It's Friday: & almost Beer O'Clock! What makes the perfect pint?

The perfect pint has a head of precisely nine millimetres, is served in a PROPER pint glass - at 5.30pm on a Saturday evening, in a beer garden with your other half, according to according to new research by St Austell Brewery. a study. 

New research has revealed the formula for the PERFECT pint drinking experience, according to beer-loving Brits, and also found the ideal pint should be accompanied by a packet of crisps, a good catch up with your other half, and with mobile phone devices out of sight. 

The perfect setting is a country pub, with a beer garden – and it should take exactly 28 minutes to enjoy, the poll found.

Sounds good to me. A pint of Pride, 6X or Tribute. A bowl of cashew nuts. Kim, Calli and/or some mates, & all is well with the world! Sometimes it's the simple things in life that can be most rewarding. Blessings for a great weekend, Cheers!

www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Another security breach: NewsNow. Another reason not to reuse passwords!

Online news aggregation service NewsNow has admitted that it has suffered a security breach.

It’s a shame that they didn’t include more technical details on how the passwords are stored, even if only for those readers who might understand them.

What is clear is that you should ensure that you are not using the password you were using on NewsNow anywhere else on the web.

Furthermore, NewsNow appears to be so burnt by the experience that it has decided it never wants to store passwords (hashed or otherwise) again.

In an age of “toxic data”, the site has declared that it has revamped its login system. In future users will simply enter their email address into a form, and will then need to wait for a message to be sent to their email address containing a link that will log them into the NewsNow system.

So, puhleaze: choose your passwords carefully, no simple ones, complexity is the key, and no reuse of passwords either! 

If you need help: contact Donline.

www.grahamcluley.com

Child of Hope Uganda: the difference we make

Check out this 5-minute video (produced by our Ugandan team) and you'll see for yourself the work of Child of Hope in Namatala slum and the amazing difference made by both free education at the school and our innovative Family Support Team that works alongside it.

www.childofhopeuganda.org

The Denmead Beer Festival: Saturday 27th October

The Charles Church 20th Annual Beer Festival

Saturday 27th October 2018 at 19:00 - 23:30

Denmead Community Centre School Lane PO7 6LU

Tickets £10 includes souvenir glass tankard & complimentary drink

A wide variety of local and national beers, plus a selection of wines, cider and soft drinks.

Live music from "Checkers"

Raffle and BBQ

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM:

DENMEAD COMMUNITY CENTRE 02392 256132

DISCOVER WINE 02392 255037

FLEURTATIONS 02392 255344

FOREST OF BERE 02392 263145

Once again, Donline is pleased to be a sponsor of this great Denmead tradition: Cheers!

www.denmeadca.com

Scammers steal half-a-billion pounds from UK banking customers

More than £500m was stolen from customers of British banks in the first half of 2018, figures have shown.

Industry group UK Finance said £145m of that was due to authorised push payment (APP) scams, in which people are conned into sending money to another account.

But £358m was lost to unauthorised fraud, which includes transactions made without account holders' knowledge.

Unauthorised fraud victims are usually refunded by their banks, but most victims of APP fraud do not get their money back.

This is because current legislation means they are liable for any losses incurred if they authorise a payment themselves.

Many people may already know the dos and don’ts of financial fraud – that no-one should ever contact them out of the blue to ask for their PIN or full password, or ever make them feel pressured into moving money to another account. The trouble is, in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget this.

After all, trusting people on their word is something everyone tends to do instinctively. If someone says they’re from your bank or a trusted organisation, why wouldn’t you believe them?

Stop & Think: Take Five To Stop Fraud.

www.bbc.co.uk

It's Calli's 4th birthday!

It's Calli's birthday today: 4 years old, and loving every minute of it!

She got a squeaky squirrel to add to her huge collection of toys!

Happy birthday dear Callista! xxx

Google admits that third-party services can access your Gmail account

Google is still letting third-party services access people’s Gmail accounts, according to a letter to US senators from Google.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the letter to senators said that while Google stopped scanning Gmail accounts, third-party developer apps still could. The letter comes ahead of a privacy-focused hearing in Washington next week.

