INCHKAKA

Baby things you just need to buy

2026-05-11T19:55:00.000+01:00

A quick note: the original product photos on this post used Amazon's old iframe widgets, which Amazon retired years ago. This is a rebuild — same words, same recommendations, with the product images restored.

Feeding Bits & Soothers

Tommee Tippee is still the best, and you're likely to use most of the bits that's in the starter kit. It comes with a soother in the pack, but if you want more soothers later then the Philips ones are safe and good — glow in the dark for when you need to find them in the dark ;)

Obviously breast milk rules, but it's good to have a pack of the Hipp Milk handy as well for emergencies.

ASIN · B004GCJF9U

ASIN · B00518GAIW

ASIN · B003YUC164

ASIN · B003Y6OOZE

Breast Pump

If you're not sure you're likely to need it then invest in a basic manual one. Philips is the best for that, but if you need a proper one then go with the Medela Electric Breastpump.

ASIN · B007ZPFO6S

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B000LPZTQY

View on Amazon UK →

Bathing & Thermometer

Bath thermometer's a must before you dunk the kid in — water should be around 37°C.

Also buy the Braun thermometer as well asap — every house should have one of these. We have one for home, one at parents.

Shampoo here is the best one; we also use a second one that I can't find available online.

ASIN · B000279W00

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B0001D0LMS

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B000JYIDE2

View on Amazon UK →

Grooming

You'll need the nail cutters and brush from this (helps with cradle cap dry skin); the rest you may find useful, and it's cheaper to get it in a pack.

ASIN · B002IS0M32

View on Amazon UK →

Nappy Bin

Get a couple. One for baby's room for pee and one to keep in the bathroom for poop! You don't need to buy extra bags — just wrap a black bin bag around the cartridge and stick it in.

ASIN · B00E737PO0

View on Amazon UK →

Toy Essentials

Lamaze toys are very good. Very well designed and perfect for car or cot bed. The spinny one's handy to hold their attention when they start sitting with you to eat!

You'd be good to have one of these when they're around 9 months. It would encourage them standing up and walking as well as interacting.

ASIN · B000I2OKEW

ASIN · B000I2Q0F4

ASIN · B002J4U8P2

ASIN · B000EIV1RO

Mobile, Monitor & Book for the bed

One of the best mobiles, and handy to hold their attention for a while. Book's a good one for bed time reading even from the age of 3 months.

Monitor's one of the best and it just works; we still use it for night light and it also shows you the temperature in their room, which should be kept close to 19°C. Don't get the video one — you might fry baby's brain with the radio waves ;)

ASIN · B00198PQHY

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · 1607102447

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B002NWJ1N0

View on Amazon UK →

Baby Carrier & Car Seat

Very handy to have. Car seat and ISO fix that we used — you don't need the ISO fix, it just makes life easier. You need a baby car seat to take baby home from hospital, so get one as soon as you can.

ASIN · B002IC018E

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B000MF2E7A

View on Amazon UK →

ASIN · B002YK51YE

View on Amazon UK →

Safety

It's gonna start crawling a few months in. Have these in place sooner than later. You need one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

ASIN · B001KC05PM

View on Amazon UK →

Sun Screen

Might sound strange, but not all sun screens are the same. This is the best one — with the least chemicals and most effective in that range.

ASIN · B000LNH27U

View on Amazon UK →

For when baby's older

Potty

Be ready to start potty training at 2 years.

ASIN · B000MEU3M4

ASIN · B001RH85I4

ASIN · B001RH1A9K

ASIN · B000YKPD0I

This page contains Amazon affiliate links to amazon.co.uk. If you click one, I may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you.

BTWifi-X and EEWifi-X with your EE Sim, and eSim

2023-10-24T16:18:00.003+01:00

With BT and EE now sharing a bed, you can now use the BT resources like the BTWifi-X public hotspot that used to be previously exclusive to BT customers.

