General - a Pint of your Finest Chrisps Please Landlord

Adnams Broadside and strong cheddar crisps?  Well its true and sounds good to me at least.

‘The unmistakable, robust tang of a drop of Southwold-brewed Adnams Broadside has been married with piquant mature cheddar in a wacky new crisp flavour devised in Norwich.

The crisp chefs at Kettle Chips, based in Bowthorpe, came up with the fun idea to conjure up the taste of a perfect ploughman's in a packet - and hope it's the dream snack every crisp connoisseur's been waiting for.

Technology - Trekker 3 Maps now Available to Order

The map update process for Trekker 3  users is now online.  Humanware will send out the new map and POI information from Navtech on cd.  
Check out this link to order yours.

Anyone using the HP 4150 or Del X50 or X51 can install Trekker version 3 so enjoy.  Its rather good actually as map data costs a fortune to update in cars and this is much less expensive.

Beer - R I P John Young and the Ram Brewery

Young’s Ram Brewery is now closed and in other sad news John Young passed away last week.  the newspapers are speculating that the family will now sell up to a big pub group.  I really hope this doesn’t happen.  I will try a pint of younggs tonight with Dave in memory of a good man and some lovely beers.

General - Blindness Purity test

If you have a visual impairment and are not easily offended check out this blindness purity test.  No, I’m not telling my result.

Withnail 20 years on

The greatest British comedy of all time, Withnail
and I, is 20 years old! Check out the site and get
Withnail drunk for a chance to win a weekend away
in the good old English countryside
http://www.withnaildvd.com/pb.html

General - Torquay Chatter

Frosty and I worked in London yesterday before heading down the M4 in the car accompanied by the sounds of BBC Radio2 to the beautiful county of Devon.  Yes I’m in the west country at the moment and looking forward to a cooked breakfast and work in Truro later on today.  We spent last night in Torquay and had a smashing curry in the Bombay Express.   The manager was a little reluctant to let me in at first because of Jaid but a bit of diplomacy worked and I really enjoyed my food.  The dinner was concluded with much apologising from the manager, a free pint would have been nicer but we can’t have everything.  Some people would rather just go if someone doesn’t want to let them in with a guide dog, but I believe in politely standing my ground and hopefully creating a good impression that will stay with the restaurant owners so they may welcome Guide Dogs back in the future and this was one such occasion.  I always get a feeling of satisfaction when Jaid and I are successful in this regard and last night was one such occasion.  Its fine for Guide Dogs for the Blind to advocate for us, but often the voice of the organisation isn’t understood by some of our Ethnic restaurant managers because of the language barrier so as a community its up to us to educate when possible.  Sure we will always get some bloody minded people who refuse to listen and are breaking the law such as my Chinese friend in Ipswich but I’m dealing with him through the Disability Rights Commission at the moment and Hope to be successful.

It was wonderful having a Guinness sat on the terrace of the hotel with the smell of salty air and good company.  Autumn is well on her way and this made it even more special as I won’t have many more drinks sat outside now until the spring though I could be proven wrong I guess.

The Heritage Hotel in the coastal town of Torquay is rather nice with a good bar and Chris and I were upgraded to palatial rooms I’m sure because of Jaid.  They appeared to have an interesting mix of clientele down in the bar with a couple of unhappy young Thai ladies not really breaking the sad and unfortunate stereotype with what appeared to be a pimp.  I guess Torquay is the Blackpool of the South West coast as it’s a favourite destination for stag weekends.

Dave is back from the US so spending a night or two in Epsom and this will probably be his last as I’m moving at the end of Nov start of Dec.

I’ve not seen Clare now for a few weeks for a number of reasons including a hectic schedule and she can’t yet use the underground with Malone.  GDBA are dragging feet over this and I hope they are quicker when I get my next dog as I won’t have 8 weeks in which I am unable to use the damned tube because of work.

In other news I’m to become an uncle for the third time.  I think Seann and Isabel are fortunate and wish them the best with number 3.

I’d also like to recommend the Sue Townsend book Number Ten.  It’s a tongue  in cheek look at British Politics encompassing New Labour and the somewhat topical power games within the party between the chancellor and the PM.  It kept me up all Monday night and had me laughing out loud often.  I think Uncle Bernard would call them Belly Laughs.  My other reading matter of choice lately has been the Disc world trilogy by terry Pratchet.  Fantasy books are not my bag usually but I find the heady mix of comedy and pointed observation on society enthralling.

