[blacklion1725]

A day late but Happy Birthday PM – hope you had a good’un !

[blacklion1725]

I had a couple fail a few years back – both sandisks and both had to go back to the Czech Republic at my expense – so now swerve that brand. No others – all though now do far less in terms of PC/Laptop fiddling as they (especially PCs) are a dying breed. Both mine that failed went out like a light switch – not heard of an SSD being anything other than alive/dead (normally with no symptoms/warning – be interested to see the outcome.

[blacklion1725]

I know what you mean Bob. I have a 4K telly (Sony Android 55″) and it did look very good- but I only noticed for about 5 minutes then just pay more attention to what you are watching (the annihilation of  Watford) than the quality. I’m the same with lower quality stuff (wonky streams etc) – if its watchable I’m fine – bad audio is what really grates rather than the picture. I compared the 4K with the terrestrial broadcast (not sure if that is 1080p or 1080i) and it (to me) was noticably better, but the 1080 version was absolutely fine. Much bigger difference between HD and a Freesat SD broadcast than between 4K and HD in my opinion.

[blacklion1725]

yeah Bob – terrestrial is not 4K/UHD though – only get that option through the iPlayer.

[blacklion1725]

Sorry Duke but made me chuckle……

[blacklion1725]

No vested interest in the league title –  but in the name of all things holy please please pretty please with sugar on top – LFC you MUST beat the spuds in Madrid. Three pals of mine will make life unbearable if you don’t. It honestly does not bear thinking about if that lot win.

[blacklion1725]

I think it was pushed out as part of a Wylie update (move away from Cyanogen) some time back – in which case I don’t think you can get rid – you may be able to disable though through settings/apps. Doesn’t appear it is malicious though.

[blacklion1725]

Very interesting Dave. I’m on Vodafone BB (£26/month less £60 cash back over 18 months – all good so far. My mobile is with three and I get terrific and consistent speeds (recently cut back from unlimited to 12GB)….so I think this would be viable. I assume I could plug my router in to this via the ethernet port and use this (Huawei) as a modem in the way that my openreach modem works with FTTC now – leaving the current router to handle all the VPN, DHCP etc) If so I’ll have a think when my 18 months is up. One odd thing with Three round here is that when they do (occasional) maintenance work they notify you (which is good) but always seem to do it during core hours (which is less good). Good stuff though- food for thought.

[blacklion1725]

Is this for the pub Duke – if so I’d recommend a dedicated audio solution with a google home device feeding in to it. A lot of the newer systems a multi-zone so (if the need arose) you could feed different sound sources to different rooms. If you’ve got access to a Richer Sounds be well worth popping in and talking to them. I’m thinking an AV receiver might be what you need as you’d have the option of piping sound from your Sky through it too – but if not then an audio-only solution may be cheaper. The good news is that there is decent gear a-plenty on ebay and elsewhere,  but I reckon you could go “new” and stay within budget.

[blacklion1725]

Agree with Duke. They are in danger of compromising the whole sport to try and find a scientific way of dealing with this. I’ve looked at Serena Williams annihilating opponents who are physically inferior – but she is a woman and aside from talent and hard work has fortunate genetics. I heard Sharon Davies on the radio in the week and she was pretty much saying that except that she said there could be an “open” division (separate to men and women) that would cover anyone who’s gender was naturally indeterminate as well as those who had opted for sex change operations). Don’t know what I think about to be honest, but a tiny problem (numbers wise) shouldn’t be allowed to derail the whole sport.

[blacklion1725]

Thanks Drezha – we got bought out by a  private equity firm – and it was very soon obvious that jumping now (with our very generous legacy terms) was a safer bet than hanging around and getting pushed in a year (when they our owners have been able to slash the terms). I joined early enough that I had the protected right to retire from 50 onwards. By the way for anyone who rolls their eyes at Trade Unions, my legacy terms were protected thanks to Unite – I know there’s a lot of nutters rolling round the TUC but aside from those individuals many (Unions and their officials)  do amazing work that many (including those NOT in a union) benefit from and often take for granted.