Google said that it allows third-party apps to use this acquired data however they wanted, within reason.

“Developers may share data with third parties so long as they are transparent with the users about how they are using the data,” wrote Susan Molinari, the company’s vice president for public policy and government affairs for the Americas, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Ensuring your security and privacy within Gmail: You can visit the Security Checkup to review what permissions you have granted to non-Google apps, and revoke them if you would like. For G Suite users, admins can control which non-Google apps can access their users’ data through whitelisting.

www.alphr.com

CCleaner Pro is on sale: now 50% off

CCleaner - the world's most popular PC cleaner - It protects your privacy and makes your computer faster and more secure.

Control which apps use your computer's resources

Privacy Protection: Removes tracking files and browsing data

Cleans Everywhere: Even places other cleaners can't reach

Guards Against Junk Files: Monitors junk in real-time

Automatically Clears History: Cleans your browser when you close it

Always Up-to-date: CCleaner keeps up with your browsers and operating system

It’s time to celebrate because CCleaner has been downloaded 2.5 billion times worldwide!

We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all our users. We couldn’t have hit this incredible milestone without you.

As a little gift to show our appreciation, here’s 50% off our best-ever version. It includes automatic cleaning so your machine will stay clean, safe and fast - without you doing a thing!

www.ccleaner.com

Prayer for today: The Grace

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Read all of 2 Corinthians 13 at Bible Gateway

International Talk Like A Pirate Day: Sept. 19. Arrr, that it be mateys!

International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD, September 19) is a parodic holiday created in 1995 by John Baur (Ol' Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy), of Albany, Oregon, U.S., who proclaimed September 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate.

An observer of this holiday would greet friends not with "Hello, everyone!" but with "Ahoy, maties!" or "Ahoy, me hearties!". The holiday, and its observance, springs from a romanticized view of the Golden Age of Piracy.

www.talklikeapirate.com

Gemini PDA official user guide now available: paperback or free PDF!

The Gemini PDA Official User Guide is now available to download for FREE from the Planet Computers website in PDF format, and you can find it on this link.  

The guide has been written for Planet Computers by veteran computer books author Mike Halsey of Windows.do, the author of 18 books on computer usability, accessibility, and troubleshooting.

Additionally you can purchase the guide in paperback from Amazon.

www.geminiplanet.com

Millions overcharged for mobile contracts

About four million people have been charged for mobile phones they already own, spending £500m extra on contracts, according to Citizens Advice.

Three of Britain's biggest mobile networks, EE, Three and Vodafone, continue to charge for handsets even after the cost has been paid off.

Many customers have no idea they are being charged for phones after their contracts have ended.

"Consumers should check their phone bills to see if they can save money with a SIM-only contract or upgrade to a new phone"

Not sure what to do next? Contact Donline for advice.

www.bbc.co.uk

Don't be a Space Invader. Stay safe, stay back

Tailgating makes other drivers feel intimidated, scared and bullied. While it may not be intentional by the driver behind, to those in the car in front, it feels aggressive and personal.

Some drivers readily admit to tailgating but wouldn’t dream of drink driving or using a handheld mobile phone. Many of them think and say they are really good drivers

Drivers should stay aware of how dangerous or intimidating their driving could be.

“There is absolutely no upside to tailgating – you will not get to your destination faster, you are not a skilled driver for doing it, and you are putting so many innocent people at risk. So I very much back this campaign to highlight the dangers of tailgating.”

Nigel Mansell, Former Formula 1 world champion, President of IAM RoadSmart

www.highwaysengland.co.uk

Charlotte Smith from BBC Radio 4 visits Fuller's Brewery to talk about its history, the brewing process and the future of pubs

“Charlotte visits one of the oldest family run breweries in the country - the Fuller's Brewery on the banks of the Thames in Chiswick in central London. 

