...instead of comparing vacuums...
Blog and bother:
Kolo and the Lamborghini stereo
Kolo and the fog lights of others
Kolo and all the neighbours cars, with all the pictures
The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra v the older but better looking Astra
The charette, what is a charette, oh a competition where no-one loses, how very PC
Team2 and second class charette, inc. you can’t plan anything else when architecture’s involved
The resulting work from the international charette
What I would have done with the campus if there was more time
The sadness of Wednesday, the day after it was all over
The Great Western (City): the background history as an index
Start with the scene behind the bullet-proof glass
A second novella from the view of a man on the street, a secret diary from outside the ‘organisation’
Complete the ‘sister’s friend’ story, maybe write again as a script
Write up the sketchbook’s notes for the script
Don’t forget: Fast Car, Twin Sized Bed, A View from the Edge,
Sketchbook up ideas for the new campus of the GSA, bring A4+A3 paper and my paper-roll
The Great Western party badge (pin badge, lapel badge, uniform logo, banner logo & flag etc.)
Monday 28 December 2009
...comparing vacuum cleaners...
...yes, I don't know why either.
But here goes my impression of Which? Magazine...
Today I'll be test driving my iRobot Roomba 560 with Momo's new Dyson DC25AllFloors Ball.
As I looked for my missing Milly Moo in the understairs cupboard, I discovered Momo's new purchase, the new in late 2008 Ball Vacuum by BallBarrow and cyclone, bagless vacuum inventor James Dyson. It's a perfect marriage of his two best creations. A dirty-cyclone-rolling-ball-carpet-&-hardfloor-upright-vacuum-thingy-ma-jiggy.
Only last month, or the month before, before that did I bring my iRobot Roomba 560 fully automated vacuum robot cleaner machine to Momo's to help her out. Since her Skeletal TB has left her with three half eaten vertebra, her surgeon's told her not to hoover, stand on chairs to change light bulbs and generally not do any housework of any type.
So it brings me to this test; a fully automated, schedule-programmed thing from a Japanese 80's video or Dyson's best.
So what's involved? Well, it's a fair test; the same house to be cleaned, with myself cleaning.
First, set up:
I wasn't there when the Dyson arrived but it's instructions to construct it into a functioning vacuum looks like a piece of p*ss on the label still flapping off the neck of the machine. A click here, a click there, done. Then plug the mother in, press the big red button on the neck and off you go, cleaning like a domestic sevant.
The Roomba is just as easy, if not a bit more. There is a dock, plug that into the wall. There are 'walls' you put the fattest of batteries in, sadly not included. Then pull a but of plastic tab from underneath of the actual robot to free it's battery and get it to sit on it's dock. Initially for 16 hours, or until the clean switch on it's centre glows from red, to orange then ideally, green.
Secondly, the first clean:
As for the Dyson, off you go, clean like you mean it. Unless you're a complete clot when clicking it all together, it should just go, sucking up everything in it's way. The first drive is accompanied with the burning smell, so very light of oil and other bits from the factory. It goes by the third or fourth go-round-the-house.
The iRobot has to be set up, you have to but in the day, time first. If you're a VHS-player-phobic, don't worry, it's like setting up a digital alarm clock after a power cut. Then program in the days and times you want you little friend to go around your house. Done. Well, not quite. I would recommend you press clean there and then and follow it, the way you would follow a new servant around when their CV is questionable. Roomba's not a thief but it is a vacuum. It'll suck up any loose gold earrings or other some but important bittibobbies left on the floor. Once you've made you home Roomba friendly, then it's all plain sailing forever on.
Thirdly, living with them longterm:
At the end of the day, the balled Dyson is just like any upright, a bit heavier than Momo's old DC01 and my old Hoover upright. The pivoting ball idea is clever but a tad gimmicky; you have to turn the thing on your wrist and being as heavy as it is to drive around the sofa as it is, you still only go stripy on the floor. Yep, after all that's said and done, it's too heavy to do anything but use it like any no balled machine. Shame really. It's a bit of genius design. The DC25 is a real improvement over the original bagless DC01 of nearly 10 years ago, in the way you empty it. The whole notion of Dyson's design was that his daughter or son or cat or monkey was all allergic to dust and things. Well the cleaning might be so when you're about the house but when it came to emptying the bagless tube, dust would go everywhere, plus you have to touch it's inner yellow cone which will be caked in dusty dust. I can't empty the DC01 because I too, am an 'allergic'. Now though, it's click to release the DC25's tube then another click for the tube's bottom to flap open over a bin or next to one if you're one of those dyspraxics. Then push the bottom closed and click back into the DC25 itself. Easy.
