mja blog

Author: Melissa

  • The Heaviest Ball

    Found this on Whirlpool:

    There are 8 balls and a set of balance scales, all the balls are the same size and shape but one of them is heavier than the others.

    How can we get the heaviest ball with the fewest number of weights?

    First answer:

    Two packs of four on the balance, discard lightest four.
    Two packs of two, discard lightest two.
    Two balls, discard lightest.

    Second (better) answer:

    Take two lots of three balls and compare them. If they are the same, compare the remaining two to see which is heavier. If one set of three is heavier, compare two of those. If they are different, take the heaviest one. Otherwise the one of the three you did not compare will be the heavier one.

  • VoIP Phone

    I have been experimenting with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol – internet phone) over the last few days and having a great time with it.

    I’ve tried Skype which lets you call other Skype users anywhere in the world free of charge.

    I’ve also just signed up with Engin and have been making untimed calls anywhere in Australia for 10 cents a call! My boss is looking at using Engin for our phone system, and I volunteered to test it. Since we are in different locations, we can make internal calls between us on Engin free of charge 🙂

    To use VoIP you need:

    (1) a broadband connection (ADSL or cable),
    (2) a headset/microphone for your computer and
    (3) a VoIP provider (like Skype, Engin or other).

    With Skype, you just download some free software onto your computer, and it works in a similar way to chat programs like MSN or ICQ.

    With Engin you have the option of buying voice box equipment which converts your regular phone to the service; or you can download a software version which works like Skype.

    I am doing this over a 512/128kbps ADSL connection and experiencing fair to excellent audio quality. The Engin software seems to have problems dialling out sometimes – usually connects at second or third attempt.

  • Flight Simulator

    Policeman friend noticed motorbike rider with large cockatoo on his head, flapping its wings. Rider was doing 70km in 60 zone so policeman pulled him over. When asked why he had the cockatoo on his head, the man replied that the bird enjoyed it. Cocky had injured wing and could no longer fly, so man let it ride with him so it could still enjoy the feeling of flight. Policeman laughed so hard he let the rider off his ticket. 🙂

  • Powerware UPS

    After losing some gear during an electrical storm about 18 months ago I’ve been considering uninterruptible power supply. We’ve been having a lot of power blackouts in the last month – lately without any warning; once upon a time at least we got the warning of a stormfront. The last lot of blackouts, which have occurred very suddenly while I’ve been working, have finally convinced me.

    I went online to Dick Smith’s (aka Tricky Dickie’s) and used my ABN to sign up for a wholesale account. Nice discount on their Powerware products, I got myself two of these: http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/en/product/M7676%0A

    Just got the small ones, since it’s just for my home office. The battery keeps things running for up to 30 mins after the power is cut, and connects by USB to your PC for monitoring from your desktop, and automatic save and shutdown. The board includes three points with battery/surge protection, and three with just the surge protection.
    Setup was easy – charge up the battery overnight, install the UPS software and configure the controller (LanSafe) on my PC, then plug everything in.

    Now I’m just waiting for the next blackout to strike. I am prepared!

  • Lorikeet Rescue

    We love the birdlife at our place, we get many varieties of birds including the Scaly Breasted Lorikeet or “Greenie”. We have just rescued a pre-fledgling who is determined to explore the great big world rather than remain in his nest!

    His tail and wings are not yet fully formed; despite this he has made several attempts to fly after his parents. A very plucky little fellow. We found him running around on the ground after returning him to his tree several times. We have him in a cage for the moment, for his own protection and our peace of mind!

    His parents are still feeding him, and he also seems to enjoy the mashed fruit mixed with lorikeet wet mix we give him. These little Greenies are quite friendly, they are fascinating to watch and it is easy to grow attached to them. They apparently adjust quite well to living in captivity, but we hope to return this one to the wild as soon as his feathers are better developed.

    He is not the first, and I have a feeling he wont be the last little Greenie chick we’ll have the pleasure of helping.

    FAUNA Fostercare site:
    http://fauna.com.au/birds/scalybreastedlorikeet.php

    Lorikeet Mix Recipes:
    http://www.birdsnways.com/mowen/lories.htm

  • Merry Christmas 2005

    This Christmas Mum, Dad and Jo came over to our place although H. had to go into work. Pete, Jody and kids spent the day with Jody’s family.

    Lunch was quiet and relaxing, with the music of Nora Jones playing softly in the background. On the menu was chicken kebabs, an assortment of salads, focacia bread and a yummy Mars Bar cheesecake provided by Mum, which pleased the sweet tooth in all of us.

    Kelsie was happy to be temporarily reunited with her mum Gemma, although she wasn’t keen on sharing any doggie treats with her! All three dogs were well behaved around the table, and Dad seemed quite taken with little Sasha.

    The day was very hot, however it was cool indoors and after a satisfying meal, the four of us played a rousing game of Scrabble.

    Boxing Day: The next day everyone met at Mum and Dad’s place and were entertained by the sight and sounds of young kids ripping open their presents. We enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Mum, with a tasty pasta salad by Jody.