Have a great Christmas everyone

It’s all the new things that were added, what with F1′s rule changes this year there’s now the added complication of two “push-to-pass” buttons. One of which you can only use in certain places under certain conditions. Then of course there are the new cars and circuits (enjoy the Turkish race as the 2012 title won’t have that) and we’re told to expect different engineers voices depending on which team you’re driving for.

It appears that the graphics have been improved, at least, judging from the trailers we’ve seen so far. When I think back to the first racing games I played over 30 years ago I’m truly astounded and humbled by how far gaming has come.

There’s also new and improved 16 way online action with a full 24 car race field. Apparently you and your mate will also be able to play as team mates, in an obvious but hither-to-unheard-of co-op mode in a racing game… astonishing.

You can pre-order from Amazon now for delivery on release date.

This has happened twice before.

The previous results were first(’85) and second(’86)

Here’s some footage from the end of the ’85 race

I have a feeling that Bruno may not make the podium this weekend but what a story it would make if he did. That’s part of the reason I hate all the negativity about him getting his chance “at Nick’s expense”. Nick has had his chances, way more than most get and when was the last time he won a race? in any category?

Good luck Bruno.

Buffy on her way home for the first time

Well it can be and what a life that would be nothing to do all day except eat, sleep, pee and poop! One can only dream.

Buffy's strange sleeping position

One year ago today a little Puppy came into the world, a few weeks later and she came to live with us, where she has felt (I hope) happy and loved ever since. In return she has showered both of us and everyone she meets with affection, sought to distract us from the daily stresses of the world and made us laugh again and again.

So as today is her birthday I thought I’d share a few moments from the last year, with the world.

Happy First Birthday Buffy

Buffy the Passenger

Thank you for being our best friend

Speaks for itself really doesn’t it?

Big thanks to Niall for sending me this link.

But have you ever really thought about what makes a password strong? well this article is a great explanation of how hackers can attack a website and looks into great detail on what makes for the most secure passwords.

It’s changed how I think about password security and has made my passwords easier for me to remember while still being secure… Well, all the ones I’ve updated so far anyways

Jeremy Clarkson did a piece on Top Gear in his honour which I think is one of the best tribute pieces I’ve seen.

But if we’re to believe the hype this Movie leaves it in the dust and brings the legend that is Senna to an entirely new generation.

I wonder if this clip from Ireland’s own Mondello Park was used, I’ll let you know once I see the movie.

Senna opens Friday 3rd of June in the IFI in Temple Bar and I will be there, will you?

If, like me, you purchased your Microsoft MCE Remote System as an OEM, it’s likely that you didn’t receive the instruction leaflet with it or you have lost it in the meantime.

So for those who want to program it (very limited functionality but useful) – I tracked down a guide that I used some time ago – hope it helps

Windows XP Media Centre Edition remote

The TV, Vol+ and Vol- buttons on the remote control can “learn” IR commands from other remote controls. This feature lets you use the TV button to turn on your TV and the Vol+ and Vol- buttons to adjust the volume on your TV or another device such as an audio receiver.

By default the Vol+ and Vol- buttons on the remote your pc system volume and the TV button has no command assigned until it “learns” one.

For best results don’t attempt this in bright or natural light.

1. Place the remote head-to-head (2-3″ apart) with the remote control from which it is learning

2. On the MCE remote press and hold the DVD MENU and OK buttons at the same time until the LED turns off. (~2 sec)

The remote is now in learning mode.

3. On the MCE remote, press and release the TV, Vol+ and Vol-, depending on which command you want it to learn.

The MCE remote blinks once to confirm the choice.

4. On the remote control that is teaching the command, press and hold the button that you want the corresponding button on the MCE remote to learn.

The MCE remote LED flashes twice to confirm the selection

If the remote did not learn the command, the LED blinks quickly four times.

To try again, repeat steps 1 through 4.

To restore the default remote control settings

1. Press and hold the DVD MENU button and the LEFT navigation button at the same time until the MCE remote LED turns off.

2. Press the OK button.

The MCE remote LED blinks twice to confirm that the buttons have been reset.

The TV button will have no command assigned to it and the Vol+ and Vol- will adjust the MCE system volume.

If the default settings were not restored, the LED will blink quickly four times. To try again, repeat steps 1 and 2.

Of course our mobile phones would be required so chargers and socket adapters would be required as well, Elly’s Kindle cause it’s so much easier than carrying the amount of books she will read in a week and of course my netbook so we can connect to the free wi-fi in our hotels and not have to pay for an internet café, plus it would mean we can watch some of our TV shows while relaxing before or after a hard days touristing.

This of course lead to the usual discussion over how pathetic the speakers are on the netbook. It’s not so much that their bad speakers, more that they are pathetically quiet. So, I said I’d have a look for some sort of portable speakers to help.

Oh look it's only a bit bigger than a hen egg!

Included with the speaker is the USB charging cable and a small pouch to carry both the speaker and cable in, which is a nice touch. The speaker itself has a short cable, about 3 inches, attached which plugs into any headphone socket and wraps away into the bottom of the speaker for storage.

The next thing that I noticed is that the unit shipped fully charged, another nice touch. Immediately it was connected to my mobile phone and tested, the sound was pretty good and the volume level was more than respectable if a little tinny sounding.

Just as I was starting to feel a teeny bit disappointed with it I remembered that the speaker had a neat trick, a quick twist of the base and the bellows style middle of the speaker was expanded. this really surprised me with how much it improved both the over all sound quality and increased the volume.

Expanded Mini Speaker

The battery life is surprisingly good, I get about 2 days out of it between charges. I used it constantly while studying for my recent exams just to give it a decent test you understand And charging couldn’t be easier, just connect it to a USB port and it will charge in about 3-4 hours, I’ve even charged it from the USB ports on my X-Box 360 while it was off.

There’s also a neat little trick it can do, if you have more than one you can daisy chain them together to give more volume although if volume is what you are after this is not the best solution.

Now think about the cost, we paid £20.00 sterling for ours. Since then Amazon have reduced the price again, it is superb value. My biggest concern about it is that those annoying teenagers that play music from their phones on the bus will get hold of these and become even more annoying. As a small device to make using your laptop in a hotel or even a small presentation a little less painful I couldn’t recommend this mini speaker more.