About Me:
Single, over-60, SW England resident, with fairly wide range of interests & musical tastes - but I'd be no good in a pub quiz 'cos I know very little about TV, gadgets called i-something, competitive sports, many entertainments & "so-called celebrities!
Was on EP, but left it long before it closed. Won't touch Facebook & its ilk.
"Adult" themes: quite broad-minded, like nudity but not pornography. Against cruelty, and consider spanking as a game for consenting adults only.
I have that problem, and the leaflet with the prescribed medication advised possibly a year.I've also had a knee replaced, but although the surgeon and nursing staff needed to know what medicines I am on, the medication didn't seem to affect the surgery.
Well, obviously the image you see depends on location, but does it mean the file includes the location's map co-ordinates, Latitude & Longitude or perhaps postal area readings, as well as the usual time and date stamp options?A cell phone does h... moreWell, obviously the image you see depends on location, but does it mean the file includes the location's map co-ordinates, Latitude & Longitude or perhaps postal area readings, as well as the usual time and date stamp options?A cell phone does have its own location-finder, normally hidden but used if you load a satellite-navigation application, so it may be offering that for annotating photo files.
It may depend on the discharge state of the battery when you start re-charging it, and the battery's characteristics. If the charger regulates it output voltage but not current, it might be handling a relatively high current for a while if the battery is ... moreIt may depend on the discharge state of the battery when you start re-charging it, and the battery's characteristics. If the charger regulates it output voltage but not current, it might be handling a relatively high current for a while if the battery is of a type that demands that at first, when still nearly "flat". A higher current drawn from the charger will warm it more than a low current. Trying the charger in different mains sockets should not affect it.
Well, whatever is activating the charging indicator, if the phone's not connected to a charger and assuming it does not have its own solar array, it cannot possibly be charging. No battery can charge itself - that would break one of the mo... moreWell, whatever is activating the charging indicator, if the phone's not connected to a charger and assuming it does not have its own solar array, it cannot possibly be charging. No battery can charge itself - that would break one of the most fundamental Laws of the Universe! :-) The indication you are seeing can only be from some sort of fault, whether purely internal or as Nanoose hints, caused by a virus.
I take it that was some side-bar ad tailored to living in Sussex or at least the S.E. of England... Experience Project used to throw these things at me, with one tag-line telling me the supposed woman lives in Taunton. Handy that - it's only 50 miles... moreI take it that was some side-bar ad tailored to living in Sussex or at least the S.E. of England... Experience Project used to throw these things at me, with one tag-line telling me the supposed woman lives in Taunton. Handy that - it's only 50 miles away.I wouldn't touch an on-line dating-agency with a barge-mouse (nor the original "barge-pole", if you don't use a conventional PC here!). In fact I wouldn't go near any dating agency, and not just because I am certainly not Home County "sophisticated". The telephone premium-rate system, and now the Internet as well, ensure they are all rip-offs. less
The arts, even the so-called "high arts" or "highbrow", are not "posh" despite some of the arts critics you read or hear liking to give an air of superiority - though thankfully most don't have the pretentiously plummy accent affected by Brian S... moreThe arts, even the so-called "high arts" or "highbrow", are not "posh" despite some of the arts critics you read or hear liking to give an air of superiority - though thankfully most don't have the pretentiously plummy accent affected by Brian Sewell! Their ticket prices may be high - but so are those for big-name pop and rock performers in major venues. Some venues may have traditions like formal dress - why not? It's a treat to yourself to get togged up for some occasion now and then even if not directly linked to the performance itself, and even though as audience member you are invisible to the performers beyond the front couple of rows.The arts may be difficult to follow - but that's their challenge and it is not all that difficult to gain sufficient basic knowledge to help you understand hence enjoy it better. It would be a boring world if every cultural endeavour was as physically, emotionally and intellectually as simple as the motorway services... less
An insightful comment about the nature of democracies. Maybe it's as the song says, "we don't know what we've got till it's gone".I have heard some political commentators say that Donald Trump himself did not believe he would win, and may even have prefer... moreAn insightful comment about the nature of democracies. Maybe it's as the song says, "we don't know what we've got till it's gone".I have heard some political commentators say that Donald Trump himself did not believe he would win, and may even have preferred not to do so. Well if that was the case he could always stand down at the next elections!
I don't know about other countries' practices but the Home Office in the UK apparently issued the executioner a table or a formula giving the length of drop for the weight of person. Too short a drop and the convict suffocated. Too long, and he could be d... moreI don't know about other countries' practices but the Home Office in the UK apparently issued the executioner a table or a formula giving the length of drop for the weight of person. Too short a drop and the convict suffocated. Too long, and he could be decapitated.Element99 says "if the rope is wrapped properly" - they never used the supposedly-traditional "Hangman's Knot", certainly not on gallows. I don't know if it was used on gibbets centuries ago, which just strangled the victim to death - or if followed by "drawing and quartering", to the point of losing consciousness. The odd photo I have seen showed the rope simply passed through an eye-splice on its end. By the time capital punishment in Britain was abolished for all crimes except, I think, High Treason, hangings were so unusual that the last hangman earned his living as a publican! Oh, and the proper legal term for being so executed, was always "hanged", not "hung". less
Thank you Rosie., Oh yes, I realise many Americans now consider Trump a traitor and I can understand why, in fact I had already begun to wonder about his loyalty to his own country, let alone to her allies. However I can only really comment fairly on... moreThank you Rosie., Oh yes, I realise many Americans now consider Trump a traitor and I can understand why, in fact I had already begun to wonder about his loyalty to his own country, let alone to her allies. However I can only really comment fairly on his international activities (though I understand the source of much of his domestic support). When it will stop is very much down to you Americans in your own ballots, but when is the next Presidential Election? Three years? Four years? Plenty of time for Trump either to see what harm he is doing around the world, or to commit even more harm. It is very difficult to know just what he wants. It is easy to say, "neither does he", but I have a sneaking suspicion he does, though I can't see what, only that it won't be good for either the USA or anyone else. I know the two quotes you give, at least in part, although I did not know their origins. Well, it's now 00:03 here, so Happy Wednesday, Rosie! less
I prefer not to comment on US internal politics, especially on an American web-site, as I am a foreigner to the USA as well as not understanding them properly anyway; but President Trump's overseas carryings-on affect everyone, and I am one of many f... moreI prefer not to comment on US internal politics, especially on an American web-site, as I am a foreigner to the USA as well as not understanding them properly anyway; but President Trump's overseas carryings-on affect everyone, and I am one of many foreigners who worries about his behaviour abroad.It's hard to fathom out just what is his foreign policy, beyond the bluster and ignorance. Until his election, we Britons saw him really only as a builder of golf-courses on other countries' sensitive areas of landscape. He comes over as desperately tactless and inexperienced in international politics and diplomacy, at times he seems to respect only three national leaders (Kim, Putin and Trump), but behind the naivety, self-contradictions, random mind-changing and social clumsiness... is he actually manipulative and divisive, and if so, to what end?Is his naivety a function of a system that appears (to an outsider) able to elect as President, a person who has had no real international political... less
What inspired the original question? I gather these chips are being made, with their manufacturers burbling enthusiastically about building access security, medical information and what-not, but is there something darker going on, or just the worrying pos... moreWhat inspired the original question? I gather these chips are being made, with their manufacturers burbling enthusiastically about building access security, medical information and what-not, but is there something darker going on, or just the worrying possibility of it going on in the future?
Horse and cart? Think of all that 'oss ordure polluting the streets! :-) (Actually that was a genuine problem 100 years & more ago!)I wonder how far into the future there will still be reasonably accessible supplies of liquid fuel and i.c.-engine spares?
