After a delay of 3 months (sorry - new job, house fun etc !), Part 4 is now online - oddly the article was written and it was just a little coding required to complete.

Part Four now online. Don't forget Part One and Part Two and Part Three. Articles are aimed at programmers new to GUI work - anyone experienced in GUI programming should zoom right through them.

Getting back to some IronPython on my summer hols... more talking RSS via Speech Synthesis, a podcast orientated MP3 player and have been reading IronPython in Action.

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-08-18 20:30:39.
Categories: IronPython, Python, Software Tags : XAML WPF IronPython
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Part Three now online. A bit more to digest this time. Don't forget Part One and Part Two. Articles are aimed at programmers new to GUI work - anyone experienced in GUI programming should zoom right through them.

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-04-27 20:54:34.
Categories: IronPython, Python, Software Tags : XAML WPF
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Recently I had the idea of writing a bit more on the XAML example I put together. Initially it was going to be on the wiki, then a blog post and now it looks like it will be 5 short articles . Anyway, Part One and Part Two are available right now. Articles are aimed at programmers new to GUI work - anyone experienced in GUI programming should zoom right through them.

The style is explained in the first article (and the reasons behind it sadly still stand for too many computing texts): Many years ago I worked on some tutorials for MFC (a Microsoft C++ GUI Library). The trouble we had with most of the existing reference materials was that the examples crammed in too much at once making it difficult for beginner GUI/MFC programmers to navigate the code. These articles will follow the style we eventually settled on - simple code examples with just one or two GUI controls being displayed interacting. Have fun and I hope you learn something.

So, please enjoy and please feedback!

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-04-23 22:05:32.
Categories: IronPython, Python, Software Tags : XAML WPF
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1. 'World peace' hitcher is murdered
   A female Italian artist hitch-hiking to the Middle East in a wedding dress to promote world peace is murdered in Turkey....
2. OLE Automation (IDispatch) Support in IronPython
   Shri Borde explains how com interoperability works in IronPython 1 and IronPython 2:OLE Automation (IDispatch) Support in IronPython...
3. Expelled Review
   It's 11:20 PM Friday night. We have just returned from watching a special Hollywood screening of ...
4. Replace Notepad with Notepad2 [Featured Windows Download]
   Windows only: When Notepad just doesn't have the features you need to get simple text-editing done, check out the lightweight but feature-packed alternative, Notepad2. Since we ...
5. How Do You Maximize Your Lunch Hour? [Ask The Readers]
   
6. ANN: ActivePython 2.5.2.2 and 2.4.5.14 are now available
   I'm happy to announce that ActivePython 2.5.2.2 and 2.4.5.14 are now available for download from: [link] These are patch releases that update ActivePython to core Python 2.5.2 and 2.4.5. ...
8. 'Two dead' in Russian cave siege
   Two members of a doomsday sect holed up in a cave since October have died, a survivor tells Russian media....
9. Google Talk Labs Edition
   Google released a new version of their instant messenger. Called Google Talk Labs Edition, thi...
10. Flicker Free Syntax Highlighting
    Chris Redford looks at the problem of implementing flicker free syntax highlighting in a rich textbox from IronPython:Flicker Free Syntax Highlighting - a .NET Solution...
11. Urban Rhythm "Luv Will make It Right" (Strictly Rhythm Records, 1991)
    ...
12. The Bible and Modern Astronomy, Part 2
    
13. XAML GUI Events Example
    Davy Mitchell has been experimenting with Windows Presentation Foundation and XAML. He has posted an example to the IronPython Cookbook showing how to load up a User Interface definition from XML and th...
14. Grow in Small Spaces with the Wall-Hanging Plant Holder [Weekend Project]
    A wall-hanging plant holder makes growing plants in your cramped apartment a realistic endeavor, but there's a catch. As is, the plant wall reta...
15. POSSIBLE HUMAN REMAINS FOUND ON CARNOUSTIE BEACH
    THE INVESTIGATION into body parts found on Arbroath beach earlier this week moved to Carnoustie late last night....
16. tinypy.org website launched!
    
