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Archives for February, 2015

Embedded World

February 28th, 2015

I spent a few days last week at the Embedded World trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. Ostensibly to chat to some suppliers – no one else was available ;-) – but also to check out new technology and the like. It was the first time I’ve been to one of these events and I really enjoyed it, although after a day and a half of traipsing around the enormous convention centre I’d pretty much had enough. Executive summary: Internet of Things, Internet of Things, Internet of THINGS.

Friend Blodgett will be pleased to note that MathWorks are alive and well and touting Matlab to embedded systems developers everywhere!

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As someone who is an avid collector of branded pens and other corporate tat such an event is a very dangerous place. However I managed to exert and a small amount of self control and limited myself to filling one Perforce tote bag with junk. Special mention must go to this pen from computer-on-module vendor Portwell for this beautifully presented pen (and their wonderful logo). Also this arty ruler from PCB manufacturer Circuitive complete with 10% discount voucher on the rear.

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These people are either at the wrong show or demonstrating the terrifying fully automated tractor of the future.

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Circumnavigation of High Wycombe

February 22nd, 2015

Like a modern day Magellan I set off yesterday on an epic quest to circumnavigate High Wycombe. The town is only a few miles north of where I live but I have only ever visited it a handful of times. Having seen it from all sides I have reached the conclusion that it is very hilly: my route had 2.5km of height gain!

Pedants might point out that my route wasn’t actually a circumnavigation, but a real adventurer takes no notice of those people. Just like they shouldn’t listen to weather forecasters who predict cloud and rain: look at the clear sky!

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This is at Harpenden house near the start of my route north of the town.

One of the low points came around mid-afternoon, walking on a messy footpath between the M40 and the local ASDA. But then I went through a dark underpass leading to open fields on the other side. I thought it made an interesting photo:

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New Character

February 15th, 2015

Dear China,

The character 蛋 for “egg” is confusing and illogical! I have recently invented a vastly superior character which I wish to offer royalty-free. If 鸟 “bird” + 山 “mountain” = 岛 “island” then obviously 鸟 + 生 “grow/birth” = “egg” (or perhaps “chick”). I have drawn below: please include in all fonts immediately. kthxbye.

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Happy Cow

February 1st, 2015

I met a really friendly cow while I was out today near reading! Here he is munching on some straw and sinking into the bog.

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I walked around a slightly epic 25 mile loop north of Reading which meant I didn’t get back to Henley until after dark. However, that meant I could test out the the LED head torch I got for Christmas!

The weather was miserable for most of the day: cold, windy and cloudy. But there were some bright moments, like here in the morning in Henley:

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