My next CD purchase will most probably be the latest Winger album IV.  Ok, so people take the piss out of Winger but when you look past the first two Hair Metal albums the last masterpiece Pull was a stormer but ignored at the time in favour of grunge and from the sound samples on melodicrock.com this is similar in style with a more up-to-date production and some good musicianship and songs.  Evanescence  have a new album out in October and I wonder how that will turn out after one of the founders of the band left leaving the beautiful and talented Amy Lee to front the metal Goth combo.

The latest Dream Theatre live opus is sensational and the vocals occasionally the week point in the bands live output are the best ever.  Even if you have the other live cds pick this one up and you won’t be disappointed.

I don’t have any dvds on pre-order at the moment as my series 4 of the 1970s comedy I didn’t Know You Cared dropped through the door yesterday.  This funny show written by Peter Tinniswood still makes me laugh to this day and was a breakthrough in TV comedy at the time.

Nothing much on the whisky front but Ardbeg have a new 16 year old release on the way and enitial reports from people who have tasted it have been complementary.  I’ll be sure to pick up a few bottles.  I did open a  wonderfully fruity Benriach 1975 sherry cask expression on Monday in preparation for Daves visit so I’ll get his notes and put them up with mine if possible over the next day or so.

I am still waiting to order a Sub-Woofer and am looking at a new box from BK.  Acording to a post on av-forum.

‘Apparently BK are working on using the Monolith driver in a sealed cube of about
15" in a down firing orientation. There is also new amp in development rated at 500W
(I think) which will have a XLS200 mk2 style x-over bypass. Pricing wasn't mentioned but will be "somewhere between the Monolith and the XLS200, but nearer the Monolith as the amp components are expensive". I wouldn't be surprised if pricing goes up/down, depending on the popularity of the SVS model. Still, sounds like it'll be less than the SVS offering and substantially less than a REL 505. Release date was, again, vague but October was mentioned. Apparently the sub is in the "lasst phases of development"  ‘

Two coffees and a tea later plus much rambling on this post and I’d better go and shower.  My caffeine levels are simply singing as I type so TTFN

General - Neat little town they call Belfast

I find myself in the Ramada Hotel in Belfast early on Friday probably because of an admin error at work.  This place is rather expensive and much more luxurious than the various eysocs Hotels I’ve been staying at all week.  I guess it makes up for the poor cabins on the boats anyhow.  Yes, this place actually has cookies in the bedrooms a first for me when in Ireland and also hot chocolate!!!!!

I’ve never been disappointed with Dublin and once again our stay was most enjoyable.  We were made extremely welcome on all our visits and the level of interest in GPS was well up on last year.  We met up with Derry and Martha on Wednesday evening and had a sumptuous Cajon  dinner wile Derry entertained us all.  They also had a mug printed for me with a picture of Jaid on and her name which I’ll treasure as it was a cute thought and looks lovely.  I’m always a little sad when leaving the Irish Republic and this ttime was no exception as we drove over the dividing line in to Northern Ireland a place I’ve never been before.

It is my first time in Belfast  but Alan and I were tired last night so a quick trip in to the city and a KFC were all that I saw of this historical place that’s had its share of troubles over the last few years.  We have a  focus on GPS show at Grovner House today so I will get chance to put my various GPS systems through a good test in the city centre.

More on the next paragraph.

I flew back in to Gatwick airport fantastically assisted by Sarah Lauran Lucy and Brent the flight crew aboard the Airbus.  I have to hold the flag up for Easy Jet.  They are much better than the other budget carrier and the staff are professional and courteous and go to much trouble to make sure that someone travelling with a Guide Dog is briefed about procedures and informed.

Airport security at each end was rather strict but not taking any liquids on the flight in my hand luggage I didn’t have any problems even though boarding the flight was a little slower than usual.  The only disappointing part was when I was in one of the bars at Belfast International. on ordering a second pint of guiniss and the last on Irish soil for a few months I was told by the greet and assist person that I was to go to departure I couldn’t waist this pint of black magic so had to down it in one, a shame as I’d enjoyed the first.

I’m now back at home and recovering from a long week.

General - Dublin, GPS and more

It’s the end of a long day so just one or two bits.

This is an interesting article from USA Today with info on the Trekker and BN GPS.

We went to chat to the people at the Irish Guide Dogs today and spent some time with them.  I met a lovely Goldendoodle – Highbred Standard Poodle and Golden retriever called Chad and another who’s name escapes me at the moment.  Really cracking dogs and very friendly.

Alan and us two Martins, that is Martin G and myself had a byte to eat and a quick pint in Temple bar tonight.

That’s all for now

Technology - Humanware BrailleConnect

Some news about some new Humanware Braille technology.

