Wednesday, June 17, 2009

no rest

Dietmar reported the security software didn't seem to be working. Crikey. What now? I tried to log into the server. And that worked! Wow. But, I found nothing was running. There hadn't been any power failures or brown outs, according to the UPS log. So it is not clear why the server reset itself and why none of the applications weren't running. It must be something to do with the security software...

Cloudy day. Let's put in some volunteer time for the RASC Toronto Centre.

I taught myself the basics of PowerShell 1.0. I built a script to launch the security software and then a minute or two later minimise everything. It works when I'm logged in. But it doesn't seem to work when I disconnect the Remote Desktop. Maybe I need to use PowerShell 2.0.

Curiously, I started up the WeatherLink software. And saw it running. And running. And running. No communication errors. Bizarre. What's changed now? Sheesh. I reported it to the CAO Committee. I also took the opportunity to add a bit of JavaScript to allow the visitor to change the background colour. Now you can run it in astronomer-friendly Night Mode! Just need to set up a cookie handler to store the user's preferred colour...

I was feeling a little anxious about Tony's comments recently regarding the StarLine computer needing to be moved to the DDO. So I thought I'd get a jump on this task. I asked Charles for particulars of the voice messaging software. I asked Tony to remind me who owned the UPS. And I asked Council if I could purchase a new UPS. Paul piped up. Argued against a bunch of Tony's suggestions. He asked us to stand down. OK by me.

I asked Dietmar what he uses to make his weather call decision as CAO supervisor. He sent me some links which I'll monitor. He also sent me the list of people signed up. There's one name on the list... Here we go again.

Still, I'm betwixted and between. I could go up and get lots of errands down. Tony's all hyper about the security system. I've got some new things to try with the weather station. I'd like to finish my picnic table. I dunno... If Dietmar goes up Sunday and Monday, maybe I can hitch a ride.

I emailed Steven once again. I'd like to finally arrange a meeting with him to get him up to speed on editing the web site.

Notified the group about on-going construction on routes up to the Carr Astronomical Observatory. This initiated a decent dialog with some alternate routes.

Remembered to tell Leslie about my booked dates at the Farmer's Pantry; and to in turn ask them if they were OK with higher per person rates.

I applied a number of edits to the CAO Site Facilities Manual. Ian W had submitted a bunch of great ideas which I incorporated in. I updated the local driving directions map. Remembered to print copies for my car. Then recruited Phil to do some proofreading. That reminded to relay a note to Dietmar. Tony had suggested we send out the updated manual to all the CAO Annual Pass holders.

Finally, I added a link to the Algonquin Adventure from the site calendar.

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