tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68665248615082708052024-03-05T15:52:25.569+00:00Nightmare's PlaceEverything from Gadgets, Alcohol-Free to Life... "don't talk to me about life...."Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-72828324806989948142024-03-05T15:41:00.006+00:002024-03-05T15:51:53.583+00:00Facebook doesn't except my password<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVlfYeR5KXsIsPkNiWQcblXGoVI2_SPDqxdOaDZLk3kWzWznRkD4vNgJW5rpcMwt9svlWpcw7BwFCGH41MWe3voKsvskTdII4xGOIxXcxWeiByq7MapY2O2vHuRMfVPMgsgNp-f9gesLtmw_kc8ZS2C4xctueyEem7KMv_QdMSJsG-K8tMHhctGCC9TzI/s779/facebook-down.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVlfYeR5KXsIsPkNiWQcblXGoVI2_SPDqxdOaDZLk3kWzWznRkD4vNgJW5rpcMwt9svlWpcw7BwFCGH41MWe3voKsvskTdII4xGOIxXcxWeiByq7MapY2O2vHuRMfVPMgsgNp-f9gesLtmw_kc8ZS2C4xctueyEem7KMv_QdMSJsG-K8tMHhctGCC9TzI/s320/facebook-down.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /> It would appear that at around 15:20 on Tuesday 5th March 2024, Facebook is saying "<b>password entered is incorrect</b>" so I guess a service has crashed.<p></p><div>I did try resetting my password, even entered the code but I still get the same error.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets see how long it is down and whether it make the national news as thousands of users don't know what to do with themselves!</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-81384840043908928352022-01-15T18:06:00.009+00:002022-05-13T08:14:16.098+01:00Where has the COVID-19 years gone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI8G8zFuB6q_ljxRmZY2AlRSOOJ9GarpbjwZ7akBUMa7jU5hExWHs9tOrzxXWXRUcL6PWv_ySxXpKOBtVV19NCr5IazjsKu3ZZ290s6OlzWU03hPhe1nKeEZsUNGZFiw5eTdkwwheXdad90JUDEXqMzr7VeYLboN7Top-X2Xzr5T7XsZhanNrXd0hlcA=s16000" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photo by CDC on Unsplash" border="0" data-original-height="9000" data-original-width="16000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI8G8zFuB6q_ljxRmZY2AlRSOOJ9GarpbjwZ7akBUMa7jU5hExWHs9tOrzxXWXRUcL6PWv_ySxXpKOBtVV19NCr5IazjsKu3ZZ290s6OlzWU03hPhe1nKeEZsUNGZFiw5eTdkwwheXdad90JUDEXqMzr7VeYLboN7Top-X2Xzr5T7XsZhanNrXd0hlcA=w320-h181" title="COVID-19 Virus" width="320" /></a></div>So here we are in 2022 and two years since this all begin for me. So what happened?<div><br /></div><div>Apart from seeing very long queues at McDonalds the day before lockdown (and when lockdown eased). I started the first lockdown with good intensions. Started doing Core workouts via the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fitifyapps.bwcore" target="_blank">Abs, Core & Back Workout at Home</a> (from <a href="https://fitifyapps.com/" target="_blank">Fitify Apps</a>) and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.workoutinc.yoga.beginners.free.workouts.studio" target="_blank">Yoga for Beginners</a> (from Workout Apps). I also tried the longer flowing sessions with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rainfrog.yoga" target="_blank">Pocket Yoga</a> (from <a href="https://www.pocketyoga.com/" target="_blank">RainFrog</a>). I even tried meditation with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lvlup.buddhify" target="_blank">Buddhify</a> (from <a href="https://buddhify.com/" target="_blank">Mindfulness Everywhere</a>). I started running up to three times a week. Sat in the garden and read. Successfully grew Chilli from seeds and had quite a crop (bought <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chilli-Sweet-Pepper-Plant-Theatre/dp/B0048D5V22/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2FPB90F8XO9LO&keywords=chilli+kit+growing&qid=1649793400&sprefix=chilli+kit%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMUpITk1CQzJSREgzJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzcxMzg3MTBER0JNSlowV0tLMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTI3NTQwM0tCTEpJRDZPVDROQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=" target="_blank">kit from Amazon</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>By the second lockdown it all went out the window. Apart from running I just stopped every other exercise without realising. Tried to grow Chill again and nothing grew. Tried to grow a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap" target="_blank">Venus Fly Trap</a> and failed with that too. I struggles to get Meditation working for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I didn't do but the rest of the UK (and the USA) did was:</div><div>1) Follow <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Wicks_(coach)">Joe Wicks</a> exercises on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ">YouTube</a>.</div><div>2) Make the best coffee ever. Some weird coffee from another country which I forget the name!</div><div>3) Follow <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/sep/25/yoga-adriene-mishler-youtube-interview" target="_blank">Yoga with Adriene</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.</div><div>4) Make the best coffee ever. Yes another one.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I did notice was many <a href="https://www.android.com/" target="_blank">Android</a> apps suddenly became subscription based which was either monthly of yearly (I have seen one which was over £100 a year). The one off payment became almost non-existent. There was also the increase in seeing people out and about doing their walking exercise. Sadly there was the increase in dog poo/waste which was left and not picked up. Whether this was people walking their dog who didn't normally or the increase in lockdown dog ownership!</div><div><br /></div><div>After recovering from the latest <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus" target="_blank">COVID-19 virus</a> which started exactly one hundred days after my third dose (got a positive lateral flow result), I will be getting back into running three times a week, core workout and yoga on the other days plus another crack at <a href="https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/" target="_blank">Meditation</a>. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> has lasted over two weeks which is quite a shock as I would say I am particularly heathy eater and exercised regularly. I have only had flu three times in my life and over twenty-five, lesser colds last about a week. Perhaps I need to have a check up with a blood test.</div>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-84003005403347441852020-12-09T21:05:00.006+00:002020-12-10T10:22:25.855+00:00The Best Alcohol-Free Cider<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZkuB1kVOIk_SrH8FekWZJYLzaT2luMN_WwveMnU5HUvFJ39UAcaN18LsBPz2kRsVzdWxjkaWxNF-7HVMDVNM6TiBbTTJ7WltzHnQu-xD6XHnwXE4C4UqBIMuff3XHXappVTeHPVuISPu/s2048/20191103_184754.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1098" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZkuB1kVOIk_SrH8FekWZJYLzaT2luMN_WwveMnU5HUvFJ39UAcaN18LsBPz2kRsVzdWxjkaWxNF-7HVMDVNM6TiBbTTJ7WltzHnQu-xD6XHnwXE4C4UqBIMuff3XHXappVTeHPVuISPu/w108-h200/20191103_184754.jpg" width="108" /></a>In my opinion H. Westons & Sons Ltd. <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/low-alcohol-drinks/stowford-press-la-4x330ml" target="_blank">Stowford Press Low Alcohol Apple Cider</a> at 0.5% is the best cider I have tried which actually tastes like the original. With only 29 calories it is also good for the waist for 330ml bottle.