tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16527332365611085992024-03-05T08:17:15.053-08:00LifeOver35Lifestyle blog for men over 35. I write about clothes, fashion (a bit), suits, fragrance, gadgets, shopping online and off, style. From a beginner who's happy to share his learning and his mistakes.Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-29601174785411086932014-12-22T06:48:00.001-08:002014-12-22T06:48:24.406-08:00A last-minute Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK, most years I publish a few gift ideas on here but this year has been frantic and if I'm honest time has been short. So, some Christmas gift ideas for people who haven't had the chance to get out just yet, for the fortysomething bloke in your life...<br />
<br />
1. A good bottle of single malt is often welcomed by the mature male type. Not every time; if he's teetotal or plain doesn't like the stuff, obviously it will be a disaster. Check also the sort you're getting; my own taste veers towards the unpeated, non-smoky flavours of Penderyn (the Welsh one) or Glengoyne. I was sent a sample of Bowmore and it's much, much smokier, peaty, tastes almost of seaweed. For some this is utter whisky heaven; for me it's something I can appreciate rather than something I'd choose. Oban makes a good mid-point.<br />
<br />
2. Books: in an age in which people can download the latest best seller to their computer without thinking about it, something quirky can be welcome. I've been wading through "The Philosophy of Beards" by Thomas S. Gowing which takes you through the history of beard-growing as well as the physiology and is great fun. "Becoming the Perfect Gentleman" by Zach Falconer-Barfield and Nic Wing contains such gems as putting cutlery down whilst speaking, brushing your teeth and flossing (no kidding...) and what you need in a wardrobe (don't forget a single reversible belt will do you nicely). Don't take it too seriously and it's pretty entertaining. For once I'm not going to recommend one of my own books; they're all about work and I wouldn't wish any of them on anyone for Christmas.<br />
<br />
3. Music: Two ideas beyond boring tokens. One I've given to my daughter. An <a href="https://store.albumcards.com/" target="_blank">Albumcard</a> is a great idea; select the album you want to send and you get a greetings card with the cover on it and a download code. So the recipient still gets the album you wanted to give them, the fun of opening a proper present but they get it in a format they will actually use.<br />
The second I've given to my daughter (don't anybody say 'spoiled'). Spotify has quietly launched family sharing, so you can get a discount for household members who want their own account. For a fiver a month she can have all the music she wants in Premium form, so it's downloadable and keepable-for-a-few-weeks (and you can always re-download), no ads, take it with you on the mobile app...with a few exceptions concerning artists who don't want to play, just about everything is available.<br />
<br />
No. 1 is available from just about any supermarket. No. 3 part 2 at least is available as a download anytime. Help yourselves - and have a great break!</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-30107438984193132882014-07-21T07:45:00.002-07:002014-07-21T11:32:06.616-07:00Pillar of sound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDKdhqncNteVHfAYBv3G57Q0TlG64-VsdLd5j4_WQ1zp14MxKyqoXCRW_IvxXMQS45KtiArUE0wxlyy1ImcXMMtZX-Rk5dfleuv3cAYH4HbLt3ngL05mPXvww3XYrKw3i3DjcAqJGvg/s1600/Group+of+Five_020_rt_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWDKdhqncNteVHfAYBv3G57Q0TlG64-VsdLd5j4_WQ1zp14MxKyqoXCRW_IvxXMQS45KtiArUE0wxlyy1ImcXMMtZX-Rk5dfleuv3cAYH4HbLt3ngL05mPXvww3XYrKw3i3DjcAqJGvg/s1600/Group+of+Five_020_rt_.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
I'm doing fewer gadget reviews on this blog for what I think is the good reason that an awful lot of people are making an awful lot of gadgets very well indeed. It's probably indicative of my age that when I started writing about this stuff, there was some poorly-made tat out there and some weedy little speakers that were quite overpriced.<br />
<br />
Which is why it's a pleasure to write about the <a href="http://www.stelleaudio.com/uk/" target="_blank">Stelle</a> Pillar, £249 from an Apple store near you (they will also be available elsewhere I'm sure). You can see from the picture that they come in different colours so you're likely to find one that will look good in your living room. The better news is that they're chargeable with the enclosed adapter so proximity to a wall socket isn't an issue when it's full of juice; it will also charge an external device through its USB socket.<br />
<br />
Mine is black and it was very easy to pair with my iPhone although it seemed to struggle when I tried to add my iMac it wasn't so keen; it recognised my Nexus tablet OK but switching between this and the phone wasn't great. If you don't mind pairing again every time you want to use a different product with it, you'll be fine in my experience.<br />
<br />
So, what about the sound quality? The answer is that it's very good. It has speakerphone capacity which is great, it has 15 hours of playback and although I'm not one for quoting decibels at people - they always seem a bit meaningless to me in the context of a review - it had a decent bit of bass oomph so that you can enjoy listening to music quietly as well as loudly.<br />
<br />
Gripes are few; it came with a plastic disc whose purpose I've yet to ascertain (I suppose it can stand on it but...why?) and for a geek like me switching between devices could have been smoother. The speakers being built into a small unit means there is inevitable next to no stereo "spread". My wife had to fiddle with her iPhone audio settings before she was convinced it could play classics reasonably (my Beatles, Stranglers, Madness and other middle-aged-rocker fare were fine). And when you switch it on, the voice that says 'hello' is Australian - that's not a gripe, just a bit of trivia, before I get complaints!<br />
<br />
For the vast majority of listeners I suspect it'll be a very good buy.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-63907567398834762352014-07-08T00:02:00.000-07:002014-07-08T00:02:11.429-07:00Weight loss - the inside story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This evening I'm going for a coffee with a colleague. She's been very kind about my weight loss - I've mentioned my efforts on here a few times (well, you would). I said I'd bring people up to date about my weight loss on this blog - anyone who's interested, read on.<br />
<br />
Here are the facts. 16 months or so ago needed some benign, hereditary cysts removed from my scalp. I was expecting it all to be a bit routine. I visited the doctor and since I was 47 they put me on the scales.<br />
<br />
I was told I was on the high-risk list for diabetes and my blood pressure suggested a stroke before 50 was entirely probable. That plus the fact that my father hadn't made it to 50 because of his heart (we'd always blamed the smoking) did a lot to focus my mind.<br />
<br />
So I went on the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet (huge, huge thanks to my friend and colleague Grenville Bradder for drawing my attention to this) and reintroduced the gym into my life - moreso since November as my chiropodist finally zapped an ingrowing toenail which had been a persistent little bugger.<br />
<br />
So, having unknowingly crept up to 18 stone I'm now just about over 14. The GP surgery tells me I should lose about one kilo (2lbs) and then focus on staying there. The pictures below tell a story - the tieless one is from 2010, the one in the middle is from 2014 and the one on the right is not quite a month old.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEaK5LJW41m5gjfgGT8_8Qr7IwLX35KYBHZQUTX2j16cDaIqKUUnIG4tk58vy0eBDXjlPXgB0cJ6C3k8xgqwC0ipSGjKViiB7DU17LdbdqhfiptiQSFstW7E4eSkHks4DWOyC9anYbK0/s1600/Guy+weight+loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEaK5LJW41m5gjfgGT8_8Qr7IwLX35KYBHZQUTX2j16cDaIqKUUnIG4tk58vy0eBDXjlPXgB0cJ6C3k8xgqwC0ipSGjKViiB7DU17LdbdqhfiptiQSFstW7E4eSkHks4DWOyC9anYbK0/s1600/Guy+weight+loss.jpg" height="213" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos: James Poulter, Be-Wizard, Civil Service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The one in the middle is my least favourite - the suit is tailored, the hair freshly coiffed and I clearly think I look something.<br />
<br />
So my coffee-drinking colleague said to me a little while ago, this must have done a lot for your confidence. And yes, the answer is that it has - but you might be surprised to hear it took a while. At first it was shot to pieces - and that's what they don't tell you when you lose weight.<br />
<br />
<b>Stand-up</b><br />
I do a lot of presentation work on stage, which is why there are pictures of me doing so. And over the last couple of years I've been doing some stand-up comedy as well. Some of it's been OK - the first one was a rant about the tyranny of slim-fit shirts, which chimed with some people.<br />
<br />
In terms of the presentations on, say, social media (I wrote a book on it in 2008 that came out in 2009 when it was pretty new) I'd occasionally refer to this blog, saying something like "I run a small men's lifestyle blog...not a lifestyle blog for small men, obviously [PATS GUT]..." and it would get a suitable laugh.<br />
<br />
So, guess what? The weight went down and I didn't have my fall-back humour subject for when things were flagging, either for the corporate gigs or for the comedy. Whoops. The comedy started going downhill immediately - I made the mistake of trying the slim-fit shirt routine as a fairly averagely-built man. The audience was bemused - and I found myself explaining I used to be bigger. Only a brief sentence or so, but if you have to explain why something's funny, it probably isn't.<br />
<br />
You could argue that on some level I'd built being fat into my identity and found it rather comforting. Indeed, you might think I'd unconsciously not only justified it in my mind but made it essential. What I'm certain of is that on stage during 2014 until as recently as last week I could feel my legs shaking, which hadn't happened before.<br />
