As the new owner so put it... she's gone :(
Luckily she went to a good home. She'll be looked after and finished. One day... I'll buy her back! (well I can hope!).
Saturday, April 14, 2007
"NOOOO SHESS GOOONE!!!!"
As the new owner so put it... she's gone :(
Luckily she went to a good home. She'll be looked after and finished. One day... I'll buy her back! (well I can hope!).
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Is white the new black?
I like black cars. I always have, and I've owned a good few. The Monaro proudly (hiding) outside my house is Phantom black (pretty black if you ask me) and although it's a complete pig to keep clean, I love it. I like other colours too - red (the Citroen is quite fetching and almost wipe-clean) and a nice blue goes a long way.
However, white is not a colour that I'm particularly taken with. It's just so '70s. Beyond that, with the weather we enjoy it's permenatly dirty (in my mind) and the sun doesn't shine enough to get that colour (or lack of) glowing.
But this week I've seen that colour about more than usual. Police cars are going silver now (helps resale) so car manufacturers can try selling the colour as attractive once more. I still remember Porsche (911), Ferrari (Testarossa) and Lamborghini (Countach) all marketing their super cars in white and Porsche are now at it again, as are Lamborhini. Ferrari - not so much.
This very morning I saw a new(ish) BMW M3 in white - and it really suited the car. Odd. The 911 GT3 looks fantastic in white and I'd certainly drive a Murcielago in gleaming white any day of the week. Or an RS4. Or a Monaro. Hmm...
However, white is not a colour that I'm particularly taken with. It's just so '70s. Beyond that, with the weather we enjoy it's permenatly dirty (in my mind) and the sun doesn't shine enough to get that colour (or lack of) glowing.
But this week I've seen that colour about more than usual. Police cars are going silver now (helps resale) so car manufacturers can try selling the colour as attractive once more. I still remember Porsche (911), Ferrari (Testarossa) and Lamborghini (Countach) all marketing their super cars in white and Porsche are now at it again, as are Lamborhini. Ferrari - not so much.
This very morning I saw a new(ish) BMW M3 in white - and it really suited the car. Odd. The 911 GT3 looks fantastic in white and I'd certainly drive a Murcielago in gleaming white any day of the week. Or an RS4. Or a Monaro. Hmm...
Friday, March 23, 2007
Things it takes most of us 50 years to learn
1. The badness of a movie is directly proportional to the number of helicopters in it.
2. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving time.
3. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
4. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
5. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is: age 11.
6. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
7. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
8. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
9. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.
10. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and he decides to deliver a message to humanity, he will NOT use as his messenger a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle or in some cases, really bad make-up too.
11. You should not confuse your career with your life.
12. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter/janitor, is not a nice person.
13. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
14. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.
15. Your true friends love you, anyway.
16. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
2. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-saving time.
3. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
4. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
5. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is: age 11.
6. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
7. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
8. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
9. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.
10. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and he decides to deliver a message to humanity, he will NOT use as his messenger a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle or in some cases, really bad make-up too.
11. You should not confuse your career with your life.
12. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter/janitor, is not a nice person.
13. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
14. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.
15. Your true friends love you, anyway.
16. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
What's worse for the environment; the Prius or the Hummer?
March 7, 2007
Prius Outdoes Hummer in Environmental Damage
By Chris Demorro
Staff Writer
The Toyota Prius has become the flagship car for those in our society so environmentally conscious that they are willing to spend a premium to show the world how much they care. Unfortunately for them, their ultimate ‘green car’ is the source of some of the worst pollution in North America; it takes more combined energy per Prius to produce than a Hummer.
Before we delve into the seedy underworld of hybrids, you must first understand how a hybrid works. For this, we will use the most popular hybrid on the market, the Toyota Prius.
The Prius is powered by not one, but two engines: a standard 76 horsepower, 1.5-liter gas engine found in most cars today and a battery- powered engine that deals out 67 horsepower and a whooping 295ft/lbs of torque, below 2000 revolutions per minute. Essentially, the Toyota Synergy Drive system, as it is so called, propels the car from a dead stop to up to 30mph. This is where the largest percent of gas is consumed. As any physics major can tell you, it takes more energy to get an object moving than to keep it moving. The battery is recharged through the braking system, as well as when the gasoline engine takes over anywhere north of 30mph. It seems like a great energy efficient and environmentally sound car, right?
