MadBeardMan
@madbeardman.bsky.social
Sheffield (England)-based, proud Civil Servant. Heavily experienced coder focusing on TTRPG's, Rulesets, Adventurers, Campaigns, Mods. Also dabbling in RPG writing, mapmaking, drinking beer, and father to an Angel and a Devil, and lover of good tea.
Of course, I bought a mini-HDMI -> HDMI cable, tiny little thing. I need it to set up a Raspberry Pi for my eldest, can I find the darn thing?
Nope.
Nope.
February 4, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Of course, I bought a mini-HDMI -> HDMI cable, tiny little thing. I need it to set up a Raspberry Pi for my eldest, can I find the darn thing?
Nope.
Nope.
Also thinking today, to move on my MERP 2nd edition books, so I can put that money in my pension.
This pains me, BUT it needs doing.
This pains me, BUT it needs doing.
February 4, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Also thinking today, to move on my MERP 2nd edition books, so I can put that money in my pension.
This pains me, BUT it needs doing.
This pains me, BUT it needs doing.
Had a silly dream that I was a Magistrate, so of course, I've spent some of this morning looking into it.
You need to be of good character and sound judgement, nothing about beards or madness.
Seriously, though, I am interested; it could work well alongside my day job.
You need to be of good character and sound judgement, nothing about beards or madness.
Seriously, though, I am interested; it could work well alongside my day job.
February 4, 2026 at 9:39 AM
Had a silly dream that I was a Magistrate, so of course, I've spent some of this morning looking into it.
You need to be of good character and sound judgement, nothing about beards or madness.
Seriously, though, I am interested; it could work well alongside my day job.
You need to be of good character and sound judgement, nothing about beards or madness.
Seriously, though, I am interested; it could work well alongside my day job.
It is rather gloomy outside, but finally we have our windows now installed (downstairs).
We have leaded-lights inside double glazing (i.e., triple glazing) - costing an arm and a leg, but once done, I shouldn't need to touch them again!
This is the Kitchen window, we have 2 others being installed
We have leaded-lights inside double glazing (i.e., triple glazing) - costing an arm and a leg, but once done, I shouldn't need to touch them again!
This is the Kitchen window, we have 2 others being installed
February 3, 2026 at 3:12 PM
It is rather gloomy outside, but finally we have our windows now installed (downstairs).
We have leaded-lights inside double glazing (i.e., triple glazing) - costing an arm and a leg, but once done, I shouldn't need to touch them again!
This is the Kitchen window, we have 2 others being installed
We have leaded-lights inside double glazing (i.e., triple glazing) - costing an arm and a leg, but once done, I shouldn't need to touch them again!
This is the Kitchen window, we have 2 others being installed
Reposted by MadBeardMan
a billionaire richer but you've worked to change people's lives for the better...we are all impacted by cancer, either personally or family or friends.
But this is a winnable fight...
cancerresearchuk.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Car...
But this is a winnable fight...
cancerresearchuk.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Car...
Lead Site Reliability Engineer
Modern tech-stack. Hybrid infrastructure. Reliability for 4,000+ users. Lead Site Reliability Engineer £64,000 - £74,000 (+ Benefits) Grade: P3MP Reports to: Senior Manager, Platform Engineering Contr...
cancerresearchuk.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:04 AM
a billionaire richer but you've worked to change people's lives for the better...we are all impacted by cancer, either personally or family or friends.
But this is a winnable fight...
cancerresearchuk.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Car...
But this is a winnable fight...
cancerresearchuk.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/External_Car...
@jimjimthegrim.bsky.social @davepaters.bsky.social - Groglove 28th of this month, deets please as I need to get down to the smoke to see other folks and this just looks like a perfect reason.
February 1, 2026 at 5:19 PM
@jimjimthegrim.bsky.social @davepaters.bsky.social - Groglove 28th of this month, deets please as I need to get down to the smoke to see other folks and this just looks like a perfect reason.
OMG, it'd be terribly expensive and hard to get a trip to Japan before April 5, 2026!
The comic book arrived just at the right time and has been a huge influence! I just happen to be re-watching all of GitS that I have on 'tape'.
theghostintheshell.jp/en/news/ghos...
