Thursday 2nd January 2014
Number of minutes spent doing chores in phone game: 345
Number of minutes spent doing chores in actual home: 17
Number of rude emails received from money-grabbing estate agents: 1
New curtains are excellent for allowing for extra-long lie-ins. Stayed in bed till 10am today just because I could. Feeling very upset about returning to teaching angry teenagers on Monday.
Spent most of the day playing on pointless app games like The Sims and Blockheads. Why is it so much more satisfying maintaining the life of little digitised characters rather than much-needed maintaining of my own home. I think probably because digitised can carry out the hard work while I sit on my arse drinking tea. Dragged myself away just before boyfriend returned from work to quickly tidy up so he would say things like "you've been busy" although in reality, I really haven't.
Opened email to receive insulting email correspondence from Northwood Estate Agents regarding our previously rented house. We took the house due to being kicked out of our previous property as the owner wanted to return. They told us when we viewed the property that it was buy-to-let and we would be safe living there for a number of years. Instead, after one month, the Landlord knocked on the door, a confused expression on his face due to the dog standing there that the Landlords had apparently told him about, and said "You do know I'm moving back in in a few months don't you? I told the agents ages ago". Well, I definitely did not know. So, after being made homeless once again, Northwood are now sending us shirty emails stating that they are taking money out of our deposit for items that the dog damaged (door, carpet), which I wouldn't mind, except for the fact the Landlord has actually replaced the door and carpet since we moved out.
I now realise why everyone hates Estate Agents. They are, quite honestly, the scum of the earth. They charge £50 just to get references from your work (which were never asked for!), insist on checking the house frequently, but then charge you to change the appointment time because you're a teacher who has to work and they can't go in the house because the dog will, quite rightly, bite their evil little faces off. Northwood have now stated either I agree what they say or pay another £120 admin fee. Have decided to phone a company that helps resolve deposit issues tomorrow and see if can fight back. Feel like Erin Brokovich.
In regards to the resolutions - have eaten Domino's pizza for dinner. Boyfriend phoned suggesting take away for dinner and did not want to upset him by turning down his clear attempt at a romantic gesture. Well, I don't want to be rude.
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 January 2014
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Blog touch
I'm trying to post this with a new app called Blogtouch. It says it will make posting easier from my phone.
I can't say I'm overly enthralled by the blogger app so let's hope this is easier to use!
I hope all my readers are well. My next assignment is on Monday and then I'll have more time for blogging. Also, I've applied for a job at a university (not teaching though, but may be a step in the right direction... i.e. Away from students who have been expelled from schools and don't want to learn).
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Putting the Tea in Teacher has a Facebook page
If you love my blog, but you don't have Blogger you can now follow on Facebook. Putting the Tea in Teacher has now got it's own Facebook page that you can access here
So, please support the blog by following on Facebook, or you can still follow me on Twitter.
Don't forget, the big giveaway starts on Wednesday!!
So, please support the blog by following on Facebook, or you can still follow me on Twitter.
Don't forget, the big giveaway starts on Wednesday!!
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Woman vs garage
I've been back from holiday since Sunday now, and I'm trying to get my life back in order before returning to work. I've returned to a long list of jobs: many of which are linked to buying a house, some of which involve trying to get rid of fleas (gross), but my car also needs some attention.
I haven't had anyone look at my car since the MOT last year, but due to living in Leicester and working in Corby and Kettering, I do a lot of mileage in the little thing. It's recently been making a tapping noise which it only seemed to used to make when I was running low on oil, but now seems a bit more consistent.
Anyway, I'll spare you the details. The reason I'm writing this post is to reveal something to you all, and hope you feel the same way. Here's what I have to say.
I am a woman.
I don't know anything about cars and I'm not interested in learning.
I'm scared of garages.
Perhaps that's a little strong, but the chore of phoning garages and asking for services makes me feel a little nervous. I don't really know what I'm asking for and every time I say something, or ask a question, I feel like they are thinking 'another dumb female' or even 'great, let's rip her off'. Do other women feel like this? Or maybe even everyone feels like this, regardless of whether they're male or female.
The thing is, I don't feel the same when talking to builders or other male-dominated areas. I guess because I know more about houses than cars - I know what stairs are, I don't know what a combustion engine is.
The solution? I either learn as much as I can about cars - which with a Psychology MSc and full time job may be pretty difficult, or garages make themselves more female-friendly. This might mean training workers to appear less condescending, or employing female mechanics. If I had a lot of money, I would probably try to open a garage designed to be particularly female friendly. I definitely think that's an area of the market not currently being explored. Until then, I will bravely suffer the perils of going to the garage and hope that I'm not seen as an 'easy target'.
I haven't had anyone look at my car since the MOT last year, but due to living in Leicester and working in Corby and Kettering, I do a lot of mileage in the little thing. It's recently been making a tapping noise which it only seemed to used to make when I was running low on oil, but now seems a bit more consistent.
Anyway, I'll spare you the details. The reason I'm writing this post is to reveal something to you all, and hope you feel the same way. Here's what I have to say.
I am a woman.
I don't know anything about cars and I'm not interested in learning.
I'm scared of garages.
Perhaps that's a little strong, but the chore of phoning garages and asking for services makes me feel a little nervous. I don't really know what I'm asking for and every time I say something, or ask a question, I feel like they are thinking 'another dumb female' or even 'great, let's rip her off'. Do other women feel like this? Or maybe even everyone feels like this, regardless of whether they're male or female.
The thing is, I don't feel the same when talking to builders or other male-dominated areas. I guess because I know more about houses than cars - I know what stairs are, I don't know what a combustion engine is.
The solution? I either learn as much as I can about cars - which with a Psychology MSc and full time job may be pretty difficult, or garages make themselves more female-friendly. This might mean training workers to appear less condescending, or employing female mechanics. If I had a lot of money, I would probably try to open a garage designed to be particularly female friendly. I definitely think that's an area of the market not currently being explored. Until then, I will bravely suffer the perils of going to the garage and hope that I'm not seen as an 'easy target'.
Monday, 22 July 2013
I'm a geek and I don't care: App review - Fog of World
It's not a game. It doesn't help you organise your life. You don't spend hours on it. But, it's probably one of my favourite Apps.
Fog of World is an app with a play on the name 'Fog of war'. In many games unexplored terrain will be clouded out until the gameplayer goes to explore that area. Fog of World is a real life version of this. The whole world is covered in cloud. Then, when you hit record and start moving around, the fog begins to clear to show where you have been. It sounds boring but it's actually really fun to track your journies and record where you've been.
The pros:
You can track where you've been.
You can gain better awareness of your surroundings (simply by looking at a map now and then).
You can discover new places. I went for a walk around my neighbourhood to try this out, and discovered there is a park right down the road from my house that I never knew about! I now use it all the time.
It doesn't need the internet.
