Early Risers.

[Happy Hippo]

I'm surprised that Dave Hunt hasn't mentioned that when I joined the Army, Centurion was a rank.

 

Of course he'd know, having taught Pontius to fly.

 

 

[Coombe Barton]

15 minutes ago, Happy Hippo said:

I'm surprised that Dave Hunt hasn't mentioned that when I joined the Army, Centurion was a rank.

 

Of course he'd know, having taught Pontius to fly.

 

 

In a challenging day, this made me laugh out loud. Thank you!

[The Stationmaster]

2 hours ago, Tony_S said:

I thought four perhaps, French, Dutch(Flemish), German and Luxembourgerish (no idea how to spell it). I have now checked with Wikiwotsit and it all seems quite political. 
Tony

The official languages are French, Flemish, and German.  Belgian French seems very similar to the version in northern France but Belgian Flemish does have differences from Dutch Flemish according to the many Belgian Flemish speakers I used to work with.  German is the third official language as it is the common language in a relatively small area in eastern Belgium.

 

Belgium is sometimes held up as a model for the way Northern Ireland could be sorted out but I do wonder.  There are some very interesting consequences in state employmnent in Belgium as all state institutions have to maintain not only a similar number of French and Flemish speakers but also a similar number of Protestants and Catholics.  One chap I knew on SNCB was very lucky when it came to promotion into jobs in departments he knew absolutely nothing about because he happened to be a Roman Catholic native Flemish speaker  - apparently a very rare combination but great for box ticking on the 'equalisation returns'.  Another long established situation was the maintaining of an economic balance between the Flemish and French parts of the country - thus if X miles of motorway or high speed railway were built in one half the same had to be built in the other or something else to a similar value.  A really ludicrous example of this equalisation was a very nice looking modern concrete overbridge in the middle of a field near Ostend which served no purpose at all apart from balancing one built in the other part of the country.  And in the mid 1990s when SNCB rationalised its freight marshalling yards although it only really needed one it had to keep two in order to maintain the balance between the two part of the country.  

 

Brussels (which obviously has names in both Flemish and French as well as the English version) sits more or less on the boundary hence it has to have two local television stations serving  - again one for each language so Brussels South station is either Brussel Zuid or Bruxelles Midi depending on which language you use although its SNCB code combines the two as FBMZ.  Incidentally in the 1990s you could still find considerable animosity between the French and Flemish groups and a favourite sayig of the latter was that 'Like you (i.e. me) we are a northern European people and not at all like those excitable Mediterranean people (i.e. French speaking Belgians!)'.    Certainly when it came to consumption of beer, and i think most alcohol, the Flemish Belgians were a race to be either respected. or amazed by, in view of the amount they could drink with little apparent effect in a remarkably short time, definitely a need to take care when out drinking with them.  What was even worse on one occasion  after a meeting at DB HQ in nearby Frankfurt our mixed party of Germans, Flemish Belgians,  and me,  repaired to a bar in Mainz which also served good grub - and fortunately was just round the corner from the hotel where I also stayed when over for meetings in Frankfurt, almost as bad as that CPOs' mess.   I'm not surprised the Swiss contingent didn't join us.

 

Luxembourg seems at times to be even weirder than Belgium.  A CFL chap who regularly attended Forum Train Europ found out that I was interested in model railways and then at every opportunity over several years of meetings in various countries regularly told me all about the latest additions to his absolutely complete (he said) collection of Märklin.  His other attempt at boring the pants of anybody he spoke to was to talk about the 27 official languages used in Luxembourg which he said were definitely not dialects but really were separate languages, must have been rather confusing for the locals to have that many languages in a country of slightly less then 1,000 square miles (It has three official languages).

[The Lurker]

1 hour ago, tigerburnie said:

Those 1 ton landies used to turn over nearly as easily as the early Suzuki's did too.

Yes, I was in the back of friend's Suzuki when he thought he would turn it round in  factory forecourt, far too quickly. His arm went through the driver's window when we hit the ground. I was behind him and there was only a canvas "window", so I ended up with just a minor scratch.

 

And an aversion to climbing into Suzukis.

[The Lurker]

Greetings all from Sidcup where there is reasonably high cloud and a bit of blue sky.

 

Work continues apace but I have not been plagued by citrix problems today (that's a bit of a red rag though isn't it?). We seem to have become targets for failing to contribute to a rolling cashflow forecast process even though no-one told any of us about it.  Never mind, it's only work.

 

Not a lot else to report so best wishes to all

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ian Abel]

Chewsday...

 

Little to report, beastly hot an humid yesterday so remained inside all day, working then relaxing in the air-conditioned home.

 

Today, more reporting issues to sort for the Long Island client, and that's about it.

 

Was 25 first thing, headed for 30 with possible heavy rain as remnants of a tropical storm head this way from the gulf.

Currently expected to miss us to the east, but as close as 30 miles away potential for 4-5 inches of rain and flash-floods. Hopefully it won't change course and head nearer to us!

 

Carpe diem.

[roundhouse]

2 hours ago, J. S. Bach said:

Good morning owl from the Piedmont. Well, I just got back from doing my civic duty, voting in the primary. Next one will be in November; I can't wait!