Answers dot-com has gone into suspended animation. This branch of Wikipedia was a genuine knowledge-exchange rather than a social discussion site, with lots of subject classifications. It worked well, on the whole, but did have problems: it was infes... moreAnswers dot-com has gone into suspended animation. This branch of Wikipedia was a genuine knowledge-exchange rather than a social discussion site, with lots of subject classifications. It worked well, on the whole, but did have problems: it was infested with children posting homework questions (sometimes answered by over-clever respondents determined to baffle the poor blighters); and vandals answering genuine questions with wilful and sometimes even obscene rubbish.It's still there but frozen - you cannot offer answers any more. less
Generally a very gloomy and rather frightening prospect all round.You mention electric aeroplanes... One Scandinavian company is already experimenting with them.The huge numbers of batteries... From what materials will they be made, and how recoverable ar... moreGenerally a very gloomy and rather frightening prospect all round.You mention electric aeroplanes... One Scandinavian company is already experimenting with them.The huge numbers of batteries... From what materials will they be made, and how recoverable are they when the battery has "died"? What of the fuel needed to extract, process, transport those raw materials?I fear the whole issue is examined at Governmental level, by people who look only at the end result and not the methods and consequences. In time I believe society will shrink to rather poorly-connected, very parochial communities; very many motorists will be forced off the roads; huge swathes of the country's cultural and social life will disappear. We might or might not end up with a cleaner environment, we might or might not affect the climate; but either way will come at enormous costs that the politicians and still less the more rabid "green" campaigners, do not, cannot or will not see. As for motor racing, as c... less
Thank you Rosie for explaining the situation. It's not really my [place to comment on another nation's internal matters but actions like those are very short-sighted and could be self-defeating.I know Trump's "America First" slogan and it did attract a lo... moreThank you Rosie for explaining the situation. It's not really my [place to comment on another nation's internal matters but actions like those are very short-sighted and could be self-defeating.I know Trump's "America First" slogan and it did attract a lot of support especially in former industrial areas, but isolationism won't help them, and when for example I heard of Harley-Davidson moving manufacture to other countries, it didn't surprise me but I thought about their home employees - Britain has lost a lot of manufacturing overseas, so we know what it's like.Outside of the USA. Mr. Trump comes over as tactless and incompetent in dealing with other countries, which may be an unfortunate result of a system that can find Presidents with no previous political or diplomatic experience. We knew him only as builder of golf-courses on other countries' sensitive landscape sites. However I wonder sometimes if behind his apparent ineptitude he is actually being very manipulative and divisive. If so, his... less
Thank you KJames.A chilling prospect indeed, and shows how very powerful schemes can be pushed through on the basis of supposed benefits with no proper consideration of effects, gains and losses. I wonder what's going to happen when all those thousands of... moreThank you KJames.A chilling prospect indeed, and shows how very powerful schemes can be pushed through on the basis of supposed benefits with no proper consideration of effects, gains and losses. I wonder what's going to happen when all those thousands of homes are also required to recharge all those battery cars in future? That is, where that is feasible - many households including mine would be unable to do that. I ask because at present, the charger uses the normal mains and single meter, but somehow the Treasury will have to recoup the revenue lost as liquid-fuel sales fall. My guess is that at some theoretically-practical time to suit the Treasury, the vehicle electricity will become just as heavily taxed. That would require a separate meter, at least doubling the security risk by giving the hackers a fuller picture of household movements.They can't compare it to telephone security, because the "smart" meter is compulsory and practically continuous. You are free to turn your 'phone on and off, and use ... less
"Fracking" is the slang contraction invented by the drilling-rig crews, of the proper term, " Fracturing".A thought about Oklahoma's earthquakes... Are these very noticeable? Are there any long-abandoned coal or other mines anywhere in the State... more"Fracking" is the slang contraction invented by the drilling-rig crews, of the proper term, " Fracturing".A thought about Oklahoma's earthquakes... Are these very noticeable? Are there any long-abandoned coal or other mines anywhere in the State? I ask because earthquakes are surprisingly common in England, but usually very faint. Although many are entirely natural, some are the vibrations of old mines collapsing.That surprises me, that off-road motorcycling is now allowed in America's National Forests and Parks. I'd had the impression you were only just permitted to look at them! They are very different from British national parks and 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty', because yours are mainly wildernesses whereas most of ours, in the UK, are settled agricultural areas. They contain many villages, farms and even light industry where that can be accommodated harmlessly in the villages or old farm buildings; and have roads and railways across them. We ha... less
I don't know the geology and mineral industry of Oklahoma, but the opponents of fracturing (I refuse to use that slang word, invented by drilling-rig operators) will no doubt conflate that with the earthquakes.The problem is that it is a matter of co-inci... moreI don't know the geology and mineral industry of Oklahoma, but the opponents of fracturing (I refuse to use that slang word, invented by drilling-rig operators) will no doubt conflate that with the earthquakes.The problem is that it is a matter of co-incidence, or correlation, and it is very easy to turn correlation into cause. The two might be linked, but may be pure co-incidence, but it would be something only the US Geological Survey could answer. Was the state subject to earthquakes before the hydraulic fracturing, even if not for quite some years? (Human history times are insignificant in overall geological processes.) If it was then the correlation is more likely just co-incidence. Were the earthquakes' foci (not necessarily their epicentres) a long way from the wells or within the drilled rock formations and close to the holes? If so, more likely purely natural. Turning to discovering more... Oh yes, very likely. One facet of the natural sciences, and one which makes them all the more fascinati... less
Not so much the Volts as the Watts input - but no matter: did your colleague ever realise he did not have the authority to change the most basic Law of the Universe?
I accept what you say but with respect you've raised an extra point, safety, as well as the desirability I questioned in my previous post.No Government would sensibly force people to be irradiated because that would be as self-defeating as it is crue... moreI accept what you say but with respect you've raised an extra point, safety, as well as the desirability I questioned in my previous post.No Government would sensibly force people to be irradiated because that would be as self-defeating as it is cruel, and certainly not in a Nazi-style "experiment", but I can imagine it would seek to convince us the risk of the health hazard is outweighed by what it sees as the social benefits of the data-recording (and tracking??) system. Whether those benefits exist is another matter, I don't believe any do; and I can't help thinking this is a solution raised by "because we can", and looking for a problem for Governments to solve.I cannot say if these micro-chips really are as dangerous as made out but it's certainly not a gamble worth taking, and anyway I would object very strongly to compulsory chipping because I would not be certain who was using what information about me, for what purpose. I do not know what is or could be encoded on them, I do not know... less
Thankyou Rosie! I do my best, and try to stick to areas sufficiently familiar to me!Yes, diving is hazardous but the risks are not unduly high provided it is carried out properly. I've not been diving myself - deep water and I do not mix very well - but I... moreThankyou Rosie! I do my best, and try to stick to areas sufficiently familiar to me!Yes, diving is hazardous but the risks are not unduly high provided it is carried out properly. I've not been diving myself - deep water and I do not mix very well - but I have known quite a number of open-water and cave-divers over the years and gained some lay knowledge of the pursuit.
Also of course, seismology, which is related to sonic techniques, but uses earthquakes as the signal sources, and picks out the planet's major structures and material types.
It's not "soft drinks" as such that are the problem, but ones that are very rich in sugar - it's the excess sugar that raises the risk of diabetes.And diabetes IS a big deal. Left unchecked it can cause all sorts of damage including blindness.
I don't know the feasibility of drilling to that depth but it could only be done in that way - a rotary drill rather like that for boring oil-wells. Only, an oil-well is a mere couple of miles or so deep. These postulated diamonds are though to lie 1... moreI don't know the feasibility of drilling to that depth but it could only be done in that way - a rotary drill rather like that for boring oil-wells. Only, an oil-well is a mere couple of miles or so deep. These postulated diamonds are though to lie 100 hundred miles down - that would be thousands of tons of steel tube to rotate and to move and up down to replace the cutting "bit" on the end. Plus the problem of removing the chippings.Also, the temperature down there would be so high that I doubt a conventional drill-string would stand it. The hole might support itself, I don't know, but not in the Mantle if the hole passes through the Crust. I believe one comparatively shallow, experimental borehole in Iceland, where the Crust is thin, was invaded by magma - molten rock - from below.These diamonds might be in clusters, but scattered around the globe, not all in a neat bulk.Air pressure does not behave as water does. If it did it would be impossible for humans to work in the deepest mines.You ask what are "t... less
What an appalling waste! I can see why they do it, but can't they just ease up on production? I expect the manufacturers also make sensibly-priced clothes for other retailers, so they won't lose too much.
Thank you Rosie. A hundred miles below the surface rather than below the crust, but still inaccessible - and I note the headlines differ between "there are" and the scientists' cautious "there may be". If you could raise them, how many would be of gem qua... moreThank you Rosie. A hundred miles below the surface rather than below the crust, but still inaccessible - and I note the headlines differ between "there are" and the scientists' cautious "there may be". If you could raise them, how many would be of gem quality I cannot say, but the sheer cost and difficulty of extracting more than a tiny fraction of them anyway would keep the prices high, probably too high. BTW. I think astronomy has found one or two stars made of predominantly carbon, or at least very rich in it - real "diamonds in the sky"! Those are ancient, dead stars whose energy production stopped at Carbon, but I'll leave to the nuclear-physicists to explain! less
Stress is applied force per unit area. If the force is normal to a surface, it is perpendicular to it.To every force is an equal and opposite reaction when nothing moves as a result: such as a brick resting on a concrete floor.Shear stress occurs whe... moreStress is applied force per unit area. If the force is normal to a surface, it is perpendicular to it.To every force is an equal and opposite reaction when nothing moves as a result: such as a brick resting on a concrete floor.Shear stress occurs when the two opposing forces are not in line with each other. A simple example would occur if you put that brick on the edge of a table, outside of the table legs. There, the legs provide the reaction to stop the brick crushing the table, but as they are not below the brick, the overhang is subject to a shearing force concentrated along the top edge of the leg. That simplifies a bit as it ignores the stress conditions within the overhanging area (the "cantilever") of table-top, trying to bend it; but essentially a shear is the result of two forces acting parallel to, but out of line with, each other less
Radiation can be carcinogenic... yes, but at what radiation densities and exposure times?I'd certainly want no r.f. identity chip in me as if I were a dog or a horse, whether it's genuinely hazardous or not; but many people now seem to have... moreRadiation can be carcinogenic... yes, but at what radiation densities and exposure times?I'd certainly want no r.f. identity chip in me as if I were a dog or a horse, whether it's genuinely hazardous or not; but many people now seem to have such low regard for personal privacy that they can't really object to being micro-chipped!
