TWTMTW

Or for the Acronym un-friendly - That Was The Month That Was

Not blogged for almost 6 weeks, Ive either been so busy Working/Drinking been on Holiday getting Brown(er) or generally not been arsed to blog. So what have I missed then.

• Longman Ian "Ronnie" Barker leaving us - saving us money on crisps/drinks etc
• Taoski Dumping RoyalMail (CSC) for a big redundancy payoff*
• The Cookie Monster dumping Royal Mail (CSC) for a big redundancy payoff*
• Yet another potential PMP Player
• My Wonderful holiday with SWMBO and the Outlaws

* Not Necesseraily true

So it appears the company I used to work for is not a great employer at all, Pay Freezes, Compulsory Redundancies, Takeovers etc. The good old days of working for Royal Mail IT have well and truly gone, as soon as the IT business was sold off, everything changed. Not one to slag off former employers...
I'm, well, not going to say anything. Nothing at all, Nada, zip, zilch. Nuff said, even the old timers like Tao and Cookie are off.
You see - Outsourcing is definately not a bad idea, moving your call centres and helpdesk is even worse, just ask HSBC and Powergen (Hey I used to work for Powergen on the call centre, what a loopback)

More on my holiday and The thong wearing Mother-in-Law next time... keep reading

The PMP Search Continues

Q. Take 1 Archos AV500, add Bluetooth, and ....
A. The iUbi Blue 2500B
Yes I'm still on the hunt for my PMP (Portable Media Player), Even my colleagues are buying them (albeit the Archos AV700)

But this has to be the best yet (I know I say that every time). Specs include

• Video support for MPEG-1, 2, 4, DivX 3.x, DivX 4.x, DivX 5.x, Svid, WMV9, 8, 7, H.264, AVI, OGM, Mov, Real Media, meaning no need for converting my (legally backed up) Movies.
• Audio Support for MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, AC-3, ASF, AAC-LC and G.726
• Wolfsan 3D Sound Enhancement
• 4.3" Widescreen LCD screen (larger than the Archos AV500)
• 8 Hour Video/15 Hour Audio battery life
• Record directly from TV, DVD or Video (and I don't even have a video)
• USB OTG (On The Go) support, ability to download for USB connected devices
• Weight 260g, 1.9cm deep
• Bluetooth

advancedmp3players advise this is availble from 30 June for £249, do I get this or wait for the next-gen players with built-in Freeview TV Tuners

More links

- Amp3 - Stuff - engadget - gizmodo

Is this It (again)
.
Still on the search for the ultimate PMP (Portable Media Player) and I have found this..... with bonus points

It's called the Blufin by a company called Tinnos, Specs as follows

• Windows Mobile 5 Operating System
• 30Gb Hard Drive
• SD Card Slot
• 4.3" Screen
• Multiple Codec Support (WMV, DivX, MP3, WMA) - This is the big one
• USB 2.0
• 2MP Camera

The good thing about this is that it also acts as a PDA, however the bad point is that it states there is no phone built in this may be an error, and if it is an error, Put me down for one

PS3 = £425 - Are Sony taking the piss



UK Prices have just been announce for the Playstation 3.

So thats US$ 500, €425 or £425 - Something does not eqate here.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a Playstation boy through and through and wouldn't even consider defecting, but the massive difference in price will surely get a few people wondering.

With the rumours also surrounding the different versions of PS3, the lesser (cheapest) model lacking Wi-Fi, Memory Card reader and most importantly, a HDMI input, also having a smaller 20Gb Hard drive, which may not be upgradable. Just how much do they plan on ripping us off with charging for the top spec model.

I know the PS3 will have a Blu-Ray player as standard but can this justify the difference in cost to the 360 (top spec model is £280).

I wonder, will we all rush out and buy one....

... Probably

Beat Box .

I've always been fascinated by Human Beatboxx, ever since the good old days of Doug E Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew back in the 80s, to the modern day equivalent Rahzel, I think they are all absolutely amazing.

Then.... I saw this guy (Yuri Lane), who uses a Harmonica while beatboxing check the results for yourself!

Test your IQ
Did my 3 monthly checking of my hotmail emails earlier, among the crap, spam and invitations for free everything, I got a link from my cousin Daniel for an online IQ Test at tickle.com

I got 129 which seems not too bad judging by this site although I missed out te next level by 1 point - Damn

Have a go...

