- skunkworks - Skunkworks Site

data warehouse
by bob＠kenic.or.ke 20 Apr '09

20 Apr '09

Gurus, Just soucing for your input. When developing a data wherehouse proposal, what would you be keen on, Or what what whould be considered best elements of a data ware house. Comments are welcome. Bob. "Open source for open minds" -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.

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Weird Facebook error via Safcom
by Peter Karunyu 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Hey skunks, Anyone know what the gibberish below means? I was trying FB and kept getting it on Firefox and opera, I cleared my cache and cookies, still got the same thing. Whats that "ochwash%40yahoo.co.in" doing in there? --------------------------------- Bad Request Your browser sent a request that this server could not understand. Size of a request header field exceeds server limit. Cookie: datr=1237142736-c55217c52046280bd0df8fe6306765f71080fe6f8f45437652a1d; login_x=a%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22email%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22ochwash%40yahoo.co.in%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22remember_me_default%22%3Bb%3A0%3B%7D; datr=1239880275-0f84a81d4a3e28b72a3662e3566ef2c0f41432e64e21da8273147; s_vsn_facebookpoc_1=6837838336463; login_x=a%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22email%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22ochwash%40yahoo.co.in%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22remember_me_default%22%3Bb%3A0%3B%7D; datr=1237142736-c55217c52046280bd0df8fe6306765f71080fe6f8f45437652a1d; nectar=1238432064-af9ebe2d8e80af616ee6933eb3c580628b7667bb0c7a2d2f5312a; datr=1238432064-4633a3cedadfa6e000ec742562e6d20552e676acd1dd24efa3b80; Akatest=A; login_x=a%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22email%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22ochwash%40yahoo.co.in%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22remember_me_default%22%3Bb%3A0%3B%7D; nectar=1238517327-ebbe2f29c2b5934880b9600a014719b6b45f4cd6f62491ad42310; datr=1238517327-32e9e64951e45a493bb44e1a5a4ed2b0e2d1262a855fd9eedb042; Akatest=A; login_x=a%3A2%3A%7Bs%3A5%3A%22email%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22ochwash%40yahoo.co.in%22%3Bs%3A19%3A%22remember_me_default%22%3Bb%3A0%3B%7D; nectar=1238519238-991922143c601c8488b119252148fd6d2ffabea73459fd67b51d1; datr=1238519238-50fb325399a75759f5379e286c4a1519ad348671fe213b5d192e4; Akatest=A; nectar=1238526455-3b38a5de503d3dfa4f91ad93ab85ffda13acb7dfe85933cf179e3; datr=1238526455-21772378722de2f7f563880012677ab5d2666c9a4850d59042b6c; Akatest=A;

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is python ready for the enterprise
by ukuta ken 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

situation ------------- ukuta is a java crusader, but lately has had an uncanny attraction to python. dilemma ----------- java has been all but the enterprise rave in kenya with every new entrant declaring secure web services, robust enterprise apps and etc i am developing for openbravo (java) and openerp(python) and have to make a scary but firm choice. both projects are quite resource intensive and since i have only 2 brains (left/right which are never in agreement) and have to sleep at least 6 hours, time is an issue. i have to drop one of the projects....these are not commercial projects but r & d projects. those with genuine experience with both programming languages... please help...what do you see as the future of python? does python have a chance in the african enterprise environment which is largely driven by brand, ,ie microsoft, Oracle, etc? conclusion ---------------- ?

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Access Kenya.... Google?
by Edwin Kaduki 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

I'm wondering whether anybody else here has been having issues accessing gmail/ google on an access kenya connection. I've been having situations where I can access other sites like yahoo etc but not google or gmail! These downtimes go for like a few minutes.. Strange.....

