Any rich people out there who want to save a Scirocco ?

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I guess that it's not a surprising fact that due to increases in the cost of...well everything really !I have had to take the decision to retire the old Scirocco to the driveway whilst I consider my options.

Running 3 cars in the UK is not a very good way of saving money, and sadly there is no real recognition for some bloke who runs a car to promote a charity......not being an MP I can't claim "expenses" for such an extravagance! :-)

Insuring the Golf TD has just cost me £500. The wife's Skoda Roomster cost almost £300 and the Scirocco (limited to 3000 miles per year) cost £150 .So having to choose which car I was going to use as my daily came down not to preference, but economy, so the Golf TD which returns a good 55mpg has now stepped into the Scirocco's shoes as my daily commuting vehicle (the Scirocco was costing me £13 per day in fuel as it could ,at best,manage approx 35-37 per gallon.

To add insult to injury I now have the Scirocco on the drive without MOT or Road Tax as they both expired in December. And to add injury to insult and injury...she has developed something of a swimming pool in her rear footwell's which has resulted in me having to remove the seats and strip back the carpets!.....and the battery keeps going flat!.......

If anyone reading this post fancies helping me keep the old girl (25 in March) on the road to continue her work with Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, please make yourself known :-)

In my experience an unused car is so much more likely to have a major breakdown than a daily drive, and i would hate that to happen to a car that has become something of a minor celebrity in the VW world.

Now.....when is the lottery being drawn again?

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Called by 02078340997 ? PPI company? Read on....

I was called the other day by an Asian sounding chap who, after telling me who i was (!), then started to bang on about PPI's. Not sure what he was trying to sell/survey/promote, but he was very persistent in asking if we had claimed a PPI mis sell or if we intended too. He also asked if we did decide to claim would it be for a loan or Mortgage?.

After telling him that I was not interested in discussing this with him he rang off, so i did the old 1471 and the number 02078340997 was the number it logged.

Having Googled the number it appears that an awful lot of folks are getting similar calls......but why?

Anyone else had these calls? If so, please leave a comment with your experience after this post and maybe we can shed some light on what these calls are about, or more to the point...what are they up too?

This is one possibilty perhaps:

"

Bogus PPI refund scam

Written by Administrator

Sunday, 01 January 2012 12:36

Bogus caller scam warning Lothian and Borders Police are urging the public to remain vigilant following a new bogus-caller scam operating in Edinburgh. A 64-year-old man received a call from a male claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice Department in London. The caller informed him he was due a PPI refund, which he could collect after wiring an administration fee to a lawyer in India. However, the man became suspicious and refused to transfer any money. He then contacted police who are warning others not to fall foul of this scam. A police spokesman said: “The issue of PPI refunds is very topical at the moment and these fraudsters are attempting to capitalise on this. ”Anyone who receives a similar call should not provide any personal details or agree to transfer money and should contact police immediately.” Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111"

>I have a short recording of my conversation with the chap on the phone, and, once i figure out how, i will post that up on here also<

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Dr Terry Hamblin, champion of Leukaemia sufferers ,has died.

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The workd has lost a leading light in the fight against Leukaemia with the sad news that Terry Hamblin passed away on Sunday.


Terry's name is recognized  by a huge number of people around the world as an authority on the subject of CLL and like many many others I always found solace in his friendly and reassuring articles on his blog "Mutations of Mortality".


Click HERE to read the article posted in the Bournemouth Echo:

The world today is a much poorer place with his passing. RIP Terry, you where an inspiration and a champion for the many CLL sufferers around the Globe.

To read the many interesting posts covering a wide range of subjects, not only CLL, on his excellent Blog click HERE.

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Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi fights Lymphoma.

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi is to undergo treatment for cancer after being diagnosed with lymphoma. His bandmates - with whom he has recently been reunited to record a new album - have asked for fans to send 'positive vibes' to the 63-year-old musician. The hard rock pioneers recently reformed with their original line-up to work on their first album together for 33 years. A statement released on behalf of the band said: 'Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan -the Iron Man of rock & roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.' The group, widely credited with creating heavy metal, insist they will plough on with plans for the new album. Black Sabbath had also lined up a series of major dates during the year. Iommi and colleagues Ozzy Osbourne, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward announced last year that they were together again once more. They had been writing and recording in Los Angeles with producer Rick Rubin on an album due for release in the autumn.

A poem/song written for Nathan Cook

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This poem, or perhaps song, was written on the first day of this year for local lad Nathan Cook who so tragically died only a few days ago when he developed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Written by song writter L.J Radnor from Nashville,USA.