Getting there

I posted a while ago about my bad state of health and that I am going to try to get "fit", it took me a while but I am now going at the gym 4 - 6 times a week, I have managed to lose a bit of weight, although am losing "inches" rather than weight, I am feeling loads better, my blood pressure has gone back to normal and my cholesterol is at 4.8 although this is still classed as moderate risk, (4.7 becomes a low risk - Damn)

I have now even got my ass back on my bike after a year, I rode for 7 miles today which, although made me feeel I was going to either be sick or have a heart attack, also made me feel great - Before you say it Cookie , I know 7 miles isn't that much, but it's a start eh. I aim to go out on my bike 3 times a week and build up to riding to work a couple of days a week (12 miles each way.

I burn roughly 500 - 1000 calories on each session at the gym, and am taking approximately 1500 - 2000 calories a day through food/drink etc, with these calculations I aim to lose 2lb a week - I have 5 more weeks before I go on holiday.... fingers crossed.
signing up to Sparkpages was a great help, it gives guidance on fitness and nutrition as well as ideas for varying meals and exercises to try.

Here are some other links I have find helpful.
- Link 1- Link 2 - Link 3 - Link 4 - Link 5 - Link 6 -

Poor Jim


As Blogged yesterday, Jim has pulled a sicky called in sick, he states he has fractured his arm and cracked a rib or 3.

We are all concerned work colleagues and wish him a speedy recovery (so we can laugh when he falls over again), we have also decided we are going to be caring and call him.....

So... What to call him, his name requires a change (again),
PM Jim, Naked Jim - Time for a change !

Suggestions so far include;

Anti Weeble Jim - (Weebles Wobble but they don't fall down)
Jim "McDonalds" - "He fell over"

suggestions please?

Naked Jim Takes a Tumble ...Again

I remember the first time I went drinking with PM Jim, he decided on an early night, blaming the mixing of alcohol, only to call us (Bossman Dave and I), with what I remeber as

"Fallen... Blood.... Everywhere." - I managed to get my First aid practise that night, and Jim managed to get 13 stitches in his arm,

His version - "Slipt on the bathroom floor and sliced his arm on the toilet roll holder"
The Truth - "had his head down the toilet - shouting Ralf, got up and slipped on said ralf, sliced his arm on a toilet roll holder"

He was right about the blood everywhere though, it looked like a scene from Psycho.

The second time I went out with Jim, he fell off a pub chair in Bristol, after having a shoulder massage. (Nothing dodgy I promise) - Excuse "He was so relaxed"

The third time, I didn't go out with Jim, it was the works christmas party, I won't say much except this is how he got the name "Naked Jim".

Now this is something else, there was no alcohol involved, he has not had a massage, in fact it was a usual day at work and apparently was challenged to a running race with a colleague Ash.

Ill leave the rest to the video, but its definately 2 minutes of your life....

Thanks to Ian "Longman Ronnie" Barker from Rennuff for the video, the commentary and challenging me to convert the .3gp to a video format "Everyone can see" (and making me blog it).

*Spelt correctly as Rennuff.

Here is The News - My Slant

I was thinking of blogging on recent news reports such as the BNP gaining what seems to be more and more votes due to their "special way" on canvassing votes. They're telling people they are against the immigrants coming into the UK and taking classroom places, hospital beds, jobs etc. Unfortunately they dont tell these people the other issues they fight for.

I also had thoughts on the England football managers' vacancy - it all seemed a bit dodgy that everyone is talking about who they believed would be best for the job, Curbishley, Allardyce, McClaren or O'Neill then suddenly it's announce Felipe Scolari is offered it, I neve believed he would be the next England manager, it did seem to lessen the hype and pressure on all the other "runners" however I believe was the purpose.

I read this morning Scolari has "Declined the offer" - Surprise surprise (Ladbrokes Odds - Place your bets please)

Then I realised I didn't really give a shit and decided to watch Chelsea v Man Utd, wash the car, go to the gym and go out for several cheeky Jack and Cokes, life's too short, although the BNP could pose a problem for me, (and millions of other non-white Brits) living in the UK.

It won't come to that though ... will it

links - (For obvious reasons, I refuse to link to the BNP)
- Link 1 - Link 2 -

Pipex Reply

Update to my Pipex Issue - Here is their reply
------------------------------
Thank you for your e-mail.

We have implemented various network traffic management systems in an effort to provide optimum levels of service to each of our customers.

We are constantly trying to improve the reliability and performance of our network which means such systems and strategies will be implemented and tested.

The network traffic management systems are active on all of our packages.
P2P services are among some of the types of usage that are involved in this process.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind Regards,
-----------------

Does it appear that they haven't actually replied to me, more like sending a "standard template email", well did to me, see if they reply to this time to...

