Update to Ultimate Google Analytics WordPress Plugin
| 21/9/2011 | Posted by Pete under Software |
I really like the Ultimate Google Analytics plugin for WordPress. It does exactly as I need it to do in terms of ensuring that the Analytics code is embedded in each page. Unfortunately it hasn’t been updated since 2008, and the code is a little out of date.
I have taken the liberty of updating some of the code, and have posted it here for you to share. This adds in the most recent GA javascript, allowing it to load asynchronously and hence speed the page load time. I am keen to make further changes, but I have contacted the author of the original code to see if he is willing to pass the maintenance burden onto myself.
The code is compatible with any version of WordPress from 1.5 to 3.2.1 and probably beyond. That said, please leave a comment if you do have any problems with it.
Download: ultimate_ga_1.6.1.zip
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Just do it (again)
| 2/9/2011 | Posted by Pete under Software |
Plan to throw one away, you will anyway
It is a well known axiom in computer science that the first system or prototype you develop will need to be discarded. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this. Firstly, the understanding you gain on what the system needs to do from actually building the system quite frequently means that it would make more sense to completely redo the project or code.
Secondly there could be some improvements that you could make after seeing the system in operation, ranging from performance optimisation to additional features that would be useful.
There are doubtless many other reasons that could be brought up. However, I’d like to point out a couple of points on this.
It is not always a bad thing to have to start again. Sometimes this is exactly what is needed, although it is far from the axiomic truth that is is purported to be.
System designers and project managers rarely take this into account when planning and designing new systems. This can lead to project overruns, in terms of budget, time and lead to low quality deliverables.
Agile solutions are proposed as an answer to this, but I remain unconvinced. I definitely see these techniques as being better than the traditional waterfall methodology for a large proportion of projects, but I am convinced that there needs to be a fundamental change in the way we develop and manage large software products.
I will hopefully get round to posting my thoughts on how this can be achieved in the near future.
I would appreciate any comments on this subject.
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ASUS Transformer TF101 with docking station
| 31/8/2011 | Posted by Pete under Play |
Just bought the ASUS Transformer TF101 with the docking station, and I’m pretty impressed. The unit came with Android 3.1, but very quickly got an update to version 3.2. The device can be used as a slate device, like the iPad, but with the addition of the keyboard dock (which also extends the battery life considerably) it becomes an Android netbook.
There is a raft of bundled software, including Polaris Office, which is capable of replacing Microsoft Office for reading and making edits to Office files. Power users will be disappointed perhaps, but for me the functionality is great. You also have access to all the Android apps on the market, as well as any you download from third parties.
I think that this is the first Android tablet that compares favourably with the Apple iPad(2). Having used it I don’t think I would ever change to an iPad (I’ve tried out the iPad and I like it too, but this just blows it away!)
Absolutely brilliant! Click the picture below to buy one from Amazon.co.uk.
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What’s going to be different this time?
| 30/8/2011 | Posted by Pete under Life Hacks |
We all know the speed at which New Year’s Resolutions become forgotten, or how promises are rapidly broken and how good intentions crumble under weight of everyday life. In order to make sure when we make our next set of vows, promises and commitments that we don’t fall into the same old trap, we need to look at the reasons behind the failures, and make changes that will make it easier on ourselves.
This could take the form of putting things on an easily accessible calendar, sticking a reminder on your computer or fridge, or simply ensuring that you build it into your daily routine. If you don’t change the things you do that aren’t working, then you will get the same results you did before.
So, before you attempt a change that you’ve tried and failed to do in the past, ask yourself the question.
What’s going to be different this time?
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How to drop a table only if it already exists [SQL Server]
| 15/7/2011 | Posted by Pete under SQL Server |
This is the best way I have found of dropping a table if (and only if) it already exists.
IF OBJECT_ID('dbo.[TABLE_NAME]','U') IS NOT NULL
DROP TABLE dbo.[TABLE_NAME]
GO
the advantage that this method has over numerous other methods is that it will work in tempdb, with temporary tables. i.e you can use ‘tempdb..#temp’
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How to annoy your fellow commuters (Part 2)
| 14/7/2011 | Posted by Pete under General |
As it’s about time for part 2, and I’ve learned much in the past few years, having gained the experience of commuting to a different place, I thought I would share another powerful tip with you. This tip is even more powerful than the last time, so be very wary of when you use it.
Stand opposite the person you wish to annoy (you won’t be getting a seat, and there are too many annoying people for you not to be standing across from one, so this is a given).
Look in the direction of the person, but focus on a point behind their head so you are looking straight through them.
Refuse to make eye contact with the person, instead maintaining your gaze until the person stops being annoying, turns away or moves (or if you get tired or bored instead).
You will be astounded by how this affects people. the effects can be quite devastating. At the very least, people will be uncomfortable with it, and will seek to avoid your gaze.
For a double helping from today’s tip jar, combine the above with Pavlovian training, to entice your fellow commuters to be nice. To do this, simply wait until the person stops the annoying behaviour, then simply stop staring through them, make eye contact and smile. It will be more effective if you can repeat the training, either over multiple sessions, or multiple times in the same journey.
Leave your tips below in the comments.
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QuickTodo Android App now Available on Android Market
| 17/12/2010 | Posted by Pete under Software |
Download QuickTodo
Those of you who have an Android phone may want to check out my QuickTodo app, now available on the Android Market.
Either scan the image on the right with the barcode scanner, or if you’re reading this on your phone, simply touch the image to download.
Here is the application description:
QuickTodo is the easy way to manage your tasks.
Use due dates, priorities and repeating tasks to organise and keep on top of everything.
With drag and drop, you can quickly reorder your lists.
Features:
- Repeating Tasks
- Priorities
- Multiple Lists
- Drag and Drop
- Notifications
- Search
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The five pound value challenge
| 23/2/2010 | Posted by Pete under General |
This post is for those with some spare time on their hands, or those who want to make a difference in the world. The premise is very simple, just create and give away five pounds or equivalent of value.
This does not have to mean donating £5 to charity, it could be writing a blog post about your experience, giving some time to help someone out or anything that you feel generates value for someone.
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Location of UK Official Update for Cupcake G1
| 5/5/2009 | Posted by Pete under Software |
http://android.clients.google.com/updates/signed-CRB17-from-TMI-RC9-eu.17667e06.zip
Quick Instructions
Make sure your battery is charged at least 75% before attempting this.
1. Put the file on your micro sd card.
2. Rename it to update.zip
3. Disconnect phone from computer and shut down phone. (Hold End Call Button)
4. Hold down home button and press power button. Hold both until the triangle appears.
5. Hold Alt and press L key on keyboard
6. Hold Alt and press S key on on keyboard.
7. Wait while the the update is applied.
8. Press the home and back buttons to reboot when prompted. (Middle two buttons on front of phone, not trackball!)
Enjoy your cupcake!
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