View Full Version : Tell Me Something............Anything!
You can't blame everything on pandemic. Other countries had it too. We just put ourselves at a financial disadvantage to start with.
Pigmy Pony
30-09-2021, 18:17
only thing brexit did was show europe up for what they are. we already knew what the tories in charge were like, so no surprises there.
:thumbsup:
You can't blame everything on pandemic. Other countries had it too. We just put ourselves at a financial disadvantage to start with.
It was the worst possible time to have the upheaval of leaving the EU. Still I think it was better to get it done rather than keep putting it off though.
For me personally it hasn't really made any difference at all. Except they took the EU Swastika down from the flagpole outside of work. That was a good day.
I see, so why did that bother you so much? And if it hasn't really made any difference to you at all, apart from as with the rest of us, make things more expensive, then why did you vote for it - what exactly did you hope to gain...?
I don't think it's anything to do with Brexit, no. Not unless the Americans, Germans and Chinese all had Brexit too.
I already said that shipping costs have gone up due to the pandemic as demand for air freight has massively outstripped supply.
It's funny that we have a global pandemic that has massively affected every aspect of everything in the world and yet people are still claiming 'It's Brexit!'.
I think some of what you say is correct and makes sense, but you're about the only person I know, including all sorts of knowledgeable people I've heard on TV, including some government ministers, who think that Brexit has had **NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER** on the current lack of lorry drivers and resultant fuel shortages.
Marco.
It was the worst possible time to have the upheaval of leaving the EU. Still I think it was better to get it done rather than keep putting it off though.
It was the worst possible thing for anyone in the UK who considered themselves more European than British. Count Del and me in! There have been, and will be no advantages for us, which is why we both voted against it.
As I said before, let's see how much it costs to bring back a shedload of wine in the car, next time we're in France, compared with before, and then I'll really let you know what I think of your fucking Brexit!;)
Marco.
I see, so why did that bother you so much? And if it hasn't really made any difference to you at all, apart from as with the rest of us, make things more expensive, then why did you vote for it - what exactly did you hope to gain...?
.
Because I think that there is a wider responsibility to the country, to the generations that came before and the generations that come after us.
I have no doubt that in the long term the country will be much better off out of the EU which is a corrupt, self-serving organisation that was holding us back. So wealthy people will have to pay a bit more for their wine? Nobody cares about that. And in any case that's down to the EU. It was their decision to stop the customs union.
You very rarely see anyone knowledgeable on TV these days. It's wall to wall misinformation and agendas.
Because I think that there is a wider responsibility to the country, to the generations that came before and the generations that come after us.
Ok, that's fair enough, but that's interesting, as in similar situations your approach has (seemingly) been more about not giving a fuck what happens when you're gone!;)
I have no doubt that in the long term the country will be much better off out of the EU which is a corrupt, self-serving organisation that was holding us back.
I hope you're right, and hope to see some tangible evidence of that soon, but I'm not so sure.
So wealthy people will have to pay a bit more for their wine? Nobody cares about that.
Hey, well I do!:D And it's not wealthy people who go on 'booze cruises' to Calais!:ner:;)
Marco.
Ok, that's fair enough, but that's interesting, as in similar situations your approach has (seemingly) been more about not giving a fuck what happens when you're gone!;)
.
That's true because in normal circumstances there's nothing I can do about it in any case, but as it happens the opportunity to do something about the EU came up.
if you think about how independence for Scotland is important to you then maybe you can understand how independence from the EU is important to others.
Independence for Scotland would also be a rocky road full of unknowns, but I don't think that would stop you voting for it.
Because I think that there is a wider responsibility to the country, to the generations that came before and the generations that come after us.
I have no doubt that in the long term the country will be much better off out of the EU which is a corrupt, self-serving organisation that was holding us back. So wealthy people will have to pay a bit more for their wine? Nobody cares about that. And in any case that's down to the EU. It was their decision to stop the customs union.
You very rarely see anyone knowledgeable on TV these days. It's wall to wall misinformation and agendas.
Agree with all the above - also, I was pleased to see the end of paying for an extra bunch of freeloader bureaucrats (MEP's)
That's true because in normal circumstances there's nothing I can do about it in any case, but as it happens the opportunity to do something about the EU came up.
if you think about how independence for Scotland is important to you then maybe you can understand how independence from the EU is important to others.
Independence for Scotland would also be a rocky road full of unknowns, but I don't think that would stop you voting for it.
I find it very amusing that SNP want independence from the union only to join another run from Brussels :scratch:
doesnt matter what snp want, the eu wont take scotland on in any terms suitable if at all. im british; i was born british and always will be, but im scottish too
That's true because in normal circumstances there's nothing I can do about it in any case, but as it happens the opportunity to do something about the EU came up.
if you think about how independence for Scotland is important to you then maybe you can understand how independence from the EU is important to others.
Independence for Scotland would also be a rocky road full of unknowns, but I don't think that would stop you voting for it.
Yes, I get your analogy, which makes perfect sense. Trouble is, I'm not passionate about the EU in the same way as I am about Scottish independence. As I've said before, I'm first and foremost Italian, then Scottish, then British, and so in order of importance, those are my priorities.
However, for others I realise it's different. Oh, and yes, I'd certainly vote for Scottish independence, but the SNP would need a new leader first, as I'd never vote for Nicola 'Vaccine Passports' Sturgeon!!:guns:
If those abominations to civil liberty ever become more widely used, and an 'accepted norm' in UK society, we'll know who to blame for starting the ball rolling.
Marco.
Lol - they're all clowns
There was an interview on Radio Suffolk this morning and apparently there is a national shortage of clowns. I kid you not! :lol:
walpurgis
01-10-2021, 12:02
There was an interview on Radio Suffolk this morning and apparently there is a national shortage of clowns. I kid you not! :lol:
Blimey. Is that going to impact the Santa-Claus shortage? :D
There was an interview on Radio Suffolk this morning and apparently there is a national shortage of clowns. I kid you not! :lol:
Must be true as it's in the Daily Mail:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561575/There-national-shortage-clowns.html
Membership at the country's largest clown organizations has plunged over the past decade
There is less interest in clowning, and the older clowns are now dying off
Around 2,000 clowns remain - but ten years ago there were 3,500
Clearly is Brexit to blame, all those East European clowns going back home for absolutely no reason. The EU would have ensured we had more than enough clowns. Envy those continental Europeans with their clown surplus. What fools we were etc (cont. page 94)
:lol: that really made me laugh Martin!!! Comedy genius like that maybe you should consider clowning yourself? ;)
I have but only as one of those evil killer psycho clowns who murders teenagers at deserted campsites. And they're just not hiring.
I have but only as one of those evil killer psycho clowns who murders teenagers at deserted campsites. And they're just not hiring.
Can Del hire you for Halloween? She's making a big thing of it this year and LOVES scary clowns. And the beauty of it is, you won't need a mask!:ner::D
Only kidding...;)
Anyway, you'll get to frighten the shite out of loads of little brats and give them nightmares for life, plus eat as much KFC as you can handle! All you have to do is stand outside our front door with some witches and pumpkins, and look menacing... Deal?:cool:
Marco.
£40 an hour mate. (Cash ofc).
Pigmy Pony
01-10-2021, 15:37
I have but only as one of those evil killer psycho clowns who murders teenagers at deserted campsites. And they're just not hiring.
Because they're all dead. That's the trouble with killer clowns, they always overdo it.
£40 an hour mate. (Cash ofc).
No problem, please forward your bank details to my secretary. Bonuses will be paid for inducing fatal heart attacks, plus expenses for disposal of the bodies.
Marco.
No problem, please forward your bank details to my secretary. Bonuses will be paid for inducing fatal heart attacks, plus expenses for disposal of the bodies.
Marco.
we'll use your bathtub to dismember the bodies. Don't forget to get plenty of bleach in.
bleach is no good, you want something like sodium hydroxide.
oops, thats just a wild guess like :rolleyes:
walpurgis
01-10-2021, 17:05
Grant's right. I should know! :mad:
Pigmy Pony
02-10-2021, 10:11
While enjoying my mid-month bath a couple of weeks ago, making bubbles (and understanding why women like to have scented candles on the go) I heard a strange rustling sound, which came in one-second bursts, a few seconds apart. Is it the plumbing? I tried turning on and off the cold water, then the hot water taps. The sound persisted. Is it the extractor fan packing up? I stood and put my ear to it. Not that.
Is it the boiler, which is in the next room? Didn't seem to be that either The sound was so brief that I really couldn't pinpoint it.
Only thing I could think of then was perhaps a mouse in the wall cavity. As I went round the skirtings untowelled and dripping (not a good look), the sound suddenly changed from rustling to "Ba-by shark! du-du-dudududu, baby shark..." mystery solved, a bath toy that only works when in water, must also like steamy bathrooms, and hiding among the bath towels :)
Bloody grandkids.
That's thirty seconds of your life you won't get back :ner:
That reminds me of the time when I was at my cousin's house and was left alone in their living room. They had young children and there's toys all over including this massive 'Barney' dinosaur. Although I'd never heard of or seen of the 'Barney' line of toys before at that time.
Anyway I'm sat there looking out the window and it just started speaking. Christ did it give me a shock.
Pigmy Pony
02-10-2021, 10:45
That reminds me of the time when I was at my cousin's house and was left alone in their living room. They had young children and there's toys all over including this massive 'Barney' dinosaur. Although I'd never heard of or seen of the 'Barney' line of toys before at that time.
Anyway I'm sat there looking out the window and it just started speaking. Christ did it give me a shock.
:D It would be a shock - we came from a simpler time when dinosaurs didn't talk. Which is why we're normal, while kids are all growing up mental.
The only dinosaur we knew was Godzilla and he never said a peep.
I suppose even if he had talked it would all have been in Japanese anyway.
Pigmy Pony
02-10-2021, 11:03
The only dinosaur we knew was Godzilla and he never said a peep.
I suppose even if he had talked it would all have been in Japanese anyway.
Being Japanese, it really should have been able to talk.
https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.snFaDLcZEtsKwX_oGlfT6gHgFo&w=606&h=340&c=7&rs=2&qlt=90&o=6&pid=1.7
Couldn't get that to work. Perhaps if I was Japanese...
'Canadian actually, Major.'
While enjoying my mid-month bath a couple of weeks ago, making bubbles (and understanding why women like to have scented candles on the go) I heard a strange rustling sound, which came in one-second bursts, a few seconds apart. Is it the plumbing? I tried turning on and off the cold water, then the hot water taps. The sound persisted. Is it the extractor fan packing up? I stood and put my ear to it. Not that.
Is it the boiler, which is in the next room? Didn't seem to be that either The sound was so brief that I really couldn't pinpoint it.
Only thing I could think of then was perhaps a mouse in the wall cavity. As I went round the skirtings untowelled and dripping (not a good look), the sound suddenly changed from rustling to "Ba-by shark! du-du-dudududu, baby shark..." mystery solved, a bath toy that only works when in water, must also like steamy bathrooms, and hiding among the bath towels :)
Bloody grandkids.
That's thirty seconds of your life you won't get back :ner:
:lolsign:
However...
(and understanding why women like to have scented candles on the go)
I'm not sure you do, especially the long, 'fat-headed' bastards!;)
Marco.
This is what's wrong with this country.