BrailleConnect 12 – Your Communication Talent

The BrailleConnect 12 is a communication oriented, super small mini-Braille display.  Whilst using the integrated 6-dot Braille keyboard together with the 12-cell Braille display you also can turn into a mobile communication professional
writing and reading SMS Text Messages operating your mobile phone or PDA With BrailleConnect 12 it is not a problem

BrailleConnect 12 – The Supermini The dimensions of the BrailleConnect 12 are 130 mm in width, 81 mm in length and  only 17 mm in height. Its weight is a minor 202 grams.  With its 12 Braille cells the BrailleConnect 12 is just a little wider then a sigarette box but only half as thick ! The weight of the BrailleConnect 12 is only a little  more than your mobile phone. Fully charged batteries enable you to read and write  Braille
completely wireless for up to 20 hours.

The BrailleConnect 12 – Universal and Flexible
If speech output of your mobile phone or PDA is muted, you can now also use these
tools during meetings or in public transport – without disturbing. In case battery
power should be down, no special charging device is necessary. Of course BAUM  supplies one with the BrailleConnect 12, but you can also use a Nokia mobile phone  charger, should you have this already.

BrailleConnect 12 – The Power Package with Comfortable Functionality
Apart from the 6-dot Braille keyboard, BrailleConnect 12 uses more elements that  enable you to work easy and comfortable:
6 Display keys Navi-Stick left and right 2 space keys Of course the BrailleConnect can also be connected to a PC or laptop using almost any screen reader, but this task rather can be carried out by its bigger Sister: BrailleConnect 40 with 8-dot Braille keyboard.

General - Corktastic

Not much to report today.  We’ve done some POI adding around Cork tried a new triple hopped version of Guinness called Toucan and visited some educational places.  I had intended to take a trip over to the Beamish brewery this afternoon but 1 it wasn’t in the GPS and 2 both Alan and I took a little nap a little this afternoon after a fitful night on the ferry.  BTW Murphy’s brewery is in the POI.

General - Don't Pay the Ferry Man

The little dog and myself had a rather interesting journey over to Cork because of a fire in the Langly area of London.  This meant that I travelled from Waterloo to Paddington on the Bakerloo line and then was turned back to Waterloo so had to take the 20 minute plus journey back to the station of the French name.  I then had to make an extra change in Reading  but Alan met me in Cardiff so we made the Cork Swansea ferryboat in good time.

My cabin was rather small and it wasn’t the deluxe super style one with luxuries like a porthole, it did have a shower and WC with a sink chucked in for good measure and also a desk so things weren’t too bad at all.  The only drawback was a lack of any UK plugs in the room which was actually somewhat of a problem for me.  For those interested the phone in my billet was an aged dial style effort!

The boat was rather old but had a good restaurant serving better than expected food, I selected a pork medallion meat dish with roast potatoes and a cheese sauce.

We then went over  to the bar for a pint or two and a chat.  They actually had a very comprehensive range of Irish beers including Guinness, Murphy’s Beamish stout and Red  and that long forgotten taste of UK bars in the 1990s Kilkenny.

As I type we are journeying through a bit of a swell and the time is nearing 11 in the evening.  I won’t get this blog up for a day or so purely because I don’t have any web access in this 4th deck cabin.  The dog has been fed and waterd, she’s also attended to natures requirements on deck so I’m going to have a dram of my Highland Park 66 then hit the sack.  O, it is rather exciting sleeping on a top bunk, something from my childhood past.  I’m always keyed up  when going over to Ireland and most of my work will be GPS so hopefully a beautiful combination.

More soon.

General - Stepney Stumble

It wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had, in fact it ranks up with ‘o, lets blow thousands on hifi kit’, but somehow staying in Stepney last night appeared the correct thing to do at the time.

I spent yesterday afternoon attempting to persuade an ATW assessor of the merits of some kit then we went on a little drink around Stepney including the Wetherspoons and l’Oasis a pretentious gastro pub.  Talk about extremes but the l’Oasis had plenty of malts and some very drinkable Adnams ales.

After a steady 9 or so pints we indulged in a double malt or two then went to a rather nice but sparsely furnished Indian café and purchased a range of delicacies to take back.  I was particularly enthralled with the alu chop and the tasty lamb thingies.  O G projuced a bottle of Grants which may have contributed to me feeling a little unwell when the crewel world woke me.

I got back home not long ago and am about to head off to the Amardo for Paul’s leaving shindig.  I have to be on form on Sunday as I sail from Swansea in the evening on the overnight ferry to Cork.  Thankfully Alan D and I will not be sharing cabins as some work colleagues have mentioned in jest.  There is also the small matter of a new work outfit purchase before I head off as my trip to the dry cleaners didn’t happen to day for obvious reasons. So its see you on the other side from my liver and BBFN from the part of me still able to think and talk.