-------------------------------------
"Hello there
None of my questions have actually been answered, rather than send me a standardised email, could you please respond to my email. "
-------------------------------------

We'll see

Philly Y'all (Bloody Hell - I've gone blogging mad)
I have just been told I am going to be an uncle - Damn that made me feel old, despite being a Dad for the last 10 years, an uncle sound so much older. My Sister in the US is having twins (Bless). Got me thinking - Im off to America for a week or so, last time i thought that was back in 1999, 3 days later I was there....

Unfortunately the last time I went, the flight cost £199 with BA from London to Philadelphia, I am getting prices now of over £500. What the hell happened. Did 9/11 cause this, surely not.

I have looked at all the travel internet sites, (Opodo , BA , Ebookers , Virgin Atlantic & Priceline), but are all roughly the same price, I (we - SWMBOs' coming too) have 2 options.
1 - Fly to "Philly" and stay with my dad, or
2 - Fly to New York and stay in a hotel, then get the Greyhound train to my Dads' for a couple of days.

The flight to New York is silly cheap, in fact a flight and accommodation in New York is cheaper than tha flight to Philadelphia. We can then get the Greyhound train from New York to Philly for $80 return (for us both), we then get to do it properly and get to see more of the east coast, eat Hoagies (2) , speak "English", tell people we know the Queen etc (cos they always ask),

If I can't find a site that can do a better deal, looks like I'll have to resort to Teletext (on the Tele that is - Old style) or asking around...... anyone.... anyone.... Ah come on, (here comes he hint) someone must know a good site to get cheap flights to Philadelphia (Airport code PHL) from Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN) or Birmigham (BHX) any time in September (as long as we're not flying on the 11th - She won't have that)

Taoski - You really should help - Its your trip to New York that got me thinking.

Is it Time to say Bye Bye Pipex

After 4 good years, it appears Mr Byrne is forced to end a relationship, one of the most important relationships one could have, that with my ISP, not only is my secondary email address @pipex, I have also referred several family and friends to them as they have provided great service and support when i needed it.....

However....
Just as I was looking forward to upgrading from a 2Mb to an 8M connection, it appears that the sneaky Bast.... people have decided to limit my download speeds for torrents, with my 2Mb connection I could download from Easynews (Newsgroups) at almost 240kps, but with my bittorrent client (Burst) I seem to be capped at 20kps (very bad).

It seems that there is really no point waiting for 8Mb when it won't make a blind bit of difference to torrent speeds, and let's face it Everyone is doing it, no matter what they tell you.

Looking on t'internet shows there are several sites proving this, Pipex T&Cs state that if you exceed the "Acceptable Use Policy" and your connection will be "Managed". Unfortunately, Pipex do not state what is acceptable and I doubt I really take the piss.

Not one to be Hasty, I am going to email Pipex Support and ask them if my account is being "managed". If so, then I would like to know a) what is regarding as "acceptable use" and b) how much I have downloaded.

I will update when I have emailed them

link 1 link 2 link 3

Email to Pipex

"I am writing to discuss my account as it appears my download speeds have dropped to what I would regard as an unacceptable speed, I understand that the changes to your terms and conditions mean you have been forced to introduce "network traffic management" for heavy users.
I would be grateful if you could let me know if you have this in place against my account. If this is the case, please could you advise me of the following

A) - What do you regard as "Heavy Usage" for a 2mb connection ?.
B) - What amount of data have I downloaded ?.

I appreciate that you have introduced this, however I don't feel that I have been "taking the piss" when it comes to usage. I have been a very happy customer of Pipex for several years now (since Pipex was set-up), I have recommended you to several family and friends who have since joined, but recently, not only am I paying considerably more for my service that the people I referred (something I feel strongly against - not really a reward for being a loyal customer) but I feel I am not getting the level of "Service" I am paying for, I have stayed with Pipex for its "unlimited usage", not only this, I stayed and am looking forward to my Pipex Max 8Mb connection, but fail to see any benefit of staying if you intend on "restricting" my speeds.

Please advise asap, if these restrictions are to be held against my account indefinately, please could you advise what options I have, or how I would go about cancelling my service in order to move to another ISP.

kind regards

Damian Byrne"

A World of Alternatives

Almost been a month since I last blogged, it's not down to the fact that I've had nothing to say, but to the fact I've had no time to say it.....

So I'll be sure to report on the Villa/Blues Game, The engagement party (although can't remember too much apart from SWMBO giving orders to the boss and the fantastic DJ),

Any Hooo

As Taoski recently blogged on an alternative to iTunes, it got me thinking about the other alternatives. He mentioned Yamipod (which I thought was iPods for people living in Wolverhampton).

