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Are you capable of living in your car?

February 9, 2012 By

Let me ask you a strange hypothetical question. If you really needed to – could you live in your car?

Now I know the answer is probably a straight “no” – but could you if you really needed to?

This may not be quite as inane a question as it seems. Because if you can answer yes to the hypothesis, then perhaps you have the ideal car to go travelling in?

The truth is that a lot of cars these days have so many gadgets either built in to them as standard – or that we plug in as extras, that it’s perfectly possible in theory, to do all our work from them – and even to eat in them. In short, we can do everything we need to except use the loo!

And any gadget your cars needs is available; everything from kettles to in-car microwaves.

 

In particular, if your car is an estate car you can sleep quite comfortably with the back seats folded flat.           

Of course, you need the battery power to keep all your plug ins and rechargeables going – like mobile phones, and laptops – but if you can do this indefinitely – you could theoretically live in your car full time. You wouldn’t want to, I’m sure (!)

But the hypothesis is interesting as a nomadic life – particularly when young – is or was a fantasy for many people. And the modern world makes it perfectly possible.

Also – the way low emission cars are developing – it is perfectly conceivable in the future that cars will run on higher tech batteries that recharge through solar energy. This would mean tat portable power is infinite – and the vehicles could get bigger and bigger.

All we’d need is a few campsites! Perhaps this is the way the future is going? It’s already popular with early retirees in the States who have sold up everything and travel indefinitely in their giant Winnebagos!

 

Filed Under: Cars, Electric Cars Tagged With: , , , ,

A sporty family car

January 31, 2012 By

There’s a certain time in life when you’re too old for a boy racer, yet too young to give up the idea of having a car that gives you a decent ride that can still be a bit of fun. If you’re anywhere near fitting into this category, or in other words, a family man who hasn’t completely lost his own sense of self, then the new honda civic 2012 might be the right car for you.

Of course, you could choose to follow the SUV path like many others have chosen – the Rav 4s, the Nissan Qashqai crossover, that kind of thing, but will you really need the 4×4 stuff in your day to day life, and aren’t they’re a really bit of a cliché to be seen behind the wheel of?

The Honda Civic is now in its ninth generation and Honda has kept enough of the original design to be true to previous generations. The forty year heritage behind the Civic makes it something of an icon in Honda history.

And the new Civic really has been designed with practicality in mind. The boot has a clever second layer, and the entire space can hold 477 litres – plenty of room for the whole family’s luggage for a holiday, for example.

Standard safety features on all models include dual front and side airbags as well as electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock brakes. And to go with your mood – you can choose the way the Civic handles – if you’re feeling conservative and middle aged you can press the ECON button which ensures that the car’s systems are working at their most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly optimum.  If you want to get more oomph out of your ride, then don’t choose the extra of a five speed automatic transmission that you can get on the diesel; keep the ECON button off and make the most of the six speed manual gearbox that comes with all models as standard.

Filed Under: Cars Tagged With: , , , , ,

The new gadget is a car

January 16, 2012 By

If you’ve seen any of the concept cars emerging at the latest major world motor show in Tokyo, Japan, you’ll soon realize that the car gadget of the scooter is, well, a car!

Honda unveiled its latest invention at the show – the Micro Commuter Concept Car.  

First off, the car’s looks are incredible. It looks like an all-plastic car that has yet to be finished off and is notable by its absence of wheels! Of course, that’s not the case in reality – though the wheels are nearly invisible. In short, it looks like the kind of car the sci-fi film creators of the 1960s thought we’d be driving by now.

The micro commuter is a few inches shorter in length than a “Smart fortwo” that we’re all used to seeing, but still manages to seat three people due to the central diving position – with the dual passenger seat area behind.

And in the boot of the car, there’s the Honda Motor Compo, a box that opens out with wheels and a handlebar that functions like an electric bike. So once you’ve parked up, you can commute the rest of the distance in a Segway-like way.

You can’t help  but think that you’re looking at the future of eco cars when you consider what the all-electric micro commuter offers. In an electric motoring future where recharging points in cities may be commonplace, the limited 37 mile range won’t be a real problem – nor will the 37 miles per hour top speed. After all – how many times can you get up to 37 mph in city centres anyway?

The concept is clearly that – a concept; a foretaste of what the future may hold, where the car itself becomes the must-have gadget for the young and trendy commuter.

Filed Under: Cars Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Which green cars will gain the upper hand?

January 8, 2012 By

There are so many technologies competing to be the alternative to oil-based fuels for cars that it’s tough to discern at this point which will eventually gain the upper hand.

This isn’t simply an environmental matter – though this probably remains the main driver at present.

As governments around the world agree to ever tighter controls on carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions, so cars will have to comply. Some manufacturers, like Honda, have taken the initiative without needing regulations to make them.