You would be right if you went by the old government EPA estimates, which netted the Prius an incredible 60 miles per gallon in the city and 51 miles per gallon on the highway. Unfortunately for Toyota, the government realized how unrealistic their EPA tests were, which consisted of highway speeds limited to 55mph and acceleration of only 3.3 mph per second. The new tests which affect all 2008 models give a much more realistic rating with highway speeds of 80mph and acceleration of 8mph per second. This has dropped the Prius’s EPA down by 25 percent to an average of 45mpg. This now puts the Toyota within spitting distance of cars like the Chevy Aveo, which costs less then half what the Prius costs.
However, if that was the only issue with the Prius, I wouldn’t be writing this article. It gets much worse.
Building a Toyota Prius causes more environmental damage than a Hummer that is on the road for three times longer than a Prius. As already noted, the Prius is partly driven by a battery which contains nickel. The nickel is mined and smelted at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. This plant has caused so much environmental damage to the surrounding environment that NASA has used the ‘dead zone’ around the plant to test moon rovers. The area around the plant is devoid of any life for miles.
The plant is the source of all the nickel found in a Prius’ battery and Toyota purchases 1,000 tons annually. Dubbed the Superstack, the plague-factory has spread sulfur dioxide across northern Ontario, becoming every environmentalist’s nightmare.
“The acid rain around Sudbury was so bad it destroyed all the plants and the soil slid down off the hillside,” said Canadian Greenpeace energy-coordinator David Martin during an interview with Mail, a British-based newspaper.
All of this would be bad enough in and of itself; however, the journey to make a hybrid doesn’t end there. The nickel produced by this disastrous plant is shipped via massive container ship to the largest nickel refinery in Europe. From there, the nickel hops over to China to produce ‘nickel foam.’ From there, it goes to Japan. Finally, the completed batteries are shipped to the United States, finalizing the around-the-world trip required to produce a single Prius battery. Are these not sounding less and less like environmentally sound cars and more like a farce?
Wait, I haven’t even got to the best part yet.
When you pool together all the combined energy it takes to drive and build a Toyota Prius, the flagship car of energy fanatics, it takes almost 50 percent more energy than a Hummer - the Prius’s arch nemesis.
Through a study by CNW Marketing called “Dust to Dust,” the total combined energy is taken from all the electrical, fuel, transportation, materials (metal, plastic, etc) and hundreds of other factors over the expected lifetime of a vehicle. The Prius costs an average of $3.25 per mile driven over a lifetime of 100,000 miles - the expected lifespan of the Hybrid.
The Hummer, on the other hand, costs a more fiscal $1.95 per mile to put on the road over an expected lifetime of 300,000 miles. That means the Hummer will last three times longer than a Prius and use less combined energy doing it.
So, if you are really an environmentalist - ditch the Prius. Instead, buy one of the most economical cars available - a Toyota Scion xB. The Scion only costs a paltry $0.48 per mile to put on the road. If you are still obsessed over gas mileage - buy a Chevy Aveo and fix that lead foot.
One last fun fact for you: it takes five years to offset the premium price of a Prius. Meaning, you have to wait 60 months to save any money over a non-hybrid car because of lower gas expenses.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tis a Tuesday
So there is some debate as to whether Top Gear is coming back to our screens. Or, there is debate on whether the current lineup will include Jeremy Clarkson and James May (both are out of contract, I hear).
Actually, JC's comments about them not being back in the summer might just mean that - that they'll be back later on. He's hardly one to be serious in such matters and just loves stirring things up.
Personally I think they'll be back - but I think things may change - not least because the track they use is being redeveloped (so they need a new one). It'll be interesting to see how that moves on (and no, 5th Gear is no replacement).
I'm now nearly six weeks in to the Citroen C1 ownership regime. It's a wonderfully silly little car. Too small for load lugging (thank god) but plenty perky with it's 3-cylinder, 980cc, 69hp Toyota lump. I don't know how fast it'll go (and I ain't trying) but around town it's a hoot and very easy to park (and to clean!). I'd recommend it to anyone that needs cheap and (very) cheerful transport. My only quibble is the fit and finish. But it's cheap.
I've also joined Fitness First (shhh). I'm now training 'of an early morning and I much prefer it to trying to find the energy after teaching in the evening. Sure, I have to pay but now I know for a fact I'll use it!
Gemma and I also redecorated last week. I'll get some pics up at some point - it's rather nice now :)
Actually, JC's comments about them not being back in the summer might just mean that - that they'll be back later on. He's hardly one to be serious in such matters and just loves stirring things up.
