Tag Archives: affordability

The Gadget Man General Election Special Part Two – We Love Hitchin Interviews – Bim Afolami Conservate Party Candidate for Hitchin Constituency

The We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024 were conducted by Gadget Man, Matt Porter, the founder of We Love Hitchin.

Matt took the initiative to interview each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the General Election, providing an in-depth look at their visions and plans for the community.

You can view the interview below or listen to the podcast episode by clicking the play-head above.

 

Welcome to the We Love Hitchin Interviews 2024! As part of our series, we are sitting down with each candidate running for the Hitchin Constituency in the upcoming General Election on the 4th of July 2024. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Bim Afolami, the Conservative Party candidate.

Join us as we delve into Bim Afolami’s vision for Hitchin, exploring his plans for economic stability, public safety, and community development. Discover his stance on key issues such as infrastructure, business support, and education. Bim shares his dedication to fostering a prosperous and secure future for Hitchin and its residents.

Interview Breakdown

00:00 Opening Titles 00:09 Welcome from Matt Porter, Founder of We Love Hitchin Facebook Group 01:09 Welcome to Bim Afolami

  • 01:16 Background and Motivation: Bim shares his background and explains his motivation for running in the new Hitchin Constituency.

02:06 Q1: Cost of Living Crisis

  • 02:33 A1: Bim discusses measures to alleviate financial pressures caused by the rising cost of living.

08:05 Q2: NHS and Healthcare

  • 08:37 A2: Bim outlines his plans to improve healthcare services, reduce waiting times, and address staffing shortages in the NHS.

12:40 Q3: Economy

  • 13:14 A3: Bim’s strategies for addressing inflation, unemployment, and ensuring economic stability.

17:44 Q5: Crime

  • 17:58 A5: Bim’s plans to enhance personal safety and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement in the community.

20:41 Q6: Housing

  • 20:57 A6: Measures to address the housing crisis, particularly focusing on affordability and availability for younger people and those on lower incomes.

Community Questions

23:32 Andrea’s Question on Water Companies

  • 24:45 Bim’s Response: Bim answers Andrea’s question about voting on a motion to bring water companies back into the public sector.

27:45 Nyland and Lauren’s Question on Gaza War and Palestine Recognition

  • 28:06 Bim’s Response: Bim discusses the provision of arms or assistance in the Gaza conflict and the recognition of Palestine as an independent state.

30:58 Vanessa and Nicola’s Question on Special Needs Education and Care

  • 31:49 Bim’s Response: Bim addresses the concerns of SEN families, pledging improved support and resources.

36:01 Bim’s Closing Appeal

  • 36:17 Bim asks for your vote: Bim Afolami explains why he should be chosen as the representative for Hitchin on the 4th of July.

39:11 Matt Porter’s Thanks and Closing Remarks 40:19 Closing Titles


Election Results for Hitchin Constituency 2024

The General Election results for the Hitchin Constituency have been announced. Here are the final tallies:

  • Bim Afolami (The Conservative Party Candidate): 14,958 votes
  • Charles Bunker (Reform UK): 6,760 votes
  • Sid Cordle (Christian Peoples Alliance): 181 votes
  • Will Lavin (Green Party): 2,631 votes
  • Chris Lucas (Liberal Democrats): 4,913 votes
  • Alistair Strathern (Labour Party): 23,067 votes – Elected

Congratulations to Alistair Strathern, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Hitchin! His victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, and we look forward to seeing his plans for Hitchin come to fruition.

The Gadget Man – Episode 179 – Navigating the Murky Waters of Jailbroken Streaming Devices: A Cautionary Tale

Today I had the pleasure of chatting with Trish Adudu on her drivetime show on BBC Radio CWR about Jailbroken Streaming Devices.

In the golden era of television, our choices were simple, defined by the limited channels available through traditional broadcast. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. The digital revolution has ushered in an age where streaming platforms are king, offering a cornucopia of content that was once unimaginable. Yet, with this abundance comes a new set of challenges for consumers navigating the costs and legalities of accessing their favorite shows and movies.

Enter the controversial world of jailbroken or “dodgy” fire sticks. These modified devices promise a world of free content, bypassing the subscription fees of mainstream streaming services. At first glance, the allure is undeniable. Who wouldn’t want access to endless entertainment without the hefty price tag? But as we peel back the layers, the darker implications of these devices come to light.