Attack a person and child who do it well as its easier than teaching others to do theirs' better.
https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/mum-told-simplify-daughters-fancy-21738096
Indeed... Fucking nanny state brainwashing shite, prompted by idiotic woke principles: we can't have the other little darlings feeling jealous or threatened by something that highlights the inadequacies of their parents in not providing them with a decent lunch!:doh:
You couldn't make it up. That teacher deserves a damned good slap!!
Marco.
Cheese strings, chocolate and coke for all :doh:
Pigmy Pony
02-10-2021, 22:04
Cheese strings, chocolate and coke for all :doh:
Mum! Guy's got cheese strings, why can't I have cheese strings?
Cheese strings are better then G-strings.
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
02-10-2021, 22:46
Cheese strings are better then G-strings.
Marco.
Sounds like you had an interesting lunchbox. What did you have on your sandwiches/ Maxi Pads? :D
Cheese strings are better then G-strings.
Marco.
similar smell and taste :vomfest:
Sounds like you had an interesting lunchbox. What did you have on your sandwiches/ Maxi Pads? :D
Lol, no that would be the contents of the princess' handbag:eyebrows:
Actually, the contents of my lunchbox, given the article Grant linked to, would've be rather apt! In primary school, which was the only time I took a lunchbox into school. Being Italian, I used to have all manner of 'exotica', especially considering it was the 70s, and I'd regularly have things like salami or Parma ham sandwiches, legs of roast chicken (especially on a Monday, left over from Sunday lunch), marinated in garlic and rosemary, fresh pasta salads - all sorts!
The teachers, never mind the pupils, used to love it and want a bit of my lunch, when the smell of garlic and rosemary pervaded through the rooms!:D No jealousy though from anyone, nor were the contents of my lunchbox seen as a 'threat' by anyone, as thank goodness, that kind of woke pish/mindset didn't exist in those days!!
Marco.
similar smell and taste :vomfest:
Lol - they're horrid things. Bikini knickers are far sexier, especially housing a nice pert arse!:D
Marco.
Top man. Del's a big fan of Sloggies:D
Marco.
Top man. Del's a big fan of Sloggies:D
Marco.
arn't we all:eyebrows:
Lol, well old pervs often have a thing for white cotton panties:D;)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
03-10-2021, 10:01
See what you mean :)
Sorry, I posted a pic but it was horrible so I deleted it.
Lol, well old pervs often have a thing for white cotton panties:D;)
Marco.
only old perv i know is em, you .lol
See what you mean :)
Sorry, I posted a pic but it was horrible so I deleted it.
A pic of what lol, and what did you see that I meant?:D
Marco.
only old perv i know is em, you .lol
Nah, princess loves her pervy unky!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
03-10-2021, 10:29
A pic of what lol, and what did you see that I meant?:D
Marco.
You're sorry you asked now, aren't you? :vomfest:
http://i0.wp.com/www.ineed2pee.com/updatepics/lilyanna-cheerleader.jpg
UGH... I worry about you sometimes, lol. Where did you find that?:doh::whistle:
Marco.
not looked/ wont look. it is sunday:)
Pigmy Pony
03-10-2021, 12:41
never a good day for that. I was actually looking for a pic I saw a couple of years ago of some NFL event, where one of the cheerleaders had pooed her pants a bit, poor girl. But quite inoffensive. That one didn't seem so bad till I posted it :eek: Then I couldn't for some reason delete the whole post. A nosey nellie like Marco was never going to let an incomplete post pass him by so I had to re-post just to shut him up :D
Apologies for spoiling anyone's dinner.
UGH... I worry about you sometimes, lol. Where did you find that?:doh::whistle:
Marco.
In the bushes by the bus stop probably.
never a good day for that. I was actually looking for a pic I saw a couple of years ago of some NFL event, where one of the cheerleaders had pooed her pants a bit, poor girl. But quite inoffensive. That one didn't seem so bad till I posted it :eek: Then I couldn't for some reason delete the whole post. A nosey nellie like Marco was never going to let an incomplete post pass him by so I had to re-post just to shut him up :D
Apologies for spoiling anyone's dinner.
Lol - you're a very bad man, but I like that, so I'll let you off!:D
Actually, Del's got a Hooters outfit she wears sometimes to fancy dress parties, which is on a similar theme, but she wouldn't spoil it with dirty knickers!:lol:
Marco.
Oh shit - why would anyone take a photo of that (medical journal perhaps?)
Anyway:
Just been to local Tesco to get some bottled water (cheap way of getting spring water for my home brew - gives better flavour than chlorinated tap water) - Still seems to be a shortage, shelves pretty much empty of water :scratch:
Even more worrying (for me), I managed to get the last box of Carr's table water - finest biscuit for cheeses in my opinion, no need for fatty/flakey/flavoured (I do like a bit of alliteration :)) "biscuits for cheese".
Keep your eyes peeled folks - Christmas wouldn't be the same without Carr's table water.
No problem at all at the petrol station though.
Anyway:
Just been to local Tesco to get some bottled water (cheap way of getting spring water for my home brew - gives better flavour than chlorinated tap water) - Still seems to be a shortage, shelves pretty much empty of water :scratch:
Even more worrying (for me), I managed to get the last box of Carr's table water - finest biscuit for cheeses in my opinion, no need for fatty/flakey/flavoured (I do like a bit of alliteration :)) "biscuits for cheese".
Keep your eyes peeled folks - Christmas wouldn't be the same without Carr's table water.
No problem at all at the petrol station though.
seem to be in stock here, so maybe just run out. yup bottled water is in short supply due to lack of drivers
Reassuring about the Carrs Grant - I seem to remember they had a fire a couple of years ago and there weren't any table water for a few months, so I get panicky :)
walpurgis
03-10-2021, 13:17
If stored for a while, mineral water has to be kept in the dark otherwise light makes the trace amounts of natural algae start multiplying and you get green sediment.
Sounds like my kind of beer :lol:
Pigmy Pony
03-10-2021, 16:13
Anyway:
Just been to local Tesco to get some bottled water (cheap way of getting spring water for my home brew - gives better flavour than chlorinated tap water) - Still seems to be a shortage, shelves pretty much empty of water :scratch:
Even more worrying (for me), I managed to get the last box of Carr's table water - finest biscuit for cheeses in my opinion, no need for fatty/flakey/flavoured (I do like a bit of alliteration :)) "biscuits for cheese".
Keep your eyes peeled folks - Christmas wouldn't be the same without Carr's table water.
No problem at all at the petrol station though.
Don't know about your local water authority, but ours has been emailing us about greatly reduced levels in our reservoirs. One call to the newspapers, and hey presto, panic buying of bottled water. Wouldn't surprise me.
When I was an apprentice, one of my duties was doing a weekly shop for the boss's sister. List always included PLJ (pure lemon juice) and Carr's Table Water biscuits. Forgot about them until now. I'll have to get some, make a nice change from Jacob's cream crackers. Might even get fifty boxes in case they run out. ;) Sorry if that contributes to a shortage.
Must be true as it's in the Daily Mail:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2561575/There-national-shortage-clowns.html
Membership at the country's largest clown organizations has plunged over the past decade
There is less interest in clowning, and the older clowns are now dying off
Around 2,000 clowns remain - but ten years ago there were 3,500
Clearly is Brexit to blame, all those East European clowns going back home for absolutely no reason. The EU would have ensured we had more than enough clowns. Envy those continental Europeans with their clown surplus. What fools we were etc (cont. page 94)
It's not a problem - the current Prime Minister is a big enough clown to make up for the 1,500 shortfall.
Don't know about your local water authority, but ours has been emailing us about greatly reduced levels in our reservoirs. One call to the newspapers, and hey presto, panic buying of bottled water. Wouldn't surprise me.
When I was an apprentice, one of my duties was doing a weekly shop for the boss's sister. List always included PLJ (pure lemon juice) and Carr's Table Water biscuits. Forgot about them until now. I'll have to get some, make a nice change from Jacob's cream crackers. Might even get fifty boxes in case they run out. ;) Sorry if that contributes to a shortage.
Interesting about reduced levels in reservoir - my daily dog walk takes me around part of the edge of our local reservoir and I have been surprised how quickly it is going down.
Only two weeks ago it looked pretty damn full. Today it seems to have dropped significantly, about twenty foot of "beach"/sand exposed in a very short time.
We've not been enjoying incredibly hot weather/drought conditions - what on earth is going on :scratch:
Don't feel guilty about the table water, now I have a full tank of diesel I intend to do a trawl of Suffolk supermarkets :lol:
Tufty turned up this afternoon looking for his nuts
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51547477041_64993ebf97_o.jpg
Pigmy Pony
04-10-2021, 06:14
Don't feel guilty about the table water, now I have a full tank of diesel I intend to do a trawl of Suffolk supermarkets :lol:
:D If everyone was as thoughtful as us, the country would soon be back on its feet :)
Tufty turned up this afternoon looking for his nuts
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51547477041_64993ebf97_o.jpg
Times are hard for him since the road safety work dried up.
Anyway:
Just been to local Tesco to get some bottled water (cheap way of getting spring water for my home brew - gives better flavour than chlorinated tap water) - Still seems to be a shortage, shelves pretty much empty of water :scratch:
Even more worrying (for me), I managed to get the last box of Carr's table water - finest biscuit for cheeses in my opinion, no need for fatty/flakey/flavoured (I do like a bit of alliteration :)) "biscuits for cheese".
Keep your eyes peeled folks - Christmas wouldn't be the same without Carr's table water.
No problem at all at the petrol station though.
Yes, in terms of the latter, things are definitely getting better. However, there are no shortages of water or any forms of foodstuffs here. Don't you buy things like mineral water in bulk packs?
We use a lot of it for drinks and other things, so buy it in shrink-wrapped packs of six 2-litre bottles, and don't let stocks run down:)
Marco.
walpurgis
04-10-2021, 07:25
I just placed an online order to Tesco for a grocery delivery (in three weeks) and a lot of 'regular' items are not available.
Last time I tried to visit the local store, I couldn't get to the car park due to the access road being blocked by the queue for fuel.
Good job I'm not running short of anything.
When are you going to start getting out into the big bad world again, Geoff, and shopping physically?
You've been double-jabbed mate, and the numbers are going down, or are you planning on being a recluse all your life?:lol:;)
Marco.
walpurgis
04-10-2021, 07:31
When are you going to start getting out into the big bad world again, Geoff, and shopping physically?
Marco.
I do, when it suits Marco.
The local small shops come in handy now and then.
Indeed, try some of the Polish or Asian ones.
My point was that, if you're able, putting *yourself* in control, rather than relying on others (for anything), for me is always a smart move:)
Marco.
Times are hard for him since the road safety work dried up.
He’s never forgiven Dave Prowse for taking that gig off him.
When are you going to start getting out into the big bad world again, Geoff, and shopping physically?
You've been double-jabbed mate, and the numbers are going down, or are you planning on being a recluse all your life?:lol:;)
Marco.
well im not going to me thinks(I was considering it)... what with my good knee going too, it seems the choice is now no choice. Might have to cancel the new car too. not going to enjoy it like this
He’s never forgiven Dave Prowse for taking that gig off him.
The Public Information Film industry was always notoriously cut-throat.
