Early Risers.

[chrisf]

5 minutes ago, Tony_S said:

In the city centre there are lots of buses and trams. Buy a Leap card from newsagents or supermarket if you plan to use them. 

 

Aha!  That is new since my last visit.  So, for that matter, is the LUAS tram network.  I'm guessing that the Saturday will be a bit difficult for buses and trams because the city centre will be full of marchers - me and 60,000 others!  Thank you, Tony.

 

Chris

[Simon G]

34 minutes ago, TheQ said:

ok explain this one..

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/greater-anglia-service-cancelled-from-ipswich-to-lowestoft-1-6386874

 

A train cancelled because there were too many passengers???

 

They must have been taking lessons in incompetence from Northern!

[Happy Hippo]

14 hours ago, Dave Hunt said:

Well, I survived today's cruel and unnatural punishment  Christmas shopping expedition, albeit there were a few moments that came close to my losing the will to live. I don't know whether other ERs experience the phenomenon where SWMBO enters a shop ostensibly looking for item X but after twenty minutes has only got as far as examining most of the rest of the stock without actually getting to X but it seems to be an essential part of 'our' shopping.

Further to my last about the delights or lack of Christmas shopping, have you thought of taking your good lady to a specialist retail outlet?

 

I once took the Obergrumpenfuhrer to Dapol in Chirk.

 

Fastest shopping trip we've ever had!

Edited November 21, 2019 by Happy Hippo

[southern42]

' afternoon all.

 

Before I go, Elin Fflur video with English Subtitles.  Hope this helps you appreciate the song.

 

 

That was back in 2011.  The previous link I posted was in 2018 - she just gets better and better.

_________

Polly

 

[tigerburnie]

14 hours ago, Dave Hunt said:

Well, I survived today's cruel and unnatural punishment  Christmas shopping expedition, albeit there were a few moments that came close to my losing the will to live. I don't know whether other ERs experience the phenomenon where SWMBO enters a shop ostensibly looking for item X but after twenty minutes has only got as far as examining most of the rest of the stock without actually getting to X but it seems to be an essential part of 'our' shopping. Should I mention this I am accused of being in too much of a hurry or being grumpy (to which I am forced to plead guilty m'Lud). Anyway, we had a very pleasant lunch and have satisfied SWMBO's urge to match the estimate for HS2 on presents for the grandkids so it can't all have been bad and I must have gained a few brownie points as I was allowed into the workshop on our return.

 

Dave

It's a disease Dave, my wife suffers the same symptoms and it's hereditary as the daughter has it too, funny neither me nor the son suffers from it...………………………..

[Stubby47]

@chrisf

Another option would be to drive to Holyhead, and leave the car there and be a foot passenger on the ferry.

 

Of course, leaving your car in Holyhead could be expensive, unless you know someone who has relatives in the town with car parking space on their drive...

Edited November 21, 2019 by Stubby47

[Ian Abel]

BIN day - hopefully the Mrs has handled the situation

 

Lemme see - more of the same at the client, report changes up the kazoo.

Also, more last minute panicking about the server upgrade, as apparently several basic items haven't been addressed. That's what happens when you go about things half-arsed with folks that don't have a clue, I guess.

Not for me to judge, especially since they said they didn't need my help/input. I mean, I've only spent a lifetime doing this carp, what do I know!

I'll be outta here early afternoon anyway, so will at least be a phone call away if/when there are issues, they'll not see me mouthing "told you so" on Monday! 

 

Ordered some cheap(er) bookshelf speakers for the home stereo system - the Mrs wants the very old huge speakers "gone". Also, an opportunity to get something that will also connect via Bluetooth to Amazon Echo and the network server containing all our music. Should arrive tomorrow so something to play with when I get home

 

Weather HERE driving in +1 with some frost on the car, heading for 10

Weather HOME is -1 heading for 2 and an inch or so of snow during the day, then -8 overnight.

 

Enjoy the day, best you can.

 

 

[jamie92208]

3 hours ago, TheQ said:

ok explain this one..

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/greater-anglia-service-cancelled-from-ipswich-to-lowestoft-1-6386874

 

A train cancelled because there were too many passengers???

I suppose it depends on what type of flow it was from the large passenger.

 

Jamie

[Tony_S]

4 hours ago, chrisf said:

 

Aha!  That is new since my last visit.  So, for that matter, is the LUAS tram network.  I'm guessing that the Saturday will be a bit difficult for buses and trams because the city centre will be full of marchers - me and 60,000 others!  Thank you, Tony.

