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.
Not sure of the link to turtles, but I take it metal straws are made now? They used to be made from greaseproof paper, and I think these are coming back into use.
I'd read the first two questions as you wrote them, in one sentence that offers a possible reason for what's it's asking. You've now added more!So if you want me to divide it...I am not sure if humanity does maximise its self-importance, at least not as m... moreI'd read the first two questions as you wrote them, in one sentence that offers a possible reason for what's it's asking. You've now added more!So if you want me to divide it...I am not sure if humanity does maximise its self-importance, at least not as much as it did in ages past when it thought itself the highest of God's works and could "tame" Nature to its own service. It still thinks that way sometimes but has generally realised that is no longer valid or sustainable.A GRAND reason? Well, I leave that to theology, and even that cannot answer it. No-one can know WHY everything exists - just as the idea of our being some sort of experiment under way by some supernatural force, is unanswerable although I'd think it very far-fetched.I do though agree with your general point about "working together for a common purpose", because I suppose without that mutual support, society could not work and life would be very unpleasant indeed.I know biologists talk about "life cycles", a term pinched for anyth... less
Hang on Rosie! You asked a single question - should the President have the means of retribution against anyone ridiculing him.That's the question I answered, by saying "No", without caring who the President is. You opened the discussion out a bit to ... moreHang on Rosie! You asked a single question - should the President have the means of retribution against anyone ridiculing him.That's the question I answered, by saying "No", without caring who the President is. You opened the discussion out a bit to the more general principles, and I responded in like ways.You know far more about your Government and President than I do, obviously, though I do know Donald Trump is very unpredictable and untrustworthy, and the reported allegations around him and his entourage seem to become murkier and weirder almost weekly.However I was not talking about them specifically, just the general need to protect free speech including satire. All I asked was that the satire is not merely gratuitous personal attacks because those are not amusing, and achieve nothing. less
I don't know what a "pleb" is (though I think in Ancient Roman, a "plebeian" was simply an ordinary member of the general populace); but to answer the question, whilst battery-only and to a lesser extent, hybrid cars are becoming more popular, they w... moreI don't know what a "pleb" is (though I think in Ancient Roman, a "plebeian" was simply an ordinary member of the general populace); but to answer the question, whilst battery-only and to a lesser extent, hybrid cars are becoming more popular, they will not be universal until no-one has any choice.I suspect huge numbers of people will not be able to own battery-only cars, not just for cost reasons but also simple practicality: you will be able to recharge your own car overnight only if your home has its own drive. Certainly in Britain, hundreds of thousands, if not some millions, of people live in flats or in terraced homes built before cars were invented, or even in modern estates built to resemble old-style villages complete with no individual parking places. (For those who know Southern England, e.g. the so-called "Poundbury" extension to Dorchester). Also of course, the most "green" of the battery-only enthusiasts, including all those politicians woefully ignorant... less
Those are two different questions.The first, actually two sentences, but all that in large, bold type, asks "Why?The second is the by-line, which simply asks "How?". Mutations and adaptations are parts of the mechanics of the system, not th... moreThose are two different questions.The first, actually two sentences, but all that in large, bold type, asks "Why?The second is the by-line, which simply asks "How?". Mutations and adaptations are parts of the mechanics of the system, not the system itself. If you are really asking "Why?", I do not think anyone can answer - no scientist, no theologian, no philosopher. - If you are not religious, it is easy but discomfiting to think there is no real point of our existence, nor indeed that of the entire Universe. - If you are religious, i.e. you believe some deity is creating and operating the whole lot, it's all simply to suit that deity, whatever it might be and whatever its motives - qualities we obviously cannot know either. Equally discomfiting!Ultimately though, neither answer is any more satisfactory than the Mediaeval European clerics who placed Man at the pinnacle of God's work, in a geocentric cosmos based on Ancient Greek ide... less
Some years ago, some UK politician (I forget who but I think it was about the first Gulf War) coined the similarly daft, "economical with the truth"."Awesome" or not, such flowery phrases are merely euphemisms, but their danger is in confusing genuin... moreSome years ago, some UK politician (I forget who but I think it was about the first Gulf War) coined the similarly daft, "economical with the truth"."Awesome" or not, such flowery phrases are merely euphemisms, but their danger is in confusing genuine ignorance or error, with wilful lie.
No. I am not calling for censorship, but satire fails if it is merely rude remarks about the individuals without criticising the decisions, actions or policies that should be the real object of the humour. Satire has always caricatured such aspects a... moreNo. I am not calling for censorship, but satire fails if it is merely rude remarks about the individuals without criticising the decisions, actions or policies that should be the real object of the humour. Satire has always caricatured such aspects as its victims' appearances, to make it very clear who is being satirised; but it should be clear that it's still their ideas that are under attack.I agree with you about scatological "humour", and like you I simply reject it.
No. It's just a straightforward, basic 3G 'phone and I have not tried to link it to the 3W.Although I think all portable telephones send hand-shake location signals as part of their network operation, I have no idea if it's possible to install a... moreNo. It's just a straightforward, basic 3G 'phone and I have not tried to link it to the 3W.Although I think all portable telephones send hand-shake location signals as part of their network operation, I have no idea if it's possible to install a GPS application on one like mine. I wouldn't have thought it very useful on such a small screen.
