While I went mainly to see Comback Kid, I could not argue that the headliners were awesome! Another great evening on the Leeds punk scene.

Holding Absence performing for only the 2nd time in Leeds. Back in 2019, they performed at The Key Club, and this year, 2023, they played at the Leeds University Stylus.

Supported by Thornhill and Dark Devine, it was everything you would expect from them. There was no shortage of moshpits, but it would not be right if it did not happen.

A great evening, and I look forward to the next time they step into a Leeds Venue!

I read the linked post and it got me thinking of a lot of the posts I typically see around Linux. Most of them that are seeking support are very distro focussed; what is the best distro for this, what distro should I choose, etc.

The post I have linked shifts the focus to a clear use case putting the distro element in the background. I found this more useful, as I think, for the most part, the 'right distro' is subjective. What works for one person may not be right for another based on so many factors.

So, I wondered if anyone has any really interesting use cases around Linux. Especially those that can debunk the idea that you cannot do this, that and the other on Linux. Anyone using an audio production setup, has a video development suite or runs visual graphic design from Linux or, do you just have the gaming rig nailed down!

While it is still some way off and I am sure the lineup will change, which artists are we all looking forward to seeing at Slam Dunk 2024?

For me, it has to be:

• You Me At Six
• Goldfinger
• Pennywise

The 2023 festival was the first one I had attended and I was unsure about attending given I was going by myself. It is just reassuring that the community of people that attend these events at just awesome.

I went to see this talk yesterday, and while I have seen Emma Kenny in many documentaries over the years, I have never attended a true crime talk. I can safely say, it did not disappoint.

It was clear and consice and not fluffy like you find with many documentaries these days (talking to you Netflix)

It covered the psychology of a serial killer and covered several from across the USA and UK. No surprise to myself that I had heard of all of them... all except one that was... the name echoed out... "David Parker Ray" (AKA The Toybox Killer) and, man, is this guy something else. Rarely am I shocked by true crime, but everything about him was next level chilling. Especially when his "introduction" recordings were played.

These things are not for the faint of heart, and it was great to see a room full of enthusiasts. A great evening all round.

A nice early morning walk around Roundhay is always a great way to take in some clear air and just reset from a busy week. You cannot argue to beauty of the place.

There is a great topic currently underway around the best UK coffee roasters.

I have not always had an interest in data privacy. Actually, it took me moving in to being a data engineer in the marketing world to really realise the intense nature of data capture.

Like, I am sure, a large proprotion of the privacy aware population, it is not that there is anything to hide, just that privacy of data should be a right. It is one of the reasons I stepped away from most social networks, try to de-Google as much as I can and take care in my data landscape.

But, how does everyone else manage theirs? It would be good to share some useful tips, resources, tools, etc. that the wider community (as it grows) can use.

For me, I use:

• A VPN (Mullvad in this case)
• Firefox with 'some' hardening (don't want to totally cripple the online experience)
• Windows OS with telemtry disabled across the system (never perfect but I am happy)
• Simplewall (Windows App) to manage some outbound traffic
• Random password generators (exact logic is incredibly unique to me)
• Android (mobile) with as much telemetry disabled as possible
• Privacy Guides, a great website to keep atop of new updates
• Various threat landscape blogs and podcasts

Listing it out, it sounds like I do a lot but this is pretty tame. I accept that there is a balance between user experience and privacy. Yes, I could totally de-Google my phone but then a lot of useful functionality is lost. Same with Windows, I could move to Linux full-time (and would if I could) but I am a gamer and, while Linux is improving in that landscape, it ain't great just yet.

I am sure asset sizes are subject to change depending on so many factors from app instances, to theming, etc. but I thought it would be useful to have a location where we can discuss asset sizing options the ensure good looking community headers, logos, etc.

I have started by attaching this one, a desktop header. From what I can tell, the default sizing (visible area on standard desktop and mobile) are similar but there is an aspect of overflow when the dynamic resizing happens.

The attached image is 3200x1800 in full and the main 'visible' area is central at 3000x900. This means that header images should be designed with the core elements in that area. You can scale the image as required but hopefully this helps.

The freelance network across the UK and even worldwide is huge and growing. Since COVID-19 alone, sites such as Upwork and Fiverr have nearly doubled the number of active freelancers. Everyone likely has something to share, be that some advise on how to be productive, how to manage time and cashflows and just how to be the best you can be.

This post aims to contain links to useful resources that can help to get you started or enhance your freelance service. Please share any suggestions you might in the comments and I will add them.

Productivity Tools

• Coda, collaborative workspace
• Notion, collaborative workspace

Finance Management

• coming soon

Job Sites (freelancer focussed)

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Interim Digital

After a few years out due to many pandemic related cancellations, we are really back in the swing of it! I love nothing more than being in the thick of it.

I kicked it off with a pre-SlamDunk gig, the NOFX final tour in Leeds. I had always wanted to see them and they were supported by some amazing bands including Comback Kid, Less Than Jack and Lagwagon. Despite only being 2 days before I was attending SlamDunk, it just had to happen and was a great precurser for the SlamDunk Festival itself.

Anyway, I have some more lined up in Leeds:

• Holding Absence
• Punk Rock Factory
• The Amity Affliction (supported by Comeback Kid)
• Static Dress

Likely not going to stop there and already booked Bowling for Soup next year.

So, what is everyone else attending?

After years of the festival being on my doorstep in Leeds, I decided to go this year. Let's ignore for now the general organisation with food and over population... ...the day itself was awesome!

The moment I stepped in I was met by Zebrahead starting there set and it did not dissapoint. These guys are genuinely incredible.

So, what stories do we have? Did you attend Leeds, Hatfield or even go further to the 1st international SlamDunk in Italy?

Let's hear it all and let's discuss who we would like to see headlining in 2024!

OK, so this is a big ask but we should be able to create a list of excellent music communuties covering, genres, bands, artists, instruments and anything else we feel is great to add.

While this is the UK music scene, it can easily include references to music topics from around the world but focussed on the amazing UK followers.

You know the drill, if you know of a community, would like to see one exist or happy to spin one up then leave a comment and I will add it to the list.

General/Genric Communities

• UK Music

Gigs, Festivals & Events

• Glastonbury Festival
• Download Festival
• Eurovision
• Reading and Leeds Festival
• Bestival
• Latitude
• Slam Dunk North and South

Genres

• Punk & Rock
• Jazz
• Electronic (EDM)
• Techno
• Dubstep
• R&B
• Rap & Hip-Hop
• Country
• Pop
• Classical
• Extreme Metal
• Heavy Metal / Death Metal
• Goth
• Emo
• Prog Rock
• Post Punk
• Drum & Bass

Bands

• Muse
• The Beatles
• The Who
• Elton John
• Rolling Stones
• Creeper

Other Topics

• Instrument - Bass

A chance to curate a list of the UK Rugby League & Union teams. Whether you know of an existing group or want to create and moderate one, use this space to let me know and I will keep the list up-to-date.

Please use the comments to:

• Let me know if I have missed a team
• Send me a link to an existing/new community

Overall Community

• UK Rugby League
• UK Rugby Union

UK Super League Teams (Individual)

• Castleford Tigers
• Catalans Dragons
• Huddersfield Giants
• Hull FC
• Hull KR
• Leeds Rhinos
• Leigh Leopards
• Salford Red Devils
• St Helens
• Wakefield Trinity
• Warrington Wolves
• Wigan Warriors

UK Rugby Union Teams (Individual)

Will need to populate this one as not a union guy (sorry)