<br />
<b>Look sharper</b><br />
That wasn't the only thing hitting my confidence. If you're about to go on stage or TV, the natural thing to do is to check yourself in the mirror - is the tie straight, the hair OK, boring stuff like that. After a major change as I've had, for a while it didn't look like 'me' looking back. OK, it was and is a better look than I'd had for about 15-20 years, but that feeling of going in front of an audience looking unfamiliar and without the fallback fat jokes was unsettling. If you lose weight noticeably (and believe me the best part of four stone is noticeable) you have to adjust to the new look and become comfortable with it. It can take time.<br />
<br />
I went to my friend and comedy mentor Tim Dingle for a bit of help. We had a session in which he explained (as a bit of a psychologist) that my feeling insecure on stage was b*ll*cks because when you break it down, it means I was concerned the audience wouldn't be satisfied I was fat enough. Which was of course nonsense. We worked on some calming techniques before and during presentations and stand-up routines. We looked at different ways of producing jokes.<br />
<br />
I also spoke to my good friend Dr. Lynda Shaw, whose knowledge of psychology is considerable. She said my belief that I'd identified myself as 'fat' and grown to welcome it was probably right, and that I needed to adjust to the new version.<br />
<br />
She also suggested getting rid of all of my 'fat' clothes; I was reluctant but this actually took care of itself. I had a few of my tailored suits altered but there's only so much they can do. The suit in the middle picture above now has a waistline that fits but they can't make the armholes and legholes smaller, and the sweep of material at the front (including the length of the lapels) to cover the gut can't be reduced, so you end up with something that doesn't actually fall off but which looks like a very baggy suit indeed. So I now have one suit that fits. I may need to buy another.<br />
<br />
Losing weight can cost a fortune. They don't tell you that either!<br />
<br />
<b>Happy ending so far</b><br />
Rationality has kicked in now. I can see at a glance that the bloke in the picture on the right is going to be less prone to coronaries (like the one from which my dad died at my age) and the GP has confirmed that any risk of diabetes has receded into the distance. At 49 I look and feel loads healthier than I did at 45 and probably 35 - more fool me for putting the weight on in the first place, but I'm fine now. I went jogging with a teenage family member the other day - they got through about a sixth of my normal routine. I hadn't realised my energy levels had lifted like that, but clearly they have.<br />
<br />
I'm not blogging about this to show off. I just think there's an untold side to the weight loss issue that will affect middle-aged people of both sexes - seriously, there can be downsides to work through. If it's happening to you, it's worth persevering. Had you not read everything I've written and just seen the pictures, you wouldn't see any advantage in the fat versions at all, and no matter how uncomfortable you might be with a slimmer version of yourself at first, it's the same thing.<br />
<br />
And I'm getting back to the stand-up. Eventually. Probably. I just don't feel the same need to get on stage and justify a major flaw any more...</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-67224930657913308142014-05-22T00:12:00.001-07:002014-05-22T00:12:15.348-07:00Cooler shirts from Smartweave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM2KuHT59nNx9PCd6wyTHCM8XunUMhnfHyPEGZnTLOi0jjd332jy-4dtLYPIyqSkLF9k2HwmFOJIhC-L4iNZ7Rmm4Ivz63HfC407ubQiARfZTOaciUx2-_Z5SY_GhBPXsJPv1oczqP6o/s1600/Smartweave+London+Short+Collar+Tartan+Trim+(available+in+tailored,+slim+&+traditional+fit)+-+%C2%A375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM2KuHT59nNx9PCd6wyTHCM8XunUMhnfHyPEGZnTLOi0jjd332jy-4dtLYPIyqSkLF9k2HwmFOJIhC-L4iNZ7Rmm4Ivz63HfC407ubQiARfZTOaciUx2-_Z5SY_GhBPXsJPv1oczqP6o/s1600/Smartweave+London+Short+Collar+Tartan+Trim+(available+in+tailored,+slim+&+traditional+fit)+-+%C2%A375.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a></div>
Last night there was torrential rain so it must be Summer. Women get to run around almost half-naked in this season; if men want to look respectable we still have suits or at least formal shirts to contend with. And we don't like the sweaty patches look. Last year I was on assignment for the New Statesman in Gibraltar, wearing my 'lightweight' pale grey suit and when I took the jacket off I looked as though I'd been in a shower.<br />
<br />
Whether a shirt from <a href="http://www.smartweavestore.com/" target="_blank">Smartweave</a> would have overcome that level of saturation I don't know, but I've worn the sample they sent twice on hot days and it seems pretty effective. No patches, but I was definitely perspiring like a whatsit underneath. It would have added to my confidence in any meetings I attended whilst wearing one.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong; you'll still niff a bit. Some journalists in the Nationals used the shirts in the gym or on long cycle rides to test them and I wouldn't advise that - but for ordinary use, keeping yourself comfortable and dry, the shirt seemed about perfect.<br />
<br />
There's a good selection of shirts on the site with variations in collars, fits and cuffs; illustrated is a relatively casual white jobbie with a tartan trim, I have the grey with black trim and it looks very good indeed. If you want to go formal for work shirts you can do so, without the trim and double cuffs for cufflinks are available. I did a little mystery shop and asked the difference between tailored and slim fit, not telling them I was writing about their company, and had a thorough response within an hour, which bodes well for customer service. Also the shirts are well put together; the fit is good on me and the seams appear strong.<br />
<br />
I'm not short of shirts, if I'm honest; if I were I'd certainly be looking at spending around £75 a garment from these guys.<br />
<br />
<b>Best thing</b>: Appears to work, sweat wicked away as promised, but looks and feels like an ordinary cotton shirt. Companies attempting this sort of thing before have produced odd-feeling and odd-looking garments but not this time.<br />
<b>Worst thing</b>: Remembering not to use conditioner in the wash, which interrupts the drying technology. You can always wash it again, conditioner-free, and its de-sweating properties will be restored, but I'm a swine for forgetting and sticking it in with the rest of the whites.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-35051000921636606342014-05-01T03:26:00.002-07:002014-05-01T03:26:23.249-07:00Weight loss diary 1: Weird Fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK, this time last year I said I'd keep you all informed about how my (slightly enforced) weight loss programme was going. I am nothing if not a man of my word, and since I'm between three and a half and four stone down I see nothing wrong with telling absolutely everybody about it who wants to know, and several people who don't.<br />
<br />
I'll write about the psychological effects another time (they're not universally positive, you might be surprised to hear) but for the moment let's consider practical stuff. I am pretty much surrounded by clothes that don't fit. I went to the gym (yes the gym) a few months ago wearing my gym kit and taking civvies with me; I forgot to take a belt and, you've guessed it, the chinos simply fell off.<br />
<br />
<b>Trying something new</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCyjA4Fx810mh7WBLjQcMGrmyTre8gyhRCLxnqAORz958Efi5mzeNRRVAaBq5ajJHNYkhjHRUxxaaHi2lBAHbHazkdlrmzNh54cJpKnywEnCLdKAtQQ_yw4XItXt59zMLX8dqm8HN_wQ/s1600/14SM094-Dusky-Green-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCyjA4Fx810mh7WBLjQcMGrmyTre8gyhRCLxnqAORz958Efi5mzeNRRVAaBq5ajJHNYkhjHRUxxaaHi2lBAHbHazkdlrmzNh54cJpKnywEnCLdKAtQQ_yw4XItXt59zMLX8dqm8HN_wQ/s1600/14SM094-Dusky-Green-1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
So it's with some trepidation that I'm trying to work out what my waist size is these days. I was stretching into a 40in but have been trying 36 and more recently going into a 34in in certain brands. One of these is <a href="http://www.weirdfish.co.uk/" target="_blank">Weird Fish</a>, which has made me aware of its Spring collection. The trousers they sent over to try are well-made, solid stitching and a great casual style; they're the sort in which you can unzip the lower leg to make shorts which don't look as though they've been converted from longer versions, and which somehow don't have a scratchy zip. Weird Fish is one of those companies that makes slightly tighter waists than some; I can do them up and they're comfortable when they're on but I may have been better off with a 36; the jeans I'd bought from another manufacturer the week before are a 34 and are very slightly loose. One day someone is going to explain to all of these manufacturers that an inch is an inch (I suspect the jeans are designed to flatter me while the Weird Fish measurement is slightly more honest). Click the image for a larger pic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2mOQtr6w3_1hjFoFOC_n7nnZ5LzIv9C_smmr9JMOwkJJ8oqY0_JEd18nRYkKTZeE9Ey3vy1OkrZKwXGohlvfgeo4H2CmZhDnN6Hit4VEV1DwoxGr2K8h5Z_ufy4OLSpa7JaDCn2BNiE/s1600/14SM063-Mood-Indigo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2mOQtr6w3_1hjFoFOC_n7nnZ5LzIv9C_smmr9JMOwkJJ8oqY0_JEd18nRYkKTZeE9Ey3vy1OkrZKwXGohlvfgeo4H2CmZhDnN6Hit4VEV1DwoxGr2K8h5Z_ufy4OLSpa7JaDCn2BNiE/s1600/14SM063-Mood-Indigo-1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of flattering, they also sent a jumper, the indigo model you can see to the right. My wife tells me it's very flattering; it's warm enough for the Spring and it goes very nicely with the trousers. The red detailing on the collar and button area make it particularly appealing and if I say so myself the slim cut means I look better than I've done in about ten years. Perhaps oddly there's plenty of room in the XL size they sent; of course I'm used to XL being skin tight, so maybe this is what everyone else has been feeling like for a while!<br />