Also now you should start seeing BT hotspot names being gradually changed to the EE branding.

So...

IF: You're on a EE contract (not PAYG)

AND: You're using a PHYSICAL EE SIM card (not an eSIM) then you can connect to the BT and EEWifi-X hotspots wherever you see them.

IMPORTANT: Currently there are technical issues with eSims connecting specifically to the Wifi-X hotspots.

If you're struggling to connect still and the connection attempt is toggling between Connecting and Saved, then during the SIM authentication setting try in the Advanced section, changing the MAC address setting from dynamic to static.

STORM Boiler E0 Error

2022-11-10T16:52:00.000+00:00

If you have a STORM boiler installed and you're getting the dreaded E0 Error come up on the display then you just need to add water pressure.

To do this you should find a black knob at the bottom of your boiler that looks more like a pipe with a black cap on it. Twist the black cap open and you'll find that the water pressure gauge changes and goes up. I have the pressure go up to just over 2 and it seems to work fine.

iPhone drops call without ringing

2021-10-08T19:39:00.003+01:00

Troubleshooting condition if

1. You just upgraded your phone, and

2. Using an old SIM card that you had in your old phone, and

3. If you can make calls out from your phone fine, and

4. Incoming calls show briefly on the screen and disconnect without ringing, and

5. Incoming calls appear as missed calls without phone ringing

6. The caller hears nothing their end, then connection attempt terminates

Then it's likely that you may have a 2G, 3G or 4G card in your 5G phone. Upgrade your SIM.

Covid-19 Testing in Tirana, Albania

2021-09-22T15:00:00.001+01:00

You have a lot of options in Tirana to get your PCR or ANTIGEN test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) certification.

Most countries accept Antigen which is much cheaper than PCR - check before committing.

Option 1: There are over 5 testing stations just at Tirana Airport. They all do PCR.

Option 2: Ask your hotel to arrange one for you.

Option 3: Go to Intermedica in Tirana.

Antigen testing is very new in Albania. The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to head to Intermedica on Rruga Panorama:

Link to Intermedica on Google Maps

This is what the entrance looks like specifically for COVID-19 testing centre:

Force Android 11 on Nokia 3.4 from any coutry

2021-09-22T14:46:00.001+01:00

Workaround to Download Android 11 on any Nokia 3.4 device:

1. First download a good VPN from the play store

- I use Mozilla VPN but I know Turbo VPN also works

2. Remove your SIM Card(s)

3. Clear data for the following apps:

1. Google Services Framework

2. Location Services

3. Google Play Services

4. Google Play Store

4. Restart your phone

5. Start your VPN. Launch the VPN and connect to any of the Wave 1 countries, like India.

- I tried Australia and it worked

6. Connect to a Wifi and confirm you have a VPN connection

7. Go and check for updates. Try it a couple of times, then the update will show on your phone.

Credit to https://community.phones.nokia.com/profile/Julius_Oppong

from here: https://community.phones.nokia.com/

Controlling Alexa Smart Home devices using SONOFF SNZB-02 Temperature Sensor

2021-09-05T15:03:00.003+01:00

Make sure you've first followed the instructions to set your SNZB-02 up on the Alexa App first, then follow the instructions below:

Set to control / turn Smart Home devices on and off based on temperature:

1. Open Alexa App on your mobile device

2. Tap on More menu on bottom far right of the Alexa App

3. Select Routines

4. Tap on + to add routine

5. Enter Routine name of your choice

6. Select + next to "When this happens", then "Smart Home", and "Indoor" (if you’ve named your SONOFF as Indoor)

7. Select desired temperature to activate (or deactivate) another device, then Save

8. Add action of your choice, including turning on or off a light or smart plug connected to Alexa

Any issues please add a comment to the following video on YouTube where you're more likely to get replies and community support:

Setting up the SONOFF SNZB-02 temperature sensor with a Zigbee enabled ALEXA / ECHO device

DOOGEE X95 not charging, stuck on battery charge screen

2021-03-22T14:11:00.002+00:00

So let's see, you've left your x95 and managed to completely drain the battery; now you've plugged it in and you see this come up on the screen, and you've tried to restart the device like you normally do and... nothing.