</div><p>If you prefer a more pear flavour then try <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/no-alcohol-drinks/thatchers-zero-somerset-cider-500ml" target="_blank">Thatchers Zero 0.0% Alcohol Free Cider</a> (Alc no more than 0.05% vol.) at 130 calories in a 500ml bottle.</p><p><a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/low-alcohol-lager-beer-cider/sainsburys-medium-dry-low-alcohol-apple-cider-500ml" target="_blank">Sainsbury's Medium Dry Low Alcohol Apple Cider</a> (500ml, 150 calories, Als 1.0% vol.) is also would a try but I found it a little sweet for me.</p><p>Another option and my least favourite was <a href="https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/morrisons-low-alcohol-cider-bottle-122440011" target="_blank">Morrisons Low Alcohol Cider</a> (500ml, 150 calories, Alc 1.0% vol.) and another sweeter version.</p><br /><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-24749594108212197732020-08-29T18:28:00.002+01:002020-08-29T20:04:13.356+01:00What is the Secret of the 39 Steps?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i4vjS1dayQQs7alWz9vafMb35foMOlhEg_khBnvwBtHqYcIiR2S6wfGkmN0wOcHw7aA7plHWxRzuB4KmIHST5W5p9tQwI9g_ps6HUHggqqNGZBWnr4owUETHNeVAyGXMIT-4Epm_xB7_/s2048/20200711_160811.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1794" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i4vjS1dayQQs7alWz9vafMb35foMOlhEg_khBnvwBtHqYcIiR2S6wfGkmN0wOcHw7aA7plHWxRzuB4KmIHST5W5p9tQwI9g_ps6HUHggqqNGZBWnr4owUETHNeVAyGXMIT-4Epm_xB7_/w184-h210/20200711_160811.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>No not thirty-nine but ten thousand steps and it isn't a secret. The question which has been on my mind purely from a psychology point of view is what does this information mean to the wearer? Simply knowing you have say only achieved just over half your quota does this make you:<p></p><p>1) Go out and walk around the block to reach or pass this goal.</p><p>2) Think I will try and do better tomorrow.</p><p>3) Look and say "oh I have only done that much, never mind".</p><p> So really the question is does this motivate you or merely inform you.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-6329176446654019502020-05-14T10:57:00.000+01:002020-05-14T21:21:57.712+01:00What Has Video Conferencing Shown Us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqmJipqjp_WRyBupv4OpgizKIUy3ts18QrdonJXYUBLOfOMRyPRsImkkgeqelmp_uUDknGCPhbpbAEwd2thPvM5xZIblIpxDbbmzYcefyom4Ro_yi7VP3qZBQAiJMHc471R4Jdgd7GU-W/s1600/VideoConf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="511" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqmJipqjp_WRyBupv4OpgizKIUy3ts18QrdonJXYUBLOfOMRyPRsImkkgeqelmp_uUDknGCPhbpbAEwd2thPvM5xZIblIpxDbbmzYcefyom4Ro_yi7VP3qZBQAiJMHc471R4Jdgd7GU-W/s320/VideoConf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In these strange times of this lock-down under the <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1" target="_blank">COVID-19</a> epidemic we have seen how Video Conferencing has taken off. There have been some inventive uses particular a product called <a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">ZOOM</a> which has been pulled from the unknown into the mainstream use. Other companies are slowly catching up with some business only software being made available to everyone for a limited period.</div>
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Now that we can see what can be done, there is even talk of people working more from home in the future.<br />
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What can we take away from all this? While watching a <a href="https://boogiebounce.com/" target="_blank">Boogie Bounce</a> session on <a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">Zoom</a> and catching up with family over <a href="https://www.skype.com/en/" target="_blank">Skype</a>, one thing sticks in my mind... <b>"How cr*p some peoples broadband really is!"</b> I have seen a better picture from someone on the other side of the world then from someone about nineteen miles away in the same county of <a href="https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Norfolk</a>. If working from home is going to be '<i>the new norm</i>' then something has got to be done about bringing broadband up to a level playing field.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-67655521395399375372020-05-10T19:53:00.003+01:002020-06-28T15:55:31.097+01:00This knob Can Make a Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuqC5c6C_J7NwX2j-hTEVeZ_BMVOPFpYFL4TUlIH4oNBzs82jxUGEWehp8RMNbLPAr8VZRSgvaYuZgkEFM2iw72dIuxU5ICD6wra1EtOMTuIK4BkwEwTII7Da75CADmPTho31TeJEYA-B/s1600/20200504_152052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuqC5c6C_J7NwX2j-hTEVeZ_BMVOPFpYFL4TUlIH4oNBzs82jxUGEWehp8RMNbLPAr8VZRSgvaYuZgkEFM2iw72dIuxU5ICD6wra1EtOMTuIK4BkwEwTII7Da75CADmPTho31TeJEYA-B/s200/20200504_152052.jpg" width="150" /></a>According to car insurance company <a href="https://www.admiral.com/magazine/guides/car-insurance/manual-vs-automatic-which-cost-the-most-to-insure" target="_blank">Admiral</a> just having one of these, an automatic transmission in my car I could be paying on average 5.63% more on my insurance. It get worse, having an automatic only license could mean an extra 43.89% on your premium. </div>
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<i>"This seems to be down to a claims frequency that is 19.23% higher than those with a full licence. Average claim cost is roughly the same across all licence types; this implies automatic licence holders are more likely to have an accident than those with a full licence."</i></div>
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This seems very unlikely or fair, though some pensioners do go for automatics. For me I started to learn to drive when I was 18 years like most people but University got in the way so I stopped. I also spent most of the following years at University or living in London so decided I probably couldn't afford to park there. When I started again I was quiet old and so thought that an Automatic would be easier and quicker to learn with the idea that I 'could' have a test in a manual should I need too.<br />
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My insurance is not particularly high. The only issue I have seen is when abroad the choice of an automatic car not being as many and cost of hiring is higher.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-8046999034262537942020-02-23T18:18:00.005+00:002020-11-18T15:59:43.648+00:00Does the BBC News stand for Quality Anymore?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumbIB3ZDuF9W84Dy_SXjXrUk53HMSE_HncWW48yGa8xE4RY1QkbgrisOlXh2NCzoO2qUh1JNl1GtlFtkI15WdBb914DgqqXlnSu0Hh0Tu8veRAmg077Ysb9wBkw_QNpJJ6kK75PhYfKNz/s1600/BBC-joke-logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumbIB3ZDuF9W84Dy_SXjXrUk53HMSE_HncWW48yGa8xE4RY1QkbgrisOlXh2NCzoO2qUh1JNl1GtlFtkI15WdBb914DgqqXlnSu0Hh0Tu8veRAmg077Ysb9wBkw_QNpJJ6kK75PhYfKNz/s1600/BBC-joke-logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news" target="_blank">BBC News</a> in a basic form started broadcasting way back in 1964. Back then they took pride in grammar and presentation which is very different from what we receive today. Now before I start ranting it is important to state that what follows is my opinion (though I know other people have expressed similar views) and that I have been assessed as having <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/" target="_blank">dyslexia</a>.</div>