18. World to compete for Saltire Prize
    First Minister announces world's largest ever single prize for innovation in marine renewable energy....
19. Google Gears, a Software Update for the Web
    Google Gears started as an open-source plug-in that enabled web applications to work offline, but its real purpose is to speed up the addition of features to web browsers. Developers are frustrated that it takes too long to create standards and they h...
20. Psychotic: optimizing Python compiler
    

1. Now available: orkut on your mobile phone
   Posted by Hazel Mary, Software EngineerHave you ever wanted to check if your buddy responded to your scrap about this evening's plans, but not been close to a computer? Do you wish you could pass the time on your long commute home by browsing through your friends' profiles?...
2. Aborigines 'used in experiments'
   Some Aboriginal children in Australia were once used for medical experiments, an activist claims....
3. POLICE ISSUE DIESEL THIEVES WARNING
   TAYSIDE Police is warning members of the Angus business community to be aware that thieves have been targeting a number of premises recently to steal diesel from commercial ve...
4. Let's start the blog with a farewell to holidays...
   At last our blog is here!After months (maybe even years) of talking about it, our fingers have at last been pulled out of their proverbial resting places....
5. Syria on Alert 'Because Hizbullah Revenge Attack is Near' (Israel - God's Timepiece)
   Syria has raised the state of alert of its armed forces because it knows Hizbullah's revenge attack against Israel for the killing of Imad Mughniyeh is near, according to Israel's Channel 2 TV. Soon after Mughniyeh's death, Israel warned Syria that it would hold it responsible for any revenge attack...
6. Third-Party Gmail Redesign Style
   The Firefox extension Stylish allows you to easily load homemade style...
7. Monkeys on Mars?
   Russia tests animals for possible space flight...
8. The Voidspace Techie Blog: On Testing: Some Programmers Refuse to Get it
   Well I hadn't intended this to be my first blog entry after returning from RuPy and Expert Zone, in fact I should be going to bed. However, this blog entry on whether large test suites prove Python is not suitable for large projects is a subject dear to my heart. ... [912 words] ...
9. Vista SP1 Won't Install on Dual-Boot Systems: Microsoft
   APC Magazine: "Are you currently running Windows and Linux in a dual-boot setup? You're going to have major headaches with Vista SP1, Microsoft has admitted..."...
10. Terror threat to UK 'is growing'
    Home Secretary Jacqui Smith describes the terrorism threat facing the UK as "severe" and "growing"....
11. 'World peace' hitcher is murdered
    A female Italian artist hitch-hiking to the Middle East in a wedding dress to promote world peace is murdered in Turkey....
12. OLE Automation (IDispatch) Support in IronPython
    Shri Borde explains how com interoperability works in IronPython 1 and IronPython 2:OLE Automation (IDispatch) Support in IronPython...
13. Expelled Review
    It's 11:20 PM Friday night. We have just returned from watching a special Hollywood screening of ...
14. Replace Notepad with Notepad2 [Featured Windows Download]
    Windows only: When Notepad just doesn't have the features you need to get simple text-editing done, check out the lightweight but feature-packed alternative, Notepad2. Since we ...
15. How Do You Maximize Your Lunch Hour? [Ask The Readers]
    
16. ANN: ActivePython 2.5.2.2 and 2.4.5.14 are now available
    I'm happy to announce that ActivePython 2.5.2.2 and 2.4.5.14 are now available for download from: [link] These are patch releases that update ActivePython to core Python 2.5.2 and 2.4.5. ...
18. 'Two dead' in Russian cave siege
    Two members of a doomsday sect holed up in a cave since October have died, a survivor tells Russian media....
19. Google Talk Labs Edition
    Google released a new version of their instant messenger. Called Google Talk Labs Edition, thi...
20. Flicker Free Syntax Highlighting
    Chris Redford looks at the problem of implementing flicker free syntax highlighting in a rich textbox from IronPython:Flicker Free Syntax Highlighting - a .NET Solution...

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-04-12 16:52:34.
Categories: IronPython, Python, Software, Internet Tags : Google RayComfort
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There's been a fair bit of blogging about Twitter and people 'getting it' or not. Sure, it is a great networking site and far more fun than the likes of Bebo but that's not Twitters strength which lies in its API which makes a great platform. Any app can have email/IM/SMS notifications (public or private) with just a few lines.

Besides from getting 140 character updates, the more interesting Tweets come from news services and other Bots. BBC have a number of good channels though I tend to track keywords e.g Scotland in tweets. I have also been looking at Trac for issue tracking so have been following peoples experiences - complaints about installation and discussion of alternatives have proved invaluable and conjured up new leads. Redmine looks cool but is ROR rather than Python!

Also Twitter is probably best experienced through IM with Google Talk being my preferred client. This turns Twitter into a terminal/console for internet applications. Remember The Milk is the best example. I can add a task to my todo list by typing 'd rtm Buy some milk.' into my IM window. Neat!

Okay a few more applications are required (Google Calendar please?) but I'd advise you to sign up for Twitter. It is just getting interesting

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-04-09 20:38:21.
Categories: Internet, IronPython, Python, Scotland, Software Tags : Twitter
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A big mix as usual but a lot of Middle East Ones!

