Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 102
March 20, 2011
Sunday supplement
First, something of immediate importance to all dad's out there. Look away for a minute, mums. Right, dads, are you listening? I'll whipser in your ear... *it's Mother's Day in two week's time*. Now, don't look away, breath a sigh of relief and think 'that's plenty of time' because you know it isn't. It certainly won't be if you'd like to avail yourself of one of these excellent little products. In short, what could be better, more thoughtful or original than one of these...
Yes, a personalised reading book made up of your favourite photos and accompanied by a simple text for your child read along with mum. This really is one of the most amazing personalised product concepts I've come across. What mum wouldn't enjoy being the star of her own bedtime story? The text is based on National Curriculum key words and can be personalised by completing the sentence stems like 'My mum is...' as well as by uploading favourite photos of your own to accompany the text. And if you'd like to give a Mother's Day gift the whole family will treasure forever - as well as help your child catch the reading bug at the same time - you could win a free book by answering this simple question:
How many photographs do you need to upload to create a love2read book?
For further information, to see the range of books on offer (and possibly discover the answer) visit their website at: www.love2read.co.uk then come back here and post your answer before midnight on Thursday 24th March. Charlie and I will choose a winner on Friday; that will give you the weekend to create your book, which will have to be ordered by 28th March to ensure delivery by 3 April, Mother's Day. Good luck!
Next, jury service. No, not at the Crown Court. (I'm tempted to tell you that I've never had the summons but if I did it'd probably be tempting fate, so I won't.) What I have been invited to deliver is a verdict on is the new QuantuMatic dishwasher detergent.
Over the next few weeks, together with eleven fellow jury members, I'll be testing the claims of the Finish QuantuMatic to destruction, starting today with the Sunday roast. And I'm warning you - there will be pictures. Before and after pictures. Finish is recommended by all dishwasher manufacturers and the QuantuMatic has just been awarded 'Best Buy' status by Which? magazine, so it starts with several Brownie points already. I'll be letting you know if I'll be awarding any over the coming weeks.
Finally, something I don't think I've ever done before - a museum review. It was actually while getting lost on my way to the QuantuMatic briefing last Wednesday that I stumbled across this:
The Museum of the Order of St John is in the impressive setting of St John's Gate, Clerkenwell. I've walked past this building before, but not appreciated it's history. Still less have I realised what an interesting - free - museum lurks behind its mighty portals, nor what a fascinating history lies behind the Order of the Knights of St John (and their present day representatives, the St John Ambulance Brigade). Based in the Order's pre-dissolution Priory, the museum charts the history of the order from its crusader origins to it's role in providing care and protection to pilgrims and travellers. And for children, there's a dressing up box too!
Need I say more? Well, I'm going to. It's well worth a visit if you're in the area; it's family friendly, small enough to ensure you don't miss anything and - if my visit was anything to go by - so little known you might find you have the entire museum to yourself. Although I suppose writing this might just have done a little to lessen the likelihood of that happening. Oh well, I'm sure they won't mind too much. But you'd better get there quick!
Enjoy your Sunday.
Yes, a personalised reading book made up of your favourite photos and accompanied by a simple text for your child read along with mum. This really is one of the most amazing personalised product concepts I've come across. What mum wouldn't enjoy being the star of her own bedtime story? The text is based on National Curriculum key words and can be personalised by completing the sentence stems like 'My mum is...' as well as by uploading favourite photos of your own to accompany the text. And if you'd like to give a Mother's Day gift the whole family will treasure forever - as well as help your child catch the reading bug at the same time - you could win a free book by answering this simple question:
How many photographs do you need to upload to create a love2read book?
For further information, to see the range of books on offer (and possibly discover the answer) visit their website at: www.love2read.co.uk then come back here and post your answer before midnight on Thursday 24th March. Charlie and I will choose a winner on Friday; that will give you the weekend to create your book, which will have to be ordered by 28th March to ensure delivery by 3 April, Mother's Day. Good luck!