It encourages you to visit new places.
You can have a visual image of where you went on a holiday.
If you go somewhere once, you can use your old trail to help you find it again.
The cons:
It drains your battery.
You have to remember to press record. I'm always disappointed when I get back from an interesting trip and realise I forgot to track my journey.
You only get to higher 'levels' (although there aren't really any incentives to bother thinking about levels) if you go abroad - which most people don't regularly.
This app is really only for geeks and travellers, or travelling geeks. I don't expect most people to get excited about this, but I personally think it's a cute little app that helps me to think about the places I go and the amount of travelling I do.
What's your favourite app?
Fog of World
Fog of World is an app with a play on the name 'Fog of war'. In many games unexplored terrain will be clouded out until the gameplayer goes to explore that area. Fog of World is a real life version of this. The whole world is covered in cloud. Then, when you hit record and start moving around, the fog begins to clear to show where you have been. It sounds boring but it's actually really fun to track your journies and record where you've been.
The pros:
You can track where you've been.
You can gain better awareness of your surroundings (simply by looking at a map now and then).
You can discover new places. I went for a walk around my neighbourhood to try this out, and discovered there is a park right down the road from my house that I never knew about! I now use it all the time.
It doesn't need the internet.
It encourages you to visit new places.
You can have a visual image of where you went on a holiday.
If you go somewhere once, you can use your old trail to help you find it again.
The cons:
It drains your battery.
You have to remember to press record. I'm always disappointed when I get back from an interesting trip and realise I forgot to track my journey.
You only get to higher 'levels' (although there aren't really any incentives to bother thinking about levels) if you go abroad - which most people don't regularly.
This app is really only for geeks and travellers, or travelling geeks. I don't expect most people to get excited about this, but I personally think it's a cute little app that helps me to think about the places I go and the amount of travelling I do.
What's your favourite app?
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Kids, Teens and Youtubers react
Another new show that I'm loving (I really do spoil you don't I) is a YouTube sensation called Kids React.
If you're old enough to remember, think of It'll Be Alright On The Night where kids were interviewed watching videos and saying what they thought was happening. This is basically the same idea, but with updated issues. The children watch videos about the Harlem Shake, The Beatles, Honey Boo Boo and even touch on racism. The children have some really grown up ideas and tend to make a lot of sense, but with a few child-like quirks.
If you want to see something similar but a bit more pithy and in-depth, Teens React is exactly the same premise but the subjects tend to be a little more adult. The teens tend to have some very intelligent responses. It is a little disheartening that some of them state that they don't ever read out of school-time though. They look at topics like the Newtown Shootings but also lots of a silly Viral Videos. They do tend to get to the heart of the matter and come out looking intelligent.
Some commenters have stated that these children inspire them with hope for the next generation. Although it is a great show and the children do make good points, remember that these children have been chosen for a reason. They only portray a very small demographic of American children, and all seem to be fairly well-spoken and liberal. It is reassuring to know that there are children in America that already make a lot of sense though - someone's gotta lead the country, right?
If you can't stand kids, there are some variations involving YouTubers, and Elders.
What do you think of these shows?
If you're old enough to remember, think of It'll Be Alright On The Night where kids were interviewed watching videos and saying what they thought was happening. This is basically the same idea, but with updated issues. The children watch videos about the Harlem Shake, The Beatles, Honey Boo Boo and even touch on racism. The children have some really grown up ideas and tend to make a lot of sense, but with a few child-like quirks.
If you want to see something similar but a bit more pithy and in-depth, Teens React is exactly the same premise but the subjects tend to be a little more adult. The teens tend to have some very intelligent responses. It is a little disheartening that some of them state that they don't ever read out of school-time though. They look at topics like the Newtown Shootings but also lots of a silly Viral Videos. They do tend to get to the heart of the matter and come out looking intelligent.
Some commenters have stated that these children inspire them with hope for the next generation. Although it is a great show and the children do make good points, remember that these children have been chosen for a reason. They only portray a very small demographic of American children, and all seem to be fairly well-spoken and liberal. It is reassuring to know that there are children in America that already make a lot of sense though - someone's gotta lead the country, right?
If you can't stand kids, there are some variations involving YouTubers, and Elders.
What do you think of these shows?
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Bloglovin
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
If you haven't got a Google account, you can follow my blog on Bloglovin. It's a blog following website that makes it easy to follow your favourite blogs. You can search for my blog on there, or once I've figured it out, I'll link directly to Blog lovin. The great thing is you can get the Bloglovin app and check your blogs easily on your phone so you never miss a post! I can't wait to start following some of my favourite blogs!
Happy blog hunting!
If you haven't got a Google account, you can follow my blog on Bloglovin. It's a blog following website that makes it easy to follow your favourite blogs. You can search for my blog on there, or once I've figured it out, I'll link directly to Blog lovin. The great thing is you can get the Bloglovin app and check your blogs easily on your phone so you never miss a post! I can't wait to start following some of my favourite blogs!
Happy blog hunting!
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Why is the internet full of haters?
What is it about forums, blogs and annoymous posts that brings out the superiority in people?
When I first set up this blog, I tried my best to promote it on forums. I would make a thoughful answer to a conversation, but link my blog to my answer. Or, I would start a thread and encourage a conversation, but also provide a link to my blog.
This worked. People often clicked on my link to see what the site said. I thought, great, more people get to see my blog and can make a decision whether they like it, and perhaps want to follow me. If not, they close the blog, no harm done. However, very quickly I got very angry messages stating that I should not post my blog on the forum and that I was a terrible person with a rubbish blog.
Why is that people feel the need to be so angry and superior on forums? Do they go around being like this to people's faces? Or is it a place for those that are particularly angry and superior to interact and judge the rest of the world and feel like the best people in society?I would never tell someone to their face that what they had written was crap. Why is it ok to say that on the internet?
It's experiences like this that mean that I no longer try to publicise my blog. There just aren't any ways to do it that don't seem to annoy people. I don't see what's wrong with promoting a blog, but if so many people write such horrible things, it becomes an ordeal to tell others about it. Because of that, I don't think I have much of a following - at least, I don't seem to have a huge amount of followers, which means I lack motivation during the busy times to update my blog. It's difficult when doing a Master's, working full-time and walking the dog for two hours a day to find time to log on and write a new post.
These cases of unpleasant comments aren't even isolated to those that publicise their blogs. I have read many forum conversations where people have written terrible things to others. I can't believe that people have the capacity to say such rude things and to cause hurt to others. Many people who use forums are socially isolated (although, of course, many aren't) so sending abusive messages to vulnerable people is dangerous and may be quashing their only possibility of connecting with others.
Of course, there's nothing we can do about this. It's just a real shame that there seems to be a large amount of people who seem to enjoy dashing other people's confidence and writing negative things.
