Jan Leeming - The Official Website

APPLE MAC COMPUTER PROBLEM

30th August 2009

APPLE COMPUTER GLITCHES

It's just like making an appointment to see the Doctor and by the time you get there, all the symptoms have disappeared.

The Fans on my Computer are still heating up like mad.  So again  I booked in to the Apple Store Genius Bar at Bluewater Shopping Mall.

Yes, you've guessed.  I left it with the lovely Rich for about an hour and a half - but nothing untoward happened, so I've had to cross my fingers and everything else and hope the computer behaves on the cruise. 

I must say that I've always believed you get what you pay for and I've been an Apple fan since I hosted a Conference for Apple about 25 years ago.  To my way of thinking the Apple is far superior to any PC especially because one can access things so quickly without going through oodles of steps to get there.

I wish we had an Apple Store closer to home but it's almost worth the 120 mile round trip to meet the lovely staff.  I am very grateful to Dave, Craig, Ian and Rich for all their help and for replacing some of my computer keys for me - not once but twice.  I am a touch typist and also have relatively long nails so use the tips of my fingers to type instead of the beds which two-finger typists tend to do.  Consequently, some of the most used letters wear away quite rapidly - I also think there was a  bit of a design fault with the MacBook Pro.  In order to illuminate the keyboard, I think they used a very thin coating on the keys and have seen many other complaints on the web about this problem - BUT it's about the only one I could ever level at the Apple People.

So, here I am hastily packing all my bits and pieces for the forthcoming Baltic Cruise and looking forward to spending two weeks with my son - he's great company and we enjoy our time together.  And with him in tow, I'll probably be visiting the discotheque.  I love to Dance but as one gets older, it's very difficult to find anywhere to go - discos are predominantly for the young.  But I grew up in a great era for fabulous Disco music and my hips start to sway as soon as the Good music gets going.

What do you think? Send your feedback to contact@jan-leeming.com.

APPLE MAC COMPUTER PROBLEM

28th August 2009

I shouldn't complain as, in 25 years of using Apple Mac Computers, I've hardly had a problem but I've got one now.

Apologies for not writing anything in the Blog.  Got a problem with my computer - fans over-heating like mad.

I took it up to the Apple Store in Bluewater last Sunday but it was declared fit and well.  It isn't.  Even 

typing these few words is making the fans whirr. (But the Apple Store staff are delightful - helpful, polite and lovely)

So until it is fixed - and please God it is soon as I need it for my Cruise Talks on the P & O Cruise up the Baltic - I can't write anything much.

Please don't go away.  Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Best wishes,  Jan.

P.S.  The upside of not being able to use the computer is that I've devoted my time to transferring dozens of videotapes of my work - covering almost 40 years - onto DVD. 

And what fun it's been to watch programmes I'd forgotten about - to see old news coverage of events like the Iranian Siege - and so many excellent and highly amusing quiz shows in 

which I took part.  Wish I could share them with you.

What do you think? Send your feedback to contact@jan-leeming.com.

ANTIGUAN INTERLUDE

9th August 2009

ANTIGUA

I have a cousin who works in the Airline Industry.  He recently phoned me and asked if I wanted a quick and inexpensive five-day trip to Antigua.  Having practically grown webbed feet in what passes for the English Summer, the thought of a few days of Liquid Gold,  even despite the flight time and jet lag, I thought it well worthwhile.

We stayed in a delightful hotel in the North West of the Island - north of the Capital St. John's.  I liked the Trade Winds because it was individual - almost like a series of duplexes in spacious and colourful gardens awash with Bougainvillea and other exotic flora.

It was Carnival in Antigua but I'm not really into crowds and heavy drinking so opted to stay by the hotel pool and read - got through three books in four days - my idea of bliss.

On one day the whole crew and little old me, went down to one of the most beautiful beaches I've encountered in years of travel - the Valley Church Beach.  In season I imagine it would be awash with people and sunbeds but we virtually had it to ourselves  - a half  kilometer of gorgeous sand and the most fabulous pure clear aquamarine water set against some glorious Sea Grape and Palm Trees. 

They put on a Barbecue for us - and not being one for Barbecues and chicken, I have to say it was about the most tasty chicken I've ever encountered.  The Rum Punch was flowing freely but I'm not a lover of that particular drink so had a fairly abstemious day and a clear head the following one!!!!!!  I'm beginning to sound like a right old Killjoy - but the privilege of growing older is that you don't follow the crowd but opt out to do your own thing.  A couple of glasses of wine,  reading in the shade of a Sea Grape Tree - bathing in the gloriously refreshing water and becoming immersed in yet another superb Historical Novel - well that's my idea of heaven.

Unfortunately, not realizing how private was the beach I was fearful of taking my rather good camera and kicked myself because there were some fantastically artistic shots to be had.  So, sorry, but you'll have to accept this photo of a Breakfast visitor - some kind of lizard.

Until next time,  take care and take every day as a blessing.  Jan

What do you think? Send your feedback to contact@jan-leeming.com.