3CX Softphone with headset and speakers

I really wanted to use the 3CX Softphone rather than a desk-phone at work. But I also want to have music going through my amp and speakers. Whenever I plugged my head-set into the jacks at the front of the PC, it took over the sound and disabled the rear jacks that...

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Currant biscuits

I like to bake - scrolls and biscuits are my favourites. This is a recipe for simple currant biscuits. Ingredients 200 grams butter 4 tablespoons sugar 270 grams plain flour 100 grams currants Oven 175-200°C Equipment Kenwood mixer, grease-proof paper, fork, scales...

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Bruce Springsteen – Highway Patrolman

Bruce Springsteen cancelled a show today in North Carolina. He did to protest against the "bathroom laws" that have recently been passed there. There is a lot of commentary available on the subject already, so I won't go into it too far other than to say that it is a...

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Band – The Lowest of the Low

In 1998 I packed a bag and hopped on a plane to Europe. I had scant plans. I was armed with a guide book, a booklet of train tickets and a heaping helping of youthful exuberance. I railed from Sweden to Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Ireland, France,...

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Photograph. Mine. Port Douglas.

I took this photo early in the morning while holidaying in Port Douglas. We were up early because Mr-then-18months was with us. It was an excellent way to get beach time in before the sun became difficult to deal with.

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Ginza – a photo by Paul

I've not travelled to Japan, and I'm not sure how I'd go there. It seems like a busy, fast paced, noisy place. Something I love the idea of, but exhausts me very quickly. Photos like this make me think I should just get on with it. Get over there and have a...

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Give ’em the boot.

I didn't mean for this to become a mini brain-dump about genres, but it did: I like a lot of different types of music. I think that there is good in all genres. Pigeon-holing music into genres can be challenging at times. Pick three bands - say Bad Religion, Rancid...

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Photograph. Not mine.

I've not browsed Flickr for a long time, but tonight I decided to. Finding this made it worth while, and I'm going to keep going back. Mandi's photography is brilliant and I suggest you look through her Flickr stream.

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Leningrad – В клубе модном

I first heard this song В клубе модном (V klube modnom translates to "In A Fashionable Club) when I was in Sweden in 2004. A friend had just visited Leningrad and brought the CD back. I have no idea what the lyrics say, but I'm been assured that it's mostly filth....

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Peter Gabriel – My Body Is A Cage

I first came across this Peter Gabriel cover of Arcade Fire's My Body Is A Cage watching an episode of House. It's a dramatic scene, House on the balustrade of a fifth floor balcony, getting ready to jump. It's dark. Party goers notice him there, perched. The song...

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