Early Risers.

[AndyB]

Evenin' all.

Currently waiting for some paint to dry on a miniature representation of a landscape that happens to have a train track running through it.

 

Meantime my eldest - who is awaiting her gcse results is not wasting any time.

"What did you do today?"

"Made some revision notes."

"???"

"For my A level exams in 2 year's time."

 

[Gwiwer]

6 hours ago, polybear said:

 Some time last year, one of the offices at work reported the presence of an intermittent & extremely distasteful smell, the origins of which could not be traced.  Eventually someone twigged that the smell appeared to start up whenever someone was printing off a large document.  Further investigation revealed that someone had neatly deposited a t*rd on top of part of the works that warms up....

 

Two from my university days .....

 

1.  The invisible smell.  Take a kipper (sorry kipper lovers   ) affix to the underside of a wardrobe and wait ......

 

2.  The buzz.  You need one small electronic device which will emit a buzzing sound.  The closer it is to a fly, wasp or mosquito the better.  You also need one photo-electric cell.  Link the buzzer to the cell and ensure enough power is available (we did it from batteries) for some considerable time.  Victim enters room which is lit and hears nothing.  Switches off light for the night and the buzzing begins.  Victim becomes irritated with buzzing, turns on light to investigate and buzzing stops.  Victim turns off the light ...... 

 

 

[brianusa]

22 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Speaking of firearms, I see that Canada, after the recent tragedy in Nova Scotia, has very sensibly (in my opinion) banned a class of semi-automatic rifles presumably the ones that often have tactical rails like the Bushmaster / AR15 (commonly referred to with the vague term of "assault rifle"). The official list is very long and I didn't find a 'generic' description - which is apparently yet to be defined in the official regulations.

 

The actual definitions of such things are difficult. The US requires serial numbers for the "receiver". Rifles like the AR15 can have separate upper and lower receiver block. While it is blindingly obvious what is meant, it is difficult to describe technically. Hopefully the Canadian government can make a sensible definition.

 

 

Would that such common sense prevail south of the border!  Now there is to be a renters strike and if the clowns with guns get involved ( they seem to show up at signs of civil unrest), there might be undesirable consequences.

     Brian.

[brianusa]

11 hours ago, AndrewC said:

moaning all from the boring borough. 

 

Elder cat isn't doing too well. He is 16 and we found out the other day that his kidneys are failing. Off today to pick up a urine collection kit from the vet. Either I do it, or they do it via an overnight stay and catheter. I think I know which one Tiggr will prefer. Prognosis all depends on the weee testing. Drugs and fluids may keep him going and comfortable for a couple of years, or he may be gone in a week. He has lost a lot of weight. He used to be 10kg. A bloody big cat. Now he is around 6kg. 

 

Today I shall also be picking up some flour and a sourdough starter. (must not mix up my errands) 

 

On matters fecal, I see McDonalds and Burger King are set to start reopening for delivery. 

 

 

 

I dread it when this happens.  After such a long time in the family to lose a member, people or pet, can be the saddest time.  Perhaps the drugs will help but don't let him suffer.  Tough choice.

     Brian.

[Ozexpatriate]

17 minutes ago, brianusa said:

... they seem to show up at signs of civil unrest

Neither coincidental nor a broad-based movement. Like many interests there are Facebook groups that deliberately organize such things nationally for what are relatively small groups (compared with the overall population) but not insignificant.

 

Much of it is calculated to provoke a counter protest, which can quickly escalate violently. Portland has seen a lot of this sort of thing since January 21, 2017.

 

To me one of the greatest ironies are groups like the "blue lives matter" movement that organize protests ostensibly in support of law enforcement, but inevitably require a law enforcement presence to police.

 

Freedom of speech is a wonderful and necessary thing, but as someone once told me, "every liability is an asset, (and vice-versa)".

[Gwiwer]

9 minutes ago, brianusa said:

 

I dread it when this happens.  After such a long time in the family to lose a member, people or pet, can be the saddest time.  Perhaps the drugs will help but don't let him suffer.  Tough choice.

     Brian.

@AndrewC I feel your pain.  We lost our Great White cat in Australia to organ failure aged 12 1/2.  We suspected his kidneys were failing when there was no output for 24 hours and he was in obvious discomfort.  Within the time it took to book a vet appointment he had lost the ability to walk and dragged himself across the floor.  The vet visit was his last .....   

 

There are no easy words when a family member reaches the end.  A loss is a loss human or otherwise.  Please be assured there is support here when that time comes.  

[leopardml2341]

Evenin'all

 

Outsidy things done and good progress made.

 

Dinner/Tea/Supper had together with promised beer.

 

Now for puddin' and some TV or music.

 

No muddling today though.

 

'til tomorrow.......

