Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Superdickery
This is a great site showing all the odd, weird and wonderful stuff that's been in comics over the years. Worth a gander.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Daft
So it's "Summer", which means only one thing. We're British, so we're gonna moan.
It's too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer - and this weekend was no exception. I loved it - sweat 'n all. I know why it is, it's because it's never "one thing" in this bloody country. Except wet.
So this weekend I went down and saw Gem - very nice it was too (if brief). She's now finished her exams and will home at the beginning of July. Hopefully I'm going to take her away during the summer - a bit of an early 21st :) Can't wait to have her back either way.
I made 54 in WoW and joined the "Sacred Legion".. reminds me, I should sign up on their site. Anyway, should mean end game content will open up for myself, Dean et al. Good of me wasn't it? Heh... I see Si has joined up too - I can only guess Dean got him in. He needs to power level (as Dean found out - Maral is too low at 52) to make use of the Guild. But that will happen!
Happened upon this today. Mad.
It's too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer - and this weekend was no exception. I loved it - sweat 'n all. I know why it is, it's because it's never "one thing" in this bloody country. Except wet.
So this weekend I went down and saw Gem - very nice it was too (if brief). She's now finished her exams and will home at the beginning of July. Hopefully I'm going to take her away during the summer - a bit of an early 21st :) Can't wait to have her back either way.
I made 54 in WoW and joined the "Sacred Legion".. reminds me, I should sign up on their site. Anyway, should mean end game content will open up for myself, Dean et al. Good of me wasn't it? Heh... I see Si has joined up too - I can only guess Dean got him in. He needs to power level (as Dean found out - Maral is too low at 52) to make use of the Guild. But that will happen!
Happened upon this today. Mad.
Friday, June 17, 2005
New F1 rules
Today the FIA announced that they would make public the proposed changes to the regulations for the 2008 Formula One World Championship. The following is a the second part of a press release from the sports governing body, the FIA.
Some suggested objectives
We have prepared a first draft of the 2008 rules with the following objectives:
the rate of increase in performance of the cars should not exceed the rate of improvement in measures to protect the public, marshals and competitors;
the rules and the means of enforcing them should be clear so that everyone competes on the same basis;
the rules and methods of enforcement must be sufficiently flexible to deal with unforeseen technical innovation;
costs should be contained in order to (i) decrease the likelihood of a manufacturer leaving after poor results (ii) enable a private team to be competitive without the support of a major manufacturer and (iii) reduce the performance deficit of the less well-funded teams;
expensive technology which is invisible to the public and known only to a tiny band of specialist engineers should be eliminated where possible;
expensive materials or designs should not be used as a substitute for good engineering;
driver aids should be eliminated as far as possible. In particular the use of electronic devices should not be allowed to replace driver skills;
downforce should be drastically reduced and “mechanical” grip increased substantially for closer racing.
This, then, has been our approach to 2008. Criticism, constructive or otherwise, is welcome. All comments received during the July consultation period will be carefully considered when the FIA technical department finalises its proposals, which it will do in consultation with those teams and race organisers which have indicated their intention to participate in the Formula One World Championship from 2008 onwards. We will also take full account of the results of the FIA/AMD survey of public opinion. Once finalised and approved by the World Motor Sport Council and FIA General Assembly, the rules must be published before the end of 2005 as required by the Concorde Agreement. Thereafter the 2008 technical regulations cannot be changed without the agreement of everyone concerned.
Changes for 2009 will still require two years’ notice (ie publication before 31.12.2006). Thereafter notice of changes which affect the design of the car (sporting or technical) will be announced no later than 30 June to come into force for the next-but- one season (ie a change for 2010 will be announced before 30.6.2008).
