There's an impressive range of radio stations, TV channels, internet stations, shows and podcasts now available to stream or download over the net. For someone like myself who's never happier than browsing stations from the four corners of the world, the internet is like a dream come true. There's still the problem of separating the wheat from the chaff though. As any regular internet user will profess, the web is a timehole. It will suck your time away; minutes turn into hours. Before you know it you should have been in bed an hour ago. There's just such a vast amount out there, that you can pass from one site to the next, link to promising enticing link.
I tend to use internet media as something of a replacement for the programming of shortwave and mediumwave radio, with some the content of international satellite TV if I had that option. There's the additional bonus of having much more scope on the internet to discover new and interesting content, if the chance provided.
Until now there's not been very many options for organising online watching or listening. It was largely a matter of trying to find some decent online media directories, firing up the stream, seeing what you found, and if necessary tallying this with a programme schedule on the content provider's website. It's cumbersome, time consuming, and not necessarily very satisfying, given dead links, poorly designed websites or the complete absence of schedules and explanation of the programming.
Happily, some interesting software now seem to be appearing that allow recording of streams for on demand listening of particular programmes. As time permits I'm going to see what's out there, and see just how efficiently and effectively it's now possible to make the most of online media content. The .net magazine website reviews a program called 'Replay Radio', which sounds promising. I believe there are some similar programs that also allow timed recording of live streams. It makes perfect sense, especially when you consider the complications of time zones when listening to overseas content providers.
I suppose that's one of the fine things about the internet. If there's a demand for, well, almost anything to do with exploring the online world, there's more often than not some software been written to do the job.
In any case I feel I've been spending quite long enough with the same few bookmarks in my Real Player. It's time to see what's out there.
20050831
20050830
Joys of the British Summer
Just when you think that Summer in turning into Autumn; cool days, almost a chill in the air, as was the case last week; this week goes to prove the the wonderous unpredictability of the British climate is still King. It's the dying days of August, yet the forecast for London tomorrow is sunshine and a scorching prediction of 31 degrees.
I'd be lying if I was particularly looking forward to having to work through such a heatwave, but if summertime is going to cling on for a while longer before letting go, well that's just fine by me. As Summer does draw to its natural (if always unexpected) conclusion, I tend to find it a time to cast a look back on the the heady long days that have passed, before the psychological and photo-period drop into dark, dank Winter. Have I made the most of it? Could I have done more? Should I be wracked by guilt at letting these days pass too easily, I wonder.
Well, if I face the facts I've been working throughout the Summer, more or less. Unlike many, many others who leap at the first chance to head off to some sun-drenched beach during the height of the Summer, I am in contrast no sun-worshipper. I tend to endure the unairconditioned heat of summertime Britain, and holiday at other times of the year. In some ways this is daft. It would be perfectly logical if I, in the off season, heading away to some Southern land still enjoying warmth and sunshine. Somehow, however, this never quite works out, and I end up meeting friends in some particularly chilly parts of Europe. Hey-ho. I've no complaints about this state of affairs, but you know that one of these days I'll get my act together and somehow arrange to go Up North in the Summer and Down South in the Winter. Heck, the birds can manage it, maybe I can too.
I'd be lying if I was particularly looking forward to having to work through such a heatwave, but if summertime is going to cling on for a while longer before letting go, well that's just fine by me. As Summer does draw to its natural (if always unexpected) conclusion, I tend to find it a time to cast a look back on the the heady long days that have passed, before the psychological and photo-period drop into dark, dank Winter. Have I made the most of it? Could I have done more? Should I be wracked by guilt at letting these days pass too easily, I wonder.
Well, if I face the facts I've been working throughout the Summer, more or less. Unlike many, many others who leap at the first chance to head off to some sun-drenched beach during the height of the Summer, I am in contrast no sun-worshipper. I tend to endure the unairconditioned heat of summertime Britain, and holiday at other times of the year. In some ways this is daft. It would be perfectly logical if I, in the off season, heading away to some Southern land still enjoying warmth and sunshine. Somehow, however, this never quite works out, and I end up meeting friends in some particularly chilly parts of Europe. Hey-ho. I've no complaints about this state of affairs, but you know that one of these days I'll get my act together and somehow arrange to go Up North in the Summer and Down South in the Winter. Heck, the birds can manage it, maybe I can too.