1. Wubi Arrives: a Look at Ubuntu 8.04 Alpha 5
2. Saudi men arrested for 'flirting'
3. Palestinians 'may declare state'
4. Ahmadinejad Imam row grows
5. Israeli MP blames quakes on gays
6. Iranians urge Dutch to ban film
7. Iran guards predict Israel demise
8. New Material Can Selectively Capture CO2
9. Pleas for Saudi 'witch' to be saved
10. Williams in synod Sharia address
11. No more bridge tolls
12. Carey weighs into Sharia law row
13. CUBS AND BEAVERS PLANT TREES
14. Controversy Over Wikipedia's Use Of Muhammad Image
15. Bionic Arm Might Go Into Clinical Trials
16. Vista SP1 Released to Manufacturing
17. Good food 'boosts earning power'
18. Pope Denounces Some Biotech as Affront to 'Human Dignity'
19. Gunfire at Israeli embassy
20. Microsoft wants to purchase Yahoo

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-02-26 22:06:07.
Categories: Internet, General, Politics, Software
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Pocket Gamer have couple of handy articles for new (or non-hardcore) DS Gamers. Best and Worst DS Games of 2007. Maybe worth pointing out that my wife has been quite enjoying Harry Potter (on the PocketGamer worst list!) though she has had to persevere with it.

I bought my DS in August last year and I have played Brain training, 42 All Time Classics and Sight Training most of all. I am growing quite fond of these mini-game collections - I have some big games to play but they require too much investment at the end of a busy day! It's great platform too - it will be interesting to see it evolve. An ebook reader on day? Python powered? It runs on so little power a solar charger or foot pedal would be cool too

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-01-19 10:11:50.
Categories: NintendoDS, Software, Python Tags : Nintendo NintendoDS
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I really wanted to get Firedrop hooked up to other online services. First up was Google Reader, and now thanks to python-twitter I have got a Twitter client together in next to no time.

As you can see I am watching Lost

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2008-01-10 21:48:21.
Categories: Python, Internet, Software Tags : Lost
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I have been using my iPAQ a lot lately. Mainly, it is as portable web browser. So nice. So silent. Google have also completed a lot of updates including the stand alone Maps application.

GMail mobile has been updated, probably targetted at smartphones though attachments don't seem to work. Reader works excellently though I have one niggle with it. Quite cool to be able to share a story with a tap of the stylus (I'll sort this blogs template shortly!). Calendar works well too and I've given up on the built in PDA features even with all the addons I have.

The mobile versions have some shortcuts built to the phone pad numbers (my iPaq has no keyboard) but sadly these do not work with the onscreen keyboards. Possibly worth a try in Opera. Anyway definitely looking forward to a Google phone!

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2007-10-10 20:43:45.
Categories: Software, General, Internet, Python Tags : Google
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SP1 is something I am looking forward too though the latest ATI drivers have made my machine a good deal snappier. From the early reports it is a solid update. There has been more than enough complaints about Vista so I have not blogged about it much. However, today I decided to tidy up my desktop and tried to delete the Open Office installation files sitting there on a folder - an HOUR AND A HALF later it was still sitting there. This is clearly an Explorer problem as I pulled up a console and had it tidied up in Seconds.

The grass though is not always greener. I had to do a bit of work on OSX recently an was working on a Powerbook (I think) - it was a newish model brush metal. I hated it. The keyboard was ok but the return key was too narrow and the screen was too low. Give me Dell any day! Whilst it is nice to have Python pre-installed it is no big deal and OSX is a bit like a linux distro from 9 years ago. Ubuntu seems much more polished. I was just a short spell so maybe given time I'd grow to love it like a Jobs-fanboy In fact, I could get used to any aspect other than not having context menus which I live by!

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2007-10-10 20:35:33.
Categories: Software, Internet, Python Tags : Vista Apple
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My todo list for Python projects has been growing increasingly longer with the arrival of the better weather and various distractions appear on the scene. One distraction has been this new Dell Vista laptop. Anyway, I got back to back up with LDBackup and notice two oddities. For some reason xcopy (used by the windows version) gets Access Denied creating the destination version of 'My Music'. Nothing to do with Python so I suspect something DRM-esque...

A bit of googling reveals xcopy has been deprecated (it is a bit limited). Vista comes with robocopy which appears to be a big update to xcopy but not a direct replacement. So what was going to be a small tweak for LDBackup looks like a big change but will help get rid of the platform specific stuff.

How do you test for Vista in Python?

It has been interesting time on Vista other than the horribly slow file copy. Roll on Vista Service Pack One.

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2007-05-26 21:07:12.
Categories: Python, Software Tags : LDBackup Vista
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Just a shame there is no 'download all' link on this page! Handy programs to put on a USB stick at SnapFiles.com(Link)

PStart is pretty cool. iPod tool looks handy too.

Posted by Davy Mitchell on 2007-03-12 13:06:50.
Categories: Software, General Tags : USB USBstick software portable pstart ipod
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