tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65893042009-02-21T01:06:54.818ZThe musings and rants of Martin Roberts.Its my blog ok?Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.comBlogger648125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-39419081891905193192008-06-24T22:50:00.000+01:002008-06-24T22:51:08.376+01:00Window-Eyes 7.0 Beta1 now ready for downloadAt last Window-Eyes 7.0 beta1 is now ready for download with many new features. Grab it from the above link.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-3941908189190519319?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-5182704646700466572008-05-23T09:20:00.000+01:002008-05-23T09:21:21.642+01:00Cambridge Islay and JaidJaid is now back from the vet resplendent with a smart but huge bandage on her front left dog foot. She is able to walk but it looks funny and sounds strange too.<br /><br />The Cambridge beer festival was a well run and large event with around 170 ales on draft but the cider bar attracted my a tension mainly because of one ‘appley concoction that had been aged in a whisky cask, it was 7.5% but went down like apple juice and was simply lovely.<br /><br />I’m off to Yorkshire later on today and Jaid is staying with June and James over the next week as Clare and I travel.<br /><br />Our travel arrangements are now in place for Islay and we have decided to fly in both directions. It would have been nice to take the coach and ferry over to the island but it’s a 7 hour journey from Glasgow so we have knocked it on the head for this time at least. We are doing the Caledonian sleeper train in both directions and will take some time in Glasgow to chat with friends in the wonderful rollicking city.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-518270464670046657?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-78015537434773427922008-05-22T09:53:00.000+01:002008-05-22T09:54:22.498+01:00Jaid, Islay and other bitsJaid’s off back to the vets today for an x-ray and possible small operation to remove what ever is actually still in her little foot, I really hoped all this was over but sadly not. The little furry bugger started to limp again yesterday in the middle of London.<br /><br />I went over to Epsom on Tuesday evening and had a few beers with Andrew and it was a cracker of an evening. A healthy slug of Highland Park 12 capped it all off in fine style.<br /><br />Yesterday night was also enjoyable at the Dove beer festival. They had around 70 beers on all of which were in fine fettle, well the ones I tried anyway.<br /><br />Chris and I are off to the Cambridge beer festival this evening and then I’ll be in the office on Friday for a sight village meeting.<br /><br />I have our accommodation booked now for Islay and we’re staying at the Lochindaal hotel in Port Charlotte, more on this as we make arrangements.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-7801553743477342792?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-33712201177978120372008-05-22T09:46:00.000+01:002008-05-22T09:47:08.752+01:00Keysoft 7.5 B29 online soonHumanWare is pleased to announce the release of KeySoft 7.5 Build 29 for the BrailleNote<br />family of products. These revisions to KeySoft are available at no charge or SMA<br />count to current KeySoft 7.5 users.<br /><br />Build 29 contains 4 user improvements:<br />1. mPower now supports Wig-If 802.11 g protocol: A driver has been included to support<br />the later model Ambicom WL54G Wi-Fi card. This card is more readily available than<br />the currently supported Ambicom WL1100C. The US Robotics Wireless MAXg USB Adapter<br />USR5421 is also supported.<br />2. Appointment Scheduling: The error associated with scheduling an appointment to<br />a date other than the current day has been fixed. This previously generated an error<br />saying that the entered date needed to be after 1601.<br />3. USB Device Identification: The problem causing some USB and CD ROM drives to be<br />incorrectly identified as printers has been corrected.<br />4. Words Added to Spelling Dictionary: Depending on the choice of braille table,<br />words added to the spell checker were not being retained, so appeared as spelling<br />errors on future spell checks. This has been corrected.<br />We encourage existing mPower KeySoft 7.5 Users to take advantage of these free improvements<br />as the Development Team continues working on implementing the exciting new features<br />of a new KeySoft release for fall 2008.<br />The version will be available for download from our web site by Thursday May 22nd.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-3371220117797812037?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-40655181638732497882008-05-20T08:22:00.000+01:002008-05-20T08:21:28.788+01:00Sunshine and EscapeClare and I had a lovely time last weekend. Friday saw us <br>enjoying a pint or two in the Dove before going to the Royal <br>India for a very good meal. On getting back home I was tired so <br>went to bed.<p>After a bit of a late start on Saturday we walked in to town and <br>once more investigated the Dove but sadly the beer choice was not <br>up to the standard I&#39;m used to because they are having a beer <br>festival this week so the idea was to run down the selection of <br>ales a bit before it&#39;s starts this Wednesday when around 70 beers <br>and ciders will be on offer.