Next, jury service. No, not at the Crown Court. (I'm tempted to tell you that I've never had the summons but if I did it'd probably be tempting fate, so I won't.) What I have been invited to deliver is a verdict on is the new QuantuMatic dishwasher detergent.
Over the next few weeks, together with eleven fellow jury members, I'll be testing the claims of the Finish QuantuMatic to destruction, starting today with the Sunday roast. And I'm warning you - there will be pictures. Before and after pictures. Finish is recommended by all dishwasher manufacturers and the QuantuMatic has just been awarded 'Best Buy' status by Which? magazine, so it starts with several Brownie points already. I'll be letting you know if I'll be awarding any over the coming weeks.Finally, something I don't think I've ever done before - a museum review. It was actually while getting lost on my way to the QuantuMatic briefing last Wednesday that I stumbled across this:
The Museum of the Order of St John is in the impressive setting of St John's Gate, Clerkenwell. I've walked past this building before, but not appreciated it's history. Still less have I realised what an interesting - free - museum lurks behind its mighty portals, nor what a fascinating history lies behind the Order of the Knights of St John (and their present day representatives, the St John Ambulance Brigade). Based in the Order's pre-dissolution Priory, the museum charts the history of the order from its crusader origins to it's role in providing care and protection to pilgrims and travellers. And for children, there's a dressing up box too!
Need I say more? Well, I'm going to. It's well worth a visit if you're in the area; it's family friendly, small enough to ensure you don't miss anything and - if my visit was anything to go by - so little known you might find you have the entire museum to yourself. Although I suppose writing this might just have done a little to lessen the likelihood of that happening. Oh well, I'm sure they won't mind too much. But you'd better get there quick!
Enjoy your Sunday.
March 18, 2011
Psychology Friday: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
The idea that someone perfectly sane could be admitted to a psychiatric hospital is nothing new. Neither is the belief that there are some people out there who ought to be in hospital, but aren't. It's the stuff of criminal psychiatric profiling, for a start. It's also the stuff of hard-nosed academic research, as well as this wonderful work of fiction by Ken Kesey and an Oscar-winning film starring Jack Nicholson.
But first, the research. In 1973 David Rosenhan and seven other volunteers decided to try to get themselves admitted to a psychiatric hospital. They had to 'phone the ward reporting having heard a 'thud' in their heads, but this was the only lie they were to tell. All eight were admitted; seven were diagnosed with schizophrenia and one with bi-polar disorder. In spite of behaving perfectly rationally, they were all held for between 7 and 52 days and only eventually discharged on the grounds that their 'disease' (they hadn't got one, remember?) was in remission. In other words, the label stuck.
Needless to say, the hospitals were rather annoyed. So Rosenhan challenged them to spot some more 'pseudo patients' (all perfectly sane) and tell him - over the course of the next three months - how many people they had seen that they considered sane. And the results? During the three month period almost 200 patients were admitted, of whom between 19 and 41 were considered to be actors. But Rosenhan had sent no-one. In other words, all the patients the medical establishment suspected were fakes were real-life potential sufferers of psychiatric illness.
All of which gives a whole new meaning to the cliché that the lunatics have taken over the asylum.
But first, the research. In 1973 David Rosenhan and seven other volunteers decided to try to get themselves admitted to a psychiatric hospital. They had to 'phone the ward reporting having heard a 'thud' in their heads, but this was the only lie they were to tell. All eight were admitted; seven were diagnosed with schizophrenia and one with bi-polar disorder. In spite of behaving perfectly rationally, they were all held for between 7 and 52 days and only eventually discharged on the grounds that their 'disease' (they hadn't got one, remember?) was in remission. In other words, the label stuck.
Needless to say, the hospitals were rather annoyed. So Rosenhan challenged them to spot some more 'pseudo patients' (all perfectly sane) and tell him - over the course of the next three months - how many people they had seen that they considered sane. And the results? During the three month period almost 200 patients were admitted, of whom between 19 and 41 were considered to be actors. But Rosenhan had sent no-one. In other words, all the patients the medical establishment suspected were fakes were real-life potential sufferers of psychiatric illness.
