Early Risers.

[monkeysarefun]

13 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

The "little aussie bleeder" is a blast from the past. Have you seen 'The Gilles Report' performance of "Il Dismissale"? An operatic(?) take on the events of the 1975 constitutional crisis and the dissolution of parliament, first broadcast in 1983.

 

Fans of the late John Clarke ("the front fell off") can look for him - he has a couple of parts.

 

 

No I haven't. 

 

 My other half has "Maintained the rage" for the last 45 years, I'll have to  seek it out for her.

[Ozexpatriate]

4 minutes ago, monkeysarefun said:

I'll have to  seek it out for her

There's a version linked in the post. Awful video quality - probably from someone's VHS tape. Audio is OK.

 

Edited January 7, 2021 by Ozexpatriate

[monkeysarefun]

15 minutes ago, Ozexpatriate said:

There's a version linked in the post. Awful video quality - probably from someone's VHS tape. Audio is OK.

 

Its got two thumbs down. Probably one from John Howard and the other from that up-himself bloke from "Australians for a constitutional monarchy" or whatever they are called.

[J. S. Bach]

Night Owl from the Piedmont.

[chrisf]

Greetings one and all

 

I had an e-mail from the dentist yesterday.  It seems that I am expected there at 9 am today.  So be it.  Replacing two lost fillings is best not delayed further than necessary.  Both of them had been irresistibly attracted by fruit pastilles – which I do try to suck rather than chew, honest guv.  Other good news: my phone has recovered but would not respond to the pushing of buttons until the battery level had risen to above 23%.

 

As some will recall, one of my little foibles is to go through the Honours List line by line in search of familiar names.  I had been diverted from this labour of love by other things and had not completed my scrutiny of the list of MBEs.  Had I kept going I would surely have found by now the name of John Michael Kirkpatrick and the citation “for services to folk music”.  This is long overdue recognition for traipsing round the folk clubs and festivals for over 50 years.  I have to tell you that we were at school together and had the same music teacher!  Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith has produced many notables over the years – Hugh Grant, Mel Smith and Alan Rickman to name but three.  As well as being a virtuoso of various instruments that are squeezed, John Kirkpatrick created the Hammersmith Morris Men, who divide opinion to this day.

 

Now, given my uneasy relationship with technology, it may appear odd that I am thinking of opening a Twitter account.  There is no need to remind me that I have berated it in the past.  The principal reason I did is about to become history – one Donald J Trump!  The medium strikes me as one which could enable me to keep abreast of what is happening without going away too much of my own doings.  You do recognise famous last words, surely?!  That aside, I would welcome any advice or tips that gentle readers can offer before I decide whether to take the plunge.

 

Best wishes to all

 

Chris

[iL Dottore]

On 06/01/2021 at 00:26, Erichill16 said:

Can’t sleep and I’ve still got my Waterstones voucher to spend so looking for something to spend it on.

This looks like a topper, has anyone read it? It may be of interest to those who find sleep not easy to come by. 
It 

Bu99er, you shouldn’t have posted that, now I’ll have to get a copy - given that I have a long standing fascination with the London Underground (unfortunately poorly served by the RTR manufacturers). 

20 hours ago, jonny777 said:

...The Black dog has appeared here in the past, but not for a while. ......I seem to have kept it under control recently by a big decrease in alcohol intake.....

Something that is not widely known amongst laymen is that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant - the reason you feel so good after a few jars is that it initially depresses inhibitions. So cutting back on the ole ETOH is always a help. I hope that the dog is now back in his kennel....

18 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

I’m not sure if I have a Pole that long. I’ll have to Czech. 

C’mon AndyY don’t be so stiff necked and stubborn gives us back our Groan button (and bring in forum banishment for those who misuse this)

17 hours ago, Tony_S said:

.... my lungs are clear and I have very nice ankles....

There are those who would claim that is the sort of thing said to a comely and buxom young lady in a Carry On film. The mind is starting to boggle...

13 hours ago, Tony_S said:

I can remember having to do £sd calculations and ounce, pound and stone conversions at primary school... 

And let’s not forget Guineas (still used by some of the top end auction houses, y’know the ones that flog the Canalettos and Picassos and the like) 

13 hours ago, polybear said:

... I reckon there's a few street squabbles fast approaching and it ain't gonna be pretty.

Yep, you were right and no, it wasn’t.
Without getting too political, I reckon this latest fracas has the Chinese leadership quietly chortling into their noodles...

11 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

Strangely 'Helen of Avoirdupois' doesn't have quite the same sort of ring to it.  Hardly likely to launch many ships I'd have thought..