<br />
These clothes aren't cheap - you'll get a penny change from £60 for the trousers and the same amount of coins from £70 for the jumper. But they're nicely made - the stitching suggests that unlike cheaper brands they won't be falling to pieces anytime soon - and the pre-fading on the jumper particularly makes it very stylish.<br />
<br />
Their website and shops may well be hearing from me again.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-5572593628283253312013-12-20T08:53:00.003-08:002013-12-20T08:53:26.144-08:00A last-minute Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TxnfOsTC95LexN1b5gX3FMSp3renPZyUysTql6T5jDq38Z3A0_XihEhRh5pfQnxCM8LzUA02jrbJlyrAty5mzScsQbWRR_IcTrpc8IiQaIlbiFIJpt4LFbO5z0hLvEH-5EYwMGeIkMM/s1600/Colgate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TxnfOsTC95LexN1b5gX3FMSp3renPZyUysTql6T5jDq38Z3A0_XihEhRh5pfQnxCM8LzUA02jrbJlyrAty5mzScsQbWRR_IcTrpc8IiQaIlbiFIJpt4LFbO5z0hLvEH-5EYwMGeIkMM/s200/Colgate.jpg" width="72" /></a></div>
OK, like last year I'd intended to go through December with an idea for a Christmas present each day, writing about them in a little depth. Then some stuff happened - I won't bore you with the details - and it's suddenly the 20th and I've covered very little.<br />
<br />
Which is a shame because I've been sent a few good items to look at. The Colgate ProClinical A1500 toothbrush would make a good stocking filler for the hygiene conscious; it adjusts its pressure and speed according to where it thinks it is in the mouth. There's a display and a 30-second pacer that tells you when you've done enough on one area.<br />
<br />
I liked the idea a lot and since I'd recently replaced my own toothbrush I passed this to my daughter to see what she thought. She found the display a little disconcerting - difficult to read while the brush is actually in your mouth, which is when the display will count - but in spite of her protestations, she's got cleaner teeth than she had before.<br />
<br />
<b>Clutter</b><br />
For me this has been a year of getting more and more clutter around the place and given that I write a lot about technology this means a lot of wires. This is why I thought BlueLounge's CableBin so useful; it's basically a large bin with a gap down the side so you can put an extension cable in, and then have all of your other cables simply coming out of the bin.<br />
<br />
It really tidies the place up and for all I know makes it safer, too. <br />
<br />
Another gadget on sale this week is at Aldi - the 7in DVD player for £39.99. I can confirm it works, the packaging is nice and stable and it plays many formats on DVD or CDs.<br />
<br />
However...<br />
<br />
I'd have reservations about how many kids (I'm assuming a younger market) will want it. It's an exaggeration to say we're all on downloads now, but many people are and they won't want this player. If they do, they may want a larger screen. It's only ten years or so since this sort of technology was a big wow and if you're certain your recipient wants to watch a DVD whilst travelling (and hasn't got a plain laptop) then go for it; my instinct is that these things have had their day.<br />
<br />
<b>Fitness</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIXyBGDco5Quhjde4ivDmgiR8_QH6T2mk_TraxH4xOmd-8JHfxpkEnlHfLtgLFwRlcrSnT9kluZ_Ob0gVqyyu6CSPD-6QfCvaALXm55EF6lwY4coqrHkptFit2r4CP6dfi0wA8vLKtcY/s1600/Misfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIXyBGDco5Quhjde4ivDmgiR8_QH6T2mk_TraxH4xOmd-8JHfxpkEnlHfLtgLFwRlcrSnT9kluZ_Ob0gVqyyu6CSPD-6QfCvaALXm55EF6lwY4coqrHkptFit2r4CP6dfi0wA8vLKtcY/s1600/Misfit.jpg" /></a></div>
If this year has been about anything for me then it's been about getting fitter. This is where my favourite gadget of the moment, the MisFit Shine, comes into its own. It's an activity tracker worn like a wristwatch; you sync it with an app on your phone and it tells you what you've been doing.<br />
<br />
It can take a little getting used to. You can read the time from it but it has a system of lights which take some deciphering. You can tell it when you're performing a particular activity - swimming was mine - by tapping on it three times, but I didn't tap correctly apparently so after a one-kilometre swim it thought I'd been fairly inactive.<br />
<br />
Persevere, though, as it's a lovely little gadget that tells you how much of your daily target you've achieved and how many calories you've burned. Don't do what I did, though, and keep it on whilst getting the Christmas tree out of the loft. The wristband can catch on things, then you get downstairs and find you haven;t got the thing on your wrist any more, and the lighting in the loft rather suggests you won't be able to find it again even if you try.<br />
<br />
But a lovely gadget and my favourite of the season - all too briefly, I'm afraid.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-25002641903568767492013-12-09T02:52:00.001-08:002013-12-09T02:52:53.207-08:00Christmas presents 1: Scent to you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19XSvBpKjI1-3o_sIx8UPuYzYAtop5fS6XbV-ML1j4p4c6w_hKBfUBJjqX1-JTut1b3jvfswYNGXz3vH2-QSoPLq_0uIqNLUeCRXMo034F35y799VTEgu657DXBNIumJvOV-vb3bgGwM/s1600/Vivabox_MENS+BOX_with_vial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19XSvBpKjI1-3o_sIx8UPuYzYAtop5fS6XbV-ML1j4p4c6w_hKBfUBJjqX1-JTut1b3jvfswYNGXz3vH2-QSoPLq_0uIqNLUeCRXMo034F35y799VTEgu657DXBNIumJvOV-vb3bgGwM/s320/Vivabox_MENS+BOX_with_vial.jpg" width="320" /></a>Now this is a good idea. The new Vivabox, available in exotic venues like Boots, is simple but genius. Costing £37.99, it consists simply of seven small samples of eau de toilette - you can buy one set for men and one for women - and a voucher for a full bottle of whichever you like, from <a href="http://www.theperfumeshop.com/" target="_blank">The Perfume Shop</a>. It's as simple as that.<br />
<br />
The even better news is that the scents aren't rubbish. My wife wasn't drastically struck on the selection for women but she's a fussy whatsit who's fond of her Jo Malone - you know, the seventy-quid-a-bottle factory (it's rather good but then it pretty much ought to be). She had a selection from Lacoste, Boss, Ghost, Paco Rabanne and more, and no these aren't their second-tier offerings, these are the top sellers.<br />
<br />
I was rather happier with my box. Boss Orange Man is something I rather like although my wife doesn't so that's remained unopened, like the Hugo Man; I'm wearing the Carolina Herrera 212 Men at the moment and it's a little sweet for me (to me it smells feminine; I don't get this 'this one's for men, this one's for women' ethos so many perfume makers think ought to be a hard and fast rule, either you like it or you don't, and if I wanted to smell flowery one day that's down to me).<br />
<br />
I suspect I'm going to opt for the bottle of Eau D'Issey but I could also have chosen Paco Rabanne Black XS, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male or James Bond 007. Actually I don't dislike the James Bond, but you'd feel such a pillock buying something with a name like that - and isn't it ironic that it should come out in the Daniel Craig era; if ever there were a 007 who wouldn't give a stuff how he smelled, he's the one.<br />
<br />
<b>Good and bad</b><br />
<br />
It's not a faultless scheme. I can't exchange my voucher online, presumably because it's a come-on to get me into the shop in the first place. That's a valid promotional idea but a Christmas present that's a promotion may not appeal to everyone. Also, I can't go into the shop and use it as a contribution towards a more expensive scent. I'm starting to run short of my beloved Armani Code, but the voucher is strictly for exchange for one of the scents included in the promotion.<br />
<br />
On the other hand I don't have to use the voucher until the middle of 2015 so nobody's hurrying me. The samples contain enough for a day or three's splash each, so I can get used to how each of them smells rather than have a quick sniff and buy on the spot.<br />
<br />
Above all, if you or your partner have ever had a scent given to you that you don't like, you'll be appallingly aware of how awkward that can be - you think you should wear it when the giver comes to visit, you don't want to be rude...this selection idea is more personal than a bland gift voucher but it also gives the recipient a decent breadth of choice.<br />
<br />
I'd get one for someone if I were you - then maybe next year they'll increase the range.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-3782918178294352202013-11-14T04:19:00.002-08:002013-11-14T04:19:44.396-08:00Taking the tablets (and phones)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Apple has been making new toys as you've probably read. Of course I've been looking at them and some are very shiny indeed.<br />
<br />
First the one I don't 'get'; the iPhone 5c. Slightly cheaper than most of the others on offer but not sufficiently to make it a cheap option, this comes with up to 32 gigs of memory and has a better camera and faster processor than its predecessors. It's a nice phone and if you want a marginally lower-spec phone then OK - but releasing it at the same time as the 5s? Really? I suppose something's going to compete with it and Apple might as well aim for the number two slot as well. I did wonder whether the youth market would go for the colours; my 13-year-old's view was 'it's a bit yellow, isn't it?'<br />
<br />
<b>iPhone 5s</b><br />
<br />
The 5s is a prince among phones. It has fingerprint recognition <i>and</i> it's no use mugging me and gruesomely cutting my finger off so you can use it - it detects that it's an actual finger with a pulse that's touching it. This seriously excellent function is hidden in the start button so there's nothing obtrusive in the design, which basically echoes the iPhone 5. It's a faster phone than we're used to in terms of apps and it has a number of new whizzy features; if you leave your phone switched on in a locker in a basement (it can happen) then normally it will continue to waste battery trying to find a signal. The 5s won't - it realises it's not moving and switches the aerials off.<br />
