richard mackney

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The Derby #Twissup

                                                                                       

Here are a few pics from the Derby #Twissup that I took part in yesterday. The itinerary and list of pubs can be found on the Tweetvite page ... http://twvt.us/twissup

It started at 10am and finished after 11pm, we traveled by public transport for the whole day and I had a great time with a great bunch of beer appreciators or #Twissartists.

The #Twissup included:

@tristanpoyser
@beerofthetrip
@reluctantscoop
@colinmitchell
nige
@richardmackney
@The_Brew_Co
@sheffieldtap

And we managed to grab a drink with @walkerama and @timwhitemore at the end of the night.

You can also checkout everyones uploads on the day using PicFog ... http://picfog.com/search/H-twissup

Thanks go out to @reluctantscoop for arranging it (view his beer blog ... http://www.reluctantscooper.co.uk)

 

(pics taken and uploaded with iPhone)

 

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Filed under  //   Beer   iPhone Photo  
Posted August 15, 2010
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Add the new Tweet button to Posterous

Posterous doesn't support Javascript. So we need to dig a little deeper when we want to add badges and widgets to a Posterous blog.

I have a page that I try and update containing as many widgets as possible and this can be used to grab the source code or get ideas about what can be added in Posterous. I also like to run test accounts to test new skins and Posterous themes without breaking my main one!

I have integrated various twitter buttons and count badges, but now twitter have launched their own tweet button. Most will use the Javascript example but here is an iFrame version which can be used on Posterous.

<div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 4px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets/tweet_button.html?url={Permalink}&amp;via=richardmackney&amp;text={Title}&amp;count=vertical" width="55" height="63"></iframe></div>

It uses the following Posterous codes: url={Permalink} and text={Title} and you also need to add your own twitter username: via=richardmackney 

You can add the tweet button manually to any post, by pasting the code into the start of your Post and hardcode the {shortcodes} or you can add it to your custom skin just before the {body} tag in your theme.

Check it out embedded into the theme of the test account

I hope this helps?


Update 23 Aug; It looks like Posterous are now adopting the twitter button for their own standard themes. It looks like you can add the new twitter and facebook buttons to your custom theme by using the following code:

{block:Sharing}
<section class="share">
{block:Tweet /}
<div class="facebook_like">{block:FbLike /}</div>
</section>
{/block:Sharing}

I did notice that even though quite a few of my posts are correctly reporting multiple re-tweets and mentions, the twitter button is not finding them and the count is wrong - so for now I would not advise using it until twitter sort out their count functions and search caching.

 

Related:

 

 

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Filed under  //   Posterous  
Posted August 13, 2010
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What's In Your Bag?

I've always loved the flickr group "what's in your bag?" and find it interesting to see what people carry around with them. Ideally the photo will be tagged with notes for each item on flickr.

Over time, I've added three photo's to the group and the latest above was taken on July 24, 2010 using an Apple iPhone ... view the notes on flickr

I think it's a great record of the improvements in technology and the shifts in peoples preferences. My other two photo's are below, but you will need to view them on the flickr site to view the notes ...

This photo was taken on May 21, 2009 using a Canon EOS 400D Digital ... view the notes on flickr

This photo was taken on July 28, 2008 using a Canon EOS 400D Digital ... view the notes on flickr


If you have a picture of 'What's in your bag' add a link to it below :)

 

Related posts:

 

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Filed under  //   Gadgets   Mobile   Social  
Posted August 12, 2010
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iPhone 4 Glass Replacement (Rear)

     
I thought I'd post an update following my entry "Warning: Smashed iPhone 4" last week.

I took a gamble and ordered a replacement glass panel from eBay at £8.99 delivered. The listing said that it did not contain the frame or lens, and I assumed I would be able to transfer these bits. Well you know what they say about assumptions ...

As you can see in the pics above, the frame, camera lens, flash lens and other various bits seem to be glued to the original glass and this doesn't look like it can be transferred.

On the plus side, the back can be replaced very easily by removing the two base screws and then sliding the rear case upwards. There are no seals to be broken and interestingly it looks like the battery could be easily swapped.