The comic book arrived just at the right time and has been a huge influence! I just happen to be re-watching all of GitS that I have on 'tape'.
theghostintheshell.jp/en/news/ghos...
February 1, 2026 at 2:32 PM
OMG, it'd be terribly expensive and hard to get a trip to Japan before April 5, 2026!
The comic book arrived just at the right time and has been a huge influence! I just happen to be re-watching all of GitS that I have on 'tape'.
theghostintheshell.jp/en/news/ghos...
The comic book arrived just at the right time and has been a huge influence! I just happen to be re-watching all of GitS that I have on 'tape'.
theghostintheshell.jp/en/news/ghos...
Looking at that picture of the former Prince Andrew, just reminded me of the Twin Peaks villain Bob.
January 31, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Looking at that picture of the former Prince Andrew, just reminded me of the Twin Peaks villain Bob.
Watching that Platoon film, it's ok, never thought to much of it, so ordered a BluRay set of Band of Brothers.
Not seen that series in years, but had such an impact even when I saw it for a 3rd time.
Not seen that series in years, but had such an impact even when I saw it for a 3rd time.
January 30, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Watching that Platoon film, it's ok, never thought to much of it, so ordered a BluRay set of Band of Brothers.
Not seen that series in years, but had such an impact even when I saw it for a 3rd time.
Not seen that series in years, but had such an impact even when I saw it for a 3rd time.
Reposted by MadBeardMan
We promised to throw the kitchen sink at this election.
Well we've definitely voted for the right candidate with the skills for the job!
Hannah & the Greens are taking the fight to Reform.
Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
Well we've definitely voted for the right candidate with the skills for the job!
Hannah & the Greens are taking the fight to Reform.
Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
Say hello to Hannah Spencer—councillor, plumber, greyhound lover and your Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton 💚
January 30, 2026 at 1:31 PM
We promised to throw the kitchen sink at this election.
Well we've definitely voted for the right candidate with the skills for the job!
Hannah & the Greens are taking the fight to Reform.
Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
Well we've definitely voted for the right candidate with the skills for the job!
Hannah & the Greens are taking the fight to Reform.
Join us: join.greenparty.org.uk
Anyone know of anyone who can make custom cases for a Raspberry #Pi5, hopefully in/around the UK.
I've built a little Home Assistant box, but the Pi has a Base NVMe unit (so raised off the floor to get to the various ports) and is using a HAT (to provide PoE).
I've built a little Home Assistant box, but the Pi has a Base NVMe unit (so raised off the floor to get to the various ports) and is using a HAT (to provide PoE).
January 28, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Anyone know of anyone who can make custom cases for a Raspberry #Pi5, hopefully in/around the UK.
I've built a little Home Assistant box, but the Pi has a Base NVMe unit (so raised off the floor to get to the various ports) and is using a HAT (to provide PoE).
I've built a little Home Assistant box, but the Pi has a Base NVMe unit (so raised off the floor to get to the various ports) and is using a HAT (to provide PoE).
Can folks please share this amongst any they know work in the Civil Service (doesn't need to be a PCS union member). In fact, anyone with an interest in supporting the people who deal with the madness of ministers and policy (and changes).
This is disjusting.
This is disjusting.
January 25, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Can folks please share this amongst any they know work in the Civil Service (doesn't need to be a PCS union member). In fact, anyone with an interest in supporting the people who deal with the madness of ministers and policy (and changes).
This is disjusting.
This is disjusting.
I know it's early, but I suspect we've had our last Domino's Pizza of the year.
It's expensive, so it's rare (once every other month) treat, and the last 3 have been poor, poor enough that I complained, and I've just complained again.
It's expensive, so it's rare (once every other month) treat, and the last 3 have been poor, poor enough that I complained, and I've just complained again.
January 24, 2026 at 8:22 PM
I know it's early, but I suspect we've had our last Domino's Pizza of the year.
It's expensive, so it's rare (once every other month) treat, and the last 3 have been poor, poor enough that I complained, and I've just complained again.