20050829
Tallinn Online
Estonia, and in particular Tallinn, has now been added to the travel section of the website. The destination guide is based on a trip I took with two friends back in March of this year, and features recommended sights, and most importantly, some good eats!
Tallinn is a fine looking city, with one of the best preserved Medieval city centres in Europe. It's now in easy reach thanks to regular flights by Easyjet and Eastonian Air.
Click here to read more!
Late night
It's another late night opportunity taken thanks to the Bank Holiday. The radio's on, tuned to BBC World Service, where there's been a heated exchange on the subject of the latest series of Big Brother in Holland, where it is planned that one of the housemates will give birth during her time there.
Somewhat understandably, a Dutch politician was voicing some concerns, and arguing quite heatedly with someone I assume from Endemol TV. The BBC seem to put it on as a curiosity piece as much as anything, as rather than attempting to moderate the discussion, the two guests tried to talk over the other for much of the interview. Nevertheless surely this has potential of opening a can on worms on the ethics of it all.
Surely it can be argued that, just because a TV company can find someone who wants to do something on TV, doesn't necessarily make it a good idea, nor something that should be less. Let's face it; you could likely find someone to do almost anything on TV given the chance, especially on such a high visibility programme such as Big Brother, where there's the added incentive of the media gaze once you leave the show.
My gut feeling is that it's bad, but then we're talking about Big Brother here, and that's tends to be my reaction to the show as a whole.
Somewhat understandably, a Dutch politician was voicing some concerns, and arguing quite heatedly with someone I assume from Endemol TV. The BBC seem to put it on as a curiosity piece as much as anything, as rather than attempting to moderate the discussion, the two guests tried to talk over the other for much of the interview. Nevertheless surely this has potential of opening a can on worms on the ethics of it all.
Surely it can be argued that, just because a TV company can find someone who wants to do something on TV, doesn't necessarily make it a good idea, nor something that should be less. Let's face it; you could likely find someone to do almost anything on TV given the chance, especially on such a high visibility programme such as Big Brother, where there's the added incentive of the media gaze once you leave the show.
My gut feeling is that it's bad, but then we're talking about Big Brother here, and that's tends to be my reaction to the show as a whole.
20050828
Looong weekender
Ah, the joys of the long weekend. It's a pleasure that is scheduled far too seldom in the British calendar of public holidays. It's been a quiet one so far, but the forecast is for sunshine tomorrow, so as long as I believe a word of it I shall be heading out and about tomorrow.
It's currently a case of destination unknown. I'm tempted just to head for one of the coastal towns, as the seaside normally offers a fine range of distractions, which should hopefully suit whatever mood I'm in on arrival.
I encountered the taste sensation of Wagamamas this past week. This Japanese noodle restaurant chain is on the up and up, and is spreading across London and gradually the country as a whole. Although I have no idea what the particular meal I had was called, aside from being located in the griddle fried noodle section, it was immensely tasty. I can't overstate just how tasty it was. Not badly priced either, and a cert for future visits.
That's one thing I've found about London when it comes to restaurants and bars. After discovering a nice venue or two in one area, there's often the temptation to play it safe and stick with what you know. However when there's such an enormous wealth of wining and dining possibilities, this really would be a travesty. However unless you've received a good recommendation, there's the inherent risk in trying somewhere new. Mediocrity abounds. The hope is that the mediocre, or worse, is apparent on the surface, and can be avoided.
It's currently a case of destination unknown. I'm tempted just to head for one of the coastal towns, as the seaside normally offers a fine range of distractions, which should hopefully suit whatever mood I'm in on arrival.
I encountered the taste sensation of Wagamamas this past week. This Japanese noodle restaurant chain is on the up and up, and is spreading across London and gradually the country as a whole. Although I have no idea what the particular meal I had was called, aside from being located in the griddle fried noodle section, it was immensely tasty. I can't overstate just how tasty it was. Not badly priced either, and a cert for future visits.
