I Wouldn’t Like To Be These Thieves If the Commuters Get Them!
Thieves have stolen 90 metres of signalling cable from outside Paddington according to the BBC. It is causing major problems.
But at least the systems appear fail-safe and no-one has been hurt. It would be different of course, if the commuters got their hands on the thieves.
Years ago, I did some analysis for Railtrack and to stop signal cable thefts, they were replacing copper cable with fibre optic. The latter was cheaper and of coursehad no value if stolen, as who wants lots of glass thread? So the thieves just turned up with cutters and destroyed the fibre optic cables, in the vain hope that Railtrack would replace it with copper. They didn’t of course.
Perhaps though, those that get caught stealing cables, which control life-saving systems like signals or motorway signs, should be charged with something more serious like attempted manslaughter.
The Phone Finally Arrives
It was finally delivered at 14:45, by a pleasant driver, who hadn’t been the one, who had ytied to deliver it on Monday.
The Samsung B2100 is now working and I’m trying to find all the features. It didn’t come with a cable to link it to my computer, so this may be a problem, as I like to update the contacts from the computer, rather than by typing them in on the small keypad.
So Far So Good!
England are a goal ahead, thanks to Defoe. But the biggest improvement is in the advert-free coverage of the BBC. The commentators don’t say the crass statements and make the mistakes, that those of ITV do!
Alien Keystrokes
I got in a real mess yesterday with Word. I hit a key like control-shift-something and Word formatted everything in something truly alien and wouldn’t let me delete anything at all. In the end, I had to completely retype a two-page document.
I now use a Logitech Cordless Keyboard and Mouse, which is better than that of the laptop but I am still making mistakes. Small ones like capitalisation I can correct, but these control keystrokes just move me into am unwanted wildeness. I want to cut them out selectively.
I’ve just e-mailed Logitech, to see if they have any ideas. Here’s what I said.
I have Logitech cordless Desktop EX110. I have no issues with the product, but as I have had a couple of strokes, I find that I keep mixing the control, shirt, alt and Windows keys. This is a typical problem and several of my disabled friends say they get the same problem. It is a real pain in something like Word where combinations like control-shift-C drastically affect the way the program works.
As a programmer for nearly 50 years, the solution is to be able to disable caps lock, control, alt and the Windows key. Do you have a keyboard driver that does this. Ideally, it would still allow certain keystrokes with control to be selectively allowed, as I use control-C etc. for cut, copy and paste.
Thanks. I shall post the quest for a perfect stroke-friendly keyboard on my blog.
Let’s hope they have a solution!
Mending Fences
Last night I replaced a fence rail, that some horses had virtually chewed through.
It was very satisfying to do something practical. I perhaps found it difficult to saw through the new rail, but banging 150 mm. nails in was actually easy. Even holding the nail in the left hand wasn’t difficult.
I shall do a second one today and then post a picture.
Oddly, I found walking with my 50-year-old claw hammer as a balance in my left hand. It was much easier than using a dumb-bell. Usually, the dumb-bell slips out of my hand at least twice on a walk, but the hammer didn’t! Speaking to a physio today, he felt it was because the hammer was thinner and easier to grip, but also, the dropping was probably due to tiredness.
Is 20% VAT Fair?
There has been a lot of fuss about raising VAT to 20%. I‘m in favour though
- Most countries in Europe have a rate of 20% or over.
- There is no VAT on food, so perhaps instead of eating out all te time, it’s time to learn to cook. After all, there are masses of books and programs on the television. There is no VAT on books.
- There is VAT on fuel, so change your driving hsbits and use less. This a good thing as we will cut carbon emmissions. Osborne should have raised fuel taxes substantially, though!
- There is VAT On building work, so perhaps it’s the time to learn to do things yourself.
- There is VAT on consumer goods, such as telvisions, but then do you really need a four metre screen. I suppose it goves a better picture for those who watch Royle Family style with endless cans of lager. As large screen TVs use a lot of energy, there is a special case for taxing the larger screens heavily. But you can always buy one before next January. It could be argued that as virtually all consumer goods are imported , that a drop in demand would be a good thing.
- But my main reason for liking VAT is that everybody pays a bit. Remember that because of pension and income tax changes, many people will have a little bit more to spend.
Why We All Hate Couriers – 3
The saga of the non-delivery of my mobile phone continues. The courier was slated to deliver it between 16:55 and 17:55 yewsterday. I cancelled going out and stayed in, as I didn’t want to miss them this time.
And guess what?
They didn’t turn up. So I still haven’t got my phone. O2 have told them to deliver it today and there are rumours that it will be here by 12:00. It’s not shown on the courier’s web site though! I probably won’t be as I have a physio appointment. I’ll have to hurry back. But my secretary manager will be here.
The Anonymous Widower 