The Public Information Film industry was always notoriously cut-throat.
dave could do anything....except swim ;)
The Public Information Film industry was always notoriously cut-throat.
Yes, Charley said
there were some good ones especially one about the grim reaper(70's) and kids playing near water.. that one was very effective
well im not going to me thinks(I was considering it)... what with my good knee going too, it seems the choice is now no choice. Might have to cancel the new car too. not going to enjoy it like this
Nightmare, mate. Hope you don't have to cancel your car... Hopefully your good knee will get better soon.
Marco.
there were some good ones especially one about the grim reaper(70's) and kids playing near water.. that one was very effective
I loved those things - some were better than the TV programmes!
Here you go:
https://youtu.be/xZWD2sDRESk
Spooky as fuck.
Marco.
No worries... Remember the one when the wee boy gets frazzled going into an electricity sub-station, to fetch a frisbee?:D
That's one of the things I loved most about 70s TV - it was so deliciously 'anti-woke' (even when such didn't exist), and non-PC!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Nightmare, mate. Hope you don't have to cancel your car... Hopefully your good knee will get better soon.
Marco.
been sitting with ice pack on it. take some heat out.. its the tendon i think. i did this many years ago on other knee and it took a long time to fix.
No worries... Remember the one when the wee boy gets frazzled going into an electricity sub-station, to fetch a frisbee?:D
That's one of the things I loved most about 70s TV - it was so deliciously 'anti-woke' (even when such didn't exist), and non-PC!:eyebrows:
Marco.
yes i remember that too. if it saved one kid it was worth it
Electric graffiti ?
I used to show this to year 9 classes in Physics lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkRvdihFsDs
vicious stuff hi voltage power. ive worked in sub stations and even with all the safety its still a scary place
Electric graffiti ?
I used to show this to year 9 classes in Physics lessons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkRvdihFsDs
For added realism, did you waft in the smell of some fried bacon?:D:eyebrows:
Sorry, I'm a sadistic bassa...
Marco.
About two minutes in used to freak out some of the kids :eek:
walpurgis
04-10-2021, 12:23
I knew a guy who went through a big underground mains cable with a jackhammer. It partially cooked him, he survived though.......just!
I knew a guy who went through a big underground mains cable with a jackhammer. It partially cooked him, he survived though.......just!
yes that same thing happened right outside my office. Cut the power to the whole trading estate. The bloke survived but was in hospital for six months.
walpurgis
04-10-2021, 12:44
yes that same thing happened right outside my office. Cut the power to the whole trading estate. The bloke survived but was in hospital for six months.
There's no excuse. The contractor has to use detection gear, check with utilities and observe proper safety procedures.
Just been to local Tesco to get some bottled water (cheap way of getting spring water for my home brew - gives better flavour than chlorinated tap water) - Still seems to be a shortage, shelves pretty much empty of water :scratch:
Bottled mineral water, you say? https://www.edwardsdairies.co.uk/yourmoo/v2/products.php?category_id=45&weeksoffset=0
Delivered straight to our door from the dairy, in plentiful supply, along with bottled full dairy-milk and all sorts of other goodies! Distance yourself from mainstream/pleb sources, for your provisions, and all will be well;)
Marco's guide to surviving any forthcoming food/drink shortages (in the short and long-term):
1) Firstly, ALWAYS keep a good stock of your basics at home, by creating a 'larder', so you can at least 'ride the worst of the storm', as it were, until things improve. I don't get how folk always wait until they're down to their last few crumbs before they go shopping!:mental:
2) Avoid using 'big name' supermarkets, like the plague, as they'll be the first to run out!
If you must use supermarkets, try Aldi or Lidl instead (or M&S), as they're invariably less frequented by the masses, especially brand-name addicts, which cuts their footfall by about 30%, meaning less folk getting in your way and a better chance of finding basics still in stock.
3) Use independents, such as butchers, bakers, fishmongers and fruiterers instead of supermarkets, as they'll likely still be carrying plentiful stock of their core products, and/or try using your local farm shop. Another 'top up' option is to register with your local dairy, as these days many stock and deliver all manner of stuff, not just dairy products!
4) Another option, instead of using any UK supermarkets is to shop at your local foreign food stores, such as Polish, Asian, etc, as they will carry some of the basics you need (albeit under a foreign brand name, but will be just as good or possibly better), and often be blissfully empty of folk, too!
5) Lastly, if you've got a garden, grow your own produce instead and be as self-sufficient as possible!!
Oh, and I totally agree with your point about your home-brewed beers tasting better, using still mineral or filtered water. It's exactly the same with espresso coffee!:cool:
Marco.
walpurgis
04-10-2021, 13:30
No local fuel queues now. Gillette Corner Tesco and Heston Road Shell are back to normal
Good stuff, mate. It's been that way up here for days:)
Marco.
not found out what its like here. managed a 7 mile drive there but i wouldnt want to go much further alas.
There was a 2-day spell here last week, where things were a little manic, if you entertain such;) but since then fuel shortages are a non-issue. That's the advantage of living well away from any busy big cities!:cool:
Marco.
rmcin626
04-10-2021, 15:50
No issues here, after the madness last week.
Glad things are cool now where you are too, Robin. Just shows that there was no real shortage of fuel whatsoever, and how UTTERLY IDIOTIC is was to panic buy!!!:doh:
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
04-10-2021, 16:16
There's no excuse. The contractor has to use detection gear, check with utilities and observe proper safety procedures.
And the utilities shouldn't be laid within reach of a jackhammer. No doubt everyone would be blaming each other on that one.
Beobloke
04-10-2021, 18:22
Bottled mineral water, you say? https://www.edwardsdairies.co.uk/yourmoo/v2/products.php?category_id=45&weeksoffset=0
I never had you down as a bottled mineral water kind of guy, Marco. Don’t you have running water in your house?!
Now, before you talk taste, I should point out that our tap water tastes almost as chlorinated as the stuff in the hot tub, but we have a Brita filter for tea and coffee and drinking water comes from the dispenser in the fridge which has its own inbuilt charcoal filter. Both do a great job and the fridge filter in particular is a brilliant thing.
I’ve always felt bottled water is one of the biggest cons going - as someone once said, mineral water companies don’t make water; they make disposable plastic bottles. It’s also worth pointing out that ‘Evian’ is ‘naive’ spelled backwards! ;)
Cheers for the suggestion Marco - can't see what the delivery charge will be though and I would be using over twenty litres per brew.
I will be ok for the next couple of brews:)
Something which has pleased me about having sparkling bottled water around the house is that I have been really enjoying it with lime cordial on "no alcohol days" - I find lemonade far too sweet and am very suspicious about aspartame/artificial sweeteners in commercial fizzy drinks.
I will have a go with bottled water for my coffee maker - makes sense that it will have an effect given my experiences with home-brew.
Pigmy Pony
04-10-2021, 19:21
I’ve always felt bottled water is one of the biggest cons going - as someone once said, mineral water companies don’t make water; they make disposable plastic bottles. It’s also worth pointing out that ‘Evian’ is ‘naive’ spelled backwards! ;)
Bottled water does have it's place - if you live in Africa with nothing but a muddy puddle that next door's cow uses for a toilet...
I never had you down as a bottled mineral water kind of guy, Marco. Don’t you have running water in your house?!
Now, before you talk taste, I should point out that our tap water tastes almost as chlorinated as the stuff in the hot tub, but we have a Brita filter for tea and coffee and drinking water comes from the dispenser in the fridge which has its own inbuilt charcoal filter. Both do a great job and the fridge filter in particular is a brilliant thing.
I’ve always felt bottled water is one of the biggest cons going - as someone once said, mineral water companies don’t make water; they make disposable plastic bottles. It’s also worth pointing out that ‘Evian’ is ‘naive’ spelled backwards! ;)
Lol... Love it!:D
Firstly, I agree that bottled water is a bit of a rip off, although Piggurs makes a good point.
However, I use sparkling mineral water in the same way as Guy does, to make cordials (orange, lemon, lime, etc), but with some fizz, as I also find fizzy pop, even some diet versions, too sweet. Plus, if Del's not having Fever Tree with ice and lemon/lime, she likes sparkling mineral water:)
The tap water here is very good indeed (comes straight off the Berwyn mountains), but a BRITA filter, same as you use, still takes a slight 'edge' off of things and smooths out any rough edges, in terms of aftertaste, which markedly improves my espresso coffee!
So there you go:cool:
Marco.
Cheers for the suggestion Marco - can't see what the delivery charge will be though and I would be using over twenty litres per brew.
I will be ok for the next couple of brews:)
Something which has pleased me about having sparkling bottled water around the house is that I have been really enjoying it with lime cordial on "no alcohol days" - I find lemonade far too sweet and am very suspicious about aspartame/artificial sweeteners in commercial fizzy drinks.
I will have a go with bottled water for my coffee maker - makes sense that it will have an effect given my experiences with home-brew.
No problem - we're on the same page:thumbsup:
Marco.
Last night's 'catastrophic' outage of various social media platforms was hilarious, hearing all the zombies, controlled by them, moaning about how they couldn't cope!:lol:
The only thing that was 'catastrophic' was the lack of a REAL life in evidence, when their artificially created one blew a fuse!:D
I just hope that the six hours of peace (yes PEACE) they got from their unhealthy addiction a) made them focus their attention on something more constructive, and b) perhaps even more importantly, highlighted the fact they have a SERIOUS problem!!
It's much healthier living in the real world, than a virtual one.
:exactly:
Marco.
walpurgis
05-10-2021, 07:29
Last night's 'catastrophic' outage of various social media platforms was hilarious, hearing about how all the zombies, controlled by it, moaning about how they couldn't cope!:lol:
Marco.
Did I miss something? :D
needed cheering up so...
https://youtu.be/CYb6atSk3Kk
A lot of business in Africa is conducted via WhatsApp, so I'm sure that would have suffered. Otherwise I was delighted to learn of the outage, and the subsequent denting of Facebook's revenue.
walpurgis
05-10-2021, 09:43
Mentioned in the news, the burden on courts and prisons has prompted proposals to double the number of tagged offenders as an alternative to incarceration. No doubt they'll carry on just cutting them off and go bed hopping as usual. Mind you, our surplus of police officers will soon catch up with them..............not! :rolleyes:
Bring back chain gangs!!
A lot of business in Africa is conducted via WhatsApp, so I'm sure that would have suffered. Otherwise I was delighted to learn of the outage, and the subsequent denting of Facebook's revenue.
Yeah, ditto. Aside from anyone's livelihood being adversely affected, the outage will have done some folk good getting a break from their bleeping 'notifications'!
Stuff like this though just highlights how controlling technology can be, and why being 'off grid' sometimes has its benefits. Boo-hoo that Zuckerberg lost £6b during the outage. He should be giving it to charity!
Marco.
needed cheering up so...
https://youtu.be/CYb6atSk3Kk
:lolsign:
Aye, a LOAD A PISH is what most social media sites are!
Marco.
Yeah, ditto. Aside from anyone's livelihood being adversely affected, the outage will have done some folk good getting a break from their bleeping 'notifications'!
Stuff like this though just highlights how controlling technology can be, and why being 'off grid' sometimes has its benefits. Boo-hoo that Zuckerberg lost £6b during the outage. He should be giving it to charity!
Marco.
