PTPPI just did a particular Google search, which returned no results, except for a sponsored link for "James Dean Originals".

I know this is a bit 'niche', but if you know James Dean (not the actor, by the way), and have ever been to the pub with him, you may have heard this particular joke, which he'll challenge you to remember after just one recital (near impossible, I might add). Curiously, the Internet knows nothing about it - or does it?

The BBC are reporting that devices on standby contribute to environmental damage. I couldn't agree more. Curiously, the Market Transformation Programme say that consumers actually want this. They couldn't be more wrong, could they?

I have loads of things on 'standby'. Set top boxes are a particular problem though, because unless you make special (difficult) arrangements, they probably stay fully on while the telly's off (and the excuse that they need to be on to download information or updates is rubbish - that can all be done on a timer).

I'd say all devices that have 'standby' should go far more firmly to sleep after a few minutes of standby. I mean, if I switch my telly off for five minutes, then sure, a quick restart is a good thing (not life changing, but it's nice). If it's been off for the night, then why not spend an extra 10 seconds switching on in the morning? Electronic technology can easily achieve this, and I'd say that's what people really want.

Knobs noticed my RSS feed location had changed, so his feed reader hadn't seen any updates for ages.

I've fixed this up for the future, with a 'generic' blog RSS feed. If the underlying feed changes, there'll be no need to retune your feed reader. All the RSS goodness is now at http://www.coofercat.com/blogrss.xml.

/. have an link to Boost Socket Performance on Linux (at IBM). It's a really good article. It explains how one can add a couple of extra configs to a network socket to increase performance. By default, network server applications actually can't shift that much data that quickly (I've found this in the past), but it's possible to crank up the TCP stack to work more efficiently (assuming your application needs it).

A little bird told me that IBM are looking to wholesale move to Linux (servers already done, just desktops to go). As a result, the amount of Linux skill inside IBM must be astronomical. It's good to see them sharing that information, as it'll help everyone in the long run (and hey, maybe the applications they're using already will benefit too).

What is it to be British? It's a good question, and everyone has a different answer. We have a multi-cultural society, we have no written consitution, we have a Monarchy, but they do not directly govern, by proximity we're European, but we've had a 'special relationship' with the US for decades, we're a nation made of four countries that historically have never got on with each other, and we struggle to define ourselves. Or do we?

Gordon Brown thinks we should be more like the Americans. I can't see it happening, except with the Chavs. I think this is more an exercise in 'harminisation'. That is, for us to become more like the US so that we can all get along a bit better. A little more 'stiff upper lip' when it comes to terrorism and security might be more 'British', no?

Amnesty LogoI just went to Hamleys to get something for nephew Cat. Amnesty were hard at work, capturing unsuspecting passers by. I got caught twice, but resisted joining. Instead, I thought I'd mention them here... I'm never sure about joining such organisations. I don't know why though...?

I've just got back from a week in Courchevel 1850. We travelled with SuperTravel and stayed in Chalet Perrier. I've had a great week, I've skied my nuts off, possibly even approaching the sort of level I ought to be at.

First up, the skiing in Courcheval is incredible. Each of the three valleys is huge, with plenty of skiing to keep you entertained for a week without needing to venture into the other valleys. Since we had a Courcheval lift pass included, we didn't bother upgrading for the week, instead just paying 20 euros for a day's upgrade. There's everything you'd expect - easy greens (at the top of bubble lifts), comfy blues, challenging reds and extreme blacks (ahem, Grand Couloir, ahem). The Mad Dog guides will help you select the level of each slope (actually, the Mad Dog guide was really good, because as we all know, some blues are like reds, some reds are like blacks, and some blacks are too easy ;-)

Getting around on the slopes is pretty much as you'd expect. In general, getting around works pretty well; nearly all lifts are chairs, and most of those are express. Other than that, there are loads of bubbles, with the odd button and cable car for good measure. I thought that was pretty good going, but a beginner snowboarder with us who had a bit of trouble getting back to our chalet (because most routes require the use of a short button to get back up to it).

It was Russian New Year while we were there. The word was that the mafia were busy in town doing whatever they do at new year. We also heard Posh and Becks were in town. I wouldn't like to say if that was anything more than a coincidence. Curiously, there was a big, black truck trailer parked outside a hotel. It was there for about a day or two; the security guard standing by it said it was for a show. The hotel manager was apparently told not to question anything that went on, just to let them do whatever they wanted. Apparently at 1am there was a red carpet and lots of people, then all of a sudden, it was gone.

Anyway, that aside, the NY celebrations were pretty cool. Personally I slept through much of it, an account of having been on quite a bit of a bender the night before. The ESF put on a big show, although not without it's comedy mishaps (suitably caught on video by a friend).

Hiking up and down the hill to and from the chalet was less than appealing, although once you've got your Beer Protection Suit on, there are plenty of places to make Snow Angels.

It's a good place to go, although ranges from expensive to obscene. Would I go there again? You bet...

Ahh, another new year... I'm looking forward to a good one. What have you got lined up?