Summary of the main changes proposed for 2008
ENGINES
All components of the engine will be controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which has been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
The ECU may only be used with FIA approved software and may only be connected to the control system wiring loom, sensors and actuators as specified by the FIA
All control sensors, actuators and FIA monitoring sensors will be specified and homologated by the FIA
The control system wiring loom connectivity will be specified by the FIA
A 3 litre V10 engine will remain an option for teams unable to obtain a 2.4 litre V8, but subject to similar strict performance limitations as in 2006 and 2007
Reasons
to eliminate the use of driver aids such as traction control
as teams will not be able to develop their own ECUs, expenditure on electronics will be considerably reduced
to allow the FIA to check testing mileage and other elements
to keep engine costs low for the smaller independent teams
GEARBOXES
All cars will be fitted with gear ratios, final drive ratios and differentials which have been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
Gear changing will only be permitted by the use of a manually operated mechanical linkage to the gearbox
Clutches will only be operated via a foot pedal connected mechanically to a release mechanism
Reasons
to restore control over the clutch and gear changing to the driver
the use of standard gearbox internals will result in a very significant reduction in expenditure
BODYWORK
Downforce will be reduced to approximately 10% of current levels
Drag will be maintained at current levels
Overall car width will be increased
By stipulating maximum and minimum dimensions cars will be “cleaned up” with devices such as barge boards, flip ups, winglets and other small add on parts removed
Total advertising area on the car to remain unchanged
Reasons
to reduce the reliance upon downforce as a means of improving performance
by increasing mechanical grip the likelihood of one car being able to follow another closely in corners, and hence be in an attacking position at the end of the following straight, will be increased
eliminating winglets, bargeboards, etc, will reduce costs as well as the danger of debris on the circuits
drag should remain unchanged in order to ensure straight line speeds do not increase significantly
WHEELS AND TYRES
Tyres will be supplied by one manufacturer appointed by the FIA after an invitation to tender. Such an appointment will be conditional upon :
a suitable supplier being available ;
a suitable system to ensure tyre testing is carried out in an equitable manner ;
no team being disadvantaged by the appointment of a single supplier (detailed regulations will be written to ensure this would not be the case) ;
there being no legal impediments during the process of appointing a supplier
Slick tyres will be introduced for use in dry weather
Lower profile tyres will be introduced
Significantly larger wheels with minimum and maximum sizes stipulated for front and rear will be permitted
Tyre blankets and other heating devices will be prohibited
All tyre regulations will reside in the Technical Regulations
Reasons
a single supplier would allow a bigger safety margin
the absence of competitive tyre testing would reduce costs
as relatively small differences in tyre compound and construction can have a significant effect on lap times, a single tyre supplier would simply ensure that no team would be adversely affected by being contracted to the “wrong” supplier
slick tyres would be re-introduced as a part of the low- downforce and high-mechanical-grip package
lower profile tyres would be introduced in order to give the wheels and tyres a more modern look and also permit more freedom on brakes and suspension
a ban on tyre heating devices would eliminate this significant but unnecessary expenditure
CHASSIS
The minimum height of the centre of gravity of the chassis will be specified
The minimum weight for a chassis will be specified
Energy of all impact tests will be increased
Loads for all static tests will be increased
Side intrusion test requirements will be increased
Ballast will be reduced to minimal levels
Reasons
to ensure that weight is distributed throughout the chassis
the centre of gravity requirement should result in less pure ballast being used, the minimum weight will have to be achieved by the construction of a stronger chassis
by raising the impact test speeds, the static load criteria on structures such as roll hoops and increasing the penetration resistance, drivers will be even better protected than they are at present
BRAKES
All cars will be fitted with brake discs, pads and callipers which have been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
Reason
to reduce the cost of continual development of new materials and designs, the FIA specified products will be designed to work on all types of track and last an entire Grand Prix weekend
DATA ACQUISITION AND TELEMETRY
With specific exceptions, any data acquisition system, telemetry system or associated sensors additional to those associated with the ECU will be physically separate and completely isolated from the control electronics
Pit to car telemetry will be prohibited
Reasons
to ensure that any data acquisition system used by a team cannot interfere with the FIA specified ECU and sensors
to ensure teams are unable to send messages to a car and potentially affect its performance
MATERIALS
Limitations, similar to those within the 2006 engine regulations, will be imposed on all parts of the car
Reason
costs will be reduced as research into exotic materials will be unnecessary
STARTER
All cars will be equipped with a driver operated starter which is capable of starting the car without outside assistance a minimum number of times
Reasons
to simplify the operation of starting a car, at present it is massively complex
to give the driver a chance of starting a car unaided in the event of it stopping on the track
to reduce the number of personnel needed at an Event and hence reduce costs
NOTICE OF CHANGE
Notice periods for changing the rules will be related to the effect (if any) of a change on the design of a car rather than an artificial distinction between “sporting” and “technical” regulations. There will no longer be a distinction between changes to the engine, transmission or chassis.
Reason
to ensure that changes may be made to the regulations in a timely and more realistic way
SPARE CARS
Spare cars will be prohibited, i.e. no team may have more than two built-up cars available at an Event at any one time. Spare chassis will be permitted but precisely what constitutes a car in this context will be clearly defined
Reason
by taking one car less to races teams will be able to save considerable sums of money as, apart from the cost of the car itself, fewer personnel will be needed
TESTING
Testing will be limited to 30000km per team between 1st January and 31st December, subject to a single tyre supplier being appointed
Reason
To reduce the enormous amounts of money currently being spent on testing
CAR ACQUISITION
Teams will be free to buy a complete car or any part of a car from another constructor
How constructor’s points are to be allocated will be clearly defined after further discussion
Reason
to enable a team to buy a complete car, or any part of a car, from another constructor. As a result teams will be able to save considerable sums of money on the design and development of their cars.
