I'm so pleased with myself. I have an old boom box which blows a fuse if you use the tape deck, but where the amplifier part works fine. So I opened it up, connected a stereo socket to the amplifier inputs on the PCB, and drilled a hole to install the socket. Now I can use it as an active speaker set for my MP3 player and the separate tape deck I keep in the computer room.
This proves that if I don't throw something away because I can find a use for it, I'm not always deluding myself.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
Someone else has been thinking about Death of a Salesman and Buffy.
It's often said that the 'Death of a Salesman' production in Restless bears no resemblance to the play. I don't agree, particularly when I think of the piano scene, where Buffy scolds Riley while Harmony weeps on the sofa. The combination of the music and Buffs' relentless declamation reminds me strongly of the scene where Willy's loud conversation with the Woman is interrupted by continual banging on the door from Biff.
It's often said that the 'Death of a Salesman' production in Restless bears no resemblance to the play. I don't agree, particularly when I think of the piano scene, where Buffy scolds Riley while Harmony weeps on the sofa. The combination of the music and Buffs' relentless declamation reminds me strongly of the scene where Willy's loud conversation with the Woman is interrupted by continual banging on the door from Biff.
Monday, January 16, 2006
My taste in games is simple. Sim City 2000 has been one of my favourites for years. But recently I saw Sim City 3000 going dead cheap in a supermarket. You still can't do anything about the UFO attack, but now there's a siren you can let off during this and other disasters. It's very satisfying indeed. Plus, you get a telling-off from the news ticker if you cry wolf by sounding it when there isn't a disaster happening.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Venus observed!
I've just realised my long-term ambition to see Venus in daylight. I spotted it in full afternoon sunlight, only 37 degrees from the Sun. I did have to use binoculars to locate it first, but it was easily visible with the naked eye after that.
Shallow says: Take extreme care using binoculars for daytime astronomy. Ideally you should make sure that the Sun is hidden from you by a wall or building.
Incidentally this observation was made through a double glazed window.
Time 1440 UTC
Alt/Azimuth 17/184 deg
Elongation 37 deg
Magnitude -3.9
Limiting magnitude calculation (elev 20m, temp 39 F, RH 69%) -3.2
Shallow says: Take extreme care using binoculars for daytime astronomy. Ideally you should make sure that the Sun is hidden from you by a wall or building.
Incidentally this observation was made through a double glazed window.
Time 1440 UTC
Alt/Azimuth 17/184 deg
Elongation 37 deg
Magnitude -3.9
Limiting magnitude calculation (elev 20m, temp 39 F, RH 69%) -3.2
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Woolworthless
Not content with spamming the BBC with thousands of duplicate Jerry Springer complaints, religious fanatics 'Christian Voice' have leant on Woolworths and Sainsburys to take the Jerry Springer DVD off their shelves.
Woolworths, it's over between us. I shall go to Wilkinsons for my tinsel and Christmas cards in future. You're especially damned for fobbing off counter-protestors with the broken record technique.
Sainsburys, I'm downgrading you to Evil Supermarket status along with Tesco and Asda. I'm more disappointed than angry.
Join with Shallow!
Woolworths, it's over between us. I shall go to Wilkinsons for my tinsel and Christmas cards in future. You're especially damned for fobbing off counter-protestors with the broken record technique.
Sainsburys, I'm downgrading you to Evil Supermarket status along with Tesco and Asda. I'm more disappointed than angry.
Join with Shallow!
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Shallow Fact File
This week: Lavinia Murray
Fave Bob Dylan album: Fetching It All Back Home
Fave George Bush quote: 'Fetch it on!'
Fave Queen song: Fetch Back That Leroy Brown
Shallow's Special Question:
Lavinia, which of the belts of debris surrounding the planet Saturn do you like best?
Well Shallow. I would pick the A-ring but it's such an obvious choice. I'm taking my pick from the other side of the Cassini Division - it has to be the F-etch.
Fave Bob Dylan album: Fetching It All Back Home
Fave George Bush quote: 'Fetch it on!'
Fave Queen song: Fetch Back That Leroy Brown
Shallow's Special Question:
Lavinia, which of the belts of debris surrounding the planet Saturn do you like best?
Well Shallow. I would pick the A-ring but it's such an obvious choice. I'm taking my pick from the other side of the Cassini Division - it has to be the F-etch.