<br />
Best of all is the camera. You get decent pictures from your mobile, which has never gone without saying. Here are some fireworks from mine - remember this is just a phone camera with the flash turned off in poor light - someone who knew what they were doing with a camera could take some seriously good pics (this'll probably look OK on the page, click it for a larger image and see how out of focus it actually is - my fault, not the camera's). I certainly don't have any reason to carry a 'snaps' camera around with me any more...oh, you'd got to that stage some time ago? OK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd-gMJ2dSfBTRMjf5i04LA0jsHghjPUczJCXTc6Nm1iWpwDIu0t7DHEvg4WfwojL0fPwcOfShLXfLJeadvc9Ij6-_GLkyCGXe62wutyfKT08ulD89qXhf28ofH4-l7tZtqTtxJz7ql6E/s1600/Fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd-gMJ2dSfBTRMjf5i04LA0jsHghjPUczJCXTc6Nm1iWpwDIu0t7DHEvg4WfwojL0fPwcOfShLXfLJeadvc9Ij6-_GLkyCGXe62wutyfKT08ulD89qXhf28ofH4-l7tZtqTtxJz7ql6E/s320/Fireworks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Look also at Apple's third video down on this page, which about two minutes in demonstrates the slow-mo video camera. I've had hours of fun making the dog wet and filming her shaking using this - just nothing worth sharing yet because I don't know what I'm doing with the lighting. Here's the Apple link: <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone-5s/videos/">http://www.apple.com/iphone-5s/videos/</a><br />
<br />
As you can gather, if you're thinking of upgrading or generously buying someone hundreds' worth of phone for Christmas, I'd go for the 5s. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPcPalK4pYGU4hLHNr_TfEhO512CFPjXJK9MuxRKjfQOUdEXV3wif3ipd4Jm0Rxv0LtDd9bhdlF_NjkdOCyGm40Y_q9cIqJEiceiDOwhquXRdkhuC7Yxw7grHlxP8lB9EOCWthi7_yWo/s1600/iPadAir-Slv-PSR-PF-PB(HomeScreen)-PRINT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPcPalK4pYGU4hLHNr_TfEhO512CFPjXJK9MuxRKjfQOUdEXV3wif3ipd4Jm0Rxv0LtDd9bhdlF_NjkdOCyGm40Y_q9cIqJEiceiDOwhquXRdkhuC7Yxw7grHlxP8lB9EOCWthi7_yWo/s200/iPadAir-Slv-PSR-PF-PB(HomeScreen)-PRINT.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>iPads</b><br />
<br />
I haven't seen the new iPad Mini yet but the iPad Air is much lighter than its predecessors. It has the same processor as the new phones so is faster to react than the older versions and a lenticular display like the last one; the result is a very easy full-sized tablet which is fine for high-definition movies, whether you're filming them or just watching. The speakers always impress me; you get a reasonable amount of bass for something so thin.<br />
<br />
I find my own previous-generation iPad Mini more practical because you can carry it around in a smaller case; on the other hand I've stopped using it for typing in spite of buying a keyboard case because the keyboard is physically too small to be comfortable, and I find the larger screen better when I'm travelling as I like to carry movies with me for the plane and long hotel evenings whilst on business.<br />
<br />
<b>Accessories</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHfxsqbagEzbJN4rLQOTJ1E-K71XC42QNAYSiBKLI_flrvQOdFut2AhNXzrjwj0dTZYdymNt6QoMKPkRKJWX3l0Ln2zo49ptk0UcX8gZ3MYi4IDNhik0P1FFRpqYEDblg8Vb8XOlH8Og/s1600/PowerDock+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHfxsqbagEzbJN4rLQOTJ1E-K71XC42QNAYSiBKLI_flrvQOdFut2AhNXzrjwj0dTZYdymNt6QoMKPkRKJWX3l0Ln2zo49ptk0UcX8gZ3MYi4IDNhik0P1FFRpqYEDblg8Vb8XOlH8Og/s320/PowerDock+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As always there are accessories available, including the usual gamut of cases and chargers. My favourite is the Griffin PowerDock 5. Looks like a toast rack (except the dividers are plastic) and it supports up to five devices. The blurb says it's designed for Apple gadhets, which I imagine is a bit of marketing - it has USB ports, you plug your own adapter in so it'll work with anything. I've recently bought a Google Nexus 7 for testing Android apps and it's charging perfectly happily as I type.<br />
<br />
(Incidentally I don't write as much about Android because I use mostly Apple, but for a good all-round tablet with a smaller form I've been very impressed with the Nexus 7 so far - it even managed to transfer a YouTube film to my TV yesterday without my having to set up a manual connection. I suspect it was talking to the Virgin Media box, but I didn't have to fiddle with passwords or anything like that as it was already on the same WiFi network. Didn't work for stored video, unfortunately, so Apple kit plus Apple TV is still ahead on points if not price).<br />
<br />
Photographers should also look at the Olloclip, a deceptively simple add-on for the iPhone's camera. You just clip it on and focus a bit and you suddenly find your camera on your phone has gone wide-angle or panoramic, there's a lense for each. Make sure you buy the right one for your phone; grown-up photographers will want to know that it takes fish-eye, wide angle, macro 10x and macro 15x. None of that means very much to me; I do know that I've started to take pictures that look as though they come from a much better camera...unfortunately with the same incompetent operating it as before.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-61283795319735418572013-11-11T07:05:00.002-08:002013-11-11T07:11:19.184-08:00That's handy (or other glove-related puns)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf3B9_PW2aDQ-laYX0WGKb1sZ-Nl7Xr_8WlEV3c6I80xg4qZkvlhjRWtpcJyJ45hXh4fGMg39xgBlq9vMdv-lze35iuwwwPuwjXZFBiNl3xS1wD9cDMLyOssoCuY06UPVtQOOpEglhpU/s1600/Long+Overlap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaf3B9_PW2aDQ-laYX0WGKb1sZ-Nl7Xr_8WlEV3c6I80xg4qZkvlhjRWtpcJyJ45hXh4fGMg39xgBlq9vMdv-lze35iuwwwPuwjXZFBiNl3xS1wD9cDMLyOssoCuY06UPVtQOOpEglhpU/s320/Long+Overlap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
OK, I'll ask - what did someone just do to the summer? I'd have sworn there was this Autumn thing before winter kicked in but the state of these blocks of ice - or 'feet' as we call them in the trade - on the end of my legs tells me otherwise.<br />
<br />
So I've been looking at gloves. And I have a new favourite pair - from <a href="http://www.macwet.com/" target="_blank">MacWet</a>.<br />
<br />
These are technically sports gloves, and I have been using them in the gym. You need to measure your hands across the knuckle - this is because they are 'proper' fitted gloves, suitable for people doing work with their hands rather than just commuting or something. The grip is stronger than you find on most other gloves.<br />
<br />
I can vouch for their efficacy when you're pushing weights up and down, certainly. Not that I'm massively active; people who follow this site will be aware I've been trying to lose weight, though, and part of that has involved reintroduction of exercise into my life. They work.<br />
<br />
Mostly, though, I use them when I'm out generally. A snugger fit than most, you can use them when you're operating a phone (mostly) or whatever else you need to do; they're comfortable because of the case you'll take in measuring your hand, and they look rather stylish in my view.<br />
<br />
£27.99-£29.99 a pair depending on the length of the cuff. Not the cheapest gloves but for the right context among the most practical.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-8055755240165399602013-10-21T01:39:00.000-07:002013-10-21T01:39:19.528-07:00Trumper's shaving triumphs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrfWq6fCKqbiZKkAWKghpI0uuIlaLckfa0WYuIaR2xqWJqctXtBrhGzDBGKcv8p7AclhXMGOuhlKBs0exDx3S1YijvUkv2L3ea970jhyphenhyphenLWXPzU_UCEOBSkKgnjP5j0MWTLhyCbmIudwQ/s1600/almond-shaving-cream-bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrfWq6fCKqbiZKkAWKghpI0uuIlaLckfa0WYuIaR2xqWJqctXtBrhGzDBGKcv8p7AclhXMGOuhlKBs0exDx3S1YijvUkv2L3ea970jhyphenhyphenLWXPzU_UCEOBSkKgnjP5j0MWTLhyCbmIudwQ/s320/almond-shaving-cream-bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
OK, I've been shaving again and I've been testing a number of creams and colognes from <a href="http://www.trumpers.com/" target="_blank">Geo. F. Trumper</a>. They're not the cheapest but the company produces some of the most pleasant shaving preparations I've used - more on those in a minute.<br />
<br />
<b>The wet shave</b><br />
I used to get quite frustrated by the sheer amount of men's publications advising us on how to shave. We know, I'd say, we mastered that when we were 13. But then I look around and notice how many blokes still have some sort of shaving rash. And it's not necessary. Here are a few guidelines...<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Blade: The blade with which you shave must, repeat must, be clean. This is very difficult once you've used a modern 'cartridge' head with about 53 razors and a bit of rubber to lubricate it more than once, which is why I switched to a double-edged safety razor a couple of years ago. If you do the same, change the blade every five shaves or so. My Dad used to tell me that a new razor will always cut you; it won't, the old off-sharp ones are the ones that will catch on the skin.</li>
<li>Heat: Water should be hot and if you can (a flannel will do it) the face should be warmed before shaving, to soften the hair.</li>
<li>Shaving cream: Your preference rules, but remember soapy stuff will dry up on the skin and may well lead the razor to catch a bit. If you use a cheap preparation, don't lather the whole face at once as it'll dry up.</li>
<li>Shaving: Shave in the direction the hair is growing to avoid razor burn. If you have time, shave twice gently, each time to reduce the hair growth rather than machete the lot at once.</li>
<li>Rinse: Get all of the soap or cream off - you don't want to be stuck with a spot-making residue.</li>
<li>Cologne: On the upper chest or back of the neck by all means - but not straight onto the face after shaving, you've just been dragging a naked razor across it so it'll go red.</li>
</ul>
<br />
That should get you over a number of difficulties.<br />
<br />
<b>Preparations and products</b><br />