Actually, "senile" means..... "old". That is all - the opposite of "juvenile"! I cannot say if Donald Trump really "hates" the EU or not. Historically the USA wanted Britain in what was never officially called the "Common Market", to weaken Britain's plac... moreActually, "senile" means..... "old". That is all - the opposite of "juvenile"! I cannot say if Donald Trump really "hates" the EU or not. Historically the USA wanted Britain in what was never officially called the "Common Market", to weaken Britain's place in the world; but it's now very difficult for we foreigners to decide just what the man does think of any nation, international organisation or national leader on the far sides of all that brine separating them from North America.
No-one can sue the EU - but anyway any settlement or imposed damages, and the hellish court fees, would be from tax-payers' money!Your esteemed President comes over as clumsy, tactless, ignorant and desperately inexperienced in his dealings with... moreNo-one can sue the EU - but anyway any settlement or imposed damages, and the hellish court fees, would be from tax-payers' money!Your esteemed President comes over as clumsy, tactless, ignorant and desperately inexperienced in his dealings with foreign politicians, but a bit of conversation I overheard by chance yesterday, made me ponder its suggestion that Mr. Trump is not as stupid as his speeches and behaviour makes him seem, but is wily and intentionally divisive. The cynical side of me suspects that he respects only three national leaders: Messrs. Kim*, Putin and Trump, but as a foreigner it's very hard to determine what he does think of my and other foreign countries. *KIM: In at least some Far Eastern cultures, the family name precedes the individual's name. less
How does an iceberg become "rogue"? It's only a lump of ice that broke off the end of a glacier where the latter meets the sea in the natural course of things, and though they can be potentially hazardous to shipping, icebergs are commonplace.Also, h... moreHow does an iceberg become "rogue"? It's only a lump of ice that broke off the end of a glacier where the latter meets the sea in the natural course of things, and though they can be potentially hazardous to shipping, icebergs are commonplace.Also, how does an iceberg "threaten" a very large country? Since nine-tenths of its bulk is submerged, if it approached the coast it would simply ground on the sea-bed in the shallows near the shore. The worst it could do is obstruct the approaches to a harbour, or perhaps damage installations like undersea cables in grounding. less
That would be a very sweeping statement to make, and I am surprised a senior NASA officer would do so.The truth is we have no way of knowing one way or the other; let alone assess its collective development and abilities.
A lot of the difficulty and confusion in Britain comes from a central principle of the EU being that no country would ever leave it, even if the EU itself does not become the single, federal supra-nation of which many of its leaders dream. ... moreA lot of the difficulty and confusion in Britain comes from a central principle of the EU being that no country would ever leave it, even if the EU itself does not become the single, federal supra-nation of which many of its leaders dream. Consequently it has no mechanism for anyone to leave. It is also very nervous about any of its four main money sources leaving. These are Germany, France, Italy (I think) and Great Britain, but I don't know in which order of payment level. More still confusion in Britain comes from very scant reporting of the EU's doings by British politicians and journalists - I doubt many Britons can honestly say who is who in its hierarchy, how they gain their positions, how it makes its laws and rules (approaching two hundred thousand of them)... The institution is now under considerable internal and external stress, and without very far-reaching rebuilding, I would not be surprised if the resulting strains break it up in the next decade or so.... less
Ah, yes - a State famous for its deep, water-filled but gorgeous caves, I believe. I've seen quite a few photos from these, and read a few exploration accounts. Similarly in the Bahamas.
As a Briton used to large - and almost obscenely very profligate - equivalents, the Service Areas on the Motorways, this thread really surprises me. Our service areas average 30 miles apart, sometimes a lot less, though there are some motorways with few o... moreAs a Briton used to large - and almost obscenely very profligate - equivalents, the Service Areas on the Motorways, this thread really surprises me. Our service areas average 30 miles apart, sometimes a lot less, though there are some motorways with few or none; but in a geographically relatively compact country. I'd have thought the rest areas in the States would be rather similar, given the huge continental distances: Toilets (and showers in some), telephones, a restaurant, assorted mainly-American chain fast-food serveries, and a shop selling convenience foods, sweets and newspapers; usually lawns outside; often a small amusement arcade and other bits of wasteful tat; and all have a filling-station. And now adding electric-car recharging equipment. They are all 24hrs a day, every day opening though often close some of the secondary catering facilities at quiet times such as late on Winter nights.The buildings are State-owned but leased to operating and catering companies at very high rents... less
Maybe those of us to whom a fancy restaurant and costly fizzy wine would be a rare treat, would value them all the more than those who take them as everyday life....
Thank you! One effect of the failures you describe, of course is that they drag others down with them - employees made redundant, suppliers losing trade, and the like.
I thought he'd rather invited himself, but it is usual for US presidents to visit the UK fairly soon after becoming president whatever anyone here may think of his politics.There has been some news coverage of one planned demonstration involving a blimp s... moreI thought he'd rather invited himself, but it is usual for US presidents to visit the UK fairly soon after becoming president whatever anyone here may think of his politics.There has been some news coverage of one planned demonstration involving a blimp shaped like a baby in nappies, but whatever the right of wrongs of either sides' views, I for one regard such stunts as puerile and pointless.My own views on Trump? I'm neutral on his domestic politics, not least because I do not understand US internal political affairs; but I do worry about his competence internationally. Perhaps one difficulty is that as far as I understand it, someone can become a US President with no previous high-ranking political or diplomatic experience - in most democracies the President or Prime and other senior Ministers have already served some years as "ordinary" Members of Parliament or equivalent. BTW I saw some unusual aircraft movements over my part of Southern England yesterday, and wondered if it was a security exercise in ... less
By relationships with other people - whether family, professional or social. In the end these are far more important than artificial "success" or "failure".
I've been caving for over forty years, with a few spells of little activity, but physical ageing and some loss of nerve unfortunately hinders me now.Yes - people who do go caving, climbing, etc. do find some things frightening - it's a natural respon... moreI've been caving for over forty years, with a few spells of little activity, but physical ageing and some loss of nerve unfortunately hinders me now.Yes - people who do go caving, climbing, etc. do find some things frightening - it's a natural response to a potentially hazardous situation that is not our natural environment. It makes you cautious so you learn to recognise the hazards and to assess their risks, so you don't take silly chances. Things can still go wrong, and I have been caught out, but at least you've minimised the expected risk as far as practicable without merely avoiding the challenge altogether.Note I do differentiate between hazard and risk - they are not synonyms; and caves do not offer standard menus of natural obstacles, difficulties and hazards. The secret is being able to control the fear so you can act rationally and calmly; so as to either overcome the fear to gain the reward of achievement; or to decide logically not to proceed further because the risks to yourself are ... less
OK. Thank you! Ah, I wonder... Are you in the UK or USA? If the latter, is it a trans-Atlantic difference? I think I've heard the term used here (UK) in debates (in their formal sense, not mere discussions) but I've never seen or heard of "moderator" used... moreOK. Thank you! Ah, I wonder... Are you in the UK or USA? If the latter, is it a trans-Atlantic difference? I think I've heard the term used here (UK) in debates (in their formal sense, not mere discussions) but I've never seen or heard of "moderator" used in any meetings I've attended, or read of in various professional and voluntary bodies' reports. far more often the meeting is overseen by a Chairman, and Minutes taken by a Secretary. Even if the individuals are "Acting" in those roles.Though "administrative assistant" has been common for a long time in the UK to cover a wide range of functions, which may or may not include taking minutes. less
I don't know how company boards work, and perhaps some companies do operate in that way. In most voluntary clubs and societies there is no "moderator" - that is an internet-forum term. Instead the club Chairman acts more or less as a "moder... moreI don't know how company boards work, and perhaps some companies do operate in that way. In most voluntary clubs and societies there is no "moderator" - that is an internet-forum term. Instead the club Chairman acts more or less as a "moderator" for general and committee meetings, and the club Secretary takes the minutes. Both are voted into office by the AGM, and perform those roles at the Committee and any general-membership Meetings throughout the Club Year. In this situation any such appointment for a specific meeting is temporary and contemporary usually to cover either of these elected Committee Members being unable to attend. Sometimes such an assisting role is described as "Acting ...". less
About Me:
Single, over-60, SW England resident, with fairly wide range of interests & musical tastes - but I'd be no good in a pub quiz 'cos I know very little about TV, gadgets called i-something, competitive sports, many entertainments & "so-called celebrities!
Was on EP, but left it long before it closed. Won't touch Facebook & its ilk.
"Adult" themes: quite broad-minded, like nudity but not pornography. Against cruelty, and consider spanking as a game for consenting adults only.