But there’s also the inevitable decline of oil as the default fuel. The so-called “peak oil” theory has it that the world’s easy-to-reach oil has already been extracted – or is somewhere around the point of being so – and that, as a consequence, the price of oil will continue inexorably up to around $200 a barrel as demand from the “BRIC” countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) continues to increase unabated.

So whichever way you look at it, you can quickly see why the world’s major car manufacturers, including Honda, are concentrating on oil alternatives as fuel.

At the moment, the sales of eco cars UK customers are buying tends to suggest two things:

  1. That hybrid cars are winning out and,
  2. That the inroads being made are relatively trifling.

Regarding point two, the sales of various eco cars are relatively tiny – but they’re also increasing quickly.

The likeliest of all scenarios, realistically, over the immediate future of, let’s say five years or so, will be that new car offers of eco vehicles will increasingly be hybrids, with the electrical power taking on an ever greater percentage of the load.         

That’s because technology uptake is almost always a little slower than envisaged and hybrids are already well established. Further out still and the alternative fuel winner is still anyone’s guess at the moment.

Filed Under: Cars Tagged With: , , , ,

Throw a Euro 2012 this summer

January 1, 2012 By

Euro 2012 is just around the corner and pubs up and down the country will be stocking up in preparation. It is a great time to be a pub landlord.

Not only do we have the European Championships in the summer, the Olympics are in town as well. British sports fans will be in their element during the summer months.

Of course, history suggests it will ultimately end in failure, the football side of things anyway. England have a habit of not turning up to major events and will do well to progress from a group containing co-hosts Ukraine and old rivals France and Sweden.

Whatever happens on the field, many a beer will be drunk off it. Pubs will be packed to the rafters and space will be at a premium. Some bars and pubs even charge for entry on game day. If that is the case, why not host your very own Euro 2012 party?

For a start, you will have a front row seat. I find there is nothing worse than packing into a hot and sweaty pub during a big game and ending up with a restricted view. The best solution is to raid the local supermarket with your mates and watch the game at home.

You may lose some of the atmosphere you get at the pub, but I am sure you and your friends will do your best to create your own atmosphere. One thing is for certain, you won’t miss the seemingly endless queues at the bar, or the toilet for that matter.

When the first game comes around, you and your friends will no doubt be debating a plan of action. Take the decision out of their hands – get some Foster’s Gold on ice and prepare the barbeque. You won’t regret it.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Web or TV in the comedy battle?

December 27, 2011 By

If you want good comedy – where do you go, the web or the traditional TV?

 

The truth is you probably go to both – but then you’re part of a slightly skewed audience already; after all, you’re reading this on the web!

 

The conventional wisdom seems to be that the future of fast clip show type comedy lies firmly on the internet whereas the narrative tale / sitcom type of comedy that tells a long story and is tantamount to a soap opera, will remain on TV for the foreseeable future.

 

Time will tell. But the way things are going, it certainly seems that sketch shows are becoming increasingly web based. For example, The Fast Show 2011 is only available online via the show’s sponsors – Fosters. And the reason it’s only online is due to so many people searching for old Fast Show clips on YouTube etc.

 

Funny video clips find a natural home on the web. Shows like the Fast Show seem tailor-made for it. After all, the web lets you dip in and out in short snatches only when you’re in the right mood, so it’s ideal.

 

The problem with this is that it sometimes takes a show as lateral as the Fast Show is to gradually build an understanding of its work. When this show was fist screened in the mid 1990s it took it quite a while to truly gather a head of steam as the UK gradually “got it”.

 

But on the web, there isn’t the same developmental opportunity for comics – it’s a purely commercially driven, short-term only type of thing. You grab the attention in a couple of seconds or you’re toast.

 

So that’s the downside. Personally, I think I augurs badly for clever comedy – but human beings will always find a way to present good humour whatever the medium. And the great thing about the web is that comedy is open to anyone to have a go.

 

So … have a go!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

New Civic delivers 60 miles per gallon

December 23, 2011 By

When a car as popular and successful as the Honda Civic has been since its introduction 30 years ago comes out with a brand new model, it causes a bit of an understandable stir in the motoring world.

And when that car has as many refinements and improvements as does the civic 2012 then it really is worth a look.

The new model looks the business. It’s clearly a thoroughbred successor to the marque as the designers haven’t messed too much with the shape. But there are loads of refinements you can’t see.

Nevertheless, it’s a little bit lower, one centimetre wider, and three centimetres longer than the preceding eight generation Civic, but it still has a slightly shorter wheelbase – and therefore slightly longer overhang forward and aft. You can tell it apart to lo at fro its predecessor by the high tail light cluster, daylight-running LEDs and an active front-end grille shutter on all diesel models.

No doubt this does a little bit to help the impressive mileage figures; the 2.2-litre diesel model gives 60 miles per gallon, a bit better than the cheaper to buy option in the shape of the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines.

There’s also a rear wiper on all the new models, and its trademark light-strip spoiler is two centimetres lower.