Please don't leave a comment trashing this post, and confirming my point. If you can't say anthing nice, don't say anything at all.
When I first set up this blog, I tried my best to promote it on forums. I would make a thoughful answer to a conversation, but link my blog to my answer. Or, I would start a thread and encourage a conversation, but also provide a link to my blog.
This worked. People often clicked on my link to see what the site said. I thought, great, more people get to see my blog and can make a decision whether they like it, and perhaps want to follow me. If not, they close the blog, no harm done. However, very quickly I got very angry messages stating that I should not post my blog on the forum and that I was a terrible person with a rubbish blog.
Why is that people feel the need to be so angry and superior on forums? Do they go around being like this to people's faces? Or is it a place for those that are particularly angry and superior to interact and judge the rest of the world and feel like the best people in society?I would never tell someone to their face that what they had written was crap. Why is it ok to say that on the internet?
It's experiences like this that mean that I no longer try to publicise my blog. There just aren't any ways to do it that don't seem to annoy people. I don't see what's wrong with promoting a blog, but if so many people write such horrible things, it becomes an ordeal to tell others about it. Because of that, I don't think I have much of a following - at least, I don't seem to have a huge amount of followers, which means I lack motivation during the busy times to update my blog. It's difficult when doing a Master's, working full-time and walking the dog for two hours a day to find time to log on and write a new post.
These cases of unpleasant comments aren't even isolated to those that publicise their blogs. I have read many forum conversations where people have written terrible things to others. I can't believe that people have the capacity to say such rude things and to cause hurt to others. Many people who use forums are socially isolated (although, of course, many aren't) so sending abusive messages to vulnerable people is dangerous and may be quashing their only possibility of connecting with others.
Of course, there's nothing we can do about this. It's just a real shame that there seems to be a large amount of people who seem to enjoy dashing other people's confidence and writing negative things.
Please don't leave a comment trashing this post, and confirming my point. If you can't say anthing nice, don't say anything at all.
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Are mobile phones an addiction?
I went to Nottingham last weekend to visit my mum, and to have tea with a friend. When I left, I completely forgot to pick up my mobile phone charger, so it's still in Nottingham. I don't have a spare one, because the other half left it at a family member's house too, so I'm without a phone, and have been since Sunday evening.
Despite not having my phone, I keep feeling the need to reach in my bag and check my phone. I probably don't have any texts: people don't really text me too often, unless it's to arrange a meet up - I'm not one for text conversations for the sake of them, but I am mostly missing the apps I'm used to playing on when I have a few minutes to kill.
Being a teacher of teenagers, mobiles are the enemy to most of my lessons. I see mobile phones in students' hands all the time, and they seem to automatically look at their phones once every 2 minutes, if not more. The thing is, teenagers love text conversations, much as I love MSN in my school evenings, so they've always got a message to reply to. It seems mobile phones are the new drug - an addiction young people simply cannot do without.
Should we be treating these phones as an addiction? Many of my students would geniuinely struggle to give up their phones for even an hour. I dread to think how many hours have been wasted on these gadgets, when people could be going for a walk, learning a new skill, or reading a book.
Perhaps we should make counselling classes for students, or force them to remove their phones at the front door of the building in order to break their habit. Or should we just see them as a part of life and allow them in the classroom, despite their ability to distract learners from work due to the endless number of games and apps available.
We could try to use a placebo, by given students tablets to use in class that do not have games on, but use the same actions as a mobile phone. That requires a large amount of money to be invested on technology, and retraining of teachers to effectively use them.
Saying that, I can't wait to get back on the Sims, and Dragon Island. Can anyone say geek?
What do you think the answer is? Are you addicted to your mobile phone?
Despite not having my phone, I keep feeling the need to reach in my bag and check my phone. I probably don't have any texts: people don't really text me too often, unless it's to arrange a meet up - I'm not one for text conversations for the sake of them, but I am mostly missing the apps I'm used to playing on when I have a few minutes to kill.
Being a teacher of teenagers, mobiles are the enemy to most of my lessons. I see mobile phones in students' hands all the time, and they seem to automatically look at their phones once every 2 minutes, if not more. The thing is, teenagers love text conversations, much as I love MSN in my school evenings, so they've always got a message to reply to. It seems mobile phones are the new drug - an addiction young people simply cannot do without.
Should we be treating these phones as an addiction? Many of my students would geniuinely struggle to give up their phones for even an hour. I dread to think how many hours have been wasted on these gadgets, when people could be going for a walk, learning a new skill, or reading a book.
Perhaps we should make counselling classes for students, or force them to remove their phones at the front door of the building in order to break their habit. Or should we just see them as a part of life and allow them in the classroom, despite their ability to distract learners from work due to the endless number of games and apps available.
We could try to use a placebo, by given students tablets to use in class that do not have games on, but use the same actions as a mobile phone. That requires a large amount of money to be invested on technology, and retraining of teachers to effectively use them.
Saying that, I can't wait to get back on the Sims, and Dragon Island. Can anyone say geek?
What do you think the answer is? Are you addicted to your mobile phone?
Monday, 29 April 2013
New favourite app
So I have an app called Appsgonefree which tells you the latest apps that used to cost money but are now free. It's mostly rubbish (loads of list-making apps or photo editors), but occasionally there is a real gem. At first it was Swordigo, a great little platform game. Then Enscripted, a quote-solving game. Now I'm hooked on Dragon Island Blue.
Dragon Island Blue is basically Pokemon, but on the iphone. It starts off looking a little basic and unrefined, but once you've played it for 20 minutes, I promise you'll be hooked. If you have played Pokemon you know the aim is to capture new monsters and travel through the levels. This game is exactly the same, whilst requiring you to defeat bosses and also having daily challenges to gain 'eggs' where you get a free gift- often a stronger monster.
I'm probably not their target market- being a girl, but the game really is my kind of thing. I like games that revolve around collecting and where it isn't possible to die.
Apparently they are making a new game coming up soon called Hunter Island, so those of you who already play this game, keep an eye out! Sadly quite excited to play it!!! Ok, before you say it, I admit it, I am a geek.
I'm probably not their target market- being a girl, but the game really is my kind of thing. I like games that revolve around collecting and where it isn't possible to die.
Apparently they are making a new game coming up soon called Hunter Island, so those of you who already play this game, keep an eye out! Sadly quite excited to play it!!! Ok, before you say it, I admit it, I am a geek.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Sims Freeplay Cheat - Free money
I have recently become a little bit addicted to Sims Freeplay. I know, it's geeky, but I really like the creativity of the game... and the fact there's not wrong answers! It is a little repetitive, but it's still fun.
The good things about the game are that there are ongoing goals and rewards that are enough to keep people interested. You can give your sims hobbies and as they practice these they can gain more money or skills. They can also get pets using 'life points', which are gained by completing goals, such as making a cup of coffee, or buying a new building.