<p>We then toddled off to Wilcos for a few bits and then it was the <br>bus home and some tv watching and malt slurping.<p>COLIN took us to Tesco on Sunday and then we had a bbq which was <br>a success, so much so that we are going to invest in a really <br>good charcoal burning one which should last us a good few years. <br>With the new table and other garden bits we&#39;ve ordered I&#39;m sure <br>Ellenbrook will become a nicer place to live.<p>I went into london on Monday for work and am on the train at the <br>moment preparing for some braille tuition at the office. This <br>week will find me at the office on Thursday and Friday but I&#39;ll <br>be back at home tonight because of an appointment in Grenich on <br>Wednesday.<p>I&#39;ve got the urge to go over to Islay in June so I&#39;m trying to <br>sort it out at the moment. It will be smashing to get back to <br>the piece and salty air of this most amazing of places if I can <br>find some digs for the busy june holiday season. We are probably <br>going to travel over on the berry rather than flying this time. <br>We may even take the sleeper train out of London to Glasgow <br>something that neither of us have done before.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-4065518163873249788?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-11696486628624459822008-05-16T11:56:00.001+01:002008-05-16T11:56:43.988+01:00travelingI’m glad to report that Jaid’s vet has given her the all clear so I’ll probably take her out for a walk today if the precipitation stops. Still it does clean up the air, it’s been very hot over the last two weeks and I’ve enjoyed the sun.<br /><br />Clare and I have purchased one of those garden tables with a bench at each side for outside our little dwelling so next time we get some sun we should be ready for it. It’s proper pub style and I can already feal the pints flowing down on those barmy summer evenings I’m sure we’ll get this year.<br /><br />Next week will be a busy one with work and the one after equally packed with travel but of a holiday type nature. We’re off to my parents for a few days, then over to March to relax, eat and use the Jim and then it’s Dave and Emma’s in the lovely city of Worcester for a little feed and drink.<br /><br />Work have given me the opportunity to go over to represent them at the World Blind Union conference held in August over in Zurich Switzerland and I’m pleased and looking forward to it immensely.<br /><br />It should be a quiet weekend as we’ve nothing planned but I think a trip over to the Dove may be in order some time today.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-1169648662862445982?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-15509234769282367792008-05-13T12:45:00.001+01:002008-05-13T12:47:47.453+01:00Royal India - IpswichRoyal India Ipswich<br /><br />I’m afraid that I can’t remember much about my first visit to this newly opened establishment as the exertions over the bank holiday weekend had taken it out of me but Clare and I returned last Friday.<br /><br />The restaurant is opposite the railway station and actually shares floor space with the Station Hotel pub.<br /><br />The food is of a high standard with the various dishes nicely and variously spiced, fluffy breads and good Smokey sweet DHALL SAMBER.<br /><br />It’s also possible to bring real ale in from the pub to quash the hot flames of those fiery dishes and the hops in my spitfire did this rather well.<br /><br />Service was good and the staff suggestions welcome, they also have an accessible menu on the restaurant’s web page which is linked above. I’d highly recommend this restaurant to anyone near Ipswich station or who wants to try a well priced and reasonable quality within the Ipswich area, especially if you like a drop of ale with your spicy fix.<br /><br />Station Hotel - Burrell Road - Ipswich - IP2 8AJ<br />01473 691737<br />OPENING HOURS<br />Mon to Sun Lunch Time - 12noon to 2pm<br />Evening Time - 5pm until Midnight<br />Open 7 days a week Including Bank Holidays<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-1550923476928236779?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-5219882611011988692008-05-13T12:31:00.001+01:002008-05-13T12:48:40.773+01:00Hot May TuesdayJust a quick update as it’s all I’ve really got time for.<br /><br />Jaid’s out of action for a few days with a recurring grit in the foot problem but the quacks are on to it as it were so I’m working my way around with a cane for a bit.<br />It’s Clare’s birthday today so we’re off out tonight for a Chinese with her parents.<br /><br />We went to Bressingham last week for a day in the sun with those of the cast of Dad’s army who’re still able to talk and write, plus we went on a small gage steam train which Malone disliked so much he jumped off Indiana dog and the temple of bones style.<br /><br />I’ve opened up a Springbank 1997 10 year old vintage which I’ll make notes on later on this week. I also cracked a few other older bottles but won’t blog about those as I’ve decided only to create whisky notes about those bottlings still available should you wish to find them.