View Full Version : Tell Me Something............Anything!
Mikeandvan
01-01-2025, 18:38
Looks good Mike , I will pass on your details to anyone local who asks
just to promote my step daughters new business also in Brighton here is her site
https://chloesclipsandtrips.co.uk/
Cheers Jon, I'm in Hove too (actually). It's rather wet today though. I have a dog walker, but will keep that as a back up as she's sometimes away. That's a nice looking website btw.
Pigmy Pony
01-01-2025, 19:26
Thanks all, I only added the content though, I paid some guy in Bengal to build the site. If anyone needs anything done IT wise I highly recommend the Fiverr website. I paid £130 for it, I tipped though because I was stretching the guy's patience with my endless queries. Funny thing is one of my associates says his partner used to build websites, claiming she was UK based, and she'd farm the work out to India or wherever! A suspicion I always held about these 'UK based' website builders!! Fiverr has done for them.
Luckily one of the guys who works for me now and again is a professional model, that's him smiling in the drivers seat, I'm the lanky one!
He's really captured the Fred Pontin 'book early' thumbs up nicely :)
Cheers Jon, I'm in Hove too (actually). It's rather wet today though. I have a dog walker, but will keep that as a back up as she's sometimes away. That's a nice looking website btw.
Cheers Mike she’s trying to get it up and running but as you know there’s a lot of competition in this neck of the woods
Mikeandvan
12-01-2025, 23:09
5 weeks no alcohol, and no need for any, this is weird.
Is that a 'Dry January' resolution Mike?
Pigmy Pony
13-01-2025, 07:31
Is that a 'Dry January' resolution Mike?
A dry Christmas too, by the sound of it. Well done that man :) So have you noticed any benefits Mike? Apart from bringing your next speaker change forward?
Mikeandvan
13-01-2025, 23:49
Is that a 'Dry January' resolution Mike?
No, I just got sick of feeling low, looking like crap, took me long enough though, like 10 years of this!
Mikeandvan
13-01-2025, 23:53
A dry Christmas too, by the sound of it. Well done that man :) So have you noticed any benefits Mike? Apart from bringing your next speaker change forward?
Well, I don't wake up with a hangover for a start! But of course, improved sleep, improved diet, no longer binge on hangover breakfast - fry up and toast etc. It all builds really, give up drink, give up sugar, lower carbs, feel like exercising again. Not sure how long this will last, but I'm gonna try and go for 3 months now, I'm 5 weeks in, it all depends really on how much stress I have in my life. Or how much happiness I have, too much of both and I hit the bottle!
Mikeandvan
19-01-2025, 23:03
D Day tomorrow peeps, hold tight.
Pigmy Pony
19-01-2025, 23:09
D Day tomorrow peeps, hold tight.
I start every day with a trump.
I start every day with a trump.
I've heard that someone else has to wear incontinence pads! :D
Mikeandvan
20-01-2025, 10:17
I start every day with a trump.
An apt anecdote for his presidency perhaps.
Mikeandvan
29-01-2025, 23:24
Selling on Ebay is now completely free with not even any final value fees, how on earth are they making money?
Selling on Ebay is now completely free with not even any final value fees, how on earth are they making money?
I believe it is only free for private individuals - businesses still have to pay? So I guess attracting more individuals to use the forum means they buy more from business sellers? I guess they've had to do this to to competition - Vinted for example is where my wife and daughter (and me!) buy clothes from these days.
So, I was today years old when I found this out... I was looking at some pictures of the Technics SL-1300G (no, not looking to buy one, was just an ad that I happened to follow) and noticed that if you want to play a 78, you press the 33 and 45 buttons at the same time. Then I thought "wouldn't it be funny if 33 and 45 added up to... Oh my God, it does!" So my question is, is this just a coincidence? Google doesn't seem to help!
Just ten more working days to retirement!
Found out yesterday that due to holidays booked outside of the rules, I will be on my own in my department on my last day. Nothing like piling it on you right at the end. :rolleyes:
Pigmy Pony
08-02-2025, 13:05
Just ten more working days to retirement!
Found out yesterday that due to holidays booked outside of the rules, I will be on my own in my department on my last day. Nothing like piling it on you right at the end. :rolleyes:
That might be a good day to sell me one of your vans for a fiver. Go out on a high, and ensure they don't talk you into staying on :D TBH I thought this coming week was going to be your last.
TBH I thought this coming week was going to be your last.
I wish! Ten days seems like a mountain to climb.
Pigmy Pony
08-02-2025, 13:49
I wish! Ten days seems like a mountain to climb.
Be worth it for the view though:)
It's only a couple of working weeks. And if there is no-one there, think of all the money you will save in not having to buy them drinks.
It's only a couple of working weeks. And if there is no-one there, think of all the money you will save in not having to buy them drinks.
True. In any case I'd rather just slip away than have any fuss.
True. In any case I'd rather just slip away than have any fuss.
Not literally I hope ,Macca !! :)
Today I am wondering where the suns gone because hellif the wind aint cold
So I played "Dark Side of the Moon" earlier, streamed from Tidal, on my iPad. On my computer, scrolling through Facebook and loads of posts relating to Pink Floyd, David Gilmour and similar. I would get it if it was on the same device, but just goes to show how everything is connected and you're not safe from prying internet eyes!
Lawrence001
11-02-2025, 22:52
Selling on Ebay is now completely free with not even any final value fees, how on earth are they making money?Because they're charging buyers now instead! I was just about to make an offer on an item and it slapped a fee on top so I thought sod this and closed the app.
Pigmy Pony
12-02-2025, 15:40
Because they're charging buyers now instead! I was just about to make an offer on an item and it slapped a fee on top so I thought sod this and closed the app.
I think I've twigged what they're doing.
The other day I looked at some speakers I've been watching for a while, and the buy it now price has inexplicably increased from £4,250 to £4,336.72. So today I've been looking at various other items for sale and found that ones sold from business sellers have nicely rounded buy it now prices as usual, while private sellers' items have odd-looking prices you wouldn't make up, like £146.22, £3,448.68.
Ebay are chucking a lot of money at TV adverts stating that selling is now free :rolleyes: Free my arse.
I mentioned a while back that there seemed to be a lot less kit for sale on eBay than in days gone by.
I suppose if you run out of sellers then you've not got an auction site anymore.
So their solution is to charge the buyer not the seller.
Some vehicle auctions charge both buyer and seller and some only charge the seller, not aware of any auction house that only charges buyers. Interesting strategy.
Lawrence001
12-02-2025, 20:46
I suppose if you run out of sellers then you've not got an auction site anymore.
So their solution is to charge the buyer not the seller.
Can you have an auction site with no buyers though?
Mikeandvan
12-02-2025, 20:55
Because they're charging buyers now instead! I was just about to make an offer on an item and it slapped a fee on top so I thought sod this and closed the app.
Oh shit, really? I haven't noticed that on all the records I've been buying on Ebay over the last few months, may be just BIN items?
Lawrence001
12-02-2025, 22:18
I think it's everything the BIN price shown may include the fee already I'm not sure.
Pigmy Pony
12-02-2025, 22:38
As I mentioned earlier, only those buying from private sellers seem to be affected.
I noticed this too, A set of speakers I am watching has suddenly gone up from £230.00 BIN to £239.92. That works out at 4.313% which doesn't make sense, until you do a little digging. There's a flat "Buyer Protection Fee" of 75p, then for items up to £300, an additional 4%.
This link explains it: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-14354725/Ebay-introduces-new-compulsory-buyer-fees-week-pay.html (date 3rd Feb 2025)
"Ebay customers will have to shell out for extra charges when purchasing items from private sellers this week, as the online marketplace flips its fee structure on its head.
The buying and selling platform will charge a 'buyer protection fee' which will be included on every purchase from Tuesday 4 February 2025.
Buyers will be charged a flat fee of 75p per item, which will only be charged once if purchasing multiple items within a listing.
You'll also be charged 4 per cent of the item price up to £300, and 2 per cent of any portion between £300 and £4,000.
It means that a £20 item will incur a 75p flat fee plus an 80p variable fee, meaning customers will have to pay an additional £1.55 plus postage.
Two £5 items in the same listing, will incur the 75p flat fee, plus 40p variable fee (4 per cent of £5 x 2).
You won't pay any additional fees above £4,000, meaning there is an effective cap of £86.75.
Listings by business sellers will not have the compulsory buyer protection fee because the sellers already pay fees for each of the items they sell.
It also won't be applied to listings from private sellers not based in the UK, and excludes vehicles, classified ads and property."
Ebay also seem to have messed with sold prices. I bought an item on 30th January, it was listed at £115 BIN or best offer with £15 postage. My offer of £100 + £15 postage was accepted and I have paid £100 + £15. Ebay list the item as being sold at £120.32 +£15 postage with a note saying price includes £5.32 buyers protection. Seems they have applied a factor to everything irrespective of when an item was purchased and what was paid and you can no longer see if an offer was accepted.
Mikeandvan
13-02-2025, 23:52
Interesting that some DVDs are fetching higher than original cost prices on Ebay. Since getting my new to me DVD player I'm trying to track down the films Amazon doesn't stream. Straw Dogs being the first, what a classic, those yokels sure are menacing, 'rats is life'! So i go out to the communal bins and see a few dvds left there, one of which is the Innocents, currently fetching around £20 on Ebay, mint too. Be good if there was an easier way of getting DVDs though, don;t fancy wasting my time in charity shops though, that always leaves me feeling deaths clammy hand on my shoulder.
Pigmy Pony
14-02-2025, 15:57
Interesting that some DVDs are fetching higher than original cost prices on Ebay. Since getting my new to me DVD player I'm trying to track down the films Amazon doesn't stream. Straw Dogs being the first, what a classic, those yokels sure are menacing, 'rats is life'! So i go out to the communal bins and see a few dvds left there, one of which is the Innocents, currently fetching around £20 on Ebay, mint too. Be good if there was an easier way of getting DVDs though, don;t fancy wasting my time in charity shops though, that always leaves me feeling deaths clammy hand on my shoulder.
Always millions of DVDs for sale at car boots. Might have to wait for better weather though.
I got given about a hundred of them, all mint. Including every Bond film, although there's also a lot of crap I'll probably never watch.
How was your last day at work Martin? Did you leave any hidden "eggs"? :D
I got given about a hundred of them, all mint. Including every Bond film, although there's also a lot of crap I'll probably never watch.
I was left at least a couple of hundred - a large number of which I have already have.