E.A.
Source FIA
Some suggested objectives
We have prepared a first draft of the 2008 rules with the following objectives:
the rate of increase in performance of the cars should not exceed the rate of improvement in measures to protect the public, marshals and competitors;
the rules and the means of enforcing them should be clear so that everyone competes on the same basis;
the rules and methods of enforcement must be sufficiently flexible to deal with unforeseen technical innovation;
costs should be contained in order to (i) decrease the likelihood of a manufacturer leaving after poor results (ii) enable a private team to be competitive without the support of a major manufacturer and (iii) reduce the performance deficit of the less well-funded teams;
expensive technology which is invisible to the public and known only to a tiny band of specialist engineers should be eliminated where possible;
expensive materials or designs should not be used as a substitute for good engineering;
driver aids should be eliminated as far as possible. In particular the use of electronic devices should not be allowed to replace driver skills;
downforce should be drastically reduced and “mechanical” grip increased substantially for closer racing.
This, then, has been our approach to 2008. Criticism, constructive or otherwise, is welcome. All comments received during the July consultation period will be carefully considered when the FIA technical department finalises its proposals, which it will do in consultation with those teams and race organisers which have indicated their intention to participate in the Formula One World Championship from 2008 onwards. We will also take full account of the results of the FIA/AMD survey of public opinion. Once finalised and approved by the World Motor Sport Council and FIA General Assembly, the rules must be published before the end of 2005 as required by the Concorde Agreement. Thereafter the 2008 technical regulations cannot be changed without the agreement of everyone concerned.
Changes for 2009 will still require two years’ notice (ie publication before 31.12.2006). Thereafter notice of changes which affect the design of the car (sporting or technical) will be announced no later than 30 June to come into force for the next-but- one season (ie a change for 2010 will be announced before 30.6.2008).
Summary of the main changes proposed for 2008
ENGINES
All components of the engine will be controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which has been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
The ECU may only be used with FIA approved software and may only be connected to the control system wiring loom, sensors and actuators as specified by the FIA
All control sensors, actuators and FIA monitoring sensors will be specified and homologated by the FIA
The control system wiring loom connectivity will be specified by the FIA
A 3 litre V10 engine will remain an option for teams unable to obtain a 2.4 litre V8, but subject to similar strict performance limitations as in 2006 and 2007
Reasons
to eliminate the use of driver aids such as traction control
as teams will not be able to develop their own ECUs, expenditure on electronics will be considerably reduced
to allow the FIA to check testing mileage and other elements
to keep engine costs low for the smaller independent teams
GEARBOXES
All cars will be fitted with gear ratios, final drive ratios and differentials which have been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
Gear changing will only be permitted by the use of a manually operated mechanical linkage to the gearbox
Clutches will only be operated via a foot pedal connected mechanically to a release mechanism
Reasons
to restore control over the clutch and gear changing to the driver
the use of standard gearbox internals will result in a very significant reduction in expenditure
BODYWORK
Downforce will be reduced to approximately 10% of current levels
Drag will be maintained at current levels
Overall car width will be increased
By stipulating maximum and minimum dimensions cars will be “cleaned up” with devices such as barge boards, flip ups, winglets and other small add on parts removed
Total advertising area on the car to remain unchanged
Reasons
to reduce the reliance upon downforce as a means of improving performance
by increasing mechanical grip the likelihood of one car being able to follow another closely in corners, and hence be in an attacking position at the end of the following straight, will be increased
eliminating winglets, bargeboards, etc, will reduce costs as well as the danger of debris on the circuits
drag should remain unchanged in order to ensure straight line speeds do not increase significantly
WHEELS AND TYRES
Tyres will be supplied by one manufacturer appointed by the FIA after an invitation to tender. Such an appointment will be conditional upon :
a suitable supplier being available ;
a suitable system to ensure tyre testing is carried out in an equitable manner ;
no team being disadvantaged by the appointment of a single supplier (detailed regulations will be written to ensure this would not be the case) ;
there being no legal impediments during the process of appointing a supplier
Slick tyres will be introduced for use in dry weather
Lower profile tyres will be introduced
Significantly larger wheels with minimum and maximum sizes stipulated for front and rear will be permitted
Tyre blankets and other heating devices will be prohibited
All tyre regulations will reside in the Technical Regulations
Reasons
a single supplier would allow a bigger safety margin
the absence of competitive tyre testing would reduce costs
