
2025-06-01 09:51:03
On Website Technicals (2019-07) - Tech updates: improved video support, HTTPS, search impressions vs clicks, FFmpeg vs AVconv, line-height. - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-site-technicals-26.html
On Website Technicals (2019-07) - Tech updates: improved video support, HTTPS, search impressions vs clicks, FFmpeg vs AVconv, line-height. - https://www.earth.org.uk/note-on-site-technicals-26.html
Tune in this Sunday at 8pm BST (Noon in Vancouver) for this week's #ListeningClub featuring perhaps my very favourite #accordion record all the way through — right up there if I had to pick from any genre it's so nifty
That'll be a treat, so join us, don't give it away …
You Don’t Have to Sell Your Art to Call Yourself an Artist
https://www.artiststrong.com/you-dont-have-to-sell-your-art-to-call-yourself-an-ar…
What if you could search every visible word on NYC's streets?
#nyc
Series D, Episode 02 - Power
TARRANT: Why?
AVON: Because that was my instruction.
DAYNA: You told Orac not to crack the code?
TARRANT: Why do that?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/402/505 B7B6
The government would *never* misuse their vast and terrifying domestic spying capabilities for evil. The people who *work* for the government, on the other hand....
https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-…
Series D, Episode 02 - Power
TARRANT: Why?
AVON: Because that was my instruction.
DAYNA: You told Orac not to crack the code?
TARRANT: Why do that?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/402/505 B7B6
Time wasting of the day: I'm working on an #Ansible playbook to configure my NAS. I just want to create a few tasks and test it. I get "no route to host", even though it works perfectly well with plain SSH.
I tweak a few parameters. I Google Search. I ask GitHub Copilot. Zilch.
I’m using the “1 Blocker” extension for iPadOS and iOS to block ads / enhance web browsing privacy:
#MediaLit
Series D, Episode 11 - Orbit
ORAC: Seventy kilos, Avon.
AVON: Only seventy kilos... Vila, strip off the insulation material in the cargo hold. [Vila turns.] Vila! [Avon takes some small object from a panel and hands it to him.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/411/462 B7B5
Series B, Episode 08 - Hostage
JENNA: [To Cally] You know what all this is about, don't you?
CALLY: [Nodding] I think I can guess.
JENNA: It is a trap, isn't it?
CALLY: Avon thinks so.
JENNA: Well Avon always thinks so.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/208/321
Idly wondered if there are any carolean post boxes, and a search of OSM suggests there's at least eight.
https://overpass-turbo.eu/s/24R8
Just finished my first month using @… as my search engine, at the Professional tier ("Standard AI"). Unlike with others, I almost never retried a query on Google. As for "AI", out of a budget of $10, I spent… $0.34. And I *really* like how they combine search w/ genAI.
Series B, Episode 07 - Killer
VILA: Avon, come here!
AVON: What's the matter?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/207/454 B7B3
Threads launches a fediverse feed and a way to search for fediverse users, with support for Mastodon and others, for users who turned on fediverse sharing (David Pierce/The Verge)
https://www.theverge.com/news/688267/threads-fediverse-feed-search
@… Hi, seems like the last Vinegar update for iOS has caused audio problems on the YouTube website. As I scroll down a page of search results, the audio of each video will start playing automatically. I have tried clearing the cache and turning the extension off/on but the problem persists. Has anybody else reported this?
“Wels” is the German word for catfish (the fish, not the deceptive online action). After a giant catfish nibbled on the the toes of bathing people in Bavaria, police shot the fish dead. Now there’s a second catfish on the loose. This is all very exciting in a country that sees relatively few police shootings of dangerous fish. Also, “Wels” is a fun word to say and sounds similar to “Welt” (world), great pun potential.
I couldn’t find any toots on Mastodon about the ice hockey semi between USA & Sweden.
