Destination : Bégur - a little town north of Barcelona.
Reason : Cath and Max's wedding (and a week added on cos we both needed a holiday).
Method of transport : My Peugeot 206.
Route : Straight down the middle of France and up the east side on the way back up.
Day 1 - Brussels - Aumont Aubrac - approx 10hrs drive.
Setting off at about 10am, I had no idea what was ahead, and for the first time in my life, I was (just about) OK with that!
I knew we had 2 days to get down to Bégur and that the estimated number of kms was 1300. The rest was undefined, undecided and totally up us.
I think that by the time we crossed Paris, I had a fair idea of the amount of driving I was actually faced with and while being relieved at having the hardest part of the journey behind me, I was realising it was a lot longer than I had first thought.
Taking the national roads down through the middle of France, thus avoiding the ridiculously expensive tolls, we bypassed some stunning wine regions and a few famous water towns too.
We pushed through until we got past Clermont-Ferrand - This was my objective for the day. The night was spent in Aumont Aubrac, in a little 2 star bar/resto/hotel opposite the cheap and really nice place we were hoping for but that had no rooms.
Arriving too late for dinner, we sat on the hotel porch drinking a couple of beers to unwind.
(I know most of you won't give a rat's about this kind of post, but it'll be nice to read this again a couple of years down the line. If you feel like reading Simon's account of all this... go here! - and if you happened to be at the wedding, feel free to share your impressions.)
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Sunday, 18 May 2008
My new toy
Ok, so it finally arrived. My long awaited Mvix MX-760HD.
I'm not a total geek, so I'll not be getting into the nitty gritty of the tech specs of this little marvel. You can go check other reviewers if you're interested. This is more of a user based review (which will most likely be more useful and comprehensive).
Basically it's a media-viewer with a hard drive inside that can store and play most media files.
After opening the box, I quickly discover that the fellow who shipped the thing from Canada, is a bit of a twat when it comes to packing. The remote control has had its frontal plastic protection smashed. It still works but I'm a bit disappointed that I've not yet started to use the Mvix and it is already damaged.
Whether it be installing the hard drive I ordered separately or accessing my wireless network, the whole set up process is pretty easy (at least I think it is, as I wasn't the one doing the setting up).
While browsing through the interface (more on that later), I discover with delight, that I can stream a whole load of radios from the box so the installation can now be finished to the sound of Bollywood singing. Basically any kind of music you feel like, free in your living room. Decent tunes are now on tap while entertaining or just chilling. Brilliant!
I'm thrilled to be able to access my PC and by extension ALL my dvix files without having to burn a CD/DVD. It is soo easy and you lose almost nothing on quality. Although I must admit I'm watching crappy files as it is. My bad.
I also get the occasional sentence said before it is heard; however that seems to be sorted now with the upgade of firmware (essential making it now a MX-780HD). This might also be due to above mentioned files!
After a few hours of somewhat intensive usage, I noticed a couple more things.
Because of the Mvix casing being essentially made of plastic, and not having bought the quietest hard drive, there is a consistent humming noise emanating from the box when it is on. While I must admit it is not overly distracting while you are watching something, It can get quite annoying during the quiet bits and when you are in between episodes or in pause mode. ;)
The interface is not that great either.
While it is easy to understand, browsing is a lot longer than it needs to be. You have to navigate through endless folders to reach the file you want to access which can get tedious - although it will skip automatically to the next file in that folder. (Don't expect it to do this between all your folders in a particular media. In Music, it's only one album a time guys, unless you create a play list.)
It's a good thing the product is easy to use, as with a very summarised manual (unless you are fluent in Korean) you will have to search a bit, but that will help you get to know your way around the Mvix. Alternatively, you can download a more complete version here.
I have found that viewing photos is not that great either, it can't handle large images and therefore loading is too long.
All these are just superficial. And don't really matter, I didn't get the thing to view photos and I don't plan on spending hours on end browsing through my files just for the hell of it.
But, there is one major flaw in this marvel.
Transferring files via the network. (I fear I might lose one or two of you here.)
Transferring your files from the pc to the Mvix is painful. It uses an NDAS system (whatever that means) and this whatever it is tends to bugger up alot of things. It is UNBELIEVABLY slow to copy. Don't even try copying more than a couple of GB over unless you have a couple of hours ahead of you. And don't forget to turn NDAS off in the settings before plugging the Mvix directly into the computer, it will corrupt your files. Hmm.
So in the end, I download the file onto my computer, and watch via the network.
When I have a decent amount of files to copy over, I will disable the NDAS, un-plug the box, plug it into the PC (thus crawling on hands and knees) and move the files. Such a hard life. :)
Now don't get me wrong, I am really happy with my purchase, I use it all the time and it has already proved it's portability and easy set up more than once.
An extra remote on the table, but it is pure pleasure.
I'm not a total geek, so I'll not be getting into the nitty gritty of the tech specs of this little marvel. You can go check other reviewers if you're interested. This is more of a user based review (which will most likely be more useful and comprehensive).
Basically it's a media-viewer with a hard drive inside that can store and play most media files.