So, back to square one. I know that the longer I wait, the more information will come out about this issue and more third party manufacturers will be producing replacement parts. I have found an original OEM replacement complete with frame for $115 and these can now be purchased in white. I've also found a third party replacement 'plastic' back, fully complete for £19.99 and shipped from Hong Kong. I also read that some Apple Stores have replaced the back, in store for free, but this may of been part of a limited scheme for Apple to obtain a number of samples for examination.

For now, I think I'll wait. I'll stick the new glass back on eBay and state that it is 'glass only' to ensure another iPhone 4 user with a broken heart case doesn't encounter yet more disappointment.


If you are a company that provides replacement backs for the iPhone 4, get in touch via richard@mackney.com and I'll be happy to test out your product and inform other unfortunate people where they can get hold of the replacement.

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Posted August 11, 2010
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Three MiFi Mobile WiFi

I've had my eye on a Three Mobile WiFi unit for a while, I managed to blag  one of the original Three units from @Documentally which used my USB dongle but wasn't battery powered.
 
@ThreeMobileBuzz contacted me via twitter and asked if I would like to trial the new unit - luckily I was destined for two weeks in the caravan, so a perfect opportunity presented itself.
 
The unpacking in the pic above shows a removable battery (important for carrying spares) a micro USB cable with charger and the sleek black unit.
 Powering up the unit with only one button (important for ease) shows a nifty little display showing the connection status, the amount of WiFi devices bonded, the amount of data used in the current session and the battery status. All quite neat really.
The above pic shows the mobile skin for the admin interface. It's nice that Three considered many people would be using the device with a small mobile screen. From here you can view your account and data usage as well as your text messages and connection status.
This is pretty much the core kit packed to take away with me for two weeks in the caravan. A small solar charger, wind up generator, iPhone 4, a couple of USB batteries and the Three MiFi unit. Looking back through my Flickr stream it's amazing how this kit has got smaller over the years - and the Three MiFi really fills a gap.
Upon arriving in North Devon I found a non existent signal on my iPhone 4 (O2) but by placing the MiFi in the roof light I was able to pick up a decent HSDPA signal which provided my iPhone with connectivity.
An important new feature of the Three MiFi is the ability to charge while in use. I was able to plug this into the USB port of the overhead caravan stereo to get both a signal and continuous power.
On the Sunday there was the #F1 and the Three MiFi had no problem in streaming live TVcatchup.com direct to my iPhone.
As per usual when I'm away, I get contacted by @Documentally usually discussing some hair brained scheme or with some tech related chat. Right on cue Christian contacted me via twitter and then we moved to Skype, but soon found what we really needed was a bit of FaceTime. The iPhone only allows FaceTime over a WiFi connection, but the MiFi had no problem providing the bandwidth for three fairly long sessions with different people that morning using about 90mb of data usage according to the on screen display.
The Energizer Solar Flip had no problem pumping power into the Three MiFi. The unit has a 3.7V 1500mAh Li-Polymer Battery and as the Solar Flip contains 2x2000mAh 1.2v AA batteries it was able to transfer power from the sun into the MiFi.
The Three MiFi's bandwidth depends on the signal strength from the Three network and travelling around, the best I was able to get was 2.29Mbps download and 1.59Mbps upload which is pretty impressive and will match many of the UK's Home's broadband connection.
I found that uploading a fairly high resolution video took about 1MB per second of video, so a 20 second video used up 20MB of data. This was tested on the beach when a Sea Rescue Helicopter landed on the beach! Check it out ...
My highly ridiculed man bag came into it's own as I was able to walk and charge with the Enegizer Solar Flip.
And when the solar was not quite hot to trot, I used the Kensington USB battery to pump a bit of life into the Three MiFi.
Even though I had no O2 phone signal, I was able to catch up with the @fishmedia office and chat to @colinmitchell for over 30 mins before he got bored.
Even in the remotest parts of the UK I found the Three network to be able to provide data where my phone couldn't even muster a voice signal.
Of course, being a tech head means you look like a total pillock when trying to gain that extra height for the best signal possible - which is a benefit of having a unit separate to the screen you are looking at.
Just for the record, this is base camp Willingcott.
And here is the iPhone's geotagging of photos taken in the area.