That's one thing I've found about London when it comes to restaurants and bars. After discovering a nice venue or two in one area, there's often the temptation to play it safe and stick with what you know. However when there's such an enormous wealth of wining and dining possibilities, this really would be a travesty. However unless you've received a good recommendation, there's the inherent risk in trying somewhere new. Mediocrity abounds. The hope is that the mediocre, or worse, is apparent on the surface, and can be avoided.
20050825
CORRECTION
It turns out to be more like 10 days since my last post. Bugger, and I'm not even on holiday.
Must try harder.
Maybe I need to do more things.
Or perhaps I need to better remember the things I've done.
I've been to 2 gigs in the past couple of weeks. I've never felt the urge to strike out on the road of music journalism though. Some issues, topics, or events inspire. Music, although enjoyable, just didn't hit the mark. It's a bit like me and football, although come to thing of it I *like* music...
Too late, too late the cry went out, and a quick glance at my watch proves it... bed time!
Must try harder.
Maybe I need to do more things.
Or perhaps I need to better remember the things I've done.
I've been to 2 gigs in the past couple of weeks. I've never felt the urge to strike out on the road of music journalism though. Some issues, topics, or events inspire. Music, although enjoyable, just didn't hit the mark. It's a bit like me and football, although come to thing of it I *like* music...
Too late, too late the cry went out, and a quick glance at my watch proves it... bed time!
20050824
It's been....one week
I've been doing a bit of retro listening. Ok, the BareNakedLadies is late 90s / 2000 fare, so probably somewhat off from gaining retro status. Starting to feel like a while ago though, and so in minor tribute I am naming this post after perhaps their most successful of UK singles.
I've not made any blog posts in the past week. This has been due a mix of a few things. I've been putting most of my website focused time on some new content, which, dependant on whether or not I get away for the long weekend might be online soon. Destination guides for some of the places I've visited this year are in the offing.
The news on TV has mostly made me want to a whinge, and to be honest I couldn't be bothered. News stories and coverage have made me reach the level of "general irritation", but not the point where I'm going to go off on a big rant about them. I suppose that's apathy.
Things have also been busy recently. It's a relative concept, but I've felt pretty done in at the end of each day, so the creative juices haven't been flowing much, and if they have it's been to make some head way for the travel section of the site. Otherwise there's 101 other things I've been doing, and the poor blog has been become a bit sidelined. Hopefully not for long though. The long weekend may, with a bit of luck, rekindle some enthuse and zest for scribblage site-side.
I've not made any blog posts in the past week. This has been due a mix of a few things. I've been putting most of my website focused time on some new content, which, dependant on whether or not I get away for the long weekend might be online soon. Destination guides for some of the places I've visited this year are in the offing.
The news on TV has mostly made me want to a whinge, and to be honest I couldn't be bothered. News stories and coverage have made me reach the level of "general irritation", but not the point where I'm going to go off on a big rant about them. I suppose that's apathy.
Things have also been busy recently. It's a relative concept, but I've felt pretty done in at the end of each day, so the creative juices haven't been flowing much, and if they have it's been to make some head way for the travel section of the site. Otherwise there's 101 other things I've been doing, and the poor blog has been become a bit sidelined. Hopefully not for long though. The long weekend may, with a bit of luck, rekindle some enthuse and zest for scribblage site-side.
20050814
Cornwall
Last weekend I spent a few merry few days with friends in the South West of England. As my first time to the region I can say it's a wonderfully picturesque part of the country, but it feels like such a slog to reach 'The West', as it is somewhat mysteriously described from road signs. From my home in the North West of England Cornwall had always been deemed far too distant to make the trip to. Even from London it's not exactly within quick and easy reach. Nevertheless it's relative geographical distance doesn't seem to put off the huge numbers of campers and tourists to be found there during summer months.