How was your last day at work Martin? Did you leave any hidden "eggs"? :D
I don't finish until next Friday, Barry.
Week from hell this week but my boss is on leave all next week so hoping I can coast to the finish line now.
Lawrence001
14-02-2025, 19:25
I don't finish until next Friday, Barry.
Week from hell this week but my boss is on leave all next week so hoping I can coast to the finish line now.I'm trying to cut down my screen use so not here so often as I used to be and missed this. Are you taking early retirement Martin?
Sent from my HEY2-W09 using Tapatalk
I'm trying to cut down my screen use so not here so often as I used to be and missed this. Are you taking early retirement Martin?
Sent from my HEY2-W09 using Tapatalk
Yes, this is my second attempt at it. But I'm better prepared financially and psychologically this time.
I don't finish until next Friday, Barry.
Week from hell this week but my boss is on leave all next week so hoping I can coast to the finish line now.
Oh - I thought it was today: Valentine's Day. Now you know your company doesn’t love you!
Oh - I thought it was today: Valentine's Day. Now you know your company doesn’t love you!
Really it should be next Thursday but they stuck an extra day on. I couldn't be arsed to argue.
Pigmy Pony
15-02-2025, 14:26
Since the arrival of another grandkid this is what my Saturdays have come to...
https://youtu.be/-uBz5EjxZ08?t=4
But they've now buggered off out for a couple of hours, so time for some much-needed tuneage :)
Since the arrival of another grandkid this is what my Saturdays have come to...
https://youtu.be/-uBz5EjxZ08?t=4
But they've now buggered off out for a couple of hours, so time for some much-needed tuneage :)
Like 'Tellytubbies' that looks like it would be a lot better when under the influence of a powerful hallucinogenic or at least some decent hashish.
My nieces and nephews liked to watch some right crap when they were young too. I seen enough pepper pig to last me to the heat death of the universe.
Why can't they put on proper cartoons anymore? Bit of Tom & Jerry or Road Runner? I'm sure today's kiddies would like them better than the modern pap.
Pigmy Pony
15-02-2025, 16:37
Like 'Tellytubbies' that looks like it would be a lot better when under the influence of a powerful hallucinogenic or at least some decent hashish.
:eek: Social Services would be all over me like a rash! And probably a waste of good gear too... Oh wait, you meant for me! :)
Yeah, gone are the days when Zebedee would say "Time for bed" and they'd bloody well go. These days they'd just complain they need another half hour on the You Tube and threaten to dob us in to Childline.
:eek: Social Services would be all over me like a rash! And probably a waste of good gear too... Oh wait, you meant for me! :)
Yeah, gone are the days when Zebedee would say "Time for bed" and they'd bloody well go. These days they'd just complain they need another half hour on the You Tube and threaten to dob us in to Childline.
mine are teenage now so I only see them at Christmas when they show up for their handout. Another 7 years or so I will probably become a great uncle and it all starts again. God knows how bad cartoons will be by then.
Lawrence001
16-02-2025, 19:14
Yes, this is my second attempt at it. But I'm better prepared financially and psychologically this time.Good luck with that, I came close last year when I lost my job but found a part time role at my old employer that seems to be working out but it's very early days.
Good luck with that, I came close last year when I lost my job but found a part time role at my old employer that seems to be working out but it's very early days.
a few hours a week would suit me but not so easy to get something like that round here.
Pigmy Pony
16-02-2025, 22:59
a few hours a week would suit me but not so easy to get something like that round here.
You could work with me - I think you'd like the hours, but the commute would be a bitch.
As mentioned the other week, B&Q love part-timers of a certain age, and there's no end of other big firms like Wickes, Amazon, Argos etc where there'd be opportunities for shop floor or warehousing... just a thought.
I'd consider something like this myself, but I've become used to having no boss. Also I'm very very lazy.
Never known a week like this. Feel like I've been doing it all my life and it's only Wednesday night.
If you feel like the weeks are whizzing by too fast just hand in your notice at work and watch them go down to a such a slow crawl you'd need time lapse photos to see any movement at all.
I am sure the next two days will be bearable... At least you can see the other side.
I have a meeting with the big bosses tomorrow - I am on 3 months notice, so maybe if I hand it in, I'll live to be a 100? :D
I am sure the next two days will be bearable... At least you can see the other side.
I have a meeting with the big bosses tomorrow - I am on 3 months notice, so maybe if I hand it in, I'll live to be a 100? :D
I had to do 3 months notice once, in a job I hated. That wasn't too bad as I was part-time, but it was still bad. They let me go a day and a half early.
Lawrence001
19-02-2025, 23:47
If you want a long life just resign from your job every Monday and then retract it on the Friday.
That's it. Clocked out for the last time at 1728 - I am done. A life of leisure awaits.
Pigmy Pony
21-02-2025, 18:15
That's it. Clocked out for the last time at 1728 - I am done. A life of leisure awaits.
I bet you couldn't have imagined thirty years ago that not working might be a good thing.
I bet you couldn't have imagined thirty years ago that not working might be a good thing.
I don't know. I quite enjoyed being on the dole, most of the time, but it's not so bad when you're young and everyone else you know is in the same boat.
Pigmy Pony
21-02-2025, 18:22
I know what you mean - we were pretty poor when I was a kid, but it was the same for most of our friends and neighbours so we didn't really feel it.
I know what you mean - we were pretty poor when I was a kid, but it was the same for most of our friends and neighbours so we didn't really feel it.
I never recall being bored, there was always something going on. Plus I had a fantastic girlfriend at the time.
Only thing is you know you can't carry on like that forever but it was a good couple of years. Then the economy improved and suddenly you could get work. Crap work, but work.
Congrats on your retirement, Martin!
We're about the same age, but sadly I'll probably be working until I drop down dead!
Congrats on your retirement, Martin!
We're about the same age, but sadly I'll probably be working until I drop down dead!
Sure you probably sorted for pensions and that? I never bothered which was daft really as could have done this a lot sooner. I always had money left at the end of the month and I should have been putting it into my pension. That's cost me thousands. I'm too much of a live for today type.
Lawrence001
21-02-2025, 20:18
Now I'm only 4 years off minimum retirement age I wish I had put more in but at the time it seemed so far away.
Sure you probably sorted for pensions and that? I never bothered which was daft really as could have done this a lot sooner. I always had money left at the end of the month and I should have been putting it into my pension. That's cost me thousands. I'm too much of a live for today type.
Yes, I have saved very heavily in pensions ever since I was able to, 30 plus years, and have a decent amount of funds, but I also left it until late in life to have kids, so realistically the next 10-12 years I will still be supporting them until they get through Uni, so I doubt I will be able to consider retirement before then. We do plan to downsize the house which would then clear the mortgage, but again, I wouldn't want to do that until the kids have grown up. We'll see - to be honest, I think I would be bored shitless if I retired, and either I would kill my wife or she would kill me!
Yes, I have saved very heavily in pensions ever since I was able to, 30 plus years, and have a decent amount of funds, but I also left it until late in life to have kids, so realistically the next 10-12 years I will still be supporting them until they get through Uni, so I doubt I will be able to consider retirement before then. We do plan to downsize the house which would then clear the mortgage, but again, I wouldn't want to do that until the kids have grown up. We'll see - to be honest, I think I would be bored shitless if I retired, and either I would kill my wife or she would kill me!
At least when you do retire you will be very comfortable.
The boredom thing may get to me too but have to see how that pans out.
Congratulations on retiring Martin. What are your plans for the immediate future?
Whatever you decide to do, have a great time! :)
Congratulations on retiring Martin. What are your plans for the immediate future?
Whatever you decide to do, have a great time! :)
Day one of retirement - 'All alarms are off' says my phone.
waking up at 0900 instead of 0630 - can't fault it.
Pigmy Pony
24-02-2025, 13:40
Day one of retirement - 'All alarms are off' says my phone.
waking up at 0900 instead of 0630 - can't fault it.
9am saw me arriving at job 30 minutes late, thanks to rubbish commute. Combination of schools traffic, something bad happening on M61, and pop-up roadworks. They do my head in - you know where they are so you choose a different route. Only to find roadworks have popped up on your alternative route :steam:
Mikeandvan
24-02-2025, 15:14
Day one of retirement - 'All alarms are off' says my phone.
waking up at 0900 instead of 0630 - can't fault it.
You're pension pots probably bigger than mine, which is zero, I'll be working till I drop.
Pigmy Pony
24-02-2025, 15:26
You're pension pots probably bigger than mine, which is zero, I'll be working till I drop.
Its paying off the mortgage that makes all the difference - me and you have that money pit called rent payments :( I do have a paid off house, but my ex missus lives there, so that'll end up with the kids.
You're pension pots probably bigger than mine, which is zero, I'll be working till I drop.
No I sadly neglected that although did have more in them than I thought but not a lot.
Just let cash build up in current account for years which was daft. Have now stuck a chunk of it on the global unregulated casino and am living off the rest.
As Steve says no rent or mortgage helps a lot, don't run a car, can eat well on £100/month, council tax band A, don't pay insurance for anything. It's do-able although won't be any painting holidays in Provence or whatever other wholesome things you're supposed to do in retirement according to the pension ads.
Pigmy Pony
24-02-2025, 16:11
No I sadly neglected that although did have more in them than I thought but not a lot.
Just let cash build up in current account for years which was daft. Have now stuck a chunk of it on the global unregulated casino and am living off the rest.
As Steve says no rent or mortgage helps a lot, don't run a car, can eat well on £100/month, council tax band A, don't pay insurance for anything. It's do-able although won't be any painting holidays in Provence or whatever other wholesome things you're supposed to do in retirement according to the pension ads.
Viking river cruises seem to be popular, but uber-pricey and no way do I want to spend a week sharing a boat with them smug old farts. I'd rather go Butlins.
How do you "eat well" on £100 a month? About ten to fifteen years ago I could easily manage on £30 a week, but not now!
Viking river cruises seem to be popular, but uber-pricey and no way do I want to spend a week sharing a boat with them smug old farts. I'd rather go Butlins.
Are they the ones where they think not having a casino on board is actually a feature?
How do you "eat well" on £100 a month? About ten to fifteen years ago I could easily manage on £30 a week, but not now!
I just eat the same things every day:
1st breakfast - 2 waffles with butter and syrup - 20p
2nd breakfast - 2 rounds of toast with jam - 10p
Lunch - bacon sandwich 2 rashers - 40p
1 glass full fat milk (one third pint) 30p
Tea - spaghetti bolognaise - with a half pound of mince, I make my own sauce - £2
£3 per day times 30 is £90 plus a tenner a month for anything extra like a bar of chocolate.