as relatively small differences in tyre compound and construction can have a significant effect on lap times, a single tyre supplier would simply ensure that no team would be adversely affected by being contracted to the “wrong” supplier
slick tyres would be re-introduced as a part of the low- downforce and high-mechanical-grip package
lower profile tyres would be introduced in order to give the wheels and tyres a more modern look and also permit more freedom on brakes and suspension
a ban on tyre heating devices would eliminate this significant but unnecessary expenditure
CHASSIS
The minimum height of the centre of gravity of the chassis will be specified
The minimum weight for a chassis will be specified
Energy of all impact tests will be increased
Loads for all static tests will be increased
Side intrusion test requirements will be increased
Ballast will be reduced to minimal levels
Reasons
to ensure that weight is distributed throughout the chassis
the centre of gravity requirement should result in less pure ballast being used, the minimum weight will have to be achieved by the construction of a stronger chassis
by raising the impact test speeds, the static load criteria on structures such as roll hoops and increasing the penetration resistance, drivers will be even better protected than they are at present
BRAKES
All cars will be fitted with brake discs, pads and callipers which have been manufactured by an FIA designated supplier to an agreed specification
Reason
to reduce the cost of continual development of new materials and designs, the FIA specified products will be designed to work on all types of track and last an entire Grand Prix weekend
DATA ACQUISITION AND TELEMETRY
With specific exceptions, any data acquisition system, telemetry system or associated sensors additional to those associated with the ECU will be physically separate and completely isolated from the control electronics
Pit to car telemetry will be prohibited
Reasons
to ensure that any data acquisition system used by a team cannot interfere with the FIA specified ECU and sensors
to ensure teams are unable to send messages to a car and potentially affect its performance
MATERIALS
Limitations, similar to those within the 2006 engine regulations, will be imposed on all parts of the car
Reason
costs will be reduced as research into exotic materials will be unnecessary
STARTER
All cars will be equipped with a driver operated starter which is capable of starting the car without outside assistance a minimum number of times
Reasons
to simplify the operation of starting a car, at present it is massively complex
to give the driver a chance of starting a car unaided in the event of it stopping on the track
to reduce the number of personnel needed at an Event and hence reduce costs
NOTICE OF CHANGE
Notice periods for changing the rules will be related to the effect (if any) of a change on the design of a car rather than an artificial distinction between “sporting” and “technical” regulations. There will no longer be a distinction between changes to the engine, transmission or chassis.
Reason
to ensure that changes may be made to the regulations in a timely and more realistic way
SPARE CARS
Spare cars will be prohibited, i.e. no team may have more than two built-up cars available at an Event at any one time. Spare chassis will be permitted but precisely what constitutes a car in this context will be clearly defined
Reason
by taking one car less to races teams will be able to save considerable sums of money as, apart from the cost of the car itself, fewer personnel will be needed
TESTING
Testing will be limited to 30000km per team between 1st January and 31st December, subject to a single tyre supplier being appointed
Reason
To reduce the enormous amounts of money currently being spent on testing
CAR ACQUISITION
Teams will be free to buy a complete car or any part of a car from another constructor
How constructor’s points are to be allocated will be clearly defined after further discussion
Reason
to enable a team to buy a complete car, or any part of a car, from another constructor. As a result teams will be able to save considerable sums of money on the design and development of their cars.
E.A.
Source FIA
Ooh blimey
It's Friday already. I don't really know where the week has gone (but I do know I need a few hours sleep).
It's been a busy one too - the evenings have been a scrabble for work and WoW (I'm on a mission to cap level 60 within a month.. with a +1 bonus for being an uber g33k) and that meant logging on to WoW at midnight last night and staying on until 2am... without caffine. hehe.
I have plans.
The Calibra is not yet finished. However, I have plans. I've already asked some questions and checked some prices. I'm hoping I can get a hand with these... plans.
More on that later. :)
I still can't get through to the woman that hit me in the 911. So I guess I'll have to push it through insurance (the damage done does not warrant a claim though). A shame really - but what else can I do? Hmm.. maybe ask the insurance company to chase them?
The "Foo" has arrived. The album (so far) is fantastic and I recommend anyone to go out and make the purchase. I'm awaiting Jamiroquai's new one now.
Thank god it's Friday - see Gemma tomorrow! (It's been a LONG month).
It's been a busy one too - the evenings have been a scrabble for work and WoW (I'm on a mission to cap level 60 within a month.. with a +1 bonus for being an uber g33k) and that meant logging on to WoW at midnight last night and staying on until 2am... without caffine. hehe.
I have plans.
The Calibra is not yet finished. However, I have plans. I've already asked some questions and checked some prices. I'm hoping I can get a hand with these... plans.
