I think were only running for the relaunch weekend, including bouncy - [Adding Facebook social plugins (comments) to your own website](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-facebook-social-plugins-comments-to-your-own-website/) - I've used the Facebook Connect social plugins to provide a comments feature to my website blogs (see: Blog comments using Facebook connect social plugins). The reason I added this was because of the way that I create my blog. I use Wordpress as my blog engine running on my WatkissOnline web server, but then depending - [Heart Matters - Free service from the British Heart Foundation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/heart-matters-free-service-from-the-british-heart-foundation/) - Heart and circulatory disease is the UK's single biggest killer. Heart Matters is a free service from the British Heart Foundation. It is a useful service to find out about heart disease for yourself or for a family member or friend; or if you are looking at ways to keep your heart healthy. It includes - [Install and upgrading to Ubuntu Lucid Lynx 10.04 Linux operating system](https://watkissonline.co.uk/install-and-upgrading-to-ubuntu-lucid-lynx-10-04-linux-operating-system/) - The latest version of Ubuntu Linux version 10.04, codenamed Lucid Lynx was released at the end of April. As usual I upgraded my computers to the latest version, but took a phased and cautious approach just in case. At home I have three computers (plus one that my daughter uses) all of which run Ubuntu. - [New Facebook comments feature on Watkissonline, First Aid Quiz and PenguinTutor blogs](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-facebook-comments-feature-on-watkissonline-first-aid-quiz-and-penguintutor-blogs/) - I've added a new comment feature to my blogs on WatkissOnline.co.uk, FirstAidQuiz.com and PenguinTutor.com. I've chosen to use the Facebook comment feature. If you have a Facebook account then you can add comments using your Facebook login and it means that the comments can be shared with friends on Facebook. I've set-up the comments in - [Ubuntu Unity interface for netbooks on 10.04](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-unity-interface-for-netbooks-on-10-04/) - I've recently being trying out the new Unity interface for Ubuntu. It's in development at the moment so it's not really ready for mainstream use yet, but it's going to be the main interface to Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) in the next few months, so I thought I'd take a look. First - here is - [Stranded half-way around the world due to disruption to UK flights from Iceland Volcano](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stranded-half-way-around-the-world-due-to-disruption-to-uk-flights-from-iceland-volcano/) - I'm writing this sat in a hotel in India not knowing when I will be coming home to the UK. This is a problem effecting thousands of UK travellers. I remember watching the volcano on the news earlier in the week. I watched the news with the same feeling of detachment that most of us - [Thousands of lives could be saved by learning first aid](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thousands-of-lives-could-be-saved-by-learning-first-aid/) - St John Ambulance has started a new campaign to encourage more people to learn first aid. 150,000 people a year could be dying unnecessarily as first aid could have helped save their life. The hard hitting campaign features a number of scenarios knowing first aid could safe a persons life. There is also a pocket - [Royal Air Force Museum at RAF Cosford - taking a young child and toddler](https://watkissonline.co.uk/royal-air-force-museum-at-raf-cosford-taking-a-young-child-and-toddler/) - The Royal Air Force museum located at RAF Cosford is a free museum consisting of dozens of planes in 3 large indoor hangers. It may not be the first place you think to take toddlers, but with bad weather forecast and with a couple of other expensive days out planned we thought we'd give it - [UK Days out with Kids - Dudley Zoo and Castle at Easter](https://watkissonline.co.uk/uk-days-out-with-kids-dudley-zoo-and-castle-at-easter/) - The problem with days out over Easter weekend (and other bank holiday weekends) is that everyone likes to go out then. As a result many attractions involve standing in long queues for absolutely everything. It was a pleasant surprise to go along to Dudley Zoo and Castle on Easter Sunday and not experience any queues - [Kids Days-out - Sudbury Hall and National Trust Museum of Childhood](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kids-days-out-sudbury-hall-and-national-trust-museum-of-childhood/) - When you think of the National Trust properties they are normally associated with don't touch signs and not really the sort of place you'd choose to take an inquisitive toddler. Normally you'd be right. To be fair this is the nature of the properties that they own and to keep them in good condition for - [Crafts with kids - Happy Easter](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-kids-happy-easter/) - Our latest wall picture. Our 2 year old son helped with this one painting plain sheets of paper with glitter paint which were later cut up to make the Easter eggs. The happy Easter banner was made from a craft kit bought from a local supermarket. Arts and Crafts Crafts with kids: Winter wall picture - [Guide to staying safe when creating electronic projects and DIY](https://watkissonline.co.uk/3097/) - I'm currently in the process of putting together an online guide to hobby electronics. One of the most important pages is one on electrical and diy safety and how to keep safe when creating electrical projects that may run from mains electricity or other high power sources. As well as covering the obvious risk of - [Kingfisher FM - local radio for Redditch Worcestershire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kingfisher-fm-local-radio-for-redditch-worcestershire/) - Kingfisher FM is now broadcasting radio for Redditch and the local area. This is a 28 day RSL broadcast license in a bid towards a permanent broadcast license from Ofcom. Kingfisher FM is on 87.7 FM and on the Internet at www.kingfisherfm.net. I tried to find the radio station this morning after they started broadcasting, - [Processing Version 1.1 released](https://watkissonline.co.uk/processing-version-1-1-released/) - There is a new version of the Processing programming language released version 1.1. Processing is an easy to use programming language designed for creating visual programs designed for use in creating computer art. For non-artists as well, I think it's an ideal language for anyone learning programming, or that wants a easy way to create - [Making a semi-permanent connection to the Arduino](https://watkissonline.co.uk/making-a-semi-permanent-connection-to-the-arduino/) - I've been looking for a way to make a semi-permanent connection to the connector on the Arduino micro-controller. The onboard connectors are female PCB header connectors. These are ideal for prototyping as you can stick solid core wires into the connectors, but these are not so good for connecting to another PCBs or external devices. - [PenguinTutor.com - now updated to new LPI exam categories](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguintutor-com-now-updated-to-new-lpi-exam-categories/) - The LPI practice exams on PenguinTutor are now fully updated to the current LPI exam guidelines. The Linux Professional Institute updated the objectives in 2009. At the time I went through validating the questions on PenguinTutor.com were still valid, but it looks like I didn't make all the changes required. Most of the questions are - [Change in copyright rules for First Aid Quiz website](https://watkissonline.co.uk/change-in-copyright-rules-for-first-aid-quiz-website/) - I have changed the copyright rules for the First Aid Quiz printable questions. I have relaxed the rules to make it easier for the questions to be incorporated into a commercial training session as this is something I have received enquiries about in the past. I would like as many people to be able to - [Redesign of PenguinTutor.com - Free and Open Source software - Linux certification and open source electronics](https://watkissonline.co.uk/redesign-of-penguintutor-com-free-and-open-source-software-linux-certification-and-open-source-electronics/) - I've now completed a major reorganisation of the PenguinTutor web site. This is the most significant change to the site since it was launched in 2006. The first reason for the change is to reorganise the content. Although it appeared to make sense at the time some of the categories were not as logical as - [I am now a Certified Linux Administrator for SUSE Linux Enterprise](https://watkissonline.co.uk/i-am-now-a-certified-linux-administrator-for-suse-linux-enterprise/) - As of today I am now a Certified Linux Administrator for SUSE Linux Enterprise. This is due to a partnership between LPI and Novell. I have already qualified as Advanced Level Linux Professional (LPIC-2) through Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), which now gives me free certification from Novell. If anyone has already qualified to minimum - [Dropbox - Keeping files in sync across computers, and across the Internet - Linux, Windows and Mac OSX](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dropbox-keeping-files-in-sync-across-computers-and-across-the-internet-linux-windows-and-mac-osx/) - Dropbox provides a folder on your computer, which can be shared across multiple computers, across multiple operating systems, across the Internet or a LAN. If you ever need to access your files across multiple PCs then you need Dropbox! I was a little sceptical when I first heard of Dropbox. My first thought was that - [5 minutes to sell Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/5-minutes-to-sell-linux/) - I try to be an advocate for Linux through my blog and tweets etc. Occassionally I will mention linux to friends and family, but I don't normally go around "preaching" Linux to others. Recently I was purchasing a Linux Magazine (and a web design magazine) from my local Tesco's store and I ended up in - [Black Country Living Museum - Dudley, West Midlands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/black-country-living-museum-dudley-west-midlands/) - I've been to the Black Country Museum quite a lot so I was surprised to find I hadn't actually created a review for the WatkissOnline Baby and Children pages. This has however worked in the favour of the museum as they have made some improvements recently which mean this is a more favourable review than - [Text to NATO Phonetic Alphabet Translation tool - radio communications training](https://watkissonline.co.uk/text-to-nato-phonetic-alphabet-translation-tool-radio-communications-training/) - I'm always on the lookout for new ways to make First Aid and related topics a bit more interesting and fun to learn for firstaidquiz.com. Recently on Facebook a friend of mine posted some text encoded using the NATO phonetic alphabet, which got me thinking wouldn't it be good to have a quick tool you - [Turning a Breech Baby with ECV (External Cephalic Version)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/turning-a-breech-baby-with-ecv-external-cephalic-version/) - I have written a post on an ECV (External Cephalic Version) used to turn a breech baby into the head down position ready for birth. Turning a Breech Baby with ECV (External Cephalic Version) You can also view the page at: www.watkissonline.co.uk/ecv which is a better way to bookmark the entry as I will always - [Turning a Breech Baby with ECV (External Cephalic Version)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/turning-a-breech-baby-with-ecv-external-cephalic-version-2/) - With only 4 weeks to go our baby was showing no signs of turning to the head first position, and we were given a number of options including an ECV (External Cephalic Version). Whilst there was plenty of information that tried to describe the procedure and give statistics on the success rates; I was not - [Software review - Thunderbird email client version 3](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-thunderbird-email-client-version-3/) - Version 3 of the Thunderbird email client was released at the end of 2009. I've recently upgraded some of my computers to the new client. Thunderbird is a email client available for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. It can be used as a replacement Windows Mail (formally known as Outlook Express) and can also - [FotoInsight - Linux friendly online photo processing and photo gifts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fotoinsight-linux-friendly-online-photo-processing-and-photo-gifts/) - Photo gifts are a popular way of creating personalised presents for relatives. Although some photo gifts can be ordered through the Java based online applications these are normally limited compared to the dedicated download photo applications. Unfortunately the dedicated software required to create some photo gifts is not available for Linux and sometimes not even - [Upgrading Thunderbird email client to version 3 on Linux (Ubuntu 9.10)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrading-thunderbird-email-client-to-version-3-on-linux-ubuntu-9-10/) - There is a new version of the Thunderbird email client released last year. There are some good new features in the new version. If you can't wait until your distribution provides an upgrade to version 3 you can download the latest version from the Thunderbird website. There does not appear to be any instructions on - [Adding search capability to Wordpress web site](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-search-capability-to-wordpress-web-site/) - I've converted WatkissOnline web site to be completely generated by wordpress. One of the benefits of this is that it means that the Wordpress built in search function can be used to search the entire site and not just the blog as it was before. There are a few things that needed to be done - [Happy New Year 2010](https://watkissonline.co.uk/happy-new-year-2010/) - Happy New Year to all my family, friends and visitors to my websites. Looking back at last years resolutions I think I did quite well. The first was to use the Wii Fit more and get fitter. Well I certainly achieved that one! Although the Wii Fit turned out to be a very small part - [Adding a USB external disk drive as permanent drive in Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-a-usb-external-disk-drive-as-permanent-drive-in-linux/) - This mini-tutorial goes through the steps needed to add a USB external disk drive as a permanent disk on a Linux computer. This is something that I did recently on my home server computer. It already has two internal disk drives, but due to the size of my photo and video collection needed some more - [Firefox keywords - quick website shortcuts using bookmarks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-keywords-quick-website-shortcuts-using-bookmarks/) - I've been using Firefox since version 1, but I've only just discovered one of the features. Now I know about it I wonder how I ever did without it. I used to use the "Bookmarks Toolbar" in Firefox on all my computers. By default this is below the address bar and has a few Firefox - [Center Parcs at Christmas 2009 - Nottingham Sherwood Forest](https://watkissonline.co.uk/center-parcs-at-christmas-2009-nottingham-sherwood-forest/) - For our pre-Christmas holiday this year we went to Center Parcs Sherwood Forest near Nottingham, England. I have already commented in previous posts about how baby and child friendly Center Parcs (in the UK) are so I'll skip those bits and just cover the unique parts of this holiday (see links at the bottom of - [Holiday with a Baby, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Nottingham UK](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-with-a-baby-center-parcs-sherwood-forest-nottingham-uk-2/) - In December 2005 we took our four month old baby on holiday to the Sherwood Forest Center parcs, Nottingham. We have visited several of the Center Parcs resorts in the UK (and one in the Netherlands), but this is the first time since we've had a baby. This is not the first holiday with our - [Winter picture 2009 - crafts with kids](https://watkissonline.co.uk/winter-picture-2009-crafts-with-kids/) - This years winter craft picture features a Snowman and Christmas Trees. This is a large wall picture about 1m square in our hall. I've already described how to create these in my other posts so look at Crafts with Kids: Large Christmas snow scene for details of how to create your own. Arts and Crafts - [Good feeling - Gone : Fire Safety at Christmas](https://watkissonline.co.uk/good-feeling-gone-fire-safety-at-christmas/) - New fire safety campaign by Hereford and Worcester fire service highlights the risks of overloaded sockets and Christmas trees. It includes a video created by the fire service showing what damage could be done. Christmas Fire Safety Video Don't let fire spoil your Christmas. Here are the 12 days rules of Christmas. Never leave candles - [Website powered by Wordpress - Website in a blog](https://watkissonline.co.uk/website-powered-by-wordpress-website-in-a-blog/) - I've now converted my WatkissOnline website to be completely generated from Wordpress. It is still running on the same hosted Linux web server. Most visitors will probably not notice any change, or if they do they are more likely to see that the menu has been shrunk and the entries changed which is a separate - [Protect your property with SmartWater - Discount price for Redditch residents](https://watkissonline.co.uk/protect-your-property-with-smartwater-discount-price-for-redditch-residents/) - Smartwater is a way of forensically marking all your property and valuables. It means that if your items are stolen and recovered then the police can track down the rightful owner. Just as important it also means that anyone found to be in possession of the stolen goods can be linked to the crime and - [Adobe Flash on the theatre stage](https://watkissonline.co.uk/2447/) - I did some work a few years ago using Flash in the Theatre. The information is no longer current, so I'm taking it off my main website, but keeping it here in my blog for future reference. Flash on Stage Introduction I have been involved in stage productions where computer animation and video has featured - [Birmingham Frankfurt and Craft markets 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/birmingham-frankfurt-and-craft-markets-2009/) - The Frankfurt market is an annual feature held in Birmingham city centre for the weeks leading up to Christmas. The market consists of a number of stalls selling traditional German food and various gifts. As well as the German stalls there is also a traditional craft market featuring English crafts as well as a selection - [Radio Redditch - off air for now](https://watkissonline.co.uk/radio-redditch-off-air-for-now/) - As an update to my earlier post: Radio Redditch and Kingfisher FM - potential radio stations for Redditch Radio Redditch has now reached the end of it's RSL so has stopped broadcasting. Both Radio Redditch and Kingfisher FM are trying to get permanent licenses from Ofcom, so watch this space. Hopefully they'll be some news - [Radio Redditch and Kingfisher FM - Trying to get a full time radio license for Redditch](https://watkissonline.co.uk/radio-redditch-and-kingfisher-fm-trying-to-get-a-full-time-radio-license-for-redditch/) - I've been listening to Radio Redditch recently after I discovered the station broadcasting on the same frequency as my TomTom MP3 in-car radio transmitter. See: Radio Redditch vs TomTom MP3 broadcast I've since found that there are actually two stations bidding for a broadcast license for Redditch. I've been contacted by one of these and - [New beginner first aid quiz](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-beginner-first-aid-quiz/) - Earlier this year I released an Advanced First Aid Quiz on First Aid Quiz.com website. For those that are not quite at the advanced stage I've now added a Beginner's First Aid Quiz to balance this out. The quiz asks 10 questions designed to test a basic understanding of first aid principles, protocols and techniques. - [Daily Calorie intake too low - Is this irresponsible programming from the BBC?