GreatAlbatross

It amazes me that I was allowed to pass my test in a micra, then be fully qualified to drive everything up to a LWB van, or a range rover.

I found a right hand mirror on my bike sticking out actually did a lot to give me more space.
Someone I know fitted a big (plastic) spiky looking thing at the end of a handlebar, which served the same purpose.

I started looking into non-carplay/auto big-screen head units when I bought mine, and kinda hit a wall on it.
They're either really old, and windows CE, or shitty android based ones from alibaba.

As much as I hate putting myself into a system that depends on my phone, I don't hate androidauto/carplay based systems. They just kinda...work.

If you just want a basic head unit (single din), the name brands are, honestly, much of a muchness.
They all use very similar 4x50w (iirc, 22w rms) output amplifiers.
The only real options are number of pre-outs (for connecting subwoofers, or other amplifiers), and whether or not it has a CD drive.

Replace the cabin filter (10 minute job) with a carbon activated one. I find it makes a big difference on longer drives, otherwise my nose/throat are awful.
Don't worry about the ticking sound the engine makes when it's cold, that's normal.
Check what the tyres are like (age from the DOT code, and tread).
When you're feeling flush, I recommend getting all-season tyres, Goodyear Vector 4 have served me well.
Upgrading the speakers is not difficult, and makes a big difference. (At least under 50mph, lol). The door speakers need to be under a certain depth, or the windows won't go down.
If you want CarPlay/Android auto, the fitting kit for a standard 2-din unit is about £25, and a half-decent unit is about £200 (Sony xav-3250).

Imo, it's well worth getting some good cleaning supplies.
A good shampoo to get it clean (I like megiuars gold class), then a sealant to keep it clean longer (meguiars ultimate ~~sealant~~ wax, comes with applicators too).
Wash with the two bucket method, and a couple of microfibre mitts.

Get a dashcam as soon as you can reasonably afford one, and set it up.
I like the Viofo A129 duo, it's basically invisible behind the mirror.
Halfords have this one on special if you don't want to spend that much:

On the actual driving side, once you've had a bit of time getting used to driving, buy yourself a copy of Roadcraft, and have a good read through of the advanced techniques, particularly IPSGA, the Car Control system, and limit points.
Learn to drive defensively, and you'll avoid a lot of sticky situations entirely, rather than having to suddenly do things.
Sometimes, you just have to let dickhead drivers be dickheads: You may be in the right, but if you crash you're both in an accident.

With the right investment into production automation, and classifying energy generation as a national security factor, I could see us building our own at prices that make sense.
The real kicker I guess is going to be the supply of rare earths required.

On the plus side, you can often position your cup in the often un-mixed stream to get more syrup.

We'll be sending Charlie round to give people a lecture on the importance of the arts, while munching on Duchy Original biscuits.

As part of this, I've offered to design logos for any community who currently have an AI logo, and would like a human-ish one.

not flash enough to make their Instagram account about renovating the house which I have been advised not to read as they are horrible people with bad taste

I'll take "slapping grey paint on every surface, then fitting grey laminate flooring and black gloss worktops" for $500, Alex.

That, and painting over every patch of damp with tanking rather than actually fixing it.

That's a reassuring bit of info. If the in-universe explanation is that he isn't the best captain, I might give it another shot.
As my initial reaction was "has McFarlane just made himself kirk?"

I like to rant about this, but it is possible to insulate old properties without causing damp and mould.
It requires understanding of how the materials work (breathability, etc), and more expensive materials, so it's often difficult to get it done for a reasonable price.

I tried The Orville, but got a little put off by McFarlane as the captain.
Does this improve as the series goes on?
As I might give it another shot.

'You'll need new radiators, and ideally more insulation'
"Utterly unworkable, now fit me a new gas boiler"

(Imo, the thing really holding ashps back is the costs. Companies treating installation like a dark art, and using the government grants to print money)