Helpful Colin - Page 2 of 17 - Investigation and Reason Give Understanding.

Discussing Malicious Website URLs On Twitter

Introduction

I have recently come across an issue where good people wish to convey information about malicious websites to everyone. They’re doing very good work tying to keep us all safe and informed by discussing malicious website URLs (Universal Resource Locators), particularly on Twitter. Unfortunately Twitter creates a link in the text to anything looking like a URL. This means malicious websites that are mentioned by their URLs are given links allowing readers to accidentally go to them.

Removing Block Paving Moss From My Driveway

Introduction

I recently spent half a day removing block paving moss from my driveway. The paving, laid in 1993, has been cleaned more than once but moss soon grows under damp conditions.

Because the blocks have a chamfered edge there is a V shaped recess at the junction between blocks. This is a space where moss can grow, and boy does it grow. In this recess moss doesn’t get worn away by traffic (cars or feet).

Given a good wet period the moss swells in size until it sticks up above the blocks. Under those conditions it can become very slippery under foot giving me good reason to remove it.

You might ask why I’m only discussing moss and not regular weeds. That’s because I use weed killer during the spring and summer so I’m just left with moss in the autumn and winter. This is because regular weed killers are not effective against moss. Moss killer is effective at turning it black but at some point the dead moss needs removing.

I Found A Common Toad Hiding Behind My Shed

Introduction

During the 39 years I’ve lived at this house I have seen several frogs and toads passing through the garden. I was never able to say any actually lived here. Well now (6^th October 2017) I’ve found a Common Toad hiding behind my shed and living here.

UK 13 Amp Plug and Mains Extension Cable Safety Issues

Introduction

The initial purpose of this post was to raise awareness of a UK 13 Amp Mains Extension Cable Safety Issue. I came across it by chance when I landed on the PlugSafe site. I’ve taken the liberty of reproducing their information below and enhancing their picture. Full credit to PlugSafe for making us all aware.

As a consequence of a comment on the initial post I have also included an issue with the safety of 13 Amp Mains Plugs too.

Unblocking A Blocked Toilet

Introduction

I had to help an elderly neighbour the other day when they reported a blocked toilet to me. I’ve unblocked the occasional blocked toilet over the years. I can assure you I don’t like making a mess or getting dirty in the process.

Another thing I’ve done with toilets is remove the water from the built in trap. I’ve done it so I can disconnect them without spilling the trap water when they are moved.

Both of these things can be done using similar methods with the same tool.

What Is A Retractable Clothes Washing Line?

Introduction

Consider the benefits of having a retractable clothes washing line:

Coiling it up in a box keeps it clean.
If you have a nice vista you won’t want it permanently scared with one or more lines cutting across it.

Continue reading “What Is A Retractable Clothes Washing Line?”

Retractable Clothes Washing Line Repair

Introduction

What is a retractable clothes washing line? Find out here.

My Past Experience With A Retractable Clothes Washing Line

I’ve used a retractable clothes washing line for many years but my original one, from B&Q, came to the end of it’s life in 2015. The parts which tensioned the line had broken halfway through its life. I fixed it by tying a loop in the line so it could be hung over an adjacent hook. Surprisingly the bulk of the loop didn’t get in the way when it was allowed to coil up.

This original line could be removed from its support post in the winter by lifting it off its bracket. This was a good feature I required in any replacement. So when I couldn’t replace it with the exact same model I took a good look at what was available online before I settled on one. Here is Google’s selection.

My Current Experience With A Retractable Clothes Washing Line

In the summer of 2016 I installed a Minky Retractable Clothes Washing Line in the garden. It worked well until a couple of weeks ago when I heard a clattering noise outside and a cry of desperation from my wife. The new retractable clothes washing line had become detached from its wall bracket and a load of heavy wet washing was strewn along the garden path. Continue reading “Retractable Clothes Washing Line Repair”

Radio Controlled Wall Clock In My Shed

Introduction

I have for some time wanted a reliable time piece outside my house. I don’t actually require an exact time outside anymore than I do elsewhere, but I do need to get the grass cut by teatime. So, I have acquired a Radio Controlled Wall Clock for my shed.

I have had the difficulty of not being able to see any of the indoor clocks easily through the windows from outside the house. Although I have a wall clock in the kitchen I have to open the door to see it. Reflections on the windows make it difficult to read otherwise.

My Railway Experiences

Updated with Gutenberg version 4.1.1.

Introduction

I think people who search for articles and pictures of railway experiences are usually keen to see them all and not miss any. To help them I have written this short post to bring all my articles together so they can be easily found.

I have already written several posts about my railway experiences and there will likely be more in the future (see this list). So I expect to amend this article on each occasion I have something new to write about.

From my visit to The National Railway Museum (NRM) in York I have chosen the replica of Stephenson’s Rocket for my featured image in this post.

This post is also a means to attract people who search for railway experiences in search engines.

Securing Shed Doors

Introduction

ERA Hasp & Staple — Hasp & Staple of the type cut open on two of my sheds

In 1997 both of my sheds were burgled. I thought I’d made them secure enough. I’d used hasps with the thickest staples I could find on the market (similar to these) and disc padlocks with hardened shackles. But the burglars cut through each staple in two places making a gap through which the padlock shackle could pass. My advisers suggested the burglar used a hydraulic bolt cropper. The burglar cut through steel as thick as a man’s little finger. So I took securing shed doors very seriously and made immediate improvements.

While on the subject of sheds why not take a look at my post about putting a “Radio Controlled Wall Clock In My Shed”. — HC

Continue reading “Securing Shed Doors”