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/daily-calorie-intake-too-low-is-this-irresponsible-programming/) - Normally I find the BBC news to be one of the best news sources. A recent Internet article on Daily Calorie intake has surprised me. In my mind this is completely irresponsible programming - to make a story that would otherwise be a much less-interesting story. - [Creating custom Files and Folder view in Ubuntu Netbook Remix (UNR) using Nautilus bookmarks for Gnome Users ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/creating-custom-files-and-folder-view-in-ubuntu-netbook-remix-unr-using-nautilus-bookmarks-for-gnome-users/) - This info may be useful to anyone running Ubuntu Netbook Remix, to anyone running the normal Ubuntu Linux distributions or in fact any Gnome based Linux distributions. The reason for this is that all of these use the Nautilus bookmark file in one shape or another. If running Nautilus (the default file-manager for Gnome, Ubuntu - [Firstaidquiz.com website outage](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firstaidquiz-com-website-outage/) - The first aid quiz website has been down for a couple of days. I only realised yesterday when checking on the site. It appears that my hosting provider Compila.com had forgotten to renew my domain registration so my DNS entry had expired. I'm going to look at creating a server status page that can be - [Halloween flying bats to make with a child](https://watkissonline.co.uk/halloween-flying-bats-to-make-with-a-child/) - Celebrate Halloween with this easy to make flying bat decoration. It's great fun to make with kids. The bat template for the bat shape is taken from Halloween colouring download (pdf) that I'd created previously. The bat shapes are on page 6 of the document. Simply: print the page onto coloured card (grey or purple - [Fun crafts with kids - Halloween Colouring](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fun-crafts-with-kids-halloween-colouring/) - I've created some pictures that can be printed and coloured-in. They can then be stuck on the wall as they are or cut-out, or made into hanging decorations. - [Blog title - Monkeys, megabytes, medical and more ...](https://watkissonline.co.uk/blog-title-monkeys-megabytes-medical-and-more/) - (Children, IT, first aid and other ramblings ...) I've given my blog on Watkissonline a new subtitle and made some changes to the appearance. When I first started the blog over 4 years ago there was no real theme to the blog and it was just a way of putting down some of my personal - [Linux Loginfo - Apache basic log analysis software](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-loginfo-apache-basic-log-analysis-software/) - This Apache log analysis tool is no longer being maintained. This is included here for future reference or to allow anyone to pick up and continue with the project. About This is simple Log Analysis software designed to give the webmaster useful information about who is visiting their website. The software has only a few - [Linux Apache Virtual Hosts (vhosts)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-apache-virtual-hosts-vhosts/) - Virtual Hosting is the ability to run several different websites on the same server. There are a number of ways that this can be achieved, using different port numbers for the webservers (instead of the default port 80); using different IP addresses aliased to the same server; or by using the information contained int the http header to determine which site the user is trying to access. - [Regular Expressions](https://watkissonline.co.uk/regular-expressions/) - I've added a page to my site explaining regular expressions, in the UNIX / Linux pages. "Regular expressions are a way of manipulating text by using character strings and metacharacters. They are often used by programmers, but can also be used in shell commands and in some programs (e.g. vi and other text editors). " - [Apache mod_rewrite](https://watkissonline.co.uk/apache-mod_rewrite/) - The Apache mod_rewrite module is a very powerful tool to allow you to manipulate URL's before the server decides what action to carry out, or what html file to send in reply. If you've ever wanted to be able to offer different URL's for the same file, or even direct to a different website all - [IDS - Creating a simple Intrusion Detection System using Apache mod_rewrite](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ids-creating-a-simple-intrusion-detection-system-using-apache-mod_rewrite/) - Using the Apache mod_rewrite module and a bit of php code I have devised a basic Intrusion Detection System for Apache running on Linux / Unix operating systems. This is primarily as a demonstration of how aspects of an IDS can be implemented using existing tools provided in Linux and it's applications. It could however - [Apache mod_rewrite with Query String - redirecting wordpress pages to posts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/apache-mod_rewrite-with-query-string-redirecting-wordpress-pages-to-posts/) - I'm in the process or reorganising some of the posts on my blog at www.watkissonline.co.uk. I had some particularly long posts which I'd created as pages. I'm now going to move these to posts, and then create some "overview" pages to link to the posts. The change in wordpress is fairly straightforward. Editing in the - [Using mod_rewrite (RewriteRule) in .htaccess file on Apache](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-mod_rewrite-rewriterule-in-htaccess-file-on-apache/) - I've been tearing my hair out recently over a problem using mod_rewrite in the .htaccess file in Apache. The mod_rewrite module provides a means of manipulating the URL and giving a different page to the one originally requested. A common use is being able to take a complicated URL and give an alternative easier url - [Cygwin: Linux Commands on Windows](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cygwin-linux-commands-on-windows/) - Although I do run Windows on a couple of machines I use Cygwin to add some of the Linux Functionality / Commands. In particular openssh provides an ssh server that allows you to remotely login to a computer, or to transfer files to/from that computer. I had added this before, but couldn't remember the steps - [Cygwin / SSH for Windows (Linux programs under Windows)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cygwin-ssh-for-windows-linux-programs-under-windows/) - Cywin provides a Linux like environment for Windows. Basically it ports the command shell and some GUI and non-GUI applications to windows. It's most useful for allowing shell scripts to run in a command line on windows, or running system services such as SSH. - [Website design - When less is better](https://watkissonline.co.uk/website-design-when-less-is-better/) - Creating a new website is only a small part of the role for a webmaster. Maintaining a website takes much more effort over a much longer period of time. There are tools that can be used to make maintaining a website easier, such as content management systems and blogging tools, but essentially it is still - [New Advanced First Aid Quiz on Firstaidquiz.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-advanced-first-aid-quiz-on-firstaidquiz-com/) - As part of a refresh of the First Aid Quiz website I've been updating all the questions. I retired the medical gas quiz as I have not re-qualified in medical gasses this year and so do not consider myself qualified to keep the quiz accurate. As a replacement, for those that find the regular first - [Crafts with Kids - Autumn craft picture 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-kids-autumn-craft-picture-2009/) - I've created a new craft picture with lots of help from Amelia. We've created a new one for each season. This one has been the cheapest as most of the materials were available for free. The leaves, twigs etc. have all come from either local parks or from our back garden (including acorns from Redditch, - [New Workplace First Aid regulations come into force today](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-workplace-first-aid-regulations-come-into-force-today/) - The new First Aid regulations come into force from today 1st October 2009. It is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that is responsible for reviewing and enforcing the regulations. I have already explained many of the changes in Changes to First Aid at Work courses starting in October. The noticeable differences are in the - [ICE - In Case of Emergency](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ice-in-case-of-emergency/) - If anything was to happen to you, do you carry information about who you'd like contacted? I have had emergency contact details on those pieces of card that come with your wallet, but they get tatty and thrown away. Wouldn't it be useful to have something on your mobile phone? East Anglican Ambulance Service have - [What's your BMI?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/whats-your-bmi/) - Diet is still going well. According to my BMI I am now overweight rather than obese. What does this mean? BMI or Body Mass Index is a universal way of measuring weight compared to a person's height. The advantage of measuring weight is that this gives a single target value that can be applied to - [Alli - buying Alli weight loss pills from an online pharmacy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/alli-buying-alli-weight-loss-pills-from-an-online-pharmacy/) - I lost a further 3 lbs this week on the Alli diet. I originally bought Alli through a high-street Boots pharmacy, but since then I've bought my subsequent tablets through different routes depending upon which was most convenient at the time. Boots in-store was the strictest which required me to pay to use their weighing-scales - [Including OpenOffice.org word processor (writer) documents within a website - Linux file permissions reference document](https://watkissonline.co.uk/including-openoffice-org-word-processor-writer-documents-within-a-website-linux-file-permissions-reference-document/) - I've added a new tutorial to the Penguin Tutor Linux Tutorial pages. The latest tutorial is on file permissions within Linux, including commands such as chmod, chown and umask. View the tutorial below: New tutorial - Linux file permissions reference document The tutorials are all created in OpenOffice.org and then exported as xhtml for inclusion - [Worcestershire speed cameras installed before an accident occurs - Good or bad?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/worcestershire-speed-cameras-installed-before-an-accident-occurs-good-or-bad/) - With a change in the rules governing the use of speed cameras it is now possible to install speed cameras in areas where there is no history of accidents or deaths, but where there is a history or speeding. West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership is trialling this near a school in Great Witley in Worcestershire. - [Linux - using a network time server (ntpd)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-using-a-network-time-server-ntpd/) - The network time protocol is a means to synchronise time clocks of devices over the Internet. As well as being a convenient way to make sure your PC shows the correct time it is often used to ensure that the time of servers and routers are in synchronization. This is particularly important for database transaction logging, stock related transactions, security logging and analysis, network monitoring and other time critical applications. - [Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park - Matlock Bath](https://watkissonline.co.uk/gullivers-kingdom-theme-park-matlock-bath/) - We've visited Gulliver's Land Theme Park in Milton Keynes a few times before. This is our first visit to Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park in Matlock Bath. Gulliver's is a Theme park designed for children aged 2 to 13. There is one adult roller coaster for older children and adults, but the majority are for younger - [Simple Intrusion Detecion Rules for Apache (Apache mod_rewrite & PHP based Intrusion Detection System IDS)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/simple-intrusion-detecion-rules-for-apache-apache-mod_rewrite-php-based-intrusion-detection-system-ids/) - This is a document I created a while ago. I'm redesigning the Watkissonline site that this was previously stored on, but I wanted to keep this information. It's kept more as an academic exercise. It could be used as a basic IDS notification system or as a module for a more complex solution, but I - [Review of O2 Mobile Broadband USB dongle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-o2-mobile-broadband-usb-dongle/) - I have bought a pay-as-you-go O2 Mobile Broadband USB Dongle to provide broadband connectivity whilst away from home. The first part was in purchasing this which was not a particularly pleasant experience. This is not a fault of O2, but of the retailer Phone 4U who I will not be buying from again Mobile Broadband - [Children's day out at GreenWood Forest Park in North Wales](https://watkissonline.co.uk/childrens-day-out-at-greenwood-forest-park-in-north-wales/) - Greenwood forest park is a theme park with a difference. Best avoided by any couch potatoes this is a fun place to go for children and adults that have a bit of energy to spare. It's also more environmentally friendly than the electricity drinking roller coasters of other theme parks. In fact at Greenwood park - [Lack of healthy food choices at Woodall Welcome Break Service Station ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/lack-of-healthy-food-choices-at-woodall-welcome-break-service-station/) - I've been on the Alli diet (weight-loss pills) for 3 months, which has included quite a lot of dieting whilst eating out due to travelling etc. It's very difficult to stick within the fat limits of the Alli diet whilst eating out, but I have always been able to choose a menu option that was - [Using O2 Mobile Broadband under Ubuntu Linux - Huawei E160](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-o2-mobile-broadband-under-ubuntu-linux-huawei-e160/) - These instructions work for getting a O2 Pay-as-you-go Mobile Broadband USB stick to work under Ubuntu Linux. I also tested this using EEEbuntu on the Eee PC. The device that I tested is a Huawei Mobile Connect Model E160, HSDPA USB Stick. Most current models should work, but Huawei do not provide any official Linux - [Camping Review at Ty Mawr Park Resorts Caravan site in North Wales.