On the other hand, when typing Swe in the search box on X it suggested Sweden hockey
#Blakes7 Series C, Episode 09 - Sarcophagus
ALIEN: [Her robes start blowing as if a breeze had sprung up] I thought you were the clever one. You're a fool, like Tarrant. The pain Tarrant is experiencing ... visualize that pain and much more. [Shot of Cally tossing her head back and forth.] You're as close to death as you have ever been. Think about human death, Avon. Irrevocable…
Threads launches a fediverse feed and a way to search for fediverse users, with support for Mastodon and others, for users who turned on fediverse sharing (David Pierce/The Verge)
https://www.theverge.com/news/688267/threads-fediverse-feed-search
Texas floods leave at least 51 dead, 27 girls missing as rescuers search devastated landscape.
The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 8 meters on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles.
#ClimatechangeisWaterchange
Series A, Episode 01 - The Way Back
VARON: There's nothing in the charges about murder. There are a number of other counts. Assault on a minor, attempting to corrupt minors, moral deviation ...
BLAKE: Let me see that! [He gets up. Varon presses the sheet against the glass. He reads it.] All involving children! None of this is true!
h…
Series A, Episode 06 - Seek-Locate-Destroy
SERVALAN: I must advise Central Security. [Crosses to comm] We have to introduce a new code system immediately.
TRAVIS: No, no. If the code system is changed Blake will know we are on to him.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/106/364 B7…
Things almost impossible to do without good LLM software (in one minute).
I hear a music on a radio. Google music search gives me "Robbie Williams - forbidden road". But I know the words are somewhat different and I want to know what movie I have in mind.
Gemini says it's in fact, similar song to "I got a name", then my brain clicks and connects it with Quentin Tarantino.
Bingo - it's Django.
Dus bij dezen heb ik Telegram verlaten.
Het was een fijne chat-client.
https://techstartups.com/2025/03/26/elon-musks-grok-ai-joins-telegram-gaining-access-to-over-1-billion-users-a-new-era-for-…
Series B, Episode 03 - Weapon
GAN: That doesn't sound very promising. Someone must have made an attack on the base.
VILA: Who'd be stupid enough to do that?
AVON: [Snaps his fingers] Justify "stupid."
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/203/112 B7B2
Series A, Episode 06 - Seek-Locate-Destroy
ELDON: Hmm.
PRELL: Check its code number.
ELDON: [Puts on a visor with an attached single lens] Fourteen twenty- nine.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/106/349 B7B2
Series B, Episode 11 - Gambit
JENNA: She's right, Blake. He's led a privileged life. He's got money.
BLAKE: He's also been on the move for a long time.
JENNA: But even so, a man with his skills can always earn it.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/211/170 B…
I went to the search bar and my iPad suggested I take a selfie. The last time I used the front camera on this device to record or capture anything was at the very latest 2020.
Series B, Episode 11 - Gambit
JENNA: She's right, Blake. He's led a privileged life. He's got money.
BLAKE: He's also been on the move for a long time.
JENNA: But even so, a man with his skills can always earn it.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/211/170 B…
Series D, Episode 02 - Power
PELLA: Can you walk?
AVON: Very likely. [stands up] But just at the moment I can't think of too many places to go.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/402/289 B7B6
Series A, Episode 09 - Project Avalon
ZEN: Liberator has resumed original position and status.
AVON: You'd better switch on the communication channel. [Gan crosses flight deck and switches it on.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/109/314 B7B5
Series A, Episode 09 - Project Avalon
ZEN: Liberator has resumed original position and status.
AVON: You'd better switch on the communication channel. [Gan crosses flight deck and switches it on.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/109/314 B7B5
How to use the internet badly:
- I did a search on opening hours for the Scotrail ticket office in my town, got 6 different answers, 2 of them from Scotrail sources
- I tweeted to their twitter acct, telling them abt the variety of answers online, and could they please tell me the correct opening hours
- They tweeted back with what turned out to be incorrect information
- I thanked them and said they should contact the other travel sites and update their info /1
Series C, Episode 07 - Children of Auron
C.A. TWO: Next, the young adults. Thank you, module six.