 

Chris

The last time we spent a weekend with Matthew, Dublin was really busy. There was a rugby match, lots of Scottish fans about and a huge rally in connection with the then upcoming 8th Amendment referendum. Lots of nuns wandering about that day. The trams were running but the rugby fans and nuns weren’t marching. We saw many of the major tourist attractions. We did think we would be visiting frequently and would see all of them. I suspect we will do the motoring tour we planned to do with Matthew of NW Ireland. 

[Kingzance]

4 hours ago, TheQ said:

ok explain this one..

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/greater-anglia-service-cancelled-from-ipswich-to-lowestoft-1-6386874

 

A train cancelled because there were too many passengers???

And would I be surprised if, when asked, no passengers were prepared to get off to allow the train to proceed? Of course the failure of Greater Anglia to allocate sufficient rolling stock is an (Ongoing?) issue that should be investigated an penalised if appropriate.

[81C]

Afternoon All 

After two weeks of agro' the boiler at the new flat has been serviced this afternoon.

I walked the mad dog this morning he's now wears a muzzle which he spent all his time today trying to get it off there is now a slot in the footpath where he gets walked he's trying to scrap

it off his head at least I don't have to wrestle with him to get the thing on he knows the walk won't happen without it in place, he's is increased in weight he's like a tow truck my daughter won't

won't have a choke collar on him so you just get pulled around I think training has gone out the window with him.

 

I seem rather peckish an early dinner is in order me thinks A. Mutt-Walker 

 

Edited November 21, 2019 by 81C
typo

[The Stationmaster]

Afternoon all,

 

The Good Count's daughter has again been visited again today.  this time I got the GP Relief who also does duty on the deception desk and various other things but she was pretty good at getting the needle in accurately.  I am however giving thought to getting a tap fitted as they now want another test next week and have again upped the warfarin dose, at this rate all I'll need to do is breathe on a rat and it'll pop its clogs.

 

Christmas shopping here is generally very civilised.  The most important part, putting in the order at the butcher in Pangbourne, is a joint expedition as you never know what other bright ideas might surface as we look along the counter and we can get a bit of current shopping in as well.  The boring part, which herself does, is mainly carried out online apart from a few comestibles which surface during visits to Waitrose and Tesco but otherwise the involvement of trips to the shops is very limited indeed and rarely carried out as a conjoint expedition.  if I take a fancy to anything I want it will likely be at either the Warley show this Saturday or among various pre-ordered items from purveyors of muddle realways.  overall the biggest problem is thinking of something to buy for herself but as she currently has a ring on order from a local purveyor of shiny and sparkly things and it might arrive before 25 December that might take care of quite a lot of loving dosh as 'm already committed to paying for it.

 

tomorrow she has an appointment with Livingstone (that really is his first name) her hearing expert but we also need to fit in some shopping once we've sorted who will be in or out on whichever days.  I've got some trains to delve out for the Warley Show on Saturday plus a visit to a r**lw*y facility in the Birmingham area on Monday then Didcot on Tuesday, hopefully via breakfast at Root One.

 

Enjoy the rest of your day 

 

And a passing thought.  according to suncalc  it is currently 'nautical twilight' here.  Seems to be correct because i definitely can't see the sea.

[Happy Hippo]

51 minutes ago, 81C said:

 

I walked the mad dog this morning he's now wears a muzzle which he spent all his time today trying to get it off there is now a slot in the footpath where he gets walked he's trying to scrap

it off his head at least I don't have to wrestle with him to get the thing on he knows the walk won't happen without it in place, he's is increased in weight he's like a tow truck my daughter won't

won't have a choke collar on him so you just get pulled around I think training has gone out the window with him.

We had Malinois, GSD and Rottweiler in our dog section.  The Malinois were the ones that needed the most exercise and discipline initially.  Full chest harnesses are a much better option than a choke chain as you can lift the dog's rear legs off the floor and they then lose all traction.  If the training by the family has stopped because it's too much bother or they haven't time (which is often the case), then my advice, as both someone who has been responsible for military kennels and working for a breed specific rescue, is to  move the dog pdq to someone who can spare the time and effort to train it properly.

 

At around 6 months old the dog should be walking to heel, sitting, laying down, staying and coming back when called.  To that basic list I'd also add leaving things when told and not jumping up to greet people.

 

Working dogs take a terrific amount of training and exercise.