No satire should be merely gratuitous insults, make unfounded allegations or tell out-and-out lies; but whatever you think of particular politicians, their parties and their policies, it is extremely dangerous for any government to con... moreNo satire should be merely gratuitous insults, make unfounded allegations or tell out-and-out lies; but whatever you think of particular politicians, their parties and their policies, it is extremely dangerous for any government to control it. Such control is the tool of the dictator, and would badly damage the USA's international reputation.It would not be very effective anyway, thanks to the Internet, as dictatorial regimes around the world find. Trump is often ridiculed as much as our own politicians by satirists here in Britain; in BBC Radio 4 comedy programmes like The News Quiz and The Now! Show, available via the BBC's "Sounds" service. The BBC has a lot of radio listeners and I think TV viewers in the USA. What's he to do about that? Ban Americans from using foreign entertainment web-sites and applications? less
Thank you for that cultural point! Although many Europeans do ape Americana merely because it's American, a lot of the difficulty here is anecdotally blamed on people rushing to eat off plates on their laps in front of the television.Why switch hands thou... moreThank you for that cultural point! Although many Europeans do ape Americana merely because it's American, a lot of the difficulty here is anecdotally blamed on people rushing to eat off plates on their laps in front of the television.Why switch hands though? I can't quite see how that helps.A more serious point about practical skills in general is that British schools went through a couple of decades or so of stopping teaching anything the least bit practical, except perhaps in art. It partly reflected a theory pushed by politicians - Left as well as Right - media types, the IT industry, City money-traders and mere "celebrities, that no-one need know how to make anything any more.This was not universal, but in very many schools, what had been 'Domestic Science' teaching how to plan and cook reasonably good-quality meals, became downgraded to strange things like 'Food Technology' which taught fare more about the fancy packaging on bought foods, than actually cooking anything. Similarly, they ... less
Depends...May there be a hidden or deeper meaning? If so what?I must be the type advertisers and political/ social/ environmental campaigners do not like. I will read slogan-style advertisements etc as they written, not as they want me to see it. For... moreDepends...May there be a hidden or deeper meaning? If so what?I must be the type advertisers and political/ social/ environmental campaigners do not like. I will read slogan-style advertisements etc as they written, not as they want me to see it. For example, when British Gas used "It just got better", my reactions were, "Better than what?" and "I hope that illiterate nonsense is not reflected in BG's technical and administrative expertise". When a campaign or a newspaper report glibly quotes percentages, I become mistrustful immediately, and ask if the author genuinely understand the subject or basic statistics. Consider this example, deliberately invented and far-fetched: "Appalling 50% rise in Synchronised Crochet fatalities! Something must be done."What? Clearly a desperately dangerous sport! Ban it! Or at least licence and regulate it out of existence! As long as it's not my own sport, of course.However, whilst every fatality is obviously a tragedy no-one wants... less
Happy Sunday, as it is now, Rosie!My point about cutlery is that they are very simple tools, and they are shaped to be held in a particular way so they perform their function most efficiently and comfortably. The type or size does not matter.A lot of... moreHappy Sunday, as it is now, Rosie!My point about cutlery is that they are very simple tools, and they are shaped to be held in a particular way so they perform their function most efficiently and comfortably. The type or size does not matter.A lot of people seem never to have been taught to use them though. I have seen them using forks upside-down so having to twist their arms in odd ways; and even struggling to eat a solid meal wit just a fork held with the elbow resting on the table. Whether you believe that itself poor etiquette, it turns what should be simple and efficient, into something very clumsy and awkward. So if people cannot use tools as simple and everyday as a knife and fork, could I expect them to use more sophisticated tools to, for instance, put up a shelf or complete basic car maintenance, to a satisfactory standard? less
Oh, we all know he is a liar, vain and incompetent! At the moment though, the British Press and BBC are rather preoccupied with "Brexit", so news from elsewhere is a bit thinner.Thy don't go in for reporting everything he tweets. For one thing, ... moreOh, we all know he is a liar, vain and incompetent! At the moment though, the British Press and BBC are rather preoccupied with "Brexit", so news from elsewhere is a bit thinner.Thy don't go in for reporting everything he tweets. For one thing, most of reporting on America reflects our main interests in being a land foreign to the USA but with trading and cultural links; and membership of NATO, the UN and a huge range of other international organisations and treaties.The more important internal politics are reported, such as Trump's actions over his beloved border wall.They don't abuse him, they are reasonably polite, but do not worship him either. less
Those cooks are highly-skilled at cooking, but in general, I have the impression that the more "celebrity media" they are, the less scientific or engineering knowledge they have! Many people now show very limited practical understanding and abilities... moreThose cooks are highly-skilled at cooking, but in general, I have the impression that the more "celebrity media" they are, the less scientific or engineering knowledge they have! Many people now show very limited practical understanding and abilities, for various reasons. A lot cannot even understand why a knife and fork are the shapes they are, and how to use them (their form and use are linked, of course)!
I've changed many a sump-full of oil over the years, as well as sparking-plugs, contact-breakers, steering components, alternators, a gear-box or two - even once made a new gear-lever when the original one actually broke in mid-journey - but nowadays I pr... moreI've changed many a sump-full of oil over the years, as well as sparking-plugs, contact-breakers, steering components, alternators, a gear-box or two - even once made a new gear-lever when the original one actually broke in mid-journey - but nowadays I prefer to have the car serviced by a garage.Coking? Well, I don't starve. I can't say I am a brilliant cook, nor even a particularly enthusiastic one, but I don't starve and I try to eat a reasonably varied diet. I like baking cakes now and then, though.Oh, how did I get home with no gear-lever? I had only a mile or so to go, but in fairly busy traffic. The gear-box on that car was just in front of the front seats, so I removed the ball-and-socket cover and the lever, and used a large screw-driver to stir the selectors around! less
She was not Queen then, simply Princess Elizabeth, and she was in a uniformed but non-combatant, women's auxiliary service that provided background support within Britain, to the fighting units during the War. She also learn to d... moreShe was not Queen then, simply Princess Elizabeth, and she was in a uniformed but non-combatant, women's auxiliary service that provided background support within Britain, to the fighting units during the War. She also learn to drive, as well as basic maintenance. Many of the regular "repair folks" would have been away in the Armed Forces.
