Day 4 at the hot house, 39C in Runcorn

Here's another update for the evening temperature in Runcorn.
39C in Runcorn on 24th May 2012 @16:40

The heat wave continues !!!

Heat wave, 36C for second day in Runcorn

For the second day in succession, its measured 36 Celsius in Runcorn.

Reading taken on 23rd May, 2012 @16:30

"it's cracking flags"

Heat wave continues in Runcorn, 36C !

Here's a quick update on the current temperature in Runcorn.

A tropical 36C, 22nd May, 2012, @17:00

Mini heat wave in Runcorn, 32C

Wow, seems there's a mini heat wave in Runcorn !

Currently reading 32C , 21st May, 2012 @17:40

Facebook share trading debut ipo sends market crazy

I just noticed this when looking at the Google Finance page.

The graph next to a paragraph covering the Facebook stock market debute seemed extremely insightful.

Worthersee Shell Garage Webcam

http://www.pmischkulnig.com/Mischkulnig/WebCam.html

Click on the link above to see the live images being taken at the Shell garage during the massive VAG VW Worthersee annual car show event.

T-SQL Logical Query Processing Phases

This section is lifted/quoting "Inside Microsoft SQL SERVER 2005: T-SQL Querying"
Logical Query Processing Phases
This section introduces the phases involved in the logical processing of a query.
I will first briefly describe each step.
Then, in the following sections, I'll describe the steps in much more detail and apply them to a sample query.
You can use this section as a quick reference whenever you need to recall the order and general meaning of the different phases.
Listing 1-1 contains a general form of a query, along with step numbers assigned according to the order in which the different clauses are logically processed.

Listing 1-1 Logical query processing step numbers
(8) SELECT (9) DISTINCT (11) TOP
(1) FROM
(3) JOIN
(2) ON
(4) WHERE
(5) GROUP BY
(6) WITH {CUBE | ROLLUP}
(7) HAVING
(10) ORDER BY
The first noticeable aspect of SQL that is different than other programming languages is the
order in which the code is processed. In most programming languages, the code is processed
in the order in which it is written. In SQL, the first clause that is processed is the FROM clause,
while the SELECT clause, which appears first, is processed almost last.
Each step generates a virtual table that is used as the input to the following step. These virtual
tables are not available to the caller (client application or outer query). Only the table generated
by the final step is returned to the caller. If a certain clause is not specified in a query, the
4 Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2005: T-SQL Querying
corresponding step is simply skipped. Following is a brief description of the different logical
steps applied in both SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005. Later in the chapter, I will
discuss separately the steps that were added in SQL Server 2005.

Brief Description of Logical Query Processing Phases
Don't worry too much if the description of the steps doesn't seem to make much sense for
now. These are provided as a reference. Sections that come after the scenario example
will cover the steps in much more detail.

1. FROM: A Cartesian product (cross join) is performed between the first two tables in the FROM clause, and as a result, virtual table VT1 is generated.
2. ON: The ON filter is applied to VT1. Only rows for which the is TRUE are inserted to VT2.
3. OUTER (join): If an OUTER JOIN is specified (as opposed to a CROSS JOIN or an INNER JOIN), rows from the preserved table or tables for which a match was not found are added to the rows from VT2 as outer rows, generating VT3. If more than two tables appear in the FROM clause, steps 1 through 3 are applied repeatedly between the result of the last join and the next table in the FROM clause until all tables are processed.
4. WHERE: The WHERE filter is applied to VT3. Only rows for which the is TRUE are inserted to VT4.
5. GROUP BY: The rows from VT4 are arranged in groups based on the column list specified in the GROUP BY clause. VT5 is generated.
6. CUBE | ROLLUP: Supergroups (groups of groups) are added to the rows from VT5, generating VT6.
7. HAVING: The HAVING filter is applied to VT6. Only groups for which the is TRUE are inserted to VT7.
8. SELECT: The SELECT list is processed, generating VT8.
9. DISTINCT: Duplicate rows are removed from VT8. VT9 is generated.
10. ORDER BY: The rows from VT9 are sorted according to the column list specified in the ORDER BY clause. A cursor is generated (VC10).
11. TOP: The specified number or percentage of rows is selected from the beginning of
    VC10. Table VT11 is generated and returned to the caller.

McKenzie Lumbar Exercises 1

If you have back ache, maybe sciatic nerve pain, the physio suggested the following McKenzie Lumbar exercises to help. Further information: "Treat you own back" by Robin McKenzie - Spinal publications

Rick Stein Parsley soup recipe with Chive cream

Use curly parsley, chop parsley roughly including any stalks.