It's expensive, so it's rare (once every other month) treat, and the last 3 have been poor, poor enough that I complained, and I've just complained again.
Going to see if I can wangle work to pay for this, it's midly linked to what I do (Dev Management), it's just some of the speakers are ace.
Anyone else going?
Anyone else going?
January 24, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Going to see if I can wangle work to pay for this, it's midly linked to what I do (Dev Management), it's just some of the speakers are ace.
Anyone else going?
Anyone else going?
Can't say I'm surprised we've outsourced our Civil Service Pension scheme administration.
Capita were useless when I was contracting to the DWP, would I trust them with pensions? Nope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Capita were useless when I was contracting to the DWP, would I trust them with pensions? Nope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Capita-run civil service pension scheme leaves retirees in limbo
Civil service pension scheme failed to pay some pensions and lump sums after transferring to a new administrator.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Can't say I'm surprised we've outsourced our Civil Service Pension scheme administration.
Capita were useless when I was contracting to the DWP, would I trust them with pensions? Nope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Capita were useless when I was contracting to the DWP, would I trust them with pensions? Nope.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform has leafleted our street.
My better half picked up the leaflet, put on her shoes and went outside, couldn't see anyone, so recycled it.
30 seconds later she heard voices, went outside 'Excuse me are you Reform?', 'Yes Madam can we...'
'No, you can have this page of lies back'.
Perfect!
My better half picked up the leaflet, put on her shoes and went outside, couldn't see anyone, so recycled it.
30 seconds later she heard voices, went outside 'Excuse me are you Reform?', 'Yes Madam can we...'
'No, you can have this page of lies back'.
Perfect!
January 23, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Reform has leafleted our street.
My better half picked up the leaflet, put on her shoes and went outside, couldn't see anyone, so recycled it.
30 seconds later she heard voices, went outside 'Excuse me are you Reform?', 'Yes Madam can we...'
'No, you can have this page of lies back'.
Perfect!
My better half picked up the leaflet, put on her shoes and went outside, couldn't see anyone, so recycled it.
30 seconds later she heard voices, went outside 'Excuse me are you Reform?', 'Yes Madam can we...'
'No, you can have this page of lies back'.
Perfect!
It's that time of the year where I'll soon be a whole orbit older, and so for this year, I'm going to re-watch BSG (the remake) again, been a while, and whilst I know a lot of what's going to happen, it's just solid tv.
January 21, 2026 at 7:52 PM
It's that time of the year where I'll soon be a whole orbit older, and so for this year, I'm going to re-watch BSG (the remake) again, been a while, and whilst I know a lot of what's going to happen, it's just solid tv.
@breakintoprogram.co.uk This is the building I was thinking off, similar age, but different from the one you took a pic of a few days back.
January 21, 2026 at 7:25 PM
@breakintoprogram.co.uk This is the building I was thinking off, similar age, but different from the one you took a pic of a few days back.
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've been to:
Raging Speedhorn
Crowbar
Strapping Young Lad
Napalm Death
Bjork
Many many many many more.
Raging Speedhorn
Crowbar
Strapping Young Lad
Napalm Death
Bjork
Many many many many more.
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've been to:
Metallica
Tool
Darkest Hour
Hans Zimmer
Ludovico Einaudi
Metallica
Tool
Darkest Hour
Hans Zimmer
Ludovico Einaudi
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've been to:
Jean Micheal Jarre
Laurie Anderson
Crash Test Dummies
REM
Chanticleer
This is a weird list.
Jean Micheal Jarre
Laurie Anderson
Crash Test Dummies
REM
Chanticleer
This is a weird list.
January 20, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Introduce yourself with five concerts you've been to:
Raging Speedhorn
Crowbar
Strapping Young Lad
Napalm Death
Bjork
Many many many many more.
Raging Speedhorn
Crowbar
Strapping Young Lad
Napalm Death
Bjork
Many many many many more.
It's too early! But up to give my youngest a lift. The school have a trip to the Lords today.
I wonder what they're debating and how many will turn up.
But still a good thing for someone 18 to see, as hopefully she'll have questions about how our Government functions.
I wonder what they're debating and how many will turn up.
