A nice writeup at Rolling Stone about the decline of the music industry over the last decade or so. The RIAA are unrepentant, but seemingly the big four realise something is up. Of course, this isn't news to any normal people, but it's nice to see it being reported like this anyway.

On a related note: RIP Fopp Records

Update 30th June: It just keeps coming. Music Industry bosses threaten Prince (for giving away a promo CD in a sunday newspaper). Once again, a lot of people that just don't get it (including bosses at HMV - oh dear). The industry is busy ditching the little fella, whilst us Normal People(tm) are just warming up to love him more than ever. Music is writing it's own funeral eulogy. If you're a British Prince fan, buy this newspaper because there's no way you'll even be able to pay to get this album now. Nice one, music industry.

I like the look of the Pacemaker. It's basically a (large-ish) pocket sized music player with DJing functionality. This thing is no iPod Nano, but a good looking beasty none the less. It's got 120GB of storage, and looks like it's really pretty decent stuff (not that I know one end of a DJ turntable from the other, you understand). No word on a price, but apparently due for release in the Autumn.

I went to see Iron Maiden last night. A friend wanted to see them, but couldn't find anyone who wanted to go, so I went along with him. I actually really enjoyed it. They properly rock, and I'd say more so than anything I saw of Glastonbury over the weekend.

I'd warmed myself up over the afternoon with my only Iron Maiden CD, some AC/DC, Motorhead etc. Out of the metal I've got, I wouldn't say Iron Maiden were up to much. However, playing live they absolutely rocked.

Of course, if you go to a Maiden gig, you have to contend with just about everyone wearing Maiden teeshirts. I was proudly an exception, although wearing black ;-) My ears don't work very well today though.

Some nice linkage from #!/usr/bin/girl. Firstly, a slightly odd mouse pointer at the 1-click awards. Secondly, a nice crossword/soduku sort of game. Nice...

Yep, it's true, Brixton has it's own Linux distribution (Fedora based). Well, after years of being a major force in the distribution of drugs, guns and various other things, it's only right and proper we should get our own Linux distribution. Stick that 'trendy Clapham'!

Today I've learned a big lesson in taking things for granted. Did I mistreat a loved one? Did I assume something about a close friend? No. All I've done is a load of work on an online software project, only to find it's got a debilitating problem, and needs a load of upgrade conversion work to fix it.

In the grand scheme of life, this is of course quite minor. However it's reminded me that you need to check your facts pretty carefully, and don't just assume something is the way you think it is (or should be) - especially if you're working with Open Source software.

Once again: Just because it's written on the Internet, doesn't make it true!

There's quite a bit of chat going on about this at the moment. The London 2012 Olympic logo (on the left) has had it's fair share of critcism (as is an advert). The BBC are showing contributed logos, my favourite on the right.

I don't suppose any logo would be universally popular. I'd sort have expected it to have "just crept in" without quite so much media coverage. Apparently it's flexible and will evolve. Keep 'em peeled ;-)

Last night I went to Comtec's new data centre facility in Reigate. It's a pretty impressive place, with some interesting bits and pieces in the actual computer room (and NOC). There's an efficient 'hot corridor' layout with multiple coolers, Blade Ready systems, and doesn't rely on tidy under-floor cabling.

The best bit is just outside the main computer room. It's a hydrogen fuel cell - one of only three in the UK, and apparently the only one that actually works in a live environment.

Basically, it looks like an ordinary tall 19" rack cabinet. When the power fails, conventional UPSes take up the load in the computer room, while the fuel cell fires up. It's divided into three pieces, each of which starts up in turn. It's actually quite an underwhelming experience, because all you really see or hear is a few fans starting up and some icons on a monitoring computer screen changing. But this is good news - there's no diesel generator, no complex moving parts and an incredibly small carbon footprint.

It's nice to see something real going on to make data centres more 'green'.

Here in South London, no matter how dodgy the local park is, you can be sure to see numerous people running in it (especially early in the week, on warm nights). For Clapham and Brixton - Running is the New Brown.

The great thing about running is that it's a pretty inclusive sport. Here's how you can take part:

1) Buy as much varied running clothing as you can. If you're a boy, buy some dark shorts and a handful of sport t-shirts (Nike, Reebok, etc). If you're a girl, either buy everything in white, or buy some black shorts and some bright t-shirts. If you're slim, then skin tight clothing is de rigeure.

2) Shoes. These are pretty important, but don't go wasting your money at Runners Need or the Marathon Store. Buy the most fasionable trainers you can. Ideally colour co-ordinate with your clothing (so you may need more than one pair). Make sure you've got some of those trainer socks (or ordinary white socks, which you must pull up if you're a bloke).

3) Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to run when it's cold, wet or generally unpleasant. If it's dark, you may want to avoid running, because of course, less people will see you.

4) Run on a Monday. Monday's the least likely day for socialising, so keeping fit needn't interfere with heavy drinking. If you're still struggling from the weekend, then Tuesday is acceptable, but be warned, the opportunity for posing is much reduced.

5) Generally speaking, listening to music is advisable (unless you're running with others). If you are listening to music, you simply have to have an iPod. Generic MP3 players are deader than a-line flares with pockets at the knees.

6) Choose your running partner carefully (if indeed you're not running solo). You do need someone of similar ability, but they also must be of the opposite sex. Group running is okay, and of course gets around any gender issues (and leaves a little more room for a range of ability).

7) Don't run enough to break a sweat. Sweating is incredibly unattractive, and really doesn't make you look "hard". Make sure you carry a water bottle to rehydrate in the sun. Generally speaking, Camelbaks are a bit too serious, and make you look like you may sweat soon.

8) Look at your fellow runners, but don't 'check them out'. Even though you're out posing, don't let on that you're also checking out the menu. If it's sunny, then letching glasses are advisable.

9) If you need a rest, push a tree. Tests show this is by far the best way to look like you've actually been doing some exercise, even if you haven't.

The US has long been wanting a Missile Defence System in Europe. Ostensibly, this is to protect us Europeans from threats in the Middle East. Of course, it has the side effect of protecting the US from threats in Russia too.

President Putin has said he'll target Europe if the system gets the go-ahead, a move that's no doubt designed to make us Europeans think about this. The trouble is, there's almost no news coverage about this in Europe at the moment! What the hell? Everything I could find came from US news sources.

I'm told that the missile inventory suggested (14) is way too small to be useful, and still costs billions. It's also not much use against newer missiles. This could lead one to think the US really is doing all this for Middle East purposes, since they don't have thousands of missiles at their disposal. That said, Patriot missiles didn't stop any Scuds from hitting the ground in Gulf War I, so they might be in with a chance after all.

It just seems odd the US should be pushing this - Europe could do it just fine on it's own (possibly buying US technology?), and would more than likely avoid Russian related issues.

There are way too many politics here for me to understand. Where are those woolly, under-informed and over-simplifying European news sources when you need them?

Update 5pm: Stuff at the BBC, Guardian, Times and The Australian