Got lost in LA once - in a hire car - ended up in South Central. At least I can say I've been there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
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Got lost in LA once - in a hire car - ended up in South Central. At least I can say I've been there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Good point, and so true. That's why it pays to do some research first (isn't the Internet a wonderful thing?) before simply just wandering into such places;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Marco.
Not much internet back in 2000. I had the map the hire car company gives you, which doesn't show all the roads but even so it is mostly a grid pattern and I had a compass. I blame jet lag.
So, going back to my original point, is anyone else sad that the A380s days are numbered?!
I can quite understand the economical and practical reasons for its upcoming demise but, as an engineer, I’m sad that it’s magnificent technological advances are going to quietly slip by the wayside.
Ha - I was posting on the old Naim forum in 1999!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
Marco.
Good point, but in your case it was actually the locals I was afraid for :ner:Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Jet Lag? In the US they call it Con Air.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
the Spanish call it air con;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Didn't they cite fuel efficiency as a reason for its demise. Obviously smaller planes will be better in that respect, but as there would have to be more of these smaller planes to shift a given number of passengers, just how significant will the improvements be? Like replacing a forty seat bus with ten mini hatchbacks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beobloke
I was sad when Concord went and I'll be sad when the 747 goes but not the A380, its not been around long enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beobloke
Concorde was cool. I remember my mate telling his soon-to-be-ex girlfriend that she looked like Concorde. She didn't like that, but he said "It's alright, I really like Concorde". There was really no coming back from that one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I disliked the 747 and I really dislike the A380: hate it that the loos at the front are situated so that when you come out of them you are faced with two tiers of passengers looking at you. (Always check you are fully zipped up before you leave!)Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
We suffered a major power cut a couple of days ago (16 Feb). The whole village was blacked out. Apparently a major cable had been severed, and I was informed it would take at least one and a half to two hours to repair!
So there we were surrounded by candles (the power cut should have occured two days before as that would have been more 'romantic' . :D), unable to do anything much (yes, I did suggest the obvious, but my partner was not in the mood!).
It made me think how much we depend on a reliable and uninterupted power supply: to listen to our audio systems; watch TV; use the PC; heat the house (ie. run the pump); use a washing machine/dryer; iron clothes; use a vacuum cleaner etc. etc.
So we sat there listening to Bob Marley on my partners smartphone - 'Three Little Birds':
"Don't worry, be happy
Coz everything's going to be all right
....".
I then checked for an update, and lo and behold as I did so the power was restored. It only took them an hour, so well done to whoever it is who maintains the UK National Mains Distribution Network. Despite complaints, we really are blessed with a reliable, stable and good quality mains supply.
Nice story, and yup we are rediculously dependant on the juice. Society would crumble in 24 hrs without itQuote:
Originally Posted by Barry
I'm exhibiting at the Kegworth Show :D
We had a power cut a few weeks ago, which lasted from 6pm until about four the next morning. Luckily we have loads of candles about the house, though Anita was gnashing a bit as they are really just for show. She had bought me a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas, so I was sorted. With no telly on and no music, we found we actually had lots to talk about! Easy to think that TV's etc might fill the silences in people's lives, but I reckon they often cause silences!Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
The quietness of the house was quite eerie, but not at all unpleasant - normally there are background noises, from fridge, dishwasher, central heating etc, none of that, just me, Anita and my tinnitus!
Did miss the kettle though :(
I just enjoyed reading this about "Mad Jack" Churchill. He was quite a character.
http://badassoftheweek.com/churchill.html
Applied for my free 60+ Oyster card this morning
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-di...ster-photocard
You've also got Major Allison 'Digby' Tatham-Warter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digby_Tatham-Warter who put a German armoured car out of action with his umbrella, amongst many other things. The fictional character of Major Carlyle in 'A Bridge Too Far' is partly based on him.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Thanks for the link, most entertaining.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
My Great Uncle served on the S-Class submarine HMS Safari during WW2. So far as I know, Safari is the only submarine ever to have destroyed a tank with a torpedo. The torpedo was supposed to strike a German cargo ship as it unloaded supplies for the Afrika Korps, but, well wide of its target, continued out of the sea and up the beach before disposing of the enemy tank.
http://research.omicsgroup.org/index..._Safari_(P211)
Attachment 25344
I noticed it cost £20 for the free card :scratch:Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy S
Are these Oyster photocards only available in That London? I wouldn't mind one, but I'm not driving all the way down there just to get a free bus ride :(
Puzzled me a bit Al, I need to go on the bus 14 times before I'm up on the deal :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Audio Al
Only in 'That London', you'd need to get the 'Scouse Line' coach down - £5 one way, £3 return.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Over 60s bus passes are valid anywhere within England. I often use mine when in London.
Unfortunately, it won't work on the Underground (or the Overground for that matter) - I have to load up my Oystercard with credit.
I live in London, used my over 60's card on the Underground today.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
You must have what they call a 'Freedom Pass'. I don't live in London, but my bus pass is valid anywhere in England (as will your card).Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
Yes, you are correct, that's what it's called.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Some councils require one to be a fair bit more than 60 to qualify.
Mine will be a 60+ Oyster so, I think, only valid in London? Who issued your bus pass Barry?Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Well I'm 102. Do I qualify? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
I can't get a freedom pass till I'm 66
Funny that you mention that age, at 102 years old, my Mum, born in London, lived in London, in the same road for most of her life, wanted a bank account with the local Natwest, about 300 yards from her house, they refused as she did not have a current passport or photo driving license. She had her birth cert, a card and letter from the Queen for her 100th, and many more forms of identification, but no, she could not get that account.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Essex County CouncilQuote:
Originally Posted by Roy S
If you're anywhere near that, the time will go fast!Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy S
That's true, the 5 years since I retired have flown by.Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
Can't believe that I retired 17 years ago, I did retire early though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy S
Does she have a bus pass with a photo on it? I have used mine as ID at a NatWest bank.Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
No, she was housebound for her last few years, but mentally sharp, unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago at close to 103.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Typical of big organisations. No flexibility. A rule is a rule etc. I get it too as my licence doesn't have a picture and don't have a passport.Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
Probably not worth bothering now, chances are that branch will be closed soon, as has been the fate of most. The three RBS branches nearest to me have gone since last October, the nearest now is the big one in Preston, 12 miles away.
Me too, my driving license expires in 2021 is an old paper one issued in 1976Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
Got my photo licence last year after returning my green print paper one. I had a phone chat with DVLA to make sure what was needed prior to sending off for a new one and they were very helpful, easy to reach too and the new licence only took about a week to arrive.Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
I still have a paper driving licence. I dread using it as ID, as it is so frail having been folded up to fit in my wallet, it now falls apart if opened.Quote:
Originally Posted by spendorman
Yes, my one is getting a bit tatty, have to be careful with it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
The photo on mine looks like something from a 'wanted' poster, mind you, I look like that anyway! :D
The one on my Freedom Pass is similarQuote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Was asked if a bus pass was of any use but told them it wasn't. I couldn't mount a bus lol
Fitted a new car battery to neighbours Saab today, measured parasitic draw and it was 0.1A, seems a bit much. No visible interior or boot lights on etc.
had that once on a transit van. it was the loom at the roof light leaking to earth.
I suppose that I'll have to go round pulling fuses until the draw stops. Don't fancy doing that. Car has a mass of electronics.Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
If there are any retro-fits, eg tow bar electrics, I'd probably start there.