More on that later. :)
I still can't get through to the woman that hit me in the 911. So I guess I'll have to push it through insurance (the damage done does not warrant a claim though). A shame really - but what else can I do? Hmm.. maybe ask the insurance company to chase them?
The "Foo" has arrived. The album (so far) is fantastic and I recommend anyone to go out and make the purchase. I'm awaiting Jamiroquai's new one now.
Thank god it's Friday - see Gemma tomorrow! (It's been a LONG month).
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Triumph the insult dog at the MJ trial
It's not in good taste. Nor does it reflect any opinion I may or may not have.
It IS funny though.
See it here.
It IS funny though.
See it here.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Tuesday (Two day)
Well I watched the "trial" live last night and saw MJ get cleared. Odd really as I didn't expect anything else (it was on in the background). Good to know it was on all 10 counts.
What next for Peter Pan though? Is this the beginning of the end for him or will he come back stronger than ever with a new record? Only time will tell.
I managed a tiny, insignificant amount of XP in WoW last night. I didn't have the energy to do any thing of value (or length). Maybe I'll do a quest tonight.. maybe I'll sleep. lol
Gemma has finished her penultimate exam today. One to go!
Adam, a friend through CC (he bought my black turbo) has just written his 16v off. See the damage here. Nice work.. he's fine though, except for a bruised ego.
Si, last weekend, had his second Zap Cats event. The engine went "pop" (his words) on lap one or race one. So he became a girl (his words) and managed a few races. One day I'll go watch them complete a race..
What next for Peter Pan though? Is this the beginning of the end for him or will he come back stronger than ever with a new record? Only time will tell.
I managed a tiny, insignificant amount of XP in WoW last night. I didn't have the energy to do any thing of value (or length). Maybe I'll do a quest tonight.. maybe I'll sleep. lol
Gemma has finished her penultimate exam today. One to go!
Adam, a friend through CC (he bought my black turbo) has just written his 16v off. See the damage here. Nice work.. he's fine though, except for a bruised ego.
Si, last weekend, had his second Zap Cats event. The engine went "pop" (his words) on lap one or race one. So he became a girl (his words) and managed a few races. One day I'll go watch them complete a race..
Monday, June 13, 2005
Monday (one day)
So the weekend started on Friday with the gym and a nice run on a sunny, balmy afternoon. Lovely.
Then home and straight back out to look at Laura's rear brakes (my old 8v - see the relavant page on the right!). That done, I took it round the block only to find more noises. I think a CV joint maybe on it's way out. Hmm. Anyway - pizza and a beer and back home made a nice end to the week in a "if-I-do-say-so-myself" kinda way :P
Saturday was a long one! Up early-ish and straight out to replace the Calibra's rocket gasket. These things aren't cheap (for a piece of rubber) and she's on number three already. Harsh. Anyway - that probably won't solve my oil woes - next job is the oil pressure spring adjustment which involves removing the engine mount and bumper and a reasonable amount of swearing. Joy.
Dad came down so that wiped out a couple of hours (more pizza.. but only a slice instead of the whole thing for me!) and then out to sort the 911.
She'd not seen water (other than rain) since my purchase so I did the works. Hovered, cleaned, polished, baby-oiled the seats (hmmm.. soft!) and autosol on the wheels (they have seen better days). I couldn't take any decent pics but I will soon - yum. I need professional help with the fuel gauge as I have no idea. Pah.
The quote came through for the damage done by Focus-lady. £440+VAT - and it's all labour. Oh well - I couldn't get through to her so I'll keep trying. It's not all bad really but the exhaust is wonky!
Saturday night brought level 52 in WoW - oh yes. Power levelling!
So yesterday I did very little (oh.. I did three weeks ironing Saturday too! Blimey) and just played WoW and messed around on the Mac with some video. Made 53 at 2am this morning (cripes). But when you're on a roll...
Then home and straight back out to look at Laura's rear brakes (my old 8v - see the relavant page on the right!). That done, I took it round the block only to find more noises. I think a CV joint maybe on it's way out. Hmm. Anyway - pizza and a beer and back home made a nice end to the week in a "if-I-do-say-so-myself" kinda way :P
Saturday was a long one! Up early-ish and straight out to replace the Calibra's rocket gasket. These things aren't cheap (for a piece of rubber) and she's on number three already. Harsh. Anyway - that probably won't solve my oil woes - next job is the oil pressure spring adjustment which involves removing the engine mount and bumper and a reasonable amount of swearing. Joy.
Dad came down so that wiped out a couple of hours (more pizza.. but only a slice instead of the whole thing for me!) and then out to sort the 911.