Personally I think they'll be back - but I think things may change - not least because the track they use is being redeveloped (so they need a new one). It'll be interesting to see how that moves on (and no, 5th Gear is no replacement).
I'm now nearly six weeks in to the Citroen C1 ownership regime. It's a wonderfully silly little car. Too small for load lugging (thank god) but plenty perky with it's 3-cylinder, 980cc, 69hp Toyota lump. I don't know how fast it'll go (and I ain't trying) but around town it's a hoot and very easy to park (and to clean!). I'd recommend it to anyone that needs cheap and (very) cheerful transport. My only quibble is the fit and finish. But it's cheap.
I've also joined Fitness First (shhh). I'm now training 'of an early morning and I much prefer it to trying to find the energy after teaching in the evening. Sure, I have to pay but now I know for a fact I'll use it!
Gemma and I also redecorated last week. I'll get some pics up at some point - it's rather nice now :)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Silverstone Rally Experience
Today, Simon (and his brother Mike) and I "popped" up to Silverstone for a spot of sideways action. What can I say?
I expected it to be a laugh but I had no idea I'd end up giggling like a school girl! What a brilliant day! Go now - you simply have to. Obviously the real-world use may be minimal but it's the first time I've been handbrake turning and powerslide legally! Hehe..
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Interview with the Lambo boss...
A really nice interview with the boss at Lamborhini. I just LOVE those cars and one day, one day I will own one. I tell you now. I really do. :D
Monday, January 22, 2007
I love the 70s...
I don't - as I was born in '78 and no nothing about it. However, the 'Vortex does the car years quite well and here is a newish thread (at time of writing). The year, my birth of, is 1978.
Not, so far, a great automotive year (oil crisis mainly meant low HP from big CC!)
Not, so far, a great automotive year (oil crisis mainly meant low HP from big CC!)
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Yes, I'm getting old...
...and with it, the overpowering urge to buy a 4-door car. Okay, it's not any old 4-door, and it does go like hell. It still is, however, after everything, a 4-door. A saloon at that and worst of all it's German.
I makes me sad inside, seriously, to wake up and peer out the window to see my hulking great V8 monster of a Monaro out there and think "it's not as nice as the four door audi".
Screw it. Not that it matters anyway - it's twice as expensive as the Monaro and would make me look like a stuck up arsehole of man that is spending all his free time trying to prove to BMW M3 owners that I too can only drive in the outside lane and have also forgotten what indicators are (blinkers, repeaters.. what ever).
What is it? RS4.
Hmm.
Okay. It's worse. £57k with options (excluding the ceramics).
Ooh, better. £48k with 2000 miles on the clock. Ouch - that's depreciation. Hehe... cool. :p
I makes me sad inside, seriously, to wake up and peer out the window to see my hulking great V8 monster of a Monaro out there and think "it's not as nice as the four door audi".
Screw it. Not that it matters anyway - it's twice as expensive as the Monaro and would make me look like a stuck up arsehole of man that is spending all his free time trying to prove to BMW M3 owners that I too can only drive in the outside lane and have also forgotten what indicators are (blinkers, repeaters.. what ever).
What is it? RS4.
Hmm.
Okay. It's worse. £57k with options (excluding the ceramics).
Ooh, better. £48k with 2000 miles on the clock. Ouch - that's depreciation. Hehe... cool. :p
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Woo
How's things? I'm fine thanks... and Burning Crusade just arrived - which probably means my life is effectively over.
What else? Ah yes, I'm no longer moving home. Turns out it's not quite as 'in the bag' as you'd think. We even lost the house we had put an offer in because of over-zealous estate agents. I now know what I need to - and will be more careful when I DO next year. Hmm.
Get over to Gateworld and read up on Stargate and the movies - oh yes, the movie :D
And finally. I bought one of these to replace the Calibra (yeah it's finally going!). Why? It's the cheapest car in the UK to run - and the Monaro ain't goin' nowhere!
I'm aim to misbehave. You with me?
What else? Ah yes, I'm no longer moving home. Turns out it's not quite as 'in the bag' as you'd think. We even lost the house we had put an offer in because of over-zealous estate agents. I now know what I need to - and will be more careful when I DO next year. Hmm.
