[Bob Williams]

Those bugs are Thrips, Ed:     http://tinyurl.com/l4vubbu

The pests were also in an old monitor of mine some years ago, I have had them present behind the glass in photographs. I think they feed on the paper or cardboard backing behind the photos. I cannot remember who it was, but in the MM Forum there was a member who had a Thrip moving around in his avatar. They have a lot of species and sub- species and the nasty little creatures are closely related to Lice.

When I was small, I apparently had Entomophobia, a fear of insects, which gradually went away over time. Once I entered Army service and was posted around the Middle and far East, I met bugs which brought about “kill or cure” and I became more used to different insect and arachnoid life, began instead to study some. With your travels around the world, you will know the bugs I mean.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Not much wrong with the service JB, but I have reservations about the router, after using it for 12 months. Wireless prone to falling over, only 2 ethernet ports. It is very difficult to set up a non-Sky router instead, Sky have locked the router (they call it a ‘hub’) I believe there are solutions on the web for doing that. I was on FTTC and began with 14 Mbps, but they throttled me after about 4 months down to 10.5. They gave all kinds of excuses, but said they could not improve it. I am now with Plusnet and, after niggling but temporary initial problems, I have gone back to 14 Mbps with Plusnet.

I would advise anyone who takes Plusnet not to take their router though: they also call it a Hub, which it plainly is not, it’s a VDSL or ADSL router/modem. I set up my original 3 yo TP Link 9980 and it works fine. Plusnet sent one which did not work and I set up the 9980 while waiting for a replacement “Hub”. As the 9980 worked OK and I can access its webpage for tweaks, I refused collection when our Postie arrived with it and he sent it back.

It puzzles me that ISP’s nominate routers, with or without modems, as Hubs? A hub is a totally different cup of electronics, isn’t it? Please correct me if I am mistaken.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

IMHO, you have made a great job of starting and continuing to improve the forum Lee. I shall raise a glass of mineral water to your efforts on New Years Eve! ??

No resemblance to the original MM Forum, so much better in every way.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

If Liverpool do as well as Forest did today, you will be one happy supporter. Forest 4 – QPR 0. We are up to 8th, getting dizzy. What makes it even better, Derby lost at home. Perfick!

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

The Duke wrote:

Bob, You’re lucky we ain’t allowed to tell people to f-off here

Feel free Steve, if it gets it off your chest! Consider me f-d off! ☺

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

The Duke wrote:

I just wrote something super insightful and long (as usual), but this buggy beta software (8.1.0) decide I’d be better not sharing my thoughts!

Another philosophical treat missed! ??

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Did not know Bradford was owned by Germans Lee, but at least they are not Chinese or Arabs. Forest are owned by a Greek multi-millionaire shipping owner who also owns Olympiakos. He has been suspected of dirty dealings by the Greek FA, but nothing proved. I just wish he would spend some of his millions on someone who could score goals and defenders who could keep out attackers for 90+ minutes, we always seem to give away a lead late in the 2nd half. He has spent a lot on the Academy and the youth teams are doing well, but it does not translate into results when they get into the first team.

Steve, Leeds fans have a really bad name around grounds all over the country, not just at Forest. In the late 70’s (think it was) they came to Forest and caused a riot, took over the TBI (Trent Bridge Inn) and smashed it up before the game. Locals and staff legged it and police chained up doors and windows. Having no one else to fight, this drunken mob fought each other. Lots of arrests and injuries. Next time they came to Forest, police would only take buses and trains, escorted them to the ground and back again. Any supporters in cars were turned away before they could get into the city. They don’t change, according to my family who still go to every match. The most objectionable fans in English football, IMO.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Well by that time we will deep in relegation territory, so in line to make our usual miraculous recovery, so you might be in luck!

Forest supporters absolutely hate LUFC, it goes back a long way. The only team more hated by the City Ground faithful, is Derby County, for the same reasons as yours.

I just dirtied my KB by typing Derby County! Twice! I should sanitise it now.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Steve, GS always says “Im fine grandad!” to every question about his health, but as his dad left when he was a toddler I have been the ‘dad’ figure and know him inside out. He is as pale as a bottle of milk and looks like a stick figure, but is usually physically stronger than he looks, as a bully from schooldays found out when he had a go at him on the street a few months ago. “Did what you trained me to do grandad!” Apparently, according to his one (disabled) mate with him at the time, he then spoke to the lad on the floor: “And I have a good job and a flat, what do you have?” But I have to get him back for more tests at the hospital. He has had so much happen to him in his 23 years, just makes light of any illness.