This was a charity-shop buy too, a large, framed aerial photograph of "my" part of England's South-West Peninsula.Photographed from a bit South of my part of the central Dorset coast, and extending Northwards to the Bristol Channel sho... moreThis was a charity-shop buy too, a large, framed aerial photograph of "my" part of England's South-West Peninsula.Photographed from a bit South of my part of the central Dorset coast, and extending Northwards to the Bristol Channel shore, I can just pick out the tower of my local church, but the distance makes individual buildings further North indistinct. Cheddar Gorge is fairly clear though, and the roughly-circular Axbridge Reservoir near that, stands out very well.Not bad for £4.50: I would not be surprised if it had been £45 new.Similarly to Pearl I've also bought (new) a phone with caller display but not yet set it up. I think using call-blocking is an extra to my normal BT landline service, though. It could have been useful today, when I had another call pretending to be from BT's "technical centre" to say it would be cutting my broadband connection. It was soon obviously a recording, and when it said "Press button 1", I swore at it and hung up. less
Really? In what way?That one's new to me, but over The Pond we really hear of only the major policies and actions of the US Government and your "horse-tending, gas-lighting puppet" (as you assess him, and I'm not one to argue!). :-)
It seems strange now, half a century on, that almost certainly most of the publishers of such literature genuinely saw nothing wrong.They had become imbued with the European trait of several centuries' of colonising other lands, but seeing the n... moreIt seems strange now, half a century on, that almost certainly most of the publishers of such literature genuinely saw nothing wrong.They had become imbued with the European trait of several centuries' of colonising other lands, but seeing the natives (in its TRUE sense!)* as somehow unsophisticated, uneducated, backward and even worse, not Christian. Where not actually harming or killing them, the more kindly settlers genuinely thought they could bring the real discovers of these lands into the 17th, 18th, 19th even 20th Centuries by European standards. Sometime they even thought it a God-given duty! Some rulers were benign and did bring material and cultural benefits to these lands; but others were not, and treated the residents with contempt even very recently. Or if not contempt, patronising ideas like the "noble savage" label and in our own times, twee romanticising of pretty bits of aboriginal cultures. Underlying it all is an unpleasant aspect of human behaviour generall... less
I don't know that the benefits or hazards of the fat types are as binary as that, as I not a nutritionist, but I understand that the trans fats are the ones more likely to give you health problems.Hydrogen itself is not poisonous as far as I know, th... moreI don't know that the benefits or hazards of the fat types are as binary as that, as I not a nutritionist, but I understand that the trans fats are the ones more likely to give you health problems.Hydrogen itself is not poisonous as far as I know, though it does not support life and of course is two-thirds of water by atom-count.Oxygen is vital to life, is the other atomic third of water - but even that can be toxic if breathed in high concentrations under the sort of pressure deep-water divers meet: a hazard hardly likely to the rest of us in normal life! It's not what these two elements do on their own that is the problem, but what one of them can do to oily fats, but in the presence of a catalyst in the correct situations for the reaction to occur. Most food additives are harmless really, unless you binge on them by totally unbalanced diets. less
We all develop in our ways as individuals because we are influenced by so many complex external factors combined with our own personalities, educational abilities, interests, tastes etc.I recall similar books etc. A very popular 1960s British TV show (I d... moreWe all develop in our ways as individuals because we are influenced by so many complex external factors combined with our own personalities, educational abilities, interests, tastes etc.I recall similar books etc. A very popular 1960s British TV show (I don't know if BBC or ITV) was The Black & White Minstrels - all good singers, yes, but the supposedly-coloured members of the troupe were the stereotyped white artistes blacked-up. I remember our Dad had a children's compendium dating from the 1930s, whose fictional stories included some depicting some Colonial type or other in some part of Africa. As far as I recall, these didn't actively set out to demean the Africans but did rather patronise them as jolly useful chaps for helping move the English characters' baggage etc.The same book also contained those appalling children-"improving" Struwwelpeter poems from 19C Germany, and their unpleasantly graphical illustrations. I recall one had its central character having his fingers... less
It is not the Hydrogen you want to worry about - that won't bother you.The technique was invented in the late-19C, and it converts liquid fat into a more solid form (se Wikipedia). The problem is that partial hydrogenation creates a version of the fa... moreIt is not the Hydrogen you want to worry about - that won't bother you.The technique was invented in the late-19C, and it converts liquid fat into a more solid form (se Wikipedia). The problem is that partial hydrogenation creates a version of the fat called "trans", and this is not so good for you.
I wonder how many of the these developments are driven by fashion rather than engineering - of which one definition is providing the means to carry out the required tasks in the simplest and most efficient manner without compromising reliability. I m... moreI wonder how many of the these developments are driven by fashion rather than engineering - of which one definition is providing the means to carry out the required tasks in the simplest and most efficient manner without compromising reliability. I mean too, developments in both the instruments and the programming: I do not believe the very few, huge American corporations now monopolising the WWW, have improved their products at all for anyone wanting more than merely social-media and entertainments, for quite some years now.I need a computer with a proper keyboard as I find lap-tops and anything smaller far too fiddly to use; and I need a decently-sized monitor for word-processing and the CAD programme I am battling to learn. You might be able to write a letter on a small lap-top, but not examine a highly-detailed technical drawing on it; and a so-called "smart" phone is useless for either such application. In fact such a 'phone's primary uses seem to be for e-posts, snap... less
Yes- I understand the difference; but really both are facts in so far as the second also tells us you have a particular taste in vegetables.The second would have been pure opinion if you had not started with "I think"; but that clause does stress tha... moreYes- I understand the difference; but really both are facts in so far as the second also tells us you have a particular taste in vegetables.The second would have been pure opinion if you had not started with "I think"; but that clause does stress that you are going to express the opinion. To be honest they both say the same thing with little difference in clarity, and no-one would dispute either as fact, that you hold that opinion on the two vegetables.If you'd omitted "I think", it would be for the reader to determine if broccoli really does taste better than yams, or if it does only to you. I.e., to determine if the bald statement "Broccoli tastes better," is fact or opinion.Obviously with something as simple as comparing foods, we would all know it's just your opinion; but I realise you may be highlighting the dangers of dressing opinions to resemble facts, in much more serious and difficult issues like politics and social problems. less
LOL! Well, grin smugly.Oh the joys of using separate, individual, untraceable equipment for specific tasks! I have a camera for photographs, even if later I place any on-line.My portable 'phone is not "smart", whatever THAT means, is PAYG not contrac... moreLOL! Well, grin smugly.Oh the joys of using separate, individual, untraceable equipment for specific tasks! I have a camera for photographs, even if later I place any on-line.My portable 'phone is not "smart", whatever THAT means, is PAYG not contract, and not linked to the Internet (I think it's possible but I've no e-post or Google accounts on it). It has a camera but of low quality and I've only used it a couple of times for unimportant snap-shots.Also, it's switched off most of the time. Yes, if I make a call from somewhere, then in theory my location is logged, but I'm nowhere I should not be and the resulting log would be meaningless due to the long gaps. Mostly it would give only my home location, but not whether I am there or out.Photographs I post would hold only the last time the file was used, or at worst, put it on the computer; anyway I tend to keep forgetting to set the camera's calendar; either way giving nothing useful to a third-party. And the photo-faffing and e-post program... less