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The BBC News seems to have lost the ability to use proper grammar in both the programme and on their web site. An example today was a banner in reference to the coronavirus in Italy where it said "...there's 73..." (i.e. "...there is 73...) instead of "...there are 73...".</div>
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They are very obsessed with 'live from....'. Now I can understand them being live if something is actually happening where the watcher can gain the atmosphere of an event as it unfolds. More often than not 'Live' means a reported standing outside a building reporting on something which happened hours earlier. A good example is when BBC Breakfast were asking a report (for the BBC) about the sentencing of the murderer of <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-51581275" target="_blank">Grace Millane</a> from New Zealand. Though the news item was important, I fail to understand why asking a reporter 'Live' who was standing outside a closed magistrates court at about 21:30 New Zealand time about what 'had' happened.</div>
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Live includes talking to someone via a video link such as <a href="https://www.skype.com/" target="_blank">Skype</a> or now more likely <a href="https://zoom.us/" target="_blank">Zoom</a>. In some cases they are poor connections so are either prone to freeze or such low quality it is hard to see or understand what is being said. I still do not understand what is gained by talking live, particularly when later they either have to show the recording or state they spoke to them earlier.</div>
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There has been poor production too especially at the weekend. For example playing the wrong recording for a news item or not playing it at all. They have even put up the wrong caption for something or someone.</div>
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May be it is just me but the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/" target="_blank">BBC</a> just seems to be 'sloppy' or sensationalist in their reporting these days.</div>
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Now don't get me wrong the BBC produces some excellent documentaries and programmes like <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t0bv" target="_blank">Countryfile</a>.</div>
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-22858331507407866062020-02-22T17:09:00.000+00:002020-02-23T18:20:30.768+00:00Pub & Restaurant Prices for Alcohol Free Beers & Soft DrinksBeing a non-drinker I am saddened to see that people who do not drink, may be because they are driving are penalised in both pubs and restaurants with <a href="https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/780919/cheap-soft-drinks-in-pubs" target="_blank">extortionate prices</a>. We all know that soft <a href="https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/1633990/price-of-soft-drinks-in-pubs-these-days" target="_blank">drinks prices are exploited</a> for something which does not have any 'alcohol tax' on it but can cost as much as a beer which does. For example a 275ml bottle of Becks Blue can cost cost similar price for a pint (568ml) of alcoholic beer. I have paid over £3 for a bottle of Becks Blue which means I would normally have a cappuccino coffee because it is cheaper or similar price.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-80651738276886756702019-03-09T11:43:00.001+00:002019-03-10T07:49:16.723+00:00Old Speckled Hen Just Got Low Alcohol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLMBBkmImAjhEswKIKSSL-TeragKYrC-mDG1sVBOESFek_D9i0vuJPUqrQPZbBArUB8fnqsKORW9PzV_rOiShO0A396pdVIxmMmyXDG0Y8GhPBejABVyX1sN7t54lAofA8XWHBhC8biCM/s1600/IMG_20190307_194618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLMBBkmImAjhEswKIKSSL-TeragKYrC-mDG1sVBOESFek_D9i0vuJPUqrQPZbBArUB8fnqsKORW9PzV_rOiShO0A396pdVIxmMmyXDG0Y8GhPBejABVyX1sN7t54lAofA8XWHBhC8biCM/s320/IMG_20190307_194618.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
Last week my wife brought back from <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/morland-old-speckled-hen-low-alcohol-beer-500ml-7962174-p?langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=p%2BbgSK4r4FHDmynNgnlHbEDNZ%2FPin0FvrB6KLO7ebl6XaBe2WAaPocK4OYPTN4cPPcrxvjPHIjQFMg6rWrYA89PbqeOslWX3LSlFYcrCx8M604XH0mptEiPSQaL4HPdzGdZMSnTY78qLut2Cyv12Hoias8NQ33%2ByeP0hdsvvExw%3D&ddkey=https%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Fmorland-old-speckled-hen-low-alcohol-beer-500ml-7962174-p" target="_blank">Sainsbury's</a> a new low alcohol beer to try, <a href="https://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/our-beers/low-alcohol-old-speckled-hen/" target="_blank">Morland Old Speckled Hen Low Alcohol Beer</a> 500ml bottle. Now when I use to drink I had always liked <a href="https://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Old Speckled Hen</a> so I was keen to see how this one tasted.<br />
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Now one of the issues which I have always found with non-alcohol and low alcohol ales is there can be a <i>bitter after taste</i>. With pale ales this is less noticeable and with this <b>Old Speckled Hen</b> it was only very slight. With the darker ones this is very off putting but for pale they seem to get this just right. I don't know if this is from the processing of making a low alcohol version or just that my taste buds have changed due to not drinking.<br />
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This <a href="https://www.greenekingshop.co.uk/product/low-alcohol-old-speckled-hen/" target="_blank">Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen</a> works really well. I cannot say if it tastes like normal <b>Old Speckled Hen</b> because I haven't drunk for nearly 6 years. I would definitely recommend and I will have it again.<br />
<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-1270461340324602472018-07-03T12:14:00.003+01:002019-02-05T21:08:05.857+00:00No Vertical Video, pretty please<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOFhSLWgqzOkzKq8qJXysQvb-Bvkqkp-75YJTugjo5HA4ypLU7Bt9811Oqo7m7GM5GxYVq2hXb9l0sNS1FjTx0j0_QKSWc4tOp7bdlxPxnem3yzN4boe4GhxTfNmbGwIC6hcS6gsivX4e/s1600/NoVerticalVideo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOFhSLWgqzOkzKq8qJXysQvb-Bvkqkp-75YJTugjo5HA4ypLU7Bt9811Oqo7m7GM5GxYVq2hXb9l0sNS1FjTx0j0_QKSWc4tOp7bdlxPxnem3yzN4boe4GhxTfNmbGwIC6hcS6gsivX4e/s320/NoVerticalVideo.jpg" width="244" /></a>
I have to agree, it makes no sense making a video while holding a phone vertical unless the object you are filming is taller than it is wide. I know it shouldn't but it really does my head in, why someone would film a drag race or any horizontal movement with their mobile phone held vertically. I guess it is easier to hold the phone one handed but it makes the thing you are filming more difficult to track (follow). It is quite surprising to see on the internet how many people get wound up by this.<br />
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It appears that Instagram might be to blame for some of this as it only support vertical video.