My favourite barber <a href="http://www.thevaletmalegrooming.com/" target="_blank">The Valet</a> has one fault and that is that they don't stock Trumper's, fast becoming my favourite shave company (with a respectful nod to the Bluebeards and looking forward to the Valet's own range which it will be releasing sometime next year).<br />
<br />
Shaving cream is important. It has to feel pleasant, stay moist and not dry up and smell OK. I've been using the Trumper's almond cream (pictured) a lot recently and it fulfils all the criteria; the chances are that when I've finished my current pot I'll replace it with the coconut version I was using before as the almond smell is a bit sweet for me (NB: this is <b>because it smells of almonds</b>, and to be fair there's a clue in the name). The Eucris version is also nice to use with a refreshing sniff of eucalyptus in the morning, and the extract of limes is also a good wake-up concoction; both smell quite distinctive, though, and may clash with your choice of cologne.<br />
<br />
There's no obligation to stick with the same company's scents of course. Trumper's goes for the traditional and classic rather than the modern scent and some I find too dated or overpowering; the violet cologne seemed very feminine to me, reminded me of a music teacher from primary school - I have no idea whether she shaved with Trumper's stuff or not, but she was about 100 and smelled terribly of violets. Another scent, Curzon, I found to be different in smell but similarly oversweet and elderly.<br />
<br />
Spanish Leather, on the other hand, has become a firm favourite. It doesn't smell as manufactured and artificial as so many of the major perfume houses' modern offerings (you know how you can get something that smells not so much of a single scent but 'smells of Armani' or 'smells of Hugo Boss'? You don't get that with Trumper). Masculine, classic, a bit refined and different from most of what you find on the High Street. Extract of Limes I liked very much as well, particularly when used with the matching shave cream - lime and a bit of spice in there, and it lasted most of the day.<br />
<br />
These are quite strong and should be used sparingly - a few drops will do you. And they do last - unlike some colognes I could mention, you'd better decide you like the smell of this stuff because if you put it on at 7am you'll still know it's there at 6. </div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-51917377180081612282013-10-07T09:41:00.001-07:002013-10-07T09:41:12.873-07:00Just in Case<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROmcleqOUBYbKItE3-wAgBUx5hx1zlRqoafPxHJ664ztUzoj4q4RZaUVqvARVEEhyphenhyphenar4Seqmyvda2X6CSdisprwqogoXbOoSl1lXJh_1b_0tLIMtvMQlQYoOfX84lDM28gl7LzYvOpUk/s1600/Impact+Snap+for+iPad+mini+-+Black+-+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROmcleqOUBYbKItE3-wAgBUx5hx1zlRqoafPxHJ664ztUzoj4q4RZaUVqvARVEEhyphenhyphenar4Seqmyvda2X6CSdisprwqogoXbOoSl1lXJh_1b_0tLIMtvMQlQYoOfX84lDM28gl7LzYvOpUk/s320/Impact+Snap+for+iPad+mini+-+Black+-+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The thing about getting an iPad or other tablet - or indeed a smartphone - is that not only do they need protecting but a good percentage of the cases on the market are purely decorative - or worse, the designers <b>think</b> they're decorative but anyone with functioning eyeballs is likely to have a different opinion.<br />
<br />
This is why the black picture you can see illustrating this entry was such a blessed relief. It's from Tech21. Look, it's black and more chic than you can see from the picture - but it's also reinforced and feels very solid indeed.<br />
<br />
The same is true of the Impact Shield screen protectors the company produces - obviously they're flexible and stick-on-able but ultimately very tough. This is achieved by putting some of the same stuff BASF and the military use to protect their equipment.<br />
<br />
It seems to do the job which is excellent; in my view, though, the best thing about it is the simplicity and elegance. Just don't put it down on a black surface.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-65401168409515795602013-09-02T10:56:00.004-07:002013-09-02T10:56:36.057-07:00Docusign Challenge 4: The conclusion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As per previous posts, I've now tried to go three months without signing my name with a pen. Fortunately nobody has asked for my autograph - no, look, that has happened to me when someone has a book I've written at an event (my guess is that the PRs put them up to it, but no matter).<br />
<br />
The latest is that I signed another contract electronically today and a further one last month <i>but</i> - wait for it - the other party signed it in biro and sent my copy back to me. I'm not sure if that counts.<br />
<br />
Signing for prescriptions and anything like that is at the moment a dead loss without a pen. Ironically it's years since I've had a prescription for anything, but a blood pressure issue (discovered only months ago) and a minor scalp operation followed by antibiotics mean I've become very familiar with the health systems. When it's your health involved, you sign in whatever way they want you to.<br />
<br />
But I think the e-signers are onto something. I'll certainly continue with electronic contracts as they file themselves and you don't lose them. That's a good reason to use them in its own right.<br />
<br />
I'll look forward to some of the statutory services catching up.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-43202258287320330312013-08-26T08:17:00.005-07:002013-08-26T08:17:54.256-07:00Rockface makes "first shave butter"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j2G_J4w7Pf5-JFgxpDn8DaCSCCqnqiHCQwjJjBmrwBMWr0-LUB6fas9anGTiD50GIXM4TK6kpH94wJJ-ZXie1WZ3M8frOsdXm89aTXZUezk_-KoLaQJZks-5TaafCBw4ghvEDTgYWSQ/s1600/NEW+rockface+shave+butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7j2G_J4w7Pf5-JFgxpDn8DaCSCCqnqiHCQwjJjBmrwBMWr0-LUB6fas9anGTiD50GIXM4TK6kpH94wJJ-ZXie1WZ3M8frOsdXm89aTXZUezk_-KoLaQJZks-5TaafCBw4ghvEDTgYWSQ/s200/NEW+rockface+shave+butter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
To shaving, and I've been sent samples of Rockface's new shaving butter and body spray. I'm going to declare quite openly that I'm not a fan of scented deodorants; they have a scent (there's a clue in the word 'scented') - I'd rather my own sweaty aroma was masked leaving me free to chose my own cologne, thanks. The smell of this one is not offensive at all and if you're OK with these products it's a good one.<br />
<br />
More interesting is the shave butter (pictured). It claims to be the first of its kind and I've no doubt it's the first to be called 'butter' - a spillover from the female cosmetics industry is that stuff has to be called butter rather than cream sometimes and other such naming jollities.<br />
<br />
I don't care about that. I also don't care that it does substantially the same job as a shave oil - lubricates the skin a bit so your razor doesn't stick and cut you and achieves a smoother and indeed closer shave - or the Proraso shave preparations about which I've spoken on here before.<br />
<br />
No, I care that it does the job equally well if not better, doesn't leave a residue like shave oil, has a light scent that fades very quickly, doubles up as a post-shave balm and does it for just under a fiver (I've been paying over twice that for the Proraso stuff). The same company offers its own balm but I find this calms the skin down just as well.<br />
<br />
I shall certainly be buying it again and would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their shave - although not as much as I'd recommend using a good cleanser on your face first and keeping the razor clean with hot water. That and not pressing too hard will get you over a lot of shaving rash issues, but this makes a good addition.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-38564587447988508242013-08-05T09:35:00.003-07:002013-08-05T09:35:56.239-07:00Great weather for...er...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicttUWnzj3omToHMItt5AoVY-Cqe7FJid3PKCPBPCjD_bi-kQWe4CVs7_K-zMjNDFJTRNaul1OuJjNyoa1n2W4YMf2io4TgggEUSCxlGhVA7dA2c87PM1GZD7U4EL2E2Xv0O8yPbTpZCk/s1600/HD_Netatmo_combo_no-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicttUWnzj3omToHMItt5AoVY-Cqe7FJid3PKCPBPCjD_bi-kQWe4CVs7_K-zMjNDFJTRNaul1OuJjNyoa1n2W4YMf2io4TgggEUSCxlGhVA7dA2c87PM1GZD7U4EL2E2Xv0O8yPbTpZCk/s320/HD_Netatmo_combo_no-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been playing with gadgets again. This time it's the Netatmo Weather Station, a handy little gizmo - or pair of gizmos - which turn your iPad and/or iPhone into a weather station. They use an app, they talk to your phone and tell you when it's raining.<br />
<br />
OK, the last bit was an oversimplification.<br />
<br />
As I write in the formerly sunny Norwood it has started pelting down. Obviously I don't need a piece of technology to tell me this. Last week, however, a family member was suffering a little with breathing issues due to pollen - we live opposite a microscopic park (already my home sounds posher than it is) and if you have hay fever this can become very difficult, particularly combined with an unkempt (read 'completely neglected for years) garden next door.<br />
<br />
<b>Air quality</b><br />
<br />
So an indoor and outdoor gadget that tells you what the air quality is like is something of a help. You can monitor temperatures and air quality through the apps, which are of course free, and set alerts when they reach a certain level.<br />
<br />
For £139 it could be an expensive way of seeing whether it's raining or not if you're not all that worried by the temperature. In the current heatwave, however, if you're prone to breathing issues it could be a very good investment - and you can buy extra modules to monitor different rooms if, say, you have kids.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-59315153097580858832013-07-10T04:18:00.000-07:002013-07-10T04:18:36.624-07:00DocuSign Challenge 3: Getting used to it<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As regular readers will know I've taken up the challenge to go three months without signing a wet signature. <a href="http://www.docusign.co.uk/" target="_blank">DocuSign</a> issued the challenge.<br />
