David Davies: The View From Here

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Sat, 21 Feb 2004 10:13:40 GMT

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Mars attacks

Thu, 22 Jan 2004 18:22:36 GMT

The Martians have struck again as NASA have announced they've lost contact with the Spirit rover. Let's hope it's just a temporary communication glitch as according to the press release "similar events occurred several times during the Mars Pathfinder mission". If this is a major fault and the end of the Spirit mission then it's a poignant end because the last published image received from Spirit was a look back at the empty lander, an image entitled 'Empty nest'. Let's hope this Spirit has yet flown the nest for good.

Sometimes size doesn't matter

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:26:21 GMT

Few can be unimpressed by the quality of pictures coming back from the NASA Spirit Mars rover. But did you know Spirit only has a 1 megapixel digital camera? The CCD is just 1,000x1,000 pixels. When you compare this to the 6 megapixel cameras readily available in high street camera shops, just how does Spirit get such good pics? The answer is in the lens. In any digital camera the lens is one of the major determinants of picture quality. Most consumer digital cameras have relatively cheap lenses. Stick on a top notch lens and even the most modest of cameras can take better pics. True, Spirit also uses a CCD with a higher spec than those used in your average Sony Cybershot but it's still way below the maximum resolution of consumer cameras. The secret of Spirit's success are its lenses. If you're buying yourself a digital camera in the January sales then go for one that accepts replacement lenses. You might not be able to afford the kinds of hardware NASA uses but you can still improve the quality of your pictures by carefully selecting the lenses you can afford.

Don't forget Europe got to Mars, too

Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:10:30 GMT

Europe shows that it's not just the USA that can wow us with stunning images (and serious science) as the European Space Agency's Mars Express satellite beams back its first full colour close-up of the surface of the red planet. The picture is of Valles Marineris, the Grand Canyon of Mars, a region of the planet thought to have been carved out by flowing water. You can keep track of the latest images from Mars Express by visiting the ESA's image gallery. So right now we have both NASA and ESA exploring Mars, reinforcing the need for a manned mission to Mars to be a collaboration rather than a race.

We choose to go to Mars

Mon, 19 Jan 2004 01:13:06 GMT

Above is the first ever picture of the surface of Mars taken by the NASA Viking 1 lander on July 20, 1976. I don't mind telling you that I'm really excited about all the space news we've been having lately, in particular of course the exciting NASA Spirit Rover exploration of Mars. I was 12 years old when Viking 1 landed on Mars in 1976. It was the most incredible thing to see the first images taken on the surface of another planet being beaming back into our homes. I still have a copy of National Geographic magazine from that time. Back then of course there's wasn't anything like the instant access to online libraries of pictures streamed to us via the Internet only minutes or hours after they were taken.

Now my son is 12 years old and the Spirit rover is starting to make its way across the surface of Mars. Scores of images are available almost instantly. The Spirit rover image gallery is a daily must-visit web site for me though I detect, not least in my own family and sadly with my son, a certain impassivity towards all of this Mars news. Maybe it's all the Space Shuttle generation (oh no, not another Shuttle launch) or maybe it's just because people today are bombarded with images and events that just wash over them in a mass of information that many people just give up noticing. To think the rover is out there trundling away across the Mars is for me mind blowing. A tremendous achievement for science and engineering.

Hot on the heels of NASA's success, and coincidentally just as the next US presidential elections get under way, George Bush has announced plans to send man back to the moon and ultimately on to Mars. Cynical electioneering aside this is great news and as many think, long overdue. Over the past two decades all of NASA's manned space programmes have been concerned with Shuttle missions which, while bringing us some way towards building a long-term space station (also long overdue), establishing countless satellites doubtlessly spawning the new era in mass communications and of course many unknown military missions, have done little to advance humankind's pioneering spirit and desire for exploration. Now we're getting back on track, though there are many hurdles to overcome before Bush junior's vision is realised (Bush senior's Mars mission got scrapped soon after it was announced).

Sending men and women to Mars won't be cheap. There are risks of course as two Space Shuttle disasters show but think how many lives were lost during the exploration of the world in the 15th & 16th centuries, or any of the other countless periods of exploration in human history. It's part of our nature to explore and the rewards are considerable. The rewards for sending a crew of humans to Mars are potentially incalculable. If live is discovered on Mars, even the most primitive life, it's be the single most important discovery in the history of human exploration. And even if life isn't found, discovering how Mars became the seemingly dry, desert-planet we see today could be essential for the future of this planet. But these are just a couple of the obvious big wins. There will be a great many other discoveries and breakthroughs along the way while developing a mission such as this, in science, engineering, communications, human physiology, not to mention international relations as a manned Mars mission will likely be a collaborative effort.

