Wahey! I finally saw the ISS again after so many years. It went directly over my house at 21.54, and was visible for a miniute or two only because the sky was still so bright. But in a few minutes time [23.29] at does it again. Should be a lot brighter. EDIT: Shame. Too much cloud off to the west. Well, at least I now have a website which tells me when to look: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sig...nited_Kingdom®ion=England&city=Southampton
I'm calling that fake. That's a chromatic harmonica with one bank of reed notes covered. Would love it to be the gate though.
So you easily tell the difference between a violin and a chromatic harmonica. You reply fast! I didn't even get the chance to go and put the kettle on.
The World struggles to make the change to renewable energy. One of the most resistant countries is... Japan. Yep, strange as it may seem, the country that was once the big innovator... ok, innovator is going a bit too far... developer of other people's ideas, wants to transition to a hydrogen economy. This is what happens when Japan gets an idea of its own [I am joking here - Japan is perfectly capable of thinking of new ideas]. However, it's in the Japanese culture not to question big ideas from those in power [now I'm not joking quite so much - Japanese culture does have this tendency] and this is where they're making a bit of an error. Someone in Japan has approached the Australians about their vast coal reserves, because coal is basically going down the pan. It has served us well, but killed a lot of people along the way, and coal's time is up. Countries are transitioning fast from power and metallurgy through coal to renewables and gas. But Japan is thinking of taking the Aussie coal and making hydrogen from it through electrolysis. And we know how that involves electricity. And Japan is going to get that through Wind Power. And then they're going to have a massive hydrogen market, or so they reckon. Does anyone spot the obvious turd there? And all this is going to occur in time for the 2020 Olympics. Can't wait.
Today I had another reminder, if one was needed, that I am getting old. After unplugging my kindle, from the charger, I told my wife that I would put hers on charge. I immediately went to fetch it from the bedroom, just a few steps across the hall, with no stops on the way, or any other distractions and returned to the lounge with ..............an empty glass from the bedside table, but no kindle. Seriously, within 10 seconds of having told my wife that I was going to get her kindle, I had somehow managed to not collect it.
Don't worry Badger. You're just being autonomous. We used to call it absent minded. You probably had a few other things swirling around your head at the time. I've been like that ever since I can remember anything. In my teens and twenties. Pay no heed. You aren't getting old. You just noticed it. Carry on. You're doing fine.
The Ultimate Driving Machine. Edmunds is a real petrol-head magazine. They adore the internal combustion engine as much as I did in my youth and absolutely don't anymore. They have a fleet of test vehicles, so when the latest BMW 3 Series came out they pitted it against their 2 year old base spec Tesla Model 3. I thought the Tesla held up very well against the ultimate driving machine: A former BMW M3 owner commented below, which I thought was interesting. He said: I've bought nothing but BMW's for the past 20 years. Until the Tesla Model 3 arrived. The biggest factor for my switch was maintenance and reliability. The Tesla has about 18 moving parts vs. over 3000 in the BMW. Worries about the BMW high pressure fuel pump, plastic timing chain guides, various ticking sounds, waste-gate problems, leaking valve covers, etc. have always been the "norm" and you just try to factor into the ownership experience. But now the Model 3 is quicker than my V8 E93 M3, weighs the same, handles just about the same, and even has close to the same fuel range. The Tesla has a far bigger interior, far greater storage space, and all I have to worry about maintenance wise is changing coolant every 4 years, brake fluid every 2 years, and keeping tires on it. It was a no brainier when you also factor never paying for gas or even having to stop at a gas station, I just plug it in my garage once in awhile. BMW now says they are advancing their plans for electric models by 2 years, promising 2023. I can't wait. Until then though, the Tesla is just too much fun. I have over 25k miles on it already!
Chillies. You lot have jinxed it. I don't think I have had a 'chilli accident' in years. Anyway, making 'ma mamma bolognese' tonight and I always add 3 chillis to it (I know not a true Italian Bolognese now, but I am half Indian as well, so like a bit of heat). Prepared it ages ago, and ready to serve. Scratch my eye and my contact lens pops out onto my cheek. Oh no worries, I'll put it back in. OMG the pain. OMG the pain. Thanks @TheSecondStain and @Le Tissier's Laces for jinxing it
Hey, it was no effort, but I feel your pain, TIOON07. What's all this Bolognese thing anyhow? It's Ragu. Bolognese is for non-Italians. It's like Curry is for British.
I said to Mrs no7 recently "look at this lovely Ragu I have made for tonight". She replied "Oh Dolmio is on offer at Tesco for £1 a jar"....
WHAT? Have you even tried Dolmio? Someone gave me some once. It's disgusting. The only thing it has in common with a red pasta sauce is that it is a similar colour.