Early Risers.

[The Lurker]

Morning all, it's grey here but sun is promised later.

 

Not too much to report here, the end of a long-ish week.

 

Hopefully Andyram's day will not be as bad as he fears, and if there is criticism from the supervisor it is constructive.

 

I joined an alumni site of a school I attended for one year in another country in the 70s, partly because I had (rose-tinted) great memories of the place and partly because I was curious as to what had happened to the few people whose names I remembered from that dim and distant time. I could remember the months of starting and leaving but I was required to enter my "graduation" year; this for a prep school which has since taken on secondary and sixth forms.

 

Any way have a good day and a good weekend!

 

EDIT - typo

Edited March 24, 2017 by The Lurker

[AndyB]

Good morning all,

Rather dull here and will be cloudy and breezy to start with, becoming brighter and sunnier later. Hopefully.

Holiday packing didn't start yesterday so neither did a fight. Yet.  Round 1 is scheduled for later according to Daily Orders just posted.   As we're not flying we're not travelling very light and probably taking far more than needed. Just in case. (I am actually the worst culprit)

Next bulletin may be from A & E.

Have a good one,

Bob.

 

Sounds like a perfect excuse to pack a few kits to make up whilst you're away. 

[NGT6 1315]

Mawnin' awl. Bright and sunny on t'ootside, and I'm happy to report I've been able to calm down a bit. Also owing to one of our accident support crew having been available a while after my posting of yesterday. She did have to take care of a fellow driver first, following an actual accident which had occurred a short time after my near miss, so I certainly marvel how they are able to mentally switch from one situation to another. And just to emphasise, I'm certainly glad we have such specialised staff!

 

Thanks for your supportive messages, I appreciate them!

 

Dom - I can certainly empathise and I encourage you to talk things through with who ever.  Many workplaces offer access to trained counsellors and / or good listeners among their own workforce.  Never let these things fester - that way permanent damage lies.  I have been on the receiving end of "near misses" a few times while driving buses (and what is the opposite of a "near miss" - perhaps a "far hit") often with inattentive children failing to take note of their surroundings or running in front of a moving bus hoping it will stop for them.  In Melbourne it is a requirement that trams passing each other must sound their gongs as a warning in case anyone has crossed close behind one and might then be in the path of the other.  I'm not convinced it actually does any good but you never know.  

 

 

Sounding the bell while passing a stopped tram is recommended practice here as well, which I generally observe. You're certainly correct in pointing out that the effect of doing so may be limited, but I suppose at the very least it may help reassure any unlucky driver that they did everything they could realistically have done if someone does get run over anyway. Which is essentially the gist of what the lady from the support crew said yesterday, too.

 

Enjoy what you're up to, folks.

[Robert]

I missed Dom's "experience" when I was reading though this morning.  Glad to hear that you are Ok and that an accident didn't happen.

 

Sounding the bell definitely does work - but with one caveat.  The modern curse of the headphones.

 

On my way between offices yesterday, a woman nearly walked straight into me.  Obviously, of minor consequence and nothing more than an annoyance - but if she hadn't had headphones in, and gawking at her phone she would probably have seen me and walked around me.  I had already stopped walking, and she just carried on, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings.

 

These sort of accidents are increasing alarmingly year-on-year.

[newbryford]

We follow that with a trip away to meet old university friends. This will involve ( in no particular order) Eating, drinking,walking, sleeping, talking and the odd bit of sight seeing. The location isn't far from Mick (NB) and it should be good weather.

 

Enjoy your day!

 

Baz

 

I was greeted with clear roads, blue skies, and a glorious view of snow on Pen-y-Ghent this morning on my way to work.

 

Proper ER tomorrow - I have a train to catch at 0558 towards Ally Pally. I've been to a lot of exhibition over the years as visitor/exhibitor/demonstrator, but this will be my first as paid staff. Quite looking forward to it. I should be spending most of the day on the DCC concepts section within the Gaugemaster stand.

 

Have a good Friday and weekend folks.

 

Cheers,

Mick

Edited March 24, 2017 by newbryford

[Wigan Wallgate OO Gauge]

My brain is currently fried! I have more in my plate than ever. Assignments and exams in every subject, working out at an average of around 23 pages per day (including weekends). Why did I choose to be an academic hahaha. Love pressure

[Tony_S]

Morning all.

I don't have much to do today.

I will need to do a bit of shopping and make some bread. I ordered a new dimmer switch for the ceiling lights yesterday evening and it arrived this morning before I had even checked it was "out for delivery"! I will fit it on Sunday. Dimmers seem to have a whole new nomenclature when choosing the most appropriate for LED bulbs.

I could I suppose sort out what I need for my trip to Ally Pally. That won't take long. I am planning to go by train, DLR and tube to Wood Green and catch the exhibition bus from there.

Tony

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land.  Sympathies Dom, at least the 'accident' didn't happen. A few weeks ago at the end of my street I saw a toddler running towards the road and naturally I stopped. Fortunately she stopped at the kerb and turned round to look at her mother, well trained even at about two years old. Pleased in a way that my observation skills and reactions are still reliable. Still a bit dull and overcast here in the land of the estuary but forecast to brighten up later but that east wind will keep the temperatures down. Thats it for now, be back later.