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/camping-review-at-ty-mawr-park-resorts-caravan-site-in-north-wales/) - Our first camping holiday since having children was at Ruda, Croyde Bay Devon (Parkdean holidays caravan site), we did however go camping quite a lot before we had children. Our second camping holiday with our children was to Ty Mawr Park Resorts Caravan and Camping site near Rhyl in North Wales. We went for a - [Kids Day Out - Dairyland Farm World in Cornwall](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kids-day-out-dairyland-farm-world-in-cornwall/) - We went to the Dairy Land Farm World (near Newquay in Cornwall), whilst we were on a caravan holiday at John Fowlers in Widemouth Bay. The admission price is the same for children and adults, with those under 3 feet tall being free. I thought this was expensive for children, but by the end of - [Wordpress automatic upgrade - a status bar is worth several minutes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wordpress-automatic-upgrade-a-status-bar-is-worth-several-minutes/) - I've recently upgraded my blog engine, Wordpress. The developers thoughtfully included an automatic upgrade button which I've already praised before (Wordpress easy application upgrade). The upgrade failed first time, which I think was due to not cleaning up properly last upgrade, but after that was resolved it was the uncertainty and lack of feedback that - [Blog comments - spam vs. other comments ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/blog-comments-spam-vs-other-comments/) - I do get a number of comments on my personal blog, but no where near as many as I get SPAM comments. In fact at the moment I have over 500 comments caught by the Akismet spam filter in the last two weeks. Sometimes the SPAM gets through, but then needs to be approved / - [Mobile Broadband - Hard pressure selling from Phones 4 U](https://watkissonline.co.uk/mobile-broadband-hard-pressure-selling-from-phones-4-u/) - I bought a new broadband dongle from Phones 4 U today. I went there as they were cheapest for that particularly dongle, but only slightly. That's the last time I'm going to go in that shop. This is an approximate transcription of the conversation I had to purchase a O2 Play-as-you-go broadband dongle costing £19.55 - [Emergency Services Day at Evesham fire station 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/emergency-services-day-at-evesham-fire-station-2009/) - I originally planned to take my children along to Redditch Fire Station when they had an open day earlier this year. It is near to where we live so it would have been possible to drop in briefly show the kids around a fire engine and then still do something else the rest of the - [Emergency services photo gallery at First Aid Quiz ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/emergency-services-photo-gallery-at-first-aid-quiz/) - Recently I've been working on an update to the First Aid Quiz website. I've already updated the questions in-line with the latest First Aid Manual and updated some of the info on various pages. I've now added a photo gallery to provide some photos of Emergency Service Vehicles and events in the UK. I've started - [Forgotten part of my website - PenguinTutor Linux hardware, software and book reviews](https://watkissonline.co.uk/forgotten-part-of-my-website-penguintutor-linux-hardware-software-and-book-reviews/) - You would think that a webmaster would remember how their site is structured, but it's not always as easy as it sounds, especially if you have lots of websites you look after. It also doesn't help when (according to a search on Google) you have over 2000 pages on the site; although I hasten to - [Kids day out - National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks and Stoke Bruerne](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kids-day-out-national-waterways-museum-at-gloucester-docks-and-stoke-bruerne/) - One museum, three locations. The National Waterways Museum is split across three sites in Gloucester Docks in Gloucestershire, Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire and Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. This is a review of the first two as I've not yet visited the Ellesmere Port museum. If you plan to visit more than one of these locations - [Crafts with Kids: Giant Summer Picture 2009 - Seaside scene](https://watkissonline.co.uk/crafts-with-kids-giant-summer-picture-2009-seaside-scene/) - I've now finished our giant Summer picture. This picture is something we've been doing for the last year, creating a large picture on the wall based on the current season. We started this one at the beginning of the summer, but we have just added the final finishing touches after our holiday to the seaside - [Tatty Teddy on holiday in Cornwall](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tatty-teddy-on-holiday-in-cornwall/) - Here is Tatty Teddy's latest holiday diary from his trip to Cornwall with Amelia and Oliver. This time he went on a caravan holiday at John Fowler's Widemouth Bay caravan park near Bude in Cornwall, followed by two nights camping at Parkdean's Ruda caravan park and campsite at Croyde Bay, Near Ilfracombe in Devon. Click - [The National Pandemic Flu Service - "Swine Flu Hotline"](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-national-pandemic-flu-service-swine-flu-hotline/) - The National Pandemic Flu Service has now been established. Effectively this is the Swine Flu Hotline which was planned for the autumn, but rushed through when the number of cases of the pandemic strain of H1N1 increased by a large number. The new service is designed to relieve pressure on the GPs and other parts - [Government Information on Swine Flu A(H1N1)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/government-information-on-swine-flu-ah1n1/) - The UK government has launched a Swine Flu section to the direct.gov website to provide information to the public. It includes information on the number of recorded cases as well as tips on prevention and the latest travel recommendations. UK Government Swine Flu pages. It includes a link to the swine flu leaflet that will - [Removing Windows from a dual boot Windows and Linux computer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/removing-windows-from-a-dual-boot-windows-and-linux-computer/) - I have now removed Windows completely from my home PC/Server. It has been a long, long time since I have booted into Windows as this machine runs Linux 24/7. Windows was left installed in case of applications not running on my laptop which is Vista/Linux (where Vista has a lot of software compatibility problems), I - [Firefox 3.5 publicity - Shiretokoshock and social networking](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-3-5-publicity-shiretokoshock-and-social-networking/) - If you use any of the social network websites then you've almost certainly heard about the launch of Firefox 3.5. The reason for this is that Firefox has tapped into it's fan base and community spirit to promote the launch of the new browser. I am one of those that have been involved in promoting - [Print-Your-Own Christmas Gift Tags](https://watkissonline.co.uk/print-your-own-christmas-gift-tags/) - It's Christmas Eve, we've run out of Christmas gift tags and the shops are out-of-stock. So I've created my own print-your-self gift tags. These are easy enough to create using a bit of clipart and a vector drawing package such as Draw in OpenOffice.org. To save you the hassle you can just download and print - [First Aid Quiz - website refresh](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-website-refresh/) - I've been making some changes to the First Aid Quiz website for the last few weeks. The first part of the website update is now complete. I have now updated all the existing questions in-line with the 9th edition first aid manual. There were more changes than I thought mainly due to a minor change - [New First Aid at Work (FAW) courses start in October 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-first-aid-at-work-faw-courses-start-in-october-2009/) - Some time ago the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) had a survey on First Aid Training. I did participate in that survey, although I'm not a big fan of the outcome. The result was that last year they published the new guidelines for First Aid at Work training and the new training courses will start - [Review of Weymouth Caravan Site - Waterside Caravan Park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-weymouth-caravan-site-waterside-caravan-park/) - The Waterside Caravan Park is located at Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth, Dorset. It's located approximately two miles from Weymouth located on the coast. GPS location: 50°38.28'N 2°25.27'W The site is described as a 5 star family friendly caravan site. The site is certainly of high quality. We stayed in a friends caravan which was in excellent - [Disneyland Paris Holiday 2009 Part 1 - Travel to Paris and Hotel Santa Fe](https://watkissonline.co.uk/disneyland-paris-holiday-2009-part-1-travel-to-paris-and-hotel-santa-fe/) - We travelled to Disneyland Paris with our baby son (just over 1 year old) and 3 year old daughter. Our flight was from Birmingham Airport. We drove to the airport and had booked our car park place in advance at www.bhx.co.uk. As we booked over 3 months before the holiday the parking was only £15 - [Disneyland Paris Holiday 2009 Part 2 - Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios](https://watkissonline.co.uk/disneyland-paris-holiday-2009-part-2-disneyland-park-and-walt-disney-studios/) - After checking-in at our hotel we caught the park bus to the bus terminal. Near to the bus terminal is Disney Village (more about that in part 3), and then there are two parks. The traditional Disneyland Park (EuroDisney), and the Walt Disney Studios Park. Both are worth visiting, but we spent much more time - [Disneyland Paris Holiday 2009 Part 3 - Disney Village and hotel restaurant](https://watkissonline.co.uk/disneyland-paris-holiday-2009-part-3-disney-village-and-hotel-restaurant/) - This is the final part in a 3 part review of our Disneyland Paris holiday with a baby and child. We stayed at the Hotel Sante Fe which is a Disneyland hotel on the site. As a result we had to eat each evening at either the hotel or Disney Village. To put things into - [Travelling on holiday with a Baby (Part 2) Travelling by Car and the Caravan Site](https://watkissonline.co.uk/travelling-on-holiday-with-a-baby-part-2-travelling-by-car-and-the-caravan-site/) - We had decided that we were going to stay at a caravan park and we booked with Keycamp Holidays at the La Croix du Vieux Pont Site near Berny-Riviere, Paris. We booked last minute and so our holiday details were sent to us straight away. We were out when the details were sent and had - [CDex, extracting CDs under Windows - Free software and patent issues regarding MP3s](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cdex-extracting-cds-under-windows-free-software-and-patent-issues-regarding-mp3s/) - CDex is a free Windows program for converting CDs into MP3 (or other format) files on a computer. It's been a long time since I used the program which explains why I missed it on my earlier list of free Windows software. The software turned out to be extremely useful a few years ago when - [Picasa - Free Photo Software from Google (available on Windows and Linux)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/picasa-free-photo-software-from-google-available-on-windows-and-linux/) - Picasa is a free software application from Google. It is available for Windows and Linux. The program is effectively a album application for sorting photographs and pictures on your computer. It also provides good search functionality, and methods for naming and cataloging photos as well as some basic editing tools. - [Free Software Pact - turns software patents into a election issue](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-software-pact-turns-software-patents-into-a-election-issue/) - I have already posted that I believe that software patents are the biggest threat to free and open source software. Software patents do nothing to improve the quality of software and create a major barrier to all but the big software companies. The Free Software Pact has been forged to turn this into a political - [Treatment of Sunburn](https://watkissonline.co.uk/treatment-of-sunburn/) - Sunburn is best avoided using shade and sun cream. Failing that, and I'm one to admit I've managed to get burned myself, then St John Ambulance has issued some guidance for the treatment of sunburn: St John Ambulance First Aid Advice - Sunburn. It's available as a traditional web page or on iFIRSTAID. Advice is - [Tatty Teddy at Disneyland Paris - Holiday diary for Euro-disney](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tatty-teddy-at-disneyland-paris-holiday-diary-for-euro-disney/) - We have recently returned from a trip to Disneyland Paris (aka. Eurodisney). I will write up a proper review, but meanwhile here is a diary through the eyes of Tatty Teddy. Tatty is from our children's nursery who goes off with the kids whenever they go on holiday. A holiday diary is then written up - [Eee PC - mini tutorial - command line shell - xterm / konsole](https://watkissonline.co.uk/eee-pc-mini-tutorial-command-line-shell-xterm-konsole/) - I've recently bought an Asus Eee PC with Linux (customised version of Xandros) pre-installed. This is a mini tutorial on accessing and getting the most out of the the command line interface (CLI) on the Eee PC. Although the Eee PC customised Linux GUI hides the workings of Linux behind the scenes there are times - [Firefox with Personas - Web browser with style - create your own (First Aid Quiz)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/firefox-with-personas-web-browser-with-style-create-your-own-first-aid-quiz/) - The Firefox browser has now become the most stylish and easiest to customise. This is all possible thanks to a new feature from the Mozilla Labs called Personas. It's always been possible to customise Firefox using themes, but themes were hard to implement and used for changing the look of the icons rather than the - [Linux - upgrading to Ubuntu 9.04](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-upgrading-to-ubuntu-904/) - The latest version of Ubuntu version 9.04 has been released. This release has been given the codename Jaunty Jackalope. I've been anticipating this release of Ubuntu as there were some packages that were still on old version numbers on 8.10. For example OpenOffice.org version 3 missed the previous release. There are also some updated packages - [Linux pre-installed, Windows XP, Windows 7 and netbooks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-pre-installed-windows-xp-windows-7-and-netbooks/) - This is a comment that I wrote to a facebook entry. The original thread was on whether Windows 7 is just as slow as Vista, but the bit that I responded to was about Linux being pre-installed. [Regarding] Linux pre-installed and selling, well it's working on Netbooks. Who would have thought 2 years ago that - [Cannon Hall Children's Farm and Country Park, South Yorkshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/cannon-hall-childrens-farm-and-country-park-south-yorkshire/) - I have been to Cannon Hall Country park many times. I have been visiting since I was a child and have even had a summer job at a plant nursery adjacent to the park. It has been many years since I visited and what used to be a normal working farm has now become a - [Ash End House Farm - Children's farm with bouncy pillow](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ash-end-house-farm-childrens-farm-with-bouncy-pillow/) - We have visited Ash End House Farm with our baby son and 3 year old daughter twice in the last two months. It's not often that we would return to the same tourist attraction in such quick succession, especially consider that it's not free and it is a considerable distance from our house. Certainly one - [Sleep Simple: Five steps to reduce the risk of Cot death](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sleep-simple-five-steps-to-reduce-the-risk-of-cot-death/) - FSID (Foundation for Study into Infant Deaths) has published a 5 step guide to reducing the risk of cot death. The five steps are: a cot, crib or moses basket firm flat mattress blankets or a baby sleep bag room thermometer dummy See: FSID Sleep Simple, online download - [Free home fire safety check, free smoke detector, free long-life smoke alarm battery](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-home-fire-safety-check-free-smoke-detector-free-long-life-smoke-alarm-battery/) - If you had a fire at home would you know what to do? Do you know the best exit route? Is that route kept clear? Are the keys to your door easily accessible? Do you have a working smoke alarm? Have you checked the alarm is working? Is the battery in the alarm within the recommended life (typically less than 1 year)? - [Request to make Beoley pedestrian crossing safer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/request-to-make-beoley-pedestrian-crossing-safer/) - I am extremely frustrated by the contempt that many drivers show to the lives of pedestrians trying to cross a zebra crossing in the village of Beoley. This is a crossing that is supposed to provide a safe route for children going between the school, nursery and after-school club, and the car park across the - [Visiting Sheldon Country Park with a child or baby (includes Old Rectory Farm - demonstration farm)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/visiting-sheldon-country-park-with-a-child-or-baby-includes-old-rectory-farm-demonstration-farm/) - Sheldon Country Park is a council run recreational area with a working demonstration farm called "Old Rectory Farm". The farm building was once the home of Reverend Dr Thomas Bray, the closest Sheldon has to a [18th century] famous person. There is a car park accessed from Ragley Drive. The car park can be very - [Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire - visiting with young children or babies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kenilworth-castle-warwickshire-visiting-with-young-children-or-babies/) - I recently visited Kenilworth Castle, with my one year old baby boy and 3 year old daughter. This was more of an educational visit than some of our other days-out. The reason for visiting a castle was because they were covering castles at Nursery and actually seeing a real one would help to reinforce the - [Network cabling lengths](https://watkissonline.co.uk/network-cabling-lengths/) - During my day job I often have to arrange for network cabling spanning large distances within a data centre. As our data centre space is getting bigger and occupying more of the building we are hitting these problems more. Here is a rough guide to the maximum lengths of some popular cable types. These are - [Will lowering the speed limit save lives?