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-68114387369461666372017-11-04T12:33:00.001+00:002019-02-05T21:06:33.110+00:00Is Draft Coffee any good?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5w7aekAznOXup08-Wyhbrad9vE1dNVyzbZXeh5ihv4O2-E_jlhJPnqRrzAagvwMd9FCjTKnvVQpDJPg4_eYbobc64X4TQnvRxWrCGHAZJL0aR3-D8O2dkoRKEa1E5aTO-ncCVXPM51L88/s1600/draft-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5w7aekAznOXup08-Wyhbrad9vE1dNVyzbZXeh5ihv4O2-E_jlhJPnqRrzAagvwMd9FCjTKnvVQpDJPg4_eYbobc64X4TQnvRxWrCGHAZJL0aR3-D8O2dkoRKEa1E5aTO-ncCVXPM51L88/s320/draft-coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a>After seeing the latest trend for <b>Draft Coffee</b> on the <a href="http://www.channel4.com/" target="_blank">Channel 4</a> TV programme <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/food-unwrapped" target="_blank">Food Unwrapped</a>, I thought I would give it a try after seeing it in <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sainsburys</a> at the cost of £2.00 for 200ml.<br />
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Now <b>Draft Coffee</b> out of a can is probably not as good as the trendy stuff served directly from a tap but here is what I think but first what is it:<br />
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<i>"Cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas is released through a pressurised valve with tiny holes. As high pressure forces the cold brew past a disc, it creates a creamy, stout-like effect." - <a href="http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a35593/nitro-coffee-explained/" target="_blank">Esquire</a></i></blockquote>
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To be honest cold coffee with a creamy head like a stout was disappointing for me. Now I like strong coffee a lot but this is not, it tasted no different to a cold black coffee, perhaps a little more watery. I will not be trying it again.<br />
<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-48404415847750112182017-08-21T20:31:00.000+01:002019-02-05T21:18:56.916+00:00Is it time to put Kindle Fire HD 7" (2nd Generation) out to pasture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUreIrDfk6-C3UPeurLPP2Z8gO4SxkLy65z4rksmqVVDVCIfpN_iGXVkH_xGkd_T0MNzj-b2RLipWOE9ls59B9Azrljq2CG5UPyloIZEJIws3yR24k5tvylOKIl0ur3VnEwvNZ2ZLFQK0/s1600/NoMoreBBCiPlayer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUreIrDfk6-C3UPeurLPP2Z8gO4SxkLy65z4rksmqVVDVCIfpN_iGXVkH_xGkd_T0MNzj-b2RLipWOE9ls59B9Azrljq2CG5UPyloIZEJIws3yR24k5tvylOKIl0ur3VnEwvNZ2ZLFQK0/s320/NoMoreBBCiPlayer.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Only a couple of days ago I received an update for the BBC iPlayer, what I can only call "the final nail in the coffin" for my <a href="https://www.engadget.com/products/amazon/kindle/fire/hd-7-inch-2nd-gen/" target="_blank">Kindle Fire HD 7" (2nd Generation)</a>. This was the last update to say that Android <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Gingerbread" target="_blank">Gingerbread</a> was not longer supported.<br />
I have already noticed the ever disappearing apps from the store such as <a href="https://www.malwarebytes.com/mobile/" target="_blank">Malwarebyte</a> for example.<br />
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<span style="text-align: right;">It does appear that even if you wanted to carry on using a much liked gadget you are eventually bullied into giving it up. I have had it over 5 years but it is still running okay and the battery is still pretty good.</span><br />
I had considered retiring it due to the lack of apps now available compared to my mobile phone and the fact that it doesn't integrate with <b>Google Play services</b> but it has a bigger screen and still does media very well including the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kindle-eBooks-books/b/ref=sd_allcat_kbo5?ie=UTF8&node=341689031" target="_blank">Kindle books</a>. I guess for now I will use it mainly for books until I find a newer gadget.<br />
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<i>R.I.P. Kindle Fire HD 7" (2nd Generation) - 21st August 2017</i><br />
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<b>UPDATE: 05th January 2019</b> - Despite now the Amazon shopping app now saying '<i>unsupported use a web browser</i>', The Kindle has a new life for downloading Library books using the app <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/OverDrive-Inc-Library-eBooks-Audiobooks/dp/B00850NK6I/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1549370944&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=library+overdrive" target="_blank">OverDrive: Library eBooks & Audiobooks</a> (Libby is not available for such an old version). The app is a little flakey but works well enough. So with OverDrive, Amazon Books and PDF this will limp along a little longer.
Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-31918359022058743792016-11-05T17:46:00.001+00:002016-11-05T17:48:32.389+00:00No Marshmallow for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o1A8VTD054-JxhpCbDpa6vQEijhxfSv7p0wAJKzSY0_F1URqNXSQwBvyeqq5V9k2GB-wA1EXu6Ayajseljp7Yqi9F0Gt2djAAxbgsz9Khz11AMHEEnvY7uDlxRfp9vcZCM-PhcLmr0j7/s1600/no-marshmallow-for-you.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o1A8VTD054-JxhpCbDpa6vQEijhxfSv7p0wAJKzSY0_F1URqNXSQwBvyeqq5V9k2GB-wA1EXu6Ayajseljp7Yqi9F0Gt2djAAxbgsz9Khz11AMHEEnvY7uDlxRfp9vcZCM-PhcLmr0j7/s1600/no-marshmallow-for-you.png" /></a></div>
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I was saddened to see that <a href="http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/" target="_blank">Sony</a> is <a href="http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperia/android-xperia/" target="_blank">not intending</a> to update the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact to <a href="https://www.android.com/intl/en_uk/versions/marshmallow-6-0/" target="_blank">Marshmallow</a>. The reason is not clear but it could be due to the model being over the two years which google quotes to updating Android. I am disappointed because the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is a brilliant phone and I did expect that the Z flagship phones would all be covered for this update.</div>
<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-82577000286168387312016-07-29T18:52:00.000+01:002016-07-29T18:58:43.095+01:0010,000 is the number of cups the UK gets through in just two minutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After seeing <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2016/30/hughs-war-on-waste" target="_blank">Hugh’s War On Waste continues</a> on the coffee cup you get from places like <a href="http://www.costa.co.uk/" target="_blank">Costa</a> which like so many people I assumed they could be all or at least part recycled but<b> NO!</b> This is due to the lining, there is only one place in the UK which can deal with these but the big three (<a href="http://www.costa.co.uk/" target="_blank">Costa</a>, <a href="http://www.starbucks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Starbucks</a> & <a href="http://www.caffenero.