I though it was worth sharing with you...........

smile for you

Wishing you were here, still can’t believe you’re gone
But I know that you are with us, to keep us going strong
Just to hold you once again, there’s nothing we want more
To hear your voice again, but the tears begin to fall

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

You inspired those around you, loved with all your heart
But now you are an Angel, wish we didn’t have to part
There’s not a day goes by, since you went away
That we wished with all our hearts, it was yesterday

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

All our love and kisses, are yours eternally
Wishing that you were here, where you’re supposed to be
Your memory will never fade, but as we shed a tear for you
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

You gave it all you had, until the very end
No one could have fought braver, so until we meet again
Your memory will never fade, and all that you once knew
We’ll send all our love to heaven, and share a smile for you

L. J. Radnor 01/01/12




This video was posted on Youtube recently. Has a brilliant song as it's soundtrack.....









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Gary Ablett dies of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma aged 46

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Well know footballer Gary Ablett has died aged 46 after he sadly lost his battle with nob-hodgkins lyjmphoma.

Gary was born in Aigburth, a Merseyside suburb. After leaving school he joined Liverpool as an apprentice in 1983, and made his debut as a substitute in a goalless draw with Charlton Athletic in December 1986. By the 1987-88 season, he was the established left-back. A rather gangly defender, he was one of the underrated players in Kenny Dalglish's talented squad that included the famous attacking trio of John Barnes, John Aldridge and Peter Beardsley.
To read more about this story please click HERE.
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Leukaemia.Please learn how to spot the symptoms of this cruel disease....

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This week I heard the shocking news that a local healthy teenage boy had died from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) after initially feeling unwell for a few days during the Christmas holidays.

My two daughters attend the same school, and had known Nathan for many years. There was no warning of the Leukaemia or of the fatal outcome...it was such a tragic event. I can only try to imagine what his family must be going through right now.

How can this sort of thing happen? How can a normal, healthy teenager suddenly go from being a little off colour to being seriously ill and then die?

Well the answer is mostly due to the way that Leukaemia presents itself in the individual, in the way it mimics the effects of a heavy cold or flu. The wolf is, in the case of this disease,very well hidden in sheep's clothing.

Sadly, what happened to this young man this week has happened too many times before.Please make sure that if you have any suspicion that the cold may be anything more or you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned below give NHS Direct a call, just to be on the safe side.

NHS Direct can be called on 08454647 or click HERE to view their website. 



Symptoms that MAY indicate Leukaemia but are by no means unique to this illness.

1

Look for red pin points under the surface of the skin.

This condition is caused by blood finding its way out of the capillaries near the surface of the skin. Its technical name is petechiae. This is often due to a lowering of the platelet count due to the ongoing affects of leukemia.

2

Pay attention to ongoing fatigue and weakness in the body.

Especially in children this should be a sign for concern. Children are active and energetic, playful and full of life. Weakened children who are always in need of rest may have a serious condition. Any active human being, child or adult, who faces ongoing unexplainable fatigue is showing signs of a problem. Leukemia may or may not be the culprit, but a visit to your health care provider is in order.

3

Notice any aching or bone pain.

Leukemia affects the bone marrow and spreads out to affect the rest of the body through the blood. Do not put off getting bone pain checked out as it is one of the common leukemia symptoms. As with all cancers, cancer treatments for leukemia are most effective when the disease is discovered early.

4

Report any swollen lymph nodes or hard places in the abdomen.

In lymphatic leukemia the nodes can swell to unusual size. Note around the neck, armpits, and groin where any swelling occurs and make an appointment for a full screening if you suspect something your symptoms are more than a brief illness.

5

Keep track of repeated infections or easy bruising..

Since leukemia affects the white blood cells, the body's ability to fight off infections is dramatically reduced. Keep records of your own or your child's infections and be sure that they are not forming a pattern. Easy bruising can also be a sign of the blood's low platelet count.

Our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts go out to this young mans family at this tragic time and judging by the hundreds of flowers laid both at his home and at the skate park across the road, many many others are also shocked and saddened by Nathan's passing.


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Merry Christmas to all :-)

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I have not been posting quite so often as I once did on the old S2M blog. These days I just don't seem to have the time to spend on it. I have considered closing it down as, after almost 4 years, it has served it's purpose to promote the trip that myself and Glen did back in 2008, and more recently to spread the word in relation to Leukaemia and Lymphoma news from around the world.

I am not sure that there will ever be an opportunity to undertake a Scirocco2Morocco2 (the sequel) in the future,that would depend a lot on my health, Glens health and the health of my bank balance (it's not a cheap undertaking!). Lets just say that I would love to have another go at getting Scarlett into Africa, just to be able to  close the book on that ambition :-).

Can I just now take a second to wish all of my readers a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year. Lets hope its a good one, without any fear......hang on.....was I just slipping into a John Lennon song?

Anyway folks, please keep sending your comments in to this blog, it's always nice to know that my ramblings get read at least a few times!.

Ho,ho ho......MERRY CHRISTMAS :-)

Andy

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Dedboy - Christmas Number One. Awesome Crimbo Song!

Just thought that you may like to know of a new Christmas song that is currently rocketing up the music charts.