One problem with the game is the time it takes to gain more money. There are cheats out there, such as changing the date on your phone to make things that take a long time happen instantly. However, I am always concerned that this will mess up the game and others have reported that they had to restart the entire game due to problems using this cheat.
I have found a cheat that seems to work without risking messing around with your progress. As part of the game you can connect with neighbours through a facebook account. You simply login in with facebook and the game will work out how many friends you have that play the game. It then creates a leaderboard so you can compare your town to others.
If you don't have neighbours you can always 'like' the Sims freeplay facebook page and leave a comment asking people to add you who play the sims. The only downside is that random people that you know nothing about can see your facebook. However, you get lots of in-game items for having lots of friends. You will get daily rewards, of anything up to 800 simoleons, and free items - such as a football table, pond, swing, sandpit and music box. These can be found in the catologue under 'social'.
Here's where the cheat comes in. You can add these free social items to your town for free if you have the correct number of friends. Once you get to this point, follow these steps:
1)Add lots of social items to your town (prefereably at one sim's house). Really pack them in. Choose ones that require more neighbours.
2) Go to 'account manager'- accessible by clicking the '...' button whilst playing, and then the little lock icon.
3) Select to log out of your facebook account (this will dissconnect your game from your facebook)
4) Go to the sim's house with the social items. You can now sell those social items for simoleons. Some items are worth over 1000 simoleons. Watch as your money shoots up.
5) Log your game back into facebook via account manager and your game will reconnect with your sim friends and be back to normal, but with extra cash.
You can redo these steps as many times as you like. It is risk free and really works! Leave a comment and let me know how you got on, and what you'll do with the money!
The good things about the game are that there are ongoing goals and rewards that are enough to keep people interested. You can give your sims hobbies and as they practice these they can gain more money or skills. They can also get pets using 'life points', which are gained by completing goals, such as making a cup of coffee, or buying a new building.
One problem with the game is the time it takes to gain more money. There are cheats out there, such as changing the date on your phone to make things that take a long time happen instantly. However, I am always concerned that this will mess up the game and others have reported that they had to restart the entire game due to problems using this cheat.
I have found a cheat that seems to work without risking messing around with your progress. As part of the game you can connect with neighbours through a facebook account. You simply login in with facebook and the game will work out how many friends you have that play the game. It then creates a leaderboard so you can compare your town to others.
If you don't have neighbours you can always 'like' the Sims freeplay facebook page and leave a comment asking people to add you who play the sims. The only downside is that random people that you know nothing about can see your facebook. However, you get lots of in-game items for having lots of friends. You will get daily rewards, of anything up to 800 simoleons, and free items - such as a football table, pond, swing, sandpit and music box. These can be found in the catologue under 'social'.
Here's where the cheat comes in. You can add these free social items to your town for free if you have the correct number of friends. Once you get to this point, follow these steps:
1)Add lots of social items to your town (prefereably at one sim's house). Really pack them in. Choose ones that require more neighbours.
2) Go to 'account manager'- accessible by clicking the '...' button whilst playing, and then the little lock icon.
3) Select to log out of your facebook account (this will dissconnect your game from your facebook)
4) Go to the sim's house with the social items. You can now sell those social items for simoleons. Some items are worth over 1000 simoleons. Watch as your money shoots up.
5) Log your game back into facebook via account manager and your game will reconnect with your sim friends and be back to normal, but with extra cash.
You can redo these steps as many times as you like. It is risk free and really works! Leave a comment and let me know how you got on, and what you'll do with the money!
Friday, 8 February 2013
Best terrible TV
Not everyone likes terrible TV. Lots of people will watch something and think 'this is truly awful...' and then change the channel! Not me. Sometimes it's the terrible TV that is really the most entertaining. Even for just the opportunity to sit and watch it whilst saying things like "Oh my goodness!" or "This is ridiculous!".
That doesn't mean I will just watch anything. I watch very little TV. I am selective in my own way. I also do watch things that have required thought and are well-written, such as Girls. Sometimes though, you do just want to turn your mind off and let the nonsense TV wash over you. So here are my top, crap TV shows.
America's Next Top Model
I am aware this programme is total trash. Basically the premise is- put a lot of wanna models in a house, make them compete in challenges and photoshoots, film every moment, edit it to make them all look like mean girls. It's bitching at it's best. It has about the right proportions of following the politics and the drama, and looking at fashion and photoshoots. Overall it's pretty addictive and it's the relationships between the girls that makes the show worth watching. The best of trash TV! There's also a British version but it's just not the same.
Bridalplasty
The whole premise behind this show is unbelivable. About 15 above-average looking girls who are getting married are invited into a house. They then compete in challenges to win plastic surgery for their wedding day. It's disgraceful for a number of reasons. 1) It virtually accepts these girls 'need' surgery- when they clearly don't. 2) It completely underminds what a big deal having surgery is. It presents it as a 'prize'. 3) It makes the girls work against each other to achieve a 'perfect wedding'. Saying that, it is car-crash TV. I watched it because I couldn't help saying "OH MY GOD!" each week. The politics between the girls were hilarious. They were devious and clever in their tactics and that made it amazing telly!
The Love Machine
I've not seen much of this show as it's a new one, and I refused to watch it for a while (like I'M above it... right?!). The contenstants on this show want a date. They are given a randomly generated man out of around 6 men, and must decide whether to ditch or date the man (like stick or twist in cards). They either date the man (or woman), or spin again. It's cutting, the contenstants are brutal and very hard to please (when they're not always that great themselves). It's not a programme I will be hooked on like the others because it doesn't have an ongoing plot and it is fundamentally pointless, but it is a way to switch your brain off for half an hour.
Fool Around With My Girlfriend
This is an old programme I recently rediscovered. You can find it on youtube (click here). 4 girls are put into a house, 3 of which are in a relationship, and the other is single. They must all prove to the fairly attractive man in the house that they are single so that he chooses them as 'the single one' and they get £10,000. If he guesses correctly himself and the single person get £5000 each. The boyfriends are in a secret next door room watching all the action. Although it is crap, it's much better than big brother because it has a point to it, and it's edited to show relevant pieces, rather than just general editing showing any old conversation. I'm a little addicted, and after seeing how many series are on youtube, a little bit worried. Even so... it's great TV for watching on a Ipad in bed before going to sleep.
There are more series I could write about, such as Take Me Out, or Snog, Marry Avoid, but I don't watch them much anymore. They've lost their appeal to me. I expect the same will happen with these programmes before long, and that's the downside of trash TV.
What programmes are your guilty pleasures?
That doesn't mean I will just watch anything. I watch very little TV. I am selective in my own way. I also do watch things that have required thought and are well-written, such as Girls. Sometimes though, you do just want to turn your mind off and let the nonsense TV wash over you. So here are my top, crap TV shows.