Technology - Code Factory News

I expect to find that Code Factory will release Mobile Speak pocket 1.08 full version next week and they have put even more features in than we saw in the first beta.  They have also said that the smart phone version of the product will be available for download from today if everything goes to plan, so lets call that next week also for safety.

This was all in the September newsletter I received through the mail from the company.  It isn’t on the WebPages yet.

Technology - Free Point of Interest Data

These sets of Point of Interest data could be in dispensable for GPS users in the future. All POI are free from the below pages and are of good q quality.

http://www.poidownload.co.uk/poi/index.php
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/tomtompoi.php
http://www.tomtomfree.com/

It goes without saying that the free POI Converter tool could be useful to the intrepid POI collector wishing to import the critters in to AT products. Get this from http://rjdavies.users.btopenworld.com/html/poiconverter.html

I’ve found the append feature in the above program to be helpful when constructing my personal POI sets.

General - Cat and Man

Last nights 3 mile round walk went very well thanks very much.  I did get the jitters at one point on passing St Stephens
Church. A 1455 legend tells of Sir Percival Cresacre who was attacked in the woodland near the church by a wild cat which killed his horse and then set on him.  The fight lasted a long time and ended in St Peters church wear both combatants passed away because of wounds inflicted in battle.    According to legend his blood has stained one of the church walls red which can actually be seen within the entrance to the building.  Anyway there are also statues of the good local worthy and the cat in the church.  He’s also berried there and yes the church does date from the 14th century.  It used to give me the scares as a child and still evokes thoughts of nights and kings of olden England

I enjoyed my pints in the little village of Barnburgh and went home through the darkness and then o bed.

Stoke on Trent today and Worcester tonight before work in Birmingham and Bromsgrove on Wednesday.

General - Out for a walk

Its been a rather quiet weekend but this has given e time to relax and recharge a little.  The Trekker 3 beta has taken up a good amount of time and I’ve had great fun with some of the new POI functionality which will revolutionise blindness GPS when on the market.

I am going to take in the last of summer and walk 2 miles or so to a club with the dog.  Its nice walking along country roads and lanes and something I don’t do very often in Epsom.  Its nearing harvest time so the fields should be heaving.  I sued o go in them as a kid with friends and nick vedge and scrump fruit and rhubarb from the allotments but won’t do that tonight, I promise.

This is something I’d not have done without the GPS even with the guide dog so I must hope I find my way ok.

General - Friday Tea

I forgot what coming home to a proper homecooked tea was like.  The mash potatoes were buttery and soft, the gravy piquant and rampant with meat flavours.  The two pork chops on the bone were succulent and large with crisp rinds and the piles of vegetables fresh and sweet.  

I then tucked in to a pint or two of Brains darkly brooding mild ale and then a dram of that most generous and soft Spey side malt Aberlour 10 year.
Time to get some kip.

General - Yorkshire for a few days

What a poor old place.  I had a snuffle around the main street and I could smell cigarette smoke when ever a group of people congregated.  The pubs had no life and were listless with no proper beer.  It felt rather strange back in this village I’ve known for 28 years and to go around the streets I know so well with the GPS.    It looks like I shall be staying in my parents house over the weekend as my Barnsley demo has been rescheduled for Monday then I’ll probably be in Stoke on Tuesday and then Birmingham on Wednesday so I really won’t get much chance to get home and pack stuff, get dry-cleaning done and generally spend time in the gaff for which I pay my rent before we set off on our jaunt around Ireland.  I’m not sure what to do with myself in Yorkshire for the weekend but at least it should keep me out of trouble unless I head out to meet up with old school friends.

I went out with my dad and Seann tonight and had 4 or 5 gloriously creamy powerfully tasting and beautiful pints of Barnsley Bitter.  I can tell winters coming in because the air was rather chilled still and everything was silent as the dog and I arrived back at my parents place.  Saying that as I type the sun is out and I’m on my way to work.

General - a little Worried on Sheffield Station

I’m sitting at Burger king on Sheffield station and can’t for the life of me get in touch with the person I’m meant to be seeing in Barnsley.  Last night was enjoyable and after walking the dogs we went to the Plough for a pint or two and then I was given  a lift back to the flat and after saying goodbye purchased a huge chunky piece of Cod from Jimmy the Greek.

Its time for me to get the next train so more later.