[blacklion1725]

Its a “proper” airport now mate! Only annoying (but understandable) think is the timetable – for example me and me eldest went to Barcelona a couple of years back – great and cheap flight out from Southend on Easyjet – less great flight back on Ryanair in to Stansted which is not that much further away but more of a kerfuffle and Ryanair is not a great airline. At Southend from walking in to the terminal we were sat in the bar with a pint in 10 minutes. And the “gate” was about 50 yards away. Happy days.

[blacklion1725]

Thanks Dave – a mate of mine has done the Trans-Siberian Express and said it was incredible. I’ve also heard some of the internal Russian journeys are excellent – e.g. Volgograd/Stalingrad to Moscow is 18 hours (nearly had to use it last year due to fog affecting flights. Apparently it is a great way to travel if you are not in a rush, and some of the stations are works of art – I’ve seen Volgograd and it is very impressive. For Europe, the convenience (and cost) of flying from Southend tends to keep me off the railway. Its a short cab ride (or a lift if we can ponce one) and the airport (although it can get crowded) is a doddle compared to the biggies. Back on the trains, I’m thinking about visiting Kursk next year, which annoyingly youhave to flay over to get to Moscow then get a slow (but apparently enjoyable) chugger all the way back. Thanks for the links, I’m saving all this info and recommendations from you all – appreciate the advice.

[blacklion1725]

Noted and thanks Richard

[blacklion1725]

Thanks Bob – the “main” holiday is booked – a romantic tour of Stalingrad (Volgograd) and Moscow for the lucky lady.

I’ve always fancied a river cruise though and she is very open to the idea. It is definitely one for the future. Only things that put me off is (i) too many people in too small a place and (ii) dress codes (I’m a scruffy b@stard). If I can find one that accept oiks (but not too many) then I’m there!

There are Volga cruises which look very nice but I know I won’t get her back to Russia again (well not for a good while anyway!).

[blacklion1725]

Yeah that’s how I saw it Duke. Even 2 would have been manageable but blimey what a free kick for the third. No way did 3-0 reflect the game though. Your boys should have scored at least one and probably two. Difficult to see Barca not scoring at Anfield which would make it nigh on impossible (and its a stretch already). They were saying on the radio Spurs played a lot worse but are still bang in their tie wheres as yours played a lot better yet they are all but out. Funny old game!

[blacklion1725]

Thanks Ed – I’m (just) 53 so definitely not treating this as the end of work, hopefully just the end of anything to do with corporate life (although work did hint at going back as a contractor in 6 months). I’ve really had enough of offices and desks and trains/tubes. Also the boss works full time so she would not be impressed if I twiddle me thumbs permanently!

On volunteering there may be some voluntary stuff I ‘ll do with one of the West Ham supporter’s groups, but for now I’m planning to avoid work till the end of August at least and possibly this whole tax year.That will let me get a load of work done on the house and garden and a couple of holidays. Saying that if something great dropped out of the sky that could all change.

Cheers for the advice all – lots of things I hadn’t thought about.

[blacklion1725]

Thank You Tippon – I’m definitely someone who needs to know what he’s doing in advance. I’m going try and set myself jobs in advance – today is already taken care of. Casual spending is another thing I’ll need to be aware of – and I’ve also got stacks of stuff to list and sell (and probably a load more to sort and take to Charity or dump).

Bob – thanks – I will definitely keep that as a “possible” – I think in a few months a few days/part time would suit me fine. Have a mate a couple of years in front of me who works 3 nights a week stacking shelves – just for pin money and to keep himself out of mischief – he’s as happy as Larry.

[blacklion1725]

Dave, Bob – thank you both. Dave that trip looks fantastic – right up my street. I will put that on the list – I suspect Mrs BL would be keener on that trip than this August’s (already booked) romantic week in Stalingrad and Moscow ! Bob that [garden idea] is a very good shout – my only problem is that I know nowt about plants…..but its something I’d not thought of and there’s loads of those places round here.

[blacklion1725]

Cheers PM – I will definitely be working again – but maybe not this tax year. You are right and I’m aware of my own weaknesses (the devil makes work for idle hands is me all over), I’ve got loads to do on the house and garden, a couple of holidays scheduled with the guvnor and then I’ll be looking to work again – at least part time, hopefully nowhere near “corporate land” though. Would love it to be local and even better outdoors.

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