Do beware of prices though. You might well feel obliged to buy whatever the running shop "recommends/feels right" and pay top dollar. Whereas if you were to look online for last year's model, you'll probably save 50%.

Not a big deal if you're after £30-£50 trainers, but if they're nearer £100 then worth bearing in mind (IMO).

Take a look at your weight and build and do two things:

1) Do a Google on reviews and prices for running shoes for your "type"
2) Go to a local running shop (I mean a proper running shop, not JJB, etc) and ask for a fitting (pronation et al) – you'll be surprised at how patient and helpful they can be.

If you're 5ft and 9 stone you don't want a pair of Brooks Beast, likewise if you're 6ft and 16 stone you don't want a pair of featherlight Nikes, blah blah.

SM

Have an account each, and share a joint account for any monthly expenses you want to include. Up to you how you work out the contribution, e.g. 50/50 or based on percentage of wage difference.

We're with BT (option 3) for calls and Zen for broadband. Pretty much gives us unlimited everything to all but mobiles – but that's what mobiles are for.

Have looked at combining the two in the past but don't like the idea of being tied into a yearly contract, especially with all the support issues you hear about.

Thankfully both are subsidised by employer, but if that wasn't the case I might look at Zen for both. Unparalleled support IMH.

Have loads of his books and have always wanted to like him/them. Prefer his real-world stuff, e.g. Wasp Factory, Whit, etc, to the other-worldly.

I guess it's an acquired taste.

Can't vouch for the one above but have used a couple of freebies in the past – forgotten their names – but they leave watermarks or are fairly clunky.

Have used Nitro PDF which is good, but you need a fair amount of horsepower to run it smoothly. And it costs a few quid.

Leftovers from last night's spanish soup-type thingy, plus fruit.

I'd imagine many places that run parallel with the A13 or A2 will be somewhat affordable … worth doing a google map and checking.

+1 for HTC Hero

An awesome piece of kit; automatic integration/sync'ing of contacts/calendars/emails/messages with googlemail, Exchange, facebook, flickr, twitter … plus funky customisable UI, genuinely first class browser (with Flash), and loads of Android apps for music, photos, youtube, networking, shopping, BBC iplayer, GPS, OS maps, radio players, podcast feeds, games, training trackers, mind mapping, office apps, other lifestyle bits n bobs, and of course a lightsaber and fartdroid.

Was contemplating an iPhone and various other media-type devices but opted (as Keith says) to give Android a go.

Go and demo one at Carphone Warehouse, etc.

SM

Could not connect to server.
Delaying connection due to previously failed connection attempt ..

doesn't that just mean you have a bad connection that won't work well with any other client either ?

That's what I used to thinkbut a friend's laptop (running a different FTP client) never had any problems here. He's in Sweden and I can't track him down, hence asking here.

Thanks for the list guys.
SM

TBH, Filezilla has all the functionality I need, but it's always had a connection issue (for me anyway), e.g.

Could not connect to server.
Delaying connection due to previously failed connection attempt …

Bike Tart – far better than the older green stuff I've used in the past

Cheers Trailmonkey, I'll stick a post up when I know I'll be in the area.

Me and the gf rented a cottage near Crediton a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately couldn't take my bike but did manage to spend a fair bit of time on Dartmoor (and Exmoor) – cracking scenery it must be said.

Only saw one MTBer all week – and he was on the road.

Am thinking about heading down that way specifically for some riding. What's it like? Typical XC/endurance mixed with technical stuff? A fair amount of climbing and descending methinks?

SM

Yes, I was referring to Wave of Mutilation. Not sure what the score is up on Redlands these days – various non-bike friendly signs, etc, even on the fire roads.

Isn't WOM the tree section in Redlands?

And check your firmware – version 2.7 launched last week. But check with your provider if you can install it and not void the warranty. Some third-party providers are less than happy for you to do this even though it's a manuf update.

Call HTC helpdesk – they're pretty good. Otherwise this[/url] might provider some pointers.