So to the 560 version of the Roomba that's been running about your home for months now. In the price we paid for this addition to the Dawson-Bartlett house, it came with 3 years parts, labour and full replacement warranty. So if like me, you have heard of other people's Roombas dying after a few months, then at least we have 3 years of complete peace of mind. It is also so easy to empty too. It, like the Dyson is bagless. Press a button in the top and pull it's backbox out, tip it's contents into the bin, the filter, included in this box flips out and the fluff just falls away, none of the Dyson DC01's finger rubbing either. If you want to be a complete Monica Gellar about it, you can turn the 560 over and press a pair buttons to release to the two brushes to de-tangle your hair from them. Only do it monthly as per instructions if you're more Rachel Green about the home, then you're in keeping with the warranty too. I'm a bit too Monica and do it everyday, same with emptying the back box.
Fourthly, cost:
At £300, including the warranty, the Roomba's not cheap, but I've also heard of Dysons dying or burning out too. They, in the price include a 5 year parts and labour guaranty. So at £290 for the basic DC25AllFloors, it wins on price and err, reassurance. But they both lose compared to any other vacuum cleaners; Hoovers start at £90 for a bagless upright. £60 if you shout. But the Dyson is a rounded bit of kit, pun not intended. It is solid, really well put together. Hard wearing and solid, like an 80's Merc saloon.
The iRobot is well made like a new Merc; built to a cost but it is designed to be easy to completely take apart and it's so stupidly simple too. Only a micro computer makes it more complicated then a hair-dryer. Don't take it apart though. Unless your qualified and certificated by the manufacturer to do so.
Fifthly, so which is best?
The iRobot Roomba 560 silly!
Apart from the initial follow about and Roomba proofing of your home, it's a doddle. Yes you have to pick it to take it upstairs (like every other vacuum) but it's only 1.5Kg unlike the Dyson, which is nearly 5.9Kg. Plus the Roomba won't fall back down them, it's clever.
But think about it; the Dyson or any other cleaner is like you're doing the housework, the Roomba is like you're Wooster from the 30's. Why do it when you have a servant to do it.
Simple.
Sixthly, the links:
iRobot Roomba 560
Dyson DC25
if you have domestic help, or are the domestic help....
....tell me I'm wrong below, in the comments box.
But here goes my impression of Which? Magazine...
Today I'll be test driving my iRobot Roomba 560 with Momo's new Dyson DC25AllFloors Ball.
As I looked for my missing Milly Moo in the understairs cupboard, I discovered Momo's new purchase, the new in late 2008 Ball Vacuum by BallBarrow and cyclone, bagless vacuum inventor James Dyson. It's a perfect marriage of his two best creations. A dirty-cyclone-rolling-ball-carpet-&-hardfloor-upright-vacuum-thingy-ma-jiggy.
Only last month, or the month before, before that did I bring my iRobot Roomba 560 fully automated vacuum robot cleaner machine to Momo's to help her out. Since her Skeletal TB has left her with three half eaten vertebra, her surgeon's told her not to hoover, stand on chairs to change light bulbs and generally not do any housework of any type.
So it brings me to this test; a fully automated, schedule-programmed thing from a Japanese 80's video or Dyson's best.
So what's involved? Well, it's a fair test; the same house to be cleaned, with myself cleaning.
First, set up:
I wasn't there when the Dyson arrived but it's instructions to construct it into a functioning vacuum looks like a piece of p*ss on the label still flapping off the neck of the machine. A click here, a click there, done. Then plug the mother in, press the big red button on the neck and off you go, cleaning like a domestic sevant.