<br /><br />The new Def Leppard cd “songs from the sparkle lounge” is out and getting regular spins on the stream as is the new White Snake cd “good to be bad”. I’m also impressed at the moment by the latest effort from Karine Polwart “this earthly spell”<br /><br />I’ve been making tangible progress at losing a few pounds over the last week or two and keeping off the beer during the week and I’m walking much more and riding the exercise bike which is all jolly nice in an aren’t I good kind of way. I’ve still had a few beers or more than a few at the weekend and I enjoy a dram most week nights.<br /><br />The real ales available near me in Ipswich are getting better with the Kingfisher offering two including Adnams Best and the Station Hotel serving a verry good pint of Spitfire plus Adnams. Even the Belsted Arms across the road should be adding an ale or two soon so I may pop in on Friday to check it out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-521988261101198869?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-54740622426634522862008-04-27T05:20:00.000+01:002008-04-27T05:21:02.740+01:00April UpdateOnce again it’s been a long time since a personal update so I am rather amazed that people keep reading this shite.<br /><br />Not much has been happening for me over the last few weeks out of the normal and this is in many ways first-rate since life is kind to me at the moment.<br /><br />I’ve been working early for the last week so this has kind of messed up my weekend a little and that would explain why I couldn’t help getting out of bed at 4 AM on a Sunday. <br /><br />I’m off to Colchester today for a CAMRA young persons beer tasting Naomi sorted out between us and the Colchester branch so I’m looking forward to that. I may report on it later in the week if my notes are of interest or I am able to jot stuff down.<br /><br />It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting one next week and I’m staying with the boy Dave over at Williams Mansions one evening so it will be nice to catch up with himself. Clare and I are popping over to Bournemouth for the weekend and then it’s back to work after the bank holiday.<br /><br />Still no word on a replacement dog for Jaid but she’s happy and working well thank goodness and enjoys the pub as much as ever!<br /><br />May as well go now as I’m starting to ramble.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-5474062242663452286?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-7927666070183830032008-04-27T04:34:00.001+01:002008-04-27T04:36:34.242+01:00Bunnahabhain 1985 / 16 Year Old / 70cl / 50% / Douglas LaingThe distillery tour of Bunnahabhain by John the manager was a highlight for me last year on Islay, and on this weeks whisky cast the master blender said that Bunnahabhain bottling and all the BS single malts will be at 46 and unchillfiltered if he has his way. Let’s hope this happens as this whisky deserves it.<br /><br />Nose: mashie with sweet American oak but not over powering, peaches custard and limes.<br /><br />Pallett: incredibly smooth with the wood and a little fudge up front, a tiny bit of smoke.<br /><br />Finnish: short but the citrus of the wood comes back to remind you that you’ve just had a lovely dram. Easy going.<br /><br />Comments: a 16 year old whisky at 50% ABV for 35 quid? A bargain at todays stupid prices. Lovely pleasant every day whisky. Lets hope the boys at the Laddi take note and stop acing good islay whisky in it’s teans.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-792766607018383003?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-33871553710587485982008-04-27T04:30:00.001+01:002008-04-27T04:30:50.670+01:00Phil Collins Finally Gives it up!!Nothing like starting off the day with some really good news!! Thank goodness.<br /><br />“Veteran singer Phil Collins is to retire after over 30 years in the music industry.<br />The star, who recently completed a reunion tour with his former band<br />Genesis<br />, announced yesterday he will not be releasing any more<br />albums<br /> or do another tour.<br />Instead, Collins wants to take on a more behind-the-scenes role so he can enjoy a<br />more leisurely life - although he will still continue to write songs.”<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-3387155371058748598?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-28919616552985782142008-03-25T08:04:00.001Z2008-03-25T08:04:36.611ZLong time!It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted a personal blog entry. Illness, a busy work schedule and general apathy towards blogging have all contributed collectively to this state of being. Never the less I was thinking over the Easter weekend that I’ve posted a blurb about my Easter for the last 3 years so I may as well make this a 4th year.<br /><br />Dave and Emma came over for a most enjoyable Easter weekend which was full of the usual drinking fine malts, beer and eating especially on the Sunday when Clare Chris and I prepared a lovely chicken dinner.<br /><br />I went to my first 40th birthday party which was a rather busy but chilled out time.