I just eat the same things every day:
1st breakfast - 2 waffles with butter and syrup - 20p
2nd breakfast - 2 rounds of toast with jam - 10p
Lunch - bacon sandwich 2 rashers - 40p
1 glass full fat milk (one third pint) 30p
Tea - spaghetti bolognaise - with a half pound of mince, I make my own sauce - £2
£3 per day times 30 is £90 plus a tenner a month for anything extra like a bar of chocolate.
That wouldn't do for me: not only is it unvaried and boring, but is not particularly healthy. Where are the vegetables and fruit?
But each to their own, suum cuique.
That wouldn't do for me: not only is it unvaried and boring, but is not particularly healthy. Where are the vegetables and fruit?
But each to their own, suum cuique.
There's tinned tomatoes in the Bolognese!
No I agree it's not that healthy but it's about getting enough protein and calories on a minimal budget. And not being hungry.
You literally eat that same menu every day??? I love a spag bol, but not every week, let alone every day!
You literally eat that same menu every day??? I love a spag bol, but not every week, let alone every day!
yes, last time I managed 10 weeks, 70 spagbols. Not had one since though until Saturday just gone. By the time it gets to 1700 I'm hungry, I'll eat anything.
Plus my spagbol is outstanding I bet I could charge forty notes in a flash restaurant, they'd come back for more. That's all the practice I've had I think :D
Pigmy Pony
24-02-2025, 20:34
Are they the ones where they think not having a casino on board is actually a feature?
I don't know about that but I wouldn't be surprised. The adverts say shit like "On a Viking river cruise you spend less time getting there, and more time being there", and "Exploring the world in comfort" The only thing about it that appeals to me is the unlikeliness of getting seasick.
I don't know about that but I wouldn't be surprised. The adverts say shit like "On a Viking river cruise you spend less time getting there, and more time being there", and "Exploring the world in comfort" The only thing about it that appeals to me is the unlikeliness of getting seasick.
I think that's a different one to the one I'm thinking of.
Really a proper Viking river cruise ought to involve some birds and some plundering, but I bet it doesn't.
Now if you had Tony and Kirk along you might get some action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyk9UScz4_8
River and sea cruises are the most polluting forms of holiday pastimes. That aside, would you want to spend your holiday in a floating block of flats?
That aside, would you want to spend your holiday in a floating block of flats?
I don't know. Is there a casino?
I don't know. Many, many years ago I did a Rhine cruise with my parents, but I don't remember there being a casino on board.
Really a proper Viking river cruise ought to involve some birds and some plundering, ...
The only birds of interest to Vikings would be ravens. :lol:
Mikeandvan
24-02-2025, 22:57
Its paying off the mortgage that makes all the difference - me and you have that money pit called rent payments :( I do have a paid off house, but my ex missus lives there, so that'll end up with the kids.
Surely you're due some of that?
Mikeandvan
24-02-2025, 22:59
No I sadly neglected that although did have more in them than I thought but not a lot.
Just let cash build up in current account for years which was daft. Have now stuck a chunk of it on the global unregulated casino and am living off the rest.
As Steve says no rent or mortgage helps a lot, don't run a car, can eat well on £100/month, council tax band A, don't pay insurance for anything. It's do-able although won't be any painting holidays in Provence or whatever other wholesome things you're supposed to do in retirement according to the pension ads.
You can always do some part time work, if you want.
Mikeandvan
24-02-2025, 23:01
I just eat the same things every day:
1st breakfast - 2 waffles with butter and syrup - 20p
2nd breakfast - 2 rounds of toast with jam - 10p
Lunch - bacon sandwich 2 rashers - 40p
1 glass full fat milk (one third pint) 30p
Tea - spaghetti bolognaise - with a half pound of mince, I make my own sauce - £2
£3 per day times 30 is £90 plus a tenner a month for anything extra like a bar of chocolate.
Do you use only beef mince? try 50/50 beef/pork, pork is half the price, and the results are twice as tasty! And the authentic Italian recipes use it.
You can always do some part time work, if you want.
I can but there's no hurry, not strapped for cash.
Do you use only beef mince? try 50/50 beef/pork, pork is half the price, and the results are twice as tasty! And the authentic Italian recipes use it.
Good idea that I'll see what they have.
To hell with authentic recipes! When I make a risotto, I will use either white or brown long grain rice rather than the traditional arborio rice, which I find too 'pudding'-like.
I will also use mince which has no more than 5% fat, despite the fact that mince with a higher fat content has more taste.
To hell with authentic recipes! When I make a risotto, I will use either white or brown long grain rice rather than the traditional arborio rice, which I find too 'pudding'-like.
I will also use mince which has no more than 5% fat, despite the fact that mince with a higher fat content has more taste.
The high fat stuff is almost half the price, too.
Not around here, it's only about 5-10% cheaper.
Not around here, it's only about 5-10% cheaper.
I'll check that again when I go in tomorrow but I'm almost sure 5% was over a pound more than 20%
Mikeandvan
25-02-2025, 11:50
To hell with authentic recipes! When I make a risotto, I will use either white or brown long grain rice rather than the traditional arborio rice, which I find too 'pudding'-like.
I will also use mince which has no more than 5% fat, despite the fact that mince with a higher fat content has more taste.
LOL, 'when I make a risotto, which is nothing like a risotto'.
Mikeandvan
25-02-2025, 11:57
On the subject of home economics, I'll have a roast chicken on a sunday, then chicken soup (bulked out with bulgar wheat or something, and stock made from carcass) for the next 4 days. But I'll then spend £10+ daily in cafes, makes no sense economically, but I just like making use of leftovers. I think if you make food in bulk it really saves money, and time. I use 500g each beef/pork for a ragu, then that last about 4/5 days, break it down and quite a cheap meal individually, and around 200g protein in each serving (raw meat anyway). Mind you when you factor in good quality pasta, cheese, a bit of wine (for the ragu not to drink) it probably adds up, to be honest I don't pay too much attention to cost, I just like simple food.
Personally I can't tell the difference between cheap pasta and the really expensive stuff.
I don't have a freezer so can't bulk-buy meat.
When I was working I'd spend a fiver on a cooked lunch (never made a 'packed lunch' the night before, not once in my life). The way I see it, if I'm working all day, I can pay someone else can do the cooking.
Hot meal for lunch then in the evening I'd just have cold cuts of meat with some bread and cheese. I only had 4 hours between getting in from work and going to sleep so not going to spend an hour of that at the stove.
LOL, 'when I make a risotto, which is nothing like a risotto'.
Who cares? I'm eating it, so I'll make it as I dam-well like.
I was having lunch with a friend in an Italian family-run restaurant. Not recognising anything on the menu, plumped for the risotto. When it arrived I realised my mistake - it had been (correctly) made using arborio rice, and I didn’t enjoy it.
I'll check that again when I go in tomorrow but I'm almost sure 5% was over a pound more than 20%
I've just has a look at the price for 450g minced beef in my local Co-op:
£4.50 for 5% fat and £3.35 for 15% fat content. So the fattier mince is 25% cheaper, or as you say just over £1.
The figures I had in mind were for 5 and 10% fat levels, but the Co-op now no longer offers the 10% option.
Pigmy Pony
25-02-2025, 19:14
River and sea cruises are the most polluting forms of holiday pastimes. That aside, would you want to spend your holiday in a floating block of flats?
I'll let the good people of Manchester answer that, though I gather they weren't too thrilled.
https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/article28608017.ece/ALTERNATES/s1023/0_Winter-weather-Jan-23rd-2024.jpg
Pigmy Pony
25-02-2025, 19:17
Surely you're due some of that?
No, I let the ex keep that, knowing that it would end up with my daughters anyway. I would never have considered selling the house from under her, I couldn't live with myself if I'd done that.
Pigmy Pony
25-02-2025, 19:21
To hell with authentic recipes! When I make a risotto, I will use either white or brown long grain rice rather than the traditional arborio rice, which I find too 'pudding'-like.
I will also use mince which has no more than 5% fat, despite the fact that mince with a higher fat content has more taste.
Yes Anita does exactly the same - as you say less tasty but way more healthy.
Pigmy Pony
25-02-2025, 19:31
On the subject of home economics, I'll have a roast chicken on a sunday, then chicken soup (bulked out with bulgar wheat or something, and stock made from carcass) for the next 4 days. But I'll then spend £10+ daily in cafes, makes no sense economically, but I just like making use of leftovers. I think if you make food in bulk it really saves money, and time. I use 500g each beef/pork for a ragu, then that last about 4/5 days, break it down and quite a cheap meal individually, and around 200g protein in each serving (raw meat anyway). Mind you when you factor in good quality pasta, cheese, a bit of wine (for the ragu not to drink) it probably adds up, to be honest I don't pay too much attention to cost, I just like simple food.
200g? That's a bit optimistic. Beef is about 25% protein. So you have to consume the thick end of 2lb of lean beef to get 200g. Turkey has a higher protein content and is leaner. We used to use turkey a lot in cooking, diced turkey for curries and casseroles, sometimes turkey mince. Don't know why we stopped doing that.
I like to rely on the superfood groups - Bacon, and to a lesser extent, chocolate.
I like to rely on the superfood groups - Bacon, and to a lesser extent, chocolate.
You missed beer. It's organic based, so counts as one of your five a day.
Mikeandvan
25-02-2025, 21:39
200g? That's a bit optimistic. Beef is about 25% protein. So you have to consume the thick end of 2lb of lean beef to get 200g. Turkey has a higher protein content and is leaner. We used to use turkey a lot in cooking, diced turkey for curries and casseroles, sometimes turkey mince. Don't know why we stopped doing that.
Yeh I may have my calculations wrong there, I can't imagine eating 800g of meat at a sitting!
Mikeandvan
25-02-2025, 22:00
Who cares? I'm eating it, so I'll make it as I dam-well like.
I was having lunch with a friend in an Italian family-run restaurant. Not recognising anything on the menu, plumped for the risotto. When it arrived I realised my mistake - it had been (correctly) made using arborio rice, and I didn’t enjoy it.
You're not making it (risotto), you're just chucking a bit of mince in a pan with some rice, might as well say you're making chilli con carne or curry.
You're not making it (risotto), you're just chucking a bit of mince in a pan with some rice, might as well say you're making chilli con carne or curry.