General - Unhappy but Looking Forward

I'm  not  a happy bunny  at the moment haven’t been for the last few days.  I think its time to snap out of it.  God on the way back from Glasgow I was listening to David Gray things were so bad.  I sometimes get a bit like this when we're about to head on in to winter time and make silly decisions and get introverted which is just stupid really rather than counting my blessings.  Is it because I'm heading towards the end of my 20s and in to 30 and going through a silly season

I better get myself in to gear and sort out the move this week if I have time with all the travle.Oh and I'll stop listening to the David Gray too.  It always puts me in a sombre mood.  I said I'd never scribble an entry like this, but its happened so what can I do

I went to the Dragon for a few beers last night the best of which was a Dragons Breath Stout, yes as the name would imply it was rather Smokey.

I think Jaid and I are going out with Lisa for a dog walk in Worcester tonight which I'm sure Jaid will enjoy most wiggly and I'm looking forward to it also as she's in to Dream Theater so we can have a natter on the new album.

On the Technology front Keysoft 7.2 is now available for download and has some nice new features.  My testing of Trekker 3 is going very well and I can't wait to post about the new  stuff included as soon as the full NDA on the version is lifted.

It will be strange going back to Goldthorpe on Thursday with Seann married and all.  And I know nothing of Newcastle Under lime so any info gratefully received.

The keyword for today has to be positive, so come on Hereford, I'm on my way!

General - What a foxy Lady!

Yes I’m talking about Jaid.    After a little run before me going to work she rolled in some fox crap.  This is particularly noxious smelling stuff so I was less than pleased and had to take a rather wet dog on the underground after a quick bath for her and a solking for me once she’d shaken.  The joy of guide dogs!!

Speaking of the underground I’m starting to behave like a London traveller, symptoms include the following: Panicking if I’m about to miss a train even though one will be along in only two minutes should I not get the train I’m after.  Pushing through crowds on the tube and generally bad tempered plus a little rude at times well, just southern in my approach to the travelling thing.  Apparently they’ve had 5 people collapse on the underground at Kings Cross station today or so a gentleman who worked for London Underground told me..

I’m off to darby now.

Ananova - York's peace offer to Scots

Is this such a good idea?

'Under an ancient by-law, which has never been repealed, York people can "legally"
shoot Scotsmen with a bow and arrow within the city walls.
But a couple from the city are walking 240 miles to Edinburgh to present the Lord
Provost with a "peace treaty".
Ewan and Gill Main have asked York residents to sign their treaty in a bid to improve
Anglo-Scottish relations, and raise money for Survive, a charity which helps child
victims of sexual abuse, .'

General - Back on the Road

Jaid and I have another week of travel mapped out with destinations including London, Darby, Hereford, Barnsley and finishing in Newcastle Under lime on Friday.  I’m crashing in a mates flat in Worcester tonight after my Darby appointment.  True my said mate is on a little jaunt of his own at the moment so I should have a nice quiet night and enjoy the fine food and drink Worcester has to offer in one or two of its select emporiums.

Technology - Dave on tour with Hal

As a Pocket Hal user, plain speaking northerner (Preston, Lancashire) and ex ACB
Radio broadcaster (reluctantly semi-retired due to a very busy work schedule), Dave
will be well equipped to send through regular updates on the progress and events
on the tour via a Weblog and regular Podcasts. To be a part of Dave's extraordinary
adventure, make sure you subscribe online via the mini site:
http://phtour.yourdolphin.com

Technology - Maestro 2 now downloadable

Maestro two including new features such as Email media player and task support is now available to download from http://www.humanware.ca  just select language English N American and you can download the package.

General - 30th Party in Glasgow

The weekend has been a cracker thanks to Kerrie and Monty.  I arrived in to Glasgow on Friday evening and we went out for Italian then a pint or two at the Station Bar.  Two other guests turned up one from London and the other Norway

Saturday was preparation time for the party and these complete we went for a drink with a colleague of mine before heading back up to the flat and the 30th party.  Everything was lovely from the food and drink to the music and extra entertainment.  I’d never seen a chocolate fountain before so I took advantage.  They also had a piñata.  This all appears a little barbaric to me and is something we English would surely never indulge in.  A /payper
mashay donkey is suspended from the sealing and filled with sweets.  The little bugger is then battered mercilessly with mallets until he splits and cracks and the sugar laden goodness within falls all over the floor.  What an experience, I’m still recovering.

Today being Sunday as I type the hangover is throbbing nicely brought on by that quintessential Scottish libation McEwan's Export, wine and lashings of Monty’s lovely but murderous punch.  Dave is over tonight since he’s travelling over to the US tomorrow so we intend paying a local curry house a little visit when I get back home.