Here's the trick:

1. Be patient, very patient

2. Plug the charging cable in until you see the image above

3. Leave the phone alone for 30 minutes. This is a good opportunity to go to my YouTube channel to see some unboxing videos on my bed, and please (please!) subscribe!

4. After 30 minutes press the power button briefly until the screen is blank

5. Press the volume up button and keep your finger on it, then press the power button at the same time until you see the bootup menu

6. Keep the phone plugged in and showing this menu for another 15 minutes

7. Select the recovery mode option using the volume up button, then press volume down to restart the phone

8. You should now see the phone come back up with the initial charging screen, wait for another few minutes and you'll see the screen turn to 0%, and it'll start charging from there.

If you have any other tips then please share it in the comments below.

Setting up the SONOFF SNZB-02 with a Zigbee enabled ALEXA / ECHO device

2021-03-22T12:22:00.004+00:00

So you can either sit through the Unboxing video on my YouTube channel, or go through instructions here to set up the SONOFF SNZB-02 sensor with Alexa.

LINKS:

The SONOFF SNZB-02 Temperature sensor: https://amzn.to/3sceS03
The SONOFF BRIDGE / HUB if your Alexa does not support Zigbee: https://amzn.to/3lErGdp
Unboxing Video: https://youtu.be/pJ-uh7YkRsk

IMPORTANT:

1. Your Alexa must support ZigBee, otherwise you'll need an additional ZigBee hub

2. This sensor with Alexa as a hub will only show temperature. If you need Humidity reading as well then you'll need the SONOFF Zigbee Bridge / Hub as well.

STEP BY STEP:

1. Take the back off of the sensor and remove tag out of battery compartment

2. Go to Alexa App and tap to add a new device

3. Pick Thermostat from the list, then Other, until you see it searching

4. Press the button on the sensor and keep your finger on it

5. When search times out on the Alexa App then you should see it showing a new device added

6. Rename your new device (Using the Gear icon top right) from default "FIRST DEVICE" to anything you like, I called mine "INDOOR".

6. You're done. Try "Alexa, Indoor temperature"

Any issues please add a comment to the following video on YouTube where you're more likely to get replies and community support:

Setting up the SONOFF SNZB-02 temperature sensor with a Zigbee enabled ALEXA / ECHO device

Surface Pro 3 Windows 10 Insider update to Build 14279 hangs at 32%

2016-03-07T10:55:00.002+00:00

So my Surface Pro 3 managed to work through previous updates successfully in the past, but it got stuck on 32% with 6% installing features and drivers.

It's a Surface Pro 3 with Type Keyboard attached, sitting on a Microsoft Dock with a Lenovo USB 2 Ethernet Adapter and power connected to the doc, no external monitor.

After an hour I tried removing tablet from the doc and removing keyboard; still stuck at 32%.

After a two hour wait I restarted the tablet and started Windows updates again, no external devices or keyboard attached this time.

Update completed successfully.

System Center Configuration Manager 1511 (SCCM 2016) and Intune Connector

2016-01-18T14:06:00.000+00:00

So I followed the numerous guides that run you through how to add Intune services to System Center 2012 R2 to add Intune Services to SCCM 1511, and hit a glitch.

From System Center 2016 console, under Cloud Services I added my Microsoft Intune Subscription details which worked perfectly fine.

With this, \\manage.microsoft.com correctly appears under Servers and Site System Roles.

I then right click on my Primary Server under Servers and Site System Roles to Add Site System Roles, but under the Available roles I only see the following:

So no sign of Windows Intune Connector Role that I expect to see.

Solution:

The Intune Connector has been replace by the Service Connection Point.
See: https://technet.microsoft.com/library/mt622084.aspx#bkmk_servicepoint
Thanks to Benoit Lecours.