He was never going to buy it immediately anyway, always waits to see how anything pans out in lots of reviews. He actually loves his 1+1 phone and it would take something special to replace it. He is definitely a Geek and would not mind you calling him that. Loves devices and gadgets, built and set up his own device and system to monitor his energy usage over the phone. If the day is colder or warmer when he is coming home, he changes the heating from his 1+1. Switches on the dishwasher and the oven to cook whatever he prepared for his evening meal. I started all that by building his first computer when he was (I think) 9. Always bought him interesting gadgets: robots, electrical and electronic kits. I have a feeling that he get on well with all Forumites with Geek tendencies! Amazing lad really, family hero to his sister and cousins.

Nolan you certainly can see the DNA of the Robin in the Razer. But as both of you say, a niche product, probably low volume sales. Not something the majority of phone users might buy and will not tempt Apple fans away.

 

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

RSB wrote:

No, SGB. Just good clubs on sky

Not Bradford City then Lee? ?

Would it be me if there were no problems with the Humax setup? Of course not! ??? I am having remote & sound issues: I have emailed Humax.

Setup: Sony 40RD453 BU TV, into a Samsung HW-J250 simple little soundbar via optical cable. This worked fine with Sky Q Box and soundbar remote. TV into Humax HD-R 1100S Freesat box, via HDMI cable. Issues: HD 1080p channels work only with the soundbar remote. Non-HD 1080i channels work only with the TV remote. TV turns on with the Humax remote, but only partially off with it: have to use the TV remote to turn it off completely. A handfull of remotes is not good, defeats the object! ☹

This is what I asked Humax: Do I need to connect the soundbar directly to the Freesat box? There is only optical connection on the soundbar. If so, I need a longer optical cable.

Into every life, a little rain must fall… As the Travis song: # why does it always rain on me? #

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Gson #1 is currently looking into the battery life, but today I have to take him for a blood test, his Thyroid and heart problems are flaring up again. This is the Aspergers lad who managed to get himself a network engineer job, almost 6 years into it now and doing well. His problem is the same as most Aspergers sufferers: he is a slave to work, only does work and home and his physical health suffers for it. I am dragging him out for a walk this weekend, along with his male cousin who has similar issues, never leaves his computer alone when not at work or college. Their respective sisters are very active, it’s a bit frustrating.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

I don’t have many plugins, only these 3:

Cisco Open H264 Video Codec.

Google Widevine content decryption module.

Shockwave Flash (latest, updated,with “Block dangerous and intrusive Flash content” box checked.)

I do have a number of Extensions I don’t want to lose though, and FF has already marked some as “Legacy”.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Thanks for that BL, looking into using NOWTV. I have same situation as you:

” I’m wired all over the house too – its just one less variable for streaming – only phones/tabs/laptop use wireless.”

I used to have a lot of bandwidth loss when too many grandbrats visiting at once, clogged up my living room and accessed their various devices. In the last couple of years their visits have been infrequent, as bf’s, mates and a gf have appeared. They also played havoc with my Hovis biscuits, but that’s another story. ☹

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Ah, “Nothing, dad!”

The answer you get from your male offspring, who always forget that you have been a lad yourself. Best two answers from my lad:

*The night I was up watching telly after his mum had gone to bed, he must have been about 19. Hammered on the door, had to let him in. he was stood there in underpants, shirt and socks. No trousers. But he had been doing – “Nothing dad!” Turns out he was visiting an engaged lady whose fiancee came home unexpectedly: he had managed to get a 72 hour pass, he was 2 Para. I threatened to smack him myself for doing that to a fellow Cherry Beret, but could not stay mad for laughing. He eventually got his pants back and his wallet, from a mate living next door to the lass. I pointed out to him that it could have been a very different ending, probably in hospital.

*The night SWMBO and I came home early from a show, as it was krap. His bedroom light dimmer switch was on low. I opened the door carefully and it was obvious from the noises floating down the stairs, that he and his then GF were enjoying themselves. I rattled the door, there was a brief silence, followed by muttering and a scuffle. After about 15 minutes they came down “What have you been up to?”

“Nothing dad.” – as GF’s face turned beet red.

Something like the conversations between me and my dad over a similar situation, years ago. Nothing new under the sun…?