<br /><br />Sadly in other news Nigel is leaving the Rose and Crown basically because of lack of support from punters in west Ipswich. Sad but I’m sure he’ll bounce back from this and I wish the dood luck in what ever he does. This is the second good [pub to go down the crapper this year the other one was in Preston, well more pubs will have gone but I’m just on about those I would have chose to drink in.<br /><br />Chris and I went to the Dove, Fat Cat and the Emperor last night before stopping in at the Rose for a few. I’ve never been in the Emperor before and I was impressed. Adnams Bitter and Broadside, Young’s and a mild were on hand pump and they had a real ale in a bottle festival on plus some acoustic music for the Easter weekend. I found some of the acts really good especially a lad called Paul Steven Wood http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=147178925 his Album What’s Expected of Me, was yesterday’s unexpected purchase.<br /><br />I’ve taken the rest of this week off work and we’re off to the Woolpack tonight for a Malaysian fish curry prepared by the mighty kitchen Dave. The rest of the week looks rather full and it should be interesting. More later.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-2891961655298578214?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-27515796520017649962008-03-19T07:18:00.000Z2008-03-19T07:19:30.467ZNew Voices and Languages for the StreamHumanware have released new voices for the Stream. I guess nuance still have some work to do on these but at least we have access to some male voices now. They can be The UK male voice should be up soon but you can still listen to him.downloaded and listened to at the link above.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-2751579652001764996?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-23486007721476825252008-03-13T20:43:00.001Z2008-03-13T20:45:50.111ZNew Trekker Breeze AnnouncedLongueuil, March 13, 2008 – This week, at the CSUN conference in Los Angeles, HumanWare is unveiling a new talking GPS. The product is designed for people who are blind, for use when travelling in familiar surroundings. The product will also be appealing to people not comfortable with computers and screen readers. The new model is an addition to the popular Trekker and BrailleNote GPS systems, which have thousands of users worldwide. With this innovation, HumanWare will make GPS technology even more accessible to a greater number of people.<br /><br />Like other GPS products from HumanWare, the Trekker Breeze provides talking GPS directions that help users know where they are and where they are going whether on foot or in a vehicle. <br /><br />Trekker Breeze offers the important benefits of GPS orientation tools. It enhances independence and confidence in travelling. Users can record routes as they walk them with sighted assistance. Routes can then be previewed and activated for future use. As they walk by, users receive audible information such as street names, intersections and reference landmarks. In case they are lost, they can retrace their steps. They can also reach favorite destinations with turn by turn instructions from their current position. The product makes it easier to travel alone and allows people to discover and enjoy their surroundings.<br /><br />"GPS technology brings great benefits to visually impaired travellers. With this new addition to our product line, Humanware now offers GPS benefits to an even wider portion of the visually impaired population." said Lucia Gomez, Product Manager. "Easy and intuitive, Trekker Breeze offers basic orientation functions in a all-in-one hand size device. It is also the most affordable GPS tool specially designed for the needs of users who are blind. "<br /><br />"Trekker Breeze will make the potential of GPS technology even more accessible to the blind" said Lucia Gomez. <br /><br />The Trekker Breeze will be available in English, summer of 2008. The BrailleNote GPS and Trekker are currently available from HumanWare. For more information, please visit http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/gps<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-2348600772147682525?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-16950474164311819402008-03-13T14:59:00.001Z2008-03-13T14:59:32.301ZGW Micro Announce W-E 7.0This is simply a cracking upgrade. I’ve been beta testing it and love it. The new feature set is somewhat larger than GW have yet let on so watch out for more info later. Public beta coming soon.<br /><br />Window-Eyes 7.0 not only has numerous performance enhancements, but it<br />also includes enhanced Braille support, better Browse Mode support,<br />Unicode, scripting, and more. With enhanced Braille support, you can<br />now look at an entire dialog on your Braille display without the need to<br />scroll the Braille display, assuming that your Braille display has<br />enough cells to fit the dialog. For example, if you have an 80-cell<br />Braille display, you have the potential to see the text of the dialog,<br />an OK button, and a Cancel button all without the need to scroll Braille.