All of which gives a whole new meaning to the cliché that the lunatics have taken over the asylum.
March 16, 2011
March 14, 2011
The Japan Earthquake
Last Friday, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded hit Japan. And following the tremor a devastating Tsunami wave hit the coast causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
But you knew all that; there's no escaping news of the tragedy. This morning's airwaves are filled with the latest details: another explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power station; two thousand bodies washed ashore on the north coast; widespread water, food and fuel shortages. Thanks to satellite communication, shared broadcasting facilities and resident reporters, we've been kept up-to-date with events as they happen. What need, then, for the BBC (and, for all I know, other UK broadcasters) to spend the weekend flying James Naughtie of the Today programme out to Sendai - one of the worst-hit cities - as well as adding Nick Ravenscroft, Andrew Hosken and a host of other reporters to the mix? I assume these people won't be starving while they're out there. And I assume they'll be using some of that scarce fuel for their vehicles, to say nothing of precious electricity supplies that the Japanese national grid is having to ration to the rest of the nation.
It's the same whenever disaster strikes. Not content with letting the resident journalists tell the story, we have to have a 'live' BBC News anchor presenting the programme from the latest trouble spot, as if that's what it takes to tell the story. Which, of course, is nonsense. We're kept perfectly well informed without the reckless policy of sending out the 'heavies' to report live from the scene. Worse, at a time when the people of Japan need all the help they can get, when the Today programme website itself tells us that, 'Japan is struggling to cope with the devastation caused by Friday's earthquake and resulting tsunami,' and when its government is facing the biggest national emergency since World War 2, I don't want to be paying (via the license fee) to fly Jim Naughtie - or anyone else - out there to use up some of their precious resources of fuel and food. Of course the story needs telling, the broadcasters will say. But they were doing that anyway, and instantly, without the help of the heavies.
The irony is that half of Jim Naughtie's job this morning has been announcing - live, on the line from Japan - items that have nothing to do with the earthquake or anything connected to it. And the ultimate demonstration of this foolishness was when he interviewed - from Sendai - the Japanese ambassador to Britain who was, of course, in London. Which is where Jim should've been.
Next time, stay at home, Jim. And give the money that you'll save to the Japanese Shelter Box Appeal.
But you knew all that; there's no escaping news of the tragedy. This morning's airwaves are filled with the latest details: another explosion at the Fukushima nuclear power station; two thousand bodies washed ashore on the north coast; widespread water, food and fuel shortages. Thanks to satellite communication, shared broadcasting facilities and resident reporters, we've been kept up-to-date with events as they happen. What need, then, for the BBC (and, for all I know, other UK broadcasters) to spend the weekend flying James Naughtie of the Today programme out to Sendai - one of the worst-hit cities - as well as adding Nick Ravenscroft, Andrew Hosken and a host of other reporters to the mix? I assume these people won't be starving while they're out there. And I assume they'll be using some of that scarce fuel for their vehicles, to say nothing of precious electricity supplies that the Japanese national grid is having to ration to the rest of the nation.
It's the same whenever disaster strikes. Not content with letting the resident journalists tell the story, we have to have a 'live' BBC News anchor presenting the programme from the latest trouble spot, as if that's what it takes to tell the story. Which, of course, is nonsense. We're kept perfectly well informed without the reckless policy of sending out the 'heavies' to report live from the scene. Worse, at a time when the people of Japan need all the help they can get, when the Today programme website itself tells us that, 'Japan is struggling to cope with the devastation caused by Friday's earthquake and resulting tsunami,' and when its government is facing the biggest national emergency since World War 2, I don't want to be paying (via the license fee) to fly Jim Naughtie - or anyone else - out there to use up some of their precious resources of fuel and food. Of course the story needs telling, the broadcasters will say. But they were doing that anyway, and instantly, without the help of the heavies.