I have been "mostly" using;
Anapod Explorer as an alternative to iTunes.
Firefox as an alternative to Internet Explorer
Google Calendar instead of ..... Nothing (not quite ready to quit Outlook as I use it at work)

Some other useful apps and links to get me through the day are;

Desktask - Displays Outlook Calendar items and tasks on your desktop
Scribble - Handmade and handwritten cards that get there next day - perfect when you're stuck in the office and forget your Boss'/Monster-in-Law/Missus/Mistress/Masters' birthday/wedding/bar-mitzvah (I have Outlook and Google calendar so really have no excuse - nor do I know anyone Jewish - That I know of).

2 Days and Counting




2 days until the engagement party, where the Byrne clan descending from Ireland/England (with a more recent small input from Jamaica) meet the Wilks clan.

If this hasnt been stress, I dont know what is, I remember someone saying "How much" to the buffet caterers, shortly followed by "We'll do it our bloody selves".

Now then, how do you cater for 150 people with a normal sized oven and normal sized kitchen, we (They) had the brilliant idea to get the family to help, so come Friday its off aon a massive shopping trip with SWMBO, then deliver the food stuff to the aunties and come home and start to prepare my own stuff.

If thats not enough, we cant make the sandwiches until Saturday or they'll go hard (sod that I say), as well as get pretty for the evening.

Now I wish we'd have paid the caterers for the stress, I've even resorted to going to the gym EVERY DAY!!!!!! to get away from it all.

Never again - Ever

3 -Sixty

Although I'm not a big fan of the XBox, Mainly due to Mossy is constantly slagging off my wonderful amazing PS2, (despite the fact Singstar and Buzz isn't available for his lesser console).

I'm still interested in the Xbox360 now the hype has settled

From Tao's constant rantings about how happy he is to be "360 Enabled". Its got me thinking. Maybe Just Maybe...

Now the PS3 launch has been put delayed to November, I can put that on my Christmas list to SWMBO and possibly purchase the 360.

The only thing that puts me off with the whole "Next Generation Console" saga, is the price of the games, and the lack of "Modding them"

However, Engadget and Max Console report the firmware has now been hacked, although the hackers are refusing to release the code to allow one to do this. (The video proof of it working can be found on any bittorrent site such as mininova - "Xbox 360 DVD Hack - 18.74mb")

... Must ... Resist ... Shopping...

(Note to Mother-in-Law: Yes I think an Xbox 360 would make a great engagement present for me and SWMBO - Hint Hint)

Simeon Grignon -

Just to update my Simeon Grignon post as this was appearing on google searches.

The family of Simeon Grignon said they were overwhelmed by the crowds of people who attended his funeral.
More than 1,000 mourners paid their respects yesterday to the keen footballer described as a "shining star".
The 26-year-old died after being stabbed in Becket Street in the early hours of January 29.
He had been out celebrating a friend's birthday.
About 600 people packed into the Assembly of the First-born in London Road, with a further 400 standing outside, to listen to the funeral service.
Speaking after the funeral, Mr Grignon's father, Michael, said: "It has been so unbelievable the amount of people who have come to be here.
"I feel so proud as a father that this many people paid their respects.
"When I came to the church I thought people were all waiting to go inside but then I realised the church was full already and people were outside as well.
"It was really touching and absolutely lovely."
Mr Grignon (45), of Lewis Street, Derby, said support had come from all areas of the community.
He added: "I'm a normal guy and I just brought up my son to be respectful to other people.
"People who only met him once were coming up in the street to me and saying what a nice lad he was and bursting into tears.
"Simeon's family would like to say a big thank-you to everyone.
"We feel very proud."
During the service, Simeon's partner, Jenni Saunders (24), said: "I was always proud to be your girlfriend.
"I'm glad I had the pleasure of being your chosen one. You made me feel so special.
"We worked so hard to build our dreams. I'll miss your smile and I know you're always with me."
His cousin, Rachel Grignon, said Simeon would be missed by everyone.
She said: "Sim was priceless, precious and angelic.
"The community has lost an invaluable member and a real role model."
Simeon's aunt, Marcia Anderson, added: "He was a shining star. As a family, when we look at him, we feel proud of what a great man he was."
Family friend Jimmy Cousins played a saxophone piece in tribute and everyone joined in the opening hymn, How Great Thou Art.
Pastor Melroy Daley led the opening prayer.
He said: "Simeon was a great son and grandson.
"As the family look around, they can see the love that Simeon had in his life."
He told the congregation that in May, a national knife amnesty would be held, but that anyone could hand in a knife to police before then.
Simeon is survived by a younger brother, Otis (11), father Michael and mother Marilyn Anderson.
He had just bought a house with Miss Saunders and had recently been employed by an agency to work as a technician for Rolls-Royce Fuel Cells.
Simeon's coffin was placed in a horse-drawn carriage for burial at Nottingham Road cemetery. There was also a separate car for dozens of floral tributes.
Police officers directed traffic along London Road and the roundabout near Strutts pub after the service.
A police spokeswoman said: "We had been working with the family because we expected there to be a lot of people.
"We knew we needed to be prepared to direct the traffic, especially with a horse-drawn carriage."