I cant either... Although obviously I cant vote

 

Maybe we can be there to watch but I am concerned that we wont get travel insurance cover for Covid when travelling across the pond.

 

last night had a call from an exhibition manager for the expected 'no go show' in September but an invite to go next year . However it clashes with another show but that might be put off due to this years one also being cancelled. All getting very messy for next year.

 

Three gardens dealt with today, the first being Mums then ours and next doors. patio extension now a bit nearer completion and jet washed. gazebo back up on the patio.

 

Tank been chasing next doors cat but no cats harmed as we like the two cats.

 

So now relaxing with a few beers 

[tigerburnie]

2 hours ago, J. S. Bach said:

Good morning owl from the Piedmont. Well, I just got back from doing my civic duty, voting in the primary. Next one will be in November; I can't wait!

Do I detect a note of sarcasm there...……………………….? 

[bbishop]

12 minutes ago, The Stationmaster said:

Belgium is sometimes held up as a model for the way Northern Ireland could be sorted out but I do wonder.  There are some very interesting consequences in state employmnent in Belgium as all state institutions have to maintain not only a similar number of French and Flemish speakers but also a similar number of Protestants and Catholics.  

 

Mike,  I'm going to disagree with you here.  The Belgian Revolution was basically the catholic south of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands breaking away from the protestant north, which was dominating economically and, to a lesser extent, religiously.  So the catholic Flemards joined with the Walloons to create the Kingdom of the Belgians.  The offered the throne to Victoria's German uncle who I'm pretty certain was a protestant. The religious factor may be the cause of  the Belgian enclaves on the Dutch side of the border.

 

I was thinking of discussing the different attitude of the Dutch and the Belgians towards the Holocaust.  Worth studying but probably too political for ER.    Bill

[Tony_S]

9 minutes ago, roundhouse said:

 

Tank been chasing next doors cat but no cats harmed as we like the two cats.

I was at the park with Robbie once and someone thought it was amusing to irritate the cute spaniel with an RC off road car thing. Amazing how fast a working cocker can turn and chase. I had deliberately set off in the opposite direction to the people operating their vehicles. I think  Robbie eased  off when he realised the vehicle wasn’t edible.

[Ozexpatriate]

1 hour ago, bbishop said:

... The Belgian Revolution ...

Bill, I would have thought the roots of these "troubles" lay further back into the chaos of the transition from the old Burgundian rule to the Spanish Hapsburgs, closely followed by the reformation and counter reformation (encompassing the Dutch revolt and 80 years' war).

 

I don't pretend to know but I wonder if a concentration of Catholicism in Flemish Belgium has roots in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (mostly west of the Meuse but extending well north of Brussels) which existed at various times as a separate entity from the Spanish Netherlands and the Dutch Republic and is today bisected into Flemish and Walloon regions.

 

EDIT:

According to Wikipedia, religion in Belgium, where professed (excepting atheists and agnostics) is predominantly Roman Catholic and that Belgian Flanders was traditionally Catholic - and as Bill points out part of the Belgian revolt from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by Ozexpatriate

[AndyID]

7 hours ago, Tony_S said:

I hadn’t the faintest idea whether or not original  Jeeps had a PTO but Google soon provided the answer. It was an optional part and the mounting holes were standard.

 

I shall start the modifications to MrsID's Jeep forthwith. I'm sure she'll be pleased.

 

"Look Honey! You'll be able to mow the lawn."

[AndyID]

1 hour ago, bbishop said:

Mike,  I'm going to disagree with you here.  The Belgian Revolution was basically the catholic south of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands breaking away from the protestant north, which was dominating economically and, to a lesser extent, religiously.  So the catholic Flemards joined with the Walloons to create the Kingdom of the Belgians.  The offered the throne to Victoria's German uncle who I'm pretty certain was a protestant. The religious factor may be the cause of  the Belgian enclaves on the Dutch side of the border.

 

 

I worked for a company that made typesetting terminals with customized keyboards. Some of them could switch between languages. We made some for Belgium and our distributor in Brussels insisted the switch over key was engraved "French/Dutch". "Flemish" was absolutely out of the question.

[roundhouse]

1 hour ago, Tony_S said:

I was at the park with Robbie once and someone thought it was amusing to irritate the cute spaniel with an RC off road car thing. Amazing how fast a working cocker can turn and chase. I had deliberately set off in the opposite direction to the people operating their vehicles. I think  Robbie eased  off when he realised the vehicle wasn’t edible.

The black and white cat is no longer bothered by it now. he just sits there and closes his eyes especially when I have turned the sound off. This is the first cat I have known that begs  with his right paw. My other half would love a cat like him but in normal times we are away to much to have pets.

[roundhouse]

25 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

Bill, I would have thought the roots of these "troubles" lay further back into the chaos of the transition from the old Burgundian rule to the Spanish Hapsburgs, closely followed by the reformation and counter reformation (encompassing the Dutch revolt and 80 years' war).

 

I don't pretend to know but I wonder if a concentration of Catholicism in Flemish Belgium has roots in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (mostly west of the Meuse but extending well north of Brussels) which existed at various times as a separate entity from the Spanish Netherlands and the Dutch Republic and is today bisected into Flemish and Walloon regions.

