Google Earth
January 29, 2008
I've been playing with Google Earth quite a bit lately, trying to work out my route for The Africa Rally.
It's only today that I've found that you can upgrade to a Pro version that allows you to import track logs from your GPS device - Garmin is supported. I've got a Garmin Rino 530, the one with the built-in 2 way radio.
That's a pretty powerful combination to have out on the road - Google Earth, Wireless internet and GPS. Doubtlessly I'll be using this combination to plan my routes, as well as using it to visualize the routes I've already taken 
Update: 4×4 4 3
January 24, 2008
I've got a small update for my 4x4 4 3 project. So far, no trades... I've been contacted by Andrew Henderson, who runs the website Trading Nothing. His idea is similar to my own, except that he started with NOTHING, and is trying to trade up to a Rolls Royce or a Bentley(!) Read more
New Adventure: The Adventurists Mongol/Africa Rally
January 10, 2008
I've entered into The Adventurists Africa Rally, which is a charity event in aid of the Send A Cow charity.
The rally leaves from London's Hyde Park and finishes in Cameroon. The rules of the rally are that there is no fixed route, and that the vehicle you use must have an engine of less than 1000cc. Read more
An ultra portable HackBook Pro
January 10, 2008
As they say - necessity is the mother of invention, and it was necessity that became the mother of invention for my ultra portable HackBook Pro. Read more
Past Adventure: Indian Auto Rickshaw Challange
January 9, 2008
I took part in the Indian Auto Rickshaw Challenge during September last year. We raced our rickshaws from Chennai (Madras) to Mumbai, almost 2000 KM.
I've uploaded a bunch of photos into the photography section, I'll try and add some more along with some of the YouTube videos that other participants made during the next few days.
I Am Legend
January 7, 2008
Hollywood finally recognises Ian "Legend" Gordon. I Am Legend is the true biographical story of Ian Gordon, starring Wil Smith as the popular charismatic hero main character (other than the dog).
Err... I haven't seen it, just the trailer. It looks OK.
Spoiler alert
Wil Smith's Scottish accent is worse than Mel Gibson's in BraveHeart. Also, it's factually incorrect, it was a squirrel, not a dog.
Items that DO work on the HackBook Pro
January 7, 2008
In my previous article I talked about the Sony Vaio TZ90 which I had successfully installed Mac OS X 10.4.11 onto. As it's not Apple hardware, there are some issues with missing drivers or configuration settings that need to be changed in order for certain components to function correctly with OS X.
In this article I'll detail the components that I have successfully managed to configure on my HackBook Pro Read more
New Adventure: B2 (Budapest-Bamako) Rally
January 7, 2008
I'm currently busily filling in the required paperwork for my entry into the 2009 B2 Rally.
I'm entering the TOURING category, probably in a Suzuki SJ410 SJ413. The B2 Rally is not a charity event, but I'll be trying to raise sponsorship in aid of both Children With Leukaemia and the Teenage Cancer Trust. You can sponsor me here.
The 2008 B2 Rally starts on Saturday. I'll be following the progress of Aravind, Attila and Akos from Bus Number 7, who I met on the 2007 Indian Auto Rickshaw Challenge.
New Project: 4×4 4 3 (4×4 for free)
January 6, 2008
I'm here to make you people an amazing offer. It's a new year, so what better time to start grabbing amazing offers?
I've got a whoopee cushion, fresh out of my Christmas cracker - and I want to trade it for something bigger and better. What have you got?
My aim is to keep trading up to bigger and better things until I can trade up to a Suzuki SJ410 Jeep - which I know is VERY specific, but hear me out.
Elsewhere on this website you'll see I've entered into The Adventurists Africa Rally - which is a charity event. My chosen vehicle is a Suzuki SJ410 (the only 4x4 that fits rally's sub 1000cc engine rule). Now, I could go and buy one on Ebay, and spend 500 quid on it. Or, I could donate the SAME 500 quid to the charities the rally sponsors, and in the meantime raise some extra awareness, interest and sponsorship for the rally, whilst having some fun and allowing you good people to help me out
The Rally starts in mid July, which is a leisurely 7 1/2 months away. I'm going to give it till mid June to reach my target. If I haven't traded up to a suitable vehicle by then, my back-up plan is to purchase the money vehicle myself (instead of donating the cash to the rally's charities). None of us want that, so let's get trading!
By the way - ALL trades will end up with a story and photo on this very here website, in this very here section. Plus, ALL traders will be invited to see me off at the start line (and participate in any photos ops)
By the way, I don't keep the jeep at the end of it - I'm not trying to get a jeep for free - it either gets donated to local charities or sold and the proceeds of the sale go to local charities (that is, local to where the rally ends).
If you'd like to trade something with me, email me or leave a comment here I'll do my best to get back to you.