Inside the car, the Civic’s flexible seats allow you to fold the rear bench down flat or to fix them upright to make the most of the boot space – and to slide surprisingly large objects in he back; great fro all those trips for flat-pack wardrobes from IKEA!

There are soft-touch materials throughout the interior – except for the top of the instrument panel.

The new Civic is certainly a car to be reckoned with – and it really looks like a top of the range sports car.

Filed Under: Cars Tagged With: , , ,

Nothing like a British pub

December 19, 2011 By

There is nothing quite like a British pub. Sure, you will find alternatives abroad and there is a lot to be said for a bar on the beach. For me, though, nothing beats the atmosphere of a traditional British pub.

Everybody has a local. It may not be easy on the eye and might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it is your pub and has a special place in your heart. A place where friendships were made and many a drink shared. Your home away from home.

Having a local doesn’t mean you have a drinking problem; it is more about the social aspect than anything else. The rat race can be exhausting; it is nice to be able to relax at the end of a long, hard day in the company of good friends.

Of course, a nice cold beer does supplement the evening nicely. There is so much choice and quality out there these days – world beer, real ale, fruit beer – the list goes on. Just try and persuade your mates to have a premium lager when it comes to your round – the rest can be expensive!

One of the most popular premium lagers out there at the moment is Foster’s Gold Beer. Despite what some people may think, it is a British beer in all but name so is in keeping with the British feel of this piece!

Foster’s Gold is a relatively new beer but has become an instant hit thanks to a strong ad campaign, featuring Strictly Come Dancing star Holly Valance. The beer itself isn’t bad either. Give it a try the next time you are out.

The festive period is an ideal opportunity to go out and enjoy yourself, whether in your local or somewhere further afield. Don’t sit at home alone with a crate, get out there and enjoy yourself!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Antivirus software essential for gamers

December 16, 2011 By

Many gamers dislike the idea of playing while their antivirus software is switched on.  This is because the antivirus messages and alerts can interfere with game play. Sometimes scans start running in the middle of a game, slowing everything down and rendering the game unplayable until the scan is finished.

 

In fact many gamers have admitted they switch off their internet security while they’re playing. This could be disastrous, as if you are online without firewall or antivirus software you are completely exposed to viruses and Trojans.

 

The good news is that many of the antivirus programmes now come with a game mode.  Instead of switching the antivirus software off, you use a keyboard command to switch to game mode.

 

How does this help?

 

Switching to game mode delays any virus scans or updates until you come back out of game mode.  This means your game won’t be slowed to a snail’s pace while the software runs through its thorough checking processes. You’ll also find that message alerts are reduced to the bare minimum until you go out of game mode again – so your game screen won’t be blocked with annoying messages. Some of the free antivirus trials come with a gaming mode, so you can try it out before deciding which programme to buy.

 

Remain healthily sceptical

 

No matter how well you think you know a fellow gamer, if you met them though gaming and only know them that way, then how much can you really trust them? The best advice is never to open any links they send you by email, or open any attachments that they send you either. Don’t trust the link title – it may look like a game file, but it could just be a cover for a virus. This may be over-cautious but it’s far better than allowing a stranger to infect your computer with malware.

 

Don’t be tempted to switch off your antivirus software – upgrading to one that has a gaming mode is not expensive and a lot less hassle than dealing with viruses.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , , ,

The return of great comedy

December 14, 2011 By

At last, one of the best comedy shows of all time is back with us!

The Fast Show which was such a great comedy sketch show I the mid 1990s and which has been sorely missed by many of us is back each Thursday afternoon at 1pm. It’s only being shown at fosters.co.uk, but of course you don’t need to be on the site to view it live – you can watch it any time you like.

Just do yourself a favour and make sure you catch all the episodes while they’re on there.

They’re truly great and loads of the old famous characters are back. Best of all for me – it’s great to welcome back Swiss Toni and Rowley Birkin QC; two of my all-time favourites. Swiss Toni is famous for likening pretty much any situation to “making love to a beautiful woman to his continually bemused and slightly exasperated sidekick Paul. Toni even goes as far as comparing a car crash to his favourite subject, and once said:

“Going to the brink of death and back, in a nine car pile-up on a dual carriage-way, is… very much like making love to a beautiful woman. First of all, brace yourself; hold on tight – particularly if it’s a rear-ender. And pray you make contact with her twin airbags as soon as possible.”

Rowley Birkin QC, meanwhile, is the old posh guy reminiscing incomprehensibly in front of a roaring fire, scotch in hand, before briefly breaking into a lucid bit of speech, saying things like: “I opened my eyes and by jingo, I realised I’d married three of ‘em!” or … “the sound of a small child’s voice; ‘Mama… Mama!’”

He then ends his talks with “I’m afraid I was very, very drunk.”

But that’s not all Fosters have to offer us because Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer area also making a comeback on the amber nectar’s website – so I suggest you get yourself over there sharpish.

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