<br /><br />Better Browse Mode support allows you to keep track of places on a web<br />page that you go to the most with place markers. So, if you enjoy a<br />specific part of a web page at www.gwmicro.com </>, you can mark that<br />spot and jump to it quickly each time you visit. And, if the page ever<br />changes, you have the ability to easily find that same spot if it still<br />exists. Other screen readers are not capable of this. The new version<br />also gives you the ability to jump to specific controls, like buttons,<br />check boxes, radio buttons, and more. Not only can you jump to a<br />specific type of control, but you can jump directly to the controls you<br />use the most. For example, if you need to go to the third edit box on a<br />web page each time you visit, you can jump directly to the third edit<br />box on the page without having to go through every edit box on the<br />page. This is just yet another exciting new feature that Window-Eyes<br />offers that no other competitor can match.<br /><br />The new scripting features in Window-Eyes will open up a whole new world<br />for Window-Eyes consumers. We are again breaking the mold, raising the<br />bar, and creating new possibilities for blind and visually impaired<br />people. The new scripting capability will allow Window-Eyes to be<br />customized for applications like Skype, iTunes, and more. The best part<br />is that any programmer who has knowledge of a computer language that<br />uses COM Automation, then that programmer can write a script for<br />Window-Eyes. Other screen readers use a proprietary language, and thus,<br />have a limited number of scripters. So, what does this all mean for<br />you, the end user? It means there are more people to write more scripts<br />to make more software applications accessible. The end result is that<br />if you need immediate access to an application, you no longer have to<br />wait for the next version of Window-Eyes. If you feel comfortable<br />writing your own scripts, you can use the language you are most<br />comfortable with, as long as it supports COM Automation. Or, if you<br />prefer to have someone else write a script for you, simply contact a<br />Window-Eyes scripter, and have them write a script for you. It's that<br />easy. Just think of all of the applications that you could get access to!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-1695047416431181940?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-84951537551935453832008-03-12T08:41:00.002Z2008-03-12T08:43:17.973ZWhisky Dream on YoutubeGood vidio on Bruichladdich. In fact brilliant.<br /><br />They're making a book out of this too. Even if you're not in to whisky it's worth watching.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-8495153755193545383?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-50353956442255083292008-03-11T03:40:00.003Z2008-03-11T03:44:42.152Zthe glorious 12th of March for new Dolphin Screen Reading and Magnification TechnologyClosely steered by Dolphin's Blindness Product Manager Dave Williams, version 9 has just completed a rigorous beta test period with our international team of testers. As ever their feedback has been invaluable.<br /><br />So what's new in version 9.01? Read on to find out what's in it for you.<br /><br /> <br /><br />All New Document Object Model Support<br />Dolphin's developers have completely re-engineered our Microsoft Internet Explorer Document Object Model (DOM) support. This major overhaul has provided superior responsiveness when browsing web pages using the Dolphin Virtual Focus. The new Microsoft Internet Explorer support improves navigational consistency and accuracy for users relying on Virtual Focus speech and/or Braille output on web pages. The new support also enhances stability on more complex and poorly written web pages.<br /><br />All new Internet Explorer Quick Navigation Keys<br /><br />Whilst in Interactive mode CAPS LOCK can be used in conjunction with the quick navigation hotkeys to navigate by any of the elements listed below.<br /><br />Cut, Copy and Paste Announcement<br />Whilst in Live mode the version 9 screen reader announces text cut, copied or pasted from the Windows clipboard. Should that data be write protected version 9 will announce the failure to cut or copy text. Moving folders or files? Version 9 will also announce the number of objects you cut, copy or paste.<br /><br />All new Dolphin List Utility<br />Version 9 offers a consolidated list of popular document elements into one handy single multi-page List Utility.<br /><br />Improved Support for Office 2007 Ribbon<br /><br />All New Braille Tables<br /><br />This looks interesting and I'll look forward to trying it out. They also mention scripting at the CSUN show but I'm not sure if that will be included in this version.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-5035395644225508329?