Thank you! I've a brother and two sisters, and though our Dad had sorted out the money side of things in his Will, after our parents dies we decided among ourselves what we wanted and sold the rest. A lot just went to charity shops. So some of the things ... moreThank you! I've a brother and two sisters, and though our Dad had sorted out the money side of things in his Will, after our parents dies we decided among ourselves what we wanted and sold the rest. A lot just went to charity shops. So some of the things Dad made were kept, between us.One thing I kept was a "granddaughter clock". Mum had always wanted a long-case clock, and I bought this one for her as a Christmas present. Unfortunately she was far more seriously ill than she had let on. She went into hospital just before Christmas, so as we thought she'd back home, I took the opportunity to take the clock to her home so she could unwrap it in place. But she never saw it, dying still in hospital not long after Christmas. So the clock's now back with me. less
I try not to let them. Most of my directly-household items have no sentimental value but I have a lot of things associated with my interests and the social lives they bring.I think the only two household items with some history to me, are pieces of f... moreI try not to let them. Most of my directly-household items have no sentimental value but I have a lot of things associated with my interests and the social lives they bring.I think the only two household items with some history to me, are pieces of furniture. One is a bureau that was our Dad's. It was in the family since I know not when, but I think he made it when I was very young. I use it now, as he did, as a stationery cupboard and small book-case. The other item is my small dining-table, which Dad had bought second-hand somewhere and refurbished to his usual very high standard, for my own home. less
I think the question is very much tongue-in-cheek - as Nanoose seems to have taken it, too. Though the statistic My2cents gives about electrical shocks is disturbing, suggesting weaknesses in the design, construction or maintenance of the electrical syste... moreI think the question is very much tongue-in-cheek - as Nanoose seems to have taken it, too. Though the statistic My2cents gives about electrical shocks is disturbing, suggesting weaknesses in the design, construction or maintenance of the electrical systems involved.For the thread so far reads right strange to me, and I wonder if some of you live in areas relaxed on electrical safety To stick to the tongue-in-cheek though...After all, what if the Jacuzzi were to be in the dining-room, kitchen, conservatory, or even (perish the thought) the bathroom instead? Would that be safer? Maybe move it according to the weather?"Polarized" plugs? Aren't they all? (I.e., standard live, neutral and wired earth pin configurations.)I didn't know you can buy portable Jacuzzis either, plugged into a normal wall-socket. I do not have any pattern of froth-bath, and I know no-one who does; but I am used to considering any such equipment to be fully-fitted, plumbed-in and with hard wiring to specific standards. Even t... less
Can't be many homes whose Jacuzzi is in the front room, but if using it was hazardous in a thunderstorm I think I would want the electrical wiring, especially the earth-bonding, testing PDQ!
Well, surely there's a use for old 'phone chargers, plus about 3 surplus phones. One is in full working order, an LG2017 "smart" phone useless to me, but I've not yet advertised it in the local paper.Probably a few bits of string still long... moreWell, surely there's a use for old 'phone chargers, plus about 3 surplus phones. One is in full working order, an LG2017 "smart" phone useless to me, but I've not yet advertised it in the local paper.Probably a few bits of string still long enough to be useful...A Clock, Battery-powered, Wall; I will put up on the wall one day....Assorted items of Cutlery, Pewter, Fancy, Souvenirs from Norway... A peculiar collection of small Torches, some working I think.....Junk drawer? What's one of them? less
Not "junk" but I do have a huge amount of belongings. I had a clear out recently though, and put about 3 carrier-bags of old paperwork in the salvage bin, and another bagful through the shredder! Plus 3 bags of clothes to the charity-shop. And I'm giving ... moreNot "junk" but I do have a huge amount of belongings. I had a clear out recently though, and put about 3 carrier-bags of old paperwork in the salvage bin, and another bagful through the shredder! Plus 3 bags of clothes to the charity-shop. And I'm giving away 5 boxfuls of hobby magazines to a new home.
A very good point, Lavender. Fortunately things like my utility companies and various clubs and societies, are also accessible by letter, and these are listed in print separately from the computer.
No. No-one anyway who might need to know, but also every site or service I use has its own pass-word; and some are random letter and number mixtures rather than particular words.
I don't know how easy it would be, but all aircraft carry radios powered entirely from the planes' own electrical system. The greater difficulty would be power to radio and radar systems on the ground.
Oh yes, I'd taken their problem or calling them "anal" as nothing to do with sex; though I agree a lot of supposed adults are so only physically.I think many of the ones with the excess baggage have closed, insecure minds, unable or refusing&nbs... moreOh yes, I'd taken their problem or calling them "anal" as nothing to do with sex; though I agree a lot of supposed adults are so only physically.I think many of the ones with the excess baggage have closed, insecure minds, unable or refusing to comprehend alternative views or ways of doing things.
Ah, but in which country? It will differ greatly for all sorts of reasons.The UK Government has reckoned it wants no more i.c.-engine cars built after 2040. Norway is even more ambitious - but there are big differences between the geography, population an... moreAh, but in which country? It will differ greatly for all sorts of reasons.The UK Government has reckoned it wants no more i.c.-engine cars built after 2040. Norway is even more ambitious - but there are big differences between the geography, population and population density, road density by land area, and distances between towns and service-stations. Britain has just had an unusually cold snap - nothing like that polar vortex freeze affecting North America but still enough to cause significant transport disruption for a few days, with the roads affected the worst.I really can't imagine thousands of battery-only cars being any use in such conditions. For one thing, busy traffic becomes much slower and more stop-go. I assume these vehicles either do not have heaters, or they do but powered from the same battery-pack as the transmission motors; or maybe an auxiliary pack. Ditto with the lamps and any extras like the radio. I wonder if anyone has done any genuine road-conditions tests on b... less
A good point, Walt, but it's more than just distance affecting it. Clouds are associated with single weather systems in temperate latitudes at least, and except perhaps right by the Poles, these don't encircle the globe. Instead, at their latitudes, the E... moreA good point, Walt, but it's more than just distance affecting it. Clouds are associated with single weather systems in temperate latitudes at least, and except perhaps right by the Poles, these don't encircle the globe. Instead, at their latitudes, the Earth is usually girdled with a series of different systems, depending on whether over an open ocean or a huge continent.An anticyclone or depression as a whole moves longitudinally and within a fairly narrow latitude band, until it disperses; but its own clouds spiral around its centre. Co-incidentally, my Internet home-page showed a satellite image of the depression that has just brought very low (for us) temperatures, with snow and ice, across the British Isles. At my rough estimate, that weather system was about 1500 miles in diameter: its easterly edge was over Scandinavia, its Western edge was still well out over the Atlantic. I used as scale, the British mainland itself, roughly 700 miles "high" from the English Channel ... less
I'd not known what had made you ask in the first place, but that threat of internet attack from countries like China and Russia (and N. Korea perhaps?) had occurred to me.How well a sabotaged network can be reinstated depends a lot on how easy it wou... moreI'd not known what had made you ask in the first place, but that threat of internet attack from countries like China and Russia (and N. Korea perhaps?) had occurred to me.How well a sabotaged network can be reinstated depends a lot on how easy it would be to take over manual control from heavily-automatic control based on the Internet. the damage and repair could also be affected by how much the utility control networks are isolated from the Internet as a whole. I would want it to not use Microsoft software as far as possible, too, as that's too well-known at programme level, so easy to attack.When I meant aircraft pilots could still talk to each, I was assuming the electricity to the ground-based radar and air traffic control radios being off. The aeroplanes have their own, internal electrical generators, totally isolated from the grid supplies. I would think that the airfields would very soon be running on emergency generators to get planes down safely, with the real disruption cause... 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.