Generally I ignore the side-bar ads though I know they pay ... moreGenerally I ignore the side-bar ads though I know they pay for the site. However I couldn't let this go without comment.It was a list of assorted suggested uses for the well-known water-repellent, WD-40, shown by its Material Safety Data Sheet to be a mineral-oil based mixture.As wells as the ingenious and the blindingly obvious ideas, the advertising feature suggested using it as an adjunct to toilet cleaners, and for cleaning shower-heads. In other words, squirt mineral-oils down the drain, despite consistent, highly publicised warnings not to do so at all from chemical manufacturers, regulatory bodies and water companies!Come on AnswerMug, get that nonsense off the site and advise WD-40's manufacturers that some ignorant advertising company is promulgating a highly irresponsible (and in some countries possibly illegal) misuse of their chemicals. less
Such as portable telephones? Bounced into buying a brand new por... moreSuch as portable telephones? Bounced into buying a brand new portable telephone - I need only to make voice calls and text messages, and then briefly and infrequently; I am not one of those teenage girls who spend all day acquiring RSI by tap-tap-tappety-tap on little blocks of plastic. Nor do I believe in walking round supermarkets and into pedestrians by concentrating on shouting at a block of plastic glued to the ear. - I ended up with a nightmarish contraption, an LG something-or-other: the model label is inside, found only by taking the back off and removing the battery.Its text feature is better than the old multi-letter press-buttons, but that's about it....It took me a while to find instructions (see above on identifying it, as I'd lost the packaging), but these revealed the telephone aspect is only peripheral. LG lists it as an application rather than main function.It's also bulky, so less portable than the previous generation, at about twice the area; and surpri... less
I quote from an item on the BT Internet's news service:"Accordin... moreI quote from an item on the BT Internet's news service:"According to NetMarketShare, Windows 7 remains the most popular operating system on PC, with 44.81% of the market share in February 2018. WIndows 10 is slowly increasing but still comes in second with 28.19%. "I do not question the statistics, but does anyone else see the flaw? You will if you are not so taken in by advertising blurb that you fail to realise what is carefully concealed.
A typical board track-game has a single, rigid route of numbered... moreA typical board track-game has a single, rigid route of numbered squares, controlled by die throws, with certain actions given in some squares - e.g. "Snakes & Ladders". One track from start to end even if you must return somewhere, miss a turn or advance N squares, etc. as ordained when landing on those given pointsNow set the game on THREE separate, identically-sized, rectangular boards of 3:2 proportions; EACH marked off into 6 squares by a longitudinal centre-line and two cross-lines at thirds length. Label the boards (for this question on the game's geometry) A, B and C. Label each meeting-point of line and edge, 1 - 6, consistently on all 3 boards so every "port" is unique, A1 to C6.Do that with the individual board in landscape mode; 1 on the left-hand end, number clockwise so the RH end is 4, round to 6 at bottom left. All 3 boards the same apart from identity-letter. The track is drawn on these lines such that when one board is set against the othe... less
I've known MS operating systems since Microsoft-DOS (Disc ... moreI've known MS operating systems since Microsoft-DOS (Disc Operating System) days: I've used DOS, 3.1, 5, NT, XP (I think MS' best), now 7, and have had an unfortunate brush with 10.Also used briefly, a SUN computer giving a half-way house between command-line and windows (not "Windows TM") screens; and my first PC was an Amstrad with CP/M O.S. BTW the windows "graphical user interface" as it was pretentiously called, was IBM's invention, not µSoft's Has MS lost its way with WIN-10 though? -- The home-page of my ISP, BTInternet, always has links to sets of instructions to deal with all sorts of obviously common WIN-10 problems that should be minimal or non-existent if the system was designed, written and tested properly before publication. -- A correspondent on another forum tells me his computer often freezes with the floods of WIN-10 automatic "up-dates" over which the user has no control - to be fair he also said the Internet speed is ver... less
Unless of course you want to buy something!However... Unless&nbs... moreUnless of course you want to buy something!However... Unless the company is Hewlett-Packard and you want to buy their printer cartridges because the blighters have programmed their printers to reject refills and third-party ones. I've tried their sales web-site - it does not work.Definitely though if the printer has suddenly decided to crop randomly, images put into documents; and you'd like the manufacturers' help in putting it right. (This is what inspired me here - I found the HP Printer sites b++++y useless and very patronising, so marked its customer-satisfaction questions one-star only and told 'em so in the 'Comments' box.)Definitely if you wish to solve a service problem with an ISP (BT in my case).Or need help with specialist software that does work, but you can't understand how to use particular features because the officially-written pdf manual doesn't tell you, and the supposed training CD contains curious errors that result in you deleting the exercise it's had yo... less
As a club committee-member preparing for the AGM I took every ca... moreAs a club committee-member preparing for the AGM I took every care to save my Report as a Word document (.doc) so the Secretary and others can collate it with other Officers' Reports. So what did M-Soft do? Only converted it automatically to a b++++y docx image! I can't even edit it, if I wanted to, on my own PC because it's now read-only and in only WordPad. It took me ages to find it because Windows had saved it as a so-called "down-load" even though on the originating PC, and not in my chosen directory and folder. If I want to convert a docx file to a doc format for further editing or collating, I'd have to pay an expensive subscription to Adobe for the converter - I don't trust Adobe anyway because its Flashplayer for a start, never loads properly. Over £30 a month I think, for something I'd need only a few times a year. This was never previously necessary - saved files stayed as you chose, in the folder you chose. It's a scam! less
Answering another question just now, I scrolled down to the ramm... moreAnswering another question just now, I scrolled down to the rammel that infests the bottom of the screen below the AnswerMug window. Among the usual collection of insignificant rhubarb necessary only to fund AM, was this gem I quote as accurately as I can. Below a portrait of a smiling, attractive woman was the caption: "Top Ten Dating Sites In Abbotsbury"Abbotsbury is a village in West Dorset (England), famous for its Swannery; but whether it is the dating capital of Britain, I cannot say.Who the Hell designs these advertisements? less
I'd not heard Breitbart (sounds German) until a guest on today's... moreI'd not heard Breitbart (sounds German) until a guest on today's BBC Radio 3's Private Passions briefly mentioned being viciously attacked by this "outfit" he called it, after he had given a lecture by invitation on the International Law aspects of climate-change, to the UK's Supreme Court.Our Supreme Court is the UK's top appeals court. It is not the same as the US one although misleadingly copying the name, and until recently was The Law Lords, judges also sitting in an advisory capacity in the House of Lords, but separated fairly recently for clearer separation between Parliament and Judiciary. Cases that reach that high, beyond Appeal Court level, may well test the Statute Law as well as the facts of the individual case. Further of course, these lawyers may have to advise Parliament on international law: the UK is a signatory to and active in, an enormous number and range of treaties, organisations and agreements. The guest was the British barrister Philippe Sands, a leading expert o... less
I need to establish if one particular UK agent for a particular ... moreI need to establish if one particular UK agent for a particular software company, is still trading.I tried to e-post to him a simple sales question, but it bounced, and I can't determine if that means the address no longer exists.I need only to ask the software firm itself two basic questions: "Is ...... still one of your UK agents; if so is the e-post address I'd used, current?"You'd think they be pleased to help what might mean another sale, but no... Customers do not matter to the IT trade beyond the purchases. After that you're on your own and if you have problems with the quality of the goods or services, or you need technical advice ... tough.I have tried the publisher's own web-site but it carries no contact details whatsoever. Lots of product ads; but no phone number, no e-mail address, no postal address. Instead, as with so many other IT and telecomms firms, it fobs you off with a list of set technical questions and a supposed "users' forum" (these admit... less
I've had problems with e-posted 'Word' and 'Excel' files being c... moreI've had problems with e-posted 'Word' and 'Excel' files being converted to a strange default file-type signified by an 'x' after the normal suffix. These are locked, un-useable images.I need occasionally to collate reports etc to help me at a club's committee meetings. These arrive as e-post attachments from different people so in a mixture of styles, software editions and files, but I want to put them in one neat style in one document I can print and archive properly. Today I tried to save two, both .pdf files so images unreliable to print, and difficult or impossible to edit, place in or render compatible with, proper documents.However, whatever handles pdf files offers saving them in several other forms including ".doc", even offering British rather than US English, though that would not have mattered there. Only, the "Convert" button merely opens a sales page expecting me to pay £££/month to subscribe to an outfit called Adobe for what should be a basic MS-"Wi... less
Come on someone, put me out of my misery! Well, all right, ... moreCome on someone, put me out of my misery! Well, all right, it's not that dramatic and certainly not serious. I'm just intrigued, in a totally light-hearted way.So:What on Earth is that Sandra & Woo cartoon at the head of the page about?We see a young woman who, to use the correct, modern Claire in the Community lingo, seems to suffer from Acute Species Dysphoria; and her boyfriend, a nut-cake addict who believes he can cast magic spells with ordinary cutlery. I hope the so-called "religious right" don't get him - you know, the supposedly-grown-ups who had severe attacks of the vapours over the children's Harry Potter stories. Go on - I don't get the joke! Does it refer to an American children's game or something?:-)))PS: Claire in the Community: a BBC Radio Four situation-comedy that started as, and still is, a newspaper cartoon strip, about a team of urban social-workers and their own personal problems, sorry, "issues". Claire is the team-leader who prissily spouts all the rig... less
Like many sites this is partly supported by companies placing ad... moreLike many sites this is partly supported by companies placing advertisements in the margins of the Home and other pages. Some are eerily local to you as user: one waffles about " Opticians... " apparently threatened by some technical development in their trade. I saw one regularly on EP, telling me things like "Sarah lives four miles from you" - it was a lie of course, but it opened a dating-site that showed it knew roughly I live, within perhaps 50 miles anyway. The advertising-agencies use your approximate location bought or gleaned from the web-site. One though, advertised a "Simple trick to see if you've ever had PPI" (Payment Protection Insurance, usually for mortgages.) I know I do not, and when I did I was not a victim of a miss-selling racket the banks ran for a while, but I selected it out of curiosity. My security software 'Bulldog' promptly leapt up, snarled at it as dangerous, and blocked it.Possibly, Bulldog is very wary of anything mentioning money on non-https web-sites ev... less
What's happened to the location in the profiles? The profile for... moreWhat's happened to the location in the profiles? The profile form asks for it but it no longer appears on the public information part. Or have I missed something?