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caffe Nero</a>) do not use them despite originally implying on their website that their cups were recyclable. I am disappointed with <a href="http://www.costa.co.uk/" target="_blank">Costa</a> as this is a UK company. Until things change I will think twice about having a takeaway cup and will opt for bringing one which can be filled. Here is an article on the BBC website about this: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36882799" target="_blank">10,000 is the number of cups the UK gets through in just two minutes</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgpuOYrH4rFNCaeGJRzQKHgtYyvxugM1BklPpGKSEzggb4Dwv_VzbXHjmD6shgXb20eT8ldLBidaYQNc-trIMHzWUN6rGwf1FevcLQNsyAl3lDRe7T61Mu5FAXsNV-bUYH0KzbkFoPyr4/s1600/coffee_cup_recyclable_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgpuOYrH4rFNCaeGJRzQKHgtYyvxugM1BklPpGKSEzggb4Dwv_VzbXHjmD6shgXb20eT8ldLBidaYQNc-trIMHzWUN6rGwf1FevcLQNsyAl3lDRe7T61Mu5FAXsNV-bUYH0KzbkFoPyr4/s400/coffee_cup_recyclable_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It appears the US are/were having a similar problem though the article talks a lot about the UK and dates back to 2014 - <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/02/business/uk-recylable-cup/" target="_blank">This paper cup can be recycled -- unlike the 50 billion that end up in landfills</a> (<i>The image above was taken from this website</i>).Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-12825770978855879592015-10-12T20:52:00.000+01:002015-11-18T16:00:41.571+00:00Those Miracle Battery Repair Apps - Scam or Real?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvds-7PmUB31P_saCbT1lJjkAHcOWcGJS3UxX-3DQV9ez0KAwgQSptcWX2DYSIJci_7MtCj_Dae9DvFI7522l3wJFs0_9CqHIeXhlyI1XquI7DQ6gxkv2uYFZaTqN_fdFQaApk79xwFsC/s1600/charging-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvds-7PmUB31P_saCbT1lJjkAHcOWcGJS3UxX-3DQV9ez0KAwgQSptcWX2DYSIJci_7MtCj_Dae9DvFI7522l3wJFs0_9CqHIeXhlyI1XquI7DQ6gxkv2uYFZaTqN_fdFQaApk79xwFsC/s200/charging-md.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Decided tonight to have a quick look at one of those 'Battery Repair' apps on Android because I could not understand how it could possible to repair the chemical make up of a battery. This is what I found and yes I am very sceptical.<br />
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I choose <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.optura.batteryfixer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Battery Life Repair</a> which was near the top of the list and had good reviews.<br />
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It was installed on a <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_compact-5753.php" target="_blank">Sony Xperia Z1 Compact</a> which is about 1 year and 1 month old (394 days) running Android Lollipop.<br />
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Using the scan it found about six not-so-good bits which it 'said it fixed' when I requested it to do so. The re-scan confirmed it was all okay now. Then I went into <i>Settings/Apps</i> and noticed that despite exiting (and confirming I wanted to exit when asked) it was still running in memory! Next I <b>Cleared Data/Cache</b> then <b>Force Stop</b> and <b>Uninstalled</b>. Using <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.piriform.ccleaner" target="_blank">CCleaner</a> to remove the junk and empty folder to try and make the next stage appear as a new installation. <b>Re-installed 'Battery Life Repair' and ran the scan which now found problems in different areas from before</b>. I did not let it 'scan the whole battery' as I stopped it after it found three so far as this confirmed to me that this was not doing what it said.<br />
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I would say this is a Scam but by definition a Scam is to make money fraudulently but these products clearly do not do so what is going on apart from the pop-up ads. Scanned for Viruses and Malware but found nothing....<br />
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I believe this is nothing more than a battery statistics re-calibrator (removes batterystats.bin system file so the OS can start again) and power management software, hence the positive reviews about improved battery performance. You cannot repair a battery with software otherwise this would have made the news and appear on loads of web sites as a miracle app. From <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/" target="_blank">Google</a> search I have not been able to find a single reputable web sites which recommend any of these kind of apps.<br />
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If you want improvements then just search for '<a href="http://uk.pcmag.com/smartphones/9960/feature/11-tips-to-boost-your-android-phones-battery-life" target="_blank">better battery life on Andriod</a>' for real practical advice.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-91970575803464329342015-09-24T19:21:00.000+01:002015-12-23T14:19:43.359+00:00Some Android Apps are Unbelievably Big!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOc1-pfOPIXo_4A3EJeAvrN-MRjGrF8DeYjOiGaZb0i_XsGT9Z2p7pc-JLG1V4uMK9eAJajB7WWD2vUluPjzQaQXMsMPX6hM8UfovvtVA4Q6hJkhnQdw2DMb3k9VyebGgG0WTr2KnZ53-/s1600/android_robot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOc1-pfOPIXo_4A3EJeAvrN-MRjGrF8DeYjOiGaZb0i_XsGT9Z2p7pc-JLG1V4uMK9eAJajB7WWD2vUluPjzQaQXMsMPX6hM8UfovvtVA4Q6hJkhnQdw2DMb3k9VyebGgG0WTr2KnZ53-/s200/android_robot.png" width="168" /></a></div>
Are developers getting code lazy or just trying to cram in far too many features into apps these days. I originally thought about this around three years ago when I decided that an app designed to clean and free up memory on my Kindle Fire HD should not be an elephant (in size) in itself! It might not sound much but <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cheetah-Mobile-Clean-Master-Phone/dp/B009C7ZQM4/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1443115393&sr=1-1&keywords=clean" target="_blank">Clean Master</a> which is now 11.5Mb.<br />
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Recently after seeing <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.strava&hl=en" target="_blank">Strava</a> reviewed a great app for running and cycling, as I am thinking of trying to get fit but was shock to discover it is 23Mb for my <a href="http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-z1-compact/" target="_blank">Sony Xperia Z1 Compact</a>. Another example is Evernote which I had been using before they started adding features I did not want is now <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote" target="_blank">20.82Mb</a> on the <a href="http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/phones/xperia-z1-compact/" target="_blank">Sony Xperia Z1 Compact</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evernote-Corp/dp/B004LOMB2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1443115867&sr=1-1&keywords=evernote" target="_blank">23.3Mb </a>for the Kindle Fire HD. Even <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.katana" target="_blank">Facebook</a> is reported to be around 42.43Mb.<br />
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Now individually this may not sound like much but in total this will take a big chuck out of your RAM and storage particularly when you realise the true amount which is really used. For example, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calendar" target="_blank">Google Calendar</a> app declares to be 23.68Mb (on Sony Xperia Z1 Compact) but under Apps (under Settings) is reports to use 35.84Mb on device (excluding data) which is quite a difference. This is not the only app which uses more than you expect. <b><i>Android applications have historically been limited to a maximum size of 50MB</i> </b>but according to <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/android-apps-max-size-shoots-from-50mb-to-4gb/" target="_blank">CNET</a> developers can attach another 4Gb. Perhaps we will need Terra Bytes of storage soon with longer lasting batteries just to keep up.<br />