She'd not seen water (other than rain) since my purchase so I did the works. Hovered, cleaned, polished, baby-oiled the seats (hmmm.. soft!) and autosol on the wheels (they have seen better days). I couldn't take any decent pics but I will soon - yum. I need professional help with the fuel gauge as I have no idea. Pah.
The quote came through for the damage done by Focus-lady. £440+VAT - and it's all labour. Oh well - I couldn't get through to her so I'll keep trying. It's not all bad really but the exhaust is wonky!
Saturday night brought level 52 in WoW - oh yes. Power levelling!
So yesterday I did very little (oh.. I did three weeks ironing Saturday too! Blimey) and just played WoW and messed around on the Mac with some video. Made 53 at 2am this morning (cripes). But when you're on a roll...
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Roads... where we're going, we don't need.... roads.
And such is the truth of the matter. Despite the government making claims that within 10 years we'll see testing of the new "pay per mile" scheme - I honestly don't believe it's going to happen.
True, something is on the horizon - what it is, I don't know. But the plan is to screw the country over (stop people commuting - and thus give rise to unemployment) and keep our roads empty. Fine. It'll work. But then they'll need to develop a way of getting people about. By public transport? Don't make me laugh - it's a joke, and not a very funny one either.
Personally I'd like to cycle - but I have two jobs and cannot get gym equipment from Havant to Portsmouth, within an hour, by bicycle. So what am I supposed to do? Walk it? Throw it? Develop a matter transporter? No.. I know, I'll get a licence to fly helicopers. Yeah - that'll do it.
Stupid.
So, I'll emigrate - go to another country where I can enjoy being a motorist. But why should I? It's not like the car was free - and it's not like I don't already pay more than 50% of my year wage in keeping it running, legal and on the road. But I'll be changing my name to "Mama Hoseblagger" before I pay £1.34 a mile - that's for bloody sure.
So - who's up for a BTTF style hover conversion?
True, something is on the horizon - what it is, I don't know. But the plan is to screw the country over (stop people commuting - and thus give rise to unemployment) and keep our roads empty. Fine. It'll work. But then they'll need to develop a way of getting people about. By public transport? Don't make me laugh - it's a joke, and not a very funny one either.
Personally I'd like to cycle - but I have two jobs and cannot get gym equipment from Havant to Portsmouth, within an hour, by bicycle. So what am I supposed to do? Walk it? Throw it? Develop a matter transporter? No.. I know, I'll get a licence to fly helicopers. Yeah - that'll do it.
Stupid.
So, I'll emigrate - go to another country where I can enjoy being a motorist. But why should I? It's not like the car was free - and it's not like I don't already pay more than 50% of my year wage in keeping it running, legal and on the road. But I'll be changing my name to "Mama Hoseblagger" before I pay £1.34 a mile - that's for bloody sure.
So - who's up for a BTTF style hover conversion?
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Pussycat dolls
The ever lovely Jo Whiley has been touting the 'dolls for a while now and I'm loving the track. Get on over to their website to listen to it and see them as well (yes, they are hot.. just like they say they are). LOL.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Ah ha!
The weather is finally turning around! Looks like this weekend may even resemble "summer" (don't worry.. it can exist here in the UK!). So that, at least, gives me a list of jobs to do...
1. Replace rocker cover gasket on the Calibra
2. Check and replace camshaft oil seals
3. Check error codes and find out why my boost levels are so low/cutting back.
4. Take some 911 gauges out of their homes and find out why my fuel gauge is dead (the sender appears to be fine).
5. Wash alllll three cars and detail the 911 (badly needs it) - including getting the polished lip on the alloys to be.. erm... polished.
6. Look at Laura's Calibra's rear brakes... if I get time that is! I may try and do this first, on Friday - but we'll see.
Mainly the Calibra needs sorting as I don't have a lot of time before Billing.
1. Replace rocker cover gasket on the Calibra
2. Check and replace camshaft oil seals
3. Check error codes and find out why my boost levels are so low/cutting back.
4. Take some 911 gauges out of their homes and find out why my fuel gauge is dead (the sender appears to be fine).
5. Wash alllll three cars and detail the 911 (badly needs it) - including getting the polished lip on the alloys to be.. erm... polished.
6. Look at Laura's Calibra's rear brakes... if I get time that is! I may try and do this first, on Friday - but we'll see.
Mainly the Calibra needs sorting as I don't have a lot of time before Billing.
Apple in bed with Intel
So says The Register. So by 2007 all Macs will be intel based.. although that says very little and the OS makes the machine, not the chipset (although it can slow it down!).
I'm looking forward to some very fast future Macs and the next Mac OSX (Leopard) is already in the works. Cool.