Beer has been brewed on this site since the Seventeenth Century and the present brewery was founded in 1846. The company owns hundreds of pubs and hotels across the south of England and employs thousands of people.”

www.bbc.co.uk

A new video by Afro Celt Sound System: Sanctus featuring The Amani Choir

Afro Celt Sound System - Sanctus feat. The Amani Choir

Taken from the new album Flight - Out 23rd November 2018

The Sanctus (Latin: Sanctus, "Holy") is a hymn in Christian liturgy. In Western Christianity, the Sanctus forms part of the Ordinary and is sung (or said) as the final words of the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer, the prayer of consecration of the bread and wine. The preface, which alters according to the season, usually concludes with words describing the praise of the worshippers joining with the angels, who are pictured as praising God with the words of the Sanctus:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

www.youtube.com

Apple can delete purchased movies from your library without telling you

When you buy a movie on iTunes, it’s yours forever - until such a time as when Apple maybe loses the rights to distribute it, and then it will disappear from your library without a trace. This is what happened to Anders G. da Silva, who goes by @drandersgs on Twitter, and who tweeted about losing three movies bought on the iTunes Store.

When da Silva wrote to Apple to complain about the missing movies, Apple wrote back to him that “the content provider has removed these movies from the Canadian Store. Hence, these movies are not available in the Canada iTunes Store at this time.” For his trouble in notifying Apple that it had disappeared three of his ostensible belongings for incredibly dubious legal reasons, Apple offered da Silva not even a refund, but two credits for renting a movie on the iTunes Store “priced up to $5.99 USD.” After he argued that he was not in the market for rentals and would just like the movies he purchased, please, Apple tried to appease him with two more rental credits.

www.theoutline.com

Reading for today: Where does my help come from?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Read all of Psalm 121 at Bible Gateway

Spoken Word by Dai Woolridge: Eden - Storytelling four beats through the Bible.

What springs to mind when you think of Eden? The freshest fruit and lushest leaves? A slippery snake, or a guy and a girl swapping their birthday suit for some fig leaves? Maybe you think of the separation, the ‘do not enter’ sign put up, when Adam and Eve didn't choose God's way.

Eden was a place where God strolled through the garden with us. And whilst it all went south, the Bible tells us of God’s restoration plan ever since, fulfilled through our Saviour Jesus, a promise of a fully restored relationship in an eternal new Eden creation – heaven and earth!

From creation to fall, redemption to new creation – this is the story of scripture in four phases.

www.youtube.com

Don rides the 2018 Honda Gold Wing - a Tour de Force!

Today Bri & I went up to South Coast Honda, in Chichester to try out the all new 2018 Honda Gold Wing DCT. Big thanks & Mikey, Nick & the crew.

The 1st thing that strikes you about this bike is it's big - not as big as they had become in latter years (Honda shaved about 50kg off this model!) - but big when compared to most ordinary bikes. Lets put it this way: my Crosstourer is no tiddler, but the Wing is over 100kg heavier! Sounds scary? Actually not at all: as soon as you sit on this fantastic bike, you notice the weight is so low down & well balanced - even putting the bike on & off stands (side & centre) is a snap. Amazing!

Riding is a joy - the 1800cc 6 cylinder powerplant is a dream. Loads of torque, smooth rapid acceleration, 4 riding modes, DCT gearbox (automatic - effectively), with wait for it: cruise control! Suspension is sublime: using a really clever double wishbone system, bumps and potholes are dealt with beautifully, but road feedback is great. Cornering is a joy: a big bike, but I could have it on its side round corners - didn't ground out either!

The spec sheet is unbelievable: fab sound system, electrically adjustable screen, heated grips & individually adjustable heated seats, airbag, keyless ignition, smartphone integration, loads of luggage capacity, forward & reverse crawler gears, the list goes on!

