My sister in law in the UK and my friend in LA both just tested positive for Covid, so it’s definitely still out there.

Has anyone here actually bought something after a cold-call?

Youtube is a good place to look for this kind of thing. Maybe this one for example:

These use American measurements etc but there are some more nice ideas:

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/vegetarian/slideshow/easy-vegetarian-dinner-recipes

Loads of nice vegetarian recipes on The Guardian site:
https://www.theguardian.com/tone/recipes+food/vegetarian

No charge if they bought it more than 9 months ago:

https://www.vodafone.co.nz/help/mobile-phones/unlock/

Which USB sound card is it? Some need driver software. You might also want to try a different cable if you have one available to rule out a fault there.

Maybe just get a pair of wireless earbuds and leave the case at home? Most of them will have about 5 or 6 hours listening time.

This site is quite good for reviews/comparisons:
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/wireless-bluetooth-earbuds-in-ear-headphones

I found this podcast episode about alcohol interesting:

£37+VAT does sound expensive to me. For example, I’ve got an unlimited data deal with Lebarra for £25 a month inc vat, and no contract.

As dovebiker says, you need to work out which provider will give the best reception in your location. You could start by looking here: https://www.signalchecker.co.uk

Then I’d get a cheap ‘pay as you go sim’ to check the specific network/reception before commiting to anything more. Most mobile networks have cheaper brands. (e.g Lebarra actually runs on Vodafone). You may also need to investigate an upgraded router or external aerial to get the top speeds.

You may be able to view your card PIN number using your banking/credit card app.

This is normally my first stop when I’m looking for a new deal:
https://broadband.moneysavingexpert.com/

You might also want to consider 4g/5g mobile broadband if you’re in an area with good coverage.

We noticed a big improvement in flavour from freshly grinding beans (and also having fresh beans in the first place). There’s a reason they do it that way in all the good coffee shops.

Cleaning spray, or, really soapy washing up liquid/solution.
Works every time.
Just spray it where the feet are going, and you will see how easy it is to move the appliance.

Our delivery drivers used this method to slide our new washer into place. Seemed pretty effective.

Here are the step by step instructions:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201541

If all else fails you can download an OSX installer manually from the Apple website.

I’d just get an iPhone and use the parental controls to lock away any unwanted apps/temptations. That way you’ve got a basic phone with a great camera.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201304

It’s interesting to see how much the sugar content varies even for high cocoa content chocolate. For example:

Lindt Excellence 85% = 11g sugar per 100g
Green & Blacks 85% = 14g sugar per 100g
Co-op 85% = 17g sugar per 100g

Green & Blacks Butterscotch has 48g sugar per 100g!

I quite fancy a subscription to https://cocoarunners.com/shop/by/bars/
They seem to have a good selection of unusual chocolate, but it ain’t cheap!

Don’t forget to work on your running technique. Better to get that right than to compensate with very cushioned shoes IMO.

Post Office and Royal Mail are two different companies. I almost got caught out by that too.

Yes, surprisingly hard to find a good kettle. We got one of these a couple of years ago, little bit noisy but it’s been a solid performer.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-simplicity-electric-kettle/stainless-steel/p5295568?sku=237590211

Had good results from this one (sourdough version):

https://www.francomanca.co.uk/stories/sourdough-recipe/

I make it the night before and don’t bother kneading it (tried kneading and wasn’t worth the effort IMO). I use a rolling pin to shape it. A bit of cornmeal/polenta helps to stop it sticking and adds a little extra flavour/texture. Worth spending extra on some good quality flour, mozzarella and the best tinned tomatoes you can find.

Tom Yum soup followed by red Thai Curry. Prawn crackers. Nice bottle of fizz to drink. Looking forward to it!

Only go for it if you’re brave. Literally every room needs substantial work. Would be a nightmare to live there while you’re doing it up. In my experience these things always cost quite a bit more than I expect (and I’m generally not that optimistic about costs in the first place).

I’d rather put the money into good quality freshly roasted beans and a decent burr grinder. YMMV.

Yes, I agree that it’s a fine line, but there are parts of the media that undermine and manipulate democracy itself, and thereby reduce freedom for all.

There’s definitely an argument for regulating the media further so that unsubstantiated claims aren’t legitimised. Treating News as entertainment has caused a lot of problems.

Heard a radio interview with nutrition researcher Tim Spector that might be relevant here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000rlpz

I feel like the UK could be totally transformed for the better if we got rid of the First Past The Post voting system and replaced it with proper Proportional Representation. Voters would be more free to vote on policy, and a wider range of views could be represented. Unfortunately it’s not in the interests of those in power to meaningfully reform the electoral system. Pretty sure we would have avoided Brexit too.

If you still need a camera you could also try a stand for the phone. You can get ones with flexible arms etc.

Or Dropbox.

Is it just me who thinks calling the new erasmus program “Turing” is taking the piss by naming it after one of the main people who “helped defeat the Germans”?

He also committed suicide after being prosecuted by the government for being a homosexual. The government later apologised for the appalling way he was treated.

Presonus Studio One is also worth a demo.

Hahah. Oh dear…

Its official @FairFuelUK survey shows Govt consults with cyclists not drivers. Just 3% of drivers said they'd been consulted on introduction of cycle lanes & #LTNs compared to 34% of cyclists claiming to have been asked @Mike__Powell @Iromg @abd @TVKev https://t.co/MPK3fvUYbi

— Howard Cox (@HowardCCox) December 13, 2020

76% of cyclists said they had no problem with unelected advisers in No 10 influencing roll-out of cycle lanes @mragilligan

Just 2% of cyclists said they’d follow road user rules that drivers must legally follow, incl paying tax@Iromg @TheMrLoophole https://t.co/l7ZNinqJNS

— Howard Cox (@HowardCCox) December 13, 2020

Occasionally our Samsung will have a problem with an app. Pressing and holding the power button on the remote will restart it without having to unplug.

Edit – munkey beat me to it!

elduderino12
https://www.flareaudio.com/products/calmer

I don’t have tinnitus but I’ve ordered a pair of these mainly for use at work. Lots of reviews mention an improvement in tinnitus – for £20 maybe worth a go.

If you read the comments on their Instagram ads there are a lot of people saying they don’t work for tinnitus. The ad copy is also very evasive IMO. Tinnitus comes from inside the brain, so I’m rather sceptical about their claims TBH.

Since lockdown, though, I have eaten terribly, consumed more alcohol (which still isn’t much, but feels like it to me), and done no real, sustained exercise.

Maybe try eating better, less alcohol and some proper exercise if possible?

Ableton Live Lite is free until the end of 2020 here BTW: https://splice.com/daws/38929163-live-10-lite-vst-by-ableton

I’ve been thinking about trying out either Starling or Monzo – they seem to have a good modern approach to banking.

Bought a Playstation from them. Was all fine apart from some minor damage that wasn’t as described. Decided I’d keep it anyway so they gave me some money off. Would probably use them again if the price is right.

Note that each shop is a franchise, so some of them have different postage costs etc. and if you have any problems you will have to contact the store you bought from. Think you get 14days to return as standard.

Got my last one from Envrofone. Was pretty happy with the phone and service.