One of those days where I wake up at 4:15am. An hour later now and I feel tired but know I’m not going back to sleep. Here we go then. Bring it on, Monday.
The Sad State of Fibre Internet in Australia
A couple of days ago I got fibre to the home installed (finally). Australia’s broadband rollout is a decades-long case study in political fuckery. Previously I was on “Fibre to the Node” which used fibre to the end of the street, then copper from that street node to my home. Now I have fibre all the way to my home, which is great, but the plans offered are still depressing.
I used to pay for 100Mbps down/40Mbps up on copper and I would get about 88 down and 37 up.
Now, with new fibre, my plan is 100/20. I get 107 down, and 18.6 up.
Despite my nice new cabling, I’ve got a marginal improvement, all because our Internet plans have been bastardised.
I could pay even _more_money to get 1000 down and 50(!) up, but they only guarantee 600/40. Nah, I’ll keep my money.
It’s a sad state of broadband affairs here in Australia.
Proud of my Podcast Productions
Several years ago I became interested in creating podcasts. As an early adopter, I’d listened to them for years. I decided I finally wanted to try the creation side of the equation.
I’m proud of what I’ve achieved since that decision.
Yesterday, two podcasts of mine were released on the same day. They show two different aspects of my personality and interests. I am incredibly proud of these latest episodes, but also the incredible run of consistent podcast creation I have achieved over the past few years.
Hemispheric Views Episode 105 highlights my nerdy, techy side that is still linked with empathy and humanity.
NBL Pocket Podcast Episode 268 demonstrates my knowledge and love for Australian NBL basketball, combined with great rapport with my friend, Joe Corr.
Hemispheric Views is carefully and meticulously edited. NBL Pocket Podcast is a shoot-from-the-hip live recording. Two entirely different topics, recorded and edited in two different ways. I’m proud of being able to create podcasts in both forms.
I’m also proud that I have the ability to edit and produce as well. Podcasting has given me a whole raft of skills that I wouldn’t otherwise have.
I am proud of these shows. I am proud of myself for having the confidence and capability to produce these shows. I am proud that both have a large audience of listeners.
Zoolander, 2001 - ★★★★
I watch this film now and struggle to identify the cameos. Not all careers kick on, I suppose.
Bob Marley: One Love, 2024 - ★★★½
I was unaware of the Bob Marley story and this clued me in well. Actors of course were more attractive than the actual people.
I’m binge watching S4 of For All Mankind. I didn’t have “labour dispute and unionisation on my bingo card of topics. Was this show written around the time of the Hollywood Writers’ Strike? 📺
A GP appointment time is more of a general indicator that they will see you sometime in the hour following that prescribed slot.
It’s great to see Jon Stewart back home on The Daily Show. Old Presidential candidates. What could go wrong?
Autism Parent Night: Making checklists to assist kids with morning, afternoon and evening routines, and pack lists. Made it all look pretty with OmniOutliner. ☑️
If the United States population somehow finds it in themselves to re-elect deadbeat, shyster, and Russian-compromised Trump, we are all fucked. Gift link to a relevant New York Times article.
After resisting all the Bluesky invitation codes; I’ve signed up with the masses.
Lean Can Be Applied Anywhere
Deploying small, incremental improvements. Prototyping an improved workflow using lean, visual control and 5S principles. Observation will determine what improvements and changes to next make.
Should I spend $16 to buy a Kindle version of the book I’m reading so I don’t have to deal with small print? The pink highlight shows the Kindle viewport. 📚
My Replacement Xbox Controller Dead on Arrival
What’s the deal with garbage Xbox controller hardware?
I had to return a controller because a button wasn’t responding. My replacement controller arrived. Straight out of the box, it reports LB as being permanently activated, and I can’t even navigate the menu system with it, as the D-sticks and buttons don’t respond correctly.
So now I’m sending back the replacement of the replacement, but Amazon won’t issue another replacement.
So I will have to buy another somewhere else, and hope that Amazon eventually give me my money back.
The main issue though, is this is about the 4th Xbox controller I’ve had that has had problems.
Is this common? Are there any alternative controllers I can get instead?
I’ve decided not to renew my Flickr Pro account. I’ve had it for years and years. I don’t use the service enough to justify the cost. Sorry for any link breakage that may occur!
The Breakfast Club, 1985 - ★★★★½
I think I’m older than the teacher now. He’s the guy I now relate to.
Currently reading: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami 📚
I just used Make Me A Cocktail. I don’t have a large bar at the moment, but it suggested a Black Russian and I’m enjoying it!