BBC and the Met office

I understand there has been a falling out between the Met Office and the BBC. The attached might help if a new weather map is required, a thoughtful cow left it in the field nearby. Personally I think the accuracy stinks a bit, but it may be perfect for crap weather.

Scary thing

I went for a 'tune up' of my pacemaker. This is painless, it just involves placing a pad on my chest and plugging into a computer, they can tell how often it has kicked in and at what time of day [or night]. I suspect that this is near field communication. Clever thing is....It now looks for a gap of more than 1.1 seconds between heartbeats during the day and 1.3 at night before it gives me a pulse, I did ask if it automatically changed time zones if I went abroad, but alas that one is still to come.
I was asked to read a sheet of paper, this turned out to be a donor certificate, happily I signed, of course I would want to give someone else a chance to live if I no longer needed the device, I suppose 'no longer needing it' means 'after you are dead' so it is just like being an organ donor.

Or is it!

As I handed the bit of paper back I asked about battery life, these things are good for ten years apparently. This started a little calculator going in my head. No one would want a second hand unit that had less than 5 years life in it , would they? This puts a very finite figure to 'when I no longer need it'. I think I will try and make sure no one inherits this particular cast off.

More Hints on Driving

Sorry about this, but there is something that sets little pictures running in my mind when I read this stuff....

More from 1913....'Hints on driving'

The following are good general rules for traffic:-
1. Observe the usual road rules and sound your horn if passing or overtaking another vehicle.
2. Be careful when passing a tram; passengers therein have an awkward habit of alighting and passing around the back.
3. Don't follow a tram too closely; their brakes are stronger than yours.
4. Beware of dogs; motoring is past their ken in the scheme of life.
5. Always give cyclists plenty of room; some are nervous.
6. Be careful and slow down at cross roads.
7. Turn into a road, or go around a corner, at slow speed, and on your right side.
8. If there be an opening and you must get through, dont hesitate, especially with trams.

I suppose we aught to make allowances, in those days if you had a car, you were a toff and the streets were full of annoying plebs who didn't have their own transport.

PS this is absolutely genuine!

Hints On Driving 1913!

Back in 1913, driving tests were not even thought about. Still you could find useful instruction on how to go on from useful chapters such as this from the Motor Mechanics Handbook.............

For Open Country:
1. Take corners on your right side, and slowly.
2. Don't tear downhill; a herd of cattle may be at the point of crossing at the bottom.
3. If you meet grease in the guttering, don't suddenly turn out, you may turn over or break a wheel; take it gently.
4. Observe all road signs.
5. Remember, it is you, as a motorist, who must observe the rule of the road; others may if they like.
6. If the roads are narrow and winding and the hedges high, special caution is necessary.
7. Slow down for cattle and sheep; fowls can generally take care of themselves.
8. Give led or ridden horses a wide berth; they sometimes turn round to see who is coming, or going.
9. Never drive in the dark on open roads by guiding yourself by the telegraph poles; sometimes these cross over and the road does not.
10. If there be dust ahead, go slowly; troops of sheep often give a misleading indication of a fast car ahead.
11. Don't pass another car unless the road is well clear ahead.
12. If there be mist, tie a lamp to you running board, and drive from the hedge or kerb, going dead slow.
13. If you skid, release your brake and re-apply. If your front wheels skid there is no remedy.
14. If a smash is inevitable take out your clutch and duck your head.
15. Never let a hare or rabbit detract your attention from the road.

I have given No.9 a great deal of thought and my head is in danger of exploding!
Hint No.12 may be useful on the M11 on a misty evening at rush hour.

EEEEE, them were the days!