A review on the radio this morning, of the day's papers, touched... moreA review on the radio this morning, of the day's papers, touched on the tale of a woman who smashed her children's iPhones, with the result that their family became much happier, more cohesive and communicative.It also produced two other, conflicting third-party results; one promoting wanton waste, both sharing a theme of utter childishness and stupidity. One of these results was a (sadly predictable?) barrage of insults and abuse on social media. The other was confessions of similar actions, with some owners admitting to throwing their instruments under vehicle wheels (did they clear up the mess?) or into canals (more litter - a few prosecutions would not come amiss).By all means get rid of the device you felt apparently necessary to own in the first place, but wouldn't it far more constructive to sell it, or at least give it away, than wantonly destroy a costly, perfectly serviceable, instrument someone else could use, and perhaps use rather more sensibly?For the record, I have a basic port... less
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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Not sure of the link to turtles, but I take it metal straws are ... moreNot sure of the link to turtles, but I take it metal straws are made now? They used to be made from greaseproof paper, and I think these are coming back into use.
I'd read the first two questions as you wrote them, in one sente... moreI'd read the first two questions as you wrote them, in one sentence that offers a possible reason for what's it's asking. You've now added more!So if you want me to divide it...I am not sure if humanity does maximise its self-importance, at least not as much as it did in ages past when it thought itself the highest of God's works and could "tame" Nature to its own service. It still thinks that way sometimes but has generally realised that is no longer valid or sustainable.A GRAND reason? Well, I leave that to theology, and even that cannot answer it. No-one can know WHY everything exists - just as the idea of our being some sort of experiment under way by some supernatural force, is unanswerable although I'd think it very far-fetched.I do though agree with your general point about "working together for a common purpose", because I suppose without that mutual support, society could not work and life would be very unpleasant indeed.I know biologists talk about "life cycles", a term pinched for anyth... less
Hang on Rosie! You asked a single question - should the Presiden... moreHang on Rosie! You asked a single question - should the President have the means of retribution against anyone ridiculing him.That's the question I answered, by saying "No", without caring who the President is. You opened the discussion out a bit to the more general principles, and I responded in like ways.You know far more about your Government and President than I do, obviously, though I do know Donald Trump is very unpredictable and untrustworthy, and the reported allegations around him and his entourage seem to become murkier and weirder almost weekly.However I was not talking about them specifically, just the general need to protect free speech including satire. All I asked was that the satire is not merely gratuitous personal attacks because those are not amusing, and achieve nothing. less
I don't know what a "pleb" is (though I think in Ancient Roman,&... moreI don't know what a "pleb" is (though I think in Ancient Roman, a "plebeian" was simply an ordinary member of the general populace); but to answer the question, whilst battery-only and to a lesser extent, hybrid cars are becoming more popular, they will not be universal until no-one has any choice.I suspect huge numbers of people will not be able to own battery-only cars, not just for cost reasons but also simple practicality: you will be able to recharge your own car overnight only if your home has its own drive. Certainly in Britain, hundreds of thousands, if not some millions, of people live in flats or in terraced homes built before cars were invented, or even in modern estates built to resemble old-style villages complete with no individual parking places. (For those who know Southern England, e.g. the so-called "Poundbury" extension to Dorchester). Also of course, the most "green" of the battery-only enthusiasts, including all those politicians woefully ignorant... less
Now why do I think some of you Americans might be tempted to say... moreNow why do I think some of you Americans might be tempted to say, "Keep him, and we'll pay you for his upkeep!" ?
Those are two different questions.The first, actually two senten... moreThose are two different questions.The first, actually two sentences, but all that in large, bold type, asks "Why?The second is the by-line, which simply asks "How?". Mutations and adaptations are parts of the mechanics of the system, not the system itself. If you are really asking "Why?", I do not think anyone can answer - no scientist, no theologian, no philosopher. - If you are not religious, it is easy but discomfiting to think there is no real point of our existence, nor indeed that of the entire Universe. - If you are religious, i.e. you believe some deity is creating and operating the whole lot, it's all simply to suit that deity, whatever it might be and whatever its motives - qualities we obviously cannot know either. Equally discomfiting!Ultimately though, neither answer is any more satisfactory than the Mediaeval European clerics who placed Man at the pinnacle of God's work, in a geocentric cosmos based on Ancient Greek ide... less
Some years ago, some UK politician (I forget who but I thin... moreSome years ago, some UK politician (I forget who but I think it was about the first Gulf War) coined the similarly daft, "economical with the truth"."Awesome" or not, such flowery phrases are merely euphemisms, but their danger is in confusing genuine ignorance or error, with wilful lie.
No. I am not calling for censorship, but satire fails if it is m... moreNo. I am not calling for censorship, but satire fails if it is merely rude remarks about the individuals without criticising the decisions, actions or policies that should be the real object of the humour. Satire has always caricatured such aspects as its victims' appearances, to make it very clear who is being satirised; but it should be clear that it's still their ideas that are under attack.I agree with you about scatological "humour", and like you I simply reject it.
No. It's just a straightforward, basic 3G 'phone and I have... moreNo. It's just a straightforward, basic 3G 'phone and I have not tried to link it to the 3W.Although I think all portable telephones send hand-shake location signals as part of their network operation, I have no idea if it's possible to install a GPS application on one like mine. I wouldn't have thought it very useful on such a small screen.