<br />
I'm over half way through and the position is much as I thought it was last time I wrote about it. Basically if you're doing anything for businesses it's terrific. Nobody has questioned my right to sign electronically, contracts have been accepted without any issues, it's been great. This coming Friday I should receive my first payment based on a contract I signed using the iPad App. All good stuff and as an added benefit all of my contracts are stored securely offsite in electronic form.<br />
<br />
This is all excellent. Meanwhile when there's anything personal involved - hospital visits to pick up a blood pressure machine, pharmacists for the odd prescription, ordinary stuff like that - signing electronically isn't an option.<br />
<br />
I certainly feel my business life is easier with this technology - but suspect that costs will prohibit the business stuff for a fair while yet.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-68679827791700690952013-07-03T06:31:00.001-07:002013-07-03T06:31:37.343-07:00Watches without borders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Regular readers (hi Mum) will be aware that I'm quite fond of nice watches. And by 'nice' I generally mean uncomplicated, a classic design, something that looks as if it tells the time rather than plays music, acts as a video phone and goodness knows what else.<br />
<br />
(Note: I reserve the right to change my mind if Apple ever produces the long-rumoured iWatch).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKvvoHBTMU83pCnfLADeWbskQw1UB4Rgss54StefgVt2jEOI4rJw9I8oLMe9OaEFWSgEe1UFyWK71C_Bh4e_UuASU3DaqPVBLptHz-QQeg0a7H6XYUch7UkXswMCIYLIaTNF4Rk4spmE/s1600/NOMOS+Tangente+MSF+UK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKvvoHBTMU83pCnfLADeWbskQw1UB4Rgss54StefgVt2jEOI4rJw9I8oLMe9OaEFWSgEe1UFyWK71C_Bh4e_UuASU3DaqPVBLptHz-QQeg0a7H6XYUch7UkXswMCIYLIaTNF4Rk4spmE/s320/NOMOS+Tangente+MSF+UK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If it can be sold raising money for a good cause that is of course a bonus. So the only thing holding me back from acquiring a Special Edition Tagente (pictured) from <a href="http://www.nomos-watches.com/" target="_blank">Nomos Glashütte</a> is the absence of a spare £1350. Or £1200 for a slightly smaller model, the Special Edition Tagente 33.<br />
<br />
<b>Design</b><br />
<br />
As you can see they are simplicity itself, and better still they're mechanical. I'm fond of well-engineered products and an old-fashioned wind-up watch is something I don't actually possess, although my automatic is a good substitute.<br />
<br />
These models are distinguished by the red '12' which is a way of reminding yourself that when you spent all that money £100 went to Doctors Without Borders (or if you're an old git like me Médecins Sans Frontières). Meanwhile you'll have a watch with galvanised white silver-plated dials, black oxidised polished hands and an a (alpha) Nomos caliber movement with manual winding, for people who know about movements.<br />
<br />
I think they look excellent and are a discreet way of supporting an excellent cause. I may consider making a donation and telling them Nomos gave me the idea. Meanwhile if you're in the market for a watch and can withstand the price, the two models are limited to 1000 pieces each.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-48780159083063533422013-07-01T03:55:00.001-07:002013-07-01T03:55:18.016-07:00Losing weight: an update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK, it's a while since I adopted this 5x2 diet and promised I'd keep people updated - the original post from <a href="http://lifeover35.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/attempting-lifestyle-change.html" target="_blank">September</a> is here.<br />
<br />
There has been some qualified success. The first thing I'd have to say is: do not assume that if your jeans are more or less spray-on, really ought to get the next size up, that you're going to shrink two waist sizes within three months. This, if it's going to be sustainable, is not going to happen.<br />
<br />
However, there has been progress. I'm still wearing the same jeans but I need, really need, a belt. And I've lost (FX: DRUMROLL) just over two stone. The shape would probably have changed more if I hadn't managed to develop an ingrowing toenail, which has limited some of the exercise possibilities (this has been treated, is improving and I was back in the gym yesterday).<br />
<br />
But here are a couple of pics of me from BBC appearances - before the diet:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypOvniiASwn2xTL0CCcvmlgoJn3Fvomw4BfzX7JywsKIt2DJRWikbEdlfvl4ArM3wcRQOARjp4aiXYjlQ1_hYRS1mtlFcZmFhVMUEO0fUvYy49a5djQA77Ogm1rs5Xb6-no4TXQ1FHr0/s791/Guy+July+2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypOvniiASwn2xTL0CCcvmlgoJn3Fvomw4BfzX7JywsKIt2DJRWikbEdlfvl4ArM3wcRQOARjp4aiXYjlQ1_hYRS1mtlFcZmFhVMUEO0fUvYy49a5djQA77Ogm1rs5Xb6-no4TXQ1FHr0/s320/Guy+July+2012.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And after:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdThwBdgFPXnFNuP3I8DX1EJDq63ivuFYcD-tbb63VYh0-VZc_Tq6qMih5nYDYVLW2vqNYoVxjy9y-yfnn-PcBUxK2NXmDJXy2lc5n4LoY6l_AOCRp90GkJI2mxqPE6C9xtk_OShOxBw/s894/Guy+June+2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdThwBdgFPXnFNuP3I8DX1EJDq63ivuFYcD-tbb63VYh0-VZc_Tq6qMih5nYDYVLW2vqNYoVxjy9y-yfnn-PcBUxK2NXmDJXy2lc5n4LoY6l_AOCRp90GkJI2mxqPE6C9xtk_OShOxBw/s320/Guy+June+2013.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, nobody should kid themselves I'm an oil painting, obviously. And it's been gradual (and will continue to be). Having had the cysts removed from my scalp I can have a shorter haircut, which helps.<br />
<br />
But there's definitely a difference. I can recommend this diet to anyone who's serious about losing weight permanently.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-33752652966287213242013-06-21T06:21:00.002-07:002013-06-21T06:21:26.223-07:00Heaven is the first haircut in weeks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A handful of you may be aware that I had minor surgery at the end of April - just the removal of a few cysts from my scalp. It was all supposed to be over very quickly, better in a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
Hah.<br />
<br />
We pause here for a quick wallow in self-pity and snarling about stitches and wounds going infectious. Tell you what, let's just put a quick picture in:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofBheBcaBjbFpeua5Q4UhnAU9X7SkCFf0n-Ci66TCtWrQpgWJgCzZjqO9D-yEZWFqLjK9yUtzF7VUyoFmWtWmAMpASxEej3hcPJoxHZt4uMBEzKzTw4C_F7H6V_NTPhdYu7yofqJFpZI/s1600/Bandage+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofBheBcaBjbFpeua5Q4UhnAU9X7SkCFf0n-Ci66TCtWrQpgWJgCzZjqO9D-yEZWFqLjK9yUtzF7VUyoFmWtWmAMpASxEej3hcPJoxHZt4uMBEzKzTw4C_F7H6V_NTPhdYu7yofqJFpZI/s400/Bandage+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's me, the day before a major stage presentation, a week or so after I was supposed to be 100%. The bandage pinged off during the presentation.<br />
<br />
I was not delighted.<br />
<br />
Later the head bandage shrunk to a plaster and people kept asking whether I'd been in a fight. Nobody had accused me of looking hard for...actually, no, it's never happened. Until now. Oh, and of course you can't have a hair cut with all this going on.<br />
<br />
Yesterday - finally - the plaster came off and I went to the barber. Almost flew. Frankly they could have cut my head off and got a good review.<br />
<br />
<b>Towel shave</b><br />
<br />
But I do feel I must recommend all blokes have a hot towel shave every now and then, and if at all possible do it at <a href="http://www.thevaletmalegrooming.com/" target="_blank">The Valet</a> in Addiscombe or one of its concessions at local hotels. I had the "Casino Royal" (yes I know the book and film have an 'e' on the end of 'Royale', it's a barber, you think they care?) which costs £45 but honestly, it's worth it.<br />
<br />
You start off with a pre-coating of Proraso Eucalyptus undercoat. This refreshes and stimulates the skin, and then they put a hot towel over you. You then get a close shave (or three; the trick they use is to take a little hair off often, which is gentler and less prone to provoking a rash).<br />
<br />
There's a clay mask for extra cleaning. There is cleanser. There is a total of five hot towels. Nobody, repeat nobody, is allowed to disturb you during this hour of completely indulgent time.<br />
<br />
Then I switched to the other chair for my first haircut in months. I spent £29.50 on a decent re-style, after all that growth it needed it; I asked them to model it on Jose Mourinho, and when they'd picked themselves up off the floor they did their best (Lucky I didn't ask for George Clooney). It looks unusually good - for me anyway:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoGJle5l0i74U6koeHjMoLI2htDeyZcnF-Vw4Ya1OVmbhkxSDxyHf0YNEmfYUtfo-KtyqPv0z4taNQjRK6_CTWmsbqA9MkyPJDCY3BG3Vei4QSIOGI8sb_8SAH18SOy7x8m27ZK_E9fc/s1600/Guy+de-lumped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoGJle5l0i74U6koeHjMoLI2htDeyZcnF-Vw4Ya1OVmbhkxSDxyHf0YNEmfYUtfo-KtyqPv0z4taNQjRK6_CTWmsbqA9MkyPJDCY3BG3Vei4QSIOGI8sb_8SAH18SOy7x8m27ZK_E9fc/s400/Guy+de-lumped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
No doubt I'm biased by this being my first fully de-bandaged day since 30 April, and this being the first picture I've seen of me from that angle without a large visible cyst on the side of my head. But I feel genuinely refreshed, the attention to my wants from the guys at the salon was superb as always and I'd certainly recommend it.<br />
<br />
(And yes, good of you to ask, I have indeed lost a little weight).</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-38215577957724891742013-06-15T01:51:00.000-07:002013-06-15T01:51:08.814-07:00Pop-up shop this weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone who fancies looking at some of the socks I highlighted earlier this week (see <a href="http://lifeover35.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/sock-it-to-me.html" target="_blank">this post</a>) and who's in the Spitalfields area might want to know it and a few other menswear brands have a pop-up shop from Sunday until Tuesday at 52 Artillery Lane, E1.<br />