Benefiting from just a single extended weekend's trip to the South West, I can hardly claim to be a wealth of knowledge on the region. To really do more than scratch the surface a good week is called for. We did take in the region's main sight though: the Eden Project. The first signposted entrance road to the Eden Project from the Plymouth road is surprisingly narrow. Car parking at the site is extensive, as divided into areas, in a somewhat Disney-esque style, but rather than having Goofy 15 or Mickey 6, there are Banana 3 or Lime 1. This of course led to spin off parodies by many visitors, along the lines of: "can you remember where we're parked? Is it kumquat 17?" "No I thought it was rhubarb 9." And so on, and so on.
The Eden Project itself is simply marvelous. Spacious outdoor areas where you can sit and enjoy the weather (where applicable), enjoying a pint of the fine Eden Ale, surrounded by all manner of plants, and grass areas much more akin to a meadow than a the well manicured lawns to be found in many tourist destinations. The main attraction of the Eden Project of course, aside from the ale, are the two domes, each containing the plants, landscape, even buildings for particular areas of the world. The warm dome is akin to Mediterranean countries, South Africa and California. The second, a tropical climate, with the intense humidity to match, especially as the upper parts of the dome are reached. It's all excellently done, with some fascinating facts about many of the plants. For me, it was seeing a pineapple plant, and a fruit growing on it that made me step back. "Is that really what is looks like?" It's one of those things you don't give much though to, until you see it. "So they don't grow on trees after all..."
Rather than try to describe it, I'll suggest you visit my photo gallery for Cornwall, which features a number of pictures in and around the Eden Project. It rather speaks for itself. What was also impressive were the general facilities. Of course it's still really quite new, but the fact that there's a cafe with wholesome food at very reasonable prices came as quite a shock. It makes a change for a major tourist attraction not to attempt to squeeze every last drop of disposable income from the visiting public, so full credit to the Eden Project for that.
A major facet of the Eden Project focuses on the sustainability of the environment, and the protection of plant habitats and species. Throughout the complex recycling is very much encouraged, with a selection of rubbish bins the likes I've not seen since my time in Germany. Combining the many displays regarding the importance of the environment with the amazing variety of plants in the domes surely makes leaves a strong impression on anyone as to the need to protect the world we live in.
After the Eden Project we made our way to Gorran; our tent-based home for the next couple of nights. Now Gorran is a funny place, as it's not so much a single place as much as an area, split into a number of villages each featuring Gorran in the name. We were near St Gorran, I think it was, with the charming fishing village of Gorran Haven an easy walk away too. On the Saturday we spent the day making out way from Gorran Haven along the coastal path to the town of Mevagissey a few miles to the North. We drove through the town on the way down, and I'm sure the insanely narrow roads through the middle of the town must make a number of tourists freak out each year. Got knows how caravaners or delivery vans manage.
Although the weather wasn't particularly glorious, the scenery certainly was. Cliff top walks, tiny villages nestling by the shore, and friendly folks abound. A few days it may have been, but it's certainly whetted my appetite to explore the South West further. Apparently South West Air makes the journey due to far end of Cornwall a relatively quick trip from Gatwick, and if booked in advance the prices might be quite competitive. I've not sure how extensive or regular public transport operates in the region, but given the number of buses around we saw just around tiny Gorran, some going as far as Newquay, I suspect it's a viable means of getting around.
Benefiting from just a single extended weekend's trip to the South West, I can hardly claim to be a wealth of knowledge on the region. To really do more than scratch the surface a good week is called for. We did take in the region's main sight though: the Eden Project. The first signposted entrance road to the Eden Project from the Plymouth road is surprisingly narrow. Car parking at the site is extensive, as divided into areas, in a somewhat Disney-esque style, but rather than having Goofy 15 or Mickey 6, there are Banana 3 or Lime 1. This of course led to spin off parodies by many visitors, along the lines of: "can you remember where we're parked? Is it kumquat 17?" "No I thought it was rhubarb 9." And so on, and so on.
The Eden Project itself is simply marvelous. Spacious outdoor areas where you can sit and enjoy the weather (where applicable), enjoying a pint of the fine Eden Ale, surrounded by all manner of plants, and grass areas much more akin to a meadow than a the well manicured lawns to be found in many tourist destinations. The main attraction of the Eden Project of course, aside from the ale, are the two domes, each containing the plants, landscape, even buildings for particular areas of the world. The warm dome is akin to Mediterranean countries, South Africa and California. The second, a tropical climate, with the intense humidity to match, especially as the upper parts of the dome are reached. It's all excellently done, with some fascinating facts about many of the plants. For me, it was seeing a pineapple plant, and a fruit growing on it that made me step back. "Is that really what is looks like?" It's one of those things you don't give much though to, until you see it. "So they don't grow on trees after all..."