After opening the box, I quickly discover that the fellow who shipped the thing from Canada, is a bit of a twat when it comes to packing. The remote control has had its frontal plastic protection smashed. It still works but I'm a bit disappointed that I've not yet started to use the Mvix and it is already damaged.
Whether it be installing the hard drive I ordered separately or accessing my wireless network, the whole set up process is pretty easy (at least I think it is, as I wasn't the one doing the setting up).
While browsing through the interface (more on that later), I discover with delight, that I can stream a whole load of radios from the box so the installation can now be finished to the sound of Bollywood singing. Basically any kind of music you feel like, free in your living room. Decent tunes are now on tap while entertaining or just chilling. Brilliant!
I'm thrilled to be able to access my PC and by extension ALL my dvix files without having to burn a CD/DVD. It is soo easy and you lose almost nothing on quality. Although I must admit I'm watching crappy files as it is. My bad.
I also get the occasional sentence said before it is heard; however that seems to be sorted now with the upgade of firmware (essential making it now a MX-780HD). This might also be due to above mentioned files!
After a few hours of somewhat intensive usage, I noticed a couple more things.
Because of the Mvix casing being essentially made of plastic, and not having bought the quietest hard drive, there is a consistent humming noise emanating from the box when it is on. While I must admit it is not overly distracting while you are watching something, It can get quite annoying during the quiet bits and when you are in between episodes or in pause mode. ;)
The interface is not that great either.
While it is easy to understand, browsing is a lot longer than it needs to be. You have to navigate through endless folders to reach the file you want to access which can get tedious - although it will skip automatically to the next file in that folder. (Don't expect it to do this between all your folders in a particular media. In Music, it's only one album a time guys, unless you create a play list.)
It's a good thing the product is easy to use, as with a very summarised manual (unless you are fluent in Korean) you will have to search a bit, but that will help you get to know your way around the Mvix. Alternatively, you can download a more complete version here.
I have found that viewing photos is not that great either, it can't handle large images and therefore loading is too long.
All these are just superficial. And don't really matter, I didn't get the thing to view photos and I don't plan on spending hours on end browsing through my files just for the hell of it.
But, there is one major flaw in this marvel.
Transferring files via the network. (I fear I might lose one or two of you here.)
Transferring your files from the pc to the Mvix is painful. It uses an NDAS system (whatever that means) and this whatever it is tends to bugger up alot of things. It is UNBELIEVABLY slow to copy. Don't even try copying more than a couple of GB over unless you have a couple of hours ahead of you. And don't forget to turn NDAS off in the settings before plugging the Mvix directly into the computer, it will corrupt your files. Hmm.
So in the end, I download the file onto my computer, and watch via the network.
When I have a decent amount of files to copy over, I will disable the NDAS, un-plug the box, plug it into the PC (thus crawling on hands and knees) and move the files. Such a hard life. :)
Now don't get me wrong, I am really happy with my purchase, I use it all the time and it has already proved it's portability and easy set up more than once.
An extra remote on the table, but it is pure pleasure.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
frə'strā'shən
FRUS•TRA•TION
noun
• the feeling of being upset or annoyed, esp. because of inability to change or achieve something:
Today I feel like screaming with frustration.
• an event or circumstance that causes one to have such a feeling:
The inherent frustrations of bad organisation.
• the prevention of the progress, success, or fulfillment of something:
The frustrations of one's work standards.
[Origin: 1425–75; late ME frustracioun • frustrātiōn- (s. of frustrātiō) deception, disappointment.]
Ways of coping with frustration:
• screaming (- usually at someone other than the "frustrator"),
• crying (- preferably in the toilets),
• shouting (- see screaming),
• banging head on desk (- watch out for sharp objects),
• digging nails into palms while smiling sweetly,
• retrating to the balcony for a smoke (- although this might result in premature death),
• going home.
... And getting a 4 day weekend.
noun
• the feeling of being upset or annoyed, esp. because of inability to change or achieve something:
Today I feel like screaming with frustration.
• an event or circumstance that causes one to have such a feeling:
The inherent frustrations of bad organisation.
• the prevention of the progress, success, or fulfillment of something:
The frustrations of one's work standards.
[Origin: 1425–75; late ME frustracioun • frustrātiōn- (s. of frustrātiō) deception, disappointment.]
Ways of coping with frustration:
• screaming (- usually at someone other than the "frustrator"),
• crying (- preferably in the toilets),
• shouting (- see screaming),
• banging head on desk (- watch out for sharp objects),
• digging nails into palms while smiling sweetly,
• retrating to the balcony for a smoke (- although this might result in premature death),
• going home.
... And getting a 4 day weekend.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
On yer bike.
Most of you will know, I am not what you call an exercise freak.
I, like most other people, find it hard to actually get my butt into gear and get going.
However, with my new job being only 2,5km away, I have decided I am going to leave the car at home and replace it with a stunningly becoming florescent yellow vest and a flashy helmet... and a bike.
Knowing that it would take me a whole 10 minutes longer to take the car or the metro, I can't really justify getting to work any other way.
So I'm proud to say, that since Monday, I have been cycling to work.