Solution link: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/e81f9e40-d569-40a8-b4a6-d8b003b8bdd4/intune-connector-not-showing-as-a-role?forum=ConfigMgrMDM#b1bb4633-14ec-4ed3-b53b-e3867d2357fa

Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later KB3116908 (KB 3116908)

2015-12-03T13:11:00.003+00:00

So following update's now out for windows 10:

"Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems (KB3116908)"

But if you're getting the following error:

"Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later"

then try downloading the update directly from the updates catalogue here:
http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=KB3116908

See KB for more info:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3116908

Enjoy.

Fitbit Charge HR Tangerine UK availability

2015-04-07T17:52:00.000+01:00

Update 13 OCT 2015:

Fitbit Charge HR Tangerine is now available in the UK from Fitbit website for £119.99, with Amazon showing no sign of availability.

There are however some Amazon Merchants cashing in on Fitbit's inability to keep their potential customers informed.

https://www.fitbit.com/uk/store#chargehr

Enjoy.

===========================

Update 27 APR 2015:

Well it looks like we won't be seeing the Tangerine for another few months:

If you know when the delivery of the Tangerine's likely to be then please post it here!

===========================

Original Post:

I decided to buy the Charge HR in Tangerine when it became available on Amazon.

Delivery is now showing to be in April:

Use the direct link below to check availability and buy the Tangerine Fitbit Charge HR from Amazon:

I'll update this as soon as I have delivery.

How to change the Network type from Puplic to Private in Windows 10

2015-02-06T10:18:00.002+00:00

I mainly use remote desktop to work on my Surface Pro 2 running Windows 10. For some reason yesterday the network setting changed to Public which stopped Remote desktop access.

To change network to Private:

1. Right click on Network icon on taskbar and click on open Network and Sharing Center

2. At the bottom left of the box you have See also. Click on HomeGroup there and you'll get the option to change your location type.

How to change Ford keyless remote key battery - Focus Kuga C-Max Mondeo Fiesta

2014-11-19T09:51:00.003+00:00

If you're getting alerts in your Ford to say you need to replace your remote battery then here are the instructions:

You'll need...
1. To find a thin screw driver to wedge the key open.
2. A replacement battery:

Press play on youtube video below:

Baby things you just need to buy

2013-10-11T12:55:00.002+01:00

Collection of useful stuff and must have essentials now online in case you find it useful:

Feeding Bits and Soothers
Tommee Tippee is still the best, and you're likely to use most of the bits that's in the starter kit. It comes with a soother in the pack, but if you want more soothers later then the Philips ones are safe and good - glow in the dark for when you need to find them in the dark ;)

Obviously breast milk rules, but it's good to have a pack of the Hipp Milk handy as well for emergencies.

Breast Pump
If you're not sure you're likely to need it then invest in a basic manual one. Philips is the best for that, but if you need a proper one then go with the Medela Electric Breastpump.

Bathing and Thermometer
Bath thermometer's a must before you dunk the kid in - water should be around 37C.

Also buy the Braun thermometer as well asap - every house should have one of these. We have one for home, one at parents.

Shampoo here is the best one, we also use a second one that I can't find available online.

Grooming
You'll need the nail cutters and brush from this (helps with cradle cap dry skin), the rest you may find useful, and it's cheaper to get it in a pack.

Nappy Bin
Get a couple. One for baby's room for pee and one to keep in the bathroom for poop!
You don't need to buy extra bags, just wrap a black bin bag around the cartridge and stick it in!

Toy Essentials
Lamaze toys are very good. Very well designed and perfect for car or cot bed. The spinny one's handy to hold their attention when they start sitting with you to eat!

You'd be good to have one of these when they're around 9 months. It would encourage them standing up and walking as well as interacting.