:doh: Since when has a risotto had chilli peppers in it, kidney beans or garum masala, fenugreek, tumeric for that matter. There is no law which says you have to use arborio rice. I prefer long grain rice, or if I want to be a bit more traditional, carnaroli rice.
You stick to your dirty grey mushroom omelettes, and I'll stick to my 'meta'-risottos.
You see you don't get these arguments with spagbol. You know where you are with that.
You missed beer. It's organic based, so counts as one of your five a day.
Good point. So 2 cans is two of your five and a heavy Friday night session, that covers the whole week.
Wines a fruit too. So is brandy.
You see you don't get these arguments with spagbol. You know where you are with that.
:lol: 70 times in a row! ;)
Pigmy Pony
26-02-2025, 07:43
You missed beer. It's organic based, so counts as one of your five a day.
As does Cadburys Fruit & Nut.
Pigmy Pony
26-02-2025, 07:49
You see you don't get these arguments with spagbol. You know where you are with that.
I think you'll find it's called ragu :D
I don't see a problem with modifying recipes using ingredients not traditionally used if it makes the meal more enjoyable, it's completely subjective imo. The only exception being pineapple in savoury meals, that's just wrong.
:lol: 70 times in a row! ;)
It's just like putting petrol in a car.
Might think about doing a stir fry or a chili at some point.
I think you'll find it's called ragu :D
I don't see a problem with modifying recipes using ingredients not traditionally used if it makes the meal more enjoyable, it's completely subjective imo. The only exception being pineapple in savoury meals, that's just wrong.
What about in sweet and sour pork? That's sort of both and has pineapple. Or on a gammon steak?
Pigmy Pony
26-02-2025, 09:05
What about in sweet and sour pork? That's sort of both and has pineapple. Or on a gammon steak?
Don't like sweet and sour, and for me it's got to be an egg on the gammon. Nothing against pineapple as a proper pudding, nice with Carnation milk on.
Agreed - always an egg on my gammon, never pineapple.
I'm more ambivalent when it comes to sweet and sour sauce. I have enjoyed it in China, but then you would assume they know what they are doing. The same with duck á l'orange, or duck with plum sauce.
Mikeandvan
26-02-2025, 12:02
:doh: Since when has a risotto had chilli peppers in it, kidney beans or garum masala, fenugreek, tumeric for that matter. There is no law which says you have to use arborio rice. I prefer long grain rice, or if I want to be a bit more traditional, carnaroli rice.
You stick to your dirty grey mushroom omelettes, and I'll stick to my 'meta'-risottos.
There's some artistic licence, but at a minimum a risotto uses short grain rice, that's the whole dish, the creaminess.
Hiccups - what are your cures, "reverse drinking from a glass" (usually my "got to") and a "surprise" (how do you surprise yourself?) not working!
Hiccups - what are your cures, "reverse drinking from a glass" (usually my "got to") and a "surprise" (how do you surprise yourself?) not working!
All sorted, daughter heard my hiccups from upstairs, came down, scared the crap out of me with a "boo" and hiccups are gone. Unfortunately I shat myself, so new problem - but a spoon and a sponge will resolve that so no drama.
I can't remember the last time I had hiccups (if I ever did?)
Unfortunately I shat myself, so new problem - but a spoon and a sponge will resolve that so no drama.
Seriously? Too much information there Alex, which I think I would have kept to myself!
Lawrence001
26-02-2025, 23:03
Unfortunately I shat myself, so new problem - but a spoon and a sponge will resolve that so no drama.
Hopefully a change of clothes too?
Was aching all over this morning from doing those weights and sit ups the last few days. Hardly done anything too. Years since last had them out, forgot about that side of it.
Firebottle
27-02-2025, 18:39
You'll soon get used to it.
I have been doing some very heavy work today, tree pruning, but having had a few odd days of heavy work I bounce back very well.
Pigmy Pony
27-02-2025, 20:39
Doesn't matter how much hard work you do, if you then do something that finds a new muscle it's going to ache 48 hours later. Normally another 24 hours will see it recover.
What started as a seemingly simple mission to sort out a blocked sink expanded rapidly once I got under there and discovered a total shit-show.
Think it is all sorted now but still have to go back in a bit, finish clearing up and then mop the floor.
Not sure how I ever had time for that working lark.
You don't seem to be taking to retirement as well as you should Martin.
I used to have a perennial problem with a slow-running/blocked plug-hole in the bathroom washbasin. Sorted it out, once and for all, using 98% concentrated sulphuric acid!
Pigmy Pony
05-03-2025, 16:54
You don't seem to be taking to retirement as well as you should Martin.
I used to have a perennial problem with a slow-running/blocked plug-hole in the bathroom washbasin. Sorted it out, once and for all, using 98% concentrated sulphuric acid!
Yeah, I reckon any extreme acid or alkali would do the trick. Caustic soda (which is a strong alkaline) is often used to clear drains. I remember using it to clear the carbon out of the exhausts on my 2-stroke bike back in the day. You could hear it working, fierce stuff!
Edit: may damage plastic pipes so probably best to ask a plumber what's best.
Martin probably thought retirement would be all beer 'n' skittles. Reality is jobs that won't be ignored just appear out of nowhere.
I gave it the plunger and two bottles of unblocker in the end, that shifted it.
Chucked out that much this week that my wheely bin is almost full. Never usually gets over a third and they only collect once a fortnight.
Putin, yesterday
https://i.ibb.co/pjbWb4mF/AA1AOJVB.jpg (https://ibb.co/3m4f4SJZ)
But why is he in Servalan from Blakes 7's office?
https://i.ibb.co/fdmfZ41X/Blakes7-Trial-Servalan.webp (https://ibb.co/GQgyGcxd)
I was today years old when I discovered that Portsmouth is the only island city in the UK - I had never realised it is located on “Portsea Island” and not part of the mainland. I’ve even been there a few times and still never knew.
Pigmy Pony
15-03-2025, 07:36
I was today years old when I discovered that Portsmouth is the only island city in the UK - I had never realised it is located on “Portsea Island” and not part of the mainland. I’ve even been there a few times and still never knew.
No, I did not know that either. Learning stuff is fun! Especially when it's "useless crap", which Mrs. P tells me my head is full of :)
I was today years old when I discovered that Portsmouth is the only island city in the UK - I had never realised it is located on “Portsea Island” and not part of the mainland. I’ve even been there a few times and still never knew.
I would have said Newport on the Isle of Wight would also be a county capital, but it does not have city status.
Pigmy Pony
15-03-2025, 16:43
What is the requirement for a town to become a city? I always thought it was there being a cathedral, then I heard that having a university qualified it. I've just read that in 2002 Preston became England's 50th city, marking the Queen's 50th year (Golden Jubilee).
I think it used to be a requirement, but then the designation of the seat of a Bishop (cathedra) was probably confered by the king at that time, so presumably any reigning monarch, as head of the Church of England can 'upgrade' the status of a church to that of cathedral if they so wish.
There are many towns in the UK that are home to cathedrals but are no
t cities.
I just got reminded of "The Krypton Factor" which finished 30 years ago. I used to love that series, especially the carnage on the flight simulator!
I just got reminded of "The Krypton Factor" which finished 30 years ago. I used to love that series, especially the carnage on the flight simulator!
Did anyone ever land that plane on the runway? Seem to recall it happening once.
Ali Tait
17-03-2025, 15:19
Crystal Maze was good too.
I liked its predecessor 'The Adventure Game'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventure_Game
Ah yes, I remember Uncle the aspidistra - who according to your link became a teapot in series 4 - I don’t remember that.
Ah yes, I remember Uncle the aspidistra - who according to your link became a teapot in series 4 - I don’t remember that.
I can only really recall the aspidistra, the incredibly complex currency, and the vortex game - and that I liked the show.
I think by the last season - 1986 - I was no longer watching the after-school children's TV shows so maybe that's why I don't recall the teapot? I was 18 by then after all...
The Vortex was proper dark, contestants getting vapourised was quite traumatic for kids!
The Vortex was proper dark, contestants getting vapourised was quite traumatic for kids!
Yet somehow we came out okay. Well, sort of.
A lot of old children's telly was traumatic, look at the public information films. And some of it was just plain weird. I mean some of it was made in Scandinavia, for Christ's sake.
Like 'Break In The Sun' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Break_in_the_Sun
A young girl gets abused by her stepfather (Terry the chef from 'Fawlty Towers') and runs away with the objective of getting to her nan's house hundreds of miles away which is the only place she recalls being happy.
After a load of episodes and trials and tribulations, and Terry the chef on her trail, she finally gets there only to find it occupied by strangers who tell her that her nan died years ago.
How harsh an ending is that? They'd never do anything like that as a children's show now.
that does sound truly terrifying! :eek:
I stumbled across this on the interweb - from 1985, Smash Hits - they (allegedly) invited a 12 year old school boy to do the single reviews for the fortnight.
https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480939786_1209844157811286_5068679834635552250_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=f727a1&_nc_ohc=vC4qVL9hHawQ7kNvgERc0Qk&_nc_oc=AdiF13gNUo0AnOszcY5LNJD79btRjCHVmeyjhCFdIWx 0DkgBbXw28NrDS3ykurlDeH9BTGC31mBTzl8HWWNXYIbo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&_nc_gid=fd1EfM2QLUpp7FFlP7i36A&oh=00_AYFWWAdEm7XPQnOlUN0OP0IjxbHsroTXOj1f3rSRuAdn yg&oe=67DE8EE5
Highly dubious that young Marshall really was what he was advertised as, but some of the best reviews I think I have ever read, and a few tracks I gad completely forgotten about!
I stumbled across this on the interweb - from 1985, Smash Hits - they (allegedly) invited a 12 year old school boy to do the single reviews for the fortnight.
https://scontent-man2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480939786_1209844157811286_5068679834635552250_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=f727a1&_nc_ohc=vC4qVL9hHawQ7kNvgERc0Qk&_nc_oc=AdiF13gNUo0AnOszcY5LNJD79btRjCHVmeyjhCFdIWx 0DkgBbXw28NrDS3ykurlDeH9BTGC31mBTzl8HWWNXYIbo&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.xx&_nc_gid=fd1EfM2QLUpp7FFlP7i36A&oh=00_AYFWWAdEm7XPQnOlUN0OP0IjxbHsroTXOj1f3rSRuAdn yg&oe=67DE8EE5
Highly dubious that young Marshall really was what he was advertised as, but some of the best reviews I think I have ever read, and a few tracks I gad completely forgotten about!