No satire should be merely gratuitous insults, make unfounded al... moreNo satire should be merely gratuitous insults, make unfounded allegations or tell out-and-out lies; but whatever you think of particular politicians, their parties and their policies, it is extremely dangerous for any government to control it. Such control is the tool of the dictator, and would badly damage the USA's international reputation.It would not be very effective anyway, thanks to the Internet, as dictatorial regimes around the world find. Trump is often ridiculed as much as our own politicians by satirists here in Britain; in BBC Radio 4 comedy programmes like The News Quiz and The Now! Show, available via the BBC's "Sounds" service. The BBC has a lot of radio listeners and I think TV viewers in the USA. What's he to do about that? Ban Americans from using foreign entertainment web-sites and applications? less
Thank you for that cultural point! Although many Europeans do ap... moreThank you for that cultural point! Although many Europeans do ape Americana merely because it's American, a lot of the difficulty here is anecdotally blamed on people rushing to eat off plates on their laps in front of the television.Why switch hands though? I can't quite see how that helps.A more serious point about practical skills in general is that British schools went through a couple of decades or so of stopping teaching anything the least bit practical, except perhaps in art. It partly reflected a theory pushed by politicians - Left as well as Right - media types, the IT industry, City money-traders and mere "celebrities, that no-one need know how to make anything any more.This was not universal, but in very many schools, what had been 'Domestic Science' teaching how to plan and cook reasonably good-quality meals, became downgraded to strange things like 'Food Technology' which taught fare more about the fancy packaging on bought foods, than actually cooking anything. Similarly, they ... less
Depends...May there be a hidden or deeper meaning? If so what?I ... moreDepends...May there be a hidden or deeper meaning? If so what?I must be the type advertisers and political/ social/ environmental campaigners do not like. I will read slogan-style advertisements etc as they written, not as they want me to see it. For example, when British Gas used "It just got better", my reactions were, "Better than what?" and "I hope that illiterate nonsense is not reflected in BG's technical and administrative expertise". When a campaign or a newspaper report glibly quotes percentages, I become mistrustful immediately, and ask if the author genuinely understand the subject or basic statistics. Consider this example, deliberately invented and far-fetched: "Appalling 50% rise in Synchronised Crochet fatalities! Something must be done."What? Clearly a desperately dangerous sport! Ban it! Or at least licence and regulate it out of existence! As long as it's not my own sport, of course.However, whilst every fatality is obviously a tragedy no-one wants... less
Happy Sunday, as it is now, Rosie!My point about cutlery is... moreHappy Sunday, as it is now, Rosie!My point about cutlery is that they are very simple tools, and they are shaped to be held in a particular way so they perform their function most efficiently and comfortably. The type or size does not matter.A lot of people seem never to have been taught to use them though. I have seen them using forks upside-down so having to twist their arms in odd ways; and even struggling to eat a solid meal wit just a fork held with the elbow resting on the table. Whether you believe that itself poor etiquette, it turns what should be simple and efficient, into something very clumsy and awkward. So if people cannot use tools as simple and everyday as a knife and fork, could I expect them to use more sophisticated tools to, for instance, put up a shelf or complete basic car maintenance, to a satisfactory standard? less
Oh, we all know he is a liar, vain and incompetent! At... moreOh, we all know he is a liar, vain and incompetent! At the moment though, the British Press and BBC are rather preoccupied with "Brexit", so news from elsewhere is a bit thinner.Thy don't go in for reporting everything he tweets. For one thing, most of reporting on America reflects our main interests in being a land foreign to the USA but with trading and cultural links; and membership of NATO, the UN and a huge range of other international organisations and treaties.The more important internal politics are reported, such as Trump's actions over his beloved border wall.They don't abuse him, they are reasonably polite, but do not worship him either. less
Those cooks are highly-skilled at cooking, but in general, I hav... moreThose cooks are highly-skilled at cooking, but in general, I have the impression that the more "celebrity media" they are, the less scientific or engineering knowledge they have! Many people now show very limited practical understanding and abilities, for various reasons. A lot cannot even understand why a knife and fork are the shapes they are, and how to use them (their form and use are linked, of course)!
I've changed many a sump-full of oil over the years, as well as ... moreI've changed many a sump-full of oil over the years, as well as sparking-plugs, contact-breakers, steering components, alternators, a gear-box or two - even once made a new gear-lever when the original one actually broke in mid-journey - but nowadays I prefer to have the car serviced by a garage.Coking? Well, I don't starve. I can't say I am a brilliant cook, nor even a particularly enthusiastic one, but I don't starve and I try to eat a reasonably varied diet. I like baking cakes now and then, though.Oh, how did I get home with no gear-lever? I had only a mile or so to go, but in fairly busy traffic. The gear-box on that car was just in front of the front seats, so I removed the ball-and-socket cover and the lever, and used a large screw-driver to stir the selectors around! less
She was not Queen then, simply Princess Elizabeth, and she... moreShe was not Queen then, simply Princess Elizabeth, and she was in a uniformed but non-combatant, women's auxiliary service that provided background support within Britain, to the fighting units during the War. She also learn to drive, as well as basic maintenance. Many of the regular "repair folks" would have been away in the Armed Forces.
Until they twig they've lost a hell of a lot of fuel-tax revenue... moreUntil they twig they've lost a hell of a lot of fuel-tax revenues so slap it on the electricity...
This was a charity-shop buy too, a large, framed aerial photogra... moreThis was a charity-shop buy too, a large, framed aerial photograph of "my" part of England's South-West Peninsula.Photographed from a bit South of my part of the central Dorset coast, and extending Northwards to the Bristol Channel shore, I can just pick out the tower of my local church, but the distance makes individual buildings further North indistinct. Cheddar Gorge is fairly clear though, and the roughly-circular Axbridge Reservoir near that, stands out very well.Not bad for £4.50: I would not be surprised if it had been £45 new.Similarly to Pearl I've also bought (new) a phone with caller display but not yet set it up. I think using call-blocking is an extra to my normal BT landline service, though. It could have been useful today, when I had another call pretending to be from BT's "technical centre" to say it would be cutting my broadband connection. It was soon obviously a recording, and when it said "Press button 1", I swore at it and hung up. less
I use either, but more often use neither; hooking the door open ... moreI use either, but more often use neither; hooking the door open on exit with one finger round the handle, and letting my hands dry naturally.