 

EDIT:

According to Wikipedia, religion in Belgium, where professed (excepting atheists and agnostics) is predominantly Roman Catholic and that Belgian Flanders was traditionally Catholic - and as Bill points out part of the Belgian revolt from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

The most important thing about Belgium is that they brew excellent beer. I really miss the times we have been with Andrew C / Mrs C in Little Delirium drinking Cactus. Fingers crossed we will be able to do the same in the not to distant future.

[AndyID]

8 hours ago, PhilJ W said:

The original Land Rover concept was as an agricultural vehicle that could substitute for a tractor if need be.

 

Yes, I've seen the pics. The PTO would be quite useful for powering stationary equipment and some farm implements but I don't think a LD (or a Jeep) would be able to compete with a tractor when conditions were "heavy going". The tyres are too small and skinny and the view of the ground ahead of the wheels is restricted.

[AndyID]

7 hours ago, TheQ said:

The Champ Had a RR B40 Engine, (2800 ish CC) though the modified later ones were built by Austin.

 

 

Was that the RR engine they put in the Austin Westminster? Can't remember what they called it but I think they added an "R" at the end.

[J. S. Bach]

2 hours ago, tigerburnie said:

Do I detect a note of sarcasm there...……………………….? 

Actually, no sarcasm was intended. There were two questions on party A's ballot that were not on party B's ballot. I asked at the polling place and was told something to the effect that if the questions passed in the primary, they would be on the ballot for the general election in November.

Edited June 9, 2020 by J. S. Bach

[New Haven Neil]

Evening.

 

A frustrating day that ended OK, 'eventually'.  Lot of bad language directed at the designer of a particular live steam loco.

 

I was thinking about iD's Maserati fixation, and realised I know two people with them, one in England has two BiTurbos and another here may be an Alfieri but I'm not sure what model it is.  I'd have a Lambo Countach LP500S but that's just me....80's man.

 

 

[Coombe Barton]

39 minutes ago, AndyID said:

 

Was that the RR engine they put in the Austin Westminster? Can't remember what they called it but I think they added an "R" at the end.

http://www.austinmemories.com/styled-33/styled-51/index.html

[Florence Locomotive Works]

You all were very lucky to have such runabouts on campus! The closest thing we have is 6x4 tour bus!(in reference to the Austins)

[PhilJ W]

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Garden storage box emptied and moved, and refilled. The bag of grout turned out to be solid at the bottom so absolutely useless, but never mind. I also pruned back the California lilac that was overgrowing the box.

4 hours ago, AndyID said:

 

Was that the RR engine they put in the Austin Westminster? Can't remember what they called it but I think they added an "R" at the end.

It was the six cylinder variant of the same engine.

4 hours ago, Coombe Barton said:

http://www.austinmemories.com/styled-33/styled-51/index.html

I did read somewhere that fitting some with a Rolls-Royce radiator grill and selling it as a 'baby' Rolls-Royce was contemplated but Rolls-Royce lost interest.

Edited June 10, 2020 by PhilJ W

[Coombe Barton]

6 minutes ago, PhilJ W said:

Evening all from Estuary-Land. Garden storage box emptied and moved, and refilled. The bag of grout turned out to be solid at the bottom so absolutely useless, but never mind. I also pruned back the California lilac that was overgrowing the box.

It was the six cylinder variant of the same engine.

I did read somewhere that fitting some with a Rolls-Royce radiator grill and selling it as a 'baby' Rolls-Royce but Rolls-Royce lost interest.

I worked for a BMC garage in 1972 ish - apparently they were a right bu99er to service and spares took an age.

[brianusa]

In response to Mike, Ozexpats, recent posting, how long more can these protests go on for prolonging the lockdown for some and inconveniencing others?  Its is a bit overdone and it would be considered racist in this day and age to offer objections to what is becoming an serious event world wide, especially with the destruction of property and history and not even counting the cost of protection and clean up.

  We are now in Phase Two and can venture out a bit more, even got a haircut!

     Brian.

 

[Ozexpatriate]

3 minutes ago, brianusa said:

... how long more can these protests go on for prolonging the lockdown for some and inconveniencing others?

I think in the minds of the peaceful protesters, they appear to be willing to continue until something material changes. This is the difference I see now compared with more rage-fueled riots in Ferguson, MO, in 2014. I think they are making a courageous stand - and perhaps one that is very risky in the light of the pandemic.

 

I imagine they see inconvenience (to themselves and to others) as a small price to pay if they can move the needle on social inequities, particularly in policing. The US has not yet overcome it's "original sin".  Perhaps the US Senate will consider the bill proposed in the the House by the Congressional Black Caucus? George Floyd was laid to rest today.

 

As to those of a more anarchic bent who like to provoke the police into heavy-handed tactics (as is happening here late in the evening) I find their approach self-aggrandizing and deleterious to the spirit and impact of the rest of the protest movement. At some point the 24 hour news cycle will lose interest and move on to something new. Once the cameras stop rolling protests will inevitably lose steam.