Mobile, Monitor and Book for the bed
One of the best mobiles, and handy to hold their attention for a while. Book's a good one for bed time reading even from the age of 3 months!! Monitor's one of the best and it just works; we still use it for night light and it also shows you the temperature in their room, which should be kept close to 19C. Don't get the video one - you might fry baby's brain with the radio waves ;)

Baby Carrier
Very handy to have:

Car seat and ISO fix that we used. You don't *need* the iso fix, it just makes life easier. You need a baby car seat to take baby home from hospital, so get one as soon as you can.

Safety
It's gonna start crawling a few months. Have these in place sooner than later. You need one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

Sun Screen
Might sound strange, but not all sun screens are the same. This is the best one with the least chemicals and most effective in that range:

For when baby's older:

Potty
Be ready to start potty training at 2 years!

row 1, cell 1

row 1, cell 2

Lenovo Thinkpad Helix Sleeve Cover Case / Bag for Tablet

2013-09-11T17:13:00.001+01:00

It seems to be difficult to find a best fit cover for the Helix out there; none that are purpose fit at the time that I'm writing this.

You can look at various MacBook Air 11" Sleeves but they all seem to be different fits!

I have, however, found one that fits the Helix perfectly. This is for when you're carrying the Helix as a tablet, without the keyboard attached.

Enjoy:

PIR MP.ALERT GSM Review

2013-01-28T18:22:00.004+00:00

Important Note: This unit needs a 2G SIM card to operate and will not work with standard 3G cards.

If you're based in the UK then the chances are that you're not likely to be able to get your hands on a 2G SIM card.

However, when you do insert a 2G SIM card then a small faint internal LED (inside above where the SIM goes in) will flash thee times to indicate that it's ready to use.

Let me know if you manage to get ours working.

UK Police Books on Amazon

2012-04-19T13:40:00.001+01:00

Having developed an obsession with Police Interceptors, Cops With Cameras, Motorway Cops, Brit Cops, Britain's Bravest Cops, Cop Squad, Traffic Cops, and Night Cops programs, my interest moved on to Police related books! Here is a selection of the ones I’ve managed to read and recommend.
They cover different forces including Met Police (Metropolitan Police), Kent Police, etc.
[Links are to Kindle Edition. To get the printed book click on the link then click on Paperback.]

A Policeman's Lot Pick, Clare Amazon Link: A Policeman's Lot My Comment: Seems like a bit of a cup half empty kinda book. Jury’s out for this one – I haven’t finished reading it yet.
Wasting More Police Time Copperfield, David Amazon Link: Wasting More Police Time My Comment: I like this book. It’s a collection of ‘interviews’ rather than your traditional story book, but it flows well.
A Fair Cop Bunting, Michael Amazon Link: A Fair Cop My Comment: This is actually a very interesting book to read. It gives a one sided insight into a police officer’s experience in Prison.
the worst POLICE book ever written. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE A SENSITIVE KITTEN Mc Phee, Shuggy Amazon Link: the worst POLICE book ever written. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE A SENSITIVE KITTEN My Comment: As the title suggest, it is probably the worst book ever written, and very badly too!
Terror Cops Hollington, Kris, Keeble, Harry Amazon Link: Terror Cops My Comment: A very well written book, may be the best in the category. It’s long and does drag on at times, but it’s still very interesting to read.
Prisoners, Property and Prostitutes: And Other Things Beginning With 'P' Ratcliffe, Tom Amazon Link: Prisoners, Property and Prostitutes: And Other Things Beginning With 'P'
Police, Crime & 999 - The True Story of a Front Line Officer John, Donoghue Amazon Link: Police, Crime & 999 - The True Story of a Front Line Officer
Diary of an On-call Girl: True Stories from the Front Line Bloggs, EE Amazon Link: Diary of an On-call Girl: True Stories from the Front Line
PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE: The Hilarious and Shocking Inside Story of British Policing Gadget, Inspector Amazon Link: PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE: The Hilarious and Shocking Inside Story of British Policing
Pocket Notebook Thomas, Mike Amazon Link: Pocket Notebook My Comment: Highly recommended. Fiction, well written, strange ending!