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/will-lowering-the-speed-limit-save-lives/) - I notice that the government is looking at reducing the speed limits in an attempt to reduce the number of deaths on the road (see BBC News: Plans to cut traffic speed limits). Whilst the aims are laudable, will the measures they suggest actually make much difference? There are many roads which I consider dangerous - [Reckless drivers endager children's lives at zebra crossing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/reckless-drivers-endager-childrens-lives-at-zebra-crossing/) - Today I was threatened by a maniac driver at a Zebra crossing. He is one of many that regularly put children's lives at risk by speeding through a zebra crossing used by primary and nursery school children, although he's the first that has ever got out of the car and then chased and threatened me - [Software review of the Eee PC operating system (Eee OS)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-of-the-eee-pc-operating-system-eee-os/) - First impressions - Wow! My first impressions when I started my Asus Eee PC were: Wow! That was fast (less than 40 sec boot time) Wow! That looks good Wow! Easy to use Tim Burners Lee has already taken www for the World Wide Web so it looks like Asus had to satisfy themselves with - [Child friendly pub restaurant - Trading Post near Kettering](https://watkissonline.co.uk/child-friendly-pub-restaurant-trading-post-near-kettering/) - After visiting Wicksteed Park, Children's theme park near Kettering we stopped for dinner at the Trading Post pub near junction 8 of the A14. We have stopped at the pub for a meal before, but it has been completely refurbished since our last visit. The thing that made this pub stand out is that is - [Wicksteed Park - Children's playground and theme park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wicksteed-park-childrens-playground-and-theme-park/) - This is a review of Wicksteed Park, a children's playground and theme park near Kettering in Northamptonshire. An alternative is Gulliver's Theme Park (Gulliver's Land, Gulliver's Kingdom or Gulliver's World) or Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park. The difference between this park and similar theme parks is in the charging model. Other parks such as - [Wordpress easy upgrade](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wordpress-easy-upgrade/) - I've updated my blog engine to the latest version. The blog is powered by wordpress and it is now on the latest version WordPress 2.7.1. The upgrade was very straight forward. It was only a minor upgrade. All that was required was to provide the ftp login details for the website and the application uploaded - [World Book Day](https://watkissonline.co.uk/world-book-day/) - Today is world book day. If you have a child at a UK primary school then you should be receiving a £1 book voucher as part of the world book day programme. Some other organisations including private nurseries can also take part. Our nursery has provided these vouchers and the kids even went into nursery - [Long term hardware review : HP Laptop dv6285eu (DV6200 series) Entertainment Laptop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/long-term-hardware-review-hp-laptop-dv6285eu-dv6200-series-entertainment-laptop/) - I've had my HP laptop for nearly two years now. Here is a review of how it's faired up over those 2 years and the support that I've received. The laptop is a DV6285eu (dv6200 series) Entertainment Laptop. It comes with a AMD 64bit dual core processor, 160GB disk drive (since upgraded) and 2GB RAM - [Center Parcs Whinfell Forest Lake District - Lapland Experience, Christmas Special](https://watkissonline.co.uk/center-parcs-whinfell-forest-lake-district-lapland-experience-christmas-special/) - Ever since our first child was born we've had an annual Christmas holiday at Center Parcs at the beginning of December. I've posted a review of two of these already: Holiday with a Baby, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Nottingham UK and Center Parcs Countdown to Christmas at Longleat Forest During 2008 we went to Whinfell - [Petition against software patents in Europe](https://watkissonline.co.uk/petition-against-software-patents-in-europe/) - There is a new petition online at http://stopsoftwarepatents.eu. Software patents are a threat to all free and commercial software. The reason for this is that thousands of patents can be created that apply to a single program or even a website. Tracking these to prevent violation is almost impossible and even if it was possible - [Tommy's - Let's get baby friendly awards 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tommys-lets-get-baby-friendly-awards-2009/) - Voting is now open for the Tommy's - Let's get baby friendly awards 2009. To vote to go: Tommy's Awards website. Voting ends Monday 23 February 2009 Related Baby Friendly Posts Baby Friendly Days Out and Holidays in the UK and Europe Christmas Charity 2007 - Tommy’s Baby Charity and Wikipedia Tommy’s Parent Friendly Awards - [Door Plaques from Jaycee Crafts (including Linux Penguin door plaque)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/door-plaques-from-jaycee-crafts-including-linux-penguin-door-plaque/) - I first saw Julie from Jaycee Crafts at Crick Boat Show a few years ago. I was there as a First Aider with St. John Ambulance. She was selling polymer clay based crafts. Her range includes door plaques; pictures; boxes; bookmarks and more. I bought the door plaque to the left, which is of a - [Linux Format Mailbox Article](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-format-mailbox-article/) - I have had another of my letters included in the Linux Format magazine this month. This is Linux Format LXF 78 April 2006 Edition. My earlier letter was on Software Patents, but this one was a bit more lighthearted. The letter I posted was a small part of my earlier posting on Door Plaques from - [Thomas Land at Drayton Manor - visiting with babies and children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thomas-land-at-drayton-manor-visiting-with-babies-and-children/) - Thomas Land is the new attraction at Drayton Manor Theme Park which opened during 2008. Thomas Land consists of over a dozen rides based on the Thomas the Tank Engine and friends characters. Some of these are completely new themed rides, but others are just existing rides with Thomas the Tank Engine branding such as - [Non-linear Video Editing in Ubuntu Linux - What tools to use and how to do it!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/non-linear-video-editing-in-ubuntu-linux-what-tools-to-use-and-how-to-do-it/) - An introduction into what tools are available and how to edit a video from obtaining the files from the camcorder to editing the footage, exporting to YouTube and creating a DVD. - [Progress on video editing with Linux Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid](https://watkissonline.co.uk/progress-on-video-editing-with-linux-ubuntu-810-intrepid/) - Since my post Video editing on Ubuntu 8.10 Intrepid vs Windows Vista, I've now had a chance to play a bit more with the Video Editing options on Ubuntu Linux. I have still be unable to get the community version of Cinelerra to install, but I have been able to install the one provided by - [Editing HD Video on Ubuntu Linux (kdenlive / Cinelerra) - is this better than Windows Vista?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/editing-hd-video-on-ubuntu-linux-kdenlive-cinelerra-is-this-better-than-windows-vista/) - One of the main reasons I still Windows Vista is for video editing. Just about everything else I've been able to do do in Linux which is by far my preferred operating system. Now I have a HD flash based camcorder I tried to edit the video in Windows Vista using Adobe Premiere Elements. Despite - [Happy New Year - 2009](https://watkissonline.co.uk/happy-new-year-2009/) - Happy New Year to all my family, friends and visitors to my websites. My first New Year resolution is to use the Wii Fit more! My second is to look for more "Free" (open source) solutions to my computing needs to reduce my dependence on proprietary software even more. Let me explain ... Linux is - [Computer upgrade Utopia - Linux Ubuntu upgrade to 8.10](https://watkissonline.co.uk/computer-upgrade-utopia-linux-ubuntu-upgrade-to-810/) - Just Imagine, the latest version of your favourite operating system has become available. You click on a button which says "Upgrade", and your computer downloads the latest version and installs it. Imagine you don't have to pay any money for it Imagine that all your software still runs Imagine that all your hardware peripherals still - [Christmas message 2008](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2008/) - It's certainly been an eventful 2008, dominated by the birth of our son Oliver in February. It doesn't seam as though 10 months has past, this year has really flown by. I thought that it was hard work with one child before, but having a baby and a toddler at the same time is hard - [Upgrade of wordpress blog engine to version 2.7](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-of-wordpress-blog-engine-to-version-27/) - I have successfully upgraded the engine used for this blog on www.watkissonline.co.uk. This is powered by wordpress 2.7 running on Linux. I was told about the update being available through dashboard rather than having to check for updates manually. Upgrading was fairly painless following the simple instructions. During the last few major upgrades to Wordpress - [Software Review - OpenOffice.org 3 - Free Office Suite for Windows, Mac, Linux and more...](https://watkissonline.co.uk/software-review-openofficeorg-3-free-office-suite-for-windows-mac-linux-and-more/) - OpenOffice.org version 3 is the latest version of a completely free Office Suite. Version 3 was released on the 13 October and in about a month clocked up Twelve Million (12,000,000) downloads from the main site. The actual number of installed copies is most likely much higher as some Linux users may have downloaded through - [Tropical Birdland Leicester - taking a child and baby in Summer and Autumn](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tropical-birdland-leicester-taking-a-child-and-baby-in-summer-and-autumn/) - I have been to Tropical Birdland in Dresford, Leicestershire on two occasions. The first was a warm spring day when I took our toddler on my own, and the second was on a cold autumn day with my wife, child and baby. Although we enjoyed both visits it was a far better place for children - [Update on: Haven Craig Tara, Ayr Scotland - Awful Holiday Accommodation 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-on-haven-craig-tara-ayr-scotland-awful-holiday-accommodation-2007/) - This is an update on my earlier post on: Haven Craig Tara, Ayr Scotland - Awful Holiday Accommodation 2007. You need to view the post to properly appreciate all the issues, but essentially our main complaints with the accommodation were: External Stairs were dangerous and unsuitable for young children and pregnant ladies Safety rails on - [PVC door handles and Redditch based hardware / locksmith - Morris Mica](https://watkissonline.co.uk/pvc-door-handles-and-redditch-based-hardware-locksmith-morris-mica/) - Since moving house I've been trying to find a replacement handle for our PVC front door. It appears that most handles are of one standard fitting, but there are a couple of different variations of which mine is one of them. Measuring the distance between the centre of the handle and the centre of the - [Baking with Kids - Gingerbread biscuits for Halloween](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baking-with-kids-gingerbread-biscuits-for-halloween/) - Here is a simple recipe for gingerbread biscuits (cookies). These can be made for any occassion using appropriate cutters, the example used here is for Halloween. I made these with our 3 year old daughter who enjoyed both making and eating them :-) Great fun for kids and adults. Ingredients 350g (12oz) plain flour 3 - [Updates to Quizzes on FirstAidQuiz.com and PenguinTutor.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/updates-to-quizzes-on-firstaidquizcom-and-penguintutorcom/) - I've finally got around to fixing some of the errors in the questions featured in the First Aid Quiz and Penguin Tutor quizzes. The errors have been found and reported by visitors to the site. When writing about 200 questions (per website) there is always going to be a few errors that get missed. Most - [Installing OpenOffice.org 3 onto Ubuntu - Debian package for Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-openofficeorg-3-onto-ubuntu-debian-package-for-linux/) - Quick guide to installing the latest version of OpenOffice.org (version 3) on Ubuntu Linux. The next version of Ubuntu is in about 2 weeks time. I guess that the latest version will include the latest version of OpenOffice.org, but there are no guarentees. If you can't wait then this will give details of how to - [Upgrade your Office software, OpenOffice.org 3 released today](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-your-office-software-openofficeorg-3-released-today/) - The latest version of OpenOffice.org is now available. Due to it's popularity the website has been struggling with the incredible demand for this latest version. They have temporarily changed to a leaner website, but downloads of the software work fine. OpenOffice.org is a great replacement for Microsoft Office and it's much much cheaper. In fact - [New Tutorial on Penguintutor - Network IP Alias addresses in Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-tutorial-on-penguintutor-network-ip-alias-addresses-in-linux/) - I've not had much time to spend on my websites so it's been a long time since I've added a new tutorial to the PenguinTutor.com website. I have now finally got around to adding a new one. Adding an IP alias is something that I needed to do on my home computer so I used - [World Day Against Software Patents - 24 September 2008](https://watkissonline.co.uk/world-day-against-software-patents-24-september-2008/) - Today is World Day Against Software Patents. One of the biggest threats to small software businesses and freely available open source software is the threat of software patents. Software is already protected by the current copyright laws, patents are not needed to prevent people stealing other peoples software. The big problem is that software patents - [Tatty Bear Visits Holland - Holiday Diary](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tatty-bear-visits-holland-holiday-diary/) - I've already posted some diaries from the view of a child, see: A day at the Zoo by a toddler and Butlins through the eyes of a toddler. This one is motivated by Amelia's nursery which has a "Tatty Bear Diary", featuring a teddy bear that the kids take on holiday, photograph and then [the - [The Apple Barn Restaurant (Evesham Country Park) - response to complaint](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-apple-barn-restaurant-evesham-country-park-response-to-complaint/) - After my recent visit to the Apple Barn restaurant in the Evesham Country Park I emailed the restaurant complaining about the overcharging and the cost of the bibs on top of the price of the meal. I am pleased to say that they have responded very positively to my email. They have apologised for the - [Evesham Vale Light Railway with a baby and young child](https://watkissonline.co.uk/evesham-vale-light-railway-with-a-baby-and-young-child/) - Due to my wife working nights I was pretty much kicked out of the house with the kids so that she could get some sleep during the day. I don't mind as I love spending the time with my kids, but they can certainly be a handful at times. They are both at their own - [2 Minute Video that could save a life - British Heart Foundation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/2-minute-video-that-could-save-a-life-british-heart-foundation/) - The British Heart Foundation 2 minute campaign is a 2 minute long video showing the symptoms of a heart attack. - [New game on First Aid Quiz - First Aid Hangman](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-game-on-first-aid-quiz-first-aid-hangman/) - The new game has now been launched. First Aid Hangman First Aid Hangman is latest game to be released on the First Aid Quiz.com website. It is an online interactive game using flash technology to provide a visual gameplay. Visit: first aid hangman, on First Aid Quiz website. First Aid Hangman Screenshot This screenshot is - [New game for First Aid Quiz.com - almost here](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-game-for-first-aid-quizcom-almost-here/) - The new game on First Aid Quiz.com will be launched overnight on the 8 August ready for 9 August 2008. The game is an interactive flash based game, created to add a bit more fun to the website. The integration into the website has been easier than I anticipated, thanks mainly to the use of - [First Aid Quiz - new page on Facebook](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-new-page-on-facebook/) - I have created a First Aid Quiz page on Facebook. The page is to promote the website www.firstaidquiz.com and to provide a place where visitors to the site can leave messages etc., without getting bombarded with SPAM (which is what happened when I tried putting a forum on PenguinTutor.com website. Please visit the page and let me know what you think of First Aid Quiz . com :Facebook First Aid Quiz Page - [Running Dreamweaver 8, Fireworks 8 and Flash Professional 8 on Linux using Crossover Office (cxoffice)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/running-dreamweaver-8-fireworks-8-and-flash-professional-8-on-linux-using-crossover-office-cxoffice/) - I have now got Flash Professional 8, Fireworks 8 and Dreamweaver 8 on Linux. Note that I although these are the main components of Studio 8, I have not been able to fully install the Studio 8 suite. Although Studio is now developed by Adobe, when version 8 was released it was still under the - [New game coming soon to www.firstaidquiz.