E-posted notifications. These used to have direct links to AM - ... moreE-posted notifications. These used to have direct links to AM - you still had to sign in but at least the links worked. They no longer work. The most recent was from Just Asking, and reads "Click here to reply / profile / 145." It is not a link, and I have not been able to find the message on Am itself.The message does not tell me how to find "/profile/145". It does not tell me whose profile. Why have those links been cut and why do notifications still carry an instruction to use them?Member IndexThe list is and always was purely random by default, but offered Aphabetical and Recent sorting options. You could find individuals on the Membership list by choosing "Alphabetical", estimating which page number carrying the name, then homing in from there by the page-number arrows. Why have these index options been removed?
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I have that problem, and the leaflet with the prescribed medicat... moreI have that problem, and the leaflet with the prescribed medication advised possibly a year.I've also had a knee replaced, but although the surgeon and nursing staff needed to know what medicines I am on, the medication didn't seem to affect the surgery.
Well, obviously the image you see depends on location, but does ... moreWell, obviously the image you see depends on location, but does it mean the file includes the location's map co-ordinates, Latitude & Longitude or perhaps postal area readings, as well as the usual time and date stamp options?A cell phone does have its own location-finder, normally hidden but used if you load a satellite-navigation application, so it may be offering that for annotating photo files.
It may depend on the discharge state of the battery when you sta... moreIt may depend on the discharge state of the battery when you start re-charging it, and the battery's characteristics. If the charger regulates it output voltage but not current, it might be handling a relatively high current for a while if the battery is of a type that demands that at first, when still nearly "flat". A higher current drawn from the charger will warm it more than a low current. Trying the charger in different mains sockets should not affect it.
Well, whatever is activating the charging indicator, if th... moreWell, whatever is activating the charging indicator, if the phone's not connected to a charger and assuming it does not have its own solar array, it cannot possibly be charging. No battery can charge itself - that would break one of the most fundamental Laws of the Universe! :-) The indication you are seeing can only be from some sort of fault, whether purely internal or as Nanoose hints, caused by a virus.
Not only can we not control the weather, we cannot "set off" vol... moreNot only can we not control the weather, we cannot "set off" volcanoes either - but if anything they would have the opposite effect to what you want!
I take it that was some side-bar ad tailored to living in S... moreI take it that was some side-bar ad tailored to living in Sussex or at least the S.E. of England... Experience Project used to throw these things at me, with one tag-line telling me the supposed woman lives in Taunton. Handy that - it's only 50 miles away.I wouldn't touch an on-line dating-agency with a barge-mouse (nor the original "barge-pole", if you don't use a conventional PC here!). In fact I wouldn't go near any dating agency, and not just because I am certainly not Home County "sophisticated". The telephone premium-rate system, and now the Internet as well, ensure they are all rip-offs. less
The arts, even the so-called "high arts" or "highbrow", are not ... moreThe arts, even the so-called "high arts" or "highbrow", are not "posh" despite some of the arts critics you read or hear liking to give an air of superiority - though thankfully most don't have the pretentiously plummy accent affected by Brian Sewell! Their ticket prices may be high - but so are those for big-name pop and rock performers in major venues. Some venues may have traditions like formal dress - why not? It's a treat to yourself to get togged up for some occasion now and then even if not directly linked to the performance itself, and even though as audience member you are invisible to the performers beyond the front couple of rows.The arts may be difficult to follow - but that's their challenge and it is not all that difficult to gain sufficient basic knowledge to help you understand hence enjoy it better. It would be a boring world if every cultural endeavour was as physically, emotionally and intellectually as simple as the motorway services... less
An insightful comment about the nature of democracies. Maybe it'... moreAn insightful comment about the nature of democracies. Maybe it's as the song says, "we don't know what we've got till it's gone".I have heard some political commentators say that Donald Trump himself did not believe he would win, and may even have preferred not to do so. Well if that was the case he could always stand down at the next elections!
I don't know about other countries' practices but the Home Offic... moreI don't know about other countries' practices but the Home Office in the UK apparently issued the executioner a table or a formula giving the length of drop for the weight of person. Too short a drop and the convict suffocated. Too long, and he could be decapitated.Element99 says "if the rope is wrapped properly" - they never used the supposedly-traditional "Hangman's Knot", certainly not on gallows. I don't know if it was used on gibbets centuries ago, which just strangled the victim to death - or if followed by "drawing and quartering", to the point of losing consciousness. The odd photo I have seen showed the rope simply passed through an eye-splice on its end. By the time capital punishment in Britain was abolished for all crimes except, I think, High Treason, hangings were so unusual that the last hangman earned his living as a publican! Oh, and the proper legal term for being so executed, was always "hanged", not "hung". less
Thank you Rosie., Oh yes, I realise many Americans now consider ... moreThank you Rosie., Oh yes, I realise many Americans now consider Trump a traitor and I can understand why, in fact I had already begun to wonder about his loyalty to his own country, let alone to her allies. However I can only really comment fairly on his international activities (though I understand the source of much of his domestic support). When it will stop is very much down to you Americans in your own ballots, but when is the next Presidential Election? Three years? Four years? Plenty of time for Trump either to see what harm he is doing around the world, or to commit even more harm. It is very difficult to know just what he wants. It is easy to say, "neither does he", but I have a sneaking suspicion he does, though I can't see what, only that it won't be good for either the USA or anyone else. I know the two quotes you give, at least in part, although I did not know their origins. Well, it's now 00:03 here, so Happy Wednesday, Rosie! less
I prefer not to comment on US internal politics, especially on a... moreI prefer not to comment on US internal politics, especially on an American web-site, as I am a foreigner to the USA as well as not understanding them properly anyway; but President Trump's overseas carryings-on affect everyone, and I am one of many foreigners who worries about his behaviour abroad.It's hard to fathom out just what is his foreign policy, beyond the bluster and ignorance. Until his election, we Britons saw him really only as a builder of golf-courses on other countries' sensitive areas of landscape. He comes over as desperately tactless and inexperienced in international politics and diplomacy, at times he seems to respect only three national leaders (Kim, Putin and Trump), but behind the naivety, self-contradictions, random mind-changing and social clumsiness... is he actually manipulative and divisive, and if so, to what end?Is his naivety a function of a system that appears (to an outsider) able to elect as President, a person who has had no real international political... less
What inspired the original question? I gather these chips are be... moreWhat inspired the original question? I gather these chips are being made, with their manufacturers burbling enthusiastically about building access security, medical information and what-not, but is there something darker going on, or just the worrying possibility of it going on in the future?
Horse and cart? Think of all that 'oss ordure polluting the stre... moreHorse and cart? Think of all that 'oss ordure polluting the streets! :-) (Actually that was a genuine problem 100 years & more ago!)I wonder how far into the future there will still be reasonably accessible supplies of liquid fuel and i.c.-engine spares?