... Conclusion

There are a couple of negative points of this unit. It doesn't seem to connect to 2G networks like a Three USB dongle does and I've had a weird issue where connection has been a bit hit and miss in low signal areas.

Overall having different devices on different networks has been a massive bonus and the ability to use WiFi only services like FaceTime has been great. I don't really see how I can get by without one now.

... Costs

I'll probably be looking at PAYGO as I'll only need mobile data when I'm not in the office. The Three website is currently selling them for £39.99 which includes a £10 top-up to get 1GB of data that will last for 30 days.

Other PAYGO options include a 3GB kit that will last for 3 months and costs £69.99 which is attractive if I was buying it and going away on a trip.

There are various monthly plans with a 1 month or 18 month contact and this will get you a free MiFi. One deal that struck my eye was a Three MiFi and an iPod Touch with a 15GB data allowance for £23 per month.

Let's hope that Three forget to ask me for this unit back, otherwise I'll be taking a trip to a Three shop fairly soon. Thanks for the trial Three!

(Sent from iPhone)

Update 16th August: I was asked to send the MiFi back to Three so I am checking the market for personal hotspot devices before taking the plunge. I would be happy to put any unit through it's paces, so If you are a company that would like to send one for an unbiased review - get in touch via richard@mackney.com

Related posts on richard.mackney.com

 

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Filed under  //   Caravan   Gadgets   iPhone Photo   Manbag   Mobile   Review   Solar   WiFi  
Posted August 5, 2010
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Warning: Smashed iPhone 4

Today my iPhone 4 slipped out of my hands while getting into the car. It didn't drop far but the back shattered and created tiny shards of razor sharp glass.

I didn't expect the new iPhone to be bomb proof and understand that the chemically hardened glass is there to stop scratches, but I feel that having the glass on both sides has made the phone 'slippy' to handle and there is now double the chance of a smash.

I use a hard-backed leather pouch to protect the phone when not in use but now feel the back *and front* needs protecting with a permanent case.

So my warning to you is to wear protection.

It's a real shame that something that looks so nice has to be covered up to protect it.

(Sent from *smashed* iPhone)

 

Update August 6th: I popped into The Carphone Warehouse and noticed they were doing a deal 'buy one case get another half price' ... so I went for these ...

Went for this Belkin rubber case that also protects the front... on Twitpic Jane got this one. Looks quite nice, White edge and clear bac... on Twitpic


Update August 11th: See new blog post: iPhone 4 Glass Replacement (Rear)

 

If you are a company that provides replacement backs for the iPhone 4, get in touch via richard@mackney.com and I'll be happy to test out your product and inform other unfortunate people where they can get hold of the replacement.

 

 

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Posted August 3, 2010
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Cheers Bottle Shop, Braunton

           

This is Cheers Bottle Shop in Braunton, North Devon. It's a shop that I like to visit and stock up when staying in the area (frequently!). Today I had a good chat with Matthew who recommended a couple of bottles and introduced me to the new lager from St Austell. It sounds like he is very keen to get bottles from micro's around the UK so I recommend getting in touch with him with regards to supply. It would be great to see some Thornbridge, Amber and Nutbrook from back home to show the Devon locals the quality from Derbyshire.

It's a nice shop, one side for wine and the other for beer, with all the usual suspects. Quite a nice selection of international lagers on sale, which I've taken the opportunity to stock up on due to the warmer weather.
Next time you are in North Devon, give Tesco a miss and stock up here. You won't regret it.