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-game-coming-soon-to-wwwfirstaidquizcom/) - My new game is almost ready for www.firstaidquiz.com - the First Aid Quiz, crossword and wordsearch website. The game code itself is ready, which I finished programming recently. The game is written in Flash and Actionscript to provide a graphical interactive game. It was created using Studio 8, running under WINE on Linux. The only - [Wordpress blog now upgraded](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wordpress-blog-now-upgraded/) - This post is just to state that Wordpress, the blog engine used on my websites has been upgraded. This post will be used to test that the upgrade has not broken any of my automated scripts etc. Blog Sites See: Watkissonline. personal site. Master blog site. First Aid Quiz Penguintutor.com - [St John Ambulance uniform review](https://watkissonline.co.uk/st-john-ambulance-uniform-review/) - St John Ambulance is currently undergoing a review of their uniform. The new design is currently under consultation and I'm going to refrain from posting what it looks like. For any members that want to have their say you can find a powerpoint presentation including photos on the members website. If you don't know about - [Dropping Litter - It could be a matter of life and death!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dropping-litter-it-could-be-a-matter-of-life-and-death/) - Think about the consequences before discarding litter. Today whilst feeding the ducks at our local pond one of the ducks had discarded litter around it's neck. It was not an immediate risk to this duck and in this case I have notified the RSPCA so hopefully they should be able to remove this before it - [Password Gorilla - Password Safe for Linux and Windows](https://watkissonline.co.uk/password-gorilla-password-safe-for-linux-and-windows/) - The number of systems / websites I have a login for just keeps increasing. It's now impossible to keep track of all the passwords I have without either setting them to the same password (No No No - especially as you don't know how safely some of these sites keep your password) or making them - [Butlins Skegness - with a baby and toddler 2008](https://watkissonline.co.uk/butlins-skegness-with-a-baby-and-toddler-2008/) - I've already posted a link to a Photo Diary of our recent holiday to Butlins Skegness through the eyes of a toddler. Here is a review of the holiday through the eyes of a parent. Accommodation We paid the extra for Gold standard accommodation which I think was probably worth it. I last went to - [gnokii - Mobile Phone Nokia PC Communicator for Linux - Settings for Ubuntu, Mini USB and Nokia 6300](https://watkissonline.co.uk/gnokii-mobile-phone-nokia-pc-communicator-for-linux-settings-for-ubuntu-mini-usb-and-nokia-6300/) - I have recently got a new mobile phone. A Nokia 6300. I decided to go for Nokia as they seam to be taking a practical approach towards Linux and OpenSource, which some of the other mobile phone manufacturers are not. Unfortunately they do not support Linux with their PC Communicator software. The good news is - [Butlins Skegness holiday - Toddler diary 2008 (created with OpenSource software)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/butlins-skegness-holiday-toddler-diary-2008-created-with-opensource-software/) - We have recently been on a holiday to Butlins in Skegness. I have not been to Butlins since I was a child and it's certainly changed since then. I will post a more comprehensive review of the holiday, but in the meantime here is a holiday diary through the eyes of a toddler. Butlins Skegness - [KFC - Anti Baby Policy - Will not warm a baby's bottle](https://watkissonline.co.uk/kfc-anti-baby-policy-will-not-warm-a-babys-bottle/) - We needed to stop and feed our baby son last weekend. We stopped at a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) fast food restaurant, in Newark Lincolnshire. I took the baby milk bottle out to be heated, only to find a sign saying that they will not heat baby bottles. This is the first time I've come - [Upgrade of Linux Server from Ubuntu 7.10 to Ubuntu 8.04](https://watkissonline.co.uk/upgrade-of-linux-server-from-ubuntu-710-to-ubuntu-804/) - In an earlier post I have already said that I have upgraded my Ubuntu version (in a VMware virtual machine) to Ubuntu 8.04. I have in the same post described my views on Ubuntu Linux 8.04 - the best Linux distribution so far. I have now taken the (somewhat brave) step of upgrading my home - [Ubuntu 8.04 - What makes it so good](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-804-what-makes-it-so-good/) - In an earlier post I wrote Ubuntu 8.04 / Xubuntu 8.04 - Probably the best Linux distribution yet. At the time, it was recently after the distro was released and I've now had a bit of an opportunity to try it some more. Here is a bit more explaining why the latest version of Ubuntu - [Hands only CPR - American Heart Association vs. UK Resuscitation Council](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hands-only-cpr-american-heart-association-vs-uk-resuscitation-council/) - There has been some publicity recently about the American Heart Associations campaign for hands only CPR. This is a technique for performing CPR that does not involve performing artificial ventilations (better known as mouth-to-mouth). This is also known as compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This is a technique that was adopted as a alternative form of CPR - [New game for FirstAidQuiz.com - under construction](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-game-for-firstaidquizcom-under-construction/) - I'm working on a new game for the First Aid Quiz website. This game will be an interactive game written in Flash. I'm not disclosing details of the game yet, other than to say it's a traditional paper based game, with a new First Aid focus and created as an interactive flash game. There is - [Ubuntu 8.04 / Xubuntu 8.04 - Probably the best Linux distributions yet](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-804-xubuntu-804-probably-the-best-linux-distributions-yet/) - Yesterday saw the release of the latest version of Ubuntu, version 8.04. I've been eagerly waiting for this new version as I'd been playing with the beta versions. I downloaded and installed this version straight away. Download speeds were a little slow, due to the large number of users trying to download at the same - [New email form on watkissonline.co.uk](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-email-form-on-watkissonlinecouk/) - I have created a new email form on my Watkissonline.co.uk website. This form can also be used for my First Aid Information and Quiz website and my Linux Information website penguintutor.com. This has become necessary due to the large number of spam emails I have received by having email addresses included in the main web - [Penguin Tutor moved to new hosting provider (from Compila to Streamline.net)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguin-tutor-moved-to-new-hosting-provider-from-compila-to-streamlinenet/) - My PenguinTutor.com website has now moved to a new hosting provider. It didn't go quite according to plan, with a few hours down time (perhaps more depending upon DNS caching), but it's now moved over. The reason for me moving provider is detailed in blog entry: PenguinTutor.com - DOS due to attempt to break in - [Ubuntu - Countdown to the next release](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-countdown-to-the-next-release/) - Countdown to the next release of Ubuntu Linux - [First Aid Quiz.com coming soon to Taecanet](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quizcom-coming-soon-to-taecanet/) - I have given my permission for Taecanet to use the First Aid Quiz.com website in their educational e-learning system. Taecanet is a "not for profit" organisation providing a safe Internet based learning environment for schools. I am not receiving any money for the use of the quiz on Taecanet; I see it as a way - [Testing Ubuntu / Xubuntu 8.04 - beta release](https://watkissonline.co.uk/testing-ubuntu-xubuntu-804-beta-release/) - I have been testing the beta release of Ubuntu 8.04 and Xubuntu 8.04. There is only about 3 days until the final release, and I've been trying some of the latest beta versions. I had tried with some of the earlier betas, but hardware support was a bit lacking. I have had much more success - [Circuit diagram published in Linux Format magazine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/circuit-diagram-published-in-linux-format-magazine/) - In an earlier post I created a circuit diagram to accompany the electronics project in LXF 103 (March 2008). I sent this with a email to the magazine. Arduino hardware hacking project, circuit diagram My email has been published in the latest edition of Linux Format (LXF 104), and my diagram has been included in - [Ubuntu / XUbuntu - Enabling Broadcom Wireless driver on Dell Latitude C540/C640 with built in wireless](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ubuntu-xubuntu-enabling-broadcom-wireless-driver-on-dell-latitude-c540c640-with-built-in-wireless/) - I've recently installed Ubuntu and Xubuntu onto a Dell Latitude C640 with a mini-PCI wireless card. I've been unable to get the wireless working on this before, but I've now tried using ndiswrapper and the Windows drivers. There were a few hurdles, but I've now got it working. This has been tested on Ubuntu 7.10 - [Warwickshire St John Ambulance show - Flashback 2008](https://watkissonline.co.uk/warwickshire-st-john-ambulance-show-flashback-2008/) - Back in 2006 I wrote about "An event which made me extremely proud to be a member of St John Ambulance." This event was the Warwickshire St John Ambulance show. It was great to see members young and old come together on stage to put on a memorable variety show. Tickets are now on sale - [L.I.F.E. St. John Ambulance Variety Show 2006](https://watkissonline.co.uk/life-st-john-ambulance-variety-show-2006/) - This weekend there was an event which made me extremely proud to be a member of St. John Ambulance. It wasn't that someone's life had been saved, this was seeing members young and old all pulling together to create a memorable show. - [Dudley Zoo and Castle through the eyes of a toddler](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dudley-zoo-and-castle-through-the-eyes-of-a-toddler/) - Here is a review with a difference. The main part of it is written from the eyes of a toddler. We went to Dudley Zoo on Friday. It is a zoo I have visited several times in the past. When I first visited the zoo I got the impression that it was going downhill and - [HTML - href rel=nofollow for urls. Stop SPAM from getting a rating on search engines](https://watkissonline.co.uk/html-href-relnofollow-for-urls-stop-spam-from-getting-a-rating-on-search-engines/) - I've been playing with Media Wiki on my Linux web server. This is the Wiki engine software used to power Wikipedia. I noticed that one of the options was to turn on - rel="nofollow" on external urls. What this does is provide a means of preventing an external web site link from giving a site - [St John Ambulance - Save a Life Series (email and web)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/st-john-ambulance-save-a-life-series-email-and-web/) - St John Ambulance is running a email / web campaign entitled save a life. I managed to miss the first one in December although it's still available on the web. The emails and web pages include simple step-by-step procedures with diagrams and text explaining the procedures. Take a look at: December Save a Life - - [Hardware hacking - Circuit diagram for LXF Arduino Simon Project](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hardware-hacking-circuit-diagram-for-lxf-arduino-simon-project/) - In the past I used to do quite a bit of hobby electronics. I have not had time to do much in recent years but my enthusiasm has now been rekindled in response to a Arduino electronics series that Linux Format Magazine has recently started. There have been a number of changes in hobby electronics - [Adding a second hard disk to Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/adding-a-second-hard-disk-to-linux/) - On my home Linux server I have two hard disks. The first has my main operating system files, the other is to use as a separate data partition. As I was migrating over from another computer my 2nd drive still held my old data. It is only now that I have copied everything over that - [Windows XP vs Windows Vista](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-xp-vs-windows-vista/) - Since getting my HP Pavilion Entertainment Laptop back from the repairers: Warrenty repair of HP laptop dv62000 - wireless network problem, I decided to use it as an opportunity to reinstall the OS. I'd already upgraded the laptop to 2GB of memory (from the original 1GB), and I'd recently bought a 250GB disk drive to - [HP Warranty Support for Pavilion Entertainment Laptop dv6285eu](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hp-warranty-support-for-pavilion-entertainment-laptop-dv6285eu/) - I have recently had to send my HP laptop in for repair under warranty. The problem was due to the Wifi Wireless Internet stopping working. It turns out this is a bit of a common problem on the dv6000 series laptops as the following forum (for a slightly different model suggests): dv6140us (dv6000) wireless problem. - [DHCP server setup in Ubuntu Linux - automatic IP address allocation](https://watkissonline.co.uk/dhcp-server-setup-in-ubuntu-linux-automatic-ip-address-allocation/) - I have recently configured a DHCP server on my Ubuntu Linux server. Before I was using static IP addresses on each of the laptops that connected to my wireless network which wasn't a problem. With the appearance of more public wireless networks it means that I was having to switch between a static and dynamic - [WashCraft Domestics - fixed our cooker and saved our Christmas](https://watkissonline.co.uk/washcraft-domestics-fixed-our-cooker-and-saved-our-christmas/) - When our cooker broke a week before Christmas it looked as though we were going to have raw turkey! We have a range cooker / oven, with a large electric oven. The fan element had not been working since we moved in, but it had been working as a conventional oven. With only a week - [Wyre Forest Glade Swimming Pool - Wave Machine and Slides in Kidderminster](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wyre-forest-glade-swimming-pool-wave-machine-and-slides-in-kidderminster/) - I've been to the Wyre Forest Glade Leisure Centre before, but that was when I was living in Coventry. Now I'm living in Redditch (only about 20 mins drive away), we took our 2 year old daughter along. The leisure centre is one of only a few, non seaside, council run swimming pools with wave - [Baby Changing Facilities at Welcome Break Woodall Services](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-changing-facilities-at-welcome-break-woodall-services/) - Whilst traveling back from my family in Yorkshire yesterday, we stopped at Woodall services on the M1. This is a "Welcome Break service station". I'm sorry to say that the baby changing room is one the worst that I have ever seen at a service station. It was clear that nobody had inspected the baby - [Christmas Charity 2007 - Tommy's Baby Charity and Wikipedia](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-charity-2007-tommys-baby-charity-and-wikipedia/) - Following my theme for the last two years I've decided to give my annual "Christmas Donation" to another child and baby charity. As my wife is pregnant it seamed appropriate that this year I've chosen Tommy's the baby charity. An charity dedicated to reducing the number of babies dying during pregnancy and birth. This year - [Ambulance, FA Cup, Italian Job, The Blitz and a Time Machine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/ambulance-fa-cup-italian-job-the-blitz-and-a-time-machine/) - The refurbishment has gone ahead and the museum is now a huge improvement on what it was before. I'm not sure if it is completely finished, I think there were plans to move or refurbish the cafe, but other than that most of the exhibits seam to be in their final destinations. I must say that I am very impressed by the new exhibits that have been completed since I was last there. This includes a road layout with an Ambulance donated by Warwickshire St John Ambulance, a mini showing how the tunnel scenes for the original Italian Job (the one starring Michael Cane) were actually filmed in Coventry, and an example of a production line. - [HP Laptop Hardware Problem - Wireless Networking](https://watkissonline.co.uk/hp-laptop-hardware-problem-wireless-networking/) - My HP laptop has been working OK since purchased in April until recently. Before I setup my wireless network at my new house I've been using wired Internet from the cable modem. Since then I have found that the wireless networking has failed. At first the symptoms appeared to point at a software problem, and - [Virgin Media - Not taking payment then contacting a debt collection agency](https://watkissonline.co.uk/virgin-media-not-taking-payment-then-contacting-a-debt-collection-agency/) - Since moving house I've had a real problem getting Virgin Media to take my payment and close my account at my old house. This is despite continuing as a customer getting my phone, TV and Broadband from Virgin Media. Despite telling me my account was clear I have now received threatening letters from both Virgin - [Moving House](https://watkissonline.co.uk/moving-house/) - Well we managed to move in the end, so goodbye Coventry and hello Redditch. Most of the furniture is still flat packed, and all the rooms are full of boxes, but we are getting there. Here are a few of the companies that we used: Estate Agent in Coventry - Wiglesworth Wiglesworth were really good - [Letter to Linux Format - Published in Christmas Edition - OpenOffice.org Special Edition Magazine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/letter-to-linux-format-published-in-christmas-edition-openofficeorg-special-edition-magazine/) - I've had another of my letters published in Linux Format magazine. This time it relates to the OpenOffice.org Special Edition magazine. This is a magazine and DVD available from WH Smiths. Although on the magazine stands it's more like a software package complete with instruction manual rather than a normal magazine. It caters for all - [Alcohol tax rise - would it cut excessive drinking?