America's Next Top Model
I am aware this programme is total trash. Basically the premise is- put a lot of wanna models in a house, make them compete in challenges and photoshoots, film every moment, edit it to make them all look like mean girls. It's bitching at it's best. It has about the right proportions of following the politics and the drama, and looking at fashion and photoshoots. Overall it's pretty addictive and it's the relationships between the girls that makes the show worth watching. The best of trash TV! There's also a British version but it's just not the same.
Bridalplasty
The whole premise behind this show is unbelivable. About 15 above-average looking girls who are getting married are invited into a house. They then compete in challenges to win plastic surgery for their wedding day. It's disgraceful for a number of reasons. 1) It virtually accepts these girls 'need' surgery- when they clearly don't. 2) It completely underminds what a big deal having surgery is. It presents it as a 'prize'. 3) It makes the girls work against each other to achieve a 'perfect wedding'. Saying that, it is car-crash TV. I watched it because I couldn't help saying "OH MY GOD!" each week. The politics between the girls were hilarious. They were devious and clever in their tactics and that made it amazing telly!
The Love Machine
I've not seen much of this show as it's a new one, and I refused to watch it for a while (like I'M above it... right?!). The contenstants on this show want a date. They are given a randomly generated man out of around 6 men, and must decide whether to ditch or date the man (like stick or twist in cards). They either date the man (or woman), or spin again. It's cutting, the contenstants are brutal and very hard to please (when they're not always that great themselves). It's not a programme I will be hooked on like the others because it doesn't have an ongoing plot and it is fundamentally pointless, but it is a way to switch your brain off for half an hour.
Fool Around With My Girlfriend
This is an old programme I recently rediscovered. You can find it on youtube (click here). 4 girls are put into a house, 3 of which are in a relationship, and the other is single. They must all prove to the fairly attractive man in the house that they are single so that he chooses them as 'the single one' and they get £10,000. If he guesses correctly himself and the single person get £5000 each. The boyfriends are in a secret next door room watching all the action. Although it is crap, it's much better than big brother because it has a point to it, and it's edited to show relevant pieces, rather than just general editing showing any old conversation. I'm a little addicted, and after seeing how many series are on youtube, a little bit worried. Even so... it's great TV for watching on a Ipad in bed before going to sleep.
There are more series I could write about, such as Take Me Out, or Snog, Marry Avoid, but I don't watch them much anymore. They've lost their appeal to me. I expect the same will happen with these programmes before long, and that's the downside of trash TV.
What programmes are your guilty pleasures?
Monday, 28 January 2013
My favourite apps 2013
I love my new Iphone. I love it so much. It's so amazingly pretty, and it can handle any app, no problem.
In my quest for the most amazing apps, I've found a few I would definitely recommend. They are a mixed bag, so hopefully there's something for everyone. I got them all free, but some of them are currently being charged for. To be honest, I recommend them so strongly that I'd be prepared to pay for them. Here's why:
Swordigo
I'm not a massive platform game fan. Other than Mario, I've not really seen a game out to it's later levels. Yet, for a mobile phone game, Swordigo is amazing. It's a bit like Zelda (or so I've heard), and definitely doesn't feel like an Iphone game. It has levels, but it isn't necessarily linear, although there is a story. The story isn't that amazing, but the gameplay really is.
It has a few key buttons: jump, left, right, shoot, strike. As you go along you get more powerful, and earn new kinds of magic. It has bosses to defeat, which are sometimes very difficult. I actually got my boyfriend to complete a lot of the end of the game as it got too hard, but he totally loved the game too, and he's not a big gamer. I got the game for free but it is charged for now. If they brought out a second one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, it's hours worth of gameplay and well worth the money.
Enscripted
Enscripted is a word game. You have to swap the letters to work out what the quote is. It's hard to explain, but it's great. It's sometimes a bit puzzling, but the sense of achievement when working out a difficult quote is great. The game is around 69p, which I think it is worth it, as I play on it every day.
Apps Gone Free
This little gem isn't a fun app, but an incredibly useful one. Every day it tracks down apps you usually pay for, and lets you know that they are now free. It's a great way of discovering new apps, feeling like you're getting a bargain, and stopping your iphone from getting a bit stale with the same old apps. I found the above two apps on Appsgonefree. It's free, it lets you get things for free, what's not to like?
Blockheads
This is a game where you control and interact with the world around you. You can't die, and don't really fight anything. The idea of the game is to mine new things, and make new things (apparently a lot like Minecraft). As there aren't any objectives, it gets a bit boring after a while. Also, it won't continue playing while the app isn't open, so you have to sit and watch your blockhead making a shovel for up to 20 minutes, which isn't gaming at its most entertaining. This game won't appeal to everyone, but I have spent a number of hours playing it, and I'm quite proud of the little house my blockheads now live in, crafted by their own fair hands.
In my quest for the most amazing apps, I've found a few I would definitely recommend. They are a mixed bag, so hopefully there's something for everyone. I got them all free, but some of them are currently being charged for. To be honest, I recommend them so strongly that I'd be prepared to pay for them. Here's why:
Swordigo
I'm not a massive platform game fan. Other than Mario, I've not really seen a game out to it's later levels. Yet, for a mobile phone game, Swordigo is amazing. It's a bit like Zelda (or so I've heard), and definitely doesn't feel like an Iphone game. It has levels, but it isn't necessarily linear, although there is a story. The story isn't that amazing, but the gameplay really is.
It has a few key buttons: jump, left, right, shoot, strike. As you go along you get more powerful, and earn new kinds of magic. It has bosses to defeat, which are sometimes very difficult. I actually got my boyfriend to complete a lot of the end of the game as it got too hard, but he totally loved the game too, and he's not a big gamer. I got the game for free but it is charged for now. If they brought out a second one, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, it's hours worth of gameplay and well worth the money.
Enscripted
Enscripted is a word game. You have to swap the letters to work out what the quote is. It's hard to explain, but it's great. It's sometimes a bit puzzling, but the sense of achievement when working out a difficult quote is great. The game is around 69p, which I think it is worth it, as I play on it every day.
This little gem isn't a fun app, but an incredibly useful one. Every day it tracks down apps you usually pay for, and lets you know that they are now free. It's a great way of discovering new apps, feeling like you're getting a bargain, and stopping your iphone from getting a bit stale with the same old apps. I found the above two apps on Appsgonefree. It's free, it lets you get things for free, what's not to like?
Blockheads
This is a game where you control and interact with the world around you. You can't die, and don't really fight anything. The idea of the game is to mine new things, and make new things (apparently a lot like Minecraft). As there aren't any objectives, it gets a bit boring after a while. Also, it won't continue playing while the app isn't open, so you have to sit and watch your blockhead making a shovel for up to 20 minutes, which isn't gaming at its most entertaining. This game won't appeal to everyone, but I have spent a number of hours playing it, and I'm quite proud of the little house my blockheads now live in, crafted by their own fair hands.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
My first pair of glasses
I had my eyes tested on Saturday (which ate into my Christmas shopping time considerably) because it had been 2 years since my last eye test, and I had noticed a difference in my eyesight.