 

If your daughter lets him carry on as he seems to be progressing, the next thing will be destructive behaviour, and possible aggression when told off! (He's already having to use a muzzle)

 

Sorry if that's a bit on the blunt side, but I've seen too many dogs get the green needle due to behavioural issues stemming from poor, inadequate or inappropriate training.

Edited November 21, 2019 by Happy Hippo
punctuation fairy required

[PhilJ W]

Afternoon all from Estuary-Land. A lot of froth being created (again) on the Hatton's generic coaches thread. A lot of it because some do not seem to understand the word 'generic'. I'll go back there once all the froth has blown away. Time to prepare dinner, be back later.

[PhilJ W]

5 hours ago, TheQ said:

ok explain this one..

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/greater-anglia-service-cancelled-from-ipswich-to-lowestoft-1-6386874

 

A train cancelled because there were too many passengers???

 

1 hour ago, Kingzance said:

And would I be surprised if, when asked, no passengers were prepared to get off to allow the train to proceed? Of course the failure of Greater Anglia to allocate sufficient rolling stock is an (Ongoing?) issue that should be investigated an penalised if appropriate.

That was my take on the matter. Some commuters can be a selfish and inconsiderate at times. IIRC The line in question is single track with passing places and may not have the capacity for longer or extra trains.

[Tony_S]

1 hour ago, Happy Hippo said:

both someone who has been responsible for military kennel

Dad accidentally became responsible for some military dogs in 1945. The barracks in Flensburg had dogs left by the previous management. They seemed uncontrollable someone realised that perhaps they didn’t understand English hence Dad who spoke German was given the task of saving them from being shot. 
Tony 

[AndyB]

Evening all from North Greenwich. 

I'm sat here facing 3 hours of teeny bopper music courtesy of the Little Mix band. Likely get home around 01.45. Then up for work as usual a handful of hours later. 

My question is how many brownie points is this worth? 

[Kingzance]

1 minute ago, AndyB said:

Evening all from North Greenwich. 

I'm sat here facing 3 hours of teeny bopper music courtesy of the Little Mix band. Likely get home around 01.45. Then up for work as usual a handful of hours later. 

My question is how many brownie points is this worth? 

To quote a James Bond title: The World Is Not Enough

Hope your hearing isn't destroyed Andy.

[81C]

HH the dog has had full chest harnesses he grows out of them monthly and I agree with you about the lack of continuous training he has got to the point with me where I'm not interested any more,

the SiL know it all I find his lack of skill with large dogs leave a lot to be desired the annoy thing about it all those things you have listed he was doing at 4 months and he had stopped jumping up which

he did today I'm agog he's going backwards.

As you can see the cardboard shredded in the back ground, he ripped apart a rope toy this morning it's a shame he is a clever and intelligent animal he can open those child guards I find him stretched

out on the sofa when I get there, both his parents are twice his size I do wonder what they will do with him in a few months time, slapped #rse won't go near him now so it's left to me.

 

 

 

Edited November 21, 2019 by 81C

[BoD]

2 hours ago, The Stationmaster said:

Christmas shopping here is generally very civilised.  The most important part, putting in the order at the butcher in Pangbourne, is a joint expedition as you never know what other bright ideas might surface as we look along the counter and we can get a bit of current shopping in as well.  The boring part, which herself does, is mainly carried out online ........

I remember having to go out early on Christmas Eve to stand in long queues at the butcher’s and baker’s (but not necessarily the candlestick makers).  All to be guaranteed your fresh buns, bread, sausage rolls and Christmas meat. If you were lucky you got back in time to see Mr Magoo followed by Torchy the Battery Boy.

 

It is much more convenient today but somehow it just isn’t the same.

Edited November 21, 2019 by BoD

[TheQ]

Millions of brownie points for listening to that racket..

 

Talking of rackets,  There's no longer  thunder outside,  the roar has ceased as the sugar beet have  all  been carted away till next time. 

 

The world is not enough.. The motto of the genuine Bond family.. 

 

Evening awl,  I'm back from visiting my sailing compatriot,  he's definitely getting better.  Before he had to wait till his walker was brought to him.  Today he walked 2 steps and got it him self. 

 

Getting to visit him was more of a problem... An hour and 15 minutes from work to his, instead of 30 minutes.  They closed part of the outer  ring road ( bike paths being installed)  the diversions dumped you into housing estates with many road humps and artics trying to pass each other.  There were two more sets of road works on the diversion. This has fed back onto all the major routes on the western side of the city and it's just jammed up... 