Helen the fat?

9 hours ago, polybear said:

Bear is on Guard at the SCR, ready to repel any marauding Hippo's and Captain Cynical's from raiding the secret cake stash....

 

No need for me to raid the stash, dear fellow. A simple hostage swap is all that is needed: you can you have one LDC terrorist agitator in exchange for a freedom loving coffee walnut cake patriot....

Edited January 7, 2021 by iL Dottore
Spelling & typos

[Barry O]

Ey up!

 

I just hope they keep the big red button away from the Orange one. In my time in County Durham he would be described as "needing to go to Sedgefield" and no it isn't to visit Specsavers.

 

Herself is getting ready to join the traffic en route to moreasons so an early start this morning. I must use the extra time when it gets a bit lighter.

 

I do have a twitter account but hardly ever "tweet".. some of our local cricket teams add tweets on it. Not sure I am a fan at all. But hey ho..it is not for me to discourage others.

 

Following our "show and tell" last night my mojo is back so I will get on with current projects with more focus. Good!

 

Stay safe! (Especially our ERs in the USA.)

Try to get the most you can from your time available today.

 

I hope all our "missing" ERs are ok.

 

Baz

Edited January 7, 2021 by Barry O

[grandadbob]

Good morning all,

Dry and it should stay that way today.  There was frost at 3.00am but it seems to have gone. Currently 1°C and it's not going to get any warmer apparently.

No bin men due today, they came Monday for last week's collection and are coming Saturday for this week's.

Email from Sainsbury's has advised that we're getting everything we need but there are two minor substitutions for kitchen towels and tomatoes.  Mind you today's order is smaller than usual.

Usual aching body parts are niggling but we'll be going for a walk this morning.  Not sure how far I'll get but anything is better than staying cooped up indoors yet again.  However White Rabbit's (and others) hassles put my problems into perspective.

Glad to hear from Nicki that she has now had her first Covid jab at the hospital she works at.  She's been told she'll get the second one in March.  

Have a good one,

Bob.

[TheQ]

6 hours ago, Ozexpatriate said:

One fatality (an adult female shot inside the Capitol) was reported.

Plus three outside in the grounds.

 

 

Mooring awl, Inner Temple hare,  696/435

Another poor nights sleep, of 2.5 hours plus various short pieces after, I got myself up at the right time, Ben the I'm on strike Collie laid in his bed watching..

 

One of the away periods was cause by heavy hail on the windows, though the water levels on the roads have fallen...

 

Driving in in Stalham, there are side roads closed, Upper Staithe road and Lower Staithe road,

The diversion for Upper Staithe road is via Lower Staithe road,

The Diversion for Lower Staithe road is via Upper Staithe road....

Errr

 

Further on in.... white stuff... all over the road... I think the speed it was coming down, was overcoming the rate it was melting...

 

The First major system of the week got approved later yesterday and handed back. The second major system is under way, I've been handed several resistors to do as well, but I'm running out of time..

 

We've half a football pitch of empty space in front of my desk, they've cleared the area for Asbestos  removal and ceiling replacement. I heard the entire contract is for £200,000 for the whole building.. That worries me.. Every time I've seen that sort of money spent, they've either shut down or severely reduced numbers of staff..

 

Time I proceeded in a westerly direction to my lab..

 

[polybear]

8 hours ago, Simon G said:

I have always been pretty good with mental arithmetic, sometimes to good use.  Many times I have mentally added up the approximate cost of shopping at a supermarket checkout, and then queried the total presented to me.  The checkout operator almost always looks at me in amazement that I can do simple arithmetic in my head.

 

 

Bear recalls a TV feature shown many moons ago where the followed a guy going round a supermarket filling his trolley with shopping.  At the checkout the operator scanned the items one by one; the guy then told the operator what the barcode number was - on every item.....

 

In other news:

Apparently four people died during the Capitol Siege;  Bear is amazed that in a security conscious country such as the USA protesters were able to actually storm the building in this way.  Someone very high up must've issued an order to the security staff to lay off the trigger fingers except as a very last resort.  I expect a lot of charges will ensue in the coming weeks and months; it's a pity that the Orange One is still in the job as that makes him immune (strangely) as something along the lines of a charge of "conspiracy to incite violence" etc etc. could otherwise be a reality.  Though that would no doubt pour petrol on the flames in the eyes of his supporters. 

Bear's answer to all this?  A tragic accident.....

