Monthly Archive for October, 2009

New Job!

Contructed on 10/25/2009 in General Stuffage, Site Related and Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Who here has watched ‘The IT Crowd’? Well, for those who haven’t; is a British sitcom, written by Graham Linehan and produced by Ash Atalla for Channel 4. The IT Crowd is set in the offices of Reynholm Industries, a fictitious British corporation in central London. It focuses on the shenanigans of a three-strong IT support team located in a dingy, untidy basement. This isn’t a review of the series, but more a contrast between the show and my brand new job!

Recently I quit my job as a Study Support Assistant at Helston Community College, as it was squashing my chances of employment due to the ridiculous times and the fact that I needed more money and working hours. As I was walking past the office of the Headteacher, he happened to be walking out and pretty much just gave me a job! This doesn’t happen, surely. Apparently it does. I’m now an IT Technician of Helston College! Now, what the bloody hell does that have to do with The IT Crowd? I’ll tell you…

IT’S EXACTLY WHAT MY WORK IS LIKE! A group of whiter than milk nerds, sitting around and begrudgingly fixing computers, occasionally doing something utterly ridiculous and hilarious. The only thing missing is an answer phone that says ‘Hello, IT  Department; have you tried turning it off and on again?’ I think that we should get one of those. It may seem rude and dismissive to people when we say that, but the truth is that 90% of problems can be solved by a simple restart. Owing to the fact that the programs and updates are on a network, for computers to pick these fixes and programs up, they need restarting to request the new software.

There are obviously times when we are needed to go and have a look and most problems are easy fixes, I was thinking of making a FAQ for teachers and staff but then I realised that I’d be working myself out of a job, and seeing as I have only just got the bloody thing, that would be a really bad idea.

Anyway, that’s my new job. What’s new/coming up? Oh yes! PillowMint Radio, kinda like a podcast, but not really. There will be music and interviews and allsorts going on. I’m just off now to record some more stuff :P

Speak again soon

-Martin

By Martin

Gillette – The Best A Man Can Get

Contructed on 10/01/2009 in General Stuffage, Reviews and Technology. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

The Disaster

I’ve had my beloved Mach 3 since I was 14 (ish) and it’s been a great little razor, giving me close and smooth shaves time and time again. However, 2 weeks ago, my Mach 3 bit the dust as the little clippy bits that hold on the blades snapped. I was obviously distraught. This was my prized Mach 3 and had served me well throughout the years.  So I had to go off to Tescos and buy a new one!

At Tescos

I was all geared up to go out and buy a new Mach 3 as I loved my old one and it never failed me, but as I was browsing for my preferred razor of choice, I noticed an offer that said that If I was to buy a packet of Fusion Blades, I could get the razor for free. This turned out to be cheaper than the Mach 3. What could the harm be? If I don’t like it, I haven’t lost much and if it turns out to be awesome then I have saved a lot of money. I purchased one and set about going home to finish my shave before someone notices the random one bald patch on my face.

At Home

I get home and unwrap my new toy to see what the differences are, the first being the blade, the Fusion has 5 closely spaced blades compared to the traditional 3 of the Mach 3 blade. This is supposed to offer more comfort and a smoother and closer result.

 Differences of Blades

So does it work better? Well, initially I couldn’t tell the difference. In fact, I found myself preferring the Mach 3 to the Fusion, at least in the handle department. The Fusion handle is larger, and more ergonomic, so it doesn’t allow for the kind of diverse twisting and twirling needed to get around my boat-race*.  I was concerned that crowding in extra blades would result in more clogging with fuzz and shaving foam, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem. The Fusion’s blades wash out pretty easily and certainly more easily than that of the Mach 3.

The Changes in Handles

It’s a lot nicer to hold than the Mach 3, and as for the aformentioned twisting and twirling, it’s not really necessary when you are used to the fine job that the Fusion does just by scraping up and down my mush.  Shaving results have been excellent. The Fusion shaves very closely, and with little irritation. So far, no nicks at all, even with brand new blades, which is surprising seeing as I usually end up carving my face like a Sunday roast.

Overall

What I like:

  • Close, comfortable shave
  • Low irritation
  • “Extra” blade is useful in tight spots
  • Price (only if on offer)

What I don’t like:

  • Having to say goodbye to my faithful Mach 3

I think the Gillette Fusion is a significant improvement in quality over its predecessors. Is it worth the money? If you’re looking for the best possible shave, the I would heartily recommend it.

By Martin