The irony is that half of Jim Naughtie's job this morning has been announcing - live, on the line from Japan - items that have nothing to do with the earthquake or anything connected to it. And the ultimate demonstration of this foolishness was when he interviewed - from Sendai - the Japanese ambassador to Britain who was, of course, in London. Which is where Jim should've been.
Next time, stay at home, Jim. And give the money that you'll save to the Japanese Shelter Box Appeal.
March 12, 2011
Real Holidays
We've been planning our holiday this week. Needless to say, with a new baby it's a bit of a logistical nightmare, the more so as it involves a performance at the Salzburg Festival. By us! (That is, Cantemus.) So we're (a) having to drive and (b) take the mother-in-law. Oh, and the drive is turning into something of an epic road trip across Europe. Still, we get to sing with the choir in Salzburg Cathedral as well as have a holiday, so we can't complain.
When Charlie was a baby we kept it simple. We holidayed in Wales. And had a wonderful time. You can read about it here. Or you can have a look at this video and maybe be inspired to visit the Principality yourself. In fact, you might even be in with a chance to win a holiday there worth £1000! Now there's an incentive.
When Charlie was a baby we kept it simple. We holidayed in Wales. And had a wonderful time. You can read about it here. Or you can have a look at this video and maybe be inspired to visit the Principality yourself. In fact, you might even be in with a chance to win a holiday there worth £1000! Now there's an incentive.
March 10, 2011
So, farewell Phil...
In announcing his retirement from the music business yesterday, Phil Collins was keen to dispel a number of myths. First, he isn't mad; neither is he 'past it'; he isn't sulking as a result of hostile press coverage either, nor is he going because no-one loves him anymore. He said as much on his website, in his own words. So why is he going? Well, I'll let the man tell you himself. He says, 'I am stopping so I can be a full-time father to my two young sons on a daily basis.'
There. Simple. He's going to be a stay-at-home dad. But no, surely not? Just as a sceptical press habitually scoffs at politicians who want to 'spend more time with the family', they seem to find it impossible to take Phil Collins' statement at face value. Surely, Phil, you've got a part coming up in Eastenders? Surely, you're going to pursue your somewhat flaky interest in the Alamo? Surely... surely.... surely. Oh for Heaven's sake, what's so unusual about wanting to give more time to his children? After all, he doesn't (one assumes) need the money. But the idea of a dad - be it Phil or anyone - giving up a career, lucrative or otherwise to do womens' work seems so incredible that the rumour mill starts grinding out alternatives: he couldn't hack it, lost the plot, he's not a real man, he's past his best.
Well, I hope Phil won't be put off by the nay-sayers. And somehow, I don't think he will. I can certainly recommend it, this stay-at-home dad thing. Ok, the money isn't great but I'm richer now than I've ever been, paid handsomely by the experience of being there, at home, for Sally, Charlie and now for Eloise. I've done a few jobs in my time, involving at different stages chains and chalk and cassocks. But stay-at-home dad has been the most rewarding.
Whether the highest-earning recording artist of all time will think so, of course, remains to be seen. There are those - including the NME - who seem to think his talents are going to be best-suited to changing nappies and wiping noses. But in spite of what anyone else says, I think the Phil is a legend. That 'In the Air Tonight' drum riff has got to be a classic. And he plays in a gorilla suit, as well!
There. Simple. He's going to be a stay-at-home dad. But no, surely not? Just as a sceptical press habitually scoffs at politicians who want to 'spend more time with the family', they seem to find it impossible to take Phil Collins' statement at face value. Surely, Phil, you've got a part coming up in Eastenders? Surely, you're going to pursue your somewhat flaky interest in the Alamo? Surely... surely.... surely. Oh for Heaven's sake, what's so unusual about wanting to give more time to his children? After all, he doesn't (one assumes) need the money. But the idea of a dad - be it Phil or anyone - giving up a career, lucrative or otherwise to do womens' work seems so incredible that the rumour mill starts grinding out alternatives: he couldn't hack it, lost the plot, he's not a real man, he's past his best.