Hates the Smiths and Billy Bragg, likes China Crisis - he'll do for me!
Hates the Smiths and Billy Bragg, likes China Crisis - he'll do for me!
I agree 100%! I have tried retrospectively to revisit The Smiths but whilst I admire some of the tunes and musicianship I just want to punch Morrissey in the face. And I'm not normally a violent man...
Completely changing the subject (I think that's what this thread is for?) my wife asked me today if I had eaten her cashew nuts... Well, I had no idea she even had cashew nuts, and was mildly offended that she had cashew nuts that I didn't know about, or dare I suggest - had hidden from me? Cashew nuts are my favourite nuts, although ignoring the calories, any nut is a good nut in my book. Anyone else have a favourite nut? :)
Completely changing the subject (I think that's what this thread is for?) my wife asked me today if I had eaten her cashew nuts... Well, I had no idea she even had cashew nuts, and was mildly offended that she had cashew nuts that I didn't know about, or dare I suggest - had hidden from me? Cashew nuts are my favourite nuts, although ignoring the calories, any nut is a good nut in my book. Anyone else have a favourite nut? :)
I love all nuts, but it is difficult to name a favourite. I add mixed nuts to museli, and of them I think walnuts are my least favourite, whereas I prefer almonds, brazils, cashews and hazel nuts.
Did you know that employees who work in nuclear power plants are not allowed to bring Brazil nuts in with them? Brazil nuts are very slightly radioactive and they set off the radiation alarms.
Pigmy Pony
19-03-2025, 08:28
Completely changing the subject (I think that's what this thread is for?) my wife asked me today if I had eaten her cashew nuts... Well, I had no idea she even had cashew nuts, and was mildly offended that she had cashew nuts that I didn't know about, or dare I suggest - had hidden from me? Cashew nuts are my favourite nuts, although ignoring the calories, any nut is a good nut in my book. Anyone else have a favourite nut? :)
I like both my nuts equally. Sorry, I think cashews are probably my favourite too.
As for you being mildly offended by your wife's behaviour, obviously she had to hide them as she knew they'd be gone in five minutes if you knew about them. And I bet you still haven't come clean about the stash of Peperamis hiding behind your collection of Five Star CDs...
And now for something different!
I have spent much of today in London. As is my habit, I while away the train time and time spent on the overground with my head stuck in the newspaper, wrestling with the cryptic crossword of the day. I was so engrossed, that when I did look up I was surprised to see, sat diagonally opposite me, was a man with Macaw parrot on his arm.
It was splendid beast with bright scarlet plumage, and seemed quite content with preening itself. I was troubled however by the fact that its owner would periodically hit it on its beak, to which the parrot would simply say "hello".
Probably the most surreal experience I've ever had on the overground. And no - the owner did not wear an eyepatch or have a wooden leg.
Have still to finish the crossword!
Pigmy Pony
19-03-2025, 18:30
And now for something different!
I have spent much of today in London. As is my habit, I while away the train time and time spent on the overground with my head stuck in the newspaper, wrestling with the cryptic crossword of the day. I was so engrossed, that when I did look up I was surprised to see, sat diagonally opposite me, was a man with Macaw parrot on his arm.
It was splendid beast with bright scarlet plumage, and seemed quite content with preening itself. I was troubled however by the fact that its owner would periodically hit it on its beak, to which the parrot would simply say "hello".
Probably the most surreal experience I've ever had on the overground. And no - the owner did not wear an eyepatch or have a wooden leg.
Have still to finish the crossword!
Should have got the parrot to help you. 26 down: Pining for the Fjords? (9, 4) N _ _we_ _ _n _lu_ :)
And now for something different!
I have spent much of today in London. As is my habit, I while away the train time and time spent on the overground with my head stuck in the newspaper, wrestling with the cryptic crossword of the day. I was so engrossed, that when I did look up I was surprised to see, sat diagonally opposite me, was a man with Macaw parrot on his arm.
It was splendid beast with bright scarlet plumage, and seemed quite content with preening itself. I was troubled however by the fact that its owner would periodically hit it on its beak, to which the parrot would simply say "hello".
Probably the most surreal experience I've ever had on the overground. And no - the owner did not wear an eyepatch or have a wooden leg.
Have still to finish the crossword!
If you didn't say 'Beautiful Plumage' - minus a million points.
One month of retirement completed - that went fast!
Managed to keep up my exercise regime which I think is pretty good going given I'm bone idle.
Still getting up early most days I don't think that's going to change.
Not really got used to it yet, still feels like I'm just on leave.
Pigmy Pony
20-03-2025, 09:11
For the last seven years since I started taking tablets for high blood pressure, Anita has done all the online ordering of repeat prescriptions. Anyway this time round I decided I should take more responsibility for this stuff and so ordered it myself. But after six days the medication still hasn't landed. So I made a rare visit to my email account, only to find my email wasn't delivered because I got it wrong :doh:
So now, with no tablets I was curious to see how my blood pressure has been affected, as displayed on my "smart" watch. In recent times it has been around 145/80, which is a bit high. Now it shows my BP to be 116/74!
Something not right here, I think I need to get some batteries for my proper BP monitor get that up and running again. Because I suspect my smart watch might just be a pile of crap - last week I noticed it recording 'steps' while i was a passenger in the car :scratch:
Pigmy Pony
22-03-2025, 10:22
Anita has just dropped her son and daughter-in-law at the airport. We all know that holidays in this country aren't cheap, but really...
They originally going to have a four-night break in Scarborough, for which bed and breakfast came to £460 including rain. Add to that 260 miles worth of fuel driving there and back, and you're looking at north of 500 quid.
So instead they're having four nights self-catering in Portugal which comes to £458 including car hire over there. Ofc there's still the cost of driving them the 30 miles to Manchester airport and a fiver charge for dropping them off. And another tenner when picking them up again. Bunch of bandits that airport.
Pigmy Pony
22-03-2025, 10:33
We have been considering Albania for a holiday destination this summer (no really, some of it looks very nice), but we'll have to look into the cost.
One option is to get a ferry to France, then return on a rubber dinghy, spend a while in a detention centre after which we could get a flight to Albania and get unlimited stay there, all for free. A bit of a faff this option though, and I hear the dinghy trip is quite pricey.
Looks like some considerable danger is involved with this option as well, so we might just see how much Tui and Jet2.com are charging.
They originally going to have a four-night break in Scarborough, for which bed and breakfast came to £460 including rain.
.
Bit of an unfair comparison since they would also be getting the benefit of a bitter north-easterly wind with the Scarborough option.
Pigmy Pony
22-03-2025, 11:35
Bit of an unfair comparison since they would also be getting the benefit of a bitter north-easterly wind with the Scarborough option.
Yeah the hoteliers failed to mention that, a missed opportunity I think.
My dad stayed there last July, he really doesn't remember much about the place, nor who took this photo.
https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjhlODIwZjYxLWM2NzItNDY3ZC05MTVmLTQwY2UzOG IzNDZjMjpkODRiYjAyYi0xMjM0LTQ3NWEtOGI5Yi03OGI4NzAy ZDg3ZTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640
Pigmy Pony
22-03-2025, 14:14
I might fire up the George Formby grill later, in tribute to the big man. If I can find it. Get me sausages on.
We have been considering Albania for a holiday destination this summer (no really, some of it looks very nice), but we'll have to look into the cost.
One option is to get a ferry to France, then return on a rubber dinghy, spend a while in a detention centre after which we could get a flight to Albania and get unlimited stay there, all for free. A bit of a faff this option though, and I hear the dinghy trip is quite pricey.
Looks like some considerable danger is involved with this option as well, so we might just see how much Tui and Jet2.com are charging.
I visited Albania with a couple of friends in 1992. Enva Hoxa had died eighteen months earlier, so we thought it would be a good time to visit and see how much of the communist/Stalinist/Maoist regime was left.
Then there were no direct flights to Albania; one had to fly to Corfu and get the ferry across to Albania, where you could get a visa.
Well our expectations proved to be correct: the food, local wine and local transport (buses) were terrible. Even worse, the Albanians themselves had realised they had been taken for a ride by their politicians and basically revolted by smashing up the factories (no bad thing as they were hopelessly inefficient and unsafe), and sad to see in some places they had cut down the trees of once tree-lined avenues for firewood. They now seemed to be doing nothing, just hanging around the cafes and bars, endlessly smoking g and living off foreign aid. That said, those that could speak English or French were very keen to talk to us, as under the Hoxa regime they had been forbidden to talk to foreigners. And I was shown the most amazing hospitality by one Albanian family who invited me into their house and plied me with cognac and some nibbles.
There's a lot more I could relate about the adventures we had; not least trying to leave the country, but that was then and this is now.
I'm sure the country has changed and improved out of all recognition since then. They wanted to boost their tourist industry, which required the building of decent, modern and clean hotels. So anyone travelling there today would have a pleasant stay. In fact when I travelled down the Dalmatian coast to Montenegro, I would have liked to have gone into Albania to see what the country is like now. Sadly we couldn't do it as there would have been no end of hassle in taking the car in and out.
But do go there Steve - the beaches (what little I saw of them) are clean, and as I said the Albanians themselves are very hospitable.
Yeah the hoteliers failed to mention that, a missed opportunity I think.
My dad stayed there last July, he really doesn't remember much about the place, nor who took this photo.
https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjhlODIwZjYxLWM2NzItNDY3ZC05MTVmLTQwY2UzOG IzNDZjMjpkODRiYjAyYi0xMjM0LTQ3NWEtOGI5Yi03OGI4NzAy ZDg3ZTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640
Which one is your father in the photo? ;)
Pigmy Pony
22-03-2025, 18:13
I visited Albania with a couple of friends in 1992. Enva Hoxa had died eighteen months earlier, so we thought it would be a good time to visit and see how much of the communist/Stalinist/Maoist regime was left.
Then there were no direct flights to Albania; one had to fly to Corfu and get the ferry across to Albania, where you could get a visa.
Well our expectations proved to be correct: the food, local wine and local transport (buses) were terrible. Even worse, the Albanians themselves had realised they had been taken for a ride by their politicians and basically revolted by smashing up the factories (no bad thing as they were hopelessly inefficient and unsafe), and sad to see in some places they had cut down the trees of once tree-lined avenues for firewood. They now seemed to be doing nothing, just hanging around the cafes and bars, endlessly smoking g and living off foreign aid. That said, those that could speak English or French were very keen to talk to us, as under the Hoxa regime they had been forbidden to talk to foreigners. And I was shown the most amazing hospitality by one Albanian family who invited me into their house and plied me with cognac and some nibbles.