I actually hate getting my eyes tested. I've always had a problem with eyes. And spines. Oh, and necks. Particularly my own. I don't want people near them. I told the optician this, and I think they took this to mean that as long as they talk to me in a babyish voice and say "you're doing really well" now and then that I'll be ok. I'm a grown adult with a weird dislike for something, not a four year old!!!
Anyway, I went through with it because I'm a big girl now, and it wasn't too bad. I wasn't keen on the machine that basically shoots you in the eyes with air, but I got past it. I'm not sure what that machine does. I think it's just for the opticians to make you jump, and have a little laugh at your expense. The eye equivalent of jumping out from behind a door and shouting "Boo"...Geeks.
So it turns out I don't legally have to wear glasses, but my eyes are detoriating slowly. My far vision is affected, but my near vision is pretty damn excellent. At least I can still read books, I just can't spend as much time at the cinema. I decided although I don't have to have them, I would get some glasses to see if it had an effect on how often I get headaches. And because I can be officially 'adorkable' (an adorable dork) if I have the glasses to complete the look... rather than just being 'a bit weird'.
I went for some Pepe Jeans glasses. Mostly because they were on the bottom shelf, which means they're cheap, and secondly because they have the geek-chic look. If you're gonna wear glasses, you've gotta embrace your inner geek.
I showed my friend my glasses yesterday. The first thing she said was "now you really are new girl!" (I have a lot in common with the TV character). I guess my life is becoming more and more like a sit com every day. One thing I can say, it's definitely one of those sit-coms with awkward conversations. I've definitely put my foot in it a few times the past few days. At least I can consider this as character development, rather than shamefully poor timing. Eventually I'll just hear a laughter track in the background whenever I speak. That's one way to get through the day.
I actually hate getting my eyes tested. I've always had a problem with eyes. And spines. Oh, and necks. Particularly my own. I don't want people near them. I told the optician this, and I think they took this to mean that as long as they talk to me in a babyish voice and say "you're doing really well" now and then that I'll be ok. I'm a grown adult with a weird dislike for something, not a four year old!!!
Anyway, I went through with it because I'm a big girl now, and it wasn't too bad. I wasn't keen on the machine that basically shoots you in the eyes with air, but I got past it. I'm not sure what that machine does. I think it's just for the opticians to make you jump, and have a little laugh at your expense. The eye equivalent of jumping out from behind a door and shouting "Boo"...Geeks.
So it turns out I don't legally have to wear glasses, but my eyes are detoriating slowly. My far vision is affected, but my near vision is pretty damn excellent. At least I can still read books, I just can't spend as much time at the cinema. I decided although I don't have to have them, I would get some glasses to see if it had an effect on how often I get headaches. And because I can be officially 'adorkable' (an adorable dork) if I have the glasses to complete the look... rather than just being 'a bit weird'.
I went for some Pepe Jeans glasses. Mostly because they were on the bottom shelf, which means they're cheap, and secondly because they have the geek-chic look. If you're gonna wear glasses, you've gotta embrace your inner geek.
Monday, 10 December 2012
One assignment down, hundreds to go
First assignment is in!
I started the module late, and was told I wouldn't be able to catch up on all the work by a very grumpy module leader, but I did it, and uploaded it an hour before the deadline. Hah. I wasn't even rushing last minute. It feels gooood.
Obviously, two modules at once next term will be harder, but I'm ready for the challenge. If I can learn about statistics, I can do anything! Assuming I've passed this module...
So now I can take a break from studying, for a day at least. My research report, where I had to conduct my own study, is in on Friday. I'm already over the word-count and think I've hit all the criteria. I'm pretty much done on it, but it never hurts to take one last look. It's that sending off of the essay, or uploading it as we do with distance learning, that is the really hard part. That hesitation once it's gone is horrible. Immediately after sending submit, my mind shouts "Are you sure it was finished? Did you check everything?"
Anyway, I'm going to go spend my evening watching An Idiot Abroad while my boyfriend does work. I have a poorly tummy (women's issues) so I've got my pyjamas on and a hot water bottle that I rushed out to buy today. Snuggling up on the sofa watching TV. What could be better?
I started the module late, and was told I wouldn't be able to catch up on all the work by a very grumpy module leader, but I did it, and uploaded it an hour before the deadline. Hah. I wasn't even rushing last minute. It feels gooood.
Obviously, two modules at once next term will be harder, but I'm ready for the challenge. If I can learn about statistics, I can do anything! Assuming I've passed this module...
So now I can take a break from studying, for a day at least. My research report, where I had to conduct my own study, is in on Friday. I'm already over the word-count and think I've hit all the criteria. I'm pretty much done on it, but it never hurts to take one last look. It's that sending off of the essay, or uploading it as we do with distance learning, that is the really hard part. That hesitation once it's gone is horrible. Immediately after sending submit, my mind shouts "Are you sure it was finished? Did you check everything?"
Anyway, I'm going to go spend my evening watching An Idiot Abroad while my boyfriend does work. I have a poorly tummy (women's issues) so I've got my pyjamas on and a hot water bottle that I rushed out to buy today. Snuggling up on the sofa watching TV. What could be better?
Friday, 30 November 2012
No more Iphone 3G updates
I have an Iphone 3G (I know, it's not cool, it's not even retro cool). I have been using it quite happily for a couple of years now, updating the software, downloading new apps. Increasingly some apps haven't worked on the phone, and I just lived with this, although it was slightly annoying.
Recently, no new apps will download onto my phone. Apple have decided to scrap the Iphone 3G and concerntrate on the newer models.
Now I understand that at some point, things have to move. Unfortunately, with my iPhone still working, I think this is a sneaky tactic of Apple. I am now forced to either use my iPhone as it is, with no new features in the future, or get a new iPhone. It's forcing customers to spend more money on a new iPhone, and it's not very environmentally friendly. I just feel a little disappointed that I am being left behind when my phone still works, and I have been a loyal Apple customer. If I buy an iPhone 4 to replace my phone, how long before that becomes too old? Am I constantly going to be forced to upgrade? I can't afford an iPhone 5.
So should I upgrade? My phone does everything a phone should do. It calls, it texts, saves contacts, and plays old apps. I love getting new apps and playing the new games and I feel like that's the main reason to have an iPhone. It's not great for calls, the sound quality is poor, and the touchscreen is horrid to write texts on. Is it worth the hundreds of pounds required to upgrade?
What phone do you use? Are you always trying to have the latest phone?
Recently, no new apps will download onto my phone. Apple have decided to scrap the Iphone 3G and concerntrate on the newer models.