In fairness to him he has to date given $45 billion to charity. $6 billion was just the amount the stock went down by, it's not actual cash at bank like in Brewster's Millions.
So what exactly is the difference between Facebook, where you join in on conversations about topics you enjoy, like football, food, cars and bikes, maybe send some of your friends a PM, post a picture of your dinner... and an Internet forum like, well, this one perhaps...? just askin’...! :sofa:
In fairness to him he has to date given $45 billion to charity. $6 billion was just the amount the stock went down by, it's not actual cash at bank like in Brewster's Millions.
probably tax deductable of course, but better maybe in charities pocket than govts'
So what exactly is the difference between Facebook, where you join in on conversations about topics you enjoy, like football, food, cars and bikes, maybe send some of your friends a PM, post a picture of your dinner... and an Internet forum like, well, this one perhaps...? just askin’...! :sofa:
:scratch:
:lol:
Pigmy Pony
05-10-2021, 18:29
So what exactly is the difference between Facebook, where you join in on conversations about topics you enjoy, like football, food, cars and bikes, maybe send some of your friends a PM, post a picture of your dinner... and an Internet forum like, well, this one perhaps...? just askin’...! :sofa:
Well, Pigmy Pony doesn't post on Facebook, so it has that going for it :)
A broad category or genre of communications media which occasion or enable social interaction among groups of people, whether they are known to each other or strangers, localized in the same place or geographically dispersed. It includes new media such as newsgroups, MMOGs, and social networking sites. Such media can be thought of metaphorically as virtual meeting places which function to occasion the exchange of media content among users who are both producers and consumers. Social media have also become adopted as a significant marketing tool. See also interactivity; user-generated content; Web 2.0.
Not my words but the words of Top Gear Magazine. I mean the Oxford Dictionary.
I don't think there's any getting away from it, this is social media. Although obviously it's not as tragic as Facebook. Or as lucrative.
So what exactly is the difference between Facebook, where you join in on conversations about topics you enjoy, like football, food, cars and bikes, maybe send some of your friends a PM, post a picture of your dinner... and an Internet forum like, well, this one perhaps...? just askin’...! :sofa:
+1 Alex, I find FB a very useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family, finding out what they're up to & having a laugh with them.
+1 Alex, I find FB a very useful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family, finding out what they're up to & having a laugh with them.
My feelings exactly, Roy. When Tamzin was born back in 2008, Facebook was a relatively new platform, but perfect for sharing photos and updates of the latest family addition. We started by emailing the grandparents and friends and family pictures, but it quickly became apparent that not only was this a lot of work, but not all of my family and friends are that interested in my “little darling”.
Facebook was a great solution, we publish, “friends” choose to consume, or not. I’ve also got in touch with my American cousin and his family as well as two other UK cousins I had lost touch with through Facebook.
I’ve got back in touch with dozens of ex colleagues and school friends, all have been positive experiences.
Now it’s not perfect, possibly dubious in some regards, but at the end of the day just another tool that you can choose to use, or not. No need to be snobbish about it, if it doesn’t interest you just avoid it.
Pigmy Pony
06-10-2021, 06:23
Good post Alex, normally we only hear about the negative side of Facebook (cyber bullying, grooming etc). Shows that not all the users are brain dead chavs grieving the loss of the Jeremy Kyle Show, but many (such as yourself) are perfectly* normal :D
*I meant relatively.
So what exactly is the difference between Facebook, where you join in on conversations about topics you enjoy, like football, food, cars and bikes, maybe send some of your friends a PM, post a picture of your dinner... and an Internet forum like, well, this one perhaps...? just askin’...! :sofa:
Lol, quite a lot actually! And before I get to that, I'd like to state that Facebook, or any other social media platform, for that matter, is indeed a useful tool *when used sensibly and constructively*, as Roy and others have said, and when it doesn't control (or worse) BECOME your life, thus an unhealthy ADDICTION.
But let's face it, (no pun intended;)) for many it (and various other social media sites) *is* an addiction and indeed has become their 'life'/read as virtual existence. Quite simply, when you can't cope without it for 6 hours, because the network has gone down, or fail another test, such as an 'online detox', by conducting a self-imposed ban on accessing all of your social media sites for, say, a week, then it HAS become an addiction, and also a serious problem!
So what's the difference between the likes of Facebook and AoS (which, btw, is by definition, a form of social media)?
Well, first of all, very importantly, unlike Facebook, ALL of us, and that's every single member here, share a common interest/hobby, which is hi-fi. That not only aids meaningful interaction, but generally guarantees that we attract a more discerning type of person to our community, divorced from the masses, as more often than not if you have a passion for good sound, then you're similarly discerning in other areas of your life, probably well educated too, and so forth, and therefore a cut above the norm.
That's not being snobby, it's simply a fact, which is why when sometimes I express my dislike of various aspects of popular culture/human behaviour today, or moan about the general public, it's never directed at anyone here!:)
Secondly, and equally as importantly, none of us are interested in 'friending' or 'following' some stranger/non-entity, more often than not hiding under a pseudonym/false identity, whom we know next to nothing about. At the very minimum, we're all on first name terms and have a basic idea which part of the UK we're from or where we live in the world - and if we choose to befriend someone, then it's a REAL friendship, often based upon having met that person in real life, and often in their own home, as opposed to a meaningless virtual one.
And on that basis, a close-knit community has been built, where often we help each other in very REAL and meaningful ways, which sometimes extend into our personal lives, all of which is quite different to the norm on Facebook, out with of when interacting with your family or friends. or on other social media sites, arguably worse in terms of anonymity,
Those are the main differences, but there are others. The key point though, and why this subject was brought up in the first place, is that you shouldn't become ADDICTED to ANY social media site, whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or here! Social media is simply a tool that should be used in MODERATION, and serve *you*, not vice versa, but regardless, should never become your life!:cool:
Marco.
I agree 100%, mate, it’s the same as anything, if taken to excess then it becomes harmful.
This isn’t meant to be inflammatory, but have you ever been on Facebook? For me, I’m only “friends” with people I’ve known or know in real life, and I have joined groups that interest me such as Land Rover groups, Kawasaki owners, WW2 airfield groups, interact with some of my favourite bands and artists, etc. etc.
If I join a group and it’s not being moderated correctly and there are a-holes on there I either report them to the admin or leave the group. So I would argue that in the vast majority of my experience it is virtually the same as being on here.
Anyway, we’ll just keep going round in circles, but as we both agree it’s not the tool that’s at fault but the tool behind the screen! :D
I agree 100%, mate, it’s the same as anything, if taken to excess then it becomes harmful.
Absolutely true. ALL extremes in life are bad, without exception!
This isn’t meant to be inflammatory, but have you ever been on Facebook? For me, I’m only “friends” with people I’ve known or know in real life, and I have joined groups that interest me such as Land Rover groups, Kawasaki owners, WW2 airfield groups, interact with some of my favourite bands and artists, etc. etc.
Lol... Why would that be inflammatory, daftee? The answer is yes. I've been 'on' it, as I have an account, but never actively used it, and I haven't registered with any other social media site. As for the rest, I have absolutely no interest in joining such groups (or any that would interest me), as I'm simply not wired that way.
In that respect, I'm not a member of any food, football, coffee, wine or car forum, or any discussion group covering any of my other interests, a) because it's just not me, b) because it's WAY too time-consuming, and C) because this place takes up all of my free online time!
To be quite honest, if I didn't have this place, I'd only use a computer for accessing Google, my email accounts and occasionally shopping That's why I can ably divorce myself from the Internet, at any given time, as I'm simply not 'tied' to it in any way. It's also why I can go on holiday, not only not missing this place (although I will look in occasionally to see all's going well), but otherwise be totally divorced from any form of social media, or the Internet in general.
When I'm on holiday, I completely switch off and don't rely on staying 'connected'. I'm there to enjoy the scenery, what the place I'm in has to offer, and the company of my lovely wife, not to stare at a bloody screen! If necessary, being completely off-grid, and therefore DISCONNECTED, suits me just fine. If I want to get in touch with anyone back home, I send them a postcard!:D
I LIVE and socialise in the REAL world, not a virtual one. For me the latter, unless there's good reason, such as being disabled/housebound, is for saddos with no life, other than that provided by a smartphone.
Anyway, we’ll just keep going round in circles, but as we both agree it’s not the tool that’s at fault but the tool behind the screen!
Hahaha - exactly!:eyebrows:
Marco.
Beobloke
06-10-2021, 09:08
The answer is yes. I've been 'on' it, as I have an account, but never actively used it.
Wait, you have an account? A Faecesbook account? An ACTUAL account?
Then, I’m sorry, all your arguing against it is null and void - doesn’t matter if you’ve never used it!
As an aside, you’re in trouble now - the very fact you’ve set up an account means that big brother now knows who you are, where you live, your inside leg measurement and which colour y-fronts you’re wearing today.
;)
Joking aside - why do you have an account? Genuinely interested to know.
Lol..! I wanted to get in touch with one of my cousins in Scotland and a couple of schoolfriends I hadn't seen in years, so I used their messaging system. That was it, full stop!
If, for whatever reason, accessing any other form of social media would be of use, I get Del to do it for me, via whatsapp, or whatever, as she's on them all. Girlies are a bit different in that respect, and she likes to keep in touch with her friends rather more actively, in a virtual sense (with Facetime and all sorts), than I do with mine:)
Marco.
never been on it.. daughter and son are tho.
On what mate, Facebook, or whatsapp or others?
Me neither. However, could you imagine me telling Del to give up her Facetime fun?:eek::wowzer: :door:
:D
Marco.
On what mate, Facebook, or whatsapp or others?
Me neither. However, could you imagine me telling Del to give up her Facetime fun?:eek::wowzer: :door:
:D
Marco.
facebook or the others... i do have whatsapp tho as daughter likes to send me pics on it of kids etc..
As you may recall, I work for a large insurance company, in IT, and initially when we rolled out new iPhones across the client facing teams we “banned” WhatsApp from being installed (along with all social media except for Marketing teams) but we soon had to allow it - many clients (and I am talking big companies, not individuals) like to use WhatsApp to communicate with us it would seem. I don’t agree with it for various reasons (although it is now at least encrypted) but as we all know, “the customer is always right”.
facebook or the others... i do have whatsapp tho as daughter likes to send me pics on it of kids etc..
Ah no worries... What did you make of my point about Del?:D
Marco.
As you may recall, I work for a large insurance company, in IT, and initially when we rolled out new iPhones across the client facing teams we “banned” WhatsApp from being installed (along with all social media except for Marketing teams) but we soon had to allow it - many clients (and I am talking big companies, not individuals) like to use WhatsApp to communicate with us it would seem. I don’t agree with it for various reasons (although it is now at least encrypted) but as we all know, “the customer is always right”.
Sure, it's different when it's part of your work. However, these days the line between work and free time is ever more blurred, and the more 'connected', and therefore available you are, the more your employer can abuse the situation, and blur that line even further until it's virtually invisible....
It's one of the reasons I'm glad that I got out of 'working for the man', and being part of 'the system', before all that shite started!;)
Marco.