Answers dot-com has gone into suspended animation. This branch o... moreAnswers dot-com has gone into suspended animation. This branch of Wikipedia was a genuine knowledge-exchange rather than a social discussion site, with lots of subject classifications. It worked well, on the whole, but did have problems: it was infested with children posting homework questions (sometimes answered by over-clever respondents determined to baffle the poor blighters); and vandals answering genuine questions with wilful and sometimes even obscene rubbish.It's still there but frozen - you cannot offer answers any more. less
Generally a very gloomy and rather frightening prospect all roun... moreGenerally a very gloomy and rather frightening prospect all round.You mention electric aeroplanes... One Scandinavian company is already experimenting with them.The huge numbers of batteries... From what materials will they be made, and how recoverable are they when the battery has "died"? What of the fuel needed to extract, process, transport those raw materials?I fear the whole issue is examined at Governmental level, by people who look only at the end result and not the methods and consequences. In time I believe society will shrink to rather poorly-connected, very parochial communities; very many motorists will be forced off the roads; huge swathes of the country's cultural and social life will disappear. We might or might not end up with a cleaner environment, we might or might not affect the climate; but either way will come at enormous costs that the politicians and still less the more rabid "green" campaigners, do not, cannot or will not see. As for motor racing, as c... less
Thank you Rosie for explaining the situation. It's not really my... moreThank you Rosie for explaining the situation. It's not really my [place to comment on another nation's internal matters but actions like those are very short-sighted and could be self-defeating.I know Trump's "America First" slogan and it did attract a lot of support especially in former industrial areas, but isolationism won't help them, and when for example I heard of Harley-Davidson moving manufacture to other countries, it didn't surprise me but I thought about their home employees - Britain has lost a lot of manufacturing overseas, so we know what it's like.Outside of the USA. Mr. Trump comes over as tactless and incompetent in dealing with other countries, which may be an unfortunate result of a system that can find Presidents with no previous political or diplomatic experience. We knew him only as builder of golf-courses on other countries' sensitive landscape sites. However I wonder sometimes if behind his apparent ineptitude he is actually being very manipulative and divisive. If so, his... less
Thank you KJames.A chilling prospect indeed, and shows how very ... moreThank you KJames.A chilling prospect indeed, and shows how very powerful schemes can be pushed through on the basis of supposed benefits with no proper consideration of effects, gains and losses. I wonder what's going to happen when all those thousands of homes are also required to recharge all those battery cars in future? That is, where that is feasible - many households including mine would be unable to do that. I ask because at present, the charger uses the normal mains and single meter, but somehow the Treasury will have to recoup the revenue lost as liquid-fuel sales fall. My guess is that at some theoretically-practical time to suit the Treasury, the vehicle electricity will become just as heavily taxed. That would require a separate meter, at least doubling the security risk by giving the hackers a fuller picture of household movements.They can't compare it to telephone security, because the "smart" meter is compulsory and practically continuous. You are free to turn your 'phone on and off, and use ... less
"Fracking" is the slang contraction invented by the drilling-rig... more"Fracking" is the slang contraction invented by the drilling-rig crews, of the proper term, " Fracturing".A thought about Oklahoma's earthquakes... Are these very noticeable? Are there any long-abandoned coal or other mines anywhere in the State? I ask because earthquakes are surprisingly common in England, but usually very faint. Although many are entirely natural, some are the vibrations of old mines collapsing.That surprises me, that off-road motorcycling is now allowed in America's National Forests and Parks. I'd had the impression you were only just permitted to look at them! They are very different from British national parks and 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty', because yours are mainly wildernesses whereas most of ours, in the UK, are settled agricultural areas. They contain many villages, farms and even light industry where that can be accommodated harmlessly in the villages or old farm buildings; and have roads and railways across them. We ha... less
I don't know the geology and mineral industry of Oklahoma, but t... moreI don't know the geology and mineral industry of Oklahoma, but the opponents of fracturing (I refuse to use that slang word, invented by drilling-rig operators) will no doubt conflate that with the earthquakes.The problem is that it is a matter of co-incidence, or correlation, and it is very easy to turn correlation into cause. The two might be linked, but may be pure co-incidence, but it would be something only the US Geological Survey could answer. Was the state subject to earthquakes before the hydraulic fracturing, even if not for quite some years? (Human history times are insignificant in overall geological processes.) If it was then the correlation is more likely just co-incidence. Were the earthquakes' foci (not necessarily their epicentres) a long way from the wells or within the drilled rock formations and close to the holes? If so, more likely purely natural. Turning to discovering more... Oh yes, very likely. One facet of the natural sciences, and one which makes them all the more fascinati... less
Not so much the Volts as the Watts input - but no matter: did yo... moreNot so much the Volts as the Watts input - but no matter: did your colleague ever realise he did not have the authority to change the most basic Law of the Universe?
I accept what you say but with respect you've raised an extra po... moreI accept what you say but with respect you've raised an extra point, safety, as well as the desirability I questioned in my previous post.No Government would sensibly force people to be irradiated because that would be as self-defeating as it is cruel, and certainly not in a Nazi-style "experiment", but I can imagine it would seek to convince us the risk of the health hazard is outweighed by what it sees as the social benefits of the data-recording (and tracking??) system. Whether those benefits exist is another matter, I don't believe any do; and I can't help thinking this is a solution raised by "because we can", and looking for a problem for Governments to solve.I cannot say if these micro-chips really are as dangerous as made out but it's certainly not a gamble worth taking, and anyway I would object very strongly to compulsory chipping because I would not be certain who was using what information about me, for what purpose. I do not know what is or could be encoded on them, I do not know... less
This post was edited by Durdle at July 22, 2018 1:12 PM MDT
Thankyou Rosie! I do my best, and try to stick to areas sufficie... moreThankyou Rosie! I do my best, and try to stick to areas sufficiently familiar to me!Yes, diving is hazardous but the risks are not unduly high provided it is carried out properly. I've not been diving myself - deep water and I do not mix very well - but I have known quite a number of open-water and cave-divers over the years and gained some lay knowledge of the pursuit.
Also of course, seismology, which is related to sonic techn... moreAlso of course, seismology, which is related to sonic techniques, but uses earthquakes as the signal sources, and picks out the planet's major structures and material types.
None - don't need them to obtain sufficient physical exercise th... moreNone - don't need them to obtain sufficient physical exercise through staying active in other ways, including my hobbies.
It's not "soft drinks" as such that are the problem, but ones th... moreIt's not "soft drinks" as such that are the problem, but ones that are very rich in sugar - it's the excess sugar that raises the risk of diabetes.And diabetes IS a big deal. Left unchecked it can cause all sorts of damage including blindness.
I don't know the feasibility of drilling to that depth but it co... moreI don't know the feasibility of drilling to that depth but it could only be done in that way - a rotary drill rather like that for boring oil-wells. Only, an oil-well is a mere couple of miles or so deep. These postulated diamonds are though to lie 100 hundred miles down - that would be thousands of tons of steel tube to rotate and to move and up down to replace the cutting "bit" on the end. Plus the problem of removing the chippings.Also, the temperature down there would be so high that I doubt a conventional drill-string would stand it. The hole might support itself, I don't know, but not in the Mantle if the hole passes through the Crust. I believe one comparatively shallow, experimental borehole in Iceland, where the Crust is thin, was invaded by magma - molten rock - from below.These diamonds might be in clusters, but scattered around the globe, not all in a neat bulk.Air pressure does not behave as water does. If it did it would be impossible for humans to work in the deepest mines.You ask what are "t... less
What an appalling waste! I can see why they do it, but can't the... moreWhat an appalling waste! I can see why they do it, but can't they just ease up on production? I expect the manufacturers also make sensibly-priced clothes for other retailers, so they won't lose too much.
Thank you Rosie. A hundred miles below the surface rather than b... moreThank you Rosie. A hundred miles below the surface rather than below the crust, but still inaccessible - and I note the headlines differ between "there are" and the scientists' cautious "there may be". If you could raise them, how many would be of gem quality I cannot say, but the sheer cost and difficulty of extracting more than a tiny fraction of them anyway would keep the prices high, probably too high. BTW. I think astronomy has found one or two stars made of predominantly carbon, or at least very rich in it - real "diamonds in the sky"! Those are ancient, dead stars whose energy production stopped at Carbon, but I'll leave to the nuclear-physicists to explain! less
Stress is applied force per unit area. If the force is normal to... moreStress is applied force per unit area. If the force is normal to a surface, it is perpendicular to it.To every force is an equal and opposite reaction when nothing moves as a result: such as a brick resting on a concrete floor.Shear stress occurs when the two opposing forces are not in line with each other. A simple example would occur if you put that brick on the edge of a table, outside of the table legs. There, the legs provide the reaction to stop the brick crushing the table, but as they are not below the brick, the overhang is subject to a shearing force concentrated along the top edge of the leg. That simplifies a bit as it ignores the stress conditions within the overhanging area (the "cantilever") of table-top, trying to bend it; but essentially a shear is the result of two forces acting parallel to, but out of line with, each other less
Radiation can be carcinogenic... yes, but at what radiation... moreRadiation can be carcinogenic... yes, but at what radiation densities and exposure times?I'd certainly want no r.f. identity chip in me as if I were a dog or a horse, whether it's genuinely hazardous or not; but many people now seem to have such low regard for personal privacy that they can't really object to being micro-chipped!
Actually, "senile" means..... "old". That is all - the opposite ... moreActually, "senile" means..... "old". That is all - the opposite of "juvenile"! I cannot say if Donald Trump really "hates" the EU or not. Historically the USA wanted Britain in what was never officially called the "Common Market", to weaken Britain's place in the world; but it's now very difficult for we foreigners to decide just what the man does think of any nation, international organisation or national leader on the far sides of all that brine separating them from North America.
No-one can sue the EU - but anyway any settlement or imposed dam... moreNo-one can sue the EU - but anyway any settlement or imposed damages, and the hellish court fees, would be from tax-payers' money!Your esteemed President comes over as clumsy, tactless, ignorant and desperately inexperienced in his dealings with foreign politicians, but a bit of conversation I overheard by chance yesterday, made me ponder its suggestion that Mr. Trump is not as stupid as his speeches and behaviour makes him seem, but is wily and intentionally divisive. The cynical side of me suspects that he respects only three national leaders: Messrs. Kim*, Putin and Trump, but as a foreigner it's very hard to determine what he does think of my and other foreign countries. *KIM: In at least some Far Eastern cultures, the family name precedes the individual's name. less
How does an iceberg become "rogue"? It's only a lump of ice that... moreHow does an iceberg become "rogue"? It's only a lump of ice that broke off the end of a glacier where the latter meets the sea in the natural course of things, and though they can be potentially hazardous to shipping, icebergs are commonplace.Also, how does an iceberg "threaten" a very large country? Since nine-tenths of its bulk is submerged, if it approached the coast it would simply ground on the sea-bed in the shallows near the shore. The worst it could do is obstruct the approaches to a harbour, or perhaps damage installations like undersea cables in grounding. less
That would be a very sweeping statement to make, and I am surpri... moreThat would be a very sweeping statement to make, and I am surprised a senior NASA officer would do so.The truth is we have no way of knowing one way or the other; let alone assess its collective development and abilities.