Really? In what way?That one's new to me, but over The Pond we r... moreReally? In what way?That one's new to me, but over The Pond we really hear of only the major policies and actions of the US Government and your "horse-tending, gas-lighting puppet" (as you assess him, and I'm not one to argue!). :-)
It seems strange now, half a century on, that almost certainly m... moreIt seems strange now, half a century on, that almost certainly most of the publishers of such literature genuinely saw nothing wrong.They had become imbued with the European trait of several centuries' of colonising other lands, but seeing the natives (in its TRUE sense!)* as somehow unsophisticated, uneducated, backward and even worse, not Christian. Where not actually harming or killing them, the more kindly settlers genuinely thought they could bring the real discovers of these lands into the 17th, 18th, 19th even 20th Centuries by European standards. Sometime they even thought it a God-given duty! Some rulers were benign and did bring material and cultural benefits to these lands; but others were not, and treated the residents with contempt even very recently. Or if not contempt, patronising ideas like the "noble savage" label and in our own times, twee romanticising of pretty bits of aboriginal cultures. Underlying it all is an unpleasant aspect of human behaviour generall... less
I don't know that the benefits or hazards of the fat types are a... moreI don't know that the benefits or hazards of the fat types are as binary as that, as I not a nutritionist, but I understand that the trans fats are the ones more likely to give you health problems.Hydrogen itself is not poisonous as far as I know, though it does not support life and of course is two-thirds of water by atom-count.Oxygen is vital to life, is the other atomic third of water - but even that can be toxic if breathed in high concentrations under the sort of pressure deep-water divers meet: a hazard hardly likely to the rest of us in normal life! It's not what these two elements do on their own that is the problem, but what one of them can do to oily fats, but in the presence of a catalyst in the correct situations for the reaction to occur. Most food additives are harmless really, unless you binge on them by totally unbalanced diets. less
This post was edited by Durdle at February 12, 2019 7:12 AM MST
We all develop in our ways as individuals because we are influen... moreWe all develop in our ways as individuals because we are influenced by so many complex external factors combined with our own personalities, educational abilities, interests, tastes etc.I recall similar books etc. A very popular 1960s British TV show (I don't know if BBC or ITV) was The Black & White Minstrels - all good singers, yes, but the supposedly-coloured members of the troupe were the stereotyped white artistes blacked-up. I remember our Dad had a children's compendium dating from the 1930s, whose fictional stories included some depicting some Colonial type or other in some part of Africa. As far as I recall, these didn't actively set out to demean the Africans but did rather patronise them as jolly useful chaps for helping move the English characters' baggage etc.The same book also contained those appalling children-"improving" Struwwelpeter poems from 19C Germany, and their unpleasantly graphical illustrations. I recall one had its central character having his fingers... less
It is not the Hydrogen you want to worry about - that won't both... moreIt is not the Hydrogen you want to worry about - that won't bother you.The technique was invented in the late-19C, and it converts liquid fat into a more solid form (se Wikipedia). The problem is that partial hydrogenation creates a version of the fat called "trans", and this is not so good for you.
I wonder how many of the these developments are driven by fashio... moreI wonder how many of the these developments are driven by fashion rather than engineering - of which one definition is providing the means to carry out the required tasks in the simplest and most efficient manner without compromising reliability. I mean too, developments in both the instruments and the programming: I do not believe the very few, huge American corporations now monopolising the WWW, have improved their products at all for anyone wanting more than merely social-media and entertainments, for quite some years now.I need a computer with a proper keyboard as I find lap-tops and anything smaller far too fiddly to use; and I need a decently-sized monitor for word-processing and the CAD programme I am battling to learn. You might be able to write a letter on a small lap-top, but not examine a highly-detailed technical drawing on it; and a so-called "smart" phone is useless for either such application. In fact such a 'phone's primary uses seem to be for e-posts, snap... less
Yes- I understand the difference; but really both are facts in s... moreYes- I understand the difference; but really both are facts in so far as the second also tells us you have a particular taste in vegetables.The second would have been pure opinion if you had not started with "I think"; but that clause does stress that you are going to express the opinion. To be honest they both say the same thing with little difference in clarity, and no-one would dispute either as fact, that you hold that opinion on the two vegetables.If you'd omitted "I think", it would be for the reader to determine if broccoli really does taste better than yams, or if it does only to you. I.e., to determine if the bald statement "Broccoli tastes better," is fact or opinion.Obviously with something as simple as comparing foods, we would all know it's just your opinion; but I realise you may be highlighting the dangers of dressing opinions to resemble facts, in much more serious and difficult issues like politics and social problems. less
LOL! Well, grin smugly.Oh the joys of using separate, individual... moreLOL! Well, grin smugly.Oh the joys of using separate, individual, untraceable equipment for specific tasks! I have a camera for photographs, even if later I place any on-line.My portable 'phone is not "smart", whatever THAT means, is PAYG not contract, and not linked to the Internet (I think it's possible but I've no e-post or Google accounts on it). It has a camera but of low quality and I've only used it a couple of times for unimportant snap-shots.Also, it's switched off most of the time. Yes, if I make a call from somewhere, then in theory my location is logged, but I'm nowhere I should not be and the resulting log would be meaningless due to the long gaps. Mostly it would give only my home location, but not whether I am there or out.Photographs I post would hold only the last time the file was used, or at worst, put it on the computer; anyway I tend to keep forgetting to set the camera's calendar; either way giving nothing useful to a third-party. And the photo-faffing and e-post program... less
Thank you! I've a brother and two sisters, and though our Dad ha... moreThank you! I've a brother and two sisters, and though our Dad had sorted out the money side of things in his Will, after our parents dies we decided among ourselves what we wanted and sold the rest. A lot just went to charity shops. So some of the things Dad made were kept, between us.One thing I kept was a "granddaughter clock". Mum had always wanted a long-case clock, and I bought this one for her as a Christmas present. Unfortunately she was far more seriously ill than she had let on. She went into hospital just before Christmas, so as we thought she'd back home, I took the opportunity to take the clock to her home so she could unwrap it in place. But she never saw it, dying still in hospital not long after Christmas. So the clock's now back with me. less
I try not to let them. Most of my directly-household items have ... moreI try not to let them. Most of my directly-household items have no sentimental value but I have a lot of things associated with my interests and the social lives they bring.I think the only two household items with some history to me, are pieces of furniture. One is a bureau that was our Dad's. It was in the family since I know not when, but I think he made it when I was very young. I use it now, as he did, as a stationery cupboard and small book-case. The other item is my small dining-table, which Dad had bought second-hand somewhere and refurbished to his usual very high standard, for my own home. less
Nice to know your colleagues have faith in your work and won't d... moreNice to know your colleagues have faith in your work and won't discourage you, isn't it!