Rather than try to describe it, I'll suggest you visit my photo gallery for Cornwall, which features a number of pictures in and around the Eden Project. It rather speaks for itself. What was also impressive were the general facilities. Of course it's still really quite new, but the fact that there's a cafe with wholesome food at very reasonable prices came as quite a shock. It makes a change for a major tourist attraction not to attempt to squeeze every last drop of disposable income from the visiting public, so full credit to the Eden Project for that.
A major facet of the Eden Project focuses on the sustainability of the environment, and the protection of plant habitats and species. Throughout the complex recycling is very much encouraged, with a selection of rubbish bins the likes I've not seen since my time in Germany. Combining the many displays regarding the importance of the environment with the amazing variety of plants in the domes surely makes leaves a strong impression on anyone as to the need to protect the world we live in.
After the Eden Project we made our way to Gorran; our tent-based home for the next couple of nights. Now Gorran is a funny place, as it's not so much a single place as much as an area, split into a number of villages each featuring Gorran in the name. We were near St Gorran, I think it was, with the charming fishing village of Gorran Haven an easy walk away too. On the Saturday we spent the day making out way from Gorran Haven along the coastal path to the town of Mevagissey a few miles to the North. We drove through the town on the way down, and I'm sure the insanely narrow roads through the middle of the town must make a number of tourists freak out each year. Got knows how caravaners or delivery vans manage.
Although the weather wasn't particularly glorious, the scenery certainly was. Cliff top walks, tiny villages nestling by the shore, and friendly folks abound. A few days it may have been, but it's certainly whetted my appetite to explore the South West further. Apparently South West Air makes the journey due to far end of Cornwall a relatively quick trip from Gatwick, and if booked in advance the prices might be quite competitive. I've not sure how extensive or regular public transport operates in the region, but given the number of buses around we saw just around tiny Gorran, some going as far as Newquay, I suspect it's a viable means of getting around.
20050813
Back on the international trail
For years I've enjoyed listening to the international voices of radio stations from the four corners of the globe. However with moving to London and leaving the trusty shortwave radio at home, my listening has trailed off a bit. However now that I'm in the process of reinstalling everything onto my PC, which includes putting together favourites lists of websites and audio streams, it's providing a good opportunity to rediscover some the content that's available online.
The World Radio Network is a good first stop, as there are on-demand downloads available for programmes from quite a considerable number of broadcasters. You can also listening to the live stream of WRN's North American service, although it can be a bit hit and miss as to how interesting a given programme may be. In that sense, it's not so very different from tuning through the shortwave bands and seeing what you come across.
I've generally got the impression that listeners to international stations and programming are a varied bunch, and perhaps not too easy to categorise. There are of course the hobbyists, who are interested in the process of tuning in, but with varying degrees of interest in the actual programming being broadcast. As for those who do specifically tune in to listen to these broadcasts and programmes from overseas, there reasons for doing so may well be as broad ranging as the programmes themselves.
Personally speaking, I tend to tune to stations from countries that I hold a current interest in, whether that be due to impending holidays, what's in the news, or for any multitude of other reasons. China Radio International is a favourite choice at present, as it's a country high on the "to visit" list, and China is to make its mark felt worldwide in the years and decades to come. Unfortunately it's streaming audio quality, albeit at 32kbps, sounds pretty ropey.
In terms of programme quality the likes of Radio Netherlands and Deutsche Welle make for good choices, and they both provide a greater focus on European news, events and issues than the British media would normally tackle. I've been try to listen to Radio Australia and Radio Sweden as well, but am having trouble with their audio streams. Lest I forget the BBC World Service, although in the UK this can be conveniently heard on Digital Radio, which for the moment is still far superior to the vast majority of internet streams.