HTC One O2 settings for data for O2 UK

2012-04-13T11:31:00.000+01:00

These O2 data and MMS settings are for the new HTC One X handset but are the same as all other new Android based handsets.

In the mobile network settings (Settings > Mobile network) you need to set up the access point names as follows:

I've listed the configuration for both APNs here.

For O2 Mobile Web:
[Note that password below is "password", and note that APN for Pay Monthly PAYG SIM is payandgo.co.uk]

For O2 MMS Settings:
[Note that password below is "password", and note that APN for Pay Monthly PAYG SIM is payandgo.co.uk]

Hope that helps. Enjoy your new handset.

While on the topic of the One, I'm looking to get these soon - which may be of interest to others. I can review if anyone's interested:

	A bluetooth to Audio jack converter that lets you connect your phone to any stereo with Audio Jack input.
	Phone holder for the car which I now need because my old one is too small for the One. I use it mainly for Navigation and Video recording the drive.
	Finally, if you want to connect your phone to your TV then the MHL box is supposed to do the job. There’s a new Wireless one of these coming soon, but it’s well over £70.

Your recommendations are always welcome!

Dell Latitude E6320 drivers

2011-12-07T14:35:00.001+00:00

Here are some driver details for the Dell E6320 which may help you if you're playing around or going direct to Intel's download site to get the drivers.

First check for BIOS updates, then install the Intel chipset driver (see below), followed by the networking, and then the rest.

Mine came with...
Intel Core i7-2640M (2.80GHz, 4MB cache, Dual Core) with Intel HD Graphics 3000
33.8cm (13.3in) HD (1366x768) Anti-Glare LED-backlit with Camera and Microphone
No Fingerprint Reader and No Contactless Smartcard Reader
Dell 375 Bluetooth Card
Intel QM67 Express chipset (but all you'll need is the full Intel Chipset bundle infinst_autol)
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (802.11 a/b/g/n) Half Mini Wireless Card
Intel 82579LM gigabit network card - 825xx Ethernet

Don't forget to install the ST MICROELECTRONICS Free fall sensor drivers.

You should then only be left with the Broadcom USH and the PCI Serial Port drivers missing.

For the Broadcom USH to install, you'll need the Dell ControlVault driver.

For the PCI Serial Port, you'll need to Install the Intel AMT drivers

This is a useful page:
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/enterprise-client/w/wiki/latitude-e6320-windows-7-driver-cab.aspx

Here's a useful PDF:
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/latitude-e6320-spec-sheet.pdf

List of drivers installed to get the E6320 working from a basic Windows 7 Pro 64 install:

To Install Dell PCI Serial Port from Unidentified device list
07/12/2011 15:19        10,796,856 Intel_Unified-AMT-7-Manageme_A02_R311171.exe

Dell 5500 Driver and Application
07/12/2011 14:29        70,031,864 2. DELL_WIRELESS-5550-HSPA-MINI_A03_R298998.exe
07/12/2011 14:29        46,703,776 3. DELL_WIRELESS-5550-HSPA-MINI_A03_R298995.exe
Dell ControlPoint System Manager
07/12/2011 15:04         20,351,952 APP_WIN_R312259.EXE
To install the Broadcom USH from Unidentified device list
07/12/2011 15:10 9,330,360 Dell_ControlVault_A08_R308494.exe
BIOS update:
07/12/2011 13:40         5,820,968 E6320A08.exe
Intel chipset install
07/12/2011 13:47         2,886,424 infinst_autol.exe
Intel Display drivers
07/12/2011 13:59        90,689,709 Win7Vista_64_152252.zip
Intel Wireless and Ethernet driver
07/12/2011 14:13         8,449,424 Wireless_14.2.0.10_Ds64.exe
07/12/2011 14:23        11,905,856 NIC_DRVR_WIN_R313802.EXE

Other drivers
07/12/2011 14:30 6,243,184 ST-MICROELECTRONICS_FREE-FAL_A10_R309372.exe

UK Police Books on Amazon

2011-11-22T13:44:00.001+00:00

They cover different forces including Met Police, Kent Police, etc.