CHEERS BOTTLE SHOP

3 CAEN FIELD
EX33 1EG
BRAUNTON
DEVON
Phone: +44 (0) 1271 816160
(Sent from iPhone)

A nice #beer selection purchased from Cheers Bottle Shop ... on Twitpic

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Posted July 26, 2010
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His Masters Choice (of beer)

This is what you get when you ask a professional beermonger (It's like a fishmonger, but with beer) to educate your taste buds. I asked Simon Johnson (@reluctantscoop) if he would do the honours and pick out a range of international beers that he felt would be a good selection of tasty beers that I may not of had before. The above picture shows the result in all their glory.

This is Simon struggling with his heavy load.
I have no idea what these are going to taste like and to be honest I glazed over a little when he explained something about the up and coming Italian beer scene and something about 'a must to try a U.S beer from the can' - I've even forgot the instructions about which ones should go in the fridge.

I was just a little bit excited by this cardboard box full of beer and will have to check with Simon over twitter to check the proper serving etiquette. I'll hopefully follow up on this post with pics of the beer in the glass and maybe a basic taste note if you promise not to laugh.

Here is the list:

Birra del Borgo ReAle 6.4%
Küppers Kölsch 4.8%
Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze 6%
Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel 7.1%
Odell Cutthroat Porter 4.8% 
Caldera IPA 6.1% 

 

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Posted July 19, 2010
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The Coach and Horses, Dronfield

                                               

Here are a few pictures taken at the Beers, Blues and BBQ's event at The Coach and Horses in Dronfield yesterday. It's actually still on today, so if you see this in time, you've still got a chance to go and sample some great beers.

Check out the beer list in this PDF! ...

Coach & Horses
Sheffield Road
Dronfield
S18 2GD

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Posted July 18, 2010
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Web developer wanted in Derby

Recruiting people is a joyous thing, it's great to get new blood into a company and it can help change direction and inject new life into the team. Loosing people that want to move on is always sad, but since 2002 everyone that has ever worked at my c'owned company have always left on a happy note and we always keep in touch.

My web development company based in Derby; Fish Media, is looking for a web applications developer and I'm using as many SoMe channels as I can to spread the word and hopefully strike up a few informal conversations. I'm sure it's not a new thing, but it it's great to be set free from the confines of traditional media such as newspaper adverts and recruitment agencies.

It might not work, the word may not be spread far enough using twitter, facebook, Linkedin and a couple of online directories but these are the places I would expect a dynamic forward thinking web developer to hangout. So if you are interested ... read this blurb:

 <---------- start blurb ------------->

A bit about us

We're a small company with a big outlook. We make websites for some great clients and have been enjoying what we do since 2002. We're based on the ground floor of Wheeldon House which is close enough to walk into the City of Derby, but far enough away to avoid the city traffic.

Our team is highly experienced and each member is an integral part to the cogs that turn fish. We have an account director, a creative director, a senior web applications developer, a project manager and a company secretary.

We are looking for an eager web applications developer desperate to expand their career in web development and become a valued team member.

Our coding standards and hosting infrastructure are Microsoft certified but love playing with the iPhone and have a long standing creative history with Apple. We believe in using the right tools for the job and won't jump on our high horses when a Mac versus PC war breaks out.

At fish we strongly believe in enjoying a good social relationship as a team and we love things like football, bike marathons, taekwondo or simply sampling the delights of the local real ale scene in Derby.

A bit about you

You will be known by your friends as a coder. You'll know about all of the web programming languages and will have settled on one - ideally this would be ASP or .NET. You will also have an advanced knowledge of MSSQL and MySQL and dream about JQuery and CSS.

You will be an early adopter and will probably love using twitter, facebook and flickr. You'll love Derby and it's flourishing creative and technical social scene. You'll be creative and have a wicked sense of humor and be keen to expand your social life into the areas listed above.

You will have worked in commercial web development for a minimum of two years and will have a portfolio of url's to show us with a brief paragraph of what you did.

You will have an up to date CV and would indicate your salary expectations according to your experience and highlight what you can bring to the team.

You will be excited about emailing this information to Richard Mackney (info@fish-media.net) and may even strike up a little bit of SoMe using twitter.

--
Strictly no agencies.

<---------- end blurb ------------->

 

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Posted July 15, 2010
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