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<br />Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-30136723860243222452015-04-26T10:53:00.002+01:002015-12-23T14:25:15.394+00:00Android Lollipop has arrived for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUqS05JYrn1u0KMLE-SVzVXBRUVRC_QSLhlnkJk3jZsmQW7MaRerUjvOVyM-UMHF_8wDNE8qk9-wtqeqWOb8y6-IIIzoMnKbKbha-oNUHdyiIauwIGM583mVNeaqhWwm__VS1S-SBbUY6/s1600/Screenshot_2015-04-24-11-42-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUqS05JYrn1u0KMLE-SVzVXBRUVRC_QSLhlnkJk3jZsmQW7MaRerUjvOVyM-UMHF_8wDNE8qk9-wtqeqWOb8y6-IIIzoMnKbKbha-oNUHdyiIauwIGM583mVNeaqhWwm__VS1S-SBbUY6/s1600/Screenshot_2015-04-24-11-42-17.png" width="180" /></a></div>
Though Lollipop 5.0 is here I am going to wait about a week just to see if anyone out there is having issues with the update from <a href="http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/" target="_blank">KitKat</a> to <a href="http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/" target="_blank">Lollipop</a> on the <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_z1_compact-5753.php" target="_blank">Sony Xperia Z1 Compact</a>.<br />
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Best to let someone else break their phone first. I always prefer not to rush and upgrade as soon as one arrives, I would rather wait a little and see how things settle down.<br />
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The only issue I have seen with other devices (not Sony) is that some are having battery issues and some WiFi.<br />
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<b>UPDATE (23rd December 2015)</b><br />
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I thought it was about time I left an update. I did upgrade about a month later and have been very happy with Lollipop. There is now talk of <a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/135040-android-6-0-marshmallow-review-polish-and-performance" target="_blank">Marshmallow</a> coming soon to newer Sony Xperia model.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-34145876484094903482014-08-16T18:19:00.000+01:002014-08-16T18:19:04.312+01:00The 0.0% three musketeersBavaria have three more 0.0% flavours available to enjoy in the UK. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKAwNnRibKA29dVs0WAx9fr3Chalk3cuXu5K6n-xBT1y0M0nOLpEsBsHqI_QINRU_DPNrjmBJTSjnGY8JXLzDzi1yjsNAkSQhKezoIMFmWmVllC6ys7YRFmUx1rX4or6G5IarXxCMn049/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKAwNnRibKA29dVs0WAx9fr3Chalk3cuXu5K6n-xBT1y0M0nOLpEsBsHqI_QINRU_DPNrjmBJTSjnGY8JXLzDzi1yjsNAkSQhKezoIMFmWmVllC6ys7YRFmUx1rX4or6G5IarXxCMn049/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>Premier Original</b> - A delicious malt (lager) with all the taste without the hangover of a alcohol version. Definitely my favourite.<br />
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<b>Wheat Beer (WIT)</b> - A cloudy and slightly sweeter beer both full of flavour and very refreshing.<br />
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<b>Fruity Rose</b> - Another delicious malt with a fruity twist of raspberries, cherries and bilberries. Different and works surprisingly well.<br />
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You can purchase the <i>Premier Original</i> bottles from <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sainsbury's</a> or <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/" target="_blank">Waitrose</a> and cans from <a href="http://www.tesco.com/" target="_blank">Tesco</a> or <a href="http://www.morrisons.com/" target="_blank">Morrisons</a>. The <i>Wheat Beer</i> I have only found in <a href="http://www.waitrose.com/" target="_blank">Waitrose</a> and <i>Fruity Rose </i>so far only from <a href="http://www.tesco.com/" target="_blank">Tescos</a>.<br />
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Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-75541435544513506332013-11-02T19:18:00.004+00:002019-02-05T21:21:34.457+00:00The Taste Without The Hangover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSjrJhz2oNtHYCSK5ZzpRlqx0Sdwz0OnIB9qOMQuG1HXdm0uqTf-o0eVyYgZz25XluBalNQLMqAajFjGK717-MCl8a9k0ANJe5zGX2i16oBW5UCPAU6Px7UJqnq7iH5zhWovPr23Vv0ek/s1600/Bavaria00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSjrJhz2oNtHYCSK5ZzpRlqx0Sdwz0OnIB9qOMQuG1HXdm0uqTf-o0eVyYgZz25XluBalNQLMqAajFjGK717-MCl8a9k0ANJe5zGX2i16oBW5UCPAU6Px7UJqnq7iH5zhWovPr23Vv0ek/s200/Bavaria00.jpg" width="195" /></a>I have also discovered that many pubs and clubs sell <a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=252405965">Becks</a><a href="http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=252405965"> Blue </a>which is a nice beer.<br />
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Since finding in Norway that restaurants there sell non-alcoholic beers is normal and supermarkets sell a range of these drinks I have found that the UK is getting there. May be I just wasn't looking properly. I was surprised at how many beers were available from various supermarkets. My favorite is <a href="http://www.bavaria.com/en-gb/site?age_selection=required#beers-00-lager">Bavaria 0.0% (larger)</a> which is mainly sold in bottles but I have found <a href="http://www.morrisons.co.uk/">Morrisons</a> sell both bottle and can versions. Being a keen biker I attend many biker rallies and do a lot of camping and all campsites do not allow 'glass' so this is brilliant but the only company I have found which do this. <a href="http://www.bavaria.com/">Bavaria</a> do a <a href="http://www.bavaria.com/en-gb/site?age_selection=required#beers-00-wit">Bavaria 0.0% (Wit)</a> which is nice too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWPnKGsqCtGAMSfZlEm9g1s5_l-sJiXWPLyy10WVudj0Aps1KoG9XsEEeOnl0SGMfwF_wQBjPXba8IgGEZynprnJCZJkj73h5xMzRXV1fwQuSZQvBgZ-9orc4tuw2OYp9EtA-LRb7sJ2x/s1600/Eisberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWPnKGsqCtGAMSfZlEm9g1s5_l-sJiXWPLyy10WVudj0Aps1KoG9XsEEeOnl0SGMfwF_wQBjPXba8IgGEZynprnJCZJkj73h5xMzRXV1fwQuSZQvBgZ-9orc4tuw2OYp9EtA-LRb7sJ2x/s200/Eisberg.jpg" width="100" /></a>It all started when I had some medication which recommended you should not drink alcohol and as I wanted to make sure it worked I decided not to drink at all. Since then I found I did not miss the alcohol and decided to stop completely. I run my own businesses so there are advantages in being able to leave a party, pub or restaurant and get straight in a car and drive. I really don't miss it at all now and feel a lot better for it.I started on juice and lemonade then my wife found <a href="http://www.kopparberg.co.uk/">Kopparberg</a> in both <a href="http://www.kopparberg.co.uk/business/flavour-alcoholfree-pear.html">Pear</a> and <a href="http://www.kopparberg.co.uk/business/flavour-alcoholfree-mixedfruit.html">Mix Fruit</a> Alcohol Free. We then found that <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/">Sainsburys</a> do a set of de-alcoholised (0.05%) wines from Germany. I found the rose too sweet and tasted more like a fruit drink. However the white is nice but the red is even better which I tend to mix with some lemonade. Another nice red (Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from<a href="http://www.eisberg.co.uk/"> </a><a href="http://www.eisberg.co.uk/">Eisberg</a> and is available from many supermarkets. The red wines do contain tannin so your tongue will stain red (as with normal red wine) and you can feel a bit rough if you drink too much neat though this might be psychological or just the tannin.<br />