Ah no worries... What did you make of my point about Del?:D
Marco.
yeah she is into visual calls aint she often while in bath. :doh: fortunately she hasnt called me that way :lol: daughter occasionally with kids does a video call but ive never tried it.. nobody wants to see my ugly mush anyway; hell they may be eating:eek:
yeah she is into visual calls aint she often while in bath. :doh: fortunately she hasnt called me that way :lol:
Hahaha.. I thought that was on your bucket list?:D
As for the former, I'll quote Cyndi Lauper: 'Oh, girls just wanna have fun!';)
Marco.
Sure, it's different when it's part of your work. However, these days the line between work and free time is ever more blurred, and the more 'connected', and therefore available you are, the more your employer can abuse the situation, and blur that line even further until it's virtually invisible....
It's one of the reasons I'm glad that I got out of 'working for the man', and being part of 'the system', before all that shite started!;)
Marco.
Well in my case, there’s also the other side - being flexible with when I work and being available at odd times means my boss doesn’t question when I need to be flexible (taking daughter’s clarinet to school because she forgot it, again, for instance... :rolleyes: ). I don’t take the pee, but pretty much could take half a day off for personal reasons and not be questioned. It’s when it’s all take and no give (on either side) that you get problems with flexible working.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Hahaha.. I thought that was on your bucket list?:D
As for the former, I'll quote Cyndi Lauper: 'Oh, girls just wanna have fun!';)
Marco.
:lolsign: its a young girls' game i think;)
Lol... Exactly, if they've been naked together at hot-tub parties, what difference is a bath?:D
Marco.
Well in my case, there’s also the other side - being flexible with when I work and being available at odd times means my boss doesn’t question when I need to be flexible (taking daughter’s clarinet to school because she forgot it, again, for instance... :rolleyes: ). I don’t take the pee, but pretty much could take half a day off for personal reasons and not be questioned. It’s when it’s all take and no give (on either side) that you get problems with flexible working.
Yup, mate, fully agree. I'm glad that you've got a good working relationship like that with your boss, which no doubt has been well-earned, and long may it continue! But how often is it the other way round these days, and as you say, all take on the other side?
Sadly, IME, all too often!!:doh:
If I was ever to work for someone again (very unlikely), I'd need to be treated as a valuable asset, not a slave, and respected for such, as that's what I was used to in 'the old days'.
Marco.
Sure, it's different when it's part of your work. However, these days the line between work and free time is ever more blurred, and the more 'connected', and therefore available you are, the more your employer can abuse the situation, and blur that line even further until it's virtually invisible....
It's one of the reasons I'm glad that I got out of 'working for the man', and being part of 'the system', before all that shite started!;)
Marco.
With the odd exception you have to be fairly high up the food chain before that starts to happen though, in which case you'll be getting paid commensurately.
And as Alex has noted , there's a positive flip-side to that.
The job I have now it's just contractual hours and that's that. I think my manager has called me outside working hours maybe two or three times in fifteen years. I can live with that.
On what mate, Facebook, or whatsapp or others?
Me neither. However, could you imagine me telling Del to give up her Facetime fun?:eek::wowzer: :door:
:D
Marco.
‘FaceTime’ isn’t on Facebook, it’s on the iPhone.
Lol, I know, mate. I didn't mean it in reference to Facebook, but rather a platform she enjoys and also the amount of time she spends socialising on her phone in general.
Marco.
With the odd exception you have to be fairly high up the food chain before that starts to happen though, in which case you'll be getting paid commensurately.
Not really, at least back when I worked in sales. If you were a *really* good salesman (which I was) and regularly delivered the goods, in the process allowing your manager to hit his targets and make money for the company, then you were defo considered as an asset and treated accordingly.
In the store I first worked in (in my early 20s), they used to move me around different departments that were struggling, to help increase sales/profits, as I could sell anything, no matter what the product was. Sadly though, I never got to work in the lingerie department!:D
But seriously, that's what happened and more often than not it worked and was reflected in my salary, as I was paid a bonus if the department concerned hit their targets as a result of my input. That went on until I was promoted into management, after having become one of the highest earners on the shop floor. both through those types of bonuses and commission, especially when selling 'high ticket' goods, such as furniture and electrical items, which I loved!
I was considered as an asset and treated well in most of my jobs, before going self-employed, so whilst I agree with what you say, it's by no means a universal fact, If you're *that* good, salesmen will always be in demand and can often command high salaries and dictate the terms of any job, BEFORE THEY will accept it!;)
Once I'd gained some experience, that was always how I approached job interviews: 'Were THEY good enough to have ME?' Not the other way round. I was always a confident bastard:eyebrows:
Nothing to beat being you're own boss though, if you like what you're doing and the business is profitable!
Marco.
Yes well sales is a different ballgame isn't it? My last sales job I was doing 60 hour weeks over the contractual 40 hours. If you don't want the heat then you stay out of that kitchen.
Just saying that for the great mass of the working population they don't work additional hours unless it's paid overtime and they're not on call 24/7 and no-one expects them to be.
Yes well sales is a different ballgame isn't it? My last sales job I was doing 60 hour weeks over the contractual 40 hours. If you don't want the heat then you stay out of that kitchen.
Well, when I was in retail, it was strictly 9-5pm, with overtime optimal during the sales, and that included an hour's lunch break and two 20 mins tea breaks (one in the morning and one on the afternoon), so the 'heat' was minimal. House of Fraser were renowned though for looking after their staff, and if they showed potential, being rewarded for it:)
The 'heat' was pretty intense though, when I was selling products door to door (cold calling), on a commission only basis, from 8am-8pm in all weathers, with targets to reach, in order to keep my job - or especially when running my own business, with a huge mortgage to pay, often working 6/7 days a week, with some of those all-nighters, and sometimes not knowing where the next penny was coming from!
Just saying that for the great mass of the working population they don't work additional hours unless it's paid overtime and they're not on call 24/7 and no-one expects them to be.
Well, that's not my experience, based on those I've been talking to who are grossly put upon and undervalued in their work, and working longer hours than ever.
Certainly in Del's job as college lecturer in English and maths, she's expected to be contactable way outside of her contracted working hours. She was texting her boss last night at 9pm, to discuss classroom arrangements for the following day, unpaid of course! Even at weekends, she's expected to be 'available' if necessary, sometimes even for Zoom meetings, at short notice, if the need is urgent.
She's the conscientious type though, loves her job, and is certainly highly regarded and considered as an asset by her superiors, and ADORED by her students, simply because she's personable, reliable, highly efficient and gets results!
Rather like with Alex in his job (which I'm sure he's equally good at), that allows her a certain amount of 'slack', in terms of many aspects of her working conditions - in fact she usually ends up bossing her line manager about, as he often concedes that she's right during many key decisions!;)
Marco.
College lecturer is a professional job though, if you're at a professional level then working out of hours comes with the territory. And the salary. And that's always been the case, it's not a new thing.
If people doing professional jobs for professional grade salaries don't like it they can always quit and get a minimum wage job on the tills at Aldi or something and knock off after 7.5 hours. But they don't, funny that isn't it?
Indeed, and it's those very people, the latter (and many others), who come into the category I described earlier of 'put upon, undervalued, and working longer hours than ever!';)
Del's certainly not complaining, btw, and yes on a very good salary (at the very top of her pay scale, actually).
However, until the advent of the Internet and smartphones, plus significant changes to the teaching profession, and what's expected of teachers now/the demands imposed upon them, as in many cases with Del's special needs students (such as those with autism or Down's syndrome), you need to be their carer, not just their tutor, it was just as well paid (for the times), but a damn sight less stressful!
Marco.
fatmarley
06-10-2021, 16:16
Just saw some photos of myself and thought, "WTF!" I don't look that old in the mirror.
Just saw some photos of myself and thought, "WTF!" I don't look that old in the mirror.
i pasted a picture of my younger self on the mirror:eyebrows:
Aye, 6-stone ago!:D;)
Marco.
fatmarley
06-10-2021, 22:24
i pasted a picture of my younger self on the mirror:eyebrows:
I suppose I could try that, but you'd have to send me the picture.
Interesting - I always look older in photos than I do when I look at myself in a mirror.
Also, why is it that I'm quite comfortable looking at myself in a mirror at home, yet hate catching my own reflection in shop mirrors?
It's probably down to a combination of catching a glimpse of yourself unawares, perhaps when you're unintentionally pulling a funny face, which makes you look weird, and also the unflattering bright lights (often strip lights) in shops that tend to 'bleach out' skin tone and distort your image - all of which is quite different from at home, when you are *deliberately* looking at yourself in the mirror and controlling what you see under softer lighting.
It's a bit like when someone takes a picture of you unawares, compared with the results obtained when you're *posing* for one. Rarely, in my experience, does the former look good, or complimentary - and it's similar when catching your reflection in a mirror unexpectedly.
I also think you tend to look more natural the closer you are to a mirror, as your image usually distorts the further you stand back, so if you're shaving in front of the mirror, for example, therefore very close to it, and also in control of your facial expression, that may explain why it doesn't bother you, compared with in shops. I also think some shop mirrors have a 'magnifying effect', and so combined with harsh lighting, accentuate all of your bumps and flaws!
Just my thoughts:)
Marco.
As above.
I also think that in a mirror you are making "eye to eye contact" which, as we all know, is very important in relationships :)
walpurgis
07-10-2021, 08:39
I shall reflect on all this. :)
I shall reflect on all this. :)
i see...
walpurgis
07-10-2021, 12:06
Poor soul.
https://metro.co.uk/2021/10/06/tory-mp-asks-for-payrise-as-living-on-81k-a-year-can-be-really-grim-15371935/
He hasn't mentioned his wife's income.
Even with all their expenses paid, how can they possibly manage? I really feel for them. :D
Poor bugger, he obviously had a severely disabled child dependant:
"Sir Peter further told the New Statesman of when he almost considered stepping down as an MP in 1982.
He said his wife Virginia – who now sits in the House of Lords – had given up most of her paid work to run as a candidate on the Isle of Wight, and they had ‘two and half dependent children’ to look after."
Pigmy Pony
08-10-2021, 06:33
For anyone looking to upgrade, how about this?
Had ours a few months now, and really cannot fault it. And so much nicer looking than the old one, which was getting a bit tired. Would make an excellent Christmas present for your nearest and dearest. They are a bit pricey, but I imagine secondhand ones will go quite cheap :)
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Cgi2p2t-L._AC_UL320_.jpg
Pigmy Pony
08-10-2021, 06:36
For anyone looking to upgrade, how about this?
Had ours a few months now, and really cannot fault it. And so much nicer looking than the old one, which was getting a bit tired. Would make an excellent Christmas present for your nearest and dearest. They are a bit pricey, but I imagine secondhand ones will go quite cheap :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_aps_sr_pg1_1?ie=UTF8&adId=A08225862CNREPSL7F62C&url=%2FASOBEAGE-Silicone-Flexible-Bristles-Bathroom%2Fdp%2FB07YWHC5T4%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fa dgrpid%3D88589660130%26dchild%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCA jwtfqKBhBoEiwAZuesiHskhbifAzlfzCN63QQkE2a4HQpr4EUK Hh15gBkT6uN7baBFhwgaDxoCck4QAvD_BwE%26hvadid%3D415 657540282%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvlocphy%3D1006633%26hvnet w%3Dg%26hvqmt%3De%26hvrand%3D13260518931021752239% 26hvtargid%3Dkwd-848823198639%26hydadcr%3D18485_1816608%26keywords% 3Dasobeage%2Btoilet%2Bbrush%26qid%3D1633674317%26s r%3D8-1-spons%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1633674317&id=5874695272763118&widgetName=sp_atf
Does look quite swish. Strange name though!