Well, I hope Phil won't be put off by the nay-sayers. And somehow, I don't think he will. I can certainly recommend it, this stay-at-home dad thing. Ok, the money isn't great but I'm richer now than I've ever been, paid handsomely by the experience of being there, at home, for Sally, Charlie and now for Eloise. I've done a few jobs in my time, involving at different stages chains and chalk and cassocks. But stay-at-home dad has been the most rewarding.
Whether the highest-earning recording artist of all time will think so, of course, remains to be seen. There are those - including the NME - who seem to think his talents are going to be best-suited to changing nappies and wiping noses. But in spite of what anyone else says, I think the Phil is a legend. That 'In the Air Tonight' drum riff has got to be a classic. And he plays in a gorilla suit, as well!
March 8, 2011
Roary the Racing Car... plus garage!
In true Blue Peter fashion, today I'm going to show you how to turn this...
Into this...
And it's as easy as doing a little bit of this...
Some of this...
Getting daddy (or mummy) to do a bit of this...
And adding a few of these...
It really is that simple! And - I think you'll agree - pretty effective. It wasn't my idea; it wasn't even my shoe-box. Both belonged to Sarah, and quite how the combination of a Roary-mad toddler and a shoe container came together as they did, I'm not quite sure. But once she'd had the inspiration, it was down to us for the perspiration and I was as keen to put it into action as Charlie. As you can see, he did his bit. And he didn't make too much mess. (I did!) But it was all good fun.
Anyway, to begin at the beginning as someone once said, you'll need to cut down the corners of the shoe-box lid first to make the garage apron, thus:
Next comes the messy bit - the painting. I tried to match the colours using a Roary annual, but it doesn't really matter - unless, like me, you've got a son who spots the slightest inconsistency and pulls his parents up for every tiny inaccuracy.
Moving swiftly along, get those paints out and transform your shoe-box into something that might just, in a day or two, look like a garage for a set of racing cars.
Again, using the annual as a guide, I left the parking spaces white and drew on the lines in black felt-tip as well as drawing on the detail of the back wall. And from then on, we were in the home straight as it were, thanks to being sent to some stickers by a very nice man at Chapman who'd seen my review of the Roary Live! stage show and - in reverse of the normal PR trend - sent me a bundle of goodies as a 'thank you'. In fact, one of them - the new Roary Winter Breeze DVD - we already had, so I'm giving it away as a bonus for a blog reader. But you have to pledge to make a Roary garage like ours and post the pics on your own blog (if you have one). If you don't, you can send them to me and I'll post them here. It's well worth it (and not just for being in with a chance of winning the DVD) and if I can do it, anyone can. Did I ever tell you my philosophy of DIY? It's this - if you can't fix it with a hammer, call an expert!
Into this...
And it's as easy as doing a little bit of this...
Some of this...
Getting daddy (or mummy) to do a bit of this...
And adding a few of these...
It really is that simple! And - I think you'll agree - pretty effective. It wasn't my idea; it wasn't even my shoe-box. Both belonged to Sarah, and quite how the combination of a Roary-mad toddler and a shoe container came together as they did, I'm not quite sure. But once she'd had the inspiration, it was down to us for the perspiration and I was as keen to put it into action as Charlie. As you can see, he did his bit. And he didn't make too much mess. (I did!) But it was all good fun.
Anyway, to begin at the beginning as someone once said, you'll need to cut down the corners of the shoe-box lid first to make the garage apron, thus:
Next comes the messy bit - the painting. I tried to match the colours using a Roary annual, but it doesn't really matter - unless, like me, you've got a son who spots the slightest inconsistency and pulls his parents up for every tiny inaccuracy.