While playing around with the screen, I noticed on the A27 at motorway speeds, and with the screen at it's highest setting, wind totally misses the rider, but (somehow) gently pushes you forward, taking the load off your back - impressive for touring & long rides. While on that subject: when I engaged cruise control - oh what joy! Boy, wish I had that when we did our Camino...

I have to say this is a very special bike: I've ridden loads of different makes & models, but nothing like this! I've loved the Wing since the early 80's (Aspencade), but have never ridden one. I had a feeling that I'd ride it, bring it back & say: glad I got that out of my system. It wasn't like that at all - I loved it!

However, I see three slight problems:

1) The DCT model is just shy of £30k - ouch!

2) You'd need something smaller as well.

3) Need to get points 1 & 2 past the financial controller. Oh, well...

More photos here / South Coast Honda / Gold Wing

MEGA.nz Chrome extension caught stealing passwords, cryptocurrency private keys

The official Chrome extension for the MEGA.nz file sharing service has been compromised with malicious code that steals usernames and passwords, but also private keys for cryptocurrency accounts, ZDNet has learned.

The malicious behavior was found in the source code of the MEGA.nz Chrome extension version 3.39.4, released as an update earlier today.

Google engineers have already intervened and removed the extension from the official Chrome Web Store, and also disabled the extension for existing users.

MEGA.nz sound familiar? Where have I heard that name before? 

Remember this guy: Kim Dotcom? Yup, it's his outfit...

www.zdnet.com

15 ways to run a terrible website

If you're old enough to remember the horrendous content displayed on Geocities websites back in the 1990's you can call yourself a seasoned internet veteran. You can find some hilarious examples around the web, but suffice to say, the dawning age of the internet was one of experimenting with what worked - and what didn't.

Websites have come a long way since then, and for the most part are more polished and professional, especially business-related sites. However, there remain some stubborn pet peeves among users, which plague some sites and drive away customers (or potential ones).

With that in mind, here are 15 tongue-in-cheek tips on how to run a terrible website.

There are some websites (example: 1 & 2) that I'd love to use more, but they are full of intrusive ads & horrendous popups. Often the page load time is so bad: I give up & go somewhere else! If you have a website, please keep it clean & simple.

www.techrepublic.com

Like Lego? How about a 1:1 Bugatti Chiron, it's drivable too!

When we say with LEGO Technic you can BUILD FOR REAL, we really mean it!

Here’s our amazing 1:1 version of the iconic Bugatti Chiron. Not only does it look like the real thing, it also drives as well – and to prove it we took it for a spin on the same German track where Bugatti do their testing…  

#BuildforReal See more at our website here. 

Wait: how on earth did they build that?!? See here - truly incredible!

Don't have a team of engineers, 13,000 hours, & over a million pieces of Lego? 

Then alternatively, try this for size: LEGO 42083 Technic Bugatti Chiron.

www.youtube.com

Download the "Bible in One Year" app: a fantastic Bible study resource - for free!

With over 1 million users worldwide, Bible in One Year is the leading daily bible reading app. Nicky Gumbel, vicar of HTB church in London and pioneer of Alpha, provides amazing audio and written commentary to walk you through each day’s Bible readings.

Each day you will receive a Psalm or Proverbs reading, and New Testament reading, and an Old Testament reading. Updated daily, Nicky Gumbel then provides insightful commentary on each Bible passage, intended to be read or listened to alongside the Bible to provide fresh understanding of the texts.

Bible in One Year uses the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible, as well as drawing on other Bible translations such as The Message (MSG) to provide insights to each reading. 

www.bibleinoneyear.org

StillMarillion - a fantastic early Marillion tribute act - Playing Farnham Maltings 13th Oct!

StillMarillion pay tribute to the classic Eighties ‘Fish era’ of Marillion. Formed in 2008 from a love of the band's early material, the band is comprised of four talented and experienced musicians who accurately recreate the complex, intricate sounds of early Marillion. Together with a vocalist with an authentic Scottish accent who sings the songs with intense passion and emotion, it's a formidable combination.