 

Not sure what the plan is today; yesterday saw the completion of the plasterboarding - there was one section covering some pipework that needed to be completed.  This last piece was already cut to size but only secured with a couple of screws - it was awaiting the installation of a couple of full-bore isolation valves into the H & C water feeds to the sink & washing machine.  These are now done, so yesterday saw some careful measuring and cutting of a rectangular hole in this piece of plasterboard which will  enable the fitting of a plastic hinged access panel so that water can be shut off easily and quickly in an emergency, or for maintenance.  Small pieces of timber were glued & screwed to the rear of the board around the hole to add strength.  That bit is all ready for plastering now.

So today will probably see the prep of the sink wall for plastering, which will involve disconnecting the sink again.  However, this means only one screw, two compression joints and the sink trap to be unscrewed, so no worries there.

 

Have fun, whatever you do.

[jonny777]

Very frosty here in North Somerset, and by the looks of it some patchy freezing fog as well. Currently minus 3C outside and only 13C in the living room which is the warmest room in the house at this time of the morning. 

 

At least that is 16C higher than the birds are having to put up with. I must go and see to their breakfast soon. 

 

Brrrrr......

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. The sore foot kept me awake last night it was that painful. Normally I would be down to my GP or possibly visiting the hospital or dialling 111 but in the present circumstances I'm reluctant to do so as the NHS has enough on its plate with covid. Now that I'm up it seems to have diminished somewhat

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

Without getting too political, I reckon this latest fracas has the Chinese leadership quietly chortling into their noodles...

 

In China all adults are expected to carry a mobile phone and have a government app that enables the individuals movements to be traced, 1984 writ large. It did help them deal with covid but would be totally unacceptable in a democracy. Having said that our own Track and Trace worked in a similar way. 

56 minutes ago, polybear said:

 

 

Apparently four people died during the Capitol Siege;  Bear is amazed that in a security conscious country such as the USA protesters were able to actually storm the building in this way.  Someone very high up must've issued an order to the security staff to lay off the trigger fingers except as a very last resort.  I expect a lot of charges will ensue in the coming weeks and months; it's a pity that the Orange One is still in the job as that makes him immune (strangely) as something along the lines of a charge of "conspiracy to incite violence" etc etc. could otherwise be a reality.  Though that would no doubt pour petrol on the flames in the eyes of his supporters. 

Bear's answer to all this?  A tragic accident.....

 

 

It was mentioned on the news this morning that the Orange One could still be impeached or removed from office. But who will be in charge between now and the inauguration of Biden? Apart from the woman who died, who was a Trump supporter the other three deaths have been described as due to 'medical reasons'

[leopardml2341]

Morning, been at mi desk for an hour.

 

My plan has been to check in first thing , but inevitably I become distracted by the 'inbox'.

 

Cold here too, not sure exactly what the temp is but the beeb weather reckons -2C.

 

Never mind, I'm indoors and had mi breakfast and about to go back to what I should be doing

 

Make the most of your day folks, see you later.

[PhilJ W]

Breaking news, the orange one has been removed from both Twitter and Facebook.

[BSW01]

Good morning everyone 

 

We've had a light dusting of snow and it’s frosty, currently -3C outside, so when I walk to the butchers shortly I’ll be putting on my good old fleece lined leather flying jacket, that never fails to keep me warm. I’m hoping that there won’t be many about this early, but then the butchers is always well served by its customers, mainly due to the good quality products he sells. 

 

Once back and after I’ve packed away the weekly meat rations I’ll have a quick drink then head off to the Trafford Centre for the rest of the week’s provisions. This will hopefully leave the afternoon free and I can tidy up the wiring schedule that I’m producing for the turntable control panel, it’s basically a list stating the colour of each wire, what number I’ve assigned, where it comes from and finally it goes to. This should help if any fault finding needs to be done in the future. Some of you may have guessed that procedure this is something that I used in my previous working role, so it’s sort of second nature to me. I’ve always found that as designed and as built are always slightly different, hence my making notes as I go along, so they can be compared to the as designed, and amendments o the final paperwork made accordingly. 

 

Stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the day, back later. 

 

Brian

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.  The world has turned white, the immediate one that is. Heavy frost, outside, Mrs NHN working from home and under some hassle (deals with freedom of information requests in out health and social care system - so it is crazy busy just now) so I am keeping a very low profile. I'd go out but we're locked down now too, and it is bl**dy freezing. 

 

Hopefully orangeness elsewhere is reducing too. Surely sedition.  Maybe sedation is called for.....

 

 I agree that it is inconceivable that in a country like the US that protesters of whatever group could invade the House of Representatives in that way - security? Did they learn nothing from all the years of terrorism?  