But still a good thing for someone 18 to see, as hopefully she'll have questions about how our Government functions.
January 20, 2026 at 5:22 AM
It's too early! But up to give my youngest a lift. The school have a trip to the Lords today.
I wonder what they're debating and how many will turn up.
But still a good thing for someone 18 to see, as hopefully she'll have questions about how our Government functions.
I wonder what they're debating and how many will turn up.
But still a good thing for someone 18 to see, as hopefully she'll have questions about how our Government functions.
Small world.... the person I met for lunch, talking about Green Party activities in my local area, is one of the people behind the RPG's:
Spire, Strata, Heart etc.
rowanrookanddecard.com/spire-rpg/?v...
Spire, Strata, Heart etc.
rowanrookanddecard.com/spire-rpg/?v...
Spire RPG - Rowan, Rook and Decard
You can buy the Spire RPG from our shop by clicking here. If you’d like to learn more, read on! Spire is a roleplaying game about desperate revolutionary dark elves caught up in a secret war against t...
rowanrookanddecard.com
January 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Small world.... the person I met for lunch, talking about Green Party activities in my local area, is one of the people behind the RPG's:
Spire, Strata, Heart etc.
rowanrookanddecard.com/spire-rpg/?v...
Spire, Strata, Heart etc.
rowanrookanddecard.com/spire-rpg/?v...
More of my favourite TV shows iploaded to my NAS and are watchable on my Plex.
Should finish uploading the rest tomorrow, depending on time and stuff.
Should finish uploading the rest tomorrow, depending on time and stuff.
January 18, 2026 at 12:44 AM
More of my favourite TV shows iploaded to my NAS and are watchable on my Plex.
Should finish uploading the rest tomorrow, depending on time and stuff.
Should finish uploading the rest tomorrow, depending on time and stuff.
Got a meeting at lunch tomorrow with a prospective Green Party councillor candidate.
For some reason they want to talk to me as I've been quite vocal over the mess our council have been making over the last decade (and more), especially around SEN care for both my kids.
For some reason they want to talk to me as I've been quite vocal over the mess our council have been making over the last decade (and more), especially around SEN care for both my kids.
January 17, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Got a meeting at lunch tomorrow with a prospective Green Party councillor candidate.
For some reason they want to talk to me as I've been quite vocal over the mess our council have been making over the last decade (and more), especially around SEN care for both my kids.
For some reason they want to talk to me as I've been quite vocal over the mess our council have been making over the last decade (and more), especially around SEN care for both my kids.
Due to madness like this, I'll be not attending any US con until the madness ends.
As I don't know how many more orbits around the Sun I'll have this might come back and bite me, but I must take a stand.
As I don't know how many more orbits around the Sun I'll have this might come back and bite me, but I must take a stand.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
Time to boycott the US. Obviously some exceptions for RPG companies but otherwise nothing
Time to boycott the US. Obviously some exceptions for RPG companies but otherwise nothing
Trump tariffs: US president announces plan to hit UK, Denmark and other European countries with tariffs over Greenland
The US president says the countries will be charged a
www.bbc.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Due to madness like this, I'll be not attending any US con until the madness ends.
As I don't know how many more orbits around the Sun I'll have this might come back and bite me, but I must take a stand.
As I don't know how many more orbits around the Sun I'll have this might come back and bite me, but I must take a stand.
I've updated the RAM on my NAS, and I'm running a memory test, which brought back floods of memories.
Memtest86+ is being run, wrapped in a Synology wrapper (running in a Linux container).
Wow, used to run that a lot when building PCs back in the 90s.
Memtest86+ is being run, wrapped in a Synology wrapper (running in a Linux container).
Wow, used to run that a lot when building PCs back in the 90s.
January 17, 2026 at 1:19 PM
I've updated the RAM on my NAS, and I'm running a memory test, which brought back floods of memories.
Memtest86+ is being run, wrapped in a Synology wrapper (running in a Linux container).
Wow, used to run that a lot when building PCs back in the 90s.
Memtest86+ is being run, wrapped in a Synology wrapper (running in a Linux container).
Wow, used to run that a lot when building PCs back in the 90s.