86986. When reconfiguring a set of servers ensure that all services on them are working properly when you have finished. Clue: Checking that some are back is insufficient.

86987. There comes a point in every geek girl's life when the only way to make a machine work is to take a hammer to it with great violence. You reached this point yesterday afternoon – and now that machine works. Congratulations.

86988. Never, ever, EVER say you will make an old server work again where it is made by Compaq (aka HP). IBM X-series are a bit problematic too. Dell are workhorses and just. keep.going.

86989. Never trust a delivery company who swear that the package will be with you "within the next hour". This is, of course, a specific example of a general principle.

86990. Sometimes, "mild" chili just isn't.