The Legal Grey Zone

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elephant in the room: jailbroken fire sticks are illegal. Despite their widespread availability and the somewhat cavalier attitude some may have towards using them, they pose significant legal risks to users. Beyond the risk of fines or legal action, there’s a deeper issue at play here—the ethics of content consumption. In our quest for convenience and cost-saving, we must ask ourselves: at what price does this come to the creators and distributors of the content we consume?

The Cost of Convenience

The debate over streaming platforms’ pricing structures is valid, especially in a world grappling with rising living costs. However, turning to illegal alternatives like jailbroken fire sticks isn’t a victimless crime. It undermines the very industry that entertains us, potentially stifling the creation of new content. Moreover, the risks extend beyond legal ramifications. Using these devices can expose users to cybersecurity threats, including theft of personal and financial information. Trusting one’s digital safety to the hands of unknown, potentially criminal entities is a gamble few should be willing to take.

A Fragmented Marketplace

The current streaming landscape is indeed fragmented, with exclusive content spread across numerous platforms. This exclusivity can lead to subscription fatigue, as consumers find themselves subscribing to multiple services to access all the content they desire—a costly endeavor. This fragmentation fuels the temptation to seek out illegal alternatives. Yet, it also calls for a discussion on the sustainability of the current model and the need for more consumer-friendly solutions.

Looking Forward

As we navigate the evolving world of digital content consumption, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. While the allure of free content is undeniable, the risks and ethical implications of jailbroken streaming devices cannot be overlooked. It’s a reminder of the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of content creators while also considering the affordability and accessibility for consumers. Perhaps the future will bring more innovative solutions to this dilemma, but until then, the debate rages on.

The gadget world is vast and ever-changing, but as we venture into its depths, let’s tread carefully, mindful of the legal and ethical boundaries that govern our digital playground.

Ugreen launches its 65W Nexode GaN USB-C 3-Port Wall Charger with US, UK and EU Plug

Ideal for use when travelling, it has 3 ports, delivering 65W of charge to up to 3 devices at the same time.

Ugreen, the award-winning manufacturer of quality and affordable electronic accessories and consumer technology products has today announced the launch of its new 65W Nexode GaN USB-C 3 port wall charger. Perfect for use anywhere in the world, it comes with US, UK and EU plugs included which are easily switchable. With a broad compatibility, it can easily charge up to 3 devices at the same time at high speeds. The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger is available for £49.99/$55.99 on Amazon UK, Amazon US and the Ugreen website.

 

Featuring two USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port, the Ugreen wall charger is an efficient and useful product. Able to give up to 65W of charge on 3 devices at the same time, it dramatically reduces the time spent waiting for devices to charge and increases the convenience of the experience. Ideal for use when travelling, in the office or even just at home, it means that users are able to have their laptop, phone and earphones recharging at the same time, for example. Not only easier, the Nexode 65W is also powered by GaN chips that provide high-speed power that can charge a 13” MacBook Pro to 100% in less than 2 hours meaning people never have to be out of battery for long.

The perfect companion on holidays or business trips, the lightweight charger comes with a US, UK and EU plug to ensure that it can be used worldwide and also has a very broad compatibility. Able to be used with MacBooks Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhones, Galaxy S Series, iPad Pro, Pixel Series, and more, there will always be a quick charging option – even for an Apple Watch or AirPods.

Always aiming to both keep users connected but safe, the Ugreen wall charger has enhanced safety features with GaN to keep devices protected whilst being charged. These include an over-current protection, short-circuit protection, over-temperature protection and over-voltage protection meaning that it can be used without any concerns. Not only that, Ugreen offer a two-year warranty on the product for complete peace of mind.

Features:

  • Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz 1.8A Max
  • USB-C1/C2: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A 65W Max PPS:3.3-21V/3A
  • USB-A: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 4.5V/5A, 5V/4.5A; 22.5W Max
  • Fast Charging Protocol: PD 3.0/2.0; QC 4.0+/4.0/3.0/2.0; 5V/1A; 5V/2.4A; AFC; SCP; PPS
  • Protection: Short Circuit Protection, Over Voltage Protection, Overheat Protection, Over Current Protection, Power Dispenser System, Overcharge Protection
  • Plug included: US plug, EU plug, UK plug
  • Product dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.28 inches
  • Item weight: 12 ounces

Pricing and Availability

The Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Charger is available for £49.99/$55.99 on Amazon UK, Amazon US and the Ugreen website.