Now I understand that at some point, things have to move. Unfortunately, with my iPhone still working, I think this is a sneaky tactic of Apple. I am now forced to either use my iPhone as it is, with no new features in the future, or get a new iPhone. It's forcing customers to spend more money on a new iPhone, and it's not very environmentally friendly. I just feel a little disappointed that I am being left behind when my phone still works, and I have been a loyal Apple customer. If I buy an iPhone 4 to replace my phone, how long before that becomes too old? Am I constantly going to be forced to upgrade? I can't afford an iPhone 5.
So should I upgrade? My phone does everything a phone should do. It calls, it texts, saves contacts, and plays old apps. I love getting new apps and playing the new games and I feel like that's the main reason to have an iPhone. It's not great for calls, the sound quality is poor, and the touchscreen is horrid to write texts on. Is it worth the hundreds of pounds required to upgrade?
What phone do you use? Are you always trying to have the latest phone?
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Segway Riding
I went on my brother's fiance's hen do this weekend. I didn't take any photos, because it was muddy and my camera is bloody expensive, but the segway riding was brilliant fun. For those that don't know, a segway looks like this:
Unfortunately, the field was muddy and it was raining all day. We all had a go on the segway (which took ages!) and then were put into teams and completed tasks going round cones and throwing balls. Obviously, my team won overall! It was really good fun, and really easy. Even my Mum did it and she's 65. She was very nervous but soon got the hang of it.
They're sturdy little machines. You stand on them and they stay still, but then if you start leaning forward the segway will move forward. The more you lean, the faster it goes. It also goes backwards if you lean back. You change direction by moving the handle from side to side. They're really responsive and comfortable to ride, but also would be difficult to fall off or go too fast.
So, if you are having a hen do, or just want to try something new, I would definitely recommend doing a segway experience. I would possibly advise that it wasn't raining, as it did put a damper on the day (no pun intended!). If you do have a go, let me know how it was!
Unfortunately, the field was muddy and it was raining all day. We all had a go on the segway (which took ages!) and then were put into teams and completed tasks going round cones and throwing balls. Obviously, my team won overall! It was really good fun, and really easy. Even my Mum did it and she's 65. She was very nervous but soon got the hang of it.
They're sturdy little machines. You stand on them and they stay still, but then if you start leaning forward the segway will move forward. The more you lean, the faster it goes. It also goes backwards if you lean back. You change direction by moving the handle from side to side. They're really responsive and comfortable to ride, but also would be difficult to fall off or go too fast.
So, if you are having a hen do, or just want to try something new, I would definitely recommend doing a segway experience. I would possibly advise that it wasn't raining, as it did put a damper on the day (no pun intended!). If you do have a go, let me know how it was!
Monday, 19 November 2012
The all new dating shows
Dating shows have been big for a long time. Blind Date was the biggest programme of the week when I was growing up. I spent my teenager years avoiding revision and watching crap like Date my Mum where potential suitors date three mothers and pick the one who's daughter they think would be sluttiest. I vaguley remember a programme in my pre-teens where a whole crowd of people try to date one single person by answering questions correctly.
Well, now there is a whole new breed of dating shows, and they're getting more and more obscure. Gone of the days where you were allowed to have a conversation with your potential date, or even see them. So which of the latest dating shows are the most addicitive?
Take Me Out
If anything was going to replace Blind Date, this is it. Take me Out involved a single man coming down a 'love lift' to 30 women eagerly waiting to pull desperately excited smiles, or clearly underwhelmed frowns. The man then has to impress the women in three rounds involving some sort of freak-show performance and embarrasing stories from a family member. The women turn off for the most minor things, such as a mention of vaguely odourous feet, bad breath first thing in the morning (Come on... who doesn't?), or even being intersted in exercise. I'm not sure if all women are this fickle or they have to be especially recruited.
Once all the women the men actually fancied have opted out of a date, the men get to choose between the dregs who are desperate for a free holiday no matter who they have to spend it with. The men choose the most conventially pretty out of the women left, and they go off ready to spend an awkward weekend in a hot country together and to realise they actually live about 4 hours apart in the UK so the relationship would never work even if they were a great match.
The good thing about Take me Out is the couples do actually have a chance to have some sort of face-to-face interaction, and there is power for both genders rather than one person simply picking the other. However, relationships are very very unlikely to work out, most men who appear on the show seem to sleep with at least 3 of the girls anyway, according to backstage gossip, and it is distinctly unromantic. It also inevitably ends in 29 single girls at the end of the series with no one to date, a little unfullfilling for them and the audience.
Dating in the Dark
Apparently, this programme sets out to show looks aren't important in dating. Unforunately, it does the opposite. Three single men and three single women have dates in the dark, often involving some snogs and a quick feel. They then decide who they want to see in the light. They can then decide if they would like to meet up again. The uglier one of the two inevitablity wants to meet again, wheras the better looking will walk away without a second glance, and comment of "I can't believe I snogged that!". I can only imagine how humiliating and crushing it must be for the contestants to watch afterwards .
Sing Date
This is a new programme shown on Sky Living. The format is: a member of the public who thinks they have an amazing singing voice and just wants to get on TV for whatever reason possible, usually a little overweight or looking slightly like a drug addict, picks three other members of the public that could be described in a similar way to sing on a webcam with them. They then travel all the way to London to do a duet in the flesh in a pokey studio on some slightly-too-tall stools. As if meeting a man for the first time wasn't akward enough, but worrying about holding a note too is pressure I could easily avoid. Most of the time the invited member of the public doesn't fancy the other person in the slightest and makes it quite clear to them on National television. It actually sounds like a nightmare I once had, and I can't imagine anything worse. Perhaps Sky Living commissioned so many of the episodes in one go because they knew no one would want to be on the show once they'd seen an episode of it.
Dinner Date
This is probably the most plausible of the shows. One man or woman is asked to decide on three dates based on their menus. They then meet with three potential matches, who seem to be fairly well selected in terms of attractiveness and ability to hold a conversation. The three selected individuals cook dinner in their own homes. It's a bit like Come Dine with Me, but with dating. The combination of cookery and being able to nosey round a person's home keeps the programme entertaining. The 'picker' then decides who to go on a master date with in a restaurant. It sounds like it should be amazing, but I think the fact that it's pre-filmed and there is little connection with the audience it does become a little dry.
So, the moral is, if you want to create a dating show, you gotta have a gimmick. So what's next? A dating show involving the contents of someone's underwear draw? Date my pet where pets are enlisted to pick a date for their owner? A dating show where you pick your potential partner based on their bowel movements or medical record? Whatever it is, the fact is, I've gotta watch it!
Can you think of any new dating show ideas?
Well, now there is a whole new breed of dating shows, and they're getting more and more obscure. Gone of the days where you were allowed to have a conversation with your potential date, or even see them. So which of the latest dating shows are the most addicitive?
