Articles and advice on cycling, technology, home efficiency and more

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These pages are written and managed by John & Julii Swindells, and we take every effort to ensure their accuracy, relevance and engagement. If you don't think this is the case at any point, please contact us and explain where you think that we're going wrong. Otherwise, happy browsing!

Oil Prices: In Parliament

Heating Oil: A Buyer's Guide 22 Dec 2010

The extreme price of heating oil is back in Westminster again, after Tom Watson described the situation as a 'crisis'. The UK's average temperature ...

Free Market Effects on Oil Prices

Heating Oil: A Buyer's Guide 20 Dec 2010

In times of cold, icy weather conditions, demand for heating oil is high, and supply is restricted. In free market conditions there is only ...

Seal Skinz All-weather Cycle gloves

Cycling 20 Dec 2010

These gloves come from the Bike-hut (Halfords) but are made by a Norfolk company - Seal Skinz - who know what they're doing when it comes to ...

Loake men's shoes

House and Home 20 Dec 2010

These Loake shoes are from Pond's Shoes in Norwich (at Castle Meadow) and were half price at £50. They have a smooth sole which is quite ...

When do people buy heating oil?

Heating Oil: A Buyer's Guide 19 Dec 2010

This chart reveals when visitors to this site say that they last bought heating oil for their home. Click on the chart for a larger view! ...

Feeding birds in freezing conditions

Animals 18 Dec 2010

A few birds have been spotted on our bird table. Pictured here, the Robin and the Blue Tit.

Your experience with oil buying clubs

Heating Oil: A Buyer's Guide 18 Dec 2010

As heating oil prices spiral upwards, people are increasingly turning to oil buying clubs, or oil syndicates, to try and get a better deal. ...

Oil Supply 'Crisis'

Heating Oil: A Buyer's Guide 17 Dec 2010

For the millions of UK homeowners who use oil as their primary heat source, the frequent price fluctuations are a fact of life. The price increase ...

Power washer for your bike

Cycling 15 Dec 2010

Here are some options for bicycle pressure washers: Mobi Portable Pressure Washer, variable pressure, powered from car, £80 (RRP £ ...

Super Service from Isla Bikes

Cycling 13 Dec 2010

We placed our order for an Isla Luath 24" bike on the evening of Monday 29 November. The Luath 24 is the red one, with drop handlebars; we ordered ...

Very old seaside tractors

Fun Stuff 11 Dec 2010

These tractors are parked up on the cliff-top at Overstrand, still in regular use for the fishing boats (lobsters, mostly?) that operate from ...

Fire Gloves

Solid Fuel Stoves and Central Heating 06 Dec 2010

Are you looking for mittens suitable for quickly slipping on when you're attending to the open fire or woodburning stove? If so, you're best ...

Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs

Films 04 Dec 2010

Very funny cartoon movie, starring a super-clever kid who is socially inept but loves inventing things. One day he perfects a make-food-out ...

American Beauty

Films 04 Dec 2010

Kevin Spacey stars in this analysis of social and romantic values. Mid-life crises, bigotry and coming-of-age all rolled into one.
  ...

Monsters Inc

Films 04 Dec 2010

Following on from the Toy Story success, this is a superb animation featuring lots of strange creatures with completely human personalities. ...