Archive for February, 2010

Single Goldfinch on Nyjer Feeder

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

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My latest efforts at closeup photographing of the birds in my garden. These photographs are still not perfect, but I’m discovering and learning new things about photography with my Digital SLR, now that it’s not in Automatic and I don’t have Auto-Focus either!

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Willies Word-Class Cacao One for Now DARK CHOCOLATE One for Then

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

fourwillieschocoslatesNow your probably thinking that I purchased this lot of chocolate, well I didn’t, as I’ve been on the wagon for at least three weeks now, and I’ve been eating fruit, I decided I’ve definately been eating too much chocolate, crisps and drinking far too much Red Bull and Diet Coke of late.

I received a few emails from a friend yesterday,

“One for now” was the subject of one, followed by another “One for now”, followed by another “One for later”, I thought he’d gone round the bend, followed by another email “for eating” … I was going to call him later that evening.

I hadn’t got a clue what he was referring to, until I got home and saw a parcel here it is:-

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I then knew it was Willies Delectable Cacao! Damn you Paul! I don’t think I mentioned I was on the wagon! He’d sent them as a favour for repairing his notebook, and they are only available from Waitrose.

I blogged last year about Willies Delectable Cacao, well it looks like Willie has done it again and produced another three different flavours to add to the original, and one in Limited Edition.

  • Venezuelan 72, Hacienda Las Trincheras, 72% Cacao with Smooth Nutty Notes – Limited Edition
  • Peruvian 70, San Martin, 70% Cacao with subtle Tropical Fruit Notes
  • Indonesian 69, Javan Light Breaking, 69% Cacao with Caramel Notes
  • Original Venezuelan 72, Rio Caribe Superior, 72% Cacao with Fruity Notes

So if you like good chocolate why not try Willies Word-Class Cacao.

Visit Willies Word-Class Cacao whilst I eat mine!

Actually there is a fifth called :-

  • Madagascan 71, Sambirano Superior, 71% Cacao Juicy Notes of Summer Fruits

Paul, I’m I pushing my luck to ask you to send this one as well, when in stock!

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Illegal bird killing in Malta

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Migration is one of the most amazing stories from nature. Every year, hundreds of species of birds make astonishing journeys from one part of the world to another and back again. And some end up in the UK, including swallows.

From the cape of South Africa swallows fly north the length of Africa, averaging 200 miles every day. Most pass over the Namib and Kalahari deserts to the Gulf of Guinea on Africa’s western coast, eating insects on the wing.

Then comes the difficult journey across the Sahara. Buffeted by sandstorms and with few insects to sustain them, they struggle to get to the other side of this vast desert.

Once across, they follow three main ‘flyways’ over the glistening expanse of the Mediterranean sea to southern Europe and eventually, after 7,000 miles, to the place where they were born. Often to the same village. The same barn. The same nest as in previous years.

A truly remarkable feat.

swallow180_tcm9-174734Unfortunately, some swallows never make it that far. Their route takes them to the coastline of a small island – Malta – where they stop, feed, rest…and are shot. Just for the sheer pleasure of it.

Last September, volunteers from BirdLife Malta and another bird conservation group found the remains of over 200 birds hidden in an area of the Mizieb woodland, which is used as hunting grounds.

The bodies, which ranged from freshly killed marsh harriers to bones that appeared to be several months (maybe years) old, were located in stashes under rocks, in crevices and under rubbish. The remains also included honey-buzzards and hoopoes.

Sign the petition here or  https://www.rspb.org.uk/applications/inforequest/%28vhhixwbqm43lgu55jflto1z2%29/index.aspx?dt=APLITH0103

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More GaGa at the MEN Manchester

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

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Lady GaGa Monster Ball Tour – 18th Feb – MEN Arena – Manchester – Video!

Friday, February 19th, 2010

It was an interesting night, being thrown back in time to the 80s, watching all the dressed up fans (freaks – myself included, which reminds me of another band and song – ‘all the best freaks are here’ ) in their gear! But an enjoyable, fabulous set and songs. Worth the wait! I only wished I had another ticket to see her again!

It gets much loader, when GaGa comes on, and wipes out the camera microphone, I wondered why Lindsey was complaining one of her ears wasn’t working properly today! Mine are okay, but I’m deaf anyway! Please also note, if you are one of the freaks going to the Monster Ball, the video does contain spoliers!

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Lady GaGa Live at the Monster Ball, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

I think Freddy would be very poud!

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Alpha Beat supporting Lady GaGa, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Friday, February 19th, 2010

I didn’t really anticpiate taking my compact digital camera because I didn’t know how well the photos and video would come out, and despite the notice on the entrance to the MEN stating cameras and digital recording devices would not be allowed, I think everyone at the MEN had a camera or phone with a camera! The only problem is I only took, on memory card, which was rather full, but here is a small clips of the evening to give you a flavour, and I apologise for the picture, video and audio quality – it was loud, that loud, it overloads the microphone on the camera.

Alpha Beat supporting Lady GaGa, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

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Semi Precious Weapons supporting Lady GaGa, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

Friday, February 19th, 2010

I didn’t really anticpiate taking my compact digital camera because I didn’t know how well the photos and video would come out, and despite the notice on the entrance to the MEN stating cameras and digital recording devices would not be allowed, I think everyone at the MEN had a camera or phone with a camera! The only problem is I only took, on memory card, which was rather full, but here is a small clips of the evening to give you a flavour, and I apologise for the picture, video and audio quality – it was loud, that loud, it overloads the microphone on the camera. Also please note the language on this clip is rather strong, a bit stronger than Gordan Ramsey, if you know what I mean, plenty of F-Words!


Semi Precious Weapons supporting Lady GaGa, 18 Feb, MEN Manchester

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GaGa – FANASTIC, BRILLIANT, BLOODY GOOD SHOW GIRL!

Friday, February 19th, 2010

We went to see Lady GaGa on her Monster Ball Tour last night at the MEN Arena – Manchester

In a few words, FANASTIC, BRILLIANT, BLOODY GOOD SHOW GIRL!

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Why pay for Travelodge WiFi with all these FREE Access Points!

Friday, February 19th, 2010
3 Coverage HSDPA

3 Coverage HSDPA

No need for 3G, which at present I’m getting 5 bars good buddy, blowing me windows out on HSPDA! But why pay for Travelodge WiFi when there are 49 Access Points with un-secure WiFi Access in this area!

WiFi coverage at this location

WiFi coverage at this location

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Rats Nest Part III – Done – Network Upgrade Complete.

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

All done, I need to configure both switches, but all the manual work is complete, old 3COM switches removed, new HP switches installed, and all the network patch cables patched in again.

I’ll just have to wait until Monday morning for the issues to be reported! I predict a busy day Monday!

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