[Happy Hippo]

23 hours ago, polybear said:

Not exactly an OSA story, but I was a reference on a workmate's Shotgun Licence application back in March this year.  I was told to expect a call from the Police to verify that my mate was suitable to have such a weapon.  I never got a call, and he got his Licence....

(Just in time, as it turns out, as the Police stopped applications very shortly afterwards due to the current situation)

Getting an SGC is much easier than an FAC.  Basically if you have a secure location to keep the gun you intend to buy, and do not have a criminal record, it is difficult not to get the SGC.  The FAC requires quite a few hoops to be jumped through.

23 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Speaking of firearms, I see that Canada, after the recent tragedy in Nova Scotia, has very sensibly (in my opinion) banned a class of semi-automatic rifles presumably the ones that often have tactical rails like the Bushmaster / AR15 (commonly referred to with the vague term of "assault rifle"). The official list is very long and I didn't find a 'generic' description - which is apparently yet to be defined in the official regulations.

 

The actual definitions of such things are difficult. The US requires serial numbers for the "receiver". Rifles like the AR15 can have separate upper and lower receiver block. While it is blindingly obvious what is meant, it is difficult to describe technically. Hopefully the Canadian government can make a sensible definition.

 

The top receiver is the chamber that contains the firing pin and holds the holds the round into the breech prior to firing.  The bottom receiver hold the magazine which hold the rounds prior to them being loaded into the barrel bits, and the bottom receiver is also part of the stock.  Both have a serial number, which should match!! 

 

I had a quick look through the list you kindly provided, and I'm quite surprised at the vast number of semi automatic centre fire rifles that are readily available to own.......until now.  Personally, I have never seen the need for centre fire semi automatic guns in the hands of civilians, but Canada is only catching up with the UK as we banned semi auto centre fire rifles after the Hungerford massacre (although the perpetrator actually killed more people with his pistol).

 

I see that the list does not include semi automatic rimfire rifles (again much the same as the UK laws.

[Ozexpatriate]

3 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

The top receiver is the chamber that contains the firing pin and holds the holds the round into the breech prior to firing.  The bottom receiver hold the magazine which hold the rounds prior to them being loaded into the barrel bits, and the bottom receiver is also part of the stock.  Both have a serial number, which should match!! 

There was some sort of loophole in US regulations. I cannot describe it to you accurately, but it was related to the separate upper and lower receiver components. I was under the belief that things like a pistol grip were attached to the lower receiver and the stock was often a separate component. (I frequently receive unsolicited catalogues in the mail with all manner of mix and match, customized rifle components.)

 

A whole different kettle of fish in the US is downloadable, plans for additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) of receivers. The DoJ/ATF is struggling to define how to handle these.

[TheQ]

Evening awl, 

 

Today should have been spent standing at the entrance to a car park. 

It should have been Horning boat show,  at which the sailing club,  has a try sailing event.  My job is to defend the car park, from those not wanting to pay the adjoining commercial car parks rates and also to. Invite allcomers across for a sail or to spend money in our T bar. 

The bi-annual annual boat show has been postponed till next year probably the 1st of May. 

 

So earlier Ben's long walk had to be diverted,  they were crop spraying an adjoining field.,  it's not a good time to get a lung full of something strange.  So he got a very long walk and was very happy at the time.   But is now looking a bit unhappy as his joints ache.. 

 

After that it was time to build more of the radar.  By an amazing piece of serendipity, the hollow rod that came with the job lot of plastic materials is a perfect friction fit on the drive motor shaft. 

So at the moment there's a foot long tube of plastic sticking out of the radar building.. 

 

I've solved the constructional problems..  By cheating,  on the real thing the aerial is supported just by the steel frame work.  I've glued a hidden circle of plastic  to the roof of the building, around but not touching the shaft,  to which the first floor is glued.  It's painted the same Matt Black as the roof . So that can hold it steady while the rest is built.. 

 

A muggachoccy awaits.. 

 

Good night awl. 

 

 

[polybear]

3 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

Evening all,

 

Some interesting shopping tales today from the lad.  On a trip down to the town having heard that hand sanitiser and wipes were available at Boots (they still were when he got there) I asked him to get me some Optimist type eye spray.  He found the latter in the little chemist next door to WHS - £18.50 a throw - he came home without it sensible lad. 

 

If this is a shop that has jacked prices thru' the roof (and assuming their suppliers haven't done the same, or to the same degree) then I trust that customers will remember such actions after this is all over....

[PeterBB]

Hi Guys,

 

At last having over the past few days read all have been able to actually 'react' before it all disappeared.  Will know later if this was a one off day.  Many facets have been discussed - the curry one - cannot even be in a room with a curry and I think but chocolate biscuits ... must be milk chocolate because for some reason the 'dark' stuff upsets.  Guitars and music have their moments and thanks to Natalie for the above.  I liked the Shadows and did manage to see them live - wished John R had still been with them as previously the last time I had seen him prior to the Shadows was in Gladstone Road Wimbledon delivering for Woolworths. 

