Fix your colour profile

IF you’re using an Apple computer, do yourself a big favour right now by re-calibrating your display to at least set the gamma value to 2.2 instead of the Apple default of 1.8.

In the old days of B&W printing, gamma 1.8 was ideal as it produced a smooth grayscale. Nowadays, the darker gamma 2.2 is the de-facto standard, as most browsers adhere to the sRGB profile defined by HP and Microsoft and specifying 2.2 as the gamma setting. Not only browsers, but also printers and mini photolabs. The sRGB colour profile is so widespread that even Apple now recommends using the gamma value of 2.2.

Gamma 1.8 is brighter than gamma 2.2, meaning that images that look correct with a gamma 1.8 colour profile will be darker when viewed with another profile. So, pictures that are vivid under gamma 1.8 will have washed-out colours in prints and browsers. (Actually, Safari displays images correctly because it can process embedded colour profiles; Internet Explorer and Firefox do not, although the next version of Firefox will.)

Now, I’m a bit peeved because all the prints that I ordered from Photobox came out dull, which hinted at the incorrect calibration of my display. Not only do I need a new set printed, but I also have to edit and replace my Flickr pictures, as they are much darker than I intended.

Ignore hardware upgrade and save money on mobile contract

MY Vodafone contract ended a couple of months ago, but I renewed it only today. I ignored the proposed hardware upgrade and saved about GBP 200 for the length of the new contract by asking to have my line rental charge lowered instead.

This is a considerable saving if you are not after a new phone, the upgrade options are not appealing, or you would rather look elsewhere for your next phone.

Surviving on casserole

Yep, I’m still alive. I have not starved yet, but am running out of ideas on what to eat for dinner. On this note, let me say that casserole dishes are a god-send to those with cooking disabilities: mix casserole sauce with water and add to meat of choice, forget the lot in the (preferably pre-heated) oven for 90 minutes, and finally serve with steamed or roast vegetables.

In the past two weeks, I’ve “cooked” chicken casserole twice. Mind you, that’s four servings (or four dinners), and although I still have mixes for beef casserole, sausage casserole, and pork casserole, I don’t think my stomach could tolerate any more of the stuff!

EU visa waiver for Mauritius

THE decision to waive EU visa requirements for citizens of Mauritius, the Seychelles, and several Caribbean countries is back on the table. Read more.

Eddy.

What I hate most about flying

THE THING I hate most about flying is the landing. And, it seems to be worsening. I start getting nervous when the pilot announces that we are about to land, squeeze the arm-rest when the descent begins and until the plane begins its taxi on the tarmac, and just become plain restless when told to remain seated and buckled up while the bridge is being set up.

I’m not homophobic, but after spending eleven hours next to a gay couple who wouldn’t stop bitching about the service the whole time and even brought their own (rather spicy) food, I think I’ll stay clear of that demographic in future travels. (Well, maybe I’m slightly homophobic in extreme situations, like that one time when I was around twelve and my brother took me on a meeting at his plumber’s house, and we came face to face with the three sons all wearing dresses!)

Anyway, the past two weeks in Mauritius were fulfilling. We managed to do the things we set to do, had a good time even if I was connected to the office and working everyday (sometimes more than I would if I were at the office), and, spent a Chinese New Year in Mauritius for the first time in eight years!

Pictures are still in the camera which stayed with Priscilla in Mauritius… Yep, that’s right: I’m on my own for another month.

Eddy.