There's a lot more I could relate about the adventures we had; not least trying to leave the country, but that was then and this is now.
I'm sure the country has changed and improved out of all recognition since then. They wanted to boost their tourist industry, which required the building of decent, modern and clean hotels. So anyone travelling there today would have a pleasant stay. In fact when I travelled down the Dalmatian coast to Montenegro, I would have liked to have gone into Albania to see what the country is like now. Sadly we couldn't do it as there would have been no end of hassle in taking the car in and out.
But do go there Steve - the beaches (what little I saw of them) are clean, and as I said the Albanians themselves are very hospitable.
It really is a serious option Barry - we've been to Bulgaria several times and enjoyed good weather, decent food and drink at good prices, and friendly folk who aren't afraid of hard work. We had considered Croatia too, but that is relatively expensive.
We recently saw a docu series about the Balkans, and Albania featured in some of it. They really are trying hard to get themselves on the tourist map, and I'd feel good doing my bit to help that happen. As you said, the beaches look lovely, though we don't bother with them much.
If we do, I'll report back on my thoughts, I might even learn how to post pictures on here!
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 14:37
Some strange things happened yesterday.
I visited a suppliers next door to Screwfix, and as I approached, with the intention of parking on the road just after Screwfix's car park, there was a Porsche Panamera about to exit said car park. Then as I passed there was aloud bang. I got out to look at the vehicles, and saw that while my van had the tiniest marks on the wheel arch, the front of his Porsche was a right mess.
The bloke was apologetic and visibly upset, so I felt a bit sorry for him and told him we could swap insurance details, though as my van was ok it was up to him. He declined and drove off.
Twenty minutes later I went into Screwfix to buy some Stanley blades, and while waiting I heard someone at the other end of the counter asking the staff to see the CCTV as someone had driven into his friend's car. I called over "That would be me", and the Porsche driver just stared at me with a blank expression. "What, you drove into my car?"
"No, you drove into my van, we had this conversation twenty minutes ago".
"Sorry, I don't remember, I have brain damage".
His friend piped up, quite aggressively: "Never mind that, we want to see the CCTV, and I want your insurance details", which I then provided.
The staff member returned, saying "Your car already had that damage when you first came onto our car park".
Mystery solved? I'm not sure. Should this bloke who crashed his car into something, then crashed it into my van, and has no recollection of either event fit to be on the road? Or was this all a clumsy attempt to scam me? I'll never know as they both buggered off quick sharp.
With people like this on the road I'm just glad I wasn't on my bike.
Did you take note of the registration? You could then have reported the incident to the DVLA to see what they made of it.
He's got a 90 grand (at least) car - which he's already smashed up once - and brain damage?
Got to be one hell of a back story there.
Was the pal in the car when he hit your van?
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 15:41
Did you take note of the registration? You could then have reported the incident to the DVLA to see what they made of it.
:doh: No I didn't. I should've thought of that.
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 15:43
He's got a 90 grand (at least) car - which he's already smashed up once - and brain damage?
Got to be one hell of a back story there.
Was the pal in the car when he hit your van?
No, the bloke was alone, the "pal" just appeared later with him.
No, the bloke was alone, the "pal" just appeared later with him.
So he's got brain damage and can't even recall having a car crash just twenty minutes ago, but he's driving about unaccompanied?
And who told the pal about the crash if the driver has no recollection of it and he wasn't there at the time?
:doh: No I didn't. I should've thought of that.
I doubt if they would have done anything anyway, save perhaps informing the local police that the driver may not be fit to drive.
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 18:29
So he's got brain damage and can't even recall having a car crash just twenty minutes ago, but he's driving about unaccompanied?
And who told the pal about the crash if the driver has no recollection of it and he wasn't there at the time?
Judging by the way the Porsche driver was dressed compared to his "friends" appearance, I'd say he was probably having work done at his house by this bloke, and gave a dodgy garbled version of events when he returned, after seeing the state of his car: ("What's happened to your car? It wasn't like that when you set off to Screwfix...")
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 18:33
I doubt if they would have done anything anyway, save perhaps informing the local police that the driver may not be fit to drive.
It has since occurred to me that it might be diabetes-related - symptoms can include disorientation, and even appearing pissed.
If he has diabetes, he should have informed the DVLA.
Pigmy Pony
27-03-2025, 22:02
I suppose so, but it wouldn't prevent him driving would it? I'm sure my mate's diagnosis didn't stop him driving HGVs.
It depends on the medication he has been prescribed. Some medication if not taken will cause hypoglycaemia with symptoms you describe.
All diabetics must inform the DVLA and tell them the medication they are on. They won't be barred from driving, just advised to be aware of the warning symptoms.
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2025, 07:13
Ah yes, that makes sense. I've just read that an estimated 4.6 million people in the UK have diabetes, plus over a million undiagnosed. An awful thing to have, so many problems associated with it.
I just heard a lady on local radio refer to sitting on the “patio” - now I have always pronounced patio as pat-ee-o but she pronounced it pay-she-o - I have never heard it pronounced that way, now wondering if I have been getting it wrong all these years or if the lady on the radio was actually Hyacinth Bucket…?
I just heard a lady on local radio refer to sitting on the “patio” - now I have always pronounced patio as pat-ee-o but she pronounced it pay-she-o - I have never heard it pronounced that way, now wondering if I have been getting it wrong all these years or if the lady on the radio was actually Hyacinth Bucket…?
where I'm from we pronounce it 'back yard.'
English is a mongrel language, which having grown from the contribution from several other languages, is grammatically and phonetically one of the most irregular.
This manifests itself most acutely when it comes to pronunciation. Thus we pronounce "patio" as 'pat-ee-o', whereas we pronounce "ratio" as 'ray-she-o', because they are both loan words but from different sources.
Of course all this makes English one of the richest languages to use, and in some ways the most efficient: just compare the space taken up by various languages in multi-language texts.
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2025, 18:15
I think Alex's pronunciation has to be correct, otherwise it would make a nonsense of that Irish double glazing salesman, Patty o'Dor :)
where I'm from we pronounce it 'back yard.'
:lol:
English is a mongrel language, which having grown from the contribution from several other languages, is grammatically and phonetically one of the most irregular.
This manifests itself most acutely when it comes to pronunciation. Thus we pronounce "patio" as 'pat-ee-o', whereas we pronounce "ratio" as 'ray-she-o', because they are both loan words but from different sources.
Of course all this makes English one of the richest languages to use, and in some ways the most efficient: just compare the space taken up by various languages in multi-language texts.
Good observation there Barry, Ratio is a good point well made.
How do you pronounce Scone? :)
I think Alex's pronunciation has to be correct, otherwise it would make a nonsense of that Irish double glazing salesman, Patty o'Dor :)
Another :lol:
Pigmy Pony
28-03-2025, 20:18
I would pronounce it like this:
There was one on the plate in front of me, but it's scone now :)
I would pronounce it like this:
There was one on the plate in front of me, but it's scone now :)
I have a bone to pick with that reply... :)
Mikeandvan
28-03-2025, 21:11
Boy working for me today, never off his phone, unreal, a good worker actually, and mostly kept up, but every time he walked back to the van, texting like a demon, and who was he texting? His dumb ass girlfriend? His mate? No, his bleeding mum! Can you imagine, someone's mum bothering them all day at work, fuching unreal.
Dwile Flonking
A curious East Anglian "sport" that sadly failed to get Olympic recognition.
Credit to Dave Burt on the Facebook page "Rural East Suffolk in Old Photograph" for his description and the links:
To play you need two teams. Then you toss a sugar beet to decide which team flonks first.
Then you choose a dull-witted person to serve as referee. That’s the jobanowl. He or she starts the game by shouting, “Here y’go t’gither!”
The team that isn’t flonking holds hands and dances in a circle (that’s called girting) while one person from the other team (that’s the flonker) stands in the middle with a driveller–a 2- to 3-foot pole made of hazel or yew. On the end of the driveller is the beer-soaked dwile.
The flonker turns in the opposite direction from the girders and flonks the dwile at the opposing team, trying to hit someone. If the dwile hits a girter’s head, that’s called a 'Wanton', worth three points. If it hits the body, it’s a 'Morther', worth two points. A leg shot’s called a 'Ripper', worth one.
If it misses, it’s called a swadger and the flonker takes a pot of ale and has to drink it all while the girters form a line and pass the dwile from hand to hand, chanting, “pot, pot, pot.”
The pot? It’s what’s known as a gazunder–a chamber pot, called that because it goes under (goezunder–blame English spelling if you can’t make sense of the joke there) the bed.
When everyone’s had a chance to flonk, the game’s over and the points get counted up.
Teams lose a point for every person who’s sober at the end of the game.
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Or
(https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3DUBamCWdx6gI%26t%3D33s%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CM TAAAR2RMciCgnOsHKVz8klB806mbNIzQzkrP1FpI1dxJGdAX2m EkmNN-jkLJ_c_aem_FQfg-U7o02yMmhZFwjmRgg&h=AT1Pep8OR0lSkctxcY73WUFLZTYQQNIffrq3WZ1IDzEGO27m hawJUfKmwIowbuXH5IyQYKpPSKMp455PHMSPxuPkaNl8FFXQ-abyAwNNLYTMrAUPrYyHv9tskWhPPay1c7d6wHaW1fwhi2Lxhya 4sw&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0q_eCJnB6TtbGkYRqnI_D2JGaFV6QHyB1h-qvo8Gx77sjeLn-IqliaV-vAqnBJYzJsjVHxbV0FMqPl4cXsFdpWYZqPI5n-XkSlzh9O8lCKuq9-D_r4XWJDLumwwoaO3gvG7RjY_LuQ-aVGQ6A_Iu4ds4nXVVNwPJLB-rG_OpxGIy0LiEmbIIT5eJ1yl-pOKzbxFdwJUwCbK-2DGppJqeU0nug6oQ)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9WUbtFlP6M
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Pigmy Pony
31-03-2025, 22:24
There's a lot going on there. A bit too complicated for yer average sports fan. And me :doh:
Fair point, Steve, upon reflection maybe I should have kept that to myself and filed in my brain as "weird shit you can't explain and shouldn't share on the internet" :lol:
Pigmy Pony
01-04-2025, 06:25
Fair point, Steve, upon reflection maybe I should have kept that to myself and filed in my brain as "weird shit you can't explain and shouldn't share on the internet" :lol:
No, not at all Alex, I think there's room for a sport that needs brain power, not just what the offside rule is all about. Is it a sort of British Bulldog/Morris dancing hybrid? I'm just revealing myself as someone who knows bugger all about any sport apart from perhaps motorcycle racing. And archery, though that probably doesn't count.