I think the question is very much tongue-in-cheek - as Nanoose s... moreI think the question is very much tongue-in-cheek - as Nanoose seems to have taken it, too. Though the statistic My2cents gives about electrical shocks is disturbing, suggesting weaknesses in the design, construction or maintenance of the electrical systems involved.For the thread so far reads right strange to me, and I wonder if some of you live in areas relaxed on electrical safety To stick to the tongue-in-cheek though...After all, what if the Jacuzzi were to be in the dining-room, kitchen, conservatory, or even (perish the thought) the bathroom instead? Would that be safer? Maybe move it according to the weather?"Polarized" plugs? Aren't they all? (I.e., standard live, neutral and wired earth pin configurations.)I didn't know you can buy portable Jacuzzis either, plugged into a normal wall-socket. I do not have any pattern of froth-bath, and I know no-one who does; but I am used to considering any such equipment to be fully-fitted, plumbed-in and with hard wiring to specific standards. Even t... less
It certainly would not bother me, having no dishwasher there. Th... moreIt certainly would not bother me, having no dishwasher there. That must be one of the least important accessories when choosing a new home!
Can't be many homes whose Jacuzzi is in the front room, but if u... moreCan't be many homes whose Jacuzzi is in the front room, but if using it was hazardous in a thunderstorm I think I would want the electrical wiring, especially the earth-bonding, testing PDQ!
Well, surely there's a use for old 'phone chargers, plus about 3... moreWell, surely there's a use for old 'phone chargers, plus about 3 surplus phones. One is in full working order, an LG2017 "smart" phone useless to me, but I've not yet advertised it in the local paper.Probably a few bits of string still long enough to be useful...A Clock, Battery-powered, Wall; I will put up on the wall one day....Assorted items of Cutlery, Pewter, Fancy, Souvenirs from Norway... A peculiar collection of small Torches, some working I think.....Junk drawer? What's one of them? less
Not "junk" but I do have a huge amount of belongings. I had a cl... moreNot "junk" but I do have a huge amount of belongings. I had a clear out recently though, and put about 3 carrier-bags of old paperwork in the salvage bin, and another bagful through the shredder! Plus 3 bags of clothes to the charity-shop. And I'm giving away 5 boxfuls of hobby magazines to a new home.
A very good point, Lavender. Fortunately things like my utility ... moreA very good point, Lavender. Fortunately things like my utility companies and various clubs and societies, are also accessible by letter, and these are listed in print separately from the computer.
No. No-one anyway who might need to know, but also every site or... moreNo. No-one anyway who might need to know, but also every site or service I use has its own pass-word; and some are random letter and number mixtures rather than particular words.
I don't know how easy it would be, but all aircraft carry radios... moreI don't know how easy it would be, but all aircraft carry radios powered entirely from the planes' own electrical system. The greater difficulty would be power to radio and radar systems on the ground.
Oh yes, I'd taken their problem or calling them "anal" as nothin... moreOh yes, I'd taken their problem or calling them "anal" as nothing to do with sex; though I agree a lot of supposed adults are so only physically.I think many of the ones with the excess baggage have closed, insecure minds, unable or refusing to comprehend alternative views or ways of doing things.
Ah, but in which country? It will differ greatly for all sorts o... moreAh, but in which country? It will differ greatly for all sorts of reasons.The UK Government has reckoned it wants no more i.c.-engine cars built after 2040. Norway is even more ambitious - but there are big differences between the geography, population and population density, road density by land area, and distances between towns and service-stations. Britain has just had an unusually cold snap - nothing like that polar vortex freeze affecting North America but still enough to cause significant transport disruption for a few days, with the roads affected the worst.I really can't imagine thousands of battery-only cars being any use in such conditions. For one thing, busy traffic becomes much slower and more stop-go. I assume these vehicles either do not have heaters, or they do but powered from the same battery-pack as the transmission motors; or maybe an auxiliary pack. Ditto with the lamps and any extras like the radio. I wonder if anyone has done any genuine road-conditions tests on b... less
A good point, Walt, but it's more than just distance affecting i... moreA good point, Walt, but it's more than just distance affecting it. Clouds are associated with single weather systems in temperate latitudes at least, and except perhaps right by the Poles, these don't encircle the globe. Instead, at their latitudes, the Earth is usually girdled with a series of different systems, depending on whether over an open ocean or a huge continent.An anticyclone or depression as a whole moves longitudinally and within a fairly narrow latitude band, until it disperses; but its own clouds spiral around its centre. Co-incidentally, my Internet home-page showed a satellite image of the depression that has just brought very low (for us) temperatures, with snow and ice, across the British Isles. At my rough estimate, that weather system was about 1500 miles in diameter: its easterly edge was over Scandinavia, its Western edge was still well out over the Atlantic. I used as scale, the British mainland itself, roughly 700 miles "high" from the English Channel ... less
I'd not known what had made you ask in the first place, but that... moreI'd not known what had made you ask in the first place, but that threat of internet attack from countries like China and Russia (and N. Korea perhaps?) had occurred to me.How well a sabotaged network can be reinstated depends a lot on how easy it would be to take over manual control from heavily-automatic control based on the Internet. the damage and repair could also be affected by how much the utility control networks are isolated from the Internet as a whole. I would want it to not use Microsoft software as far as possible, too, as that's too well-known at programme level, so easy to attack.When I meant aircraft pilots could still talk to each, I was assuming the electricity to the ground-based radar and air traffic control radios being off. The aeroplanes have their own, internal electrical generators, totally isolated from the grid supplies. I would think that the airfields would very soon be running on emergency generators to get planes down safely, with the real disruption cause... less
A trade-off? I must admit I'd not thought of it like that, but I... moreA trade-off? I must admit I'd not thought of it like that, but I see what you mean. Yes, it could be, in some circumstances at least.
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
timothy in London
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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