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One thing to note is that a beer or wine can be classified as Alcohol Free if it contains 0.05% or less and De-alcoholised contains 0.5% or less.. So if you want no alcohol then make sure you read the label. Another benefit is the number of calories, for example <a href="http://www.bavaria.com/en-gb/site?age_selection=required#beers-00-lager">Bavaria 0.0% (larger)</a> contains 25 kcals (per 100ml)..</div>
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The main problem with the white wines and ciders are they tended to be a little to a lot sweeter. The <a href="http://www.kopparberg.co.uk/">Kopparberg</a> particularly which makes it hard to drink more than two of these.<br />
Now before someone asks "what's the point of alcohol free, it just isn't beer", there are many reasons why someone will not or cannot drink alcohol. With these products you can feel like you are part of a BBQ, party or social event and still be able to drive your friends home.<br />
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A useful source of information is <a href="http://www.alcoholfree.co.uk/">The Alcohol Free Shop</a> which has an extensive collection of wines, beers, stouts and Gluten free but check the prices.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-21702940406511011102012-12-12T20:38:00.002+00:002012-12-14T18:13:34.203+00:00How to have DAB Radio in your Car<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywDVGPfxzHdrUJBgbY9tQIMJHrIGa1jGAvhZcDeBjVBCmPPdT-_8ZET56JpkQxC_rSyt_HXvkj3OoubDvldDr06BMcSMvIQkgTgNfGBvajYhfhI8pzxT_xmiU7417u0-JTtQHstyDSW5W/s1600/PureMove2500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywDVGPfxzHdrUJBgbY9tQIMJHrIGa1jGAvhZcDeBjVBCmPPdT-_8ZET56JpkQxC_rSyt_HXvkj3OoubDvldDr06BMcSMvIQkgTgNfGBvajYhfhI8pzxT_xmiU7417u0-JTtQHstyDSW5W/s200/PureMove2500.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
This was the best present from Christmas 2011. It is the <a href="http://store.universal-music.co.uk/restofworld/pure-move-2500-black/invt/78023235/" target="_blank">Pure Move 2500 Personal DAB Radio</a> (in black) which I can connect in my car via a 3.5mm stereo cable which I bought separately (providing your car has one). I use a long cable about 1.5m as this is the arial which would normally be done by the earphones. Though reception is not perfect for a car, I have found that it is very good on the journeys I have made even if I have to hook the cable over the drivers mirror to improve reception. If there is poor reception it doesn't last long, from a few to less than 5 seconds.<br />
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The battery is amazing. I charge it anything from every two to four weeks. As it is portable you can remove from the car and slip into your pocket or bag and a lock switch to prevent it switching on (or off).Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-77293556177627943462012-11-30T19:10:00.001+00:002012-12-12T20:07:22.232+00:00SPAM a Clearer LookI have noticed that this week SPAM to a particular email account have increased loads just this week. Where I would normally get about 5 to 8 per day it is now around 40. Though most is identical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSfQf_cPEDTMOERb0b46avgPYz2QdGV3YP1iKdR16_E1Q8EHy2mv2r7rK3Je2dd1tBx8dCaS_51dxONGvsIYv-ZmzGFCf1CBvX5p5LnR370Xy1QtSmhRFYC9O9AoI5MNgIAIA7t7B30rg/s1600/SPAM-date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSfQf_cPEDTMOERb0b46avgPYz2QdGV3YP1iKdR16_E1Q8EHy2mv2r7rK3Je2dd1tBx8dCaS_51dxONGvsIYv-ZmzGFCf1CBvX5p5LnR370Xy1QtSmhRFYC9O9AoI5MNgIAIA7t7B30rg/s320/SPAM-date.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Click on image above for larger image)</i></span></div>
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Even though all SPAM is caught by the email system and placed in SPAM, it is always a good idea just to check that nothing has ended in there which you want. To make it simpler change the sort order by <b>Subject</b> instead of by <b>Date</b> as this groups the SPAM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPOAEmBpYFgH7Co43qOEzUQWL8KzrRuvm72Ms_HxRTeuPs9kV1R1DS0q5sbt-8o_XRlUWJZOIwMZX6q8-t3hTBYPOBCctDhyphenhyphennC1_grURPz54S4xIwh0YfaHv8XgVglFuwKyzkfsjCxh-E/s1600/SPAM-subject.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPOAEmBpYFgH7Co43qOEzUQWL8KzrRuvm72Ms_HxRTeuPs9kV1R1DS0q5sbt-8o_XRlUWJZOIwMZX6q8-t3hTBYPOBCctDhyphenhyphennC1_grURPz54S4xIwh0YfaHv8XgVglFuwKyzkfsjCxh-E/s320/SPAM-subject.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If there is an email which is caught by mistake, make sure you tick and check the<b> Not Spam</b> button.<br />
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To prevent good email from being treated by your email system as SPAM make sure you add that person to your <b>Contacts</b> as this will help.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-18593993143615544282012-03-17T19:06:00.000+00:002013-04-20T09:39:46.696+01:00Not Perfect but...<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The for this see if you can use a dictation machine and Microsoft windows seven speech recognition to write a blog. </i> </blockquote>
This is basically a test to see if you can record what you want to say to an <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-WS-110-Digital-Voice-Recorder/dp/B000V3NU0S" target="_blank"><b>Olympus WS-110 Digital Voice Recorder</b></a> then play it with Notepad open using <b>Speech Recognition </b>from<b> Microsoft </b>in<b> Windows 7</b>. I then copy&paste it into Blogger. The above is raw unedited so not bad.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-16405156941545131012011-12-28T16:06:00.000+00:002012-11-30T19:53:33.018+00:00QR Codes - Making Your Own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVeFU9Myih7vX9iWXYo3OZsTwaszmp0wk6YXZ_SPzDGGOeF9J4X6K40ucHHQ0_xAv9kDniqqPbEj5N-3BYwwVMSqhplVSm7zGcaamJSDMj9qVCl1PR4kvLbkb0vePQFMPndajjisrwf2E/s1600/QR-Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVeFU9Myih7vX9iWXYo3OZsTwaszmp0wk6YXZ_SPzDGGOeF9J4X6K40ucHHQ0_xAv9kDniqqPbEj5N-3BYwwVMSqhplVSm7zGcaamJSDMj9qVCl1PR4kvLbkb0vePQFMPndajjisrwf2E/s200/QR-Blog.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
Here is a great site called <a href="http://qrcode.kaywa.com/">Kaywa</a> for generating QR Codes, they also have a program for some devices. If you do use it a lot then you probably should think about making a donation but there are many others out there, just do a <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/">Google</a> for <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&sugexp=ppwc&cp=7&gs_id=s&xhr=t&q=free+qr+code+generator&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=free+qr&aq=0&aqi=g4&aql=f&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=b37aab66f617b08d&biw=1038&bih=572"><i>Free QR Code generator</i></a>.
