[ from the retro-fitting-older-entries dept. ]
Random Stuff
Today I am in London sitting in Cabot Square at Starbucks. While this is indeed an example of entirely articial asthetics it is quite pleasant nonetheless. Canary Wharf is in the distance with all the banking buildings dominating the skyline while I write random code and slurp tea. In a few weeks from now this area will be quiet and much more wintery. Back here again tomorrow with sladen probably if we can arrange a time to check in on dmesg over in Telehouse.
I seem to have lost more weight, which is probably down to not eating much over the last few days while spending most of my time at work. There can be problems when you enjoy your job to the level that I currently do and really the only way forward is going to be to live next to the office. Need to sort out my PhD applications also – I am applying to research distributed embedded systems and their reliability and failover capabilities.
Hacking on random code while contemplating life and the Universe and various other entirely random stuff. I should go to go see a play and experience some culture, I need to get out more. Of course this would be much preferable with a female geek so willing volunteers are sought. 
.
Hacking Stuff
The Linux PowerPC 405 ZPR Zone Protection Register handling code is amusing. Another classical example of a single endian issue with a byte swapped register differing between the way it actually works and the way the developers must have thought it works. That took enough time to track down. Everything starts working happily when you swap the zone numbers in it around, so if you are reading this having had the same problem and finding this page in a google search or something please do get in touch to share your frustration! .
Miscellaneous Stuff
So today I am in London and also tomorrow. Then I am in Winchester to visit my grandmother for some afternoon tea. Tonight I am meeting a friend and I still need to finalise the weekend – not quite packed enough in to this week so maybe another trip to Cambridge or Nottingham is in order. I am planning to visit Congleton as soon as there are trains going there once more and also Bournemouth once Ben figures out when would be good.
Jon.