 

Andy P frustrated at not being able to model has become a GAS man for guitars, this after trying to 'lighten' the removal load - hope to hear him play sometime but cannot see George T travelling down to be part of the group.

Lockdown ... garden definitely looks a lot better so getting used to it and only 4/52 to go from the first recommendation but very disappointed to hear that a 'group hug' took place out side the PC HQ in London - selfish people who seem to think only of rights and not responsibilities - the latter being part of the reason that rights can 'normally' safely exist.

 

Agree with Robert he pharmacist on supply aspects. 

 

Enough said , best wishes and keep as well and safe as you can.

 

 

 

[Barry O]

Goodnight all!

 

Baz

[J. S. Bach]

On 09/10/2009 at 02:55, Mr.S.corn78 said:

Morning all,

seeing as there hasnt been any others that have started the post i thought keeping with tradition i would start it

a dull and over cast day here in the dales.

a hard day at the office i think today but at least its friday

cheers

Simon

Sounds like my last day at work; but, it was a Thursday.

Edited May 3, 2020 by J. S. Bach

[Coombe Barton]

in Lockdown.

 

https://johncolby.wordpress.com/2020/05/02/spem-in-alium/

[tigerburnie]

G'night all

[laurenceb]

The black dog has sliped his leash

Night awl

[BSW01]

Good evening everyone 

 

It’s been a lovely sunny day here in the northwest of England, but cooler than I expected, but not cold by any stretch of the imagination. 

 

Thankfully the glue will have set overnight and I was able to assemble the base plate and fit the motor and bevel pedestal. Although getting the main drive axle perfectly perpendicular was a bit tricky. I ended up drilling the 4 fixing holes slightly larger than required so that I could make some very minor adjustments. Once I knew everything lined up properly, I put some glue on the bearing frame feet and fitted the screws, then lined up everything once again and fastened the screws tightly, then put it all to one side to set. 

 

After dinner, the glue had set enough to be able to assemble the whole drive mechanism and give it all a good run and I’m very pleased with the way it went. I then attached the indexing disc that I’d cut from ply yesterday, it was only when it was revolving that I noticed it was slightly warped. Tomorrow I’ll fit the limit switch I made last week to see if the warp is to much for it, if it is, then I’ll have to go to plan ‘B’ which will mean cutting another disc. I’ve a few options from what I can make a new disc from, either 6mm MDF, 6mm Perspex or 8mm Tufnol, it’s still a bit of a bu99er though.

 

Below are a couple of photos of the drive system, which is sitting on the bench upside down on the workbench.

 

A side view

 

Now viewed from above

 

It looks a bit wonky in this photo, I think I was a bit too close with my phone and there’s some distortion, honest, well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. 

 

Goodnight all 

Edited May 2, 2020 by BSW01

[The Stationmaster]

1 hour ago, polybear said:

 

If this is a shop that has jacked prices thru' the roof (and assuming their suppliers haven't done the same, or to the same degree) then I trust that customers will remember such actions after this is all over....

We definitely do - this is the second one to go on that list locally and it will no doubt be brought to the attention of other members of the local Council just as the other one was (they went through this that and everything to see if they could find a way of prosecuting the other one but no such luck).

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. The madness that is Farcebook continues. The local history group has topped the 3000 mark and then some. Other groups to which I am a member are also rapidly expanding. Back to the fray, be back later.

[The Stationmaster]

G'night all

[brianusa]

1 hour ago, laurenceb said:

The black dog has sliped his leash

 

 

Sounds like one of those secret phrases by the BBC to the Resistance from spy stories of WW2

     Brian.

Edited May 2, 2020 by brianusa

[PhilJ W]

Goodnight all.

[leopardml2341]

Why?

 

Am I awake at this hour?

 

I did lots of physical work in the fresh air yesterday, don't ache unduly, had a decent meal (time enough before bed) and yet still I cannot seem to stay asleep. Window is open, bedroom is cool blackout blind is lowered and other light sources blocked.

 

Answers please?

 

So in an attempt to go back to sleep, I've been up and about for a while, to try to break the 'I should be asleep but why can't I' cycle, done a few bits and bobs and had a DeCaff cuppa..........

 

'til later. 

 

ps I know that I shouldn't really be engaging with this device, but I've been awake an hour already and probably for some time yet, so what the heck!

Edited May 3, 2020 by leopardml2341

[BR60103]

16 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

You have just given me an earworm because some new words for part of this song came into my head (and they scan in the right places( -

 

'Dung dung dung went the hippo'

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln3sNwccHxI

 

On the Wheel of Fortune show last night, someone filled out the lyric as "Clank, clank, clank, went the trolley".