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/alcohol-tax-rise-would-it-cut-excessive-drinking/) - There is a news item on the BBC web site about the government being lobbied to increase Tax on alcohol for health reasons. BBC News: Campaigners want alcohol tax rise. I have posted a response on the web site. The website restricts to only 500 letters which is a bit short to really put a - [Against Software Patents - Vote for European of the Year](https://watkissonline.co.uk/against-software-patents-vote-for-european-of-the-year/) - One of the biggest threats to small software businesses and freely available open source software is the threat of software patents. Software is already protected by the current copyright laws, patents are not needed to prevent people stealing other peoples software. The big problem is that software patents could be applied to very generic terms, - [Christmas Message 2005](https://watkissonline.co.uk/christmas-message-2005/) - It's now Christmas. I've finished work for a week and I am looking forward to spending our first Christmas as a family of three. Whilst opening your presents have a thought about those less fortunate than ourselves. In particular as we will be spending the time with our baby, it makes me think about all - [Happy New Year - Review of 2005](https://watkissonline.co.uk/review-of-2005/) - Another year has now come to an end. Here is a brief review of some of the major things for me during 2005. The most significant event for me was the birth of our baby daughter Amelia. She is now 5 months old and is well. Quite possibly the biggest change to my life ever, - [Using Thunderbird Email Client for viewing Mailing List Postings](https://watkissonline.co.uk/using-thunderbird-email-client-for-viewing-mailing-list-postings/) - I've been using the Thunderbird Email Client for my emails for some time now. It's fast, secure and a great improvement on the other email clients I've tried. All that and it's Free as well, free as in speech as well as beer! One thing I've found is that Thunderbird is much better at managing - [Coventry NHS Walk-in Centre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/coventry-nhs-walk-in-centre/) - We had to visit the Coventry NHS Walk-In centre last night, fortunately nothing too serious. This is only the second time I've ever been to a walk-in centre, but I have advised others to go along to one. If you don't know what a walk-in centre is, these are places where you can go and - [Theatre Review: Willy Russell's Blood Brothers, Belgrade Coventry, Starring Linda Nolan](https://watkissonline.co.uk/148/) - We went to see Willy Russell's Blood Brothers at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry last weekend. I was keen to see the musical as the St. John Ambulance show that I'd been involved in last year included a couple of songs from the musical. I was certainly not left disappointed. The show has already won - [UK Smoking ban - some of the arguments](https://watkissonline.co.uk/uk-smoking-ban-some-of-the-arguments/) - The UK Parliament has voted through a smoking ban prohibiting smoking in (almost) all public enclosed spaces. This I think is a great plus for the health of people in the UK, both for those that enjoy a drink or food in an non-polluted atmosphere, but also for those that have to work in that - [Stofen Flash Diffuser for Nikon SpeedFlash SB-600, for Nikon D50 D-SLR Camera](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stofen-flash-diffuser-for-nikon-speedflash-sb-600-for-nikon-d50-d-slr-camera/) - I have bought a Stofen diffuser for my Nikon SB600 speedflash flashgun. I first tried to buy it from 7dayshop, which doesn't list whether the item is in stock or not, but did have a special offer on. After a few weeks I decided it wasn't worth waiting to save a couple of pounds and - [Real Nappy Week - Reusable Nappies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/real-nappy-week-reusable-nappies/) - This week is National Real Nappy Week (apparently). The aim is to get parents using reusable nappies as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to disposable nappies. We have tried reusable nappies on our baby and unfortunately we've gone back to using disposable nappies. I don't think that other parents should be disheartened by - [Holiday with a Baby - Mablethorpe Haven Golden Sands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-with-a-baby-mablethorpe-haven-golden-sands/) - During May we had a weekend break at the Haven Golden Sands Caravan Park in Mablethorpe. In this post I'll describe some of the general things about the holiday and about the caravan, and in subsequent posts I will mention the two seal sanctuaries, one at Mablethorpe and the other at Skegness. We took our - [First Aid Quiz web site, now on updated perl quiz engine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-web-site-now-on-updated-perl-quiz-engine/) - I have now updated The First Aid Quiz Web Site to use the new version of fhe quiz engine, which is not at version 0.3.1. This will mean that it is now inline with the LPI Certification Exams on PenguinTutor.com. Most of the updates are hidden to the end users. In an earlier post I - [Game Review: Linux Game - PowerManga Shoot-em Up](https://watkissonline.co.uk/game-review-linux-game-powermanga-shoot-em-up/) - Powermanga is a great retro styled game reminiscent of the Arcade SpaceCraft games circa 1980's. Rather than try and modernise it they've even given the graphics the look of a TV based game like you may have seen on a Sinclar Spectrum, Commodore 64 or Atari. The game is provided free under the GPL and - [Tourism: Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-skegness-natureland-seal-sanctuary/) - The Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary is on the North Parade near the SunCastle and bowling greens. There are a small number of on-road parking spaces directly opposite and we were fortunate enough to park there. It's only a short walk from the rest of the attractions including the pier and funfair. Outside of the seal - [Linux Advocacy - New Linux User](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-advocacy-new-linux-user/) - I have passed a copy of the Ubuntu Desktop CD on to a friend, who it looks like will convert completely to open source. The unusual thing is that he's not a "techie" or even an advanced computer user, he's just a regular user wanting something other than Windows. I think that one incentive was - [Installing Ubuntu LTS 6.06.1 - the latest Ubuntu release](https://watkissonline.co.uk/installing-ubuntu-lts-6061-the-latest-ubuntu-release/) - Ubuntu has released a new update to the Dapper Drake 6.06 distribution. The latest version only brings it up to a .1 release at 6.06.1, but it does demonstrate that they are taking the ongoing support of the operating system seriously. Coupled with the Long Term Support (LTS) promise of supporting the operating system for - [Free / Reduced Price LPI Exams at LinuxWorld Expo in London](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-reduced-price-lpi-exams-at-linuxworld-expo-in-london/) - With the London LinuxWorld Expo coming up next month I thought it's worth letting everyone know about the offer on LPI Exams at the event. A great way to get into Linux Certification with a vendor neutral linux certification programme. Full conference delegates can take the 101 / 102 exams for free (ie. those paying - [Restaurant Review: The New Inn, Littlemoor, Weymouth, Dorset.](https://watkissonline.co.uk/restaurant-review-the-new-inn-littlemoor-weymouth-dorset/) - We went along to the New Inn in Littlemoor as it looked like a family friendly place. It is a pub, part of the Greenalls group. We had seen details in a tourist information leaflet, which advertised two meals for £8 from a limited menu (I think that was the price, although not 100% sure), - [Tourism: Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-donkey-sanctuary-sidmouth-devon/) - We found out about the Donkey Sanctuary in a leaflet whilst staying at Weymouth, Dorset. It's quite a long drive from Weymouth, but enticed by the fact that a visit to the Sanctuary was free of charge, and knowing how much our baby daughter loves animals we drove to Sidmouth to visit the Donkey Sanctuary. - [Updated Version of wQuiz, the web based Quiz Engine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/updated-version-of-wquiz-the-web-based-quiz-engine/) - Creating my wQuiz page on Google's code pages, has given me the incentive to get it moving again. See: WQuiz has a project page on the Google Code Site. Since creating the Google Code page for wQuiz I've now managed to update it to the point that it could now be useful to others. The - [This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week](https://watkissonline.co.uk/this-week-is-baby-loss-awareness-week/) - The 9th to the 15th of October is Baby Loss Awareness Week, a time to think about people whose lives have been touched by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or just after birth. The week is timed to coincide with International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day on October 15th. It's not something - [How well is your local NHS trust doing?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/how-well-is-your-local-nhs-trust-doing/) - The latest results of the NHS annual health check have now been published online. You can look at the condition of your local NHS trust, and compare it with other areas. Looking at my local services: The Coventry and Warwickshire Ambulance NHS Trust rated as good for the quality of service, and fair for use - [Tourism: Leeds Roundhay Park Tropical World, West Yorkshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tourism-leeds-roundhay-park-tropical-world-west-yorkshire/) - This is a short review of the Tropical World, in Roundhay Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire. We took along our baby daughter and so include information relevant to other parents attending with babies and young children. We had a push chair with us and found no restrictions through use of the push chair. The Leeds Tropical - [Change to LPI (Linux Professional Institute) recertification policy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/change-to-lpi-linux-professional-institute-recertification-policy/) - The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) has changed it's recertification policy. Previously LPIC qualifications were active for 10 years, but now they are only active for 5 years. I can understand the reason for the change, and still think it's a reasonable length of time. If you think about how much Linux has changed in 10 - [Broadband reconnected](https://watkissonline.co.uk/broadband-reconnected/) - After over a week without a proper Internet connection at home, I'm back online. Virgin Media have just been around to reconnect me. I'm not quite fully reconnected as I want to have the cable modem in a back bedroom, which means calling in a specialist cable installation team. For now I have a wired - [New House](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-house/) - We have now moved house, from Coventry to Redditch. The move has gone OK - a few little things: Removal firm turned up late Removal firm worried that not everything would fit in lorrry Last owners hadn't moved out Problem with getting furniture into house Burglar Alarm went off Boxes from floor to ceiling - - [No smoking signs and enforcement by local authorities](https://watkissonline.co.uk/no-smoking-signs-and-enforcement-by-local-authorities/) - Now that the UK has gone Smokefree it is mandatory for public buildings to have No Smoking signs and it is against the law to smoke in public buildings. Enforcement of this is down to the local authorities. I went to the Walsall Illuminations at the weekend (a proper review will be in a future - [NSPCC - Be the Full Stop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nspcc-be-the-full-stop/) - The NSPCC "Be the Full Stop" campaign encourages people to help the NSPCC. There are a number of "clicks" that can be done from the website each of which help the NSPCC. For the reason this is so important see the NSPCC click video advert. The advert is quite hard hitting featuring a young child - [OpenOffice.org Linux Format Special Edition Magazine](https://watkissonline.co.uk/openofficeorg-linux-format-special-edition-magazine/) - The larger newsagents are selling a Linux Format Special Edition magazine on OpenOffice.org. The magazine is not just aimed at Linux users, but also caters for Windows and MacOS users as well. If you get the opportunity to buy one of these before they sell out then I suggest you do. Although most of the - [Windows Vista - Disable auto reboot after Windows Update](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-vista-disable-auto-reboot-after-windows-update/) - It seams that every-time Microsoft release a new version of software they always manage to add a new features that really bugs you. In this case (as it was with Windows XP SP2) Microsoft has introduced an anti-productivity feature, in fact to say it just bugs me would be generous as that doesn't indicate the - [Useful website for RS232 / Serial connectivity](https://watkissonline.co.uk/useful-website-for-rs232-serial-connectivity/) - One of the advantages of Linux (UNIX) over some other operating systems is that it can be maintained on the command line, and hence is useful for accessing over a modem or serial connection (e.g. via a Baytech or Terminal Server device). The problem is that there are so many different standards for RS232 cabling, - [Thunderbird Email Client version 2 - Easy to use - SAFE email client](https://watkissonline.co.uk/thunderbird-email-client-version-2-easy-to-use-safe-email-client/) - The Thunderbird email client (created by the same group that create the Firefox browser) reached version 2 earlier this year, and I've just got around to upgrading to the new version. The upgrade was very straight forward, it was just a case of running the installer and all my previous settings and emails are maintained. - [Day out with a toddler - Gullivers children's theme park - Milton Keynes](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-gullivers-childrens-theme-park-milton-keynes/) - We visited the Gulliver's Theme Park in Milton Keynes with our 2 year old daughter. We had visited before with a friends children, but that had been some time ago. Unlike some of the well known theme parks, this one is specifically designed for young children. The target age group would be from Toddlers to - [SCO vs. IBM - SCO vs. Linux - SCO has lost!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/sco-vs-ibm-sco-vs-linux-sco-has-lost/) - The big trial over ownership of Linux has all but been resolved and it's clear that SCO has lost. SCO challenged IBM in the courts claiming that code used in Linux was owned by them. They then demanded royalties over anyone that used Linux. As Linux is developed by the community and available for free, - [Flamenco Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant - near Coventry](https://watkissonline.co.uk/flamenco-spanish-tapas-bar-and-restaurant-near-coventry/) - I drive past the Flamenco Spanish Tapas bar when I travel to work, but this is the first time I've been. The restaurant is located off the A45 between the NEC / Birmingham International Airport and Coventry. The service was excellent and the food was very good. It was quite expensive compared with some other - [First Aider Insurance - Free from St John Ambulance](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aider-insurance-free-from-st-john-ambulance/) - A concern that some people have about administrating first aid is that they may be sued if they do something wrong. In general there should be little concern about helping out, as long as the training is followed then there is little chance of anyone successfully prosecuting against a "good samaritan" first aider. To provide - [20 mph speed limit - protecting children outside schools?