Melt butter in a pan and add the parsley and chopped leeks.

Sweat the vegetables.

Add cut, boiled potatoes to thicken the soup.

Add chicken stock.

As the soup is cooking, make the chive cream:-
Chop chives, and add to cream.

Back to the soup - just before it's liquidised, throw in any remaining parsley (it keeps keep the fresh green colour to the soup) in the last minute of cooking and liquidize the soup in a food processor.

Back into the pan, add double cream, salt and black pepper.

Serve with a spoon of chives-cream in the soup.

How to tie a Windsor knot

Watch "How to tie a Windsor knot" on YouTube

Whilst at a wedding (cracking wedding by the way, CONGRATULATIONS TO JAMES AND CHARLOTTE), I was asked to help tie a Windsor Knot.

Though that it might as well go online to help others?!

I love this video from youtube. http://youtu.be/fqymcJRSbxI

Drunk man belts out perfect rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody whilst the three back of a cop car.

Queen's Diamond Jubilee visit to Manchester

I few snaps taken today, as the Queen visits Manchester in the North West for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

These were taken during her visit to the town hall.

Postcode demographic profiling - CheckMyArea.com

Postcode based information for all postcodes free – any UK post code area described

Hmmm, looks pretty interesting, trying to derive one of the 54 standard geodemographic information about the area, based on postcode, credit and other sources.

List of sources mentioned are:
Census
Register of court judgements
Insolvency records
Lifestyle information collected from questionnaires
Credit scores

It makes for some interesting reading, especially what assumptions are made from the census.

Netgear WGR614 v6 DSL (cable) Wireless Router

For sale: my Netgear router, £10 from Warrington (pickup) - surplus to requirements as I've moved, and I'm not on cable anymore.

My Netgear WGR614 v6 DSL Wireless router (cable router suitable for VIRGIN cable internet):

Key Features
Wireless Technology: Wireless G
Wireless Speed: 54 Mbps
Port Speed: 10/100
DLNA Certified: No
USB for File Sharing: No
Built in Modem: No
Connectivity: Wired & Wireless

BMI Body Mass Index reference chart

I've just come across a quick lookup chart for the BMI (body mass index)



The traditional way of calculating it is:


English BMI Formula
BMI = ( Weight in Pounds / ( Height in inches x Height in inches ) ) x 703

Metric BMI Formula
BMI = ( Weight in Kilograms / ( Height in Meters x Height in Meters ) )

Skoda Fabia Brake Disc and Brake Pads change

Skoda Fabia Brake disc and pad change.

A recent much needed brake disc and brake pad change, and a dry day gave me the chance for a spot of motor DIY.

Front brake pad comparison

My EBC brake pads from Brakes4u.co.uk

(Ultimax)

New pad (left) vs old pad (right).






These pads were sooo thin, and brittle, they flaked off once removed.

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Front disc comparison.

(might aswell change the disc and pads as a complete job)










Front discs fitted.

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Rear brake pads.

New pad (left) vs old pad (right)

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Rear disc fitted.

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Here's a picture of the old parts.






The discs had plenty of "meat" on them, but the pads were completely shot.

Lightroom 4, now available

Adobe download link

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Create amazing images that inspire, inform, and delight. From first look to final image, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 4 software provides powerfully simple one-click tools and cutting-edge advanced controls for every step. Easily organize, perfect, and share all your photographs.

It’s significantly cheaper than prior versions: the full program costs just $149, while the upgrade costs $79.

SUBARU BRZ, and TOYOTA GT 86 (Hachi-Roku)

Subaru BRZ 2L Turbo

The 2013 SUBARU BRZ PREMIUM at roughly $24,000 comes with

• 2 litre flat 4 boxer engine
• 200 hp and 151 lb ft of torque
• Torsen limited-slip differential
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather shift knob and handbrake
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Aluminum pedal pads
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Standard Navigation
• Curb weight of 2689 lbs, 1220kg

The $27,000 SUBARU BRZ Limited has in addition:

• Leather Alcantara upholstery
• Rear lip spoiler
• Front foglights

and more.