[Links are to Kindle Edition. To get the printed book click on the link then click on Paperback.]

A Fair Cop Bunting, Michael Amazon Link: A Fair Cop My Comment: This is actually a very interesting book to read. It gives a one sided insight into a police officer’s experience in Prison.
the worst POLICE book ever written. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE A SENSITIVE KITTEN Mc Phee, Shuggy Amazon Link: the worst POLICE book ever written. DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE A SENSITIVE KITTEN My Comment: As the title suggest, it is probably the worst book ever written, and very badly too!
Terror Cops Hollington, Kris, Keeble, Harry Amazon Link: Terror Cops My Comment: A very well written book, may be the best in the category. It’s long and does drag on at times, but it’s still very interesting to read.
Prisoners, Property and Prostitutes: And Other Things Beginning With 'P' Ratcliffe, Tom Amazon Link: Prisoners, Property and Prostitutes: And Other Things Beginning With 'P'
Police, Crime & 999 - The True Story of a Front Line Officer John, Donoghue Amazon Link: Police, Crime & 999 - The True Story of a Front Line Officer
Diary of an On-call Girl: True Stories from the Front Line Bloggs, EE Amazon Link: Diary of an On-call Girl: True Stories from the Front Line
PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE: The Hilarious and Shocking Inside Story of British Policing Gadget, Inspector Amazon Link: PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE: The Hilarious and Shocking Inside Story of British Policing
Pocket Notebook Thomas, Mike Amazon Link: Pocket Notebook My Comment: Highly recommended. Fiction, well written, strange ending!

Unboxing: LED Lenser T7 Tactical Torch (Test It Pack)

2011-06-23T13:28:00.001+01:00

Don’t get too excited, this is just an unboxing video to show you what you get when you buy Amazon’s version of the LED Lenser 7439TP T7 Tactical Light (Test It Pack).

I did a lot of research before settling with the T7, but it’s all about your own personal preferences. I picked the T7 over the other contenders like the Fenix PD30 and Surefire G2, G2L, E2DL, etc., because the T7 is reasonably priced, fairly powerful, it takes AAA batteries, and it’s the perfect shape and size to carry around.

And for those trying to decide between the T7 and P7, I picked the T7 over the Lenser P7 purely because of the word ‘Tactical’! Shallow, I know.

I also looked at eBay and other suppliers, and after reading some of the ratings and comments I decided to pay the few pennies more and buy from Amazon to make sure I don’t get a fake.

There are also a few variations of packaging out there, and some don’t include the pouch, this one does:

LED Lenser 7439TP T7 Tactical Light (Test It Pack)

Enjoy!

Also, if you’re interested in this then you might also find the following useful:

This is my pen of choice. It’s perfect for those who need to take notes when they’re out and about, perfect to keep in the pocket, it feels good when you’re writing with it - and fairly cheap as well:

If you’re willing to spend a bit more then these are the boots to go for. I’ve been using them for a while now on a daily basis and I still love them:

And finally, if you’re interested in Kindle books on UK Policing then feel free to have a look at my list here: http://inchka.blogspot.com/2011/11/having-developed-obsession-with-police.html

I’m here if you have any questions!

I don’t do Jokes, but…

2011-03-29T16:31:00.002+01:00

This is a complaint to Springburn Police Force from an angry member of the public. A true email sent to the force, lengthy but brilliantly written.....

--------------

Dear Sir/Madam/Automated telephone answering service,

Having spent the past twenty minutes waiting for someone at Springburn police station to pick up a telephone I have decided to abandon the idea and try e-mailing you instead.

