ipod v mp3 player

Previously we posted this (and we do say it ourselves) brilliant article about finding free mp3 downloads by using a cunning search string could track mp3s readily available for you to save.

Ever since we’ve been going bananas trying to find a similar methods to grab freebies for ipods and by golly we have been disappointed.

Undoubtedly the iPod offers amazing memory and sound quality but the fact you have to cough up for an iTunes account is grim – and with so many other mp3 players on th emarket it is a wonder that Apple retain their considerable market share.  The top models of mp3 players offer full multi media functions – photo and video storageas well as holding thousands of mp3 files so you can take your music wherever you go.

The Apple iPod will hold its own – not only because of its iconic status but the latest iPod Touch and iPhone will satisfy those eager to advance their portable entertainment media players.  This iPod buying guide and mp3 buying guide written by the authors of the mp3 guide and the product information for iPod.

Let the battle for pocket audio supremacy continue and hopefully keep driving down prices.

And they say that blog posting is slowing…

Radio Birdsong – Top Banana FM

Previously on Top Banana we suggested methods of getting free mp3 music tracks.  This works well for those “hard to find tracks” and over time you’re able to build up an impressive compilation which you can sort and filter to suit your mood.

However many still enjoy the “surprise” of the track listing that radio stations offer and with the crystal clear, true high quality audio quality introduction of DAB and High Def Radio an new world is opening up for radio fans.

The UK has a dab radio guide that suggests which digital stations are likely to be accessed in your area – see Digital Radio Now however the selection is sparse especially when compared to the USA. (note the the Top banana station has to be “Birdsong FM” see http://www.ukdigitalradio.com/news/display.asp?id=290) Listeners are reminded – Please note that the line up of birds featured in the cast may change without warning due to illness, weather and migration.

In the US you can search for high definition local radio stations and find hundreds of specialist stations that give audio quality previously reserved for iPods and HDTV.

You can preview the sounds here – http://www.hdradio.com/how_does_hd_digital_radio_sound.php and the vedict – awesome digital clarity. Truelt Top Banana!

Blood Pressure Awareness Week

Top banana has an ongoing commitment to raising health awareness and is therefore pleased to bring details of this years Blood Pressure Testing Week – an annual healthcare awareness week focusing on getting more people to have their blood pressure readings taken.  The event is part of the Know Your Numbers campaign which encourages everyone to take regular blood pressure readings in order to identify high blood pressure so they can receive appropriate early treatment to lower and control their blood pressure.

Many thousand “Testing Stations” around the UK, staffed by qualified professionals who volunteer to take part will offer to measure peoples blood pressure with a free blood pressure check.  As well as noting the readings their will be information and advice available about lifestyle changes that will help lower blood pressure and patient information leaflets.  It is hoped that more and more people will see the benefit of keeping track of their blood pressure and begin to start taking their own readings at home.  Instructions about using the latest home blood pressure machines - including digital upper arm monitors such as the recently clinically validated Omron M10 IT Blood Pressure Monitor -will be available.

The Blood Pressure Testing Week runs from 8th to 14th September 2008.  Look out for local newspaper features and posters in participating shops and businesses or use the online Blood Pressure Testing Week Testing Station Locator online.

Last year hundreds of people were identified as having raised blood pressure were picked up during the week and encouraged to visit their GP for further assesment.  The signs are that this years event will identify as many again.