Moving swiftly along, get those paints out and transform your shoe-box into something that might just, in a day or two, look like a garage for a set of racing cars.Again, using the annual as a guide, I left the parking spaces white and drew on the lines in black felt-tip as well as drawing on the detail of the back wall. And from then on, we were in the home straight as it were, thanks to being sent to some stickers by a very nice man at Chapman who'd seen my review of the Roary Live! stage show and - in reverse of the normal PR trend - sent me a bundle of goodies as a 'thank you'. In fact, one of them - the new Roary Winter Breeze DVD - we already had, so I'm giving it away as a bonus for a blog reader. But you have to pledge to make a Roary garage like ours and post the pics on your own blog (if you have one). If you don't, you can send them to me and I'll post them here. It's well worth it (and not just for being in with a chance of winning the DVD) and if I can do it, anyone can. Did I ever tell you my philosophy of DIY? It's this - if you can't fix it with a hammer, call an expert!
March 6, 2011
Sunday Supplement... Apple Compatibles
There's a distinctly techie tone to this week's review: no one's sent me an iPad2 (yet) but I do have a couple of goodies for the iPhone and iPod to tell you all about. Both are designed to convert the little gizmo to a full-size stereophonic music machine, and the first adds DAB and FM radio to the mix too. In a world where small is beautiful the idea of attaching your iPhone to anything huge and cumbersome seems counter-productive; but small doesn't have to mean cheap and tinny, as both of these products go to show.
First, at the top end of the range, is the Magicbox Tower - a high-spec dock that's compatible with almost all the iPod/iPhone range. With its built-in DAB/FM radio and alarm clock, it stands just 15cm high and is available in a range of colours. My daughter and her friends have been trying this out during their sleepover this weekend, and the verdict is 'really good, plays really well (I can vouch for that!) and the sound is crystal clear but... ' (yes, there's a 'but') 'my iPod feels a bit flimsy stuck on top like that without any support.' I can see what my daughter means; apart from the connector there's nothing to support the device that sits atop the tower, with the result that it seems rather vulnerable to getting knocked. Especially in a household with children.
Although small, it certainly packs an acoustic punch and it's small enough to travel almost anywhere with you, should you want it to. It retails for about £70 and is widely available online and in the High Street.
Next, the AirCurve Play. If anything, this is even more versatile as it doesn't require power - either mains or battery. That's because it's a simple cradle with an acoustic chamber to enhance the sound of your iPhone or iPod speakers. You'd think it would be pretty basic, and I suppose in technological terms it is. But it certainly does what it says on the tin (or rather, box) and amplifies the sound to the level of 10dB - more than enough to make for social listening, video-viewing or conference calling. And the best thing about it is - no wires!
This retails for between £10 and £15, making it excellent value-for-money as well as economical to run - not only because it doesn't need powering up, but because by allowing you to play your iPhone/iPod at a reduced volume (yet still be heard) it's a battery-saver too.
The final gizmo on this week's list has been keeping me connected during this sleepover weekend as a combination of teenage girls and multifarious gizmos drain the bandwidth on the home wireless network. Actually, as a TalkTalk customer, sporadic broadband is something I'm not unused to (who isn't?). All of which makes the Mobile WiFi dongle lent to me recently a real blogging 'must have'. Connected to the 3 network, this Huawei modem (E585) is as straightforward to use as it looks: turn on, enter network key and off you go. Although we're not in the best area for signal strength on 3 (as we know to our cost with their 'phones) I've connected to my own personal MiFi network on the train, on the station platform, in the park and generally whenever I've been away from home. I've also - as suggested - used it when the home network's been playing silly buggers (which it has a habit of doing) and I've yet to find a problem. It's simple to use, and it works. Which is just about the best you can say about anything in this category. Oh, and it's cheap too - £49.99 with a pay-as-you go option or £39.99 with a £15 a month contract.
Finally, it's time to reveal all. Oh yes, in the somewhat sporadic but always entertaining series of blog-name exposés, the spotlight falls today on Utterly Scrummy. If you haven't visited her blog yet, be warned - don't do so on an empty stomach! Do, however, visit it for culinary inspiration as it's a festival of fabulous foodie finery. And that, as you might guess, is the inspiration of the name. As Ms Scrummy herself told me...
