African Dreams Adventure

This Sunday we're off on our 3 week African Dreams adventure, to help restore an orphan day-care centre.

Expect plenty of pictures and copy once we return, but until then, you'll have to twiddle your thumbs, as slickhouse will be quiet for once.

See you all soon!

comments Posted: Friday 20th July 2007, 03:21pm
Categories: General
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Last night we went to see the latest instalment in the Harry Potter series - the Order of the Phoenix.

When the first Harry Potter was released some 6 years ago, I was a little weary of going to see them, after hearing mixed reviews. In fact, it wasn't until 2005 that I sat down and watched the first 3. Ever since I've been a semi-fan, but of the films only - as I don't have the patience to sit and read a book or two.

The Order of the Phoenix is great - a long film that doesn't encourage fidgeting throughout. Something of a rarity with the current trend being epic-length blockbusters.

It's full of great scenes and some clever (albeit subtly-used) CG in places. Although many believe Harry Potter to be aimed at the younger generation, I reckon it's popular throughout the ages. We went to the last showing of the evening - starting at around 9:15pm and ending after 11:30pm - 140-something minutes. It was full of adults who all cheered and laughed throughout.

Being a film-only fan, I was oblivious to the large amount of important scenes from the book that were missed out. But Anneka wasn't so impressed, as she believed a lot of important parts were missed out.

Either way, the plot flows very well from the previous 4 films, with plenty of flashbacks to the younger Harry. It's interesting at least, to see how much the characters have aged.

The only thing letting the film down - is the puny wands. The wizards need lightsabers in place of their wooden sticks - which should make things even more dramatic.

comments Posted: Friday 13th July 2007, 03:21pm
Categories: Video
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More Breakdown Woes

To continue from before - unfortunately the battery wasn't the only problem with the Skyline. Once the battery shorted, it took out another part - known as an Ignition Transistor. Sounds simple enough, but it costs a whopping £492 from Nissan prior to adding the dreaded VAT on top.

Factor in the cost of labour and the costs already incurred and I was looking at over £800 in repair!

Fortunately, the mechanic gave me the part number and the option to try and source the part for myself, albeit cheaper.

First point of call was a local garage that services import Japanese cars. However, they quoted me exactly the same cost for the part - as it's only available from Nissan themselves.

I finally opted for a trawl of the Skyline Owners Club forums hoping to source the part. After a few minutes, I had exchanged several pm's and had the part being sent first class the next morning. Perfect. All for the much more affordable sum of £39.

This morning the Ignition Transistor arrived, so I went home at lunchtime to take it to Nissan. They're fitting it and getting back to me tomorrow - to let me know if everything has been repaired successfully.

So, things are looking a bit brighter, but I've still got my fingers and toes crossed and am constantly touching wood.

comments Posted: Monday 2nd July 2007, 03:21pm
Categories: Cars
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