C.A. ONE: Any response to the distress calls?
C.A. TWO: Not a whisper. Appeals out on all channels, nothing.
VOICE: Medical section reporting.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/307/119
Series C, Episode 07 - Children of Auron
C.A. TWO: Next, the young adults. Thank you, module six.
C.A. ONE: Any response to the distress calls?
C.A. TWO: Not a whisper. Appeals out on all channels, nothing.
VOICE: Medical section reporting.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/307/119
Series A, Episode 05 - The Web
AVON: Yes.
BLAKE: [V.O.] I need you on the flight deck.
AVON: I'm busy
BLAKE: [V.O.] Now, Avon.
[Flight deck of the Liberator.]
BLAKE: Zen, how are the repairs going?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/105/20 B7B3
Series B, Episode 06 - Trial
COMPUTER: Holding.
THANIA: Defence requests the names of the alleged victims and the cause of death in each case be specified.
SAMOR: All of them?
THANIA: If it pleases the arbiter.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/206/58 B7B5
Series A, Episode 10 - Breakdown
CALLY: So?
BLAKE: So on the flight deck he tried to kill ME. The limiter didn't even slow him down.
CALLY: Well, among my people such things are considered barbarous.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/110/32 B7B6
Series A, Episode 10 - Breakdown
CALLY: So?
BLAKE: So on the flight deck he tried to kill ME. The limiter didn't even slow him down.
CALLY: Well, among my people such things are considered barbarous.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/110/32 B7B6
#Blakes7 Series A, Episode 04 - Time Squad
GAN: Hull re-pressurized.
VILA: Inner hatches released.
AVON: Switch the visual.
[Main screen view changes to projectile at rest in inner hold]
https://blake.torpi…
#Blakes7 Series A, Episode 04 - Time Squad
GAN: Hull re-pressurized.
VILA: Inner hatches released.
AVON: Switch the visual.
[Main screen view changes to projectile at rest in inner hold]
https://blake.torpi…
#Blakes7 Series C, Episode 12 - Death-Watch
AVON: That is what you are to understand.
DAYNA: Is someone going to tell us what we're to understand?
CALLY: Yes, what exactly is going on?
VILA: You mean you've never heard of the Teal-Vandor Convention?
Series C, Episode 01 - Aftermath
AVON: That's about all. Keep feeding reports through Orac.
ZEN: Information. A space vehicle has been registering on the detectors. Visual scan now indicates that it is approaching the Liberator. Present status suggests the vehicle will attempt docking beside port entry.
https://…
Series B, Episode 02 - Shadow
ORAC: The bridge is complete.
VILA: What? What did he say?
GAN: Something's wrong.
VILA: No, that wasn't it.
ZEN: Information. Liberator is losing power from all systems. Orbital maintenance is threatened.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/202/555
Series D, Episode 10 - Gold
SOOLIN: This is a pleasure cruiser. It's got no armour.
KEILLER: I told you, it's incognito. Listen, every so often they send up a highly armed ship with security written all over it, bristling with guards. And every so often someone attacks it and gets killed. Which is crazy. Because that ship's carrying fruit. We carry gold with hardly any guards.
Series D, Episode 13 - Blake
DEVA: Hm. You've been given a temporary appointment as a law enforcement officer.
BLAKE: That central computer doesn't care who it makes respectable, does it?
DEVA: It's an inferior model, I'm afraid.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/413/260
Series D, Episode 13 - Blake
DEVA: Hm. You've been given a temporary appointment as a law enforcement officer.
BLAKE: That central computer doesn't care who it makes respectable, does it?
DEVA: It's an inferior model, I'm afraid.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/413/260
Series A, Episode 06 - Seek-Locate-Destroy
BLAKE: Those interceptors will be lifting off any minute now. Let's get on with it. [into comm] Gan, get the ship moving. Full interceptor evasion.