There is no great secret to my blog and twitter name; 'tis all rather boring I'm afraid. My blog is called Utterly Scrummy as that is my nickname amongst friends. I make and bake loads and enjoy giving food away to my friends, neighbours, teachers at school, refreshment table at church, etc. Everyone says that my cooking is scrummy, a few of my friends called me Utterly Scrummy because I they think I am generous giving away scrummy home baking and meals so the name just stuck.
Baking is relaxation for me, cooking is one of my creative outlets where I can just let my mind wander or chop, stir, or beat out the stresses of the day. I like making people feel happy, special, and cared for. Baking and cooking for them is an easy way to achieve that. I also sew, crochet, knit and craft but that's another story...
So now you know... And if you're one of Utterly Scrummy's neighbours, you must be very, very lucky.
Wonder what she's cooking up for Sunday lunch?
First, at the top end of the range, is the Magicbox Tower - a high-spec dock that's compatible with almost all the iPod/iPhone range. With its built-in DAB/FM radio and alarm clock, it stands just 15cm high and is available in a range of colours. My daughter and her friends have been trying this out during their sleepover this weekend, and the verdict is 'really good, plays really well (I can vouch for that!) and the sound is crystal clear but... ' (yes, there's a 'but') 'my iPod feels a bit flimsy stuck on top like that without any support.' I can see what my daughter means; apart from the connector there's nothing to support the device that sits atop the tower, with the result that it seems rather vulnerable to getting knocked. Especially in a household with children.
Although small, it certainly packs an acoustic punch and it's small enough to travel almost anywhere with you, should you want it to. It retails for about £70 and is widely available online and in the High Street.
Next, the AirCurve Play. If anything, this is even more versatile as it doesn't require power - either mains or battery. That's because it's a simple cradle with an acoustic chamber to enhance the sound of your iPhone or iPod speakers. You'd think it would be pretty basic, and I suppose in technological terms it is. But it certainly does what it says on the tin (or rather, box) and amplifies the sound to the level of 10dB - more than enough to make for social listening, video-viewing or conference calling. And the best thing about it is - no wires!
This retails for between £10 and £15, making it excellent value-for-money as well as economical to run - not only because it doesn't need powering up, but because by allowing you to play your iPhone/iPod at a reduced volume (yet still be heard) it's a battery-saver too.The final gizmo on this week's list has been keeping me connected during this sleepover weekend as a combination of teenage girls and multifarious gizmos drain the bandwidth on the home wireless network. Actually, as a TalkTalk customer, sporadic broadband is something I'm not unused to (who isn't?). All of which makes the Mobile WiFi dongle lent to me recently a real blogging 'must have'. Connected to the 3 network, this Huawei modem (E585) is as straightforward to use as it looks: turn on, enter network key and off you go. Although we're not in the best area for signal strength on 3 (as we know to our cost with their 'phones) I've connected to my own personal MiFi network on the train, on the station platform, in the park and generally whenever I've been away from home. I've also - as suggested - used it when the home network's been playing silly buggers (which it has a habit of doing) and I've yet to find a problem. It's simple to use, and it works. Which is just about the best you can say about anything in this category. Oh, and it's cheap too - £49.99 with a pay-as-you go option or £39.99 with a £15 a month contract.
Finally, it's time to reveal all. Oh yes, in the somewhat sporadic but always entertaining series of blog-name exposés, the spotlight falls today on Utterly Scrummy. If you haven't visited her blog yet, be warned - don't do so on an empty stomach! Do, however, visit it for culinary inspiration as it's a festival of fabulous foodie finery. And that, as you might guess, is the inspiration of the name. As Ms Scrummy herself told me...
There is no great secret to my blog and twitter name; 'tis all rather boring I'm afraid. My blog is called Utterly Scrummy as that is my nickname amongst friends. I make and bake loads and enjoy giving food away to my friends, neighbours, teachers at school, refreshment table at church, etc. Everyone says that my cooking is scrummy, a few of my friends called me Utterly Scrummy because I they think I am generous giving away scrummy home baking and meals so the name just stuck.