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Re: [Skunkworks] Discussion on Talking To Government; Extending
by Phares Kariuki 19 Apr '09

19 Apr '09

Further: http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=22#p99 On 4/19/09, Phares Kariuki <pkariuki(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > We can have Government vs. The Private Sector as one of a series of coffee > meetups. Perhaps we can do it this Saturday, as I had suggested, along with > Purpose of Government in Service Delivery. > > On 4/19/09, Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Alternatively, we have the topics we want to have so that the talk doesn't >> turn out to be another civil society forum! >> >> For instance: >> >> >> 1. Government vs the Private Sector >> 2. Purpose of Government in Service delivery >> 3. Types of Services offered by the Government >> 4. Accessing Services >> 5. Advantages and Disadvantages of (subscribing to) Government >> services (Case Studies) >> 6. Strengthening >> 7. Lodging a Complaint and follow-up >> 8. etc :-) >> >> Of course, in this case, all should be based on Skunkworks objectives!!! >> >> Mburu >> >> 2009/4/19 Phares Kariuki <pkariuki(a)gmail.com> >> >>> Perhaps we extend it to the forum/ I tmay end up being a long >>> discussion... ? We can have tit bits on the list? >>> >>> Thanks. >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 10:55 AM, Gakuru Alex < >>> alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> No problems from this end.. Phares? >>>> >>>> On Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 3:17 PM, MUTUA Andrew <mutua.andrew(a)gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> > Hi Phares, >>>> > >>>> > I think we should extend it to the mainlist but have a guided >>>> discussion by >>>> > highlighting key elements e.g. some of the key issues we discussed (on >>>> our >>>> > rights as kenyan citizens and more so experts in the subject, how to >>>> present >>>> > ourselves etc- pretty much what was highlight on the PPT). And also to >>>> > discuss from a point of knowledge- I would suggest in this regard >>>> Gakuru A. >>>> > can highlight some of the key ACTs that we need to fimiliarise with as >>>> we >>>> > engage on this discussion and probably take-aways or way forward >>>> > suggestions. >>>> > >>>> > Kind Regards, >>>> > >>>> > MUTUA, Andrew >>>> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phares Kariuki" < >>>> pkariuki(a)gmail.com> >>>> > To: "Gakuru Alex" <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> >>>> > Cc: <mwangy(a)gmail.com>; <kennedy_waweru(a)students.ac.ke>; >>>> > <jmwesh2006(a)yahoo.com>; <gachunga(a)gmail.com>; <edobie(a)gmail.com>; >>>> > <whynnot(a)gmail.com>; <jkinyanjui(a)internews.org>; <dimbego(a)gmail.com>; >>>> > <quentin.papu(a)yahoo.com>; <njenga.mkenya(a)yahoo.com>; < >>>> solo.mburu(a)gmail.com>; >>>> > <mutua.andrew(a)gmail.com>; <washirah(a)gmail.com>; < >>>> martinafrique(a)gmail.com> >>>> > Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 11:13 AM >>>> > Subject: Discussion on Talking To Government; Extending >>>> > >>>> > >>>> >> Hi, >>>> >> >>>> >> I thought we could perhaps have a discussion on the Skunkworks Forum? >>>> >> Or can we have it in the main list? One thing though, Alex, I passed >>>> >> by the CCK centre, two drawbacks, you cannot use your own laptop and >>>> >> internet is charged at the rate of 50/= per hour :). >>>> >> >>>> >> Thanks for the info... >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> -- >>>> >> With Regards, >>>> >> >>>> >> Phares Kariuki >>>> > >>>> > >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> With Regards, >>> >>> Phares Kariuki >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the >> same way to the side of a hill! >> >> >> > > > -- > With Regards, > > Phares Kariuki > > | T: +254 734 810 802 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: > kariukiphares | -- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 734 810 802 | E: pkariuki(a)gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares |

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Access Kenya.... Google?
by Edwin Kaduki 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

I'm wondering whether anybody else here has been having issues accessing gmail/ google on an access kenya connection. I've been having situations where I can access other sites like yahoo etc but not google or gmail! These downtimes go for like a few minutes.. Strange.....

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freelance web development
by vada dava 18 Apr '09

18 Apr '09

I am a student studying web development and would like some free lance work in web design using html,php and sql.Anybody interested in offering me an opportunity to expand my knowledge in the above can contact me at infosysconsultants(a)gmail.com.