The Roomba is just as easy, if not a bit more. There is a dock, plug that into the wall. There are 'walls' you put the fattest of batteries in, sadly not included. Then pull a but of plastic tab from underneath of the actual robot to free it's battery and get it to sit on it's dock. Initially for 16 hours, or until the clean switch on it's centre glows from red, to orange then ideally, green.
Secondly, the first clean:
As for the Dyson, off you go, clean like you mean it. Unless you're a complete clot when clicking it all together, it should just go, sucking up everything in it's way. The first drive is accompanied with the burning smell, so very light of oil and other bits from the factory. It goes by the third or fourth go-round-the-house.
The iRobot has to be set up, you have to but in the day, time first. If you're a VHS-player-phobic, don't worry, it's like setting up a digital alarm clock after a power cut. Then program in the days and times you want you little friend to go around your house. Done. Well, not quite. I would recommend you press clean there and then and follow it, the way you would follow a new servant around when their CV is questionable. Roomba's not a thief but it is a vacuum. It'll suck up any loose gold earrings or other some but important bittibobbies left on the floor. Once you've made you home Roomba friendly, then it's all plain sailing forever on.
Thirdly, living with them longterm:
At the end of the day, the balled Dyson is just like any upright, a bit heavier than Momo's old DC01 and my old Hoover upright. The pivoting ball idea is clever but a tad gimmicky; you have to turn the thing on your wrist and being as heavy as it is to drive around the sofa as it is, you still only go stripy on the floor. Yep, after all that's said and done, it's too heavy to do anything but use it like any no balled machine. Shame really. It's a bit of genius design. The DC25 is a real improvement over the original bagless DC01 of nearly 10 years ago, in the way you empty it. The whole notion of Dyson's design was that his daughter or son or cat or monkey was all allergic to dust and things. Well the cleaning might be so when you're about the house but when it came to emptying the bagless tube, dust would go everywhere, plus you have to touch it's inner yellow cone which will be caked in dusty dust. I can't empty the DC01 because I too, am an 'allergic'. Now though, it's click to release the DC25's tube then another click for the tube's bottom to flap open over a bin or next to one if you're one of those dyspraxics. Then push the bottom closed and click back into the DC25 itself. Easy.
So to the 560 version of the Roomba that's been running about your home for months now. In the price we paid for this addition to the Dawson-Bartlett house, it came with 3 years parts, labour and full replacement warranty. So if like me, you have heard of other people's Roombas dying after a few months, then at least we have 3 years of complete peace of mind. It is also so easy to empty too. It, like the Dyson is bagless. Press a button in the top and pull it's backbox out, tip it's contents into the bin, the filter, included in this box flips out and the fluff just falls away, none of the Dyson DC01's finger rubbing either. If you want to be a complete Monica Gellar about it, you can turn the 560 over and press a pair buttons to release to the two brushes to de-tangle your hair from them. Only do it monthly as per instructions if you're more Rachel Green about the home, then you're in keeping with the warranty too. I'm a bit too Monica and do it everyday, same with emptying the back box.
Fourthly, cost:
At £300, including the warranty, the Roomba's not cheap, but I've also heard of Dysons dying or burning out too. They, in the price include a 5 year parts and labour guaranty. So at £290 for the basic DC25AllFloors, it wins on price and err, reassurance. But they both lose compared to any other vacuum cleaners; Hoovers start at £90 for a bagless upright. £60 if you shout. But the Dyson is a rounded bit of kit, pun not intended. It is solid, really well put together. Hard wearing and solid, like an 80's Merc saloon.
The iRobot is well made like a new Merc; built to a cost but it is designed to be easy to completely take apart and it's so stupidly simple too. Only a micro computer makes it more complicated then a hair-dryer. Don't take it apart though. Unless your qualified and certificated by the manufacturer to do so.
Fifthly, so which is best?
The iRobot Roomba 560 silly!
Apart from the initial follow about and Roomba proofing of your home, it's a doddle. Yes you have to pick it to take it upstairs (like every other vacuum) but it's only 1.5Kg unlike the Dyson, which is nearly 5.9Kg. Plus the Roomba won't fall back down them, it's clever.
But think about it; the Dyson or any other cleaner is like you're doing the housework, the Roomba is like you're Wooster from the 30's. Why do it when you have a servant to do it.
Simple.