[Flight deck. Gan is at the controls.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/106/464 B7B2…
Series A, Episode 06 - Seek-Locate-Destroy
BLAKE: Those interceptors will be lifting off any minute now. Let's get on with it. [into comm] Gan, get the ship moving. Full interceptor evasion.
[Flight deck. Gan is at the controls.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/106/464 B7B2…
Series B, Episode 02 - Shadow
BLAKE: Well what exactly?
CALLY: A..a feeling I have.
BLAKE: Come back to the flight deck.
CALLY: [V.O.] I should keep on searching.
BLAKE: Leave it, Cally.
CALLY: Yes. [Breaks link] Orac? [Turns into another corridor]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/202/356…
Series B, Episode 04 - Horizon
SELMA: Thank you.
RO: You saved my life. While I live, you'll be welcome on Horizon.
BLAKE: Still Horizon?
RO: You can't return to the past.
BLAKE: [Into bracelet] Liberator, teleport now. [To Ro and Selma] Good-bye.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/204/633
Series B, Episode 04 - Horizon
SELMA: Thank you.
RO: You saved my life. While I live, you'll be welcome on Horizon.
BLAKE: Still Horizon?
RO: You can't return to the past.
BLAKE: [Into bracelet] Liberator, teleport now. [To Ro and Selma] Good-bye.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/204/633
#Blakes7 Series C, Episode 13 - Terminal
AVON: Thank you.
TARRANT: Avon, are we still on route for Calipheron? Are we?
AVON: No.
TARRANT: You've changed course?
AVON: Obviously.
TARRANT: You had no right to do that.
#Blakes7 Series D, Episode 11 - Orbit
VILA: I think so. Try it now.
AVON: Switching to manual. Maximum power on all drives.
[Biodome]
PINDER: Egrorian.
EGRORIAN: They've broken the autocontrol and switched to manual. We've allowed for that.
#Blakes7 Series D, Episode 11 - Orbit
VILA: I think so. Try it now.
AVON: Switching to manual. Maximum power on all drives.
[Biodome]
PINDER: Egrorian.
EGRORIAN: They've broken the autocontrol and switched to manual. We've allowed for that.
#Blakes7 Series C, Episode 06 - City at the Edge of the World
BAYBAN: That's better.
VILA: You're top of the Federation's Most Wanted list - after Blake.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/306/167
#Blakes7 Series C, Episode 06 - City at the Edge of the World
BAYBAN: That's better.
VILA: You're top of the Federation's Most Wanted list - after Blake.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/306/167
Series A, Episode 02 - Space Fall
LEYLAN: Well, describe it later. Now... now give me life support readout.
TEAGUE: [V.O.] Pressure normal... minimal radiation... breathable oxygen atmosphere.
LEYLAN: Good, good. Now, is there anybody on board?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/102/532
Series A, Episode 02 - Space Fall
LEYLAN: Well, describe it later. Now... now give me life support readout.
TEAGUE: [V.O.] Pressure normal... minimal radiation... breathable oxygen atmosphere.
LEYLAN: Good, good. Now, is there anybody on board?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/102/532
Series C, Episode 04 - Dawn of the Gods
CALLY: No.
THAARN: Need!
DAYNA: What's the matter, Cally?
CALLY: There's something out there, a force, something all powerful and evil.
[Vila walks, picks up debris]
VILA: Avon!
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/304/194…
Series C, Episode 04 - Dawn of the Gods
CALLY: No.
THAARN: Need!
DAYNA: What's the matter, Cally?
CALLY: There's something out there, a force, something all powerful and evil.
[Vila walks, picks up debris]
VILA: Avon!
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/304/194…
#Blakes7 Series A, Episode 02 - Space Fall
BLAKE: [To Avon] Could it be altered?
