MOT test date mistake

My regular garage sent me a text message by SMS to let me know that my car's MOT test is coming up. The MOT is an annual vehicle test that was originally instituted by the Ministry of Transport, hence the name. One may have the test done a couple of weeks before the due date in order for the approval to be extended for another full year.

It turns out that the garage's computer system lies: the automated message used the date of inspection, not the actual expiry date of the MOT certificate. So, it is coming up to the date when the car last had its MOT test but we are still comfortably away from the actual expiry date. I shall bring the car back next month.

Adopting an electric toothbrush

I have receding gums. Apparently there is not much to be done, it is one of the many joys of becoming elderly. During my latest checkup my dentist held the mirror so as to show me the exposed roots of my teeth. Given how they are not protected by enamel he prescribed me some special kind of toothpaste and bade me switch to using an electric toothbrush.

At first the electric toothbrush seemed distractingly tickly but that has been easy to get used to. One discovery is that my usual brushing routine must last over four minutes as the electric toothbrush claims to cut out after two by which point I am barely halfway. It also cuts out if I apply too much pressure which is one feature my dentist was favoring. After I am done my teeth do feel a little cleaner than they did with a manual toothbrush.

The electric toothbrush's manual is an entertaining mix of actual attempts at usage instructions whose English feels unnatural combined with lawyerly exhortations not to do this nor that. There are the usual warnings like not to use the toothbrush if it is not working properly, while sleeping, etc. In this case the legal parts sit awkwardly next to the regular usage instructions. For example, for usage,

To keep the battery fully charged, we recommend that you keep the toothbrush in the charger when not in use.

Yet,

Do not leave appliance when plugged in.