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

My SWMBO is having a hip replacement on the 21st, which is great as she only went to the consultant 3 weeks ago. Today she went to Louth hospital for a Pre-Op and was put on a new programme, only being carried out at Louth Hospital. They have a team working with the consultant’s team: physiotherapists, dietitians, masseurs, etc. The intention is to get people as fit and supple as possible before the op, and then carry that on in Recovery. She has is been given a lot of stuff, and some of it is aimed at me, as I will be her carer when she comes home. The idea is to get her walking ASAP, which is great if it works as I am getting bored walking (Well I calls it walking…. ?)  on my own: her hip only started being really bad over the last 3 months, although the consultant says it is some of the worst wear he has seen.

As I say, this is only being carried out at Louth, which is a relatively small hospital. I am so relieved that she is going there, as it could have been Boston, which is a nightmare to get to and a good drive south of us. Louth is a friendly old town and the hospital is just like the town.

Nolan I hope the injection does the trick, but I understand why they won’t give you a new hip if you are fairly young. My missus is 71 and almost as riddled with the dreaded Arthur as myself. The replacements do have a Use By date, I am told. I found this whilst looking for stuff about hip replacements, might be more informative:

http://tinyurl.com/y8ta3scd

I would have hated to have had all our problems at a younger age. You have my sympathy, it must have an impact upon your activities.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Yes I had to do that when I was with them before. They throttle services, IMO as a result of being a BT puppet. (I can’t prove that) If a user complains, they throttle other users to improve your download. Sooner or later they come across someone who does not complain and it all settles down. Tip is not to comment if a neighbour complains about Plusnet!

MSE website is full of complaints like that, I never comment. But I came back to them for a reason, they were the 3rd ISP I had been with. Worst was Eclipse, they went from ADSL 2.5 Mbps to 0.50. Dial up speeds! Think they were taken over.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Just answered Lee on the other thread: I like as much as possible on my network to be ethernet, and I need a network switch in the corner where the humax box sits, to give me at least two more ports for plans I have for later.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

You’re right Lee it is wireless, but I like to use ethernet on as much of my network as possible, and I want to have at least one more ethernet port available in the corner where the Freesat box sits. I have more plans for that port, later. Space in our tiny bungalow is limited and I make best use of it.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Got the Freesat connected now. In the other Thread Steve, I comment on the Freesat EPG. To my amazement, our Gert learned how to use the remote and EPG in 10 minutes. I was gobsmacked! But it really is good, goes from standby to boot very quickly. We don’t turn anything off, I remember my mam going around the house before she hit the stairs, turning everything off and telling dad to make sure the TV and all sockets were off before he followed her. Now and again he would say “What, fridge freezer as well?” and get a withering look. The TV then actually sat on top of the fridge – freezer in their old NCB house, the old feller would not allow it in the front room. That’s where he escaped to the stereo I bought him for all his Country Music records, lubricated by a few Rums. He only watched snooker, football and boxing.

I also like the fact that I can delete all the channels I don’t want, which was not possible with Sky but used to be doable on Freeview. My next step is to connect the NOWTV box I have never used: there is another HDMI socket at the rear of the TV. As there is only one ethernet cable near the TV and Humax box, I will buy a small network switch and connect both boxes. Think that will work? There is also an ethernet socket in the rear of the TV.

That should sort out my evening couch – veggie time. ??

 

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

[Bob Williams]

Wheels-Of-Fire wrote:

Oo a proper pair of rants Hope it gets solved.

Don’t do half-hearted moans, neither does Chris apparently! A neat monitoring diagram Chris, btw. ? I just carried out regular speedtests, which is how I noticed Sky losing 3 Mbps download. They gave all kinds of “explanations” at the time, none of which made sense. That’s when I first knew I was not going to renew my contracts. Today Sky sent me not one, but two kits of cardboard boxes to return the Q box, with two separate address labels and one humungous great big plastic bag. I was not happy with the boxes: there is an inner and outer box and the assembly is ludicrously insecure. So I used some packing tape and cardboard packing to secure it. LOTS of packing tape, actually. They will have a good time opening that… ?

The TP Link router is working fine, currently giving me around 15Mbps down and 0.60 up, from Plusnet. More than I had with them 3 years ago. Also, I have installed Freesat today and it’s working happily with the Sky dish and its new LNB. SWMBO is happily watching “Flogit” as I type this and has completely mastered the remote in about 10 minutes, which is a tribute to the very good EPG. The Humax 1100S HD-R appears to be upscaling non-HD to 1080i and the HD is true 1080p, which is fine for our degraded vision. Atm, we are very happy with it.

When the Thought Police arrive at your door, think -
I'm out.

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