I wonder if he was in Tesco's to buy a wookie burger. They aren't bad, just a bit chewie.

LOL

Cheesy flapjacks? That doesn't sound right.

Can't comment on the LG, but having had a HTC Hero (Vodafone) for 3-4 weeks I wouldn't switch to anything else. By far the coolest and most practical/fun phone/gadget I've used. It's more of a "lifestyle" phone than just being an everyday phone – so it depends on what you're looking for.

SM

Excellent choice Dave. I picked up a Hero 3-4 weeks ago and it's such a cool piece of kit.

As for apps, do a Google for Android forums – there's at leat 4-5 active ones with lists/reviews of apps, etc.

Some of my apps are:
Beebplayer – BBC iPlayer
Beelicious – delicious tags
Cardio Trainer – great for tracking runs/rides with mapping, etc
DroidLive – radio player
Evernote – cool note management app
Greed – RSS feed manager
iMeem – music player/streamer
LastFM – radio player
Layar – wacky virtual augmentation viewer for "seeing" who and what is close by
Meridien video player – as the name suggests
MixZingLite – music player (with album art, etc)
MovieFinder – cinema listings with trailers
MyBackup – backup pretty much everything onto SDCard
TwiDroid – twitter app
Weatherbug – as the name suggests
WiFi Analyser – picks up wifi in the area
AppManager – manage apps

Pembo, hadn't heard about MyTracks before – have just installed and will give it a go over the weekend – looks cool from the video.

SM

And I also run alone. I've never really classed myself as a "good" runner (whatever that is) even though I often head out for 2-3hr runs (10-15 miles or so), hence I've not tried getting into the club running thing. Much prefer to go solo or at least take one of the furries.

I should also add that over the years I've really got to know the area; mostly North Downs, but also a fair amount of the South Downs and other stuff inbetween. Hence I can vary my routes (and sometimes without even having to drive anywhere – IIR I've only driven out once in the last year) and not get bored.

Whereas I reckon if I had to keep lugging the bike in the car and trekking off (like I used to), or doing the same old loops, I'd get bored.

SM

Most of my riding up until a couple of years ago was with a couple of mates or a bunch of club members. Over a period of time things changed; 1) my mates either moved away or quit riding, 2) I began getting fed up with some of the clique attitudes amongst club riders, and 3) certain club rides were on days/times that just didn't fit in.

One thing that really pi55ed me off, and still does, is "leaders" or groups that won't listen to any input from other riders who perhaps know the area better and want to explore a certain area or have a valid reason for wanting to include a particular trail, etc. It's almost like they switch into robot mode and have to follow the trail that's in their head. Really annoying.

Hence most of my recent riding has been solo or hooking up with the odd person (including some who might well be odd) here and there. Thankfully I have no problem with motivation and can quite happily head out for a 2 hr quicky or a 4-5 hr exploration. For me it's about keeping fit, having a laugh, not taking things too seriously, pushing myself, exploring, taking in the scenery as the seasons change, find that new trail I've heard about, re-visiting an old-skool trail I haven't done in years, and generally appreciating life in a reflective kind of way.

That's my tuppence anyway.

SM

Download CCleaner http://www.ccleaner.com/%5B/url%5D and do a clean up (use default settings if you're less comfortable playing with other stuff).

I also have a link to a techie's blog that has tips on how to free up space. I twittered it recently but just need to find it and post here.

SM

ooOOoo, can't say I know anything about the 5800 (or the OS it runs on), but it looks interesting. Regarding the Hero, I feel that the reviews and videos – great though they are – don't do it justice IMHO. When you actually have the phone in your hand and it's set up the way you want it (with customisable modes for work, social, sport, etc) then you realise how poweful it is in terms of making you feel connected to everyone you know and are in contact with (and beyond).

The best deals are on places like http://www.mobiles.co.uk.

Also, to get the most out of it you really need wi-fi or a fast connection.

SM

I've had a Tytn II (WM6) the last 18 months and wamted something a little more funky, but not with the iPhone politics. Did loads of research last week and picked up a HTC Hero on Yodafone on Saturday – 18 months, free phone, £35m 600 mins, ul texts, passport and ul data.

