Alex

New Civic delivers 60 miles per gallon

December 23, 2011 By Alex

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.

Nothing like a British pub

December 19, 2011 By Alex

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: beer, British pub, fosters gold, traditional

Antivirus software essential for gamers

December 16, 2011 By Alex

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: antivirus software, free antivirus, gamers, internet security

The return of great comedy

December 14, 2011 By Alex

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: bob mortimer, comedy sketch, fosters, The Fast Show, TV comedy, vic reeves

Remote controlled supercars

December 14, 2011 By Alex

Most of us mere mortals can’t afford a true super car. And I don’t just mean a Porsche (great though they are); I’m talking about some of the world’s most expensive cars like Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and Aston Martins.

But we can all afford a remote controlled version. And here’s the thing; these models are absolutely superb!

They may not quite replicate the real thing, but you can’t exactly fly down the M6 in one anyway with all the queues and speed cameras around anyway. So unless you’re going to take off the number plates and just ‘go for it’ in the dead of night – actually owning a super car seems pretty pointless.

Not so with the incredible model versions. And two things have happened to these in recent years; they’ve got miles better and miles cheaper, too. The designs of some of the better models are simply meticulous.

It helps if you have kids. And if I’m being sexist, which I am, it helps if you have a son – or two. At least then you can pretend it’s for him and call it a present.

Why not treat yourself to a Lamborghini Reventon remote control car for example? Only 20 Lamborghini Reventons were ever made, but there are plenty remote control versions out there at one twentieth the size of the real car. The models even have two-speed transmission and 3cc petrol engines, with independent suspension, hydraulic shock absorbers and disc brakes.

If motorbikes are your thing, there are plenty remote controlled classic Honda bikes out there, for example.

There are even models to suit the kind of green tastes we’re after these days. The eco cars UK buyers are after are well catered for with hybrid and electrical remote controlled cars available – you know; for those who want to send the “kids” the right environmental messages!

Filed Under: Gadgets Tagged With: car gadgets, remote controlled cars, supercars

The Fast Show launched the careers of many a famous comedian

December 1, 2011 By Alex

Actor John Thomson is perhaps better known for his role as Pete Gifford in ITV comedy drama Cold Feet, but it was on The Fast show where he made his name as a comedian.

Now, his TV career has gone full circle and Thomson is back where it started for him all those years ago.

The popular 1990s sketch show, written by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson, has made a comeback for a new 12-episode online series which began on November 10. With it comes one of the show’s most recognisable characters, Jazz Club presenter Louis Balfour. The character Thomson is most remembered for.

Thomson is good friends with one of the most recognisable comedians of the modern era, Steve Coogan. The pair met at university and it was Coogan who landed Thomson his first job as a voice on Spitting Image. They continued to collaborate and won the Perrier Comedy Award in 1992 for their act at the Edinburgh Fringe.

After coming to prominence on The Fast Show, Thomson landed the role of Gifford in Cold Feet and played the character for five series, which ran between 1998 and 2003. His portrayal of the role earned him a nomination for Best TV Comedy Actor at the British Comedy Awards 2001.

Thomson has displayed his versatility in the subsequent years – lending his voice to children’s series, starring on stage, hosting his own radio show and he even enjoyed a stint onCoronation Street.

Over a decade on from The Fast Show’s last television appearance, the comedy has returned to our computer screens and Thomson is back in familiar surroundings.

The online return means The Fast Show’s funny videos are available at the click of a mouse. As Balfour would say – “Nice!”

Filed Under: TV Comedy Tagged With: comedians, comedy shows, The Fast Show, TV comedy

All hail the return of The Fast Show!

November 25, 2011 By Alex

The Fast Show just got faster. The popular 1990s sketch comedy show returned earlier this month, but don’t go reaching for your remotes.

The show rose to prominence on the BBC in the mid-90s and revolutionised British sketch shows at that time. The Fast Show’s innovative style had a big influence on later comedy series The Catherine Tate Show and Little Britain.

Now the show is back, not on TV but on the internet. As well as the change from television to online, the show is now much shorter – with the running time approximately eight minutes.

Despite the changes, the show has lost none of the humour which made it an instant success back in the 90s. Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson and Caroline Aherne and the rest of the team have picked up where they left off with brilliant portrayals of instantly recognisable characters such as Ted and Ralph and Chanel 9 weather girl Poula Fisch. It is almost as if they have never been away.

The new online series will run for 12 weeks, the first of which aired online on November 10. Fans of the show will no longer have to rely on old DVDs for their Fast Show fix.

Little Britain may have dominated the Noughties, with Lou and Andy, Vicky Pollard and Bubbles DeVere stealing the show, but The Fast Show set the mould for British comedy sketch shows and is back to remind people why it was held in such high regard in the comedy industry.

The question is, will The Fast show 2011 hit the same heights the second time around? Early signs suggest it will. Don’t just take my word for it, take a look for yourself.