Sixthly, the links:
iRobot Roomba 560
Dyson DC25
if you have domestic help, or are the domestic help....
....tell me I'm wrong below, in the comments box.
Saturday 19 December 2009
...telling you I'll catch up
Really, whilst S L is revising like a trooper, I'll fill you all in (all 2 of you) on what's been happening in what feels like the shortest of the year. December's definitely the quickest. Am I right, am I right, ladies and gentlemen?
Sunday 13 December 2009
Thursday 3 December 2009
Wednesday 2 December 2009
...going into town...
...when I say going into, I really mean gone already.
It was just a quick in and out but I did go via the Lighthouse and Borders in the Merchant's Square, you know, next to GOMA.
The Lighthouse went under recently. It was a real shame that the premier legacy from the 1990 City of Culture was in such peril.
As I took the chance and walked up the alley to the entrance, I was wondering how the foyer would look without any lighting and only brightness coming from the skylight, 4 storeys up.
It wasn't to be, the Lighthouse was open. Yes, only half lit by bulbs but there was a couple of people sitting at reception in the dull gloom. As I asked about the situation, I noticed just how cold it was in there. Dark and cold, this is a tourist's must see. Also it is now without a classy restaurant, coffee shop and the money making merchandise and habitat like store. In fact, as the receptionist relayed the exhibition info, I noticed how there was only a handful of books on display. They're free BTW, yep, free. Also, I am under the impression the Lighthouse is now free to get into too. Thanks to the City Council's help out until March 2010, the place is on half on mode; a shadow of it's former light, brightness.
So go. Go there, bring the numbers up, show that people of Glasgow appreciate the finer things. Make the council see that it is worth bringing back to full beam because as it stands, come March, it's for sale. There's also the ability to change the building use and design. Come March, it really could be the end, end. Once they change it, there's no undo button, there's no more design museum in Glasgow. The only 1990 City of Culture reminder of how Glasgow started to get away from it's stab you now, stab you later image will go.
Borders is also closing down, where will everyone go it read heat magazine for free?
Yet Hamley's has opened a new flagship store down the road at the St Enoch's Centre (of all places?)
Maybe it more a sign of books don't sell but crystal-encrusted-model-cars do?
It was just a quick in and out but I did go via the Lighthouse and Borders in the Merchant's Square, you know, next to GOMA.
The Lighthouse went under recently. It was a real shame that the premier legacy from the 1990 City of Culture was in such peril.
As I took the chance and walked up the alley to the entrance, I was wondering how the foyer would look without any lighting and only brightness coming from the skylight, 4 storeys up.
It wasn't to be, the Lighthouse was open. Yes, only half lit by bulbs but there was a couple of people sitting at reception in the dull gloom. As I asked about the situation, I noticed just how cold it was in there. Dark and cold, this is a tourist's must see. Also it is now without a classy restaurant, coffee shop and the money making merchandise and habitat like store. In fact, as the receptionist relayed the exhibition info, I noticed how there was only a handful of books on display. They're free BTW, yep, free. Also, I am under the impression the Lighthouse is now free to get into too. Thanks to the City Council's help out until March 2010, the place is on half on mode; a shadow of it's former light, brightness.
So go. Go there, bring the numbers up, show that people of Glasgow appreciate the finer things. Make the council see that it is worth bringing back to full beam because as it stands, come March, it's for sale. There's also the ability to change the building use and design. Come March, it really could be the end, end. Once they change it, there's no undo button, there's no more design museum in Glasgow. The only 1990 City of Culture reminder of how Glasgow started to get away from it's stab you now, stab you later image will go.
Borders is also closing down, where will everyone go it read heat magazine for free?
Yet Hamley's has opened a new flagship store down the road at the St Enoch's Centre (of all places?)
Maybe it more a sign of books don't sell but crystal-encrusted-model-cars do?
...still disappointed with the Arsenal
As I re-write this thanks to google.ig wiping it, Arsenal has suffered a 3-0 semi-final kicking from Man C at the City of Manchester Stadium tonight.
How many times has Wenger got to the semi's of the Carling Cup and played the C Team?
Three years? Four?