Gia's posted a long and thoughtful piece on the politics and economics of Bush's Mars plans. Should we pay for a Mars mission when there are people starving to death in the world? Gia says yes and I agree because I don't see it as an either/or choice. People are not starving anywhere in the world because the US is planning another space mission. We are not short of a cure for AIDS because the US spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the Spirit rover. And we don't have global warming because the US chose to go to the moon. Most of us in the developed world have a choice in how we live our lives and what we choose to do, collectively as nations and as individual citizens. We allow 3rd world starvation when we over consume and demand lower prices to fuel our excessive consumption. We allow massive corporations to divert investment into drugs that treat our illnesses brought on by our consumptive lifestyles rather than finding cures for illnesses that kill millions of people who are too poor to pay for their medicines therefore aren't paying customers. We allow global warming because of the wasteful way we choose to live. We have a choice. We can make this world a better place to live while at the same time exploring other worlds.

Applescript Image Events application

Sun, 18 Jan 2004 02:00:43 GMT

Well Apple sneaked this one in when we weren't looking. The latest version of Mac OS X (Panther or 10.3 to you) has built-in ability to manipulate images using Applescript. You can flip, rotate, pad, crop, scale and convert images all using simple Applescript commands. Now here's the fun part, both Userland Frontier and Radio can speak native Applescript. Anything you can do with Applescript you can do with Frontier or Radio. So by way of a test my assetManager tool can now create thumbnails for moblog posts. I've built-in an Applescript routine into my Radio Userland tool and I'll release an update during Sunday for anyone who wants to give this a whirl. If you can't wait and if you are using Mac OS 10.3 click on this link to get a standalone Applescript file that scales images. As an aside, another cool feature of OS 10.3 is the ability to create Applescripts on-the-fly from an applescript:// URL action (try clicking the previous link)! Well done Apple and well done Userland for supporting Applescript.

Primetime Gia

Wed, 07 Jan 2004 20:05:38 GMT

Congratulations to Gia who's made it onto prime-time TV. The new Channel 4 series Demolition Day started last Sunday night. My son Matthew loves it. Catch the next episode next Sunday, Channel 4 at 6:30pm.

pics\@mobog.com

Fri, 02 Jan 2004 00:29:33 GMT

This site is so funny, anonymous picture posts with anonymous comments. Catch it now before it implodes! I think it might have started out as a serious moblogging experiment but not any more, it's more of a free for all!

As big as they come

Wed, 31 Dec 2003 01:30:49 GMT

That's one big snake!

Suede live at Birmingham Academy

Fri, 12 Dec 2003 12:43:26 GMT

Fantastic Suede gig last night at the Birmingham Academy. Sadly though it's probably the last time we'll be able to see them live as they've recently announced the band members are pursuing solo projects.

Last night however they were on absolutely storming form and Brett had us all eating out of his hand! Such a showman and he genuinely seemed to be enjoying the gig himself (though who's not going to enjoy 5,000 adoring and screaming fans). The tunes were pretty good too! They ended the main set with Trash and The Beautiful Ones rather than saving either for the encore, which itself was rather downbeat, maybe purposefully given the news about the band's future (or lack of). Anyway, without doubt Suede were one of the best British bands of the last decade, were highly influential and were a great live act.

It was Emily's first live gig and so I introduced her to the mosh pit! She had a great time and will always try to be up at the front at future gigs. What's the point of going to see a band live if you're going to stand at the back!

See you in the next life, Suede.

Bowie Live

Sat, 22 Nov 2003 00:29:47 GMT

Last night I saw Bowie live at the NEC Arena. Fantastic gig, great atmosphere. Some highlights:

Rebel Rebel: opening song, great rockin' version, set the mood perfectly
All the Young Dudes: what a surprise, didn't think he'd play this oldie, great version, got one of the biggest cheers of the night
Loving the Alien: Now I thought I was the only person who liked this song but seems Bowie likes it too. Great acoustic version, very timely lyrics.
Hallo Spaceboy: Great raunchy version of this newer song. One of the rockiest songs of the evening.
I'm Afraid of Americans: I loved the drum 'n' bass sound of Earthling. I know a lot of others didn't but what do they know. Not my fave track from that album (Little Wonder and Dead Man Walking) but a great live version and perfectly timed given GWB's visit to the UK.
Fantastic Voyage: Lodger was one of my favourite albums. Not one of his best by a long way but when it came out in the late 70's it struck a chord with me. Contains one of my fave Bowie tracks, 'Boys Keep swinging'. 'Fantastic Voyage' showed that his vocals are still really cool, great chorus. Love this song.
Life on Mars: Great song from his most productive years. Nice to see it in a set in 2003.
New Killer Star: Best song off the new album 'Reality'.

