In the 70s I was forever changing / tinkering with something on my bikes / cars. Timing, points, tappets, carburettor, clutch, brakes, fan belt, timing belt, water pump, the list goes on. Since the invention of the computer and computer controlled machining cars / bikes are amazingly reliable. In the last 15 years I think I've changed a clutch and a wheel bearing and done no maintenance at all!
Yes, I know what you mean there. The introduction of CAD, CNC machining, allied to properly designed modern assembly lines and quality assembly of parts techniques, has led to higher reliability. These higher precision designs have required better quality and specific oils and greases to help keep their better specifications maintained. Plus, the designs have lent themselves towards dealer servicing rather than the home mechanic. Several years ago I changed the front discs on my VFR and even the way that all the nuts and bolts cracked off perfectly and were clean where they should be illustrated how well everything had been designed. I generally don't enjoy getting my hands dirty with vehicle servicing, but the engineering was so good that it was almost a pleasure doing it. Even my very dour eldest brother, who is a retired engineer, occasionally helps because he appreciates the quality of the design.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-39541162 Brian Matthews has died age 88. The BBC announced his death in error earlier in week.
Helped to introduce kids my age to popular music back in the early 60's, and still doing his stuff until recently. RIP Brian
Was going to mention it earlier myself, but I didn't think anyone would take notice. Brian Matthews' voice was the sound of the 60's. That may seem obvious seeing as he hosted such a programme, but even before he started doing it, he'd come on the radio and you'd think 1950-60's music, because he was expert in it. In the same way you could trust Danny Baker's knowledge of anything from the 1970-80's, you could do the same for Matthews from that previous era. I wasn't a regular listener to Sounds of the 60's, but when I did it was always fun and often the sense of déjà vu was palpable, because he always seemed to pick the right music for the moment. And that's aside from his interview work with the emerging pop groups at the time, like The Beatles and such. A true professional, and apparently a very nice bloke too. He was simply integral to the fabric of 1960's pop culture.
He had such a perfect voice for radio, too. He came across as such a gentleman - a really gentle man. RIP, sir So, that's Sir Terry, Stewpot, Desmond Carrington and Brian Matthew that Radio 2 have lost in the last year or so
Quite looking forward to this evening's Top Gear. It has been a long time since I last felt that. Matt Le Blanc looks an awful lot happier, leading the show, in this series. Chris Harris has stopped being annoying and is now a good sideman [without any of that annoying Hamster crap], and Rory Reid is the reasonable, innocent referee type. Obviously I'm getting used to it too, but this is now a format that I think I can enjoy again. A few more bikes and we're there.
I was driving along Thomas Lewis Way, towards Eastleigh, this morning, when I was passed by a Range Rover that appeared to be trying to take off. It sped past me at one hell of a pace, only to get stopped at the traffic lights, at the junction with St Denys Road, where I duly pulled up alongside. Those who know the road will know that once you drive through the lights, the road curves slightly to the right, before straightening. No word of a lie, but by the time I reached the straight part (50 yards?) the Range Rover was already driving through the next set of traffic lights, about 300 yards away. Clearly the driver, male, has no regard to speed limits and road safety, travelling, I estimate, at speeds up to 70/80 mph. Utter madness. Shame there were no police cars on the same stretch of road.
More appalling driving down Thomas Lewis Way. I'd be so happy if they stuck a police car with a camera there. Surprised the cops haven't thought of it. Pity you didn't have a snooper in your car - would at least have had the twat's registration
Plate ended CEO, but didn't catch the rest of it. A dash cam would have been useful, but I don't possess one.
Sorry, can't help. Technology has exceeded my brain power, leaving me confused by the simplest of things.
Coo.! Well, both Redbridge and Millbrook Towers were always said to be well built, so I doubt we'll see any of them burn down in our lifetime. Be an interesting demolition though. EDIT: Just spoke with my brother and he reckons it was his old flat that was on fire. When they first opened in the early 1960's it was his first dwelling as a newly married bloke.
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/152...arson_after_blaze_at_Southampton_tower_block/ Arson apparently. 28 year old woman arrested.
Oh wow, considering what happened in Shirley I'm guessing the fire service will be less than thrilled if that turns out to be true.