AVON: What?
BLAKE: The running log. Could the readings be faked?
AVON: Only by a top-line technician. Nobody on this ship could do it.
BLAKE: Except you.
#Blakes7 Series A, Episode 02 - Space Fall
BLAKE: [To Avon] Could it be altered?
AVON: What?
BLAKE: The running log. Could the readings be faked?
AVON: Only by a top-line technician. Nobody on this ship could do it.
BLAKE: Except you.
Series B, Episode 13 - Star One
[Scene - shots of approaching space ships]
NOVA QUEEN PILOT: Keldan Control, Keldan Control, this is Nova Queen on primary approach zero-four-zero. Request orbital entry clearance.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/213/1 B7B3
Series B, Episode 04 - Horizon
CALLY: [Enters] Orac, where did you get this information? [Holds up a data card. Avon takes it]
ORAC: I was instructed to obtain anything relating to the planet. The data was obtained by cross-referencing prisoner and execution lists. It is standard procedure.
https://blake.torpidity.n…
Series B, Episode 04 - Horizon
CALLY: [Enters] Orac, where did you get this information? [Holds up a data card. Avon takes it]
ORAC: I was instructed to obtain anything relating to the planet. The data was obtained by cross-referencing prisoner and execution lists. It is standard procedure.
https://blake.torpidity.n…
#Blakes7 Series A, Episode 03 - Cygnus Alpha
ZEN: Confirmed.
JENNA: [Looks at controls] That's done it. It seems we're on course now.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/103/90…
Series B, Episode 13 - Star One
AVON: Zen, put it on visual.
ZEN: Confirmed.
AVON: Well?
JENNA: Zen, battle computers to calculate intercept course and strike ranges.
ZEN: Confirmed.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/213/505 B7B2
Series B, Episode 08 - Hostage
BLAKE: Just about.
USHTON: Let's get them before they get us.
VILA: Ugh. Ugh.
BLAKE: Come on, Vila.
VILA: I don't think I can make it.
BLAKE: Inga, stay and look after him.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/208/646 B…
Series A, Episode 01 - The Way Back
OPERATOR: Not possible. [Maja hands Varon a brooch.]
VARON: Look, the Justice Department can get a clearance [Places the brooch on the desk] but it takes time.
OPERATOR: This didn't happen, of course.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/101/285…
Series A, Episode 12 - Deliverance
VILA: But did they do it?
AVON: "And the way was found." Does it go on?
MEEGAT: Deliverance was prepared. And Kashell the Wise was satisfied that it was good.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/112/357 B7B6
Series A, Episode 12 - Deliverance
VILA: But did they do it?
AVON: "And the way was found." Does it go on?
MEEGAT: Deliverance was prepared. And Kashell the Wise was satisfied that it was good.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/112/357 B7B6
Series A, Episode 08 - Duel
GAN: [Turns and sees Sinofar and Giroc] Blake, we've got company. [When the others look, they have gone] They were here! Two women, watching us. There's nowhere they could have gone.
JENNA: So where are they now?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/108/73…
Series A, Episode 08 - Duel
GAN: [Turns and sees Sinofar and Giroc] Blake, we've got company. [When the others look, they have gone] They were here! Two women, watching us. There's nowhere they could have gone.
JENNA: So where are they now?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/108/73…
Series B, Episode 09 - Countdown
VETNOR: All right, come with me, we're searching the next level.
PROVINE: Right, sir.
[Teleport section. Avon and Grant are suited up]
AVON: You adjust the temperature with this [Points to knob on suit] You all set?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/209/356
Series D, Episode 13 - Blake
VILA: You mean we really are going to crash?!
SOOLIN: No wonder they were convinced!
VILA: There must be something we can do!
AVON: I'll accept suggestions!
VILA: How does "Abandon ship!" grab you?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/413/174
Series D, Episode 11 - Orbit
AVON: That is because Orac has read your security file on Central Records.