Filed Under: TV Comedy Tagged With: comedy on TV, comedy programmes, The Fast Show, TV comic shows

How to make your old car new

November 24, 2011 By Alex

You want to buy a new car. You hate your old one, it’s looking a bit shabby, and it’s beginning to be a bit of an embarrassment to you. But there’s a problem – you can’t afford a new one.

So in these difficult financial times, it’s best not to get a loan to buy yourself a new car. Instead, make your old car new, simply by giving it some TLC.

Whatever make of car you have, whether it’s a Honda, a VW or Ford, a loving clean and wax polish will make a huge difference. You can also do this yourself, rather than relying on the local car valeting service. Save the money for something else, and you’ll get satisfaction out of improving your car yourself.

One of the best things about having a new car is its shiny bodywork. Even if your car has seen better days, you can build back the shine with a few hours hard work.

A lesson in waxing

First wash your car – twice if you can be bothered. The second wash is a belt and braces as you don’t always see dirt on a wet car.

Get the car really dry, but if it’s sunny, park in the shade before you start waxing.

Stick to non-abrasive waxes for the best results. Put about a tablespoon of a wax onto a damp sponge.

Cover all the surfaces of your car with wax, applied in a circular action. Take a clean cotton cloth and buff the wax away – again using small circles. If any wax is sticking, apply a bit more pressure. Change cloths frequently to avoid streaks.

A note of caution: don’t get distracted once you’ve applied the wax – left on any longer than two hours and the paintwork will get damaged.

Lots of car makers also sell their own products for car care and maintenance. Honda, for example, sells its own wheel cleaner, wash and wax and cockpit spray, to name but a few products. Of course, this isn’t essential – you can just nip down to your local car shop and get high street brands of all the stuff you need.

Filed Under: Cars, Electric Cars Tagged With: cars, Honda, hybrid cars, motor vehicles, second-hand cars

Why not head to a pub?

November 18, 2011 By Alex

It’s a sad truth that pubs are closing down every day in this country due to a lot of different factors, including very cheap alcohol available from supermarkets. I believe we should support our public houses as much as possible if we don’t want to see them die out completely.

Like most blokes, one of my favourite leisure activities is going to the pub with my mates. There are so many fantastic pubs in this country that you could spend a lifetime exploring them.

For me, there’s nothing quite like finishing off a busy working week with a pint of lager in the local pub with good friends. It’s more about the company and the social aspect than the beer itself, although there are so many decent lagers around these days that it certainly plays an important part.

If you’re after a decent public house that serves great beer, I’d recommend using a reputable guide like the Good Pub Guide or having a go at a Real Ale Trail. The real ale trails are perfect for fans of traditional beer and ale and give you a more interesting and entertaining way to explore the countryside; by doing a country pub crawl!

Loads of pubs these days serve more than just the basic pub grub, offering instead some pretty impressive menus filled with the kind of food you used to only be able to get in restaurants. So you can head to the pub for a decent slap-up meal as well as a refreshing beer.

Another good reason to support our pubs is the entertainment on offer in so many of them; brilliant live music, comedy acts, karaoke, quiz nights… the list goes on. And for the price of a pint or two I think it’s well worth it. After all, you won’t get all that at home with a can of beer!

Filed Under: Pubs Tagged With: alcohol, beer, lager, pubs

The world’s first supercharged hybrid

November 14, 2011 By Alex

Let’s be honest, up to this point you’ve been thinking about hybrids for middle aged family types – or maybe early retirees who can afford the initial outlay and are happy getting the high mpg figures in a relatively boring way.

And up to this point, that may have been a fairly reasonable analysis. The car makers haven’t exactly been targeting the young go-getters with more money than sense with their various types of low emission cars.

After all, when did you last read about a Premier League footballer with a hybrid, or a top-flight City banker with an electric car? It just doesn’t fit the Top Gun image for today’s young wannabee sex symbols. Or does it?

The fact is that the dowdy image suffered hitherto by hybrid owners may be about to change courtesy of one of the pioneers of green motoring – namely, Honda.

The company has recently announced tantalising details of the world’s first supercharged hybrid car; the Honda CR-Z Mugen.

The Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe is already one of the planet’s top hybrid cars. And it’s the only one with a manual gearbox as opposed to CVT – so you can give it a bit more oomph when you want to.

It’s also one of the best-looking sports cars around.

First unveiled as a concept car back in 2007, the Honda CR-Z is both sporty and efficient – but still and relatively cheap to buy and to run.

Mugen Euro, meanwhile, is a super tuning company based in England which is working with Honda to produce the supercharged hybrid prototype; the CR-Z Mugen.

The new car is designed to be fun to drive whilst simultaneously demonstrating the true potential of hybrid technology to a wider and younger audience.

Keep an eye out for the production models.

Filed Under: Cars, Electric Cars Tagged With: eco-friendly cars, hybrid models, low emission cars