Get over to Gateworld and read up on Stargate and the movies - oh yes, the movie :D
And finally. I bought one of these to replace the Calibra (yeah it's finally going!). Why? It's the cheapest car in the UK to run - and the Monaro ain't goin' nowhere!
I'm aim to misbehave. You with me?
New F35 Lightening II
I had no idea there were four models of this new fighter. It's more than just impressive. Have a look.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Transformers
Check out the Trailer. I have done - albeit in silence - so I look forward to seeing more of this soon.
Even though there is only a split second view - the Camaro is in there :D
Even though there is only a split second view - the Camaro is in there :D
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Cool trailers, SG and something teary.
Having literally just watched Die Hard 2 - here's a trailer for Die Hard 4!. John's still got it...
Shrek was a great movie. The sequel, I think, was even better. Here's Shrek The Third. The trailer is better than Shrek 2...
Hands up who like Stargate? ME! (There's no emoticon for a hand..). Well here is some awesome news. Oh hell yes.
And lastly something from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air that actually made me cry. If it doesn't work for you, you have no soul.
Shrek was a great movie. The sequel, I think, was even better. Here's Shrek The Third. The trailer is better than Shrek 2...
Hands up who like Stargate? ME! (There's no emoticon for a hand..). Well here is some awesome news. Oh hell yes.
And lastly something from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air that actually made me cry. If it doesn't work for you, you have no soul.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A few links that got my attention...
Oops?. Quickly followed by 'You're fired!' I suspect :o
Why I love the XBox 360... Mass Effect. Indeed. Oh, and have you seen Gears of War? (drools)
Bungie talk about the Halo 3 trailer (yes, it also rocks).
Oh and you ALL know Leeroy Jenkins... or, do you?
Lastly.. Firefly kicks ass. So do the fans! Nuff said.
Why I love the XBox 360... Mass Effect. Indeed. Oh, and have you seen Gears of War? (drools)
Bungie talk about the Halo 3 trailer (yes, it also rocks).
Oh and you ALL know Leeroy Jenkins... or, do you?
Lastly.. Firefly kicks ass. So do the fans! Nuff said.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Why I didn't build a V8 Calibra...
This creation is just wonderful. It makes me want to build a V8 Calibra... but the work involved is beyond my capabilities, monies and time. However, I think you should look. It's coming along nicely.
Yes.. it's not a Calibra - but it's close enough. :)
Yes.. it's not a Calibra - but it's close enough. :)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
PS4 coming - but not before 2010...
Not exactly surprising news, but then again anything can happen; especially during these next-gen days. My only issue is; I'll probably only be able to afford a PS3 in 2010...
Monday, December 04, 2006
1054hp 997
It's just stuuupid, but I love it. Check it out here.
Looks like it means business - but pretty it ain't!
Looks like it means business - but pretty it ain't!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Hmm, yeah...
Okay, so it's a stock-blogger template, but it's pretty nice I think. I am going to mess with it so bear with me. Eventually the whole site will look nice and fresh. Let's see where it goes.
And, if it suddenly looks 'wrong' that'll be me. :)
And, if it suddenly looks 'wrong' that'll be me. :)
More blue devil news...
Looky here for some pics of the Corvette Blue Devil in testing... could be 6.2 litres and a big charger giving in the region of 650bhp...
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Stuff
Well it's been nearly three weeks since my last update - and with good reason. Beyond sleep, I've pretty much had no time to myself. Not that I can complain, busy is good.
So, the PS3 exists. Good luck to it - it's hideously expensive and not even in the UK yet. Boo.
The Wii is out (and over here on the 8th... right near my birthday) and I reckon it's a winner. I can't wait to have a go myself.
I now have a 'new' XBox 360 - my last one died recently due to bad weather (maybe the sky was the wrong colour). But it's sat in my lounge awaiting a TV to plug it in to. Yup, a pre-req is a TV. Shocker.
The Deanus and I are now getting our fingers out and building our site Helos which, when done, will be our portal for web building. We might even make a buck.
If you're out for a new phone, then I heartily recommend the Orange SPV M3100. Not only is it a phone, but it's a PDA and 2MP Camera. I bought it simply because I needed more info on the move and with it's slide-out QWERTY keyboard and built-in WIFI it covers all the bases. Marvellous.
Observation for today: As a bike rider I am the forgotten about, and pushed aside user of the road. But even I obey the road rules. YOU car drivers do not have right over me - so beeping your horn as I move over to turn right does automatically mean I'm in the wrong you wrinkly old cow.