Had to go to Tesco in Stowmarket at lunchtime and was dreading it as the way it is laid out when the Pratt’s are queuing for fuel you can’t get in. So it came as a bit of a surprise that’s there was not one single vehicle on the forecourt. I assumed they must have run out but no, just no one needs fuel now they’ve all panic filled their cars the past two weeks!
For anyone looking to upgrade, how about this?
Had ours a few months now, and really cannot fault it. And so much nicer looking than the old one, which was getting a bit tired. Would make an excellent Christmas present for your nearest and dearest. They are a bit pricey, but I imagine secondhand ones will go quite cheap :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/slredirect/picassoRedirect.html/ref=pa_sp_atf_aps_sr_pg1_1?ie=UTF8&adId=A08225862CNREPSL7F62C&url=%2FASOBEAGE-Silicone-Flexible-Bristles-Bathroom%2Fdp%2FB07YWHC5T4%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fa dgrpid%3D88589660130%26dchild%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCA jwtfqKBhBoEiwAZuesiHskhbifAzlfzCN63QQkE2a4HQpr4EUK Hh15gBkT6uN7baBFhwgaDxoCck4QAvD_BwE%26hvadid%3D415 657540282%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvlocphy%3D1006633%26hvnet w%3Dg%26hvqmt%3De%26hvrand%3D13260518931021752239% 26hvtargid%3Dkwd-848823198639%26hydadcr%3D18485_1816608%26keywords% 3Dasobeage%2Btoilet%2Bbrush%26qid%3D1633674317%26s r%3D8-1-spons%26psc%3D1&qualifier=1633674317&id=5874695272763118&widgetName=sp_atf
Prefer Cushelle :D
Pigmy Pony
08-10-2021, 16:30
Prefer Cushelle :D
Cushelle's nice, a bit like being fondled by a cuddly teddy bear, but not as 'interesting' for those of us who like to be raked out with something a bit hardcore. Also not re-usable. In line with the government's Green Initiative, Cushelle will be banned after 2030. So I say get your Arse-o-beage while prices are reasonable :)
I'm still a staunch Izal man. It's 'spreadable' characteristics are ideal for creating quality skidmarks:)
Marco.
like to be raked out with something a bit hardcore.
By Madam Sin in her torture dungeon whilst her cohort tickles your fancy with a feather, the agony and the ecstasy as it were :eyebrows:
Pigmy Pony
08-10-2021, 17:02
I'm still a staunch Izal man. It's 'spreadable' characteristics are ideal for creating quality skidmarks:)
Marco.
And the density of its construction does allow both sides to be used, making it a 'green' option. Gloves recommended :)
walpurgis
09-10-2021, 16:55
Is it just me or is anybody else fed up with hearing the word 'iconic'? It's in adverts, motoring programmes, on ebay, in news articles and so on. It's been done to death!
well im gonna order some iconic candles;) looking more like power cuts
One for Piggurs: https://www.tips-and-tricks.co/health/wipe-once-number-two/?utm_campaign=lc90ink4&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=theartofsound.net&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-4SLBhCVARIsACrhWLVNPPXoanUqrgabQG6gKo17b0X-2ccJNYCaUbV8tUYL9hVCcVDERnQaAnPOEALw_wcB
:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Changing subject somewhat - leaf blowers, what's the point of them? All they do is blow dead leaves to somewhere else and then the wind blows them back again.
And those owners that 'rev' their leaf blowers are, IMO, idiots. Just use a lawn rake.
Changing subject somewhat - leaf blowers, what's the point of them? All they do is blow dead leaves to somewhere else and then the wind blows them back again.
And those owners that 'rev' their leaf blowers are, IMO, idiots. Just use a lawn rake.
One for Piggurs: https://www.tips-and-tricks.co/health/wipe-once-number-two/?utm_campaign=lc90ink4&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=theartofsound.net&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-4SLBhCVARIsACrhWLVNPPXoanUqrgabQG6gKo17b0X-2ccJNYCaUbV8tUYL9hVCcVDERnQaAnPOEALw_wcB
:D:eyebrows:
What a lot of rubbish! The shape, volume and consistency of one's stools depend on what you have recently eaten. They certainly aren't as "long as your forearm".
Anyway, everyone knows that you only need one and one quarter pieces of toilet paper: one to wipe your bum, and the quarter to clean under your fingernails. :D
Pigmy Pony
10-10-2021, 12:36
Changing subject somewhat - leaf blowers, what's the point of them? All they do is blow dead leaves to somewhere else and then the wind blows them back again.
And those owners that 'rev' their leaf blowers are, IMO, idiots. Just use a lawn rake.
They must be petrol ones, not sure you'd hear much difference revving an electric blower. Anita bought one a couple of weeks ago, but she uses it as a hoover. It has a giant bag attached
Pigmy Pony
10-10-2021, 12:46
One for Piggurs: https://www.tips-and-tricks.co/health/wipe-once-number-two/?utm_campaign=lc90ink4&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=theartofsound.net&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-4SLBhCVARIsACrhWLVNPPXoanUqrgabQG6gKo17b0X-2ccJNYCaUbV8tUYL9hVCcVDERnQaAnPOEALw_wcB
:D:eyebrows:
Marco.
Ghost shits. He's talking about ghost shits. Don't get them very often, and never at weekends.
Maybe I'm allergic to something, but I'm not bothered. I'm regular as clockwork, which is good for all the family. Means they can plan their day with confidence. 7am every morning I present my gift to the world, and my bowels are so smart that when the clocks go back later this month I will be allowed that extra hour in bed :) Wish I could say the same for my bladder...
Pigmy Pony
10-10-2021, 12:51
What a lot of rubbish! The shape, volume and consistency of one's stools depend on what you have recently eaten. They certainly aren't as "long as your forearm".
Anyway, everyone knows that you only need one and one quarter pieces of toilet paper: one to wipe your bum, and the quarter to clean under your fingernails. :D
:lol: Well I didn't know that, but I do now.
"Long as your forearm"? It would never flush, you'd have to chop it up. Perhaps a baby's forearm.
William Shatner(90) may have been the oldest but deffo the fattest person to go into space..:eyebrows:
https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/211011_gma_benitez_shatner_0738_hpMain_16x9_1600.j pg
on bezos's new shepard rocket
Lol - they'd need a separate shuttle to fit you in, mate!:D:eyebrows:
Only kidding!
Fatness aside, which is actually a better thing at his elevated age than the opposite, he looks damned good for 90:)
Marco.
Of course. When you're 90, every day you're alive is a blessing, and you no longer have to worry about what's 'bad' for you, so can just enjoy life!
Plus, it's better to have some 'meat on your bones', than the opposite (and clearly, he has a good appetite:D)), as overall at that age it's healthier. He certainly looks well, rather than like a pale, gaunt, wrinkly old man. Facially, with those plump rosy cheeks, he could easily pass for someone 20 years younger!
Marco.
walpurgis
13-10-2021, 16:41
'Kirk' boldly went where he'd never been before :). I thought it was pretty cool .
Pigmy Pony
13-10-2021, 16:43
he could easily pass for someone 20 years younger!
Marco.
Looking at that belly, I reckon he could pass someone 20 years younger :)
Soz, I must be thick, as I don't get that...
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
13-10-2021, 17:42
Okay, I'll clarify by changing one word... :)
Looking at that belly, I reckon he could shit someone 20 years younger :)
Ah, now I get it! By 'pass', I was thinking 'overtake!:D
It's amazing how easy it is to misconstrue the meaning of something when the words used have more than one meaning;)
Marco.
Pigmy Pony
13-10-2021, 18:42
Ah, now I get it! By 'pass', I was thinking 'overtake!:D
It's amazing how easy it is to misconstrue the meaning of something when the words used have more than one meaning;)
Marco.
:) Part of what makes the English language so wonderful - if it was easy, chavs would be speaking it :D
I came across this recently when researching something else: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfqHMTBgOlM
Was anyone else aware of said operation, perhaps some of our resident historians?
I found the article very interesting and simply confirmed what I already knew and have always hated about the British Empire, colonialism and the British 'establishment'. And it's just as big a problem now, as it's ever been, and presenting a major threat to democracy!
Marco.
its what all peoples' do. uk, america, russia etc. even india etc. history ir written by the victors and always has been
Doesn't make it right though, does it? Personally, as someone who values honesty and decency/integrity, and abhors corruption and all forms of establishment wrong doing, I find it both appalling and sickening.
Marco.
no its not right but its commonplace, and for various reasons, although its mostly to protect the guilty, it also protects some innocents.
its a dirty old world and always has been. money and power drive many folk to get others to do their dirty for them by telling them its for their country etc... many do it coz they are animals.
Britain's record as colonial power is not spotless but is far better than any other country's.
no its not right but its commonplace, and for various reasons, although its mostly to protect the guilty, it also protects some innocents.
its a dirty old world and always has been. money and power drive many folk to get others to do their dirty for them by telling them its for their country etc... many do it coz they are animals.
Indeed, but I wonder why nothing's ever been done about it and the perpetrators EXPOSED for what they are/were, and suitably punished? The wrong doings just seem to keep happening again and again, and again, with corruption defeating honesty and integrity...
I just wish, for a change, someone 'in high places', with the wealth and power to tackle it and make a change for the GOOD, and *eradicate* the problem at source, would do so. If I was in that position, I'd make it my life's ambition and take great pleasure in watching the (previously mighty) fall!
Honestly, If I had the ability, I wouldn't hesitate.
Marco.
Britain's record as colonial power is not spotless but is far better than any other country's.
Well, that's a bit like saying Britain's record as a nation of paedophiles is not spotless, but far better than any other country's. The latter does not excuse or justify the former.
In any case, the problem was with the existence of 'colonial power'. It should never have been allowed to happen in the first place. That sort of dictatorial, fascist mentality simply isn't compatible with a free and equal society - which is how things SHOULD be.
It's the reason why there are so many problems indirectly associated with it now (such as football hooliganism), and especially with Brits (read mostly as English) who still live in the past, and because of their colonial history, think that they're somehow 'superior' to everyone else.
THAT shit needs sorting out badly!
Marco.
Well, that's a bit like saying Britain's record as a nation of paedophiles is not spotless, but far better than any other country's. The latter does not excuse or justify the former.
In any case, the problem was with the existence of 'colonial power'. It should never have been allowed to happen in the first place, and indeed is the reason why there are so many problems indirectly associated with that now (such as football hooliganism), and especially with Brits (read mostly as English) who still live in the past, and because of their colonial history, think that they're somehow 'superior' to everyone else.
THAT shit needs sorting out badly!
Marco.
'The past is another country, they do things differently there'
The problem is history is not taught anymore, or when it is it is some lefty, mickey mouse version where the British are bad and everyone else is good. Sadly you get a lot of lefties who buy into that and propagate it, and ignorant people think it must be true.
This is the re-writing of history that sensible people object to.
Personally I'd have the damn liars horsewhipped and deported, see how they like it in some real shithole, give them some perspective on how lucky they were to be born British.