And here I am, 4 days later, and although a little less motivated that the first morning, It's going OK. I have found a relatively easy route to work, avoiding the busy streets as much as possible.
It take me a total of 9 minutes!
Testing possible routes out last weekend, I quickly noticed that while we are being "encouraged" to leave our cars at home, Brussels still has a lot to do before it becomes safe to ride a bike during rush hour.
I take a pretty busy route crossing one of our most perilous 4-lane roundabouts, and riding down main roads. And not a single cycle lane!
So not wanting to get squished by the average Belgian driver, I avoid the roundabout in the morning and take the pedestrian route (- which I'm not actually allowed to do!)
Anyway, I just thought this new hobby of mine deserved to be documented. :)
I, like most other people, find it hard to actually get my butt into gear and get going.
However, with my new job being only 2,5km away, I have decided I am going to leave the car at home and replace it with a stunningly becoming florescent yellow vest and a flashy helmet... and a bike.
Knowing that it would take me a whole 10 minutes longer to take the car or the metro, I can't really justify getting to work any other way.
So I'm proud to say, that since Monday, I have been cycling to work.
And here I am, 4 days later, and although a little less motivated that the first morning, It's going OK. I have found a relatively easy route to work, avoiding the busy streets as much as possible.
It take me a total of 9 minutes!
Testing possible routes out last weekend, I quickly noticed that while we are being "encouraged" to leave our cars at home, Brussels still has a lot to do before it becomes safe to ride a bike during rush hour.
I take a pretty busy route crossing one of our most perilous 4-lane roundabouts, and riding down main roads. And not a single cycle lane!
So not wanting to get squished by the average Belgian driver, I avoid the roundabout in the morning and take the pedestrian route (- which I'm not actually allowed to do!)
Anyway, I just thought this new hobby of mine deserved to be documented. :)
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
And in other news...
... On holiday at the moment, my brief but pretty cool experience with the big red train is over.
(or it is purple.) I have a feeling I'll be seeing a couple of the girls again soon.
My new job at agency begins on the 14th. Wohoo, I'm back to being an Account Exec. (although this job title is used for just about anything these days. So, you will all still have no idea of what I do - or don't do all day!!)
Actually slightly excited.
I miss Liz right about now. I'm not really looking forward to doing the job without her.
We will work together again, Sm, we will! :)
... As this was a subject on previous one of these, those pillows I mentioned. LOVE 'EM.
Finally, I have found pillows that do what they are supposed to (- unlike the mattress).
And (and this is big news!!) I have at last left the clan of the futon lovers and have restored my bed back to its normal height.
Nice one Ikea, a grand total of 11 months to get an order right. (Although I must say they were very amiable and helpful in their incompetence.)
... I ordered a nice new toy. The Mvix MX-760HD. I surely won't appreciate the wonder of this little box, as I would need both a nice HD screen and decent video quality from my files. And I have neither. But basically I bought it so that I could finally stop having to burn my TV shows onto dvds or cds (depending on which one of my drivers was feeling helpful that day), and just send them straight to my TV through the Mvix. I can also put all my music (and all other media) on it. It should give me some respite from my current storage space crisis.
Today, the 4-6weeks are up. So where the hell is my bloody Mvix?!?! :(
(first ebay purchase, coming from Canada)
... Going to see Cirque du Soleil on Sunday. The show, Delirium, is coming to the SportPaleis in Antwerp for only two days. Not only will it be the first show of its kind that I'll be seeing, but also in the biggest concert hall. Very excited!!!
(or it is purple.) I have a feeling I'll be seeing a couple of the girls again soon.
My new job at agency begins on the 14th. Wohoo, I'm back to being an Account Exec. (although this job title is used for just about anything these days. So, you will all still have no idea of what I do - or don't do all day!!)
Actually slightly excited.
I miss Liz right about now. I'm not really looking forward to doing the job without her.
We will work together again, Sm, we will! :)
... As this was a subject on previous one of these, those pillows I mentioned. LOVE 'EM.
Finally, I have found pillows that do what they are supposed to (- unlike the mattress).
And (and this is big news!!) I have at last left the clan of the futon lovers and have restored my bed back to its normal height.
Nice one Ikea, a grand total of 11 months to get an order right. (Although I must say they were very amiable and helpful in their incompetence.)
... I ordered a nice new toy. The Mvix MX-760HD. I surely won't appreciate the wonder of this little box, as I would need both a nice HD screen and decent video quality from my files. And I have neither. But basically I bought it so that I could finally stop having to burn my TV shows onto dvds or cds (depending on which one of my drivers was feeling helpful that day), and just send them straight to my TV through the Mvix. I can also put all my music (and all other media) on it. It should give me some respite from my current storage space crisis.
Today, the 4-6weeks are up. So where the hell is my bloody Mvix?!?! :(
(first ebay purchase, coming from Canada)
... Going to see Cirque du Soleil on Sunday. The show, Delirium, is coming to the SportPaleis in Antwerp for only two days. Not only will it be the first show of its kind that I'll be seeing, but also in the biggest concert hall. Very excited!!!
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