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Good News for the ordinary Internet consumer,,,
by Gakuru Alex 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

We've succeeded at reforming ICANN to henceforth take on-board our hitherto feeble voices .. http://blog.internetgovernance.org/blog/_archives/2009/4/17/4156005.html

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Google
by James Kagwe 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Is it just me or my ISP or anyone else has noticed that Google has been constantly on and off for almost the whole of this week? Easter holiday blues or what? Is anyone aware? Best Regards, James Kagwe If you judge people, you have no time to love them ********************************************************************* Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis Bishops Garden Towers Bishops Road P.O. Box 56445 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: (254) 20 2719933, 2719934, 2714714, 2714715 Fax: (254) 20 2719951 Confidentiality Warning ======================= The contents of this e-mail and any accompanying documentation are confidential and any use thereof, in what ever form, by anyone other than the addressee is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify admin(a)kippra.or.ke and delete it immediately from your system. Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis accepts no responsibility for losses or damage as a result of any viruses and it is your responsibility to check attachments (if any) for viruses.

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Toshiba laptop batteries
by Mbugua Njihia 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Anybody with contacts of supplies of the above?

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The IGF Review Meeting
by Samuel Waithaka 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Hi Skunks. The IGF review organised by KICTAnet held on 15th was quite insightful. I tried to capture some issues that transpired. Once again, it was great to have PS Dr. Bitange Ndemo give the keynote. You can read and react to the whole story on http://brighterdayweb.com/default-articles-27.html -- Samuel Waithaka http://www.brighterdayweb.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/waithaka http://www.brighterdayweb.com/seo-articles.xml http://www.brighterdayweb.com/news.xml

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Re: [Skunkworks] Open positions at Safaricom
by Tony Mwai 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

Did anyone outside Safcom apply for these jobs & got a successful INTERVIEW YET?? 2009/3/20 ndungu stephen <ndungustephen(a)gmail.com> > No offense to anyone at safcom but those jobs are next to impossible to > hook up. > > I think a pre-determined priority is given to guys within safcom ?? > > As an experiment, please update us if you get a successful interview. > > > w/r > > > _______________________________________________ > skunkworks mailing list > skunkworks(a)my.co.ke > http://ole.kenic.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Blog http://skunkworks-ke.blogspot.com > Beta Blog http://blog.my.co.ke > Get Skunkworks RSS Feeds: http://www.jahazi.com/rss/ >

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Facebook: Science and the Social Graph
by Nicholas Loki 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

For all you LAMP fans out there: http://www.infoq.com/presentations/Facebook-Software-Stack It's a bit long, but certainly worth the watch. Enjoy! "Excellent people exceed expectations".

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REASONS TO QUIT FACEBOOK?
by michael wambua 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

http://www.switched.com/2009/04/16/15-reasons-to-quit-facebook/ -- Name : Michael Wambua Cell : +254 721415372.

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mobile technology
by imelda Mueni 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

hi guyz am doing a project involving mobile sms , its a web interface where by upon loging into the site , the person receives a confirmation sms that there log in, am working on windows platform , please any one with ideas or where i can get resource will appreciate , thanks

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Report finds single women enthusiastic about technology, single men enthusiastic about single women
by Gichingiri Kuria 17 Apr '09

17 Apr '09

http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/16/report-finds-single-women-enthusiastic-a… just for smiles -- Gichingiri Kuria _________________________________________ www.gichingiri.com / www.sokoletu.co.ke / www.website.co.ke / www.buyanzi.com

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Re: [Skunkworks] Java RMI / Network Programming
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