I'm looking forward to some very fast future Macs and the next Mac OSX (Leopard) is already in the works. Cool.
Monday, June 06, 2005
More on the Apple/Intel issue...
Exeter "dull"
I like Exeter and it's town centre. It's different to Portsmouth and feels more friendly - but apparantly that comes at a cost. Read about it here courtesy of the BBC.
A busy weekend.. with more to come
Firstly - before I forget - This news story disburbs me. Nothing is official yet, and it could mean a new generation of cheap and fast Macs... but why x86? I really hope that if Intel are going to be making processors for Apple that they are a new kind entirely and not something compatible with our PCs.
Anyway - this weekend (for me) marked the beginning of the show season for my Calibra. I have yet to upload my pics but I'll get round to it!
I managed a quick look round the show and saw some interesting cars and mods - but I spent most of the day answering questions about my car and engine :p
Pop over to This thread on ClubCalibra for a couple of pics.. and MIG too.
Unfortunately I have my engine light on so I need to sort that out - get a new rocker cover - and I have a few other jobs I'd like to do before the next show. A pain as I don't have much time! Plus the 911 needs a working fuel gauge... damn.
Gemma should be relaxing after her 2nd exam by now.. nearly half way through!
Anyway - this weekend (for me) marked the beginning of the show season for my Calibra. I have yet to upload my pics but I'll get round to it!
I managed a quick look round the show and saw some interesting cars and mods - but I spent most of the day answering questions about my car and engine :p
Pop over to This thread on ClubCalibra for a couple of pics.. and MIG too.
Unfortunately I have my engine light on so I need to sort that out - get a new rocker cover - and I have a few other jobs I'd like to do before the next show. A pain as I don't have much time! Plus the 911 needs a working fuel gauge... damn.
Gemma should be relaxing after her 2nd exam by now.. nearly half way through!
Friday, June 03, 2005
K-nackered!
Yesterday I went and picked up my new 993!
The day started at just before 5am. Up I got (evenutally) and showered and downed a coffee (5am is too early!). Russ kindly picked me up at 6am and dropped me off on a very dull and grey morning to Southampton airport.
Luckily my flight was on time and the journey short - I arrived in Manchester at around 8am and was picked up very quickly by Peter's wife.
She took me to the car and I had a look around - and was impressed!
I thought it was solid black - however, she's a diamond black - a very slight flip in the paintwork. So that makes her quite different to my previous car! (and probably harder to clean.. lol). But she's a looker alright.
The deal was done and I set off on my way home in driving rain (typical). All went well except for a couple of niggles (fuel gauge is playing up).
I stopped on the M40 for a coffee and a quick bite to eat. Big mistake. I think. Anyway; on leaving a woman reversed in to me while I sat still! So within 2 hours of buying it it's already having an insurance claim.. oh well! It's not bad.. just annoying.
I managed to get home after about 5 hours in a very dirty Porsche - hehe - and I'm happy with her. I have some things to sort out and she needs cleaning but for now.. it's all good. I'll get some pics up later - but I have more pressing matters like PV this weekend to arrange and get ready for! So the Calibra needs a wash first... it never ends! lol
The day started at just before 5am. Up I got (evenutally) and showered and downed a coffee (5am is too early!). Russ kindly picked me up at 6am and dropped me off on a very dull and grey morning to Southampton airport.
Luckily my flight was on time and the journey short - I arrived in Manchester at around 8am and was picked up very quickly by Peter's wife.
She took me to the car and I had a look around - and was impressed!
I thought it was solid black - however, she's a diamond black - a very slight flip in the paintwork. So that makes her quite different to my previous car! (and probably harder to clean.. lol). But she's a looker alright.
The deal was done and I set off on my way home in driving rain (typical). All went well except for a couple of niggles (fuel gauge is playing up).
I stopped on the M40 for a coffee and a quick bite to eat. Big mistake. I think. Anyway; on leaving a woman reversed in to me while I sat still! So within 2 hours of buying it it's already having an insurance claim.. oh well! It's not bad.. just annoying.
I managed to get home after about 5 hours in a very dirty Porsche - hehe - and I'm happy with her. I have some things to sort out and she needs cleaning but for now.. it's all good. I'll get some pics up later - but I have more pressing matters like PV this weekend to arrange and get ready for! So the Calibra needs a wash first... it never ends! lol
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
What a day!
Firstly, I didn't even get to the office before I was accosted by dead PCs. A rather nasty virus outbreak here has caused chaos. In actual fact, only 2 people even had a virus (so far) but many others thought they did and their accounts were suspended. Whoop. So it's been a mad house today and I haven't even logged on to MSN or Yahoo! (always the first thing I do). But I'm knackered now so I thought I'd blog.