A lot of the difficulty and confusion in Britain comes from... moreA lot of the difficulty and confusion in Britain comes from a central principle of the EU being that no country would ever leave it, even if the EU itself does not become the single, federal supra-nation of which many of its leaders dream. Consequently it has no mechanism for anyone to leave. It is also very nervous about any of its four main money sources leaving. These are Germany, France, Italy (I think) and Great Britain, but I don't know in which order of payment level. More still confusion in Britain comes from very scant reporting of the EU's doings by British politicians and journalists - I doubt many Britons can honestly say who is who in its hierarchy, how they gain their positions, how it makes its laws and rules (approaching two hundred thousand of them)... The institution is now under considerable internal and external stress, and without very far-reaching rebuilding, I would not be surprised if the resulting strains break it up in the next decade or so.... less
There are?A hundred miles into the Mantle (beneath the Crust)? O... moreThere are?A hundred miles into the Mantle (beneath the Crust)? Or is this an obscure metaphorical reference to something else entirely?
Can you class a large area of countryside - such as the Cotswold... moreCan you class a large area of countryside - such as the Cotswold Hills - an "attraction", or what it holds as attractions?It is beautiful area though.
Ah, yes - a State famous for its deep, water-filled but gorgeous... moreAh, yes - a State famous for its deep, water-filled but gorgeous caves, I believe. I've seen quite a few photos from these, and read a few exploration accounts. Similarly in the Bahamas.
As a Briton used to large - and almost obscenely very profligate... moreAs a Briton used to large - and almost obscenely very profligate - equivalents, the Service Areas on the Motorways, this thread really surprises me. Our service areas average 30 miles apart, sometimes a lot less, though there are some motorways with few or none; but in a geographically relatively compact country. I'd have thought the rest areas in the States would be rather similar, given the huge continental distances: Toilets (and showers in some), telephones, a restaurant, assorted mainly-American chain fast-food serveries, and a shop selling convenience foods, sweets and newspapers; usually lawns outside; often a small amusement arcade and other bits of wasteful tat; and all have a filling-station. And now adding electric-car recharging equipment. They are all 24hrs a day, every day opening though often close some of the secondary catering facilities at quiet times such as late on Winter nights.The buildings are State-owned but leased to operating and catering companies at very high rents... less
Maybe those of us to whom a fancy restaurant and costly fizzy wi... moreMaybe those of us to whom a fancy restaurant and costly fizzy wine would be a rare treat, would value them all the more than those who take them as everyday life....
Thank you! One effect of the failures you describe, of course is... moreThank you! One effect of the failures you describe, of course is that they drag others down with them - employees made redundant, suppliers losing trade, and the like.
I thought he'd rather invited himself, but it is usual for US pr... moreI thought he'd rather invited himself, but it is usual for US presidents to visit the UK fairly soon after becoming president whatever anyone here may think of his politics.There has been some news coverage of one planned demonstration involving a blimp shaped like a baby in nappies, but whatever the right of wrongs of either sides' views, I for one regard such stunts as puerile and pointless.My own views on Trump? I'm neutral on his domestic politics, not least because I do not understand US internal political affairs; but I do worry about his competence internationally. Perhaps one difficulty is that as far as I understand it, someone can become a US President with no previous high-ranking political or diplomatic experience - in most democracies the President or Prime and other senior Ministers have already served some years as "ordinary" Members of Parliament or equivalent. BTW I saw some unusual aircraft movements over my part of Southern England yesterday, and wondered if it was a security exercise in ... less
By relationships with other people - whether family, professiona... moreBy relationships with other people - whether family, professional or social. In the end these are far more important than artificial "success" or "failure".
I've been caving for over forty years, with a few spells of litt... moreI've been caving for over forty years, with a few spells of little activity, but physical ageing and some loss of nerve unfortunately hinders me now.Yes - people who do go caving, climbing, etc. do find some things frightening - it's a natural response to a potentially hazardous situation that is not our natural environment. It makes you cautious so you learn to recognise the hazards and to assess their risks, so you don't take silly chances. Things can still go wrong, and I have been caught out, but at least you've minimised the expected risk as far as practicable without merely avoiding the challenge altogether.Note I do differentiate between hazard and risk - they are not synonyms; and caves do not offer standard menus of natural obstacles, difficulties and hazards. The secret is being able to control the fear so you can act rationally and calmly; so as to either overcome the fear to gain the reward of achievement; or to decide logically not to proceed further because the risks to yourself are ... less
OK. Thank you! Ah, I wonder... Are you in the UK or USA? If the ... moreOK. Thank you! Ah, I wonder... Are you in the UK or USA? If the latter, is it a trans-Atlantic difference? I think I've heard the term used here (UK) in debates (in their formal sense, not mere discussions) but I've never seen or heard of "moderator" used in any meetings I've attended, or read of in various professional and voluntary bodies' reports. far more often the meeting is overseen by a Chairman, and Minutes taken by a Secretary. Even if the individuals are "Acting" in those roles.Though "administrative assistant" has been common for a long time in the UK to cover a wide range of functions, which may or may not include taking minutes. less
I don't know how company boards work, and perhaps some companies... moreI don't know how company boards work, and perhaps some companies do operate in that way. In most voluntary clubs and societies there is no "moderator" - that is an internet-forum term. Instead the club Chairman acts more or less as a "moderator" for general and committee meetings, and the club Secretary takes the minutes. Both are voted into office by the AGM, and perform those roles at the Committee and any general-membership Meetings throughout the Club Year. In this situation any such appointment for a specific meeting is temporary and contemporary usually to cover either of these elected Committee Members being unable to attend. Sometimes such an assisting role is described as "Acting ...". less
StrictChristianParenting
Why does correcting have to be by violence? And if that's a quote, no, I don't accept the say-so of unknown Late Bronze Age tribal elders!
September 1, 2016
tate99
Greetings Tate99 from a fellow Briton (S> Dorset) and nudist!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
July 29, 2016
MistyGoddess
Welcome to AM - and to a goodly number of us interested in spanking whether we advocate or oppose it in reality or think it best kept as a game for consenting adults!
Best Wishes,
Durdle
(also in UK)
July 29, 2016
timothysknickers
Thank you for the compliment, Timothys Knickers. I should say I am not a full cross-dresser but like occasionally to wear a nightdress or miniskirt, at home only. Much of the time, if warm enough, I like to be nude or nearly so.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
May 17, 2016
Capes
Hello Capes.
Welcome to Answer Mug!
Durdle here: 64 nearly, also a Briton (in Dorset), here similarly.
My profile groups list gives you some idea of me but I am happy to chat on many other topics too if they interest me and I feel I know enough about the topic. I will add that despite the implications I don't like the idea of spanking children, especially with any weapon, but feel the traditional spanking has a place for adults, as long as it's consensual!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
July 30, 2016
VPLUK
I don't even try to look convincing - I don't cross-dress often and than only partly, in the home. liking the feel of the garments. Sometimes sleep in a nightie.
July 29, 2016
Marc
Not so much a comment as a question, Marc. I am uneasy to say the least about spanking children but what of adults feeling they need similar punishments in a therapeutic way?
July 29, 2016
harbourboy
Hi Harbourboy.
Welcome... come on then, elucidate on your specialist subjects!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
July 30, 2016
Steve Tomms
Hello Steve.
UK too - Dorset in fact. And like to be nude or, occasionally, in panties.
As for human behaviour - yes, I agree it is fascinating... and bewildering at times, frustrating at others, but never the same twice!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
September 16, 2016
Uncle UK
Welcome to AM, Dominic, as one of the rather few fellow-Britons on here (I live in South of England). I am not sure about the spanking of children, though I've nothing against adults being spanked if they wish, erotically or as therapeutic punishment.
Regards,
Durdle.
September 6, 2016
NudiSuzie
Hello NudieSuzie.
Thankyou - would love to be your friend!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
August 31, 2016
Tawser22
What's your take on adult, consensual, spanking?
September 9, 2016
RB1954
May I ask, what is your take on adult, consensual spanking, e.g. in a "DD" relationship or as a sort of punitive therapy?
September 9, 2016
harry
Hello Harry.
Greetings from Dorset!
Lubrication by Beer - definitely. Naturism - Oh yes. Spanking - well, I don't support genuine CP but have been fascinated by it since boyhood, and later by the adult-fun variety.
Chatting - I can be chatty!
Best Wishes,
Durdle
July 28, 2016
french_delph
Hello French_Delph.
I don't favour spanking children but if it must be done I think it must be by hand only, and only enough to make the point. Am interested in spanking generally and think it has a place for adults who feel they need a little discipline and punishment.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
July 30, 2016
fatherfigure
I'm probably of similar age to you then, my fascination with spanking goes back to boyhood but no I don't think the world would be better for beating children! And yet...
Adult, consensual spanking - fine, and it's odd that now I feel I ought receive the occasional, belated spanking, firm hand not weapon, I did not receive and would not have wanted in boyhood, for immature failings I believe originated at that time!