Red lights, as far as I'm aware, mean STOP. You know, slow down, halt etc. So why, oh why, do I see you monkies (every single day) driving through that red light on the Eastern Road/Farlington roundabout? Okay - so it goes red as you go through it - fine (yellow still means stop your car fool) but once it's red does that mean 12 cars can safely drive through? No. It does not. Shame on you. Hopefully you'll be caught and/or be involved in an accident that smashes your nice BMW up. Fools.
Let's hope you don't kill the cyclist with right of way.
So, the PS3 exists. Good luck to it - it's hideously expensive and not even in the UK yet. Boo.
The Wii is out (and over here on the 8th... right near my birthday) and I reckon it's a winner. I can't wait to have a go myself.
I now have a 'new' XBox 360 - my last one died recently due to bad weather (maybe the sky was the wrong colour). But it's sat in my lounge awaiting a TV to plug it in to. Yup, a pre-req is a TV. Shocker.
The Deanus and I are now getting our fingers out and building our site Helos which, when done, will be our portal for web building. We might even make a buck.
If you're out for a new phone, then I heartily recommend the Orange SPV M3100. Not only is it a phone, but it's a PDA and 2MP Camera. I bought it simply because I needed more info on the move and with it's slide-out QWERTY keyboard and built-in WIFI it covers all the bases. Marvellous.
Observation for today: As a bike rider I am the forgotten about, and pushed aside user of the road. But even I obey the road rules. YOU car drivers do not have right over me - so beeping your horn as I move over to turn right does automatically mean I'm in the wrong you wrinkly old cow.
Red lights, as far as I'm aware, mean STOP. You know, slow down, halt etc. So why, oh why, do I see you monkies (every single day) driving through that red light on the Eastern Road/Farlington roundabout? Okay - so it goes red as you go through it - fine (yellow still means stop your car fool) but once it's red does that mean 12 cars can safely drive through? No. It does not. Shame on you. Hopefully you'll be caught and/or be involved in an accident that smashes your nice BMW up. Fools.
Let's hope you don't kill the cyclist with right of way.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Bupa Great South Run
After seeing this I thought I'd write my own little bit on running. In particular, last weekend's Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth. It's a 10 mile road run around the Southsea area on the south coast of England, taking in the entire seafront itself as well as Old Portsmouth.
This year is the second year I've done it (1hr 26 first time round, 1hr 21 this) and the first time I've done it barefoot.
Oh yes. Barefoot.
Why? Well that's not really a question that has a one line answer but here goes nuthin' :)
I've always felt more comfortable barefoot - well, yes, most people do (probably), but I mean when training. Be it a Circuits class, teaching or running. Admittedly I'd not done a huge amount of road running barefoot - mostly up to 4 miles and more recently up to about 7 miles. So far I'd really enjoyed it and the odd time it rained I'd even enjoyed being a child and splashing through the puddles :P
But 10 miles? Hmm. Well, why not I thought! I'd given myself an aim - run at least once a week, starting small (a mile, maybe more) on grass and then grass/concrete and finally just concrete. Of course, life does get in the way and that never really happened. Through June I did manage some grass running and had moved on to concrete (Southsea seafront) throughout the warmer months but in hindsight, you can never do too much!
To be blunt though, the last three weeks were really the only time I put foot to concrete and went out running. Thankfully, years of training that way have kept my feet strong enough not to worry about blisters and cycling 10/15 miles a day had kept my legs and back in trim.
On the day it rained. Really, properly, torrentially, threw it down. This was new - I like running in the rain, it's cooling and once you're wet, you're wet - but I'd been pretty lucky with my barefoot running in that I'd had the odd shower, run through the odd puddle and it'd been windy, but never like that! Over the course of 10 miles I was worried that my skin would soften too much and cause me problems - well, it didn't happen. Not even slightly! Bit of a bonus that.
Would I do it again? Yup! I'll be doing it next year - hoping to better my time and I'll be training harder and longer and putting in some half-marathon distances in as well as I'd really like to do a full marathon barefoot (crazy is as crazy does).
One thing I like to mention is that we weren't born with shoes - nor did we evolve initially with them, and there have been many runners like myself (and I'm no natural runner, believe me) so it's not that weird. Modern lifestyles and made us softer, less tolerant of nature and I'm not subscribing to it. :)
Oh, and I would do your research before casting off your shoes - there's nothing worse that getting hurt trying something new! ;)
This year is the second year I've done it (1hr 26 first time round, 1hr 21 this) and the first time I've done it barefoot.