Have spent hours just setting it up and "playing" with it, because it's just so damn cool. Integrates Exchange, Googlemail (inc Reader, Docs, etc), Facebook, Flickr and Twitter plus loads more, so you get a one-stop shop for managing all your contacts, calendaring and updates.

Sweet iPhone-type UI (plus scenes for Work, Social, etc), loads of Android apps (inc Cardio Trainer which worked perfectly on a 3hr ride yesterday (with GPS, etc)), and more.

Ok, I've only had it a couple of days but I'm well impressed – it's what I'd call a 'lifestyle phone.' And the gf liked it so much she upgraded at the same time!

Highly recommended.

SM

BTW, Tomalsop (finally spelled your name right), are you a developer? Flash, illustrator stuff, media, etc? Just want to make a note for future reference.

SM

Thanks Tomalsop – job done:) Unfortunately I'll be limited by bandwidth when doing the demo so I'll stick with your versions instead of trying to create something more extravagant.

Scuttler, I'm currently using a 5 day old PC and don't have access to my other stuff at the mo, hence a lack of files – plus I run ccleaner every few hours to eliminate temp files, etc.

Cheers
SM

Thanks guys

I've already done a full local search and nothing fits the bill, hence looking online.

Tomalsop – I appreciate your offer – thanks. If it's no hassle could you pls dummy up something really simple. It's literally a case of showing how Flash and movie files can be embedded in a particular app. If you have anything related to IT or people that would be even better.

TVM
SM

Our neighbours bought a hive a few months ago and then had their bees (apparently the friendly Italian variety) delivered last week. Not sure what their plan is – I'll ask them when they get back from holiday next week.

All I know is the bees are suited to whatever their objective is, and they're protecting the clover in the garden because the bees really dig it.

Can get back to you if you want to know more.

SM

Best wishes to you both, I know you can get through this and come out the other side.

Just briefly, one of our neighbours was diagnosed with (lymph?) cancer a couple of years ago. After the first few weeks she was given little chance of making it, and (I hate to say this) the way she looked at that time illustrated exactly that. However, over the next 3-6 months, with a lot of support, especially from her partner who was an absolute rock, she made a complete transformation. And by the summer she was pretty much her normal self. That was a year ago now, and she's looked the 'picture of perfect health' ever since. And I'd also say she's one of the happiest and most grounded people I know too.

Keep your chin up and you too will beat this.

SM

Cheers all – on the case.

SM

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290846

Gilles, I've never thought of using our breadmaker for naans – have you got the recipe handy?

TVM

SM

I've often wondered this too. Personally I tend to get through a fair amount of food (energy bars, jelly babies, cake, soreen, monkey sticks, etc) and water (or Torq) whereas others (even those the same size/fitness as me) don't.

Plus I've tried all the slow release goodness of things like oats, porridge, etc, as a preloader, but it just doesn't work for me. I tend to function better when I'm actually full, as opposed to having eaten something supposedly "healthier". Hence why a grilled full English seems to power me up on a weekend ride far more.

The only thing I would say is it's good to be in the habit of eating whatever's best for you before the ride, and then snacking before getting hungry, and drinking before getting thirsty, i.e. little and often.

SM

Try Nirvana Cycles: http://www.nirvanacycles.com/%5B/url%5D

I'm fortunate in that I'm paid pretty well for being home-based (with site visits being approx 4-5 days/month). A key benefit is being able to knock off around 5-ish and head out on the trails.

Area of work is elearning/training (LMS, bespoke course design, etc), but am frustrated that a lot of the projects I see in my sector (delivered both by competitors and inhouse by clients) are actually quite poor, plus there is so much ignorance out there. Am working out ways to go it alone and hopefully "address" some of these "issues."

Am also looking at starting a family soon, so have a fair amount of thinking to do.

Whatever you choose Aristotle, give it your best shot.

SM

kevster, I haven't received an email from you … have you and dimmadan done the deal? cheers