[DDolfelin]

I dislike driving in crowded urban streets when the view is obscured both sides by parked vehicles.

It's quite possible not to be able to see, say, a four year old until it appears between vehicles.

Driving at sensible speeds doesn't help much as they can literally run under the wheels.

I would have difficulty living with myself.

[Wigan Wallgate OO Gauge]

Just out of interest, do we have anyone with a degree in history who happens to know about the French Revolution? As it would be of great assistance.

[AndyB]

Morning all and it's brightening after a dull start to the day.

swmbo was up at 4:30 working - on her day off. Will this get an "atta-girl" or any acknowledgement by her boss? Nope.  

 

Dom, remember if/when anything like your incident happens again it was not your fault. Each person is responsible for their own safety and if they cross a road without looking then they are most likely self-nominating for the Darwin Awards. Personally I'd be tempted to climb out of my cab, grab the woman's phone and headset, place it under the wheel of my tram and raise her awareness of what a tram can do! 

 

Next door's dog is, as usual, left alone in the house for hours at a time, so started barking....and barking....and barking and will do as it does every day from about 9:30 till 13:00 when it is taken out for a brief walk. In fairness it does shut up for about 10 minutes mid-morning but is revived as soon as the postman delivers, or anybody in the neighbourhood steps out of their front door. I'm told incessant barking is what dogs do to guard/defend their owners' property. 

Who suffers least from this noise nuisance? The owners, of course. Why do people own pets if they can't be around for the damn things. 

 

One neighbour has had enough and has put their house on the market - of course all potential purchasers so far have cited the dog barking as a reason to not put an offer in. 

 

Apologies to all you responsible dog lovers who I know are devoted to your canine companions, of which there are many fine examples hereabouts, too.

[AndyB]

I dislike driving in crowded urban streets when the view is obscured both sides by parked vehicles.

It's quite possible not to be able to see, say, a four year old until it appears between vehicles.

Driving at sensible speeds doesn't help much as they can literally run under the wheels.

I would have difficulty living with myself.

 

Reminds me of the time I was driving through an Alpine village. 

6th sense told me that a child walking ahead along the pavement was going to dodge between two parked cars without looking.

So, I slowed the car to a near halt. "Why are you stopping?" asked one of my passengers. 

Lo-and behold....

[Horsetan]

Very heavy police presence in Ealing this morning. Never seen so many officers on foot patrol since the Rotten Hill Carnival.

 

By Monday morning, they'll all have gone back to normal and you won't see an officer on foot for love nor money.

 

The PM's motorcade has just passed the office again, but going into London.

[PhilJ W]

Morning all and it's brightening after a dull start to the day.

swmbo was up at 4:30 working - on her day off. Will this get an "atta-girl" or any acknowledgement by her boss? Nope.  

 

Dom, remember if/when anything like your incident happens again it was not your fault. Each person is responsible for their own safety and if they cross a road without looking then they are most likely self-nominating for the Darwin Awards. Personally I'd be tempted to climb out of my cab, grab the woman's phone and headset, place it under the wheel of my tram and raise her awareness of what a tram can do! 

 

Next door's dog is, as usual, left alone in the house for hours at a time, so started barking....and barking....and barking and will do as it does every day from about 9:30 till 13:00 when it is taken out for a brief walk. In fairness it does shut up for about 10 minutes mid-morning but is revived as soon as the postman delivers, or anybody in the neighbourhood steps out of their front door. I'm told incessant barking is what dogs do to guard/defend their owners' property. 

Who suffers least from this noise nuisance? The owners, of course. Why do people own pets if they can't be around for the damn things. 

 

One neighbour has had enough and has put their house on the market - of course all potential purchasers so far have cited the dog barking as a reason to not put an offer in. 

 

Apologies to all you responsible dog lovers who I know are devoted to your canine companions, of which there are many fine examples hereabouts, too.

 

I sympathise AndyB, and its not the dogs fault. There used to be a member of my model railway club, a retired police officer who is sadly no longer with us who told us this story. When he was a rookie officer in London back in the fifties it was part of his duties to assist in the removal of badly parked cars. The problem was a Rolls Royce that was parked illegally in the same spot for several hours day after day. Inside the car was a very ferocious dog that would attack anyone who tried to enter the car.  After a couple of days of this my friend consulted his sargeant who said 'Leave it to me son'. The sargeant turned up the next morning and from his pocket took a large bar of Ex-Lax chocolate and proceeded to feed it to the dog through the gap that had been left open. That Rolls Royce was never seen parked there again.

[edcayton]

Good morning all.

 

Does anyone have any experience of "Hive" or similar systems giving remote control of the domestic heating system please? I quite like the idea but it seems really expensive. 

 

Thanks in advance

 

Ed

[New Haven Neil]

Morning.  Sunny and still here, after a frost first thing.

 

We too have a next door neighbour with a barking dog - a big one, a Pharaoh Hound - loud.  Luckily the lady of the house appears to have left work after having a baby a year ago, so it's not too bad now, but if they all go out the dog barks non-stop until someone returns.