Oh yes. Barefoot.
Why? Well that's not really a question that has a one line answer but here goes nuthin' :)
I've always felt more comfortable barefoot - well, yes, most people do (probably), but I mean when training. Be it a Circuits class, teaching or running. Admittedly I'd not done a huge amount of road running barefoot - mostly up to 4 miles and more recently up to about 7 miles. So far I'd really enjoyed it and the odd time it rained I'd even enjoyed being a child and splashing through the puddles :P
But 10 miles? Hmm. Well, why not I thought! I'd given myself an aim - run at least once a week, starting small (a mile, maybe more) on grass and then grass/concrete and finally just concrete. Of course, life does get in the way and that never really happened. Through June I did manage some grass running and had moved on to concrete (Southsea seafront) throughout the warmer months but in hindsight, you can never do too much!
To be blunt though, the last three weeks were really the only time I put foot to concrete and went out running. Thankfully, years of training that way have kept my feet strong enough not to worry about blisters and cycling 10/15 miles a day had kept my legs and back in trim.
On the day it rained. Really, properly, torrentially, threw it down. This was new - I like running in the rain, it's cooling and once you're wet, you're wet - but I'd been pretty lucky with my barefoot running in that I'd had the odd shower, run through the odd puddle and it'd been windy, but never like that! Over the course of 10 miles I was worried that my skin would soften too much and cause me problems - well, it didn't happen. Not even slightly! Bit of a bonus that.
Would I do it again? Yup! I'll be doing it next year - hoping to better my time and I'll be training harder and longer and putting in some half-marathon distances in as well as I'd really like to do a full marathon barefoot (crazy is as crazy does).
One thing I like to mention is that we weren't born with shoes - nor did we evolve initially with them, and there have been many runners like myself (and I'm no natural runner, believe me) so it's not that weird. Modern lifestyles and made us softer, less tolerant of nature and I'm not subscribing to it. :)
Oh, and I would do your research before casting off your shoes - there's nothing worse that getting hurt trying something new! ;)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
WoW:BC delayed
If, and only if, the above line makes sense can you read the following. Go nuts. See you in January ;)
Friday, October 13, 2006
I'm selling my house :O
Have a looksee.
Yup, the time has come. The Monaro (pictured) needs a garage and with Gemma and I living under the same roof, we need more space and, well, it's time to move on. Not that I'm not happy, I am. I just want more. More more more. Gimmie.
Plus I like the idea of polishing the beast even when it's tipping it down outside. Hell yeah! :D
Yup, the time has come. The Monaro (pictured) needs a garage and with Gemma and I living under the same roof, we need more space and, well, it's time to move on. Not that I'm not happy, I am. I just want more. More more more. Gimmie.
Plus I like the idea of polishing the beast even when it's tipping it down outside. Hell yeah! :D
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The blame game
Few will argue that Jeremy Clarkson has a way with words. I'm pretty certain that over the course of his career, he's mainly made a name for himself for his use of words, and metaphor - and this article does him, and Richard Hammond proud.
Read it. Laugh, and don't feel bad about doing so.
Read it. Laugh, and don't feel bad about doing so.
News travels... supercharged!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Some interesting links:
First off, a techy one. We ALL know how inaccurate films are when it comes to IT and computers. They use flashy graphics to show command line interface prompts and computers are suddenly very noisy for no reason.
Here is a list of the worst offenders. There are no real surprises though!
Secondly, the F-35. If you don't know much about this plane then having a look here. This is mostly focusing on the engine (the most powerful in a plane of this type) but it's still very cool!
Thirdly, a console link. This is in-game footage of Lost Odyssey. Not sure I believe it - but why not eh?
Oh and if you want to contribute to the Get Well Soon Hamster appeal (Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service) for Richard Hammond, then clicky!. At the time of writing it was close to £29,000! Amazing.
Here is a list of the worst offenders. There are no real surprises though!
Secondly, the F-35. If you don't know much about this plane then having a look here. This is mostly focusing on the engine (the most powerful in a plane of this type) but it's still very cool!
Thirdly, a console link. This is in-game footage of Lost Odyssey. Not sure I believe it - but why not eh?
