Ubuntu “Karmic Koala” 9.10: A Closer Look

Today, a new release of the popular free & open source operating system Ubuntu becomes available. This is release 9.10, code-named Karmic Koala. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I could be a little biased, as I had a hand in the planning and development of the release. First, if you […]


Google gets social with new search refinement

Google has begun experimenting with a feature to customize search results to reflect your online social network. The idea is to give extra weight to information and opinions from people who you have already formed an online relationship with such as friends and colleagues. The new Social Search feature will take particular account of posts […]

Geeky Jack ‘o Lanterns

It’s nearly time for Halloween, which means the flickering lights of jack ‘o lanterns on doorsteps. Here’s what wikipedia says about jack ‘o lanterns: In a jack-o’-lantern, typically the top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out; an image, usually a monstrous face, is carved onto the outside surface, and the lid […]

Halloween Ambiance: Borax Crystal Halloween Decorations

I was looking for unique and geeky decorations for my Halloween Party, and I’d already bought a box of Borax to make slime (I’ll also be making ectoplasm, I should note) so I did a quick internet search and discovered that, at least around Christmas, pipe cleaners and dissolved Borax make for some intriguing creations. […]

Facebook tweaks policies to deal with member deaths

Facebook is to launch a scheme allowing the pages of users who have passed away to be reclassified as a memorial. It’s designed to cut down on inappropriate automated messages but may also limit media intrusion. The issue has come to prominence recently after the site tweaked its “Suggestions” panel. Previously this displayed details of […]