Google Chart API

google chart api - neat free way to produce charts and graphs. No API key needed.

- Hello World example
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=p3&chd=t:60,40&chs=250x100&chl=Hello|World

- java wrapper for the google chart api
http://code.google.com/p/javagooglechart/

- api explained
http://code.google.com/apis/chart/

*nix Screen

Screen is a neat way to keep your processes running when you need to disconnect from the machine or have a dodgy connection which gets reset (my case!).

You run screen on a *nix machine that is always on and it keeps your processes running even if the connection dies or if you want to disconnect.

My setup:

~/.screenrc

startup_message off

# hardstatusline
hardstatus on
hardstatus alwayslastline
#hardstatus string '%{= kG}%-Lw%{= kW}%50> %n%f* %t%{= kG}%+Lw%< %{= kG}%-=%c:%s%{-}'
hardstatus string '%{= kG}%-Lw%{= kW}%50> %n%f* %t%{= kG}%+Lw%<'

screen -t ubuntu3 0
screen -t ubuntu3 1
screen -t ubuntu2 ssh ubuntu2

Usage:

to start:
screen

to reconnect to an existing screen session
screen -x

to switch screens (n is the screen number)
Ctrl+a n

to close a screen
Ctrl+d

Note: if the machine hosting screen reboots then the screen session is lost

More info here:
http://www.askbjoernhansen.com/2006/02/07/happy_unix_screen.html
http://www.rackaid.com/resources/linux-tutorials/general-tutorials/using-screen/
http://nigel.mcnie.name/blog/how-i-use-screen

On Mac OS X, probably need to make an adjustment so your backspace key works:
http://www.pyrosoft.co.uk/blog/2008/04/28/fixing-the-backspace-key-with-os-x-and-linux-screen/

Sentencing

The person that was caught using my drivers license and debit/credit card to purchase various consumer goods is due to be sentenced for fraud and other charges at the end of the month.

Pleased to see some justice, even if there's been no sign of my stolen car or posessions.

New Car Soon!

My new FN2 Civic Type-R is due on September 30th, this is the replacement for my EP3 Civic Type-R that was stolen in June.

The steering on the new car is much better than the old one and also has some toys - cruise control, iPod, auto headlights, auto wipers, folding mirrors, climate control...

1 extra HP too, taking it to 198HP, but no turbo unlike most of the hot hatches :-)

Opted for a black one, rather than the heavily marketed red.

Live!

The project I have been working on for the past six months went live last week:

freewiretv.com

New Camera

Got myself a Nikon D40 to replace the Casio EXZ-50 that was stolen along with my car.

Can take some really nice pictures with it, still learning!

Plenty of new photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/gumby

Stolen

CIMG2482
Originally uploaded by dgunthor.

Stolen on Friday from Porthcawl.

Uncle Dave

DSCN2188
Originally uploaded by dgunthor.

My Niece :-)

Megan Rose Gunthorpe at 7.37 on Monday 25th June.

Weighing in at 7 lbs 3oz

Type R

CIMG2483
Originally uploaded by dgunthor.

Photo of the new car (after being cleaned)...

Only getting 25mpg but loads of smiles per mile, yay!

New Wheels

Picking up my Honda Civic Type-R on Friday, trading in the Ford Focus I've enjoyed for the past 6 years!