<br />
As well as Richmond Socks there will be bow ties from Charles Olive, 'preppy; clothes from Coeur (a bit young for this blog's target market frankly), underwear from Hamilton and Hare and various luxury items from Monsieur London.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to pop in on the last day, Tuesday - when, with a bit of luck, they'll be reducing the stock rather than carting it all back. Dream on...</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-37369659857305374862013-06-14T09:05:00.001-07:002013-06-14T09:05:14.070-07:00Father's Day: some drinks ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvBUzi8ovZvRd76Cs_glV1TFLR-PeImfyMbBRU7DnzOzDZ1bQClnoOLeYgdusD7HAzHz9GD1GuoexYoUeU9sr35Tp0gw_Un7IkFwsyC46WC9ejYB3yhtnASiYpDlq-Esh9CkKn0wLqi0/s1600/Glenfiddich.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvBUzi8ovZvRd76Cs_glV1TFLR-PeImfyMbBRU7DnzOzDZ1bQClnoOLeYgdusD7HAzHz9GD1GuoexYoUeU9sr35Tp0gw_Un7IkFwsyC46WC9ejYB3yhtnASiYpDlq-Esh9CkKn0wLqi0/s320/Glenfiddich.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div>
So it's Father's Day on Sunday. This I know because my daughter is going to have some friends for a sleepover. I will be up at 6am cooking breakfast I imagine, for several small females who refuse to eat my greasy food.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which is as it should be...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you managed to resist the socks I wrote about the other day and you already have slippers, you may be limited as to what to hint that your offspring ought to get you. My feeling is that a single malt would do nicely (and do drink it very sparingly - ignore the standard 'safe limits' in terms of units, I've recently had cause to find out they don't work if you have high blood pressure - less is always more).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want to drink small amounts then there are a number of ways of doing it. First go for something stonkingly expensive. <a href="http://www.glenfiddich%2Ccom/" target="_blank">Glenfiddich</a> is a single malt that comes in a number of expressions; the 12 year old is probably the most popular, light, oaky, very pleasant with a drop of water. The 15 year old has a more depth and tastes a bit fruity; if your kids are adults and feeling flush, splashing out £50 on the 18 year old version (pictured) will make them very popular, you can tell them. Intensely sweet, the price tag means this one is really for the buff - do not under any circumstances drop hints for this one if you're planning to put ginger ale into it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tasting sets with small amounts of all three are also available, and these come from supermarkets which is helpful at this distance. Likewise another of my favourites, <a href="http://www.welsh-whisky.com/" target="_blank">Penderyn</a> (the Welsh one) has tasting samples available from a number of outlets, we're talking the signature 'Madeira' finish, another version in sherrywood and another which is oaked. The sherrywood is my personal favourite (this means the casks used to store it formerly contained sherry, imparting some of the flavour).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a gift that gives for a little longer you could drop hints for a membership of <a href="http://www.flaviar.com/" target="_blank">Flaviar</a>, if you're into your spirits. This sends boxes of five phials of expensive spirit for £24.99 a month, suitable for having friends round and tasting. They sent me a selection of Indian whiskies a few months back and very nice they were too; at the moment there's an offer for Japanese. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They won't arrive in time for Father's Day, though. At this notice it may well be socks or nothing. I will be delighted with my Dennis and Gnasher tee-shirt and will pretend to be surprised.</div>
</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-67341607813246368152013-06-12T02:05:00.000-07:002013-06-12T10:56:57.124-07:00Docusign Challenge: Some hiccups<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not quite a month ago I agreed to take part in the DocuSign challenge - the idea being that I would try to go three months without signing anything with a 'wet' signature.<br />
<br />
I'm learning that this is really easy when you're dealing with a business signature and less so when you're doing something personal. For example, this very evening I will be speaking for a client at Claridge's; I was sent the contract by my agent and used DocuSign to sign it, sending it straight back without fiddling around printing it out. This has happened a couple of times.<br />
<br />
It is a genuine time saver. However...<br />
<br />
<b>Personal stuff</b><br />
<br />
As you know from the title of this blog, I am an old git (actually 48 which is significantly over 35) and as happens with middle aged men, the doctor is keeping an eye on a few things. I've had a minor infection following a minor operation on my scalp and no, when you're in a pharmacist they don't welcome people offering to sign for prescriptions with their phone. They hand you the biro and you sign, thanks.<br />
<br />
Likewise the doc is keeping an eye on my blood pressure and had me carry a 24 hour monitor around for a day. This isn't inconvenient, it's an excellent precaution and gives you a perfect view of how high or low your pressure is over time BUT asking whether you can sign to borrow the equipment using your phone rather than just scribbling on their bit of paper does not go down well.<br />
<br />
And no, I'm not going to risk my health for the DocuSign challenge!<br />
<br />
So, one month in (almost) and we have a broad distinction emerging - at this stage it appears to be a lot better for business than for personal stuff, and people handing equipment out at my local hospital are still in the biro age. This means they don't record everything centrally immediately, nor do they have an automatic time stamp for when things are signed out, but that is (literally) their business.<br />
<br />
I'll blog again on the subject next month...</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-54968758859764725322013-06-11T01:32:00.003-07:002013-06-11T02:21:24.673-07:00Sock it to me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z4clxslqB9xN6VbAbHyNrRMVsCfh4PvDMlb4T5dlWltmBviqnZSR7jr5nQUOOUd1wKtL2bqGgpmg-0gNl3pzK4sXiEMAI8C8HHBvcbO_CzKC7UlbEQDEx2SeYI7a3U_YR1gKQvbPFZ8/s1600/Casa+Itali+by+Bresciani+purple+socks+from+Richmond+socks+lo+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z4clxslqB9xN6VbAbHyNrRMVsCfh4PvDMlb4T5dlWltmBviqnZSR7jr5nQUOOUd1wKtL2bqGgpmg-0gNl3pzK4sXiEMAI8C8HHBvcbO_CzKC7UlbEQDEx2SeYI7a3U_YR1gKQvbPFZ8/s320/Casa+Itali+by+Bresciani+purple+socks+from+Richmond+socks+lo+res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've resisted the predictable "Father's Day is coming" post this year, concerned at the avalanche of predictable gift samples. The old saw is that we're all doomed to receive endless amounts of socks because the kids can't think of anything else.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, or on the other foot perhaps, I've just been looking around the <a href="http://www.richmondsocks.com/" target="_blank">Richmond Socks</a> website and I have to say some of them look pretty good. I've tried a pair of the Casa Italia purple versions (pictured) and they are incredibly comfortable. The fine Egyptian cotton makes quite a difference and they look great - I'm a bit of a fan of coloured socks. At £17.50 they're not cheap for socks but then they're a bit of a luxury, and for Father's Day that would be most acceptable.<br />
<br />
Many men opt for black socks as if it's all we can manage, and we go for ankle socks rather than calf length. This generally means an unsightly span of leg when you cross your legs in a suit so I'd recommend calf length. In terms of colour I'd try to tone in with a tie or shirt (or even pocket square); it makes it look as though some thought has gone into it. Which is because some thought has gone into it.<br />
<br />
<b>Expert advice</b><br />
<br />
Simon Bullmore runs Richmond Socks and has offered LifeOver35 readers some advice on choosing socks - he made the same point I did about longer garments (which they wear in Europe anyway, only we Brits favour the scrunched-around-the-ankle look) but also the following thoughts:<br />
<br />
"This seasons trends are for pastel and candy colours. Pastels are perfect for social occasions - especially weddings. We'd suggest candy greens and oranges as an easy way to add some summer colour to chinos and jeans. If you're not up for bold colour then add interest to your socks with a pattern. Herringbone patterned socks very popular at the moment. A quick tip for choosing socks - never match your socks to your shoes. It makes you look like you're wearing booties. Matching your socks to your trousers looks much better, and has the added benefit of making your legs look longer. If you have long legs compared to your body then go for a splash of contrasting colour in order to break up the line of your legs and feet."<br />
<br />
"Quality textiles make all the difference when it comes to socks. Your feet sweat a pint each day. Man-made fibres aren't very good at wicking this excess moisture away. Which is why your feet might get a bit more niffy when it's warm - bacteria love sloshing around in the stuff. Smelly feet are for teenagers. Which is why you should make sure that your socks are at least 70% cotton or bamboo in summer (some nylon is ok as it helps the sock stay in shape). Cotton and bamboo are much better at naturally wicking away sweat."<br />
<br />
"When it comes to style details make the difference. Socks are a great place to start. And Richmond Socks is here to help men find the perfect pair. All of our socks feature hand finished details and the best quality materials. We only sell socks made by reputable European producers so we know that workers and the environment are cared for during the manufacturing process. We've scoured the world for what we think is the best collection of mens socks. Some of the brands we sell are only available in the UK through our store. The socks we sell reflect our passion for timeless style and quality materials. We think it shows in every pair."<br />
