I’ve started a new YouTube channel dedicated to the Retro Scene.
Mostly retro games, but I’m happy to include any retro tech, and maybe even old board games, if I ever find any.
At the time of writing this post, there are 4 videos available. The title screen is rough and ready, and I intend to add more games and slides in the short time it runs. The second is just plain gameplay and the other two are commentary comparisons.
I plan to do regular live streams of emulated retro gaming on this channel, the first being Thursday 8pm UK time (subject to change).
I’m keeping this separate from my normal channel because, even though it’s just a hobby, I intend to build up a following. Maybe even attend some Expos next year!
If you like this sort of thing, please subscribe. The retro scene is vast so I’ll have no shortage of material 🙂
Rain, rain and more rain feature heavily in this video.
I’ve been playing with more effects in the video editor I use (kdenlive) while creating videos for my retro channel, so added a few here. Nothing over the top, but enough that I hope you enjoy.
I was surprised that there was only the one close pass this time, but that was more than made up for by impatient bastards who hate cycles being in front of them in traffic. Most of the time they don’t have anywhere to go, but they still have to get in front, and some are so close as to warrant a change of underwear to a less wary cyclist.
I’ve finally figured out freeze frame in Kdenlive. I used it twice in this video. I may be called evil in certain circles for the second occurrence 😉
No shortage of paint scrapers again. One I can’t show because it really was too close for comfort and I’m taking it further. I still don’t know how he missed my handlebar with his wing mirror!
Otherwise, quite a mixed bag this time. Plenty of impatience, a motor cyclist taking chances jumping a red 2 vehicles behind a police van, a totally clueless pedestrian, and darkness becoming more a theme.
As a driver, I’ve passed 5 driving tests, 4 of those in a professional capacity.
As a cyclist I follow the Highway Code, which I know quite well due to the above, and my desire to do the right thing on the roads.
The trouble is, there are too many idiots on bikes (I refuse to call them cyclists) who give those of us who follow the rules a bad reputation. There are a few examples in this video.
Just remember, we’re unprotected. Give us room and treat us with respect, especially those of us keeping to the rules. We’re not just objects in the way, we’re still someone’s father, son, brother, mother, daughter, sister or (finally becoming recognised in a more knowledgeable 21st century) non-binary relation or friend.
Speaking for myself, I give courtesy to others on the road and so quite often see it returned, but impatience is the real problem. Nobody has time these days, everyone’s in a rush. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. It’s less stressful that way too!
Given the start, I thought this was going to be dominated by close passing paint scrapers, but it turned out to have quite a bit of variety.
No shortage of cockwombles, that’s for sure, including a bus that passed so close I did brake because I was worried he was going to pull in too soon, and a pedestrian who, as I was planning to pass behind him, decided to move backwards! Dickhead! I’ve listened many times and what I said isn’t what I hear. I hear, “Watch where you’re going!” but what I actually said was, “Which way you going?”
Caught out with drizzle on Thursday morning. Accidentally muted the mic and have condensation in the lens. I think (hope) that will go given time in a dry atmosphere.
Not as long a video as I was expecting. It seemed people were better behaved in general.
No shortage of paint scrapers but it’s pedestrians who stand out in this one!
On a technical point, rendering these videos is so much quicker and easier since I moved the swap file off the slow hard disk and onto freshly installed M.2 memory 🙂
Due to summer leave breaking up my normal pattern, this video is quite short with only 10 clips over 4 days. 5 of those clips are close passes, which shows just how bad the situation is, and why less confident cyclists prefer to use the pavement, under the misconception it’s actually safer (it’s not).
Next video is likely to be much longer. I have 7 days in a row at work with many during busy times!
Me, Jane and the two eldest offspring took a trip to London on Thursday 8th August. First major outing with the wheelchair for Jane! That was an experience in itself.
We stayed at the Royal Scot Travelodge in Kings Cross. Booked in, went to the room, it was as far into a corner dungeon as you can imagine! The doorway was partially blocked by the wall so it was impossible to get the wheelchair in without folding it. Went back to reception and room was changed to something far better on the ground floor. No hand soap near the sink but soap in the shower so made do and informed reception. We got food from the chicken place across the road from the hotel. Better that the big chains and better value any day!
At 00:30 there was a knock on the door. Jane nudged me because I was fast asleep. It was security asking who we were. I told them. 5 minutes later they were back asking for proof of booking. There was a mix up with the rooms and we were booked into the room next door. Someone else booked in and couldn’t get into the room. I was a bit pissed off about this, but left it at that.
Morning time: took a shower… which was like standing under a tap because the shower head didn’t spread well. Offspring saw a mouse in their room the first night. They were offered a move but declined because it didn’t show again.
On the way out I reminded reception about the lack of soap and off we went. Breakfast at the cafe nearby then bus to the London Eye. After the Eye, we went around the Sea Life exhibition, which was most enjoyable.
Got back to the hotel, still no soap and now, no hand towels. Informed reception again and was given a hand towel. Evening food was at the nearby Italian restaurant, which I do recommend.
Second night was undisturbed. Breakfast at the same cafe and then bus to Madame Tussaud’s. Joined the queue at the appropriate time and was advised to fast track because we had the wheelchair, only yo be told we had to book specially for a wheelchair and the next opening was in 2 hours time. Sod that, I put the wheelchair in the room provided and Jane walked. Slow going but managed. It was a good job too. A wheelchair would have been a nightmare with all the stairs!
Then the part I wasn’t looking forward to. Shopping on Oxford Street. So much ignorance and impatience. Getting the wheelchair around was awkward to say the least. I was glad when that was over!
Back to the hotel and food from the chicken place again. Pub was full of football fans so bought beer from the shop and took that back to the hotel. Still no soap. Mouse made another appearance but too late to change now.
Sunday, booked out but left 10 cases at the hotel while we made our way to the Imperial War Museum for lunch with an old school friend, Cliff. That was not good value, and Cliff’s wife’s meal never appeared. We told the counter staff where we were sat and they said they would call. I stated we were probably out of earshot and they said they’d find us. They didn’t.
We were here last year but Harry wasn’t so that’s the reason for the return visit and the reason there aren’t many photos.
Back to the hotel for the luggage, which was easier than I expected to handle, walked to Kings Cross Underground. Waited there for a while before heading to Victoria Coach station. A few beers at the Traveller’s Tavern and an uneventful trip home. All in all an enjoyable time despite the off bits 🙂
Not so many close passes this time, but there are still a few.
Lots of people on bikes ignoring traffic lights, giving us law-abiding cyclists a bad name.
Cardiff Bus drivers doing their company no favours.
Dangerous road narrows.
Relatively short, given recent videos, but quite a mixed bag. This is my last video for a few weeks because I’m off work until the 18th August. Other things to do 😉