My new insurance company are being a pain. Since I'm with a broker my contact isn't to blame but it's still annoying. Basically I needed my cover note today so that I could tax the 911 tomorrow in Manchester. Has it arrived? No... so they are sending it my special delivery TO Manchester for arrival tomorrow. It had better be there or I'm taking my business elsewhere.
Early night tonight (doubtful as I won't sleep anyway) as I have to be up at 5am! Rah.
Oh and Gemma has her first exam tomorrow! EEEK! Best of luck to her! :D
My new insurance company are being a pain. Since I'm with a broker my contact isn't to blame but it's still annoying. Basically I needed my cover note today so that I could tax the 911 tomorrow in Manchester. Has it arrived? No... so they are sending it my special delivery TO Manchester for arrival tomorrow. It had better be there or I'm taking my business elsewhere.
Early night tonight (doubtful as I won't sleep anyway) as I have to be up at 5am! Rah.
Oh and Gemma has her first exam tomorrow! EEEK! Best of luck to her! :D
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday!
Was.. yesterday! Ha.. it was nice to have the day off. Makes the week a little shorter.
So what have I been up to? (and who cares?).
I've seen Star Wars: Episode 3 twice this last weekend. Once with a friend and once with my brother (and Laura). I enjoyed it more the second time as I was able to take in more of the "surrounding action" - that which you miss the first time while trying to keep up.
It's not a bad film (some of the acting is... well, questionable) but it suffers from CGI overload which I think screws the actors over. It looks amazing however you look at it though. Simply awe inspiring. It's simply a shame that the actors can't see anything while they're filming it.
Would I recommend it? Yes. I wanted to love this film simply due to the fact the previous efforts were a let down; and that was enough for me. Cynic? Yep.
Go see it - ignore the the Chancellor and his warblings and the ONE and only scene that shows Anakin going from good to bad and you'll enjoy it. Even better - take your brain out on the way in.
"There were heroes on both sides."
"Evil is everywhere".
Duh.. (you'll see).
What else. Ah yes - made 49 in WoW. Then stopped.. ran out of quests and areas to get decent XP. Hardly surprising - but I was trying to play the game properly. That'll teach me.
My poor Gemma has an evil cold. AND she has to start her exams this week. I do miss her.
So what have I been up to? (and who cares?).
I've seen Star Wars: Episode 3 twice this last weekend. Once with a friend and once with my brother (and Laura). I enjoyed it more the second time as I was able to take in more of the "surrounding action" - that which you miss the first time while trying to keep up.
It's not a bad film (some of the acting is... well, questionable) but it suffers from CGI overload which I think screws the actors over. It looks amazing however you look at it though. Simply awe inspiring. It's simply a shame that the actors can't see anything while they're filming it.
Would I recommend it? Yes. I wanted to love this film simply due to the fact the previous efforts were a let down; and that was enough for me. Cynic? Yep.
Go see it - ignore the the Chancellor and his warblings and the ONE and only scene that shows Anakin going from good to bad and you'll enjoy it. Even better - take your brain out on the way in.
"There were heroes on both sides."
"Evil is everywhere".
Duh.. (you'll see).
What else. Ah yes - made 49 in WoW. Then stopped.. ran out of quests and areas to get decent XP. Hardly surprising - but I was trying to play the game properly. That'll teach me.
My poor Gemma has an evil cold. AND she has to start her exams this week. I do miss her.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Recent sightings.. or "observations"
I walked in to town yesterday to enjoy the weather and get a decent sandwich (which is not possible at work).
On my way out I had a look around and noticed what cars were out there (it's a big car park). There is the usual lot (your Mondeo/Vectra), and the upper/middle "class" of vehicle; BMW M3, 911s, Z9s, M5s etc etc (quite a few, too) and then I noticed the following lovely cars:
New Aston Martin DB9 in Seal Grey. That is one beautiful car!
Lotus Exige. It's a daily driver too! Madman.
TVR Cerbera. In blue.. it's yummy!
There's plenty more - but clearly a lack of poor people about! :shock:
On my way out I had a look around and noticed what cars were out there (it's a big car park). There is the usual lot (your Mondeo/Vectra), and the upper/middle "class" of vehicle; BMW M3, 911s, Z9s, M5s etc etc (quite a few, too) and then I noticed the following lovely cars:
New Aston Martin DB9 in Seal Grey. That is one beautiful car!
Lotus Exige. It's a daily driver too! Madman.
TVR Cerbera. In blue.. it's yummy!
There's plenty more - but clearly a lack of poor people about! :shock:
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