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/20-mph-speed-limit-protecting-children-outside-schools/) - Warwickshire is currently trialling five 20 mph zones near schools in villages around the county. See Warwickshire County Council 20mph Speed Limit Trials There are a number of sites on the Internet objecting to these, but if they reduce the number of accidents and serious injuries outside of schools then I'm for it. The problem - [Day out with a toddler - The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-the-lakeside-and-haverthwaite-railway-in-the-lake-district/) - The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway is located in the Lake District going between Haverthwaite and the Lakeside station at the southern end of Lake Windermere. It is a full size restored railway running steam and diesel trains. We visited the railway whilst staying on a holiday in the Lakedistrict at the Haven Lakeside caravan park - [Unusual "seaside" resort - Grange-Over-Sands, now a curiosity](https://watkissonline.co.uk/unusual-seaside-resort-grange-over-sands-now-a-curiosity/) - We visited Grange-Over-Sands whilst on holiday in the Lake district, staying at the nearby Haven Lakeside caravan site. We would have visited anyway, but you have to be careful on how up-to-date your guide book is, as my expectation was very different from what is there. The entry in the Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to - [Day out with a toddler - Heads of Ayr Farm Park in Scotland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-heads-of-ayr-farm-park-in-scotland/) - Another farm that I went to when on holiday in Ayr Scotland was the Heads of Ayr Farm. We had been out for a drive before we went to the farm, so we did drive to it, but if we hadn't we could have quite easily walked as it was next door to the Haven - [Day out with a toddler - Edinburgh Castle in Scotland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-edinburgh-castle-in-scotland/) - When staying on our Holiday at the Haven Holidays site in Ayr, we also visited Edinburgh castle. It was a longer drive compared to Dundonald Castle, which we had already visited. It was however worth driving that bit further as Edinburgh Castle is quite an impressive castle. Edinburgh castle has many advantages over most other - [Day out with a toddler - Dundonald Castle in Scotland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/day-out-with-a-toddler-dundonald-castle-in-scotland/) - When thinking for somewhere to take a young child in a pushchair then going to visit a castle would perhaps come pretty low on the list. Having taken my daughter in a pushchair to a few castles whilst I agree that there are some you would not really want to visit there are also some - [Haven Craig Tara caravan / holiday park in Ayr, Scotland](https://watkissonline.co.uk/haven-craig-tara-caravan-holiday-park-in-ayr-scotland/) - During July 2007 we visited the Haven Craig Tara caravan / holiday park in Ayr Scotland. The holiday was not what we had hoped for, partly due to the awful state of the accommodation. I've already written a review about the accommodation - Haven Craig Tara, Ayr Scotland - Awful Holiday Accommodation 2007 and the - [Blackpool Family Seaside Resort, or drunken stag and hen parties](https://watkissonline.co.uk/blackpool-family-seaside-resort-or-drunken-stag-and-hen-parties/) - On our way to our holiday in Scotland we stayed overnight at Blackpool to break the journey up. I've been to Blackpool many times both as a child and as an adult. This is however the first time I've gone as a father and it has changed my perception of the place somewhat. We stayed - [Update on: The Priest Hole, Ambleside - The most expensive meal I’ve ever bought for a 1 year old](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-on-the-priest-hole-ambleside-the-most-expensive-meal-i’ve-ever-bought-for-a-1-year-old/) - This is an update on my earlier post The Priest Hole restaurant, Ambleside - The most expensive meal I’ve ever bought for a 1 year old. Basically in my earlier post I state that we went to the restaurant and was verbally told that although they didn't have a children's menu they would be able - [Haven Craig Tara, Ayr Scotland - Awful Holiday Accommodation 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/haven-craig-tara-ayr-scotland-awful-holiday-accommodation-2007/) - The other big complaint that I had from our holiday this year was the state of the accommodation at the Haven, Craig Tara site in Ayr, Scotland. At the time of booking we had the choice of a Silver Standard Apartment or Silver Standard Caravan. We chose the apartment and ended up regretting it. The - [Converting filenames / extensions to lowercase in Linux and Windows](https://watkissonline.co.uk/converting-filenames-extensions-to-lowercase-in-linux-and-windows/) - On one of my websites I have a photo gallery that requires the filename extension of the pictures to be in lowercase. Whilst it would be possible to recode the gallery code so that it could try different case extensions it's cleaner to just convert the filenames before uploading them to the website. On linux - [Joining The British Bone Marrow Registry - during blood donor session](https://watkissonline.co.uk/joining-the-british-bone-marrow-registry-during-blood-donor-session/) - Today I joined the British Bone Marrow Registry, so that if required I could become a Bone Marrow donor (or donate stem cells). Joining was very straight forward. In fact so simple I'm surprised they don't ask people when they donate blood. Basically I went along to my usual blood donor session, where I filled - [The Priest Hole, Ambleside - The most expensive meal I've ever bought for a 1 year old](https://watkissonline.co.uk/the-priest-hole-ambleside-the-most-expensive-meal-ive-ever-bought-for-a-1-year-old/) - In an earlier post I mentioned that although we had a good family holiday in the Lake District there were a couple of things that spoilt it. This is one of them, the fact that I felt cheated by a restaurant, The Priest Hole in Ambleside, that said they would do a children's meal, but - [A second baby on it's way](https://watkissonline.co.uk/a-second-baby-on-its-way/) - We are now expecting another addition to the family. We are due to have a baby early next year. - [Responding to the floods - Leamington Rescue Centre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/responding-to-the-floods-leamington-rescue-centre/) - On Saturday I was one of the many St John Ambulance members that responded to the national disaster caused by the flooding across England. My own involvement was minimal, but other members contributed a great towards the rescue efforts. In total over 100 volunteers were involved around the country to help those effected by the - [Holiday in Blackpool, Scotland and the Lake District](https://watkissonline.co.uk/holiday-in-blackpool-scotland-and-the-lake-district/) - I haven't posted for a while as we've just got back from a 2 week holiday starting with a day in Blackpool then a week in Scotland and then returning to England for a week in the Lake District. Although in general we had a good holiday it was spoilt by a couple of things - [Managing risk in children's play](https://watkissonline.co.uk/managing-risk-in-childrens-play/) - Recently a child (I think a 9 year old) drowned in a Warwickshire pond. This is of course a tragic loss of life and my thoughts go out to the family of the child. This however raises some questions about what measures should be taken to prevent these tragic events from happening again. It was - [British Heart Foundation - Help a Heart Campaign](https://watkissonline.co.uk/british-heart-foundation-help-a-heart-campaign/) - The British Heart Foundation has launched their annual Help a Heart Campaign. With nearly 600 people a day in the UK dying from Heart Disease and circulatory disorders the campaign is to raise awareness and to help fund their vital research and community projects. The campaign is hard hitting featuring the deaths of an adult - [Microsoft - The pot calling the kettle black](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microsoft-the-pot-calling-the-kettle-black/) - Microsoft has called for a formal investigation into the plans for Google to buy DoubleClick on the basis of creating a monopoly. Which seams a bit hypocritical for a company that has already been found guilty of abusing its monopoly position to bully and intimidate the competition and its own resellers. See: VNU News - - [Website now fully migrated](https://watkissonline.co.uk/website-now-fully-migrated/) - The website was successfully migrated to the new server last night. See: Planned Website Maintanance 22 May 2007. It turns out that the only site that had to be moved was the www.penguintutor.com site, as the watkisonline and First Aid Quiz websites appear to have been installed in the new data centre from new. - [Planned Website Maintanance 22 May 2007 ](https://watkissonline.co.uk/planned-website-maintanance-22-may-2007/) - There will be an outage on the following websites on the 22 May 2007. www.watkissonline.co.uk www.firstaidquiz.com www.penguintutor.com This is due to the relocation of the webservers that currently host the websites. The outage should only be for a few hours. - [Learning first aid has never been so much fun](https://watkissonline.co.uk/learning-first-aid-has-never-been-so-much-fun/) - I recently attended a First Aid at Work requalification course run by St John Ambulance. This and the previous course that I attended (3 years ago), have been completely different to those in the past. - [Microsoft Claims Patent over Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microsoft-claims-patent-over-linux/) - Microsoft is following in the footsteps of SCO in claiming that Linux users should be paying them a license fee for the use of software that Microsoft have had no help in creating. VNUNet News - Microsoft Claim Patent over Linux. Fortunately for those of us in Europe this will not directly affect us. The - [First Aid Training - Don't leave it until you need it!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-training-dont-leave-it-until-you-need-it/) - I've already posted an entry on the St John Ambulance - First Aid. Don't leave it 'til you need it, Advertising and Community First Aid training campaign. Since then I've seen the adverts and picked up a couple of leaflets. The adverts are hard hitting, although the use of the doll is not as distressing - [Children's Day Out - Kirklees Light Railway, Clayton West, West Yorkshire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/childrens-day-out-kirklees-light-railway-clayton-west-west-yorkshire/) - The Kirklees Light Railway is in the village of Clayton West, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. I lived in Clayton West for 17 years, and have many childhood memories about the old railway. I just about remember when the branch line was closed down in the 1980s. This is however the first time I've been - [St John Ambulance - First Aid. Don't leave it 'til you need it](https://watkissonline.co.uk/st-john-ambulance-first-aid-dont-leave-it-til-you-need-it/) - St John Ambulance has unveiled a new campaign to shock people into learning first aid. The adverts feature child-like dolls in situations requiring first aid. These include a dull face down in water, a doll having fallen down a flight of stairs, and a doll with its hand trapped in a door. The adverts have - [Will applications be Windows Vista ready in time?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/will-applications-be-windows-vista-ready-in-time/) - It seams I'm not the only one that finds applications don't work with Windows Vista, as purchasers of new PCs are still asking for Windows XP as an alternative to Vista. As well as some things that I've already mentioned Windows Vista, Windows XP and Linux OS reviews, I've found more problems with Vista. Not - [Save a Baby Month, May 2007](https://watkissonline.co.uk/save-a-baby-month-may-2007/) - The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) is running a cot death awareness and fund-raising drive during May. Sudden unexplained infant death - commonly referred to as cot death - is the UK's biggest killer of babies over one month old, claiming the lives of around 300 infants every year. Save a Baby - [British Heart Foundation - Get your 30 minutes any way](https://watkissonline.co.uk/british-heart-foundation-get-your-30-minutes-any-way/) - The British Heart Foundation are running a new ad campaign. 30 minutes activity a day can save your life. The campaign is to encourage everyone to do at least 30 minutes of activity a day, 5 days a week. This will help keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercise does - [Password Safe (pwsafe) - and Linux alternatives](https://watkissonline.co.uk/password-safe-pwsafe-and-linux-alternatives/) - I have used Password Safe (pwsafe) as a way of saving encrypted passwords on my Windows computer for some time. The software is open source, so is available for free. I've been happy with the software and as such have not visited the site for some time. I downloaded the latest version to install on - [Protecting Children from Evil Adults](https://watkissonline.co.uk/protecting-children-from-evil-adults/) - I struggled with the title of this post. There are few words that can describe people that abuse children and the ones I've read about in the news lately make me feel sick. We see and hear some pretty horrific things through the news, but rarely have I felt as sick as I have done - [Microsoft $3 Windows package for poor nations](https://watkissonline.co.uk/microsoft-3-windows-package-for-poor-nations/) - Microsoft is providing software to poor countries at a discounted price of only $3 including stripped-down Windows and Office. See: Vnunet News - Microsoft offers $3 Windows package for poor nations. It appears that Microsoft is pitching this as a great thing that they are doing to benefit the poorer nations, but appears to be - [Internet Explorer 7 has broken my Bluetooth in Windows XP](https://watkissonline.co.uk/internet-explorer-7-has-broken-my-bluetooth-in-windows-xp/) - I have a bluetooth USB key which I was able to use under Windows XP before. Since Windows Update has upgraded my browser to Internet Explorer 7, the security features now mean that I cannot browse throught he bluetooth tree. I get the pop-up message about how Internet Explorer has prevented something from running (perhaps - [A new look for St John Ambulance](https://watkissonline.co.uk/a-new-look-for-st-john-ambulance/) - St John Ambulance has updated its image with a new logo. The new logo retains the white cross from the organisations history, but adds a modern new look. This is the first change to the logo since 1968. Along with the new logo the organisation is creating a single look for the organisation to reinforce - [PenguinTutor website - down due to renewal issues!](https://watkissonline.co.uk/penguintutor-website-down-due-to-renewal-issues/) - The PenguinTutor website has been down for a few days. It turns out that my domain had expired and I didn't realise. The domain is hosted by Compila and I'm not sure whether they didn't send an email reminder, or I didn't receive it (perhaps accidentally discarded as SPAM). The domain has now been renewed - [Play Monday Lottery - Live on TV](https://watkissonline.co.uk/play-monday-lottery-live-on-tv/) - Play Monday, the Charities Lottery, is now on TV. The programme shows on Monday evenings on HollywoodTV (Sky channel 163). There have been a number of changes to the Lottery since PlayMonday has a new owner NetplayTV. If you haven't played the Monday Lottery for a while (or at all), then now is a good - [Windows Vista, Windows XP and Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/windows-vista-windows-xp-and-linux/) - These are the three different operating systems that I run on my home computers. Linux on my server, and dual boot on my desktop and my old laptop, and my new laptop can installed with Windows Vista. Here's a quick review of the three different operating systems. Linux My operating system of choice is Linux. - [Children First for Health - NHS website](https://watkissonline.co.uk/children-first-for-health-nhs-website/) - I've come across a website recently that is particularly useful for parents and children alike. It's an NHS website specifically aimed at children and their parents. NHS - Children First for Health - [NHS Web Site on Hepititis C](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nhs-web-site-on-hepititis-c/) - Travelling home from work I heard an advert on the radio about information on Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a disease spread through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Not as well known as other viruses such as HIV or Hepatitis B it's not something I new much about. The advert referred to the - [Who wants to be a Linuxaire?](https://watkissonline.co.uk/who-wants-to-be-a-linuxaire/) - Since I have closed the Penguin Tutor Linux Forums due to spam the best way to leave comments about the Penguin Tutor website is to leave a comment to the blog. So feel free to comment on this post here. Unfortunately the comments don't yet appear on the Penguin Tutor website directly as the actual - [NSPCC Campaign - Noel Edmonds - Caring for Children in Court Appeal](https://watkissonline.co.uk/nspcc-campaign-noel-edmonds-caring-for-children-in-court-appeal/) - I have received an email from the NSPCC asking me to lobby the Government to help children that give evidence in court. The email is from Noel Edmonds - [Fighting SPAM with the Thunderbird Email Client for Windows, Mac OSX or Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/fighting-spam-with-the-thunderbird-email-client-for-windows-mac-osx-or-linux/) - I've been using the Thunderbird Email client for reading my emails for quite some time now. One feature that is included which I haven't needed to use until recently is the anti-SPAM feature. The reason that I haven't needed this is that previously my emails were filtered through a server based SPAM filter, which did - [PHPBB Forum Closed through SPAM](https://watkissonline.co.uk/phpbb-forum-closed-through-spam/) - This is a disappointing time, as I've now disabled a feature due the selfish actions of Spammers. The forum on PenguinTutor website has had posts disabled. Hopefully this is a temporary measure until I have time to investigate alternative forum software with better SPAM support. Since the forum was launched in September last year there - [Statford Upon Avon - Filthy Car Park Lift](https://watkissonline.co.uk/statford-upon-avon-filthy-car-park-lift/) - I went shopping today in Stratford Upon Avon today and was disgusted with the state of the car park. I parked in the multi story car park on Bridgeway. The