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This QR Code simple contains a link to this blog but you can easily have some text, phone number or SMS.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09371743345951393827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-80457570996702635772011-04-30T20:10:00.000+01:002011-12-18T13:36:38.184+00:00Biker Protected Gear - How Much Does Yours Weight?Out of interest have you ever wondered how much your bike gear weighs. Right, Me and Gear is 77Kg - Me 69K with gear removed equals 8Kg. So that's leathers, boots, gloves and lid weigh 8Kg.<br />
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It would be interesting how much a fully loaded bike of camping gear would add to this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866524861508270805.post-47299296184095369922011-04-20T20:21:00.007+01:002012-08-23T13:25:13.014+01:00Installing a 12V socket to a Yamaha FZS600 Motorcycle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1y_BkAsWIw-RI7kH4xtahvNBlgKP2rbg1Huq0D9Fl5Yn00MAo3l7xt8BF0pKFk0moTUVZFT8nmKc22pvkANKnaiNEslmXqsEjGQze5r6cz8Wub9mmsN-lBZ8Rmc_09hK0tdJLJlI2r5j/s1600/10042011146.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650454584489794498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1y_BkAsWIw-RI7kH4xtahvNBlgKP2rbg1Huq0D9Fl5Yn00MAo3l7xt8BF0pKFk0moTUVZFT8nmKc22pvkANKnaiNEslmXqsEjGQze5r6cz8Wub9mmsN-lBZ8Rmc_09hK0tdJLJlI2r5j/s200/10042011146.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 150px;" /></a>It has taken me nearly 2 years of saying I would do this to actually installing a 12V socket on my Yamaha Fazer. Camping by bike is what I do most for events like BMF and The Bulldog Bash which is both enjoyable and good value for money. This will now allow me to charge a SatNAV, mobile phone or plug in a pump for an air-bed.<br />
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If you are planning to do the same first look at where you want to put the socket. Think about the length of cable from the plug to the device to help you decide where. I chose to put mine under the seat which means I do not have to wire it into the ignition circuit or put a switch in to stop anyone draining my battery.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Waterproof-Socket-Cigarette-Lighter-Accessory/dp/B003I61DSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304189717&sr=8-1">12V Waterproof Socket Cigarette Lighter</a> (C) came from Amazon and was the most expensive part at £4.50. Both <a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/blade-type-fuses-10140">10A Blade Fuse</a> (A) £0.52 and <a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/splashproof-blade-fuseholder-24539">30A Blade Fuseholder</a> (B) £2.29 came from Maplin which was bought in store.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljMWNawlteNebj99PkAJGr5quGMyLQDqa6YE4ahA12IFNTZkpf44H0RCgjutdZmf7dm4euFi05BPsi1aoy45WbafH0oIBzhdVvUPhHZVIT7NjBSslMe9NVacst2v-3HTF_cDSyc9L4wq7/s1600/12042011153.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650455496660746770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljMWNawlteNebj99PkAJGr5quGMyLQDqa6YE4ahA12IFNTZkpf44H0RCgjutdZmf7dm4euFi05BPsi1aoy45WbafH0oIBzhdVvUPhHZVIT7NjBSslMe9NVacst2v-3HTF_cDSyc9L4wq7/s200/12042011153.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a>Firstly strip, twist and solder the joins. One the red cable I reused the connector which came with the 12V socket hence the extra join. You will need another.</div>
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A mate let me have some spare black wire and also provided tubing which covered the joins which was then heat shrunk using a heat gun.<br />
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I decided to use black insulation tape over the top too to make sure that it was water tight.<br />
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I would recommend getting a multimeter and checking the resistance just to make sue all the joints are good and there are no short-outs. Do not install the fuse yet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjddyH5hhFKB9tW907y7E5hnA8Sp2vfIn2zlcPMgmgIS8B-8Pfc-0nHeQovuEbRkUPdN-bII5DjGCd4SM23QS50q3IPAuA6ehNzX0j0FO3Fi0VPqcWD36X2ZNa7X-tsclmbD8m2erkTZP/s1600/13042011155.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650455853450062530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjddyH5hhFKB9tW907y7E5hnA8Sp2vfIn2zlcPMgmgIS8B-8Pfc-0nHeQovuEbRkUPdN-bII5DjGCd4SM23QS50q3IPAuA6ehNzX0j0FO3Fi0VPqcWD36X2ZNa7X-tsclmbD8m2erkTZP/s200/13042011155.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a>Attach the socket under the seat to a cleaned area using Velcro. This means you can move it out of the way to make more room under the seat for luggage. When positioning make sure you leave enough room to be able to plug & unplug and that the plug can sit in the socket cleanly when the seat is put back into place.</div>
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With the fuse not installed from <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3G5p7eZUOFZVNhfKeJ-ZcHcMeRTBjmjBUOZOtM81_vGtVWStAYyf55SqdJ4Rsh75Ba6L7ao7e89-qleWEwzikqBh_yHDChdVvIzpJ8Ti35tFKT4nqH14nvs05-umzhEIPk5B9t2bNeNuq/s1600/13042011157.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650457130352848098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3G5p7eZUOFZVNhfKeJ-ZcHcMeRTBjmjBUOZOtM81_vGtVWStAYyf55SqdJ4Rsh75Ba6L7ao7e89-qleWEwzikqBh_yHDChdVvIzpJ8Ti35tFKT4nqH14nvs05-umzhEIPk5B9t2bNeNuq/s200/13042011157.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 150px;" /></a>this new wiring first connect the red positive (+) cable to the battery. I actually used latex gloves to avoid accidentally shorting out the battery or the motorcycle wiring. Clean up the current connections to the battery. I put a tiny smear of Vaseline on the connectors to ensure of a good connection.<br />
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There was enough gap to push the connector through the back of the red protective terminal cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWX0Cuc80Bwf7Rbk6_AmRxUAmlXyk0Gw66IlwsqGUiwcMXzB_8jYJmWUVRzKgmO3ljp2JG98bjr7vU61mQ9ZU3FvY07CVKLWFCaCwQGxxA61cOY44j8y_-X2zPCAd4dG8Z4kDu9YfQlPH/s1600/13042011156.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650456483511117170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWX0Cuc80Bwf7Rbk6_AmRxUAmlXyk0Gw66IlwsqGUiwcMXzB_8jYJmWUVRzKgmO3ljp2JG98bjr7vU61mQ9ZU3FvY07CVKLWFCaCwQGxxA61cOY44j8y_-X2zPCAd4dG8Z4kDu9YfQlPH/s200/13042011156.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a>Next connect the black negative (-) cable. Again clean and Vaseline the contacts.</div>
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I did not wear latex gloves for this bit as the bike is negatively earthed so this cable is normally okay if it touches any part of the bike.</div>
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Finally put the fuse in.<br />
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You can now put the 10A (amp) fuse in. I tested it by plugging in just my SatNAV cable which had an LED which lights even when the SatNAV is not connected.</div>
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Providing your motorcycle is charging the battery correctly it should be possible to have a mobile charging without the engine running. Anything like a pump make sure the engine is running or you might be push starting your bike next time. Basically if in doubt run the engine.</div>
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The other advantages of having this not connected as part of the ignition circuit are you can lock a mobile on charge under the seat (make sure no one sees you doing this) while you go get some lunch and do not have to leave your keys in the ignition.</div>
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The main disadvantage is that if you have soft panniers which lay across the seat then it is difficult to get under the seat. As they say think about Location Location Location.... and what and how you are going to use it. </div>
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