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Ubuntu Karmic Koala

I have been installing the beta of Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala" on an external USB disk. Ubuntu is a version of the open source (i.e. free) operating system Linux. It is very usable, and runs happily on old machines that struggle to run Windows. Best of all, it boots happily from an external disk, so I can plug my disk into any machine and I have "my" PC back again.

There are still a couple of bugs in the 9.10 beta, but the full release version comes out this week.

"Swine-flu" vestments for clergy

I wonder if they will be discussing this at the Diocese of Sydney's synod this week.

"The Church of England has announced that following its introduction of special swine flu prayers, new clergy vestments are now available in case of a further outbreak of the deadly virus."

Read the article at Ship of Fools.

Hostels Photos

Here are some photos from the Terraces reunion. Things have changed a bit in 20 years, but not that much. Thanks very much to the current residents at The Terraces for being so kind as to let us see how things look now.

Note the phone hole is gone, and for the record I was never part of the group who climbed through to next door in the middle of the night to watch TV. The kitchens have much more storage space than when we lived there, and all the bathrooms have been refurbished. The shade cloth out the back of 64-66 is great.

Magpie Season

Spring has arrived. I was swooped in Leichhardt this morning while cycling to work.

Back to Barneys

On Sunday it was the 150th anniversary of St Barnabas Broadway. The City of Sydney were kind enough to donate the use of City Recital Hall (in Angel Place) on Sunday for a get together of past and present Barneys members.

While it was great to see so many people we haven't seen for years, it was also inspiring to hear about the new church building.

There were various reunions over the weekend. I went to a reunion for the St Barnabas Terraces ("Hostels" in my day). Some things are just as they were 20 years ago (yes it really is that long), like the vines between #76 and #78, while some things are new and improved (e.g. kitchens in #80)!

Praying?

Looking for something to pray for? Please pray for Jeremy and his family. Prayer points here. We have a mighty god who can do mighty things.

Television

It's been a while between posts, but that's because I have been too busy watching television:

• Flight of the Conchords - A fantastic show from HBO about a couple of Kiwi musicians trying to make it in New York. Mondays at 21:00 on SBS1.
  
• Masterchef Australia - At first I thought this would be more boring reality TV, but the quality has been really good. The editing is slick, and the content engrossing. Well done tonight Julie. Nightly on Ten.
  
• The Chaser's War on Everything - To be fair, I think The Chaser has been a bit weak this season, but I actually thought the "Make a Realistic Wish" sketch was pretty funny. Wednesdays at 21:00 on ABC1.