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-16164991157488785932008-03-11T03:20:00.001Z2008-03-11T03:21:16.245ZStream 1.2.18 now liveHumanWare has released the latest Stream software version 1.2.18. This is a free software upgrade that can be downloaded and installed on your Stream. To download the software visit:<br /><br />http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/victor_reader_stream<br /><br />Select the link to download the new software version 1.2.18. On the same page, you will also find a What's New document describing installation procedures and listing all the features of the new version. Among the new features you will find the following:<br /><br />- Support of NIMAS text books in United States<br />- Support of System Access Mobile from Serotek Corporation (www.serotek.com)<br />- Go To Time feature for non-structured audio books and recorded audio notes<br />- Faster data transfer rate when the Stream is connected to the computer with the USB cable<br />- Increased volume on the built-in speaker<br />- Bass and treble control for music<br />- Control over announcement of music folder and file names<br />- An optional built-in SD formatting utility should your SD card ever require reformatting<br />Much More<br /><br />Please refer to the What's New document on the Stream page for a complete description of all new features and improvements.<br /><br />We are also working on a second English U.S. male voice (Tom) and a U.K. male voice (Daniel). These will be posted as alternate version 1.2 software downloads as soon as possible. We will announce their availability on this News Wire.<br /><br />The next Stream software release project will start soon and is intended to provide support for WMA and BRF. We are also planning an update to the Stream Companion software.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-1616499115748878593?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-38795336371231591802008-02-24T13:13:00.005Z2008-02-24T13:54:10.217ZGreen DragonThe green Dragon is a brew pub in bungay and the beers take the <br>same name as the pub. We found a good selection of the brewery&#39;s <br>beers on draft. The Chaucer bitter was my selection and tasted <br>of grain and dark chocolate. The Gold was also tried and was <br>flat with a rice taste. Bridge Street Bitter was my last sample <br>was a highly hopped and stronger version of the Chauser.<p>Naomy took Jaid for a walk and Jaid is just back now and they are <br>both nackered.<p>Not a bad pub but our little group wanted to move on. <br /><br />I think that because the triangle had been so good we wanted more of the same but sadly the Green Dragon though good as it was just didn’t deliver, on any other day maybe.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-3879533637123159180?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-1956371828687408042008-02-24T13:05:00.005Z2008-02-24T13:59:48.525ZtheWheels on the Bus Go Round and RoundBut I hope they don&#39;t go round all day because we have many <br>pints to slurp and swig over today&#39;s real ale run about to the <br>more interesting pubs of the Suffolk Norfolk boarders.<p>The usual suspects are aboard our lovely Ipswich Bus that is now <br>in the process of trundling to our first destination with Chris, <br>Steve, Dez, Matt, Peter G and naomy making up a younger part of the <br>crew.<p>I will attempt to blog after each pub though one suspects the job <br>will get more trying as I consume local beers and generally <br>refresh myself. Still at least the wheels should keep on <br>turning.<p>This was scribbled yesterday but for some reason Orange&#39;s smtp <br>server was not working so I could not get them to post. the <br>below are a little scrappy but maybe of interest. It was a really first class day in every way.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-195637182868740804?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-23404270536671177522008-02-24T12:32:00.018Z2008-02-24T15:57:04.955ZTryangle Tavern the Home of Green Jack BreweryThe Triangle Tavern is a lovely pub with a good range of ales. <br>The pub is propper spit and sawdust in a modern stylee and the <br>posters adorning the wall were all beer related. Belgium ales <br>are on tap and they even had some rum aged cider which was <br>Chris&#39;s choice.. I went for Mahseera ipa which was on good form <br>and went down too well. My second choice was the Canary from <br>Green Jack this to me was malty and to me a little tasteless. I <br>did keep away from the beak you&#39;ll be glad to know. Green Jack <br>Brewery do some really good beers and the pub which is the <br>brewery tap is a must try if in this area.. They put some loud <br>music on when we went into the second room of the large pub I <br>guess because we were a bunch of youngish trendy types <br>together; And if you <br>really believe that you are so foolish! <br /><br />this pub is surely Lowestoft&#39;s treasure. br> They even do a yard of ale drinking competition and the Triangle <br>Tavern yard of ale champion 2007 is Doski who finished it in 18 <br>seconds which is not to be sniffed at.<p>Bar snacks included pickled eggs and rollmops. mmmm, what more <br>does a bloke require at half 12 on a Satterday afternoon.<p>Later in our short visit we went around the back of the pub and <br>had a look around the brewery. Green Jack had a 10 barrel plant and <br>apart from the St Jude’s brewery in Ipswich it is the smallest Jaid and I <br>have ever been in. In fact the brewer told us they produce more <br>beer per square foot than any other British brewer. they use <br>challenger and pioneer for bittering, then a large selection of <br>others including steerian and goldings hops. The brewery is <br>computer controlled and they tell us that this keeps consistency <br>to a rather better degree than the old manual plant. The water <br>quality is good for brewing and it is a little hard so this is <br>adjusted. The success of Ripper has rased Green Jack&#39;s profile <br>over the last year but because it is an 8,5 percent beer they <br>don&#39;t shift large volumes.