Admittedly, that is a fairly Westernised list. Generally speaking it is these stations that have the resources available to produce the highest standard of programming, and for my current requirement, to stream their broadcasts online. Yet if I was to list the stations who had enticed me to tune across the shortwave bands, it wouldn't be this familiar selection so much as those stations playing exotic music, with unfamiliar cultures, even in unknown languages. While listening to internet stations removes the unpredictable element of what you might hear, there's a great wealth of small stations available. These are in most cases domestic, so unlikely to broadcast in languages you can understand, but some element of the exotic through the music and programming remains.
The World Radio Network is a good first stop, as there are on-demand downloads available for programmes from quite a considerable number of broadcasters. You can also listening to the live stream of WRN's North American service, although it can be a bit hit and miss as to how interesting a given programme may be. In that sense, it's not so very different from tuning through the shortwave bands and seeing what you come across.
I've generally got the impression that listeners to international stations and programming are a varied bunch, and perhaps not too easy to categorise. There are of course the hobbyists, who are interested in the process of tuning in, but with varying degrees of interest in the actual programming being broadcast. As for those who do specifically tune in to listen to these broadcasts and programmes from overseas, there reasons for doing so may well be as broad ranging as the programmes themselves.
Personally speaking, I tend to tune to stations from countries that I hold a current interest in, whether that be due to impending holidays, what's in the news, or for any multitude of other reasons. China Radio International is a favourite choice at present, as it's a country high on the "to visit" list, and China is to make its mark felt worldwide in the years and decades to come. Unfortunately it's streaming audio quality, albeit at 32kbps, sounds pretty ropey.
In terms of programme quality the likes of Radio Netherlands and Deutsche Welle make for good choices, and they both provide a greater focus on European news, events and issues than the British media would normally tackle. I've been try to listen to Radio Australia and Radio Sweden as well, but am having trouble with their audio streams. Lest I forget the BBC World Service, although in the UK this can be conveniently heard on Digital Radio, which for the moment is still far superior to the vast majority of internet streams.
Admittedly, that is a fairly Westernised list. Generally speaking it is these stations that have the resources available to produce the highest standard of programming, and for my current requirement, to stream their broadcasts online. Yet if I was to list the stations who had enticed me to tune across the shortwave bands, it wouldn't be this familiar selection so much as those stations playing exotic music, with unfamiliar cultures, even in unknown languages. While listening to internet stations removes the unpredictable element of what you might hear, there's a great wealth of small stations available. These are in most cases domestic, so unlikely to broadcast in languages you can understand, but some element of the exotic through the music and programming remains.
Wiki-wah-wah-pedia
3am on a Friday night / Saturday morning feels like a somewhat less than illustrious time to be posting the 100th entry to this blog. Many other blogs achieve many more in a great deal less time, so although I'm glad I've reached this milestone of sorts, if anything I want to better it and surpass it, and reach the 200th post before too much longer.
I've come across Wikipedia in the past couple of days. I'd heard about it already, of course, but it was only during a google search for something or other that I actually ended up on the Wikipedia site for the first time. It's quite a resource, with entries covering a huge number of topics in surprising detail. It's maintained and expanded by the user base essentially, so I'm having a look at some of the areas I could submit some information on. It's a great fun idea, not to mention really useful for general research. The only thing is that with the quality being so high, it puts the pressure on to ensure all the facts are correct before posting an entry of your own.
Following the upload of about 35 RIAT photos on Thursday, I'm now putting together the finishing touches of a gallery of photos from my trip down the South-West last weekend. Once they're up I'll post something here to accompany it. It was a varied trip, and very enjoyable for it. More on it all soon.
I've come across Wikipedia in the past couple of days. I'd heard about it already, of course, but it was only during a google search for something or other that I actually ended up on the Wikipedia site for the first time. It's quite a resource, with entries covering a huge number of topics in surprising detail. It's maintained and expanded by the user base essentially, so I'm having a look at some of the areas I could submit some information on. It's a great fun idea, not to mention really useful for general research. The only thing is that with the quality being so high, it puts the pressure on to ensure all the facts are correct before posting an entry of your own.