If it wasn't for archery we'd all be speaking French.
Pigmy Pony
01-04-2025, 07:22
I'd like for archery to take the credit, but really is it a case of we won the battle but lost the (100 years) war? You're the man with the history brains - Agincourt, Poitiers, Crecy, that's all I've got, because I know we won them.
Each year, on St. Crispin's Day (25th October), my archery club had a competition where we'd shoot at anything French-looking. Apart from Gerard Depardieu, we didn't know about him back then.
I'd like for archery to take the credit, but really is it a case of we won the battle but lost the (100 years) war? You're the man with the history brains - Agincourt, Poitiers, Crecy, that's all I've got, because I know we won them.
Each year, on St. Crispin's Day (25th October), my archery club had a competition where we'd shoot at anything French-looking. Apart from Gerard Depardieu, we didn't know about him back then.
Yes the French took it all back off us in the end - except for Calais. We weren't prepared to spend the money it would have cost to hang onto it. Bit like with America.
Our French teacher at school was French. Some of the lads liked to goad her. One said 'I've been to Calais and it's a shithole.' She replied 'That's because it was English for 300 years.'
Pigmy Pony
01-04-2025, 08:21
I stayed for a night in Calais last year, and it was like Maryport, but with better weather. Though this building (the town hall) was quite impressive, with its 236ft belfry. We stayed across the road from it.
https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-o/11/3c/3a/14/20171103-141834-largejpg.jpg?w=1000&h=-1&s=1
Pigmy Pony
01-04-2025, 14:56
Last Friday I scraped up my elbow falling a couple of metres off my step ladders, but nothing serious. But today I've just come back from a ride on my bike, and found that riding downhill over bumpy tarmac reveals my elbow is in worse shape than I thought. Time for some paracetamols.
What I've learned from this is that using step ladders with a missing step is just asking for trouble.
I've just spent the last three and a half hours putting up some shelves. I have all the tools and gear to measure up to the nearest millimetre, and make sure the supporting brackets are exactly level.
However when I fitted and fixed the shelves to the brackets, they weren't perfectly level (although the bubble in the spirit level did not move beyond the datum marks). The reason why - well the solid pine shelves which I had kept in the garage for about six months had warped slightly! Should have used veneered chipboard. :doh:
I've filled the shelves with DVDs, so I can now forget about the less than half a degree of error.
Pigmy Pony
03-04-2025, 20:17
Spent a lovely day working in sunny Warrington, home of Vladivar vodka (the finest wodka in the vorld). Does anyone remember the competition they ran in the 80s, where the first prize was a week's holiday in Warrington, second prize was two weeks? :) Clever marketing that.
I'm still bashing away at that yard clear up. Over the hump with it now I think. Filled 8 garden bags so far.
Just been doing a couple of hours a day on it. There was a blackbird knocking about today. It sat on the wall about four foot from me for ages while I was working. It didn't seem bothered at all.
Today's first job - cleaning the windows at the back. Never been done on the outside before - and they were installed in 1999...
Today's first job - cleaning the windows at the back. Never been done on the outside before - and they were installed in 1999...
25 year's worth of grime - I'm surprised you can see through them! :eek:
Why don't you find a reputable window cleaner to do it for you. I have one who calls once a month and cleans them all; back, front, top and bottom for £10.
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2025, 08:31
Today's first job - cleaning the windows at the back. Never been done on the outside before - and they were installed in 1999...
I wouldn't be too hasty about that, consider the possible ramifications first. And be prepared to budget for net curtains.
One time in my adolescent years I looked out of my back bedroom window and was greeted with the sight of a bloke across the way washing his willy in his kitchen sink - I may have been spared that trauma had there been 26 years of muck on my window.
25 year's worth of grime - I'm surprised you can see through them! :eek:
Why don't you find a reputable window cleaner to do it for you. I have one who calls once a month and cleans them all; back, front, top and bottom for £10.
Actually they weren't that bad, I was expecting a transformation, but no. I suppose the rain cleans them to some extent and god knows we get enough of that.
No chance of paying someone to do it especially not now I got time to do it myself. Just need to do the insides now - after second breakfast.
I wouldn't be too hasty about that, consider the possible ramifications first. And be prepared to budget for net curtains.
One time in my adolescent years I looked out of my back bedroom window and was greeted with the sight of a bloke across the way washing his willy in his kitchen sink - I may have been spared that trauma had there been 26 years of muck on my window.
Oh yes - the 'Gentleman's wash.'
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2025, 09:35
Actually they weren't that bad, I was expecting a transformation, but no. I suppose the rain cleans them to some extent and god knows we get enough of that.
No chance of paying someone to do it especially not now I got time to do it myself. Just need to do the insides now - after second breakfast.
That's ok for the downstairs windows, but what about the upstairs? Easy enough if you're an ex-Harlem Globetrotter with a good set of ladders, but for us mere mortals those tall windows can be a real stretch and an accident waiting to happen.
Suppose you could get something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HELISAN-Window-Squeegee-Extendable-Microfiber/dp/B0DT1JBXY1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3HUSFLX7SQHBL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kXqectLGXdh8e-8R62m1EXbN7ONr1MpLBLTqZVpK5xjf9wdeJrLVXOz3IREY_KYt R5ZwyCoK_KfNrMUwLzqMpOIcxCdFBx39tWAcrmtg46z5rgQko8 wcPHzFNwgf5Q-jWvipH-vq09ywIvti7CaCf57VTk4_CBXGaRSJhpwqbvuoaKEaj9yszZRk LVL4N46BOoNqLGmeJqQLqK8NWDObp09muyUf1gCk8uDhCFNqKq AlGqg2qnQGak1qvimEMkzm9qIXdFW0C8-iu4Qo-Fr7HZ9vLfo9R8YHPQOHT48rig4.IhowkYDIpx-ivtDXFZf5LGLkIBDnCEWJJ7gaJqdDRww&dib_tag=se&keywords=long+reach+window+washing&qid=1743759226&sprefix=long+reach+window+washing%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-5
Bloke in the picture is giving it a thumbs up, so it must be a good 'un :)
That's ok for the downstairs windows, but what about the upstairs? Easy enough if you're an ex-Harlem Globetrotter with a good set of ladders, but for us mere mortals those tall windows can be a real stretch and an accident waiting to happen.
Suppose you could get something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HELISAN-Window-Squeegee-Extendable-Microfiber/dp/B0DT1JBXY1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3HUSFLX7SQHBL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kXqectLGXdh8e-8R62m1EXbN7ONr1MpLBLTqZVpK5xjf9wdeJrLVXOz3IREY_KYt R5ZwyCoK_KfNrMUwLzqMpOIcxCdFBx39tWAcrmtg46z5rgQko8 wcPHzFNwgf5Q-jWvipH-vq09ywIvti7CaCf57VTk4_CBXGaRSJhpwqbvuoaKEaj9yszZRk LVL4N46BOoNqLGmeJqQLqK8NWDObp09muyUf1gCk8uDhCFNqKq AlGqg2qnQGak1qvimEMkzm9qIXdFW0C8-iu4Qo-Fr7HZ9vLfo9R8YHPQOHT48rig4.IhowkYDIpx-ivtDXFZf5LGLkIBDnCEWJJ7gaJqdDRww&dib_tag=se&keywords=long+reach+window+washing&qid=1743759226&sprefix=long+reach+window+washing%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-5
Bloke in the picture is giving it a thumbs up, so it must be a good 'un :)
Pricey though isn't it? Sure I could knock something similar up with gaffer tape and a couple of mop handles.
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2025, 12:11
Pricey though isn't it? Sure I could knock something similar up with gaffer tape and a couple of mop handles.
As mop handles are a standard 4' long, you'd need at least four to reach your bedroom windows. At roughly a fiver each, you're already at 20 quid (unless, unlike me, you keep a stock of mop handles just in case). Then there's the gaffer tape and something to attach at the end to do the cleaning.
Cheapest way is to get a window cleaner in, then fire him off after the first visit. He won't be best pleased, but when in 26 years you get him back again he'll probably have forgotten :)
As mop handles are a standard 4' long, you'd need at least four to reach your bedroom windows. At roughly a fiver each, you're already at 20 quid (unless, unlike me, you keep a stock of mop handles just in case). Then there's the gaffer tape and something to attach at the end to do the cleaning.
Cheapest way is to get a window cleaner in, then fire him off after the first visit. He won't be best pleased, but when in 26 years you get him back again he'll probably have forgotten :)
I always have a stock of mop handles and gaffer tape in. I mean who doesn't stockpile gaffer tape?
Anyways that's a job for another day. Music time now.
I always have a stock of mop handles and gaffer tape in. I mean who doesn't stockpile gaffer tape?
Anyways that's a job for another day. Music time now.
Goes with the formaldayde under the sink...
:stalks:
Goes with the formaldayde under the sink...
:stalks:
You keep 'formaldayde' (sic) under the sink; why?
I must admit there are many dangerous and toxic chemicals under my sink:
'3 in 1' sewing machine oil
Brasso
Nippon ant killer
Kettle de-scaler
Furniture shampoo
Carpet shampoo
Oven cleaner
Furniture polish
Air freshener
De-icer
Butane stove
Mold killer
Tile grout
Gas lighter refill
WD40
White spirit
Caustic soda
99.9% IPA
98% concentrated sulphuric acid
Shoe Polish
Suade cleaner
Metal polish
Nikwax
Leather balsam
but no formaldehyde, as I don't have any dead bodies to preserve.
Pigmy Pony
04-04-2025, 17:11
You keep 'formaldayde' (sic) under the sink; why?
I must admit there are many dangerous and toxic chemicals under my sink:
'3 in 1' sewing machine oil
Brasso
Nippon ant killer
Kettle de-scaler
Furniture shampoo
Carpet shampoo
Oven cleaner
Furniture polish
Air freshener
De-icer
Butane stove
Mold killer
Tile grout
Gas lighter refill
WD40
White spirit
Caustic soda
99.9% IPA
98% concentrated sulphuric acid
Shoe Polish
Suade cleaner
Metal polish
Nikwax
Leather balsam
but no formaldehyde, as I don't have any dead bodies to preserve.