Baking is relaxation for me, cooking is one of my creative outlets where I can just let my mind wander or chop, stir, or beat out the stresses of the day. I like making people feel happy, special, and cared for. Baking and cooking for them is an easy way to achieve that. I also sew, crochet, knit and craft but that's another story...
So now you know... And if you're one of Utterly Scrummy's neighbours, you must be very, very lucky.
Wonder what she's cooking up for Sunday lunch?
March 4, 2011
Psychology Friday: My Friendly Amygdala
Are you the sociable type? You know, life and soul of the party, love people, like being the centre of attention? Or maybe you prefer to take a back seat, staying out of the limelight and having a one-to-one with a trusted friend. Either way, have you ever stopped to wonder why?
Most people seem to think they're either born that way or they're not, and new psychological research might just be about to prove them right. Apparently a small part of the brain known as the amygdala is larger in more sociable people than others. In fact, both the number and the complexity of a person's relationships correlates to the size of this small bundle of nerves hidden deep in the cerebrum.
But - and here's the $64,000 question - which comes first? Are you sociable because this part of your brain is bigger or does it become larger if you're sociable? Is it nature or nurture? Are gregarious people born with big amygdala, or do they grow - like 'social' muscle - as they use it?
This is the kind of question that strikes at the heart of most psychological research. There are many examples of a strong correlation between two variables like this (the Maguire study into the size of taxi drivers' brains is another good example) but how - if at all - are the two factors linked? That's the kind of answer many psychologists would give their eye teeth to discover. But science seldom provides such simple explanations.
Mind you, neither does life. The causal/correlation puzzle is a bit like the old chicken and egg conundrum, which is precisely what Charlie and I happened discussing yesterday morning. The conversation started innocuously enough with the simple question of whether or not I laid eggs. Well, I played that one with a straight bat. 'So does mummy lay eggs'. Er, no. 'Do I lay eggs then?' No, Charlie, you don't; hens lay eggs, not people. From there it was a simple step to the 'which came first' question, but I don't think we reached any meaningful conclusions.
But what do you think? No, not about the chicken and the egg situation (although feel free to add to the discussion!) but the $64000 amygdala question? Are we born with the ability to make lots of friends, or is it something we learn according to the opportunities we're given?
Would a gregarious person be unhappy on a desert island. Or would their amygdala just shrink?
Here's the link to the Guardian article describing this research in more detail.
Most people seem to think they're either born that way or they're not, and new psychological research might just be about to prove them right. Apparently a small part of the brain known as the amygdala is larger in more sociable people than others. In fact, both the number and the complexity of a person's relationships correlates to the size of this small bundle of nerves hidden deep in the cerebrum.
But - and here's the $64,000 question - which comes first? Are you sociable because this part of your brain is bigger or does it become larger if you're sociable? Is it nature or nurture? Are gregarious people born with big amygdala, or do they grow - like 'social' muscle - as they use it?
This is the kind of question that strikes at the heart of most psychological research. There are many examples of a strong correlation between two variables like this (the Maguire study into the size of taxi drivers' brains is another good example) but how - if at all - are the two factors linked? That's the kind of answer many psychologists would give their eye teeth to discover. But science seldom provides such simple explanations.
Mind you, neither does life. The causal/correlation puzzle is a bit like the old chicken and egg conundrum, which is precisely what Charlie and I happened discussing yesterday morning. The conversation started innocuously enough with the simple question of whether or not I laid eggs. Well, I played that one with a straight bat. 'So does mummy lay eggs'. Er, no. 'Do I lay eggs then?' No, Charlie, you don't; hens lay eggs, not people. From there it was a simple step to the 'which came first' question, but I don't think we reached any meaningful conclusions.
But what do you think? No, not about the chicken and the egg situation (although feel free to add to the discussion!) but the $64000 amygdala question? Are we born with the ability to make lots of friends, or is it something we learn according to the opportunities we're given?
Would a gregarious person be unhappy on a desert island. Or would their amygdala just shrink?
Here's the link to the Guardian article describing this research in more detail.