The band performs a broad selection of tracks from the first four Marillion albums, from the big hit singles such as 'Kayleigh', 'Lavender', 'Incommunicado' and 'Sugar Mice', all the way through to classic album tracks such as 'Script For A Jester's Tear', 'Fugazi' and other forgotten gems.

Performing the length and breadth of the UK, StillMarillion have garnered a loyal crowd, with some travelling across Europe to see the band. The band have, on occasion, shared the stage with Marillion's own Steve Rothery and Mark Kelly.

SATURDAY 13th OCTOBER - STILLMARILLION (FISH-ERA MARILLION TRIBUTE) @ FARNHAM MALTINGS - £17 seated / £15 standing

StillMarillion were the first of many bands I (Julian Lewry) have co-promoted with White Mountain Promotions since 2014 and am pleased to be doing so again although I will sadly miss this show in Farnham as I will be busy in Farncombe with Sounds of Simon that evening! StillMarillion are the definitive tribute to Fish-era Marillion and set out to capture the atmosphere of those Eighties gigs performing the early Marillion material which is seldom performed by Marillion or Fish these days. 

www.farnhammaltings.ticketsolve.com

Windows 10 major “Redstone 5” update due this October

Windows 10 is one of Microsoft’s finest operating systems to date, although it’s not without its problems (I’m looking at you, Windows Update). Each new Windows 10 update brings Microsoft’s OS a small step closer to perfection, which is why you should pay attention to the catchily titled Windows 10 October 2018 Update announced at IFA 2018.

Not much is currently known about the update, although Microsoft has promised more details in the weeks leading to the update. Features expected in the October 2018 update include a “dark mode” colouration for file explorer, the ability to sync your clipboard between different devices using the cloud, and various tweaks to Notepad, Microsoft’s Xbox app, and the ever-maligned Microsoft Edge.

The update will be initially available to those signed up for the Windows Insider program, as a way of testing its features, in early October. The update will roll out to other users shortly after. More information is likely to be shown at Microsoft’s yearly Ignite event between 24 and 28 September, in Florida.

www.alphr.com

Crescent Honda Southampton are hosting Southampton Bike Night: Thursday 6th September

Thursday 6th September, Crescent Honda Southampton are hosting Southampton Bike Night for 1 Night only!! 

Join us as Southampton Bike Night hits the road from 5pm for the first sponsor exclusive night of the season!!

Exclusively as SBN take to the road, we'll be offering 20% discount across our entire range of clothing. Brands such as RST, AGV and Furygan to name a few.

We'll also be running a raffle with our top prizes including a signed pair of WorldSBK rider Alex Lowes' boots, WorldSBK merchandise, Oxford accessories, WD-40 products and much more!

For one night only on all Muc-Off and WD-40 products!

Our Honda trained technicians will also be on hand all night to answer technical questions you may have.

Keeping you fuelled on night with our special bike burger bar on site all night!

One night only, Thursday 6th September, 5 - 8.30pm; 

Crescent Honda hosts SBN. See you there!

www.southamptonbikenight.co.uk

Scientists make a prototype touch phablet that rolls and scrolls

Research scientists at Queen’s University’s Human Media Lab have built (YouTube Video HERE) a prototype touchscreen device that’s neither smartphone nor tablet but kind of both — and more besides. The device, which they’ve christened the MagicScroll, is inspired by ancient (papyrus/paper/parchment) scrolls so it takes a rolled-up, cylindrical form factor - enabled by a flexible 7.5inch touchscreen housed in the casing.

This novel form factor, which they made using 3D printing, means the device can be used like an erstwhile Rolodex (remember those?!) for flipping through on-screen contacts quickly by turning a physical rotary wheel built into the edge of the device. (They’ve actually added one on each end.)

Then, when more information or a deeper dive is required, the user is able to pop the screen out of the casing to expand the visible display real estate. The flexible screen on the prototype has a resolution of 2K. So more mid-tier mobile phone of yore than crisp iPhone Retina display at this nascent stage.

www.techcrunch.com