 

This is however better than the all night parties we used to have to put up with pre-girlfriend, which only came to a halt after police intervention.  Police here can confiscate the equipment causing the nuisance, which solved the issue, together with his mates all being pulled for drink driving as they left.  Working in the business helped.....he had been warned several times, but chose to ignore, to his cost.

[Judge Dread]

Was he shoe salesman ?

Your observation duly noted and a correction made.

I put the error down to typing with a "ull" accent!

[PhilJ W]

As I may have mentioned I am moderater on a few Facebook groups concerning local history in Essex. I received an application to join a group from a young lady from Indo-China. I am searching her profile for a local connection without success so far but I shall persevere as she has a large number of photos to check out, most of them of said young lady very scantily clad if anything at all, it might take me some time.

[shortliner]

I sympathise AndyB, and its not the dogs fault. There used to be a member of my model railway club, a retired police officer who is sadly no longer with us who told us this story. When he was a rookie officer in London back in the fifties it was part of his duties to assist in the removal of badly parked cars. The problem was a Rolls Royce that was parked illegally in the same spot for several hours day after day. Inside the car was a very ferocious dog that would attack anyone who tried to enter the car.  After a couple of days of this my friend consulted his sargeant who said 'Leave it to me son'. The sargeant turned up the next morning and from his pocket took a large bar of Ex-Lax chocolate and proceeded to feed it to the dog through the gap that had been left open. That Rolls Royce was never seen parked there again.

What a wonderful idea - I suspect this may act as a trigger to people who suffer with "Barking Dog" problems to self-provide a solution.  Excellent!

[shortliner]

As I may have mentioned I am moderater on a few Facebook groups concerning local history in Essex. I received an application to join a group from a young lady from Indo-China. I am searching her profile for a local connection without success so far but I shall persevere as she has a large number of photos to check out, most of them of said young lady very scantily clad if anything at all, it might take me some time.

Be very careful that you are not dealing with a "he-she Lady-boy"

[Horsetan]

What a wonderful idea - I suspect this may act as a trigger to people who suffer with "Barking Dog" problems to self-provide a solution.  Excellent!

 

I believe this has been tried in various streets from time to time in this country, but rather less discriminately and with fatal results as poison was involved.

[grandadbob]

Fight over and it was a non-event. All packing done successfully mostly by The Boss and no blows were struck. My main contribution was to say "You'll never get all that in there". Needless to say she proved me wrong so I suppose she won on points. 

[Donw]

Morning all and it's brightening after a dull start to the day.

swmbo was up at 4:30 working - on her day off. Will this get an "atta-girl" or any acknowledgement by her boss? Nope.  

 

Dom, remember if/when anything like your incident happens again it was not your fault. Each person is responsible for their own safety and if they cross a road without looking then they are most likely self-nominating for the Darwin Awards. Personally I'd be tempted to climb out of my cab, grab the woman's phone and headset, place it under the wheel of my tram and raise her awareness of what a tram can do! 

 

Next door's dog is, as usual, left alone in the house for hours at a time, so started barking....and barking....and barking and will do as it does every day from about 9:30 till 13:00 when it is taken out for a brief walk. In fairness it does shut up for about 10 minutes mid-morning but is revived as soon as the postman delivers, or anybody in the neighbourhood steps out of their front door. I'm told incessant barking is what dogs do to guard/defend their owners' property. 

Who suffers least from this noise nuisance? The owners, of course. Why do people own pets if they can't be around for the damn things. 

 

One neighbour has had enough and has put their house on the market - of course all potential purchasers so far have cited the dog barking as a reason to not put an offer in. 

 

Apologies to all you responsible dog lovers who I know are devoted to your canine companions, of which there are many fine examples hereabouts, too.

 

I don't think the dog barks to defend the property. It will do that of course when the property is attacked ( the postman showing something through the letter box probably appears as an attack to a dog. It is more likely as a pack animal the dog is not happy on its own and barks to say 'I'm here where are you'. Sadly there is little that can be done in such cases. It is causing a nuisance but the local authority will probably not be very keen to take action and taking the owner to court yourself is not only expensive but may also stir up agro.

Our collie does bark to defend against the traffic anything noisy or rattling upsets him especially motorbikes. We do keep telling him to be quiet and take him in if he keeps on. However he does need to spend some time outside we just try to strike a fair balance. When there is no traffic he lays happily on the grass making no noise. We think the obsession with traffic dates from when he was a stray roaming the streets.

He also barks a lot in play. We normally stop for a cuppa around 4pm and the dogs have a meal this seems to initiate a play session with the dogs running up an down the corridors chasing each other one will usually have a toy that the other wants there is much barking and general mayhem the dogs have a fine time. We might prefer a bit of peace and quiet.

Don

[BSW01]

Yeah, POET'S day achieved, I even found time to call at the butchers to pick up some meat for next week and also the sausages that are needed for tonight's tea.

 

It's now lunch time and there's a pastie waiting to be consumed.

 

Back later.

[New Haven Neil]

Jayne's collie loves the bikes.  She lives right on the TT circuit and has a large garden, the dog races the bikes with wild excitement!