Oh and if you want to contribute to the Get Well Soon Hamster appeal (Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service) for Richard Hammond, then clicky!. At the time of writing it was close to £29,000! Amazing.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Poor, poor Hamster
Well as you are already aware, Richard Hammond is not a well chappy. I'd just like to wish my best to him and his family.
While I can't say whether he'd be on TG again this year, I'd imagine he'll be recovering. TG won't be the same.
While I can't say whether he'd be on TG again this year, I'd imagine he'll be recovering. TG won't be the same.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Microsoft Vista RC1 out.. there....
Here is the link if you are interested in downloading the 2.4gb (I could be little off on that) iso (dvd only).
I'm interested, but I'm not sure I'll ever get round to installing it on anything. Hmm. I'm a Mac man these days but I guess, being in IT, I should at least have a look.
I'm interested, but I'm not sure I'll ever get round to installing it on anything. Hmm. I'm a Mac man these days but I guess, being in IT, I should at least have a look.
Have you dugg?
I have to say that DIGG is probably my most frequented site at the moment (bar, The Register, Slashdot, Ctrl Alt Delete and Del.ici.ous - not to mention VGCats!). It's a news portal (I've mentioned it before) but it's just chocka full of good links - today's favourite is Top 99 Undiscovered Websites. It's quite amazing what is out there at the moment and literally, like it says, undiscovered (largely - obviously someone knows!).
Check it out. It's almost as useful as reading the news. :D
Check it out. It's almost as useful as reading the news. :D
Friday, August 11, 2006
XGL/Compiz - Mac OS Leopard - Vista
Take a look at this and think to yourself which is more advanced. Hell, which is prettier for the sake of a presentation?
Hint: It's not Mac OS, nor Vista.
Hint: It's not Mac OS, nor Vista.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Time for a monthly update
Ah, another few weeks since my last update. Hardly surprising with the busy-ness and work. Well, what has been going on eh?
Firstly, work. It's been hellishly busy. This is a 'good thing'(TM) and I'm not going to complain. Secondly, I still teach in the evenings, and thirdly, we (Gemma and I) are redecorating so my evenings are pretty full too. See, busy. :p
Oh and my weekends are pretty shot too.
I'm 'hoping'(TM) to get back to WoW at some point in the next couple of months. It'll keep me from going out and spending money I don't have - and it's been a while since I've really played any games. With Gemma here, I always tend to have something to do or somewhere to go (again, not complaining).
The Calibra did not sell - nor was it broken, so I'm buying a bike to get around on (and to save the huge fuel bills the Monaro appears to demand) - so I'll let you know how that pans out in the near future (tiring I bet!).
Oh and Helos.co.uk now has a 'Work in progress'(TM) screen up while Dean and I work out the site design and logoing. I, should, have done this by now but I've been retiring before 11pm and work (see above) has kept the ol' creative juices at a minimum. You know that'll change and I'll get my butt moving soon enough. Oh, and it's our fledgling web design company... kinda makes sense ;)
What else? Ah - go see Cars, Superman Returns and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 as soon as you can. They all rock (especially Cars!).
Firstly, work. It's been hellishly busy. This is a 'good thing'(TM) and I'm not going to complain. Secondly, I still teach in the evenings, and thirdly, we (Gemma and I) are redecorating so my evenings are pretty full too. See, busy. :p
Oh and my weekends are pretty shot too.
I'm 'hoping'(TM) to get back to WoW at some point in the next couple of months. It'll keep me from going out and spending money I don't have - and it's been a while since I've really played any games. With Gemma here, I always tend to have something to do or somewhere to go (again, not complaining).
The Calibra did not sell - nor was it broken, so I'm buying a bike to get around on (and to save the huge fuel bills the Monaro appears to demand) - so I'll let you know how that pans out in the near future (tiring I bet!).
Oh and Helos.co.uk now has a 'Work in progress'(TM) screen up while Dean and I work out the site design and logoing. I, should, have done this by now but I've been retiring before 11pm and work (see above) has kept the ol' creative juices at a minimum. You know that'll change and I'll get my butt moving soon enough. Oh, and it's our fledgling web design company... kinda makes sense ;)
What else? Ah - go see Cars, Superman Returns and Pirates of the Caribbean 2 as soon as you can. They all rock (especially Cars!).
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
A nice 'repair XP' link
I've been doing this for years and honestly didn't think it 'hidden', but it clearly is or there wouldn't be a 5 page article on it.