Following the upload of about 35 RIAT photos on Thursday, I'm now putting together the finishing touches of a gallery of photos from my trip down the South-West last weekend. Once they're up I'll post something here to accompany it. It was a varied trip, and very enjoyable for it. More on it all soon.
20050811
Royal International Air Tattoo
I've finally put the bulk of my photo selection from this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford on the photo gallery. I'll be adding a few more air display photos in the next few days, but pretty much all of the static photos I've selected are now on there.
RIAT cetainly makes for an enjoyable full day out. It was about 10 years since the last time I attended the RIAT, so it was good to see how things have changed. The Russian contingent enjoyed back in the 90s has been absent from the airshow scene for some years as I understand it, which is a shame, as it's nice to see some Migs and Sukhois intersperse the regular Tornados, F16s and like, but it's nevertheless good to see what the Western Air Forces have got to show off.
Now by no means think that the RIAT is in the same boat as Farnborough. The two are very different beasts. Farnborough is primarily a trade show, with a varied air display of both civil and military aircraft. The focus is very much on the latest hardware the aviation industry has to offer. You can quite easily see an Airbus A340 next to a Swedish Grippen. In contrast, RIAT is a show for the fans, that lets the air force display pilots show off their stuff. From the fighters pulling Gs to formation flying teams or the great thunder of some massive bomber, the RIAT has it all, and on a massive scale. Row upon row of aircraft make all other airshows pale into insignificance. Many other airshows may specialise in certain areas, but if you're wanting to see military hardware on show on a big scale, this is the show to attend.
RIAT cetainly makes for an enjoyable full day out. It was about 10 years since the last time I attended the RIAT, so it was good to see how things have changed. The Russian contingent enjoyed back in the 90s has been absent from the airshow scene for some years as I understand it, which is a shame, as it's nice to see some Migs and Sukhois intersperse the regular Tornados, F16s and like, but it's nevertheless good to see what the Western Air Forces have got to show off.
Now by no means think that the RIAT is in the same boat as Farnborough. The two are very different beasts. Farnborough is primarily a trade show, with a varied air display of both civil and military aircraft. The focus is very much on the latest hardware the aviation industry has to offer. You can quite easily see an Airbus A340 next to a Swedish Grippen. In contrast, RIAT is a show for the fans, that lets the air force display pilots show off their stuff. From the fighters pulling Gs to formation flying teams or the great thunder of some massive bomber, the RIAT has it all, and on a massive scale. Row upon row of aircraft make all other airshows pale into insignificance. Many other airshows may specialise in certain areas, but if you're wanting to see military hardware on show on a big scale, this is the show to attend.
20050809
Skype Out is in!
I used Skype Out for the first time yesterday. This is feature in the Skype Voice-over-IP client that allows Skype users to call landlines. It's not free as with Skype to Skype calls, but it is very cheap; calls to much of Europe, North America and a number of other places cost just over 1p per minute. And so after a couple of hours of chatting to friends in Europe, my Skype Out credit had little decreased, down to 7.80EUR from 10EUR to begin with.
In terms of the actually audio quality I was very impressed, and if anything it sounded louder and more colourful than the audio on my home phone. There was no noticeable lag either, so I was able to conduct a conversation like any other. Most impressive. The only problem I encountered was when I was e-mailing some photos to friend while chatting, where the person on the other end could barely hear me, while I could still here them. Rule to remember: no uploading or downloading while making calls! That was on my 1Mbps broadband connection at any rate.
I have until now been using a few of those networks with cheap international calls, where you dial an opt in number before calling. However given that I've had some problems with their connections, either due to noise on the line, disconnections of generally poor audio quality, I may keep one of them on as a backup, or might even do away with them altogether.
The Skype Out system uses pre-pay, whereby you purchase credit prior to making calls, which in itself is not greatly different to some of the international calling services, such as Alpha Telecom. The advantage with Skype is that the top-up amount starts at 10 Euros, which at £7 or there abouts is neither here nor there. If memory serves Alpha Telecom requires £15 top-ups. Skype is very much hassle free; everything is clearly available on the website - charges for all areas, calls made, credit remaining. I've received unsolicited calls from the Indian calls centres of the calling services I've used in the past, pestering you to buy credit as some special offer is on. I'll be looking forward to seeing the back of those too.