I've just looked at the traffic map. And there's still a fair amount of red.. 

 

I'm on my pit,  I feel. Absolutely knackered.. .

 

Some servo testers have arrived,  the servos are here,  the packets of appropriate connectors are here.  But no triple wire ( not due till next week) .  Over the weekend I need to bodge up a 5v PSU. If I've worked it out correctly. 

1 servo 99p

1 servo tester,  99p

A few bits of wire and connectors.. 

A bit of plasticard shaped like a tall piece of metal a Bobby would swing on. Glued to a knob .

 

and you have.

 

Something that will move parallel bits of metal from one position to another.

As slow as you would like, you could even bounce metal or wooden flags.

 

If that works I need to work out a frame to hold sets of servo testers in an upright manner to emulate a row of metal upright bars in a upstairs room with lots of windows A telephone or two and some bells .

 

 

 

[JohnDMJ]

8 hours ago, chrisf said:

Phil, do you seriously think I need to kiss the Blarney Stone?!  Seriously though, thank you for the suggestion.  To do what I'm primarily going there for I need to be based in Dublin city centre.  I'm working on five or six days there, tops, and I have to keep an eye on the costs.

 

Chris

 

Chris,

 

You could do worse than visit the Irish WhiskEy museum and the Guinness facility!

[AndyB]

 Come to think of it as I walked into the office yesterday morning there was a "sleeper bus" parked up outside - turned out to be the mobile accommodation for a band. A few hours later artic lorries were unloading their contents into the adjacent venue. Turned out to be for Primal Scream.  

 

Meanwhile back in North Greenwich the young ladies in the row in front of us are bigging me up as a super dad for doing this gig. 

Edited November 21, 2019 by AndyB
Typing whilst dancing

[AndyID]

59 minutes ago, TheQ said:

Some servo testers have arrived,  the servos are here,  the packets of appropriate connectors are here.  But no triple wire ( not due till next week) .  Over the weekend I need to bodge up a 5v PSU. If I've worked it out correctly. 

1 servo 99p

1 servo tester,  99p

A few bits of wire and connectors.. 

A bit of plasticard shaped like a tall piece of metal a Bobby would swing on. Glued to a knob .

 

and you have.

 

Something that will move parallel bits of metal from one position to another.

As slow as you would like, you could even bounce metal or wooden flags.

 

If that works I need to work out a frame to hold sets of servo testers in an upright manner to emulate a row of metal upright bars in a upstairs room with lots of windows A telephone or two and some bells .

 

 

If you want to be even more economical you could drive as many servos as you want from three 555 timers. One of them is set up as an astable that triggers the other two which are set up as monostables. The astable's frequency determines the travel speed (50 Hz max or as slow as you like) and the monostables produce a long pulse and a short pulse that determines the travel limits. You connect each servo to the monostable outputs via a single pole changeover switch.

 

The snag with this method is that you can't adjust the servo throw angles individually. Also, if you make the astable frequency very low (e.g. 10 Hz) the servos will travel in discernible steps rather than a smooth sweep. But it is very inexpensive

 

(There are many other ways to make a pulse generator like this. I use a ATtiny44a )

[Gwiwer]

Evening all.

 

Did someone say Talisker?  Oh yes please.  Or Oban 14y/old.  Or Tullamore Dew.  But best of all a single-barrel unbranded malt from the collection of The Whisky Society.  I managed to sample six of the best of those at a tasting once.  Not a cheap evening but worth it for the learning and the samples.  Six nips of whisky with a few nibbles after to (hopefully) avert accidental inebriation.  

 

SWMBO has managed two solo trips out today and is considering a return to work on a part-time basis from Moan-day next week.  She continues to make steady progress though anxiety is still an issue.  If it's not one thing it's another - it seems her anxiety will find something to latch on to and come out to play.  

 

A cold morning was had at the House of Fun with a dampness in the air if not on the ground.  Tomorrow is forecast to be much damper and noticeably warmer than of late.  "Warm" being a relative term however with the "feels like" temperature around 8C instead of -1C.  

 

Tonight I sacrificed pizzae and chips and hosted Former Neighbour (Upstairs) who dropped in for a chat and a feed.  Her primary teaching career seems to have started well though is taking far more of her time and energy than she expected.  I was invited to join her and her former flat-mate in Portsmouth next weekend but have had to decline as we shall be away visiting friends in Zummerzit.  

 

Once again the bed beckons and sleep is an attractive option.   Best wishes and good night all.