Keeping things local: Spoofing the Google/Android Connectivity Check!
It turns out this is pretty easy with a tiny bit of Python, a spare VM and a DNS entry. Thanks to a discussion here the other day which pointed me in the right direction.
(Note: I used Github Copilot for some Python assistance)
https://www.technical-capers.info/post/the-connectivity-check-caper
My wife asked, if it wasn't too much work, if I could make a plug appear by the side table in the bedroom (no wall sockets nearby)
You bet your ass I can!
One custom 10A extension lead quickly assembled and fitted.
My garage (and TLC acc.) really is an Aladdin's cave of wiring accessories. I love it.
10A 'cos I used 1.0mm flex; using 1.5mm would have been overkill but the run is maybe 10m so I shied away from 0.75mm.
Yes I do use ferrules.
Does anyone have any recommendations (either way) for ISPs reselling CityFibre FTTP lines?
NOT @aaisp though! They're my primary ISP via OpenReach already and I'm specifically looking for a different ISP on my backup line.
My backup line is currently Plusnet FTTC but they're dropping those packages in my area soon, and I'm not enthused by their offer to move me to EE FTTC.
This could be an opportunity to get CityFibre to dig up the driveway.
Ok, Yorkshire, those Fat Rascals of yours are utterly delicious. Well played.
So delicious, in fact, I had to make them myself - don't want to brag, and I'm not a great chef, but these turned out exactly like the one I had on holiday last week.
Absolutely marvellous.
I went into HMV at the weekend. I probably haven't been into a music store in decades.
Wow
So, I realise I'm late to the game here, but there was a massive selection of record players, LPs, huge expanses of CDs, DVDs...
...and people were buying that stuff in droves.
I've read about the resurgence of physical media, I just thought it was niche (while also, obviously, being the Right Way To Own Stuff)
I was pleasantly surprised.
Ooooooooooo #solareclipse #Eclipse #eclipse2026
I have officially now spent FAR too long failing to get $EDRProduct installed on a PC I'm setting up for $dayJob.
Afternoon wasted on an error message that suggested Ansible execution environment platform mismatch, but actually meant "can't verify certs".
Morning spent battling installation of what should be the correct certs, but $product still fails.
Not helped by $product changing CA from DigiCert to someone else since I last (eventually) made this work.
I hate computers.
Disappointed to see that the shops are STILL out of fans. Even Jeff's tat store.
Surely everyone panic bought fans during one of the previous two heatwaves this year? Leaving new stock to cover those who still, quite desperately, need to panic buy some more fans?
Please?
Achievement unlocked!
We occasionally hear an #icecream van bleating out its eerie call nearby, but either it's just before tea time, or despite pounding the streets around the house I've abjectly failed to locate it.
NOT TODAY!
Not only did I hear it, but it was after lunch so prime pudding time, not only did I find it, but I actually flagged it down and it stopped!
Four and a half decades old and FINALLY I obeyed the "Stop Me And Buy One" commandment.
Just don't ask about the price.
20 degrees C outside, cloudy, rain coming...
*Closes eyes and chants*
I won't complain about it being cold.
I won't complain about it being cold.
I won't complain about it being cold.
@girlonthenet I love a good thunderstorm. I took a bunch of pictures like this off my balcony a couple of years ago. I was surprised how well they came out, just a regular iPhone, handheld, hit the button when you see a flash! Literally atmospheric!
Well, we had a little rain. Caught the edge of the clouds.
It was better than nothing.
Grrrrr looks like the rain's gonna pass to the north of us. Not happy about that.
Although the temperature has dropped, so that's nice, at least.
What? Thunderstorm alert? Surely that's not... Oh. Oh wait.
COME TO DADDY. GET YOUR RAINY ASS HERE AND PISS ON ME RIGHT NOW YOU PURPLE BEAUTY.
Oh dear. Who broke the overhead lines, eh, #GWR? Probably best to avoid trains to/from #Paddington this morning.
Recently stayed in a holiday cottage that had a gas #barbecue.
Have always sorta turned my nose up at them. Got my trusty charcoal powered Weber here, don't need anything else.
But... Sorry Weber. We're now looking at getting a gas one. I feel like I'm cheating, or something. But gas ones are just too convenient.
I applaud those who opt to leave an online service because that service openly uses AI.
However, really, what's the point? The chances are, any competing service you jump to is either already using AI, even if they're not saying so, or will do eventually.
Jump if you want, like I say, I applaud you, but I fear it's all a little bit ivory tower at this point.
I'm not going to vote today.
There's no point.
Because I already voted by post.
Which is nice.