In a nutshell the countries of Europe were fighting each other for almost two thousand years. If one country was able to control and exploit countries outside of Europe it would give them an advantage in the European theatre. Consequently UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Holland all aggressively pursued colonial expansion, mostly in East Asia and in Africa.
Since the British had the biggest - and best - Navy and a professional army they tended to do better at that than the others. By about 1850 we had started to believe our own press, consequently you get the jingoism associated with the later Victorian period.
After the First World War that attitude started to wane and after WW2 it had pretty much evaporated, probably because that was the first war where everyone got a taste of how bad war was, not just the blokes at the sharp end.
There's no real connection with football violence which is endemic to all countries. Find some foreign football supporters, tell them what a crock of shit their country is, see how they react.
Firstly, no-one's saying that anyone's country is a "crock of shit", but if some aspects of its history are unsavoury (as after all NO country is perfect) then you should have the grace to acknowledge it, or indeed condemn it, without taking umbrage at someone else pointing it out. And if you can't do that, then that says more about YOU than them.
Being able to see no wrong in either your country or YOU is not a healthy or constructive trait. I don't get my knickers in a twist when someone justifiably condemns the awful things Mussolini did, so the same should apply with Brits and Churchill, who in many ways was no 'angel'.
Secondly, and I know you disagree, so we'll simply have to strongly differ on this matter, but I believe that ENGLISH football hooliganism is intrinsically linked with Britain's colonial past and the *ruling* of other nations.
It's bred the sense of superiority and 'right' to win everything some England supporters have, especially those most prone to jingoism, and which is why, as we seen recently at the final of the Euros, they reacted so badly and behaved like utter hooligans, even subjecting their OWN players to the most appalling racist abuse, simply because they believed that 'because it was England', their team had some God-given right to be champions.
That's a big problem, and certainly one that, say, Scotland doesn't have, regardless of how crap their team is, simply because their supporters don't have an inflated false sense of superiority, due to their country having once been used to ruling people!
Thirdly, as you've outlined historically, the problem has always been WARS! Why do we always have to fight one another, rather than trying to get on in peace? And most importantly, why can we never simply be happy with what we've got, when often (in the case of the obscenely rich kings and queens or 'powers that be' responsible for starting those wars) that was rather A LOT? Why do they always want MORE...??
What if the lives of all those who fought in said wars had been spared, and the blood sweat and tears, not to mention COLLOSIAL fortunes spent, used for the purpose of good instead of evil? Wouldn't the world today be a much better place?:)
It's the greed for gold, along with power and control (and now misuse of technology) by the authorities, which will eventually lead to the ruination and end of mankind - and that reality moves ever closer the longer we, the people, continue to just sit back and allow the scumbags in the GROSS MINORITY (as that's what they are) to dictate the agenda and rule our lives.. The time may soon be approaching for a long overdue revolution!
:exactly:
Marco.
Thirdly, as you've outlined historically, the problem has always been WARS! Why do we always have to fight one another, rather than trying to get on in peace?.
Because we're just a species of ape and the ultimate authority is violence.
BTW the on-line racial abuse against the England players was agent provocateurs, most of it originated overseas. That wasn't England fans abusing their own players.
Mmm... Do you have *indisputable* proof of that? I don't believe it for a second, at least all of them. Sounds to me more like conveniently shifting the blame to save the faces of some England supporters responsible, and the blushes of their nation!
Plus, you have to ask yourself what the motivation of said 'agent provocateurs' would be... Could it be that England supporters are among the most hated by others, for justifiable reasons? No-one likes arrogant buffoons, devoid of humility. We've been here before;)
In terms of the first bit, then it's about time that the 'species of ape' we put into positions of most power were more intelligent and prone to being pacifists, not warmongers!!:)
Marco,
Always reminds me of the line in The African Queen.
Charlie Allnut: Its just human nature miss.
Rose Sayer: "Nature,? Mr. Allnut, is what we are put into this world to rise above.
Lol - I like it!:D
And the sooner we abandon 'The Peter Principle', and the promotion to the top of total idiots (such as allowing balloons like BJ-boy to become prime minister), and stop the woke PC brigade from taking over, the sooner we'll be able to achieve what Sayer said!
Marco.
Mmm... Do you have *indisputable* proof of that? I don't believe it for a second, at least all of them. Sounds to me more like conveniently shifting the blame to save the faces of some England supporters responsible, and the blushes of their nation!
Plus, you have to ask yourself what the motivation of said "agent provocateurs" would be... Could it be that England supporters are among the most hated by others, for justifiable reasons? No-one likes arrogant buffoons, devoid of humility. We've been here before;)
In terms of the first bit, then it's about time that the 'species of ape' we put into positions of most power were more intelligent and prone to being pacifists, not warmongers!!:)
Marco,
My recollection was that the authorities traced a fair number of the people responsible and they were all overseas. There are plenty of people out there with the motivation to stir up racial hatred for political purposes, that has been going on for decades. Usually Trots or Marxists or some other form of Communist. Black Lives Matter is a recent example of that.
The idea is to foment unrest that will lead to revolution after which they will step in to take charge. The end very much justifies the means for those sort of people.
Sure, and that may have been partly what happened, but you only had to watch the disgraceful footage (all over the news and social media) showing scum, wearing England shirts, clearly with English accents, causing mayhem and kicking innocent Italian supporters senseless they'd pulled to the ground, to realise that it wasn't just 'agent provocateurs' responsible for some of the worst scenes of hooliganism ever witnessed at a football match, but ENGLISH YOBS, posing as 'supporters!
Marco.
People who have power tend to abuse it.
Spain in South America or during civil war
Italy in Europe during time of emperors or Ethiopia prior to WW2
Germany - all over the place
Dutch in East Indies
etc etc
I would like to see the Vatican archives made public :eek:
Would I like to see statues destroyed all over Europe? Would it make up for the suffering of millions over thousands of years? Not really.
Robert G. Ingersoll said: “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy.”
It is often mistaken as a quote by Lincoln himself tho.
People who have power tend to abuse it.
Spain in South America or during civil war
Italy in Europe during time of emperors or Ethiopia prior to WW2
Germany - all over the place
Dutch in East Indies
etc etc
I would like to see the Vatican archives made public :eek:
Would I like to see statues destroyed all over Europe? Would it make up for the suffering of millions over thousands of years? Not really.
Sure, but as they say, one bad deed doesn't justify another. So the solution is to REMOVE power from those in positions of authority who abuse it! Quite simply, if they're like that, they shouldn't have it in the first place.
Marco.
Robert G. Ingersoll said: “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power. It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power. This is the supreme test. It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except on the side of mercy.”
It is often mistaken as a quote by Lincoln himself tho.
Like that one too, mate, and also so true! Just a pity that people such as Lincoln aren't the ones at the helm today in positions of power, and instead more like Hitler.
Marco.
Sure, but as they say, one bad deed doesn't justify another. So the solution is to REMOVE power from those in positions of authority who abuse it! If they're like that, they shouldn't have it in the first place.
Marco.
Absolutely; just there is nothing to be gained by singling out the British Empire - unfortunately everyone does it.
Not everyone.. Just the power-hungry and wealthy nations of the world. Were Scotland, Wales or N. Ireland guilty of such, other than being linked with Britain?
The point I'm making though is that too many folks are keen on praising the British Empire, and lauding it as something 'special', instead of ALSO criticising it, when many aspects of it were very worthy indeed of criticism!
Nothing or NO-ONE on this earth is beyond criticism. It's certainly a problem when, just because you're British (or English), and have a history of colonialism, you consider yourself as somehow 'superior' to others - and don't kid yourself on that many don't think that way (present company excluded).
Also, too many Brits think the sun shone out of Churchill's arse, when he was also guilty of some deplorable acts of racism. His views on 'white supremacy', for example. would certainly raise a few eyebrows among right-thinking people today who were previously only aware of his 'hero status'!
Marco.
sure, it made mistakes; at that time it was classified like all others as a profit making excersise, the british overall were better than most if not all, but they were also wrong. john company was the big pharma of its day and eventually supeceded by british govt. you have to remember they were also dealing with a peaples' who were barbaric and they did improve their lot but they tried to do it the wrong way, as all big countries/companies do. like america with the indidunous indians etc it was arrogance to think that they thought their a god was bigger than the their gods, and they would just accept it.
have we learned ? probably not as as macca says, history is frowned upon now.
Not everyone.. Just the power-hungry and wealthy nations of the world. Were the Scots, Welsh or Irish guilty of such?
The point I'm making though is that too many folks are keen on praising the British Empire, and lauding it as something 'special', instead of ALSO criticising it, when many aspects of it were very worthy indeed of criticism!
Nothing or NO-ONE on this earth is beyond criticism. It's certainly a problem when, just because you're British (or English), and have a history of colonialism, you consider yourself as somehow 'superior' to others - and don't kid yourself on that many don't think that way (present company excluded).
Marco.
they were often there as part of the uk and if they had power, they would have most likely behaved the same way, give or take. everything was.."our God is right, your God is wrong etc "
The Darien scheme to colonise the Isthmus of Panama and do what england did, didnt work out, mostly due to england and to a lesser extent the Spanish. But we would have done what England did if it had worked out and was needed.
Not everyone.. Just the power-hungry and wealthy nations of the world. Were Scotland, Wales or N. Ireland guilty of such, other than being linked with Britain?
The point I'm making though is that too many folks are keen on praising the British Empire, and lauding it as something 'special', instead of ALSO criticising it, when many aspects of it were very worthy indeed of criticism!
Nothing or NO-ONE on this earth is beyond criticism. It's certainly a problem when, just because you're British (or English), and have a history of colonialism, you consider yourself as somehow 'superior' to others - and don't kid yourself on that many don't think that way (present company excluded).
Also, too many Brits think the sun shone out of Churchill's arse, when he was also guilty of some deplorable acts of racism. His views on 'white supremacy', for example. would certainly raise a few eyebrows among right-thinking people today who were previously only aware of his 'hero status'!
Marco.
The "British empire" wouldn't have existed/survived for as long as it did without the vital (and enthusiastic) support and participation of troops from Scotland, Ireland and Wales - I speak coming from a family which has a long history of serving in the British army.
Great grandfather (Molloy - Southern Irish) served all over the world - I have a great photograph of him in his pith helmet and white uniform while serving in India (now Pakistan near the Khyber pass).
Grandfather (also Molloy) served in India and WW1
Uncle (also Molloy ) killed in action - paratrooper WW2
Sure, guys. I'm no historian; I simply observe some of its obvious effects on human behaviour today. I enjoy seeing what makes people 'tick'!:)
As I mentioned Churchill, in reference to his part in colonialism, this is a good and well-balanced article to read: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/17/why-cant-britain-handle-the-truth-about-winston-churchill
Key quote: "A baleful silence attends one of the most talked-about figures in British history. You may enthuse endlessly about Winston Churchill “single-handedly” defeating Hitler. But mention his views on race or his colonial policies, and you’ll be instantly drowned in ferocious and orchestrated vitriol.
In a sea of fawningly reverential Churchill biographies, hardly any books seriously examine his documented racism. Nothing, it seems, can be allowed to complicate, let alone tarnish, the national myth of a flawless hero..."
Indeed, and it's that attitude, among some Brits, that breeds a dangerous level of blindness and arrogance towards colonialism that can (and often does) turn into something more sinister...