EGRORIAN: [Looks disturbed. Takes the file from Vila.] Disconnect the funnel, Pinder. [Looks at the file]
[On Servalan's monitor]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/411/306
Series B, Episode 05 - Pressure Point
VILA: [Grabbing Blake's arm] You'll hit him!
BLAKE: Let go! [Shakes free, takes aim, and fires] Avon, run for your life! [Muttering] Come on, come on.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/205/447 B7B5
Series C, Episode 13 - Terminal
CALLY: We've got to help them!
TARRANT: No. It's too late. There's nothing we can do. [The links rip at Reeval and Toron's clothing.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/313/274 B7B3
Series B, Episode 05 - Pressure Point
TRAVIS: Come on, come on. Where were you to rendezvous with Blake?
KASABI: You can rot, Travis. I'll tell you nothing, nothing. [Kasabi spits on Travis. Travis crosses to Servalan.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/205/170 B7B5
Series B, Episode 01 - Redemption
ALTA TWO: [To guard] Stop! [To slaves and guards] March on.
[Control room. Alta Two enters and she and Alta One touch the silver dots on their foreheads. The pedestal dome beeps, Alta Two places her hands on it, and it gargles. Blake is pushed into the room and Alta One motions him to a chair across from hers]
Series A, Episode 12 - Deliverance
TRAVIS: I've told you, I want my command back. It's the only way I can catch -
SERVALAN: You really are obsessed with Blake, aren't you?
TRAVIS: It's my right.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/112/237 B7B4
Series B, Episode 10 - Voice from the Past
JENNA: Well, maybe that's not related.
CALLY: Well, Jenna, remember there was something else - earlier, in the rest room.
JENNA: Complaining of some sort of noise.
AVON: A sort of tone, he said.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/210/83
Series C, Episode 12 - Death-Watch
AVON: Put it on the main screen.
ORAC: I must point out that this is a gross misuse and an absurd waste of my capabilities.
AVON: Put it on the main screen.
ORAC: I will do it only under protest.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/312/115
Series B, Episode 07 - Killer
JENNA: A missile?
BLAKE: No, it can't be. They can't have spotted Liberator. We've got the blind down. [launch appears on screen]
JENNA: There it is, look, just leaving the ionosphere.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/207/33 B7B6…
Series A, Episode 13 - Orac
BLAKE: No, we'd end up looking for each other as well as Orac and Ensor. Come on.
[Scene: Travis and Servalan still in the tunnels.]
TRAVIS: Let's check the map.
SERVALAN: We're almost there.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/113/241
Series D, Episode 01 - Rescue
TARRANT: He will if Orac's working. Now come on. We're wasting time. [starts to climb]
[Dayna does not follow, but continues to explore the small room. A hatch slides open in the floor.]
DAYNA: I knew it. Tarrant.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/401/422
Series C, Episode 01 - Aftermath
MELLANBY: I don't know. [Lauren enters]
LAUREN: [Enters] Do you hear it, Father?
AVON: Any idea where it came from?
LAUREN: There's nothing inside the ship.
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/301/257 B7B2
#Blakes7 Series B, Episode 06 - Trial
SERVALAN: I was watching Samor. What Travis said bothered him!
THANIA: You were watching?
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/206/485 B7B1
#Blakes7 Series D, Episode 11 - Orbit
VILA: Hideaway? Avon, if I got my hands on that kind of money, I'd have gone somewhere I could enjoy it. What is the point of having money if you have to exist on a hole like that!
AVON: You are forgetting, there is a big difference between you and Egrorian. HE has a brain.
Series D, Episode 06 - Headhunter
SOOLIN: Not very, by the look of it.
DAYNA: It was like a tomb up there.
AVON: Orac is wired up and ready in the resuscitation room. Hurry it up.
[Vena and Avon in the mess room.]
https://blake.torpidity.net/m/406/326 B7B2