[leopardml2341]

48 minutes ago, BSW01 said:

I’ve always found that as designed and as built are always slightly different, hence my making notes as I go along, so they can be compared to the as designed, and amendments o the final paperwork made accordingly. 

If only the engineering sector of the privatised r@ilway operated that way......

 

Whoops, am I thinking out loud again 

Edited January 7, 2021 by leopardml2341
Re-Generate the emoji

[Barry O]

24 minutes ago, New Haven Neil said:

 I agree that it is inconceivable that in a country like the US that protesters of whatever group could invade the House of Representatives in that way - security? Did they learn nothing from all the years of terrorism?  

They never saw up front terrorism until 9/11.. that was a shock.. but the latest invasion was obviously going to happen .. so no preparations.. who dropped that one?

 

Baz

[Barry O]

Herself has returned from Moreasons.. meat and veg in short supply and groups of "vulnerable" people wandering round sans face masks... "but I am exempt".. fine then stay at home!

 

Grrrrr!

 

 

Brass Monkeys here!

 

Baz

Edited January 7, 2021 by Barry O

[tigerburnie]

Morning, raining here and not quite as cold, garden pond is still frozen however, nothing planned for today, I might go and check things still move on parallel bits of metal later, I may well be making do with the bits at the front that do the moving, I am not about to pay the prices being asked for additions, I'll keep my money for a days fishing instead.

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Somewg hat nip[py out there and appartently the frost came down (i.e. formed) quite late according to herself who really us an ER.  I always used to find it fascinating watching the way frost formed  towards the end of the might - Johnny 777 will no doubt explain why it happens like that.  But I have t go out in the cold because a chiropracting session is booked for the middle part of the day.  It will be interesting, and probably worrying, to count the cockwombles and covidiots putting their and others' lives on the line as they continue to ignore the rules - the rate at our end of the town is now up to 611 while at the other end it is over 700.

 

Still a bit of mist about but the oligarch's place is visible although not clearly.  the Hornby thread continues to entertain and having done a count of what is getting most attention, and what isn't it seems that there is not much interest in some very big investment - ooops.  Maybe my startonmg a thread about it yesyerday might have some ffect - it will be interesting to see how that develops.

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe.

[Two_sugars]

3 hours ago, Barry O said:

Ey up!

 

I just hope they keep the big red button away from the Orange one. In my time in County Durham he would be described as "needing to go to Sedgefield" and no it isn't to visit Specsavers.

 

Winterton Hospital . . .I had a great aunt in there for her final few weeks. . Two maiden aunts lived together.  Bessie, the youngest, looked after Mary Until her "heed went". She finally had enough after being woken every night for a fortnight by Mary bursting into her room in the wee small hours, shout . . .

"BESSIE. .  . . .BESSIE . . as deeun (dying) . . ABIDE WI ME AN NEE FLOWERS!"

She died about three weeks after being admitted.  Bessie died about four years later.

And don't forget Cherry Knowle at Ryhope, Baz.

I'm saying nowt about the fiasco in Washinton . . The DC one . . . . 

 

Not very warm here.

 Have a good day, all . . .Stay safe.

 

John

 

[Simon G]

Morning all,  for the first time in a while, we actually have wet stuff falling from the sky, and not frozen white stuff at that.  Not much, but a steady drizzle.  At least the overcast conditions mean that it is not as icy and slippery as it has been for the last week.

 

Various tasks done this morning including cleaning and relaying the woodburner, taxed my car online, and a bit of household cleaning.  What an exciting life we are currently leading!

[jamie92208]

Good afternon from a cool Charente  where the fist and mog is gradually  lifting and a pale yellow object has even been spotted up above.  Late to sleep last night, unfortunately  not due to listening to and watching Andrea Corr, like the night before but watching the terrible scenes in Washington. I dare not comment.  

 

Anyway a lot more work got done on an article about things that have parallel strips of metal, yesterday afternoon.  This morning it was off to the tip to empty the trailer of the remaining rubbish from the bathroom.  Various other outside jobs got done including taking the last decorations off the hedge at the front.  Coffee is now being consumed.

 

Stay safe everyone.

 

Jamie

[BoD]

Morning all

 

We are mutt sitting again for the first time in nearly two months given our enforced isolation followed by the factory where our son works having been closed from early December.  Despite not being here for so long the mutt remembers where everything* is and all of our routines. Not bad for a 14 yr old.  It was good to be nudged/cajoled into a walk this morning. Something I needed as much as him I think, having lapsed somewhat over the last couple of weeks.  By, it were chilly though but.
 

Enjoy the rest of the day. 
 

 

* his treats and lead.