Ok, so he didn't play some of my favourite songs. But with such a back catalogue it's not surprising. I've never heard him play 'Station to Station' live which is a pity but last night was such a great concert that doesn't matter. He really seemed to enjoy it too, but I bet he says that to all the towns. He played for around 2 hours 15 mins. Two encores.

Oh yeah, he even covered a Pixies song, 'Cactus'. Cool, I saw the Pixies on their UK tour early 90's and they were really rockin. This monkey has gone to heaven.

Left or right, libertarian or authoritarian?

Wed, 05 Nov 2003 23:16:19 GMT

Seems I'm a left-wing libertarian. On the political compass I am more aligned to the Dalai Lama than Tony Blair. Thanks Buddha for that.

The heart of Birmingham has no soul

Tue, 28 Oct 2003 21:21:09 GMT

Visited the new Bull Ring, hopefully for the first and last time. Would you want to spend any time in a hell hole like this? It's like looking into hell's ugly maw crawling with the damned. And people say they like shopping. Wake up for fucks sake!

Let's hope that's not all

Thu, 16 Oct 2003 00:35:02 GMT

Could the Internet be about to lose one of its best bloggers? Let's hope it's just a temporary break in transmission as Chris Locke is one of the sharpest observers and commentators not to mention entertaining writers on the weblog circuit right now. While some agonise over exactly what a weblog is and whether having one makes you a serious writer and countless thousands of others just get on with it, Rageboy shows that it's pointless to try to define a medium by its message.

Someone give the man a job, or buy his books because the blogosphere can't afford to lose such an individual voice.

Privacy issues with camera phones

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 17:50:48 GMT

I guess it was inevitable that privacy issues would quickly follow the increasingly rapid uptake of camera phones. In the UK an ambulance worker has been sacked following allegations he took photographs of a dead patient using his camera phone. Although if true this is an extreme case, how many other far less serious but nonetheless invasive cases will emerge where people have had their picture taken without their consent? But the issue is far broader than just irresponsible camera phone owners. It's almost impossible to walk down a UK high street these days without having your picture taken countless times with a CCTV camera. Where do all those pictures go and who's using them I wonder? Is it OK to take a CCTV picture of a dead patient, a road traffic victim in the previously mentioned case, but not OK to take a picture with a camera phone? Or a real camera? What if you were a photo journalist? What if you were a photo journalist in a conflict zone and took pictures of dead people killed in war? Who decides when it is OK to take your photo, and when it is not?

Bonsai potato

Mon, 22 Sep 2003 02:01:21 GMT

I so want one of these. Looks like an ideal Bonsai, aesthetically pleasing while not taking a lifetime to achieve.

More top tunes

Fri, 01 Aug 2003 22:53:24 GMT

It's no good, it didn't feel right leaving out all the other songs I shortlisted, so here they are, make your own top 10 from this lot. There are still more to come (someday).

LadyTron: Discotraxx
New Order: Slow Jam
Cocteau Twins: Iceblink Luck
Kraftwerk: Neon Lights
New Order: Procession
The Smiths: How Soon is Now
Tangerine Dream: Thru Metamorphic Rocks
The The: Uncertain Smile
Tortoise: Seneca
Cocteau Twins: Lorelei
Led Zeppelin: Travelling Riverside Blues
Neil Young: After The Goldrush
Yello: On Track
Bjork: Hyper Ballad
Black Grape: In the Name of the Father
Crowded House: Don't Dream It's Over
David Bowie: Station to Station
John Foxx: Miles Away
Laurie Anderson: O Superman
Laurie Anderson: Big Science
The Pixies: Monkey Gone to Heaven
OMD: Dazzle Ships (the whole album)
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Under the Bridge
Sex Pistols: God save the Queen
The Beach Boys: Good Vibrations
The Doors: like My Fire
Kate Bush: Sensual World
Beastie Boys: Body Movin
New Order: Fine Time
Hawkwind: Brainstorm
The Strokes: Last Night
My Bloody Valentine: You Made Me Realize
Daft Punk: Around the World