<p>Good touch before we moved on we were given nibbles. Warm and friendly pub. Will go back.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-2340427053667117752?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-49815068360718003162008-02-24T12:32:00.015Z2008-02-24T13:55:34.955ZQueen's Head BungayOn entering this fine pub we were greeted by a lovely warm fire. <br>The Queens Head is another brew pub and as to be expected they <br>had a range of beers on. The East Coast Mild is a little beauty <br>and nice and dark. A second beer was called rather funnily the <br>Whippet Strikes Back but I didn&#39;t like it too much.<p>The pub was packed and people were watching the rugby when we <br>arrived at just after 5 in the evening.<p>A third beer was called Old Boy and a rather hoppy concoction it <br>was to be sure.<br>Next we would move on to the home of St Peter&#39;s, well that was <br>the plan but the manager who&#39;s worked in the pub for 2 weeks <br>didn&#39;t want us because they now run a restaurant rather than a <br>pub. This is a bloody bad show for a small brewer in this county. I won't be drinking St Peter's beer for a few months but I'll never say never.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-4981506836071800316?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-38194059639673588182008-02-24T12:32:00.012Z2008-02-24T12:59:14.400ZArtichoke Broome and a Springbank 21The artichoke is a flagged woodsmoky and foody pub with a <br>selection of beers and our first was Oakgrain from Norfolk <br>brewery. this was a lush and creamy mild and to easy to put <br>back. I think I could have done a few of these. The tap room <br>had beers from Peterborough&#39;s finest York Brewery and Adnams. Chris and <br>I went for the Bishop&#39;s Farewell.<p> Black Dog mild from Elgoods was also on offer.<p>I was happy to find out that Springbank 21 year was part of the <br>extensive malt list and I nearly came when it was only £3.50 for <br>a large measure.<p>nose- coconut and pine, salt and briney sherry.<p>pallet salty, sweet and smooth really good.<p>finnish- long lingering and salty. lots of Spanish oak. What <br>an experience.<p>comments the notes are sparse and it was the end of the bottle <br>and from a tumbler. Chris and I cleared the bottle out. too <br>easy to drink and what pleasure. This bottle would sell for over 200 quid today.<p>Another good pub and I will return with no hesitation ASAP.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-3819405963967358818?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-23413711132083397282008-02-24T12:32:00.009Z2008-02-24T12:49:34.387ZThe BellThe pub was welcoming and the smell of smoked bacon pervaded and <br>made me hungry. as Steve noted prices were reasonable and they <br>had 5 Oulton ales on.<p>I rather enjoyed the gone fishing and the wet and windy.<br>Though the beer names were interesting I found them a little <br>similar. nice pub though and the log burner warmed the place <br>splendidly.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-2341371113208339728?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6589304.post-11262679070780714762008-02-24T12:32:00.007Z2008-02-24T12:42:25.191ZVictoria and Rap-upThanks to the nice man from St Peter&#39;s we made a detour to Earl <br>Soham and gave the Victoria a try. The victoria was at one time <br>the home of the most fine Earl Soham brewery but now this has <br>changed because the brewery expanded and moved away. I am used <br>to drinking the beer from these guys so my expectations were <br>high.<p>Not a bad establishment at all but more a food reliant place. <br>Rustic seeling, Victorian artifacts good beers but some posh <br>nutters who were drinking wine and eating the beautiful food. <br>Good place and we cleared a percentage of the foodys out.<p>The beers were in top form and I enjoyed the Porter and Victoria <br>Bitter. Our driver delivered us safely back to Ipswich and the <br>wonderland that is the Dove. A pint or 2 was all we managed <br>before hunger took over and we found ourselves within the gently <br>spicy embrace of Ipswiches newest South Indian restaurant My <br>Keralam. I am pleased to report that the food was very good if <br>a little expensive and they were ok with Jaid going in.<p>A short walk later and with a bit of a pissed stumble we pushed <br>through the doors of Nigel&#39;s domain and entered the quiet world <br>of the Rose and Crown. A good end to a beery day.<p>The triangle was the best new pub I&#39;ve been in for a long time <br>and the others in our group agreed with this sentiment.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6589304-1126267907078071476?l=www.mproberts.co.uk%2Findex.html'/></div>Martinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04547514423637311241noreply@blogger.com0