Christmas Number One, written and performed by Chris Clark of Sleaford is THE NEW "can't get that tune out of my head" Christmas song  :-).





Now available for download on AMAZON and itunes. (Amazon is cheaper !).

"Is that a real beard?"...... :-)

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How to Unlock Orange San Francisco Android to any Network.

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Thought i would share this FREE link with you...save you paying some crafty Ebayer £3.50 for the code!.

Click on this link and then simply follow the instructions.....I have already done mine and it took all of 5 mins.

http://sanfranciscoandroid.co.uk/android/how-to-unlock-the-orange-san-francisco-zte-blade-for-free/

Enjoy :-)

Let me know how you get on.....

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VistaPrint FREE calendar. Postage Cost Information.

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Having seen the Vista Print Advert on the telly i decided to have a closer look at the offer. Seems pretty good that you can get an A4 Photo quality colour Wall calendar for "FREE" doesn't it? Well lets just say that what they give you free in the calendar they may well recover in the postage costs when sending it to you!

As per usual in these sorts of offers the "Hidden" postage costs (by hidden I mean that they are not hugely announced in all the calendar blurb!) the info was not easily found, so i have saved you all a lot of bother and have instead sought the details on your behalf.....i am sooo good to you people! :-)

Total product cost of Wall Calendars: £4.99
Shipping and Processing Costs:
Rush £14.95 3 Business Days (with order tracking) Priority £8.07 7 Days Standard £5.20 14 Days Slow £3.08 21 Days   Rush orders will arrive within 3 business days after today. Guaranteed Rush Delivery to US shipping addresses, excluding PO Boxes. Rush Delivery not available for Return Address Labels.
Options selected:
Quantity:	1
Country:	United Kingdom
Paper Stock:	Glossy Card Stock
Colour Options:	Greyscale Grid

So there you are!. If you want your "FREE" wall calendar to be delivered "Slow" within the UK in 3 WEEKS (via horse and cart I would guess!) you need to pay over £3 postage and if you want it within 3 days it costs you an astonishing £15!....although i would guess that this would be done via helicopter at that price!.

As my Gran used to say "You get nowt for nowt in this world"!.

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Searching for the secrets behind the progression of CLL

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Scientists at Cardiff University have been awarded £216,500 by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research to investigate mutations that cause the development of leukaemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a cancer in which the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, causing a range of problems with the immune system. It develops slowly, often over many years and while it is treatable, it remains incurable.

The Cardiff team, led by Dr Duncan Baird and Dr Chris Pepper, have discovered that testing for damage at the ends of chromosomes in CLL cells is an accurate predictor of the progression of the patient’s leukaemia.

The scientists hope that by studying the DNA damage within leukaemia cells further, they will be able to find ways to slow down the progression of CLL in patients. They have already discovered that ‘telomeres’, the caps on the end of chromosomes which protect them during cell division, are gradually shortened as the CLL progresses. When the telomeres become completely dysfunctional in the CLL cells, they can fuse together during cell division, making the cells even more malignant and accelerating the cancer in the blood. 

Dr Baird, of the University’s School of Medicine, said, “Using CLL cells and the latest technology which allows us to detect tiny amounts of DNA, we will map exactly the link between chromosome damage and each stage of the cancer. The ultimate goal is to find ways to interfere with the process and develop drugs to actually stop the leukaemia progressing.”

Around 3,300 people are diagnosed with CLL in the UK every year. It is predominantly a blood cancer of later life, with most people diagnosed with CLL over 65 years old.

Cardiff University was named a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. The charity is currently investing £2 million into vital blood cancer research at the University.

Article sourced via the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research (UK) Website.

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B-Movie Nowhere Girl Revamped ! Not bad at all!

Very interesting results from CLL treatment trial

Orange Monte Carlo Android Phone is AWESOME!

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I got my new Orange Monte Carlo Phone this week and I have to say that it a brilliant bit of kit!.
My previous phone was the Orange San Francisco, also an Android phone but with a much smaller screen,lower resolution camera and it ran Android 2.2 (i routed it to Swedish Spring Froyo 2.2 from the original Eclair 2.1 system which it is shipped with by Orange).

The new phone specs are not market leading, but having had it now for a few days I am pretty impressed what Orange are able to supply for under £120....namely....

5 Mega Pixal Camera
4.3" LCD touch Screen
800 Mhz Processor
Android 2.3 (gingerbread...sadly loaded with unwanted Orange branded apps!...will sort that later!)
nice solid feeling case. Some reviews contradict this statement but I stand by my observation :-)

If you fancy an all singing Android with a few more bells and whistles then buy an HTC or a Samsung. If you want a bloody nice phone which can do 90% of the functions (minus, flash, sadly!)of it's more expensive brethren  AND want change out of £120 quid then this is the phone for you.

The Orange Monte Carlo then. Buy one now and laugh at all of those mad Apple iphone lemmings who still think they are soooooo cool :-).

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