",,,using sockets and copy paste the file, but this is a very slow process.,," If u want to view the file on the client side then it will be streamed (downloaded) one way or another. The exception is when you are remotely viewing the desktop of the server. Usually big files are streamed i.e. sections of the file are downloaded for view. For example if you are looking at page 1 then the next two pages can be downloaded in advance but not the entire document. Your problem with these files is that you have to read them through the application that reads those files, and the application should provide you with an API for streaming data into the application. This is what happens with multi-media streaming software. The File Format of the file should also be optimised for streaming. Multi-media files are optimized because it's widely known that they can be streamed. Streaming has to be done properly (and in part I will explain to you why the File Format has to be optimized for this-as I mentioned above): Imagine a video file being streamed. Packets of data don't follow the same path to the client. So the client application cannot assume that the packets it receives are in the same order as they were sent by the server. Video files (the file format) have extra data, usually a video frame number, and each frame is packaged into a packet. When a client gets the packet, thus the frame, it will order it in the correct order before playing the video. There is more to this but I believe you get the picture. Similarly apply this to files like pdfs. If the file is streamed then there needs to be some data in the File Format to tell the client how to arrange the packets it receives. I doubt pdfs have such a mechanism because when u view a pdf on a webpage, the file is first wholy downloaded. The above details are at the low level and there could be some tool to help you but probably not to the extent you expect. I'm only telling you the above so that you see the devil is in the details! Note: Streaming the file is not about RMI, but more about network programming. Also keep in mind, if we are talking about .doc files, which can be modified then it gets trickier. If the client makes a change on the file then those changes have to be saved on the original document on the server, and that means operating on sections of the file at the binary level, and also handling conflicts at that level if more that one user is working on the file. O_O --- On Thu, 4/16/09, Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Skunkworks] Java RMI / Network Programming To: "Skunkworks forum" <skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke> Date: Thursday, April 16, 2009, 4:41 PM Hi Guys, Thank you for the responses. I would just like to shed a little more light on the problem. I am currently able to get a reference to the file from my server, but even through this reference, the details in the file object are only usable within the server, e.g the path has the value like C:\docs\hello.pdf. This path is not usable within the client. I can create an input stream and output stream between the client and server using sockets and copy paste the file, but this is a very slow process. The server and client communicate via RMI, but to open a file, I am using: Process p = Runtime.getRuntime().exec("cmd /c start '+ path); the path provided by the server cannot be used by the client to open the right file. How else can this be done? Thank you, Duggan Kim On 4/16/09, wesley kiriinya <kiriinya2000(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > The devil is in the details for these sort of problem: > > It is a complex problem because: > > 1. Files like pdf, doc, ... are files containing information that only the > application that uses that file understands. Let's call it File Format. > Unless the File Format is open (so that you know how to read the file data) > then you will have to read the file through it's application. If the > application (e.g. M$ Word) does not provide an API to stream a .doc file > contents to the application then your other option is to open the network > connection, stream the entire file and create a copy of it in the local > system, then open that local file. > > 1.1. If for example you would like changes to the .doc file to be saved in > the server, then you need to program the locking, unlocking stuff in the > application that opens the file (in this case M$ Word) and the application > needs to provide you with those mechanisms. If you did the local file way > (as described above) then you have to take care of a problem where saving > the file changes might result in a conflict. You can intergrate your network > communication tool with a tool like SVN, so that SVN can pull the file for > you and it will help you manage file conflict resolution. > > 2. If the file is not on a shared folder then you need a program running on > the server to listen to client requests. With what you are planning to do, > you might open a security hole through this server application. > > o_O > > > --- On Wed, 4/15/09, Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > From: Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Skunkworks] Java RMI / Network Programming > To: skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 5:49 PM > > > I am writing a java based peer to peer application that requires > remote files (pdf, text, .doc etc) in the server to be opened(run) in > the client, the same way you would open a shared file in a different > machine from your machine. How do I create a URL to the remote file > considering that the file is not necessary contained in a shared > folder, or how do you open the file via a remote File object > reference? > > Any ideas would be appreciated. > > Thank you, > > Duggan Kimani. > _______________________________________________ > Skunkworks mailing list > Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > > > > _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Skunkworks announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science - http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi - http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

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On other news -- google
by ndungu stephen 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/40076

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Re: [Skunkworks] Java RMI / Network Programming
by wesley kiriinya 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

The devil is in the details for these sort of problem: It is a complex problem because: 1. Files like pdf, doc, ... are files containing information that only the application that uses that file understands. Let's call it File Format. Unless the File Format is open (so that you know how to read the file data) then you will have to read the file through it's application. If the application (e.g. M$ Word) does not provide an API to stream a .doc file contents to the application then your other option is to open the network connection, stream the entire file and create a copy of it in the local system, then open that local file. 1.1. If for example you would like changes to the .doc file to be saved in the server, then you need to program the locking, unlocking stuff in the application that opens the file (in this case M$ Word) and the application needs to provide you with those mechanisms. If you did the local file way (as described above) then you have to take care of a problem where saving the file changes might result in a conflict. You can intergrate your network communication tool with a tool like SVN, so that SVN can pull the file for you and it will help you manage file conflict resolution. 2. If the file is not on a shared folder then you need a program running on the server to listen to client requests. With what you are planning to do, you might open a security hole through this server application. o_O --- On Wed, 4/15/09, Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Duggan Kim <mdkimani(a)gmail.com> Subject: [Skunkworks] Java RMI / Network Programming To: skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 5:49 PM I am writing a java based peer to peer application that requires remote files (pdf, text, .doc etc) in the server to be opened(run) in the client, the same way you would open a shared file in a different machine from your machine. How do I create a URL to the remote file considering that the file is not necessary contained in a shared folder, or how do you open the file via a remote File object reference? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you, Duggan Kimani. _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks(a)lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke

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Solution for the traffic problem in Nairobi
by simon muthike 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hi i am an Automation engineer and a robotics consultant and i am very much interested in Traffic jam Project. Can anybody tell me how to meet the concerned people. Or is there any meeting which i can attend to discuss on the issue.

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Further to "Communicating with Government" talk
by Gakuru Alex 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

This is a personal thank you to everyone that attended. I enjoyed the session the many questions, discussion. No wonder we wound up at almost 9 pm, never knew it... And I appreciate onlist comments from Barrack et. al. Reconfirming anyone needing Internet @50/= per day Lots of technology literature, serene atmosphere, cafe (Especially recent grads without comps have projects) Then hop into a mat and get to CCK resource centre!! I used the place last week and their speeds were fab. Thanks Google for the CDs and Internews Network <http://www.internews.org/> video recording volunteer. Learnt they're working on it and will alert once ready. regards,

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African Signals, Wiki for Internet Rates in Africa
by Edward Obiko 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hey Guys, Check this out http://africansignals.com/ It's already well populated but we can do more... Alex et. al. can add Orange-EVDO details which they apparently are not marketing. Forwarded by Erik Hersman. -- OO Omingo Obiko

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Re: [Skunkworks] X1 Battery
by Peter cox 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

try phone express but close ur fingers on that havent seen so many X1 on the market

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Re: [Skunkworks] Discussion on Talking To Government; Extending
by Edward Obiko 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hey Guys, Check this out http://africansignals.com/ It's already well populated but we can do more... Alex et. al. can add Orange-EVDO details which they apparently are not marketing. Forwarded by Erik Hersman. On Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 12:31 PM, Gakuru Alex <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com>wrote: > Thanks Phares, very curious... > > I've written to CCK on the discrepancy. Will revert after they respond. > > On Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 11:21 AM, MUTUA Andrew <mutua.andrew(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > > Thanks Phares appreciate the feedback. > > > > Regards, > > > > MUTUA, Andrew > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phares Kariuki" <pkariuki(a)gmail.com> > > To: "Gakuru Alex" <alexgakuru.lists(a)gmail.com> > > Cc: <mwangy(a)gmail.com>; <kennedy_waweru(a)students.ac.ke>; > > <jmwesh2006(a)yahoo.com>; <gachunga(a)gmail.com>; <edobie(a)gmail.com>; > > <whynnot(a)gmail.com>; <jkinyanjui(a)internews.org>; <dimbego(a)gmail.com>; > > <quentin.papu(a)yahoo.com>; <njenga.mkenya(a)yahoo.com>; < > solo.mburu(a)gmail.com>; > > <mutua.andrew(a)gmail.com>; <washirah(a)gmail.com>; <martinafrique(a)gmail.com > > > > Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 11:13 AM > > Subject: Discussion on Talking To Government; Extending > > > > > >> Hi, > >> > >> I thought we could perhaps have a discussion on the Skunkworks Forum? > >> Or can we have it in the main list? One thing though, Alex, I passed > >> by the CCK centre, two drawbacks, you cannot use your own laptop and > >> internet is charged at the rate of 50/= per hour :). > >> > >> Thanks for the info... > >> > >> > >> -- > >> With Regards, > >> > >> Phares Kariuki > > > > > -- OO Omingo Obiko

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HELP UNLOCK SONY ERICSSON K850i
by Paul George Kariuki 16 Apr '09

16 Apr '09

Hello everyone, I have this Sonny Ericsson K850i from the UK. I want to use a local SIM on it (ZAIN/Safcom) but all it says on booting is "Insert Correct USIM". Anyone with infor on how I can get it to work on the local networks? Regards, PK

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