<br />
We'll forgive him the sales pitch at the end and just say thanks for the thoughts.<br />
<br />
All of which said, I know I won't be getting socks for Father's Day this year. We visited the South Bank on Saturday and there was a Beano exhibition, and they had these Dennis and Gnasher tee-shirts in adult sizes.<br />
<br />
Now that <b>is</b> stylish.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-14870181996744006042013-06-04T03:55:00.002-07:002013-06-04T03:57:42.863-07:00Orbitsound: unobtrusively making TV better<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had an issue with the sound on my TV. I admit the issue was mostly 'Guy is a fussy little sod' and it was perfectly comprehensible, but I do like a bit of bass when I'm listening to music or watching a movie. On the other hand my wife has this incomprehensible aversion to wires and speakers all over the room. I assume this is because she's a bit weird or something, looks perfectly OK to me, you should see my office.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3hlZDHXUsofJPNAvu-QdWZIAnQLDO2rUkoqRpn4i3u-0rd5BAx-_e_IqXIjMSdZhTkoTG03f1YT9y0qSRR9YlsviAkBB7svqm5iUPj-2RRZVh62gpqlmjoYDEcvcx4nd8yGLLU2uj9E/s1600/M12+Angle+iPhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3hlZDHXUsofJPNAvu-QdWZIAnQLDO2rUkoqRpn4i3u-0rd5BAx-_e_IqXIjMSdZhTkoTG03f1YT9y0qSRR9YlsviAkBB7svqm5iUPj-2RRZVh62gpqlmjoYDEcvcx4nd8yGLLU2uj9E/s320/M12+Angle+iPhone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nonetheless we started investigating sound bars. I've been loaned a few in the past and they've been difficult to set up, needed the right connections, all that confusing stuff. The Orbitsound M12 (pictured) had none of this trouble. Inputs through optical (which we use) port, or a standard 3.5mm port like you'd use on an earphone (avoid if possible, you have to turn the TV volume up really high so don't get so much control), speaker cable options (again quite good but not quite what you'd get from optical) or Bluetooth.<br />
<br />
Bluetooth is a great option because the predecessor, the T12, had a little iPhone stand on it. I now don't have to have my iPhone in the dock whilst listening to music, just pair it up and go. The sound is good - no, not quite the spread you'd get from separate speakers but a decent beefy sound nonetheless. It's particularly effective on music programmes and movies but improves most things.<br />
<br />
Best of all is that this time around the subwoofer is smaller than on previous models so you can hide it away more easily; this is simplified and helped by the fact that, Hallelujah, it's connected wirelessly so just put it near a power socket and you eliminate the trailing wires.<br />
<br />
By all means I'd prefer a full-fledged, five-speakers-around-the-room system but if I want my marriage to last that's not going to happen. This is a neat solution for just under £400 (so no, not cheap) with enough oomph to keep me happy.<br />
<br />
P. S. Although we don't have a convenient shelf on which to try it out, the soundbar is apparently non-directional. So although you get sounds clearly coming from the left or the right, you can in theory put the soundbar on a shelf nowhere near the telly and it should still sound OK. That said, you're then back to having wires trailing around the room everywhere.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-55683722089982106852013-05-30T05:51:00.000-07:002013-05-30T07:04:51.739-07:00Accessorise your iPad Mini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've now been doing this <a href="http://lifeover35.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/docusign-challenge-day-one.html">DocuSign Challenge</a> thing for just over a week (memo to self: when borrowing blood pressure monitoring equipment from hospital do not even bother asking whether you can sign for it electronically, it sends them into seizures and is no good for your blood pressure). So I've done the only reasonable thing and started looking at accessories for the iPad Mini they've sent as part of the deal.<br />
<br />
First essential is a decent case. With a smaller tablet I'm mostly free from big heavy cases designed for laptops so my trusty Marks and Spencer Italian Leather man bag has been perfectly fine; start to put too much stuff into it, though, (sun glasses, a notebook and you're pretty much stuffed) and you realise it's only suitable for the iPad Mini only.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvQj3HyNbfg-hK9mVQGZCvwloCL5Jtj3NirWE1AnOjHd-XBF59n0W9t9I_3ueGXYzD4WHVoQ4iB3BWZK0841KW9nONqJIrPpGomS_zXXDDfBDJzM-bUjwiSA4Dw8v5mdwJ67xhyphenhyphenAWm2I/s1600/Jeremy_Black_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvQj3HyNbfg-hK9mVQGZCvwloCL5Jtj3NirWE1AnOjHd-XBF59n0W9t9I_3ueGXYzD4WHVoQ4iB3BWZK0841KW9nONqJIrPpGomS_zXXDDfBDJzM-bUjwiSA4Dw8v5mdwJ67xhyphenhyphenAWm2I/s320/Jeremy_Black_Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you have the budget a Jill-e Jeremy bag like the one pictured is an excellent option. Pockets for pens, phone and separate media player are in a zipped compartment you can get to without opening the main body of the bag, your iPad or 13in MacBook Air (this entry is very much for Mac users like me) will be well padded internally and there's an unfastened side compartment for books.<br />
<br />
I'd have liked the option to detach the strap but that's about all I'd have changed about this - and maybe the price. Women have had bags for much longer than men, culturally, and are used to paying hundreds: £249.95 seems a lot to pay for something like this from the <a href="http://store.apple.com/uk/product/HB302ZM/A/jill-e-designs-13-leather-messenger-bag" target="_blank">Apple Store</a> (that's not a sponsored link, buy a hundred if you like and I won't get a penny) but I've been using it since I got it and it still looks very new. Recommended.<br />
<br />
Look also at the Booq Boa Squeeze if you want something half the price and are happy with a backpack; I have only seen pictures but it looks as though someone's thought through exactly how to make the interior pockets and spaces almost Tardis-like in their ability to store stuff.<br />
<br />
<b>Covers</b><br />
<br />
You might also want to consider a cover if you've bought a New Shiny. I've been looking at two; the BooqPad is a folio with space for a paper notebook. This will go against the grain for many iPad users but I find it very useful; whether I'm jotting thoughts for a new stand-up routine or making a quick note of something for a do-list, sometimes paper is better than switching on a screen, so something to hold a couple of cards, a pen, an iPad Mini and a notebook is useful. It comes in black leather and costs £40.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYP2pKWBUZe66WOqw24oCe_DNu08BH9S_3A2Wbcd_yM7RByG9jv6flXDMAK-tF_9un-PjNi9TskvWqPZo14BYvgP7NsXxlbYne5iD9dzy6e_smVfTrRvlZl8AVlZD_4zYZRikTkAy0bg/s1600/KeyFolio2+for+iPad+Mini+(1).TIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYP2pKWBUZe66WOqw24oCe_DNu08BH9S_3A2Wbcd_yM7RByG9jv6flXDMAK-tF_9un-PjNi9TskvWqPZo14BYvgP7NsXxlbYne5iD9dzy6e_smVfTrRvlZl8AVlZD_4zYZRikTkAy0bg/s320/KeyFolio2+for+iPad+Mini+(1).TIF" width="320" /></a></div>
Pricier but more functional for many is the KeyFolio 2 Case and Stand from Kensington. At £79.99 this is a chargeable keyboard in a case which Bluetooths to your iPad Mini but the clever it - the really, really clever bit - is that it's not built into the case, it's attached magnetically. The reason this is good is that a case for an iPad is by definition small and constricted so folding it out and using the keyboard can feel rather cramped and you have to have the iPad almost upright. Remove the keyboard and it still works perfectly and you can adjust the iPad's angle to your taste. I still find the keyboard a bit small but that is what we call in the trade my own damned silly fault for using an iPad Mini instead of a full-size gizmo. I find it great for emails on long train journeys; no doubt someone with smaller fingers would be perfectly OK using it for blog entries like this or full-sized articles.<br />
<br />
Depending on your needs you should be pretty happy with either of these.</div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1652733236561108599.post-29193677273527015052013-05-20T04:01:00.002-07:002013-05-20T04:01:37.241-07:00Docusign Challenge: Day one<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've entered this thing called the <a href="http://www.docusign.com/" target="_blank">DocuSign</a> Blogger Challenge. The premise is simple enough and as a tech addict I couldn't resist: just go through three months without signing a wet signature if you can avoid it.<br />
<br />
Instead you use the DocuSign app on your phone or tablet. I have duly installed it and have to say it's aaving me a little time already. It wasn't much use when my sports club wanted me to sign to take receipt of something, but in business terms it's been great.<br />
<br />
My standard process for dealing with signing stuff has so far been: someone sends over, say, a contract. I print it out, I sign it, I scan it back in. This gets fiddly because my scanner isn't that fond of my printer, so I generally end up transporting the scanned document back to my computer for sending out on a memory stick.<br />
<br />
So far I have opened up two contracts on my iPad Mini, supplied by way of thanks by DocuSign (hence the declaration at the end of this post), dragged and dropped my signature, done the same with the date, and sent them straight back. Returning them goes through DocuSign's secure system so I can be certain it's all safe.<br />
<br />
I have to say I can't see a downside on day one. Let's see how it shapes up later on.<br />
<br />
<i>This post is a sponsored post as part of the DocuSign Blogger Challenge.</i></div>
Guy Clappertonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11794933334646175182noreply@blogger.com0