Read more via MotorTrend

2013 Subaru BRZ - U.S. Model Features

Body Style		2-door Coupe
Drive Type		Rear wheel drive
Grade		Premium		Limited
Engine		2.0L DOHC flat-4 with D-4S port/direct injection
Transmission		6MT	6AT	6MT	6AT
Exterior	Head Lamp	High intensity discharge
	Front Fog Lamp	n/a		Standard
	Door outer handle	Body color
	Door outer mirror	Body color		Body color w/ mirror heater
	Rear garnish	Body color
	Rear spoiler	n/a		Standard
	Windshield glass	Green laminate with top shade
	Wiper	Designed blade
	Tire size/type	215/45R17 Summer		215/45R17 Summer
	Wheels	17-in. aluminum		17-in. aluminum
Interior	Instrument Panel & upper dash surface	Soft touch composite
	IP center cluster	Black		Silver
	Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever	Standard
	Pedal pad	Aluminum
	Door inner handle	Chrome
	Seat material	Fabric		Alcantara + Leather
	Air conditioner	Manual		Auto 2-zone control
	Tilt and telescopic steering wheel	Standard
	Gauge cluster	Analog speedo and tach, digital speedometer with red illumination on a black panel with silver rings
Audio/Nav	8 speaker audio system	Standard
	Navigation	Standard
	Roof Antenna	FM/AM/XM
Safety	VDC	Standard
	Brake (front/rear)	11.6-in Vented Disc/11.4-in Vented Disc		11.6-in Vented Disc/11.4-in Vented Disc
	Side and curtain airbags	Standard
Fun to Drive	Paddle shift (sport shift)	n/a	std	n/a	std
	LSD	Standard
	Front/rear stabilizer	Standard
Other	Front seat heater	n/a		std
	Smart start/entry (keyless go)	n/a		std
	Anti-theft sys	Immobilizer		Immobilizer w/alarm
	Spare tire	T135/80D16
	Cruise Control	Standard

A view of the Toyota Subaru engine is:

TOYOTA GT 86

While I was looking around on the net, it occured to me that this engine bay looked very familiar.

I then looked up the TOYOTA GT 86.




The MotoTrend.com Roadtest of Toyota GT 86 quickly confirmed what I thought



.... they share the same engine.

Skoda Fabia Brake discs and pads information

Skoda Fabia Brake parts information, Brakes, prices, buying cheap

prices correct as of 12th February 2012



Skoda Fabia vRS

Front Brake Discs Solid or Vented: V No of Holes/Bolts: 5 Diameter (mm): 288 Height (mm): 34 Thickness New/Min (mm): 25 -- 23	Rear Brake Discs Solid or Vented: S No of Holes/Bolts: 5 Diameter (mm): 232, 233 Height (mm): 40 Thickness New/Min (mm): 09--07
Front brake Pads (image from Brakes4u (DP1479) DP1479 : FRONT Ultimax pads - Lucas Calipers	Rear brake Pads (image from Brakes4u (DP1497) DP1497 : REAR Ultimax pads

Brakes4u Skoda Fabia Brake Parts

Model	Year	Front Original Quality	Front Upgrade Quality	More Front	Front Shoes	Rear Original Quality	Rear Upgrade Quality	More Rear	Rear Shoes
1.9 TD	2000->2010	DP1329	DP21329			DP1497	DP21497
1.9 TD VRS (130)	2003->2007	DP1479	DP21479			DP1497	DP21497

Ebay brake sets

• ClickAMotorPart - Complete set of BRAKE DISCS and BRAKE PADS : £84.99
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-FABIA-VRS-1-9-2-0-FRONT-REAR-BRAKE-DISCS-PADS-/300422660903?
  
• ClickAMotorPart - full set of BRAKE PADS for Fabia vRS : £39.90
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-FABIA-VRS-1-9-2-0-FRONT-AND-REAR-BRAKE-DISC-PADS-/390189421989?
  
• ClickAMotorPart - FRONT brake discs and pads setup : £57.99
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-FABIA-VRS-1-9-TDi-2-0-FRONT-BRAKE-DISCS-AND-PADS-/390189421938?
  
• ClickAMotorPart - REAR brake discs and pads setup : £29.90
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-FABIA-VRS-1-9-TDi-2-0-REAR-BRAKE-DISCS-AND-PADS-/300422660982?
• AutoSparesGB - REAR brake discs and pads setup : £24:00
  
  http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170549508291
  
  
  

Reference Information

http://www.vwspares.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=101
288x25mm (1LN/1LP) (for Lucas caliper) - these are the ones for Fabia vRS
without pad wear indicator

62.6mm x 131.4mm x 18.8mm

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http://www.vwspares.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=360
52.9mm x 87mm x 17mm - these are the ones for Fabia vRS

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http://www.vwspares.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=99
256x22mm (1LQ/1LR) (for FSIII caliper)
without pad wear indicator

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http://www.vwspares.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=97
239x18mm (1LB/1LM) (for Bosch caliper)
without pad wear indicator