Marco.
Churchill was certainly no friend of he working classes (apparently the crane operators along the Thames had to be paid overtime to lower the the cranes as part of his funeral procession). He believed in the superiority of white "races" and supposedly hated Ghandi.
It would be a great error to claim that he "single handedly defeated Hitler"; I think that Gopal is over egging their case in assuming that anyone has stated that.
But, Churchill was a great figurehead in a time of national (world? definitely European) crisis. His actions, and use of his American family ties bought Britain enough time to survive (just!) until the Americans entered the war as combatants.
By the standards of today, some of his thoughts and deeds were reprehensible - he was a "man of his times", as was Abraham Lincoln :)
Portion of Lincoln's speech (in "Lincoln / Douglas" debates 1858 ):
"I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races — that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything."
Portion of Lincoln's speech (in "Lincoln / Douglas" debates 1858 ):
"I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races — that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything."
Well, that's a statement I fundamentally disagree with, and that amounts to racial discrimination. Why would the white race automatically be assigned the superior position - what exactly did they do to EARN that right?
It should NEVER be about 'superior' or 'inferior', black or white, but rather in as far as is possible, EQUALITY!
Marco.
walpurgis
15-10-2021, 06:56
Got a sore arm from the Flu jab yesterday. I get the Covid booster tomorrow, then I'll be sorted for now :).
Got a sore arm from the Flu jab yesterday. I get the Covid booster tomorrow, then I'll be sorted for now :).
daughter got both hers yesterday too..
walpurgis
15-10-2021, 08:48
Apparently there are a couple of million job vacancies.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10093659/UK-needs-TWO-MILLION-workers-Active-job-posts-hit-record-high-amid-abject-labour-shortage.html
And, 1.5 million unemployed.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/280383/unemployment-figures-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
So that's 75% of the problem sorted then :).
Well, that's a statement I fundamentally disagree with, and that amounts to racial discrimination. Why would the white race automatically be assigned the superior position - what exactly did they do to EARN that right?
It should NEVER be about 'superior' or 'inferior', black or white, but rather in as far as is possible, EQUALITY!
Marco.
Absolutely right Marco; my point is that at the time (and for quite a few years after) Lincoln was looked on as being a dangerous "liberal" thinker because despite his views on racial superiority he has this mad (for the time) idea that people shouldn't keep slaves.
ProfessiorP3PP3R
15-10-2021, 10:22
Apparently there are a couple of million job vacancies.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10093659/UK-needs-TWO-MILLION-workers-Active-job-posts-hit-record-high-amid-abject-labour-shortage.html
And, 1.5 million unemployed.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/280383/unemployment-figures-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
So that's 75% of the problem sorted then :).
I'm one of those 1.5 Million :lol:
Absolutely right Marco; my point is that at the time (and for quite a few years after) Lincoln was looked on as being a dangerous "liberal" thinker because despite his views on racial superiority he has this mad (for the time) idea that people shouldn't keep slaves.
Indeed, and so all these years later, what's changed in terms of 'the powers that be' being threatened by, and seeking to silence, 'dangerous liberal thinkers'?;)
That's the worrying thing, along with how little (in real terms) we've done to fundamentally address and eradicate racism and slavery, both of which are still prevalent today, and shows that in key areas of modern society how little progress has been made since Lincoln's days!
So what does that say about our authorities and decision makers now and how much they *really* care?
Marco.
Indeed, and so all these years later, what's changed in terms of 'the powers that be' being threatened by, and seeking to silence, 'dangerous liberal thinkers'?;)
That's the worrying thing, along with how little (in real terms) we've done to fundamentally address and eradicate racism and slavery, both of which are still prevalent today, and shows that in key are
as of modern society how little progress has been made since Lincoln's days!
So what does that say about our authorities and decision makers and how much they *really* care?
Marco.
Britain was the first country in the world to abolish slavery, not only that but fully half the Royal Navy (several thousand ships at the time) was deployed to combat the international slave trade. All at great expense. But yeah, we're the bad guys of history.
As regards Churchill (and Lincoln) I'll have to repeat 'The past is another country.' They were living in a time when it was accepted that there were racial differences and a superior/inferior situation. If you or I had lived back them we'd have thought the same. You can't judge the distant past by modern standards.
No-one has ever claimed Churchill defeated the Nazis 'single-handed.' Straw-man argument. However he was certainly instrumental in saving the world from the Nazis and Imperial Japan. For which everyone on the planet should be extremely and forever grateful, not just to him but to the UK and its Commonwealth and Dominions.
No-one is perfect and Churchill never claimed to be, quite the opposite in fact.
It's a shame the Yanks did not pay more attention to his advice, many problems in the world today would have been avoided if they had.
well i think denmark beat us to it, but maybe it wasnt as entire as britains'... vermont banned adult suffrage before anyone when it was an independant state.
i agree lincoln and churchill were men of their times just like we are now. what many believe here and now, a hundred years or more on may seem like we were evil people too. you cant compare oranges with apples..
Pigmy Pony
15-10-2021, 21:40
Apparently there are a couple of million job vacancies.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10093659/UK-needs-TWO-MILLION-workers-Active-job-posts-hit-record-high-amid-abject-labour-shortage.html
And, 1.5 million unemployed.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/280383/unemployment-figures-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
So that's 75% of the problem sorted then :).
I fancy a job as a statistician. I feel I'm well qualified, as a bloke, as 105% of statisticians are male :) I do feel sorry for female applicants though, who only make up 10% of this number.
I fancy a job as a statistician. I feel I'm well qualified, as a bloke, as 105% of statisticians are male :) I do feel sorry for female applicants though, who only make up 10% of this number.
20% i think you'll find;)
Pigmy Pony
16-10-2021, 19:05
20% i think you'll find;)
I will need to look into that, I may have been given flawed data. What kind of statistician would I be if I couldn't dodge accountability? :)
walpurgis
16-10-2021, 20:30
Cor. Had the Flu jab Thursday and my left arm felt a bit sore yesterday. Had the Pfizer Covid booster this morning and my right arm feels as though it's been belted with a baseball bat! :lol:
Pigmy Pony
16-10-2021, 22:40
Cor. Had the Flu jab Thursday and my left arm felt a bit sore yesterday. Had the Pfizer Covid booster this morning and my right arm feels as though it's been belted with a baseball bat! :lol:
Nice. Something to look forward to :)
walpurgis
17-10-2021, 10:14
Robert Durst. Is this the end for this dreadful man?
https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-17/killer-millionaire-robert-durst-on-ventilator-with-covid-days-after-being-sentenced-to-life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Durst
I saw the TV documentary about him and his seeming callousness is astonishing. Nobody is safe around him!
Robert Durst. Is this the end for this dreadful man?
https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-17/killer-millionaire-robert-durst-on-ventilator-with-covid-days-after-being-sentenced-to-life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Durst
I saw the TV documentary about him and his seeming callousness is astonishing. Nobody is safe around him!
we can but hope.. a nasty piece of work.
walpurgis
17-10-2021, 10:23
we can but hope.. a nasty piece of work.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's a sham thought up by his lawyers to get him a cushy place.
walpurgis
17-10-2021, 11:29
I fancy a job as a statistician. I feel I'm well qualified, as a bloke, as 105% of statisticians are male :) I do feel sorry for female applicants though, who only make up 10% of this number.
As a start, I'd suggest a survey of what proportion of Peloton exercise bikes are gathering dust in the UK. Bet that would be a surprising statistic (or maybe not).
Pigmy Pony
17-10-2021, 11:57
As a start, I'd suggest a survey of what proportion of Peloton exercise bikes are gathering dust in the UK. Bet that would be a surprising statistic (or maybe not).
Well I've had a poke around here (checked the garage and loft too), and I can confidently state that 100% of the above mentioned pelotons are somewhere else :)
I can't stand those adverts, so smug, and so intent on making me look like a right lazy slob (which I am). Though there is one well-proportioned bird doing lateral raises with dumbells, who could definitely get me to try harder ;)
Well I've had a poke around here (checked the garage and loft too), and I can confidently state that 100% of the above mentioned pelotons are somewhere else :)
i had mine seized for taking it on a motorway:D
It's funny that the ads always show people with them set up in the living rooms of their very flash houses.
This is a bit more like the reality. Stuck in the garage and for sale https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304185998024?hash=item46d2e5fac8:g:dJkAAOSwXxFhOy1 e
Pigmy Pony
17-10-2021, 17:13
i had mine seized for taking it on a motorway:D
You could have shown the police that bloke on the screen who told you to keep going. But I bet he buggered off as soon as he heard the sirens :(
Pigmy Pony
17-10-2021, 17:20
It's funny that the ads always show people with them set up in the living rooms of their very flash houses.
This is a bit more like the reality. Stuck in the garage and for sale https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304185998024?hash=item46d2e5fac8:g:dJkAAOSwXxFhOy1 e
That garage wall looks flashier than mine.
Looks like it could a nice bike, certainly be an eye catcher. Just stick some proper wheels on it, and you would never again have to miss Good Morning Britain while cycling to work :)
my next purchase will be a folding mobility scooter.. probably second hand tho as they are pretty pricey. got my boy looking out for me on facebook.. boot in the new car wont be big so a folder looks best bet
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/24/why-germany-is-building-risk-into-its-playgrounds
I agree with this.
walpurgis
24-10-2021, 17:28
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/24/why-germany-is-building-risk-into-its-playgrounds
I agree with this.
It'll probably have a mined perimeter and machine-gun towers.
It'll probably have a mined perimeter and machine-gun towers.
yeah, cool:eek:
Pigmy Pony
24-10-2021, 18:14
yeah, cool:eek:
I might expect something like this in some East European country, which Health & Safety hasn't yet reached. But Germany? Who'd have thought? Anyway, good on them - hopefully we can start doing things like this. Although whether the parents (who will have suffered a risk-averse upbringing) will allow their precious bundles onto them is another matter.
With our first daughter we used to stand at the base of any climbing equipment, arms outstretched, making encouraging noises.
Our second daughter: I used to go and sit on a bench to watch while she clambered over the framework - second daughter became confident in playgrounds faster than the first (and I had a less stressful time "supervising" :) )
walpurgis
24-10-2021, 18:59
The Tesco website has now been down for two days. Must be costing them millions! Where was their back-up?
Who cares? - I don't do supermarket on-line shopping.
shortage of IT technicians - they're all retraining as lorry drivers :)
apparently it was hacking. i dont think its been fixed yet.
Answer? As, Barry intimated earlier, get off yer arse and go into the shop instead!:ner:;)
Marco.
my days of going round a supermarket are passed.
apparently it was hacking. i dont think its been fixed yet.
its back up although my favourites has gone.. still ive got a date for the boy
walpurgis
25-10-2021, 08:30
my days of going round a supermarket are passed.
I do shop now and then, but I'm lazy and like deliveries. In any case, it doesn't hurt to avoid mingling with the disease carrying masses unnecessarily.
walpurgis
25-10-2021, 08:39
its back up although my favourites has gone.. still ive got a date for the boy
Yes, I see it looks functional. That glitch must have dented their profits significantly, folk will have hurried elsewhere and no doubt some regulars may stay elsewhere.
I'm about due to place an order, it's a toss-up between Asda and Tesco. I alternate.
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