Glenroy Reid (22), of London Road, Alvaston, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on January 31 charged with Simeon's murder. He was remanded in custody.

(from www.thisisisderbyshire.co.uk)

Related links
- link 1 - link 2 - link 3 - link 4 - link 5 - link 6 -

Meet My Wife (to be)

Mrs Byrne

Well Big thank yous to Ian B for recommending the restaurant, Full Range UK for the Fantastic chauffeur service. The World Service Restaurant for the amazing meal, the Park Plaza for the hotel room.

But Most of all, thank you to my beautiful fiancee for saying yes. She has agreed to marry me (one day). I’d better start letting the millions of women* know I am now taken. Unless of course you have supermodel looks, supermodel money and lack the supermodel bitchiness.

No Monster-in-Law, that doesnt qualify you, although you do have the supermodel money…

LINKS

PMP - Is this it? (and it has an "i" at the beginning

I think I may have hit the PMP Jackpot at last. many hours of searching for an alternative to the "won't play my files" Archos AV560, it seems there are a few devices out there that might just do the trick.

Mustek PVR H140 - Creative Zen Vision - Mac Vision MC3007 - Neuros 442 - Cyberhome PMP4000 - Maxian T600

But This seems to be the one, The iStation v43 seems to do/have everything I, (being a gadget freak), need and want, and whats more it has to be great, it has the "i" at the beginning.

Features

• AMD Processor
• Linux Operating system
• Larger than normal screen (4.3")
• Touchscreen
• Codec Support
• Ebook Reader
• Dictionary
• File Manager
• FM Radio
• Calendar
• Remote Control (iStation Power)
• GPS (iStation Navi)

Unfortanely it doesn't seem to be available as yet in the UK so the only place I can get it from is this guy on ebay, which doesn't normally bother me, however if it went wrong then I'd probably be in deep shit trouble.

Addtional features from the v43mania site seem to suggest even more features including the ability to play NES/SNES/GBA games on the device too.

Very Tempting! , Just the ebay price is a bit on the steep side at £400 (+£12 P&P, +4% PayPal).

Other Links

V43Mania - Digital Cube - Engadget - istationhq - Misticaudio

... My more recent internet search for the Archos AV560 didn't bring up horrible stories from owners hating the device, although some were complaining about the device locking up and needing a reset. I decided to take the plunge and buy one from Dixons - Great news, the offer was still on. I asked Mr Dixon about what the device will play , obviously I will be using it to play my "Legally owned" DVD backups, ripped to Divx and Xvid , as well as my TV downloads and MP3s. He reliably informed me that it "should" play anything, but if it didn't, I can take it back for a full refund.

I wasnt conviced about this however and asked him to mark the receipt that I can take it back. Although he couldn't do this, he said the store policy is a "14 day money back guarantee" - "Argos Stylee"

Got it home, and spent 15 minutes trying to figure out how to get the PC to recognise the device without RTFM, then had to do an IT workers no no and opened the book... Of course, I needed Windows Media Player 10.

After the download and install I was ready to dump everything onto my brand new PMP.

B*ll*cks - It wouldn't copy 24 (Season 5), or any other TV program for that matter, in fact none of the film files I have stored in my "backed up" folder. Music, photos would copy ok, tried the firmware upgrade and still nothing.

Another search on the interweb and I found the bitrate of my files was too high, as well as the Archos not having the correct codecs, I could convert the files to play on the Archos, but this would take hours for each file. I THINK NOT !!

Back in the box it went and back to Dixons and I am back at the drawing board unless Archos AV440 owning Mr Moss can convince me to go and buy one again.

EDIT: CONVICED
Well Mr Moss brought his Archos AV440 round tonight and I have copied the same files to his..... It bloody works, He got his as a 2nd user model from Ebuyer, it seems this model is being phased out, but you can get it from several places, or ebay