car park is managed by Stratford On Avon district council. After parking on the fourth floor I took the lift down and was appalled by - [Baby Friendly Shopping - Coventry Town Centre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-friendly-shopping-coventry-town-centre/) - I find that the facilities available for babies when shopping vary widely. I'm therefore compiling a list of some of the facilities available for babies and young children when out shopping. This is the first one which starts with my home town of Coventry. There are some good baby facilities in Coventry, but you really - [Update to: Baby Friendly Shopping - Coventry Town Centre | Belgrade Plaza Car Park](https://watkissonline.co.uk/update-to-baby-friendly-shopping-coventry-town-centre-belgrade-plaza-car-park/) - This is an update to the Previous Blog Entry: Baby Friendly Shopping - Coventry Town Centre. In the earlier post I mentioned that the Belgrade Plaza Car Park, whilst not particularly baby friendly, wasn't too bad for parking with a baby. After I parked there this weekend, I'd actually now say the opposite, that in - [Keeping the Community Spirit Alive](https://watkissonline.co.uk/keeping-the-community-spirit-alive/) - We've had quite a bit of snow yesterday and today. It's been some time since we've actually had some snow that was bad enough to cause travel problems. I live in a small cul-de-sac with only a few cars driving down the road each day. As a result there is not enough traffic to keep - [Linux Professional Institute Launches LPIC-3 Certification Program](https://watkissonline.co.uk/linux-professional-institute-launches-lpic-3-certification-program/) - The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) has been running some pilot level 3 exams for a while. See: LPI to run free LPI level 3 (beta) exams at LinuxWorld Expo. They have now officially launched the LPIC-3 certification program. The following extract is taken from their press release: Linux Professional Institute Launches LPIC-3 Certification Program "The - [New TCP / UDP Port Number Quick Reference Guide](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-tcp-udp-port-number-quick-reference-guide/) - Network port numbers provide a way of communicating with the correct application over a network. For example to view this page your browser knows of this by it's website name, which is then translated into an IP address to find the computer to connect to. See: Basic TCP/IP Network Guide (DNS Section). Once the browser - [Wordpress Upgraded to Version 2.1](https://watkissonline.co.uk/wordpress-upgraded-to-version-21/) - I upgraded the installation of wordpress to version 2.1 last night. It didn't go quite as easily as it should, although that was partly my fault. One thing that got me about the installation process is the lack of separation between application and setting files and it's made more complex in that some of the - [Clinical Knowledge Summaries - The new name for NHS Prodigy](https://watkissonline.co.uk/clinical-knowledge-summaries-the-new-name-for-nhs-prodigy/) - Prodigy is the name given to the NHS database of illnesses, and ailments for first-contact care. I have seen it used by NHS nurses working in NHS walk-in centres and similar. The web site is www.prodigy.nhs.uk . It is now called Clinical Knowledge Summaries and appears to be turning it into a even more powerful - [Black Box - Data Centre Design and Network Cabling Workshop](https://watkissonline.co.uk/black-box-data-centre-design-and-network-cabling-workshop/) - A couple of months ago I changed job to be Project Manager for a number of European Data Centres. My new role now includes providing the facilities and cabling for our data centre customers. As a result I was forwarded details of a workshop being run by Black Box, earlier last week. Here are a - [WatkissOnline now on Hosted web space - Wordpress Successfully Migrated](https://watkissonline.co.uk/watkissonline-now-on-hosted-web-space-wordpress-successfully-migrated/) - Following the success I've had with www.penguintutor.com and www.firstaidquiz.com, I've now moved my www.watkissonline.co.uk website as well. If you are reading this post then it's been successful. The hosting company that I am with is Compila.com. I've found that they offer good value for money, although it is a budget service it is adequate for - [Baby Friendly Shopping - Stratford-Upon-Avon Town Centre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-friendly-shopping-stratford-upon-avon-town-centre/) - Unfortunately for a tourist town, there are not many facilities for babies and young children in Stratford. Places to Park Getting a baby in and out of the car can be very difficult if there is no space between you and the next car, not to mention dangerous if you have to put the pushchair - [First Aid Quiz, St. John Ambulance News and The pitfalls of web capturing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-quiz-st-john-ambulance-news-and-the-pitfalls-of-web-capturing/) - My First Aid Quiz web site has a page which displays relevant first aid and St. John Ambulance news. Whilst I have control over the first section the St. John Ambulance news stories are taken from and linked to the St. John Ambulance News Web Page. This is done automatically by a script that runs - [Theft of Satellite Navigation from Ambulances](https://watkissonline.co.uk/theft-of-satellite-navigation-from-ambulances/) - Yesterday on the news they told of several ambulances that have been taken off the road because their satellite navigation systems have been stolen. Theft is a selfish crime at the best of times, but when that takes an ambulance off the road it is putting lives at risk. Another thing is that they cannot - [New Superbug Research Centre for Nottingham (research into MRSA and similar)](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-superbug-research-centre-for-nottingham-research-into-mrsa-and-similar/) - A new Superbug Research Centre has opened at the University of Nottingham to investigate the "Superbugs" such as MRSA. It is called the Centre for Healthcare Associated Infections (CHIA). This is to attempt to prevent the current 5,000 deaths per year from superbug infections and hopefully improve the health of patients attending hospitals for improvement. - [Life Saving Attempt in Coventry by St. John Ambulance Members](https://watkissonline.co.uk/life-saving-attempt-in-coventry-by-st-john-ambulance-members/) - In an earlier blog I wrote about Death by Dangerous Driving where a pedestrian was killed by a driver in Coventry. At the time I heard that a trainee paramedic attempted resuscitation to save the ladies life. I didn't know at the time, but I actually know that person that attempted to save the life. - [First Aid - Preperation in case of an emergency](https://watkissonline.co.uk/first-aid-preperation-in-case-of-an-emergency/) - We don't like to think that we are going to be injured or struck with an emergency medical condition, but it's worth being prepared just in case. When thinking about being prepared for an emergency then we may think about First Aid, but we don't necessarily think about things we can do to our home. - [Give a present to a complete stranger this Christmas](https://watkissonline.co.uk/give-a-present-to-a-complete-stranger-this-christmas/) - Last year I gave an extra present at Christmas. It wasn't for anyone I know, but to charity to support the work of the NSPCC and Childline. This year I've decided to do the same, but to a different charity. In fact I think I'm going to make this an annual thing choosing a different - [New Linux Tutorial - Basic Shell Programming Reference Guide - PenguinTutor.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/new-linux-tutorial-basic-shell-programming-reference-guide-penguintutorcom/) - I've added a new tutorial to the PenguinTutor.com Linux web site. I've been quite busy recently with taking my latest LPI exam etc so it's the first new document to be added since August. This tutorial is a "Basic Shell Programming Reference Guide". It covers the basics of shell programming for someone who already understands - [Online Privacy and clearing your web browser history and cache - NSPCC](https://watkissonline.co.uk/online-privacy-and-clearing-your-web-browser-history-and-cache-nspcc/) - The amount of privacy that you have online can be a controversial topic. It varies from those that believe that personal freedom should be a given right, to those that believe that you don't need privacy unless you have got something to hide. Well here is an example where privacy can be important. You may - [Center Parcs Countdown to Christmas at Longleat Forest](https://watkissonline.co.uk/center-parcs-countdown-to-christmas-at-longleat-forest/) - We've been to Center Parcs again this December, during the count down to Christmas period 2006. We had already been to a Center Parcs at Christmas last year - Holiday with a Baby, Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Nottingham UK, when our daughter was only a few months old. Our daughter was a bit older at ## Pages - [Home](https://watkissonline.co.uk/) - Welcome to the website of Stewart Watkiss. I'm a Cyber Security Professional, a STEM Ambassador, an author, a first aider, and most importantly a husband and father of two children. You can find out a bit more about Stewart Watkiss. Any comments or suggestions contact me using my email form. Click here to visit my - [STEM Ambassador](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stem/) - As a STEM Ambassador I am actively involved in teaching computing, electronics and physical computing. Helping schools, Scouts and community groups to understand more about STEM careers. I do this through providing support to pupils, teachers and at community events such as Raspberry Jams. This video shows a recent STEM activity I've been using at - [Contact form](https://watkissonline.co.uk/contact/) - This is the email / contact form for Watkissonline.co.uk, firstaidquiz.com and PenguinTutor.com. I cannot promise to reply to all emails, but I will try and respond if you have a direct question. Please check that you have entered your email address correctly. Do not send any unsolicited marketing emails "SPAM" using this form. - [Technical Author](https://watkissonline.co.uk/technical-author/) - Published author, Technical writer and reviewer I have written two books, written articles for magazines and performed technical reviews of many more. Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi My first book is Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi. The book provides a fun way to learn about electronics making games and fun projects. 2nd edition is now - [Stewart Watkiss](https://watkissonline.co.uk/stewart-watkiss/) - My first book is Learn Electronics with Raspberry Pi. The book provides a fun way to learn about electronics making games and fun projects. 2nd edition is now available. Learning electronics can be tremendous fun - your first flashing LED circuit is a reason to celebrate! But where do you go from there, and how - [Scouts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/scouts/) - Cub Scout leader, trustee for the district Scout council and county first aid trainer. - [Baby and Children - Holiday, Days Out and Other Information](https://watkissonline.co.uk/baby-and-children-information/) - Days out diary - children days out in the UK New website days out diary for families in the UK and holidays in UK and Europe Blog links These are some links relevant to families, babies and children. Index of Children and Baby Posts Days out with Children and Babies in the UK Shopping with - [Legal and Site Information](https://watkissonline.co.uk/legal-and-site-information/) - The content of this website is protected by copyright. Unless otherwise specified the material from this web site, or any related web sites may not be copied, modified, republished, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, without the prior written permission from the owner of the site. Every effort has been made to ensure the - [Downloads for children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/downloads-for-children/) - Fish pictures Giant craft picture - underwater scene using glitter and glue Halloween colouring Halloween coloring for children Make your own halloween flying bats Christmas gift tags Print-Your-Own Christmas Gift Tags - [Free and Open Source Software](https://watkissonline.co.uk/free-and-open-source-software/) - Free and Open Source software is about more than getting software without paying. It's about having access to the source code (the internal workings to understand how something works) so that you can change the software if you desire. It's also about having the freedom to be able to use the software without restrictions and - [Information and ebooks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/information-and-ebooks/) - The e-books are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. If you do not have acrobat installed on your machine then you can download it for free. No charge is made for these but please read the copyright information for each of the books you download. AIX E-book This is the first e-book I wrote back in - [File not found](https://watkissonline.co.uk/file-not-found/) - Sorry, but I've been unable to find that file. I'm sure I had it somewhere, but when I look now it's not to be found. Perhaps you entered the URL incorrectly or followed an expired link. Or perhaps I just misplaced or mistyped a link, I am only human - actually I'm a computer, but ## Categories - [Links](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/links/) - [General](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/general/) - [Reviews](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/) - [dvd](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/dvd/) - [Flash](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/flash/) - [Holiday](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/holiday/) - [software](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/software/) - [First Aid](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/first-aid/) - [misc](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/misc/) - [Web Site](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/web-site/) - [Computers](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/computers/) - [Linux](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/linux/) - [book](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/book/) - [hardware](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/hardware/) - [TPS](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/tps/) - [Tourism](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/places/tourism/) - [Web Design](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/web-design/) - [Babies](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/babies/) - [Volunteer](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/volunteer/) - [firstaidquiz.com](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/firstaidquizcom/) - [IT Security](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/it-security/) - [Coventry West Midlands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/places/coventry/) - [Photography](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/photography/) - [theatre](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/theatre/) - [Programming](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/programming/) - [cycling](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/cycling/) - [Toys](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/toys/) - [Cooking](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/cooking/) - [Children](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/children/) - [Redditch Worcestershire](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/redditch-worcestershire/) - [Electronics](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/electronics/) - [Midlands](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/midlands/) - [Crafts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/crafts/) - [Video Editing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/video-editing/) - [Computer Networking](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/networking/) - [Eee PC Netbook](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/eee-pc-netbook/) - [music](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/reviews/music/) - [kids](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/kids/) - [kidscrafts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/kids/kidscrafts/) - [Health and Safety](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/health-and-safety/) - [Days Out](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/daysout/) - Days out with babies, toddlers and children in the UK. - [Family](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/family/) - [Camping](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/camping/) - [RaspberryPi](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/raspberrypi/) - [STEM](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/stem/) - [micro:bit](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/microbit/) - [Scouts](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/scouts/) - [3D Printing](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/3dprinting/) - [Model Railways](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/model-railways/) - [Birmingham](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/places/birmingham/) - [Walks](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/walks/) - [Arduino](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/arduino/) - [Archives](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/archives/) - [Places](https://watkissonline.co.uk/category/places/) ## Tags - [Health and Safety](https://watkissonline.co.uk/tag/health-and-safety/)