Top 10 (for today)

Fri, 01 Aug 2003 22:41:43 GMT

Chrissie has posted her top 10 songs and challenged us to post our own faves. I've been thinking about it for a day or so and it's too difficult, my top 10 would be different next week but for now here's what I came up with, in no particular order:

Kraftwerk: Computer Love
Stereolab: Infinity Girl
Stereolab: The Free Design
The Beatles: Across the Universe
Public Image Ltd: Public Image
New Order: Everything's Gone Green
Talking Heads: Once in a Lifetime
Bill Nelson: Empire of the Senses
George Harrison: My Sweet Lord
Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World

Belief-O-Matic

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 00:26:57 GMT

I took the belief-o-matic test and apparently I'm a secular humanist. Well thank God for that!

Jai Guru De Va Om

Sat, 26 Jul 2003 20:38:17 GMT

Words are flying out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass
They slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow waves of joy are drifting thorough my open mind
Possessing and caressing me
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
That call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they tumble blindly
as they make their way across the universe
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing through my open views inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe

God Save The Queen

Sat, 19 Jul 2003 19:26:16 GMT

God save the Queen
the fascist regime,
they made you a moron
a potential H-bomb.

God save the Queen
she ain't no human being.
There is no future
in England's dreaming

Don't be told what you want
Don't be told what you need.
There's no future
there's no future
there's no future for you

God save the Queen
we mean it man
we love our queen
God saves

God save the Queen
'cos tourists are money
and our figurehead
is not what she seems

Oh God save history
God save your mad parade
Oh Lord God have mercy
all crimes are paid.

When there's no future
how can there be sin
we're the flowers
in the dustbin
we're the poison
in your human machine
we're the future
you're future

God save the Queen
we mean it man
we love our queen
God saves

God save the Queen
we mean it man
there is no future
in England's dreaming

No future
no future for you
no fufure for me

What's a guy to do?

Thu, 17 Jul 2003 19:36:48 GMT

It's been a week of mixed blessings for us men folk. Earlier in the week a report found that masturbation can help prevent against prostate cancer. At last, an excuse. Today however we found out that the male menopause is really just laziness. It's probably just a reflection of all those middle aged blokes pulling themselves off trying to stave off that other middle aged affliction.

We know where you are

Mon, 23 Jun 2003 20:09:23 GMT

So it's not just me that wants to know how you determine a mobile phone's location from it's base station sign-on. Clearly there are loads of privacy issue here but maybe it's not all Orwellian. An interesting use of the technology not mentioned in this BBC article is the ability to target an SMS to a geographical location, such that when a user enters it a new text message is generated. For example, whenever I enter a particular GSM/GPRS location (as defined by the base station's geographical coverage) I receive a text message updating me on all kinds of user-specified information, such as film show times, traffic reports, even advertising. You can even leave a future message for someone that only gets deliverered when that person enters a specific location. I read about this somewhere but lost the reference so if someone else can find it please let me know.

Harry Potter

Sat, 21 Jun 2003 00:39:51 GMT

After a 3 year wait and a midnight trip to the local book store, the kids emerge with Harry Potter book 5. Both intend to stay up all night reading it. There must have been 100 people queuing up for a copy at midnight. Not bad for the local university book store. Still, it was the end of term today so the students have got to do something with their time.

Chickening out with instant messaging

Fri, 30 May 2003 17:49:28 GMT

Although email has undoubtedly revolutionised personal communication, it has its downsides. Spam is the obvious negative but I'd term that impersonal communication since the spammer is unknown to you and you to them. In terms of personal communication, email allows us to sometimes chicken out of direct communication with the recipient. I expect we've all faced the difficult phone call or face to face that we'd rather not have. Sending an email gets you off the hook, albeit in some cases only temporarily. Other forms of instant or near instant messaging, such as computer-based instant messaging (e.g MSN messenger, AIM, iChat etc) and mobile phone SMS may be getting people off the hook in all kinds of situations. Well one UK company has taken this to new extremes. Accident Group, the UK's largest personal injury claims firm has sacked 2,400 people, many of them via SMS to their employee's company mobile phones. Shame on you Accident Group, you chickened out big time.