Mixed in the right proportions, you probably have all you need there to bring a dead body back to life. And if that fails, the caustic soda should make the problem go away :)
Barry, I suspect Gary was joking...?
Anyway, I saw this on the interweb and, well yes, I responded exactly!
https://mcusercontent.com/88fff90c213bc53c366ca3832/images/f2da80f1-f724-eb19-c0e0-84a5e280142b.jpg
Of course I was.
Barry, I suspect Gary was joking...?
Anyway, I saw this on the interweb and, well yes, I responded exactly!
https://mcusercontent.com/88fff90c213bc53c366ca3832/images/f2da80f1-f724-eb19-c0e0-84a5e280142b.jpg
Barry, I suspect Gary was joking...?
Anyway, I saw this on the interweb and, well yes, I responded exactly!
https://mcusercontent.com/88fff90c213bc53c366ca3832/images/f2da80f1-f724-eb19-c0e0-84a5e280142b.jpg
We're just rats in a maze :)
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2025, 05:51
:scratch: I have absolutely no idea what that is all about - do I need to be a Trekkie or something, or am I just being thick?
:scratch: I have absolutely no idea what that is all about - do I need to be a Trekkie or something, or am I just being thick?
When you look at the sign what bit do you read first? Then what bit do you read next?
Pigmy Pony
05-04-2025, 07:42
When you look at the sign what bit do you read first? Then what bit do you read next?
:doh: In my defence I hadn't had my Weetabix yet
Barry, I suspect Gary was joking...?
Yes of course Gary's was joking - just as I was with my reply. ;)
Pigmy Pony
11-04-2025, 13:20
About as abstract as chat gets on this forum:
Went out this morning to look at a kitchen waste pipe that was leaking - not my thing, I don't do plumbing, so I wasn't about to replace any pipework. So I went off to the plumbers' merchants to get some "Denso" tape. Anyone who has ever used it knows how horrible and messy it is. But the merchant said they don't use it any more, the plumbers go for this instead:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ARA-CHOICE-Raptile-Silicone-Waterproof/dp/B0CLN3H6M1
It works! non messy, and fixed the leak immediately. Will withstand up to 8 bar pressure and with a temperature range of -65 to 260C. I know it's not something at the top of anyone's shopping list, but if you ever get a leaking pipe or hose, get yourself a roll of this stuff. Well impressed :)
It calls itself "emergency repair tape", but I just know she's going to live with it rather than get a plumber out.
It will also withstand 8,000 volts, though I'm not sure you should mix electricity with water!
But joking aside, it looks to be a useful product.
Thanks for the heads up.
Another morning on yard clear up. Nearly there now.
Decided to pack it in for the day when sweat was rolling down my face. And I have that Prince Andrew thing where I don't sweat!
Finally finished clearing the yard. Talk about Herculean tasks. Been hours and hours of work.
Needs a new back gate but that can wait for another day.
Would your "Herculean task" be on a par with his cleaning of the Augean stables? :D
Would your "Herculean task" be on a par with his cleaning of the Augean stables? :D
Almost exactly like that :)
So you had to divert the Trent through your back yard. :lol:
So you had to divert the Trent through your back yard. :lol:
I never thought of that. It would have been less work!
And now for something completely different:
I was buying some carrots in our local greengrocer and always choose large samples. One that I chose was particularly long (11" or 27.5cm). The lass on the till asked if it might be a contender for the Guinness Book of Records.
I said I would look it up on the Web, but didn't think it would be candidate. Not by a long shot - would you believe the record for the longest carrot is 19 foot?!!!!
Pigmy Pony
13-04-2025, 22:15
And now for something completely different:
I was buying some carrots in our local greengrocer and always choose large samples. One that I chose was particularly long (11" or 27.5cm). The lass on the till asked if it might be a contender for the Guinness Book of Records.
I said I would look it up on the Web, but didn't think it would be candidate. Not by a long shot - would you believe the record for the longest carrot is 19 foot?!!!!
Well that's a turnip for the books :)
http://growninengland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grown-in-England-WR-Robinson-41.jpg
There's a place a few miles from me with this signage out front:
They also sell seeds for you to grow your own giant varieties of all manner of vegetables, including these (ok I know it's not really a vegetable):
https://www.mammothonion.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/gig18-324x324.jpg
Mikeandvan
25-04-2025, 11:34
Where am I supposed to keep a 100 litres of water?
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/uk-households-urged-to-stockpile-food-and-water-now-for-russia-attack/ar-AA1Dye1k?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=137ec4b43559409c9237ed075335a56b&ei=14
Where am I supposed to keep a 100 litres of water?
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/uk-households-urged-to-stockpile-food-and-water-now-for-russia-attack/ar-AA1Dye1k?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=137ec4b43559409c9237ed075335a56b&ei=14
lol - don't forget your iodine tablets for the radiation.
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 12:39
Where am I supposed to keep a 100 litres of water?
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/uk-households-urged-to-stockpile-food-and-water-now-for-russia-attack/ar-AA1Dye1k?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=137ec4b43559409c9237ed075335a56b&ei=14
My first reaction was to check it wasn't April 1. My second reaction was "do your worst you sabre rattling shitbag, just know you wouldn't survive one day outside Russia's borders".
I've seen that Russian ambassador a few times on the telly, your arm wouldn't get tired punching him.
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 13:32
Can anyone tell me the point of these?
https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/320570181#:~:text=Description,Ariel%20clean%20for% 20minimum%20effort.
£12 and does 21 washes. Tesco also have normal size pods packs which do 51 washes (which would be 25 and a half 'big' washes) for the same 12 quid. Even using someone as likeable as Peter Crouch to promote them can't convince me this isn't a load of bollox.
Oh my God what's happening to me? :eek: My life is getting smaller by the day, unlike the laundry pods...
Those big pods are supposed to be the equivalent of two 'normal' pods. But then when would you put two of the small pods in your washing machine?
It's just like the BOGOFs; usually the one you get for free will have deteriorated before use.
It's all cynical supermarket policy to get you to spend money unnecessarily.
I just buy the cheapest ones. Which looks like 'Surf' on that site anyway - £6 for £26 - I mean, soap is soap.
With Aerial you're paying for Crouchy's new Bentley Intercontinental and possibly a Lincoln Navigator for Abbey to do the school run in.
I've started shopping in Lidl god help me. My extensive survey indicates that they have the cheapest cheese. Even cheaper than the market.
Cheapest bread too as long as you don't mind brown with seeds.
Not tried the Aldi but that's about a three mile round trip.
Where am I supposed to keep a 100 litres of water?
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/uk-households-urged-to-stockpile-food-and-water-now-for-russia-attack/ar-AA1Dye1k?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=137ec4b43559409c9237ed075335a56b&ei=14
What are you doing reading a Tory 'sensationalist' rag like the Express? That MP has been banging on about Russian 'grey' attacks for ages, without anyone taking him seriously.
Anyway, 100 litres corresponds to 133 bottles of wine - and I definitely have room for those!
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 14:51
I've started shopping in Lidl god help me. My extensive survey indicates that they have the cheapest cheese. Even cheaper than the market.
Cheapest bread too as long as you don't mind brown with seeds.
Not tried the Aldi but that's about a three mile round trip.
I don't mind brown bread with seeds at all. And I had Lidl cheese on toast earlier this week, very nice it was too. I also had Lidl's Chicken Kievs (or should that be Kyivs?), and I'll be having them again :)
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 14:55
What are you doing reading a Tory 'sensationalist' rag like the Express? That MP has been banging on about Russian 'grey' attacks for ages, without anyone taking him seriously.
Anyway, 100 litres corresponds to 133 bottles of wine - and I definitely have room for those!
I have the perfect space for 133 bottles of wine, unfortunately it's currently full of bloody kids' toys :(
I don't mind brown bread with seeds at all. And I had Lidl cheese on toast earlier this week, very nice it was too. I also had Lidl's Chicken Kievs (or should that be Kyivs?), and I'll be having them again :)
I only eat brown seeded bread. It provides ruffage!
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 15:14
I only eat brown seeded bread. It provides ruffage!
Seeded loaves and crusty baguettes are all the bread you'll ever need :) Covers all the bases. Anita did express concern over the higher calorie count with seeded bread, but then stocks up on choc bar multipacks :doh:
When we are in London, the local Turkish supermarket sell delicious seeded flatbread. :) Oherwise it's Co-op or Warburton sliced seeded brown bread.
Mikeandvan
25-04-2025, 15:29
What are you doing reading a Tory 'sensationalist' rag like the Express? That MP has been banging on about Russian 'grey' attacks for ages, without anyone taking him seriously.
Anyway, 100 litres corresponds to 133 bottles of wine - and I definitely have room for those!
This just came up on my news feed, I've only got space for about 3 bottles of wine! and yes misleadingly sensationalist, start off with big headline that sounds like nuclear Armageddon then first paragraph reveals he means online based attacks on infrastructure, which are serious enough, an act of war perhaps, but not in the offing yet. Though Putin has been busy on social media trying to influence Brexit and the US elections, and European elections of course like Georgia, that has far more serious consequences for the ex Warsaw pact states.
Seeded loaves and crusty baguettes are all the bread you'll ever need :) Covers all the bases. Anita did express concern over the higher calorie count with seeded bread, but then stocks up on choc bar multipacks :doh:
8 Rocky bars for a pound in Best Buy. And 160 Yorkshire Tea bags for a fiver.
Lots of discount shops round here I never had the time to go in before. Now don't mind making three stops if it saves me fifty pee.
Pigmy Pony
25-04-2025, 16:59
8 Rocky bars for a pound in Best Buy. And 160 Yorkshire Tea bags for a fiver.
Lots of discount shops round here I never had the time to go in before. Now don't mind making three stops if it saves me fifty pee.
Well, 50p will get you another 4 Rocky bars, so why wouldn't you? The folk I don't understand are those that drive out of their way to save 2p off a litre of petrol.
Mikeandvan
11-05-2025, 18:38
Just read this absolutely unsane stat.:
In Brussels, 88% of the population under 20 years old comes from a foreign background, with 60% to a non European country of origin. Europe is finished.
Who cares? Does it really bother you?
Pigmy Pony
11-05-2025, 19:20
Probably similar for most of the world's major cities, not something I'd be worried about. As long as everyone behaves themselves. Including our homegrown scumbags who stir up division through their alarmist bullshit, like Trump's lot with their supposed pet-eating illegals.
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