Ryanair site down

Just tried to check out flights on ryanair.

Unbelievably, the site is down. I get the following error message, but nothing else.

Http/1.1 Service Unavailable

I wonder how much revenue will be lost as result of this downtime.

ActiveMerchant + Realex integration

My realex patch to Active Merchant has been completed.

Shopify now supports it as a result. Read the announcement.

If you're doing rails and credit cards in Ireland go get it. It goes without saying I'm available for consultancy if required :)

When politicians call

Damien has linked to a number of resources. I have two particular issues both health related.

1. Vaccinations - There's been a TB outbreak in Cork and although children in Dublin are still given the BCG injection availability is a problem. Our new addition went for his vaccination but was sent home because there was none available (Q43 To the Minister for Health and Children). Our public health nurse told us not to bring him to crowded places in the meantime. After contacting Mary Harney, Brian Lenihan, Richard Bruton and Finian McGrath only Richard and Finian responded. Finian excelled so will be getting our number 1.
2. Neurologists - We have a neurological condition in our family. Ireland has the lowest number of neurologists in Europe (only 17). A 2003 report recommended that 39 were needed to serve the Irish population. The lack of numbers results in long waiting periods and unnecessary stress.

Dell to chose Ubuntu

According to Desktop Linux. Dell will chose Ubuntu as its desktop linux platform.

Analysis -- Officially, Dell Inc. hasn't said a word yet about which Linux it will be preloading on its desktops and laptops. Several sources within Dell, however, have told DesktopLinux.com that Dell's desktop Linux pick is going to be Ubuntu.

As a Dell and Ubuntu user I welcome this news.