Take Me Out
If anything was going to replace Blind Date, this is it. Take me Out involved a single man coming down a 'love lift' to 30 women eagerly waiting to pull desperately excited smiles, or clearly underwhelmed frowns. The man then has to impress the women in three rounds involving some sort of freak-show performance and embarrasing stories from a family member. The women turn off for the most minor things, such as a mention of vaguely odourous feet, bad breath first thing in the morning (Come on... who doesn't?), or even being intersted in exercise. I'm not sure if all women are this fickle or they have to be especially recruited.
Once all the women the men actually fancied have opted out of a date, the men get to choose between the dregs who are desperate for a free holiday no matter who they have to spend it with. The men choose the most conventially pretty out of the women left, and they go off ready to spend an awkward weekend in a hot country together and to realise they actually live about 4 hours apart in the UK so the relationship would never work even if they were a great match.
The good thing about Take me Out is the couples do actually have a chance to have some sort of face-to-face interaction, and there is power for both genders rather than one person simply picking the other. However, relationships are very very unlikely to work out, most men who appear on the show seem to sleep with at least 3 of the girls anyway, according to backstage gossip, and it is distinctly unromantic. It also inevitably ends in 29 single girls at the end of the series with no one to date, a little unfullfilling for them and the audience.
Dating in the Dark
Apparently, this programme sets out to show looks aren't important in dating. Unforunately, it does the opposite. Three single men and three single women have dates in the dark, often involving some snogs and a quick feel. They then decide who they want to see in the light. They can then decide if they would like to meet up again. The uglier one of the two inevitablity wants to meet again, wheras the better looking will walk away without a second glance, and comment of "I can't believe I snogged that!". I can only imagine how humiliating and crushing it must be for the contestants to watch afterwards .
Sing Date
This is a new programme shown on Sky Living. The format is: a member of the public who thinks they have an amazing singing voice and just wants to get on TV for whatever reason possible, usually a little overweight or looking slightly like a drug addict, picks three other members of the public that could be described in a similar way to sing on a webcam with them. They then travel all the way to London to do a duet in the flesh in a pokey studio on some slightly-too-tall stools. As if meeting a man for the first time wasn't akward enough, but worrying about holding a note too is pressure I could easily avoid. Most of the time the invited member of the public doesn't fancy the other person in the slightest and makes it quite clear to them on National television. It actually sounds like a nightmare I once had, and I can't imagine anything worse. Perhaps Sky Living commissioned so many of the episodes in one go because they knew no one would want to be on the show once they'd seen an episode of it.
Dinner Date
This is probably the most plausible of the shows. One man or woman is asked to decide on three dates based on their menus. They then meet with three potential matches, who seem to be fairly well selected in terms of attractiveness and ability to hold a conversation. The three selected individuals cook dinner in their own homes. It's a bit like Come Dine with Me, but with dating. The combination of cookery and being able to nosey round a person's home keeps the programme entertaining. The 'picker' then decides who to go on a master date with in a restaurant. It sounds like it should be amazing, but I think the fact that it's pre-filmed and there is little connection with the audience it does become a little dry.
So, the moral is, if you want to create a dating show, you gotta have a gimmick. So what's next? A dating show involving the contents of someone's underwear draw? Date my pet where pets are enlisted to pick a date for their owner? A dating show where you pick your potential partner based on their bowel movements or medical record? Whatever it is, the fact is, I've gotta watch it!
Can you think of any new dating show ideas?
Monday, 5 November 2012
Sky Tv or Freeview?
We have been sorting out our new TV subscription since we've been in our new home. Unfortunately we have been forced to go with Sky tv as the house doesn't have have an aerial but has a Sky box. I thought this would be fine, we could get a Freesat box with recordable space and watch the things we really want to watch. However, it doesn't work like that, and Sky seem to use every opportunity to get money off you.
Recordable Freesat
It seems you can only record on Freesat if you pay Sky ten pounds a month for this feature. Not just this, but you have to buy a certain box from Sky. Even doing this doesn't let you access the On Demand features Sky offers apparently for free, but not really.
Sky box
We bought an old Sky box with recordable space. The company wouldn't let us use this one and said we need to purchase a new one, unless we pay for channels and then get one for free. We also need to purchase a specific card from them in order to access the channels and recordablity. Another chance for them to get more money from us.
Extra channels
We've finally opted for Entertainment package from Sky, because to be able to record on Freesat, with buying a new box, paying monthly and buying a new card we would end up paying £150 over the year and not get On Demand. With the extra package we are paying £208 for the year and do get On Demand, so we figured 'in for a penny, in for a pound' and went for the more expensive package. This is upsetting, considering we thought we could buy the £50 box outright and be done with it, and we've ended up signed up to a contract that we can't get out of before the year is up and we're forking out money each month.
Freeview or Sky?
If we had had a Freeview box, we could have just recorded Freeview, which is what we wanted to do in the first place! I even have a TV with Freeview built in, which is a waste! With paying a TV license this year we are spending an absolute fortune just to be able to watch Freeview TV. Neither of us are that bothered about watching TV but we would like to be able to record, or watch on Demand key programmes we enjoy as we have busy lives. If you have the option, get Freeview, it's so much more flexible! I'm very disappointed with the service from Sky and the lack of flexibility.
Recordable Freesat
It seems you can only record on Freesat if you pay Sky ten pounds a month for this feature. Not just this, but you have to buy a certain box from Sky. Even doing this doesn't let you access the On Demand features Sky offers apparently for free, but not really.
Sky box
We bought an old Sky box with recordable space. The company wouldn't let us use this one and said we need to purchase a new one, unless we pay for channels and then get one for free. We also need to purchase a specific card from them in order to access the channels and recordablity. Another chance for them to get more money from us.
Extra channels
We've finally opted for Entertainment package from Sky, because to be able to record on Freesat, with buying a new box, paying monthly and buying a new card we would end up paying £150 over the year and not get On Demand. With the extra package we are paying £208 for the year and do get On Demand, so we figured 'in for a penny, in for a pound' and went for the more expensive package. This is upsetting, considering we thought we could buy the £50 box outright and be done with it, and we've ended up signed up to a contract that we can't get out of before the year is up and we're forking out money each month.
Freeview or Sky?
If we had had a Freeview box, we could have just recorded Freeview, which is what we wanted to do in the first place! I even have a TV with Freeview built in, which is a waste! With paying a TV license this year we are spending an absolute fortune just to be able to watch Freeview TV. Neither of us are that bothered about watching TV but we would like to be able to record, or watch on Demand key programmes we enjoy as we have busy lives. If you have the option, get Freeview, it's so much more flexible! I'm very disappointed with the service from Sky and the lack of flexibility.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
No internet!
I miss the internet! Getting it installed on Friday (hopefully). Sorry for no new posts. That is all.
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