Anyway, check this out and see for yourself. If you have a misbehaving, or dead XP installation - try this first! :D
Anyway, check this out and see for yourself. If you have a misbehaving, or dead XP installation - try this first! :D
Friday, July 14, 2006
Long time no see...
I thought to myself, but one minute ago, "Hey.. I have a blog, don't I?" and thought I pop on over to see when I last posted. Hmm, slacker.
Well I'll be frank, since I got back from holiday it's been non-stop. I'm back (again) from Gemma's GRADUATION (hell yeah) which was a really nice couple of days (2:1 by the way). She's currently moving in with me (heh) and life is busy.
The Calibra's life is finally coming to an end. I attempted to sell up but nothing came of it. The Monaro is just too good and expensive a car to play sister to any other. It's killing me to break it for parts but I really have no choice. There is a very small chance I'll make enough from the engine and ancilleries to retro-fit a V6 or something else in the car, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Check out either ClubCalibra or MIGWeb to see for yourself :(
Well I'll be frank, since I got back from holiday it's been non-stop. I'm back (again) from Gemma's GRADUATION (hell yeah) which was a really nice couple of days (2:1 by the way). She's currently moving in with me (heh) and life is busy.
The Calibra's life is finally coming to an end. I attempted to sell up but nothing came of it. The Monaro is just too good and expensive a car to play sister to any other. It's killing me to break it for parts but I really have no choice. There is a very small chance I'll make enough from the engine and ancilleries to retro-fit a V6 or something else in the car, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Check out either ClubCalibra or MIGWeb to see for yourself :(
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Here I am!
Fresh back from a holiday in Majorca with Gemma - tanned, rested and ready to go. I just don't know where.
Anyway, big news today is Spider Man 3 and the trailer. I CANNOT WAIT. This simply rocks beyond belief.
Oh Pirates 2 and Supy look awesome as well (and have both had great reviews). This makes it a great comic book year on the big screen! I can't wait to see them all! :D
Pics of the holiday soon(ish). Got loads of with a new web project ;)
Anyway, big news today is Spider Man 3 and the trailer. I CANNOT WAIT. This simply rocks beyond belief.
Oh Pirates 2 and Supy look awesome as well (and have both had great reviews). This makes it a great comic book year on the big screen! I can't wait to see them all! :D
Pics of the holiday soon(ish). Got loads of with a new web project ;)
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A few places to be
First up, Digg. It's a news site but it's 'dugg' by us. Have a nose, it's great.
Second, after the Halo 3 video I posted below I had a nose around Eurogamer. Lots of trailers for games across all platforms. Really cool.
After my recent XBox 360 purchase I found QJ.net. For all formats but tailored to each machine. It's just a news/link site but it's really helpful.
Wanna chat online, in a browser, using Yahoo, MSN etc? Cool - try Meebo. Clever.
Ever thought you had a really cool favourites/bookmarks list on your browser? Well now you can tell the world and share it with del.icio.us. The site is a bit hard to find with it's URL being like that, but it's kinda cool. I've not uploaded/listed anything but it's certainly interesting to see what others have.
If you haven't already visited remakes.org then I suggest you at least have a look. If you like retro gaming, then this is the place to be. Remakes of games like Paradroid, Wings of Fury and the upcoming Driller are just too great to ignore!
If, like me, you find the idea of installing 3gb or more of Office applications a bore and a total waste of precious gaming/3d space then Thinkfree is where you should be headed. Online. Office. Nuff said. (Oh, and it's fantastic).
Second, after the Halo 3 video I posted below I had a nose around Eurogamer. Lots of trailers for games across all platforms. Really cool.
After my recent XBox 360 purchase I found QJ.net. For all formats but tailored to each machine. It's just a news/link site but it's really helpful.
Wanna chat online, in a browser, using Yahoo, MSN etc? Cool - try Meebo. Clever.
Ever thought you had a really cool favourites/bookmarks list on your browser? Well now you can tell the world and share it with del.icio.us. The site is a bit hard to find with it's URL being like that, but it's kinda cool. I've not uploaded/listed anything but it's certainly interesting to see what others have.
If you haven't already visited remakes.org then I suggest you at least have a look. If you like retro gaming, then this is the place to be. Remakes of games like Paradroid, Wings of Fury and the upcoming Driller are just too great to ignore!
If, like me, you find the idea of installing 3gb or more of Office applications a bore and a total waste of precious gaming/3d space then Thinkfree is where you should be headed. Online. Office. Nuff said. (Oh, and it's fantastic).
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