Perhaps you would be so kind as to pass this message on to your colleagues in Possil, by means of smoke signal, carrier pigeon or Ouija board.

As I'm writing this e-mail there are eleven failed medical experiments (I think you call them youths) in Saracan Street which is just off Hawthorn Street. Six of them seem happy enough to play a game which involves kicking a football against an iron gate with the force of a meteorite. This causes an earth shattering CLANG! Which rings throughout the entire building.

This game is now in its third week and as I am unsure how the scoring system works, I have no idea if it will end any time soon.

The remaining five failed-abortions are happily rummaging through several bags of rubbish and items of furniture that someone has so thoughtfully dumped beside the wheelie bins. One of them has found a saw and is setting about a discarded chair like a beaver on ecstasy pills.
I fear that it's only a matter of time before they turn their limited attention to the caravan gas bottle that is lying on its side between the two bins. If they could be relied on to only blow their own arms and legs off then I would happily leave them to it. I would even go so far as to lend them the matches. Unfortunately they are far more likely to blow up half the street with them and I've just finished decorating the kitchen.

What I suggest is this - after replying to this e-mail with worthless assurances that the matter is being looked into and will be dealt with, why not leave it until the one night of the year (probably bath night) when there are no mutants around then drive up the street in a Panda car before doing a three point turn and disappearing again. This will of course serve no other purpose than to remind us what policemen actually look like.

I trust that when I take a claw hammer to the skull of one of these throwbacks you'll do me the same courtesy of giving me a four month head start before coming to arrest me.

I remain your obedient servant

???????
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr ??????,

I have read your e-mail and understand your frustration at the problems caused by youths playing in the area and the problems you have encountered in trying to contact the police.

As the Community Beat Officer for your street I would like to extend an offer of discussing the matter fully with you. Should you wish to discuss the matter, please provide contact details (address / telephone number) and when may be suitable.

Regards
PC Fraser
Community Beat Officer

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear PC Fraser

First of all I would like to thank you for the speedy response to my original e-mail.
16 hours and 38 minutes must be a personal record for Sprinburn Police Station, and rest assure that I will forward these details to Norris McWhirter for inclusion in his next Guinness book.

Secondly I was delighted to hear that our street has its own Community Beat Officer.

May I be the first to congratulate you on your covert skills? In the five or so years I have lived in Saracan Street , I have never seen you.

Do you hide up a tree or have you gone deep undercover and infiltrated the gang itself? Are you the one with the acne and the moustache on his forehead or the one with a chin like a wash hand basin? It's surely only a matter of time before you are head-hunted by MI5 to look for Osama.

Whilst I realise that there may be far more serious crimes taking place in Greater Glasgow, such as smoking in a public place or being Christian without due care and attention, is it too much to ask for a policeman to explain (using words of no more than two syllables at a time) to these twats that they might want to play their strange football game elsewhere?

The pitch on Ruchhill Drive or the one at Springburn Park are both within spitting distance, as is the bottom of the Govan Dock at a stretch, the latter being the preferred option especially if the tide is in.

Should you wish to discuss these matters further you should feel free to contact me on . If after 25 minutes I have still failed to answer, I'll buy you a large one in the Stab Inn or Brothers as you may know it.

Regards
?????????

P.S If you think that this is sarcasm, think yourself lucky that you don't work for the sewerage department with whom I am also in contact to deal with this shit !!!

Stolen Dell Laptops

2011-03-23T12:14:00.001+00:00

Following Dell laptops have been stolen:

Latitude D505        Service Tag: D90V51J
Precision M2400    Service Tag: GL8494J
Precision M4500    Service Tag: D41YXN1

Please let me know if you know their whereabouts.

Related information:
It’s worth noting that the UK Police (I can confirm this for the Metropolitan Police at least) do use information on www.immobilise.com to check against for recovered property. It’s worth keeping a note of all serial numbers and descriptions of all your property and registering it on Immobilise if you get it stolen.