Best Wishes,
Durdle
July 29, 2016
Legion
Hi Legion!
I reckon your Miss Hamilton might have done me some good! (Doubtless others too!)
Cheers,
Durdle
July 30, 2016
Michael
18 and 20. Adults, with the full choice of protection from assault by law.
September 1, 2016
Stonehenge43
Hello Stonehenge.
Welcome! I'm 64 and an ex-EP user but left it when parts of it started to become really sleazy or stupid. My profile gives a fir idea but I'm happy to chat about a wide range of subjects in which I am interested or can give reasonably knowledgeable facts or opinions.
You mention Adultmug. I know what you mean. I ignore the worst, some of which I find unpleasant, but do dip into some of the other threads on it. I'm slightly bi and interested in nudity and adult-consensual spanking, so am not quite a shrinking violet.
I did make one or two penfriendships (e-mail) from EP but they've fizzled out, thanks to losses in house moves, changes of computer and perhaps laziness by me!
How about you? Your interests, music etc?
Best Wishes,
Durdle. (after Durdle Door).
July 30, 2016
Eva amirhom
A sad story, Eva. Yes, you were wrong to do what you did but you have realised that, not everyone in the world will hate you, and I hope you will find forgiveness and happiness.
Durdle.
July 29, 2016
Stonehenge43
I would be very happy to chat about whatever we find of mutual interest, but I can't send a private message unless I add you as a friend first. may I do so, please?
regards,
Durdle
September 9, 2016
sjf47
welcome to AM and its Naturist section!
AM Male, 63 and live in Dorset.
Cheers,
Durdle
July 28, 2016
Pofan1201
That's not "spanking" , that's whipping, and cruel! What effect did it have on you in adult life?
August 14, 2016
Pofan1201
Hi Pofan.
Interesting: many people who admit they were beaten severely as children become adults either wanting to give or receive similar in games between consenting adults, or are turned off spanking and CP entirely.
You evidently became sexually submissive, but were you aroused by either the whipping or the submission at the time or in remembering it later?
Sorry, I'm not quite clear by what you mean as a "switcher" - switching between what?
I appreciate bare bottoms including my own as well, but unfortunately mine has aged with me and is now a bit soft and sagging.
Regards,
Durdle
August 15, 2016
Pofan1201
Thank you very much Pofan. Would love to be friends with you!
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
August 15, 2016
Elshara Silverheart
Thank you for the compliment Elashara. I'm not sure what it means, but please do tell me what in particular influenced you.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
June 9, 2016
sp4sp4
Hello Sp4sp4. I too was on EP, though I left it well before it folded. "Drawn too deeply." I know the feeling. I think I was tempted too far into some EP fora, so am becoming fairly selective on what I view on here and chosen "stop following" on some already. Is this why you've not listed any groups? You have a point, using private e-mails.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
September 16, 2016
Stuart
Hi Stuart. Thank you very much for your greetings, and have mine to you!
I oppose real CP but have been interested in spanking since boyhood, and have enjoyed quite a few gentle, erotic, spanking games.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
September 16, 2016
Aaron
I couldn't agree more about being naked, Aaron!
Joanne1966
Love to be in a night-dress or nude. I like Sharon1717's comment too!
September 9, 2016
Sophronius Pupoid
Thank you very much for your comment! Sophronius.
Yes, my nickname is from Durdle Door. One of my sisters held her wedding-reception at Pennsylvania Castle, well before it reverted to a private house. The new owners have hosted garden fetes there though.
'Moonfleet' was one of our set books at school, and I remember the passage about the two leading characters escaping from Ringstead (I can't remember if that name was used in the book) by using a very steep cliff path. That path, or an equivalent, exists, up White Nothe, some 400 feet high, and someone showed it me a few years ago. I was glad to have climbed it, but I found it frightening and would not care to try it again!
The normal path from the car-park to that area of beach is gentler and not at all exposed.
I suppose I'm nearly local! Our family moved to Weymouth in 1959, when I was 7, when Dad's work was moved.
September 22, 2016
Nudistdad
Hello and Welcome, Nudistdad.
I'm single but not a father (seem to be collecting quite a tribe of first and grand nephews & nieces though!); but like you enjoy being nude around the home. There is a naturist beach not far from me, and I used to visit it fairly often, but I have leg problems now that make the long, steep path to it a bit too much. Can still be undressed at home, as I am now, though!
Best Wishes,
Durdle
August 14, 2016
Donny
I oppose using CP on children - especially the sort of gratuitous violence with assorted weapons described on the site - but what is your take on adult-only, consensual spanking, be it erotic, for some sort of punitive therapy or stress-relieving, curiosity or indeed to reprise personal or vicarious past experiences?
Regards,
Durdle.
September 9, 2016
caned4doz
Hello Caned4doz.
Overlapping (!) interests. I'm not as educated as you. Don't smoke, but do drink (moderately) and not religious. Am interested in science and have a wide range of musical tastes though can't play an instrument. Fitness more by walking and manual work and play than by speed!
I too am interested in discipline and do have regressive tendencies and sometimes feel I ought to be spanked for my immature faults.
July 29, 2016
caned4doz
Hello Caned4Dozen.
Thank you for the Friend request - certainly! This site is confusing - I've not managed to work out how the Friends and Messages parts work!
Anyway I think this part is public. For example I can see the messages between you and Forever shorts, on this page. AM does not seem to have a private-message system, at least not obviously so. All it does it let you separate individual conversations from the forum section.
I will say I oppose genuine CP - some of the accounts on this site are of frankly appalling cruelty. Yet it was seeing one or two real instances at school, and finding descriptions and images in history-books, that nurtured my interest.
The regressive streak I said I have surfaced really quite recently, in my 50s I think, although I had experimented with self-spanking since "discovering" it in my teens - when no doubt I had a rather more smackable bottom than now, had the right circumstances to introduce me to spanking fun, come along!
August 1, 2016
caned4doz
I advocate discipline - a system of behaviour - but not in its euphemistic malapropism for corporal punishment of children. However I believe for a consenting adult, there need be no bar beyond sensible, individual boundaries to being spanked ( or slippered or caned) appropriately in a therapeutic or punitive sense, as well obviously as purely erotically. In the last situation it might even be a foreplay activity. Similarly, some adults find release in being under regressive discipline, with or without physical punishment.
(Discipline and punishment are NOT synonyms: the latter is for wilful breaking of the former.)
September 7, 2016
Cravingyourtouch
Welcome Cravingyourtouch.
Mot only the women of the household who would benefit from a little suitable discipline at times!
Regards,
Durdle
(in Dorset)
July 29, 2016
spanko28
Do you like adult (consensual) spanking too?
September 9, 2016
NaughtyNicola
About You: sexiest lingerie a gurl can find - indeed, and very nice too!
September 1, 2016
NaughtyNicola
A pleasure Nicola - and I like your profile picture too!
September 7, 2016
NaughtyNicola
Not a full cross-dresser myself and I've few femme clothes, but I like to sleep in a nightie now and then, or wear something at least like a loose-fitting miniskirt. Love to be nude, too! The long-legged lass in that Timothy's Knickers pic fg5 you've commented on, looks as if she's about to be spanked!
September 7, 2016
Killkenny11
That's two of us from Dorset , then, Kilkenny!
Welcome to AnswerMug!
Cheers,
Durdle - and I won't need to explain my inspiration for that nick-name.
July 29, 2016
SJS
Hello SJS
I'm uneasy about the idea of spanking children - discipline yes, punishment or at least a reprimand if they break that discipline yes, but need it be physical punishment? If it does I would hope it be by hand only, not weapons as some parents seem to think clever, and only enough to make the point. What of adult, consensual spanking though! I can see that as therapeutic or stress-relief, and eminently suitable for someone who is of middle-age upwards but rather immature or regressive.
Regards,
Durdle
(Dorset - as the nickname may have suggested!)
July 30, 2016
tonyparker1
Hello Tonyparker1
Thank you for the invitation.
I too was on EP but abandoned it a few years ago. I'm a little older at nearly 64, also short and slim, well, nearly slim. Slightly bi, and enjoy being nude though knee troubles limit my excursions such as to an unofficial naturist beach not far from my South Dorset home. Also interested in spanking fun.
Various interests and fair range of musical tastes.
Best Wishes,
Durdle
(my nickname is from a feature on the Dorset coast.)
July 29, 2016
tonyparker1
Hello Tonyparker.
I thought I'd left a message but it doesn't appear here so perhaps I didn't.
Anyway your Profile Information describes me too, almost exactly - I am 64, and with a slight tummy.
I live in S.Dorset - hence my nick-name (from famous coastal feature).
Welcome to AM!
Best Wishes,
Durdle
July 30, 2016
softlywaking
Thank you for the compliment, Softlywaking.
Regards,
Durdle.
June 14, 2016
missspanking
Welcome to AmswerMug, Missspanking.
No shortage of people here interested in spanking, whether approving or not of beating children, or are like me, approving only of adult consensual spanking.
Best Wishes,
Durdle
July 29, 2016
2Pink1s
Thank you for that brief private chat this afternoon. It was unexpected and I enjoyed it though I don't really understand how to use it.
Best Wishes,
Durdle.
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