It's not good enough when Arsenal hasn't really been close to the league title every Easter over the few years either. FA Cup, nope, not in the final with a proper chance of winning. Bar on Penalties, last won in 2005.
The January shopping list should read:
Don't buy anymore kids Arsene. They leave in the end (on a free transfer!) and at their prime.
Out & out striker:
muscular and quick, like Didier Drogba, with the ability to bully defences.
Craig Bellamy, Michael Owen or a similar pocket rocket would do, to get into the box to make the most of the first class crosses that Arsenal's midfield produce.
A holding midfielder:
think Flamini the season before he left. A player like Mathieu would let Fabregas, Arshavin and Rosicki go forward without the fear of having to track back so instantly. This would help with their stamina near the end of matches, where if behind, Arsenal fade.
A defensive leader:
Gallas is doing his best but has rubbed Wenger and some players the wrong way. A rock, a dependable player, a professional like John Terry. Not a 15 year old JT, a 25 year old one. I'm thinking Tony Adams without the drink problem. A Dixon or a Winterburn would do for a couple of seasons.
Sell:
Bendner, he's not the Van Persie junior he thinks he is. He can't turn matches and misses too much for the amount he does net.
Arsenal at the moment, unlike what Arsene thinks, only has a decent A Team, the B and C just aren't worth putting out at a semi-final or against Hull in the league. However, the reserves to need to come up to scratch because the reliance on the big names to get them out of a negative score line is too much week in, week out.
Every year, Arsenal has at least one crunch week. A week where the season ends. Or a week were the scores and the resulting humiliation scars the team and it takes a long period for results to change.
Remember when the 'Invincibles' lost their record at Old Trafford, of all places. It was like someone had died. Also the last two season, an FA Cup tie, Champions League Semi and a must win Premiership game would fall into a 8 day stretch. Arsenal would lose all three matches and in one foul swoop, the dream of silverware was gone.
So far this year, Arsenal lost in the league to Chelsea at the Emirates 3-0. Now, it's 3-0 to Man City in the Carling Cup. Lets hope this isn't the start of something of a crunch.
How many times has Wenger got to the semi's of the Carling Cup and played the C Team?
Three years? Four?
It's not good enough when Arsenal hasn't really been close to the league title every Easter over the few years either. FA Cup, nope, not in the final with a proper chance of winning. Bar on Penalties, last won in 2005.
The January shopping list should read:
Don't buy anymore kids Arsene. They leave in the end (on a free transfer!) and at their prime.
Out & out striker:
muscular and quick, like Didier Drogba, with the ability to bully defences.
Craig Bellamy, Michael Owen or a similar pocket rocket would do, to get into the box to make the most of the first class crosses that Arsenal's midfield produce.
A holding midfielder:
think Flamini the season before he left. A player like Mathieu would let Fabregas, Arshavin and Rosicki go forward without the fear of having to track back so instantly. This would help with their stamina near the end of matches, where if behind, Arsenal fade.
A defensive leader:
Gallas is doing his best but has rubbed Wenger and some players the wrong way. A rock, a dependable player, a professional like John Terry. Not a 15 year old JT, a 25 year old one. I'm thinking Tony Adams without the drink problem. A Dixon or a Winterburn would do for a couple of seasons.
Sell:
Bendner, he's not the Van Persie junior he thinks he is. He can't turn matches and misses too much for the amount he does net.
Arsenal at the moment, unlike what Arsene thinks, only has a decent A Team, the B and C just aren't worth putting out at a semi-final or against Hull in the league. However, the reserves to need to come up to scratch because the reliance on the big names to get them out of a negative score line is too much week in, week out.
Every year, Arsenal has at least one crunch week. A week where the season ends. Or a week were the scores and the resulting humiliation scars the team and it takes a long period for results to change.
Remember when the 'Invincibles' lost their record at Old Trafford, of all places. It was like someone had died. Also the last two season, an FA Cup tie, Champions League Semi and a must win Premiership game would fall into a 8 day stretch. Arsenal would lose all three matches and in one foul swoop, the dream of silverware was gone.
So far this year, Arsenal lost in the league to Chelsea at the Emirates 3-0. Now, it's 3-0 to Man City in the Carling Cup. Lets hope this isn't the start of something of a crunch.
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