All in all, Skype is a masterpiece of modern telephony. As many people say about the service "it just works!" and indeed it does. The proliferation of broadband makes Skype a must have application, either for calling friends free on Skype-to-Skype, or calling landlines on Skype Out. Just get yourself a headset, or better still, a Skype USB phone to plug into your PC and you're away. I can't recommend it highly enough.
In terms of the actually audio quality I was very impressed, and if anything it sounded louder and more colourful than the audio on my home phone. There was no noticeable lag either, so I was able to conduct a conversation like any other. Most impressive. The only problem I encountered was when I was e-mailing some photos to friend while chatting, where the person on the other end could barely hear me, while I could still here them. Rule to remember: no uploading or downloading while making calls! That was on my 1Mbps broadband connection at any rate.
I have until now been using a few of those networks with cheap international calls, where you dial an opt in number before calling. However given that I've had some problems with their connections, either due to noise on the line, disconnections of generally poor audio quality, I may keep one of them on as a backup, or might even do away with them altogether.
The Skype Out system uses pre-pay, whereby you purchase credit prior to making calls, which in itself is not greatly different to some of the international calling services, such as Alpha Telecom. The advantage with Skype is that the top-up amount starts at 10 Euros, which at £7 or there abouts is neither here nor there. If memory serves Alpha Telecom requires £15 top-ups. Skype is very much hassle free; everything is clearly available on the website - charges for all areas, calls made, credit remaining. I've received unsolicited calls from the Indian calls centres of the calling services I've used in the past, pestering you to buy credit as some special offer is on. I'll be looking forward to seeing the back of those too.
All in all, Skype is a masterpiece of modern telephony. As many people say about the service "it just works!" and indeed it does. The proliferation of broadband makes Skype a must have application, either for calling friends free on Skype-to-Skype, or calling landlines on Skype Out. Just get yourself a headset, or better still, a Skype USB phone to plug into your PC and you're away. I can't recommend it highly enough.
20050808
Sowester
So it's back at work after a fine weekend away camping in the South-West. I've never really gone on a proper camping trip before, but this made for a lot of fun, even if on arrival at a rural site near Plymouth it was pitch black, raining, and we had little idea of how to get the tent up. However after a friendly helping hand from the people in the next tent we were away, and sheltered from what was particularly inclement weather.
It wasn't the 100% camping experience that some stalwart campers might argue for. We didn't cook our every meal off a gas stove. To be honest, we were far from sufficiently prepared for such a highlife. The most we managed ourselves was a few pots of tea and the best a Kelloggs Variety pack could offer. It's years since I've had some Frosties, and now there's even chocolate coated Frosties. Twice as heathy no doubt.
The South-West is fine corner of the country to visit, and it's easy to see why the campsites were chocka full of tourers. Craggy coasts pot marked with quaint fishing villages, and charming cliff-top walks, following the twists and turns of the coastline.
More tomorrow.
It wasn't the 100% camping experience that some stalwart campers might argue for. We didn't cook our every meal off a gas stove. To be honest, we were far from sufficiently prepared for such a highlife. The most we managed ourselves was a few pots of tea and the best a Kelloggs Variety pack could offer. It's years since I've had some Frosties, and now there's even chocolate coated Frosties. Twice as heathy no doubt.
The South-West is fine corner of the country to visit, and it's easy to see why the campsites were chocka full of tourers. Craggy coasts pot marked with quaint fishing villages, and charming cliff-top walks, following the twists and turns of the coastline.
More tomorrow.
20050802
Border birthdays
That just scared the hell out of me. UKTV History is on (due to lack of anything else being on) and I'm sure the continuity announcer is ex-Border TV from the mid-90s. It's as if I'd stepped back in time, and in location to the prestigious Border Television region; notable because it comprises 3 areas: The Scottish Borders, Cumbria, and the Isle of Man, none of which gives a damn or feels any particular link to the others. Anyway, must look up TV Ark. I'm sure it's Craig Austin or some such name. Crazy.
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